iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- If you want to curb your kids screen time or your own, you have an unlikely ally in the battle against phone addiction. Apples latest software update, iOS 12, will come with new tools to help users control the amount of time they spend on their iPhones and iPads. Here are the basics: More 'Do Not Disturb' features The iPhone's Do Not Disturb feature will be enhanced, including new options that will automatically end Do Not Disturb based on a specified time or location. A new Do Not Disturb during Bedtime mode will dim the phone's display and hide all notifications on the lock screen until you prompt it in the morning. Activity reports A Screen Time feature will create daily and weekly Activity Reports that show how much time a user spends in each app, across categories of apps, how many notifications they receive and how many times they check their iPhone or iPad. App Limits will allow users to set a limit for how much time they want to spend in an app and receive notifications when that time is about to expire, another helpful feature for parents. Downtime is another tool for parents that will allow them to partially disable their child's device for a period of time, like bedtime or school. When Downtime is turned on, notifications from apps will not appear and a badge will appear on apps that are not allowed to be used. Parents will also be able to choose the apps they want to make available to their kids all the time. The Screen Time features work with Family Sharing and are account-based, so parents can configure the settings remotely for their child's devices. Notifications You will be able to manage app notifications more easily and with more options. You can choose Grouped Notifications to be able to manage and view multiple notifications at one time, and choose to send notifications directly to Notification Center so you don't get a ping every time. Siri will also be empowered to "intelligently make suggestions for notifications settings," according to Apple. What prompted the new features? Details of the iOS 12 software update -- available later this month in public beta form -- were announced Monday at Apples annual Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC18, at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California. [It] is interesting because Apple is trying to sell you the screen and trying to minimize it, said Rebecca Jarvis, ABC News' chief business, technology and economic correspondent. Ultimately, Apple might be able to sell more phones by telling people, Our phones come with these structures that allow you to not spend so much time on your phone. A survey released in May by Pew Research Center found that 95 percent of teens in the United States have access to a smartphone, and 45 percent say they are online "almost constantly." Two Apple shareholders sent an open letter in June asking the company to take on phone addiction among children. Earlier this year Apple added a new "Families" section to its website that has information for parents on the tools available to monitor their kids' device usage. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations(WASHINGTON) -- President Donald Trump said Tuesday that preparations for his June 12 summit with North Korean leader Jim Jong Un "are moving along very well." A lot of relationship being built," Trump told reporters at an event in the Oval Office. "A lot of negotiation going on even before the trip. But it looks like it's coming along fine. We'll see what happens. But very important. It will be a very important couple of days." Earlier Tuesday, two foreign policy experts told senators on Capitol Hill that the United States must continue to demand total, verifiable denuclearization from North Korea. Complete denuclearization, which means dismantlement, removal of all fissile material, and production capacity must be the goal, Amb. Joseph Y. Yun said in his opening statement before a Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee. In order to get there, there must be concrete steps committed to by North Korea in the upcoming Singapore meeting. Yun previously served as the U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Korea and Japan in the State Departments Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. We must maintain the goal of complete denuclearization of North Korea, agreed another expert on North Korea, Dr. Victor Cha. Cha, a Senior Adviser and Korea Chair for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, explained that easing up on this goal...would have damaging effects regionally and globally. Several senators asked whether Congress should have a say in reviewing deals with North Korea if next weeks historic meeting between Trump and Kim succeeds. Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, noted that Congress mandated it review President Barack Obamas efforts leading up to the Iran nuclear deal. Kaine questioned if similar protocols should be considered for any agreement with North Korea. Shouldnt we have a uniform standard that the [potential] deal be subject to some congressional review? Yun responded that any deal on North Korea will have to lead to a peace treaty. Article II, section 2 of the U.S. Constitution grants the president the power to make a treaty with the Advice and Consent of the Senate...provided two-thirds of the Senators present concur." The former diplomat pointed to a lack of congressional involvement when it comes to North Korea. Practically nobody goes to North Korea, Yun stated. He then stressed the need for more dialogue. Maryland Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin noted that Congress needs to be involved in future talks with North Korea. Later in the hearing, Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, asked Cha if he was concerned that President Trumps advisors could theoretically use North Koreas possible failure to meet expectations...as an excuse to push early military intervention. Im not a lawyer, Cha joked. Based on everything that the expert has heard, however, he responded that a preventive military strike requires congressional involvement. Yun added that it would be much more reassuring if...any military action be authorized by the Congress. Weve always considered military action, Yun stated. But weve always said its not worth another war on the Korean peninsula. After the hearing, Sen. James Risch, an Idaho Republican, told reporters about his communications with the White House and State Department in regards to the upcoming North Korea summit. The president, the vice president, and the secretary of state have all told me separately that their intent is to put together a treaty that will be submitted to the Senate under the Constitution for ratification, he said. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Marine Electric Vehicles Market 2018 Global key Leaders: Triton Submarines, Boesch Motorboote, Electrovaya, Corvus Energy, Duffy Electric Boat, https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1615 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/marine-electric-vehicles-market-1615 Market Highlights:The implementation of marine electric vehicles has drastically increased as they produce lower carbon emissions than fuel-powered marine vehicles. Moreover, scarcity of fuel reserves has shifted the demand of diesel and gasoline fuel to the alternative energy sources, which in turn, propels the marine electric vehicles market. Marine electric vehicles are segmented by aircraft application, vehicle type, and platform. In vehicle type, major sub-segmentation are Battery electric vehicle, Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and Hybrid electric vehicles.Solar energy is proving rising application for on-board electricity generation. However, there are limitations to the practical application of solar energy to vessels. Solar energy can be converted directly into electricity with solar photovoltaic cells or into heat energy using solar thermal collectors. Solar water heating by means of thermal collectors is a well-known technology and is viable for water heating for onboard services.A trend which is helping to boost market growth is the implementation of marine plug-in hybrid vehicles. In addition, hybrid electric vehicles or grid-enabled vehicles (GEV) have decreased the use of combustion engines, which in turn has reduced the emission of greenhouse gasses. These vehicles store electricity onboard with rechargeable batteries.Request a Sample Report @Key PlayersBoesch Motorboote (Switzerland),Electrovaya (Canada),Corvus Energy (Canada),Motorboote (Switzerland),Duffy Electric Boat(U.S.),Torqeedo(Germany),Triton Submarines(U.S.),Ruban Bleu(France),Saft (France), and Wartsila (Finland) and others are some of the prominent players profiled in MRFR Analysis and are at the forefront of competition in the global Marine Electric Vehicles Market.Industry/ Innovation/ Related News:April 2018: Washington State Governor signed a transportation contract for three ferries for hybrid electric vehicles.April 2018: Templar Marine manufactured its 26-foot eco-friendly cruiser powered by silent and rechargeable lithium-ion battery.Marine Electric Vehicles Market SegmentationThe global marine electric vehicles market is segmented into 4 key dynamics for the convenience of the report and enhanced understanding;Segmentation by Craft Application: Military, Work boat, Leisure & Tourist Surface Boat, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Personal & Tourist Submarine and OthersSegmentation by Vehicle type: Battery Electric Vehicle, Plug-In Hybrid Electric vehicle and Hybrid Electric VehicleSegmentation by Platform: On-water and UnderwaterSegmentation by Regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and South America.Marine Electric Vehicles Market: Regional AnalysisDue to the rising fuel costs and global warming, electric vehicles are going to be the popular mode of travel in the long run. They are expected to reduce air and sound pollution and supply improved overall performance. They have the added advantage as sustaining for a long period and at low maintenance costs.Various countries are actively attempting to increase investments to develop higher infrastructural capabilities to attract marine electric vehicles market. Governments around the world are providing incentives, adding to awareness and market growth of electric vehicles. Additionally, original instrumentation makers are investing to expand production capacity and to alter the assembly method so as to attract major players of marine electric vehicles market.Browse Complete Report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Narrow body Aircraft MRO Market 2018 Global Key Leaders: GE Aviation, Lufthansa Technik, Jet Maintenance Solutions, Singapore Technologies Aerospace https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1664 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/narrowbody-aircraft-mro-market-1664 Market Highlights:The global narrowbody aircraft MRO market is growing with the rapid pace. According to a recent study report published by the Market Research Future, The global market of narrowbody aircraft MRO will grow at a rapid pace over the forecast period. The market is forecasted to witness slow but steady growth by 2023, which will be a surplus growth at a moderate CAGR during the projected period (2017 -2023).Many new narrowbody aircraft MRO centres have been set up in numerous countries in recent years. This increases the participation of manufacturers in the field of narrowbody aircraft MRO service. Moreover, the growing demand for narrowbody aircraft MRO equipments that satisfy the demand for aircraft fleet expansion. The expansion of aircraft fleet is estimated to rise in aircraft MRO expenses and as well as it is expected to add to the growth of the market. However, the high cost of repair and replacement, retrofit of older aircraft with upgraded systems, and environmental hazards acts as a barrier to the growth of narrowbody aircraft MRO market.The growing demand for the low-cost aircraft directly has an impact on the market. Moreover, the factor responsible for the growth of narrowbody aircraft MRO market increased procurement of narrowbody aircraft, outsourcing of MRO activities, and usage of 3D manufacturing in aircraft components. This is the primary factor that drives the growth of the narrowbody aircraft MRO market and has gained prevalence in the recent times, with the usage of best in class technologies in aircraft. Narrowbody aircraft has a lesser capacity than the wide-body aircraft, they are larger in number. These planes generally fly over short routes, and are, thus suited to cater to budget travellers. Thus, the growth of the narrowbody aircraft MRO market is expected to go hand in hand with the growth of low-cost carriers in the aircraft industry.Request a Sample Report @Major Key PlayersGE Aviation,Honeywell Aerospace,Lufthansa Technik,Pratt & Whitney,Rolls-Royce,Air Works,Jet Maintenance Solutions,GMF AeroAsiaSingapore Technologies Aerospace and others are some of the prominent players profiled in MRFR Analysis and are at the forefront of competition in the global narrowbody aircraft MRO market.Industry/ Innovation/ Related News:November, 2014 Air works India has formed a joint-venture with Nepal-based Yasaka Investment that will provide aviation maintenance services to international airlines.March, 2018 - Lufthansa Technik AG have signed a Total Component Maintenance contract for Jet Airways' narrowbody fleet of 80 Boeing 737NG, with single components repaired in a closed-loop and flat rate-based process.Narrowbody Aircraft MRO Market SegmentationThe global narrowbody aircraft MRO market is segmented in to 3 key dynamics for the convenience of the report and enhanced understanding;Segmentation by MRO Type: Comprises Airframes and Modification, Components, Engine and Line MaintenanceSegmentation by Platform: Comprises Military and CommercialSegmentation by Regions: Comprises Geographical regions - North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa and South America.Narrowbody Aircraft MRO Market: Regional AnalysisNorth America region market is dominating the market of narrowbody aircraft MRO market due to growth in air traffic in the international long-haul routes. The market in the developed countries is largely driven by fleet size expansion which helps in growth of narrowbody aircraft MRO market.European region is referred to as the second-largest narrowbody aircraft MROs market due to factors such as presence of major MRO service providers have fuelled the demand for narrowbody aircraft MRO market.Browse Complete Report @Target Audience MRO Vendors Component Suppliers Potential Investors Key executive (CEO and COO) and strategy growth managerAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Metal Replacement Market Outlook to 2023 : Top Companies, Trends and Growth Factors https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/metal-replacement-market/report-sample https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/metal-replacement-market https://www.psmarketresearch.com The global metal replacement market is estimated to rise at a significant level during the forecast period (2017-2023) on account of the growing demand for metal replacing materials including plastics and composites in applications such as automobile, aerospace and defense industries.Request sample copy of report here :The global market for metal replacement is segmented into type, application and geography. On the basis of type, the metal replacement market can be categorized as engineering plastics and composites.The composite segment can be further categorized as Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) and Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics (GFRP). The composite segment is estimated to grow during the forecast period due to the growth in the carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) market.There has been a significant rise in the demand of metal replacing materials in the construction industry to replace steel bars for concrete reinforcements and to manufacture sewage systems on account of increasing projects in the housing construction market.The slow economic growth in North America and Europe due to economic crisis in 2008 posing an obstruction to the growth of metal replacement market. Therefore, demand projections for metal replacement materials has become a major challenge in these regions.Access Report Summary with Detailed TOC at :Major players operating in the global metal replacement market include BASF SE, Celanese Corporation, Covestro AG, E. I. Dupont De Nemours and Company, Jushi Group, LG Chem, Ltd., Owens Corning, SGL Group, Saint-Gobain SA, Solvay SA, and Toray Industries, Inc.Market SegmentationBy typeEngineering plasticsPolycarbonatesAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)PolyamidesThermoplastic polyestersPolyacetalsFluoropolymersCompositesCarbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP)Glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP)By end-useAutomotiveAerospace and defenseConstructionHealthcareOthersBy regionNorth AmericaEuropeLatin AmericaAsia-PacificMiddle East and AfricaAbout 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: Satellite Based Augmentation Systems Market 2018 Global key Leaders: Garmin International, Raytheon, Rockwell Collins, Thales Group, Universal Avionics, Copperchase https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1634 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/satellite-based-augmentation-systems-market-1634 Market Highlights:According to a recent study report published by Market Research Future, the global market for satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) will grow at a rapid pace over the forecast period. The market is expected to witness slow but steady growth until 2023, which will be a growing fast at a moderate CAGR during the forecast period (2017 -2023).The high demand for satellite-based augmentation systems market is due to the growing development of ATC infrastructure, need for authentic and accurate information to avoid errors, and rise in the development of airport construction and modernization, thus increasing the participation of manufacturers. Rapid technology advancement, along with increased focus of OEMs on providing accurate and precise navigation system, is expected to result in an increase in aircraft expenses and add to the growth of the market. However, the cost associated with Air Traffic Management (ATM) infrastructure modernization and retrofitting older aircraft with upgraded systems act as a barrier to the growth of satellite-based augmentation systems market. The revolution of modern electronic systems results in many aircraft manufacturers upgrading technologies with new avionics.The satellite-based augmentation systems market is completely dependent on the expansion of air passenger traffic. Thus, the increasing or decreasing demand for air passenger traffic directly has an impact on the market. Moreover, other factors responsible for the growth of the satellite-based augmentation systems market are demand for avionics system with gen-next aircraft, demand for accurate flight navigation, capability of handling more air traffic, collision avoidance systems, gyroscopes, and integration of early warning radar. This is the primary factor that drives the growth of the global satellite-based augmentation systems market and has gained prevalence in the recent times, with the usage of best in class technologies in the aircraft industry. Thus, the growth of the satellite-based augmentation systems market is expected to go hand in hand with the growth of investment in the aircraft sector.Request a Sample Report @Major Key PlayersGarmin International Inc. (U.S.),Raytheon (U.S.),Rockwell Collins (U.S.),Thales Group (France),Universal Avionics (U.S.),Advanced Navigation and Positioning Corporation (U.S.),Copperchase Ltd. (U.K.),Intelcan Techno systems (Canada),Honeywell International (U.S.),Lockheed Martin (U.S.),Northrop Grumman (U.S.), and Saab AB (Sweden) are some of the prominent players profiled in MRFR Analysis and are at the forefront of competition in the global satellite-based augmentation systems market.According to MRFR, The Global Satellite Based Augmentation Systems Market - Estimated To Grow At 5 % CAGR By 2021Industry/ Innovation/ Related News:February 2017 Lockheed Martin signed a contract with Geoscience Australia to research the development of a satellite-based augmentation system testbed.October 2016 Thales signed a contract with Korean Aerospace to develop a satellite-based augmentation system for GPS.October 2014 Raytheon signed a contract with United States Satellite-Based Augmentation System to promote air traffic safety.Satellite-based Augmentation Systems Market SegmentationThe global satellite-based augmentation systems market is segmented into 4 key dynamics for the convenience of the report and enhanced understanding;Segmentation by Element: Comprises SATCOM, Radar, Electric Optic/ InfraredSegmentation by Product: Comprises Fixed Wing and Rotary WingSegmentation by Regions: Comprises Geographical regions - North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa and South America.Regional AnalysisAsia Pacific region is dominating the market of the global satellite-based augmentation systems market due to high demand for civil aviation. The market in the Asia Pacific countries is largely driven by new routes, ventures, and business models, which helps in the growth of global satellite-based augmentation systems market.North America market is referred to as the second-largest satellite-based augmentation market due to factors such as growing investment in airport infrastructure have fuelled the demand for global satellite-based augmentation systems market.Browse Complete Report @Target Audience Satellite OEMs Equipment / System Suppliers Potential Investors Key executive (CEO and COO) and strategy growth managerAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Contract Research Organization (CRO) Market 2018 Global Analysis,Opportunities and Forecasts to 2021 Contract Research Organization (CRO) Market 2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/628452-global-contract-research-organization-forecast-to-2021 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/628452-global-contract-research-organization-forecast-to-2021 WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On Contract Research Organization (CRO) Market 2018 Global Analysis,Opportunities and Forecasts to 2021.Contract research organization (CRO) provide clinical trial and other research support services for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device industries and also serve government institutions, foundations and universities.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comScope of the Report:This report focuses on the Contract Research Organization (CRO) in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversQuintilesLabCorp (Covance)PPDParexelICONPRAinVentivINCCRLWuxi AppTecMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)Latin America, Middle and AfricaMarket Segment by Type, coversPreclinical CROClinical Trial CROMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoBiotechnologyMedical Device IndustryThere are 13 Chapters to deeply display the global Contract Research Organization (CRO) market.Chapter 1, to describe Contract Research Organization (CRO) Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Contract Research Organization (CRO), with sales, revenue, and price of Contract Research Organization (CRO), in 2015 and 2016;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2015 and 2016;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Contract Research Organization (CRO), for each region, from 2011 to 2016;Continued..Report Details @Table Of Contents Major Key Points1 Market Overview1.1 Contract Research Organization (CRO) Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Preclinical CRO1.2.2 Clinical Trial CRO1.2.31.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Pharmaceutical Industry1.3.2 Biotechnology1.3.3 Medical Device Industry1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)1.4.1.1 USA1.4.1.2 Canada1.4.1.3 Mexico1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.2.1 Germany1.4.2.2 France1.4.2.3 UK1.4.2.4 Russia1.4.2.5 Italy1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)1.4.3.1 China1.4.3.2 Japan1.4.3.3 Korea1.4.3.4 India1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia1.4.4 Latin America, Middle and Africa1.4.3.1 Brazil1.4.3.2 Egypt1.4.3.3 Saudi Arabia1.4.3.4 South Africa1.4.3.5 Nigeria1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving Force2 Manufacturers Profiles1.1 Quintiles1.1.1 Business Overview1.1.2 Contract Research Organization (CRO) Type and Applications1.1.2.1 Type 11.1.2.2 Type 21.1.2 Quintiles Contract Research Organization (CRO) Sales, Price, Revenue and Market Share1.2 LabCorp (Covance)1.2.1 Business Overview1.2.2 Contract Research Organization (CRO) Type and Applications1.2.2.1 Type 11.2.2.2 Type 21.2.2 LabCorp (Covance) Contract Research Organization (CRO) Sales, Price, Revenue and Market Share1.3 PPD1.3.1 Business Overview1.3.2 Contract Research Organization (CRO) Type and Applications1.3.2.1 Type 11.3.2.2 Type 21.3.2 PPD Contract Research Organization (CRO) Sales, Price, Revenue and Market Share1.4 Parexel1.4.1 Business Overview1.4.2 Contract Research Organization (CRO) Type and Applications1.4.2.1 Type 11.4.2.2 Type 21.4.2 Parexel Contract Research Organization (CRO) Sales, Price, Revenue and Market Share1.5 ICON1.5.1 Business Overview1.5.2 Contract Research Organization (CRO) Type and Applications1.5.2.1 Type 11.5.2.2 Type 21.5.2 ICON Contract Research Organization (CRO) Sales, Price, Revenue and Market Share1.6 PRA1.6.1 Business Overview1.6.2 Contract Research Organization (CRO) Type and Applications1.6.2.1 Type 11.6.2.2 Type 21.6.2 PRA Contract Research Organization (CRO) Sales, Price, Revenue and Market Share1.7 inVentiv1.7.1 Business Overview1.7.2 Contract Research Organization (CRO) Type and Applications1.7.2.1 Type 11.7.2.2 Type 21.7.2 inVentiv Contract Research Organization (CRO) Sales, Price, Revenue and Market Share1.8 INC1.8.1 Business Overview1.8.2 Contract Research Organization (CRO) Type and Applications1.8.2.1 Type 11.8.2.2 Type 21.8.2 INC Contract Research Organization (CRO) Sales, Price, Revenue and Market Share1.9 CRL1.9.1 Business Overview1.9.2 Contract Research Organization (CRO) Type and Applications1.9.2.1 Type 11.9.2.2 Type 21.9.2 CRL Contract Research Organization (CRO) Sales, Price, Revenue and Market Share1.10 Wuxi AppTec1.10.1 Business Overview1.10.2 Contract Research Organization (CRO) Type and Applications1.10.2.1 Type 11.10.2.2 Type 21.10.2 Wuxi AppTec Contract Research Organization (CRO) Sales, Price, Revenue and Market Share3 Global Contract Research Organization (CRO) Market Competition, by Manufacturer3.1 Global Contract Research Organization (CRO) Sales and Market Share by Manufacturer3.2 Global Contract Research Organization (CRO) Revenue and Market Share by Manufacturer3.3 Market Concentration Rate3.3.1 Top 3 Contract Research Organization (CRO) Manufacturer Market Share3.3.2 Top 6 Contract Research Organization (CRO) Manufacturer Market Share3.4 Market Competition TrendContinued..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. Global Test Preparation Market Growth Drivers, Challenges, Competitive Landscape & Forecast 2025 Qyresearchreports https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1813776&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-test-preparation-market-size-status-and-forecast-2025.htm/toc http://www.qyresearchreports.com Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Test Preparation Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025" to its huge collection of research reports.The concentrated report here collects the different points of view to be considered with regards to the global Test Preparation market which verbalizes the present-day information and future conjectures with reference to the dynamic forces at play. The prime purpose for the examination is to offer the peruser with a broad plan and make open the required materials and records. The quantifiable and testing illuminations behind the examination, other than clarifying information on factors, for instance, drivers, confinements, and projections to gage the aggregate eventual outcome of the global Test Preparation market over the predetermined period in the report. The report in addition gives a brief and all around examination of the predefined promote, which merges some present events of the business at work which are liable to trigger an alteration in the market or may cause any negative impact.Request a Free Sample Report of this Research to Evaluate More:This report studies the global Test Preparation market size, industry status and forecast, competition landscape and growth opportunity. This research report categorizes the global Test Preparation market by companies, region, type and end-use industry.This report focuses on the global top players, coveredC2 EducationClub ZKaplanPearsonArborBridgeThe Princeton ReviewBenchPrepMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaKey StakeholdersTest Preparation ManufacturersTest Preparation Distributors/Traders/WholesalersTest Preparation Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsThis report looks at the global Test Preparation market by impelling the past market examples and occasions. This is required to comprehend the current forceful scene and how it is slanted to change. The examination of the report is done in a couple of layers starting with fundamental research parameters, trailed by helper inquire about. Each piece and sub-segment of the market is thoroughly inspected and examined. Distinctive market affecting variable at both close-by and overall levels are considered. The report in this manner divides the global Test Preparation market in perspective of geology, its type, and by end-use.The report uses two or three showed industry examination contraptions. They empower the examination to gather a concise appraisal of the global Test Preparation market and help the peruser and market players to be facilitated concerning theory and business judgments. The far reaching extent of the market gives this report a specific edge. It aggregates basic and discretionary research structures along these lines. Arranged specialists have made a note of the recorded experiences and got from it a way to deal with change envision and to design a structure for the global Test Preparation market in the years ahead.To Browse a Full Report with TOC:Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Test Preparation1.1 Test Preparation Market Overview1.1.1 Test Preparation Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Test Preparation Market Size and Analysis by Regions (2013-2018)1.3 Test Preparation Market by Type1.4 Test Preparation Market by End Users/Application2 Global Test Preparation Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Test Preparation Market Size (Value) by Players (2013-2018)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in FutureList of Tables and FiguresFigure Global Test Preparation Market Size (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2013-2018)Table Global Test Preparation Revenue (Million USD) Comparison by Regions (2013-2018)Figure Global Test Preparation Market Share by Regions (2013-2018)Figure United States Test Preparation Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)Figure Europe Test Preparation Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)Figure China Test Preparation Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)Figure Japan Test Preparation Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)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: +1-518-621-2074Web: Light Attack & Reconnaissance Aircraft Market 2018 Global key Leaders: Air Tractor, Embraer, IOMAX USA, Textron, BAE Systems, Paramount Group https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5925 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/light-attack-reconnaissance-aircraft-market-5925 Market Highlights:Light Attack and Reconnaissance (LAAR) aircraft is a lightweight propeller driven aircraft, capable of finding, tracking, and attacking targets either on its own or in support of ground forces.. Military use these aircraft as an effective method for ensuring that airpower is remaining close to the fight. This aircraft is intended to support different operational requirements of the armed forces and can be deployed in missions such as close air support, light attack, intelligence, surveillance, armed reconnaissance, and basic and primary pilot training. In addition to that, it outperforms turboprop aircraft, in terms of range, endurance, and sensors. This aircraft is rugged enough to sustain minimal damage and capable of transmitting and receiving still and video images. Therefore, significant investment has been done on the development of LAAR aircraft, which would witness a rapid growth during the forecast period.However, only a few countries can afford to maintain a fleet of such aircraft, as they are priced highly and limited to low threat battlefield missions. The high maintenance required to eradicate the wear and tear during missions puts pressure on the defense budget. This becomes the major restraint of the market. For instance, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) and Czech Aero signed a partnership agreement relating to technical and marketing cooperation for the military light combat L-159 aircraft. This aircraft is a light multirole combat aircraft designed for a variety of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions.Request a Sample Report @Major Key PlayersAir Tractor (U.S.),Embraer (U.S.),IOMAX USA Inc. (U.S.),Textron (U.S.),AHRLAC (South Africa),Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (India),Hongdu Group (China),BAE Systems (U.K),Paramount Group (South Africa), and Lockheed Martin (U.S.).Similarly, South African based company, AHRLAC prepared the first light attack and reconnaissance aircraft to cater to customers with smaller budgets and less infrastructure. Additionally, AHRLAC had launched Bronco II to promote the aircraft to the U.S. as a potential light attack and reconnaissance aircraft for the US military. The aircraft have included several defensive measures, including a Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS), a Radar warning receiver (RWR), and chaff and flare dispensers. One of the best known LAAR aircraft, Mwari, has been built by the formation of a partnership between Paramount and Boeing. The platform carries an interchangeable IMPS under the cockpit, which allows a single plane to perform multiple roles, which can be loaded out with systems for electronic intelligence, signals, and communication intelligence.The primary goal for light attack and reconnaissance aircraft is attacking targets in support of ground forces. The increased focus on the development of low-cost Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft will enable the flight operators to create light attack and reconnaissance aircraft. The factors responsible for the growth of the global light attack and reconnaissance aircraft market are greater emphasis on aerial ISR activities due to security concern on border security. Another key driver contributing to the growth of the global light attack and reconnaissance aircraft market is the increasing demand for continuous innovation in aircraft architecture.The global light attack and reconnaissance aircraft market is segmented on type, application, take-off-weight, and region. Among device type, the fixed-wing is widely used and comprises the largest share in the market. Among application types, surveillance has the largest demand in the light attack and reconnaissance aircraft market during the forecast period. Surveillance devices are used on a large-scale to detect tracing of suspicious movements of humans at night.On the basis of region, the market is segmented into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. The North America region is expected to dominate the market in future, due to the increased investment in operation and maintenance of light attack and reconnaissance aircraft. The Asia Pacific region is second to the North America region in the global light attack and reconnaissance aircraft market due to increase in collaboration with U.S. counterpart for technology transfer of aircraft architecture technology. Thus, the global light attack and reconnaissance aircraft market is estimated to witness approximately 4% CAGR from 2018 to 2024.Browse Complete Report @The report for Global Light Attack and Reconnaissance Aircraft Market of Market Research Future comprises extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com New Research Study On Global Track and Trace Solutions Market, Trends And Forecast Report 2025 Qyresearchreports https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1813499&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-track-and-trace-solutions-market-size-status-and-forecast-2025.htm/toc http://www.qyresearchreports.com Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Track and Trace Solutions Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies the global Track and Trace Solutions market size, industry status and forecast, competition landscape and growth opportunity. This research report categorizes the global Track and Trace Solutions market by companies, region, type and end-use industry.The research report on the global market for Track and Trace Solutions is a comprehensive outlook at the factors determining its future. Researchers have used primary and secondary research methodologies to collate a report that includes historical achievements of the market and its present-day scenario to help the readers understand the path it is likely to take. Additionally, it also includes interviews with top market leaders, who offer a never-seen-before perspective on the matter. The research report segments the global Track and Trace Solutions market in order to evaluate the market in a microscopic manner.Interpret a Competitive Outlook Analysis with Free Sample Report:In 2017, the global Track and Trace Solutions 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% during 2018-2025.This report focuses on the global top players, coveredTraceLinkOptel VisionSiemens AGMettler-Toledo InternationalAxway IncLaetusAdents InternationaSeidenader Maschinenbau GmbHMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaKey StakeholdersTrack and Trace Solutions ManufacturersTrack and Trace Solutions Distributors/Traders/WholesalersTrack and Trace Solutions Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsThe publication includes an executive summary, scope of the market, definition, and market figures. It also provides a detailed explanation of the competitive landscape present in the global Track and Trace Solutions market. With the help of Porters five forces analysis the report determines threat to new entrants, opportunities for the existing players, and the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers. Research and development activities, business and marketing strategies, and mergers and acquisition plans of leading players have been discussed in detail in this research report. The objective outlook of the global Track and Trace Solutions market allows the readers to make well-thought out opinions about what should be the next move for the investors.To Browse a Complete Report with TOC Visit @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Track and Trace Solutions1.1 Track and Trace Solutions Market Overview1.1.1 Track and Trace Solutions Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Track and Trace Solutions Market Size and Analysis by Regions (2013-2018)1.3 Track and Trace Solutions Market by Type1.4 Track and Trace Solutions Market by End Users/Application2 Global Track and Trace Solutions Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Track and Trace Solutions Market Size (Value) by Players (2013-2018)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in FutureList of Tables and FiguresFigure Global Track and Trace Solutions Market Size (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2013-2018)Table Global Track and Trace Solutions Revenue (Million USD) Comparison by Regions (2013-2018)Figure Global Track and Trace Solutions Market Share by Regions (2013-2018)Figure United States Track and Trace Solutions Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)Figure Europe Track and Trace Solutions Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)Figure China Track and Trace Solutions Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)Figure Japan Track and Trace Solutions Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2013-2018)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: +1-518-621-2074Web: ZigBee-enabled Lighting Market Growth Opportunities 2018 North America, China, Japan and Europe https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1674327&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-zigbee-enabled-lighting-market-professional-survey-report-2018.htm/toc http://www.qyresearchreports.com Qyresearchreports include new market research report Global ZigBee-enabled Lighting Market Professional Survey Report 2018 to its huge collection of research reports.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringBelkin InternationalCreeOSRAMAcuity BrandsGeneral ElectricHubbell IncorporatedLiFi LabsPhilips LightingSamsung LEDFREE | Request Sample is Available at:The report then moves on to slice and dice the market for ZigBee-enabled Lighting by segmenting it based on a number of factors. Those include technology, product type, and end users. It then tries to understand which product type will see maximum sales, which technology will see its market share rising at breakneck pace, and which end users will drive most of the demand in the market.The report also segments the market for ZigBee-enabled Lighting geographically into Europe, South America, North America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. It then tries to understand which region is the most attractive both vis-a-vis sales and manufacture.The report also throws light on the various key companies operating in the market for ZigBee-enabled Lighting by studying their product portfolios, sales and revenues, and strategies. It also discusses their prospects in the near term.Table of ContentsGlobal ZigBee-enabled Lighting Market Professional Survey Report 20181 Industry Overview of ZigBee-enabled Lighting1.1 Definition and Specifications of ZigBee-enabled Lighting1.1.1 Definition of ZigBee-enabled Lighting1.1.2 Specifications of ZigBee-enabled Lighting1.2 Classification of ZigBee-enabled Lighting1.2.1 Luminaires1.2.2 Lamps1.3 Applications of ZigBee-enabled Lighting1.3.1 Residential1.3.2 Commercial2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of ZigBee-enabled Lighting2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of ZigBee-enabled Lighting2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of ZigBee-enabled Lighting2.4 Industry Chain Structure of ZigBee-enabled Lighting3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of ZigBee-enabled Lighting3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global ZigBee-enabled Lighting Major Manufacturers in 20173.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global ZigBee-enabled Lighting Major Manufacturers in 20173.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global ZigBee-enabled Lighting Major Manufacturers in 20173.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global ZigBee-enabled Lighting Major Manufacturers in 20174 Global ZigBee-enabled Lighting Overall Market Overview4.1 2013-2018E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2013-2018E Global ZigBee-enabled Lighting Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2017 ZigBee-enabled Lighting Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales AnalysisView Complete TOC with tables & Figures @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.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Soy-Based Chemicals Market Development Opportunities in Global Industry 2024 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/soy-based-chemicals-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=12710 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Fossil fuel production and consumption has grown significantly recently, leading to several problems, both industrial and environmental. The impact on the environment is especially severe, as growing carbon emission levels are disrupting the ecosystem and causing health complications for humans and animals. This has led to a movement to consolidate the research and production rates of renewable energy sources, with bio-based fuels being one of the top sources.Read Report Overview @The use of bio-based chemicals is being made increasingly important in the face of growing pollution levels. The global soy-based chemicals market is one of the constituents of this bio-based fuels setup and is expected to show an accelerated growth rate in the coming years. Soybean chemicals are regarded as a stable and positive alternative to the conventional chemicals derived from crude oil or petroleum. Therefore, the growth of the global soy-based chemicals market is expected to help reduce the carbon footprint of regions in which it is stronger.Soy milk and soy oil are the two most common derivatives of soybean. The former is used widely in the food industry while the latter holds massive potential in the derivation of chemicals, including different types of waxes, isoflavones, and polyols. These derivatives find major uses in the production of soaps, biodegradable plastics, biodiesel, and others. Apart from the food and beverage industry and the plastics and polymers industry, products from the global soy-based chemicals market can be used in industries such as cosmetics.Highly descriptive details are provided on the global soy-based chemicals market, based on intensive market research, historical data and its analysis, and market projections through the use of trends analysis and proven industry measurement tools. The global soy-based chemicals market is analyzed primarily through a segmented format for the sake of simplicity as well as a categorical perspective, across segments spanning through applications, end users, product types, and major regions.Global Soy-Based Chemicals Market: Key Trends and OpportunitiesThe biggest driver for the global soy-based chemicals market has to be the increasing awareness rates of consumers and industries about the effects of the overconsumption of fossil fuels and how bio-based fuels can be used as efficient alternatives. The same can be said regarding the consumption of plastics. Consumers are increasingly demanding biodegradable plastics, which can be produced from soy-based derivatives.Other factors promoting the growth of the global soy-based chemicals market are the products advantages in quality over conventionally derived products. However, the global soy-based chemicals market is expected to receive stiff competition from the food and beverages industry, which is simultaneously witnessing an increasing demand for soy-based food and drinks. The health benefits of consuming soy-based food products is creating a higher demand for it in what is the primary industry that uses soybean. This is, therefore, expected to be a major complication for the global soy-based chemicals market.The global soy-based chemicals market can be divided on the basis of type into isoflavones, polyols, fatty acids, soy-oil, waxes, and others. The major end users of soy-based chemicals are the industries of polymers, cosmetics, food and beverages, paper, and bio-diesel. Each end-user industry is expected to steadily ramp up its demand for soy-based products and chemicals in the near future.Request to view Sample Report:Global Soy-Based Chemicals Market: Region-wise OutlookGeographically speaking, the global soy-based chemicals market has consistently been led by North America in the recent past. North America holds a major share in this market, owing to higher demand for bio-based products and chemicals and an advanced agriculture industry. This regions progress rate is followed closely by that of Asia Pacific, owing to the presence of deeply agriculture-based economies and a high demand for this market.Asia Pacific nations such as China, Singapore, and South Korea have already made large investments in the renewable chemicals fields, revealing a major scope of growth in similar markets. The same can be said about the Latin America soy-based chemicals market. Both regions are showing major potential for growth in the global soy-based chemicals market for the coming years.The global soy-based chemicals market is also expected to gain a steady boost from developments in the regions of the Middle East and Africa, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe.Transparency 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.Transparency 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: Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Market 2018 Major Key Vendors Lily and Company (US), GlaxoSmithKline PLC (UK), Pfizer Inc., Depomed Inc. and Novartis International AG (Switzerland) Forecast 2023 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4631 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/cubital-tunnel-syndrome-market-4631 Market Scenario:Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition of increased pressure on the ulnar nerve in the elbow. The ulnar nerve controls muscles and feeling in the hand. Furthermore, it can be caused by direct pressure, stretching, or decreased blood flow to the ulnar nerve. According to the WHO (2014), the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome is >3 new cases per 1000 persons every year. Women are 3-4 times more susceptible than men. Increasing prevalence of the cubital tunnel syndrome is the major driving factor for the growth of the market. Moreover, increasing healthcare expenditure, and strong encouragement from the government have also contributed to the growth of the market. According to research, geriatric population is more likely to suffer from this disease; According to the Aging World in 2015, 562 million (or 8.0 %) were aged 65 and over across the globe, this has increased the prevalence of the diseases and contributed to the growth of the market. However, lack of awareness among people and high cost of surgeries may restrain the growth of the market.Reqeust for Reports Sample @The global cubital tunnel syndrome market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% during forecast period 2017-2023.Intended Audience Biotechnological institutes Pharmaceutical companies Government and Private Laboratories Research and Development (R&D) Companies Market Research and Consulting Service Providers Medical Research LaboratoriesSegmentationThe global cubital tunnel syndrome market is segmented on the basis of causes, treatment, and end users.On the basis of causes, the market is segmented into injury, noncancerous fatty tumors, bone tumors, inflammation, and others.On the basis of treatment, the market is segmented into diagnosis & therapy. The diagnosis is further segmented into nerve compression tests, X-ray, electrodiagnostic studies, MRI, and others. The therapy is further segmented into non-operative, and operative. The non-operative is further classified into NSAIDs and steroids.On the basis of end users, the market is segmented into hospital, retail pharmacy, and other.Regional AnalysisThe Americas dominates the global cubital tunnel syndrome market owing to large patient population. Additionally, increasing geriatric population, changing lifestyle, and increasing healthcare expenditure have boosted the growth of the market in America. According to the Population Reference Bureau, the number of Americans ages 65 and over is projected to be more than double from 46 million in 2016 to over 98 million by 2060. Additionally, increasing awareness among the people regarding different monitoring procedures and well-developed technology has also contributed to the growth of the market.Europe is the second largest cubital tunnel syndrome market, which is followed by Asia Pacific. Huge geriatric population, availability of funds for research, and government support for research & development projected to drive the market in Europe.Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region in the global market due to the presence of a increasing patient population, continuously developing economies, and increasing need for the better treatment. According to the WHO report published in 2015, Asia's elderly population is projected to reach nearly 923 million by 2050.Whereas, the Middle East & Africa owns the least share of the global cubital tunnel syndrome market due to the presence of poor economy, especially, in Africa region. The market of this region is dominated by the Middle East due to well-developed healthcare sector and huge healthcare expenditure.Request Full Report @Key players in global cubital tunnel syndrome marketThe major key players in the global cubital tunnel syndrome market: Eli Lily and Company (US), GlaxoSmithKline PLC (UK), Pfizer Inc., Depomed Inc., Novartis International AG (Switzerland), Johnson & Johnson Services Inc. (US), Bristol-Myers Squibb and Company (US), Sanofi S.A. (France), Debiopharm Group (Switzerland), Baxter Healthcare Corporation (US), Biogen Idec Inc. (US), Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. (US), Amgen, Inc. (US)About US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India Amphoteric Surfactant Market Growth and Trends Forecast to 2024 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/amphoteric-surfactant-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=13496 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Surfactants are chemical compounds that increase cleaning efficiency by wetting, emulsifying, dispersing, or modifying the lubricity of water-based compositions. They are used as detergents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, wetting agents, and dispersants. Surfactants are manufactured by using either of the two distinct feedstock: natural vegetable oils and petrochemicals. According to the composition of their polar head, surfactants are classified into anionic, nonionic, amphoteric, and cationic surfactants. Amphoteric surfactants are further classified into amphoteric acetates, betaines, and sultains. The use of amphoteric surfactants results in better performance in applications involving hard water media and high temperature environments. Amphoteric surfactants are used in diverse application areas such as personal care and household detergency, emulsification, and foaming. Rising demand in the personal care and home care industries is expected to drive the global surfactants market in the next few years.Read Report Overview @The major classes of amphoteric surfactants are betaines and propionates. These are prominently used in the personal care market. These two classes of amphoteric surfactants can be sub-segmented into cocamidopropyl betaine, dimer amido propyl betaine, cetyl betaine, lauric myristic amido betaine, lauramphopropionate, and coco betaines. Amphoteric surfactants have excellent properties such as good detergency, hard water compatibility, foaming properties, mild behavior, conditioning properties, and biodegradability. They cause less irritation to human skin and eyes, and are applicable in a wide pH range. Moreover, amphoteric surfactants are compatible with nonionic, anionic, and cationic surfactants and act as viscosity builders for anionic surfactant solutions. Due to all these properties, mild amphoteric surfactants are widely used as secondary surfactants in products such as shower gels, shampoos, liquid soaps, and foam baths. Furthermore, they are employed in liquid detergent products such as all-purpose cleaners, dishwashing liquids, and car cleaners.Asia Pacific is the largest market for amphoteric surfactants due to significant demand from India, China, Japan, and South Korea. Moreover, Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest growing market for amphoteric surfactants, considering the rising demand in countries in Southeast Asia including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. North America and Europe are the second and third largest markets for amphoteric surfactants. These are likely to record dismal growth rates due to slow recovery from the economic slowdown. On the contrary, countries in the Rest of the World (RoW) such as Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria are witnessing strong signs of growth. Therefore, the region is expected to become the second fastest growing market for amphoteric surfactants across the globe.Major factors driving the global amphoteric surfactants market include steep rise in demand for skin-friendly surfactants in the personal care and home care industries. Amphoteric surfactants are skin-friendly chemical compounds; therefore, they are likely to replace conventional surfactants that may harm the skin. Applications of amphoteric surfactants are anticipated to rise significantly considering the ongoing research and development activities undertaken by key players in the industry. Development of a new and cost effective range of amphoteric surfactants and growing awareness regarding the use of sulfur-free personal care products are also anticipated to lead to a tremendous growth potential in the global market for less costly and more skin friendly surfactants.Major manufacturers of amphoteric surfactants include Clariant Corporation, Akzo Nobel N.V., Huntsman Corporation, BASF SE, Lubrizol Corporation, Evonik Industries AG, Stepan Company, and Lonza Spa.Request to view Sample Report:The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth insights, understanding market evolution by tracking historical developments, and analyzing the present scenario and future projections based on optimistic and likely scenarios. Each research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology developments, types, applications, and the competitive landscape.Transparency 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.Transparency 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: OpenStack Service Market Top Key Leaders: Canonical, Huawei, Cisco Systems, SUSE, VMware, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM Corporation https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5778 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/openstack-service-market-5778 Market Highlights:OpenStack refers to a collection of open source software modules which helps in providing a framework for managing and creating cloud infrastructure. In general, OpenStack is the next stage of virtualization which helps in organizing and managing a pool of heterogeneous storage and network resources within an IT organization. Organizations deploy OpenStack to manage cloud-based infrastructure, web hosting, SaaS delivery (Software as a Service) and many more.Many organizations are adopting Openstack Service Market in their cloud-based services which offers numerous advantages like cost savings, customization, value-added services, and innovation in the product line.OpenStack helps in automation of cloud maintenance and benefits by providing remote vision of other storage devices in the cloud. Nearly 70% of the organizations feel that OpenStack is vital to their cloud strategy to develop their existing KPI (key performance indicator). The increase in the demand for cloud-based solutions and services are driving the OpenStack service market globally. The free availability of OpenStack platform, easy deployment and a wide adoption among SME are driving the market growth of openstack service market. However, the lack of technical assistance and complexity in deployment are restraining the market growth.Request a Sample Report @Major Key Players: Canonical (U.K) Huawei (China) Cisco Systems (U.S.) SUSE (Germany) VMware (U.S.) Hewlett Packard Enterprise (U.S.) Oracle Corporation (U.S.) Dell Inc. (U.S.) IBM Corporation (U.S.) Red Hat (U.S.) Rackspace (U.S.) Mirantis (U.S.) Platform9 Systems (U.S.) EasyStack (China) Bright Computing (the Netherlands)Some of the key innovators are Puppet (U.S.), Pactera Technology International Ltd. (China), The Cloudscaling Group, Inc., (U.S.), Aptira (Australia), CDI LLC (U.S.), Techblue Software Private Limited (India), Cyxtera Data Centers, Inc.(U.S.), AQORN (U.S.), and others.The prominent players constantly keep innovating and investing in research and development to present a cost-effective portfolio. There have been recent mergers and acquisitions among the key players, where the business entities expect to strengthen their reach to their customer.Regional Analysis:On the basis of geography, the market is studied for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and rest of the world. Among these regions, the market is majorly dominated by North America at present due to a higher concentration of key players like Redhat, IBM Corporation in countries like the United States and Canada. The major contribution is made by the United States, particularly among SME and large enterprises.On the other hand, Europe is expected to show a high growth rate considering open stack service market. The increase in the use of cloud-based services and data security among the cloud leads to increase in usage of openstack services across the region. Asia Pacific region is expected to show a decent growth during the forecast period. There are various new entrants in Japan and China that are deploying open stack service in their organizations. Also, the organizations in Asia Pacific started deploying BYOD policy which is booming the growth of the market in Asia Pacific. The Middle East & Africa are expected to show smooth growth during the forecast period. The deployment of data centers in the region is increasing annually, which results in deployment of cloud computing and related applications resulting adoption of openstack services across the region.Segmentation:The global open stack service market is segmented into the component, organization size, vertical and region. Based on component, the segment is further classified into solution and services. The services are further classified into consulting services, installation & integration services and support & maintenance services.Based on deployment, the segment is further classified into the public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid. Based on organization size, the segment is further classified into SME and large enterprises. The open stack as a service is being deployed in many verticals like BFSI, IT & Telecommunication, manufacturing, retail, government, and others.Browse Full Report Details @Intended Audience: Network and System Integrators OpenStack Software Providers Marketing Analytics Executives Cloud Architects Cloud Operators or System Administrators Research Organizations Market InvestorsTable of Contents1 Executive Summary2 Scope of the Report2.1 Market Definition2.2 Scope of the Study2.2.1 Research Objectives2.2.2 Assumptions & Limitations2.3 Markets Structure3 Market Research Methodology3.1 Research Process3.2 Secondary Research3.3 Primary Research3.4 Forecast ModelContinuedList of TablesTable 1 Global Openstack Service Market: By Region, 2017-2023Table 2 North America Openstack Service Market: By Country, 2017-2023Table 3 Europe Openstack Service Market: By Country, 2017-2023ContinuedList of FiguresFigure 1 Global Openstack Service Market SegmentationFigure 2 Forecast MethodologyFigure 3 Five Forces Analysis of Global Openstack Service MarketContinuedAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Oleyl Alcohol Market Progressive Technologies & Development Opportunities 2024 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/oleyl-alcohol-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=13595 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Oleyl alcohol is a derivative of unsaturated natural fatty acids. It is produced by catalytic hydrogenation of esters of oleic acid. Oleyl alcohol can also be derived by Boweault-Blanc reduction reaction of butyl oleate using sodium and butyl alcohol as raw materials. Furthermore, oleyl alcohol occurs naturally in fish oil and oils of other aquatic mammals. It is insoluble in water but miscible in other alcohols, ethers, and chloroform. Oleyl alcohol has broad range of industrial applications. It is used as cosmetic emollient, rheology modifier, defoaming agent, plasticizer, automotive lubricant, and chemical intermediate. Personal care, automotive, plastic, textile and leather, oil & gas, and printing ink industries are the key end-users of oleyl alcohol.Read Report Overview @Demand for oleyl alcohol is significantly driven by the growth of personal care, textile processing, and automotive industries. Expansion in the personal care industry, which is one of the major end users, is a driving factor that is expected to positively influence the demand for oleyl alcohol by the end of 2023. Oleyl alcohol is employed as cosmetic emollient and stabilizer for preparing a wide range of topical as well as dermatological products such as eye make-up, hair shampoos and conditioners, body lotions, creams, and balms. Oleyl alcohol is manufactured using natural fatty acids derived from plant as well as animal sources; therefore, it is not reactive on human skin and thus, can be suitably used as an active cosmetic ingredient.Growth in textile processing and expansion in the automotive industry are the other driving factors that are likely to boost the market for oleyl alcohol by the end of the forecast period. Oleyl alcohol is used as a surfactant as well as softening agent during the processing of fabrics in the textile industry. It enhances the texture of the fabric, thereby improving the overall aesthetics of textiles. Oleyl alcohol is employed as a lubricating additive in grease and lube oil in the automotive industry.Fluctuation in prices of raw materials, especially natural fatty acids, is likely to dampen the market for oleyl alcohol during the forecast period. However, increasing use of oleyl alcohol in research & development of pharmaceutical formulations for drug delivery is anticipated to provide significant growth opportunities to the global market during the next couple of years.Asia Pacific is expected to account for the largest share of the oleyl alcohol market both in terms of production as well as consumption. ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand currently hold the largest production base of oleochemicals, especially oleyl alcohol, and also have good trade relations with developed countries. Furthermore, the consumption of oleyl alcohol is anticipated to be the highest in Asia Pacific due to the large population dynamics. China and India are likely to witness high demand for oleyl alcohol by the end of 2023.These countries are densely populated and have broad consumer base coupled with developing end-user markets, especially the personal care segment. Demand for oleyl alcohol in North America and Europe is anticipated to witness stabilized growth rate by 2023, due to lower population coupled with maturity in downstream markets. However, growth in these regions is likely to be supported due to usage of raw materials derived from biological resources as compared to petrochemical or synthetic derivatives. Middle East & Africa is anticipated to witness steady growth in the oleyl alcohol market due to consumption of oleyl alcohol in oil & gas, automotive, and personal care industries in the region. The region would be followed by Latin America.Request to view Sample Report:Ecogreen Oleochemicals (Singapore) Pte Ltd., Croda International Plc, Sasol Olefins & Surfactants GmbH, FPG Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd., Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, and Ashland Inc. are some of the oleyl alcohol manufacturers that are currently operating in the global market.Transparency 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.Transparency 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: Europe Tractor Market Analysis, Market Share By HP, By Wheel Drive, By Countries, By Vendors | Arizton https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/europe-tractor-market-size-share-analysis-2023 https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/europe-tractor-market-size-share-analysis-2023 The tractor market in Europe is expected to reach volumes of around 350 thousand units by 2023, growing at a CAGR of over 5% 20182023.Tractor market in Europe is driven by the mandate regarding stage v diesel engine and emission norms established by government regulations. Countries such as France, Italy, Spain, and Germany are the largest producer of both agriculture and crop output in the European market. The market research report provides in-depth market analysis and segmental analysis of the European market by HP type, wheel drive, and countries.Read the report details:Base Year: 2017Forecast Year: 20182023The increasing use of advanced machinery in agricultural activities such as plowing the fields to get them ready for crop sowing is one of the major drivers of the tractor market in Europe. The growing demand for agriculture equipment such as rotavators and combines and effective monetary policies will augment the development of the global market. The latest mandate of the Mother Regulation for the manufactures as well as the requirements of the farmers and farm landholders who choose agriculture tractors based on usage and the land area will propel the growth of the market in the European region. The implementation of stringent safety regulations such as TMR, diesel emission norms, and ABS mandatory will encourage the leading vendors to launch innovative, new products in the European market. The key players are capitalizing on the finance schemes and offer to boost sales to clear their inventories in the European market. Focus on emission standards as per the research analysts at Arizton, also predicts that the mandate regarding stage v diesel engine and emission norms will surge the sales in the European market during the forecast period. The growing demand for farming equipment due to an increase in the total factor productivity in farming, reduction in post-harvest loss, value addition to the agricultural raw materials, and better quality of agricultural products will boost the demand in the tractor market in Europe.The increasing investments towards the development of farming machines for the use of plowing, planting, harrowing, tilling, and disking will result in rising revenues in the European market. The implementation of GPS, telematics, and remote sensors in tractors with the collaboration of large smart tech companies will revolutionize the market over the next few years.Request a sample here:The report considers the present scenario of the tractor market in Europe and its market dynamics for the period 20182023. It covers a detailed overview of various market growth enablers, restraints, and trends. The study covers both the demand and supply sides of the market. It also profiles and analyzes the leading companies and various other prominent companies operating in the market.Major Vendors in the Tractor Market in EuropeDeere & CompanyCNH IndustrialAGCOKubotaProminent Players in the Tractor Market in EuropeSDFClassArgo TractorsLovol Arbos GroupCarraroTumosanMarket Segmentation by HP TypeAbout 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 Credit Insurance Market Expected to Reach 9030 million US$ by the end of 2025 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1815583 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1815583/global-credit-insurance-size-status-market-research-reports/toc https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1815583/global-credit-insurance-size-status-market-research-reports In 2017, the global Credit Insurance market size was 7750 million US$ and it is expected to reach 9030 million US$ by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of 0.2 during 2018-2025.This report studies the global Credit Insurance market size, industry status and forecast, competition landscape and growth opportunity. This research report categorizes the global Credit Insurance market by companies, region, type and end-use industry.Trade credit insurance or credit insurance is an insurance policy and a risk management product offered by private insurance companies and governmental export credit agencies to business entities wishing to protect their accounts receivable from loss due to credit risks such as protracted default, insolvency or bankruptcy. Credit insurance product is a type of property and casualty insurance.The Global Credit Insurance market is expected to witness expansion in the near future. The credit insurance market is a huge market with low penetration. This market has a huge yet unrealized potential. Regulatory and insolvency frameworks vary widely between different countries, and although there is generally an upward trend in corporate insolvencies, the differences in frameworks and in reporting standards make comparison difficult. These factors have contributed to an increased awareness of and focus on trade risks on credit.Request for sample copy of this report:Three major European groups Euler Hermes, Atradius and Coface dominate the market internationally, with a combined market share in 2016 of over 72%.Geographically, the global Credit Insurance has been segmented into Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, Latin America, Middle East & Africa and Asia-Pacific. The Europe held the largest share in the global Credit Insurance market, its revenue of global market exceeds 72% in 2016. The next position is America. China and India have being the most populous country has fast growing Credit Insurance market.This report focuses on the global top players, coveredEuler HermesAtradiusCofaceZurichCredendo GroupQBE InsuranceCesce...Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaMarket segment by Type, the product can be split intoType IType IIMarket segment by Application, split intoDomestic TradeExport TradeGet complete report TOC:The study objectives of this report are:To study and forecast the market size of Credit Insurance in global market.To analyze the global key players, SWOT analysis, value and global market share for top players.To define, describe and forecast the market by type, end use and region.To analyze and compare the market status and forecast between China and major regions, namely, United States, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India and Rest of World.To analyze the global key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.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 Credit Insurance 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 StakeholdersCredit Insurance ManufacturersCredit Insurance Distributors/Traders/WholesalersCredit Insurance Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsVie full report:Available 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 Credit Insurance market, by end-use.Detailed analysis and profiles of additional market players.MarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports, supporting clients market intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market profiles in its repository. We also offer consulting support for custom market research needs.Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that our customers always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries. From Fortune 500 companies to SMEs, Marketresearchreports.biz has built a veritable reputation for fulfilling the most exacting market research needs.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Pneumoconiosis Market Is Expected To Generate Huge Profits: Top Vendors | Treatment | Diagnosis and CAGR of 6.8% during forecast period 2017 to 2023 Pneumoconiosis Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4639 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/pneumoconiosis-market-4639 Market Scenario:Pneumoconiosis is a restrictive and occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of dust. There are a number of different agents that, when inhaled, can potentially cause pneumoconiosis. Organic and inorganic agents are responsible for causing this diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2013, 260,000 deaths occurred due to pneumoconiosis. Increasing prevalence of pneumoconiosis, increasing smoking population, and rising air pollution have driven the growth of the market. Approximately 75% of non-asbestos pneumoconiosis cases recorded under the IIDB scheme in 2009 were from individuals that are over 65 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for over 480,000 deaths every year. Moreover, increasing geriatric population, increasing healthcare expenditure, and strong encouragement from the government have also contributed to the growth of the market. According to research, smoking increases the possibility of pneumoconiosis; more than 60% of the global population smokes, this has increased the risk of pneumoconiosis and contributed in the growth of the market. However, side effects associated with the treatment and lack of long term treatment may lead to hinder the growth of the market.Reqeust for Reports Sample @The global pneumoconiosis market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% during forecast period.Intended Audience Biotechnological institutes Pharmaceutical companies Government and Private Laboratories Research and Development (R&D) Companies Market Research and Consulting Service Providers Medical Research LaboratoriesSegmentationThe global pneumoconiosis market is segmented on the basis of types, causes, therapy, and end users.On the basis of types, the market is segmented into asbestosis, berylliosis, byssinosis, coal workers pneumoconiosis, silicosis, and others.On the basis of causes, the market is categorised into organic dusts, non-organic substances, and others. Organic substances are further segmented into hay, malt, mushrooms, and others. Non organic substances are further segmented into sulphur dioxide, ammonia, nitrogen dioxide, and others.On the basis of therapy, the market is segmented into diagnosis, and treatment. Diagnosis is further segmented into chest X-ray, CT scan, and others. Treatment is further classified into mucolytic agent, antibiotic, and others.On the basis of end users, the market is segmented into hospital, clinics, and others.Regional AnalysisAmerica dominates the global pneumoconiosis market owing to large patient population. Apart from this, increasing number of patients, changing lifestyle and increasing healthcare expenditure have boosted the growth of the market in America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2015, about 15 in every 100 U.S. adults aged over 18 years smoked cigarettes. Which is equals around 36.5 million adults in the United States currently smoke cigarettes. Increasing smoking population increases the possibility of causing the disease. Additionally, increasing awareness among the people regarding different diagnostic procedures and well-developed technology has also contributed to the growth of the market.Europe is the second largest pneumoconiosis market, which is followed by Asia Pacific. Huge smoking population, availability of funds for research, and government support for research & development will drive the market.Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region for the market due to the presence of a huge patient population, continuously developing economies, and presence of huge opportunity in the market.On the other hand, the Middle East & Africa has the least share in the global pneumoconiosis market due to presence of poor economy especially in Africa region. Majority of the market of this region is held by Middle East due to well-developed healthcare sector and huge healthcare expenditure.Request Full Report @Key players for global pneumoconiosis marketThe key players for the global pneumoconiosis market Abbott (US) Eli Lilly (U.S.), Sunpharma (India), Sanofi (France), Novo Nordisk (Denmark), Novartis (Switzerland), Abbott (U.S.), AstraZeneca (U.K), Merck & Co. (U.S.), Pfizer (U.S.), Svizera Healthcare (India), F. Hoffman La Roche AG (Germany), and Bayer Cropscience Ltd. (U.S.).Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India Corporate E-learning 2018 Global Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 18.54% and Forecast to 2021 Corporate E-learning Market 2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2373862-global-corporate-e-learning-market-2017-2021 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/2373862-global-corporate-e-learning-market-2017-2021 WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On Corporate E-learning 2018 Global Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 18.54% and Forecast to 2021.The analysts forecast the global corporate e-learning market to grow at a CAGR of 18.54% during the period 2017-2021.The global corporate e-learning market comprises revenue generated by third-party vendors that provide technology-driven products to organizations and corporations across the globe. Many organizations avail these products to train their employees on various domains, including compliance, safety, technical, and soft skills training. Various products offered by market vendors include systems, solutions, courses, content, and other innovative solutions such as game-based learning and gamification.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comCovered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global corporate e-learning market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sales of corporate e-learning modules.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography: Americas APAC EMEAThe report, Global Corporate E-learning Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors Adobe Expertus GP Strategies SkillsoftOther prominent vendors AllenComm G-Cube Learning Pool City & Guilds Group Articulate EI Design CCS Digital Education PulseLearning SweetRush Learnnovators XoomPoint Designing Digitally Tata Interactive Systems Elucidat Cornerstone OnDemandMarket driver Use of e-learning reduces costs for organizations For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge Challenges related to budget For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend Emergence of IoT and wearable devices For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be? What are the key market trends? What is driving this market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key vendors in this market space?Report Details @Table Of Contents Major Key PointsPART 01: EXECUTIVE SUMMARYPART 02: SCOPE OF THE REPORTPART 03: RESEARCH METHODOLOGYPART 04: INTRODUCTION Global education technologyPART 05: MARKET LANDSCAPE Global corporate training marketPART 06: MARKET OVERVIEW Global corporate e-learning market Market size and forecast Five forces analysisPART 07: MARKET SEGMENTATION BY DEPLOYMENT Global corporate e-learning market by deployment Global corporate e-learning market by on-premise deployment Global corporate e-learning market by cloud-based deploymentPART 08: MARKET SEGMENTATION BY PRODUCT Global corporate e-learning market by product Global corporate e-learning market by systems Global corporate e-learning market by content Global corporate e-learning market by courses Global corporate e-learning market by solutions Global corporate e-learning market by othersPART 09: REGIONAL LANDSCAPE Geographical segmentation Regional comparison Americas Market size and forecast EMEA Market size and forecast APAC Market size and forecast Key leading countries Market opportunityPART 10: DECISION FRAMEWORKPART 11: DRIVERS AND CHALLENGES Market drivers Market challengesPART 12: MARKET TRENDS Emergence of IoT and wearable devices Rising popularity of learning analytics Increased use of gamification in corporate e-learning Emerging online microlearning coursesPART 13: VENDOR LANDSCAPE Competitive scenario Competitive benchmarking Growth strategyPART 14: KEY VENDOR ANALYSIS Adobe Expertus GP Strategies SkillsoftPART 15: OTHER PROMINENT VENDORSPART 16: APPENDIX List of abbreviationsContinued..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. Veterinary Ultrasound Market 6% CAGR Booming with Top Vendors - Samsung Medison Co, Siemens Healthineers, Sonostar Technologies Co. Limited and Hitachi Ltd by 2023 Veterinary Ultrasound Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/6054 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/6054 The Global Veterinary Ultrasound Market is segmented on the basis of animal type, product, imaging technology, application, end-user, and region. The global veterinary ultrasound market is expected to register a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period of 2018 to 2023.Global Market HighlightsVeterinary ultrasound scanners are diagnostic modalities in which high-frequency sound waves are used to generate the images of animals body parts. In the recent years, the expenditure on pet care has increased along with technological advancements in veterinary ultrasounds. Moreover, it was estimated that the U.S. pet industry expenditure had a worth of USD 60.3 million within the same year. Thus, with the growing spending on animal care, the demand for veterinary diagnosis and related equipment is estimated to increase, boosting the growth of the global veterinary ultrasound market.Research Methodology:Market Research Future research is conducted by industry experts who offer insight into industry structure, market segmentation, technology assessment, Competitive Landscape (CL), penetration, as well as on emerging trends. Besides primary interviews (~ 80%) and secondary research (~ 20%), their analysis is based on their years of professional expertise in respective industries. Our analysts also predict where the market will be headed in the next five to ten years, by analyzing historical trends and current market positions. Furthermore, varying trends of segments and categories geographically presented are studied and are estimated based on the primary and secondary research.Get Exclusive Sample Copy of Veterinary Ultrasound Market spread across 100 Premium Pages, 16 Companies and Supported with 63 Tables and 60 Figures is now available atVeterinary Ultrasound Market Segmentation:The Global Veterinary Ultrasound Market is segmented by animal type, product, imaging technology, application, end-user, and region. By animal type, the market is segmented into small companion animals and large animals.By product, the market is categorized into devices and software. The devices segment is sub-segmented into portable/handheld ultrasound scanners and cart-based ultrasound scanners. The imaging technology segment is sub-segmented into digital imaging technology, analog imaging technology, and contrast imaging technology. The contrast imaging technology segment is segmented into iodinated contrast media, gadolinium-based contrast media, microbubble contrast media, and barium-based contrast media. The gadolinium-based contrast media segment is further segmented into gadoterate, gadodiamide, and others. The microbubble contrast media segment is sub-segmented into hard-shell microbubbles, polymer-shelled microbubbles, and others. By application, the market is segmented into cardiology, neurology, and oncology. By end-user, the market is categorized into veterinary hospitals, veterinary clinics, animal breeding and farms, and others.Veterinary Ultrasound Market PlayersSamsung Medison Co. Ltd, BCF Technology Ltd, Esaote SpA, Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co. Ltd, DRAMINSKI S. A, Siemens Healthineers, Sonostar Technologies Co. Limited, General Electric Company, Hitachi Ltd, Sonoscape Medical Corp, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Esaote SpA, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, and others.Regional Analysis Veterinary Ultrasound Market:The Americas dominates the global market for veterinary ultrasound owing to the increasing adoption of companion animals, favorable pet health insurance, and high disposable income. In 2017, it was estimated that Europe stood second in the veterinary ultrasound market owing to increasing pet population and high disposable household income. Asia Pacific was the fastest growing region for the global veterinary ultrasound market in 2017. Some of the major factors influencing the growth of the market include, increasing nuclear families preferring pets, rising disposal income, and growing penetration of multinational players within the region. The Middle East and Africa held the least share in the global veterinary ultrasound market in 2017. Factors such as the presence of poor economies and low per capita income, especially within the African region make the market to lag within the region.MAJOR TABLE OF CONTENT:Chapter 1. Report PrologueChapter 2. Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope Of The Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 LimitationsChapter 3. Research Methodology3.1 Introduction3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size EstimationLIST OF TABLESTable 1 Global Veterinary Ultrasound Market Industry Synopsis, 20182023Table 2 Global Veterinary Ultrasound Market Estimates & Forecast, 20182023, (USD Million)Table 3 Global Veterinary Ultrasound Market, By Region, 20182023, (USD Million)Table 4 Global Veterinary Ultrasound Market, By Animal, 20182023, (USD Million)LIST OF FIGURESFigure 1 Research ProcessFigure 2 Segmentation For Global Veterinary Ultrasound MarketFigure 3 Market Dynamics For Global Veterinary Ultrasound MarketFigure 4 Global Veterinary Ultrasound Market Share, By Animal 2017Inquire on Report atAbout US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@Marketresearchfuture.com Global Nanofibers Market Report : Trends, Future Growth, Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017-2022 Nanofibers market research report analyzes global adoption trends, future growth potentials, key drivers, competitive outlook, res https://www.marketresearchoutlet.com/report/global-nanofibers-market-report-2017#request-sample https://www.marketresearchoutlet.com/report/global-nanofibers-market-report-2017#table-of-content https://www.marketresearchoutlet.com/report/global-nanofibers-market-report-2017 https://www.marketresearchoutlet.com The Nanofibers market research report analyzes global adoption trends, future growth potentials, key drivers, competitive outlook, restraints, opportunities, key challenges, market ecosystem, and value chain analysis.This report presents a detailed analysis, market sizing, and forecasting for the emerging segment within the Nanofibers market. The report is thoroughly segmented by product type, application, vertical, and region.The report also focuses on various regional markets for each of the segment within the Nanofibers market.Click Here to Request a Free Sample PDF of This Report @The major regions includeNorth AmericaEuropeAPACMEA, andLatin AmericaThis study includes the profiles of key players in the market and the strategies adopted by them to sustain in the competition. Recent developments and barriers of the market is expected to help emerging players to design their strategies in an effective manner.The study is expected to help key players in broadcast Nanofibers manufacturers to formulate and develop new strategies.Get Table of Content (TOC) @Market Segmentation:By Region and Country Coverage:Europe;UKFranceGermanyItalySpainNetherlandsBelgiumSwitzerlandAustriaPortugalDenmarkFinlandNorwaySwedenIrelandRussiaTurkeyPolandWestern EuropeCentral and EasternEurope North America:USACanadaAsia Pacific:JapanChinaSouth KoreaAustraliaNew ZealandTo browse the complete report, visit at @Key Issues Addressed1. Competitive Landscape and Strategic Recommendations2. The market forecast and growth areas for Nanofibers Market3. Changing Market Trends and Emerging Opportunities4. Historical shipment and revenue5. Analysis key applications6. Main Players market share Customization We can offer customization in the report and get research data or trends added in the report as per the buyer?s specific needs.1 Executive Summary1.1 The Nanofibers market 20171.2 Global Nanofibers market forecast by 20221.3 Market share by Regions 20171.4 Market share by Type 20171.5 Market share by Application 20171.6 Market concentration and main participants2 Scope of the report 2.1 Market definition2.2 Product segmentation 2.2.1 Segmentation by Product Type2.2.2 Segmentation by End-users2.2.3 Segmentation by Others2.3 Market Segmentation by Geography3 Market Introduction3.1 Market Overview3.2 Market Dynamics3.2.1 Drivers3.2.2 Challenges3.3 Industry Trends3.3.1 Trends #1:3.3.2 Trends #2:4 Global Nanofibers Market Segmentation Analysis by Type4.1 Type1 4.1.1 introduction4.1.2 Type 1 Segmentation Market Data 2012-20174.1.3 Type 1 Segmentation Market Data by Region 2012-20174.2 Type 24.2.1 introduction4.2.2 Type 2 Segmentation Market Data 2012-20174.2.3 Type 2 Segmentation Market Data by Region 2012-20175 Global Nanofibers Market Segmentation Analysis by End-user5.1 End-user 15.1.1 introduction5.1.2 End-user 1 Segmentation Market Data 2012-20175.1.3 End-user 1 Segmentation Market Data by Region 2012-20175.2 End-user 25.2.1 introduction5.2.2 End-user 2 Segmentation Market Data 2012-20175.2.3 End-user 2 Segmentation Market Data by Region 2012-20176 Main Nanofibers Market Segmentation Analysis by Regions6.1 Global Nanofibers Market Data by Regions6.1.2 Global Nanofibers Market Data by Regions 2012-20176.1.3 Global Nanofibers Market Data by Regions 2016 & 20226.2 North America Nanofibers Market 6.2.1 U.S.6.2.2 Canada 6.3 Europe Nanofibers Market6.3.1 Germany6.3.2 UK6.3.3 France6.3.4 Italy6.4 Asia Pacific Nanofibers Market6.4.1 China 6.4.2 Japan6.4.3 India6.5 Middle East & Africa Nanofibers Market7 Global Competitive Landscape Nanofibers Market 2012-20177.1 Market Share Analysis7.2 Porter's Five Forces8 Key Players Analysis of Nanofibers market8.1 Company 18.1.1 Company Profile8.1.2 Product Analysis8.1.3 Financial Performance8.2 Company 28.2.1 Company Profile8.2.2 Product Analysis8.2.3 Financial Performance8.3 Company 38.3.1 Company Profile8.3.2 Product Analysis8.3.3 Financial Performance8.4 Company 48.4.1 Company Profile8.4.2 Product Analysis8.4.3 Financial Performance8.5 Company 58.5.1 Company Profile8.5.2 Product Analysis8.5.3 Financial Performance9 Global Nanofibers Market Forecast9.1 Global Nanofibers Market Data Forecast 2017-20229.2 Global Nanofibers Market Data Forecast by Regions 2017-20229.3 Global Nanofibers Market Data Forecast by Types 2017-20229.4 Global Nanofibers Market Data Forecast by Applications 2017-202210 Research Method of Global Nanofibers Market Report 2017Market Research Outlet is a market research and consultative company provides market research reports and business insights to large and small & medium enterprises. The company supports its clients to conceive business policies and accomplish sustainable growth in their particular market domain. We meet clients objectives, commitment and dedication on high standard and targeting possible prospects for market research reports. We value how imperative surveying statistical information is for your business or association. As a result, we are linked with the top publishers & research firms all dedicated in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most consistent and up to date research data available.Contact UsMr. JackMarket Research Outlet5/54, 401 Anita Building, Keshav Nagar, Mundhwa, Pune,Tel: +91-800-757-7711Email: sales@marketresearchoutlet.comEmail: help@marketresearchoutlet.comWebsite: Deep Learning Courses for NLP Market 2018 Global Share,Trend,Segmentation and Forecast to 2021 Deep Learning Courses for NLP 2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2373840-global-deep-learning-courses-for-nlp-market-2017-2021 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/2373840-global-deep-learning-courses-for-nlp-market-2017-2021 WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On Deep Learning Courses for NLP Market 2018 Global Share,Trend,Segmentation and Forecast to 2021.The analysts forecast the global deep learning courses for NLP market to grow at a CAGR of 22.42% during the period 2017-2021.NLP is the field of computer science, artificial intelligence and computational linguistics that are associated with the interactions between computers and human. Due to the advancements in technology and its increased penetration in the education market, institutions have begun to experience a rapid change in the teaching delivery model. Therefore, educators are capitalizing on the opportunity to use technology to its fullest potential. Governments across the world are focusing on developing a digital education environment through grants and funds, resulting in an increase in the monetary support for educational institutions specifically those operating in developing regions. This has helped many institutions to adapt to modern and advanced educational methods. Geographically, North America is the largest contributor of revenue to the market due to its technologically advanced infrastructure and the ability to adopt advanced Information Technology (IT) hardware and other technological innovations at an early stage.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comCovered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global deep learning courses for NLP market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the training vendors and institutes.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography: Americas APAC EMEAThe report, Global Deep Learning Courses for NLP Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors Coursera Stanford University Udemy UpX AcademyOther prominent vendors Class Central edX EIT IBM NobleProg NVidia UdacityMarket driver Increasing applicability in customer centric organizations For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge Increasing number of MOOCs For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend Growing popularity on seminars For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be? What are the key market trends? What is driving this market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key vendors in this market space?Report Details @Table Of Contents Major Key PointsPART 01: EXECUTIVE SUMMARYPART 02: SCOPE OF THE REPORTPART 03: RESEARCH METHODOLOGYPART 04: INTRODUCTIONHigher education marketPART 05: MARKET LANDSCAPEFive forces analysisPART 06: MARKET SEGMENTATION BY COURSEGlobal deep learning courses for NLP market by courseGlobal deep learning courses for NLP by formal educationGlobal deep learning courses for NLP by informal educationPART 07: MARKET SEGMENTATION BY MODE OF DELIVERYGlobal deep learning courses for NLP market by mode of deliveryGlobal online deep learning courses for NLP marketGlobal blended deep learning courses for NLP marketPART 08: REGIONAL LANDSCAPEGeographical segmentationRegional comparisonAmericas Market size and forecastEMEA Market size and forecastAPAC Market size and forecastMarket opportunityPART 09: DECISION FRAMEWORKPART 10: DRIVERS AND CHALLENGESMarket driversMarket challengesPART 11: MARKET TRENDSPART 12: VENDOR LANDSCAPECompetitive landscapePART 13: KEY VENDOR ANALYSISCourseraStanford UniversityUdemyUpX AcademyPART 14: OTHER PROMINENT VENDORSPART 15: APPENDIXList of abbreviationsContinued..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. Labyrinthitis Market 2018 Global Key Players Merck & Co., Inc., Sanofi S.A., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd and Mylan N.V. Forecast to 2023 Labyrinthitis Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4623 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/labyrinthitis-market-4623 Market Synopsis of Global LabLabyrinthitis, also known as vestibular neuritis, is an inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves that connect the inner ear to the brain due to a variety of reasons such as infection by measles, mumps, trauma, autoimmune etc. Labyrinthitis shows various symptoms such as hearing loss, speech problems, double vision, abnormal gait, dizziness, nystagmus (rapid and undesired eye motion), vertigo, ringing in the ears, etc. Labyrinthitis is triggered by cold flu and occur as a single attack, or a series of attacks, which generally resolves on its own over three to six weeks.The causes of labyrinthitis are upper respiratory infection such as common cold or flu, infection by herpes simplex type 1 virus, acute localized ischemia, pressure changes such as while flying or scuba diving, etc. Labyrinthitis affects approximately 35 cases per 1 million people per year across the globe and it is rising due to growing exposure to pathogenic agents. Labyrinthitis affects older population to a greater degree due to weak immunity and hearing problems.Reqeust for Reports Sample @Rising older population, increasing awareness and screening, developing healthcare and ENT centres, developing new drugs, especially the advancements in antibiotics are driving the market growth. Development of selective antibiotics for ear and nose infections such as streptomycin has driven the market growth. On the other hand, side effects and high cost of treatment and misdiagnosis may hinder the growth of the labyrinthitis market over the review period.The global labyrinthitis market is expected to reach USD 2.5 billion by 2023 at a CAGR of ~ 3.2% during the forecast period 2017-2023.SegmentsThe global labyrinthitis market has been segmented on the basis of types, diagnosis, treatment, and end user.Based on the types, the market has been segmented as autoimmune labyrinthitis, infective labyrinthitis, and other.Based on the diagnosis, the market has been segmented as physical examination, blood test, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, electroencephalogram (EEG) and electronystagmography (ENG) and others.Based on the treatment, the market has been segmented as antihistaminics and antiemetics, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and others.Based on the end user, the market has been segmented as hospitals & clinics, academic and research, and others.Regional AnalysisThe Americas accounts for a significant market share owing to high expenditure on the health care. Additionally, the fastest uptake of new diagnostics and drugs in the US drives the labyrinthitis market. Furthermore, concentration of the major healthcare companies and large hospitals in the developed countries of this region coupled with large insurance penetration are adding fuel to the market growth. The US expend high amount on its healthcare in 2015, which accounted for 16% of total GDP which, in turn, likely to drive the labyrinthitis market.Europe is the second largest market in the world due to high income and strong healthcare penetration. The European market growth is led by countries such as Germany and France. The UK is expected to be the fastest growing market over the assessment period. However the southern European nations have witnessed a greater incidence of infective labyrinthitis due to associated environmental conditional. Owing to strong pharmaceutical industry, Germany dominates the Europe market.Asia Pacific region is expected to grow rapidly; China and India are likely to lead this market due to the fast growing healthcare sector and large unmet needs over the forecast period. South East Asian countries such as China, India, and Malaysia are projected to contribute highly to the market growth. Furthermore, growing penetration of healthcare insurance in the Asia Pacific region is expected to drive the future labyrinthitis market in the region.Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE are estimated to drive the Middle East & African market. Other Middle East nations to watch out for are Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and Iran. The African region is expected to witness a moderate growth owing to poor economic and political conditions, and poor healthcare development. However the poor countries and developing regions have the greatest unmet needs, which needs to be tapped.Request Full Report @Key Players in the Global Labyrinthitis MarketSome of the key players profiled in the report are Merck & Co., Inc., Sanofi S.A., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Mylan N.V., Eli Lilly and Company, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Shandong Taihua Bio &Tech Co., Cipla Inc., and others.Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India GiftaLove.com is Amplifying the Range of 1st Anniversary Gifts with New Additions! https://www.giftalove.com/1st-anniversary https://www.giftalove.com/anniversary https://www.giftalove.com/ Giftalove.com has been reckoned over the years for rendering excellent, heartwarming and unique gift selections for every time. There are ranges for Personalized Gifts, Birthday Cakes, 1st Anniversary Gifts, romantic flower arrangements and much more for every time gifting.New Delhi, India:- For every couple, the day of anniversary is one of the most special days of the year. And, if its 1st Anniversary then its definitely one of the most special time of lifetime for a couple to enjoy. It is the one year completion of marital bliss for the couple. Thus, couple celebrates the special day by giving surprises to each other and planning the day specially for enjoying togetherness.To help every husband and wife find the perfect token of love for each other, GiftaLove.com has been offering a very extensive collection of Anniversary gifts, flowers and cake online. Currently, the portal is amplifying the range of 1st Anniversary Gifts and plenty of other ranges to shop online. People can explore 1st Anniversary gifts for couple as well at much attractive prices.While a conversation about the extension of 1st Anniversary gifts collection, one of the gifting experts of the gift store commented, Over the years, we have been catering to ample of distinctive gifting requirements of the customers. And thus, we have developed a great understanding of the preferences of people for gifting during different moments of the year. Understanding the specialness of 1st Anniversary and keeping in tune with the latest gifting needs, we have designed the range of 1st Anniversary Gifts () with more plentiful and thoughtful gift selections online. One can find myriads of new gifting options for anniversary flowers, anniversary gifts for wife, anniversary cakes, anniversary gifts for husband, anniversary gifts for couple and more in the range. Moreover, people can also, send anniversary gifts to India and worldwide relying on our extensive delivery network across the globe.For more information about anniversary gifts, visit at -There is selection of personalized anniversary gifts like photo frames, coffee mugs, wooden plaques, cushions, wall clock, canvas and much more. Else there are plentiful options for spiritual idol, anniversary cakes, anniversary flowers, jewellery online, cosmetic hampers, chocolate hampers, grooming kits, perfumes and much more.With an extensive gift range, GiftaLove.com has become a very popular and preferred online gift store in India. To cater every gifting need of the customers, the portal also caters impressive and wide collection of birthday gifts, personalized gifts, spiritual gifts, cakes, fabulous gift hampers and much more. Recently, the portal is catering people with extensive ranges of Rakhi for brother and Rakhi gifts online.GiftaLove.com is one of the trusted online gifting websites of India that has been reckoned for years in fulfilling needs of distinctive gifting for every celebratory moment of the year. Currently, the portal has amplified the 1st Anniversary Gifts range with many new and fabulous gift additions. On browsing the website, more information about the gift store is available online.Company Name: GiftaLoveContact Person: SoniyaEmail:- support@giftalove.comPhone:- 8882001155Website:-Address:- Mayur Vihar Phase -1City: New DelhiCountry: India Epileptic Anticonvulsants Market Size, Growth, Trends and 2020 Forecast Report https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/epileptic-anticonvulsants-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=2591 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=2591 www.transparencymarketresearch.com According to the WHO, nearly 80% of epilepsy patients are found in developing regions. However, developed regions are dominant in the global epileptic anticonvulsants market. Currently, North America dominates the epileptic anticonvulsants market, followed by Europe. Highly developed healthcare infrastructure, high level of awareness, high healthcare spending on epilepsy and related treatments, along with availability of skilled professionals to treat epilepsy are driving the North America and Europe epileptic anticonvulsants markets.View Report-The report on the global epileptic anticonvulsants market delivers a snapshot of the key market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. In addition, market forecasts with other statistical data will help key businesses and new entrants in the market to scrutinize the feasibility of the market. Backed by in-depth primary and secondary research, the report on the epileptic anticonvulsants market is an invaluable tool for enterprises in the market.Overview of the global epileptic anticonvulsants marketEpilepsy is a chronic noncommunicable condition of the brain which can affect people of all ages. It leads to repeated and unprovoked seizures (convulsions). Anticonvulsants are used primarily to treat epileptic seizures. Epileptic anticonvulsants are also used for neuropathic pain management and treatment of bipolar disorder. Some of the symptoms noticed in a patient before the convulsion occur are visual loss, nausea, strange feeling, headache, numbness in body parts, and racing thoughts.Some of the drivers of the epileptic anticonvulsants market include growing awareness of the availability of anticonvulsants in the market and patent expiration of many patented drugs. On the other hand, convenient dosage and cost advantage of currently available generic epileptic anticonvulsants are inhibiting the growth of novel therapies in the market. The global epileptic anticonvulsants market is segmented on the basis of the use of epileptic anticonvulsants according to the disorder, type of drugs, and geography.Request Brochure-Even though North America is leading the market, Asia Pacific promises swift growth in the epileptic anticonvulsants market. This is attributed to the growth of the medical tourism industry in Asia-Pacific countries such as China, India, and Japan. Heavy investment and involvement of the Japanese government to enhance infrastructure will boost the Asia-Pacific epileptic anticonvulsants market. Many Latin American countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico will demonstrate good growth potential in the epileptic anticonvulsants market.Companies mentioned in the research reportA detailed profile of the top key players is presented in the report. Some of the key corporations in the epileptic anticonvulsants market include Novartis AG, Johnson & Johnson (J&J), UCB Group, Abbot Laboratories, Pfizer Inc., and GlaxoSmithKline plc.Request For Discount-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:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Fingerprint Access Control Systems Market Study by Business Overview and Annual Revenue from 2018 to 2025 ReportsWeb http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW00012034752/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/global-fingerprint-access-control-systems-market-research-report-2018 http://www.reportsweb.com/buy&RW00012034752/buy/2900 The study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global Fingerprint Access Control Systems capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025);Focuses on the key Fingerprint Access Control Systems 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.The major manufacturers covered in this report3M CogentAnviz GlobalCross Match TechnologiesVirdi TechDaonEntertech SystemsHitachi Omron Terminal SolutionsIdtech 360Nec CorporationLockheed Martin CorporationSecugen CorportaionSafran GroupSuprema IncMerkatum CorporationFingerprint Cards Ab (Fpc)Diamond Fortress TechnologiesAwareZktecoRequest a Sample atOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoMicroprocessorFingerprint Recognition ModuleLiquid Crystal Display ModuleOn 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, includingResidentialCommercialMilitary & DefenseOtherGeographically, this report studies the top producers and consumers, focuses on product capacity, production, value, consumption, market share and growth opportunity in these key regions, coveringUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanOther RegionsComplete report on Fingerprint Access Control Systems Market is now available atKey Point from Table of Contents:1 Fingerprint Access Control Systems Market Overview2 Global Fingerprint Access Control Systems Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Fingerprint Access Control Systems Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)4 Global Fingerprint Access Control Systems Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)5 Global Fingerprint Access Control Systems Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Fingerprint Access Control Systems Market Analysis by Application7 Global Fingerprint Access Control Systems Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 Fingerprint Access Control Systems Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Fingerprint Access Control Systems Market Forecast (2018-2025)13 Research Findings and ConclusionOrder a copy of Global Fingerprint Access Control Systems Market atReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Biogas Plant 2018 Global Market Key Players - EnviTec Biogas AG, Air Liquide, Quadrogen, Ameresco Inc, Kohler & Ziegler, Biofuel USA Corporation-Analysis And Forecast To 2024 Biogas Plant Market 2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2316585-global-biogas-plant-market-outlook-2024-global-opportunity-and-demand-analysis https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/2316585-global-biogas-plant-market-outlook-2024-global-opportunity-and-demand-analysis Biogas Plant Market 2018Wiseguyreports.Com Adds Biogas Plant Global Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities, Manufacturers, Analysis of Top Key Players and Forecast to 2024 To Its Research Database.Description:Global Biogas plant Market OutlookMarket OverviewThe production of biogas plays vital role in creating sustainable society and reducing dependency over fossil fuels. Broad feedstock availability is defining the future prospects for the production of bio-gas. Globally, biogas has been accepted as one of the most upfront technology for green energy production. Rising need of biogas between industrial process, municipalities and farmers to meet the growing demand of energy is likely to strengthen the demand of biogas plants in coming future. One of the major drivers for the growth of biogas plants market has been the GHG (green house gases) mitigation. Substitute for fossil fuels and the reduction of carbon footprints are the major influence and the reimbursement for bio-energy and Bio gas plants. Moreover, shrinking oil reserves coupled with uncertainty of crude oil prices is further expected drive growth of global bio-gas plants. Rising awareness among the people towards environmental issues and GHG emission is expected to have positive impact on the growth of biogas plant market. Government regulation and policies to support the growth of renewable energy generation is further accompaniment the growth of biogas plants. The Europe introduces new regionally obligatory target, calling for minimum 27% renewable energy in final year energy consumption by 2030. In Middle-East, biogas plant market is expected to expand across the region, with new projects taking place in Iraq, Jordan and UAE. However, high initial investment and lack of skilled labor forces expected to hinder the growth of biogas plant market in Middle East.Market SegmentationBy Biogas Plant Types Small Scale Digesterso Fixed Domeo Floating drumo Balloon Plantso Horizontal Plantso Earth-pit Plantso Ferro-cement plants Industrial Digesterso Batch Plants Continuous Plants Semi-batch Plants Dry fermentation PlantsBy Application Type Electricity Generation Heat Generation Bio-Fuel GenerationBy Feedstock Type Food and Beverages waste Industrial waste Agricultural Waste Sewage Waste Energy Crops OthersBy Geography North America (US, Canada) {Market Share (%), Market Size (USD Million)} Europe (UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Hungary, Sweden, Russia, Poland and Rest of Europe) {Market Share (%), Market Size (USD Million)} Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries, North Africa, South Africa and Rest of Middle East & Africa) {Market Share (%), Market Size (USD Million)} Latin America (Brazil, Mexico and Rest of Latin America) {Market Share (%), Market Size (USD Million)} Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Rest of Asia-Pacific) {Market Share (%), Market Size (USD Million)} Rest of the World{Market Share (%), Market Size (USD Million)}Request for Sample Report @The global biogas plant market accounted for USD 26.4 billion in 2015 due to increase in recognition of biogas plants as environment-friendly alternative to fossil fuels and the functioning to reduce volume of disposed waste into landfills. Further, global biogas plant market is estimated to reach USD 49.7 billion by 2014 and anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period i.e. 2016-2024.Geographically, Asia-Pacific dominates the global biogas plant market and accounted USD 12.3 billion in 2016. Asia region leads the world in using small-scale biogas plants or digesters to produce bio-methane gas for cooking and space heating. More than 4.3 million population of rural India and more than 100 million people of rural China have access to energy produced by bio gas plants. China is expected to dominate in Asia-Pacific biogas plant market, owing to support of financial funding to various projects. In 2017, Asia Development Bank has funded Waste to Energy Project (WTE) with collaboration of Dynagreen environmental protection group across China. Asia-Pacific region is closely followed by Europe with more than 30% market share in global biogas plant market. Germany remains the Europe's largest producer of biogas and the bio-power production capacity of 7.1 Gigawatt (GW). Germany is the largest producer of biogas energy closely followed by France and Italy in the Europe Region.Key Players EnviTec Biogas AGo Synopsiso Business Strategyo Product Portfolioo SWOT Analysis Air Liquide Quadrogen Ameresco Inc Kohler & Ziegler Prometheus Energy Scandavian Biogas Cryonorm BV Beijing Sanyi Green Energy Development Co. Ltd. Biofuel USA CorporationEnquiry before Buying @If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of Content:Parent Market Synopsis2. Executive Summary3. Research Methodology4. Regional Opportunity Analysis on the basis of Competitors5. Global Biogas Plants Market Size (USD Billion) and Forecast Analysis, 2016-20246. Market Dynamics: Growth Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities6.1. Risk Factors6.2. Regional Variations6.3. Recent Trends and DevelopmentsCompetitive Outlook8.1. Market Share of Major Players (2016)8.2. Company Profiles8.2.1. EnviTec Biogas AG8.2.1.1. Company Synopsis8.2.1.2. Business Strategy8.2.1.3. Product Portfolio8.2.1.4. SWOT Analysis8.2.2. Air Liquide8.2.3. Quadrogen8.2.4. Ameresco Inc8.2.5. Kohler & Ziegler8.2.6. Prometheus Energy8.2.7. Scandavian Biogas8.2.8. Cryonorm BV8.2.9. Beijing Sanyi Green Energy Development Co. Ltd.8.2.10. Biofuel USA CorporationContinued..Contact US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)About Us:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Addres:: Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt Ltd: Pune 411028: Maharashtra,: Ph: +91 841 198 5042 Global Nano Positioning Systems Market 2018 - SmarAct GmbH, OWIS GmbH, Mad City Labs, Inc. Global Nano Positioning Systems Market https://bit.ly/2M26qfl https://bit.ly/2Ln8Sfh www.apexmarketreports.com Global Nano Positioning Systems Market 2018 research report indicates that the global Nano Positioning Systems market is expected to reach $ XX million by 2022. The forecast is based on deep analysis on the present state of Nano Positioning Systems market in Nano Positioning Systems Industry. The report presents Nano Positioning Systems data by Type, Power Rating, Application, and Regions providing global forecast up to 2022.The Nano Positioning Systems Market study deals with the comprehensive overview of the Nano Positioning Systems market starting from definitions, applications, classifications and a complete Nano Positioning Systems industry chain structure. The report then dwells into global Nano Positioning Systems market analysis by providing a competitive landscape of Nano Positioning Systems market, Nano Positioning Systems market development history and major development trends presented by Nano Positioning Systems market.Request for the sample copy of report :The report further explains development plans and policies, manufacturing processes, cost structures of Nano Positioning Systems market as well as the leading players. It also focuses on the details like company profile, product images, supply chain relationship, import/export details of Nano Positioning Systems market, statistics of Nano Positioning Systems market, upcoming development plans, Nano Positioning Systems market gains, contact details, and consumption ratio.In addition to this, the Nano Positioning Systems market report also covers gross margin by regions including North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India. Other regions can be added on request.The Global Nano Positioning Systems market research report also includes an in-depth analysis of sub-segments, market dynamics, feasibility study, key strategies used by leading players, market share study and growth prospects of the industry. The report also evaluates the growth established by the market during the forecast period and research conclusions are offered.Key segments of Nano Positioning Systems market* Leading Manufacturers Analysis in Global Nano Positioning Systems Market 2018:Aerotech Inc.Prior Scientific InstrumentsPhysik Instrumente (PI) GmbH & Co. KGCedrat TechnologiesOME Technology Co. Ltd.Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLCSmarAct GmbHOWIS GmbHMad City Labs, Inc.Piezosystem Jena GmbHInquire before buying :* Nano Positioning Systems Market: Type Segment Analysis:Continuous ControlPoint to Point Control* Nano Positioning Systems Market: Applications Segment Analysis:Optics & PhotonicsR&DMicroscopyAdvance Positioning SystemAerospaceOthersKey Highlights of Nano Positioning Systems Market: Clarity: A Clear understanding of the Nano Positioning Systems market based on growth, constraints, opportunities, feasibility study. Concise: To the point Nano Positioning Systems Market study based on major geographical regions. Analytical approach: Thorough analysis of improving business sections as well as a comprehensive study of existing Nano Positioning Systems market segments.About UsApex Market Reports offers elevating market research globally. We have collection of various syndicated reports of different categories. Apex Market Reports provides you to best services, weather youre searching for new trends in market or competitive scenario in emerging market.Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezCorporate Sales Specialist155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4250Chicago, IL 60606Phone: +17739042683Email id - sales@apexmarketreports.comWebsite - Lancet and Pen Needles Market 2017 Major Key Companies B. Braun Melsungen AG, Terumo Corporation, Becton Dickinson, Sanofi Forecast 2027 Lancet and Pen Needles Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/555 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/lancet-pen-needles-market-555 Market ScenarioLancets are one of the widely used alternative devices to obtain blood samples. Lancets are receiving global recognition and acceptance due to its several convenient characteristics which gives them an edge over the traditional methods for vein puncture. Some of the important features of the safety lancets are painless vein puncture, easy handling, and safety while using. The major applications of the safety lancets are capillary blood micro sampling, cholesterol test, hemoglobin (HBO) and HIV screening test, blood group test, coagulation tests, allergy tests, and many other blood-based tests.Safety lancets were introduced in 1994 by Medlance with an initiation button and T-shape cover it. They were used to avoid needle-stick injuries and infections caused by them. In the U.S. alone in 2014, around 2.2 million people had chronic hepatitis B virus infection. (CDC, Viral Hepatitis - Hepatitis B Information, 2016). To reduce the prevalence of such blood-borne infections, safety lancets are very helpful. Safety lancets can be further classified by their structural specifications such as push-button safety lancets, pressure activated safety lancets, and side button safety lancets.View Reports Sample @A number of factors such as the favorable reimbursement environment and government support in selected countries, advantages of insulin pens over syringes and vials, technological advancements to minimize pain and needle anxiety, growing diabetic population, and various conferences, meetings, and congresses to create pen needle awareness are expected to drive the growth of the pen needles during the forecast period.However, the risk associated with blood transfusion may affect the growth of the global lancet and pen needles market negatively.The global lancet and pen needles market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.30% during the forecast period, 2017-2027.Intended Audience Pharmaceutical Companies Medical Devices Companies Research and Development (R&D) Companies Market Research and Consulting Service Providers Potential InvestorsSegmentationThe global lancet and pen needles market is segmented on the basis of type, application, and end user.On the basis the type, it is segmented into lancets and pen needles. The lancet segment is further sub-segmented into safety lancets and regular lancets. The safety lancets are further categorized into push-button safety lancets, pressure activated safety lancets, and side button safety lancets. The pen needles is further categorized into standard pen needles and safety pen needles.On the basis of the application, it is segmented into insulin, capillary blood sampling, hormones, GLP, skin testing, and others.On the basis of the end users, it is segmented into hospitals & clinics, diagnostic centers & medical institutions, home care & home diagnostics, research & academic laboratories, and others.Key Findings The global lancet and pen needles market was estimated to USD 3,329.94 million in 2016 Capillary blood sampling is the fastest growing segment, by application which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.77% during the forecast period from 2017-2027 Europe has captured the largest market globally and is expected to reach USD 3,719.58 million by 2027 Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region across the globe and expected to grow at a CAGR 10.75% during the forecast periodRegional AnalysisEurope dominates the global lancet and pen needles market owing to the increasing prevalence of patients, the presence of major market players. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the healthcare expenditure in Germany was EUR 321 billion in 2014 while France recorded the second highest level of current healthcare expenditure of EUR 237 billion.The Americas hold the second position in the market owing to increasing support from the government, the presence of huge geriatric population, and high healthcare spending. Moreover, improvement in medical device regulation, the presence of a strong economic condition, and focus of research institutions on updating technology for new and advanced treatment methods for lancet and pen needles are some of the other factors contributing to the growth of this market in the region.Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market owing to the presence of more number of developing nations such as India and China in this region. These countries are encouraging the growth of the lancet and pen needles market.The Middle East & Africa is expected to hold the least market share due to less availability of medical facilities, and less development in the healthcare domain. However, countries such as Qatar and Kuwait are focusing more on the healthcare sector and developing medical facilities, which will boost the market of this region.Request Full Report @Key PlayersSome of the key players in this market are B. Braun Melsungen AG, Terumo Corporation, Becton Dickinson, Sanofi, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Bayer AG, Novo Nordisk A S, Eli Lilly and Company, Owen Mumford Ltd, Medtronic, Ypsomed Holding AG, Sarstedt AG & Co, Greiner Bio One, Abbott Laboratories, HTL-STREFA S.A, Improve Medical, UltiMed, Inc., Allison Medical, Inc., Artsana S.p.a., VOGT MEDICAL, Perrigo Diabetes Care, MedExel Co., Ltd, ARKRAY Inc., Simple Diagnostics, Stat Medical, Terumo, Trividia Health, and others.Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India Insecticides Market Worth 18,451.2 Million USD By 2022 https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/?cp_id=3466 http://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/insecticides-market-forecast-2022/ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/?cp_id=3466 The global insecticides market will grow at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period to reach USD 18,451.2 million by 2022, according to the latest publication from Meticulous Research. The global insecticides market is primarily driven by the growing population, reduction of arable land, increasing crop losses due to insects, and advanced agricultural practices and technologies. Further, integrated pest management (IPM) and developing nations provide significant opportunities in this market. However, growing concern over side effects of insecticides, growing emphasize on bio-insecticides and organic farming, and stringent government regulations obstructs the growth of this market to some extent.Download Free Sample PDF @The global insecticides market is mainly segmented by type (chemical and biological), by chemical type (organophosphates, pyrethroids and pyrethrins, carbamates, cyclodiene organochlorines, neonicotinoids, benzoylureas, and others), by crop type (cereals and grains, oilseed and pulses, fruits and vegetables, turf grass and ornamentals, andothers), by application (foliar spraying, soil treatment, seed treatment, and post-harvest), by form (solid, liquid, and microencapsulated suspension).Based on the product type, the chemical insecticides segment dominated the market in 2016 and is also estimated to continue its dominance over the forecast period, owing to its increasing usage in developing countries, easy availability, higher efficiency, and low cost as compared to biologicals.On the basis of crop type, cereals and grains segment commanded the largest share in the global market in 2016, owing to the large production of cereal & grains across the globe and increasing adoption of insecticides by farmers to control the yield losses due to insects, especially in developing nations. On the basis of application, foliar spray segment held the largest share in the market in 2016. The large share of this segment is mainly attributed to its higher efficiency as compared to other modes of applications.Geographically, Latin America accounted for the largest share in the global insecticides market in 2016, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific region. The largest share of the Latin America region is mainly attributed to the large arable land, increasing demand for crop yield & efficiency, increasing crop yield losses, less stringent laws related to food safety, increased crop yield, higher adoption of advanced technologies, and availability of government funding. However, Asia-Pacific region is slated to register the fastest growth during the forecast period, primarily due to large area under agriculture cultivation, growing need to increase crop yield due to increasing population, increasing organic farming and use of biological fungicides, and increasing government funding.Browse in-depth Report onInsecticides MarketThe leading companies have employed various strategies to expand their product and application offerings, global footprint, and augment their market shares. The key strategies followed by most companies in the global insecticides market were new product launches, mergers & acquisitions, and expansions. The key players in the global insecticides market are BASF SE, Syngenta AG, E.I. DUPONT De Nemours And Company, FMC Corporation, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd, BAYER Cropscience AG, Nufarm Limited, The Dow Chemical Company, Marrone Bio Innovation, Monsanto Company, Arysta LifeScience, ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Ltd., Drexel Chemical Company, BioWorks Inc., Heranba Industries Ltd., and Novozymes A/S.Download Free Sample PDF @About Meticulous ResearchMeticulous Research is founded in 2010 and incorporated as Meticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd. in 2013 as a private limited company under the Companies Act, 1956. Since its incorporation, the company has become the leading provider of premium market intelligence in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.Contact us :Viren ShrivastavaAVP- Global Sales and MarketingMeticulous ResearchEmail: viren@meticulousresearch.comDirect Lines: +1-646-781-8004 (North America)+44-203-868-8738 (Europe)+91 744-7780008 (Asia-Pacific)Office No-402, 4th Floor, Pushpak Business Hub, Wakad, Pune-411057 Chronic Pancreatitis Pain Market Insights by Size, Status and Forecast 2020 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/chronic-pancreatitis-pain-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=3570 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=3570 www.transparencymarketresearch.com Pancreatitis is a condition wherein the pancreas becomes inflamed. Amongst the two forms of pancreatitis: acute and chronic, the latter one constitutes long lasting inflammation. Major cause of chronic pancreatitis is damage to pancreas due to heavy alcohol consumption. Hereditary disorders of the pancreas, gall stones, high triglycerides, cystic fibrosis and certain medications are the various other causes responsible for chronic pancreatitis.View Report-Children are rarely known to be affected by chronic pancreatitis, but incidences may occur in case of genetic mutations or trauma to the pancreas though the cause is not completely known. Various tests are available to diagnose chronic pancreatitis which include pancreatic function test, pancreas exocrine function test, CT scans, abdominal ultrasound examination, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), endoscopic ultrasound, genetic testing and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).Constant pain in the upper abdomen radiating to the back is the most common symptom associated with chronic pancreatitis. Other symptoms are nausea, vomiting, weight loss due to malabsorption of food, steatorrhea and diabetes if the insulin producing cells are damaged. Two major reasons contributing to the pain in chronic pancreatitis are increased pressure in the pancreatic ducts and inflammation of pancreatic nerve. Inflammation of pancreas causes narrowing of the pancreatic duct, thus causing blockage. This leads to building up of pancreatic secretions in the pancreatic duct, consequently leading to pain.The global chronic pancreatitis pain market can be segmented based on therapy type, and geography. Therapies used to treat chronic pancreatitis pain include medical therapy, endoscopic therapy and surgery. Medical therapy is the first line of treatment in chronic pain management and may be further classified as nonspecific supportive therapy, pancreatic enzymes, octreotide, and antioxidant therapy. Analgesic drugs are the most commonly used method to treat the concurrent symptoms as a supportive therapy.Request Brochure-In some cases, antidepressants and anti inflammatory drugs are also used as a concomitant therapy. The use of oral pancreatic enzymes has been variable. These enzymes replace the normally produced pancreatic enzymes; however, these enzymes are not known to be effective in all people. Octreotide are cholecystokinin-receptor antagonists that inhibit pancreatic secretion and thus is known to be effective in reducing the chronic pain.Endoscopic therapy is used to overcome pancreatic duct obstruction caused due to strictures, stones or ampullary stenosis, though endoscopic treatments are more used to prevent acute relapsing of pancreatitis. Currently, endoscopic insertion of stents is known to have potential use in chronic pancreatitis. Various pain modifying agents such as gabapentin, antidepressants, and pregabalin, antioxidants, celiac plexus block, octreotide and total pancreatectomy with islet cell auto transplantation are currently undergoing extensive research.Nerve block involves injecting directly into the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the pancreas. Pancreatic lithotripsy is the procedure used to break up stones lodged in the pancreatic duct. This helps to improve the flow of digestive juices. Surgery is recommended only when the individual does not respond to other treatments. These surgical procedures include pancreaticojejunostomy to remove blockage and pressure in the pancreatic duct, removal of part of the pancreas and an experimental treatment known as autologous islet transplantation.Request For Discount-Geographically, the chronic pancreatitis pain market can be categorized into four major regions namely North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. Some of the key players contributing to the global chronic pancreatitis pain market are Abbott, Aptalis Pharma, Inc., McNeil Consumer Healthcare and Sun Biopharma while various institutions involved in the research for treating chronic pancreatitis pain include Radboud University, University Medicine Greifswald, and University of Albama.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:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: If you are currently a print subscriber but don't have an online account, select this option. You will need to use your 7 digit subscriber account number (with leading zeros) and your last name (in UPPERCASE). Global Solar Photovoltaic Material Market Insights and Major Trends Encouraging Growth Until the End of 2024 MRRSE https://www.mrrse.com/sample/3034 https://www.mrrse.com/solar-photovoltaic-material-market https://www.mrrse.com/ The global solar photovoltaic (PV) materials market has gained noteworthy momentum over the last few years. The increasing concerns regarding various environmental problems, especially greenhouse gas emission and rising carbon footprint have become the primary factors behind the rising demand for solar PV and consequently, solar PV materials across the globe. Considering this, Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) has recently announced the addition of a new market report to its massive online collection with a title Global Solar Photovoltaic Material Market - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 2024. The report is an in-depth and professional analysis of the current market state as well as the future prospects of the global solar photovoltaic material market.Click to get Sample PDF:The global solar photovoltaic material market is expected to rise at an impressive CAGR of 11.4% between 2016 and 2024. At this pace, the market will attain a value of US$19.60 billion by the end of 2024 from US$7.55 billion in 2015. The report also provides key market indicators influencing the growth of the market during the forecast period. It analyzes opportunities in the solar photovoltaic material market at the regional and global level. Market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, risks and opportunities included in the report are justified through qualitative and quantitative analysis. Furthermore, these factors are verified through primary and secondary research. The report analyzes substitutes of solar photovoltaic material, along with global average price trend.The study provides exhaustive view of the solar photovoltaic material market by segregating it based on material type, end-user and geography. On the basis of material type, the solar photovoltaic material market is divided into cadmium telluride, crystalline, polycrystalline, copper indium diselenide and others. End-user segments which include commercial, residential and industrial are analyzed based on historic, current, and future trends. Regional segmentation includes the present and forecast demand for solar photovoltaic material in Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa.View Complete TOC with Tables and Figures at:The report includes a detailed competitive outlook that covers market share and profiles of major companies operating in the global solar photovoltaic material market. Major companies profiled in the report include, Mitsubishi Material Corporation, Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation LLC, BASF SE, LDK Solar Co. Ltd., Wacker Chemie AG , Shin-Etsu Chemicals Co., Okmetic Ltd., Atecom Technology Co., Ltd., Topsil GlobalWafers A/S, Silicor Materials, Inc., Applied Materials, Inc, Targray Technology International, Inc. Company profiles also over attributes such as brand overview, company overview, business strategies, number of employees, key competitors, business overview, recent developments, acquisitions and financial overview.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.ContactState Tower90, State Street Suite 700Albany, NY 12207 (United States)Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite: Rugged Display Market: 2018 key Players by Micro Systems, Xplore, Panasonic, Sparton, Getac Technology, Samsung, Zebra and Bluestone by Forecast to 2023 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4131 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/rugged-display-market-4131 Rugged Display Market is growing rapidly over 5% of CAGR and is expected to reach at $ 10 Billion by the end of forecast period 2018 to 2023. This Global Rugged Display Market growth due to the increasing trend of digital transformation. The latest technologies are designed to withstand tough condition. For instance, the light weight devices are designed with rugged display that are highly durable, shock absorbent, portable, can withstand with rough handling, dust and rain.Market HighlightsThe study reveals that rugged display is trending in North America region. The latest rugged displays are widely used for military display as these display covers large display sizes with infrared touch-screen technology and rugged data storage which can be used for viewing information, maps and charts, video, images. The rugged smart displays are embedded with smartphone & portable computer, vehicle-mounted computer, laptop, tablet PC and others. The rugged displays are designed to meet the requirements of various sectors including industrial, commercial, defense and others. These sectors are looking for advanced laminated, glass improve durability, impact resistance, brightness, contrast, sunlight readability rugged display.Get Sample Report of Global Rugged Display Market @In North America region, the rugged display market is growing due to the increasing trend of digital transformation. The latest technologies are designed to withstand tough condition. For instance, the light weight devices are designed with rugged display that are highly durable, shock absorbent, portable, can withstand with rough handling, dust and rain. In 2015, General Micro Systems Inc. (U.S.) has introduced RuggedView smart displays that covers large display. It offers high level of ruggedness, ultra-dense, super-rugged smart display, and high performance at a very low cost.The global rugged display market is growing rapidly over ~5% of CAGR and is expected to reach at USD ~ 10 Billion by the end of forecast period.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 30 market data tables and figures spread over 100 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on The Global Rugged Display Market Research Report -Forecast to 2023.Major Key Player of Rugged Display Market:The prominent players in the global rugged display market Sparton Corporation (US), Xplore Technologies Corporation (US), Panasonic Corporation (Japan), Getac Technology Corporation (Taiwan), Samsung Group (South Korea), Zebra Technologies Corporation (U.S), Bluestone Technology Ltd (U.S), Chassis Plans (U.S), Sonim Technologies Inc. (U.S.), Kyocera Corporation (Japan) among others.Global Rugged Display Market Segmentation:The global rugged display market is bifurcated on the basis of type, operation system, ruggedness, end- users and region. The type is segmented into dot-matrix, LCD, LED and others. The operating system is segmented on the basis of iOS, windows, android and others. The ruggedness is segmented into semi-rugged, fully rugged, ultra-rugged and others. The end-users is segmented into government and defense, aerospace, hospitals, industrial, commercial and others. The region includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and rest of the world.Regional Analysis:The regional analysis of rugged display market is being studied for region such as Asia pacific, North America, Europe and Rest of the World. North America is one of the leading region across the world in terms of market share in rugged display market as it has huge demand in many sectors including aerospace, government, industries and others. The rugged display market in Europe region is expected to witness rapid growth in the forthcoming period. Whereas, Asia-Pacific countries like China, Japan and South Korea is an emerging market for rugged display and expected to be the highest CAGR in the coming years as the companies are taking interest in deploying the rugged display in the market.The global Rugged Display Market is expected to grow at USD ~10 Billion by 2023, at ~5% of CAGR between 2017 and 2023.Market Research Analysis:On geographic basis, global rugged display market is studied in different regions as Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of world. It has been observed that North America region is leading with largest market share growth in the rugged display market. The rugged display is gaining huge demand as it can prevent the devices from accidental damage, built in industrial docking connectors, and low cost. In this market, Europe is to be estimated to be the second largest market share for rugged display during the forecast period.Intended Audience: Rugged Display manufacturing companies Display panel manufacturers Display manufacturing equipment suppliers Display-related service providers Original equipment manufacturers Rugged Display providers Research and development companies Market research and consulting firms Solution providers Technology standards organizations Technology investors System IntegratorsTable of Contents1 Market Introduction1.1 Introduction1.2 Scope of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions1.2.3 Limitations1.3 Market Structure:1.3.1 Global Rugged Display Market: By Types1.3.2 Global Rugged Display Market: By Operation System1.3.3 Global Rugged Display Market: By Ruggedness Level1.3.4 Global Rugged Display Market: By End User1.3.5 Global Rugged Display Market: By Region2 Research Methodology2.1 Research2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research2.4 Forecast ModelContinues...Access Full Report @List of TablesTable 1 Rugged Display Market, By TypeTable 2 Rugged Display Market, By Operation SystemTable 3 Rugged Display Market, By Ruggedness LevelContinues...List of FiguresFigure 1 Research MethodologyFigure 2 Rugged Display Market: By Type (%)Figure 3 Rugged Display Market: By Operation System (%)Continues...About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Application, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +91 841 198 5042Mail: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Global Natural Gas Refueling Infrastructure Market Anticipated to Reach 29,688 units by 2022 MRRSE https://www.mrrse.com/sample/780 https://www.mrrse.com/natural-gas-refueling-infrastructure-market https://www.mrrse.com/ An insightful study, titled Natural Gas Refueling Infrastructure Market has been freshly broadcasted to the vast research repository of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE). This research study provides detailed comprehensions and forecasts future growth of the global market with an in-depth study of the factors impacting revenue growth throughout the mentioned forecast period. Further, a deep analysis on the major players from diverse regions is also present in the report.Get Sample Report @This research study analyzes the market for natural gas refueling infrastructure in terms of volume and revenue. The natural gas refueling infrastructure market has been segmented on the basis of station type and geography. For the research, 2013 has been taken as the base year while all forecasts have been presented for the 20142022 period. Market data for all the segments has been provided at the regional as well as country-specific level for the 20132022 period. The regional segments have been further divided into country level segments, which include the major players in the global natural gas refueling infrastructure market.The report provides a comprehensive competitive landscape and features companies engaged in the natural gas refueling infrastructure business. This report includes the key market dynamics affecting the overall natural gas refueling infrastructure industry globally. The report also provides a detailed analysis of the global natural gas refueling infrastructure market with the help of the Porters Five Forces model. The Porters Five Forces analysis aids in understanding the five major forces that affect the industry structure and profitability of the global natural gas refueling infrastructure market. The forces analyzed are the bargaining power of buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, threat from new entrants, threat from substitutes, and degree of competition.The high-level analysis in the report provides detailed insights into the natural gas refueling infrastructure business globally. Major drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the natural gas refueling infrastructure market were analyzed in detail and are illustrated in the report with the help of supporting graphs and tables. There are currently numerous growth drivers for the natural gas refueling infrastructure industry. One of the most prominent drivers is the no emissions and government initiatives boost the demand for natural gas as transportation fuel. Apart from this, low cost of natural gas results in attractive return on investments. This factor also contributes to the overall growth of the natural gas refueling infrastructure market. Market attractiveness analysis was done on the basis of geography. Market attractiveness was estimated on the basis of common parameters that directly impact the market in different regions.The natural gas refueling infrastructure market was further segmented on the basis of station type. Stations included in this report are compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The natural gas refueling infrastructure market was analyzed across six geographies: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, the Middle East, and Africa. Regional data has been provided for each sub-segment of the natural gas refueling infrastructure market.Key market participants in the natural gas refueling infrastructure market include Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Apache Corporation, BP plc, Indraprastha Gas Limited, Trillium CNG, Gazprom, PETRONAS, ENN Energy Holdings Limited, Gas Natural Fenosa, Fuel System Solutions, Inc., Blu LNG, Cryostar SAS, GE Oil & Gas, Clean Energy Fuels, and GNC Galileo. The report provides an overview of these companies, followed by their financial details, business strategies, and recent developments.Comprehensive Overview of Report with Exclusive List of Tables and Figures @The global natural gas refueling infrastructure market has been segmented as follows:Natural Gas Refueling Infrastructure Market: Station AnalysisCNGLNGNatural Gas Refueling Infrastructure Market: Region AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaRest of North AmericaEuropeGermanyItalyRest of EuropeAsia PacificPakistanBangladeshRest of Asia PacificSouth AmericaBrazilArgentinaRest of South AmericaMiddle EastIranRest of Middle EastAfricaEgyptRest of AfricaAbout Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Oil and Gas 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: Total Stations Market: 2018 Trending Key Leaders by Changzhou Dadi Surveying, Suzhou FOIF, Hexagon, Hi-Target Surveying, Guangdong Kolida, Maple and Topcon Forecast to 2023 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5727 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/total-stations-market-5727 Total Stations Market Research Report By Offering (Hardware, Services), By Type (Robotic, Manual), By Application (Construction, Transportation, Oil And Gas, Mining) Forecast Till 2023. Global total stations market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% over the forecast period 2023. This research report Analyze Total Stations Market by Size, Share, Growth, Trend, Segment and Regional Analysis with Forecast to 2023Market Highlights:A total station is an optical instrument which is useful in measuring horizontal and vertical distances concerning the grid system. The device can perform slope staking, topographic surveys, construction project layouts, point projections, areas and many more. The major advantage of total systems is relatively quick in information collection, the capability of performing multiple surveys at one-point, digital design data from CAD programs which can be uploaded to data collector directly.Get Sample Report @The applications of total stations cover wide areas like construction, transportation, oil & gas, mining, agriculture and others. In mining, total stations are used as a primary device for surveying in the mining industry. In this case, total stations are used to record the location of walls, floor, and ceiling. This data helps in comparing with the designed layout, and the recorded reading can be downloaded into CAD program. In construction, the total stations have become the major part of its precision and accurate measurements. Total stations help in from designing of construction to the deployment of the actual building. By providing the wall angles and linear distances, the values are encoded into CAD software, and the design layout can be verified.A few salient features of total stations are dynamic angle recording, two-axis compensator which helps in determining axis tilt, online control by computer, keyboard control, digital panel and many more. Leica Geosystems, a global leader in providing surveying and geographical instruments, launched new scan station P50. The device can cover distances more than 1 km. The P50 is high in providing angular accuracy and capable of gathering one million points per second. The device can be deployed in various industry segments like construction, mining, and many more. The extended range of the device helps in capturing more of the city skyline in a small number of steps. The efficiency and accuracy of the total stations are the major factors that are responsible for deployment in many verticals.Major Key Players:The key players in the global total stations market are Changzhou Dadi Surveying Science & Technology Co. (China), Suzhou FOIF Co. (China), Hexagon (Sweden), Survey Instruments Services (Singapore), Hi-Target Surveying Instrument Co. (China), Guangdong Kolida Instrument Co. (China), Maple International Instrument (US), North Group (Spain), Trimble (U.S.), Topcon Corporation (Japan), Kara Company (U.S.), Axis- GPS and Surveying Instruments (Israel), Kwipped (U.S.), Celtic Surveys (Ireland) and others.Segmentation:The global total stations market is segmented into the offering, type, application, and region. On the basis of offering, the segment is further classified into hardware and services. The hardware comprises of various components like EDM (electronic distance measurement), electronic theodolite, microprocessor, storage units, display devices and others. On the basis of type, the segment is further classified into the robotic total station and manual robotic station. The applications of total stations cover wide areas like construction, transportation, oil and gas, mining, agriculture and others.Regional Analysis:The global Total Stations Market is studied in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the world. Asia Pacific holds major market share for total stations globally. The presence of major companies, increase in investments in construction and engineering sector in developing countries like India, China and Taiwan are supporting the market growth. The initiatives for developing smart cities are fuelling the market growth. North America Holds the significant market share and is expected to continue through the forecast period. The growth of transportation and construction sector in countries like U.S., Canada, and Mexico are supporting the market growth. The key players in the region are constantly innovating and investing in research and development activities in order to generate cost-effective product portfolio.Access Report Details @Some of the key innovators are Ti Asahi Co. Ltd (Japan), Maple International Instruments Inc. (U.S.), Advanced Surveying Instruments India Pvt. Ltd. (India), GENEQ Inc.(Canada), Leica Geosystems (Switzerland) and others. Key players are continually innovating in the field of total stations to survive in the competitive landscape.Intended Audience: Total station manufacturers Manufacturers of components Professional services/training providers End users from the listed industries Components suppliers, system integrators Research OrganizationsTABLE of CONTENTS1 Executive Summary2 The Scope of the Report2.1 Market Definition2.2 Scope of the Study2.2.1 Research Objectives2.2.2 Assumptions & Limitations2.3 Markets Structure3 Market Research Methodology3.1 Research Process3.2 Secondary Research3.3 Primary Research3.4 Forecast ModelContinue...List of TablesTable 1 Global Total Stations Market: By Region, 2017-2023Table 2 North America Total Stations Market: By Country, 2017-2023Table 3 Europe Total Stations Market: By Country, 2017-2023Table 4 Asia-Pacific Total Stations Market: By Country, 2017-2023Table 5 Middle East & Africa Total Stations Market: By Country, 2017-2023Continue...List of FiguresFigure 1 Global Total Stations Market SegmentationFigure 2 Forecast MethodologyFigure 3 Five Forces Analysis of Global Total Stations MarketFigure 4 Value Chain of Global Total Stations MarketFigure 5 Share of Global Total Stations Market in 2017, By Country (In %)ContinueAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Application, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +91 841 198 5042Mail: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Global Water Industry Regional Analysis, Key Players and Forecasts till 2025 RnM https://www.reportsandmarkets.com/sample-request/water-industry-report-on-global-and-united-states-market-status-and-forecast-by-players-types-and-applications https://www.reportsandmarkets.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=2161138 https://www.reportsandmarkets.com/check-discount/water-industry-report-on-global-and-united-states-market-status-and-forecast-by-players-types-and-applications www.reportsandmarkets.com Global Water Industry focuses on global major leading industry players providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out.Development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross market PBX Phones.Get a FREE Sample copy of Water Industry Report@The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Water Industry manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry.The provincial analysis of the worldwide PBX Phones Industry splits the global market area into key areas that include both continents as well as specific countries which are currently shining in phrases of demand, volume or normal Trends.Key Companies Analysis: Veolia Environnement ,Suez Environnment ,ITT Corporation ,United Utilities ,Severn Trent ,Thames Water ,American Water Works Company ,GE Water ,Kurita Water Industries ,Nalco Company.....Direct Purchase Water Industry Report@Global Water Industry, provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The PBX Phones Market analysis is provided for the international Industry including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status.The PBX Phones industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered. With the tables and figures the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Discount on Water Industry Report at :Major Points Covered in Table of Contents:1 Industry Overview2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Water Industry3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis4 Production Analyses of Water Industry by Regions, Technology, and Applications5 Sales and Revenue Analysis of Water Industry by Regions6 Analyses of Water Industry Production, Supply, Sales and Market Status 2018-20237 Analysis of Water Industry industry Key Manufacturers8 Price and Gross Mar PBX Phones Analysis9 Marketing Traders or Distributor Analysis of Water Industry10 Development Trend of Water Industry industries 2018-202311 Industry Chain Suppliers of Water Industry with Contact Information12 New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis of Water Industry13 Conclusion of the PBX Phones industry 2018 Market Research ReportList of Tables and FiguresReportsAndMarkets is part of the Algoro Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. On ReportsAndMarkets.com you will find all the globally available market research and company reports from well-respected market research companies, all leaders in their field. Reports And Markets is totally independent and serves its customers by providing the most reliable market research available, as we understand how important this is for you.Sanjay JainManager - Partner Relations & International Marketinginfo@reportsandmarkets.comPh: +44-020-3286-9338 (UK)Ph: +1-214-377-1121 (US)Ph: +91-703-049-0292 (IND) Benzene 2018 Global Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.51% and Forecast to 2021 Benzene Market 2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2431962-global-benzene-market-2017-2021 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/2431962-global-benzene-market-2017-2021 WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On Benzene 2018 Global Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.51% and Forecast to 2021.The analysts forecast the global benzene market to grow at a CAGR of 4.51% during the period 2017-2021.Benzene is one of the natural components of crude oil. It is a highly flammable colorless liquid with a sweet odor. Benzene is primarily used as an intermediate to make chemicals such as styrene, ethylbenzene, cumene, cyclohexane, and nitrobenzene. More than 50% of the entire benzene produced is processed into styrene, which is used to make plastics and polymers. A small amount of benzene is used to make rubbers, detergents, explosives, lubricants, dyes, drugs, and pesticides.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comCovered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global benzene market for 2017-2021. The report presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography: Americas APAC EMEAThe report, Global Benzene Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors BASF ExxonMobil Reliance Industries Limited Shell The Dow Chemical CompanyOther prominent vendors China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) GS Caltex Haldia Petrochemicals Indian Oil Corporation NAFTPRO Petroleum Products Phillips 66 PTT Global Chemical RUTGERS Saudi Arabian OilMarket driver Increasing demand for benzene for various applications For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge Fluctuating prices of benzene in the domestic markets of various countries For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend Declining crude oil prices For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be? What are the key market trends? What is driving this market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key vendors in this market space?Report Details @Table Of Contents Major Key PointsPART 01: Executive summaryPART 02: Scope of the reportPART 03: Research methodologyPART 04: Introduction Market outlinePART 05: Market landscape Market overview Market size and forecast Five forces analysisPART 06: Market segmentation by derivative Global benzene market by derivative Global benzene market by styrene Global benzene market by cumene Global benzene market by cyclohexane Global benzene market by aniline Global market for other benzene derivativesPART 07: Regional landscape Geographical segmentation Regional comparison APAC Market size and forecast Americas market size and forecast EMEA market size and forecast Key leading countries Market opportunityPART 08: Decision frameworkPART 09: Drivers and challenges Market drivers Market challengesPART 10: Market trends Declining crude oil prices Technological advances in benzene production Increasing investments in the Middle EastPART 11: Vendor landscape Competitive scenario Major market vendors Other prominent vendorsPART 12: Key vendor analysis BASF ExxonMobil Reliance Industries Limited Shell The Dow Chemical CompanyPART 13: Appendix List of abbreviationsContinued..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. Size Of Global Cloud Equipment Sales Market 2025 | Dell, Cisco, IBM, Hitachi, HP, Oracle and Others Cloud Equipment Sales Market https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1752815 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-cloud-equipment-sales-market-report-2018-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Cloud Equipment Sales Market Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies the global Cloud Equipment market status and forecast, categorizes the global Cloud Equipment market size (value & volume) by key players, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top players in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia India and Other regions (Middle East & Africa, Central & South America).In 2017, the global Cloud Equipment 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 players covered in this reportDellCiscoIBMHitachiCTERAEMCEmulexRiverbedVMwareHPPromise TechnologyOracleTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Geographically, this report studies the key regions, focuses on product sales, value, market share and growth opportunity in these regions, coveringUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoNormal VersionCustomised VersionOn 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, includingEnterpriseGovernment UnitLibraryFactoryOtherTable of ContentsGlobal Cloud Equipment Sales Market Report 20181 Cloud Equipment Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Cloud Equipment1.2 Classification of Cloud Equipment by Product Category1.2.1 Global Cloud Equipment Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Cloud Equipment Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Normal Version1.2.4 Customised Version1.3 Global Cloud Equipment Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Cloud Equipment Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Enterprise1.3.3 Government Unit1.3.4 Library1.3.5 Factory1.3.6 Other1.4 Global Cloud Equipment Market by Region1.4.1 Global Cloud Equipment Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 United States Cloud Equipment Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 Europe Cloud Equipment Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 China Cloud Equipment Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 Japan Cloud Equipment Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Cloud Equipment Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.7 India Cloud Equipment Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Cloud Equipment (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Cloud Equipment Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Cloud Equipment Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2025)2 Global Cloud Equipment Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Cloud Equipment Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Cloud Equipment Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Cloud Equipment Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Cloud Equipment (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Cloud Equipment Sales and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.2.2 Global Cloud Equipment Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.3 Global Cloud Equipment (Volume and Value) by Region2.3.1 Global Cloud Equipment Sales and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)2.3.2 Global Cloud Equipment Revenue and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)2.4 Global Cloud Equipment (Volume) by ApplicationGet Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @3 United States Cloud Equipment (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Cloud Equipment Sales and Value (2013-2018)3.1.1 United States Cloud Equipment Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2018)3.1.2 United States Cloud Equipment Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2018)3.1.3 United States Cloud Equipment Sales Price Trend (2013-2018)3.2 United States Cloud Equipment Sales Volume and Market Share by Players (2013-2018)3.3 United States Cloud Equipment Sales Volume and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)3.4 United States Cloud Equipment Sales Volume and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)4 Europe Cloud Equipment (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 Europe Cloud Equipment Sales and Value (2013-2018)4.1.1 Europe Cloud Equipment Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2018)4.1.2 Europe Cloud Equipment Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2018)4.1.3 Europe Cloud Equipment Sales Price Trend (2013-2018)4.2 Europe Cloud Equipment Sales Volume and Market Share by Players (2013-2018)4.3 Europe Cloud Equipment Sales Volume and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)4.4 Europe Cloud Equipment Sales Volume and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)5 China Cloud Equipment (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5.1 China Cloud Equipment Sales and Value (2013-2018)5.1.1 China Cloud Equipment Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2018)5.1.2 China Cloud Equipment Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2018)5.1.3 China Cloud Equipment Sales Price Trend (2013-2018)5.2 China Cloud Equipment Sales Volume and Market Share by Players (2013-2018)5.3 China Cloud Equipment Sales Volume and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)5.4 China Cloud Equipment Sales Volume and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)6 Japan Cloud Equipment (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6.1 Japan Cloud Equipment Sales and Value (2013-2018)6.1.1 Japan Cloud Equipment Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2018)6.1.2 Japan Cloud Equipment Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2018)6.1.3 Japan Cloud Equipment Sales Price Trend (2013-2018)6.2 Japan Cloud Equipment Sales Volume and Market Share by Players (2013-2018)6.3 Japan Cloud Equipment Sales Volume and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)6.4 Japan Cloud Equipment Sales Volume and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)Continue...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.ResearchMozState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Market Size will Escalate Rapidly in the Near Future Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/906075-emea-europe-middle-east-and-africa-deep-brain-stimulation-devices-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/906075-emea-europe-middle-east-and-africa-deep-brain-stimulation-devices-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/906075-emea-europe-middle-east-and-africa-deep-brain-stimulation-devices-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=906075 Latest research study from HTF MI with title EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Deep Brain Stimulation Devices 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 EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Forecast till 2023.If you are involved in the Deep Brain Stimulation Devices 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 Parkinson's Disease, Essential Tremor, Dystonia & Other Applications, Product Types such as [Single-channel DBS & Dual Channel DBS] 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 EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Market Report 2018 @:Key Companies/players: Medtronic, St Jude Medical, Boston Scientific, Beijing Pins & SceneRay.Application: Parkinson's Disease, Essential Tremor, Dystonia & Other Applications, Product Type: Single-channel DBS & Dual Channel DBS.The research covers the current & Future market size of the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Deep Brain Stimulation Devices market and its growth rates based on 5 year history data. It also covers various types of segmentation such as by geography [Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Benelux; & Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Israel, UAE and Iran;]. 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 Deep Brain Stimulation Devices 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 EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Deep Brain Stimulation Devices 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 - EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Market Report 2018What will the market size be in 2023 and what will the growth rate beWhat are the key market trendsWhat is driving EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Market space?What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Market ?What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Market?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Deep Brain Stimulation Devices 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 EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Deep Brain Stimulation Devices market.Chapter 1, to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Deep Brain Stimulation Devices, Applications of Deep Brain Stimulation Devices, 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 Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Benelux; & Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Israel, UAE and Iran;, Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Segment Market Analysis (by Type);Chapter 7 and 8, to analyze the Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Segment Market Analysis (by Application [Parkinson's Disease, Essential Tremor, Dystonia & Other Applications]) Major Manufacturers Analysis;Chapter 9, Market Trend Analysis, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product Type [Single-channel DBS & Dual Channel DBS], Market Trend by Application [Parkinson's Disease, Essential Tremor, Dystonia & Other Applications];Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis;Chapter 11, to analyze the Consumers Analysis of EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Deep Brain Stimulation Devices by region, type and application ;Chapter 12, to describe Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Deep Brain Stimulation Devices 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.Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager)HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA 08837Phone: +1 (206) 317 1218sales@htfmarketreport.com Discover the Growth of the Pain Treatment Device Market 2018-2025 Pain Treatment Device Market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/1192570-turkey-pain-treatment-device-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1192570-turkey-pain-treatment-device-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/1192570-turkey-pain-treatment-device-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=1192570 Latest research study from HTF MI with title Turkey Pain Treatment Device 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 Turkey Pain Treatment Device Forecast till 2023.If you are involved in the Turkey Pain Treatment Device 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 Neuropathic Pain, Cancer Pain, Facial & Migraine Pain, Musculoskeletal Pain & Trauma, Product Types such as [Electrical Stimulation Devices, Radiofrequency Ablation Devices, Neurostimulation Devices & Others] 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 Turkey Pain Treatment Device Market Research Report 2018 @:Key Companies/players: Boston Scientific Corporation, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Medtronic, Bio-Medical Research (BMR) Ltd., Nevro Corp., Codman & Shurtleff, Inc., DJO Global, Inc., Halyard Health, Hospira (Pfizer), Medtronic, St. Jude Medical, Smiths Medical & Stryker Corporation.Application: Neuropathic Pain, Cancer Pain, Facial & Migraine Pain, Musculoskeletal Pain & Trauma, Product Type: Electrical Stimulation Devices, Radiofrequency Ablation Devices, Neurostimulation Devices & Others.The research covers the current & Future market size of the Turkey Pain Treatment Device market and its growth rates based on 5 year history data. It also covers various types of segmentation. 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 Turkey Pain Treatment Device 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 Turkey Pain Treatment Device 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 - Turkey Pain Treatment Device Market Research Report 2018What will the market size be in 2023 and what will the growth rate beWhat are the key market trendsWhat is driving Turkey Pain Treatment Device Market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in Turkey Pain Treatment Device Market space?What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the Turkey Pain Treatment Device Market ?What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the Turkey Pain Treatment Device Market?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the Turkey Pain Treatment Device 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 Turkey Pain Treatment Device market.Chapter 1, to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Turkey Pain Treatment Device, Applications of Turkey Pain Treatment Device, 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, Turkey Pain Treatment Device Segment Market Analysis (by Type);Chapter 7 and 8, to analyze the Turkey Pain Treatment Device Segment Market Analysis (by Application [Neuropathic Pain, Cancer Pain, Facial & Migraine Pain, Musculoskeletal Pain & Trauma]) Major Manufacturers Analysis;Chapter 9, Market Trend Analysis, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product Type [Electrical Stimulation Devices, Radiofrequency Ablation Devices, Neurostimulation Devices & Others], Market Trend by Application [Neuropathic Pain, Cancer Pain, Facial & Migraine Pain, Musculoskeletal Pain & Trauma];Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis;Chapter 11, to analyze the Consumers Analysis of Turkey Pain Treatment Device by region, type and application ;Chapter 12, to describe Turkey Pain Treatment Device Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Turkey Pain Treatment Device 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.Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager)HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA 08837Phone: +1 (206) 317 1218sales@htfmarketreport.com Dry Ice Machine Market Rising Demand by Cold Jet, IceTech, Karcher Dry Ice Machine Market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/1192645-united-states-dry-ice-machine-market-3 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1192645-united-states-dry-ice-machine-market-3 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/1192645-united-states-dry-ice-machine-market-3 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=1192645 Latest research study from HTF MI with title United States Dry Ice Machine 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 United States Dry Ice Machine Forecast till 2023.If you are involved in the Dry Ice Machine 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 Electrical Industry, Industrial Application, Food Industry, Commercial Application & Other Application, Product Types such as [Dry Ice Production Machine, Dry Ice Cleaning Machine, Particle Type, Block Type & Fog Type] 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 United States Dry Ice Machine Market Report 2018 @:Key Companies/players: Cold Jet (US), IceTech (DK), Karcher (Denmark), ASCO Group (CH), Artimpex nv (CH), ICEsonic (Croatia), TOMCO2 Systems (US), Aquila Triventek (DK), Tooice (TW), CO2 Air, Inc. (US), FREEZERCO2 (CN), Kyodo International (JP), Ziyang Sida (CN) & Wuxi Yongjie Automatic Equipment (CN).Application: Electrical Industry, Industrial Application, Food Industry, Commercial Application & Other Application, Product Type: Dry Ice Production Machine, Dry Ice Cleaning Machine, Particle Type, Block Type & Fog Type.The research covers the current & Future market size of the United States Dry Ice Machine market and its growth rates based on 5 year history data. It also covers various types of segmentation such as by geography [The West, Southwest, The Middle Atlantic, New England, The South & The Midwest]. 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 Dry Ice Machine 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 United States Dry Ice Machine 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 - United States Dry Ice Machine Market Report 2018What will the market size be in 2023 and what will the growth rate beWhat are the key market trendsWhat is driving United States Dry Ice Machine Market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in Dry Ice Machine Market space?What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the United States Dry Ice Machine Market ?What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the United States Dry Ice Machine Market?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the United States Dry Ice Machine 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 United States Dry Ice Machine market.Chapter 1, to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of United States Dry Ice Machine, Applications of Dry Ice Machine, 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 The West, Southwest, The Middle Atlantic, New England, The South & The Midwest, Dry Ice Machine Segment Market Analysis (by Type);Chapter 7 and 8, to analyze the Dry Ice Machine Segment Market Analysis (by Application [Electrical Industry, Industrial Application, Food Industry, Commercial Application & Other Application]) Major Manufacturers Analysis;Chapter 9, Market Trend Analysis, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product Type [Dry Ice Production Machine, Dry Ice Cleaning Machine, Particle Type, Block Type & Fog Type], Market Trend by Application [Electrical Industry, Industrial Application, Food Industry, Commercial Application & Other Application];Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis;Chapter 11, to analyze the Consumers Analysis of United States Dry Ice Machine by region, type and application ;Chapter 12, to describe Dry Ice Machine Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Dry Ice Machine 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.Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager)HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA 08837Phone: +1 (206) 317 1218sales@htfmarketreport.com Minister Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz highly appreciated notable economic achievements of the economic hub of Vietnam and hoped to develop the economic ties between the two countries, HCMC and Cuban localities. He said that Cuba and HCMC can cooperate in fields of medicine, electronics, high technology, energy industry, machinery manufacturing, consumer goods production and tourism. For his part, HCMCs chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong said that the conference promoting trade, investment and tourism to Cuba which was held at Melia Habana Hotel in Havana on June 4 gave HCMCs enterprises a chance to seek cooperation and investment opportunities in Cuba. At the meeting, the Investment & Trade Promotion Center of Ho Chi Minh City signed an agreement on developing trade and investment relation, promoting Vietnamese products in Cuban market and introducing projects to Vietnamese investors with the Center for the Promotion of Foreign Trade and Investment of Cuba. In addition, several cooperation agreements were signed at the conference, such as agreements between Saigontourist Holding Company and a Cuban travel company, Thai Binh Investment Joint Stock Company and the Cuban holding company Artex S.A. The Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment said that Cuba would introduce the Mariel Special Economic Development Zone to the Vietnamese delegation. The Vietnam Glass and Ceramics for Construction Corporation (Viglacera) has invested in industrial park infrastructure, with a 168ha project in Cubas Mariel Special Economic Zone. Cuba will give priority to Vietnam and create advantages for trade and investment promotion cooperation activities to reach a total value of the bilateral trade relation of US$500 million by 2020. By THUY HAI Translated by Kim Khanh Global Large-Scale LNG Terminals Market is likely to clock a CAGR of 3.9% between 2017 and 2023 : Strong Demand for LNG in Commercial and Industrial Sectors Fuels Growth Large-scale LNG Terminals Market https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=582373 https://www.researchmoz.us/largescale-lng-terminals-market-by-technology-liquefaction-and-regasification-and-by-site-onshore-and-offshore-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2015-2023-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Large-scale LNG Terminals Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2023" to its huge collection of research reports.The research report analyzes the market for large-scale LNG terminals in terms of throughput in MMTPA. For the research, 2016 has been considered as the base year and forecasts have been provided for 2017-2023.Large-scale LNG terminals include terminals with throughput more than 300,000 tons per annum. All other terminals below this capacity are not within the scope of this study. For some countries, the percentage of large-scale terminal throughput as a percentage of overall throughput was available directly from secondary sources or was established through primary interviews. For regional segments, where there was dearth of data from both primary and secondary sources, percentages were established using benchmarking and estimates.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report studies the large-scale LNG terminals market in terms of type, technology, and geography. Included in the report is CAGR for each segment under different category and their growth behavior through 2023. Past and current market figures have been used to present projections until 2023.Global Large-scale LNG Terminals Market: Report SnapshotThe executive summary section of the report includes market snapshot of the global large-scale LNG terminals market and comparative analysis by geography in terms of value for the 2017-2023 forecast timeframe.The market overview section of the large-scale LNG terminals market report looks into vital market indicators such as demand drivers, challenges, and opportunities that could have a bearing on the said market over the 2017-2023 forecast period. Some other vital indices such as market attractiveness analysis by geography and Porters five forces analysis have been presented in the report as well. These indicators throw light on bargaining power of suppliers, threat of new entrants, bargaining power of buyers, threat of substitutes, and competitive rivalry between players in the large-scale LNG terminals market.In addition, market share analysis of key players in the past has been provided in this report. This information enables readers for a know-how of the competitive hierarchy in the large-scale LNG terminals market in the past. The section concludes with a section on value chain analysis of the large-scale LNG terminals market. The interaction and roles of various stakeholders, right from producers of natural gas and LNG to distributors and final end-users have been explained in detail.Get Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @Global Large-scale LNG Terminals Market: Research MethodologyThe making of the report involved using proven research methodologies and verifiable assumptions. Some of the factors considered for deriving forecasts were growth in production and availability of natural gas in regions, increasing demand from the marine and road transportation sectors, rising consumption from other sectors such as power, development of large natural gas fields, and policy-based directives to increase natural gas consumption and reduce emissions.Some secondary sources reached out to analyze the large-scale LNG terminals market are company websites and company annual reports, Oil & Gas Journal, Rigzone, U.S. Energy Information Administration, BP Statistical Review of the World, and International Energy Agency.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.ResearchMozState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ Expanding At A CAGR Of 9.2%, Global Industrial Cyber Security Market Is Expected To Reach US$ 29.97 Bn By 2026 Industrial Cyber Security Solutions and Services Market https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1787447 https://www.researchmoz.us/industrial-cyber-security-solutions-and-services-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2018-2026-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1787447 https://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Industrial Cyber Security Solutions and Services Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2018 - 2026" to its huge collection of research reports.This comprehensive report on Industrial Cyber Security (Solutions and Services) Market [(By Component Hardware Solutions, Software Solutions, and Services; By Security Layer Network Security, End-point Security, Cloud Security, Application Security and Others; By End Use Industry - Process Industries and Discrete Industries)] Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2018 2026 by Transparency Market Research, analyzes and provides growth forecast for the industrial cyber security market at the global and regional level which includes Asia Pacific, South America, North America, Middle East & Africa (MEA), and Europe. The report provides analysis for the period 20162026, wherein 2018 to 2026 is the forecast period and the base year is 2017. An in-depth and unbiased market assessment has been made to offer readers insightful and accurate analysis. The report focuses on all the major trends and services playing a key role in industrial cyber security market growth over the period 2018 - 2026. It also focuses on restraining factors, market drivers, and opportunities of the industrial cyber security markets growth during the said period.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report includes a detailed ecosystem analysis, which offers a widespread view of the global industrial cyber security market. Porters Five Forces analysis is also provided to understand the competitive scenario in the global industrial cyber security market. The study incorporates market attractiveness analysis of the industrial cyber security market, wherein the segments, for instance software solutions, hardware solutions, and services, are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate, and attractiveness in terms of opportunity. In order to give a complete analysis of the overall competitive scenario in the industrial cyber security market, every geographic region mentioned in the report, is provided with an attractiveness analysis.Overview of the industrial cyber security market, detailing key market trends and dynamics has been included to provide a clear understanding of ecosystem forces. Dynamics includes impact analysis of market restraining factors, drivers and opportunities of the industrial cyber security market. Additionally, the report also provides analysis of different business strategies being adopted by market leaders of this market. Trends and services related to industrial cyber security solutions along with their applications have also been explained in the report.Global Industrial Cyber Security Market: Scope of the ReportThe study provides a decisive view on the global industrial cyber security market, broadly segmented by component as software solutions, hardware solutions, and services, by security layer as network security, end-point security, cloud security, application security and others, and by end use industry as process industries and discrete industries. Further, the report provides detailed breakdown of the industrial cyber security market across geographic regions, which include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America, thus providing valuable insights at micro and macro levels.The report highlights the competitive scenario within the industrial cyber security market, thus ranking all the major players according to their key recent developments and their geographic presence. Insights for the industrial cyber security market are the result of our extensive primary interviews, secondary research, and in-house expert panel reviews. These market estimates have been analyzed by considering the impact of different economic, political, social, legal and technological factors.On the basis of country, the North America market is segmented into the U.S., Canada, and Rest of North America. Furthermore, the Europe market is analyzed across France, Germany, U.K., and Rest of Europe. APAC industrial cyber security market is also segmented at country level which includes China, Japan, India, and Rest of Asia Pacific. Middle East & Africa covers the G.C.C., South Africa, and Rest of Middle East & Africa. Similarly, South America region includes Brazil and Rest of South America. This report provides all the strategic information required to understand the industrial cyber security market along with its components, security layer, and end-use industry.Global Industrial Cyber Security Market: Research MethodologyThe research methodology is a perfect combination of primary research, secondary research, and expert panel reviews. Secondary sources such as annual reports, company websites, SEC filings and investor presentations, internal and external proprietary databases, statistical databases, relevant patent and regulatory databases, market reports, government publications, World Bank database, and industry white papers are usually referred for developing preliminary market understanding. Further, for this report we have specifically focused on data from cyber security breaches survey and industry bodies.Primary research involves telephonic interviews, e-mail interactions, and face-to-face interviews for detailed and unbiased reviews on the industrial cyber security market across geographies. Primary interviews are usually conducted on an ongoing basis with industry experts and participants in order to get latest market insights and validate the existing data and analysis. Primary interviews offer new and fresh information on important factors such as market trends, market size, competitive landscape, growth trends, etc. These factors help to validate and strengthen secondary research findings. Moreover, the data collected and analyzed from secondary and primary research is again discussed and examined by our expert panel.Get Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @Global Industrial Cyber Security Market: Competitive DynamicsThe research study includes profiles of major companies operating in the global industrial cyber security market. Market players have been profiled in terms of attributes such as company overview, financial overview, business strategies, and recent developments. Parameters such as investment & spending and developments by major players of the market are tracked. Some of the key players in the industrial cyber security market are Schneider Electric SE, Rockwell Automation, Inc., CyberArk Software Ltd., ABB Ltd., Cisco Systems, Inc., Symantec Corporation, IBM Corporation, Dell Inc., Honeywell International Inc., Siemens AG, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and Maverick Technologies among others.The industrial cyber security market has been segmented as follows:Global Industrial Cyber Security MarketBy Component- Hardware Solutions- Routers- Gateways- Ethernet Switches- Other Networking Devices- Software Solutions- Intrusion Detection Systems/Intrusion Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)- Firewall- Backup And Recovery- Antivirus/Malware- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)Encryption- Virtualization Security- Data Loss Prevention (DLP)- Identity and Access Management (IAM)- Unified Threat Management (UTM)- Application Whitelisting- Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)- Others (Patch Update Management, Database Activity Monitoring (DAM))- Services- Maintenance & Integration- Consulting & Training- Assessments and Audits- Managed Services- Risk Management ServicesBy Security Layer- Network security- End-point security- Cloud security- Application security- Others (database security and web security)By End Use Industry- Process Industries- Oil and Gas- Chemical- Food and Beverages- Pulp and Paper- Pharmaceutical- Energy and Power- Water and Wastewater Treatment- Discrete Industries- Automotive- Aerospace and Defense- Electronics and Electrical- Medical Devices- Metal and Mining- FMCGMake an Enquiry of this report @By GeographyNorth America- U.S.- Canada- Rest of North AmericaEurope- Germany- The U.K.- France- Rest of EuropeAsia Pacific- China- Japan- India- Rest of Asia PacificMiddle East and Africa (MEA)- GCC Countries- South Africa- Rest of MEASouth America- Brazil- Rest of South AmericaAbout 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.ResearchMozState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ Algorithmic Trading Market: 2018 Global Industry Trends, Growth, Share, Size and 2022 Forecast Research Report Research For Markets http://www.researchformarkets.com/sample/global-north-america-europe-and-asia-pacific-south-10694 http://www.researchformarkets.com/reports/global-north-america-europe-and-asia-pacific-south-10694 http://www.researchformarkets.com/buy-now/global-north-america-europe-and-asia-pacific-south-10694/one Global Algorithmic Trading Industry Market Research Report has been analyzed in detail to assist clients with all the vital data to frame tactical business judgments and propose strategic growth plans. The Global Algorithmic Trading Market report offers a comprehensive insight into the development policies and plans in addition to manufacturing processes and cost structures.The report represents a thorough review of the entire growth trajectory of the worldwide Algorithmic Trading market over the span of the forecast period. Different sections have been taken into consideration to give the readers an all-round perspective of the entire market scenario. The competitive landscape in consideration with the key organizations and the organizations functioning in the market has been featured and researched upon minutely. Several regions have likewise been clarified where the market is working effectively and the regions where the players may discover lucrative opportunities in the future have additionally been specified in the report.Get Free Sample Copy of Report atThis report studies the Algorithmic Trading market, Algorithmic trading is a method of executing a large order (too large to fill all at once) using automated pre-programmed trading instructions accounting for variables such as time, price, and volume to send small slices of the order (child orders) out to the market over time.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers: Virtu Financial, KCG, DRW Trading, Optiver, Tower Research Capital, Flow Traders, Hudson River Trading, Jump Trading, RSJ Algorithmic Trading, Spot Trading, Sun Trading, Tradebot Systems, IMC, Quantlab Financial and Teza Technologies.Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)The report aims to provide an overview of global algorithm trading market with detailed market segmentation. Also, it analyzes the current algorithm trading market scenario and forecasts the market till 2025. The report covers market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period. Furthermore, the report analyzes the competitive scenario, geographic trends, and opportunities in the markets with respect to all geographic regions. The report also includes the detailed company profiles of the key players in the market along with their market strategies. The report also provide PEST analysis of all five regions along with the SWOT analysis for all company profiled in the report.Browse Complete Report atTable of Content1 Market Overview2 Manufacturers Profiles3 Global Algorithmic Trading Market Competition, by Manufacturer4 Global Algorithmic Trading Market Analysis by Regions5 North America Algorithmic Trading by Countries, Type, Application and Manufacturers6 Europe Algorithmic Trading by Countries, Type, Application and Manufacturers7 Asia-Pacific Algorithmic Trading by Countries, Type, Application and Manufacturers8 South America Algorithmic Trading by Countries, Type, Application and Manufacturers9 Middle East and Africa Algorithmic Trading by Countries, Type, Application and Manufacturers10 Global Algorithmic Trading Market Segment by Type11 Global Algorithmic Trading Market Segment by Application12 Algorithmic Trading Market Forecast (2017-2022)13 Sales Channel, Distributors, Traders and DealersPlace Direct Purchase Order of Algorithmic Trading Market atNote: If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Contact Info:Name: Research For MarketsEmail: alan.naidu@researchformarkets.comPhone: +44 8000-4182-37Research For Markets indulge in detailed and diligent research on different markets, trends and emerging opportunities in the successive direction to cater to your business needs. We have established the pillars of our flourishing institute on the grounds of Credibility and Reliability. RFM delve into the markets across Asia Pacific, North America, South America, Europe, Middle East And Africa.Level 21, Dashwood House69 Old Broad StreetLondon EC2M 1QS, United Kingdom Global Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) expected to touch a CAGR of 17.66% during the period MRRSE https://www.mrrse.com/sample/755 https://www.mrrse.com/south-east-asia-rpo-market https://www.mrrse.com/ An insightful study, titled Recruitment Process Outsourcing Market has been freshly broadcasted to the vast research repository of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE). This research study provides detailed comprehensions and forecasts future growth of the global market with an in-depth study of the factors impacting revenue growth throughout the mentioned forecast period.Get Sample Report @Recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) is a type of business process outsourcing (BPO) which includes the outsourcing of different recruitment functions of an organization to third-party vendor. The RPO solutions primarily include screening of the candidates, interview scheduling, job posting, offer execution and other important activities in the recruitment process. The major difference between the RPO providers and staffing companies is the proficient recruitment process management and responsibility of its results by the RPO providers. Outsourcing recruitment processes to a RPO provider enables the client organization to focus on their core competencies. In addition, outsourcing these processes is highly beneficial for reducing the operating costs of the organization related to the recruitment functions. This is the most significant factor fuelling the adoption of RPO solutions among different end-use industries.The market for recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) is segmented, based on the type of engagement, into on-demand and end-to-end RPO service. On-demand RPO refers to the RPO service in which some of the recruitment services are outsourced to the RPO provider. On the contrary, end-to-end RPO refers to outsourcing of all the recruitment processes to the RPO providing company. On-demand RPO enables the client organization to have better control over the recruitment processes as only a part of recruitment process is outsourced to the providing company. Moreover, the cost of on-demand RPO is lower as compared to the end-to-end RPO solution. Due to these advantages and higher flexibility and scalability, the penetration of on-demand RPO services is currently high as compared to the end-to-end RPO solutions.This report studies the current scenario as well as the future market potential for recruitment process outsourcing in Southeast Asia. The market for recruitment process outsourcing has been segmented into six major end-use industries, namely, banks, financial services and insurance (BFSI); information technology (IT), IT enabled services (ITeS), and telecommunication; manufacturing; healthcare and pharmaceuticals; hospitality; and others. The others segment comprises aerospace, marine and construction industries. The market for these recruitment process outsourcing systems has been extensively analyzed on the basis of factors such as types of engagement service and countries in Southeast Asia region. On the basis of engagement type, the market has been segmented into on-demand RPO and end-to-end RPO. The market size and forecasts in terms of revenue (US$ Mn) for each of these segments have been provided for the period 2010 to 2020, considering 2012 and 2013 as the base years. The report also provides the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for each segment of the market for the forecast period 2014 to 2020.Comprehensive Overview of Report with Exclusive List of Tables and Figures @Geographically, the market for RPO in Southeast Asia has been segmented into four regions, namely, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Rest of Southeast Asia (RoSEA). The market size and forecast for each region has been provided for the period 2010 to 2020 along with the CAGR (%) for the forecast period 2014 to 2020. The study also includes qualitative analysis of the competitive scenario in these regions. The overview section of the report comprises qualitative analysis of the overall market highlighting the factors determining the market dynamics such as drivers, restraints and opportunities, along with the key trends analysis.The report also provides a section on the competitive landscape, wherein the market positioning analysis of the leading players in Southeast Asia RPO market in 2013 has been discussed. The report concludes with the profiles of major players in the Southeast Asia RPO market such as Kenexa Corporation (an IBM Corporation Company), Randstad Holding Company, Accolo, Inc., Atterro Human Capital Group, Kelly Outsourcing and Consulting Group, Cielo, Inc. (Pinstripe, Inc.), ManpowerGroup Solutions, Pontoon Solutions, Zyoin Web Pvt. Ltd., Futurestep (a Korn Ferry Company), TalentFusion, Inc., Alexander Mann Solutions and Hudson Global, Inc.Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) Market Segmentation:Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) Market, by Engagement TypeOn-demand RPOEnd-to-end RPORecruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) Market, by End-use IndustryBanks, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI)IT, ITeS and TelecommunicationManufacturingHealthcare and PharmaceuticalsHospitalityOthers (Aerospace, Marine and Construction Industry)Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) Market, by Geographic RegionThailandIndonesiaVietnamRest of Southeast Asia (RoSEA)About Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite: Present Scenario and Growth Prospects of Global Call Center Market Over The Period 2018 2025 Call Center Market https://www.businessindustryreports.com/sample-request/83673 https://www.businessindustryreports.com/buy-now/83673/single https://www.businessindustryreports.com/check-discount/83673 Global Call Center Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025 report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability. The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.Global Call Center Market Overview:The report spread across 106 pages is an overview of the Global Call Center Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025. The Global Call Center Market is projected to grow at a healthy growth rate from 2018 to 2025 according to new research. The study focuses on market trends, leading players, supply chain trends, technological innovations, key developments, and future strategies.Available Exclusive Sample Copy of this Report @The Global Call Center Market is growing continuously and expected to grow healthy CAGR by Forecast year 2025. The growing needs among organizations to offer seamless customer experience and to automate in-bound and out-bound operations have led to the adoption of contact center software. Moreover, the contact center software facilitates clients with increased cross-selling and upselling opportunities through multiple channels, including voice, video, web, and social media. The continuous advancements in this technology and its solutions have also encouraged various verticals to adopt contact center software and services.Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the contact center software market during the forecast period. SMEs face some specific challenges, such as the requirement of domain-specific technical personnel and skilled workforce, budget constraints, and limited economies of scale. Therefore, SMEs are considering cloud-based contact center solutions which offer several advantages, such as scalability, flexibility, and reduced operational cost. As SMEs have budget constraints, they prefer cloud-based contact center solutions.Regionally, North America has been a predominately concerned market toward the adoption of contact center software solutions and services. The high adoption of cloud, mobile, analytics, and social media among enterprises across various industry verticals has helped contact center software market to grow in North America.Purchase this report online with 106 Pages, List of Tables & Figures and in-depth Table of Contents on Global Call Center Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025 @A complete analysis of the competitive landscape of the Global Call Center Market is provided in the report. This section includes company profiles of market key players. The profiles include contact information, gross, capacity, product details of each firm, price, and cost. This report investigates new project feasibility with a purpose of enlightening new entrants about the possibilities in this market. In this report, thorough SWOT analysis & investment analysis is provided which forecasts imminent opportunities for the Call Center Market players.Major Key Players:1 [24]7 Inc.2 Alliance Data System3 ATOS4 BT Communications (Ireland)5 Capita Customer Management6 Convergys Corp7 Enter Call Center8 EXL Service Holdings and More.Market segment by Type, the product can be split into -1 Out-sourced Call Centers2 In-house Call CentersMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report covers: United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia.Grab Your Report at an Impressive Discount @This study answers to the below key questions:1 What will the market size be in 2025 and what will the growth rate be?2 What are the key market trends?3 What are the challenges to market growth?4 Who are the key players in this market?5 What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key players?In the end, this report covers data and information on capacity and production overview, production, market share analysis, sales overview, supply, sales, and shortage, import, export and consumption as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin of Call Center Market.Major Points in Table of Contents:Global Call Center Market Report 20181 Industry Overview of Call Center2 Global Call Center Competition Analysis by Players3 Company (Top Players) Profiles4 Global Call Center Market Size by Type and Application (2013-2018)5 United States Call Center Development Status and Outlook6 EU Call Center Development Status and Outlook7 Japan Call Center Development Status and Outlook8 China Call Center Development Status and Outlook9 India Call Center Status and Outlook10 Southeast Asia Call Center Development Status and Outlook11 Market Forecast by Regions, Type and Application (2018-2025)12 Call Center Market Dynamics13 Market Effect Factors Analysis14 Research Finding / Conclusion15 AppendixAbout usBusinessindustryReports.com is digital database of comprehensive market reports for global industries. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Media ContactBusiness Industry ReportsPune Indiasales@businessindustryreports.com+19376349940 Strategic Overview of the LNG Fueling Station Market https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=29849 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/lng-fueling-station-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Demand for clean fuel vehicles running on natural gas is gaining momentum due to the rise in concern about environment protection. Governments across the world are promoting the usage of natural gas vehicles owing to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, compressed natural gas (CNG) is the primarily used form of natural gas in vehicles worldwide. This gas is compressed at high pressures of about 200 bars and is then dispensed into the CNG tanks of vehicles. CNG is used largely in light duty vehicles, cars, and buses. It is generally not used for heavy duty transport vehicles. About 5 liters of CNG is equivalent to 1 liter of diesel. This makes it useless for long distance heavy duty trucks owing to the high volume and the weight of CNG. This paves the way for liquefied natural gas (LNG) for usage in vehicles.Request to view sample of this report at:LNG is natural gas that has been liquefied at a temperature of -161 C. Its volume is about 1/600 times that of natural gas. LNG as transportation fuel would decrease cost and carbon emission when compared to its crude oil alternatives. LNG fueling stations are gradually gaining popularity as they possess higher energy density than CNG, higher volume of natural gas, and their storage requires highly insulated tank owing to low temperatures. Hence, LNG is suited for long distance heavy duty vehicles. Since LNG as a fuel are best suited for heavy-duty vehicles hence while developing LNG fueling stations special care must be taken for accommodation of these vehicles.Read report overview at:In terms of type of station, the LNG fueling station market can be bifurcated into permanent station and mobile station. Permanent stations are akin to any other fuel stations where dispensers are fixed and firmly attached to the ground and LNG is stored in storage tanks. It is dispensed into the vehicles through fuel dispensers. Under the mobile station type, an LNG tanker with a side mounted LNG dispenser attached to it is utilized. This type of fueling station can serve various small fleet of vehicles and can also be used for emergency refueling of vehicle.Based on application, the LNG fueling station market can be classified into vehicles and ship. The vehicles application segment consists of automobiles running on LNG. These are primarily heavy duty vehicles and other vehicles utilizing LNG as fuel source. The ship application segment comprises ships and barges running on LNG.In terms of region, the LNG fueling station market can be divided into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to lead the market during the forecast period, followed by North America. This dominance in the market by Asia Pacific is primarily due to the large number of LNG fuel stations in China. The LNG fueling station market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to expand at a significant pace during the forecast period due to the increase in demand for natural gas as a cleaner alternative for other fossil fuels and rise in number of heavy duty vehicles in the region.Key companies operating in the LNG fueling station market include Cryostar, Clean Energy Fuels, ENN Energy Holding, Kunlun Energy Company Limited, FortisBC, ENGIE, Sinopec, CNOOC, and Natural Gas Vehicles for America.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.Transparency 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.Transparency 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: Future Scope of Computer Assisted Coding Market | Top Key Players (3M, Optum, Nuance, Cerner, Dolbey Systems, Craneware, McKesson, Athenahealth) | Global Business Outlook till 2025 Computer Assisted Coding Market https://www.businessindustryreports.com/sample-request/83677 https://www.businessindustryreports.com/buy-now/83677/single https://www.businessindustryreports.com/check-discount/83677 Global Computer Assisted Coding Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025 report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability. The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.Global Computer Assisted Coding Market Overview:The report spread across 105 pages is an overview of the Global Computer Assisted Coding Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025. The Global Computer Assisted Coding Market is projected to grow at a healthy growth rate from 2018 to 2025 according to new research. The study focuses on market trends, leading players, supply chain trends, technological innovations, key developments, and future strategies.Available Exclusive Sample Copy of this Report @The Global Computer Assisted Coding Market is growing continuously and expected to grow healthy CAGR by Forecast year 2025. Factors driving market growth include the growing need within the global healthcare system to curtail increasing healthcare costs, improve coding accuracy, and streamline the revenue process. The increasing consolidation among healthcare providers, increasing consolidation among the players operating in the computer-assisted coding market and evolution of new coding technology for computer-assisted coding in the U.S are the key trends in the computer-assisted coding market.The Global Computer Assisted Coding Market is segmented on the basis of Product & Service, Mode of Delivery, Application, End-User and Regions. Based on Mode of Delivery, the global computer-assisted coding market is segmented into Web-based Solutions, Cloud-based Solutions and On-Premise Solutions. In 2016, the Cloud-based Solutions segment dominated the global computer-assisted coding market.Regionally, North America dominated the Global Computer Assisted Coding Market in 2016. Increasing government support for improving healthcare infrastructure, growing need for reducing healthcare costs, and advancements in healthcare facilities are driving the growth of the Computer Assisted Coding Market in this region.Purchase this report online with 105 Pages, List of Tables & Figures and in-depth Table of Contents on Global Computer Assisted Coding Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025 @A complete analysis of the competitive landscape of the Global Computer Assisted Coding Market is provided in the report. This section includes company profiles of market key players. The profiles include contact information, gross, capacity, product details of each firm, price, and cost. This report investigates new project feasibility with a purpose of enlightening new entrants about the possibilities in this market. In this report, thorough SWOT analysis & investment analysis is provided which forecasts imminent opportunities for the Computer Assisted Coding Market players.Major Key Players:1 3M Company (U.S.)2 Optum, Inc. (U.S.)3 Nuance Communications, Inc. (U.S.)4 Cerner Corporation (U.S.)5 Artificial Medical Intelligence, Inc. (U.S.)6 Dolbey Systems, Inc. (U.S.)7 Precyse Solutions, LLC (U.S.)8 Craneware plc (U.K.)9 McKesson Corporation (U.S.) and More..Market segment by Type, the product can be split into -1 Standalone2 IntegratedMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report covers: United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia.Grab Your Report at an Impressive Discount @This study answers to the below key questions:1 What will the market size be in 2025 and what will the growth rate be?2 What are the key market trends?3 What is driving this market?4 What are the challenges to market growth?5 Who are the key vendors in this market space?6 What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?7 What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?In the end, this report covers data and information on capacity and production overview, production, market share analysis, sales overview, supply, sales, and shortage, import, export and consumption as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin of Computer Assisted Coding Market.Major Points in Table of Contents:Global Computer Assisted Coding Market Report 20181 Industry Overview of Computer Assisted Coding2 Global Computer Assisted Coding Competition Analysis by Players3 Company (Top Players) Profiles4 Global Computer Assisted Coding Market Size by Type and Application (2013-2018)5 United States Computer Assisted Coding Development Status and Outlook6 EU Computer Assisted Coding Development Status and Outlook7 Japan Computer Assisted Coding Development Status and Outlook8 China Computer Assisted Coding Development Status and Outlook9 India Computer Assisted Coding Status and Outlook10 Southeast Asia Computer Assisted Coding Development Status and Outlook11 Market Forecast by Regions, Type and Application (2018-2025)12 Computer Assisted Coding Market Dynamics13 Market Effect Factors Analysis14 Research Finding / Conclusion15 AppendixAbout usBusinessindustryReports.com is digital database of comprehensive market reports for global industries. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Media ContactBusiness Industry ReportsPune Indiasales@businessindustryreports.com+19376349940 Worldwide Current Trade Automotive Parking Sensors Market Report 2017: Economic Indicators and Product Offerings Worldwide With Future Prospects 2022 Automotive Parking Sensors https://bit.ly/2xMIEkn https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/report/global-automotive-parking-sensors-market-research-report-2017 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/send-an-enquiry/419054 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/check-discount/419054 www.qyresearchgroups.com The Global Automotive Parking Sensors Market report forecast 2017-2022 is a professional and detailed study on the present state also focuses on the major drivers, Global Automotive Parking Sensors business strategists and effective growth for the key players. Global Global Automotive Parking Sensors Industry also provides granular analysis of the Global Automotive Parking Sensors market dynamics, share, segmentation, revenue forecasts and facilitate better decision-making.With a purpose of enlightening new entrants about the possibilities in this Global Automotive Parking Sensors Market, this report provides a competitive scenario of the Global Automotive Parking Sensors market with growth trends, structure, driving factors, scope, opportunities, challenges, vendor landscape analysis and so on, is discussed in the report.Get Sample Copy of This Report Now @Automotive Parking Sensor Market is projected to boost the growth due to increase in demand for drive assistance sensors and aftermarket sales of parking Sensors of automobiles. The increasing impact of new car assessment program (NCAP) is one of the main factor that accelerate the growth of global automotive Parking Sensor market in the future. Rising demand of passenger cars incorporated with increasing awareness of the people toward safety, in turn, boost the sales and demand of automotive Parking Sensor. This factor will fuel the growth of automotive Parking Sensor market. Increasing demand of driver assistance systems as well as demand of advanced technologies in the automobiles are some other factors that lifted the automotive Parking Sensor market. Moreover, some insurance company offer insurance premium discount for vehicles equipped with advanced technologies. This factor is anticipated for the growth of the automotive parking sensor market. Government of several countries across the globe started implementing stringent safety regulations regarding automobiles that mandate the development and adoption of these systems.High initial and installation cost of automotive Parking Sensors in automobiles as well as high replacement cost associated with automotive parking sensors can act as a restraint to the sales of the automotive Parking Sensor in the market. Moreover, rising prices of vehicles along with high cost incurred in design and testing is also estimated to hinder the growth of said market in the future. Over dependency of safety system is impacting the driving skills that is also a challenge for the automotive parking sensor market.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Automotive Parking Sensors in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), covering:North AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Automotive Parking Sensors market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players including:BoschDENSOValeoProxelTexas InstrumentsNXP SemiconductorsMurata ManufacturingParking DynamicsBlack Cat SecurityNippon AudiotronixOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into:ElectromagneticUltrasonicOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Automotive Parking Sensors for each application, including:AftermarketOEMsBrowse full report with Table of Content@Report Highlights :Detailed overview of parent marketChanging market dynamics in the industryIn-depth market segmentationHistorical, current, and projected market size in terms of volume and valueRecent industry trends and developmentsCompetitive landscapeStrategies of key players and products offeredPotential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growthA neutral perspective on market performanceMust-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintEnquiry before Buying@TOC :Global Automotive Parking Sensors Market Research Report 20171 Automotive Parking Sensors Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Automotive Parking Sensors1.2 Automotive Parking Sensors Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Automotive Parking Sensors Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Automotive Parking Sensors Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Electromagnetic1.2.4 Ultrasonic1.3 Global Automotive Parking Sensors Segment by Application1.3.1 Automotive Parking Sensors Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Aftermarket1.3.3 OEMs1.4 Global Automotive Parking Sensors Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Automotive Parking Sensors Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Automotive Parking Sensors (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Automotive Parking Sensors Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Automotive Parking Sensors Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global Automotive Parking Sensors Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Automotive Parking Sensors Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Automotive Parking Sensors Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Automotive Parking Sensors Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Automotive Parking Sensors Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Automotive Parking Sensors Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Automotive Parking Sensors Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Automotive Parking Sensors Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Automotive Parking Sensors Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Automotive Parking Sensors Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, ExpansionInquire for Discount@About 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.Contact us:Email- sales@qyresearchgroups.comWeb- Dermatophytic Onychomycosis Therapeutics (DOT) Market will Represent a Value of US$ 4,706.3 Mn by 2021 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/5840 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/5840 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Persistence Market Research (PMR) delivers key insights on the global dermatophytic onychomycosis therapeutics Market in its latest report titled Global Market Study on Dermatophytic Onychomycosis Therapeutics (DOT): North America Expected to Account for Maximum Market Share by 2021.The global dermatophytic onychomycosis therapeutics market is anticipated to expand at a healthy CAGR during the forecast period. By product type, the market is segmented into Nail paint and tablet, which is again sub-divided into prescription (Rx) and over-the-counter (OTC) sub segments. The nail paint segment is expected to contribute a maximum share to the global dermatophytic onychomycosis therapeutics market and expand at the fastest CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period. By treatment, the market is segmented into topical and oral therapy.Request Sample Report @Among these, the topical segment is anticipated to be dominant throughout the forecast period and projected to account for about 70% share of the total global dermatophytic onychomycosis market revenue by 2021. By distribution channels, the market is segmented into hospitals, dermatology and podiatry clinics, independent pharmacies, mail order pharmacies, and drug stores. Among these, drug stores are estimated to be largest segment with 47% share of the total global market revenue by 2015 end. The drug stores segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Independent pharmacies are projected to be the second most attractive segment of the global dermatophytic onychomycosis therapeutics market by 2015 end.Market growth is primarily driven by factors such as increase in the prevalence of fungal toe nail infections in the U.S. and Canada, and rising per capita healthcare expenditure across the globe. Easy application of nail paints is also expected to drive demand for dermatophytic onychomycosis drugs. However, adverse effects associated with anti-fungal drugs and lack of awareness about dermatophytic onychomycosis in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America are expected to impede growth of the global dermatophytic onychomycosis therapeutics market.This report covers global and regional trends along with an analysis of the market potential. North America is expected to account for over 43% revenue share of the total dermatophytic onychomycosis therapeutics market by 2015 end i.e. holding the maximum market share. Whereas Europe is projected to grow at a healthy CAGR of 7.3% due to increasing awareness about fungal nail infections.Global dermatophytic onychomycosis therapeutics market report begins with an overview of the global market in terms of value. This section includes detailed analysis of key trends, drivers and restraints, and opportunities. All of these are factors that impact market growth. Impact analysis of key growth drivers and restraints based on the weighted average of each one of these factors in a model-based approach is included in the market report to better equip clients with crystal clear decision-making insights.Request to View TOC @Key players of the global dermatophytic onychomycosis therapeutics market include Galderma S.A., Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc., Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and others. Leading companies in this market collaborate with healthcare solutions and services providers in order to advance operational efficiencies and provide improved patient care.ABOUT US: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.Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Worldwide Analysis on 2D Bar Code Marketing Market Strategies and Forecasts, 2016 to 2026 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/12445 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/12445 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Global 2D Bar Code Generator Market: Overview2D bar code also known as QR (Quick Response) codes are small squares which contains ample amount of data in it, which is accessible by scanning applications in the smart phone. It is capable of storing data vertically as well as horizontally as compared to 1D bar codes. 2D bar codes is used across various industries from manufacturing, logistics, transportation to healthcare, the 2D bar codes are capable of storing datas such as product information, locations, videos and more. With the penetration of smartphones globally and digital marketing doing the rounds, 2D barcodes are widely being used in marketing and advertising as it enables the consumers to view the products information or any sort of other information that the product manufactures wants to convey by just scanning the bar code using smart phone applications. The 2D barcodes can be scanned using optical scanner; it does not require laser scanners to access the data. As this concept is new to the market and considering the digital marketing wave across geographies, the market for 2D bar code Generator will register a promising CAGR over the forecast period.Global 2D Bar Code Generator Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe increasing population of tech-savvy people primarily drives the global 2D bar code Generator market across the globe along with the compatibility of smartphones for scanning the 2D barcodes and the awareness among the people about the product legitimacy. Thus, the adoption of smartphones also attributes to the growth of 2D barcode Generator market. The data storage perquisites of 2D bar codes and the ability of scanning vertically and horizontally as compared to that of 1D barcodes can be considered as one of the factor driving the market for 2D bar code Generator. However, the investments associated with the 2D bar codes and the low awareness about the QR codes among certain age group might pose as a restrain to the 2D bar code Generator market. The integration of 2D bar code Generator in the digital marketing is the most recent trend in the global 2D bar code Generator market.Request Sample Report @Global 2D Bar Code Generator Market: SegmentationBased on type of data source, the global 2D bar code Generator market can be divided into:TextHyperlinkNumberOthersBased on code types, the global 2D bar code Generator market can be divided into:2D Stack2D MatrixQR CodeData MatrixOthersOthersBased on applications, the global 2D bar code Generator market can be divided into:Product TaggingMobile TicketingMobile CouponsSmart PostersOthersGlobal Marine Coatings Market: Region-wise OutlookBased on the geographic regions, global 2D bar code Generator market is segmented into seven key market segments namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Among the aforementioned regions, Western Europe tops among the 2D bar code Generator market followed by North America. In the North American market, the advertisers and marketers are widely adopting the 2D bar code Generator in the region to enhance their traditional print media. Some of the well-known brands are adopting the 2D bar code Generator for promoting their business, Volkswagen, Morgan Hotel Group to name some. Latin America has a huge mobile penetration, which is comparatively more than the global average and with developments in the mobile market in the region to catch up with the recent trends can be attributed to the growth of 2D bar code Generator in the region.Request to Browse Full Table of Content, figure and Tables @The Asia-Pacific market is expected to grow with a rapid pace among the other regions over the forecast period. India overtook the US to become the second largest user of smartphones in the recent past; this could have a positive effect on the 2D bar code Generator in this region. Overall, the market is expected to highlight a healthy growth over the period of forecast.Some of the major players identified in the global 2D bar code Generator market include Scanbuy Inc., NeoMedia Technologies Inc., Electronic Imaging Materials Inc., Wasp Barcode Technologies, ZIH Corp., Arandell Corporation among others.ABOUT US: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 Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Wireless Communications/Technologies in Healthcare Market Dynamics, Forecast, Analysis and Supply Demand 2015 2023 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/wireless-communications-technologies-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=4068 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=4068 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Wireless Communications/Technologies in Healthcare Market: OverviewThe market intelligence study titled Wireless Communications/Technologies in Healthcare Market Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 2023 delves into the prospect of growth of the world market for Wireless Communications/Technologies in Healthcare Market. It also assesses the sequential growth of the said market over the timeframe of forecast that extends from the year 2017 to the year 2025. The said market research study also comprises various non-pervasive and pervasive inclinations and they have also been included in the said report. A detailed snapshot of the said market with the analysis of Porters five forces has been provided in a bid to present a concise and clear landscape of the market vendors to the readers. The market intelligence study also points at mergers, important conglomerates, numerous research and development activities, acquisitions, and corroborations. The companies that have been profiled in the study come with thorough examination based on their market shares, prime products, and marketing strategies.View Report:Technology has played a crucial role in the transformation of the healthcare segment all over the world. During the last decade, progress in the segments of information technology and electronics have taken place at a very fast pace thereby resulting in emergence of innovative wireless devices and its supporting technologies. Such changes have led to easy communication even at the farthest of places. The impact of wireless technology on the modern society has been profound with the healthcare sector to draw tremendous benefit from the adoption of wireless communications / technologies. Mobile and Internet are the two most influential developments that have generated major impact on the industry of healthcare through wireless communications/technologies.Wireless Communications/Technologies in Healthcare Market: Trends and OpportunitiesThe transformation of the healthcare industry from the traditional paper-record keeping method to electronic or e-records has bolstered the demand for wireless communications / technologies in the segment for healthcare sector. In addition to that, the high cost that is being incurred for the purpose of installing wired gadgets in the hospitals has resulted in the increasing adoption of wireless technologies in this segment. Information about the patient is often remains scattered in many different locations and often becomes unavailable when needed for any purpose. Wireless technologies that are integrated properly into the practice and hospital systems can streamline and organize the clinicians or the physicians work. It can further provide treatment plans that are based on latest evidence to the patients.Request a Brochure of the Report @Wireless Communications/Technologies in Healthcare Market: GeographyTaking geographical segmentations into consideration, the world market for wireless communications/technologies for healthcare applications can be categorized into the four major geographies of Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. The said market for wireless technologies in healthcare applications for the regions of Europe and North America is large owing to the well developed healthcare system and infrastructure. However, the region of Asia Pacific is foreseen to experience highest rate of growth rate over the timeframe of forecast from the year 2014 to 2020 due to large base of potential customers in developing countries like India and China. The expanding base of geriatric population in Japan has also resulted in the augmented adoption of products and services that are based on the technology of wireless communication.Enquiry for Discount on this Report @Wireless Communications/Technologies in Healthcare Market: Company ProfilingProminent names like Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Philips Healthcare, IBM Corp., Alcatel-Lucent Sa, Qualcomm, Inc., Apple, Inc., Verizon Communications, Inc., Motorola Solutions, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company, Vocera Communications, Inc., Intel Corp., Siemens Healthcare, Cisco Systems, Inc., Mckesson Corp., and Cerner Corp. adorn the international market for for wireless communications / technologies in healthcare.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Hazard Control Market Globally by 2025 | Top Key Companys (Schneider Electric, Siemens, Emerson, ABB, Rockwell, Eaton, Ametek, Magnetek) Hazard Control Market https://www.businessindustryreports.com/sample-request/77418 https://www.businessindustryreports.com/buy-now/77418/single https://www.businessindustryreports.com/check-discount/77418 Global Hazard Control Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025 report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability. The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.Global Hazard Control Market Overview:The report spread across 107 pages is an overview of the Global Hazard Control Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025. The Global Hazard Control Market is projected to grow at a healthy growth rate from 2018 to 2025 according to new research. The study focuses on market trends, leading players, supply chain trends, technological innovations, key developments, and future strategies. The thorough analysis in this report enables investors, CEOs, traders and suppliers to understand the market in a better way and based on that knowledge make well-informed decisions.Available Exclusive Sample Copy of this Report @The Global Hazard Control Market is expected to grow at an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2018 to 2025. The Global Hazard Control Market is set to witness a significant growth due to stringent norms for industrial safety, development of unconventional hydrocarbon resources, growing environmental concerns, and growing concern for human resources safety in industries.Intrinsically Safe Devices limit the available Electrical Energy to Non-Incendive levels to avoid Sparks and Hotspots from Short Circuits or failures which may lead to explosive atmospheres. Intrinsically Safe Devices find widespread application across all industries and in all types of hazardous division and zone classifications. The demand for Intrinsically Safe Devices is highest in Asia Pacific due to increasing industrialization in the region.Regionally, North American market is driven by the development of unconventional hydrocarbon resources such as shale gas and tight oil. Revamping of the mining industry would also drive the growth of the hazard control market in the region. Asia Pacific is projected to be fastest-growing regional market due to increasing industrialization in emerging economies such as India and China.Purchase this report online with 107 Pages, List of Tables & Figures and in-depth Table of Contents on Global Hazard Control Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025 @Major Key Players:1 Schneider Electric2 Siemens3 Emerson4 ABB5 Rockwell6 Eaton7 Ametek8 Magnetek and MoreMarket segment by Type, the product can be split into -1 Intrinsic Safety2 Flameproof/Explosion Proof and OthersMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report covers: United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia.Grab Your Report at an Impressive Discount @This study answers to the below key questions:1 What will the market size be in 2025 and what will the growth rate be?2 What are the key market trends?3 What are the challenges to market growth?4 Who are the key players in this market?5 What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key players?In the end, this report covers data and information on capacity and production overview, production, market share analysis, sales overview, supply, sales, and shortage, import, export and consumption as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin of Hazard Control Market.Major Points in Table of Contents:Global Hazard Control Market Report 20181 Industry Overview of Hazard Control2 Global Hazard Control Competition Analysis by Players3 Company (Top Players) Profiles4 Global Hazard Control Market Size by Type and Application (2013-2018)5 United States Hazard Control Development Status and Outlook6 EU Hazard Control Development Status and Outlook7 Japan Hazard Control Development Status and Outlook8 China Hazard Control Development Status and Outlook9 India Hazard Control Status and Outlook10 Southeast Asia Hazard Control Development Status and Outlook11 Market Forecast by Regions, Type and Application (2018-2025)12 Hazard Control Market Dynamics13 Market Effect Factors Analysis14 Research Finding / Conclusion15 AppendixAbout usBusinessindustryReports.com is digital database of comprehensive market reports for global industries. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Media ContactBusiness Industry ReportsPune Indiasales@businessindustryreports.com+19376349940 Wood Preservative Chemicals Market Registering a Strong Growth by 2020 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3259 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3259 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Wood is an important part of building material. Wood preservation chemicals ensure the longer life of wood by keeping it safe from the attack of any insects, fungus or bacteria. Such preservation can be done by several treatments and chemicals. Wood preservative chemicals market is growing with a significant growth rate due to the increased use of wood in the households and industrial sector. Wood has several indoor and outdoor applications. In the recent year, the commercial uses include decking; railroad products and fencing represent the major end-use application for wood preservative chemicals globally. The demand for wood preservative chemicals from the landscape-products end-use segment is projected to increase in the future years.Request for Report Sample:North America and Europe are the largest market for wood preservative chemicals due to the increased residential and commercial use of wood preservative chemicals. Asia Pacific is an emerging market for wood preservative chemicals due to the rapid industrial growth in this region.The growing industrialization and rising infrastructure needs are the major driving force for wood preservative chemicals market. Governments and private sectors across the globe are investing in better infrastructure facilities. Construction of residential buildings, healthcare centers and educational institutes leads to the demand for wood and ultimately it drives the demand for wood preservative chemicals. For infrastructure development, the U.K governments public sector investment is expected to rise by USD 4.9 billion to about USD 77.7 billion in 2013-14 over 2012-13. It is further expected to increase to about USD 83.0 billion in 2014-15. With the increase in infrastructure investment, demand for wood will increase, providing ample growth opportunity for the wood preservative chemicals market.The major companies operating in the wood preservative chemicals market include BASF SE, Janssen Preservation and Material Protection, KMG Chemicals Inc, Kurt Obermeier GmbH & Co. KG, Kop-Coat Incorporated, Lonza Group Ltd., Lapeyre SA, Osmose Inc., Rio Tinto Borax, RUTGERS Organic and Viance LLC.Request for Report TOC:Key points covered in the reportReport segments the market on the basis of types, application, products, technology, etc (as applicable)The report covers geographic segmentationNorth AmericaEuropeAsiaRoWThe report provides the market size and forecast for the different segments and geographies for the period of 2010 to 2020The report provides company profiles of some of the leading companies operating in the marketThe report also provides porters five forces analysis of the market.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of dataanalytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcomingcomplex 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 deliverbusiness 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: Potash Ore Market Causes Application Key Players Insight and Forecast to 2023 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/821 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/potash-ore-market-821 Industry Overview:Global Potash Ore Market has seen a potential growth and expected to rise as the growth of fertilizer industry in the recent years. The rising demand and consumption of food will drive the fertilizer industry thereby; the demand is expected to increase for potash ores. North America and Europe are considered as the major market and consumer for organic food. Additionally, rising concern over hygienic food, increasing disposable income, and growing population are the driving factor which has captured the global potash ore market. Along with this, huge population is concerning about healthy food which is one of the major trends in the market.Global Potash Ore Market research is an intelligence report with meticulous efforts undertaken to study the right and valuable information. The data which has been looked upon is done considering both, the existing top players and the upcoming competitors. Business strategies of the key players and the new entering market industries are studied in detail. Well explained SWOT analysis, revenue share and contact information are shared in this report analysis.Receive a Sample Report upon Request @Industry Key Players:EuroChem (Switzerland),Intrepid Potash Inc. (U.S.),Uralkali (Russia),Mining Associates (India),Nutrien Ltd (Canada),JSC Belaruskali (Belarus),K+S KALI GmbH (Germany),ICL (Israel),Kore Potash Limited (Australia),Encanto Potash Corp. (EPO) (Canada).Industry Trends Analysis:Data integration and capabilities are analyzed to support the findings and study the predicted geographical segmentations. Various key variables and regression models were considered to calculate the trajectory of potash ore market. Detailed analysis is explained and given importance to with best working models.Geographically, the segmentation is done into several key regions like North America, Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America. The production, consumption, revenue, shares in mill UDS, growth rate of potash ore market during the forecast period to 2023 is well explained.Industry Study Objectives: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Potash Ore Market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To Analyze the Potash Ore Market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW) To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by mineral extracted and applications. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Potash Ore Market.Regional Analysis:Geographically, North America is considered as the largest market for organic food, where in Canada is the biggest market followed by the US. By 2011, Canada had a production capacity of 11.2 million tones. The US is also considered as the largest consumer of potash ore. Potash ore is a major fertilizer in agriculture, therefore in the European countries such as United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland and others, where the available arable land is more compared to other regions. However, this factor has anticipated the European market. As of now, China and India is the worlds largest consumer of potash ores due to the large arable land, huge population growth, and large employment is depended in agriculture.For Further Information on This Report Visit @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Increase your Business Reach with Professional Asian Language Translation http://www.shaktienterprise.com/language-translation-services.html http://www.shaktienterprise.com/ There are some global languages which are good for business purpose and some are not. Business communication fluency is very important because it helps in gaining confidence to communicate with clients. Asian languages are in great demand, especially in business communities. From Indian, Chinese to Korean, these languages play a major role in the business world. Although English is the official language for business, globalization in the business community has increased its pace to connect with regional languages. Of all the Asian languages, Chinese is the major language used for business. China and Japan are the two major business markets and is experiencing faster economic growth. So many Indian companies are now tying up with Chinese companies for further business progress.China and Japan are not only countries falling under business perspective, countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka and others are also good business opportunity lands. To have good business communication with these countries, translation is very important. A good translation of documents and other areas help companies to have easy communication for the long term. This is when Shakti Enterprises comes to the role.Investing in Dedicated Service:Whether you want to translate English to Chinese or any other Asian language, it is important for the business to have a good translation service backup. Many businesses will rely on translators, but investing in a dedicated service like Shakti Enterprises further boosts the communication. The growth of the business will directly relate to multilingual skills of the team. Asian languages have proved to be very effective when it comes to doing business and working for a company. Possessing local knowledge and cultural awareness of doing business in Asian countries has been a great help for communication.The Need of Professional Asian Language Translation Service:In the growing business world, the demand for language translation service is certainly high. Whether the companies want the document to translate to English from Asian languages or vice versa, the need for professional language translator is important. Shakti Enterprises, one of the leading translation services in Mumbai, India has been handling clients globally, including Asian clients. Modern translation tools, professionals team, and infrastructure made Shakti Enterprises worth hiring. Every company that wants to deal with an Asian country, consider service like Shakti Enterprises for the job.Hence, taking up the decision of hiring a professional company for translation work will help in business reach.Shakti Enterprises is one of the leading translation companies in Mumbai, India offering translation service in all languages including Asian. Being an ISO and DIN certified company, we at Shakti Enterprises engage with native translators to offer a crisp translation of documents and website content. Be it the website localization or business document translation, we ensure that our service is error-free and connects every business to its target audience.2/F, North B5, District New Delhi,KLJ Tower, C-Block Community Center,Netaji Subash Place, Pitampura, Wazirpur, Delhi Ceiling Tiles Market Growth Analysis, Share, Demand by Regions, Types and Analysis of Key Players- Global Forecasts to 2023 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4775 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/ceiling-tiles-market-4775 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/4775 Market research future published a half-cooked research report on Global Ceiling Tiles Market that contains the information from 2017 to 2023. Global Ceiling tiles market is expected to grow at ~8.2% CAGR from 2017 to 2023.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 85 market data tables and figures spread in 140 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Global Ceiling Tiles Market Information from 2017 to 2023"Get Sample Copy@Ceiling tiles or ceiling panels are lightweight building materials used for covering the ceiling area. Ceiling tiles are generally used everywhere such as the retail store, offices, hospitals, building perimeter, hotels, and transportation terminals. Growing construction industry across the globe is the major factor driving the growth of the market. The increase in the private non-residential spending and the public non-residential spending, is also expected to contribute in the growth of the market. However, fluctuating prices of raw materials, may restrict the growth of the market.Hence, the global ceiling tiles market is expected to grow at ~CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period.Access Report Details @North America region dominates the global Ceiling tiles marketGeographically, the global ceiling tiles market has been divided into four major regions of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. North America region, has accounted for the largest market share, in 2016, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. Increasing demand for low maintenance building products, is driving the growth of the market in North America region. U.S. is the largest contributor in global as well as North America ceiling tiles market. Strong development commercial and residential structures in the U.S., is anticipated to fuel the demand for market in the region. Additionally, consumer preference for green buildings and sustained investments in commercial real estate, have also had positive influence on the growth of the market. Europe is the second-largest market for ceiling tiles. Increasing repair and rehabilitation activities of existing infrastructure. create huge potential demand for market in coming years.Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. China, Japan, India, and Singapore are the major market in Asia Pacific region. Growing residential and non-residential construction activities in the region, are driving the growth of the market. Additionally, growing awareness about green construction among the consumers is also expected to provide a lucrative opportunities for market growth. In rest of the world, Middle East region is expected to contribute significantly during the forecast period mainly due to changing lifestyle and development of the hotels. This is due to the increasing government initiatives regarding the tourism industry in these regions.Ask for your specific company profile and country level customization on reports. Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (U.S.) Knauf (Germany) Grenzebach BSH GmbH (Germany) Rockfon (U.S.) USG Corporation (U.S.) Saint Gobain S.A. (France) SAS International (U.K.) Odenwald Faserplattenwerk GmbH (Germany) Hunter Douglas (The Netherlands) Burgess CEP (U.K.) Decorative Ceiling Tiles, Inc. (U.S.) VANS Gypsum Pvt Ltd (India) The ReWall Company, LLC (U.S.)This research report provides insights, on various levels of analysis such as industry analysis, and market share analysis for the leading players along with their profiles. It also helps in studying the target segments by providing views on emerging & high-growth segments. The market data comprises the basic assessment of the competitive scenarios & strategies in the global construction lift market, including high-growth regions and/or countries, and political, & economic environments. The project report, further, provides views on both the historical market values and pricing & cost analysis.Enquiry Before Buying @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Application, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.WantStats Research and Media Pvt. Ltd. Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Contact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Home Healthcare Market Rising with Double Digit CAGR Up To 2023 | by Abbott, GE Healthcare, Becton Dickinson Company, Omron Corporation, Apple, Etc Home Healthcare Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2030 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/2030 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/2030 Home Healthcare Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period 2017-2023. In the coming years, the Global economy will witness a sharp increase in the home health industry. The increased competition among existing and new market players to develop a device with higher accuracy and more advanced features will ultimately results in the growth of the market. Diabetes is one of the serious complications. So, most of the market players are focused to develop an efficient, and affordable blood glucose monitor, especially, for low income population. For instance, Abbott brought a flash glucose monitoring (FGM) system to the market i.e., Freestyle Libre. In contrast to the available CGM systems, the Freestyle Libre does not require calibration.Rise in aging population, technological advancements, rising treatment cost and hospital stay, and rising approval from regulatory bodies are propelling the growth of the market. However, patient safety concerns may hinder the growth of market to an extent. Various issues have been found in home healthcare settings such as unsanitary conditions, medication errors, and others.To Explore More, Get PDF Sample Copy @Key Players for Global Home Healthcare MarketSome of key the players in the market are Abbott, GE Healthcare, Becton Dickinson Company, Omron Corporation, Apple, Medtronic PLC, Koninklijke Philips N.V., LG Electronics, Fresenius SE & Co KGaA, McKesson Corporation, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, B. Braun Melsungen AG, 3M, A&D Company, Kinnser Software, and others.Regional Analysis for Global Home Healthcare MarketThe Americas dominate the Home Healthcare Market owing to the presence of geriatric population, the presence of the leading players, and high healthcare expenditure. According to the WHO, worlds population aged over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22% by 2050, and in the United States over 20% of the total population will be aged 65 years or over by 2030.Europe holds the second position in the Home Healthcare Market. It is expected that the support provided by the private, and government bodies for research & development, along with a well-developed technology drives the Home Healthcare Market in the European region.Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest growing region during the forecast period. Rising treatment cost and hospital stay, and the presence of huge patient pool drive the Asia Pacific market. According to the National Heart Foundation of Australia, the cardiovascular disease is one of the most costly disease group, which costs around USD 7.7 billion a year or 10.4% of the direct healthcare expenditure. The direct healthcare expenditure for this disease includes USD 4.5 billion in hospital admissions and USD 1.65 billion in pharmaceuticals.The Middle East and Africa hold the least share in the market is owing to the presence of poor and slow developing countries, especially, in the African region.Get Prime Discount on Report @Some Brief Table of Contents of ReportChapter 1. Report PrologueChapter 2. Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope Of The Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 LimitationsChapter 3. Research Methodology3.1 Introduction3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size EstimationChapter 4. Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restrains4.3 Opportunities4.4 Challenges4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators4.6 Technology Trends & AssessmentChapter 5. Market Factor Analysis5.1 Porters Five Forces Analysis5.1.1 Bargaining Power Of SuppliersTOC ContinuedLIST OF TABLETABLE 1 MARKET SYNOPSIS 16TABLE 2 LIST OF ASSUMPTIONS 19TABLE 3 PRIMARY INTERVIEWS 22TABLE 4 GLOBAL HOME HEALTHCARE MARKET, BY PRODUCT 2014-2023 (USD MILLION) 41TABLE 5 GLOBAL HOME HEALTHCARE MARKET, BY REGION 2014-2023 (USD MILLION) 42TABLE 6 GLOBAL HOME HEALTHCARE MARKET, BY TESTING, SCREENING, & MONITORING PRODUCTS 2014-2023 (USD MILLION) 42TABLE 7 GLOBAL HOME HEALTHCARE MARKET, BY REGION 2014-2023 (USD MILLION) 43TABLE 8 GLOBAL HOME HEALTHCARE MARKET, BY TESTING, SCREENING, & MONITORING PRODUCTS 2014-2023 (USD MILLION) 43TABLE 9 GLOBAL HOME HEALTHCARE MARKET, BY SERVICES 2014-2023 (USD MILLION) 45TABLE 10 GLOBAL HOME HEALTHCARE MARKET, BY REGION 2014-2023 (USD MILLION) 46TABLE 11 GLOBAL HOME HEALTHCARE MARKET, BY REGION 2014-2023 (USD MILLION) 46Table Continued..Do You Have Specific Requirement? Ask To Our Experts@About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Statistical Report, Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureHadapsar, Pune 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Global Insect Repellent Market Research Report 2018 : S. C. Johnson & Son, Spectrum Brands, 3M, Avon, Omega Pharma, Reckitt Benckiser Group https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1763001 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-insect-repellent-market-research-report-2018-report.html/toc http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketsizeinfo.blogspot.in/ Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Insect Repellent Market Research Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies the global Insect Repellent market status and forecast, categorizes the global Insect Repellent market size (value & volume) by manufacturers, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top manufacturers in North America, Europe, Japan, China and other regions (India, Southeast Asia, Central & South America, and Middle East & Africa).The global Insect Repellent market is valued at xx million US$ in 2017 and is expected to reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of xx.x % between 2018 and 2025.The major manufacturers covered in this reportS. C. Johnson & SonSpectrum Brands3MAvonOmega PharmaReckitt Benckiser GroupSawyer ProductsTenderInsect ShieldExOfficio LLCCloemanAll TerrainHOMSTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @JahwaLongrich BioscienceGeographically, 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 intoBy IngredientNatural Insect RepellentSynthetic Insect RepellentBy Usage WayBody Worn Insect RepellentNon Body Worn Insect RepellentOn 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, includingGeneral PopulationSpecial populationThe study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global Insect Repellent capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025);Focuses on the key Insect Repellent 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 Insect Repellent 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 StakeholdersInsect Repellent ManufacturersInsect Repellent Distributors/Traders/WholesalersInsect Repellent Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsTable of ContentsGlobal Insect Repellent Market Research Report 20181 Insect Repellent Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Insect Repellent1.2 Insect Repellent Segment By Ingredient1.2.1 Global Insect Repellent Production and CAGR (%) Comparison By Ingredient (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Insect Repellent Production Market Share By Ingredient (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Natural Insect Repellent1.2.4 Synthetic Insect Repellent1.3 Insect Repellent Segment By Usage Way1.3.1 Body Worn Insect Repellent1.3.2 Non Body Worn Insect Repellent1.4 Global Insect Repellent Segment by Application1.4.1 Insect Repellent Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.4.2 General Population1.4.3 Special population1.5 Global Insect Repellent Market by Region (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Insect Repellent Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.5.2 North America Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5.4 China Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.6 Global Market Size (Value) of Insect Repellent (2013-2025)1.6.1 Global Insect Repellent Revenue Status and Outlook (2013-2025)1.6.2 Global Insect Repellent Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2013-2025)2 Global Insect Repellent Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Insect Repellent Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.1 Global Insect Repellent Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Insect Repellent Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Insect Repellent Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.3 Global Insect Repellent Average Price by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.4 Manufacturers Insect Repellent Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Insect Repellent Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Insect Repellent Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Insect Repellent Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, ExpansionMore Clear Details get Table of Contents @3 Global Insect Repellent Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)3.1 Global Insect Repellent Capacity and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.2 Global Insect Repellent Production and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.3 Global Insect Repellent Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.4 Global Insect Repellent Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.5 North America Insect Repellent Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.6 Europe Insect Repellent Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.7 China Insect Repellent Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)Continue...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 Computer Keyboard Market Analysis Revealing Key Drivers & Growth Trends through 2025 Market Research Hub https://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1817969 https://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/global-computer-keyboard-market-research-report-2018-report.html https://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=enquiry&repid=1817969 www.marketresearchhub.com/ Market Research Hub (MRH) has recently broadcasted a new study to its broad research portfolio, which is titled as Global Computer Keyboard Market Research Report 2018 provides an in-depth analysis of the Computer Keyboard with the forecast of market size and growth. The analysis includes addressable market, market by volume, market share by business type and by segment (external and in-house).The research study examines the Computer Keyboard on the basis of a number of criteria, such as the product type, application, and its geographical presence.Request for Free Sample Report-Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Computer Keyboard in these regions, from 2013 to 2025 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Computer Keyboard market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingLogitech(China)Razer(US)A4TECH(China)RAPOO(China)Microsoft(US)Lenovo(China)Huawei(China)HP(US)Corsair(US)Apple(US)Samsung(Korea)Sony(Japan)On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoStandard Types KeyboardsMulti-Functional KeyboardsOn 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, includingHomeOfficeNet-barBrowse Full Report with TOC-Table of ContentsGlobal Computer Keyboard Market Research Report 20181 Computer Keyboard Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Computer Keyboard1.2 Computer Keyboard Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Computer Keyboard Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Computer Keyboard Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Standard Types Keyboards1.2.4 Multi-Functional Keyboards1.3 Global Computer Keyboard Segment by Application1.3.1 Computer Keyboard Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Home1.3.3 Office1.3.4 Net-bar1.4 Global Computer Keyboard Market by Region (2013-2025)1.4.1 Global Computer Keyboard Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Computer Keyboard (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Computer Keyboard Revenue Status and Outlook (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Computer Keyboard Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2013-2025)2 Global Computer Keyboard Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Computer Keyboard Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.1 Global Computer Keyboard Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Computer Keyboard Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Computer Keyboard Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.3 Global Computer Keyboard Average Price by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.4 Manufacturers Computer Keyboard Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Computer Keyboard Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Computer Keyboard Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Computer Keyboard Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Computer Keyboard Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)3.1 Global Computer Keyboard Capacity and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.2 Global Computer Keyboard Production and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.3 Global Computer Keyboard Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.4 Global Computer Keyboard Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.5 North America Computer Keyboard Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.6 Europe Computer Keyboard Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.7 China Computer Keyboard Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.8 Japan Computer Keyboard Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.9 Southeast Asia Computer Keyboard Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.10 India Computer Keyboard Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)Continue....Enquire about this Report -About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.90 State Street,Contact Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free : 800-998-4852 (US-Canada)Email : press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite : Bio fertilizers Market Projected to Touch US$4,092.1 mn by of 2025 MRRSE https://www.mrrse.com/sample/341 https://www.mrrse.com/biofertilizers-market https://www.mrrse.com/ An insightful study, titled Biofertilizers Market has been freshly broadcasted to the vast research repository of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE). This research study provides detailed comprehensions and forecasts future growth of the global market with an in-depth study of the factors impacting revenue growth throughout the mentioned forecast period. Further, a deep analysis on the major players from diverse regions is also present in the report.Get Sample Report @Biofertilizers are the substances which make use of the living micro-organisms and are applied to seed, plant surfaces, or soil. They promote the growth of the plants by supplying adequate amount of nutrients and improve the quality and yield of the crops. The three major biofertilizers existing in the market are nitrogen fixing bio-fertilizer, phosphate mobilizing bio-fertilizer and potassium mobilizing bio-fertilizer. Biofertilizers add nutrients through the natural processes of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, solubilizing phosphorous, and stimulating plant growth through the synthesis of growth promoting substances. The benefits of Biofertilizers include longer shelf life, less contamination, better survival on seeds and soil, high commercial revenues and export potential. Biofertilizers help to increase the nutrient absorbing surface area beyond the depletion zone of the root. Different kinds of soil micro-organisms belonging to several taxa of the bacteria, fungi, and protozoa kingdoms, colonizing the rhizosphere or the plant tissues and promoting plant growth, can be utilized for the production of Biofertilizers.Global bio-fertilizer market can be segmented on the basis of product and applications. The product segment of bio-fertilizer market includes nitrogen fixing bio-fertilizer, phosphate mobilizing bio-fertilizer and potassium mobilizing bio-fertilizer. In terms of application, global biofertilizer market can be categorized into cereals and grains, fruits and vegetables, oil seeds and pulses and others segment including nursery turfs and ornamental plants.The report estimates and forecasts the Bio Fertilizers 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 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 Biofertilizers 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 Bio Fertilizers market on the global, regional and country level. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities mentioned in the report are justified through quantitative and qualitative data. These have been verified through primary and secondary resources. Furthermore, the report analyzes substitute analysis of Biofertilizers and global average price trend analysis.The report includes Porters Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the Biofertilizers market. The report comprises a qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users and regions 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 Biofertilizers between 2017 and 2025.The study provides a comprehensive view of the Biofertilizers market by dividing it into, product, application, and geography segments. The product segment of the biofertilizers market is classified as nitrogen fixing, phosphate mobilizing and potassium mobilizing fertilizers The Biofertilizers market, by application has been categorized into oil seeds & pulses, cereals & grains, fruits & vegetables and others. The regional analysis of global biofertilizer market include includes the current and forecast consumption of biofertilizers in North America (U.S, Canada), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Rest of Latin America) , Europe (Germany, France, Russia, Spain, CIS, Greece, Ukraine, Italy, Serbia, and Rest of Europe),Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN (Excluding Indonesia and Vietnam), Japan, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific), and Middle East & Africa (Iran, Israel, Nigeria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Rest of Middle East & Africa).Favorable regulatory scenario in highly developed regions such as North America and Europe are driving the market of global biofertilizers.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 include PotashCorp Agri Life, Bodisen Biotech, Inc. , Italpollina SpA , Protan AG , Novozymes A/S , Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd. , T. Stanes & Company Limited , Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited Symborg S.L, & Rizobacters Argentina S.A. 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).Comprehensive Overview of Report with Exclusive List of Tables and Figures @Secondary research sources that were typically referred to include, but were not limited to Food & Agricultural Organization(FAO), International Fertilizer Association (IFA), National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF) and International Fertilizer Society (IFS). Other sources such as internal and external proprietary databases, statistical databases and market reports, news articles, national government documents, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market have also been referred for the report.In-depth interviews and discussions with a wide range of key opinion leaders and industry participants were conducted to compile this research report. Primary research represents the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. Key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents were reviewed for competitive analysis and market understanding. This helped in validating and strengthening secondary research findings. Primary research further helped in developing the analysis teams expertise and market understanding.The global biofertilizers market has been segmented as follows:Biofertilizers Market Product AnalysisNitrogen FixingPhosphate MobilizingPotassium MobilizingBiofertilizers Market Application AnalysisCereals & GrainsOil seeds & PulsesFruits & VegetablesOthersBiofertilizers Market Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoArgentinaRest of Latin AmericaEuropeGermanyFranceRussiaSpainCISGreeceUkraineItalySerbiaRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaIndiaASEAN (Ex Indonesia & Vietnam)IndonesiaVietnamJapanAustraliaRest of Asia PacificMiddle East & AfricaSouth AfricaIranIsraelNigeriaMoroccoSaudi ArabiaEgyptRest of Middle East & AfricaAbout MRRSEMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Biotechnology 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: Heart Rate Monitor Market Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 13.50% with Leading Players Garmin Ltd, Visiomed Group, Nike, Fitbit Inc., Mio Global and More by 2023 Heart Rate Monitor Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1370 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/heart-rate-monitor-market-1370 The Global Heart Rate Monitor Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% during forecasted period of 2017-2023. Heart rate monitor are devices used to monitor the heart rate. These devices have got a huge demand from last few years. Introduction of different features like monitoring sleep pattern, calories burn during exercise has attracted many people for self-monitoring the heart rate. Increasing prevalence of cardiac diseases, increasing awareness among the people for monitoring the diseases and adoption of the self-monitoring devises by the people has driven the growth of this market across the globe.Geographically, North America account the largest heart rate monitor market. About 45% of total global heart rate monitor market is contributed by North America. Increasing population suffering from cardiac diseases, diabetes, increasing health education among the people has help to grow heart rate monitor market in North America. Europe has the second largest heart rate monitor market followed by Asia Pacific. India, Japan and China are the major contributor for the market in Asia Pacific region. Rapid development in medical sector and continuous improvement in health care infrastructure in this region has led to synergistic effect on the growth of the market. Middle East and Africa has the lowest heart rate monitor market.Get Exclusive Sample Copy of Heart Rate Monitor Market Report spread across 128 Premium Pages, Top 10 Companies Profile and Supported with 135 Tables and 17 Figures is Now Available atKey Players for Global Heart Rate Monitor Market: Key players profiled in the report are Apple, Garmin Ltd., Samsung, Nike, Fitbit, Motorola, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Polar, Sony and others.Heart Rate Monitor Market Segments: The global heart rate monitors market is segmented on the basis of type, and use. Based on type, the market has been segmented as strapless, chest strap and others. Based on the use, the market has been segmented as medical, sport and others.Heart Rate Monitor Market Regional Analysis: US accounts for the maximum market share due to favorable reimbursement scenario and greater expenditure on healthcare. Europe is the second largest market due to large disposable income and rising awareness. Asia Pacific region is the fastest region because of large unmet needs and is led by China and India. The Middle East and Africa market is led by the gulf nations particularly Saudi Arabia and UAE. The poor regions of Africa are expected to be a laggard due to poor economic and political conditions.Major TOC for Heart Rate Monitor Market Research Report Forecast to 20231. 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 RIVALRYTOC ContinuedBrowse Full Report @About US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com Smart Grid Sensors Market is Projected to Increase to a Whopping US$ 1,447.3 Mn by 2025 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/3962 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3962 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com The global energy sector is transitioning into intelligent, efficient network of power supply, and smart grids are actively replacing conventional power grids across the world. The demand for smart grid sensors grows in parallel with surging adoption of smart grid technology. In todays day and age, detection and monitoring operations have helped save potential losses worth millions of dollars. Therefore, smart grid sensors are also expected to gain surplus demand in tomorrows energy industry. Persistence Market Researchs latest report on the global market for smart grid sensors projects that the market, which is presently valued at a little over US$ 128 Mn, will soar at a stellar CAGR of 30.3% to bring in US$ 1,447.3 Mn in revenues by the end of 2025.Access Report with Table of Contents @Key findings in the report exhibit that the global smart grid sensors market will have a steadfast growth during the assessment period, 2017-2025. In this period, the dynamic growth of the global smart grid sensor market will be impacted by several factors, among which following have an enduring influence:Extreme Weather Conditions: Severe climate and harsh environment is disrupting the operational efficiency of smart grids, compelling the deployment of thermal sensors that can detect temperature differences and adapt to drastic weather changes, particularly in the US.Electricity Thefts: Rising incidence of electricity thefts in developing & underdeveloped regions is driving the adoption of smart grids. In Latin American countries, power authorities are monitoring such malpractices with help of sensors that identify faux power glitches.Proliferation of IoT: Internet of Things (IoT) is influencing the sales of smart grid sensors but remuneratively. Presently, utilities companies in Europe are looking to leverage IoT to improve development and operation of smart grids by connecting unique devices, which will end up creating an intelligent & self-sustained energy ecosystem.Ineffectiveness of older power grids, increasing energy demands, and implementation of smart metering systems has also propelled the global demand for smart grid sensors. According to the report, titled Smart Grid Sensors Market: Global Industry Trend Analysis 2012 to 2016 and Forecast 20172025, rising concern regarding safety & security of smart grids, and high implementation costs of smart grid sensors is likely to impede the global markets growth, but to a certain extent.Based on the region, Latin Americas smart grid sensors market is projected to exhibit a relatively high growth, registering a robust CAGR of 36.1%. The demand for voltage/temperature sensors, in particular, is projected to remain high throughout the forecast period. The report estimates that in 2016, more than 40% of global smart grid sensor revenues were accounted by sales of voltage/temperature sensors. In terms of application, smart energy metering is expected to dominate with more than 40% share, while revenues amassed from other applications such as lead management, energy storage and renewable energy will be registering a speedy growth at 38.1% CAGR.A Sample of this Report is Available upon Request @The report also profiles key participants in the global smart grid sensors market, which include ABB Ltd., Aclara Technologies LLC, General Electric Company, Honeywell International Inc., Eaton, Toshiba Corporation, Networked Energy Services Corporation, QinetiQ Group PLC, Torino Power Solutions Inc., Sentient Energy, Inc., ARTECHE, Siemens AG, Ingenu Inc., GIPRO GmbH, GRID20/20 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: Baby Diaper Market Forecast to 2023 | Top manufacturers- Kimberly Clark, Unicharm, SCA, Ontex https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1013517-global-baby-diaper-market-8 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/1013517-global-baby-diaper-market-8 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=1013517 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/1013517-global-baby-diaper-market-8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/13388569/ https://plus.google.com/u/0/+Htfmarketreportinsights https://www.facebook.com/htfmarketintelligence/ https://twitter.com/htfmarketreport HTF MI recently introduced Global Baby Diaper Market study with in-depth overview, describing about the Product / Industry Scope and elaborates market outlook and status to 2023. At present, the market is developing its presence and some of the key players from the complete study are P&G, Kimberly Clark, Unicharm, SCA, Ontex, Kao, First Quality, Hengan, Daio, Domtar, Chiaus, DSG, Pigeon, DaddyBaby & Fuburg etc. The market Study is segmented by key regions which is accelerating the marketization.This report studies the Global Baby Diaper market size, industry status and forecast, competition landscape and growth opportunity. This research report categorizes the Global Baby Diaper market by companies, region, type and end-use industry.Browse 100+ market data Tables and Figures spread through Pages and in-depth TOC on " Baby Diaper Market by Type (Disposable Baby Diaper & Cloth Diapers), by End-Users/Application (Baby (Less than 7 kg), Baby (7-15 kg) & Baby (More than 15 kg)), Organization Size, Industry, and Region - Forecast to 2023". Early buyers will receive 10% customization on comprehensive study.In order to get a deeper view of Market Size, competitive landscape is provided i.e. Revenue (Million USD) by Players (2013-2018), Revenue Market Share (%) by Players (2013-2018) and further a qualitative analysis is made towards market concentration rate, product/service differences, new entrants and the technological trends in future.Browse for Full Report at:Competitive Analysis:The key players are highly focusing innovation in production technologies to improve efficiency and shelf life. The best long-term growth opportunities for this sector can be captured by ensuring ongoing process improvements and financial flexibility to invest in the optimal strategies. Company profile section of players such as P&G, Kimberly Clark, Unicharm, SCA, Ontex, Kao, First Quality, Hengan, Daio, Domtar, Chiaus, DSG, Pigeon, DaddyBaby & Fuburg includes its basic information like legal name, website, headquarters, its market position, historical background and top 5 closest competitors by Market capitalization / revenue along with contact information. Each player/ manufacturer revenue figures, growth rate and gross profit margin is provided in easy to understand tabular format for past 5 years and a separate section on recent development like mergers, acquisition or any new product/service launch etc.Request Sample of Global Baby Diaper Market Professional Survey Report 2018 @:Market Segments:The Global Baby Diaper Market has been divided into type, application, and region.On The Basis Of Type: Disposable Baby Diaper & Cloth Diapers.On The Basis Of Application: Baby (Less than 7 kg), Baby (7-15 kg) & Baby (More than 15 kg)On The Basis Of Region, this report is segmented into following key geographies, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), and market share, growth rate of Baby Diaper in these regions, from 2013 to 2023 (forecast), covering North America (U.S. & Canada) {Market Revenue (USD Billion), Growth Analysis (%) and Opportunity Analysis} Latin America (Brazil, Mexico & Rest of Latin America) {Market Revenue (USD Billion), Growth Share (%) and Opportunity Analysis} Europe (The U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden & RoE) {Market Revenue (USD Billion), Growth Share (%) and Opportunity Analysis} Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of Asia) {Market Revenue (USD Billion), Growth Share (%) and Opportunity Analysis} Middle East & Africa (GCC, South Africa, North Africa, RoMEA) {Market Revenue (USD Billion), Growth Share (%) and Opportunity Analysis} Rest of World {Market Revenue (USD Billion), Growth Analysis (%) and Opportunity Analysis}Buy Single User License of Global Baby Diaper Market Professional Survey Report 2018 @Have a look at some extracts from Table of ContentIntroduction about Global Baby Diaper Global Baby Diaper Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2017 Baby Diaper Market by Application/End Users Global Baby Diaper Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Applications (2013-2023) table defined for each application/end-users like [Baby (Less than 7 kg), Baby (7-15 kg) & Baby (More than 15 kg)] Global Baby Diaper Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2023) Baby Diaper Competition by Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application Baby Diaper (Volume, Value and Sales Price) table defined for each geographic region defined. Global Baby Diaper Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales DataAdditionally Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors list is being provided for each listed manufacturers Market Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018) table for each product type which include Disposable Baby Diaper & Cloth Diapers Baby Diaper Manufacturing Cost Analysis Baby Diaper Key Raw Materials Analysis Baby Diaper Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers, Industrial Chain Analysis Market Forecast (2018-2023) ........and more in complete table of ContentsEnquire for customization in Report @Thanks 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.Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager)HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA 08837Phone: +1 (206) 317 1218sales@htfmarketreport.comConnect with us at Gas Leak Detector Market to Register Significant Growth of US$ 3143.67 Mn by 2020 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/4606 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4606 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com According to a new market report published by Persistence Market Research Global Market Study on Gas Leak Detector Market - Asia Pacific to Witness Highest Growth by 2020, The global gas leak detectors market accounted for US$ 2,312.2 Mn in 2014 and while exhibiting a CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period. The Global Gas Leak Detector Market is expected to reach US$ 3143.67 Mn by the end of 2020, representing a CAGR of 5.29% through 2015 to 2020.Access Report with Table of Contents @Key driving factors, identified in the global gas leak detectors market are stringent government safety norms, growing investment in oil & gas and chemical Industries and increasing commercial and residential infrastructure development. However, lower profit margin due to intense competition deferred investments in oil and gas might pose a challenge towards the growth of the global gas leak detector market. Some of the major trends identified in the global gas leak detector market are the use of internet of everything (IoT) and artificial neural network technology and gas leak detectors.The global gas leak detector market report is categorically split under four sections namely: market analysis by region, applications, product type and technology. The report analyses the global gas leak detector market in terms of market value (US$ Mn) and volume (Million Units).From a regional perspective, North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Western Europe together contributed 50% of the global gas leak detector market value in the year 2014. Whilst Asia Pacific excluding Japan contributed total 35%, making it the largest geographical segment in the global gas leak detector market. The Middle East and Africa gas leak detector market are projected to grow at promising CAGR of 6.27% through the forecast period.From the product type perspective, Portable type gas leak detectors accounted a leading share in the global gas leak detector market value in 2014, which is projected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period. The fixed type gas leak detector market is projected to exhibit CAGR of approximately 3.8% for the year 2015 to 2020.On the basis of technology type, the electrochemical-based gas leak detector is the predominant segment with a total share of about 38%, whilst the ultrasonic, semiconductor and infrared based gas leak detector cumulatively accounted for 46.6% % in the global gas leak detector market value in 2014. When compared with other remaining technology segment the infrared based gas leak detectors is projected to grow at higher CAGR of 6.30% over the forecast period.From an application perspective, the Industrial application segment of the gas leak detector is the largest segment of the global gas leak detector market in 2014. Out of the sub-segment oil & gas is the major segment, holding the largest market share as compared with other remaining sub-segment. On the other hand, the market value accounted in the year 2014 by commercial establishment application segment is approximately 2.5X of the value registered by the residential segment. Others application segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2015 to 2020.Key market participants covered in the report include MSA Safety Inc., Honeywell International Inc., TycoInternational plc, Dragerwerk AG & Co. KgaA, Emerson Electric Company and other players.A Sample of this Report is Available upon Request @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: Automotive Starter Motor Market: 2018 Global Industry Size, Share, Growth Factors, Emerging Technologies, Regional Analysis And Competitive Landscape Forecast To 2023 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5626 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/automotive-starter-motor-market-5626 Automotive Starter Motor Market growing exponentially at CAGR of 4.55% by forecast period of 2018 to 2023. This Global Automotive Starter Motor Market growth is boosted by factors such as, rise in the demand for passenger and commercial vehicles, development of advanced technology, stringent government regulations for emission, and among others. The rise in the demand for passenger and commercial vehicle mainly in emerging countries will increase the installation of starter motor in the vehicles. The electric starter motor is in high demand due to stringent government regulation for emission. There have been various developments in starter motor by the automotive manufacturers.Automotive Starter Motor Market Key Players Analyzed In Report Are:Valeo SA (France), Denso Corporation (Japan), Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Ningbo zhongwang AUTO Fittings Co.,Ltd. (China), Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. (Japan), Mitsubishi Electric (Japan), ASIMCO Technologies Ltd. (China), Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. (Germany), BBB Industries (U.S.), Unipoint Electric MFG Co., Ltd. (Taiwan), Remy International, Inc. (U.S.), Lucas Electrical Limited (U.K.), Mitsuba Corporation (Japan), BorgWarner Inc. (U.S.), and Cummins Inc. (U.S.)Get Sample Copy of Report At:The Automotive starter motor market is segmented based on type, component, engine type, and vehicle type. By type, the market is segmented based on electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic. Electric starter motor segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period due to increase in demand for gasoline operated vehicles. There has been growing sales of passenger and commercial vehicle operated by gasoline in emerging countries. This will increase the demand for installation of electric starter motor. By component, the market is segmented into armature, starter drive gear, shift fork, return spring, solenoid, brush, and others. Solenoid segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period because it allows large electric current pass through the starter motor. By engine type, the market is segmented based on gasoline and diesel. The gasoline segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period due to increase in the production of gasoline-powered passenger and commercial vehicles.This study provides an overview of the global automotive starter motor market, tracking four market segments across four geographic regions. The report studies key players, providing a five-year annual trend analysis that highlights market size, volume and share for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC) and Rest of the World (ROW). The report also provides a forecast, focusing on the market opportunities for the next five years, for each region. The scope of the study segments the global automotive starter motors market by its type, component, engine type, and vehicle type, and regionRegional Analysis:By region, the market is segmented based on North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. Asia Pacific region is expected to dominate the automotive starter motor market due to an increase in demand for passenger and commercial vehicles. The growth of passenger and commercial vehicles will result in high demand for the installation of different types of starter motors in the vehicles. The OEMs in emerging countries are investing heavily in development of components that meet the government standard. The increased investment by the manufacturers will result in growing production of the starter motor. North America is expected to be the second largest market due to an increase in production of commercial vehicles. Commercial vehicles require the use of pneumatic and hydraulic starter motor. This will increase the demand for starter motor in North America.Scope of the Report:The report for Global Automotive Starter Motor Market of Market Research Future comprises extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.Major Table Of Content:1 Executive Summary2 Scope Of The Report2.1 Market Definition2.2 Scope Of The Study2.2.1 Definition2.2.2 Research Objective2.2.3 Assumptions2.2.4 Limitations2.3 Research Process2.3.1 Primary Research2.3.2 Secondary Research2.4 Market Size Estimation2.5 Forecast Model3 Market Landscape3.1 Porters Five Forces Analysis3.1.1 Threat Of New Entrants3.1.2 Bargaining Power Of Buyers3.1.3 Threat Of Substitutes3.1.4 Segment Rivalry3.1.5 Bargaining Power Of Buyers3.2 Value Chain/Supply Chain Analysis4 Market Dynamics4.1 Introduction4.2 Market Drivers4.3 Market Restraints4.4 Market Opportunities4.5 Market TrendsGet more details on this Automotive Starter Motor Market Research Report- Forecast to 2023 at:About Us:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312sales@marketresearchfuture.com Direct Drive Wind Turbine Market 2018 Global Industry Analysis by Top Key Players Focusing on Industry Growth Strategies and Upcoming Trends 2022 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2465 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/2465 Market Overview: -Governments across the globe are trying to promote green and clean energy usage. The availability of financial subsidies from governments is expected to drive the market. However, huge initial investments and shortage of skilled labor are the major restraints for the market growth.The rising demand for energy and increasing greenhouse gas emission has raised the significance of renewable energy sources such as wind energy, which will boost the growth of direct drive wind turbine market globally. Factors such as favorable government policies, growing concern for energy conservation and depleting fossil fuel reserves are expected to drive the global direct drive wind turbine market during the forecast period.The global direct drive wind turbine market is projected to grow at approximately 11.5% CAGR by the end of 2022.Key Players:-GE Renewable EnergySiemens AGGoldwind Science & Technology Co. Ltd.Leitwind AGENERCON GmbHXiangtan Electric Manufacturing GroupEmergya Wind Technologies B.V.VENSYS Energy AGWindtronics LLCGet In - Depth Sample Report For Market Analysis @Scope of the ReportThis study provides an overview of the global direct drive wind turbine market, tracking two market segments across four geographic regions. The report studies key players, providing a five-year annual trend analysis that highlights market size, volume and share for Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe and Rest of the World (ROW). The report also provides a forecast, focusing on the market opportunities for the next five years for each region. The scope of the study segments the global direct drive wind turbine market by its capacity, technology and region.By CapacityLess than 1MW1MW to 3MWMore than 3MWBy TechnologyElectrically Excited Synchronous Generator (EESG)Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG)By RegionAsia PacificNorth AmericaEuropeRest of WorldRegional Analysis of Global Direct Drive Wind Turbine MarketIt is due to countries such as Spain, U.K., France and Ireland, in the region that the investment is high in wind energy sector with favorable government regulations.It is followed by Asia-Pacific due to the adoption of gearless wind turbines in the emerging nations such as China and India with growing energy needs in the region.Target AudienceManufacturesRaw Materials SuppliersAftermarket suppliersResearch Institute / Education InstitutePotential InvestorsKey executive (CEO and COO) and strategy growth managerEnquiry For this report @Market Research Future:MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Mobile Analytics Market to Witness Huge Growth by 2023: Leading Players - Google, Yahoo/Flurry, Adobe Systems, Webtrends, IBM Mobile Analytics Market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/908686-emea-europe-middle-east-and-africa-mobile-analytics-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/908686-emea-europe-middle-east-and-africa-mobile-analytics-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/908686-emea-europe-middle-east-and-africa-mobile-analytics-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=908686 https://www.linkedin.com/company/13388569/ https://plus.google.com/u/0/+Htfmarketreportinsights https://www.facebook.com/htfmarketintelligence/ https://twitter.com/htfmarketreport The study of the Mobile Analytics market by HTF MI provides the market size information and market trends along with factors and parameters impacting it in both short- and long-term. The study provides a 360 view and insights, outlining the key outcomes of the industry. These insights help the business decision-makers to formulate better business plans and make informed decisions for improved profitability. In addition, the study helps venture capitalists in understanding the companies better and make informed decisions. Some of the key players in the Mobile Analytics market are Google, Yahoo/Flurry, Adobe Systems, Webtrends, IBM, Amazon Web Services, Localytics, Mixpanel, ComScore, Microsoft, AppDynamics(CISCO), AT Internet, CA Technologies, Countly, Apsalar, Appsee, Adjust, Netbiscuits, AskingPoint, Amplitude & Aliyun.Get the inside scoop of the Sample report @:Key Points Covered in Mobile Analytics Market Report:EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Mobile Analytics Overview, Definition and ClassificationMarket drivers and barriersEMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Mobile Analytics Market Competition by ManufacturersEMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Mobile Analytics Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2018-2023)EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Mobile Analytics Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2018-2023)EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Mobile Analytics Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeEMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Mobile Analytics Market Analysis by ApplicationEMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Mobile Analytics Manufacturers Profiles/AnalysisMobile Analytics Manufacturing Cost AnalysisIndustrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersMarketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersStandardization, regulatory and collaborative initiativesIndustry roadmap and value chainMarket Effect Factors Analysis ..Early buyers will receive 10% customization on reports. Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @Market forecasts are provided for each of the following submarkets, product-type and by application/end-user categories:By Product Types: Mobile APP Analytics, Mobile Web Analytics, Mobile Crash Reporting & OtherBy Application/ End-user: Android Platform, IOS Platform & Other PlatformsRegional Markets: Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Benelux; & Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Israel, UAE and Iran;List of Companies Mentioned: Google, Yahoo/Flurry, Adobe Systems, Webtrends, IBM, Amazon Web Services, Localytics, Mixpanel, ComScore, Microsoft, AppDynamics(CISCO), AT Internet, CA Technologies, Countly, Apsalar, Appsee, Adjust, Netbiscuits, AskingPoint, Amplitude & AliyunMobile Analytics Market Effect Factors Analysis chapter specifically concentrates on Technology Progress/Risk, Substitutes Threat, Technology Progress in Related Industry, Consumer Needs/Customer Preference Changes and Economic/Political Environmental Changes that defines the growth factors of the Market.The highest & slowest growing market segments are outlined in the study to provide valuable insights of each core element of the market. New market players are beginning to emerge and are accelerating their transition in Mobile Analytics Market.Any Query or Specific Requirement? Ask to our Expert @The report comes with an associated Excel datasheet suite covering quantitative data from all numeric forecasts presented in the reportResearch Methodology: The Mobile Analytics market has been analyzed by utilizing the optimum mix of secondary sources and benchmark methodology along with an irreplaceable blend of primary insights. The real-time assessment of the market is an integral part of our market sizing and forecasting methodology. Our industry experts and panel of primary participants have helped in compiling relevant aspects with realistic parametric estimations for a comprehensive study.Whats in the offering: The report provides detailed information about the usage and adoption of Mobile Analytics in various applications, types and regions/country. With that, key stakeholders can find out the major trends, drivers, investments, vertical players initiatives, government initiatives toward the product adoption in the following years, along with the details of commercial products available in the market. Moreover, the study provides details about the major challenges that are going to have an impact on the market growth. Additionally, the report gives complete details about the business opportunities to key stakeholders to expand their business and capture revenues in the specific verticals. The report will help companies interested or established in this market to analyze the various aspects of this domain before investing or expanding their business in the Mobile Analytics market.Buy this research @Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.About Author:HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact US :Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager)HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA 08837Phone: +1 (206) 317 1218sales@htfmarketreport.comConnect with us at Property Law Assignment Help offered By Excellent Assignment Help Australia Our Property law assignment writing service deals with 2 basic areas of laws. They're divided in keeping with their origin. Though each these systems emerged in Europe, they yet had terribly totally different trajectories. 2 major legal jurisdictions primarily enclosed in Property law assignment Help Australia are:Civil law jurisdictions: In civil law or common law jurisdictions, laws are intellectualized within the framework of Roman law and square measure written into an immutable system. Civil laws square measure followed in France and its colonies. For Property law assignment writing service, trust excellentassignmenthelp.com.au!Common law jurisdictions: In common law jurisdictions, laws square measure derived from the previous judgments of the native judges. It's supported the idea that it's unfair to treat similar facts otherwise. Common laws square measure followed in the European nation and its colonies. Avail Property law Assignment Help from excellentassignmenthelp.com.au.Students needing law assignment writing service should bear in mind this. In an assessment, laws may be divided into 2 types:Civil law: Civil laws agitate the disputes arising between 2 people or between a person and a corporation. Law assignment writing service suppliers stress the importance of civil laws in their facilitate material.Criminal laws: Criminal laws agitate conducts that square measure thought of harmful to the social order. The legal code may be a chief discipline in our Property law assignment writing service.Due to the excessive educational competition and stress, school students are undergoing a severe pain. We tend to perceive that drafting law work solutions are actually a difficult task for many students. Which is why we tend to are delivering our glorious on-line Property law Assignment Help and writing services to students following studies in Sydney, Brisbane, Queensland, Melbourne, components of Australia.Our Property law assignment consultants have the analysis experience to supply you with glorious Property Law Assignment Help. We've got an expensive expertise of writing varied law papers and so qualify because of the best law assignment writing service in trade. Get Property law assignment writing service at a fascinating rate.We are top quality Academic writers in Australia. Our Assignment Writers are always ready to help you 24/7.Excellent Assignment Help Australia2 Caledonian St, Bexley NSW 2207, AustraliaSYDNEY COVE NSW 2000 Global Necrotizing Fasciitis Market 2023 Top Vendors are Merck & Co., WOCKHARDT, Atox Bio, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd., and MELINTA THERAPEUTICS, INC Global Necrotizing Fasciitis Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5450 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/5450 Market Research Future (MRFR) announces the publication of its research report Global Necrotizing Fasciitis market 2017-2023Market HighlightsThe Global Necrotizing Fasciitis Market is expecting a steady growth during the forecasted period. Necrotizing fasciitis is a bacterial infection that affects tissue beneath the skin, surrounding muscles, and organs. Growing geriatric population, increasing prevalence of infectious diseases and technological advancement in surgery has driven the market growth. Moreover, increasing healthcare expenditure, and rising demand for the better treatment has fueled the growth of the market. However, lack of awareness about the disease in developing economies and poor reimbursement policies in developed countries may slow the growth of this market.The Global Necrotizing Fasciitis Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecasted period.SegmentationThe Global Necrotizing Fasciitis Market is segmented on the basis of pathogen, types, treatment, and end users.On the basis of the type, the market is categorized into Type I, Type II, Type III and others.On the basis of the treatment, the market is segmented into intravenous antibiotics, surgery, hyperbaric oxygen treatment, and others.On the basis of the end users, the market is segmented into hospitals & clinics, surgical centers, and others.Key PlayersSome of the key players in Necrotizing Fasciitis Market are Merck & Co. (U.S.), WOCKHARDT (India), Atox Bio (Israel), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (Israel), Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (Switzerland), and MELINTA THERAPEUTICS, INC. (U.S.).Get 203 Pages with 6 Vendors Strategy Copy @Regional AnalysisThe Americas dominate the Global Necrotizing Fasciitis Market owing to the presence of population suffering from bacterial infection and increasing number of surgical procedures in the hospitals. America is further segmented into North America and South America. North America holds the largest market owing to extensive use of advanced technology and developed pharmaceutical sector.Europe accounts for the second largest market due to increasing funds, government support and increasing healthcare expenditure. Germany, France, and the U.K hold a significant share in the market owing to increasing demand of technologically advanced devices for the surgical procedures and overall growth of medical device industry.Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market for the necrotizing fasciitis, whose growth is attributed to rising geriatric population, increasing prevalence of people suffering from bacterial infections and rapidly developing economies. Additionally, increasing healthcare expenditure and demand for new treatment options for rare diseases fuel the market growth. India and China are the major contributors to the market growth due to the rapid development of healthcare sector in these regions and increasing demand for diagnostic services.On the other hand, the Middle East & Africa is expected witness limited growth due to limited access to the healthcare resources and lack of awareness about rare diseases. In the Middle East, the growth of the market is driven by increasing availability new diagnostic and treatment methods for various chronic and acute bacterial infections.Table of ContentChapter 1. Report PrologueChapter 2. Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope of the Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 LimitationsChapter 3. Research Methodology3.1 Introduction3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size EstimationChapter 4. Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restrains4.3 Opportunities4.4 Challenges4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators4.6 Technology Trends & AssessmentContinuedAsk Query to Expertise @About US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comMRFR has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help answer your most important questions.Our Research Analysts are eager to share their knowledge and assist you in refining market research parameters, choosing right market studies, and evaluating both the market scope and the research methodologies of varied segments.We bridge the gap between our clients and their clients by identifying and decoding just the target group, while generating leads with the highest accuracy.Years of research into diverse fields of work has ingrained within us, a proficiency so distinguished that our industry-specific specialists identify with your business ideas and feel the pulse of your challenges and opportunities. This enables us for providing assistance, through our consulting and strategic consulting services, in informed managerial decision making. In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industries, WantStats Research and Media often conducts industrial visits for its research analysts. Relevant inputs from various established market participants, help our clients make significant contribution in respective markets are a huge motivation for all of us to endlessly furnish quality. We depend greatly on profound insights into complex realms of our study.magarpatta city pune IT Services Market Size to Reach 1203400 million US$ by 2025 with a CAGR of 2.5% during 2018-2025 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1815585 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1815585/global-it-services-size-status-market-research-reports/toc In 2017, the global IT Services market size was 1011000 million US$ and it is expected to reach 1203400 million US$ by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of 2.5% during 2018-2025.This report studies the global IT Services market size, industry status and forecast, competition landscape and growth opportunity. This research report categorizes the global IT Services market by companies, region, type and end-use industry.IT services refers to the application of business and technical expertise to enable organizations in the creation, management and optimization of or access to information and business processes.IT services are included System Integration, Cloud Computing Service, IT Consulting, System Support, etc. The service areas (application) are: Enterprise, Financial, Government, Healthcare & Medical, and Others. And Enterprise was the widest area which took up about 50% of the global total in 2016.North America is the largest IT service market in the world these years, and USA is the largest consumption countries of IT services in the world in the past few years and it will keep increasing in the next few years. USA market took up about 36% the global market in 2016 (90% of North America IT service market), while Europe was about 29%, and Japan is followed with the share about 13.5%.Request for sample copy of this report:USA, UK, Japan and India are now the key developers of IT services. There are some vendors with poor quality or introduced products, but the Chinese market is still controlled by the abroad vendors. And the high quality products are mainly supplied by overseas providers.IBM, HP, Fujitsu, Accenture, CSC, Lookheed, Capgemini, NTT Data, SAIC, Xerox, Oracle, Hitachi, NCC, ADP, NEC, TCS, Infosys, Atos, Wipro, HCL Tech, BT Global Services, and Capita are the key suppliers in the global IT services market. Top 10 took up about 23.8% of the global market in 2016. Abroad vendors took up more than 50% of the Chinese market. IBM, HP, Fujitsu, Accenture is the most popular IT services in the world.Note: CSC and HPE (HP) are merger into DXC Technology in Q3 2017, the Data of the former CSC is temporarily added to HP in 2017.This report focuses on the global top players, coveredIBMHPFujitsuAccentureCSCLookheedCapgeminiNTT DataSAICXeroxOracleHitachiNCCADPNECTCSInfosysAtosWiproHCL TechBT Global ServicesCapitaCTSIDCITSTaijiTeamsun TechChina UnicomDHC SoftwareNeusoftSinoRail InfoChinasoftUnisys CorpMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaMarket segment by Type, the product can be split intoType IType IIMarket segment by Application, split intoEnterpriseFinancialGovernmentHealthcare & MedicalOthersRequest for complete report TOC:The study objectives of this report are:To study and forecast the market size of IT Services in global market.To analyze the global key players, SWOT analysis, value and global market share for top players.To define, describe and forecast the market by type, end use and region.To analyze and compare the market status and forecast between China and major regions, namely, United States, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India and Rest of World.To analyze the global key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.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 IT Services 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 StakeholdersIT Services ManufacturersIT Services Distributors/Traders/WholesalersIT Services 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 IT Services market, by end-use.Detailed analysis and profiles of additional market players.MarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports, supporting clients market intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market profiles in its repository. We also offer consulting support for custom market research needs.Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that our customers always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries. From Fortune 500 companies to SMEs, Marketresearchreports.biz has built a veritable reputation for fulfilling the most exacting market research needs.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Global Market 2018: Key Players SABIC, Quadrant Surlon, Celanese, Jrlon, Victrex https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3047163-global-polyether-ether-ketone-peek-market-size-and-forecast-to-2021 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/3047163-global-polyether-ether-ketone-peek-market-size-and-forecast-to-2021 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=3047163 https://www.wiseguyreports.com Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) IndustryDescriptionWiseguyreports.Com Adds Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) -Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities and Analysis Of Top Key Player Forecast To 2023 To Its Research DatabasePolyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Report by Material, Application, and Geography Global Forecast to 2021 is a professional and comprehensive research report on the world's major regional market conditions, focusing on the main regions (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific) and the main countries (United States, Germany, United Kingdom,Japan, South Korea and China).In this report, the global Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is projected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2021, growing at a CAGR of XX% during the period 2017 to 2021.The report firstly introduced the Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) 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.The major players profiled in this report include:SABICQuadrant SurlonCelaneseJrlonVictrexSolvay S.A.Request for Sample Report @The end users/applications and product categories analysis:On the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume, revenue (Million USD), product price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into-Glass Filled PEEKCarbon Filled PEEKUnfilled PEEKOn 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 of Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) for each application, including-AerospaceAutomotive IndustryOthersTable of ContentsPart I Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Industry OverviewChapter One Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Industry Overview1.1 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Definition1.2 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Classification and Prodcut Type AnalysisGlass Filled PEEKCarbon Filled PEEKUnfilled PEEK1.3 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Application and Down Stream Market AnalysisAerospaceAutomotive IndustryOthers1.4 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Industry Chain Structure Analysis1.5 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Industry Development Overview1.6 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.1 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Global Import Market Analysis1.6.2 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Global Export Market Analysis1.6.3 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Global Main Region Market Analysis1.6.4 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.5 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Global Market Development Trend AnalysisPart II Asia Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Industry (The Report Company Including the Below Listed But Not All)Chapter Two 2012-2017 Asia Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast2.1 2012-2017 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Capacity Production Overview2.2 2012-2017 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Production Market Share Analysis2.3 2012-2017 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Demand Overview2.4 2012-2017 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Supply Demand and Shortage Analysis2.5 2012-2017 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Import Export Consumption Analysis2.6 2012-2017 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Cost Price Production Value Profit AnalysisChapter Three Asia Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Key Manufacturers Analysis3.1 SABIC3.1.1 Product Picture and Specification3.1.2 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis3.1.3 Contact Information3.2 Quadrant Surlon3.2.1 Product Picture and Specification3.2.2 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis3.2.3 Contact Information3.3 Company C3.3.1 Product Picture and Specification3.3.2 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis3.3.3 Contact Information...Leave a Query @...Chapter Four Asia Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Industry Development Trend4.1 2017-2021 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Capacity Production Trend4.2 2017-2021 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Production Market Share Analysis4.3 2017-2021 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Demand Trend4.4 2017-2021 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Supply Demand and Shortage Analysis4.5 2017-2021 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Import Export Consumption Analysis4.6 2017-2021 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Cost Price Production Value Profit AnalysisPart III North American Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Industry (The Report Company Including the Below Listed But Not All)Chapter Five 2012-2017 North American Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast5.1 2012-2017 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Capacity Production Overview5.2 2012-2017 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Production Market Share Analysis5.3 2012-2017 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Demand Overview5.4 2012-2017 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Supply Demand and Shortage Analysis5.5 2012-2017 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Import Export Consumption Analysis5.6 2012-2017 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Cost Price Production Value Profit AnalysisChapter Six North American Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Key Manufacturers Analysis6.1 Celanese6.1.1 Product Picture and Specification6.1.2 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis6.1.3 Contact Information6.2 Jrlon6.2.1 Product Picture and Specification6.2.2 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis6.2.3 Contact Information......Chapter Seven North American Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Industry Development Trend7.1 2017-2021 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Capacity Production Trend7.2 2017-2021 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Production Market Share Analysis7.3 2017-2021 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Demand Trend7.4 2017-2021 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Supply Demand and Shortage Analysis7.5 2017-2021 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Import Export Consumption Analysis7.6 2017-2021 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Cost Price Production Value Profit AnalysisPart IV Europe Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Industry Analysis (The Report Company Including the Below Listed But Not All)Chapter Eight 2012-2017 Europe Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast8.1 2012-2017 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Capacity Production Overview8.2 2012-2017 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Production Market Share Analysis8.3 2012-2017 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Demand Overview8.4 2012-2017 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Supply Demand and Shortage Analysis8.5 2012-2017 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Import Export Consumption Analysis8.6 2012-2017 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Cost Price Production Value Profit AnalysisChapter Nine Europe Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Key Manufacturers Analysis9.1 Victrex9.1.1 Product Picture and Specification9.1.2 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis9.1.3 Contact Information9.2 Solvay S.A.9.2.1 Product Picture and Specification9.2.2 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis9.2.3 Contact Information......Chapter Ten Europe Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Industry Development Trend10.1 2017-2021 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Capacity Production Trend10.2 2017-2021 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Production Market Share Analysis10.3 2017-2021 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Demand Trend10.4 2017-2021 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Supply Demand and Shortage Analysis10.5 2017-2021 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Import Export Consumption Analysis10.6 2017-2021 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Cost Price Production Value Profit AnalysisBuy 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 Latest Insights on IoT Communication Protocol Market for Forecast Period 2017 2026 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=13712 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=13712 The global IoT communication protocol market is expected to witness a healthy growth on account of the high demand from businesses and organizations. IoT will be in high demand and be used as a key model for organizations across various verticals in the years to come on account of the high operational efficiency it provides. In addition to this, IoT enables cost savings, which is a key requirement for most organizations.Some of the factors boosting the global IoT communication protocol are increased adoption of wireless sensors and increasing popularity of cloud computing. Another factor aiding the growth of the global IoT communication protocol market is the support of the government. Across the globe, governments have been increasingly funding for the research and development of the IoT field.Get Sample Brochure at:This support from the government has been a key factor for widening the scope of the IoT communication protocol market. Huge funding from governments across the globe has resulted in innovative cross-domain applications of IoT and has immensely benefitted the growth of this industry and therefore, IoT is now increasingly penetrating across industries. It is anticipated that the future will see higher adoption of IoT across verticals supported by the easy availability of high speed internet and increasing popularity of wearable devices.The initiatives taken by emerging countries to brace up and join other nations in terms of being technologically advanced will make them key markets for IoT communication protocol in the future. Aggressive investments are being made by nations such as India, China, and Japan and leading towards an increased adoption of the Internet of Things. This is boosting the demand for IoT chip and driving the IoT communication protocol market in turn.Get TOC of This Report:In Internet of Things, the interconnected devices are usually of short range, low power, wireless devices with their own predefined set of operations. Moreover, these devices are not compatible to existing internet protocol due to which a new set of protocols are developed to cater the requirements of the IoT. Some of the most widely used protocols in IoT are Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT), Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP) etc. These protocols facilitates in power conservation making devices operate for a longer duration of time.The IoT communication protocol market has been experiencing massive growth in the recent years due to growing popularity of Internet of Things and the increasing adoption of smart watches and activity trackers in consumer markets. Continuous growth in demand for smartphones and other connectivity devices and increasing demand for cloud computing is expected to drive the market in near term. Additionally, expansion in use of wireless sensors and low-power wide-area network is further expected to fuel the market growth. However, lack of communication standard across platforms and high power consumption by connected devices is hindering the market growth. Significant government funding across globe for Internet of Things and increasing adoption of wearable devices in multiple application areas such as healthcare, industrial, and military is expected to create huge opportunities for the companies operating in global IoT communication protocol market.Transparency Market Researchis into analytics, research, and advisory services for Fortune 500 companies, scores of high potential startups, and financial institutions. Our success stories have proven why we are a preeminent provider of cutting-edge syndicated and customized research services. Leverage the best of our seasoned research analysts who hold a keen interest and enviable expertise of almost 4 million hours in global, regional, and local market intelligence.Unit No.701, 7th Floor, NSG IT Park,Aundh, Pune - 411007 India Photovoltaic Solar Cells Global Market 2018: Key Players TRONY, Hanergy Holding, First Solar, MiaSole, AVANCIS https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3047401-global-photovoltaic-solar-cells-market-size-and-forecast-to-2021 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/3047401-global-photovoltaic-solar-cells-market-size-and-forecast-to-2021 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=3047401 https://www.wiseguyreports.com Photovoltaic Solar Cells IndustryDescriptionWiseguyreports.Com Adds Photovoltaic Solar Cells -Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities and Analysis Of Top Key Player Forecast To 2023 To Its Research DatabasePhotovoltaic Solar Cells Report by Material, Application, and Geography Global Forecast to 2021 is a professional and comprehensive research report on the world's major regional market conditions, focusing on the main regions (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific) and the main countries (United States, Germany, United Kingdom,Japan, South Korea and China).The report firstly introduced the Photovoltaic Solar Cells 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.The major players profiled in this report include:TRONYHanergy HoldingFirst SolarMiaSoleAVANCISCompany GRequest for Sample Report @The end users/applications and product categories analysis:On the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume, revenue (Million USD), product price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into-Monocrystalline silicon solar cellsPolysilicon solar cellsAmorphous silicon solar cellsOn 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 of Photovoltaic Solar Cells for each application, including-Automotive IndustryAviation IndustryOthersTable of ContentsPart I Photovoltaic Solar Cells Industry OverviewChapter One Photovoltaic Solar Cells Industry Overview1.1 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Definition1.2 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Classification and Prodcut Type AnalysisMonocrystalline silicon solar cellsPolysilicon solar cellsAmorphous silicon solar cells1.3 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Application and Down Stream Market AnalysisAutomotive IndustryAviation IndustryOthers1.4 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Industry Chain Structure Analysis1.5 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Industry Development Overview1.6 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.1 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Global Import Market Analysis1.6.2 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Global Export Market Analysis1.6.3 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Global Main Region Market Analysis1.6.4 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.5 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Global Market Development Trend AnalysisPart II Asia Photovoltaic Solar Cells Industry (The Report Company Including the Below Listed But Not All)Chapter Two 2012-2017 Asia Photovoltaic Solar Cells Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast2.1 2012-2017 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Capacity Production Overview2.2 2012-2017 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Production Market Share Analysis2.3 2012-2017 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Demand Overview2.4 2012-2017 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Supply Demand and Shortage Analysis2.5 2012-2017 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Import Export Consumption Analysis2.6 2012-2017 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Cost Price Production Value Profit AnalysisChapter Three Asia Photovoltaic Solar Cells Key Manufacturers Analysis3.1 TRONY3.1.1 Product Picture and Specification3.1.2 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis3.1.3 Contact Information3.2 Hanergy Holding3.2.1 Product Picture and Specification3.2.2 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis3.2.3 Contact Information3.3 Company C3.3.1 Product Picture and Specification3.3.2 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis3.3.3 Contact Information...Leave a Query @...Chapter Four Asia Photovoltaic Solar Cells Industry Development Trend4.1 2017-2021 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Capacity Production Trend4.2 2017-2021 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Production Market Share Analysis4.3 2017-2021 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Demand Trend4.4 2017-2021 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Supply Demand and Shortage Analysis4.5 2017-2021 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Import Export Consumption Analysis4.6 2017-2021 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Cost Price Production Value Profit AnalysisPart III North American Photovoltaic Solar Cells Industry (The Report Company Including the Below Listed But Not All)Chapter Five 2012-2017 North American Photovoltaic Solar Cells Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast5.1 2012-2017 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Capacity Production Overview5.2 2012-2017 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Production Market Share Analysis5.3 2012-2017 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Demand Overview5.4 2012-2017 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Supply Demand and Shortage Analysis5.5 2012-2017 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Import Export Consumption Analysis5.6 2012-2017 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Cost Price Production Value Profit AnalysisChapter Six North American Photovoltaic Solar Cells Key Manufacturers Analysis6.1 First Solar6.1.1 Product Picture and Specification6.1.2 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis6.1.3 Contact Information6.2 MiaSole6.2.1 Product Picture and Specification6.2.2 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis6.2.3 Contact Information......Chapter Seven North American Photovoltaic Solar Cells Industry Development Trend7.1 2017-2021 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Capacity Production Trend7.2 2017-2021 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Production Market Share Analysis7.3 2017-2021 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Demand Trend7.4 2017-2021 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Supply Demand and Shortage Analysis7.5 2017-2021 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Import Export Consumption Analysis7.6 2017-2021 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Cost Price Production Value Profit AnalysisPart IV Europe Photovoltaic Solar Cells Industry Analysis (The Report Company Including the Below Listed But Not All)Chapter Eight 2012-2017 Europe Photovoltaic Solar Cells Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast8.1 2012-2017 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Capacity Production Overview8.2 2012-2017 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Production Market Share Analysis8.3 2012-2017 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Demand Overview8.4 2012-2017 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Supply Demand and Shortage Analysis8.5 2012-2017 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Import Export Consumption Analysis8.6 2012-2017 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Cost Price Production Value Profit AnalysisChapter Nine Europe Photovoltaic Solar Cells Key Manufacturers Analysis9.1 AVANCIS9.1.1 Product Picture and Specification9.1.2 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis9.1.3 Contact Information9.2 Company G9.2.1 Product Picture and Specification9.2.2 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis9.2.3 Contact Information......Chapter Ten Europe Photovoltaic Solar Cells Industry Development Trend10.1 2017-2021 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Capacity Production Trend10.2 2017-2021 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Production Market Share Analysis10.3 2017-2021 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Demand Trend10.4 2017-2021 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Supply Demand and Shortage Analysis10.5 2017-2021 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Import Export Consumption Analysis10.6 2017-2021 Photovoltaic Solar Cells Cost Price Production Value Profit AnalysisBuy 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 Jody Sharpe, Award Winning Author Of 'The Angel's Daughter', Relates Tale Of Encounter With Real Life Angel On 'Tuesdays With The Angels' Author Jody Sharpe http://www.jodysharpe.com In the 'Tuesdays With The Angels' section of her website, Jody Sharpe, author of The Angel's Daughter and 'To Catch An Angel', recently related a story about an angel she encountered in Houston, TX."I visited Houston in June many years ago," Sharpe stated. "My dear friend Nancy asked me to go with her to visit her friend for a girls week. Nancy knew I was struggling, mourning the death of my precious daughter, Kate. My fear of flying had escalated and moving on was difficult."We went shopping in a lovely department store, nice and cool away from the heat. We met a kind older gentlemen in the mens department. He appeared to be shopping as Nancy bought a tie for her husband. This man talked to us for a moment exchanging pleasantries. He was visiting Houston also he said. We thought nothing of our meeting until the next day when Nancy took me to the town of Kemah to go shopping again. She had never been to the town about 34 miles from Houston."We were in a tiny gift shop when we heard someone say,Hello! It was the gentleman again. We were surprised and talked to him a few moments. He said to me, See you at the airport! We laughed with him at the coincidence of meeting again, and turned away to look at the gifts. When we turned back to him a minute or so later the man was gone. We thought it was odd. Did he have time to leave the store? Nancy and I immediately left the store and looked up and down the street.He was nowhere. We sat in chairs outside a restaurant trying to figure out what the odds were we would see the man again especially so far away from Houston and in the same little store. All these years later we still talk about the man. Maybe he was an angel, we think, sent to comfort me and ease my fear of flying."More is available at her website.In her 'Tuesdays With The Angels' blog series, Jody Sharpe presents quotes about angels drawn from several of her books and fascinating angel stories from herself and others who submit stories for publication.New installments in the series include:Tuesdays With The Angels - Charlotte's WebTuesdays With The Angels - FriendsTuesdays With The Angels - Mr. AngelTuesdays With The Angels - MessagesJody is now accepting submissions of angel stories for possible inclusion on her 'Tuesdays With The Angels blog. She hopes to create a collection of angel stories that involve sightings of angels, interaction with angels, miraculous angel encounters and other types of accounts or stories. All submissions will be considered, but inclusion is not guaranteed. Stories may be submitted at her website.Angels and stories about angelic beings have been with us since Biblical times. While some people believe angels are real and do exist, others dismiss the possibility. There is tremendous interest in the subject. A Google search lists hundreds of millions of results. A number of videos on Youtube claim to have caught angels in action - on film.Jody Sharpe knows angels exist. Her first book, The Angel's Daughter, was written in memory of her daughter Kate. Her second book, 'To Catch An Angel', was written in memory of her husband Steve.Over a decade ago, when her daughter died tragically Sharpe faced down the most difficult challenge of her life. She was determined not to just merely survive, but to live; to honor the life of her beloved daughter, her twins, her husband and the rest of the rich life she had created before the tragedy. Blessed with an inherently positive outlook these trying times were strengthened by influences from the late Norman Vincent Peale to the children's book character, Wilbur the pig. For Sharpe, ministers of spirit and guidance took the form of angels. Sharpe's openness to change led her to write her first novel, 'The Angel's Daughter'. The story that takes place in the fictitious town of Mystic Bay, California and encompasses all Sharpe's attitudes about goodness, healing and moving on.Jody is also the author of 'To Catch An Angel', written in memory of her late husband Steve. In 'To Catch An Angel', miracles happen in Mystic Bay, California, the town with the psychic and angel vibe. Angels are calling. Psychic Maggie Malone returns home to find she's swept up in the miracle of it all. She can't imagine why her mother left or who her father might be. But these questions pale in comparison to the wonder of the angels. Maggie meets writer, Noah Greenstreet. They realize they've met before, but where? Maggie and Noah embark on a journey to find our world is all awash with angels.Jody was chosen as a winner in the annual '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading' Book Awards. She was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors through a public voting process.Sharpe's books have received a large number of rave reviews. A recent Amazon review stated, "This book would make a beautiful Christmas Hallmark movie. You will be left believing in Angels here on earth." Another said, "This a wonderful story that reminds us of the kindness and gentleness that exists in this world." Another stated, "Amazing. Most of all it is a feel good book and a must read.Jody Sharpe is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below, or by email at sharpejody76@gmail.com. Angel stories can be submitted at her website. All of her books are available at online book retailers. New quotes will be added every Tuesday to the 'Tuesdays With The Angels' section of her blog, which can be found at her website.Jody Sharpe had a rewarding career as a Special Education teacher. Writing about angels became healing after losing her daughter and then her husband. The valuable lessons she learned about moving forward and loving life in the now have set her on a mission to tell the stories with love, humor and spiritual awakening. The fictitious town of Mystic Bay has given her an avenue to put characters and themes together hopefully enlightening the reader towards contemplation of the precious life and memories we are given.PO Box 1613Supply NC 28462 All-in-One Cloth Diapers Market Growth Opportunities, Remarkable Developments and Key Players (P&G, Kimberly Clark, SCA, Kao, First Quality, Hengan, Daio, Domtar) | Global Business Outlook till 2025 All-in-one Cloth Diapers Market https://www.businessindustryreports.com/sample-request/83418 https://www.businessindustryreports.com/buy-now/83418/single https://www.businessindustryreports.com/check-discount/83418 Global All-in-one Cloth Diapers Market Research Report 2018 report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability. The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.Global All-in-one Cloth Diapers Market Overview:The report spread across 111 pages is an overview of the Global All-in-One Cloth Diapers Market Research Report 2018. The Global All-in-one Cloth Diapers Market is projected to grow at a healthy growth rate from 2018 to 2025 according to new research. The study focuses on market trends, leading players, supply chain trends, technological innovations, key developments, and future strategies.Available Exclusive Sample Copy of this Report @This report studies the Global All-in-One Cloth Diapers Market over the forecast period of 2018 to 2025. The Global All-in-One Cloth Diapers Market is expected to grow at an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2018 to 2025. All-in-One Cloth Diapers is a reusable diaper made from natural fibers, man-made materials, or a combination of both. They are often made from industrial cotton which may be bleached white or left the fibers natural color.Modern cloth diapers come in a host of shapes, including preformed Cloth Diapers, All-in-One Diapers with waterproof exteriors, fitted diaper with covers and pocket or "stuffable" diapers, which consist of a water-resistant outer shell sewn with an opening for insertion of absorbent material inserts. Many design features of modern cloth diapers have followed directly from innovations initially developed in disposable diapers, such as the use of the hour glass shape, materials to separate moisture from skin and the use of double gussets, or an inner elastic band for better fit and containment of waste material.Purchase this report online with 111 Pages, List of Tables & Figures and in-depth Table of Contents on Global All-in-one Cloth Diapers Market Research Report 2018 @A complete analysis of the competitive landscape of the Global All-in-one Cloth Diapers Market is provided in the report. This section includes company profiles of market key players. The profiles include contact information, gross, capacity, product details of each firm, price, and cost. This report investigates new project feasibility with a purpose of enlightening new entrants about the possibilities in this market. In this report, thorough SWOT analysis & investment analysis is provided which forecasts imminent opportunities for the All-in-one Cloth Diapers Market players.Major Key Players:1 P&G2 Kimberly Clark3 Unicharm4 SCA5 Kao6 First Quality7 Ontex8 Hengan and MoreOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into -1 Single-layer2 Multi-layerGeographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of All-in-one Cloth Diapers in these regions, from 2013 to 2025 (forecast), covering: North America, Europe, China, Japan and South America.Grab Your Report at an Impressive Discount @This study answers to the below key questions:1 What will the market size be in 2025 and what will the growth rate be?2 What are the key market trends?3 What is driving this market?4 What are the challenges to market growth?5 Who are the key vendors in this market space?6 What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?7 What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?In the end, this report covers data and information on capacity and production overview, production, market share analysis, sales overview, supply, sales, and shortage, import, export and consumption as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin of All-in-one Cloth Diapers Market.Major Points in Table of Contents:Global All-in-one Cloth Diapers Market Report 20181 All-in-one Cloth Diapers Market Overview2 Global All-in-one Cloth Diapers Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global All-in-one Cloth Diapers Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)4 Global All-in-one Cloth Diapers Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)5 Global All-in-one Cloth Diapers Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global All-in-one Cloth Diapers Market Analysis by Application7 Global All-in-one Cloth Diapers Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 All-in-one Cloth Diapers Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global All-in-one Cloth Diapers Market Forecast (2018-2025)13 Research Findings and Conclusion14 AppendixAbout usBusinessindustryReports.com is digital database of comprehensive market reports for global industries. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Media ContactBusiness Industry ReportsPune Indiasales@businessindustryreports.com+19376349940 Toxicology Laboratories Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast 2015 - 2021 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/5399 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/5399 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Toxicology in the field of biology, chemistry and medicines, deals with the study of adverse effects caused to living organisms due to certain chemicals. Toxicology testing involves detection, identification and also the measurement of approximate quantity of drugs and other foreign compounds in biological and related specimens to help in the diagnosis, prognosis, prevention and treatment of poisoning.The importance for their evaluation lies with their potential to cause birth defects, cancer and other adverse health hazards. Toxicologists working in the toxicology laboratories are specialized scientists or medical persons with knowledge of symptoms, mechanisms, treatment and detection of toxins. Advances in biotechnology, and molecular biology have paved the way for major improvements in evaluation of health risks due to potentially toxic chemicals.Request to Sample Report @These advances are also reducing need for animal testing by developing more laboratory tests based on human cells. The toxicology laboratories may reside in hospitals or as a separate facility. Toxicity studies primarily conducted for new pharmaceutical applications to be submitted to FDA require human subjects, but under strict ethical considerations. Various regulatory agencies such as U.S. FDA in the U.S. and EMEA in Europe provide guidance documents for toxicology studies.The global toxicology laboratories market can be segmented based on test type and application. Test types majorly include blood testing and/or urine testing. Various applications include drugs of abuse, medicines, foods additives, industrial and agricultural chemicals and also forensic toxicology analysis. Drugs which can be detected by toxicology screening include alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, amphetamines, opiates, cocaine, phencyclidine and methadone. Geographically, the global toxicology laboratories market can be segmented into four major regions namely, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. Additionally, there are various types of toxicity studies carried out using animals to evaluate acute, chronic, sub-chronic, carcinogenicity, reproductive, developmental, dermal, ocular, genetic and neurotoxicity. New high through put technologies developed by the pharmaceutical companies provide toxicology laboratories to use efficient automated methods for testing of effects of chemicals on biological activities.Bioinformatics and rapid assay technologies are helping researchers to better understand the cellular networks in the human body which is the key to maintaining health. Gene expression profiling is also being used to predict toxicity since gene expression is known to rapid change on toxin exposure. Toxicogenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics aim to investigate the adverse biological effects induced by toxic compounds. Toxicology laboratories make use of genomic information since it plays a n important role in determining toxicity response by a biological system.The prediction of toxicity based on non-invasive urine and blood samples is a promising achievement, since multiple sampling over a long time period allows the monitoring of chronic toxicity. Increasing number of drug developments and technological advancements such as computerized testing methods are expected to drive the global toxicology laboratories market in the near future. However, there are various factors which affect chemical toxicology and thus standardization of toxicity testing becomes difficult. These factors include drug dosage, route of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin exposure) and other factors such as age, species, sex, health and individual characteristics.Request Report for TOC @The industry leaders such as Quest Diagnostics offer services such as general toxicology, metals testing, therapeutic drug monitoring, and prescription drug monitoring. The laboratory is known to conduct approximately nine million drug tests per year. Some of the toxicology laboratories include Agilent Technologies, Alere Laboratories, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Pacific Toxicology Laboratoies AIT Laboratories, Cardiff Toxicology Services, Aeon clinical laboratories, Quest Diagnostics, Gene Logic, Inc., Molecular Toxicology, Inc., and Covance, 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,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Key Takeaways Global Telecom Order Management Market Market Offered in New Research Forecasted through 2025 Market Research Reports Search Engine https://www.mrrse.com/sample/4548 https://www.mrrse.com/telecom-order-management-market https://www.mrrse.com/ This report on the Global Telecom Order Management Market provides analysis for the period 20152025, wherein 2016 is the base year and the period from 2017 to 2025 is the forecast period. Data for 2015 has been included to provide historical information. The report covers market dynamics including drivers, restraints, opportunities, and trends expected to influence the global telecom order management market growth during the said period. Technologies that are playing a major role in driving the global telecom order management market have also been considered in the study. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the market growth throughout the above forecast period in terms of revenue estimates (in US$ Mn), across different geographies.Ask for Sample Copy @The report also includes telecom order management product lifecycle, Porter Five Force analysis which identifies bargaining power of supplier, bargaining power of buyer, threat from new entrant, threat from substitute and threat from competition in telecom order management market is also included in the report. Ecosystem analysis which identifies key stake holders in the telecom order management market is also covered in the report.Global Telecom Order Management Market: SegmentationThe telecom order management market has been segmented on the basis of component, deployment type and region. Based on component, the market has been further classified into solution and services. The services segment is further classified into consulting, support services and others. By deployment type, the telecom order management market is classified into on premise and cloud based. Geographically, the report classifies the global Telecom Order Management market into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East & Africa (MEA), and South America; the regions are analyzed in terms of revenue generation. Furthermore, region wise prominent countries covered in the report include the following - U.S, Canada, U.K., Germany, France, Japan, China, India, GCC countries, South Africa and Brazil.Segment trends and regional trends have also been added in telecom order management study. Additionally, the report also covers segment wise comparison matrix, market attractiveness analysis and market positioning of key players for all regions covered in the scope of study. Comparison matrix includes segment growth matrix, 2017 - 2025(%), segment revenue contribution, 2017 - 2025 (%), and segment compounded growth matrix (CAGR %). Market attractiveness identifies and compares segments market attractiveness on the basis of CAGR and market share index across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (MEA), and South America.Global Telecom Order Management Market: Competitive LandscapeFurthermore, the report includes competition landscape which comprises of competition matrix, market positioning of major players in the Telecom Order Management market based on their 2016 revenues, and profiles of major players. Competition matrix benchmarks leading players on the basis of their capabilities and potential to grow. Factors including market position, offerings and R&D focus are attributed to companys capabilities. Factors including top line growth, market share, segment growth, infrastructure facilities and future outlook are attributed to companys potential to grow. This section also identifies and includes various recent developments carried out by the leading players of telecom order management market.Company profiling includes company overview, major business strategies adopted, SWOT analysis, and market revenues for year 2014 to 2016. The global players profiled in the global telecom order management market include Ericsson AB, Amdocs Corporation, Cerillion PLC, IBM Corporation, ChikPea Inc., Comarch SA, Fujitsu Limited, Neustar, Inc., Pegasystems Inc, and Oracle Corporation have also been added in the report.Explore Full Report Description with TOC @The global telecom order management market is segmented into:By ComponentSolutionsServicesConsultingSupport ServicesOthersBy Deployment TypeOn premiseCloud basedBy RegionNorth AmericaThe U.S.CanadaRest of North AmericaEuropeThe U.K.GermanyFranceRest of EuropeAsia PacificJapanChinaIndiaRest of Asia PacificMiddle East and Africa (MEA)GCC CountriesSouth AfricaRest of the Middle East & AfricaSouth AmericaBrazilRest of South AmericaAbout Market Research Reports Search EngineMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY 12207(United State)United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559(Canada)Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite: Oral Mucositis Therapeutics Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast 2015 - 2021 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/5585 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/5585 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Oral mucositis (OM) is the inflammation of oral mucosa and is manifested by pain and erythema or ulcerations. This condition is generally seen as a complication due to side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cancer patients. The systemic effects of cytotoxic chemotherapy agents and radiation effects on oral mucosa led to oral mucositis. The National Institutes of Health estimates that more than 400,000 patients in the U.S. are diagnosed with oral mucositis annually.Since the prevalence of cancer patients is on rise across the globe, the market for OM therapeutics is also expanding. In addition, the pain emanated from oral mucositis and the resultant need to cure the condition at the earliest is the foremost driver for the growth of this market.Request to Sample Report @The oral mucositis therapeutics market includes several kinds of drug formulations and treatments such as cryotherapy, growth factors, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), mouthwashes, barriers and coating agents. On the basis of geography, the global oral mucositis therapeutics market is segmented into four major regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. North America is the largest market for OM therapeutics, closely followed by the European region.The currently marketed major preparations for oral mucositis are Gelclair, Caphosol and Kepivance. Recently, the FDA granted "Fast Track" Designation for SGX942 (Soligenix, Inc.) for the treatment of oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer. This drug along with MuGard (tasteless viscous mouth rinse) and pipeline candidate drug nepidermin (Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co.) are expected to further drive the oral mucositis therapeutics market. The major restraint for the development of this market is that most of the drugs are not to be ingested and therefore restricts their usage for esophageal ulcers.Request Report for TOC @Some of the key players in the global oral mucositis therapeutics market include Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc., EKR Therapeutics, Inc., EUSA Pharma Inc., Swedish Orphan Biovitrum Ltd., Soligenix, Inc., Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co., Eisai Inc., and BioAlliance Pharma SA.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: Global Electronic Packaging Materials Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1737189 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1737189/global-north-america-europe-and-market-research-reports/toc https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1737189/global-north-america-europe-and-market-research-reports https://www.researchmoz.com/checkout?rep_id=1737189&licType=S http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ "The Report Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Electronic Packaging Materials Market 2018 Forecast to 2023 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About Electronic Packaging Materials MarketElectronic packaging materials are used to carry electronic components and their interconnection, Function as mechanical support, seal environmental protection, heat dissipation of electronic components and so on. Electronic packaging materials have good electrical insulation, it is the sealing material of an integrated circuit.Get Sample copy of this Report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Electronic Packaging Materials in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversDuPontEvonikEPMMitsubishi ChemicalSumitomo ChemicalMitsui High-tecTanakaShinko Electric IndustriesPanasonicHitachi ChemicalKyocera ChemicalGoreBASFHenkelAMETEK ElectronicTorayMaruwaLeatec Fine CeramicsNCIChaozhou Three-CircleNippon MicrometalToppanDai Nippon PrintingPossehlNingbo KangqiangRequest for TOC @Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth 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 etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversMetal PackagesPlastic PackagesCeramic PackagesMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoSemiconductor & ICPCBOthersThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Electronic Packaging Materials market.Chapter 1, to describe Electronic Packaging Materials Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Electronic Packaging Materials, with sales, revenue, and price of Electronic Packaging Materials, 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 Electronic Packaging Materials, for each region, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the market by countries, by type, by application and by manufacturers, 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, Electronic Packaging Materials market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Electronic Packaging Materials sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceView Report @Table of Contents1 Market Overview1.1 Electronic Packaging Materials Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Metal Packages1.2.2 Plastic Packages1.2.3 Ceramic Packages1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Semiconductor & IC1.3.2 PCB1.3.3 Others1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)1.4.1.1 United States Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.1.2 Canada Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.1.3 Mexico Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.2.1 Germany Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.2 France Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.3 UK Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.4 Russia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.5 Italy Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)1.4.3.1 China Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.2 Japan Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.3 Korea Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.4 India Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa1.4.4.1 Brazil Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.2 Egypt Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.4 South Africa Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.5 Nigeria Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving Force2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 DuPont2.1.1 Business Overview2.1.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Type 12.1.2.2 Type 22.1.3 DuPont Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.2 Evonik2.2.1 Business Overview2.2.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.2.2.1 Type 12.2.2.2 Type 22.2.3 Evonik Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.3 EPM2.3.1 Business Overview2.3.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.3.2.1 Type 12.3.2.2 Type 22.3.3 EPM Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.4 Mitsubishi Chemical2.4.1 Business Overview2.4.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.4.2.1 Type 12.4.2.2 Type 22.4.3 Mitsubishi Chemical Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.5 Sumitomo Chemical2.5.1 Business Overview2.5.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.5.2.1 Type 12.5.2.2 Type 22.5.3 Sumitomo Chemical Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.6 Mitsui High-tec2.6.1 Business Overview2.6.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.6.2.1 Type 12.6.2.2 Type 22.6.3 Mitsui High-tec Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.7 Tanaka2.7.1 Business Overview2.7.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.7.2.1 Type 12.7.2.2 Type 22.7.3 Tanaka Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.8 Shinko Electric Industries2.8.1 Business Overview2.8.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.8.2.1 Type 12.8.2.2 Type 22.8.3 Shinko Electric Industries Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.9 Panasonic2.9.1 Business Overview2.9.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.9.2.1 Type 12.9.2.2 Type 22.9.3 Panasonic Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.10 Hitachi Chemical2.10.1 Business Overview2.10.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.10.2.1 Type 12.10.2.2 Type 22.10.3 Hitachi Chemical Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.11 Kyocera Chemical2.11.1 Business Overview2.11.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.11.2.1 Type 12.11.2.2 Type 22.11.3 Kyocera Chemical Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.12 Gore2.12.1 Business Overview2.12.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.12.2.1 Type 12.12.2.2 Type 22.12.3 Gore Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.13 BASF2.13.1 Business Overview2.13.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.13.2.1 Type 12.13.2.2 Type 22.13.3 BASF Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.14 Henkel2.14.1 Business Overview2.14.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.14.2.1 Type 12.14.2.2 Type 22.14.3 Henkel Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.15 AMETEK Electronic2.15.1 Business Overview2.15.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.15.2.1 Type 12.15.2.2 Type 22.15.3 AMETEK Electronic Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.16 Toray2.16.1 Business Overview2.16.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.16.2.1 Type 12.16.2.2 Type 22.16.3 Toray Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.17 Maruwa2.17.1 Business Overview2.17.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.17.2.1 Type 12.17.2.2 Type 22.17.3 Maruwa Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.18 Leatec Fine Ceramics2.18.1 Business Overview2.18.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.18.2.1 Type 12.18.2.2 Type 22.18.3 Leatec Fine Ceramics Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.19 NCI2.19.1 Business Overview2.19.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.19.2.1 Type 12.19.2.2 Type 22.19.3 NCI Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.20 Chaozhou Three-Circle2.20.1 Business Overview2.20.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.20.2.1 Type 12.20.2.2 Type 22.20.3 Chaozhou Three-Circle Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.21 Nippon Micrometal2.21.1 Business Overview2.2.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.21.2.1 Type 12.21.2.2 Type 22.21.3 Nippon Micrometal Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.22 Toppan2.22.1 Business Overview2.22.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.22.2.1 Type 12.22.2.2 Type 22.22.3 Toppan Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.23 Dai Nippon Printing2.23.1 Business Overview2.23.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.23.2.1 Type 12.23.2.2 Type 22.23.3 Dai Nippon Printing Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.24 Possehl2.24.1 Business Overview2.24.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.24.2.1 Type 12.24.2.2 Type 22.24.3 Possehl Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.25 Ningbo Kangqiang2.25.1 Business Overview2.25.2 Electronic Packaging Materials Type and Applications2.25.2.1 Type 12.25.2.2 Type 22.25.3 Ningbo Kangqiang Electronic Packaging Materials Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)Buy Now @About 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.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Global EVA Resin Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1737194 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1737194/global-north-america-europe-and-market-research-reports/toc https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1737194/global-north-america-europe-and-market-research-reports https://www.researchmoz.com/checkout?rep_id=1737194&licType=S http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ "The Report Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) EVA Resin Market 2018 Forecast to 2023 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About EVA Resin MarketThis report studies the EVA Resin market, Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) resin, also known as PEVA, is the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate. The weight percent vinyl acetate (VA) usually varies from 10 to 40%, with the remainder being ethylene.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the EVA Resin in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Get Sample copy of this Report @Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversDuPont (US)ExxonMobil (US)FPC (TW)Hanwha Total (KR)USI (TW)Sinopec Beijing Yanshan (CN)Sipchem (SA)BASF-YPC (CN)Braskem (BR)Westlake (US)TPI Polene (TH)LG Chem (KR)Celanese (US)Arkema (FR)Repsol (ES)LyondellBasell (NL)Sumitomo Chem (JP)Levima/Haoda Chem (CN)Lotte Chem (KR)Total (FR)Tosoh (JP)Versalis/Eni (IT)Ube (JP)Huamei Polymer (CN)NUC Corp (JP)Sumsung Total (KR)Request for TOC @Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth 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 etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversTubular EVAAutoclave EVAOther ProcessMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoFilmAdhesive and CoatingMolding PlasticsFoaming MaterialsOther ApplicationThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global EVA Resin market.Chapter 1, to describe EVA Resin Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of EVA Resin, with sales, revenue, and price of EVA Resin, 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 EVA Resin, for each region, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the market by countries, by type, by application and by manufacturers, 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, EVA Resin market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe EVA Resin sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceView Report @Table of Contents1 Market Overview1.1 EVA Resin Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Tubular EVA1.2.2 Autoclave EVA1.2.3 Other Process1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Film1.3.2 Adhesive and Coating1.3.3 Molding Plastics1.3.4 Foaming Materials1.3.5 Other Application1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)1.4.1.1 United States Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.1.2 Canada Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.1.3 Mexico Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.2.1 Germany Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.2 France Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.3 UK Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.4 Russia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.5 Italy Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)1.4.3.1 China Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.2 Japan Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.3 Korea Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.4 India Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa1.4.4.1 Brazil Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.2 Egypt Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.4 South Africa Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.5 Nigeria Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving Force2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 DuPont (US)2.1.1 Business Overview2.1.2 EVA Resin Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Type 12.1.2.2 Type 22.1.3 DuPont (US) EVA Resin Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.2 ExxonMobil (US)2.2.1 Business Overview2.2.2 EVA Resin Type and Applications2.2.2.1 Type 12.2.2.2 Type 22.2.3 ExxonMobil (US) EVA Resin Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.3 FPC (TW)2.3.1 Business Overview2.3.2 EVA Resin Type and Applications2.3.2.1 Type 12.3.2.2 Type 22.3.3 FPC (TW) EVA Resin Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.4 Hanwha Total (KR)2.4.1 Business Overview2.4.2 EVA Resin Type and Applications2.4.2.1 Type 12.4.2.2 Type 22.4.3 Hanwha Total (KR) EVA Resin Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.5 USI (TW)2.5.1 Business Overview2.5.2 EVA Resin Type and Applications2.5.2.1 Type 12.5.2.2 Type 22.5.3 USI (TW) EVA Resin Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.6 Sinopec Beijing Yanshan (CN)2.6.1 Business Overview2.6.2 EVA Resin Type and Applications2.6.2.1 Type 12.6.2.2 Type 22.6.3 Sinopec Beijing Yanshan (CN) EVA Resin Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.7 Sipchem (SA)2.7.1 Business Overview2.7.2 EVA Resin Type and Applications2.7.2.1 Type 12.7.2.2 Type 22.7.3 Sipchem (SA) EVA Resin Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.8 BASF-YPC (CN)2.8.1 Business Overview2.8.2 EVA Resin Type and Applications2.8.2.1 Type 12.8.2.2 Type 22.8.3 BASF-YPC (CN) EVA Resin Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.9 Braskem (BR)2.9.1 Business Overview2.9.2 EVA Resin Type and Applications2.9.2.1 Type 12.9.2.2 Type 22.9.3 Braskem (BR) EVA Resin Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.10 Westlake (US)2.10.1 Business Overview2.10.2 EVA Resin Type and Applications2.10.2.1 Type 12.10.2.2 Type 22.10.3 Westlake (US) EVA Resin Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.11 TPI Polene (TH)2.11.1 Business Overview2.11.2 EVA Resin Type and Applications2.11.2.1 Type 12.11.2.2 Type 22.11.3 TPI Polene (TH) EVA Resin Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.12 LG Chem (KR)2.12.1 Business Overview2.12.2 EVA Resin Type and Applications2.12.2.1 Type 12.12.2.2 Type 22.12.3 LG Chem (KR) EVA Resin Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.13 Celanese (US)2.13.1 Business Overview2.13.2 EVA Resin Type and Applications2.13.2.1 Type 12.13.2.2 Type 22.13.3 Celanese (US) EVA Resin Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.14 Arkema (FR)2.14.1 Business Overview2.14.2 EVA Resin Type and Applications2.14.2.1 Type 12.14.2.2 Type 22.14.3 Arkema (FR) EVA Resin Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.15 Repsol (ES)2.15.1 Business Overview2.15.2 EVA Resin Type and Applications2.15.2.1 Type 12.15.2.2 Type 22.15.3 Repsol (ES) EVA Resin Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.16 LyondellBasell (NL)2.16.1 Business Overview2.16.2 EVA Resin Type and Applications2.16.2.1 Type 12.16.2.2 Type 22.16.3 LyondellBasell (NL) EVA Resin Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.17 Sumitomo Chem (JP)2.17.1 Business Overview2.17.2 EVA Resin Type and Applications2.17.2.1 Type 12.17.2.2 Type 22.17.3 Sumitomo Chem (JP) EVA Resin Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)Buy Now @About 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.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Global Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Market Forecast to 2023 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1737196 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1737196/global-north-america-europe-and-market-research-reports/toc https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1737196/global-north-america-europe-and-market-research-reports https://www.researchmoz.com/checkout?rep_id=1737196&licType=S http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ "The Report Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Market 2018 Forecast to 2023 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve MarketIn internal combustion engines, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is a emissions reduction technique used in petrol/gasoline and diesel engines to reduce nitrogen oxide. EGR works by recirculating a part of an engine's exhaust gas back to the engine cylinders. In the case of gasoline engines, this inert exhaust displaces an amount of combustible gas from the cylinder. In diesel engines, the exhaust gas replaces parts of the excess oxygen in the pre-combustion mixture. The fuel mixture combusts, causing clatter of valves and damages the engine. Allowing small amounts of gas into the chamber reduces the temperature. Regulating the exhaust is done by the EGR Valve. EGR technology offers automobile producers a reliable, compact and cost-effective method to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, and is fast catching up the standard solution for gasoline hybrid propulsion systems. It increases the output of the fuel. The EGR Valve Minimizes throttling losses reduce chemical disassociation, reduces heat reduction.Get Sample copy of this Report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversBorgWarnerDensoRheinmetall AutomotiveContinentalMahleDelphiKorensKeihinLongsheng TechnologyEberspacherFaureciaYibin TianruidaMEET AutomotiveKlubert + SchmidtZhejiang JiulongGits ManufacturingYinlun MachineryRequest for TOC @Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth 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 etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversGasoline EGR ValveDiesel EGR ValveMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoPassenger VehiclesCommercial VehiclesNon-road UsageThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve market.Chapter 1, to describe Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve, with sales, revenue, and price of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve, 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 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve, for each region, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the market by countries, by type, by application and by manufacturers, 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, Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceView Report @Table of Contents1 Market Overview1.1 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Gasoline EGR Valve1.2.2 Diesel EGR Valve1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Passenger Vehicles1.3.2 Commercial Vehicles1.3.3 Non-road Usage1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)1.4.1.1 United States Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.1.2 Canada Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.1.3 Mexico Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.2.1 Germany Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.2 France Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.3 UK Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.4 Russia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.5 Italy Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)1.4.3.1 China Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.2 Japan Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.3 Korea Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.4 India Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa1.4.4.1 Brazil Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.2 Egypt Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.4 South Africa Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.5 Nigeria Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving Force2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 BorgWarner2.1.1 Business Overview2.1.2 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Type 12.1.2.2 Type 22.1.3 BorgWarner Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.2 Denso2.2.1 Business Overview2.2.2 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Type and Applications2.2.2.1 Type 12.2.2.2 Type 22.2.3 Denso Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.3 Rheinmetall Automotive2.3.1 Business Overview2.3.2 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Type and Applications2.3.2.1 Type 12.3.2.2 Type 22.3.3 Rheinmetall Automotive Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.4 Continental2.4.1 Business Overview2.4.2 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Type and Applications2.4.2.1 Type 12.4.2.2 Type 22.4.3 Continental Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.5 Mahle2.5.1 Business Overview2.5.2 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Type and Applications2.5.2.1 Type 12.5.2.2 Type 22.5.3 Mahle Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.6 Delphi2.6.1 Business Overview2.6.2 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Type and Applications2.6.2.1 Type 12.6.2.2 Type 22.6.3 Delphi Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.7 Korens2.7.1 Business Overview2.7.2 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Type and Applications2.7.2.1 Type 12.7.2.2 Type 22.7.3 Korens Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.8 Keihin2.8.1 Business Overview2.8.2 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Type and Applications2.8.2.1 Type 12.8.2.2 Type 22.8.3 Keihin Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.9 Longsheng Technology2.9.1 Business Overview2.9.2 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Type and Applications2.9.2.1 Type 12.9.2.2 Type 22.9.3 Longsheng Technology Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.10 Eberspacher2.10.1 Business Overview2.10.2 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Type and Applications2.10.2.1 Type 12.10.2.2 Type 22.10.3 Eberspacher Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.11 Faurecia2.11.1 Business Overview2.11.2 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Type and Applications2.11.2.1 Type 12.11.2.2 Type 22.11.3 Faurecia Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.12 Yibin Tianruida2.12.1 Business Overview2.12.2 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Type and Applications2.12.2.1 Type 12.12.2.2 Type 22.12.3 Yibin Tianruida Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.13 MEET Automotive2.13.1 Business Overview2.13.2 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Type and Applications2.13.2.1 Type 12.13.2.2 Type 22.13.3 MEET Automotive Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.14 Klubert + Schmidt2.14.1 Business Overview2.14.2 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Type and Applications2.14.2.1 Type 12.14.2.2 Type 22.14.3 Klubert + Schmidt Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.15 Zhejiang Jiulong2.15.1 Business Overview2.15.2 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Type and Applications2.15.2.1 Type 12.15.2.2 Type 22.15.3 Zhejiang Jiulong Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.16 Gits Manufacturing2.16.1 Business Overview2.16.2 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Type and Applications2.16.2.1 Type 12.16.2.2 Type 22.16.3 Gits Manufacturing Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.17 Yinlun Machinery2.17.1 Business Overview2.17.2 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Type and Applications2.17.2.1 Type 12.17.2.2 Type 22.17.3 Yinlun Machinery Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)Buy Now @About 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.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Chip Antenna Market Forcast and Analysis by Leading Players: Taoglas, Partron, Yageo Chip Antenna Market Analysis to 2023 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/1192810-2018-2025-chip-antenna-report-on-global-and-united-states-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1192810-2018-2025-chip-antenna-report-on-global-and-united-states-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/1192810-2018-2025-chip-antenna-report-on-global-and-united-states-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=1192810 HTF MI broadcasted a new title 2018-2025 Chip Antenna Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications with 120 pages and in-depth assessment including key market trends, upcoming technologies, industry drivers, challenges, regulatory policies, with key company profiles and strategies of players such as Vishay, INPAQ, Antenova, Johanson Technology, Mitsubishi Materials, Abracon, TAIYO YUDEN, Linx Technologies, Wrth Elektronik, Taoglas, Partron, Yageo, Rainsun, Fractus, Cirocomm, 2j-antennae, Microgate, Sunlord, Ceramic Multilayer Chip Antennas & Dielectric Chip Antenna. The research study provides forecasts for Chip Antenna investments till 2022.Get Access to sample pages @Product Analysis:This Report provides a detailed study of given products. The report also provides comprehensive analysis of Key Trends & advance technologies. The Global and United States Chip Antenna (Thousands Units) and Revenue (Million USD) Market Split by Product Type such asApplication Analysis:This report provides an advance approach to the market growth with a detailed analysis of the overall competitive scenario of the Global and United States Chip Antenna market. The market is segmented by Application such as WLAN, Zigbee, Bluetooth, ISM & Others with historical and projected market share and compounded annual growth rate.Industry Growth:An in-depth study about key trends and emerging drivers with market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional breakdowns, competitive landscape, shares, trend and strategies for Chip Antenna market. The market is expected to estimate at XX million by 2023 growing at a CAGR of XX%.Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @Key Highlights of the Global and United States Chip Antenna Market : Market Share of players that includes Vishay, INPAQ, Antenova, Johanson Technology, Mitsubishi Materials, Abracon, TAIYO YUDEN, Linx Technologies, Wrth Elektronik, Taoglas, Partron, Yageo, Rainsun, Fractus, Cirocomm, 2j-antennae, Microgate, Sunlord, Ceramic Multilayer Chip Antennas & Dielectric Chip Antenna to better understand how deeply they have penetrated the market. Conceptual analysis of the Chip Antenna Market products, application wise segmented study. Clear study and pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamics Analysis of major regional segmentation on the basis of how the market is predicted to growKey questions answered in this comprehensive study 2018-2025 Chip Antenna Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and ApplicationsWhat will the market size be in 2023 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving Global and United States Chip Antenna Market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in Global and United States Chip Antenna Market space?What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the Global and United States Chip Antenna Market?What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the Global and United States Chip Antenna Market?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the Global and United States Chip Antenna market? Get in-depth details about factors influencing the market shares of the United States, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America & Middle East and Africa?Enquire for customization in Report @There are 15 Chapters to display the Global and United States Chip Antenna market.Chapter 1, to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Global and United States Chip Antenna, Applications of , 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, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America & Middle East and Africa, Segment Market Analysis (by Type) [];Chapter 7 and 8, to analyze the Change Management Software Segment Market Analysis (by Application [WLAN, Zigbee, Bluetooth, ISM & Others]) Major Manufacturers Analysis;Chapter 9, Market Trend Analysis, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product Type [], Market Trend by Application [WLAN, Zigbee, Bluetooth, ISM & Others];Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis;Chapter 11, to analyze the Consumers Analysis of Global and United States Chip Antenna by region, type and application;Chapter 12, to describe Chip Antenna Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Chip Antenna sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.Buy this research report @Thanks 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, NJ USA - 08837sales@htfmarketreport.comPh: +1 (206) 317 1218 Global Fetal Bovine Serum Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1737200 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1737200/global-north-america-europe-and-market-research-reports/toc https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1737200/global-north-america-europe-and-market-research-reports https://www.researchmoz.com/checkout?rep_id=1737200&licType=S http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ "The Report Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Fetal Bovine Serum Market 2018 Forecast to 2023 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About Fetal Bovine Serum MarketThis report studies the Fetal Bovine Serum market, Fetal bovine serum (FBS) or fetal calf serum (spelled foetal in Commonwealth English) is the blood fraction remaining after the natural coagulation of blood, followed by centrifugation to remove any remaining red blood cells. Fetal bovine serum comes from the blood drawn from a bovine fetus via a closed system of collection at the slaughterhouse. Fetal bovine serum is the most widely used serum-supplement for the in vitro cell culture of eukaryotic cells. This is due to it having a very low level of antibodies and containing more growth factors, allowing for versatility in many different cell culture applications.Get Sample copy of this Report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Fetal Bovine Serum in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversThermo FisherGE HealthcareSigma-AldrichMerckMoregate BioTechGeminiAtlanta BiologicalsTissue Culture BiologicalsBovogenBiowestInternegociosRMBIOBiological IndustriesPAN-BiotechVWRCorningAnimal TechnologiesSeranaWISENTPeak SerumSeroxlabNorthBioBio Nutrientes BrasilLanzhou MinhaiZhejiang Tianhang BiotechnologyExCell BioJin Yuan KangRequest for TOC @Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth 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 etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversNorth America-sourcedSouth America-sourcedAustralia-sourcedOthersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoScientific ResearchIndustrial productionThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Fetal Bovine Serum market.Chapter 1, to describe Fetal Bovine Serum Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Fetal Bovine Serum, with sales, revenue, and price of Fetal Bovine Serum, 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 Fetal Bovine Serum, for each region, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the market by countries, by type, by application and by manufacturers, 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, Fetal Bovine Serum market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Fetal Bovine Serum sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceView Report @Table of Contents1 Market Overview1.1 Fetal Bovine Serum Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 North America-sourced1.2.2 South America-sourced1.2.3 Australia-sourced1.2.4 Others1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Scientific Research1.3.2 Industrial production1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)1.4.1.1 United States Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.1.2 Canada Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.1.3 Mexico Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.2.1 Germany Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.2 France Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.3 UK Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.4 Russia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.5 Italy Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)1.4.3.1 China Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.2 Japan Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.3 Korea Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.4 India Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa1.4.4.1 Brazil Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.2 Egypt Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.4 South Africa Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.5 Nigeria Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving Force2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 Thermo Fisher2.1.1 Business Overview2.1.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Type 12.1.2.2 Type 22.1.3 Thermo Fisher Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.2 GE Healthcare2.2.1 Business Overview2.2.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.2.2.1 Type 12.2.2.2 Type 22.2.3 GE Healthcare Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.3 Sigma-Aldrich2.3.1 Business Overview2.3.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.3.2.1 Type 12.3.2.2 Type 22.3.3 Sigma-Aldrich Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.4 Merck2.4.1 Business Overview2.4.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.4.2.1 Type 12.4.2.2 Type 22.4.3 Merck Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.5 Moregate BioTech2.5.1 Business Overview2.5.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.5.2.1 Type 12.5.2.2 Type 22.5.3 Moregate BioTech Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.6 Gemini2.6.1 Business Overview2.6.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.6.2.1 Type 12.6.2.2 Type 22.6.3 Gemini Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.7 Atlanta Biologicals2.7.1 Business Overview2.7.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.7.2.1 Type 12.7.2.2 Type 22.7.3 Atlanta Biologicals Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.8 Tissue Culture Biologicals2.8.1 Business Overview2.8.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.8.2.1 Type 12.8.2.2 Type 22.8.3 Tissue Culture Biologicals Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.9 Bovogen2.9.1 Business Overview2.9.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.9.2.1 Type 12.9.2.2 Type 22.9.3 Bovogen Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.10 Biowest2.10.1 Business Overview2.10.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.10.2.1 Type 12.10.2.2 Type 22.10.3 Biowest Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.11 Internegocios2.11.1 Business Overview2.11.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.11.2.1 Type 12.11.2.2 Type 22.11.3 Internegocios Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.12 RMBIO2.12.1 Business Overview2.12.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.12.2.1 Type 12.12.2.2 Type 22.12.3 RMBIO Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.13 Biological Industries2.13.1 Business Overview2.13.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.13.2.1 Type 12.13.2.2 Type 22.13.3 Biological Industries Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.14 PAN-Biotech2.14.1 Business Overview2.14.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.14.2.1 Type 12.14.2.2 Type 22.14.3 PAN-Biotech Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.15 VWR2.15.1 Business Overview2.15.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.15.2.1 Type 12.15.2.2 Type 22.15.3 VWR Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.16 Corning2.16.1 Business Overview2.16.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.16.2.1 Type 12.16.2.2 Type 22.16.3 Corning Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.17 Animal Technologies2.17.1 Business Overview2.17.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.17.2.1 Type 12.17.2.2 Type 22.17.3 Animal Technologies Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.18 Serana2.18.1 Business Overview2.18.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.18.2.1 Type 12.18.2.2 Type 22.18.3 Serana Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.19 WISENT2.19.1 Business Overview2.19.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.19.2.1 Type 12.19.2.2 Type 22.19.3 WISENT Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.20 Peak Serum2.20.1 Business Overview2.20.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.20.2.1 Type 12.20.2.2 Type 22.20.3 Peak Serum Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.21 Seroxlab2.21.1 Business Overview2.2.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.21.2.1 Type 12.21.2.2 Type 22.21.3 Seroxlab Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.22 NorthBio2.22.1 Business Overview2.22.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.22.2.1 Type 12.22.2.2 Type 22.22.3 NorthBio Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.23 Bio Nutrientes Brasil2.23.1 Business Overview2.23.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.23.2.1 Type 12.23.2.2 Type 22.23.3 Bio Nutrientes Brasil Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.24 Lanzhou Minhai2.24.1 Business Overview2.24.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.24.2.1 Type 12.24.2.2 Type 22.24.3 Lanzhou Minhai Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.25 Zhejiang Tianhang Biotechnology2.25.1 Business Overview2.25.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.25.2.1 Type 12.25.2.2 Type 22.25.3 Zhejiang Tianhang Biotechnology Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.26 ExCell Bio2.26.1 Business Overview2.26.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.26.2.1 Type 12.26.2.2 Type 22.26.3 ExCell Bio Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.27 Jin Yuan Kang2.27.1 Business Overview2.27.2 Fetal Bovine Serum Type and Applications2.27.2.1 Type 12.27.2.2 Type 22.27.3 Jin Yuan Kang Fetal Bovine Serum Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)Buy Now @About 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.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Global Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Market Forecast 2018 to 2023 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1737202 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1737202/global-north-america-europe-and-market-research-reports/toc https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1737202/global-north-america-europe-and-market-research-reports https://www.researchmoz.com/checkout?rep_id=1737202&licType=S http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ "The Report Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Market 2018 Forecast to 2023 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) MarketFiber reinforced plastic?(FRP), also known as?fiber reinforced polymer, is in fact a composite material constituting a polymer matrix blended with certain reinforcing materials, such as fibers. The fibers are generally glass, carbon, aramid and so on.Get Sample copy of this Report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversBASFDuPontLanxessDSMSABICPolyOneHexionDenkaDaicelEvonikSumitomo BakeliteKingfa Science and TechnologyGeniusSolvayRTPSI GroupKolonTenCateTorayMitsubishi RayonTeijinSGLHexcelRequest for TOC @Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth 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 etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversGlass Fiber TypeCarbon Fiber TypeAramid Fiber TypeOthersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoAerospaceAutomotiveElectrical & ElectronicsConstructionOthersThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) market.Chapter 1, to describe Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP), with sales, revenue, and price of Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP), 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 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP), for each region, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the market by countries, by type, by application and by manufacturers, 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, Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceView Report @Table of Contents1 Market Overview1.1 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Glass Fiber Type1.2.2 Carbon Fiber Type1.2.3 Aramid Fiber Type1.2.4 Others1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Aerospace1.3.2 Automotive1.3.3 Electrical & Electronics1.3.4 Construction1.3.5 Others1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)1.4.1.1 United States Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.1.2 Canada Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.1.3 Mexico Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.2.1 Germany Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.2 France Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.3 UK Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.4 Russia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.5 Italy Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)1.4.3.1 China Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.2 Japan Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.3 Korea Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.4 India Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa1.4.4.1 Brazil Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.2 Egypt Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.4 South Africa Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.5 Nigeria Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving Force2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 BASF2.1.1 Business Overview2.1.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Type 12.1.2.2 Type 22.1.3 BASF Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.2 DuPont2.2.1 Business Overview2.2.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.2.2.1 Type 12.2.2.2 Type 22.2.3 DuPont Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.3 Lanxess2.3.1 Business Overview2.3.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.3.2.1 Type 12.3.2.2 Type 22.3.3 Lanxess Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.4 DSM2.4.1 Business Overview2.4.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.4.2.1 Type 12.4.2.2 Type 22.4.3 DSM Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.5 SABIC2.5.1 Business Overview2.5.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.5.2.1 Type 12.5.2.2 Type 22.5.3 SABIC Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.6 PolyOne2.6.1 Business Overview2.6.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.6.2.1 Type 12.6.2.2 Type 22.6.3 PolyOne Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.7 Hexion2.7.1 Business Overview2.7.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.7.2.1 Type 12.7.2.2 Type 22.7.3 Hexion Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.8 Denka2.8.1 Business Overview2.8.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.8.2.1 Type 12.8.2.2 Type 22.8.3 Denka Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.9 Daicel2.9.1 Business Overview2.9.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.9.2.1 Type 12.9.2.2 Type 22.9.3 Daicel Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.10 Evonik2.10.1 Business Overview2.10.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.10.2.1 Type 12.10.2.2 Type 22.10.3 Evonik Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.11 Sumitomo Bakelite2.11.1 Business Overview2.11.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.11.2.1 Type 12.11.2.2 Type 22.11.3 Sumitomo Bakelite Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.12 Kingfa Science and Technology2.12.1 Business Overview2.12.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.12.2.1 Type 12.12.2.2 Type 22.12.3 Kingfa Science and Technology Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.13 Genius2.13.1 Business Overview2.13.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.13.2.1 Type 12.13.2.2 Type 22.13.3 Genius Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.14 Solvay2.14.1 Business Overview2.14.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.14.2.1 Type 12.14.2.2 Type 22.14.3 Solvay Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.15 RTP2.15.1 Business Overview2.15.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.15.2.1 Type 12.15.2.2 Type 22.15.3 RTP Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.16 SI Group2.16.1 Business Overview2.16.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.16.2.1 Type 12.16.2.2 Type 22.16.3 SI Group Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.17 Kolon2.17.1 Business Overview2.17.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.17.2.1 Type 12.17.2.2 Type 22.17.3 Kolon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.18 TenCate2.18.1 Business Overview2.18.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.18.2.1 Type 12.18.2.2 Type 22.18.3 TenCate Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.19 Toray2.19.1 Business Overview2.19.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.19.2.1 Type 12.19.2.2 Type 22.19.3 Toray Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.20 Mitsubishi Rayon2.20.1 Business Overview2.20.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Type and Applications2.20.2.1 Type 12.20.2.2 Type 22.20.3 Mitsubishi Rayon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)Buy Now @About 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.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Global Standalone Virtual Personal Assistant Device Market 2018-2022 | ResearchByMarkets Global Standalone VPA (Virtual Personal Assistant) Device Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2018-2022) https://www.researchbymarkets.com/report/global-standalone-vpa-virtual-personal-assistant-device-market-size-trends-forecasts-2018-2022-18351.html https://www.researchbymarkets.com/sample-request/18351 https://www.researchbymarkets.com/inquiry/18351 https://www.researchbymarkets.com/aboutus "Global Standalone VPA (Virtual Personal Assistant) Device Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2018-2022)", provides an in-depth analysis of the standalone VPA market by value, by volume, by segments, by regions, etc. The report also assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry.TOC and List of Tables & Figures:Growth of the overall standalone VPA market has also been forecasted for the period 2018-2022, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends.The standalone VPA market is dominated by three players, with new players coming up. However, currently the market is dominated by Alphabet Inc. (Google), Amazon. Further, the key players in the market, such as Google, Amazon and Sonos have been profiled with their financial information and respective business strategies.Request for Sample Pages of this report:Country CoverageThe USEuropeCompany CoverageAlphabet Inc. (Google)AmazonSonosInquire more about this report:Executive SummaryA Virtual Personal Assistant (VPA) is an application program that understands the requested information in written or spoken words and performs the tasks for the individual. Virtual assistants imitate human interaction. Standalone VPA devices are programs that perform tasks at home, using a voice based VPA software to respond to users. VPA can perform a variety of tasks such as make calls, play music, manage calendar, manage emails, schedule an appointment, search online, etc. Some of the most popular standalone VPA devices are Amazon Echo, Google Home and Apple's HomePod.VPAs are based on speech recognition skill of Artificial Intelligence. VPAs are designed using machine learning, that is derived from Artificial Intelligence, and refers to implementation of methods that make machine intelligent. VPAs work using the algorithms based on machine learning.The history of digital speech recognition dates back to 1961, whereas first VPA was introduced in 2011 and first standalone VPA device in 2014. The VPA market can be segmented on the basis of devices and on the basis of technology. VPAs have various applications, such as, in mobile phones, online portals, apps, e-commerce website, translation devices, gaming applications, standalone VPAs, etc.The global standalone VPA market has increased at a significant CAGR during the last few years and projections are made that the market would rise in the next four years i.e. 2018-2022 tremendously.The standalone VPA market is expected to grow due to increasing internet and smartphone users, advancement in artificial intelligence, rising GDP per capita, etc. Yet the market faces some challenges such as fragmented smart home market, security and privacy issues, higher prices, etc.Contact:ResearchByMarketsMs. Lia Seth | Client Relations Managerenquiry@researchbymarkets.comAbout Us:Research By Markets is an online Market Research Report Repository.Our repository contains reports segmented by Geography and Industry. We cover all major Industry Verticals - Information Technology, Semiconductor, Electronics, Manufacturing, Food & Beverages, Telecommunications, Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, Automotive, BioTechnology, Energy & Power, Banking and many more.Research By MarketsE-3, Ganga Homes,Behind Bank Of India,Viman Nagar,Pune 411 014.Maharashtra, India Embedded System Market: Advent of Smart Gadgets Offer to Offer Rich Opportunity https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=995 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/995 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The global embedded system market is anticipated to witness a drastic growth opportunity in the coming years, as reported by Transparency Market Research (TMR). The aggressive contention in the worldwide market for embedded systems is relied upon to stay serious over the coming years, inferable from the substantial offers held by few key players. The general extent of provincial players is to a great degree because of the enormous measures of capital required to stay side by side in this quick paced market. Some if the leading names of this market are Atmel Corporation, Fujitsu, Texas Instruments, Samsung Electronics Corporation, and Freescale Semiconductor.Advent of wireless connectivity such as RapidIO and Infiniband norms has upgraded the execution of mechanical and in addition electrical systems. Moreover, it offers enhanced information examination that for the most part works on cutting edge embedded systems. IPv6 standard is a growth of TCP/IP, and is probably going to be the one of the propelled Internet Protocols (IP) installed in working frameworks (OSs). Growing demand from end utilize enterprises, for instance, human services is probably going to drive inserted framework market estimate development. Growing health care consumption combined with raising life span of the populace result in the requirement for cutting edge and reasonable restorative hardware. The decrease in inserted equipment cost and additionally rising demand in human services segment is expected to surge the business over the coming years.The worldwide market is expected to reach an evaluation of US$233.19 bn by 2021, which is the end of the forecast period. The market is expected to showcase a CAGR of 6.4% from 2015 to 2021.Request PDF Brochure:Advent of Automobile Industry Propels the Automotive Market Segment to LeadThe demand for embedded systems in the automotive business is relied upon to take up 18.3% of the market an incentive by 2021. This will be a pivotal offer, like this present industry's offer in market an incentive in 2014. Vehicles are one of the more flawless application fields for embedded systems because of the little size of these systems. They can without much of a stretch fit into different parts in an auto, which has prompted auto producers advancing their plans and ideas around the utilization of embedded systems and different gadgets.The genuine estimation of embedded systems has just been acknowledged by ventures in the course of recent decades. The rising versatility that embedded systems give in the businesses of car, barrier and aviation, and customer hardware is very enormous and it doesn't appear to reduce at any point in the near future. Embedded systems have made considerable progress from their utilization in business-basic and security basic applications and are currently being utilized as a part of items that are composed around them.Advent of Smart Gadgets to Provide Lucrative Market OpportunityThe rising interest for embedded systems in North America is predicted to produce an income of US$89.87 bn, which will be the main offer at the time. The demand for embedded systems in this district has dependably been high because of a head begin this locale picked up from early infiltration in the U.S. This district has housed an incredible number of the key players as of now working in the worldwide market, including Intel Corporation, Texas Instruments, and Freescale Semiconductor."Savvy gadgets are presently one of the more looked for after electronic gadgets on the planet today, in all modern and business viewpoints," expresses a TMR examiner. "An ever increasing number of individuals are seeing the upside of utilizing cell phones that can perform exceptional errands that would some way or another require stationary PCs," the investigator includes.Request Report 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.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email:sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Computed Tomography Market: Growing Cases of Cancer Worldwide Fuels Uptake of Computed Tomography (CT) Devices https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=227 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=227 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/227 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Some of the prominent participants in the global computed tomography (CT) market are GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, Hitachi Medical Systems, Philips Healthcare, Neusoft Medical Systems, Toshiba Medical, Samsung Medison, Neurologica Corporation, DxRay Inc., MARS Bioimaging Inc., LL Tech Inc., and Koning Corporation. These deep pocketed players have been pouring money into cutting edge research and development to come up with more evolved products. They are also always on the lookout for strategic mergers and acquisitions and partnerships in order to tap into synergies.Request Sample for more Comprehensive Analysis @A recent report on the market for computed tomography (CT) published by Transparency Market Research finds that the markets worth was around US$5.6 billion in 2017. It also finds that it has grown incrementally in the past few years and going forward too will continue to rise steadily.Depending upon the type of computed tomography (CT) available in the market, the high end slice CT has been grossing considerable revenues. As per our report, its revenue share in the market in 2017 was around 55.9%. From a geographic standpoint, North America leads the market with a dominant share. This is because of the superior healthcare facilities in the region which are equipped with latest high-end CT devices. This is mainly because of the greater healthcare spends among people and also because of greater government support for healthcare institutions.Computed tomography (CT), which is basically digitalized X-ray imaging procedure for diagnosing bones, internal organs, blood vessels, and soft tissue, and blood vessels, is highly useful in uncovering various types of cancer tumors. At the forefront of driving their sales is the rising instances of cancer worldwide on account of lifestyle changes. As per WHO, nearly 8.8 million people worldwide succumbed to cancer in 2015. However, 30% to 50% of cancer can be prevented with early diagnosis and rising awareness about this is expected to majorly stoke adoption of computed tomography which can enable physicians to not just uncover a tumor but also gauge its location and size.Enquire for Discount @Overall, the global CT market has majorly benefitted from the growing preference of minimally invasive diagnostic procedures. Explains the lead analyst of the report, Primarily fuelling the market is the growing shift towards image guided interventions in the domain of medical care, alongside the continued technological improvement in image processing and resolution. As a result, computed tomography is finding application in detecting various cardiovascular, neurovascular, abdomen and pelvic, pulmonary, spinal, and musculoskeletal issues.Another factor promoting the market is the increasing spending capacity of people worldwide owing to economic development and rising knowledge about preventing numerous chronic health conditions through early diagnosis. This, coupled with declining prices of devices is expected to catalyze growth in sales.On the flipside, the market for computed tomography (CT) is being challenged by the stringent regulatory polices pertaining to healthcare devices and the also the strict approval process for new products. Inadequate reimbursement policies is serving to clip market growth to an extent as well.Request TOC of the Report for Complete Review @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: Renal Denervation Devices Market to take a Leap at a CAGR of 41.2% During the Period Between 2012 and 2021 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=400 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=400 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/400 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Growing prevalence of hypertension among urban population has significantly contributed to the growth of the global renal denervation devices (RDN) market. Renal sympathetic nerves are directly affected in hypertension. The report cites the increasing cases of treatment resistant hypertension and uncontrolled hypertension as the key factors driving the global renal denervation devices market. Short duration and permanent effect of renal denervation procedure will increase adoption of RDN devices. Further, rapid development of RDN devices and growing geriatric population worldwide will augment the growth of the global renal denervation devices market.Request Sample for more Comprehensive Analysis @However, the report mentions that the shortage of clinical evidence is restraining the expansion of the global renal denervation devices market. Lower awareness of RDN devices as compared to drug-based therapy along with unstable reimbursement regulations will hinder the growth of the overall market during the forecast horizon. The report points out that the renal denervation devices market has a huge opportunity to grow in the emerging economies.On the basis of technology, the global renal denervation devices market has been segmented into ultrasound- based renal denervation systems, renal sympathetic denervation procedure, radiofrequency-based renal denervation systems, and micro-infusion catheter-based renal denervation systems. In 2012, radiofrequency-based RDN devices accounted for the largest share of the market. Due to benefits such as time-efficiency and safety, radiofrequency-based RDN devices will continue to dominate the global renal denervation devices market.Enquire for Discount @On the basis of product, the report focuses on ReCor Medical's Paradise, Boston Scientific's (Vessix Vascular) V2, Medtronic's Symplicity, St. Jude's EnlighHTN, and Covidien's OneShot. In 2012, Medtronics Symplicity accounted for around 85.5% market share. However, during the forecast period, this product is expected to face stiff competition from other emerging products in the market.The report studies the global renal denervation devices market across four key regions: Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. Europe leads the global renal denervation market owing to a large number of research and development activities and device approvals. The region held 80% of the market in 2012 and is estimated to dominate the overall market during the forecast horizon. Asia Pacific is expected to follow Europe as the second largest market for renal denervation devices.The report profiles some of the key players in the global renal denervation devices market such as Medtronic Inc., Kona Medical, Boston Scientific Corporation, St. Jude Medical, Covidien PLC, CardioSonic, and Mercator Medsystems.Request TOC of the Report for Complete Review @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: Global GPS Tracker Market: Advanced Trackers Segment by Type to Witness High Growth during 2017- 2027 Market Research Reports Search Engine https://www.mrrse.com/sample/3826 https://www.mrrse.com/gps-tracker-market https://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/3826 https://www.mrrse.com/ A latest research report titled as GPS Tracker Market: Advanced Trackers Segment by Type to Witness High Growth During the Forecast Period: Global Industry Analysis (2012 - 2016) and Opportunity Assessment (2017 - 2027) has been recently added to the vast portfolio of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) online research offerings. This report is a professional and in-depth analysis on the present state and future prospect for the global market. It provides valuable information to the industry insiders, potential entrants or investors. It includes an exhaustive enquiry with the reliability of logic and the comprehensiveness of contents.Click here For Free Sample Report @New applications of GPS trackers are developing in Western Europe. The use of GPS tracking in laser aimed darts is a novel concept which got success after its testing. Such areas of applications, getting developed successfully and now need to be brought to light to the population. For instance, In June 2017, the police in Waterloo, Belgium used GPS trackers to track a truck. The police found the laser-aimed darts a safer alternative to chase. This innovative technology was deployed for the first time.Eastern EuropeGPS tracking is still in introductory stages of its application in the aviation industry. The delay in delivery of correct piece of information is a major drawback of this application, which is particularly critical in regions like Eastern Europe, where pilots have to operate in regions with unstable connection. This is motivating the several companies to launch high standard GPS trackers that could be helpful in aviation industry. In February 2017, UTair-Helicopter services, a Russian helicopter operator, launched GPS tracking over its entire fleet. These trackers monitor aircraft movements and thus work towards improving the aircraft safety.Latin AmericaThe rising imports and exports between countries bolsters the market growth for GPS trackers. The amount of cargos transported between countries is witnessing a fast growth which create an inevitable need for fleet management solutions to ensure the safe delivery of goods. These needs create an opportunity for a strong growth potential in the global GPS trackers market. According to World Bank, the exports and imports of goods from Brazil and Mexico increased significantly from 2010 to 2016.Browse Full Report with TOC @APEJApart from the traditional usage of GPS trackers in vehicles for navigation, umpteenth of new areas of applications are developing. One of the emerging area of development is in nabbing of criminals by the police department. In July 2017, Police officers in India used a small, discreet GPS tracker called the Track 247 Mini-Tracker developed by a local Indian developer. The device was used to track suspects in a special case. Further, satisfied with the results, the police asked the developer to provide them 50 more mini-trackersJapanGPS is critical to the development of new applications like drones and self-driving cars, which has become an indispensable part of population especially in the developed regions like Japan where people lead a luxurious life yet are very much concerned about their safety.MEAThe increasing amount of goods transported between the countries mainly the UAE and gulf countries is one of the primary driver for the growth of GPS tracker market in MEA. Due to rising transport, companies providing fleet management solutions.North AmericaAdvanced tracking in high value air cargos is still a nascent technology which needs careful handling. The transportation of valuables like pharmaceuticals and temperature sensitive electronics, needs to be monitored throughout the journey very carefully. The trackers used for such purposes are undergoing extensive R&D, with the launch of successful trackers are expected to increase the demand for trackers in the near future.Advanced Trackers segment is anticipated to exhibit high market attractiveness index over the forecast periodIn terms of value, advanced trackers segment is projected to be the most attractive in the global GPS tracker market during the forecast period. OBD trackers segment is expected to register moderate Y-o-Y growth rate throughout the forecast period. In terms of value, this segment is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. In 2017, advanced trackers segment is estimated to be valued more than US$ 445 Mn and is expected to witness steady growth in terms of revenue throughout the forecast period.Enquire about this Report @About Market Research Reports Search EngineMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY 12207(United State)United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559(Canada)Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite: Connected Truck Telematics Market: Worldwide Industry Analysis and New Market Opportunities Explored https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/connected-truck-telematics-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=43808 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=43808 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Telematics system is hardly a niche concept for advanced commercial vehicle operators, and its common enough to find truck fleets decked out with little black boxes. The level of connectivity swirling around trucks, drivers, and the businesses operating them is on the rise, through telematics and other connected systems.Telematics technology is becoming more and more important to the trucking industry, and it could soon become the default standard for heavy trucks with hardware included, as discussed by panelists at the Technology and Maintenance Council of American Trucking Associations October event in Philadelphia. For this to happen, manufacturers will have to agree on a common data network so that telematics providers can make sure their software functions in sync with all trucks.Read Comprehensive Overview of ReportSteady expansion of the connected truck market is creating significant opportunities in commercial vehicle telematics for original equipment manufacturers, suppliers, software and analytics companies, dealers, and fleets operator. These solutions are still considered comparatively high-priced, and fleets have a low understanding of telematics as part of fleet management solutions; however, the possibility of converting massive data analytics into actionable solutions is too attractive for fleets, OEMs, suppliers, and dealers to ignore.The global connected truck telematics market can be segmented based on component,technology, vehicle, and region. In terms of component, the connected truck telematics market can be divided into RADAR-based collision mitigation and four other segments. Rise in adoption of advanced driver-assistance systems in connected truck telematics has fueled the RADAR-based collision mitigation segment.For More Professional and Technical Industry InsightsThe system not only aids the vehicle in collision detection, warning, avoidance, and mitigation, but also in lane change assistance, pedestrian protection systems, and blind spot monitoring. These features are expected to rise in demand for RADAR-based collision mitigation segment during the forecast period. The other segments are also estimated to expand significantly in the next few years. In terms of on technology, the connected truck telematics market can be classified into DSRS vehicleto-vehicle communication and four more segments.The DSRS vehicleto-vehicle communication segment is expected to hold a major share of the global connected truck telematics market during the forecast period. Automobile manufacturers and technical vendors are investing in vehicle-to-vehicle communication in order to gain competitive advantage in the connected truck telematics market. Based on vehicle, the connected truck telematics market can be bifurcated into light commercial vehicle and heavy commercial vehicle. Increase in urbanization is estimated to boost the heavy commercial vehicle segment during the forecast period.Download and View Report TOC, Figures and TablesBased on geography, the global connected truck telematics market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Europe is a mature region of the automotive sector; thus, it holds high potential for the connected truck telematics market. The region is well-placed in terms of smart mobility and developed ICT infrastructure. The market in Europe is anticipated to expand substantially during the forecast period owing to the implementation of favorable regulatory mandates in the region.Key players operating in the global connected truck telematics market include Daimler AG, Scania AB, AB Volvo, Peloton Technology, DAF, OTTO MOTORS, Bendix Commercial Vehicles Systems LLC, Meritor WABCO, and Continental AG.About UsTransparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. Our 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 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Paper Embossing Machine Market: Structure and Overview of Key Market Forces Propelling Market https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/paper-embossing-machine-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=37916 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=37916 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Paper Embossing Machine market: IntroductionGlobally, the paper embossing machine market is growing substantially, due to the rise in the consumer products available in hypermarkets and supermarkets. Embossing is the technique which is used to create recessed relief images and designs on paper and other materials. The paper products are first embossed with a paper embossing machine and then it is sold to customers. In todays world, advertisement and brand image enhancement are crucial techniques to ensure good consumer engagement.Therefore, embossing is an efficient way to enhance product appeal, as well as engage consumers. Embossing is a great way to add texture and dimension to scrapbook pages, homemade cards, and others. Paper embossing machine is used give a shape on the surface of paper through which the consumers are likely to be attracted towards the product, which leads to increase in the sales of that particular product.Read Comprehensive Overview of ReportThe embossing of paper is done to attract the consumer towards the product which increases demand for the product. Paper Embossing Machine is widely used for embossing on the surface of aluminium foil for tobacco packaging, and packaging paper boxes, among others. Therefore, it is anticipated that the outlook for the global paper embossing machines market will remain largely positive during the forecast period.Global Paper Embossing Machine market: DynamicsThe growing consumption of paper & paperboard products is one of the prime factors that is fuelling the growth of the global paper embossing machine market. Paper is estimated to be the fastest growing product segment. Due to the rise in the hypermarkets and supermarkets, it is anticipated that paper packaging will face sizeable demand, in the next ten years, especially in the emerging economies. The increase in demand for economic and ecological advantages by the paper & pulp manufacturers is further fuelling the need for the paper embossing machine.PDF BrochureBrand enhancement and product attractiveness are some of the critical factors, which are desired by packaging manufacturers, and are driving the growth of the global paper embossing machine market. Paper embossing machine is used in various ends use industries such as consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and others. Moreover, paper embossing machines are often the best machines which are used to cherish the shapes of the letter in consumer goods industry.It is also noticed that there are significant opportunities available for the paper embossing machine manufacturers in the developing region, where the trend of a consumer product is much likely to increase. The manufacturers in this area aim to expand their market share and footprint to remain competitive in the market.Download Table Of ContentThe North America paper embossing machine market is anticipated to lead the global paper embossing machine market, due to a largely organized market. North America and Western Europe are considered to be the largest market for paper embossing machine market. This is expected to significantly contribute to the growth of the paper embossing machine market during the forecast period. The APEJ paper embossing machines market is anticipated to face substantial demand, over the next ten years, owing to growth in demand for paper packaging, bolstered by increasing urban population and rising disposable income in the region.Global Paper Embossing Machine market: Key PlayersSome of the players operating in the global Paper Embossing Machine market are HCI Converting Equipment Co., Ltd. , Industrial Engraving, LLC, Newfoil Machines, Bolsons Ltd, Unimatec Co Ltd. and others.About UsTransparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. Our 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 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Mobile Storage Cabinets Market: Worldwide Industry Analysis and New Market Opportunities Explored https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/mobile-storage-cabinets-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=37913 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=37913 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Mobile Storage Cabinets Market: IntroductionMobile storage cabinets are available in various shapes & sizes. Mobile storage cabinets are specially designed for media and audio visual equipment storage and transport. There are various facility like roll able, lockable, portable media hubs which are provided by the mobile storage cabinets. These cabinets are best suitable for office and industrial storage. Mobile storage cabinets are majorly used to store files, tools, stationary etc.The key advantages of mobile storage cabinets are strength, which ensures longer life of the cabinets. Stainless steel mobile storage cabinets enjoy more preference over wooden counterparts, as they significantly reduce the chances of damage and require very less to negligible maintenance. Mobile storage cabinets help impart a clean and tidy look to the office environment, as all the stationery and mobile accessories can be kept inside.Read Report OverviewMobile storage comes under the category of rotary cabinets, which has massive storage capacity. Mobile storage cabinets are available in various configurations such as with drawers, single door, or a double door. Due to their mobility, and ability to keep environment tidy, mobile storage cabinets enjoys high preference, over their non-mobile counterparts. Therefore, the global mobile storage cabinets market is expected to enjoy a positive outlook, over the forecast period.Global Mobile Storage Cabinets Market: DynamicsWith the advancement in the technology, the need for mobile & mobile accessories has become a necessity in the todays world which lead to rise in demand of the mobile storage cabinets market. There are several factors that are anticipated to drive the growth of the global mobile storage cabinets market, over the forecast period. Security is the major driver which is being provided by the mobile storage cabinet market.PDF Brochure For Future AdvancementsWith the help of mobile storage cabinets hanging files, folders, tapes and CDS and many thing are being kept safe with the help of locker. Stainless steel mobile storage cabinets do not require any maintenance and it is easy for the consumers to organize the shelves and quick way to find out the things. Despite, the positive outlook there are certain factors which might affect the growth rate of the global mobile storage cabinets market.The North America mobile storage cabinets market is expected to lead the global mobile storage cabinets market, over the forecast period. The Asia pacific excluding japan is expected to closely follow the North America Mobile Storage cabinet market. It is anticipated that the APAC region will surpass the North America region, in terms of mobile storage cabinet sales, over the forecast period. The Middle East and Africa (MEA) is also expected to contribute the growth of the global mobile storage cabinets market. The japan mobile storage cabinet market is expected to witness a sluggish growth of global mobile storage cabinet market, over the forecast period. However in terms of electronics market, it is anticipated to score more than the likes of the Asia Pacific region.Download and View Report TOC, Figures and TablesGlobal Mobile Storage Cabinets Market: Key PlayersSome of the players operating in the global mobile storage cabinet market are Strong Hold Products, Tennsco, EQUIPTO, Spacesaver Corporation, Wenger Corporation and others.About UsTransparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. Our 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 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Pressure Transmitters Market: In-Depth Analysis on Size, Cost Structure and Prominent Key Players (Emerson, Yokogawa, Endress+Hauser, ABB, Honeywell, Siemens, GE) | Global Forecast to 2025 Pressure Transmitters Market https://www.businessindustryreports.com/sample-request/83883 https://www.businessindustryreports.com/buy-now/83883/single https://www.businessindustryreports.com/check-discount/83883 Global Pressure Transmitters Market Research Report 2018 report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability. The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.Global Pressure Transmitters Market Overview:The report spread across 91 pages is an overview of the Global Pressure Transmitters Market Research Report 2018. The Global Pressure Transmitters Market is projected to grow at a healthy growth rate from 2018 to 2025 according to new research. The study focuses on market trends, leading players, supply chain trends, technological innovations, key developments, and future strategies.Available Exclusive Sample Copy of this Report @The Global Pressure Transmitters Market is expected to grow at an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2018 to 2025. Growing automation across all process industries, to optimize the resources and improve the cost, safety and security is driving the growth of the Pressure Transmitters Market. The deployment of pressure transmitter is expected to grow in industries such as power, chemical, water & wastewater and pharmaceutical.The Pressure Transmitters Market for multivariable transmitter is expected to exhibit the highest growth rate among others as this instrument can measure multiple parameters and reduce the total process measurement cost despite its high cost of ownership. Multivariable transmitters directly compute the mass flow or standard volume flow for gases, steams and liquids with dynamic flow compensation from the parameters such as differential pressure, static pressure, and temperature. Multivariable transmitters reduce pipe penetrations and save on impulse piping with three measurements from a single instrument.Regionally, North America accounted for the highest share of the overall Pressure Transmitters Market in 2014.Purchase this report online with 91 Pages, List of Tables & Figures and in-depth Table of Contents on Global Pressure Transmitters Market Research Report 2018 @A complete analysis of the competitive landscape of the Global Pressure Transmitters Market is provided in the report. This section includes company profiles of market key players. The profiles include contact information, gross, capacity, product details of each firm, price, and cost. This report investigates new project feasibility with a purpose of enlightening new entrants about the possibilities in this market. In this report, thorough SWOT analysis & investment analysis is provided which forecasts imminent opportunities for the Pressure Transmitters Market players.Major Key Players:1 Emerson Electric2 Yokogawa Electric3 Endress+Hauser4 ABB5 Honeywell International6 Siemens7 General Electric8 Wika Alexander Wiegand9 Dwyer Instruments10 Schneider ElectricOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into -1 Absolute2 Gauge3 Differential Pressure4 MultivariableGeographically, this report studies the top producers and consumers, focuses on product capacity, production, value, consumption, market share and growth opportunity in these key regions, covering: North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India.Grab Your Report at an Impressive Discount @What Information does this report contain?1 A detailed analysis of regulatory trends, drivers, industry pitfalls, challenges and growth opportunities for participants2 Which are the leading market products, applications & regions and how will they perform by 2025?3 What are the technologies & innovation trends, how will they evolve by 2025?4 Which companies lead the industry, how are they positioned in the market in terms of sustainability, competency, production capacity and strategic outlook?Major Points in Table of Contents:Global Pressure Transmitters Market Report 20181 Pressure Transmitters Market Overview2 Global Pressure Transmitters Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Pressure Transmitters Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)4 Global Pressure Transmitters Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)5 Global Pressure Transmitters Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Pressure Transmitters Market Analysis by Application7 Global Pressure Transmitters Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 Pressure Transmitters Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Pressure Transmitters Market Forecast (2018-2025)13 Research Findings and Conclusion14 AppendixAbout usBusinessindustryReports.com is digital database of comprehensive market reports for global industries. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Media ContactBusiness Industry ReportsPune Indiasales@businessindustryreports.com+19376349940 Wireless Communication Systems 2018 Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, key Players Analysis, Applications ,Forecasts to 2025 Wireless Communication Systems Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3206937-global-wireless-communication-systems-market-research-report-2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3206937-global-wireless-communication-systems-market-research-report-2018 WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On Wireless Communication Systems 2018 Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, key Players Analysis, Applications ,Forecasts to 2025.This report studies the global Wireless Communication Systems market status and forecast, categorizes the global Wireless Communication Systems market size (value & volume) by manufacturers, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top manufacturers in United States, Europe, China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan and other regions.The global Wireless Communication Systems market is valued at xx million US$ in 2017 and is expected to reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of xx.x % between 2018 and 2025.The major manufacturers covered in this reportSoftbankDeutsche TelekomNippon Telegraph & TelTelstraTelefonicaAmerica MovilVodafoneVerizon CommunicationsAT&TChina MobileGet a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comGeographically, this report studies the top producers and consumers, focuses on product capacity, production, value, consumption, market share and growth opportunity in these key regions, coveringUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanOther RegionsThe regional scope of the study is as follows:North AmericaUnited StatesCanadaMexicoAsia-PacificChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaAustraliaIndonesiaSingaporeRest of Asia-PacificEuropeGermanyFranceUKItalySpainRussiaRest of EuropeCentral & South AmericaBrazilArgentinaRest of South AmericaMiddle East & AfricaSaudi ArabiaTurkeyRest of Middle East & AfricaReport Details @Table Of Contents Major Key PointsGlobal Wireless Communication Systems Market Research Report 20181 Wireless Communication Systems Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Wireless Communication Systems1.2 Wireless Communication Systems Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Wireless Communication Systems Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Wireless Communication Systems Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Radio Frequency Transmission1.2.4 Infrared Transmission1.2.5 Microwave Transmission1.2.6 Lightwave Transmission1.3 Global Wireless Communication Systems Segment by Application1.3.1 Wireless Communication Systems Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Cordless Telephones1.3.3 Mobiles1.3.4 GPS Units1.3.5 Wireless Computer Parts1.3.6 Satellite Television1.3.7 Military1.3.8 Others1.4 Global Wireless Communication Systems Market by Region (2013-2025)1.4.1 Global Wireless Communication Systems Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 United States Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 South Korea Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.7 Taiwan Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Wireless Communication Systems (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Wireless Communication Systems Revenue Status and Outlook (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Wireless Communication Systems Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2013-2025).7 Global Wireless Communication Systems Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Softbank7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Wireless Communication Systems Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Softbank Wireless Communication Systems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Deutsche Telekom7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Wireless Communication Systems Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Deutsche Telekom Wireless Communication Systems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Nippon Telegraph & Tel7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Wireless Communication Systems Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Nippon Telegraph & Tel Wireless Communication Systems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Telstra7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Wireless Communication Systems Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 Telstra Wireless Communication Systems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Telefonica7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Wireless Communication Systems Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Telefonica Wireless Communication Systems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 America Movil7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Wireless Communication Systems Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 America Movil Wireless Communication Systems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Vodafone7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Wireless Communication Systems Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Vodafone Wireless Communication Systems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 Verizon Communications7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Wireless Communication Systems Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 Verizon Communications Wireless Communication Systems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.8.4 Main Business/Business OverviewContinued..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. Bare Metal Cloud Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2014-2022 https://www.researchnreports.com/request_sample.php?id=53382 https://www.researchnreports.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=53382 https://www.researchnreports.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=53382 The global market has been expansively elaborated in a publication added by Research N Reports, titled Global Bare Metal Cloud Market Research Report 2017. The publication could be a professional guideline for sellers, market investors, to make informed business decisions. The extensive insights offered in the report have been considered to be key for any company looking to cement its position or take an advancement in the market.Get Sample copy of this report :Market segment by Type, the product can be split into: Small and medium-sized enterprises, Large enterprisesMarket segment by Application, Bare Metal Cloud can be split into: Banking, financial services, and insurance, Government, IT and telecommunication, Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing, OthersThe research report tries to understand the innovative approaches taken by vendors in the global Bare Metal Cloud market to offer product differentiation through Porters five forces analysis. It also points out the ways in which these companies can strengthen their stand in the market and increase their revenues in the coming years. Ongoing technological advancements and the unstoppable penetration of Internet in the remote corners of the world are also responsible for the remarkable growth of the global market.Key Players: IBM Corporation, Oracle Corporation, Centurylink Incorporation, Rackspace Hosting, Incorporation, Internap Corporation, PacketWith all-inclusive market data concerning the crucial elements and segments of the Global Bare Metal Cloud Market that can influence growth prospects of the market, the report makes for a highly informative document. The report can efficiently help businesses and decision makers in tackling these challenges deliberately to gain the determined benefits in the highly competitive market.Avail Discount on this report :The report incorporates immense information relating to the recent product and innovative advancements witnessed in the market, complete with an examination of the effect of these headways on the markets future advancement.One of the concluding portions of the report has provided a broad evaluation of some of the vital geographies deemed crucial for the growth of the global Bare Metal Cloud market, viz. North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East & Africa and Latin America. All of these geographical markets have been prudently examined with regard to critical factors such as import, export, consumption, revenue, and production for the forecast period 20172022.For more information on this report:Furthermore, each key player mentioned in the report is elaborate on using their player profiles, regional prominence, market shares in terms of value, current market strategies, and predicted market volumesThe report likewise introduces a 360-degree outline of the competitive landscape of the Global Bare Metal Cloud Market, in this manner helping associations comprehend the significant threats and opportunities that merchants in the market are dealing with. It likewise incorporates nitty-gritties of business profiles of some of the prime vendors in the market.Research N Reports is a new age market research firm where we focus on providing information that can be effectively applied. Today being a consumer driven market, companies require information to deal with the complex and dynamic world of choices. Where relying on a sound board firm for your decisions becomes crucial. Research N Reports specializes in industry analysis, market forecasts and as a result getting quality reports covering all verticals, whether be it gaining perspective on current market conditions or being ahead in the cut throat Global competition. Since we excel at business research to help businesses grow, we also offer consulting as an extended arm to our services which only helps us gain more insight into current trends and problems. Consequently, we keep evolving as an all-rounder provider of viable information under one roof.Sunny Denis(Sales Manager),(Research N Reports)10916, Gold Point Dr,Houston, TX, Pin 77064,+1-8886316977 Laboratory Sterilizers Market Estimated to Expand at a Robust CAGR by 2023 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=5315 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/laboratory-sterilizers-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Laboratory sterilizers are essential to maintain a sterile environment in medical laboratories and prevent the ruining of culture media and other samples. This is expected to drive the Laboratory Sterilizers Market. As many different types of micro organisms and other transmissible agents are present on the surface of medical equipment and biological cultural media in laboratories, laboratory sterilizers become essential to ensure these equipment and media are not contaminated. Thus, the demand for laboratory sterilizers will grow in the years to come.The growing prevalence of hospital acquired infections or nosocomial infections is a key driver for the high demand of laboratory sterilizers. There has been an increase in the number of cases relating to hospital acquired infection in the recent past on account of improper disposal and poor disinfection techniques used by clinics and hospitals. This has compelled several healthcare and safety authorities across the globe to mandate the use of proper disinfection techniques and use of sterilizers in healthcare facilities. This is benefitting the global laboratory sterilizers market.Global Laboratory Sterilizers Market: Trends and OpportunitiesSome of the recent trends in the market is the development of sterilizers that are becoming smart and also quite flexible. This means the advancements in technology have resulted in the development of laboratory sterilizers that are able to function efficiently with minimal input from humans. Sterilizers are developed in such a way that they can be integrated to work with different devices or instruments in the laboratories. With rapid technological innovations in research and microbiology, the demand for highly safe and accurate sterilizers is anticipated to increase in the coming years. The increasing requirement for developing drugs on account of increasing prevalence of various diseases will create a need for laboratory sterilizers.Request to View Brochure of Report -Global Laboratory Sterilizers Market: Geographical AnalysisOn the basis of geography, the global laboratory sterilizers market is segmented into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and the Rest of the World. Of these, North America is leading in the market, trailed by Europe. Rise in safety measures and growing number of surgeries in these regions are pushing the demand for laboratory sterilizers. Stringent rules laid by governments for various research laboratories mandating the sterilization of instruments after every use will create a heightened demand for laboratory sterilizers and drive the market.Asia Pacific is also anticipated to witness a growth in the forecast period and emerge as the most attractive market in the coming years. the large population base and the presence of skilled workforce will be key factors that will drive the market for laboratory sterilizers in the region. The number of research laboratories and increasing preparation of drugs requiring sterilized culture media in Asia Pacific is increasing and this will also drive the market. A growth in the patient pool, increasing disposable income of the people, and tax benefits are some of the other factors fueling the growth of the laboratory sterilizers market in Asia Pacific.Global Laboratory Sterilizers Market: Companies MentionedPlayers operating in the market are striving to develop sterilizers that are more efficient and effective against micro organisms, sterilizing medical equipment and other culture media. The report profiles leading manufacturers of laboratory sterilizers. They are: Getinge Group, Kimberley-Clark Corporation, Advanced Sterilization Products Services, Inc., Belimed AG, Cantel Medical Corp., STERIS Corporation, Nordion, Inc., and SAKURA SI CO., LTD. The report discusses the recent developments and strategies adopted by players to stay in the competitive environment.View Report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Comprehensive Report on Home Security Solutions Market CAGR of +18% by 2023: Emerging Trends and Growth Opportunities, Status with Analysis & Forecast 2023. https://www.researchnreports.com/request_sample.php?id=52282 https://www.researchnreports.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=52282 https://www.researchnreports.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=52282 www.researchnreports.com Privacy and security have become primary concerns for citizens these days. Efforts are being made aimed at securing homes to ensure safety even when the house owners are away. Armed patrols, perimeter monitoring systems, and 24-hour manned security gates are some of the monitoring systems that homeowners consider. With the increasing rate of burglaries, property crime, and home invasions in the past few years, the demand for home security solutions has increased rapidly. Homeowners have become more aware and concerned about safety and security and are ready to spend more on home security solutions.This market report is a thorough analysis of the existing situation and the anticipated condition for Home Security Solutions market. Investigation for gathering the content for this report is done in depth and meticulously. Present scenarios, past progress, global recognition and future prospects of Home Security Solutions market is offered in this report. Main strategies, market shares, products of the companies and investments in Home Security Solutions market is also mentioned in detail.Get Sample copy of this Report @:Top players profiled in this report are United Technologies Corporation, Nortek Security & Control LLC, Vivint Inc., Control4 Corporation, Honeywell International Inc, Tyco International Ltd., ADT Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH, Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Limited, Assa Abloy AB, Allegion PLC, Axis Communications AB, SimpliSafe Inc., HikVision Digital Technology Co. Ltd. and Protect America IncThe major geographical regions which include, North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East & Africa and Latin America are studied. Top players from all these regions are studied to help give a better picture of the market investment. Production, price, capacity, revenue and many such important data is been discussed with precise data.The report further discusses key players in the Home Security Solutions market and the strategies leveraged by them. It also explains the various factors driving or restraining the Home Security Solutions market. It makes use of Porters Five Forces analysis and SWOT analysis to understand the potential of the Home Security Solutions market and offers interestinginsights to new and existing players to enable them to strategize properly.Get Discount on This Premium Report @:Various aspects are been elucidated including primary application areas, latest trends, leading players operating in the global Home Security Solutions market, factors which are expected to accelerate the growth, primary challenges faced by the leading players and many more.The research study further offers a detailed overview of the competitive landscape of the global Home Security Solutions market and throws light on the key players operating in it.Get More Information @:Table of ContentsGlobal Home Security Solutions Market Research Report 2018Chapter 1 Home Security Solutions Market OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic Impact on IndustryChapter 3 Global Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter 4 Global Production, Revenue (Value) by RegionChapter 5 Global Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Global Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Global Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Global Home Security Solutions Market ForecastOur research will change the way you think about problems. We provide global consulting that can transform businesses and give you an experience of innovative solutions and outcomes.Research N Reports helps clients harness the power of innovation to thrive on change. We have successfully guided businesses throughout the world with our market research reports. We are uniquely positioned to lead digital transformations, thus creating greater value for clients by presenting growth opportunities in the global market.Our profound experience provides a clear and confident vision to help clients navigate the future. Research N Reports techniques encompasses both qualitative and quantitative modes to provide customized and highly flexible tailored research studies so that you get information that is just the best-fit to make informed strategic organizational decisions. Research N Reports helps clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative.(Research N Reports)10916, Gold Point Dr, Houston, TX, Pin 77064,Sunny Denis(Sales Manager),+1-8886316977sales@researchnreports.com Mechanical technology on display at the 1939 World's Fair. (AP) The sound of a gong reverberated through the air as "a glistening seven-and-a-half-foot-long, torpedo-shaped Time Capsule" began its descent into the earth at New York's Flushing Meadows-Corona Park on a late-summer day in 1938. The ceremony for the capsule, made of a special alloy designed to last thousands of years, heralded the upcoming 1939 World's Fair on the site. Declared Westinghouse Electric Co. board chairman A.W. Robertson: "May the Time Capsule sleep well. When it is awakened 5,000 years from now in 6938, may its contents be found a suitable gift to our far-off descendants." Yes, we all hope the robots that rule 70th-century Earth enjoy our ancestors' various doodads. But we humans can't wait that long. It's now been 80 years since that capsule's interment (a sister pod was placed nearby in 1964). And considering the pace of change in the modern world, we think that's long enough. So while we don't have the means to dig up the "time vault," we can tell you what's in it -- and then give you the lowdown on one placed in Portland by President Theodore Roosevelt even earlier. Don't Edit A guide points to the World Fair's Trylon and Perisphere structures. (AP) Some of the items in the 1938 New York time capsule: Don't Edit AP -- "A voluminous 22,000-page essay all about us, written on microfilm and accompanied by a small microscope just in case posterity should forget the secret of magnification." Don't Edit Albert Einstein (AP) -- Messages from theoretical physicist Albert Einstein, experimental physicist Robert Andrews Millikan and novelist Thomas Mann, also all on microfilm. Wrote Mann: "We know now that the idea of the future as a 'better world' was a fallacy of the doctrine of progress." (Women's-rights activist Rose Arnold Powell had argued in vain that prominent women should be asked to provide messages for the capsule. "Men and women together produced our civilization," she wrote to the time capsule's sponsors.) Don't Edit Arturo Toscanini (AP) -- Hundreds of photographs. These include an image of molten iron being poured into a furnace, ballroom dancers in full flight and a portrait of celebrated conductor Arturo Toscanini. Don't Edit Don't Edit AP -- "A map of the human mouth" was included, This Week magazine wrote in 1962, "showing precisely how each of the 33 sounds of the by-then perhaps defunct English language was pronounced." Don't Edit Walt Disney in 1937 (AP) -- A Mickey Mouse watch. Don't Edit AP -- The "Lord's Prayer" in 300 languages. -- A Gillette safety razor. Don't Edit AP -- The Holy Bible. Don't Edit Sinclair Lewis in 1931 (AP) -- "Arrowsmith," Sinclair Lewis' 1925 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about a physician's search for scientific truth, on microfilm. Don't Edit Don't Edit Margaret Mitchell in 1937 (AP) -- "Gone with the Wind," Margaret Mitchell's 1936 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about the South during the Civil War period, on microfilm. Don't Edit Yankees manager Joe McCarthy playfully shoots newsreel footage of star Joe DiMaggio (AP) -- A baseball. -- Newsreel footage of "outstanding 1936-38 events." Don't Edit -- A lump of anthracite coal. Don't Edit Polish statesman Jozef Pilsudski playing solitaire. Card games were widely popular in the 1930s. (AP) -- A safety pin. -- A can opener. -- A deck of cards. Don't Edit 1939 World's Fair (AP) -- A stack of poker chips. -- A Kewpie doll. Don't Edit Don't Edit AP -- A pack of Camel cigarettes. -- A golf tee. Don't Edit A Lily Dache bonnet (AP) -- A hat by Lily Dache. (The French milliner's clients during her long career included Hollywood style mavens Audrey Hepburn, Carole Lombard and Marlene Dietrich.) -- A toothbrush and tooth powder. -- A nail file. Don't Edit AP -- A Sears Roebuck mail-order catalog. (The general catalog, once a staple of American life, was discontinued in 1993.) Don't Edit -- "Sheet music to the top zany song hit of the day," "Flat-Foot Floogie." -- Seeds, including wheat, oats, tobacco, corn alfalfa and soy beans. Don't Edit Theodore Roosevelt in 1904 (AP) Closer to home Portland has its own time capsule from the early 20th-century ... somewhere. President Theodore Roosevelt visited the Rose City in May 1903. "All Portland made holiday, put on its best attire, flocked everywhere he went and climbed even to roofs and chimneys to see him pass," The Oregonian wrote of the president's trek through town. Roosevelt journeyed to Washington Park, where, using a silver trowel, he sealed a copper time capsule under the Lewis and Clark Memorial. Don't Edit Don't Edit The Oregonian In 2003 the Oregon Historical Society went looking for the capsule, but with no known photographs of the event, the exact placement of it was a mystery. OHS eventually decided not to start digging. "We finally came to the conclusion that it was far too difficult to get to this time capsule," a historical society spokesman said at the time. "The risk of damage [to the memorial] is too high, and it's not worth it." The capsule is believed to hold more than 50 items, some of them related to the planned 1905 Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition. Here's a sampling of what's down there, according to a 2003 article in The Oregonian: Don't Edit William Cullen Bryant (Library of Congress) -- A copy of William Cullen Bryant's 1818 poem "Thanatopsis," which helped make widely known the word that would become the 33rd state's name: "Or lose thyself in the continuous woods/Where rolls the Oregon, and hears no sound..." Don't Edit -- A piece of pine from the 18th-century fur-trading ship Columbia Rediviva, in which Capt. Robert Gray discovered Gray's Harbor and the Columbia River. (Gray named the river after the ship). -- A piece of teak from the Hudson's Bay Co. steamship Beaver, which, outfitted with 35-horsepower engines near Fort Vancouver in 1836, became the first steam vessel to sail the Pacific Ocean. Image: Public domain. Don't Edit The surrender at Vicksburg (Library of Congress) -- A branch from the oak tree at Vicksburg, Miss., under which Confederate Gen. John C. Pemberton surrendered to Union Gen. (and future U.S. president) Ulysses S. Grant. Vicksburg is considered a key turning point in the Civil War, permanently swinging the momentum to the North. -- Copies of newspapers from Portland, Salem, Astoria, Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Boise, Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Don't Edit Mount Vernon (AP) -- A leaf from a maple at Mount Vernon, President George Washington's Virginia estate. Don't Edit You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close A Midland business owner has been named to the Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council, a new state body charged with broadening outdoor recreation and natural resources stewardship across Michigan. Bo Brines, owner of Little Forks Outfitters at 143 E. Main St. in Midland, and Jonathan Jarosz, executive director of Heart of the Lakes Center for Land Conservation Policy based in Bay City, are among leaders in the outdoor recreation business community named to the advisory body. Members of the council were announced by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Natural Resources Commission. "I'm interested to see how that conversation is going to go," Brines said. "I am one of several different voices (on the council). It's a real cross section of people, it's not just outdoor retailers, there's lots of components to the outdoor recreation industry in Michigan and that's the conversation that we're having." The Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council is the first of its kind in the Midwest but exists in eight other states. Its first meeting is scheduled for June 13. Brines joins 17 other Michigan leaders in the outdoor recreation business community in the manufacturing, retail and service sectors, as well as employers in health, and community finance. Other members of the council include the president and COO of Carhartt Inc. and the president and co-owner of Crystal Mountain. "Especially what we do here as a fly fishing-based business, if we don't have clean waters, and pristine beautiful places to go fish, then nobody is going to want to pursue that here," Brines said, who has been operating Little Forks Outfitters since 1995, and also serves on the Michigan Retailers Association board. NRC Commissioner Chris Tracy will also serve on the council, which will benefit from two ex-officio members representing the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. A recent DNR study found Michiganders spent 2.6 billion days a year engaged in outdoor recreation activities. Outdoor recreation generates $26.6 billion in consumer spending each year in Michigan, supporting 232,000 jobs, and $2.1 billion in state and local tax revenue, according to a national Outdoor Industry Association Study. The outdoor recreation industry is not necessarily well known or well celebrated in Michigan, Jarosz said, even though it plays such a large role in the state's economy. "It's more dispersed and not as tangible," Jarosz said. "It's just in the last five years being recognized for the impact it has." The council will be tasked with identifying data-collection mechanisms to serve outdoor recreation enthusiasts and offer opportunities to entrepreneurs. The council will also be able to recommend improvements to infrastructure and satisfying demand for outdoor recreation across the state. The Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council will make recommendations to the DNR and Natural Resources Commission on ways to improve partnerships, policies that will increase the outdoor recreation economy, employment and consumer spending and conservation and public recreation assets. "Part of my role is to be a representative for the conservation world," Jarosz said. The mantra, "protect where you play," centers around The Heart of the Lakes work in being a steward for the environment while also increasing access to Michigan's natural resources for people to use in a way that is sustainable, Jarosz explained. Once a state forms an outdoor recreation task force or council, the next step could be creating an outdoor recreation office and hiring a director, which Jarosz hopes is the case in Michigan. It is important that the new council withstands a potential transition in election season, Jarosz said, but that is one of the "powers of the outdoor industry," he said. "It's a universal issue," he said. "There are policies surrounding it but it is a thing that's there for everybody." Republicans talked about bringing more tax dollars to rural Michigan so the area can feel the comeback that southern parts of the state are feeling at the recent Lincoln Day Dinner at Riverwalk Place in Gladwin. It was a bittersweet evening as Gladwin County Republican Chairwoman Linda Birgel said this was her farewell, as she is not running for another term. Yet, Michigan National Republican Committeewoman Kathleen Berden, 97th State House Rep. Jason Wentworth, Sen. Jim Stamas and Congressman John Moolenar all reported good things are happening for the party in Washington, D.C. Wentworth talked about honoring the more than 44,000 women veterans in Michigan and reaching veterans who live in areas with no veteran's office, such as Arenac County. He was also passionate about rural Michigan feeling the comeback that southern Michigan has felt. "Rural Michigan hasn't caught up with the Michigan comeback," he said. Wentworth is proposing a rural jobs act, that would allow businesses to apply for capitol that they wouldn't have access to otherwise. He said Detroit received $600,000 -- but there is nothing for rural Michigan. "My goal is to get some of that up here for rural Michigan." Also present was gubernatorial candidate Dr. Jim Hines, Richard Zeile who seeks the Michigan Board of Education position and Stan Grot, who is the Shelby Township clerk seeking the Secretary of State position. Gladwin City Administrator Bob Moffit and Gladwin County Commissioner Chuck Hinman both said they are running for county road commissioner. The two longtime friends wished each other well. Both said they want to make the county better. "Dead people should not be allowed to vote," Grot said. "More people are registered to vote than living in the precincts." Grot said he wants to stop that, along with requiring citizenship of voters. Hines, who is one of four Republican candidates seeking the nod, is an obstetrics and gynecology physician from Saginaw. "I'm an outsider," Hines said. "I see that as a strength." Hines focused on helping students reach their potential and eliminating potholes that tear up vehicles. "As I deliver babies, I will deliver for this state," Hines said. The evening also featured Democrats, such as Gladwin County Commission Chair Terry Walters and commissioner Sandra Aultman. Walters, who admitted he voted for President Donald Trump, said commissioner Don Birgel might get his way, in that Walters may become a Republican one day. "We're just trying to make things better," Walters said. "We have a great team and we are working together and moving things forward." "Sometimes we've got to cross the aisle," said Gladwin County Republican Party board member LaVel Smith, noting that Democratic support is helpful. Gladwin County Republican board member Peggy Vanderhagen received the Bell Ringer honor, given annually at the dinner. The other honor given, Republican of the Year, was given to the late Ruth Ford, who died last year. Her son, Midland dentist Doug Ford, accepted the honor. "Mom loved the Lincoln Day dinner," Doug Ford said. "Dad, I'm real proud of you and mom." Democrats on Wednesday narrowly escaped the danger of getting shut out of the California House general election in key battleground districts due to the states jungle primary system, as Politico reports. California is a key state in the upcoming general elections for Democrats to snatch the House back from the Republicans. So, what is the jungle primary system and how did it put the Democrats in danger? Well, it puts everyone in danger because all candidates, regardless of party, are placed on the same ballot and only the top two advance. So, if two Republicans get the most votes, they are the only ones on the ballot for the general election and Democrats can kiss their chances goodbye. Also, the jungle primary is the only instance in which California voters can add write-in candidates to their ballot. Its important to note that this system is not used for the presidential election. During Tuesdays primary, there were three major battleground districts in the southern part of California where too many Democratic candidates were on the ballot and the party feared the Democratic votes would be too split, ultimately resulting in two Republican candidates for the general election. Basically, when Californians arrived to the voting booths yesterday, they were faced with an extremely long list of names, ranging from Republican to Democrat and every third party imaginable. If a Democrat arrives to vote for a Democrat and there are five on the ballot, not to mention all the other parties candidates names, you can imagine how confusing that would be. It would also be easy for those five Democrats to get an equal amount of votes without one Democrat getting the majority and having a fighting chance against the Republicans. The Washington Post reports that a few frightening complications arose on Tuesday night when a printing error occurred in Los Angeles County, forcing more than 100,000 voters to cast provisional ballots, if they even stayed to vote. The printing error could affect important races such as the 39th district, which is why it has been closely watched. Early Wednesday morning, the votes were still being tallied. In the end, Democrats came in second in all the three of the important battleground districts, and they were finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. However, the votes were extremely close especially in Orange County, where Republican Dana Rohrabacher came in first with 30 votes, and Democrats Harley Rouda and Hans Keirstead followed at 17yet just behind them sat Republican Scott Baugh at 16. Another tight race took place in the 10th district, where Republican Jeff Denham won and Democrat Josh Harder came in second. However, Republican Ted Howze is a little too close for comfort behind Harder. Despite all of the road blocks, as of Wednesday morning it was pretty clear that Democrats will compete in the general election for almost all of the 53 districts. The fight isnt over, though. Absentee ballots are still in the mail and have yet to be counted. These ballots could take as long as next week to arrive, meaning some of the districts could remain undecided for weeks. Despite this major win for fearful Democrats, it didnt stop Trump from bragging about Republicans who narrowly escaped a shutout of their own in the primary for governor. Trump tweeted, great night for Republicans, even though it wasnt. If it was a great night for Republicans, then Democrats wouldnt be on the ballot for the general election and they are. Californias successful primaries prove just how ready Democrats are to fight for control of the House. Rather than crafting new heartbreak ballads or covering hit Taylor Swift albums, Ryan Adams has lately turned his musical genius towards the muse that is the independent media of Colorado. Last week, Adams shared a new song dedicated to regional radio station 105.5 The Colorado Sound, and on Tuesday he highlighted Colorado media yet again, this time penning a song for Westword, an alternative newspaper based in Denver. You can listen to the track, which is encrypted only in Westwords published love letter to the song, right here. The newspapers write-up also breaks down almost every lyric in the song, unpacking the local and regional nuggets left behind by Adams. Both of these tracks are, as we can only guess, installments anticipatory of Adams June 14 show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colo. Swedish duo First Aid Kit will provide support at the show, and tickets are still available at the Red Rocks website. In the song, titled WEST WORD, Adams also sings, This years Best of Denver / could be my new band Megacat, but no word yet on whether Megacat is a real thing. Adams also teased the tracks release on Twitter a few days ago, observable below. Watching the new @WestworldHBOWaiting to drop these playlists. Just mixed a theme song for a certain paper in Denver pic.twitter.com/esDxqe6Q4i Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) June 4, 2018 Ryan Adams most recent non-Colorado-related release is a single, Baby I Love You, which you can listen to here. Hear WEST WORD here and a 2006 Adams performance from the Paste archives below. Everything is so stupid. Its exhausting. Not only is Trump launching a pointless trade war against our three closest allies and four largest trading partners, but now apparently hes lecturing heads of state on history that never happened. Per CNN: President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had a testy phone call on May 25 over new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration targeting steel and aluminum imports coming from Canada, including one moment during the conversation in which Trump made an erroneous historical reference, sources familiar with the discussion told CNN. According to the sources, Trudeau pressed Trump on how he could justify the tariffs as a national security issue. In response, Trump quipped to Trudeau, Didnt you guys burn down the White House? referring to the War of 1812. When asked if the comment was received as a joke, one source on the call said: To the degree one can ever take what is said as a joke. The impact on Canada and ultimately on workers in the US wont be a laughing matter.* This is elementary school history, and we can now confirm what we all knew already: Trump would get waxed on Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?. America fought the war of 1812 against Britain, not the non-existent country of Canada at that point. Canada gained its independence from the United Kingdom on July 1st, 1867. Now, to be fair to Trump, the British attack on the White House was in retaliation for our attack on York, Ontario (a British colony at the time), but thats pretty much the only way that Canada is connected to this infamous act. To give Trump the full benefit of the doubt on this, it would require him to know enough about history to know the pretext of the burning of the White House, but not the actual action itself. Given that Trump doesnt even know the words to God Bless America, I think its safe to say that this line was exactly as dumb and ill-informed as it sounds*. *Theres also the real possibility that this is a made-up quote from a pissed off Canadian source and were all falling victim to yet another entirely believable, yet nonexistent act of Trump stupidity. Covering this man in real-time is a herculean task that no one has really figured out yet. fwiw barron trump attends school in maryland which is the one jurisdiction in America where the War of 1812 is extensively covered because The Battle of Baltimore is virtually the only historical event that ever happened in the state Michael T Sweeney (@mtsw) June 6, 2018 Canada set a deadline of July 1st for us to lift our moronic tariffs before they respond with theirs, and make this trade war amongst allies official. If Trump really is accusing them of historical crimes they didnt even have the ability to commit, I dont have much hope that we will avoid the certain economic catastrophe that were barreling towards next month. Jacob Weindling is a staff writer for Paste politics. Follow him on Twitter at @Jakeweindling. AMD just did Intel one better at Computex. Intel wowed the Taipei crowds on Tuesday with a 28-core Core chip, which the company promised by the end of the year. One day later, on Wednesday, AMD announced Threadripper 2and at 32 cores and 64 threads, it will easily top what Intel promised. AMDs Threadripper 2 announcement was the highlight of the companys press conference, which didnt have much to offer in the way of new announcements in graphics. AMD did say that PowerColors tiny Vega 56 Nano for mini-ITX systems is now shipping. The company also showed off a 7nm derivative of its Radeon Vega GPU for workstations, advising users to stay tuned for 7nm consumer GPUs. Finally, the company showed off a 7nm version of its Epyc server processor, which will ship next year. Over 400 million PC and console players use AMDs Radeon technology; over ten times as many use Vega GPUs, said Lisa Su, the president and chief executive of AMD, comparing to the companys previous-generation GPUs. Epyc, the companys server processor, has captured 50 server platforms. Su highlighted design wins by Cisco, HP and Tencent. We are in an incredible time in our market. said Su. Computing is absolutely everywhere. Threadripper 2 This is a heavy metal performance, said Jim Anderson, AMDs corporate vice president of the Computing and Graphics Business Group, summing up the performance of AMDs Threadripper 2, a year to the day after Anderson announced the first-generation Threadripper at Computex 2017. AMD AMDs Ryzen 12nm 2nd-generation CPUs are due to launch in Q3 2018, following the launch of the second-generation Ryzen. Threadripper 2 will be modeled on the second-generation Ryzen processor, based on 12nm, and the Zen+ architecture. More importantly, it will drop into the same TR4 socketand it will be air-cooled, executives said, giving customers an easy way to shift from one Threadripper generation to the next. AMD emphasized what might be called the mondo version of Threadripper 2: 32 cores, 64 threads. However, Anderson promised more versions, and PCWorld learned of a 24-core version in follow-up questions after the press conference. The first chips will appear in the third quarter. AMD has clearly had a success story with its Ryzen chips, and Anderson touted a few examples. Probably the most telling is the companys claim that it has captured 40 percent of the gaming market. AMD plans to continue its momentum, with 60 new Ryzen systems set to launch through the course of 2018. In notebooks, AMD launched a mobile version of Ryzen last October, pairing that up with a similar product for commercial systems in May. AMD is delivering about 30 percent more CPU performance and about 100 percent more GPU performance than its competition from Intel, Anderson said. Kevin Lensing, the corporate vice president of client strategy and business development, showed off some of the success stories for Ryzen in the notebook space, including Dell, who said it will refresh its desktop platforms with the second-generation Ryzen parts. Asus appeared on stage to show off the X570ZD, an odd pairing of a Ryzen 7 2700U processor with a GeForce GTX 1070. Lenovo showed off the IdeaPad 530S. HP, Dell, and Lenovo have also adopted Ryzen Pro in their commercial systems, Su said. More than 5 million users now own Ryzen machines, she added. We are extremely excited about what Ryzen has done, but more importantly, about what Ryzen will do, Su said. Radeon: Vega Nano and Vega 7nm AMDs top Radeon executive made the argument that gaming and gaming GPUs assist everything from movies to social interaction, especially by virtually blasting each other in games like Fortnite. In some places, such as Asia, its more popular to watch gamers than actual scripted TV, said Scott Herkelman, vice president and general manager of Radeon Gaming for AMD. The total gaming hardware market touched $34 billion last year, he said. AMD AMDs Lisa Su showed the Leadership Roadmap Execution for the companys 7nm GPUs, due to launch in 2H 2018. Unfortunately, most of AMDs graphics presentation was highlighting the past, present and future contributions of partners. But there was a significant disclosure: PowerColors Radeon Vega 56 Nano is available now, and the company announced a FreeSync partnership with Samsung TVs. AMD teased a Radeon RX Vega Nano at its Capsaicin 2017 event. The tiny card is designed for mini-ITX systems and supplants the original Radeon Nano, which leveraged HBMs small footprint to cram big-time power into tiny hardware. David Wang, senior vice president of engineering for Radeon, showed off the companys roadmap, which hasnt changed: alternating process technologies and architectures. Wangs message implicitly rebutted Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang, who had told attendees that a new graphics architecture wouldnt arrive for a very long time. Were committed to bringing new products every year, consistently every year, Wang said. The company has multiple 7nm products in development, and Wang introduced its first: the Vega 7nm, which includes better security, Infinity Fabric, hardware virtualization, and deep learning logic. It will be optimized for workstations and datacenters. It will be complemented with an open software ecosystem for machine learning, Wang said. AMD showed off the 7nm GPU in action, paired with 32GB of HBM2 memory in a Cinema4D rendering demonstration. But consumers shouldnt despair, as AMDs Su promised a version for them as well. Back Lot Charlevoix receives approval for expansion The Backlot Restaurant, off of Ferry Avenue, gets approved for expansion In an interview for BBC World Service, Dr Annette Idler outlines the possible consequences of Colombia's first presidential election since 2016 for the country's peace deal. Dr Idler, who is Director of Studies of the Changing Character of War programme, was talking as Colombian voters went to the polls in the first round of the presidential election. As Dr Idler explains, the outcome has implications for general security and stability, but more specifically for the fragile peace deal agreed between FARC rebels and the outgoing President, Juan Manuel Santos. It is a campaign which has polarised the vote in Colombia. Indeed none of the three candidates, Ivan Duque, Gustavo Petro and Sergio Fajardo, secured the required majority in the first round to claim victory, so a run-off between the two with the greatest numbers of votes, the Conservative Ivan Duque and the leftist Gustavo Petro, will take place on 17 June. You can listen to all of Dr Idler's interview on BBC World Service radio's News Hour (31:50-35:07) "I love both sides of my life so I don't mind the weekly travel back and forth." Women are killing it in the music industry, and song lovers couldn't be happier! In our column, #WomenCrushWednesday, each week we'll feature an awesome lady whose tunes are blowing up our playlists and ask them about their musical journey. Student, musician, and girl killing the pop music game, LIVVIA has shared the stage with a number of big names and now is putting herself in the exact same category. With a new single coming out at the end of the week, she is hotter than ever. Read on to find out about the writing process behind her first hit, "Catch a Body," which causes besides music are important to Livvia's heart, and what else she has on the horizon. How did you get interested in music? I can't point to a specific moment because I've loved making music for as long as I can remember. I've always been interested in what goes into the creation of a pop song, but I really started writing my own songs at 13. Then I started traveling to LA from SF throughout high school to collaborate with different writers and producers. From there, it's been nonstop. @LIVVIAMUSIC on Twitter What artists have had the the greatest influence on you? My music taste is very eclectic, but I'm very into Sabrina Claudio and Sofi Tukker at the moment. My favorite band has to be Coldplay I especially love the Parachutes album. At the beginning of your tour, you opened for acts like the Jonas Brothers, Jessie J., and Meghan Trainor. What were those experiences like? Touring and performing for hundreds of thousands of people all over the world was even better than I could have imagined. I learned so much watching the artists I toured with and made some incredible friends. My favorite experiences would have to be from the meet and greets. It's so rewarding to meet people who connect with my music and who tell me that my lyrics have positively impacted their lives in some way. There are so many incredible memories it would be impossible to narrow down. Playing iconic venues like the O2 arena in London was surreal. In addition to music, you're working on finishing your college degree. How do you manage both? It has definitely been a little hectic to balance around midterms and finals especially when they fell near dates I had to travel for meetings, performances, or writing sessions but I was able to make it work. I love both sides of my life so I don't mind the weekly travel back and forth. What do you think about the role women play in the music industry today? I read that only 1 in 50 music producers is a woman, which is a startling statistic! I work with an amazing female producer, Antonina Armato of Rock Mafia, and it has been so refreshing to collaborate with her and feed off of each other's girl power energy. Your most recent single is "Catch a Body" featuring Quavo. What was the process like for writing and recording that song? I was in the studio with Rock Mafia starting a new track and the phrase "catch a body" happened to come up in one of the improv vocal takes, so we built on that idea and used phrases like "if looks could kill" and "you look so good it's killing me" to play on the meaning of "Catch a Body" and tell a story that celebrates girls going after what they want. You've also got an EP coming out sometime in the near future. When can we expect to hear more about that? I have a handful of songs that I can't wait to share but I can't reveal too much quite yet. There are a couple exciting collaborations in the works! But I can tell you my next single is called "Gratitude," And it's coming out June 8th! Tiziano Lugli In April, I also noticed you've posted a lot of social media about the importance of protecting the environment. Why is that important to you? Protecting the environment should be important to all of us! The natural beauty of our planet is eternally inspiring to me. April is Earth Day and also San Francisco's localized Earth Day. I'm from the bay, so I celebrate both! What's coming up next for you? I have two summer classes to finish up and a handful of radio shows this summer. I can't wait to see everyone out there! Follow LIVVIA on Facebook | Instagram Rachel A.G. Gilman is a writer, a radio producer, and probably the girl wearing the Kinks shirt. Visit her website for more. Have a female or femme-identifying artist we should profile? Send a pitch email to Rachel . POPDUST | Read More About Music... MUSIC MONDAY | Brynn Elliott is having the Time of her Life RELEASE RADAR | Premiere from Kris Gruen PREMIERE | Josie Dunne just dropped her first EP with a Splash Theres something about The Reincarnation of Peter Proud that keeps it lodged in the memory like a nasty splinter. I first saw it on a commercial broadcast so censored and dark that it couldnt make much impact beyond its ending, but that ending is unforgettable. As archetypal an example of the mythological and psychological concept of the eternal return as youll find in cinema, the finale orchestrates events into a helpless flow that, in retrospect, can only feel right, had always felt right, will always feel right. Its impossible to discuss the film without addressing that ending, for this is among those rare movies entirely made by their end, as if theyd been working backwards from that point. We cant help it, so this whole review may be a kind of SPOILER. Maybe its even a spoiler to discuss the beginning. In dreams begin responsibilities, and often movies. A naked man, at night, dives into a lake and sluices across the water toward The Puritan Hotel, a loaded name for any bare pilgrim. A tearful, fearful young woman in a rowboat emerges from the fog to meet him. His head floating in the black water, the man calls her Marcia and apologizes for what he just said, explaining that he was drunk and didnt mean it, that he loves her. She bashes him with the oar and he sinks to the bottom. Hell never make it to the glittering promise of the Puritan, but wasnt that an earthly delusion after all? All this time, amid the flurry of disorienting jump cuts, the water and night and nudity and violence, Jerry Goldsmiths score orchestrates a nervous, modernist sound that will haunt this entire slow-burning movie as its hero follows a path that spirals in upon itself like a whirlpool. That hero, Peter Proud (Michael Sarrazin), sweating and thrashing and calling in his sleep, is awakened by his down-to-earth girlfriend Nora (Cornelia Sharpe). Shes as nude as he is, for this is a movie full of casual nudity and constant erotic teasing, even though only one bathtub scene indulges full frontal. Peters been haunted by these vivid recurring dreams for months: always a festival of jump cuts starring pretty women, lavish consumption, a snazzy car, and insistently phallic landmarks: posts, spires, gables. After false starts with various medical professionals, Peter comes to believe hes reliving snippets of a previous life from somewhere in 1940s Massachusetts, and he sets off, as the eras phraseology had it, to find himself. Disappointed and fed up, Nora leaves him by saying she hopes hell find what hes looking for Or do I? Lets pause to consider this Peter and his phallic world, and lets start with his name. He mocks it himself as a nursery rhyme name, which is a nice bit of misdirection from whats actually a name befitting classical allegories like Everyman or Pilgrims Progress, both of which are relevant here. The pilgrim comes to Massachusetts, like Pilgrims before him, where he discovers that his previous self should really have carried the allegorical moniker, for thats the incarnation who embodied Pride as well as Lust, Greed, Anger and a few more deadly sins. Does Peter carry their residue within himself and his own quest to put his nightfall demons to rest? To quote Bugs Bunny, Mmm, could be. Peters a handsome, sexy young history professor at a California college. The even more handsome self he dreams (played by male model Tony Stephano), turns out to be the late Jeff Curtis, a much more ordinary name with a very ordinary string of entitled masculine vices. After distinguishing himself as an athlete and war hero, Jeff marries up into the towns banking echelons, thus taking advantage of Marcias love against the better judgment of her reluctant father, a literal town father. While shes pregnant, Jeff sleeps around. His violent death acts simultaneously as Peters birth trauma. This will be fully revealed when the narratives focus shifts partially to Marcia in the final act, and she relives that final humiliating night in another of the films fragmentary, flesh-filled flashbacks while masturbating in the bath. She loved him, and thats why she married him and put up with him and was victimized by him in their final physical encounter. Its an uncomfortable, intimate, shocking, painful and erotic sequence of mixed emotions, in which the elaborate editing style and insistent gliding pans remain dominated by the excellent performance of Margot Kidder as Marcia. In more than one sense, Kidder and Marcia are the movies secret weapon. Shes always been the driving force while Peter or Jeff, believing themselves in charge, rush unwittingly towards her. Except for the flashbacks, Marcia appears in haggard, grey-streaked, crows-feet makeup as an alcoholic, wounded, suspicious, vulnerable middle-aged slattern whos been periodically institutionalized and tries not to leave the house or stray from a half-full glass. Its a tribute to Kidder that shes convincing, even though shes slightly younger than the actress playing her divorced daughter! That daughter, Ann (Jennifer ONeill), becomes the complicated object of Peters attraction as he inveigles his way into the family. His growing feelings for her finally derail his drive to uncover the truth thats brought him this far into a frankly impossible situation. Will the truth set him free or doom him? More pertinently, is it possible that both options are the same, that doom could be a form of freedom? I cant help thinking that writer Max Ehrlich, in adapting his own novel, must have been minded of the classic labyrinthine horror film The Seventh Victim (1943), produced by Val Lewton and directed by Mark Robson, thats wrapped around the Holy Sonnet from John Donne: I run to death, and death meets me as fast, and all my pleasures are like yesterday. This new Blu-ray enthusiastically proclaims a brand new HD master from a 4K scan of the original 35mm negative. Regrettably, thats not quite the same as blowing outsized cash on frame by frame digital restoration, and viewers will notice two or three persistent vertical scratches down the middle of the image for most of the first reel. Its unfortunate to think this must be part of the negative, and it must be taken as character, a reminder of bygone days when films were run through projectors. Even with these blemishes, Victor J. Kempers photography reveals a rich 1970s grain, particularly lush on the forest greens. He and director J. Lee Thompson adopt a classical stance punctuated by many graceful dollies forward and continually garnished by Michael Andersons moments of frenzied subjective editing. The editing transitions demonstrate how to give a sense of propulsion to what, in other hands, might be a stagnantly paced story; either sound or image are continually pulling at us, like fate. The art director is the great Jack Martin Smith, who contributes a warm, lived-in contrast between Massachusetts Gothic, busy California modernism, and the idealization of an elegant past. The commentary by historian Lee Gambin is a cinephiliacs dream of motormouthed, Tarantino-esque free association in which he gabbles about a thousand other movies, giving the impression that he never saw a film he didnt love. While this doesnt leave much room for detailed analysis or production research on the film at hand, its entertaining and touches on several relevant tangents. One such theme is the wave of reincarnation or possession movies in 70s-era pop culture, from On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970) through The Possession of Joel Delaney (1972) and The Exorcist (1973) to Audrey Rose (1977) and Magic (1978). By bringing up the fact that Vincente Minnelli directed both On a Clear Day and the earlier reincarnation comedy Goodbye Charlie (1964), were reminded of an earlier film about the chastening of a womanizer, also via water; I find that an inexplicably under-appreciated movie that would make a good double-feature with The Reincarnation of Peter Proud. Gambin also notes that Thompson made a previous horror film with occult elements, Eye of the Devil (1967). The name-drop reminds me how that film was oh-so-slightly ahead of its time while carrying the aura of Old Hollywood in the presence of Deborah Kerr and David Niven, and more importantly, how its masculine figure, like Peter Proud, becomes trapped in a plot whose inevitability is signaled in the first ten minutes and whose destiny began before his birth. Their fateful arcs may be the opposite (or rather the complement) of the inevitable success stories of Thompsons more well-known action adventures. In either case, the results are pre-ordained. Somewhere in the middle are his exercises in suspenseful ambiguity in which nobodys outcome seems guaranteed, e.g. Tiger Bay (1959), Cape Fear (1962) and Return from the Ashes (1965). Gambins most effective comments derive from his personal association with Kidder, whom he recalls interviewing at length years ago and meeting a few times since. While rightly praising her performance in this film, he discusses some of her background, her political commitments, and her pleasure in Brian DePalmas Sisters (1973) and Bob Clarks Black Christmas (1974). He says that when he got the gig for this commentary track, he asked if she wanted to participate; she declined but was touched. Gambin recorded this track, of course, before her recent death, yet it serves as a fitting tribute. His other most relevant remarks concern Goldsmiths score. He observes that there are two occasions when the claustrophobic, insistent modernism suddenly breathes and opens out into refreshment and fulfillment. One is during a love scene. To spell it out further, the last occasion is that ending, when the music once again resolves into romantic ecstasy in seeming emotional contradiction of the onscreen events. While some critics have mocked this film, pointing out that it belabors its whole running time to establish that the reincarnation of Peter Proud is in fact the reincarnation of Peter Proud, that music is a crucial part of why the endings shocking clockwork feels so right, a grim trick that reinforces the proper order of the world. I see that after warning you that this review would give so much away, Ive actually left out quite a lot. So much the better. Get the SC business stories that matter. Our newsletter catches you up with all the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina every Monday and Thursday at noon. Get ahead with us - it's free. Angie Jackson covers crime and breaking news for The Post and Courier. She previously covered the same beat for the Grand Rapids Press and MLive.com in Michigan. When shes not reporting, Angie enjoys teaching yoga and exploring the outdoors. Most of the 40 non-resident students who attended Charleston County's elite public magnet schools in the 2017-18 school year hailed from a ZIP Code that includes Daniel Island, one of the wealthiest areas in South Carolina. Daniel Island is in Berkeley County, meaning that its residents would not normally have access to Charleston County public schools. File/Wade Spees/Staff An image from a video posted Wednesday in which Democratic congressional candidate Archie Parnell said he will continue with his campaign despite party officials revoking their support. 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. PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-06 13:01:52 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 390 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for American Manganese Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCWire) - American Manganese Inc. (TSX Venture:AMY). has issued a press release with the following headline:American Manganese Receives Canadian Patent for Manganese Extraction ProcessTo 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 American Manganese 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/American Manganese Inc.Source: American Manganese Inc. (TSX Venture: AMY, OTC Pink: AMYZF, FWB: 2AM, WKN: A0YJSR, ISIN: CA02735A1057)Date: June 06, 2018Time: 7:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of American Manganese 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: 2018-06-06 09:45:05 Life-saving innovation provides emergency services with accurate incident location and other vital information, helping responders react more effectively Avaya Transforms Portugals Emergency Services Communications Systems to Prepare for eCall Avaya Iman Ghorayeb, +971-4-404-8275 ighorayeb@avaya.com Avaya Holdings Corp. (NYSE: AVYA) today announced that Portugals emergency services have adopted its suite of communication solutions to transform their existing systems in preparation for eCall, the next-generation automated vehicle aid system. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180606005 (Photo: Business Wire) A life-saving innovation that is mandatory in all new passenger-vehicle types approved for sale in the European Union from April 2018, eCall allows telemetry data to be sent from a vehicle to emergency services when an accident occurs, providing accurate incident location and other vital information that dispatchers can use to send help much faster and more effectively to help save lives. With 25,670 fatalities in 2016 and over 135,000 serious injuries on EU roads and motorways in 2014, according to the European Transport Safety Councils Road [..], eCall is estimated to reduce emergency response time by 40% in built-up areas and 50% in the countryside, saving as many as 2,500 lives and over EUR 130 billion in costs to society each year. As a result, emergency services across Portugal have been running tests to demonstrate readiness to receive and respond to these new automated calls. As the global market leader in contact center solutions, Avaya was selected because of its ecosystem and open platform structure, enabling integration across a variety of different systems. The solutions deployed include: the creation of a new center in Porto to increase resiliency and geographic redundancy; a complete refresh of the existing emergency service data center in Lisbon; and an upgrade of the existing communication environment, including a subsequent integration into its dispatching application. Markus Bornheim, Consulting Sales Engineer for Public Safety and Emergency Services at Avaya, and Vice Chair of the European Emergency Number Association (EENA) Technical Committee, said: Emergency Services communications require intricate coordination between a number of different channels, from voice calls, to calls from mobiles and now to eCall. Its important to deliver a solution that can accommodate both present and future needs without putting undue pressure on those working in call centres or on the front line. Avayas eCall solution was designed to integrate with existing systems and provide a clear platform for further development. We are pleased to see our work achieve a strong result for Portugal, and look forward to extending this further elsewhere in Europe. Implementation of these solutions was carried out by Avayas local integration partner PAPTI/DECUNIFY, which worked with core tech provider Oecon and software developer Engelbart Software to adapt and modify the existing application development platform and allow integration with Portugals emergency services. As a result, Portugals 112 services can now receive, interpret and respond to messages sent through eCall; as well as integrate other eCall-associated technologies and similar third-party services for motorcycles, heavy goods vehicles, car manufacturers, assistance companies and automobile clubs. With Avayas support, solutions and architecture, Portugal achieved full preparation for the onset of eCall, in advance of the EU conformity assessment. Colonel Vitor Judicibus, Head of the Critical Communications Multidisciplinary Team at the General Secretariat of Internal Administration (Secretaria-geral da Administracao Interna) said: eCall is a major milestone for the European automotive and safety communities, with next-generation technology being widely deployed to help people and save lives. Providing Portugals dispatchers and emergency services call centre workers with the tools they need to incorporate eCall is essential to achieving the aims of this initiative. We are pleased that the Portuguese 112 service has been upgraded to fully respond to eCall, while also becoming faster, more reliable, and future-fit. Francisco Gomes, Deputy Secretary General for Technologies of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Secretaria-geral da Administracao Interna) said: According to Nikola Tesla Science is but a perversion of itself unless it has as its ultimate goal the betterment of humanity. I think the same about technology, and eCall is one of the best recent examples of a major improvement in Europe for emergency reaction. The overall purpose of being more efficient on preserving human life after traffic accidents will progress immensely with the introduction of eCall. Our Ministry tech teams and our partners together, made possible for Portugal to be fully ready to do the best in emergency situations. About Avaya Avaya is a global leader in digital communications software, services and devices for businesses of all sizes. Our open, intelligent and customizable solutions for contact centers and unified communications offer the flexibility of Cloud, on-premises and hybrid deployments. Avaya shapes intelligent connections and creates seamless communication experiences for our customers, and their customers. Our professional planning, support and management services teams help optimize solutions, for highly reliable and efficient deployments. Avaya Holdings Corp. is traded on the NYSE under the ticker AVYA. For more information, please visit www.avaya.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document contains certain forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements for purposes of the U.S. federal and state securities laws. These statements may be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," our vision, "plan," "potential," "preliminary," "predict," "should," "will," or would or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology and include, but are not limited to, expected cash savings and statements about expected growth and growth strategies, future investments and new technologies,. The Company has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While the Company believes these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond its control. The factors are discussed in the Companys Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may cause its actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, please refer to the Companys filings with the SEC that are available at www.sec.gov. The Company cautions you that the list of important factors included in the Companys SEC filings may not contain all of the material factors that are important to you. In addition, in light of these risks and uncertainties, the matters referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this report may not in fact occur. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. Source: Avaya Newsroom Follow Avaya on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Flickr View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180606005 PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-06 14:02:43 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 BeWhere Holdings Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Toronto, Ontario (FSCWire) - BeWhere Holdings Inc. (TSX Venture:BEW). has issued a press release with the following headline:BeWhere Holdings Inc. Introduces Its Global M-IoT Product LineTo 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 BeWhere Holdings 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/BeWhere Holdings Inc.Source: BeWhere Holdings Inc. (TSX Venture: BEW, OTCQB: BEWFF)Date: June 06, 2018Time: 8:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of BeWhere Holdings 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: 2018-06-06 13:46:02 Consensus, Symbiosis, Mutual Benefits LivesOne World Singapore LivesOne World Singapore Monique JIA, +65 94828651 BD@lives.one https://www.livesone.net LivesOne World Singapore will take place in Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre on June 14, with the theme of "Consensus, Symbiosis, and Telesis". The topic expresses the expectation of building a common understanding and a long-term cooperation relationship to achieve mutual benefits. It will be a high-quality industrial event focusing on the value of blockchain innovation and venture capital. Dozens of well-known blockchain senior investors are invited for a profound discussion with nearly 100 blockchain participants from all over the world about the status, future trends of blockchain innovation and entrepreneurship. Explore global blockchain trends from Singapore Singapore, the worlds most famous blockchain heaven, has lots of successful experience on promoting the development of blockchain. By learning from Singapore, the purpose of this conference is to build a consensus platform and to create more communication opportunities for global blockchain colleagues. The officials of Singapore financial management and Jeff Chan, Chairman of Symbiosism Economy Foundation, will attend and deliver speeches on Singaporean experience sharing for financial innovation entrepreneurs. Besides, there will be discussions about the development and prospect of the blockchain technology in Singapore. The organizer LivesOne is a seasoned team with rich project experience, and it has the core advantages in integrating the top resources of the global blockchain industry. It is worth mentioning that LivesOne team has prepared an Investor VIP Banquet in order to strengthen the communication and connection between investment institutions and project partners. Build Value Consensus, host Blockchain Value Event In addition to focusing on Singapore's financial technology and blockchain innovation, LivesOne world will also center on some central themes such as the opportunities and challenges of the global blockchain venture capital market, blockchain investment and regulatory consensus. Wonderful discussions will be initiated among Singaporean supervision seniors and tier-1 investors from all over the world. With rich project experience, LivesOne has the core advantages in integrating the top resources of the global blockchain industry, aiming to create a high-end event from a global perspective. More details can be found on LivesOne website. LivesOne World Singapore - Global Blockchain Consensus Summit, is waiting for you on June 14, Singapore. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180606005 LivesOne World Singapore will take place in Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre on June 14, with the theme of "Consensus, Symbiosis, and Telesis". The report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical & forecasted epidemiology and market size drug wise for Epilepsy disease with a forecast till 2024. Pharmascroll Research and Consulting Private Ltd PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-06 04:30:24 Press Information Pharmascroll Research and Consulting Private Ltd Hi Tech City Hyderabad India Zip- 500084 Bhawna Gupta Head, Marketing and Communications +919618379037 email https://pharmascroll.com/epilepsy-disease-insights-and-market-forecasts-to-2024/ # 573 Words Hi Tech CityHyderabadIndiaZip- 500084Head, Marketing and Communications+919618379037 Epilepsy: Disease Insights and Market Forecasts to 2024 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical & forecasted epidemiology of Epilepsy disease in the US, EU5 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK), and Japan and the historical & forecasted market size, for Epilepsy, drug wise in $ sales and patient numbers at global level and in the US, EU5 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK), Australia and Canada till 2024.Geographies covered:USGermanyFranceItalySpainUKJapanAustraliaCanadaDrugs coveredAptiomVimpatLamictalDepaconKeppraFycompaBriviactOnfiLyricaSabrilOxtellar XRTrokendi XREpidiolexOV935ZX008ganaxoloneGWP42006ZYN002PadsevonilDisease Indication Overview:This section of the report gives the overview of Epilepsy disease indication in detail. The section highlights the basic definition, causes and symptoms of disease and details the types of Epilepsy disease. Further details on the profile of Epilepsy patients, Symptoms experienced by the patients, and disease progression in patients are outlined in the report. The report further highlights the multiple methods through which the patient can be diagnosed for Epilepsy disease.Epidemiology Forecasts to 2024:This section of the report provides the overview of Epilepsy diagnosed prevalent and treated patients in the US, EU5 and Japan market year wise starting from 2015 till 2024. The epidemiology numbers in the report have been derived based on numerous studies, survey reports and views of key opinion leaders.Drugs Overview and Attribute Analysis:This part of the report highlights the importance of factors influencing the physician prescription decisions in Epilepsy disease including efficacy factors, Tolerability factors, Monitoring requirements and pricing factors.The report further details the drugs prescribed or expected to be prescribed in Epilepsy disease by the physicians in terms of details about the formulation, molecule, mode of administration and mechanism of action of the drugs, their patent and trial details and the expected impact of drug in the Epilepsy market.The report further conducts a detailed drug attribute analysis of the drugs currently prescribed or expected to be prescribed in the disease on the parameters of Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability, Convenience of Monitoring and Dosing and Drugs coverage of the target patient pool.Drugs and Market Forecast to 2024:The report in its last section provides sales and patient numbers forecast for the overall Epilepsy market and drug wise forecasts from 2015 till 2024 at Global level and in the US, EU5, Australia and Canada markets. The forecasts are developed based on the detailed drug attribute analysis, conducted by Pharmascroll, as shared in the previous section. It is important to note that the Forecasts conducted by Pharmascroll are not based on simple projections, and are developed meticulously based on a complex forecasting model, owned by Pharmascroll, using multiple assumptions related to launch dates of the products in the market, price of the products, adherence and compliance rates of the products, dosages of the products etc. The forecast models are at the country level and can be developed at the regional level as well.Why Purchase the Report: Robust Market and Drug forecast available at country level Forecast in terms of both $ sales and Patient Numbers Current and Forecasted Drug treated and Diagnosed Prevalent Patient pool Detailed Drug Attribute analysis on multiple Clinical Parameters Multiple Countries coverage Current Marketed and Pipeline Drugs coverage Detailed Disease Insights coverageTo read more about the report please visit https://pharmascroll.com/epilepsy-disease-insights-and-market-forecasts-to-2024/ To enquire about the report or to make a purchase for the report please write to enquiry@ pharmascroll.com PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-06 13:36:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 385 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Gabriel Resources Ltd.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---London, England (FSCWire) - Gabriel Resources Ltd. (TSX Venture:GBU). has issued a press release with the following headline:Gabriel Resources Ltd.: Arbitration Update Procedural Calendar AmendedTo 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 Gabriel 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/Gabriel Resources Ltd.Source: Gabriel Resources Ltd. (TSX Venture: GBU, OTC Pink: GBRRF, FWB: GRZ, WKN: 931885, ISIN: CA3619701061)Date: June 06, 2018Time: 7:35 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Gabriel 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.) Radiotherapy Market: Market Growth, Size, Share, Trends, Key Players, Competitive Intelligence 2013 to 2017 and Forecast 2018 to 2024 Radiotherapy Market PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-06 11:59:09 Press Information Precision Business Insights Kemp House, 152 160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX Satya Lead Marketing +1-866-598-1553 email https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com Published by Satya Naidu +1-866-598-1553 e-mail https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/ # 806 Words Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXLead Marketing+1-866-598-1553Satya Naidu+1-866-598-1553 Radiotherapy Market: Market Growth, Size, Share, Trends, Key Players, Competitive Intelligence 2013 to 2017 and Forecast 2018 to 2024Radiotherapy Market report offers Market Size, Dynamics, Regional Market Share, Top Key Players, Latest trends, Growth factors, Industry Stats, Historic Market, Business Intelligence, Business Research Reports, Competitive Intelligence 2013 to 2017 and Forecast 2018 to 2024Radiotherapy advertise for the most part is driven by increment in rate and commonness of growth and ascend sought after for the non-intrusive treatments of malignancy comprehensively. As indicated by World Health Organization (WHO), growth is evaluated to be one of the main source of passings around the world. In 2012, 14 Mn new tumor cases are analyzed and new disease cases will ascend to 22 Mn inside next two decades. Furthermore, innovative advances in radiotherapy, for example, picture guided radiation treatment (IMRT) and increment in adjustment of radiotherapy to treat growth are relied upon to support the radiotherapy showcase over the figure time frame. Besides, creating social insurance framework and positive government approaches are relied upon to help the market. In any case, high cost of gear, treatment and reactions are limiting the radiotherapy advertise comprehensively amid the conjecture time frame.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global radiotherapy market is segmented based on device type and end-userBased on device type, radiotherapy market is segmented into External Radiotherapy Internal Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy) Systemic RadiotherapyBased on end-user, radiotherapy market is segmented into Hospitals Diagnostic Centres Ambulatory surgical centres Radiotherapy CentresTo view TOC of this report is available upon request @Market players are focus on product innovations and product launches to increase their market share and to sustain their positions in the radiotherapy market. In June 2017, Varian medical System received clearance from U.S. FDA to launch its new device, Halyon System to treat cancer. Furthermore, companies adopting strategies such as mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their market in radiotherapy segment. For instance in 2011, Elekta AB acquired Nucletron- a leader in brachytherapy treatment planning and delivery- to strengthen their radiotherapy product portfolio. Academic and research institutions are also contributing to radiation therapy development by collaborating with market players. For instance, in March 2016, Weill Cornell Medicine, a biomedical research unit and medical school formed a strategic alliance with the Janssen Biotech, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson Services Inc.,) to study the preclinical efficiency of combining external radiotherapy with Janssens immune oncology drugs.Need more information about this report @Geographically radiotherapy market has been segmented into following regions viz. North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America radiotherapy market expected to grow at notable rates owing to technological advancements, well-established healthcare infrastructure and favourable government policies. In addition growing prevalence of cancer expected to boost the radiotherapy market in this region. According to National Cancer Institute (NIH) estimated that in 2016, 1,685,210 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the united states. A number of new cases of cancer is 454.8 per 100,000 men and woman per year. Europe radiotherapy market expected to grow at significant rate owing to increase in cancer incidents and rise in adaptation of radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer. Asia Pacific radiotherapy market expected to grow at higher rate owing to increase in cancer cases, developing healthcare infrastructure and rising disposable income. According to WHO, more than 60% of new cancer cases occur in Asia, Africa and Central and South America.Some of the players in radiotherapy market are Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (U.S.), Ion Beam Applications (IBA) (Belgium), Accuray Incorporated (U.S.), Nordion, Inc. (Canada), Elekta AB (Sweden), Isoray Medical, Inc. (U.S.), C. R. Bard, Inc. (U.S.), ViewRay, Inc. (U.S.), RaySearch Laboratories (Sweden), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan), iCad Inc (Xoft) (U.S.), and Mevion Medical Systems, Inc. (U.S.) to name a few.Get access to full summary @About Precision Business InsightsPrecision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs.Precision Business Insights mission is to provide high-quality market research reports and generate key insights to our clients. PBIs approachable strategies are to help clients to make key decisions for business growth.Precision Business Insights vision is to become most valued partner to fortune 500 companies by providing agile, accurate, and actionable market insightsContact to Precision Business Insights,Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXEmail: sales@ precisionbusinessinsights.com Toll Free (US): +1-866-598-1553Website @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com Holographic Imaging Market: Market Growth, Size, Share, Trends, Key Players, Competitive Intelligence 2013 to 2017 and Forecast 2018 to 2024 Holographic Imaging Market PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-06 12:07:09 Press Information Precision Business Insights Kemp House, 152 160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX Satya Lead Marketing +1-866-598-1553 email https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com # 990 Words Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXLead Marketing+1-866-598-1553 Holographic Imaging Market report offers Market Size, Dynamics, Regional Market Share, Top Key Players, Latest trends, Growth factors, Industry Stats, Historic Market, Business Intelligence, Business Research Reports, Competitive Intelligence 2013 to 2017 and Forecast 2018 to 2024Holographic Imaging devices produce a 3D image of objects by recording the split beam of a light from laser. Holographic imaging helps the healthcare professionals to keep their diagnosis infection free and providing a healthy diagnosis. The recorded interference enables to view real 3D image. The existing 3D technologies like 3D rotational angiography, 3D-CT, and 3D-ultrasound revolutionized medicine allow the doctors to observe patients anatomy without any incisions. Holographic systems collect the data from MRI and CT scans and convert into 3-D visualizations and finally creates a virtual object in the actual 3-dimensional space. Holographic imaging helps to examine the heart conditions and colon cancer without cutting the skin. Medical holography images are in high resolution to help to reveal complex, potential information which is unexplored in the alternative conventional imaging.Increasing awareness about the holographic imaging in medical education, medical research, and medical imaging purposes and rise in holography techniques adoption by the academic medical centres, surgeons, and biomedical researchers expected to propel the holographic imaging market over the forecast period. Moreover, technology advancements in the hologram recording procedures, tools available for the interpretation of interferograms, and endoscopic holography for high resolution with non-invasive measurements inside human organs also drive the holographic imaging market. However, the high computational cost of processing, issues associated with projection under the sunlight, and the requirement for sophisticated and complicated recording methods might restrain the growth of holographic imaging market.A sample of this report is available upon request @The holographic imaging market is segmented on the basis of product type, by application, and end users.Based on product type, holographic imaging market has been segmented into the following: Holographic Display Laser Touchable Piston Semi-transparent Microscopes Software Holographic Prints OthersBased on application, holographic imaging market has been segmented into the following: Medical Imaging Ophthalmology Dentistry Urology Otology Orthopaedics Others Medical Education Biomedical ResearchBased on end-user, holographic imaging market has been segmented into the following: Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies Academic Medical Centres Research Organizations Hospitals and ClinicsTo view TOC of this report is available upon request @Holographic imaging market is in growth stage with the innovation of newer technologies for the 3D imaging. The most commonly adopted strategies by industry players include new product launches with technological advancements, acquisitions & mergers, agreements, and collaborations to capture significant holographic imaging market share. For instance, in December 2015, Phase Holographic Imaging inked an agreement with the Boston Childrens for the evaluation of HoloMonitor technology in the cancer research. Moreover, in 2015, Phase Holographic Imaging AB collaborated with the Florida International University to provide Holomonitor for the characterization of stem cells in breast cancer. Many companies have been developing holographic technologies for biomedical imaging to capture the holographic imaging market share. For instance, Zebra Imaging, a renowned Texas-based holographic imaging industry player, has developed the ZScape holographic motion display, a technology that is designed to produce true holograms. The company has partnered with the Zygote Media Group with an intention of getting this technology commercialized and deployed at major medical schools across the United States. Rise in clinical applications of the holography imaging in healthcare industry also boosting the holographic imaging market growth. For instance, in January 2014, real view imaging completed the clinical study using the 3D hologram of a beating heart to help surgeon operate the patient.Need more information about this report @Geographically, holographic imaging market has been segmented into following regions Viz. North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America anticipated to holds the largest share in holographic imaging market followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. Rise in biomedical research activities, adoption of holographic imaging by research academics centres and laboratories are expected to propel the market in North America region. Europe holds a significant share in holographic imaging market attributed to increase in research and development activities and new products launching in near future. Asia-Pacific is an emerging holographic imaging market due to increase in population, especially in India and China. Moreover, increase in demand for better healthcare infrastructure and changes in the population should increase the holographic imaging market growth in Japan. Brazil holds the considerable share in holographic imaging market share due to increase in preference for the use of holographic imaging technology for medical training and surgeries.Some of the players in holographic imaging market are EchoPixel, Inc. (U.S.), Mach7 Technologies Ltd. (U.S.), Realview Imaging Ltd. (Israel), Ovizio Imaging systems (Belgium), zSpace, Inc. (U.S.), Holoxica Ltd. (U.K.), Lyncee Tec. (Switzerland), NanoLive SA (Switzerland) Zebra Imaging (U.S.), Eon Reality (U.S.), and Phase Holographic Imaging AB (Sweden) to name a few.Get access to full summary @About Precision Business InsightsPrecision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs.Precision Business Insights mission is to provide high-quality market research reports and generate key insights to our clients. PBIs approachable strategies are to help clients to make key decisions for business growth.Precision Business Insights vision is to become most valued partner to fortune 500 companies by providing agile, accurate, and actionable market insightsContact to Precision Business Insights,Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXEmail: sales@ precisionbusinessinsights.com Toll Free (US): +1-866-598-1553Website @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-06 00:47:01 Three of Hong Kongs leading luxury hotels to offer the popular, plant-based Impossible Burger on restaurant menus Hotel ICON, Grand Hyatt, and InterContinental Grand Stanford are now among several Hong Kong locations serving the award-winning Impossible product Impossible Foods continues its expansion throughout Hong Kong, one of the worlds leading travel and culinary destinations Impossible Foods Checks in to Hong Kong Hotels Impossible Foods Media Inquiries: International (English Contact): Ashley Geo ashley.geo@impossiblefoods.com or Hong Kong (English Contact): Robin Smith robin@stirpublicrelations.hk or Hong Kong (Chinese Contact): Jessi Ng, jessi@stirpublicrelations.hk or Impossible Foods: pr@impossiblefoods.com or Other Inquiries: hello@impossiblefoods.com Impossible Foods is offering its award-winning, plant-based meat at three of Hong Kongs top-ranking hotels: Hotel ICON, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, and InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180605006 The Impossible Burger, served on a vegan bun, topped with gouda, onions and pickles, at Hotel ICON's GREEN. (Photo: Business Wire) Impossible Foods made its debut in Hong Kong last month at Chef May Chows celebrated restaurants Little Bao and Happy Paradise and Chef Uwe Opocenskys popular Beef & Liberty. Hong Kong is the first place outside of the United States to feature the Impossible, which cooks, smells, and tastes like ground beef from cows, but is made entirely from plants. The Impossible is served in nearly 2,000 restaurants across the United States and Hong Kong -- from award-winning restaurants to mom-and-pop diners to Americas original fast-food chain, White Castle. The vast majority of these restaurants serve the Impossible as a burger on a bun with traditional condiments and sides, but Impossible meat also can be adapted into a wide range of dishes, such as dumplings, noodle bowls, tacos, meatballs, breakfast sandwiches, and more. Weve been so pleased with the warm welcome and support of Impossible in Hong Kong, said Dr. Patrick O. Brown, CEO and Founder of Impossible Foods. As our first market outside of the U.S., its been an illuminating experience to see such positive feedback from diners and were really looking forward to launching next in some of the citys best hotels and restaurants. FIVE-STAR HOTEL DINING GOES IMPOSSIBLE The Impossible will debut today at Hotel ICON in Tsim Sha Tsui, the renowned hotel known for its design-forward elegance and sweeping views of Victoria Harbour. The plant-based meat will be featured at Hotel ICONs all-day cafe and brasserie, GREEN, and the open air marketplace-inspired eatery, The Market, which has taken the award for Open Rices Best Buffet in Hong Kong for the seventh year in a row. At GREEN, guests can enjoy the Impossible Burger, served on a vegan bun, topped with gouda, onions and pickles (HK$140 + 10% serv). At The Market, the Impossible will be offered in a variety of dishes inspired by the best of Hong Kong and South East Asian cuisine, including: Impossible Meatballs with tomato herb sauce, Thai Spicy Country Sausages, Tandoori Kebabs with cucumber raita, Braised Eggplant with Impossible Mince and chilli sauce, Braised Bean Curd with Impossible Meat Sauce, Mini Impossible Cheeseburgers, Crispy Impossible Samosas with mint chutney, Indian Impossible Meatball Curry with condiments and papadom, and Crispy Fried Wontons with sweet and sour sauce. In addition, The Market will showcase Impossibles versatile nature through its breakfast menu, including: the Impossible Hash Brown, Steamed Egg with Impossible Mince and Tomato Sauce, Impossible Herb Sausage, and Impossible Meat and Bread Pudding with Tomato Sauce. Across the harbour, Impossible will also be added to the menu at Wan Chais luxury 5-star hotel, the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. Available at two of the hotels signature restaurants, the Grand Cafe and The Grill, the Impossible Burger will be topped with veganaise, Daiya provolone, a sweet potato rustique, and herbs (HK$230 + 10% serv). Taking buffet and all-day dining to another, more engaging level, Cafe on M inside the InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong offers experiences designed to satisfy all five senses. Appearing on the restaurants a la carte menu, the Impossible Indian Burger at Cafe on M will be prepared on a turmeric bun topped with cheese, onion bhaji, cucumber yoghurt, and spicy pickles served alongside sweet potato fries (HK$168). BIG TASTE, SMALL FOOTPRINT In development since 2011, the Impossible Burger debuted in July 2016 at Chef David Changs Momofuku Nishi in Manhattan. The Impossible Burger is the only plant-based burger to win a 2017 Tasty Award and a 2018 Fabi Award from the National Restaurant Association. In addition to the American fast-food chain White Castle, The Impossible Burger is the only plant-based burger featured in Americas most beloved better burger concepts Fatburger, Umami Burger, Hopdoddy, The Counter, Gotts and B Spot, the Midwest burger restaurant owned by Chef Michael Symon. Impossible meat is made from simple ingredients, including water, wheat protein, potato protein and coconut oil. One special ingredient heme contributes to the characteristic taste of meat and is the essential catalyst for all the other flavors when meat is cooked. Heme is an essential molecular building block of life, one of natures most ubiquitous molecules. Although its found in all living things and in virtually all the food we eat, its especially abundant in animal tissues. Impossible scientists discovered that its the abundance of heme in animal tissues that makes meat taste like meat. To satisfy the global demand for meat at a fraction of the environmental impact, Impossible Foods developed a far more sustainable, scalable and affordable way to make heme and therefore meat, without the catastrophic environmental impact of livestock. The company engineers and ferments yeast to produce a heme protein naturally found in plants, called soy leghemoglobin. The heme in Impossible meat is identical to the essential heme humans have been consuming for hundreds of thousands of years in meat and while it delivers all the craveable depth of beef, it uses far fewer resources. Impossible meat is produced without slaughterhouses, hormones, antibiotics, cholesterol or artificial flavors. It uses about 75% less water, generates about 87% fewer greenhouse gases, and requires around 95% less land than conventional ground beef from cows. ABOUT IMPOSSIBLE FOODS Based in California, USA, Impossible Foods makes delicious, nutritious meat and dairy products directly from plants -- with a much smaller environmental footprint than foods from animals. The privately held company was founded in 2011 by Patrick O. Brown, M.D., Ph.D., formerly a biochemistry professor and Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator at Stanford University. Investors include Horizons Ventures, Khosla Ventures, Bill Gates, Google Ventures, UBS, Viking Global Investors, Temasek, Sailing Capital and Open Philanthropy Project. More information: impossiblefoods.com www.twitter.com/impossiblefoods www.facebook.com/impossiblefoods www.instagram.com/impossible_foods Press kit: https://impossiblefoods.app.box.com/v/presskit View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180605006 North America is projected to be the dominant region in the kombucha market. The U.S. is anticipated to contribute the largest share to this market. Increasing awareness regarding health benefits of this drink is fueling the growth of the kombucha market. Kombucha Market PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-06 13:22:14 Press Information Coherent Market Insights Coherent Market Insights 1001 4th Ave, #3200 Seattle, WA 98154 Tel: +1-206-701-6702 Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com Mr.Shah CEO Tel: +1-206-701-6702 email https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/kombucha-market-873 # 584 Words Coherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comCEOTel: +1-206-701-6702 Kombucha is a fermented drink made from sugar and black tea. It consists of variety of minerals, enzymes, and vitamins. Kombucha is a nutrient-rich drink, which is fermented with a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). SCOBY also called Mushroom, consumes 90% of sugar during the fermentation process, making a low-sugar end product. This drink is gaining popularity due to its health benefits and is available in food stores and grocery stores. Kombucha can be brewed at home using methods such as continuous brew and batch method. Kombucha manufacturers are aiming at producing new flavors with advertisements to attract consumers.Increasing awareness regarding health benefits and demand for healthy beverages are driving growth of global kombucha market. Major beverage brands focused on entering into manufacturing of this drink, which is driving growth of global kombucha market. However, alcohol content in beverage is a major restraint for growth of kombucha market.Ask for detailed Sample of the Research Report @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/873 Global Kombucha Market TaxonomyOn the basis of type, the global kombucha market is segmented into:YeastBacteriaMoldOthersOn the basis of flavor, the global kombucha market is segmented into:Herbs & SpicesBerriesCitrusFlowersApple, Mango, and CoconutOthersOn the basis of the distribution channel, the global kombucha market is segmented into:SupermarketsHealth StoresOnline StoresThe flavor segment has largest demand in the kombucha market and it is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period. Therefore, companies are focusing on developing new flavors to meet the demand of consumers. Supermarket segment has witnessed prominent role in the distribution channel of this product, which has boosted growth of the market.Global Kombucha Market OutlookNorth America is projected to be the dominant region in the kombucha market. The U.S. is anticipated to contribute the largest share to this market. Increasing awareness regarding health benefits of this drink is fueling the growth of the kombucha market. The American Cancer Society stated that this beverage has promoted as a cure-all for a large range of health issues, such as baldness, cancer, AIDS, insomnia, arthritis, and intestinal disorders. Latin America witnessed moderate growth in the kombucha market, owing to increasing demand for healthy drinks in the economies such as Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil.Asia Pacific region witnessed significant growth rate and holds a second largest share in the kombucha market, owing to the growing population and increasing demand from the emerging economies such as India and China. Kombucha being originated in this region is making this region fastest growing market having low production and processing cost, in turn driving the growth kombucha market. Europe is witnessed to have a moderate growth in the global kombucha market, owing to the rising government regulations, which is hampering growth of the market.Get More Information @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/kombucha-market-873 Hain Celestial Group Inc. launched kombucha energy shots in 2011. Whole Food and Wal-Mart markets among numerous other retailers have merged with brewers for distributing this beverage. The major operating in the global kombucha market include Reeds Inc., Millennium Products Inc., Revive Kombucha, The Hain Celestial Group, Kosmic Kombucha, Buchi Kombucha, Townshend Tea Company, Gts Kombucha, and The Humm Kombucha Llc.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. PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-06 16:11:01 Santiago, June 5, 2018 - LATAM Airlines Groups informs the impact of the recent strike carried out by truck drivers in Brazil, who blocked several accesses to its domestic territory, causing an aviation fuel shortage in the majority of the country's airports. Despite it being an issue unrelated to the Company, LATAM Airlines Brazil had to cancel a total of 151 domestic flights between May 25 and 30, of a total of 3,422 scheduled flights, as well as not being able to carry roughly 1,500 tons of cargo. The Company estimates that the impact of this contingency amounted to US$13 million, including all the measures carried out to minimize the disruption to its passengers. LATAM apologizes for the resulting inconveniences to its passengers, and assures that it worked the whole time with a team dedicated exclusively to insure the continuity of its operations. 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: LATAM Airlines Group via Globenewswire PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-06 16:02:01 LAS VEGAS, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- INFOCOMM - Lifesize, a global innovator of video collaboration and meeting productivity solutions, is teaming with Voicera to bring an in-meeting artificial intelligence (AI) assistant to Lifesize video and audio calls. Once in the meeting, the AI assistant Eva will take notes and create a searchable, actionable transcript, enabling customers to elevate their meeting productivity. "Imagine how effective and efficient your meetings would be if someone else was taking the notes and sharing action items directly after," said Craig Malloy, CEO of Lifesize. "Adding Voicera's AI assistant to your Lifesize meeting is just the beginning. Expect to see all Lifesize solutions utilize AI as it matures to make video conferencing more immersive and collaborative." "Adding AI to your video calls is the next logical step to empower meaningful conversations and make your meetings more actionable," said Cory Treffiletti, Chief Marketing Officer of Voicera. "Voicera created Eva to do just that. With Eva listening in and pulling out important moments from your Lifesize HD video calls, your meetings become even more productive." Using Eva is simple. Just invite Eva to any Lifesize video or audio meeting. Eva will take notes and capture important action items. The meeting transcript is sent immediately after the meeting ends and is easily shared, searched, edited and stored for later reference. See this technology in action at InfoComm 2018 (June 6-8 in Las Vegas) alongside many other innovations by visiting Lifesize at booth N2434. About Lifesize At Lifesize, we understand the power of connecting people to make the workplace great. For more than a decade, Lifesize has been at the forefront of video conferencing and collaboration, delivering high-quality solutions designed to bring people together. We combine a best-in-class, cloud-based video conferencing service, with award-winning, easy-to-use smart devices designed for any conference room so you can connect to anyone, anywhere. It's a meeting experience like no other. Our video conferencing solutions are designed for the demands of today's modern enterprise, yet fully accessible to businesses of any size. For more information, visit www.lifesize.com or follow the company @LifesizeHD. Lifesize and the Lifesize logo are trademarks of Lifesize, Inc. and may be registered. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. About Voicera Voicera leverages A.I. to harness the power of voice in the workplace and connect what happens in meetings to the rest of the collaboration workflow. Voicera does this via Eva, your Enterprise Virtual Assistant. Eva is an in-meeting assistant that listens, takes notes and identifies actions from your meetings. Eva surfaces value in person-to-person conversations and enables that value to be shared through the rest of the enterprise. Headquartered in Menlo Park, Ca., Voicera is led by veterans from Oracle, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The company received $20MM in venture funding from leading investors including Battery Ventures, Cisco Investments, e.ventures, GGV Capital, Greycroft, GV (formerly Google Ventures), Microsoft Ventures, Salesforce Ventures and Workday Ventures. For more information on Voicera, or to experience an Eva-powered meeting, visit Voicera or download the iOS or Android apps. Media Relations: Maria Galler, Lifesize Matt Burrows, The Hoffman Agency PR@lifesize.com PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-06 14:31:02 On the basis of the approval by the Annual General Meeting of June 6th 2017, to authorize the Board to issue 150 000 new shares to management under a long-term incentive program, the Board has now resolved to issue options to management of the Company. A total of 150 000 options for shares of the Company were distributed amongst the management and key employees. Each option, when exercised, will give the right to acquire one share in the Company. The options are granted without consideration. Pursuant to the vesting schedule, all of the options will vest 24 months after the day of grant (as long as the option holder is still employed). The exercise price is equal NOK 9,40 per share. The options that have not been exercised will lapse 3 years after the date of grant. Primary insiders in Navamedic ASA have received the following options grants, according to the terms described above: Chief Executive Officer, Tom Ronnlund has been granted 60.000 share options. Following the grant, he holds 40 000 shares and 60.000 options in the Company. Chief Financial Officer, Toril Marie As has been granted 22.500 share options. Following the grant, she holds 22.500 options in the Company. Marketing Director, Mattias von Haartman has been granted 22.500 share options. Following the grant, he holds 22.500 options in the Company. Chief Scientific Officer, Per-Anders Elvertr has been granted 15.000 share options. Following the grant, he holds 30 000 shares and 15.000 options in the Company. For further information please contact: Navamedic ASA Toril As Chief Financial Officer E-mail: toril.as@navamedic.com This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. 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: Navamedic ASA via Globenewswire PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-06 10:14:02 Investing in Reader Optimization, Acquisition Will Help Outbrain Continue to Put Personalization First Outbrain Acquires AdNgin to Further Enhance the Reader Experience Outbrain Nini Olorunoje nolorunoje@outbrain.com Outbrain, the worlds leading native advertising platform, today announced it has acquired AdNgin, a UI optimization company built to enhance the reader experience. This acquisition is Outbrains sixth to date, continuing a string of growth-driven accelerations in the last several years. Guiding digital discoveries of readers around the globe, Outbrain connects publishers, marketers and consumers through personalized, interest-based recommendations. AdNgin focuses on that same level of personalization, individually optimizing the reader experience based on their visual preferences. The understanding that every consumer is different from their personal interests to the way they interact digitally is what inspired the two companies to come together. Harnessing the combined technologies, performance will continually scale as publishers see higher RPMs (revenue per mille), marketers higher CTRs (clickthrough rate), and readers better overall content interactions. AdNgin removes the guesswork of digital advertising, allowing us to automate the optimization of our reader experience, said Asaf Porat, Head of Global Operations at Outbrain. Its fascinating to see a technology that can make continuous improvements and lead to significant uplifts of RPMs and CTRs. After a short, six-month pilot, the consistent double digit CTR lifts shown sealed the deal for the two, personalization-driven platforms. As were innovating our platform with transformative initiatives in-feed autoplay video and endless feeds of content discovery we cant forget what makes Outbrain perform in the first place: reader personalization; from the personalization of content to the personalization of UI, said Yaron Galai, Founder and CEO at Outbrain. This acquisition will help us seamlessly focus on the entire, personalized journey. Joining forces with a native powerhouse like Outbrain, which organically outperforms the competition using interest-based recommendations, couldnt be a more perfect digital advertising match, added Amnon Lahav, Co-Founder of AdNgin. This is an incredibly exciting start to a high-converting content adventure, both for us, and the end consumers. Lahav will bring his decade plus of UX experience to the forefront, closely collaborating with Outbrains Business Optimization team as the new Head of UI Optimization. About Outbrain Outbrain is the worlds most powerful native advertising platform, guiding the digital discoveries of consumers around the globe. Genuinely connecting marketers, publishers, and the consumers in-between, Outbrain serves more than 275 billion personalized recommendations, organically personalizing the reader experience. Headquartered in New York City, with a global presence across 16 offices, Outbrain was founded to natively narrate the web. To learn more about Outbrain, visit www.outbrain.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180606005 The role of pharmacovigilance is to analyze the side effects of the drug and determine the adverse effects, negatively affecting the drugs efficacy and vice-versa. Pharmacovigilance Market PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-06 09:21:43 Press Information Coherent Market Insights 1001 4th Ave, #3200 Seattle, WA 98154 Mr.Shah CEO 2067016702 email https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ # 543 Words 1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154CEO2067016702 Pharmacovigilance is a study of safety and efficacy of a medical product or drug. It is a science associated with the collection, detection, assessment, and prevention of adverse effects related with the medical product or drug. The role of pharmacovigilance is to analyze the side effects of the drug and determine the adverse effects, negatively affecting the drugs efficacy and vice-versa. Pharmacovigilance comprises drug discovery and development, preclinical research, clinical research, and post marketing surveillance. It traces every phase of a drug cycle from preclinical development to post-market surveillance. Increasing prevalence of adverse drug reaction and implementation of safety regulations by government regulatory bodies is expected to fuel growth of the pharmacovigilance market over the forecast period.Request Sample Copy Of This Report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/1047 Growing prevalence of adverse drug reactions is expected to fuel pharmacovigilance market growth over the forecast periodGrowing prevalence of adverse reactions caused by drugs, has influenced the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries to adapt practices of pharmacovigilance, is in turn, expected to fuel growth of the market for pharmacovigilance in the near future.Government regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S.-FDA) and European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA) have formulated safety regulations to ensure manufacture of safe drugs and evaluation of its after-effects on patients. These regulations have to be followed by pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies, in turn, fueling demand for pharmacovigilance. Moreover, increasing R&D in the drug sector is further expected to propel growth of the pharmacovigilance market.Europe is expected to hold a dominant position in the global pharmacovigilance market, due tointroduction of new legislation in European UnionEurope is expected to hold a dominant position in the global pharmacovigilance market, over the forecast period. This is mainly due to introduction of new legislations in European Union in 2012, which ensures good vigilance practices for pharmaceutical companies and medicines regulators.. According to National Center for Biotechnology Information, in 2016, Europe accounted for high incidence of adverse drug reactions, around 5% of all hospital admissions were due to drug reactions, which caused around 197,000 deaths in EU. Increasing prevalence of adverse drug reactions and introduction new legislation has influenced adoption of pharmacovigilance among companies, in turn, fueling the market growth in the region. North America is expected to hold the second-largest market for pharmacovigilance due to increasing development of new drugs and growth in research and development activities of pharmaceutical and biotechnology in the U.S.Click To Continue Reading On Pharmacovigilance MarketKey Players in the Pharmacovigilance MarketPharmaLex, a development consulting and affairs group has collaborated with Volv to boost its pharmacovigilance business. Key players operating in the global pharmacovigilance market include Accenture, Cognizant, PAREXEL International Corporation, IBM Corporation, Clinquest Group B.V., Wipro Ltd, Oracle Corporation, Foresight Group International AG, TAKE Solutions Ltd, and United BioSource Corporation.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@ coherentmarketinsights.com Visit our news Website: https://www.coherenttimes.org PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-06 08:01:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 389 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for SolGold plc--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Bishopsgate, London (FSCWire) - SolGold plc (TSX:SOLG). has issued a press release with the following headline:SolGold plc Announces Continued Growth at Alpala and AguinagaTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on SolGold plc, or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/SolGold plcSource: SolGold plc (TSX: SOLG, LSE: SOLG, OTC Pink: SLGGF, ISIN: GB00B0WD0R35)Date: June 06, 2018Time: 2:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of SolGold plc and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2018 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.) PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-06 13:03:36 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 388 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Theralase Technologies Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Toronto, Ontario (FSCWire) - Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSX Venture:TLT). has issued a press release with the following headline:Theralase Demonstrates 36 Months Stability of Lead Anti-Cancer DrugTo 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 Theralase Technologies 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/Theralase Technologies Inc.Source: Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSX Venture: TLT, OTCQX: TLTFF, FWB: TTX, WKN: A0DLB7, ISIN: CA88337V1004)Date: June 06, 2018Time: 7:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Theralase Technologies 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: 2018-06-06 14:34:51 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 375 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for UMeWorld Limited--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Hong Kong, China (FSCWire) - UMeWorld Limited (OTC Pink:UMEWF). has issued a press release with the following headline:UMFun Surpasses 300,000 Monthly Subscribers and Reaffirms its Growth TrendTo 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 UMeWorld Limited, 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/UMeWorld LimitedSource: UMeWorld Limited (OTC Pink: UMEWF)Date: June 06, 2018Time: 8:30 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of UMeWorld Limited 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.) The Nigerian government has increased maternity leave to four months. Under the Nigerian Labour Law passed in 2004, a woman working in the countrys civil service has the right to maternity leave of three months, as long as she provides a medical certificate stating she should not or cannot work. The medical certificate allows her to stay off work for 12 weeks six weeks before the birth of her baby and six weeks after. According to a report on Wednesday by The Punch newspaper, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, announced the extension to the leave Tuesday while addressing the plenary session at the ongoing 107th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Nigeria recently increased the period for maternity leave from 12 to 16 weeks to allow enough recuperation time for both baby and mother in terms of breastfeeding, Mr Ngige was quoted to have said at the conference themed: A future with decent work. He noted that disciplinary proceedings against any female member of staff during period of her maternity leave shall be put in abeyance till the expiration of the leave. Employers of labour are also barred from removal of women from work due to their marital status. Illegal labour migration, contract staffing and labour casualisation which affects most women are being reformed through policies and regulations at national, bilateral and multilateral levels. The minister also advised women to seek legal action against discrimination and abuses at workplace. Women who fall victims to these abuses are encouraged to oppose such through legal actions as well as report to labour inspectors, he said. He stressed the for appropriate legislation, policies and practices to deal with gender gaps which inhibit greater participation of women in the labour force. Female employees are entitled to maternity leave with full pay. However, the Nigerian Labour Act does not recognise paternity leave and makes no such provisions. A bill for an Act to make provisions for optional paternity leave to married male employees in private and public service failed to scale through second reading in the Nigerian House of Representatives last month. However, Lagos State civil servants are entitled to 10 days paternity leave within the first two months of the birth of a baby. The Federal Government has begun the process of withholding the salaries of health workers who participated in the recently suspended strike. The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) a body of all other health workers except doctors last Thursday suspended its nationwide strike which crippled services across public hospitals in the country and left millions without care. Since 2014, they have been asking the government to increase their pay and improve their working conditions among other demands and no common ground has been reached yet. On Thursday, they resolved to shelve the strike in the interest of the public and allow the National Industrial Court take over negotiations between them and the government. In the first week of the strike, the government threatened to invoke the no work no pay rule but the union rebuffed the threat. The workers resumed duties fully on Monday. In a bid to implement its initial threat of no work no pay, the ministry of health on Tuesday, in a circular directed all Chief Medical Directors (CMDs), Medical Directors (MD) and registrars at all federal health institutions to submit a final list of health workers who did not participate in the strike as they are the only ones to receive salaries for the strike period. You will recall that following the strike by the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), which commenced at midnight of Tuesday 17th April 2018, you were directed by a letter Ref. No. DHS/166/T2/198 dated 18th April 2018 to maintain a strict, well supervised Attendance Register in order to implement the No Work No Pay law of the Federal Government, the circular signed by O.J Amedu, Head of Hospital Services Department for the Health Minister, Isaac Adewole read in part. Consequent upon JOHESU suspending its strike and the resumption of work by health workers on Monday 4th June, 2018, you are directed to submit a final list of health workers who did not participate in the strike and were at work from Wednesday 18th April, 2018 to Sunday 3rd June, 2018 to enable Government process payment of their salaries. This should be forwarded on or before Friday 8th June 2018 in both hard and soft copy in Excel Format. While calls to the phone of the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital in Abuja, Jaf Momoh, were unanswered, Thomas Agan, CMD of UCTH Calabar, confirmed receiving the circular to PREMIUM TIMES on phone. Yes I have received the directive. We must do as directed because our duty is to obey government directives, Mr Agan, who also doubles as Chairman, Committee of CMDs said. The CMD of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Chris Bode, said he was also aware of the directive but yet to receive the circular. Repeatedly calls and texts sent to both the National chairman and the National vice chairman of JOHESU, Biobelemoye Josiah and Ogbonna Chimela for comments were not responded to. Both officials were very vocal during the strike period. On Friday, Ayuba Wabba, President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) warned that the health minister, Mr Adewole, has no right to deny JOHESU members their salaries. The health minister and JOHESU officials has been caught up in prolonged controversy during the period of negotiations. JOHESU had called for immediate removal of Mr Adewole, accusing him of bias and being a major barrier to the resolution of the strike. The week the strike was suspended, the government, in a circular by the ministry of health notified all governing boards of public health institutions across the country to direct all staff on strike to return to work within 48 hours or be considered as having absconded from work without leave. The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) on Tuesday condoled with the family of the late pioneer chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Offences Commission, Mustapha Akanbi. In a statement signed by Salisu Shehu, the Deputy Secretary-General of the NSCIA, the apex Islamic body described the demise of the late jurist as a further confirmation that death is indeed a leveler of mankind. Mr Akanbi, who was also a former president of Nigerias Court of Appeal, died on Sunday in Ilorin, Kwara State. He was aged 85. Death is a debt which every mortal being owes and must pay at one point of life or another. We are all from Allah and to Allah, we shall all return. Like any great man in life with exemplary footprint, Justice Mustapha Akanbi came into the world and lived by the divine rules and regulations of his Creator to the best of his ability, the NSCIA said. While alive, the NSCIA said, Mr Akanbi embarked upon a series of temporal and spiritual activities which enabled him to formulate a guiding philosophy in life with which he charted his causes of actions. Yet, the philosophy he formulated from those actions was not merely for his own survival but for him a way of providing a right path through which people who wouldnt want to go astray could pass with piety, the statement said. And now, with his demise, that philosophy has become a guide to those of the living who may need guidance either as a warning on the vanity of human wishes or as encouragement towards the pursuit of good deeds or both. With an unblemished conscience, while alive, Justice Akanbi stood out vertically in the midst of his horizontal colleagues either as a lawyer or as a judge or a crusader against corruption. By his lifestyle, he evidently personified asceticism in all its ramifications using contentment as a template for his exemplary life. And that was why, shortly after his retirement as President of the Federal Appeal Court, the former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo had to beg him to accept the chairmanship of the ICPC when that anti-corruption outfit was established at the dawn of the current republic. After the expiration of his tenure in that office in 2005, he bluntly rejected the idea of renewing it saying Nigeria was not made for one man. And when the pressure started to mount on him to continue he quickly resigned and made his resignation public. The NSCIA prayed the Almighty Allah to repose tMr Akanbi in eternal bliss and grant the members of his family as well as his sincere associates the fortitude with which to bear the agony. A jarring dispute over contingency security allocations led to an abrupt withdrawal of dozens of personal security guards attached to the presiding officers of the National Assembly, PREMIUM TIMES can report. The State Security Service (SSS) implemented about 65 per cent draw down across board in security protection for the top lawmakers on Saturday, sparking a nationwide uproar. The controversial exercise on Saturday afternoon affected Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun. Following an urgent security meeting with Vice President Osinbajo on Monday and political pressure from the so-called new PDP bloc of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the secret police on Tuesday partially returned some of the withdrawn officers to Messrs Saraki and Dogara, according to security sources. It was unclear if Messrs Ekweremadu and Lasun had seen a partial or full restoration of the personnel withdrawn from them. The disagreement stemmed from the National Assemblys rejection of a presidential approval issued to the State Security Service for the inclusion of some handsome billions of Naira into the 2018 budget, according to legislative sources familiar with the matter. The botched SSS allocation, similar to similar security allowances approved to other agencies like the police and the military, was rejected because Lawal Daura, the head of SSS, failed to defend the expenditure when he appeared before a Senate committee vetting the proposed security earmarks, multiple sources familiar with the episode have told PREMIUM TIMES. Rather than answer critical questions and make a strong case to justify his allocation, like the army and the Police Service Commission did, he merely assumed that the presidential approval he brought to the National Assembly was all that was needed he even tried to intimidate lawmakers by suggesting that their oversight functions were often laden with corrupt instincts, a source said. But rather than see the rejection of the SSS request as a direct consequence of his own conduct, Mr Daura decided on a retaliatory measure against the presiding officers, striking first with the drawdown of their security guards. Around two-thirds of the 84 SSS personnel attached to the presiding officers were withdrawn without prior notice on Saturday. Director General of SSS, Lawal Daura. In the exercise, which a source told PREMIUM TIMES was sudden and far-reaching, Mr Sarakis security detail was reduced to nine from 23. Mr Dogaras personnel were also reduced to nine from 23.With the duo receiving five more personnel, each now has 14 officers as at Tuesday night. The partial restoration came a day after Mr Osinbajo met with Mr Saraki, Mr Daura, Attorney-General Abubakar Malami and Inspector-General Ibrahim Idris in an emergency meeting whose details were not disclosed to the media. Hours after the meeting, the so-called new PDP, which contains politicians who pulled out from then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party in 2013, released a statement pulling out of ongoing talks about its future in the APC. The new PDP politicians exodus from the PDP was said to be a political masterstroke that ultimately led to the then-ruling partys shellacking at the 2015 general elections. The disgruntled new PDP politicians in the APC, which include Messrs Sakari and Dogara, had been in dialogue with Mr Osinbajo on behalf of the APC and the Buhari administration. The latest in a string of meetings as part of the dialogue was slated to hold on Monday, but it was apparently called off following a series of political toxic events over the weekend. In addition to the withdrawal of personnel on Saturday, Mr Saraki was openly accused of being a suspect in dozens of murder cases in his home state of Kwara by the police on Sunday. It appears that the presidency is not interested in the talks and that they may have been negotiating in bad faith, Kawu Baraje, a leader of the new PDP bloc in the APC, said in the Monday afternoon statement. Messrs Ekweremadu and Lasun saw reductions in their detail from 19 to six each on Saturday, including their drivers, it was gathered. Uche Anichukwu, a spokesperson for Mr Ekweremadu, confirmed partial withdrawal of officers attached to his principal to PREMIUM TIMES, but said he was unsure of the statistics. Aides to three other parliamentary leaders declined comments to PREMIUM TIMES about the development. The SSS could not be reached for comments, the agency has no known spokesperson since September 2015. Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and Speaker, Yakubu Dogara at the joint closed-door plenary of the National Assembly Fears that the recurrent clashes between the executive and the legislature may escalate gripped the nation on Sunday after The Cable reported that the security aides of some principal officers had been reduced. The paper said the directive might have come from the presidency, but did not say Messrs Ekweremadu and Lasun were affected, or indicate the actual number of personnel attached to each of the officers prior to and after withdrawal. PREMIUM TIMES has not been able to independently confirm whether or not external authorities influenced the directive, but multiple sources hinted that it was largely about Mr Dauras personal grievances against lawmakers. The development further underscores an unceasing personalisation of public institutions, said public affairs analyst Chris Ngwodo. An institutional relationship has been unduly personalised, the analyst said. But while supporters of the two authorities involved would like to make a villain out of one another, Mr Ngwodo said there was enough blame to go round. There has to be a smart way of resolving this rather than one institution degrading the other, he said. The SSS has a statutory function to provide security and its budget is essential to its smooth operation. Also, the provisions of security operatives to the presiding officers are rights accorded not to the persons but the offices they occupy, Mr Ngwodo said. It is clearly a case of institutional entitlement. When an institution is rubbished and everything becomes a fair game because of personal clashes, then the system suffers, he added. The controversy comes barely four years after the SSS and the police withdrew security detail attached to former House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal. Mr Tambuwal, now governor of Sokoto State, was stripped off security protection after he abandoned the then-ruling PDP and joined the then-opposition APC. Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal Mr Tambuwals detail was later restored by the SSS, but it would take several months of stalemate. In the meantime, the police have increased the number of protective security operatives attached to Messrs Saraki and Dogara from three to five each, PREMIUM TIMES learnt. This would help mitigate the potentially debilitating impact that could arise from Mr Dauras move. Mr Ngwodo gave a backhanded compliment for the polices swift intervention in his telephone exchange with PREMIUM TIMES Monday night. It is good that the police took the necessary measures to correct the misstep by the SSS, but what is really important is institutional arrangement, the analyst said. Withdrawing security detail as a response to what transpired at a Senate committee is inappropriate. It remained unclear whether discussions have been opened between the National Assembly and the presidency to find immediate solutions to the crisis, which some security analysts see as dicey because it is unprecedented. Charles Omole, a security analyst, said the immediate national security implications of the withdrawal might be felt not directly from the affected officers but their families. This is because the police are not structurally equipped to play the complex role of security protection for which the SSS was established. The police are largely reactive, they have no structural capabilities to detect, analyse and prevent specific threats to top officeholders, Mr Omole told PREMIUM TIMES by telephone Monday night. It is difficult for any unit in the police to actually provide the level of security required by not just the highly-placed individuals but their relatives. Mr Omole said the withdrawal should ordinarily be a decision well above the powers of Mr Daura, but the ongoing rivalries between the SSS and the Office of the National Security Adviser made it possible for the Director-General to exercise arbitrary powers potentially without the presidents prior knowledge or sanction. The latest trend amongst countries across the world is that they are bringing together all their security agencies under one command for a coherent and efficient national security, Mr Omole said, who authored several books on national security. But Nigeria still allows silos amongst security agencies that prevent them from cooperating with one another, which is why agencies are refusing to share intelligence amongst themselves and claiming credits for individual operations. President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that effective 2019 Nigerias Democracy Day, marked every May 29 for the past 18 years, be shifted to June 12 to honour Moshood Abiola, the winner of the 1993 presidential election. Election data showed Mr Abiola won the polls but he was never formally declared winner and was not sworn into office by the military government of Ibrahim Babangida. Mr Abiola was later imprisoned by the Sani Abachas military regime as he struggled to actualise his mandate. He died in prison in 1998. Successive governments have brushed aside calls for Mr Abiola to be honoured and for the federal government to recognise June 12 as democracy day. The Buhari government said Mr Abiola will now be conferred with nations highest honour, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR. The honour is exclusively conferred only on presidents and former presidents. The government also said Mr Abiolas running mate in that election, Babagana Kingibe, is to be conferred with the second highest honour of the Grand Commander of the Niger, GCON. Also to receive a GCON is the late Nigerias foremost pro-democracy activist, Gani Fawehinmi. For the past 18 years, Nigerians have been celebrating May 29th, as Democracy Day. That was the date when for the second time in our history, an elected civilian administration took over from a military government. The first time this happened was on October 21st, 1979. But in the view of Nigerians, as shared by this Administration, June 12th, 1993, was far more symbolic of Democracy in the Nigerian context than May 29th or even the October 1st, a statement by the presidency said Wednesday. Moshood Abiola June 12th, 1993 was the day when Nigerians in millions expressed their democratic will in what was undisputedly the freest, fairest and most peaceful elections since our Independence. The fact that the outcome of that election was not upheld by the then military Government does not distract from the democratic credentials of that process. Accordingly, after due consultations, the Federal government has decided that henceforth, June 12th will be celebrated as Democracy Day. Therefore, Government has decided to award posthumously the highest honour of the land, GCFR, to late Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12th 1993 cancelled elections. His running mate as Vice President, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, is also to be invested with a GCON. Furthermore, the tireless fighter for human rights and the actualization of the June 12th elections and indeed for Democracy in general, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN is to be awarded the GCON. The investiture will take place on Tuesday June 12th, 2018, a date which in future years will replace May 29th as a National Public Holiday in celebration of Nigeria Democracy Day. SEE PRESIDENT BUHARIS LETTER BELOW The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said its fight against oppression is not only limited to Christians but to all Nigerians. Speaking during a funeral programme organised in honour of the associations General Secretary, Musa Asake, who died on May 11, the CAN President, Samson Ayokunle, said the association will continue to lend its voice against oppression of any kind against all Nigerians. We are against any form of oppression, not only against Christians, but all Nigerians. Yes, you may say Christians first because thats our constancy. But a lot of things are going wrong in this country. The current wave of violence is unprecedented. We will continue to speak against that. We will speak out against all causes of religious agitation and oppression against Nigerians, Mr Ayokunle said. Also speaking at the event, a pastor from Mr Asakes home town in Kaduna State, Mathew Owojaiye, blamed the current state of the nation on poor Christian leadership. Nigeria is bedevilled with a myriad of problems. The church that is supposed to represent heaven and put things in order needs to be put in order We are facing a hostile environment (by) a hostile government. Christian areas in the middle belt and the North East are being battered. Villages and farms are ransacked and burnt down. Children and women are brutally murdered daily. Either the government does not have the political will to stop it or the murderers are the agents of government. Similarly, it is either that our Christian politicians who should protect our interest have been compromised or they are too afraid to speak. Mr Owojaiye accused Church leaders of originating the ugly situation of the country through adulterated preachings. The laws of God are broken daily with impunity. There is no more fire on the pulpits. We preach to make the people happy. We have turned the church into a circus show, business centres where we make money. He called on church leaders to immediately heed the call to face their religious obligations to avoid incurring the wrath of God. Various leaders at the event commended Mr Asakes contribution to the development of Christianity in Nigeria and urged one another to emulate his virtue of focus in Gods service. Rashidat Adesokan, a mother of six, on Wednesday asked a Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan to dissolve her 28- year-old marriage to her husband, Mustafa, for allegedly lacing her with magun charm. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that magun is believed to be a potent charm among the Yoruba deployed to cause harm or even death to a promiscuous partner and the lover. Rashidat, in her petition to the court, said her husband had ruined her life as a result of the charm. My lord, ever since we moved to our newly completed building, Mustafa has been a pain on my neck by denying me adequate care and love. He makes no provision for the children and I because I have been soley responsible for the upkeep of the children. Worst of all, Mustafa had on four different occasions laced me with magun such that blood has been discharging from my genitals. He has exposed me to all sorts of humiliation in the neighbourhood in spite of my plea for forgiveness over alleged adultery. He told everyone in the neighbourhood that I am unfaithful and a prostitute. Mustafa categorically told me to leave his home or be ready to die in shame. He also ejected all the children I had for him, referring to them as products of bad motherhood. In fact, Mustafa had previously gone to a certain private radio station in Ibadan where he exposed me to ridicule and embarrassment. Even before the children, he is such a worthless soul. The person my husband accused me of having an affair with is a neighbour who often paid us visits. It is true that I usually offer the neighbour food and he sometimes offers me ride on his motorcycle. Mustafa, however, had stopped having sexual intercourse with me before I left his home, claiming I would harm him. Unknown to me, the blood discharge I was experiencing was the side effect of the magun which he had placed on me so that any man who sleeps with me will die, Rashidat said. However, the respondent who did not deny most of the allegations levelled against him, submitted that his wife was adulterous. Mustafa said that though he was initially opposed to divorce, he was changing his mind after the plaintiff had insisted on separation. If she is not willing to swallow her pride, Rashidat can go. My lord, I was initially trying to keep our union because of our six children I had all along demonstrated my care and love for her and the children by constantly going into the bush to fetch firewood for cooking, he said. Ademola Odunade, the president of the court, ordered the duo to produce their six children in court and adjourned the case till July 18 for judgment. (NAN) The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the failure by the Nigerian government to uncover and punish Nigerians who diverted dates donated by Kingdom of Saudi to Nigeria for distribution to internally displaced persons and prominent mosques. Saudi Arabia donated the fruits last year. After report the dates were diverted and sold in markets in Abuja and Borno State, the Nigerian government set up a panel to uncover the culprits. Last week, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Nigerian government was yet to make public its findings, one year after the incident. Also, no official has been identified or punished for the diversion. Reacting to the report in a statement signed by its Director, Ishaq Akintola, MURIC described as disgraceful the reported impropriety in the distribution of the dates. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) frowns on any act of dishonesty. In particular, this allegation of impropriety in the distribution of dates to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Borno camps is most disgraceful if indeed it is true, the group said in the statement dated Thursday. We should pursue this matter to its logical conclusion, it said. Something must be done quickly if Nigeria cries out for help in supporting IDPs and some unscrupulous elements still have the audacity to divert anything sent from foreign countries. MURIC demands to know the outcome of the investigation by the Foreign Ministry. The implication of killing such an investigation is very serious as foreign donors may be skeptical of the reliability of Nigerian government and other agencies within the country in future, it said. Following the apparent escalation of the feud between the executive and the legislative arm of government, the National Assembly held a joint closed-door session on Tuesday. At the end of the sitting, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, read out the 12 resolutions reached. The resolutions were also distributed on the Senates official Twitter handle. 1. The Security Agencies must be given marching orders to curtail the sustained killings of Nigerians across the country and protect life and properties of Nigerians 2. The systematic harassment and humiliation by the Executive of perceived political opponents, people with contrary opinions including Legislators and Judiciary by the police and other security agencies must stop. 3. There must be strict adherence to the Rule of Law and protection for all citizens by the President and his appointees 4. The President must be held accountable for the actions of his appointees and must be ready to sanction those that carry out any act which will ridicule or endanger our country and democracy 5. The Government should show sincerity in the fight against corruption by not being selective also prosecute current appointees that have cases pending against them 6. The sanctity of the National Assembly should protect and preserve the Federal Government of Nigeria by not interfering in its business and prosecuting those who invaded the Senate to seize the mace. 7a. National Assembly should liaise with International Communities through the IPU, APU, ECOWAS, CPA, Parliament, Pan African Parliament, EU, UN, US congress and UK Parliament to secure our democracy. b. Democratic elections must be competitive and inclusive by removing the present reign of fear and intimidation particularly as we approach the forthcoming 2019 elections 8. The National Assembly will work closely with Civil Society Organisations, Trade Unions and NGOs to further deepen and protect our democracy. 9. The President must take immediate steps to contain the growing level of unemployment and poverty in Nigeria especially now that we have advantage of the oil price having risen to $80 per barrel. 10. Both chambers of the National Assembly hereby pass a vote of confidence on the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the entire leadership of the National Assembly. 11. We reaffirm our earlier resolution of vote of no confidence on the Inspector General of Police who does nothing other than preside over the killing of innocent Nigerians and consistent framing up of perceived political opponents of the President and outright disregard for constitutional authority, both executive and legislative. 12. Finally, the National Assembly will not hesitate to evoke its Constitutional powers if nothing is done to address the above resolutions passed today. The Senate on Wednesday called on the Minister of Defence, Masur Ali, to withdraw his statement calling for the suspension of the anti-grazing law in some states. The lawmakers said the enactment of the law is not the reason for the killings going on in several parts of Nigeria. On Tuesday, Mr Ali, in a statement, called for the suspension of the implementation of the anti-grazing law. He said the suspension will reduce the tension in troubled states. His call came shortly after a security meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari and security chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the nations capital. At the meeting were the National Security Adviser, Mohammed Babagana Monguno; Mr Dan-Ali; Director General of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Abubakar; and Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris. According to the minister, There is a need for the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services to prosecute all the suspects arrested in the affected states while negotiating safe routes for the herders. Coming under order 42 and 52, Barnabas Gemade (APC, Benue North East) expressed disappointment at the ministers statement as he asked that the minister to withdraw it. Making reference to an attack in his senatorial district two days ago where about seven people were killed and many others wounded, Mr Gemade said the state is under siege by an unknown satanic force which has gone under several names; herdsmen, gunmen, bandits. While we are looking up to government and security agencies for protection, we get so dismayed by the attitude of those who lead these security forces. Yesterday, the security chiefs met with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. We dont know what they discussed. But after the meeting, the Minister of Defence came out and made a statement and in that statement, he said the states of Benue and Taraba that have enacted the law on anti-grazing must remove that law. It was very strange to me that in the mind of the Minister of Defence, the only way he can solve the problem of hundreds and thousands of people being killed in the states of Benue and Taraba is that the law they made against open grazing of cattle where you cannot control the conflict between herdsmen and farmers should be removed so that anarchy can go on as it was the case before, he said. He stressed that farmers and herders need the land but there should be a way where a law will be enacted to ensure that one person is using the land according to law. This is not the first time well hear this kind of absurd statement coming from no less a personality than the Minister of Defence. He (Dan-Ali) is from Zamfara State and I wonder if all the killings in the state are also as a result of the anti-grazing law. And if the killings in Zamfara has nothing to do with the anti-grazing law, why does he think that killings in other states are because they enacted the law? We must advise the Minister of Defence to promptly withdraw that statement that he has brought to the public domain, Mr Gemade said. Also expressing disappointment with the ministers statement, John Eno (PDP, Cross River Central) described it as unfortunate and called on the security agencies as well as the federal government to look beyond the anti-grazing law. Going against the anti-grazing law is not the solution to the killings going on. It is just most unfortunate that after a high level security meeting yesterday, the only thing that will come out of such meeting is the ministers statement. The fact remains that, there is no solution yet. There is still no appropriate response yet. Is the idea to protect the herdsmen or to protect citizens of the country? Security apparatus of the country should look beyond the anti-grazing law. As a parliament, we need to understand that the anti-grazing law is not the reason why there are killings in the country, he said. The Senate, thereafter, called on the Defence Minister to withdraw his statement on his call for the withdrawal of the anti-grazing laws in Benue and Taraba States as the laws were properly enacted in accordance with the powers of the state Houses of Assembly. The federal government and other security agencies had been accused of neglecting and poorly handling the killings in the troubled states. The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has described the call by the federal government through the Minister of Defense, Mansur Dan-Ali, for the suspension of the implementation of the anti-grazing law by states as an affront on federalism and everything that it stands for. Mr Fayose said, It is amazing that at the level of the presidency, they still see the states as appendages of the federal government. The governor, who said it was the rights of the House of Assembly of the federating units in the country to make laws for the smooth running of their states, declared that there was no going back on the implementation of the anti-grazing law in Ekiti State, it is the Presidency and its cabal that should stop looking the other way while herdsmen go about killing Nigerians. The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, had at security council meeting on Tuesday urged states to suspend ranching and open grazing law. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed a motion rejected the call by the security council. The Special Assistant to the governor on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, quoted the governor as saying in a statement issued on Wednesday that the President Muhammadu Buhari led federal government is acting as if there is more to its opposition to the ban on open grazing by some States than it is telling Nigerians. He lamented that it was unfortunate that the federal government was acting as if it values cows more than Nigerians, describing the position of the Minister of Defense as an embarrassment to the country. The governor said those who are genuinely interested in peace and unity of Nigeria know that anti-grazing law is not responsible for killings across the country by herdsmen because herdsmen have killed more people even in States where the law is not in existence. Rather, it is the federal governments refusal to act decisively on pure security issues that has emboldened the killer herdsmen to even go about attacking military formations and police stations. It is also interesting that this same federal government told Nigerians last year that most of the herdsmen carrying out attacks across Nigeria are foreigners. Is the Minister of Defense telling States to suspend their laws in the interest of foreigners that are killing Nigerians? Governor Fayose expressed concern over the federal governments opposition to the anti-grazing law saying; In January, this same Minister of Defense blamed the passage of anti-open grazing law in some states as the cause of the recent killings by herdsmen in some of the states. Yesterday again after a security meeting with President Buhari, the Defense Minister was still singing the same song. Is there something to this old system of nomadic cattle rearing that they are not telling Nigerians? Methinks the federal government should be concerned about how to take the herdsmen out of the bush and give them decent life by embracing cattle ranching. How can anyone be pleased subjecting his own people to a life of following cows through the bush from Yobe to Lagos? Why is President Buhari not rearing his cows through open grazing? At least, we have seen pictures of the Presidents cows where they were kept on a fenced-land in Daura, why cant other cattle farmers be encouraged to ranch their cows just like the President? Here in Ekiti, the law restricting open grazing of animals stays. It is the federal government that should stop looking the other way while herdsmen go about killing Nigerians. In commemoration of the 2018 World Environment Day themed Beat Plastic Pollution, Oando PLC championed a clean-up exercise of the Ozumba Mbadiwe water way. World Environment Day is an initiative by the United Nations (UN) to encourage worldwide awareness and action to protect of the environment. It is seen as the peoples day for doing something to take care of the Earth. Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Kayode Boladale, GM Operations Integrity, Oando Energy Resources said: We have taken up the mantle to clean up the Cowrie Creek Ozumba Mbadiwe waterway in a bid to beat plastic pollution which is a menace in Lagos. Did you know that plastic accounts for 10% of all the waste we generate? Did you know we buy 1 million plastic bottles every minute? Did you know it takes up to 450 years for plastic to decompose? With facts like these it is imperative that we start to rethink the way we use plastic for the good of the planet. We championed this initiative in order to set an example for others; individuals and companies to follow he said. With a population of over 170 million people, Nigeria produces more plastic waste than the infrastructure can manage. In Lagos, a population of 21 million inhabitants produces upwards of 10,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste daily. Only 40% of the waste is properly disposed of, the remaining 60% litters the roads and waterways. In an interview on the current state of waste in the waterways, Damilola Famakinwa; Managing Director, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) said,Lagosians litter the waterways with empty plastic bottles, nylon and various kinds of filth. This is totally unacceptable by any standard. We even have organizations emptying their waste water and various chemical pollution in the waterways. Plastic is extremely durable and environmental experts have reported that, every bit of plastic ever made still exists. As plastic debris float in the seawater, it absorbs dangerous pollutants. These chemicals are highly toxic and have a wide range of chronic effects, including endocrine disruption and cancer-causing mutations. When animals eat these pieces of plastic, the toxins are absorbed into their bodies and passed up the food chain, for example, when fishes and other marine species mistake the plastic items for food, they ingest the particles and pass these toxic chemicals through the food chain and ultimately to our dinner plates. Speaking at the clean-up exercise, an employee of Oando who took part in the clean-up said: I couldnt have asked for a better way to spend my day; knowing that I played a part to reduce plastic pollution and in the process clean up my environment gives me a sense of fulfilment, I saved a few marine animals today. Having witnessed first-hand the amount of waste in our waterways, Ive learnt that we have to treat our environment with respect, by disposing our refuse properly. The waterway clean up exercise is one of the many ways Oando PLC is actively supporting the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable; conserve and sustainably use the oceans, sea and marine resources; and ensure access to water and sanitation for all. In line with creating a better environment, Oando recently moved into its new headquarters, the Wings Office Complex. The building has been coined one of the most energy efficient buildings in Lagos. It filters air supply at a minimum rate of 8 litres per person/second, has smart lighting systems and external cladding designed to limit direct solar gain. At the end of the clean-up exercise, Oando successfully rid the Ozumba Mbadiwe waterway of plastic bottles weighing up to 5,000kg in one day. Speaking, Alero Balogun, Head Corporate Communications, Oando PLC, said: As a company, we will continue to play our part to make the world a better place by championing initiatives such as this to ensure that we leave a safe planet for future generations to inhabit. The Cowrie Creek waterway being right next to our new head office makes this initiative personal to the company. I urge everyone to reduce their use of plastics and when used to make an effort to recycle; if you cannot reuse it, refuse it. VFS Global has been operating in Nigeria since 2007 and employs 140 Nigerian nationals Official outsourcing visa application processing partner for 18 governments in Nigeria SMS Service is optional Visa applicants are free to choose the service Service fee approved by governmentsfollowing competitive tender processes LAGOS: A trusted outsourcing partner to 59 client governments across the world, VFS Global is responsible for scheduling appointments, acceptance of applications as well as visa and logistic fees, technology integration and support, data entry and scanning, submission of applications at the Embassy and returning the passport back to the applicants. The visa services outsourcing process are in adherence to the strict norms laid out by the respective governments as part of competitive tender processes and in accordance to the mandatory regulations. Our services have been certified to be of the highest international standard and we have been commended several times by eminent Nigerians who have visited our Visa Application Centres. VFS Global is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Swiss Kuoni Group, which belongs to the Swedish private equity company EQT, one of Europes leading private equity houses. VFS Global SMS service: Short Message Service (SMS) is an optional service offered by VFS Global which applicants are not compelled to subscribe and are informed of their right to not opt for with a receipt issued if service is availed. To offer greater convenience, applicants are also informed that in addition to the SMS service, they may also track their visa applications online or seek assistance by reaching out to our dedicated helpline service or even visit the Visa Application Centre for an update on the status of their applications free of charge. Please note that VFS Global does not play a role in the final delivery of the Short Message Service (SMS) as it is dependent on the respective telecommunications service provider and other external factors. As VFS Global strives to provide this service without any disruption, it is equally important for applicants to: Maintain an SMS text compatible GSM mobile phone number Provide an accurate mobile number Ensure an active connection to a mobile network to receive updates VFS Global would not be able to guarantee the receipt of the intended message to its applicants if their mobile phone is switched off, disconnected for any reason or is out of coverage for a period of 24 hours or more due to which the network service provider may delete any SMS. As part of the SMS service, status updates are also sent to applicants via email as well. Additionally, applicants can track the status of their visa application for free on the VFS Global corporate website or by contacting the dedicated call centre, email helpdesk team or by directly visiting the Visa Application Centre. VFS Global has also interacted with Consumer Protection Council (CPC) in the past over the SMS service which was comprehensively dealt after we made strong case that SMS services were optional which duly notified to applicants and that as a company. VFS Global cannot be held accountable for the failure of an applicant to de-subscribe to such a service. The CPC recognised VFS Globals right as a commercial entity in a market economy to offer Value Added Services at a premium as long as no one is coerced to subscribe to it. VFS Global service fee: The service fee which applicants bear is not random in any manner. The fee has been agreed upon after considering multiple operational factors with the respective government as part of the contractual requirement through the competitive tendering process. The service fee varies for each country and is dependent on the different services provided, to offer applicants an enhanced visa application experience. All fees have been approved by the respective governments and are not arbitrary. VFS Global Mike Igini, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa Ibom has confirmed the kidnap of Otobong Ukpong, serving in Ukanafun Local Government Area office of the commission. Mr Igini told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Uyo that INEC was making efforts to secure his freedom. We are aware of the incident and are making efforts for his release. The most important thing now is his safety, Mr Igini said. Similarly, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Macdon Odiko, told NAN that the police had received a report on the kidnap and was acting on the matter. Mr Odiko said that the Commissioner of Police, Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, had visited the area, following series of killings and the recent abduction of two female students of Obong University, a private institution in the area. NAN learned that Mr Ukpong, who hails from Iwukem village in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, was kidnapped near Government Primary School, Uruk Ata2, on the Ukanfun-Azumini Expressway. According to the distressed brother, Mbetobong Ukpong, the victim was kidnapped at Uruk Ata2, on Tuesday while on his way to distribute Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to the electorate in line with the RECs directive. Mr Ukpong said that the hoodlums blocked the victim at the volatile area of Uruk Ata2, where militants had been laying siege in the recent times. He said the militants had opened contact with the family, demanding N10 million. They used my brothers phone number to call the family to disclose their ransom but the elders of the family have told them that such demand is outrageous for a largely peasant family to pay, he said. (NAN) The Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Charles Dokubo, has solicited the support of Phase One leaders of Niger Delta ex-agitators to ensure President Muhammadu Buharis re-election in the 2019 general elections. Mr Dokubo made the appeal at a meeting with the Phase One leaders of Niger Delta ex-agitators on Wednesday in Abuja with over 30 members of the group in attendance. He further enjoined them to continue to maintain peace in the region, saying let the amnesty programme drive development in our area; let us do things that will enhance the capacity of the Niger Delta people. Mr President wants to win in our region and the entire country. I need your support in this regard. It was the All Progressives Congress (APC) that gave me this position and whatever I can do to support the party and make it win, I will do, he said. In his remark, Wilson Reuben, chairman of the forum of Phase One leaders of ex-agitators, expressed their willingness to work toward the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 polls. As far as amnesty is concerned, we will work with Prof. Dokubo and as we are working with him directly; when it comes to the 2019 election, its God that gives power. When it gets to that point, God will decide that and the people. Politics is a game of interest; every human being is a political animal as we know; so when the day comes, people out there will vote. If we are not ready, we would not have been here. We have channelled our challenges to him to look into it. We know that he will do well and we are ready to support him, he added. Mr Reuben, who commended the coordinator for his humility and cooperation, said that he was convinced that things will be different in the amnesty programme. The leadership of ex-agitators, however, requested among others, a meeting with Mr Buhari to cement the emerging partnership with the Federal Government. We the leaders of ex-agitators in the Niger Delta want to meet with Mr. President, more so, as election is drawing near. We want you to take us to him, since Mr. President came on board, he hasnt met with us, Mr Reuben said. He also encouraged the coordinator not to be perturbed by frivolous petitions from detractors, but to be focused, firm and fair in the discharge of his duties. (NAN) The police in Lagos have arrested a 32-year old woman for pouring a half-bucket of boiling water on her partner, Ike Akachi, and causing him grievous bodily harm. Joy Imeribe, the accused, said in a statement to the police that the incident happened on May 29 following a quarrel with Mr Akachi at their home in Ijesha. According to the police report, Ms Imeribe had a verbal disagreement with her partner on the night before the incident and went to bed in annoyance. When the man was preparing breakfast the following morning, the police said, the woman boiled a half-bucket of water and emptied it on him, leaving him with a scalded body. The police also noted that the suspect had been a victim of domestic violence from the man. Ms Imeribe denied the accusation that she had intentionally boiled the water to pour on her man, insisting the water was meant for bathing their children. Weve been in the relationship for 13 years, she said. Although, we are not married, I have four male children for the man. According to Ms Imeribe, she had been experiencing ill-treatment from the man for a long time, forcing her to leave their home. She said she rented an apartment at the Anthony area of Lagos and moved out with their children but Mr Akachi came to plead that they return home. After returning home, Ms Imeribe said the maltreatment continued. What caused the huge fight was the fact that on the day before, I went to Yaba market to buy Okirika clothes (second-hand clothing) to sell at Aswani the following day, Ms Imeribe said. On getting home, he asked where I was coming from and I responded but he told me to go back to where I was coming from. I didnt answer and this led to a fight that started around 4p.m. He beat me, tied me to the bed, dragged my hair, dragged me in the house and locked the door, this lasted for a long time. In the morning, he started with the fight again, I am one month pregnant. So, I defended myself by pouring hot water on him. Imohimi Edgal, the Lagos State Police Commissioner, said victims of domestic violence should always speak out to avoid incidents such as this. Mr Edgal said the woman would be charged to court after police investigations. The candidate of the Labour Party in Ekiti State, Sikiru Lawal, on Wednesday flagged off his governorship campaign with a vow to pay eight months salary arrears of state workers if voted into office. Mr Lawal, a former deputy governor in the state, also urged the electorate to use the July 14 election to create a revolution by voting for the right candidate. He was first received in Ikere Ekiti by party supporters, who followed him to Ado Ekiti for the campaign. According to him, his manifesto centred on agriculture, women empowerment, economic empowerment and human capital development. He said the manifesto was designed to redirect the states economy, for better prospects and a higher standard of living for the populace. Mr Lawal promised to bring his experience as a retired director from the Ekiti State Ministry of Education and Technology to bear in his administration. I served as a Deputy Governor to Engr. Segun Oni. I was once a local government Administrator under the military regime. All these will be added advantage in delivering Ekiti from poverty and unwarranted sufferings, he said. The level of unemployment is becoming embarrassing. Recently, the leadership of commercial motorcyclists revealed that over 5,000 Okada riders in Ekiti are graduates, that was not a cheery news. Ekiti became a respected state in Nigeria because of our erudition and academic prowess, I will strive hard to make Ekiti great in education by providing impetus for youth by way of employment provisions. Mr Lawal urged the electorate not to misuse their votes. Education is a right and not a privilege, he said We shall work hard to set up robust scholarship scheme to help those in the Law School and those running PhD and Masters programmes, for us to reclaim our glory and live up to the acronym Fountain of Knowledge. 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. Project to focus on access, gaps in service and system improvements in Northwest Arkansas Contact Alice Carle ***@cgr.org Alice Carle End -- CGR is pleased to announce it has received a grant from the Walmart Foundation to study the state of food insecurity in Washington and Benton Counties, Arkansas. Food insecurity can have a wide impact on individuals, including health complications and impeding learning. CGR will partner with the Center for Collaborative Care in Springdale, AR on this project to better understand the state of food insecurity in Northwest Arkansas, how residents access the delivery of food services, where there are gaps in service, and how the system can be improved.The study will include an analysis of existing demographic and food insecurity data, an inventory and survey of charitable not-for-profit food providers, and a series of focus groups with service providers and local residents. It will culminate with an interactive map of the food services system and a final report with findings and high-level recommendations that can inform local collaboration and investment strategies."Food insecurity is an issue in communities throughout the country, and often not well understood. We're very excited to work with the Center for Collaborative Care and the Walmart Foundation to assess the state of food insecurity in Northwest Arkansas and how future local collaboration might better address this critical problem," said CGR senior associate, Alice Carle."Relieving hunger is one of our top priorities, and we are eager to learn more about the local food system that we support and how it may be improved," said Erin Hogue of the Walmart Foundation. "This project with CGR will bring together data, mapping and stakeholder engagement to help us develop innovative collaborations to meet long term food security needs in our community."Founded in 1915, CGR is an independent, nonprofit management consulting organization delivering expertise in government and education, economics and public finance, health and human services, and nonprofits and communities. Our mission is to improve the quality of communities through impactful research, analysis, consultation and data management for the public, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations that serve them. To learn more, visit www.cgr.org Established in 2016, the Center for Collaborative Care, facilitate a more effective and efficient model of community collaboration and coordination in the health and human services sector through provider collaborations, community liaisons and a universal technology platform.By using our strengths to help others, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation create opportunities for people to live better every day. Walmart has stores in 28 countries, employing more than 2.3 million associates and doing business with thousands of suppliers who, in turn, employ millions of people. Our philanthropy helps people live better by supporting upward job mobility and economic development for the retail workforce; addressing hunger and making healthier, more sustainably-grown food a reality; and building strong communities where Walmart operates and inspiring our associates to give back. Whether it is helping to lead the fight against hunger in the United States with $2 billion in cash and in-kind donations or supporting Women's Economic Empowerment through a series of grants totaling $10 million to the Women in Factories training program in Bangladesh, China, India and Central America, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are not only working to tackle key social issues, we are also collaborating with others to inspire solutions for long-lasting systemic change. To learn more about Walmart's giving, visit http://giving.walmart.com/ FCA US LLC brand vehicles cleaned up at the eighth annual Winter Vehicle Competition hosted by the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA), taking home more awards than any other manufacturer at the annual event. The 2018 Dodge Durango was honored with the NEMPA Official Winter SUV of the Year award. The all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler, 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and 2018 Ram 1500 won their respective categories. "The Durango has the ability to handle everything New England weather can throw at it," said John Paul, NEMPA president. "With seating for seven, engine choices that can satisfy just about any buyer and the ability to negotiate roads less traveled, the Durango was the clear choice for the NEMPA Official Winter SUV of the Year. Once again, Jeep had a strong showing with the Grand Cherokee being a perennial winner and when powered by a 707-horsepower engine, it blows away the competition. The Wrangler, from its earliest days to the latest version available today, is legendary. The Ram 1500 was an easy choice from NEMPA members, thanks in part to its controlled, comfortable ride, powertrain choices and interiors that can rival some luxury cars. The Ram 1500 can be summed up in three words: capable, comfortable and powerful." The New England Motor Press Association also enjoyed the all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee Trackhawk as the brand took home the Heritage and Extreme Vehicle awards, respectively. The 2018 Ram 1500 earned glowing remarks from NEMPA members and took home top honors in the Pickup Truck segment. NEMPA members evaluated a wide variety of vehicles from various manufacturers that covered several categories. Journalists cycled through each vehicle throughout New England leading up to the official day of testing and scoring that took place in February at NEMPA headquarters in Middleborough, Mass. About New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) The New England Motor Press Association was founded in 1987 to coordinate professional media coverage of the auto industry in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, whose 14.5 million citizens have unique demographics and automotive preferences. NEMPA's media members appear on network and cable TV, on the Internet and radio, and in regional and national newspapers and magazines. For more information, please visit: www.nempa.org. About FCA US LLC FCA US LLC is a North American automaker based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It designs, manufactures, and sells or distributes vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo brands, as well as the SRT performance designation. The Company also distributes Mopar and Alfa Romeo parts and accessories. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler Corp., established in 1925 by industry visionary Walter P. Chrysler and Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (F.I.A.T.), founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli. FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. (NYSE: FCAU/ MTA: FCA). FCA, the eighth-largest automaker in the world based on total annual vehicle sales, is an international automotive group. FCA is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FCAU" and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol "FCA." Follow FCA US news and video on: Company blog: blog.fcanorthamerica.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FiatChrysler.NorthAmerica/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/FiatChrysler_NA Twitter: www.twitter.com/FiatChrysler_NA Twitter (Spanish): www.twitter.com/fcausespanol YouTube: www.youtube.com/fcanorthamerica Media website: media.fcanorthamerica.com SOURCE FCA US LLC Related Links http://www.fcanorthamerica.com INDIANAPOLIS, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Eric B. Timko, accomplished medical device executive with more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, including extensive experience in neurosurgery and interventional neuroradiology, has joined the Board of Directors of Indianapolis neurosurgical medical device company, NICO Corporation. Mr. Timko is a 2016 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year recipient and currently Chairman and CEO of OrthAlign, Inc., a privately held medical device and technology company in Aliso Viejo, Calif. "NICO's proven ability to innovate, change clinical and economic outcomes, and bring meaningful contributions to the field of neurosurgery makes it critical for us to secure deep talent in the neuro space as we enter an expansion phase," said Jim Pearson, NICO President and CEO. "Someone with integrity, relationships, respect, and a history of successfully creating and leading industry change as Eric has makes him a valuable member of our team and helps us reach our market expansion goals." Prior to joining OrthAlign in 2017, Mr. Timko served as President and CEO of Blue Belt Technologies, successfully leading company growth from pre-revenue and 18 employees to more than $15 million in revenue and 120 employees over four years. In January 2016, he led Blue Belt through a $275 million acquisition by Smith & Nephew. He has also served as President and CEO of NeuroVasx, President of Carol Zeiss Surgical, and Vice President of Siemens Medical Systems. He is viewed as one of the most respected and innovative executives in the medical technology industry with a proven track record in building effective and profitable sales and distribution organizations. "NICO has maximized its start-up years to set a solid foundation for technology innovation and growth and for making truly revolutionary changes in neurosurgery," Mr. Timko said. "With my history in neurosurgery and strong relationships throughout the physician community, I'm excited to re-engage in this space by introducing and advocating for less disruptive pathways for treating patients with brain abnormalities that lead to improved outcomes." NICO is a leader in modern interventional technologies used in a new way of performing less invasive brain surgery for subcortical and skull base lesions, intraventricular tumors and cysts, and hemorrhagic stroke. It is an outcomes-based company dedicated to revolutionizing minimally invasive neurosurgery through the delivery of evidence-based, improved clinical and economic outcomes. "Product adoption in neurosurgery is driven by clinical data and compelling outcomes, not marketing," said Mr. Timko. "NICO is taking a methodical approach to collecting appropriate data, which I believe will lead to further market acceptance and expansion." NICO developed the patented BrainPath the world's first and only technology that achieves minimally-disruptive access using a trans-sulcal and parafascicular surgical approach after progress in advanced imaging recognized the importance of white matter tracts and brain mapping. The systems approach includes automated tumor removal and hemorrhage evacuation with Myriad and intra-operative collection and biological preservation of tissue. Learn more about BrainPath and BrainPath Approach technologies at NICOneuro.com. Follow news updates on LinkedIn; view surgical and patient videos on YouTube at NICOneuroCorp. Contact: Sue Goin [email protected] M: 317.402.8690 SOURCE NICO Corporation Related Links http://www.NICOneuro.com MIAMI, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Actifio, the Data-as-a-Service company, today welcomed IBM as a Premier Sponsor at Data Driven 2018 and announced that the companies will be expanding their long-standing alliance with a new focus on cyber resiliency. Data Driven 2018, Actifio's first global user and partner conference, is taking place June 5-6 at the Fontainebleau in Miami, Florida. Hundreds of innovators from around the world are participating in technology sessions focused on topics including DevOps, Cloud and Resiliency. Chandra Pulamarasetti, Vice President, Resiliency Strategy & Resiliency Orchestration Software/Services, IBM Global Technology Services, will give a keynote presentation to address disaster recovery, cyber resiliency and business continuity challenges, and how organizations can resolve these issues to pursue digital enterprise transformation. In the next phase of their longstanding alliance, Actifio's data-as-a-service software will assist IBM's Resiliency Services to rapidly identify and evaluate potential risks and disruptions from cyber attacks and address them with robust recovery capabilities to resume business operations in the event of unplanned outage to production, focusing on the need for solutions that enable clients to recover from Cyber Incident attacks. As the first software company to enable instant access to massive data payloads on a hardware-agnostic and multi-cloud basis, Actifio also works with IBM to help organizations transition to the IBM Cloud, as well as other public clouds, without the concerns previously imposed on data access and availability for their most critical applications. Ash Ashutosh, Founder and CEO of Actifio, said, "We have worked with IBM since the founding of the company in an alliance that has served our mutual customers extremely well. We believe this next phase of our alliance around cyber resiliency services will have a massive impact on organizations around the world, and we are honored to have IBM as a Premier Sponsor at Data Driven 2018." For more information on Actifio Data Driven 2018, please visit the website. About Actifio Actifio is the world's leading Data-as-a-Service platform. It enables thousands of users around the world to deliver their data just as they deliver their applications and infrastructure... as a service available instantly, anywhere. An enterprise-class software platform powered by patented Virtual Data Pipeline technology, Actifio frees data from traditional infrastructure to accelerate adoption of hybrid cloud, build higher quality applications faster, and improve business resiliency and availability. For more, visit Actifio.com or follow @Actifio on Twitter. Media Contact: P.J. Lee, CTP for Actifio [email protected] SOURCE Actifio PALO ALTO, Calif., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Adaptive Insights, powering a new generation of business planning, has been named one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces for 2018, the publication's third annual ranking in the fast-growing private company sector. Hitting newsstands in the June 2018 issue, and as part of a prominent Inc.com feature, the award is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of private American companies who have created exceptional workplaces through vibrant cultures, deep employee engagement, and stellar benefits. Out of thousands of applicants, Inc. singled out just under 300 winning companies. "This award is a reflection of our employees and their contributions in making Adaptive Insights a great place to work," said Amy Reichanadter, chief people officer at Adaptive Insights. "Every day we commit to creating a workplace that's collaborative, fun, and rewarding on multiple levels. We're proud and thrilled that our employees agree." Built in partnership with employee engagement and work culture experts Quantum Workplace of Omaha, NE, Inc.'s Best Workplaces list is a magnifying glass on how innovative companies can truly raise the bar in hiring and retaining the best talent. What does it take to become a company that workers want to be part of? Inc. magazine says it's more than good pay and good perks it's also about having a clear purpose, a sense of humor, and leadership that makes them all work together. The 2018 Inc. Best Workplaces Awards assessed applicants on the basis of benefits offered and employees' responses to a unique, 30-question survey fielded by each of the applying companies. Responses were evaluated by the research team at Quantum Workplace. While researching the entries, Inc. and Quantum saw distinct themes develop: Strong company cultures breed stunning individual and team performance. Workers at the best companies don't view their employers as sugar daddies. They aren't mesmerized by whatever giveaways seem to be the latest fadbe it gourmet lunches or beer fridges. When employees feel valued by their organization, they are far more likely to be engaged. This single factor proved to be one of the largest drivers of employee engagement. "By including an employee survey into this year's Best Workplaces selection process, we've really raised the bar. Companies that don't score at the very top of their peer group don't make the cut. So, our hats are off to the winners. They all excelled at engaging their workers, making them feel appreciated, and aligning them behind a mission. And remember, that's not just our opinion: The employees told us that themselves," says James Ledbetter, Inc. editor-in-chief. About Adaptive Insights Adaptive Insights powers a new generation of business planning. We transform the planning process into a strategic advantage for more than 3,800 organizations around the world with powerful modeling that's easy for everybody who plans. Our Business Planning Cloud platform enables organizations of all sizes to adapt to changing business conditions with confidence and agility. Adaptive Insights is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA. To learn more, visit www.adaptiveinsights.com. About Inc. Media Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today's innovative company builders. Winner of Advertising Age's "The A-List" in January 2015, and the National Magazine Award for General Excellence in both 2014 and 2012. Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown significantly from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 20,000,000 today. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com/. About Quantum Workplace Quantum Workplace is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit www.quantumworkplace.com. SOURCE Adaptive Insights Related Links http://www.adaptiveinsights.com NEW YORK, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- AdvisorEngine, the financial experience company, today announced a rebranding initiative to align its visual identity with recently acquired Junxure, the leading CRM solution for financial advisors. The company unveiled an updated look across Junxure's digital marketing channels, including a new logo and website aligned with the AdvisorEngine brand. The change comes at an exciting time for the company. In the five months since Junxure was acquired, CRM sales are proceeding at a record pace - putting the company on track for the best sales in its 17-year history. To support innovation and client support, AdvisorEngine has made key hires in Raleigh, expanding personnel by 25 percent so far this year. The company is also preparing for its annual conference, to be held in Nashville from October 10-12, 2018; it is expected to be the company's biggest ever conference since its inaugural 2013 event. "This new brand identity builds upon Junxure history and opens the door to the future of smart automation," said Craig Ramsey, Chief Operating Officer of AdvisorEngine. "Today's announcement brings in a new era for Junxure. It is a small but important step in our journey." "Following the Junxure acquisition, financial advisors have shown tremendous excitement about our vision," said Rich Cancro, founder and CEO. "We are thankful for the support of Junxure clients and look forward to continued investment in new functionality and third party integrations." The new logo for the CRM features a stylized "X" that pays homage to its original design and tagline, "where information and action meet." Its familiar navy and orange colors have been exchanged for the modern blue and green scheme to reflect AdvisorEngine graphic standards. The new logo and colors appear today on the Junxure's redesigned website and social media accounts. The company also announced that its Junxure Cloud product will now be referred to solely as "Junxure," while its Junxure Desktop product will retain its current name. AdvisorEngine will continue to offer the CRM as a standalone product, without a change in pricing structure, and is investing to further enhance features and functionality. Advisors attending the Pershing iNSITE 18 conference in Orlando June 6-8 can visit the AdvisorEngine booth #114 to view the new look and feel of Junxure CRM. Advisors attending TD Ameritrade Institutional Elite LINC 2018 conference in Colorado Springs June 5-8 can visit the AdvisorEngine booth to learn more. About AdvisorEngine AdvisorEngine is a financial experience company. We work with forward-thinking financial advisors to create personal, scientific and beautiful experiences. Our wealth management technology platform operates at the forefront of the industry, applying smart automation to mission-critical advisor activities. We serve 15,000 users across 1,500 firms with over $600 billion in network assets. Our team is made up of enterprise technologists, data scientists, product managers, designers, futurists and business builders. For more information, please visit www.AdvisorEngine.com. Contact: Jessica Taylor Shores Impact Communications 800-974-7753 [email protected] SOURCE AdvisorEngine Related Links http://www.AdvisorEngine.com WASHINGTON, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of Randy Bryce for the U.S. House of Representatives for Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District. The nation's largest federal employee union, the American Federation of Government Employees, has endorsed Randy Bryce for election to Congress representing Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District. "Randy Bryce spearheaded the fight against Gov. Scott Walker's crusade to kill public-sector unions and cripple the middle class. As a member of Congress, Randy Bryce will help lead the fight against the Trump administration's attacks on the 2 million federal workers who keep our government running," said American Federation of Government Employees District 7 National Vice President Dorothy James. "Randy Bryce opposes efforts to cut federal workers' wages, benefits, and jobs. He strongly supports the collective bargaining rights of all public-sector employees and will fight any effort to strip workers of their rights," James said. "Randy Bryce not only wants to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicare but expand these programs to provide all Americans with health care and retirement security. As a veteran of the U.S. Army, Randy Bryce will fight to fully fund and staff VA medical facilities, so veterans can receive integrated care for their unique needs." More than 29,000 federal employees live in Wisconsin caring for veterans, supporting the military, ensuring our food is safe to eat, and getting Social Security recipients their benefits accurately and on time. More than 19,000 active and retired federal employees live in the 1st Congressional District. AFGE is the largest federal employee union in the country, representing 700,000 federal and D.C. government workers in all functions of government. District 7 has nearly 20,000 dues-paying members in Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 700,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia. For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees Related Links http://www.afge.org DETROIT, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Alcantara, the global luxury lifestyle brand, was featured on a variety of new-model cars, light trucks and crossovers at this spring's Beijing and New York auto shows. Pininfarina in partnership with Hybrid Kinetic Group unveiled two new concept models at the Beijing show the K350 SUV and H500 sedan. Both vehicles used black Alcantara for their headliners and door pillars. The partnership also showed its HK GT concept car with gray Alcantara on its seats, door panels and headliner. Porsche unveiled its GT3RS Chinese Edition in Beijing using gray Alcantara for its steering wheel, door panels, headliner and perforated seat surfaces. The 100-percent carbon-neutral material also was used by McLaren for the Beijing debut of its 570GT Cabbeen Collection. The 570 GT was equipped with black Alcantara door panels, seats, parcel shelf and headliner. A golden Alcantara dragon was embroidered on the center of the parcel shelf. Among notable introductions at the New York Auto Show was the 2019 Acura MDXA-Spec, which featured black perforated Alcantara seats that were enhanced with crimson-red stitching and matching-leather side panels. Maserati also chose Alcantara for the gray headliner of its 590-horsepower V-8 powered 2019 Levante Trofeo SUV at the New York show. Other vehicles having their debut in Beijing included the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio and Giulia Quadrifoglio. Each vehicle featured black Alcantara seats, and the Stelvio also had a matching black Alcantara-covered steering wheel. Audi displayed its A8L with bright-white Alcantara for its headliner and parcel shelf along with gray Alcantara door-panels. FAW-Volkswagen showed an exclusive T-ROC Chinese Edition vehicle with black Alcantara-covered seats featuring three electro-welded vertical accent stripes. During Beijing's Car Design Night on the evening of the show's first press day, Alcantara hosted Alcantara Drives Dreams. Curated by artist/designer Rebecca Moses, the event took guests through an imaginary landscape built of outsized objects designed with Alcantara. Alcantara is a unique, Italian-made material that offers designers a variety of benefits, including extreme versatility in terms of grip, breathability, resistance to wear, light weight and cleanability. The 100% carbon-neutral material is a preferred choice for many of the world's luxury and high-performance vehicles. Alcantara is headquartered in Milan, with research and production facilities in Nera Montoro, Umbria. "We are proud to be a partner of Car Design Night in Beijing for the third time," said Alcantara Chairman and CEO Andrea Boragno. "This is a special occasion to welcome and inspire designers from the automotive sector by letting them experience the extreme versatility of Alcantara. We are taking the opportunity of this amazing event to highlight the uniqueness of Alcantara in mastering all the realities of luxury lifestyles, from fashion to automotive, from hi-tech to interior design." Alcantara S.p.A. www.alcantara.com Founded in 1972, Alcantara represents a prime example of Italian-produced quality. As registered trademark of Alcantara S.p.A. and result of a unique and proprietary technology, Alcantara is a highly innovative material, offering an unrivalled combination of sensory, aesthetic and functional qualities. Thanks to its extraordinary versatility, Alcantara is the choice of leading brands in a number of application fields: fashion and accessories, automotive, interior design and home decor, consumer-electronics. These features, together with a serious and certified commitment in terms of sustainability, make Alcantara a true icon of contemporary lifestyle: the lifestyle of those who want to fully enjoy their everyday life, respecting the environment. Since 2009 Alcantara is certified "Carbon Neutral", having defined, reduced and offset all the CO 2 emissions derived from its activity. To mark out the path of the company in such a field, every year Alcantara draws up and publishes its own Sustainability Report, certified by BDO authority and available also on the corporate website. Headquartered in Milan, Alcantara production site and R&D department are located in Nera Montoro, in the heart of Umbria Region (Terni). SOURCE Alcantara Related Links http://www.alcantara.com AUSTIN, Texas, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ALTR today emerged from nearly four years of stealth to release the first commercial software package that unleashes the security benefits of blockchain. The new ALTR platform is built on ALTRchain, the only high-performance, enterprise-grade blockchain technology for ultra-secure data access and storage. Virtually impenetrable to attack, the ALTR platform is a data-security solution for organizations to monitor, access and store critical information. Moving beyond failed and outmoded perimeter systems, ALTR's approach signals a fundamental new paradigm in cybersecurity. The company also revealed that it has raised $15 million in funding from institutional and private sources in the cybersecurity, IT, and financial-services industries, including participation by angel John Stafford III, current CEO of Ronin Capital. The funds will be used to extend the reach of the ALTR platform into the enterprise and bring additional ALTRchain-based products and solutions to market. A call to arms: Change or breach ALTR is led by CEO David Sikora, a software industry veteran and former executive chairman at Stratfor, developer of the world's leading geopolitical intelligence platform. Sikora is noted for executing the first internet software IPO in Texas with The ForeFront Group, and previously served in key leadership roles at Digby, Motive and Pervasive Software. The company launches with an impressive board of advisors from the software and cybersecurity industries. Mike Maples, Sr., is a lauded former software executive at tech giants IBM and Microsoft. Fred Burton is among the world's foremost security experts and former deputy chief of the counterterrorism division at the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service. Michael Hermus is a software entrepreneur and emerging technology expert who recently served as CTO of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. John Swainson led Dell's software group and is a past CEO at cybersecurity titan CA. Scott Abel co-founded Spiceworks and Motive and previously led professional services for NeXT and Apple. This formidable team has come together at a crucial juncture. Amid the rising adoption of the cloud and microservices, native mobile apps and the Internet of Things, new threat vectors to data are continually being introduced with a predicted $8 trillion cybercrime impact on the global economy by 2022. [1] This expanding attack environment represents a mixture of temptations and economic incentives that reward bad actors who are always one step ahead of security providers, trapping them in a losing cycle of software patches, new applications and overwhelming complexity. "We have a choice between change or breach," said Sikora. "Network-focused security isn't enough because it never really puts a dent in the sheer number of vulnerabilities. Rather than patching the existing attack surface, ALTR has found a way to significantly reduce it. In fact, with ALTR's full solution in place, the threat vectors for data move to nearly zero. Digital trust can finally be restored." Reinvented data-security model The mission to engineer a new security architecture is what led ALTR to blockchain, and not the other way around. While no technology is as security-hardened as blockchain, its original application to cryptocurrencies does not require the flexibility, privacy and performance needed to secure critical corporate information. Leveraging ALTRchain as a foundation, the ALTR platform applies blockchain's virtually inviolable structure to data security. It is designed to eliminate threats to data through core approaches in private blockchain, in-line data techniques, real-time alerting and reporting for business enablement. Sikora continued, "Three things are necessary to restore trust around data usage. It is crucial to see and understand access needs and to share this view among executives and IT so that everyone knows the truth. There also needs to be a means to cut off access when it is inappropriate or defies policy, and to protect data in a way that reduces or even eliminates the ability to steal it." The ALTR platform meets these requirements with an approach that is virtually invulnerable to attack all the way through to the last mile that connects applications to data, helping to make mobility and cloud initiatives safe as organizations adopt them. Business transformation in the enterprise Data integrity is about more than just security. The ALTR platform puts technical and non-technical staffthe CEO, the CISO, the CCO, and IT professionalson the same page to foster meaningful collaboration on data security. It gives them a broad view and control over how an organization's data assets are used or seen and by whom. Deployed directly into the access path between data and applications, the platform has a unique vantage point that returns agency to the c-suite by giving executives intelligence on their most valuable data assets. Information is pulled directly from the driver-level and immutably stored using ALTRchain, revealing key operational insights that inform corporate strategy as well as security strategy. Improving the quality and automation of real-time data-protection, which until now has mostly been based on retrospective detection of fraudulent activity, the ALTR solution creates a blockchain-stored record of any attempt to impact data or network resources. This permanent, unalterable evidence serves as a disincentive for offenders. From the boardroom all the way down to individual employees, ALTR's software platform is a solution for a new data-accountability era. New risk and compliance challenges, stemming from a growing corpus of complex regulations such as GDPR, ITAR/EAR, NIST, and other mandates, mean organizations need to get more focused on the handling of data and its protection. Introducing the ALTR data-security platform The ALTR platform is comprised of ALTR Monitor, ALTR Govern and ALTR Protect. It seamlessly integrates into computing networks without any changes to existing hardware or software infrastructure with support for all major database platforms including Microsoft, Oracle and open-source stacks. ALTR Monitor for data-access intelligence ALTR Monitor provides detailed intelligence on all data-access activities with reporting that describes data the way business stakeholders do, putting them and their counterparts in IT on the same page. It creates a 100 percent accurate audit trail of immutable, blockchain-based log files that can be used to make smarter decisions. ALTR Govern for data-access governance Making it possible to control how individuals access business applications, ALTR Govern lets users create and apply rules-based, granular locks and access thresholds to neutralize threats in real-time and distribute data to applications only in permissible ways. It enables information governance based on business needs to cut off breaches before they can even start. ALTR Protect for data-at-rest protection ALTR Protect decentralizes sensitive data, breaking it into pieces and storing it across a private blockchain. Forced access to any single node is meaningless because it contains only fragments of data. Since the data links only to other fragments in other nodes, there is no master map, encryption key, or decoder to steal. ALTR has also opened up access to its proprietary blockchain via its ChainAPI which equips developers with the means of adding ALTRchain to any application. Optimized for ultra-low latency and scalable data storage, the ChainAPI is accompanied by infrastructure-as-code for highly flexible deployment in nearly any node distribution. It makes it possible to create highly secure data storage in the public cloud or other uncontrolled environments, and can be used to assemble multi-party contracts or file briefs inside an ALTRchain. For more information including details pricing and availability, to schedule a demo or to learn about the next Security Dinner hosted by ALTR in your area, contact ALTR at [email protected] . Software developers can visit the ALTR Developer's Center to learn more about ChainAPI or to request access to the ChainAPI Sandbox. About ALTR ALTR is the first software company to unleash the cybersecurity benefits of blockchain for the enterprise. The ALTR platform, based on ALTR's proprietary ALTRchain technology, restores digital trust to organizations by fundamentally changing the way valuable data is monitored, accessed and stored. It is simple to deploy and easy for both technical and non-technical business stakeholders to use, providing them with an intrinsic view and control over the inner data-environment of an organization including how sensitive data assets are used or seen and by whom. The company, which holds 12 issued and allowed patents and has more than 30 patents pending, is based in Austin. ALTR, ALTRchain and ChainAPI are trademarks or registered trademarks of ALTR Solutions, Inc., in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are property of their respective holders. [1]White Paper: Cybercrime & the Internet Threats 2017, Juniper Research SOURCE ALTR Related Links http://www.altr.com WASHINGTON, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Portland Cement Association (PCA) today urged Congress to reauthorize federal legislation needed to build, maintain and improve the nation's water infrastructure. The U.S. House of Representatives is considering two-year reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2018 (H.R. 8), while the U.S. Senate is considering companion legislation, America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018 (S. 2800). "America deserves safe, strong and resilient water infrastructure our economy depends on it," said PCA President and CEO Michael Ireland. "Water infrastructure built with concrete is long-lived, has a low life-cycle cost and is resilient to man-made and natural disasters. We need this legislation to ensure our drinking water is safe, our waterways are navigable and secure, and that we have water infrastructure capable of serving generations to come." The cement industry supports reauthorization of water infrastructure legislation that includes: increased investment in waterway and flood control infrastructure; increased funding for water infrastructure construction programs like the Safe Drinking Water Revolving Fund (SRF) and Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) programs, and promotes resilient construction techniques that use durable and reliable materials such as concrete. "The recent increase in natural and man-made disasters, like last year's hurricanes and wildfires, demonstrates how important resilient infrastructure is to the safety and security of communities from coast-to-coast," Ireland noted. "Passing water reauthorization legislation, which makes smart and strategic use of scarce taxpayer dollars, is a good investment for America and good for the 600,000 cement- and concrete-related employees all across the country." To learn more about how concrete makes America's infrastructure strong, visit: http://www.cement.org/infrastructure. The Portland Cement Association (PCA), founded in 1916, is the premier policy research, education, and market intelligence organization serving America's cement manufacturers. PCA members represent 93 percent of U.S. cement production capacity and have facilities in all 50 states. The association promotes safety, sustainability, and innovation in all aspects of construction, fosters continuous improvement in cement manufacturing and distribution and generally promotes economic growth and sound infrastructure investment. SOURCE Portland Cement Association ROHNERT PARK, Calif., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Federal income-driven repayment plans (IDRs) can offer hope for borrowers who can't afford their student loans in the long term. Such plans extend repayment to 20 to 25 years and lower payments relative to income and family size. After those 20 to 25 years of enrollment, any balance remaining is forgiven. However, IDRs require yearly recertification, so some experts suggest the Extended Repayment plan for longer-term repayment, lower payments and less hassle. Ameritech Financial, a document preparation company that assists federal student loan borrowers with IDR applications, encourages borrowers to examine their options and consider how the flexibility inherent in IDRs might benefit their situation. Credit: Wordley Calvo Stock/Bigstock "Every borrower's student loan situation is different, so they won't all fit into the same repayment plan," said Tom Knickerbocker, executive vice president of Ameritech Financial. "There are a lot of options, so simplicity is definitely appealing. But for many borrowers, IDRs are worth the potential hassle of recertification. We help try to reduce the hassle." The Department of Education offers a variety of repayment plans for borrowers who struggle to make payments in the Standard Repayment plan. Every borrower begins repayment in the Standard plan, which calculates payments on a 10-year payoff schedule. Many borrowers find financial relief in federal income-driven repayment plans, but if they fail to recertify each year, they may find themselves in a worse situation than they started in. Because of the yearly paperwork, some experts recommend the Extended Repayment plan over IDRs. They share a longer payoff term and lower payments, but the Extended plan does not require any maintenance and features set payments each month. However, the potential convenience may not go far enough to fit with every borrowers' situation. For example, borrowers who have a zero-dollar payment in an IDR might not be able to afford the Extended plan's payments, even though they are lower than the Standard payments. Additionally, the Extended plan requires a balance of $30,000 or more, which not all struggling borrowers have. "At Ameritech Financial, we aim to help reduce the hassle that the yearly IDR paperwork may cause borrowers," said Knickerbocker. "Our goal is to help borrowers apply for IDRs and complete the yearly paperwork for continued enrollment so our clients can reduce their financial stress." About Ameritech Financial Ameritech Financial is a private company located in Rohnert Park, California. Ameritech Financial has already helped thousands of consumers with financial analysis and student loan document preparation to apply for federal student loan repayment programs offered through the Department of Education. Each Ameritech Financial telephone representative has received the Certified Student Loan Professional certification through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). Ameritech Financial prides itself on its exceptional customer service. Ameritech Financial Newsroom Contact To learn more about Ameritech Financial, please contact: Ameritech Financial 5789 State Farm Drive #265 Rohnert Park, CA 94928 1-800-792-8621 [email protected] Related Images frustrated-student-loan-borrower.jpg Frustrated Student Loan Borrower Credit: Wordley Calvo Stock/Bigstock image2.png Related Links Ameritech Financial home page Related Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRza8MbLvuM SOURCE Ameritech Financial ROHNERT PARK, Calif., June 6, 2018 Advice found online to repay student loans quickly features the same resources: time and money. Extra payments toward loans will reduce that debt more quickly than simply making minimum payments. Extra time in a borrower's schedule may allow the individual to take on extra work to earn that extra money. However, not all borrowers are in a position to get either of those. Ameritech Financial, a document preparation company that assists borrowers in applying for federal repayment plans, reminds borrowers that student loan repayment does not need to be quick to be successful. "It's okay to take a while to pay down student loans, but being able to work toward other financial goals in the meantime is ideal," said Tom Knickerbocker, Executive Vice President of Ameritech Financial. "Borrowers shouldn't have to delay their lives until their loans are repaid, but not everyone can pay them off quickly." A recent survey showed that 69 percent of borrowers repay their loans within five years. While that may be an ideal scenario, not every borrower can live with their parents, pay extra every month, or take on side hustles. In fact, not all borrowers can afford their minimum payments. Such borrowers may find relief in one of the various federal repayment programs available through the Department of Education. Whereas the Standard Repayment plan payments are set based on a 10-year payoff schedule, income-driven repayment plans (IDRs) are calculated based on income and family size. The low income that may have prevented many borrowers from making their minimum payments will likely lead to a reduction in their monthly payments under and IDR. Borrowers with large families that may have precluded cheaper living arrangements or side jobs may also affect their payments in an IDR. And after 20 to 25 years of enrollment in an IDR, any remaining balance is forgiven. Any reduction in student loan payments may allow borrowers to focus on other financial goals, such as saving for retirement, a house, or a vacation with the kids. "IDRs have a longer payoff term than the Standard 10 years, but they can help borrowers who have limited resources for repayment," said Knickerbocker. "At Ameritech Financial, we help borrowers understand IDRs and complete the application paperwork to enroll and stay enrolled in the program for as long as they wish." About Ameritech Financial Ameritech Financial is a private company located in Rohnert Park, California. Ameritech Financial has already helped thousands of consumers with financial analysis and student loan document preparation to apply for federal student loan repayment programs offered through the Department of Education. Each Ameritech Financial telephone representative has received the Certified Student Loan Professional certification through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). Ameritech Financial prides itself on its exceptional Customer Service. Ameritech Financial Newsroom Contact To learn more about Ameritech Financial, please contact: Ameritech Financial 5789 State Farm Drive #265 Rohnert Park, CA 94928 1-800-792-8621 [email protected] Related Images okay-to-take-time-in-student-loan.jpg Okay to Take Time in Student Loan Repayment Credit: Flynt/Bigstock image2.png Related Links Ameritech Financial home page Related Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRza8MbLvuM SOURCE Ameritech Financial NEW YORK, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Atento S.A. (NYSE: ATTO), the leading provider of customer relationship management and business process outsourcing services (CRM/BPO) in Latin America, and one of the top five providers worldwide, today announced that its Board of Directors has elected Antonio Viana-Baptista to serve as Independent Director, effective June 6, 2018. Alejandro Reynal, Atentos Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are delighted to welcome Antonio to our Board. We will draw on his more than 30 years of experience leading companies in the telecommunications, technology and financial sectors to advance Atentos leadership position in the CRM/BPO market in Latin America. He will be a tremendous asset for our Company as we further our mission of making companies successful by guaranteeing the best customer experience for their clients." Mr. Viana-Baptista boasts a long-standing and distinguished career in the telecommunications, technology and investment banking sectors as well as in strategic consultancy. He has been over the years an active investor and advisor in technology companies. Most recently, he held the role of Credit Suisse Senior Advisor for Portugal and from 2011 to 2015, Chief Executive Officer for Spain and Portugal. Before joining Credit Suisse, he spent over a decade in a number of chief executive roles at Telefonica, including CEO of Telefonica International, Telefonica Spain and Chairman and CEO of Telefonica Moviles among others. Prior to this, he spent seven years at Banco Portugues de Investimento (BPI) as an Executive Board member and was a Partner in the Iberia office of McKinsey & Co. From 1980 to 1982, Mr. Viana-Baptista served in the Portuguese Ministry of Finance. During his professional career, he has also served as a Non-Executive Director on the Boards of Directors of Research in Motion/Blackberry, NH Hoteles and Abertis. He is currently a Non-Executive Board member at Semapa and Jeronimo Martins. Mr. Viana-Baptista holds a degree in Economics and a Master's in European Economics from Universidad Catolica Portuguesa and an M.B.A. from INSEAD. Mr. Viana-Baptista replaces Francisco Tosta Valim who, in agreement with the Company, has resigned from the Board of Atento to pursue a personal endeavor. Mr. Viana-Baptista will serve as a Class III director and has been determined by the Board to be an "independent director" for purposes of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards and will serve on the audit committee of the Board. Atentos Board has also approved the appointment of Marie-Catherine Brunner as Class II Director, replacing Vishal Jugdeb, who, in agreement with the Company, has resigned from the Board to pursue a personal endeavor. About Atento Atento is the largest provider of customer relationship management and business process outsourcing (CRM/BPO) services in Latin America, and among the top five providers worldwide, 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 Media relations Maite Cordero + 34 91 740 74 47 [email protected] Investor relations Shay Chor +55 11 3293 5926 [email protected] Felipe Joaquim Martins de Souza + 55 11 3779-8053 [email protected] SOURCE Atento S.A. Related Links http://www.atento.com HAMILTON, Bermuda, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Apex Group Ltd. ("Apex"), one of the world's largest fund administrators, and Genstar Capital jointly announced today the acquisition of Ipes, a leading provider of fund administration and other services to the private equity sector. Adding $165 billion in assets under administration to the Group's portfolio, this acquisition will bolster Apex's private equity capabilities and depositary services across Europe and position the Group as the fifth largest fund administrator globally. The acquisition of Ipes from pan-European private equity firm Silverfleet Capital will further strengthen the Group's breadth of service and expertise in the European market. Headquartered in Guernsey, Ipes currently has 265 staff across five European offices. As one of the largest European private equity fund administrators and depositaries, Ipes works with 195 clients and provides administration and depositary oversight for 390 funds. The well-established European reputation and robust private equity infrastructure Ipes brings to Apex will complement the existing European set up and extend its private equity arm and expertise. As an independent fund administrator in the unique position of owning a bank, Apex offers a wealth of solutions backed by a strong global presence. Ipes clients will see immediate value from the transaction, gaining access to an additional 19 jurisdictions, Apex's renowned local service delivery model, and a full suite of regulatory products in Luxembourgwhich with this deal will house over 450 Apex staff members. With the successful closing of this acquisition, Apex employee numbers will reach almost 2,000 and its total assets being serviced will increase to circa $535 billion. The latest acquisition reflects Apex's continued global growth, adding to a series of transactions that position it as one of the largest fund administrators in the world. Towards the end of last year, Apex announced the acquisition of the Deutsche Bank's Alternative Fund Services business, building on its recapitalization by Genstar Capital and acquisition of Equinoxe Alternative Investment Services. Apex also announced the acquisition of M.M.Warburg & CO's Asset Servicing business in January this year, which is expected to reach final close in the summer. Combined, these acquisitions strengthen Apex's suite of services and market-specific capabilities on a local, regional, and global scaleall while positioning Apex one step closer to its goal of breaking the trillion dollar barrier. Terms of the agreement are not being disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval and is expected to be completed at the end of Q3, 2018. Peter Hughes, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Apex Fund Services, said: "This deal marks another momentous milestone for Apex, positioning us as the fifth largest fund administrator in the worlda goal we set out to achieve over a five-year period but have achieved in just under a year. Our focused growth strategy is designed to build out the global Apex portfolio of services and increase our expert resources across key markets. Throughout this growth we remain steadfast and committed to upholding the hallmarks of the Apex brandoffering flexibility in the solutions we offer, exceptional locally delivered customer service, and wrapping that framework around best-in-class technologies." Chris Merry, Chief Executive, Ipes, said: "At Ipes, we understand the importance of staying at the forefront of industry and regulatory developments in order to meet the evolving needs of today's clients. With this in mind, Apex and Genstar were natural partners for us and one that mirrored our commitment to innovation and exceptional customer service. We pride ourselves on our dedication to providing a robust set of capabilities to clients worldwide, and we're thrilled that Apex's broad global reach will enable us to build out our client offerings with a number of new solutions. We're confident this partnership will bring a wealth of benefits to both Ipes clients and Apex clients in Europe and across the world. " Tony Salewski, Managing Director of Genstar Capital, said: "We are excited to continue supporting Apex in driving growth through strategic acquisitions of high-quality businesses like Ipes. Both Apex's and Ipes' clients will greatly benefit from the combination of these two leading and complementary businesses." Macquarie Capital acted as exclusive financial advisor and Willkie Farr & Gallagher provided legal counsel to Genstar and Apex. N M Rothschild & Sons acted as financial advisor and Travers Smith provided legal counsel to Ipes. About Apex The Apex Group, established in Bermuda in 2003, is the world's largest independent fund solutions providers. The Group has continually improved and evolved its product suite and offers a full service solution to its clients: from fund administration, middle office, custody and depositary to corporate services and fund platforms. Apex now administers the investments of some of the largest funds and institutional investors in the world. www.apexfundservices.com About Genstar Capital Genstar Capital (www.gencap.com) is a leading private equity firm that has been actively investing in high quality companies for nearly 30 years. Based in San Francisco, Genstar works in partnership with its management teams and its network of strategic advisors to transform its portfolio companies into industry-leading businesses. Genstar manages funds with total capital commitments of approximately $9 billion and targets investments focused on targeted segments of the financial services, software, industrial technology, and healthcare industries. Genstar's current and previous investments in financial and business services companies include Ascensus, Strategic Insight, Institutional Shareholder Services, Mercer Advisors, AssetMark and Altegris. About Ipes Ipes was founded in 1998 and pioneered a specialist approach to fund administration within the European Private Equity market. Ipes' assets under administration are currently circa $165 billion serviced by approximately 265 people. Ipes maintains office locations in five jurisdictions and services clients in 27 countries. MEDIA CONTACT: Laura Casale, Group Gordon 212-784-5720, [email protected] SOURCE Apex Group Ltd. Related Links http://www.apexfundservices.com SAN FRANCISCO and DURHAM, N.C., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Google investors will express serious concerns at the company's annual shareholder meeting today, warning that failures to enforce its terms of service and mounting online controversies stand in stark contrast to YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki's 2017 pledge to, "stay one step ahead of bad actors, making it harder for policy-violating content to surface or remain on YouTube." Lead filer, investment advisory firm Arjuna Capital, and co-filers the New York State Common Retirement Fund, Harrington Investments and Baldwin Brothers Inc., are pressing the parent company, Alphabet, to bring the issue into sharper focus. The shareholders are calling on Google to produce a detailed report on the impact that fabricated content is having on their platforms and business. The Alphabet Inc. annual shareholder meeting will be held today, June 6, 2018, at its headquarters in Mountain View, California. Arjuna Capital's shareholder proposal on Google's content management is available online here: https://arjuna-capital.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Google_Content-Governance-Proposal_Revised.pdf On May 25, 2018, Arjuna Capital published a letter urging Alphabet shareholders to support a resolution asking the company to provide a report on Content Governance. The memo characterized risks to investors as: 1) Google's controversies have a direct impact on the Company's market value, with concerns including ad revenue, data privacy and regulatory risk; 2) Google's content controversies represent a complex public policy challenge, in terms of the scope of impact, Russian propaganda, and the threat of terrorist content; and 3) Google continues to have a mixed track record of protecting users from election interference, fake news, hate speech, sexual harassment, and violence. The memo argues that full disclosure is needed to address these concerns, and can be found here: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1326801/000121465918003883/d517180px14a6g.htm Durham, NC-based Farnum Brown, Ph.D, managing partner, chief strategist, Arjuna Capital said: "Google faces an existential threat in the form of fake news, political hacking, hate speech and online sexual harassment. These digital toxins have polluted our information ecosystem, of which Google is a central part. And yet the Company remains behind the curve in responding to these threats and the dire risks they pose to the Company and its investors. For the second year in a row, we are urging Google to comprehensively assess these volatile risks and spell out a strategy sufficient to mitigate them." Natasha Lamb, managing partner at Arjuna Capital, said: "We witness a new online controversy explode onto the scene almost daily. Many are disruptive to society and harmful to our democracy, not to mention the business models of the platforms they manipulate. It's time Google is held accountable for evaluating the risks that arise when users violate its own terms of service. The potential harm to the Company's reputation, finances, and operations can no longer be ignored. Fake news in particular needs to be addressed. When fabrication is disseminated so easily at scale, the way we have seen through YouTube, it represents a threat to our democracy. Google must examine recent controversies, and carefully consider the material risks to shareholder value, and the efficacy of current policies." Adding weight to Arjuna Capital's shareholder proposal at Google today, leading proxy advisor Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) recommends support for the resolution as well: "A vote FOR this proposal is warranted, because a report on assessing the effectiveness of enforcement of content policies could help provide shareholders with valuable information on how well the company is assessing and mitigating content-related controversies." The statement from ISS continued: "the company does seem to be responding to each content management-related controversy in a reactive way. Shareholders would benefit from additional disclosure reviewing and compiling in one report the efficacy of its enforcement of its terms of service related to content policies, and assessing the risks posed by content management controversies, with statistics on the percentage of content that is flagged as offensive and how that may change over time, how quickly content is removed if it is offensive, or other appropriate quantitative metrics. Therefore this proposal merits shareholder support." Last year Arjuna Capital filed shareholder proposals at Facebook and Google pressing for greater transparency and reporting on fake news flows over their platforms. This year, content governance proposals were put before Facebook, Twitter, and Google. Arjuna, and co-filers Proxy Impact and Baldwin Brothers Inc. also have a gender pay equity proposal going to a vote at Google for the third time. On May 31st, Arjuna Capital's content governance and gender pay equity resolutions received independent shareholder support of 30 percent and 29 percent respectively, and on May 30th Arjuna Capital and New York State Common Retirement Fund's content governance proposal received support of 36%, which is a good preview of what similar proposals at Google will garner at today's meeting. Arjuna Capital is an investment firm focusing on sustainable and impact investing. In recent years, Natasha Lamb and Arjuna Capital have been recognized for an ongoing campaign using shareholder resolutions to promote gender pay equity in the tech, banking, and retail sectors. In December Lamb was named to the "Bloomberg 50" list of influencers who defined global business in 2017. For more information, visit www.Arjuna-Capital.com. SOURCE Arjuna Capital Related Links http://www.Arjuna-Capital.com ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG) will be hosting an informal management meeting with the investment community at its corporate headquarters in Rolling Meadows, Illinois on Wednesday, June 13, from 8:00 a.m. CT until approximately 12:00 p.m. CT. During the meeting, the company's operating and financial leaders will present background information and commentary on the company's business operations and financial outlook, and will also take questions from in-person attendees. In conjunction with this meeting, the company will broadcast a live audio webcast which can be accessed, on a listen-only basis, on the company's website at www.ajg.com/irmeeting. A replay will be available at the same link through July 11, 2018 at midnight ET. Any information distributed during this meeting will be available on June 13 at 7:30 a.m. CT at http://www.ajg.com/June13materials. The agenda will be available shortly at www.ajg.com/irmeeting. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The company has operations in 33 countries and offers client service capabilities in more than 150 countries around the world through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants. Contact: Raymond Iardella VP Investor Relations (630) 285-3661/ [email protected] SOURCE Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. As a VSC, Ashford University has been recognized as being in compliance with the Arizona State Approving Agency and the Department of Veterans Affairs and is certified as eligible to receive GI Bill Education Benefits. Ashford has also committed to upholding the C.A.R.E. requirements, which are to connect to the culture, ask the right questions, respond effectively, and engage the military community. "Ashford University is proud to serve our military service members and student veterans," said Dr. Craig Swenson, president and CEO of Ashford University. "We are honored to be recognized as a certified Veteran Supportive Campus." To find out more about VSC certification, visit https://dvs.az.gov/veterans-supportive-campus. About Ashford University Where heritage meets innovation that's Ashford University. At Ashford, students discover relevant degree programs, innovative technology, and cherished tradition. Ashford offers associates, bachelor's, and master's degree programs online, allowing students to balance life by providing the flexibility to do school work anywhere, anytime. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu, www.facebook.com/ashforduniversity, or www.twitter.com/AshfordU. Contact: Kathleen Park 858.513.9240 x11636 [email protected] SOURCE Ashford University Related Links http://www.ashford.edu ATLANTA, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Atlanta Community Food Bank, along with state and community organizations, launched the 2018 Summer Meals program at a community kickoff in McDonough, GA today for food insecure children in the state. Approximately 1 in 5 Georgia children face food insecurity, a problem that is often made worse during the summer months. The federally funded Summer Meals program provides children with free, healthy meals while school is out of session. Children up to 18 are eligible for the program. "During the summer months, families experiencing food insecurity have an added pressure of finding the next meal for their children. The Summer Meals program helps alleviate some of that stress," said Kyle Waide, President and CEO of Atlanta Community Food Bank. He noted that only 17% of children in Georgia's public schools have access to lunch during the summer break. The Atlanta Community Food Bank's Child Nutrition Team supports summer meals in 29 counties throughout Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. In 2017, the program served 9.4 million meals throughout the state. Officials are hopeful they can provide the children of those communities with the same amount of resources throughout the summer. Meals provided through the program are nutritious and meet USDA meal pattern guidelines. Families may text FOOD GA to 877-877 to find summer feeding sites near them. In addition to supporting the summer meals program, the Food Bank will hold summer pantry sites where families will not only be able to get free lunches, but they will also have the opportunity to receive groceries to help assure that their nutritional needs are met. Last year, the Food Bank and its partners connected more than 5,000 people to 44,915 meals at summer pantry locations. The Food Bank's summer initiatives are funded by generous donations from The Arby's Foundation, BJ's Charitable Foundation, The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc. and Waffle House. For a full list of locations or more information about the Atlanta Community Food Bank, visit acfb.org. Information about the Atlanta Community Food Bank Summer Meals partners can be found at Bright from the Start, Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Programs, The Dairy Alliance and USDA. Media Contact: Chaundra Luckett (678) 553-6010 (office) (228) 365-8733 (cell) [email protected] SOURCE Atlanta Community Food Bank Related Links https://acfb.org After 15 amazing years, B.GOOD's co-founder Anthony Ackil has decided to step down as CEO to focus on his next entrepreneurial venture and the next chapter in his life and career and to spend time with his young family. Anthony will maintain a large position with the company as a member of its Board of Directors and as a continued investor. "It has been a tremendous ride since I opened our first restaurant almost 15 years ago with my best friend Jon. We watched our vision grow to almost 70 locations and we made an impact across so many communities with so many of our employees and their families. It is an amazing feeling and I am so proud of what we have accomplished," said Ackil. "But, it is time for me to pass the torch to Chris, whom I know will bring great energy and life to our business. Chris is the right person to bring our company to its next level and was my very first choice to succeed me as CEO. I know he will maintain the company's vision and build on its authentic roots and the unique culture we've established over the years. Chris will put his own stamp on B.GOOD, and I know he will take us to amazing new heights. I can't wait to see how our little company continues to grow." As a seasoned industry veteran, Fuqua will bring a strong strategic vision and operational background to the company as it continues to expand in new and existing markets. "There are very few companies with the authenticity, mission-driven focus, and brand identity that B.GOOD has developed over the years. That's what makes this opportunity so thrilling for me personally," said Fuqua. "I have so much admiration for what Anthony and Jon and the team developed at B.GOOD. Since joining the company's board, I have felt the passion our people have for great tasting, locally sourced food that makes you feel good and I have witnessed the impact our mission has on so many communities. I am both humbled and incredibly enthusiastic to lead the company, scale this amazing, authentic culture and implement new ideas as we continue to expand. The future for B.GOOD is incredibly bright and I look forward to leading us through the next phase of growth." About B.GOOD Founded in 2003, B.GOOD is an innovative, fast casual, farm-to-table restaurant chain serving "Food with Roots" sustainably-grown, fresh and wholesome food that is prepared fresh in-house. With 70 locations across the U.S., Canada, Switzerland and Germany, B.GOOD serves a diverse and delicious menu inspired by the heritage of back to basics simplicity including kale & grain bowls, salads, all-natural local burgers, sides of crisp veggies and oven-finished fries, smoothies and kids' meals. By sourcing as much as possible from local, independent farmers and being genuinely committed to social and environmental impact, B.GOOD has a unique connection to the communities the brand calls home. Visit bgood.com for more information. SOURCE B.GOOD Related Links http://bgood.com MIAMI, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- At Biosensors 2018 [Miami, USA, June 12-15, 2018], more than 900 international delegates will convene to review how biosensors are being used in applications as diverse as space exploration, robotics, mobile diagnostics and personal health. The 3-day Congress Program features more than 200 talks and 600 posters highlighting the latest research and associated commercial applications from around the world. Industry exhibitors will showcase their latest products and a special outreach program will encourage students to appreciate the opportunities offered by a career in STEM. Executive Chair, Professor Tony Turner says: "It is excellent to welcome so many delegates to Miami for our 28th Anniversary Congress. With continued growth in the biosensors market, which is expected to be valued in excess of US$27 billion by 2022, our plenary speakers will highlight key growth areas including: non-medical applications, point-of-care diagnostics, and glucose monitoring systems." In non-medical applications: David Cullen (Cranfield University, UK) will review aspects of enabling bioanalytical and biotechnological systems in space and including planetary exploration and support of humans. Kyu-jin Cho (Seoul National University) will describe novel soft robotic systems that use soft or compliant materials to overcome the limitations of traditional robotics. The use of biosensors for diagnostics and personalized medicine is covered from different perspectives by four plenary speakers: Point-of-care diagnostics with greater levels of precision are discussed by Emmanuel Delamarche (IBM) who will also reveal important developments in limiting counterfeiting by combining a complex signal with a "time domain" for authentication of diagnostic devices. Kevin Plaxco (UCSB) will reveal how, for the first time, an electrochemical sensor can provide real-time molecular measurements directly in the living body. A powerful new tool for drug development, the technology can also be applied to personalized medicine Continuous glucose monitoring, where subcutaneous and implanted sensors communicate with smartphones, is an increasingly used technology revolutionizing the treatment of diabetes. David Klonoff (UCSF) outlines how the technology allows patients to see real-time fluctuations in glucose levels to better manage their disease with lifestyle and medication adjustments. John Rogers (Northwestern University) shows how electronic and microfluidic sensors for the skin, with physical properties precisely matching the human epidermis, can provide continuous, clinical-quality information on physiological status. These plenary talks are supplemented by 200 contributed talks from leading research institutes and organizations. For more information and a press pass visit: https://www.elsevier.com/events/conferences/world-congress-on-biosensors Contact Marie-Claire Morley [email protected], +44(0)7903-406176 SOURCE Elsevier and Biosensors 2018 Related Links https://www.elsevier.com/events/conferences/world-congress-on-biosensors "Being listed on CoinMarketCap means our platform is recognized as one of the top exchanges in the world. CoinMarketCap has very strict listing standards, and being listed as one of the top 100 exchanges 3 months after our launch signals that we have entered the conversation as a mainstream exchange. CoinMarketCap will act as a huge source of traffic for our website moving forward and it will encourage more projects to list on our exchange as well." - Shelon Xia, Founder & CEO of BitMart About CoinMarketCap: Founded in 2013, CoinMarketCap is the leading website for tracking the capitalization of various cryptocurrencies. There are currently over 200 exchanges ranked on CoinMarketCap today, but they have not listed a new exchange for quite some time. Their website has a strong influence on the market and any new exchange that wishes to be listed must meet their strict listing requirements regarding platform security, quality, total registered users, number of trading pairs, and trading volume. About BitMart: BitMart is a premier digital asset trading platform with more than 400,000 users from over 160 countries. BitMart offers crypto-to-crypto trading for coins and utility tokens only. BitMart has a global team with extensive industry experience from all over the world including the United States, Russia, India, Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong. Since launching in March 2018, BitMart currently offers 20 trading pairs for BTC, ETH, USDT, XLM, EOS, VEN, OMG, MOBI, ABT, KAN, and BMX. BitMart has also made significant advancements with U.S. regulators after registering as a money transmitter last month with broker-dealer registration also in the works. Once finalized, BitMart will be able to offer fiat trading as well. While fiat trading is the short-term goal of BiMart, their long-term goal is to become a top 10 exchange by trading volume in 2018 and to incorporate new features including futures contract trading, whole-network trading and decentralized trading by early 2019. Currently, BitMart is hosting a "Millions of Cryptocandy Airdrop" and a "Vote for Your Coin Round 2" Campaign on their website to reward users. Their new referral program is also announced to be coming soon this month. Visit their website, Twitter or join their Telegram to learn more about BitMart. CONTACT: Shirley Qian, [email protected] SOURCE BitMart Related Links https://www.bitmart.com/ CHICAGO, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced its investment in Kittyhawk, a San Francisco, Calif.-based company offering a unified approach to the safe operation of commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Kittyhawk's technology will support development of a UAS Traffic Management System (UTM) that enables piloted and autonomous air vehicles to safely coexist. Kittyhawk pioneered enterprise software and mobile-based apps that integrate real-time UAS flight operations and management solutions all in one platform. Since its founding in 2015, Kittyhawk has grown its customer base to include industry leaders in media, insurance, energy, rail transportation and fire and emergency management agencies that rely on it for end-to-end drone operations. "When paired with the broad portfolio of complementary data service offerings within Boeing, Kittyhawk is poised to help us shape the future of safe autonomous flight," said Brian Schettler, managing director of Boeing HorizonX Ventures. "We are excited to explore new capabilities made possible through foresight, expertise and a focus on holistic solutions that support the safe integration of unmanned systems into the national airspace." Kittyhawk is partnering with Boeing subsidiary Jeppesen to expand unmanned operations by participating in the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC). LAANC is a collaborative effort to create UTM processes that integrate unmanned aircraft, cargo delivery and beyond visual line of sight operations safely into the airspace. "Boeing's world-renowned aviation expertise and resources will help Kittyhawk continue to mature our enterprise offerings," said Joshua Ziering, founder and chief pilot of Kittyhawk. "Boeing's long history of forging new industries within the aerospace sector will also help as Kittyhawk continues its mission to create robust, open and interoperable standards to empower the commercial drone industry. We have a unique opportunity to pioneer a new aviation industry and having the support of Boeing will give Kittyhawk the resources and expertise we need to be truly disruptive in this space." Boeing HorizonX Ventures participated in this seed funding round led by Bonfire Ventures, with participation by Freestyle Capital. The Boeing HorizonX Ventures investment portfolio is made up of companies specializing in technologies for aerospace and manufacturing innovations, including autonomous systems, energy storage, advanced materials, augmented reality systems and software, machine learning, hybrid-electric propulsion and Internet of Things connectivity. Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in more than 150 countries. Contact Megan Hilfer Boeing Communications Office: +1 425-237-9375 Mobile: +1 206-465-5379 [email protected] Robert Van Gool Kittyhawk Office: +1 415-505-2686 [email protected] SOURCE Boeing Related Links http://www.boeing.com In connection with the execution of the DOI contract, Bridger's Founder and President Tim Sheehy stated, "We are humbled and proud to be awarded a spot on DOI's pioneering UAS firefighting contract. We continue to focus on innovative and effective methods to improve the safety of aerial firefighting operations, and we look forward to continuing to serve communities that are threatened by wildfire danger." To satisfy its obligations under the awarded contract, Bridger will be partnering with Silent Falcon UAS Technologies, one of a limited number of fixed wing UAS providers that has been recognized as satisfying DOI operational status requirements. James McBurney, President at Silent Falcon, stated, "We are extremely fortunate to partner with Bridger in this first of its kind UAS services contract, and we are excited to deploy the technology embedded in the Silent Falcon, the only solar electric, long range, long endurance UAS." Bridger Aerospace and its affiliates strive to provide cutting edge technology and service support to the United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and state departments of natural resources. Founded in 2013, Bridger is a veteran owned and operated company, FAA Part 135 Air Carrier and Part 107 certified UAV operator, and through its customer focused approach, the Company has grown from a one-man / one-plane operation to a fleet of nine manned aircraft, several UAVs and a broad base of government and civilian contracts. About Bridger Aerospace: Headquartered in Bozeman, MT, Bridger Aerospace is a leader in the Air Attack segment of the aerial forest firefighting sector. Bridger operates air attack, aerial imaging and aerial survey aircraft across all 50 states and is an awardee of the first UAV Operations contract for US Wildfire Response. Bridger and its predecessor companies have been flying in support of the US forest fire fighting sector since 2002. For additional information, please visit www.bridgeraerospace.com. SOURCE Bridger Aerospace Related Links http://www.bridgeraerospace.com LAS VEGAS, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio America, Inc., a pioneer in the digital projection space, is showcasing its expansive lineup of LampFree projectors at InfoComm 2018, the pro-AV industry's largest event. The Company's full portfolio of projectors including the Advanced, Core, Slim, 4K UHD and Ultra Short Throw series will be on display in Casio's booth (#C3757) from June 6-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. "This year, Casio's InfoComm booth will highlight a variety of LampFree projectors geared for business, education and beyond," said Joe Gillio, Senior Director Strategic Planning and Marketing, of Casio's Business Projector Division. "From lightweight and portable to HD and eco-friendly, Casio's LampFree portfolio has something for every business application." 4K UHD Projectors Casio will showcase its XJ-L8300HN 4K UHD projector. This projector comes equipped with a 4K DLP chip that projects images of approximately 8.3 million pixels, reproducing the true color and beauty of images at a much higher level than conventional projectors. With its high brightness of 5,000 lumens, the XJ-L8300HN is great for brightly lit rooms and larger venues. The XJ-L8300HN is also equipped with a lens shift function to correct projector positioning and a super resolution feature that enhances the signal of low-resolution movies and images to produce the effect of higher resolution. Visitors to the Casio booth will be able to see the XJ-L8300HN highlighted in a Dual 4K Edge Blending demonstration. Advanced and Core Series Additionally, Casio will also have its Core and Advanced Series projectors on display. Projectors in these series feature a 20,000-hour estimated operating life and can reach full brightness in as fast as five seconds from the time they are powered thanks to Casio's innovative Quick Start technology. They also feature a 1.5X zoom lens for optimal flexibility in projector placement. LampFree projectors also have a dust resistant design that is achieved by structuring the internal components into separate blocks and shields the optical block from dust and suppresses dust intrusion. This helps ensure that dust does not lower projection brightness, helping it to maintain optimal performance for the life of the unit and eliminating the need and cost of replacing filters. Ultra Short Throw Series Casio's latest addition to its Ultra Short Throw series is the XJ-UT311WN which can project brilliant shadow-free, crisp, images at close range with its built-in 0.28:1 fixed lens. It produces 3,100 lumens of brightness and boasts WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution with a 20,000:1 contrast ratio, which is ideal for displaying HD content from video and computer sources. Network (RJ-45) and local RS-232 connections provide control and remote status monitoring capabilities and a wireless presentation adaptor is included. Casio will be demonstrating various interactive solutions in their booth using their Ultra Short Throw projectors to show the flexibility and compatibility with all the interactive software and hardware on the market. SLIM Series Weighing in at just five pounds, Casio's SLIM projectors are only 1.7 inches thick, require little to no setup time, and provide projection at maximum brightness in as few as eight seconds. Casio's SLIM projectors offer an estimated 20,000-hour lifespan with minimal brightness degradation, which far outshines that of conventional projectors that require expensive mercury lamp replacements. The slim sleek design works well in retail environments where space is limited and continuous operation is needed. Casio Green Technology Casio now has seven LampFree projectors that meet all TCO Certified life cycle criteria for socially responsible manufacturing, energy efficiency, picture quality and lower environmental impact. TCO Certified models include: XJ-V100W XJ-V110W XJ-F100W XJ-F210WN XJ-UT311WN XJ-UT351W XJ-UT351WN Additionally, although the use of mercury is widely prohibited worldwide today, this hazardous substance continues to be employed as a light source for conventional projector lamps. Casio LampFree projectors eliminate the need to replace Mercury lamps and to properly dispose of the harmful substance. There is a growing demand for environmentally friendly and more sustainable AV products and Casio LampFree projectors are a great solution. For additional information on Casio's full portfolio of LampFree projectors, visit www.CasioLampFree.com. About Casio LampFree Projectors Casio's portfolio of LampFree projectors combines a laser, a fluorescent element and an LED light to deliver a mercury-free hybrid light source that lasts up to 20,000 hours while sustaining a high brightness and keeping maintenance costs to a minimum. Casio has five series of LampFree projectors that are available for home, business, education and commercial applications - Core, Advanced, Slim, Ultra Short Throw, and 4K Ultra HD. For additional information on Casio's projector series and LampFree technology, please visit www.CasioLampFree.com. About Casio America, Inc. Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to fulfill its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com. SOURCE Casio America, Inc. Related Links http://www.casiousa.com MONTVALE, N.J., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- PENTAX Medical Company, a healthcare industry leader in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, announced today the results about the C2 CryoBalloon Ablation System's clinical efficacy, durability, and patient tolerability from various studies conducted in the United States, Europe and China during Digestive Disease Week (DDW) in Washington, DC from June 25. The clinical studies provide further evidence that the C2 CryoBalloon treats Barrett's esophagus (BE) effectively and has low patient discomfort. Additionally, PENTAX Medical announces positive efficacy results and low complication rates for the ablation of Esophageal Squamous Cell Neoplasia (ESCN). Both Barrett's esophagus and ESCN are precursors to esophageal cancer which is the 8th most common cancer and the 6th most common cause of cancer death in the world.i "These studies reinforce PENTAX Medical's belief in the high-levels of effectiveness and tolerability of the C2 CryoBalloon for treatment of Barrett's esophagus and squamous dysplasia," said Gerald W. Bottero, Global President of PENTAX Medical. "The results from the clinical studies announced earlier this week showcase our commitment to providing therapeutic solutions for the endoscopist, gastroenterologist, and surgeon. We sincerely appreciate the dedication and support of our collaborating study investigators and participating trial centers." Efficacy and Durability of C2 Cryoballoon Ablation for Barrett's Esophagus In a prospective clinical trial, consecutive BE patients with confirmed neoplasia (low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, and/or intramucosal adenocarcinoma) were treated with the C2 CryoBalloon. 12-month results were published early this yearii and 2-year durability results were presented during DDW 2018.iii Eradication of dysplasia was found in 95 percent of patients at both 12-months and 2-years. No disease progression noted in a single patient at 2 years (N=41) and no patient required narcotic medication after Day 7 following treatment. Efficacy of C2 CryoBalloon Ablation for ESCN A prospective studyiv in China assessed the safety and efficacy of the C2 CryoBalloon for treating ESCN. This ongoing single-center trial involved 80 patients with moderate or high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia. At 3 months, 90 percent of patients exhibited complete response (CR; absence of MGIN or worse). CR was exhibited in 97 percent of patients at 12 months. No serious adverse events were reported. "Early results from the study suggest that the [C2 CryoBalloon ablation] of ESCN is safe, well-tolerated and highly effective." Evaluating Tolerability of C2 CryoBalloon Ablation Two separate multi-centered, prospective studies found patients experienced less post-procedure pain and need for narcotic medication. European clinicians conducted a multicenter, non-randomized cohort study that compared the tolerability of patients treated for Barrett's esophagus after both C2 CryoBalloon ablation and radio frequency ablation. Investigators found peak pain was lower after C2 CryoBalloon ablation (median VAS 2 vs 4, P<.01). Duration of pain was shorter after CryoBalloon ablation (median 2 vs 4 days, P<.01).v U.S. Investigators conducted a multicenter, prospective trialvi evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of C2 CryoBalloon ablation for Barrett's. Investigators found median pain scores were 2.5 (IQR 1-5) immediately after treatment, decreasing to 2 at day 1 (IQR 0-3), and 0 at day 7 after initial C2 CryoBalloon ablation. Only 1.3 percent (p<0.0001) of patients required narcotic analgesics by day 7. The researchers concluded, "Multifocal nitrous oxide C2 CryoBalloon ablation is associated with a favorable safety profile with mild, short-lived pain." Ablating Larger Areas of Barrett's Esophagus with New C2 CryoBalloon 90 A study at five centers in The Netherlandsvii assessed the feasibility, safety and efficacy of C2 CryoBalloon 90 which allows ablation of a 90-degree section of the esophagus circumference over 3 cm in a single step. No significant adverse events occurred during the study. Median pain scores (visual analog scale) were 4 at day zero, one at day 1, and zero at days 7 and 30. The researchers said this pilot study found, the C2 CryoBalloon 90 "is feasible, safe and well tolerated in patients with flat dysplastic BEand is a promising new modality for endoscopic eradication." Cryoablation for GAVE treatment A retrospective studyviii at three academic teaching centers looked at 21 patients with refractory gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) who were treated with the C2 CryoBalloon. Technical success was achieved in 100 percent of the patients. At the 6-month follow-up endoscopy, 18 patients (86 percent) showed improvement. Patients were transfused an average of 1.75 units/month one year prior to C2 CryoBalloon ablation and an average of 0.31 units/month up to 6 months following C2 CryoBalloon ablation. No adverse events were reported. The researchers called CryoBalloon therapy "feasible, safe, and efficacious." Indications US ONLY: The C2 CryoBalloon Ablation System is intended for use as a cryosurgical tool in the field of general surgery, specifically for endoscopic applications, to include ablation of Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia.ix About PENTAX Medical PENTAX Medical is a division of Hoya Group. Its mission is to improve the standard of patient care and quality of healthcare delivery by providing the best endoscopy, informatics, speech, voice, and swallowing assessment products and services with a focus on QUALITY, CLINICALLY RELEVANT INNOVATION, and SIMPLICITY. Through leading edge R&D and manufacturing, PENTAX Medical provides endoscopic imaging devices and solutions to the global medical community. Headquartered in Japan, PENTAX Medical has a worldwide focus and presence with R&D, regional sales, service, and in-country facilities around the globe. PENTAX Medical employees represent the diverse countries where we do business, allowing us to provide innovative solutions tailored to meet local needs. For more information, visit www.pentaxmedical.com. The third-party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners. i Philip R Taylor, Christian C Abnet, and Sanford M Dawsey, Squamous dysplasia the precursor lesion for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2013 April ; 22(4): 540552. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-12-1347. ii Canto MI, Shaheen NJ, Almario JA, Voltaggio L, Montgomery E, Lightdale CJ. Multifocal Nitrous Oxide Cryoballoon Ablation with or without EMR for Treatment of Neoplastic Barrett's Esophagus. Gastrointest Endosc. 2018 Apr 4; pii: S0016-5107(18)30259-1. doi: 10.1016/j.gie.2018.03.024. PMID: 29626424 iii Canto MI. Safety, Efficacy, and Durability of Endoscopic Nitrous Oxide CryoBalloon Ablation for Eradication of Barrett's Neoplasia. To be presented via poster presentation during DDW 2018. iv Ke, Y, van Munster SN, Chen J, Liu F, Zhao D, Li W, He S, Zhang Y, Dou L, Liu Y, Liu X, Xue L, Lv N, Dawsey SM, Weusten BL, Bergman J, Wang G-Q. Endoscopic CryoBalloon Ablation is Safe, Well Tolerated and Highly Effective in the Eradication of Esophogeal Squamous Cell Neoplasia. To be presented via oral presentation during DDW 2018. v van Munster SN, Overwater A, Haidry R, Bisschops R, Bergman J, Weusten BL. CryoBalloon Ablation of Dysplastic Barrett's Esophagus Causes Shorter Duration and Less Severe Post-Procedural Pain as Compared to Radiofrequency Ablation. To be presented via oral presentation during DDW 2018. VI Canto MI, Abrams JA, Lightdale CJ, Trindade AJ, Dumot JA, Iyer PG, Diehl DL, Khara HS, Chak A, Chang KJ, Corbett FS, McKinley M, Samarasena JB, Shin EJ, Tofani CJ, Waxman I, Shaheen NJ. Post-Procedural Pain Profile Associated with the Use of a Novel Contact CryoBalloon Focal Ablation System for Neoplastic Barrett's Esophagus. To be presented via poster presentation during DDW 2018. vii van Munster SN, Overwater A, Raicu G, Seldenrijk KA, Nagengast WB, Schoon EJ, Bergman J, Weusten BL. Safety, Tolerability and Dosimetry of a Novel Swipe CryoBalloon Device (90 - SCBA) for Ablation of Dysplastic Barrett's Esophagus. To be presented via poster presentation during DDW 2018. viii Patel A, Trindade A, Khara H, Kumar S, Ansari N, Lee TP, Diehl D, Sethi A, Endoscopic Management of Refractory Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (GAVE) With Cryoballoon Therapy: Multicentered Experience with 6 Month Follow-up. To be presented via poster presentation during DDW 2018. ix In the European Union, The CryoBalloon Ablation System is indicated to ablate unwanted tissue in the gastrointestinal tract, including treatment of Barrett's Esophagus and squamous dysplasia with application of extreme cold. In the United States, the device is indicated for the field of general surgery, specifically for endoscopic applications, to include ablation of Barrett's Esophagus with dysplasia. SOURCE PENTAX Medical Company Related Links http://www.pentaxmedical.com SINGAPORE, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- HIMSS Asia Pacific and Elsevier, the global information analytics business specializing in science and health, are proud to announce the call for submissions for the 6th Annual Asia Pacific (APAC) HIMSS-Elsevier Digital Healthcare Award 2018. "For the past five years, HIMSS and Elsevier have created a global platform for healthcare organizations to showcase their IT advancements. Since the inception of the Award, submissions have evolved with more large-scale projects," said Simon Lin, Executive Director, HIMSS Asia Pacific. "Last year, we received a wide range of submissions from department-wide to enterprise- and national-level organizations. We hope this trend continues and look forward to greater participation from APAC and our host country Australia." Since 2013, the HIMSS-Elsevier Digital Healthcare Award has attracted over 193 submissions from 119 organizations across 30 countries. In total, the projects submitted have impacted over 41 million patients worldwide. The two categories open for submission this year are: Outstanding ICT Achievement - focuses on those who have harnessed information and technology to successfully advance patient care and safety. - focuses on those who have harnessed information and technology to successfully advance patient care and safety. Outstanding ICT Innovation - focuses on those who have creatively leveraged existing technology or developed ground-breaking new solutions, to significantly enhance patient care and outcomes, and drive greater ICT adoption. Last year, the Award program witnessed strong participation from 18 healthcare organizations across APAC, recognizing five first-time recipients: The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne (Australia) and Fudan University Huashan Hospital (China) won the Outstanding ICT Achievement Award. Aravind Eye Hospital - Pondicherry (India), Mackay Memorial Hospital (Taiwan) and Princess Alexandra Hospital (Australia) won the Outstanding ICT Innovation Award. "We're very proud of how far this Award has grown to become a recognized platform for meaningful exchange of ideas and best practice, on how to innovate and implement technology to improve patient safety and quality. We look forward to receiving the submissions from our healthcare partners and providers across Asia Pacific," said Tim Hawkins, Managing Director, Clinical Solutions, Europe, Middle East, Latin America and Asia Pacific for Elsevier. Judges for this year's Award are: Bill Le Blanc , Executive Director and Chief Information Officer, SA Health , Executive Director and Chief Information Officer, SA Health John Sutherland , Chief Information Officer, Ramsay Healthcare , Chief Information Officer, John Daniels , Global Vice President, HIMSS Analytics, USA , Global Vice President, HIMSS Analytics, Dr. Korpong Rookkapan, Hospital Director, Paknampo Hospital, Thailand Robert Nieves , Vice President Health Informatics, Clinical Solutions, Elsevier , Vice President Health Informatics, Clinical Solutions, Elsevier Dr. Aamir Ali , Health Informatics Consultant, Ministry of Health and Prevention, UAE Submit your case study here or email HIMSS to enquire. Deadline for submissions is Friday, Aug. 31, 2018. Winners will be recognized on Monday, November 5, 2018, at the HIMSS-Elsevier Award Dinner Reception held during HIMSS AsiaPac18, in Brisbane, Australia. About HIMSS HIMSS is a global voice, advisor and thought leader of health transformation through health information and technology with a unique breadth and depth of expertise and capabilities to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of health, healthcare and care outcomes. HIMSS designs and leverages key data assets, predictive models and tools to advise global leaders, stakeholders and influencers of best practices in health information and technology, so they have the right information at the point of decision. Through its network of over 1 million experts, over 200 knowledge exchanges and collaborations, including 68,000-plus members, HIMSS drives innovative, forward thinking around best uses of technology in support of better connected care, improved population health and low cost of care. HIMSS is a not-for-profit, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois with additional offices in North America, Europe, United Kingdom and Asia. http://www.himssasiapac.org About Elsevier Elsevier is a global information analytics business that helps institutions and professionals advance healthcare, open science and improve performance for the benefit of humanity. Elsevier provides digital solutions and tools in the areas of strategic research management, R&D performance, clinical decision support and professional education, including ScienceDirect, Scopus, SciVal, ClinicalKey and Sherpath. Elsevier publishes over 2,500 digitized journals, including The Lancet and Cell, 38,000 e-book titles and many iconic reference works, including Gray's Anatomy. Elsevier is part of RELX Group, a global provider of information and analytics for professionals and business customers across industries. http://www.elsevier.com Media contacts Melissa Leong Marketing & Strategic Relations Manager HIMSS Asia Pacific +65-6664-1181 [email protected] Beatrice Lau, on behalf of Elsevier Senior Account Manager +65-9828-4393 [email protected] SOURCE Elsevier B V TAMPA, Fla., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking Mergers & Acquisitions, a well-known business brokerage firm serving middle market business owners in the South East, has added a new team member to their Tampa, Florida Division. Christian Aunspaugh joins the Viking M&A team with a dual major bachelor's degree from Florida State University in Finance and Real Estate. Aunspaugh also holds a Florida commercial real estate license. While attending Florida State he was part of the investment society, emerging leaders program, and to this day still mentors' students in executive positions within governing positions at Florida State. Aunspaugh's career began at International Food Group, a division of Sysco Corporation, a publicly traded fortune 100 company. While working with the finance area he was exposed to the rigors of a large multinational corporations Corporate and SOCS Compliance regulations. He also worked closely with international contract negotiations, pricing, and worked heavily within purchasing. Aunspaugh then advanced to a management position with Aston Carter, the largest privately held and industry leader accounting & finance recruiting firm. He managed a team dedicated to meeting the needs of businesses within a client base across central Florida. Working closely with Executive Leadership teams of small to large businesses on mitigating risk, negotiating agreements, contracting billing and rates, handling payroll, workers compensations, labor costs, risk management, and employee welfare has provided Aunspaugh with the skill set that he utilizes to this day. Aunspaugh realized that by providing his clients operational cost controls and clarity to make solid decisions resulted in positive impacts for each businesses earnings and ultimately their businesses enterprise value. This insight launched Aunspaugh into a Senior Advisor position within the Viking M&A team. Aunspaugh found his true interest working with middle market businesses owners to further enhance their full cycle business operations and development of financial progress which increases enterprise value providing for a more lucrative exit strategy. His experience with financial analysis, contract negotiations, real estate, risk management, and an effective understanding of multiple types of employee workforces has developed his knowledge and business acumen allowing business owners to successfully maximize exit strategies and the Viking team to efficiently facilitate the divestiture of their clients' business at its highest value. About Viking Mergers & Acquisitions Viking Mergers & Acquisitions was established with the vision of providing customized exit strategies and M&A mitigation to middle market business owners. Since their inception 22 years ago, Viking Mergers & Acquisitions has sold over 500 businesses across the Southeast. Their intermediaries have hundreds of years of collective experience in business transactions and nearly 75% have owned a business of their own. Viking proudly boasts a closing rate that is 3x the national average and businesses that sell for 96% of their asking price. To learn more about Viking Mergers & Acquisitions, please contact their office today at (813) 773-3773 or visit their website www.vikingmerger.com to see active business listings or request a valuation for your business. Media Contact: Elizabeth McCarty [email protected] (813) 773-3773 SOURCE Viking Mergers & Acquisitions Related Links http://www.vikingmerger.com NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- GARTNER SECURITY AND RISK SUMMIT -- Comodo Cybersecurity, a global innovator and developer of cybersecurity solutions and a division of Comodo Security Solutions Inc., today announced the launch of the company's new visual identity and website, Comodo.com. The new website reflects Comodo Cybersecurity's market positioning, centered upon enabling customers to confidently accept risk in a world where preventing threats is impossible, but rendering those attacks useless is achievable. Comodo Cybersecurity brings with it a rich history of protecting some of the most sensitive transactions across the Internet through the company's former certificate authority business (now Comodo CA). Today, Comodo Cybersecurity delivers an innovative cybersecurity platform designed to render even the most sophisticated cyber-attacks useless. "As a brand, Comodo Cybersecurity is at an inflection point; we've built a platform of capabilities that span the LAN, web and cloud," said Dave Howell, senior vice president of marketing at Comodo Cybersecurity. "Our new visual identity, website and brand narrative will make it easier for customers to understand our story and the unique value we offer from the SMB to the large enterprise." Comodo Cybersecurity's rebranding supports the company's mission to bridge the gap of cybercriminal advancement and effective, proactive solutions. Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that cybercrime will cost the world $6 trillion annually by 2021; Comodo Cybersecurity's purpose is to meet the security demands of businesses and customers alike, which traditional solutions no longer can. Comodo Cybersecurity's new visual identity and website launch follow the recent announcement that Steve Subar joined the company as president and chief executive officer. 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, www.blog.comodo.com. You can also follow us on Twitter (@ComodoDesktop) or LinkedIn. Contact: Montner Tech PR Deb Montner, [email protected] 203-226-9290 SOURCE Comodo Cybersecurity Related Links https://www.comodo.com DUBAI, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Kinetic Consulting Services, the leading boutique consulting company for business strategy, A.I., customer experience, and transformation released a new paper titled Business 4.x. Joe Tawfik - CEO Kinetic Consulting Services Business 4.x Infographic The fourth industrial revolution, characterised by disruption on multiple levels, requires organisations to adapt their business practices to become more competitive. Business 4.x is a paper released by Kinetic Consulting Services and it highlights ten essential principles that organisations should adopt to develop a new operating mode capable of successfully tackling the constant change brought about by disruption due to high technology. Business 4.x is designed to highlight the importance of the X-factor in a high-performance organisation operating in a world shaped by the fourth industrial revolution. Technology has reached an evolutionary stage where almost anything is possible, and this is what makes the fourth industrial revolution so unique and dangerous for market incumbents. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Blockchain, Internet of Things, Augmented Reality, and 3-D printing are some of the technologies enabling organisations to create products, services, and new business models that deliver greater value than previously offered in the third industrial revolution. Whilst many have written about the importance of having an agile organisation, the survey results highlight that most organisations are struggling with the concept of agility. In a 2017 survey, only 4% of respondents were able to claim an entirely agile organisation, and less than 25% said their internal performance units were agile.1 "Business 4.x proposes an operating model that captures the energy, know-how, and courage of cross-functional teams. The culture must enable self-regulatory management of team members, and empower team members to make customer-centric decisions without referring to multiple levels in a hierarchy," said Joe Tawfik, CEO of Kinetic Consulting Services. The business practices in Business 4.x deliver speed, agility, focused execution, and self-regulated performance management of team members, leading to high performance. Many of the practices detailed in Business 4.x require organisations to challenge and abandon traditional thinking as to how businesses should operate. It's only when they abandon traditional thinking, can they hope to create an X-factor that will enable them to differentiate themselves from the competition, and outperform in an environment where constant disruption is the norm. About Kinetic Consulting Services: Kinetic Consulting Services is a boutique management consulting company providing services in a broad range of disciplines to commercial and government organisations. The company has offices in Dubai and Sydney Australia where it services clients all over the world. The key areas of expertise are strategy, AI, Customer Experience, and business transformation. The company's focus is to help clients accelerate business growth. Website: www.kineticcs.com Paper download: https://www.kineticcs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Business-4.X_Kinetic.pdf For more information, please contact: Media Officer E: [email protected] Contact: U.A.E.: +971 4455 8410 Australia: 1300 780 556 U.S.A: +877-318-6826 1 https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/how-to-create-an-agile-organization SOURCE Kinetic Consulting Services Related Links http://www.kineticcs.com HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Confie, one of the top 20 insurance brokers in the U.S., announced that it will be renewing its corporate sponsorship of Toys for Tots. This U.S. Marine Corps Reserve program is dedicated to collecting and distributing unwrapped toys to children during the holiday season. Toys for Tots is a top-ranked charity, consistently earning the highest rating by Charity Navigator and maintaining a spot on The Chronicle of Philanthropy's "Philanthropy 400" list. Their mission is to help children experience the joy of Christmas and receive a message of hope that encourages them to become responsible, productive, and patriotic citizens. "We are very pleased to welcome Confie as a national corporate sponsor of the 2018 Marine Toys for Tots Campaign," said retired Marine LtGen H.P. Osman, President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "Their community service goals certainly align with those the Marine Corps has promoted for over 70 years through our Toys for Tots Program." Osman concluded, "With their generous support we will be able to fulfill the Christmas holiday dreams of thousands of less fortunate who otherwise might be forgotten". Toys for Tots has delivered more than 548 million toys to over 251 million children in all 50 states since its founding in 1947. Last year, Confie donated over $2 million in advertising services and collected more than 1,500 toys for children in Confie and its brands' communities. This partnership plays a vital role in their long-term goal to give back to the communities they serve. Confie is excited to continue to support such a worthwhile program for another year. "Confie's corporate social responsibility program is key to defining our company culture. The generosity and dedication of our employees to participate and champion non-profits is exciting and humbling. It is with great personal pride that we announce our continued partnership with Toys for Tots," said Cesar Soriano, Chief Executive Officer. About Confie Established in 2008, Confie is a leading, national insurance distribution company primarily focused on personal lines and small commercial insurance. The experienced Confie management team continues to build Confie's portfolio of regional personal lines brokerages. The company has leading market positions in California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Washington, Oregon, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, New Mexico, Illinois, Indiana, Alabama, Kansas, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Missouri, and Louisiana. Confie is a portfolio company of ABRY Partners. For more information about Confie, please visit www.confie.com. SOURCE Confie Related Links http://www.confie.com NEW YORK, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ContentWriters has released a white paper outlining the current state of marketing as it pertains to the rehab and addiction treatment industries. The study comes on the heels of sweeping reform to Google's pay-per-click (PPC) platform that severely restricts the capacity for rehab and addiction treatment centers to advertise on the search engine. "The rehab industry needs to find other ways to market themselves," said Francesco Montesanto, Director of Marketing, ContentWriters. "These companies that historically relied on buying higher value keywords are being forced to reallocate millions of dollars in marketing spend to other forms of marketing." Palm Partners, a Florida-based rehab center, has already been utilizing content marketing to bolster their marketing efforts. Through authoritative content, they were able to increase new patient acquisition by 900 percent, while boosting their call volume by over 1,100 percent. With Google's restrictions in mind, ContentWriters' findings indicate that marketing budgets would prove much more efficient if they were redirected towards content marketing, regardless of the changes in the PPC space. The white paper can be downloaded for free here. ContentWriters specializes in providing high-quality content for all major industries. By pairing expert writers with industry-specific clients, ContentWriters ensures that clients' needs are exceeded every time. The company produces all forms of content, including blog posts, email newsletters, social media posts, press releases, product descriptions, website content, and white papers. For more information about the services that ContentWriters.com provides, please visit www.contentwriters.com. Press Contact Information Francesco Montesanto ContentWriters 135 W 29th St New York, NY 10001 800-891-0553 [email protected] SOURCE ContentWriters Related Links http://www.contentwriters.com NEW YORK, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CRG, a leading healthcare investment firm, today announced a partnership with Fast Pace Urgent Care ("Fast Pace"), a leading provider of urgent care clinics across rural Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi, and its private equity sponsor Revelstoke Capital Partners ("Revelstoke"), a Denver-based private equity firm. The transaction resulted in a refinancing that provided additional capital for continued growth of Fast Pace. "Fast Pace's growing footprint and highly differentiated business model provide underserved rural populations with access to high quality, affordable healthcare," said Scott Li, Principal at CRG. "The Company has a clear value proposition for all constituents, including providers, health plans, and most importantly, patients and their families. We are excited to partner with the Fast Pace team and their supportive investors at Revelstoke, with whom we share a passion for making our healthcare system more efficient and improving the lives of people with limited access to care." Stan Bevis, Fast Pace's Chief Executive Officer commented, "We are pleased to work with CRG and believe their patient and long-term approach to supporting growth companies in healthcare makes them a great partner for the next phases of Fast Pace's journey." "CRG's approach to the financing was thoughtful and pragmatic and, as a healthcare-focused investment firm, we expect that they will add meaningful value and provide insightful support to Fast Pace," said Arion Robbins, a Principal at Revelstoke. CRG continues to offer innovative healthcare companies, and leading equity sponsors, a competitive growth capital alternative that is less costly and dilutive than traditional equity financing and more flexible and less restrictive than other forms of capital. About Fast Pace Fast Pace is headquartered in Brentwood, TN, and is a leading regional manager of 67 urgent care clinics across Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi. Through its nurse practitioner model with physician oversight, Fast Pace provides affordable access to primary care and urgent care services for a wide range of illnesses, injuries, and common conditions, in addition to diagnostic and screening services. For more information, please visit www.fastpaceurgentcare.com. About Revelstoke Revelstoke is a private equity firm formed by experienced investors who focus on building industry-leading companies in the healthcare and related business services sectors. Revelstoke partners with entrepreneurs and management teams to execute on a disciplined organic and acquisition growth strategy to build exceptional companies. Since the firm's inception in mid-2013, Revelstoke has raised approximately $1.1 billion of equity and has completed 44 acquisitions, which includes 11 platform companies and 33 add-on acquisitions. For more information, please visit www.revelstokecp.com. About CRG CRG is a premier healthcare investment firm that has committed more than $3 billion of assets across three funds to date. The firm seeks to invest between $20 to $300 million in companies across the healthcare spectrum, including: medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, tools & diagnostics, services and information technology. CRG provides growth capital in the form of long-term debt and equity to support innovative, commercial-stage healthcare companies that address large, unmet medical needs. The firm partners with public and private companies to provide flexible financing solutions and world-class support to achieve exceptional growth objectives with minimal dilution. CRG maintains offices in Boulder, New York and Houston. For more information, please visit www.crglp.com. CRG Contact: Mike Weinmann Managing Director (212) 716-0011 [email protected] Media Contact: Nick Rust (646) 502-4520 [email protected] SOURCE CRG Related Links http://www.crglp.com NEW YORK, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, COBINHOOD, a leading cryptocurrency service platform and zero-fee exchange endorsed by Richard Sherman, announced it has launched DEXON. The team also announced the project is backed by IDG Capital, a VC firm that has had 150+ successful exits and manages more than 20 billion in assets. Some of their portfolio companies include; App Annie, 5Miles and WeCash. DEXON is also backed by other top VCs in the world. DEXON is the fastest blockchain available on the market aimed at guiding mass adoption within the banking industry and real-world application requirements. The new blockchain technology uses parallel blockchain systems that work together to form an infinitely scalable, low-latency decentralized transaction processing engine. "Blockchain is still in its early stages, though many industries are looking to implement blockchain and talk constantly about its benefits, it has yet to reach rapid adoption," said Founder of DEXON, Popo Chen. "Factors like speed of transactions have been a crucial inhibitor in allowing this technology to be implemented into the real-world banking ecosystem. The innovation surrounding blocklattice architecture like DEXON, will enable use cases such as everyday banking, stock and cryptocurrency exchange, micropayments and other markets." Through the use of a blocklattice structure, DEXON is able to make decentralized transactions more scalable than ever before. Unlike traditional blockchain technology systems that build encrypted blocks linearly, DEXON's blocklattice, features multiple blockchain systems that work together in parallel, making it easier to scale automatically and energy-efficiently. Prior to DEXON technology, blockchain could only scale a few secure transactions per second, making it unable to keep pace with traditional banking technology and other real-world's needs. However, with this new architecture, the DEXON network is ready to compete with credit card companies and bank transactions through the use of highly secure blockchain technology. DEXON will head industries in making the revolutionary shift of blockchain implementation and adoption. To learn more about DEXON, please visit - https://dexon.org/ ABOUT COBINHOOD Launched in 2017, COBINHOOD is a next-generation cryptocurrency service platform. COBINHOOD is home to the world's first zero-fee, high-frequency cryptocurrency trading platform. The company was founded by Popo Chen, the original founder of '17 Media', with the intention of shaping future economies by creating a financial center for the blockchain era. COBINHOOD believes the evolution of blockchain technology and a decentralized financial landscape will transform global capital markets and business organizations with long lasting impact. About IDG Capital Founded in 1992, IDG Capital was the first firm to bring foreign venture capital into China. Today IDG Capital works with private equity and venture capital fund managers, investment advisors and business entities from around the world. Partners at IDG Capital include internationally reputable investors, including governments/sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, institutional investors, major charities, university endowments, family offices and business luminaries. IDG Capital brings a powerful combination of global perspective and local experience to investment management with expertise in inbound and outbound opportunities in China and the rest of Asia. SOURCE COBINHOOD Related Links http://www.cobinhood.com BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and MUNICH, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (hereafter, Daiichi Sankyo) announced today that topline results from the pivotal QuANTUM-R phase 3 study of single agent quizartinib will be presented for the first time at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) from June 14-17 in Stockholm. The late-breaking oral presentation will be featured in the plenary program at EHA on Saturday, June 16 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM CEST. "We look forward to sharing the results from the QuANTUM-R study of single agent quizartinib, which demonstrate the potential of quizartinib to redefine the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory AML with FLT3-ITD mutations," said Antoine Yver, MD, MSc, Executive Vice President and Global Head, Oncology Research and Development, Daiichi Sankyo. "We also will be sharing new preclinical data that provide additional insight into the potential role of quizartinib as a combination therapy with milademetan, our investigational MDM2 inhibitor." The QuANTUM-R presentation will include results demonstrating quizartinib significantly prolongs overall survival compared to salvage chemotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with FLT3-ITD mutations after first-line treatment with or without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Safety appears consistent with that observed at similar doses in the quizartinib program. This presentation at EHA follows the announcement of positive topline results from QuANTUM-R in May 2018. Data from QuANTUM-R will be submitted to health authorities for approval consideration. Additional data from the comprehensive development program for quizartinib also will be disclosed at EHA, including a post hoc exploratory analysis of two phase 2 studies evaluating single agent quizartinib in patients with relapsed/refractory AML with FLT3-ITD mutations and prior exposure to first generation FLT3 inhibitors, preclinical research exploring the combination of quizartinib and milademetan (DS-3032), an investigational MDM2 inhibitor, in FLT3-ITD-mutated AML, and pharmacokinetic analyses of quizartinib. The following data from the pipeline of Daiichi Sankyo Cancer Enterprise will be presented at EHA: Quizartinib Significantly Prolongs Overall Survival in Patients with FLT3 -Internal Tandem Duplication-Mutated Relapsed/Refractory AML in the Phase 3, Randomized, Controlled QuANTUM-R Trial (Abstract LB2600; Plenary Session 1; Saturday, June 16 at 1:15 1:30 PM CEST ) (Abstract LB2600; Plenary Session 1; at 1:15 ) Post Hoc Exploratory Analysis of Two Phase 2 Trials of Quizartinib Monotherapy in Patients with FLT3 -ITD-Mutated Relapsed/Refractory AML and Prior FLT3 Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Treatment (Abstract PF240; Poster Presentation; Friday, June 15 at 5:30 7:00 PM CEST ) (Abstract PF240; Poster Presentation; at 5:30 ) Combination of FLT3 Inhibitor Quizartinib and MDM2 Inhibitor Milademetan Results in Greater Preclinical Anti-Leukemic Activity in FLT3 -ITD Mutant/P53 Wild-Type Acute Myeloid Leukemia Models (Abstract PF219; Poster Presentation; Friday, June 15 at 5:30 7:00 PM CEST ) (Abstract PF219; Poster Presentation; at 5:30 ) A Drug-Drug Interaction Study to Assess the Effect of Acid Reducing Agent, Lansoprazole, on Quizartinib Pharmacokinetics (Abstract PB1725; Publication Only) (Abstract PB1725; Publication Only) Effect of a High-Fat and High-Calorie Meal on the Pharmacokinetics (PK) of Quizartinib (Q) and Its Active Metabolite (Abstract PB1724; Publication Only) In addition, Daiichi Sankyo will host a symposium, "Taking a Personalised Approach to AML Treatment: FLT3 Inhibition" on Thursday, June 14 from 8:00 to 10:00 AM CEST in Stockholmsmassan, Room A6. About the QuANTUM-R Study QuANTUM-R is a pivotal, global, phase 3, open-label randomized study that enrolled 367 patients with FLT3-ITD-mutated AML who were refractory to or in relapse (with duration of remission of six months or less) following standard first-line AML therapy with or without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either single agent oral quizartinib or salvage chemotherapy. The primary objective of the study was to determine whether single agent quizartinib prolonged overall survival compared to salvage chemotherapy. About Quizartinib Quizartinib, the lead investigational agent in the AML Franchise of the Daiichi Sankyo Cancer Enterprise, is an oral selective FLT3 inhibitor currently in phase 3 development for relapsed/refractory (QuANTUM-R) and newly-diagnosed (QuANTUM-First) AML with FLT3-ITD mutations globally, and phase 2 development for relapsed/refractory AML with FLT3-ITD mutations in Japan. Quizartinib has been granted Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of relapsed/refractory AML. Quizartinib also has been granted Orphan Drug designation by the FDA and European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of AML. About Milademetan (DS-3032) Milademetan is an investigational, oral selective MDM2 inhibitor currently in phase 1 clinical development for hematologic malignancies including AML, acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in blast phase and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in the U.S. and for solid tumors and lymphomas in the U.S. and Japan. Quizartinib and milademetan are investigational agents that have not been approved for any indication in any country. Safety and efficacy of these investigational agents have not been established. About Acute Myeloid Leukemia with FLT3-ITD Mutations AML is an aggressive blood and bone marrow cancer that causes uncontrolled growth and accumulation of malignant white blood cells that fail to function normally and interfere with the production of normal blood cells.1 The five-year survival rate of AML reported from 2005 to 2011 was approximately 26 percent, which was the lowest of all leukemias.1 FLT3 gene mutations are one of the most common genetic abnormalities in AML.2 The FLT3-ITD mutation is the most common FLT3 mutation, affecting approximately one in four patients with AML.3,4,5,6 Patients with FLT3-ITD-mutated AML have a worse overall prognosis, including an increased incidence of relapse, an increased risk of death following relapse and a higher likelihood of relapse following HSCT as compared to those without this mutation.7,8 About Daiichi Sankyo Cancer Enterprise The mission of Daiichi Sankyo Cancer Enterprise is to leverage our world-class, innovative science and push beyond traditional thinking to create meaningful treatments for patients with cancer. We are dedicated to transforming science into value for patients, and this sense of obligation informs everything we do. Anchored by three pillars including our investigational Antibody Drug Conjugate Franchise, Acute Myeloid Leukemia Franchise and Breakthrough Science, we aim to deliver seven distinct new molecular entities over eight years during 2018 to 2025. Our powerful research engines include two laboratories for biologic/immuno-oncology and small molecules in Japan, and Plexxikon Inc., our small molecule structure-guided R&D center in Berkeley, CA. Compounds in pivotal stage development include: DS-8201, an antibody drug conjugate (ADC) for HER2-expressing breast, gastric and other cancers; quizartinib, an oral selective FLT3 inhibitor, for newly-diagnosed and relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with FLT3-ITD mutations; and pexidartinib, an oral CSF1R inhibitor, for tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT). For more information, please visit: www.DSCancerEnterprise.com . About Daiichi Sankyo Daiichi Sankyo Group is dedicated to the creation and supply of innovative pharmaceutical products to address diversified, unmet medical needs of patients in both mature and emerging markets. With over 100 years of scientific expertise and a presence in more than 20 countries, Daiichi Sankyo and its 15,000 employees around the world draw upon a rich legacy of innovation and a robust pipeline of promising new medicines to help people. In addition to a strong portfolio of medicines for hypertension and thrombotic disorders, under the Group's 2025 Vision to become a "Global Pharma Innovator with Competitive Advantage in Oncology," Daiichi Sankyo research and development is primarily focused on bringing forth novel therapies in oncology, including immuno-oncology, with additional focus on new horizon areas, such as pain management, neurodegenerative diseases, heart and kidney diseases, and other rare diseases. For more information, please visit: www.daiichisankyo.com. Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., headquartered in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, is a member of the Daiichi Sankyo Group. For more information on Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., please visit: www.dsi.com. Contact Jennifer Brennan Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. [email protected] +1 908 992 6631 (office) +1 201 709 9309 (mobile) References Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Facts 2015-2016. 2016. Small D. Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2006;178-84. Schneider F, et al. Ann Hematol. 2012;91:9-18. Santos FPS, et al. Cancer. 2011;117(10):2145-2155. Kainz B, et al. Hematol J. 2002;3:283-289. Kottaridis PD, et al. Blood. 2001;98(6):1752-1759. Wagner K, et al. Haematol. 2011;96(5):681-686. Brunet S, et al. J Clin Onc . 2012;30(7):735-741. SOURCE Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited PORTLAND, Ore., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- New Portland center will lead a global network of Daimler Trucks automated truck research and engineering facilities. Cementing Oregon's status as a global hub for automated commercial vehicle technology development, adding to Daimler Trucks North America's Portland R&D facilities and High Desert Proving Grounds in Madras . status as a global hub for automated commercial vehicle technology development, adding to Daimler Trucks North America's Portland R&D facilities and High Desert Proving Grounds in . Vehicle pairing, incorporating advanced vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications between two trucks and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), demonstrated for reporters for the first time. Daimler Trucks announced today the creation of an Automated Truck Research and Development Center in Portland, Ore. The facility will be located at Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) headquarters on Swan Island in Portland, where DTNA already has a significant research and development presence, including a full-scale heavy-duty truck wind tunnel on Swan Island and the High Desert Proving Grounds nearby in Madras, Ore. The center will be dedicated to further developing automated driving technology and understanding its impact on society and benefits for customers. Engineers there will draw on research and development resources from Daimler Trucks locations in Stuttgart, Germany and Bangalore, India to form a global network of hundreds of engineers devoted to the topic of automated driving, leveraging the experience and knowledge from previous research performed across Daimler's vehicle divisions, including passenger cars. The three locations will work very closely together, while R&D activities on automated trucks in Germany will also be expanded to expedite and deepen the company's efforts in this field. The research center was announced during Daimler Trucks Capital Market and Technology Day, which attracted global journalists and investors. The new facility is part of the company's plans to invest more than 2.5 billion in total research and development activities in 2018 and 2019 with more than 500 million of that earmarked for e-mobility, connectivity and automated commercial vehicle technology. "We are pioneering technologies across the automated vehicle spectrum that make roads safer and help trucking companies boost productivity," said Sven Ennerst, head of truck product engineering, global procurement, and Daimler Trucks China. "This center of excellence is part of our global innovation network and supports the Daimler Trucks ethos of rigorously testing new technologies, ensuring systems are developed safely and functionality is fully validated before it is released to customers." Daimler Trucks believes that fully autonomous driverless commercial trucks will not be series produced in the near future; however, the technology has the potential to create numerous advantages for the global logistics industry by helping fleets to keep up with ever-increasing freight demands as the pool of long-haul truck drivers continues to decrease. The focus for Daimler Trucks is to carefully study all requirements for highly automated driving, to ensure any technology brought to market will improve road safety and driver productivity, while enhancing commercial vehicle performance, reliability and uptime for the customer. The center will focus its activities on all aspects of development, testing, and validation necessary for high levels of automation. This includes software, sensors, machine learning, and simulation, as well as the necessary adaptation of the base vehicle platform. The Automated Truck R&D Center will furthermore be established as a center for co-creation, where customers, suppliers, and business partners can provide input, ensuring the technology is calibrated to real-life applications. "Our approach to developing highly automated driving technology will draw upon our proven expertise and long history of commercializing safe, reliable, and fully integrated commercial vehicles," said Roger Nielsen, president and CEO of Daimler Trucks North America. "We are again aiming for a fully integrated, proven Daimler solution that will provide the best tool for our customers' needs." Nielsen continued, "We can accomplish this with a combination of vehicle road testing over millions of miles around the globe and advanced simulation. The global collaboration that takes place among research and development teams at Daimler extends to vans, buses and passenger cars, and each advancement is a building block for the future of automated vehicles." Daimler Trucks has a well-established track record of developing automated driving technologies, beginning with active safety systems that have achieved strong market penetration. The Detroit Assurance 4.0 suite of safety systems, for example, forms the basis of the sensor systems that will ultimately be used in highly automated applications. One recent development out of the area of automated truck driving, platooning (known as pairing when two vehicles are used), was demonstrated with paired trucks as part of the Daimler Trucks Capital Market and Technology Day at Portland International Raceway. Using the sophisticated radar and camera sensor systems currently available as part of Detroit Assurance, along with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), braking is coordinated across platooned vehicles and steering is partially automated to keep the trucks in the center of their lanes. The following trucks in the platoon respond to braking commands in less than three tenths of a second significantly faster than a human can react which allows for close following distances. The platooning demonstration illustrates the safety and fuel efficiency benefits the company delivers through its automated technology leadership. The first real-world operation testing of platooning in the U.S. is in preparation. DTNA is working with top customers on the technology to validate the practicality of hauling commercial freight with platooned vehicles. About Daimler Trucks North America Daimler Trucks North America LLC, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America. Daimler Trucks North America produces and markets commercial vehicles under the Freightliner, Western Star and Thomas Built Buses nameplates. Daimler Trucks North America is a Daimler company, the world's leading commercial vehicle manufacturer. Daimler at a Glance Daimler AG is one of the world's most successful automotive companies. With its divisions Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Trucks, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Daimler Buses and Daimler Financial Services, the Daimler Group is one of the biggest producers of premium cars and the world's biggest manufacturer of commercial vehicles with a global reach. Daimler Financial Services provides financing, leasing, fleet management, insurance, financial investments, credit cards, and innovative mobility services. The company's founders, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz, made history with the invention of the automobile in the year 1886. As a pioneer of automotive engineering, it is a motivation and commitment of Daimler to shape safely and sustainably the future of mobility: The Group's focus is on innovative and green technologies as well as on safe and superior automobiles that appeal and fascinate. Daimler consequently invests in the development of efficient drive trains with the long-term goal of locally emission-free driving: from hightech combustion engines about hybrid vehicles to electric drive trains powered by battery or fuel cell. Furthermore, the company follows a consistent path towards intelligent connectivity of its vehicles, autonomous driving and new mobility concepts. This is just one example of how Daimler willingly accepts the challenge of meeting its responsibility towards society and the environment. Daimler sells its vehicles and services in nearly all the countries of the world and has production facilities in Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Africa. Its current brand portfolio includes, in addition to the world's most valuable premium automotive brand, Mercedes-Benz (Source: Interbrand-Study The Anatomy of Growth", 10/5/2016), as well as Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes me, the brands smart, EQ, Freightliner, Western Star, BharatBenz, FUSO, Setra and Thomas Built Buses, and Daimler Financial Services' brands: Mercedes-Benz Bank, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, Daimler Truck Financial, moovel, car2go and mytaxi. The company is listed on the stock exchanges of Frankfurt and Stuttgart (stock exchange symbol DAI). In 2017, the Group sold around 3.3 million vehicles and employed a workforce of more than 289,300 people. With application of IFRS 15 and IFRS 9 in financial year 2017, Group revenue would have amounted to 164.2 billion and Group EBIT would have amounted to 14.3 billion. Before application of IFRS 15 and 9, Group revenue in 2017 amounted to 164.3 billion and Group EBIT amounted to 14.7 billion, as previously reported. SOURCE Daimler North America - Corporate Communications FRANKFURT, Germany and NORTH CANTON, Ohio, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Germany's Degussa Bank is outsourcing the management of the cash supply chain for its 220 automated teller machines (ATMs) to Diebold Nixdorf (NYSE: DBD), a world leader in enabling connected commerce for millions of consumers each day. As part of Diebold Nixdorf AllConnect ServicesSM, the offering will provide end-to-end cash management that covers everything from the provisioning and operation of the ATMs, to cash supply and implementation of banking requirements such as account reconciliation. By shifting its day-to-day, in-house ATM cash management and operations to Diebold Nixdorf, the bank is able to reduce the total cost of ownership of its fleet and free its resources to focus on driving innovation and better serving its customers. Diebold Nixdorf is partnering with the German licensed bank Reisebank, which is assuming the responsibility for cash and asset management for Degussa. Providing customers with access to cash continues to be an important service for Degussa Bank; however, it is more efficient and less expensive if it is managed by a specialized provider. As cash circulation rates increase, the cash cycle becomes more complex for financial institutions to manage. On average, cash management for ATMs accounts for 48 percent of ATM network operating costs globallyand an estimated 1.3 2.6 billion per year in Europe alone.1 "When we considered how to handle the operation of our ATMs in future, we analyzed various business models and found Diebold Nixdorf's cash-as-a-service offer to be compelling," explained Uwe Hasse, who as service provider manager at Degussa Bank is responsible for managing the IT partners of the bank. "A single source for all our cash supply services means we benefit in several ways: Fewer funds will be tied up when our ATM network is renewed, we will need fewer resources to meet legal requirements and all the service providers involved will be controlled centrally. As a result, the management team can concentrate more intently on issues related to the digital transformation," Hasse adds. By outsourcing the cash supply process to a specialized company, Degussa Bank is following a trend that many Scandinavian banks, in particular, are already implementing. In 2017, a number of financial institutions and data centers in Sweden and Denmark ordered extensive managed services from Diebold Nixdorf with the aim of having their ATM networks operated by the company. The global 'as-a-service' market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 38 percent by 2020.2 "More financial institutions worldwide are recognizing the advantages of 'as-a-service' business models compared to managing these types of complexities in-house," said Olaf Heyden, senior vice president, services at Diebold Nixdorf. "They gain greater financial flexibility and speed, benefit from our decades of experience and high economies of scale, and can concentrate fully on their customers. We are excited to partner with Degussa to optimize and transform their ATM operations." About Degussa Bank As Germany's only worksite bank, Degussa Bank focuses on you as a working person. We're different because we're a part of your working world, located right at the worksite. With us, you can carry out your banking business conveniently at a Bank-Shop on the premises of one of our 200 partner companies, by telephone, or by using our InternetBanking website or smartphone app. The core tenets of Degussa Bank's business model are clear: We're close to our customers' workplaces, and we strive for a close relationship between customers and our banking staff. We've been effective and successful for more than 50 years, because we know that in financial matters, only one currency counts: mutual trust. Every day, we work to make this trust stronger. Responsive. Responsible. Reliable. About Diebold Nixdorf Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated (NYSE:DBD) is a world leader in enabling connected commerce for millions of consumers each day across the financial and retail industries. Its software-defined solutions bridge the physical and digital worlds of cash and consumer transactions conveniently, securely and efficiently. As an innovation partner for nearly all of the world's top 100 financial institutions and a majority of the top 25 global retailers, Diebold Nixdorf delivers unparalleled services and technology that are essential to evolve in an 'always on' and changing consumer landscape. The company has a presence in more than 130 countries with approximately 23,000 employees worldwide. Visit www.DieboldNixdorf.com for more information. 1 Annual ATM Services Expenditures," Datamonitor, 2015. "Best Practices in ATM Cash Replenishment in Europe," European Payments Council, ATM Industry Association, 2014 2 Global Anything-as-a-Service Market 2016-2020, technavio SOURCE Diebold Nixdorf Related Links http://www.dieboldnixdorf.com TORONTO, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison" or the "Company") (TSX: DML) (NYSE MKT: DNN) (NYSE American: DNN) is pleased to announce summer 2018 drilling plans, and report assay results from the winter 2018 drilling program, for the Company's 63.3% owned Wheeler River project in northern Saskatchewan. View PDF Version Summer 2018 Drilling Program The summer 2018 diamond drilling program for Wheeler River is scheduled to commence this week and is expected to include approximately 20,500 metres in 28 drill holes. The drilling program is planned to focus on the following target areas: K-North - Follow-up of high-grade uranium mineralization discovered during the winter 2018 drilling program at 600 metres and 1 kilometre to the northeast of the Gryphon uranium deposit (see Winter 2018 Assay Highlights below). - Follow-up of high-grade uranium mineralization discovered during the winter 2018 drilling program at 600 metres and 1 kilometre to the northeast of the Gryphon uranium deposit (see Winter 2018 Assay Highlights below). H igh-P riority Regional - Testing of high-priority targets along known fertile trends (Q Central, K-West) and reconnaissance exploration of high-priority targets generated from previous ground geophysical surveys (K-South and Q South). - Testing of high-priority targets along known fertile trends (Q Central, K-West) and reconnaissance exploration of high-priority targets generated from previous ground geophysical surveys (K-South and Q South). Gryphon Unconformity - Testing of targets immediately along strike of the Gryphon deposit at the sub- Athabasca unconformity, including extensions of the E series lenses to the northeast and the up-plunge extents of the D series lenses to the southwest. Dale Verran, Vice President Exploration of Denison commented, "The summer 2018 drilling program will largely be results driven, focused on high-priority regional targets outside of the immediate Gryphon resource area, and will include both the follow-up of high-grade mineralization and the testing of geophysical anomalies on geologically favourable trends. With 3 drill rigs turning on the project we are looking forward to a productive summer with the potential to deliver the next discovery at Wheeler River." A location map of the summer 2018 drilling target areas is provided in Figure 1. View Figure 1 Winter 2018 Assay Highlights Chemical assay ("U 3 O 8 ") results have been received for the Wheeler River winter 2018 drilling program, which included 21,153 metres of drilling in 29 diamond drill holes. The assay results were on average 26% higher, in terms of combined grade and thickness, than the preliminary equivalent uranium ("eU 3 O 8 ") results reported previously (see Denison's press release dated April 18, 2018). The program was focused on step-out drilling from the Gryphon deposit and regional exploration along the K-North and K-West trend. Regional Exploration: Assay results confirmed high-grade intercepts from reconnaissance drill holes targeting the sub- Athabasca unconformity, to the northeast of Gryphon, along the K-North trend. Highlight assay results include: 1.4% U 3 O 8 over 5.5 metres, located 600 metres northeast of Gryphon, including 7.2% U 3 O 8 over 1.0 metre in drill hole WR-704; and 1.1% U 3 O 8 over 3.0 metres, located 1 kilometre northeast of Gryphon, including 2.8% U 3 O 8 over 1.0 metre in drill hole WR-710D1. The results confirm the continuation of the Gryphon mineralizing system to the northeast, and highlight the potential for the discovery of an additional high-grade uranium deposit within the basement or at the unconformity along strike of Gryphon. Gryphon Exploration: Multiple basement uranium intercepts were confirmed from step-out drilling on 50 to 100 metre centres immediately along strike to the northeast of the Gryphon deposit. Assay highlights from the Gryphon step-out drilling include: Intercepts of upper basement mineralization extending the E series lenses to the northeast: 2.9% U 3 O 8 over 1.5 metres in drill hole WR-696; 1.2% U 3 O 8 over 1.5 metres in drill hole WR-709; and 0.29% U 3 O 8 over 3.0 metres in drill hole WR-702; and Intercept of basement mineralization, 100 metres along strike to the northeast of the previous down-plunge extent of A series mineralization for the Gryphon deposit, including: 0.85% U 3 O 8 over 5.0 metres, including 2.6% U 3 O 8 over 1.0 metre in drill hole WR-698. The results confirm potential to continue to expand the Gryphon mineral resource outside of the current extents of the deposit. Comprehensive drilling tables of composited assay results are provided in Table 1 and 2 below. The location of the drill holes and the highlight assay results are shown in Figure 2. View Figure 2 Table 1: Composited assay results from the winter 2018 regional exploration drilling program. Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m)5 U 3 O 8 (%)1,2,4 Previously Reported eU 3 O 8 Result6 Zone WR-697D1 557.7 558.7 1.0 0.09 0.09% / 1.0 m K-North - 400 m NE of Gryphon and 665.0 666.0 1.0 0.16 0.23% / 1.0 m WR-700 Below assay cut-off 0.11% / 1.0 m WR-701 No significant mineralization K-North - 600 m NE of Gryphon WR-704 562.2 567.7 5.5 1.4 0.55% / 5.6 m including3 565.2 566.2 1.0 7.2 2.3% / 1.0 m WR-705 No significant mineralization K-North - 800 m NE of Gryphon WR-708 No significant mineralization. Anomalous geochemistry. WR-710 No significant mineralization. K-North - 1 km NE of Gryphon WR-710D1 567.3 570.3 3.0 1.1 0.94% / 3.5 m including3 569.3 570.3 1.0 2.8 2.7% / 1.0 m WR-714 No significant mineralization. Anomalous geochemistry. K West WR-716 No significant mineralization WR-715 No significant mineralization. Anomalous geochemistry. WR-717 No significant mineralization Notes: 1. U 3 O 8 is the chemical assay of mineralized split core samples. 2. Composited above a cut-off grade of 0.05% U 3 O 8 unless otherwise indicated. 3. Composited above a cut-off grade of 1.0% U 3 O 8 . 4. Composites compiled using 1.0 metre minimum mineralization thickness and 2.0 metres maximum waste. 5. As the drill holes are oriented steeply toward the northwest and the unconformity mineralization is interpreted to be flat-lying, the true thickness of the mineralization is expected to be approximately 75% of the intersection lengths. 6. Previously reported radiometric equivalent U 3 O 8 result ("eU 3 O 8 ") derived from a calibrated total gamma down-hole probe (see Denison's press release dated April 18, 2018). Table 2: Composited assay results from the winter 2018 Gryphon exploration drilling program. Section Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m)5 U 3 O 8 (%)1,2,4 Previously Reported eU 3 O 8 Result6 Zone 5350GP WR-698 777.0 782.0 5.0 0.85 0.82% / 3.9 m A/B/C Lens including3 777.5 778.5 1.0 2.6 2.1% / 1.0 m including3 779.5 780.5 1.0 1.3 and Merged with above interval 0.05% / 1.0 m WR-698D1 783.4 784.4 1.0 0.05 0.06% / 1.0 m 5400GP WR-703 806.5 809.0 2.5 0.48 0.35% / 2.3 m and 814.0 815.0 1.0 0.09 0.08% / 1.0 m WR-703D1 No significant mineralization 5450GP WR-707 802.5 803.5 1.0 0.23 0.15% / 1.0 m 5325GP WR-696 Below assay cut-off 0.28% / 1.2 m E Lens and 595.2 596.7 1.5 2.9 2.5% / 1.3 m including3 595.2 596.2 1.0 4.1 3.3% / 1.0 m and Below assay cut-off 0.06% / 1.0 m and 624.6 625.6 1.0 0.19 0.09% / 1.0 m and 665.0 666.0 1.0 0.30 0.42% / 1.2 m 5350GP WR-699 No significant mineralization WR-699D1 604.7 605.7 1.0 0.06 0.06% / 1.0 m and 606.7 607.7 1.0 0.05 and 620.4 621.4 1.0 0.06 0.07% / 1.0 m 5400GP WR-702 543.4 546.4 3.0 0.29 0.38% / 2.8 m and 552.8 553.8 1.0 0.05 and 579.9 580.9 1.0 0.07 and 705.4 706.4 1.0 0.09 0.09% / 1.0 m and 715.5 716.5 1.0 0.26 0.44% / 1.0 m WR-702D1 556.2 557.7 1.5 0.38 0.26% / 1.0 m 5450GP WR-706 No significant mineralization 5500GP WR-709 580.6 582.1 1.5 1.2 0.86% / 1.9 m including3 580.1 581.1 1.0 1.2 1% / 1.0 m WR-709D1 No significant mineralization 5550GP WR-712 Below assay cut-off 0.09% / 1.0 m 4975GP WR-718 No significant mineralization. D Lens 5000GP WR-713 669.0 671.0 2.0 0.09 0.16% / 2 m 5025GP WR-713D1 No significant mineralization. 5075GP WR-711 Below assay cut-off 0.06% / 1.0 m and 635.0 637.5 2.5 0.24 0.06% / 1.0 m and Merged with above interval 0.46% / 1.1 m Notes: 1. U 3 O 8 is the chemical assay of mineralized split core samples. 2. Composited above a cut-off grade of 0.05% U 3 O 8 unless otherwise indicated. 3. Composited above a cut-off grade of 1.0% U 3 O 8 . 4. Composites compiled using 1.0 metre minimum mineralization thickness and 2.0 metres maximum waste. 5. As the drill holes are oriented steeply toward the northwest and the unconformity mineralization is interpreted to dip moderately to the southeast, the true thickness of the mineralization is expected to be approximately 75% of the intersection lengths. 6. Previously reported radiometric equivalent U 3 O 8 result ("eU 3 O 8 ") derived from a calibrated total gamma down-hole probe (see Denison's press release dated April 18, 2018). Sampling and Assay Procedures Drill core with anomalous total gamma radioactivity (>300 counts per second using a RS-120 or RS-125 scintillometer) was sampled over 0.5 metre intervals. Sampling is undertaken on site by splitting the core in half, with one half submitted for analysis and the other half retained in the core box for future reference. Uranium chemical assays are performed by the Saskatchewan Research Council ("SRC") Geoanalytical Laboratories located in Saskatoon. Sample preparation involves crushing and pulverizing core samples to 90% passing -106 microns. Splits of the resultant pulps are initially submitted for multi-element ICP-MS analysis following partial (HNO 3 :HCl) and total (HF:HNO 3 :HClO 4 ) digestions. Samples with 1,000 ppm U (partial digest) are re-assayed for U 3 O 8 using an ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accredited method for the determination of U 3 O 8 weight %. Pulp splits are digested using aqua-regia and the solution analyzed for U 3 O 8 weight % using ICP-OES. In addition to internal checks by SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories, the Company has rigorous quality assurance and quality control ("QAQC") procedures including the insertion of standard reference materials, blanks and field duplicates. The assay data is subject to verification procedures by qualified persons employed by Denison prior to disclosure. For further details on the assay, QAQC and data verification procedures please see Denison's Annual Information Form dated March 27, 2018 filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Qualified Persons Dale Verran, MSc, P.Geo, Pr.Sci.Nat., Denison's Vice President, Exploration, who is a Qualified Person in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101 has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. About Wheeler River Wheeler River is the largest undeveloped high-grade uranium project in the infrastructure rich eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin region, in northern Saskatchewan including combined Indicated Mineral Resources of 132.1 million pounds U 3 O 8 at an average grade of 3.3% U 3 O 8 , plus combined Inferred Mineral Resources of 3.0 million pounds U 3 O 8 at an average grade of 1.7% U 3 O 8 . The project is host to the high-grade Gryphon and Phoenix uranium deposits (discovered by Denison in 2014 and 2008, respectively), and is a joint venture between Denison (63.3% and operator), Cameco Corp. ("Cameco") (26.7%), and JCU (Canada) Exploration Company Limited ("JCU") (10%). A Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") was initiated for the Wheeler River project in Q3'2016 and is expected to be completed during 2018. Prior to initiation of the PFS, a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") was completed in 2016, which considered the potential economic merit of co-developing the high-grade Gryphon and Phoenix deposits as a single underground mining operation. The PEA returned a base case pre-tax Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 20.4% based on the then current long term contract price of uranium (US$44.00 per pound U 3 O 8 ), and Denison's share of estimated initial capital expenditures ("CAPEX") of CAD$336M (CAD$560M on 100% basis). The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. In January, 2017, Denison entered into an agreement with its Wheeler River Joint Venture partners, Cameco and JCU, to fund 75% of Joint Venture expenses in 2017 and 2018 (ordinarily 60%) in exchange for an increase in Denison's interest in the project to up to approximately 66%. Under the terms of the agreement, Cameco will fund 50% of its ordinary 30% share in 2017 and 2018, and JCU is expected to continue to fund its 10% interest in the project. Pursuant to the agreement, as at December 31, 2017, Denison had increased its interest in the Wheeler River project from 60% to 63.3%. Further details regarding the Wheeler River project are provided in the NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Wheeler River project titled "Technical Report with an Updated Resource Estimate for the Wheeler River Property, Northern Saskatchewan, Canada" dated March 15, 2018 with an effective date of March 9, 2018. A copy of this report is available on Denison's website and under its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml. About Denison Denison is a uranium exploration and development company with interests focused in the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan, Canada. In addition to its 63.3% owned Wheeler River project, which ranks as the largest undeveloped high-grade uranium project in the infrastructure rich eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin region, Denison's Athabasca Basin exploration portfolio consists of numerous projects covering approximately 353,000 hectares. Denison's interests in Athabasca Basin also include a 22.5% ownership interest in the McClean Lake joint venture ("MLJV"), which includes several uranium deposits and the McClean Lake uranium mill, which is currently processing ore from the Cigar Lake mine under a toll milling agreement, plus a 25.17% interest in the Midwest and Midwest A deposits, and a 65.45% interest in the J Zone deposit and Huskie discovery on the Waterbury Lake property. Each of Midwest, Midwest A, J Zone and Huskie are located within 20 kilometres of the McClean Lake mill. Denison is also engaged in mine decommissioning and environmental services through its Denison Environmental Services division and is the manager of Uranium Participation Corp., a publicly traded company which invests in uranium oxide and uranium hexafluoride. Follow Denison on Twitter @DenisonMinesCo Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian legislation concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Denison. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes", or the negatives and/or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential to". In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the following: exploration (including drilling) and evaluation activities, plans and objectives; potential mineralization of drill targets and identified trends; estimates of Denison's mineral resources and the results of its PEA; plans and objectives with respect to preparing a PFS to assess on a preliminary basis the potential for mine development an whether to proceed with a detailed feasibility study; and Denison's percentage interest in its properties and its plans and agreements with its joint venture partners, as applicable. Statements relating to "mineral reserves" or "mineral resources" are deemed to be forward-looking information, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions that the mineral reserves and mineral resources described can be profitably produced in the future. Forward looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Denison to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Factors, such as environmental impacts, stakeholder approvals, and capital needs can significant alter plans and achievements. Denison believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be accurate and may differ materially from those anticipated in this forward looking information. For a discussion in respect of risks and other factors that could influence forward-looking events, please refer to the factors discussed in Denison's Annual Information Form dated March 27, 2018 under the heading "Risk Factors". These factors are not, and should not be construed as being exhaustive. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking information and the assumptions made with respect thereto speaks only as of the date of this press release. Denison does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this press release to conform such information to actual results or to changes in Denison's expectations except as otherwise required by applicable legislation. Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources: This press release may use the terms "measured", "indicated" and "inferred" mineral resources. United States investors are advised that while such terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves. United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable. SOURCE Denison Mines Corp. Related Links www.denisonmines.com ROCKVILLE, Md., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- DrFirst, a nationally ranked provider of medication management and secure communications solutions, has added a new pharmacogenomics (PGx) capability within the workflow of its Rcopia electronic prescribing suite. The new PGx solution, developed in collaboration with Translational Software Inc. (TSI) and in conjunction with Exceltox and Alpha Genomix Laboratories, allows physicians to order genomic tests for patients to understand how patients will respond to current or planned medications. DrFirst's PGx functionality enables true precision medicine by allowing a physician to test how a patient's genes will affect the efficacy of a drug. If a genomics test shows that a patient metabolizes a drug differently than expected or that the drug may pose a health risk to that person, the physician can make an informed decision as to which medication and/or dosage to prescribe for that patient. "The results of the genomic tests available through DrFirst are very useful and offer additional information to help me prescribe the best medications to help my patients," said Dr. Jess Calohan, DNP, PMHNP-BC, a Virginia-based behavioral health nurse practitioner and founder of ClinicWorksConsulting, LLC, which specializes in telehealth. "For instance, one of my patients had been on several different psychiatric drugs but was not seeing noticeable results. Some providers initially thought the patient was not adhering to the medications. But after I ordered the genomic test, the results showed this patient was a rapid metabolizer and couldn't absorb the drugs previously prescribed appropriately. I prescribed a medication from a different class, and the patient's symptoms improved dramatically." The PGx functionality is a feature of Rcopia's Patient Advisor medication adherence module. If a patient consents to have a subset of their genes tested, the physician can order a genomics assay within the prescribing workflow. Orders are processed at either Exceltox or Alpha Genomix Laboratories. Currently, pharmacogenomics tests are targeted to behavioral health, cardiology and pain management. The clinician can place the order for the test and either complete the test in the office or have a test kit mailed to the patient's home. The test itself is a swab of the inside of the cheek which is sent to a lab for analysis. Results are returned to Rcopia, the electronic health record (EHR) and can also be mailed to the patient. These test results are relevant for the lifetime of the patient and can be forwarded to other providers. "The integration of pharmacogenomics testing and related clinical decision support into our Rcopia product marks a big step forward for prescribers' ability to match medications to the genetic makeup of their patients," said G. Cameron Deemer, president of DrFirst. "For the first time, genomic testing related to a significant number of medications is available in the prescribing workflow. As physicians discover how this can increase the effectiveness of their prescriptions and the adherence of patients to their medications, we believe that the majority of Rcopia users will benefit from genomic information." TSI's proprietary knowledge platform and application programming interface (API) provide genotyping prompts, genomic decision support and critical alerts about drug efficacy, toxicity, and known interactions within the Rcopia e-prescribing workflow. The PGx testing feature is already available in all EHRs that embed Rcopia for e-prescribing. It can be selectively enabled for a practice or even for individual physicians within that practice. There is no additional cost to the provider for using the PGx solution, however, the cost of the test to the patient is dependent upon specific health plan benefits. The genomic tests can be covered by Medicare, Medicaid and many commercial insurers. About DrFirst DrFirst, the nation's leading provider of e-prescribing and medication management solutions, enables stakeholders across the healthcare industry to use comprehensive real-time data and connectivity intelligently to increase their patient safety ratings, efficiency and profitability. Today, more than 170,000 healthcare professionals and more than 60% of electronic health record (EHR) vendors depend on DrFirst's innovative software solutions to improve clinical workflows, expedite secure collaboration across a patient's care team and drive better health outcomes. The company's integrated technologies include its award-winning electronic prescribing platform, the most comprehensive medication history available, clinically specialized secure messaging, as well as patient medication adherence monitoring and benefits checking. In addition, DrFirst was the first to offer e-prescribing for controlled substances (EPCS) and is considered the industry standard for providers nationwide. For more information, please visit www.drfirst.com or connect with us @DrFirst. DrFirst Media Contact: Jenna Warner Amendola Communications 480-664-8412 x 19 [email protected] SOURCE DrFirst Related Links https://www.drfirst.com NEW YORK, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Pine Brook, a New York-based investment firm focused on building businesses in the financial services and energy sectors, announced today that Emily Sharko will join the firm as chief operating officer on June 18th. Ms. Sharko will work from Pine Brook's headquarters in New York. "Emily brings 20 years of experience in legal and management positions at premier firms across the financial services industry," said Richard Aube and William Spiegel, co-presidents of Pine Brook. "Emily will provide us with new insights and valuable leadership in her role as chief operating officer. We are very excited to have such a talented professional join the Pine Brook team." Ms. Sharko joins the firm from Blackstone, where she was most recently the chief administrative officer of the Tactical Opportunities group, responsible for critical management and business decisions. Prior to joining Blackstone, Ms. Sharko was an attorney in Morgan Stanley's U.S. Litigation Department and a director in Citigroup's Regulatory Enforcement Group. Ms. Sharko began her legal career at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. "Pine Brook's strong team of professionals and its differentiated business-building model made the firm a very attractive home for the next phase of my career," said Ms. Sharko. "I'm very much looking forward to applying my experience to further Pine Brook's strategic initiatives and development." Ms. Sharko received a J.D. from Columbia Law School, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Economics from The London School of Economics, and a B.A. with Honors from the University of Pennsylvania. About Pine Brook Pine Brook is an investment firm that manages more than $6.0 billion of limited partner commitments. Pine Brook focuses on making "business building" investments, primarily in energy and financial services businesses. Pine Brook's team of investment professionals collectively has over 300 years of experience financing the growth of businesses with equity, working alongside talented entrepreneurs and experienced management teams to build businesses of scale without relying on acquisition leverage. For more information about Pine Brook, please visit the company's web site at www.pinebrookpartners.com. SOURCE Pine Brook Related Links http://www.pinebrookpartners.com LONG BEACH, Calif., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Epson, a leading provider of innovative business solutions, today announced its interactive laser display solution and high-speed color A3 multifunction line head printer are recipients of the world's premier business accolade the Stevie Awards. Presented by the 16th Annual American Business Awards, the industry's leading business awards program in the U.S., the Epson BrightLink 710Ui Interactive Laser Display won a gold for "New Product or Service of the Year - Education - Learning Capacity-Building Solution," and the WorkForce Enterprise WF-C20590 won bronze in the "Business-to-Business Products" category. "It's an honor to be named the winner of the Stevie Awards, and be recognized by top executives in the industry for our innovative laser display technology and powerful innovations in business inkjet printing," said Mark Mathews, commercial vice president of marketing, Epson America, Inc. "Receiving this prestigious award for multiple product lines is a demonstration of our commitment to deliver technologically advanced business solutions for the workforce across various industries." About Epson 2018 Stevie Award Winners BrightLink 710Ui Interactive Display: As the world's first 3LCD ultra short-throw interactive laser display, the BrightLink 710Ui converges technology, teachers, students, and their ideas into one seamless digital experience, resulting in a truly collaborative learning environment. Delivering Full HD WUXGA images of up to 100-inches diagonal, this powerful laser display is optimized for better readability in classrooms. Offering 4,000 lumens of equal color and white brightness 1 for crisp images even in well-lit rooms, built-in pen/touch interactivity, and multi-platform connectivity options, this is the ultimate interactive display for the modern, collaborative classroom. As the world's first 3LCD ultra short-throw interactive laser display, the BrightLink 710Ui converges technology, teachers, students, and their ideas into one seamless digital experience, resulting in a truly collaborative learning environment. Delivering Full HD WUXGA images of up to 100-inches diagonal, this powerful laser display is optimized for better readability in classrooms. Offering 4,000 lumens of equal color and white brightness for crisp images even in well-lit rooms, built-in pen/touch interactivity, and multi-platform connectivity options, this is the ultimate interactive display for the modern, collaborative classroom. WorkForce Enterprise WF-C20590: Epson's initial high-speed multifunction color line head printer, the WF-C20590, powered by innovative PrecisionCore Technology, delivers color print speeds up to 100 ISO pages per minute2, optimized for business productivity and versatility. This powerful MFP is designed for large workgroups and departments within SMB and corporate environments. As a leader in innovation, Epson also offers the Brighter Futures program, a unique sales and support initiative available specifically for schools. Designed to help educators select and implement the best products for their classrooms while making the most of their budgets, Brighter Futures offers special pricing, extended Epson limited warranty coverage for a total of five years, dedicated education account managers, and toll-free technical support for all Epson projectors and associated accessories. About Stevie Awards Presented by the American Business Awards, the Stevie Awards were created in 2002 to honor and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and working professionals worldwide. 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 Stevie Awards recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://stevieawards.com. About Epson Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. With a lineup that ranges from inkjet printers and digital printing systems to 3LCD projectors, watches and industrial robots, the company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 80,000 employees in 86 companies around the world, and is proud of its contributions to the communities in which it operates and its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impacts. Epson America, Inc., based in Long Beach, Calif., is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/EpsonAmerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica). 1 Color brightness (color light output) and white brightness (white light output) will vary depending on usage conditions. Color light output measured in accordance with IDMS 15.4; white light output measured in accordance with ISO 21118. 2 Black and color print speeds are measured in accordance with ISO/IEC 24734. Actual print times will vary based on system configuration, software, and page complexity. For more information, visit www.epson.com/printspeed. Note: EPSON, PrecisionCore and WorkForce are registered trademarks and EPSON Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. BrightLink is a registered trademark of Epson America, Inc. All other product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. Copyright 2018 Epson America, Inc. SOURCE Epson America, Inc. Related Links http://www.epson.com WASHINGTON, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Evolent Health (NYSE: EVH) announced today that its partners, Nicklaus Children's Health System and Baptist Health Care, have been notified by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) of its intent to award a contract to Miami Children's Health Plan (an affiliate of Nicklaus Children's Health System) and Lighthouse Health Plan (an affiliate of Baptist Health Care) to provide physical and behavioral health care services through Florida's Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program. With AHCA's recent state Medicaid contract award to Best Care Assurance, LLC (an affiliate of another Evolent partner, Lee Health), Evolent expects to provide health plan administration and operational services for three health plans and five regions across Florida: Miami Children's Health Plan (an affiliate of Nicklaus Children's Health System) intends to offer a Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) plan to Medicaid beneficiaries living in Region 9 and Region 11, which include Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. These regions cover more than 700,000 beneficiaries in Florida's MMA program. (an affiliate of Nicklaus Children's Health System) intends to offer a Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) plan to Medicaid beneficiaries living in Region 9 and Region 11, which include and counties. These regions cover more than 700,000 beneficiaries in MMA program. Lighthouse Health Plan (an affiliate of Baptist Health Care) intends to offer a Managed Medical Assistance plan to Medicaid beneficiaries living in Region 1, and it will also have the right to enroll and serve members in Region 2. These regions comprise the northwest Florida Panhandle and cover more than 200,000 beneficiaries in Florida's MMA program. (an affiliate of Baptist Health Care) intends to offer a Managed Medical Assistance plan to Medicaid beneficiaries living in Region 1, and it will also have the right to enroll and serve members in Region 2. These regions comprise the northwest and cover more than 200,000 beneficiaries in MMA program. Best Care Assurance, LLC (an affiliate of Lee Health) intends to offer a Managed Medical Assistance plan to Medicaid beneficiaries living in Region 8, which includes seven counties in southwest Florida covering approximately 200,000 eligible beneficiaries in Florida's MMA program. "Launching a Medicaid plan focused on supporting the most vulnerable members of our community is a mission near and dear to our hearts," said Nicklaus Children's Health System Chief Executive Officer M. Narendra Kini, M.D., MHA. "Together with our strategic value-based care partner, Evolent Health, we have an exceptional opportunity to make a far-reaching, positive impact in the greater Miami area. We look forward to leveraging Evolent's robust health plan services, value-based care platform and population health programs to serve the needs of our community and drive better care at a lower cost." "We are thrilled to launch Lighthouse Health Plan, a critical component of our value-based care strategy and mission to support the full spectrum of health care needs in northwest Florida," said Baptist Health Care Chief Financial Officer Michael Gleason. "Evolent's proven Medicaid expertise and comprehensive platform will be essential to proactively addressing health care needs and providing Medicaid beneficiaries with high-quality health care and services." "By partnering with three leading systems in major markets, including Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Pensacola and Tallahassee, we are well-positioned to help drive transformative health care change in Floridathe fourth largest Medicaid population in the United States," said Evolent Health Chief Executive Officer Frank Williams. "We are excited and honored to work closely with our partners, state regulators and other key stakeholders to launch and support health plans that will help meet the unique needs of Medicaid beneficiaries across the region." Evolent's Medicaid Center of Excellence (MCOE) will provide Evolent's partners with Identifi, Evolent's population health performance management platform, clinical and operational capabilities and health plan administrative supportincluding claims management, member and call center services. The Medicaid Center of Excellence offers a model for states across the nation to implement provider-sponsored, community-based Medicaid health plans in their communities. Each of the five-year health plan awards with ACHA are subject to regulatory approval and successful completion of a readiness review. Evolent's partnership agreements are commensurate with the term of the ACHA contract awards and are comprised of an implementation component and a per member per month fee based on plan enrollment. Evolent will also own a minority stake in Lighthouse and Miami Children's Health Plans as part of this arrangement. Implementation work is anticipated to commence immediately with the formal health plan launch expected to commence in late 2018 or early 2019. Certain statements made in this press release and in other written or oral statements made by us or on our behalf are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("PSLRA"). A forward-looking statement is a statement that is not a historical fact and, without limitation, includes any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements, and may contain words like: "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "estimate," "aim," "predict," "potential," "continue," "plan," "project," "will," "should," "shall," "may," "might" and other words or phrases with similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to services we expect to provide across Medicaid regions in Florida, future actions, trends in our businesses, prospective services, future performance or financial results and the outcome of contingencies, such as legal proceedings. We claim the protection afforded by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the PSLRA. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results contained or described in the forward-looking statements, including that the awards are subject to regulatory approval and readiness review, and may not be awarded as expected. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 and other documents filed with the SEC include factors that could affect our businesses and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a rapidly changing and competitive environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors. Further, it is not possible to assess the effect of all risk factors on our businesses or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. In addition, we disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this press release. About Evolent Health Evolent Health partners with leading provider organizations to achieve superior clinical and financial results in value-based care. With a provider heritage and over 20 years of health plan administration experience, Evolent operates in more than 30 U.S. health care markets, actively managing care across Medicare, Medicaid, commercial and self-funded adult and pediatric populations. With the experience to drive change, Evolent confidently stands by a commitment to achieve results. For more information, visit evolenthealth.com. SOURCE Evolent Health Related Links http://www.evolenthealth.com ORLANDO, Fla., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- PlanSource announced today that it has been selected as a technology provider of choice by Explain My Benefits, a leading benefits enrollment and communications provider. Together, they provide a seamless solution for insurance brokers, health insurance professionals, and HR managers to streamline the HR and benefits decision-making, enrollment and renewal process. "Our goal is to make the benefits enrollment process as easy as possible, and to accomplish this, it is essential to have the right technology," said David Howes, President of Explain My Benefits. "Out of all the technology providers we considered partnering with, only PlanSource was able to offer our clients a complete HR and benefits technology solution that complements our unique service model." Explain My Benefits develops tailored strategies to support employers' comprehensive benefits programs. Their services include implementation and ongoing HR training and service of the PlanSource benefit administration system, benefits education and communication, enrollment strategies, worksite voluntary benefits selection, and ACA support and compliance. The company's mission is to make open enrollment a time for educated decision-making for employees and their families, while providing expanded benefit portfolios and enrollment solutions to employers through a combination of technology and services. Under the expanded partnership, Explain My Benefits offers PlanSource's advanced benefits administration technology to their clients nationwide. Employers of all sizes use PlanSource's flexible and intuitive cloud-based platform for employee benefits shopping, enrollment, billing, compliance and administration. Employees are offered step-by-step guidance and personalized plan recommendations during the shopping and enrollment process, which provides unique opportunities for customization and consumer education. "Technology provides employees and HR teams alike with unprecedented visibility into the complex process of shopping for, enrolling in and managing valuable benefits," said Dayne Williams, CEO of PlanSource. "Our partnership with Explain My Benefits gives employers a unique opportunity to simplify the enrollment process and provide invaluable benefits education when employees need it the most." About Explain My Benefits Based in Oviedo, Florida, Explain My Benefits is a full-service benefits administration, communication and enrollment company. Understanding the importance of employees making educated decisions related to their healthcare and financial security, the mission of Explain My Benefits is to educate employees on benefits offered while eliminating the confusion often experienced by employees when enrolling. Explain My Benefits uses market-leading technology and provides expanded benefit portfolios by offering worksite benefits for employees. They achieve increased employee engagement and satisfaction, while reducing the overall workload on their broker partners and clients' HR departments. Learn more at www.explainmybenefits.com. About PlanSource PlanSource is a technology company driven to create a better benefits and HR experience for employers and their employees. Nearly 3.5 million consumers receive their benefits through the PlanSource platform, which provides flexible and intuitive software and services for benefits administration and human capital management. By combining industry-leading software and a full suite of professional services, PlanSource provides companies of all sizes with a complete solution for benefits shopping, enrollment, billing, compliance and administration. Learn more at www.plansource.com. PlanSource is a registered trademark of PlanSource Benefits Administration, Inc., and PlanSource owns other registered and unregistered trademarks. Other names used herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. SOURCE PlanSource Related Links http://www.plansource.com 77 percent see technological disruption as more of an opportunity than a threat. 58 percent have made strategic decisions based on data-driven insights rather than overlooking the data based on intuition. 77 percent are confident about the growth potential for their company. But only 28 percent see their next career step within their existing company. BERLIN, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - KPMG's first Global Female Leaders (GFLs) study shows female business executives are well-prepared for the challenges of the digital age, with more than three-quarters (77 percent) seeing technological disruption as more of an opportunity than a threat. Half of GFLs (51 percent) believe their company to be the disruptor of their sector, rather than being disrupted by competitors. This finding, among others, presents a striking contrast to the recently launched KPMG 2018 Global CEO Outlook, where only 15 percent of the respondents were female (reflecting the current under-representation of women in CEO roles). But there are also differences with a majority of GFLs (77 percent) who are very confident about growth potential for their company, down from 90 percent of their largely male counterparts. "Digital transformation begins with a comprehensive understanding of our clients' current and future needs," said Susan Ferrier, Global Head of People, KPMG International. "The Global Female Leaders interviewed appear strongly positioned to drive growth and profitability for their companies." Comfortable with digitalization, technology and data 93 percent see the need to improve innovation processes and execution over the next 3 years. 77 percent will increase usage of predictive data models/analytics. 58 percent have made strategic decisions based on data-driven insights rather than overlooking the data based on intuition over the last 3 years. 48 percent feel comfortable with new technologies like AI, blockchain, mixed reality and 3-D printing. Only 21 percent of GFLs think that their board of directors has an unreasonable expectation regarding return on investment related to digital transformation projects. In comparison, 55 percent of respondents to CEO Outlook believe this to be true. "Digital transformation offers unlimited opportunities for businesses," explains Angelika Huber-Straer, Head of Corporates at KPMG in Germany. "However, the speed in which decisions have to be made, for example, in response to customer expectations, is constantly increasing. Female leaders possess the skills and the strength to lead their companies through these disruptive and exciting times." Largely optimistic about growth potential, growth strategies and headcount 73 percent expect top-line revenue growth over 2 percent, while only 17 percent expect less than 2 percent; compared to more than half (55 percent) of their largely male counterparts who do not expect more than 2 percent top-line growth. As for growth strategies, GFLs have their sights set on organic growth, with 45 percent seeing it as the best growth strategy. In comparison, the CEO Outlook finding is 28 percent for organic growth, second to strategic alliances at 33 percent. These results are aligned with expectations for headcount growth, with 33 percent of GFLs indicating an increase by 6 percent or more, compared to 37 percent of CEOs. However, GFLs are more cautious when it comes to the impact of AI on headcount with only 47 percent saying that it will create more jobs than it will eliminate. In comparison, 62 percent of CEOs said the same. Confident about success factors, quotas and expectations GFLs are agile and know their strengths; however, they still see the need for cultural changes in order to support gender equality. Only 28 percent see their next career step within their existing company. Eight in 10 (83 percent) see enablement programs for women as a good means of bringing more females into leadership positions. This despite the fact that, when asked for their personal success factors, female leadership quotas were cited as being the least relevant (4 percent). Strong personal networks and good communication skills are the top two most important factors cited for personal success. Ferrier adds, "Women's voices are essential in bringing a more diverse and inclusive perspective. The Global Female Leaders interviewed understand that leadership in the digital age must embrace diverse workforces to achieve enhanced business performance." About KPMG's 2018 Inaugural Global Female Leaders Outlook The survey covers 699 Global Female Leaders from 42 countries and from 14 industry sectors. Thirty-seven percent of the respondents come from companies that have more than US$500M in annual revenue, the others (62 percent) come from companies with under US$500M. The online survey was conducted between 6 March and 13 April 2018. NOTE: Some figures may not add up to 100 percent due to rounding. Click for more details on the Global CEO Outlook and the Global Female Leaders Outlook, www.kpmg.com/ceooutlook or www.kpmg.com/gflo. About KPMG KPMG is a global network of professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. We operate in 154 countries and territories and have 200,000 people working in member firms around the world. The independent member firms of the KPMG network are affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"), a Swiss entity. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. SOURCE KPMG International LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- FiComm Partners, an integrated communications agency serving the financial services industry, welcomes Nexus Strategy and Tim Welsh as an equity partner in the company. The investment represents a formalization of a longtime partnership between Welsh, and the co-founders of FiComm, Megan Carpenter and Jason Lahita. In addition, FiComm welcomes veteran financial industry marketer Meghan McCartan to the team, to oversee sales and strategic marketing programs for FiComm clients. The Nexus/FiComm deal was facilitated by ECHELON Partners, with counsel provided by top M&A consultant and valuation expert Dan Seivert, CEO. FiComm will use the investment capital to accelerate plans for strategic acquisitions and continue to invest in the growth of its outstanding team across all divisions. In addition to augmenting its services within the financial advisory industry, the firm will continue to build out strong service offerings for the FinTech and Asset Management communities, among others. The latest business growth and development moves come at an exciting time for FiComm, now in its 6th year. The creative and digital marketing divisions of the firm have grown substantially and now work in concert with PR and consulting services to provide clients with multi-faceted, integrated communications programs. "While it is safe to say that we have evolved and improved consistently ever since we began this journey, the potential for us to take great leaps forward as a business, and toward our vision, in 2018 is enormous," said Carpenter, CEO, FiComm. "We have a tremendous opportunity to help build financial services brands that will adapt and succeed ahead of the pace of change. With Tim and Meghan joining our deep bench of financial industry communications counsel, we're taking it to the next level." "I've been involved with many companies in financial services over the last 20 years and I've seen first-hand what it takes to succeed in wealth management. FiComm, with its winning strategy of attracting top talent combined with the latest marketing technology, and a singular vision for helping firms succeed in a growth industry is a very rare and unique positioning," said Welsh, President, Nexus Strategy. "I've admired FiComm's approach to client service and their passion for the industry for a long time so when the opportunity for us to align more tangibly presented itself, I jumped at the chance to partner with a great company that is driving transformational change for its clients." Prior to founding Nexus Strategy, Welsh was Director of Business Consulting Services for Schwab Advisor Services where he led the development and marketing of practice management resources for independent RIAs. Welsh is the author of many industry white papers and articles, is a guest columnist for several prominent industry publications, is frequently quoted on industry issues in the trade press and is a popular speaker at industry conferences and events. He has also served as a past national director of the Financial Planning Association. McCartan is an accomplished industry executive with proven experience launching and revitalizing marketing and branding campaigns from the ground up. Following in-house leadership roles at AIG Advisor Group and MetLife, Meghan launched a consulting firm specializing in helping firms to design marketing strategies and worked on projects and strategic initiatives for many firms including TD Ameritrade and BNY Mellon's Albridge. Over the past ten years, Meghan has also been the co-head of the popular Tech-Retreat/Roundtable Series, which brings together FinTech solution providers with RIAs and broker-dealers for in-depth industry discussion. Most recently, Meghan was SVP/Head of Marketing for FolioDynamix, a well-known FinTech company. About FiComm Partners, LLC Founded in 2012, FiComm Partners ("FiComm") is an integrated communications agency with a singular focus on financial services. Offering PR, Digital, Creative and Marketing Consulting services, FiComm partners with clients to build dominant businesses through strategic communications engagements. The agency works effectively with financial companies whose needs range from the very finite and focused to the multi-faceted and strategically complex. FiComm applies the same discipline, uncompromising service standards and commitment to delivering impactful results to every client engagement. FiComm has three regional offices in the continental United States New York City, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Founded in 2012, FiComm has earned a strong reputation for delivering tangible value to clients, and as a best-in-class agency whose clients view them as an extension of their brands. For more information on FiComm Partners, please visit ficommpartners.com and follow us on Twitter @FiCommPartners. About Nexus Strategy, LLC and Timothy D. Welsh, CFP Nexus Strategy is an innovative consulting firm that provides strategic marketing advice and guidance to the wealth management industry. Nexus Strategy is known widely across the industry as a leading, end-to-end, comprehensive consulting firm that provides go-to-market strategies, advice and content development for technology companies, wealth management platforms, investment product suppliers, and financial institutions focused on the independent advisor marketplace. To learn more, log onto www.nexus-strategy.com or follow @NexusStrategy on Twitter. SOURCE FiComm Partners Related Links http://www.ficommpartners.com AKRON, Ohio, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has announced leadership promotions designed to help integrate new technologies supporting growth in the company's transmission and distribution business. Mark Mroczynski, formerly executive director, Transmission Programs, has been promoted to vice president, Construction and Design Services. In this position, he will oversee project management, transmission and substation design, and construction activities related to the company's "Energizing the Future" transmission expansion effort and its emerging technologies initiative. Reporting to Mroczynski are Bill Boyd, who has been named executive director, Transmission Programs, and Randy Frame, named executive director, Emerging Technologies Program. Frame will work together with Meghan Beringer, promoted to executive director, Emerging Technologies Strategy, to guide the company's efforts for strategic planning and implementation of advanced technologies. Beringer reports to Senior Vice President, Strategy Gary Benz. Biographical Information Mroczynski began his career at FirstEnergy in 2004 as supervisor of Technical Services for the Bruce Mansfield Power Plant. He has held leadership positions with fossil generation, transmission programs and operations support for Ohio Edison and Penn Power. Mroczynski earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from The University of Akron and a Master of Business Administration from Kent State University. Frame joined the company in 1982 as an engineering assistant at Ohio Edison. He has held a number of management positions in sales, energy delivery, supply chain and Toledo Edison. Most recently, he served as regional president of Ohio Edison. He earned an associate degree and a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering technology from The University of Akron. Beringer joined FirstEnergy's Business Analytics group in 2008. She has held management positions in the company's supply chain group and most recently served as director, Investor Relations. Beringer earned a Bachelor of Science in finance from The University of Dayton and a Juris Doctorate from Northern Kentucky University's Salmon P. Chase College of Law. Boyd has worked for the company since 1982, when he began at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant. He held several transmission and distribution engineering positions before holding leadership positions in energy delivery asset management, project management, and vegetation management. Most recently, he was vice president, Asset Management. Boyd earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering from Cleveland State University. FirstEnergy is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp or online at www.firstenergycorp.com. Editor's Note: Photos of the new leaders are available on Flickr. SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp. Related Links http://www.firstenergycorp.com PHILADELPHIA, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) today released its 2017 report on the company's global sustainability performance, including progress toward multi-year goals and the future of sustainable agriculture. The report, "Powering Progress, Growing Results," is FMC's seventh annual update, and is aligned with GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) Standards. http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/331912/fmc_corporation_logo.jpg The report details the company's sustainable product development, environmental goals, product stewardship and community engagement programs, safety record, and its commitment to diversity and inclusion in its workforce. "As the company transforms, our commitment to sustainability is steadfast," said Pierre Brondeau, FMC CEO and chairman. "FMC has a broader global footprint today with the addition of 14 manufacturing sites and 15 R&D facilities around the world. Now we're an even larger international company, and it's important that we're aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. "Sustainability is a catalyst for developing innovative technologies and engaging with partners," Brondeau added. "Now is the time for public and private institutions to step up, collaborate and partner globally to solve food security issues and protect the environment." Additional information about FMC's sustainability initiatives, including an online copy of the 2017 report, is available at www.FMCsustainability.com. About FMC For more than a century, FMC Corporation has served the global agricultural, industrial and consumer markets with innovative solutions, applications and quality products. On November 1, 2017, FMC acquired a significant portion of DuPont's Crop Protection business. FMC employs approximately 7,000 people throughout the world and operates its businesses in two segments: FMC Agricultural Solutions and FMC Lithium. For more information, visit www.FMC.com. Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Act of 1995: Statements in this news release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning specific factors described in FMC Corporation's 2017 Form 10-K and other SEC filings. Such information contained herein represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof based on information currently available. FMC Corporation does not intend to update this information and disclaims any legal obligation to the contrary. Historical information is not necessarily indicative of future performance. SOURCE FMC Corporation Related Links http://www.fmc.com TULSA, Okla., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Twenty nine GPA Midstream Association and GPSA companies joined Fortune Magazine's 64th Fortune 500, which was released late last month. According to the publication, "In total, Fortune 500 companies represent two-thirds of the U.S. GDP with $12.8 trillion in revenues, $1.0 trillion in profits, $21.6 trillion in market value, and employ 28.2 million people worldwide." GPA Midstream and GPSA companies recognized include: #2 Exxon Mobil #13 Chevron #28 Phillips 66 #41 Marathon Petroleum #47 DowDuPont #65 Caterpillar #77 Honeywell International #90 Andeavor #95 ConocoPhillips #105 Enterprise Products Partners #115 Plains GP Holdings #164 AECOM #178 Emerson Electric #218 Kinder Morgan #249 ONEOK #257 Anadarko Petroleum #310 Eastman Chemical #334 Targa Resources #344 DCP Midstream #353 Williams #489 Cheniere Energy #497 Pioneer Natural Resources #518 Marathon Oil #618 Crestwood Equity Partners #636 Antero Resources #709 Southwestern Energy #769 Enable Midstream Partners #935 SemGroup #981 Cimarex Energy "GPA Midstream and GPSA always hold our members in high regard, and it's especially rewarding to see them, and their achievements, recognized and ranked on such a prestigious list," GPA Midstream President and CEO Mark Sutton said. "Their inclusion proudly represents the large and diverse footprint of our trade associations, and we congratulate each of these companies on their successes." GPA Midstream Association represents nearly 100 corporate members of all sizes; most are U.S.-based companies, but the organization does have members across the globe as well. GPA Midstream members are engaged in the gathering and processing of natural gas into saleable pipeline gas, which are commonly referred to as "midstream" activities in the energy industry. As the primary advocates for the midstream industry, the association enhances the viability of natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil through research, technical, environmental, safety and advocacy activities. For more information, visit www.GPAmidstream.org. GPSA is GPA Midstream's association representing nearly 500 companies engaged in meeting the service and supply needs of the midstream industry. An elected board of directors establishes policies and directs GPSA activities. The association shares a small staff within GPA Midstream's office in Tulsa. For more information, visit GPSAmidstreamsuppliers.org. SOURCE GPA Midstream Association Related Links http://www.GPAmidstream.org DUBLIN, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Friction Modifiers Market by Type (Organic and Inorganic), Application (Transportation Lubricants (Commercial Vehicle, Passenger Vehicle, Aviation, Marine), and Industrial Lubricants), and Region - Global Forecast to 2022" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The friction modifiers market is projected to grow from USD 843.0 Million in 2017 to USD 1,004.3 Million by 2022, at a CAGR of 3.6% during the forecast period. The increase in the overall transportation industry has resulted in the rise in the use of lubricants across the globe, thereby widening the scope of the friction modifiers market. In addition, the increasing demand for friction modifiers from emerging economies such as India and South Korea is expected to fuel the growth of the friction modifiers market across the globe. Stringent environmental regulations also provide huge growth opportunities for friction modifiers market. Friction modifiers are also termed as antifriction additives. The friction modifiers market has been segmented on the basis of type, application, and region. Among types, the inorganic segment is expected to lead the friction modifiers market during the forecast period, in terms of value. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the outstanding performance and friction reduction provided by inorganic friction modifiers. Moreover, these additives are cheaper as compared to organic friction modifiers. Based on application, the friction modifiers market has been classified into transportation lubricants and industrial lubricants. The transportation lubricants segment has been further classified into commercial vehicle, passenger vehicle, aviation, and marine. The passenger vehicle subsegment of the friction modifiers market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2017 and 2022, in terms of value. The growth of the automotive industry is expected to affect the demand for friction modifiers in developed markets of North America and Europe, as regulations are mandating the use of fuel-efficient lubricants in automobile lubricants and automotive manufacturing. Moreover, friction modifiers facilitate efficient functioning of lubricants, and their use has become essential to meet emission standards in the automobile industry. The friction modifiers market has been studied for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. The Asia Pacific region is the largest market for friction modifiers and is expected to continue leading the market till 2022. The growth of the Asia Pacific friction modifiers market can be attributed to the recognition of countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India as automotive hubs. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 4.1 Significant Opportunities in Friction Modifiers Market 4.2 APAC Friction Modifiers Market, By Application and Country 4.3 Friction Modifiers Market, By Type 4.4 Friction Modifiers Market Attractiveness 5 Market Overview 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Market Dynamics 5.2.1 Drivers 5.2.1.1 Growing Automotive Industry and Vehicle Parc 5.2.1.2 Increasing Demand for Fuel-Efficient Lubricants 5.2.2 Restraints 5.2.2.1 Rise in Demand for Alternative Fuels 5.2.3 Opportunities 5.2.3.1 Stringent Environmental Regulations 5.2.3.2 Advancements in Friction Modifier Additive Technologies 5.2.4 Challenges 5.2.4.1 Shift Toward Fully Electric Vehicles 5.3 Porter's Five Forces Analysis 5.3.1 Threat of Substitutes 5.3.2 Threat of New Entrants 5.3.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 5.3.4 Bargaining Power of Buyers 5.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry 5.4 Macroeconomic Indicators 5.4.1 GDP Growth Rate Forecast of Major Economies 5.4.2 Trends and Forecast of Oil & Gas Industry 5.4.3 Trends and Forecast of Infrastructure Industry 5.4.4 Trends and Forecast of Automotive Industry 6 Friction Modifiers Market, By Type 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Organic Friction Modifiers 6.2.1 Fatty Acids 6.2.2 Esters & Amides 6.2.3 Functional Polymers 6.3 Inorganic Friction Modifiers 6.3.1 Molybdenum Compounds 6.3.2 Nanoparticles 7 Friction Modifiers Market, By Application 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Transportation Lubricants 7.2.1 Commercial Vehicle Lubricants 7.2.2 Passenger Vehicle Lubricants 7.2.3 Aviation Lubricants 7.2.4 Marine Lubricants 7.3 Industrial Lubricants 8 Friction Modifiers Market, By Region 9 Competitive Landscape 9.1 Overview 9.2 Market Ranking Analysis 9.2.1 Lubrizol 9.2.2 Afton 9.2.3 Infineum 9.2.4 Chevron Oronite 9.2.5 Croda 9.3 Competitive Scenario 9.3.1 Expansion 9.3.2 New Product Launch 9.3.3 Acquisition 10 Company Profiles 10.1 Lubrizol Corporation 10.2 Afton Chemical Corporation 10.3 Infineum International Limited 10.4 Chevron Oronite Company LLC 10.5 Croda International PLC 10.6 BASF SE 10.7 Chemtura Corporation 10.8 Kings Industries, Inc. 10.9 BRB International BV 10.10 Vanderbilt Chemicals, LLC 10.11 Other Market Players 10.11.1 CSW Industrials Inc. 10.11.2 Abitec Corporation 10.11.3 Wynn's 10.11.4 Adeka Corporation 10.11.5 Archoil 10.11.6 Multisol Ltd. 10.11.7 PMC Biogenix, Inc. 10.11.8 Nyco SA 10.11.9 Dog Deutsche Oelfabrik Gesellschaft Fr Chemische Erzeugnisse Mbh & Co. Kg 10.11.10 Akzonobel N.V. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/fv3kpt/friction?w=5 Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com CSE: TGIF FWB: 1QF OTC: TGIFF VANCOUVER, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Friday Night Inc. (the Company or Friday Night) (CSE: TGIF) (FWB: 1QF) (OTCQB: TGIFF), a leading cannabis, hemp and CBD producer in Nevada, is pleased to announce the closing of the previously announced purchase agreement dated May 15th, 2018 on a production building in Las Vegas, Nevada. The existing 12,160 sq. ft. building is located adjacent to the construction site that will house Alternative Medicine Association's (AMA) new cannabis cultivation facility. The newly-acquired production building will be utilized solely for production, processing and extraction and was purchased for USD $2,250,000. The Company has filed a re-zoning application with the appropriate authorities. AMA's range of products include its own line of cannabis flower and concentrates as well as recognized brands produced under licensing agreements for Vader Extracts Nevada, Krypted Inc., and Kurupts Moonrocks. Hemp Processing Facility The CBD Isolate Lab The Company also announces that its new production building will house a separate hemp processing facility (the "CBD Lab") operated by its subsidiary, Infused MFG. With a monthly processing target of 6,000 lbs. /2721 kg. of hemp biomass, the CBD Lab is expected to produce 440 lbs. /200 kg of cannabidiol or CBD extracts, which will be utilized to produce full spectrum oils, distillates and isolates. With a current market range of approximately USD $5,000 - $7,000 per kg, the CBD Lab will become a significant revenue generating division for the Company in wholesale hemp derived CBD extracts. The Company anticipates that the CBD Lab will be in production in the fall of 2018, in order to process what is expected to be Nevada's largest fall harvest of industrial hemp crops. Chris Rebentisch, President and CEO of Infused MFG commented, "The CBD Lab will allow us to cut production costs of our Canna Hemp product line by more than one-third and provide us with the ability to control the quality of extracts. This in turn will increase the amount of CBD used in our products without needing to raise prices." Mr. Rebentisch added, "As production of CBD in the United States increases and prices fall, having our own processing facility will better position our price points in any market conditions". Mr. Brayden Sutton, President & CEO of Friday Night Inc. said, "The extraction market has been validated and this production building shows how serious we are about increasing our footprint with our world class products. We are also very excited about the new CBD Lab, which provides another revenue stream in a rapidly growing market and brings our own costs down." About Friday Night Inc. Friday Night Inc. is a Canadian public company, which owns and controls cannabis and hemp-based assets in Las Vegas Nevada as well as an international cannabis and mining security logistics consulting firm. The Company owns 91% of Alternative Medicine Association (AMA), a licensed medical and adult-use cannabis cultivation and production facility that produces its own line of unique cannabis-based products and manufactures other third-party brands. Infused MFG, also a 91% owned subsidiary, produces hemp-based, CBD products, thoughtfully crafted of high quality organic botanical ingredients. The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Spire Secure Logistics is a leading provider of customized security programs, compliance, information technology, buildout design, and due diligence services for the legal cannabis, mining and investment sectors. Friday Night Inc. is focused on strengthening and expanding its current operations. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notice regarding Forward Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents, which can be found under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. Friday Night undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. SOURCE Friday Night Inc. TOKYO, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - FSD Holdings has commented on China's domestic stocks as they swung back to deliver their best monthly performance in nearly three years, outpacing offshore-listed companies and tracking a rebound for global equities. The rally followed the worst week for equities in more than six months, driven in part by investors' concerns about U.S. tariffs targeting China. The buying sentiment also strengthened as China's stocks are poised to debut on a closely followed global index, the MSCI Inc.'s benchmarks, next Friday. FSD Holdings economist, Royta Morioka, said that "Despite loose liquidity conditions, trade tension with the US will remain in focus as investors in real estate and consumer sectors watch to see if it will produce negative implications for the broader global economy." China's effort to open its door to foreign investors has received a big push after MSCI said it would add 222 A-share large-cap stocks from both the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges, which that will account for 0.73 percent of its flagship index. Many Chinese shares are already listed in MSCI's emerging markets index, including Tencent and Alibaba, but this is confined to those listed offshore in Hong Kong and the US. News that Beijing and Washington are close to avert a trade war put investors in a buying mood this month, giving the market its best day since January 15 and erasing about half of its losses in April. Analysts at FSD Holdings also stressed that the stock market is having a fairly positive month and competitive industries, such as the financial services, benefit from a wake-up call for global investor after opening up the domestic markets. The mainland's equity market is the second largest in the world, yet foreign investors hold less than 2 per cent of its assets. As such, MSCI's move gives China's stocks access to $1.6 trillion of investment funds that track the index to buy the stocks. International investors were reluctant to pump their tiny participation into China's financial markets because of growing concerns over the nation's massive debt mountain and the dangers of wasteful loans that were given to state-owned companies to spur economic growth. SOURCE FSD Holdings NEW YORK, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Financial blockchain leaders FUSION have turned heads on Wall Street by announcing that USD12.28 billion worth of digital assets have been locked-in on its revolutionary cryptofinancial platform, in what is one of the biggest commercial deals secured by a financial blockchain company to date. Revealed at the first meeting of the FUSION Foundation Intelligence (FFI) conference, held at the Hilton Midtown on May 17, the locked-in funds - a term used to describe the process by which a third party deposits their assets onto the FUSION blockchain to be transacted upon or managed there - have been made available thanks to strategic partnerships with leading corporations in the asset management, second-hand car financing and restaurant supply chain management spaces. They will see FUSION undertake a broad scope of work for companies operating in challenging niche industries in a test of how well cryptofinance can cope with real-world use cases: Digitizing and tokenizing financial assets and fixed assets to ensure effective circulation in the financial system. Digitizing the financial assets of a car dealership platform with revenue of over USD10 billion per year. per year. Developing an effective system for supply chain and e-commerce financing. "These are tremendous opportunities not only for us but for the cryptofinance industry as a whole," said FUSION visionary and principal DJ Qian. "We now have the opportunity to demonstrate how the FUSION ecosystem can streamline and effectively deliver for companies who are operating in highly specific industries, digitally and globally, and our degree of success will be seen as a benchmark for how far blockchain-based finance has come." Present at what was described as a momentous occasion for cryptofinance were not only blockchain industry players but a range of thought leaders from leading traditional financial institutions. Guests had the pleasure of listening to finance thought leaders in attendance discussing key issues pertaining to the adoption of next-generation cryptofinance infrastructure, with the FUSION network a particular focus for presenters. Topics addressed included a panel discussion on "Traditional Finance vs Cryptofinance." At the same time, guests also learned about six important new functions available on the FUSION network, each designed to ease adoption by the broader financial community. These new functions are: A " Lock-in Lock-out" mechanism which enables the ability to lock-in crypto assets from other blockchains onto the FUSION blockchain. Four token types will be supported on FUSION's first version - BTC, ETH, ERC20 and USDT - with a plan to expand to accept all digital assets controlled by private key in the near future. which enables the ability to lock-in crypto assets from other blockchains onto the FUSION blockchain. Four token types will be supported on FUSION's first version - BTC, ETH, ERC20 and USDT - with a plan to expand to accept all digital assets controlled by private key in the near future. A token " Time Lock" which adds time as a third dimension of value, in addition to the type of token and the amount of tokens. which adds time as a third dimension of value, in addition to the type of token and the amount of tokens. A short address notation which simplifies token addresses, reducing account string length. which simplifies token addresses, reducing account string length. Cross-chain smart contract functionality, enabling smart contracts that include different tokens at the same time (e.g., a smart contract that includes USD Tether, BTC and ETH). functionality, enabling smart contracts that include different tokens at the same time (e.g., a smart contract that includes USD Tether, BTC and ETH). Support for new token issues on the FUSION platform. on the FUSION platform. Support for token swaps on the FUSION platform, enabling easy swapping of FSN ERC20 tokens to native FSN tokens on the FUSION blockchain without the need for third-party exchanges. Qian explained that the full suite of FUSION's new features would become available on May 31 when the platform's Testnet is launched. He also surprised the guests by introducing a star-studded lineup of advisors spanning some of the finest minds in the financial industry. They were Daniel Petrozzo, former CIO of Fidelity Investments, and Dr. Najam Kidwai. This esteemed panel of advisors will comprise the leadership of the FUSION Foundation Intelligence, due to be headquartered at FUSION's new office in New York. They will be tasked with spreading awareness of FUSION's successes and developing even closer links with the financial industry in order to encourage adoption of the FUSION platform, and are a part of FUSION's grander vision of building a truly all-inclusive cryptofinance ecosystem. FUSION's very own industry adoption team was also established on the same day and will also be headquartered in New York, working on the ground in the world's financial capital to fulfill FUSION Foundation Intelligence's exciting vision. "I hope that with FUSION Foundation Intelligence, we can build connections around the world and encourage leading institutions to adopt our technology," said Qian. "Equally, I am looking forward to frequent brainstorming and idea-sharing sessions with influencers in the crypto and traditional spaces to formulate what the next step should be. In other words, what is the next paradigm in cryptofinancing and how do we get there?" The FUSION Foundation Intelligence conference was held to coincide with Consensus 2018, the world's leading blockchain technology conference. FFI will be a twice-yearly event and the next gathering is due to take place in November or December 2018. For more information about FUSION and its innovative and inclusive approach to finance, please visit www.fusion.org. For media enquiries, kindly contact Nan Jiang at [email protected] About FUSION: FUSION aims to open a new era of cryptofinance for the Internet of Values. With an inclusive and innovative approach, we are creating a broad finance ecosystem on the blockchain that is fully interoperable, intelligent and independent, providing the infrastructure and architecture for fully fledged financial functions on the blockchain. We work towards our goal by cooperating with financial institutions, cryptocurrency companies, third-party app developers, academia and the broader cryptocurrency community. Through providing APIs to enable different cryptocurrency tokens, off-chain values and data-sources to be mapped onto the FUSION blockchain, we are moving ever closer to building a truly unified financial ecosystem. Visit www.fusion.org to learn more about FUSION. Benefits of the FUSION Platform: By adopting FUSION and locking-in their assets on the FUSION platform, companies stand to gain key competitive advantages compared to industry competitors, including: Ease of Business Automation: Companies expend a great deal of time and money managing their own supply chain and administering processes with clients and other business partners. However, through the use of the FUSION platform, assets can be digitized and transactions programmed through smart contracts, allowing for thorough and highly effective business automation while reducing wastage as a result. Access A Bigger, Better Financial Ecosystem: One may think of all cryptocurrencies and financial platforms as being like a small river. As they exist in their own ecosystem, their size is naturally limited. This siloed nature means that anyone who wants to conduct cross-platform transactions needs to have an account on each platform, creating a natural disincentive. With FUSION, all these small rivers combine to create a large lake. As a connected ecosystem that integrates the many different financial platforms in existence, FUSION allows for simple and straightforward value transfer across platforms and cryptocurrencies. Enable Complex, Multi-Party Financial Agreements: FUSION enables all companies to access the benefits of complex financial instruments. In today's world, creating agreements that involve three different parties creates prohibitive costs. However, if all assets are locked-in on FUSION, a programmable smart contract involving as many as 10 parties, 20 different assets and based on over 30 different conditions is reduced to matter of code, minus the high costs. Furthermore, the use of code guarantees that the contract will be executed exactly as it is written. SOURCE FUSION Related Links http://www.fusion.org The announcement was made during this year's Sustainable Brands conference in Vancouver, B.C. in conjunction with the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute and MBDC, the creators of the Cradle to Cradle Design Framework and assessors of L'Oreal products. The certifications are the result of L'Oreal USA's global commitment to innovate, produce and develop sustainably through its global sustainability program, Sharing Beauty With All. "The Cradle to Cradle certification is a multi-attribute certification that mirrors L'Oreal USA's holistic approach to sustainable product development," said Danielle Azoulay, Head of CSR & Sustainability for L'Oreal USA. "We know our consumers value sustainability and to us that means demonstrating sustainability leadership across the value chain, from formulation to manufacturing to renewable resources to social fairness. We are thrilled that Garnier is the third brand in our portfolio to achieve this major milestone and look forward to continuing to integrate this best-in-class certification across L'Oreal USA's products." Cradle to Cradle Certified products are awarded at five levels (BASIC, BRONZE, SILVER, GOLD, and PLATINUM), with each level imposing a more rigorous set of requirements. The lowest score in any quality category establishes the product's overall score. All five Garnier SkinActive products achieved Cradle to Cradle Certified SILVER, with four products reaching PLATINUM for the Material Health attribute and all products achieving GOLD for Material Reutilization. Certified products are required to show continuous improvement every two years. The newly certified products include: Garnier SkinActive Deep Pore Facial Cleanser with Green Tea; Garnier SkinActive Refreshing Facial Cleanser with Aloe Juice; Garnier SkinActive Soothing Cleansing Milk with Rose Water ; ; Garnier SkinActive Deep Pore Exfoliating Face Scrub with Green Tea; and Garnier SkinActive Refreshing Cream Cleanser with Aloe Juice. All of the newly certified Garnier products were produced in L'Oreal USA's Franklin, New Jersey facility which is powered with 100 percent renewable electricity and features optimized vessel cleaning systems that have led to a reduction in water consumption. Sustainable packaging was a priority for all of the newly certified products, the packaging for Garnier's SkinActive Deep Pore Exfoliating Face Scrub with Green Tea is made from 50 percent PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic while the packaging of all three of Garnier's certified cleansers are made from 30 percent PCR plastic. "L'Oreal continues to set an incredible example for how the beauty industry can make our world a better place," said William McDonough, co-founder of MBDC, the originators of the Cradle to Cradle Certified program and assessors of the certified Garnier products. "Their commitment to design, develop and take to market Cradle to Cradle Certified products not only empowers customers to choose products that are good for the world, but also encourages other businesses to follow suit. L'Oreal is, in effect, inviting their industry to join them in collaborative advantage as they seek the highest standard." "As the largest beauty company in the world, L'Oreal has taken the responsibility of sustainability seriously, with multiple products from brands across its portfolio achieving Cradle to Cradle certifications," said Lewis Perkins, President of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, which administers the Cradle to Cradle Certified Products Program. "By using the Cradle to Cradle Certified product standard as a framework for the continuous improvement of the material health and impact of its products, L'Oreal is leading the beauty industry towards greater transparency and trust with its consumers." Through Sharing Beauty With All, L'Oreal USA is committed to reducing environmental impacts throughout the product lifecycle. To further these efforts, the company has developed its Sustainable Product Optimization Tool (SPOT) to improve the environmental and social profile of its products. SPOT focuses on five elements of product sustainability: packaging, formula, ingredient sourcing, manufacturing and social benefit. In 2017, L'Oreal integrated SPOT into the design and launch process of its entire brand portfolio. To learn more about L'Oreal's sustainability program, commitments and achievements, visit https://sharingbeautywithall.loreal.com/. For more information about Garnier and their commitment to sustainable beauty, visit http://garnierusa.com/beautyresponsibly. To learn about the Cradle to Cradle Design Framework and how to get on the path to certification, visit the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute at http://www.c2ccertified.org and MBDC at https://mbdc.com. About L'Oreal USA L'Oreal USA is the largest subsidiary of the L'Oreal Group, the world's leading beauty company. L'Oreal USA manages a portfolio of more than 30 iconic beauty brands, including Garnier, Giorgio Armani Beauty, Kerastase, Lancome, La Roche-Posay, L'Oreal Paris and Yves Saint Laurent Beaute. L'Oreal USA also serves as the international hub for the product development and marketing strategy for L'Oreal's 21 American brands: AcneFree, Ambi, Baxter of California, Carol's Daughter, CeraVe, Clarisonic, Dermablend, essie, IT Cosmetics, Kiehl's, Matrix, Maybelline New York, Mizani, NYX Professional Makeup, Pureology, Ralph Lauren Fragrances, Redken, Seed Phytonutrients, Softsheen-Carson, SkinCeuticals and Urban Decay. Generating more than $7 billion in sales annually, L'Oreal USA is committed to growth through sustainable innovation, driven by the company's Sharing Beauty With All ambition for sustainable development across the Group's value chain. The company is headquartered in New York City, employs more than 11,000 people, and operates administrative, research, manufacturing and distribution facilities across 14 states, including Arkansas, California, Florida, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas and Washington. For more information, visit www.lorealusa.com or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @LOrealUSA. About Garnier Garnier, a L'Oreal USA brand, was developed in 1904 in France by hair care expert Alfred Amour Garnier and is now present in more than 65 countries worldwide. Following the launch of Garnier in the United States in 1999 with Nutrisse hair color, the brand has continued to develop beauty products with a keen awareness of its responsibility to you and the planet. The entire collection of Garnier brands available in the U.S. includes Nutrisse, Fructis hair care and Fructis Style, Olia hair color, Color Sensation hair color, SkinActive and Whole Blends hair care. For more information visit www.garnierusa.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Snapchat @GarnierUSA. About MBDC MBDC is a firm founded in 1995 by world-renowned architect William McDonough and chemist Dr. Michael Braungart. MBDC originated the Cradle to Cradle design framework and the Cradle to Cradle Certified products program. MBDC leads companies to create a world of good by assessing product designs and integrating the framework into corporate strategy, communications, operations and supply chains. Using the process of inventory, assessment and optimization, MBDC provides unique technical expertise to develop sustainable circular economy solutions around material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship and social fairness. MBDC partners with clients to provide scientific assessments and spur design innovation to create a world of good. About the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute is a non-profit organization whose mission is to turn the making of things into a positive force for people, the economy, and the planet. Founded by William McDonough and Dr. Michael Braungart, the Institute administers the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Program, a guidance system for assessing and continually improving products based upon five sustainability characteristics: material health, material reuse, renewable energy, water stewardship and social fairness. The Institute is headquartered in Oakland and Amsterdam, NL. For more information, visit www.c2ccertified.org or follow @C2CCertified on Twitter and Instagram. Cradle to Cradle is a registered trademark of MBDC. Cradle to Cradle Certified is a certification mark licensed by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. SOURCE L'Oreal USA Related Links http://www.lorealusa.com LONDON, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Persistence Market Research has recently conducted extensive study on the global hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) prevention market.HAP is the most common nosocomial infection occurring in hospitalized patients. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5429856 HAP is defined as a lower respiratory infection, which does not incubate at the time of hospital admission but presents clinically 2 or more days after hospitalization.Incidence of HAP is more prevalent in the medical and surgical Intensive Care Units, and results in additional cost to the healthcare centers and increases the length of stay in ICU. The scope of the report includes market size of oral care products (FMCG + Medical based) in the Asia Pacific region. However, the scope does not consider the services cost associated with oral care protocol across hospitals. Report Inclusions The report provides in-depth insights on key drivers to market growth, key factors hampering market growth, most impactful trends in the industry, and significant opportunities that are likely to hit the market in next few years.The report includes executive summary and market definition, which offer an introduction to the global HAP prevention industry and various aspects associated with it. Further, the report provides analysis of the HAP etiology, pathogenesis, and value chain involved in the marketplace. It also discusses the epidemiology of HAP, which indicates that the incidence of hospital-acquired pneumonia ranges from 5 to 15 cases per 1000 hospital admission, and is more frequent in general wards ranging from 1.6 to 3.65 cases per 1000 admissions. Incidence of HAP in ICU varies by geographical areas. For instance, in Europe, nearly 9.1% of total admitted patients developed hospital-acquired infection, with approximately 83% of cases being HAP, whereas in Asian countries hospital-acquired pneumonia ranges from 9% to 23%. Research Methodology The research methodology incorporates both primary and secondary research to collect the relevant market data.We have analyzed the global hospital acquired infections control market by considering the revenue through extensive primary research to understand the usage patterns, historic trends, problems faced by the medical staff, the required treatment developments, and most preferred products. Key opinion leaders have been considered for the primary research, including experienced healthcare professionals in various healthcare facilities at the country level. These estimates are further validated with product manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers. Extensive secondary research has been carried out to understand the treatment rate, adoption rate, regulatory scenarios, average selling price, and reimbursement scenario by referring to published scientific literature from various databases such as the WHO, PubMed, Springer, and Wiley among others. We have also analyzed various market companies' annual reports, investor presentations, SEC filings, 10k reports and press releases to fetch substantial information about the market size, trends, opportunities, drivers, restraints and other market dynamics. Global Hospital-acquired Pneumonia Prevention Market Taxonomy Segmentation by Region North America Latin America Europe Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) China Middle East & Africa (MEA) Segmentation by Product Type Oral Care Kit Toothbrush Swab Moisturizer Mouth Wash Suction Tools Segmentation by End-user Hospitals Rehabilitation Centers Home Care Settings Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5429856 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 Significant Milestone in Development of Borden Gold, Canada's First All-Electric Underground Mine VANCOUVER, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - GOLDCORP INC. (TSX: G) (NYSE: GG) ("Goldcorp" or "the Company") and three First Nation communities including Brunswick House First Nation (BHFN), Chapleau Cree First Nation (CCFN), and Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation (COFN) are pleased to announce the signing of an Impacts and Benefits Agreement (IBA) with respect to the development and operation of the Borden Gold project near the town of Chapleau in northern Ontario. Goldcorp now has collaborative agreements in place with 26 First Nations which assert Aboriginal and treaty rights in the vicinity of its operations in Canada. The formal signing of the IBA follows successful negotiations with the three First Nations, and is a milestone marking the first time these three First Nation communities are involved with a mining project. Under the agreement, Goldcorp recognizes and respects the rights and interests these First Nations have around the Borden project site, and the three First Nation communities recognize and support Goldcorp's rights and interests in the development and future operation of the mine. The agreement also reflects Goldcorp's commitment to protecting the environment and supporting Aboriginal social and cultural practices in a spirit of continued collaboration. "Successful relationships are built on trust, mutual respect, meaningful engagement, and they require sincere commitment from all involved. I'm pleased with the work accomplished by the group and I feel very proud that Goldcorp is the first mining company to partner with the Brunswick House, Chapleau Cree and Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation communities. We recognize the importance of nurturing our partnerships and collaborating with our project neighbours to ensure the sustainability of the local communities surrounding Borden Gold," said Marc Lauzier, Mine General Manager at Goldcorp's Porcupine Gold Mines, responsible for the development of Borden. After over two years of open, honest communications, the IBA outlines provisions for environmental and health protections that combine innovation and the use of modern technology to develop Borden Gold into Canada's first "all electric" underground mine, eliminating the use of vehicles powered by fossil fuels. The agreement also includes provisions for employment and training, and business and contracting opportunities, along with a framework for regulatory permitting. "On behalf of our council and our community members, I am pleased we have entered into the Impacts and Benefits Agreement with Goldcorp for the Borden Gold project. This is our first partnership in mining, and although our relationship is young and still evolving, we are hopeful for the future of the project and for the opportunities that it will create. We appreciate the efforts of Goldcorp and are thankful for them recognizing our connection to the land and for their commitment to protecting it while in their care," said Chief Lisa VanBuskirk of Brunswick House First Nation. Chief Keith Corston of Chapleau Cree First Nation commented: "The Chapleau Cree First Nation is pleased to have entered into this agreement with Goldcorp. This is an important milestone in our journey to form meaningful relationships with industry and to create sustainable opportunity for our community. Open and trusting dialogue and engagement are the cornerstones of successful relationships and we trust in Goldcorp to uphold the highest standards of environmental protections so that our future generations of children and families can continue practicing a cultural and traditional way of life." Chief Anita Stephens of Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation remarked: "As the Chief of the Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation, I extend my esteemed congratulations on the Borden Gold development and the processes by which it has come to be. I would also like to convey that I am proud and excited about the future. These years of negotiations, which included trust and relationship-building, unlock exciting possibilities and prospects regarding this project. It is with great respect and humility that we took part in and witnessed the commitments and responsibilities with Goldcorp's involvement with the aboriginal communities." Goldcorp's Borden project will be starting a bulk sample extraction of up to 30,000 tonnes shortly, with the first sample expected by the end of the summer. Commercial operation of the mine is anticipated to begin in 2019. About Goldcorp www.goldcorp.com Goldcorp is a senior gold producer focused on responsible mining practices with safe, low-cost production from a high-quality portfolio of mines. About Brunswick House First Nation www.brunswickhousefirstnation.com Brunswick House First Nation is situated south of the Borden gold project on Hwy 101 East, near the town of Chapleau, Ontario. A member of the Nishnabe-Aski Nation, BHFN is also affiliated with the Wabun Tribal Council. Traditionally, members were mainly trappers and fur-traders. However, they are currently pursuing opportunities in mining, renewal energy, blueberry farming and provide for educational, health and employment & training opportunities for its' membership. About Chapleau Cree First Nation www.chapleaucree.ca Chapleau Cree First Nation (Fox Lake Reserve) is situated 5 kilometres southwest of the town of Chapleau, Ontario. In 1989, the Chapleau Cree First Nation negotiated with the Federal and Provincial governments and the local municipality for land to establish a permanent community. Employment and infrastructure has increased over the years and the reserve now houses 30 homes, a senior's residence (Mukeso House), Administrative Offices Band Complex (Isiah Saylor's Complex), Health Centre, Public Works Garage, Water Treatment Plant, and the band-owned Pimii Kamik Gas Bar. They are part of the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation. About Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation www.chapleauojibwe.ca Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation is situated near the town of Chapleau, Ontario. Their historical kinship and relationship with the land draws them west to the shores of Lake Superior and south to the shores of Lake Huron, rather than north into Cree territory to the shores of James Bay. They are part of the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the United States Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, or in releases made by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, all as may be amended from time to time, and "forward-looking information" under the provisions of applicable Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Goldcorp. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the realization of mineral reserve estimates, the timing of future production, timing of the development of new deposits, and permitting and certification time lines. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of Goldcorp to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding Goldcorp's present and future business strategies and the environment in which Goldcorp will operate in the future, including the price of gold, anticipated costs and ability to achieve goals. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Goldcorp to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the risks discussed in the section entitled "Description of the Business Risk Factors" in Goldcorp's most recent annual information form available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Although Goldcorp has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, 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. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Goldcorp does not intend or undertake to publicly update any forward-looking statements that are included in this document, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. SOURCE Goldcorp Inc. Please contact INVESTOR CONTACT: Shawn Campbell, Director, Investor Relations, Telephone: (800) 567-6223, E-mail: [email protected]; MEDIA CONTACT: Christine Marks, Director, Corporate Communications, Telephone: (604) 696-3050, E-mail: [email protected]; WABUN COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: Brunswick House First Nations, Telephone: (705) 864-0174; Chapleau Cree First Nations, Telephone: (705) 864-0784; Chapleau Ojibwe First Nations, Telephone: (705) 864-2910 Related Links http://www.goldcorp.com WILTON MANORS, Fla., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Calling all Greater Fort Lauderdale eateries: You are invited to showcase your establishment at the 13th Annual Taste of the Island culinary tasting event on Monday, November 5, 2018 from 6 p.m. 9 p.m. at the beautiful Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve (1937 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305) in Wilton Manors! This popular event offers an elegant and fun-filled atmosphere to attract new customers and connect directly with the community. Each participating vendor will be supplied booth space to provide bite-size servings for an estimated 700 attendees from Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. "Taste of the Island is always a crowd favorite in Wilton Manors," said Mayor Gary Resnick. "This festival truly is heaven for food lovers, and it's a wonderful opportunity to showcase some of the best food and drink available in South Florida." In addition to tantalizing plenty of taste buds, Taste of the Island also gives back to the community. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Wilton Manors Historical Society, the Kiwanis Club of Wilton Manors, the City of Wilton Manors' Leisure Services Department and the Wilton Manors Development Alliance. Registration for participating restaurants will be accepted through October 12, 2018. For more information, visit www.tasteoftheisland.org, where you can view photos from past events and download a registration form, or contact [email protected] or [email protected]. ABOUT THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS Wilton Manors was laid out in 1925 by Edward John "Ned" Willingham, a land developer from Georgia, as an upscale residential community. It was recognized as a Village in 1947 and incorporated as a City in 1953. Today, the City of Wilton Manors offers all the benefits of a big city from shopping, to hip restaurants and bars, a burgeoning arts community and tons of community events, yet still maintains a cozy, community-feeling offering miles of natural waterways perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding and other outdoor activities. Recently named the "Second Gayest City" in the United States, the City of Wilton Manors celebrates a diverse population of approximately 12,000 residents. To learn more about the live, work and play opportunities in Wilton Manors call (954) 390-2100 or visit www.wiltonmanors.com. CONTACT: Laurie Menekou (954) 732-0754 [email protected] SOURCE City of Wilton Manors Related Links http://www.wiltonmanors.com To enhance R&D capabilities and accelerate clinical trials globally SHANGHAI, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Dedicated to developing global antibody and recombinant protein biotherapeutics, Hangzhou Just Biotherapeutics (HJB) announced today the completion of a $35 million Series B+ financing round. Hillhouse Capital (Hillhouse), a Beijing and Hong Kong-based investment firm, leads this financing, with participation by existing investors Temasek, Lilly Asia Ventures (LAV), ARCH Venture Partners, Taikang and BOCGI Zheshang Capital. Including this round, HJB has raised over $120 million in financing so far. Since last year HJB has focused predominantly in 3 areas: The completion of the R&D Center and Manufacturing Facility located in Hangzhou, establishing its R&D and clinical development capabilities and building a world-class team by attracting top talent around the world. "We have achieved remarkable milestones in a short time, but we need to continue the strong momentum to build on our successes. With this additional investment, we will be able to ramp up our clinical R&D capabilities globally, and boost our pipeline by engaging in broader partnerships. We are now on our way to beginning global clinical trials for several of our assets," said Dr. Yining ZHAO, founder and CEO of HJB. As the lead investor, Hillhouse Capital said, "Innovative medicine has great market growth potential because it can truly create value for society, serving patients in and outside China. Hillhouse has always valued medical research and innovation. We appreciate HJB's capabilities and promising future in the field of bio-pharmaceutical research and development and are willing to support the firm's long-term growth using the principles and methods of value investing." HJB was originally founded in 2016 by former Amgen and Genentech executives in Hangzhou, China. HJB has partnered with Seattle-based Just Biotherapeutics Inc. to develop and apply state-of-the-art biomanufacturing and process development platform enabling the development and manufacture of antibody and recombinant proteins at a reduced cost and accelerated speed while maintaining global quality standards. HJB's pipeline currently consists of assets in areas of high-unmet need including oncologic, genetic rare diseases and metabolic diseases. HJB employs a team of nearly one hundred scientists and engineers at its sites in Hangzhou and Boston, and is led by seasoned executives from MNCs. About Hillhouse Capital Hillhouse Capital Group (Hillhouse) is a company dedicated to long-term value investing. Founded by Lei Zhang in 2005, it has grown to be China's biggest private equity investment company. Hillhouse focuses on the healthcare, consumer, TMT, advanced manufacturing, finance and corporate services sectors, and has invested in many household names in China including Tencent, Baidu, JD.com, Midea, Blue Moon, Belle International and Nio. Bio-pharmaceuticals and healthcare has always been one of our most important areas of investment. Aiming to be a long-term partner with companies developing innovative medicine, Hillhouse has invested in and supported a number of medical enterprises, including Wuxi Apptec, BeiGene, Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals, Shanghai Junshi Biosciences, Innovent Biologics and Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceutical. In Europe and the United States, we have invested in Moderna, Viela, Kiniksa, Apellis and Arcus, among other dozens of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. For more information, please visit www.hillhousecap.com About Hangzhou Just Biotherapeutics Hangzhou Just Biotherapeutics (HJB) is a biotherapeutics platform company, with a focus on developing innovative therapies in three areas of high unmet need: oncologic, genetic rare diseases and metabolic diseases. With deep experience in the fields of protein, process and manufacturing sciences, the HJB team aims to address the scientific and technical hurdles that block access to life-changing protein therapeutics, and deliver lasting value in the global marketplace. For more information about HJB, please visit http://www.justbiochina.com/en/ SOURCE Hangzhou Just Biotherapeutics, Ltd. Related Links http://www.justbiochina.com "The Central Sourcing Office will provide our clients with additional benefits of cost efficiencies, greater consistency of quality, and improved manufacturing processes across their global brands. We are excited to launch this effort that will bring ongoing value to our clients," stated Stewart Hardy , APAC Operations Director. HH Global continues to expand its reach across APAC with significant growth year on year. The highly professional local Management and Operational team located in the Shekou (Shenzhen) Office are highly skilled in the areas of sourcing, project, and supplier management. The team supports a broad range of product sourcing categories including two-dimensional print and Point of Sale, three-dimensional structural Point of Sale, premiums, secondary packaging, and many more areas of scope as required. Each supplier partner is best in class in their field achieving global quality standards and accreditation. The Central Sourcing Office will offer consolidation of world-wide projects, improved design and functionality of Point of Sale materials, and has a strong mandate to deliver innovation to the market. With strict quality measures in place to oversee the production of all supplied products, HH Global's clients can have confidence in the services provided by the new office. "The investment in the Central Sourcing Office again demonstrates HH Global's commitment to China and the Asia-Pacific region. The HH Global Executive board leadership has a vision to grow of our services capabilities to meet demand of clients. The new Central Sourcing office is another platform which enables us to deliver the best value to our clients in the global market," states Andrew Price, APAC CEO. For more information, please contact Harry Lee Operations Director (Greater China) at [email protected] The address of the office is: HH Global, Room 501B, Block 5, Nanhai E-Cool, No 6th Xinhua Road, NanShan District, Shenzhen 518067, China About HH Global HH Global Ltd., founded in 1991, is a leading, independent marketing execution partner to prominent brands in over 40 countries. The company offers innovative and tailored solutions for the outsourced procurement of all types of printed marketing materials, packaging, and creative production services, that drive down cost, speed time to market, improve quality, and increase sustainability. Every HH Global solution utilizes HHub, a best-in-class marketing execution application, an expansive list of suppliers, proprietary processes, and the deep expertise of over 900 employees. The company also operates HH Labs, the center of its innovation program, that brings fresh, new ideas to clients. With more than $500M in spend under management, HH Global maintains a razor-sharp focus on cost and quality, combined with an industry-leading sustainability program, offering improvements that provide both fiscal and environmental value. For more information, visit www.hhglobal.com. SOURCE HH Global Related Links http://www.hhglobal.com SAN DIEGO, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Gilbert Lee at Changes Plastic Surgery in San Diego, California introduces EmbraceRF, a new facial contouring technique that addresses a treatment gap in current modalities offered to patients. EmbraceRF provides the innovation of the adipose-remodeling concept. Adipose-remodeling by EmbraceRF generates heat to strategically and artistically contour the fat and skin of the lower face, with consistency and safety. EmbraceRF targets the neck and face through a powerful combination of InMode's proprietary technologies: FaceTite and Morpheus8. The EmbraceRF now provides physicians and patients with the possibility to achieve real impressive surgical-like results in a relatively short procedure under local anesthesia, in the office. EmbraceRF is one more breakthrough minimally invasive procedure in the tradition of InMode's benchmark radio-frequency technology. This is a new, one-time procedure, with minimal downtime, and impressive results. Learn more about InMode technologies by visiting www.inmodemd.com. "Our patients are very much drawn to the fact that EmbraceRF can be done under local anesthesia," says Dr. Lee of Changes Plastic Surgery. "We are thrilled to have a procedure that can provide our patients their preferred outcomes, with minimal downtime, and without compromising their desired results." Changes Plastic Surgery is located at 11515 El Camino Real, Suite #150, San Diego, CA 92130. For more information, call 858-720-1440 or visit www.changesplasticsurgery.com. About Dr. Gilbert Lee and Changes Plastic Surgery: Dr. Gilbert Lee is a triple board certified plastic surgeon with a key goal of achieving a "natural look" for his patients. His desire is for his patients to look and feel refreshed and youthful, while maintaining their facial attributes that keep them unique. With this in mind, Dr. Lee has selected technologies in his practice that provide a customized approach at facial cosmetic rejuvenation. With over 24 years of experience, a medical degree from UCSD and surgical training at the birthplace of plastic surgery, Washington University, Dr. Lee is doing what he loves by helping men and women achieve their full potential. SOURCE InMode Aesthetic Solutions CHICAGO, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. John Q. Cook at Whole Beauty Institute introduces EmbraceRF a new facial contouring technique that addresses a treatment gap in current modalities offered to patients. EmbraceRF provides the innovation of the adipose-remodeling concept. Adipose-remodeling by EmbraceRF generates heat to strategically and artistically contour the fat and skin of the lower face, with consistency and safety. EmbraceRF targets the neck and face through a powerful combination of InMode's proprietary technologies: FaceTite and Morpheus8. The EmbraceRF now provides physicians and patients with the possibility to achieve real impressive surgical-like results in a relatively short procedure under local anesthesia, in the office. EmbraceRF is one more breakthrough minimally invasive procedure in the tradition of InMode's benchmark radio-frequency technology. This is a new, one-time procedure, with minimal downtime, and impressive results. Learn more about InMode technologies by visiting www.inmodemd.com. Dr. John Q. Cook is looking forward to speaking about this groundbreaking technology at the upcoming Vegas Cosmetic Surgery Symposium titled "Strategies for Facial Rejuvenation under Local Anesthesia." "EmbraceRF is the next best thing to a face lift, but with minimal downtime and no visible incisions," says Dr. Cook. "It is particularly powerful in the jowl area and helps to restore a clean neck line." Whole Beauty Institute is located at 737 North Michigan Ave., Suite 760, Chicago IL 60611. For more information, call (312) 751-2112 or visit www.johnqcookmd.com. About Dr. John Q. Cook Dr. Cook is the founder and medical director of the Whole Beauty Institute in Chicago and Winnetka, Illinois, one of the first practices in the Midwest to offer a fusion of high level surgical and medical aesthetics. For the entire time he has been in practice, Dr. Cook has developed a reputation for his innovative, leading edge techniques in 3 areas: facial rejuvenation surgery, plastic surgery of the breast, and advanced body contour surgery. Dr. John Q. Cook is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, a selective organization of experienced board-certified plastic surgeons with practices that focus on aesthetic plastic surgery. SOURCE InMode Aesthetic Solutions Related Links http://www.inmodemd.com BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Sheila Nazarian at Nazarian Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, California introduces EmbraceRF, a new facial contouring technique that addresses a treatment gap in current modalities offered to patients. EmbraceRF provides the innovation of the adipose-remodeling concept. Adipose-remodeling by EmbraceRF generates heat to strategically and artistically contour the fat and skin of the lower face, with consistency and safety. EmbraceRF targets the neck and face through a powerful combination of InMode's proprietary technologies: FaceTite and Morpheus8. The EmbraceRF now provides physicians and patients with the possibility to achieve real impressive surgical-like results in a relatively short procedure under local anesthesia, in the office. EmbraceRF is one more breakthrough minimally invasive procedure in the tradition of InMode's benchmark radio-frequency technology. This is a new, one-time procedure, with minimal downtime, and impressive results. Learn more about InMode technologies by visiting www.inmodemd.com. "We have seen many generations of women in our practice. What excites us about EmbraceRF is the ability to treat multiple age ranges and provide each woman with an individual approach to suit their specific needs," says Dr. Nazarian. Nazarian Plastic Surgery is located at 120 S. Spalding Dr. Suite #315, Beverly Hills, CA 90212. For more information, please call 310-659-0500 or visit www.nazarianplasticsurgery.com About Dr. Sheila Nazarian and Nazarian Plastic Surgery: Dr. Sheila Nazarian, founder of Nazarian Plastic Surgery, is a board-certified, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. Her top-notch education, experience, commitment and dedication in the field of plastic surgery and to her patients have earned her an unparalleled reputation. Between her general surgery and plastic surgery experience, she served as the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery's Clinical Research Fellow for two years, where she published multiple journal articles and presented at national meetings. Dr. Nazarian understands that appearance and self-confidence interplay. Her meticulous eye for detail reflects the artistry that distinguishes Dr. Nazarian's work as a plastic surgeon, and her commitment to achieving natural-looking outcomes that blend well with the patient's overall facial or body proportions. In addition to her thriving practice, Dr. Nazarian is also a mentor/assistant professor at USC, founder of the skincare destination TheSkinSpot.com, as well as a social media influencer. Follower her on Instagram: @DrSheilaNazarian @TheModelSurgeon @Spa26.Official and @TheSkinSpotBeverlyHills SOURCE InMode Aesthetic Solutions Related Links https://inmodemd.com "We have been excited about the success of this program," said MG (Ret) Jim Hodge, President of the IDB. "The intent of the program is to support the Chief of Staff of the Army's readiness requirement. With IU's cutting edge cybersecurity experience, we feel that this program hits the mark in addressing current and complex issues, while helping to stretch and broaden our military's future leaders." About the SSFP Program The three-week course is a graduate-level leadership seminar dedicated to broadening the ability of emerging military leaders to adapt to the increasingly uncertain and complex international environment, with an emphasis on cybersecurity. It is designed to enhance the critical and strategic thinking capabilities of U.S. Army officers, chief warrant officers, senior non-commissioned officers, and federal government civilians. The core curriculum includes: National Security Decision Making; Global Flash Points; Strategic and Business Communications; Innovation and Management Strategy; Strategic Global Outlook; and Strategic View of the U.S. Government (non-DoD). During this year's SSFP, Tom Wright from The Brookings Institute, visited the class for a personal discussion with the students about his book, All Measures Short of War: The Contest for the 21st Century and Future American Power, and current national security issues. Other highlights included a local corporate visit day where students met with senior leaders at Eli Lilly and the Indiana Executive Council on Cybersecurity. Capstone Team Project The program culminates with an applied strategic capstone team project, consisting of a team presentation and academic paper, demonstrating the students' application of the curriculum. At the end of the course, students presented their findings before a panel consisting of Prof. Scott Shackelford, Chair, IU Cybersecurity; Prof. David Bosco, Associate Professor, IU School of Global and International Studies; MG (Ret) Jim Hodge, President of the IDB; Mr. Alan Estevez; CSM Julie Guerra, Cyber Corp CSM, US Cyber School; and CW5 Steven Kilgore, Warrant Officer Leader Development Officer, HQDA Staff. Governor Martin Award The IDB was proud to present SSG John Keeley, a student of the graduating class, with the Governor James G. Martin Critical Thinking Award. John was nominated by fellow classmates for his contributions, insights, and in-depth analysis leading to better understanding of complex issues. Graduating Class Graduates received a joint certificate from IU and the IDB and membership into IDB's expansive alumni network. The graduates are: CW2 Don Abbasi , Virginia National Guard , SGT Garrett Allen , 780th MI BDE , 780th MI BDE CW3(P) Mike Burns , National Guard Bureau , National Guard Bureau SGT Steve Chen , Cyber Protection Brigade , Cyber Protection Brigade Mr. Joseph Cox , United States African Command , United States African Command CW3 David Gensinger , 03 Cyber Protection Team, 2nd Cyber Protection Battalion, US Army Cyber Protection Brigade , 03 Cyber Protection Team, 2nd Cyber Protection Battalion, US Army Cyber Protection Brigade SGT David Gunnerson , US Army , US Army CW3 Elizabeth Harris , 4th Infantry Division , 4th Infantry Division CPT Philip Henke, 5th Battlefield Coordination Detachment CPT(P) Jamie Hickman , United States Military Academy West Point , United States Military Academy West Point CW3 Justin Hunsaker , Training and Doctrine Command , Training and Doctrine Command SGT David Kalohi , US Army , US Army SSG John Keeley, 780th MI BDE CPT(P) Jon King , HQ US Army Forces Command , HQ US Army Forces Command CPT Erik Larson, 3rd Infantry Division CPT Arianna Longoria, US Army CPT John Macuga, US Combined Arms Center, TRADOC CPT Jared Myers, FORSCOM SSG Bernie Nelson, INSCOM MAJ Thomas O'Keefe , 335th Signal Command , 335th Signal Command CW4 Kimberly Oliver , Cyber Center of Excellence , Cyber Center of Excellence Mr. Robert Pike , US Army South , US Army South Ms. Jeanetta Richardson , Department of Military Affairs , Department of Military Affairs CPT Alberto Rios, HQ 7th Infantry Division CPT Thomas Stockdale, Joint Enabling Capabilities Command CPT Stephanie Stuck, NETCOM CW4 Ian Traylor , United States Army Cyber Protection Brigade , United States Army Cyber Protection Brigade MAJ Christopher Tung , US Army Reserve , US Army Reserve CPT Ryan Van Wie, III Corps, Forces Command CPT William Watts, HQ United States Forces Japan CPT Lori Williams, National Guard Bureau About the IDB The IDB is a nonprofit research and education institute formed in 1997 by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the state of North Carolina. The Institute provides custom executive and degree-granting education programs for all career levels from the military and government, non-governmental organizations, private sector, and international organizations. IDB features curriculum in logistics and technology, life cycle systems, leadership and organizational transformation, strategic studies, and stabilization and economic reconstruction. www.IDB.org Media Contact: Tiffany Williams, 919-969-8008, [email protected] SOURCE Institute for Defense and Business Related Links http://www.idb.org/ LONDON, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Objectway's Wealth In One Solution to be deployed at James Sharp & Co to improve efficiency and provide a digitally enabled platform for their expanding business Objectway, a leading provider of investment management and digital software solutions to the financial services industry, announced today that it has signed a contract to deliver and implement Wealth In One at James Sharp & Co. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/700775/Objectway_Logo.jpg ) James Sharp, based in Bury, Greater Manchester, pride themselves on the quality of service provided to their growing client base and the longevity of many of their client relationships. As a successful and forward-looking business, James Sharp recognised the need to invest in the technology used to provide their service to clients. In doing so, they approached Objectway to provide a full, front to back solution that would deliver a digitally enabled platform to future proof their business. Wealth In One is a fully integrated solution for Wealth Managers, that supports any business model through the deployment of Objectway's Best of Breed components (Clearing & Settlement, Portfolio Management, CRM and client portal). Provided as a managed solution, that is both scalable and highly configurable, it is particularly attractive to businesses that are expanding and evolving. "As an independent partnership of 130 years, James Sharp has always needed to adapt and evolve to meet the demands of its clients," said Martin Entwistle, Partner. "With the increased use of technology, we felt the time was right for James Sharp to transform once again. We want to be able to continue serving our clients with the same professionalism and high-level of service that they have come to expect, whilst offering them the flexibility to interact with us in real time and across all channels and devices." "It has been a pleasure to engage with James Sharp, a firm that understand the benefits of a well thought out approach to digital technology and one willing to embrace technology to empower and improve their customer service," said Luigi Marciano Founder & CEO at Objectway. "Although not the only option open to James Sharp, we were able to convince them that we were the right partner to work with and our modular, fully integrated solution resonated with their evolutionary approach. The deployment of Wealth In One will ensure that they can collaborate with their clients via a fully compliant, and a functionally rich solution." Objectway is a leading provider of financial software and digital solutions to the worldwide financial services industry, with clients in 15 countries. Objectway has more than 500 employees supporting approximately 100,000 investment professionals to manage more than one trillion euros in wealth. James Sharp & Co is an independent stockbroking partnership and a member of the London Stock Exchange. Based in Bury, Greater Manchester, our team of expert stockbrokers, advisers & analysts develop investment strategies to deliver long term capital and income growth. Discover Objectway: http://www.objectway.com Discover James Sharp & Co: https://www.jamessharp.co.uk/ SOURCE Objectway "We were blown away by the quality of Kittyhawk's enterprise customer base: Fortune 500 companies who themselves are leading the way in enterprise UAS adoption," said Jim Andelman, Managing Partner at Bonfire Ventures, who will be joining the Kittyhawk Board of Directors. "We were impressed by not only this current level of traction but also by the team's thoughtfulness about the coming evolution of this industry. With their degree of forethought and vision, we're confident that Kittyhawk will be well positioned to continue to lead the way. They're two steps ahead of how we heard everyone else thinking about this space." Kittyhawk recognized early on that enterprises were moving drone programs in-house and that piloting a drone would become a skill, rather than a profession. This left enterprises wanting to in-house their drone program with a big dilemma: the wide and ever-changing array of apps, license agreements, support procedures, and data security concerns of having multiple vendors. Designed for commercial drone operations both large and small, Kittyhawk's enterprise solution unifies the mission, the aircraft, and the data to empower companies to manage in-house commercial drone operations. From one singular platform, enterprises can manage the complexity of operators, aircraft, airspace, data analytics, insights and compliance to maximize safety and ROI. "Kittyhawk is in the unique position of being central to all of the enterprise stakeholders -- from data collectors to data consumers," said Michael Blades, Senior Analyst at Frost & Sullivan. "Therefore, their market spans across a multitude of industries and verticals, they go deeper and wider than any other solution currently in the market." As a vocal advocate for the commercial drone ecosystem, Kittyhawk champions level playing fields, open standards, and responsible legislation around creating a UAS Traffic Management System (UTM). As the UTM matures, Kittyhawk will continue to work with the FAA, NASA, and Industry Trade Associations, as well as mature its product to further empower commercial customers. "When paired with the broad portfolio of complementary data service offerings within Boeing, Kittyhawk is poised to help us shape the future of safe autonomous flight," said Brian Schettler, Managing Director of Boeing HorizonX Ventures. "Boeing's partnership with Kittyhawk on the FAA Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) program heralds the continued maturation of the commercial drone industry. We are excited to continue to explore new capabilities made possible through foresight, expertise and a focus on holistic solutions that support the safe integration of unmanned systems into the national airspace." As enterprises integrate and scale the number of drones in their workflow, they will be searching for ways to increase their oversight. Kittyhawk's new artificial intelligence-powered feature, Hawkeye, will help fewer people manage a rapidly increasing number of flights, particularly as autonomous operations come to fruition. Kittyhawk will use the same technology that genetic researchers are using to find cures for debilitating diseases and the same technology that search engines are using to surface insights from the entirety of humanity's knowledge base. Kittyhawk was founded in March 2015 and is composed of top-tier talent in both the aviation and technology sectors. Since its founding, Kittyhawk has built a team that is dedicated to helping create a safety culture in the commercial drone industry and has a passion for creating delightful experiences via a "product first" methodology. It's this methodology and culture that has allowed Kittyhawk to outmaneuver competitors and draw the attention of aviation incumbents. About Bonfire Ventures Bonfire Ventures is an LA-based seed-stage venture capital firm founded by Jim Andelman and Mark Mullen. The firm invests exclusively in B2B software businesses, and typically leads or co-leads a startup's first priced round. We back extraordinary founders who are seeking to build world-class market leaders, and aspire to serve as those founders' most trusted advisors. Investments made by the firm's founders include The Trade Desk (IPO), Burstly (acquired by Apple), Edgecast (acquired by Verizon), Datapop (acquired by Criteo), MessageLabs (acquired by Symantec), Orbitera and Bitium (each acquired by Google), Rainforest QA, ChowNow, SteelHouse, EmailAge, Invoca, Honk and others. For more information visit www.bonfirevc.com About Boeing HorizonX Ventures Launched in April 2017, Boeing HorizonX uncovers and accelerates potentially transformative aerospace technologies, manufacturing innovations and emerging business models. The pathfinder organization invests in new ventures and startups, seeks unique business opportunities for Boeing's aerospace technology, and assesses aerospace industry disruption. The Boeing HorizonX Ventures investment portfolio is made up of companies specializing in technologies for aerospace and manufacturing innovations, including autonomous systems, energy and data storage, advanced materials, augmented reality systems and software, machine learning, hybrid-electric and hypersonic propulsion, additive manufacturing and Internet of Things connectivity. www.boeing.com/horizonx About The Flying Object The Flying Object (TFO) makes investments into US and international unmanned aerial systems technology and service companies that are leading the industry. TFO is managed by Kluz Ventures, a global investment firm, which also manages funds focused on artificial intelligence, blockchain, fintech, medical technologies and digital health. http://www.theflyingobject.com/ About Freestyle Ventures Launched in 2009, Freestyle Capital is a San Francisco based seed stage fund comprised of serial entrepreneurs. We invest in market leaders in all verticals - consumer, marketplaces, enterprise, SaaS, B2B and B2C companies. Our portfolio includes market shifting startups such as Airtable, BetterUp, Digit Intercom, Kittyhawk, Narvar and Patreon. To learn more about us, please visit http://freestyle.vc About Kittyhawk Kittyhawk unifies the mission, aircraft, and data to empower safe and effective drone operations. Based in San Francisco, the company develops full stack enterprise drone solutions for professional pilots and fleet managers across a multitude of missions. Established industry leaders in media, insurance, energy, rail transportation, education, law enforcement, fire, and emergency management agencies around the world all rely on Kittyhawk for their end-to-end drone operations. Founded in 2015, the company has received $6.5 million in funding from Bonfire Ventures, Boeing HorizonX Ventures, Freestyle Ventures, and The Flying Object (TFO). Discover more at https://kittyhawk.io and https://prkit.co/kittyhawk/ SOURCE Kittyhawk Related Links http://www.kittyhawk.io RAF MARHAM, NORFOLK, United Kingdom, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The United Kingdom has welcomed home its first four F-35B advanced fighter aircraft, which will be flown by the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. With the aid of air-to-air refueling, the aircraft flew non-stop across the Atlantic from the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, South Carolina where UK pilots have been undergoing intensive training on the aircraft in partnership with their USMC counterparts. With stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity and range, the F-35 is the most lethal, survivable and connected fighter aircraft ever built. More than a fighter jet, the F-35's ability to collect, analyze and share data is a powerful force multiplier enhancing all airborne, surface and ground-based assets in the battlespace. "This aircraft will truly transform how the UK conducts its defence operations and it is fitting that the next generation of combat air power has arrived as the RAF celebrates its centenary," said Peter Ruddock, Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin UK. "As a key partner in the F-35 programme from its early stages, the UK has been instrumental in shaping the design and development of the aircraft, particularly in relation to the short take-off and vertical landing capabilities." The programme has also greatly benefitted UK industry with more than 500 British companies involved in the supply chain. Around 15 percent by value of each of the more than 3,000 F-35 aircraft projected on the programme is manufactured in the UK, and to date the programme has generated about US $13 billion in contracts for British suppliers. The aircraft have arrived two months ahead of schedule which will allow the UK's Lightning Force to focus on achieving initial operational capability by the end of 2018. The first flight trials with the UK's Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers are expected later this year. Comprehensive sustainment support for the UK's fleet of F-35 aircraft based at RAF Marham will be provided by Lightning Team UK, which represents the blended industry team of BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls Royce. The UK currently has 15 F-35B aircraft in total, the remainder of which are stationed at MCAS Beaufort or Edwards Air Force Base in California, where they are involved in testing and training. Around the world, there are now nearly 300 F-35 aircraft operating from 15 bases globally and the programme has achieved more than 140,000 flight hours. For additional information, visit www.f35.com. About Lockheed Martin Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Related Links http://www.lockheedmartin.com OVERLAND PARK, Kan. and SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockpath, a leading provider of integrated risk management solutions, and Digital Shadows, a leader in digital risk management and relevant threat intelligence, today announced a new partnership to strengthen how organizations manage and mitigate risk. The product integration being developed between Lockpath's Keylight Platform and Digital Shadows SearchLight service will enhance the customer's ability to monitor, manage and remediate digital risk. In addition to the technology integration, the partnership is also strategic in nature, as Digital Shadow's global footprint and European presence align with Lockpath's entry into the European market. "Digital Shadows is one of the most forward-thinking companies in the digital risk management space today," said Lockpath CEO and founder Chris Caldwell. "We are thrilled to integrate with SearchLight to provide even more relevant risk insights and to work with Digital Shadows as we expand our business globally." Digital Shadows SearchLight service provides relevant risk intelligence for today's increasingly digital and connected enterprise. With the planned product integration between the two companies, these risks will be correlated in Keylight and shared with the appropriate stakeholders to foster a more accurate view of security, compliance and risk management profiles, which will enable customers to make better decisions faster. This integration will be available through Lockpath in the third quarter of 2018. "We are excited about this partnership with Lockpath as both organizations recognize the tremendous value it can bring to customers across the globe as they struggle to protect their organizations from digital risks from the open, deep and dark web," said Alex Seton, SVP of Business and Corporate Development at Digital Shadows. "Once an enterprise has a more complete understanding of its digital risk profile, it can start to manage that risk and rapidly remediate threats posed to the business, brand and reputation, while complying with government and industry requirements." Digital Shadows SearchLight combines scalable data analytics with human data analysts to manage and mitigate risks of an organization's brand exposure, VIP exposure, cyber threat, data exposure, infrastructure exposure, physical threat, and third-party risk. Using patented technology, purpose-built connectors, and award-winning functionality, Lockpath's integrated risk management solution, Keylight, equips users to manage risk from the endpoint to the enterprise. Keylight brings visibility to risks frequently managed in disparate sources. The platform aggregates internal data points from all corners of the organization, as well as from assessments, audits, authoritative sources, and external systems. Integrating, correlating and connecting both solutions enables smarter business decision-making. To learn more about Lockpath and the Keylight Platform, visit lockpath.com. To learn more about Digital Shadows and SearchLight, visit digitalshadows.com. About Digital Shadows Digital Shadows enables organizations to manage digital risk by identifying and eliminating threats to their business and brand. We monitor for digital risk across the widest range of data sources within the open, deep and dark web to deliver tailored threat intelligence, context and actionable remediation options that enable security teams to be more effective and efficient. Our clients can focus on growing their core business knowing that they are protected if their data is exposed, if employees or third parties put them at risk, or if their brand is being misused. To learn more, visit www.digitalshadows.com. About Lockpath Lockpath is a market leader in corporate governance, risk management, regulatory compliance (GRC) and information security (InfoSec) software. The company's flexible, scalable and fully integrated suite of applications is used by organizations to manage risk, demonstrate regulatory compliance, and automate business processes all in order to achieve audit-ready status. Lockpath serves a client base of global organizations ranging from small and midsize companies to Fortune 10 enterprises in more than 15 industries. The company is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas. For more information on Lockpath and the Keylight Platform, visit lockpath.com. Follow Lockpath on LinkedIn and on Twitter at @Lockpath and @KeylightGRC for the latest in industry, company and product news. Lockpath Media Contact Danielle Scotto Lumina Communications for Lockpath [email protected] Digital Shadows Media Contact Dominic Cook W2 Communications for Digital Shadows [email protected] SOURCE Lockpath Related Links http://lockpath.com SAN DIEGO, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lynn J. Good, chairman, president, and CEO of Charlotte-based Duke Energy, has been elected chairman of the board of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the national association of investor-owned electric companies. Also elected were two vice chairmen: Christopher M. "Chris" Crane, president and CEO of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation, and Ben Fowke, chairman, president, and CEO of Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy. The announcement was made today during EEI's annual convention in San Diego. The Institute's chairmanship rotates on an annual basis, and Good replaces Patricia "Pat" Vincent-Collawn, chairman, president, and CEO of Albuquerque-based PNM Resources. "On behalf of the entire EEI team, I would like to extend our thanks to Pat Vincent-Collawn for her dedication and terrific leadership as EEI Chairman," said EEI President Tom Kuhn. "During her chairmanship, Pat has worked tirelessly to advance EEI's policy goals, while also bringing our industry's commitment to diversity and inclusion into the spotlight. Pat also is a thought leader on how electric companies can best work with customers and policymakers to develop the smart communities of the future, and, thanks to Pat's efforts, more electric companies are now engaging with their communities about 'smart initiatives.'" "I am excited to announce that Lynn Good has been elected EEI chairman for the 2018-2019 cycle," added Kuhn. "Lynn has been an invaluable member of the EEI leadership team while serving as vice chairman, and we look forward to her continued leadership as we work to deliver on our commitment to meeting our customers' needs by building and using smarter energy infrastructure, by providing even cleaner energy, and by creating the energy solutions customers want and expect." "Today's environment provides an incredible opportunity for our industry to innovate," said Good. "As EEI chairman, I look forward to collaborating with leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders to meet the changing needs of our customers and deliver the experience they expect from their energy provider." Kuhn also praised the vice chairs who will support Good as part of the EEI leadership team. "Chris is a tremendous leader for our industry, and we are fortunate to have him continue serving as vice chairman," said Kuhn. "We are also excited for Ben to join EEI's leadership team, and we look forward to drawing upon his wealth of industry experience." Lynn Good is chairman, president, and CEO of Duke Energy. Before becoming CEO in 2013, Good served as Duke Energy's CFO, and earlier led the company's commercial energy business during its initial development of renewable energy projects. She began her career in the electric power industry in 2003 with Cincinnati-based Cinergy, which merged with Duke Energy in 2006. Prior to 2003, Good was a partner at two international accounting firms, including a long career with Arthur Anderson. Good is a member of Boeing's board of directors and serves on the company's audit and finance committees. She is also a board member of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) and is a member of the Business Roundtable. Good serves on the advisory committee of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and on the board of the Foundation for the Carolinas in Charlotte. Good holds bachelor of science degrees in systems analysis and accounting from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Chris Crane is president and CEO of Exelon Corporation, where he oversees a family of companies representing every stage of the energy value chain, including Exelon Generation, one of the largest competitive U.S. power generators; Constellation, which provides energy products and services to approximately two million residential, public sector, and business customers; and Exelon's six electric and natural gas delivery companies, which serve approximately 10 million customers in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania through its Atlantic City Electric, BGE, ComEd, Delmarva Power, PECO, and Pepco subsidiaries. Exelon has business operations in 48 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. Crane joined Exelon, which was then ComEd, in 1998 and was named chief nuclear officer in 2004. He later served as Exelon president and COO, where he oversaw the company's portfolio of electric generating capacity and directed a broad range of business operations, including major acquisitions, transmission strategy, cost-management initiatives, oversight of major capital programs, generation asset optimization, and generation development. Prior to joining Exelon, Crane served as Browns Ferry site vice president for Tennessee Valley Authority, and he worked in new plant start-up at the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant in Texas and Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station in Arizona. Crane is chairman of INPO, and an executive committee member and immediate past chairman of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), the nation's nuclear industry trade association. He also is a member of the board of directors of the Economic Club of Washington, D.C., Chicago's Museum of Science & Industry, Get-In Chicago, and AEGIS Insurance Services. Crane studied at New Hampshire Technical College and attended Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program. Ben Fowke is chairman, president, and CEO of Xcel Energy. The company provides electric service for 3.6 million customers and natural gas for 2 million customers in eight Western and Midwestern states. For more than a decade, the company has led the industry in wind energy, reducing carbon emissions and in developing clean energy options for customers. Fowke previously served as president and chief operating officer of corporate operations and Xcel Energy's four operating companies. Prior to being named president and COO in 2009, Fowke held a variety of executive positions at the company, including vice president and chief financial officer. He was previously vice president and CFO of Energy Markets, where he was responsible for the financial operations of the company's commodities trading and marketing business unit. Prior to joining Xcel Energy, Fowke served 10 years with NextEra, which was then FPL Group, Inc., where he held various management positions. He also has held positions outside the energy industry with DWG Corp. and KPMG. Fowke currently serves on the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, which advises the executive branch through the Secretary of Homeland Security on the security of the nation's critical infrastructure sectors and information systems. He serves on the board of directors of Energy Insurance Mutual and INPO, and is an executive committee member of NEI. He is also a member of The Business Council. Fowke was named the 2018 Executive of the Year by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal. In the community, Fowke serves on the board of directors of the Minnesota Business Partnership and Greater MSP, and is an advisory board member of the Metropolitan Economic Development Association in the Twin Cities. Fowke earned a bachelor of science degree in finance and accounting from Towson University. EEI is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Our members provide electricity for 220 million Americans, and operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The electric power industry supports more than 7 million jobs in communities across the United States. In addition to our U.S. members, EEI has more than 60 international electric companies, with operations in more than 90 countries, as International Members, and hundreds of industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members. Organized in 1933, EEI provides public policy leadership, strategic business intelligence, and essential conferences and forums. SOURCE Edison Electric Institute Related Links http://www.eei.org CINCINNATI, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement is being issued by Markovits, Stock & DeMarco regarding Anthony Williams, et al. v. Duke Energy International, Inc., et al. To: All ratepayers who received retail electric generation service from Duke Energy Corp. and/or Cinergy Corp. or their subsidiaries or affiliates at any time between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2008, in the CG&E/Duke Energy Ohio electric service territory and who did not receive rebates under the side agreements. If you meet the description above, you may have been a class member in Anthony Williams, et al., v. Duke Energy international, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:08-cv-00046, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division. In addition to claims payments to qualifying class members, the settlement of that action included the establishment of a Class Benefit Fund to be used to administer certain grants intended to benefit class members. By Order of the Court, there will be a hearing on June 14, 2018 at 2:00 pm in Courtroom 7, Room 117, of the Potter Stewart United States Courthouse, Cincinnati, Ohio. The Court will hear from the Class Benefit Fund Board regarding the implementation of the grants. Plaintiffs' Counsel will also provide a final report of the paid claims. All payments to class members under the settlement have already been made and are final. All class members and interested parties are welcome to attend. SOURCE Markovits, Stock & DeMarco, LLC and Freking, Myers & Reul, LLC SAN DIEGO, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA), the first-ever publicly traded cannabis company in the United States, announced today that subsidiary HempMeds President, Latin America Raul Elizalde spoke at the international cannabis seminar CannaMexico World Summit on May 30-31 at the San Cristobal Center in Leon Guanajuato, Mexico. There, Elizalde presented on the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids and the work that HempMeds Mexico has been doing to increase access to cannabidiol (CBD) in Mexico. He also told the story behind the Por Grace Foundation that he and his wife created because of their daughter Grace. Grace was diagnosed with a rare and severe form of childhood epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) which triggers up to 400 seizures a day. Grace was the first patient to be granted special permission in 2015 to legally import CBD into Mexico. The conference served as a platform for drug policy reformers, along with cannabis research scientists, and experts in medicine, technology, agri-business and investment from around the world to talk about the future of the cannabis industry. "It was an honor to speak at such a prestigious event and share Grace's story," said HempMeds President, Latin America Raul Elizalde. "There's a lot of misinformation about cannabis and CBD out there and we hope that our company can be a leading voice to help spread the truth." Since the establishment of HempMeds Mexico, the company has worked to promote access to CBD products by supporting non-profit organizations that help provide quick access and by working with the government to establish an importation process that allows patients to get Real Scientific Hemp Oil-X (RSHO-X) with ease. HempMeds Mexico was also the first company to receive a COFEPRIS federal government import permit for a cannabis product, RSHO-X, for a medical indication. "Raul is a well-known international leader in the cannabis industry and even spoke to the World Health Organization about CBD at their annual Expert Committee on Drug Dependence meeting last year," said Medical Marijuana, Inc. CEO Dr. Stuart Titus. "We're excited that he was invited to speak on this global stage and share information about our company." About HempMeds Mexico HempMeds Mexico is a Mexico-based company that made history by being the first company to receive a COFEPRIS federal government import permit for the cannabis product RSHO-X for a medical indication. HempMeds Mexico plans to work directly with the Mexican government to safely and legally provide access to CBD hemp oil products. For more information, please review the company's website at: http://www.hempmeds.mx. About Medical Marijuana, Inc. We are a company of firsts. Our mission is to be the premier cannabis and hemp industry innovators, leveraging our team of professionals to source, evaluate and purchase value-added companies and products, while allowing them to keep their integrity and entrepreneurial spirit. We strive to create awareness within our industry, develop environmentally-friendly, economically sustainable businesses, while increasing shareholder value. For details on Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s portfolio and investment companies, visit www.medicalmarijuanainc.com. To see Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s corporate video, click here. Shareholders and consumers are also encouraged to buy CBD oil and other products at Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s shop. FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Medical Marijuana, Inc. to be materially different from the statements made herein. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) DISCLOSURE These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. LEGAL DISCLOSURE Medical Marijuana, Inc. does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act (US.CSA). These companies do grow, sell, and distribute hemp-based products and are involved with the federally legal distribution of medical marijuana-based products within certain international markets. Cannabidiol is a natural constituent of hemp oil. CONTACT: Public Relations Contact: Andrew Hard Chief Executive Officer CMW Media P. 858-264-6600 [email protected] www.cmwmedia.com SOURCE Medical Marijuana, Inc. Related Links https://www.medicalmarijuanainc.com NEW YORK, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mesothelioma Compensation Center specializes in assisting power plant and energy workers with mesothelioma discover the nation's leading mesothelioma lawyers to ensure the diagnosed person gets to the front of the line for the best possible financial compensation. Failing to hire one of the nation's top mesothelioma attorneys could easily cost a person with this rare cancer hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation or more as they would like to discuss anytime at 800-714-0303. http://MesotheliomaCompensationCenter.Com Power Plant Asbestos Warning Sign The Mesothelioma Compensation Center says, "We are the only group in the nation that specializes in assisting power plant, oil refinery, nuclear power, public utility, or any type of energy worker with mesothelioma. Our number one priority is to see to it that these individuals get properly compensated. Based on where or how an energy worker with mesothelioma was exposed to asbestos, the diagnosed person could receive one million dollars or more as part of their financial compensation. "If you are a power or energy worker with mesothelioma, or this is a family member, please call us at 800-714-0303 before you retain the services of a lawyer to assist with a financial compensation. The lawyers we suggest sell themselves because they have such a remarkable track record of obtaining the best possible financial compensation results for people with mesothelioma." http://MesotheliomaCompensationCenter.Com If the Mesothelioma Compensation Center had one incredibly vital tip for a power plant, oil refinery, public utility, or any type of energy worker with mesothelioma it would be: Get Organized. The more information you can provide one of the mesothelioma attorneys we suggest the better the chances your compensation improves dramatically as we would like to explain anytime at 800-714-0303. Http://MesotheliomaCompensationCenter.Com Suggested exposure to asbestos form for a diagnosed nuclear power worker with mesothelioma from the Mesothelioma Compensation Center: * Name of Employer or Workplace______________________________________ * Type of Exposure to Asbestos________________________________________ (Example: I assisted a crew in modernizing the water pumps and the following workers were with me.) _________________________________________________________________ * Date and time of the Exposure to Asbestos:_____________________________ Special note from the Mesothelioma Compensation Center: "If you have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma please call us at 800-714-0303 for assistance filling out this fact sheet. It is information like this that becomes the basis for your mesothelioma compensation claim and it is vital." http://MesotheliomaCompensationCenter.Com For a map that details power plant concentrations throughout the USA please review the following website: http://www.visualcapitalist.com/mapping-every-power-plant-in-the-united-states/. For an insightful information about electrical workers please review the following website: http://www.ibew.org/articles/18ElectricalWorker/EW1804/index.html. The Mesothelioma Compensation Center is an advocate not a law firm and they specialize in assisting specific types of people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. These people include the US Navy Veterans, oil refinery workers, power plant workers, nuclear power plant workers, public utility workers, hydro-electric workers, chemical plant workers, plumbers, electricians, pipefitters, millwrights, welders, or oil and gas field workers. In most instances these people were exposed to asbestos in the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, or 1980's. http://MesotheliomaCompensationCenter.Com According to the CDC the states indicated with the highest incidence of mesothelioma include Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Louisiana, Washington, and Oregon. However, a power plant or energy worker with mesothelioma could live in any state including California, New York, Florida, Texas, Iowa, Indiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, North Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Idaho, or Alaska. http://MesotheliomaCompensationCenter.Com For more information about mesothelioma please refer to the National Institutes of Health's web site related to this rare form of cancer: https://www.cancer.gov/types/mesothelioma. Media Contact: Michael Thomas [email protected] 800-714-0303 SOURCE Mesothelioma Compensation Center Related Links http://mesotheliomacompensationcenter.com CHICAGO, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Midwest Equity Mortgage, LLC, ("MEM") an Illinois based independent mortgage lender, today announced it has signed a definitive purchase and sales agreement to be wholly acquired by Celebrity Financial, Inc., ("Celebrity") a U.S. Virgin Islands based diversified financial services holding company. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval with an anticipated closing date in the third quarter. David Robnett, Chairman and CEO of Celebrity, Dave Hansen, Partner and co-founder at MEM and Pete Gabrione, Partner and co-founder at MEM, will each take significant equity positions in Celebrity, MEM's parent company. This is the first of several acquisitions and investments Celebrity intends to make in the next 12-24 months. Other targeted opportunities include traditional banking, fintech software, insurance, and capital markets. "Right from the start we felt a connection to David Robnett and his vision. Our Consumer Direct channel will continue to lead the industry, while our Retail channel will now have the vital support and expertise necessary to its expansion," Pete Gabrione added. Robnett, who is attending this week's Mortgage Mastermind conference in Las Vegas, will join MEM's executive team as its CEO and brings to MEM 20-plus years of strategic and executive mortgage experience. As CEO, Robnett anticipates expanding MEM's Retail channel while overseeing strategic initiatives additional investments in fintech as well as diversifying MEM's product and services offering. The rest of MEM's executive team will remain in place, including MEM's founders, Pete Gabrione and Dave Hansen. "We searched far and wide for the right partner for our first acquisition and immediately saw that Midwest Equity was a perfect fit with the right infrastructure already in place to support the strategic mission. What they've built in a little over a decade is nothing short of remarkable, and we're looking forward to expanding upon their success," David Robnett, Celebrity's CEO said. Additional inquires can be directed to Eric Meadow at: [email protected] About Midwest Equity Mortgage, LLC MEM is an independent mortgage lender which celebrated its 10th anniversary in April of 2017. Licensed in 15 states with multiple offices in the US, MEM originates and funds residential mortgage loans through three distinct business channels and under the DBA's of Midwest Equity Mortgage, eClick lending, and Capital Financial Group. SOURCE Midwest Equity Mortgage, LLC SEATTLE, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Milliman, Inc., a premier global consulting and actuarial firm, today announced that it has received the 2018 Gold Quill Award of Excellence in Human Resources & Benefits Communication at the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Excellence Gala in Montreal. Milliman received the award for "A Fine Blend" campaign, which it developed for client Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits. Milliman used a six-month multimedia campaign to introduce a new culture, harmonized benefits program, and online enrollment process to Southern Glazer's 22,000 employees. Of the entry, judges said, "We really like how Milliman's campaign supported the client's business outcome and has been measured in terms of a number. A number that makes the board of directors sit up and take notice of communication. Likewise, this very well executed campaign has met and exceeded the tactical objectives and targets. Very well done." "We are honored to have been recognized internationally for outstanding achievement in communication and change management," Cheryl Frost, Milliman senior consultant, said. "But more importantly, we are thrilled to have supported the Southern Glazer's HR team in achieving their business, human resources, and benefits objectives." For more than 40 years, IABC's Gold Quill Awards have recognized excellence in strategic communication worldwide and are acknowledged as one of the most prestigious awards programs in the industry. "Only exceptional work earns an IABC Gold Quill Award," said Cindy Schmieg ABC, IABC fellow, chair of the awards committee. "Each entry is rigorously reviewed by multiple experienced communicators from around the world who are trained in applying IABC's Global Standard of the Communication Profession. The award winners represent our profession of ethical practitioners contributing to organizational outcomes." About Milliman Milliman is among the world's largest providers of actuarial and related products and services. The firm has consulting practices in healthcare, property & casualty insurance, life insurance and financial services, and employee benefits. Founded in 1947, Milliman is an independent firm with offices in major cities around the globe. For further information, visit milliman.com. SOURCE Milliman Related Links http://www.milliman.com Schafrik's recruitment received support from Gov. Greg Abbott's Governor's University Research Initiative and the University of Texas System Science and Technology Acquisition and Retention, or STARS program. The GURI program is a matching grant program that assists higher education institutions in recruiting distinguished researchers to the State of Texas. UTA was awarded a matching GURI grant totaling $2,000,000 for a total startup fund of $4,000,000. "Texas is pleased to support UTA's success in hiring Dr. Schafrik, which reflects the growing reputation of the University as a Carnegie R1: Highest Research Activity institution," said Gov. Greg Abbott. "Our GURI initiative is a strategic investment to vault the standings of our public colleges and universities into the top-ranked nationally." "We at UTA would like to thank the Governor for his support," said UTA President Vistasp Karbhari. "Dr. Schafrik's unique experience will enhance our world-class team in composite materials, advanced manufacturing and computational materials science, and give an important boost to UTA's innovation, commercialization activities and startup initiatives, through his extensive experience bringing inventions to the market." Schafrik, the new Presidential Distinguished Professor of Industrial, Systems and Manufacturing Engineering, will have a secondary appointment in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. "The current visionary leadership and upward trajectory at UTA attracted me to the University and it's great that I can be a part of this dynamic research," Schafrik said. "I used to come here to the General Dynamics facility - now Lockheed Martin - when I was in the Air Force and it is amazing to see the dramatic changes at UTA since then, especially the growth into an outstanding Carnegie R-1 institution." Alongside his academic responsibilities, Schafrik will collaborate extensively with the Institute for Predictive Performance Methodologies at the UTA Research Institute, which has brought together a group of world-renowned experts led by NAE member Kenneth Reifsnider in the area of modeling, analysis, and prediction of composite and advanced material performance in structures and systems. The IPPM laboratory is working with companies like Triumph Aerostructures, Lockheed Martin, GE, Bell Helicopter, and Boeing to extend lifetime and predict failure in aerospace structures and turbine engines before they occur. IPPM is also working with NASA to predict the strength and life of rotor blade assemblies, or rotor spars. This new strategic hire comes as UTA continues to grow its scholarly and research enterprise, on track to graduate more than 200 doctoral degrees for the fifth year in a row and with research expenditures expected to top $104 million in 2018. "2018 will be another landmark year for UTA," said Duane Dimos, UTA vice president for research. "The opening in September of our new 230,000-square-foot Science and Engineering Innovation and Research building, a state-of-the-art teaching and research space, will enable even more innovative interdisciplinary collaboration across the campus." UTA College of Engineering Dean Peter Crouch added that "Having Dr. Schafrik join the College also gives us immediate access to industrial contacts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as well as nationally, and a much-enhanced knowledge base from which to launch new research initiatives." "He will also be able to advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in careers in aerospace and manufacturing, which are growth sectors in the DFW area," he added. Schafrik holds 21 U.S. patents and was inducted into the GE Aviation Propulsion Hall of Fame in 2016. He also received the ASM International Eisenman Award for lifetime achievement in materials and, as a National Academy of Engineering Member, is pre-eminent in his field. He is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel who held senior positions at the National Research Council's National Materials Advisory Board and Board on Manufacturing and Engineering Design before joining GE Aviation in 1997, where he rose to General Manager of the Materials and Process Engineering Department. Schafrik also currently holds several positions in leading professional associations, including as a member of the audit committee of the National Academy of Engineering, and as chair of the National Research Council's Committee on Connector Reliability for Offshore Oil and Natural Gas Operations. He earned his bachelor's degree in science in metallurgy from Case-Western Reserve University, master of science in aerospace engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology and master of science in information systems from George Mason University. He earned a doctorate in metallurgical engineering from Ohio State University. SOURCE The University of Texas at Arlington BOSTON, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- WHAT: Attorney Wendy Murphy, adjunct professor of sexual violence law at New England Law | Boston, her client who goes by the name of "Steve," a victim of convicted child rapist Wayne Chapman, and filmmaker and spokesperson for Chapman's victims, Melanie McLaughlin, will address Chapman's arrest for lewd conduct in prison. This news comes on the heels of Steve speaking publicly for the first time earlier this week about the suffering he has endured throughout his life after being victimized by Chapman at age 11. On Monday, Murphy appealed the decision of a Single Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court allowing Chapman's release. WHERE: New England Law | Boston; 154 Stuart Street; Room 301 (third floor) WHEN: Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. ET About New England Law | Boston New England Law | Boston was founded in 1908 as Portia Law School, the first and only law school established exclusively for the education of women. Today, New England Law offers its co-ed student body flexible, convenient programs that combine rigorous academics, dynamic community, and early access to practical experience, as well as a diverse, global network spanning 28 countries, 50 states, and 55 practice areas. For more information, please visit www.nesl.edu. SOURCE New England Law | Boston Related Links http://www.nesl.edu/ NYSE, TSX: NTR CALGARY, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Nutrien Ltd. ("Nutrien") announces the closing of the placement of 100 percent of its Series B common shares in Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. ("SQM") to Chilean investors, certain other non-U.S. persons and to qualified institutional buyers ("QIBs") within the meaning of Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The Placement was conducted by means of a bookbuild auction on the Santiago Stock Exchange in a process known as subasta de libro de ordenes, in compliance with Chilean law and the rules of the Santiago Stock Exchange. The Santiago Stock Exchange published the results of the order book auction process through which Nutrien's Series B SQM shares were placed, with 20,166,319 shares sold at a price of approximately U.S.$49.34 per share, for gross proceeds to Nutrien of approximately U.S.$1.0 billion. BofA Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as Global Coordinators and Joint Bookrunners for the placement. Banchile Corredores de Bolsa S.A. and BTG Pactual Chile S.A. Corredores de Bolsa also acted as Joint Bookrunners. Banchile Corredores de Bolsa S.A. served as structuring agent on execution of the placement. This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which any offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification of such securities under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No securities have been registered under the Securities Act, and any securities that may be offered may only be sold to QIBs, to non-U.S. persons outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act or pursuant to another applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act and, and in each case, in compliance with applicable securities laws. About Nutrien Nutrien is the world's largest provider of crop inputs and services, playing a critical role in helping growers increase food production in a sustainable manner. We produce and distribute over 26 million tonnes of potash, nitrogen and phosphate products world-wide. With this capability and our leading agriculture retail network, we are well positioned to supply the needs of our customers. We operate with a long-term view and are committed to working with our stakeholders as we address our economic, environmental and social priorities. The scale and diversity of our integrated portfolio provides a stable earnings base, multiple avenues for growth and the opportunity to return capital to shareholders. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements and other information included in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") under applicable securities laws (such statements are usually accompanied by words such as "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "may", "will", "should", "estimate", "intend" or other similar words). All statements in this press release, other than those relating to historical information or current conditions, are forwardlooking statements, including, but not limited to the timing of the settlement date. Forwardlooking statements in this press release are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Nutrien, some of which are outside of Nutrien's control. Although Nutrien believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forwardlooking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forwardlooking statements because Nutrien can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forwardlooking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed in this press release. Nutrien disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forwardlooking statements in this press release as a result of new information or future events, except as may be required under applicable U.S. federal securities laws or applicable Canadian securities legislation. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Investor and Media Relations: Richard Downey Vice President, Investor & Corporate Relations (403) 225-7357 Investor Relations: Jeff Holzman Senior Director, Investor Relations (306) 933-8545 Todd Coakwell Director, Investor Relations (403) 225-7437 Contact us at: www.nutrien.com SOURCE Nutrien Ltd. Related Links www.nutrien.com CARMEL, Ind., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio recently celebrated the ceremonial pinning of the first graduates of the University's new Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. Xavier launched the 16-month ABSN program in January 2017 in partnership with Orbis Education, a leading provider of pre-licensure healthcare programs for universities. Xavier's ABSN is addressing the current and future nursing shortage, both in Ohio and nationally, by offering college graduates with non-nursing bachelor's degrees the opportunity to change paths and start careers in nursing. The program delivers a high-quality, clinically intensive nursing education in a short amount of time through a blend of online learning, practical application in a simulation lab and in-hospital clinical rotations at top healthcare facilities in Greater Cincinnati including TriHealth, Mercy Health, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and The Christ Hospital Health Network. "We offer experienced and credentialed faculty and state-of-the-art labs and simulation experiences to our students," explained Dr. Lisa Long, associate director of nursing, online and hybrid program at Xavier University. "We put all of that, as well as an emphasis on Xavier's Jesuit, Catholic mission of care for the person, into a package that prepares students for a successful transition into nursing." Xavier's hybrid ABSN program was developed in partnership with Orbis Education. The University's curriculum is delivered via an online learning tool. As part of the partnership, Orbis funded and developed a new high-tech learning facility. It includes meeting rooms, testing spaces and simulation labs that feature patient care high fidelity manikins that realistically simulate a wide variety of patient activities and symptoms. In the lab, students practice nursing interventions such as how to monitor blood pressure, give intramuscular injections, dress a puncture wound, provide tracheotomy care, insert a nasogastric tube, administer intravenous therapy and set up oxygen delivery. Xavier's ABSN program offers three annual start dates and rolling admissions. The program is currently accepting applications for August 2018 and January 2019 starts. About the Xavier University ABSN Program Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition. Founded in 1831, the university is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. U.S. News & World Report ranks it No. 5 among master's-level universities in the Midwest and The Princeton Review names it as one of the "Best 377 Colleges in America." About Orbis Education Orbis Education Services, LLC develops, markets and manages healthcare education solutions that result in outstanding student outcomes and help alleviate workforce shortages for hospitals and healthcare systems. Founded in 2003, the Carmel, Indiana-based company forms strategic partnerships with academic institutions and healthcare systems to enable the delivery of high-quality, clinically intensive nursing, occupational therapy and other healthcare education programs. The company provides course development, site management, program marketing and enrollment, and student support. For more information, visit www.orbiseducation.com. SOURCE Orbis Education Services, LLC Related Links http://orbiseducation.com DENVER, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Paladina Health, a company with an innovative primary care approach to delivering individualized health care, announced that global venture capital firm New Enterprise Associates (NEA) has acquired the wholly owned subsidiary from Fortune 500 healthcare services corporation DaVita Inc . The acquisition will position Paladina Health for continued growth and innovation as a leader in the direct primary care (DPC) market. The U.S. healthcare system is the most expensive in the world, yet it underperforms relative to other countries regarding health outcomes, access, efficiency and quality performance. Paladina Health offers a unique approach to the way healthcare is delivered, financed and experienced. "We are bullish on Paladina's future and thrilled that New Enterprise Associates will be their new home," said Kent Thiry, DaVita Chairman and CEO. Paladina Health's model was designed to address the main causes of poor quality and escalating costs in the healthcare system, including lack of physician access, care coordination, transparency into costs and quality of care. Paladina Health focuses on fixing the broken incentive structure between all parties involved - the physician, the patient, and the benefit sponsor. This is achieved through delivering optimal services to engage patients and driving significant change to health outcomes, patient satisfaction and cost. "We've closely followed the ongoing shift to value-based care in the U.S., and believe that Paladina Health is a pioneer in the space," said Mohamad Makhzoumi, General Partner and Head of Healthcare Services and Healthcare IT Investing, NEA. "Driven by a stellar management team, the company's adaptive DPC model has proven to meet the growing needs of patients by delivering excellent care that not only results in high patient and provider satisfaction, but also drives down cost. We're thrilled to partner with Paladina Health as they accelerate growth and continue to pioneer a better healthcare solution." Says Chris Miller, MBA, Chief Executive Officer with Paladina Health, "We are grateful for DaVita's support over the past six years in building a foundation for Paladina Health's successful model. During this time, we have delivered an exceptional patient and client experience with high quality care and lower costs, while allowing our physician-led care teams to return to the joy of practicing medicine. We look forward to impacting more lives in partnership with NEA and continuing our vision to transform primary care in America." Paladina Health currently operates more than 50 physician offices in Colorado, Washington, Texas, Wisconsin, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, New Jersey and Florida, with plans for continued expansion. About Paladina Health Paladina Health is a physician-access model of health care that improves patient care and satisfaction by providing convenient and unhurried patient-centered care and a broad scope of services. Employers who offer Paladina Health to their employees aim to provide the highest-quality benefits while keeping a long-range view of improving the health and wellness of their covered population. For more information, visit paladinahealth.com. About NEA New Enterprise Associates, Inc. (NEA) is a global venture capital firm focused on helping entrepreneurs build transformational businesses across multiple stages, sectors and geographies. With more than $20 billion in cumulative committed capital since the firm's founding in 1977, NEA invests in technology and healthcare companies at all stages in a company's lifecycle, from seed stage through IPO. The firm's long track record of successful investing includes more than 220 portfolio company IPOs and more than 370 acquisitions. For additional information, visit www.nea.com SOURCE Paladina Health Related Links https://www.paladinahealth.com NEW YORK, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Pareteum Corporation (NYSE American: TEUM), ("Pareteum" or the "Company"), the rapidly growing Cloud Communications Platform company, today announced that it has entered into an employment amendment agreement ("Agreement") with Mr. Turner, pursuant to which his engagement will continue until at least November 18, 2021. Mr. Turner's prior agreement was based on a fixed term through November 2018 and the company is therefore delighted to ensure the continued engagement of Mr. Turner for a further three years, while the company executes on a significant and value-generating corporate development and market growth strategy. The Agreement also includes provisions for performance-based remuneration, as well as M&A change of control provisions to permit accelerated vesting of equity awards, and tax gross-up allowances. Commenting on the Agreement, Mr. Turner stated: "I am very pleased to offer my continued and undivided commitment to Pareteum, its shareholders and our 'TEUMates'. This phase in the company's aggressive growth cycle will be as dramatic and positive as the last three years, and will involve enhanced value-generation for all stakeholders. I am fortunate to have a world-class executive management team, a talented and experienced Board of Directors, and an active and supportive shareholder base, all of whom I thank for the opportunity to lead Pareteum. As is clear from our recent announcements and results, we are attacking the market with unprecedented vigor and speed, and we have a highly ambitious market capture strategy which my executive management team and I are laser-focused on delivering." Mr. Yves van Sante, Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors stated: "We are delighted with the renewed engagement of Mr. Turner as Founder, Executive Chairman and Principal Executive Officer of the Company. Pareteum is a remarkable success story in the making, a company which Mr. Turner effectively founded following the dramatic corporate rescue and turnaround of the past three years. On behalf of my colleagues on the Board, we thank Mr. Turner for his extraordinary dedication and commitment, and we look forward to realizing the clear opportunity in the next chapter of this success story." About Pareteum: The mission of Pareteum Corporation (NYSE American: TEUM) is to connect "every person and everything". Organizations use Pareteum to energize their growth and profitability through cloud communication services and complete turnkey solutions featuring relevant content, applications, and connectivity worldwide. Our platform services partners (technologies integrated into our Cloud) include: HPE, IBM, Ribbon Communications (Sonus+GenBand), Oracle, Microsoft, and other world class technology providers. All of the relevant customer acquired value is derived from Pareteum's award winning software, developed and enhanced for many years. By harnessing the value of communications, Pareteum serves retail, enterprise and IoT customers. Pareteum currently has offices in New York, Sao Paulo, Madrid, Barcelona, Bahrain and the Netherlands. For more information please visit: www.pareteum.com. Forward Looking Statements: Certain statements contained herein constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to Pareteum's plans and objectives, projections, expectations and intentions. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Pareteum's industry, management's beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, the actual results and performance of Pareteum may differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Unless otherwise required by law, Pareteum also disclaims any obligation to update its view of any such risks or uncertainties or to announce publicly the result of any revisions to the forward-looking statements made here. Additional information concerning certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested in Pareteum's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which are available from the SEC or may be obtained upon request from Pareteum Corporation. Pareteum Investor Relations Contact: Ted O'Donnell Chief Financial Officer (212) 984-1096 [email protected] Stephen Hart Hayden IR (917) 658-7878 Carrie Howes Rayleigh Capital Dubai- London UAE: +971 (0) 55 997 0427 | UK: +44 (0) 870 490 5443 | CAN: +1 (416) 900 3634 SOURCE Pareteum Corporation Related Links http://www.pareteum.com NEW YORK, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Scarinci Hollenbeck is pleased to announce that Jason A. LaBerteaux, an experienced Patent attorney, has joined the firm's New York City Office as Counsel. Mr. LaBerteaux is the latest addition to the firm's growing Intellectual Property practice group. Additionally, the firm has added four new attorneys to its Lyndhurst, NJ office, who will join the firm's Litigation, Public, Education, and Labor & Employment business practice groups. NYC Patent Attorney, Jason A. LaBerteaux joins Scarinci Hollenbeck, Intellectual Property Law Group "I am very excited to be a part of Scarinci Hollenbeck. Given the firm's reputation, this decision was a step in the right direction for me both personally and professionally. I look forward to being a part of the team and applying my practice experience to help better serve the firm's clientele," said Mr. LaBerteaux. Mr. LaBerteaux will apply a client-centric focus to his legal representation involving all aspects of Patent Law. While specializing in Patent Law, he will also counsel clients on a broad range of Intellectual Property matters, including but not limited to, international filing strategies, trademarks and license agreements, portfolio management, strategic acquisition of intellectual property rights, and much more. With his emphasis on and years of experience in Patent law, the addition of Mr. LaBerteaux adds significant depth to Scarinci Hollenbeck's Intellectual Property Law group. "Given his wide practice experience, I'm excited to welcome Jason to the firm. I believe his years of experience in patent law will make him a valuable asset not only to our Intellectual Property practice group, but also to the firm at large," said Ron Bienstock, Chair of Scarinci Hollenbeck's Intellectual Property practice group. A Continually Growing Roster In addition to Mr. LaBerteaux, Scarinci Hollenbeck has hired four new attorneys. The new attorneys are as follows: Kara S. Beaufort, Associate focuses her practice on Public Law and Education Law. Prior to joining Scarinci Hollenbeck, Ms. Beaufort worked as an Assistant Prosecutor for the Essex County's Prosecutor's Office in Newark, NJ. She prosecuted major crimes in hundreds of cases and has experience in handling School Board representation matters, litigation as well as labor & employment matters. John, J.D. Burke, Esq., Associate devotes his practice to Litigation. He handles a wide range of complex commercial litigation matters in the State and Federal courts and has experience drafting and managing UDRP complaints, negotiating and drafting release and settlement agreements, and much more. Keith T. Campbell, Associate is an experienced Education Law attorney with an emphasis on special education. Mr. Campbell provides counsel to school boards, assists with regulator compliance, IEP meetings, mediations, HIB investigations and appeals, among other administrative and legal proceedings associated with special education law. Liana M. Nobile, Associate devotes her practice to Litigation. Ms. Nobile handles all aspects of a case and has experience drafting motions, mediation statements, arbitration statements and various other documents. These additions represent the newest phase of expansion that Scarinci Hollenbeck has been fostering recently. The firm is always looking for talented attorneys ranging from partner level to associate. If you think you may be a good fit, we encourage you to check out our Career Opportunities page (https://scarincihollenbeck.com/careers/) to learn more. About Scarinci Hollenbeck With a growing practice of more than 70 experienced attorneys, Scarinci Hollenbeck is a regional alternative to a National 250 law firm. Named among NJBiz's 2017 Best Places to Work list, we have offices in New Jersey, New York City, the District of Columbia, and now San Francisco, California. We serve the niche practice areas most often required by institutions, corporations, entities, and the people who own and control them. More information on our firm's expertise and range of practice can be found on our website: www.sh-law.com. Contact: Peter Moeller Telephone: 201-896-4100 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC Related Links http://www.sh-law.com Crawford joins GODIVA with 15 years of information technology experience and a deep focus in the hospitality and restaurant industries. Most recently, he served as Head of Technology at Shake Shack where he led the digital and technology efforts behind the customer experience. Crawford also architected and implemented many of the company's core enterprise systems and consumer technology platforms. "We are thrilled to have Phil join our Executive team," said Annie Young-Scrivner, CEO of GODIVA. "He brings strong leadership experience in modernizing and building technology stacks for a robust, global footprint. With Phil on our team, we'll be able to have more meaningful digital connections with our customers." Crawford has a wealth of IT expertise in building high-performing technology teams - both in digital and infrastructure - and creating unique customer experiences. His previous accomplishments include building information technology teams and serving as a digital ambassador in his role as Chief Technology Officer at both My Fit Foods and Yard House Restaurants. During his time at Shake Shack, Crawford was also a key member of the management team that took the company public in 2015. "I am excited and honored to be joining the GODIVA family," said Crawford. "I look forward to leveraging my experience in building, innovating, and scaling transformational digital technologies to further elevate GODIVA's customer experience as a global, omni-channel brand." About GODIVA Chocolatier GODIVA Chocolatier is the global leader in premium, artisanal chocolate. The company was founded in Brussels in 1926 by Belgian Chocolatier, Pierre Draps. Nearly a century later, every piece of GODIVA chocolate is still bursting with quality, Belgian craftsmanship, and the world's finest ingredients. GODIVA has distribution in more than 100 countries across the globe. Customers can experience GODIVA at the iconic brand's chocolate boutiques, chocolate cafes, GODIVA.com, and at many fine retailers. GODIVA is committed to innovative and delicious food and beverage products that exceed consumer expectations and create wonderful moments. From its famous truffles and shell-molded chocolate pieces to its European-style biscuits, individually wrapped chocolates, gourmet coffees, hot cocoa, Chocolate Soft Serve and other indulgences, GODIVA is dedicated to bringing the ultimate chocolate experience to the world. As a socially responsible business, GODIVA has global practices and programs designed to provide meaningful support to cocoa farmers, safeguard our environment, and empower the communities where we live and work. To learn more about these powerful initiatives, visit GODIVA Cares. The legend of our namesake, Lady Godiva When Lady Godiva, wife of Lord Leofric, protested against the taxation of his subjects, she agreed to ride through the streets of Coventry "clad in naught but her long tresses," and, so long as the residents remained in shuttered buildings, their tax burden would be lifted. The following morning, she made her famous ride and, despite the temptation, the citizens graciously remained indoors. Leofric kept his word and reduced the taxes to the delight of his subjects, ensuring Godiva's legendary status throughout the centuries. Inspired by the values of Lady Godiva passion, generosity, and pioneering spirit -- GODIVA's legendary name has become a universal symbol of luxury, quality and the most delicious chocolate. SOURCE Godiva Chocolatier Related Links http://www.godiva.com NEW YORK, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Below are experts from the ProfNet network who are available to discuss timely issues in your coverage area. You can also submit a query to the hundreds of thousands of experts in our network it's easy and free. Just fill out the query form to get started: http://prn.to/queryform EXPERT ALERTS Supreme Court's Ruling in Masterpiece Cakeshop Case June is PTSD Awareness Month MEDIA JOBS Energy Editor SmartBrief (DC) WSJ+ Site Editor Wall Street Journal (NY) Assistant Managing Editor, Equities Barron's (NY) OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES The New Bots Beat: A Look Inside Journalism's Automated Helpers 8 Steps to Run Your Blog Like a Magazine Editor and Boost Your Following Blog Profiles: Summer Camp Blogs ------------------------------------------------------------------- EXPERT ALERTS: Supreme Court's Ruling in Masterpiece Cakeshop Case Richard E. Levy J.B. Smith Distinguished Professor of Constitutional Law University of Kansas Based in Lawrence, Kan., Levy can discuss the Supreme Court's ruling in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case, what the ruling means, precedent, constitutional law and related topics: "The Supreme Court found in favor of the baker in this case on very narrow grounds, focusing on evidence that the state agency discriminated against the baker because of his religion. In other words, the opinion does not stand for the general proposition that states must make exceptions to their anti-discrimination laws for deeply held religious beliefs." Contact: Mike Krings, [email protected] June is PTSD Awareness Month Kelly Breeding Executive Director ART International With June being PTSD Awareness Month, an emerging therapy has demonstrated proven results in treating individuals with PTSD. Accelerated Resolution Therapy, which continues to gain popularity nationwide, aims to resolve a traumatic memory through a combination of relaxation and memory visualization. This treatment provides effective relief from strong physical and emotional reactions associated with PTSD in as few as one to five sessions, with the average being four sessions. The therapy's distinct features include use of horizontal eye movements and memory reconsolidation, which is a way in which new information is incorporated into existing memories. Says Breeding: "PTSD is a debilitating health issue that creates feelings of isolation, anger, depression, anxiety and confusion. Accelerated Resolution Therapy offers patients experiencing symptoms of PTSD an evidence-based psychotherapy that has produced dramatic improvements. ART International aims to recruit and train more therapists nationwide in this therapy, so that as many individuals struggling with PTSD have the access they need to get help with this therapy." Breeding is executive director of ART International, a foundation that is interested in expanding the reach of Accelerated Resolution Therapy. ART International specifically focuses on increasing the number of clinicians certified in this treatment. To do this, they are hosting more than 100 training sessions in the country this year to certify local therapists in this therapy. Breeding is a clinical social worker with extensive experience in building community partnerships, non-profit leadership, fundraising, and program development. Her clinical practice has afforded her the opportunity to work among diverse populations with a specialization in trauma and life transitions as well as providing community out-reach for at-risk individuals and families. Breeding earned her B.A. in Communications and her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of South Florida, and has been trained in mindfulness-based therapies and applied behavior analysis. She maintains a strong conviction for working with individuals involved in systems of care that face challenges throughout the context of their lives. In February 2016, Breeding was selected to be the executive director of ART International Training and Research, Inc. where she oversees all policies and procedures and strategic and operational responsibility for ART International's programs, expansion, and execution of its mission. She is based in Tampa, Fla. Website: https://artherapyinternational.org Contact: Harry Hammel, [email protected] **************** MEDIA JOBS: Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers, editors and producers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/community/jobs/ Energy Editor SmartBrief (DC) WSJ+ Site Editor Wall Street Journal (NY) Assistant Managing Editor, Equities Barron's (NY) ***************** OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES: Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at [email protected] THE NEW BOTS BEAT: A LOOK INSIDE JOURNALISM'S AUTOMATED HELPERS. Bots are everywhere. One industry that's benefiting from bots: media. As more readers get their daily news from online sources, many forward-thinking newsrooms are using bots to automate tedious and repetitive tasks so reporters can focus on more thoughtful work: https://prn.to/2kQBhiz 8 STEPS TO RUN YOUR BLOG LIKE A MAGAZINE EDITOR AND BOOST YOUR FOLLOWING. Running a blog isn't easy, whether it's a solo hobby or full-time job with team members. If you want to stand out in the large crowd of bloggers and boost your following, you must stay ahead of the game and work to create a formidable brand. This means tons of planning, high-quality content, good design, reader engagement, attention-grabbing headlines, and consistent delivery. A great deal of work goes into running a major publication, but there are steps you can mimic to turn your blog into a repeat stop for your readers: https://prn.to/2KRWOlS BLOG PROFILES: SUMMER CAMP BLOGS. Each week, PR Newswire's Audience Relations team selects an industry/subject and profiles a handful of sites that do a good job with promoting and contributing to the conversation. This week, they look at a few summer camp blogs: https://prn.to/2sBWfG5 **************** PROFNET is an exclusive service of PR Newswire. To contact ProfNet: [email protected] or 800-776-3638, ext. 1 SOURCE ProfNet Related Links http://www.profnet.com "When we Wage Hope together, we can elevate national awareness of an urgent cause," said Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, president & CEO of PanCAN. "Our passionate volunteers are a purple wave of humanity that draws greater attention to pancreatic cancer, recruits more people to join our movement, and supports our mission through this and other national PurpleStride events." The money raised at this event supports critical research, clinical initiatives and patient services, including Know Your Tumor, Precision PromiseSM, Clinical Trial Finder and the Patient Registry. Frank De Seno, spokesperson for the Chicago Affiliate, understands the devastating effects that pancreatic cancer has on both patients and their loved ones. De Seno lost his oldest brother to pancreatic cancer 10 years ago, just one month after he was diagnosed. Then, four years after his brother's death, De Seno's wife, Linda, was diagnosed with the same cancer. She passed away after a three-month battle at the age of 52. "I joined PanCAN in memory of my brother and my late wife," De Seno said. "I will not stop until we find a cure for pancreatic cancer, and that is why PurpleStride is so important to me. The funds raised through this event will advance research, and that research will end this disease." PurpleStride Chicago will take place at Soldier Field and will be hosted by FOX32 anchor Corey McPherrin. The event is supported by national presenting sponsor Celgene, national gold sponsors AbbVie and Ipsen, gold sponsor Skate With Bob Foundation, gold media sponsors FOX 32, MIX 101.9 FM and WQNA 88.3 FM and bronze sponsor The CARA Group Inc. To register, donate or learn more about PurpleStride Chicago, visit purplestride.org/chicago. To learn more about PanCAN and its signature walk PurpleStride, watch the PurpleStride PSA and the History of PanCAN. Follow PanCAN on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is dedicated to fighting the world's toughest cancer. In our urgent mission to save lives, we attack pancreatic cancer on all fronts: research, clinical initiatives, patient services and advocacy. Our effort is amplified by a nationwide network of grassroots support. We are determined to improve patient outcomes today and to double survival by 2020. Media Contact: Frank De Seno Media Relations Chair Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Chicago Metro Email: [email protected] Phone: 847-207-4938 SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network SAN FRANCISCO, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The global PVA films market is expected to reach USD 404.1 million by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing government initiatives to support green packaging is expected to remain key driving factor for the market. Volatile raw material prices are expected to be a key challenge to market growth over the forecast period. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661327/Grand_View_Research_Logo.jpg ) Detergent packaging emerged as the leading product segment and accounted for over 30% of total market volume in 2016. Detergent packaging is also expected to be the fastest growing application market for water soluble polyvinyl alcohol films, at an estimated CAGR of 4.2% from 2017 to 2025. The increasing global population, coupled with growing disposable income is offering high purchase power parity (PPP) that has resulted in improved standard of living. This in resulting in additional services being adopted, such as laundry services in their daily routine. The bags used in laundries are mostly manufactured using PVA films as it becomes easier for disposal. As a result, the booming laundry service industry is projected to contribute to the growth for polyvinyl alcohol films market. Growing hygiene consciousness among the consumers coupled with rising standards of living are propelling demand for detergents. In addition, positive growth witnessed by the hospitality industry is also contributing significantly in the demand for detergents. Thereby, supplementing overall demand for PVC films in detergent packaging industry. Agrochemical packaging is also among the major demand driver for PVA films in the global market. Agrochemicals such as pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and others chemicals are witnessing augmented demand in the agricultural sector. Thus, creating lucrative growth opportunities for polyvinyl alcohol films during the forecast period. Browse full research report with TOC on "Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Films Market Size, Share & Trend Analysis Report By Application (Detergent Packaging, Agrochemical Packaging, Laundry Bags, Embroidery) And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025" at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/polyvinyl-alcohol-films-industry Further Key Findings From the Report Suggest: The global market for PVA films was USD 263 million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD 404.1 million by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2017 to 2025. in 2016 and is expected to reach by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2017 to 2025. North America continued its dominance in the global polyvinyl alcohol films market and accounted for 33.0% of total market revenue in 2016. However, Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing regional market, at an estimated CAGR of 5.6% from 2017 to 2025. continued its dominance in the global polyvinyl alcohol films market and accounted for 33.0% of total market revenue in 2016. However, is expected to be the fastest growing regional market, at an estimated CAGR of 5.6% from 2017 to 2025. Detergent packaging is estimated to be the largest market in 2016 and is projected to continue its dominance by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2017-2025 The global market for PVA films is highly concentrated among MonoSol LLC, Kuraray, Nippon Gohsei, Aicello Chemicals and Sekisuei Specialty Chemicals. Browse related reports by Grand View Research: Antiglare Glass Market - Antiglare glass market is expected to show significant growth over the forecast period, on account of rising demand for antireflection and antiglare eyewear and lenses. Bioresorbable Polymers Market - The global bioresorbable polymers market size was estimated at 298 tons in 2015. Polysilicon Market - The global polysilicon market size was estimated at USD 5.49 billion in 2015 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2016 to 2025. Polymer Chameleons Market - The global polymer chameleons market size was estimated at USD 275.0 million in 2015. Grand View Research has segmented the global polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films market report on the basis of application and region: Application Outlook (Volume: Tons, Revenue: USD Million; 2014 - 2025) Detergent packaging Consumer detergent Industrial detergent Agrochemical packaging Laundry bags Embroidery Other Regional Outlook (Volume: Tons, Revenue: USD Million; 2014 - 2025) North America U.S. Europe Germany UK Asia Pacific China Japan Central & South America Brazil Middle East & Africa Explore the BI enabled intuitive market research database, The Grand Library, by Grand View Research, Inc. 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. NEW YORK, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Quinnipiac University presented its annual Fred Friendly First Amendment Award to Jeff Fager, executive producer of "60 Minutes," at a luncheon Wednesday at the Metropolitan Club in New York City. "America is hungry for real reporting on important subject matter," Fager said. "That is what we strive for every single Sunday. '60 Minutes' has really evolved over the years, but we have kept our standards and our values the same. We still think of our role the way that it was thought of when '60 Minutes' was created news is a public service." Quinnipiac presents the Fred Friendly First Amendment Award to honor those who have shown courage and forthrightness in preserving the rights set forth in the First Amendment. The award, which originated in 1994, bears the name of the former CBS News president and champion of freedom of speech. "This is a celebration of great journalism, which has never been more important in our country's modern history than it is today," said Mark Contreras, dean of the School of Communications at Quinnipiac. "Many of you in this room have dedicated your lives to producing hard-hitting and important journalism in your past and present." Fager, who will begin his 15th season as executive producer of "60 Minutes" this fall, wrote a book to commemorate the show's golden anniversary, "Fifty Years of 60 Minutes: The Inside Story of Television's Most Influential News Broadcast." As executive producer, Fager reshaped the program with a new graphic look and more timely stories while upholding its legendary standard of quality storytelling. "We were seen this year by more than 100 million people, the most-watched program in all of television," Fager said. "We want to do stories that have an impact. We want to do stories that help people better understand our times. And these are pretty odd times." Previous recipients of the Fred Friendly First Amendment Award are: Dan Rather, Bill Moyers, Lesley Stahl, Ted Koppel, Tom Brokaw, Robert MacNeil, Jim Lehrer, Don Hewitt, Peter Jennings, Mike Wallace, Christiane Amanpour, Tom Bettag, Tim Russert, Bob Schieffer, Steve Kroft, Charles Gibson, Morley Safer, Gwen Ifill, David Fanning, Martha Raddatz, Scott Pelley, Richard Engel and Lester Holt. SOURCE Quinnipiac University Related Links http://www.quinnipiac.edu FAIRFAX, Va., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ric Edelman, New York Times bestselling author and host of The Ric Edelman Show, has been named by TALKERS magazine to the "100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America" list for the sixth year, rising five spots from his 2017 position.1 This year's "Heavy Hundred" is TALKERS magazine's 24th annual ranking in which editors and industry leaders use several qualitative and quantitative factors including impact, longevity, talent and uniqueness in the judging process. In 2012, TALKERS named Ric the #2 most important weekend-only talk show host in the nation.2 "For nearly 30 years, I've strived to produce a personal finance radio show that's both informative and entertaining," said Edelman. "It is an honor to be recognized for the sixth time by TALKERS magazine." The Ric Edelman Show has been airing on the radio for more than 25 years, delivering advice and information on a wide range of personal finance topics. In an era of dynamic change, The Ric Edelman Show provides clarity, depth and humor for listeners nationwide. To listen to past episodes, click here. About Ric Edelman For 30 years, Ric Edelman has worked to teach everyday people about personal finance. He's widely regarded as one of the nation's top financial advisors, having been ranked #11 on the 2017 list of the nation's Top Wealth Advisors by Forbes.3 He was previously ranked the nation's #1 Independent Financial Advisor three times by Barron's.4 Ric is the 2017 recipient of the IARFC's Loren Dunton Memorial Award5 for Lifetime Achievement for his "substantial contribution to the financial services profession and the financial interests of the public." He is an inductee of Research magazine's Financial Advisor Hall of Fame,6 and has been named among the "15 most transformative people in the industry" by InvestmentNews7 and one of the investment advisory field's "10 most influential figures" by RIABiz.8 Ric is also a #1 New York Times bestselling author who has written nine books on personal finance. His most recent, The Truth About Your Future, was published in March 2017. For more information about Ric Edelman, visit https://www.edelmanfinancial.com/about-us/about-ric. About Edelman Financial Services Founded by Ric and Jean Edelman in 1987, Edelman Financial Services is one of the nation's largest independent financial planning firms9 with 160 financial planners and 43 offices coast-to-coast, provides financial planning and investment management services to more than 36,000 individuals and families, and manages more than $21 billion in assets.10 The firm also provides 401(k) plans and institutional investment management for businesses. Edelman Financial Services has won more than 100 financial, business, community and philanthropic awards,11 and offers an investment philosophy that puts clients first and delivers value through in-depth financial education, personalized financial plans and unfettered access to planners.12 Ric Edelman, Executive Chairman of Edelman Financial Services, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor, is an Investment Advisor Representative who offers advisory services through EFS and is a Registered Representative and Registered Principal of, and offers securities through, EF Legacy Securities, LLC, an affiliated broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. EFS offers advisory services in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. As such, these services are strictly intended for individuals residing in the United States and Puerto Rico. No offers may be made to or accepted from any resident outside of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico. 1 TALKERS magazine's "Heavy Hundred" (2012, 2014-2018) ranking at #81 is based on a number of both quantitative and qualitative criteria and is determined by collective analysis of the TALKERS editorial board with input from a wide variety of industry leaders. Investor experience/returns were not considered as part of this ranking. 2 TALKERS magazine's ranking of the "250 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America" (April 2012) is based on courage, effort, impact, longevity, potential, ratings, recognition, revenue, service, talent and uniqueness of the talk show host. 3 Forbes rankings are the opinion of SHOOK Research and are based on in-person and telephone due-diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm for advisors who have a minimum of seven years of experience, client retention, industry experience, compliance records and firm nominations, as well as quantitative criteria such as assets under management and revenue generated for the firm. Advisors are judged on individual contribution, but total team assets are shown; in some cases, significant, noncustodied assets are not included because of verification difficulties. Investment performance is not considered. Advisors do not pay to be in the ranking. 4 According to Barron's, "The formula [used] to rank advisors has three major components: assets managed, revenue produced and quality of the advisor's practice. Investment returns are not a component of the rankings because an advisor's returns are dictated largely by each client's risk tolerance. The quality-of-practice component includes an evaluation of each advisor's regulatory record." The rankings are based on the universe of applications submitted to Barron's. The selection process begins with a nomination and application provided to Barron's. Principals of Edelman Financial Services, LLC, self-nominated the firm and submitted quantitative and qualitative information to Barron's as requested. Barron's reviewed and considered this information, which resulted in the rankings on Aug. 27, 2012/Aug. 28, 2010/Aug. 31, 2009. 5 Presented by the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (IARFC). Candidates must hold a professional designation and must have disseminated their comments on financial topics by having them widely published in articles, journals, books, etc. They must have provided outstanding personal service or leadership in the financial services industry. Nominees must have participated in some aspect of financial education to the public or to other members of the profession. Investor experience/returns were not considered. 6 Research magazine cover story "Advisor Hall of Fame," December 2004 (based on serving a minimum of 15 years in the industry, having acquired substantial assets under management, demonstrating superior client service and having earned recognition from peers and the broader community for how they reflect on their profession). Investor experience/returns were not considered as part of this ranking. 7 InvestmentNews 15th Anniversary Issue. June 23, 2013. 8 The RIABiz listing of the 10 most influential figures in the Registered Investment Advisor industry is in recognition of notable, driven and influential executives who are advancing their firms and are considered to be influential in the RIA business. Investor experience/returns were not considered as part of this ranking. 9 WealthManagement.com's "Top 100 RIAs of 2015" ranking was assembled using data from Meridian-IQ. Advisory firms are ranked by total assets under management. To land on the list, firms had to have a focus on financial and retirement planning for individual and high-net-worth clients. And institutional clients do not make up a substantial portion of their businesses. Finally, none of these firms are owned by a bank, broker/dealer or investment company. Investor experience/returns were not considered as part of this ranking. Edelman Financial Services ranked 3rd. 10 As of March 31, 2018. 11 Throughout the firm's 30-year history, EFS and Ric Edelman have been presented with numerous business, advisory, communication and community service awards. More information on these awards can be found at EdelmanFinancial.com/awards. 12 Investing strategies, such as asset allocation, diversification, or rebalancing do not assure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. There are no guarantees that a portfolio employing these or any other strategy will outperform a portfolio that does not engage in such strategies. Funds and ETFs are subject to risk, including loss of principal. All investments have inherent risks. There can be no assurance that the investment strategy proposed will obtain its goal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. SOURCE Edelman Financial Services BOSTON, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Riverside Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm, announced today that its portfolio company, Calero Software, LLC ("Calero" or the "Company"), a leading provider of Communications and Cloud Lifecycle Management (CLM) software and managed services, including Telecom Expense Management (TEM), Managed Mobility Services (MMS) and Usage Management, has acquired Veropath Ltd. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, Veropath is a leading provider of TEM solutions throughout the U.K. and Europe. Financial terms were not disclosed. Veropath is Calero's third add-on acquisition since being acquired by Riverside Partners nine months ago. The United Kingdom is the second largest TEM market globally. "Veropath represents continued investment by Riverside Partners and Calero into strategic geographies for CLM. Our commitment to Calero as a leading CLM platform extends to supporting clients with industry leading localized knowledge, sales and support resources. Veropath delivers in all three areas," stated Michelle Noon, General Partner at Riverside Partners. "Furthermore, Calero's clients will benefit from leading edge technology and resources available to address global security and privacy concerns including the recently implemented GDPR requirements." "This transaction is one of a few carefully chosen strategic acquisitions designed to add scale, enhance client service and broaden Calero's technology and service offerings while carefully maintaining a one-company global approach," said Steven F. Kaplan, Chairman of Calero and General Partner at Riverside Partners. "It is further proof that Calero is quickly delivering on its goal to be the CLM provider of choice for domestic and multi-national corporations worldwide." "The addition of Veropath more than doubles Calero's European team, further strengthening our market position within the EMEA region," stated Chris Jurasek, President and CEO of Calero. "With Veropath and our acquisition of A&B Groep earlier this year, Calero offers the most robust European in-market expertise, an unparalleled understanding of the nuances associated with doing business in EMEA, and one of the industry's most comprehensive global solutions and services portfolios." David Booker, CEO of Veropath and now Managing Director for Calero, added, "I'm thrilled to partner with Riverside Partners and to join the Calero team. As the Veropath solution becomes part of the broader Calero offering, Veropath clients will benefit greatly from Calero's market-leading position, a shared view on delivering excellent customer value, its commitment to innovation, and a complementary set of solutions designed to help enterprises manage cloud expenses, mobile services and usage optimization. At the same time, our clients can expect no change to their existing solutions or the high levels of service they experience from Veropath." Calero's software and managed service solutions deliver sustainable value within large enterprises, universities and government agencies by enabling clients to more efficiently and more effectively manage the myriad of cloud and communications services, devices, contracts, invoices and spending across their operations. Today, Calero manages more than $7 billion of annual telecom, mobility and cloud spend for over 3,000 customers operating in more than 50 countries globally. Calero also provides managed mobility services for more than 500,000 mobile devices. About Calero Software, LLC Calero is a leading provider of Communications and Cloud Lifecycle Management (CLM) solutions designed to turn communication data into actionable insight by simplifying the management of voice, mobile and other unified communications services and assets. With a deep commitment to innovation and customer service, Calero's CLM approach enables organizations to support the full communications lifecycle, from procurement to payment, including software and services that aid Telecom Expense Management (TEM), Managed Mobility Services (MMS) and Usage Management. Calero has thousands of customers in over 50 countries worldwide, including Fortune 2000 corporations, universities and government agencies. Calero is a portfolio company of Riverside Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm. Learn more at www.calero.com. About Veropath Ltd Veropath is a leading provider of Information Technology Expense Management (TEM) services for International enterprise clients addressing the challenge of managing complex IT and telecom estates, to reduce costs and drive efficiencies. Servicing clients in over 30 countries with more than 90 carriers, our Microsoft Azure-based analytics portal gives full visibility of the entire asset base, identifying all types of unnecessary expenditure to enable accurate, informed budgeting and decision-making. Using this detail we make significant savings, optimise and efficiently manage the lifecycle of the entire IT and telecom estate. Learn more at www.veropath.com. About Riverside Partners LLC Founded in 1989, Riverside Partners is a middle market private equity firm currently investing Riverside Fund V, L.P. The fund focuses on growth-oriented companies primarily in the healthcare and technology industries. Riverside Partners is particularly experienced at partnering with founders, owners and management teams and it brings substantial domain expertise and operating experience to its portfolio companies. For more information visit www.riversidepartners.com. SOURCE Riverside Partners Related Links http://www.riversidepartners.com New gallery-style, interactive retail experience combines art, innovation, and heritage BOSTON, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Roots ("Roots Canada" or the "Company") (TSX: ROOT), the authentic outdoor lifestyle brand with a rich heritage and portfolio of premium apparel, hand crafted leather goods, footwear, and accessories, is excited to introduce its first-ever experiential gallery concept to Boston's flourishing and distinctive community. Opening on June 15 (with two additional Massachusetts retail stores on the way) the Roots Legends brand activation center, located at 344 Newbury Street, combines a passion for the great outdoors with modern design and innovation. Much of the 3,250 square-foot gallery-style retail space is dedicated to a sensory shopping experience, uniting cabin life to city life, and is divided into five one-of-a-kind artfully curated vignettes, each telling a unique story of the brand's DNA. Rather than ask consumers to stand behind the ropes, Roots is inviting consumers to engage with the brand through sight, sound, touch, and feel while learning about the origins and heritage of Roots. The vignettes highlight key product stories around the acclaimed Roots Original Salt & Pepper Sweats, the Cooper Beaver Collection, the Hand-crafted Leather Collection, the Seasonal Fleece Collection, and the Cabin Collection. Installations will be regularly refreshed with a reset to launch a new season or campaign. The Newbury location pays tribute to the distinct and unique flavor of Roots. It supports the brand's continued commitment to building retail hubs where consumers engage with the brand in unprecedented ways and can extend their experience by shopping in-store or online. "We are thrilled to make a home in Boston and open our first retail experience in the heart of the city," said Jim Gabel, President and CEO of Roots. "Our new brand activation Center has never been done by Roots before. It represents an exciting moment for the brand, as we facilitate deeper consumer engagement with our story. Uncompromising craftsmanship is at the core of everything we do, and this store offers the best of the Roots brand. We wanted to launch our U.S. expansion project in Boston first by bringing a unique and immersive retail experience to the community. New England, and more specifically Boston, is a perfect fit for our brand." Shoppers will be able to place their order at the Roots Sweat Bar and personalize their very own handcrafted leather bags and Awards Jackets at the Leather Customization Workshop with a selection of badges and patches exclusive to the Boston area stores. Roots Ambassadors will be on hand at the Newbury Street location from Monday Saturday from 10:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. to engage with local creatives and friends of the brand. Roots has additional Boston area store openings planned for June, 2018, including locations at The Natick Mall on June 28 and Market Street Lynnfield on June 30. To learn more about Roots, please visit The Roots Press Room and roots.com. Keep up-to-date on all of the latest Roots news on Instagram @RootsCanada, on Twitter @RootsCanada, and on Facebook.com/Roots. About Roots Established in 1973, Roots is an authentic outdoor lifestyle brand with a rich Canadian heritage and portfolio of premium apparel, hand-crafted leather goods, footwear and accessories. Roots delivers products to customers through its store network, online platform and international partnerships. As of February 3, 2018, Roots' integrated omni-channel footprint included 116 company retail stores in Canada, three company retail stores in the United States, 110 partner-operated stores in Taiwan, 32 partner-operated stores in China and a global e-commerce platform. Roots Corporation is a Canadian corporation doing business as "Roots" and "Roots Canada". SOURCE Roots Corporation Related Links http://www.roots.com NEW YORK, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hynes Keller & Hernandez, LLC is investigating potential claims against the Board of Directors of PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE: PPG) concerning possible breaches of fiduciary duty. On April 19, 2018, after market-close, PPG issued a press release entitled "PPG reports first quarter 2018 financial results," disclosing that the company received a report concerning potential violations of its accounting policies and identifying certain expenses that should have been accrued in the first quarter. Then, on May 10, 2018, PPG issued a press release entitled "PPG provides update on Form 10-Q filing and internal investigation," disclosing that: 1) PPG's Audit Committee found evidence that improper accounting entries were made by certain employees at the direction of PPG's former Vice President and Controller; 2) PPG's Former Vice President was terminated as of May 10, 2018; 3) PPG would be unable to timely file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018; and 4) PPG's financial statements for the 2017 year should not be relied upon. Click here for more information about our investigation of PPG: https://www.hkh-lawfirm.com/investigations-cases/ppg-industries-inc-ppg/ Hynes Keller & Hernandez, LLC is a shareholder rights law firm that represents institutional and individual investors. The firm is focused on providing exemplary legal services in the area of shareholder litigation. The firm has an experienced litigation team which has achieved significant victories on behalf of the firm's clients. You can visit our website at www.hkh-lawfirm.com for more information. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. If you hold shares in PPG and would like to obtain additional information about your legal rights and protect your investment, please visit our website at https://www.hkh-lawfirm.com/investigations-cases/ppg-industries-inc-ppg/ or contact the attorneys below. There is no cost or obligation to you. Contact: Hynes Keller & Hernandez, LLC Hynes Keller & Hernandez, LLC Michael J. Hynes , Esq. Beth A. Keller, Esq. 101 Lindenwood Drive, Suite 225 118 North Bedford Road, Suite 100 Malvern, PA 19355 Mount Kisco, NY 10549 Telephone: (484) 875-3116 Telephone: (914) 752-3040 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] SOURCE Hynes Keller & Hernandez, LLC Related Links http://www.hkh-lawfirm.com NEW YORK, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hynes Keller & Hernandez, LLC is investigating potential claims against the Board of Directors of RH (NYSE: RH) concerning possible breaches of fiduciary duty. In 2015, RH launched a new product line, specifically, "RH Modern" repeatedly emphasizing its preparedness for the launch pertaining to necessary inventory investments and proper inventory levels, as well as its subsequent performance. On February 24, 2016, RH disclosed negative Q4 2015 results caused in part by "shipping delays as certain vendors are struggling to ramp up production" and that "poor in-stocks also suppressed orders." Then, on June 8, 2016, RH revealed that it had issued $18 million in customer accommodations "largely as a result of RH Modern production delays" contributing to negative Q1 2016 results. On February 26, 2018, in a federal securities lawsuit against RH arising from false and misleading statements regarding the launch of RH Modern, the court denied RH's motion to dismiss. Click here for more information about our investigation of RH: https://www.hkh-lawfirm.com/investigations-cases/rh-rh/ Hynes Keller & Hernandez, LLC is a shareholder rights law firm that represents institutional and individual investors. The firm is focused on providing exemplary legal services in the area of shareholder litigation. The firm has an experienced litigation team which has achieved significant victories on behalf of the firm's clients. You can visit our website at www.hkh-lawfirm.com for more information. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. If you hold shares in RH and would like to obtain additional information about your legal rights and protect your investment, please visit our website at https://www.hkh-lawfirm.com/investigations-cases/rh-rh/ or contact the attorneys below. There is no cost or obligation to you. Contact: Hynes Keller & Hernandez, LLC Hynes Keller & Hernandez, LLC Michael J. Hynes , Esq. Beth A. Keller, Esq. 101 Lindenwood Drive, Suite 225 118 North Bedford Road, Suite 100 Malvern, PA 19355 Mount Kisco, NY 10549 Telephone: (484) 875-3116 Telephone: (914) 752-3040 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] SOURCE Hynes Keller & Hernandez, LLC Related Links http://www.hkh-lawfirm.com HOUSTON, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Coreworx Inc. ("Coreworx") announced today that SOCAR Turkey Enerji A.S. has signed a multi-year agreement for Coreworx Contract Management. SOCAR will license Coreworx Contract Management as a Coreworx hosted solution. Coreworx Contract Management will enable SOCAR to manage project contracts and associated risks from planning to close out. Egbert Wijnen-Riems, Procurement and Supply Chain Group Director at SOCAR commented on the new agreement, "Contracts are the basis for commercial success of any project and the project-specific solution Coreworx provides will help ensure our team members are compliant with our contract policies and commitments, and also provide us with a higher-level of insight to manage contract-related risk." John Gillberry, Coreworx CEO, stated, "We look forward to working with SOCAR and are focused on contributing to their commercial success. Our end-to-end contract solution provides management of project contracts from pre-award through post-award. In doing so, it will provide SOCAR with greater control and insight into their projects, and significant improvements in risk assessment and management." About SOCAR Turkey Founded in 2008, SOCAR Turkey, officially titled "SOCAR Turkey Enerji A.S.", is an affiliate of SOCAR, abbreviated form of "State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic", one of the most well-established oil and natural gas companies of the world. SOCAR Turkey is the icon of growing economic collaboration between the two sister countries, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. While transforming into one of the largest corporations of the country, SOCAR Turkey keeps empowering Turkish industry with its significant investments; thus assisting Turkey to become a major player in international energy platforms. About Coreworx Coreworx is a software and services company that provides integrated information management software solutions, including Coreworx Contract Management, for the world's engineering and construction projects. Coreworx solutions service a portfolio of projects valued at over $1 trillion across 40 countries, on more than 2000 projects with 100,000+ users. Coreworx software enables EPCs, owner-operators, and contractors to automate best practices, mitigate business risk, and improve performance to budget throughout the entire project life cycle. Coreworx has development and sales locations in Houston, Calgary, and Kitchener. For more information, visit: www.coreworx.com Contacts Jenn Spencer Marketing Manager, Coreworx [email protected] SOURCE Coreworx Related Links http://www.coreworx.com TEL AVIV, Israel, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- StemRad, a developer of revolutionary technology that shields first responders, astronauts and soldiers from harmful radiation exposure, announced today an expansion of its advisory board to include two new senior members: The Honorable Dr. Gregory Jaczko, former Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and The Honorable Andrew Weber, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs. Dr. Jaczko joins the team as a Senior Advisor following his tenure as Chairman of the Commission from May 13, 2009- July 9, 2012, where he was focused on strengthening security and safety regulations for U.S. nuclear power plants following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear disaster in Japan. He championed initiatives to strengthen the safety and security of radioactive materials including the development and implementation of a comprehensive national source tracking system. He also encouraged efforts to modernize emergency preparedness programs and to develop a Commission policy on the importance of a healthy "safety culture" at the NRC. Currently, Dr. Jaczko serves as an adjunct professor at Princeton University and will be working with StemRad to help advance its nuclear energy vertical. "I am honored to be joining StemRad at such an exciting time in the company's history," said Dr. Jaczko. "I am looking forward to my new role and the opportunities that lie ahead as we work together to continue developing this technology and delivering it to our expanding roster of customers around the nation." Mr. Andrew Weber has also joined StemRad as a Senior Advisor. Over the years, Mr. Weber has dedicated his professional life to countering nuclear, chemical, and biological threats and to strengthening global health security. His thirty years of US government service include five-and-a-half years as President Obama's Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Defense Programs and he was a driving force behind Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction efforts to remove weapons-grade uranium from Kazakhstan and Georgia and nuclear-capable MiG-29 aircrafts from Moldova, to reduce biological weapons threats, and to destroy Libyan and Syrian chemical weapons stockpiles. In addition, Mr. Weber coordinated US leadership of the international Ebola response for the Department of State. Prior to joining the Pentagon as Advisor for Threat Reduction Policy in December 1996, Mr. Weber was posted abroad as a US Foreign Service Officer in Saudi Arabia, Germany, Kazakhstan,and Hong Kong. Mr. Weber will use his expertise to help StemRad build out its military and defense sector. "I am grateful to be joining such a forward thinking company," said Mr. Weber. "StemRad has already developed a very unique solution for military and first responder teams, and I am looking forward to working with this very talented team to continue enhancing, refining and providing this life-saving technology." Dr. Jaczko's and and Mr. Weber's appointment comes at a time of significant growth for StemRad, as the company is currently expanding sales across different DoD, DoE, and DHS components, as well as establishing its selective shielding technology as standard emergency equipment in the nuclear energy sector both in the US and internationally. "We are extremely pleased to have Dr. Jaczko and Mr. Weber join our Senior Advisory Board," said Dr. Oren Milstein, CEO of StemRad. "With Dr. Jaczko's and Mr. Weber's unparalleled experience and proven success in previous endeavors, StemRad will gain the strategic support and guidance it needs to positively impact the company's market presence and strategic direction. This caps an exciting month for us with our astronaut radiation vest being approved for flight on NASA's flagship mission to the Moon next year." About StemRad StemRad is an Israeli-American company headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, that develops, manufactures and sells personal protective equipment (PPE) for ionizing radiation. It is the world's only company producing PPE intended to protect users from high energy ionizing radiation and the first to employ selective shielding in its products. Be it first-responders, military personnel or astronauts, StemRad's solutions are increasing radiation safety without compromising mission objectives. Groundbreaking science and careful attention to user needs allow StemRad to provide the wearer with the mobility and comfort required to perform critical tasks while remaining safe in the event of exposure to harmful radiation. Comprised of radiation biology experts, nuclear physicists, industrial designers, engineers and backed by world-leading scientists including three Nobel Laureates, StemRad provides cutting edge technology to protect our heroes on Earth and beyond. For more information, please visit www.stemrad.com. Contact: Matthew Krieger GKPR +972-54-467-6950 [email protected] SOURCE StemRad Related Links http://www.stemrad.com/ ST. LOUIS, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lumeris, the industry leader in value-based care solutions, today announced that 27 percent of major U.S. health system executives participating in a recent survey intend to launch a Medicare Advantage plan in the next four years. The survey also found that only 29 percent of those respondents planning to launch a Medicare Advantage plan felt confident in their organization's ability to do so successfully. "These survey findings are consistent with our conversations with healthcare executives across the country who are feeling a sense of urgency around Medicare Advantage strategies but also realize that this type of work is vastly different than traditional health system operations," said Jeff Carroll, executive director of health plans at Lumeris. According to the 90 surveyed executives from major health systems, their top reason for launching a Medicare Advantage plan is the opportunity to capture more value by controlling a greater portion of the premium dollar as compared to fee-for-service Medicare. Other key drivers cited include market and regulatory trends supporting Medicare Advantage. In particular, shrinking Medicare margins could threaten the viability of hospitals and health systems as the senior population continues to grow and becomes a larger proportion of providers' patient panels. Survey respondents also recognized that launching a Medicare Advantage plan will be challenging due to the complexities of operating an insurance plan which are far different than the capabilities required to successfully operate a health system. They also shared concerns about the significant financial investment required and an overall lack of expertise in the health plan space. The majority of respondents, 59 percent, indicated they were likely to utilize outside resources to launch their plansand that those resources are very likely to include a vendor partner that can mitigate operational risk. "Launching and managing a Medicare Advantage plan requires skills beyond the core competencies of most health systems, which is one reason many provider-sponsored plans fail in the first few years," said Carroll. "Through those failures, it has become clear that providers who select the right partners increase the likelihood for greater success in a shorter period of time. That's why the Lumeris model, which encourages providers to partner with a collaborative payer to reduce financial risks, and with an operational partner to handle contracting, compliance, utilization management, and various day-to-day plan activities, is gaining traction so quickly. We couldn't be more pleased to help health systems translate their Medicare Advantage 'plans' into reality and enable them to deliver better care at lower costs for seniors." ABOUT LUMERIS Lumeris serves as a long-term operating partner for organizations that are committed to the transition from volume-to value-based care and delivering extraordinary clinical and financial outcomes. We guide health systems and providers through seamless transitions from volume to value, enabling them to deliver improved and more affordable care across populationswith better outcomes. And, we work collaboratively with payers to align contracts and engage physicians in programs that drive high-quality, cost-effective care with satisfied consumersand engaged physicians. An industry recognized leader, Lumeris won the 2018 Best in KLAS award for value-based care managed services for helping clients deliver improved clinical and financial outcomes. This was the third year it received this distinguished award. For the past seven years, Essence Healthcare, Lumeris' inaugural client with more than 65,000 members in Missouri and Illinois, has received 4.5 to 5 Stars from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Lumeris is committed to delivering these same results with its multi-payer/multi-population clients to meet their goals and missions. Contacts Media Amendola Communications for Lumeris Lisa Chernikoff, 734-678-5513 [email protected] Lumeris Christopher Currington, 314-770-3723 [email protected] SOURCE Lumeris Related Links http://www.lumeris.com FREMONT, Calif., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Tailored Brands, Inc. (NYSE: TLRD) today announced that it has been honored with the 2018 Circle of Excellence Award by the Distribution Business Management (DBM) Association. "We chose Tailored Brands for the 2018 award because of its sustainable supply chain management strategies and for its commitment to social responsibility and environmental stewardship," said Amy Thorn, Executive Director, DBM Association. "Tailored Brands' pursuit of growth through leadership in environmental, socially responsible, and ethical business practices reflects the broader set of commitments typical of companies who receive the Circle of Excellence Award." Tailored Brands Chief Executive Officer Doug Ewert said, "We thank the DBM for recognizing our commitment to sustainable business practices. We believe in doing what's right for our employees, partnering with suppliers who adhere to our code of conduct, giving back to the communities we serve and improving our environmental impact." About the Circle of Excellence Award As a recognized symbol of quality, the Circle of Excellence Award is presented by the Distribution Business Management (DBM) Association to leading companies in various industries, who represent the highest standards of quality and provide a model for all businesses. Moreover, it signifies the important attributes and characteristics of Consistency, Integrity, Responsibility, Commitment, Leadership and Excellence which the people in an organization exhibit and uphold. About Tailored Brands, Inc. As the leading specialty retailer of men's tailored clothing 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 ATLANTA, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The logistics industry is changing rapidly due to a multitude of new technologies. The velocity at which these technologies are being introduced has created both opportunities and challenges for an industry that is charged with serving today's on-demand world. Starting today, Teknowlogi, pioneer of the Logistics Expert System (LES) and creator of Tai, the industry's only cloud-based solution built on artificial intelligence (AI), will share its innovative, yet practical, technology solutions with attendees at the North American 3PL & Supply Chain Summit being held this week in Atlanta. Teknowlogi representatives will be in Booth 32 throughout the conference, demonstrating how the LES advanced technology platform represents the next evolution of innovation for the logistics industry. With its built-in intelligence, the LES gives supply chain executives newfound visibility and data access to achieve real-time decision-making. Additionally, the Teknowlogi team will be showcasing how the LES is powered by Tai and is able to assess, analyze, provide recommendations and execute change for numerous logistical and business situations that affect all players within the shipping industry. In particular, both the Tai Mobile Intelligence and the Tai Shipping Marketplace will be on display. Tai Mobile Intelligence enables on-demand self-service for data, business process management and API management for all segments of the logistics industry, creating a one-stop shop for all types of asset carriers, 3PLs and shippers. The Tai Shipping Marketplace is an online, self-service tool delivered through the Teknowlogi platform that connects buyers of shipping rates who are looking to save money with sellers of shipping rates who are looking to make money across North America. "Technology has created some very exciting times for the current and future state of the logistics industry," said Spencer Askew, founder and CEO of Teknowlogi. "However, beneath all the buzz words and hype, organizations recognize there are some very 'back to basics' areas where technology can create tremendous value and efficiencies within the walls of their organizations. Our solutions at Teknowlogi are engineered with both innovation and practicality in mind to help companies simplify and deploy the right technologies to capture the business value they need." New Study Points to Industry Ready for Change The 2018 Supply Chain Study, commissioned by Teknowlogi and eft Supply Chain and Logistics Business Intelligence, examined the relationship between today's supply chains and technology. The study included a survey of 104 supply chain executives from retailers, manufacturers and brands in both North America and Europe. Among the study's findings: The majority of supply chain executives are already using AI in some capacity. Thirty-three percent of supply chain executives are using AI in an experimental manner and another roughly 17 percent are applying it to specific business processes while there are only limited numbers using it extensively across their supply chains. This suggests that it's still a nascent technology. Thirty-three percent of supply chain executives are using AI in an experimental manner and another roughly 17 percent are applying it to specific business processes while there are only limited numbers using it extensively across their supply chains. This suggests that it's still a nascent technology. Calculating ROI from technology needs to change with innovation: Forty-six percent of respondents are still using traditional methods to calculate ROImeasuring the cost of the technology, then calculating the recovery of said cost. As innovation increasingly becomes a necessary expenditure, there will be a shift in ROI calculations to include other variables (i.e., efficiencies gained, competitiveness, organizational growth). Forty-six percent of respondents are still using traditional methods to calculate ROImeasuring the cost of the technology, then calculating the recovery of said cost. As innovation increasingly becomes a necessary expenditure, there will be a shift in ROI calculations to include other variables (i.e., efficiencies gained, competitiveness, organizational growth). Weather-related supply chain disruption is an enormous issue. Twenty-eight percent of supply chains are being impacted by extreme weather on a yearly basis, while 40 percent are experiencing disruptions even more frequently. Companies need real-time information to be able to respond as quickly as possible with the right strategy as soon as things don't go as planned due to disasters or inclement weather. "There's no single magic wand to address every challenge within the logistics industry," Askew said. "However, through technology applied intelligence, the logistics industry at large will be able to advance through innovation without it being such a daunting or expensive undertaking." Teknowlogi is the Title Sponsor at the 9th Annual North American 3PL & Supply Chain Summit. Askew will present the keynote session, "Logistics Expert System Intelligence: What IT Means and How to Practically Apply IT," at 8:40 a.m. on June 6 at the event. About Teknowlogi Based in Atlanta, Teknowlogi is the pioneer of the Logistics Expert System (LES) and the only technology company to offer a cloud-based solution that combines transportation management systems, mobile intelligence, integration intelligence, consulting intelligence, business intelligence and artificial intelligence in one platform. Addressing unmet needs in the market, its affordable Tai solution can analyze millions of data variables in real-time to allow companies to enhance and change business processes within the complicated and multi-party global shipping and logistics industry. The Tai Mobile Intelligence app is another industry first, allowing any segment within the logistics network to address all shipment lifecycle "hot points" anytime, anywhere. Shippers, from 3PLs and freight forwarders to asset carriers and even other logistics software companiesregardless of sizecan benefit from having an intelligent LES platform that's easy to implement, use and upgrade. For more information on how to advance your logistics into the future, visit www.teknowlogi.com, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @Teknowlogi, and like us on Facebook. CONTACT: Kathy Berardi Carabiner Communications 678.644.4122 [email protected] SOURCE Teknowlogi Related Links http://www.teknowlogi.com "In recent years, small land sales have been a strong indicator of a healthy overall real estate market," said Kaki Lybbert, chairman of the Texas Association of Realtors. "With land sales increasing and price-per-acre declining slightly, we're seeing a solid market for small land purchases for a wide range of uses, including recreation, residential, investment, commercial development and farm land." Texas small land sales volume grew 8.5 percent annually to 7,588 small land tracts sold in 2017. This is the fifth straight year Texas saw small land sales volume increase. During the same time frame, the average price per acre declined 2.2 percent year-over-year to $5,521 an acre. This is the first time total dollar volume topped $1 billion. The definition of a "small" land sale varies from region to region but generally is considered to be a land sale of 200 acres or less. The exception is Far West Texas, where 500 to 8,000 acres qualifies as a small land sale. Strong small land sales growth was evident across all regions of the state, with small land purchases in Far West Texas and West Texas experiencing annual gains more than 50 percent. Small land sales in the Austin-Waco-Hill Country area experienced the smallest gains at 0.12 percent. As demand for small land tracts continued to increase, the average tract size for small land sales in Texas for 2017 remained unchanged from 2016 at 36 acres. Northeast Texas and the Gulf Coast-Brazos Bottom areas were the only regions that experienced increases in average price per acre, increasing 5 percent and 3.4 percent, respectively. Charles Gilliland, economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, commented: "Statewide, the price per acre for small land sales decreased slightly from 2016 to 2017. This could be an indication that buyers are seeking out bargains in lower priced locations in popular regions. For example, the Hill Country saw less land sale activity in Travis County compared to Comanche County, where price per acre between the two differ." Lybbert concluded, "Land is a hot commodity in Texas, and we continue to see the market for acreage almost as competitive as the residential housing market. As population growth continues, we expect to see the demand for rural land continue to increase." About the Texas Small Land Sales Report The Texas Small Land Sales Report analyzes small land sales data and trends across seven regions of Texas utilizing survey data aggregated by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. The Texas Association of REALTORS distributes insights about the Texas housing market each month, including quarterly market statistics, trends among homebuyers and sellers, luxury home sales, international trends, and more. To view the Texas Small Land Sales Report in its entirety, visit texasrealestate.com. About the Texas Association of REALTORS With more than 114,000 members, the Texas Association of REALTORS is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We are the advocate for REALTORS and private property rights in Texas. Visit texasrealestate.com to learn more. CONTACT: Morgan Moritz, [email protected], 512-448-4950 SOURCE Texas Association of Realtors BOSTON, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 22, 2018, the 4th annual China-US Innovation Competition hosted by Entrepreneur Foundation (www.bsef.us) successfully took place in Questrom School of Business at Boston University. After the preliminary review, 8 finalists were selected for the final pitch. The finalists came from a variety of industries such as, Biotech, Robotics, AI, clean Energy, Consumer Service, and Enterprise Service. All the finalists did an excellent job during the final pitch. They received not only positive feedback but also feedback to improve their business model, product design and global expansion strategy from the judges. Top 3 Teams were awarded $5000, $10,000 and $30,000 respectively for their company's future development: 3rd Place: Brain Robotics is devoted to developing AI-powered robotics prosthesis hands at unparalleled cost effectiveness, to empower the people in need to live their lives to the fullest. 2nd Place: Multisensor Diagnostics' device MouthLab is a medical assessment device that measures more than 10 vital health parameters in under 30s the device intent to provide transformative solution for individuals with complex chronic conditions. 1st Place: PathoVax is committed to addressing the devastating economic burden, social stigma, and poor compliance rates resulting from the incomplete protection of current HPV vaccines. Judges: This year we were very pleased to have many recognized experts and investors from different fields to join the competition as judges. Some special judges included: Airong Li, MD PHD, Principal Investigator at Massachusetts General Hospital and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School; Xiang Cai, PHD, is the associate professor of Physiology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine; Anil Achyuta is the Director of Advanced Research at L Oreal, where he invests in disruptive technologies in materials science dermatology and medical aesthetics; Shuyang Li, young fashion entrepreneur, AACYF 30 under 30 and founder of EDGE Fashion. His clientele include high-end fashion brands D&G, Shiseido and Cle de Peau Beaute. He was consulted by Future Glory, Biggercode, Alltoohuman, Riccardi and many other brands on integrated marketing communication and help them execute their strategy; Chandra Briggman is the former director of digital for USPS and the current director for Venture Cafe. Garnett Ge, the Head of Cross order Venture at Plug and Play. China Trip: The 8 finalists will receive a full-coverage business trip to China to meet with Chinese investors, Chinese enterprises, and Chinese incubators to explore alternative investment from China, global expansion strategies, and different exit strategies from China. The trip has six stops, including Beijing, Shandong, Shanghai, Hefei, Hangzhou and Guangzhou. The summit is primarily sponsored by the UnitedData Group (www.uniteddata.com) The Group is dedicated to operating the data ecosystem. The services provision ranges from asset management, lifecycle, core technology and data ecosystem of data center. SOURCE bsef.us Related Links http://www.bsef.us MOUNT ROYAL, N.J., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- At the American Headache Society's (AHS) 60th Annual Scientific Meeting, leading researchers specializing in migraine, cluster headache and post-traumatic headache, will present groundbreaking data on innovative pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies and the impact of these treatments on specific patient populations. The meeting, which takes place June 28 July 1, 2018 in San Francisco, will convene more than 1,000 specialists from around the world and will showcase more than 290 accepted scientific abstracts. Peter Goadsby, MD, PhD, FAHS, AHS Scientific Program Committee Chair, will highlight some of the data being showcased during a webcast on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 9:00 am PDT/12:00 pm EDT. More details and registration information can be found here: https://join.onstreammedia.com/register/13415714/c74uk2a. "The studies presented at the 60th AHS Annual Scientific Meeting deepen our understanding of headache and highlight research advances and continued progress towards more effective, better tolerated and safer treatment options," said Peter Goadsby, MD, PhD, FAHS, AHS Scientific Program Committee Chair, Professor of Neurology, King's College London, neurologist and headache specialist at University of California, San Francisco, and director, NIHR-Wellcome Trust King's Clinical Research Facility, King's College Hospital, London. "This is an unrivaled era for headache disorders, providing patients with much needed hope and concrete advances." The AHS Annual Scientific Meeting coincides with National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, which brings attention to the fact that migraine affects more than 36 million men, women and children in the United States and is the leading cause of disability worldwide due to a neurological disease. For more than 90% of those living with migraine, it interferes with education, career and social activities. The data to be highlighted at the AHS Annual Scientific Meeting brings new understanding of the epidemiology, as well as prevention and treatment of migraine. The AHS has a longstanding history of sponsoring innovative science, healthcare provider education and extensive involvement of its members in leading the most pivotal clinical trials. AHS is committed to improving the lives of those with migraine and works closely in conjunction with the American Migraine Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by AHS in 2010 that is dedicated to supporting patients through education, advocacy and the advancement of migraine research. Following is a select list of scheduled scientific presentations to come at the annual meeting (note: all times are PDT and presenters are subject to change): Friday, June 29, 2018 11:40 am 11:50 am Assessing Unmet Treatment Needs and Associated Disability in Persons with Migraine: Results from Migraine in America Symptoms and Treatment (MAST) Study Richard B. Lipton , MD (ID number: OR02) Assessing Unmet Treatment Needs and Associated Disability in Persons with Migraine: Results from Migraine in America Symptoms and Treatment (MAST) Study 12:20 pm 12:30 pm Life with Migraine, Effect on Relationships: Results of the Chronic Migraine Epidemiology and Outcomes (CaMEO) Study Dawn C. Buse , PhD, FAHS (ID number: OR06) Life with Migraine, Effect on Relationships: Results of the Chronic Migraine Epidemiology and Outcomes (CaMEO) Study 12:30 pm 12:40 pm When Mom Has Migraine: An Observational Study of the Burden of Parental Migraine on Children Elizabeth K. Seng , PhD, FAHS (ID number: OR07) When Mom Has Migraine: An Observational Study of the Burden of Parental Migraine on Children 2:15 pm 3:00 pm Identifying Natural Subgroups of Migraine Based on Profiles of Comorbidities and Concomitant Conditions: Results of the Chronic Migraine Epidemiology and Outcomes Study Richard B. Lipton , MD ( Harold G. Wolff Award Lecture ID number: OR17) Saturday, June 30, 2018 8:00 am 8:10 am Long-term Safety and Tolerability of Erenumab: Three-plus Year Results from an Ongoing Open-label Extension Study in Episodic Migraine Messoud Ashina, MD, PhD, DMSc ( ID number: IOR01) Long-term Safety and Tolerability of Erenumab: Three-plus Year Results from an Ongoing Open-label Extension Study in Episodic Migraine 8:30 am 8:40 am Eptinezumab Achieved Meaningful Reductions in Migraine Activity as Early as Day 1: PROMISE-2 (Prevention of Migraine via Intravenous Eptinezumab Safety and Efficacy-2) Phase 3 Trial in Chronic Migraine David Kudrow , MD ( ID number: IOR04) Eptinezumab Achieved Meaningful Reductions in Migraine Activity as Early as Day 1: PROMISE-2 (Prevention of Migraine via Intravenous Eptinezumab Safety and Efficacy-2) Phase 3 Trial in Chronic Migraine 8:40 am 8:50 am Rapid Onset of Effect of Galcanezumab for the Prevention of Episodic Migraine: Post-hoc Analyses of Two Phase 3 Studies Sheena K. Aurora , MD ( ID number: IOR05) Rapid Onset of Effect of Galcanezumab for the Prevention of Episodic Migraine: Post-hoc Analyses of Two Phase 3 Studies 8:50 am 9:00 am A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label Study to Compare OnabotulinumtoxinA and Topiramate for Headache Prevention in Adults with Chronic Migraine: Patient Reported Outcomes from the FORWARD Study Andrew Blumenfeld , MD ( ID number: I OR06 ) A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label Study to Compare OnabotulinumtoxinA and Topiramate for Headache Prevention in Adults with Chronic Migraine: Patient Reported Outcomes from the FORWARD Study 9:30 am 9:40 am Low-Dose (3 Mg) Sumatriptan Injection (DFN-11) Efficacy, Tolerability, and Safety in Episodic Migraine: RESTOR, a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Study Stephen Landy , MD ( ID number: I OR10 ) Low-Dose (3 Mg) Sumatriptan Injection (DFN-11) Efficacy, Tolerability, and Safety in Episodic Migraine: RESTOR, a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Study 10:10 am 10:20 am Study CGAL: A Phase 3 Placebo-Controlled Study of Galcanezumab in Patients with Episodic Cluster Headache: Results from the 8-Week Double-blind Treatment Phase Sheena K. Aurora , MD, FAHS ( ID number: IOR03LB) Study CGAL: A Phase 3 Placebo-Controlled Study of Galcanezumab in Patients with Episodic Cluster Headache: Results from the 8-Week Double-blind Treatment Phase 11:00 am 11:10 am Non-invasive Stimulation of the Vagal Nerve Reduces Provoked Cranial Autonomic Output in Healthy Volunteers Maike Moeller , M.Sc . ( ID number: OR12 ) Non-invasive Stimulation of the Vagal Nerve Reduces Provoked Cranial Autonomic Output in Healthy Volunteers . 2:15 pm 2:25 pm Reversion of Patients with Chronic Migraine to an Episodic Migraine Classification with Fremanezumab Treatment Rashmi B. Halker Singh , MD, FAHS (ID number: OR15) Reversion of Patients with Chronic Migraine to an Episodic Migraine Classification with Fremanezumab Treatment 2:25 pm 2:35 pm Migraine Pattern Changes in Women During the Menopause Transition Yu-Chen Cheng , MD, MPH (ID number: OR16) Following is a select list of abstracts that will be presented as posters: Friday, June 29, 2018, 1:15 pm 2:15 pm Menstrual Migraine and Associated Pain Onset, Intensity and Interference: Results from the 2017 Migraine in America Symptoms and Treatment (MAST) Study Jelena M. Pavlovic , MD, PhD ( PF74 ID number: 427925 ) Migraine Treatment in Pregnant Women Presenting to Acute Care Katherine Hamilton , MD ( PF51 ID number: 429230 ) Perceived Effect of Migraine on Career and Finances: Results of the Chronic Migraine Epidemiology and Outcomes (CaMEO) Study Dawn C. Buse , PhD, FAHS ( PF01 ID number: 448232 ) Chocolate as a Risk Factor for Migraine Attacks: An Exploration Stephen Donoghue , PhD, FRSM, MICR ( PF54 ID number: 448929 ) Nitrates in Food as a Risk Factor for Migraine Attacks Stephen Donoghue , PhD, FRSM, MICR ( PF55 ID number: 448943 ) Weather and its Association with New Onset Headache Days in Persons with Episodic Migraine: An Observational Cohort Study Vincent Martin , MD ( PF75 ID number: 434633 ) Assessment of the Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Erenumab During Open-Label Treatment of Subjects With Chronic Migraine Stewart J. Tepper , MD, FAHS (PF115LB ID number: 492404) Efficacy of Fremanezumab on Migraine Frequency and Depression in Patients With Chronic Migraine and Comorbid Moderate to Moderately Severe Depression Dawn C. Buse , PhD, FAHS (PF24 ID number: 444075) Eptinezumab for Prevention of Chronic Migraine (CM): Results of 2 Quarterly Intravenous Infusions in the Phase 3 PROMISE-2 (PRevention Of Migraine via Intravenous eptinezumab Safety and Efficacy2) Trial Richard B. Lipton , MD (PF110LB ID number: 489028) Saturday, June 30, 2018, 1:00 pm 2:15 pm Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (nVNS) for the Acute Treatment of Migraine: The Multicenter, Double-blind, Randomized, Sham-controlled PRESTO Trial Eric Liebler ( PS27 ID number: 447864 ) Type of Day as a Risk Factor for Migraine Attacks: An Exploration of Weekend Headache Stephen Donoghue , PhD, FRSM, MICR (PS42 ID number: 449558) Sphenopalatine Ganglion Stimulation is Effective for Chronic Cluster Headache - A Sham-Controlled Study Peter Goadsby , MD, PhD, FAHS (PS112LB ID number: 493049) Evaluating the Impact of Ubrogepant, an Acute Treatment for Migraine, on Patient-Reported Functionality and Satisfaction: Results from a Single Attack Phase III Study, ACHIEVE I David W. Dodick , MD, FRCP, FACP, FAHS (PS110LB ID number: 492934) Online Annual Meeting Press Room Visit https://americanheadachesociety.org/events/60th-annual-scientific-meeting/ for press guidelines and releases, as well as information on press room, press passes, embargo policies and photo/video policy. About Peter Goadsby, MD, PhD, FAHS Dr. Peter Goadsby is the AHS Scientific Program Committee Chair; Professor of Neurology, King's College London, neurologist and headache specialist at University of California, San Francisco and director, NIHR-Wellcome Trust King's Clinical Research Facility, King's College Hospital, London. His major research interests are in the basic mechanisms of primary headache disorders, such as migraine and cluster headache, in both experimental and clinical settings, and translating these insights into their better management. About Migraine Migraine is a disabling neurological disease that affects more than 36 million men, women and children in the United States. The disease impacts one in four households, one in five women, one in 16 men and one in 11 children in the United States. The World Health Organization places migraine as one of the 10 most disabling medical illnesses on the planet. Individuals who experience migraine have symptoms that include nausea, sensitivity to light and/or odors, skin sensitivity, fatigue, mood change, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, neck pain and changes in vision, including seeing spots, stars, lines, flashing lights and zigzag lines. The risk of other serious diseases is significantly higher in those with migraine, including stroke, epilepsy, depression, anxiety and chronic pain. Despite this, only one of every three people talk with a doctor about their migraine attacks and of those, only half get the right diagnosis. There is also a shortage of specialists focusing on migraine, with only about one specialist for every 80,000 individuals living with migraine in the United States, which worsens the problem. About the American Headache Society The American Headache Society (AHS) is a professional society of healthcare providers dedicated to the study and treatment of headache and face pain. The Society's objectives are to promote the exchange of information and ideas concerning the causes and treatments of headache and related painful disorders. Educating physicians, health professionals and the public and encouraging scientific research are the primary functions of this organization. AHS activities include an annual scientific meeting, a comprehensive headache symposium, regional symposia for neurologists and family practice physicians, and publication of the journal Headache. More information can be found at www.americanheadachesociety.org. In 2010 AHS founded the American Migraine Foundation (AMF) to provide access to information and resources for individuals living with migraine, as well as their loved ones. AMF is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of research and awareness surrounding migraine, with a mission to mobilize a community for patient support and advocacy, as well as drive and support impactful research that translates into treatment advances for patients with migraine and other disabling diseases that cause severe head pain. Patients can learn more, find help and get connected by visiting www.americanmigrainefoundation.org. SOURCE American Headache Society Related Links http://www.americanheadachesociety.org On Roosevelt Island, DSUN served as Cornell's partner, coordinating design, engineering and development activities with the builders and architects of The Bloomberg Center and the neighboring Tata Innovation Center: Forest City New York, Morphosis and Weiss/Manfredi. DSUN advised on selecting the builder, EnterSolar, and the solar panels, by Solaria, to optimize the installation, and worked with Cornell to manage the construction stages. "Cornell appreciates the engineering expertise and electrical systems guidance that Distributed Sun provided as we developed and opened the first phase of our brand-new Roosevelt Island campus," said Diana Allegretti, Director of Design and Construction at Cornell Tech. "Their teams supported Cornell to accomplish the best design and electrical engineering to fit these unique solar rooftop canopies." Cornell Tech is a campus built for the digital age. It brings together faculty, business leaders, tech entrepreneurs and students in a catalyzing learning environment that aims to reinvent the way we live in the digital age. Cornell Tech was named the winner of the City's Applied Sciences competition in 2011, and the first phase of the campus opened September 2017. The first phase includes three buildings the Emma and Georgina Bloomberg Center, the first academic building, the Tata Innovation Center, where companies locate on campus, and The House, a residential building for students, faculty and staff. The campus features innovative architectural designs that implement green building best practices to maximize energy efficiency and minimize the campus carbon footprint. The Bloomberg Center and the Tata Innovation Center buildings host high-performance solar canopies, contributing to the aspiration of getting to net zero energy usage at The Bloomberg Center. These arrays are integral to the university's sustainability goals within the built environment. High energy yield solar panels provide attractive appearance, excellent value and reliable performance. With its strong commitment to clean energy innovation, Cornell Tech has raised the bar for new construction. "Distributed Sun is proud to support the development of solar on these two iconic new buildings that showcase Cornell's commitment to renewable energy," says Jeff Weiss, Cornell '79 and Managing Director of Distributed Sun. "The solar canopies balance clean energy with aesthetic design at great heights in the middle of the East River. It is a privilege to direct exacting engineering and equipment selection, and contribute to the design process in support of Cornell's work to achieve its goal of zero energy usage." About Cornell University Cornell University is a world-class research institution known for the breadth and rigor of its curricula, and an academic culture dedicated to preparing students to be well-educated and well-rounded citizens of the world. Its faculty, staff and students believe in the critical importance of knowledgeboth theoretical and appliedas a means of improving the human condition and solving the world's problems. With campuses in Ithaca, New York, New York City, and Doha, Qatar, Cornell is a private, Ivy League research university and the land-grant institution of New York State. About Cornell Tech Cornell Tech brings together faculty, business leaders, tech entrepreneurs and students in a catalytic environment to produce visionary results grounded in significant needs that will reinvent the way we live in the digital age. The Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute embodies the academic partnership between the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and Cornell University on the Cornell Tech campus. From 2012-2017, the campus was temporarily located in Google's New York City building. In fall 2017, 30 world-class faculty and about 300 graduate students moved to the first phase of Cornell Tech's permanent campus on Roosevelt Island, continuing to conduct groundbreaking research, collaborate extensively with tech-oriented companies and organizations and pursue their own startups. When fully completed, the campus will include two million square feet of state-of-the-art buildings, over two acres of open space, and will be home to more than 2,000 graduate students and hundreds of faculty and staff. About Distributed Sun Distributed Sun (DSUN) has developed, owned and operated solar generation facilities in 11 US states since its founding in 2010 when it invented the Solar Energy Investment Company (SEIC) model. Since then, it formed nine sponsor and tax equity and development funds under this structure that have each met or exceeded their performance yield targets. DSUN's SEICs have developed and invested in residential, commercial, industrial, utility and community solar systems representing more than $250 million in capital expenditures and a half-a-billion dollars in revenues. DSUN founded the truSolar standards initiative and customer on-boarding portal, created the beEdison SaaS platform and hosts the annual New Energy Summit in Washington, DC. The company recently completed development on SUN8, the largest community solar portfolio in New York which will create over 1,000 jobs and serve 15,000 residential customers beginning in 2018. DSUN recently formed SUN10, a big data infrastructure fund that will deploy $750 million into Energy-as-a-Service solutions over the next 3 years. SOURCE Distributed Sun PRATT, Kan., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Inovateus Solar, Kenyon Energy and the City of Pratt, Kansas announced today the upcoming solar farm project (6MW) located on the North East Corner of town. Half mile North of 54 highway on NW 20th Ave. The awarded project will produce 12.6 MWh annually, enough to power 10,000 homes and offsetting over 23 million tons of CO2 emissions. "The City of Pratt is a highly diverse community moving in a progressive direction, supporting extensive growth and business opportunities. For these reasons, we are very pleased to announce our partnership with Inovateus Solar to lead in our region with the utilization of clean energy sources," said Doug Meyer, Mayor of Pratt. The construction of the solar project will start in June and is expected to begin commercial operation in January, 2019. The project is contracted under a 15-year power purchase agreement, with Pratt's utility power plant for 100% of the array's output. Construction will be managed by Inovateus. "Kenyon Energy is very pleased to partner with Inovateus Solar and the City of Pratt on this exciting solar energy project," said Clay Biddinger, Chairman & CEO of Kenyon Energy. "This project is creating tangible economic and environmental benefits for Pratt's citizens and local businesses. We continue to develop solar energy projects similar to this throughout Kansas and encourage other cities and municipalities across Kansas to reach out if they are interested in benefiting from solar energy." Another benefit from this project is to provide Pratt Community College with assistance in the development of a solar program. "We are impressed by the enthusiasm expressed by city officials as well as Pratt Community College in the creation of a solar program. This aligns really well with our core values to continue educating and promoting the use of solar technologies," said Jordan Richardson, Business Development Manager at Inovateus Solar. About The City of Pratt Focusing on the future, Pratt is proud to be moving in a progressive direction, supporting extensive growth and business opportunities. From new construction to the expansion of the business park, Pratt is always looking to move forward while keeping its family-oriented roots firmly planted. For further information, please contact: Roy Eckert Phone: 620-672-5571 Email: [email protected] About Kenyon Energy Kenyon Energy is a leading developer, owner and operator of solar energy projects in the United States. Kenyon Energy takes great pride in providing excellent customer service, while developing cost-effective, turnkey, and creative solar energy solutions for a diverse set of customers, including utilities, municipalities, schools and universities, federal and state government facilities, small and large industrial facilities, and Fortune 500 companies. For further information, please contact: Mike Dykstra Phone: 727.608.1019 Email: [email protected] About Inovateus Solar Inovateus Solar is one of the leading solar development, EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) and supply companies in the Midwest United States. Headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, the company has developed and built more than 357 MW of utility, commercial and industrial, and microgrid solar systems in the U.S., the Caribbean, and Latin America. With strong roots in the communities it serves, Inovateus is passionately committed to Building A Brilliant Tomorrow through the wide-scale deployment of advanced solar and clean energy technologies. For further information, please contact: Mauricio Anon Director of Marketing Phone: 574.485.1417 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Inovateus Solar Related Links http://www.inovateus.com GREENVILLE, N.C., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hammock Source (http://thehammocksource.com) was proud to be asked to host a recent round table discussion with featured guest, U.S. senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Walter Reid Perkins III, CEO of The Hammock Source introduced the Senator to a crowd of guests that included distinguished business leaders from Mayne Pharma, the Hyster-Yale Group and Mestek, Inc. The Senator spoke at length about the Republican leadership's plans to revitalize businesses in the United States. John Farley Walter Perkins, Jr. Senator Tillis Walter Perkins III Jay Branch In addition to representatives from some of North Carolina's biggest business and employers, Senator Tillis addressed individuals in the audience from both the U.S. and the Pitt-Greenville Chamber of Commerce. Senator Tillis spoke on topics ranging from the Trump Administration's tax cuts to attracting and retaining talent in eastern North Carolina. He later opened the discussion up for a question and answer period. Mr. Perkins asked about planned federal spending and regulation cuts, to which Senator Tillis gave an accounting of some of the regulations already repealed. The Senator then generously gifted his personal time, speaking one-on-one with attendees for over an hour before leaving to return to Washington. "We appreciate all that Senator Tillis and other Republican leaders have done for the businesses of North Carolina. It is through their continued support and overall business advocacy that companies like The Hammock Source can continue to provide jobs and opportunities for citizens in North Carolina and elsewhere," CEO Walter Reid Perkins III said of the round table discussions. Citing recent tax cuts for businesses, The Hammock Source recently surprised its employees with tax-reform bonus checks. Depending on length of service, employees received as much as $1000 each. The bonus checks were placed in envelopes featuring an American flag and the words "Trump Republican Tax Reform Bonus." The company is now among the 260-plus businesses that have announced tax reform bonuses, pay raises and 401(k) match increases. "Success is only attainable by having good people. We at The Hammock Source want to continue to invest in the people that have made our business successful. We hope that other businesses will follow our lead and give back to their employees as well. Keeping an American manufacturing business running profitably has been a challenge over the last decade. Now that the future economic environment looks better for our business, we want our employees to have a gain in that future success, early on. People make a business successful, not buildings, not machines. It's the people," CEO Walter Reid Perkins III said. About The Hammock Source It all began over 40 years ago with an eastern North Carolina tobacco salesman who had a wicked inventor's streak, a small stack of handmade hammocks and an old Toyota station wagon. The year was 1971. That's when Walter R. Perkins Jr., an avid amateur woodworker, founded Hatteras Hammocks more or less by accident. Crafting a bunch of his own hammocks really just to find out how to make the darn things it wasn't long before Mr. Perkins was making hammocks for his friends and family. Soon after, he was selling hammocks out of the trunk of that old Toyota. Now, The Hammock Source is the world's largest source for premium hammock products, sold at specialty and home-improvement stores across the U.S. and Canada, as well as through a variety of high-end catalogs and online retail sites. Learn more about The Hammock Source at TheHammockSource.com. Contact: Paul Pearse 252-715-0091 [email protected] SOURCE The Hammock Source Related Links http://thehammocksource.com WASHINGTON, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Cybersecurity Society (NCSS), a national nonprofit created to address small business cybersecurity, released a study today "Business Identity Theft in the U.S." The study was funded through a grant provided by the Identity Theft Resource Center and the Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime. The study describes the types of business identity theft, how the crime is perpetrated, and identifies areas for improvement in the national system of identity protection. "Small business identity theft stealing a business's identity to commit fraud, is big business for identity thieves," said Mary Ellen Seale, CEO of the NCSS. Just like individuals, businesses may have their identities stolen and their sensitive information used to open credit card accounts, file fraudulent tax returns or compromise their online identity. While some business identity data can be found in paper records, the majority of data stolen or compromised resides in online systems. Business identity data is public data that various online search engines can easily access. Criminals are changing business records to their advantage. Unfortunately, many businesses neither are aware of this threat nor take prudent measures to protect their business identity. Recommendations going forward include: Creating a national business identity task force, Educational outreach to the business community, Access control improvements, Improvement in victim resources, Better visibility into the credit file to track status, Business guides to protect identity data. As the Internet Crime Complaint Center reports identity theft as the seventh largest crime in the U.S. based upon the number of victims, now more than ever attention needs to be directed to correcting the system vulnerabilities that criminals are using to exploit. The NCSS is actively seeking coalition partners who can assist in reaching the business community, participate in solution development and assist victims. For additional information on the coalition, please contact the NCSS. For more information about the NCSS, visit us at: www.nationalcybersecuritysociety.org ABOUT THE NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY SOCIETY The National Cybersecurity Society is committed to improving the online safety and security of the small business community through education, awareness, and advocacy. As a 501(3)(c) organization, the NCSS uses funds from charitable donations and grants to develop educational materials, webinars, weekly cyber tips, videos and conferences. The organization's goal is to enable and empower small and medium businesses to obtain cybersecurity services, assist them in understanding their cyber risk, and advise on the type of protection needed. SOURCE The National Cybersecurity Society Related Links http://www.nationalcybersecuritysociety.org/ PORTLAND, Ore., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Server Dome has created a revolutionary design for an unmanned, virtually maintenance-free, self-sustaining data storage center with little to no energy footprint to meet the demands of today's growing data industry. Server Dome: The next generation data center. Server Dome's unique design begins with the shape, which is literally a dome. Constructed of aluminum, the geodesic dome utilizes natural convection to eliminate the need for cooling equipment like air conditioning units, exhaust fans, dehumidifiers, chillers and CRACs, providing considerable savings on electricity costs. In the original Server Dome built at a regional teaching hospital, the 8,000 square foot, 4MW data center spends just 0.2MW on non-IT equipment. "Server Dome runs circles around other data centers," said company CEO Frank Oliver. "The circular architecture allows us to maximize capacity with thousands of servers in a wheel and spoke layout, and with our circular airflow the entire facility is essentially a functional cold aisle. The power savings alone greatly reduces our footprint on the environment." The unusual design reduces the required mechanical systems to just one the air handling units. This provides at least 30% reduced construction costs and 80% reduced maintenance costs when compared to a traditional brick-and-mortar building. At the hospital's server dome facility, a total of only $5,000 was spent on maintenance during the first 3 years of operation at the 25,000 square foot facility. Another benefit from a dome design lies in its resiliency against natural forces. Curved construction protects hardware with greater stability during earthquakes or seismic activity. And the dome-shaped top is essentially self-cleaning, able to shed natural debris such as heavy snow accumulation or dust from volcanic activity. Server Dome has real-world data to back up their out-of-this world results 34% better power efficiency; 80% reduced maintenance costs; 30% reduced construction costs; less than 1,000 gallons of water used per year all with 3x times the Power Density of a conventional data center. For most Data Center and Facilities executives, Server Dome is unlike any data center they have ever seen, but it's likely they will see many more in the future. The Server Dome management team is currently exploring opportunities across multiple sectors to provide a solution with the next generation of data centers. Additional information available at ServerDomes.com Press & Business Inquiries Contact: Brian Duke [email protected] 1-408-667-7001 SOURCE Server Dome Related Links http://serverdomes.com FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Detroit Chapter of TiE today announced that TiECon Detroit 2018 will be held on October 06, 2018 at Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, Michigan. This year the event "Ignite2Disrupt: All About AI" will focus on the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the technologies that are drastically transforming the future of work in a positive way. Year 2017 saw many amazing deep learning breakthroughs and 2018 is expected to deliver even more AI marvels. Beyond the hype AI is already delivering real value in business across all industries. "AI is changing our work and play, reshaping our daily lives. Michigan which is the center of the automotive industry has a future more than just cars. AI and Robotics will lead to more jobs, if we do it right. This one-of-a-kind mega conference will bring together the leading AI innovators, the most inspiring start-ups, consultancies and thought-leaders to support and build a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem for the state," said Tel Ganesan, TiE Detroit President. TiECon Detroit 2018 is expected to attract more than 1,000 attendees, bringing together innovators, venture capitalists, startups and tech executives from around the world. The one day intensive entrepreneur bootcamp which is a part of this event will surely ignite your mind to disrupt the technology around you. The conference will also host "TiE20", which will showcase the most promising 20 start-up companies across TiECon Detroit's focus segments: Sensors/Electronics, Food/Health/Fitness, In Vehicle Technologies, Agriculture, Energy, Manufacturing, Marketing/Social Communications and FinTech. Attendees will learn from executives how AI is changing the business landscape. The conference will be a unique experience of unrivalled knowledge, high-level networking and memorable moments. To register for TiECon Detroit 2018, and review the latest tracks, agenda, and speakers, visit www.tiecondetroit.org. Questions regarding speaker and sponsorship opportunities can be directed to Jacqueline Perry: [email protected] or call 248-254-4087 About TiE Detroit TiE Detroit is not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in Michigan, as well as globally. TiE strives to inspire entrepreneurs through mentoring, networking, education, incubating and funding programs and activities. For more information, visit https://detroit.tie.org/. SOURCE Kyyba Related Links http://www.detroit.tie.org MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Tru-D SmartUVC, a leader in the UVC disinfection industry, will attend and exhibit at APIC 2018, June 13-15 in Minneapolis, MN, sharing ground-breaking infection prevention data. Each year, APIC delivers the largest annual conference of infection preventionists from across the U.S., and Tru-D invites the more than 2,500 attendees to stop by its booth #621. Tru-D SmartUVC to share ground-breaking infection prevention data at 2018 APIC conference. A recent study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, discusses the prescribed secondary analysis of the BETR-D randomized clinical trial, for which Tru-D was the only device chosen. The study authors sought to prove that a measured dose of UV disinfection in targeted, at-risk rooms would have both direct effects on the next patient who entered the room and an indirect effect on all hospitalized patients, leading to a hospital-wide decreased risk of target organisms. Following the two-year, $2M, CDC-funded trial, the researchers concluded that, "Enhanced terminal room disinfection with UV in a targeted subset of high-risk rooms led to a decrease in hospital-wide incidence of C. difficile and VRE." "This study is the first to prove that not only is UV disinfection effective at reducing the risk of infection for the next patient who enters a room that was previously occupied by an infected patient, but that it can also reduce infections throughout the entire facility," said Alice Brewer, MPH, CIC, Director of Clinical Affairs for Tru-D SmartUVC. Hundreds of hospitals throughout the U.S. have invested in Tru-D including Oneida Healthcare in New York, which, through a bundled approach to reducing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) that included UVC disinfection, saw a 70 percent decrease in its C. diff rate from 2016 to 2017. Other facilities such as Gibson Area Hospital in Illinois have seen success through widespread adoption of the technology throughout the hospital. At Gibson, Tru-D is used daily in its four operating rooms, daily in the central sterile department, weekly in the pharmacy department as well as several other areas throughout the facility. Only Tru-D provides thorough disinfection from one placement in the room and calculates one, measured UVC dose. Using its patented Sensor360 technology, Tru-D analyzes the unique makeup of each room including size, shape and contents to deliver the precise, lethal dose of UVC needed for complete room disinfection. Operating at the optimal wavelength for germicidal disinfection, Tru-D kills up to 99.9% of pathogens in both direct and shadowed areas. "Tru-D is dedicated to making hospital environments safer and germ-free for both patients and staff," said Brewer. "Tru-D offers a programmatic approach to standardizing UV implementation and utilization in hospitals of all sizes." The pioneer in the UV disinfection industry, Tru-D SmartUVC placed the first UV robot in a health care facility in 2007. With a commitment to innovation and excellent customer experiences, today Tru-D, short for "total room ultraviolet disinfection," is deployed in hundreds of health care facilities throughout the U.S. Validated by more than 15 independent studies, Tru-D is backed by the industry's leading researchers as well as sound science. For more information and links to independent studies, visit Tru-D.com. About Tru-D SmartUVC Only Tru-D delivers an automated, measured dose of UVC light to consistently disinfect a room during one cycle. Operating from one placement in the room, Tru-D ensures significant pathogen reduction in direct and shadowed areas. Validated by more than a dozen independent studies as well as a well-controlled, large-scale, CDC-funded randomized clinical trial, Tru-D's automated, measured dosing capabilities and real-time usage-tracking features make it one of the most advanced UV disinfection systems available. To learn more, visit tru-d.com. MEDIA RELEASE Christin Yates Tru-D Public Relations 901-774-5771 [email protected] SOURCE Tru-D SmartUVC Related Links http://www.Tru-D.com DETROIT, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- TU Automotive Green Hills Software, the worldwide leader in embedded safety and security, and Tuxera, the world-leading storage software and networking technology company, have extended their partnership to bring the Tuxera Flash File System to the INTEGRITY Real-Time Operating System (RTOS). The development is driven by the growing demand for secure and reliable storage software in connected cars and other vehicles. "We envision Tuxera Flash File System as the go-to embedded storage solution for automotive Tier-1s and OEMs, and we are actively working with Green Hills to bring secure, high-performing, and reliable storage software to automotive platforms," said Severi Tikkala, director of automotive business development at Tuxera. Tikkala continued, "Cars are becoming increasingly smart and, more importantly, highly data-driven. This is also making every element of the car from ADAS systems and the cluster, to IVI and intelligent gateways more open to the outside world. This leads to new safety requirements for automotive storage and for the software to maintain it. We recognize Green Hills Software as a key software stack provider for the automotive sector and look forward to continuing our cooperation." Chris Tubbs, business development director, EMEA, Green Hills Software, commented, "We are glad to continue our extensive partnership with Tuxera. As new automotive applications continue to emerge, the requirements for the embedded storage software stack are becoming increasingly demanding. We are pleased to see that the Tuxera Flash File System now supports our INTEGRITY RTOS, which is the gold standard run-time foundation for safety and security-critical software in automotive, and look forward to our future joint projects." RTOS where consistency matters The INTEGRITY RTOS is Green Hills Software's flagship operating system. Widely used by automotive Tier-1s and OEMs, INTEGRITY RTOS is built around an advanced partitioning architecture, and provides embedded systems with reliability and security to offer an optimum deterministic real-time response. INTEGRITY technology is certified to the highest levels of automotive safety (ISO 26262 ASIL D) and the highest security level ever achieved for any software product Common Criteria EAL 6+, High Robustness. Storage software for future real-time applications As cars are becoming smarter, the automotive platform software has become complex, becoming write operation heavy and extensively interconnected with other elements of the car. This creates new requirements for the data security of the platform and makes long-term storage performance an important aspect of the file system that maintains it. Bringing full-scale Linux FS to the RTOS Designed for Linux applications, Tuxera's Flash File System offers a full-scale set of features for automotive-grade data handling, including data-integrity functionality for tackling potential power loss scenarios, an added level of security utilizing encryption, prolonged lifetime of the flash memory by reducing the level of storage fragmentation to the minimum, and additional technologies, such as compression and boot-time optimization. From interoperable to embedded Tuxera Flash File System is not the first Tuxera storage software product to support INTEGRITY RTOS. Previously, the two companies have worked together adding INTEGRITY RTOS support to a wide selection of Tuxera's external storage file system implementations, including Tuxera exFAT, Tuxera NTFS, and Tuxera FAT making advanced interoperable storage solutions available to the automotive sector. In bringing its state-of-the-art Tuxera Flash File System to the widely used automotive-grade INTEGRITY RTOS, Tuxera is working closely with Green Hills Software on a shared vision of providing secure, reliable, high-performing software to automotive Tier-1s and OEMs. About Tuxera Tuxera is the leading provider of storage and networking technologies. From the latest flagship smartphones, to cars, cameras, routers, and drones Tuxera's software makes file transfers fast and content easily accessible. The company is an active member of multiple standard organizations, including JEDEC, AGL, SD Association, UFS Association, and many others. Founded in 2008, Tuxera's headquarters are located in Finland, with regional offices in China, India, Germany, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the US. About Green Hills Software Founded in 1982, Green Hills Software is the worldwide leader in embedded safety and security. In 2008, the Green Hills INTEGRITY-178 RTOS was the first and only operating system to be certified by NIAP (National Information Assurance Partnership comprised of NSA & NIST) to EAL 6+, High Robustness, the highest level of security ever achieved for any software product. Our open architecture integrated development solutions address deeply embedded, absolute security and high-reliability applications for the military/avionics, medical, industrial, automotive, networking, consumer and other markets that demand industry-certified solutions. Green Hills Software is headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA, with European headquarters in the United Kingdom. Visit Green Hills Software at www.ghs.com. Green Hills, the Green Hills logo, INTEGRITY and Multivisor are trademarks or registered trademarks of Green Hills Software in the U.S. and/or internationally. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. SOURCE Green Hills Software Related Links http://www.ghs.com MIAMI, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- From Alaska to Italy and the oceans between, Celebrity Cruises is excited to celebrate Pride Month by hosting its second annual Pride Party at Sea, with Olympic Bronze Medalist Adam Rippon and Two Time Men's figure skating Olympian Johnny Weir serving as ambassadors for this year's festivities. To kick-off the party, Celebrity also hosted a pride parade at sea on board each ship. Festivities began on board Celebrity Constellation and Celebrity Reflection yesterday, June 5, in Sicily, Italy, and Cartagena, Spain, respectively. Olympic Bronze Medalist Adam Rippon served as an ambassador for Celebrity Cruises second annual Pride Party at Sea, joining in on the festivities while sailing on board Celebrity Summit. "Celebrity Cruises has been and always will be dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusivity and equality, and part of the dedication includes knowing when to take time to celebrate the hard work and successes of the LGBTQ+ community," said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. "Pride Month is the perfect time to celebrate and, with all of the fun we had last year, it made perfect sense that we'd continue the tradition, only this time it will be twice the fun and twice the party." Rippon, who is currently sailing on board Celebrity Summit for the celebration, which took place at sea, said: "I'm honored to be an ambassador for Celebrity Cruises' second annual Pride Party at Sea! It's great to collaborate with a brand like Celebrity that is so dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community." The party took place in tandem across the award-winning Celebrity fleet, with each ship "handing off the party baton" to the next to keep the festivities running across hemispheres and time zones. In the end, the party traveled more than 10,000 miles to nine ships around the world. Thousands of guests attended the inaugural event last year which the brand planned as a show of solidarity with and an effort to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with Tie The Knot co-founder Justin Mikita serving as ambassador. To learn more about Celebrity's commitment to diversity and inclusion and support of the LGBTQ+ community, visit www.celebritycruises.com/specialty-cruises/lgbt-gay-cruise-vacations. About Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers' precious time. Celebrity Cruises' 12 ships offer modern luxury vacations visiting all seven continents. Celebrity also presents incredible cruise tour experiences in Alaska and Canada. Celebrity is one of five cruise brands operated by global cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL). For more information, dial 1-800-437-3111, visit www.celebritycruises.com, or call your travel agent. SOURCE Celebrity Cruises Related Links http://www.celebritycruises.com TAIPEI, Taiwan, June 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- TYAN, an industry-leading server platform design manufacturer and a MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation subsidiary, is exhibiting a full line of HPC, cloud computing and storage server platforms that are optimized for HPC, Artificial Intelligence and Datacenter markets at Computex 2018 in Taipei, Taiwan, through June 9. "TYAN's leading portfolio server platforms are based on the Intel Xeon Scalable Processors and are designed to address massively complex analytics at scale for modern data centers," said Danny Hsu, Vice President of MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation's TYAN Business Unit. HPC and AI-Powered Server Platforms to Bring Best Performance Possible to Businesses Featuring outstanding inference performance and a high-level of data accuracy in real-time, TYAN's Thunder HX TA88- B7107 , Thunder HX FA77-B7119 and Thunder HX GA88-B5631 are optimized for many of today's emerging cognitive computing workloads such as machine learning and artificial intelligence. The 2U TA88-B7107 features dual Intel Xeon Scalable Processors and is able to accommodate up to eight high performance graphics cards with NVLink technology. With four PCIe x16 slots available for high-speed networking and 24 DIMM slots supporting up to 3TB of system RAM, the TA88-B7107 is the highest performance HPC server option available. The 4U FA77-B7119 supports dual Intel Xeon Scalable Processors, 24 DIMM slots and up to 11 PCIe x16 (or 21 PCIe x8) slots. The GA88-B5631 is a 1U server with 12 DIMM slots, up to 5 PCIe x16 slots, and a single Intel Xeon Scalable Processor, which is among the industry's highest density HPC servers available on the market. The Thunder HX FT77D-B7109 takes the advantage of dual Intel Xeon Scalable Processors to increase total expansion capability in a system and provides an additional standard PCIe x16 slot next to the 8 double-wide high performance accelerator cards. The extra PCIe x16 slot can be deployed with a NVMe re-timer card for NVMe deployment or a high-speed networking card such as 100 Gigabit EDR Infiniband, 100 Gigabit Ethernet, or 100 Gigabit Intel Omni-Path fabric for MPI clustering. The platform specializes in massively parallel workloads including scientific computing, genetic sequencing, oil & gas discovery, large scale facial recognition, and cryptography. Storage Server Platforms Highlight Extreme Performance and Power Efficiency for Datacenters and Enterprises TYAN's storage platforms span a wide range of hardware specifications capable of storing massive amounts of data. The Thunder SX FA100-B7118 is TYAN's flagship storage server supporting dual Intel Xeon Scalable Processors and 100 3.5" drives in a 4U rackmount form factor. The platform is designed for both cold storage and large-scale object storage applications such as Lustre. TYAN's Thunder SX TN76-B7102 is a 2U dual-socket Intel Xeon Scalable Processor-based storage platform. With the maximum expansion up to 8 standard PCIe slots, the TN76-B7102 allows users to mix and match combinations of a variety of expansion cards. The platform is designed to support Intel's on-CPU 100Gb/s Omni-Path networking fabric, and is ideal for many big data applications, including big data analytics, in-memory databases and data visualization. The Thunder SX GT62F-B5630 is a 1U server platform designed for hybrid NVMe/SATA cache data storage with support for up to 8 hot-swap NVMe U.2 drives along with an OCP v2.0 LAN Mezzanine. The single Intel Xeon Scalable Processor design makes it an ideal platform for workloads that work best within a single NUMA domain and require large amounts of high-speed flash, such as many media streaming applications. The cost-effective 1U Thunder SX GT86C-B5630 with single-socket Intel Xeon Scalable Processor is designed for distributed database applications like Ceph, Hadoop, and Apache Cassandra. SOURCE TYAN "We're gratified that UCI's interdisciplinary research programs that address key societal challenges, our community engagement on critical sustainability issues, and our operational practices centered on environmental and social responsibility have been recognized through STARS," said Wendell Brase, associate chancellor for sustainability. "This represents an important environmental stewardship milestone for the University of California and reflects the collaborative efforts of many engaged and committed people across the UCI campus." The STARS score for UCI is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the school's overall environmental performance, including scientific research, environmental programs, academic courses, community engagement and sustainable campus operations. STARS encompasses 20 topic areas with more than 850 quantitative and qualitative measurements. Among other achievements, UCI boasts the following: In 2017-18, it became the first university to convert its buses to an all-electric fleet. The 20-vehicle, student-funded and -operated Anteater Express shuttle service, complemented by a hydrogen electric bus, provides 2.15 million pollution-free rides annually. And UCI continues to set the pace in implementing cutting-edge energy efficiency technology. Campuswide sensors monitor 465,000 data measurements for energy management, indoor air quality and building system performance every five seconds. This results in unparalleled precision control and efficiency and has reduced campus energy consumption by over 50 percent. Aiming to expand recycled water usage beyond landscape irrigation, UCI partnered with the Irvine Ranch Water District to convert the campus's central cooling plant to an environmentally friendly system that will conserve more than 80 million gallons of drinkable water annually. In addition, UCI is making a difference on local, national and international levels via such projects as developing a sustainable energy model for the Oak View community in Huntington Beach , engaging Orange County community college teachers in water resource education, and collaborating with public leaders in the European Union and Middle East on sustainable water resource planning. The campus is a leader in sustainability learning too, both inside and outside the classroom. UCI offers sustainability-related courses in more than 85 percent of its academic departments and provides a broad range of co-curricular opportunities for students many of whom are the first in their families to attend college to develop an understanding of important global challenges and establish a lifelong ethos of sustainability. "STARS was developed to provide high standards for recognizing campus sustainability efforts," said Meghan Fay Zahniser, executive director of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, which oversees the rating system. "UCI has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sustainability and is to be congratulated." Other campuses with platinum status are Stanford University, Colorado State University and the University of New Hampshire. Sustained sustainability excellence The STARS rating isn't the only feather in UCI's sustainability cap. The campus is also the only one to have been ranked among Sierra magazine's top 10 "Cool Schools" for eight consecutive years, based on its continuing national prominence in green building design, energy management and water efficiency, among other credentials. And the university is a worldwide leader in research on atmospheric chemistry and climate change, sustainable energy systems, ocean and water resource management, and conservation biology, with over 200 faculty members conducting sustainability-related projects. "UCI's ability to recruit outstanding scholars with interests spanning a range of environmental and climate research problems, as well as clean energy and sustainable development solutions, benefits considerably from the distinction AASHE has accorded the campus," said Eric Rignot, Donald Bren Professor and chair of Earth system science and a renowned expert on the impact of climate change on the planet's polar regions. "In fact, this recognition inspires us to work harder and collaborate even more on climate solutions to alleviate, and ultimately reverse, the adverse effects of global greenhouse emissions and environmental degradation." How STARS works With more than 800 participants in 30 countries, AASHE's STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college's or university's sustainability performance. Participants report achievements in five overall areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership. Unlike other rating or ranking systems, this program is open to all institutions of higher education, and the criteria that determine a STARS rating are transparent and accessible to anyone. Because STARS is based on credits earned, it allows for both internal and external comparisons. To view UCI's full STARS report, visit https://stars.aashe.org/institutions/university-of-california-irvine-ca/report/2018-03-28. About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates, including the only Nobel Prize awarded for climate research, and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 30,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $5 billion annually to the local economy. For more on UCI, visit www.uci.edu. About the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education: AASHE is an association of colleges and universities that are working to create a sustainable future. Its mission is to empower higher education to lead the sustainability transformation. AASHE provides resources, professional development and a network of support to enable institutions of higher education to model and advance sustainability in everything they do, from governance and operations to education and research. For more information about AASHE, visit www.aashe.org. For more information about the STARS program, visit stars.aashe.org. UCI Sustainability http://sustainability.uci.edu/sustainablecampus/wastestream STARS https://stars.aashe.org Contact: Janet Wilson 949-824-3969 [email protected] SOURCE University of California, Irvine Related Links http://www.uci.edu EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- University Radiology Group has taken patient engagement to the next level by deploying RoyalPay, the secure, web-based, payments engine, allowing clients to eliminate manual eligibility verification, and complex payment calculations, while greatly increasing time-of-service payments. With the recent deployment of RoyalPay, patients can now view and pay their upcoming and prior balance responsibility online, all from the comfort of their home, or on the go. In seconds, patients are complete with the financial steps and can focus on what's important their health. Increasing time-of-service payments, increases daily cash flow, and reduces invoicing and collection activities, allowing RoyalPay users to benefit from an instant ROI. RoyalPay, the secure, web-based, payments engine, allowing clients to eliminate manual eligibility verification, and complex payment calculations, while greatly increasing time-of-service payments. The value of the Royal technology extends across the entire workforce; the registrars are now able to estimate and collect walk-in appointments, and other operational departments can automatically complete eligibility checks, and estimate calculations for patients, with the push of a button, days and weeks, in advance. Increasing time-of-service payments, increasing daily cash flow, and reducing invoicing and collection activities, allowing RoyalPay users to benefit from an instant ROI. (https://www.royalpay.org/). "As the largest radiology provider in New Jersey with a broad geographic footprint, we sought a front-end solution with a phased-in approach that could be seamlessly deployed and integrated at our 20 office locations," said James Maher, Chief Revenue Officer at University Radiology Group. "Working closely with the Royal Solutions team in our first phase, we implemented patient responsibility estimation for point of service collections at our imaging centers. We saw an immediate benefit and the RoyalPay solution has improved the collection of patient responsibilities at the time of service fourfold from our historic levels." "It is wonderful to see the patient satisfaction impact dramatically improve when providing access to their healthcare costs, and the ability to control how, and when to make a payment," says Peter Nassif, CEO at Royal Solutions Group. "University Radiology Group, one of the largest imaging groups in the nation, undertook a three-month effort across nineteen of its locations to provide patients with financial clarity prior to and on the date-of-service. The days of receiving billing statements weeks after the date-of-service are obsolete and we are excited to continue to enhance the RoyalPay experience for all patients and customers alike." About University Radiology Group, East Brunswick, NJ University Radiology, the largest provider of subspecialty radiology and teleradiology services in NJ, is comprised of over 140 Board Certified radiologists with advanced U.S.-based training and expertise in all modalities and all subspecialty areas. Their focus is on providing the highest quality subspecialty diagnostic care for our patients, referring physicians, hospitals and our healthcare clients. In operation for more than 50 years, University Radiology staffs, manages and provides preliminary and final subspecialty interpretations and consultative support for 8 affiliated regional healthcare centers and for our own 20 medical imaging centers. About Royal Solutions Group, White Plains, NY Royal, headquartered in White Plains, NY, is a leading provider of services and customized software to the health care industry. Royal's suite of solutions, focus on patient, provider and operational workflows, optimizing engagement in all areas of a patient exam life cycle. Solutions include: RoyalPay for insurance verification, estimation, prior authorization and streamlined payment processing; Royal Kiosks for patient pre-registration, paperless on-site registration, access and engagement; RoyalMD for complete practice and referral management; Royal Alerts for robust messaging and notifications; Report Guard for encryption, connectivity, and interoperability services. Visit www.royalsolutionsgroup.com for more information. Contact: Steve Nassif The Royal Sales Team [email protected] 646.405.4878 option 1 SOURCE Royal Solutions Group Related Links http://www.royalsolutionsgroup.com NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Waller, a leading provider of legal services to the healthcare, financial services, retail and hospitality industries, announced today that A.J. Bahou has joined the firm's Nashville office. Bahou brings more than 15 years of patent litigation experience to the firm as well as a deep understanding of emerging technologies such as Blockchain and artificial intelligence utilized in distributed ledger and machine learning applications. A registered patent attorney, Bahou has extensive experience in the areas of electrical and computer engineering technologies, including Blockchain, virtual reality, medical devices, computer hardware and software, and Internet security systems. "The importance of technology to our clients and their businesses cannot be overstated," said Waller chair Matt Burnstein. "A.J. adds tremendous experience to our IP team, and our clients will benefit greatly from his insight into technology, its business application and the critical importance of protecting intellectual property assets." A registered patent attorney, trial lawyer, mediator and arbitrator, Bahou has extensive experience in the areas of electrical and computer engineering technologies, including Blockchain, virtual reality, medical devices, computer hardware and software, and Internet security systems. With 15 years of patent litigation experience, Bahou handles the full spectrum of intellectual property litigation from pre-complaint investigation through trial and appeal in matters involving patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets. He has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in IP litigation in jurisdictions across the United States. Additionally, Bahou often serves as outside general counsel for technology companies that value his assistance with patent prosecution and enforcement as well with the drafting of employment and independent contractor agreements. Bahou earned his J.D. in 2003 from the Franklin Pierce Law Center at the University of New Hampshire where he simultaneously earned an LL.M. in Intellectual Property and served as senior articles editor on the staff of IDEA The Journal of Law and Technology. In 2014, Bahou earned an M.S., with honors, in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. He holds an M.B.A from Middle Tennessee State University and received his B.S.C.E. in 1993 from Tennessee Technological University. Bahou serves on the Boards of Directors of LaunchTN, the Middle Tennessee chapter of the Information Systems Security Association and the Tennessee Intellectual Property Association. He currently chairs the Intellectual Property Executive Council of the Tennessee Bar Association and is the former chair of the Nashville Bar Association's Intellectual Property Law Section. He was recently appointed to the Evolving Legal Market Committee of the Tennessee Bar Association which focuses on the changing nature of the practice of law. About Waller With more than 230 attorneys in Austin, Birmingham, Chattanooga, Memphis and Nashville, Waller assists clients in complex transactional, regulatory and litigation matters. The firm has built a national reputation for its work in healthcare, financial services, retail and hospitality, and has extensive experience in manufacturing, real estate, technology and other industries. For more information, please visit www.wallerlaw.com. Media Contact: Sarah Brawner Phone: +1 615 610 0323 Email: [email protected] Related Links Waller Waller Law Blog SOURCE Waller Related Links http://www.wallerlaw.com LOS ANGELES, June 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Rene Perez Joglar, also known as "Residente", announced today the dates of his first U.S. tour since the release of his first solo album in 2017. The Puerto Rican rapper, composer, producer, co-founder, leader and vocalist of Calle 13, makes this announcement while receiving a Gold Record for his recent single "Sexo" for its more than 50 million streams, and shortly after performing one of his most emotional concerts of his career in his native country, in front of more than 40,000 people. Residente The 15-city tour, produced by Live Nation, will kick off August 28 in Atlanta, Georgia and make stops in Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia and more before wrapping Sept. 22 in New York, NY. Citi is the official pre-sale credit card for the Residente Tour. As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase U.S. pre-sale tickets beginning Tuesday, June 5 at 10 a.m. local time until Thursday, June 7 at 10 p.m. local time through Citi's Private Pass program. For complete pre-sale details, visit www.citiprivatepass.com. Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning this Friday, June 8 at 10 a.m. local time at LiveNation.com. With more than 70 nominations for various awards in multiple countries, Residente has received 39 awards in his career, including 4 Grammys and 27 Latin Grammys; more than any other Latin artist to date, in just 13 years after releasing his first album with Calle 13. Characteristics that distinguish Residente are his lyrics that are recognized as being of social and political content, and his music for combining world music with alternative rap. Furthermore, this 37-year-old is also known for his social commitment: "We believe that artists are a reflection of their environment. Art does not exist in a vacuum, it must express itself in relation to the social circumstances that surround it," - from an excerpt that describes Residente on his own website.) Rene is the face of UNICEF and Amnesty International campaigns and has been a constant defender of Latin American education and indigenous rights. Due to his commitment to social awareness and to promote peace, Residente received the Nobel Peace Summit Award in Barcelona in 2015. His album "Residente" is the artist's sixth album conceived in Hato Rey, in the vicinity of San Juan, and the first as a soloist, made of music based on his DNA tracing his origin in 10 different parts of the world. This embarked him on a trip to the regions of his originated roots, collecting sounds, recording and finding stories that he documented, all resulting in a book and an inspiring film documentary that Residente himself directed and simultaneously produced as his self-titled album. Rene Perez Joglar: born in Isla del Encanto and currently residing in New York, with a Masters in Fine Art in addition to being a musician, rapper, producer, film and video director, philanthropist and resident of the space he occupies a space where borders do not exist. RESIDENTE U.S. TOUR DATES: August 28 Atlanta, GA Buckhead Theatre August 29 New Orleans, LA House of Blues September 4 Tucson, AZ The Rialto Theatre September 5 Phoenix, AZ The Van Buren September 7 Los Angeles, CA The Hollywood Palladium September 8 San Diego, CA House of Blues September 9 San Francisco, CA The Masonic September 11 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues September 12 Anaheim, CA House of Blues September 14 Chicago, IL House of Blues September 16 Detroit, MI St. Andrews Hall September 18 Boston, MA House of Blues September 19 Washington, DC The Fillmore September 21 Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore September 22 New York, NY HULU Theatre @ MSG PRESS CONTACT FOR THE TOUR Elena Rodrigo (The Music Joint) 818 693 2715 [email protected] SOURCE Residente LEHI, Utah, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Weave, an industry leader in communication tools for Dental, Medical and Optometry practices, is excited to announce the release of their latest toolTeam Chat. Team Chat makes front office communication fast, simple and secure. The new tool launches on both desktop and mobile platforms allowing for better communication in the office and on the go. This release gives offices one central location for all staff conversations and external patient-facing communication. "Communication among staff is the lifeblood of any business, and Team Chat helps make that interaction more efficient, easier, and fun," said Johny Wudel, Weave Vice President of Product. "As the communication hub for our customers, Weave is uniquely positioned to solve this need. Our vision is that Team Chat will become a platform for other communication that is critical to managing a business." Team Chat facilitates individual or group conversations. Chat groups allow teams to communicate messages to a specific group of people, removing unneeded communication clutter from the rest of the team. Private chats allow two team members to communicate when there's no need to involve an entire group or when more private or specific information needs to be shared. Notifications make team members aware of any relevant messages. These alerts appear on desktop and mobile, making messages available in a variety of situations, whether that's working with patients or other staff members. About Weave Weave launched in 2014 to help bring local dental offices closer to the patients they serve by combining patient information with modern communication tools. In the last three years, Weave has diversified its service offerings and grown into other industries. Weave is backed by Y Combinator, SV Angel, A Capital, Homebrew, Crosslink Capital, Pelion Ventures, and Catalyst Investors. For more information, visit www.getweave.com. SOURCE Weave Related Links https://www.getweave.com BOSTON, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative at the Harvard Graduate School of Education today announced the 2018 winners of its inaugural Zaentz Early Education Innovation Challenge. The Zaentz Early Education Innovation Challenge recognizes promising new ideas and strategic approaches that have the potential to transform the quality of early education and drive lasting change and improvement. On June 4, 2018, 15 finalists pitched their ideas in front of a live audience and panel of judges. Serving on the panel of judges were: Ron Haskins, Senior Fellow and Co-Director of the Center on Children and Families at the Brookings Institution; Junlei Li, Professor of Psychology and Human Development and Co-Director of the Fred Rogers Center at Saint Vincent College; Mariela Paez, Associate Professor at the Lynch School of Education at Boston College; Meredith Rowe, Associate Professor of Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education; and Lisa van der Pool, Vice President at InkHouse, a public relations firm just outside of Boston, Mass. Watch a recording of the finalists' pitches here. "The Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative strives to be a leading connector for innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of early education," said the co-directors of the Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Nonie Lesaux and Stephanie Jones. "We are so thankful to all of our finalists and to everyone who shared their work with us. Through the Innovation Challenge, our vision is to seed the field of early education with new ideas, fresh thinking, and strategic approaches that drive widespread transformation and improvement in the quality of early education, increasing opportunities and positive outcomes for all children. We are excited to present the winners of our first ever Zaentz Early Education Innovation Challenge, whose cutting-edge ideas have the potential to make that vision a reality." A first, second, and third place winner was selected within each of the tracks: IDEA TRACK Seeds of Learning: The New Britain Infant/Toddler Early Childhood Business Incubator An alternative business model for sustainable, affordable high-quality infant and toddler care for women in poverty. Pin Your Park: An Offtrail Lesson Planning Guide for Educators An online tool designed to empower educators to bring children of every age to their local parks and green spaces. Building Single Points of Entry that Serve Families and Communities Designing and building an integrated, online Single Point of Entry (SPE) system that provides families and caregivers with a portal to all child care options and related services in their location. PILOT TRACK ESCALERAS A training model that improves the quality of child care in low-income, underserved communities by bringing family, friend and neighbor child care providers who are English-learners into the mainstream early care and education profession. Louisiana Early Childhood Leaders Fellowship A leadership academy for child care directors. The Beautiful Stuff Project Bringing quality play experiences to all early childhood classrooms with easy-to-use, low cost treasure boxes full of small collectible and reusable items. SCALING TRACK Leading Men Fellowship Program Recruiting young men of color to implement evidence-based literacy interventions to help more children become kindergarten-ready and address the systemic shortage of high-quality and diverse early childhood educators. Leveraging Text Messages to Support Early Childhood Development and Parental Resilience Delivering caregivers bite-sized and developmentally-targeted text messages drawn from research-based curricula as well as curated content for children from prenatal to five years old. STE(A)M Truck A growing fleet of mobile innovation labs filled with tools and talent that helps eliminate inequities in learning opportunities that are often predicted by zip code. For more information on the Zaentz Early Education Innovation Challenge, please visit the FAQ. About The Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative The Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a major investment to drive transformation in U.S. early childhood education. The Initiative promotes the knowledge, professional learning and collective action necessary to cultivate optimal early learning environments and experiences. The Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative is supported by a $35.5 million gift from the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation, one of the largest gifts ever given to a university for advancing early childhood education. SOURCE Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative RIVERTON, Wyo., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Fremont Financial Advisors, Inc. (Fremont) has teamed up with Milwaukee Institutional Asset Management (MIAM) to provide investment and retirement solutions for individuals, small business owners, trusts, and estates, with an emphasis on clients whose careers involve oil and gas, mining, or coal. This partnership will provide Fremont clients with an investment strategy utilizing individual stocks and bonds, which can be customized to their specific needs and goals. Fremont's Managing Partners, Kathy and Dave Parker, help organize clients' finances in the most efficient manner possible to reduce taxes and maximize their ability to be invested in a portfolio matching their long-term financial needs. MIAM Vice President of Advisory, Thomas Molosky, commended the Parker team for creating a "world-class retirement program allowing individuals and small business owners to take advantage of tax and investment benefits previously unavailable to most investors, with a practical and straightforward approach." According to Dave Parker, "Fremont believes that each client should work with a well-rounded and experienced team to advise them on their total financial picture. Milwaukee Institutional Asset Management helps fill that role and is exactly the partner we want to help our clients achieve their goals." Kathy Parker said, "We are thrilled to be working with MIAM and eager to bring their expertise to our clients." About Fremont Financial Advisors, Inc. Fremont Financial Advisors, Inc. is a Wyoming Registered Investment Advisor and provides both individuals and small businesses of medium to high net worth with comprehensive investment advisory and financial planning implementation services. (www.fremontfinancial.com) About Milwaukee Institutional Asset Management Milwaukee Institutional Asset Management provides investment management and research services to investment professionals across the United States. The firm utilizes disciplined, value-oriented investment principles, while investing directly in individual debt and equity securities. Portfolios are transparent, tax-efficient, and customized to client needs, holding 18-22 equity and 6-8 debt securities in concentrated positions. MIAM's advisor-partners receive in-depth analysis of holdings as well as access to the firm's analysts who can discuss individual securities and one-on-one company senior management meetings. When necessary, the firm engages in operational activism to maximize shareholder value. Milwaukee Institutional Asset Management is a division of Global Value Investment Corp, and has offices in Milwaukee, WI; Boston, MA; Charleston, SC; and Hyderabad, India. For Further Information Contact: Stacy Wilke Global Value Investment Corp. 262-478-0640 [email protected] www.gvi-corp.com SOURCE Milwaukee Institutional Asset Management HAMILTON, Bermuda, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- XL Group Ltd ("XL Group" or the "Company") (NYSE: XL) announced today that its common shareholders have approved an agreement for AXA to acquire 100% of XL Group. Total consideration for the planned acquisition would amount to approximately USD 15.3 billion, to be fully paid in cash. Under the terms of the transaction, XL Group shareholders will receive USD 57.60 per share. The transaction is expected to be completed during the second half of 2018 subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals. XL Group's Chief Executive Officer, Mike McGavick, said: "We are pleased with our shareholders' vote of confidence in supporting all matters, including the AXA transaction. In AXA we have found a like-minded partner committed to innovation and moving our industry forward. Becoming a part of AXA provides unrivalled opportunity to accelerate our strategy with new strength and dimension. Based on today's vote, it is clear that our shareholders share this same vision and opportunity for XL Group." Upon completion of the transaction, the combined operations of XL Group, AXA Corporate Solutions (AXA's large commercial P&C and specialty business) and AXA Art will be led by Greg Hendrick, currently the President and Chief Operating Officer of XL Group, who will be appointed CEO of the combined entity and join AXA Group's management committee, reporting to AXA Group Chief Executive Officer Thomas Buberl. Following the closing of the transaction, Mr. McGavick will become Vice-Chairman of the combined P&C Commercial lines operations and special adviser to Mr. Buberl to advise on integration-related and other strategic matters. XL Group provides both a premier specialty platform complementing and diversifying AXA's existing commercial lines insurance portfolio, and reinsurance capabilities that will allow AXA an access to enhanced diversification and alternative capital. About XL Group Ltd XL Group Ltd (NYSE:XL), through its subsidiaries and under the XL Catlin brand, is a global insurance and reinsurance company providing property, casualty and specialty products to industrial, commercial and professional firms, insurance companies and other enterprises throughout the world. Clients look to XL Catlin for answers to their most complex risks and to help move their world forward. To learn more, visit www.xlgroup.com. Contact: Giovanni Astolfi Carol Parker Trott Investor Relations Media Relations (203) 674-6973 (441) 294-7290 SOURCE XL Group Ltd Related Links http://www.xlgroup.com Washington, June 6 : The World Bank has kept its growth forecasts for the global economy unchanged for this year and next year, but warned of a combination of considerable downside risks including escalating trade protectionism. In its newly-released Global Economic Prospects report, the World Bank on Tuesday said the global economy would grow 3.1 per cent in 2018 before slowing to 3 per cent in 2019, unchanged from its previous forecasts in January, Xinhua reported. Growth in advanced economies is expected to moderate slightly to 2.2 per cent in 2018 and further slow down to 2 per cent next year, as central banks gradually remove monetary stimulus, according to the report. Growth in emerging market and developing economies is projected to strengthen to 4.5 per cent in 2018 before reaching 4.7 per cent in 2019, as "the recovery in commodity exporters matures and commodity prices level off following this year's increase". The World Bank upgraded its forecast for China's economic growth in 2018 to 6.5 per cent, 0.1 percentage point higher than its January forecast. But the growth is estimated to edge down to 6.3 per cent in 2019, as regulatory and macroprudential policies are expected to tighten and fiscal policy is anticipated to become less accommodative. The Washington-based international lender also warned that global economic growth is facing "considerable downside risks." "The possibility of disorderly financial market volatility has increased, and the vulnerability of some emerging market and developing economies to such disruption has risen," the World Bank said, noting trade protectionist sentiment has also mounted and policy uncertainty and geopolitical risks remain elevated. "The probability of an abrupt slowdown in global growth has risen and could increase further if one or several downside risks materialize," said the lender. In terms of trade policy, the World Bank said the outcome of some trade negotiations is still uncertain and "the risk of escalating trade restrictions has intensified," as new tariff announcements by the US have led to retaliatory responses by major trading partners. The report came after the Trump administration announced last week to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from the European Union (EU), Canada and Mexico, which has drawn strong opposition from the domestic business community and US trading partners. "A broad-based increase in tariffs worldwide would have major adverse consequences for global trade and activity," the World Bank said, adding the threat of substantial shifts in trade policies in major economies could also have negative consequences for financial markets and investment. Srinagar, June 6 : Firing exchanges stopped on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district where militants had attacked an army camp on Tuesday evening, officials said. Police have confirmed that firing exchanges between the militants and the security forces have stopped in Hajin area in Bandipora district where militants had attacked a camp of Rashtriya Rifles. Police also dispelled rumours of a suicide attack at the camp. "Militants fired grenades at the camp and used heavy volume of automatic gunfire which was retaliated by the guards at the camp. No loss of life has been reported during this attack. The area has now been surrounded for searches," police said. Washington, June 6 : US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has met Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and discussed the upcoming Trump-Kim meet, an official said. "Next week's US-North Korea summit shows Singapore enjoys the trust and confidence of both parties," said Balakrishnan, who was on a one-day working visit to Washington on Tuesday. He said both nation appreciated Singapore's "ability to be an honest and neutral moderator and host" after he met Pompeo and US National Security Advisor John Bolton, the Straits Times reported. US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are scheduled to meet at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa at 9 a.m. (Singaprean time) on June 12, in what is potentially one of the most significant geopolitical developments since the end of the Cold War, the report said. Pompeo appreciated Singapore's willingness to host the meet as Balakrishnan said: :It's in a sense our contribution to world peace." "Obviously what all of us are hoping for is it would lead to a de-escalation of tension, raise the prospects of peace, and for the sake of the North Koreans themselves improve the prospects for economic development. "For North Korea they only need to look at China and at South East Asia to see that peace is an essential prerequisite for prosperity, so let's hope for the best but not have undue expectations," Balakrishnan added. "I don't think one meeting next week in Singapore can certainly unlock the entire situation on the Korean peninsula (but) if you can make a positive step it will be significant in its own right." Mumbai, June 6 : The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) on Wednesday opened on a positive note during the morning session of the trade. The Sensex of the BSE after opening at 34,932.49 points, touched a high of 34,972.59 points and a low of 34,902.13 points. On Tuesday the Sensex closed at 34,903.21 points. The Sensex is trading at 34,922.87 points up by 26.22 points or 0.08 per cent. On the other hand, the broader 51-scrip Nifty at National Stock Exchange (NSE) opened at 10,603.45 points after closing at 10,593.15 points. The Nifty is trading at 10,596.95 points in the morning. Srinagar, June 6 : Three militants were killed in a pre-drawn border shootout on Wednesday after the Indian Army foiled an infiltration bid from Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir's Machhil sector. An army spokesperson said security forces noticed suspicious movement from the Pakistani side of the Line of Control (LoC). It turned out to be a group of infiltrating militants and they were challenged. The spokesperson said they opened fire, triggering a shootout that led to the death of the three militants. The search operation around the shootout site on the LoC in north Kashmir was on, the spokesperson added. Amritsar, June 6 : Brandishing of swords and open use of sticks was witnessed on Wednesday during a ceremony to mark the 34th anniversary of the Army's 'Operation Blue Star' inside the Golden Temple complex. The clash between radical Sikh elements and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) took place right in front of the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikh religion. The incident took place just about 100 feet from the sanctum sanctorum 'Harmandir Sahib', the holiest of Sikh shrines located inside the Golden Temple complex here. At least one person was injured as the SGPC task force members tried to prevent the radical elements from disturbing the ceremony. Video footage of the incident showed task force members attacking the radicals who were raising secessionist slogans. The radical elements raised pro-Khalistan (a separate Sikh homeland) and anti-India slogans. Police personnel, present inside the shrine complex in plainclothes, tried to control the situation from getting out of hand. "A turban was thrown on the ground in the clash," one eyewitness told IANS. The SGPC officials said the situation was prevented from getting out of control due to swift action by the task force members. Akal Takht jathedar (chief) Gurbachan Singh said the ceremony was held "peacefully" as a remembrance of the sacrifice of hundreds of people who were killed during the Army's 'Operation Blue Star' in June 1984. The Army carried out the operation to flush out heavily armed militants and radicals from inside the shrine complex between June 1-10, 1984. New York, June 6 : Hollywood stars and public figures like Ivanka Trump, Lena Dunham and Adam Best took to social media to pay tribute to fashion designer Kate Spade, who was found dead in her apartment here. She was 55. The designer apparently hanged herself on Tuesday, reports hollywoodreporter.com. In the 1990s, Spade created a line of handbags that turned her into a household name. Her company, Kate Spade New York, has over 140 retail shops and outlets around the US, as well as at 175 international locations. In a now-deleted tweet, fellow designer Kenneth Cole praised Spade's impact on the fashion industry. Kenneth Cole: "She alone did not change the handbag world but she was an inspiring accessory." Rosie O'Donnell tweeted support to Spade's brother-in-law, David Spade, with the tweet "all my love to you Dave". Many celebrities also took a moment to shine a light on mental illness while sharing their condolences. David Spade: "Katy at my book signing. I love this pic of her. So pretty. I do not think everyone knew how fucking funny she was... It's a rough world out there people. Try to hang on." US President Donald Trump's daughter and senior White House advisor, Ivanka Trump: "Kate Spade's tragic passing is a painful reminder that we never truly know another's pain or the burden they carry. If you are struggling with depression and contemplating suicide, please, please seek help." Former US President Bill Clinton's daughter, Chelsea Clinton: "My grandmother gave me my first Kate Spade bag when I was in college. I still have it. Holding Kate's family, friends and loved ones in my heart." Lucy Hale: "Very saddened to hear about the passing of Kate Spade. Mental illness does not discriminate and can happen to anyone with any circumstances." Josh Groban: "Depression does not discriminate and comes without warning, along with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number." Actress Lili Reinhart wrote on her Instagram story: "I'm so sad to hear about Kate Spade. We wore a lot of her designs on Riverdale and her artistic vision will be greatly missed." Lena Dunham: "Kate Spade was more than a designer. She had a quirky visual language that captivated Bat Mitzvah girls and artists alike. She was also a staple of NYC who spread good will. My heart breaks for her family. Thank you, Kate, from one of the millions you made feel beautiful." Adam Best: "Let's make sure the tragic suicide of Kate Spade is not all for nothing and learn from this. As someone who has struggled with depression, can report that sometimes tough times hit when nobody else would expect. Mental health is a life-or-death issue. Check in with loved ones." Alyson Stoner: "Kate. You never know what someone is going through. Please call. 24/7 Suicide Hotline.1-800-273-8255." Shelby Young: "This is heartbreaking. Rest in peace, Kate Spade. Please remember, you are *not* alone and it is never too late to reach out for help." Andrea Russett: "My heart hurts hearing about Kate Spade. Such a creative and inspiring woman. Please remember you are never alone, no matter how lonely you may feel in the moment." Mindy Kaling: "I am heartbroken about the news of Kate Spade. I have worn her clothes many, many times. They were colourful, bold, cheerful, and encouraged women to find the twinkly person inside them. You could not walk into her boutiques and not smile. Rest In Peace, Kate." Bette Midler: "Kate Spade, whose lively, colourful, and yes, joyous designs has died. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends, and her many fans around the world, who loved the wonderful illusions she created. I am stunned." Mumbai, June 6 : In a multi-city crackdown on so-called "urban Maoist sympathisers", the Pune police on Wednesday arrested at least three prominent Dalit activists from Maharashtra and New Delhi in connection with provocative speeches at a gathering in Pune in December 2017, official sources said. Among those nabbed in the early morning operations include Sudhir Dhawale from Mumbai, advocate Surendra Gadling from Nagpur and Dalit activist Rona Wilson from New Delhi. Besides, police teams raided the homes of other activists like Shoma Sen in Nagpur, and Mahesh Raut in Mumbai. Last April the Pune police had raided homes and offices of these activists in different parts of the country and even questioned them for their involvement in various activities. A senior journalist, Dhawale was the organiser of the Elgaar Parishad gathering on December 31, in Shaniwarwada, Pune, through the leftist Kabir Kala Manch, which triggered a series of major political developments earlier this year. It was addressed, among others, by Gujarat Dalit leader and MLA Jignesh Mewani, JNU student leader Umar Khalid, Chhattisgarh activist Soni Sori and Bhim Army President Vinay Ratan Singh. A day later, there was the outbreak of caste riots in the Koregaon-Bhima (on January 1) which left at least one dead, and then a retaliatory Maharashtra shutdown call issued by Bharipa Bahujan Mahajan Sangh leader Prakash Ambedkar and other parties on January 3. New Delhi : Charles Dickens' famous line "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" in his novel "A Tale of Two Cities" aptly describes the recent privatisation scenario in India. While the bid from Macquarie to acquire a bundle of nine highways from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) exceeded NHAI's expectations by 50 percent, the Air India privatisation effort, in sharp contrast, failed to attract even a single bidder. Both experiences, with varying degrees of complexity, teach us valuable lessons. Investors with capital to allocate are looking at assets in India -- one of the fastest-growing economies in the world -- with an eye on the growth in the coming decades. It is important to realise that investors, in general, are primarily looking for assets with similar qualities to what the bundle of highways offered, namely (1) Cash-flow profile clarity (2) Positive cash-flow asset (3) Consumption growth story to back the asset (4) Total management control. It is essential first to understand the nature of investors who would be interested in a privatisation or asset monetisation in India. There are primarily four types of investors that we must look at (1) Indian corporations (2) Foreign institutional investors such as pension, sovereign and insurance funds (3) Private equity firms (4) Trade buyers. Of these, the Indian corporates will have quite a few significant players with strategic interests in the privatisation, but by and large, given their stressed balance sheets, their involvement will be limited. If anything, cash-flow clarity will be an absolute essential for them to invest in privatisation. Large pension, sovereign and insurance funds that have started to invest in Indian assets especially over the last few years would be interested in the asset monetisation process. Such funds look for infrastructure assets with positive cash-flow profiles. Because, in general, they have long-dated liabilities, they focus on assets that can utilise long-dated debt financing to yield stable positive cash-flows. Clarity around cash-flow profiles and positive cash-flow assets will generally be the investments such funds find attractive. The third type of investor is the private equity funds operating in India. A recent report by Institutional Investor puts the total un-invested capital, or "dry powder", held by such funds at above $1 trillion. Money is, thus, not the issue. For them, privatisation can be an attractive proposition if they find assets where they can add value beyond just providing capital and have control of the business. Trade buyers are the fourth type, looking at acquisitions that can help their companies expand into new markets. Indian assets are an attractive proposition for such buyers also, with the same caveats of attractive cash-flow profile and complete management control. In an Indian privatisation context, assets that will be attractive to potential bidders, at least initially, will have to meet the conditions mentioned earlier. The NHAI highway bundle met the requirements, and the Air India privatisation wasn't quite there. For privatisation to pick up momentum, it is essential to start with "less complex" assets. When investors see a consistent flow of privatisations and the Indian public sees a transparent process delivering value, the more complex privatisations are a little easier to execute. Also, there might be the case that certain loss-making companies which the government does not consider to be of vital importance might need strategic divestment. For such companies, there is merit in looking at selling attractive assets to generate capital with which to create new infrastructure. Three facts must be borne in mind as India moves ahead with divestments. Firstly, they are crucial to finance the infrastructure gap -- predicted to be $526 billion by 2040 (according to the Economic Survey 2017-2018). Asset monetisation through privatisation will play a substantial role in financing the deficit. Secondly, it is important that critics of privatisation are engaged with, to allay their fears around public assets being sold off cheap. The government must find the right balance between creating an efficient privatisation mechanism that is attractive to private investors and removing public apprehension revolving around privatisation. A transparent process will go a long way in winning over critics. Thirdly, we must realise that India's need to finance the infrastructure gap is no more than the need for global investors to invest in attractive opportunities. Such a situation is one that makes a market in economics. An efficient and well-structured privatisation process will help find the clearing price much more efficiently. (Taponeel Mukherjee heads Development Tracks, an infrastructure advisory firm. Views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at taponeel.mukherjee@development-tracks.com or @Taponeel on Twitter) Washington, June 6 : Two US B-52 bombers flew within the vicinity of the contested Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, according to a statement from US Pacific Air Forces, which oversee air operations in the region, the media reported. A US defence official said it called for the nuclear-capable bombers to fly about 32 km (20 miles) from the islands on Tuesday. A spokesman for the Pentagon said the mission involved the Guam-based bombers conducting "a routine training mission", flying from Andersen Air Force Base in the US territory of Guam "to the Navy Support Facility" in the UK's Indian Ocean territory of Diego Garcia, CNN reported. The bombers flew from Diego Garcia and conducted training in the vicinity of the South China Sea, returning back to Diego Garcia the same day, according to the statement from the US Pacific Air Forces. The flyover came days after Secretary of Defence James Mattis accused China of "intimidation and coercion" in the Indo-Pacific, making clear that the US had no plans to leave the region. This triggered a furious Chinese response. Beijing claims the Spratly Islands but those aren't recognised by the US or by China's neighbours -- Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Taiwan -- who say the islands are theirs. China has used geographic features in the Spratlys to build man-made islands, some of which it has equipped with military facilities, including anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles. Srinagar, June 6 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday blamed militants for trying to sabotage the ceasefire announced by the central government. The Chief Minister said in a statement that the ongoing ceasefire, to mark the holy month of Ramadan, was yielding good results but said the militants were trying to sabotage it. Reacting to the militant attack on an Army camp in Hajin a day before Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh begins his two-day visit to assess the possibility of extending the ceasefire, Mehbooba said: "Even as we see the ceasefire bringing great relief to the people, militants seem to be continuing their violent activities and desperately trying to sabotage the process. I only hope that they realise the futility of their actions soon." Rajnath Singh is arriving here on Thursday to assess the ongoing ceasefire and to explore the possibility of extending it during the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra. Mumbai, June 6 : On a day when BJP President Amit Shah reached the city, Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam on Wednesday accused the police of stalking him without any reason. Nirupam said a huge posse of policemen was stationed outside his Andheri home since dawn. "As I stepped out to go to my office, I was trailed by several police vehicles. When I asked police the reason, they said there were 'orders from above'," Nirupam told IANS. He said that several Congress activists too are facing a similar situation, though the opposition party had not planned any protests against Shah during his Mumbai trip. "This is nothing but a violation of citizens' privacy by misusing police and government machinery against opposition leaders. The BJP leaders are scared of the opposition," Nirupam said. Shah was accorded a warm welcome at Mumbai airport by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Mumbai Bharatiya Janata Party chief Ashish Shelar and others. During his visit, Shah is likely to meet Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray, Bharat Ratna awardee Lata Mangeshkar, former actress Madhuri Dixit, and industrialist Ratan Tata among others as part of the 'Sampark for Samarthan' initiative. Pretoria, June 6 : China and India working together will accelerate their common development and contribute to the progress of human civilization, Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said. Wang made the remarks on Monday in South Africa's capital Pretoria during a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on the sidelines of the formal meeting of the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday. China and India have extensive common interests and they have far more consensus than differences, Wang said. The two sides should take bilateral relations and people's fundamental interests as a starting point at all times, properly handle problems and differences and prevent the interests of one party from affecting the overall interest, Wang said. The two sides should earnestly safeguard peace and tranquillity in the border areas in accordance with the consensus reached by their leaders and avoid taking actions that might complicate and aggravate the situation, Wang said. China and India should strengthen coordination and play a constructive role in promoting the development of BRICS cooperation, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and other multilateral mechanisms, he said. Sushma Swaraj said the informal Wuhan meeting between the leaders of India and China enhanced mutual trust between the two countries, strengthened cooperation, made the parties more comfortable with each other and achieved unprecedented success. She said India will firmly adhere to the one-China policy and properly handle issues involving the core interests of China such as Taiwan and Tibet-related issues. India and China, as the two largest emerging markets and developing countries, share a common position in safeguarding the international political and economic order and promoting the improvement of global governance, the Indian Minister said. New Delhi, June 6 : Actor Sikander Kher, who will be essaying a negative character in the upcoming film "Milan Talkies", says playing any character on screen is magic. "Playing any character on screen is magic, that is acting regardless of the shade," Sikander told IANS in an e-mail interview from Mumbai. This is not the first time Sikander will be playing a negative character. He has earlier portrayed a baddie in "Tere Bin Laden: Dead Or Alive" and "24". Sikander says negative is just a perception. "When you see a villain he might be a villain to many but to him he might be completely justified because he believes in what he is doing. So that for me is what is interesting to find that thought that belief," he said. Directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, "Milan Talkies" has been shot in Lucknow with Ali Fazal in the lead role. Shraddha Srinath will make her debut with the film, which also stars Reecha Sinha and Deep Raj Rana, Sanjay Mishra and Ashutosh Rana. Produced by PS Chhatwal and Prakash Bhatt, the film is scheduled to release this year. Chennai, June 6 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K.Palaniswami on Wednesday urged students not to take extreme steps like commiting suicide for failing to get higher marks in exams. Speaking in the assembly, Palaniswami admitted that he was pained on hearing the news of suicide by Prathiba who committed suicide on June 4 for scoring lower marks in the medical entrance exam or the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2018. Announcing a solatium of Rs 700,000 to her family, the Chief Minister urged the students not to resort to such extreme steps. Scoring 1,125/1,200 marks in the plus two exams Prathiba did not score high marks in the NEET exam. Dejected with her poor score, she committed suicide at her home in Villupuram district. Geneva, June 6 : The UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) signed on Wednesday an agreement with Myanmar to ensure the safe repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh. The UNHCR said in a statement that the MoU, signed in Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar, will create conditions favourable to the "voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees to their places of origin or their choosing", Efe news agency reported. Last week, the UN agency had said in a statement that the agreement would be the first necessary step to support Myanmar's efforts to address the safety situation to enable the return of the Rohingyas and support development projects in the state of Rakhine, home to a majority of more than the 800,000 Rohingyas who fled an offensive by Myanmar Army last year. According to the agreement, the UNHCR and UNDP would be given access to Rakhine to assess the situation and "carry out protection activities." The agreement also affirms Myanmar's commitment to work with UNHCR and UNDP to find a solution to the Rohingya crisis, including establishing a clear and voluntary pathway to citizenship and ensuring freedom of movement for all people in the state, based on the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State. The Rohingya crisis had erupted on August 25 last year when the Myanmar Army launched an offensive in the Rakhine region following a series of attacks on government posts by Rohingya rebels. The Rohingyas, a mostly Muslim minority community that has been living in northern Myanmar, are not recognized as citizens by Myanmar and are therefore considered stateless. Human rights organisations have repeatedly said there were clear evidences of abuses, including rape, loot and torching of villages, against Rohingyas as part of the offensive in Rakhine. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights had described the offensive as "ethnic cleansing" and said there were indications of a "genocide". Mumbai, June 6 : Reliance Energy has set up a Central Disaster Control Room (CDCR) here to tackle any exigencies arising out of monsoon to ensure an uninterrupted power supply, an company official said here on Wednesday. The CDCR will provide seamless communication, coordination and resource mobilization amongst Reliance Energy and other utilities including the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) and various government and semi-government authorities. It is also linked by a hotline with the MCGM's Disaster Control Room, said a Reliance Energy spokesperson. The company's monsoon action plan has an integrated proactive approach aimed at minimizing the down time of power supply and ensuring safety of its utility installations. "As a part of the plan, Reliance Energy may be compelled to resort to the 'Safety Switch Off' of power supply in case water-logging causes threat to the safety of consumers or installations like substations, meter cabins, etc. in consumers' premises," the spokesperson said. Technical and maintenance Quick Response Teams have completed all premonsoon checks and preventive maintenances and are equipped with wireless communication, hotlines, walkie-talkies, tools and materials to rectify the system and restore the supply. Reliance Energy has kept two special fibre boats at strategic locations for use during emergencies, besides medical, administrative and material support teams, and 32 dedicated disaster management response teams at the divisional levels. It has called upon its three million consumers in Mumbai to report power interruptions, and status of restorations, ensure power meter cabins are free of water logging or leakages, use only licensed electrical contractors for any changes in wiring, not touch any electric installations with wet hands and refrain from using electricity more than the sanctioned load. New Delhi, June 6 : Designer Dhruv Kapoor is going to represent India, Pakistan and Middle East region at International Woolmark Prize (IWP) 2018-19. "I am thrilled to be a part of the International Woolmark Prize 2018-19 and am looking forward to the development process and working with the versatile Merino Wool," Kapoor told IANS in a statement. "The immense recognition and consequent widespread exposure that this nomination brings is truly unmatched. More than anything it's the adrenaline rush, and the power to cross my comfort zone that I am looking forward to. "I am truly excited to share my experience with the esteemed jury panel and hear their views on my work, as it is a rare and great opportunity where the best talent from across the world is under one roof," he added. More than 300 emerging fashion designers from across 46 countries applied to take part in this year's IWP. The most promising 42 designers, who showcased creativity, originality of design, innovation and brand recognition, have now been nominated to present their brand to a panel of experts at one of three semi-final events in July. The nominating body for India region was IMG Reliance, who were responsible in shortlisting the nominees selected for the region. The semi-finals of the event will be held in Hong Kong on July 5, London on July 10 and New York on July 12, with nominees invited to pitch to an esteemed judging panel for investment in a capsule collection crafted from Merino wool. These events will then identify the 12 finalists to take part in the International Woolmark Prize global final to be held at an international fashion week in early 2019. Finalists will each receive a financial contribution of AU$70,000 to invest in the development of their capsule collection alongside mentoring, business training and showcasing opportunities. One menswear and one womenswear designer will each receive AU$200,000 at the global final along with guaranteed placement in some of the most important boutiques around the globe that have committed to supporting the award. "As the International Woolmark Prize continues to evolve, we have restructured our program to ensure emerging design talent receives the highest level of industry support and guidance," said Stuart McCullough, the Woolmark Company Managing Director. "This year we invited designers to apply to participate in the program and this generated an overwhelming number of applicants, from New York, London and Tokyo through to Mexico, Russia and Nigeria. This reinforces our belief that the International Woolmark Prize has no geographical borders, that fashion has no boundaries and that Australian Merino wool will remain as relevant to fashion tomorrow as it does today," added McCullough. Kochi, June 6 : A non-resident Indian Usman, who had returned to his native state Kerala for the Ramadan holidays, was brutally beaten up by four policemen and ended up in hospital with a fractured cheekbone, his brother said on Wednesday. A case has been registered against the four policemen. Usman's brother Siddiq told the media here that his brother had gone out to buy food on Tuesday evening to end the fast when the scooter Usman was riding was hit by a car. "He stopped and questioned the four car occupants, who beat him up. It was later revealed that they were policemen. They took Usman to a police station here and beat him black and blue. He is in hospital with a fractured cheekbone," Siddiq said. An eyewitness said the incident occurred around 5.30 p.m. on Tuesday. "When I came out of my shop, I saw Usman being beaten up. I went out and asked the four persons -- who looked more like thugs -- what had happened but they did not say anything and continued to beat him," the eyewitness claimed. On Wednesday morning, angry youths from the locality took out a protest march to the police station where Usman was beaten up. Superintendent of Police Rahul R. Nair told the media that he will look into the matter and assured of appropriate action after the probe. "... Usman has injuries on his face and spine, besides problem with sight in one eye. Usman was brutally beaten up for no fault of his. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has been an abject failure in reigning in the police, as some atrocities by police on innocent people is reported every day," Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said. He said the issue will be raised in the Assembly on Thursday. Kolkata, June 6 : In view of the steep hike in fuel price, bus fares in the city would increase by one rupee over all routes, West Bengal Transport Minister Subhendu Adhikari said on Wednesday. The fares of taxis and waterways will also witness some increase, he said. "I apologise to the daily commuters while announcing that we are increasing the bus fare by one rupee at every stage. Also, the taxi and the waterways will get some hike in the fares," Adhikari said following a meeting between the state government and bus operators. "In future, if the price of the diesel falls, there will be a mechanism through which the fare will be reduced automatically," he added. The bus operators had threatened to gone on strike on June 7 if their demands are not fulfilled. But after the meeting, the operators were not categorical on whether the strike would be organised or not. "There has been a one rupee hike in every stage of the bus fare. Still not sure how the price of diesel, spare parts and all other expenses will be covered in this hike," said Tapan Bandopadhyay, General Secretary of Kolkata Bus Owners' Associations. Washington, June 6 : A Russian Soyuz rocket carrying three astronauts blasted off from Baikonur spaceport in Kazakhstan on Wednesday for a two-day journey to the International Space Station. The three astronauts -- NASA's Serena Aunon-Chancellor, Alexander Gerst of the European Space Agency (ESA) and Sergey Prokopyev of Russian space agency Roscosmos -- are now safely in orbit, NASA said in a blog post. "And we have lift off! Expedition 56-57 is on its way to the @Space_Station. Godspeed to @AstroSerena, Sergey Prokopyev and @Astro_Alex!" NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine tweeted soon after the launch. The crew will orbit Earth 34 times before the spacecraft's arrival and docking to the space station's Rassvet module at 9.07 am on June 8. The arrival of the new crew will restore the station to six crew members. They will join Expedition 56 commander Drew Feustel and flight engineers Ricky Arnold of NASA and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos. The crew will spend more than five months conducting about 250 science investigations in fields such as biology, Earth science, human research, physical sciences and technology development. This crew continues the long-term increase in crew size on the US segment from three to four, allowing NASA to maximise time dedicated to research on the space station. Tokyo, June 6 : Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday left to meet US President Donald Trump to coordinate their positions ahead of a historic mid-June summit between the US and North Korea in Singapore. Abe will meet Trump at the White House on Thursday, the second meeting between the two leaders in less than two months, and then travel to Quebec in Canada to attend the G7 summit (June 8-9), the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, Efe news agency reported. Abe has been sceptical of Trump's summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and favours maintaining maximum pressure on Pyongyang, while Trump, the main architect of the maximum pressure strategy, has softened his stance on North Korea ahead of the summit on June 12. During the meeting, Abe hopes Trump would reaffirm his willingness to maintain sanctions on Pyongyang until it takes concrete steps towards verifiable, complete and irreversible denuclearisation, according to official sources. Speaking to the media before his departure, Abe, who is trying to assume a greater role in the rapprochement process with North Korea, launched by South Korean President Moon Jae-in, said he maintains close communication with Trump and that their positions on the denuclearisation of North Korea were the same. The Japanese government will try and adopt a joint declaration at the G7 summit calling for complete denuclearisation of North Korea, official sources had stressed on Tuesday. Abe also wants Trump to include in the summit's agenda the issue of Japanese citizens kidnapped by the Pyongyang regime decades ago. Abe is also expected to discuss with Trump the high tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, an issue that has led to fears of a possible trade war between the US and its allies, and is expected to dominate the agenda of the G7 summit. Kabul, June 6 : At least two people lost their lives and two were injured as a blast hit a voter registration centre in northern Afghanistan's Baghlan province on Wednesday. A landmine planted by militants in the voting registration centre in Khawja Alwan area, went off killing two people including a police constable and injuring two others, the spokesman for the provincial government Mahmoud Akmal said, Xinhua news agency reported. The official blamed the Taliban for the deadly blast, saying the militants wanted to intimidate the people to stay away from the election process. The Afghan parliamentary election, according to the election body, is slated for October 20 and since the opening of the voter registration on April 14, some five million eligible voters have registered. New Delhi, June 6 : Four auto-rickshaw drivers have been arrested for convincing foreign tourists they were transporting to buy costly ornaments and jewellery from a certain shop from where they received a commission, police said on Wednesday. Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, Madhur Verma said various complaints were received regarding this gang that would pick up foreigners and misguide them. "The TSR (three-seater rickshaw) drivers were targeting foreigner tourists roaming in the New Delhi district," he said. Accordingly, two cases were registered under the Delhi Prevention of Touting and Malpractices Against Tourists Act, 2010. All the four accused -- Manoj Kumar, 50, Ritesh, 36, Jitender Kumar, 41, and Amit, 26 -- have been arrested and their vehicles seized, the officer said. Seoul, June 6 : Known as the French Spiderman, world-renowned climber Alain Robert was arrested here on Wednesday for trying to scale a skyscraper to celebrate a thaw in relations between North and South Korea. Robert, 55, was arrested on the rooftop of the 125th floor of the Lotte World Tower and was charged with obstruction of business for climbing to the 75th floor of the skyscraper without seeking prior consent from the building's operator, Lotte Property and Development, Efe news agency reported. He was intercepted after about two hours of climbing on reaching the 75th floor of the highest building in the country and the fifth in the world, from where he was transported to the rooftop aboard a building management utility. The climber said he made the 555-meter tower climb "to celebrate the quickly improving ties between South and North Korea", the company quoted him as saying, according to Yonhap news agency. Robert, known for climbing using only his hands, and usually without prior authorization, was not wearing proper safety gear and the South Korean police said they would decide how to handle the case after investigating his motive. Robert rose to fame in 2011 after climbing the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. He has climbed more than a hundred buildings and monuments across the globe, including the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Empire State Building in New York and the Sears Tower in Chicago, the Sydney Opera House in Australia and the Agbar Tower of Barcelona. The French Spiderman has been detained more than 100 times and neither his chronic vertigo nor the 66 percent disability resulting from several serious falls have managed to deter his passion for heights. New Delhi, June 6 : Former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram was on Wednesday questioned for over four hours by the CBI in connection with the INX Media corruption case. After the questioning by a special CBI Economic Offences Wing team, the senior Congress leader reiterated that the FIR contains no allegations against him. The Central Bureau of Investigation said Chidambaram appeared at its headquarters here around 11 a.m. and left around 4.50 p.m. Chidambaram was questioned till 1.30 p.m., after which he was allowed to step out for lunch. The questioning resumed at 3.30 p.m. and continued till around 4.45 p.m. After leaving the CBI headquarters, Chidambaram tweeted: "Appeared before the CBI. The FIR contains no allegations against me. "Questions and answers were based on the files of FIPB. Hence, there was little to add to the record," he said. According to the agency officials, the former Minister was quizzed about his alleged role in the grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval to INX Media in 2007. The INX Media company was promoted by former media baron Peter Mukerjea and his wife Indrani Mukerjea, now in jail in connection with the murder of their daughter Sheena Bora. A CBI official said the agency will analyse the Congress leader's statement and, if required, he will be again asked to join the investigation. The Congress leader was summoned by the agency officials under Section 41(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The CBI first issued the summons to Chidambaram on June 1, asking him to appear before it the next day, but he skipped questioning after the Delhi High Court on May 31 granted him interim protection against arrest till July 3 in the INX Media case. According to the CBI officials, it has prepared a set of questions to seek clarifications from the former Minister pertaining to a money laundering case registered in 2017 against Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram. The CBI had on May 15, 2017 filed an FIR, accusing Chidambaram, Karti and others of involvement in irregularities in giving INX Media the FIPB clearance to receive Rs 305 crore in foreign investment. The CBI had on February 28 arrested Karti, accusing him of taking money to facilitate the FIPB clearance to INX Media in 2007 when his father was the Finance Minister. Later, he got bail. The CBI initially alleged that Karti received Rs 10 lakh as bribe for facilitating the FIPB clearance but the figure was subsequently revised to about $1 million or Rs 6.5 crore at the current exchange rate. On Tuesday, the former Minister was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate for over five hours. New Delhi, June 6 : Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday tabled a resolution, demanding statehood for Delhi, in the Assembly. Moving the resolution, Sisodia said: "Every country in the world has a capital. People from all over the country live in the national capital. No government can claim to be democratic if they don't consider the issues faced by the people living in the capital. "For everything we have to go to the LG and his only job is to stop the Delhi government from doing good work." Sisodia also said that their government cannot even decide the metro fare and the "multiplicity of agencies have created obstacles in all round development and progress of Delhi as a world class city". During the debate, Akali Dal legislator Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the Delhi government has health, education and water under them, but still are not able to satisfy the people with their work. "Elections are coming and to hide their failure they are demanding full statehood," eh said. He also said that Congress' Sheila Dikshit, during the 15-year as Chief Minister, had constructed flyovers and hospitals with same amount of powers. "When you are not able to manage the rights you already have, what will you do with more rights?" he asked. Mumbai, June 6 : The Bombay High Court on Wednesday granted bail to former Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Sameer Bhujbal, almost a month after his uncle and former Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal was released on bail. They were arrested nearly two years ago by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over corruption cases and violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Through his counsel Vikram Chaudhary, Sameer Bhujbal had appealed to the Bombay High Court for liberty on grounds of parity, pointing out that Chhagan Bhujbal had already been granted bail on May 4. Chhagan Bhujbal was nabbed by the ED on March 14, 2016 in connection with two money laundering cases registered against him, his nephew Sameer Bhujbal, other family members and business associates. The Bhujbals and their associates are being investigated in three corruption cases, while the Maharashtra's Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) filed a charge-sheet against them in the February 2016 case pertaining to alleged scam in the new Maharashtra Sadan construction in New Delhi. New Delhi, June 6 : Three out of the five men who committed a dacoity at a businessman's house in Haryana's Panipat have been arrested, the Delhi Police said. Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Alok Kumar on Wednesday said that the businessman's wife was robbed on a gunpoint on June 4 by five armed persons from their residence in Panipat. "Five armed persons robbed away cash Rs 52,000, around 35 tola gold and huge silver ornaments after taking the businessman's wife and employee on gunpoint," he said. The police officer said that the huge recovery of looted jewellery has been affected from the possession of the arrested accused persons including around 40 tola gold and 1.5 kg silver ornaments. The arrested accused persons have been identified as, Randeep Rathi, 21; Sumit Rathi, 24; and Mohit Malik, 19. They all belong to middle-class farmer families residing in different villages of Panipat District and are executives of a multi-level marketing company in Kurukshetra, Haryana. The victim businessman's acquaintance had lured them by informing them about huge amount of cash and jewellery in his house. New Delhi, June 6 : The CBI on Wednesday said it will issue fresh summons to Malaysia-based AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes as he failed to appear before it in connection with an alleged bribery case to get FDI rules tweaked. "Fernandes did not appear before the agency today. We will issue fresh summons to him soon," a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) official said requesting anonymity. The agency summoned Fernandes on June 1, through email, asking him to come and record his statement before the investigators at the agency's headquarters. The official also said the investigating agency on Tuesday questioned Sunil Kapur, chairman of Travel Foods and Services that was given a contract of in-flight catering by AirAsia. Earlier, the agency examined Rajendra Dubey, Director of HNR Pte Ltd, Green IT Com Pvt Ltd and RRT Services India Pvt Ltd. The CBI filed a case on May 29 against Fernandes, AirAsia India Director R. Venkataramanan and AirAsia Group Deputy CEO T. Kanagalingam alias Bo Lingam and others over alleged violation of norms for getting international flying license. The CBI's FIR also mentions aviation consultant Deepak Talwar, Dubey and some unknown public servants of the Civil Aviation Ministry and the then Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). In its FIR, the agency alleged that efforts were made by Fernandes to get the 5/20 rule of civil aviation policy changed so that AirAsia could start international operations. The rule requires that an airline must be operating in India for five years and have at least 20 aircraft in its fleet before starting international operations. Fernandes is also accused of "putting pressure" on former AirAsia India CEO Mittu Chandilya to pursue changes in regulatory policies for international aviation in India which would be beneficial to the company. AirAsia and Venkataramanan have denied the charges, saying the accusations were made with mala fide intention and will be defended in court. Ranchi, June 6 : Training in heavy engineering began on Wednesday at the Common Engineering Facility Centre set up jointly by Atomenergomash, the machine-building division of Russian state atomic energy corporation Rosatom, and India's state-run Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC), a official release here. "The first 23 attendees from various regions of India are part-taking in the training programme for 'Technologies and Equipment for Welding of Items for Heavy and Power Engineering'", said the statement from Rosatom, equipment suppliers and technical consultants for India's Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project in Tamil Nadu whose first two units of 1,000 MW each have already been commissioned. "In 2018, experts of the Russian institute will conduct eight more training courses in the fields of steel melting, metallurgical treatment and electroslag re-melting technologies, destructive and non-destructive testing methods, construction design and technologies for gear manufacturing. "The training courses will run throughout the year and will enable to improve the skills of personnel of Indian engineering enterprises. More than 200 people are likely to attend the programme," it added. The agreement between for setting up the training centre and joint development of new technologies for heavy and power engineering was signed in December 2015. Vijayawada, June 6 : Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K.E. Krishnamurthy on Wednesday said he was ready to hang himself if his Telugu Desam Party (TDP) enters into an alliance with Congress party. Talking to reporters in Kurnool, he ruled out any alliance with Congress. "This is a decision taken by the party. If it happens, I am ready to hang myself," said the TDP leader. Krishnamurthy made the remark while answering queries about the claims by the opposition YSR Congress and Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) that TDP is preparing to join hands with Congress for 2019 elections. Chief Minister and TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu had last month shared dais with Congress President Rahul Gandhi at the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka Chief Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy. Naidu, whose party pulled out of BJP-led NDA over its refusal to accord special status to Andhra Pradesh, has already clarified that sharing dais and shaking hands with Rahul Gandhi does not mean TDP will have any alliance with Congress. Krishnamurthy also slammed YSR Congress and BJP for what he calls politics of collusion. He alleged that YSR Congress has entered into a secret deal with the BJP and is playing drama with the resignations of its MPs over special status issue. New Delhi, June 6 : The Modi government has allegedly cancelled orders worth thousands of crores of rupees with the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the defence and aerospace sector in India, bringing these units at the brink of a closure that may cost 300,000 jobs. Agitated over the move, members of the Federation of MSME Vendors of Defence and Aerospace told reporters here on Wednesday that the move belies Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on "Make in India" and self reliance in defence manufacturing. "This move shall bring these units at the brink of closure and shall further result into unemployment of approximately 300,000. Of these 180,000 are associated with various ordnance factories and almost similar number with employment being provided by MSME companies. (This) will cause wide scale of bank defaults amounting in crores of rupees," said federation president Neeraj Raizaida. There are 6,000 MSME units associated with defence industry. Eighty per cent of sub parts and complex assemblies of defence supplies are manufactured in MSME sector. according to a study. He said the reason mentioned in the government communication to these unis was that the ultimate users of defence products -- the Indian armed forces -- for which they used to procure these items have curtailed down their requirements. The allegations came amid parliamentary reporting findings that the Indian armed forces were facing a severe shortage of funds and were not able to maintain their stockpile of ammunition. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman however has repeatedly rejected these charges, saying the government faced no crunch and the forces were adequately armed to face any emergency. Raizaida said the government orders had created a lot of furore in the MSME sector -- considered one of the mainstays of the Indian economy. He said orders had already been placed by the MSMEs for raw material and advance payments made before the letters cancelling the contracts arrived. "There shall be a very wide scale of macro- economic catastrophe. Raw material orders have been placed and advance payments made" which has blocked huge working capital, he said. "We have approached the Ministry of Defence, the PMO, but there has been no response so far. We will file a PIL in the Supreme Court if the government does not attend to our complaint," said Raizaida. According to the federation, the reason mentioned in the government communication is that "ultimate users (i.e Indian armed forces) for which they used to procure items have curtailed their requirements". Chandigarh, June 6 : The Haryana Police has seized 860 boxes of illicit liquor worth lakhs of rupees from a Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanker which was being transported to prohibition state Gujarat. The seizure, made on National Highway-71 in Rewari district, around 100 km from Delhi, is the second big seizure of illicit liquor by police in Rewari in last 10 days, said Rewari's Superintendent of Police Rajesh Duggal. A police spokesman said here on Wednesday said that the seizure was made following a tip-off. The LPG tanker was chased as its driver tried to make for Jhajjar district and ultimately intercepted. However, the tanker driver and helper managed to escape, leaving the vehicle behind. Inspection of the vehicle led to the recovery of the illegal liquor. "When searched, police team found a consignment of 22,640 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), country made liquor and beer concealed inside the tanker," the spokesman said. Earlier, the Rewari police had seized 576 boxes of illicit liquor on Delhi-Jaipur highway. New Delhi, June 6 : Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey on Wednesday appealed to make a "Tobacco-free India" and to encourage people to give up tobacco consumption. "We should have an addiction-free India that includes Tobacco-free India. We need community mobilization to encourage people to give up tobacco consumption. "Tobacco destroys families and communities," he said. He made an appeal for "Nasha Mukti Abhiyaan" and said: "Tobacco destroys families and communities. We need to start a nationwide abhiyaan- people's movement, to combat tobacco use." The minister also inaugurated the two-day National Consultation on Accelerating Implementation of Tobacco Control Measures for the achievement of Goals under National Health Policy and made a strong call for accelerating tobacco control measures. He said that tobacco use is a leading cause of premature, NCD-associated mortality and morbidity, and a growing public health challenge. He further said that while many people are aware tobacco use increases the risk of cancer, there are alarming gaps in knowledge of the cardiovascular risks of tobacco use. Mumbai, June 6 : Hindustan Construction Co (HCC) on Wednesday announced that its joint venture (JV) with with MAX Group of Bangladesh has won a $110 million (Rs 737 crore) contract from Russia for the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. An HCC statement here said the contract, awarded by state-run Atomstroyexport, the trading arm of Russian atomic energy corporation Rosatom, includes civil works of the turbine island for unit 1 of the Ruppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). Rosatom are also the equipment suppliers and technical consultants for India's Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu whose first two units of 1,000 MW each have already been commissioned. "HCC, in a joint venture with MAX Group, a construction company in Bangladesh, has been awarded $110 million (Rs 737 crore) contract by Russia's State Nuclear Company, JSC Atomstroyexport," the statement said. "HCC's share in the JV is 40 per cent (USD 44 million/Rs 295 crore)," it added. The Rooppur NPP will be equipped with two VVER reactors of 1,200 MW each, while the KNPP agreement envisages the construction of six reactors of the earlier generation VVER type of 1,000 MW capacity each. Commenting on the development, HCC Group CEO Arjun Dhawan said a statement: "HCC has become the first Indian company to participate in the international civil nuclear market." The statement noted that while India cannot participate directly in the construction of nuclear reactors abroad as it is not a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Indian companies, however, can be involved in construction and installation works as well as in the supply of non-critical equipment. India has recently signed an agreement with Bangladesh for civil nuclear cooperation, under which the former has extended expertise and support in the construction of the Ruppur NPP, which began last November. London, June 6 : The British Prime Minister told her Israeli counterpart on Wednesday Britain maintained its support to the 2015 Nuclear agreement with Iran as the best roadmap to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Theresa May met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, currently on the final leg of his official three-day European visit to Germany, France, and Britain at her official 10 Downing Street residence, Efe news agency reported. "Along with Germany and France, the UK continues believing it is the best route to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons," Prime Minister May said after the meeting. May was referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA,) the July 14, 2015 agreement reached in Vienna and signed by Iran, the P5+1, meaning the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States plus Germany -- and the EU. United States President Donald Trump, a close ally of Netanyahu, withdrew Washington from the JCPOA on May 8. May said her government would maintain its "commitment" to the multilateral pact so long Iran continued fulfilling its obligations, as the International Atomic Energy Agency has certified. Furthermore, the British premier acknowledged concerns with other matters involving Iran such as its activities in Syria and Yemen or its proliferation of a the ballistic missile programme. May also expressed her concern regarding the "loss of Palestinian lives" in the Gaza strip during the recent Palestinian demonstrations, staged between Mar. 30 and May 15, violently repressed by Israeli forces with a death toll of 110 Palestinians. On the other hand, Israel's PM stressed his priority was to ensure Tehran did not obtain nuclear weapons and to roll-back Iran's increasing presence in the Middle East region. Rome, June 6 : Italian authorities have expelled a suspected Moroccan religious extremist for the second time after he was deported and re-entered Italy on a 10-day visa, the Interior Ministry said on Wednesday. The 44-year Moroccan was expelled aboard a flight from the northeastern city of Venice following his arrest in the northern city of Como, the ministry added. The suspect had returned to Italy on the 10-day visa to attend a court hearing in the northern city of Piacenza. He had been deported in May after he showed signs of radicalization during a spell in prison for petty crime and investigators said he was "close to Islamic extremist milieux", the ministry said. A total of 51 suspected religious extremists have been deported from Italy this year and 288 since January 2015, according to the ministry. Siliguri, June 6 : A frenzied, thousand strong crowd wildly cheered and called out his name as Tamil superstar Rajinikanth stepped out of the airport terminal at Bagdogra near here on Wednesday on his first shooting assignment in the northern West Bengal hills. Sporting a white linen kurta, the actor, who enjoys a demigod status in large parts of south India, had a tough time boarding the steel grey Fortuna car a few metres away, amid the thunderous cries and frantic bids to capture his movements on mobile camera. Rajinikanth seemed bowled over by the reception. "This is my first visit to northern West Bengal. I am sure, I will fall in love with the hills," he said before leaving for Kurseong where he would stay for 37 days to shoot an as yet unnamed movie directed by popular Chennai based director Karthik Subbaraj. Part of the shooting would be done in the internationally famous Himalayan tourist town Darjeeling, where Mount Hermon School and St. Pauls College would be among the locations. In the hill town of Kurseong, the shooting site would be Christian Forest Rangers College. Already, 700 technicians have reached Darjeeling, of whom 140 are busy building the sets, with the rest working untiringly to get all the logistics in place. According to the director's team, the shooting would begin from Thursday, and continue till June 15 in Kurseong. Darjeeling would be the venue from June 17 to July 6, following which the shooting party is again slated to move to Kurseong and stay there till July 12. "Though shooting is scheduled to be completed in 37 days, we have kept three extra days keeping in mind the probability of inclement weather," said Paras Chettri, a manager of the film unit. "This is the biggest-ticket film shoot in the Darjeeling hills," he added. Heavy security arrangements have been made for the shooting. Apart from Rajinikanth's own security team, local police are present in strength to prevent any untoward incidents and keep the crowd at bay. A thick security blanket has also been thrown around the luxurious Alita Resort in Kurseong, where Rajnikanth would put up. The picturesque Darjeeling hills have in the past been the location for the shooting of films like Shah Rukh Khan and Sushmita Sen starrer "Main Hoon Na", and "Barfi" that had Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra in the lead. Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh), June 6 : Mounting a strong attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's on issues concerning farmers and youth, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday promised to waive farm loans in 10 days if his party is voted to power in Madhya Pradesh. Launching the Congress campaign in the state where the party is seeking to oust the BJP in elections slated at the end of the year, he also promised that the families of farmers who were killed here on this day last year will get justice in 10 days if his party wins. "I assure you, when the Congress forms government in Madhya Pradesh, farmers' loans will be written off within 10 days. The families of the farmers (killed in Mandsaur last year) will get justice in 10 days and we will take action against those responsible for the firing," he said the Kisan Samriddhi Sankalp Rally here. Gandhi questioned the delay in filing of probe report into the death of six farmers in police firing a year ago, alleging that the BJP government had failed to provide security to farmers and address their concerns. With Congress having been out of power in the state for the past 15 years, Gandhi sought to energise party workers stating that they will be priority for the party's government. He asked the state leaders to be seen among people and emphasised that the party was fighting the polls as a united force. Promising to transform Madhya Pradesh, he said the two main priorities for his party were ensuring proper price to farmers and providing employment to the youth. "The governments are of no use if they cannot provide security to farmers and their families. I have been told 1,200 farmers committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh. Did any rich person or their family member commit suicide who have lakhs of crores as debt," he said. Earlier, Gandhi paid tributes to the dead farmers in Piplia Mandi town of Mandsaur district. He accused Modi of not fulfilling promises to farmers and the youth. "Prime Minister waived off loans worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore of just 15 businessmen, but when I requested him to waive off farm loans, he maintained a studied silence. "The youth were promised Rs 15 lakh each in their account and two crore jobs. Has Modi given even Rs 5? Can anyone in the gathering say that Modi has provided him a job," he asked. Gandhi said made in China goods were swamping the market and claimed that even Modi's mobile phone was of Chinese origin. "This is India of Narendra Modi. They tell farmers, we will not waive your loans, they tell youth, we will not give you employment. We want that farmers should get respect and their children get employment." He also said five years from now, mobile phones should be made in Mandsaur. "This cannot be done by Modi and (Chief Minister) Shivraj Singh Chouhan. It can be done by Kamal Nathji and (Jyotiraditya) Scindiaji and we will show it," he said. "We will not tell you our Mann ki Baat. We will listen to you as we respect you." Gandhi also accused the Modi government of doing deals with fugitive offenders Vijay Mallaya, Lalit Modi and Nirav Modi, while taking a dig Modi calling scam-accused fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi as "Mehul Bhai" at an event in Delhi earlier. "Narendra Modi gave Rs 30,000 crore to Nirav Bhai, Mehul Bhai. You could have waived loans of Madhya Pradesh farmers twice with this amount," he said. He said UPA government had waived farm loans of Rs 72,000 crore and Congress governments in Punjab and Karnataka had given loan waivers to farmers. On his party's proposed measures for farmers, he said: "When Congress comes, there will be a food processing plant in every district. We will create food chains in entire state. Farms will be linked to cities with roads so that you get price of your produce processed in factories. "We will show how to compete with China. You grow garlic here. In 10 years, we will take this garlic to China's capital Beijing," he said. Thiruvananthapuram, June 06 : The opposition UDF disrupted assembly proceedings on Wednesday in protest against speaker P Sreeramakrishnans refusing to allow opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala to raise the issue of the alleged custodial death of Varappuzha youth S R Sreejith during zero hour. Denying Mr. Chennithala permission to speak about the alleged custodial death, the speaker reasoned that the assembly rules prohibit discussion on a matter that was pending before a court of law. Any discussion on a matter under the consideration of a committee or court of law was prohibited by rules under normal circumstances, the speaker said. Pat came the reply from the opposition leader, who pointed out that the house had taken up such issues as the solar scam and the bar bribery scam for discussion even when they were under the consideration of a court of law. When the speaker refused to relent, the members of the opposition trooped to the well of the house raising slogans, with some of them holding up a large black banner to block the speakers view of the treasury benches. With opposition din disrupting proceedings, the speaker adjournment the house temporarily just 12 minutes into zero hour. Later, when the house sat again after a brief interlude, the opposition resumed their protest, prompting the speaker to rush through the days listed business and adjourn the house for the day. Later, at a presser, congress legislator V D Satheesan alleged that the speaker refused discussion on the Varappuzha custodial death under pressure from chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Satheesan said that he had met the speaker before the house proceedings began and the speaker had given him the nod to move notice for an adjournment motion to discuss the issue. However, as the house proceedings were going on, the speaker handed him a chit, saying that the issue cannot be raised. Alleging that the speaker changed his mind following the chief ministers intervention, Satheesan asked why the chief minister was so afraid of allowing a discussion on the custodial death. Varappuzha youth Sreejith was taken into custody by a special squad constituted, as it turned out illegally, by the Ernakulam rural SP on the charge of house trespass and assault. His arrest later turned out to be a case of mistaken identity. However, the youth was allegedly tortured by the police while in custody and later died in a private hospital. New Delhi, June 6 : The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved Rs 637 crore central assistance for solar power plants, solar street lights and solar study lamps in the northeastern states and Left Wing Extremism (Maoist) affected districts. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the third phase of Off-grid and Decentralised Solar PV (Photo Voltaic) Applications Programme to achieve additional 118 MWp (megawatt peak) off-grid solar PV capacity by 2020, an official statement said, citing Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. Prasad said that 3,00,000 solar street lights will be installed throughout the country with special emphasis on areas where there is no facility for street lighting systems through grid power, northeastern states and Maoist-affected districts. The second component of the programme comprises building stand-alone solar power plants of individual size up to 25 kWp (kilowatt peak) in areas where grid power has not reached or is not reliable. "This component is mainly aimed at providing electricity to schools, hostels, panchayats, police stations and other public service institutions. The aggregated capacity of solar power plants would be 100 MWp," Prasad said. Further, 25 lakh solar study lamps would be distributed students in the northeastern states and Maoist-affected districts, the minister added. The total project of the three components included under the phase-Ill, which is likely to generate 8.67 lakh man-days of employment for skilled and unskilled workers, is Rs 1,895 crore of which Rs 637 crore will be provided as central financial assistance. "For solar street lights and solar power plants, financial support up to 30 per cent of the benchmark cost of the system will be provided except for NE states, hill states and island UTs where up to 90 per cent of the benchmark cost will be provided. "For solar study lamps only 15 per cent of the lamp cost to be borne by beneficiary student and balance will be provided as financial support as such systems will be provided to school going children in backward and remote areas," the statement said. While the off-grid solar systems, which will provide power to schools, hostels, panchayats, police stations and other public service institutions, is also likely to open better livelihood opportunities for beneficiaries in rural and remote areas, the programme will benefit 40 lakh rural households. [June 05, 2018] Continuity Programs' MyLeadDashboard Features Automated Real Estate Prospecting Solutions WALLED LAKE, Mich., June 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuity Programs continues to roll out its latest automated real estate marketing product, MyLeadDashboard. The web-based platform offers a fully automated approach for "Just Listed" and "Just Sold" mailing campaigns. Since introduction earlier this year, top real estate firms across the country are embracing the system. New Orleans-based Latter & Blum, Inc. and its family of companies, as well as Leading Real Estate Companies of the World member, McColly Real Estate in Indiana and Illinois are among Continuity's clients. "This technology offering is well worth our development investment," says Kirk King, president of Continuity Programs. Already known for customer service excellence, Continuity Programs seized on the opportunity to give real estate companies and agents automated marketing solutions backed with great service. As King explains, "Our research showed this was an area other companies were lacking. Agents simply wanted more support and we knew we could meet those expectations." MyLeadDashboard helps busy agents and brokerages build thei brand, attract new listings, gain future referrals, and advertise their success. Companies can choose from a library of Just Listed and Just Sold designs or have Continuity Programs design and set up custom branded pieces. Mailings include personalized URLs and landing pages for online lead generation. MLS integration with MyLeadDashboard allows for a hands-free campaign. Agents can opt-in to the program, choose a corporate-approved design, and let the system handle all the work. It does not require any data entry, which helps lead to increased productivity. Fully automated Just Listed and Just Sold mailing campaigns are an exciting piece of the MyLeadDashboard software. It provides brokers and agents easy customization and real-time reporting. The system also includes a built-in CRM and multi-year client follow-up programs. Learn more about MyLeadDashboard and request a demo here: continuityprograms.com. About Continuity Programs Continuity Programs, Inc. serves real estate companies with easy-to-use customer relationship management (CRM) software and automated marketing solutions. Since 1973, Continuity Programs' campaigns have consistently proven to drive referrals and repeat business, generate exclusive leads, and increase client retention for agents across the US. Media contact: Gina Smerecki Continuity Programs, Inc. 800-521-0026 http://www.continuityprograms.com/ View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/continuity-programs-myleaddashboard-features-automated-real-estate-prospecting-solutions-300660253.html SOURCE Continuity Programs, Inc. New Delhi, June 6 : There was a time in Mumbai's Byculla jail when only two buckets of water were allocated to 600 women prisoners for the whole day, while only five sanitary towels were issue per month to every woman, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi said on Wednesday. Speaking about the achievements of her ministry in last four years, she said on her order, officials from the ministry visited the prison only to find that the two buckets of water would not have lasted for more than 15 minutes and suitable action was taken. She also said that a Widow's Home with a capacity of 1,000 widows was constructed in Vrindavan to provide a safe and secure place for them and will be inaugurated by the month-end. She also informed that over 1.8 crore calls were received every year since 2014 on the Child Helpline 1098 and the number of locations where the service is operation has gone up from 279 to 435 locations from 2014. Underscoring the importance of forensics in nabbing the culprits in sexual assault cases, the minister said special forensic kits for rape would be distributed to all the police stations and hospitals by the month of July. "These kits would contain a complete list of evidence/samples to be collected along with the equipment required to collect the evidence. The kits would be locked and sealed before being sent to forensic labs," she said. On the disputes in NRI marriages, the minister said her ministry is in the process of issuing orders to the Registrars that NRI marriages have to be registered within 48 hours else the passport/visas would not be issued. The Registrars would send the details of such NRI marriages to the ministry so that a Central database can be maintained. New Delhi, June 6 : Against the backdrop of rumours in the day that she was joining the BJP, Delhi Congress chief spokesperson Sharmistha Mukherjee warned her father, former President Pranab Mukherjee, against attending an RSS event at its Nagpur headquarters on June 7. She said Mukherjee by going to Nagpur would give BJP and RSS an opportunity to plant false stories, and spread rumours, like that she was joining the BJP. "Hope @CitiznMukherjee now realises from today's incident, how BJP dirty tricks dept operates. Even RSS wouldn't believe that you are going to endorse its views in your speech. But the speech will be forgotten, visuals will remain and those will be circulated with fake statements," Sharmistha said in a series of tweets. "@CitiznMukherjee by going to Nagpur, you are giving BJP/RSS full handle two plant false stories, spread falls rumours as today and making it somewhat believable. And this is just the beginning!" she added. Earlier, Sharmistha rubbished rumours of her joining the BJP saying: "In the mountains enjoying a beautiful sunset and suddenly this news that I'm supposedly joining BJP hits like a torpedo! "Can't there be some peace and sanity in this world? I joined politics because I believe in the Congress. Would rather leave politics than leave Congress," she said on Twitter. Delhi Congress President Ajay Maken also tweeted saying: "In reply to certain rumors-Just spoke to @Sharmistha_GK, who is out of Delhi. She is a devoted Congress person and firmly believes in the ideology of @INCIndia. "She told me, that she is in politics, just because of her firm faith in the ideology of the Congress party," he added. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has invited Mukherjee to be the chief guest at the concluding function of "Tritiya Varsh Varg" or third-year course and address the Swayamsevaks' on June 7. The RSS invite to Mukherjee sparked off a controversy, as the Congress leaders expressed unhappiness over his acceptance, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Sangh saw nothing wrong in it. Breaking his silence on the issue, the former President had said whatever he has to say, he will say in Nagpur only. Rome, June 6 : Italy's populist government on Wednesday won a vote of confidence in the lower house of parliament, a day after it won a similar vote in the Senate. The alliance between the anti-establishment Five Star Movement and the hard-right League gained the Chamber of Deputies' endorsement with 350 votes in favour, 236 against and 35 abstentions. Premier Giuseppe Conte, a political newcomer, won a Senate confidence vote on Tuesday after a wide-ranging maiden speech that vowed to review European Union sanctions against Russia, called for the swift and obligatory resettlement of refugees, decent pensions, a minimum income for all citizens and fair taxation. The coalition - Western Europe's first populist government - was sworn in last week and holds a majority in both houses of parliament, albeit a slender one in the Senate. Berlin, June 7 : German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday said she expected difficult talks during the G7 summit in Canada later in the week. Merkel stood for the first time in a question-and-answer session with German lawmakers. Like the debates with the Prime Ministers in the British House of Commons, Merkel answered around 30 questions within one hour, Xinhua reported. "I think everyone knows that there will be difficult discussions there," said the Chancellor, referring to the two-day G7 summit, which will start on Friday in Charlevoix in Canada's Quebec. The summit comes in as major Western industrialized economies conflicted with the US on Washington's unilateral trade policies. "It turns out that we already have a serious problem here with multilateral agreements," said Merkel on the US action of imposing punitive tariffs upon aluminum and steel products, adding that it is important that Europeans act together and stand for fair and free trade and turn against protectionism. Ministers from Germany, France and Britain have written to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and finance secretary Steven Mnuchin, urging them to shield European companies operating in Iran from Washington's new sanctions. Merkel also noted that currently there is no possibility for Russia to return to the G8 group, but said she supported talks with Russia, saying dialogue is always important. Merkel was harshly attacked by a lawmaker from the right-wing populist Alternative fuer Deutschland (AfD) who accused her of the refugee policy that had "seriously damaged Germany", and urged Merkel to step down. Merkel countered the allegations, saying that in the "exceptional humanitarian situation" of 2015, Germany acted "very responsibly" by accepting refugees. The legality of the decisions at that time was confirmed by the European Court of Justice. Since then, the German government has made it clear that it was an exceptional situation, she said. United Nations, June 7 : Myanmar and the world organisation have signed a memorandum of understanding on creating conditions for the return of the Rohingya refugees, most of whom are now in camps in Bangladesh, according to Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He said on Wednesday that Guterres welcomed the memorandum signed by the Myanmar government, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) "on the UN system's support to creating conditions conducive to voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable Rohingya refugee returns from Bangladesh, and their reintegration in Rakhine State." Guterres also "reiterates his call for an end to violence, accountability for perpetrators, redress for victims, humanitarian access to all areas in Rakhine State and the implementation of the recommendations of the Rakhine Advisory Commission" headed by former Secretary-General that proposed citizenship for the Rohingya, granting them freedom of movement and providing them assistance, Dujarric added. UNHCR said the agreement signed in Myanmar's capital, Nay Pyi Taw will enable the UNHCR and UNDP to get access to Rakhine State, including to refugees' places of origin and areas of potential return. Access has been denied to those areas since the last round of major violence broke out there in August 2017. Attacks on Myanmar security posts by the Arkhan Rohingya Salvation Army that month were followed by attacks on Rohingya by other Myanmar people leading to an exodus of more than half-a-million Rohingyas from Rakhine. Once UNHCR personnel can go to the affected areas they will be able to assess the conditions on the ground, carry out protection activitiesand provide independent information to refugees about the conditions in their places of origin, the UNHCR said. The Myanmar government also commits to work with the UN to find a solution for the Rohingya population, in line with the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, the UNHCR added. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in) Accusations from Mortgage Choice franchisees accusing the aggregator of running a harsh business model and remuneration structure have triggered a promise to change its remuneration model. Mortgage Choice released an announcement on the ASX yesterday in response to an investigation by Fairfax Media and ABCs 7.30. The investigation had been looming for some time among tweets as franchisees readied to set up a fund to take legal action. Towards the end of last year they agreed to commit $200,000, but put this on hold after Mortgage Choice said it would review the structure. The media report outlined how the broker previously employed an up-front commission model and changed this to a performance-based model based on loan targets in the wake of the 2007-2008 Global Financial Crisis. But it never changing back to the original structure once the crisis had passed. The recently appointed Mortgage Choice chief executive Susan Mitchell admitted the model was outdated. In the ASX statement from company secretary David Hoskins, Mortgage Choice advised it would be working closely with franchisees about a more competitive remuneration model. The statement said the purpose of this would be to increase franchisee remuneration and reduce franchisee income volatility to allow them to grow their business and assist more customers with their home loan needs. CEO of Mortgage Choice, Susan Mitchell, said she anticipated the changes would support the long term sustainable growth of Mortgage Choice. We want to continue to help Australians with their financial services needs for many years to come and having thriving, growing franchisees that have the confidence to invest in their business is critical to achieving this. Mortgage Choice expects to finalise a new remuneration model in this coming July and implement an opt-in basis across the network in August. Documents suggest almost half of Mortgage Choices franchisees were considering legal action to get a better and fairer remuneration scheme. Harry Triguboff, one of the country's biggest owners of rental apartments, has accused unspecified rival developers, but the likes of Lendlease, Mirvac and Stockland, of supporting build-to-rent housing because they were trying to drum up capital at a time of harder access to funds. Triguboff owns a portfolio of more than 4000 apartments that he rents out. He suggested the current build-to-rent drive was pushed by his rivals. "They want a tax break," Meriton boss Mr Triguboff told The Australian Financial Review, though not naming them directly in the article. "But the interesting thing is, it's not the people with the money talking. "It's the snorers that have no money to build." Housing built for long-term rent to middle-income households has yet to become established in Australia because tax concessions for investment in residential housing are not available to institutions in the way they are to mum-and-dad investors and low yields on residential property do not make it viable. Last year, Treasurer Scott Morrison ruled out the use of managed investment trusts, a vehicle that pays a low 15 per cent withholding tax, for at-market residential property, saying they had to be limited to the purpose of affordable, or key-worker, housing. The shadow treasurer Chris Bowen last month signalled he would reconsider the issue. But Mr Triguboff, who subsidises his own rental portfolio with profit from his development projects in Sydney, Brisbane and Gold Coast, questioned whether foreign institutions were interested in Australian build-to-rent as an asset class. "I'm critical of people talking about it without naming who are the people that will invest," he said in an interview with the Financial Review. "I don't think they have people that will invest. I think what they are trying to do is sell the idea to Morrison, then they will run around and get somebody. That's how it appears." The NSW government will impose a 180-day cap on the number of days empty properties can be rented out by Airbnb in Sydney. It will also give strata corporations the power to ban Airbnb in their buildings if 75 percent of owners seek the ban. Short-term holiday letting is currently unregulated in NSW. Sydney ranks as one of Airbnbs top ten cities for most properties on the platform. The new laws come with no caps across the rest of the state, but councils outside of greater Sydney will have the power to impose their own caps, though no lower than 180 days per year. Byron Bay could move first as its locals have been affected by increased rent as its short-term holiday rental market booms. It has been calculated that in Byron shire visitors outnumber locals by a ratio of 70 to one. Better Regulation Minister Matt Kean was forced to go back and consult with the government's backbench after MPs revolted over the initial cabinet-approved policy, which proposed only the 180-day cap but gave no power to the individual strata committees. Hosts or guests who commit two serious breaches of the code within two years could be by Airbnb from using Airbnb and other similar platforms for five years, and placed on an exclusion register. Kean described the reforms as the "toughest laws in world to crack down on bad behaviour" in the short-term letting industry. "We've got the balance right between protecting people's property rights, between recognising owner's corporations have a role to play in the governance of strata schemes, and ensuring people who want to use these platforms like Airbnb are able to do so," Mr Kean said. Airbnbs Global Head of Policy Chris Lehane championed the reforms as a potential "world model" for the industry, describing them as "fair and balanced". Lehane said Airbnb was comfortable with sharing its data with government agencies. International cities like Berlin and Barcelona have found regulating these platforms is not always easy with enforcing restrictions against individual hosts cumbersomely costly. The home sharing platform Airbnb came out in support of a limit on the number of days a investment property can be rented in NSW strata, as it sought to avoid a tougher regulatory crackdown by the NSW government. In a submission to the NSW government, Airbnb said there were more than 45,000 Airbnb listings in the state with average host earning around $5,300 a year. The NSW government's options paper, which was released last July, considered a range of options balancing protecting neighbours and allowing people to profit from providing short-term accommodation. ASIC has permanently banned Desiree Veronica Macpherson from providing financial services. ASIC found that in relation to Ms Macphersons involvement with the development and promotion of the Newman Estate Project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia that Ms Macpherson had engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct, that she was not of good fame or character, that she had engaged in dishonest conduct and that she was involved in a contravention of financial services laws. Ms Macpherson has the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of ASIC's decision. ASICs investigation is ongoing. Macpherson was last in the news earlier this year when she was contemplating publishing a book. Veronica Macpherson, once the head of the collapsed Macro Realty Group, gave the a book a working title, "The Great Australian Ponzi". Her Pilbara property scheme fell over leaving thousands of investors owed millions in 2015. But bizarrely she suggests there could be a happy ending. The local media indicated she would launch the book in April featuring "political backflips, errors, mismanagement of the Australian economies suicides, nasty threats and wild accusations." Ms Macpherson says it was a book "to get the truth known". Featuring the Pilbara Cities that were meant to be, she will be pedalling the line that "ASIC was their own worst enemy." "One of my sayings is that I am a big fan of the truth and unfortunately many people have been left wondering what the truth of the matter actually is with our Pilbara developments," she suggested. In online material advertising the book, Ms Macpherson was using a picture of herself with Gina Rinehart, believed to have been taken at the CEO Magazines Australian Executive of the Year awards in late 2015. That photograph posted alongside the book title was causing some consternation amongst Ms Hancocks inner circle yesterday. A spokeswoman for Mrs Rinehart confirmed to the Perthnow website that the event was the only time the two had ever met. Mrs Rinehart had no business relationship with the would-be property developer and accused Ponzi queen. Macpherson, in a five-page letter to investors, affiliates and associates sent out under a Macro Investments and Securities letterhead, also contemplated the establishment of a Pilbara Cooperative which she claims could provide hope to her many investors. The media has not bothered to showcase our past successes, but dont worry there will be many more through this collaborative structure and great, like minded individuals, the letter advises. Macro Realty Developments former brand ambassador was former rugby champion, David Campese. During the recent Rotary District 6040 Shoes Caravan conducted on April 25-28 throughout North Missouri, 55 Rotary Clubs in Missouri Rotary District 6040 collected and donated a total of 15,600 pairs of shoes, 4,100 pairs of socks, 750 pairs of shoelaces, and nearly $10,000 for vulnerable children and orphans in the United States, Guatemala and Peru. This humanitarian aid was collected during the a 22-stop Shoes Caravan, starting in Higginsville, MO on April 25 and ending in Macon, Missouri on April 28. Missouri Rotarians are the largest single contributing organization to the Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls campaign to date, collecting a total of 320,000 pairs of shoes and $152,000 in cash since the first shoe drive in 2001. Rotary clubs in northern Missouri really opened their hearts to help children in need, said Rotary leader Larry Lunsford, who has organized the shoe drive since 2001. A simple pair of childrens shoes can make a big difference in the lives of vulnerable children and orphans. Rotary Governor of District 6040, Allen Garner, noted that As Rotarians, we want to provide service to our local community and to people in need around the world. United Parcel Service and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway partnered with Rotary District 6040 to provide transportation for the collection, from the final caravan stop in Macon, Missouri to the Buckner Center for Humanitarian Aid in Dallas, Texas. UPS encourages its employees to volunteer and give back to the community in which we live, said Patrick OConnell, UPS driver who has helped with this shipment for many years. Since we are a global company, this project not only helps our community, but also the children of many nations. Scott Collins, a representative of the Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls program, said Buckner is extremely grateful for the shoe donation this year, as well as for all of the donations they have received from Rotary District 6040 in the past. Rotarys consistency over 17 years has allowed us to send more shoes to children around the world, and ultimately, opened the door for us to share love and care with more children who otherwise wouldnt receive it, he said. No other organization has had the willpower and vision to involve so many people to make a difference as Rotary has. About Bucker International Shoes for Orphan Souls, the largest humanitarian aid project of Buckner International, provides new shoes and socks to orphans and vulnerable children in the United States and throughout the world. From conducting shoe drives to humanitarian aid trips, Shoes for Orphan Souls offers hands-on opportunities to individuals, groups and organizations wanting to transform lives. Since 1999, Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls has delivered more than 3 million pairs of new shoes to children in 82 countries. About Rotary Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the worlds most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. Visit Rotary.org for more about Rotary. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on June 6, 2018 2018/06/06 At the invitation of President of the Senate of the Republic of the Congo Pierre Ngolo, the government of Uganda, and Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya Justin Muturi, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Wang Yang will pay official goodwill visits to the afore-mentioned three countries from June 11 to 20. Q: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on June 4 that the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) must make the necessary arrangements to reach 190,000 SWU within the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and start other preparations on June 5 in accordance with the orders of President Hassan Rouhani. On the same day, the Spokesperson of the AEOI said that Iran will send a letter to the IAEA to announce that the process of increasing the UF6 (uranium hexafluoride) production capacity will start on June 5. What is your comment? A: I have noted relevant reports. Under the current circumstances, China hopes that all relevant parties could bear in mind the long-term and overall picture, continue to safeguard and implement the JCPOA, and fulfill the JCPOA obligations in a comprehensive and balanced way. This will help uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and peace and stability in the Middle East and serve the common interests of the international community. Q: First, is China considering inviting the Foreign Minister or Prime Minister of Australia to visit China in the coming days? Second, Australia's wine producers are urging their government's senior officials to visit China, specifically their Prime Minister. They hope that a visit by the Prime Minister could solve the problem of their wine being held up at Chinese customs. Can you give us more information? Why are the Australian wine being held up at the customs? A: You said that the imports of the Australian wine were being held up at the Chinese customs. I don't know whether that is the case or speculation on the Australian side. What I know is that since the implementation of the China-Australia free trade agreement, customs on the two sides have established effective mechanisms for coordination and communication so as to deal with various issues that may come up in a timely fashion. The customs of one country has the right to go through sampling and inspection procedures on the products of relevant companies. The law enforcement authorities are carrying out their duties and doing their job to ensure the rights and interests of consumers. As for the Australian leader's visit to China, China attaches importance to its exchanges with other countries at all levels so as to enhance mutual trust and strengthen cooperation. In state-to-state relations, mutual visits are arranged based on consensus of the two sides reached through communication and coordination. So far, I have no relevant information to offer. Q: The US Air Force confirmed yesterday that two US B-52 bombers flew over waters near the Nansha Islands to carry out training. This came not long after US Defense Secretary Mattis accused China of "militarizing" the South China Sea. Other members of the US military also made very strong remarks on the issue of "militarization". What is your comment? A: Several days ago, the US Defense Secretary was accusing China of the so-called "militarization". Now, the US military confirmed that it has flown B-52 bombers to the relevant airspace above the South China Sea. I wonder how the US media would like to view these developments. I would like to seek some clarification from the US side. Is it an act of "militarization" to fly offensive strategic weapons like the B-52 bombers to the South China Sea?! Were the B-52 bombers there to safeguard navigation and overflight freedom?! If someone armed to teeth comes to your doorstep every now and then, poking around and showing off muscles, aren't you justified in sharpening vigilance, taking precautions, and increasing defense capacities? Here I also have some advice for the US side. First, stop playing up the so-called "militarization" in the South China Sea and stop talking through their hat. Second, stop stirring up troubles in the South China Sea, because freedom run amuck carries risks and their benefit-seeking behavior comes with a cost. Third, China will never be intimidated by some military vessels or planes, the presence of which will only strengthen our resolve to take all necessary measures to safeguard our national sovereignty and security and uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea. Q: It is reported that the Nepali government might have decided to scrap its cooperation with the Chinese firm to build the West Seti hydropower project. What is your response? A: According to the information I have, this report is not true. The relevant project is a commercial one. The Chinese firm involved is in talks with the Nepali side on this cooperation project's economic feasibility and other concrete matters. Q: The 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly elected Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa as the President of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly. She will take over the presidency from Miroslav Lajcak in September and become the fourth female President of the UN General Assembly. What is your comment? A: China congratulates Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa on her election as the President of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly. As a loyal supporter and champion of multilateralism, China will take an active part in the work of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly and support the General Assembly in promoting multilateralism and international cooperation and effectively addressing all sorts of global threats and challenges under the guidance of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Q: Would the Iranian nuclear deal be part of the agenda of the SCO Summit? A: We have stated our position multiple times on the JCPOA. We believe that all parties shall honor their due responsibilities and obligations and safeguard the sanctity and authority of the deal. As for the Qingdao Summit, we hope that all parties could focus on its theme and on practical cooperation the SCO is conducting in various fields under the new circumstances so that the Qingdao Summit will contribute more vitality and energy to the SCO. Q: The US social network giant Facebook said yesterday that it is cooperating with four Chinese companies including Huawei on information sharing. However, Huawei is believed by the US intelligence agency to pose security threats, which has caused some concerns from the general public in the US. What is your comment? A: I know no specific details as to how these companies cooperate, so no comment on that. But we do hope that the US could offer an unbiased, transparent, open and friendly environment for the Chinese enterprises doing normal investment and business activities in the US. Q: China once supported Iran in joining the SCO. Will this issue be discussed at the upcoming Qingdao Summit? What is China's position on this? A: The SCO has been actively interacting with others under the principle of openness. India and Pakistan's accession to the SCO has expanded its cooperation space and elevated its global influence. Now, an increasing number of countries want to strengthen their contacts and cooperation with the SCO, which is the best testament to its strong appeal. The SCO member states attach importance to the wish of the relevant country and will jointly deliberate on it in accordance with the stipulations of the relevant SCO documents and the principle of consensus-building. Q: According to the Australian, the US Congress will introduce the "Countering the Chinese government and Communist Party's Political Influence Operations Act" and enhance cooperation with Australia regarding the issue of "Chinese influence" so as to deal with China's "sharp power". Also, according to the Associated Press, US Senator Macro Rubio accused China's Confucius Institutes in the US of presenting a threat to academic freedom and a spy risk. He said that they should be closed. What is your comment? A: Recently we have been hearing so many of these negative reports. We live in an era of globalization where all countries are interdependent with our interests inextricably intertwined. Regrettably, there are still those who live in "insulation", resist to move with the tide of the times and insist on viewing others and the whole world with the cold war mentality and zero-sum game mindset. They probably do not understand that when they choose to shut the door for normal exchanges, they are also standing on the opposite side of the world and isolating themselves from others. China is always committed to developing friendly relations and seeking win-win outcomes with other countries based on the principles of mutual respect and non-interference in other countries' internal affairs. We never do such things as "interference" or "infiltration". That is definitely not Chinese style. We hope that certain people could take off their tinted glasses and take off their "insulation clothes", the sooner the better, and view the development of China and the world in an objective way. In January 2017, Seven Stories Press publisher Dan Simon met Tim Barry, owner of Tims Books in Provincetown, Mass, at an art opening on New York Citys Lower East Side. The meet prompted Barry to approach Simon and his team at Seven Stories about books that were long out-of-print, but in his experience, in high demand. One title to float to the top was Howard Mitchams The Provincetown Cookbook, originally published in 1975 by Addison Wesley. In what Seven Stories publicist Ruth Weiner called a wonderful twist of publishing and bookselling symbiosis, the publisher will re-release the book on June 26, updated with a new introduction by Anthony Bourdain. The publication also sends Seven Stories into new territory as the publishers first-ever cookbook. Mitcham, who died in 1996 at the age of 79, was a chef and raconteur born in Mississippi, but became a legend in Cape Cods Provincetown, as much for his storytelling as for his impressive cooking skills, said Weiner (who added that he was a "heroic" storyteller, despite losing his hearing at 16 due to spinal meningitis). In the book, Mitcham celebrates the seafood cuisine of the regionheavily influenced by Provincetowns history as a port for Portuguese fishermen, and Mitchams own Southern upbringingand delves into Cape Cod folklore. Barry tracked down the authors daughter to secure rights, and also reached out to Bourdain, who had worked as a chef in Providence during Mitchams heyday. While the two chefs werent close, Mitchams cookbook had a profound effect on Bourdain. His love for Provincetown shines through every page of this book, writes Bourdain in the introduction. Its a true classic, one of the most influential of my life. Mitcham, says Bourdain, embraced the humble, local ingredients, with classic recipes like Quahogs Casino, Striped Bass Steaks Veronique, and a preparation for Haddock Amandine that Bourdain says was famous up and down the Cape. Seven Stories was drawn to the forty-year-old title in part because of the books retro feel, in both design and contentit features plain matte paper, and hand-drawn illustrations from Mitcham. Seven Stories stayed true to the original cover art, with what Weiner called a 1970s almost psychedelic treatment of a clamshell, and just added mention of Bourdains intro and a few other tweaks. With the exception of the added editorial from Bourdain, the interior is untouched. [It] felt like a breath of fresh air in a world full of glossy, photo-heavy cookbooks, said Weiner. Nothing against modern cookbooks, I have a shelf full at home that I not only use, but rely on, but theyre so slick and play into ones visual senses so fully that its easy to forget the simplicity of the story behind a particular recipe or the admiration the chef holds for the person or people who created the dish, or the work that allowed the food to travel to our table. This book serves the latter up in a big way. The publication coincides with what would be Mitchams 100th birthday, and Seven Stories has planned an apropos launch for the book. Well have a clambake on the beach in Provincetown...with Tims Books, said Weiner. It goes without saying. Turner Latin America has strengthened its position as Latin Americas most-watched pay-TV broadcaster, mostly due to the performance of Cartoon Network and TNT. In terms of share, Turner reached am average 24.5% during the first quarter of the year among total viewers, 24/7, Sunday to Saturday, according to the Kantar IBOPE Media figures published by the broadcaster.FOX Networks was the second pay-TV group in terms of share (17.9%), followed by Discovery (15.8%), Disney (14.8%) and NBC Universal (5.9%). The company owns three of the ten most watched pay-TV brands in the region: Cartoon Network, TNT and Space. Besides, three more enter the top-15: TNT Series, Warner and Boomerang, the company explained through a release.Children-focused channel Cartoon Network continued leading Latin Americas pay-TV audiences , while TNT took the rankings second position.The comprehensive, continuously-updated content portfolio, as well as brands performance, have positioned Turner as the most-appealing group in the advertising market, has claimed the company. The companys reach across different targets, the regional and local coverage, as well as the audience segmentation possibilities prove it. Spains Comision Nacional de Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC) has fined Atresmedia and Mediaset for having run inappropriate advertising during the official time slot for kids programming. The market authority sanctioned Atresmedia with a 145,000 fine and Mediaset with 118,000 for having shown ads of alcoholic beverages between 6am-8.30pm during November and December 2017.According to the CNMC , the ads were broadcast by Atresmedias Antena 3 and Neox, and Mediasets Telecinco. Both groups have now two months to appeal against the decision.Its not the first time the CNMC has decided to fine Spains two main broadcasters for their advertising practices, having implemented fines that have exceeded in the past 5 million Since last February, the watchdog has been carrying out an investigation into Atresmedia and Mediaset for a lleged anti-competitive practices * in the free-to-air (FTA) advertising market. Unsurprisingly, North Korea played a major role at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore over the weekend, as the focus of the events second main panel, and cropped up in discussion throughout. North Korea, of course, did not attend, and China lamentably insists on sending only mid-level Peoples Liberation Army staff to the Dialogue, so the formal governmental presentations on North Koreas nuclear weapons program were dominated by demands for what is known as complete, verifiable, irreversible disarmament (CVID) from Western participants, South Korea, and Japan. This is unfortunate, as many analysts think Pyongyang will reject CVID. Two major observations struck me in the various panels: the distance of the current liberal government of South Korea from its partners on North Korea; and the stubborn refusal to admit how unlikely CVID is, and therefore to consider other alternatives. South Korea is far apart from the U.S., and especially Japan, on North Korea The most noticeable intervention on North Korea came from the South Korean Defense Minister, Song Yong-moo. The broad tone of the Shangri-La Dialogue is realist and hawkish, as was the North Korea panel generally. But Song reflected South Korean President Moon Jae-ins dovish, generous interpretation of the North. North Korean supremo Kim Jong-un was cast as a Swiss-educated reformer who wanted to open his country to the global economy and relink it to the world more generally. Song insisted that we must trust North Korea yet again, because otherwise progress is impossible (a murmur went through the audience after that line). He returned to the idea that U.S. President Donald Trump deserves a Nobel Peace Prize; pushed for a final status deal (normalisation, a peace treaty, liaisons, etc.); and argued that CVID could happen, because North Korea might join the international community and no longer fear it. The differences between the South Koreans and Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera and U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis were stark. Both were far more hawkish and tough on North Korea, emphasising its missile threat, sanctions, abductees (in the Japanese case), previous bad behaviour, and so on. That the U.S. and Japan took a hawkish line was unsurprising. It was the South Koreans who broke from just about every other comment on North Korea at the Dialogue, and my general impression of the delegates response was enormous scepticism. Moon is putting tremendous faith in a sudden conversion of Kim Jong-un to better behaviour. This reflects South Koreas remarkable optimism about the current summitry. Again and again when I speak on panels in South Korea now, I am the lone hawk or sceptic. Perhaps Moon is right; perhaps he sees something the rest of us do not. But I worry that Moon may push to continue to the process with North Korea long after South Koreas partners start to feel it is more of the same endless talk with no clear resolution. No final deal resolving the North Korean nuclear issue will hold up over time if South Korea, the U.S., and Japan are this far apart. As the Japan Times put it, we are all keeping up a united facade as the differences widen. No one is thinking beyond CVID, or at least admitting they are By my count, U.S., South Korean, Japanese, Canadian, British, Australian, and French government speakers all explicitly referenced CVID across various plenary sessions. It was so relentless that it almost felt coordinated. But of course, almost no one in the analyst community believes the North will do this. Pyongyang spent almost fifty years developing these weapons. It endured extraordinary sanctions, isolation, and economic costs to get them. Nuclear missiles provide it direct nuclear deterrence against the U.S. mainland, and thereby a powerful shield against U.S.-led regime change. Were Pyongyang to surrender all that, it would almost certainly demand concessions so great such as the end of the U.S.South Korean alliance that such a swap would be likely rejected. Worse, it is not even clear if we could achieve the I (irreversibility) in CVID. C and V would be hard enough. The complete removal of all nuclear materials from North Korea would be a hugely expensive and time-consuming process. Verifiability too would be a tremendous challenge given the scale of the Northern program and inevitable widespread scepticism regarding North Korean compliance. The U.S. and others would likely demand many cameras, regular inspector visits, and a North Korean return to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and International Atomic Energy Agency. If that were not hard enough, irreversibility would be impossible without physically removing the human capital of the North Korean nuclear program. Uranium mines could be destroyed, but what about the actual scientists and technicians? Would they all be given South Korean passports, or residence in the U.S. or some third country? Without removing these people, the program could be restarted at a later time. By my count, I and other delegates asked government representatives five times in a day and a half about this: if, given how hard CVID would be, there were plans for any less-than-CVID, or sub-CVID, outcomes in negotiations with North Korea. Also by my count, this question was never properly answered by any government attendee. At this point, this should not surprise us. South Korean, Japanese, and Western elites have painted themselves into a corner on CVID. Led by U.S. President Donald Trumps triumphalism last month that North Korea was coming to Singapore to denuclearise, we have all talked up CVID so much that to pull back from it now, only a few days before Trump meets Kim, would smack of flinching. Nevertheless, governments must know, as the analyst community does, that North Korea is highly unlikely to accept CVID. Indeed, Trump has started admitting that the summit with Kim will not, in fact, yield a major breakthrough. What to really expect The hyping of CVID sets expectations far too high. It opens political space for hawks, most notably U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton, to push for kinetic options after the upcoming summit misses this all-or-nothing benchmark. And the likely failure to achieve CVID will confuse democratic publics who were told last year that a nuclear North Korea posed such a threat that we might have to totally destroy it with fire and fury. Ultimately, some kind of negotiated outcome is most likely. Moons promotion of North Korea as reformed is unlikely. Kim Jong-un was a vicious tyrant in his fathers and grandfathers mould until he conveniently became a reformer this January after acquiring massive retaliatory capability against the U.S. late in 2017. Similarly, CVID is unlikely. If we are going to deal with North Korea, let us engage the reality of an Orwellian tyranny which got to nukes by hook or crook and will demand an awful lot to give them up. We need to start thinking seriously about what we are willing to give up in exchange for what from the North Korean side. That debate, which needs to be conducted in public, has scarcely begun. Robert E. Kelly is a professor of international relations in the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy at Pusan National University. This article appeared originally at Lowy Institute's the interpreter. In December 2015, Nigeria triumphantly announced it technically defeated Boko Haram, declaring victory against one of the worlds most brutal violent extremist organizations (VEO).[1] In 2018, Boko Haram continues to incite terror through high profile kidnappings and deadly bombings across Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region. Yet, the message remains the same, the latest installment coming in February from the Nigerian Army Theater Commander who avowed Boko Haram is now completely defeated after coalition forces drove them out of Sambisa Forest once again.[2] If the recent surge in gray zone conflict literature underscores one thing, it is that the definition of victory is fleeting against a threat specializing in ambiguity. Despite a multitude of victory sound bites, research from BBC Monitoring indicates Boko Harams attacks have just as frequent and deadly over the past two years.[3] Boko Haram continues to pose a significant challenge to sovereignty in Nigeria and therefore a threat to U.S. national interests. Instead of expecting more from the same approach, it is time to update the counter-Boko Haram strategy. The United States can revitalize the strategy by increasing foreign military sales; enhancing the security forces assistance (SFA) mission to include aviation training and nonlethal effects focused on information, electronic warfare, and cyber support; and incentivizing disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) efforts in Nigeria. WHY NIGERIA MATTERS Africa is a critical geostrategic priority for the United States due to its sustained economic growth, abundant natural resources, and growing entrepreneur class.[4] Within Africa, Nigeria is, relatively speaking, a super-powerthe largest economy, the largest producer of oil, and the most populated.[5] Economically, Nigeria runs a trade surplus with the United States importing over $5.5 billion in U.S. goods annually.[6] Despite experiencing a slight recession in 2016 for the first time in two decades, the Nigerian economy continues to recover thanks to gross domestic product growth in 2017 and even better estimates for 2018.[7] Recently, much of the recovery is anchored by increased oil and natural gas production, along with higher petroleum prices. Though abundant in many natural resources, oil and natural gas are the countrys mainstays. Nigeria is Africas largest petroleum producer, 12th largest in the world, and boasts the largest natural gas reserves on the continent.[8] Astoundingly, Nigeria is also the worlds fourth largest democracy, and the population is projected to surpass that of the United States before 2050Nigeria is on track to become the third largest country in the world in just over three decades.[9] As the beacon of Africa, the long-term stability and economic growth of Nigeria is inextricably linked to the continents future. CONTINUING CHALLENGES TO SOVEREIGNTY Since the Boko Haram insurgency began in earnest in 2009, it continues to serve as a credible challenge to sovereignty in Nigeria and other states in the the region. Their stated goal is to overthrow the Nigerian government and replace it with a religious state.[10] Accordingly, the U.S. Department of State officially designated Boko Haram a Foreign Terrorist Organization on November 14, 2013.[11] The violence perpetrated by Boko Haram is responsible for generating a humanitarian emergency, displacing over two million people and creating a food crisis for an additional eight million.[12] The humanitarian and refugee crisis also creates regional challenges to sovereignty throughout the Lake Chad Region, to include Chad, Niger, and Cameroon. These nations are unable to control their borders, quell cross-border violence, or support the influx of displaced persons due to already-severe humanitarian situations within their territories. Complicating matters, Boko Haram factions are also aligning with Islamic State factions, giving way to new streams of manning and resources for both groups.[13] The result is a distressed region in dire need of assistance to address the Boko Haram challenge to sovereignty. U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY OBJECTIVES AND THE PLAN TO FIX NIGERIA The U.S. National Security Strategy states the U.S. seeks sovereign African statesintegrated into the world economy, able to provide for their citizens needs, and capable of managing threats to peace and security.[14] The current conditions in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region do not satisfy U.S. strategic goals as outlined in the National Security Strategy. A sovereign Nigeria, able to provide for its citizens, is predicated on a stable security environment. To that end, the U.S. National Defense Strategy prescribes U.S. military forces in Africa will work by, with, and through local partners and the European Union to degrade terrorists... and ...build the capability to counter violent extremism.[15] As the regional combatant command, U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) serves as the lead agency to implement the mission outlined in the National Defense Strategy to achieve the objectives of the National Security Strategy. General Thomas D. Waldhauser, Commander of USAFRICOM (Nathan Herring/US Army Photo) While local security is paramount, a purely military solution cannot solve all of Nigerias problems. The conflict in Nigeria is a result of decades of widespread grievances regarding corrupt governance, lack of accountability among elites, and economic inequality.[16] Future stability relies on not only addressing Boko Haram (a symptom) but rather the root cause of the conflict.[17] Addressing the root is outside the scope of USAFRICOMs capabilities, highlighting the criticality of a whole-of-government approach spanning the U.S. Department of State and other joint, interagency, intergovernmental, and multinational agencies. In the 2018 USAFRICOM posture statement to Congress, General Waldhauser stressed the combatant commands whole-of-government approach using the specific skills sets of interagency partners to synchronize and complement its strategy.[18] Furthermore, the regional humanitarian crisis requires a regional solution. Numerous reports claim Nigerian border countries are forcibly returning refugees, a clear violation of humanitarian principles and refugee conventions.[19] As Chad, Niger, and Cameroon work to strengthen their border security and address humanitarian concerns, they are growing weary of committing additional resources to a Nigeria problem.[20] Persistent regional unrest and a slow rate of progress demand that the United States revitalize the current approach to meet the demands of partners throughout the region, as well as counter the evolving Boko Haram threat. RECOMMENDED UPDATES TO THE U.S. COUNTER-BOKO HARAM STRATEGY Revitalizing the U.S. counter-Boko Haram strategy is best accomplished by increasing foreign military sales (FMS); enhancing the security force assistance mission to incorporate aviation training and non-lethal effects; and incentivizing disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration efforts in Nigeria. Super Tucano light attack aircraft (Reddit) Last fall, the United States approved the pending sale of twelve Super Tucano light attack aircraft to Nigeria.[21] While the United States should take more steps to increase FMS, convincing U.S citizens and allies to support the effort will not be an easy task.[22] One of the biggest criticisms of the recent deal stems from an ethical debate about providing weapons to a military saddled with allegations of war crimes and human rights violations.[23] Due to significant congressional discourse, the Obama administration delayed the final sale of the Super Tucanos for years, and it took the new Trump administration nearly a year to finally approve the 2016 proposal.[24] Meanwhile, Nigeria was busy making agreements to purchase twelve Su-30 fighter jets from Russia, three JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighters from Pakistan, and three Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucanos from Brazil.[25] The United States must carefully balance the interest of not only assisting Nigerian forces on the ground, but also strengthening diplomatic leverage globally. While the human rights discussion is undoubtedly pertinent, an equally relevant counterpoint is that Nigeria will buy from any country willing to sell, some of which likely have less concern for human rights than the United States. As a result, competitors such as Russia and China stand to gain significant economic and diplomatic leverage in Africa should they gain further access to the military sales market. Moreover, it is more challenging to professionalize the Nigerian force as a bystander; foreign military sales are often accompanied by extensive training packages which provides the United States with more opportunities for engagement to address professionalization challenges. Foreign military sales potentially bolster security, lighten the warfighting burden, strengthen alliances, and improve the trade balanceall wins for the United States. [26] The security force assistance mission also needs to evolve from a focus on rudimentary targeting to incorporate more aviation and nonlethal effects. The principal strategic objective of USAFRICOM in West Africa and the Lake Chad Region is to contain and degrade Boko Haram by building partner capacity.[27] USAFRICOM supports these efforts by providing advisors, intelligence, training, and equipment while avoiding engagement in direct military operations.[28] A refined training regimen should accompany an increase in arms sales to Nigeria. In preparation for the delivery of eight A-29 Super Tucanos arriving in 2020, USAFRICOM must build partner capacity in air operations and teach the Nigerians how to incorporate air into the targeting cycle.[29] In addition to the current intelligence support to Nigerian forces, an improved U.S. strategy would increase nonlethal effects focusing on information, electronic warfare (EW), and cyber support. Arguably, the most influential clash between Nigeria and Boko Haram is a battle of narratives. The United States has considerable experience in this realm, recently recognizing information as a seventh joint function and restructuring military services appropriately.[30,31] Additionally, Nigeria boasts the largest growth in internet usage across the country and the Nigerian government acknowledges significant cybersecurity risks.[32] In the winter of 2017, the U.S. Consulate in Nigeria called for improved cybersecurity awareness and encouraged police units to develop anti-cybercrime units.[33] The relatively new cyber domain offers more attack vectors and room for ambiguity for not only cyber criminals but also terror groups such as Boko Haram. Much like the United States organizes military forces to be prepared to fight in the cyber domain, Nigeria can benefit from similar training. By increasing the awareness and competency of Nigerian forces on non-lethal effects such as cyber and electronic warfare, Nigeria can proactively attack threat groups like Boko Haram instead of being reactive to a change in tactics. Overall, the current security force assistance mission needs to evolve beyond traditional targeting. Nigerian Armed Forces are more than capable of defeating Boko Haram through lethal means when adequately resourced; what they can benefit from is increased proficiency incorporating aviation and nonlethal effects. Thus far, this article emphasizes that security is paramount before the reintroduction of politics.[34] In essence, military assistance will improve the security environment, thus giving way to humanitarian assistance. Long-term success will stem from the Nigerian peoples ability to address the core grievances which spawned Boko Haram. Therefore, the last recommended improvement of the U.S. counter-Boko Haram strategy is to incentivize more disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration efforts. This recommendation does not discount Nigerian efforts in this area to date. Nigerias Civilian Joint Task Force and other community-based vigilantes serve nobly as a bridge between civilians and government security forces fighting Boko Haram.[35] Many non-governmental organizations and intergovernmental organizations are assisting in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration efforts, and humanitarian aid currently dwarfs military support, as it should.[36] Recent security improvements by the Nigerian Armed Forces and USAFRICOM, however, will require even more focus on disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration in the future if these gains are to be consolidated. Incentivizing Nigeria to negotiate and reconcile with former Boko Haram insurgents will be central to a successful strategy. Potential enticements include discounted foreign military sales, trade incentives, and other creative partnerships. Furthermore, the United States must be ready to support a Nigerian solution, one which may include prisoner exchanges, integrating former insurgents into legitimate government positions, and calls for a reduction in the number of U.S. forces present in Nigeria.[37] Though disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration, efforts may not be uniquely American by design, they must still be incentivized and encouraged if the United States seeks stability in the heart of Africa. CONCLUSION Despite progress since the height of Boko Haram in 2014, this violent extremist organization remains a significant threat to Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region.[38] The eight-year conflict is now responsible for over 20,000 deaths, and the large-scale humanitarian crisis is on the verge of famine status.[39] Nigerias long-term success is critically important to the United States in the strategic battleground of the African continent. Both the evolving Boko Haram threat and the decreasing patience of war-weary regional allies suggests a revitalized strategy is needed. Improving the U.S. counter-Boko Haram is best accomplished by increasing foreign military sales; enhancing the security forces assistance mission to incorporate more aviation training and nonlethal effects such as information, electronic warfare, and cyber support; and incentivizing disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration efforts in Nigeria. Incorporating these recommendations will set conditions for improved security and improved delivery of humanitarian aid, and allowing Nigeria to better address the grievances which enabled Boko Haram to emerge. Though Nigerias war with Boko Haram may be on track, the United States seeks to ensure the Government of Nigeria achieves a conclusive victory and another terrorist group does not emerge to recreate the horrors of Boko Haram. Austin M. Duncan is an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and the co-founder of Enders Galley. The opinions expressed are his alone and do not reflect those of the Marine Corps, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government. This article appeared originally at Strategy Bridge. NOTES: [1] Nigeria Boko Haram: Militants 'technically defeated' Buhari, BBC.com, December 24, 2015, www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-35173618. [2] Wale Odunsi, Boko Haram completely defeated Nigerian Army commander, DailyPost.ng, February 4, 2018, http://dailypost.ng/2018/02/04/boko-haram-completely-defeated-nigerian-army-commander/. [3] Mark Wilson, Nigeria's Boko Haram attacks in numbers - as lethal as ever, BBC.com, January 25, 2018, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-42735414. [4] General Thomas D. Waldhauser, United States Africa Command 2018 Posture Statement, (speech, United States Congress, Washington, DC, March 6, 2018); General Thomas D. Waldhauser, United States Africa Command 2017 Posture Statement, (speech, United States Congress, Washington, DC, March 9, 2017). [5] Lauren Ploch Blanchard and Tomas Husted, Nigeria: Current Issues and U.S. Policy, CRS Report for Congress RL33964 (Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service, March 11, 2016), i, https://fas.org/sgp/crs/row/ RL33964.pdf; Virginia Comolli, Boko Haram: Nigerias Islamist Insurgency (London, UK: C. Hurst & Co., 2015), 155. [6] Olubukola Ademola-Adelehin and Katie Smith, Problem or partner? Why Nigeria matters to the U.S., The Hill, February 18, 2017, http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/foreign-policy/320177-problem-or-partner-why-nigeria-matters-to-the-us. [7] African Development Bank Group, African Economic Outlook (Cote d'Ivoire: African Development Bank Group, 2018), 4, https://www.afdb.org/en/countries/west-africa/nigeria/nigeria-economic-outlook/. [8] Gas Exporting Countries Forum, Nigeria, GECF.org, accessed April 10, 2018, https://www.gecf.org/countries/nigeria. [9] United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, World Population Prospects The 2017 Revision (New York: United Nations, 2017), 5, https://esa.un.org/unpd/wpp/Publications/Files/WPP2017_KeyFindings.pdf. [10] Council on Foreign Relations, Boko Haram, CFR.org, last updated March 5, 2015, https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/boko-haram. [11] U.S. Department of State, Foreign Terrorist Organizations, www.state.gov, accessed on April 10, 2018, https://www.state.gov/j/ct/rls/other/des/123085.htm. [12] USAID, Lake Chad Complex Emergency Fact Sheet #5, USAID Fact Sheet, January 4, 2018, https://www.usaid.gov/crisis/lake-chad/fy18/fs5. [13] Waldhauser, United States Africa Command 2017 Posture Statement, 13. [14] The White House, The National Security of the United States of America (Washington, DC, 2017), 52, https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/ 2017/12/NSS-Final-12-18-2017-0905.pdf. [15] U.S. Department of Defense, Summary of the 2018 National Defense Strategy of the United States of America: Sharpening the American Militarys Competitive Advantage (Washington, DC, 2018), 10, https://www.defense.gov/Portals/1/ Documents/pubs/2018-National-Defense-Strategy-Summary.pdf. [16] Patricio Asfura-Heim and Julia McQuaid, Diagnosing the Boko Haram Conflict: Grievances, Motivations, and Institutional Resilience in Northeast Nigeria (Arlington, VA: Center for Naval Analyses, January, 2015), iv, https://www.cna.org/cna_files/pdf/DOP-2014-U-009272-Final.pdf. [17] Ibid. [18] Waldhauser, United States Africa Command 2018 Posture Statement, 9. [19] BBC News, Cameroon 'has forcibly returned 100,000 Nigerian refugees,' BBC.com, September 27, 2017, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-41413312. [20] Waldhauser, United States Africa Command 2018 Posture Statement, 18. [21] Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Government of Nigeria A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft, Weapons, and Associated Support, Transmittal No. 16-55, August 3, 2017, http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/government-nigeria-29-super-tucano-aircraft-weapons-and-associated-support. [22] Matthew Page, Five Reasons Washington Should Rethink Selling Warplanes to Nigeria, War on The Rocks, November 8, 2016, https://warontherocks.com/2016/11/five-reasons-washington-should-rethink-selling-warplanes-to-nigeria/. [23] Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Nigeria 2015 Human Rights Report, U.S. Department of State, April 13, 2016, https://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2015/af/252715.htm ?version=meter+at+7&module=meter-Links&pgtype=article&contentId=&mediaId=&referrer= https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&priority=true&action=click&contentCollection=meter-links-click; Amnesty International, Amnesty International Report 2015/16: The State Of The World's Human Rights, Amnesty.org, February 23, 2016, https://www.amnesty.org/en/ documents/pol10/2552/2016/ en/?version=meter+at+6&module= meter-Links&pgtype=article& contentId=&mediaId=& referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google. com%2F&priority=true&action=click&contentCollection=meter-links-click. [24] Helene Cooper and Dionne Searcey, After Years of Distrust, U.S. Military Reconciles With Nigeria to Fight Boko Haram, The New York Times, May 15, 2016, https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/16/world/africa/boko-haram-nigeria-us-arms-sales-warplanes.html. [25] John Campbell, Russia Selling Su-30 Fighters to Nigeria, Council on Foreign Relations, July 5, 2017, https://www.cfr.org/blog/russia-selling-su-30-fighters-nigeria; Quwa Team, U.S. Reportedly Greenlights Super Tucano Sale to Nigeria, Quwa.org, April 10, 2017, https://quwa.org/2017/04/10/u-s-reportedly-greenlights-super-tucano-sale-nigeria/. [26] Loren Thompson, Why Foreign Military Sales Are Always Worth Less Than The Published Number, Forbes.com, September 19, 2017, https://www.forbes.com/sites/lorenthompson/2017/ 09/19/why-foreign-military-sales-are-always-worth-less-than-the-published-number/#47495eed5d42. [27] Waldhauser, United States Africa Command 2018 Posture Statement, 17. [28] Ibid, 18. [29] Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Government of Nigeria A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft, Weapons, and Associated Support, Transmittal No. 16-55, August 3, 2017, http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/government-nigeria-29-super-tucano-aircraft-weapons-and-associated-support. [30] Secretary of Defense, Information as a Joint Function, Memorandum, September 15, 2017, https://www.rmda.army.mil/records-management/docs/SECDEF-Endorsement_Information_Joint%20Function_Clean.pdf. [31] Tope S. Aladenusi, Cyberharam: can Nigeria prepare for the next generation of terrorists?, Deloitte, June 2015, https://www2.deloitte.com/ng/en/pages/risk/articles/cyberharam-can-nigeria-prepare-for-the-next-generation-of-terrorists.html. [32] Prince Osuagwu, US wades into Nigerias cybersecurity problem, Vanguardngr.com, November 1, 2017, https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/11/us-wades-nigerias-cybersecurity-problem/; Frontera, More Dangerous Than Boko Haram, Nigerias New Biggest Terror Threat, Frontera.net, October 23, 2016, https://frontera.net/news/africa/dangerous-boko-haram-nigerias-new-biggest-terror-threat/. [33] Armin Haracic, U.S. Fights Cybercrime in Nigeria, Fifth Domain, November 1, 2017, https://www.fifthdomain.com/international/2017/11/01/us-fights-cybercrime-in-nigeria/. [34] Alexander Thurston, Boko Haram: The History of an African Jihadist Movement (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, November 14, 2017). [35] Ned Dalby, Fighting African insurgencies: Are vigilantes the solution? AfricanArguments.org, October 23, 2017, http://africanarguments.org/2017/10/23/fighting-african-insurgencies-are-vigilantes-the-solution/; Alexis Okeowo, Inside the Vigilante Fight Against Boko Haram, The New York Times Magazine, November 5, 2014, https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/09/magazine/inside-the-vigilante-fight-against-boko-haram.html. [36] The United States Agency for International Development, Active USAID Programs for the Lake Chad Basin Response, last updated November 9, 2017, https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/ lake_chad_map_11-09-2017.pdf. [37] Sam Wilkins, From Security to Reconciliation: How Nigeria Can Win Its Bloody War with Boko Haram, War on The Rocks, December 8, 2017, https://warontherocks.com/2017/12/from-security-to-reconciliation-how-nigeria-can-win-its-bloody-war-with-boko-haram/. [38] John Campbell, U.S. Policy to Counter Nigerias Boko Haram, Council Special Report No. 70 (New York, NY: Council on Foreign Relations, November 2014), 19, https://www.cfr.org/content/publications/attachments/Nigeria_CSR70.pdf; News Express, Confirmed: 20 out of Bornos 27 local government areas now under Boko Harams control, News Express Nigeria, December 29, 2014, http://www.newsexpressngr.com/news/8836-Confirmed-20-out-of-Bornos-27-local-government-areas-now-under-Boko-Harams-control. [39] UN News, Nigeria: Famine averted but millions still at risk, stresses top UN relief official, UN News, September 13, 2017, https://news.un.org/en/story/2017/09/564812-nigeria-famine-averted-millions-still-risk-stresses-top-un-relief-official. Australians love a flutter and nowhere is there a bigger gamble right now than the U.S.North Korea summit, due to take place in Singapore on Tuesday, 12 June. Wise punters need a form guide, so we offer our best judgements about the colts and fillies, horses, mares and geldings of the years biggest race. Remember: bet responsibly. The favourites Donald Trump: 5 to 1. Has a habit of unexpectedly winning Group 1 races. Into this canter the Donald brings quite a bit of lead in the saddlebagsRussian fixers and genre film starlets are a weaknessbut give him his due, no past runner from the presidential stable has been able to deliver a head-to-head summit with the North Koreans. Lead trainer Mike Pompeo let slip the Donalds unusual race preparation by saying that no track work was necessary. Trump will simply size up his opponent on gut instinct and let his natural charm do the rest. One things for certain, Trump wont take to the course unless hes reasonably certain of a win. Kim Jong-un: 15 to 1. Something of a dark horse, with absolutely no Group 1 form, Kim has surprised on the upside by apparently showing a willingness to reverse course on nuclear and missile development. Its hard to believe that giving up nukes is really Kims intention. Sired by Kim Jong-il out of a Kim Il-sung mare, this line has been bred over generations for brinksmanship and aggression but has a poor record in barrier trials. But the younger Kim is different: he has put a modern face on a harsh dictatorship by sponsoring girl-bands and theme parks and visiting cosmetic factories accompanied by close stablemateshis wife and sister. Although past Kims have galloped around the detente track before only to disappoint at the finish, perhaps this outing will be different. Kims race prep has included putting his top three generals out to pasturea sign hes worried about being nobbled from within his own camp. One things for sure: if Kim starts, he must win, or its the glue factory for the whole family stable. The wider field Xi Jinping: 40 to 1. Bred for a bigger track than the narrow Singapore circuit, Xi scrambled to reacquaint himself with Kim after the surprise fixture announcement. After six years of cold-shouldering his North Korean stable mate, Xi has twice met with Kim in recent weeks, just to remind little brother where his feed comes from. Xi wants Kim to win on the 12thjust not by much. While China isnt that fond of North Koreas nukes, it would rather tolerate those than see its ally merge with the South or, even worse, get pally with the United States. Its an uncomfortable fixture for Xi, who has drawn an outside barrier here. He has become used to a rails run in North Asia. Shinz? Abe: 80 to 1. This is an unsuitable track for Abe. It worries Tokyo that Trump might try to fix a result without taking Japans interests into account. For example, Trump might settle for North Korea dismantling the ICBMs that can reach the United States but leave short- and intermediate-range missiles able to hit Japan. And if a deal is cut on the Korean peninsula leading to the withdrawal of U.S. troops, Abe would worry that the U.S. was being too naive and signing a deal that could easily crumble after race day. Moon Jae-in: 100 to 1. President Moon probably feels he has already run a long race. South Korea has a lot to lose if Trump unilaterally decides to blitz the track, which he was darkly tweeting to do over most of 2017. Moon has worked hard to cultivate Kim, trying to keep the race fixture on and the favourites playing nicely. The South Koreans will continue to feed the North lots of sunshine policy in the hope that the best race outcome is a happy Kim, no need for costly reunification and a nuclear-free peninsula. On the other hand, if the race is called off, Moon finds himself back in the unhappy world of sanctions and the Donalds tweets of Armageddon. At the pre-race Shangri-La Dialogue, South Korean Defence Minister Song Young-moo was desperately channelling his inner Kim to assure the audience that the North was ready to race. Lets hope Song is a good judge of horse flesh. Vladimir Putin: 150 to 1. Vlad, a perennial stayer, just keeps reminding us all that he still has an appetite for racing. Chief trainer Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov recently visited the Kim stables, presumably to remind the North Koreans that Russia is an older, less demanding friend than China, and to remind China that Moscow should never be taken for granted. Putins handlers will claim a victory even if Vlad doesnt show on race day. Bashar al-Assad: 500 to 1. Who let this bag of bones on the field? Yes, Bashar used to run free with the Kims, but its altogether the wrong look now for North Korea to be consorting with Putins pit pony. Call for a swab and the course vet. The course Lee Hsien Loong: 6 to 4. One of Asias smartest gallopers, Singapore has done well to promote its racetrack above all others. At the Shangri-La Dialogue, the race meet was being called the U.S.-DPRK Singapore summit. Win, lose or draw, the smart money is on Singapore to keep up the image as the thinking-hub of regional security, and as an increasingly useful friend of the Donald. All PM Lee needs now is to find someone to pay for Kims rooms. The prize The fun thing about this race is that everyone is running without being sure about the prize. The U.S. says it wants CVIDcomplete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearisation. Thats technically complex and difficult to deliver and the absolute obverse of North Koreas generation-long push to be a nuclear-weapons state. Kim wants regime survival and the chance to hand the reins to his son. The fact that Kim hasnt already been dragged backwards out of a dirty culvert suggests that his nuclear strategy has been working. Its up to Kim and the Donald to jump the shark together. Our pick Dont be surprised if the race is called off, but if it does go ahead we think that Kim and the Donald will cross the line together. Winning will be the winner in Singapore. Kim and Trump are so invested in the meet that neither can afford to turn up and lose. So, theyll engineer an outcome that allows them to keep talking, at least long enough to help the Donald with the mid-term Congressional elections and for Kim to kill off any lingering opposition among his generals. Get set for a second race meet, perhaps in Oslo in December when the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded. It happened again last week. When the UN Security Council voted to condemn Israel for what happened along its border with Gaza, not a single nation joined the United States in opposing the motion. Chinese Ambassador WU Peng Meets with Sierra Leonean Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs andInternational Cooperation Mrs. Nimatulai Bah-Chang 2018/06/06 On 30th May 2018, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency WU Peng met with Sierra Leones Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon Mrs. Nimatulai Bah-Chang. They exchanged views on friendly cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador WU congratulated Hon Bah-Chang on her appointment as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and highlighted the history of friendship between China and Sierra Leone. He noted that the two countries have shared a friendly tie and experienced a fruitful cooperation and that the new government under the New Direction policy would bring opportunities for the people of Sierra Leone. He said that he is looking forward to working with Hon. Bah-Chang to enhance cooperation that would support Sierra Leones social economic development. The Deputy Minister expressed gratitude for the long standing support of the Chinese government towards Sierra Leone. She said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to develop friendly cooperation with China and bring the benefits to the people of both countries. She pointed out that China has always offered a helping hand to Sierra Leone in public sectors including the public health and education. Noting that Sierra Leoneans were grateful for all the supports and that as Deputy Minister she was ready to cooperate with the Chinese Embassy to take the relationship to a new high. (Note: The following are remarks delivered by President Ronald Reagan on June 6, 1984 commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Invastion of Normandy.) We're here to mark that day in history when the Allied armies joined in battle to reclaim this continent to liberty. For four long years, much of Europe had been under a terrible shadow. Free nations had fallen, Jews cried out in the camps, millions cried out for liberation. Europe was enslaved and the world prayed for its rescue. Here, in Normandy, the rescue began. Here, the Allies stood and fought against tyranny, in a giant undertaking unparalleled in human history. We stand on a lonely, windswept point on the northern shore of France. The air is soft, but forty years ago at this moment, the air was dense with smoke and the cries of men, and the air was filled with the crack of rifle fire and the roar of cannon. At dawn, on the morning of the 6th of June, 1944, two hundred and twenty-five Rangers jumped off the British landing craft and ran to the bottom of these cliffs. Their mission was one of the most difficult and daring of the invasion: to climb these sheer and desolate cliffs and take out the enemy guns. The Allies had been told that some of the mightiest of these guns were here, and they would be trained on the beaches to stop the Allied advance. The Rangers looked up and saw the enemy soldiers at the edge of the cliffs, shooting down at them with machine guns and throwing grenades. And the American Rangers began to climb. They shot rope ladders over the face of these cliffs and began to pull themselves up. When one Ranger fell, another would take his place. When one rope was cut, a Ranger would grab another and begin his climb again. They climbed, shot back, and held their footing. Soon, one by one, the Rangers pulled themselves over the top, and in seizing the firm land at the top of these cliffs, they began to seize back the continent of Europe. Two hundred and twenty-five came here. After two days of fighting, only ninety could still bear arms. And behind me is a memorial that symbolizes the Ranger daggers that were thrust into the top of these cliffs. And before me are the men who put them there. These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. These are the men who took the cliffs. These are the champions who helped free a continent. And these are the heroes who helped end a war. Gentlemen, I look at you and I think of the words of Stephen Spender's poem. You are men who in your "lives fought for life and left the vivid air signed with your honor." I think I know what you may be thinking right now -- thinking "we were just part of a bigger effort; everyone was brave that day." Well everyone was. Do you remember the story of Bill Millin of the 51st Highlanders? Forty years ago today, British troops were pinned down near a bridge, waiting desperately for help. Suddenly, they heard the sound of bagpipes, and some thought they were dreaming. Well, they weren't. They looked up and saw Bill Millin with his bagpipes, leading the reinforcements and ignoring the smack of the bullets into the ground around him. Lord Lovat was with him -- Lord Lovat of Scotland, who calmly announced when he got to the bridge, "Sorry, I'm a few minutes late," as if he'd been delayed by a traffic jam, when in truth he'd just come from the bloody fighting on Sword Beach, which he and his men had just taken. There was the impossible valor of the Poles, who threw themselves between the enemy and the rest of Europe as the invasion took hold; and the unsurpassed courage of the Canadians who had already seen the horrors of war on this coast. They knew what awaited them there, but they would not be deterred. And once they hit Juno Beach, they never looked back. All of these men were part of a roll call of honor with names that spoke of a pride as bright as the colors they bore; The Royal Winnipeg Rifles, Poland's 24th Lancers, the Royal Scots' Fusiliers, the Screaming Eagles, the Yeomen of England's armored divisions, the forces of Free France, the Coast Guard's "Matchbox Fleet," and you, the American Rangers. Forty summers have passed since the battle that you fought here. You were young the day you took these cliffs; some of you were hardly more than boys, with the deepest joys of life before you. Yet you risked everything here. Why? Why did you do it? What impelled you to put aside the instinct for self-preservation and risk your lives to take these cliffs? What inspired all the men of the armies that met here? We look at you, and somehow we know the answer. It was faith and belief. It was loyalty and love. The men of Normandy had faith that what they were doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity, faith that a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead, or on the next. It was the deep knowledge -- and pray God we have not lost it -- that there is a profound moral difference between the use of force for liberation and the use of force for conquest. You were here to liberate, not to conquer, and so you and those others did not doubt your cause. And you were right not to doubt. You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One's country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for, because it's the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man. All of you loved liberty. All of you were willing to fight tyranny, and you knew the people of your countries were behind you. The Americans who fought here that morning knew word of the invasion was spreading through the darkness back home. They fought -- or felt in their hearts, though they couldn't know in fact, that in Georgia they were filling the churches at 4:00 am. In Kansas they were kneeling on their porches and praying. And in Philadelphia they were ringing the Liberty Bell. Something else helped the men of D-day; their rock-hard belief that Providence would have a great hand in the events that would unfold here; that God was an ally in this great cause. And so, the night before the invasion, when Colonel Wolverton asked his parachute troops to kneel with him in prayer, he told them: "Do not bow your heads, but look up so you can see God and ask His blessing in what we're about to do." Also, that night, General Matthew Ridgway on his cot, listening in the darkness for the promise God made to Joshua: "I will not fail thee nor forsake thee." These are the things that impelled them; these are the things that shaped the unity of the Allies. When the war was over, there were lives to be rebuilt and governments to be returned to the people. There were nations to be reborn. Above all, there was a new peace to be assured. These were huge and daunting tasks. But the Allies summoned strength from the faith, belief, loyalty, and love of those who fell here. They rebuilt a new Europe together. There was first a great reconciliation among those who had been enemies, all of whom had suffered so greatly. The United States did its part, creating the Marshall Plan to help rebuild our allies and our former enemies. The Marshall Plan led to the Atlantic alliance -- a great alliance that serves to this day as our shield for freedom, for prosperity, and for peace. In spite of our great efforts and successes, not all that followed the end of the war was happy or planned. Some liberated countries were lost. The great sadness of this loss echoes down to our own time in the streets of Warsaw, Prague, and East Berlin. The Soviet troops that came to the center of this continent did not leave when peace came. They're still there, uninvited, unwanted, unyielding, almost forty years after the war. Because of this, allied forces still stand on this continent. Today, as forty years ago, our armies are here for only one purpose: to protect and defend democracy. The only territories we hold are memorials like this one and graveyards where our heroes rest. We in America have learned bitter lessons from two world wars. It is better to be here ready to protect the peace, than to take blind shelter across the sea, rushing to respond only after freedom is lost. We've learned that isolationism never was and never will be an acceptable response to tyrannical governments with an expansionist intent. But we try always to be prepared for peace, prepared to deter aggression, prepared to negotiate the reduction of arms, and yes, prepared to reach out again in the spirit of reconciliation. In truth, there is no reconciliation we would welcome more than a reconciliation with the Soviet Union, so, together, we can lessen the risks of war, now and forever. It's fitting to remember here the great losses also suffered by the Russian people during World War II. Twenty million perished, a terrible price that testifies to all the world the necessity of ending war. I tell you from my heart that we in the United States do not want war. We want to wipe from the face of the earth the terrible weapons that man now has in his hands. And I tell you, we are ready to seize that beachhead. We look for some sign from the Soviet Union that they are willing to move forward, that they share our desire and love for peace, and that they will give up the ways of conquest. There must be a changing there that will allow us to turn our hope into action. We will pray forever that someday that changing will come. But for now, particularly today, it is good and fitting to renew our commitment to each other, to our freedom, and to the alliance that protects it. We're bound today by what bound us 40 years ago, the same loyalties, traditions, and beliefs. We're bound by reality. The strength of America's allies is vital to the United States, and the American security guarantee is essential to the continued freedom of Europe's democracies. We were with you then; we're with you now. Your hopes are our hopes, and your destiny is our destiny. Here, in this place where the West held together, let us make a vow to our dead. Let us show them by our actions that we understand what they died for. Let our actions say to them the words for which Matthew Ridgway listened: "I will not fail thee nor forsake thee." Strengthened by their courage and heartened by their value [valor] and borne by their memory, let us continue to stand for the ideals for which they lived and died. Thank you very much, and God bless you all. Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States. "There is no Republican Party. There's a Trump party," John Boehner told a Mackinac, Michigan, gathering of the GOP faithful last week. "The Republican Party is kind of taking a nap somewhere." Ex-Speaker Boehner should probably re-check the old party's pulse, for the Bush-Boehner GOP may not just be napping. It could be comatose. Consider. That GOP was dedicated to free trade, open borders, amnesty and using U.S. power to punish aggressors and "end tyranny in our world." That GOP set out to create a new world order where dictatorships were threatened with "regime change," and democratic capitalism was the new order of the ages. Yet, Donald Trump captured the Republican nomination and won the presidency -- by saying goodbye to all that. How probable is it that a future GOP presidential candidate will revive the Bush-Boehner agenda the party rejected in 2016, run on it, win, and impose it on the party and nation? Bush-Boehner Republicanism appears to be as dead today as was Harding-Coolidge Republicanism after 1933. And if Trumpism is not the future of the GOP, it is hard to see what a promising GOP agenda might look like. A brief history: In seven elections starting in 1992, Republicans won the presidency three times, but the popular vote only once, in 2004, when George W. was still basking in his "Mission Accomplished" in Iraq. What fractured and overwhelmed the Bush-Boehner Republican Party? First, demography. The mass immigration of Third World peoples that began with the 1965 immigration act, and the decline in the birth rate of native-born Americans, began to swamp the Nixon-Reagan New Majority. Second, the collapse of the Soviet Empire and USSR removed the party's great unifying cause from Eisenhower to Bush I -- the Cold War. After the Red Army went home, "America First" had a new appeal! Third, faithful to the free trade cult in which they were raised, Republicans championed NAFTA, the WTO, and MFN for China. Historians will look back in amazement at how America's free trade zealots gave away the greatest manufacturing base the world had ever seen, as they quoted approvingly 18th- and 19th-century scribblers whose ideas had done so much to bring down their own country, Great Britain. Between 1997 and 2017, the EU ran up, at America's expense, trade surpluses in goods in excess of $2 trillion, while we also picked up the bill for Europe's defense. Between 1992 and 2016, China was allowed to run $4 trillion in trade surpluses at our expense, converting herself into the world's first manufacturing power and denuding America of tens of thousands of factories and millions of manufacturing jobs. In Trump's first year, China's trade surplus with the United States hit $375 billion. From January to March of this year, our trade deficit with China was running at close to the same astronomical rate. "Trade deficits do not matter," we hear from the economists. They might explain that to Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania. And perhaps someone can explain the wisdom of handing 4 percent of our GDP each year to an adversary nation, as U.S. admirals talk tough about confronting that adversary nation over islets and reefs in the South China Sea. Why are we enriching and empowering so exorbitantly those whom we are told we may have to fight? Fourth, under Bush II and Obama, the U.S. intervened massively in the Near and Middle East -- in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Yemen. And the forces that pushed up into those conflicts, and so disillusioned the nation that it elected Barack Obama, are back, pushing for a new war, on Iran. They may get this war, too. Yet, given the anti-interventionist and anti-war stance of Trump's winning campaign, and of the Bernie Sanders campaign, U.S. involvement in Middle East wars seems less America's future than it does her past. After his 16 months in office, it appears as though the Trump presidency, no matter how brief, is going to be a watershed moment in U.S. and world history, and in the future of the GOP. The world is changing. NATO and the EU are showing their age. Nationalism, populism and tribalism are pervasive on the Old Continent. And America's willingness to bear the burden of Europe's defense, as they ride virtually free, is visibly waning. It is hard to see why or how Republicans are ever again going to be the Bush-Boehner party that preceded the rise of Trump. What would be the argument for returning to a repudiated platform? Trump not only defeated 16 Bush Republicans, he presented an agenda on immigration, border security, amnesty, intervention abroad, the Middle East, NAFTA, free trade, Putin and Russia that was a rejection of what the Bush-Boehner Party had stood for and what its presidential candidates in 2008 and 2012, John McCain and Mitt Romney, had run on. If the Republican Party is "napping," let it slumber on, undisturbed, for its time has come and gone. We are in a new world now. www.creators.com. On this date in 1944, a 56-year-old American soldier went ashore at a place military planners had named Utah Beach. Later in the day, he would be joined by his superior officer, Maj. Gen. Raymond Tubby Barton. As commanding general of the 4th U.S. Army Infantry Division, Barton was in charge of the men tasked with securing that section of Normandys beaches on D-Day. Although Gen. Barton was a West Pointer, and the 56-year-old warrior waiting for him on the beach was a Harvard man, Tubby Barton liked that fellow soldier very much. Hed proved himself in the Army in combat years before, and now, when he was old enough to be the father of the young men facing withering fire from German gun entrenchments, here he was -- leading from the front. His name was Theodore Roosevelt Jr. Actually, one of Gen. Roosevelts sons, Quentin, was on the beaches of Normandy that day. Quentin Roosevelt II was named after his uncle -- Theodore Roosevelt Jr.s younger brother -- a brave fighter pilot killed in the skies above France during World War I. Theodore Roosevelt Jr., the son and namesake of the 26th U.S. president, had fought in the First World War, too, and been wounded. * * * After serving as an infantry officer in World War I, former President Theodore Roosevelts oldest son went into the family business: politics. The younger Roosevelt served in New Yorks state legislature and unsuccessfully challenged incumbent Al Smith in the 1924 gubernatorial election. Roosevelt Jr. went on to become assistant secretary of the Navy, governor of Puerto Rico and governor of the Philippines. By 1941, he was working in the private sector, but after Pearl Harbor he lived up to another family tradition: answering the bell when his country beckoned. As an Army reservist, Roosevelt had risen in rank between the two world wars, and as brigadier general he led troops in North Africa and Italy before being assigned to Tubby Bartons division in the run-up to the Normandy invasion. Although crippled by arthritis while also fighting pneumonia and heart disease, Theodore Roosevelt wanted to be there for the troops under his command on D-Day. He repeatedly asked Barton to give him the assignment. Each time, he was refused. It was going to be dangerous on those beaches, Gen. Barton knew, and Roosevelt was barely ambulatory. But when he put the request in writing, Barton couldnt turn him down. This desire to lead from the front was more than the customary Roosevelt family bravado. Gen. Roosevelt possessed a knack for quickly comprehending terrain in the fog of battle and he was a calm and capable commander whose men trusted him. Ted Roosevelt believed that his presence would aid the invasion. He was proven right. His natural gift for leadership came into play even before the landing on Utah Beach. On his crowded transport ship crossing the English Channel, Roosevelt moved among his men offering soothing words of encouragement and leading them in songs that were both moral and martial: Onward, Christian Soldiers and The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Roosevelts skills were tested again, upon landing. The moment I arrived at the beach, he recalled after the battle, I knew something was wrong for there was a house by the seawall where none should have been. Walking the beach with the aid of a cane, armed only with a pistol, Ted Roosevelt concluded that the ocean currents had taken the troop transports more than a mile south of their intended landing spot. According to World War II lore, Theodore Roosevelt Jr. told his chief engineer: Im going ahead with the troops. You get word to the Navy to bring them in. Were going to start the war from right here. Other officers remembered it differently, but the important point is that this is exactly what the Americans forces did. Asked in the flush of victory to cite the most heroic act of the war, Omar Bradley replied, Theodore Roosevelt on Utah Beach. When Gen. Barton landed and found his 56-year-old general alive and barking out orders, he was sublimely pleased. Ted Roosevelt came up, Barton recalled later. He had landed with the first wave, had put my troops across the beach and had a perfect picture of the entire situation. I loved Ted, added. When I finally agreed to his landing with the first wave, I felt sure he would be killed. When I had bade him goodbye, I never expected to see him alive. You can imagine, then, the emotion with which I greeted him. In truth, Tubby Bartons misgivings had been justified. The son of a U.S. president would earn the Medal of Honor for his performance on Utah Beach, but it would be awarded posthumously. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. had several minor heart attacks on D-Day, and he died five weeks later while still in France. On that fateful day, July 12, 1944, he had a long visit with son Quentin. Meanwhile, back at headquarters, Dwight Eisenhower officially approved Omar Bradleys decision to promote Ted Roosevelt to major general. That second star would never be pinned to his uniform. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. is buried, along with his brother Quentin, at the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. Democrats are breathing a sigh of relief after California's jungle primary Tuesday, as their candidates made the ballot in competitive races that will help determine the balance of power in the next Congress. Faced with the complex problem of too many candidates and an open primary system that allows the top two candidates to advance, regardless of party, Democrats feared they could be shut out of contests that are critical to their calculus of winning the House of Representatives in the midterm elections. But with most of the results in, Democratic candidates have lived to fight another day. The focus of concern centered on a handful of Republican-held districts in Southern California that Hillary Clinton carried in 2016. Since Clinton was the first Democrat in 80 years to win Orange County, the party saw the area as fertile ground for pickups. Dozens of candidates signed up to run, prompting the national party to make a mad and expensive dash to help ensure Democratic contenders didnt splinter the vote and put two Republicans on the November ballot. The effort cost the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and outside groups millions of dollars and weeks worth of headaches as the contests turned divisive and confusing for voters. The most competitive race in terms of making the ballot came in California's 48th Congressional District, where GOP Rep. Dana Rohrabacher is seeking a 16th term. But with all precincts reporting, Democrats eked out a second-place finish. Businessman Harley Rouda (pictured), who was endorsed by the DCCC, topped a fellow Democrat, scientist Hans Keirstead, by just 73 votes. Republican challenger Scott Baugh was fourth. Clinton won the district by just one percentage point in 2016, while Rohrabacher overwhelmingly won re-election. But Democrats see the incumbent as vulnerable, given his 30-year tenure and penchant for controversy, including a much-scrutinized embrace of Russia. In California's 39th District, where GOP Rep. Ed Royce is retiring, millionaire philanthropist and DCCC-endorsed candidate Gil Cisneros will face off against Republican former state Assemblywoman Young Kim, who finished first. The race had grown so heated that the California Democratic Party chairman had to broker a truce between Cisneros and fellow Democrat Andy Thorburn, a health insurance executive. Thorburn finished in fourth place behind Republican Phil Liberatore. And in California's 49th District, where Rep. Darrell Issa is retiring, Republican Board of Equalization member Diane Harkey leads the field with nearly 80 percent of the vote counted. Attorney Mike Levin appears to have edged out fellow Democrat and former Clinton adviser Sara Jacobs for the number two spot. Marine veteran Doug Applegate, who lost to Issa in 2016 by less than one percentage point, is in fourth place. Meanwhile, with most of the vote counted, Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom leads the race to replace term-limited Jerry Brown and will face off against Republican John Cox, who has been endorsed by President Trump. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa finished a distant third. While Democrats are expected to win the race in November, the primary results help them avoid what could have been a costly intra-party battle between Newsom and Villaraigosa. Republicans, on the other hand, argue that a competitive gubernatorial race could help drive voter turnout needed in down-ballot contests. And Sen. Dianne Feinstein overwhelmingly finished first ahead of former state Senate leader Kevin De Leon, also a Democrat, in her quest for a fifth term. Democrats were celebrating in New Jersey, where DCCC-backed candidates won primaries in a handful of competitive districts that could also affect the balance of power in the House due to Republican retirements and swing districts. In the 7th Congressional District, former Obama administration official Tom Malinowski won the Democratic primary and will take on Rep. Leonard Lance, who is considered among the most vulnerable Republican lawmakers up for re-election this year. In the 11th District, where longtime Republican Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen is retiring, Democrats nominated Navy veteran and prosecutor Mikie Sherrill to take on state Assemblyman Jay Webber. And in the 2nd District, where Republican Rep. Frank LoBiondo is also retiring, conservative Democrat Jeff Van Drew won the primary and will run against Republican state Sen. Seth Grossman. Other highlights from Tuesdays results include: --In the Montana Senate race, state auditor (and the national GOP's top pick) Matt Rosendale won a four-way primary. He will challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Tester in November. Trump won the state overwhelmingly, but Montana voters are accustomed to splitting tickets, as evidenced by Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock's re-election in 2016. Still, Tester has vulnerabilities, and Trump has already been campaigning against him. --In Alabama's 2nd Congressional District, Republican Rep. Martha Roby was forced into a July runoff against former Rep. Bobby Bright, a Democrat turned Republican. The race is notable because Roby had drawn criticism from constituents over withdrawing support for Donald Trump after the Access Hollywood video in the 2016 campaign. The runoff winner will take on Democrat Tabitha Isner, an ordained Disciples of Christ minister. Quick, grab the smelling salts and clear the fainting couches. President Trump's pardon of conservative author Dinesh D'Souza last week violently triggered Beltway media elites. It's peanut butter, weed pollen, gluten, manspreading, Chick-fil-A, the national anthem, and Kryptonite all rolled into one giant political allergen. Allow me to administer the rhetorical, metaphorical antihistamine. To The Washington Post editorial board, President Trump's use of the pardon is "another show of disrespect for the justice system." Outspoken D'Souza was the subject of a highly politicized prosecution by former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara (now an anti-Trump resistance leader) over campaign finance violations totaling $20,000. The WaPo punditocracy grudgingly admits that the president "has constitutional power to do this" and that it is "Mr. Trump's prerogative" to pardon individuals the newspaper considers "unsavory." Yet, the editorialists fulminate that what "is offensive here is not the pardon power, but the use of it" for "arbitrary, political and unjustified" reasons. G-U-Double F-Awww. The protesting Posties wouldn't be capable of acknowledging an acceptable exercise of the pardon power by Trump if it body-slammed them off the ropes on UFC Fight Night. Former Navy sailor Kristian Saucier received a Trump pardon after serving a year in prison for taking photos on his submarine to show his family where he worked (in contrast to the hands-off treatment of the classified information-breaching Clinton brigade). Too political, the pundits cry. The late boxer Jack Johnson, America's first black heavyweight champion, received a Trump pardon after being jailed under Jim Crow for traveling with a white woman (who later became his wife) across state lines. Publicity stunt, the bitchers bitched. Not enough, the moaners moaned. Trump's still a racist, the grievance-mongers mongered. Indeed, The Washington Post opinion writers have depleted their Bank of Selective Outrage accounts while spewing about Trump's pardons. "Nothing but right-wing trolling," harumphed Paul Waldman. "Twisted brand of mercy," decried Ruth Marcus. "A warm-up for a constitutional crisis," squawked Jennifer Rubin. Spare us all the hot air, media heavers. Democrats have long wielded pardon powers to reward deep-pocketed cronies, absolve unrepentant domestic terrorists and lionize national security leakers. The "democratic values" that WaPo-lemicists claim are now under siege thanks to Trump's pardons got crushed under the wheels of the corruptocrat bus a long, long time ago. Self-dealing Bill Clinton handed out pardons and commutations like Pez candy to relatives like half-brother Roger Clinton (convicted of cocaine possession) and family-tied associates like his brother-in-law Hugh Rodham's clients, including convicted cocaine distributor Carlos Vignali and convicted herbal supplement fraudster and perjurer A. Glenn Braswell; the two felons had forked over $400,000 to Rodham in legal fees to win their clemencies. Hillary's other brother, Tony, raked in more than $240,000 from a couple convicted of bank fraud, who he just happened to mention to his brother-in-law in the White House, who granted the pardon -- after which brother Tony denied being paid for any work having to do with a pardon. Meanwhile, Madame HRC's Senate campaign treasurer, William J. Cunningham III, pocketed $4,000 to prepare clemency for two Arkansas-based convicted tax cheats, Robert Fain and James Manning. President Clinton granted both; Hillary played dumb and feigned shock, shock that political favor-trading was going on in Clinton land. And don't even get me started on the putrid Marc and Denise Rich pardon scandal, overseen by Clinton/Obama alum Eric Holder. If systemic pay-for-play pardons aren't a "twisted brand of mercy," what else are? Critics assail President Trump for "bypassing the traditional review process," which 1) is his prerogative; 2) was standard operating procedure during the Clinton years; and 3) has been questioned by watchdogs on all sides of the ideological aisle because of the inherent conflict in the federal pardon lawyer's office being overseen by federal government prosecutors reluctant to undo any convictions. No one did more damage to the integrity of the federal pardon attorney's office than Eric Holder, who pressured its staff to abandon its full-scale opposition to Clinton's clemency for 16 members of the deadly FALN Puerto Rican terrorist group and Los Macheteros. The office tossed its original report rejecting clemency at Holder's behest and replaced it with a new and improved "neutral" memo giving Clinton cover to grant the pardons without contradicting the "traditional review process," to borrow a phrase. These Clinton/Holder beneficiaries were linked by the FBI to more than 130 bombings and six murders. Nearly two decades later, Holder was at the DOJ helm as attorney general when President Obama commuted the sentence of another seditious FALN terrorist, Oscar Lopez Rivera, who proudly declared to a federal judge, "I am an enemy of the United States government." "Unsavory" is in the eye of the beholder. So is the "arbitrary" use of the presidential pardon. Will the resistance ever acknowledge a legitimate use of this power by President Trump? Quoth the raving ravers: Never. Never. And never more. COPYRIGHT 2018 CREATORS.COM This is arguably the most prosperous time in history to be an American. Alternatively it is a particularly precarious time to be a child of immigrant parents in America, especially if your parents came here legally. Thats right, I said legally. I wish I were an illegally arrived child instead of a legal one. As a stand-alone statement those words are perplexing, but in present context it serves as the mantra of 200,000 Indian-American children who were brought here legally by their parents on H1-B or other work visas. Those children now face the real threat of self-deportation once they turn 21 years old due to the end of their H-4 dependent status and a seemingly endless backlog of green card dissemination. My community of Indian-Americans refers to this issue as DALCA, or Deferred Action for Legal Childhood Arrivals. The distinction from just plain DACA is that the sought-after pathway to citizenship only applies to children who were brought here illegally. The conspicuous absence of this status disparity from congressional discussions and in the media is a truly sad scenario that is leading to a brain drain in the United States. The DALCA voice is just not loud enough and its about time we turned the volume up. I was lucky enough to have been born in this country in the early 80s to parents who came here from India in the late 60s on student visas and who subsequently got their American citizenship. Compared to Indian immigrants today, my family and I are generationally lucky. The young people who are losing their legal status are no different than my siblings and I were. DALCA kids have been raised on Doritos, PlayStation and Coke just like we were and now theyre being forced to leave -- which benefits Silicon Vancouver and beyond. Each high-skilled worker who is forced to move is a loss for the U.S. and our future as a competitive tech country. Nearly a dozen Indian families in my friend circle alone have shipped off to Vancouver. Prior to the new millennium it would only take six months to get a green card. Now the wait is up to 60-70 years. Many H1-B holders will die before they get a green card. And they will continue to live a life of uncertainty and deep anxiety, afraid to go back to India to even attend the funeral of their parents for fear of being not allowed back even though they have a legal status. June 25 has been set as a deadline by the House GOP to secure the legal status of Dreamers, at least for a few more years. I think that is a noble cause, which will put the minds of many a young Dreamer at ease. What this legislative deadline doesnt do is placate any Indian-American children who entered this country legally and that is just wrong. There has been zero debate of the DALCA issue in either the House or Senate and the only real mentions of it anywhere are in India-based periodicals since it affects Indian-Americans more than any other minority (70 percent of EB visas have been awarded to Indian-Americans in the past decade). Congress needs to address this problem and include the DALCA Dreamers in whatever compassionate fix they intend to bestow upon the DACA Dreamers. We cannot let this talent spill out of our country, which will in turn deter continued growth and prosperity. And, Congress must fix the root-cause of the DALCA problem: the 60-70-year backlog of high-skilled immigrants from India. To me, this is an easy fix -- simply adjust the White House policy on DACA by including the word legal in its immigration framework. The current framework is below: DACA LEGALIZATION: Provide legal status for DACA recipients and other DACA-eligible illegal immigrants, adjusting the time-frame to encompass a total population of approximately 1.8 million individuals. I commend Sen. Rand Paul for having the courage to call out Congress on its hypocrisy on this issue. I also urge President Trump to fix this for the betterment of the country so that we can continue our contributions of creating jobs and making this country greater for generations to come. As the Kentucky senator said: [W]hen H-1B visa holders from certain countries are forced to wait decades to receive a green card, the children of those H-1B holders can fall out of legal status and would not be covered by either DACA or the DREAM Act. Those children who came in legally through no fault of anyone will suddenly be faced with the choice of remaining illegally in the United States or leaving the only country they have even known as home ... a group that includes some of the most talented young students in Americas schools today. And here is former Speaker Newt Gingrich on the same subject: As lawmakers work on this solution, they must keep in mind how senseless, unfair, and hypocritical it would be to provide a fix for DACA Dreamers who came here illegally and neglect to provide a solution for the DALCA Dreamers who have followed the rules and are being victimized by our backlogged, broken system. WASHINGTON -- Is President Trump's pitch to disgruntled manufacturing workers a leading political indicator, portending future trends, or a lagging one, appealing to a small and declining segment of the public? We may be about to find out, thanks to Trump's controversial tariff plan. Trump's decision last week to levy duties on steel and aluminum imports from Europe, Canada and Mexico seems, oddly enough, to have become the choke point for many Republicans who had stomached far more outrageous Trump proposals on domestic and foreign policy. Business leaders who brushed off talk of a "trade war" now seem convinced that the threat to free trade is real. Trump's adversaries are some of the GOP's most influential voices. Their sharp break with the White House suggests that despite two successful years for Trump's populist insurgency in cultivating an angry base, the traditional Republican business consensus on trade isn't dead yet. Three foundations backed by conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch announced Monday that they would mount an advertising and lobbying "mobilization" to combat import tariffs. The Kochs are major financial backers of Republican candidates and causes, and one of their foundation executives said in announcing the initiative: "Trade is a major priority for our network." The Wall Street Journal last week accused Trump of starting "a needless trade war with America's best friends." The paper wrote in an editorial: "So much for Donald Trump as a genius deal-maker. ... He revealed he's merely an old-fashioned protectionist." The Journal warned that the steel and aluminum tariffs "will hurt the U.S. economy, his own foreign policy and perhaps Republicans in November." House Speaker Paul Ryan, not exactly a crusader since Trump was elected, also found his voice. "I disagree with this decision," he said after the tariffs were announced last Thursday. "Today's action targets America's allies when we should be working with them." With the tariff fight, Trump and his critics are battling over an issue that, for more than a century, has helped shape the soul of the Republican Party. Ever since President William McKinley made the shift away from protectionism, Republicans have argued that trade means prosperity, and tariffs hurt business and workers. Trump's election undermined that traditional GOP view, as he mobilized angry blue-collar and Rust Belt voters to protest centrist trade policies. But how large and potent is Trump's base on trade? The Kochs and other business conservatives have certainly enjoyed the power of the Trump insurgency, but they now seem convinced that through their "mobilization," they can draw Republican voters away from outright protectionism. With the midterm elections approaching, the tariff issue is partly a numbers game. How many prospective voters will be helped by protectionist policies, and how many will be hurt? A study released last week by the Peterson Institute for International Economics argues that if Trump moved to the next stage in his trade war, and levied a 25 percent duty on imports of automobiles, trucks and SUVs, the U.S. could lose 195,000 total jobs and 1.5 percent of the output of its auto and parts industries. Another Peterson Institute study last month argued that because of global supply chains, Trump's tariffs could hurt American competitiveness and damage some industries. These studies illustrate what economists have long argued -- that in today's global economy, protectionism is probably self-defeating. That's not simply because other countries will retaliate with their own tariffs against our products -- as Europe, Canada and Mexico have already promised they will do -- but because the tariffs hurt more workers than they help. Protectionism saves yesterday's jobs at the cost of tomorrow's. As the Kochs, the Wall Street Journal and Speaker Ryan try to bend the GOP back toward its free-trade roots, Democrats have a dilemma. They can try to outbid Trump in protectionist policies, hoping to carve off blue-collar votes in November. Or they can try to frame a genuinely progressive stance on trade, one that focuses on industries that are growing rather than shrinking. The Democrats blew this chance in 2016. By joining in attacking the Trans-Pacific Partnership as a symbol of "bad" trade policies, Hillary Clinton ceded the ground to Trump's insurgency. But in the end, that stance was a loser for her and the Democrats. By imposing tariffs on America's allies, in a showy attempt to stoke his base, Trump has given his opponents a big opportunity. It's unfortunate that the politicians calling for sane trade policies are mostly Republican. The Democrats need to find their voice on tariffs, too -- and start crafting a trade policy that's about the future, not the past. (c) 2018, Washington Post Writers Group A political hurricane, named after a famous Palm Beach and White House resident, is currently swirling off Floridas coast and scheduled to make landfall on Aug. 28 the states primary day. Yes, Hurricane Trump is central to a contentious Republican gubernatorial primary race between Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis from the 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Daytona Beach. Just how central? Trumps involvement is shaping up to be a political strength test for the 2018 midterms with national implications for the 2020 presidential election. Lest you think I am exaggerating, lets start on Dec. 22, 2017, when Hurricane Trumps category 5 winds first started blowing from Air Force One after the president tweeted: Congressman Ron DeSantis is a brilliant young leader, Yale and then Harvard Law, who would make a GREAT Governor of Florida. He loves our Country and is a true FIGHTER! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 22, 2017 Amazingly, Trumps endorsement of DeSantis came two weeks before the conservative congressman officially announced on Jan. 5, 2018 that he was seeking the Republican nomination for governor. DeSantis not only embraced Trumps endorsement, but the three-term lawmakers entire campaign was baptized in Trump water. That has resulted in the Putnam/DeSantis primary fight for Republican base voters, which revolves around which candidate is more Trumpian a clear disadvantage for Putnam, who was characterized last week as a "Trump-basher" in a RealClearPolitics op-ed. On the other hand, Putnam, a Florida congressman between 2001 and 2011 who has served in the powerful agriculture post since 2011, is the well-funded establishment candidate. He had been planning his gubernatorial campaign for many pre-Trump years, working diligently within the state, building loyalty and collecting IOUs. Putnam is also well-known and liked in Florida GOP circles. As an active registered Republican in the state, I can attest to the longtime buzz that Putnam was the man who would be the nominee to succeed Republican Gov. Rick Scott, and without much opposition. But, since Trumps endorsement last December, DeSantis has dramatically increased his name ID among base voters, achieving political rock-star status due to his frequent appearances on Fox News Channel while providing cable catnip to Trump-loyal viewers. In fact, Trump recently called DeSantis one of his four GOP warriors who regularly go to battle for him on Capitol Hill and in the media against Robert Mueller and the Russia probe. Back in Florida, the race is virtually tied and a long way from settled. According to the latest Florida Atlantic University poll, DeSantis leads Putnam by a percentage point, 16 percent to 15 percent, among registered Republican voters, with 43 percent undecided. Conversely, in the money primary, Putnam is winning by a landslide. His May totals are not yet available, but by Aprils end he had raised a total of $28.85 million from big traditional Florida money sources and had $19 million in cash on hand. DeSantis made significant progress after raising $3 million in May, but still lags far behind Putman. At the end of April, DeSantis had raised only $8 million, with $7 million on hand, so Mays haul shows great promise. Comparing the opening lines from both DeSantiss and Putnams end-of-May fundraising emails speaks volumes about the branding and positioning differences between the two campaigns. DeSantis opened his May 31 email by writing: Friend, After publicly supporting me for governor, President Trump now calls me to check and see how our campaign is doing. To be honest with you -- at this moment -- were behind on our end-of-month goal. I dont want to have to pick up the phone and tell the President that we failed to hit our goal. Then DeSantis followed up on June 2 with this opening: Friend, The liberal media is attacking me for defending President Trump. But they dont understand that Im not just defending the President. Im defending you. Putnams May 30 email began: Friend, One of our generous donors has stepped up this month to MATCH all donations through MIDNIGHT before the end of month. This is your chance to DOUBLE your impact on one of the most important races in the country. Democrats are using Florida as a political pawn to take back the presidency in 2020, and we cant let that happen. Thus, while DeSantis is glued to the Trump ticket, Putnam is looking past Novembers general election to 2020 subtly insinuating that he will be the Republican governor to fight for Floridas 29 electoral votes the key to a GOP victory. In my discussions with influential Florida Republicans, many say that they like DeSantis but think Putnam would be a stronger general election candidate, believing he is better positioned to attract independent voters. Despite the ongoing efforts of anti-NRA activists, led by Parkland shooting survivors who recently wreaked havoc on Putnams campaign in the Gunshine State, the following political facts support such thinking: Scott won re-election in 2014 by only one percentage point in a strong Republican wave year. Trump won Florida in 2016 by only 1.2 percentage points. In the May FAU poll cited earlier, Trumps Florida job approval rating among all registered voters is 43 percent, up from 41 percent in February. Trumps Florida disapproval stands at 45 percent, up from 44 percent in February. Among Florida registered Republicans, Trumps job approval jumps to 62 percent, with 10.3 percent disapproving and 22.7 percent neutral. Among Floridas registered independent voters, only 24.8 percent approve of Trump, with 33.9 percent disapproving. A huge X-factor in the August primary is whether or not Trump will hit the Florida campaign trail with DeSantis. In mid-May, the New York Times reported that Vice President Mike Pence had asked Trump not to campaign with his favorite Florida warrior. That was well after April 3 when DeSantis publicly said, I think the presidents going to come down for me very soon. Which will be very good. However, the congressman is still waiting for the president. Then it was recently announced that Donald Trump Jr. would campaign with DeSantis in late June. Perhaps Trump listened to Pence at least for now. With such a close race in a key state, if DeSantis loses the August primary, Trump runs the risk of suffering political embarrassment with national repercussions just as the fall campaigns enter the stretch run. This, of course, is why presidents dont normally endorse primary candidates. But Trump is a risk taker, and DeSantis is a brilliant young candidate with a bright national future who Trump may think is worth the risk. Furthermore, Trump may want to test his political strength in the state to see if he can push DeSantis over the primary finish line. If successful, that would be a great psychological victory for Trump and his base, not only in Florida but around the nation -- a sign that he has once again triumphed over the GOP establishment. Politics, like the weather, is unpredictable, but this we know Hurricane Trump is either going to land with great force, make big waves for Ron DeSantis and drown Adam Putnam. Or, Putnam wins the primary, the hurricane fizzles and quietly tries to sneak out to sea. Check the local Florida forecasts on Aug. 28 and then wait for the national damage assessment. Following recent clashes at the Gaza-Israel border, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has broken his tenuous two-year cease-fire with Israel and returned to spewing invective at the Jewish state. But Erdogan has growing problems of his own as Turkeys economy and regional ambitions flounder. America and Israel should contain Erdogans dangerous behavior while engaging with the broad cross-section of Turkish society that opposes the presidents direction for their country. Some may be surprised by Erdogans recent statement that Israels methods are putting Nazis to shame. But his tune is not new. While Turkey developed close relations with Israel in the 1990s, that changed after Erdogans Justice and Development Party, or AKP, gained power in 2002. Gaza was a pet issue for Erdogan long before the Mavi Marmara flotilla in 2010. Even when his government was presenting itself as a moderate and democratic force, Hamas was the one issue that gave it away. Indeed, when Hamas won Palestinian elections and then used force to assume total power over Gaza in 2006-07, Erdogan embraced the jihadist group, undermining international efforts to force it to renounce violence. Following the Arab upheavals of 2011, Ankara became a sponsor of violent extremist movements in Syria and Libya and the main supporter of the Muslim Brotherhoods power grab in Egypt. As with Hamas, radical Islamist ideology proved no hindrance for Turkish support quite the contrary. Erdogans support for these groups runs deep. His political movement shares close ideological kinship with the Muslim Brotherhood, of which Hamas is the Palestinian branch. It is this ideological connection that explains the current Turkish governments affinity for Hamas. Of course, if Erdogan is the worlds most successful Islamist leader, it is exactly because he is pragmatic. He knows how to moderate his rhetoric when needed and when to engage in a cease-fire with his enemies, foreign or domestic. But his antics should not be dismissed as politicking in advance of Turkeys upcoming June 24 elections. Erdogans love for Hamas and his intense anti-Semitism are part and parcel to his political identity. They help explain his growing anti-Americanism and his antagonism toward the West more generally. In the Syria conflict, he increasingly is aligned with U.S. rivals Iran and Russia and seeks to purchase advanced S-400 air defenses from Moscow an unprecedented move by a NATO member. He reserves his most heated criticism and threats for the U.S. military presence in northern Syria and peddles conspiracy theoriesof American and Jewish plots to overthrow him. He also has embraced Qatar and effectively undermined efforts to rein in the emirates support for radical Islamists worldwide, including the Muslim Brotherhood. And only this month, Erdogan seized on a call by French intellectuals to omit hateful verses from the Qurans by launching a wholesale attack on the West, sayinglowly West, we will tear you down. Most recently, as he withdrew Turkeys ambassadors from Israel and the United States in response to tensions on the Gaza border, Erdogan accused Israel of being a terrorist state and committing genocide. What should be done? Neither appeasement of Erdogan nor wholesale condemnation of Turkey is an option. Too often, we equate Erdogan with Turkey. This is understandable, as he is by far Turkeys most powerful ruler since the countrys founder Kemal Ataturk. But realities in Ankara are increasingly complicated, and Erdogan is much weaker than he appears. The economy is floundering under his watch, and he relies on shifting informal coalitions of interest groups to remain in control. It is crucial for American policymakers to identify issues where Erdogan does not have support in the Turkish bureaucracy and in Turkish society. Much of the establishment is skeptical of Erdogans close ties to Russia, the purchase of S-400 missiles, and especially of the Islamist rhetoric that targets Israel, Jews, and the West at large. On these issues, American pushback -- to date, almost nonexistent -- could help weaken Erdogans domestic position and mitigate the damage he wreaks on the region. Indeed, Turkey is not just Erdogan: there is another Turkey, the large and significant plurality -- and probably majority -- that disapprove of Erdogans excesses. While 15 years of Erdogans rule has made public opinion more aligned with Islamist ideas than in the past, Turkish societys resilience against Erdogans social engineering is remarkable. Both America and Israel should focus their energies on containing Erdogan while embracing Turkey. Above all, find ways to talk directly to those in the other Turkey. It may turn out that they hold the keys to the countrys future. LTG (ret.) H. Steven Blum is former Deputy Commander of U.S. Northern Command and a member of the Jewish Institute for National Security of Americas (JINSA) 2015 Generals & Admirals Program; Svante E. Cornell is Director of the American Foreign Policy Councils Central Asia-Caucasus Institute and a Policy Advisor to JINSAs Gemunder Center for Defense and Strategy with a focus on Turkey and the Caucasus. The views expressed are the authors' own. Got some scoop for our reporters or editors? Click on the link below to send us your information. Send your news The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless. The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well. By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism. From travelling, to writing, to concocting delicious meals, to more travelling, Anthony Bourdain has a host of accomplishments, all of which w WEST CORNWALL Hevreh Ensemble will perform in concert at the sculptor Tim Prentices West Corwnall barn, raising money to support its upcoming trip to Poland later this month. The concert will be held Saturday at 5 p.m., in the Prentice Barn, 129 Lake Road. Tickets are $45 and include a reception. Reservations are required. Email hevrehmusic@gmail.com or call 860-435-2144 For this performance, the group will present a multi media collaboration with the photographer Loli Kantor with images from her recent book: Into the Forest- Jewish Presence in Eastern Europe 2004-2012. Learn more at http://www.lolikantor.com/ According to a press release, the Hevreh Ensemble was formed in 2004, by Oboist Judith Dansker. Since that time, the ensemble has performed throughout the United States and Europe at such places as the Newport Chamber Music Festival, The Northampton Center for the Arts, Harlem School of the Arts, The Hudson River Museum, Synagogue for The Arts- NYC, Hofstra University- Emily Lowe Art Gallery,DROM/NYC, The National Yiddish Book Center and St. Marks in the Bowery, NYC. They recently returned from an Eastern European tour, where they presented concerts in the Czech Republic and Poland and were invited to perform in a gala performance for the Spanish Synagogue in Prague. Their new CD: Between Worlds was released in July 2012. The group traveled to Germany, where they presented concerts in Berlin, Bonn and Hamburg and also in The Netherlands and Austria. They recently received grants from The Harold Grinspoon Foundation and a travel grant from Hofstra University. Their new CD, Speed of Dark will be released this coming summer. It featured guest artists, string quartet ETHEL, percussionist Shane Shanahan, and the Tabla player Naren Budhkar. The members of the group have been honored and affiliated with organizations such as: The Juilliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, The Blossom Music Festival among many others and have performed with ensembles such as: The Galliard Woodwind Quintet, American Symphony Orchestra, New York Baroque Consort, Trio Sonata, New York Kammermusiker, and at such locations as Alice Tully Hall, ( Lincoln Center), Carnegie Recital Hall, the Library of Congress the Frick Museum and the Philips Collection in Washington, DC. They have recorded for Opus One, CRI Records and Gasparo Records. Learn more at www.hevrehensemble.com Iconic fashion designer, Kate Spade was found dead in her Park Avenue apartment on the morning of June 5, by her housekeeper in an apparent suicide, according to the Associated Press. Spade whose real name was Katherine Noel Brosnahan became known for her designer brand, Kate Spade New York, of which she was the namesake and co-owner along with her husband and business partner Andy Spade. READ THE FULL STORY: Handbag designer Kate Spade found hanged in apparent suicide According to Kate Spade company website, the couple launched the company in 1993 when Spade, who had formerly worked as the accessories editor at "Mademoiselle" magazine, set out to create the perfect handbag. From there the company blossomed into a multi-million dollar empire. According to People, Neiman Marcus bought 56 percent of the company in 1999, and in 2007 the couple sold their remaining shared to have more time to spend with their only daughter, Frances Beatrix Spade, and to pursue other business ventures like a new handbag company called Frances Valentine. Initial reports from the Associated Press are saying the legendary designer was found hanged, and her husband was home at the time of the incident. Police add that though the investigation is still in its early stages, evidence points to "a tragic suicide." A note on the company website reads, "Kate Spade, the visionary founder of our brand, has passed. Our thoughts are with her family at this incredibly heartbreaking time. We honor all the beauty she brought into this world." Take a look through the gallery above to see photos of the fashion icon through the years. Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli is a digital producer at Chron.com. You can read more of her stories here and follow her on twitter at @Dani_DiNapoli. BOSTON A Lakeville man pleaded guilty Wednesday to illegally trafficking teeth from endangered sperm whales. John Jake Bells guilty plea was announced in a release by Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood for the Department of Justices Environment and Natural Resources Division. Bell pleaded guilty in Boston before U.S. District Judge Mark L. Wolf, for the District of Massachusetts, to one count of wildlife trafficking in violation of the Lacey Act. As part of his plea, Bell admitted that in November 2004, while in the Ukraine, he sold approximately 34 sperm whale teeth to a co-conspirator who lived in Nantucket, Massachusetts, for $11,600. Bell shipped the 34 teeth in multiple boxes from the Ukraine to an associate in Connecticut, from where his co-conspirator retrieved them, officials said. Bells co-conspirator was convicted in 2010, after a jury trial, and sentenced to a 33-month term of imprisonment. Related video: Photographer captures candid shots of sperm whales More for you Pilot whale dies after swallowing 17 pounds of plastic bags According to the indictment, Bell acquired the teeth and smuggled them into the United States. Bell, who was an artist and scrimshander, carved some of the teeth he sold, but also sold uncarved teeth to customers. According to papers filed in federal court, between July 2005 and June 2006, Bell smuggled in excess of 49 pounds of sperm whale teeth into the United States, valued in excess of $26,000. Also, according to these filings, between June 2007 and April 2008, Bell sold nine carved teeth to customers in the United States, with a total value of $20,300. Sperm whale teeth can weigh over two pounds each and are alluring to many collectors. But gone are the days when people can buy, sell and trade parts harvested from protected creatures like the sperm whale. This amazing creature is safeguarded from exploitation by federal laws like the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act as well as international treaties, said Acting Assistant Attorney General Wood. Todays guilty plea demonstrates that those who attempt to profit from the illegal trade of endangered species will face the consequences for their actions under law. Federal law provides great protection to the marine mammals that live in our waters, Director James Landon for NOAAs Office of Law Enforcement said in the release. OLE is dedicated to enforcing those laws and seeing that those who violate them are held accountable for their illegal actions. The Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act protect sperm whales and, among other things, prohibits their parts from being sold in interstate or foreign commerce or imported into the United States without a permit. In addition, the Lacey Act creates penalties for knowingly trafficking or importing wildlife and parts from wildlife like sperm whales, and United States customs laws prohibit importing merchandise like sperm whale parts knowingly in violation of the law or federal regulations. The investigation was handled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Office of Law Enforcement and the Justice Departments Environmental Crimes Section. The government is represented by Trial Attorneys Erica Pencak and Gary N. Donner of the Justice Departments Environmental Crimes Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division. TORRINGTON Two now-legendary entities began in Torrington at almost the same instant in 1969 and have evolved into major institutions with important ties to each other. While Sharon Dante was launching a dance school called Nutmeg Ballet, members of the Torrington Club were starting a philanthropic group called the Torrington Area Foundation for Public Giving. Both began modestly and grew up together just a few blocks apart, changing their names over the years to become the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts and the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation. We do an awful lot more than just grant making, said Guy Rovezzi, president and CEO of the foundation. Really, what were here for is to encourage local philanthropy with the goal of keeping that philanthropy focused on giving back to our communities. When a potential donor wants to fund a specific kind of charity or nonprofit group, Rovezzis investment committee will work with that donor to find the most appropriate ways to do so, he said. You may come to us and say, Something really important to me is mental health issues, but Im really not sure which of the organizations I should support what they are doing and how they are doing it and which is more effective than others, Rovezzi said. His team offers intellectual capital in terms of a wide knowledge of community organizations involved in that concern. The goal is to find the investment strategy that offers the greatest impact and outcome for the donors charitable dollars, he said. Over the years, more than 275 separate philanthropic funds have been created under the foundations management. The initial investment in 1969 of $15,000 has grown to more than $110 million as of the end of 2017, Rovezzi said. When the foundation is involved in facilitating a grant to a nonprofit like the Nutmeg Conservatory, the grant is disbursed through one of those 275 funds, Rovezzi explained. For example, a grant of $8,700 to the Torrington Public Schools to allow students to view this years Nutmeg production of The Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre actually came from the Carlton D. Fyler and Jenny R. Fyler Fund. Torrington residents Carlton D. Fyler, a chauffeur, and Jenny R. Fyler, an educator, established the endowed fund in 1988 through their estate planning. During the first months of 2018, the foundation has facilitated grants totaling more than $100,000, according to its website. These include $10,000 to the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, through the Edward W. Diskavich Fund; $4,000 to the Connecticut Credit Union Charitable Foundation, through the Keroden Endowed Fund; $7,500 to Food Rescue US, through the Robert V. Carr Fund; and more than 20 more. Over the years, the foundations funds have also supported the Warner Theatre, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, the Torrington Historical Society and many others, he said. There was a $100,000 grant made to the hospital, he said. Those are large grants for us. Our average grant size is between $3,000 and $8,000, and we make something in the neighborhood of 350 grants a year. In 2017, according to a fact sheet he provided, 262 grants totaled over $3.8 million, and 149 scholarships totaled more than $154,000. A few of the other grants to the Nutmeg Conservatory over the last five decades include: From the Carlton D. and Jenny R. Fyler Fund: $15,000 for motorized shades on the studio windows, $20,000 for construction and improvements to the community room, $9,907 to replace the sound system, $6,500 for activities related to the production of Cinderella and $5,000 to set staging for The Nutcracker; From the Eva M. Coty Fund: $5,892 for marley dance flooring in years past and $37,500 for all new floors for the dance studios installed in 2017; and From the Richard M. Gilman Memorial Fund: $950 for Wings, a male scholarship program for former students. According to Sharon Dante, Nutmegs founder and executive director, Many of these grants made from our local foundation have made dreams possible for dancers and have made quality performances possible for our citizens to enjoy. We are most grateful for the gracious generosity that the foundation shows to the entire community, and we are confident that they will continue to grow and thrive in Northwest Connecticut. Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation is important, Rovezzi said, because it strengthens organizations that improve community welfare. Its about helping people who are the most vulnerable, the most disadvantaged, as well as bringing opportunities for life improvement to the general population, he said. The foundation recently relocated to 33 East Main Street, its rear parking lot abutting that of the Nutmeg Conservatory perhaps a fitting juxtaposition of two entities that were conceived at the same time and impact each other and the community so profoundly. For information on how to contribute to or benefit from the funds the foundation manages, go to www.northwestcf.org/ or call 860-626-1245. Rescuers cradled it in a shallow canal, their arms wrapped around its slick, shuddering body. It could not eat and struggled to swim and breathe. Red umbrellas were opened above it to block the harsh sun. It was a race against time to save the male pilot whale, slowly dying after it was discovered Monday in Thailand near the Malaysian border. A team of rescuers deployed buoys to keep the mammal from slipping into the water and drowning as veterinarians tended to it. It vomited five plastic bags during the rescue attempt. The whale died Friday after a five-day fight, the country's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources said, becoming the latest high-profile incident of marine life forced to live in oceans littered with human trash. An autopsy revealed dozens of plastic bags jamming the whale's stomach, weighing 17 pounds in all, the agency wrote on Facebook. Photos posted to social media showed so many long, black plastic bags that authorities were running out of room to maneuver in the operating room without standing on trash. A bundle of white plastic is shown next to innards stretching across an operating table. Thai officials said they believe the whale mistook the floating plastic for food. Pilot whales primarily eat squid but are also known to hunt octopus, cuttlefish and small fish when squid prove elusive, the American Cetacean Society said. Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a marine biologist and lecturer at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, told Agence France-Presse that the plastic probably prevented the whale from digesting food. "If you have 80 plastic bags in your stomach, you die," he said, adding that at least 300 marine animals, including pilot whales, sea turtles and dolphins, die annually after ingesting plastic in Thai waters. More than 5 trillion pieces of trash - and counting - are in the world's oceans, according to a 2014 study. Of that, nearly 270,000 tons of large and small plastic debris are on the surface. A study published last year found that 83 percent of water samples from more than a dozen nations were contaminated with plastic fibers. It was unclear whether the whale was a short-finned or long-finned pilot whale, although short-finned pilots commonly traverse the warmer waters typical of Southeast Asia. Males grow up to 20 feet and weigh up to three tons, with females topping out at 16 feet and 1.5 tons, according to the American Cetacean Society. Trash in the ocean has affected other whale species. In April, a 33-foot sperm whale weighing nearly 15,000 pounds was found dead on a Spanish beach. More than 60 pounds of trash clogged its digestive system. And in 2016, some of the more than 30 beached sperm whales beached in Europe were found with plastic debris in their stomachs, National Geographic reported, including a large fishing net, an engine cover and shards of a plastic bucket. --- The Washington Post's Kristine Phillips contributed to this report. It was 1969, and Doug McClement was a 16-year-old hitch hiking to the Toronto Pop Festival on Highway 401 in southern Ontario. Two young men from Danbury, Conn. picked him up; they already had two French-Canadian hitchhikers in the back of their old Chevy station wagon. McClement only remembers them as Jerry and Allen. "Hitch hiking was not as dangerous as it is now, and people were less suspicious of strangers. In a way, we were all 'heading down the highway, looking for adventure,'" McClement said in an email conversation. The group of strangers spent their trip talking about music and politics. "Talking with young Americans who were draft eligible was fascinating for this Canadian teenager," McClement said. They ran out of gas, made a couple U-turns and stopped to take a photo in a Toronto parking lot (above). Now, almost half a century later, McClement has been sorting through his old photo negatives and converting them to digital files. He came across the old picture of Jerry and Allen and is wondering what ever happened to them. Were either of them drafted? Are they still in Danbury? Are they grandfathers? Did they end up selling insurance or become dotcom millionaires? McClement is asking Danbury readers if anyone recognizes these two young guys from the photo. He'd like to send them an email "thanking them for picking up a stranger at the side of the road so many years ago." "The USA is getting a bad rap these days due to the situation in Washington, but guys like Allen and Jerry represent the average Americans I've run into over my life," he said. "People who are friendly, kind and would give you the shirts off their backs." If you recognize Jerry or Allen, leave a comment. A Wyoming wildlife commission voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve the state's first grizzly bear hunt in more than four decades, a proposal that could lead to the killing of as many as 22 bears just one year after Yellowstone-area grizzlies were removed from the endangered species list. The decision, which opens the door for the largest grizzly hunt in the Lower 48 and the state's first since 1974, marks a major milestone in a divisive debate over protections for one the West's most iconic animals. Grizzly bears outside Alaska, where hunting is allowed, were federally protected in 1975, when only about 136 of the animals remained in and around Yellowstone National Park. Their numbers had rebounded to about 700 by last year, prompting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to delist the Yellowstone population and leave its management to the states of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. Montana in February decided against opening a trophy hunt, and Idaho, home to the smallest number of grizzlies, this month approved a fall hunt of a single male bear. Under Wyoming's proposal, a maximum of one female or 10 male grizzlies could be killed this fall inside the state's section of a federally designated "demographic monitoring area" - a zone of prime bear habitat where biologists track the species' population. Another 12, male or female, could be hunted in what state officials describe as the more "human-dominated landscape" outside that area. No hunting will be allowed inside Yellowstone, nearby Grand Teton National Park or the road that connects them. The Wyoming plan also includes a no-hunt buffer zone in a region east of Grand Teton where several bears adored by photographers and tourists are known to roam and den. Federal biologists say limited hunting is unlikely to harm the overall grizzly population in the Yellowstone area, and Wyoming wildlife officials at Wednesday's meeting described the proposal as conservative. "The question is not whether you hunt grizzly bears or not," Republican Gov. Matt Mead told C-SPAN earlier this month. "The question is whether grizzly bears have grown enough in terms of population and in habitat that they can be a sustainable species. And clearly they have." But the plan has faced strong opposition from conservation groups and others who say it will imperil a population that was only recently deemed to have recovered. "Allowing a trophy hunt of these majestic animals - the second-slowest mammal to reproduce in North America - so soon after they lost Endangered Species protections does nothing to build public confidence in state management of grizzly bears," Bonnie Rice, a Sierra Club representative who spoke in opposition to the plan at the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission meeting, said in a statement after the vote. More than 200 tribal nations condemned the idea of hunting an animal they consider sacred and proposed to instead relocate grizzlies to tribal lands. Dozens of wildlife photographers wrote a letter calling on Mead to prioritize the wishes - and dollars - of tourists who come to the region in hopes of spotting "one of the most storied, beloved and photographed bear populations in the world." In another recent letter to the governor, 73 scientists said the hunt would endanger a vulnerable population that has lost food sources, including white bark pine, due to climate change, and limit Yellowstone bears' ability to connect with a larger population of grizzlies in northwest Montana. (Those bears, in and around Glacier National Park, remain protected under the Endangered Species Act, although Fish and Wildlife is considering delisting them as well.) The letter, written by the former federal grizzly bear biologist David Mattson, said allowing a dozen deaths outside the demographic monitoring area, where approximately 80 to 100 grizzlies live, would be "tantamount to planned extirpation" in that region. Wednesday's vote came after a presentation by state game officials and about two hours of live-streamed public comment. Supporters included hunting outfitters and ranchers, some of whom cast opposition to the plan as driven by national organizations and non-Wyoming residents. "Those of us that live, work and play with the grizzly bear have paid a higher price for the recovery of the bears. I think that's lost on the general public," said state Rep. Jim Allen, R, a rancher and outfitter. "Wyoming owns the wildlife." Opponents included a California woman who said she drives each year to Wyoming to see wildlife but would stop if the hunt was approved and a Wyoming resident who said she regularly spots grizzlies near her home. Representatives from several conservation and wildlife groups also spoke, several of whom argued that hunting would add unnecessary deaths to the dozens of grizzlies killed by humans each year as the bears expand farther into developed areas. At least 56 grizzlies died within the demographic monitoring area last year, many after being hit by cars, shot in self-defense by hunters or lethally "removed" by wildlife agencies for killing livestock or seeking out human food. Of seven deaths recorded this year, four have been in Wyoming. Three were killed by state bear managers - one for breaking into a building for food, and two for "frequenting a calving area" and "bold behavior toward humans." The fourth, an elderly bear that could not lift its hind legs, was euthanized, according to federal records. Like conservation groups, Wyoming officials cited those numbers as talking points, but they used them instead to justify a hunt. Hunters, they say, could help weed out problem bears. "The agency is removing every year several female and male bears for conflict reasons, and if hunting reduces that, it's a good thing," Brian Nesvik, chief game warden for the state Game and Fish Department, told the Casper Star-Tribune. Chris Colligan, a wildlife program coordinator who focuses on preventing bear-human conflict for the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, told commissioners that there's little science to support that argument. Colligan, who identified himself as an "avid elk hunter," said he's often asked why he opposes a grizzly hunt. "And I'll just say that grizzly bears are different. Grizzly bears are not white-tailed deer," he said, noting the bears' slow reproduction rate. "We don't have the margin of error that we have for other species." Despite its approval, the hunt could be stymied in court later this year. Several lawsuits have challenged the delisting of Yellowstone grizzlies, and a U.S. District Court judge earlier this year ordered all parties to combine their arguments into a single set of briefs. A decision is expected this summer, before the September start of hunting seasons in Wyoming and Idaho. Mondays Supreme Court ruling drew reactions from every corner of the country, including South Florida. The case involved David Mullins and Charlie Craig who sued Jack Phillips, the owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop in Lakewood, Colorado, in 2012 because he refused to bake a wedding cake for them. Nina Totenberg, NPRs Supreme Court correspondent wrote, Colorado, like most states, has a state anti-discrimination law for businesses that are open to the public. Colorado bars discrimination based on race, religion, gender and sexual orientation. So Mullins and Craig filed a complaint with the state commission on civil rights, which ruled in their favor, as did the state supreme court. But SCOTUS, wrote Totenberg on Twitter, didnt make a ruling that impacts non-discrimination laws already in place. The courts ruling only impacts this particular bakers case. SCOTUS rules in favor of wedding cake baker on the narrowest of grounds, leaving unresolved the constitutional clash between gays and merchants who decline to sell them products or services. In writing for the majority of the court in its 7-2 ruling, Justice Anthony Kennedy stated that, The laws and the Constitution can, and in some instances must, protect gay persons and gay couples in the exercise of their civil rights, but religious and philosophical objections to gay marriage are protected views and in some instances protected forms of expression. Longtime local LGBT rights activist Michael Rajner weighed in on the issue. Right now the scope is very limited to this one case, and it doesnt necessarily set a precedent, he said. But there is always a concern under the Trump administration, especially since hes setting a record on the number of judges hes been appointing to the federal bench. Meanwhile Scott Herman, president of the Dolphin Democrats, said he was extremely disappointed with the ruling. He said the ruling could serve as a precedent to erode LGBT rights on other issues and could embolden others to try and claim the same right to refuse service that Phillips claimed. According to the New York Times, Phillips said, Its more than just a cake. Its a piece of art in so many ways. Herman said anyone in any restaurant in America could say the same. You speak to any chef and its an art. And then you have to disprove its not an art, and cooking is, for all intents and purposes, an art. He added that impact of the case could take a long time to undo. And that is extremely dangerous when you consider how long Dont Ask, Dont Tell was in place. Herman also said this ruling opens the doors to Christian couples being discriminated against by bakers and other business owners who might not want to serve Christians. You have a standing for it now. Vincent Foster, Miami Log Cabin Republicans president, said hes excited over the ruling and accused liberal LGBT groups and individuals of being rebel[s] without a cause. Foster said the LGBT community needs to focus on the important issues facing it, such as housing and workplace discrimination. Why are we forcing these issues? Im a devout atheist and a proud gay man and I would never go to a Christian bakery for my wedding cake that does not support gay marriage. Why anyone would want to have a wedding cake made for them by someone who doesnt support their marriage? Lets work on the real civil rights issues. He stated that he thinks a lawsuit against a mom and pop bakery like this hurts the LGBT community by giving it unwanted attention and a negative reputation. He compared it to gay men who wear assless chaps at pride events. He also said he doesnt think this is a case of true discrimination because the baker only refused to make the gay couple a cake but did not refuse to sell them any of his other items. In her dissent, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg wrote, The fact that Phillips might sell other cakes and cookies to gay and lesbian customers was irrelevant to the issue Craig and Mullins case presented. What matters is that Phillips would not provide a good or service to a same-sex couple that he would provide to a heterosexual couple. In contrast, the other bakeries sale of other goods to Christian customers was relevant: It shows that there were no goods the bakeries would sell to a non-Christian customer that they would refuse to sell to a Christian customer. To the Editor: Stephanie FitzGeralds letter (Congress must save the Iran deal, May 23) incorrectly states that President Trump violated the so-called Iran deal by refusing to waive sanctions. Ms. FitzGerald does not understand that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was imposed by executive fiat and never approved as a treaty and, therefore, isnt binding on subsequent presidents. The JCPOA wasnt submitted to the Senate for approval because President Obama knew it wouldnt be approved by the required 2/3 vote. Indeed, 58 senators, a strong majority reflecting the will of the American people, announced that they opposed the deal . Only 42 supported it. Moreover, Iran was informed by 47 senators that the deal wasnt binding, so it can hardly claim surprise. Finally, Ms. FitzGerald, using a strategy employed to prevent the Senate rejecting the deal, cynically invokes the prospect of war. Suffice it to say, however, that, if Sens. Blumenthal and Murphy and U.S. Rep,. DeLauro dont support tougher sanctions now to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, not just now but in the future, then we will face a much more dangerous war down the road. Mark I. Fishman, President, PRIMER-Connecticut, New Haven In a what one legal activist characterized as dangerous encouragement to those who would deny civil rights to LGBT people, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 7 to 2 Monday (June 4) in favor of a Colorado baker who refused to sell wedding cakes to same-sex couples the same as he sells to male-female couples. The much-anticipated decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado elicited an unusually broad array of reactions from LGBT legal activists and observers. While Lambda Legal Chief Executive Officer Rachel Tiven said the ruling offers dangerous encouragement to those who would deny civil rights to LGBT people and people living with HIV, the ACLU said the majority opinion reaffirmed the core principle that businesses open to the public must be open to all. Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, said the decision was narrow and does not break any new constitutional ground or create any new religious or free speech exceptions to anti-discrimination laws. Law professor Tobias Barrington Wolff said the majoritys reasoning has many implications," including the likelihood that "litigants will try to apply the Courts analysis to other forms of discrimination or unfavorable treatment by state authorities (based on race, sex, national origin), and lower courts may entertain those arguments." The Alliance Defending Freedom, which brought the Masterpiece Cakeshop appeal, was unequivocal: This is a big winnot just for Jack, but for every American who values freedom. The decision In writing for the majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy accepted Colorado baker Jack Phillips claim that selling a wedding cake requires the use of his artistic skills to make an expressive statement, a wedding endorsement in his own voice and of his own creation. Kennedy also noted that, in 2012, when Phillips refused to sell a cake to the gay couple, Colorado law banned recognition of marriage between same-sex couples. At the time of the events in question, this Court had not issued its decisions either in United States v. Windsor [striking down the federal Defense of Marriage Act] or Obergefell [striking state bans on marriage for same-sex couples]. Since the State itself did not allow those marriages to be performed in Colorado, there is some force to the argument that the baker was not unreasonable in deeming it lawful to decline to take an action that he understood to be an expression of support for their validity when that expression was contrary to his sincerely held religious beliefs, at least insofar as his refusal was limited to refusing to create and express a message in support of gay marriage, even one planned to take place in another State. As he did during oral argument, Kennedy also put considerable emphasis on his interpretation of how the Colorado Civil Rights Commission handled the complaint against Phillips. He said the Commission demonstrated clear and impermissible hostility toward the sincere religious beliefs that motivated his objection. His evidence was two-fold: that the Commission did not take adverse action against bakers who had refused to create cakes with anti-LGBT messages, and that a member or members of the Commission made remarks he construed to be hostile toward Phillips expressed religious beliefs. But LGBT legal activists, for the most part, were inclined to focus their reaction Monday to the majority decisions inclusion of language signaling an acceptance that civil rights laws should and must protect LGBT people from discrimination. Our society has come to the recognition that gay persons and gay couples cannot be treated as social outcasts or as inferior in dignity and worth, wrote Kennedy. For that reason the laws and the Constitution can, and in some instances must, protect them in the exercise of their civil rights. While the religious and philosophical objections to gay marriage are protected views and in some instances protected forms of expression, wrote Kennedy, ....it is a general rule that such objections do not allow business owners and other actors in the economy and in society to deny protected persons equal access to goods and services under a neutral and generally applicable public accommodations law. [A]ny decision in favor of the baker would have to be sufficiently constrained, said Kennedy, lest all purveyors of goods and services who object to gay marriages for moral and religious reasons in effect be allowed to put up signs saying no goods or services will be sold if they will be used for gay marriages, something that would impose a serious stigma on gay persons. That means, the baker won the battle but lost the war, said James Essex, director of the LGBT project of the ACLU, which represented the Colorado couple who brought the complaint against the baker. This was not the result we were looking for, said Essex, but the baker did not get a constitutional license to discriminate. While Essex said there were no plans to re-visit this case with the Colorado Commission, he said any same-sex couple who now seeks to buy a cake from the baker might reasonably file a complaint with the Commission if the baker refuses them service and hope for a good outcome. Others agreed. Although ruling for the baker, the [Supreme] Court recognized the importance of protecting the dignity of LGBT people, said Williams Institute Executive Director Jocelyn Samuels, and affirmed states general authority to bar sexual orientation discrimination by businesses that serve the public. In addition to Kennedy and the courts conservative justices (Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch), two of its more liberal membersJustices Stephen Breyer and Elena Kaganvoted with the majority. (Clarence Thomas did not sign onto the majority decision but filed his own opinion, concurring in the judgment.) A split among the progressives Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote the dissent for herself and Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Ginsburg found fault with the majoritys reliance on the remarks of Commission members and the different outcome in complaints involving other bakers. She noted that the gay couple who approached Masterpiece Cakeshop did not seek any particular message or anything else distinguishing on their cake. When a couple contacts a bakery for a wedding cake, the product they are seeking is a cake celebrating their weddingnot a cake celebrating heterosexual weddings or same-sex weddingsand that is the service Craig and Mullins were denied, said Ginsburg. The baker in the Masterpiece case, she said, declined to make a cake he found offensive where the offensiveness of the product was determined solely by the identity of the customer requesting it. Ginsburg also said she could see no reason why the comments of one or two Commissioners should be taken to overcome Phillips refusal to sell a wedding cake to the gay couple. During last Decembers oral argument, Kennedy expressed consternation with a remark made by a member of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission during its deliberation a remark that Kennedy construed to be intolerant of religious beliefs. The Commission member is quoted to have said: Freedom of religion and religion has been used to justify all kinds of discrimination throughout history, whether it be slavery, whether it be the Holocaustwe can list hundreds of situations where freedom of religion has been used to justify discrimination. And, to me, it is one of the most despicable piece of rhetoric that people can use to use their religion to hurt others. Justices Elena Kagan and Stephen Breyer, two who are usually on the side of equal treatment for LGBT people, said they concurred with the majority that the Commission exhibited religious hostility to Phillips view that the Bible opposes marriage for same-sex couples. Preparing for the next battle In a telephone press conference after the decision was released, David Mullins who, along with spouse Charlie Craig, filed the original complaint against baker Phillips, said he was disappointed with the ruling but that he hopes people can understand that this is not a wide-ranging ruling and it doesnt mean the [state law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation] was invalidated in any way. Mullins and Craig were living in Colorado but married in Massachusetts in 2012, when the U.S. Supreme Court had not yet struck down state bans against marriage for same-sex couples. After Phillips refused to sell them a cake for their reception, they posted a message on Facebook about the incident and then learned that state law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. Thats when they filed a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Commission. A state administrative judge, the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, and the Colorado Court of Appeals all ruled for the couple and against Phillips. The Commission did not order Phillips to design cakes for same-sex weddings, but rather ordered that he stop refusing to sell [to same-sex couples] wedding cakes or any product [the baker] would sell to heterosexual couples. Colorado and 20 other states have laws prohibiting sexual orientation discrimination in public accommodations and other areas, such as employment and housing. Rea Carey of the National LGBTQ Task Force said that, while she is concerned that the Courts action will lead to future cases that may weaken the rights of LGBTQ people, she takes solace in the fact that in Justice Kennedys ruling he reminded everyone that religious objections alone do not grant a right to deny services to others. Law professor Tobias Barrington Wolff said the majority's reasoning has "many implications," including the likelihood that "litigants will try to apply the Courts analysis to other forms of discrimination or unfavorable treatment by state authorities (based on race, sex, national origin), and lower courts may entertain those arguments." "The landscape has shifted on religious discrimination claims," said Wolff, "...in some ways that might help to advance the rights of minority faith practitioners or non-believers, and in other ways that might result in religious justifications for discrimination occupying a particularly favored status in the day-to-day business of state and local regulation." Lambda Legals Tiven expressed a similar worry. This is a deeply disappointing day in American jurisprudence, said Tiven, but added that her organization will fiercely resist the coming effort that will seek to turn this ruling into a broad license to discriminate. 2018 Keen News Service. All rights reserved. People stand near a Facebook booth at the China International Big Data Industry Expo in Guiyang, southwestern China's Guizhou province, May 27, 2018. Chinese internet users should beware of using voice-controlled assistants such as Alexa, Google Home, and Siri in mainland China, particularly if such devices are made by Chinese companies, a Radio Free Asia technology show has warned. "Once hackers gain control of your mobile phone or smart home assistant, they can do whatever they want, and you will only notice a dramatic increase in data traffic," Cantonese service technology journalist Lee Kin-kwan said in response to recent questions from listeners in the region. Clues that someone else is using your device could include a sudden increase in power consumption or the device starting up suddenly and unexpectedly, Lee said. "Chinese-branded products are even less advisable because there is an even greater chance that they could be connected to the police," Lee warned. "At that point, you could be opening yourself up to criminal liability." Chinese users of Apple products need to be aware that the security of company's voice-controlled assistant Siri depends on where one's Apple ID was registered. European Union-registered Apple IDs are governed by more stringent privacy laws than elsewhere, Lee said. "[They] can largely prevent Chinese authorities from accessing your data." But Lee warned against authorizing any China-based companies to use Siri's features, and turning the feature off entirely while in China was the most secure option of all, he said. Lee said recent data protection laws that came into effect in the E.U. last week can benefit Chinese users who use an E.U. IP address or mobile phone number when registering for online accounts in China. Data-sharing partnerships Lee's warnings came as Facebook admitted to having data-sharing partnerships with at least four Chinese companies, including smartphone-maker Huawei, which has already been the subject of security concerns in the United States. Facebook has said it had allowed Huawei, Lenovo, and smartphone manufacturers OPPO and TCL to access some user data, following a report by The New York Times on Sunday. The companies may have been able to access data about users' friends on Facebook, under the agreement, regardless of what the users' privacy settings were, the paper said. U.S. Senator Mark Warner said in a statement that the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, of which he is vice chair, had raised concerns about Huawei dating back in 2012. "The news that Facebook provided privileged access to Facebooks [application program interface] to Chinese device makers like Huawei and TCL raises legitimate concerns, and I look forward to learning more about how Facebook ensured that information about their users was not sent to Chinese servers, Warner said. Facebook has since said it will end the agreements. Facebook along with many other U.S. tech companies have worked with them and other Chinese manufacturers to integrate their services onto these phones, Francisco Varela, vice president of mobile partnerships for Facebook, said in a statement. Facebooks integrations with Huawei, Lenovo, OPPO, and TCL were controlled from the get-go and we approved the Facebook experiences these companies built," Varela said, adding that the information wasn't stored on Huawei's servers. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) confirmed in March that it was investigating Facebooks privacy practices. 'Not good enough' Chinese users said they expect to be told if their data is going to be shared with other companies, especially those subject to controls by the ruling Chinese Communist Party. "I think if they are going to share data, there should be a window that pops up beforehand to let you know and [tell you] what they are doing," Beijing social media user Lao Hui told RFA. "Maybe it's not against the law, but morally speaking, it's not good enough." A Shanghai-based social media user surnamed Ma said she suspects Facebook's motives in sharing user data. "I think that any foreign company that does business in, or has ties to, China is going to put their company's business interests first," Ma said. "They want to have it both ways, in terms of their own interests, and user satisfaction." "But I don't actually think that's possible," Ma said. Sang Young, an information security expert at the Hong Kong Internet Society, said Facebook's actions fell into a "gray area." "User data generally falls into two categories personal details and sensitive information," Young said. "Information such as their employment history and education don't exactly qualify as personal details, but they are still sensitive, and fall into a gray area." "Maybe not all users want that information to be shared, and maybe they didn't think Facebook would do this," he said. Reported by Lee Kin-kwan for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Gao Feng for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. The ruling Chinese Communist Party has expelled its party secretary at the Qinghai Daily News newspaper in the northwestern province of Qinghai for "disciplinary violations," the party's disciplinary arm announced on Wednesday. Zhang Wei, the former party secretary at the newspaper, was found after a recent internal investigation to have "violated political discipline" and lied to the provincial party committee, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) said in a statement. "He opposed censorship and illegally kept secret party work documents in his possession," the CCDI said. "He also violated discipline in his personal life, carrying on a long-term, inappropriate relationship with another person while he was still married." Zhang's case has now been transferred to police for criminal investigation, after party investigators found evidence of "large-scale bribe-taking," the statement said. The CCDI described Zhang as a formerly loyal party member who had "lost touch with his ideals and convictions" since 18th party congress in 2012, when President Xi Jinping took power. As President Xi Jinping embarks on a second, unlimited term in office following the annual National People's Congress (NPC) in March, he is strengthening the ruling party's hold on all forms of public expression. Xi has also enlarged the party's powerful propaganda department to absorb all government agencies responsible for regulating the mass media, and exporting its ideology to the rest of the world via a new mega-broadcaster. The Qinghai provincial party committee has expelled Zhang from the party and fired him from his job, the CCDI said. "The case will now be passed to the prosecution, who will investigate and bring criminal charges," the statement said. 'Holding party documents' Zhang Gang, a legal professional in the southern province of Guangdong, said the charge of "illegally holding party documents" was nonsensical. "This is the first time [this charge] has appeared," Zhang Gang said. "This notion of illegally holding party documents is fundamentally problematic, because there is no protection in Chinese law for party secrets, only secrets of the state and other administrative bodies." "There are no laws governing party work documents; only party discipline, so it's meaningless to talk of it's illegality," he said. A Sichuan internet user surnamed Zhu said she didn't trust the description of Zhang's "crimes," saying that it wouldn't be surprising for the head of a party newspaper to hold secret party documents. "Everything the party says is like the stuff they used to have on the wall at school; everything is self-contradictory," Zhu said. "I am guessing that this is someone with a strong sense of justice, who didn't toe the party line." "If you don't want to be tainted by the system, they will attack you," she said. Zhang Gang said Zhang Wei is more likely being targeted for not being a keen supporter of President Xi, who recently began an unlimited term in office. "They are totally unscrupulous in the methods they use to carry out such purges," he said. "Behind the firing and expulsion of ... Zhang Wei is likely a bid to purge dissenting opinions." Supplement abolished Zhang, 53, is a former teacher and researcher at the Qinghai Party School, and former editor-in-chief of party ideology journal "New Heights." Zhang's ouster comes after a top party official dismantled the in-depth features department at a major newspaper in Beijing, where sweeping changes have prompted dozens of journalists to resign. Four journalists have left the Beijing-based Legal Evening News since the in-depth section of the newspaperwhich had won a reputation for cutting-edge investigative reporting and in-depth features on crime and social issueswas abolished earlier this month, according to various sources in the industry. The paper now runs an operation that is much thinner on original content, and with far fewer staff, overseas media reports have indicated. One of the supplement's editors had posted social media content related to the targeting of hundreds of Chinese rights lawyers in a nationwide crackdown since July 2015, in particular the accusations of subversion that many faced. In recent years, the in-depth features department conducted lengthy coverage and extensive follow-up reports on a number of high-profile legal cases, including the case of a woman's murder in Hohhot, capital of the northern Inner Mongolia region, for which an innocent ethnic Mongolian youth, Huugjilt, was executed in 1996. Serial rapist and murderer Zhao Zhihong later confessed to the murder and Huugjilt was posthumously exonerated. Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Education officials in western Myanmars Rakhine state on Monday filed charges under a controversial statute against a local lawmaker for online defamation for a social media post in which he heavily criticized the state in what some said is another attack on freedom of speech in the emerging democracy. The lawsuit against Than Maung Oo, an Arakan National Party member of parliament from Ramree township, accusing him of violating Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law was filed at No. 1 Police Station in Rakhines capital Sittwe. In a Facebook post on June 2 post, he said that Rakhine was the countrys worst state for education, economy, health care, and the rule of law, and that it had the worst roads and the most unpopular state government in Myanmar. Local people didnt like it, and there is a big gap between the people and members of the state government, said Thar Pwint, a community leader from Sittwe, commenting on the lawsuit. [But] what he posted is true. We see and feel the same thing as he does. He shouldnt be charged because of what he posted, not only on political grounds, but also on judicial grounds, he said. If the Rakhine state government gets involved in this case, there will be a bigger gap between it and the people. According to law, the Rakhine state government asked the house speaker of the state parliament for permission to question Than Maung Oo. But deputy speaker Mya Than said that the state parliament will not interfere in the case because it concerns a lawmaker and that speaker San Hla Kyaw will not permit the state government to question Mya Than Oo while parliament is in session. Sein Tun Hla, the deputy director of Rakhine state's Education Department who filed the lawsuit, said it was the state government and not his office that pushed for the lawsuit against the legislator. Than Maung Oo told reporters that what he posted is the truth. He also said that he expects authorities to act like dictators in the case against him, but that he will face whatever consequences may come from the matter. RFA was unable to reach Rakhine state government secretary Tin Maung Swe for comment. Silencing critics Section 66(d) is a criminal law provision that prohibits the use of telecom networks to defame people. It previously carried a maximum prison sentence of up to three years but was amended by the national parliament in 2017, reducing jail time from a maximum of three years to two years and making defendants eligible for bail. Another amendment bans third parties from filing cases under the Telecommunications Law unless they are directly affected by the action or are acting on an affected individuals behalf. Rights groups and Myanmar journalists have called for the repeal of the statute, arguing that government and military officials are increasingly using it to silence their critics, thereby threatening freedom of the press and freedom of speech. As of mid-2017, more than 70 criminal defamation lawsuits had been filed under Section 66(d) during the current National League for Democracy (NLD) government, which has been in power for two years, compared to only seven cases under the previous administration. Myo Myat Hein, an attorney with the Thazin Legal Aid Network in Sittwe, questioned whether the charge against Than Maung Oo is a threat to freedom of speech under Myanmars civilian government. We were happy to have civilian government with the idea of giving power back to the people, he said. This MP, Mya Than Oo, expressed what he saw and what he thought was right. He noted that under the NLD government, two other Rakhine state lawmakers Aye Maung and Mya Than Oo have been charged with defamation because of what they said and posted online. Is this a threat to freedom of expression? Is freedom of speech restricted for members of parliament? Myo Myat Hein asked. State lawmaker Aung Win of Myebon township said the issue could create conflict between the state government and Rakhines parliament. I think the state government and parliament are going to have a confrontation soon, he said. If the state government is taking action against MPs for such small matters, parliament will respond with stronger actions, and they will have more tension and problems. Its not good for the future, he said. The state government and parliament should talk, negotiate, and work together for the people. Reported by Min Thein Aung for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. More than 20 residents of a road built near a dyke in Vietnams capital Hanoi turned out on Tuesday to protest local authorities planned confiscation of their homes to make way for a new parking lot and a park, local sources said. The plan, carried out under cover of a larger scheme to enlarge area roads, will evict residents from 139 odd-numbered houses built along one side of the La Thanh Dyke road in Hanois Dong Da District, one resident told RFAs Vietnamese Service on June 6. We have longed for the Beltway No. 1 project to be completed, but this has still not been done, and [these evictions] were never part of the original plan, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. There are already a park and parking lots nearby, the source said. They dont need to build any more. Householders targeted by the district for eviction had not been notified of the plan, and learned they would have to move only when maps showing the areas to be cleared were posted in the neighborhood last year, RFAs source said, adding that residents petitions to Hanoi city authorities for help have so far been ignored. Local authorities should base their project plans on the original documents, the source said. They should abide by the law instead of ignoring area residents and sending misleading reports to higher authorities so they can just do whatever they want. Also speaking to RFA, a woman living in the neighborhood said that men wearing red armbands had harassed and assaulted area residents during earlier protests. Once, they dragged one of our residents away, and we had to protect another person from them, the woman said. They should be able to do these things only under official authority, she said. They cant arrest us just because theyre wearing armbands. On May 19, Hanoi mayor Nguyen Duc Chung promised to meet with area residents in 10 days to discuss their concerns, but never showed, sources said. Another meeting date has now been promised for June 10. Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by An Nguyen. Written in English by Richard Finney. RFE/RL has sharply criticized an Azerbaijani Supreme Court ruling upholding a government ban on the company's Azerbaijani website, calling it a "blunt use of state power to suppress independent media." "We learned in 2014, when Azerbaijani authorities closed our bureau without regard to law or due process, that we, and all independent media, are a target," RFE/RL President Thomas Kent said in a statement on June 5. "This ruling confirms that," Kent said of the June 4 court decision. RFE/RL has now lost two appeals in its efforts to lift the ban on its Azerbaijani Service's website, Azadliq.org, "despite the fact that Azerbaijani authorities have failed in every instance to produce evidence supporting their allegations," the statement said. Azadliq.org has been blocked in Azerbaijan since March 2017 at the instruction of the Prosecutor-General's Office, which has claimed that the website posed a "threat" to the Caspian Sea country's national security. The move, which also affected opposition newspaper Azadliq and Meydan TV as well as two Internet TV programs, has been condemned by rights groups and Western governments. President Ilham Aliyev has ruled the oil-producing former Soviet republic with an iron hand since shortly before his father, Heydar Aliyev, died in 2003 after a decade in power. The Prosecutor-General's Office in Belarus is drafting legislation that would enable the state to prosecute people suspected of spreading "false" information on the Internet. Prosecutor-General Alyaksandr Kanyuk told reporters in Minsk on June 6 that such a bill is "necessary" to prevent libel and curb the spread of false information that "turns public opinion upside down, which leads to big consequences." "We are working on the issue. The Introduction of a hefty fine or criminal prosecution is not ruled out," Kanyuk said. In April, Belarusian lawmakers gave preliminary approval to media-law amendments that would strengthen government control over media and the Internet. That legislation would require that authors of all posts and comments in online forums be identified and that comments be moderated by website owners. It would allow for social networks and other sites to be blocked if found in violation. Critics say they fear authoritarian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's government would use the law as a tool to tighten control over the Internet. With reporting by tut.by and BelTA The British Foreign Office says it is deeply concerned about the welfare of four Ukrainians being held by Russia who are conducting hunger strikes to protest Moscow's detention of Ukrainian political prisoners. Their imprisonment, and that of many more Ukrainians who have been jailed by Russia, appears politically motivated, the Foreign Office said in a statement on June 6. The statement called for the immediate release of Oleh Sentsov, Oleksandr Kolchenko, Oleksandr Shumkov, and Volodymyr Balukh. The Foreign Office said the men were handed lengthy jail sentences for expressing opposition to Moscow's annexation of Ukraines Crimea region following trials that "appeared to fall well short of international standards." "These cases, including over 70 others against Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars, underline the Russian Federation's systematic persecution of those who voice their opposition to Russias illegal annexation of Crimea," the statement said. "Russias control over Crimea remains illegal and illegitimate, and is a flagrant violation of a number of Russia's international commitments," it added, referring to Moscow's seizure of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014. Sentsov, a Ukrainian filmmaker and Crimea native, is serving a 20-year prison term after being convicted on terrorism charges that he and human rights groups say were politically motivated. He started a hunger strike on May 14, demanding the release of 64 Ukrainian citizens he considers political prisoners. A global campaign -- called the #SaveOlegSentsov campaign -- has been organized to demand the release of Sentsov, who is being held in the far-northern Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region. Kolchenko, who was convicted at the same time as Sentsov, is serving a 10-year term. The Memorial Human Rights Center says Shumkov is a political prisoner, adding that "there are strong grounds for believing that [he] was abducted on Ukrainian territory" and taken to Russia when he disappeared in August 2017. Balukh is a pro-Kyiv activist imprisoned by Russian authorities in Crimea on charges of weapons and explosives possession in a case he says was politically motivated. In March 2017, the European Parliament called on Moscow to free more than 30 Ukrainian citizens who were in prison or other conditions of restricted freedom in Russia, Crimea, and parts of eastern Ukraine that are controlled by Russia-backed separatists. French President Emmanuel Macron has warned of the potential for "conflict" after Iran announced plans to boost its uranium-enrichment capacity following the U.S. decision to withdraw from its nuclear deal with world powers. At a press conference with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Paris late on June 5, the French leader called on "everyone to stabilize the situation and not give into this escalation, which would lead to only one thing: conflict." He said that the Iranian decision to expand its nuclear infrastructure did not constitute grounds for quitting the 2015 agreement, which gave Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its uranium enrichment and other nuclear activities. Despite the vows of European leaders to keep honoring their end of the deal, Iran's announcement that it will move toward restarting more intensive uranium-enrichment activities -- even as it vowed to continue adhering to the deal -- showed how close the agreement is to collapsing entirely, Macron said. "It simply shows that when you decide to unilaterally end an accord it does not encourage the other party to respect it," the French leader said in a blunt rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump and his decision to withdraw from the deal. Netanyahu, who originally travelled to Europe this week to defend the U.S. decision, told the news conference that he did not attempt to convince Macron to follow the U.S. example and abandon the deal because he believes it will die from its own weight. "I did not ask President Macron to leave the deal because I think it is basically going to be dissolved by the weight of economic forces," he said. Netanyahu was apparently referring to decisions by Total, Allianz, LUKoil, Reliance, and other global businesses in the last month to reconsider doing business with Iran because of the threat of billion-dollar fines that could be imposed by the United States for violating U.S. sanctions that are due to be reinstated under Trump's decision. France's PSA, which manufactures Peugeot and Citroen cars, this week became the latest major Western business to announce it plans to pull out of Iran, where it sold nearly 445,000 cars last year. Netanyahu said that in his meeting he sought to persuade the French leader to focus on "how to stop Iranian aggression in the region." He claimed Tehran was using the "cash bonanza" from sanctions relief under the nuclear deal to build up its forces in Syria with the intent of using that as a platform for staging attacks on Israel. In his tour of Europe, Netanyahu has warned that the growing presence of Iran's Shi'ite militias and military advisers, along with Shi'ite allies like Lebanon's Hizballah, in a Sunni majority country like Syria has the potential to "spark another religious war" that will send refugees flooding into Europe. Meanwhile, Iran defended its notification to the International Atomic Energy Agency on June 5 that it will soon open a new center for producing new centrifuges to increase its uranium-enrichment capabilities. Iranian Vice President Ali Akbar Salehi, who heads the country's Atomic Energy Organization, said the move was allowed under the nuclear accord, and did not mean Tehran's efforts along with European powers to keep the deal alive "have failed." The European Union said a first assessment indicated the new steps announced by Iran did not constitute a violation of the agreement. "However, at this particularly critical juncture, they will not contribute to build confidence in the nature of the Iranian nuclear program," Maja Kocijancic, spokeswoman for EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini, told AFP. Iran has insisted its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. But Netanyahu insisted Iran's move was aimed at restarting its program to produce nuclear weapons capable of "destroying the state of Israel." "We are not surprised [by Irans announcement]," he said in a video statement. We will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons." With reporting by AFP, AP, BBC, and Reuters Thousands of people protested on June 6 in main cities across Greece against moves to solve a decades-old name row with neighboring Macedonia. Some 2,000 people gathered in Pella, the historical capital of the ancient Macedonian kingdom, in Greece's northern province of Macedonia. However, organizers said they had hoped for twice as many participants. Similar protests organized by the Greek diaspora, clerics, and local officialswere held in more than a dozen cities across the province. Smaller rallies were held in central Greece, and on the islands of Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Kos. The dispute dates back to 1991, when Macedonia peacefully broke away from Yugoslavia, declaring its independence under the name Republic of Macedonia. Athens objected to its neighbor's new name, saying it implied a territorial claim over Greece's province of the same name, which borders the Balkan country. Because of Greek objections, Macedonia was admitted to the United Nations with only a provisional name, Former Yugolsav Republic of Macedonia. Greece, an EU and NATO member, has also cited the dispute to veto Macedonia's bid to join the two organizations. Both countries are under pressure to resolve the dispute, as Western leaders have said the integration of Balkan countries into the EU and NATO is the best way to improve stability in the region. The two sides are now closer to a compromise name that will almost certainly contain the term "Macedonia." After months of renewed discussion, the list of names has narrowed down to "New Macedonia," "Northern Macedonia," and "Upper Macedonia." Several rallies have been held in Greece and Macedonia in recent months against a compromise solution. On June 2, thousands of supporters of Macedonia's rightwing opposition VMRO-DPMNE party took to the streets of the capital, Skopje, to protest against the plans. In Greece, tens of thousands demonstrated in Athens and Thessaloniki earlier this year. With reporting by AP and AFP In a letter to top U.S. administration officials, European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran have asked the United States to spare EU firms doing business with Iran from punitive measures. The foreign and finance ministers of Germany, France, and Britain, as well the European Union foreign-policy chief made the call in a letter, dated June 4, to U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The move comes after President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the deal with Iran early last month, and threatened to reinstate trade sanctions on Iran and impose so-called secondary sanctions on companies that kept doing business with it. European powers are now scrambling to save the agreement, which imposes restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for lifting crippling economic sanctions. "As allies, we expect that the United States will refrain from taking action to harm Europe's security interests," the European officials said in the letter, which French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire posted on Twitter. They singled out key areas they want exempted from U.S. punitive measures, including pharmaceuticals, health care, energy, automotive, civil aviation, infrastructure, and banking. Iran should not be cut out of the SWIFT system for international money transfers, the letter also said. Several major companies such as France's Total and the Netherlands' Maersk have said it will be impossible to stay in Iran once the sanctions are fully reimposed over the next six months, unless they receive explicit exemptions from Washington. News of the European initiative comes a day after Iran said it began work on increasing its uranium-enrichment capacity, in case the 2015 accord collapses. Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization, said on June 5 that the country was developing infrastructure to build advanced centrifuges at the Natanz nuclear facility. The agency has informed the UN atomic agency of the move, but said it would remain within the rules of the deal. A spokesman for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the agency received a letter from Iran on June 4 informing it that there was a "tentative schedule to start production of UF6," referring to uranium hexafluoride, the feedstock for centrifuges. Following Iran's announcement, French President Emmanuel Macron called on "everyone to stabilize the situation and not give into this escalation," saying it "would lead to only one thing: conflict." He said that the Iranian decision to expand its nuclear infrastructure did not constitute grounds for quitting the 2015 agreement. Iran's announcement "shows that when you decide to unilaterally end an accord it does not encourage the other party to respect it," the French president also said in a blunt rebuke to Trump and his decision to withdraw from the deal. On June 6, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that Iran's initiative was "unwelcome." "It is always dangerous to flirt with the red lines, but the initiative taken...remains totally within the framework of the Vienna [nuclear] deal," Le Drian told Europe 1 radio. However, the minister warned that if Tehran were not to abide by the terms of the deal, then Europe would also be forced to pull out and reimpose sanctions. The nuclear agreement, aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, sets strict limits on Iran's uranium enrichment. Tehran insists its nuclear program is entirely peaceful. With reporting by Reuters The United States warned that Washington will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons after Iran announced plans to increase its uranium-enrichment capacity. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued the warning on Twitter late on June 6, saying, "We're watching reports that #Iran plans to increase its enrichment capacity. We won't allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon." Pompeo added that "Iran is aware of our resolve." Pompeo's statement came after Iran said a facility to build advanced centrifuges will be completed in a month at its Natanz nuclear center as part of its plans to increase its uranium-enrichment capacity, under orders from Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, if a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with world power collapses. "After the supreme leader's order, we prepared this center within 48 hours. We hope the facility to be completed in a month," Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, said on June 6 in an interview broadcast on state television. Khamenei and other hard-liners in Iran have questioned whether Iran should continue honoring the nuclear deal after U.S. President Donald Trump's decision last month to withdraw from it and reimpose U.S. sanctions on Iran. In making the move to step up its nuclear enrichment capacity, Iran told the IAEA, the UN's nuclear watchdog, that it was staying within the provisions of the accord. The nuclear deal was designed to set strict limits on Iran's uranium enrichment and other nuclear activities in return for the lifting of international sanctions. The other signatories to the accord -- Britain, France, Russia, China, and Germany -- have said they remain committed to the deal so long as Iran is honoring the agreement. Based on reporting by AP and Reuters New Italian populist Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has said top priorities for his government will be ending illegal immigration and strengthening ties with Russia. "We'll be the advocates of an opening toward Russia," including ending European Union sanctions against Russia that hurt "civil society," Conte said in an address to senators in Rome after the upper chamber of parliament voted to support the new populist coalition government in a 171-to-117 confidence vote on June 5. The lower chamber is also expected to approve the new government in a vote on June 6. Italy's new leaders face two important dates in June, the first being the Group of 7 summit on June 8-9 in Canada. The second, an EU summit in Brussels, is expected to focus on the region's refugee crisis and reforms of the euro currency bloc. "We will promote a review of the sanctions system" in meetings with other EU members, making good on campaign pledges to improve ties with Russia, Conte said. "The truth is that we have created a radical change and we're proud of it." Conte's remarks came as Russian President Vladimir Putin on a visit to neighboring Austria -- where a populist, pro-Russia government also holds power -- said that "everybody has an interest in getting the sanctions lifted -- us too." Putin denied ahead of his trip that his government had been working to promote divisions in Europe by backing right-wing, populist parties that favor closer ties with Moscow. Just this week, George Soros, the Hungarian-American billionaire and philanthropist, questioned whether Russia hadn't provided funding for Italy's Northern League party -- something the party and the Kremlin both strongly denied. "We need to build cooperation with the EU," Putin told Austrian public broadcaster ORF. "We do not aim to divide the EU." For Italy's new government, Conte said the issue of migration would be an early measure of how well it is able to work with other EU members to promote change. He rejected accusations of growing xenophobia in his country. Italy has taken in an estimated 700,000 migrants since 2013, most of whom crossed the Mediterranean Sea from Africa seeking new lives in the EU. Conte's populist government is calling for a more even distribution of the migrants and refugees among all EU members -- something that has been resisted particularly by eastern European states. "We are not racist and we never will be," Conte said. The Italian government will take a stand for the rights of every migrant "who arrives legally in our country," he said. "The political parties that make up the government majority have been accused of being populist and anti-system," Conte said. "If populism is the attitude of listening to people's needs, then we lay a claim to it." During the vote approving the government, senators clapped and cheered, sometimes so loud that the chamber president had to intervene. "There is no need to behave like fans in the stadium," admonished Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati. The populists' 18-member cabinet is a mixture of party politicians and technocrats, five of whom are women. The leader of the right-wing League party, Matteo Salvini, is interior minister, a position that gives him wide say on migration. Salvini told a rally on June 2 that Italy "cannot be Europe's refugee camp," and that the "good life is over" for migrants, who he suggested should "pack their bags." With reporting by AP, AFP, dpa, and Reuters Only a tiny fraction of Iran's lawyers -- 20 so far -- will be allowed to defend citizens accused by the country's secretive, labyrinthine judicial authorities of political crimes, according to local media and legal sources who report seeing the list and a hard-line news agency's report confirming its existence. The dramatic curb on a defendant's right to representation is already being seen in watchdog circles as a fresh threat to Iranians deemed enemies of the clerically dominated leadership. The defense attorneys on the list, from a possible pool of thousands, have reportedly been approved by the hard-line Judiciary to take on clients in so-called Article 48 and Article 302 cases -- national security but also political and media offenses as described in the 3-year-old Criminal Code -- during the investigative stage of proceedings. There was no explanation of the criteria that were used by the Judiciary -- which routinely prosecutes peaceful demonstrators, dual nationals with ties to academic institutions abroad, and government critics -- nor was it clear why it took more than four years from the code's passage, and nearly three years from its implementation, to produce the list. Article 48 requires those charged with "crimes against internal or external security, and in cases involving organized crime, where Article 302 of this code is applicable" -- a reference to jailable offenses or "political and media crimes" -- "during the investigation phase, the parties to the dispute are to select their attorneys from a list approved by the head of the Judiciary." There are no prominent human rights lawyers on the list, or even individuals with independently acknowledged records defending detainees in such politically charged cases. Lawyer Amir Raeisian said in a tweet that authorities had "verbally" informed him and "some colleagues" that they were disallowed from representing such cases not only in the investigative stage but also "in court," which would go well beyond Article 48's wording. Raeisian has defended political detainees that include activist Arash Sadeghi and award-winning filmmaker Keyvan Karimi. Lawyer Seyed Ali Mojtahedzadeh was among those pointing out that one of the Judiciary-approved lawyers, Abdolreza Mohabati, acted as a deputy prosecutor during the much-maligned mass trials held for people detained during mass protests that followed the disputed 2009 reelection of conservative President Mahmud Ahmadinejad. The court sessions and televised confessions resulted overwhelmingly in convictions and were widely dismissed by rights groups and other critics as "show trials." Tehran-based human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh told RFE/RLs Radio Farda in a telephone interview that political detainees in Iran will be completely denied of the right to defense as a result of the list. Sotoudeh, who has been pressured and jailed in the past for taking up sensitive cases, said defense lawyers have been the only hope of "independent" and "honest" defense for many of those facing politically charged accusations. The plaintiff in political cases is either the Intelligence Ministry or the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, meaning its either a security body or a military one -- and both create fear and intimidation for the defendants," said Sotoudeh. The list puts defendants entirely in the hands of the establishment, Sotoudeh said: The defendant will be surrounded by elements and bodies of the state; the plaintiff, the judge, and the lawyer are all approved by the state." Human Rights Watch (HRW) researcher Tara Sepehrifar said the list is just the latest example of the Iranian Judiciarys interference with detainees rights. The right to access a lawyer of your choosing is one of the most important safeguards against abuses in detention. Yet like other rights, Irans Judiciary is busy eroding laws designed to protect Iranian citizens, Sepehrifar wrote on June 5. An unnamed judiciary source was quoted by the hard-line Tasnim news agency on June 4 as saying the list that was being circulated was only for Tehran and that similar lists would be issued for other provinces. Meanwhile, the head of the Tehrans provincial Justice Department, Gholam Hossein Esmaili, was quoted by Iranian media as saying the list was not final but was issued to prevent a delay in the processing of judicial cases. Radio Farda broadcaster Elahe Ravanshad contributed to this report. NATO defense ministers have agreed to moves to protect the alliance and its allies against increased threats from Russia and to bolster combat readiness by easing the transport of troops across Europe in the event of a crisis. The measures agreed to on June 7 in Brussels would reinforce NATO's presence in a potential European crisis with the deployment of 30 troop battalions, 30 squadrons of aircraft, and 30 warships within 30 days -- the so-called "Four 30s" plan. NATO defense ministers also set staffing levels of more than 1,200 personnel for new commands covering the Atlantic Ocean, handling logistics during any conflict on mainland Europe. They will be based in Norfolk, Virginia, and Ulm, Germany. Full details were not revealed of the U.S.-designed plan, set to be in place by 2020. "We have decided further steps to strengthen our shared security and boost defense and deterrence against threats from any direction," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters. He said the two commands will help "ensure we have the right forces in the right place at the right time." He said a day earlier that the move was not "about setting up or deploying new forces -- it is about boosting the readiness of existing forces across each and every ally," Stoltenberg said. The Brussels ministers meeting was designed to help finalize an agenda ahead of a full NATO summit of leaders that will take place in five weeks. "The decisions we have taken today pave the way for a successful summit in July, with more investment, more equitable burden-sharing, and a strengthened defense posture," Stoltenberg said. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has criticized NATO allies for perceived shortfalls in defense spending, is scheduled to attend the summit. The United States and European allies also have differences over trade issues and the U.S. decisions to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate accord. But Stoltenberg said the United States remained committed to European defense. "Many ministers highlighted the importance of NATO unity and that we have to stay united, especially when we see that Russia tries to divide us," Stoltenberg said. "We have disagreements between NATO allies, but we stand together in NATO when it comes to the core task of NATO...to protect each other," he added. Relations between Moscow and NATO remain at their lowest levels in years, severely damaged in 2014 following Russias annexation of Ukraines Crimea Peninsula and its aid for separatists in eastern Ukraine. Russias support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and North Koreas Kim Jong Un have also helped raise tensions between East and West. Meanwhile, Stoltenberg unveiled higher expenditure estimates for NATO in 2018, saying defense spending by European governments, Turkey, and Canada is expected to rise by 3.82 percent. If fulfilled, it would mark the fourth year in a row of hikes and would represent an $87.3 billion increase since 2015. With reporting by AP, Reuters, and dpa Naser Oric, the Bosnian Muslim commander who defended Srebrenica during the 1990s war, faces a new trial for alleged war crimes after an earlier acquittal was overturned, his lawyer says. Lawyer Lejla Covic told AFP on June 6 that the Sarajevo-based Court of Bosnia-Herzegovina has ordered the retrial for the 51-year-old former commander. Covic said she was told the acquittal was "quashed due to serious violation of criminal proceedings," but did not provide further details. The court confirmed the ruling, AFP reported, although a date for a new trial was not disclosed. The acquittal of former Bosnian Army soldier Sabahudin Muhic was also overturned and a new trial ordered. A Bosnian court in October 2017 acquitted Oric and Muhic of killing three Serb prisoners of war in the Bratunac and Srebrenica area during the 1992-95 Bosnian War, in which more than 100,000 people were killed. Oric is seen as a hero by many Bosnian Muslims for his role in defending Srebrenica, which in July 1995 fell to Bosnian Serb troops who killed more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys in what is considered Europe's worst atrocity since World War II. In a separate case in 2006, the International Criminal Tribunal (ICTY) for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague convicted Oric of failing to prevent men under his command from killing and mistreating Bosnian Serb prisoners in 1992-93. But he was immediately released because he had already served time in pretrial detention. In 2008, the UN court's appeals chamber overturned the verdict, ruling that prosecutors had not proved that Oric had control over the men in his command. Unhappy with the acquittal, Belgrade in 2014 launched an international warrant over the killing of Serb civilians near Srebrenica in 1992, leading to his arrest in Switzerland in 2015. Belgrade demanded that Oric be sent to Serbia for trial, but Swiss authorities extradited him to Bosnia, citing the fact that Oric is a Bosnian citizen. Oric and Muhic were acquitted of the charges in October 2017 when the judge ruled that the testimony of a protected witness lacked credibility and was contradictory. With reporting by AFP, Balkan Insight, and the BBC Authorities in a Pakistani tribal region have expanded a 24-hour curfew to avert further deadly clashes between local militants and Pashtun rights activists. Tensions have been high in South Waziristan since at least four people were reported killed and 25 wounded in Wana, the regions main town, in June 3 clashes involving activists from the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) and alleged Taliban-linked militants. Officials said on June 6 that 80 people have since been arrested, while curfew was extended from Wana to other parts of South Waziristan. Land telephone lines and mobile phone lines were not responding, according to residents. A local health official said that as many as seven people were killed in the violence, which erupted after PTM supporters were stopped by a local militant group from holding a gathering to welcome one of their leaders, Ali Wazir. The PTM say the members of the group have ties with a Taliban faction that has covert support from Pakistan's military. They also say that the military will be held responsible if anything happened to Wazir. Wazir is reportedly encircled by militants in Wana, and the PTM alleges that security forces did not act to ensure his safety. The Pakistani Army has said the area is clear of militants. A military spokesman said on June 4 that a government-sponsored "peace committee" had clashed with the PTM members and that paramilitary forces had stopped the fighting. The PTM has been holding rallies across Pakistan since the beginning of the year, protesting against what they say are human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings by security forces in the tribal regions. They allege collusion between security forces and some Taliban factions, which officials deny. With reporting by AFP A Pakistani-British journalist and rights activist who openly criticized Pakistan's military for allegedly meddling in politics was freed early on June 6, several hours after being abducted, her family and colleagues said. The journalist, Gul Bukhari has been a vocal critic of Pakistan's powerful military on social media in the run-up to the July 25 general election. She has also defended former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who has clashed with the military before the Supreme Court forced him from office last year. Bukhari's abduction by unknown men occurred one day after a military spokeman warned at a press conference that it was monitoring citizens who criticize Pakistan, amid a growing crackdown on free speech in the country. Bukhari was on her way to record a TV program on June 5 on a late-night news show when her vehicle was intercepted in the eastern city of Lahore and she was taken away, her husband and media colleagues said. "She is back and she is fine," Ali Nadir, Bukhari's husband, told media, when she was released. In a statement later released by a family member, Gul Bukhari thanked friends and colleagues for their support, adding, "I am well, and would request privacy at this stage." Earlier, Muhammad Gulsher, who is a producer on the Waqt news program where Bukhari was to appear as a guest, raised alarm about her abduction. He said that, according to Bukhari's driver, a group of pick-up trucks stopped her vehicle and men in plainclothes put a black mask on her face and dragged her away, while other men in "army uniforms" stood guard. Pakistan's military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The British High Commission in Islamabad said on Twitter that it was "very concerned" at reports of Bukhari's abduction, adding that it was "reaching out with consular assistance." Bukhari's abduction for several hours drew widespread outrage on social media. Many activists immediately blamed the military, saying it was part of the army's efforts to stifle dissent. "If true, this would be a most audacious attempt to silence a known critic. Is this Pakistan or Kims North Korea or Sisis Egypt?" tweeted Syed Talat Hussain, a prominent journalist. Maryam Nawaz, daughter of former prime minister, said it was "extremely disturbing" and the "worst kind of oppression." "I hope better sense prevails and she returns unharmed. This is simply not acceptable," she tweeted. The Committee to Protect Journalists said it was "alarmed" by the report of Bukhari's abduction, and called on police to ensure her return. "Pakistani journalists have seen enough tragedy," the journalism watchdog group tweeted. Several social-media activists have been kidnapped in Pakistan in the past year in what rights activists say were attempts to intimidate and silence critics of Pakistans security establishment. Five Pakistani bloggers went missing for several weeks before four of them were released. All four fled abroad and at least two afterward told media that they were tortured by a state intelligence agency during their disappearance. The military has staunchly denied playing a role in any enforced disappearances, as has the civilian government. In the run-up to the polls, media houses have complained of growing censorship by the military establishment. In the past six months, Bukhari, who has 69,000 Twitter followers, has penned several critical articles for the Nation newspaper about Pakistan's military and the judiciary, accusing them of overstepping their constitutional mandate and trying to interfere in the political process. With reporting by AFP and Reuters Scientists have been concerned for decades about potentially catastrophic wildfires inside the exclusion zone around the defunct Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine -- the site in 1986 of the world's worst nuclear accident. That's because trees and brush in the zone have absorbed radioactive particles that can be released into the air by the smoke of a wildfire. Not surprisingly, some experts are skeptical about Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroysman's claim on Facebook that "there's no need to worry" about a June 5 blaze that raced through the so-called Red Forest -- one of the most contaminated patches of forest near Chernobyl. 'Don't Worry' "Radiation levels are safe" in Kyiv and at Chernobyl itself, Hroysman said, shortly after administrators of Chernobyl's exclusion zone announced that radiation levels had not risen inside the zone or in adjoining areas. Nuclear-safety experts say the real risk posed by Chernobyl wildfires is the "resuspension" of existing contaminants into the air and the dispersal of radiation to nearby areas by the wind. With a big enough wildfire, scientists have concluded, radioactive contamination could be spread as far from Chernobyl as Britain. For the 130 firefighters working to extinguish the latest blaze just 10 kilometers from the ruins of the Chernobyl nuclear plant, experts say the health risks from exposure to radioactive smoke are significant. Recurring Wildfires Wildfires have become a regular occurrence in the exclusion zone in recent years. That's because the area has not been farmed or controlled by human management for so long that brush and young trees have grown out of control -- creating a ready fuel supply for blazes. The worst outbreak so far was in April 2015 when a wildfire raged for four days within 20 kilometers of Chernobyl and consumed some 400 hectares of brush and trees -- sending radioactive smoke hundreds of meters into the air. Ukrainian nuclear inspectors did measure an increase in the radioactive element Cesium-137 during the 2015 blaze -- reaching a level about 10 times "above the norm." An international study in 2014 concluded that the release of Cesium-137 from "hypothetical" wildfires in Chernobyl's forests would be classified as "high" on the International Nuclear Events Scale (INES) -- a tool used to communicate the safety significance of nuclear and radiological events to the public. Other studies have shown that radioactive smoke landing on crops even 150 kilometers from a fire can concentrate radiation in food to the point that it is harmful to eat. Compared to the 400 hectares of forest that burned in 2015, the latest blaze is small -- involving only about 12 hectares of forest. But the fire ravaged Chernobyl's highly contaminated Red Forest -- which got its moniker because all the pine trees there died from radiation in 1986, turning the landscape ginger-brown. Dead "Red Forest" John Large, an independent nuclear safety expert in Britain who has closely followed the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, describes the Red Forest as one of the places that suffered the highest concentration of radioactive fallout from the initial explosion and fire at the nuclear plant in 1986. "When the radioactivity was being released in one phase of the disaster, that's where it came down...the initial stages where the heavier elements came down," he explained. "Remember that the Soviets' immediate response to Chernobyl was to try to cover it up, literally, by burying the waste in ad hoc and expedient measures," he said. Those hasty, initial steps in 1986 did not prevent the radioactivity from becoming concentrated in later forest growth, Large said. "Nuclear regulatory authorities, dare I say particularly in Eastern Europe, tend to be very guarded about what they say, the amount of information that is released, the availability and the transparency and particularly the accountancy of the actions taken," Large told RFE/RL. "Information is not particularly forthcoming, so it's difficult to assess." Somehow the fastest three-year-old pacer in North America is heading into Saturday's 2018 Pepsi North America Cup eliminations flying somewhat under the radar. So for Courtly Choice, this could be his coming-out party. After wins in both of his sophomore tests thus far, the three-year-old son of Art Major faces his toughest test to date in Saturday's third and final North America Cup elim. While it's the only nine-horse field, there's an apparent depth in those nine pacers. From the rail out, the competition includes 2017 Dan Patch Award winner Lost In Time (PP1, Scott Zeron), seasonally unbeaten Lather Up (PP2, Montrell Teague) and Indiana invader Shnitzledosomethin (PP5, Peter Wrenn). Throw in New York Sire Stakes star Hitman Hill (PP6, Brett Miller) and a hard-closing dark horse in St Lads Neptune (PP7, Jody Jamieson) to the inside of Courtly Choice and the stage is set for one surefire sophomore slugfest this Saturday. "That's a deep nine-horse field, for sure," trainer and co-owner Blake MacIntosh admitted to Trot Insider on Tuesday. "That's a tough bunch and we drew the outside... s#!t happens. But it doesn't matter, we'd have to beat them anyway. No big deal." Perhaps that easy-going yet professional attitude emanating from MacIntosh is rubbing off on his sophomore star. As a two-year-old, Courtly Choice had the speed to compete with the best in harness racing but he lacked the right attitude, according to his conditioner. "He set the track record at Saratoga [1:53.1h], and then he got tortured his next start at Vernon. Then he got a little pouty for a little bit, and then raced good, then just raced OK. He wasnt a very mature two-year-old; he was sort of worried about everything else but racing. He always had the talent and the speed; he just didnt put his mind to it. Courtly Choice, winning at Saratoga in 2017 Courtly Choice, winning at Saratoga in 2017 "Now this year he seems to have matured a lot, and put his mind to it and really settled down and not worried about everything thats walking by and wanting to talk to them, scream at them, yell at them. Hes a bit more of a gentleman this year than he was last year." It's that promise of talent that prompted MacIntosh to invest in the Winbak Farm-bred yearling son of Art Major from the Camtastic mare Lady Ashlee Ann. She's produced two millionaires -- Ashlees Big Guy and O'Brien Award winner Betterthancheddar. MacIntosh's knowledge of Betterthancheddar and his progress as a racehorse certainly provided him with some sage insight into the potential nature of Courtly Choice. "I knew he had it - or I thought he had it. I just hoped he would mature into a nice horse. Betterthancheddar wasnt really a two-year-old - he had health problems - but he was sort of immature as a two-year-old, too. So I just figure the family always usually got better with age, and for him to do what he did at two, he should be that much better at three." Fortunately for MacIntosh, his owners have allowed him to bring Courtly Choice along at his own pace. MacIntosh co-owns the colt with Touch Stone Farms, Daniel Plouffe and Joe Thomson's Hutt Racing Stable. "Joes never pressured me. Ive had horses for him for five years and, if anything, hes more laid back than any owner Ive ever had. He gives them more time than any owner youll ever have. Theres no pressure ever from him. Mr. and Mrs. Thomson are just amazing like that: theyre very patient with their horses, they love their horses, and they let you do whatever you need to do and whats best for the horse." Courtly Choice - May 19, 2018 That patience appears to be paying off. In two starts as a three-year-old, Courtly Choice boasts a pair of wins and has closed each mile with ferocity. In fact, all four of his on-track appearances in 2018 have boasted final quarters in the 26-second range. And that most recent mile in 1:48.4 -- a Vernon Downs track record -- was possibly slowed by a break in stride leaving the gate. "He hasnt really been challenged yet. Leaving out there he made a break, but Dave [Miller] hadnt driven him before, and he just tapped him on the bum there and he didnt really pace forward... hes a bit lazy. He gave him a bit of a harder tap the next time, sort of goosed himself, and thats why he made the break. Hes still a little green; hes learning more every time he goes out there, and getting better and better. Im really happy with him. "He recovered pretty quickly... he probably lost two or three lengths and then came back on and just kept marching to the front." Heading into the North America Cup elims, Courtly Choice will march to the front for a training mile at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Wednesday morning and then jog the other days. And if there's more anticipation for this race than others, it's not just because it's the richest race for three-year-olds: it's a rare Grand Circuit stop mapped out for Courtly Choice in 2018. "We race a lot on the New York Sire Stakes; its a good circuit. That and Ontario are the two best circuits," stated MacIntosh. "I wanted to pay him into the Cup, but I didnt want to overstake him in case he didnt mature into what I thought hed be. I paid him into the Breeders Crown because he was eligible, and its at the end of the year. We paid him into Lexington last year, and this year we never paid him into Lexington, because youve got so many stake payments as it is, and youve got to watch it. "If everything goes right, he goes to the Hempt at Pocono, and then from there hes got a New York Sire Stakes and then hes got the Empire Breeders Classic. After that, pretty much just New York Sire Stakes and Breeders Crown. I didnt pay him in the [Meadowlands] Pace or the Jug, because the NYSS Super Finals are the same night as the Jug, so it wasnt going to work out." MacIntosh wasn't surprised to see three divisions for the Somebeachsomewhere or the North America Cup, given that the glamour boy group doesn't have a horse that he feels has shown he's head and shoulders above the rest. "Nothing against anybody else, but theres no real standout, no dominant horse that people are scared of. With [Lost In Time and Stay Hungry] getting beat down at Pocono that night, everybody sort of thought to take a chance. Why not? I dont blame them." In fact, MacIntosh decided to enter another horse in the N.A. Cup elims, Rootin Tootin. He'll head to the gate in the first $50,000 elim from post seven with driver Mark MacDonald and face nine rivals. MacIntosh also co-owns Rootin Tootin with Stuart McIntosh, Fred Brayford and Robert Mac Neil. "That's another tough bunch, not an easy race either, and another one I wish we would have drawn the inside a bit more as his game is more up front and chasing the pace," said MacIntosh. "We'll see what happens; he's a game little guy and he gives you his all every time. "He got caught a little too far back last time and got taken out of the race around the last turn. Dave's horse (American Vision) kind of stopped on him, he had to three-wide early." In addition to his 'Cup' contenders, MacIntosh will send out a pair of distaffers in hopes of competing on the June 16 undercard. Pacing filly Ubettorgo Go (PP1, Mark MacDonald) is set to compete in the second of two $35,000 Fan Hanover eliminations and pacing mare Clear Idea (PP7, M. MacDonald) will go postward in the first of two $35,000 Roses Are Red elims. Ubettergo Go, winning at Tioga Downs Ubettergo Go, winning at Tioga Downs Giving him a sweep of the sophomore speed badges thus far, Ubettergo Go is the fastest three-year-old pacing filly of 2018 by virtue of her 1:50f mile at Tioga Downs on June 3. She's an Art Major filly co-owned by MacIntosh along with Tony Basile, Reg Petitpas and Ozzie Mackay. "We hit [Youaremycandygirl] and what looks like probably the tougher of the two divisions," surmised MacIntosh. "If Go Go is right and on her game, she'll give them all they can handle. Her and Candygirl will likely have to battle all year in the NYSS, and they'll have to battle on Saturday." Clear Idea may only have one win in 12 seasonal starts but she hasn't missed a cheque in her last 10 starts while racing against Open and Preferred competition for MacIntosh and co-owner Hutt Racing. "Clear is a game little filly who doesn't miss the top three that often. I expect her to advance to the final and make us some money." Having solid contenders for some of harness racing's most sought-after events is a dream for any participant, and the enormity of the evening isn't lost on MacIntosh. "I've never had this many talented horses to be able to do this, and it's an honour. Let's just hope everything goes right, things work out in our favour and we have four racing next Saturday." To view the harness racing entries for Saturday at Woodbine Mohawk Park, click the following link: Saturday Entries Woodbine Mohawk Park. To access a free, printable program for Woodbine Mohawk Parks Saturday card of racing, courtesy of TrackIT, click here. France's foreign minister says Paris opposes any quick rethink of European sanctions imposed on Russia over its aggression of Ukraine, insisting that their lifting be conditioned on advances in the peace process in Ukraine. Jean-Yves Le Drian made the comments on June 6, after the incoming prime minister of Italy said he would push for a review of the EU sanctions that were imposed over Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. "When we make progress [on ending the Ukrainian conflict] then we can start to raise the question of the sanctions and that is what we will tell Italy," Le Drian told France's Europe 1 radio. Addressing senators in Rome, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on June 5 he will advocate "an opening toward Russia" and "promote a review of the sanctions system." Conte spoke after the upper chamber of parliament voted to support his new populist coalition government. The lower chamber was expected to also approve the new government in a vote on June 6. His remarks came as Russian President Vladimir Putin on a visit to neighboring Austria -- where one of the more Russia-friendly governments in the EU holds power -- said that "everybody has an interest in getting the sanctions lifted -- us too." The sanctions, as well as a drop in oil prices, contributed to a two-year economic recession in Russia. 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 in eastern Ukraine. The foreign ministers of Germany, France, Ukraine, and Russia are scheduled to gather in Berlin on June 11 to try to revive the peace process aimed at putting an end to the violence. 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 AFP Three spacefarers have blasted off from the Russian-leased Baikonur launch facility in Kazakhstan for a six-month mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The Soyuz spaceship carrying Sergei Prokopyev of Russia, Germanys Alexander Gerst, and Serena Aunon-Chancellor of the United States was scheduled to orbit the Earth for about two days before docking with the orbital laboratory on June 8. The trio representing Roskosmos, NASA, and the European Space Agency will conduct research. The ISS, which is orbiting 400 kilometers above the Earth, is currently manned by three astronauts, including two Americans and one Russian. Station commander Drew Feustel and flight engineers Ricky Arnold and Oleg Artemyev have been living in space since March. They have been preparing for a June 14 spacewalk. Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroysman has announced that he wants to dismiss Finance Minister Oleksandr Danylyuk, who says Hroysman's move is politically motivated. Hroysman wrote on Facebook on June 6 that he had submitted a motion to parliament for Danylyuk's dismissal, whom he accused of spreading "distorted information amid our international partners." Danylyuk, 42, a respected reformer backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has been known for his anticorruption measures meant to reform Ukraine's fiscal and customs services. The two officials have been at odds since Hroysman rejected Danylyuk's candidate for deputy minister in charge of tax policy on May 23. Danylyuk then accused Hroysman of favoring candidates chosen by President Petro Poroshenko's inner circle and wrote a letter describing his grievances to the G7 group of nations. Danylyuk wrote on Facebook on June 6 that he had been asked to support "political corruption" or to quit. "I had faced colossal pressure over the past year.... I was given a choice -- either leave or become an accomplice.... I will not sell out my country," Danylyuk wrote, adding that he wanted to address lawmakers. International financial institutions have provided Ukraine with billions of dollars to support its stricken economy. Corruption was among top reasons that prompted Ukrainians to take to the streets and oust a Moscow-friendly regime in 2014 but it remains a major problem despite Poroshenko's promises to tackle it. On June 7, Ukrainian lawmakers are scheduled to vote on the creation of a new anticorruption court, a key condition in order for the IMF to distribute more aid to Ukraine. The United States has highlighted the importance of establishing an independent anticorruption court in Ukraine. In a statement issued on June 5, the U.S. State Department said, "the establishment of a genuinely independent anticorruption court is the most important, immediate step the government can take to meet those demands and roll back corruption that continues to threaten Ukraines national security, prosperity, and democratic development." The IMF also says that an anticorruption court will be a "benchmark" of Ukraine's progress toward Western legal standards, and has said it would help ease the release of its loans in the future. Western officials say Ukraine will be far better equipped to resist interference from Russia -- which seized Ukraine's Crimean region in 2014 and backs separatist militants who hold parts of two eastern provinces -- if it takes serious steps to combat corruption. With reporting by Reuters and AFP A U.S. judge has ordered President Donald Trump's former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, to respond to the government's bid to revoke his release ahead of trial and set a June 15 hearing on the matter. The U.S. District Court judge on June 5 gave Manafort's team until June 8 to respond to Special Counsel Robert Mueller's accusation that he attempted to tamper with potential witnesses -- a charge Mueller cited in asking the court to revoke or revise an order releasing Manafort ahead of his trial. Manafort's spokesman Jason Maloni denied the allegation on June 5, saying his client is "innocent" and "we will do our talking in court." Mueller is investigating ties between Russia and Trump's 2016 election campaign. Manafort has been the most senior official indicted in the investigation and faces charges ranging from money-laundering and failing to register as a foreign agent to tax fraud. Manafort has pleaded not guilty. Mueller's team in his latest court filing on June 4 accused Manafort and a close associate of trying to communicate with two people from the "Hapsburg" public relations firm they had worked with to promote the interests of Ukraine prior to 2014. Mueller alleges that the communications, which allegedly took place in February and are barred under terms of his release, amounted to an effort to influence the potential witnesses' testimony and conceal evidence. Mueller's court filing did not name Manafort's associate, only referring to him as "Person A." The Associated Press reported that Person A is likely Konstantin Kilimnik, an aide to Manafort both during the campaign and when he worked as a consultant to the government of Viktor Yanukovych, the Moscow-friendly Ukrainian president who was ousted and fled to Russia in 2014. U.S. prosecutors have said in court filings that Person A has ties to Russian intelligence. Based on reporting by AP and Reuters Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Army will continue to respect the ongoing Ramzan ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir but asserted that no unprovoked attack from across the border will go unanswered as the forces have been given the right to hit back. Sitharaman, addressing a press conference on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the NDA government, said the Army was given the right to adequately respond to any cross-border attacks or unprovoked firing. Forces have been given the right to hit back Advertisement Notwithstanding India's announcement of Ramzan ceasefire and talks between the Director General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries, there have been incidents of cross-border firing along the Line of Control and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir and nearly a dozen grenade attacks by militants within a week in the Valley. "It is our duty to keep our borders safe. We shall be alert and ensure that no unprovoked attacks go without us responding. It is the duty of the defence ministry and the forces to keep India safe," Sitharaman said. The minister was responding to questions on the firing along the Indo-Pak border despite the two sides agreeing to a truce. Sitharaman said the Army was taken on board before the Home Ministry announced the ceasefire in the troubled state. Replying to another question, the defence minister said it is not her ministry's role to determine whether the ongoing Ramzan ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir has been successful or not. An occasion of the fourth anniversary of the NDA government Advertisement "We honor the ceasefire. We have been given room to hit back when there is an unprovoked attack. The Defence ministry's role is not to assess whether a ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir has been successful or not," she said. Asked whether the ceasefire will be extended, she said, "It is only announced for Ramzan." The government had announced the suspension of operations against militants during the period of Ramzan, which started from May 17. On the possibility of engaging Pakistan in dialogue, Sitharaman reiterated External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's comments that talks and terror cannot go hand-in-hand. The LoC has been witnessing increasing hostilities in the last few months. A total of 908 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan Army were reported till last week in the current year as against 860 incidents during 2017, defence sources in New Delhi said. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Advertisement Last week, the DGMOs of India and Pakistan had agreed to "fully implement" the ceasefire pact of 2003 in "letter and spirit" forthwith to stop cross-border firings in Jammu and Kashmir. President Ramnath Kovind President Ramnath Kovind would come to Tripura tomorrow for a two-day visit during which he would declare the 'Queen' variety of pineapple as the state fruit, officials said here today. The declaration of state fruit would be made at a civic reception organized by the state government in honor of the President tomorrow evening. Kovind would land at the Agartala airport earlier in the day and leave for Udaipur, the headquarters of Gomati district 55 km from here, in a helicopter. 'Queen' variety of pineapple as the state fruit Advertisement He would inaugurate a 6 km long road from Udaipur town to Tripurasundari temple, considered one of the 51 Shaktipiths of the country, officials said. The President would also visit the temple and offer Puja there before returning to the Rajbhavan here. The civic reception would be held at 6 pm. Kovind would return to Delhi the next morning, officials said. Report: 9 civilians injured in 33 Saudi-led airstrikes over 24 hours [06/June/2018] SANAA, June 6 (Saba) Nine civilians, including two women, when the US-backed Saudi-led aggression coalition launched 33 airstrikes and ground attacks on several provinces of Yemen during 24 hours, according to reports combined by Saba News Agency on Wednesday. In the capital Sanaa, nine civilians, including two women were injured in three airstrikes targeted Eastern Jiraf neighborhood. Also in the capital, three airstrikes targeted Bakwan Gas Company in Hadah area. In Saada province, the warplanes launched 11 airstrikes hit Atfain, three airstrikes on Bowea area, and an airstrike on Adhiaq area of Kutaf district. Also in Saada, the fighter jets waged Two airstrike on a main road of Maran area in Haidan district, and two airstrikes on Azhur area of Razih bored district. Meanwhile, artillery and missile shells were fired toward several areas of Munabeh and Baqem districts. In Sanaa province, an airstrike was waged on Nehm district. In Jawf province, the warplanes launched three airstrikes on Mutun district. Meanwhile, Katuysha rockets of Saudi- back militias were fired toward residents' homes in Mlaha village and Zughnah of Maslub district. In Hodeida province, two airstrikes were waged on Japan area of Hali district. In Amran province, the warplanes of aggression launched two raids on Ashmah area of Harf-Sufian district. Written by Sameera Hassn Saba Racing regulators in Indiana have announced that the state commission will begin imposing penalties for any colt, gelding or stallion that tests positive for Altrenogest, which is also known to some as 'Regumate' or Regu-Mate. Altrenogest (brand name Regu-Mate) is sold as an oral progestin used to suppress estrus in mares. Altrenogest is classified by the Association of Racing Commissioners Internationals Uniform Classification Guidelines as a drug Class 4 and penalty Class C substance. Effective July 15, 2018, the Indiana Horse Racing Commission will impose penalties for any colt, gelding or stallion testing positive for Altrenogest. In conformation with ARCI guidelines, the use of Altrenogest in mares will be permitted. If you are currently utilizing this medication for your male horses, the Indiana commission is encouraging you to stop, as the withdrawal period can be lengthy. The commission would like to remind trainers that they have the option to send blood samples from any horse in their stable to be tested through Industrial Laboratories Therapeutic Medication Research Program. Information regarding the program can be obtained by visiting the IHRCs website. (With files from the IHRC) A world's first QUT-led study has used artificial intelligence to analyse regional personality characteristics estimated solely from language patterns in 1.5 billion Twitter posts and uncover hotspots and cold spots of entrepreneurial personality and activity across the US. QUT's Associate Professor Martin Obschonka from the Australian Centre for Entrepreneurship Research teamed up with researchers from the London School of Economics and Political Science, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Mannheim. Their paper, Big Data, artificial intelligence and the geography of entrepreneurship in the United States has just been published online via the Centre for Economic Policy Research (London, UK) and the Center for Open Science (Charlottesville, USA). Study analyses 1.5 billion Twitter tweets from the US across 1,772 counties (representing 95 per cent of the US mainland population) for differences in entrepreneurial personality, defined as a local patterns of high extraversion, conscientiousness, openness, and low agreeableness and neuroticism (an entrepreneurial constellation of the Big Five personality traits) The language of Twitter used in a region reveals information on the personality structure and economic vitality of the region's population Large hotspots of entrepreneurial personality (larger areas consistently scoring high in entrepreneurial personality): Belt on the East Coast, spanning from Massachusetts all the way to Florida, Colorado around Denver / Boulder, San Francisco / Bay Area, and South California, Gulf Coast regions of Louisiana and Mississippi Large cold spots of entrepreneurial personality (larger areas consistently scoring low in entrepreneurial personality:): Rust Belt, Southern Texas, Central California Professor Obschonka said the study proved a Twitter-based personality estimate is as successful in predicting local differences in actual entrepreneurial activity (e.g., local start-up rates) as regional personality data collected by means of millions of standard personality tests. "What we have discovered here is that social media -- how language is used in Twitter -- is a reliable marker of economic vitality in a region," Professor Obschonka said. "We have examined Twitter data from a large project at the University of Pennsylvania. This project analysed 1.5 billion US tweets and other social media data to train a machine learning model that can estimate regional personality characteristics by analysing language patterns typically used on social media in a region. "So far, studies examining regional differences in personality and meaningful effects on regional outcomes such as economic performance, well-being, health, or voting behaviour had to rely on costly and resource-consuming questionnaire studies that require millions of people to fill out long online personality tests. "We wanted to test whether we find similar results, in our case effects of local personality on entrepreneurship, when using regional personality estimates generated by an artificial intelligence method, based on publicly available social media data such as tweets. "The answer is yes. The US map of the Twitter-based local measure of entrepreneurial personality and the US map of the actual start-up rates show impressive overlap. We found substantial positive correlations between regional Twitter-based entrepreneurial personality and actual start-ups rates, and these correlations were robust when considering local economic conditions such as level of education, unemployment rate, and industry composition. "More importantly, we find very similar or even higher correlations between regional differences in Twitter-based measures of entrepreneurial personality and entrepreneurial activity than in prior self-report studies analysing millions of personality tests." Professor Obschonka would now like to examine similar data in Australia, Europe and elsewhere. "It seems that we stand at the dawn of a new era where we do not have to wait any longer until millions of people fill out long personality questionnaires to understand the local concentration of entrepreneurially-minded people, and local mechanisms such as entrepreneurship and innovation," he said. "Instead, by means of artificial intelligence methods we can simply analyse existing, publicly-available social media data such as billions of tweets to study local personality differences and their relevance for the well-being and prosperity of whole regions." In one of the first studies to examine the effect of both socioeconomic status and neighborhoods on children's health, researchers at San Francisco State University and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) found that living in higher opportunity neighborhoods may protect children from some of the negative health impacts associated with growing up poor. Children's health experts have long known that children from low-income families are more likely to experience lower birth weight, higher rates of injury, childhood obesity, chronic stress and poorer overall health. Researchers have also long known that broader environmental concerns -- such as polluted air -- can have negative health impacts, including diseases like asthma. But until recently, not as much has been known about the influence of neighborhoods. "We know that income is one of the biggest social determinants of health and that it gets more impactful over the life span. So anything that can offset the negative effects of one's personal or family income -- besides raising your income -- is notable and important," said San Francisco State Assistant Professor of Psychology Melissa Hagan. Hagan, UCSF lead author Danielle Roubinov and three other UCSF researchers studied 338 kindergarten-aged children from six public schools in the San Francisco Bay Area. They took saliva samples during the fall and spring to measure the children's levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. They analyzed parent income and education to evaluate socioeconomic status and used the Childhood Opportunity Index (developed by Brandeis University and Ohio State University) to assess neighborhood quality and opportunities like green spaces, social services and schools. In the fall, the researchers found that children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds living in neighborhoods with fewer opportunities had higher cortisol levels than children from neighborhoods with more opportunities. In the spring, they found that these same children were in poorer physical health -- as evaluated by teachers and parents -- than children who lived in higher opportunity neighborhoods, but their cortisol levels were not as high as in the fall. Hagan says that could be because many children experience higher stress levels at the beginning of the school year than at the end. Still, their cortisol levels were higher than in children from neighborhoods with more resources. "What's most important is demonstrating the ways in which income and economic resources can act on health at different levels," said Hagan. "If children who are living in low-income families can be supported by being in a community that offers appropriate resources, it's pretty notable that their physical health can benefit." Catholics Converge in Manhattan Against Sacrilegious Met 'Heavenly Bodies' Exhibit Contact: Robert Ritchie, 717-309-1990, reritchie@gmail.com NEW YORK, June 6, 2018 / Standard Newswire / -- Lay Catholics from eleven states will attend a Reparation Crusade against the heavily sacrilegious exhibit called "Heavenly Bodies: The Catholic Imagination and Fashion" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) on Saturday, June 9th.The exhibit includes a sexual bondage mask covered in Rosary beads, plus revealing women's clothes modeled after clerical vestments with images of Catholic saints and with an androgynous look. One of the dresses featured a short black skirt with a sleeveless top and an icon of Our Lady on the front and back. Another dress, with a mostly transparent top, shows a naked Adam and Eve on its lower part.The Reparation Crusade is headed by the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) and its America Needs Fatima campaign.Mr. Michael Drake, TFP Catholic Outreach Director, who is leading the event, said: "The exhibit is a mockery of Christ, His Church and Our Blessed Mother. As Catholics, we cannot stand by idle as Our Lord is mocked and spat upon. We must make reparation like those few did at Christ's Crucifixion."He added: "Besides the sacrilegious use of sacred images, these so-called 'vestments' are clearly meant to be suggestive. This is a direct contradiction to the Church's stance on purity and modesty."The choice of theme and the exhibit's design was Andrew Bolton's, the Costume Institute's Curator in Charge. Raised a Catholic, he lives with his homosexual partner Thom Browne. It was Bolton who, over two years of negotiations and numerous trips to Rome, obtained the loan of the Vatican vestments and objects.His efforts received support from Archbishop Georg Ganswein, Prefect of the Prefecture of the Papal Household, Curia Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, President of the Pontifical Council for Culture, as well as the First Section of the Vatican's Office of the Secretariat of State. During the negotiations, Bolton also consulted with the notorious Fr. James Martin, S.J., the "Rainbow Jesuit."Many Catholics were disappointed and puzzled that the Vatican lent vestments to the exhibit and that Cardinal Dolan, the archbishop of New York, joined the Met Gala to inaugurate the exhibit next to scantily-clad celebrities known for their impure lifestyles."Heavenly Bodies: The Catholic Imagination and Fashion" exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) was widely reported on by international Catholic and secular media outlets in print and online, which has sparked a crusade of outrage and opposition from American Catholics, as well as from Catholics around the world. The exhibit remains at the MET until October 8th.The Reparation Crusade is set for Saturday, June 9th at 12 Noon (the Catholic memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary) in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan, 1000 5th Avenue in New York City.For more information, please call Robert Ritchie at 717-309-1990, or write to reritchie@gmail.com Facebook and Twitter Divided the Nation, but This New Site Unites Blacks and Whites, and Republicans and Democrats Contact: Steven Andrew, USA.Life , 877-585-7729SAN JOSE, Calif., June 6, 2018 / Standard Newswire / -- There is a new site being built that claims to "unite the nation that Facebook and Twitter divided." It has a patriotic name of USA.Life social network . The secret is it's "Pro-America Algorithm." Steven Andrew is the Silicon Valley technology patriotic leader heading up this historic project.Andrew said, "USA.Life will end the national division of blacks and whites, and Republicans and Democrats." The reason is it "builds American bridges among all races and political views."Would you like unity instead of division? How about ending riots?By promoting the principles of our founding fathers, USA.Life claims it will help "heal the nation.""No true American can argue against our God-given rights and brotherly love," he said."USA.Life also solves the problems of Facebook and Twitter censorship and privacy violations," Andrew said."Many who were censored by Facebook and Twitter's bias before are expected to see a huge traffic increase by recovering lost traffic," Andrew said. In some cases "the growth may be as high as 10,000 percent based on our studies.""People are signing up fast," he said. The urgency for individuals and businesses to join today is to "get access to preferred usernames before they are gone" and to "help the community grow to millions of users."Free accounts are available at www.USA.Life Andrew began a crowdfunding page to finish the project. They must raise $635,000 by $10 and larger gifts to launch. Rewards are given to supporters as an incentive.Family, friends and businesses in other countries can stay connected and share photos, videos, updates and messages."The 'Pro-America algorithm (TM)' is based the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the founding fathers beliefs," Andrew said.Who needs USA.Life? "All who want to unite the USA and desire freedom from Facebook and Twitter censoring American values," Andrew said.He asks grass roots activists, public figures and news stations to help get the word out by "sharing about USA.Life wherever they can.""I do not have the money Facebook and Google have. That is why launching USA.Life depends on generous donations from people and businesses who want to see this happen," Andrew said."If enough people give today, we can unite the nation this summer." A business or individual giving $1,000 or more can get their name credited on the Founders Wall.More details are provided in an overview description and FAQ The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged two former managers of SEC-registered investment adviser deVere USA, Inc. for allegedly making misleading statements and omissions concerning economic conflicts of interest and other issues. The SEC's complaint, filed in federal district court in Manhattan, alleges that former deVere USA CEO, Benjamin Alderson, and a former manager, Bradley Hamilton, misled clients and prospective clients about the benefits of pension transfers while concealing material conflicts of interest, including the substantial compensation that Alderson and Hamilton personally stood to receive. The SEC's complaint charges Alderson and Hamilton with violations of Sections 206(1) and 206(2) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 ("Advisers Act"). The complaint also charges Alderson with aiding and abetting violations of Sections 204, 206(4) and 207 of the Advisers Act and Rules 204-2 and 206(4)-7 thereunder, and seeks an injunction, disgorgement plus interest, and civil money penalties. The SEC separately instituted a settled administrative proceeding against deVere USA. According to the SEC order, deVere USA failed to disclose agreements with overseas product and service providers that resulted in compensation being paid to deVere USA advisers and an overseas affiliate. The SEC order also finds that deVere USA made materially misleading statements concerning tax treatment and available investment options. Without admitting or denying the SEC's findings, deVere USA consented to the SEC's order, which finds that the firm violated Sections 206(1), 206(2), 207, and 206(4) of the Advisers Act and Rule 206(4)-7 thereunder, and imposes a censure, cease-and-desist order, $8,000,000 civil penalty, and compliance with certain undertakings. The SEC's investigation was conducted by Michael Ellis, Haimavathi Marlier and Wendy Tepperman in the New York office. Assisting the investigation was Roseann Daniello in the New York office. The litigation against Alderson and Hamilton will be led by Ms. Marlier and Mr. Ellis, and the case is being supervised by Lara Shalov Mehraban. The SEC examination that led to the investigation was conducted by Michael Devine, Phillip Ma, Edward Perkins, and Joseph DiMaria of the New York office. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority. The Securities and Exchange Commission charged an equipment leasing company and its founder with defrauding investors in connection with sales of over $80 million in promissory notes. According to the SEC's complaint, between 2014 and 2017, Essex Capital Corporation and its founder, Ralph T. Iannelli, made a series of false and misleading statements and illusory personal guarantees to registered investment advisers to induce them to invest millions of dollars of their clients' money in Essex's failing equipment leasing business. The SEC alleges that Essex and Iannelli provided one investment adviser with fake financial statements that overstated Essex's assets by more than $20 million and falsely told another investment adviser that Essex would assign equipment leases to its clients when the same leases had already been pledged as collateral for bank loans. The SEC's complaint further alleges that as Essex's finances deteriorated, the company resorted to frequent Ponzi-like payments, paying interest and principal to existing Essex investors with funds raised from newer investors. At the same time, Iannelli allegedly paid himself millions of dollars in bonuses and siphoned millions of dollars out of Essex through interest-free loans with no maturity date. According to the SEC, Iannelli personally owes the company over $6.4 million. The SEC's complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, charges Iannelli and Essex with violations of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 and 10(b) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. It seeks disgorgement of allegedly ill-gotten gains along with interest, monetary penalties, and permanent injunctions against Iannelli and Essex. The SEC has also requested emergency relief against Defendants, including a preliminary injunction, an asset freeze, and the appointment of a receiver over Essex. The SEC's investigation was conducted by Yolanda Ochoa, Marc J. Blau, and Rhoda Chang with assistance from the Office of Compliance, Inspections and Examinations. The litigation will be led by Douglas Miller and Gary Leung and supervised by Amy Jane Longo. After Halting Abortions, Planned Parenthood Birmingham is Attempting to Build a New Facility Contact: Terry Gensemer, Charismatic Episcopal Church For Life, 205-253-0159 BIRMINGHAM, Ala., June 5, 2018 /Standard Newswire/ -- The same national organization that is currently under federal investigation for the illegal sale of baby body parts is trying to expand its Southeastern profile. Planned Parenthood Birmingham (PPB) announced plans for a new facility after their national umbrella, Planned Parenthood Southeast (PPSE), purchased a new property for them at 1019 1st Ave N. On Saturday, June 9th at 9:30 a.m., pastors, legislators, pro-life leaders and concerned citizens will gather at 1019 1st Ave N for the city-wide We Say No! Prayer Vigil. Those praying will include: Fr. Terry Gensemer, Charismatic Episcopal Church For Life Jim and Joy Pinto, Her Choice Birmingham Evangelist Scott Dawson (Candidate for Governor) Alabama Representative Arnold Mooney Rev. Bob Foust, Sav-A-Life Shelby Natalie Brumfield of Bound4Life Deborah Love, Eagle Forum of Alabama Paul Hughes, Birmingham Prayer Furnace Cindy Harless, Abortion Recovery Alabama and many others. Planned Parenthood of Birmingham has shown all signs of a failing business. Their last deficiency report from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) revealed failures to follow even simple sanitation protocols. It has also been over a year since PPB has been able to provide abortions. Local sidewalk counselors report that hardly any patients have been seen entering the shabby building for months on end, which is currently located at 1211 27th Pl S. In a recent news article, PPSE openly admitted that PPB's current rundown building is not even worth updating, which raises the question: If the building is truly outdated, why are they still licensed by ADPH? In fact, Planned Parenthood Birmingham's entire sordid history covering up sexual abuse, selling abortion drugs illegally, even botching abortion procedures has citizens calling for both the revocation of the facility's current license and a denial of any future license for any new locations. Mary Ann Vann, a main organizer for the local 40 Days for Life prayer campaign says, "A new building isn't going to make Planned Parenthood suddenly grow a conscience and start following the rules. The body of work following this facility is atrocious, affirmed every day by fewer and fewer clients going through their doors." Fr. Terry Gensemer, a longtime Birmingham pastor and well-known national leader of the pro-life movement says, "Planned Parenthood holds itself out as a healthcare provider while deceiving citizens, harming women, and killing our children. It's the only abortion clinic left in this city, and it's clearly struggling to find a clientele. People talk about safe spaces. With Planned Parenthood closed for good, Birmingham would become one of the largest and safest metropolitan areas in the country for mothers and children in the womb. How beautiful would that be? Planned Parenthood has been unable to provide abortions for a year. Let's keep it that way." Gensemer also points out that this new building will sit directly beside the interstate. "When people drive into our city, they can see Vulcan, Regions Field, Railroad Park all old and new symbols of our great city. Imagine a huge Planned Parenthood sitting front and center to all of that. Do we want abortion to become the first thing people see about Birmingham? I certainly don't. On June 9th, we are going to unite as citizens, as Christians, and pray for God to move on our behalf. We invite every concerned citizen to join us." 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. An unprecedented election challenge by San Francisco public defenders to four Superior Court judges, all appointed by Republican governors, fell short Tuesday. With 602 of 604 precincts counted, the incumbents held insurmountable leads. Jeffrey Ross had 61 percent of the vote, Cynthia Ming-mei Lee had 63 percent, Andrew Cheng had 65 percent, and Curtis Karnow had 55 percent. Karnows challenger, Maria Evangelista, had 44 percent of the vote. Ross opponent, Niki Solis, had 38 percent. Kwixuan Maloof, running against Lee, had 26 percent, while Elizabeth Zareh, a private attorney also seeking Lees office, had 11 percent. Phoenix Streets, running against Cheng, had 35 percent. Takeaway: The four incumbents will begin new terms in January on a court that has 50 judges. Background: Evangelista, Maloof, Solis and Streets are all veterans of the public defenders office, representing criminal defendants who cant afford private lawyers. In their campaigns, they contended they would represent San Francisco values better than judges chosen by Republican Govs. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who appointed Karnow, Ross and Cheng, and Pete Wilson, who appointed Lee. The challengers, for the most part, did not criticize the individual judges they sought to unseat but instead described them as part of a system that has failed to recognize its own biases and has afflicted poor and minority defendants with disproportionately harsh sentences. As Evangelista put it during the campaign, If you believe our current system is working fine for all San Franciscans, then vote for the status quo and the Republican-appointed judges. Now Playing: 2018 Primary Elections Video: San Francisco Chronicle 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. But the incumbents are all registered Democrats, and they and their supporters accused the public defenders of trying to politicize the nonpartisan elections. Judges are appointed for six-year terms and are usually re-elected automatically, without having to appear on the ballot. Incumbents are occasionally challenged for re-election, but this may have been the states first judicial campaign by multiple candidates from the same government office. Erin Allday and Bob Egelko are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com, begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @erinallday, @BobEgelko Al Jazeera International, a major global news organization, is shutting down its San Francisco office, home to its social media arm, AJ+, and moving it to Washington. The move will affect all 68 employees who work at the site. AJ+ is an online publication that reached millions of viewers on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Its office at 118 King St. will close around the end of September, Al Jazeera said in a letter to the California Employment Development Department. Employment terminations are expected to begin Aug. 5, the letter to the state said. Abderrahim Foukara, assistant secretary of Al Jazeera International, confirmed that AJ+ will be moving to Washington, but did not elaborate. It is unclear how many employees from San Francisco will make the move. The office at King Street was the former headquarters of Current, a cable channel backed by former Vice President Al Gore and legal services entrepreneur Joel Hyatt. Gore and Hyatt sold the channel to Al Jazeera in 2013. Current was notable for its 2008 partnership with Twitter, which had the channel display tweets alongside broadcasts of that years presidential and vice presidential debates, one of the first major intersections of social media and politics. The channel also aired The Gavin Newsom Show, a talk show hosted by the lieutenant governor of California, now a candidate for governor. Al Jazeera has more than 70 bureaus around the world, Argentina to Turkey to Iraq. In San Francisco, AJ+ initially focused on building an audience on Facebook through short videos that explained topics ranging from politics to social issues. But in 2016, after not getting the audience response it wanted for its Facebook videos which were often shot in the field and required a major investment of time and resources AJ+ turned its focus to YouTube, where viewers tended to watch longer, according to a November report by industry publication Digiday. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Facebook announced major changes to its News Feed this year that now prioritize posts from friends and family over material from publishers and other businesses. Facebook warned content creators that they might see traffic and reach decrease as a result. AJ+ has 11 million followers on Facebook and about 468,000 subscribers to its YouTube channel, where it continues to regularly post videos. Trisha Thadani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani Elon Musk on Tuesday acknowledged at Teslas annual shareholders meeting what fans and foes alike have long realized he has a problem with deadlines. Particularly his own. I think I do have an issue with time, Musk told the crowd at the Computer History Museum in San Jose, after an admiring shareholder asked him if the public should view Teslas product timelines through the filter of Elon Time. This is something Im trying to get better at, Musk said, as the audience laughed. His own brother, he said, used to lie to him about the arrival time of the school bus so he wouldnt miss it. He chalked his habit of announcing ambitious deadlines to the same optimism that led him to run high-risk ventures, like companies making rockets and electric cars. I say when I think it can occur, but then Im typically optimistic about it, he said. It pretty much always happens, but not always on the time frame. And yet, after months of production delays for Teslas latest car the Model 3 Musk on Tuesday reassured shareholders that the company was finally on schedule. They, in turn, gave him a vote of confidence after a sometimes rocky spring, rejecting a proposal that would have stripped him of one of his two roles at Tesla: board chairman. Teslas Fremont factory, Musk said, is already capable of building about 3,500 Model 3 sedans each week. With the addition of a third production line in recent weeks, the company should be able to hit its long-postponed goal of 5,000 Model 3s per week by the end of the month, he said. He repeated his prediction that Tesla, which has registered only two profitable quarters in its history as a public company, would turn a profit in this years third quarter. And an announcement of Teslas long-expected car factory in Shanghai could come as early as next month, with the company possibly picking the site for a European factory by the end of the year. I have to tell you, this is the most excruciating, hellish several months Ive ever had, Musk told shareholders. But I think were getting there. Production woes with the Model 3, the companys first electric car targeting middle-class drivers, have dogged Tesla for months, as more than 450,000 reservation holders worldwide wait for their cars. At least three crashes of Tesla cars operating in semiautonomous Autopilot mode focused more scrutiny on the company and raised fears about the safety of self-driving technology. Musks own behavior raised eyebrows after he berated Wall Street analysts on a conference call for asking boring, bonehead questions and repeatedly criticized journalists for their coverage of the company, at one point suggesting creating a media credibility rating website to be called Pravda. Musk became chairman of Teslas board in 2004 and took over as CEO in 2008, holding both positions since then. This year, a shareholder proposal called for splitting those two positions and mandating that the chairman be an independent director not Musk. At the same time, the CtW Investment Group, an activist shareholder organization affiliated with labor unions, urged Tesla shareholders to vote against the re-election of three directors: private equity veteran Antonio Gracias, James Murdoch of 21st Century Fox and Musks cousin, Kimbal Musk. Although CtW focused on the relevant experience of the three directors, the campaign was widely interpreted as an attempt to curb Elon Musks power. Shareholders, however, rejected both efforts. Each of the directors up for re-election received more than 88 percent of votes cast, Tesla reported Wednesday. More than 83 percent of shareholders voting chose to keep Musk as both chairman and CEO. Wall Street welcomed Musks reassurances at the meeting, as well as the outcome of the votes. Tesla stock jumped 9.74 percent Wednesday to close at $319.50. Speaking Tuesday to the appreciative crowd, Musk showed none of the irritation he had recently vented at analysts and reporters. Looking tired but relaxed, he took questions from members of the audience as well as people chiming in on Twitter, providing a grab bag of updates about the companys products and plans. The Fremont factorys per-person injury rate in 2018 is now 6 percent below the auto industrys average, he said, and half of what it was when the plant operated under a joint venture of General Motors and Toyota. Tesla employees trying to unionize the factory have repeatedly criticized working conditions there, and a recent report by the Center for Investigative Reporting said Tesla had failed to report some serious injuries, making its numbers look better than they otherwise would. Tesla and Musk have rejected that claim. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Construction of the $35,000 version of the Model 3 will likely begin late this year, with higher-volume production following in the first quarter of 2019. The company will also start offering Model 3 leases either late this year or early in the next. In Australia, the company is installing its Powerwall batteries in up to 50,000 homes and networking the devices to see if they can be used as a virtual power plant. Teslas Autopilot system will receive its latest over-the-air update this week, and further upgrades over the next 6 to 12 months will exponentially improve its capabilities and performance. The upcoming version of Teslas original car, the Roadster, will be faster than Musk claimed when he unveiled the plans last year. Its going to have a SpaceX option package, he said Tuesday, referring to his rocket company. Tesla will unveil its next car, the Model Y, in March. And in response to a shareholder from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Musk said the car would be leather-free. He also hinted it might be fully autonomous. Model Y will not have any leather in it, including the steering wheel if it does have a steering wheel, Musk said. David R. Baker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dbaker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DavidBakerSF Mutual fund giant Vanguard reported Tuesday that just over half of participants in the 401(k) plans it administers are invested in a single target date fund. These funds pitched as a sort of Rip van Winkle investment that you can set and forget until you wake up retired now account for one-third of the assets in all 401(k) and other defined contribution plans run by Vanguard. The popularity of target date funds has surged since 2006, when the U.S. Department of Labor made it clear that employers could automatically enroll employees in 401(k) plans and automatically increase their savings rate each year, unless the employee opts out. They also gave employers some legal protection if they invest contributions into one of three options, unless the employee chooses something else. One of the three options was target date funds, which have become by far the biggest default investment in 401(k) plans. These funds invest in a diversified mix of stock and bond funds. Some add other asset classes ranging from real estate to commodities. Employees are typically advised to choose a fund with a target date nearest their 65th birthday. The mix gradually grows more conservative meaning more bonds and less stock and other risky assets as the target date approaches. The funds rebalance periodically. For example, in a year when stocks outperform bonds, the fund will sell some stocks and invest the proceeds in bonds to maintain the desired asset mix for that year. This imposes a level of discipline that individual investors often lack. Target date funds accounted for 20.4 percent of the assets in large 401(k) and other defined contribution plans last year, according to Pensions & Investments. Thats up from 18.4 percent in 2016 and 16.8 percent in 2015, according to Pensions & Investments. Fidelity Investments said that 49.1 percent of workers in the plans it administers were invested in a single target-date fund in the first quarter. For Millennials, that number was 67.5 percent. Overall, 30.2 percent of its plan assets were in these funds. Its no coincidence that the three largest managers of target date funds Vanguard, Fidelity Investments and T. Rowe Price are also among the 10 largest administrators of 401(k) plans. Typically, if the company that administers your 401(k) plan also sells target date funds, your only target date fund options will be that companys funds. Thats starting to change, as the largest plans push for other companies funds, said Brooks Herman, head of data and research at BrightScope, which rates 401(k) plans. Herman said he has his entire 401(k) invested in a target date fund. Target date funds are a far better option than money market or stable value funds, the default options in most plans before 2006. The downside is that not all employees of a certain age belong in the same fund, said Dan Wiener, chairman of Adviser Investments. You can have two individuals: same age, same job title. One is married and has two children. The other is single, has no plans to marry and stands to inherit $3 million. How is it that these two people should be invested in the exact same allocation? said Wiener, who also publishes an independent newsletter for Vanguard investors. I asked Jean Young, a senior research analyst with Vanguard, whether two 25-year-olds could put the same target date fund on autopilot for 40 years and have a successful retirement. For defined contribution plans to work, people only need to get two things right, she said. The most important is to save enough ... probably 10 percent (of salary) or more. The second is to invest appropriately. If the only thing you know about a person is his or her age, they have the same human capital and that is the only thing you can base an asset allocation on, she said. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Ideally, what you really want is a custom target date fund for everybody. Thats what a managed account is, but that requires engagement on the employees part to personalize an investment mix. Thats something the 401(k) industry has struggled with for decades, mostly to no avail, Young said. Although one could invest in a single target date fund over a lifetime, at some point the accumulation gets big enough that the person should seek out unconflicted advice, Young said. If everyone started saving 10 percent of salary at age 25 in a target date fund and retired at age 67, we wouldnt have an issue with retirement savings in America, she said. Leo Acheson, an associate director with fund-rating firm Morningstar, sees nothing wrong with putting your entire 401(k) in a target date fund as long as you do your due diligence and select a good series. The problem is, not all target date funds are created equal. Some are made up of low-cost index funds, some contain actively managed funds. Some take more risk than others. Some have turned in sub-par results relative to peers and have folded, Acheson said. Some fund companies sell more than one line of target date funds. Morningstar has bestowed its highest gold rating on the Vanguard Target Retirement, BlackRock LifePath and JPMorgan SmartRetirement series of target date funds. There are also a number of silver-rated funds we think highly of, Acheson said. They are the T. Rowe Price Retirement, Fidelity Freedom and American Funds Target Date Retirement series. Kathleen Pender is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: kpender@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kathpender I might not know where my son, Zane, is on any given Wednesday, but I can tell you exactly where my father, Hap, was 74 years ago today: sitting in the rain waiting for a message from a guy named Ike. He was in the Army. In May 1944, the Third Armored Division was put on alert, which meant that my father was in the open fields of Salisbury, England. His fellows knew that something was up when people like Gen. Bradley came to visit. At the time, Hitlers armies dominated mainland Europe. His generals expected an attack in northern Europe, which they could easily fend off as they massed their forces to challenge the Soviets to the East. The night of June 4 began with thousands of planes over the British sky, and the night of June 5 was the same. On the morning of June 6, 1944, Hap awoke to this message from Gen. Dwight David Eisenhower: We have this day begun the invasion of Europe. This was Operation Overlord, known to us as D-Day. Hap loaded his tank onto an LST (Landing Ship, Tank) and, despite his Viking blood, vomited into the English Channel while the first wave landed. By the time he got to the beach of Normandy, there was a sign posted: Omaha Easy Red 2. You are a guest of the First Infantry Division. By the end of that June, the Allies had 850,000 men and 150,000 vehicles in France poised to march through Fortress Europa. Haps division became known as the Spearhead. Their motto: We fight as one. Their first objective was St. Lo. The 703rd was sent in advance, and on more than one occasion the tanks, sometimes 90 miles ahead of the infantry, were bombarded by Allied aircraft. Hap described the Battle of the Falaise Gap as being worse than the Battle of the Bulge, but he fought in both. His general, George S. Patton, said, Better to fight for something than to live for nothing. But Hap himself wasnt sure as he advanced through Alencon, Favieres, Chartres, Meaux, Soissons, Laon and Maubeuge, Charleroi, Namur, Huy, Liege. Through Belgium. But then they broke through the Siegfried Line into Germany. When my father personally shot the lock off the gate of the concentration camp of Sangerhausen, he knew why he fought: because good people should stand up against evil. America changed. He returned to Queens, no longer in the Depression, bursting with the first big post-war construction boom. His fiancee, Helen, had met another man and married. But Helens roommate from nursing school, an Irish girl named Vivian, still lived in the old Queens neighborhood. One thing led to another: exactly 54 and a half years together. My father taught all three sons to fight, to keep moving ahead, even when the home behind us has changed. I dont do anything nearly as brave as Hap. Although I wear a uniform, I dont fight the Battle of the Outer, Outer, Outer Excelsior. My scrimmages are minor. I spar not with the Axis powers, but with bureaucrats about Individualized Education Plans. But my world also changes even as I fight. It remains to be seen whether Zane has passed all of his freshman year courses, but he is not the boy who walked into high school 10 months ago. Rougher around the edges, not afraid to disagree, making entirely different mistakes from the ones I made at 14. 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. And Aidan. This week his voice started to change, and as we sat down to dinner, we said grace, and then, as I have done since 2004, I toasted the best boys in the world. Aidan, in his newly acquired bass, corrected, You mean the best teenagers. In Saint Johns School last week, the sixth-graders revolted. Yelling. Back talk. Sister Shirley, the best general that the Roman Catholic Church ever produced, stormed right in and demanded, Who did this? No one spoke. Aidan raised his hand, and said, I didnt start this, but I was part of the problem. And that is exactly the kind of bravery that his grandfather bequeathed to him. Our family tree has a lot of grafted branches. The Fisher-Paulsons might have a drop of Viking blood, but we dont have a family crest, or a coat of arms. Weve lost more battles than we won: the War Against Enuresis, the Algebra Campaign. Were not natural warriors, and even though Zane occasionally goes AWOL, we keep fighting. But if we did have a war cry, it would be Numquam cedas. Never give up. Kevin Fisher-Paulsons column appears Wednesdays in Datebook. Email: datebook@sfchronicle.com Christians Confess President Trump's 'Muslim Ramadan Sin' to 'Save Our National Security' and to 'Drain the Swamp' Contact: Rev. Steven Andrew, USA Christian Church, 877-537-8734 SAN JOSE, Calif., June 6, 2018 /Standard Newswire/ -- Christians are praying for President Trump to repent for hosting a Muslim Ramadan dinner at the White House today. For "our national security," Rev. Steven Andrew asks Christians to confess President Trump's Muslim Ramadan sin to receive God's forgiveness. Andrew is the author of "Save America" and leads One Million Americans on the LORD's Side. "President Trump hosting a Ramadan dinner is sin according to the Bible. False god celebrations, such as Israel having a feast with a molten calf, bring judgment to the country. Israel went into captivity," said Andrew. He referenced Exodus 32 and Deuteronomy 8:19. Andrew doesn't blame President Trump, but spiritual advisors giving advice against the Holy Bible. Andrew is usually one of President Trump's strongest supporters. "This sin angers God, because the Quran teaches God does not have a Son, which is denying Jesus Christ. How would you feel if someone mocked your son?" he said. "Jesus died on the cross for our sins and is the only way to the Father. So this is a great sin and for protection must be confessed," he said. Andrew explained the nation saw God's judgment of political corruption (the swamp), unprotected borders and job losses since Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama had Muslim events and other sins. "President Trump must know serving the Lord only is the secret to draining the swamp, secure borders and peace with North Korea," he said. Andrew explains how to end judgment in the riveting book, "Save America." He shows, disobeying God causes the judgments of: The swamp: "they that hate you shall reign over you" Leviticus 26:17. Unprotected borders: "the gates of thy land shall be set wide open unto thine enemies" Nahum 3:13. Anti-patriotism: "The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low." Deuteronomy 28:43 "Last year President Trump didn't have a Ramadan dinner, and look how the economy recovered and the swamp weakened," he said. Andrew is leading the nation to reaffirm covenant that the USA serves the Lord with One Million Americans on the Lord's Side. "I don't think President Trump knows he is sinning, but it is probably a deal to negotiate with the swamp," he said. Andrew "hopes President Trump repents, because this is adultery to God" (James 4:4). Serious art galleries dont seem to know just what to do with the work of Taravat Talepasand, and I cant say I blame them. Nudity is easy, but art that references pornography is harder to present in a polite venue. Drugs, ditto. Toughest of all, however, is the matter of blasphemy, as it might be interpreted by some conservative adherents of Islam. Not that I would be the one to judge, but Talepasand uses religious symbols in much of her work, as she does in Yeki Bood, Yeki Nabood, Once Was, Once Wasnt, an exhibition at Jack Fischer Gallery through June 30. The daughter of Iranian parents, Talepasand was born in the United States in 1979. She is now the chair of the painting department at the San Francisco Art Institute. (Full disclosure: She was appointed to the SFAI faculty well after my tenure as president there.) There have been some excellent small exhibitions of her work in the Bay Area this is one of them and it was announced this week that her work would be included in the important Bay Area Now exhibition at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts this fall. Yet the complexity of ideas and breadth of themes, treated in a wide variety of media, makes me think that this is an artist ready for a broader survey all the more called for because each show is quite different from the last, and theres no overarching verbal rap meant to neatly tie it all together. More Information Taravat Talepasand: "Yeki Bood, Yeki Nabood, Once Was, Once Wasn't": 11:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Tuesdays-Saturdays. Through June 30. Free. Jack Fischer Gallery, 1275 Minnesota St., S.F. 415-522-1178. www.jackfischergallery.com See More Collapse For this outing, the artist expands on the Persian tradition of Fal-e Hafez, or consulting tarot-like illustrated cards based on the writings of the 14th century Sufi mystic and poet Hafez. Lurid pink canvases painted with blue legends in Farsi, bedecked with images of beautiful young women, line two walls of the small gallery. At the end of the room is a gaudy portrait of a woman with a shawl on her head, torn jeans and a bared breast (the artists self-portrait), under a pointed arch of pink neon. 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. Reading translations of the texts with their references to wine and pleasure, those familiar with the Old Testament might think of the Song of Songs, the Bibles sexy metaphor for divine love. Talepasands art deals in symbols, too, where the free pursuit of pleasure stands for self-determination. She has made here a sacred space of a sort, but one that is assuredly out of step with current official Iranian policy, as we understand it, on alcohol, popular culture and the place of women. Which helps explain the title, which can be read in joyous terms or baleful, of that colorful picture glowingly commanding the room. Westoxicated is its name. Charles Desmarais is The San Francisco Chronicles art critic. Email: cdesmarais@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Artguy1 Free weekly newsletter: http://bit.ly/ArtguyReviews Gavin Newsom got his wishes Tuesday night. He not only commanded first place in the gubernatorial primary, his preferred opponent Republican businessman John Cox secured the No. 2 spot in the general election. The matchup elevates Newsom, the two-term lieutenant governor, to the overwhelming favorite to succeed Gov. Jerry Brown. In the process, it creates an additional challenge for his fellow Democrats who were hoping to pick up Republican-held seats in the House of Representatives. Some Democrats had been quietly hoping that no Republicans would qualify for the general election in the two marquee races, governor and U.S. Senate. Such a scenario most likely would have depressed GOP turnout and thus helped Democrats down the ballot. But the Republicans proved surprisingly resilient in a state where their registration includes less than one in four voters. Not only did Cox reach the November ballot for governor, but the No. 2 spot in the U.S. Senate race also proved competitive. While Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., finished well ahead of the pack, Democratic Sen. Kevin de Leon, who ran to the left of Feinstein, barely edged little-known Republican James Bradley to qualify for the general election. In other key statewide races attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, controller Republicans qualified for the general election by finishing second in the primary. However, Republicans were shut out of the lieutenant governor and insurance commissioner races. Steve Poizner, the former insurance commissioner who switched from Republican to independent, was the top vote getter for his old seat. It was clear that the Republicans worst nightmare and the Democrats big dreams would not be realized in 2018. Its still a two-party state, no matter how weakened the Republicans. Now Playing: 2018 Primary Elections Video: San Francisco Chronicle Meanwhile, in San Francisco the mayors race may take a few more days to sort out. London Breed had a solid lead over Mark Leno and Jane Kim in first-place votes. But she fell short of a majority, putting San Franciscos ranked-choice voting system into play. Leno and Kim had run as a progressive team, each asking his or her voters to make the other the second choice. It appeared that their supporters adhered to that strategy, which allowed Leno to overtake Breed in the instant runoff, albeit with plenty more votes to count.. The four San Francisco judges on the ballot successfully fended off the challenge from four public defenders. It was a bad night for one incumbent in San Francisco: District 8 Supervisor Jeff Sheehy was ousted by Rafael Mandelman, who ran an energetic challenge from the left. But overall, the returns defied the contention in some quarters that San Francisco was ripe for a progressive revolt or that California was on the brink of an all-blue takeover. 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. Former state Sen. Mark Leno pulled into first place in the race for San Francisco mayor early Wednesday, as ranked-choice redistribution of losing candidates votes enabled him to overcome Supervisor London Breeds early advantage. After all the ranked-choice votes were sorted, Leno had 50.42 percent to Breeds 49.58 percent. There are still an unknown number of votes to be counted, however the Elections Department will accept mail ballots that arrive as late as Friday. The total still outstanding could be in the thousands. Either way, the winner will be a first for San Francisco: Leno would be the first openly gay mayor, and Breed would be the first African American woman to hold the job. When the first-place votes were counted Tuesday night, Breed was on top with 35.6 percent to Lenos 25.9 percent, Supervisor Jane Kims 22.8 percent and former Supervisor Angela Aliotos 7.6 percent. But Leno and Kim had encouraged each others supporters to list the other as their second-place choice, and it paid off big time for Leno he received 77 percent of Kims second-place votes. Who will ultimately step into the citys top job probably wont be known for several days because of the ranked-choice system, under which the candidate with the fewest first-choice votes is eliminated and his or her votes are redistributed to supporters second choices. The Elections Department plans to issue daily count updates at 4 p.m. Breed had been cautiously optimistic before the ranked-choice numbers came in just after midnight. The early returns look good, but there are still a lot more votes to count, she told supporters at her results-watch party at the Delancey Street Foundation on the Embarcadero. All we can do is wait and see, but I feel good inside. No matter what happens, we are all still winners. At his campaign headquarters in the Castro, Leno said he would rely on adrenaline to get him through the next few days, as he waits for the updated results. Anything less than 10 (points) we believed to be very encouraging, he said before the ranked-choice numbers put him ahead. As the next round of votes come in, youll see it tighten, and we think were certainly within shooting range. I remain very confident. And even after early polls showed Kim in third place, her campaign watch party at Folsom Street Foundry was lively loud music, dancing and a very long line for the bar. Its not over yet, but Im proud of what weve accomplished over the last five months, Kim said. We knew it was going to be an uphill battle, and that we were fighting against a lot of money. There are so many ways to make change, whether as an elected official or as a private citizen, she said. This is my seventh election day, and Im not sure how many I have left in me. After she saw that Kim was in third place, 64-year-old Trinidad Madrigals eyebrows furrowed. Thats a little disappointing, said Madrigal, a volunteer for Kims campaign. I didnt think London would do that well. If it comes down to it, Madrigal said she would support Leno for mayor. But absolutely not Breed, she said. Her main reasons? Tech money and tech investor Ron Conway, she said. Conway is seen by some as being too influential in city politics. Tuesdays special election was touched off by the death of Mayor Ed Lee in December. The winner will finish out his term, which would have ended in January 2020. As president of the Board of Supervisors, Breed automatically stepped into the role of acting mayor after Lee died, but her tenure was short. In a tense and dramatic vote, the Board of Supervisors ousted Breed on Jan. 23, just weeks after she officially entered the mayors race. A 6-3 majority appointed then-Supervisor Mark Farrell to take her place, with those in the majority arguing that Breed wielded too much power in the simultaneous roles of supervisor, board president and acting mayor. Others said they were wary of the potential influence on Breed of wealthy tech investor Ron Conway, an early backer of her campaign. Aside from the politics, the eventual winner will enter office facing fundamental questions about San Franciscos future: How will the city house the homeless, clean the streets and make housing and other necessities more affordable? Alioto, a former Board of Supervisors president and a civil rights attorney, campaigned on a promise to restore the spirit of San Francisco, a romantic notion of the city that she believes has been drained away. Alioto said she entered the mayors race to confront the citys homelessness epidemic, an issue she had considerable experience with as a city lawmaker, by creating more permanent, supportive housing units. Polls showed Alioto consistently lagging behind Breed, Leno and Kim, but her campaign began to unravel in recent weeks. She was the only prominent candidate to be denied access to the citys public financing program, costing her potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars. She was also upbraided by city officials and her rival candidates after she announced her intent to put a measure on the November ballot gutting sanctuary city protections for undocumented immigrants booked on suspicion of a felony. Shes since tweaked the measure to apply only to those actually convicted of or charged with a felony. Its a victory party because we survived, said Joe Veronese, Aliotos son, at the candidates election night rally. From the beginning, Breed imbued nearly every corner of her campaign with the inspiring story of her upbringing. She sought to frame her lifes trajectory from an impoverished childhood, raised by her grandmother in San Franciscos Western Addition, to acting mayor as a unique window into how to help the citys most vulnerable, and as an uplifting example to others like her. Breed promised to be aggressive in her pursuit of more affordable housing, pledging to honor Lees commitment to build at least 5,000 units each year to stave off rising rents. She has also been a champion of the citys efforts to open the nations first safe-injection site, a project that could pit the city against the Trump administration, which strongly opposes such initiatives. Leno began and ended his campaign on a crusade to shake up City Hall. The influence of moneyed interests and grinding bureaucratic inertia had let the citys residents down, he said. He promised to set in motion a radically new way of constructing the citys budget, one in which agencies build their spending for the coming year from scratch, justifying every dollar, rather than relying on a template cribbed from the previous year. After spending 14 years in Sacramento as a state assemblyman and senator, Leno says he returned to San Francisco with an aptitude for coalition building. Throughout his campaign, he often joked that he was the sole candidate in the race who had experience working with real Republicans in the state Capitol. He also presented voters with a number of clear priorities and aggressive deadlines for meeting them. On his watch, he said, street homelessness will end by 2020. Accomplishing that would have a cascading effect, he said, resulting in cleaner streets and cost savings that can be directed elsewhere. Chronicle staff writers Trisha Thadani and Steve Rubenstein contributed to this report. Dominic Fracassa is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dfracassa@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dominicfracassa The names of 118,522 voters were omitted from the rolls at 1,430 polling stations in Los Angeles County on Tuesday, potentially slowing the count in the governors race and two of Californias tightly contested House battles. The missing names amount to about 2.3 percent of L.A. Countys 5.1 million registered voters. Dean Logan, the countys registrar-recorder/county clerk, said all registered voters can cast provisional ballots even if their names do not appear on the polling-place lists. Officials will decide after election day whether provisional ballots were properly cast by registered voters. Logan said his office is still trying to determine the cause of the problem. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was counting on a larger-than-usual turnout in his home county for him to be one of the top two finishers in the governors race and advance to the November election. As the returns came in from elsewhere in the state, he was far behind. Late Tuesday, he asked county officials to keep polling places open until Friday because of the unprecedented number of voters left off the voter rolls. The omission could also affect the race to replace retiring Rep. Ed Royce, R-Fullerton (Orange County), whose district includes part of Los Angeles County. There, Democrats needed every left-leaning Los Angeles-based vote they could get to land a candidate in one of the top two spots in the November election. Now Playing: 2018 Primary Elections Video: San Francisco Chronicle The seat is one of at least seven held by the GOP that Democrats are targeting in hopes of retaking the House in November. But with six Democratic candidates in the 13-person field, party officials feared Democrats would splinter their support and be frozen out of the runoff. Los Angeles County is also home to the hotly contested primary race between GOP Rep. Steve Knight of Lancaster and a pair of Democrats, attorney Bryan Caforio and nonprofit executive Katie Hill. Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli Election day in the Bay Area saved its biggest surprise for a few minutes after midnight, when a sifting of ranked-choice votes put Mark Leno in the lead over London Breed in the San Francisco mayors race. But there were plenty of fascinating developments up and down the state. We asked some of the Chronicle reporters who covered the election for their thoughts: John Wildermuth: What was most striking was the poor performance of Kevin de Leon in the U.S. Senate race. It wasnt that he lost to Dianne Feinstein, 44 percent to 11 percent, although that does say something about the difference between the Democratic Party activists who refused to endorse Feinstein at the state convention and Californias actual voters. What was remarkable was that de Leon beat Republican James Bradley by just three percentage points, despite the fact that de Leon raised more than $1.1 million for the campaign and Bradley didnt even take in the $5,000 that would require him to file a financial report with the Federal Election Commission. The money didnt buy de Leon much, either. He beat Bradley by 86,000 votes in Los Angeles County, which he represents as a state senator. In Californias 57 other counties, he outran Bradley by a grand total of 8,941 votes. Heather Knight: Id bet a months salary that Gavin Newsom will be Californias next governor, and he seems extremely confident, too. Hes already challenging President Trump on Twitter to head to California to campaign for John Cox. I wouldnt bet a much at all, though, on the San Francisco mayors race. London Breed and Mark Leno are separated by just 1,146 votes, with 90,000 more ballots to count. Either one could win the job. Never a dull moment in San Francisco politics except for those long minutes waiting for the next round of results. The basement of City Hall outside the Department of Elections at 4 p.m. today will be the place to gather to find out the latest. Another interesting tidbit: I was shocked by how much national interest the recall of Judge Aaron Persky in Santa Clara County received. Hes the judge who gave Brock Turner, the Stanford swimmer convicted of sexual assault, a sentence of just six months. I tweeted out a line about the successful recall, and the tweet blew up with many women calling it the #MeToo moment they were waiting for. Joe Garofoli: One of the biggest disappointments was the performance of Antonio Villaraigosa. His entrance into the governors race had people envisioning a San Francisco vs. Los Angeles battle between him and Newsom in the fall. But he finished a distant third, with 13 percent of the vote, and he won only one county Imperial County, in the far southeast corner of the state. That $22 million that a pro-charter school super PAC shelled out on his behalf was not money well spent. When he was asked during a late campaign stop in San Francisco what he would have done differently, Villaraigosa said, People have said I should have started earlier, but I said, Look, I will have been running a year and a half by this election. I dont know if it would have been any different if I had been running for three years like Gavin. Andrew Ross: The inability of Villaraigosa to get any traction at all surprised me how he disappeared in the governors race. I think that in L.A., where his base supposedly was, he wasnt as well loved as some people thought. His divorce, the Herbalife thing, turned him off to some folks. Melody Gutierrez: Nearly two-thirds of voters in Josh Newmans district in Orange County voted to boot the state senator from office over his support of last years gas tax and vehicle fees increase. Thats despite Democrats taking every step possible to protect him, including using their overwhelming legislative majority to put a bill on Gov. Jerry Browns desk last year that was supposed to make it easier for the Fullerton Democrat to win. Brown signed the bill, which extended the time to approve ongoing recalls so that in Newmans case, voters would decide during the primary instead of a special election, when Democratic turnout would probably have been lower. Even so, Newman lost big. Dominic Fracassa: Mark Leno has received 77 percent of Jane Kims second-place votes on San Franciscos ranked-choice ballot, enough for him to push ahead of London Breed in the mayors race, at least for now. Leno and Kim encouraged each others supporters to list the other as their second-place choice. San Francisco voters adopted the ranked-choice system back in 2004, and until now it hasnt been too controversial. But Breeds supporters, and there are plenty of high-powered ones, could call for abandoning it if it keeps an African American woman who won the most first-place votes from getting the job. Late takes and updates Flipping the House: California Democrats appear to have avoided disaster in some key House races. [Chronicle] And counting: There are at least 90,000 votes left to count in the San Francisco mayors race, with a bit more than 1,100 votes separating leaders Mark Leno and London Breed. [Chronicle] Newsoms issues: Gavin Newsom sees the states affordability or lack thereof and spreading homelessness as two key issues in the fall campaign. [Chronicle] Why so quiet? San Franciscos election season was surprisingly tepid, considering the stakes. [Chronicle] By the numbers: Heres where you can find all the updated election results. [Chronicle] The Political Punch newsletter publishes every Tuesday and Thursday between noon and 3 p.m. It is produced by the staff of the San Francisco Chronicle and edited by politics editor Trapper Byrne. Email: tbyrne@sfchronicle.com Joseph DeAngelo, the man law enforcement believes is the Golden State Killer, has been charged with 12 murders. But the 13th, a mysterious case long suspected to be the work of the infamous serial killer, continues to exist only on the peripheries. Before the East Area Rapist terrorized Sacramento, long before he moved to Southern California and began killing there, the 1975 slaying of a Visalia college professor is thought to be his first murder. The Visalia Ransacker had been breaking into homes for over a year when he targeted the residence of Claude Snelling, a journalism professor at the College of the Sequoias, on the night of Sept. 11, 1975. Its not clear whether the killer knew Snelling, although the arrest warrant for DeAngelo offers a few tantalizing details. "By 1974, DeAngelo attended a police academy for 200 hours at the Kings County Public Safety Academy," the warrant reads. The Kings County Public Safety Academy, it notes, was held on the campus of the College of Sequoias. The over 100 residential burglaries in Tulare County were clustered on either side of the College of Sequoias. The warrant calls it the "epicenter." Drainage ditches connected many of the neighborhoods, ideal for prowling and for getaways, another a trademark of the Golden State Killer. Whitney Lane was a few streets away from the school. The Snellings lived at 532. In February, Claude had a strange run-in: A prowler was seen peeping into his teen daughter Beths bedroom. Claude pursued him, but the prowler disappeared into the dark neighborhood. It was a little past 2 a.m. on Sept. 11 when the Snellings were awakened by strange sounds. In the backyard, a horrifying tableau was unfolding. A man in a ski mask was dragging Beth at knife-point, threatening to kill her if she screamed. Claude saw his daughter through the kitchen window and took off after her. Caught by surprise, the kidnapper lifted his gun and squeezed off two shots. Claude fell back; Beth felt the sharp pain of the man kicking her repeatedly before he bolted. Claude died minutes later. Police determined the murder weapon was a Miroku .38 the prowler had stolen from another house 10 days prior. If it was indeed the work of the man who evolved into the Golden State Killer, it was the first time his late-night burglarizing had escalated to something more violent. His reaction to Snelling would become one of his signatures: "explosive violence if met with resistance from a male," as the DeAngelo arrest warrant terms it. The Visalia Ransacker had one last, strange episode before he left the area for good. Three months after the Snelling murder, a Visalia police officer was crouched in a resident's garage, watching a nearby house he suspected was being cased by the ransacker. He saw movement in the dim street light. The prowler was there. The officer took off running, gun and flashlight drawn. He fired a warning shot, and the suspect stopped and faced him. He pulled the ski mask off, throwing one hand over his face while the other remained in his jacket pocket. "Oh my God, don't hurt me," the man said in an affected voice the officer described as "juvenile and effeminate." "See, my hands are up." The prowler pulled his hand out of his pocket and fired the gun he'd been concealing. The bullet hit the officer's flashlight, lodging in the battery. The impact sent the officer falling over backward. In the chaos, the ransacker jumped a fence and, like he would so many other times, disappeared into the night. The Visalia Ransacker never struck Tulare County again. When a man with an eerily similar M.O. began raping women in the Sacramento area six months later, Visalia investigators wondered if their man had relocated. But their case was never officially linked to that of the Golden State Killer until the Snelling murder appeared in the arrest warrants for DeAngelo released to the public on June 1. DeAngelo has yet to be charged in the slaying, though, and the Tulare County District Attorney's office told SFGATE the "matter is still under investigation." It is, admittedly, a tough case for prosecutors. Unlike some of the murders, there is no DNA evidence from the Snelling crime scene. The case will have to rely on circumstantial evidence the similarity in M.O. to known Golden State Killer crimes, anything found in DeAngelos home that might link him to the scene, and DeAngelo's whereabouts at the time of the murder. On that count, investigators feel good about the link. DeAngelo served as a police officer in Exeter, a town next door to Visalia, from 1973-76. In 1976, the year the East Area Rapist crimes began, he moved to Auburn. A budget proposal from Oakland City Councilwoman Desley Brooks that for months drew contentious debate and legal concerns failed to pass Tuesday night. The proposed ordinance would have given a percentage of various public funds to private job-training organizations. Brooks said the money was needed to help the struggling groups and to fix racial inequities in Oaklands workforce, particularly in construction and related trades. Oakland City Attorney Barbara Parker said the ordinance would have run afoul of state and federal law. Her office drafted a revised version of the proposal, striking out and rewriting nearly every clause, so that it would be legal, she said. Whereas the original proposal would have given funds directly to several organizations named by Brooks, for example, Parkers version sought to include a competitive-bidding process. City Administrator Sabrina Landreth, meanwhile, urged the City Council on Tuesday to take no action ... until further analysis is undertaken. Brooks rewrote parts of Parkers revision Tuesday and feuded with Doryanna Moreno, the chief assistant city attorney, over federal statutes. Brooks latest version narrowly failed to pass. Council members Brooks, Noel Gallo and Rebecca Kaplan voted in favor of it; Annie Campbell Washington and Abel Guillen voted against it; Lynette Gibson McElhaney abstained; and Larry Reid and Dan Kalb were absent. Kimberly Veklerov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov A man faces a felony animal cruelty charge for allegedly beating a four-month-old puppy to death last year in San Francisco, officials said Wednesday. Mark Allen Haberman was arrested nearly six months after Skunky, a female puppy, was found dead Nov. 28 on the 1100 block of Laguna St., according to San Francisco Animal Care & Control. The puppy died from blunt force trauma to the top of her skull, officials said. Blood samples taken from items found in Habermans home allegedly matched Skunkys blood. Haberman may face jail time or fines if convicted of felony animal cruelty. ALSO READ: Friends worry chopped up body is missing SF woman after roommate arrested Were pleased that our diligent work led to an arrest in this horrific case, said Virginia Donohue, director of San Francisco Animal Care & Control. Animal abusers need to be held accountable for their actions. San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon said in a statement that people who abuse animals will be held responsible for their actions. How we treat animals is a reflection of who we are as a society, he said. Lauren Hernandez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LaurenPorFavor The organizer of the successful recall campaign against a Santa Clara County judge over his sentencing of a Stanford student convicted of attempted rape says the countys voters have condemned impunity for high-status perpetrators of sexual assault and domestic violence. This victory is for girls and women everywhere, Michele Dauber, a Stanford law professor, said in a statement after Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky was removed from office Tuesday by a resounding 60 percent vote. Persky, a judge since 2003 and a former prosecutor, sparked voter anger in 2016 after sentencing Brock Turner to six months in jail after the then-19-year-old Stanford swimmers conviction of digitally penetrating and attempting to rape a drunk and unconscious woman on campus. Prosecutors sought a six-year prison sentence, but Persky noted Turners lack of a previous criminal record, the impact a state prison term would have on him, and his lifetime obligation to register with police as a felony sex offender. The victims courtroom statement about the devastating impact on her life touched off a nationwide furor and fueled the recall campaign against Persky. He became the first California judge since 1932 to be recalled. Dauber submitted nearly 100,000 signatures to qualify the recall for the ballot. She accused Persky of a pattern of bias in sentencing athletes and white defendants for sexual assaults and domestic violence, although the states Commission on Judicial Performance examined the cases she cited and found no bias or violations of judicial ethics. Legal organizations and most of Daubers fellow law professors opposed the recall and said it would threaten judicial independence. LaDoris Cordell, a retired Santa Clara County judge who was active in the campaign against the recall, said Tuesday was a sad day for the California judiciary and sent a message to judges that if they dont go along with popular opinion ... they can lose their job. Perskys successor for the final four years of his six-year term is Cindy Hendrickson, an assistant district attorney, who appeared on the same ballot Tuesday and won 69 percent of the vote to 31 percent for Angela Storey, a San Jose civil rights lawyer. Hendrickson, 52, has been a prosecutor since 1995, taught courses in prosecuting elder abuse, and supported the recall. Joshua Spivak, a scholar at Wagner College in New York, said successful judicial recalls are uncommon nationwide the last one was in Wisconsin in 1977. On the other hand, Spivak said, recalls that qualify for the ballot usually succeed, as they did in California on Tuesday, when both Persky and state Sen. Josh Newman, an Orange County Democrat, were recalled Newman for his support of a statewide gas-tax increase to fund transportation projects. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko Gregory Bull / Associated Press Proposition 68 was approved with 56 percent of the vote to authorize the state to borrow $4.1 billion for investments in outdoor recreation, land conservation and water projects, according to the latest results Wednesday morning. The ballot measure required a simple majority. It was authored by state Sen. Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, to address what he called an under-investment in parks, wildlands and water systems in poorer communities. Not everyone is lucky enough to be born and raised in San Francisco, and for those of us who had the opportunity to move to the Bay Area, there may have been a steep learning curve. There are the obvious lessons many of us expect to face, such as figuring out how to pay an exorbitant amount of money for rent each month or navigating the complications that can come with riding Muni and BART. Every Wednesday morning, SFGATE finds the biggest headlines in local (and sometimes national) beer. Check back here weekly for news, events, and information about special releases from your favorite local breweries. SFGATE has a biweekly beer newsletter! Called the Taploid, it contains key stories from this column, as well as other, more nationally-spanning industry news. To sign up, head here, enter your email at the top, and check the box marked "Taploid." At long last, Moonlight has opened its new Santa Rosa taproom space. Located at 350 Coffey Lane, the taproom was officially announced as open last week. Per an Instagram post, its operating hours are Thursday and Friday, 4-9 p.m., Saturday 1-9 p.m., and Sunday, 1-8 p.m. San Francisco's Local Brewing is fittingly celebrating its third anniversary with a trio of three new brews: a triple dry-hopped hazy double IPA, a "tropical" blonde fermented with Sacch Trois, and a "super limited" white wine barrel-aged blonde ale. They're throwing a party to go along with it this Saturday, with an "urban island" theme and because when it's not summer in San Francisco we make it summer in San Francisco beer slushies. Beerfest - The Good One takes place in Santa Rosa this weekend, with a lineup of mostly North Bay and Northern California breweries, including Knee Deep, Third Street AleWorks, Eel River, Altamont and more. Grab your tickets for the event here. The dry brut IPA sub-style continues to be A Thing, with brewers all over the country and beyond trying their hand at a style generally credited to Kim Sturdavant at San Francisco's Social Brewing (as well as Tim Sciascia at Cellarmaker). Breweries as far off as Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Leeds, England are trying it out, with even Miller-Coors is talking about it. The venerable wine-producing Napa Valley is getting ... a beer train? The train, which takes off for its maiden voyage later this month, is hosted by Napa's Palisades Beer Company, per Fortune, and will offer riders the picturesque views of wine country that oenophiles have too long hogged for themselves. The Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival just wrapped, which means one important thing for local beer drinkers: lots of collaborations. St. Louis' Side Project has stopped at the Rare Barrel, and both Side Project and Gigantic collaborated on separate beers with Sante Adairius. (Garage Project also visited Sante, but it's not clear if they brewed while there.) Unrelated to Firestone, Benoit-Casper collab'd with Novel, Claimstake visited Fieldwork for a beer, and Temescal brewed with Humble Sea. Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira. Russell Yip / The Chronicle 2017 Its almost summer, which means Northern Californians can go to the beach and ponder what it must be like to swim in warm water. Short of that, one can dive into Jennifer Egans eminently satisfying novel Manhattan Beach. Much of the story is set underwater, taking readers, thrillingly, to the sea floor off the shores of New York City. Young Anna Kerrigan, whos at the heart of the historical novel, yearns to become a deep-sea diver. The murky underwater scenes are a fitting metaphor for the land-based quest that she embarks on. Manhattan Beach is just out in paperback. Egan, who lives in New York, returns to the Bay Area of her youth for two stops on her book tour: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 9, at Green Apple Books on the Park, 1231 Ninth Ave., S.F. www.greenapplebooks.com; and 4 p.m. Sunday, June 10, at Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. www.bookpassage.com. John McMurtrie Facebook has data-sharing partnerships with at least four Chinese electronics companies, including a manufacturing giant that has a close relationship with Chinas government, the social media company said on Tuesday. The agreements, which date to at least 2010, gave private access to some user data to Huawei, a telecommunications equipment company that has been flagged by U.S. intelligence officials as a national security threat, as well as to Lenovo, Oppo and TCL. The four partnerships remain in effect, but Facebook officials said in an interview that the company would wind down the Huawei deal by the end of the week. Facebook gave access to the Chinese device-makers along with other manufacturers including Amazon, Apple, BlackBerry and Samsung whose agreements were disclosed by The New York Times on Sunday. TAMING THE BEAST: Facebook's efforts to rein in fake ads fall short in California primary The deals gave Facebook an early foothold in the mobile market starting in 2007, before stand-alone Facebook apps worked well on phones, and allowed device-makers to offer some Facebook features, such as address books, like buttons and status updates. Facebook officials said the agreements with the Chinese companies allowed them access similar to what was offered to BlackBerry, which could retrieve detailed information on both device users and all of their friends including work and education history, relationship status and likes. Facebook officials said the data shared with Huawei stayed on its phones, not the companys servers. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., pointed out that concerns about Huawei were not new, citing a 2012 congressional report on the close relationships between the Chinese Communist Party and equipment makers like Huawei. I look forward to learning more about how Facebook ensured that information about their users was not sent to Chinese servers, said Warner, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee. All Facebooks integrations with Huawei, Lenovo, Oppo and TCL were controlled from the get-go and Facebook approved everything that was built, said Francisco Varela, a Facebook vice president. Given the interest from Congress, we wanted to make clear that all the information from these integrations with Huawei was stored on the device, not on Huaweis servers. NOT JUST HUAWEI: Facebook gave Apple, BlackBerry deep access to data on users and friends Banned in China since 2009, Facebook in recent years has quietly sought to gain a foothold there. The companys chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, has tried to cultivate a relationship with Chinas president, Xi Jinping, and put in an appearance at one of the countrys top universities. Last year, Facebook released a photo-sharing app in China that was a near replica of its Moments app but did not put its name to it. And the company has worked on a tool that allowed targeted censorship, prompting some employees to quit over the project. Still, Facebook has struggled to gain momentum, and in January an executive in charge of courting Chinas government left after spending three years on a charm campaign to get the social media service back in the country. None of the Chinese device-makers who have partnerships with Facebook responded to requests for comment on Tuesday. Huawei was the recipient of billions of dollars in lines of credit from Chinas massive state-owned policy banks, helping to fuel its overseas expansion in Africa, Europe and Latin America. Its founder, Ren Zhengfei, is a former engineer in the Peoples Liberation Army. By one measure it is now the worlds biggest telecom equipment maker, not only selling phones but also key pieces of network infrastructure. Lawmakers in the United States have been wary of the company for years, and have recommended that American carriers avoid buying its network gear. In January, The Times reported that AT&T had decided not to sell Huaweis newest smartphone, the Mate 10. The Trump administration has taken aim at Huawei and its rival, ZTE, in recent weeks, and in April the Federal Communications Commission advanced a plan to bar federally subsidized telecom companies from using suppliers that are considered national security threats. Facebook has not entered into a data-sharing agreement with ZTE, officials at the social network said. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. On Friday afternoon, an email went out to more than 4,000 Google employees who had signed a petition to cancel a company contract with the Pentagon. It was celebratory. Today was big, began the email, which was seen by Bloomberg News. That morning, Google cloud chief Diane Greene said the company wouldnt renew a contract with Project Maven, a Defense Department program that uses artificial intelligence to analyze drone footage. She also said Google will not pursue similar ... contracts with the department, according to the email, written by one of the protesting employees. The decision capped a furious debate inside Google over whether the Alphabet unit should use its AI to help the military. Now, the company faces a new conundrum: How to define what government contracts are similar to Maven. A set of principles for artificial intelligence programs, due this week from Google CEO Sundar Pichai, may help draw the line. But the Maven brouhaha has damaged the companys already-slim chances of winning other Pentagon work. A senior defense official described the internal ambivalence within Google as baggage that made the company less attractive as a partner, industry publication Defense One reported back in April. Greenes division is in the running for two larger contracts to modernize the Defense Department with cloud services. Theres JEDI, or Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure, a cloud storage contract totaling as much as $10 billion. And Defense Enterprise Office Solutions, a 10-year deal for email and web document tools worth $8 billion. Even before the employee protests, Google was a long shot for the deals, because it has less experience than rivals like Microsoft, IBM and Oracle with enterprise systems that the large government agencies prefer. It would be harder to imagine someone like (the Defense Department), who has so much sensitive workload and data, to completely go the Google way, said James Bach, a federal-contracts and technology-services analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. Amazons cloud business is a major contender, too. Heather Babb, a Defense Department spokeswoman, referred questions about JEDI to Google. A Google spokeswoman declined to comment or confirm whether the company is bidding for either Defense cloud contract. At the Friday meeting, Greene did not discuss JEDI or other cloud deals, according to people with knowledge of the meeting. Federal spending on information technology will hit $100 billion by 2023, according to Bloomberg Intelligence, and the Pentagon has already increased its cloud work. Googles decision to retreat from Maven came after unusually sustained protests from staff members. In September, Google was awarded a portion of the project. It was a small deal, where Google was a subcontractor, but cloud executives saw it as leverage for winning more lucrative defense contracts, according to people familiar with the matter. As news of the deal spread at Google, however, thousands of employees raised objections. Some, including artificial intelligence chief Jeff Dean, said they support giving some services, like Gmail, to the defense industry, but voiced reservations about using artificial intelligence programs for autonomous weapons. Other Googlers had broader objections. Over 4,000 employees signed a petition to Pichai demanding that Google remove itself from the business of war. The enterprise office deal is more in the realm of Deans Gmail example, while JEDI may be a stretch. In the Pentagons list of objectives for JEDI, released in April, the move to the cloud is cast as a way to give warfighters the ability to make decisions at mission-speed. Googles Project Maven contract, due to expire in March, was worth $9 million, according to Gizmodo. But internal emails reported by the New York Times revealed that Google cloud executives expect the deal to top $250 million. In a March interview with Bloomberg News, Greene noted that the Maven deal was for non-offensive purposes. Yet several people at Google, including some engineers, dismissed this argument. They asked not to be identified discussing private matters. Much of the debate over Project Maven revolved around the ethics of using artificial intelligence for military purposes. If Greene and other executives argue for pursuing JEDI and the enterprise office contracts, they may focus on more traditional cloud offerings like renting data storage and internet-based email. However, Greenes staff frequently pitch how its advanced machine learning software is in its cloud services, including Gmail. A lot of those cloud services are tied to the AI that theyre using, said Peter Asaro, an associate professor at the New School who organized a letter from academics supporting the Google employee petition against using artificial intelligence for Maven. It gets tricky. On Friday, Google staff members also said they are opposed to further contracts with the Pentagon because they see it supporting similar military work. The employees who opposed Project Maven are eagerly awaiting Googles artificial intelligence principles. We demonstrated that employees have a voice, the Friday email read. It said they worked to make this happen, and we must ensure that we are not cut out of the process. Mark Bergen is a Bloomberg writer. Email: mbergen10@bloomberg.net WASHINGTON Mexico hit back at the United States on Tuesday, imposing tariffs on around $3 billion worth of U.S. pork, steel, cheese and other goods in response to the Trump administrations steel and aluminum levies, further straining relations between the two countries as they struggle to rewrite the North American Free Trade Agreement. The tariffs came into effect as the Trump administration threw yet another complication into the fractious NAFTA talks. Officials are now saying they want to splinter discussions with Canada and Mexico and work on separate agreements rather than continue three-country discussions to rewrite the 1994 trade deal. Women have led countries and run companies. But managing an airline? Lets leave that to the men. Akbar Al Baker, the chief executive of Qatar Airways, said as much during a news conference on Tuesday, immediately joining the ranks of corporate bosses who have dismissed efforts to improve gender diversity and close the gap in pay and employment between men and women. Asked about the lack of women in the airline industry generally, and at Qatar Airways in particular, Al Baker denied that poor gender representation in the sector was an issue. Of his own position, he added, Of course it has to be led by a man, because it is a very challenging position. He was speaking at the annual meeting of the International Air Transport Association in Sydney. Al Baker had just become chairman of the trade bodys board of governors. The groans in the room were audible. Qatar Airways one of the worlds biggest carriers soon went to work trying to play down Al Bakers remarks. The airline pointed to a Bloomberg News interview in which he said he had not intended to refer to all women at the company. Al Baker said 44 percent of the airlines employees were women and denied there was any gender inequality at Qatar Airways. It will be my pleasure to have a female CEO candidate I could then develop to become CEO after me, he said in the Bloomberg interview. Then, in a statement released by the airline, Al Baker portrayed his initial comments as a joke, saying he is known for some lightheartedness at press conferences. He added that Qatar Airways firmly believes in gender equality in the workplace, and our airline has been a pioneer in our region in this regard. The International Air Transport Association did not respond to requests for comment. Though Al Bakers remarks prompted disapproval during the news conference, hes far from the first senior executive to find himself under fire for such statements. John Allan, the chairman of the British supermarket chain Tesco, told a retail conference last year that white men were in danger of becoming an endangered species in senior business roles. In 2016, Kevin Roberts, then chairman of the Saatchi & Saatchi advertising agency, was eventually dismissed after saying that the debate about gender diversity in advertising was all over and suggesting that women were happier in nonleadership roles. And as recently as last week, the British government published the worst excuses it had heard from senior executives over why more women did not sit on the boards of the countrys 350 biggest companies. One was: There arent that many women with the right credentials and depth of experience to sit on the board the issues covered are extremely complex. Others implied that women were not interested in such roles or that shareholders did not deem the issue a priority. Andrew Griffiths, a British business minister, said those explanations were pitiful and patronizing. Only about 3 percent of commercial pilots and fewer than 5 percent of airline chief executives are women, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nations body that has been campaigning to improve gender diversity in the airline industry. Our sector is very dynamic and technically challenging, Fang Liu, the organizations secretary-general, said in 2017, but more importantly it is presently faced with rapidly expanding flight volumes and an aging workforce of pilots, air traffic controllers, maintenance specialists and other technical professionals. With passenger and freight traffic projected to double between 2016 and 2034, Liu said, there will be a significant number of opportunities for the many young girls and women globally seeking rewarding and lifelong professions in aviation. For now, most of the women who lead airlines are in charge of smaller local carriers. The highest-profile female chief executive in the industry in recent years has been Carolyn McCall, who ran the low-cost carrier easyJet before leaving to lead the British broadcaster ITV this year. Mylene Scholnick, an aviation consultant and former president of the International Aviation Womens Association, argued that airlines needed to make more of an effort to increase the proportion of women in their companies. I think its all going to come from the leadership commitment to ingrain that change throughout the organization, she said at an event focused on gender equality in aviation at the meeting in Sydney. Qantas, for example, has committed to hiring more women for its training programs to meet demand. If were leaving out almost 50 percent of the population in our search for the next generation of 640,000 pilots, were clearly not tapping into all of the talent thats available, Alan Joyce, the airlines chief executive, said in a statement this year. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. NEW YORK President Trump is asking an appeals court to restore his power to block critics on Twitter. Government lawyers representing Trump and White House Social Media Director Dan Scavino filed paperwork Monday to appeal a federal judges ruling last month that said blocking people from the @realDonaldTrump account violates the First Amendment. The paperwork did not list grounds for the appeal. Trump and Scavinos lawyers did not immediately respond to messages. Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald made clear in her May 23 ruling that people have a right to reply directly to politicians who use their accounts as public forums to conduct official business. The decision the most prominent in a string of similar cases against public officials could mark a turning point for constituents interacting with government employees on social media. Buchwalds ruling stopped short of ordering Trump to unblock users, but one user who sued Trump said her access was restored Monday. Two days shy of the one year anniversary of my blocking, @realDonaldTrump has unblocked me, Rebecca Buckwalter-Poza tweeted. Theory: He just didnt want to give me the paper anniversary gift. Trump built his campaign on early morning tweet storms and hashtag-worthy slogans. Since taking office, hes turned his account into a virtual megaphone boasting about accomplishments, jeering opponents and dismissing critical media coverage as fake news to his more than 52 million followers. The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University went to court to challenge his habit of blocking people with dissenting political views. The lawsuit involved seven Trump critics that his account blocked. Others whove been walled off include author Stephen King and model Chrissy Teigen. Buckwalter-Poza, the judicial affairs editor for Daily Kos, said shes confident she and other Trump critics will win again on appeal. Were still right, and theyre still wrong, she said. Michael R. Sisak is an Associated Press writer. California Department of Foresty and Fire Protection officials seized more than 50,000 pounds of illegal fireworks and arrested seven people following a three-year investigation into an illegal fireworks ring stretching throughout the Bay Area, officials said Wednesday. Law enforcement carried out arrests in Oakland, Fremont, Modesto and other neighboring cities over the past two weeks, according to Cal Fire. Officials announced the seizure believed to be Cal Fires largest confiscation of fireworks in agency history during a news conference at the steps of the state Capitol. Over the past three years, more than 80 Cal Fire officers investigated potential suspects in the ring, the origin of the fireworks, distribution locations and final destinations for the fireworks, said Michael Mohler, the agencys deputy director of communications. Cal Fire officials were expected to release the names of the suspects and their charges later Wednesday. The type of fireworks seized varied in size and scale, Mohler said. Some were aerial fireworks, including fireworks the size of small mortars that you can launch out of the tube, he said. Others were the size of bottle rockets. Mohler said officials also found in the Oakland area materials that could be used to make explosives. Suspects allegedly stockpiled the fireworks in homes, businesses, residential storage sheds and shipping containers. Cal Fire officials are determining how to dispose of the fireworks, Mohler said, but for now the explosives will be stored in what he termed safe locations throughout the region. The proper disposal of fireworks is expensive for state fire marshals, Mohler said. There are more than 1,000 local fire departments that deal with disposal every year around Fourth of July. Mohler said more funding is needed to pay for disposal in the future. The historic haul comes just weeks before Independence Day, when safe and sane fireworks smaller scale items such as fountains, spinners and sparklers are allowed in some parts of California. Mohler said illegal fireworks create a public safety risk, from children and adults suffering severe burns to structure fires caused by aerial fireworks. To learn more about fireworks safety, visit ReadyforWildfire.org. Lauren Hernandez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: Lauren.Hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LaurenPorFavor After driving his car off the road Wednesday and launching it over a garage in the backyard of an Oakland home, a man assaulted an Oakland police officer, ambulance workers and fire personnel who were trying to transport him to the hospital, authorities said. The officer suffered major injuries, according to the Oakland Police Department. Officer Johnna Watson, an Oakland police spokeswoman, said the crash occurred just after 6 a.m. on the 9900 block of Golflinks Road in Oakland. The road bends to the left, and our traffic investigators believe the driver continued to drive the car straight off the roadway at a high rate of speed, then over the roof of a garage and hit a tree, and then the car came to rest, she said. If the tree hadnt stopped the car, the car potentially could have gone into the neighboring home. Watson said the driver, identified only as a 37-year-old Southern California man, walked a block from the scene of the crash before an Oakland police officer and emergency personnel located him. He reportedly suffered a cut to the head, and responding officers put him in a neck brace and attempted to strap him to a backboard. They were preparing him to be transported to the hospital, Watson said. Then he pulled the neck brace off, got up, grabbed the backboard and began assaulting our officer. The man allegedly attacked the officer as well as ambulance personnel and others, forcing the officer to call for backup. He continued to fight and attack the officer, but eventually everyone was able to restrain him, Watson said. The man was taken to the local hospital for treatment, as was the injured officer, who had serious head and face injuries, Watson said. The officer is listed in stable condition and is expected to recover. The driver was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder of an officer and four counts of assault. Sophie Haigney is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sophie.haigney@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SophieHaigney The boyfriend of former San Francisco Supervisor Eric Mar's daughter was hospitalized and sedated after he was stabbed 20 times on Monday night, Mar posted on Facebook Tuesday. The stabbing occurred on the eve of Mar's daughter's graduation from Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, according to Mar. Set on the grounds of Sonomas gorgeous Gundlach Bundschu winery, which survived the North Bay fires, the Huichica Music Festival is the ideal way to ease into the summer concert season. This years lineup features like-minded artists with eclectic styles, from former Modern Lovers frontman Jonathan Richman and garage rocker King Tuff to dub-reggae-influenced indie act Extra Classic and San Francisco folk rock outfit Vetiver performing its 2008 album, Thing of the Past. Because men get breast cancer at much lower rates than women, Nilton Fonseca struggled to get his insurance to cover a mammogram -- and to find a doctor to perform reconstructive surgery. WASHINGTON On college campuses in virtually every state across the U.S., the Chinese government supports more than 100 institutes that teach language and culture. For university students like Moe Lewis, they offer a chance to learn about Chinese art and pick up a few phrases in Mandarin. For critics, like Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, they present a threat to academic freedom and a spy risk. As tensions between the U.S. and China rise over trade and security, perceptions vary wildly about educational exchanges that have thrived since diplomatic relations were normalized four decades ago. Increasingly, U.S. authorities are concerned that Chinese professors and students could exploit access to universities to gather intelligence and sensitive research an issue a Senate judiciary panel will address Wednesday. And while the China-funded Confucius Institutes that have mushroomed worldwide since 2004 focus on benign subject matter, U.S. lawmakers are pushing for them to be more tightly regulated or even shuttered. I think every college should be aware of what these institutes are used for and that they are in fact consistently been used as a way to quash academic freedom on campus at the behest of a foreign government, said Rubio, R-Fla. I would encourage every college in America to close them. Theres no need for these programs. The view from the George Mason University campus a few miles outside Washington is much different. While institutes have sometimes been accused of squelching anti-Beijing views on issues like Tibet, Lewis, an undergraduate studying animation, said shes seen no sign of intentional bias. She said the institute is one of her favorite places on campus. I think that its nice to have a lot of multicultural experiences especially with countries that (we) have tensions with, said Lewis, after painting peony leaves with watercolors at a weekly art session where most attendees were Chinese students and the painting teacher was an American. Its important to learn about those places. The debate over Confucius Institutes has become a testing ground for the American response to Chinas growing global reach, and underscores anxieties over the more than 350,000 Chinese who study in the United States, more than one third of all foreign students. Only around 20,000 Americans study in China. In February, FBI Director Christopher Wray voiced concern that China could be using professors or students to collect intelligence at universities naive about the risks. He also told a Senate intelligence committee hearing on worldwide threats that the FBI was monitoring Confucius Institutes, although he highlighted no evidence of wrongdoing. Since then, universities have announced the closure of three institutes in Texas and Florida after pressure from lawmakers. Matthew Pennington is an Associated Press writer. NEW YORK Billionaire conservative icon David Koch is stepping down from the Koch brothers network of business and political activities. The 78-year-old New York resident is suffering from deteriorating health, according to a letter that older brother Charles Koch sent to company officials Tuesday morning. Charles Koch wrote that he is deeply saddened by his brothers retirement. David has always been a fighter and is dealing with this challenge in the same way, he wrote. David Koch is leaving his roles as executive vice president and board member for Koch Industries and a subsidiary, Koch Chemical Technology group, where he served as chairman and chief executive officer. Koch is also stepping down as chairman of the board for the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, the charity related to Koch brothers primary political organization. Charles Koch had assumed a more visible leadership role in the brothers affairs in recent years. He will continue to serve as the CEO of Koch Industries and the unofficial face of the networks political efforts. Democrats have demonized the Koch brothers for their outsize influence in conservative politics over the last decade. Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid regularly attacked Republicans for what he called a Koch addiction. Yet the Kochs have clashed with the Trump administration at times. Citing concerns about Trumps style and substance, the network refused to endorse either presidential candidate in the 2016 election. And while they have praised Trumps policies on taxes, deregulation and health care, they have aggressively attacked the Republican administrations trade policies. On Monday, the Koch network announced a multimillion-dollar campaign to oppose Trumps tariffs and highlight the benefit of free trade. Using the money they made from their Kansas-based family business empire, the Koch brothers have created what is likely the nations most powerful political organization with short-and long-term goals. Their network has promised to spend $400 million to shape the 2018 midterm elections. They have also devoted significant time and resources to strengthening conservative influence on college campuses, in the Hispanic community and in the nonprofit sector. David Koch, who served as the Libertarian Partys vice presidential candidate in 1980, had begun focus more on philanthropy in recent years. The Manhattan resident donated $150 million to New York Citys Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in 2015, the largest gift in the organizations history. He has also given $185 million in total donations to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, his alma mater. Steve Peoples is an Associated Press writer. WASHINGTON House Speaker Paul Ryan agreed Wednesday that the FBI did nothing wrong by using a confidential informant to contact members of the Trump campaign as it investigated its ties to Russia, contradicting President Trumps assertions of a broad conspiracy by federal law enforcement. And he warned that Trump should not try to pardon himself, despite Trumps assertion two days earlier that the president has the power to take such a step. I dont know the technical answer to that question, but I think obviously the answer is he shouldnt, Ryan told reporters. And no one is above the law. Trump has seized on the disclosure of the use of an informant to claim, without evidence, that federal law enforcement officials had improperly placed a spy in his campaign. He demanded a Justice Department inquiry of the matter and dubbed the matter SPYGATE in repeated posts on Twitter. Ryan became the highest-ranking Republican to throw cold water on that interpretation, which Democrats and former high-level law enforcement officials have claimed was an effort to discredit the ongoing investigation into Trump and his campaign. Ryan backed Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., who pursued Hillary Clinton as the chairman of a special select committee on the 2012 attack in Benghazi, Libya, but infuriated some Republican partisans by rebuffing Trump on Spygate. Chairman Gowdys initial assessment is accurate, but we have more digging to do, Ryan told reporters at a news conference Wednesday. Gowdy is a former federal prosecutor, chairman of the House Oversight Committee and one of House Republicans most experienced investigators. In his latest salvo on the Russia probe, Trumps lawyer former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani said Wednesday that special counsel Robert Muellers team is trying to frame Trump, the Associated Press reported. There are a group of 13 highly partisan Democrats who make up the Mueller team, excluding him, and are trying very, very hard to frame him to get him in trouble when he hasnt done anything wrong, Giuliani told a business conference in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv. Nicholas Fandos is a New York Times writer. PHILADELPHIA A federal judge ruled Wednesday that the Trump administration cannot cut off grants to Philadelphia over the way the city deals with immigrants in the country illegally. U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson said in his ruling that the conditions the federal government placed on the city in order to receive the funding are unconstitutional, arbitrary and capricious. He also wrote that Philadelphias policies are reasonable and appropriate. Philadelphia has said it will turn over immigrants to Immigration and Customs Enforcement only if the agency has a warrant signed by a judge. The federal requirements included allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers access to prisons to interview people of interest, providing advanced notice of release of those people and following rules prohibiting restrictions on disclosure of any persons immigration status. The public statements of President (Donald) Trump and Attorney General (Jeff) Sessions, asserting that immigrants commit more crimes than native-born citizens, are inaccurate as applied to Philadelphia, and do not justify the imposition of these three conditions, Baylson wrote. Federal attorneys had said the citys policies put federal immigration agents in danger and create situations where criminals in the country illegally are released and allowed to re-offend. A request for comment from the Department of Justice was not immediately returned Wednesday. The city had said that the requirements on federal grant spending were unconstitutional and that following them would promote a perception in the community that it was serving as an arm of federal immigration enforcement. City attorneys had argued that would create a barrier for immigrants to seek out city services ranging from health care to calling the police when theyre victimized. Baylson wrote that Philadelphia is entitled to prompt payment of the grant funds, but he has given the city and Justice Department time to suggest language for a final decree making that an order. Sessions has said that cities that dont help enforce immigration law are endangering public safety, especially when it comes to sharing information about immigrants who have been accused of crimes. Claudia Lauer is an Associated Press writer. 1 Separating children: The U.N. human rights office called on the Trump administration Tuesday to immediately halt its accelerating policy of separating children from their parents after they cross the U.S. border with Mexico, insisting theres nothing normal about detaining children. Ravina Shamdasani , a spokeswoman for the U.N. high commissioner for refugees, scolded the United States over the hundreds of children removed from parents who were jailed for entering the country illegally. She said that border control appears to take precedence over child protection and care in the U.S. The Trump administration has adopted a new zero tolerance policy that has accelerated separations of children and their parents at the border. The policy, announced in April by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, directs authorities to prosecute all instances of illegal border crossings. 2 Trump bashes Sessions: President Trump is blaming his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, for allowing the Russia investigation to continue. Trump tweets that he would have picked someone else for the top job at the Justice Department had he known Sessions would recuse himself from the probe. The Russian Witch Hunt Hoax continues, all because Jeff Sessions didnt tell me he was going to recuse himself ... I would have quickly picked someone else, Trump tweeted. Such time and money wasted, so many lives ruined ... and Sessions knew better than most that there was No Collusion! Its the latest salvo from Trump in his bid to discredit the ongoing probe by special counsel Robert Mueller. Mueller is investigating Russias attempts to sway voters in the 2016 election and whether Trump associates provided any help. GRAND RONDE, Ore. Tribal artifacts that have been hidden away in the archives of the British Museum in London for nearly 120 years are being returned to an American Indian tribe for an exhibit at its own museum a facility the tribe expanded and upgraded in part to reclaim these pieces central to its complicated heritage. The 16 objects will go on display Tuesday on a small Oregon reservation after a decades-long campaign by the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde to bring them back from Europe. The intricate bowls, woven baskets and other pieces were collected by the Rev. Robert W. Summers, an Episcopal minister who bought them from destitute tribal members in the 1870s and sold them to a colleague. The colleague later gifted the objects to the British institution. The Rise of the Collectors exhibit, on display at the Chachalu Tribal Museum & Cultural Center in Grand Ronde, also includes basketry collected by Dr. Andrew Kershaw, who worked on the reservation in the 1890s as a doctor and agent for the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs. Grand Ronde is about 70 miles southwest of Portland. Together, the two collections are part of a larger plan by the Grand Ronde to reclaim and examine its history for future generations a mission that echoes efforts by other tribes around the United States. Two years ago, a Parisian auction house withdrew a ceremonial shield from an auction after the Acoma Pueblo, a tribe in rural New Mexico, moved to halt its sale. And tribes from Alaska to Connecticut have used a U.S. law passed in 1990 to reclaim Native American remains and sacred or funerary objects. The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde wanted the objects back permanently but worked out an initial yearlong loan because a full return of items from the British Museum requires parliamentary action, said David Harrelson, manager of the tribes cultural resources department. The tribe never made a formal request to have the objects repatriated and instead chose to work with the European institution. The temporary exhibit is regarded as a first step to more collaboration between the Grand Ronde and the British Museum. Its a real privilege to be a part of this, where this material heritage is coming back to this community, said Amber Lincoln, curator of the Americas section of the British Museum. She and a colleague traveled to Oregon with the objects. This is what we work for, to bring people together ... so that we all learn. In Oregon, the U.S. government in 1856 forced members of nearly 30 tribes and bands onto a new reservation to clear out land for white settlement. The mass relocation created a jumble of peoples who brought with them traditions and languages from what is now Northern California to southern Washington, a 350-mile span. The government terminated treaties with those tribes about a century later and restored them in 1983, marking an end to a turbulent period that remains a fresh wound for many here. The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde now has 5,100 members. Around the same time, tribal members still in Oregon first learned of the Summers collection and mounted a campaign to repatriate the objects. The federal law passed to help tribes reclaim artifacts from American museums didnt apply to overseas institutions, so tribal representatives traveled to London, hosted British Museum officials in Oregon and pursued talks over a period of years. The museum was welcoming, but the tribe lacked a secure space to keep the objects. After the tribe opened a casino in 1995, it had the funds to build a tribal museum a key requirement for hosting the objects that led to the loan agreement last year. A small museum opened on tribal land in 2014, and an expanded space with a special security vault for the artifacts was completed last month. In my heart, I felt like, Those are ours, and we need repatriate whatever means we can to have those returned here, said Cheryle Kennedy, chairwoman of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde. Its really the spirit within our people that I felt crying out. Summers was passionate about collecting tribal artifacts and focused on finding items made before contact with Europeans which means many of the objects on display were created before the tribes were forced onto the reservation, said Travis Stewart, interpretive director for the exhibit and a tribal member who selected the items on loan from the British. That makes their temporary return even more symbolic, said Stewart, whose ancestors appear posing with basketry in a photograph in the exhibit. There are spiritual teachings we lose, there are cultural teachings we lose, he said. The fabric, the materials that these things are made of are from those peoples homes. Summers was intent on preserving that heritage through his collecting, a topic he returns to repeatedly in detailed notes also featured in the exhibit. He made many trips to Grand Ronde while stationed at a church in the nearby town of McMinnville, but ultimately sold his collection to the Rev. Selwyn Charles Freer as Summers health failed. Summers wife, Lucia, created a hand-illustrated catalog of the collection after her husbands 1898 death. Freer in 1900 gifted the hundreds of items, as well as Lucia Summers illustrations, to the British Museum. Now, the 5,200-member tribe hopes the loan as well as its newly expanded museum space will give it the track record it needs to secure similar loans from other institutions. Im hopeful, said Kennedy, the tribal chairwoman. The healing of our people is happening. Gillian Flaccus is an Associated Press writer. WASHINGTON Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt had an agency staffer reach out to Chick-fil-A on government email about a potential business opportunity, emails show. The opportunity, according to one former EPA senior staff member, was exploring the possibility of a Chick-fil-A franchise for Pruitts wife. It was the second disclosure in as many days of Pruitt asking agency staff to do personal tasks for him. Democratic lawmakers released a transcript Monday of an interview with a top Pruitt aide who said the EPA chief asked her to reach out to the Trump International Hotel about buying a used mattress. The aide, Millan Hupp abruptly resigned Wednesday. She told lawmakers that Pruitt had her conduct numerous personal errands. Federal ethics rules bar government employees from using their positions for private gain and prohibit supervisors from directing their subordinates to carry out personal errands. EPA mails obtained by the Sierra Club under the Freedom of Information Act show Hupp, then Pruitts scheduler, reaching out to Chick-fil-A executive Dan Cathy on May 18, 2017, for a meeting, at Pruitts request, she wrote in the email. The administrator didnt mention a specific topic but I will touch base with him to see if there is one, Hupp said in one email. She followed up the next day. The administrator would like to talk about a potential business opportunity. In response, Pruitt spoke Wednesday to a correspondent for Nexstar Media Group, who posted his video comments on Twitter. We love Chick-fil-A as a franchise of faith, Pruitt said. He adds that the country needs more Chick-fil-As and then laughs. He did not comment directly on whether he was seeking a franchise for his wife. Pruitt and his aides also put out feelers among government and private contacts about interior decorator work for Pruitts wife, Marlyn, according to former EPA deputy chief of staff Kevin Chmielewski, who says he was fired from the agency after challenging some of Pruitts spending. Asked about the latest disclosures, Trump lavished praise on Pruitt. People are really impressed with the job thats being done at the EPA. Thank you very much, Scott. That response, however, didnt sit well with Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, who called Pruitt about as swampy as you get here in Washington. If the president wants to drain the swamp, he needs to take a look at his own cabinet, she said according to CNN. Ellen Knickmeyer is an Associated Press writer. ARLINGTON, Va. Fifty years after his death, Robert F. Kennedys words remain powerful. At ceremonies Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery, speakers paid homage to his oratory by simply reciting excerpts of his speeches to a crowd of several thousand that gathered to remember him. Civil rights leader and U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia quoted Kennedys speech after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., which occurred just two months before Kennedy himself was shot and killed. What we need in the United States is not division. What we need in the United States is not hatred but love, and wisdom, and compassion for one another, Lewis said. Emma Gonzalez, a survivor of the Parkland school shooting in Florida, read a quote from a 1966 speech Kennedy gave in apartheid-era South Africa. First is the danger of futility: the belief there is nothing one man or one woman can do against the enormous array of the worlds ills against misery and ignorance, injustice and violence. Yet many of the worlds great movements, of thought and action, have flowed from the work of a single man, Gonzalez said. Kennedy, a former attorney general remembered for his efforts to advance civil rights, ran for president in 1968 and had won the California primary when he was shot June 5 at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. He died the next day. A Navy veteran, he is buried at Arlington near his brother, former President John F. Kennedy. At the start of Wednesdays ceremony at the cemetery amphitheater next to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Kennedys daughter, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, said the family takes comfort in the fact that so many people shared their sense of loss at her fathers death. It is tough to lose a parent, Townsend said, recalling mornings in the family home where she awoke to her fathers routine of doing pushups while listening to Shakespeare. It was very painful to lose my father. Dozens of members of the Kennedy clan, including Robert Kennedys 90-year-old widow, Ethel, attended the ceremony, which included a rendition of Woody Guthries This Land is Your Land by country music star Kenney Chesney. Former President Bill Clinton gave the keynote speech Wednesday, and said Kennedys words are truer today than they were then. Although Kennedy loved his clan, he loved even more to reach beyond his clan to try to help others, Clinton said. He instinctively led a life of encounter, Clinton said. Tracee M. Herbaugh is an Associated Press writer. Weeks before she was killed, dismembered and stuffed into a plastic storage tub, Maggie Mamers San Francisco roommate gave her an ultimatum: Move out or get evicted, prosecutors said. But rather than pack up and leave, Mamer, 61, stayed put at the Mission District apartment where shed been paying $400 a month for rent a decision that authorities believe led her death. The roommate, 47-year-old Lisa Gonzales, was arrested on suspicion of murder when police discovered Mamers hacked-up and maggot-covered remains Saturday at their home on the 200 block of 14th Street. The unsettling details of the grisly murder case were outlined in papers filed in San Francisco Superior Court on Wednesday, when Mamer was officially named as the victim. Gonzales, prosecutors revealed, previously spent a year in jail after being convicted of assault with a deadly weapon in a separate 2004 case. Alex Lilien, Gonzales court-appointed public defender, did not have details on the case and declined to discuss the matter during a brief court appearance Wednesday. His client is under psychiatric observation in San Francisco Jail, where shes being held without bail. Gonzales was not in court, but is due back for arraignment on Friday. Mamers friends, who had been searching for her for weeks, were shocked and saddened to learn of her troubling end on Wednesday. I was concerned with her living situation, said Marion Garbo Seltzer, who lives in Maine but was close with Mamer. Im feeling guilty, like I was a bad friend. I didnt know how bad it was. Seltzer, also 61, cried as she spoke about her friend, whom she usually communicated with five days a week. She was just the sweetest, kindest, most positive, most pleasant person you can imagine, Seltzer said. Whats making it very hard is what a great person she was. More for you Former SF supe says graduating teen was stabbed 20-plus times Mamer had moved into a room in the apartment in the three-story building in August 2017. But that winter, Gonzales became frustrated with her new roommate after things started to get misplaced or broken around the home, Assistant District Attorney Adam Maldonado wrote in a motion to withhold the defendants bail. In April, Gonzales who had lived in the apartment for many years apparently had enough and gave Mamer the ultimatum to move out. I could tell she felt panicked and overwhelmed, Seltzer said of her friend. I suspected she didnt have money and transportation. I had a sense she was paralyzed. Mamer was retired, and city records show shes had money trouble in the past. In 2016, she was evicted from her home on Duboce Avenue after failing to pay her $639 rent for five months, according to court records. Before retiring, Mamer worked at a variety of jobs, including being employed by the World Affairs Council in the late 1990s, according to her LinkedIn page. Investigators believe the killing happened around May 15, which is about the time Mamer stopped speaking with her friends. That day, a third person who lived at the apartment came home and noticed a metallic smell, prosecutors said. The next day, prosecutors said, the same witness heard sawing coming from inside the bathroom and later smelled rotten eggs coming from the same area. When she asked where Mamer was, Gonzales said the victim left, but not the way she should have, Maldonado wrote. Police officers on Saturday went to the home to check on Mamer after a friend filed a missing person report the day before. Gonzales let the officers in and allowed them to search the place, but when the police went downstairs to look inside a storage locker, they found a large plastic container and the pungent odor of something decaying, prosecutors said. When officers opened the plastic container, they observed a large black plastic bag which was covered in maggots, Maldonado wrote. Officers observed a dark, (viscous) liquid bubbling from the sides of the large plastic bag. When they opened the container, police said they found Mamers arms and legs had been cut off and stacked on top of her intact head and torso. The medical examiner found evidence of blunt force trauma along with sharp force injuries that prosecutors said indicated the death was a homicide. While being interviewed by police, Gonzales admitted that she got into an argument with Mamer on May 15 after the woman refused to move out of the apartment, Maldonado wrote. The defendant informed investigators that she thinks she flipped, but didnt have a real recollection of what happened, he wrote. When asked what the defendant thought took place, the defendant replied probably nothing good. Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky Police officers thought they were doing a simple door-knock at a Mission District apartment to check on a San Francisco woman who recently was reported missing. But during their visit Saturday afternoon to the home on 14th Street, the officers made a disturbing discovery: a dismembered and decomposing body stuffed inside a plastic tub in a storage area under the apartment, two sources familiar with the investigation told The Chronicle. The missing womans roommate, 47-year-old Lisa Gonzales, was promptly arrested. On Tuesday, the district attorneys office charged her with murder, and she is expected to appear in Superior Court as soon as Wednesday for arraignment. But the case remains as mysterious as it is unusual. San Francisco police officials have been unusually close-mouthed, saying only that the case is under investigation. The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly. The medical examiners office was working with the remains in an effort to conclusively identify the victim. The officers, though, were at the three-story apartment building on the 200 block of 14th Street to check on the welfare of a 61-year-old woman whose friend had reported her missing the day before, according to the sources. The friend, contacted by The Chronicle on Tuesday, declined to comment. Gonzales was being held Tuesday under psychiatric observation at San Francisco County Jail. She was given a no-bail status. No other details on her condition or her background were available. It was around 1 p.m. Saturday when officers knocked on the door of the Mission District apartment. Gonzales answered and cooperated with the officers inquiry, the sources said. At some point, the officers were drawn to a small concrete stairwell leading from the sidewalk in front of the home to a small storage area under the building, where they found the body parts. Police taped off the area that afternoon as investigators, some wearing hazardous material suits and masks, arrived and recovered the remains in the plastic bin, the sources said. One neighbor, who asked not to be identified, said he had noticed a terrible smell in the area in the days before the discovery. The man grew up next door and said Gonzales had lived in the apartment for nearly two decades. He said he knew her only in passing and that Gonzales kept to herself. The neighbor recalled hearing someone in recent days shuffling around in the storage area in the middle of the night. Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky A judge has refused to dismiss an American Civil Liberties Union suit challenging some of the states new rules for executions, including procedures for determining whether a condemned inmate is sane enough to be executed. The ACLU, on behalf of Death Row inmate Jarvis Lee Masters, sued state prison officials in February for approving rules for putting inmates to death without first submitting them to the public for comment. Two previous versions of the execution standards drew thousands of public comments, mostly critical, and were rejected by a state administrative agency, which found they were inconsistent with state law. But in November 2016 state voters approved Proposition 66, an initiative sponsored by death penalty supporters to speed up executions and eliminate requirements of public notice and comment for procedures used to administer the lethal drugs. State officials sought to dismiss the ACLU suit, arguing that Prop. 66 applied to all aspects of an execution. Requiring officials to invite and respond to public comment on procedures required to carry out an execution would delay the process, an absurd result in light of the ballot measures purpose, a state lawyer said in a court filing. Sponsors of Prop. 66 also argued for dismissal of the suit and said it was already causing delay in plans to resume executions. California has not conducted an execution since 2006 and has nearly 750 inmates on Death Row, of whom more than 20 have lost their final appeals of their death sentences. But Marin County Superior Court Judge Roy Chernus ruled last week that the suit could proceed. Chernus did not decide whether public comment was required for any of the states proposed procedures, but said the ACLUs allegations show the existence of a present, actual controversy to be resolved in legal proceedings. ACLU attorney Linda Lye said the disputed issues include examinations to determine an inmates sanity, methods of selecting witnesses from the public and the news media, the handling of execution warrants and disposition of an inmates body. Past regulations have drawn extensive (public) comment on whats appropriate for a treating psychiatrist to do and not do, Lye said. She said the judges ruling allows the ACLU to seek evidence from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on the challenged regulations. If Chernus decided that any of the rules was exempt from Prop. 66, he could order the department to invite public comment and then to seek approval of the procedures from the state Office of Administrative Law, which rejected the earlier versions. The department declined to comment on the ruling. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko Airtel said that it will continue to make significant investments to further expand its operations and network footprint across Kerala. As part of its ongoing network transformation program Project Leap, Airtel plans to roll out 5,000 new mobile sites across Kerala in FY 2018-19 to add large network capacity and take high speed data services deeper into rural areas. This effectively translates to 1 new Airtel mobile site going LIVE every two hours across the state. With this planned rollout, the number of Airtels mobile sites across Kerala will go up by 30% to 22,000 and add to the network experience for customers. Airtel also plans to rollout 500 kms of fresh optic fiber across the state to take its fiber footprint to 6,000 kms. The addition of fresh fiber capacity will support the growth of high speed data services in the state. Manoj Murali, CEO Tamil Nadu & Kerala said, Kerala is an important market for us and we are committed to expanding our high speed data networks to every corner of the state. As part of Project Leap, we will continue to aggressively invest in building a world class future ready network in Kerala. Airtel was the first operator to launch 4G services in Kerala. Airtel also launched Indias first 4G advanced in Kochi combining capacities of TD LTE (2300 MHz spectrum band) and FD LTE (1800 MHz spectrum band). Airtels high speed mobile broadband network umbrella in the region covers all key urban, semi urban and rural areas including highways, tourist destinations and trade centers. @Technuter.com News Service Democrat Kevin de Leon secured the No. 2 spot in Californias U.S. Senate race, beating out Republican James Bradley to earn the right to face Sen. Dianne Feinstein one-on-one in the November general election, according to election returns released Wednesday. De Leon, a state senator from Los Angeles, placed second in Tuesdays primary with 11.3 percent of the vote, surpassing Bradley, an Orange County businessman, who got 9 percent. De Leon faces a huge challenge Feinstein took nearly 44 percent of the vote in Tuesdays primary. She has served in the Senate since 1992 and is seeking a fifth full term. De Leon released a statement saying voters want a new approach to dealing with a broken establishment in Washington. This nation was built on the promise that anyone willing to risk it all to come here regardless of who they are or where they came from could have a fair shot at a hard days work, afford a roof over their head, affordable health care, and an equal opportunity to succeed, de Leon said. Its time Californians had a United States senator committed to making good on that promise. The November race will mark the second consecutive Senate election in California in which two Democrats face each other. In 2016, then-state Attorney General Kamala Harris defeated Rep. Loretta Sanchez. No big-name Republicans ran in this years primary, and the state GOP was unable to agree on a candidate to endorse. Feinstein, who was in Washington on election night, said she was running to stand up for Californias values including universal health care, common-sense gun laws and ending the forced separation of immigrant children from their families. Thanks so much for your support and for your faith in me, she said in a statement. Now its on to November. Sarah Ravani and Joe Garofoli are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com, jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani, @JoeGarofoli Engineer.ai has announced the Indian launch of Builder, its first human-assisted AI for building custom digital products. Builder adopts an assembly-line approach, combining artificial intelligence with the best globally crowd-sourced teams of designers and developers to build bespoke digital products at twice the speed and less than a third of the cost of traditional software development. Co-founded by serial entrepreneurs Sachin Dev Duggal and Saurabh Dhoot, the company was created with the belief that everyone should be able to build their ideas without needing to code and any idea can be made into a reality without wastage of time, money or resources. Builder is an intuitive platform that enables anyone to assemble the complex code necessary to build software in just five easy steps: STEP 1 Begin with an idea. STEP 2 Choose from recommended features or add your own. The AI will create a build card which guarantees a maximum price and estimated delivery date. STEP 3 Builders development process leverages AI to tap a library of existing components and manage crowd-sourced global teams for everything that is unique. STEP 4 Builder delivers a custom product quickly and inexpensively, as guaranteed. STEP 5 The platform can host and upgrade your product to ensure ongoing functionality. Engineer.ai Chief Wizard & Co-founder Sachin Dev Duggal, said, Builder redesigns how software is created, enabling everyone with an idea in their head to get an app in their hand. We empower people to build their dreams without actually knowing how to code. Were disrupting traditional software development by removing the shroud of mystery around code design, giving transparency and control to the creators the people with ideas. This is made possible by our proprietary artificial intelligence, which can price, spec, write, and create products faster and more efficiently. Rajiv Sodhi, General Manager Partner Ecosystem, Microsoft India, said, India has leapfrogged on the digital economy, thanks to the fast adoption of smartphones and the increasing digitization of traditional SMBs. Our goal is to amplify human ingenuity with intelligent technology by infusing AI in everything we do. We provide a powerful platform of AI services and tools that makes innovation by our developers and partners faster and more accessible. We are committed to advancing technology adoption in India and are excited about partnering with Engineer.ai Inc. in India to launch the Builder Platform. @Technuter.com News Service As the school year wound down this week at St. Cornelius Catholic School in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, eighth-grade students were handed a gift meant to prepare them for their transition to high school a bullet-resistant shield that can fit in their backpacks. It is their life now, which is very sad, Barbara Rosini, the school principal, said in an interview Tuesday. But if it is something that will help keep our kids, or any child or any adult, safe, that is unfortunately where we are now. I never thought I would need this, Jacob Nicosia, one of the students graduating Tuesday, told a local television station during the distribution event Monday. The small private school in a small semirural community west of Philadelphia, with several hundred students from prekindergarten through middle school, is not alone in its attempt to address the multiple school shootings over the years. Since a gunman killed 20 first-graders and six adults with an assault rifle at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, there have been at least 239 school shootings nationwide, according to an analysis in February of figures provided by the Gun Violence Archive. In those episodes, 438 people were shot, 138 of whom were killed. UNLIKELY ACTIVISTS: Trauma surgeons a growing voice against gun violence As more schools try to tighten security in response to school shootings, educators, legislators and some parents are considering military-style gear as much a part of safety routines as other precautions, such as lockdown drills and metal detectors. On May 23, Gov. John Bel Edwards of Louisiana signed a bill into law allowing students to wear bulletproof backpacks in schools. That gun bill was one of several filed after 17 people were killed on Feb. 14 in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Other schools are considering new safety measures, such as covering windows with resistant film or installing metal detectors all steps that have their own vulnerabilities. The idea that the nations schools should give out bullet-resistant gear, rather than take other measures, points to a lack of action by legislators, gun control advocates say. We should never tolerate an America where we make children protect themselves while letting elected officials get away with doing nothing, said Peter Ambler, the executive director of Giffords, a gun control group founded by Gabrielle Giffords, the former congresswoman who was shot in the head in 2011. Others say it is misguided. I have never recommended it in my business at all, Curtis S. Lavarello, the executive director of the School Safety Advocacy Council, a training provider, said of bulletproof backpacks. I think it creates a false sense of security for the student and the school itself. Lavarello, whose work takes him to up to 300 campuses a year, said improving communication strategies, like anonymous texting, with students was a better approach to school safety. Honestly, it is probably a sad statement that it sounds as though we are going to start equipping students as we do law enforcement officers, he said. I would prefer to see money in areas with better results. Companies have ramped up their marketing to school safety officials in the wake of the Parkland shooting in particular. But school districts have little guidance from government agencies or independent consumer groups on which equipment would actually protect their students. Rosini, the St. Cornelius principal, said the school already had special bolts on doors and conducted lockdown drills. She said she discussed the idea of bullet-resistant gear with Robert Vito, whose daughters attend the school, about a year ago because his Unequal Technologies Co. makes protective gear for athletes, law enforcement officers and professional stunt performers. In an assembly Monday, Vito presented the shields, which were tested at military laboratories and are known as SafeShields, to 15 students and 25 faculty members. A shield would not resist an AR-15 bullet, but it has been tested to stop handgun bullets and shotgun shells, as well as provide protection against stabbing, he said in an interview. Vitos 14-year-old daughter is among those graduating Tuesday who received the donated SafeShields. Made of a Kevlar composite, they measure about 10 inches by 12 inches and weigh about as much as two 8-ounce cans of soda. Sadly, this is the sign of the times, Vito said. The parents have to take responsibility for their childs safety. Vito said the company was talking to schools in Atlanta and Texas about supplying the shields, which could cost $99 each for schools and be passed from graduating to incoming students like a textbook. This is not the only solution, Vito said. This is part of it. Tammy Brogan, a teacher at the school, said she showed her 9-year-old daughter, Juliana, a student there, how to slip one of the shields into her school bag, making room for it among the books and a water bottle. She took it, Brogan said. But, she added, I dont know if she fully understands the impact. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Qlik has announced the expansion of its existing strategic partnership with the United Nations to deliver critical and actionable analytics insights to positively effect global sustainability and humanitarian efforts. The United Nations, through the Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT), is standardized on Qliks visual analytics platform to create applications that advance United Nations missions. The partnership has grown over the last five years under the Qlik Corporate Social Responsibility program, and is being highlighted through Qliks presence at the UN Science, Technology and Innovation Forum. The STI Forum brings relevant stakeholders together to share in sustainability technology and explore collaboration efforts to achieve the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. Meaningful progress towards our Sustainable Development Goals requires that we continually leverage innovation, said Salem Avan, Director, Global Services Division, Office of Information & Communications Technology. The STI Forum brings together key stakeholders who share in our mission to demonstrate how to best further the UNs impact through their innovations. The United Nations has a clearly stated mission outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: We are resolved to free the human race from the tyranny of poverty and want and to heal and secure our planet. We are determined to take the bold and transformative steps which are urgently needed to shift the world onto a sustainable and resilient path. The UN is enabling these transformative steps globally through OICT, driving constant analysis of various Sustainable Development Goals through Qlik applications. This allows OICT to clearly present and share indicators from the massive amounts of available data, identifying and tracking improvements on a wide range of barriers to population well-being. Through a partnership with Qlik, Secretariat Self-Service Data Visualization Platform initiated in 2015 and renewed in 2017, OICT has built a self-service visualization platform that enables non-IT staff in all departments and offices within the UN Secretariat (including Regional Commissions, offices away from Headquarters and Field missions) to develop and publish dashboards for internal collaboration and formal/informal reporting. To date there are more than 100 apps published and in use within the platform on topics ranging from administrative topics (budget tracking and procurement) to substantive ones (gender equality, peacekeeping troop deployments, capacity development projects, global crime statistics.) Secretariat Management Dashboards Complementing the self-service dashboard effort, OICT worked with senior managers to develop standardized dashboards for reports in key administrative areas within the Secretariat. In March 2017, OICT released a series of management dashboards used by senior management and key focal points in areas such as budget & finance, HR, ICT, procurement, travel, and real estate management. There are currently 20 management dashboards used daily to provide up-to-date and readily accessible management reports. Security Council Highlights App The Security Council Affairs Division within the Department of Political Affairs (DPA/SCAD) publishes an annual report detailing the UN security council meetings held during the past year, with details such as adopted resolutions, presidential statements, and decisions. Starting in 2015, Qlik has been used to provide the official report which is now available online. Starting in 2017, Qlik is also used to publish Monthly Security Council statistics which are publicly available. The UN Comtrade Analytics App The United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) contains detailed goods, imports and exports statistics from 1962 to the present, reported by statistical authorities of close to 200 countries and areas. UN Comtrade is considered the most comprehensive trade database available with more than 3 billion records. Qlik is used to visualize the trade statistics data and make it easier to report. Advanced Analytics OICT is working on several advanced analytics initiatives through Qlik to provide easier ways for staff and senior management to get answers and gain data insight, including: Using natural language text to query Qlik dashboards and display relevant charts on the fly. Using public data on conflict country GDP data to calculate the cost of conflict and visualize the results within Qlik. Using management data (travel compliance, budget expenditure etc.) to build prediction models visualized in Qlik. Unlocking the power of the UNs vast and varied data sources through analytics is vital in the effort to effect real and sustainable global change, said Mike Capone, CEO at Qlik. Were proud of our partnership and sharing in the UNs goal of making the world a more sustainable and prosperous one. We look forward to continuing the expansion of our effort to bring essential insights to those on the front lines of global UN transformation initiatives. @Technuter.com News Service SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) A second body was found at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital in less than a week, police confirmed tonight. Police were notified Monday morning of the death of a hospital patient, less than a week after the body of Ruby Andersen was found in a power plant building. Andersen had been reported missing May 20 from the hospital, although she was not a patient there. Andersen was found last Wednesday around 1 p.m. A forensic examination showed that Andersen's death did not involve any foul play, according to the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Police said the medical examiner will determine the cause of death of the person found Monday. A spokesman for the hospital referred a call for information on the death to police. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Missing outright election by just a few hundred votes, incumbent Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton will likely face off again with Paul Graves, one of her office's top deputies, in November. Becton received 49.59 percent of Tuesday's vote, according to complete unofficial election results. That was ahead of Graves' 42.06 percent, but not enough to reach 50 percent and avoid a November runoff. Lawrence Strauss, an Orinda-based attorney and a former prosecutor, finished a distant third. Becton was appointed to serve out the term of Mark Peterson, who had resigned before being sentenced to probation after pleading no contest to one count of felony perjury. Peterson had been accused of lying about using campaign funds for personal expenses. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors chose Becton -- who spent 22 years as a Superior Court judge but had no experience as a prosecutor -- from among five applicant finalists. She is the first woman, and the first African American, to head up the office. Also among the five finalists for appointment to the DA job was Graves, a 22-year veteran of the office and senior deputy district attorney in charge of its Family Violence unit and now working under Becton. It was Graves, and not Becton, who earned the endorsement of the Contra Costa prosecutors' union both for the appointment by the board and during the campaign for Tuesday's election. The supervisors chose Becton in part as a fresh voice for an office criticized for its handling of cases against minorities. Both Becton and Graves acknowledged the district attorney's office needed fresh leadership after a series of high-profile incidents that included not only Peterson's problems but also fallout from the 2008 arrest of prosecutor Michael Gressett on suspicion of raping a fellow prosecutor. The county settled with the alleged victim in that case in 2011. Strauss ran on a platform of progressive criminal justice reform, and of increasing the efficiency of the district attorney's office. He drew harsh criticism from law enforcement after saying at an April candidates' forum that he wouldn't seek the death penalty against any accused killer of a peace officer because "it's part of the risk they take." Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. The race to see who will become San Francisco's next mayor is still up in the air as of this morning with former state Sen. Mark Leno holding a narrow lead over Board of Supervisors president London Breed. Initial results from Tuesday's election indicated a large margin in first-place votes for Breed. However, once San Francisco's ranked-choice voting system was taken into account with voters selecting their top three choices, Leno took the lead early this morning with 50.42 percent of the vote compared to 49.58 percent for Breed with more ballots yet to count. The city's mayoral race had several high-profile candidates, including Supervisor Jane Kim and former Supervisor Angela Alioto. The race was prompted by the unexpected death of Mayor Ed Lee in December. Following his passing, Breed served as both acting mayor and Board of Supervisors president. However, once she announced she would run for mayor, progressive supervisors pushed for the appointment of a "caretaker" mayor who was not running. Citing Breed's dual position as board president and District 5 supervisor, some supervisors argued that having her act as mayor not only gave her an unfair advantage in the upcoming election but also violated the separation of powers envisioned in the city's charter. Supervisors eventually voted for then-Supervisor Mark Farrell to be mayor, with his swearing-in taking place in late January. San Francisco native Breed, 43, grew up in public housing and previously worked as executive director of the African American Art & Culture Complex. She was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2012 and was re-elected in 2016. Leno, 66, served as a San Francisco supervisor from 1998 to 2000, before being elected to the State Assembly in 2002 and then the state Senate in 2008. The winner of the mayoral race will serve the remainder of Lee's term, which runs through January 2020. Santa Clara County voters have recalled Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky, who handed down a controversial six-month sentence to a former Stanford University swimmer convicted of rape in 2016. About 59 percent of county voters approved recalling Persky with roughly half of the precincts reporting as of early this morning. The recall needed a simple majority. Cindy Hendrickson, a prosecutor, received more than 70 percent of the vote to become his successor. Persky oversaw the case of Brock Turner, who sexually assaulted Emily Doe in January 2015 at a fraternity party near Stanford. Doe and Turner were both students at the university when the rape occurred. Turner was convicted in March 2016 of three felony rape counts and was released after three months for good behavior. Many people thought the sentence was too short for the severity of his crimes, and Stanford law professor Michele Dauber launched a campaign that June to recall Persky. As precincts began to favor a "yes" vote this evening, Dauber said the polls were reflecting what she and other activists had seen for months during the campaign. "I think we're in the middle of a historic moment, where women across all sectors of American life are standing up and saying 'enough is enough,'" Dauber said. Persky is the first Bay Area judge to be recalled in more than 100 years. A regional measure that will raise tolls on most Bay Area bridges over the next several years appears to be on its way to passing in Tuesday's election with a comfortable margin. With a substantial portion of the regional votes counted, election returns indicated about 54 percent of voters supported Regional Measure 3. The measure was on the ballot in all nine counties and earned a majority support in all but two counties: Contra Costa and Solano. If passed, it will raise tolls by $1 in 2019, 2022 and 2025 on all Bay Area bridges except for the Golden Gate Bridge. By 2025, it would cost $9 to cross those bridges during peak hours and $8 to cross at any other time. The Bay Area Toll Authority voted unanimously in January to place the measure on the ballot, saying that it would raise an estimated $4.45 billion in funding for transportation improvements throughout the region. The new revenue would go toward many transportation projects, including not just roads but a BART extension to San Jose, a Caltrain extension to the Transbay Transit Center in San Francisco and new ferry boats and San Francisco Municipal Railway train cars. Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O'Malley appears to have fended off a challenge from civil rights attorney Pamela Price in Tuesday's election, according to unofficial election results. With 89 percent of precincts reporting early this morning, it appears that O'Malley will win with about 59 percent support. Price, who promised to prosecute police officers who kill suspects but said she wouldn't prosecute misdemeanor cases, was the first challenger O'Malley faced since the Alameda County Board of Supervisors appointed her to her position in September 2009. Price said in her ballot statement that she ran against O'Malley because she wanted to "hold police accountable and remove officers who are not serving the public, end mass incarceration, eliminate the death penalty and ensure that victims of crime receive the full justice they deserve." O'Malley was endorsed by some of California's most powerful elected officials, including Gov. Jerry Brown and U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris, as well as by all five members of the Board of Supervisors and most of the county's mayors. Missing outright election by just a few hundred votes, incumbent Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton will likely face off again with Paul Graves, one of her office's top deputies, in November. Becton received 49.59 percent of Tuesday's vote, according to complete unofficial election results. That was ahead of Graves' 42.06 percent, but not enough to reach 50 percent and avoid a November runoff. Lawrence Strauss, an Orinda-based attorney and a former prosecutor, finished a distant third. Becton was appointed to serve out the term of Mark Peterson, who had resigned before being sentenced to probation after pleading no contest to one count of felony perjury. Peterson had been accused of lying about using campaign funds for personal expenses. A proposal to ban the sale of candy-flavored tobacco products in San Francisco appears to be supported by the majority of the city's voters in Tuesday's election. According to preliminary results from the city's Department of Elections, Proposition E was approved by 68 percent of the vote. The proposition would uphold the San Francisco Board of Supervisors' unanimous vote to ban the products and other flavored tobacco, including menthol cigarettes. "San Francisco voters just sent a clear and resounding message: No amount of deceptive advertising will distract from the fact that candy flavors target kids," Melissa Welch with the American Heart Association said in a statement late Tuesday night. "We believe the success of Proposition E will encourage other cities to follow suit and end the sale of candy-flavored tobacco before nicotine addiction claims a new generation of young people," Welch said. Groups such as the Arab-American Grocers Association have opposed the proposition, saying that the ban could hurt immigrant-owned businesses. A citywide proposition put forth by the San Francisco Police Officers Association that outlined a policy for when police officers could use Taser stun guns appears to have been defeated by voters. Preliminary election results indicate that more than 60 percent of voters voted no on Proposition H. If passed, the proposition would have allowed for the Police Department to request funding for the devices within 45 days of it being enacted. According to the No on Prop H Committee, the proposition would have also loosened existing restrictions for the use of Tasers, allowing for officers to use them in non-violent situations and to disregard de-escalation tactics. In March, the San Francisco Police Commission voted on a policy for the use of Tasers, after the commission had already approved their use by officers back in November. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Multiple school district ballot measures in San Mateo County were either narrowly defeated or barely passed by voters in Tuesday's election, according to complete unofficial election results. Measure J, a school bond measure in the Jefferson Union High School District, had 54.1 percent approval while Measure M from the Cabrillo Unified School District had 54.9 percent approval, both just short of the 55 percent needed to pass. Measure J was a $33 million bond measure to fund rental housing for the district's teachers and staff, while Measure M was a $99 million bond measure to fund renovations of schools. The Belmont-Redwood Shores School District sought a $118 parcel tax for five years to fund academic programs and school libraries, but needed two-thirds approval and came up short at 64.8 percent. Measure L, a $166 parcel tax proposed by the Brisbane School District, narrowly passed with 67.3 percent of voters, just above the two-thirds majority needed for approval. School district funding measures in the Las Lomitas Elementary School District, Millbrae School District, Pacifica School District and Ravenswood City School District passed with more comfortable margins. The two non-school district measures on the San Mateo County ballot -- Foster City's Measure P to fund up to $90 million in bonds for levee improvements and Portola Valley's Measure T to reduce the utility user tax on telephone, gas, water and electricity -- also passed. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. OAKLAND (BCN) A reputed gang associate pleaded no contest Monday to first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of a mural artist in Oakland three years ago. Marquise Holloway, 23, faces a term of 25 years to life in state prison when Alameda County Superior Court Judge Morris Jacobson sentences him on Oct. 5 for the shooting death of 27-year-old Antonio Ramos of Emeryville in the 3500 block of West Street in Oakland at about 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 29, 2015. Ramos was shot while he was working on a mural underneath an Interstate Highway 580 overpass that was part of the Oakland Super Heroes Mural Project, a collaboration between artists and local students. Oakland police said they believe the gun used in the killing of Ramos was stolen earlier in September 2015 from a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in San Francisco. Oakland police Officer Jimmy Ngo wrote in a probable cause statement that after Holloway was arrested in November 2015 he admitted that he shot Ramos but claimed it was an accident. Oakland police Lt. Roland Holmgren said in November 2015 that Holloway is associated with a West Oakland gang called Ghost Town and described him as "very much a threat to the community" because police believe he committed a number of bank robberies. In addition to murder, Holloway was charged with the special circumstance of committing a robbery during a murder, as well as three counts of second-degree robbery and two counts of attempted second-degree robbery for incidents on Sept. 29, 2015, the same day that Ramos was killed, and between Oct. 1 and Oct. 5 of 2015. But as part of Holloway's plea agreement, the Alameda County District Attorney's Office agreed to dismiss the special circumstance allegation and the robbery counts. Holloway would have faced life in prison without the possibility of parole if he had been convicted of murder with special circumstances. Holloway shouted expletives and banged his head against a glass barrier when he was arraigned on Nov. 24, 2015, but was calm when he pleaded not guilty at a court appearance on June 6, 2016. Holloway's attorney Darryl Billups didn't respond to multiple requests to comment on Holloway's no contest plea. Holmgren said on Sept. 29, 2015, Ramos had taken a break from working on the mural and was taking pictures of his work to memorialize it to update the mural artists' website when Holloway came by and noticed Ramos' camera equipment, sparking a confrontation that ended in the fatal shooting. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. A regional measure that will raise tolls on most Bay Area bridges over the next several years appears to be on its way to passing in Tuesday's election with a comfortable margin. With a substantial portion of the regional votes counted, election returns indicated about 54 percent of voters supported Regional Measure 3. The measure was on the ballot in all nine counties and earned a majority support in all but two counties: Contra Costa and Solano. If passed, it will raise tolls by $1 in 2019, 2022 and 2025 on all Bay Area bridges except for the Golden Gate Bridge. By 2025, it would cost $9 to cross those bridges during peak hours and $8 to cross at any other time. The Bay Area Toll Authority voted unanimously in January to place the measure on the ballot, saying that it would raise an estimated $4.45 billion in funding for transportation improvements throughout the region. The Golden Gate Bridge is operated by an independent district that sets its own tolls. The new revenue would go toward many transportation projects, including not just roads but a BART extension to San Jose, a Caltrain extension to the Transbay Transit Center in San Francisco and new ferry boats and San Francisco Municipal Railway train cars. The mayors of the three largest cities in the region campaigned for the measure in the final weeks leading up to Tuesday's election. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo and interim San Francisco Mayor Mark Farrell appeared at the Ferry Building in May to announce their support for the higher tolls. While many votes were still being counted early this morning, election returns showed broad support in urban areas. In San Francisco, about 64 percent of voters were in favor, while in Santa Clara County, 61 percent had approved it. Support in Contra Costa County was dismal, however, with about 43 percent support. Support appeared to be even worse in Solano County, with only about 30 percent in favor of it. In Alameda County, voters in Oakland, Berkeley and Alameda appeared to be voting in favor of the measure, while voters in San Leandro, Hayward and Fremont rejected it. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. SANTA ROSA (BCN) Two 15-year-old boys were arrested near the playground of a Santa Rosa elementary school today on suspicion of possessing a pellet gun and an alcohol beverage, according to Santa Rose police. Police Sgt. Steve Pehlke said the Police Department dispatched officers after receiving a report at 11:38 a.m. of two males with what appeared to be a gun at Biella Elementary School. The tipster said the two males appeared to be in their 20s and were sitting near some lunch tables in the quad area of the school. The school had completed the academic year and was not in session, but was open as a polling station for voters, Pehlke said. When the officers arrived, the males had moved near the playground of the school. Pehlke said the responding officers saw them sitting near the playground and passing the weapon back and forth. The officers arrested them and determined that the weapon was a pellet gun and that the youths were 15. Pehlke said they were booked at Juvenile Hall on allegations of having a weapon on school grounds and being a minor in possession of an alcoholic beverage. A state law that bans firearms on school grounds includes pellet guns in the definition of firearms, Pehlke said. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. SAN JOSE (BCN) A San Jose Fire Department firefighter wasn't injured after a vehicle that eventually crashed into a fire truck early this morning narrowly missed him, according to San Jose police. The collision occurred at 3:20 a.m. this morning on the Capitol Expressway at Tuers Road when the firefighter was setting up cones as fire crews battled a fire in a creek when the vehicle, a 2012 Nissan Altima, careened towards him, police said. The driver of the Altima had to be extricated and was transported to the hospital with injuries not considered life threatening, according to police. No firefighting personnel were injured. Police said neither drugs nor alcohol factored into the collision. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) A proposal to ban the sale of candy-flavored tobacco products in San Francisco appears to be supported by the majority of the city's voters in Tuesday's election. According to preliminary results from the city's Department of Elections, Proposition E was approved by 68 percent of the vote. The proposition would uphold the San Francisco Board of Supervisors' unanimous vote to ban the products and other flavored tobacco, including menthol cigarettes. "San Francisco voters just sent a clear and resounding message: No amount of deceptive advertising will distract from the fact that candy flavors target kids," Melissa Welch with the American Heart Association said in a statement late Tuesday night. "We believe the success of Proposition E will encourage other cities to follow suit and end the sale of candy-flavored tobacco before nicotine addiction claims a new generation of young people," Welch said. Groups such as the Arab-American Grocers Association have opposed the proposition, saying that the ban could hurt immigrant-owned businesses. Also on the ballot, a proposition to provide legal counsel for San Francisco tenants facing eviction appears to be heading toward a win, with preliminary results indicating 55 percent approval by the city's voters. According to Proposition F, the city would establish, run and fully fund a program that would provide legal representation to the tenants. New York City enacted a similar measure in 2017. Preliminary elections results also show that San Francisco voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition A, which would aims the amend the city's charter to authorize the Public Utilities Commission to issue revenue bonds for power facilities, after approval by two-thirds of the Board of Supervisors. The bonds would allow for the SFPUC to create new power facilities that could provide clean energy for new housing developments in the city's Treasure Island, Hunters Point, Pier 70 and Mission Rock areas. More than 75 percent of voters voted yes on Prop A. Proposition G also appears to be on its way to being approved, with early results showing the proposition has been approved by nearly 60 percent of voters. The proposition will raise $50 million per year for 20 years, and would be used to recruit and retain educators in the city. "Today, San Francisco voters made a clear statement that they will always stand with the hardworking educators who help children succeed in life. Voters in San Francisco truly value the investments we make in our children's future," Lita Blanc, president of the United Educators of San Francisco teachers union, said in a statement. The fund would be generated by a $298 annual parcel tax. In addition, the proposition would increase staffing and funding at schools in need, maintain vital professional development opportunities and create investments in technology. Also, an oversight committee would monitor the allocation of the funds. Proposition B also seems to be supported by the majority of the city's voters, with a yes vote taking nearly 70 percent of the vote. The proposition would require that appointed members of the city's board and commissions forfeit their appointed seat upon filing to run for local or state office. Lastly, San Franciscans appear to have narrowly approved Proposition C, according to early election results. With yes votes garnering just over 50 percent of the preliminary vote, the city could be on its way to establish a fund for early care and education for young children in San Francisco. The fund would come from a 1 percent gross receipts tax on revenues a business receives from leasing warehouse space and a 3.5 percent gross receipts tax on revenues a business receives from leasing commercial space. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Santa Clara County voters have recalled Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky, who handed down a controversial six-month sentence to a former Stanford University swimmer convicted of sexual assault in 2016. About 59 percent of county voters approved recalling Persky with roughly half of the precincts reporting as of early this morning. The recall needed a simple majority. Cindy Hendrickson, a prosecutor, received more than 70 percent of the vote to become his successor. Persky oversaw the case of Brock Turner, who sexually assaulted Emily Doe in January 2015 at a fraternity party near Stanford. Doe and Turner were both students at the university when the crime occurred. Turner was convicted in March 2016 and released after three months for good behavior. Many people thought the sentence was too short for the severity of his crimes, and Stanford law professor Michele Dauber launched a campaign that June to recall Persky. As precincts began to favor a "yes" vote this evening, Dauber said the polls were reflecting what she and other activists had seen for months during the campaign. "I think we're in the middle of a historic moment, where women across all sectors of American life are standing up and saying 'enough is enough,'" Dauber said. Persky is the first Bay Area judge to be recalled in more than 100 years. Persky said at a San Jose rally on May 30 that he would fight to keep his seat for his children. "I don't think that I could look them in the eyes and explain giving up," he said. He and his supporters insisted that a recall would leave judges at the beck and call of social media and public opinion. Dauber disagreed, saying judges have greater integrity than that argument implies. She added that voters today rejected outdated "victim blaming" strategies from Persky's supporters. This February, the Stanford campus went under a brief lockdown when Dauber received a rape threat and an envelope containing white powder. She said she's concerned about similar threats after the recall passes, but it won't slow her down. "Anything that's worth having usually has some risk associated with it," she said, emphasizing that she and her supporters will demand that elected officials prioritize ending violence against women. She said thousands of voters channeled energy from the #MeToo movement and the Women's March to enact "actionable democratic action" today. "I think the eyes of women all over the world have been on Santa Clara County tonight," Dauber said. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Four 'drug traders' killed in 'gunfights' Staff Reporter : Four suspected drug traders were killed in separate "gunfights" in Rangpur, Bogura and Mymensingh districts during the ongoing countrywide anti-narcotics drive which was formally launched on May 12. Among the deceased, two people were killed in a reported gunfight between two groups of drug peddlers while two drug dealers were killed in separate "gun battles" with Rangpur and Bogura police. In Rangpur, Shahjahan Hossain alias Dabirul, 50, was killed in a "gunfight" with police in Kaunia upazila around 3:30am last night, our Dinajpur correspondent reports quoting Saiful Islam, Additional Superintendent of Rangpur Police. Police recovered 126 pieces of Yaba, 173 bottles of phensidyl, a pistol, a magazine and one around of bullet from the spot. In Bogura, an alleged drug dealer, Liton alias Riten, 32, was killed in a "gunfight" with members of Detective Branch of (DB) of Police. Police recovered 200 pieces of Yaba and two machetes from the scene, our Bogura correspondent reports quoting Officer-in-Charge of DB Nure-Alam Siddiquee. There were five drug cases against Riten filed with Bogra Sadar Police Station, said Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Sonaton Chakraborty. In Mymensingh, police recovered the bullet-hit bodies of two suspected drug traders named Munna, 20, and Idris Ali, both hailing from Charkalibari area of Sadar Dakhshin upazila in the morning. However, the victims' family members claimed that some plainclothes police addressing themselves as members of DB picked Munna and Idris from Mashkanda Sheba Drug Rehabilitation Centre on June 1. Mahmudul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Kotwali Model Police Station, said Idris and Munna are listed drug traders and accused in several cases. Meanwhile, Syed Nurul Islam, Superintendent of Mymensingh Police, said Idris and Munna were killed in a "gunfight" over enmity among the drug traders. 16 arrested on different charges A Correspondent : Police arrested 16 persons on different charges in Chittagong on Tuesday. In Satkania, police arrested 12 persons from Bajalia, Carkhagaria, Kaliyash and Kanchana areas, reports our correspondent. Seven were arrested with 279 pieces of yaba pills and 25 litres of locally-made liquor, said OC Rafikul Islam of Satkania Police Station. The rest had arrest warrants against them. Meanwhile, Rab arrested four alleged muggers in port city's CRB area in the afternoon, reports our staff correspondent, quoting Mimtanur Rahaman, assistant director of RAB-7. Trader arrested over fake pay order at auction : The authorities of Custom House, Chittagong yesterday handed over a trader to Bandar police for allegedly submitting a fake pay order worth around Tk 61 lakh in an auction. The trader, Helal Uddin, is the proprietor of Arafat Enterprises and Satata Traders. Custom house sources said an auction was held on May 24 for cars and other products. According to conditions, around 10 percent money of the products' value should be deposited into bank through pay orders. However, on behalf of his firm, the trader deposited Tk 60.97 lakh into United Commercial Bank, Gulshan Branch, Dhaka through 19 fake pay orders, they said. Tapan Chandra Dey, deputy commissioner of the custom house, said the issue was in limelight during inspection. A case was filed against him, said the DC. Man goes missing as boat capsizes in Karnaphuli A Correspondent : A man went missing as a boat capsized in the river Karnaphuli in Chittagong city on Sunday night. Divers of fire service were searching for Abdul Khalek, 32, son of Nisar Uddin from Nilphamari. The boat carrying 15 people, including Khalek, sank as another boat hit it in the middle of the river around 8:00pm, said Jasim Uddin, deputy director of Fire Service and Civil Defence in Chittagong. The boats were on way to Dangar Char in Karnaphuli upazila. Singapore airspace to be restricted during US-North Korea summit A view of Sentosa Island and the skyline of the central business district in Singapore. Reuters , Singapore : Singapore: Singapore airspace will be restricted during the planned U.S.-North Korea summit next week, according to a notice to airmen posted by aviation authorities on Wednesday. The Southeast Asian city-state is set to host an historic meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12 and has increased security across the island. The notice, published on the websites of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), said airspace over Singapore will be temporarily restricted for parts of June 11, 12 and 13. All aircraft arriving into Singapore Changi Airport will be required to reduce speed and face some restrictions on runway use "for reasons of national security," the notice said. A separate notice on the ICAO website warned aviators to keep clear of the Paya Lebar Air Base, a military facility in the island's east that has been used by U.S. presidents on past visits. The notice said aircraft that breach the restrictions "may be intercepted". As part of its preparations for the summit, Singapore has designated certain parts of city as "special event areas" for June 10 to 14. These include the central region, which is home to its foreign ministry, the U.S. embassy and several hotels, and Sentosa Island in the south, where the summit is scheduled to take place. Items such as remotely piloted aircraft and public address systems will be prohibited in these areas throughout this period. Changi Airport and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore could not immediately confirm the details of the airspace restriction notice. Donald Trump's North Korea Summit May Bring Peace Declaration - But At A Cost After meeting a top North Korean envoy on Friday, Donald Trump appeared suddenly to back away from his demand for Pyongyang's swift, complete denuclearization. Meanwhile, If Donald Trump's summit next week with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un produces a peace declaration formally ending the Korean War as he has suggested, it could give the US president a big headline-grabbing, made-for-TV moment on the world stage. But the public relations value of such a historic event could quickly fade if Trump fails, in return, to wring any significant concessions from Kim toward the dismantling of his nuclear arsenal, former US officials and analysts say. After meeting a top North Korean envoy on Friday, Trump appeared suddenly to back away from his demand for Pyongyang's swift, complete denuclearization. He suggested instead that the most tangible outcome of the unprecedented June 12 summit in Singapore could be the "signing of a document" to bring the technical state of hostilities to a close - 65 years after the Korean conflict ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. While Trump might seize on that as a way to tout the summit as a foreign policy success, it would mean granting North Korea something it has sought for decades but which previous administrations have said would only be possible if Pyongyang first agreed to give up its nuclear weapons. Any end-of-war declaration - even if short of an actual treaty - could erode US leverage in future negotiations if North Korea does not give ground on nuclear issues, experts warned. It also could give Pyongyang a stronger platform to press for a halt to joint US-South Korea military drills, as well as the removal of US forces from the South. There are even some doubts within the administration on the wisdom of such a move, especially since it may do nothing to stop North Korea's development of nuclear missiles it says are capable of hitting the United States. "A peace treaty would be a major accomplishment," said one US official involved in summit preparations. "But whether it would also be the start of eliminating the dangers North Korea poses to its neighbors with its weapons programs and to others with its exports of weapons and technology is far from certain." Evans Revere, a former US negotiator with North Korea, said any kind of joint peace declaration at this stage - when Pyongyang has shown no real willingness to give up its nuclear program - would be premature. "Among the many traps that the US president might fall into in Singapore, this would be a powerfully significant one," he said. But Trump's aides say a peace agreement early on could lower tensions, clear the air for future nuclear talks and undercut North Korea's longtime contention it needs its nuclear program to deter a "hostile" United States. Washington keeps 28,500 troops in South Korea, a legacy of the 1950-53 war. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Trump's effort might appear a worthy goal and in line with South Korean President Moon Jae-in's recent agreement with Kim to seek an end to the conflict between the Koreas. There has been media speculation that Moon might travel to Singapore for the summit, although South Korean officials stress they are considering a three-way meeting at a later date. The idea of a peace deal may also appeal to Trump, a former reality-TV star, because it would allow him to claim an achievement no other president has had. At the same time, it might boost supporters' hopes he could win a Nobel Peace Prize. "Can you believe that we're talking about the ending of the Korean War?" Trump mused to reporters on Friday, saying it would be a "historically" important moment. But the reason previous administrations have not offered such an agreement - or even to hold a summit between the countries' leaders that North Korea has long sought - is that Pyongyang has resisted nuclear disarmament. US officials have welcomed Kim's recent announcement of a suspension of long-range missile tests and the closing of his nuclear bomb test site but say these steps are reversible. Trump has left unclear whether he seeks the possible signing of an actual peace treaty, which experts believe would require lengthier negotiations, or a political statement agreed upon by the two sides that could form the basis of a detailed accord. Upgrading the armistice to a full-scale treaty also would likely require all signatories, which includes China, allied with North Korea during the war, in addition to Pyongyang and Washington, which headed the United Nations command. China's Foreign Ministry said it supports efforts to reach a "peace mechanism." But the influential state-run Global Times newspaper said Beijing must be a signatory to any peace treaty "to ensure its legal and historical status." Either way, it could have major implications and possibly unintended consequences for the United States. "Kim would like nothing better than to drag the US into prolonged negotiations over America's military presence in the South," said Danny Russel, a former top Asia policy adviser in the Obama administration. "But what the North Koreans are more likely to have in mind for Singapore is a quick win via a vague declaration that the two leaders commit to preserving peace and to reaching a permanent peace arrangement," he said. On first anniversary of Gulf dispute, Qatar says it wants to join NATO Qatar\'s Defence Minister Khalid bin Mohamed Al-Attiyah said Qatar wanted to become a full member of NATO AFP, Doha : Qatar's defence minister said on Tuesday that his country's long-term strategic "ambition" is to join the Western military defence alliance NATO. Speaking on the anniversary of a year-long bitter Gulf diplomatic dispute, which has seen Qatar separated from its former regional allies, Khalid bin Mohamed Al-Attiyah said Qatar wanted to become a full member of the 29-country alliance. "Qatar today has become one of the most important countries in the region in terms of the quality of armament," Attiyah told the official magazine of the Qatari defence ministry, Altalaya. "Regarding the membership, we are a main ally from outside NATO.. The ambition is full membership if our partnership with NATO develops and our vision is clear." He added that there was a growing relationship between Qatar and the alliance, and Doha could host "NATO's units or one of its specialised centres". His remarks come at a politically sensitive time in the region. Exactly a year ago, on June 5, 2017, a group of countries including Saudi Arabia the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt abruptly severed ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and Iran. For the past year, Qatar has been isolated by its neighbouring former allies with its only land border closed by Saudi Arabia and its residents expelled from the quartet's countries. Qatar claims the dispute is an attack on its sovereignty and punishment for pursuing an independent foreign policy. Diplomatic efforts have proved fruitless and the crisis threatens to undermine one of the previously most stable regions in the Arab world. Although there have been no outright hostilities, the shadow of military action has darkened the rift. Earlier this month it emerged that Saudi leaders threatened 'military action' and asked French President Emmanuel Macron to intervene to prevent Qatar's proposed purchase of the Russian S-400 air defence missile system. On June 5, 2017, a Saudi-led alliance including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt abruptly severed ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and Iran. Qatar soon found its only land border closed by Saudi Arabia, its state-owned airline barred from using neighbours' airspace, and residents expelled from the quartet's countries. Despite hopes that the rancorous rift between the former allies - which include some of the richest countries on earth - would be resolved quickly, the crisis has endured. Qatar claims the dispute is an attack on its sovereignty and punishment for pursuing an independent foreign policy. Diplomatic efforts led by Kuwait and the United States have so far stalled though there are tentative plans for talks in September. Budget help desk launched at JS Business Desk : Like the previous years, the Parliament Secretariat on Wednesday launched a budget help desk to assist the lawmakers with information to take part in discussions on the budget of 2018-19 fiscal year scheduled to be unveiled tomorrow. With the cooperation of Budget Analysis and Monitoring Unit (BAMU), the Parliament Secretariat set up the desk at the third level of Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Bhaban, said a JS release. JS Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury formally inaugurated the desk at a function. Speaking on the occasion, the speaker said, "The budget help desk will play an important role in making budget discussions (by lawmakers) informative, constructive and lively". The lawmakers can collect necessary information from the help desk before delivering speeches in parliament, she said, adding that informative and valuable speech of the lawmakers on the budget will play a vital role in the welfare of the country and its people. JS Deputy Speaker Md Fazle Rabbi Miah, Chief Whip ASM Feroz, Whips Md Atiur Rahman Atik, Md Shahiduzzaman Sarker and Md Shahab Uddin, lawmakers Badruddoza Md Farhad Hossain and Wasika Ayesha Khan and Parliament Secretariat Senior Secretary Dr Md Abdur Rob Howlader were present in the function, among others. Noe Valladares / NVYPhotography Last year in Oakland, Angelica Medina and Jahaira Fajardo opened the Lakech Dance Academy, which they describe as the first queer Latin dance academy in the U.S. Now to celebrate their one-year anniversary, the two are organizing a Queer Latin Dance Festival spanning two days this weekend. The event has it all workshops, social dances, performances and choreography challenges. Queer- and trans-identified professional dancers will be on hand to teach 12 of the 13 dance workshops, according to the organizers. Those workshops cover a wide range of dancing and skill levels, including salsa, bachata, cumbia, baile folklorico and diva styling. Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer, who spoke at frequent briefings on behalf of President Donald Trump during the administration's first year in office, will appear in San Francisco this summer for an onstage conversation with the Commonwealth Club. Spicer will be promoting his new book, "The Briefing." The event, which is open to the public, will take place at the Marines' Memorial Theatre on Sutter Street in San Francisco on August 2. Per the organization, Spicer will "take (guests) behind the scenes of his turbulent tenure as President Trump's press secretary, shedding new light on the headline-grabbing controversies of the Trump administration's first year." Despite President Donald Trump rescinding the White House invite to the Philadelphia Eagles, citing the NFL's anthem controversy, the event meant to replace the visit drew its own protest from two attendees. Two men in the crowd took a knee during Tuesday's "Celebration of America" event that was held on White House grounds, according to those in attendance. Video taken by Carina Bergfeldt, a U.S. correspondent for Sweden's public television broadcaster, shows one man on his knee during a rendition of the national anthem. The man left the event after the anthem, and when approached by a reporter apparently would not give his name. A second man also took a knee during the anthem, and drew boos from attendees for reportedly yelling at Trump to "stop hiding behind the armed services (and) the national anthem," according to CNN reporter Noah Gray. He also continued to sing the anthem while on his knees, Gray said. Both men remain unidentified, but it was just one part of an event mired in controversy from the start. The event was initially meant to honor the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles, but Trump disinvited the team the day before the event, stating certain players on the team "(disagreed) with their president because he insists that they proudly stand for the National Anthem, hand on heart, in honor of the great men and women of our military and the people of our country." That claim has since been proven untrue as news outlets confirmed that no player on the Eagles team took a knee during their 2017-18 winning season. Trump's team held the "Celebration of America" on the White House lawn with members of the United States Army Chorus and United States Marine Band performing for Eagles fans. Trump was on hand for the event, notably mouthing the lyrics to "God Bless America" and gave a brief speech to the crowd. PM extends Eid greetings to Raushan, Ershad Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday extended Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Begum Raushan Ershad and Jatiya Party Chairman Hussain Muhammad Ershad, MP. The premier extended the greetings by sending Eid greetings cards to them separately, PMO sources said. On behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her Protocol Officer SM Khurshid-ul-Alam handed over a card first to the Leader of the Opposition's Assistant Private Secretary (APS) AKM Abdur Rahim Bhuiyan on Wednesday noon. The PM's protocol officer later handed over another card to Jatiya Party Chairman's APS Md Manjurul Islam, the sources said. Wear earplugs when you sleep at night even if you don't need them to block out noise. That goes double for you people in Florida. For the second time in about a month, a cockroach has crawled deep into the ear of a sleeping Sunshine State resident and made itself comfortable. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, Blake Collins went straight to the hospital after he felt and heard the insect intruding in his ear canal. "I could hear his legs inside me. It felt like someone was shoving a Q-tip all the way inside my head and there was nothing I could do to stop it," he told the paper. A doctor used a syringe to squirt Lidocaine into Collins' ear, which allowed him to intimately experience the death throes of a distressed cockroach. "When he poured the Lidocaine in, I could feel him go super, super fast, kicking and try to dig its way out, and a faint little squeal and then two minutes later, it just stopped and he died," Collins said. "I heard it die in my head." But before it died, the German cockroach, laid an egg sac. Fortunately, the doctor was able to fish out the egg case, which can contain up to 50 baby creepy-crawlies. Earlier last month, a Florida woman suffered a similarly gruesome ear invasion and went to a hospital ER, the Washington Post reported. Doctors killed the cockroach, which they mistook for a juvenile, and removed what they thought was its whole body. It wasn't. The corpse of a full-grown palmetto remained lodged in her ear for nine days. Why do cockroaches love to crawl into the ears of sleeping humans? The Verge recently posed that question to Coby Schal, an entomologist at North Carolina State University. Cockroaches are, of course, most active at night when people are asleep. They like warm, humid, protected places where it's safe to rest or grab a snack. Yes, when roaches want to get away from it all, they seek sanctuary in a cozy man cave. And nothing is more literally a man cave than the human ear canal. Schal explained that cockroaches find chemicals known as volatile fatty acids, which are released by fermented foods like beer, bread and cheese, irresistible. To a roach, earwax smells like a nicely aged asiago. Invariably, the human reacts by frantically trying to extract the intruder, which often causes the roach to burrow deeper until it gets stuck. If it survives, it can last for about a week without food or water. MORE: Popular Sacramento brewery pub closes after roaches, weevils found in kitchen If, however, it ends up squished by the prodding and scratching, its spilled body contents can release hordes of bacteria. The bacteria can cause infections that could potentially lead to hearing loss. Should you be unfortunate enough to have a cockroach scurry into your ear, get to a hospital as soon as possible. MORE: The 25 cities with the worst cockroach infestations If you are nowhere near a hospital, try flushing your ear passage with mineral oil or olive oil. The worst thing you can do is to use a Q-tip as a battering ram. Roaches crawling into ears is a relatively rare occurrence, and most people have little to fear from the revolting critters. Still, a 1993 study of ear foreign-body removal found that one hospital in Los Angeles County had 43 cases of cockroach ear over the course of one year. Why take chances? Those earplugs are cheap. MEXICO CITY While financial markets fret about left-leaning candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the man himself is calmly cruising toward what polls say is a likely victory in Mexicos July 1 presidential election, seemingly impervious to attacks and without the angry tone that marked his previous two runs for the top job. The graying, slow-spoken Lopez Obrador, known to devotees and detractors alike as AMLO, lights up when he tells supporters at campaign rallies that they are about to make history. This is going to be a peaceful, orderly change, but at the same time, it will be radical, Lopez Obrador said recently, drawing cheers and cries of Presidente! Presidente! from a crowd in the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende. Markets wonder whether a President Lopez Obrador would cause the Mexican peso to tank experts say probably not or reverse the openings to private oil companies Lopez Obrador says he probably wont. But its hard to judge things based on his policy platforms, because they are prone to change, often seemingly overnight. That distaste for policy details, along with Lopez Obradors penchant for playing to his base and making big promises while keeping his own advisers guessing as to what he really means, has drawn parallels to President Trump. Analysts say both men view truculence and obstinacy as political virtues and as such could probably understand one another, though Trump once referred obliquely to some Mexican candidates as not that good in an apparent nod at Lopez Obrador. I think that both share a sense of populism, political scientist Jesus Silva-Herzog said. I think they both belong to this historic moment of the rise of populist politicians who are ... uninterested in the details of public policy. But where the Trump brand is associated with brass name plates and glitz, Lopez Obradors is endowed with a deep sense of history and destiny after a dozen years on the outside as a perennial opposition candidate. After serving as Mexico City mayor in 2000-05, he returned to his roots as the irreverent, man-of-the-people rally leader that he was from 1988 to 2000 in the oil fields of his home state, the Gulf coast swamps of Tabasco. Lopez Obrador, 64, sees his movement as changing the history of Mexico, touts himself as a savior of the poor and argues that corruption is the countrys biggest problem. Beyond that, policies come and go. After losing to conservative Felipe Calderon by a razor-thin margin of just 0.56 percent in 2006, and coming in second again in 2012 behind current President Enrique Pena Nieto, this time around that formula may be enough to win. His two main rivals, Ricardo Anaya and Jose Antonio Meade, are champions of the technocrats, the kind of market-oriented policy wonks who have run Mexico since at least 1982. But the growth and economic stability they promised hasnt emerged, and violence has skyrocketed. Fed up with those and other domestic ills such as corruption, the Mexican electorate is ripe for change, and Lopez Obrador has a way of explaining his vision for change with striking clarity and simplicity. He likes to draw a parallel to one of the most important transformations in Mexican history: Generations of dying Roman Catholics had willed their lands and fortunes to the church, tying up much of Mexicos wealth for perpetuity and strangling the economy. Then President Benito Juarez expropriated much of the churchs holdings. Now, Lopez Obrador says, he wants to free up the economy by reducing the influence well-connected business magnates hold over the federal government. Just as Juarez separated the church and the state, so will I separate economic power from political power, he told a crowd in Mexico City recently. Lopez Obradors connection with his followers is deeply personal something that has eluded Meade of the governing Institutional Revolutionary Party and Anaya, who heads a left-right coalition The other main contenders have campaigned in part on dire warnings about a Lopez Obrador presidency, and Anaya has tried to project the image of an optimistic and modern tech CEO a la the late Steve Jobs. With his rumpled appearance and distinctive regional accent think Bernie Sanders south Lopez Obrador inspires those tired of slick, well-heeled politicians. Javier Quijano, a lawyer who represented Lopez Obrador when then-President Vicente Fox tried to prevent him from running in 2006, described Lopez Obrador as a supremely frugal man who often met him for breakfast or lunch at the candidates tatty, middle-class apartment on Mexico Citys south side. It was very humble, very simple, and he was always attentive and well-mannered to people who work for him, Quijano recalled. Just the very fact that an honest man with rectitude would win the presidency, that is enormous progress. Lopez Obrador promises to regenerate the millions of small farms whose main output over the last 25 years has been a steady stream of migrants to Mexicos big cities and the United States. He would also need to reverse a severe decline in Mexicos oil industry, with the country now importing most of its gasoline from the U.S. Supporters say he is at least challenging what he considers a cruel neoliberal order that keeps Mexico down. You feel it at every rally, that on July 2 we are going to be celebrating. You feel people are overflowing with emotion, 30-year-old computer programmer Antonio Arroyo Ceron said at a recent campaign gathering in the capital. We have a hope that the country will change its entire mentality. Mark Stevenson is an Associated Press writer. TEHRAN Iran announced Tuesday that it had completed a new centrifuge assembly center at the Natanz nuclear site, in a first step to increasing its enrichment capacity. While Iran said it would keep enrichment within limits set by the 2015 nuclear accord, the centers opening seemed to signal that it could swing to industrial-level enrichment if that agreement, which the U.S. withdrew from last month, should further unravel. Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, told state television that the centers construction had been in line with our safeguard commitments but not publicly announced. Behrouz Kamalvandi, a spokesman for the Iranian nuclear agency, said a letter had been sent to the International Atomic Energy Agency explaining the action. He also told the semiofficial Iranian Students News Agency that Tehran would increase its capacity to produce uranium hexafluoride, a feedstock for centrifuges. It was unclear whether the assembly center would actually begin to produce new centrifuges. Under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran stopped enriching uranium to the 20 percent level that would allow for rapid development of a nuclear weapon and agreed to a limit of under 5 percent. It will adhere to that limit, Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a speech Monday. It was also uncertain whether the opening of the centrifuge plant would have any significant impact on Irans nuclear program, which continues to be closely monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency. When Tehran agreed in 2015 to roll back its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international and U.S. sanctions, European companies rushed to enter the Iranian market. European governments have been working to keep the deal alive and protect those investments after President Trump dismayed many on the Continent by withdrawing and reimposing banking sanctions. However, the U.S. sanctions would still be a major problem, particularly for multinational companies, and several European firms have already announced plans to pull out of Iran. On Monday, the French group PSA, maker of Peugeot and Citroen cars, which produces 440,000 vehicles a year in Iran, started closing its joint ventures with local auto manufacturers, though PSA said it would seek a waiver from the United States to maintain that production level. Thomas Erdbrink is a New York Times writer. MANAGUA, Nicaragua Cardinal emeritus Miguel Obando y Bravo, who clashed with Nicaraguas Sandinista leaders and later reconciled with them, died on Sunday at age 92, the countrys Roman Catholic church announced. The Nicaraguan Bishops Conference said the Church of Nicaragua is in mourning. The government-aligned publication El 19 reported on its website that Obando y Bravo died shortly before 4 a.m. Sunday. It did not give details. Obando y Bravo, a Salesian prelate, served as archbishop of Managua for 37 years before retiring in 2005. He also played an important mediator role throughout Nicaraguas recent, violent political history. The cardinal was most famous for his clashes with the leftist Sandinista government of the 1980s, sharply confronting its alliance with a peoples church, a Marxist-inspired version of Catholicism that outraged the Vatican and especially Pope John Paul II. But he had earlier led the church toward a relatively friendly posture with the Sandinistas when they were a guerrilla movement battling the corrupt dictatorship of Anastasio Somoza, the last member of a dynasty that ruled the country from 1936 to 1979. The church twice mediated between the Somoza government and the Sandinistas during hostage situations. After the rebels took power in 1979, relations quickly soured. Sandinista supporters clashed with and sometimes harassed conservative clerics even as leftist priests were serving in the government of Sandinista leader Daniel Ortega much to the irritation of the pope. Pope John Paul II came to Managua in 1983, berated the maverick clerics and ordered Catholics to obey their bishops and avoid unacceptable ideological commitments. Two years later, the pope elevated Obando y Bravo to the role of cardinal. By the time Ortega lost the presidential election of 1990, the church had returned to a close relationship with Nicaraguas conservative elite. Out of power, Ortega repeatedly tried to mend relations with the church and Obando y Bravo in particular, increasingly expressing religious faith. Obando y Bravo was slow to accept that embrace. When Ortega ran again for the presidency in 1996, Obando y Bravo alluded to him by telling the story of a man who was bitten after taking pity on a dying snake. The archbishops warm relationship with Ortegas rival, conservative Arnoldo Aleman, came back to haunt him as Alemans reputation plunged. Aleman was later sentenced to 20 years in prison for fraud and money laundering. During the 2001 campaign, at a time when Ortega was fighting rape allegations by his stepdaughter, Obando y Bravo urged Catholics to look for candidates who have been exemplary in their families. But gradually, there was a thaw. Obando y Bravo presided over the 2005 marriage of Ortega and Rosario Murillo, his longtime partner. Ortega, meanwhile, backed a church-supported law to outlaw abortion in all circumstances. When Ortega was re-elected in 2007, he named Obando y Bravo coordinator of a Council of Reconciliation and Peace, and he frequently appeared alongside the president. Born in 1926, Obando y Bravo was ordained as a priest in 1958. Luis Manuel Galeano is an Associated Press writer. 1 Kurdish militia withdrawal: A Syrian Kurdish militia announced Tuesday it was pulling out of a key northern Syrian town, a move that could ease a serious rift between NATO allies United States and Turkey. The two countries have been at odds over the future of north Syria since the U.S. began supporting a Kurdish militia known as the YPG to fight back against the rapidly expanding Islamic State in 2014. Turkey considers the YPG a terror group tied to a Kurdish insurgency within its own borders. The YPGs announcement that it would pull its military advisers out of Manbij, a small but strategic town in central-north Syria, paved the way for a re-balancing of forces along the Syrian-Turkish frontier. The retreat could allow Turkey to control most of its border west of the Euphrates River, a long-standing demand it has tied to its national security. 2 Anticorruption probe: Investigators questioned the wife of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Tuesday about alleged theft and money-laundering involving a state investment fund, as officials announced a probe into other suspicious multibillion-dollar transactions under Najibs leadership. The prosecution of Najib and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, over the state investment fund scandal, which helped lead to Najibs stunning ouster in May 9 national elections, could be sped up with the governments appointment Tuesday of a new attorney-general. 1 Syria war: The dominant U.S-backed Syrian Kurdish party that controls large swaths of oil-rich territory in northeastern Syria is prepared to hold talks with the Damascus government over the future of the area, a senior Kurdish official said Wednesday. The proposition came a day after Turkey and the U.S. agreed on a roadmap to resolve a dispute over the northern Syrian town of Manbij, which is controlled by the U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters, Washingtons main ally in Syria. 2 Vodka museum: A new museum is opening in Warsaw devoted to Polish vodka, a 500-year-old national tradition and one of the countrys best-known exports. The Polish Vodka Museum is scheduled to open next Tuesday in a former 19th century vodka factory that is part of an industrial area undergoing revitalization and gentrification. The CEO of the Polish Vodka Association, Andrzej Szumowski called Polish vodka part of our DNA, part of our history, heritage and tradition. BALUKHALI REFUGEE CAMP, Bangladesh Mohammed Hashim hid in the hills and watched as his brother begged for his life, his arms bound behind his back as soldiers marched the 35-year-old teacher away. It was the last time he saw him alive. It was Aug. 26, the day after Rohingya Muslim separatist attacks on military outposts in the Rohingya homeland in western Myanmar. In their wake, Myanmars military and local Buddhists would respond with a campaign of rape, massacre and arson that has driven about 700,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh. But more than a dozen Rohingya teachers, elders and religious leaders said educated Rohingya already subject to systematic and widespread harassment, arrests and torture were singled out, part of Myanmars operation to drive the Muslim Rohingya from majority Buddhist Myanmar. Soldiers targeted the educated, they said, so there would be no community leaders left willing to speak up against the pervasive abuse. Its an old tactic, according to those who study genocide and often a precursor to killing. My brother apologized and pleaded with the military not to kill him; he showed them his ID card and said, Im a teacher, Im a teacher. But the government had planned to kill our educated people, including my brother, Hashim said. He was interviewed at one of the teeming Bangladesh refugee camps that have sprung up along the hilly border with Myanmar since the Rohingya began fleeing in August. Hashim, who is also a teacher, ran for the hills and hid after the military surrounded his hamlet in northern Rakhine state, where most of the Rohingya lived. Others told similar accounts. After the Aug. 25 attacks, soldiers in Maung Nu village, the site of a massacre, asked villagers: Where are the teachers? Rahim, a 26-year old high school science and math teacher who was known to many soldiers because he taught their children at the local battalion school, saw the military coming and fled. I knew I was dead if I got caught. They were hunting me, said Rahim, who, like some Rohingya, uses only one name. They knew that I would always speak out for the people. They wanted to destroy us because they knew that without us they could do whatever they wanted to the rest of the Rohingya. Researchers see comparisons between what is happening in Myanmar and other genocides, including the Holocaust. Listening to these stories, it sounds so similar. First you take out the religious or the political leaders, and then you start going down to the civilian population and you start tightening things more and more, said Karen Jungblut, research director at the USC Shoah Foundation, who has conducted interviews in the Bangladesh camps. This was not just some random spurt of regional violence here and there because Myanmar felt it was being attacked by a terrorist group. ... It felt way too organized. A military official who refused to give his name and rank bristled when asked about the Rohingya statements, saying Tuesday that he couldnt accept the term Rohingya, which does not exist in Myanmar. He said Myanmar had not targeted educated members of the ethnic group in clearing operations, which is how the government has described the crackdown. Thomas MacManus, a specialist in international state crimes at Queen Mary University of London who has researched the Rohingya since 2012, said: The objective appears to be to destroy the Rohingya, and one way to do that is to destroy their culture and remove their history. Its part of the genocide tactic. Interviews with about 65 refugees in a September report by the U.N. Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner indicate that the Myanmar security forces targeted teachers, the cultural and religious leadership, and other people of influence in the Rohingya community in an effort to diminish Rohingya history, culture and knowledge. This targeting was well-organized, coordinated, and systematic ... thereby challenging the assertion that it was merely collateral damage of the military operations after the August insurgent attacks. The Buddhist majority has long reviled the Rohingya as Bengali interlopers in northern Rakhine state and suppressed their ability to maintain their culture and go to school. Literacy is not high with the Rohingya; it is difficult to get an education in the first place, so targeting the teachers is a similar path that youve seen and heard in other places that ended up in genocide, said Jungblut. An Amnesty International report from November documented a system of institutionalized discrimination and segregation of the Rohingya that was meant to erase their identity. Since an outbreak of Buddhist-Muslim violence in 2012, Rohingya children have been prevented from attending Buddhist schools, and official government teachers often refuse to come to Rohingya villages because of purported safety worries, the report said. That leaves the bulk of their education left to local community schools staffed by untrained volunteer teachers. Teachers interviewed said they were paid only by community donations, were banned from teaching the Rohingya language, history and culture, and could only speak Burmese; many said they were prohibited from using the word Rohingya. Teachers in school are their windows to the world, said Arif Hossein, 31, a former elementary school teacher from Khular Bil in Maungdaw Township. They teach them the meaning of the word Rohingya. Who tells them about our history and about how long we have lived there as a community? Teachers do. In the months before Aug. 25, informers made it too dangerous to teach Rohingya language or culture, even in secret, according to a longtime headmaster at a middle school who spoke on condition of anonymity because of safety worries if hes ever allowed to return home. I couldnt speak out. Informers would follow me every day, every time I left the house. The government police would come at night and accuse me of giving the insurgents food, which was false, and my house was searched. After the 2012 violence, he said soldiers put him and 18 other elders and teachers face down on the ground, with their hands bound, laid a tarp over them and began stomping and beating them. He spent four years in prison, for allegedly burning homes, a charge he denies, and was released in 2016. There are some educated people left in my village, but they will never raise their voices, he said, as another man wept silently, listening to him speak. Things will get worse for the Rohingya because no one will speak out for them. They are too afraid. I think there will be no chance the Rohingya can stay in Myanmar. They all will come to Bangladesh. Foster Klug is an Associated Press writer. KINSHASA, Congo The accounts are horrific. A young girl strangled and gang-raped. Children burned alive as government soldiers blocked the door of their hut and set it aflame. These are some of the atrocities revealed in 14 reports that have not yet been released by the independent body charged with monitoring a failed cease-fire imposed in December in South Sudan, where civil war is now well into its fifth year. The reports should have been released last month at a meeting led by the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission but South Sudans government did not attend, preventing the accounts of abuses from being made public because there was not a quorum. The reports contain evidence that soldiers continue to kill, rape and destroy property. The decision to keep these ongoing atrocity crimes secret sends the wrong message, said Jehanne Henry, senior Africa researcher for Human Rights Watch. Only five such reports have been released this year. The African Union and the East African regional bloc that mediates South Sudans peace talks should take action, said Edmund Yakani, executive director for the local advocacy group Community Empowerment for Progress Organization. Silence on the violations only encourages further violations, he said. While people attending the meeting said copies of the reports on atrocities were distributed to diplomats from the United States, the United Nations, Britain and elsewhere, none have released them publicly or made public the reports of abuses. South Sudans government didnt respond to multiple requests for comment on why it didnt attend the meeting last month. The unpublished reports describe violations by both government and opposition forces but most of the accounts blame government troops for instigating attacks and deliberately targeting civilians. During an attack in February on a school in the town of Modit, children fled into a hut to hide. Government soldiers blocked the door and set it on fire, burning the children to death, said one report. A young girl fetching water from a river in the town of Yei was strangled before she and her mother were gang-raped by government soldiers, another report said. More than 30 cases of sexual assault were recorded in Yei and surrounding areas in the three months following Decembers cease-fire agreement. And in the nearby town of Morobo, a woman was raped and beaten so badly that she lost sight in one eye. A disabled woman, unable to flee the fighting, was thrown into a burning house by government soldiers, the report said. The group that compiled the reports, the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism, said its mandate doesnt require it to publish reports and that releasing them had been the task of its parent body, the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission. The commission reports to the East African regional bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. Neither responded to several requests for comment. The concealing of the atrocities comes as the international community loses patience with South Sudans civil war, which has killed tens of thousands and created Africas largest refugee crisis since the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The U.S., South Sudans largest aid donor, has increased pressure on the Juba government amid widespread allegations that its officials are profiting from the conflict instead of working to end it. Last week the U.N. Security Council adopted a U.S.-sponsored resolution that warns of an arms embargo and sanctions against six high-ranking officials if the fighting doesnt stop. Sam Mednick is an Associated Press writer. AL-BAB, Syria The family of seven is crammed into a single tent in a squalid and overcrowded camp for those who fled the fighting near the capital of Damascus. A shared toilet is up a dirt road. There are few opportunities for work and many still need medical care. But the Sweidan family had no choice except to leave their hometown of Douma, where they endured weeks of bombing, near-starvation from a crippling siege and a suspected chemical attack that almost killed their eldest son. They are now resigned to a life of exile in northern Syria. It is not a life really. But better than Douma, said Maysaa, who lives with her husband, their four children and her husbands mother in the tent. We are relieved there are no air strikes. We can at least sleep. The children can at least play outside. The family left the town in the eastern Ghouta region in April as it fell to the government. Maysaas husband was a member of an armed group that controlled Douma before the Syrian forces moved in. Now they all share a small tent on the edge of the camp in al-Bab, a Turkish-controlled town whose population of about 7,000 when it was controlled by the Islamic State until February 2017 has grown to about 300,000, according to Turkish officials. Most of those are displaced from other parts of Syria. The tent is divided with sheets to create a changing room and a sleeping area for the mother and father. During the day, that area is used to store blankets and pillows. The grandmother and children the youngest being 21 months old sleep in the open area. Maysaa said the only time she leaves the tent is to go to the shared toilet up the dirt road. Fathiya, the 61-year-old grandmother, said she tried unsuccessfully to get a separate tent in order to give her son and his wife some privacy. That remark brought shy giggles from both Fathiya and Maysaa. It is like I am holding them hostage, Fathiya said. But the whole camp is overcrowded. Some 5,000 people from Ghouta arrived here in April, replacing others who had been displaced from the provinces in eastern Syria. A sign at the camps gate reads: Sons of the Eastern (province) welcome their brothers from eastern Ghouta. Al-Bab is one of a number of towns that have become part of territory in northwestern Syria now controlled by Turkey and the Syrian fighters it supports, after they chased Islamic State militants as well as Kurdish fighters from the area. The last town captured earlier this year was Afrin, after the Turkish-backed Syrians seized it from the Kurdish fighters. Of a total of 66,000 displaced from Ghouta to northern Syria, about 20,000 are in al-Bab and other towns controlled by Turkey. The rest headed to Idlib, also in northwestern Syria but still under opposition control with a strong presence for an al Qaeda-linked group. With the new arrivals to al-Bab, the camp of more than 280 tents grew to include 44 new communal tents, each housing up to 50 people, with men and women living separately. Charity organizations distribute meals every day. There is no room for a kitchen and no money to buy extra food or treat those wounded by war. While the family was still in besieged Douma earlier this spring, Maysaa gave what little food her husband brought home all to her children. As a result, she began losing her balance and fainting from hunger. She wouldnt eat, to let her children eat, the grandmother said. During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, the 27-year-old Maysaa is not fasting so she can try to boost her diminished health. Then came a suspected chemical gas attack on April 7 that medical workers said killed more than 40 people in Douma. The town was the final target of the governments campaign to seize back control of the eastern Ghouta suburbs of Damascus from rebels after seven years of revolt. Militants gave up the town days after the alleged attack. The Sweidans eldest son, 11-year-old Abdurrahman, was among those affected. He said he vividly remembers being brought back to consciousness. They kept knocking on my heart. ... They put something big on my heart and they kept knocking on my heart to get rid of the chemicals. They kept knocking me on my chest so I can come back, he said, speaking with the enthusiasm of a child who has just learned a new game. Maysaa said she had no idea where he was until a stranger pointed out a child who was unaccompanied at a medical unit. She said she recalled the stranger telling her, God saved him. Western powers accused the Russia-backed Syrian government of using chemical gas in Douma, and the U.S., France and Britain bombed government sites in retaliation. Syria and its ally, Russia, deny that chemical weapons were used. Inspectors from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons collected samples from Douma to try to establish whether a chemical weapon was used. It has not issued a report yet. Sarah El Deeb and Malak Harb are Associated Press writers. With a rallying cry of Hunger Mitao (Mitao = Wipe-out) and an ambitious campaign titled Million Meal March, the Indian American Council (IAC) for North Texas Food Bank launched on September 29, 2017. In just seven short months, the IAC surpassed its first-year goal of funding one million meals for the hungry neighbors across North Texas. The success of the IAC reflects the giving spirit of local sponsors, businesses, and individuals from the Indian American community who call North Texas their home. The leadership of the council, largely made up of immigrant members, pledges to continue the fight against hunger and plan to measure and celebrate successes in million meal increments. We have ambitious goals for the Indian American Council, and with the first million-meal milestone behind us, we know there is much more to be done to feed hungry children, seniors, and families in North Texas, said Raj Asava co-founder of the Indian American Council. Our Million Meal March doesnt end here; this is just the beginning of many million meals that will be enabled by the Indian American Community. The IAC was formed to raise awareness, improve engagement, as well as channel resources and contributions of the Indian American community towards NTFBs mission. The committed and diverse steering committee is the driving force behind the council. By providing access to one million nutritious meals, the IAC is directly contributing to the Food Banks vision of a hunger-free, healthy North Texas. To build on this momentum, we are launching a Hunger Mitao Week (August 11-19), the week of Indias Independence Day, said Anna Asava, co-founder of IAC. Leading up to this week we will raise awareness, food and funds, while encouraging hands-on volunteering. Going forward, it is our vision that Indias Independence Day, August 15, is also celebrated as Independence from Hunger Day! The Indian American community in North Texas has grown exponentially over the years with nearly 200,000 people in the region. In the spirit of give where you live the vision of the IAC is for the community to unify and be recognized as a leader in the fight against hunger. The IAC also looks to create a national model for other food banks and communities to replicate and enable millions of meals for our hungry neighbors across America. "North Texas Food Bank is appreciative of the Indian American Councils commitment to fighting hunger and supporting families in need in our community, said Trisha Cunningham, President, and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank. "Together, we are one step closer to reaching our goal of providing 92 million meals by 2025. Later this year, the North Texas Food Banks Perot Family Campus is set to open in Plano allowing a broader support base to meet the growing need for food assistance in the North Texas region. The IAC looks forward to increasing community service engagement at the 220,000 square-foot distribution center with regular volunteer shifts. Read more news: 7 Things You Need To Know About India's Economy In 2018 How we assist in Education in Rural India Outgoing Air chief, new Air chief meet PM Outgoing Air Chief Air Marshal Abu Esrar and newly appointed Air Chief Air Vice Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter\'s Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban office on Wednesday. PID photo Both outgoing Air chief Marshal Abu Esrar and its new chief Air Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Jatiya Sangsad office. Air Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat will take over the command of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) on June 12 next for three years. At the meeting, the Prime Minister welcomed the new chief while she praised the works of the outgoing chief, said PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim while briefing reporters after the meeting. The outgoing Air chief expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for the cooperation extended by her and her government in discharging his duty during his tenure. Mentioning her government's attitude for developing the Bangladesh Air Force, Sheikh Hasina stressed the need for making a strong air force in the country. The Prime Minister hoped that the air force will get stronger under the leadership of the new Air chief. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- From a gargantuan ferris wheel to an empire of shopping outlets, The Great North Shore Hype has reached peak market penetration. But all of the above is still a hurry-up-and-wait situation. Not so for Future Culture: The ambitious public art series, part of a larger $1.54 million city grant for the North Shore, launches Friday, June 8. If you're even tangentially aware of North Shore happenings, you've probably heard some buzz -- but what is this Future Culture, really? It's a summer collaboration between New York City's Design Trust for Public Space and Staten Island Arts, funded by the NYC Department of Small Business Services, which invested that million-plus-bucks to jumpstart commerce in Downtown Staten Island through partnerships with local businesses and community organizations. S.I. Arts Executive Director Elizabeth Bennett says the pilot projects "will highlight our borough's rich cultural assets, from the Bay Street commercial corridor bustling with restaurants, stores and art centers, to Parks locations where dynamic community activities are taking place, to the spectacular waterfront, where we are reflecting Staten Island's deep maritime heritage." Curated by and featuring S.I.-based artists and community members, Future Culture launches with Court Yard Fridays. These free and funky world music performances run from 5-8:30 p.m. Fridays throughout June in the courtyard between Borough Hall and the old Supreme Court in St. George. "Located directly across the street from the Staten Island Ferry, the Richmond County Courthouse -- a beautiful example of neo-classical, 20th century architecture -- will come to life at our four multicultural concerts featuring international music stars and local talent," says S.I. native Kevin Washington, a retired fire fighter and organizer of Court Yard Fridays. "We invite commuters, workers, neighbors, and visitors to join us," adds Washington, who worked with Philadelphia Jazz Project's Homer Jackson and designer Lynn Washington to "activate this underused central civic space." Subsequent Future Culture programming will launch in mid-July at various locations along the North Shore Waterfront and Bay Street corridor, from St. George to Stapleton. "Strong neighborhoods are the backbone of our city, and the $1.54 million in investments to Staten Island through our Neighborhood 360 grant program are already going a long way towards revitalizing key commercial corridors," says Commissioner Gregg Bishop of the NYC Dept. of Small Business Services. "By working with Staten Island Arts, we are responding to local needs to support small business growth and build more vibrant neighborhoods for all New Yorkers." COURT YARD FRIDAYS SCHEDULE: All concerts take place from 5 to 8:30 p.m. June 8 Headliner: Worldtown Soundsystem Opening band: Grounded4Life Worldtown Soundsystem is a high-voltage live house/techno music band that fuses the culture of electronic dance music with global rhythms from Africa, Latin America and the United States. The ensemble's seven members have roots in three continents and their music is a celebration of sound from around the world. More info: World.town. June 15 Headliner: Red Baraat Opening band: Staten Island Steel Pan Orchestra (SISPO) Red Baraat is a six-piece band that brings a global blend of funk, dance grooves and South-Asian Brangra. NPR has dubbed the group as "the best party band in years." Red Baraat sold out rooms as diverse as the Luxembourg Philharmonic and New York City's iconic Bowery Ballroom, and performed at the request of The White House, TED and Olympic Games. More info: RedBaraat.com. June 22 Headliner: Papo Vazquez Opening band: Susan Wagner High School Jazz Band Papo Vazquez is a trombonist, composer and arranger whose forty-year career spans jazz, Latin, Afro-Caribbean, classical music, and over fifty recordings. "If you examine the signal moments of Afro-Latin music in New York since the mid-1970s, you'll often find the trombonist Papo Vazquez in the picture, brash and precise, helping to drive the music, giving it snap and ferocity (The New York Times)." More info: PapoVazquez.com. June 29 Headliner: UTA All Stars Opening band: Middle School Jazz Academy Brooklyn Hailing from the Universal Temple of the Arts, UTA All Stars brings together the acoustic brilliance of Staten Island's Jazz community. More info: UTASI.org. Up next: Sonic Gates promotes exploration of St. George, Tompkinsville, and Stapleton through "a multisensory experience and interactive way finding." The series of eight public artworks -- eight sound sculptures and two murals -- range from a 17-foot-long wind harp on Bay Street that plays itself, to a 90-foot-long mural of the endangered Right Whale at a bus shelter that pays homage to S.I.'s maritime heritage, to a drum totem for weekly drum circles in Tompkinsville Park. Lead artist Volker Goetze will oversee the creation of the artworks at S.I. MakerSpace. His team includes Scott Van Campen, Alassane Drabo, DB Lampman, Jeremy Munson, Lina Montoya, Arthur Simms, and students from Curtis High School and PS 78. "Our public art installations will attract Staten Islanders to get out of their cars and visitors to pass beyond the ferry terminal and explore the North Shore by foot or bike," Goetze says. "We encourage everyone to slow down and discover things that we would otherwise miss just whizzing by in a city bus, the Staten Island Railway, or a car." A celebratory "art walk" event on July 14 will include performances at each sculpture. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Homegrown filmmaker James DeMonaco ("The Purge") and his film crew are back at it again Wednesday. Last week, the Prince's Bay native and the team behind the upcoming film "The Night" (aka "Once Upon a Time on Staten Island," according to IMDB.com) turned Amendment 18 in Stapleton into an '80s drag bar. Today, they took over Legends Pub in Meiers Corners. Crew sat they arrived to set at 11 a.m. and will go until midnight. Black taupe hung over the exterior of Legends Pub to create a nighttime aesthetic for the shot. Because, as the title suggests, the majority of this film takes place after dark. But don't let that scare you. "I'm hoping to portray Staten Island in a very positive light, as it was a great place to grow up," DeMonaco told SILive. "I want to really show that." Two-time Oscar nominee Naomi Watts, star and executive producer of the production, was not on set Wednesday. The scenes filmed inside Legends featured the three main characters, described simply as "Staten Island male 20-somethings," going to a bar. Extras wearing leather skirts and denim on denim made their way onto set from the hair and makeup trailer, parked on Victory Boulevard. BTW: As much as I think double denim is a fashion tragedy, the actor wearing it also wore a bandana with fake bruises on their face. Looks like crew are making Legends into a dive bar for tough guys and gals. "This is just one stop on their travel from one side of the Island to another," said Robin Fisichella, Line Producer of "The Night." Cast and crew will reportedly return to Victory Boulevard on Thursday to film inside a pizzeria across the street from Legends. ABOUT THE FILM After some confusion over the name of the "Purge" director's latest project -- the star-studded cast-list made headlines with the title "Once Upon A Time in Staten Island" earlier this month -- DeMonaco told SILive his film has always been and always will be called "The Night." The '80s-set film comes from Blumhouse Productions, the distribution team behind hit franchises like "Insidious" and "The Purge," as well as the Oscar-winning "Whiplash" and "Get Out." The Hollywood Reporter said the plotline is "set in the summer of 1982 and has as its backdrop the release of 'Rocky III.' The story tells of an average teen who embarks on a quest in his Rocky Balboa-obsessed town that swirls in his family members. Watts and [Frank] Grillo ("Captain America") play his parents." Two-time Emmy winner Bobby Cannavale ("Boardwalk Empire," "Vinyl") co-stars. Equity and Excellence for All City Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza toured two schools on Staten Island on Wednesday to learn about the initiatives the sites have in place as part of the city Department of Education's Equity and Excellence for All agenda. The schools chancellor was greeted by students and faculty members at Prall Intermediate School (I.S. 27), West Brighton, and PS 35, in Sunnyside. Here are nine highlights from his visit to the two schools on Staten Island. Don't Edit Annalise Knudson | aknudson@siadvance.com 'An equity-based approach' Carranza first visited Prall Intermediate School, where he was greeted by Principal Matthew Barone, other staff members and students. "I was struck by the diversity in all of the classes that I saw and there are high expectations for all students, it's totally an equity-based approach," Carranza said. "That's a school that has undergone tremendous change over the last five years, not only in the demographics but in the culture, and the principal has handled it masterfully with teachers and support staff." Don't Edit Annalise Knudson | aknudson@siadvance.com An empowering experience During the first class visit at I.S. 27, a group of four students made a presentation about Carranza. Students explained who he was, his background, how he became an educator, and then posed questions to their fellow classmates. "I was so impressed that students knew what the learning process was about," Carranza said. "So when they were doing the presentation on me, when students would say a DOK (depth of knowledge) level one question, depth of knowledge is what they're referring to. For students to understand that they're addressing DOK tells me that they understand the process and that's incredibly empowering for students." In this photo, Carranza speaks with Principal Matthew Barone. Don't Edit Annalise Knudson | aknudson@siadvance.com Updated library Carranza visited I.S. 27's updated library -- complete with laptops for each student. Sixth-graders were using applications on the computer to learn algebra. "The last two years we got so advanced with technology," teacher Drita Lazoja told Carranza. "I can pull resources from different things. I have a smartboard in my classroom...and they learn how to interact with each other. It's engaging, it's so fun for them. They want to come up, they want to participate." Carranza said he was impressed by the library space, and defined it as a 21st century library. "It's not just books," he said. "Books are important, but they've embraced technology, and they've created a workspace that's almost like a college workspace where kids can plug in their devices and they can use those devices as part of their educational process." Don't Edit Annalise Knudson | aknudson@siadvance.com College Access for All Seventh-graders at I.S. 27 wore College Access for All T-shirts while sharing their college visit stories to the chancellor. Students visited various colleges this year, including the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and Rutgers. "The fact that they have such a well-developed College Access for All approach and students already had an opportunity to go to colleges, they themselves talked about how transformative it was when they didn't realize or they had inconcieved notions about what certain careers were or certain areas of study," Carranza said. "Then they go to these visits and they say 'Hey, this is really bigger than what I thought or different than what I thought.' Those are life-changing decisions." Don't Edit Don't Edit Annalise Knudson | aknudson@siadvance.com Do what you 'love to do' As I.S. 27 students talked colleges, Carranza offered the seventh-graders a piece of advice as they go forward in their education. "As you start thinking about high school and you start thinking about college, really start thinking about what you love to do and then start thinking, 'Well, how can I do that for a living?'," Carranza said. "If you do something you love to do and you do that for a living, it's almost like you're not working. You're doing what you love to do and you're getting paid." Don't Edit Annalise Knudson | aknudson@siadvance.com Speaking to parents The chancellor walked into PS 35 and spoke to parents at the school's kindergarten orientation. Following his introduction, Principal Melissa Garofalo brought Carranza on a tour to visit some classrooms. "Here there are very high-order thinking skills, actively engaged teachers and a principal who empowers the staff to have decision-making authority," he said. "But it's teacher informed and I think this is a good example of where teachers are treated as professionals." In this photo above, Carranza speaks to parents at a kindergarten orientation at PS 35 during a visit to the Sunnyside school. Don't Edit Annalise Knudson | aknudson@siadvance.com Independent learning Carranza visited with students at PS 35 as they worked in different groups spread throughout the classroom, fostering independent and small-group learning. In this photo above, Carranza speaks with first-graders during a lesson on math. Don't Edit Annalise Knudson | aknudson@siadvance.com No test prep Carranza said he was impressed by student success in the classroom, and that PS 35 doesn't participate in test prep. "Here we are toward the latter weeks of the school year and this school has never done test prep and even after the state tests are done, what do they do?" he said. "I walk into a third grade class and they finished the third grade standards, and they're on to the fourth grade standards. That's what it should be." Don't Edit Annalise Knudson | aknudson@siadvance.com Integrated Co-Teaching classroom Garofalo brought Carranza into an inclusive classroom, at PS 35 also known as an Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classroom. Special education students are learning in the same environment as general education students, with two teachers in the classroom. In this photo above, Carranza listens in on a conversation between two third-graders. Don't Edit STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Rep. Dan Donovan and former Rep. Michael Grimm are set to debate twice next week ahead of the June 26 primary. The two Republicans will debate Monday on 77-WABC Radio and once again with NY1 on Thursday at the College of Staten Island. The WABC debate will be hosted by radio host and political editor Rita Cosby of the "Curtis + Cosby" show. It will begin at noon and is scheduled to last an hour. NY1' s congressional primary debate will be shown live on NY1 at 7 p.m. Complete coverage and analysis of the heated GOP race, which has attracted the attention of President Donald Trump, also can be found on May 30, endorsing Donovan and saying that the congressman "is helping me to Make America Great Again." Trump also drew comparisons to the December 2017 U.S. Senate race in Alabama where Doug Jones beat Republican Roy Moore, who was accused of sexual predation by multiple women. Trump said that Donovan had a better chance of winning in November than Grimm, who served several months in prison for tax fraud. There is no one better to represent the people of N.Y. and Staten Island (a place I know very well) than @RepDanDonovan, who is strong on Borders & Crime, loves our Military & our Vets, voted for Tax Cuts and is helping me to Make America Great Again. Dan has my full endorsement! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 30, 2018 Grimm responded Sunday on Fox News, saying that endorsing in a Republican primary race is a "no-win" situation for Trump. Donovan vs. Grimm: Trump's endorsement ... does it make a difference? (And which Democrat are you backing?) Posted by Staten Island Advance on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Prior to Trump's tweet, the two candidates announced endorsements from Trump loyalists: Donovan received the backing of former Mayor Rudy Giuliani a day before former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci threw his support behind Grimm. And while Donovan has the backing of the Staten Island GOP, Staten Island Independence Party, the New York state Reform Party and the New York state Conservative Party, Grimm said that he would challenge Donovan on The race has ratcheted up in the past two months with the two campaigns constantly trading barbs and accusations. Donovan accused Grimm on April 2 of filing a complaint with the Office of Congressional Ethics, which alleged that he helped his partner's son get special treatment after a heroin bust. Donovan denied the allegation and Grimm denied filling the complaint. Donovan's campaign also launched a website in April titled "The Grimm Reality," highlighting Grimm's prison sentence. Donovan's camp also released his tax returns in April and challenged Grimm, who has been calling his opponent "desperate Dan," to do the same. A Grimm spokesman said he would once Donovan got his "first substantive bill signed into law." FOLLOW CLIFFORD MICHEL ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER . STATEN ISLAND -- Parents, students, alumni of Staten Island Technical High School gathered outside of the school Tuesday to reject the mayor's plan to scrap the city's specialized admissions test for New York City's elite high schools in a bid to diversity the schools. Many opponents of the plan said Tuesday although they do want more diversity in the city's specialized schools, they think ultimately more resources are needed to prepare students for the exam instead of getting rid of it altogether. "I don't think we should jeopardize the success of this school for the sake of diversity," Glyn Caddell, president of the Staten Island Tech Alumni Association, said. Caddell, who graduated from Staten Island Tech in 2002 before the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test was in place, said the city needed to expand more gifted and talented programs in the city's middle schools. "If we allow people that aren't prepared, we're setting them up for failure, they won't be able to keep up with the rigor of the program and that's the bottom line, we want to make sure that Staten Island Tech stays in the top 10," said Staten Island Community Education Council President Michael Reilly who is running for the South Shore's state Assembly seat. Currently, all eight of the city's specialized high schools, including Staten Island Tech, base their admissions solely on the SHSAT, a test the mayor has called "a roadblock to justice, progress and academic excellence." Over the weekend, de Blasio announced plans to diversify the city's specialized high schools by eliminating the SHSAT over the next three years. Instead, the test would be replaced with a new admissions process that would look at top performing students in every middle school. He also called for reserving 20 percent of seats in specialized schools for low-income students who just missed the test cut-off starting in September 2019. ACTION FROM ALBANY But getting rid of the SHSAT still requires the state Legislature to act. To change the admissions process for specialized high schools, an elected official would have to draft a program bill to change or amend the law, and go through a process of approvals before it could be signed by the governor. Assemblyman Charles Barron (D-Brooklyn) has sponsored legislation to scrap the exam. The bill is currently in the Assembly's Education Committee and is reportedly scheduled for a vote as early as June 6. Staten Island's state senators Andrew Lanza (R-South Shore) and Diane Savino (D-North Shore/Brooklyn) have previously called the idea of getting rid of the entrance exam "offensive" and "wrong." Lanza said there needed to be more effort around getting more resources to all students to help them get into the city's elite schools, while Savino called for free SHSAT test prep in every school. Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Mid Island) said he opposes Barron's legislation and will be not support it. PARENTS, STUDENTS, ALUMS SAY IT'S NOT FAIR Despite efforts by the mayor and the DOE to provide additional test prep and improve accessibility to minority students, the number of black and Hispanic students admitted into the top schools remains low. For the incoming fall 2018 freshman class at Staten Island Technical High School only two black students and five Hispanic students were offered admission out of the 326 total students admitted. And for the second year in a row, the number of Asian students offered admission to Tech exceeded offers made to white students. Out of the 326 students admitted, a total of 149 Asian students received offers to the freshman class, while 141 white students were accepted. "We're a minority family, what are you saying? That minorities aren't smart enough to hit the mark?" said Sheila Arroyo, the mother of a Hispanic son who graduated from Staten Island Tech and now attends Yale University with the mayor's son Dante De Blasio. Samantha Samy, a Staten Island Tech sophomore of Egyptian descent, said she spent about year preparing for the SHSAT with tutors as well as after school on her own because the middle school she attended did not offer any test prep programs. Samy said getting rid of the test is not fair and without it, will leave students "completely unprepared" and worst off. Don Carim, a 2002 Staten Island Tech alum who is black and Caribbean, said he thinks the city needs to do more recruiting to promote taking the entrance test in minority neighborhoods. "Putting people in here that didn't work to get here or don't even know about testing and the proper ways to go about work ethic as far as school goes, you're setting them up for failure and they'll never catch up," Carim said. "Throwing them in freshman year and expecting them to keep pace with these people, they'll never catch up." POLS REACT Congressional candidates Michael Grimm and Rep. Daniel Donovan chimed in on the mayor's latest proposal. Grimm, joined opponents of the mayor's plan Tuesday, calling the administration's decision "detrimental" to minorities. Donovan called it a "misguided policy." Grimm said the city should help students get ready for the exam from an early age, while Donovan said he believed the administration needed to focus on reforms that increase opportunities for all instead of "creating a 'race to the bottom' environment." Island Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis also slammed the mayor for not focusing on "real problems" like fixing the MTA and fighting the opioid epidemic and instead "being a progressive hero by villainizing a merit-based system." (Advance Staff Writer Annalise Knudson contributed to this report.) Rev. Terry Troia As a native Staten Islander, I am deeply concerned about proposals coming from Washington D.C. that take an axe to SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and how cuts will affect people in our borough struggling with addiction. On Staten Island, in New York more broadly, and across the country, millions are struggling with the realities of opioid addiction and the challenges of recovery. Since the start of the epidemic, policymakers and politicians in both parties, including Congressman Dan Donovan, have come to recognize that substance use disorders are a public health issue and that recovery requires treatment. Yet as someone who works for people who have struggled with addiction, I know that ending addiction requires more than medicine and therapy. It also means rebuilding lives and ensuring recovery isn't derailed by something as fundamental as a struggle to put food on the table. That's where the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly called food stamps, comes in. As one of our nation's most powerful and effective poverty-reduction programs, SNAP helps more than 2.9 million New Yorkers afford healthy meals and on Staten Island alone, SNAP helps over 1 in 10 residents with basic nutrition needs.. SNAP works by providing modest benefits to people with very limited means - about $1.49 per person per meal - but it is proven to help people get back on their feet faster. Despite its effectiveness, the House Agriculture Committee has proposed cutting the program by more than $17 billion and diverting much of that money to a risky new scheme of ineffective training programs and unforgiving penalties in their version of the 2018 Farm Bill, the legislation that funds SNAP. For every meal the 2018 Farm Bill takes from the plates of those with little, it increases spending on bureaucracy. In fact, it increases administrative costs by $15 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The bill also makes sweeping and harmful changes to SNAP that would increase paperwork, waste taxpayer dollars, and reverse previous efforts to improve the program and reach those in need of food assistance. All of this is done without any evidence to support such a dramatic change to the program. For New Yorkers struggling with addiction, the Farm Bill under consideration would mean new and higher barriers to recovery. That's because many of the harsh rules and requirements will apply to people just finishing their treatment. Under its "one strike and you're out" provision, someone who doesn't prove every month that they work enough hours would be kicked off SNAP for an entire year, unless they get a job that meets the requirement or requalify through an exemption such as disability ( our government does not define chronic substance abuse disorder as a disability, even though it is a deadly disease); the second time, they would lose benefits for three years. Instead of planning for their future, people recovering from opioid addiction will be forced to navigate unnecessary red tape just so they can feed their families. Unfortunately, this could result in many falling through the cracks, losing food assistance, and risking a dangerous fall back into addiction. This week at our Spring Brunch, we heard the testimony of a Staten Islander who has struggled with addiction and has now achieved more than twenty years of recovery and serves tirelessly the recovering community of Staten Island addicts and alcoholics with all his heart. Elwood, like so many others, used SNAP benefits to support him in the long road to recovery. It would have been a more treacherous road without SNAP benefits. Putting those already struggling with our national health crisis, like Elwood, in further jeopardy isn't kind, wise, or necessary. It's a step backward in a devastating fight that has already cost our borough too many lives. I have been impressed by Congressman Donovan's commitment to addressing the opioid epidemic. His efforts to increase awareness and target the causes of addiction are critical, and I hope to work with him to make them successful. I know that these efforts must include protecting SNAP. To do this, I urge Rep. Donovan to reject the House Agriculture Committee's Farm Bill and any attempt to make drastic cuts and changes to SNAP. Those in recovery must have access to the resources they need rather than fear and worry about how they will feed themselves and their families. Our leaders must support policy changes to end this epidemic -- not ones that make it worse, as cuts to SNAP would do. Recovery from addiction is a long road, and we have a lot of work left to do to confront this epidemic head-on. We need dedicated leaders like Rep. Donovan to ensure we continue to place the lives of our family members struggling with addiction first and not let partisan efforts take us to a place of even more suffering. (Rev. Terry Troia is president and CEO of Project Hospitality, Staten Island's agency for those in need.) Challenging incumbent Dan Donovan for the Republican nomination for Congress, former Rep. Michael Grimm has been urging voters to "stand with President Trump." He casts Donovan as one who "supports his liberal friends and their agenda," including among them House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. While Grimm is talking very much like a conservative today, he was voting very much like a liberal when he was in Congress. In fact, according to a survey of congressional voting records by the National Journal, he was among the three most liberal Republicans in the House. That attains particular relevancy when considered in light of Grimm's pitch during his initial campaign for public office in 2010. Facing establishment candidate Michael Allegretti in a primary for the Republican congressional nomination, Grimm aggressively courted the Staten Island Tea Party and even managed to secure an endorsement from Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, a conservative icon. At a primary-night party celebrating his victory over Allegretti, Grimm saluted his tea party supporters with this declaration: "This is not about Michael Grimm's victory. It's much bigger than that. This is about a movement." Yet, a mere three months into his first term, when Republicans and Democrats were locked in a high-stakes battle over the budget, Grimm made national news with this statement: "I know that there is some opposition to working with Senate Democrats from the extreme right of the tea party who would rather see a government shutdown than pass a short-term solution." It set the tone for a tenure in Congress that would leave his conservative supporters feeling betrayed. Now, seeking to return to Congress, Grimm is once again adopting a staunch right-wing posture. Trump endorsement Last week, however, President Donald Trump gutted the heart of the Grimm campaign by announcing his support for Donovan. Praising the incumbent congressman for "helping me to Make America Great Again," Trump tweeted, "There is no one better to represent the people of N.Y. and Staten Island (a place I know very well)." Since Grimm has been imploring voters to support Trump, logic suggests that he, too, would now do precisely that and drop out of the race. Instead, however, proving that his campaign is really about himself and not about Trump, he responded to the Donovan endorsement by declaring that the president should keep his nose out of the campaign. The most important issue for Republicans in this primary is electability. Trump acknowledged that in a follow-up tweet, declaring flatly that Donovan would win in November, while Grimm would lose. Citing the GOP loss of a U.S. Senate seat from Alabama courtesy of the deeply flawed Roy Moore, Trump warned, "We can't take any chances on losing to a Nancy Pelosi-controlled Democrat!" The president hit the nail on the head. Democrats were apoplectic when Trump defeated Hillary Clinton, and they've been trying to sabotage his presidency ever since. If they gain control of Congress in November, they will try to undo his election with finality by finding some pretext to impeach him. The Democrat running against either Donovan or Grimm will strategically focus on local issues, while presenting himself as a moderate ideologically. If he gets to Washington, however, he'll be voting with Pelosi and company to depose Trump. Donovan, a popular, native Staten Islander, has produced a succession of overwhelming victories in campaigns for both district attorney and Congress. He clearly offers Republicans their best chance to hold the seat and protect the Trump presidency. Which is why the district was widely categorized as "safe-Republican" until Grimm, marred by a felony conviction, entered the race. Untenable baggage Yes, there's merit to Grimm's claim that President Barack Obama's highly politicized Justice Department turned what should have been a civil proceeding against him into a criminal prosecution. That, however, doesn't change the fact that he tried to evade paying close to $150,000 in taxes, lied under oath during a deposition and had his law license suspended for four years. Trump is right in believing that such untenable baggage would likely doom Grimm in a district where a third of the voters live in Brooklyn and tens of thousands more reside on Staten Island's heavily Democratic North Shore. Hard-core Grimm supporters ignore this demographic reality at their party's peril. In his most recent television ad, Grimm claims, "Every time it mattered, Dan Donovan voted against President Trump." Donovan, however, has actually voted with Trump close to 90 percent of the time, while offering plausible, district-centered reasons for voting against bills to strip funding for sanctuary cities and establish a new tax code. More to the point, in neither of these instances was Donovan's vote anything close to decisive. In the hierarchy of things that actually do matter to Republicans, keeping the congressional seat in their column is head and shoulders above everything else. And it is in this matter that Grimm, by continuing his candidacy, is imperiling Trump at the most critical juncture of his presidency. Email Daniel Leddy at column@danielleddylaw.com. Follow him on Twitter @LegalHotShots. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The MMA fighter accused of severely beating a Tottenville business owner two years ago in an incident captured on videotape not only has fast hands, he's apparently got quick feet. Peter Rodriguez intended to leave the country if his bail was re-posted, a prosecutor told a judge on Wednesday, citing the defendant's recent tape-recorded phone conversations from Rikers Island with friends. Rodriguez had been free on $35,000 bond since last year but was recently incarcerated because the persons who posted the bond for him asked for their surety back. At a conference in state Supreme Court, St. George, Assistant District Attorney Lisa Davis said the two individuals who posted bond pulled it back because they feared they'd be on the hook for the money if Rodriguez fled the U.S. The defendant told them in phone calls from jail he would bolt if his bond was re-posted and things did "not go his way in court," said Davis. Rodriguez said he hoped to be placed on interim-supervision probation as a step toward resolving the case, Davis said. Business owner beat up by MMA fighter 3 Gallery: Business owner beat up by MMA fighter However, prosecutors on Monday re-affirmed their offer of the maximum sentence of seven years in prison in exchange for a top-count plea of second-degree assault, stemming from the Oct. 17, 2016, incident in Tottenville. On Monday, Rodriguez rejected that offer as well as a one-time offer from Justice Alexander Jeong of five years' incarceration for a guilty plea. Defense lawyer Manuel Ortega asked the judge to keep bail at $35,000. He said prosecutors played the tape recordings for him, and he didn't hear Rodriguez say he'd leave the country. Ortega said Rodriguez, while free on bail, had returned to court multiple times since the case's inception for scheduled conferences and hearings, and is not a flight risk. "He never intended to leave" the country, said Ortega. "He's not a man of means." Jeong said he had listened to the jailhouse calls. While the defendant did not explicitly say he would flee, the "thrust of the conversation was that the defendant would leave the country," if released from jail, said the judge. Based on the tapes and the case's history, Jeong increased bail to $250,000 fully-secured bond or $100,000 cash. He said Rodriguez would have to surrender his passport if he posts bail. Ortega said his client might not have the means to make the new bail. The case is scheduled for trial on July 31. According to various media reports, Rodriguez, who's also known as Peter Storm, is a Bronx-based mixed martial arts fighter and promoter who was affiliated with the Underground Combat League. He is 40 or 41. Prosecutors allege Rodriguez assaulted Eric Gittlitz during a confrontation outside the victim's business, American Air Mechanical, on Amboy Road. The incident was captured on surveillance video. Rodriguez punched Gittlitz at least three times before tackling him and striking him at least 11 more times while he was defenseless on the ground, said a criminal complaint. The victim, police said, suffered a broken jaw, broken orbital socket, multiple facial fractures and bruising to his head, face, legs and back. Gittlitz has some resulting nerve damage, prosecutors said. Rodriguez was arrested in January 2017 and indicted last August on charges of second- and third-degree assault. The latter charge is a misdemeanor. He will apparently claim self-defense at trial. Rumana helps Tigresses taste maiden win over India Bangladesh Women\'s Cricket team after the victory An all-round performance by Rumana Ahmed guided Bangladesh to their first-ever victory against India beating the giant neighbour in the Women's T201 Asia Cup match by seven wickets at the Kinrara Academy Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. With the day's victory, Bangladesh not only brightened their chance to reach the final of the six-nation Asia Cup, but also forced India to concede the first defeat in the women's continental meet. This was the 2nd consecutive victory for Bangladesh women's in the ongoing Women's Asia Cup following their creditable seven-wicket win over another giant Pakistan on Monday after a frustrating six-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in the opening match on Sunday last. After the day's matches, four teams -- India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh -- secured four points each from three matches, but in net run rate India dominated the list followed by Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh. In the remaining matches, Bangladesh women will face comparatively two weaker sides -Thailand on June 7 and hosts Malaysia on June 9 -- both at the Kinrara Academy Oval in Kuala Lumpur. Replying to India's moderate score of 141 for 7, Bangladesh women's team reached their dream target making 142 for 3 with two more balls to spare, featuring a record partnership of unbeaten 93 runs in the 4th wicket stand by Rumana Ahmed and Fargana Haque. After the dismissal of top three batters -- Ayasha Rahman (12), Sharmin Sultana (33) and Nigar Sultana (1) -- for 49 runs in 7.5 overs, one down Fargana Haque pairing with number five Rumana Ahmed guided the team towards their long-cherished victory. Rumana Ahmed, who played a vital role in restricting India to 141 runs grabbing three wickets for 21 runs in allocated four overs, hammered her career best and unconquered 42off just 34 balls featuring six boundaries and was adjudged the player of the match while Fargana Haque contributed an unbeaten 52 off 46 balls hitting five fours and a six. Poonam Yadav, P Vastrakar and RS Gayakwad took one Bangladesh wicket each conceding 21, 21 and 36 runs respectively. Earlier, India decided to bat first after winning the toss and scored 141 for 7 in stipulated 20 overs , featuring a captain knock of 42 runs by Harmanpreet Kaur and 32 runs number five Deepti Sharma. Kaur and Deepti Sharma sustained the momentum with a 50-run partnership off 42 balls. Apart from Rumana Ahmed's three-wicket haul, captain Salma Khatun took one wicket for 21 runs. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! Pak politicians asked to arrange their own security Dawn.com, ISLAMABAD : Pakistani's Supreme Court on Tuesday advised politicians, particularly the chief of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl, to arrange for their own security, declaring that it would not allow election campaign at the expense of the state. On a suo motu notice, the Supreme Court had taken up the use of luxury vehicles by federal and provincial ministers and government officers beyond their entitlement. Laws allow ministers or officers to use a vehicle not above 1800cc. During the proceedings, a three-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar summoned JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, secretary general Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri and PML-N Senator Kamran Michael for still using government-provided protected vehicles, but when senior counsel Kamran Murtaza informed the court that the vehicles had been returned to the government, the court reversed its order. Mr Murtaza also informed the court that Maulana Fazl had survived three assassination attempts on his life. But the court asked the counsel to tell the JUI-F leader that he should arrange for his own security, adding that he should tell how much hard-earned money of the nation had been spent on the security detail for the Maulana's protection. When the court asked about the security vehicles being provided to former president Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in Sindh, senior counsel Farooq H. Naek replied that both leaders were using their own vehicles instead of government vehicles. The court, however, observed that it would not allow election campaign by different political leaders at the expense of the state. Later at a separate event, Maulana Fazl expressed annoyance over the CJ's remarks and told journalists that there was a difference between protocol and security. "I call upon the chief justice and the prime minister to exchange protocol with me," he said. The apex court also asked the law officers to provide a video report showing the security arrangements at the Model Town residence of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. The court expressed its surprise under what laws the Punjab chief minister had been provided a bulletproof vehicle, adding that the police posts had been erected in the entire area leading to the residence of the chief minister and cars were parked at the parks. However, the court was told that all the barricades and posts had been removed from the area. The court ordered seven former ministers of Balo chistan to return luxury vehicles by night or face a fine of Rs100,000 per day which will be enhanced to Rs200,000 per day after a week. The bench was told that 105 protected luxury vehicles in the use of ministers and other officers beyond their entitlement had been recovered from the federal government. Similarly, 49 vehicles out of a total of 56 have been recovered from Balochistan, Additional Attorney General Nayyar Rizvi told the court. Earlier following a directive by the Supreme Court, the Punjab government had started retrieving luxury cars from the cabinet ministers, government officials and especially from the controversial public sector companies. ANZ Bank Treasurer Rick Moscati is on leave after criminal charges were filed against him and five other senior bank executives this week over allegations of cartel conduct. A day after the competition watchdog said charges were laid against the bankers and their employers ANZ, Citigroup and Deutsche Bank, a spokesman for ANZ reiterated its support for Mr Moscati, whom it has vowed to defend against the charges. The ACCC's case centres on a 2015 capital raising by ANZ. Credit:James Alcock "We continue to provide Rick, his family and his colleagues with the necessary support and as we said last week we will be defending both him and ANZ," the spokesman said. "While Rick is taking some leave at the moment, he will continue to have a senior role at ANZ." Previously, the bank had said Mr Moscati was in the process of moving to the role of chief risk officer for ANZ's Australian business. Experts say this is significant for the banks, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the CDPP. Unlike previous high-profile cases dealing with the arcane workings of financial markets, it is expected this matter would be decided by a jury if it went to trial, because it is criminal. This is one of the many questions raised by the landmark criminal cartel charges laid against ANZ Bank, Citi and Deutsche Bank, and six senior bankers, by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) this week. Would a bank executive stand a better chance of defending criminal charges in a trial before a judge, or a jury of their peers? Much is still unknown about this case, but lawyer Brent Fisse, an expert in cartel cases, says if he were a bank he'd be "a little bit concerned" about the hardening in community attitudes towards banks, as reflected in the royal commission. "It may actually be a disadvantage to be tried by jury," says Fisse, of Brent Fisse Lawyers. "But you would have to look at the circumstances of the case, the evidence, the way it's presented, and who is sitting on the jury." The precise allegations in this case are not yet public, but the basic facts are that the CDPP is accusing the banks of engaging in cartel conduct following ANZs $2.5 billion capital raising in 2015. Citi, Deutsche and JP Morgan underwrote the raising, and they ended up holding almost $800 million in ANZ shares when big investors decided not to take up all of the shares offered. The ACCC says the cartel arrangements related to the trading in ANZ shares held by Deutsche and Citi - the banks deny this and have vowed to defend the charges against them and their staff. JP Morgan is believed to have immunity. While there is public antipathy towards banks, however, it should also be noted that the ACCC is bringing charges in a technical area of the law. It has not proven these allegations in the financial markets before. BHP investors have welcomed the level of interest in the diversified miners US shale assets, with bids for the assets coming from a range of players including major oil companies Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell and BP, according to sources. First round bids have valued BHPs portfolio of onshore US shale assets, which are now up for sale, in the range of $US7 billion-$US9 billion, the sources said. Bidders are lining up for BHP's shale division in the US. Credit:Bloomberg There is interest in buying the shale assets in one whole package, or in a number of packages. Investors in BHP have expressed hope that the worlds biggest miner returns all the proceeds from the sale to its shareholders, in a return that would spin off billions of dollars to investors. Mortgage Choice investors should have smelt a rat two months ago when its CEO, former NAB executive John Flavell, resigned with zero notice and was replaced by his veteran CFO, Susan Mitchell, who had already resigned to take a number-crunching role elsewhere. Flavell had always conducted himself and led the business in a professional and exemplary manner, the company said in an amazingly bland statement from chairwoman Vicki Allen. Former Mortgage Choice chief executive John Flavell's abrupt departure should have raised alarm bells.. Credit:Pat Scala Its one of those things after a period of time, you know its been a really good three years and the business has prospered. From my perspective its time to do some other things, Flavell told The OZ in a thoroughly unconvincing fashion. On Monday, alarm bells were ringing for CBD when the mortgage broker franchise operator announced - completely out of the blue - that it was reviewing its franchise remuneration structure. Property developer and manager Mirvac has exercised its pre-emptive rights over a half share of the Westpac headquarters at 275 Kent Street, Sydney, which has been sold by US private equity group, Blackstone for $721.9 million. In an ASX release after the market close on Wednesday, Mirvac said it ''intends to assign its rights to an existing capital partner, as a permitted transferee under the unit sale agreement''. Mirvac owns the other half and under the deal with Blackstone it had the first right to nominate its future co-investor. With the deal, Mirvac will retain management of the property. Charter Hall was a front runner, and also super fund ISPT, which has a close relationship with Mirvac. It was also said a ''club'' deal had been looked at with Morgan Stanley, the Korean National Pension Services, which owns the Renzo Piano-designed Aurora Place building at 88 Phillip Street, Sydney and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) to join forces to buy the Blackstone stake. Consumer goods giant Unilever says it will run its Australian manufacturing plants entirely on clean energy within two years, with the country having passed a "tipping point" where going green is no longer a financial disadvantage. The $US163 billion ($212 billion) Anglo-Dutch behemoth's Australian and New Zealand chief executive Clive Stiff said government policy uncertainty had made the jump to renewables too risky, but that the tide had turned as energy companies started closing coal-powered plants and moving into renewables. Unilever Australian and NZ CEO Clive Stiff. Credit:Christopher Pearce "As we now have a little bit more clarity of where were going with the National Energy Guarantee, then it allows us to make some longer-term commitments," Mr Stiff told Fairfax Media. Unilever, which owns brands such as Dove, Lynx, Continental, Lipton and Streets ice cream and employs 1300 people in Australia and New Zealand, already has 109 of its manufacturing plants around the world running on clean energy. RAB attack activists of Ganajagaron Mancha Imram Sarkar picked up Procession brought out by Ganajagaron Mancha protesting country-wide extrajudicial killings by law enforcers was dispersed and Mancha leader Imran H Sarkar was arrested from city\'s Shahbagh area on Wednesday. Staff Reporter : The members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) baton charged the activists of Ganajagaran Mancha as they gathered to form a human chain near the city's Shahbagh intersection to protest the 'indiscriminate extra-judicial killings' during the ongoing anti-drug crackdown. RAB personnel also picked up the Mancha leader Imran H Sarker while he was attempting to attend the rally as the chief guest in front of National Museum around 4:15pm on Wednesday. At least 10 people, including two online coordinators of the pro-liberation front, were injured during action of RAB-Police on the protesting. Four of them were sent to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital instantly. They gathered in the spot to hold a protest rally after forming a human chain where they publicly played the audio clips on Ekram killing in Teknaf on May 26. The Mancha' activists claimed that they tried to stage a rally under the banner of Ganajagaran Mancha protesting the killing' of unarmed people without any judicial process in the name of 'gunfights' across the country since May 12. As per plan, they called people to attend the rally for protesting 'Extra Judicial Killing' though opening a Facebook event. Criticizing the countrywide drive, they called upon the government to step back from decision of killing people without any judicial process. Contacted, Mufti Mahmud Khan, Director to Legal and Media Wing of RAB, told The New Nation on Wednesday, Imran was detained from Shahbagh as he came out from a private car to join the rally. "He was arrested on charge of organising an illegal gathering. There are more charges against him. We are looking into the matter," the RAB spokesman said. However, RAB could not release any information abut his whereabouts and stating of the previous or they are filing new case after picking up. Reazul Alam Bhuiyan, one of the protest organisers, said, "Imran arrived in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh at 4:10pm to join the scheduled programme. But he was immediatelypicked him up." We don't know of his whereabouts after detention by the RAB personnel, he said. Earlier, Police stopped a rally planned for Monday and said Ganajagaran Mancha had no permission to hold the protest programme. Imran then announced a new plan to hold the demonstration yesterday (June 6) at the same venue after meeting all formalities, according to him. Chhtra Union's city unit president Dipak Sheel said that at least 10 activists were injured as the RAB personnel charged baton the activists when some plaine-clothes men picked up Imran by a private cars. Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abul Hasan said that police did not pick up Imran. He also confirmed that RAB-3 arrested Imran. Earlier, a Dhaka court had issued an arrest warrant against Imran on 26 October 2017 on charge of skipping a hearing in a defamation suit filed for making derogatory remarks about prime minister Sheikh Hasina. He, however, got the bail in the case in November last. "Its different as a foreign company doing business in China; moving to the next stage of the project and getting development strategies in line while working on approvals, regulations and risks is difficult. "Moving forward is about the ability to absorb risks, if they take up this [Lone Star] offer it de-risks the next stage of the company." Loading The source, who declined to be identified as details surrounding the deal were confidential, said working in China creates a different set of hurdles compared to operating in Australia or Canada, and that challenge was making the $530 million a fair valuation. The Chinese risk was also noted by Citi analysts. "We rate Sino as high-risk given there are significant underdeveloped gas resources with risk around timing and cost of any development," they wrote in a note to investors. "Sino Gas is geographically concentrated in China, we view higher sovereign risk inherent in the business than the rest of coverage." It is understood negotiations were carried out for some time prior to the offer, the person close to the deal said. Due diligence began mid-April after around six months of discussions. "It hasnt been as though the company was caught unexpected, there have been robust discussions behind the scenes," the source said. A major shareholder acknowledged the risks associated with working in China, but believed Sino could still go it alone. Glenn Corrie, CEO of Sino Gas & Energy, supported Lone Star's offer. Credit:Peter Braig Operating in China is challenging and it's a challenging dynamic. If youre in a market environment that is already clearly nervous about China it's even harder, whereas private equity firms can sit down and work things out without market pressure, he said. We can understand the issue as its a big project, but the company is capable of funding it. A good deal, or a steal? It's understood the $530 million offer was based on prices seen earlier in May, when Sino tracked at around 18 cents a share, which made Lone Star's 25 cents a share proposal a lot more attractive with a 38 per cent premium. But when the bid was lodged, Sinos share price was trading at 21 cents, which halved that premium. A person close to the deal argued the premium had to be viewed in light of oil movements, which had driven up Sino's share price. Sinos share price has jumped around 130 per cent over the last 12 months after it sat at 9 cents a share for months. It has not risen above 25 cents a share since 2014. Yet according to RBC Capital Markets, which is acting as a financial adviser to Sino Gas, Lone Stars offer falls well short of the company's estimated value. "Sino Gas has experienced a strong share price run recently, having doubled over the last six months and trebled over the past 9 months," RBC Capital Markets analyst Ben Wilson said in investor notes only ten days before the bid. Loading Despite this surging share price we continue to see considerable potential upside both to our risked price target of 35 cents a share and our unrisked [discounted cash flow] valuation of 69 cents a share. A discounted cash flow valuation estimates the value of a company by predicting its future cash flows, discounted by the cost of capital needed to achieve those cash flows. Macquarie Research believes the offer represents only two-thirds of Sinos true value. On May 18, Sinos joint venture partner was made an $864 million from Jinhong Holdings for their 51 per cent stake in SGE (which controls Sinos Lingxing and Sanjiaobei projects). Acknowledging Sinos 49 per cent ownership, this offer implies a valuation for Sino of around $830 million, - far north of the $530 million offer - Macquarie analysts said. The gas from Sino's projects would be for Chinese domestic use. Credit:Kevin Lee Investors unimpressed Despite the boards overwhelming support of the proposal, shareholders havent changed their view on the deal since it was announced, voicing concern that theyve been kept in the dark over the private equity approach. Were not impressed by the whole process, management never told us they were taking on discussions, a major shareholder told Fairfax Media. It looks like it's a done deal already. A major Sino Gas shareholder Analysts noted a massive change in the companys stance between its annual general meeting on May 10 21 days before the offer was made public and its Deutsche Bank Conference presentation after the announcement of Lone Stars approach. At Sinos annual general meeting last month, the company forecast "significant free cash flow from 2020," adding that it was in a strong financial position thanks in part to securing a $US100 million Macquarie debt facility for funding. Sino also forecast production levels of between 350 million and 550 million cubic feet of gas per day from its projects, which have current proven reserves of around 1,400 billion cubic feet of gas. At most big companies, it's pretty clear who the millionaires are: top executives, rainmakers, science whizzes with PhDs. But at China's Sunny Optical Technology Group -- whose stock has climbed faster than any other in MSCI's global indexes over the past decade -- the richest employees are just as likely to be factory workers, janitors and cafeteria chefs. A factory operated by Sunny Optical Technology Group in Yuyao, China. Credit:Bloomberg The lens maker's unusual decision to hand out stakes to early employees, regardless of their position, has turned hundreds of them into millionaires, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The previously unreported value of their holdings has ballooned as Sunny Optical's shares surged more than 9,500 per cent since May 2008, trouncing even Netflix's 7,500 per cent gain. Founded more than three decades ago by a former appliance-factory worker with a high school education and less than $US10,000 of borrowed cash, Sunny Optical is now a $US22 billion ($27.7 billion) behemoth that supplies lenses to the likes of Samsung and Xiaomi. Growing demand for cameras in smartphones, cars and drones fuelled a decade-long streak of rising profits at the company, helping propel the shares' dizzying rally. The rising number of solar rooftop installations is creating concerns that too much energy is flooding into the electricity grid, and could cause blackouts as the system struggles to control the excess power. "Solar spill", when high levels of energy are generated by rooftop installations in the middle of the day when demand is low, is becoming a problem for Australias electricity networks, according to Andrew Dillon, the head of the grid representative body Energy Networks Australia. The rise of rooftop solar is a boon for households but creating a headache for electricity distributors. Credit:Michele Mossop "If this goes badly, one of three things is going to happen," he said at an Energy Networks 2018 event on Wednesday. "Either we get voltage and frequency issues at the local level or even localised blackouts and things tripping off." The teeny Arab emirate of Qatar is at loggerheads with its larger neighbours and needs all the help it can get. But it requires a level of charm that was noticeably lacking on Tuesday as Qatar Airways CEO, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, took the chair of airline industry group IATA after its Sydney conference. Akbar said he would "try to control controversial statements by me" while serving as IATA's chairman over the next year. "Good luck with that, Akbar," was the wise-cracker response from Qantas boss Alan Joyce. Australia's universities are lifting their research game but failing to keep up with the rest of the world when it comes to academic reputation and faculty-student ratios, one of the world's most highly regarded university rankings has found. The Australian National University was again Australia's highest-placed on the 2019 QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) University Rankings, but fell out of the top 20 to 24th on the list. Sydney University, the country's third-placed university after Melbourne, climbed from 50th to 42nd. ANU has kept its top spot on the QS rankings Credit:Andrew Meares The University of NSW was steady at 45th, the University of Technology (UTS) climbed 16 spots to 160th, while the universities of Newcastle, Wollongong and Western Sydney all improved their positions. Massachusetts Institute of Technology was the world's best university for a record-breaking seventh year, according to the rankings, which look at academic reputation, faculty-student ratios, citation numbers, employer reputation and international faculty and students. There's something intimate about a podcast that breeds a special kind of obsessive fan. One that can imagine themselves in the room, laughing along with the hosts. Maybe it's the earbuds that block out the world around us, or that audio encourages a listener to fill in the gaps, forging a closer bond between listener and host. "Podcast fans seem way more obsessive than normal comedy or radio fans," says Karl Chandler, one half of the Australian comedy podcast The Little Dum Dum Club. "They listen to the show where and when they want, with the option of bingeing hundreds of hours whenever they want." The Little Dum Dum Club's Tommy Dassalo and Karl Chandler. "We've got fans who discovered us then listened to 300 episodes in four weeks. Crazy! We certainly feel that heaps of them see us as their mates, even though we've never met them." Chandler is an accidental expert in super-fans, having convinced his listeners to come to Thailand two years running for a series of live podcasts. 24 HOURS INSIDE YOUR BODY 8.35pm, SBS This is not, unfortunately, a Fantastic Voyage documentary about our insides, but rather a lightweight British medico show designed to shock us into better lifestyle habits. The not so "extraordinary" experiment sees a man and a woman wired up with heart and brain monitors and the like that record their intake, out-take, sleep patterns and stress levels. The causes of courier Dave's fatigue and hairdresser Charlotte's headaches won't come as a surprise. 24 Hours Inside Your Body. GORDON BEHIND BARS 9.55pm, Seven The well 'ard chef gives as good as he gets when personalities clash in the Bristol Prison kitchen. But Ramsay's bark turns out to be worse than his bite. He goes out on a limb with the guards to improve his charges' conditions, and out of his way to boost their flattened self-esteem. Without being gratuitous, this ultimately feel-good show should broaden perceptions of those doing time. The Berejiklian government has secured passage through Parliament of a controversial bill to protect wild horses in the state's largest national park, ignoring broad protests from scientists and even a farmer responsible for relocating many of the feral animals. The Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Bill 2018 was passed late on Wednesday with the Liberal-Nationals Coalition gaining support from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party and the Christian Democrats. Earlier the Australian Academy of Science joined a lengthening list of scientific groups including the International Union for Conservation of Nature to condemn the plan to prioritise an invasive animal over native species in the Kosciuszko National Park. A herd of brumbies runs through Kosciuszko National Park last month. Credit:Karleen Minney Extending protection to so-called "heritage horses" is "incompatible with the principles that underpin Australias world-leading protected area system, and with our commitments as a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity", the academy said in a letter sent to the government. A Protestant pastor has been killed by a crocodile during a baptism ceremony in an Ethiopian lake, the BBC has reported. Docho Eshete and about 80 members of his congregation had gathered at the southern end of Lake Abaya on Sunday morning, close to a national park where enormous crocodiles have been seen covering the shore. A crocodile shows aggression as a boat passes by, in a file picture. Credit:AP Normally, the animals are a tourist draw. But the London Telegraph reported that Lake Abaya has lately experienced a shortage of fish, and the crocodiles have become aggressive towards humans, who have little chance to see them in the lake's murky red waters. "He baptised the first person and he passed on to another one," a resident of the nearby town of Arba Minch told the BBC's Amharic language service. The Australian National University has spoken out about its decision to withdraw from negotiations with the Ramsay Centre for a controversial new degree in Western Civilisation, as the University of Sydney reveals it has entered into its own talks with the centre. Overnight, vice-chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt released a lengthy statement defending the back down from the lucrative deal amid a "flurry of interest" and criticism from both John Howard, who chairs the centre, and federal education minister Simon Birmingham. ANU vice-chancellor and Nobel Prize winner Brian Schmidt. Credit:Joe Armao Six months of negotiation came to a halt last week over concerns about academic freedom. Some academics warned the proposal could give "unprecedented" control of the curriculum to an outside philanthropic organisation and push one narrow view of history, following reports Ramsay Centre staff had asked to sit in on classes to monitor content. Professor Schmidt said the Ramsay Centre had presented an "interesting" opportunity but stressed the ANU's "outstanding reputation" for academia already represented "some of the very best scholarship of the western liberal tradition". Army to be deployed in nat`l polls: CEC Staff Reporter : Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda yesterday said, troops will be deployed in the upcoming general elections, but not in the city polls. Election Commission is thinking of guarding against the irregularities that took place during Khulna City Corporation (KCC) polls in the coming days, the CEC said. "To avoid such irregularities in future, implementation of Electronic Voting Machine is a must," he said. He was addressing a press conference after attending a two-hour training session for the election officials of Barishal and Faridpur zones over the use of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). CEC said, the world is going with modern technology, why not we? Our country also wants to use the modern technology. So, the election commission has decided to use the modern technology. The CEC further said that he would not take any special initiative to request any particular party to join the upcoming election. According to CEC, Gazipur City Corporation Elections will be held on June 30, while Rajshahi, Sylhet and Barishal polls will be held on July 30 ahead of the next national polls. Earlier, the mayor polls began with the Khulna City Corporation elections on May 15 in which the Awami League mayor candidate Talukder Abdul Khaleque won by a big margin of 1,74,851 votes defeating his rival BNP candidate Nazrul Islam Monju who bagged 1,09,251 votes. Cocaine possession and use across the state is on the rise, with Sydney's well-heeled CBD and eastern suburbs remaining the drug's epicentre. Incidents of possession or use of the drug are up 45.9 per cent across NSW, according to the latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research figures released on Wednesday. More than 3000 people were arrested for cocaine use or possession in the 12 months to March 2018. Credit:Jennifer Soo The number of arrests for cocaine use or possession rose from 2134 in the 12 months to March 2017 to 3114 in the 12 months to March 2018. But the drug and the corresponding arrests are not equally distributed across the state. In the Waverley local government area, police recorded incidents of 246 people using or possessing cocaine to represent an increase of a massive 95.2 per cent. Police have appealed to the public to help identify a man whose body was found on the side of the road in Homebush on Wednesday night. Investigators were called to Homebush Bay Drive, 200 metres north of Australia Avenue, about 10.30pm on Wednesday after a truck driver whose vehicle had broken down discovered the body. The body was found on the side of the six-lane road covered in a type of material. Detective Inspector Paul Arnold said a post mortem on Thursday had revealed the deceased person was male, however there were "no further identifying features, documentation or other objects that may indicate the name of this person". Ferry services have been delayed and cancelled across Sydney and some flights out of Sydney Airport disrupted after a heavy fog settled over the city on Thursday, leaving morning commuters stranded. Transport for NSW said Manly to Circular Quay ferry services were replaced by buses in both directions early on Thursday morning due to heavy fog on the harbour. At 7.30am those services were resuming, but commuters were still warned to expect delays. The Harbour Bridge was barely visible due to fog. Credit:AAP Other ferry commuters were warned to "expect delays and cancellations and check indicator boards as ferry stopping patterns may change at short notice". Stopping patters may also change for F3 Parramatta River services throughout the morning, transport authorities warned. The voyage of the Surprise The first trip of the first steam boat in New South Wales took place on Wednesday last to Parramatta. The Surprise started from the Cove at half-past eleven, and continued her course till half-past two, when she was off Red Bank, where she grounded; during her detention there, a large concourse of persons saluted her with continuous cheers. She floated again after 10 pm, and arrived soon after. Stupefied and benumbed Samuel Hall was charged by Orr, the Conductor, with knocking him speechless with a stone. Orr appeared to give evidence, his head enveloped secundum artem, and bearing ocular demonstration of having had planted on vulnerable parts of the body certain concussions, calculated to stupefy and benumb the censorium, and to produce under each eye black extravasated blood, and carmine fluid from either nostril. Domestic intelligence A man who was charged with stabbing another man at a Wynyard bus stop on Wednesday afternoon was behind a similar bus stop attack in Brookvale the previous day, police allege. Emergency services were called to Carrington Street, outside Wynyard train station, around 2pm on Wednesday, after reports a man had been stabbed in the back of the neck while waiting in a bus queue. The man had been waiting at Stand B, just outside the entrance to the station, when the incident unfolded. The bus route serves suburbs in Sydneys north including Collaroy, Dee Why and Brookvale. Inspector John Bamford said neither party knew each other, and "it appears to be a random attack". A cargo ship that lost 83 shipping containers carrying everything from nappies to furniture has docked in Sydney, as hundreds of workers continue to clean up debris littering the NSW coastline. Aerial footage of the YM Efficiency, which docked in Port Botany about 9.30am on Wednesday, showed containers hanging over the side of the ship and tilted at angles, while others appear badly crushed. The contents of one container dangled precariously over the side of the ship, held in place by ripped packaging. The 42,000-tonne ship lost 83 containers into the ocean after hitting five-metre swells 30 kilometres off the coast of Port Stephens on Friday, while another 30 containers were badly damaged. "We are becoming an economy, not a society"; how sadly true this has become. I have faith that the next generation understands we do have choices and the power to make them. - Aidan Cuddington, Umina Beach Growing up as I did during WWII, times were tough but we had a supportive society and an environment which the economy was there to provide for. Now most of us are expected to be the life support for the economy whether it is needed or not. How were we conned into believing that this was the way to run, not only our country but much of the world? - Brian Milton, Avalon Ross Gittins notes that rather than concentrating on the minutiae of reform, our government should be "focused instead on things that Australians really care about". When John Howard took us to war in Iraq, polls showed that a majority believed there was insufficient evidence to do so. There was strong public support for Kevin Rudd to introduce a carbon tax but he buckled and failed to address the greatest moral challenge of our time. If this sounds like a case for populism, that is because it is and surely its not a bad thing for politicians to implement the wishes of their voters. - Peter Nash, Fairlight Banking too important to let criminals go unpunished It's good to see the banks still have friends ("Hayne v ASIC: two tribes go to war at the royal commission", June 6). Their case seems to be that banks are far too vital to the all-important economy for the focus to be merely on individual transgressions. Trust these money masters to learn from their sins and get on with the real work of propping up the financial universe. Sorry, gentlemen, but this commission is precisely because the banks demonstrated so clearly and so often that they couldn't. - Jeffrey Mellefont, Coogee Yes, we do need "a banking sector that serves us all" (Letters, June 6). And that's the issue. Clearly a number of bank executives have regarded the industry not as a service but as a means of increasing individual wealth and have breached not only the principles of good governance but the law itself. We can be thankful that the royal commission has exposed these criminal acts and will hopefully set an agenda for improvement in future bank behaviour. - Max Redmayne, Russell Lea The penalty imposed on CBA may affect profitability and therefore dividends ("Analysts back $700m CBA fine for breaches", June 6). Seems fair enough, after all there were apparently no questions asked when unethical or illegal activities boosted profits and thus dividends. In a similar vein, perhaps the generous bonuses awarded to directors and other executives should be scrutinised. - Terry Humes, Freshwater It may well be the case that shareholders pay for their bank's poor behaviour when CBA pays up but this is only fair as they have profited handsomely from it in the past. - Stephen Foster, Glebe It is precisely because the banking industry provides employment for more than 150,000 people, provides billions in home and business loans, provides Australia's financial infrastructure and supports millions of superannuitants, that the royal commission was absolutely necessary and that its findings and recommendations be heeded (Letters, June 6). - Paul Hewson, Old Bar There is a simple solution to the banks' ploy of debiting a customer's account immediately upon receipt of a transfer request and then taking a few days for the funds to reach their destination account; legislate that the banks must pay interest to the first account until the funds reach the second account and pay interest to the second account from the time the funds leave the first account. I estimate that it would take less than 24 hours for them to find an IT guru who could arrange instant transfers. - Jock Brodie, Epping Fishy business So much for the complacency evoked by the saying "There are plenty more fish in the sea" ("Fish stocks collapse by a third in one decade", June 6). - Alicia Dawson, Balmain Half-baked refusal Ah yes, the oft forgotten 11th commandment: "Thou shall not bake a cake for same sex couples" ("Baker wins fight over same-sex refusal", June 6). - Brenton McGeachie, Queanbeyan West As a wedding cake-maker of 30 years, I want to let every gay couple on the planet know I would step out of retirement for them. - Jennifer Ingall, Katoomba Sleep-free zone If lack of sleep is a global epidemic, costing nations like Australia billions in lost productivity, why is a curfew-free international airport being planned for western Sydney ("Sleep 'epidemic' is costing global economies billions", June 6)? - Colin Andersen, Lapstone Bed 'n' board Who will monitor the new Airbnb regulations: Boarder Force ("Two strikes and out: new Airbnb code of conduct", June 6)? - Les Shearman, Darlington Access to specialists needed Dr Vyom Sharma, a GP, explains superbly the reason for the serious and worsening inequity of access that poorer Australians face when needing consultation with a medical specialist ("Healthcare in Australia may be a free market but it's not a fair one", June 6). Access and costs for medical specialists should be reduced, according to letter writers. Credit:Peter Braig The many GPs to whom I speak in western Sydney have all but given up seeking access to specialist support for many of their patients in a growing number of fields. All they are ask for is a single consultation to ensure a definitive diagnosis and a management plan for shared care, with specialist back up only when needed. We have the skilled and dedicated workforce with the will to achieve this but, in Australia, we do not have the wit to do it. The solution is straightforward: open more out-patient clinics in our public hospitals. This requires the construction of consulting rooms and doctors willing to see patients there without fee gap. Build it and they will come. Many young specialists would greatly value a fractional appointment to a teaching hospital in order to continue their involvement with remarkable institutions and to give back to the system that trained them. But there is inadequate funding for ambulatory services for chronic disease as hospitals buckle under the strain of providing emergency services and acute, in-hospital care. Dr Sharma's "chasm" is caused by the split jurisdiction in health funding between state and Commonwealth governments and by insufficient funding by the commonwealth to the state hospital system. The Commonwealth is largely responsible for out-of-hospital care but the state employs the doctors who could expand markedly out-patient clinics so badly needed if, as a wealthy country, we care about equity of access to specialist care to our fellow citizens when confronting serious illness. - Prof Graeme Stewart, Westmead Hospital Dr Sharma should be well aware of the many difficulties with the Medicare Benefits Schedule. He implies that anaesthetists' deliberately hide their fees from patients. The fact is that if your anaesthetist uses the MBS system, that is imposed by Medicare and the health funds, they cannot calculate your exact fee or any gap until after your operation is finished. The amount that is paid to the anaesthetist by medicare and the funds varies with the duration of surgery and the actual surgery performed (not necessarily what was planned), factors which are unknown until after the fact. Medicare and the health funds have made this system as complicated as possible so that patients cannot understand it. As long as the system remains broken and the amount paid is determined by the governments and funds, patient gaps must continue to rise. - Bart Fielden, Lindfield Forget Bambi Duncan McDonald could adopt a constructive approach to feral deer and their impact on Kosciuszko National Park by lobbying the NSW State Government to restore staff and resources to the emaciated National Parks of Wildlife of NSW so they can take action (Letters, June 6). He will also have to alter the mindset of the NSW and Victorian public to discard their Bambi fixations. The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage refers to "feral deer" on their website which indicates they regard them as a pest. He will also need to realise his brumbies or feral horses are also an invasive species which are over-populating the park and causing extensive damage. - Judy Kelly, Aranda (ACT) The brumby problem could be solved if we could find someone or some institution who might want them. I have noticed from some recent events on television that the royal family uses horses, lots of them, in fact, to get around. Problem solved. - James Prior, Sylvania Waters Government surrenders Shame, Don, shame! You should have fought it out. I would have ("State government surrenders, will hand over key stadium, Powerhouse documents", smh.com.au, June 6). - Michael Egan, Surry Hills It's up to the users As with so many human tools, smartphones can be beneficial or destructive, usually depending on the attitude of the user ("The smartphone generation", June 6). Teaching our children moderation and self-control does not suppress creativity, nor impede the development of healthy relationships. Rather, it engenders wisdom, discernment and empathy, characteristics that benefit both the user and the community, whether physical and online. - Philip Cooney, Wentworth Falls Lose the private frills The statement by the NSW Association of Independent Schools head Geoff Newcombe that "we are not going to accept transfers from one system to the other" shows the absolute contempt in which this collection of private schools holds the government and the people of Australia ("Private schools' last-ditch pitch", June 6). How about independent schools cut back on underground concert halls, swimming pools, heated horse facilities? None of this would increase fees, and perhaps the students could concentrate on education, rather than the ridiculous frills these schools are now able to offer thanks to the generous extra school funding provided by government. - Pamela Wood, McMahons Point Queen's day irrelevant Counter-terrorism authorities have swooped on another two men as part of an ongoing investigation into money laundering, which previously led to the first ever Australian being charged with travelling to a foreign conflict zone. Ahmad Hawchar, 28, and a 27-year-old man were arrested on Wednesday morning when members of the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) conducted raids on properties in Bankstown and Wiley Park. Two men were arrested in the early morning raids. Credit:Police Media Both men have been charged with allegedly dealing in the proceeds of crime, in the form of money or property worth $1 million or more. The figure is 10 times that for which three people were charged as part of the same investigation in October last year. At Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday Mr Hawchar faced the money laundering charge, which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in jail and, or, a $315,000 fine. A University of Wollongong student who attempted to film his three female flatmates in the shower with a camera hidden inside a sponge has avoided jail time. Rico Auliaputra, a 25-year-old Indonesian national studying for a degree in internet technology, was charged with filming a person in a private act without consent, after one of his three flatmates noticed a green flashing light coming from a sponge left on the bathroom floor of their Wollongong CBD apartment the night of October 28 last year. Rico Auliaputra outside court in April. Credit:Sylvia Liber Upon inspection, the woman found a small camera with an SD card inserted inside. A power cord extending out of the camera led to a battery pack hidden under the vanity. The women called Auliaputra, who arrived at the unit 30 minutes later. They all agreed to view the contents of the SD card, but then decided to wait for police to arrive first. Auliaputra seized on the opportunity and threw the SD card off the balcony of his unit block. Its not every day we have journalistic royalty visiting the Heralds newsroom. On Monday, I hosted a lunchtime talk-fest for reporters with Boston Globe investigative journalist Walter Robinson. Robby, as hes known, led the Globes Spotlight team that broke the Roman Catholic clergy sexual abuse scandal back in 2002. (Michael Keaton plays him in the film. He was well cast!) Spotlights investigation is inspiring - their task was enormous, requiring a dogged approach, perseverance in the face of the churchs secrecy, compassion for the victims and a stoicism for the impartiality required to report the horror they had endured. The investigation ran for almost two years. Ultimately, more than 150 priests in the Boston Archdiocese would be accused of sexually abusing a minor. One priest alone, John Geoghan, was accused of molesting 130 children. Walter Robinson visited the Herald newsroom this week. Credit:ABACA USA The fallout was nothing short of cataclysmic for the church and, if youve seen the 2015 film, you will understand the ramifications of that work in the United States. More than $US100 million has been paid out in compensation by the Boston Archdiocese - first $US10 million to Geoghans victims, but then $US85 million was paid to 552 victims and parents who had filed civil lawsuits over the ignored abuse. Initial steps for Rohingya return UN-Myanmar MoU to end deadlock: USAID asks donors to keep up financial support AP, Yangon : Myanmar and UN agencies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that might eventually lead to the return of some of the 700,000 Rohingya Muslims who fled brutal persecution by the country's security forces and are now crowded into makeshift camps in Bangladesh. The MOU signed on Wednesday promises to establish a "framework of cooperation" that aims to create the conditions for "voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable" repatriation of Rohingya refugees. Myanmar's security forces have been accused of rape, killing, torture and the burning of Rohingya homes. The UN and US have described the army crackdown that began in August last year as "ethnic cleansing." Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed in November to begin repatriating Rohingya, but refugees feared their lives would be at risk in Myanmar without involvement of UN agencies and international monitoring. Meanwhile, local news agency reports said the outgoing USAID mission director has called upon the donors not to get distracted from the basic development problems of Bangladesh as they focus on the Rohingya problems. Janina Jaruzelski said that assistance for the Rohingya refugees should be an additional support, which is what the US administration is doing now. She said the US has made available an additional $70 million to fund the humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas and the local host community in Cox's Bazar on top of its annual $212 million development assistance to Bangladesh. She said the American support to Bangladesh's overall development remained "consistent" despite the change of administration in Washington. The US is the single largest donor to Rohingya refugees. "While we have to respond to the Rohingya crisis, at the same time we need to keep our eye on the ball and not get distracted from the basic development problems of Bangladesh," she said in an interview on Tuesday before leaving Dhaka. "Our main development trajectory needs to be sustained. We need to maintain and be focused and not allow this emergency to consume all of our time and attention and money," she said, adding that Washington is not allowing that. "Money for Rohingya has to be additional. It's not to be taken away from the basic development programmes," she said. The exodus in last August has pushed the number of Rohingya refugees taking shelter in Bangladesh to over 1 million. The US has issued strong statements and maintained that the problem created in Myanmar has to be solved in that country. The US government, through USAID, has provided more than $7 billion in development assistance to Bangladesh since 1971. In 2017, USAID provided over $212 million to improve the lives of people in Bangladesh through programmes that expand food security and economic opportunity, improve health and education, promote democratic institutions and practices, protect the environment, and increase resiliency to climate change. Jaruzelski, a member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of career minister, has served USAID since 1995 in both Washington, D.C. and overseas posts. She has been Mission Director in Bangladesh since January 2014. Her mission was a "very rich" one and full of experiences, she said as she spoke about a whole range of issues the USAID is engaged with in Bangladesh. She has visited nearly 50 districts. "It's extremely positive both on a personal and professional level," she said about her mission. She admitted that professionally this was the "most rewarding" job she has ever had. "In a lot of places we spend a lot of time, a lot of money, but do not really see any results. Here in Bangladesh we see results," Jaruzelski said. She said Bangladesh had gone through a lot of changes in a short period of time since independence. She attended the initiation of its transition from an LDC to a developing country in March this year. Jaruzelski came to Bangladesh during the Obama administration and has worked more than a year with the Trump administration. "The interesting thing is there is not a lot of differences. Rhetoric is very different. You see a lot of volatility in the discussions in Washignton." But she said the reports people have seen about funding cuts is "actually misunderstanding". "What they see are the proposals. Those cuts have not actually happened." She said the funding decision in Washington is a shared decision of both the executive and legislative branches. Legislation branch does not support any of those funding cuts. Some executive branch may come up with proposals, and legislative branch would say 'no, we are not agreeing with that'. In some cases, they rather increase the funds. The outgoing mission director said Bangladesh is the largest programme in the region compared with India, the Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. "One of the reasons was that Bangladesh programme is famous for its successfulness and effectiveness. We make good use of money and we get good results here. "People are willing to invest here because the money gets well used. That's one big reason," Jaruzelski observed. Besides, she said, Bangladesh is "important" because it is one of the largest countries in terms of population. With the US, Bangladesh has an important commercial relationship as well. All these reasons make a lot of sense but there are a lot of unrealised potentials, according to Jaruzelski. Governance is an area where there is a room to work for sustainable growth. Citing the poor ranking of Bangladesh in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index, she said the government has already started taking some measures. But more needs to be done. On democratic institutions such as Parliament and Election Commission, she said in a developing society, there are challenges, which is a normal thing. "There is nothing to be concerned about that. One has to work with it. One has to focus on it. It's not surprising. I am an optimist. The benefits of the merger of the Immigration and Customs departments and creation of Australian Border Force haven't been proven and promised increased revenue hasn't materialised, a damning audit report has found. While the Department of Immigration and Border Protection did achieve the merger effectively, it "is not in a position to provide the government with assurance that the claimed benefits of integration have been achieved," the report said. There was no evidence Home Affairs minister Peter Dutton received written briefings on progress of the merger. Credit:Justin McManus The merger of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection with the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service took place in 2015, with its functions now covered under the Department of Home Affairs. Controversial at the time, it heralded a move to focus more on guarding the country's borders over resettlement and migration. In the business case for the merger, the department committed to a "Benefits Realisation Plan," but because the plan was not implemented, the claimed benefits have not been measured and can't be demonstrated, the report said. An angry Tony Abbott has demanded Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull intervene to save embattled Liberal MP Craig Kelly from a rabid preselection fight with a moderate rival. Mr Kelly, a conservative who has intensely lobbied for government investment in coal-fired power, is under siege from Kent Johns, a former Labor mayor turned vice-president of the NSW Liberal Party. It is one of several challenges to sitting MPs under way in NSW ahead of the federal election, including Ann Sudmalis in Gilmore and John Alexander in Bennelong - though Mr Kelly is thought to be in more trouble. Allies: Craig Kelly and Tony Abbott during question time. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Mr Abbott, who was deposed as Prime Minister by Mr Turnbull in 2015, said the challenge to Mr Kelly by a member of the party's state executive raised a "fundamental ethical issue". Trade Minister Steven Ciobo has downplayed the severity of a "go-slow" in Australia's exports to China, spruiking substantial growth in trade since the bilateral free trade agreement was signed three years ago and a "high degree of success" in addressing recent hold-ups with Australian wine. Mr Ciobo's assurances come amid ongoing industry concern about risks to trade flowing from deteriorating diplomatic relations between Canberra and Beijing, with the Winemakers Federation of Australia urging Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to appeal directly to Chinese President Xi Jinping to ease tensions. Trade Minister Steven Ciobo at the National Press Club on Wednesday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Wine is one industry that has experienced "phenomenal" growth since the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement came into effect in 2015, Mr Ciobo told the National Press Club on Wednesday, noting the value of exports had increased five-fold from about $200 million to $1 billion annually. Conceding the existence of the recent "trade irritant" with wine, he added: "But when you put it in the context of where trade is going, when you look at the growth we've had of beef and wine exports, I think it is important that we don't mischaracterise what is happening." The Liberal party will preference Pauline Hanson's One Nation ahead of Labor in the Darling Range byelection. Liberal how-to-vote cards distributed at the opening of early polling show PHON's Rod Caddies preferenced seventh out of the 11 candidates, above Labor's Tania Lawrence at number 10. The Liberal party have preferenced Pauline Hanson's One Nation candidate Rod Caddies ahead of the Labor candidate in Darling Range. Both Liberal party state director Sam Calabrese and PHON's WA leader Colin Tincknell said there were no deals done, despite both parties preferencing each other over Labor. WA Greens candidate Anthony Pyle won the wooden spoon on the Liberal ticket, below Labor. New York: Facebook has data-sharing partnerships with at least four Chinese electronics companies, including a manufacturing giant that has a close relationship with China's government, the social media company said on Tuesday. The agreements, which date to at least 2010, gave private access to some user data to Huawei, a telecommunications equipment company that has been flagged by US intelligence officials as a national security threat, as well as to Lenovo, Oppo and TCL. The four partnerships remain in effect, but Facebook officials said in an interview that the company would wind down the Huawei deal by the end of the week. Hauwei has been the subject of concern by Australia's intelligence agencies in recent years. Kofu, Japan: It has been more than 30 years since the identical twin sister of Japanese teacher Misa Morimoto vanished, believed to have been abducted by North Korea. Hopes for her return have often surged and ebbed since, tracing the ups and downs of ties between Tokyo and Pyongyang. Misa Morimoto, identical younger twin of Miho Yamamoto, shows a photograph of Miho and herself on their 20th birthdays in 1984. Credit:Reuters Now, Morimoto, 54, is cautiously optimistic that a planned summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island, Singapore, on June 12 could bring news of the sister who resembled her so much that few could tell them apart. In 2002, North Korea admitted it had kidnapped 13 Japanese in the 1970s and 1980s to train them as spies. Five returned to Japan, though Tokyo suspects hundreds more may have been taken. Tel Aviv: Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani has boasted that US President Donald Trump brought North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to his "hands and knees" after cancelling a high-profile summit last month. Addressing a business conference in Tel Aviv, Israel, Giuliani, now Trump's lawyer, also said that Special Counsel Robert Mueller's team was trying to frame Trump. Last month, Trump cancelled the high-stakes June 12 summit in Singapore in a courteous and formal letter blaming "tremendous anger and open hostility" on statements from the North. The meeting date has since been revived. Giuliani told the audience that there was no choice but to cancel the summit after Kim insulted the US Vice President Mike Pence and National Security Adviser John Bolton and threatened nuclear war. He said that Trump's tough line had forced Kim to plead to reschedule their summit. Minneapolis: A punishing paid obituary exposing a woman's affair in small-town Minnesota in the 1960s forced a review of what's fair to say about the departed. Kathleen Dehmlow died last Thursday in Springfield, Minnesota, at the age of 80. On Monday, the Redwood Falls Gazette published a death notice online and in print that spelled out some salacious details of her life. The obituary starts out conventionally enough, noting her birth in 1938, marriage in 1957 to Dennis Dehmlow in Wabasso and the arrival of children Gina and Jay. What it said next attracted the attention of USA Today, London tabloids and other widely read news outlets: Kathleen became pregnant by Dennis' brother Lyle, and Kathleen and Lyle pulled up roots and relocated to Northern California. Aareon Launches Managed Services To Drive VFM and Reduce Time to Operational Efficiency Aareon UK (www.aareon.co.uk), the UK\-\-s leading innovator of social housing technology has launched a range of managed service options to help its customers boost VFM (Value For Money) and reduce the time taken for services to become fully operational. The new services, which significantly reduce costs, also remove the need for the user to deploy vital system management and staff time resources internally. Under the new scheme, the services that Aareon customers can now pre-book include: Aareon QL ERP solution administration. \-\-System Reviews\-\- and in-depth \-\-Health Checks\-\-. Report creation and letter writing. Designing & creating new electronic forms in 1st Touch Mobile Workforce software. Detailed workflow configuration. System training. Integration assistance (Deploying & managing apps to work together). App Management: e.g Doorstep Appointments, Pre & Post Inspections & Voids. Commenting on the launch, Paul O\-\-Reilly Head of Account Management said, \Many of our social housing customers want to ensure that they are using their technology estate to the very best for their tenants, whilst pursuing optimal VFM and the best possible use of resources. By utilising our Managed Service options, they are able to access high-performance, cost-effective services far more quickly than deploying them themselves internally. In addition, users can be confident that those services use only the very latest version of the technology and are being managed by the best team in the business. The other really great news is that the resources saved can be redirected back to further supporting residents. We expect demand to be high and that these services will underwrite best practice standards across the sector.\ Sensor data fusion for more reliable intrusion alarm systems Intrusion alarm systems are currently facing a growing number of potential error sources in the environment. At the same time, alarm systems must comply with increasingly demanding legal requirements for sensors and motion detectors. As a future-proof solution, detectors equipped with Sensor Data Fusion technology raise the level of security while reducing the risk of cost- and time-intensive false alarms. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Sensor Data Fusion technology. Anti-masking alarms A cultural heritage museum in the South of Germany for decades, the installed intrusion alarm system has provided reliable protection on the premises. But suddenly, the detectors trigger false alarms every night after the museum closes. The system integrators are puzzled and conduct extensive tests of the entire system. When they finally identify the culprit, its unexpected: As it turns out, the recently installed LED lighting system in the museums exhibition spaces radiates at a wavelength that triggers anti-masking alarms in the detectors. Not an easy fix situation, since a new lighting system would prove far too costly. Ultimately, the integrators need to perform extensive detector firmware updates and switch to different sensor architecture to eliminate the error source. This scenario is by no means an isolated incident, but part of a growing trend. Need for reliable detector technology Legal requirements for anti-masking technology are becoming stringent in response to tactics by criminals The number of potential triggers for erroneous alarms in the environment is on the rise. From the perspective of system operators and integrators, its a concerning development because every false alarm lowers the credibility of an intrusion alarm system. Not to mention steep costs: Every false call to the authorities comes with a price +$200 tag. Aside from error sources in the environment, legal requirements for anti-masking technology are becoming more stringent in response to ever more resourceful tactics employed by criminals to sidestep detectors. Whats more, todays detectors need to be fortified against service outages and provide reliable, around-the-clock operability to catch intruders in a timely and reliable fashion. Sensor Data Fusion Technology In light of these demands, one particular approach has emerged as a future-proof solution over the past few years: Sensor Data Fusion technology, the combination of several types of sensors within one detector designed to cross-check and verify alarm sources via intelligent algorithms holds the keys to minimising false alarms and responding appropriately to actual alarm events. This generation of detectors combines passive infrared (PIR) and microwave Doppler radar capabilities with artificial intelligence (AI) to eliminate false alarm sources without sacrificing catch performance. Motion detectors equipped with Sensor Data Fusion technology present a fail-proof solution for building security Its not about packing as many sensors as possible into a detector. But its about including the most relevant sensors with checks and balances through an intelligent algorithm that verifies the data for a highly reliable level of security. The result is the highest-possible catch performance at the minimum risk for erroneous alarms, said Michael Reimer, Senior Product Manager at Bosch Security Systems. Motion detectors with sensor data fusion Looking ahead into the future, motion detectors equipped with Sensor Data Fusion technology not only present a fail-proof solution for building security. The comprehensive data collected by these sensors also unlock value beyond security: Constant real-time information on temperature and humidity can be used by intelligent systems and devices in building automation. Integrated into building management systems, the sensors provide efficiency improvements and lowering energy costs Integrated into building management systems, the sensors provide the foundation for efficiency improvements and lowering energy costs in HVAC systems. Companies such as Bosch support these network synergies by constantly developing and optimising intelligent sensors. On that note, installers must be familiar with the latest generation of sensor technology to upgrade their systems accordingly, starting with a comprehensive overview of error sources in the environment. Prominent false alarm triggers in intrusion alarm systems The following factors emerge as frequent triggers of false alarms in conventional detectors: Strong temperature fluctuations can be interpreted by sensors as indicators of a person inside the building. Triggers range from floor heating sources to strong sunlight. In this context, room temperatures above 86F (30C) have proven particularly problematic. Dust contamination of optical detectors lowers the detection performance while raising susceptibility to false alarms. Draft air from air conditioning systems or open windows can trigger motion sensors, especially when curtains, plants, or signage attached to the ceilings (e.g. in grocery stores) are put in motion. Strong light exposure directly on the sensor surface, e.g. caused by headlights from passing vehicles, floodlights, reflected or direct sunlight all of which sensors may interpret as a flashlight from an intruder. Extensive bandwidth frequencies in Wi-Fi routers can potentially confuse sensors. Only a few years ago, wireless routers operated on a bandwidth of around 2.7GHz while todays devices often exceed 5GHz, thereby catching older detectors off guard. LED lights radiating at frequencies beyond the spectrum of visible light may trigger sensors with their infrared signals. Regarding the last two points, its important to note that legislation provides clear guidelines for the maximum frequency spectrum maintained by Wi-Fi routers and LED lighting. Long-term security But the influx of cheap and illegal products in both product groups products that do not meet the guidelines continues to pose problems when installed near conventional detectors. For this reason, Sensor Data Fusion technology provides a reliable solution by verifying alarms with data from several types of sensors within a single detector. Beyond providing immunity from false alarm triggers, the new generation of sensors also needs to comply with the current legislature. These guidelines include the latest EN50131-grade 3, and German VdS class C standards with clear requirements regarding anti-masking technology for detecting sabotage attempts. This is exactly where Sensor Data Fusion technology provides long-term security. Evolution of intrusion detector technology Initially, motion detectors designed for intrusion alarm systems were merely equipped with a single type of sensor; namely passive infrared technology (PIR). Upon their introduction, these sensors raised the overall level of building security tremendously in automated security systems. But over time, these sensors proved limited in their catch performance. As a result, manufacturers began implementing microwave Doppler radar capabilities to cover additional sources of intrusion alarms. First step detection technology In Bosch sensors, engineers added First Step detection to trigger instant alarms upon persons entering a room Over the next few years, sensors were also equipped with sensors detecting visible light to catch flashlights used by burglars, as well as temperature sensors. In Bosch sensors, engineers added proprietary technologies such as First Step detection to trigger instant alarms upon persons entering a room. But experience in the field soon proved, especially due to error sources such as rats and other animals, that comprehensive intrusion detection demands a synergetic approach: A combination of sensors aligned to cross-check one another for a proactive response to incoming signals. At the same time, the aforementioned bandwidth expansion in Wi-Fi routers and LED lighting systems required detectors to implement the latest circuit technology to avoid serving as antennas for undesired signals. Sensor data fusion approach At its very core, Sensor Data Fusion technology relies on the centralised collection of all data captured by the variety of different sensors included in a single detector. These data streams are directed to a microprocessor capable of analysing the signals in real-time via a complex algorithm. This algorithm is the key to Sensor Data Fusion. It enables the detector to balance active sensors and adjust sensitivities as needed, to make truly intelligent decisions regarding whether or not the data indicates a valid alarm condition and if so, trigger an alarm. Advanced verification mechanisms The current generation of Sensor Data Fusion detectors, for instance from Bosch, feature advanced verification mechanisms, including Microwave Noise Adaptive Processing to easily differentiate humans from false alarm sources (e.g. ceiling fans or hanging signs). For increased reliability, signals from PIR and microwave Doppler radar are compared to determine whether an actual alarm event is taking place. Additionally, the optical chamber is sealed to prevent drafts and insects from affecting the detector, while the detector is programmed for pet and small animal immunity. Sensor cross-verification Further types of sensors embedded in current and future generations of Sensor Data Fusion detectors include MEM-sensors as well as vibration sensors and accelerometers. Ultimately, its important to keep in mind that the cross-verification between sensors serves to increase false alarm immunity without sacrificing the catch performance of actual intruders. It merely serves to cover various indicators of intrusion. Protecting UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in China Intelligent detectors equipped with Sensor Data Fusion are protecting historic cultural artifacts in China from theft and damage. At the UNESCO-protected Terracotta Warriors Museum site, one hundred TriTech motion detectors from Bosch with PIR and microwave Doppler radar technology safeguard the invaluable treasures against intruders. To provide comprehensive protection amid the specific demands of the museum site, the detectors have been installed on walls and ceilings to safeguard the 16,300-square-meter museum site. To ensure an optimal visitor experience without interference from glass walls and other barriers, many detectors are mounted at a height of 4.5 meters (15 feet) above ground under the ceiling. Despite their height, the detectors provide accurate data around the clock while exceeding the performance limits of conventional motion detectors, which clock out at a mere 2 meters (6 feet) catchment area. Integrated video systems The site also presents additional error sources such as large amounts of dust that can contaminate the sensors, as well as visitors accidentally dropping their cameras or mobile phones next to museum exhibits. To distinguish these events from actual criminal activity, the intrusion alarm system is integrated with the museums video security system. This allows for verifying alarm triggers with real-time video footage at a fast pace: In the case of an actual alarm event, the system alerts the on-site security personnel in the control room in less than two seconds. Added value beyond security Sensor Data Fusion technology provides a viable solution for the rising number of error sources in the environment As of today, Sensor Data Fusion technology already provides a viable solution for the rising number of error sources in the environment while providing legally compliant building security against intruders. In light of future developments, operators can leverage significant added value from upgrading existing systems possibly without fundamentally replacing current system architecture to the new detector standard. Added value how? On one hand, the detectors can integrate with access control, video security, voice alarm, and analytics for a heightened level of security. These synergetic effects are especially pronounced on end-to-end platforms like the Bosch Building Management system. On the other hand, the data streams from intelligent detectors also supply actionable intelligence to building automation systems, for instance as the basis for efficiency improvements and lowering energy consumption in HVAC systems. New backward-compatible detectors Bosch will release a new series of commercial detectors by end of 2021, based on the latest research on risk factors for false alarm sources in the environment and line with current legislation and safety standards. Throughout these developments, installers can rest assured that all new detectors are fully backward compatible and work with existing networking/architecture. With that said, Sensor Data Fusion technology emerges as the key to more secure intrusion alarm systems today and in the future. TriTech detectors from Bosch For reliable, fail-proof alarms the current series of TriTech detectors from Bosch relies on a combination of different sensor data streams, evaluated by an integrated algorithm. These Sensor Data Fusion detectors from Bosch combine up to five different sensors in a single unit, including: Long-range passive infrared (PIR) sensor Short-range PIR sensor Microwave sensor White light sensor Temperature sensor Equipped with these sensors, TriTech detectors are capable of detecting the most frequent sources of false alarms; from headlights on passing cars to a mouse passing across the room at a 4.5-meter distance to the detector. Whats more, TriTech detectors provide reliable performance at room temperatures above 86F (30C) while fully guarding against actual intrusion and sabotage attempts from criminals. People passing miserable life in Khulna UNB, Khulna : The inhabitants of different 'Ashrayan Projects' in seven upazilas of the district have been living a miserable life for lack of basic facilities like education, power connections and healthcare services. Some 3,635 landless families have been living in 408 barracks built under the 43 Ashrayan projects in Paikgachcha, Dumuria, Terokhada, Batiaghata, Dakope, Rupsha and Koyra upazilas. In a bid to rehabilitate landless and destitute people, the government has initiated 'Ashrayan Project' 'Ashrayan Project (Phase-2)' and 'Ashrayan Project-II' since 1999. Although the government has arranged sheds for people, but could not fulfill other basic facilities like sanitation, pure drinking water, education, healthcare services and power connections. Besides, there is no job opportunity in and around the area, locals said. Sources said, many of the families who have taken shelter in the projects already left the places for lack of facilities. Sources at the Khulna local administration said 43 projects have been implemented under three projects so far where 408 barrack houses were built, accommodating 3,635 families. Of these, some 1,450 people have been living in the 145 barracks under the first phase of Ashrayan Project while 1,740 people in 174 houses under Ashrayan Project (Phase-2) and 445 families in 89 houses under Ashrayan Project-II. In Paikgachcha upazila, the government has built 40 barracks in Harikhali area near Wapda Dam along Sibsha River for 40 landless families in 2003. But most of the families have left their houses for unavailability of jobs. Only eight families of five to six members each have been found living there. Georgetown, SC (29440) Today Some clouds. Areas of patchy fog. Low 62F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds. Areas of patchy fog. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Govt urged to rehabilitate Langodu arson victims UNB, Dhaka : Speakers at a programme on Wednesday demanded rehabilitation of the victims of the last year's June 6 arson attack by Bangalee settlers at Langodu upazila of Rangamati. They said, though the government promised them of rehabilitation a year ago but it has not implemented that yet. The programme was arranged by Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum (BIPF), The Institute for Environment and Development (IED), Jono Udyog and Kapeng Foundation at Biswa Sahitya Kendra (BSK) marking the one year anniversary of the attack. The speakers and victims of the incident also urged for exemplary punishment to ensure justice and asked the government to provide the victims with ration for another three years. Speaking as the chief guest columnist Syed Abul Maksud said, minority people of the country are now living an insecure life. "If the attackers are not identified and brought under law, then such crime will keep occurring in future which will cause more damage to country", he said demanding for justice for the victims and their quicker rehabilitation. BIPF General Secretary Sanjeeb Drong said, the state is showing its generosity for the Rohingyas and earning praises worldwide, but it is not ensuring a secured life for its own citizens, the minorities. "The population of indigenous people in the country has come down to 9 percent from 31 percent many of these people are migrating looking for a security", he added. Numan Ahmed Khan, Executive Director of IED said the administration should feel ashamed of the culture of unjustness, which has been created in the country by confining development for a specific group of people. The citizens' group leader, Pankaj Bhattacharya claimed that this unjustness towards indigenous people can only come down by proper implementation of the CHT Peace Accord which has been signed 20 years ago. While describing the arson attack which took place one year ago, Executive Director of Kapeng Foundation Pallab Chakma said following the murder of Nurul Islam Nayan, a biker who used to carry passengers on his bike in exchange for money, Bangalee settlers set fire to over 200 houses in the three villages- Batyapara, Manikjorchhara and Tintila. What can we learn from comets and asteroids, the universe's most misunderstood objects? According to Natalie Starkey, a space scientist who was a co-investigator for the European Space Agency's Rosetta Mission, quite a bit. In her new book, "Catching Stardust" (Bloomsbury Sigma, 2018), Starkey aims to reach everyone from scientists to science enthusiasts and explain what makes asteroids and comets so strange and remarkable and why it's so important to study them. Often confused for one another, comets and asteroids have been misunderstood for centuries. But comets aren't just dirty snowballs and, as Starkey explained in her book, we now know that asteroids can look just as much like comets as comets can look like asteroids. Space.com talked with Starkey about the evolving definitions of comets and asteroids, how a comet might have sparked modern civilization, the lucrative prospects of space mining, and whether we're prepared for an asteroid impact according to Starkey, we aren't. [How to Catch an Asteroid: NASA Mission Explained (Infographic)] Read an excerpt from "Catching Stardust" here. Natalie Starkey, a space scientist who worked on the Rosetta Mission, talks comets and asteroids in her new book Catching Stardust. (Image credit: Natalie Starkey ) Space.com: Do you often find that there is still confusion in distinguishing comets from asteroids? Natalie Starkey: Yes. I mean, that is one of the big things I wanted to get across in this book. [There was a] turning point with the Stardust Mission: [The solar system object it visited] was a comet, we knew it was a comet, it looked like a comet, it acted like one, it had a beautiful coma, or tail, out the back and everything. But actually, when they got the samples back, they found out that they looked a little bit like an asteroid what we thought should be in an asteroid. It really turned around the thinking on the classical view of how these objects formed and where they formed. There'd always been inklings of it in the scientific literature, but we had no real proof [of] what was actually in these objects. We can still go with that classical view that comets are cold and they live in the far outer reaches of the solar system, and asteroids are kind of the hot, leftover objects from the planet- building phase. [However] there is a lot of overlap still. We have objects that sit right in the middle that are as much comet as they are asteroid. Asteroid 2017 VR12 made a close flyby of Earth on March 7, 2018. The Virtual Telescope Project and Tenagra Observatories combined 240 images into a short video of the asteroid, which was about 898,000 miles (1.4 million kilometers) from Earth. (Image credit: Gianluca Masi (Virtual Telescope Project) & Michael Schwartz (Tenagra Observatories)) Space.com: Do you find that the idea of a "classical" comet or asteroid is still useful, since these lines are so often blurred? Starkey: Yeah, it's definitely still useful. The majority of objects in the asteroid belt, for example, are asteroidal: They look and behave like asteroids. But what we're finding is that there are some objects in there that don't behave or look as we expect them to. But it doesn't mean they're not an asteroid, it just means that asteroids are not mainly what we thought they were from the beginning of time. So, I think it's still useful to have the definitions. It's important to know if they've got a tail, if they've got ice, and if we therefore think they're an asteroid or a comet. It isn't that simple but we still need those definitions because, inherently, they are different objects and they did form in different locations in the solar system and probably at different times. An artist's rendering of the massive metal asteroid Psyche, which orbits the sun between Mars and Jupiter. (Image credit: NASA) Space.com: Early in the book, you mention that a comet impact on Earth could have sparked agriculture and human civilization could you speak a bit more to that? Starkey: This was something I found a little bit after I read [proofread] the main draft. I came across this, and it was a really interesting idea it's not proven, I have to add. It was a comet that had been observed it was depicted in stone drawings in temples. They interpreted this to be something like a comet in the sky back in the times, and it looks like this comet collided with the Earth. And when we go back through the ice cores in Greenland, it actually shows that this event coincided with a sudden drop in global temperature. The idea really is that it kind of forced communities to come together because they needed to maintain crops and work out how they were going to feed themselves. The idea is that, if that hadn't happened, then the modern age of agriculture couldn't have started, because they needed that push, that sudden drop in temperature, which looks like it came from the comet impact. Rohit Bhartia of NASA's Mars 2020 mission holds a slice of a meteorite scientists have determined came from Mars. This slice will likely be used here on Earth for testing a laser instrument for NASA's Mars 2020 rover; a separate slice will go to Mars on the rover. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech) Space.com: Why is it so much better to sample from comets and asteroids directly than to study meteorites here on Earth? Starkey: There's quite a few reasons, and there's problems with both approaches. Ultimately, whenever you take a sample from something, you've got to maintain it in the exact form it was [in] on the body that you got it from. So, if a little piece of a comet or an asteroid is knocked off the body and it's sent to Earth and lands as a meteorite, then it's going to have gone through the atmosphere, and it's going to have been heated up, and volatiles [molecules that can evaporate] will have been taken off it during this process. And so, when it lands on the surface, it isn't exactly like it was on the comet or asteroid. The other problem with meteorites is that they sit on the Earth for a while. Bugs have got into them, rain has gone on them, it's frozen. The next best step is to go into space and collect a sample from one of these objects and bring it back to Earth. Again, there's still problems because, if you think about it, we know that comets are cold and they're often quite icy, so if we collect a sample of a rock, you know, it's going to get heated up as it comes back it's not going to stay in exactly the same conditions that it was on the comet. The other option is you can go into space and take a laboratory with you, which is what the Rosetta mission did. And just land on the side of that comet, not bring the sample home, but land on it and do the experiments on the comet that you were going to do at home. Again, there's always downsides to some things, and [for this approach] you can't get the same precision and accuracy on those measurements that you could if you brought the sample back to Earth. In terms of trying to measure these objects, it's tricky. There's never a perfect situation. NASAs Stardust sample return capsule successfully landed at the U.S. Air Force Utah Test and Training Range at 2:10 a.m. Pacific time (3:10 a.m. Mountain time) on Jan. 15, 2006. The capsule contained cometary and interstellar samples gathered by the Stardust spacecraft. (Image credit: NASA) Space.com: What do you think was the most exciting takeaway or finding from the Stardust Mission? Starkey: The mission was relatively cheap; that was one of the great things about the Stardust Mission. It was cheap and it was quick. So, they went out, they collected samples, and they got back. And they were able to be analyzed really quickly. So, when they got back, for me, the most exciting finding was that there were these asteroid-like [hard, rocky] components within a comet. That really opened up our ideas about how these things formed. Suddenly we were, like, OK, we don't just have to limit ourselves, we don't just have to expect comets to be these very cold, outer solar system objects. Clearly, somehow, material from the inner solar system that formed where the planets formed has made its way to the comets or the comets maybe formed in a different location to what we thought. There's lots of possibilities, but that's what's so exciting. Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, photographed by the European Space Agency's Rosetta spacecraft. (Image credit: ESA/Rosetta/NAVCAM) Space.com: It's pretty surreal that we were able to actually landon a comet in the Rosetta Mission. Do you think that one day this could be a routine practice? Starkey: Yeah, I think so. Rosetta was really groundbreaking. It was first approved in 1993. And then it launched in 2004, and then it took 10 years to get to the comet. I mean these are just incredibly long timescales. They had to kind of whittle down their process and be like, OK, we're just going to go to the comet, we'll take a laboratory there, and we'll land on it. I, having not been involved in the mission that long at that point, I didn't think it was going to work. But it did work. It did land, and it did do science on the comet, which is absolutely amazing. We have learned a lot from that mission. It's opened up a lot of new ideas for new missions. And when we look at mining, landing on objects is going to be quite important. I think in the next few decades, we're going to achieve a lot more on the surfaces of these objects. Space.com: Space Mining! Do you personally think that space mining will become as big of an industry as many are suggesting? Starkey: Yes, I do. I think it's going to be a really important thing in the next few decades because, first of all, it's really exciting that we can go to these objects and we can find materials on them that we need on Earth. Now, one of the problems with mining on Earth is that we often have to ruin some of our planet in order to get the materials we need. When we mine [rare elements on Earth], we have to exploit huge areas of the planet. And what you've got to think is that, OK, if we take one asteroid out of the equation of the trillions that are out there, we're not really going to notice it's gone in fact, probably no one's going to notice it's gone. Space.com: And you've said that asteroid and comet mining could support future, off-Earth civilizations and missions as we venture farther into space. Starkey: Any one asteroid could be worth billions or trillions of U.S. dollars and so, although it might take a lot of money to get there and mine them, the return is potentially really, really enormous. So, it's really who's going to get there first. It's definitely not science fiction anymore. An artist's illustration of an asteroid headed for Earth. (Image credit: European Space Agency) Space.com: Do you feel that we, right now, as a society, are prepared in case of an asteroid impact? Starkey: I would say no. I think most people are not really aware that we could get impacted by an asteroid or comet. But at the same time, the chances of us being impacted in the next 100 years is almost zero. We know that we're pretty safe for now. So, it's one of those problems which I tried to kind of get across in the book, that although we really don't need to worry about it for ourselves, we need to worry about it for our descendants, because almost certainly, they are going to be affected. Maybe not the next generation or even the one after that, but, you know, somewhere down the line, we're going to be affected by an impact from space. I think at this stage, at the moment, if we had a decade's notice that something was coming for the planet, we could potentially launch a mission in that time frame to do something about it. I think if we had less than a decade's notice, it seems at the moment that we don't have the technology in place to currently protect ourselves. Comet 67P's rubber-ducky shape could have formed after slow-moving particles bonded following a devastating collision. (Image credit: University of Bern) Space.com: If you could have people who read this book take just one thing away from it, what would that be? Starkey: It's got to be that we need to explore the solar system more with spacecraft. I don't necessarily think we need humans to go out there at the moment, but that's my personal belief. At the moment, if we can make robotic instruments that can go out into space and exploreWe can achieve so much. We've learnt so much about so the solar system just since the 1950s when we first started exploring it. And I think the only way for us to understand our planet and to understand the planets around us, how it formed, how humans got to Earth, or how organic material got to Earth, how we got our water, how everything formed, the only way to do that is to go out into space to explore these objects. We need to support space missions of course I'm going to say that, because I'm a space scientist but I really think it's important that we understand where we came from. This interview was edited for length. You can buy "Catching Stardust" at Amazon.com. Email Chelsea Gohd at cgohd@space.com or follow her @chelsea_gohd. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. During a press tour for his appearance in the upcoming film "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom," actor Chris Pratt disclosed to MTV International that "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" will begin filming in January 2019. Here's a video of the interview. Pratt reveals the Guardians Vol. 3 start date while attempting to avoid revealing "Avengers: Infinity War" spoilers. In a seperate interview, Jeff Goldblum - who returns to the Jurassic universe with Fallen Kingdom seems to confirm his Grandmaster and Benicio del Toro's the Collector are brothers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe ala the Marvel comic book universe. "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" does not have a confirmed release date. Originally published on Newarama. In August 2017, for the first time ever, scientists spotted gravitational waves generated by the merger of two superdense stellar corpses known as neutron stars. This landmark find was a major step forward in understanding the cosmos, astronomers have stressed. At the time, scientists suggested that this dramatic event, officially cataloged as GW170817, could have created a black hole and a new analysis backs this supposition up. [Neutron-Star Crash: A Gravitational Waves Discovery in Pictures] In the new study, researchers analyzed data gathered by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatoryafter the gravitational waves ripples in space-time first predicted by Albert Einstein a century ago were detected by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) project. An artist's illustration of the black hole GW170817 created from the crash of two neutron stars. (Image credit: NASA/CXC/M.Weiss) LIGO data revealed that the object created by the neutron-star merger is about 2.7 times the mass of the sun. It is therefore either the lowest-mass black hole ever identified, or the most massive neutron star, the researchers said. But the study team is putting its money on the black-hole interpretation. If the two neutron stars collided to form a single, heavier neutron star, the resulting object would likely have a strong magnetic field that produces bright X-ray emissions, researchers said. However, the Chandra observations revealed low X-ray levels. Above, an artist's illustration of GW170817, the neutron-star collision whose gravitational waves were detected in August 2017. Below, you can see the progression of the event. (Image credit: (above) Illustration: NASA/CXC/M. Weiss; (below) NASA/CXC/Trinity University/D. Pooley et al.) "We may have answered one of the most basic questions about this dazzling event: What did it make?" study co-author Pawan Kumar, of the University of Texas at Austin, said in a statement. "Astronomers have long suspected that neutron star mergers would form a black hole and produce bursts of radiation, but we lacked a strong case for it until now." If this hypothesis is confirmed, it could shed light on black holes, the darkest objects in the universe. (The lightest-known black holes harbor a minimum of four to five times the mass of the sun.) A numerical simulation depicts two in-spiraling and merging neutron stars. Higher density (the interior of the neutron stars) is shown in blue, while lower density (crust of the neutron stars) is shown in red. (Image credit: T .Dietrich/S. Ossokine/H. Pfeiffer/A. Buonanno/Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics/BAM collaboration) Not all black holes form the same way, but this ultra-low-mass black hole would have taken shape after two supernova explosions left two neutron stars in a close-enough orbit for gravitational-wave radiation to help them collide a strange and complicated journey, study team members said. It would also be very interesting if astronomers determined that GW170817 generated a single gigantic neutron star. Such a result would challenge theories about the structure and formation of these exotic objects, researchers said."GW170817 is the astronomical event that keeps on giving," study co-author J. Craig Wheeler, also of the University of Texas, said in the statement. "We are learning so much about the astrophysics of the densest known objects from this one event." Fellow study co-author Bruce Grossan, of the University of California at Berkeley, voiced similar sentiments. "At the beginning of my career, astronomers could only observe neutron stars and black holes in our own galaxy, and now we are observing these exotic stars across the cosmos," Grossan said. "What an exciting time to be alive, to see instruments like LIGO and Chandra showing us so many thrilling things nature has to offer." The new study was published online May 31 in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Email Chelsea Gohd at cgohd@space.com or follow her @chelsea_gohd. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. SpaceX won't launch two space tourists on a mission around the moon in 2018 after all, according to media reports. In February 2017, SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk announced that the company aimed to fly two paying customers on a weeklong journey around the moon before the end of 2018, using its Dragon capsule and powerful Falcon Heavy rocket. (The customers, who have never been publicly identified, put down a deposit for the mission, SpaceX representatives said at the time.) But that timetable has now slipped to at least the middle of 2019, and possibly later, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday (June 3). SpaceX has not announced a new target date, according to the Journal, but that doesn't mean the landmark mission is off. [How SpaceX's 2018 Trip Around the Moon Would Have Worked] "SpaceX is still planning to fly private individuals around the moon, and there is growing interest from many customers," SpaceX spokesman James Gleeson told the Journal via email. Dragon already flies robotic cargo missions to and from the International Space Station, launching atop SpaceX's workhorse Falcon 9 rocket. The company is working to get the crewed version of the capsule ready to go; SpaceX holds a multibillion-dollar NASA contract to ferry astronauts to and from the orbiting lab using Dragon and the Falcon 9. NASA had originally hoped that this astronaut-taxi system and one being developed by Boeing, which also inked a commercial-crew deal with the space agency would be ready to go in 2017. But progress has been slower than expected; SpaceX and Boeing are both officially targeting the latter half of 2018 for their first crewed test flights, but that milestone may slip into 2019. The reusable Falcon Heavy was still in development when Musk announced the around-the-moon mission, but the vehicle now has its wings. The giant rocket debuted in February in spectacular fashion, launching a Tesla Roadster carrying a mannequin dubbed "Starman" into deep space. And two of the three Falcon 9 first stages that make up the Heavy's first stage aced their landings back on Earth. The Wall Street Journal story requires a subscription; you can find the article here: https://www.wsj.com/articles/elon-musks-spacex-delays-plans-for-first-space-tourists-to-circle-moon-1528046708. Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com. Vostochny Cosmodrome is a Russian rocket launch site in the far east of the country, about 3,500 miles (5,500 kilometers) from Moscow. The first launch from the cosmodrome took place in 2016. In the long term, Russia hopes to launch most of its space missions from Vostochny to reduce its dependence on the Baikonur Cosmodrome, which Russia has leased from Kazakhstan since the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. But Russia has a signed lease at Baikonur until at least 2050, providing decades of time to accomplish the transition. From Baikonur to Vostochny Baikonur is a location of much Russian space history, beginning with Sputnik-1 and Yuri Gagarin. The first satellite and the first human in space launched from the site. It has been the site for all Soyuz launches, and continues to launch astronauts from many countries to the International Space Station. When the Soviet Union officially dissolved in December 1991, and Kazakhstan became an independent nation, the now Russian space program had a problem: cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev was in space at the time of the collapse. His return was delayed as Russia and Kazakhstan worked out the status of Baikonur and the Russian space station Mir. Shortly afterwards, Russia began leasing Baikonur from Kazakhstan, and the frequency of foreign astronaut launches increased as permanent settlement on the International Space Station was established in 2000. Starting in 2011, all ISS human launches took place from Baikonur after the U.S. space shuttle retired. However, the Russians wanted to launch humans from their own soil. Although they do have another cosmodrome called Plesetsk, its position on Earth is more suited for high-inclination or geostationary launches and not launches to the ISS. At one time, the Russians considered opening another launch area in their country called Svobodny, according to RussianSpaceWeb (a website run by journalist Anatoly Zak). But the idea collapsed due to a lack of funds. Vostochny only emerged as a possibility after oil prices rose, improving the fortunes of the Russian economy. Construction and first launches Russian president Vladimir Putin approved the construction of Vostochny in 2007, and the budget from the Russian government followed in 2009. In a public statement in 2010, Putin said officials had discussed building a space center on Russian soil since 2005. "The creation of a new space center is one of modern Russia's biggest and most ambitious projects," Putin said in a report in RIA Novosti and republished in Sputnik News. "It will give us the opportunity not only to confirm Russia's leading technological status but will give hundreds, perhaps thousands, of young specialists the chance to prove their talents." Cosmodrome construction on Vostochny began in January 2011 and was expected to wrap up in 2018, with an estimated cost of $7.5 billion, according to multiple news reports. Initially, Vostochny was supposed to host launches of Rus-M, a next-generation rocket for crewed spaceflight. But the program was stopped in 2011, with officials saying they already had the rockets they needed to send humans aloft. Vostochny's launch facilities were then modified to support the current Soyuz rocket, according to RussianSpaceWeb. [Russia's New Spaceport: Vostochny Space Launch Center in Photos] The construction of Vostochny also required several nearby facilities, including a town for the workers, an airport, drop zones for the spacecraft stages and a processing area, among other facilities. During construction in 2015, several spaceport workers began striking because they had not been paid, according to Radio Svoboda. The strike took place around the same time that declines in Russia's economy forced cutbacks to the space program, CNN reported, but Putin was also said to be taking control of Vostochny's construction personally after hearing about the worker issues. In 2018, Yury Khrizman the former construction company head that managed the Vostochny build was sentenced to 12 years in prison following allegations of corruption at Vostochny. As of May 2018, Vostochny has hosted three launches. The first one occurred on April 28, 2016, when a Soyuz-2 rocket launched a gamma ray-astronomy satellite called Mikhailo Lomonosov. The second launch on Nov. 28, 2017, did not end successfully. A Soyuz-2.1b failed to put Meteor-M (a Russian polar-orbit weather satellite) into the correct orbit, along with several secondary satellites. The cause was later traced to a programming error. On Feb. 1, 2018, a Soyuz 2.1a successfully launched three satellites: S-Net, Lemur and D-Star One. Russian Space Traditions Bill Ingalls/NASA Russian spaceflights are full of legends and traditions in the days leading up to launch. Participating crews closely follow the activities of Yuri Gagarin who became the first person to launch to space, in 1961 while also bringing in some newer traditions, such as watching a movie or getting a blessing. Here are some of the rituals that crews at the Baikonur Cosmodrome follow before, during and after every launch. FIRST: Flowers for Yuri Gagarin Flowers for Yuri Gagarin As crews prepare for launch, they take some time to honor the legacy of the first person to go into space: Yuri Gagarin, who launched on April 12, 1961. Gagarin died in a jet-plane crash on March 27, 1968, at age 34. His remains were interred in a wall of the Kremlin. Just before the backup and prime crews fly to Baikonur for the launch, they place red carnations at the foot of the wall. In this picture, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Andre Kuipers was among the crewmembers paying respects. NEXT: Raising the Flag Raising the Flag Victor Zelentsov/NASA All launches on Russian Soyuz rockets today lift off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan; the launch site is a special enclave of Russian territory. The Russians lease the complex for about $115 million a year, under an agreement that extends until 2050. The prime and backup crews remain in quarantine at the Cosmonaut Hotel in Baikonur just ahead of launch. About five days before launch, the crews take part in a flag-raising ceremony depicting the countries participating in the next launch to the International Space Station. NEXT: Planting a Tree Planting a Tree Victor Zelentsov/NASA Another important location in Baikonur is Cosmonaut Alley, a grove of trees planted by all the crews who ever flew from the cosmodrome. Gagarin was the first person to plant a tree there, and his tree still stands today. Each crewmember, even those from other countries, participates in the planting. This picture depicts the Soyuz TMA-16 crew that launched in September 2009. From left: cosmonaut Maxim Suraev, NASA astronaut Jeff Williams and Canadian space tourist Guy Laliberte. NEXT: Signing Their Names Signing Their Names NASA In the days before launch, the prime and backup crews tour the Korolev Museum at Baikonur. Sergei Pavlovich Korolev was the lead Soviet rocket engineer during the early days of the space race. Here, NASA astronaut Don Pettit signs his name near a picture of a Soyuz rocket. NEXT: Flattening Coins on a Railroad? Flattening Coins on a Railroad S. Corvaja/ESA Engineers roll out the Soyuz rocket (with Soyuz spacecraft already attached) two days before launch, at 7 a.m. local time in Kazakhstan. The crews do not watch the rollout and the erection because it's considered bad luck. However, during past missions, guests put coins on the railroad tracks to bring good luck. The coins were then flattened when the locomotive went by. NEXT: Erecting the Rocket Erecting the Rocket NASA Here, the Soyuz rocket is shown being erected on the launchpad, two days before it was scheduled to go into space. Unlike the fussy U.S. space shuttle which could launch only during periods of low winds, reduced cloud cover and warm temperatures the Soyuz is designed to launch in just about any weather condition. The nearby desert at Baikonur is freezing cold in the winter and boiling hot in the summer, which is tough on both machinery and personnel. NEXT: Meet the Press Meet the Press Bill Ingalls/NASA The crew makes one last public appearance to the media to answer questions in the days before launch. The crewmembers sit behind a glass enclosure to protect themselves from any germs ahead of launch, and accessible only to a select number of officials who are with them at the Cosmonaut Hotel. Although launches have been taking place at Baikonur since 1961 and the location is remote, these news conferences can be very crowded (as the picture shows). NEXT: Haircuts, Movie Night and Signing the Door Haircuts, Movie Night and Signing the Door S. Corvaja/ESA Two days before launch, on the same day the Soyuz rocket is being erected, the prime and backup crews get haircuts. Then, the hours before launch are filled with activities. The night before, they watch a 1969 Russian movie called "White Sun of the Desert" as a good-luck tradition. Then, on launch day, they drink Champagne and sign the doors of their Cosmonaut Hotel rooms (pictured here is ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli, of 2010's Expedition 26/27.) NEXT: An Orthodox Blessing Blessing by an Orthodox Priest Bill Ingalls/NASA Before every launch today, an Orthodox priest blesses the rocket (at the launchpad) and the crew (on the steps of the hotel). This tradition didn't happen when Gagarin launched in 1961. Rather, this is a newer tradition dating to 1994, when Alexander Viktorenko, commander of the Soyuz TM-20 flight, requested a blessing before heading off to the Russian space station Mir for 169 days. NEXT: Saluting the State Commission A Final Farewell to the Entourage Canadian Space Agency In the moments before launch, the prime crew makes its way to the Soyuz rocket surrounded by space officials and other support personnel. In front of a large crowd, they climb a flight of stairs to go into the Soyuz rocket. They enter through the top hatch in the orbital (habitation) module, and descend through a second hatch to their seats in the descent module. In this photo is Belgian astronaut Frank De Winne and, behind him, Canadian astronaut Bob Thirsk of Expedition 20/21 in 2009. NEXT: Liftoff! This artist's illustration of lightning distribution in Jupiter's northern hemisphere incorporates a photo by the JunoCam imager aboard NASAs Juno spacecraft with artistic embellishments. Juno data indicates that most of the lightning activity on Jupiter is near its poles. Lightning storms on Jupiter are much more frequent, and much less alien, than previously thought, a pair of new studies suggests. The first evidence of lightning on Jupiter was detected nearly 40 years ago. Electrical currents in lightning bolts generate a broad range of radio frequencies known as atmospherics, or "sferics" for short. And in 1979, NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft detected very low-frequency radio emissions from the solar system's largest planet emissions that one might expect from lightning. The radio emissions that Voyager 1 detected from Jupiter dubbed "whistlers" because they resemble descending, whistled tones were the first signs of lightning in the giant planet's atmosphere. Subsequently, cameras on NASA's Jupiter-orbiting Galileo spacecraft, the agency's Cassini Saturn probe (which cruised past Jupiter on its way to the ringed planet), and other spacecraft confirmed lightning on Jupiter in the form of flashes of light. [Photos: Jupiter, the Solar System's Largest Planet] To shed light on Jupiter lightning, scientists examined data from NASA's Juno spacecraft, which is currently in orbit around the giant planet. They analyzed the largest database of lightning-generated whistlers collected from Jupiter to date. The researchers detected more than 1,600 instances of lightning, nearly 10 times the number that Voyager 1 recorded. The scientists discovered peak rates of four lightning strikes per second, six times higher than the peaks that Voyager 1 detected. "Lightning at Jupitercan be as frequent as on Earth," study lead author Ivana Kolmasova, of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague, told Space.com. "Given the very pronounced differences in the atmospheres between Jupiter and Earth, one might say the similarities we see in their thunderstorms are rather astounding," study co-author William Kurth, a space scientist at the University of Iowa, told Space.com. Kolmasova, Kurth and their colleagues detailed their findings online today (June 6) in the journal Nature Astronomy. Lightning that sings the same tune Previously, when spacecraft visiting Jupiter detected radio waves from lightning, they found only kilohertz emissions, or those of relatively low frequency. In contrast, lightning on Earth can produce gigahertz radio waves, which are millions of times higher in frequency. This disparity suggested that lightning on Jupiter differed significantly from lightning on Earth; for example, prior work speculated that Jupiter lightning may discharge more slowly than lightning on Earth, or that something in Jupiter's atmosphere may absorb these higher frequencies. In another new study, researchers again examined radio data from Juno, which passes up to nearly 50 times closer to Jupiter than Voyager 1 did, potentially allowing it to detect more radio waves. For the first time, the scientists detected radio waves from Jovian lightning that were megahertz in nature, or thousands of times higher in frequency than those previously seen. "Jupiter's lightning may not be as different from Earth's lightning as we had thought," said Kurth, who was also a co-author on the second study. This research team also discovered that lightning on Jupiter appears more common near the poles, whereas it's absent at the equator. Jovian lightning is thought to originate from electrical interactions between water droplets and ice particles, much as it does on Earth, so these new findings suggest that water-laden gas in Jupiter's atmosphere circulates poleward, yielding insights into Jupiter's atmospheric composition and circulation. "That distribution of lightning is kind of upside-down from what we'd expect on Earth," Kurth said. "On Earth, thunderstorms tend to cluster around low latitudes, and on Jupiter, it's the other way around." The scientists also found that, oddly, lightning on Jupiter appears more common in the northern hemisphere than in the southern. The reason for this lopsided situation remains unclear, Kurth said. Kurth, Kolmasova and their colleagues detailed the findings from the second study online today in the journal Nature. Follow Charles Q. Choi on Twitter @cqchoi. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Originally published on Space.com. The Originals' Danielle Campbell is set to star as one of the three leads in CBS All Access' upcoming drama series from fellow The Vampire Diaries co-creator, Kevin Williamson per Deadline's exclusive. Also noted that Danielle guest starred in The CW pilot All American, it's unclear if she will be able to appear in further episodes. Campbell will play Kayla. Beautiful and full of anger, Kayla has just moved from Oakland to New York with her dad. She lost her mother a year ago and since then has strayed from her once promising path hanging with the wrong crowd, partying anything to distract from the pain and grief of her mothers death. Catrall plays Kaylas grandmother. Source: Deadline Written by Williamson, Tell Me a Story, which co-stars Billy Magnussen and Kim Catrall, takes the worlds most beloved fairy tales and reimagines them as a dark and twisted psychological thriller. Set in modern day New York City, the first season of this serialized drama interweaves The Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, and Hansel and Gretel into an epic and subversive tale of love, loss, greed, revenge and murder.Campbell will play Kayla. Beautiful and full of anger, Kayla has just moved from Oakland to New York with her dad. She lost her mother a year ago and since then has strayed from her once promising path hanging with the wrong crowd, partying anything to distract from the pain and grief of her mothers death. Catrall plays Kaylas grandmother. After was directed by Kari Skogland with the teleplay by Lynn Reneee Maxcy. The episode clearly deals with the aftermath of last weeks explosive conclusion. Once again, I was struck by the parallels to previous episodes that come up in this one The flashbacks center on Moira, and Samira Wiley really delivers a terrific performance. The episode beautifully carries the theme of naming and inclusion and empowerment throughout.The episode begins with the funeral of the Handmaids who died in the bombing. Its one of those beautiful cinematic sequences that this show nails so well. We get what is now a pretty standard (for this show) crane shot that emphasizes the stark contrasts in colors. The white of the snow, the black cloaks with red veils and the red coffins arranged in a circle. Once again, Gilead falls back on a highly stylized ritual to keep everyone busy and give the appearance that the state cares. In a mockery of their very real grief, the Handmaids remove their veils and use them like handkerchiefs to wipe their noses and eyes as they touch the coffin and recite the ritual phrases. Yet they don't wipe their actual tears. I had to wonder just how many rituals they had to learn while at the Red Center!Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) seems genuinely moved by the deaths. She tells the Handmaids that I was sure that I could give you a world without violence, without pain. Its all I ever wanted. This was not a part of the ritual, and she seemed sincere. Her deeds may be reprehensible, but Aunt Lydia, though misguided, seems sincere in her belief that she is doing Gods work. And by keeping the women in line she does spare them death or the colonies but at what cost? The ritual includes remembering them by their names. Names have power. Its why the women are stripped of theirs and given new names that are only a derivative of their owners and naturally, its the Of names that are recited her. This resonates powerfully with the final scene in the market.On the ride home, the Handmaids discuss whats happened. In the end, 26 Commanders were killed and 31 Handmaids. June (Elisabeth Moss) asks Alma (Nina Kiri) if she knew Ofglens real name, but she doesnt. Alma suggests that June should know it as June was walking partners with Ofglen. June tells her that they never got that far. We saw how long it took them to gain any kind of trust. Its not safe for them to be that close to each other. And there is ample evidence of the danger they are all always in as they drive through the streets. People have been hung everywhere: Commanders, Marthas, and even wives.At the hospital, Serena (Yvonne Strahovski) is looking after a severely injured Fred (Joseph Fiennes). Nick (Max Minghella) arrives with papers from the office for Fred to sign, but Nick says hell take care of it when its obvious that Fred is in no shape to do it.Putnam (Stephen Kunken) and Cushing (Greg Bryk) show up like circling vultures to see how Fred is doing. They tell Serena and Nick that Pryce is dead. This is bad news for Nick, and it clearly crosses his face that hes just lost his patron and boss. In fact, Putnam asks him if he was close to Pryce, which Nick denies. Cushing will be taking over Pryces security duties, and Putnam is clearly positioning himself to be his lapdog. Cushing leans in to a barely conscious Fred and tells him that hell make those responsible pay. Cushing is clearly a power-hungry sadist and responsible for the killings.We get a quick scene in the colonies where Emily (Alexis Bledel) and Janine (Madeline Brewer) are just walking back from the fields. Suddenly, cars pull up, sirens blaring. Some of the women are pulled out of line or electric-prodded out and put in cars that whisk them away, including Janine and Emily.In Toronto, the assembled crowd at the refuge center is informed that there has been a bombing and that there were fatalities, but they have no other information yet. Luke (O-T Fagbenle) tells Moira that hes going home to get dinner. Shes amazed that he doesnt want to stay and find out who was hurt. Luke tells her that he knows June isnt ok shes being held and raped in Gilead! but hes also sure that shes still alive. Moira insists that a feeling isnt knowing.In the flashbacks, we discover that Moira became a surrogate mother to earn $250,000. The procedure used her egg. In some ways, its just like being a Handmaid with one huge difference. Moira gets to choose whether she wants to participate. I loved the contrast the show highlighted between June and Moira. June cautions Moira that she might become attached to the little fucker. Moira, always strong and in control, insists that shes just in it for the money. Shes also met the parents. Theyre good people and from England and thats important for two reasons. We know the baby is safely away from Gileads clutches and Moira knows that she will be safe from running into them or the baby after she gives the baby to them.Moira suddenly feels the need for closure about her wife and fiance, Odette (Rebecca Rittenhouse). Shes lead into a room that is filled with the evidence collected on unidentified bodies. Its another powerful reminder of the power of naming literally putting a name to a face. There are black file cabinets and binders with all the evidence collected on the missing adults. Children have their own separate section but the binders and filing cabinets are white. Its also a nice echo of the black and white of the Handmaids funeral at the beginning of the episode.In the next flashback, Moira is having an ultrasound. This was a brilliant echo of Junes from last week. Serena is actually kind enough to let June see the baby, and June wants to see. In contrast, Moira looks at the image but vehemently refuses the offer of a picture. Shes clearly already preparing herself not to get attached to the little fucker.From the binders and filing cabinets which are a sort of coffin, we go back to Gilead and June packing away her funeral clothes in a suitcase another box for the dead. Rita (Amanda Brugel) comes up to tell her that theres someone there for her and is clearly nervous and she should be because its Cushing. Cushing dismisses Rita who clearly doesnt want to leave June alone with him. The tension in this scene is beautifully ratcheted up by the sounds of sirens, helicopters, and dogs barking coming from outside.The tension in the room is also terrifically created by Bryks menacing performance. Cushing begins by asking June about Ofglen, and June brushes him aside saying she didnt know her well. Cushing makes a particularly cruel joke by saying that he imagined Ofglen didnt talk much. When he makes no headway there, Cushing moves on to ask June who helped her escape. June is no fool and sticks to the story she was told to stick to. She tells him that she was taken against her will and didnt see her abductors.Cushing tells her that she can trust him June doesnt buy it for a second. He asks if Commander Waterford helped her he would clearly like to ensure that his chief rival for control of Gilead is permanently out of the picture. June insists she was taken against her will. Cushing is clearly obsessed. I loved Mosss performance here. She is clearly repulsed and angry when Cushing comes and places a hand on her belly, but she has no choice but to allow it. Cushing tells her that if her house is infected with terrorists he needs to know immediately. They are interrupted by a noise outside. June looks out to see a Martha shot in the street just for reaching for her papers. June is clearly terrified.Serena has Nick bring June to the hospital. In a surprising moment of candor, she remarks that having Guardians shoot Marthas in the street to make them feel safer is asinine. Serena brings June close to the bed so that she can place Freds hand upon the baby. It does seem to rally him, and he even remarks that June is bigger. Serena, once again, isnt quite so happy when she gets what she wants. When Fred is more responsive to June and even smiles at her, Serena suddenly declares that he needs his rest and sends June away again.Nick stops June in the hallway, and I thought they were being pretty reckless here. June tries to be strong and tells him shes ok, but breaks down crying as she relates the shooting. Another great scene from Moss. June tells warns Nick that Cushing was pressing for who helped her escape. Nick promises that he will keep her safe and not let anything happen to her, but June is worried about who is protecting Nick. June finally pulls away and walks away from him.Its late at night and June is sitting at the kitchen table with a plate of food when Serena comes home. Serena tells her to go to bed the baby need rest. June tells her that right now the baby wants Twinkies, and shes trying to compromise. June asks after Fred. Serena assures June that Fred is strong. Once again, she confides in June, telling her that Fred needs to get back into the office. Shes convinced that Cushing will be the death of them all. Serena tells June that they knew the Cushings before theyd even vacationed together. Even before, Cushing was a blowhard. Being the big man doesnt suit him.June tells her about Cushings visit and that he doesnt believe that she was taken against her will. Serena cautions her to answer his questions very carefully. June ensures that shes not in it alone by pointing out that Commander Deeds entire household was killed for what Ofglen did. Serena insists that Ofglen was a terrorist this is different. But June insists that Cushing would kill everyone in a house that was connected to the underground, and he certainly wouldnt let a baby grow up in such a house. I love that June is smart enough to know just what Serenas real weak spot is. Serena insists that Commander Waterford would never let that happen and of course, were back to Serenas comment that he needs to get back to the office to protect them all.Back in Canada, Luke brings Moira food because shes still pouring over the death books. Luke tells her that she doesnt have to do it and that Odette wouldnt want her to. But Moira insists its time and she just wants to know that Odette wasnt alone when she died. This theme of being alone runs nicely throughout this story thread and through the episode there is strength in numbers.In the flashbacks, we see that June was there the entire way to support Moira. Toward the end of the pregnancy at a birthing class, Moira is beginning to feel the stress, especially of not having a spouse to share the experience with. She takes it out on June, accusing her of throwing her perfect marriage in her face. June completely understands whats going on another nice parallel to how well she manages everyone around her. June tells Moira that no marriage is perfect Luke cant even learn to load the dishwasher properly! Because hes an infant and who wants that! Its the perfect way to gently push Moira out of her funk.In the final flashback, we see Moira with the baby. Shes had a little boy, and the day has come to give him up. June coos that you forget how small they are (and this dovetails in nicely with the next episode). Moira watches covertly as the Doctor takes the baby to the new parents. Its clear that Moira is ok with the baby going to a loving family. He wont be alone, but she remarks that its weird to be alone after having the baby with her for so long.In the next scene, six months later, Moira bumps into the Doctor while shopping for wine. The Doctor asks how she is and Moira tells her, slowly getting back to normal even her sex life! The two flirt a little over the wine, and the Doctor invites Moira to call her by her first name now that shes no longer her Doctor her name, is Odette and shes the one Moira is looking for in the present. Again, its the naming that invites intimacy and connection between the two, and Moira is no longer alone.In the present, Moira finds Odette in the binders. She is pictured with two other people, so Moira can at least draw some comfort that she didnt die alone. She can also now name Odette. We see Moira break down in grief as Odettes death is finally made concrete. Wiley is simply wonderful in this episode as we see Moira go through such a range of emotions.Back in Gilead, Nick is returning to his apartment at the end of the day. He almost goes to the house first, but decides not to. He finds Serena waiting for him. She tells him that Eden and Rita have gone to visit the family of the Martha who was shot in the street. Serena wants to know if Nick has ever helped Fred with a warrant to the Consular of Divine Law, and he confirms that he has. She asks him to walk her through the process of submitting one. Nick points out that shell need the Commanders signature, and she tells him that she knows that Fred will forgive her trespass. Its clear that they both know that they are on dangerous ground, and that they both know its necessary to protect all of them.The next day, June is watching from the window, Serena appears on the steps, and Nick walks in the gate to the house as Cushing pulls up and attempts to come in. One of the Guardians blocks his way as a black Eye van pulls up with Putnam. Putnam informs Cushing that Commander Waterford has ordered that Cushing be stripped of his rank and charged with treason. Putnam is clearly enjoying the entire process. We can only imagine that that one nasty comment while they were shooting was not the only dig Cushing has had at Putnams expense.June also smiles as she turns away from the window thing have turned out exactly as shed hoped. Im sad to see Greg Bryk go assuming that Fred doesnt reverse the charges though it would be stupid for him to. Bryk did a great job her as the sociopathic Cushing. I had to wonder if the name was a shout out to the great Peter Cushing of horror movie fameJune is in the market with Eden whos super excited about what shes making for dinner. Its clear that June finds her hard to take. Once Eden trots off, Janine is there flinging herself on June! The carnage has left them so short of Handmaids that theyve brought a bunch back from the colonies including her and Emily. Janine is as bubbly as ever, sure that God has a plan for both her and Emily well not the same plan maybe, but one for each of them!June immediately goes over to see Emily who looks shell-shocked. When we last saw her, it was clear that she was starting the slow slide toward death. Is she really still healthy enough to conceive? And even if she is, is this a better Hell for her? She certainly isnt happy about it the same way Janine is. On the other hand, she has a much better chance to escape from Gilead than from the colonies.June immediately tells Emily that her name is June. She creates an intimate bond with her by speaking their forbidden names, and she reveals her true self to her. June explains that she never had a chance to do it before. And then she acknowledges both the importance of their bond, the Handmaids showing solidarity and the precariousness of their positions, but immediately turning and introducing herself to Brianna (Bahia Watson). Brianna is surprised but barely hesitates to tell June her name. And then it starts a chain reaction as they all introduce themselves to each other.This is also a beautiful echo of the discussion in the van at the beginning of the episode when none of them knew Ofglens real name. How can they remember and cherish her without it? Theres a sweet moment when Janine giggles at Doloress name, and she explains that it was her grandmothers name establishing a link to the past and to a legacy of women. Its an obvious way that we remember our loved ones by naming our children after them.I also loved the use of the cornette in this scene. Eden is watching the Handmaids and is completely isolated and alone, but she also has no idea what is going on because they use the cornettes to hide their faces. Rather than restricting their view as was intended, it protects them as they reveal their true selves.Back in Canada, we get another example of the power of naming. Theyve received a report on the identities of those killed. Each victim is named as their picture flashes on the screen. And we finally learn that Ofglens real name is Lillie Fuller. They know that she is responsible for the bombing and everyone is suddenly even more interested as pictures are suddenly taken of her. Lillie looks nothing like what Ofglen seemed to be when we first met her. Lillie looks like she re-emerged after Ofglen rebelled and then had her tongue cut out. Lillie looks like a fighter.Moira decides that its also time to add Odette to the legacy of those who have died for the cause. She adds her picture to the memorial in the center of the ring of those still missing. Luke joins her to also pay homage, and he takes her hand, demonstrating again that Moira is not alone.Finally, in Gilead, June is just heading up to bed when Serena stops her and asks her to come with her. She takes June to the study where piles of papers, clearly reports, are laid out. Serena tells her that Cushing turned their streets into a war zone, and its time things went back to normal. Shes drafted up new security orders! Serena knows that June is an editor. June cautiously says that she used to be. And then Serena does the unthinkable and asks June to read over the documents for her.June considers it for a moment. Once she is equally complicit, she is equally vulnerable to punishment even moreso as a Handmaid, but if she doesnt do, then shes complicit in doing nothing. But this is also very dangerous ground for Serena. It gives her a taste of what shes lost in addition to the danger of punishment for simply reading and writing.June steps forward and Serena is clearly not sure what to think. And then June says shell need a pen and reaches across the desk to grab one. She fondles them in an almost sexual way before picking one up. The two women exchange small smiles. Serena settles behind the desk shes a writer, and were reminded that she gave up a lot to pursue her dream of having a baby. Is she having second thoughts? June settles by the fire and holds the pen up its red in the glow of the fire, and she clicks it in exactly the same way that Ofglen clicked the bomb detonator in the last episode. Heres another strike back at the patriarchy this time two women from exact polar opposite position uniting against it.This was another stunning episode. I loved the themes of naming and community that ran throughout this episode. Both Samira Wiley and Yvonne Strahovski deliver terrific performances as we see their characters go through a real range of emotions. Is it even necessary to rave about Elisabeth Moss anymore? Junes very real fear is palpable, and her courage and determination come through clearly on Mosss expressive face. And finally, the final song was a terrific cover of Venus a personal favorite of mine. Its a song about naming and empowerment. Perfect here. What did you think of the episode? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! 49 held in Rajshahi anti-narcotics drive UNB, Rajshahi : Police arrested 49 people including ten suspected drug peddlers from different parts of the city from Tuesday evening till Wednesday morning. Police also recovered drugs from their possession, said a press release issued by the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police. Law enforcers from Boalia Model Police Station arrested six people, while five people were arrested under Rajpara Police Station, Three under Chandrima Police Station, Seven under Motihar Police Station, four each under Katakhali and Shah Makhdum police stations, 16 people under Kashiadanga Police Station and one each under Belpukur, Poba, Damkura and Airport police stations. Of them, 15 were wanted in several cases and while 24 others in different criminal cases. President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 05 June 2018, host the President of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), His Excellency President Brahim Ghali, in Pretoria, during his working visit to South Africa. The visit by President Ghali will provide an excellent opportunity for the two Heads of State to appraise each other on the latest developments in the Western Sahara and the Maghreb region, in the Northwest Africa. During the visit President Ramaphosa and President Ghali will hold official talks where they are anticipated to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, particularly peace, security, stability and development in Western Sahara and Maghreb region as well as some parts of the continent. The visit will further provide a platform for the two Heads of State to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two governments and their people. In September 2004, South Africa took a decision to recognise the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) as an independent state when it became clear that the Kingdom of Morocco had ruled out any possibility for a referendum for Western Sahara in contravention of UN Security Council Resolution 1495. Like many other African Union member states, South Africa maintains its position that the occupation of the Western Sahara by Morocco is illegal and that the Saharawi people must be allowed to exercise their right to self-determination. South Africa is of the view that the continued delay in a solution to the conflict in Western Sahara does not only continue to have dire humanitarian consequences for the Saharawi people but also remains an impediment towards greater regional integration and security cooperation in the region. The growing discontent remains a serious concern, therefore South Africa reiterate its call for two parties to return to a discussion table and have constructive direct dialogue. South Africa calls on the African Union (AU) to effectively implement its Roadmap on the resolution of the Western Sahara question as decided by the AU Peace and Security Summit in March 2017 to ensure that an amicable solution to the conflict between the Western Sahara and Morocco is reached as soon as possible. (SPS) 062/SPS https://www.gov.za/speeches/president-cyril-ramaphosa-receives-president-abraham-ghali-saharawa-arab-democratic-3-jun Bir Lehlu (Liberated Territories), June 05, 2018 (SPS) - The President of the Republic, Secretary General of the Frente POLISARIO, Mr. Brahim Gali, has sent a congratulatory message to the new President of the Government of Spain, Mr. Pedro Sanchez, who replaced Mariano Rajoy who lost last Friday the support of the Spanish Congress . "On the occasion of his assumption of the leadership of the government of Spain, I would like, on behalf of the Saharawi people, of its political authorities, and on my own, to express our sincere congratulations on the important and momentous task entrusted to you," writes Ghali in his congratulatory message. For the same occasion the Saharawi President said that "the Saharawi people also figure many hopes and illusions" with the arrival of Pedro Sanchez to the highest magistracy, "in the hope that he can contribute, in the solution of the Western Sahara conflict, to finally put an end to the long suffering to which he has been unfairly subject to for more than four decades. "SPS 125/090/TRA Two activist brothers staged a quiet protest Tuesday night outside OxyContin maker Purdue Pharmas downtown Stamford headquarters, during which they ran a slide-projection show alleging the company had fueled the national opioid crisis. Running from about 8:45 to 9:15 p.m., the projector from a terrace across the street beamed scrolling white text onto the front entrance of Purdues building at 201 Tresser Blvd., where those responsible for the opioid epidemic hide inside. The projectors message also said the company was an American cartel and a criminal organization, which had started a chain reaction responsible for the deaths of 300,000 people and made billions of dollars in profits off their suffering and death. Were not trying to be a disruption to the people on the street; were trying to be a disruption to the people who started this crisis, Adam DelMarcelle, 40, of Lebanon, Pa., the organizer of the guerrilla projection, said in an interview. We want people to have the best information they can and understand the dealers selling heroin on the street are nothing compared to the people in suits sitting in this building in downtown Stamford. In a statement Wednesday, Purdue said: We share the protesters concern about the opioid crisis and respect their right to peacefully express themselves. Purdue is committed to working collaboratively with those affected by this public health crisis on meaningful solutions to help stem the tide of opioid-related overdose deaths. A police car stopped outside Purdues building during the protest, but DelMarcelle and his brother, Charlie DelMarcelle, 46, of Philadelphia, said they wrapped up the projection without being arrested or confronted by police or building security. Several passers-by said they agreed with the projections message. But one woman who works at 201 Tresser, for Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, said the method made her uncomfortable. Its assuming everyone in this building works for Purdue Pharma because we dont, said the woman, who declined to give her name. Its kind of like a trap. Adam DelMarcelle said his campaign did not intend to target or shame non-Purdue workers at 201 Tresser. We are doing this for the safety of people, not to make anyone unsafe, he said. Our goal is to educate the public, not to harm anyone. Were huge proponents of nonviolent direct action. Tuesdays event comprised part of Adam DelMarcelles art-based What Heroin Sounds Like campaign, which he founded after his brother, Joe DelMarcelle, died at 33 of a heroin overdose in September 2014. The initiative started with him producing and hanging thousands of posters around Lebanon that focused on local authorities alleged mishandling of their response to his brothers death. Adam DelMarcelle said his brother did not use OxyContin, but his activism is increasingly focusing on Purdue given the central role prescription painkillers play in the opioid crisis. Opioids including prescription painkillers such as OxyContin, heroin and fentanyl killed more than 42,000 people in 2016, more than any year on record, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 40 percent of all opioid overdose deaths involve a prescription opioid. The visit to 201 Tresser represented Adam DelMarcelles first projection outside Lebanon. He said he has also donated some of his posters to the Library of Congress and Yale Universitys Cushing/Whitney Medical Library. This work is not about making my brother the poster child for the opioid epidemic, said Adam DelMarcelle, who is a professor of graphic design and printmaking at Pennsylvania schools including York College and Lebanon Valley College. It started in grief, but now it is done in hope, to possibly affect the life of even a single person. pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; Twitter: @paulschott STAMFORD A New York pizza delivery driver accused of sexually assaulting his cousins girlfriend will have a judge decide his fate. Dayvon Williams, 27, opted this week to not have a jury trial as he represents himself in the case. Williams, who repeatedly refused a judges suggestion to obtain legal advice from a public defender, faces up to 10 years in jail for second-degree sexual assault. Williams, who has a high school GED and no legal background, is accused of sexually assaulting his cousins passed out girlfriend during a Cinco de Mayo party last year in Norwalk. The woman told police she pushed Williams away when she woke up to him sexually assaulting her, according to an 11-page arrest affidavit. Williams has been jailed for 10 months in lieu of $25,000 bond. He has repeatedly insisted there is no evidence against him even though hes been brought to the courthouse several times to view video statements his cousin and the woman made last year to Norwalk police. During Tuesdays hearing at the Stamford courthouse, Williams claimed he was extradited from New York illegally and demanded a tax form from Assistant States Attorney Michelle Manning. Can you produce the 1040 to this case? he asked. Judge John Blawie informed him a tax return was not relevant to the case and tried to persuade Williams to seek legal advice from one of the public defenders in the room. However, Williams declined the help of the courthouses lead public defender, Barry Butler, and senior public defender Howard Ehring, who have a combined 70 years of legal experience. I do not do lawyers. I do not do lawyers, Williams repeated at one point. Having a lawyer is injurious to my life, liberty and pursuit of my happiness. Testimony is scheduled to begin June 18. The states case is expected to last two days and Williams said he does not plan to call a witness. jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com M utti Merkel has spoken and as you might expect from the chancellor the German people have nicknamed Mummy, her pronouncement was dull, uninspiring, cautious but definitely the right way forward for the European Union. It will be seen as a snub in Paris, although Emmanuel Macrons aides were making positive noises and the French president will probably find enough in it to salvage his great European strategy. Merkel rejected Macrons proposal for a great fiscal union, one in which the eurozone member states would have a common budget, managed by a single finance minister. Instead, she wants to create a European Monetary Fund run by eurozone member states that would be available to put out fiscal fires with long-term loans. In addition, she proposed a European investment fund to tackle structural weaknesses and, even more importantly, she endorsed the French presidents call for a combined European military force and a unified asylum policy and external border force. Macrons grand vision was intended to resolve the big weakness in the euro project that individual states could engage in ruinous tax and spending policies while appearing to shelter under the umbrella of eurozone monetary discipline, the dilemma cruelly exposed by the financial crisis that engulfed Greece in 2009. The Franco-German split over fiscal union remains: Germany is deeply suspicious of attempts by the so-called Club Med states to use the German taxpayer as a financial backstop and bail-out fund. Meanwhile France and Italy resent German insistence that the eurozones huge imbalances can only be resolved by greater fiscal discipline. Merkel spelled it out in the plain language of a clergymans daughter to the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper: Solidarity must never lead to a debt union, but must come in the form of help towards self-help. Brexiteers took pleasure in Merkels apparent slapping down of Macron on fiscal union but Britain is at present in no good place to indulge in schadenfreude over Europes struggles with federalism. In one of Theresa Mays few sensible remarks at the start of her term, the Prime Minister made clear she wished the EU well. She knows that whatever form of Brexit burden Britain ultimately finds itself supporting, a weak Europe would be disastrous for British exporters and the UK economy. Happily, that now seems less likely because Merkels slightly grudging response to Macrons grand vision is a good basis for the beginnings of EU reform. It means this months EU summit meeting will have at its core the outlines of a Franco-German agreement about the way forward on the eurozone, on trade, on security, on asylum and the external EU border. It is a positive and credible future that lies beyond the chaos of Britains Brexit and the snakepit of Italian politics. Indeed, too much statecraft has been wasted in Brussels trying to accommodate confused Anglo-Saxon ambitions to be both within and without Europe. It is no accident that Merkel chose to wait eight months before responding to Macrons Jupiterian vision. No doubt she needed to be certain of what she could sell to her political allies and the German people. But she is also setting out Germanys more earthbound vision as a signal to Britain and a warning to Italy. To the new populist Italian government in Rome, Merkel is saying clearly that any egregious flouting of the EUs fiscal rules Italys coalition is made up of parties advocating extravagant spending boosts and massive tax cuts could be disastrous. Given Italys colossal debt, representing 130% of GDP, such economic policies or an attempt to return Italy to the lira would lead to capital flight, bankruptcies and economic ruin for ordinary Italians. Sticking with companies under pressure, toy train maker Hornby today said it struck a deal with lenders to access 18 million of emergency cash, if it needs it, for a turnaround plan. It said it was unlikely to need to use the entire pot. It borrowed 6 million from PNC Business Credit and 12 million from Phoenix, its largest shareholder, which owns more than two thirds of the business, after a deal with Barclays ended. A s with Heathrow Terminal 5 in 2008, so with the 7 billion scheme to revolutionise rail travel north and south of the Thames a decade later. Both are ferociously expensive pieces of infrastructure devised to drag the capitals infrastructure into the 21st century. Both were meant to usher in a new era of better travel with a big bang. And both re-defined hubris. Were ready, so bring it on, announced Willie Walsh, then chief executive of British Airways on the eve of the move to the airlines new home. Before the new rail schedules came into effect, Govia Thameslink Railway chief executive Charles Horton, promised millions of passengers a timetable which is far more operationally robust than the timetable it replaces. Within minutes of contact with the reality of public transport, both projects collapsed and hundreds of departures were cancelled. In each case, there appears to have been plenty of hoping for the best in the face of evidence that not all was well. After the train operators, Network Rail and the Department for Transport elected not to defer or stagger the new timetables, they have been given a sound kicking. The blame has yet to be apportioned to each party. But give it a couple of years, and the long-suffering rail commuter should be feeling much more cheerful, with many off-peak travellers enticed away from the roads by the prospect of fast, reliable journeys. The vision of RailPlan 20/20 (as Thameslink 2000 has become) is to run 24 trains per hour through the central core from Blackfriars to St Pancras, dramatically increasing capacity in the rush hour as well as making trans-London journeys such as Cambridge to Gatwick Airport and Horsham to Luton Airport much simpler. Once train drivers have been schooled in the essential route knowledge to keep the railways extraordinarily safe, Londoners and visitors to the capital get the bonus of a main-line link from the South Bank to the Kings Cross area operating at Tube-like frequency. But these potential gains have been jeopardised by a shambolic start . In Mondays heated Commons debate on the timetable, MPs lambasted Transport Secretary Chris Grayling. The hopefully short-term chaos in Croydon has been conflated with the concerns of relatively few locations such as Harpenden, Redhill and Lewes which are disadvantaged by the new timetables, at least initially. The danger is that the botched transformation will trigger a retreat back to the way we were; Bim Afolami, the Conservative MP for Hitchin, has already called for a return to the timetable which was in force before. A decade on from the Terminal 5 fiasco, all has long been forgiven by airline passengers; compared with the muddle of Terminals 3 and 4, BAs main hub is a model of calm efficiency. L abour used to be good at maximising Conservative discomfort over Europe. In the early Nineties, Opposition leader John Smith sided with the Tory Maastricht rebels to humiliate the Major government. A few years later, his successor Tony Blair inflicted another defeat over EU fishing quotas, when he joined forces with the Tory Right. In 2012, Ed Miliband voted alongside 53 anti-European Conservative MPs to defeat the Cameron government over Britains EU budget contributions. At the time, these Labour oppositions were trying to do what oppositions are supposed to do, and win. But it came at a cost. These short-term tactical victories, fuelling a debilitating British grievance culture against Brussels, played their part in the long- term strategic defeat of the pro-European cause. When it came to the referendum, Labour failed to deliver many of its supporters for the Remain cause in contrast to the success the SNP had with similar communities north of the border. What is striking about the latest position the Corbyn opposition has taken is that it manages to combine both tactical and strategic defeat. The stage was set next week for the Government to lose on the crucial question of whether Britain wanted to remain in the European Economic Area, a wider gathering of nations beyond the EU that includes Norway. There are certainly enough Conservative MPs who agree with the observation of the arch-Brexiteer Dan Hannan MEP that a 52/48 result in the referendum points to some sort of association with the EU that stops short of membership, with Britain keeping most of the economic aspects of the EU while losing most of the political ones. Cake-having and eating The Commons vote coming on Tuesday was an opportunity to deliver that kind of settlement, which has the best chance of uniting our deeply divided country. But the Corbynistas dont want that outcome and never have. They relish division, they oppose free trade and open markets, and theyve always thought the EU was a capitalist plot. So Messrs Corbyn and McDonnell refused to support the EEA amendment, ensuring it wont pass. Instead, Labours Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer has had to table a wishy-washy rival amendment that merely restates existing language about Britain having full access to the single market a meaningless commitment that the cake-haver-and-cake-eater in-chief, Boris Johnson, used to call for. Sir Kier did not make much attempt on the radio this morning to hide why Labour had passed up this golden opportunity both to defeat the Government and advance the progressive European cause: the pretence that everybody in Labour is in the same place on this doesnt help. Indeed. For many who thought that Labour was moving in the direction of supporting a much softer Brexit, this is a blow. For the many Labour MPs who keep hoping that Mr Corbyn will transform himself into the moderate leader of the broad social democratic cause, it is another wake-up call. But all is not lost. The Prime Minister is still on course to lose the vote next week on membership of a customs union, and one half of the Brexiteers are in any case coming round to that idea, in practice if not in theory. The Government will also lose on the issue of whether Parliament gets a meaningful vote on the final Brexit deal, keeping options for EEA or EFTA-style membership open for later this year. Beyond these important tactical defeats for Downing Street, which should have been obvious to No 10 a year ago, a bigger strategic pattern is emerging Beyond these important tactical defeats for Downing Street, which should have been obvious to No 10 a year ago, a bigger strategic pattern is emerging. Britain is not prepared to live with the costs of leaving the EU. So at every stage, when confronted with the reality of Brexit whether its customs controls, or immigration restrictions, or the loss of security arrangements, or the expulsion from science programmes the Cabinet, Parliament and the country blinks. The only thing everyone ends up agreeing on is to put off the decision, be it to 2019, or 2021 or now 2023. Yet those decisions wont be any easier in a few years time. F rom a solitary coffee shop in 1971 to 28,000 outlets today, the man behind Starbucks is stepping down and I bet a white chocolate mocha light frappuccino that a run for the White House explains Howard Schulzs decision. I know a little bit more about coffee than 25 years ago, when my university friend Sajid Javid rang from New York. Im thinking of setting up a coffee chain Beans seems a good name. What do you think? Brits drink tea, I replied. When we do drink coffee were happy with instant. And the idea of us paying the equivalent of 2 for an unBritish beverage? I may have just snorted when Saj shared his pricing plan with me. Inexplicably, he never used me like Dragons Den again and somehow became a multi-millionaire. I mention this now by way of declaring my interest. Saj is one of my closest friends and probably the most remarkable person Ive ever met. If you want an impartial assessment of the first non-white Briton to hold one of the great offices of state Im not your guy. If, however, you want some insight into the man who albeit without a coffee shop empire is so much closer to his nations top job than Schulz, I hope I can encourage you to share a little of my excitement at the prospect. Theresa Mays successor must possess the radicalism she lacks. From two decades touring the worlds emerging markets before entering Parliament in 2010, Saj may have a better understanding of the challenges Britain faces than any other MP. Superior state schooling systems mean nations which pinched our manufacturing jobs are now targeting our services sector. As someone who wanted to back Brexit but didnt at the last minute, he has a better chance of uniting the Tories than a staunch Leaver or Remainer either of whom risk being resented by the large numbers of people on the entrenched sides of our all-too- poisonous national debate. While believing Britain will be better off out of the EU, in the long run he pulled back from backing Leave because he foresaw a very bumpy transition. He understood that a Brussels elite which fears the fatal effects of another euro or immigration crisis was never going to make it easy for us or any nation to leave. Sajs other key advantage is that hes far from your average Tory. When, as student Tories, we went to party gatherings, I remember the jokes about combating the wall-to-wall whiteness. What do you call an Asian at Conservative conference? A keynote speaker. And its not just Sajs skin colour and Muslim background that help him understand modern Britain. He started off on the wrong side of the wealth gap. He and his four brothers squeezed into one of their childhood flats two bedrooms. That, though, hell tell you, isnt the most important part of his upbringing. In his parents self-sacrificing commitment to their boys, the young Javids won the lottery in life. His dad, who left Pakistan in 1961 with just 1, was nicknamed Mr Night and Day because of the hours he worked to give his children the opportunities he had hoped to give them. Critics can fairly note that Saj hasnt left considerable footprints in the departments he has passed through so far. Given that hes been repeatedly reshuffled as part of the Whitehall merry-go-round, Id argue this is forgivable. And given that he cant do anything without the agreement of two of the most cautious people to ever occupy numbers 10 and 11 Downing Street, its doubly explicable. "Sajid must show what older Tories knew was their duty: solidarity with people wholl never shoot up social ladders" Weve seen the real Saj I know on two key occasions, however, and they capture what we could expect if he became master of the ship of state. Immediately after the EU referendum he proposed a package of major tax reforms as a flashing neon sign to global investors that post-Brexit Britain would aim to be an even more attractive destination for their cash. And then there was last years unprecedented public lobbying of the Chancellor to borrow 50 billion to build affordable homes for the millions who have no refuge from this age of insecurity. His openness to borrowing-to-invest is not what you might expect from a man who identifies the libertarian writer Ayn Rand as an inspiration. And you probably wouldnt expect a Muslim to also be Israels staunchest supporter in Cabinet. He gets to these positions in the same way he reached his Brexit decision by his dislike for tribalism and tribal thinking. We must see such qualities on full display in his new job. The most precarious of prime ministers, Mrs May cant sack the man she gave her old job to. He mustnt, therefore, duck the opportunity to end the inhumane bean- counting that didnt just drive the Windrush scandal but is stopping our hospitals and industries from recruiting world-class talent while simultaneously allowing a scale of low-skilled immigration that depresses the wages of the already poorly-paid. A final piece of public advice for Saj. His own hyper-social mobility makes him a special candidate for 10 Downing Street but its vital that he demonstrates what older generations of Conservative politicians understood as their duty: solidarity with people wholl never shoot up social or economic ladders. And while he might believe theres no systemic anti-Muslim thinking inside the party that has propelled him to high office, he must recognise that he has always overcome barriers that defeat others. Moreover, hes not an average Muslim either most notably in his attitudes to the Middle East. By designing an immigration policy that does at least as much to protect the low-paid as to feed British industry he can show he understands why so many people voted for Brexit and that, finally, the help they hunger for is on the way. A lot of people are being mean about slow ticket sales for Labour Live the one-day festival of music, politics and face-painting but not me. As someone whose Edinburgh tickets have just gone on sale, Im saying nothing. My new stand-up show is called Girl on Girl, about women fighting each other, and ponders when Germaine Greer first self-declared as Richard Littlejohn. Tell your friends! I wont lie, comedy is hard. Especially when youre a woman. Especially when you try political material. And especially when youre Tracey Ullman. The new series of Tracey Breaks the News kicked off on Friday night and she resurrected her now famed impression of Jeremy Corbyn. Its a bit weird but it does what good satire should it spoke a truth. The best line was Ullman as Corbyn, saying: Ive spoken to every single anti-Semite and Ive told them in no uncertain terms tone it down a bit. Thats funny because its close to the bone. She also featured two arguably spikier sketches capturing the duplicity of Michael Gove and the hypocrisy of Jacob Rees-Mogg, who lectures everyone about being independent while having his nanny on hand literally to wipe everything for him. Supporters of Rees-Mogg and Gove havent said anything about the sketches. Corbyn supporters have pretty much called for a judge-led inquiry and Leveson Three. To make matters even worse, poor David Baddiel was then randomly accused of writing the show (which he didnt) because hes Jewish and has spoken out against anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitic conspiracy theories often believe the Jews control everything. Baddiel is the new George Soros of comedy. Who knew? Right-wing commentators often complain that British comedy is just full of Lefties Tory-bashing. And theres some truth in that. Theres definitely group-think when it comes to comedy, both broadcast and on stage. You would struggle to find a single pro-Brexit gag at the Edinburgh festival the worlds largest comedy and arts festival and thats not healthy. Comedy should reflect a range of views. But its lazy and untrue to say that no one who gets commissioned is having a go at the Left otherwise, why would supporters of Corbyn be so up in arms about not only Tracey Ullman but Frankie Boyle and Charlie Brooker? We live in depressing and scary times, which is why we need strong, fearless satire more than ever which exposes all the stupidity and spite that have seeped into our politics. Spitting Image was like a public service because it mocked, derided, scorned and caricatured everyone in frontline politics without mercy. We all howled at Mrs Thatcher and her vegetables but we wept at Neil Kinnock and Roy Hattersley too. So we should cheer Ullman and her team to the rafters and she should go in harder. And if Baddiel really is responsible for writing all the comedy in the land, could he please crack on with my Edinburgh show? How a late night with Alf beat Love Island On Monday night, as the rest of polite society was having hysterics on Twitter over the first episode of the new Love Island, I found myself dining in the House of Lords with Alf Dubs Labour peer, former Northern Ireland minister under Tony Blair and Mo Mowlam and a campaigner for refugees. Born in Czechoslovakia, Alf was one of around 600 mainly Jewish children rescued by English stockbroker Nicholas Winton from the Nazis in the late Thirties as part of the Kindertransport. His extraordinary start in life has shaped his politics and he fights hard for the UK to honour its humanitarian obligations particularly involving children. He recently secured an amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill in the Lords to require the Government in its Brexit negotiations to keep an important family-unity provision of the Dublin Regulation in effect. Its a modest proposal which would keep open a vital legal lifeline for children who have a relative in the UK. He visits the refugee camps in Greece and France regularly and says they are no place for adults, let alone unaccompanied children and teenagers. But as if that wasnt all impressive enough, Alf, now 85, also managed to keep me out late we were the last people to leave the House of Lords dining room and even out-drank Jacob Rees-Mogg. *The tragic death of handbag designer Kate Spade prompted a flood of celebrity tributes, but many ordinary women loved her work too. Spades designs made women smile, feel beautiful and were so distinct they started conversations with strangers. They were colourful, clever and synonymous, with a confident, feminine style which so many women aspired to. Kate Spade was found dead in an apparent suicide in her New York City apartment on Tuesday / AP W HETHER from the far-Right or claiming to be Muslims, the ideology and endgame of terrorists is identical: to sow division and to prey on the most vulnerable [Islamist terrorists are twisting their faith, says Javid in speech, June 4]. As he launched the Governments latest counter-terrorism strategy, Home Secretary Sajid Javid was right to say that those who killed supposedly on behalf of Islam represent no one but themselves. Witness the foreign fighters who have ended up in Syria they come from a range of countries and were well-integrated into Western societies. The fact that one would-be terrorist was caught with a copy of Islam for Dummies in his baggage tells us that these people have little or no roots in the faith they wish to kill for. In another case, Islamic State managed to radicalise a Welshman online who was not even a Muslim. With that in mind, we must realise that British Muslim communities are ready and willing to work with the authorities to confront terrorism. We must not inadvertently feed into the terrorists agenda by conflating integration with counter-terrorism, singling out Muslim communities unfairly or casting suspicion on a large swathe of our society. Harun Khan Secretary General, Muslim Council of Britain EDITOR'S REPLY Dear Harun You are right that many Muslims strongly oppose terrorism. Indeed, police have praised the growing assistance that they are receiving from Muslims here. I dont agree, however, with your criticism of the Governments focus on promoting integration as part of its new counter-terrorism strategy, Contest. Of course, some terrorists have been well integrated. But it is clear that for many others a feeling of alienation from society has helped turn them into terrorists. Mr Javids strategy says that communities which do not or cannot participate in civic society are more likely to be vulnerable to radicalisation, and this seems to be a sensible conclusion. Nor does it amount to singling out Muslims unfairly. The dangers of isolation apply to all forms of extremism and the Governments policy is not restricted to the Islamist threat. I hope you can overcome your scepticism. A united approach to combating terrorism will be most effective. Martin Bentham, Home Affairs editor Why not leave your kids where they feel most at home? FURTHER to Kirstie Allsopps remarks on insisting on flying business class while her children fly economy [The Londoner, June 4], I dont think kids should be made to fly at all, or be taken to other countries on holiday. Children dont like being abroad, which largely consists of being dragged around shops and museums, taken to look at boring buildings, and being made to eat horrible food. They dont like breaks in their normal routine or being separated from their friends. They dont like not going to their regular haunts and not watching familiar television. They dont like travel, they dont like airports and they dont get a kick out of being in a foreign country. Parents need to put their own likes on hold until their children are old enough to go away on their own or with their peer group. Tough, but there it is. John Lawrence Lush campaign is not anti-police I hope most of your readers will have realised by now that the shopfront campaign by Lush cosmetics is talking about the spycops scandal and not saying all police lie [Lush UK police campaign: cosmetics giant blasted over bizarre spycops advertising, June 1]. There were at least 144 undercover police working in the Special Demonstration Squad over several decades who spied on more than 1,000 campaign groups, including Stephen Lawrences family and young liberals. I still hope the public inquiry will get to the bottom of this scandal but the prospect of real justice is looking increasingly distant. The Lush campaign is a reaction to the slow progress of the inquiry and I hope that its call for action will help the truth to be revealed. Jenny Jones Green Party, House of Lords Remainer pledges are easily forgotten PROSPECTIVE Labour voters in the Lewisham East by-election should first look at their neighbouring constituency, Greenwich and Woolwich, where our current Labour MP is much like their Lewisham candidate Janet Daby [The Political Interview, June 4]. Like Daby, Matthew Pennycook campaigned for Remain and vowed he would represent the views of his constituents (who voted 64 per cent to Remain). He is now shadow minister for Brexit. During his time in Parliament he has only once voted against the Labour leadership and has repeatedly ruled out giving people a vote on the final deal. Do Lewisham East residents think voting for another pro-Remain Labour candidate under Jeremy Corbyn will turn out differently? Ramesh Perera-Delcourt Building another runway is too risky DESPITE being a frequent flyer, I hope the Government will change its mind on Heathrow expansion. The airports biggest customer, British Airways, has already warned of the massive risk and cost to the taxpayer if the third runway goes ahead. The cost of improving surface transport links alone could run to as much as 15 billion, and its not clear who would fund that cost. The whole point of breaking up BAA was to create competition between airports. A third runway at Heathrow would simply entrench its monopoly. If it goes ahead, the Conservatives can expect to lose more seats at the next election in south-west London. Yes, the decision belongs on the local level No, no one should be able to dictate whether people wear masks Vote View Results From wearable tech to smart mirrors and cashier-less retail stores, the possibilities created by the intersection of fashion and tech are myriad and exciting. And on Tuesday night in Bethnal Green, as Microsoft and London College of Fashion unveiled the results of their first ever Future of Fashion Incubator, the potential for growth and the development in the area was clear. From a heavily oversubscribed list of applicants, 30 business, design and media students were selected to take part in the three-month short-term intensive program, which they undertook alongside their usual studies. The themes chosen for the projects include retail experiences, supply chain management and the design process and the goal is that students work together to come up with creative solutions to current industry and consumer needs Microsoft 'Future of Fashion Incubator' at London College of Fashion / Jason Purple 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}} Digitally native brands like ASOS, Farfetch and Amazon are forcing traditional retail to change and there is growing recognition that adopting innovation as a mind-set across every sector of the industry is essential to success, says Matthew Drinkwater, Head of Fashion Innovation at London College of Fashion and a leader on the project. Over the course of the term, students attended workshops and explored various Microsoft technologies and their impact on the fashion industry including Mixed Reality/3D, the Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence. Students also had the opportunity to consult with industry insiders; from fashion designers to CEOs, to get an insight into the real-world problems affecting the fashion industry. Microsoft 'Future of Fashion Incubator' at London College of Fashion / Jason Purple This whole process has been so collaborative between our creative technologists, our engineers and thefashion students, says Maruschka Loubser, Senior Global Marketing Manager at Microsoft, as we chat outside the event held last night to unveil the results of the three-month incubator. Held in a warehouse in Bethnal Green, the event was a buzzing showcase of interactive VR demos and fashion-tech prototypes such as a smart tagging service for brands who want to track the biography of their garments lifecycle and an AI driven smart personalised advertising service. Some prototypes are more realistic than others but there are a couple that I think could go immediately into production and could help industry, says Loubser. Microsoft 'Future of Fashion Incubator' at London College of Fashion / Jason Purple One such project is a visual merchandising tool that would allow fashion brands to digitally plan display units, store windows and layouts before committing to construction and spend, an innovation that, if successful, would be hugely beneficial for large retailers and smaller boutiques alike. All the IP is owned by the students, which means any scalable, saleable prototype could be very lucrative. Its up to them if they want to take it further, explains Loubser, and if course we will be there to see what we can do to help them and support them if thats the case. As yet, the Microsoft incubator is not a permanent part of the LCF curriculum, but given how oversubscribed the first intake was, it seems likely it could become one. We are exploring ways to constantly expose the students to the very latest in emerging technologies, says Matthew Drinkwater, so projects like this and others are already in development to ensure that London College of Fashion is at the forefront of the digitalisation of fashion. W hen Deborah Roberts got a call from gallerist Stephen Friedman telling her artist Yinka Shonibare was a fan of her work, she was shocked. I was like: OK, Im floored, I love this guy! Friedman was ringing to ask if shed take part in Talisman in the Age of Difference, the show at his gallery curated by Shonibare featuring artists from Africa and the global African diaspora. When asked to participate, says Roberts, she responded: Hell, yeah! When, where, what can I do? Roberts, who lives in her native Austin, Texas, is over for the opening of the show, and when we meet the finishing touches to the densely hung installation are being made. I love this show, I love the whole idea, she says. Shonibare taps into what he calls the magic and subversive beauty of art, addressing the spirit of African resistance and representation. For Roberts, the show is about diversity within blackness. It is not a colour any more, she says. So what does that mean, what does blackness mean? This show exudes blackness in a way that has never been seen before. Three of Robertss collages of young black girls feature in the exhibition. They emerged from her desire to talk about beauty. I found that sometimes people reduce the humanity of those who look different from yourself, and if you have dark skin or brown that is reduced further. I wanted to say you need to see me as a full person. By putting together different faces as one face, it forces the viewer to look at that one face. Once you find that face, you find the humanity. She wants her work to lure you in before it knocks you out. But as you start seeing some of the tropes Im talking about, you say: Wow, this wasnt candy, this was really medicine, to make me feel better. Present Tense by Deborah Roberts / Deborah Roberts/Mark Blower Roberts is conscious that in using collage to address social issues she enters a great history of using collage as a political weapon, and names Hannah Hoch, the satirist of Weimar Germany, and Romare Bearden, the great African-American Civil Rights collagist, as influences. When Roberts first started making the collages, the US had an African-American president. It was in Barack Obamas America, of course, that the Black Lives Matter movement, protesting about police brutality and systemic racism, emerged in 2013. But the cause has grown even more urgent under Trump. Has this affected Robertss work? I dont have anything to do with that man the way he divides people, she says. My work has always been about individuality. But I think when people say you are less than, or you are the other, and reduce you down, as this guy has done, then I think the work becomes powerful, a weapon. Roberts identifies with Childish Gambinos music video This is America. I cant wait to do some work on that because its true: this is America, and a lot of the things that girls of colour are going through right now is rooted in the history of America and the idea that their beauty and somehow their individuality is a secondary thing. 14 must-see summer exhibitions - in pictures 1 /14 14 must-see summer exhibitions - in pictures Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up June 16 - November 4, Victoria & Albert Museum; vam.ac.uk The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection of 20th Century Mexican Art and The Verge,Nickolas Muray Photo Archives RA Summer Exhibition 2018 June 12 - August 19, Royal Academy; royalacademy.org.uk Grayson Perry and Paragon | Contemporary Editions Ltd. Aftermath: Art in the Wake of World War One June 5 - September 23, Tate Britain; tate.org.uk IWM (Art.IWM ART 518) Dorothea Lange / Vanessa Winshup June 22 - September 2, Barbican Centre; barbican.org.uk The Dorothea Lange Collection, the Oakland Museum of California. / Vanessa Winship Michael Jackson: On the Wall June 28 - October 21, National Portrait Gallery; npg.org.uk Roland White/NPG BP Portrait Award 2018 June 14 - September 23, National Portrait Gallery; npg.org.uk Miriam Escofet Howard Hodgkin June 1 - July 28, Gagosian; gagosian.com Howard Hodgkin Estate Photo by Prudence Cuming Associates Courtesy Gagosian Tomma Abts June 7 - September 9, Serpentine Gallery; serpentinegalleries.org Marcus J Leith The London Open June 8 - August 26, Whitechapel Gallery; whitechapelgallery.org French and Mottershead Thomas Cole: Eden to Empire June 11 - October 7, National Gallery; nationalgallery.org.uk 2018 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Lee Bul May 30 - August 19, Hayward Gallery; southbankcentre.co.uk The Art of Campari July 4 - September 16, Estorick Collection; estorickcollection.com (Archivio Galleria Campari, Milan) Richard Wallace: The Collector June 20 - Jan 6, 2019, The Wallace Collection; wallacecollection.org Wallace Collection Julie Becker: I must create a Master Piece to pay the Rent June 8 - August 12, ICA; ica.art Whole (Screen), 1999 Courtesy Greene Naftali, New York But amid so much social division she saw one recent event as an affirmation of African-American identity, namely the blackest royal wedding that ever happened, as she describes it, with a laugh. It was beautiful. I mean, we were all behind Meghan. We were sitting Stateside saying this was the best thing ever. At 55, Roberts is finally gaining art-world recognition shown by museums such as the Studio Museum in Harlem and being collected including, reportedly, by Beyonce later than many artists. Theres an assurance in her work that often comes with success not arriving overnight. When youre older youve got grey on your temples and on the top of your hair, so you can tell people, Hey, I had to slow this down because I know this work was not doing what it needs to, because I lived with it when no one wanted it. I got to slow it down, clean it up, make it stronger and better. T he Edinburgh Fringe launches its programme today and while there is everything from theatre and art to dance and ballet in the bible-sized brochure, it is dominated by comedy, with 1,230 shows. There is only one show, however, which sounds like a hybrid of a John le Carre novel and an episode of Charlie Brookers Black Mirror. Olga Kochs debut, Fight, looks set to be one of the talking-points of the Fringe. The 25-year-old Russia-born east London-based comedian is itching to talk all about it but also doesnt want to spoil some of the shows surprises, which hinge on a trip her father Alfred took to Moscow airport in June 2014. He was stopped by border control, missed the flight, booked another, but never checked in. To find out more you will have to see the show. Needless to say, with Russia constantly hitting the headlines, it is not just a history lesson; it also feels eerily topical. Fight paints a picture of Russias roller-coaster years from the collapse of Communism to the rise of Vladimir Putin. Through a series of bizarre circumstances Alfred Koch became deputy prime minister responsible for privatising state-run industries. The process makes Brexit seem like a picnic: The trouble was they were dismantling things without having anything to replace them. Her father was appointed by President Boris Yeltsin, who replaced Mikhail Gorbachev. By a neat coincidence I remember that day well. It was August 19, 1991, my first day at the Fringe. I remember seeing Yeltsin on TV making a speech on a tank. Koch laughs: Then you knew more about it than they did in Russia. It was not reported. Koch was born in St Petersburg in 1992 and lived through the subsequent crazy chaos. As she explains in Fight, with the aid of some hilarious archive footage, suddenly advertising flooded into Russia as Communism was replaced by the free market. Where there were once generic adverts for basic products such as jam, now everything under the sun could be promoted. Gorbachev himself went on to appear in a Pizza Hut advert. Wed never seen everyday things before like tampons and tea bags, laughs Koch. My mums friends saw an advert for McDonalds for the first time and it blew their mind. Why would anyone put a sandwich in a box? And why did the cups have straws? The fledgling democracy had a lot to learn. Some of the election candidates didnt realise they had to put their name on the posters. There was one man, well into his forties, in a heavy-metal T-shirt with the slogan, Im Just Like You. I think he came third. The idea for the show is to turn a period of great historic change into comedy. To find the funny in a story that isnt funny. Koch came to England when she was 13 and her parents sent her to The American School in England, Surrey. Having gone through a seismic culture shock in Russia there was another one in store at school. I realised how conservative I was. I had a lot of catching up to do. At least she spoke good English, having binged on The Simpsons and Friends, when Russia got the shows long after everywhere else. London's best comedy clubs and nights 1 /15 London's best comedy clubs and nights The Soho Theatre Sara Pascoes favourite comedy venue, and with good reason: the Soho Theatre is arguably Londons finest place to see both up-and-coming and established acts. Being a theatre, rather than a comedy club per se, expect to see full sets from individuals rather than bills with a few comics. Its three rooms host all sorts of things, from the latest Edinburgh winners to big names road-testing their latest bits. The standard is reliably excellent: even if youve never heard of a comedian, chances are, if theyre playing here, theyll be worth watching. The Comedy Store Another old favourite, the Comedy Store benefits from being built for purpose: no other venue in London suits stand-up quite so well (and the beer isnt too ridiculously priced, either). After starting out above a strip club in Soho, this place made its name throughout the eighties by breaking the pioneers in alternative comedy. Its happy to host mainstream stars these days, and never struggles to draw top acts, but if you can only make one thing, try The Comedy Store Players, old pros whose improvised shows on Wednesdays and Sundays all but guarantee hilarity. Tuesdays The Cutting Edge is best for those who like topical humour. Old Rope at The Phoenix Old Rope is popular with circuit veterans and newbies alike, so the weekly show usually has a mix of big names, comedy veterans and ones-to-watch. Host Tiff Stevenson leads an evening of new material yes, lots of jokes given their test run and its given its name for the noose that hangs over the stage. Ironically, this noose is a bit of a life-saver: if the new act is going badly, comics can grab the rope and fall back on old material. Knock2bag Always top value, the Knock2bag nights offer the chance to indulge in the odder end of the comedy spectrum: expect serious helpings of whimsy, eccentricity and surrealism. If you're looking for something different, this is your place to go. Monkey Business Comedy Club A first-rate comedy club and well worth travelling for. Wed pick the Thursday night over Saturday, but youll get a decent show on either day. Theres a mix of big names and up-and-comers, and host Martin Besserman is a pro wholl keep you laughing in between acts. Of which, theres often as many as twelve a night, so youll get your moneys worth. If one isnt to your taste, another promises a laugh. Banana Cabaret Club The Banana Cabaret Club hosts a lot of top drawer comics, and is well loved in comedy circles in part, because theyve been going a good thirty years and in part because of the man running things, David Vickers, whose had everyone from Eddie Izzard to Stephen K Amos performing. Stars pop-in, and comedy circuit regulars play often, but its also on the finest spots to see new talent . No wonder Marcus Brigstocke name-checked it as his favourite London comedy club. Besides, once the two-hour show is done (typically wrapping up around 11pm), DJs strike up and everyone dances till 2am. Splendid. http://vivivi.co.uk/ Piccadilly Comedy Club Hats off to the Piccadilly for keeping comedy cheap: their shows cost 10 at the most, and they do a meal deal, where you can eat at Tiger Tiger and see the show for 20 all-in. A bargain. Expect a mix of well-known TV regulars alongside the best newcomers on the scene. Line-ups are particularly well thought out here: they dont just sling together anyone, so the nights tend to be uniformly excellent. Leicester Square Theatre The Leicester Square Theatre draws the big names, so expect to see top flight acts: Richard Herring hosts a weekly podcast here on Wednesdays, and the likes of Bridget Christie, Micky Flanagan and Frankie Boyle all make it a stopping point on their tours. That said, check the website for whats upcoming there are chance to see some under-the-radar sets too. Live at Zedel The excellent Brasserie Zedel whose Bar Americain is one of the finest drinking spots in the capital relaunched Crazy Coqs as Live At Zedel last year and following a successful first run, are launching their second season. Besides comedy the standard is usually very decent they also host musical theatre and drag acts. The cocktails are terrific and there's at-table service. Eat in the restaurant beforehand (or after), too: we swung by recently and the food is as good as its ever been. Cheap, too. Happy Mondays This fortnightly show boasts the best new up-and-coming acts in the capital, combined with big name hosts expect the likes of Miles Jupp, Sara Pascoe and Holly Walsh who keep the standard up to scratch. Definitely up to par, somewhere to find your new favourite comedian. Angel Comedy Just how a comedy club should be: small, crowded and above a pub. Best of all, its free, and each night offers something different, from open-mic nights to well-known names giving their latest sets an airing. Check the website for details, but you wont be let down just get down early, as it fills up quickly. Ginglik Comedy Club Following a decade of success in Shepherd's Bush, this comedy club has found a new home at the ever-popular Roof Gardens. Known as 'Jimmy Carr's favourite comedy club', the Ginglik has had everyone from Al Murray to Robin Williams play, and is set for more success. Laugh Out London The likes of Stewart Lee, Reginald D Hunter and Tony Law play these nights, which gives an idea of just how decent they are. Laugh Out London always do a good job of bringing the highlights from Edinburgh festival to town, so take the chance to see who everyones been tweeting about. The 99 Club This Leicester Square club is much, much better than you might expect for a place that continually flyers. A big favourite with the Chortle Awards, it always attracts big names it runs a little like Live At The Apollo but on a smaller scale. There are three acts a night, and shows are fairly priced: some are as cheap as a fiver, though most will cost around 10 - 15. Theyve also got venues in Soho and Covent Garden. Live At The Chapel Bit of a shame that shows here are so few and far between usually about once a month but theres no place more beautiful than the Union Chapel to see comedy in London. The upside is that, with so few performances, they always get the big names headlining, with unfailingly impressive support. Plus theres usually a live band, who are fab. The atmosphere is everything. Anthony Devlin/PA Wire She always wanted to be a comedian. After school she went to university in New York to study computer science and joined influential sketch group Upright Citizens Brigade. I decided to do sketches because I was too scared to do solo stand-up. But once she tried stand-up on her own she was hooked. Since returning to London four years ago she has been making waves, reaching the Amused Moose National New Comic Award final at the Fringe last summer. She recently filmed an appearance for Comedy Centrals The Stand Up Show to be broadcast later this year. Her tough, uncompromising wit and quickfire confidence make her stand out on the circuit. Earlier this year Koch took part in the inaugural East European Comedy Festival alongside comedians from Poland, Romania and Slovenia. She has tried performing in her native language but it doesnt work: We have too many words, the rhythm is all wrong and you cant do wordplay. English, she says, is easily the best language for comedy. But being Russian adds pressure. When I was studying computer science there were not many girls studying it so every mistake I made was seen as a mistake a woman made. It used to be similar in comedy. I think weve got over that but now it feels as if when I go onstage Im speaking for all Russians. Her comedy is also about more familiar topics such as relationships. She recently made a short film, Olga Koch Has Her Cake, in which she constructed an ex-boyfriend out of dough and attempted to eat him. After stuffing her face she ended up suffering for her art and being sick. My secret dream is to have a retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, she says. New York will have to wait though. Before then Koch is going to stage her own Russian revolution in Edinburgh. I t's currently the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. For those fasting and taking part in Islam's special month of Ramadan there are a very specific set of prayer times to remember. Muslim prayer times are based on the sun's movement and so, change throughout the month and year. Luckily, the East London Mosque has a prayer timetable to help Muslims keep up with the different times throughout the month of Ramadan. You can view these timings below: Yet, these times are accurate for London only. You can view prayer times for other UK cities here. What is Ramadan? Ramadan is held during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It's a time of spiritual reflection, charitable acts and spending time with loved ones. Muslims also treat is as a month in which they can overcome sinful habits. It is also a month when Muslims fast. This means no eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset, which is important during Ramadan as it allows Muslims to devote themselves further to their faith, ultimately becoming closer to Allah, or God. The reason why Muslims fast is because it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the other pillars being faith, prayer, charity and making the pilgrimage to Holy City of Mecca. Before sunrise, Muslims eat a meal (suhoor) and then another meal (iftar) after sunset. One who is ill, pregnant or travelling does not have to fast. Children and the elderly are also not required to fast during the month of Ramadan. When does Ramadan start this year? This year Ramadan began on the evening of Wednesday May 16 and is expected to end on Friday June 15. I ts the happiest month of the year Pride Month where we celebrate all things LGBTQ. To celebrate the start of Pride Month, travel accommodation website Airbnb has revealed the worlds best destinations for an unforgettable Pride. The study looked at 100 cities with the highest Pride attendance in the world and found the best cities to visit for Pride in five categories. The best city overall for Pride: New York City Over 27,000 guests arrive in New York City for Pride Week each year as it offers the biggest celebrations, eclectic nightlife and a busy dating scene. Brighton Pride parade 2017: Thousands line streets for celebration. 1 /12 Brighton Pride parade 2017: Thousands line streets for celebration. It follows London's Pride parade last month. Getty Images The celebration was a burst of colour. Getty Images Parade goers dress up in costume to take part. Getty Images A man sprinkles glitter as he watches Saturday's parade. Getty Images A luminous parade-goer, as 300,000 gathered for the celebration. Getty Images Spectators watch the floats. Getty Images A stunning variety of costumes were on show. Getty Images The parade was headlined by the Pet Shop Boys. Getty Images Heavily made-up parade goers join the celebrations. Getty Images This year's Pride parade is extra special, marking 50 years since the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality. Getty Images It was smiles all round at the parade. Getty Images Getty Images The best city for Tinder dating during Pride: London Tinder shared user data with Airbnb and found that London topped the ranking for dating and has the highest per capita LGBTQ Tinder profiles worldwide. 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}} The best city for nightlife during Pride: New York City The city that never sleeps proved to have the largest number of LGBTQ clubs and bars it was closely followed by Los Angeles, Tokyo, Berlin and Madrid. Pride in London 2017 The best city for celebrating during Pride: Sao Paulo If youre looking to attend the largest Pride event in the world, head to Brazil. Lasts years celebrations saw three million visitors attend nearly a quarter of Sao Paulos population. The best city to travel to during Pride: London Airbnb looked at the cities that had the highest year-on-year growth in Airbnb guest arrivals during Pride. They then compared with the cities that have the highest number of LGBTQ experiences on Airbnb and highest numbers of tips for LGBTQ travellers. Pride in London 2017 1 /15 Pride in London 2017 Londoners join Pride in what is thought to be the biggest celebration in its 45-year history PA Londoners join Pride in what is thought to be the biggest celebration in its 45-year history PA Londoners join Pride in what is thought to be the biggest celebration in its 45-year history PA Londoners join Pride in what is thought to be the biggest celebration in its 45-year history PA Londoners join Pride in what is thought to be the biggest celebration in its 45-year history PA Londoners join Pride in what is thought to be the biggest celebration in its 45-year history PA Londoners join Pride in what is thought to be the biggest celebration in its 45-year history PA Londoners join Pride in what is thought to be the biggest celebration in its 45-year history PA Londoners join Pride in what is thought to be the biggest celebration in its 45-year history PA Londoners join Pride in what is thought to be the biggest celebration in its 45-year history PA Police officers at London Pride PA Londoners join Pride in what is thought to be the biggest celebration in its 45-year history PA Londoners join Pride in what is thought to be the biggest celebration in its 45-year history PA Londoners join Pride in what is thought to be the biggest celebration in its 45-year history PA Londoners join Pride in what is thought to be the biggest celebration in its 45-year history PA S imply put, Im not a Vegas kind of gal. Im not into gambling, boozing, clubbing, hustling or over-the-top extravagance so I never thought Id go to Las Vegas, let alone leave itching to go back. Its a strange place really. Flying in at night after a 12-hour flight from Londons Gatwick Airport - you begin to see the lights of the city amid the deserts darkness. The strip is recognisable instantly, and the lights feel like youve walked into a brighter, much larger version of Piccadilly Circus. Were not staying in a hotel with a casino (something Ill be very thankful for in the coming days) but we settle into the quieter Vdara Hotel & Spa and head to sleep with the morning promising sunshine and unforgettable experiences. 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}} My old friend jetlag wakes me up at 5am and I watch the sun illuminate the desert mountains that surround the city and get my first glimpse of the strip by daylight. Day one After a quick breakfast, our first stop is the iconic Welcome to Las Vegas sign you see as you enter the city. An Elvis impersonator is hanging around, of course, and we get our snaps with the King before heading out into the desert. About a 20 to 30 minute drive outside of Vegas youll find the Seven Magic Mountains. Youve probably already seen this art installation on your Instagram feed but they are even more magical in real life. Designed by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, these seven towering stacks of neon-coloured boulders opened to the public in May 2016 and due to their immense popularity there are plans to keep them up for several years. The only place you want to eat lunch while in Vegas is on the strip and if you can eat lunch with a view of the Bellagio Fountains thats even better. A patio seat at Lago by Julian Serrano is a must-do while in Vegas. Found inside the Bellagio Hotel, go for the three-course Italian-influenced tasting menu with items like four-cheese lasagne and branzino livornese that will truly satisfy your taste buds. After lunch, organise a private tour of the Bellagio Fountains where a guide will show you how they work and explain the history before spending the afternoon walking from hotel to hotel along the strip and soaking in the eclectic Vegas vibe. For dinner, walk to the Cosmopolitan where you will find Jaleo, a Jose Andres Restaurant and take their paella class before heading to the trendy Downtown Las Vegas. Once considered to be rough around the edges, the original strip is a vibrant place that is perfect for people watching. Try the Slotzilla Zipline that lets you fly above the strip - or simply admire the kitsch neon lights. Afterwards (if you havent succumbed to your jet lag) walk down to Atomic Liqors Vegas oldest freestanding bar. The current name was coined in 1951 when residents would flock to the bars rooftop to watch nuclear blasts happening out in the Las Vegas desert. Since then, the bar has become an institution for both Las Vegas locals and celebrities, with Barbara Streisand and Clint Eastwood being among the clientele. Its also opened 24/7 so you really dont have an excuse not to visit. Day two If you havent spent all night at the casinos (or even if you have) get up early and be ready to be picked up by the Papillon Helicopter Shuttles to go on a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon. Once at the Papillon headquarters, your group will be weighed and this will determine where you sit on the flight, after which you will watch a safety video. The magic happens once you're air bound. On the way to the Grand Canyon, you will fly over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead and then cross the border into Arizona (make sure you look out for wild horses!) Seeing the Canyon for the first time was both exactly like I had imagined and and nothing like I had imagined it. It looked like it did in film but nothing can prepare you for how majestic and, well, grand it really is. The towering Canyon walls drop into the Colorado River below and its the only thing you can see for miles. Your group will touch down outside Grand Canyon West, where you can do the Skywalk (the glass-bottomed walk out over the edge of the Canyon, where you can look down at the Canyons floor a mile beneath your feet). Before attempting that, stop at the SaNyu Wa Restaurant which offers spectacular views over the Canyon and local produce for lunch. Afterwards, make sure you leave enough time to get that perfect Instagram shot of the Canyon. Papillons Heli VIP Skywalk and Dining package starts at 347 per person. papillon.com/ Once back in Vegas, we spent another afternoon visiting various casinos and hotels along the strip before congregating at Gordon Ramsays Hells Kitchen for dinner. While the man himself was not in house (we sadly missed him by one night) the food was spectacular the Beef Wellington is highly recommended. After dinner walk the short distance to The Mirage to watch Beatles LOVE by Cique du Soleil. Youre in Vegas, so there are a number of shows to chose from at all of the casinos. But if youre after something a bit different and a bit nostalgic, Beatles LOVE is sure to tickle your fancy. Another bucket-list item to tick off while in Vegas is taking a turn on the High Roller Vegas version of the London Eye. See the strip in all its lit-up glory at the top of the observation wheel and, afterwards, pick up a few souvenirs from the gift shops below. Just as visiting a casino is a must, so is going clubbing. Omnia Nightclub in Caesars Palace had lines to the casino door so you know its going to be good. Omnia also has a range of guest DJs and Calvin Harris plays there often. Make sure to look up while immersed in the dance floor as there are often acrobats performing above you. Day 3 Waking up with a hangover is a quintessential Vegas experience and no better way to cure it than with a massage at Vdaras neighbour, The Spa at ARIA Hotel. Check yourself in for a signature aromatherapy massage before heading to the airport for your flight home. Youll board the flight rested, relaxed and remembering what happens in Vegas A n ex-top counter terror detective has detailed how Michael McIntyres attackers could have been stopped and how people can avoid becoming a target themselves. David Videcette, an ex-Met Police cop turned terror and security consultant, has suggested the comedian was "specifically targeted" by the moped thugs who smashed up his Range Rover and stole his 15,000 watch in Golders Green. He added that the attackers were wearing dark clothing and gloves and driving a moped with its number plate removed in a bid to evade police and that "oblivious" bystanders could have banded together to help him. "Wake up! You outnumber these yobs and could have done something," the security expert tweeted, adding that there were simply not enough police to stop this epidemic. Targeted by moped gang: Michael McIntyre / PA Mr Videcette said it was plausible that the star had been specifically targeted as he had stopped to pick up his son which is part of a regular routine. The drivers side window was attacked with a hammer and he advised that in this situation, you should drive off or move, dont be a passive target as windows on vehicles are surprisingly strong. The moped used in the robbery had its number plate removed meaning that it is likely stolen and also cant be tracked to the gang, according to the security expert. It also cant be linked to the scene after its left. So even if police do recover it, they cant say its the one used in robbery. In footage of the incident, people could be seen on the street. Mr Videcette said that with the amount of onlookers around, they could have done something to stop the gang. Even if you take photos and video of whats going on, do something. Video and photos help police if you make them aware of it, he said. Mr Videcette said that "we are all targets" and that members of the public should vary their routines to avoid being a target. Not planning for these events is why we become easy targets," he said. Michael had an expensive watch, much has been said about it, but we are all targets. Our phones are worth several hundred pounds each. They want them. He also warned that this is becoming the new normal on Londons streets, a subculture of yobs on mopeds who think they can act with impunity. There are simply not enough police to fight this epidemic. Weve all got to help each other. Video footage released shows the moment the gang approach Mr McIntyres car and forced him to hand over his watch. Michael McIntyre 'robbed by moped thieves in hammer attack while comedian collects children from school' After the group ride off, the comedian can be seen comforting one of his sons. One witness, who did not want to be named, told the Mail: The guy at the front of the moped started to hit the drivers window about ten to 15 times and it eventually just cracked. He opens the door and gets Michael McIntyre out of the car. Michael fell but he was trying to put up a fight. On Tuesday morning, Mr McIntyres wife told reporters the comedian was doing fine following the incident. The Met Police said they were called to North End Road just before 2pm. The force said in a statement: "The victim was stationary in his car when two males on a moped smashed the car windows with a hammer before stealing property. A teenage boy has been charged with the murder of a man who was knifed to death on the streets of Kensington. The 14-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, was arrested on Tuesday following the fatal stabbing on May 31. The victim has been named as Mark Fontaine, 41, of Walthamstow. He died at the scene shortly after 11pm. Police and paramedics were called at around 10.20pm following reports of a stabbing on Cathcart Road. A post-mortem gave the cause of death as multiple stab wounds. The defendant appeared at Highbury Magistrates Court on Tuesday and remains in custody at a north London police station. Detectives from the Met's Homicide and Major Crime Command are investigating and have urged anyone with any information to contact them. Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information that may assist the investigation should the incident room on 020 8358 0200. G angs in London are becoming more organised, ruthless and focused on making profits from drugs, a new report says today. A study has found that gangs are moving away from postcode rivalries to expand into more business orientated groups focusing on dealing in Class A drugs such as cocaine. One gang in east London called the Mali Boys typifies the new criminal outfit, according to the report on gangs commissioned by Waltham Forest council. They are said to be the most business driven, violent and ruthless of a new type of gang which shuns social media and technology in a bid to remain anonymous to the police. The group has become the most dominant in Waltham Forest which has seen two gang linked killings so far this year. Professor Andrew Whittaker of London South Bank University, the reports author, says: Although the Mali Boys may appear to be a local phenomenon, there is growing evidence that they are part of a wider pan-London development as gangs become more organised. One unnamed professional told the study the Somali gang had formed alliances with other gangs in the borough adding: Its almost like a franchise, like McDonalds or Benetton where the Mali Boys have got a very effective pyramid structure, business plan, but instead of burgers and woolly jumper its Class A drugs and cannabis. The gang use old fashioned Nokia phones because they are less easy to track and are estimated to be raking in as much as 50,000 a week in profits from drug sales. The report also claimed some gang members used social media such as FaceBook to gather information about the personal lives of police officers and even recorded the number plates of officers cars in an attempt to intimidate them. Quince Garcia Ex Gang Member tells us about his story In total there are estimated to be around 250 gangs in London involving around 4,500 people, while there are 12 active gangs in Waltham Forest. Professor Whittaker said ten years ago a similar study found gangs based mainly on postcodes with violence being used to defend territories and gang membership defined by colours and gang insignia. Today, the study finds gangs are more organised and driven by a desire for profits where visible signs of gang membership are rejected as bad for business. Instead of postcodes being seen as a territory to defend, they have become a drugs marketplace to be protected. Why are our children killing each other? In other findings the report says : * Young women and girls are increasingly being used by gangs to transport drugs to regional towns and cities in county lines rackets. In a recent raid on a house in Suffolk police found two 14-year-old girls from Waltham Forest and seized guns and drugs. A search of the girls found 3,000 worth of crack cocaine. *As Londons drugs market becomes saturated gangs are increasingly developing county lines to other towns where there is little competition and they are unknown to police. * While more organised gangs shun social media many embrace it as a means of promoting the gangs identity and brand. Waltham Forest council leader Clare Coghill said: Every part of London has seen the devastating effect that gangs have on all sections of our communities. We have young people in London who are learning violence as a means of communication. This research will help us understand what we need to and how to invest properly. This is about working with the schools, police , youth officers and other agencies to offer young people an alternative to a life of crime. Superintendent Paul Clements said police were targeting around 30 young gang members in the borough considered to pose the greatest risk. A n academy chain best known for turning around sink schools has refused to adopt a troubled London primary. The Harris Federation was asked to take over Durand Academy in Lambeth, which has for years been at the centre of disputes over the 400,000-a-year salary of its former head, land ownership and its complex governance arrangements. But Harris, which runs 44 schools in London, said it would not step in to run the school, citing risky legal agreements. It also said saving the controversial school would draw too heavily on the resources of its other schools. Durand will now be taken over by Dunraven Educational Trust, based at Dunraven School, also in Lambeth. The announcement is the latest twist in the Durand saga, after the Department for Education terminated its funding agreement last year amid concerns about financial management and governance. Durands governors mounted a fierce campaign against being taken over by the Harris Federation, and asked to be sponsored instead by Dunraven. They ended their campaign against Harris in April, but the new announcement appears to grant them their wish. A spokeswoman for the Harris Federation said: Governors of the school only provided us with the financial, legal and capital information we needed for our due diligence last month. Our finance board, which has experience of delivering 44 highly successful academies, reviewed this information and judged that we could not proceed. She added: Aside from some risky legal agreements with Durand Educational Trust which could not be untangled in time for the school to transfer to a new trust in June, the board was concerned that meeting the significant needs of Durands building would depend too heavily on the resources of our other schools. This would not be fair on existing students, parents or staff. The Department for Education said: Dunraven has a strong performance record, is popular with parents and already has an existing relationship with Durand Academy. Durand Academy will be transferred by September and our efforts will be focused on minimising disruption for pupils and staff during this time. Durand was criticised by MPs in 2015 after it emerged that a proportion of former head Sir Greg Martins 400,000 salary came from a company that also runs a private gym, swimming pool and flats on the school site. Questions were also raised about the schools complicated ownership structure, with the Durand Academy Trust running the infant and junior school in Stockwell as well as a now-closed boarding school in West Sussex. Durand Educational Trust owns the land the schools are built on and the Academy Trust ran them on a licence from it. T he Grenfell Tower resident who lived in the flat where the deadly fire started was offered witness protection after speculation about the outbreak of the blaze left his family fearing for their life. Father-of-one Behailu Kebede was the first to raise the alarm when the fire broke out in his fourth-floor flat on June 14 last year, the inquiry into the fire heard on Wednesday. His lawyer told the public inquiry that he called 999 and alerted all his neighbours on that floor before fleeing barefoot without his wallet or keys, forced to watch utterly helpless as the fire engulfed the building. But nasty lies circulating at in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy claimed Mr Kebede had taken the time to pack his back before raising the alarm - leaving him terrified that he would be blamed, his lawyer said. Helpless: This picture shows the fire rapidly spreading up the tower, with residents watching outside / AP The inquiry heard that Mr Kebede - a father-of-one - had lived in the west London high-rise block for 25 years, having originally moved from Ethiopia. Rajiv Menon QC said Mr Kebede did exactly what Grenfell Tower residents who discovered a fire in their flat were told to do by the fire action notice posted by the lifts. After being woken by his smoke alarm in the early hours, he banged on the door of five other flats on the floor, yelling "Fire! Fire! Fire!" and waited until somebody opened each flat, his lawyer told the hearing. The fire is believed to have been started by a fridge in Mr Kebede's fourth floor flat Mr Menon said: "Having warned all his neighbours on the fourth floor, Mr Kebede returned to flat 16, switched off the main electricity in the hallway and put on some trousers. He left his home for the very last time, shutting the front door behind him. "All he had on his person were the clothes he was wearing and the mobile phone with which he was calling 999." He added: "He did not pack a suitcase and leave after raising the alarm, a nasty lie printed in the days after the fire and sadly continue to be peddled nearly a year later." Grenfell Tower cladding helped fire spread faster than 'match in petrol' To his horror, Mr Kebede watched as a few minutes later and despite the efforts of firefighters, the fire managed to exit his flat in the vicinity of the kitchen window, took hold of the exterior facade and spread upwards on the east side of the building with great speed and fury, said Mr Menon. He said Mr Kebede took photos and videos of the blaze developing and kept firefighters informed about the start of the fire. He desperately wanted to do more to help his neighbours and friends but what practically could he do? said Mr Menon. He felt utterly helpless. After the fire Mr Kebede and his family were subject to a lot of media attention, his lawyer said. Grenfell Tower Fire Inquiry: Flat 16 - In pictures 1 /18 Grenfell Tower Fire Inquiry: Flat 16 - In pictures The burnt out living room of flat 16 of Grenfell Tower The bedroom of flat 16 viewed from the hallway The gutted interior of the flat where the Grenfell Tower fire started has been pictured for the first time A photograph which reveals the area in front of the cooker The kitchen of flat 16, where the Grenfell Tower fire started A close up of the kitchen flat 16 Investigators said the fire originated near a fridge freezer in the kitchen of flat 16 The door of the tall fridge freezer placed back in situ. The fire pattern on the door suggests that combustible materials to the left of the appliance were burning during the early stages of the fire The area of the kitchen of flat 16 Grenfell Tower looking in from the living room The toilet of flat 16 viewed from the hallway The burnt out batroom of flat 16 of Grenfell Tower The burnt-out remains of the living room of flat 16 The old freezer unit with plug (highlighted) Bedroom 2 of flat 16 viewed from the hallway The burnt out kitchen of flat 16 of Grenfell Tower PA The burnt out kitchen of flat 16 of Grenfell Tower PA The burnt out living room of flat 16 of Grenfell Tower PA The door to flat 16 from the lobby on floor 4 of Grenfell Tower PA Police became so concerned about Mr Kebede's safety that "they suggested witness protection", while his parents and children now "feel unsafe" in his home. He has also suffered repercussions to his health - which were not outlined - but was said to be "terrified" at the prospect of giving evidence. "He just wants to be given the opportunity to try and rebuild his life as best he can," his lawyer said. Grenfell Tower: The fire claimed 72 lives / AP Inquiry chairman Sir Martin Moore-Bick was called upon to "explicitly exonerate" the survivor. The inquiry was told that he received a call from the police the day following the fire and immediately assisted their inquiries. Mr Menon said: "He had the most frightening, traumatic and shocking experience of his life. He didn't hesitate." Victims of the Grenfell Tower fire 1 /59 Victims of the Grenfell Tower fire Final death toll: Just some of the victims who were killed in the Grenfell Tower blaze PA Final death toll: Just some of the victims who were killed in the Grenfell Tower blaze Five-year-old Isaac Paulos Family Handout Logan Gomes, who was stillborn after his family escaped from the 21st floor of the Grenfell Tower AP Victoria King, 71, and her 40-year-old daughter Alexandra Atala were among those who died in the blaze PA A photograph of Mohamed Amied Neda as his family were forced to hold a second funeral PA Mary Mendy Maria Del Pilar Burton, who was rescued from the 19th floor of Grenfell Tower, has died seven months on from the blaze Alexandra Atala, 40, the last victim to be named and pictured from the Grenfell fire Metropolitan Police Gloria Trevisan and Marco Gottardi Rania Ibrahim, Fethia Hassan and Hania Hassan PA Raymond Bernard Bassem Choucair and Nadia Choucair PA Sirria Choucair PA Mierna Choucair PA Fatima Choucair died along with five other relatives PA Mariem Elgwahry AP Hashim Kedir, wife Nura and children Yahya, 13, left, Firdaws, 11, and Yaqub, six. Mehdi El-Wahabi, 8, lived on the 21st floor of Grenfell Tower Met Police Ligaya Moore, 79, a Filipino living in the tower Met Police Artist Khadija Saye PA Victim: 12-year-old Jessica Urbano Ramirez was killed in the fire Victim: Farah Hamdan, 31, pictured with her baby daughter Mohamednur Tuccu, 44, and his three-year-old daughter Amaya Tuccu-Ahmedin PA Berkti Haftom, 29 and Biruk Haftom, 12 Metropolitan Police Victim: Sakina Afrasehabi, 65, died in the Grenfell Tower fire PA Fatima Afraseiabi 'Well respected': Grandmother-of-six Sheila Smith was killed in the Grenfell Tower blaze Met Police Hamid Kani was found on the 23rd floor PA Steve Power Mohammed Al-Haj Ali Syrian Solidarity Campaign Denis Murphy PA Young victim: Jeremiah Deen, two, died in the blaze Met Police Zainab Deen Anthony Disson Ali Yawar Jafari PA Nora Huda Kedir Hashim: His wife and their three children died Hesham Rahman PA Gary Maunders PA Ernie Vital and his mother Marjorie PA Amal Ahmedin and Amaya PA Amna Mahmud Idris PA Kamru Miah, 79, who died in the Grenfell Tower fire PA Rabeya Begum PA Mohammed Hamid, 27, died in the fire PA Mohammed Hanif PA Husna Begum PA Fathia Ali Ahmed Elsanosi PA Vincent Chiejina PA Abdulaziz El-Wahabi PA Faouzia El-Wahabi, 41 PA Yasin El-Wahabi, 20 PA Nur Huda El-Wahabi, 16, PA Mehdi El-Wahabi, 8, lived on the 21st floor of Grenfell Tower Met Police Khadija Khaloufi PA Omar Belkadi, 32, and Farah Hamdan, 31 PA Deborah Lamprell Mohammed Al-Haj Ali PA He continued: "Mr Kebede is a significant witness in the police investigation, not a criminal suspect." It was suspected the fire had begun in a Hotpoint fridge-freezer in the flat, but Mr Menon said there had been no prior issues and it had not been tampered with. Appealing directly to Sir Martin, he said: "Mr Kebede hopes that, having heard all the evidence, the inquiry will make a clear and unequivocal statement that Mr Kebede as absolutely blameless for the outbreak of the fire, its spread and its fatal consequences. H ugh Grants gay scenes in A Very English Scandal were a first for his 89-year-old ex-military father. He said, I hear you are in that buggers film, Grant told an audience at a screening last night. If you show me how to work the television set we can watch it together. The verdict? He was very nice, but said he preferred Paddington. --- Small differences: Jackie Walker (via Youtube) All out war on the Trotskyite Labour fringes has come to our attention. Marc Wadsworths Grassroots Black Left (GBL) has quit Jackie Walkers Labour Against the Witch Hunt (LAW) and the two factions are trading furious statements on Facebook. Why? Well, its not clear even to their own members. To recap: Wadsworth and Walker (pictured right) are controversial figures on Labours far-Left. Wadsworth was expelled from Labour in April for bringing the party into disrepute. Many Labour MPs were outraged by his behaviour at the launch of Shami Chakrabartis report into anti-Semitism within Labour, when he reduced Ruth Smeeth to tears by shouting that the Labour MP worked hand in hand with the Telegraph (deemed far-Right). Smeeth is Jewish. Walker was suspended from Labour after saying, I still havent heard a definition of anti-Semitism that I can work with. In February 2016 she said many Jews (my ancestors too) were the chief financiers of the slave trade. These far-Left movements had been united while fighting against Wadsworths expulsion from Labour, but on Saturday tensions boiled over. GBL decided to withdraw its representatives from the LAW Steering Committee (SC). Deborah Hobson of Grassroots Black Left said in a statement: We will vigorously resist any attempts to make GBL subordinate to the will of individuals and groups who choose to misuse their power or positions. She added, While recognising the good work LAW has done, difficulties encountered on the LAW SC have made it impossible for us to stay on that body. In a statement about GBL quitting Walkers group said: This comes after LAW organised a lobby of Marcs disciplinary hearing and a very successful #Justice4Marc speaking tour to protest against his unjust expulsion. One member, whose comment on Facebook went unanswered, asked: It would be nice to know what exactly the differences are that have arisen please? Trotskyists still unite on overthrowing the right wing of Labour - appeasement and capitulation is not the best way to defeat them GBL wrote. Just dont mention the Judean Peoples Front (JPF). Cruel exposure of that follow-up book Paula Hawkins, author of The Girl on a Train, grappled with that perennial issue: how to follow up on an international bestseller. While describing it apologetically as a super-first-world champagne problem, she told an audience at a Womens Prize for Fiction event at Foyles: Its a great thing that readers are waiting but also terrifying. Louis De Bernieres put it another way after his success with 1994s Captain Corellis Mandolin. It is, he declared, like being stood stark naked in Trafalgar Square and being told to get an erection. --- Nancy DellOlio transcends time. I never believe in age, she purred at last nights JD Malat private view in Mayfair. Im much younger than I am. I look 20 years younger and I dont understand the concept of age. Some people are born old, while some people are getting better and better, and Im on that side. Rafferty Law and Professor Green salute JKS' new Indian Brigadiers Brigadiers, a new Indian outpost in the City, is the latest neo-colonial offering from acclaimed JKS Restaurants, which also owns Trishna, Hoppers and Gymkhana. Gymkhana is a hot favourite of Ed Sheeran, David Beckham and James Corden, while Reese Witherspoon and Oprah Winfrey made a beeline when they were in London in the spring. Brigadiers pulled out all the stops last night: Rafferty Law and his girlfriend Clementine Linieres made it down to the Bloomberg Arcade. Also present: Tigerlily Taylor, Eric Underwood the dancer who recently told us he doesnt want to be a dancer anymore, model Jack Guinness and rapper Professor Green, who campaigns for mental health awareness. SW1A Jim Shannon, DUP MP for Strangford, might have got a surprise if hed let Jess Phillips (below) intervene when he was speaking in yesterdays abortion debate: I wanted to ask him after he said women use abortion as contraception, she tweeted, if he thought Id only ever had sex three times." Tory pin-up: Jacob Rees-Mogg (Photo Matthew Horwood/Getty Images) Jacob Rees-Mogg thought it enormous flattery and good fun that he was called a blue passport in human form, the red telephone box-made flesh, the yacht in a pinstripe suit. I like the idea, he told Nick Robinsons podcast, Political Thinking. I dont have a pinstripe suit, but as everyone says I do perhaps I should get one. --- Yet more free tickets to Labour Live, Jeremy Corbyns mini Glastonbury: the Communication Workers Union have bagged 400 freebies. Paying customers, already irate at constituency parties throwing tickets about like confetti wont find this music to their ears. Quote of the day "Does he ever wake up and think, 'Wonder what's going on with Brexit?'" Alastair Campbell says Jeremy Corbyn seems to be avoiding the main issue. Weighty argument favours the Tories Jeremy Corbyn pays tribute to the victims of the London Bridge attack and thanks Southwark Cathedral for hosting Sunday's memorial. He asks if the Government's Brexit strategy will be published ahead of next week's votes on the Lords' EU Withdrawal Bill amendments. Mrs May says the White Paper will enable the Government to negotiate with EU leaders. J eremy Corbyn will push for a new single market deal for Britain as the Government faces crunch votes in the Commons next week. Labours frontbench tabled amendments to the Brexit Bill which would call on Theresa May to make maintaining "full access" to the EU "internal market" an objective of the negotiations with Brussels. The move stops just short of calling for the full single market membership sought by a vocal group of Labour MPs after the Lords backed a Norway-style membership of the European Economic Area. But the measure - which has been tabled as an alternative to the Lords amendment to the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill - is aimed at delivering the same benefits as single market membership. Labour leader Mr Corbyn said: "We are confident we can build a new relationship with the EU. We want the UK to have a better deal than the Norway model." Theresa May faces crunch Brexit votes in the Commons next week / EPA It is understood Labour MPs will abstain on the Lords EEA amendment but will be asked to back the party's call for a "bespoke" deal which would see shared UK-EU institutions and regulations. Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said: "Labour will only accept a Brexit deal that delivers the benefits of the single market and protects jobs and living standards. David Miliband: Committing to hardest Brexit is 'holding negotiators to ransom' "Unlike the Tories, Labour will not sacrifice jobs and the economy in the pursuit of a reckless and extreme interpretation of the referendum result. "Existing single market agreements that the EU has negotiated with third countries, including Norway, are bespoke deals negotiated with the EU to serve the best interests of those countries. "We need to learn from them and negotiate our own more ambitious agreement, which serves our economic interests and which prevents a hard border in Northern Ireland. "Two years on from the referendum it is clear that the Government has no plan for how it will protect jobs and the economy, and guarantee no hard border in Northern Ireland. "Labour's amendment, along with a commitment to negotiate a new comprehensive customs union with the EU, is a strong and balanced package that would retain the benefits of the single market. "Parliament should have the opportunity to debate and vote on it." In a sign that some Labour MPs will still push for full single market membership, Chuka Umunna - a supporter of the pro-EU Open Britain campaign - said: "All the way through the passage of this Bill, the only amendments which have commanded support on both sides of the House and passed are cross-party backbench ones. Michel Barnier: No spirit of revenge in Brexit negotiations "So, if we are serious about 'protecting full access to the internal market of the EU' and ensuring 'no new impediments to trade', logic dictates Labour MPs should be whipped to support the cross-party EEA amendment sent to us by the House of Lords." Mrs May will seek to overturn the changes to her flagship Brexit legislation introduced in the Lords in a showdown in the Commons next week. Without an overall majority, the PM is expected to spend the coming days trying to sweet-talk and strong-arm potential rebels who could inflict defeat on some of the Government's key Brexit positions. Mrs May's decision to squeeze Commons consideration of the 15 Lords amendments to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill into a single 12-hour day on June 12 provoked an angry reaction on the opposition benches. Under pressure over Brexit: Theresa May / PA Labour industry spokeswoman Chi Onwurah branded it "astounding", accusing the Government of "showing its contempt for democracy, our future economy and parliamentary sovereignty", while the Scottish National Party's Drew Hendry said the timetable was driven by "Tory self-interest". Among the changes backed by peers are a requirement to negotiate a future customs union arrangement and a "meaningful role" for Parliament after the exit talks are complete. Meanwhile, disagreement with Britain's decision to quit the European Union has reached its highest point since the 2016 Brexit referendum, according to a new poll. The YouGov survey found 47% of voters thought the decision to leave was wrong, against just 40% who said it was the right thing to do - the widest margin since the weekly survey began two years ago. The 47% who told YouGov the Brexit decision was wrong was up three points on last week and equalled the highest figure since the tracker poll began in August 2016. The 40% saying the decision was right was down three points since last week and the lowest yet recorded. Some 73% of Labour voters and 83% of Lib Dems said the Brexit decision was wrong, while 69% of Conservative voters said it was right. Some 81% of those who backed Leave in 2016 said they still believed it was the right decision, with 9% now saying it was wrong. A majority (62%) said the Government was handling Brexit negotiations badly, against 23% who thought it was doing well. Those backing the Brexit decision have outnumbered those who think it was wrong in the regular survey on only one occasion since July 2017. Brexit minister Suella Braverman said: "Labour have shattered their promise to respect the referendum result - this amendment means accepting free movement and continuing to follow EU rules with absolutely no say in them, which is the worst of all worlds. "Only the Conservatives will get the best deal for the whole country - delivering on the referendum vote to get control of our money, borders and laws, while building a strong new relationship with Europe." L abour's Brexit chief admitted today that the party is split down the middle over its key Europe policy as Jeremy Corbyn came under fire for weak leadership. Sir Keir Starmer said the party was very divided as he defended the shadow cabinets refusal to support backbenchers who have pleaded for a chance to defeat Theresa Mays hard Brexit plans. The extraordinary admission came in the wake of Labour peers joining forces with Tory rebels in the House of Lords to inflict a major defeat on the Government, by voting for Britain to remain in the European Economic Area (EEA) after it leaves the EU. Next week, MPs will get a chance to support the Lords stance and vote to instruct the Government to seek Norway-style membership of the EEA a deal that would solve the Irish border crisis and guarantee full and smooth access to the 500 million consumers of the EU single market. Sir Keir Starmer said the party "was very divided" on the issue / PA But Sir Keir confessed that Labour was simply unable to unite behind the amendment due before MPs. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: The difficulty with that, and I think everybody recognises this, is that there are very strong and very different views across the PLP [Parliamentary Labour Party] on that particular amendment. So whilst theres unity on all the others and we will all be voting together, on that amendment there are very divided views. Labour Ilford North MP Wes Streeting hit back at Sir Keir, accusing the party leadership of overstating the divisions to duck the vote and let the Tories off the hook. He said: If there are Labour MPs who would rebel against a whip in favour of the EEA, they should speak up and explain why. The numbers being floated are completely phoney. He vowed to use his vote to back the Lords amendment. We have a simple choice next week: defeat the Government to put jobs first, or let the Tories off the hook and give the Rees-Moggs off this world an easy ride to make our jobs easier, he added. Labour has tabled its own amendment which has been criticised for being a fudged and vaguely worded document that effectively lets the Government off the hook by merely seeking full access to the EU internal market. Alastair Campbell, the pro-EU campaigner who was Tony Blairs spin chief in No 10, reacted furiously to Mr Corbyns attempt to rally his MPs, tweeting that it was, Clearly tabled in the hope it is defeated. Dishonest politics. Weak leadership. Wrong thing for the country. Chuka Umunna said the Corbyn amendment was doomed to fail and was a missed opportunity to force the Government into a soft Brexit. The Streatham MP said: All the way through the passage of this Bill, the only amendments which have commanded support on both sides of the House and passed are cross-party backbench ones. "So, if we are serious about protecting full access to the internal market of the EU and ensuring no new impediments to trade, logic dictates Labour MPs should be whipped to support the cross-party EEA amendment sent to us by the House of Lords. H ate mail sent to Labours Stella Creasy over her abortion rights campaign have described her as an evil piece of scum intent on murdering babies. The shocking messages were emailed to the Walthamstow MP as she led an emergency debate on Northern Irelands strict termination laws in Parliament. Notorious US-based Christian group Westboro Baptist Church have also joined in the abuse of the MP online by tweeting her with a staged video of children running an abortion clinic with dolls and tomato sauce, and warning her to keep out of Northern Ireland. She said: Theres loads of it on my Twitter timeline and my Facebook profile. But I have also received some thank yous. I do worry that others see this happening and therefore think politics isnt for them. Thats why I call it out because it shouldnt be for us to soak it up in silence but for society to stand together in saying stop you losers. The 41-year-old politician is leading cross-party calls for abortion rules in Northern Ireland to be brought in line with the rest of the UK by repealing sections 58 and 59 of the Offences Against the Person Act (OAPA) 1861 - which criminalises abortion. Stella Creasy on BBC One's Andrew Marr show-The Offences against the Person Act puts abortion in the same category as rape This could then pave the way for Northern Ireland to come up with new termination legislation if it wished in the future. However many MPs think Theresa May should intervene directly, despite abortion law being devolved. The push to give Northern Irish women access to abortions comes after last months landmark referendum in the Republic which scrapped its long-standing ban on the procedure. MPs spoke emotionally about their own experiences in the debate, including Conservative MP Heidi Allen and Labours Jess Phillips who spoke about having terminations. Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley also said she personally backs abortion reform but the Northern Ireland Assembly must be restored to consider the issue. MP reveals 'incredibly hard decision' to have an abortion In an email entitled devils work sent to Ms Creasy yesterday afternoon, she was told she is trying to peddle the murder of the unborn and described as a vile, evil piece of scum. Another message said change to the law in Northern Ireland would be murderous legislation, and said Ms Creasy wants British women to kill their babies. On Twitter, she was told: Childless leftist propaganda merchants shouldnt have a say on anything concerning children. Ms Creasy has urged ministers to commit to allowing the Commons to express its opinion on the issue with a free vote within the next 150 days. Leader of Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party, leader Arlene Foster, has said that abortion is a devolved matter and should only be dealt with by the Northern Ireland Assembly, which is currently suspended. The partys chief whip Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said 100,000 people are alive in Northern Ireland today because the Abortion Act 1967 was not accepted. N ew powers to stop suspected spies from Russia and other hostile states entering Britain were unveiled today in Parliament as the Government stepped up its response to the poisoning of Sergei Skripal. Under the new law, police and immigration officers will for the first time be given the right to stop and question people they suspect of being spies at UK airports and ports. If their suspicions about the persons malign intent are confirmed, they will then be able to pass them to Border Force officials to be deported. Among the potential targets are foreign agents entering Britain to carry out hits such as the Salisbury attack on Mr Skripal and his daughter Yulia or the murder of former Russian dissident Alexander Litvinenko. Those seeking to steal economic or other secrets will also be in the Governments sights. Yulia Skripal, who was poisoned in Salisbury along with her father Russian spy Sergei Skripal / REUTERS The crackdown, which will make suspected spies subject to powers now only available for dealing with terrorists, is part of a new Counter Terrorism and Border Security Bill published today by Home Secretary Sajid Javid. The Bill will also introduce longer sentences of up to 15 years for terrorist propaganda offences in recognition of the increased danger posed by the speed at which some terrorists are becoming radicalised. Further provisions will make it easier to tackle those who stream or repeatedly view extremist material online and extend the ability of police and prosecutors to bring charges for terror offences committed overseas. But the most striking reform is the new power to target spies. It follows the expulsion from Britain of 23 Russian diplomats, identified by the Government as spies, in the wake of the nerve agent attack on the Skripals on March 4. Ministers blame Moscow for the poisoning, with Mr Javid saying today that the new right for police to question suspected spies at the border was a necessary response to the threat posed by hostile state activity. We judge that it was highly likely that the Russian state carried out the appalling attack in Salisbury which demonstrates why the police need robust powers to investigate, identify and challenge those acting against our interests, the Home Secretary said. New strategy: Sajid Javid unveiled new powers to stop spies entering Britain (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) / Getty Images This is a necessary and proportionate response to the threat and will, of course, be subject to strict safeguards and robust oversight to assure its proper use. Among the promised safeguards are provisions to protect legally privileged and journalistic material that might be carried by those suspected of spying. The Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Sir Adrian Fulford, will also monitor use of the new law. The Home Office added that the change was needed because the UK faces a sustained threat from hostile state actors seeking to undermine national security in a variety of ways, including espionage and, as the attack in Salisbury made clear, violence against individuals. More than 100 police officers are continuing to investigate the attack on Mr Skripal, a former Russian spy who worked for MI6, and his daughter. Neither detectives nor ministers have yet said whether they have identified the pairs suspected poisoner, although the Government has concluded that the use of the rare Russian nerve agent Novichok means that the Kremlin is responsible. T heresa May faced a new Brexit row today as right wingers claimed new plans would mean a Hotel California Brexit where Britain would never fully leave the EU. Tensions flared after a note was sent to members of the Brexit war cabinet this morning setting out a temporary Irish backstop that contained no firm end date. Ministers were seeking urgent clarification from No 10, fearing that the temporary measure could end up becoming permanent by default. This paper would mean the EU would be arbiters of when Britain has arrived at new customs arrangements such that the backstop would end, said a source who was aware of the documents contents. That could leave us in servitude until Brussels decides we are ready - in a Hotel California Brexit where you can check out but never leave. Some sources said the episode might even be an attempt by Whitehall officials or No 10 to bounce Cabinet members into signing off a soft Brexit deal that would tie the UK to EU rules for ever. Iain Duncan Smith does not want the Irish 'backstop' to last more than a few months / Getty Images The Irish backstop was agreed in haste at a summit in December as a way of guaranteeing that there will be no return of border control posts along the border with Northern Ireland and the Republic. Britain promised to stay fully aligned with EU trade regulations until a new customs system is ready, some time in the future. The issue has become acute because the EU is insisting on laying down the agreement in binding legal language for a withdrawal deal. Mrs Mays chief negotiator Olly Robbins is due to hold talks there on Friday. Senior Brexiteers led by ex-Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith have made clear they regard the backstop as acceptable only if it lasts no longer than a few months. Downing Street has also said months, but has not so far fixed a maximum limit. A source told the Evening Standard that the paper sent to Cabinet echoed the idea that it would be temporary but failed to contain either a firm end date or a maximum number of months. That implied, said the source, that the backstop would only end when a new customs deal was agreed with the EU - effectively making Brussels the arbiter of the date when Britain finally stops being subject to EU rules. Mrs May came under fire in the Commons from Jeremy Corbyn for delaying a White Paper setting out EU policy. But Mr Corbyn faced a revolt of his own as Labour MPs attacked his latest fudge on the single market. Mr Corbyn said: When it comes to Brexit, this Government has delivered more delays and more cancellations than Northern Rail. The Governments white paper is delayed, its customs proposals have been cancelled and it has ripped up its own timetable, just like our shambolic privatised railways. This Governments incompetence threatens our economy, businesses, jobs and our community. Theresa May hit back that shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer had shown Labours alleged position of unity on the matter to be a pretence. She added: Labour voted for a referendum, they voted to trigger Article 50 and since then they have tried to frustrate the Brexit process at every stage. Twelve Tory MPs today signed a new amendment to the Trade Bill which would keep Britain in the European Free Trade Association and as a signatory to the EEA Agreement - which would allow the country to effectively remain in the single market. They include former Attorney General Dominic Grieve, former Chancellor Ken Clarke, former Environment Secretary Dame Caroline Spelman, former Education Secretary Nicky Morgan, as well as Stephen Hammond, Bob Neill, Anna Soubry, Antoinette Sandbach, Jonathan Djanogly, Heidi Allen, Paul Masterton and Dr Sarah Wollaston. The amendment states: It shall be the objective of an appropriate authority to achieve before exit day the implementation of an international agreement to enable the UK to become a member of the European Free Trade Association and continue as a signatory to the EEA Agreement. Labour MPs claimed that the move by the 12 Conservatives signalled that their party might be able to defeat the Government on the single market issue if the leadership backed the UK remaining in it, even though the party is split on the issue. Labour MP Chris Leslie said: The goal has appeared in front of Jeremy Corbyn not just to defeat the Prime Minister but to save the country from a hard Brexit. Meanwhile, a leading Brexiteer admitted today that Britain should be prepared for delays at Dover as it splinters away from the EU. Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith stressed that the UK should be ready for crashing out of the European Union without a deal on new customs and trade arrangements. Asked about whether the Government should be preparing for delays at Dover, he told BBC radio: Yes, you should. My general view is they should anyway plan for delays. He added: We already get delays at the border at Dover when the French go on strike or something, you have lorries stacked back. Theres been this debate at Dover and various other ports that they ought to anyway have a place for lorries when there is a hiatus moment. However, senior Tory backbench MP Bob Neill warned that focusing on a no deal scenario was the wrong approach. The objective has got to make sure that we absolutely minimise delays - that is where the energy should be going, he said. P ressure on Theresa May to relax the cap on foreign doctors intensified today as it emerged that a third of Londons doctors are from overseas. In some top specialisms, including heart and paediatric surgery, more than half of the doctors Londoners rely on are from other countries. MPs and campaigners said it was more evidence that the capital cannot function without skilled migrant workers. They also called on the Prime Minister to allow more overseas recruits of specialist workers required by businesses. Mrs May is drafting plans to ease the cap on visas for doctors needed to fill vacancies in the NHS following pressure from health trusts. However, the Standard has been told that No 10 is keen to limit the move to the NHS, despite support from Cabinet ministers, including Home Secretary Sajid Javid, Business Secretary Greg Clark and Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, to relax rules to benefit skill-starved firms, too. The NHS in London simply could not function without foreign doctors, said Peter Starking, director of think tank Global Future, which analysed the NHS data. It showed that 150 out of 254 cardiothoracic surgery specialists in London qualified outside the UK, which is nearly six in 10. Some 51 out of 95, or 54 per cent, of paediatric cardiologists who treat children with life-threatening heart problems were also from overseas, as were 52 per cent of paediatric surgeons. Doctors currently have to queue up with business recruits from overseas for so-called Tier 2 visas that are reserved for skilled workers. However, there is a cap of 20,700 such visas per year and demand has exceeded supply since the end of last year. Downing Street is aiming to rush out plans that will allow the NHS to apply for extra visas for specific recruits to meet shortages in hospitals. Former business minister Anna Soubry urged the Cabinet to insist that similar rights be given to businesses unable to find suitable recruits from the UK workforce to fill key vacancies. Immigration is critical to a successful economy and instead of seeing it as something to be frightened of, it should be something we embrace, she said. We all want a better skilled UK workforce but the truth is it will take time to get there. Where there are shortages, we should let them in. A firefighter who rescued nine people from the burning Grenfell Tower has told the story of the blaze in a special documentary marking one year since the tragedy. Survivors also relived the June 14 disaster in ITV's hour-long film, Grenfell: The first 24 hours, recounting emotional memories of extreme acts of bravery by members of the public and firefighters as the horror unfolded. Beginning with the first report of the blaze at 12.54am, the programme details events up until the moment London Fire Brigade firefighters gained control of the flames 24 hours later. Produced by Mentorn Media, the hour-long film focuses on the survivors stories and those involved in the fire and rescue operation. Firefighters spray water onto the Grenfell Tower block / REUTERS A timeline of the horrific events is pieced together using first-hand eye-witness accounts of those living in and around the tower, as well as their personal footage captured on the night. Firefighter Aldo Diana was among the crew battling to put out the blaze and rescue the residents. In the film, he describes in detail his experience of entering the inferno. Talking about the scene on the emergency staircase, he says: The staircase itself was only, you know, three foot wide... Youve got heat, thick smoke, people in shock, people suffering smoke inhalation, some people suffering burns, some people in a state of panic. Grenfell Tower firefighter Aldo Diana describes the scene As the fire raged, the rescue teams searched the building floor by floor. Mr Diana described the scene inside the tower, looking out. He said: All the windows had melted, and we went quite close to the edge and it just didnt seem real, because inside was devastation, when you looked out it was just normal life, a normal view. "Buildings, trees, the sky. You could see planes going across. There was traffic on the motorway, on the A40 - so all seemed to be normal. Sammy Wordy: the local resident heard screams from inside the tower / Mentorn Media Local resident Sammy Wordy also appeared on the programme, recalling how he felt powerless as he heard a woman screaming from the tower. He said: I could hear other voices but her specific voice was ringing out at the time more than anyone elses for me. I could see her through the window, but we were powerless to do anything. Those screams will haunt me forever. Meanwhile, residents described the scenes from inside the tower in the film. Clarita Ghavami told of the moment she realised she could be trapped in the building. Victims of the Grenfell Tower fire 1 /59 Victims of the Grenfell Tower fire Final death toll: Just some of the victims who were killed in the Grenfell Tower blaze PA Final death toll: Just some of the victims who were killed in the Grenfell Tower blaze Five-year-old Isaac Paulos Family Handout Logan Gomes, who was stillborn after his family escaped from the 21st floor of the Grenfell Tower AP Victoria King, 71, and her 40-year-old daughter Alexandra Atala were among those who died in the blaze PA A photograph of Mohamed Amied Neda as his family were forced to hold a second funeral PA Mary Mendy Maria Del Pilar Burton, who was rescued from the 19th floor of Grenfell Tower, has died seven months on from the blaze Alexandra Atala, 40, the last victim to be named and pictured from the Grenfell fire Metropolitan Police Gloria Trevisan and Marco Gottardi Rania Ibrahim, Fethia Hassan and Hania Hassan PA Raymond Bernard Bassem Choucair and Nadia Choucair PA Sirria Choucair PA Mierna Choucair PA Fatima Choucair died along with five other relatives PA Mariem Elgwahry AP Hashim Kedir, wife Nura and children Yahya, 13, left, Firdaws, 11, and Yaqub, six. Mehdi El-Wahabi, 8, lived on the 21st floor of Grenfell Tower Met Police Ligaya Moore, 79, a Filipino living in the tower Met Police Artist Khadija Saye PA Victim: 12-year-old Jessica Urbano Ramirez was killed in the fire Victim: Farah Hamdan, 31, pictured with her baby daughter Mohamednur Tuccu, 44, and his three-year-old daughter Amaya Tuccu-Ahmedin PA Berkti Haftom, 29 and Biruk Haftom, 12 Metropolitan Police Victim: Sakina Afrasehabi, 65, died in the Grenfell Tower fire PA Fatima Afraseiabi 'Well respected': Grandmother-of-six Sheila Smith was killed in the Grenfell Tower blaze Met Police Hamid Kani was found on the 23rd floor PA Steve Power Mohammed Al-Haj Ali Syrian Solidarity Campaign Denis Murphy PA Young victim: Jeremiah Deen, two, died in the blaze Met Police Zainab Deen Anthony Disson Ali Yawar Jafari PA Nora Huda Kedir Hashim: His wife and their three children died Hesham Rahman PA Gary Maunders PA Ernie Vital and his mother Marjorie PA Amal Ahmedin and Amaya PA Amna Mahmud Idris PA Kamru Miah, 79, who died in the Grenfell Tower fire PA Rabeya Begum PA Mohammed Hamid, 27, died in the fire PA Mohammed Hanif PA Husna Begum PA Fathia Ali Ahmed Elsanosi PA Vincent Chiejina PA Abdulaziz El-Wahabi PA Faouzia El-Wahabi, 41 PA Yasin El-Wahabi, 20 PA Nur Huda El-Wahabi, 16, PA Mehdi El-Wahabi, 8, lived on the 21st floor of Grenfell Tower Met Police Khadija Khaloufi PA Omar Belkadi, 32, and Farah Hamdan, 31 PA Deborah Lamprell Mohammed Al-Haj Ali PA First I went to the front door and I opened it," she said. "And its just black, pitch black, too much smoke pushing me in. So I shut the door straight away very quickly. When she finally decided to get out, she was found by fellow resident Branislav Lukic, known as Luca, who decided to help. Speaking of how he picked her up to carry her out, he says in the film: At some point on the way down we heard some noise I opened the door and a small Filipino lady was on the other side. She was frightened, she was frozen, she was crying, choking. "I managed to carry her over [my] shoulder and down the stairs. Its probably only a couple of minutes but each minute is like an hour. But as the programme nears the end of the first 24 hours, the scale of the human tragedy that had unfolded becomes clear. Nabil Choucair raced to the tower from his home in East London after his sister Nadia, who lived on a high floor with their mother, her husband Bassem and their three children, alerted him to the fire. He told the programme: Around 3.41am, she sent a message saying, Hi Nabil, theres a fire in my building and I just wanted to tell you, okay. Goodbye. But Nabil was stopped from entering the building. A judge who faced a backlash for giving a former Stanford University swimmer a lenient sentence for sexual assault has been ousted in a highly unusual move. Voters in Northern California recalled Santa Clara County Judge Aaron Persky after an outcry over the case of Brock Turner, who sexually assaulted an unconscious woman. The judge was targeted for recall in June 2016, shortly after sentencing Turner to six months in jail for the assault outside a fraternity house on Stanfords campus. Despite a statutory minimum sentence of two years in prison, Turner was released for good behaviour after serving just three months behind bars. Sex offender: Brock Turner / AP The case sparked outcry over the treatment of sexual assault victims and perpetrators, with a campaign to recall Persky, who holds a degree from Stanford himself, launched shortly after the sentencing. The result of the vote means Persky is thought to be the first judge to be recalled by US voters since 1977, and the first in California since 1932. The victim's statement read in court before Turner's sentence was published online and circulated widely on social media. Known as Emily Doe in court, the statement focused a national spotlight on the local recall effort. "You took away my worth, my privacy, my energy, my time, my intimacy, my confidence, my own voice, until today," she read. She also recounted the ordeal of the investigation and Turner's trial, where she was cross-examined about her drinking habits and sexual experience. "Instead of taking time to heal, I was taking time to recall the night in excruciating detail, in order to prepare for the attorney's questions that would be invasive, aggressive, and designed to steer me off course, to contradict myself, my sister, phrased in ways to manipulate my answers," she read. E mmanuel Macron has likened his phone conversations with Donald Trump to sausages explaining that it is best to not know what is inside. The French president used the bizarre comparison to explain that he would not make off-the-record comments about his private phone calls with other world leaders. During a news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr Macron was asked about a CNN report on Monday saying that a phone call between the French leader and Trump last week had been terrible. Borrowing a famous quote from 19th century Prussian statesman Otto von Bismarck, he summed up his policy of refraining from making comments about his conversations with other world leaders. As Bismarck used to say, if we explained to people how sausages were made, its unlikely theyd keep eating them, Mr Macron told reporters at the conference on Tuesday. So I like it when people see the finished meal, but Im not convinced the kitchen commentary helps with delivering the meal or eating it. A readout from the French presidency of Macrons call with Trump last week said the 40-year old president had told Mr Trump that his decision to slap tariffs on the exports of US allies were both illegal and a mistake. The shorter White House readout of the same call said the conversation had focused on trade and immigration, without elaborating. Macron thought he would be able to speak his mind, based on the relationship. But Trump cant handle being criticised like that, CNN quoted an unidentified source as saying. Just bad. It was terrible. Macron, appalled by his predecessor Francois Hollandes frequent off-the-record comments to journalists, has kept the press at a distance since his election last year and banned his aides from giving behind-the-scenes accounts of his presidency. You can go and ask the people who make comments, but here in Paris we dont make comments on how it went, or how hot, cold, warm or terrible things are. We just go ahead and do things, Mr Macron said. A British backpacker who is part of the "harrowing" relief effort in Guatemala has described panic as a fresh eruption sparked an evacuation of areas surrounding the Volcan de Fuego. On Tuesday night the UK Foreign Office updated its advice to Brits travelling or living in the area as the volcano continued through a period of increased activity. A number of backpackers from the UK and Ireland are said to have volunteered to help with the relief effort in the wake of Sunday's eruption which left at least 75 people dead and 200 missing. Matt Goldsmith, 22, was arriving in Alotenango, just over five miles from the volcano, when the thunderous activity began again on Tuesday. Harrowing: The rescue effort is ongoing / AP "There was a lot of panic... we had just arrived in Alotenango and had to turn around. A policeman told us the area was being evacuated," he told the Press Association. "There was a traffic jam because the roads are not built for all the aid vehicles that have come to help." Tragic: The death toll is still rising / AP Authorities raised the death toll from the weekend's eruption on Tuesday, as rescue teams continued the grim search for the missing. Rescue efforts continue in Guatemala amid fears of further volcanic activity Meanwhile, strong explosions blew ash more than 16,000 feet (5,000 metres) above sea level, with volcanic material blown over settlements to the east and north-east. Mr Goldsmith said: "We heard the eruption, it sounds a lot like thunder - every time I hear thunder I think 'not again'. Funeral: Mourners have already begun to bury the dead / AFP/Getty Images "The weather has also been a problem, the heavy rain is a concern as mudslides are a risk. We are very much in the wet season now." The freelance journalist from Wilmslow, Cheshire, joined volunteers transporting supplies to towns and villages near the volcano. He said there were a number of people from the UK and Ireland volunteering with the relief effort, along with backpackers from the US, Canada and Europe. Fuego: The volcano spewed ash and molten rock onto nearby villages / Reuters "There have been a lot of ups and downs, some harrowing stuff and heart-warming stuff," he said. "We've been driving to the more isolated parts. We went to a village today where they did not have any running water and relied on rain water. "Now they are completely without water because of the ash, they don't have food because all the crops are destroyed. The sulphur in the volcanic ash means they won't be able to grow anything. Effort: Rescue workers take a break / REUTERS "I saw a woman who had miscarried as she got out of one of the towns and in Alotenango they had coffins lined up in the centre outside." According to relief workers, Sunday's eruption blew a new hole in the side of the volcano, altering how it erupts significantly and raising the risk of deadly pyroclastic flows in previously unaffected areas. Meanwhile, volcanic ash falling on nearby villages and towns has seen people told to stay out of the rain due to high levels of sulphur in the air. This has hit the town of Antigua, where many of the volunteer relief workers are based. S tar Wars actress Kelly Marie Tran has deleted all her Instagram posts after suffering months of racist and sexist abuse on social media. Tran started as Rose Tico in Star Wars: The Last Jedi last year but cruel trolls targeted her online taking aim at her ethnicity and appearance. The Vietnamese-American actress was the first woman of colour to take a lead role in the iconic film franchise but a minority of fans did not like the character and chose to send hate online to the actress. Tran, who has 207k followers on her page, has deleted all of her Instagram posts as a result of the abuse. Actress: Kelly Marie Tran is the first woman of colour to have played lead in the film franchise / Getty Images Her profile picture remains in place, with the bio line: Afraid, but doing it anyway. Director Rian Johnson has spoken out about what has happened and defended the star, denouncing those who choose to troll as manbabies. He wrote: On social media a few unhealthy people can cast a big shadow on the wall, but over the past 4 years Ive met lots of real fellow SW fans. We like & dislike stuff but we do it with humor, love & respect. Were the VAST majority, were having fun & doing just fine. Tran is yet to confirm whether the deleted posts are a result of the online abuse she has suffered but fans have linked the two and defended the actress from the cruel trolls. Standard Online have contacted representatives for Tran for comment. T he drama continues tonight on Love Island as Niall Aslam and Dr Alex George head out on their first dates with Georgia Steel and Rosie Williams. Alex and Rosie bond over their high profile jobs, Rosie being a lawyer, but Alex remains reserved and tries to take things slowly especially as Adam Collard appears to have his eye on the Welsh newcomer, too. But Niall and Georgia immediately hit it off and even share a cheeky kiss, leading to drama in the villa after Wes Nelson lets slip just how well the first date went. Hayley Hughes hits the roof at the romance, fuming that you cant trust anyone in the villa and the arrivals prompt her to have a chat with Eyal Booker about their coupling. Elsewhere, the contestants head into the second challenge and, this time, its all about the girls as they dress as superheroes in the ultimate test of girl power. The games continue as, back at the villa, an intense game of truth or dare takes hold but what secrets will be uncovered? And one confession from pen salesman Jack leaves Dani feeling more upset than before over their relationship, I 'm sorry if youve just eaten but I have a slightly disgusting question for you. What happens when you put a human brain in a blender? The answer, as the neuroscientist Suzana Herculano-Houzel has discovered, is you end up with what she calls brain soup. As Herculano-Houzel explains in her excellent book The Human Advantage, she needed to dissolve brains (as horrible and grisly as that must be) to accurately count how many cells they contain. Until she started doing this and published a research paper on it in 2009 scientists didnt know exactly how many cells were in the human brain, or how this number compares with other animals. Thanks to Herculano-Houzels groundbreaking work, we now have the answer: 86 billion cells (known as neurons), which is roughly as many stars as there are in our galaxy. And perhaps more incredibly, even though the human brain has more processing power than even the fastest supercomputers, it uses less energy than a 30w lightbulb. Its worth being reminded just how amazing and complex the human brain is, especially when computers are getting ever more advanced, and breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) are happening. As weve seen in this Intelligent London series, we are living in an age of rapid technological change. AI the science of making intelligent machines and computer programs is moving forward speedily, with wide-ranging implications for both our economy and society. This is because AI could increasingly lead to machines that can do more and more tasks that previously only humans could do, and perhaps do them better. Wherever you look, the implications could be huge. Whether it is self-driving cars and trucks, powerful computers carrying out stock market trading or software starting to diagnose medical conditions, it is clear that AI has the potential to change the work we do in all kinds of ways. Its easy and understandable to feel worried about the pace of change. The Bank of England recently published a research paper that suggested that as many as 15 million British jobs could end up being replaced by AI and new technologies. Meanwhile, the Oxford Univeristy academics Carl Frey and Martin Osborne have flagged up industries such as accounting, finance and retail as being particularly at risk to job losses. But as Ive written about in this series, arguably the biggest impact of AI wont be to destroy jobs; itll be about changing what we do in our existing occupations, much like how other technologies, such as email and mobile phones, have become part of peoples working lives. However much AI ends up affecting the work we do, I am convinced that humanity has a bright future thanks to that miraculous lump of grey matter inside our heads. Take creativity, for example. Even a toddler is capable of great feats of imagination, coming up with new games, and making unexpected connections between things. However, this innate ability is something that is fiendishly difficult to train software and computers to do. Boston Dynamics' robots jumping and navigating autonomously This means if youre doing a job that involves creativity, no matter what industry youre in, its less likely to be replaced by software because, luckily for us, the robots are hopeless on that front. That is good news because it shows how we can ensure we dont lose out to technology by doing more of what humans are good at, and ensure that our education system supports creativity, rather than stamping it out. (Which is why its so important that arts subjects are taught properly in schools.) I used to work in the Treasury and I know that creativity isnt considered a serious topic for government policy. Thats understandable its one of those things that can be difficult to define, and isnt seen as important. However, in the AI age, that old-fashioned mindset needs to change. If were going to win the race against the machine, we need to start taking creativity seriously, and to think about how we can better design our environments and build diverse communities and cultural programmes that make a creative spark or encounter more likely. After all, creativity doesnt just fall from the sky; it has to be nurtured and supported. Once politicians start to recognise the economic importance of fostering creativity, we will start to see real benefits thanks to those 86 billion neurons. Because whats particularly phenomenal about the human brain isnt just that its so powerful; its the fact its malleable too. Unlike a machine, human brains can rewire themselves in response to the world around us, enabling us to learn and develop valuable new skills. Whenever we get into a London black cab, we see this plasticity in action. Cabbies spend years memorising routes around the 25,000 streets that make up our city and this feat leads to physical changes in a part of the brain called the posterior hippocampus, associated with spatial awareness and navigation. This is a demonstration of our brains extraordinary adaptability and shows why cabbies are so good at getting us to destinations without fuss. In my experience, theyre still better than sat-nav systems when it comes to figuring out a fast route across London. Professor Eleanor Maguire has studied the brains of black cab drivers, and concludes: The human brain remains plastic even in adult life, allowing it to adapt when we learn new tasks. This wonderful capacity to learn is in all of us. So even as AI may change the work we do in the years ahead, we have the chance to re-skill for the jobs of the future as long as the Government invests in training and education. Unfortunately this isnt yet happening. If youre a 50-year-old bank clerk who has lost their job because the role is now handled by AI software, and you want to retrain for a different field entirely, youll probably have to pay for that training yourself, even if that means having to borrow money and go into debt. I think thats unfair. Why should people have to choose between worklessness, versus lots of debts if they decide to learn a new skill? In the AI era, this needs to change so that no one is left behind. Thats going to require investment from government to build a modern education system that helps people to adapt to an unpredictable future. It wont come cheap but the benefits will far outweigh the costs. Over the next few years, we are going to be reading a lot more about AI and how super-intelligent machines are capable of doing more and more things that previously only humans could do. We could be on the verge of a new technological era, with AI transforming industries in much the same way as the internet has done over the past few decades. But for all the turbulence, change and unpredictability ahead, one thing will remain the same: the remarkable ability of the human brain to adapt to whatever is thrown at us. AI is certainly an exciting new frontier. But the 86 billion neurons inside our skulls? Thats even more astonishing. 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 Many Italian businesses operating in Romania would be willing to invest more, but they are hampered by workforce shortage and returning home the Romanians from abroad is not easy at all, Italian Ambassador in Bucharest Marco Giungi told a specialist forum on Wednesday. Many of our companies would be willing to invest more, but they are hampered by the lack of workforce. Our companies are capable to manage change. Whenever I have the opportunity I say that there are over 20,000 Italian companies operating in Romania, offer jobs to over 400,000 people. These companies want to stay here, we have investment strategies, but there is no magic wand. We don't have something to teach others, but we need to discuss. If workforce is an issue, we either bring labor from outside, or change the production pattern. A great part of the Romanians abroad are in Italy. They can be a workforce resource for home. Human resource may come from abroad, but returning the Romanians from the diaspora is not easy, there are Romanians who have been living in Italy for 20 years now and who have built families there. One has to offer them conditions to persuade them to come to Romania. Practically, we cannot talk about moving the population, no government can impose this, but just facilitate a move. Bringing home the Romanians from abroad is possible, and some businesses here are doing it, with all the inherent difficulties. Nothing is easy, and managing change isn't either, said the diplomat. In his turn, Giovanni Villabruna, president of the Confindustria Romania employers confederation, argued that Romania seems to lack the necessary capacity to bring back Romanian workers from abroad.There's a lack of workforce in Romania and the existing resources are leaving for abroad, it seems that the country does not have the capacity to bring back Romanian workers from abroad. We want to find solutions to stop this hemorrhage of people who are headed abroad, a phenomenon that will only ruin Romania economically. As their children are born in other nations, they are bound to not contribute to the development of their own country, I am talking here about young people aged over 25, Villabruna said.Confindustria Romania organized on Wednesday the "Both Worlds 2018" economic forum under the motto "People & Work". An assumptive change of the status of the constitutional justice Petre Lazaroiu, which seems improbable, could have no consequences but for the future and would not affect the already made decisions, the President of the Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) Valer Dorneanu said on Tuesday night. "He was appointed for a 9-year period, which ends in 2019. Previously, Mr. Petre Lazaroiu had been a constitutional justice from 16.09.2008 to 8.06.2010, a piece of mandate of late former justice Petre Ninosu. The provisions of Art. 68 par. (3) say that in case the period for which a judge was appointed is smaller than 3 years (as it is this case), the said justice can be appointed at the renewal of the CCR, for a complete 9-year mandate. This text is in force and is enjoying the presumption of constitutionality. An assumptive, yet not realistic change in his status could have no consequences but for the future and would not affect the already made decisions," Valer Dorneanu said, according to a CCR release sent to AGERPRES. CCR's Dorneanu deems inappropriate to call upon the CCR ruling No. 136 of 20 March 2018 with the aim of invalidating the mandate of Petre Lazaroiu, since it is about a non-promulgated law, declared unconstitutional and under re-examination procedure, that is referring to other circumstances.Valer Dorneanu added that according to the Constitution, the CCR rulings are generally mandatory from their being published in the Official Journal of Romania and are in force for the future only.He also rejected certain statements regarding his incompatibility as CCR head, given that his son-in-law is labelled as < > with the Internal Affairs Ministry (MAI). "My daughter has been married for 25 years, and neither I, nor her had previous knowledge that her husband is a MAI general, we were sure he was a printing engineer. Esteemed <>, neither I, nor my daughter know Mr. General. Moreover, the neither the high public servant with the Chamber of Deputies (also declared as a son-in-law of mine) holds this quality, being, in his turn, married for many years," Valer Dorneanu concluded. The Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) announced on Tuesday that it had notified the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, the Venice Commission and the President of the Conference of European Constitutional Courts in connection with the virulent attacks against the CCR, through which certain representatives of some public authorities and parliamentary parties have discredited and delegitimized the authority of the institution. "The plenum of the Constitutional Court of Romania on Tuesday voted unanimously, in the presence of all its members, notifying the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) and the President of the Conference of European Constitutional Courts in connection with the virulent attacks launched against the Constitutional Court, through which certain representatives of some public authorities and parliamentary parties have discredited and delegitimized the authority of this fundamental institution of the state - the guarantor of the supremacy of the Constitution - questioning the binding nature of its decisions, with urges addressed to the population and the president of the state not to observe and not to implement the Constitutional Court's Decision No. 538 of May 30, regarding the request for the settlement of the legal conflict of a constitutional nature between the Minister of Justice on the one hand and the President of Romania on the other hand, and between the Romanian Government and the President of Romania in subsidiary, request formulated by the Government's prime minister,'' reads a CCR release issued on Tuesday for AGERPRES. The quoted source states that the Constitutional Court's plenum considered that "these actions are likely to endanger democracy, the rule of law and the functioning of constitutional justice." Former Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos said on Tuesday evening in Alba Iulia that Romania's current stage requires regions to act as development drivers and ensure a better use of resources in the territory. "After all, regionalization is done based on a political decision. (...) Experts' analyses already exist and in 2014 we were almost at the point of making a decision, there was a decision in the making as early as in 2013, but we ended up aborting the process again for political reasons. I believe that at the current stage Romania needs regions to act as development factors that ensure a better use of resources in the territory, with a view to generating development. I think that this should be the purpose of the regions, because you also define a region according to your goals, to what you want to do with the respective region, and I believe that in Romania, at this moment, we need regions to boost development and enable the central state ensure a balanced development of the territory under its authority. I think this should be the main element," Ciolos told a debate organized by the Romania 100 Platform. The former PM added that, on the other hand, if the region is introduced as a new administrative tier without simplifying other administrative levels, things will only get more complicated."From my point of view, regionalization should be part of an administrative reform process, at local level included. We made an attempt in 2016, knowing that a local territorial-administrative reform is complicated to do (...), we wanted to advance with this, and maybe a transitory solution in enforcing such a reform before making a binding decision should be to come up with an incentive decision to this end, that is offer extra money and development possibilities for a group of communities that decide to work together. That would be giving extra money for development to group of communities, or a group of cities, that is a certain territorial area, that decide to pool certain things, certain services, to get involved, to increase efficiency," Ciolos explained.The former PM participated on Tuesday at the Principia Museum in Alba Iulia in a debate on "Good Governance - From Theory to Action". Prime Minister Viorica Dancila will meet on Wednesday, with Portuguese counterpart Antonio Costa, during her official visit to Portugal, and will sign some memoranda on health and scientific collaboration. According to the agenda of the Government's head, the meeting between Viorica Dancila and Antonio Costa, in the plenum of the two delegations, will be held at the Foz Palace in Lisbon. Subsequently, Prime Minister Danica will attend the signing ceremony of some bilateral documents. A Memorandum of scientific collaboration on the implementation of the Extreme Light Infrastructure - Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) project will be signed between Romania's Horia Hulubei National Institute of Research and Development for Physics and Nuclear Engineering and Portugal's Higher Technical Institute.A cooperation agreement will also be signed between the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Targu-Mures and the University of Lisbon and a Memorandum of Understanding on health policies between the Health Ministries of Romania and Portugal.On Wednesday, the two prime ministers will hold a joint press statement at the Foz Palace in Lisbon.The visit will continue with a working luncheon hosted by the Portuguese Prime Minister in honor of the Romanian Prime Minister.Premier Dancila will also visit the headquarters of the Champalimaud Foundation. In this context, the head of the Executive will participate in the signing ceremony of the scientific collaboration memorandum between Romania's Horia Hulubei Institute for Research and Development for Physics and Nuclear Engineering and the Champalimaud Foundation of Portugal.Viorica Dancila will further on participate in the inauguration of the Romanian square Rotunda da Romenia in Estoril. The Romanian Police have issued an international alert on former Tourism Minister Elena Udrea, recently convicted of bribe taking and abuse of office. They posted a picture of her on their website after on Tuesday evening requesting the court to issue a European arrest warrant on her name and an application for international alert. Udrea is reportedly in Costa Rica , where she claims to have been granted the refugee status. On Wednesday, Justice Minister Tudorel Toader announced that Udrea's extradition can be done even if Romania does not have a bilateral treaty with Costa Rica, stating that the duration of the extradition is in line with Costa Rica's legislation.The Supreme Court of Justice on Tuesday sentenced Udrea to six years in prison for bribe taking and abuse of office related to the organisation of a box bout called Bute Bout. Secretary of State Dan Neculaescu had a meeting on Tuesday with James Appathurai, Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy and NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, a press release of the Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE) sent to AGERPRES informs. During the meeting, reads the release, the two officials had an exchange of opinions regarding the development in the eastern vicinity and the way it reflects on the NATO agenda. The Secretary of State presented Romania's assessment concerning the political and security situation in the region in the context of its implications on the European and Euro-Atlantic security, as a whole. Neculaescu underscored the need for NATO to maintain an active support for partners in the eastern vicinity as well as in the Western Balkans. Moreover, she mentioned Romania's contributions both to consolidating of NATO's deterrence and defence posture and to enhancing the Alliance's role in projecting stability in its vicinity, MAE further specifies. The biggest issue Romania is facing at this moment is the work force, along with the lack of predictability and bureaucracy, Dragos Anastasiu, Chair of the Romanian-German Chamber of Commerce (AHK Romania) declared on Wednesday. "The Romanian-German Chamber of Commerce is coordinating the Coalition for Romania's Development and in this position we periodically meet with authorities, the government factor, and we tell them the following: the biggest issue Romania is facing at this moment is the work force. We aren't just talking about figures. There simply aren't enough people to be hired, their quality is questionable and they lack the right mentality in Romania. So the work force is the biggest issue in this country. Secondly, we cannot live without predictability, but this is somewhat chronic... The third problem is bureaucracy, because every day we do things that are pointless. We lose energy, we lose money, we pay people to do meaningless things. It is a frustrating situation that costs us time and money," Dragos Anastasiu told at a conference organised by Business Review. "Let's talk about tourism and not only, about exports, investments and so on. Our reality is not as negative as the image we are "enjoying". Tourism's budget, the budget for the country's brand promotion was lower last year than the budget we had in our company, and the budget we had was not a large one," Dragos Anastasiu said, who is also the founder of Eurolines.Another issue mentioned by him was the wage rise in the public sector, a rise that could lead to problems in the private sector."I lose a lot of drivers that go to work for RATB [the Autonomous Transportation Enterprise of Bucharest, ed.n.] For 23 years Eurolines has never had any sort of problems with the drivers because they all left RATB to work for Eurolines. Now drivers are leaving Eurolines to go to RATB because they get paid better, even though RATB is failing and losing money. It's a public company and their salaries are higher," Dragos Anastasiu said. US Defense Secretary James Mattis, who earned the nickname Mad Dog while serving in the Marine Corps, jetted off to the 2018 International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) annual Shangri-La Dialogue conference in Singapore armed with threats against China and North Korea. Ironically, Mattiss military machismo occurred prior to the June 12 summit in Singapore between Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The IISS is a NATO-aligned military think tank established in London in 1958 to push Western propaganda during the height of the Cold War. Since that time, the IISS, which has expanded to branch offices in Washington, Singapore, and Manama the latter the headquarters of the US Navys Fifth Fleet attracts top-level Asian political and military leaders to its Shangri-La Dialogue. This years keynote speaker was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has embarked on a strategic alliance with the United States to challenge China in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. Besides using its Singapore conference to sell its pricey studies, the IISS uses its Singapore venue to serve as an opportunity for major military contractors, including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, BAE Systems, Airbus, to market Asian governments for military sales. Mattis, who is a former commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), helped roll out the revised Hawaii-based US Pacific Command, which was recently renamed, in the zeal that the Pentagon normally reserves for new acronyms, the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM). As part of Mattiss military line, he acted as Trumps regional bully, stating in Singapore that US maximum pressure would on North Korea would continue until it completely de-nuclearizes. Mattis declared that in order for North Korea to experience a relaxation of punishing economic sanctions, it would have to subject itself to verifiable and irreversible de-nuclearization. This contradicted Trumps previous statements that such a de-nuclearization requirement was not a prerequisite to establishing closer US ties to North Korea. Mattis also laid down a gauntlet to China on its control of several disputed islands and reefs in the South China Sea. These include some reefs that have been transformed into artificial islands by China. Mattiss island fever over the South China Sea has resulted in regional stakeholders in the disputed maritime region to beef up their air and naval resources. These include China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Taiwan, all claimants to islands in the South China Sea. However, Mattiss island fever has also brought Singapore into the mix over some nearby islands disputed between it and Malaysia. Malaysia recently and reluctantly agreed to abide by an International Court of Justice ruling that gave Singapore sovereignty over Pedra Branca, a 137-meter long rocky outcropping with a lighthouse. Malaysia has announced that it will build an artificial island on an uninhabited rocky shoal called Middle Rocks. Similar island disputes have broken out in the Indo-Pacific region between Thailand and Cambodia over islands in the Gulf of Thailand, Japan and China over the Senkaku islands, Japan and South Korea over the Liancourt Rocks, and a reported lease by Burma of the Coco Islands in the Andaman Sea to China. India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia have reserved their rights to transit through South China Sea waters without recognizing any Chinese maritime boundary zones declared by Beijing around islands like the appropriately named Mischief Reef, as well as Woody Island, Fiery Cross Reef, Cuarteron Reef, and Subi Reef, all locations of Chinese military installations. US policy doctrine stresses unhindered FONOPs, or freedom of navigation access in the South China Sea, regardless of Chinese military prohibitions. Mattiss friend, Marine Corps Lieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie, the director of the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, warned China of Americas ability to take down small islands like those the Chinese have built in the contested Paracel and Spratly island chains. McKenzie, answering a reporters question, stated that, We have a lot of experience, in the Second World War, taking down small islands that are isolated. At a change of command ceremony at the new USINDOPACOM in Hawaii, outgoing commander, Admiral Harry Harris, a known anti-China hawk, called China the biggest long-term challenge to the United States. Trump has nominated Harris as the next US ambassador to South Korea, a move that has not sat well with Seoul, considering Harriss ethnic Japanese heritage. One thing that unites South and North Korea is an age-old Korean animosity toward Japan, which historically controlled the Korean peninsula as a subjugated vassal colony. Mattis, who has been considered one of the few adults in the Trump administration because of his support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Irans nuclear program, is certainly no peacenik. The US Senate issued Trump a waiver in confirming Mattis as Defense Secretary. The US National Security Act of 1947 requires a seven-year waiting period before a retired member of the military can serve in the Defense Secretary position, unless the Senate grants a waiver. The Senate action, which was unanimous, except for a single no vote, gave a green light for Mattis to staff the Pentagon with military cronies, many of whom are looking out for the best interests of their former military contractor employers. Mattis favors a continued US military presence in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. In Singapore, Mattis claimed that China was waging a strategy of intimidation and coercion in the Indo-Pacific region, which the Pentagon chief claimed was Americas theater. Mattiss hard line on North Korea and China indicates that he has arrived at a modus vivendi with neo-conservative war monger John Bolton, Trumps national security adviser and someone who was not invited to Trumps Oval Office meeting with Kim Yong-chol, the former chief of North Korean intelligence and the nations chief nuclear negotiator. Mattis, who does not agree with Boltons past and present advocacy for neo-con wars of opportunity, had never met the national security adviser before a March 2018 meeting at the Pentagon. Mattis greeted Bolton by saying, I heard you're actually the devil incarnate and I wanted to meet you. Bolton almost irreversibly torpedoed the Trump-Kim summit in Singapore by calling for a Libyan model for North Korean de-nuclearization. Considering that the Libyan model eventually resulted in Muammar Qaddafis violent overthrow and execution at the hands of US-, NATO-, Saudi-, and Israeli-supported rebels, Kim Jong-uns government did not take kindly to Boltons model for North Korea. Mattiss and Boltons mutual accommodation on issues like North Korea and China represent a further move by the Trump administration toward a neo-con policy to the right of that of George W. Bush. This has manifested itself in the State Department, where Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is on the same political page as Bolton, has called out of retirement David Satterfield to serve as the acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. Satterfield was instrumental in helping to oversee the State Departments destruction of the nation-states of Iraq, Libya, and Syria. Satterfield was also named as "USGO-2" a US government co-conspirator in a 2005 US Justice Department investigation of three intelligence agents-of-influence working for Israels Mossad. Satterfields reactivation within the State Department coincides with Trumps decision to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital, and willingness to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and the West Bank. These Zionist policies also overlap with anti-Muslim retired Central Intelligence Agency officer and outspoken neo-con propagandist Fred Fleitz being named as chief of staff for the National Security Council under Bolton. It is clearly back to the future for the Trump administration in conducting a hiring boom for neocons responsible for Americas disastrous and costly wars waged against Muslims in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya, and the global war on terrorism. Not satisfied with upending the Middle East, these neo-cons have now trained their talons and fangs on China, North Korea, and any other country unwilling to succumb to the jackboot of neo-fascism now pervading Washingtons corridors of power. This year, NATO has already organized about 100 exercises, 20 percent more compared to the same period in 2017. Saber Strike-2018, a large-scale US-led exercise involving 18,000 soldiers from 19 NATO members and partner nations, kicked off on June 3 to last till June 15. The scope of the exercise has been steadily expanding with every year. It was 11,000 troops in 2017, 9,000 in 2016, 6,000 in 2015, 4,700 in 2014 and 2,000 in 2013 thats how a relatively small drill turned into the regular deployment of substantial force in the proximity of Russias borders. Moscow expressed its concern about it at the NATO-Russia Councils session held on May 31. The annual multination training event organized every year since 2010 is being held across the training areas in Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Non-NATO countries taking part are Finland and Macedonia. Air assault landings are part of the scenario to hone the skills for launching offensive operations. Sabre Strike is timed with Swift Response airborne drill in Latvia to culminate on June 8. It involves 800 paratroopers from US, Latvia, Lithuania, Israel and Poland. There will be more exercises held in 2018 near Russias borders, including Trident Juncture, a really big one to take place in late October-early November to involve 35,000 troops from 30 nations along with 70 ships and about 130 aircraft and Anakonda organized by Poland in November. The latter will involve 100,000 servicemen, 5,000 vehicles, 150 aircraft and 45 warships. The scale is mind-boggling. One can imagine how much it costs! The Anakonda scenario includes preemptive strikes. If its not an open preparation for war than what is? US Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley believes it is. According to him, Having large-scale NATO forces in the Baltic States and Poland, as well as the lack of transparency we see serious preparation for a great war. He knows what is talking about. In May, NATO held a large Siil (Hedgehog) exercise in Estonia and northern Latvia involving more than 15 thousand troops. The series of training events are conducted against the background of the proposal put forward by Poland to deploy US troops on its soil with Warsaw shouldering the financial burden of base construction. A NATO annual summit in July will consider the issues related to further reinforcement of forces in Europe, including the eastern flank. It has been revealed recently that the alliance plans to create an addition to the NATO Response Force (NRF) increasing its strength from 20,000 to about 50,000 by creating a pool of 30,000 troops with organic aviation and ships ready to be operationally deployed within 30 days. The initiative belongs to the US with Germany to take the lead. The blocs defense chiefs will discuss the issue at their upcoming meeting on June 8-9 before putting it on the agenda of NATO summit to be held on July 11-12. NATO war preparations against Russia include the new crisis response command center in Ulm, southern Germany, and another one in the US state of Virginia. This force as well as other units will become part of training events and the soldiers will be deployed on temporary basis but holding regular exercises presupposes the creation of infrastructure to be used by troops upon arrival for launching offensive actions. Correspondingly, logistics are being beefed up. There is fresh news to hit headlines before the July summit. Discussions are underway to deploy US THAAD air defense system in Germany. The move would plug a radar gap emerged as a result of postponing the deployment of a second Aegis Ashore system in Poland. The Polish government has announced plans to purchase US Patriot PAC-3 MSE air defense systems. Both the THAAD and Patriot have rather limited capability against sophisticated ICBMs but Aegis Ashore is more effective. Modernization will take place, advanced missiles and systems will be moved to the already existing sites. The main thing is that the infrastructure, the foundation to build ballistic missile defense and surface targets strike capability on, will be in place. And the only target is Russia. The Aegis Ashore can launch intermediate range surface-to-surface missiles against Russian territory in violation of the INF Treaty. In a couple of years, Poland will host it. The THAADs radar can greatly enhance the Aegis Ashore capabilities by relaying data to them. The AN/TPY-2 has an estimated range from 1,500km (932mi) to 3,000km (1,864mi). The maximum instrumented range is 2,000km (1242mi) to enable it to monitor large chunks of Russias territory. The INF Treaty is teetering on the brink of collapse. If torn up, the infrastructure in question would be just the thing the US would need to station intermediate range forces in Europe with the means to protect them already in place. F-35s incorporating B61-12 nuclear precision guided munitions would also be under the umbrella of air defense systems in place formally deployed to counter the non-existent threat coming from Iran. The NATO summit in July is to focus on Russia threat. The extraordinary scale of military exercises conducted so intensively with scenarios that include bringing in reinforcements to advance, not take defensive positions, the creation of infrastructure at Russias door and preparing the logistical base to provide for offensive operations will be described as the least the bloc can do while facing the superior enemy. Provoking Russia to take steps it would not take otherwise is the sure way to return Europe to the Cold War days. NATO could have chosen a different approach of solving the problems at the round table but it did not. The European Security Treaty (2009) and the Agreement on Basic Principles Governing Among NATO-Russia Council Member States in the Security Sphere (2009) proposed by Russia were rejected off the cuff without any attempts to seriously negotiate the proposals. The 2016 German initiative to launch talks on a new European security agreement was greeted to be swept under the rug afterwards. The May 31 NRC meeting was devoted more to the Skripal case than European security and arms control issues. Actually, NATO has not lifted a finger to dissipate tensions. Instead, it is rapidly increasing the tempo of military activities near Russia on unprecedented scale, undermining whatever is left of European security. The alliance has made its choice, giving preference to the policy of provocations. Now that the United States (with the cooperation of its NATO partners) has turned the former Soviet Unions states other than Russia into NATO allies, and has likewise turned the Soviet Unions Warsaw Pact allies into Americas own military allies in NATO, the United States is finally turning the screws directly against Russia itself , by, in effect, challenging Russia to defend its ally Syria. The US is warning Syrias Government that Syrian land, which is occupied by the US and by the anti-Government forces that the US protects in Syria, is no longer really Syrias land. The US is saying that there will be direct war between Syrias armed forces and Americas armed forces if Syria tries to restore its control over that land. Tacitly, Americas message in this to Moscow is: now is the time for you to quit defending Syrias Government, because, if you dont if you come to Syrias defense as Syria tries to kill those occupying forces (including the US troops and advisors who are occupying Syria) then you (Russia) will be at war against the United States, even though the US is clearly the invader, and Russia (as Syrias ally) is clearly the defender. Peter Korzun, my colleague at the Strategic Culture Foundation, headlined on May 29th, "US State Department Tells Syria What It Can and Cant Do on Its Own Soil and he opened: "The US State Department has warned Syria against launching an offensive against terrorist positions in southern Syria. The statement claims that the American military will respond if Syrian forces launch an operation aimed at restoring the legitimate governments control over the rebel-held areas, including the territory in southwestern Syria between Daraa and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Washington is issuing orders to a nation whose leadership never invited America in the first place! The very idea that another country would tell the internationally recognized Syrian government that it cannot take steps to establish control over parts of its own national territory is odd and preposterous by any measure." The pro-Government side calls those terrorist positions, but the US-and-allied side, the invaders, call them freedom fighters (even though the US side has long been led by Al Qaedas Syrian affiliate and has increasingly been relying upon anti-Arabic Kurds). But whatever they are, the United States has no legal authority to tell Syrias Government what to do or not do on Syrian land. Russias basic position, at least ever since Vladimir Putin came into power in 2000, is that every nations sovereignty over its own land is the essential foundation-stone upon which democracy has even a possibility to exist without that, a land cannot even possibly be a democracy. The US Government is now directly challenging that basic principle, and moreover is doing so over parts of the sovereign territory of Syria, an ally of Russia, which largely depends upon Russia to help it defeat the tens of thousands of invading and occupying forces. If Russia allows the US to take over either directly or via the US Governments Al Qaeda-linked or its anti-Arab Kurdish proxy forces portions of Syrian territory, then Russias leader, Vladimir Putin, will be seen as being todays version of Britains leader Neville Chamberlain, famous, as Wikipedia puts it, for his signing of the Munich Agreement in 1938, conceding the German-speaking Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia to Germany. So: Putin will now be faced with either knuckling under now, or else standing on basic international democratic principles, especially the principle that each nations sovereignty is sacrosanct and is the sole foundation upon which democracy is even possible to exist or to evolve into being. However, this matter is far from being the only way in which the US Government now is challenging Russia to World War III. On May 30th, the Turkish newspaper Yeni Safak bannered "US trains armed groups at Tanf base for new terror corridor and reported that: New terror organizations are being established by the US at the Tanf military base in southern Syria that is run by Washington, where a number of armed groups are being trained in order to be used as a pretext to justify US presence in the war-torn country. Military training is being conducted for moderate opposition groups in al-Tanf, where both the US and UK have bases. These groups are made up of structures that have been established through US financing and have not been accepted under the umbrella of opposition groups approved by Turkey and the FSA. From Deir Ezzor to Haifa Claiming to be training the opposition in Tanf, the US is training operation militants under perception of being at an equal distance to all groups. Apart from the so-called opposition that is linked to al-Qaeda, Daesh [ISIS] terrorists brought from Raqqa, western Deir Ezzor and the Golan Heights are being trained in the Tanf camp. The plan is to transport Iraqi oil to the Haifa [Israel] Port on the Mediterranean through Deir Ezzor and Tanf. Actually, Deir Ezzor is also the capital of Syrias own oil-producing region, and so this action by the United States is more than about merely a transit-route for Iraqs oil to reach Israel; it is also (and very much) about America attempting theft of oil from Syrian land. Furthermore, on May 23rd, Joe Gould at Defense News headlined "House rejects limit on new nuclear warhead and he reported that the US House, in fulfillment of the Trump Administrations Nuclear Posture Review, which seeks to lower the threshold for nuclear war so as to expand the types of circumstances in which the US will go nuclear, rejected, by a vote of 226 to 188, a Democratic Party supported measure opposing lowering of the nuclear threshold. President Trump wants to be allowed to lower the threshold for using nuclear weapons in a conflict. The new, smaller, nuclear warheads, a W76-2 variant, have 43% the yield of the bomb that the US dropped on Hiroshima, but its called a tactical nuclear weapon meaning that it is supposedly intended for use in conventional wars, so that it is actually designed to eliminate altogether the previous meta-strategic principle, of Mutually Assured Destruction pertaining to nuclear war (that nuclear weapons are justifiable only in order to prevent another World War, never in order to win such a war) that successfully prevented nuclear war till now that once a side has introduced nuclear weapons into a military conflict, it has started a nuclear war and is challenging any opponent to either go nuclear itself or else surrender Americas new meta-strategic doctrine (since 2006) is Nuclear Primacy: winning a nuclear war. (See this and this.) US President Trump is now pushing to the limit, presumably in the confident expectation that as the US President, he can safely grab any territory he wishes, and steal any oil or other natural resource that he wishes, anywhere he wants regardless of what the Russian Government, or anyone else, thinks or wants. Though his words often contradict that, this is now clearly what he is, in fact, doing (or trying to do), and the current US House of Representatives, at least, is saying yes to this, as constituting American values and policies, now. Trump not in words but in facts is betting the house on this. Moreover, as I headlined on May 26th at Strategic Culture, Credible Report Alleges US Relocates ISIS from Syria and Iraq into Russia via Afghanistan. Trump is apparently trying to use these terrorists as again like the US used them in Afghanistan in order to weaken the Soviet Union so as to weaken Russia, but this time is even trying to infiltrate them into Russia itself. Even Adolf Hitler, prior to WWII, didnt lunge for Britains jugular. Its difficult to think of a nations leader who has been this bold. I confess that I cant. The newly-appointed Pakistan's ambassador to the United States Ali Jahangir Siddiqui has sought the cooperation of Pakistani immigrants to strengthen ties between the two countries. Siddiqui, who took the charge on May 30, has written a letter to the Pakistani immigrants living in the United States and sought their help to improve the relations between US and Pakistan. There is a lot of room of improvement in the ties between US and Pakistan, he said. I have been entrusted to take on the challenge of fulfilling my responsibilities. He further remarked that the members of both the countries will work together to achieve our common objectives, adding that he trusts Pakistani community for the fulfillment of responsibilities. Siddiqui has replaced outgoing Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry, the former foreign secretary who served as Pakistan's envoy to the US before his retirement last month. The US Department of State took almost two months otherwise, a routine to send out an agreement to pave the way for the new ambassador's appointment. Siddiqui has to present his credentials to US President Donald Trump in the coming weeks to be fully operational to perform his duties. He has daunting challenges to surmount ahead as well, given the souring US-Pakistan ties. Siddiqui, an investment banking expert by profession, was appointed by the federal government as Pakistan's ambassador to the US last month. He has previously served in the capacity of special assistant to Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, with the status of a state minister. US-Pakistan ties On May 11, 2018, the Trump administration imposed travel restrictions on Pakistani diplomats stationed at the Embassy in Washington, confining them to a 25-mile radius and making it obligatory for them to seek permission at least five days in advance if they wish to travel beyond the imposed limits. Pakistan, in return, also imposed similar bans. US State Secretary Mike Pompeo told local lawmakers last week that "our State Department officials are being treated badly as well". "[Our people] working in the embassies and in the consulates and in other places are not being treated well by the Pakistani government either," he claimed. Though Pompeo called it "a real problem," the Department of State said: "It is the responsibility of all host governments to create the conditions necessary to permit the personnel of foreign embassies to carry out their duties." Acknowledging the movement restrictions it had placed on Pakistani diplomats, the US State Department said: "The controls are intended to encourage Pakistan to stop [the] harassment of US Mission personnel and interference with our public activities, which have risen dramatically in recent months." Trump earlier this year announced that his administration intended to cut down financial assistance to Pakistan. This came after months of comments and statements against Islamabad by the US president, who, in his first televised speech late last year, said it needed to "do more". "With respect to Pakistan, we [have] released far fewer funds in 2018 than in the year prior. The remainder of the funds available are under review. "My guess is that that number will be smaller still," Pompeo commented earlier. Last year, Trump accused Pakistan of providing safe havens to terrorist outfits, and demanded that action be taken against the Haqqani network. Given the aforementioned issues, Ambassador Siddiqui faces a tough task in the coming months to bring to normalcy Islamabad-Washington relations and resume bilateral alliance in various fields. At least nine people have been killed in several bombing attacks in southeastern Niger, near the border with Nigeria. A local official said on Tuesday that three attacks occurred in Diffa late on Monday. Three suicide bombers blew themselves up. For the moment, there are nine dead and some wounded, an elected member of the Diffa Region told AFP on the condition of anonymity. Two of the assailants were female, the elected representative said, adding that they attacked separate parts of the city. A seminary school located in one of Diffas popular districts where young Muslims were taught the Holy Quran was one of the places targeted, according to the source. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. But Diffa is frequently targeted by the Boko Haram terrorist group, which is mainly based in neighboring Nigeria. The group has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks in Nigeria and its neighboring countries of Niger, Chad, and Cameroon in the past years. The attacks have claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people and caused millions to flee their homes. In 2015, the group pledged allegiance to the Daesh terrorist group. The United Nations has previously warned that the areas affected by Boko Haram militancy face humanitarian crises. Jordans King Abdullah II on Tuesday appointed a new prime minister, the royal palace said, naming a leading reformer as head of government in hopes of quelling the largest anti-government protests in recent years. Cabinet member Omar Razzaz, a Harvard-educated former senior World Bank official, replaced Hani Mulki, who quit on Monday amid widening protests against his governments austerity program, including a planned tax increase. Razzaz served as education minister in the outgoing Mulki government. He taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 2002 to 2006. From 2006-2010, he served as the World Banks country manager in Lebanon, with emphasis on private sector development and infrastructure finance. Razzaz then returned to Jordan to head the Social Security Corporation, and from 2011-12, let the national team responsible for preparing a national employment strategy. Its not clear how much of a reform mandate Razzaz will receive, since the king retains final say on all policy issues. In the appointment letter addressed to Razzaz, the monarch called on the new government to conduct a comprehensive review of the tax system and produce a new tax bill, in cooperation with parliament, unions and other groups. He also expressed empathy for ordinary Jordanians who have long complained that they are being asked to pay taxes for poor services. Critics say the current tax proposal unfairly targets the poor and the middle class. Its not clear if the appointment of Razzaz will defuse the growing public anger over a long-standing political and economic system widely perceived as corrupt and exclusionary, with benefits reserved for a small elite. The king blamed the country's economic woes on regional instability, the burden of hosting hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees and a lack of international support. "Jordan today stands at a crossroads: either it can come out of the crisis and provide a dignified life to our citizens, or, God forbid, it can go into the unknown but we have to know where we are going," he told a group of journalists late Monday, according to the official Petra agency. Protests continue Protest organisers said they would keep up the pressure, including a one-day strike set for Wednesday, until the proposal has been shelved. Critics say the tax increase unfairly targets the poor and the middle class. The embattled Mulki, who had led the push for unpopular austerity measures, resigned following several days of mass protests across Jordan against the tax plan, the latest in a series of economic reforms sought by the International Monetary Fund to get the rising public debt under control. The kingdom has experienced an economic downturn in part because of prolonged conflict in neighboring Syria and Iraq, and a large influx of refugees several years ago. The official unemployment rate has risen above 18 percent, and its believed to be double that among young Jordanians. In a sign of continued unrest, protests continued even after Mulkis resignation. Several thousand Jordanians marched toward the prime ministers office in the night from Monday to Tuesday. Riot police scuffled with some of the marchers, trying to keep them away from the building, but the fifth street protest in as many days was largely peaceful. Protesters said personnel changes at the top are irrelevant without fundamental reforms. UTICA, N.Y. -- An Oneida County man was arrested Tuesday after child pornography was found in his home, deputies said. Brian M. Kowalski, 34, of Utica, has been charged with possessing and sharing child porn. He was arrested by the Oneida County Sheriff's Office after investigators searched his Stark Street home, said Chief Deputy Joseph Lisi, director of the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center. "Several" electronic devices were seized from Kowalski's home, Lisi said. Kowalski has been charged with possessing a sexual performance by a child and promoting a sexual performance by a child, both felonies. As of Wednesday morning, he remained in the Oneida County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 bail. The advocacy center was assisted by the New York State Police's Computer Crimes Unit and the Utica Police Department's Crime Scene Unit. The first big concert of the St. Joseph's Health Amphitheater at Lakeview's 2018 season is off to a rocky start. Hundreds of fans complained on social media Tuesday night of shuttle and traffic issues getting to the Dave Matthews Band concert in Syracuse. Photos showed long lines of people in the Brown parking lot at the New York State Fairgrounds, waiting for a shuttle to take them to the Amp. got off the bus to get into another line! pic.twitter.com/HFvMEmNjFP Amanda Moore (@lexjay1808) June 6, 2018 @StJosephsAmp Your parking situation and process for moving concertgoers into the amphitheater is HORRENDOUS!!!! Weve been in line, waiting for a shuttle bus, for the better part of an hour, and still have at least a half hour to go...FIVE MINUTES AFTER THE CONCERT STARTED!!! James Fennelly (@drjamesfennelly) June 6, 2018 At DMB. Major Fail. In line with hundreds of fans. Only way to get to the amp is by bus. pic.twitter.com/sVUq0ZTPOC Pat L. (@karmasabitch317) June 5, 2018 The pedestrian bridge walkway was closed for the Dave Matthews Band concert due to construction projects, including an upcoming paving of the Orange lot. Some social media posts showed people appearing to dangerously attempt to hop the fence to cross I-690 rather than wait for the shuttle. Traffic on 690 near the amphitheater also slowed to a crawl as early as 5:30 p.m. as more than 15,000 fans headed to the Amp. It's unclear how many were in the Orange lot, which didn't require a shuttle to get to the venue, or parked in the Brown and Pink lot.s One Twitter user said the last shuttle full of people didn't leave until nearly 8:45 p.m. 8:41PM Last group of people finally getting on the shuttles to go see @davematthewsbnd @CNYcentral pic.twitter.com/ye5hPUM2p7 Tarrah Gibbons (@TarrahGibbons) June 6, 2018 As a result, hundreds of fans didn't get inside the amphitheater until 9 p.m. or later, more than an hour after DMB's scheduled start time of 8 p.m. Dave Matthews and company didn't take the stage until nearly 8:25 p.m., and some suggested he intentionally delayed the show to ensure more fans' arrival. "I'm really mad," concertgoer Pat Swann said as she walked through the gate just after 9. At the same time, a male concertgoer shouted several expletives in frustration as he rushed from the gate towards the venue. One security staffer told syracuse.com that one issue involving the shuttle buses was people "partying too much," attempting to board the buses at multiple shuttle stops. Some who allegedly had too many beers also disrupted shuttle flow by darting in front of the buses. St. Joseph's Health Amphitheater at Lakeview issued a brief statement addressing the complaints just after 10:15 p.m. Tuesday. "We hear you. We hope you enjoyed tonight's show. We will have additional shuttles to bring you back to the Pink Lot this evening after the show. Please have patience & be safe," the venue's official Twitter and Facebook accounts said. We hear you. We hope you enjoyed tonight's show. We will have additional shuttles to bring you back to the Pink Lot this evening after the show. Please have patience & be safe. St. Josephs Health Amphitheater at Lakeview (@StJosephsAmp) June 6, 2018 Official attendance figures for the former Lakeview Amphitheater have not been released, but the venue holds 17,500. The crowd size was at or near capacity as of 9:30 p.m. The Amp, recently renamed the St. Joseph's Health Amphitheater at Lakeview, began the summer season with a Kidz Bop Kids concert on Saturday. Dave Matthews Band and Zac Brown Band are expected to be among the biggest draws on this year's lineup. See video of DMB performing "So Right" early in Tuesday night's set: SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Amanda Moore, of Rochester, has seen Dave Matthews Band more than a dozen times at venues across Upstate New York, but she has never experienced the parking and shuttle debacle that thousands of fans faced at the Lakeview amphitheater Tuesday evening. "It was insane," Moore said. Dave Matthews Band was the first big show of the St. Joseph's Health Amphitheater at Lakeview's 2018 season and it was plagued with issues. Concertgoers, including Moore, said they missed portions of the show due to parking lot construction and long lines for shuttles. Others made the dangerous decision to run across Interstate 690 due to the pedestrian bridge closure and long lines. Moore said this was her 16th time seeing the band, but it was her 15-year-old son's first time and she was frustrated that he missed part of the show. "When I saw the line for the shuttles, I thought there was no way we were going to see any of it," she said. "It was very disappointing." After waiting in line from about 7:10 p.m. to about 8:50 p.m., Moore and her family made it to the show -- missing the first five songs in the band's set. "It's just really disappointing," she said. "There should have been more shuttles and the shuttles should have been better managed." Tim Brayman, of Jamesville, wasn't sure if he was going to make it to the show. Brayman, who is disabled, has a hard time walking long distances, and he had to walk more than a mile before he reached the line for the shuttle buses. The line was about a half-mile long, he said. Brayman said he's been to shows at the Lakeview before and was directed to handicap parking in the Orange parking lot where it's a short walk to the venue. However, despite having a tag in his car, Brayman was directed to park in the Brown lot and told to walk to the Pink lot to catch a shuttle bus. After walking a bit, Brayman talked to an Onondaga County Sheriff's deputy who helped him move his car to the Pink parking lot near the shuttle buses. But that's where Brayman faced a line of hundreds of people. Brayman called the parking issues a "series of failures" by organizers. "It was horrible," he said. "And absolutely ridiculous." Brayman said he was able to make it to the show and meet his daughter, but he left early to avoid another long wait or walk. Brayman said he has concerns for other people with disabilities, especially those in wheelchairs. "I won't be coming back," said Brayman who said he'll be selling his tickets to Zac Brown Band later this summer. "It was a nightmare." The traffic was also a headache for Uber drivers and those who decided not to drive to the concert. Phillip Shipe, an Uber driver, said he made five drop-offs and two pick-ups over the course of seven hours on Tuesday night. It gave him a great view of the growing lines and frustrated attendees. Each time he dropped off a passenger at the Pink lot, beginning around 5:30, the line for the shuttle grew and grew, he said. "There just wasn't enough room for all the people who wanted to attend this concert." Shipe also estimated that the line for the shuttle reached a half-mile long. As an Uber driver, he was not allowed to drive his vehicle to the amphitheater itself. Instead, he was required to drop passengers off at the Pink lot to take the shuttle. When it came time to exit the Pink lot, the line stretched across the exit, backing up vehicle traffic even further, Shipe said. Uber passengers then tried to hail him after the concert from the entrance to the amphitheater, but he was not allowed to reach them. Many of his passengers were drunk and confused, and he ended up canceling three of the five pickup requests he received, which cost him money and added to his passengers' frustration. He praised sheriff's deputies and parking staff, who he said were doing the best they could in the face of construction limits and high amounts of traffic. "It was just a lack of planning and communication by the venue," he said. "And proper signage." For many concertgoers, including Moore and Brayman, the only highlight of the night was the actual show. "They were great," she said. "They're always great." Dave Matthews Band kickstarts a new season at the Amp 30 Gallery: Dave Matthews Band kickstarts a new season at the Amp Reporter Patrick Lohmann contributed to this report. SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A former Saratoga County Sheriff's Office deputy was convicted of possessing child pornography by a Syracuse jury on Tuesday, according to U.S. Attorney's Office in the Northern District of New York. Peter W. Farnum, 41, of Clifton Park, was remanded to federal custody pending his sentencing, the attorney's office said. He faces up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of up to $250,000 and supervised release after prison for at least five years and up to life, the attorney's office said. He will also have to register as a sex offender, the attorney's office said. Farnum had more than 1,000 images and video files on his family computer, the attorney's office said. He imported the files using the computer's RealPlayer application while he did research related to his position with the sheriff's office and while his wife was in the hospital, the attorney's office said. Syracuse, N.Y. -- Refugees who eat fish from Onondaga Lake and its tributaries have high levels of mercury and lead in their blood, a new study says. Particularly hard-hit were Burmese refugees, whose level of mercury in their blood was nearly six times higher than the average U.S. resident, according to the study by the state Department of Health. The study looked at refugees from Burma and Bhutan, and also at non-refugees who fish in the lake and its connected waterways. In all, 399 people participated. Most of those people did not know about advisories against eating fish caught there and in nearby waters, the study revealed. The study shows that eating fish from Onondaga Lake is dangerous and that the government isn't doing enough to warn refugees and others, said Joe Heath, a public interest lawyer involved in the 20-year effort to put up warning signs along the lake. "People's health is being put at risk," Heath said. "People don't know (about the warnings) and are suffering these kinds of consequences, and women and children are still eating these fish from this lake. We can do better than this." For years, the state health department has placed advisories on eating fish from the lake because of high levels of mercury and other chemicals -- the legacy of decades of industrial pollution. Women and children are advised to eat no fish from the lake at all, and others are advised to avoid some fish altogether and restrict the eating of other fish. There were major differences in the levels of toxins among the Burmese refugees and their Bhutanese counterparts. The Bhutanese had much lower levels of lead and mercury. They ate less fish from the lake, and were more likely to know about advisories against eating the fish, than the Burmese. Just 28 percent of the Burmese refugees were aware of the advisories, compared to 47 percent of the Bhutanese. Of the non-refugee group, called "Syracuse anglers" in the study, just 42 percent knew about the advisories. The study was launched in 2013 with a grant from the federal government. Through Catholic Charities and the Southwest Community Center, the department recruited 185 Burmese refugees, 126 Bhutanese refugees, and 88 non-refugees in Syracuse who ate fish from the lake or nearby waters. All were interviewed and had their blood and urine tested for lead, mercury, PCBs and other chemicals. Participants were given their individual results last summer, although some with particularly high levels were told their results in December 2016. The overall study results were released today. "Unfortunately," Heath said, "it's exactly what we feared." Both groups of refugees also showed high levels of the cancer-causing chemical DDE, formed during the breakdown of the pesticide DDT, which has been banned in the U.S. since 1972. The level of DDE in Burmese refugees' blood was double the average level in the U.S., and the Bhutanese had levels three times higher. The Syracuse anglers had levels below the typical U.S. level. Heath's office has been working for years to have signs erected along the lake and its tributaries to warn anglers of the hazards of eating fish. Those signs were finally posted last summer. The study said health department officials told participants about the health advisories, translated documents into the refugees' native languages, and advised participants where to fish and how to prepare fish to reduce exposure to chemicals. The health department also distributed brochures at Catholic Charities and the Southwest Community Center. Among the other results of the study: The non-refugee anglers had much lower levels of toxins in their blood. They also were more likely than refugees to eat fish with lower mercury levels, including blue gills, sunfish and yellow perch. Refugees were more likely to eat carp and channel catfish, two species that the department says should never be eaten from the lake. Burmese refugees ate fish from the lake and its tributaries about twice a week. That's double the frequency of the Bhutanese refugees, and slightly more than the non-refugees. Nearly half of Burmese refugees - 47 percent - ate fish from Onondaga Lake. By contrast, a third of the non-refugees and just 11 percent of the Bhutanese did. Most Bhutanese - 84 percent - fished in the Seneca River. About two-thirds of refugee households that ate fish from the lake had children ages 15 or under. The health department says children of that age should eat no fish from the lake at all. Contact Glenn Coin: Email | Twitter | Google + | (315) 470-3251 SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Traffic and shuttle problems forced some concertgoers at the Dave Matthews Band concert to run across Interstate 690 Tuesday night and many took to social media to complain about the issues. On Wednesday, the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office advised against crossing I-690 for safety reasons in response to questions from Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. "It is extremely dangerous and absolutely unwise for people to cross I-690 as it can be tragic and deadly," said sheriff's spokesman Jon Seeber. "Additionally, motorists trying to avoid pedestrians can swerve into occupied traffic lanes, and cause a chain reaction accident." "We continue to take all appropriate steps to ensure these events are executed in a safe and secure manner." Seeber said via email he didn't have the exact number of deputies who worked the concert, but said the number of deputies depends on the "anticipated attendance/sales for that concert." He said that deputies at concerts have law enforcement and traffic control functions and that whether more deputies are at future concerts depends on anticipated attendance and sales for those concerts. "As a reminder, Sheriff's Deputies will continue to crack down on illegal drug and alcohol-activities. Deputies will work closely with investigators from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicle and the New York State Liquor Authority on enforcing underage drinking and the use of fake ID's," Seeber added. "Deputies will also be monitoring traffic for motorists who are under the influence of alcohol and or drugs, so please plan ahead and use designated drivers to protect yourself and other motorists." ALBANY, NY - The New York State Senate has passed a bill that would forgive a $20 million penalty levied on North Syracuse schools for late or missing cost reports. State Sen. John DeFranciso said the bill, (S.8763) would eliminate the "unconscionable" penalties levied on the district. The bill must still be passed by the state Assembly and signed by the governor. The original penalty of $29.9 million levied on North Syracuse was the largest penalty among 14 districts across the state facing fines for late or missing reports on state-aided capital projects, according to the New York State Education Department. The state Senate proposed this once before, but wasn't able to get it passed. "The amount of penalties that have been accumulating in this matter are simply outrageous and not reasonable," DeFrancisco said. "This is money that the school district could not possibly raise, which could result in an inability for the district to continue providing a quality education to their students." The state uses the final cost reports to determine a district's building aid on capital projects. North Syracuse schools' had 23 projects which had late or missing final cost reports. By submitting documentation, the district got that whittled down to six projects between 1996 to 2010. North Syracuse plans to make its first payment in June. While district officials said the district would use capital reserve funds to make payments the first couple of years, eventually it would meant layoffs or program cuts, they said. Joseph Fahey, of Pompey, is a former Onondaga County Court judge. In 2017, he served as corporation counsel in Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner's administration. By Joseph Fahey | Special to Syracuse.com Last month, we saw another guilty verdict in the second trial of former New York State Assembly Speaker, Sheldon Silver, who was convicted of official corruption. Like Silver, former State Senate Leader, Dean Skelos, is scheduled to stand trial a second time on official corruption charges. In March, a jury returned guilty verdicts against Cuomo's closest aide, Joseph Percoco, whom Cuomo has described as "Mario Cuomo's third son" and a local developer. Both were convicted of conspiracy to deprive the state of honest services. The offenses involved the developer funneling money through a corrupt lobbyist named Todd Howe in exchange for favorable treatment on the Syracuse Inner Harbor Project and other favors. A second trial involving charges of bid rigging is about to start with the same Syracuse developer, a Buffalo developer and Cuomo's handpicked head of SUNY Polytechnic institute who was charged with overseeing his "Buffalo Billion" projects. The bid requirements for the various projects were drawn so narrowly that only these two developers could qualify for the jobs. A similar bid-rigging scheme occurred in Albany involving another developer, who was a board member of the SUNY Polytechnic Foundation. Charges were dropped by the state Attorney General in exchange for his cooperation in state and federal investigations. Most recently, the U.S. Attorney in Manhattan is investigating political contributions to Cuomo by a health care provider that was awarded a $25.4 million contract to build two health care facilities. What is Cuomo's response to this cesspool of corruption? Following the Percoco verdict, he proposed banning outside income for state legislators. Apparently he overlooked the fact that Percoco was his closest aide in the Executive Chamber and not a member of the state Legislature. In the budget that was passed this year, he withdrew his proposal to close the LLC political contribution loophole that allows these legal entities to contribute $65,100 to candidates as if they were individuals, rather than the $5,000 limit imposed on corporations. There shouldn't be any surprise here. Of the $30 million in campaign cash that Cuomo's re-election campaign is sitting on, $16.5 million came from LLCs. Since becoming governor, he has raised more from the LLCs than all 213 of the state legislators combined. In the wake of the latest investigation into the health care provider, Cuomo has refused to discuss the $250,000 he received from the firm. New Yorkers need to ask themselves a couple of questions. If two of the three men in the room during budget negotiations with Cuomo are corrupt, what does it say about the third one, Cuomo? President Harry Truman once famously observed about his responsibilities that "the buck stops here." As we go forward with all of these corruption trials this election year, where and with whom does the buck stop in New York? Read our continuing coverage of the Cor trial To the Editor: This past year, the Syracuse University undergraduate and graduate student governments and the SU faculty senate all passed resolutions calling on our Board of Trustees to publicly commit our university to invest in no for-profit prison company or any of their major suppliers. This represents a strong, campus community-wide consensus on an important piece of university business. Nonetheless, at its meeting last month, the Board of Trustees rejected this call, on the grounds that such a public commitment is "unnecessary." "Unnecessary," though, to what end? To answer this question, one might search the minutes of the board's meeting to discover their reasoning. However, university policy prohibits the release of board meeting minutes for the ensuing 50 years. So, unless this university policy is reversed, the answer is and will remain a secret and an interested party is left to speculate. We do know, however, what the answer cannot be. It can't be: "Unnecessary to comply with the will of the faculty, graduate student and undergraduate governing bodies." Being responsive to will of these principle stakeholders in our university community requires a public commitment to divestment. The answer also cannot be "to meet the concern that animated all of those resolutions." That concern was a desire that our university join Columbia University, Georgetown University and the entire University of California system in demonstrating moral leadership by publicly dissociating itself from an industry that actively promotes mass incarceration. So, we are left to wonder: What are the goals of the SU Board, if not to heed the call of the university community to demonstrate our university's commitment to justice? Jan Dowell Head, Syracuse Divest Professor and Director of Graduate Studies Faculty Senator (beginning Fall 2018) Department of Philosophy Syracuse University Eight states cast midterm primary ballots Tuesday, with implications for control of the House and Senate and for several governor's races. Votes are being tallied in Alabama, California, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota. Some of the highlights: WOMEN IN THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE In a record-setting year for female candidates across the country, Michelle Lujan Grisham won the Democratic nomination for New Mexico governor. She would be the first Latina Democratic governor in U.S. history. Lujan Grisham, a congresswoman, is trying to succeed the nation's first Latina Republican governor, Susana Martinez. Republicans also nominated a member of Congress, Rep. Steve Pearce, to run for the job. Another congresswoman, South Dakota's Kristi Noem, won her state's Republican gubernatorial primary. She would become the first female governor in South Dakota history. Voters in Alabama and Iowa had opportunities to set up all-female matchups for governor in November. Alabama's Republican Gov. Kay Ivey avoided a runoff despite several primary challengers. But Democrats chose Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox over Sue Bell Cobb, a former state Supreme Court chief justice. In Iowa, labor leader Cathy Glasson couldn't pull off an upset against businessman Fred Hubbell for the Democratic nomination, so Hubbell will take on Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds, who had no party opposition. Both Reynolds and Ivey are vying for their first full terms after succeeding men who resigned. Reynolds is Iowa's first female governor. Ivey is the second woman to helm Alabama government, but the first in five decades. __ SENATE SCRAMBLES Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey got a primary challenge after a hung jury spared him a conviction in a federal bribery trial. But Menendez held on, to the delight of Republicans who want to use his troubles to tar every Democrat in the state. Menendez will face Republican Bob Hugin, a pharmaceutical executive, in the fall. Democratic Sen. Jon Tester of Montana is waiting to find out who his Republican challenger will be in November. The most likely nominees are State Auditor Matt Rosendale and retired judge Russ Fagg. Rosendale has GOP establishment support, but that may not be a plus for Montana Republican voters. Mississippi's Republican Sen. Roger Wicker coasted to his party's nomination Tuesday, and he'll be a big favorite in November. Democrats will have a runoff between Howard Sherman and David Baria. California Sen. Dianne Feinstein advanced to the November ballot by leading a gaggle of candidates in her state's so-called jungle primary, which puts all candidates on the same ballot, with the top two vote-getters moving forward. Feinstein will be the heavy favorite in the second round, where she's likely to face another Democrat, state Senate leader Kevin de Leon, who's running to Feinstein's left. ___ BATTLE FOR HOUSE CONTROL Democrats are looking to New Jersey and California as key states in their efforts to gain at least 23 more House seats and become the majority when Congress convenes next year. A former Obama administration aide, Andy Kim, will take on New Jersey GOP Rep. Tom McArthur. It's one of five New Jersey GOP House seats targeted by national Democrats. Among the others, Democrat Tom Malinowski, an appointee in the Obama State Department, won the nomination to take on vulnerable Republican Rep. Leonard Lance. Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor Mikie Sherrill claimed the Democratic nomination in a district left open by the retirement of Republican Rodney Frelinghuysen. The GOP race was still too close to call a few hours after polls closed. In southern Jersey, a conservative Democratic state senator, Jeff Van Drew, dispatched more liberal competitors in a Republican-leaning district now held by Frank LoBiondo, who is retiring. The GOP race was still too close to call. California's outcomes probably won't be decided Tuesday because the state allows mail-in ballots to be postmarked through primary day. But the focus is on seven House districts where President Donald Trump trailed Hillary Clinton in 2016. In three of those districts, all in southern California, Democrats faced the possibility of being shut out of the top two spots because they have so many candidates. In Alabama, a Republican incumbent who criticized Trump as a candidate in 2016 is headed for a runoff. Rep. Martha Roby led her GOP competitors but fell shy of a required majority. She'll face former Rep. Bobby Bright, whom she defeated in 2010. Bright was then a Democrat. __ CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR California Republicans hope to avoid another statewide shutout in the contest for governor. Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to lead the governor's primary. The second spot probably will go either to former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat, or Republican business executive John Cox. --By BILL BARROW, Associated Press BAKU, AZERBAIJAN -- A recent graduate of the Syracuse University School of Law was eating at a cafe with his fiancee in the Azerbaijani capital Monday when he was "abducted" by plain-clothed police, according to journalists and human rights advocates. Emin Aslan, a human rights lawyer and native of Azerbaijan, is now being detained by a unit of the country's interior ministry that purportedly deals with organized crime, according to news reports. But human rights advocates are calling the arrest bogus and are worried about his safety. Aslan was accused of "disobeying the police," which is an administrative violation, and sentenced to 30 days in detention, according to human rights groups. He was denied access to an attorney and hasn't made contact with his fiancee or family, according to groups including Human Rights Watch and Civil Rights Defenders. Whether Aslan will actually be released after 30 days is unclear, though some observers are cautiously optimistic based on the type of charge he faces. Information about his well-being has been difficult to come by, however. we are used to bogus charges being used against #Aliyev prisoners in #Azerbaijan so its not surprising that #EminAslan who cooperated with the police yesterday agreeing to go w/them gets sentenced "for disobeying police to 30 days in administrative detention Arzu Geybulla (@arzugeybulla) June 5, 2018 you know the biggest irony of hearing news about friends arrests in #Azerbaijan?! is that you are happy when you hear they are sentenced to administrative detention because it leaves hope, they will be released after serving their time Arzu Geybulla (@arzugeybulla) June 5, 2018 Aslan just got a Master's of Law at SU with a focus on international law and legal studies, according to his LinkedIn page. He focused his law practice in Azerbaijan on human rights for young people and those with disabilities, according to his profile and his recent professor Corri Zoli. "It's a shocking set of circumstances," Zoli said. "He was just graduated. I just watched him walk through graduation a couple weeks ago. He was literally back in the country for a day or two." Emin Aslan was my student for the last 2 semesters at SU. I can't say enough about him as a superb student & colleague who excelled in his course of study, He is one of Azerbaijan's "best & brightest" with a tremendous future ahead for his country & the South Caucuses region. https://t.co/jP6Raq3iIm Corri Zoli (@c_zoli) June 5, 2018 Zoli said she would not describe her former student as a subversive who railed against the authoritarian regime. She was not aware of what he planned to focus on upon his return to his home country. She guessed his arrest was a reminder that he was no longer in the United States, done by a corrupt government that only has heavy-handed tactics to keep its citizens in line. "They probably got nervous about Emin, because he was doing his degree in the U.S.," she said. "I think they nabbed him to send a message to let him know that there are boundaries." Syracuse University did not respond to requests for comment, and neither did a State Department spokesman. The arrest happened around 5:30 p.m. at a cafe. Several plain-clothes officers approached him and confirmed his identity before strong-arming him into a Mercedes that witnesses quickly identified as belonging to the interior ministry's anti-organized crime unit, according to investigative reporter Khadija Ismayilova. Ismayilova said Aslan's phone was examined, including his Whatsapp and Facebook apps. She called Aslan a "human rights defender" who had represented her on several cases. She also said the international response to Aslan's arrest and the outrage by the country's civil society is what resulted in the relatively minor administrative charge and sentence. "We have to always react as we did in this case," Ismayilova wrote on Facebook. "Because in the past cases, people were kept for as long as 10 days before their whereabouts was identified. Long live Civil Society!" SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- The beginning of the end for the first California judge recalled since 1932 began almost exactly two years ago, when Santa Clara County Judge Aaron Persky sentenced a former Stanford swimmer convicted of sexual assault to six months in jail instead of a long prison term. A statement from the victim captured the national spotlight, recounting the ordeal of the investigation and trial, where she was cross-examined about her drinking habits and sexual experience. "You took away my worth, my privacy, my energy, my time, my intimacy, my confidence, my own voice, until today," she said in a statement read in court before the June 2016 sentencing of Brock Turner. Within days, a politically connected Stanford law professor who was friends with the victim launched a campaign to recall the judge. On Tuesday, Santa Clara County voters agreed and recalled the judge from office after his nearly 15-year career on the bench. "The broader message of this victory is that violence against women is now a voting issue," said Michele Dauber, an outspoken women's rights campus activist who launched the recall effort. She said the local vote will resonate nationally and underscores the staying power of the #MeToo movement. "This is a historical moment in time. Women are standing up for their rights and there is a national reckoning." Persky, who declined to comment Tuesday, said repeatedly that he couldn't discuss the case that spurred the recall because Turner has appealed his conviction. But in a lengthy interview with The Associated Press last month, he said he didn't regret the decision and was taken aback by the reaction. "I expected some negative reaction," Persky said. "But not this." Persky said he was adopting the probation department's recommendation to spare Turner prison for several reasons, including Turner's age, clean criminal record and the fact that both Turner and the victim were intoxicated. "The problem with this recall is it will pressure judges to follow the rule of public opinion as opposed to the rule of law." The California Commission on Judicial Performance ruled that he handled the case legally. Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen didn't appeal the sentence. The case sparked a national debate over the criminal justice system's treatment of sexual assault victims and racial inequities in court. Persky is white and holds undergraduate degrees from Stanford and a law degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Many complained Persky showed too much deference to Turner, a white Stanford scholarship athlete whose parents could afford a private attorney. Activists pointed to numerous other cases in which minorities faced much harsher sentences for less egregious crimes. The victim, who came to be known as Emily Doe, testified she was passed out behind a trash can when two men saw Turner on top of her. The two men, Swedish graduate students, yelled at Turner to stop and then chased him and held him down for police when tried to flee. The Associated Press generally doesn't identify sexual assault victims. Persky said he took the victim's experience into account when sentencing Turner. But the judge said the publicity of Turner's arrest and trial and the young man's loss of a swimming scholarship also factored into his sentence. Turner is also required to register for life as a sex offender. Persky cited numerous letters of support friends, former teachers and employers wrote on behalf of Turner. "I think you have to take the whole picture in terms of what impact imprisonment has on a specific individual's life," Persky said during the sentencing hearing. Richmond, Va. - A man is in custody after he allegedly stole an armored vehicle from a Virginia military base and led police on a 60-mile chase. Joseph Philip Yabut, 29, has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs, felony eluding and a felony count of unauthorized use of a vehicle, according to NBC 12 in Virginia. He is being held at the Richmond City Jail. WTVR in Virginia reported the man is an Army National Guard lieutenant who commands an engineering battalion at Fort Pickett, about 60 miles from Richmond. The pursuit came to end in downtown Richmond Tuesday night. Police officers subdued the man with a Taser after he did not follow commands. This is INSANE! Someone has hijacked a Tank-like vehicle from Fort Pickett and just drove it by our apartment! This is on Broad Street in the Fan. pic.twitter.com/EYfhFux1dk Parker Slaybaugh (@ParkerSlay89) June 6, 2018 Police were able to arrest the man after he stopped the vehicle on his own and abandoned it. WTVR said the man lives in Richmond. The suspect drove the vehicle mainly on highways and reached speeds of about 45 mph. There were no accidents or injuries reported in connection with the incident, according to WTKR in Virginia. A number of people posted video of the vehicle on social media. Although many referred to the vehicle as a tank, it was actually an armored personnel carrier and not equipped with any weapons, CBS News said. "It just seemed like something out of a movie," witness Brian Wingert told WTVR. "I heard a large vehicle, it sounded like a tank, but it was moving pretty fast." Yabut allegedly stole the vehicle at about 7:50 p.m. and was taken into custody at about 9:40 p.m., according to NBC 12. Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Google + | 315-454-2112 President Donald Trump accused Canada of burning down the White House during the War of 1812, according to a new report. "Didn't you guys burn down the White House?" Trump told Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a phone call on May 25, sources familiar with the discussion told CNN. It's unclear whether Trump was joking or falsely believed Canada was responsible for burning down the official home of the U.S. President more than two centuries ago. British forces burned down the White House and much of Washington, D.C., in August 1814 after Americans attacked York, Ontario, which was then a British colony. Then-First Lady Dolley Madison famously rescued a portrait of first President George Washington before fleeing the White House in the so-called "Burning of Washington." The War of 1812 lasted from 1812 to 1815 while James Madison was president; many of the most famous battles occurred in Upstate New York. According to CNN, the comments came during a call between Trump and Trudeau discussing U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Europe and Mexico. Trump announced the tariffs in March, saying they were necessary to protect the United States from unfair competition. The Commerce Department said foreign production of steel and aluminum was driving down prices and hurting U.S. producers, creating a "national security threat." Trump bragged at a fundraising speech later that month that he made up facts in a meeting with Trudeau, claiming the U.S. runs a trade deficit with its biggest ally. The United States trade representative office told the Washington Post that the U.S. actually has a trade surplus with Canada. A source who was on the May 25 call told CNN that Trump's comment invoking the War of 1812 was "not a laughing matter." Trump and the White House have not commented publicly on the report. 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. Sonos took the wraps off its latest smart speaker at an event in San Francisco earlier today. The $399 Sonos Beam is smaller and less expensive than either the Sonos Playbase or the older Sonos Playbar, and it will support Apples AirPlay 2 multi-room audio technology when it ships in July. All the tech giants are building smart speakers, said Chris Kallai, Sonos VP of Hardware Product Management, when introducing the Sonos Beam. But theyre not doing it so you can listen to all the music you want. And theyre all going after the same room, the kitchen. Were focusing on the living room. Kallai said the Beam combines three products into one: Alexa, Apple Music, and a compact soundbar. Users will be able to control the Beamas well as Sonos first smart speaker, the Sonos Onewith voice commands using both Apples Siri and Amazons Alexa digital assistants. Sonos long-promised Google Assistant support, however, remains in development, and the company did not demonstrate it during todays demo. AirPlay 2 compatibility will also be added to the Sonos One, the second-generation Play:5, and the Sonos Playbase in July. Older Sonos speakers will not get the feature, marking one of the few instances where new capabilities dont filter through the companys entire product line. Michael Brown / IDG The Sonos Beam can be mounted on the wall, as shown during the demo, or placed on a cabinet in front of a TV. The 25.6-inch-wide Beam houses four full-range drivers and a single tweeter, each of which is powered by a discrete Class D amplifier. These active drivers are supplemented by three passive radiators to enhance bass response. The speaker sounded strong in the makeshift demo room following the main presentation, but Ill reserve judgement about its performance until I can get my hands on a production model for review. As youd expect, the Beam can be paired with Sonos satellite speakers for true surround sound, and the Sonos sub for beefy bass response and low-frequency effects in TV and movie soundtracks. An array of five far-field microphones is onboard for voice commands and for Trueplay, Sonos proprietary room-correction software. Inputs are limited to a single HDMI with ARC (Audio Return Channel), 10/100Mbps ethernet, andof courseWi-Fi. Michael Brown / IDG The Sonos Beam soundbar has the same controls as the Sonos One smart speaker. Our ambition is to support every voice service that matters, said Antoine Leblond, VP of Software at Sonos, citing development efforts with Chinas Tencent, Baidu, and Alibaba in addition to Apple. As for Google Assistant, Leblond said Sonos was deep into working with those guys, but thats as far as anyone at the company went during the event. Eager to emphasize the seamless operation between using both Alexa and Siri to control its speakers, Sonos representatives frequently switched back and forth between the two platforms, streaming tracks from Apple Music and then asking Alexa or Siri to pause, skip to the next track in the playlist, and stream to additional speakers on the network. Sonos The new Sonos Beam will be available in white or black. They also used Alexa to dim the lights, and they even streamed a movie from an Amazon Fire TV. In every instance where they streamed from Apple Music, however, they initiated playback with a finger tap on the iPad app. When I quizzed them on that, they assured me that users will be able to use Siri to initiate playback as well. And to be fair, the speaker wont shipand AirPlay 2 wont be availableuntil July. You neednt be an Apple fan to find the Beam compelling. Sonos has long strived for inclusivity, supporting a long list of audio codecs and just about every streaming-music service that comes to market. Sonos CEO Patrick Spence emphasized the companys intention to stay on that path: Our focus will remain on quality systems, not disposable speakers, Spence said in his opening remarks, and we will remain fiercely open. Forward-looking: Fake news - or rather, the spread of fake news - has evolved into a major issue in a relatively short amount of time. Even with its proliferation, many people can pick up on context clues to help sniff out bogus propaganda. With photorealistic videos, that's going to be exponentially more difficult to do. In other words, seeing is no longer believing. Fake news is about to get a whole lot more convincing. Machine-learning experts have developed a neural network that enables the photo-realistic re-animation of portrait videos with stunning accuracy. In a paper titled Deep Video Portraits, researchers note that existing approaches are restricted to manipulations of facial expressions. Their new approach, however, transfers the full 3D head position, face expression, head rotation, eye blinking and eye gaze from a source to its target. You may be familiar with the term deepfakes which is often associated with the act of superimposing existing images or video onto source images or videos. The technique grew in popularity in recent memory as it was used to create fake celebrity pornography (plastering a celebs head on an adult movie stars body). These deep video portraits are in the same wheelhouse as deepfakes albeit way more convincing (technically, theyre also quite a bit different but the goal visual trickery is the same). The mind immediately jumps to all the nefarious acts that this technology could enable and its a valid concern. Justus Thies, co-author of the paper and a postdoctoral researcher at the Technical University of Munich, told The Register that hes aware of the ethical implications of re-enactment projects. Yet for all of the potential dangers associated with using AI to create fake videos, there are also some practical applications that could benefit from the technology. As highlighted in the researchers video, applying the technique to the dubbing of foreign language movies results in a significantly better product. Its not perfect, however, as drastic changes in facial expression or head poses can lead to artifacts. But with a still subject and a static background, the untrained eye is going to have a hard time detecting anything out of the ordinary. In context: Google's focus on employee creativity has always been evident; Song Maker and Grasshopper are two examples of that. Both ideas were side projects developed seemingly for the fun of it, but the latter has become quite popular. Now, that same focus on freedom and creativity has spawned Project Oasis, a piece of tech that aims to blend the natural world with the tech world by using AI to simulate real-world weather. Google has always been known to support their employees' many fascinating, strange, or outlandish side projects, likely as a way to foster creativity and innovation. A recent example of this would be Grasshopper, an app that launched back in April through Google's Area 120 idea incubator. Grasshopper aims to teach users how to code with Javascript through puzzles, quizzes, and minigames. Based on the positive reviews the app has received to date, it sounds like it may be doing its job. Google's employees have worked on a few less practical projects, as well, such as Song Maker. Song Maker is a web app developed by Google's experimental Chrome Music Lab, and it allows users to create their own unique tunes right in their web browser. Now, Google is adding to their experimental project repertoire with something far more unusual - an AI-powered terrarium called "Project Oasis." Project Oasis is a "voice experiment" that can take advantage of Google Assistant to gather weather data from around the world and reflect that information within a physical terrarium. For example, if you ask Assistant what the weather is like in Seattle and it happens to be raining there, it will rain inside the terrarium. Oasis can also mimic sunshine with light, and fog or clouds with a gentle mist. Google isn't restricting this project to their employees, though. In their experiment reveal video, Google says you can build your own terrarium -- if you have the technical skills to pull it off -- by visiting the official Project Oasis Github page. Recap: Earlier this week, a New York Times report revealed that Facebook had reached agreements with 60 device makers that allowed them access to large amounts of user data. Now, the Times and the Washington Post have reported that four Chinese manufacturers, including Huawei, have been part of the program since 2010, raising security concerns among officials. Facebook downplayed the initial NYT report, insisting that the deals were put in place to help device makers offer Facebook on their operating systems in a time before apps and app stores. News that Huawei, Lenovo, Oppo, and TCL were among the companies to have agreements with Facebook stretching back almost a decade is likely to add to Facebooks problems. Huawei has been put under the spotlight again this year; six US intelligence chiefs warned Americans not to use the companys devices over the risk of having personal data accessed or stolena result of its alleged close ties with the Chinese government. Facebook officials said the agreements with the Chinese companies allowed them access similar to what was offered to BlackBerry, which could retrieve detailed information on both device users and all of their friends including work and education history, relationship status and likes, writes the Times. Facebook has responded to the latest report by saying it "along with many other US tech companies have worked with them [Huawei] and other Chinese manufacturers to integrate their services onto these phones." Facebook officials added that the data shared with Huawei stayed on the device, not the companys servers. The deal between the two firms is scheduled to end before the week is out. All Facebooks integrations with Huawei, Lenovo, Oppo and TCL were controlled from the get-go and Facebook approved everything that was built, said Francisco Varela, a Facebook vice president. Given the interest from Congress, we wanted to make clear that all the information from these integrations with Huawei was stored on the device, not on Huaweis servers. U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D - VA) has called for answers. Concerns about Huawei arent new they were widely publicized beginning in 2012, when the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence released a well-read report on the close relationships between the Chinese Communist Party and equipment makers like Huawei. The news that Facebook provided privileged access to Facebooks API to Chinese device makers like Huawei and TCL raises legitimate concerns, and I look forward to learning more about how Facebook ensured that information about their users was not sent to Chinese servers. Recap: For breaking an agreement that was put in place after it pleaded guilty to violating US sanctions in 2017, the Department of Commerce banned all US businesses from selling components to Chinese manufacturer ZTE for seven years in April. The ban crippled the company, and it ceased major operating activities one month later. But Reuters reports that ZTE and the US government have signed a preliminary agreement that will lift the Denial Order. Last year, ZTE admitted to violating US sanctions by selling US-made technology to Iran and North Korea. It agreed to pay $890 million in fines, dismiss four employees, and discipline 35 others by either denying them their bonuses or reprimanding them. While it did fire the four employees, the company admitted to making false statements about the others, handing out full bonuses. For this "pattern of deception, false statements, and repeated violations, the US Commerce Department issued the ban in April. One week after announcing it had ceased major operations as a result of the ban, President Trump tweeted that he was working with Chinese president Xi Jinping to find a way for ZTE to get back into business, fast. Reuters says ZTE has now reached a preliminary agreement that will see the sanctions lifted. The US government will receive up to $1.7 billion in fines as part of the settlement. That figure includes $1 billion to be paid upfront and $400 million placed in escrow in the event of any future violations. The Commerce Department plans to amend its 2017 settlement agreement and count the $361 million ZTE paid as a part of that, allowing the United States to claim a total penalty of as much as $1.7 billion, writes Reuters. ZTE has promised to replace its board and executive team as part of the deal. It will also allow unfettered site visits to verify that US components are being used correctly, and post calculations of US parts in its products on a public website. The deal isnt set in stone. A Commerce Department spokesman said that no definitive agreement has been signed by both parties. But it seems ZTE is definitely in a better position now than it was just a few weeks ago. In March 2019, for 11 days Venezuelans remained without power due to attacks against their electrical system. | Read More Wallace the Wonderdog hard at work Savage Panda Snowboards in Queenscliff. For many dog lovers, the start of each weekday brings forlorn looks and a sense of guilt from their four-legged friend. But while the majority of employees have to wait until Take Your Dog To Work Day on June 22, there is a small subset of workplaces where dogs are not only accepted, but welcomed. Kate Engler is one of the lucky ones. Her Dalmatian, Wallace, is the factory mascot at Savage Panda Snowboards in Victorias Queenscliff. To be fair: Engler is the business owner, so shes making the rules, but she says shes happy for other well-behaved dogs to be on site. As it turns out, Wallace is no slacker. He welcomes couriers, greets clients and keeps us company when we are upstairs and the guys on the factory floor are downstairs. It helps with stress, gets you out of the office regularly for walks and pee breaks (the dog, not me) and softens the energy in the office when he's here, she says. Supermarket giant Woolworths has banned internationally-renowned photographer and artist Spencer Tunick from staging his next large-scale nude work on the rooftop of an inner-city Melbourne store. The New York-based artist had requested use of the Prahran store's roof, which has sweeping views of Melbourne, for his next photographic installation Return of the Nude as part of the Chapel Street Precinct's Provocare arts festival. But Woolworths denied the request in late April. "At Woolworths, we will always put the convenience of our local customers first. We recently upgraded the rooftop car park at our Prahran store to make it more accessible and comfortable and its primary purpose is so our customers have convenient access to available car parking close to our store," a spokeswoman said. J.K. Simmons plays a low-ranking bureaucrat in Counterpart. Aunty's approach to Mystery Road, Riley believes, typifies the way forward. The six-part series is an expensive Australian production, starring Judy Davis and Aaron Pedersen. In other words, it's a "flagship" drama; the kind likely to attract big TV audiences. No surprise it enjoys one of the best spots in the schedule: 8.30pm on Sundays. But as the first episode went to air last week, ABC put the entire season on iview. Sandra Oh has her first lead role in Killing Eve. Credit:ABC For Riley, it doesn't matter where people see it as long as they do see it. "We count both audiences," she says. "Broadcast is declining [across the industry] and we're trying to stem the flow by providing content on iview." Privately, ABC managers insist that maintaining healthy broadcast audiences is vital, lest politicians use dwindling ratings to justify further budget cuts. Yet the average age of ABC's TV viewership is 66 higher than our average retirement age. If younger people prefer to binge-watch drama online, Riley is happy to oblige them. Australian series Harrow, she says, delivered the best of both worlds: "It brought that crime audience [to the main channel] on Friday nights but it also tapped a younger audience on iview. That's the sweet spot for us." When iview launched in July 2008, it was billed as a catch-up website; its homepage dominated by the shows "you missed last night". When it relaunches later this month, catch-up will be a smaller part of what's intended to be a "standalone service". Programs will be grouped into entire seasons, and what you watch will determine via a Netflix-style algorithm what is recommended to you. Down the track, iview may also require users to create a profile, allowing ABC to harvest broad demographic data. "We don't program it in a vacuum," says iview boss Sally O'Donoghue. "We have to think about how we serve different audiences on different platforms." It's important, she adds, that iview not become a dumping ground for cheap, second-rate dramas: "Curation is absolutely everything; viewers need to see they're getting quality programs." Increasingly, this means high-end drama exclusive to iview or at least available to binge before it airs on TV. In June, for instance, iview will feature British crime series Killing Eve and Apple Tree Yard; British-French drama The Tunnel: Vengeance; sci-fi program The City and The City; and Australian comedy-drama F*!#ing Adelaide. It's a strategy already established at SBS. Among the dramas exclusive to SBS On Demand are The Bureau (France); Black Widows (Finland, Norway and Sweden); Cromo (Argentina); Professor T Flemish (Belgium) and The Border (Poland). Not to mention those that could be seen online before their TV debut: season one of The Handmaid's Tale (US); Midnight Sun (France); The Young Pope (Italy, France and US) and Trapped (Sweden). "It makes sense for SBS, as the smallest of the channels, to distribute our content in a variety of ways," says Marshall Heald, director of TV and online content. "Sometimes, an On Demand premiere will deliver a different audience to TV or will increase awareness of the show overall." Around three-quarters of the dramas acquired for On Demand are in non-English languages, helping counter the accusation that SBS has moved too far from its multicultural roots. (Anecdotal evidence suggests some viewers prefer searching for language-specific dramas online instead of waiting for them to appear on TV.) Those who watch drama through SBS On Demand are generally younger than those watching the same programs on air. And half of these online viewers don't even watch SBS on their televisions. To commercial networks, this would be cause for despair but to Heald, it's a chance to lure new audiences. "We strategically promoted [local drama] Safe Harbour during The Handmaid's Tale," he says. "This strategy enables us to increase engagement with Australian-commissioned programs." Currently, On Demand offers more than 80 binge-ready dramas. Some are popular Scandi-noir titles (The Bridge), or acclaimed Australian productions (Sunshine, The Principal). But others, according to Heald, "would have struggled to find audiences on free-to-air, whether due to their thematics or language content". The beauty of On Demand is that such programs don't fall through the cracks. "The diversity of our offering is the differentiator," he says. "On Demand enables us [to] present a truly global catalogue that Australians would never have seen otherwise." Binge-worthy dramas: 10 of the best Atlanta, SBS On Demand Donald Glover and Zazie Beetz in Atlanta. Credit:Guy D'Alema This offbeat drama-comedy was created and written by Donald Glover, who plays a Princeton dropout trying to get his cousin's rap career off the ground. ML Bad Banks, SBS On Demand German actress Paula Beer plays an ambitious and morally ambiguous banker who encounters the glass ceiling, rampant misogyny and selfless greed in this female-led, Billions-like drama set in the world of European high finance. PK The Bridge, SBS On Demand Sofia Helin stars in The Bridge. Credit:SBS Counterpart, SBS On Demand J.K. Simmons plays a low-ranking bureaucrat who discovers he has been cloned in this moody Berlin-set, Orwellian drama that taps into the murky world of state-sanctioned espionage. PK The Good Fight, SBS On Demand The cast of The Good Fight. Credit:Joe Pugliese A spin-off of The Good Wife, this legal-political drama stars Christine Baranski as accomplished lawyer Dianne Lockhart. After a financial scam destroys her savings (and her retirement plans), Dianne joins Chicago's top African-American-owned firm. ML Killing Eve, iview Sandra Oh gets her first lead role, playing an MI5 detective in pursuit of a psychopathic female assassin. As the series progresses, the two women become strangely obsessed with each other. ML Mystery Road, iview Aaron Pedersen and Judy Davis in Mystery Road. Credit:ABC The appeal is obvious: Judy Davis, Aaron Pedersen and an intriguing murder-mystery. But it's the subtler themes from racism to the hardships of outback living that add heft to this superb series. ML Spin, SBS On Demand While never reaching the heights of Danish political drama Borgen, this French series comes close. After the President is killed in a suicide attack, the Prime Minister decides to run for the Elysee but the President's former spin doctor has other ideas. ML The Tunnel: Vengeance, iview The fourth outing of this underrated French-British crime series, which was initially dismissed as Bridge-lite, delves into the current European crises of refugees and right-wing militancy. PK The Young Pope, SBS On Demand Jude Law and Diane Keaton star in The Young Pope. Credit:SBS Guppy fish can change their eye colour to warn off rivals, new research shows. When facing an opponent, Trinidadian guppies rapidly turn their irises, the coloured rings around their pupils, from silver to black before attacking their adversaries. Guppies can change the colour of their irises to black to signal aggression. This makes their eyes more conspicuous and is an "honest" signal of aggression - larger guppies do it to smaller ones they can beat in a fight, but smaller ones do not return the gesture. As part of the study, the researchers made visually realistic robotic guppies to see what would happen if smaller fish displayed their aggressive motivation. Twitter users posted pictures of their first Kate Spade bags, often purchased with the cash from their first full-time job, or to celebrate an important life milestone. Women have shared their first Kate Spade handbags on social media in tribute to the late designer, who was found dead in an apparent suicide in her New York apartment on Tuesday. Celebrities added their stories to the tributes to the US designer, whose bags were, as reported by the New York Times, often an American woman's first "grown-up" handbag. Chelsea Clinton tweeted that she still had her first Kate Spade, which she received from her grandmother. Some stories were less orthodox than others, with Kate Spade bags having been begged for from parents, or even stolen. With only four weeks until federal childcare subsidies switch to a new system, about 35 per cent of Queensland families have not yet signed up. Federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham said he was not disappointed by the slow uptake but urged families to update their details as soon as possible. Education Minister Simon Birmingham is calling on families to sign up to the new child care rebate system. Credit:Dominic K Lorrimer About 750,000 families nationally have signed up out of a projected 1 million families accessing childcare support. The $2.5 billion reformed childcare system launches on July 2, replacing the present dual payment of a childcare benefit and rebate, but families have been slow to complete the required paperwork online. A pedestrian has been rushed to hospital in a critical condition after he was hit by traffic in Brisbanes north. Emergency services were called to Aspley after reports a man had been struck by a vehicle about 7.30am on Wednesday. The incident happened on the corner of Kirby Road and Ellison Road, police said. The man was transported to Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital in a critical condition. The city centres only publicly run childcare centre in a street that's at ground zero for the CBD construction boom is set to be abruptly shut by Melbourne City Council. The council says the noise and dust caused by the construction work, parking issues and the fact that the centre only has a few children on its books make the closure of Melbourne City Child Care Centre in A'Beckett Street necessary. Distraught parents are scrambling to find alternative care for their children, after the council decided just over a week ago that the facility would close next month. Daniel Vigilante with his daughter Gia outside the childcare centre in A'Beckett Street. Credit:Simon Schluter "Every single parent is outraged at this," said Daniel Vigilante, the father of 18-month-old Gia, who said the short consultation time was unreasonable. Publican Robbie Beaton says he needs to pour 120 more pots of beer each day to keep pace with power bills. Credit:Eddie Jim One of Melbournes landmark bayside pubs has been forced to ration its heating and cooling and cut down on staff as it faces power bills that have soared to $24,000 a month. The owners of Doyles Bridge Hotel in Mordialloc say they will have to pour more than 120 more pots of beer each day just to keep pace with power bills that have tripled from $8000 a month in the wake of last years closure of the Hazelwood power plant in the Latrobe Valley. Publican Robbie Beaton was in Parliament House on Wednesday to support the Victorian Liberals as they tried to heap pressure on the Andrews government and promote the cost of living and power prices as first-order election issues. Liberal leader Matthew Guy declared a utilities power crisis in the state on the back of the highest rises in energy prices in Victorias history. He promised policies to put downward pressure on utilities prices if the Coalition wins government in Novembers election. A policeman accused of assaulting a teenager has told a jury that he punched the boy in the face because he was struck first. Senior Constable Simon Mareangareu took to the County Court witness box on Wednesday and told his trial he punched Kyan Foster about 2am on Christmas Day 2014 because the then 16-year-old hit his arm. Senior Constable Simon Mareangareu. Credit:Eddie Jim "As I have got his backpack strap ... he has whacked me in the arm,'" Senior Constable Mareangareu said. "He hits, I react. The training instantly kicks in. Create distance. Push, punch, kick, do anything. Create distance. His phone calls were every parent's worst nightmare. "Your daughter has been hit by a truck and I am sorry, she has passed away," he said. Three mothers received phone calls from the man informing them their young daughters had been killed in road crashes in Victoria. One woman collapsed in grief at work, another raced to her daughter's school and arrived screaming, and the third drove in terror to her local police station, thinking she was to be taken to a crash scene. The day is only just beginning but already police have caught a drink driver at more than three times the limit. A Spotswood man allegedly returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.172 after he was pulled over at a breath test site on the Westgate Freeway off-ramp at Williamstown Road about 5am. The 22-year-old has lost his license for a year and is expected to be charged on summons with drink driving. Booze buses and police will be out in force over this coming Queen's Birthday long weekend for road safety campaign Operation Regal. Police have located a man who was sought over an attack on a man in his 60s when a car crashed into a Perth home. Police claimed the man bashed the victim with a weapon after crashing his ute into a home on Barnes Street in Rockingham early on Wednesday, damaging the front of the vehicle. The victim was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital with serious injuries. After looking for him for several hours, Rockingham Detectives located the man on Wednesday afternoon. He is currently assisting with the investigation. The state government has acted to quash rumours of a Roe 8 by stealth in cancelling Roe 8 project approvals, though it has signalled the ultimate protection of removing the road zoning will take some time to progress. The Labor government cancelled the $450 million project on its election in 2017 after a massive community protest campaign. The same protest groups recently signalled concern that a year later the land remained zoned 'road reserve', the wetlands still lacked Class A conservation status and rehabilitation had not yet begun. Campaigners feared approvals for Murdoch Drive Connection (in blue) would leave wetlands north of Hope Road and west of Bibra Drive vulnerable. Credit:Main Roads WA They voiced suspicion over the replacement $100 million Murdoch Drive Connection road project, essentially the first part of Roe 8, stopping at the wetlands doorstep. A woman involved in a $29 million money laundering syndicate based in Hong Kong has been jailed in WA for almost four years. Trusted syndicate member Ka Sing Lai took Po Yi Cheng to 17 bank branches to deposit a total of $900,000 on three separate days between September and October 2015, the WA District Court was told. Judge Alan Troy said the evidence was "overwhelming". Judge Alan Troy said Cheng, 29, never went to the same branch twice. "You had no real idea who your current employer was or where the money had come from, other than apparently having been reassured by Mr Lai that it came from nearby but unspecified businesses," he said. There is however a wider challenge for Australians, highlighted by the arrival on our shores last month of the Huawei P20 Pro smartphone. "If you're a likely target of Chinese espionage a mining company executive, for example I'd give them a miss," one security expert told Fairfax Media . Eliminating ambiguity in the current partisan atmosphere is a big ask. So news that the government was moving to amend the proposed laws to ensure protections for legitimate journalism and that Attorney-General Christian Porter and his shadow Mark Dreyfus were negotiating directly is to be welcomed. China is becoming harder and harder to miss in fields such as telecommunications and artificial intelligence. Credit:AP These words, written by former government adviser John Garnaut and Laura Rosenberger in a paper about Russian and Chinese political interference in foreign countries, are the frame for the new espionage and interference laws being finalised this week in talks between the federal government and opposition. But China is becoming harder and harder to miss in fields such as telecommunications and artificial intelligence, with Chinese telcos Huawei and ZTE both on Telstra's shortlist to provide its 5G mobile network. Even with agreement near on one part of the proposed legislation, another the creation of a government register for those who act in Australia for an overseas principal is reckoned to be months away. Described by former Coalition cabinet minister Andrew Robb as "a political stunt", it is not difficult to imagine the tests it will pose to any political and social consensus as names are named, no matter how much the government insists that the register's function is regulatory rather than accusatory. As Garnaut has also pointed out when it comes to China, "target[ing] the harm while attempting to maintain the overall project of engagement . . . is not an easy balance to strike". That "overall project" is of course international as well as national, so it is intriguing to see Australia cast as a leader, even as it insists in areas such as climate change that any national response depends on the posture of others. Those who see another type of foreign influence at work in this debate, that of the United States, might recall the discord between Washington and Canberra as recently as January over the question of Russian and Chinese "threats". One-time Australian terror suspect Zaky Mallah has been detained in Singapore after attempting to visit the country just under a week ahead of the historic nuclear talks between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. From what he said was a holding cell at Singapore Airport, Mallah told Seven News he was interrogated for more than five hours about the nature of his visit and his past dealings, including a 2012 trip to Turkey and Syria. Zaky Mallah's infamous appearance on Q&A. Credit:Q&A "They asked me a lot of questions about my history, my dealings with the Australian government, ASIO, my trip to Turkey, Syria" The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have confirmed the detention of an Australian in Singapore, and will provide no further comment, a spokesperson said. ACT Opposition leader Alistair Coe has promised to cap rates rises if the Liberal party wins government in 2020. Rates across Canberra will rise by an average of $172 for houses and $135 for units from July, according to Tuesday's budget. The average Canberra house now pays $2474 in rates, while the average unit pays $1472. ACT Opposition leader Alistair Coe: The Canberra Liberals have promised to cap rates. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong The increases are part of the move to abolish stamp duty in favour of land tax and rates over 20 years, recommended by former Treasury boss Ken Henry in 2010. The ACT began abolishing inefficient taxes in 2012, cutting insurance taxes, reducing stamp duty year-on-year but raising rates and land tax in exchange. The battle to pass the Turnbull government's $144 billion personal income tax cuts has pivoted toward gender, with Labor labelling the final stage of the cuts unfair to women and Treasurer Scott Morrison rejecting a "pink and blue" tax system. A month out from the Coalition's deadline to pass the largest personal tax cuts in Australian history, Labor has signalled it is ready to pit male high-income earners against female workers in the struggle for a greater share of the pie. New figures released on Wednesday by the Parliamentary Budget Office show the final stage of the personal income tax plan will give Australian men a $30 billion tax break by 2028, compared to $11 billion for women. Labor - who commissioned the Budget Office analysis - supports the second stage of the cuts, which give a tax cut to men of $49 billion compared to $31 billion for women, while the first stage of the cuts targeted at low income earners delivers a relatively equal share between the genders. An attitude of 'crisis, what crisis?' seemed to characterise Trade Minister Steven Ciobo's rosy response to the faltering China relationship on Wednesday. Trade Minister Steven Ciobo addresses the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra on Wednesday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Illustration: Matt Golding Ciobo's inaugural address to the National Press Club had been keenly anticipated, given the importance of exports to Australia's continued growth. But the minister's presentation wasn't merely overdue. It was also underdone, attempting to paper over new cracks in the Sino-Australian relationship while suggesting that a current go-slow by our biggest trading partner, is both limited in scope and part of the normal ebb and flow anyway. The government must acknowledge in legislation that Aboriginal people still own the land of Victoria before it signs a treaty with them, Greens MP Lidia Thorpe has said. The Greens are expected to vote in favour of pursuing Australias first Aboriginal treaty on Thursday, after the Andrews government met some of their demands, including creating an elders' council to oversee negotiations. Ms Thorpe wrote to the government on Wednesday to say the Greens would support the bills passage in the lower house, but later warned in an interview with The Age that they havent got it in the bag yet. Greens MP Lidia Thorpe with Aboriginal clan elders at Parliament House. Credit:Justin McManus The Greens Aboriginal Affairs spokeswoman reserved the right to push for other changes to the treaty bill, and even oppose it, if the government didn't accept the Greens' amendments. Airbus has announced it will base its Zephyr solar-powered unmanned aircraft at Wyndham airfield in WA's north-west, with flights slated to begin in the second half of 2018. The Zephyr project is a solar-powered aircraft with an operational ceiling of about 65,000 feet and will provide a range of earth observation services and communications connectivity for civil, military or humanitarian purposes. Airbus said it bridged the gap between current-generation unmanned aircraft and satellites. Airbus has announced it will base its Zephyr solar-powered unmanned aircraft at Wyndham airfield. Credit:Airbus After the airfield is developed, Wyndham would become the worlds first operational site for the launch and recovery of the the aircraft, which are known as High Altitude Pseudo Satellites. WA Police Union president George Tilbury is warning its members will be leaving the regions "in droves" when state government house rentals are jacked up by $1560 a year in July. Regional police officers have access to subsidised Government Regional Officer Houses accomodation and Mr Tilbury said the cost had ballooned by $3120 since the McGowan Government was elected in 2017, while police pay had only increased by $2000. WA's police union is campaigning for the government to drop planned increases to rents for officers in the regions. The rental increases would put policing services in regional areas at risk, according to Mr Tilbury. "There are some places in the state where it is very difficult to attract police officers and increasing the rent is going to make the situation worse," he said. In Monday's keynote address at Apples World Wide Developers Conference a week-long gathering for developers that has grown in pomp, ceremony and stature to become the tech equivalent of a cross between the Oscars and the State of the Union address the company announced new features built into its soon-to-be-released iOS 12 operating system to tackle our growing addiction to phones and tablets. These include an enhanced "do not disturb" mode that hides your alerts during sleeping hours and Screen Time, which provides a report of your phone usage and allows for time limits to be set on the use of certain applications. Google has introduced similar measures for its Android phone operating system. Apple CEO Tim Cook explains the new iOS 'Screen Time' feature at the World Wide Developers Conference in California on Monday. Credit:AP Apple has also developed more in-depth parental controls that allow parents to block the use of particular apps on their children's devices during specified hours and have more oversight over how the devices can be used. We have become inseparable from our mobile phones. The term "nomophobia" (no-mobile-phone-phobia) has entered our lexicon and a study by MIT Sloan Management School has shown most people who have to "give up" their phone for a day suffer at least some level of anxiety. Apple showed off a raft of new features for the Mac, Apple Watch and iPhone at Tuesday's WWDC keynote. So many that the company breezed through most announcements and still talked for over two hours. I've had a chance to dive deeper into some of the announcements and pull out my favourite features, coming soon to a device near you. The iPhone received the most improvements. Apple claims the software is twice as fast to launch apps and scroll lists, and I don't doubt them, so that would make iOS 12 an instant update for me already. But the feature I'm most interested in are the new Screentime options found in the settings app. Apple's Craig Federighi talks about the new Screen Time features at WWDC. Credit:AP You need to turn on Screentime, but if you do your iPhone will begin monitoring your usage, and sharing insights with you. You'll see daily habits like how often you pick up the phone, what app you tend to go to first, how often you scroll endlessly through Instagram, and how much time you spend (or waste, depending on your perspective) in social media apps in general. There's no judgement here, just insights, but you can set yourself limits for an app or category if you choose. Google has announced similar features are coming with its next Android release, and I applaud them too for tackling device addiction, something I struggle with. I've previously written about my own addictions and the tools I've used to monitor my phone usage, but these methods were less than ideal thanks to iOS security and privacy features. For these tools to be accurate and automatic, they needed to be baked into iOS, so it's fantastic to see the care and attention Apple have given this feature. Of course Apple will never see this data, or share it with third-party apps. This is information for you to use or ignore. An Auckland man felt "betrayed" after his partner of almost 30 years died and left him only her ashes, sparking a legal battle over the meaning of a de facto relationship. A decision from Justice Grant Powell in the Auckland High Court, released on Wednesday, ordered that Steven Moon be paid $NZ300,000 ($276,000) out of the estate of Mary Doyle. Their relationship had lasted for 27 years and ended with Doyle's death after a long battle with cancer early last year, the decision said. Steven Moon laid claim to the whole of Mary Doyle's estate, which was opposed by her older brother. Credit:Alamy Moon told the court that after Doyle died and he read her will, he was "very upset and felt used" when he found she'd bequeathed him only her ashes. The Nuclear Reactor That Makes Its Own Fuel By Irina Slav Reprinted by permission of OilPrice.com To say that nuclear energy has a bad name would be an understatement. To say that it has a future, however, would be to state the obvious. Despite soaring solar and wind generation capacity additions globally, the world is still almost completely reliant on fossil fuelsand nuclear power is a much cleaner, cheap alternative to these. Rather, it would be, were it not for the risk of a meltdown and the problem with radioactive waste. One company, chaired by none other than Bill Gates, says it has found solutions to both these problems. TerraPower came into existence in 2008 with the purpose of finding a reliable alternative to fossil fuels using a nuclear reactor concept first developed more than half a century ago. The breed and burn reactor, so called by the Russian scientist who first conceived of it, Savely Feinberg, was supposed to be able to produce the fuel it needed to sustain the nuclear reaction within itself, as the reaction progressed. Breed and burn reactors would require much less enriched uranium and could keep the reaction going for decades. At the time, the concept proved too difficult and costly to implement, and the problem with nuclear waste as well as the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters lay too far in the future for anyone to care. Fast-forward about four decades and two researchers, one of them the father of the H-bomb Edward Teller and the other an astrophysicist, Lowell Wood, designed a new version of the breed and burn reactor that TerraPower chose as a starting point for its quest to find the nuclear reactor of the future. Related: Rosneft Throws OPEC For A Loop, Boosts Output By 70,000 Bpd In a recent story for IEEE Spectrum, Michael Koziol details how the TerraPower reactor works, noting its advantages over other reactors such asprimarilythe ability to use uranium waste as a fuel and need much less enriched uranium. Also, a major advantage would be the eliminated need to dispose substantial amounts of radioactive waste as there would be very little waste: most fuel will go towards keeping the chain reaction going with the help of fuel pins enclosed in the reactor. And whatever waste there isa fifth of the waste of current reactorswould be used to start new chain reactions in other traveling wave reactors. Theoretically, such a reactor could operate for 50 years without interference and much more efficiently than the currently dominant light water reactors as it would use liquid sodium as a coolant and not water. Liquid sodium is great at moving heat out of a reactors superheated core and transporting it to water-heating system that then produces heat to power the turbines. Yet sodium is also great at another thing: burning. According to one prominent critic of traveling wave reactors using sodium as coolant, the President of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research, these reactors carry a very high risk of explosion as the sodium is extremely flammable upon contact with oxygen. This, combined with other challenges, make them unviable economically. Arjun Makhijani detailed all the challenges of such reactors in a 2013 paper, where he noted the risk of sodium leaks resulting in fire, such as the one that led to the emergency shutdown of a TWR in Japan in 1995. Sodium leaks also prevented a TWR in France from operating at above 7 percent of capacity for a decade before that reactor, too, was shut down. Besides the leaks, Makhijani said, TWRs are simply not competitive on cost and will likely be obsolete before they are commercialized. Related: Oil Kingdom In Crisis: Saudi Royal Family Rift Turns Violent. Indeed, it will be a couple of more decades before these reactors could begin being built on a large enough scale to make a difference in global emissions. TerraPower, which has partnered with the China National Nuclear Corporation, plans to start building a test reactor using the traveling wave concept in China in 2019. If all goes well, it would start operation in the mid-2020s. Multiplying its success, if we assume the reactor is successful, will take twenty or more years, Koziol notes. So far, everything is being done in the lab. The test reactor will reveal whether the traveling wave reactor design as developed by Bill Gates TerraPower has a future as a reliable, economically viable alternative to coal, gas, and existing nuclear power technology. About Irina Slav Irina is a writer for the U.S.-based Divergente LLC consulting firm with over a decade of experience writing on the oil and gas industry. To read the original story on OilPrice.com and reader comments CLICK HERE. Larissa Watson. Photo: Facebook Late May and early June of 2018 will go down in history for their trove of amazing grifter stories, from the epic tale of fake German heiress Anna Delvey to the former Vogue staffer arrested for stealing from Grace Coddington. And thankfully, it seems we will continue to be blessed with more and more scammers to obsess over; my newest favorite is a British woman who was recently been dubbed the Pirate of Portofino. As the Telegraph reports, British designer and painter Larissa Watson, 50, was arrested on Monday in Italy after allegedly trying to steal a yacht from an exclusive Portofino resort on the Italian Riviera. Italian police claim Watson nonchalantly climbed aboard a Sangermani Daycruiser yacht that retails for, oh, just 150,000 (or around $177,000). As fate would have it, the keys of the vessel (which was owned by a local rental company) were onboard, so she merely started up the engine. Per the Telegraph: The 50-year-old, described by the Italian police as tall, blonde and refined, was about to head out of the picturesque port, which is lined with pastel-colored houses and popular with tycoons and celebrities, when she was spotted by a harbor worker, who became suspicious. The worker ran along the dock and somehow jumped aboard the boat in the nick of time, only to grab the keys away from Watson and steer it back to the mooring. Watson was then arrested and charged with theft after the incident on Monday. She is set to appear in Genoa court next month. But the story doesnt end there! Lest you think luck was simply on Watsons side and that she serendipitously stumbled upon the boat, Italian police now claim that this may have all been part of her plan. Nothing like this has happened before in Portofino, its very unusual, Capt Simone Clemente, of the Carabinieri, told the Telegraph. By looking through her Facebook and Instagram accounts we found that she had done navigation courses in the past and knew how to handle a boat. She nearly made it out of the harbor. The police also claim that Watson, who has four kids, had been in Italy since at least February, and that she had allegedly left hotels and restaurants across the country without paying. The Italian newspaper La Riviera, which first christened her the Portofino pirate, even wrote (per the Telegraph): The double life of Larissa Watson seems to have come straight out of a film. In Britain shes an esteemed artist, in Italy a thief whos been under scrutiny by the police for some time. I cant wait to see what scammer pops up next! Pamela Anderson. Photo: Pablo Cuadra/FilmMagic On Wednesday Afternoon, TMZ caught up to Pamela Anderson, who was asked whether she believes President Trump should pardon Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder who faces allegations of rape and sexual assault. Anderson is a friend of Assanges; she has also been rumored to be dating him. In the TMZ video, Anderson says she believes that pardoning Assange would be the the smartest thing to do. She blows a kiss at the cameraman before departing. President Trump has been on a bit of a pardoning bender recently. Earlier today, Trump granted clemency to Alice Johnson, a 63-year-old woman who was sentenced to life in prison behind a 1996 drug conviction. According to CNN, the White House has also prepared the paperwork to pardon or commute the sentences of dozens of other people. (It is currently unclear whether Johnson will be pardoned or have her sentence commuted.) Trump also hinted at a possible sentence reduction for former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who is serving 14 years after being convicted for corruption charges, as well as a pardon for Martha Stewart, who was convicted of conspiracy, obstruction, and making false statements to investigators after being investigated for insider trading. Assange has faced accusations of sexual assault from two women, who both say they had sexual encounters with Assange that started as consensual, but became forced when they asked him to stop and he refused. Both of the alleged assaults occurred in Sweden. Assange has spent the past several years hiding out in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, avoiding extradition; though Swedish prosecutors recently dropped his case because theyve been unable to formally notify him of the charges against him, that doesnt mean they think hes innocent in fact, one investigator told reporters that probable cause for this crime still exists. Scott Pruitt. Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images Millan Hupp, an aide for embattled Environmental Protection Agency administrator Scott Pruitt has resigned, the Atlantic reported on Wednesday. The move comes shortly after her congressional testimony about Pruitts spending habits in which she alleged he asked her to help acquire a used mattress from the Trump International Hotel was made public. Shortly after news broke about Hupps resignation, the Washington Post reported that Pruitts senior counsel Sarah Greenwalt has also resigned. NEWS: Just told by senior EPA person that Sarah Greenwalt, senior counsel to Pruitt, has also resigned. Asking EPA public affairs for confirmation. Comes after another aide Millian Hupp also resigned today Eric Lipton (@EricLiptonNYT) June 6, 2018 Hupp, 26, had worked as the director of scheduling and advance under Pruitt at the EPA, while Greenwalt, 30, served as Pruitts general counsel in Oklahoma before becoming his senior counsel at the EPA. Both Hupp and Greenwalt received hefty salary bumps in March with Pruitt reportedly bypassing the White House to give them the raises. According to the Atlantic, Pruitt needed the White House to approve their raises because they were both political appointees, but the Presidential Personnel Office dismissed his application to boost Greenwalts salary from $107,435 to $164,200 and Hupps from $86,460 to $114,590. However, he used a provision of the Safe Drinking Water Act to skirt around that requirement. On Monday, the Washington Post revealed that in May, Hupp testified in front of a congressional committee that Pruitt often had her perform bizarre personal tasks, including looking into how much it would cost to purchase a used Trump Hotel mattress. Her sister Sydney Hupp, a former scheduler who left the EPA last year, also recently testified that she was tasked with helping Pruitts wife set up a meeting to become a Chic-Fil-A franchisee. An EPA official told the Atlantic that Millan Hupp was tired of being thrown under the bus by Pruitt, as well as constantly seeing her name associated with his scandals in the press. Her resignation paperwork was started on Monday morning, and her last day at the EPA will be Friday. But when asked for comment by the Atlantic about Hupps resignation, EPA spokesperson Jahan Wilcox simply said, You have a great day, youre a piece of trash. Hupp and Greenwalts departures are merely the latest at the EPA. The Post notes that top communications official Elizabeth Bowen recently left, as did top adviser Samantha Dravis. Justin Trudeau and Donald Trump. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Diplomacy is an art that President Donald Trump is still learning. Yes, he told the French presidents older wife that shes in such good shape. Yes, he refers to an authoritarian leader with nuclear capabilities as little rocket man. Yes, he reportedly told the Canadian prime minister that Canada once burnt down the White House. Where was I going with this? According to CNN, the arson comment happened on a late-May call with Justin Trudeau (the male feminist extraordinaire whom Trump once called good-looking) to discuss steel and aluminium tariffs on Canadian imports: According to the sources, Trudeau pressed Trump on how he could justify the tariffs as a national security issue. In response, Trump quipped to Trudeau, Didnt you guys burn down the White House? referring to the War of 1812. It was actually the British, but if this storys true, Im just impressed that he knew about the War of 1812. The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option. President Donald Trump and TV personality Kim Kardashian West in the Oval Office in the White House, Washington, D.C., on May 30, 2018. (The White House) After Kim Kardashians Intercession, Trump Commutes Woman Sentenced for Life President Donald Trump on June 6 commuted the life sentence of a woman who was imprisoned for drug conspiracy. TV personality Kim Kardashian West met with Trump last week to ask for clemency. Trump commuted the life sentence of Alice Marie Johnson, 63, after taking account of her behavior as well as the 22 years shes already spent behind bars. Ms. Johnson has accepted responsibility for her past behavior and has been a model prisoner over the past two decades, the White House stated in a release. Despite receiving a life sentence, Alice worked hard to rehabilitate herself in prison, and act as a mentor to her fellow inmates. Her Warden, Case Manager, and Vocational Training Instructor have all written letters in support of her clemency. According to her warden, Arcala Washington-Adduci, Johnson exhibited outstanding and exemplary work ethic and was willing to go above and beyond in all work tasks. Johnson was sentenced in 1997 for cooperating with a group of people that were getting large shipments of cocaine from Houston and distributing them in Memphis. She used money from the criminal enterprise to buy a commercial cleaning company franchise and make a downpayment on a house. She was found guilty on five counts, including drug conspiracy and money laundering. It was her first offense. Kardashian West learned of the womans story earlier this year and contacted Trumps daughter, Ivanka Trump, who informed her husband, Jared Kushner, according to Vanity Fair. Kushner is Trumps senior adviser. Kushner is working on a prison reform initiative that would provide programs teaching life skills, morals, and academics, offer drug addiction treatment, prison jobs, mentoring, and more to all federal inmates. It would also allow many nonviolent offenders with low risk of recidivism to spend the last part of their sentences in alternative detention such as home confinement, halfway houses, and community supervision. After a few months back and forth with Kushner, the Trump-Kardashian meeting took place on May 30. Kardashian West thanked Trump on Twitter after the meeting and said she and others were optimistic about Ms. Johnsons future and hopeful that sheand so many like herwill get a second chance at life. We are optimistic about Ms. Johnsons future and hopeful that she and so many like herwill get a second chance at life. Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) May 31, 2018 On June 6, it was Kardashian West who called Johnson to give her the good news. The phone call I just had with Alice will forever be one of my best memories. Telling her for the first time and hearing her screams while crying together is a moment I will never forget, Kardashian West wrote on Twitter. The phone call I just had with Alice will forever be one of my best memories. Telling her for the first time and hearing her screams while crying together is a moment I will never forget. Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) June 6, 2018 So grateful to @realDonaldTrump, Jared Kushner & to everyone who has showed compassion & contributed countless hours to this important moment for Ms. Alice Marie Johnson. Her commutation is inspirational & gives hope to so many others who are also deserving of a second chance, she added in another tweet. So grateful to @realDonaldTrump, Jared Kushner & to everyone who has showed compassion & contributed countless hours to this important moment for Ms. Alice Marie Johnson. Her commutation is inspirational & gives hope to so many others who are also deserving of a second chance. Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) June 6, 2018 The White House concluded, While this Administration will always be very tough on crime, it believes that those who have paid their debt to society and worked hard to better themselves while in prison deserve a second chance. Johnson was at the top of the list of recommendations to President Barack Obamas Clemency Project 2014 by CAN-DO, a nonprofit advocating clemency for nonviolent drug offenders. Obama, however, denied her clemency without explanation. Kardashian West was hoping to secure a pardon from Trump, who recently issued a rare posthumous pardon to legendary boxer Jack Johnson. Johnsons early 20th-century career was destroyed after he was prosecuted and imprisoned on racially motivated charges. Boxers, historians, academics, and politicians had pushed for a pardon for Johnson for 14 years. Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama never acted on the requests. Trump revealed in April that he was considering a full pardon after hearing about it from actor Sylvester Stallone. Epoch Times reporter Ivan Pentchoukov contributed to this report. Watch Next: How a Traditional Spiritual Practice Changed the Lives of These People The practice has attracted tens of millions across the world and at its core are just three simple principles: truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. Lt. Gen. He Lei (L), vice president of the People's Liberation Army's Academy of Military Science, and Hajit Sajjan (R), Canadian National Defense Minister, attend the first plenary session of the 17th Asian Security Summit of the IISS ShangriLa Dialogue in Singapore on June 2, 2018. (Roslan Rahman/AFP/Getty Images) As US Urges Restraint at Forum, Chinese General Says He Wants to Fight a War A senior general representing China at a top international security forum said that his big regret is never having had a chance to fight in a war, according to a forum participant who recorded the generals comments. The provocative statement comes at a time when the United States is urging Beijing to curb its aggressive militarization of the South China Sea. Over the weekend of June 2, U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis made international headlines by blasting China for committing intimidation and coercion in the South China Sea and said the United States will make sure Beijings aggression is met with consequences. Mattis was speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual security forum in Singapore. Each year the forum attracts the top policymakers in the defense and security community of countries across the western Pacific. In response, Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Lieutenant General He Lei, who is the vice-president of the Academy of Military Science and represented the Chinese regimes position at the forum, fired back at a session later that day that he found Mattis comment irresponsible and that he would not shy away from fighting in a real war. I am retiring soon. My one big regret is that I never had a chance to fight in a war. But thats because China has been peaceful for over 30 years, He said, while repeating several times in the same speech his wish for a chance to go into combat. Hes speech was recorded by Aaron Connelly, a research fellow at Australias Lowy Institute, who was in attendance and tweeted the statement. Other senior diplomats from around the region in attendance struggled to suppress consternation, laughter, and shock at Hes statement, Connelly wrote in a later tweet. Ian Easton, a research fellow at the Project 2049 Institute said that Hes statements seem to be yet another example of Beijing using its military as an instrument of propaganda. The PLA is the armed wing of the Chinese Communist Party, not a professional military that serves the people and protects the national constitution. Real professional soldiers would never pine for war. They would cherish peace, Easton said. Perhaps the general [He Lei] should hope his children can have the same regret in 2048, retired U.S. Marines Corps Lieutenant General Wallace Gregson said. At the same forum, he also dismissed Beijings militarization of artificial islands in the South China Sea as mere rumors, and bragged that he is the only one in the room who has visited those islands. This is despite the fact that Beijings acts have been extensively recorded and backed by satellite images and other evidence. Secretary Mattis has vowed that the United States will push back against Beijings aggression, amid growing concerns that the U.S. presence and security assurances across the western Pacific region are being eroded by the Chinese regimes encroachments. A pedestrian walks across the Paso del Norte International Bridge in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on the border with El Paso, Texas, on July 25, 2017. (HERIKA MARTINEZ/AFP/Getty Images) Border Agents Stop Asylum Seekers, Cite Overcapacity Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents stood on a pedestrian bridge linking Mexico and the United States over the weekend and temporarily prevented asylum-seekers from entering the country. It is the second time in less than six weeks that the United States has halted entry to asylum-seekers at ports of entry. The first was on April 29 at the San Ysidro crossing in San Diego as a caravan of migrants from Central America was attempting to enter, but CBP was over capacity. At that time, entry was closed to asylum-seekers for one day. In recent days, San Ysidro has exceeded port capacity due to an increase in arrivals of undocumented persons making asylum claims or presenting complex cases, an official said at the time. A CBP spokesman said the latest stoppage, on the Paso del Norte Bridge port of entry in El Paso, Texas, is also temporary and due to the same reasons. CBP processes undocumented persons as expeditiously as possible without negating the agencys overall mission, or compromising the safety of individuals within our custody, the CBP spokesperson said in an email. The number of inadmissible individuals CBP is able to process varies based upon case complexity; available resources; medical needs; translation requirements; holding/detention space; overall port volume; and ongoing enforcement actions. Limiting entry is not common, but it happened in San Ysidro around six months ago, and in 2016, entry was restricted when an influx of Haitians arrived at the California border, according to a CBP official. Depending upon port circumstances at the time of arrival, individuals presenting without documents may need to wait in Mexico as CBP officers work to process those already within our facilities, the spokesperson said. The United States has experienced an uptick in asylum-seekers in the last few monthsespecially from the Central American countries of Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. In March and April, almost 27,000 family units and unaccompanied minors crossed the southwest border illegallyand most will claim asylum. Statistics on how many people claimed asylum after entering a port of entry during those months are not available. The Trump administration has said the asylum system is being gamed and wants Congress to close loopholes. Canadian Intelligence Agency Warns of Beijings Interference in National Politics Report puts spotlight on New Zealand as case study of Chinas interference in trading-partner countries politics A report published by Canadas intelligence agency says China is using its commercial status with its trading partners to influence politicians, exploit technology for intelligence objectives, and exert control over the Chinese diaspora living in the countries it trades with. China is prepared to use threats and enticements to bring business and political elites to its side and motivate them to defend the Chinese perspective, states the report, compiled based on papers presented at a workshop organized by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). The report devotes an entire chapter to the case of New Zealand, pointing to the Commonwealth nation as a case study of Chinas willingness to use economic ties to interfere with the political life of a partner country. The Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) overt attempts to interfere with politicians and control the local Chinese diaspora in both New Zealand and Australia have attracted much attention in recent months. In the case of Australia, the spotlight led to the resignation of a prominent politician over his alleged ties to the CCP, and also the introduction of new legislation to curb the Partys influence. Late last year, New Zealands intelligence agency urged the government to be more vocal against Beijings political influence, citing the CCPs efforts to access sensitive government and private-sector information and attempts to unduly influence expatriate communities. Important Target According to the CSIS report, New Zealand is an important target for the CCP for a number of reasons, including, among others, its stake in Antarctica, its abundant natural resources, and its membership in the NATO and the Five Eyes agreement. Five Eyes is an alliance between Canada, New Zealand, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom that facilitates cooperation in intelligence activities. Just ahead of general elections in New Zealand last year, China-born MP Jiang Yang from the governing National Party came under public scrutiny for his former career teaching spies in Chinese military academics. Yang served in different parliamentary committees in New Zealand, among them foreign affairs, defence, and trade. He has denied any wrongdoing. The influential U.S.-China Economic and Security Review congressional commission was told recently by an intelligence expert that anything on China that then-New Zealand prime minister Bill English was briefed on, Jiang was briefed on as well. Whats more, the commission heard, New Zealands Labour Party, the political party of current Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, has accepted donations from donors tied to the United Front Work Department, a CCP agency that seeks to expand the regimes influence abroad. One of the major fundraisers for Jacinda Arderns party has United Front links that you have to say, this is close enough to the central political core of the New Zealand system that we have to think about whether or not to take action and what kinds of action, Peter Mattis, a fellow of the China Program at the Jamestown Foundation, told the commission. The CSIS report says these attempts at influencing politics in New Zealand on the part of the CCP threaten New Zealand sovereignty and directly affect the rights of Chinese New Zealanders to freedom of speech, association, and religion. The report says that in fact, the CCP didnt have to pressure New Zealand to accept the regimes soft power activities and political influence, because successive New Zealand governments have actively courted it. An Example for Canada The CSIS report says what has happened in New Zealand serves as an example of how Beijing would like relations to be with other states in the future. In 2010, then-head of CSIS Richard Fadden said in a CBC interview that a number of Canadian politicians had developed close links to foreign governments, with Beijing cited as the most active. The Globe and Mail later revealed that one of the politicians Fadden referred to was Ontario cabinet minister Michael Chan. Chan has said he is not a national risk to Canada and has launched a libel suit against the Globe. Brian Lee Crowley, managing director of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute think tank, says Canadian governmentsboth the Liberals and the Conservatives when they were in powerincluded politicians and bureaucrats who saw China principally as an economic opportunity, a notion that could diminish security concerns and human rights. Regarding the current Liberal government in particular, Crowley says, I think its fair to say that we have a government in office that leans more heavily towards the economic opportunity side of the equation, and is made very uncomfortable by national security concerns that are raised. As an example, shortly after winning the election, the Liberal government spent considerable funds and effort to change negative public opinion about trade with China. However, polls and public consultations have shown that Canadians remain concerned about Canadas relationship with the communist country. Nonetheless, given that Ottawa recently rejected a bid by a Chinese state-owned enterprise to buy the iconic Canadian construction company Aecon, it does seem that some security concerns are being heeded behind the scenes, Crowley says, although the government avoids publicly talking about it at length to avoid offending Beijing. Crowley says it makes sense that the CSIS report is exploring the issue of Chinese influence at this time given the recent revelations of its underhanded activities in countries that are allies of Canada. I think there are a number of fronts on which Canadians can and should be increasingly concerned about China clearly not recognizing any boundaries in terms of the tactics and strategies that theyre prepared to pursue in order to promote their interests within Canada, he says. China has made no secret of the fact that it is using the Chinese diaspora community as agents of influence throughout the world, including Canada. Theyve made no secret of the fact that they increasingly tried to insert into Canadian politics people who are promoting the interest of China. Modello for "George Washington," 1818 by Antonio Canova (17571822). Plaster, 66 9/16 by 39 3/8, by 54 3/4 inches, Gypsotheca e Museo Antonio Canova, Fondazione Canova onlus, Possagno, in the exhibition, "Canova's George Washington" at The Fridck Collection in New York, on May 21, 2018. (MICHAEL BODYCOMB) Canovas George Washington Rises From the Ashes at the Frick Collection NEW YORKThe face of the first president of the United States is well imprinted on our minds. We see it countless times on the one-dollar bill. We take it for granted that this iconic image of George Washington and the portrait by Gilbert Stuart from which it was derived is what he really looked like. Yet, a more accurate likeness of Washington was sculpted by the Italian artist Antonio Canova. This most celebrated neoclassical sculptor was born in 1757 to a humble family in the small town of Possagno, on the Venetian mainland. At the age of 23, he moved to Rome where he created sculptures and monuments for popes, emperors, kings, and aristocrats. In 1816, Canova was commissioned by the General Assembly of North Carolina to create a marble statue of Washington to stand in the State Capitol in Raleigh. At that time, his sculptures were standing in Italy, France, England, Austria, Germany, Holland, Poland, and Russia. We are not so familiar with the only work Canova created for the United States, because it only existed for less than a decade. Tragically, the marble statue was destroyed in a blazing fire, crushed by the collapsing roof of the statehouse on June 21, 1831. Canovas George Washington would have been one of the most important artistic treasures of U.S. history. Still, we are fortunate to be able to see a full-size plaster cast (the modello) Canova made in preparation for the marble statue, and other preparatory objects related to the creation of his work, in the exhibition Canovas George Washington at The Frick Collection until Sept. 23, 2018. In the fall of 2018, it will travel to Possagno, Italy, to be shown at the Gypsotheca e Museo Antonio Canova. This is the model which in many ways is the original to the marble, said Xavier F. Salomon, Peter Jay Sharp chief curator at The Frick, at a press preview on May 21. Salomon organized the exhibition in collaboration with Mario Guderzo, director of the Gypsotheca e Museo Antonio Canova in Possagno; the Venice International Foundation; and Friends of Venice. Coincidentally, the exhibition and the publication of its catalogco-authored by Salomon, Guderzo, and Guido Beltramini, the director of the Palladio Museum in Vicenzatakes place 200 years after Canova completed his marble statue in 1818. In many ways, this exhibition is the phoenix rising from the ashes, said Ian Wardropper, the director of The Frick. A Story of Perseverance The story of Canovas George Washington involves some of the most important statesmen and cultural figures on both sides of the Atlantic. It also involves some unsung heroes, like the American consul in Livorno, Italy, Thomas Appleton, who was involved in every step of the project. On the nefarious side, it involves a couple of opportunists and a swindler, namely, Robert Ball Hughes, the British sculptor who ran off with money intended for the restoration of the statue. Starting with the General Assembly of North Carolina commissioning Canova in 1816; to Canova completing the marble statue two years later; to shipping it via a merchant ship and then, due to its heavy weight, transferring it to a warship to go across the Atlantic, taking almost a year; to its destruction a decade later; to a thwarted attempt to have it restored; to the Italian government giving a plaster cast to North Carolina in 1909; to about 50 years later, when a North Carolina committee secured the funds for a faithful marble copy to be made from the plaster cast; and to the Italian artist Romano Vio completing the marble reproduction in 1970; ultimately, this exhibition tells a more fundamental story. At its core, the exhibition and catalog Canovas George Washington tells a story demonstrating the will and forbearance of the people who wanted to honor the man who was intrinsic to the birth of the United States. It is a story of generosity in the face of greed, and of the importance of an artistic tradition transmitting the principles and morality underpinning the United States and its people. Kindred Spirits Far and Near Canova had never met Washington in person, and Washington probably had not even heard of Canova. How was Canova then able to reproduce Washingtons likeness so well, 16 years after Washingtons death? And why did he depict him in ancient Roman garbarmor allantica, in the manner of the ancient Romans? We are lucky to have about 200 letters that outline this commission from beginning to end, Salomon said. Including 95 letters, the catalog gives some amusing details of the decision-making process. We learn that only two artists had sculpted Washington from life, Jean-Antoine Houdon and Giuseppe Ceracchi. Washingtons family considered Houdons terracotta bust to be the most faithful to the sitter. It was the first to be made on and with American soil, and it was fired in Washingtons oven at Mount Vernon. Houdon also made a life mask of Washington, with plaster of Paris, which is displayed in the exhibition. Canova relied on the life mask Houdon made, as well as on a plaster cast of Ceracchis bust of Washington. Multiple copies of Ceracchis bust were made and sold in different sizes and materials. Ceracchi did not live to see Canovas Washington because he was guillotined in 1801 for attempting to assassinate Napoleon as part of the Daggers Conspiracy. Canova did not use any paintings, like the popular portraits by Stuart, to create his sculpture. We also learn from the exhibit and catalog that it was the decision of the third U.S. president, Thomas Jefferson, to choose Canova over other artists like Erik Gustaf Gothe, Bertel Thorvaldsen, and Lorenzo Bartolini. Yet Jefferson had never met Canova, nor had he ever seen any of Canovas works in person. We might think that was a risky decision. But the founding father Jefferson was the arbiter of taste par excellence. As soon as the General Assembly of North Carolina received Jeffersons point-by-point letter, there was no further discussion. They would have to hire the best sculptor known at the time, Canova; the best marble from Italy, Carrera marble; and the intermediary for the commission would have to be the American consul in the Tuscan harbor city of Livorno, Thomas Appleton, and so forth. Its a witness to Jeffersons power as a cultural leader in the early history of this country, Salomon said. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the United States was still forming its symbols and structure, not only on a political and social level but also on a cultural and artistic level, Salomon explained. One of the big decisions the founding fathers had to make was about the artistic language that would characterize the republic. The U.S. founders were classically educated in Roman republican ideals, Athenian democratic philosophy, Christian virtues, and Enlightenment reason. Jefferson was no exception. He decided the architectural language of this republic should be Palladianthat is, derived from the designs of the Venetian architect Andrea Palladio (15081580). That is because Venice had a long tradition of being a republic, and Palladian architecture is seen as a symbol of freedom and liberty, Salomon said. There was an ongoing discussion about the republics aesthetics with regard to the style of sculpture, neoclassical or otherwise, to be incorporated in the Palladian architecture that we see; for example, in the District of Columbia and state Capitol buildings. About 30 years before Canova was commissioned, Jefferson was asked for his opinion on how the sculptor Houdon should depict Washington for the statue that would stand in the Capitol of Richmond, Virginia. On Aug. 14, 1787, Jefferson wrote to Washington: The modern dress for your statue would meet your approbation. I think a modern in an antique dress as just an object of ridicule as an Hercules or Marius with a periwig and chapeau bras. Decades later, for Canovas Washington, however, Jefferson suggested the opposite: I am sure the artist, and every person of taste in Europe would be for the Roman, the effect of which is undoubtedly of a different order. Our boots and regimentals have a very puny effect. Canova agreed with Jeffersons suggestion. He made drawings, three-dimensional sketches, in preparation for the full-size plaster modello. As it was standard practice of academically trained artists, Canova also created an anatomical sketch of a nude figure. Afterward, he created a clothed three-dimensional sketch of Washington in ancient Roman garbarmor allantica. The figure is highly decorated. Throughout his creative process, he replaced a crown and scepter, as seen in the second sketch, with a sword and baton. In the final full-size plaster cast, the clothes of the statue reference the ancient republican hero Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus. Similarly to Washington, the Roman hero stepped down and returned to his farm after having won a war. Washington is shown drafting his first farewell address to the nation. Art for Honor Canovas marble sculptures were admired for what the classicist and father of archaeology Johann Joachim Winckelmann would describe as noble simplicity and quiet grandeur. Canova engaged his intellect and spirit as much as he refined the dexterity of his hands. I work all day like a dog, but it is also true that almost every day I listen to readings, and thus I have now listened for the third time to all eight volumes on Homer, Canova wrote to a friend. When Canova was in the process of creating his Washington, his assistant read to him the Story of the War of Independence of the United States of America (Storia della guerra dellindependenza degli Stati Uniti dAmerica) by Carlo Botta. Though he did not meet the first president in person, Canova depicted Washington as if he had met him. Canovas close friend, Pietro Giordani, claimed to have heard the sculptor say, I made him [Washington] gladly, because he is a gentleman. When the statue was unveiled, it received ample praise. On March 17, 1820, the Raleigh Register newspaper, in describing the statue, reported: Even the celebrated Statues of the Apollo of Belvidere [sic] and the Venus of Medici have their blemishes, but the Statue of Washington, like Washington himself, is without a stain or spot. Also in Europe, the scholar and host of a Venetian salon, Isabella Teotochi Albrizzi (17601836), wrote about the statue: The noble sculptor has summarized all his talents, all the virtues of the immortal hero; inasmuch as the composure also shines of a candid and immaculate morality. Sadly, neither Canova nor Jefferson saw the marble statue in place. But they did not live long enough to see its destruction in 1831 either. The question remains, what would Washington have thought of the statue had he seen it in his lifetime? Apparently, Washington was modest and rather shy about artistic representations of himself. He understood the importance of being portrayed as the victorious general and head of state that he was, but he would sit for portraits rather begrudgingly. I dont think he would have been particularly thrilled by this, but everyone who saw this loved it, Salomon said. In the 19th century, the European public found the idea of a head of state relinquishing his title astonishing. In 1784, writing about Washingtons resignation from the army, the painter John Trumbull wrote: Tis a conduct so novel, so inconceivable to people, who, far from giving up powers they possess, are willing to convulse the empire to acquire more. Two hundred years after Canova created his marble statue of Washington, its plaster casts and marble copy continue to celebrate the first president of the United States. It also celebrates the core of American democracy, which has been the same from the end of the 18th century to today, which is the peaceful passage of power from one president to another, Salomon said. Running concurrently with the Frick exhibition are Canova e la Danza (at the Italian Cultural Institute until June 28, 2018) and Antonio Canova by Fabio Sonata (at the Italian Consulate until Sept. 23, 2018). @milenejf on Instagram Crocodile Kills Pastor During Lake Baptism in Ethiopia A Protestant pastor was killed by a crocodile while performing a baptism ceremony in Ethiopias Lake Abaya on June 3. Pastor Dochio Eshete and about 80 members of his congregation were gathered on the shore of Lake Abaya for a traditional Christian baptism ceremony During the ceremony the baptismal candidate and the pastor stood in waist-deep water and the pastor then proceeded to immerse the candidate fully. According to witnesses, Eshete was in the middle of the ceremony when a crocodile burst from the water and grabbed him. He baptized the first person and he passed on to another one. All of a sudden, a crocodile jumped out of the lake and grabbed the pastor, local resident Ketema Kairo told the BBC. Police Officer Eiwnetu Kano told The Telegraph that fishermen and members of the pastors congregation tried to rescue the pastor, using fishing nets to entangle his body and pull it free. The efforts helped to stop the croc from dragging the clergyman into deeper water. But by the time his rescuers managed to get Eshete back to shore, Eshete had died from bites to his back, legs, and hands. They only managed to get his dead body, officer Kano told The Telegraph. They were unable to save him. Pastor Eshete presided over a church in the Merkeb Tabya district of the town of Arba Minch on the southern end of Lake Abaya. The lake, second largest in Ethiopia, is known to have a large population of crocodiles. A woman from Zimbabwe, Zanele Ndlovu-Fox, was canoeing with her fiance five days before their late-May wedding when a crocodile leapt up and grabbed her arm. Her fiance was able to extricate her from the jaws of the beast, but her the remnants of her arm had to be amputated. Two days after the operation, she was married as scheduled in a ceremony in the hospitals chapel. From NTD.tv Watch Next: Huge Crocodile Snags Fishermans Catch at Last Moment EU Warns China Could Take Advantage of Europe Building Projects to Carry out Import Scams BRUSSELSEuropean Union (EU) anti-fraud investigators suspect Greece and Hungary may have become the main European centers of a multi-million-euro scam involving imports of Chinese clothing and footwear. The Chinese regime may be taking advantage of its infrastructure projects there as part of its One Belt, One Road (also known as Belt and Road) initiative, according to the investigators. The large-scale fraud, which involves under-declaring the value of imported goods to pay lower duties and sales taxes, was first uncovered in Britain, where it had gone on for years, prompting the European Commission this year to demand that London pay 2.7 billion euros ($3.1 billion) in lost customs duties to the EU budget. Officials at the EU anti-fraud agency OLAF said they now suspect the scam could have shifted to Hungary and to the port of Piraeus in Athens, which has been majority-owned by Chinas state-owned firm, COSCO Shipping, since 2016. Hungarian and Greek customs data show a surge of undervalued clothing and footwear imports from China over the past two years, OLAF officials told Reuters. They stressed that this trend had coincided with a drop in undervalued Chinese imports into Britain. Customs duties in EU countries are a direct revenue for the blocs budget. They are collected by national authorities before being sent to Brussels. We are worried about this, OLAFs director for investigations Ernesto Bianchi told a news conference in Brussels on June 6, adding that monitoring of import flows would be enhanced. Reuters exclusively reported in April that Italian authorities were investigating suspected import fraud by Chinese criminal gangs at the Piraeus port, the largest in Greece. Asked about the suspected fraud in April, COSCO Shipping said: The company has in its global operations consistently and strictly followed local and international laws, and persevered to operate legally and compliantly. Hungarian and Greek customs authorities were not immediately available for comment. China wants to transform the Greek port into its gateway to Europe as part of the $126 billion Belt and Road initiative, an effort to expand the Chinese regimes geopolitical influence in Asia, Africa, and Europe. The regime touts the effort as a new Silk Road connecting trading partners. Under the Belt and Road plan, a fast rail and land route would connect Athens to the Hungarian capital, Budapest, across the Balkans. That same route could have been used by traffickers to move underpriced and undeclared Chinese goods to Hungary, investigators suspect. It is maybe too soon to jump to conclusions, but it is worrying that fraudsters are now obviously looking at infrastructure investment as a business opportunity for them too, Bianchi said, urging EU authorities to make sure that the infrastructure built by the Chinese is not exploited for illicit traffic. In the British scheme, Chinese criminal organizations used the German port of Hamburg as Europes first arrival point for undervalued clothing and footwear cargos. But goods passed customs controls only after having been shipped to Britains ports, under EU rules that spare checks on items in transit between the blocs member states. The British ports of Dover and Felixstowe were still the EUs main hubs for undervalued Chinese imports in 2017, OLAF data showed, but that flow has nearly stopped this year because of stricter checks by British customs, EU officials said. Britains decision to leave the EUs customs union might have also persuaded the criminal groups that oversee this business to find new routes to bring Chinese goods into Europe, the officials said. The British government is contesting that fraud occurred in UK ports. OLAF chief Nick Ilett said he expected the controversy with Britain would last some time and would probably need to be settled at the EUs court of justice. OLAF defines undervalued goods as those which fall far below the average price declared in all EU customs. By Francesco Guarascio Ex-FBI Deputy Director McCabe Wants Immunity for Senate Testimony Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe is only willing to testify before Congress if he gets a temporary use immunity from prosecution, says his lawyer in a letter to the Senate judiciary committee, obtained by CNN. Under the terms of such a grant of use immunity, no testimony or other information provided by Mr. McCabe could be used against him in a criminal case, lawyer Michael Bromwich wrote, according to CNN. The committees chair, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), asked McCabe to testify next week about the Justice Department inspector generals (IG) report on how the FBI handled its investigation of Hillary Clinton. Grassley has also, according to CNN sources, invited former FBI Director James Comey and former Attorney General Loretta Lynch to testify. Its not clear what their response was. McCabe led a small team assigned to the Clinton investigation probing her mishandling of classified information. He was fired in March, only a day from eligibility for a government pension, after a previous IG report showed he authorized a leak in 2016 to The Wall Street Journal to boost his profile and then lied about it to Comey, his boss at the time, and investigators. A group of Congress members then referred McCabe for criminal prosecution for repeatedly lying under oath and authorizing a leak in violation of FBI policy. McCabes lawyer said he needs the use immunity because his testimony could otherwise be used by prosecutors picking up on the referral. Mr. McCabe is willing to testify, but because of the criminal referral, he must be afforded suitable legal protection, Bromwich wrote, adding that without the immunity, hell have no choice but to invoke his Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination. The lawmakers can force him to testify with a subpoena, and if he still refuses, they could issue a contempt resolution and refer him for prosecution to the U.S. Attorneys Office in Washington. The letter also claims that McCabe has emails proving he told Comey about the leak, specifically emails that demonstrate that Mr. McCabe advised former Director Comey, in October 2016, that Mr. McCabe was working with FBI colleagues to correct inaccuracies before certain media stories were published. However, that doesnt explain why he told investigators that he hadnt authorized the leak and didnt know who did. The IG determined that the leak itself broke FBI policy because it was self-serving. The policy only allowed McCabe to release the information in the public interest. The upcoming IG report was expected to be released already. Its rumored to be a detailed report over 400 pages long that delves into irregularities during the Clinton investigation. Clinton kept classified information on a poorly secured private email server and deleted 30,000 of her emails despite a subpoena, exerting additional effort to make the deletion irreversible. She claimed those were her personal emails, but thousands were later found that contained work-related and classified information. The investigation started in July 2015 and was headed by McCabe since Jan. 29, 2016, when Comey appointed him as deputy director. A few months prior, McCabes wife, Jill, received some $675,000 for her Virginia state Senate campaign from two political entities heavily influenced by Clinton associate Gov. Terry McCauliffe, the Journal reported. Clinton was exonerated by Comey on July 5, 2016, in a statement he drafted before interviewing Clinton and other key witnesses. The original draft of Comeys exoneration was edited by the lead investigator, FBI agent Peter Strzok, to change references to Clinton being grossly negligent, a legal term with criminal ramifications, to extremely careless. In September 2016, after McCabe learned that thousands of Clinton emails, including some thought forever lost, were found on the laptop of disgraced former Congressman Anthony Weiner, he sat on the discovery for a month before telling Comey. Comey then, on Oct. 28, 2016, reopened the Clinton investigation, infuriating Democrats less than two weeks before the 2016 election. On Nov. 6, 2016, Comey closed the investigation againagain recommending no charges. McCabes leak to the Journal dealt with the FBI investigation of the Clinton Foundation for alleged pay-for-play schemes. According to the previous IG report, McCabe said that on Aug. 12, 2016, he received a call from the principal associate deputy attorney general, who expressed concerns about FBI agents taking overt steps in the Clinton Foundation investigation during the presidential campaign. Are you telling me that I need to shut down a validly predicated investigation? McCabe fired back. McCabe described the conversation as very dramatic and told the inspector generals office that he never had a similar confrontation in his entire FBI career. Although he is not named in the IG report, Matthew Axelrod was the principal associate deputy attorney general at the time. Axelrod was fired along with his boss, Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, shortly after President Donald Trump assumed office. McCabe authorized a leak to the Journal about his conversation with Axelrod. In the resulting article, Axelrod was described as being very pissed off when asking why the FBI was still chasing a matter the department considered dormant. When McCabe asked if he was being told to shut down the investigation, Axelrod replied, Of course not. The two senior FBI officials who McCabe had authorized to leak were Strzok and Lisa Page. Text messages sent between Strzok and Page revealed that they were extremely biased against Trump. Strzok was later part of the special counsel probe into allegations of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Strzok was removed when the texts became public. Page quit on May 4. The texts, released in several batches with varying degrees of redaction, also showed that McCabe knew in advance that CNN was about to publish its story regarding the Steele dossier. McCabe also knew CNNs internal reasoning for running the story and about a leak made to CNN about a closed-door meeting between then-president-elect Trump and Comey, where some content of the dossier was discussed. The Steele dossier was a piece of opposition research put together by former British intelligence agent Christopher Steele. The Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee paid opposition research firm Fusion GPS through a law firm to compile the dossier. Fusion GPS hired Steele, who in turn used second- and thirdhand sources close to the Kremlin for the material. Fusion GPS also received money from Russia while Steele worked on the dossier. That dossier was then used by the FBI as the core of a warrant application to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to spy on Trump campaign volunteer Carter Page and his associates. Epoch Times reporter Ivan Pentchoukov contributed to this report. Watch Next: People Gather to Protest Real Bodies Exhibition in Sydney There is reason to believe that the corpses on display have come from non-consenting Chinese citizens. Former Chinese Drug Bureau Director Sentenced for Corruption, Highlighting Drug Safety Issues Safety standards for medicines manufactured in China have been called into question after a former drug safety bureau director in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong was sentenced for taking bribes from more than two dozen pharmaceutical companies. Cai Ming, former director of an office in charge of drug safety at the Guangdong Province Food and Drug Administration, was sentenced to eight years in prison and ordered to pay a fine of 400,000 yuan ($62,436) by the Guangzhou City Intermediate Peoples Court, reported Chinese news portal Sina. He was convicted of accepting bribes totaling about 6.23 million yuan (about $973,725). Additionally, Chinese authorities seized 14 million yuan (about $2.2 million) in cash from Cais home. He could not explain how he had gotten the cash. In exchange for bribes from pharmaceutical companies, Cai used his positionwhich included reviewing drug applications, issuing drug safety certificates, and supervising local pharmaceutical companiesto help those companies perform favors. For 12 yearsfrom January 2004, when he became the bureaus deputy director, until June 2016, when he was detained for investigationCai accepted bribes from 28 pharmaceutical companies. He became the bureaus director in June 2011. Kangmei Pharmaceutical, an A-share company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, bribed Cai a total of 300,000 yuan (about $46,930) so that the company could continue good relations with him, reported the state-run news website China Internet Information Center (china.com.cn) on June 1. At the end of 2015, Kangmei once paid 100,000 yuan (about $15,656) for the sole purpose of providing financial support to Cais son, who was going to study abroad in Australia. Jiaying Pharmaceutical, listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, bribed Cai 80,000 yuan (about $12,519) in June 2009 during the companys quality standards certification, known as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice). Later, in November 2010, the company put together another 160,000 yuan (about $25,039) in bribes during the bureaus reviewing process for a flu medicine the company had produced. The money was to smooth over any issues that would come up during the reviewing. Danxia BioPharmaceutical bribed Cai the most. It paid a total of 1 million yuan (about $156,420) over the course of its relationship with Cai. Danxia, which manufactures blood products, was also embroiled in a separate scandal. In June 2017, Chinas national Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that it had fabricated data on stability research it conducted on its manufactured human albumins, a kind of plasma protein used for treating severe blood loss, according to China Internet Information Center. Chinas FDA revoked Danxias GMP certificate in April. Cai was also bribed by a state-run company, Guangdong Medicinal Materials, which offered him 100,000 yuan. On Sina Weibo, Chinas equivalent to Twitter, many netizens said they were not surprised. In fact, a netizen with the moniker beijing-2018 wrote, This is normal in China. The medical field is a hard-hit area of corruption, wrote Lin Yun, a radio host for Chinas state-run China National Radio. In April, eight hospitals in eastern Chinas Anhui Province were investigated for corruption. Di Yuzeng, president of Bozhou Peoples Hospital, allowed businessmen to bribe him in exchange for selling drugs and equipment to the hospital. Acting ICE Director Tom Homan speaks at an event hosted by the Center for Immigration Studies, on June 5, 2018. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) ICE Chief: Dont Vilify My Agents, Look to Congress Tom Homan says his agency is simply enforcing the immigration laws set by Congress WASHINGTONTom Homan, deputy director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), said people who dont like to see immigration laws enforced need to stop attacking his agency and instead talk to their congressional representatives. I see it every day. They want to call ICE racist, they want to call us Nazis, Homan said during a wide-ranging interview hosted by the Center for Immigration Studies on June 5. What I want to make clear is, you can not like what we do, but dont vilify the men and women [who] are simply doing their job. Theyre putting their life on the line every day. Homan said his agency is simply enforcing the laws enacted by Congress. Were not making this up. Were enforcing law, he said. If you dont like what we do, then talk to your congressman and senator and tell them you dont like the law. Responsibility Homan said critics should focus less on ICE and more on the people the agency arrests, and what they did to put themselves in that position. A video shared on social media shows a father outside his vehicle being arrested by ICE officers in Los Angeles last year. One of his daughters can be heard sobbing in the background of the video. Homan said he was shown the video by a reporter recently and was asked how he felt about it. I feel bad. I mean, law enforcement officers throughout this country see sad things every day. Well, we have a job to do. It doesnt mean its sad, so were going to ignore it. No, he said. He chose to enter the country illegally in violation of federal law. He chose to do that intentionally. Does he have any responsibility for violating that law? Homan said. He had due process, at great taxpayers expense, in front of an immigration judge and ignored that court order. If you and I ignored a court order, wed be arrested and put in jail. The man, Romulo Avelica-Gonzalez, a Mexican native, had previously been deported after a DUI conviction. Reentering the United States after being deported is a felony. If thats the message we want to sendenter the country illegally, hide, have a child, and now youre immune from law enforcementif thats the message we want to send the rest of this world, youre never going to solve the immigration crisis, Homan said. A Battle With New York Homan was asked about a cease and desist letter that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo sent ICE in April. The letter accused the agency of reckless and unconstitutional enforcement actions and threatened legal action. Cuomo claimed that recent enforcement actions by ICE agents in New York raise significant legal and public safety concerns and called the conduct of ICE agents involved in recent arrests egregious and unconstitutional. Homan, who hails from New York, said ICE is not going to stop what its doing. Last year, we arrested nearly 5,000 criminal aliens off the streets of New York. So rather than a cease and desist letter, a letter of thank you would be appreciated, he said. What Im asking for is a little decency, a little recognition of the 20,000 men and women that work for ICE, that leave the safety and security of their home every day and strap a gun to their hip to defend this nation and defend their communities. Homan is set to retire at the end of June. Kim Dotcom speaks to the media on Dec. 1, 2014, in Auckland, New Zealand. He recently announced plans to start a social network. (Fiona Goodall/Getty Images) Kim Dotcom Wants to Create Twitter, Facebook Replacement Internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom announced on Twitter plans to create a new social network that can replace both Twitter and Facebook. He said on Twitter that he would like to invite others to the project, such as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and Edward Snowden, who leaked secret NSA documents to the media. Dotcom, who was born Kim Schmitz, is the former owner of file sharing service Megaupload, which was charged by the United States in 2012 with alleged copyright infringement and other crimes, and has since been trapped in legal limbo between the United States and New Zealand. The announcement comes as Twitter is being exposed for politically biased censorship of conservatives, and as Facebook is being criticized for data sharing programs that put user privacy at risk. Dotcom noted on June 3 that it appeared Twitter was censoring a support page for Assange, whose WikiLeaks platform published emails leaked from the Democratic National Committee during the 2016 elections. Assange has become a strong critic of Hillary Clinton and the deep state of permanent government and intelligence officials. It looks like @twitter is censoring our support for @JulianAssange. Why is this happening @jack? https://t.co/mxh8bHIOYF Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) June 3, 2018 Dotcom published a Twitter poll on June 4 that asked Do you think Twitter is in bed with the deep state? Eighty-nine percent of the 19,702 respondents answered Yes. Do you think Twitter is in bed with the deep state? Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) June 4, 2018 In response, Dotcom wrote the following day on June 5 that Any Twitter shareholder should be concerned that 89 percent of Twitter users in this poll dont trust Twitter. All it takes is a real alternative with real privacy protection and zero censorship from a trusted source and Twitter will become the next MySpace, an online ghost town, he said. The realization has apparently now grown into a plan. Dotcom quickly followed the statement with another tweet about starting his own platform that would replace the deep state conspirators Facebook & Twitter. After years of betrayal its time for something better. I would like to invite top security experts like @JulianAssange, @Snowden and members of the @ccc to join together in creating a secure social media platform that will replace the deep state conspirators Facebook & Twitter. After years of betrayal its time for something better. Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) June 5, 2018 The Lord & Taylor flagship store building on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, New York City, on Oct. 24, 2017. (REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton) Lord & Taylor to Leave Iconic Fifth Avenue Location in Manhattan Lord & Taylor will no longer maintain a presence on Fifth Avenue, the retail chains parent company announced on June 5, as part of its move away from brick-and-mortar retail and toward online sales. Helena Foulkes, chief executive officer for Canada-based Hudsons Bay Company (HBC), said in a statement that Lord & Taylor would be moving from its iconic storefront, where it has been for the last 100 years, for improved results and increased profitability. HBC sold the Fifth Avenue building last year to office rental company WeWork for $850 million, but retained the right to lease part of the building for a scaled-down Lord & Taylor store. HBC, which also owns luxury department store Saks, announced in May its plans to sell Lord & Taylor apparel on Walmart.com, as part of its move toward online sales. Walmart, retail giant Amazon Inc.s greatest competitor, is redesigning its website to focus more on fashion, aiming to snare both the economical consumer with its Everyday Brands and high-spending consumers with its Premium Brands. HBC said it will close another nine Lord & Taylor stores through 2019 and will also sell Gilt, a flash sale website that it acquired two years ago for $250 million. Gilt made up just 4 percent of HBCs sales in fiscal 2017, the company reported. Like many other brick-and-mortar retailers, HBC has been struggling to compete with the ease and affordability of Amazons monstrous online retail business. Sears Holdings announced at the end of May its plans to close 15 Kmart stores and 48 Sears stores this September, part of approximately 100 unprofitable stores that it will shutter in the near future. Childrens retailer Toys R Us went into bankruptcy last year and announced it would either sell or close all 885 of its U.S. stores. J.C. Penney Co. also announced last year its plans to close 138 stores to adjust our business to effectively compete against the growing threat of online retailers, Marvin R. Ellison, chairman and CEO, said in a statement. On June 5, HBC reported a net loss from continuing operations of CA$314 million (US$242 million), compared to a net loss CA$214 million (US$165 million) in the prior year. The company said that closing its stores will allow it to rethink the model and better position Lord & Taylor for future success, as well as reduce costs. After evaluating best use scenarios for its New York City Fifth Avenue location, the company has decided not to maintain a presence at this location following turnover of the building to WeWork, the company said. Exiting this iconic space reflects Lord & Taylors increasing focus on its digital opportunity and HBCs commitment to improving profitability. Already this year, HBC has closed two Lord & Taylor stores, one in Annapolis, Maryland, and one in Skokie, Illinois. According to Reuters, HBC could divest of Lord & Taylor completely. The company has considered the option, in talks with consultants about ways to turn around the department store chain. HBC also closed Home Outfitters stores in Canada this year, one in Richmond and one in Toronto. It hasnt given up on in-store purchases completely, however. Earlier this year, it opened a Saks Fifth Avenue store in Calgary, Canada, and a Saks Off Fifth in Markham, Canada, one in West Hartford, Connecticut, and another in Bridgewater, New Jersey. In Europe, it opened a Saks Off Fifth in Bonn, Germany, and three Hudsons Bay stores in the Netherlands. An HBC representative told CNN Money that the Fifth Avenue Lord & Taylor store will not close until early 2019. Senator John Cornyn speaks to the media during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on May 22, 2018. (Leah Millis/Reuters) President Trump and Republican Senators Discuss Measures to Scrutinize China Investments WASHINGTONSenate Republicans and President Donald Trump met on June 5 at the White House to discuss a measure before Congress aimed at tightening investment rules to better protect national security. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) has spearheaded efforts in Congress to win passage of a bill to tighten oversight by the inter-agency Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The measure, which is aimed at keeping China from acquiring high-end U.S. technology, has been put into a must-pass defense policy bill called the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This is not a trade issue. This is a national security issue, Cornyn told reporters. It is directed at the most egregious offender of this process, which is China, and I believe its something thats very important in our national security. The White House said in a statement in January that it supported Cornyns measure. Cornyn said he would be accompanied at the meeting by fellow Republican Senators David Perdue (GA), Tim Scott (SC) and Michael Crapo (ID). Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor on June 5 that the chamber would soon focus on the NDAA and will be debating it in coming days. The CFIUS measures are among a series of measures being considered by the White House and Congress to address what it sees as Chinas unfair trade and market access practices. Others include potential tariffs on Chinese goods ranging from aluminum to automobiles, and efforts to prevent the growth in the United States of Chinese telecommunications companies Huawei and ZTE. ZTE The White House also reached an agreement with ZTE that would lift a U.S. Commerce Department ban preventing the company from buying U.S. tech parts and software. The Chinese company has signed and agreed in principle, according to sources familiar with the matter. The Chinese company ceased major operations since the seven-year ban was imposed on the company in April for breaking a 2017 agreement reached after it was caught illegally shipping goods to Iran and North Korea. A Commerce Department spokesman said on June 5 that no definitive agreement has been signed by both parties. The preliminary deal includes a $1 billion fine against ZTE, plus $400 million in escrow to cover any future violations, sources said while requesting anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter. The Commerce Department plans to amend its 2017 settlement agreement and count the $361 million ZTE paid earlier as part of the new fine, allowing the United States to claim a total penalty of as much as $1.7 billion, the sources said. Over the weekend, ZTE signed the agreement drawn up by the United States, the sources said, but the amended settlement has not been signed. U.S. President Donald Trump met with trade advisers to discuss Chinas offer to import an extra $70 billion of American goodsmostly agricultural and energy commoditiesover the period of one year, as a way to defuse a potential trade war between the worlds two largest economies. Trump tweeted last month that he told Commerce officials to find a way for ZTE to resume operations, later suggesting penalties of a $1.3 billion fine and changes to its board and top management. As part of the deal, sources said, ZTE promised to replace its board and executive team in 30 days. It would also allow unfettered site visits to verify that U.S. components are being used as claimed by the company, and post calculations of U.S. parts in its products on a public website, they added. Origins of the U.S. Probe The probe found that ZTE had conspired to evade U.S. embargoes by buying U.S. components, incorporating them into ZTE equipment, and illegally shipping them to Iran. ZTE, which devised elaborate schemes to hide the illegal activity, agreed to plead guilty after the Commerce Department threatened to cut off its global supply chain. The company was allowed continued access to the U.S. market under the 2017 agreement. As part of a new agreement, the sources said, ZTE will retain another compliance contractor in addition to the three-year court-appointed monitor imposed by the plea agreement. The sources said ZTE also agreed to allow U.S. representatives to make site visits without coordinating with Chinese government officials, as required by a non-public agreement between the countries. By Richard Cowan and Karen Freifeld. Epoch Times staff member Frank Fang contributed to this report. Project Veritas Founder Discusses Teachers Union Cover-Up of Child Abuse (Part 1 of 2) Project Veritas, which specializes in undercover journalism, has recently exposed cases of teachers unions covering up the physical and sexual abuse of children. The president and founder of Project Veritas, James OKeefe, appeared on Declassified, a news program of The Epoch Times, where he discussed his latest findings. Similar cases were uncovered by undercover reporters in New Jersey, Ohio, and Michigan. OKeefe said, in these states, teachers union bosses talked about covering up child abuse against students. This included two union presidents in New Jersey talking about how they could bend the truth, and to reverse blame onto the children, to cover up crimes committed by teachers. The purpose, the union bosses say on the record, is to protect teacher jobs and pensions. Both of these people have been fired, suspended from the union, and the Democratically-controlled legislature, which is very union leaning, was forced to hold legislative hearings, and thats ongoing, OKeefe said. In Ohio, an undercover reporter with Project Veritas used a hidden camera to record the president of the Ohio Education Association saying there were close to 80 instances where there was physical contact with a student, OKeefe said, and in none of these cases did the teacher lose their job. Following the same pattern, undercover reporters in Michigan exposed a case where an alleged child abuser was paid $50,000 with no questions asked. OKeefe said, The files were all under seal, while the membership of that union told our hidden cameras that they believe that this person was guilty. The list goes on and on. Despite the outcry from parents over the findings, and at least one state Senate hearing on the Veritas videos, OKeefe said the mediaincluding local news outletshave been relatively quiet. He believes the media silence is related to special interests tied to the unions and their influence on the Democratic Party. OKeefe said the teachers unions are among the sacred cows that have become relatively untouchable by news outlets with ties to special interests. The undercover videos did shatter a key narrative, though. The teachers unions claim to love kids, and the videos are showing the opposite. At the same time, much of the legacy media refuses to report the content of the videos, and has instead attacked Project Veritas use of undercover video to gather information. For the legacy news outlets, OKeefe said, its an inconvenient narrative. There is a narrative out there that they love the children, he said. In fact, in one of these undercover tapes, behind the president of the teachers union, theres a banner that says we support the children, as he says into our little lapel camera how much he wants to reverse the child abuse back onto the child. This sort of tears down a narrative that has been propped up on stilts, and thats what Veritas does; we show the truth, he said. But when you tell the truth in a world that doesnt want to hear it, its a recipe for a mess. OKeefe said they initially believed the videos would be played heavily by local TV stations, but he believes they were not widely shown publicly due to pressure from the unions. This suspicion is partly based on the fact that one education association hired public relations consultants, which then circulated a memo to media organizations. Rather than address the issues, the memo sought to attack the character of Project Veritas and to prevent whistleblowers from exposing such wrongdoing in the future. OKeefe said that instead of reforming their behavior, which is what many parents want, the teacher unions doubled down in Soviet-style fashion to try to contaminate our reputation. OKeefe said the developments reveal the techniques employed by such organizations. He noted the Delaware teachers union actually put out an internal memorandum which was leaked to us by a whistleblower who was so disgusted by their reactions to these videos. The memo directed union members to watch the videos, which had been downloaded and placed an on internal server, so members could figure out ways to prevent whistleblowers. Parents and even some union members were disturbed by the memo, according to OKeefe, given that at least one video in question showed a union boss admitting they covered up an incident where a teacher slept with a student. Another video shows a union boss saying there were 80 instances in which teachers had physical contact with students; the incidents never saw the full light of day. Rather than name the teachers and publicly expose the wrongdoing, however, the unions have attempted to discredit the inquiries. This led to the media silence, which has in turn prevented a public outcry. Meanwhile, hit pieces published by legacy news outlets against Project Veritas have attempted to discredit the investigators based on their undercover methods, rather than address the content of their findings. Theres no pressure put on the union by the media, OKeefe said. In a normal circumstance, the media would pressure and the union would have to fold. In this case, the union and the media are so in cahoots that its a really difficult situation for society. OKeefe noted that findings of child abuse would normally be taken seriously, and believes its the nature of the culprits, rather than the crimes, that has caused the subsequent attempted cover-up. If child abuse was happening in the Catholic church and the priest was saying, well 80 instances of child abuse, the media would want to know the names of the priests, he said. Because these are teachers and because theres a political propaganda aspect to thiswere talking teacher salaries, Democratic Partythats what makes it very messy indeed. The reaction to the videos has shown there are some narratives that the legacy news outlets will not expose due to the political interests they are tied to, OKeefe said. And if we reveal the real heart and soul of what the National Education Association is really about, it would change the dynamics of the political makeup. Basically, theyre too big to fail. This is the first of a two-part series. Read the second part here. Soldier Steals Battle Bus For Joy RidePolice Are Swift To Respond A soldier stole an armored personnel carrier from a National Guard base in Virginia on Tuesday and took the vehicle on a two-hour drive that ended in a police chase through downtown Richmond, the state capital, state police said. The unidentified man took the vehicle at about 7:50 p.m. from Fort Pickett, a Army National Guard base in Blackstone, Virginia, state police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said in an email to Reuters. The suspect then drove the military vehicle, which was not equipped with any weaponry, east on Route 460 and then north into Richmond on Interstate 95 at about 40 miles per hour, Geller said. Once in Richmond, several police squads followed the armored personnel carrier, which travels on tracks similar to a tank, through downtown as it headed toward the Capitol building, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. Capitol police officers with combat-style rifles guarded the entrance to Capitol Square as a police helicopter shined a spotlight on the vehicle and police worked to stop traffic, the newspaper reported. This is INSANE! Someone has hijacked a Tank-like vehicle from Fort Pickett and just drove it by our apartment!, Parker Slaybaugh, the communications director for the Virginia Speaker of the House, said on Twitter. This is INSANE! Someone has hijacked a Tank-like vehicle from Fort Pickett and just drove it by our apartment! This is on Broad Street in the Fan. pic.twitter.com/EYfhFux1dk Parker Slaybaugh (@ParkerSlay89) 6 June 2018 At about 9:40 p.m. local time, the driver drove the armored vehicle onto a median and was surrounded by police, ending the 60-mile pursuit, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. Police tased the suspect, who was identified as a military soldier, Virginia State Police spokeswoman Keeli Hill said during a news conference. No crashes or injuries occurred during the incident, Geller said. Charges are pending against the man, who was in state police custody, she said. Reporting by Brendan OBrien Watch Next: The National Guard Has Started Deploying Troops to the USMexico Border President Donald Trump at the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington on June 6, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times Spy Operation on Trump Campaign Started as Early as December 2015, New Texts Suggest Newly unredacted text messages, sent between top FBI officials Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, suggest that the agency initiated an offensive counterintelligence operation against the Trump campaign as early as December 2015. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee released 500 pages of documents and texts on June 4, the bulk of which consists of messages between Page and Strzok. One message, which was previously redacted, shows that FBI agents were working to recruit double agents as early as Dec. 28, 2015. You get all our oconus lures approved? Strzok wrote to Page. No, its just implicated a much bigger policy issue, Page responded. Ill explain later. Might even be able to use it as a pretext for a call. According to Chris Farrell, a former counterintelligence officer who ran double-agent operations for the U.S. Army, oconus stands for outside the continental United States, while lures refers to people used as bait to snag a potential double agent. In shorthand, these offensive counterintelligence operations, in plain English, it means a double-agent operation, Farrell said in an interview cited by President Donald Trump on June 5. And those lures, those are the persons that are dangled out in front in the hopes that interested parties would take a bite at them. Then the FBI would, of course, reel them in and run them against the Trump campaign. Trump wrote several messages on Twitter quoting portions of Farrells interview on June 5. Wow, Strzok-Page, the incompetent & corrupt FBI lovers, have texts referring to a counter-intelligence operation into the Trump Campaign dating way back to December, 2015, Trump wrote. SPYGATE is in full force! Is the Mainstream Media interested yet? Big stuff! Wow, Strzok-Page, the incompetent & corrupt FBI lovers, have texts referring to a counter-intelligence operation into the Trump Campaign dating way back to December, 2015. SPYGATE is in full force! Is the Mainstream Media interested yet? Big stuff! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 6, 2018 Farrell emphasized that a lure ploy is not an investigation but an offensive operation. He also suggested that the FBI handled the operation overseas to evade legal requirements. Early text messages between Page and Strzok suggest that Strzok was assigned to take over a project codenamed special on Aug. 21, 2015, two months after Trump announced his run for president. The nature of the project is still unclear, due to redactions in the text messages. The word lures was also previously redacted. The timing of the oconus lures text message is problematic, since the FBI has long claimed that its operations against the Trump campaign began at the end of July 2016. If the agencys work began earlier than that, lawmakers are likely to demand to know the rationale for the start of the operation. The FBI could land in hot water if it comes up emptyhanded. These are all violations of law. This is intelligence tradecraft to steer an election, Farrell said. Theres nothing more grave when it comes to abuse of our intelligence system. The Spy Last month, leaks from anonymous sources to the media revealed that the FBI had a spy infiltrate the Trump campaign. The leaks were detailed enough to pin down Stefan Halper, a professor at Cambridge University with ties to the CIA and MI6, as the operative. The professor received $1 million over four payments, starting in 2012, from a secretive Department of Defense think tank. Halper met with at least three minor Trump campaign members in the runup to the 2016 election. Notable among these encounters is the meeting with volunteer Trump campaign adviser Carter Page in July 2016. Page had just returned from a trip to Russia and stayed in contact with Halper for months afterward. Carter Pages trip became the subject of unsubstantiated claims made in the Steele dossiera piece of opposition research put together by former British intelligence agent Christopher Steele and paid for by the Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee. The dossier was the core of the warrant application for wiretapping Page and his associates several weeks before the presidential election. Halper also met Trump volunteer campaign adviser George Papadopoulos in September 2016. Halper offered to fly Papadopoulos to London and give him $3,000 to write a policy paper on a gas field in the Mediterranean Sea. During the meeting, Halper asked, George, you know about hacking the emails from Russia, right? Papadopoulos told Halper he didnt know anything about emails or Russian hacking. Halpers question about the emails from Russia is peculiar given that Papadopoulos would eventually be indicted for lying to the FBI about his communications with another professor, Joseph Mifsud, also about Russian emails. Papadopouloss plea deal describes Mifsud as having substantial connections to Russian government officials. Hes even been called a Russian spy in the media, but a deep dive into his background exposes extensive ties to Western intelligence. Expansive Operation The potential use of double agents against the Trump campaign adds to an already damning picture of the actions a select group of Obama-administration cabinet-level officials took before and after the 2016 election. These officials orchestrated an expansive spy operation that included national security lettersa type of secret subpoenaForeign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrants, at least one spy, the unmasking of American citizens in intelligence reports, and spying conducted by foreign intelligence agencies. Several officials involved in the operation have already been referred for criminal investigation. A group of congressmen demanded an investigation on former FBI Director James Comey, former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates, and former Acting Deputy Attorney General Dana Boente over their roles in signing a FISA warrant to surveil Carter Page. The lawmakers accuse the four officials of depriving Page of his rights and of investigative misconduct. Investigating the Investigators The Justice Department is now investigating whether Obama administration officials spied on the Trump campaign for political reasons. Late last month, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein ordered the Department of Justice watchdog, Inspector General Michael Horowitz, to expand the current probe of surveillance abuses against the Trump campaign to include allegations of infiltration and whether those involved engaged in these activities for inappropriate purposes. Trump publically demanded an investigation on May 20. Horowitz recently completed an exhaustive investigation into the handling of the probe into Hillary Clintons use of a private email server. The final report has not yet been made public. The watchdogs work has already led to the firing of and criminal investigation referral for McCabe. Watch Next: The Origins of Antifa A policeman throws a tear gas canister to disperse crowds during student riots in Paris in the summer of 1968. The student protesters thought they would liberating people from consumer society, but ended up building a culture addicted to consumption (Reg Lancaster/Getty Images) The Spirit of 1968 and Its Legacy Lofty goals turned into freedom without responsibility and consumerism Fifty years ago, students in the Latin Quarter of Paris rebelled against authority. Their anger was directed against not only a university system that was probably too conservative and elitist, but also against the chief of state. In spite of the democratic election, the president of the republic, Gen. Charles de Gaulle, ruled with the imperiousness of a monarch. He also respected the bourgeois order and individual property rights, allowing social inequalities to persist despite an economic boom. Hence, millions of workers joined the student movement in a general strike. These were the origins of the events of May 1968, as the French call them. After weeks of street fighting, the socialist revolution failed to materialize. Instead, after the government agreed to a 35 percent increase in the minimum wage, De Gaulle dissolved parliament and called new elections. The vast majority of Frenchmen supported the old generals appeal to common sense and to safeguard the Fifth Republic. Nonetheless, these events are often said to have opened a new era of liberation in Franceand the Westthanks to the social struggle they unleashed against conservatism and the consumer society. But is this the real legacy of the spirit of 68? Much inspired by the thought of philosopher Michel Foucault, the demonstrators of 1968 saw (illegitimate) power and authority in everything. A popular slogan was Il est interdit dinterdire (It is forbidden to forbid). The protests came to symbolize a way to liberate Western society from the conservative capitalist order with new music, sexual liberation, drug use, deliberative democracy, feminism, anarchist utopias, a rejection of traditional education, and a critique of consumerism. In their passion for the end of truth (in philosophy and society) and the deconstruction (Jacques Derridas motto, taken from Martin Heidegger) of just about everything, one logical target of the soixante-huitards intellectual leaders was the traditional order of society. In opposition to these traditional truths, the rebels ended up propagatingdespite their ostensible collectivisma form of radical individualism. However, as many political philosophers have shown, freedom requires rules. Without proper rules, society ends up with the opposite of freedom. Rules derived from traditions might not be perfect, but erasing them usually leads to even less optimal outcomes for freedomas the French or Russian Revolutions should remind us. The same goes for real, deliberative democracy as an alternative to traditional, formal democracy: Without rules, it ends up granting power to those who shout the loudest. Second, the right to be different can lead to extreme subjectivism, rendering any form of social coordination impossible. Third, the repeated references of the soixante-huitards to Marxism or Maoism, as well as their impassioned defense of violence, are quite paradoxical positions for advocates of freedom and emancipation to hold. Consumption Society Versus Consumerism Ironically enough, much of the liberation that took place in the late 20th century can be explained by the evolution of consumer societythe very target of the rebellious youth in 1968. Electronics and computers enabled new styles of music; home appliances, processed foods, and contraceptives freed women from their traditional roles at home. While the social struggle may have spurred more egalitarian redistribution, it was the postwar economic boom and the consumer society that made this redistribution possible, while equalizing access to consumption. Economically and culturally, 1968 was the culmination of a trend that started a decade before, not its point of departure. Another paradox is that the radical individualism of 1968best encapsulated by the slogan jouissez sans entrave (enjoy without constraint), essentially a call for freedom without responsibilityhelped open the door in Western capitalism to a more intense or compulsive consumption model. With the rejection of traditional morals and their boring emphasis on self-control and delayed gratification, individuals had the right to consume nowrather than save and invest. No doubt the short-termism of expansionary monetary policies and collectivized pension schemes reinforced this deformation. Those who rejected the consumer society ended up building a culture that was addicted to consumerism. Another rupture that was probably generated by the rebellion of 1968, with its rights-based rhetoric, is the entitlement mentality. Welfare states had already been around for the better part of a century in the West, but this marked a new departure in socialization. Where consumer society met politics, political demands were generated for more welfare benefits, more protection, and more of a nanny statewhat economist and Nobel laureate James Buchanan used to call parentalism. The Threat to Democracy The notion of a right to be different only exacerbated this trend, even if it would have been quite valuable when limited to mere toleration. The possibility of demanding even more rights based on real or imagined differences encouraged bargaining strategies based on victimization and communitarianismnot an atmosphere in which democracy is likely to flourish. The irony is that this anti-conservative revolt fostered a new kind of conservatism, based on entitlements and social status. These, in turn, created labor market rigidities that increased unemployment, thus generating more demands for state protection. The entitlement mentality was made easier because the real costs of these proliferating rights were concealed by the fiscal illusion mechanism (where spending is financed by hidden taxes or public debt), weakening the democratic incentive for citizens to control spending. Some see here a process of infantilizationthe very opposite of a mature democracy. The philosopher Pascal Bruckner has identified infantilization and victimization as the two diseases of modern individualism, and they are both symptoms of weakening individual responsibility. A decade after 1968, the rock band Pink Floyds famous chorus We dont need no education echoed these sentiments. Criticizing the elitist educational system, with its centralized, top-down pedagogical methods and its confidence-destroying lack of trust in pupils and students, was understandable and welcome at the time. Students did not want to become another brick in the wall. Lowering the Standard But where thinkers like Pierre Bourdieu saw the operations of a quasi-Marxist law (the reproduction of the bourgeois elite), the systems real aim was to reduce social differences by elevating pupils to a common level of knowledge. Personal fulfillment certainly matters, but replacing the old system with a permissive educational supermarket meant kneeling before individual differences, as the philosopher Luc Ferry put it. Making it easier to pass courses with less effort, banning homework, drastically shrinking the required reading, and more tolerant grading was a recipe for decline, even if the changes were made in the name of equality and respect for different abilities. It created the illusion of education while devaluing academic credentials, corrupting the minds of a generation into believing that effort does not matter. This was the surest path to destroying any incentive for self-control and personal improvement. It also had the unintended effect of increasing inequality in education. The focus on grades rather than on the genuine acquisition of knowledge through hard work is an indirect legacy of 1968. To cite one example, it was decided in the 1980s that 80 percent of French students should receive their baccalaureatbecause that was the ratio in Japan. The reform was implemented by lowering the requirements to pass, rather than improving students performance to meet the old standard. As a result, too many of todays university students are unable to write proper French. In April 2018, the Parisian students who celebrated 68 with blockades and pseudo-democratic student assemblies demanded that they all receive a minimum 10/20 or even 12/20 grade on their final exams. Here again, we find a conflation of the entitlement mentality with the new consumer society. The May Day demonstrations were hijacked by radical leftist, anti-capitalist black blocs who vandalized shops in the center of Paris to fight against repressionan old 1968 theme. This is probably evidence that the 1968 revolts had a long-lasting impact on Western culture and politics, even if it did not turn into a revolution. Their emphasis on freedom was an inspiration to open up the traditional social order, but their insistence on the right to enjoy instilled a culture of irresponsibility that poses a genuine threat to freedom and democracy. Between the extremes of a conservative social order, locked in traditional hierarchies, and violent, anarchist pseudo-freedom, there should exist the possibility of a peaceful society, based on openness, freedom, and responsibility. But the political response to the 1968 revolts may have undermined this prospect, through its infantilizing effect on democratic institutions. There is still time to avoid a dystopian, technocratic version of bread and circus, but only if the pendulum swings back toward self-control, personal responsibility, and an empowerment of civil society. Emmanuel Martin is the manager of the French educational project Ecole de la liberte. Martin holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Aix-en-Provence in France. This article was first published by GIS Reports Online. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Smoke rises from the destoryed World Strade Center in New York City on Sept. 15, 2001. (KEITH MEYERS/AFP/Getty Images) US Appeals Court Revives 9/11 Workers Debris Exposure Claims NEW YORKA federal appeals court on Wednesday revived claims against New Yorks Battery Park City Authority by 18 workers who became ill after cleaning up debris at the World Trade Center site following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan rejected the agencys challenge to Jimmy Nolans Law, a 2009 state law giving injured 9/11 workers an extra year to seek compensation from public entities even if the statute of limitations has run out. By a 3-0 vote, the appeals court said the BPCA, a state public benefit corporation, was not exempt from the general rule that state entities lack authority to challenge the constitutionality of state laws. A spokesman for the BPCA said the agency does not discuss pending litigation. The agency was created in 1968 to help develop Manhattans lower west side, known as Battery Park City. The New York legislature passed Jimmy Nolans Law after U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in Manhattan dismissed hundreds of lawsuits by 9/11 workers who claimed respiratory and other illnesses because they were filed too late. The law was named for a carpenter from Yonkers, New York, who suffered from respiratory problems and skin allergies after doing Ground Zero cleanup. After the 18 workers refiled their claims, Hellerstein in December 2014 called the law an extreme exercise of legislative power and declared it unconstitutional. Wednesdays decision voided that ruling, and returned the workers claims to Hellerstein. It came after the federal appeals court asked New York states highest court, also called the Court of Appeals, to address issues of state law. The BPCA had objected that enforcing Jimmy Nolans Law could require it to tap its general fund to cover lawsuits. But the appeals court said accepting this argument would improperly let any public entity challenge the constitutionality of a state law if it claimed to have some sort of fund from which a judgment might be paid. Gregory Cannata, a lawyer for 15 of the workers, said the decision lets his clients again pursue claims over bronchitis, coughing, difficulty breathing and other illnesses. The 9/11 Memorial where the twin towers once stood. (Pixabay) US Appeals Court Revives 9/11 Workers Debris Exposure Claims NEW YORKA federal appeals court on Wednesday revived claims against the Battery Park City Authority by 18 workers who became ill after cleaning up debris at the World Trade Center site following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan rejected the agencys challenge to Jimmy Nolans Law, a 2009 state law giving injured 9/11 workers an extra year to seek compensation from public entities even if the statute of limitations has run out. By a 3-0 vote, the appeals court said the BPCA was not exempt from the general rule that state entities lack authority to challenge the constitutionality of state laws. Neither the BPCA nor its outside lawyer, Daniel Connolly, immediately responded to requests for comment. The agency was created in 1968 to help develop downtown Manhattan. New Yorks legislature passed Jimmy Nolans Law after U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in Manhattan dismissed hundreds of lawsuits by 9/11 workers, who complained of respiratory and other illnesses, because they were filed too late. The law was named for a carpenter from Yonkers who suffered from respiratory problems and skin allergies after doing Ground Zero cleanup. But after the 18 workers refiled their claims, Hellerstein in December 2014 called the law an extreme exercise of legislative power and declared it unconstitutional. Wednesdays decision voided that ruling. It came after the federal appeals court asked New York states highest court, also called the Court of Appeals, to address issues of state law. The BPCA had objected that enforcing Jimmy Nolans Law could require it to tap its general fund to cover lawsuits. But the appeals court said accepting this argument would improperly let any public entity challenge the constitutionality of a state law if it claimed to have some sort of fund from which a judgment might be paid. Gregory Cannata, a lawyer for 15 of the workers, said the decision lets his clients again pursue claims over bronchitis, coughing, difficulty breathing, and other illnesses. The Jimmy Nolan Law was passed to correct an injustice, that rescuers and clean-up people who cleaned up the 9/11 debris were told time after time that the debris was not dangerous, he said in an interview. In fact it was dangerous. By Jonathan Stempel Watch Next: People Gather to Protest Real Bodies Exhibition in Sydney There is reason to believe that the corpses on display have come from non-consenting Chinese citizens. Newly accredited U.S. Ambassador Richard Allen Grenell stands in front of a military honor guard during an accreditation ceremony for new Ambassadors in Berlin, Germany, on May 08, 2018. (ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images) US Ambassador to Germany Provokes Calls for His Ouster Ambassador wants to support policies like Trump's in Europe Less than one month after reporting for duty in Berlin, U.S. Ambassador Richard Grenell has inspired some German politicians to call for his ouster. His offense? Saying he wants to empower conservatives in Europe. Sahra Wagenknecht, the co-chair of the left-wing party Die Linke, told Die Welt that Grenell should be expelled. Someone like U.S. ambassador Richard Grenell, who thinks he can lord over Europe and determine who is governing here, can no longer stay in Germany as a diplomat, Wagenknecht said. If the federal government is serious about the democratic sovereignty of our country, it should not invite Grenell for a chat over coffee, but expel him immediately. Grenell, in an interview with the conservative news website Breitbart, said: I absolutely want to empower other conservatives throughout Europe, other leaders. I think there is a groundswell of conservative policies that are taking hold because of the failed policies of the left. I think the election of Donald Trump has empowered individuals and people to say that they cant just allow the political class to determine, before an election takes place, whos going to win and who should run. Grenell said there was massive support for consistent conservative policies on migration, tax cuts, and cutting red tape and bureaucracy. Several German politicians besides Wagenknecht have expressed their displeasure with Grenell and what they view as his inappropriate and undiplomatic comments. In a June 3 tweet, Grenell responded to the accusation that he was seeking to intervene in Germanys politics: The idea that Id endorse candidates/parties is ridiculous. I stand by my comments that we are experiencing an awakening from the silent majority those who reject the elites & their bubble. Led by Trump. On Grenells first day on the job on May 8, after Trump announced the United States was exiting the Iran deal, he provoked a diplomatic tiff by tweeting that German companies doing business in Iran should wind down operations immediately. The German government has invited Grenell in for a chat to discuss his latest provocative comments. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo addresses a plenary session on June 4, 2018, in Washington, D.C. Pompeo recently created a task force to investigate suspected sonic attacks on U.S. government employees. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) New US Task Force Will Investigate Suspected Sonic Attacks The State Department has created a multi-agency task force that will investigate suspected sonic attacks used against U.S. diplomats in Cuba and a U.S. government employee in China. In a June 5 statement, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says he requested Deputy Secretary John Sullivan on May 23 to direct a multi-agency response to the unexplained health incidents that have affected a number of U.S. government personnel and family members stationed overseas. Sonic and electromagnetic weapons fall under the category of Directed Energy Weapons (DEW), which several countriesincluding the United States and Chinaare developing. Robert J. Bunker, adjunct research professor at the Strategic Studies Institute at the U.S. Army War College, said in a previous interview, Like gun, missile, and bomb technologies, DEW can be utilized against people, material, and infrastructure. U.S government personnel and their families are asked to alert a medical unit if they experience unidentified auditory sensations, followed by symptoms including dizziness, visual problems, hearing loss, and others. The Health Incidents Response Task Force will identify and treat those affected and their family members, investigate cases, look for ways to mitigate risk, work on messaging, and conduct diplomatic outreach. Agencies on the task force include the Defense Department, Justice Department, the Department of Health and Human Services, and others. On May 16, a U.S. government employee at the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou, China, suffered mild traumatic brain injury after hearing a vague and abnormal sound. The incident was similar to another alleged sonic attack in 2016 on 24 U.S. government employees and family members at the Embassy in Havana, Cuba, where symptoms included concussion or minor traumatic brain injury. Pompeo drew a connection between the incidents, and told the House Foreign Affairs Committee, The medical indications are very similar, and entirely consistent with, the medical indications that were taking place to Americans working in Cuba. The Greenwich private equity firm L Catterton is investing $200 million in The Honest Co., the consumer brand created in 2012 by actor Jessica Alba selling a range of beauty, personal care and infant products. More Business Honest Company CEO Nick Vlahos Selling His Clean Calabasas Mansion With the new funding under CEO Nick Vlahos, the Los Angeles-based Honest Co. plans to launch 80 new products this year, while expanding the number of retail outlets carrying its lines. In late May, The Honest Co. announced a distribution deal with Douglas, which operates some 2,500 retail stores in Europe. NORWALK The state Department of Transportation wont start replacing the Walk Bridge over the Norwalk River until late 2019, but preliminary work is already robbing some residents of their coveted nighttime sleep. Sunday morning and Monday morning, at 2 a.m.,30 feet from our condo windows, it sounded like a UFO landing, said Mary Ann Mahan, who lives at Pine Street Studios in South Norwalk. By that, I mean maybe a thousand pile drivers going all at once and bright lights. This continued from 2 oclock to 4:30 and then it mysteriously disappeared. Sleep was impossible. Mahan said she called the Norwalk police and health departments after the same thing happened the next night. According to the DOT, the Walk Bridge will affect 22 properties. But as Mahan noted, some of those properties have multiple residents. Different rules for DOT On Tuesday evening, Mahan and others shared their concerns with DOT officials who came to Norwalk Concert Hall to update the public on the nearly $1.2 billion bridge replacement project already underway with track-and-signal improvements either side of the century-old railroad bridge. On the west side, the Danbury Dockyard Project has begun with tree removal and the digging of holes for new catenary foundations. Stacey Epps, DOT project engineer, said the department is limited to 90 decibels of noise. We can look and see what the decibel readings were. If they exceeded 90 decibels, we can modify those and implement mitigation measures, Epps said. They were drilling for catenary foundations in that vicinity. The activity is expected to continue for another three weeks, and then theyll shift to the daytime. Epps said the DOT is governed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state statutes, and that those rules dont distinguish between night and day, but he added there are ways to mitigate that noise to less of a disruption. In that regard, Mahan and others at the public information meeting were told the state-governed Walk Bridge replacement project is governed by different noise rules than nearby construction on The SoNo Collection shopping mall. When were doing a state project, theres different requirements and, really, from a rail standpoint, we have to get the work done, said James Fallon, DOT manager of facilities and transit. We also want to be good neighbors, so I certainly understand your concerns. Fallon said the noise concerns have been conveyed to the project team. About 75 people attended the afternoon public information meeting in the concert hall. A similar DOT presentation, followed by question-and-answer session, began at 6:30 p.m. The DOT has sought to keep the public informed about the bridge replacement project by launching a website (www.walkbridgect.com), opening an information center at 20 Marshall St., holding public information meetings, and reaching out to businesses through a survey aimed at compiling their concerns and developing mitigation measures. Deb Goldstein, an East Norwalk resident and Third Taxing District commissioner, suspected those surveys arent reaching individuals like Mahan. Im wondering if you would consider, so that theres a more direct and absolute path for residents to register when theres a noise issue like the one you heard tonight, Goldstein said. Could you set up a hotline? She asked if the DOT could post real-time data about noise levels on the project website so that people could understand what was going on. Fallon said residents can make noise complaints via the project website or with the Customer Service Center at City Hall, but he added the DOT would consider her suggestion. Busy summer for preliminary work During the presentation, DOT Supervising Engineer John Hanifin updated Goldstein and others on the progress of the preliminary track-and-signal upgrade projects as well as the bridge replacement. The CP243 Interlocking Project on the east side of the bridge is underway and slated for completion by 2021. The Danbury Branch Dockyard Project is continuing and expected to be done by 2020. The latter project will include replacement of the Ann Street Bridge superstructure, with the bridge closed to motorists tentatively between June 15 and July, and for an undedetermined period in the fall. Buses will carry Metro-North Railroad Danbury branch commuters June 8-10 and June 15-17. From this month into July, the DOT will perform soil borings on land and in the harbor with the latter staged from a barge near the Walk Bridge. The work is intended to determine possible contamination. Starting this month, the department will perform underground investigations by digging five test pits (Goldstein Place, East and Osborne avenues, and Fort Point and North Water streets). The work is expected to take four to five weeks. Between August and November, the DOT will begin a Test Pile Program to measure noise and vibration at 11 locations in and around Norwalk Harbor. One will entail the placement of a large crane atop a barge immediately south of The Maritime Aquarium. With one major exception, the Norwalk River will remain open to maritime traffic throughout the bridge replacement with one channel open at all times. In early 2022, however, the DOT will close all channels for four days to accommodate the arrival and placement of the new bridge span. DOT stands by plans amid lawsuit The DOT plans to replace the 122-year-old, swing-span bridge, which has failed on numerous occasions, with a 240-foot, vertical-lift structure. It has the lowest risk during construction. Its going to take the least amount of time to build, said Hanifin of the projected 48-month construction timetable. It has the shortest period for navigational restrictions. It has the least amount of environmental impact. Not all agree with that assessment. In January, Norwalk Harbor Keeper filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court, challenging the DOT, Federal Transit Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation to rethink the bridge replacement plan. The local conservation group says the project, as planned, will be disruptive to residents, businesses and the harbor. John de Regt, a Rowayton resident who supports the lawsuit, echoed those concerns Tuesday. He asked why the DOT could not build a fixed bridge with a 240-foot span but smaller in height. There is nothing that goes up the river that requires (that much) vertical clearance, said de Regt. Chris Brown, senior project manager with HNTB, the consultant firm hired by the DOT for the project, said a fixed bridge would not meet the reasonable needs of navigation. NORWALK The first day of school for the 2018-19 school year will be on Wednesday, Aug. 29, much to the delight of many parents and staff who objected to the districts last-minute proposed revisions to shift the first day of school to the beginning of that week. The Board of Education voted to scrap the revisions and to keep the previously approved 2018-19 school calendar on Tuesday, with a near-unanimous vote and an abstention from board member Bruce Kimmel. The district explained in a parent newsletter May 31 that the proposed updates would improve learning by giving students a full week of school before Labor Day, instead of four short weeks in the first month of school scheduled in the original 2018-19 calendar. The timing of the proposed changes was due to the state Department of Educations rescindment of the regional calendar requirement, which went into effect after the original 2018-19 calendar was drafted, the district noted. Board of Education Chairman Mike Barbis added that the delay in voting on the proposed changes was due in part to the districts initial plan to finalize the calendar once the budget became finalized, which is now set for June 26. Barbis said he and other board members suggested the district not wait any longer. Even though they had the best of intentions, it was a little too late and the board at the end made that call, Barbis said Wednesday. Michael Richards, a math teacher at West Rocks Middle School who was among those who expressed concerns over the proposed updates, said he was relieved the board made the decision to stick with the original calendar. I'm glad the Board of Education did the right thing for the parents, teachers and, most importantly, the students of Norwalk, Richards said in an email Wednesday. Students in grades 1-12 will start on Wednesday, Aug. 29, while kindergarten students will have a staggered entry on Wednesday, Aug. 29, and Thursday, Aug. 30. District spokeswoman Brenda Wilcox-Williams said schools will notify kindergarten families which days students will need to arrive. Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press WILLINGTON, Conn. (AP) U.S. Housing Secretary Ben Carson is coming to Connecticut to tour one of many homes plagued by crumbling foundations. Carson's visit is set for Monday. He'll be joined by U.S. Sens. Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman. NORWALK The Flock Process Dam is one step closer to becoming history after the Common Councils Public Works Committee this week advanced a $454,500 contract to remove it from the Norwalk River. (The contract) will be on the agenda of the council at their June 12 meeting, Norwalk Chief Environmental Officer Alexis Cherichetti said Wednesday. But then, of course, it needs to go through the law department and other elements of review. Cherichetti expressed hope that the dam removal years in planning will commence at the end or June or early July, but added that remains very tentative at this point. Public Works Committee members on Tuesday evening recommended hiring SumCo Eco-Contracting, LLC, of Peabody, Mass., to remove the 162-year-old dam from the Norwalk River. The company focuses on ecological and environmental improvement projects and has completed more than 300 such projects, including 27 dam removals and 500-plus acres of wetland restoration since its founding in 2006, according to the companys website. SumCo Eco-Contracting was the low bidder among eight firms that responded to the citys request for proposals. Bids ranged from $454,500 to $940,000, according to the bid sheet provided to the committee by Cherichetti. The Flock Process Dam, located along the Norwalk River behind Hotel Zero Degrees, was built in the 1850s to generate power. Flock was the term for a tuft of wool or cotton fiber used to stuff mattresses, according to the Norwalk River Watershed Association, which supports its removal. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection considers the dam to be an impediment to the runs of migratory fish along the river. City officials concur. The Flock Process Dam Removal project is a habitat and water quality improvement project on the Norwalk River, Cherichetti wrote in a memorandum provided to the committee. This obsolete dam alters the natural river systems hydrology and effectively removes much of the Norwalk Rivers connectivity to Long Island Sound. The dam, she continued, prevents anadromous fish species those born in fresh water, living in the sea and returning to fresh water to spawn from reaching their historic breeding habitat in the upstream waters of the Norwalk River. This project is wholly funded by grants from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the CT Department of Environmental Protection, Cherichetti wrote. Engineering and design have been completed by AECOM Technical Services Inc. With final site drawings completed, Bid Documents were prepared for construction this summer. In October 2013, Norwalks legislative delegation in Washington, D.C., announced that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service had awarded Norwalk a $970,000 grant to remove it from the river. Last month, Kevin OLeary, of CNBCs Shark Tank, opened his keynote speech at MJBizCon NEXT in New Orleans with an earnest assessment of the cannabis industry, Ive worked in all eleven sectors of the S&P, and I have never seen anything like this. He was preaching to the choir. Thousands of cannabis industry leaders, many of whom would not have looked out of place at the tech conference sharing the convention center, had gathered in the Big Easy to compare notes, make deals, and continue to build one of the worlds fastest-growing industries. With consumer demand growing and wholesale prices of cannabis dropping, industry leaders discussed what is going to happen next on the frontlines of this rapidly-evolving industry as it hurtles towards $10 billion in sales. Here are the trends to watch. Branding: New Companies, New Consumers Cannabis is a commodity, OLeary reminded the crowd. As this reality settles into the industry, having a strong brand will be the only way for companies to survive. You can expect to see an increased emphasis on branding and a glut of new products hit the market in the coming year. Joe Hodas is a former Dixie Brands executive who was responsible for marketing some of that industrys most successful brands. He now owns investment firm General Cannabis. Hodas predicts that the increased growth of the overall market will allow niche products to proliferate and thrive. The majority of product is still purchased by the core consumer. But companies need to speak to the new and future consumers, he warned. Brands will have to learn to speak to these new consumers in a different way. Mainstream society--who is the prime target for cannabis--the 30-something professional, they dont want to feel edgy, says Co-Founder & CEO of Marijuana Business Daily Cassandra Farrington They want to feel like its as normal as having a glass of wine. The branding I am seeing working has to do with getting that image into peoples minds. Nancy Whitman, CEO of Colorados Wana Brand, shared how her brand has captured 20 percent of Colorados edibles market. After experimenting with a variety of baked goods and confections, Whitman found what she cheekily called Wana Brands sweet spot in gummies. In a constrained market with limited shelf space, she honed in on products that worked for her customer and then focused on delivering a consistent experience. Wana now commands 50% of the states growing gummies market and has expanded into Arizona, Oregon, and Nevada dispensaries, with Florida and Illinois on the immediate horizon. Related: 10 Ways the Cannabis Industry Is Rebranding to Meet Its Biggest Challenges Sustainability: Good for the Environment, and the Bottom Line As individual state markets have matured, there has been an undeniable downward trend in wholesale prices of cannabis. In the coming year, cultivators will be taking a closer look at how energy consumption affects their margins and looking for new solutions. This is good news for the industry--and the planet. Farrington sees sustainability as integral to the continued growth and acceptance of cannabis. There are a lot of detractors out there for the industry, she says. One of the few things that there is actual truth to is that this is a high resource intensity plant to cultivate and to distribute. We have to be very mindful that we are sucking up all these resources and we need to be actively combating the use of these resources so the detractors cannot hang their hat on that. One non-profit, the Resource Innovation Institute, is attempting to overcome the secretive nature of the industry to develop industry standards for energy, carbon, and water use. The organization launched the Cannabis Power Score, a tool that growers can use to compare their energy use statistics to others in the industry. They currently have collected data from over 100 farms with a goal of building a data set of 250 farms by the end of summer. Related: 5 Reasons Why Sustainability and Social Issues Attract Customers Consolidation: The Big Will Get Bigger With new states coming online and new money entering the industry, insiders are expecting to see increased consolidation across the cannabis sector. As the sector expands you can expect to see the big getting bigger and smaller players getting squeezed out or gobbled up. During a keynote address, Chris Walsh, Founding Editor & VP of Marijuana Business Daily noted that in Colorado, just five companies run more than seventy retail cannabis dispensaries, about 14 percent of the market. Startup expenses and cost of compliance are rising, and the mature medical marijuana industry is moving into the hands of well-capitalized companies. Farrington expects to see companies that have defined market share by doing one thing really well build out their capabilities by acquiring their vendors. People are expanding their own capabilities through very trusted partners by bringing them officially in under the one roof, she says. She cited Medicine Men, Denvers largest dispensary as an example. The company recently purchased a lighting company and a nutrients company, growing their existing portfolio of cultivation facilities, dispensaries, and consulting services. International: The Market Up North Is Killing It O, Canada. As Cannabis continues to be classified as a Schedule I drug by the United States, the federal government is stunting much-needed research, keeping institutional investment at bay, and blocking exportation. This is not the case in Canada. Our neighbors to the north have seen a massive increase in exports, including a 300% increase in oil and a 10x increase in exportation of dried Cannabis according to MJBizDaily, and cannabis stocks are traded on the countrys national exchanges. Jennifer Sanders of CNS Equity Partners says that as Canada becomes a global leader, she expects to continue to see Canadian firms pump investment into the United States market. Related: Canada Is Creating a Multi-Billion Dollar Legal Marijuana Industry Related: Vijay Shekhar Sharma's Massive Fund & PM Modi's Message for Entrepreneurs. 4 Things to Know Today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Says Entrepreneurs Need the 3Cs for Success This Entrepreneur Aims to Fight Massive Problem of Clean Air with His 'Green Fund' Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved WILTON A New York man is facing additional charges for the November 2016 car chase that previously landed him in a New York penitentiary. In March 2014, Daniel OBrien, 38, of Liberty, New York, led cops on a chase through Wilton, Ridgefield, Danbury and up Interstate 84 until it was terminated at the New York border. The chase began when Wilton police received reports of an erratic driver weaving in and out of lanes while heading north on Route 7. Police said OBrien refused to yield and continued driving when cops tried to pull him over. OBriens driving became increasingly erratic as the pursuit continued, according to police spokesman Lt. Rob Kluk. At one point, OBrien slammed on his brakes in attempt to get police cruisers to strike him, Kluk said. While Wilton police could not apprehend OBrien, New York State Police eventually captured him after a brief chase that ended in an accident. As a result, OBrien was arrested by New York troopers. He eventually was convicted and sentenced to prison. After serving his time, OBrien surrendered himself to Wilton police to face additional charges. On May 29, he was charged with reckless driving, speeding, second-degree reckless endangerment, disobeying an officers signal, passing on the right, failure to respect the no passing zone and failure to drive in the proper lane. He was held on a $15,000 bond, and he was given a court date of May 30. WILTON Most agree there is problem at the intersection of Belden Hill and Wolfpit roads, but the only other thing nearby neighbors seem to agree on is that a $2.5 million modern roundabout is not the solution. Nearly 40 Wiltonians packed into the Trackside Teen Center on Tuesday, June 5, for a chance to review the concept behind a roundabout for the problematic intersection, and the early consensus is the Connecticut Department of Transportations proposal would only make matters worse. Now, residents are asking the DOT to go back to the drawing board. This isnt a 24-hour problem, so I cant understand why for the life of me youre proposing a 24-hour solution to a few-hour problem, said Alissa Brady, who lives at the corner of the intersection. A review by the DOTs Highway Division found the intersection was not only prone to dangerous accidents, but it was also predisposed to frequent traffic jams and congestion at peak commuting hours. Brady suggested the town instead assign police officers to conduct traffic at the intersection a solution that was already attempted by Wilton police in the early 2000s. Capt. Rob Cipolla said the experiment not only exacerbated congestion issues, it cost the town money in overtime hours. Other residents were quick to point out the roundabout could cause even more car traffic, which in turn could lead to unforeseen issues. I dont want any more volume, and thats what Im hearing from you. Im hearing that youre trying to ease the traffic and create a smoother flow, and I appreciate that, but Im concerned about the quality of life for me and my family, and other families nearby, said David Christini, a Belden Hill Road resident. Instead, Christinis neighbor Jim Seymour recommended the town insert speed bumps along the road to deter traffic from using Belden Hill Road as a bypass to Route 7. Other residents suggested the town go so far as barring non-residential traffic from the road a suggestion that was quickly shot down by Project Manager Marissa Washburn, who pointed out that you cannot prohibit access to a state road. Other alternative proposals included suggesting electronic traps to catch prospective speeders, funding a traffic light as opposed to a roundabout and alleviating traffic jams on Route 7 to incentivize drivers to use that route instead. Despite the critiques, Washburn defended the proposal, which is still in its infancy and has not yet reached its design phase. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a roundabout would reduce crashes by 27 percent. The roundabout would also help alleviate the issues with congestion, according to Washburn. With a roundabout, (the intersection) could process a significantly higher amount of cars, Washburn said. Thats part of the reason they are being used for both safety and congestion benefits, because things tend to just flow significantly smoother. Lisa Mannix, a nearby Silvermine resident, was one of the few people who spoke in favor of the plan at the meeting. There is a real safety issue here, and it needs to be addressed, Mannix said. In the end, Washburn concluded that the input from neighbors would go a long way toward reaching a solution that addresses both the intersections problems and residents needs. This is the exact sort of information we look for in these types of meetings. We want to hear from the community. This isnt going to work if its not right for you, Washburn said. I dont know where this (proposal) is going to go at this particular time, but this is the beginning of the conversation. POCAHONTAS When the husband-wife team Josh and Alicia Davis moved out of the Edwardsville area to try their hand at agriculture several years ago, they had no idea that a quirky West Coast trend would help to put their 22-acre farm on the map. That trend goat yoga has proved surprisingly popular with nearby city dwellers, however, giving them a chance to visit a farmstead, taste rural life and spend some quality time stretching out in the sun with a pack of friendly goats. Alicia Davis, who works full-time at the farm (with Josh assisting her part-time) said the idea is to combine a good stretch with the pleasure of connecting with farm animals. "It's really all about the interaction with the goats," she said. "So, we do 45-minute stretching and yoga routine. Everything is very basic. It's perfectly fine if you've never done yoga before. And it's perfectly fine if you come and you don't do yoga at all, and just sit on the mat with the goats. It's a really fun interaction." Davis, who is originally from Alton (her husband is from Troy), said the sessions which are held Friday, Saturday and Sunday are drawing people from across the area, and as far away as St. Louis. Sessions have been selling out every week. "We've had people from Alton, Edwardsville, Highland, Greenville, we're really kind of making a big circle around our perimeter, and everybody from that area is making that trip here," she said. In many ways, Davis said, it is the goats who set the tone of the sessions. "We let the goats come out there," she said. "You get your yoga mat set up. And they kind of familiarize themselves with you, and are able to walk on your mat. They're able to lay on your mat. Jump on your back. Whatever mood strikes them. Every class is very different." Davis, who choreographed the class with ground level moves to better engage the goats, said yoga has been a major factor in her own health journey. "Our routine is really about deep stretching," she said. "I've had hip problems myself after giving birth to a child, and I almost wasn't able to walk, at least not in a carefree fashion that a 30-year-old person should be able to walk. I was really getting depressed about this, and a friend of mine suggested trying some yoga, some deep stretching in the hips, and it changed my life." "I've had some compliments. People say, 'Oh, wow, that was a really great stretch for a Saturday morning. I know that is was goat yoga and we were having fun, but I got a really nice stretch routine in at the same time.' We're not here to break a sweat, but you can accomplish something at the same time as having fun. It's really nice. I feel it every class. There is definitely a lot of benefit to be had." For the Davises, who originally launched the farm in 2010 with the idea of raising tilapia fish (hence the operation's name, Green Finned Hippy Farm Inc.), yoga is only a small part of farm activity. Regulatory action from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which was concerned about the possibility of invasive species, eventually led them to abandon their tilapia project. Today, however, they focus on "ethically raised" farm products, including all natural eggs, beef and pork. Davis said the farm specializes in an endangered breed of hog called the American Mulefoot, which Slow Food USA has rated as having the best-flavored pork of any pig variety. The pig received its name from its single mule-like hoof, which contrasts with the cloven hooves of most modern breeds. The pigs are given free reign of some of the farm's pastures something which only small percentage of meat hogs, most of which are raised in confined hog sheds, ever see. Connoisseurs believe hogs raised the natural way have a superior taste. For now, however, the goats remain the public face of Green Finned Hippy Farms. The public can buy tickets either by visiting the farm's Facebook page, or by calling the farm at 618-669-2897. Tickets cost $15 to $20. "It is about stretching and it is about yoga," Davis said, "but it's definitely more about getting to spend time with the goats in their atmosphere on pasture, and getting to know all of them. They are very social and curious, of course, so people really get a kick out of it, just seeing what is going to happen." 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. Magna International Inc. designs, engineers, and manufactures components, assemblies, systems, subsystems, and modules for original equipment manufacturers of vehicles and light trucks worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Body Exteriors & Structures, Power & Vision, Seating Systems, and Complete Vehicles. Its Body Exteriors & Structures segment provides body and chassis systems, as well as engineering and testing services; exterior systems, including fascia and trims, front end modules, front integration panels, liftgate modules, active aerodynamics, engineered glass, running boards, truck bed access products, and side doors; and roof systems, such as modular and textile folding roofs, and hard and soft tops. The company's Power & Vision segment offers dedicated hybrid, dual and e-clutch, and manual transmissions; engine drive plates and accessories; AWD/4WD products, rear drive modules, and hybrid and battery electric drive systems; transmission, engine, and driveline components; advanced driver assistance systems, camera systems, ultrasonic sensors, and electronic controllers; interior and exterior mirrors, actuators, door handles, overhead consoles, and camera monitoring systems; head, tail, and fog lamps; signal and other lighting products; and latching systems, door modules, window systems, power closure systems, hinges and wire forming, and handle assemblies. Its Seating Systems segment provides seat structures, mechanism and hardware solutions, and foam and trim products. The company's Complete Vehicles segment offers vehicle manufacturing and engineering services. It also designs, engineers, and manufactures tooling products. Magna International Inc. was founded in 1957 and is headquartered in Aurora, Canada. Read More 4 hours ago Deere & Co. workers go on strike after rejecting contract MOLINE, Ill. (AP) More than 10,000 Deere & Co. workers went on strike Thursday, the first major walkout at the agricultural machinery giant in more than three decades. The union had said its members would walk off the job if no deal has been reached Wednesday. Read Article Why they need to track the most vaccinated and tested people in the country? Anyone who is vaxxd can...(Read More) Laotian woman arrested in Phuket with ya bah, ya ice PHUKET: A 38-year-old Laotian woman was arrested in Pa Khlok yesterday when she was found in possession of 263 grams of crystal meth (ya ice) and 11 methamphetamine pills (ya bah). crimedrugspolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Wednesday 6 June 2018, 05:33PM Laotian national Pu Sanudom, 38, was arrested in Pa Khlok with ya bah and ya ice. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Thalang Police Chief Col Teerawat Liamsuwan together with Deputy Chief Lt Col Natapop Pongsapan, Maj Surasak Leewijit and Lt Wuttichai Anupetho arrested Pu Sanudom, 38, yesterday (June 5) at a property on Soi Nayao in Pa Khlok. Police seized from Pu 263 grams of ya ice, 11 ya bah pills, various plastic bags, digital scales and a mobile phone. Pu has been charged with possession of Category 1 drugs with intent to sell. Nearly 200 missing, 73 dead from Guatemala volcano GUATEMALA: Nearly 200 people are missing and at least 73 people were killed since Guatemalas Fuego volcano began erupting over the weekend, officials said yesterday (June 5). deathdisasters By AFP Wednesday 6 June 2018, 09:22AM A dog is rescued in the ash-covered village of San Miguel Los Lotes, in Escuintla Department, about 35km southwest of Guatemala City yesterday (June 5). Photo: AFP Seven communities in already devastated areas were evacuated as the volcanos activity increased, with rescue operations halted. In the city of Escuintla, near the summit, panicked locals rushed to their cars to escape, causing chaotic traffic. An AFP photographer witnessed a large plume of ash rise into the sky, prompting an evacuation of everyone authorities could find before the police, the military and rescuers were stood down. And a total of 192 people remain missing since the weekend eruptions, disaster relief agency chief Sergio Cabanas told reporters. The search for bodies in mountain villages destroyed by the eruption was progressing slowly, officials said earlier, given the nature of the terrain and the way the volcano released large amounts of boiling mud, rock and ash down the mountain. We will continue until we find the last victim, though we do not know how many there are. We will probe the area as many times as necessary, Cabanas said. However, the prospects of finding any more survivors was poor, he said. If you are trapped in a pyroclastic flow, its hard to come out of it alive, he said, adding that people who may have been caught in the flow may never be found. The latest of the 73 victims was a 42-year-old woman who died in hospital having lost both legs and an arm in the eruption. The previous toll was given as 72. Some 46 people were injured, around half of whom are in serious condition, it said. The 3,763-metre volcano erupted early Sunday (June 3), spewing out towering plumes of ash and a hail of fiery rock fragments with scalding mud. Authorities said more than 1.7 million people had been affected by the disaster, including more than 3,000 ordered evacuated, many living in shelters in Escuintla, Sacatepequez and Chimaltenango since Sundays eruption. The speed of the eruption took locals by surprise, and could be explained by it producing pyroclastic flows, sudden emissions of gas and rock fragments, rather than lava, said volcanologist David Rothery of Britains Open University. President Jimmy Morales, who has declared three days of national mourning, has visited the disaster zone. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and the significant damage caused by the eruption, and said the UN was ready to assist national rescue and relief efforts. Phi Phi resorts, tourist businesses face sweeping raids PHUKET: Krabi officials are investigating a plot of about 40 rai of land where 34 villas and a large swimming pool are being built on Koh Phi Phi Island on suspicion of encroaching on protected forest land. tourismlandconstructioncrimepolice By The Phuket News Wednesday 6 June 2018, 08:50PM Officials carry out their inspections on Phi Phi Island on Monday (June 4). Photo: Krabi PR Office The news broke after officials began their raids on Monday, checking hotels, bars and other tourist businesses for any breaches of the law. Hotels and guesthouses are being checked to ensure the names and nationalities of all guests are reported to Immigration within 24 hours of the guests checking in, while bars and night spots on the island are being inspected for drugs and late trading, reported the Krabi office of the Public Relations Department. Any illegal modifications to buildings are being brought to task, including any deviations from approved building permits. Meanwhile, general tourist businesses are being inspected for nominee shareholders and tax infringements. All infringements discovered by inspecting officers must be reported to the relevant officials, the PR report noted. Specifically three residential projects are under investigation in Moo 7, near the tourist heart of the island, to ensure the land documents being sued to claim the land are genuine, the report added. Facebook group Newsroom at Krabi reported yesterday that specifically five small hotels and guesthouses, a 50-room resort and a beach club had been found in breach of the Immigration requirement to report guests, while the five small hotels and guesthouses and the beach club had illegally modified their buildings. One dive shop had been caught with an illegal ratio of Thai-to-foreign staff, and illegally having Foreigners selling dive tours, said the report. (See report here.) The dive shop was ordered closed until its case has been heard by Krabi provincial officials, the report added. Of note, the Krabi office of the PR Dept reported that one resort project under investigation for encroachment onto protected forest land had presented a NorSor 3 land document issued in 1993 as evidence to its claim to the land the project occupies. A check by The Phuket News on the online map created by the Department of Special Investigation to indicate such protected areas showed that the resort is located on land that was not declared a protected forest area until the year 2000. (See DSI map here.) Under Thai law, owners who can prove their claim to their land predates sweeping declarations of protected forest areas and even national parks are entitled to maintain their full legal rights to their private land. Phuket remains highest dengue contracting province PHUKET: Phuket still has the highest per capital infection rate of dengue fever in the country a report issued by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) yesterday (June 5) has confirmed. health By Chutharat Plerin Wednesday 6 June 2018, 07:01PM Phuket still has the highest per capital infection rate of dengue fever in the country. Photo: Flickr / Ian Jacobs From January 1- June 5 this year, 357 people in Phuket had been confirmed by local hospitals as contracting dengue, the same figure revealed in a report posted on the Department of Disease Control DDC website also yesterday (See report here.). However, the report also confirms that the islands death rate from dengue remains at two. A report posted on the DDC website on April 10 confirmed that since the start of the year 220 people in Phuket had been confirmed by local hospitals as contracting dengue. (See story here.) Speaking to The Phuket News Thai-language sister paper Khao Phuket today, Dr Krit Sakulpead Deputy Phuket Public Health Officer said that there is still a growing concern about the number of people in Phuket contracting dengue. Based on recent data, we have found that the campaign to prevent the spread of dengue fever in the area and the outbreak of dengue has not been fully addressed. In addition, some villagers are unaware of the dangers and do not follow anti-mosquito measures as they should. The campaign to prevent the spread of dengue in Phuket isnt working. Phuket still has the highest patient rate in Thailand. It is important that villagers be more active in protecting themselves and their families from mosquitoes and dengue, he said. Phukets population doesnt equal that of the people actually registered here and it is possible that this contributes to the islands higher patient rate. Anyhow, what we need to focus on is awareness of the dangers. The rate of Phukets patients is ranked first in the country. However, I agree that government agencies and related parties are urgently exploring and destroying mosquito larvae at various locations according to the strategy to reduce the outbreak in the home or at schools, Dr Krit added. Finally, the most important thing is that everyone needs to take care of themselves from mosquitoes. Using mosquito repellent should be a habit, Doctor Krit said. Police search for man in black over bold restaurant TV theft PHUKET: Police are searching for man who brazenly walked into restaurant in Thalang last night (June 5) and seeing no one in the establishment, picking up and walking out with a 42-inch flat-screen TV worth about B25,000. crimepolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Wednesday 6 June 2018, 02:18PM The man brazenly picked up the TV and walked out with it. Image: CCTV Police were called to the Jae Jeab restaurant on Thepkrasattri Rd in Srisoonthorn, about 300 metres from the Heroines Monument, at about 10pm, explained Capt Jarat Laemphan of the Thalang Police. Restaurant owner Jeab Sillapa, 49, explained to the officers that as she had no customers, she went to the kitchen to help with preparing food, he said. While she was working in the kitchen, she heard a sound in the restaurant and came out to check what it was and saw that the TV was gone. We check the security cameras in the restaurant and we could see a tall man, aged about 30-37, dressed in black walking inside the restaurant, Capt Jarat explained. The man waits for several minutes, then after checking that no one is in the restaurant, removes the TV from its perch and cautiously walks out of the restaurant, checking behind him to make sure no one has noticed. In the video, the mans face can be clearly seen. Police are now attempting to track the man down. Regime under pressure to lift politics ban BANGKOK: Pressure is mounting on the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to lift the ban on political activities immediately in light of the Constitutional Courts ruling in favour of an NCPO order amending the organic law on political parties. politics By Bangkok Post Wednesday 6 June 2018, 09:05AM Official spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd (centre) and aides are tasked with defending the continuing ban on political activities ordered more than four years ago by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). Photo: Bangkok Post / File The Constitutional Court yesterday (June 5) ruled that Order No.53/2560 issued on Dec 22 last year by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in his capacity as the NCPO chief did not violate the 2017 constitution. The court ruling was in response to petitions that two main political parties, Pheu Thai and the Democrats, earlier filed separately through the Office of the Ombudsman. The amendments require members of existing political parties to reconfirm their membership and verify their qualifications, as well as pay membership fees, within 30 days of April 1. Parties are also required to hold general assemblies, elect leaders and executives, write a manifesto and regulations, and set up provincial branches within 90 days of the NCPO ban on political activities being lifted. The petitioners argued that the amendments did not protect their members and imposed an unreasonably heavy burden on them, limited their rights and liberties and were discriminatory. However, the Constitutional Court yesterday ruled against these charges. In light of the courts ruling, Yutthaporn Issarachai, a political scientist at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, said that the NCPO must allow political activities straight away. It is important to allow parties to resume activities so they can prepare for the general election expected in February next year. Otherwise, the poll would not be seen to be free and fair given that some new parties can now proceed with their activities while existing parties are still banned from doing so, Mr Yutthaporn said. Chousak Sirinil, head of Pheu Thais legal team, said that the sooner the ban is lifted, the better. If and when the ban is lifted, the party must rush to recruit members and set up at least four regional branches as stipulated by the organic law on political parties. Setting up a party branch is no easy task because each branch must have at least 500 members, he said. Gen Prayut yesterday refused to be drawn over his proposed meeting with political parties to discuss issues associated with the poll preparations. The election roadmap will remain the same. It will be in February 2019. Dont criticise or push for an earlier election, he stated when asked about his timeframe. Speculation is rife the NCPO will lift the ban this month to allow parties to prepare for the poll, which has already been delayed numerous times. Read original story here. For Subscribers Western Illinois gives SDSU a chance to prove it learned from loss SDSUs ability to put their new lessons into practice will be tested immediately, as the Jacks visit Macomb on Saturday. Dow Chemical Company has announced the launch of its newly-built innovation centre located within the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Kaust) premises in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Located in Kausts Research and Technology Park, the Dow Innovation Centre will support the company's ramped-up research efforts to address critical needs in the kingdom and the region including increasing energy efficiency and minimising environmental footprint. The hi-tech facility was inaugurated at a grand ceremony in the presence of Dow's executive leadership, the Kaust board of grustees, university leadership, and special invited guests from Saudi Arabia. The 13,500-sq-m space, which is designed to achieve Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC), will house Dows Research & Development facilities and the newly established Dow Digital Marketplace Center for the region. State-of-the-art labs, research areas and offices will provide application development and technical service focused on oil and gas technology solutions, sustainable coating and construction solutions, and industrial chemicals for a variety of applications relevant to Saudi Arabia and the region. The vision for a Dow's Saudi centre was born at the start of the two partners relationship in 2009, when the US firm became a founding member of the Kaust Industrial Collaboration Program, which works through close academic-research-industry partnership to commercialize research breakthroughs into practical applications and solutions for the market. The centres completion marks a significant stage in the growth of the Kaust Research and Technology Park, which is home to leading companies from Saudi Arabia and around the world. Nesma and Partners Contracting Company was the official contractor for the Dow building, while architectural firms HOK and Kirksey Architects had designed the exterior and interior of the centre along with Vanderweil Engineers delivering the MEP engineering. Dow Saudi Arabia President Chuck Swartz said the new Dow Innovation Center marks the culmination of a decade-long journey to have a dedicated facility focused on innovation and talent development to support the growth in the kingdom. This facility is perfectly aligned to Dows strategy and our commitment to this region, employing a highly skilled workforce, a number already are graduates from Kaust with diverse backgrounds in science and engineering, he noted. Kaust interim president Nadhmi Al Nasr said: "The innovation centre represents yet another milestone in Dows deep and growing commitment to the kingdom and region, which I am proud to say has been largely supported and facilitated by its partnership with Kaust over the years." By integrating the profound research developed at the university into industry solutions, the centre is helping to advance Kausts larger mission to drive the countrys future knowledge and innovation economy, he added.-TradeArabia News Service For now, Seattle-based real estate mega site Zillow is targeting only American eyeballs for Canadian properties through a new deal that gives it a direct feed to Century 21 Canada listings. The company announced Wednesday that it expects to feature Canadian real estate, including the Century 21 listings, later this year. The Zillow Groups sites and apps, including Zillow.com and Trulia.com, draw about 175 million eyeballs a month. Century 21 has 265 Canadian franchises with 400 offices here listing about 26,300 properties. We know U.S. buyers are interested in purchasing Canadian real estate, so were excited to offer the millions of buyers already coming to Zillow for their home search an easy way to see homes for sale in Canada and connect with an agent to help navigate the sale, the companys Vancouver-based chief industry development officer Errol Samuelson says in the release. But it is unclear how far Zillows Canadian ambitions extend longer term. It is foremost a media company that generates revenue by selling ads next to real estate listings. But Zillow has been testing a program called Instant Offers in Phoenix, Las Vegas and Orlando where Zillow connects home sellers with potential investor buyers or an agent to help sell their home. The idea is to provide consumers with convenience and help them confirm their selling price and timing in the market. In Phoenix, Zillow is also trying a model where it purchases homes itself. Although the press release says Zillow is talking to Multiple Listings Services and real estate boards in Canada, it doesnt say whether it will be able to publish the same depth of information it offers on American properties where it lists the selling prices of homes. The big thing theyre known for at least if you ask a regular person in the U.S. is how much homes are sold for, said Keith McSpurren, CEO of TheRedPin, a Toronto-based online brokerage. The Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) has been fighting in court for years to prevent password-protected broker websites from publishing the sales prices of properties. The courts have ruled in favour of those online brokerages being able to publish sold data. But TREB is now asking the Supreme Court of Canada to consider hearing its arguments for overturning those lower court rulings. Im not surprised (Zillow) is coming into Canada. Theyve got a desire to basically map the world with all the homes that are available, said McSpurren. But Zillow Groups edge is its scale rather than innovation, whereas TheRedPin is using software and artificial intelligence to try and improve real estate transactions for consumers and agents, he said. McSpurren says Zillows main focus in the U.S. industry is for lead generation and that doesnt pose a threat to the Canadian industry at this point. It sells ads to agents so that when a consumer clicks on a property, an agents ad pops up on the screen. The Instant Offer idea is a very different business model the idea that buying a house can be as simple as buying a car or other items is an interesting idea. But it is a very different business model that requires a lot of capital and it changes the risk profile of the business dramatically, he said. I dont think youll see that showing up in Canada until they prove it in the U.S. first, said McSpurren. The Canadian Real Estate Associations Realtor.ca is the most popular online home listing service in Canada. U.S. online real estate giant Zillow has announced it will post Canadian homes on its site through a direct listing feed from Century 21 Canada. That means Canadian real estate listings will be exposed to millions of consumers who visit Zillow every month, the company said in a Wednesday release. The Seattle-based company announced last year that it planned to feature Canadian property listings early this year. The most recent news release says that it now expects to post Canadian listings, including those from Century 21 Canada, later this year. We know U.S. buyers are interested in purchasing Canadian real estate so were excited to offer the millions of buyers already coming to Zillow for their home search an easy way to see homes for sale in Canada and connect with an agent to help navigate the sale, said Errol Samuelson, Zillows Vancouver-based industry development officer, in the release. The agreement is the same as the relationship Zillow has with Century 21 in the U.S., said the Century 21 Canada chief technology officer Jack Miller. Read more: The great real-estate data debate A report last year in a real estate industry magazine quoted Samuelson as saying 170 million people use Zillow.com and the other major online real estate site in the U.S., Trulia.com. Zillows listings offer complete sales histories, including the selling price of homes, information that the Toronto Real Estate Board considers private. The board is asking the Supreme Court of Canada to appeal the latest legal decision that ruled selling prices could be released on some password-protected brokerage sites. Its not clear what a greater role for Zillow would mean in the Canadian real estate market. A Zillow spokesperson told the Toronto Star last fall that the company has no plans to build a Canadian website. The company maintains that it doesnt compete with the role of real estate agents. It sells ads, not houses, on its websites and mobile apps, one Zillow executive told the Star in 2016. But a trademarked Zillow Instant Offers feature provides a forum where homeowners in some markets can receive offers from buyers, said Wednesdays release. When Zillow buys a home, it will make necessary updates and list the home for resale on the open market, said the company. CALGARYSara Elkady chose a sparkly gold prosthetic leg to wear for her university graduation. I saw the gold one and I was like, yeah, I want to be daring and fun, said Elkady. It was so unique and awesome and full of confidence. Its been a test of Elkadys resolve and resilience getting to graduation but she made it. And as she crossed the stage Tuesday, using the prosthetic leg shes had for barely nine months, the feeling was bittersweet her parents and one of her sisters werent in the crowd watching as she accomplished her dream. My parents were just as big a part of this degree as I was. They were there when I was stressing about exams. Same with my sister she was always there and supporting me. If they were here, they would say that they were really proud of me and theyd be cheering really loud, said Elkady. I think my parents, especially, would feel like all the obstacles they went through just with immigrating was worth it. Elkady immigrated to Canada from Egypt with her parents and two younger sisters in 2005. She describes herself as a copy-paste version of her dad. Her father, who was also an engineer, taught her to love math and science. Elkady said life wasnt easy as a new immigrant, but it was good. On Christmas Eve 2016, Elkadys life was completely shaken her family was involved in a head-on crash near Pincher Creek. Elkadys parents, Mohamed Elkady and Hanaa Hussien, and her 19-year-old sister, Salma, died in the crash. Her 15-year-old sister, Dina, escaped the wreck with minimal injuries. Elkady was hospitalized with severe injuries, which ended with her left leg being amputated six months after the accident. It was a devastating for the community and devastating for the people who knew her, said Mariam El-Gohary, a family friend. Her family was outstanding. They were such kind hearted people. Despite the trauma and the injuries she sustained, Elkady pushed herself to move past the event and focus on finishing the remaining four courses in her engineering degree. My parents always taught us to be really strong. ... They always made sure to give us a reality check that life is difficult ... but I also wanted to get my life back. Part of getting her life back was getting her parchment, so between surgeries and therapy sessions, Elkady finished her school work from her hospital bed. Her professors devised a new study program, classmates took notes for her at lectures, and project meetings took place at the hospital. Amna El-Gohary has known Elkady since the 12th grade. She said that even in the hospital Elkadys mind was on getting her degree. Im really excited that she accomplished everything she wanted, said Amna. I was with her right after the accident and she was always so eager to get back to school. When Elkady thinks about the support shes received over the last year and a half, she gets overwhelmed. Our support system is massive and I feel so lucky and blessed. I think thats also because my parents were such wonderful people my sister, too that I think their legacy kind of carries through. It was emotional for Mariam watching Elkady cross the stage today. I remember when I first went to visit her a few days after the accident she asked me how I was doing, said Mariam. She has done everything with such grace and such elegance and shes such a beautiful soul, both her and her sister. The future isnt so intimidating for Elkady, with her sister, friends and the Egyptian community rallying behind her. She has already landed a job as a junior process engineer and she wants to help other people going through similar experiences. Even if its just something simple like visiting hospitals and visiting amputees, said Elkady. People have given me so much and Im trying to give back as much as I can. Read more about: CALGARYDomestic violence continues to rise in Calgary and may take years to dissipate, the citys police chief told elected officials Wednesday. The amount of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual violence in the city remains too high, Chief Roger Chaffin told the citys community and protective services committee. The persistence of domestic violence issues in our city is still very problematic, said Chaffin. The Calgary Police Services annual report shows domestic violence continued to climb, with officers responding to 4,971 calls in 2017 a 16 per cent increase over the previous year and 47 per cent higher than the five-year average. Read more: Calgary police saw more shortened rifles and a spike in shootings in 2017 Chaffin said police invest considerable resources responding to domestic violence calls and supporting families that are at risk, but with limited resources, officers can only accomplish so much. The best results we have is when we can sit down and talk to people, provide the support services for them, remedies to their situation, and watch the recidivism numbers drop if we can do that, Chaffin said. The trouble is were talking about thousands of people, and we can get out to a handful of them at any given time of the year. The report also shows person crimes, such as homicides, sex offences, assaults and robberies, are happening more frequently and with more seriousness. In 2017, Calgary saw 94 shooting events compared to 61 the previous year, and experienced a 16 per cent rise in non-domestic assaults. Chaffin linked the increase in domestic violence to Calgarys rapid and sustained economic downturn, which led to higher unemployment, increased drug and alcohol abuse, and a breakdown of households. Calgary experienced a very unique challenge during this long economic drop, but it has real implications on people, and you just cant replace jobs, Chaffin told reporters. In the past these economic downturns are usually met with an economic rise, he said. Weve seen a very long, slow creep to the bottom, and its something Calgarians arent used to, and I think it created some harm in the city. Councillor Diane Colley-Urquhart, chair of the city committee, said the city needs to hire at least 100 new police officers to deal with the challenges, such as domestic violence, cybercrime, and the opioid crisis. We have the third-lowest cop-to-pop (population) ratio in the country, Colley-Urquhart said. If we were to get up to the middle of that grid we would need 150 more officers on the street today. I do believe the (police) commission hasnt been tough enough in arguing that we absolutely need these officers and we need to get them up to speed a lot sooner, she said. Whether police get more resources or not, Chaffin said the bleak crime stats likely wouldnt improve for a couple of years as the city continues to pull itself out of a prolonged economic slump. As an economy starts to improve, we have to wait for all the other pieces that come with it more jobs, more confidence in the economy, more investments, he said. Were usually a year or two behind the economy, so I think we could still expect at least another year before we start to see a tangible change. Read more about: CALGARYPandas are paying off at the Calgary Zoo as the new exhibit celebrates its first month. In May, the zoo set an all-time attendance record for the month with more than 190,000 visitors higher than the 2003 opening of the Destination Africa Zone when more than 140,000 people came to see the new habitats. And some visitors arent just checking out pandas Da Mao, Er Shun and her two cubs Jia Panpan and Jia Yueyue as a one-off the zoo is also reportedly selling more memberships, and has reached a total of 90,000 active members. Panda Passage is off to a great start, says Lindsey Galloway, senior director, customer experience and corporate services, Calgary Zoo in a prepared release. The support from our community is astounding it makes our critical wildlife conservation work possible. Because of the black and white bears, demands on the zoo are tough to manage. So, according to a release, the zoo has implemented new features to help with the flow of visitors. If youre planning on hitting up the Panda Passage, there are online discounts available for buying your ticket in advance. The zoo also set up free timed tickets, so you can avoid long lineups. Generally, the zoo has set up variable pricing to encourage visits on weekdays when traffic is low. Weekend tickets are being sold at higher prices. The pandas will be at the zoo for five years as part of a 10-year agreement signed by the Canadian and Chinese governments. Read more about: EDMONTONLongtime city councillor Mike Nickel confirmed Wednesday he is looking to move into provincial politics and will seek the nomination for the United Conservative Party in Edmonton-South. I always believed in term limits, so after two consecutive terms, Im done. So the decision was either to quit, run for mayor or run provincially, he said. Speaking to StarMetro on the phone while standing outside City Hall on Wednesday morning, Nickel stressed he could not talk about the nomination inside the municipal building because he had to keep the two roles separate. I try to be transparent and fair about everything. When Im outside, Im in the public realm and when Im inside the building, Im a councillor, he said. Nickel first won a seat on council in 2004 and since then has earned a reputation as an outspoken councillor passionate about keeping taxes low. He was defeated in the 2007 election by then-newcomer Don Iveson before getting elected in 2013 and again last year. Nickel said he first considered to pursue a provincial seat earlier this year after a conversation with his wife. He said after analyzing all the parties, he decided the UCP was the best fit. Value for your taxes, transparency, accountability, metrics, target outcome, you know we are talking about these sorts of narratives, I feel my better fit is with the UCP, he said. Its not going to be with the New Democratic Party of Alberta and it wont be with Steve (Mandel, leader of the Alberta Party), so its not like I have anything to say about the parties, Im just running for the nomination. Nickel decided to make a bid for the new riding of Edmonton-South and not his own constituency of Mill Woods because he said he wanted to keep things clean. Ive kind of gone out of my way to keep off everybodys toes and go to a place which is brand new, he said. Im not running for Mill Woods because it seems a bit of an influence, a conflict of interest to me. I wont do that, Nickel said. When it comes to juggling being a councillor and putting his name in for a provincial nomination, he said its not that hard to do. The city councillor stuff, I continue on as usual. There is going to be no difference of a service level we provide here. The nomination stuff, I do on my own time, he said. If nominated, Nickel said he plans on taking a leave of absence, much like Amarjeet Sohi and Councillor Tony Caterina did when they ran provincially. If he loses in his bid, he will continue in his role as a city councillor. He added he wished the timing was better. I wish it was later on in the term, but the nominations are now so thats the way its got to roll out. Read more about: EDMONTON Come fall, Edmonton residents will be among the first in Canada to try out electric autonomous vehicles for free. As part of an October pilot project, Edmonton will test out a driverless vehicle on a segregated roadway, separated from other traffic. The location will be announced later in the year. Edmontons pilot will come on the heels of a similar test in Calgary, to be held in September. The announcement was made Wednesday at a two-day conference on automated vehicles being held at the Shaw Conference Centre. Representatives from the cities of Edmonton, Calgary and the firm that will be tasked with operating the vehicle Pacific Western Group of Companies spoke to the media about the project. The pilot will give Edmonton residents the opportunity to ride an autonomous vehicle and provide feedback to the city. The vehicle will operate under 20 km/h, contain an access ramp for people with disabilities, and hold up to 12 people six seated and six standing. As one of the fastest growing and youngest cities in Canada, we are driving our own future and looking forward to what this pilot will help us understand, Mayor Don Iveson said in a statement. Dan Finley, vice-president of business development with Pacific Western Group of Companies, said the company has acquired the vehicle it will test in Edmonton and Calgary from the French firm EasyMile. The vehicle is the EZ10 shuttle and has been used in 20 countries. Additionally, Finley said, it is in permanent use in Arlington, Texas, and Singapore. The shuttle has a collision avoidance system that can detect pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles and obstacles. During the pilot, a trained operator who can stop the vehicle will accompany riders. Asked if Edmonton could receive its own permanent, driverless shuttle at some point, Stephanie McCabe, with the citys corporate strategic development branch, said its too soon to tell. Its too early to consider that, she said. Were very much in the early stages of autonomous vehicles, and this is an opportunity for us to understand citizen perception and what we should do on the planning side. Once Edmonton and Calgary wrap up their tests, they will share results and data with various partners, including the University of Alberta. While EasyMile vehicles have been introduced at conferences in Canadian cities before, this will be the first time a vehicle is going to be piloted in this fashion for the public, said Finley. The city is expected to announce more details about Edmontons pilot project over the summer. Read more about: HALIFAXAndrea Pardy is almost apologetic when she talks about the man who attacked her six years ago at the Labrador bar where she worked. Its almost unfortunate that I was fortunate; you know what I mean. That he couldnt go away as long as you would have wished him to, the 33-year-old from Gander, N.L., said in a phone interview on Tuesday. Halifax Regional Police warned the public about Sem Paul Obed when the high-risk offender was released from prison in 2014. Now Obed is back in custody for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman inside her Halifax home on June 1. If he had broken my leg, or if hed have broken my back, my wrist or something, it would have been longer, she said, referencing the two-year prison sentence he received upon his conviction for the assault. He might have been away for a little bit longer. Pardy, who now works in home care and has a six-year-old daughter living in Gander, said she was working the late shift at a bar in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador, in August 2012 when she came face-to-face with Obed. The establishment was closing for the night when Obed, shown in a video released to the public, came behind the bar and began to beat her. The assault lasted for close to a minute before Pardy was able to bite him and run to safety. She suffered bruises along with a concussion. Obed who has about 30 convictions on his record, including assault and sex crimes moved to Halifax upon his release from prison in 2014. Ever since, Pardy feared the day would come when hed be arrested again for a violent crime. It was just waiting for him to put himself back in there again. A really unsettling feeling for a long time, she said. If found guilty of this latest allegation, Pardy wants Obed designated a dangerous offender. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, people convicted three or more times of violent crimes or sex crimes provided they meet certain conditions may be designated a dangerous offender. This puts the onus on the offender, instead of the Crown, to prove they are not a danger to society. The designation can open up the possibility of sentences with no defined end date. In practice, it usually means a life sentence, though parole may still be possible. Dangerous offender, absolutely. That is No. 1. That is exactly what I would love to see happen in this situation, Pardy said. Obed appeared in Halifax provincial court on Monday in connection to a break-in and sexual assault at a home in the 6000 block of Cunard St. at about 11:50 a.m. last Friday. At about 4:30 p.m. Friday, police arrested Obed without incident at a residence in the 0-100 block of McFatridge Rd. in the Fairview area of Halifax. On Saturday, investigators with the Sexual Assault Investigative Team charged Obed with one count each of aggravated sexual assault, choking to overcome resistance, uttering threats, breaking and entering as well as two counts of breaching court orders involving abstaining from alcohol. Halifax Regional Police spokeswoman Const. Carol McIsaac said Monday that police believe the culprit and victim did not know each other. In court Monday, the Crown said its opposing any bail for Obed and that if hes found guilty it will explore further measures to ensure public safety. When asked what she would say if she met the woman involved in this latest case, Pardy paused before answering. Im so angry for her and Im so sorry for her, Pardy said. I cant say that I understand exactly what shes going through but I just hope that with time she can kind of heal and that maybe she could be the one to put an end to it. Read more about: HALIFAXAs Ontarians prepare to go to the polls Thursday, two Nova Scotia PC leadership candidates will be rooting for divisive Ontario premier candidate Doug Ford. With Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne conceding that the Liberals will not be forming the next government, its down to Fords PC platform of cuts for the people and NDP Andrea Horwaths promise to spend for the people. Its not hard to draw some parallels with Nova Scotia when looking at Ontarios current political landscape. The Ontario campaign has included: the resignation of a party leader due to sexual misconduct allegations, resulting in a bitterly-contested leadership race just months before the general election; a party leader admitting they wont win just days before ballots are cast; and a strengthened NDP that has gained enough momentum to possibly pull out a come-from-behind win. Here in Nova Scotia we too have seen PC leader Jamie Baillie resign due to sexual misconduct allegations. We have a Liberal government that has been in power for a significant period of time, and is facing increasing public criticism over the handling of issues ranging from teachers and doctors to freedom of information website breaches. StarMetro reached out to leadership candidates for the PC party of Nova Scotia, and NDP leader Gary Burrill, to ask what Ontarios election could mean for politics in Nova Scotia. We did not reach out to Premier Stephen McNeil as Wynne has already announced she will not be forming the next government. Julie Chaisson Chaisson, the executive director of the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market, is the only leadership hopeful not currently involved with some level of government. She said shes hopeful for a PC win in Thursdays election. Any time there is a Progressive Conservative win anywhere in Canada, it's a win for all Progressive Conservatives, she said. I think what we're seeing in Ontario right now is there's a strong desire for change and I think if Doug Ford wins, which we're all hoping that he does, and he does well and governs well, it will raise our PC profile in Nova Scotia. Chaisson added that she feels the Nova Scotia PCs have the advantage of having a couple years before the next election, giving them time to talk to Nova Scotians and build a solid campaign platform. We have a number of years before we head into an election, where in Ontario I think it's been like five months, where they've had to select a new leader and then go immediately into an election. We have time to pick a leader, go and speak to our members, go and speak to Nova Scotians and come up with a platform, she said. John Lohr Lohr, the MLA for Kings North, said hes pulling for a PC victory but hasnt been able to spend much time following the Ontario election. I wish them all the best, the Ontario PC party and their leader Doug Ford, and hope they form a government of course, he said. I can tell you that I'm only following Ontario with one eye open ... I'm really kind of immersed in Nova Scotia politics so I'm aware of what's going on, but I wouldn't say I'm living, breathing, eating, drinking Ontario politics right now. Similarly to Chaisson, Lohr said he thinks its clear people in Ontario are looking for change, but he believes its not a phenomenon limited to the countrys largest province. It's a sign that the Liberal brand is in trouble across the country, Lohr said. The Ontario Liberal government is widely seen to have failed and I think we've seen that federally too. So I think that change is in the wind and I think voters want concrete policies and we see it sort of splitting between the NDP and the PCs in Ontario and I guess it's one vision of government versus another. Cecil Clarke The mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Cecil Clarke, refused to speculate on the outcome of an election in a distant province, saying instead that his focus is squarely here in Nova Scotia. My objective is to be a voice coming out of Nova Scotia, to deal with whoever is at the other end of an Ontario election that I am not going to personally impact or influence, he said. You work with whoever is there. If you're going to be the premier you have to work with the other premiers across the land, of whatever political stripe. When asked what sort of effect the election could have on Nova Scotia, Clarke said its far too early to tell. I think what we have to figure out is what does it mean in Ontario, and then we'll look at what it means elsewhere, Clarke said. We're going to be looking at some definite potential changes or differences in terms of where is Ontario going to be when it comes to carbon tax dealing with the federal government on matters that affect everyday Ontarians What the outcome of the Ontario election is (will) matter on some very substantive issues before Canada. Gary Burrill The leader of the Nova Scotia NDP, Gary Burrill, sees the election as a sign of change, particularly in regards to the willingness of voters to consider socially democratic ideas. I think it says to us in Nova Scotia that we have come into a time when these types of ideas are receiving a consideration and audience and support in a way that they have not for a number of years, he said of Horwaths strong showing in the polls. So it is quite remarkable that in the largest province in Canada, a party is running on socialized dentistry and an extension of socialized medicine to include universal pharmacare and comprehensive affordable child care program and it is within a fraction of a hair's whisker of being selected to be the government of the province. Another lesson Burrill has learned from watching the election is to never count out the New Democrats, even if they may seem like a third wheel at times. I don't know anybody who, six to eight months ago, would have predicted that the Ontario NDP would be vaulted to a place where, it's just within a fingernail of who is going to be leading the polls the day before the election, he said. One of the main things I think that the Ontario campaign is saying to us in Nova Scotia would just be nobody should count out, or rule out, or minimize, in any way, the capacity of a third place social democratic party in times like these to move from third place to where forming a government is possible. StarMetro reached out to PC leadership candidates Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin and Tim Houston but was unable to arrange interviews by deadline. Read more about: HALIFAXA poll released Wednesday shows support for the governing Nova Scotia Liberals has increased in this latest quarter. Three months after being at its lowest level since the governing Liberals were elected, voter support has increased significantly, noted a media release issued by Corporate Research Associates Inc. The poll showed 45 per cent of decided voters support the Liberal Party, up from 37 per cent in February. Support for the Progressive Conservative Party dropped to 29 per cent from 34 per cent, while 23 per cent support the NDP compared with the 25 per cent who supported them in February. Support for the Green Party dropped to three per cent from four per cent. The poll also found the number of undecided Nova Scotian voters to be 29 per cent compared with 26 per cent in the last poll. Six per cent refused to state a preference, and four per cent support none of the parties or dont plan to vote. Three months after declining to its lowest level under the current Liberal leadership, government satisfaction has rebounded, as more than four in ten Nova Scotians are satisfied with the performance of Stephen McNeils Liberal government (45 per cent, up from 38 per cent in February 2018), the media release said. Read more: Nova Scotia Liberals accused of using committee majority to provide cover Relaxed Justin Trudeau jokes with supporters at Liberal Party fundraiser after day of tarrif turmoil Investigation finds $42K in Nova Scotia political contributions should have been transferred decades ago Meanwhile, a similar number of Nova Scotians are dissatisfied (45 per cent, down from 56 per cent), and 9 per cent (compared with 6 per cent) do not offer a definite opinion. When in comes to leader preference, the premier is ahead of the pack. In February, 27 per cent supported McNeil. That number now stands at 30 per cent. Preference for interim PC leader Karla MacFarlane declined to 20 per cent from 25 per cent three months ago. NDP leader Gary Burrill dipped to 18 per cent support from 21 per cent. Support for Green Party leader Thomas Trappenberg remained unchanged at 4 per cent, and Atlantica Party leader Ryan Smyth has support of 1 per cent compared with less than one per cent in February. The number of people who preferred none of the leaders was unchanged at 6 per cent. The number who dont offer a definite opinion jumped to 21 per cent from 17 per cent. The poll results are part of the CRA Atlantic Quarterly, an independent, quarterly telephone survey of Atlantic Canadians. Results are based on a sample of 801 adult Nova Scotians, conducted from May 1 to 23, 2018. Overall results are considered accurate to within 3.5 percentage points, 95 times out of 100. Read more about: Japan-based Yokogawa Electric Corporation has launched OpreX, a new comprehensive brand for the companys industrial automation (IA) and control business. The OpreX brand name stands for excellence in the technology and solutions that Yokogawa cultivates through the co-creation of value with its customers, and encompasses the entire range of the companys IA products, services, and solutions, said a statement from the company. With the OpreX brand, Yokogawa will deliver integrated solutions that support its customers transformation and growth through the lens of their business needs, it said. The brand comprises the following five categories: OpreX Transformation: Comprehensive solutions that take the broad view in driving operational excellence throughout an enterprises business activities, from production through to supply chain optimisation, and risk and business management. OpreX Control: Reliable control systems that respond quickly to changes in management and operations and establish the foundation needed for high efficiency, high quality, safety, and stability in plant operations. OpreX Measurement: Field instruments and systems that enable highly precise measurement, data acquisition, and analysis. OpreX Execution: Flexible, agile project implementation services, built on a strong global track record. OpreX Lifecycle: Maintenance and development services designed to deliver optimised operations over the entire plant lifecycle while working side by side with customers. In the coming weeks and months, Yokogawa will be strengthening the product, service, and solution portfolio under the OpreX brand, it said. These represent the companys integrated approach to industrial automation, and are designed to enable the realisation of the Yokogawa IA and control business concept, synaptic business automation, it stated. TradeArabia News Service Its hard to describe in one word chef Paula Navarretes menu at Kojin, the new restaurant opening Thursday for dinner service on the top floor of the Momofuku building in the downtown core. While the place is named after the Japanese god of the hearth, its not Japanese. The chef plays up her Colombian roots in a creamy potato and cheese dish inspired by one of her grandmothers, but its not a Latin restaurant. House-aged steaks are seared on a wood-fire grill and paired with a Caesar salad where crumbled fried chicken skins take the place of croutons, but its not a steakhouse. Rather, the food is an eclectic mix of different tastes coming together for the greater good of deliciousness. If anything, Kojins menu is very Torontonian. I dont like to restrict myself to one thing, says the young chef as she adjusts the pulleys on the Argentinian-style wood-fire grill to test out a grilled short-rib soup dish in the days leading up to the opening. The food is influenced by everything from my experience at Momofuku, the local producers I got to know over the years, the culture of the city and my Colombian family. There are elements from each of these that compliment each other and I like to play around with that. It was six years ago when Momofuku, the restaurant empire founded by New York chef David Chang, opened in Toronto with a standalone building housing three restaurants and a bar on University Ave., just south of Richmond St. W. The anticipation was immense as diners lined-up to get a taste of the ramen, steamed baos and Korean-style roasted pork butt that Chang helped popularize outside of Asian communities in restaurants stretching from New York to Los Angeles to Sydney. Navarrete was at the Toronto location since day one, cooking at Noodle Bar, the ramen restaurant on the ground floor of the building before becoming chef de cuisine at the upstairs restaurant Daisho a year later. It was Navarretes playful approach to her cooking that first caught Changs attention. He recalls being impressed during a menu tasting years ago when she made roasted king oyster mushrooms with egg yolks and little dots of rice that captured the spirit and flavours of a chicken-and-rice dish Chang made more than a decade ago. When I notice talent, I want to push it. Not out of her comfort zone, but with some gentle nudging, says Chang, who is in Toronto this week for Kojins opening. We all know her very well as a leader and someone who can be one of the best chefs. Not just the best female chef or Canadian chef, but just one of the best. I wanted to give her a platform that suited her and make sure that we had her back. In late February, Chang closed both restaurants on Momofukus third floor, the fine-dining concept Shoto, and the aforementioned Daisho where Navarrete cooked. It wasnt because the restaurants werent doing well, says Chang, but rather it was a need to change things up after six years so that diners wont get bored at the buildings 10-year mark. Over the years, Chang and Navarrete had been talking about opening a spot where she could make the food she wanted to do, so soon as the plug was pulled on Daisho and Shoto, Navarrete began creating a menu drawing on her culinary career and heritage. She knew meat would take centre stage, having fallen in love with butchery while working at Kensington Markets Sanagans Meat Locker. It was a no-brainer for her to combine that with a big, wood-fire grill. Cooking over wood fires are really common in Colombia, its a way of showcasing a really good product thats cooked in a traditional way. It brings you back to how cooking got started. I smell like a campfire every day but I love it. Theres also a mashed potato dish inspired by one of her grandmothers, who taught her how to cook. Colombians love potatoes. One of my grandmas has a mashed potato cheesecake thats just mashed potatoes layered with cheese and baked with a slight burnt and crispy bitterness, says Navarrete. Every time I go back to Colombia I make sure I have it. Her version mixes finely mashed fingerling potatoes with aged Gouda from Mountainoak Cheese in Oxford County as well as cheese curds to create a carb and cheese-lovers dream. Influences from her other grandmother, who taught Navarrete to make rice, shows up in a side of coconut rice topped with caramelized coconut. But perhaps the dish that shes most proud of, after 25 or so recipe tests that she meticulously documented from fermenting times to ingredient ratios, is whats called a Joe Cake, a riff on the Chinese flatbread called bing in which she incorporates corn meal to the dough as a nod to the Colombian arepa. The result is a warm, fluffy bread that looks like a large, yellow English muffin. When dipped in a little bowl of softened grass-fed butter sitting in a little pool of spiced honey, the bread is an incredible mix of sweet, salty and spicy. Its the perfect example of how Paula can make food thats both very Momofuku and her. Its not authentically Colombian or Asian, but its all Ontario ingredients and it tastes familiar and it works, just like the rice dish she made back then, says Chang. Its delicious but its not an arepa, its not a bing, its just Paula. MONTREALThe Quebec government is turning tail on a pledge to ban pit bulls in the province, citing the dismal results and difficulties enforcing similar legislation in Ontario. Premier Philippe Couillard told reporters Wednesday that his government had decided to proceed with the consensual parts of the legislation and abandon the controversial dog-breed ban, which was opposed by the SPCA and the provinces veterinarians, among others. Quebec Public Safety Minister Martin Coiteux, in a moment of candour not often seen in the political realm, said there was no scientific consensus to support the pit bull ban. There is not even scientific corroboration that indicates to us this will be feasible to go so far as to designate and ban a particular breed of dog, said Coiteux, who is also Quebecs municipal affairs minister. Ive always believed that when we make laws, they have to be based on objective facts, he told reporters in Quebec City. Coiteux said that the government is moving ahead with the bulk of the legislation that has the support of all parties, particularly parts that set up a severe province-wide regime for errant dog owners and aggressive dogs, whatever their breed. The law had proposed creating a category of potentially dangerous dogs including pit bulls, American pit bull terriers, Staffordshire terriers and Rottweilers. Dogs which fell into this category could be subject to an ownership ban if the provincial government deemed it necessary. The legislation was prompted by the June 8, 2016 death of Christine Vadnais, a Montreal woman who was attacked and killed by a dog when she returned home from work. The dog belonged to a neighbour and was able to slip through a hole in its owners fence to get at Vadnais. It was initially identified in the media as a pit bull. But later investigation revealed that the dog had been registered as a boxer. A DNA test completed after the dog was destroyed was unable to conclusively identify its breed. Lise Vadnais, the sister of the deceased woman, has campaigned in favour of the ban. Last month, she urged the provincial government to pass the law in the name of public safety. There are more than 350 breeds of dog. Why must anyone absolutely have a dog that strikes fear into their neighbours? Vadnais said, adding that she was a dog owner herself. We love dogs, but that a dog should never take precedence over the security of human life. However, the coroners report into Vadnais death, which was released last fall, urged the government to avoid implementing a breed-specific ban on dog ownership in Quebec. The breed-specific ban entails useless costs and has never proven to be efficient in the prevention of dog bites or attacks, Dr. Ethan Lictblau wrote. Coiteux attributed his change of heart to the testimony he heard before the recent parliamentary committee studying the bill, which was modelled on the 2005 pit bull ban enacted in Ontario. Among those who testified was Christine Hartig, a policy and bylaw officer for the city of Ottawa. She said that there were 450 dog bites each year in the city, but only 2 per cent of the cases involved pit bull-type dogs. She said that Ontarios legislation has had no verifiable impact 13 years after it was adopted. Dog bites are still occurring and there doesnt seem to have been a decrease, Hartig said. Alanna Devine, a lawyer and director of animal advocacy with the Montreal SPCA, said she was relieved that the government came to the same conclusion as many of the experts working in the area of animal welfare and behaviour. She did, however, note that about half of Quebecs municipalities have bylaws that target specific breeds of dogs. The Ontario experience ... for sure had a huge impact on the governments decision, along with the scientific evidence that one way or another it wasnt going to do anything to attain their goal, she said. She said she hoped the province would now be able to dispense with the notion that banning a specific type of dog could increase public safety. Instead, her organization is pushing for strong preventative measures the improve animal treatment and welfare and get tough on negligent or abusive owners. If thats all taken seriously at a provincial level we hopefully will see fewer dog bites in the province, Devine said. Coiteux said he hopes to pass the revised bill into law before the legislature breaks for the summer. Read more about: OTTAWAConservatives lost their best chance to stymie the Trudeau governments plan to legalize recreational marijuana Wednesday after an eleventh-hour intervention by two ministers mollified the concerns of Indigenous senators. The 11 members of the Senates Aboriginal Peoples committee, as well as some Indigenous senators not on the committee, had planned to support a Conservative amendment that would have indefinitely deferred implementation of Bill C-45, pending a report on government efforts to address the concerns of Aboriginal communities. That could well have been enough to ensure the amendment passed, given that other senators are also sympathetic to the concerns expressed by numerous Aboriginal leaders who complain theyve not been properly consulted on the measure. But just prior to the debate, Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor and Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott sent a letter to the committee, promising a full report to Parliament in September and another within 12 months. The ministers also promised more funding for Indigenous mental health and addiction treatment services, special help for Indigenous businesses to navigate the licensing process to grow marijuana and consultation on jurisdictional and revenue-sharing issues. As a result, committee chair Lillian Dyck pronounced herself satisfied that Indigenous senators had achieved more than theyd hoped to do with the planned amendment from Conservative Sen. Dennis Patterson. Patterson abandoned his amendment with hesitation. Read more: Senate vote on changes to marijuana legalization bill looms amid resistance Senate committee supports amending cannabis bill to let provinces ban homegrown pot Marijuana producers say cannabis branding ban on promotional items will bolster black market With Indigenous senators falling in behind the bill, Conservative Sen. Carolyn Stewart Olsen gave vent to her disappointment. Im troubled by the seeming capitulation to the government, she told Indigenous senators, wondering aloud if theyd been pressured. You had the hammer to go forward and make this happen for people ... You have the ability right now to stop this bill or to put severe limits on the bill and I think you should. But Stewart Olsen was rebuked by independent Sen. Murray Sinclair, former chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on residential schools, who said he was personally offended and greatly concerned over the patronizing tone of her comments. It suggests that we dont know what were doing ... and that we have somehow sold out to others because of the support that were showing for this letter, he told the Senate. Sinclair noted that Conservative senators have openly vowed to do everything in their power to block or delay passage of C-45 and accused them of trying to bully us into co-opting and co-operating with them in doing that. And he urged his colleagues to be careful about going along with the Conservative strategy. Reality has shown that the Conservative Party of Canada has not been a friend to Indigenous people in the recent past, he said, prompting shouts of outrage from some Conservative senators. Despite dropping their push to delay the bill, Indigenous senators indicated theyre still uneasy about the prospect of legalized cannabis. In the Indigenous context, this bill represents one of the greatest paradoxes Ive encountered in my legislative time here, said Independent Sen. Dan Christmas. Indigenous people are torn, he said, between the allure of getting in on the multibillion-dollar cannabis industry and the spectre of legalized pot casting a long and threatening shadow on an element of Canadian society already ravaged by unmitigated poverty, ill health, poor education outcomes, high rates of cannabis usage among youth, high unemployment, drug dependency and epidemic rates of suicide. Bill C-45 is to be put to a final vote in the Senate on Thursday. So far, senators have approved 43 amendments. The most significant would allow provincial and territorial governments to prohibit home cultivation of marijuana plants, if they so choose, rather than the four plants per dwelling permitted under the bill as originally drafted. OTTAWAThe jockeying, arguing, and behind-the-scenes spin have begun. And the G7 leaders of the worlds seven largest developed economies arent even in a room together yet. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to host the world leaders, welcoming the first to arrive, French President Emmanuel Macron, Wednesday in Ottawa in advance of the Charlevoix summit. The Canadian prime minister admitted the group of seven supposedly like-minded allies faces frank and at times difficult conversations around the G7 table, particularly with the American president on trade, on tariffs, he said. At the same time, this is why we have G7 meetings. Macron said this years summit comes at a critical moment with essential issues on the table such as the economy, climate change and geopolitical concerns. However, senior Canadian officials, speaking on a background basis, are blunt about the limited prospects for agreement. There will be common ground on cleaner oceans, gender equality, and the international security threat posed by North Korea. But the gulf between the U.S. under President Donald Trump and many of his western allies is vast: on trade, on tariffs, on climate change and on complex security issues like the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, which included sanctions on companies many European doing business in Iran. And so Canada says in its view, success would not be defined by joint statements. Read more: Opinion | Tim Harper: Justin Trudeaus Trump management to be tested at summit Finance Minister Bill Morneau cant sugar coat uncertainty under U.S. tariffs Germanys Angela Merkel expecting tense G7 talks over climate change, trade Honestly, I think success looks like the G7 still exists, said one senior Canadian official, speaking on background. The official said the forum itself is incredibly valuable and leaders like Trudeau, Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are unlikely to reach agreement with Trump for the sake of a communique. Wed all much rather not compromise our own values and positions on things in an effort to be able to sign a meaningless piece of paper. The forum is much more valuable than that, said the official. Trump has taken centre stage with confrontational trade actions that hit all of his G7 partners in one way or another over recent weeks. And so none are in a mood to play nice for the sake of it. It is apparent that we have a serious problem with multilateral agreements here, and so there will be contentious discussions, German Chancellor Angela Merkel told the German parliament. There must not be a compromise simply for the sake of a compromise. Merkel said where an acceptable agreement cant be reached the Canadian hosts might issue a chairmans summary which she said is perhaps a more honest path there is no sense in papering over divisions at will. Trumps economic advisor Larry Kudlow downplayed the impact of it all Wednesday, calling trade tensions within the G7 a family quarrel and tactical disagreements. Grilled by reporters asking about the impact of Trumps actions and whether he was abandoning stalwart American allies and withdrawing from an rules-based international trading system, Kudlow insisted Trump has the backbone for the fight that previous administrations lacked. I think free world trade is a very good thing indeed. But it is broken, and President Trump is trying to fix it. And thats the key point, said Kudlow. He slammed the WTO, the global trading body to which Canada and the European Union have filed notices of lawsuits against the U.S., even as he insisted the U.S. is still working through it. But international multilateral organizations are not going to determine American policy, said Kudlow. I think the president has made that very clear. Adding to the tensions were reports out of Washington Wednesday that Trump had confronted his G7 host, Trudeau, in testy May 25 phone call. CNN first reported that when Trudeau asked Trump to justify his decision to slap stiff tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports in the name of national security, Trump replied Didnt you guys burn down the White House in 1812? (British forces attacked and burned the White House in 1814 in retaliation for the American attack on Fort York in 1812.) Two senior Canadian officials declined to discuss specifics of that call, but disagreed with the characterization it was testy, calling it instead frank and direct as Trudeaus and Trumps exchanges often are. One official said Trumps White House remark was nothing more than an offhand comment. An official PMO readout of the call at the time said the two had discussed NAFTA including bringing the negotiations to a timely conclusion, adding Trudeau had raised strong concerns about Trumps intention to expand tariffs to automobile imports, given the mutually beneficial integration of the Canadian and American auto industries. In the crosshairs for similar levies on automobile imports to the U.S. are Trumps other G7 partners like Japan and nations within the European Union: Germany, France, Italy and the U.K. British Prime Minister Theresa May talked to Trump by phone for a half-hour Monday and reiterated what Trudeau and others have told him about the tariffs: that they are disappointing and unjustified, a threat to jobs, and simply no way to treat friends and allies. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will have a two-hour meeting with Trump at the White House on Thursday before heading to Quebec. With files from Bruce Campion-Smith and The Canadian Press Read more about: The city is pushing ahead with plans to implement photo radar systems to catch and fine drivers who speed near schools. A report going to the public works committee next week recommends council designate as community safety zones the areas around entrances to all elementary schools in the city, a bylaw change that would double the fines for speeding and open the door for the city to implement automatic enforcement measures like photo radar in the designated areas. Councillor Jaye Robinson, who chairs the public works committee, called the move toward automatic enforcement near schools a huge step forward a vital part of the citys and is in charge of the citys $90-million road safety plan. Read more: Nearly two years since Toronto announced Vision Zero, the city is on pace for its deadliest year for pedestrians and cyclists Photo radar coming to Toronto school zones this summer Editorials | Torontos Vision Zero plan to reduce traffic deaths has had zero impact so far We want kids to feel like they can get to and from school safely, she said. There is a catch, however. The Safer School Zones Act adopted by the provincial government last year allows cities to use measures like photo radar within designated areas. But the province has yet to declare the applicable sections of the act in effect. Regulations are required and are being developed in consultation with Ontario municipalities, said city spokesperson Cheryl San Juan. She gave no time frame for when the sections of the act could be enacted. But Councillor Robinson said shes very confident the city will be able to conduct a pilot of automatic enforcement later this year, with full implementation beginning in 2019. Some critics of photo radar describe it as police overreach or a cash grab by the city, but Robinson dismissed those arguments. Im not sure why anybody would criticize something thats going to provide safer passage for children getting to and from schools, she said. Nobody wants to see any fatalities or even injuries in these areas. The recent deaths of two young children has refocused attention on the risks caused by the high volume of traffic that swells near schools each day as parents drop off or pick up their kids. On Feb. 27, 11-year-old Duncan Xu was killed when he was struck by a driver while walking home from Kennedy Public School in Scarborough. Its not clear whether speed was a factor in the collision. One month earlier, 5-year-old Camila Torcato died after an SUV whose driver had left the vehicle rolled and pinned her against another car as she left St. Raphael Catholic School in North York with her father. So far this year, 17 pedestrians have died in Toronto, according to statistics compiled by the Star. The citys road safety plan, dubbed Vision Zero, has set a target of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries. Katie Piccininni said she would welcome photo radar near St. Clement Catholic School, where her 9-year-old son attends. The Etobicoke school fronts onto Bloor St. W., a busy four-lane thoroughfare, where Piccininni said drivers constantly exceed the speed limit. We see people blow through the red lights, even with a crossing guard, she said. Piccininni believes drivers would obey the rules if they knew photo radar would automatically fine them for speeding. People need to slow down. If it means that theyre going to have big tickets, and pay through the nose for safety infractions, and maybe learn a lesson that way, that would be a much better way than a child losing their life, she said. According to San Juan, if the report is approved by council later this month and the province enables photo radar, the city will undertake a data driven approach to determine where and when to install automatic speed enforcement. The technology could be deployed permanently at some schools, or on mobile units that could be rotated between different institutions. According to a 2016 city report, a University of Alberta study determined that the introduction of photo radar in Edmonton resulted in a 32.1 per cent reduction in collisions causing death or serious injury. In addition to the community safety zones designation, the report says the city is also preparing to hire engineering consultants to streets around schools for physical safety improvements that could include flashing beacons, Watch Your Speed signs, zebra markings, crosswalks, in-road warning signs, speed humps, and turn prohibitions. A man is wanted in connection to a stabbing in an east-end hospital, Toronto police say. The man was in Michael Garron Hospital (formerly Toronto East General), near Coxwell and Mortimer Aves., around 2:10 p.m. Tuesday. The man approached a 62-year-old man in the emergency department, and then stabbed him. The suspect left the hospital and was seen walking west. The victim was reportedly treated for non life-threatening injuries. Andy Metatawabin, 31, of Toronto, is wanted for assault causing bodily harm, threatening death, and having a dangerous weapon. He is described as 59, 185 lbs. He was last seen wearing a grey long-sleeve shirt, dark pants, dark footwear, bandage on his head. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5500. Formula One is headed to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend and Scuderia Ferrari is ready if it can find the race. In a promotional video posted to twitter ahead of the race, the Italian F1 team boasts about its history with the race and Montreals culture and livability. The problem is the video opens with a shot of the CN Tower. The CN tower is in Toronto, about 540 kilometres away from Montreal. The tower, shown in a scenic shot from above the Toronto Islands, is one of Canadas most iconic structures. Toronto-based rapper Drake featured it on his Views From the 6 album cover. Its also been around since 1976. Thats Toronto guys! Big mistake! Youll hear about it if you cant change it up quick! Twitter user Mikel Peesker warned Ferrari seven minutes after the video was posted. He was right. The video didnt take long to generate buzz. Torontotians and Montrealers alike called the Italian company out on the flub with a parade of mockery. Some fans, like Michael Dupuis, said they hope the team is better at racing that geography. Others suggested that the company should upgrade their GPS. The company has not yet responded to the mistake, but it doesnt seem like theyll be able to speed away from this one. A fourth man has been arrested following the beating death of a Brampton man in March. Around 5:50 p.m. on March 19, Peel Police responded to reports of an assault near Sandalwood Pkwy. East and Cedarcliff Tr., in Brampton. Paviter Singh Bassi, 21, was found suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to a Toronto trauma centre, but later died of his injuries. Bassi was allgedly beaten with sticks, according to police. Peel police charged 24-year-old Harminder Bassi, of Brampton, with first degree murder on Wednesday. Three other men 22-year-old Karanvir Singh Bassi, 23-year-old Guryodh Singh Khattra, and 20-year-old Gurraj Bassi were charged with first degree murder in March. Investigators say that there is no familial relationship between the victim or any of the accused. Police are appealing for witnesses or dash-cam footage related to the incident. Anyone with information can contact Peel Regional Police homicide at (905) 453-2121 x 3205. Read more about: Peel police are appealing for witnesses to a double-fatal crash between a motorcycle and a taxi on Queen Street East near Bramalea Road on Monday night. Ryan Constable, 30, of Toronto died at the scene after his eastbound Honda motorcycle collided with a Toyota Corolla pulling out of a driveway around 9:50 p.m. as he approached Bramalea Road, police said. The driver of the Toyota, Paramjit Gill, 62, of Brampton, was also pronounced dead at the scene. Peel paramedics attempted life-saving efforts on both drivers, but were unsuccessful. There were no passengers on the motorcycle or in the car, police said. Police initially said Gill may have suffered some sort of medical episode at the time of the crash. The community is mourning Gill's death. Very sad. He was such a nice person, wrote Sukhminder Singh Hansra echoing many other posters on Facebook. He was such a humble person, wrote Kuljit Singh. Hell be dearly missed by his family and friends. Surjit Singh Flora said he met Gill and few times, and described him as a very active member of the community and active with his gurdwara. He said he had been driving a cab for 25 years, had two adult sons and an adult daughter, plus grandchildren. Anyone with information is asked to call major collision bureau investigators at 905-453-2121, ext. 3710. Read more about: Municipal public health officials are investigating a lab-confirmed case of measles after an adult who recently travelled abroad arrived at Pearson airport last week. The individual in question travelled from Kyiv, Ukraine, to Berlin, Germany, then moved on to Reykjavik, Iceland, before subsequently arriving in Toronto on May 30. The health agency warned that airplane passengers may have been exposed to measles. Affected flights include Ukraine International Airlines flight PS423, Icelandair flight FI529, and Icelandair flight FI603. Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily to those who are susceptible, a statement from Toronto Public Health read. Anyone who has not had two doses of a measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV) or who has not had measles in the past is at risk of infection. Although the continent was declared measles-free in 2016 by the World Health Organization, Canada saw 45 cases of measles last year alone. Infants under a year old, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems can get extremely ill from the disease. Symptoms of measles include a high fever, cold-like symptoms, sore eyes or sensitivity to light and a red rash lasting four to seven days. The agency has advised those who may have been affected to check their immunization records and to watch for symptoms. Read more: Anti-vaccine activists just sparked a U.S. states worst measles outbreak in decades Toronto Public Health opens measles vaccination clinic after confirmed case of measles Editorial | Make it harder to opt out of immunization Read more about: SkyNews via ABCNews.com(LONDON) -- Dozens of firefighters are battling a massive blaze that broke out at a luxury hotel in West London on Wednesday, officials said. The London Fire Brigade said 120 firefighters and 20 fire engines were deployed to tackle a "visible fire" on the roof of the 12-floor Mandarin Oriental Hotel in the affluent area of Knightsbridge, overlooking Hyde Park. The brigade said it has received some 40 calls about the fire, which is emitting "a lot of smoke." Images from the scene showed vast plumes of black smoke billowing from the building into the skyline of England's capital city. The cause of the fire was not immediately known, officials said. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. The International Air Transport Association (Iata) called on governments to intensify efforts to spread the economic and social benefits of aviation by removing onerous barriers to the free movement of people across borders. Over the next 20 years, the number of passengers will double. Thats excellent news for the global economy, as air connectivity is a catalyst for job creation and GDP growth. But we will not get the maximum social and economic benefits from this growth if barriers to travel are not addressed and processes streamlined, said Alexandre de Juniac, Iatas director general and CEO. There are many barriers to travel, ranging from visa restrictions and government information requirements to the capacity of current facilitation processes to absorb growing numbers of air travellers. Iata has evolved a comprehensive Open Borders Strategy to help governments work with industry to maintain the integrity of national borders while removing inefficiencies that prevent the industry from satisfying travel demand. Research by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) on the impact of visa facilitation indicates that $89 billion in tourism receipts and 2.6 million jobs would be created in the Asia-Pacific region alone with the reduction of barriers to travel. The Iata Open Borders Strategy has four main components: Reviewing visa requirements and removing unnecessary travel restrictions: The goal is to remove unnecessary barriers to travel. Existing visa regimes are overly restrictive, expensive and inefficient, and will be unable to cope with forecast travel demand. The solution to this lies in unlocking the potential from shared information in a trusted framework. This will improve security, while smoothing passenger flows and easing demand for new infrastructure to accommodate the forecast doubling in air travel over the next two decades. Including travel facilitation as part of bilateral and regional trade negotiations: Free trade agreements have seen an expansion of goods and services moving across borders. This has stimulated economic growth for participating countries. Restrictive visa requirements are non-tariff barriers to trade, yet they are not normally addressed in trade discussions. Iata believes that removing restrictions on the free movement of travellers should receive as much priority as other barriers to liberalised trade in goods and services. One way is for governments to include liberalized visa requirements in trade agreements. Linking registered-traveller programs: Several states already operate registered traveller programs. Research shows that a large majority of travellers are willing to provide personal information in exchange for expedited handling in the travel process. Registered-traveller programs are a key component of risk-based security measures which help governments to use scarce resources with maximum efficiency. When these programs are linked (Canada-US for example) the efficiencies grow. But these are still rare cases. Iata encourages more governments to build links between their programs. Using API data more effectively and efficiently: Airlines spend millions of dollars providing Advance Passenger Information (API) as required by governments. Governments must process API data efficiently. For example, as governments have information in advance of boarding, inadmissible passengers should be notified before their journey begins, rather than on arrival which is costly for airlines and disappointing for passengers. Similarly, arrival procedures should be streamlined for passengers whose data has been vetted in advance. - TradeArabia News Service Doug Ford has polarized this province like few politicians before him. His opponents say he is unqualified and ill-fit for office, that he bears troubling similarities to U.S. President Donald Trump: the self-styled populism, the anti-elitism, the unorthodox, unpolished shoot-from-the-hip rhetoric. His supporters view him as a charismatic leader, full of energy and folksy charm; someone whose sharp political instincts and lack of pretension make him an ideal fit to become the provinces next premier. Theres little disagreement on either side that Ford is, like Trump, part of a new breed of politicians who aspire to run government in large part to dismantle it. Toronto Councillor John Filion, who served with Doug Ford when the latter was a city councillor who represented the ward of Etobicoke North from 2010 to 2014, predicts that if Ford becomes premier Thursday his instinct will be to aggressively shrink government. Thats part of (Dougs) appeal to a lot of his base, Filion argues, citing as an example Fords pledge to cut $6 billion in efficiencies from the provincial budget. If Ford and the Progressive Conservatives win Thursdays election, especially if its a majority, Ontarians can expect one-man rule, says Filion, a council veteran who wrote a book entitled The Only Average Guy: Inside the Uncommon World of Rob Ford, which explored the scandal-ridden mayoralty of Doug Fords younger brother Rob. Filions book delved into the often tumultuous Ford family dynamics dynamics on display again this week with news that Rob Fords widow, Renata, and her children have filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Doug, her former brother-in-law. The suit alleges the PC leader has negligently managed the family business, Deco Labels, causing its value to decrease and depriving her and her children of millions. Doug Ford has denied the claims. (Ford did not respond to the Stars request for an interview.) Read more: Throughout her career its always been about putting people first, Horwath says Wynne pleads with voters to elect enough Liberals to keep Tories and New Democrats in check On the eve of Election Day, Ontarios leaders are set for one last pass through the GTA An outspoken critic of Ford, Filion also acknowledges Fords interpersonal and political strengths. Ford, he says, is funny, affable, fascinating. Ive never met anyone like him. Hes a very unusual, interesting guy, Filion says. He has brilliant political instincts. Yet from what he observed of Doug Fords time on council and his failed bid to succeed Rob as Toronto mayor in 2014, Filion predicts that a Premier Ford would be characterized very much by an us-versus-them combative style and a lack of reliance on expert opinion or policy papers or well thought-out positions. Instead, Filion argues, we would see a total reliance on gut political instinct. PC candidate Lisa MacLeod, a veteran MPP running for re-election in Nepean-Carlton, says the Trump comparisons are unfair. Fords base is diverse and inclusive, she says; his style, contrary to his critics claims, is highly collaborative. Doug has proven in the last several months as our leader that he has a collaborative style, not just with the caucus but with candidates, MacLeod says in an interview. A few of us are quite happy that he calls us quite frequently to ask us our advice on policy matters and regional issues we have. Ford has taken pains to highlight the accomplishments of not only his leadership rivals Christine Elliott and Caroline Mulroney, MacLeod says, but also other caucus members including herself. Ford is arguably Trump-like, however, in his ability to draw crowds and fire up their passions. Ive been in and around politics since I was a kid, MacLeod says. Ive never seen energy levels he brings out in a rally. Were talking Ottawa, in the middle of an (April) ice storm. He had 700 people out. She ascribes his appeal in part to his plain speaking and lack of apparent artifice. He doesnt use a $10-word when a buck will suffice. He speaks the language of everyday people, rather than a politician who has 10 spin (doctors) behind them, feeding them lines on what to say, MacLeod says, taking a poke at Liberal Leader Kathleen Wynne and the NDPs Andrea Horwath. Christopher Cochrane, an associate professor in the University of Torontos department of political science, says Ford shares some disturbing similarities to Trump both, he says, have a hostility to traditional media for example. Yet Ford hasnt peddled anti-Muslim sentiments or outwardly racist views or disparaged developing continents. (Though some critics perceive sexism in his antipathy to social programs.) But while Ford may not be the demagogue some fear, Cochrane says, he is far from a traditional Tory. Even if you think of (former Ontario Premier) Mike Harris who had his Common Sense Revolution. That was a full-on political manifesto, a full platform, an ideological agenda that Harriss government implemented. Fords view is still ideological, Cochrane says. But more anti-government and anti-establishment, rather than a full-on coherent ideology. Read more about: GUELPH, ONT.Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner wants it bad. With veteran Liberal MPP and cabinet minister Liz Sandals now retired from politics in the Royal City and no incumbent to battle, Schreiner figures the June 7 election offers his best chance yet to become the first Green elected in Ontario. There are reasons, this being his second bid for the riding at a time when the Liberal vote appears to be collapsing. Schreiner had a decent run in the 2014 vote, placing third with 19.3 per cent of the vote behind Sandals at 41.5 per cent, the Progressive Conservatives at 20.8 per cent and slightly ahead of the New Democrats at 17.7 per cent. Thus encouraged, Schreiner bought a house in Guelph a year ago, no longer content with being a renter in his courtship of the community where his ties go deeper. He started an organic food business in Guelph 23 years ago after going to an organic food conference in because I just fell in love with Guelph. Hes a member of the Rotary Club. For a transplanted farm boy from Kansas who also owns a home in Torontos west end for family reasons his wife is a vice-provost at U of T its a way of saying hes got roots in this town noteworthy, among other things, for its Victorian and historic stone buildings downtown and the picturesque Speed River. I think theres a huge opportunity for a Green breakthrough in Guelph, the married father of two teenagers says in an interview. This is clearly a change election. The question Im asking is what kind of change do you want? he adds, promising to push harder than other parties for an environmentally sustainable small-g green economy. One Green MPP can provide that leadership, especially if its a minority government. Even a devout NDP supporter like Tina Sorbara acknowledges Schreiner is getting a lot of attention locally as her leader, Andrea Horwath, makes a campaign appearance at a local craft brewery, Brothers Brewing, pouring cold pints on the hottest day of the year. Theres people who have been working a number of years trying to build the profile of the Green party here in Guelph. I know they invest a lot of resources here in Guelph. I have friends who are in interested in the Green party. But, as always in politics, there are obstacles. Schreiner has to beat the citys reputation as a swing riding. Guelph has tended to go with the party that ends up in power, notes University of Guelph political science professor Tim Mau. Weve pretty much gone whichever way the winds were blowing. This time its a little more challenging to determine where those winds are taking us. Mau, who hosted an all-candidates meeting early in the campaign, credited Schreiner with being better briefed than his challengers. Hes well versed in the issuessome of the other mainstream candidates werent quite as knowledgeable. Mike performed very strong, adds Mau. Hes been involved in the community and hes doing all the right things. Its just a question, the Green party is really struggling to make the inroads theyve made in other countries. Schreiners rivals, however, have been running hard, with the Liberals trying to hold the seat and the New Democrats and Progressive Conservatives hoping to ride on the coattails of the poll-leading central campaigns of Horwath and Doug Ford. Liberal candidate Sly Castaldi, executive director of the Guelph Wellington Women in Crisis Centre and a former co-chair of Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynnes roundtable on violence against women, is not shy about pointing out Schreiner is from away. I am from Guelph, I was raised in Guelph and was educated in Guelph and Im committed to this community, says Castaldi, a recipient of the Queens Jubilee Medal in 2012 who was named Guelphs woman of distinction in public service for 2010. This for me is about being Guelph proud and home grown. I think Mikes been running for a while here. She is to win over people like Matthew Amos, who does not work and says he does not want Kathleen Wynne to win again, blaming her for cutbacks to the disabled. Castaldi echoes concerns from some voters about the impact of Progressive Conservative plans for $6 billion in overall government spending cuts. When Ive been knocking on doors, Ive certainly heard the concerns from people about what Doug Ford would do. Doug Ford has not been clear, agrees New Democrat candidate Aggie Mylnarz, who defeated two other hopefuls to win the NDP nomination. She singles out a bed shortage at the local hospital as a key issue and blames the Liberals for letting it fall behind as the city grows with more commuters moving in. I think my chances are great. Ive been hearing it at the door. Guelphites are definitely disappointed in Kathleen Wynne, says Mylnarz, whose formal first name is Agnieszka and was born in the south of Germany shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Her parents met through the Solidarity trade union movement in Poland. She is a masters graduate of the University of Guelph in theatre studies and has worked in independent film and moonlights as a bingo host to raise funds for the local HIV/AIDS organization. Progressive Conservative candidate Ray Ferraro, a former city councillor who has spent 35 years in the real estate construction and development industry, did not return requests for comment. A grandfather of six and a life-long Guelph resident, he was one of a dozen candidates appointed by Ford as the election campaign approached. If elected as Guelphs MPP, Ferraro promises to devote all his time and effort on make Guelph a better, more affordable place to live, his website says in a reference to tax and gas price cuts promised by Ford. As a member of a PC government, Ferraro looks forward to helping get government waste and spending under control...Ferraro will always respect the taxpayers money. On the streets of Guelph, Stuart McCartney, who is on long-term disability, says its time for a change after 15 years of Liberal governance under Wynne and her predecessor as premier, Dalton McGuinty. I know the Green Party is doing pretty well from what I hear, but I support the NDP for their social policies, he adds. Schreiner says his Greens are used to facing an uphill battle, but notes Ontario lags behind other provinces in electing Greens, including federal Green leader Elizabeth May, who has spent time with him on the hustings. We have to work ten times harder than the candidates from the three status quo parties, Schreiner says. There are elected Greens across Canada now, in PEI, New Brunswick and British Columbia. And its proven to people that Greens can get elected. Read more about: Progressive Conservative candidate Raymond Cho is apologizing for getting into a physical altercation with a Grade 7 student outside a Scarborough school last week. Police were called to the incident at Brookside Public School on May 29. Cho the incumbent MPP for ScarboroughRouge River running in the newly created riding of Scarborough North said he argued with the child after handing out campaign flyers outside the school. During one of the conversations a student ripped up my campaign literature and threw it on the ground, Cho, 81, said in an email responding to questions from the Star. While asking him to pick it up, I lightly touched his head. Upon reflection I understand that it was inappropriate for myself to have any physical contact with the child and it was not my place to intervene with what I saw as rude and disrespectful behaviour. I sincerely apologize to the young man and his family. I hope they can accept my apology. Toronto Police spokesperson Gary Long said no charges have been laid and police are not investigating. TDSB spokesperson Ryan Bird said staff at the school which teaches more than 750 students from junior kindergarten to Grade 8 were made aware of a political candidate handing out flyers on school property, at the end of the school day. Staff immediately went outside to speak with the candidate and another person to ask them to stop as electioneering is not permitted on school property, Bird said in an email. They understood and immediately left the property. Shortly after, staff were told that the candidate got into a brief verbal and physical altercation with a Grade 7 student at the school. The students parent and Toronto Police were notified. The student was not injured. Cho has represented Scarborough-Rouge River since 2016. Before entering provincial politics, Cho was elected as a Metro Councillor in 1991 and as a Toronto city councillor in 1997. Several PC candidates have found themselves embroiled in controversies during the campaign. In May, then-Brampton East candidate Simmer Sandhu quit suddenly after 407 ETR, his former employer, announced it had called police over an internal theft of information. Earlier this week, PC leader Doug Ford said he would stand by ScarboroughGuildwood candidate and Toronto police officer, Roshan Nallaratnam, who is under investigation for a threatening email that he says is fake. On Monday, the Star reported that Ford is being sued by the widow and children of his brother and former Toronto mayor Rob Ford for $16.5-million, alleging that he was a negligent manager of the family business. Ford has vowed to fight the allegations in court. With files from Tamar Harris Read more about: With change in the air, Kathleen Wynne spent the final day of the election campaign touting what her Liberals have done to clean it up. On the eve of Thursdays election, Wynne was in Torontos Cabbagetown neighbourhood and, later, on Lake Erie near the former site of the coal-fired Nanticoke power plant that was once Ontarios biggest polluter. If this were 2005, theres a good chance that on a warmer June day we would have had a toxic smog advisory, she told reporters Wednesday on the rooftop of an Ontario St. housing co-op against the backdrop of the downtown Toronto skyline. Toxic chemicals would have been spreading all across the province, jeopardizing peoples health. Kids with asthma would have been filling up the ER and schools would be cancelling recess and runners like me would have been getting an advisory not to go running, the Liberal leader said. Thats what life was like under the Conservative government. The air was not always safe and some days it was downright dangerous to be outside, she said, referring to the reigns of former Progressive Conservative premiers Mike Harris and Ernie Eves. After Liberal Dalton McGuinty was elected premier in 2003, Queens Park put more of an emphasis on cleaning up the environment, and promoting sometimes controversially and expensively green energy, among other initiatives. Wynne noted that along with closing Nanticoke and eliminating all coal-fired generation, the Liberals partnered with Quebec and California for a cap-and-trade system to discourage businesses from polluting the air with greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is framing Thursdays election as a stark choice between her party and Doug Fords Progressive Conservatives. The three main party leaders made their pitches to undecided voters on Wednesday. (The Canadian Press) While praising Andrea Horwaths New Democrats for supporting such environmental policies, she warned that Doug Fords Progressive Conservatives are living in a different decade, talking about slashing regulations that protect your familys health. Horwath has said she would keep cap-and-trade, which brings in $1.9 billion that must by law be used to bankroll environmental programs, such as retrofitting old buildings and boosting public-transit infrastructure. Ford has vowed to eliminate any form of what he calls a carbon tax, but has not yet said how he would account for the loss in revenue to the treasury from scrapping such programs. The Tory leader has promised a four per cent cut in spending by finding unspecified efficiencies that Wynne and Horwath estimate to be $6 billion annually. On Saturday, the Liberal leader conceded that her party, in power since 2003, cannot win the election and that either Ford or the NDP leader would be the next premier. Wynne has been criss-crossing the province since then in a mad scramble to preserve Liberals seats, in hopes of ensuring the party has the balance of power in a minority Legislature and preventing a majority PC or New Democratic government. Read more about: Its the last day of campaigning before Thursdays Ontario election. Liberal leader Kathleen Wynne will spend what will likely be her final day ever on the hustings in Toronto, Burlington, and Port Dover, where she will highlight the Grits closure of the Nanticoke coal-fired power plant that was once Ontarios biggest polluter. Progressive Conservative leader Doug Ford still dogged by questions about his business acumen after a lawsuit filed against him by the widow of his brother, Rob Ford will campaign in Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Etobicoke, and then hold a rally in Caledonia. NDP leader Andrea Horwath, who polls suggest still slightly trails Ford but is well ahead of Wynne, will make five campaign stops throughout Toronto and Brampton. Read more: They want to be Ontarios next premier. Heres what theyre promising A voters guide to the 2018 Ontario election Rob Fords widow sues Doug Ford, alleging he has deprived her and her children of millions The strangest campaign cycle ever | Story behind the story Read more about: ESCUINTLA, GUATEMALALilian Hernandez wept as she spoke the names of aunts, uncles, cousins, her grandmother and two great-grandchildren 36 family members in all missing and presumed dead in the explosion of Guatemalas Volcano of Fire. My cousins Ingrid, Yomira, Paola, Jennifer, Michael, Andrea and Silvia, who was just 2 years old, the distraught woman said a litany that brought into sharp relief the scope of a disaster for which the final death toll is far from clear. What was once a collection of verdant canyons, hillsides and farms resembled a moonscape of ash, rock and debris on Tuesday in the aftermath of the fast-moving avalanche of super-heated muck that roared into the tightly knit villages on the mountains flanks, devastating entire families. Two days after the eruption, the terrain was still too hot in many places for rescue crews to search for bodies or increasingly unlikely with each passing day survivors. By afternoon a new column of smoke was rising from the mountain and Guatemalas disaster agency said volcanic material was descending its south side, prompting an evacuation order and the closure of a nearby national highway. Rescuers, police and journalists hurried to leave the area as a siren wailed and loudspeakers blared, Evacuate! On Sunday, when the volcano exploded in a massive cloud of ash and molten rock, Hernandez said her brother and sister ran to check on their 70-year-old grandmother on the familys plot of land in the village of San Miguel Los Lotes. She said that it was Gods will, she was not going to flee, Hernandez said. She was unable to walk. It was hard for her to get around. Her brother and sister made it to safety, but their grandmother has not been seen again. Hernandez and her husband, Francisco Ortiz, survived because they moved out of Los Lotes just two months ago to begin a new life on a small plot of land. The couple has been staying at a Mormon church in the nearby city of Escuintla and going to a morgue there to await news. So far only the body of one relative, her 28-year-old cousin, Cesar Gudiel Escalante, has been recovered and identified. The people ended up buried in nearly 3 metres of lava, Ortiz said. Nobody is left there. Other families experienced similar tragedies. As President Jimmy Morales toured the area and met with survivors on Monday, a woman begged him to help her loved ones in Los Lotes. Mr. President, my family is missing. Send a helicopter to throw water over them because they are burning, she said. I have three children, a grandchild, and all my brothers, my mother, all my family are there ... More than 20 have disappeared. The fast-moving flows with temperatures as high as 700 degrees Celsius (1,300 Fahrenheit) and hot ash and volcanic gases that can cause rapid asphyxiation caught many off guard. On Tuesday, it was clear the official death toll of at least 70 was sure to climb and fears spread that anyone still stuck in the buried houses was dead and would remain entombed there. At a roadblock, Joel Gonzalez complained that police wouldnt let him through to see his familys house in the village of San Juan Alotenango, where his 76-year-old father lay buried in ash along with four other relatives. They say they are going to leave them buried there, and we are not going to know if its really them, the 39-year-old farmer said. They are taking away our opportunity to say goodbye. A spokesman for Guatemalas disaster agency, Conred, said that once it reaches 72 hours after the eruption, there will be little chance of finding anyone alive. We dont rule out the possibility of some person alive, but the condition in which the homes are makes that possibility pretty unlikely, said the spokesman, Juan Sanchez, adding that some of the ash was still at temperatures between 400 and 700 degrees Celsius. In the devastated town of El Rodeo, grey soot-coated trees and homes and an ash-covered deer lay dead in the debris. Rescuers wearing hard hats, masks and goggles used shovels to dig through homes, unearthing at least one body burned beyond recognition. Amid the destruction, there was one glimmer of hope: The rescue of a black-and-white dog found alive in a home where four people lay dead. He is called Rambo, said volunteer firefighter Sergio Vazquez, who carried the dog on his shoulders to safety. It may be that this dog no longer has a family. Vazquez had no explanation for how the dog survived while the people died. Sanchez, the Conred spokesman, said many dogs and cats had been rescued with burns on their paws from the mud and ash, some blinded from the volcanic gases. Animals have a different sort of resistance ... and different behaviour when it comes to finding refuge, Sanchez said. Only 17 of the bodies recovered so far have been identified due to the extreme heat that charred their features and burned off fingerprints, and authorities hope other means such as DNA testing can help. Authorities say at least 46 people were injured in the eruption, and 12 shelters were housing 1,877 people. The Guatemalan military said a U.S. air force plane was flying in Tuesday to take a half-dozen children who suffered burns for treatment in Galveston, Texas. Lacking electricity in the hardest hit areas, emergency crews were carrying out rescue efforts during daylight hours and calling them off for safety reasons when darkness fell. As dawn broke Tuesday, the volcano continued to rattle with what Guatemalas Volcanology Institute said were eight to 10 moderate eruptions per hour vastly less intense than Sundays big blasts. WASHINGTONMexico hit back at the United States on Tuesday, imposing tariffs on around $3 billion (U.S.) worth of U.S. pork, whiskey, cheese and other goods in response to the Trump administrations steel and aluminum levies, further straining relations between the two countries as they struggle to rewrite the North American Free Trade Agreement. The tariffs came as the Trump administration threw yet another complication into the fractious NAFTA talks by saying it wants to splinter discussions with Canada and Mexico and work on separate agreements rather than continue three-country discussions to rewrite the 1994 trade deal. The Trump administration hit Mexico and Canada with 25-per-cent steel tariffs and 10-per-cent aluminum tariffs on June 1 as part of a campaign to pressure the countries to agree to Americas demands on a revised NAFTA. The United States also imposed metals tariffs on the European Union, Japan and other countries as part of an effort to stop the flow of imported metals. Read more: Trump adviser says president wants to make separate trade deals with Canada and Mexico Congress likely wont approve a new NAFTA in 2018, U.S. senator says NAFTA window likely closed, talks set to stretch into 2019 as tariffs imposed That approach has only inflamed allies, including Canada and Mexico, which have threatened to strike back with their own targeted tariffs aimed at Republican states and areas that supported Trump. Mexicos list was designed to hit at parts of the United States represented by high-profile Republicans, Mexican officials have said, including steel from Vice-President Mike Pences home state of Indiana, motorboats from Sen. Marco Rubios Florida, and agricultural products from the California district of Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the House majority leader. Farmers, who are among those most vulnerable to the Mexican tariffs, said the tariffs would devastate U.S. agriculture. These tariffs will exact immediate and painful consequences on many American farmers, Angela Hofmann, deputy director of Farmers for Free Trade, said in a statement. Farmers need certainty and open markets to make ends meet. Right now, they are getting chaos and protectionism. People familiar with the deliberations say the idea of separate talks is aimed at pressuring Canada, which U.S. negotiators see as obstructionist and an impediment to the progress of the NAFTA negotiations. U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the decision was based on the lack of progress in the ongoing NAFTA talks. (The Canadian Press) Read more about: LOS ANGELESJohn Cox, a Republican business owner who has tried and failed for nearly two decades to win elected office, snagged a spot in the November runoff for California governor with the help of U.S. President Donald Trump, but that support could hurt him in the winner-take-all race with Democrat Gavin Newsom. Cox got about a quarter of the votes counted so far in Tuesdays election to easily outdistance former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for second to Newsom, who won by a comfortable margin. Cox had been struggling to break clear of fellow Republican Travis Allen until Trump tweeted his endorsement two weeks ago 273 characters that rallied the presidents fans but set up a hyper-partisan battle with Newsom. Because of Californias jungle primary, the top two finishers regardless of party advance to a runoff in November. Newsom, the states lieutenant-governor and former mayor of San Francisco, had said during the primary he preferred a Republican opponent in the fall. He told supporters Tuesday that he relishes a fight with Cox, whom he called a foot soldier for Trumps war on California. Meantime, Cox made it clear hell be fighting Newsom on taxes and Californias high cost of living. It wasnt Donald Trump who made California the highest tax state in the country, Cox told enthusiastic supporters. It was Gavin Newsom and the Democrats. Cox, 62, became wealthy as a lawyer, accountant, wealth manager and investor in the Chicago area. He now owns thousands of apartment units in the Midwest. In the early 2000s he ran unsuccessfully for a string of offices in Illinois U.S. House, twice for the U.S. Senate, and Cook County Recorder of Deeds, a job he wanted to see eliminated. He also ran for Illinois GOP chairman. In his 2004 Senate run, he shared a crowded debate stage with then-state Sen. Barack Obama and sparred one-on-one with the future president over the Iraq War. He later ran for president in 2008 and fought unsuccessfully to get into Republican debates before dropping out, but his name appeared on the ballot in several states. Read more: California voters remove judge who sentenced Brock Turner to only six months in Stanford sexual assault case California governor snubbed by Progressive Conservatives He bought his house in Rancho Santa Fe, outside San Diego, in 2007 and moved there full-time in 2011, according to spokesman Matt Shupe. Cox, who has largely self-funded his campaign for governor, decries what he calls the corrupting influence of special interests a line of attack hes sure to deploy against Newsom, who is backed by heavy-hitting unions, businesses and interest groups. Hes also focused heavily on Californias high taxes and cost of living. Hes one of the most prominent backers of a ballot initiative that would repeal recent increases in gasoline and diesel taxes, which is likely to qualify for the November ballot. Tuesdays primary included a preview of the potency of the gas tax as a political motivator. State Sen. Josh Newman, a Democrat targeted for supporting the gas tax hike, was recalled by a wide margin. The race for governor was one of hundreds of contests Californians narrowed on Tuesday. U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein cruised to first place in her bid for a fifth full term, while fellow Democrat Kevin de Leon finished second. Northern California voters recalled the judge who gave a light sentence to a former Stanford University swimmer convicted of sexual assault. It could take days to sort out who will advance in several key Southern California races for U.S. House. In the race for governor, Coxs second-place finish was a victory for a state GOP that has been shrinking in numbers and influence. It avoided a worst-case scenario where Republicans would stay home for lack of a candidate in the races for governor and U.S. Senate, thereby imperiling vulnerable Republicans in other races. Cox faces long odds in November. No Republican has won statewide here since 2006. And while Trump is well-liked by the GOP base that boosted Cox, hes unpopular with independents and a call to arms for Democrats. Cox had to run toward Donald Trump to get Republican voters to rally around him in the primary, said Thad Kousser, chair of the political science department at University of California, San Diego. The problem is, now he cant run away from Donald Trump in November. Newsoms begins the race with inherent advantages hes much better-known than Cox and a Democrat in a heavily Democratic state. Hes motivated the liberal base with his support for a plan to provide universal government-funded health care and his support for aggressive gun controls. Were engaged in an epic battle, and it looks like voters will have a real choice this November between a governor who is going to stand up against Donald Trump and a foot soldier in his war on California, Newsom told supporters. Villaraigosas distant third-place finish was a stunning result for man once hailed a rising star in the Democratic Party and the face of the changing demographics in California and the nation. He was hoping to be Californias first Latino governor since 1875. His focus on energizing Latinos, moderate Democrats, independents and some Republicans wasnt enough to overcome Newsoms strength with the Democratic Partys liberal base or Coxs united GOP front. He conceded Tuesday night and endorsed Newsom while also congratulating Cox. Read more about: AMMAN, JORDANProfessional associations in Jordan with about half a million members have staged a warning strike to press demands that the government scrap a planned tax increase. After the half-day walkout on Wednesday, hundreds of activists chanted anti-government slogans outside a union office in the capital of Amman. The Council of Professional Associations had organized a first strike a week ago, providing the spark for nightly street protests that eventually forced Jordans prime minister to resign. Jordans King Abdullah II has since appointed a leading reformer, outgoing Education Minister Omar Razzaz, as the new prime minister and has promised to review the tax bill. Jordans trade union federation says it will suspend protests to give the Razzaz government a chance to address the countrys economic problems. Read more: Jordans king appoints new prime minister amid widening anti-government protests Jordan PM quits over mass protests against tax increases PHILADELPHIAA federal judge has ruled in favour of Philadelphia in its lawsuit against the federal government for withholding grant funding in response to how the city deals with immigrants in the country illegally. U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson issued a 93-page memo Wednesday, saying the conditions placed on the city by the federal government in order to receive the funding are unconstitutional, arbitrary and capricious. He also wrote that Philadelphias policies are reasonable and appropriate. Philadelphia has said as a sanctuary city it will only turn over immigrants to Immigration and Customs Enforcement if they have a warrant signed by a judge. The city was fighting federal efforts to block funding as a result of the policy. A federal appeals court in April sided with Chicago in a similar dispute. When it comes to cruising this summer, Celebrity Cruises has plans to stop in some of Europes amazing capital cities. Luxury cruises lets travellers immerse in natures greenest settings and go on a shopping spree at scenic streets steeped in history and architectural marvels, breathing in the fragrance of old-world charm and atmosphere. Whats better, is that passengers can save up to 200$ per person on the first and second guest along with 50 per cent discount on the third and fourth guest. This offer is valid from June 1 until July 30 for all European sailings booked until the end of the year. Embark on a charming journey to the British Isles, departing from Amsterdam, the beautiful capital of the Netherlands, indulging in a wonderful atmosphere of a 17th-century city combined with the contemporary character of a modern metropolis. Heading to Inverness, the Scottish Highland's major city, which literally means "mouth of the River Ness," it is the hub for international visitors who come hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous, yet elusive, Loch Ness Monster. Stroll along the riverbank to take in this picturesque spot and enjoy Scottish cuisine with fresh seafood caught in the coastal waters; salmon straight from the river and a host of farm-raised beef and lamb options. When the ship reaches the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh; the Athens of the North, make sure to visit legendary Edinburgh Castle set atop the smoky crags of Castle Rock. With beautiful Georgian architecture that embraces modernity, the castle was named a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1995. It also became the first Unesco Creative City when it was designated as a City of Literature in 2004. Edinburgh has long held a place of reverence in Scottish lore and today its streets continue to make history. This is a city that begs to be strolled and offers up wonderful discoveries at every turn, particularly along the narrow lanes of Old Town. Ireland for sure is part of this journey, passing through Liverpool, Belfast and the more than 1,000 years old city, Dublin. The citys 44 square miles and cobblestoned streets speak to its storied history of patriots and writers, the latter of which includes: Joyce, Yeats, Wilde, and Beckett. Must-sees include Trinity College, St. Stephens Green Park, Newgrange, Dublin Castle, the National Museum of Ireland and the James Joyce Cultural Centre. Travel to the seaside town of Malahide to enter its grand castle set amid 250 acres of breathtaking grounds. Climb the stone stairway and explore the castles Great Hall and intricately carved Oak Room. While in the real capital of Ireland, Cork is a musical and resilient place where tradition and modernity often meld. For history lovers, Cobh the seaside town is a great find. Admire the French Gothic spires of Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral and stroll through 17th-century alleys surrounded by the River Lee. The town also boasts an array of market-source international restaurants serving French, Spanish, and American cuisine. Visit local artisans and witness their skills in the arts of weaving and cutting crystal. Cork is filled with the lore, tradition, and good cheer of Ireland at its best. Celebrity Cruises has curated some of the worlds finest itineraries and gives the opportunity to explore the historical cities of western Europe, and the northern vistas of Scandinavia, to the sun-drenched coast to the Mediterranean and the centre of ancients civilizations. - TradeArabia News Service TEL AVIV, ISRAEL Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani said Wednesday that special counsel Robert Muellers team is trying to frame President Donald Trump. Addressing a business conference, Giuliani, now Trumps lawyer, also boasted that the president had brought North Koreas leader to his hands and knees after cancelling a high-profile summit. Giulianis comments about Mueller were the latest salvo in his attacks on the probe into Russias potential meddling in U.S elections. Trumps team and allies have waged a public relations campaign against Mueller and the Justice Department to discredit the investigation and soften the impact of the special counsels potential findings. There are a group of 13 highly partisan Democrats who make up the Mueller team, excluding him, and are trying very, very hard to frame him to get him in trouble when he hasnt done anything wrong, said Giuliani, who has been serving as Trumps lawyer amid the Russia scandal. They cant emotionally come to grips with the fact that this whole thing with Russian collusion didnt happen. They are trying to invent theories of obstruction of justice, Giuliani told a business conference in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv. They have revealed no evidence that President Trump has done anything wrong, he added. None. Mueller is investigating whether Trump associates co-ordinated with Russia during the 2016 presidential election and whether Trump took steps to shut down that investigation through actions, including the firing of FBI Director James Comey. Though Trump insists he did nothing wrong, the statements from him and his lawyers have made clear that much of their defence revolves around establishing that he was constitutionally empowered to take the actions he took. Speaking to the Globes capital market conference Wednesday, Giuliani said Trump has the power to pardon himself but would not do so. The law of the United States is that the president of the United States has unlimited, unreviewable power to pardon people from federal crimes even before they are convicted, he said. Does he have the power to do it? Yes. Is he going to do it? No. Hes innocent. He hasnt done anything wrong. Read more: How statements on Trump and Trump Tower meeting changed Muellers team accuses Manafort of witness tampering Trump claims on Twitter he has absolute right to pardon himself Giuliani also told the crowd that Trumps tough line had forced North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to plead to reschedule their summit. Giuliani said there was no choice but to cancel the June 12 summit after Kim insulted the U.S. vice-president and national security and threatened nuclear war. We said, Well, were not going to have a summit under those circumstances, Giuliani said. Well, Kim Jung Un got back on his hands and knees and begged for it, which is exactly the position you want to put him in. The summit is now back on for next Tuesday in Singapore. Giuliani suggested similar tactics should be used with the Palestinian Authority, which has cut off ties with the U.S. to protest Trumps decision to recognize contested Jerusalem as Israels capital. They have to be seeking peace. You gotta change the dynamic and put the pressure on them, Giuliani said. Giuliani has become a lightning rod during his tenure on Trumps team, drawing the presidents ire for a series of scattershot interviews. Read more about: KINSHASA, CONGOThe accounts are horrific. A young girl strangled and gang-raped. Children burned alive as government soldiers blocked the door of their hut and set it aflame. These are some of the atrocities revealed in 14 reports, seen by the Associated Press, that have not yet been released by the independent body charged with monitoring a failed ceasefire imposed in December in South Sudan, where civil war is now well into its fifth year. The reports should have been released last month at a meeting led by the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission but South Sudans government did not attend, preventing the accounts of abuses from being made public because there was not a quorum. The reports contain evidence that soldiers continue to kill, rape and destroy property. The decision to keep these ongoing atrocity crimes secret sends the wrong message, Jehanne Henry, senior Africa researcher for Human Rights Watch, told the AP. Only five such reports have been released this year. The African Union and the East African regional bloc that mediates South Sudans peace talks should take action, said Edmund Yakani, executive director for the local advocacy group Community Empowerment for Progress Organization. Silence on the violations only encourages further violations, he said. While people attending the meeting said copies of the reports on atrocities were distributed to diplomats from the United States, the United Nations, Britain and elsewhere, none have released them publicly or made public the reports of abuses. South Sudans government didnt respond to multiple requests for comment on why it didnt attend last months meeting. The unpublished reports describe violations by both government and opposition forces but most of the accounts blame government troops for instigating attacks and deliberately targeting civilians. During an attack in February on a school in the town of Modit, children fled into a hut to hide. Government soldiers blocked the door and set it on fire, burning the children to death, said one report. A young girl fetching water from a river in the town of Yei was strangled before she and her mother were gang-raped by government soldiers, another report said. More than 30 cases of sexual assault were recorded in Yei and surrounding areas in the three months following Decembers ceasefire agreement. And in the nearby town of Morobo, a woman was raped and beaten so badly that she lost sight in one eye. A disabled woman, unable to flee the fighting, was thrown into a burning house by government soldiers, the report said. The group that compiled the reports, the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism, told the AP its mandate doesnt require it to publish reports and that releasing them had been the task of its parent body, the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission. The commission reports to the East African regional bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. Neither responded to several AP requests for comment. The concealing of the atrocities comes as the international community loses patience with South Sudans civil war, which has killed tens of thousands and created Africas largest refugee crisis since the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The U.S., South Sudans largest aid donor, has increased pressure on the Juba government amid widespread allegations that its officials are profiting from the conflict instead of working to end it. Last week the U.N. Security Council adopted a U.S.-sponsored resolution that warns of an arms embargo and sanctions against six high-ranking officials if the fighting doesnt stop. The U.S. and others, however, insist that the East African regional bloc, along with the African Union, should take the lead in finding peace and holding perpetrators of abuses accountable. The U.S. urges the monitoring bodies to release the reports of atrocities as soon as possible and regrets that the South Sudan governments refusal to attend the plenary on May 14 prevented those reports from being made public at that time, embassy spokesman Mark Weinberg told the AP. Chris Trott, U.K. special representative for South Sudan, concluded that its important, for the sake of ordinary South Sudanese who are again falling victim to the violence and for the credibility of the peace process, that violators are held to account. WASHINGTONMelania Trumps disappearing act is over. The first lady showed herself in public Wednesday for the first time in nearly a month, seated alongside her husband, President Donald Trump, for a briefing on the federal governments preparedness for the hurricane season that began June 1. The routine meeting at Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters took on outsized significance after the White House revealed that Mrs. Trump would accompany her husband. Prior to Wednesday, she had not been seen off the White House grounds since May 10. The first sighting of the first lady came as she and the president strolled down the walkway from the Oval Office and climbed into the Beast, his idling limousine. She was wearing a belted trench coat and her customary high heels. Minutes later, Mrs. Trump took her seat alongside the president at one end of a long conference table as the FEMA briefing began, appearing to be her usual self. Shes doing great. She went through a little rough patch, but shes doing great, Trump said at the top of the meeting, surrounded by members of his Cabinet as several governors and other officials participated by video conference. And were very proud of her. Shes done a fantastic job as first lady. Read more: Melania Trump attends White House event in first public appearance in 24 days Melania Trump to skip G7, North Korea summits Opinion | Vinay Menon: Heres the truth about Melania Trumps mysterious disappearance He added: The people love you. The people of our country love you. So, thank you honey. The first lady smiled and nodded as her husband and others spoke during the portion of the briefing that was open to journalists. She and the president later spent a few minutes greeting FEMA employees. Mrs. Trump stepped with ease, smiled and was heard telling one worker thank you very much. It was her first appearance away from the White House since she and the president travelled to Joint Base Andrews to welcome home three Americans who had been released from detention in North Korea. Several days later, the first lady underwent a procedure to treat a kidney condition. She spent five days in the hospital before returning to the White House on May 19 to continue her recuperation. She held private meetings with her staff and worked on projects, though she skipped a few public events where her participation seemed likely, including a Medal of Honor presentation and a sports field day for professional athletes and kids on the South Lawn. But speculation mounted as week after week passed without a public appearance, spawning wild theories about where she might be and what might have happened to her. The first lady addressed the issue on Twitter last week, saying: I see the media is working overtime speculating where I am & what Im doing. Rest assured, Im here at the @WhiteHouse w my family, feeling great, & working hard on behalf of children & the American people! Her husband was less charitable on Wednesday. The Fake News Media has been so unfair, and vicious, to my wife and our great First Lady, Melania, he wrote on Twitter. During her recovery from surgery they reported everything from near death, to facelift, to left the W.H. (and me) for N.Y. or Virginia, to abuse. All Fake, she is doing really well! Trump also paired the text of the tweets with video of himself and the first lady on his Facebook page. Fox News Channel, Trumps favourite cable network and one he spends a considerable amount of time watching, aired a segment earlier this week in which the hosts of one of its programs criticized news reports about the first ladys status. Kellyanne Conway, one of Trumps top advisers, also panned the coverage. I think its a shame that most of the coverage of the first lady in the last several weeks has been about conspiracy theories that have no basis in fact, Conway told reporters at a breakfast meeting. Earlier this week, the first lady participated in a White House event for military families. Journalists were not allowed to cover the event out of respect for the families, meaning Mrs. Trump was seen only by those who attended. But video posted on Twitter showed the first lady strolling into the East Room accompanied by the president. She later tweeted photos from the event that showed her sitting next to the president. Read more about: GENEVAThe United Nations human rights office called on the Trump administration Tuesday to immediately halt its accelerating policy of separating children from their parents after they cross the U.S. border with Mexico, insisting there is nothing normal about detaining children. Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the UN high commissioner for human rights, scolded the United States over the hundreds of children removed from parents who were jailed for entering the country illegally. She said border control appears to take precedence over child protection and care in the U.S. The use of immigration detention and family separation as a deterrent runs counter to human rights standards and principles, Shamdasani said during a briefing in Geneva. The childs best interest should always come first. Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, lashed back: Once again, the United Nations shows its hypocrisy by calling out the United States while it ignores the reprehensible human rights records of several members of its own Human Rights Council. While the high commissioners office ignorantly attacks the United States with words, the United States leads the world with its actions, like providing more humanitarian assistance to global conflicts than any other nation, she said in a statement. We will remain a generous country, but we are also a sovereign country, with laws that decide how best to control our borders and protect our people, said Haley, who is also a member of Trumps Cabinet. Neither the United Nations nor anyone else will dictate how the United States upholds its borders. The Trump administration has adopted a new zero tolerance policy that has accelerated separations of children and their parents at the border. The policy, announced in April by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, directs authorities to prosecute all instances of illegal border crossings. Read more: UN estimates 112 migrants died in weekend shipwreck as EU nations spar over asylum rules Opinion | U.S. policy of separating refugees from children is illegal, horrific Advocates say Ottawa excluding migrant workers from program review The issue has fanned a political debate in the United States ahead of midterm congressional elections in the fall. While the policy doesnt make mention of separating families, U.S. protocol prohibits detaining children with their parents because the children are not charged with a crime and the parents are. The UN rights office doesnt want families separated and also doesnt want anyone children or adults jailed for illegal migration, saying it should not be seen as a crime, but an administrative offence. The U.S. should immediately halt this practice of separating families and stop criminalizing what should be at most an administrative offence: That of irregular entry and stay in the U.S., Shamdasani said. The rights office said children should never be detained for reasons related to their own or their parents migration status. Shamdasani said the practice was a serious violation of the rights of children. There is nothing normal about detaining children, she said. Read more about: HALIFAXHalifaxs future depends on families choosing to make this city home, and for that, we have a problem. Both our suburban and urban communities force families to make completely unnecessary sacrifices. I spoke with two parents this week, one living in the suburban community of West Bedford, one living in the Hydrostone Market, in urban North End Halifax. Both expressed enormous pride in their communities and both described unnecessary tradeoffs. Dirk Staatsen has two daughters, 12 and 15. His family used to live in Holland in a lively urban community, but they specifically chose Halifax to live in West Bedford, something I was encouraged to hear. We were looking for space with less noise and fewer issues with neighbours, but without having to live in the boonies. They wanted safe, quiet cul-de-sacs and greater privacy, but didnt want to live so far out that they would need a second car. West Bedford makes that single-car lifestyle possible thanks to its stores, restaurants, parks, and transit, saving the family about ten grand a year. But West Bedford could offer more. Dirk says he wishes he had more parks and businesses like LF Bakery and Salvatores near home. And while the commuter bus takes him right to work, the community has poor transit at any other time of day. On weekends, it has none. And heres whats odd about West Bedford: there is no reason it shouldnt be able to offer these things. Homes are tightly packed together on the street, to the point Dirk has to turn his TV down at night to avoid bugging his neighbours. That kind of medium density should make a lot of amenities possible. The trouble is that the streets have enormous gaps between them, so while homes are tightly arranged, the neighbourhood actually has very low density. The strangest thing about West Bedford is its apartment towers. It has lots of them, and so if they were clustered around a local centre, they could support high-frequency transit and a thriving main street. But since the towers are scattered willy-nilly, they support nothing. If we took exactly same mix of homes and apartments that already exist in West Bedford and just arranged them better, Dirk and his family could enjoy a vastly better quality of life. Its frustrating. Ben Wood lives in the heart of the city, but in a lot of ways he and his wife want similar things in their community. We can walk to a bakery, butcher shop, coffee shop. I like that at any time I can walk out my front door and access anything in the city. Like Dirk, their family gets by with just one car. I only use my car to run the occasional errand, which saves a lot of money. The primary downside, however, is traffic. Im concerned my son cant run out my front door safely. When we walk, we dont really feel safe on many streets. The cars are going really quickly right next to us. Perversely, many of those drivers live on quiet, safe cul-de-sacs with no traffic. According to Statistics Canada, about nine in 10 people in West Bedford drive to work, while in the Hydrostone, the majority of people walk, bike, or take transit. West Bedford enjoys safety while making Bens community dangerous. The solution is simple. People should drive the same speed on urban residential streets that they drive in their own quiet cul-de-sacs, around 30 km/h. If people want that for themselves, all families should have it. As a culture, we have to get used to 30 km/h for local streets. At that speed, a car is a fast, convenient vehicle that hits few people and kills almost no one. At 50 km/h, drivers kill nearly half of anyone they hit, something no one wants to do. Driving from North Street to Lady Hammond Drive, reducing the speed limit would add less time to a trip than a single traffic light, but it would vastly improve the lives of families. On slow, pedestrian-friendly streets families are three times as likely to let their kids walk to school. Kids play outside all summer on the urban street where I live because its narrow and people drive safely. Driving there doesnt feel excessively slow. It just feels normal. Suburban and urban families are not from different planets. Both Ben and Dirk want space, privacy, convenience, transportation options, and safety. Dirks family prioritizes space and privacy a bit more, and Bens prioritizes convenience. These are inevitable trade-offs, which is why we need to have both great suburban and urban communities. But right now, we make suburban families sacrifice convenience and walking and we make urban families sacrifice safety. To make this a great city for families, we have to stop forcing these completely unnecessary sacrifices. All communities should have high-quality transit, playgrounds, and main streets, and they should all be safe. These things are the basic set of responsibilities of a city to its people. With better planning and design, all families would be able to find the basic ingredients of the good life. Read more about: Are G7 leaders interested in gender equality? This year the answer could be yes. Prime Minister Trudeau has placed gender issues on the summit agenda. That means that leaders of some of the worlds most powerful nations will discuss issues while considering the impact of their decisions on girls and women around the world. I hope theyll also recognize that 130 million out-of-school girls in developing countries have a measurable impact on G7 countries economies, prospects for peace, public health and so much more. Girls education grows economies. Millions more educated girls means more working women with the potential to add up to USD $12 trillion to global growth. On the other hand, we are facing a global skills crisis. By 2020, the world could have 40 million job vacancies, but not enough educated workers to fill them. Without substantial new investments in secondary education, many countries will face a surplus of low-skilled workers and a shortage of professionals, leading to high unemployment and major gaps in the labour market. Sending all girls to school for 12 years reduces conflict and fosters stability throughout countries and regions. Populations with a secondary education are three times more likely to support democracy than people with no education. And education is critical to security around the world because extremism grows alongside inequality in places where people feel they have no opportunity, no voice, no hope. When they invest in girls education, countries can also improve public health, mitigate the effects of climate change and recover faster from natural disasters. So, with rates of return this high, why are 130 million girls still out of school? When we know refugee children are future leaders on whom we will all depend for peace, why are 75% of them unable to access secondary education? Read more: Trudeau warns of difficult talks between G7 leaders on intractable issues Opinion | Tim Harper: Justin Trudeaus Trump management to be tested at summit Opinion | Jennifer Wells: Optics not in Trudeaus favour ahead of G7 summit For far too long, G7 leaders have overlooked girls a critical solution to many of the problems they try to solve at summit after summit. This year, this G7 must begin to reverse that trend. As a member of Prime Minister Trudeaus Gender Equality Advisory Council, I offer no apologies when I say I joined this group to encourage G7 leaders to prioritize girls education. In our recommendations, my fellow Council members and I call on leaders to provide policy and funding support to developing and conflict-affected countries to improve access to a minimum of 12 years of free, safe, quality gender-responsive education. I can think of no greater legacy for Canadas G7 Summit than this. To demonstrate their commitment and take a first step toward closing the global education finance gap, Malala Fund is asking the G7 to give at least USD $1.3 billion over the next three years to get more girls in school. Will our leaders recognize the power of millions of girls to grow economies, reduce conflict and transform their communities if given access to 12 years of education? For a safer, healthier and wealthier world for all of us, I hope the answer is yes. Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist, student, UN Messenger of Peace and the youngest person ever awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. At age 15, she was shot by the Taliban for speaking out against their ban on girls education. Malala recovered, continued her campaign and, as co-founder of Malala Fund, is building a global movement of support for 12 years of girls education. Read more about: Thursdays provincial election may represent a watershed moment for attempts to end poverty in Ontario. My five colleagues Gary Bloch, Laura Cattari, Debbie Douglas, Mary Marrone, Janet Reansbury and John Stapleton and I have been part of discussion and debate, in some cases over several decades, involving government and civil society, about the desperate need for income security reform in our province. We have contributed to, supported and critiqued report after report, government proposals and specific reforms. Over the past 15 years, the focus has been mostly on incremental progress until this spring. Over the last two years we sat, at the invitation of our government, as part of a group charged with developing a 10-year plan for income security reform in Ontario. That plan was intended to complement the governments decision to test the concept of a basic income guarantee. Our report, Income Security: A Roadmap for Change, was released last November to little official fanfare. It presents a comprehensive, forward-looking, and eminently implementable 10-year plan for income security reform in Ontario Its 98 recommendations include transforming social assistance to a program that provides real assistance to those it serves. It includes specific measures to assist all low-income persons in areas of greatest need, for example with the struggle to find affordable housing. It also includes a focus on those in deepest poverty, such as people who are homeless. And, essential to the lived realities of poverty in our province, it incorporates a uniquely integrated Indigenous voice throughout the report. Read more: Opinion | Liberals must vote NDP to protect Ontarios progressive legacy Opinion | How to create financial security for all Ontarians Advocates pin hopes on budget for roadmap out of poverty Over the following four months we worried that the Road map was being officially buried in that graveyard of beautifully written, sincere, well-intentioned, and ultimately ignored reports that came before it. We were concerned that, once again, a plan for realizable, measurable change would remain just that. The first sign of hope came with the March provincial budget. In that document, the government promised major investments in income security reform. In fact, the budget promised to implement a large portion of the early recommendations of the Income Security Roadmap. The NDPs election platform went even further, embedding itself deeply in our recommendations, and committing to a full implementation of the Road map should that party form government. The Greens promise a basic income, which, depending on the form it takes, may not be inconsistent with the direction of the Road map. The Conservatives have not yet released any platform positions on income security reform. The federal government is developing a poverty reduction strategy and starting to signal new investments in income security, including its recent ten-year commitment to a major investment in housing security. This is a watershed moment. The trickles of promises and bits of action on income security over the past many years may just be coalescing into a river of transformation. But this movement forward could easily be stopped. In 1988, Transitions, a landmark report on social assistance reform, was released. Parts of it were implemented over the next few years, but then those reforms were rejected and reversed by the next government in the mid-90s. Everyone in Ontario has a powerful choice to make in this election. We can seize this opportunity to take a path toward a robust, supportive, empowering income security system that will put us at the forefront of jurisdictions trying to banish poverty. Or, we can lose improvements made in the last few years or worse yet take backward steps that would make life worse for low-income Ontarians. We cannot repeat the mistakes of the past. We must hold our political representatives to account on Thursday and beyond. We must demand that whoever forms the next government implement the income security reform Roadmap recommendations and make a full commitment to realizing the Roadmaps vision of creating an income security system that works towards full economic and social inclusion for all. George Thomson, Gary Bloch, Laura Cattari, Debbie Douglas, Mary Marrone, Janet Reansbury and John Stapleton were members of the Income Security Reform Working Group, which contributed to the vision and recommendations of the Income Security: A Roadmap for Change report. Read more about: On the very first day of the public inquiry into the killings by nurse Elizabeth Wettlaufer we learned that serious red flags were raised about her right at the beginning of her nursing career. Wettlaufer was fired within months of starting work at the Geraldton District Hospital in northwestern Ontario for stealing tranquilizers and using them herself. That was way back in 1995. And it was covered up. That was the beginning of a pattern that continued throughout her terrible and deadly career. Individuals and organizations that should have been dedicated to protecting the vulnerable within their care acted instead to protect Wettlaufer and themselves. Thats why she was able to continue working until 2016 in multiple nursing jobs where she murdered eight elderly patients by injecting them with overdoses of insulin, and tried to kill others. When Wettlaufer was finally fired from the Caressant Care nursing home in Woodstock after seven troubled years, the Ontario Nurses Association and management helped her move on to a new job with a clean record. She went off to Meadow Park in London where she killed her eighth nursing home resident with a glowing letter of reference. They even gave her $2,000 in severance. They may not have known that she had murdered seven patients while working at Caressant. But they sure knew this was a deeply troubled nurse with a terrible record of patient care and medication errors. A public inquiry into how nurse Elizabeth Wettlaufer was able to kill elderly patients in her care began Tuesday in St. Thomas, Ontario. A son of a man killed by Wettlaufer said he hopes the inquiry will shed some light on what happened. (The Canadian Press) That Caressant and her union did nothing then is what let her go on to kill 75-year-old Arpad Horvath. And that they did nothing earlier in her career is what let her kill seven patients in her time at Caressant. Its an utterly inexcusable failure of the heath-care system. And thats just day one of an inquiry scheduled for nine weeks. Theres still such more to learn. Who knew and what forces from the fears of costly union grievances to privacy concerns and the nursing shortage in this sector made them take so little action? Why did the coroners office not investigate a death that an emergency room doctor said was suspicious? And why on earth did the College of Nurses of Ontario not do more to protect the public? On Tuesday, Caressants lawyer said Wettlaufers actions betrayed her co-workers. The far bigger betrayal belongs to Caressant and the other employers and associations who utterly betrayed the trust that patients and their families placed in them. A court has already ruled on Wettlaufers guilt and sentenced her to life in prison for her crimes. This inquiry isnt about what she did so much as it is about what others did or, tragically as were discovering, did not do. Thats where the necessary solutions to fix the system are to be found. Read more about: The role of a host, generally speaking, is to make sure the guests are comfortable and no fights break out at the party. But when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau presides over the annual summit of G7 leaders starting Friday in Charlevoix, Que., hell have a very different job: speaking plain truths to the biggest, most disruptive guest of them all, President Donald Trump. If that means the summit fails by traditional standards, then so be it. At this point theres no point in Trudeau simply making nice with Trump. No one would believe it, and Canadians will rightly feel let down by their leader. Trump has gone out of his way to sabotage the trust between Washington and its closest allies, including Canada and key G7 members like Britain, France and Germany. His latest gambit is imposing stiff tariffs on steel and aluminum from Canada, Mexico and the European Union, ostensibly for reasons of national security. As regards Canada and Mexico, its really just a naked pressure tactic to gain an edge for the U.S. in the talks to renegotiate NAFTA. Trumps chief economic adviser, Lawrence Kudlow, threw in another curveball this week. He says Trump wants to split up the NAFTA talks; instead of renewing the three-way deal among what used to be known as the Three Amigos, the president would prefer to work out separate pacts with Canada and Mexico. Of course he would. Divide and conquer is an ancient tactic and Canada is quite right to reject that approach as a total non-starter. When it comes to dealing with Trump on trade, if Canada and Mexico dont hang together they will surely hang separately. Trudeau has taken a tougher public stance with Trump in past weeks, as he must given the continuous provocations from the White House. The G7 will be a major test of how he handles the petulant president, and he should not worry overly about taking a firm line. Traditionally, prime ministers have been expected to handle their dealings with U.S. presidents with the greatest delicacy. If the American side got upset enough to show its annoyance, a good number of Canadians were ready to jump on the prime minister for mishandling relations with Washington. But with Trump, the mishandling is all on one side and most of it is deliberate. Trudeau and his foreign affairs team tried the nice-guy approach for a long time, to considerable good effect. But there is a point beyond which that risks looking like weakness, and we passed that point in recent weeks. For the prime minister, its time to stand up to the bully and be seen to be doing so. Read more about: The lowest point of the most noxious, strangest and dramatic Ontario election in generations came on a warm Monday night in mid-May in Niagara Falls. During a packed rally for Doug Ford, a supporter yelled out Lock Her Up as the Conservative leader fired up the crowd by accusing Premier Kathleen Wynne of screwing up the energy file. Instead of telling the loudmouth to cool it, Ford laughed. Emboldened by Fords response, the angry supporter chanted Lock Her Up again, and Ford continued to smile. It wasnt until a day later that Ford, criticized by opponents of encouraging hatred toward Wynne similar to the attacks by Donald Trump on Hillary Clinton, distanced himself from the slogan, saying he doesnt condone such speech. Similar low points were common in what is the ugliest election I have ever seen in Canada, not just in Ontario. All three major parties are guilty, although not equally, of contributing to dragging the democratic process and political civility through the mud to this brutish finish. After a winner is declared Thursday, all parties should take a hard look at their campaign behaviour. They should also study how to improve the quality of debate and discourse, show more respect for truth and integrity and how to foster more decency toward voters and opponents alike. For the Tories, this election took its first dramatic turn on Jan. 24 when Patrick Brown resigned as leader when CTV reported two women were accusing him of sexual misconduct. Brown has denied the charges and is seeking more than $8 million in damages from CTV. In the days after Brown quit, interim leader Vic Fedeli spoke of rot throughout the party. Then came Fords leadership victory, courtesy of the most baffling voting rules imaginable by which Christine Elliott won the most votes and the most ridings, but lost the race. By the end of the campaign, Ford was facing allegations of vote buying after being secretly taped telling coffee-shop patrons they do not have to pay for Tory memberships, a violation of party rules. Ford was helping Etobicoke Centre PC candidate Kinga Surma. He was also dealing with the political bombshell over the $16.5-million lawsuit filed last Friday by Renata Ford, his late brother Robs widow, who accuses him of mismanaging the family business and the estate of Fords late father. Ford has denied the allegations. Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is framing Thursdays election as a stark choice between her party and Doug Fords Progressive Conservatives. The three main party leaders made their pitches to undecided voters on Wednesday. (The Canadian Press) Other affronts to democracy included Fords refusal to unveil a fully costed platform as he promised and his handling of his own Conservative candidates and the media. Tory candidates were barred from talking to reporters or participating in public debates without first clearing them with the Ford headquarters. Most requests were denied. Ford also refused virtually all interview requests. Though all is relative, Horwath was no saint either, often branding Wynnes government as corrupt during the run-up to the official campaign. She has also remained relatively quiet regarding NDP candidates who disparaged poppies and placed a Hitler meme on a Facbook page. Wynne also shook voters faith in the democratic process when she threw in the towel five days before voting day, conceding she wouldnt be re-elected as premier and basically telling individual Liberal candidates they were on their own. Overall, Wynne acquitted herself best in terms of being the most elegant candidate and the best versed in policies. But millions of U.S. voters said the same about Clinton, and she lost too. Once the election is over, a first step to improving our elections would be to appoint an all-party legislative committee tasked with recommending practical and sensible guidelines on civility and personal conduct. Clearly this would be difficult, if not impossible to enforce. But working together might encourage politicians to behave in a way that restores a sence of decency to our campaigns. I dont hold out much hope for the parties to agree to such a committee. But given how this election has played out, Ontario voters can expect to see future campaigns slither deeper in the swamp of abuse, anger, hatred and bigotry that now is a trademark of American elections, as witnessed by the Trump campaign in 2016. Bob Hepburn is a politics columnist and based in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: is a politics columnist and based in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @BobHepburn Read more about: Etihad Aviation Group has launched an array of community and humanitarian initiatives to mark Zayed Humanitarian Day, which fell on June 4 this year. The programme, which includes food donations, community activities and charity campaigns, demonstrates Etihads commitment to local and global humanitarian activities, reflecting a spirit of sharing during the holy month of Ramadan and the Year of Zayed. As part of its corporate social responsibility, the UAE national airline has carried out a number of projects and initiatives including treating 10 elderly people from the Old Peoples Home in Sharjah to a flight simulator experience, Iftar and Eid gifts in a warm family setting together with some of the airlines pilots. In line with its ongoing commitment to support underprivileged children, Etihad has teamed up with the Emirates Red Crescent to distribute Eid gifts to 600 orphans in Kerala, India. It has also donated school bags, stationery items and clothes to an orphanage of 240 children in Vietnam. In Sri Lanka, 136 children from orphanages and childrens homes enjoyed a once-in-lifetime Movie Night experience on board an Etihad Airways aircraft, and enjoyed fun activities and meals. Last month, Etihad launched a community drive to donate 150,000 in-flight meals to charity in 2018, and for every year in the future. Khaled AlMehairbi, senior vice president and general manager Etihad Airport Services Ground Abu Dhabi Hub and CSR Strategy, said: We are excited to announce this large-scale programme, boosting our charitable and community footprint locally and globally. The Zayed Humanitarian Day is very special this year as we celebrate the Year of Zayed in 2018. We are inspired by the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to give back and bring smiles to those who are less fortunate. With a strong global presence and extensive network, Etihad Airways is ideally positioned to reach out to vulnerable communities in different parts of the world and to make a lasting and positive impact through initiatives that span education, food donations, orphan support and relief aid. The company also announced an initiative for guest miles donations which will be channelled to sponsor Iftar meals for Rohingya children and families, and also donating white canes to visually impaired people in Morocco, and the promotion of child education across the world. Etihad Aviation Group has partnered with Emirates Red Crescent over several community projects to mark the Zayed Humanitarian Day, which is celebrated on the 19th day of Ramadan every year. The projects span: Donating dry food parcels to more than 1,300 families in India Donating dry food parcels to 1,000 families in Sri Lanka Supporting 1,000 Syrian refugees at Ritsona camp in Greece with brand new clothing and Eid gifts Distributing dates to 73 outstations for charity Distributing iftar boxes to labour workforce during the month of Ramadan, with an expected 8,000 meals to be donated to housekeeping, security and maintenance workers based at Etihad Offices. Distributing wheelchairs to the Specialist Center for children with disabilities in Sharjah, which provides regular care and treatment for children up to 18 years old. - TradeArabia News Service Describing something as being in the national interest gives it a sense of gravitas, of over-arching public purpose. So it always struck me as odd to hear Justin Trudeau say that the building the Kinder Morgan pipeline was in the national interest. How can something be in the national interest when it would significantly contribute to the destruction of the very planet that sustains us? Can something really serve our interest as a nation when it undermines our more basic interest as humans? The prime minister doubled down last week, insisting that building the pipeline was so deeply in the national interest that his government would bail out Kinder Morgan with $4.5 billion of Canadian taxpayers money to insure it got built. Thats just the cost of buying the leaky 65-year-old pipeline. When construction costs are added enabling the pipeline to carry triple the volume and transport Albertas heavy crude Canadians will be on the hook for at least $7.4 billion. To grasp the sheer magnitude of this move, we might ask ourselves: of all the worthy causes we aspire to as a nation, how many would the prime minister be willing to put at risk $7.4 billion to achieve? None come to mind. Its disappointing that Trudeau has inappropriately used such an important tool as public ownership. There are times when its utterly fitting for government to take over something thats been abandoned or mishandled by the private sector but it should be for a pressing public need, not something moving us closer to climate disaster. In this case, the private sector got it right: building this pipeline isnt viable. Theres too much opposition from First Nations, the B.C. government, as well as countless citizens unlikely to be deterred by the razor wire Kinder Morgan strung across the harbour near its pipeline terminal. What makes Trudeaus pedal-to-the-floor approach particularly baffling is that the economic case for this bailout is so weak. As energy economists Jeff Rubin and Robyn Allan have pointed out, the governments claim that theres a huge Asian market where Albertas heavy crude will fetch a much higher price than in the U.S. is largely wishful thinking. Once the sale is final, Canada will continue construction on its own in hopes of selling the pipeline down the road. (The Canadian Press) This suggests Ottawa might not be able to sell the pipeline, as it plans, without taxpayers suffering a terrible loss. If [Ottawa] ever finds an investor to take the pipeline off its hands in the future, notes Rubin, it will be for far less than the taxpayer has paid for it. Even if the economics of the project worked, there would still be the devastating environmental impacts, including the potential sullying of B.C. coastal waters with oil that is exceptionally difficult, if not impossible, to clean up. Then theres the real party-killer: climate change. James Hansen, the renowned U.S. climatologist, describes Albertas heavy oil as one of the dirtiest, most carbon-intensive fuels on the planet. He says it would be game over for the climate if Albertas tarsands were fully exploited. Under such a scenario, Canadians would be using almost 30 per cent of the worlds remaining carbon budget, although we represent just half of 1 per cent of the worlds population, notes U.S. environmentalist Bill McKibben. Pipeline supporters generally avoid dealing with environmental impacts, but some, like business columnist Andrew Willis, argue that building Kinder Morgan is like putting a tax on cigarettes to raise money for health care. Cigarettes, in an odd way, can help the fight against cancer, writes Willis. Oil pipelines can help fund a longer-term battle against climate change. But theres no time for a longer-term battle when the climate wolf is already breaking down our door. Besides, putting a tax on cigarettes discourages cigarette use. The pipeline allows Alberta to triple its oil production. Heres a better analogy: building the pipeline is like encouraging smokers to buy three times the cigarettes. Bad. Of course, the smoker mostly hurts herself. The pipeline brings us all closer to the climate abyss. Trudeau portrays himself as balancing oil interests and the environment. But when push came to shove, he chose the oil interests. In doing so, hes put Canada on the wrong side of history. Linda McQuaig is a Toronto-based freelance contributing columnist for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: is a Toronto-based freelance contributing columnist for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @LindaMcQuaig Read more about: MONTREALWhat do Catherine Callbeck, Alison Redford, Pauline Marois, Kathy Dunderdale and Christy Clark have in common: they are all women who broke the political glass ceiling to become their provinces first elected female premier only to have voters sour on them over just one term in office. By her own admission, Ontarios Kathleen Wynne expects to join the club as a result of Thursdays provincial vote. Based on recent provincial history, it would be tempting to conclude that lingering gender discrimination is the root cause of the relatively short tenures of the first women to be elected to their legislatures corner offices. It would also be simplistic. These one-term premiers share more than their gender. Along with their partys leadership Callbeck in P.E.I., Redford in Alberta, Dunderdale in Newfoundland and Labrador, Clark in British Columbia and Wynne in Ontario all inherited governments that were getting long in the tooth. And Marois took the helm of the Parti Quebecois at a time when Quebecers were losing interest in the raison detre of the sovereigntist party. That trend preceded her arrival as leader by at least a decade. It has only become stronger since she left the scene. Changing the leadership of a party while it is in government has always been a hit-and-miss affair. Just ask John Turner, Ernie Eves or Bernard Landry to name just those three. They all led the governing parties they had taken over from successful predecessors, to the opposition benches. Read more: Why female leaders exit provincial politics not clear-cut: researcher Martine Ouellet loses Bloc Quebecois leadership confidence vote Editorial | Getting more women into politics must be a priority for all parties As dismal as the re-election track record of Canadas female premiers to date may be they initially proved to be more adept at giving their parties a longer lease in government than many of the male counterparts selected to lead in the same circumstances. The exercise of power is intellectually depleting and that goes a long way to explain why most parties do not age well in government. Thats a reality even Canadas most electorally successful political organizations can attest to. Think of the self-destructive clan war between the Jean Chretien and Paul Martin factions that came to consume the federal Liberals at the end of their previous reign or the post-Mulroney schisms that pitted conservative against conservative for a decade nationally and ended almost half a century of Tory rule in Alberta three years ago. The advent of female premiers in Canada coincided with a time when the ties that used to bind voters to political parties were becoming increasingly frayed. In New Brunswick in 2010 and in Nova Scotia three years later voters declined for the first time in the modern history of those provinces to give incumbent governments (led by male premiers) a second mandate. Greater voter mobility if you can call it that also led to the 2011 orange wave in Quebec and to Justin Trudeaus unprecedented feat of leading a federal party from third place to a majority government in 2015. In the era of the political consumer, the average life expectancy of a party in power be it led by male or female leaders could be getting shorter. As Wynne was preemptively conceding defeat last weekend, the members of the Bloc Quebecois were firing their first female leader. At her parting news conference on Monday, Martine Ouellet noted that the alleged authoritarian style that led to her overthrow paled in comparison to the ironclad discipline imposed on the Bloc by Lucien Bouchard and Gilles Duceppe. The inference was that she had been treated differently on account of her gender. But there was a more fundamental difference between Ouellets short tenure and those of the Bouchard/Duceppe tandem. In contrast with her predecessors, Ouellet did not get any of the MPs who served under her elected. None had reason to feel beholden to her for his or her seat in the House of Commons. Inasmuch as he comes from a provincial legislature and has yet to lead his troops in Parliament, let alone in an election, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh shares some of Ouellets circumstances. And he too has had a taste of the medicine that ended up poisoning her brief leadership tenure. Over his first months as leader Singh has had to walk back some publicly stated positions in the face of pushback from his caucus. Some of that pushback took place in public. If Singh were to try to use the same inflexible caucus management approach as Ouellet did, he too would be living dangerously. That would not be because he is the first visible minority politician to lead a main federal party but because he has yet to acquire the moral authority that comes from having demonstrated his worth as leader on the electoral battlefield. Chantal Hebert is a columnist based in Ottawa covering politics. Follow her on Twitter: @ChantalHbert Read more about: Many voters call this the most dispiriting election in recent memory, for they must choose between uninspiring leaders and undeserving parties with unpersuasive policies. Against that backdrop, its tempting to write off all the options as equally bad. Or to believe that their vote wont make a difference because the results are somehow preordained. Easy as it is to argue that elections are a waste of time, a vote is a terrible thing to waste at any time. Especially this time. First, in our parliamentary system, and with so many close races, its hard to predict with certainty which party will win the most seats (a plurality). Its even harder to predict if theyll win enough seats to go from a mere plurality to a governing majority. If the seat count is close in a minority legislature, then the popular vote percentages could be a factor in any final decision as to which party gets to form a government in which case every ballot will count. Second, under Ontarios new election financing rules, all parties will receive a per-vote subsidy, annually, if they receive at least 2 per cent of the ballots cast. That changes the stakes for everyone and so every ballot will count. Read more: Everything you need to know before you vote on election day Vote for me: Ontarios party leaders make their final pitches to Star readers Opinion | Bob Hepburn: Surviving the nastiest, strangest election ever Beyond those calculations electoral and financial there are bigger philosophical questions about what democracy means in Canada today. Before writing a political column, I spent 11 years abroad as a foreign correspondent for the Toronto Star covering sham elections in countries where people were ready to die for the right to vote. Have your say Its hard to come home and hear Canadians say democracy doesnt change a thing. Or to hear from groups who have only recently won the vote young adults and new citizens that they lack information. And its hard to fathom why women who struggled for decades to win the vote (enacted only in 1917) would forsake it so fast. Barely half of Ontarians turn out for provincial elections making this province Ground Zero for the worst democratic deficit in Canada. In the 2014 election, the turnout was an abysmal 51 per cent. In 2011, it fell to an all-time low of 48 per cent. By contrast, the provincial turnout peaked at 74 per cent in 1971, when Bill Davis was elected premier. And yet our provincial government has never been more important in peoples lives. Whoever becomes premier will be in charge of police enforcement, the legal system, nuclear reactors, cannabis distribution, health care, child care and education. Queens Park is a $150-billion operation that is the second-biggest government in Canada. Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is framing Thursdays election as a stark choice between her party and Doug Fords Progressive Conservatives. The three main party leaders made their pitches to undecided voters on Wednesday. (The Canadian Press) Recent polling conducted for the Toronto Star and Ryerson University by Campaign Research showed that the biggest single reason given by New Canadians and young Ontarians for not voting was that they think they are ineligible: They havent received voting cards in the mail, because they were never added to the electoral list. But even without those voting cards, any citizen, 18 or older, can show up at a polling station to vote on Thursday, June 7, with proof of residency in their riding, and then cast their ballot on the spot. See the Elections Ontario website for details on identification and location. The second reason for not voting is that people dont know enough about the candidates, parties and policies. In which case, please see my Voters Guide column published earlier this week highlighting five top campaign issues. Of course, many other voters say they know enough not to vote: They wont show up because the politicians dont measure up, and their promises dont add up, and so a hex on all their houses and a pox on all their parties. Some of these disaffected voters still feel a loyalty to democracy, and so will take the trouble to spoil their ballot in protest (by marking it improperly). Others will formally decline their ballot a slightly more focused protest, because it is counted separately as a deliberate abstention (as distinct from a spoiled ballot that might have been marked mistakenly). But this is splitting hairs while dancing on a protest pin. Yes, its preferable to decline rather than spoil a ballot by way of abstention, and both gestures are better than not voting at all but not by much. Contrary to mythology, spoiling (or declining) your vote isnt a vote of confidence in democracy, its a misreading of the significance of democracy. Voting isnt about participating, its about deciding not delegating to others. Voting isnt about process but substance. Its easy enough to criticize, but its not good enough on election day. If none of the options satisfy you, ask yourself which would be the least unsatisfactory. Whether its the best of a bad lot, or the least worse option, or an irresistible choice, you alone must choose. Otherwise, you are abdicating your choice and allowing others to decide for you. There are no do-overs in a democracy (with the possible exception of a minority legislature that leads sooner or later to fresh elections). If you want to throw the bums out, you cant just sit it out you have to vote them out. And if you want to keep another party out of power, you have the power to vote against them. Be careful who you vote for, and what you wish for. Be mindful that if you dont, and feel non-voters remorse over the results, youll have only yourself to blame. VANCOUVER On June 4, owners of multimillion-dollar Vancouver homes gave David Eby, their MLA, an earful again about a property tax increase they will have to pay. Its one of several new taxes the NDP introduced in an effort to rein in British Columbias overheated real estate market. But despite intense opposition to the tax increase on Vancouvers Westside, a new poll suggests that a majority of British Columbians continue to support the new measures, especially policies targeted towards foreign buyers. Mario Canseco, president of Research Co., has seen support for real estate speculation taxes remain high through polls conducted in February, April and now May. He wanted to see if recent protests against the school tax increase had moved the needle. The reality is, it hasnt really happened, Canseco said. In an online survey of 800 British Columbians, Research Co. found 67 per cent of respondents support the 0.2 per cent school tax increase on property valued over $3 million, or 0.4 per cent for the value over $4 million. The NDP also introduced a speculation tax of 2 per cent of a homes assessed value for vacant homes, which owners can avoid paying if they rent the property out. The poll found that 62 per cent of respondents thought that tax was a good idea. Three quarters of British Columbians (76 per cent) say they support the B.C. governments decision to expand the foreign buyers tax to regions outside of Metro Vancouver, while 80 per cent support increasing the tax from 15 to 20 per cent. Read more: Even homeowners with money at stake want to rein in Vancouvers housing frenzy Surtax on $3-million homes doesnt go far enough, argues UBC prof Vancouver couple say they cant stomach tax bump on multimillion dollar house The B.C. Liberals oppose the increased tax on homes over $3 million, but the opposition party has tabled a new anti-speculation proposal of its own, suggesting the province tax capital gains on pre-sale condo flips. That idea also saw wide support among poll respondents, with 65 per cent saying they thought it was a good idea. Tom Davidoff, an economics professor at the University of British Columbia, recently did his own, admittedly unscientific Twitter poll on the issue. Just over 400 people took part in the survey, which asked respondents whether they owned an over-$3 million house, and supported or opposed the new tax. Four hundred and eight people took Davidoffs Twitter poll; 17 per cent owned homes over $3 million, while 83 per cent said they did not own a home worth over $3 million. Of the respondents who said they owned an over-$3 million home, 65 per cent said they supported the tax, while 35 per cent were opposed. Of the respondents who didnt own a home over $3 million, 78 per cent supported the tax, while 21 per cent were opposed. Davidoff, who suggested a form of the 2 per cent speculation tax the NDP ended up adopting, has become a lightning rod for opponents of the school tax: his name has appeared on protest signs and people affected by the tax started a letter-writing campaign to his employer, the University of British Columbia. Some of those letter-writers came to vote at the Non-Partisan Associations June 3 mayoral nomination meeting: Nancy and Paul Little said they had lived in the same house since 1963 and werent yet affected by the tax increase, but feared they would be in the future. While homeowners over age 55 can defer their taxes until the final sale of the house, many have said they would view deferring as going into debt. Were not going to have that tax, said Nancy Little. Were going to make sure that doesnt happen. Paul Sullivan, a principal of appraisal firm Burgess Cawley Sullivan, said he was alarmed at the NDPs many new taxes on real estate. He said he was voting for a mayoral candidate who would provide some opposition to the provincial government. Its too many promises, too much spending, too much taxation, Sullivan said. Its been proven time and again theyre going to kill the economy. Ken Sim, the candidate who won Sundays vote, said he was saddened and kind of disgusted when I hear people cant afford to rent in this city. But its also disgusting when people are being forced out of their homes, having lived in their homes for 20, or 30 or 40 of 50 years because they cant afford the property taxes. Correction - June 6, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version that inaccurately described the results of Tom Davidoffs Twitter poll. The previous version mistakenly said 11 per cent of respondents who own a $3-million home supported the tax, while 65 per cent of people who didnt own a $3-million house supported the tax. Read more about: VANCOUVERAn elderly Vancouver man spent the last hours of his life metres away from people sipping on their coffee and advocates say that is part of the problem that no one seemed to notice or know what to do until it was too late. He was known as Ted and was a regular at the Tim Hortons on 865 West Broadway, a few blocks from Vancouver General Hospital. BC Coroners Service confirmed a man in his 70s died last Thursday. Tim Hortons said in a statement that employees called 911 when they became concerned about his health. Its just beyond imaginable that somebody would spend their dying moments, taking their last breath alone, in a Tim Hortons, while nobody seemed to notice that a person was dying possibly before their eyes, Jeremy Hunka said, a spokesperson for Union Gospel Mission. Homelessness is a really uncomfortable thing but its an uncomfortable reality that we need to deal with. Longtime homeless advocate Judy Graves remembers meeting Ted for the first time four years ago. He had already been diagnosed with cancer at that point, she said. He was one of hundreds of seniors she has met who dont have a place to live, simply because they cant afford rent. He was not addicted. He was not alcoholic. He worked most of his life, she said. He was maintaining his dignity as much as he could by staying at Tim Hortons. Julian Somers, a public health professor at Simon Fraser University, challenged people to think about their own, indirect, role. Calls for better resources for vulnerable people often falls on deaf ears theres a collective shrug, he said and thats why Teds story doesnt surprise him. People who dont have permanent housing and have mental health or drug-use issues end up relying on people whose job description does not include being a front line worker. We are off-loading the burden to other sectors of society the public, shopkeepers, transit officials, fast food operators, he said. We are forcing the issue into any place that has a bit of capacity to exercise some generosity, some warmth, some safety. In B.C., 70 homeless people died either in shelters or on the streets in 2015, which is the most up to date information the BC Coroners Service has released. There are 2,181 people facing homelessness in Vancouver, according to the citys latest homeless count. So, what can the average person do when they see someone slumped over in public? Trust your gut and only approach them if you are comfortable doing so, said Hunka. Usually it is enough to ask others around whether the person has moved in the past little while. Most of the time, the answer is yes and he or she is just sleeping, he said But if there is any doubt, its OK to approach the person slowly and ask if they need help, he said. You can speak softly to them hello, are you OK? Im just checking in and if they dont respond thats when you raise your voice a little bit. People can also check the persons breathing rate, because one of the first symptoms of an opioid overdose is slowed or shallow breathing. The next step is to let the person know in a raised voice that if they dont respond, youre going to call for an ambulance, he said. At that point, most people will wake up and say I dont want you to do that, Hunka said. If they still dont respond, thats when its time to call 911. It might save a life, he said. This is on us. This is on everyone everyone walking down the street. Read more about: VANCOUVERAs cannabis legalization approaches, Canadian consumers say cybersecurity tops the list of must-haves in a legal market, according to a new report from Deloitte. The report, which looks at a wide range of consumer behaviours and preferences related to the cannabis market, shows one-third of cannabis consumers would prefer to purchase pot online. Assurances of online privacy are cited as their No. 1 concern. Mature, robust data management, privacy protection and cybersecurity for their e-commerce business is the most important feature, reads the report, adding highly-publicized privacy breaches in recent years are likely one significant driver for this desire. As well, cannabis consumers are likely to want to ensure their consumption isnt made public because of the potential for (damage to their personal or professional reputation). Marijuana is already the most common substance found in workplace drug testing, according to an article in the Canadian Journal of Addiction. And while a study from the Human Resources Professionals Association found that many employers are concerned about how a projected increase in cannabis use might impact workplace productivity and safety post-legalization, the same study found only 11 per cent of employers had any policy in place to address cannabis use. The Deloitte report suggests this landscape of uncertainty regarding how cannabis use will affect employment is at least partly behind consumers concerns for privacy protection. The report also notes that even in-store pot buyers will be sharing personal information with retailers, such as allowing their ID to be scanned at point-of-sale terminals and their image captured on security cameras. Cybersecurity will therefore be as much of a concern for brick and mortar retailers as for online operations. Jennifer Lee, national cannabis sector leader for Deloitte, told StarMetro customer reaction to data breaches in the traditional retail sector such as Hudsons Bay Co.s announcement in April its records of customer debit and credit card data had been compromised demonstrate how critical this particular issue will be in the early days of legalization. This is an area in which we cannot fail, she said. If we do, public confidence is going to wane. The biggest expected change in consumer behaviour, said Lee, will be from less-frequent users, who tend to be younger and better educated. This demographic is poised to increase the frequency of their pot purchases by 121 per cent after legalization, with a nearly 70 per cent boost in average total spending. But those users, suggested Lee, need to be shown that their personal information will be protected if recreational cannabis retailers are to have any hope of increasing and retaining customers. The cost of data breaches can also be crippling. A recent report from the Kaspersky Lab in Massachusetts found the average cost of a data breach for a small or mid-size business topped $120,000 (U.S.) in 2018 up 36 per cent from the previous year. Legacy retailers, Lee said, were able to adjust to the risks of a digital retail economy only with heavy lifting. A brand-new cannabis market, she said, couldnt afford to take the same hits as legacy retail giants. Its not a sin to be hacked, she added. Its a sin to not be proactive and manage it well. Read more about: GODFREY A new pumper truck moved forward after the village board voted in favor of entering negotiations with the Godfrey Fire Protection District, for a 10-year loan to pay for the new vehicle. The pumper would be paid for by the village of Godfrey. The vote came after a long and sometimes contentious debate that included concerns about the GFPD board, the villages ability to pay for the loan, whether they should wait until the issue of the proposed sale of the villages sewer system is settled before considering the loan, the burden on taxpayers and other issues. The village has been considering whether to help fund the purchase of a new pumper, which would cost approximately $400,000, because of the fire districts aging fleet. The newest pumper is currently in Michigan for unexpected repairs, leaving the department with two 1998 pumpers and a 1987 pumper purchased from another local fire department as a backup. Increased maintenance costs have been a major problem and have eaten into capital improvement funds that could have been used to purchase new equipment. The issue had been discussed extensively by the Village Boards Finance Committee the previous evening. Trustee Mark Stewart, head of that committee, started the debate by motioning to allow the mayor and village attorney to negotiate an intergovernmental agreement between the village and fire district for a loan of up to $500,000 to purchase a new pumper, with the cost being paid over 10 years. In addition, the village is asking the GFPD to turn over some land located near village hall, and continue to provide free services, such as business inspections, for that 10-year period. The debate ranged between board members, firefighters in attendance and Madison County Board Members Mike Walters and Ray Wesley, both Republicans representing the Godfrey area. Both County Board members were arguing that all involved should take a very close look at the problem, including dealing with continuing issues with the fire districts board. They also expressed concerns about the use of monies from a recently-approved referendum and had concerns about increased taxes. Capt. Jake Ringering said the referendum, known as the rescue tax was filling in a hole of previous deficits and was earmarked to help maintain staffing levels and equipment. He noted that maintenance costs have tripled because of the age of the departments pumpers. There were also some questions about staffing levels, but Ringering said it is difficult to compare because Godfrey provides both fire and EMS service, something other departments of comparable size in the Metro East do not. At one point the argument between Walters and Firefighter Chris Dennison became personal, with Dennison saying they were there as a last resort and referring to Walters as infantile, bringing a sharp response from the County Board member. There was also a lot of debate about the sewer system sale. At times the sale appeared to be the more dominant issue. Trustee Jeffrey Weber voted no until September when the deadline to consider the sale is up, saying consideration of the fire districts request should wait until then. Stewart said he did not want to wait, and also did not want to micro-manage the fire district. If we were on the (fire district) board, would we do things differently, probably. At this time we just need to help them get over this hump, he said, adding that the sewers were a completely separate issue. I look at this as a safety issue. They have to have the tools to do the job. After some additional debate, including Village Clerk Pam Whisler chiding the board, saying You want safety or you dont, the board voted 4-2 in favor of starting negotiations. Voting yes were Stewart, Nathan Schrumpf, Karen McAtee and Joseph Springman. Voting no were Eldon Williams and Weber. Reach reporter Scott Cousins at 618-208-6447. EDWARDSVILLE For decades, a central feature of over a hundred Illinois communities was the Carnegie Library, the gift of steel magnate Andrew Carnegie around the turn of the 20th century. Though declining in number, dozens still exist today. Some 105 Carnegie public libraries, including several in the Riverbend area, were constructed in Illinois, trailing only Indiana and California. Several communities in the area were the beneficiaries, and are still using their libraries today, over a century later. Though he is lambasted today for his harsh treatment of workers and his unyielding lust for money and power, Carnegie, a native Scotsman, is remembered for his interest in library buildings. Some 1,412 communities nationwide used Carnegie funds to build libraries between 1889-1923, and 108 academic library buildings were also constructed with Carnegie donations, though they are usually mispronounced today. Commonly called CAR-neg-ee, the actual pronunciation is car-NEGG-ee. In all, Carnegie spent over $56.1 million to erect 2,509 library buildings in English-speaking countries. Applicants normally wrote to Carnegie through his secretary, James Bertram, who sometimes responded in less than cordial terms. Carnegies donations came with caveats. The community was required to provide suitable land, and formally agree to support the library with local taxation. As he did in other charitable endeavors, he was more inclined to help those who helped themselves. There are three Carnegie public libraries still in use in the area, including the Edwardsville Public Library at 112 South Kansas St. That building was designed by Paul O. Moratz, an acclaimed Bloomington architect who created sixteen Carnegie libraries statewide. Carnegie gave $12,500 for the library, which was dedicated on June 26, 1906. The building was heavily damaged in 1957 when a blaze erupted from one of the buildings decorative fireplaces. The Edwardsville Library has received additions over the years, including a new wing in 1964 with stone from the same quarry as the original portion of the structure. Another major addition was completed in 1990. Moratz also designed the Jerseyville Public Library at 105 North Liberty St., which was an immediate success. In 1908, a letter advised Carnegie that the town owned only about 500 books when your gift was made. It now ownsnearly 6,000, and the visitors in one month were 3,352. The library was built with a $12,500 grant from Carnegie. In Carrollton, future U.S. House Speaker Henry Rainey was a driving force in securing the Carnegie grant, which resulted in $10,000. The library, at 509 South Main, opened in January 1903. Carnegie funds were also used to build five academic libraries in Illinois, including at Shurtleff College in Upper Alton, a school that closed in 1957. Completed in 1910 with a $15,000 Carnegie grant, the building now houses the biomedical library of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. Barbara Love was named director of the Kewanee Public Library, a Carnegie facility in northwestern Illinois, in December 2016 after serving in a similar role in another Carnegie library, at Farmington in northeastern Fulton County. She notes the special needs of housing a library in such older surroundings. Carnegie libraries were built in a much different way than libraries of today, said Love, who joined the staff at Kewanee in 2015. They have high ceilings, and arent as energy-efficient as new buildings. As a result, you really have to look for little ways to increase your energy efficiency. Many smaller Carnegie libraries also have floor plans that are best described as chopped-up, a contrast to the open floor design that dominates most newer libraries today. Space is also a severe issue in the Carnegies today, as libraries struggle to keep up with growing collections, increasing technology, and a need for public meeting areas. A lot of Carnegie libraries are landlocked, remarked Love, who has worked in four Carnegie libraries in her career. They dont have room to expand, and they dont have enough parking. Accessibility is also a real issue at a lot of Carnegie buildings, because they werent built with the handicapped in mind. In 1991, some 83 communities in Illinois were still using Carnegie libraries, a number that has since dropped by over 20 with the advent of new buildings. In Loves former hometown of Farmington, the Carnegie library was replaced after 107 years with a beautiful new facility on the east edge of town in 2014. Sadly, some Carnegie libraries meet a less glorious end. The Carnegie facility in Galesburg, which opened in 1902, was wiped out in a fire on May 9, 1958 that ranks among the worst library disasters in state history. A new library was dedicated on the same site in November 1961. Though some are being phased out, there is plenty of sentimental attachment to the old Carnegie libraries. It is a very hard decision to leave a Carnegie library, said Love. Theres nothing easy about it. But in many cases, its less expensive to build a new building than it is to renovate the older one. In Morris, the Carnegie library was demolished in 1969, but not without regret. That librarys director wrote in 1982 that to this day there are many residents angry about its demolition. Similar sentiments still linger in Decatur, where a 2015 account noted that the demolition of the Carnegie library in 1972 is still a sore subject for many. Others fondly recall the memories of the library staff in the Carnegies. In Farmington, Miss Minta Schoonover became the head librarian in 1917 at age 48 and remained in the position for fifty years, retiring at the age of 98. She was then a regular patron until her death at 106. Tom Emery is a freelance writer and historical researcher from Carlinville, Ill. He may be reached at 217-710-8392 or ilcivilwar@yahoo.com. EDWARDSVILLE The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) celebrated the achievement of 52 students with the bestowal of doctor of dental medicine degrees during its commencement ceremony held Saturday, June 2 in SIUEs Morris University Centers Meridian Ballroom. The SIU SDMs 43rd class of graduates received their doctoral hoods, including six students who completed the Schools inaugural International Advanced Placement Program, which began in 2016. During the last four years, you have worked extremely hard and successfully distinguished yourselves through your academic achievements, the high quality and broad scope of dental care you have delivered to your patients, your community outreach and service efforts, and your research accomplishments, SIU SDM Dean Bruce Rotter, DMD, told the graduates. Today, we also celebrate the commencement of our inaugural class of the International Advanced Placement Program, he added. You have navigated new and unique challenges, and we are proud of your remarkable achievements. The SIU SDM Class of 2018 achieved a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the National Board Dental Exams Part II, and a 94 percent first-time pass rate on clinical board exams. More than one-third of the graduates have been accepted into competitive graduate and specialty training programs throughout the country. Thirty students graduated with academic honors. Brittany Pham, DMD, of Chillicothe, was named class valedictorian for earning the highest overall grade point average and was presented the Alpha Omega Award. Our class was defined by a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration, and while we were still a competitive group, I always sensed a spirit of general goodwill and that we were invested in each others success, said Class of 2018 student speaker and Mattoon native Myles Hastings, DMD, a third-generation dentist. For our efforts and dedication, we have earned the opportunity to make a good living in a proud profession, he added. But, thats not to say there isnt work to be done in the field. Barriers to care and health disparities remain, and now the task falls to this new generation of dentists. In the Class of 2018, I have seen the dedication, intelligence and kindness necessary to address these challenges. If going forward, you show the same compassion you have shown your classmates and patients, as we have been trained to at the SIU School of Dental Medicine, your communities will be well-served. The ceremonys featured speaker Leo E. Rouse, DDS, offered the graduates pearls of wisdom. Give back to the institution that has afforded you to be here today to receive this coveted degree, Rouse said. Always feel the ladder beneath your feet and think about the great education you received at SIU. Do not let this experience go to your head, because you have so much more to learn. Learning is lifelong. Become an active member of organized dentistry and continue your professional development, he continued. Become a healthcare advocate for all. Become part of the access to care conversation. Not in silos, but in consensus building that is both ethical and professional. Continue your engagement in the conversation related to the core competencies for interprofessional collaborative practices. We deliberately work together with the common goal of building a safer and better person-centered and community population-oriented U.S. healthcare system. Rouse concluded by listing the five fingers of dentistry, including: Become and remain socially conscious Remain community oriented Stay civically active Be politically informed Always be professionally competent In my view, those five values are alive and well at this great institution and in you, its graduates, he said. Remember that every patient deserves your full attention, deepest respect and excellent care. The celebration concluded with a reception for students, faculty and family members in the Morris University Center Conference Center. ALTON Filming for Small Business Revolutions Main Street TV series will officially come to an end in Alton June 22, and the public is invited to a community celebration at the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater. The Revolution on the River celebration is planned to mark the end of a whirlwind three-month film shoot and downtown revitalization project funded by Deluxe Corporation following Altons selection as the winner of the Small Business Revolution Main Street contest. The Social Worker will be responsible for delivering all planned interventionsto communities targeted in these districts. The incumbent will ensure that youleave behind a strong child protection system in the location where you will beworking. The Social Worker will also work in children friendly spaces; conducthome visits, as well as case management. You will receive additional trainingin delivery of advanced psychosocial interventions, child protection andworking in the areas of preventing violence against children The European Union(EU) is a unique economic and political partnership between 28 Europeancountries that together cover much of the continent. The EU was created in theaftermath of the Second World War. The first steps were to foster economiccooperation: the idea being that countries who trade with one another becomeeconomically interdependent and so more likely to avoid conflict. The resultwas the European Economic Community (EEC), created in 1958, and initiallyincreasing economic cooperation between six countries: Belgium, Germany,France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Since then, a huge single markethas been created and continues to develop towards its full potential. Rajinikanth frenzy has hit the shores of Kerala. The superstar's movie will have a worldwide release on Thursday, and excitement is in the air. Interestingly, a Kerala-based IT company, Telious Technologies, has declared the release day of Kaala a holiday for all its employees. It seems the company agreed to a request by its employeesthey wanted to take the day off to catch Kaala on its release day. A circular sent to the employees reads, Dear Team Members, We are happy to announce the glad news to all of you. As a token of great honour to superstar Rajinikanth and as per everyone's request, our company is granting a holiday on June 7. This is for your convenience to watch 'Kaala' on the release day itself. The company employs 30, and a majority of the team members are hardcore Rajinikanth fans. Pa Ranjith is the director of the film, his second association with Rajinikanth after their 2016 gangster flick Kabali. Dhanush released the teaser on his Twitter page. Kaala will be released in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. Besides Rajinikanth and Patekar, Kaala also features Hindi cinema actor Huma Qureshi, actor-director Samudrakani, Eswari Rao and a host of others. Ranjith's favourite musician, Santosh Narayanan has once again teamed up with the filmmaker to compose the musical score for Kaala. Amid protests in Karnataka against his upcoming film Kaala, actor-politician Rajinikanth appealed to Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to provide security at theatres for the smooth release of the film. The Tamil-language action flick is scheduled to hit the screens on Thursday. Rajinikanth, in a message in Kannada, said, "I understand H.D. Kumaraswamy's situation. This is not good for Karnataka. When the film is released around the world, the Karnataka ban would highlight the (Cauvery) issue". "The Film Chambers is supposed to ensure that there's no problem for distributors. It is not right that the Karnataka Film Chamber demands Kaala ban," the actor said. Rajinikanth's appeal came a day after the Karnataka high court directed the state government to provide necessary security for peaceful screening of the movie opposed by pro-Kannada outfits. Several pro-Kannada outfits have threatened to stall the film over the actor's reported remarks on the Cauvery row involving Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. On Tuesday, after the high court order, Kumaraswamy suggested deferring the release of the film in the state. He, however, said the government would implement the directions of the court which came on a plea by the producers seeking directions for smooth release of the film. Kumaraswamy requested the distributor of Kaala not to release it in "this kind of atmosphere". "As the state government, I have to implement the directions of the high court. That I will take care of. It is my responsibility also. We will have to follow the high court direction," he told reporters in Bengaluru. Noting that he himself was a film distributor and producer, the JD(S) leader said releasing the film would not be useful to the distributor financially. "Why unnecessarily by releasing the movie this kind of controversy they wanted to create. It is not necessary," he said adding they can release it after a solution was reached to the Cauvery water sharing issue. Earlier, directing the state government to provide adequate security for the release of Kaala, the court said: "Freedom of speech and expression, particularly as a medium of expression in films, cannot be curtailed. The creative content is am insegregable aspect of Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution." Justice Narendar, however, observed that he cannot make it mandatory on exhibitors to screen the film. Earlier, the distributors association had said it was against the ban. The court was hearing a petition by Kaala's producer K. Dhanush and his wife Aishwarya, son-in-law and daughter of Rajinikanth, who sought directions to the Karnataka government and the KFCC for smooth release of the film. Many pro-Kannada organisations had threatened to vandalise theatres if they screened Kaala. With inputs from agencies Rajinikanth-starrer Kaala has been facing hurdles in the run-up to its release across the country on Thursday. Miffed with his comments on the Cauvery water sharing row, pro-Kananda groups in Karnataka called for a ban on its release in the state. Despite threats, leading producer and distributor Kanakapura Srinivas confirmed he will be releasing the film in the state. #Kaala gets a new distributor in #Karnataka at the last minute as #GoldieFilms back out. The new distributor is the veteran #KanakapuraSrinivas producer and distributor. Release June 7, trade analyst Sreedhar Pillai tweeted. According to reports, Srinivas will be screening the film in over 130 screens in the state. Earlier, Kaala was supposed to be released by Goldie Films in Karnataka, but they backed out fearing protests. The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday ordered the state government to provide security to theatres screening the film, and allow a smooth release. Actress Priyanka Chopra was criticised on social media after an episode of Quantico, an American television series which she stars, portrayed 'Indian nationalists' bombing Manhattan and pinning the blame on Pakistan. The episode features an MIT professor, who comes into possession of Uranium, and plans to destabilise the upcoming India-Pakistan summit. "This is how Priyanka Chopra repays us for making her top Bollywood star- by not protesting against Hindus being shown as terrorists in serial Quantico starring her in lead role. Shame on you #PriyankaChopra #BoycottSamsung until they remove her from brand ambassador post," wrote on Twitter user. This is how Priyanka Chopra repays us for making her top Bollywood star- by not protesting against Hindus being shown as terrorists in serial Quantico starring her in lead role. Shame on you #PriyankaChopra #BoycottSamsung until they remove her from brand ambassador post Rosy (@rose_k01) June 6, 2018 "Hey @priyankachopra , the love, adulation and fame that you got from us Indians is a significant reason that today you are on world stage. And you, the Desi Girl ,played along calmly portraying Indians as terrorists in your show Quantico #Respect ," wrote another. Hey @priyankachopra , the love, adulation and fame that you got from us Indians is a significant reason that today you are on world stage. And you, the Desi Girl ,played along calmly portraying Indians as terrorists in your show Quantico #Respect The-Lying-Lama (@KyaUkhaadLega) June 5, 2018 ABC network had earlier decided to drop Quantico. Quantico features Priyanka as FBI recruit framed for a bombing attack. Quantico's current season, which premiered last month, will continue to air through mid-July, reported Variety. Three episodes into its third season, Quantico was averaging a 0.5 rating in the 18-49 demo and 2.3 million total viewers, according to Nielsen live-plus-same day numbers. The Pune Police arrested five people on Wednesday in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence near Pune in January. The suspects were arrested in coordinated operations in Mumbai, Nagpur and Delhi. The suspect in Delhi, Rana Jacob, was arrested from his apartment in the Munirka area with the support of Delhi Police. The five suspects, who include a lawyer and a dalit rights activist, have been accused of distributing pamphlets and delivering hate speeches in the run-up to the Bhima-Koregaon violence. They have also been accused of being linked to the Communist Party of India-Maoist. On January 1, violence had erupted at an event meant to mark the 200th anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which British forces, comprising mainly of dalit soldiers, defeated a Peshwa army on January 1, 1818. The violence led to the death of one person and injuries to several others, including 10 policemen. The Enforcment Directorate has summoned former finance minister P. Chidambaram on June 12 for second round of questioning in the Aircel-Maxis money laundering case. The senior Congress leader was questioned for the first time on Tuesday by the ED, a department that reported to him during his tenure in the Finance Ministry. Official sources said that Chidambaram was summoned for June 12 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). It is understood that the agency wants to put across a fresh set of questions to him regarding the deal, even as they recorded his statement for six hours on various aspects on Tuesday. The agency had earlier recorded statements of FIPB officials when this deal took place and it is expected that Chidambaram may be confronted with these too next week. Some specific queries on the circumstances and procedures adopted by the now-defunct Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) while giving approval to the Aircel-Maxis deal during his tenure were put to him yesterday, they said. Chidambaram's son Karti has already been questioned by the ED in this case, twice. Chidambaram, who is being questioned by the CBI today in the INX media deal case, had tweeted after leaving the ED office that all the answers he gave to the probe agency were already recorded in government documents. He also said that there is no FIR, yet a probe had been initiated. "More than half the time taken up by typing the answers without errors, reading the statement and signing it!, he said in his tweet. Chidambaram, also a former home minister, had last week approached the court of Special Judge O P Saini seeking relief from arrest by the ED in the case. The same court today directed the ED not to take any coercive action or arrest him till July 10 in connection with the case. The ED had first asked him to appear before it on May 30 and on the same day, Chidambaram knocked the court's door. The court, in its order on May 30, had noted that Chidambaram has undertaken to comply with the summons issued by the ED, while saying he apprehended his arrest by the agency. The Aircel-Maxis cases pertains to grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance to firm M/S Global Communication Holding Services Ltd in 2006 for investment in Aircel. The Supreme Court had on March 12 directed investigating agencies -- the CBI and the ED -- to complete their probe into the 2G spectrum allocation cases, including the Aircel Maxis alleged money laundering case, in six months. The agency had said that the FIPB approval in the Aircel-Maxis FDI case was granted in March 2006 by Chidambaram even though he was competent to accord approval on project proposals only up to Rs 600 crore and beyond that it required the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). The ED is investigating "the circumstances of the FIPB approval granted (in 2006) by the then finance minister". "In the instant case, the approval for FDI of USD 800 million (over Rs 3,500 crore) was sought. Hence, the CCEA was competent to grant the approval. "However, the approval was not obtained from the CCEA," the ED had alleged. The agency said its probe revealed that the case of the said FDI was "wrongly projected as an investment of Rs 180 crore so that it need not be sent to the CCEA to avoid a detailed scrutiny". The ED is probing the Aircel-Maxis deal under the PMLA after taking cognisance of a 2011 CBI FIR in the case. The senior Chidambaram had earlier described the ED action in this case as a "crazy mixture of falsehoods and conjectures" and said that the charge sheet filed by probe agencies was rejected by the court. However, the agencies maintained that the FIR in the case had not been quashed. In September last year, the ED had attached assets worth Rs 1.16 crore of Karti and a firm allegedly linked to him in connection with this case. The adage that failures can teach many lessons seems quite... CPI (ML) Red Star has decided to induct fresh cadres into Bhangars liberated zone in West Bengal. The party has also decided to send seven Bengal leaders as replacement for Alik Chakraborty, who was caught last week by West Bengal police from Bhubaneswar. The three-day central committee meeting, held in Delhi, focused on the situation in Bhangar where the Naxalite party is instigating farmers to oppose the proposed power grid station. K.N. Ramachandran, the partys general secretary, said that Alik Chakraborty is a politburo member of the CPI(ML). And the central committee decided to put pressure on West Bengal government to release our politburo member who was leading thousands of protesters in Bhangar, Ramachandran said. Alik Chakraborty, a patient of serious intestine disease as described by Ramachandran, is presently admitted in a high profile private hospital in Kolkata. He was caught by West Bengal police from a private hospital, which is known to be the most expensive hospital in Bhubaneswar. Ramachandran said that the party itself had decided to send him to Bhubaneswar as Alik Chakraborty could not get treatment in Kolkata as he is in the list of the most wanted in West Bengal. So we decided to send him to the neighbouring state where our comrades in Odisha helped us to get appointment with senior doctors for him, he added. Ramachandran admitted that there were lapses on the part of his party cadres but refuted charges of any sabotage. Of course, there were lapses from our party cadres. They could not protect Alik from the government tracking his movement. We should have been careful. But I would not believe that it was a sabotage from anyone within our party, said Ramachandran. File | Alik Chakraborty was arrested from Bhubaneswar last week While the CPI(ML) has stressed that not outsiders but their comrades from Bengal would fill the vacuum created by the arrest of Alik Chakraborty, it remains to be seen who these leaders are as most of the senior leaders associated with the movement are either in jail or out on bail on the condition that they would not try to get inside the liberated zone. The party has decided not to reveal the name of the leaders who would fill in for Alik Chakraborty in Bhangar. The district hospital in South 24 Parganas, where Alik Chakraborty was admitted after his arrest, decided to withdraw from treating him saying, his disease is complex and needed expert opinion and special treatment. Ramachandran termed Alik Chakraborty's condition as extremely serious. If something happens to him, West Bengal government would be held responsible, he added. The Mamata Banerjee government is thus cautious so that Alik Chakraborty does not get bail in lieu of health reasons. Ramachandran, however, said that his party would move the Calcutta High Court to seek bail for Alik Chakraborty on 67 false cases. He is being given high class treatment at the private hospital in Kolkata. We would interrogate him once his condition improves, said Superintendent of the South 24 Parganas Police, Arijit Sinha. The villagers have decided to launch protests once Ramzan month is over. We are ready with sticks and homemade arms. We understand that the government would try to recover the area from us. But once Ramzan is over, our movement will spread all over. It will be the movement which would bring down this government, said Mosharaf Hossain, joint secretary of the save farmland, save environment committee. Ramachandran agrees. One of the resolutions we have taken in our central committee meeting was that we would spread the movement in Bhangar to rest of Bengal. It would be difficult for the state government to resist us. Shortly before he began his much-awaited speech at the Kisan Samriddhi Sankalp Rally in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, on Wednesday, Congress president Rahul Gandhi met relatives of six people who were killed in police firing last year. Wednesday marks the first anniversary of the police firing against protesting farmers in Mandsaur. The Twitter handles of the Congress and Gandhi put up photographs of the party chief spending time with the families. Congress President @RahulGandhi pays his respects to the 6 farmers martyred in the police firing in #Mandsaur last year. #JusticeForFarmers pic.twitter.com/fB9zaAlYeh Congress (@INCIndia) June 6, 2018 The rally is expected to be used by Gandhi to reach out to farmers even as the nationwide 'strike' by cultivators entered the sixth day on Wednesday. Madhya Pradesh has been considered as the 'hub' of the ongoing 'Gaon bandh', which has led to rise in prices of vegetables and other edible commodities in several parts of India. Gandhi's visit to Mandsaur is significant as he was prevented by the state government from visiting the area following the firing. In the coming Assembly elections, the BJP under Shivraj Singh Chouhan will be fighting heavy anti-incumbency as it has been in power since 2003. The BJP government has been accused of tardy progress in investigating the Mandsaur firing. Buoyed by recent opposition victories in key Lok Sabha bypolls in Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday dared the BJP government at the Centre to hold simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in the state in 2019. "We have no problem if the voters' list is linked with Aadhaar numbers. We have no problems with 'one nation one election'. I ask them (BJP) to implement 'one nation one election' from 2019 itself and hold UP Assembly polls with the 2019 Lok Sabha elections," he told a press conference at the SP headquarters in Lucknow. The 44-year-old SP chief virtually threw down the gauntlet at the BJP after the saffron party's defeat in the prestigious Lok Sabha byelections to Gorakhpur and Phulpur and its recent drubbing in Kairana. While Gorakhpur is the home turf of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Phulpur was held by his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya. Even Kairana was held by a BJP MP, whose death necessitated the bypoll in which his daughter lost to the RLD, whose candidate was supported by all opposition parties. An Uttar Pradesh panel had recommended simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, echoing a suggestion by the Law Commission of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's own view on the issue. Akhilesh, however, rued, "No suggestion was taken from us on this issue." A report in this regard was submitted on Tuesday by UP Health Minister Sidharth Nath Singh, who headed the seven-member committee constituted by Adityanath. "UP is the first state to push PM's idea of national debate on holding all elections up to the panchayat together. We have examined it and it is possible," Singh had said after handing over the report titled, One nation, one election & common electoral rolls. Adityanath had later said, "We are forwarding the report to the Centre, and it will be good in the larger public interest. To keep the electoral rolls clean, Aadhaar numbers should be linked with names of voters to eliminate chances of duplication, as suggested by the committee." The Uttar Pradesh Police sounded a high alert across the state on Wednesday after a letter was received in the name of banned terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) threatening bomb blasts at Krishna Janmabhoomi, Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, Hapur and Saharanpur railway stations, police said. The letter, the authenticity of which is being ascertained, threatens to blow up these prominent places on June 6, 8 and 10. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has sounded an alert following the letter and the state police has stepped up its vigil. Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) Anand Kumar said that security has been beefed-up at important religious, tourist and public places. The letter has been signed by Maulana Ambu Sheikh, "area commander" of LeT in Jammu and Kashmir. There is massive security checking underway in the state capital. forces based in the Tanf area at the Syrian-Iraqi border. The town of Qusair was the scene of a major battle in the Syrian civil war in 2013, when Hezbollah fighters played a major part in turning the tide of the conflict in Assads favour by defeating rebels. Some details of the Qusair incident were reported by the Lebanese TV station al-Mayadeen, which is close to Damascus and its regional allies such as Hezbollah. It said the number of Russian forces was small. A military air base in the same area came under missile attack on May 24. The Israeli military declined to comment on that attack. Syrian rebel-held areas of southwestern Syria at the frontier with Israel have come into focus since Damascus and its allies crushed the last remaining besieged rebel pockets near the capital. Assad has vowed to recover all Syrian territory. The United States wants to preserve a de-escalation zone that has contained the conflict in southwestern Syria. The zone, agreed last year with Russia and Jordan, has helped to contain fighting in areas near the Israeli frontier. -Reuters The then US President Barack Obama used his African-American card to win over Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the last phase of negotiations at the Paris summit in late 2015, where India was the last holdout as its officials were the toughest negotiators, says a book on his presidency. "When we got to Paris, the main holdout was India," Obama's then top foreign policy and national security aide for eight years Ben Rhodes writes in his book The World at It Is: A Memoir of the Obama White House. The book will hit stands on Wednesday. Rhodes was Obama's Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications. Giving a blow-by-blow account of the last phase of US-India talks on climate change, Rhodes writes that at one point of time in Paris Obama himself entered into a personal conversation with two Indian officials to convince them of the need for India to be part of the deal. But he failed to cut ice with the two Indian negotiators, says the book. Then he spend nearly an hour with Modi in Paris. Nothing appeared to work till the time Obama played the African-American card, according to the book. For nearly an hour, Modi kept underscoring the fact that he had three hundred million people with no electricity, and coal was the cheapest way to grow the Indian economy; he cared about the environment, but he had to worry about a lot of people mired in poverty. Obama went through arguments about a solar initiative we were building, the market shifts that would lower the price of clean energy," writes Rhodes in his book. "But he still hadn't addressed a lingering sense of unfairness, the fact that nations like the United States had developed with coal, and were now demanding that India avoid doing the same thing. 'Look', Obama finally said, 'I get that it's unfair. I'm African-American'. Modi smiled knowingly and looked down at his hands. He looked genuinely pained," he writes. "I know what it's like to be in a system that's unfair," he went on. "I know what it's like to start behind and to be asked to do more, to act like the injustice didn't happen. But I can't let that shape my choices, and neither should you. I'd never heard him talk to another leader in quite that way. Modi seemed to appreciate it. He looked up and nodded," writes the former top White House official, while describing how Obama used his African-American card to convince Modi. But before it, Rhodes writes, Obama tried and could not succeed in convincing the Indian negotiators. "We were scheduled to meet with India's prime minister, Narendra Modi. Obama and a group of us waited outside the meeting room, when the Indian delegation showed up in advance of Modi. By all accounts, the Indian negotiators had been the most difficult," he writes. "Obama asked to talk to them, and for the next twenty minutes, he stood in a hallway having an animated argument with two Indian men. I stood off to the side, glancing at my BlackBerry, while he went on about solar power," says Rhodes. This was something unprecedented and not part of the protocol. he adds. "One guy from our climate team came over to me. 'I can't believe he's doing this,' he whispered. 'These guys are impossible'. 'Are you kidding?' I said. 'It's an argument about science. He loves this'. Modi came around the corner with a look of concern on his face, wondering what his negotiators were arguing with Obama about," writes Rhodes. "We moved into the meeting room, and a dynamic became clear. Modi's team, which represented the institutional perspective of the Indian government, did not want to do what is necessary to reach an agreement," he says. "Modi, who had ambitions to be a transformative leader of India, and a person of global stature, was torn. This is one reason why we had done the deal with China; if India was alone, it was going to be hard for Modi to stay out," Rhodes writes in the book. PTI More than a thousand people, including schoolchildren protested against bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday after a 20-year-old woman was murdered in a police station by her abductor. Medical student Burulai Turdaaly Kyzy, 20, was stabbed to death in the north of the Central Asian country as she prepared to give evidence against her kidnapper. The 30-year-old killer then turned the knife on himself and ended up in hospital. The murder in May drew condemnation from the United Nations, rights groups and Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov. The UN says 13.8 per cent of women in the ex-Soviet republic younger than 24 are forced into marriage with their abductors. Demonstrators in the capital Bishkek's main square held white balloons and posters bearing slogans such as, "We are against bride-stealing" and "Allow girls a chance to be happy". The authorities, who organised the event, put the turnout at 1,000-1,500 people. One student, who gave only her first name, Asel, called the murder "alarming". "We are all shocked that this happened inside a police station. I am 19 years old and I am also afraid of being stolen," she said. Education Minister Gulmira Kudaiberdiyeva said it was time "to radically change attitudes" towards the "shameful phenomenon" of bride kidnapping. "We need to stop giving away our girls against their will," she said at the demonstration. "There are already good laws, but we need to work with the parents of young people to change their consciousness." Reports of bride kidnapping have risen recently in part due to new legislation but many parents still refuse to report the crime when their daughters are stolen. Although bride kidnapping existed in Kyrgyzstan's nomadic past, many argue a surge in the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 was more closely linked to the economic depression than any cultural revival. Turdaaly Kyzy's tragic case has trained public attention on law enforcement after police apprehended the pair but allowed her to be kept with her kidnapper unattended inside the police station. Human Rights Watch condemned police for showing a "horrifying disregard for the danger that (the victim) faced" when they failed to separate her from her killer. The chief of police in the northern Chui region where the murder took place was sacked while over a dozen police are facing negligence charges in connection with the killing. The summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will be on Singapores southern island of Sentosa, the White House said on Tuesday as preparations accelerated for next weeks event. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said in a Twitter post that the venue would be the Capella Hotel on Sentosa and thanked Singaporeans for their hospitality. The summit is scheduled to start on the morning of June 12. Trump told reporters at an Oval Office event that plans for what will be the first meeting between a serving US president and a North Korean leader, were moving along very well. A lot of relationships being built, a lot of negotiations going on before the trip, he said. Well see what happens. But its very important itll be a very important couple of days. Trump, who is seeking to persuade Kim to shut down a nuclear missile programme that now threatens the United States, said on Friday the summit he had cancelled the previous week was back on after he received the North Korean delegation bearing a letter from Kim. Trump said last week he expected an eventual very positive result with North Korea but dampened expectations for a breakthrough in Singapore, saying it could take several meetings to reach an agreement. Trump said one thing that could come out of the summit is an agreement formally ending the 1950-53 Korean War, which was concluded only with a truce, not a peace treaty. Former US officials and analysts say that if the meeting produces a peace declaration, this could give Trump a big headline-grabbing, made-for-TV moment on the world stage. But they say the public relations value of such a historic event could quickly fade if Trump fails, in return, to wring any significant concessions from Kim towards the dismantling of North Koreas nuclear arsenal. North Korea defends its nuclear and missile programs as a deterrent against what it sees as US aggression. The United States stations 28,500 troops in South Korea, a legacy of the Korean War. On Monday, Singapore declared a central region that is home to its foreign ministry, the US embassy and several hotels, as a special zone from June 10 to 14. In its online gazette, the government amended the area to include Sentosa and an area of the sea stretching more than 1 km (0.6 mile) off its southwestern shore. The Singapore government has said police would make stricter checks of people and personal belongings and items such as public address systems and remotely piloted aircraft system would be prohibited in the area. -Reuters NEW YORK, June 1, 2018 Thomson Reuters today announced a new integration of its tax solution with SAP solutions to help businesses comply with global tax regulations. The company has signed an agreement with SAP (NYSE: SAP) by which Thomson Reuters will integrate and offer SAP Cloud Platform, SAP Analytics Cloud, and the in-memory computing capabilities of the SAP HANA business data platform with its Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE tax technology solution. The bundled solutions are expected to provide customers the best of both worlds: Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE solution enhances compliance using global tax intelligence backed by the robust functionality of SAP solutions. Todays global businesses need to respond in real time to the constant regulatory changes happening around the world in order to stay compliant everywhere they do business, and throughout the journey of a transaction, said Joe Harpaz, managing director, Corporate segment for the Tax & Accounting business of Thomson Reuters. Todays announcement demonstrates that Thomson Reuters is committed to providing customers with a robust set of integrated tools and a seamless experience to enable them to not only stay compliant with their global tax obligations today, but to help them plan for whats ahead. The longstanding relationship between Thomson Reuters and SAP is demonstrated by Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE Global Tax, which has been certified by SAP as integrated with cloud solutions from SAP; the existing ONESOURCE Global Next Tax integration for sales and use tax calculation; and an SAP Pinnacle Award. Thomson Reuters joint demo with SAP at SAPPHIRE NOW will showcase what the future holds in store for the companies mutual customers. Thomson Reuters is a sponsor and exhibitor at SAPPHIRE NOW in 2018. Conference attendees can get a preview of how Thomson Reuters and SAP integrated solutions will help revolutionize analytics, reporting and predictive capabilities. Attendees can find out more during the conference session led by Chris Carlstead, managing director, Indirect Tax, for the Tax & Accounting business of Thomson Reuters, and by visiting the Thomson Reuters team at booth no. 945: Session: Enhance Compliance with Global Tax Intelligence from Thomson Reuters Date: Wednesday, June 6, 4:30 p.m. 4:50 p.m. Location: Technologies LE523 Description: Discover how Thomson Reuters and SAP are reimagining the way corporations can stay compliant with their global tax obligations today, as well as to plan for whats ahead to meet their global tax obligations in the future. Get an advance look of this future with a demo driven by ONESOURE backed by the SAP Analytics Cloud solution and SAP Leonardo Machine Learning capabilities. To learn more about the partnership between Thomson Reuters and SAP, visit https://tax.thomsonreuters.com/products/brands/onesource/indirect-tax/sap-integration/. Thomson Reuters Thomson Reuters is the worlds leading source of news and information for professional markets. Our customers rely on us to deliver the intelligence, technology and expertise they need to find trusted answers. The business has operated in more than 100 countries for more than 100 years. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. For more information, visit www.thomsonreuters.com . SAP, SAP HANA, SAPPHIRE NOW and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE (or an SAP affiliate company) in Germany and other countries. See http://www.sap.com/corporate-en/legal/copyright/index.epx for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. CONTACT Laura Rojo-Eddy Public Relations Manager, Thomson Reuters +1 972 250 8556 Laura.rojo-eddy@tr.com TORONTO, June 4, 2018 Thomson Reuters (NYSE/TSX: TRI) today announced the appointment of co-Chief Operating Officers, effective July 1. Our Legal and Tax & Accounting businesses are the bedrock for growth, and todays changes will help move decision making closer to the customer and allow us to serve them better with the full suite of our offerings, said Jim Smith, president and CEO of Thomson Reuters. At the same time, we are working to become a faster and more agile organization, and develop the next generation of leadership and talent. Brian Peccarelli (President, Tax & Accounting) has been named co-Chief Operating Officer with responsibility for Customer Markets. He will be responsible for all customer-facing operations including driving sales. Brian will work to organize the businesses and allocate resources around three customer segments: Legal Professionals Led directly by Brian Peccarelli Led directly by Brian Peccarelli Corporates Led by Piotr Marczewski Led by Piotr Marczewski Tax Professionals Led by Charlotte Rushton Brian has managed the companys fastest growing business for more than seven years and brings a proven track record of successfully leading organizations that deliver sustained, profitable growth. Both Charlotte and Piotr are seasoned leaders who have held several senior positions across multiple business units and regions over a combined three decades with the company. Neil Masterson (Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer) has been named co-Chief Operating Officer with responsibility for Operations & Enablement. Neil will manage commercial and technology operations including: helping to build sales capabilities, expanding the digital customer experience and delivering simplified, scalable approaches to product and content development. Neil has successfully managed the companys Transformation efforts since 2013 and brings a proven track record of driving efficiencies, increasing productivity and reducing costs. As previously disclosed, the company plans to de-layer the business and reduce its cost base to reflect a smaller organization when it closes the sale of a 55% interest in its Financial & Risk business to private equity funds managed by Blackstone (expected in the second half of 2018). With these organizational changes, Susan Taylor Martin, President of the Legal business, has decided to leave the organization at the end of June. Susan first joined the company in 1993 and has held a number of senior management roles, including Managing Director of Thomson Reuters Legal in the UK and Ireland, President of Reuters Media and Global Head of Corporate Strategy. She plans to return to the UK to pursue other opportunities. I am deeply grateful for Susans contributions over her 25 year career with the business. Susan has been instrumental in growing our Legal business, developing new solutions that help our customers work smarter and faster. She has been a driving force behind efforts to improve the diversity of our workforce and the inclusivity of our culture. She leaves with an outstanding record in leadership and my very best wishes as she returns with her family to the UK, said Mr. Smith. Gonzalo Lissarrague, President of the Global Growth Organization, who first joined the company in 1991, will also be leaving the organization as a result of these changes. Gonzalo has been a tremendous advocate for our global growth aspirations over the years, and has shown huge energy and commitment to the business. His enthusiasm and understanding for markets across the globe have helped us focus over the years and understand the importance of our enterprise approach in new markets. We wish him well in his future business endeavors, said Mr. Smith. Finally, the company will re-size its corporate center to fit the new organization. As a result, Chief Communications Officer Gus Carlson and Chief Strategy Officer Brian Scanlon have also elected to leave the company. I am thankful for Gus steady and measured counsel over the years as he tactfully managed the public profile of the company through periods of intense change. He leaves behind a strong global brand, a best-in-class communications function and record-high employee engagement across the organization. Brians contributions will be sorely missed. As the chief architect of our growth strategy, Brian identified and helped put the business on an ambitious but attainable path to accelerated growth following our turnaround, concluded Mr. Smith. Reuters News will continue to be led by President and Editor-in-Chief Steve Adler. The company today also reaffirmed its 2018 financial outlook communicated in May. Thomson Reuters Thomson Reuters is the worlds leading source of news and information for professional markets. Our customers rely on us to deliver the intelligence, technology and expertise they need to find trusted answers. The business has operated in more than 100 countries for more than 100 years. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges (symbol: TRI). For more information, visit www.thomsonreuters.com. SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking, including the companys expectations regarding the impact of the business unit realignment and the timing for closing of the proposed Financial & Risk transaction. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and reflect our companys current expectations. As a result, forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. There is no assurance that a transaction involving all or part of the Financial & Risk business will be completed or that other events described in any forward-looking statement will materialize. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements which reflect expectations only as of the date of this news release. Except as may be required by applicable law, Thomson Reuters disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. CONTACT MEDIA David Crundwell Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs +1 416 649 9904 david.crundwell@tr.com INVESTORS Frank J. Golden Senior Vice President, Investor Relations +1 646 223 5288 frank.golden@tr.com Yext, Inc. is an emerging growth company engages in software development. It offers a cloud-based digital knowledge platform, which allows businesses manage their digital knowledge in the cloud such as financial information, resources and performance of these resources on a consolidated basis and sync it to other application such as Apple Maps, Bing, Cortana, Facebook, Google, Google Maps, Instagram, Siri and Yelp. It offers the Yext Knowledge Engine package on subscription basis, which has an access to Listings, Pages, Reviews and other features. The Listing feature provides customers with control over their digital presence, including their location and other related attributes published on the used third-party applications. The Pages feature allows customers to establish landing pages on their own websites and to manage digital content on those sites, including calls to action. The Reviews presence enables customers to encourage and facilitate reviews from end consumers. The company was founded by Howard Lerman, Brent Metz, and Brian Distelburger in 2006 and is headquartered in New York, NY. Read More McDermott International, Inc. provides engineering, procurement, construction and installation, and technology solutions to the energy industry worldwide. It operates through five segments: North, Central and South America; Europe, Africa, Russia and Caspian; the Middle East and North Africa; Asia Pacific; and Technology. It designs, engineers, and constructs upstream offshore oil and gas facilities, downstream oil and gas facilities, gas-fired power plants, liquefied natural gas import and export terminals, atmospheric and refrigerated storage vessels and terminals, water storage and treatment facilities, pipe and module fabrication, hydrocarbon processing facilities, pipe fabrication and manufacturing, and refining and petrochemical facilities. The company also provides gas processing, refining, petrochemical and coal gasification technologies, as well as a supplies catalysts, equipment, and related engineering services. It serves national, integrated, and other oil and gas companies, as well as producers of petrochemicals and electric power. McDermott International, Inc. was founded in 1923 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Read More Albany Exactly what are in those scrubbing bubbles used to clean the bathroom? Manufacturers will have to start revealing the chemicals in cleansers to the state under new rules announced Wednesday. The rules also will require that companies disclose internal research conducted on whether ingredients have any potential impacts on human health and the environment. The rules will "help the state better understand what chemical hazards the public is exposed to," said Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos, "especially from products made in countries with less protective environmental laws than the United States, and reduce exposure to chemicals of concern." New York's rules are stricter than a similar initiative recently launched by California, said Seggos. Under the Household Cleansing Product Information Disclosure program, this information must be posted on Internet web sites, initially in July 2019, with further details added by July 2020 and January 2023. There are exceptions for information considered a trade secret. The rules apply to soaps, detergents and other cleansers used for households, dishes, utensils and fabrics. Not covered are personal care products, like toothpaste, shampoo and hand soap. Environmental advocates hailed the new rules as an important consumer protection, while an industry group called the measure burdensome and unnecessary. The rules are "years in the making and incredibly timely," said Kathleen Curtis, executive director of Clean and Healthy New York, a not-for-profit environmental group that supported the measure. "It will help workers and families identify which products are healthiest. Coupled with a recent law in California, it creates a strong national model and will benefit not only New Yorkers, but all Americans," she said. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The rule requires that manufacturers disclose whether chemicals pose any potential health risk based on lists maintained by agencies in the United States, California, Washington state, Canada and the European Union. "This action by DEC is unnecessary and burdensome to manufacturers," according to a statement from the American Cleaning Institute, an trade group representing the $30 billion industry. "The fact is that millions of people safely and effectively use cleaning products every day in homes, offices, healthcare facilities and many other commercial settings." The institute said ingredient information can already be found online at various manufacturer's web pages. A voluntary industry-based ingredient disclosure initiative has been in place since 2010. According to DEC, which began the effort after it was announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in early 2017, held more than 50 meetings and calls on the issue with a variety of manufacturers, environmental, health, and labor organizations, and industry organizations, including the American Cleaning Institute. The following capsule reviews of recent releases, long runs and revivals come from various wire services, as noted: RATINGS: G - Suitable for all ages. PG - Parental guidance recommended. PG-13 - Parental guidance strongly suggested. R - Restricted; anyone under 18 must be accompanied by adult. NC-17 - No children under 17. Excellent Good Fair Poor Action Point Comedy. A daredevil (Johnny Knoxville) designs and operates his own theme park with his friends. (Rated R for crude sexual content, language, drug use, teen drinking, and brief graphic nudity) Adrift Drama. Based on a true story of survival, a young couple's (Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin) chance encounter leads them to love and then on the adventure of a lifetime as they face one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in history. The movie lacks suspense and the main characters are people that we might wish well in the abstract but really don't want to be around. (PG-13 for injury images, peril, language, brief drug use, partial nudity and thematic elements) (Mick LaSalle, Hearst Newspapers) Avengers: Infinity War Action. The Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe. With "Avengers: Infinity War," the Marvel Comics franchise arrives at the stage of decadence. There's just too much of it. A victim of its own success, there are just too many appealing characters here to stuff into one story. (PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout, language and some crude references) (Mick LaSalle, Hearst Newspapers) Beast Thriller. A troubled woman living in an isolated community finds herself pulled between the control of her oppressive family and the allure of a secretive outsider suspected of a series of brutal murders. Even if it has B-movie trappings and the tension wanes in the second half, it's a stylish psychodrama. The scenes between the leads are electric, thanks to the beautifully calibrated performance of Jessie Buckley, who plays Moll with subtle shadings of innocence, defiance, desperation and menace. Pascal's role is not as deeply thought out on the page, but Johnny Flynn's rakish, almost sinister charm keeps us interested and guessing. Director Michael Pearce makes the island landscapes haunting, and his well-crafted film gets the atmospherics right. The spell, though, gets broken a bit in the second half, when Pascal disappears for too long of a stretch. (R) (David Lewis, Hearst Newspapers) Book Club Comedy. Four lifelong friends (Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen) have their lives forever changed after reading "Fifty Shades of Grey" in their monthly book club. Also stars Don Johnson, Andy Garcia, Richard Dreyfus, Craig T. Nelson and Alicia Silverstone. There is a built-in pleasure in seeing Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen, Jane Fonda and Mary Steenburgen in the same movie. We're used to them. We like them but not so much that we can't notice that "Book Club" is not funny and weirdly off key. (PG-13 for sex-related material throughout, and for language) (M.L.) Breaking In Thriller. A woman (Gabrielle Union) fights to protect her family during a home invasion. "Breaking In" is an 88-minute mini nervous breakdown that audiences will start mocking before they make it to their car. Yet they may find themselves walking to that car a bit faster than usual, and looking around to see if anyone else is there. (PG-13 for violence, menace, bloody images, sexual references, and brief strong language) 1/2 (M.L.) Deadpool 2 Action. Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) Action. Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) forms a team of mutants called the X-Force to protect young mutant Russell from the time-traveling soldier Cable (Josh Brolin). "Deadpool 2" gets most of its ugliness out of the way in the first five minutes. The movie feels as though it were being made up on the spot, except that it moves quickly, like something that has been planned well and trimmed to the essentials. Despite the fast pace, there are stretches that drag in terms of interest. But "Deadpool 2" gets better as it goes along. (R) (M.L.) Disobedience Drama. A woman (Rachel Weisz) returns to the community that shunned her for her attraction to a childhood friend (Rachel McAdams), but once back, their passions reignite. From Sebastian Lelio, the director this year's Oscar winner for best foreign language film, "A Fantastic Woman." Weisz is the locus of the film and becomes all the more fascinating as we come to see Ronit through the eyes of McAdams' performance. It's rare in film to see such a symbiosis between actresses rare, because there are so few opportunities. The women are remarkable, unforgettable. (R for some strong sexuality) (M.L.) Let the Sunshine In Drama. Isabelle (Juliette Binoche) is a divorced Parisian painter searching for another shot at love, but refusing to settle for the parade of all-too-flawed men who drift in and out of her life in this romantic dramedy from Claire Denis. (NR) Life of the Party Comedy. After her husband abruptly asks for a divorce, a middle-aged mother (Melissa McCarthy) returns to college the same one her daughter attends in order to complete her degree. McCarthy and her husband Ben Falcone wrote the script; Falcone directs. McCarthy is hilarious in every movie she's in, except in the ones that she and her husband create for her. The screenplay is also strange. It goes out of its way to avoid conflict or drama or crisis, and it fails to provide a single narrative reason to keep watching from one scene to the next. (PG-13 for sexual material, drug content and partying) 1/2 (M.L.) Pope Francis: A Man of His Word Documentary. The Vatican-endorsed Wim Wenders' film is intended to be a personal journey with Pope Francis, rather than a biographical documentary about him. It's tempting to forgo a regular review of the new documentary on Pope Francis and simply print as many of the film's laudable quotations from this remarkable man as space will allow. The movie won't convert any of Francis' die-hard opponents, who will deride it as uncritical, but will offer consolation to many viewers, and challenges to most. It's a bit of a surprise that the film was directed by Wim Wenders, who came to the cinematic forefront in the 1970s as a part of the New German Cinema movement. The director is clearly an admirer of Francis (both the saint and the pope), and was able to conduct extensive and exclusive interviews with the pontiff. (NR) (Walter Addiego, Hearst Newspapers) A Quiet Place Thriller. A family of four must live life in silence while hiding from creatures that hunt by sound. The story of "A Quiet Place" is one best left to be discovered. Suffice it to say that while most movies arrive at some kind of climax, this one comes to a crescendo that doesn't stop. (PG-13 for terror and some bloody images) (M.L.) RBG Documentary. A documentary look at the life and work of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. "RBG" takes the familiar figure of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg the second woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court and currently the court's oldest member and shows us lots of things we didn't know about her. Given the partisan divide, the documentary probably will be of interest only to people who already admire Justice Ginsburg, but it's a good story that will inspire many and should appeal to anyone with an open mind. Directors Julie Cohen and Betsy West make a persuasive case that Ginsburg was, essentially, the Thurgood Marshall of the women's movement. (PG for some thematic elements and language) (M.L.) The Rider Drama. After suffering a near-fatal head injury, a young cowboy undertakes a search for new identity and what it means to be a man in the heartland of America. This micro-budget drama wowed them at both the Cannes Film Festival and the Film Independent Spirit Awards. (R for language and drug use) Show Dogs Comedy. A macho, solitary Rottweiler police dog (voice of Ludacris) is ordered to go undercover as a primped show dog in a prestigious Dog Show, along with his human partner (Will Arnett). The eclectic voice cast includes Jordan Sparks, RuPaul, Gabriel Iglesias, Shaquille O'Neal, Stanley Tucci and Alan Cumming. Somewhere between the first time Will Arnett gets bitten on the butt, and when Shaquille O'Neal shows up voicing a sheepdog that sounds stoned, a realization occurs: "Show Dogs" is really bad, even for a talking dog movie. The genre isn't exactly filled with Library of Congress-bound classics. But this live action PG-rated comedy is making such a minimal effort, that at times it's striking. Visual effects sequences seem unfinished. Jokes are written with pop culture references that are mostly forgotten. "Show Dogs" is just 90 minutes long, but you'll swear entire days have passed. (PG for suggestive and rude humor, language and some action) Zero stars (Peter Hartlaub, Hearst Newspapers) Solo: A Star Wars Story Action. A young Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) meets his future co-pilot Chewbacca and encounters Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) years before joining the Rebellion during an adventure into a dark criminal underworld. Also stars Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Paul Bettany and Thandie Newton. (PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action/violence) (M.L.) Tully Comedy. Diablo Cody and Jason Reitman, screenwriter and director of "Juno," team up again for another comedic look at motherhood. Mother of three Marlo (Charlize Theron) is gifted a night nanny (Mackenzie Davis) by her brother. While hesitant at first, she soon forms a unique bond with the thoughtful, surprising and sometimes challenging young woman. "Tully" slowly reveals itself as an emotionally deep yet concise rumination on the nature of modern motherhood, on the inherently false premise of doing it all, of having it all and making it look good. (R for language and some sexuality/nudity) (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Upgrade Action. After his wife is killed during a brutal mugging that also leaves him paralyzed, Grey Trace is approached by a billionaire inventor with an experimental cure that will "upgrade" his body. The cure gives him physical abilities beyond anything experienced and the ability to relentlessly claim vengeance against those who murdered his wife and left him for dead. (R for strong violence, grisly images, and language) A Wrinkle in Time Fantasy. After the disappearance of her scientist father (Chris Pine), three peculiar beings (Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling) send Meg, her brother, and her friend to space in order to find him, in Ava DuVernay's adaptation of the classic children's novel. There's something about "A Wrinkle in Time" overall that doesn't take flight. It's conscientious. It's watchable, and it's never less than competent. But it seems to strive so hard to be inspirational that it becomes preachy and self-conscious. (PG for thematic elements and some peril) (M.L.) "Peter Pan": It has been 65 years since Walt Disney Studios first released the animated version of J.M. Barrie's story of a young boy who refuses to grow older. His youthful enthusiasm lures the Darling children Wendy, John and Michael to join him on an adventure in Never Land. Peter and Tinker Bell take the children past the "second star to the right and straight on till morning" where they face the danger of Captain Hook and their own feelings about growing older. The blend of stunning animation and beautiful music also served as an invitation to moviegoers to make that journey as a way of recapturing a few moments of their own youth. It is as fun as it is touching and as adventurous as it is personal. The film is being rereleased as part of the Walt Disney Signature Collection, joining "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Beauty and the Beast," "Pinocchio," "Bambi," "The Lion King" and "Lady and the Tramp." If you only own a handful of DVDs, there should be several of these titles in the group. It would be enough to own a copy of "Peter Pan," but part of the bonus of the Signature Collection edition is the additional of bonus material. One of the most pleasing is a reunion between Kathryn Beaumont, who provided the voice of Wendy, and Paul Collins, who was the voice of John.; "Peter Pan" proves it deserves the tag of being called a classic film because it is as engaging and entertaining as it has been over the decades. Also new on DVD "Nature: Natural Born Rebels": The three-part series takes a look at the most rebellious animals in the natural world. "Satellite Girl and the Milk Cow": Korean director Chang Hyung-yun offers a very different look at love. "South Park: the Complete Twenty-First Season": Cartman, Kenny, Stan and Kyle take on the opioid epidemic, experiment with water bears and dig into the underbelly of social media. "The Last Ship: Season 4": Captain Slattery (Adam Baldwin) and the crew of Nathan James discover the virus now infects the world's food crop. "The Midnight Man": Two teens unlock danger when they play a game. "RWBY: Volume 5": Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang share one destination: Haven Academy. "Oh Lucy!": Bored Tokyo office worker (Shinobu Terajima) enrolls in an unorthodox English class. "A Wrinkle in Time": Young girl and her brother go in search of their scientist father. "The Great Silence": The film about a mute gunslinger who stands between innocent refugees and corrupt bounty hunters is being re-released to mark the 50th anniversary. "PJ Masks: Save the Summer": Catboy, Owlette and Gekko go on another exciting mission. "Altered Perception": Four couples get more than they expected when they agree to test a new drug. "Devil's Gate": An FBI investigation of the disappearance of a woman and her son leads to a chilling discovery. "Nature Cat: Onward and Pondward": Once his family leaves for the day, Fred transforms into Nature Cat, a backyard explorer. "Secrets of the Dead: Hannibal in the Alps": Team of experts proves conclusively where Hannibal's army made it across the Alps. "The Rake": Siblings discover the death of their parents may have a connection to a local urban legend. "Supercon": Group of former TV stars and comic book artists decide to steal the loot from a convention from a crooked promoter. "Chinese Exclusion Act": Special examines the law signed by President Chester A. Arthur that made it illegal for Chinese workers to come to America. "The Steam Engines of Oz": Emerald City has become a heavily industrialized wasteland ruled by the Tin Man. "Freak Show": Gender-bending teen feels out of place at his new ultra-conservative high school. "Death Wish": Surgeon (Bruce Willis) takes the law into his own hands after his family is attacked. "The Debt Collector": Martial artist (Scott Adkins) goes to work as a debt collector for the mob. Available on Digital HD "I Can Only Imagine": Dennis Quaid and Trace Adkins star in the true story behind MercyMe's hit song. Will be released on DVD and Blu-ray June 12. "Pacific Rim Uprising": The Jaegers and the human-piloted super-machines clash again. Set to be available on DVD and Blu-ray June 19. Rick Bentley, Tribune News Service Friday- Saturday It's Americade time! Tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts will motor into Lake George this weekend for the annual motorcycle rally, which started Monday and runs through the weekend. For the first time, Americade will close down Canada Street for two days Friday and Saturday to host the Americade Music Festival and Block Party. The fest will feature motorcycle stunt shows by "America's Got Talent" finalist Phil Smage, and the Busted Knuckles Stunt Show. There's also plenty of live music, performed by bands such as The Mallett Brothers Band (Friday), Sly Fox + The Hustlers and Eastbound Jesus (Saturday). There are fireworks on Friday night. 3 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday. Free. Canada Street, Lake George. 518-798-7888; americade.com Saturday-Sunday The town of Austerlitz was established in 1818, and residents are set to celebrate its bicentennial this weekend. The festivities kick off Saturday in Spencertown with a parade, the dedication of a new town hall, a community picnic with live music and a seminar on the town's history by the town historian. Austerlitz hosts Sunday's events, which include an old vehicle show and cookout at the Austerlitz Fire Department, and historical exhibits at the Old Austerlitz school and church. Various times Saturday and Sunday. Free. Several locations in Spencertown and Austerlitz. 518-392-3260; austerlitzny.com Saturday You can be yourself at Basilica Hudson's (Freak) Flag Day 2018. Basilica Hudson's version of Flag Day, described by the venue as a "freakier counterpart to the (city's) festivities," will host live performances and dancing into the night. The seventh annual event begins at 5 p.m. with the opening of artist Ben Fain's exhibit "Gone Fishing" an indoor/outdoor exhibition of metal forms in pixelated mesh. That's followed by the Dark Wave Happy Hour Karaoke Pageant, and a Goth Industrial New Wave Dance Party at 9 p.m. And you can watch Hudson's fireworks display from the Basilica Hudson parking lot. 5 p.m. Saturday. $5. Basilica Hudson, 110 S. Front St., Hudson. 518-822-1050; basilicahudson.org Saturday Flamenco guitarist Maria Zemantauski has performed in Spain, Italy and across the U.S. But Zemantauski, of Rexford, makes a point of playing locally. She's set to perform June 14 at Schenectady's Jazz on Jay series, and July 29 at Scotia's Freedom Park. The guitarist, who writes her own music and released her fourth eponymous album earlier this year, kicks off a slate of local shows this week with "La Guitarra Fiesta," a solo performance at the Valatie Community Theatre. 8 p.m. Saturday. $15. Valatie Community Theatre, 3031 Main St., Valatie. 518-758-1309; valatiecommunitytheatre.org Thursday Rapper Big Daddy Kane, blues guitarist Albert Hammond Jr., reggae act Third World and Jewish beatboxer Matisyahu are coming to town to headline Alive at Five. Albany's annual summer concert series kicks off Thursday with 1980s hair metal act Great White ("Once Bitten, Twice Shy"); Joe Mansman and the Midnight Revival will open the show. Hammond performs June 14, followed by Matisyahu (June 21), and the B.B. King Blues Band featuring Tito Jackson (June 28). Kane takes the stage July 12, followed by Third World (July 19), Yonder Mountain String Band (July 26) and Sir Sly (Aug. 2). 5 p.m. Thursday. Free. Jennings Landing at the Corning Preserve, Albany. 518-434-2032; albanyevents.org ALBANY Starting in October, three Capital Region-area hospitals will receive $4.9 million in state funds to help at-risk community members detect cancer early or reduce their risk for it altogether. St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, St. Mary's Healthcare in Amsterdam and Glens Falls Hospital are among nearly two dozen entities statewide to receive such funds a total of $43.8 million awarded over five years as part of a statewide effort to reduce disparities in breast, cervical and colorectal cancer rates and deaths, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday. NEW YORK Federal prosecutors may not call disgraced ex-lobbyist Todd Howe as a witness for the upcoming bid-rigging trial of SUNY Polytechnic Institute founder Alain Kaloyeros, but the defense apparently can't get enough of him. In a court filing late Tuesday, Kaloyeros' attorney Michael Miller revealed that Howe the longtime Albany insider and former aide to late Gov. Mario Cuomo and his future governor son will be a major focus for the defense, even though Howe is not expected to reprise his role as a star government witness at the trial set to begin this month. Prosecutors allege Kaloyeros, with Howe's help, used his power over the Fort Schuyler Development Corp., Kaloyeros' school's nonprofit arm, to provide inside information and illegally steer state contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars to favored developers in Syracuse and Buffalo. "There can be no dispute that Mr. Howe was a focal point of the government's charges and his credibility will be an important point at trial," Miller stated. "Dr. Kaloyeros and his co-defendants intend to offer evidence ... to undermine Mr. Howe's credibility." Miller asked U.S. District Court Judge Valerie Caproni to order U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman's office to disclose any evidence that could aid the defense - including any communications the prosecutors have had with Howe since last winter when Joseph Percoco, a former top aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, went to trial before Caproni. Miller asked the judge to ensure that prosecutors confirm they have had no communications with Howe since Feb. 4 and, if they have had such talks, to explain why no documents have been prepared to confirm it. Howe's testimony helped secure the conviction of Percoco of honest services fraud, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and solicitation of bribes and gratuities. Percoco co-defendant, Steve Aiello, a top executive at the Syracuse-based COR Development, was convicted of conspiring to commit honest services fraud. Another COR executive, Joseph Gerardi, was acquitted of all charges. A fourth defendant, Peter Galbraith Kelly, a former executive with Competitive Power Ventures, had his case end in a mistrial. He later pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit honest services fraud. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Howe was also arrested in during the trial after his testimony revealed he tried to stiff his credit card company out of the $600 cost of a night's stay at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. He remains in custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York. Kaloyeros is set to go to trial charged alongside Aiello, Gerardi and Louis Ciminelli, an executive with the Buffalo-based firm LPCiminelli. Former LPCiminelli executive Kevin Schuler, who pleaded guilty to fraud-related charges, is expected to testify as the government's star witness. Prosecutors dropped all charges against another LPCiminelli executive, Michael Laipple, last week. BROOKLYN NXIVM co-founder Keith Raniere has filed an application seeking to be released on $10 million bond, arguing he is not a flight risk and offering to live in a residence secured by armed private security guards while his criminal case is pending. In a filing late Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, Raniere's attorneys referred to the U.S. Justice Department as the "morality police" and accused them of wrongly implicating Raniere in sex trafficking. They said their client, who has been held without bond since his arrest in March, is an accomplished "ethicist" who is not a danger and should be released from custody. "The federal government apparently does not approve of the way hundreds of women are searching for happiness, fulfillment and meaning in their lives and is now seeking to incarcerate a number of them as well as Raniere, whose ideas inspired this group," the motion states. "Raniere's proposed conditions, including round-the-clock security as well as electronic monitoring will ensure no danger of his fleeing because he would be under constant guard." Raniere, 57, whose organization has been described by experts as a cult, was arrested at a luxury villa in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, in late March. In Mexico, authorities said, Raniere got rid of his mobile phone and used encrypted email to communicate with his followers. It took authorities nearly two months to locate and arrest him. But Raniere's attorneys said that he was keeping a low profile in Mexico merely to avoid a group of NXIVM critics who had been stalking and photographing him there. They said he was not fleeing law enforcement, and that one of his attorneys had contacted federal authorities almost two weeks before his arrest asking for Raniere to be able to explain his side of the allegations being made against him. In a federal indictment unsealed April 20, Raniere and former television actress Allison Mack a longtime NXIVM member and close associate of Raniere's were accused of organizing a secret group within NXIVM in which some of its female members said they were coerced into joining a slave-master club, and later branded with a design that included the initials of Raniere and Mack. Raniere, in statements previously posted on NXIVM's website, had characterized the slave-master group as a consensual, private "sorority" and said that he and the corporation had no role in it. In the motion for bail, Raniere's attorneys do not acknowledge whether he took part in forming the secretive group, which they compared to the international college fraternity Omega Psi Phi, "with over 750 undergraduate and graduate chapters, (that) has developed an unofficial practice where members voluntarily brand themselves to show dedication to the group." Federal court records filed earlier this year indicate emails seized from Raniere's private messaging accounts "support the conclusion that Raniere created" the club, known as "Dominus Obsequious Sororium," which means "Master Over the Slave Women." The women in the group, according to a federal criminal complaint, were lured into the club by other female NXIVM members, including Mack, who considered Raniere her "grand master," and were required to provide "collateral" in order to join. If they tried to leave, they were threatened that their collateral sometimes damaging information about family members or close-up photographs of their genitalia would be released. The government alleges that some of the women felt coerced into having sex with Raniere due to the threat of having damaging information about them released if they tried to leave the group or failed to follow orders. The motion by Raniere argues that many woman who joined the secret group did not have sex with him and were not branded. Also, his attorneys argued, the women who were branded were never held down against their will. Some have said they were held down by other female members to help them get through the grueling and painful procedure. "While there may be instances of someone branded who later second-guessed or regretted her decision, the evidence will be clear that the decision was knowing, voluntary and based on free will at the time it was made," the bail motions states. "The decision of some DOS women to brand themselves was absolutely knowing and voluntary, and a product solely and exclusively of their free will," the motion continues. "In fact, the woman being branded typically placed the stencil on her body where she wanted the brand to be located." Raniere's attorneys also argue that the government has improperly cast members of the DOS group as victims of sex trafficking. "The government rushes to judgment that women who similarly brand themselves must be victims, a notion that is anathema not only to the principles underlying the very creation of DOS, but also to the freedom of choice we are all afforded," the motion states. "The governments overarching premise is that DOS was created as a way of Raniere having access to women who were brought into DOS on an ongoing basis. This is absolutely false and will be soundly disproven through the testimony of the actual DOS members who will testify at the trial." Raniere's motion also disputes the government's assertion that women were coerced into having sex with him. "First, there is no evidence of force, threats of force, fraud, coercion or any combination. None of the women have stated, nor could truthfully state, that Raniere had sex with them against their will," the motion states. "This is not a case of non-consensual sexual conduct. Rather, the government seems to be manufacturing a case where women feel compelled to remain in DOS because they voluntarily gave collateral when they joined. But, this is in essence a contract." Raniere's application for bail requests a hearing and includes his offers to restrict his travel to eastern and southern New York, wear an electronic monitoring device, limit his use of a computer only to helping prepare for his criminal trial, and surrender his passport. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. U.S. District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis directed the government to file a response to Raniere's motion by noon Friday. The motion filed by Raniere's attorneys publicly disclosed for the first time that in mid-March, about nine days before Raniere was taken into custody in Mexico and deported, he had hired Michael Sullivan, a former U.S. attorney in Massachusetts, to contact the U.S. attorney's office in Albany to share "his side of the story." The motion indicates that U.S. Attorney Grant Jaquith said his office in Albany did not have an investigation of Raniere underway and was not aware of another U.S. attorney's office conducting one. The investigation and prosecution of Raniere is being handled by the U.S. attorney's office for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn. "Having an attorney reach out to the United States attorney is the antithesis of running, hiding or fleeing investigators," Raniere's motion states. His attorneys also offered a detailed argument, including flight records and travel itineraries of Raniere, to counter the government's argument that he had fled to Mexico to avoid arrest after a New York Times story was published last fall highlighting information on the DOS club. Raniere's attorneys said the mother of one of Raniere's children is Mexican and that her six-month visa had required her to exit the United States by last October. Raniere flew to Mexico in November, and they had also made alternate plans to travel to Canada in early October. "Raniere and the mother of his child were seeking to comply with United States law," the motion states. The motion indicates that Raniere had flown to Mexico twice last year, and had returned to the United States on the day the New York Times story was published. "His flight itinerary was sent to his Yahoo! email account, on which the government has executed a search warrant, yet they have still represented in their multiple public filings that prior to November 2017, he had not flown out of the country since 2015 ignoring that Raniere had traveled to Mexico weeks earlier," the motion states. Raniere's motion indicates he stayed in Halfmoon, where he has lived for many years, until Nov. 10 and then flew back to Mexico "to be with his child and the mother of his child." The government's filings have also referenced Raniere's access to private jets, but filings in his motion indicate that during his October trip to Mexico he traveled aboard a commercial airline. There are no travel records provided that detail Raniere's flight to Mexico in November, indicating he may have flown aboard a private jet on that trip. "Ranieres open return to his New York home for several weeks while under threat of prosecution and having his attorney communicate with the Justice Department militates against detention," the motion states. Honolulu Lava from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano destroyed hundreds more homes overnight, overtaking two oceanfront communities that were advised to evacuate last week, officials said Tuesday. No injuries were reported as most residents heeded advice to leave. The homes lost are in addition to at least 117 reported destroyed since lava began spilling from cracks in the ground that opened up in a mostly rural district of the Big Island last month. "We don't have an estimate yet, but safe to say that hundreds of homes were lost in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland last night," Janet Snyder, a spokeswoman for Hawaii County, said Tuesday. A morning overflight confirmed that lava completely filled Kapoho Bay, inundated most of Vacationland and covered all but the northern part of Kapoho Beach Lots, scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said. Lava early Tuesday claimed Big Island Mayor Harry Kim's second home in Vacationland, Snyder said. County Managing Director Wil Okabe said his own vacation home in Kapoho Beach Lots was also threatened. Okabe described the area as a mix of vacation rentals and year-round residences. "For us it's more of a vacation area, but for those who live there permanently, they're trying to figure out where they're going to be living," he said. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. "He was very depressed," Okabe said of how Kim felt about losing his vacation home. Kim and Okabe live in Hilo, the county's seat, which is more than an hour's drive from the Kapoho area. Thousands in the Puna area had to evacuate after the first fissure opened May 3. Officials had issued mandatory orders for residents of Leilani Estates and those in Kapoho Beach and Vacationland were advised to leave by last Friday or risk being trapped and unreachable by emergency crews. Homes in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland are on smaller lots and are closer together than in other parts of the Puna district. Okabe estimated there are several hundred homes in each of the two subdivisions. ALBANY - City officials are finding it hard to get tax-exempt entities to live up to the voluntary agreements they made to help pay for the city services they get. Specifically, the city is waiting for money from an arm of SUNY Poly, Albany Medical Center and the Port of Albany. Since Mayor Kathy Sheehan took office, she has sought voluntary payments-in-lieu-of-taxes, or PILOTs, from large nonprofits and other tax-exempt entities to address the citys high number of untaxable properties hovering at about 64 percent a move the state has encouraged to wean Albany off additional state aid. A large portion of those tax-exempt properties are state-owned. But for the last two years, not all the entities Albany officials have struck agreements with have followed through. Clearly it prevents us from being able to rely on this revenue to pay for what are essential city services, Sheehan said. We are expected to be able to budget to anticipated revenue, and to not have this revenue really impacts our ability to balance our budget. Fuller Road Management Corporation, an economic development arm of SUNY Polytechnic Institute, promised $500,000 annually to the capital city beginning in 2015 and extending through 2017, according to a voluntary contribution agreement signed in January 2015. Albany is still waiting for $1 million, money that helps ease the burden of the quasi-government entity as it expands its tax-exempt footprint. We are reviewing the nature of this voluntary arrangement with the city, said Douglas Grose, Fuller Road Management Corp. president, in an emailed statement. Grose was appointed as president June 1, and didnt provide insight as to when the entity began that review. The economic development arm collects millions of dollars in rent from for-profit businesses housed in the tax-exempt properties it owns. The Times Union learned late Tuesday that $1 million budgeted in revenue for 2016 and 2017 from the Port of Albany also hasnt materialized, nor has $500,000 expected last year from Albany Med. However, city officials say conversations with both have been productive and they expect agreements can be reached. "It is our expectation that they will honor their commitment they made in public," said Brian Shea, Sheehan's chief of staff. "We're having active meetings with Albany Med and the Port of Albany, the situation is a tad different and more fluid." Richard Hendrick Sr., port general manager, said attorneys are trying to come up with an agreement that would establishment payment based on a percentage of non-taxable property the port owns. We are working to try and come up with an equitable solution based on the property that we own, he said. We realize that everybody is in a financial bind, and we all want to work together and try and make the end meet the means. Conversations with Albany Med also have been ongoing, city officials said. The medical center has provided $1 million in prior years to help encourage other nonprofits to step up to the plate. It also has invested heavily in the Park South neighborhood, provides tax payments for certain properties that are tax-exempt and works with other local charities, spokesman Jeffrey Gordon said. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. At the time, we said we would make payments when we were able to do so, he said. Unfortunately, because of the impact of declining federal support for hospitals like Albany Med, we are unable to provide these funds. As for what will happen to Fuller Road Management payments, city Treasurer Darius Shahinfar remains hopeful despite not having contact with corporation officials since April. According to the agreement, $500,000 should be paid to the city by Dec. 31 each year. SUNY Poly founder Alain Kaloyeros will be on trial to answer federal charges of bid-rigging of state economic development contracts starting June 18. The PILOT agreement with the city was signed when Kaloyeros was head of SUNY Poly. Establishing more voluntary payments from tax exempt entities (which were referred to as payments-in-lieu-of-taxes, or PILOTs) were among several recommendations made in a state-funded report for Albany to be less reliant on state aid. State Budget Division spokesman Morris Peters pointed to the report as reason for the city receiving $12 million in additional aid this year, rather than the sought-after $12.5 million. The lack of follow-through on these voluntary payments emphasizes the citys need for permanent Capital City Funding, said Sheehan, who has lobbied the state to provide $12.5 million annually on a permanent basis to address shortfalls the capital city experiences since Albanys building stock is mostly tax-exempt. We still have this challenge on our hands of not being able to rely on the state, and not being able to rely on the not-for-profit commitments, she said. And its the taxpayers and residents who suffer. A federal appeals court today is set to hear arguments over whether a condemned killer so mentally ill that he plucked out both his eyes and ate one is fit to execute. The state of Texas argues that he is - because so far the courts have only banned executing the insane, not the merely mentally ill. But Andre Thomas's lawyers are seeking to change that. They'll make their arguments in front of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals at 2 p.m. If they win, they'll get to move forward with an appeal, and ask the court to ban executing all severely mentally ill prisoners. If not, Thomas will move one step closer to the death house. The Sherman man was sent to death row in 2005, after he killed his ex-wife Lauren Boren Thomas, their 4-year-old son Andre Jr., and Laura's 13-month-old Leyha. He cut out their hearts, believing Andre Jr. was the anti-Christ and the baby a related evil spirit, according to court records. EDITORIAL: Death penalty inappropriate for a convicted murderer who ate his own eye In the months before the slayings, his behavior had grown bizarre. He put duct tape over his mouth and refused to speak at one point. Another time he spoke about how the entire meaning of life was contained in code hidden in a dollar bill. He thought he was reliving days and months of his life and told people he could hear and see God and demons. In the weeks before the crime, he tried to kill himself two times, one of which landed him at a hospital. But he fled before he could be committed. Two days later, he cut out his family's hearts. He brought three knives with him and used a different one on each victim to avoid cross-contaminating the blood. Afterward, he stabbed himself in the chest and laid down next to his ex-wife. When he didn't die, he left, carrying his victims' organ in his pockets. He was arrested and confessed to the crimes. Five days later, he sat in a jail cell reading the Bible. "If the right eye offends thee, pluck it out," one verse said. So he did. MENTAL DISABILITY CLAIM: Man scheduled for execution files late-stage appeal He was sent to a psychiatric hospital and medicated for a few weeks until he was deemed competent to stand trial. The psychiatrist determined that he was malingering - pretending to be mentally ill. The state argued that his psychosis was caused by drugs. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. But after he was sent to death row, he continued to struggle with severe mental illness, and in 2008 he plucked out his remaining eye and ate it. Now, attorneys for the condemned killer will argue in New Orleans for a Certificate of Appealability, the right to have the court actually consider his case and grant relief. In 2002, the Supreme Court banned executing the intellectually disabled, saying the practice had "no penological interest," created a high risk of wrongful execution and flew in the face of national consensus. Thomas's attorneys - Maurie Levin, Donald Bailey and Catherine Carroll - argue that those same three reasons should apply to the severely mentally ill. "There is a growing consensus against the execution of the severely mentally ill," the legal team wrote in a 90-page filing last year. "The leading legal and mental-health professional organizations including the American Bar Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Psychological Association oppose the death penalty for the severely mentally ill." The state argues in its filings that using that logic to ban executing the severely mentally ill is "both legally and factually untenable." "The Fifth Circuit has consistently refused to find a connection between the intellectually disabled and the mentally ill," the state's attorneys wrote, "repeatedly rejecting arguments like the one Thomas makes now, and indeed, Thomas provides no basis for reversing course." Attorneys for the Grayson County man are also raising arguments that the all-white jury was racially biased and that his trial lawyers didn't do their job when they failed to bring that up or question their client's competence. There were calls to limit the number of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) entering the town of Cashel at this month's Municipal District meeting. Calls to install speed ramps at various locations in Cashel and Tipperary town must be carefully examined first as they are expensive, said Mr Finn. We cannot put in speed ramps willy nilly, for example in Dominics Street, Cashel. We cannot just keep putting them in because they are expensive. We need to see about funding before the end of the year. Cllr Tom Wood said he accepted speed ramps might not be the suitable solution for the Bohermore area of Cashel, due to its steep gradient, but there needs to be some solution. Mr Finn said they will prioritise areas based on needs first, and surveys may be done on areas of high speed. Cllr Wood said he was worried about the number of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) going into Cashel town from the motorway, instead of going through the slip road. They are literally coming down through Ladyswell. Something needs to be done. Mr Finn said he will discuss that with the Roads Design Officer. The idea will be to encourage HGVs to go by the slip road rather than through town. Could we put up a sign saying no HGVs, asked Cllr Michael Fitzgerald. That would not be possible as some trucks do need to go into town, said Mr Finn. Its causing a lot of concern, especially now with a lot of visitors to the town, added Cllr Wood. Meanwhile, a flood report will soon identify works in the future in relation to flooding near the Cormacs Graveyard in Cashel, specifically near Wallers Lot. It will identify a number of attenuation areas and these will be reported to the Municipal District, said Mr Finn. Its also hoped that work will commence on the Lower Gate area surrounding the fountain in Cashel, in September or October. A consultant is working on that, said Mr Finn. Minister for Business Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD today announced that DMS Governance, an international GRC firm, is to create 50 new roles in Cashel Co. Tipperary. Between its Dublin expansion and the creation of new roles in Cashel, this will bring DMS commitment to jobs in Ireland to 150. The project is supported by the Irish government through IDA Ireland. DMS Governance, which recently acquired the Irish aviation services company, Aviation Corporate Services (AvCS) in Cashel Co. Tipperary, will create 50 roles for highly-skilled financial service professionals and qualified accountants. Speaking at the event, the Minister for Business Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys TD said I am delighted to announce that 50 highly-skilled financial service positions will be coming to Cashel. This once again highlights the Governments success in ensuring we have the conditions necessary to encourage ongoing job creation in the regions. I would like to congratulate DMS Governance, thank them for this investment in Tipperary and wish them the very best for the future. Minister of State with responsibility for Insurance and Financial Services Michael DArcy T.D. added, I welcome this announcement by DMS and wish them continued success in the future. The IFS2020 strategy is committed to delivering 30% of International Financial services jobs outside Dublin and this investment highlights the talent available throughout Ireland. Derek Delaney, Chief Operating Officer at DMS commented: There is a convergence of industries becoming part of mainstream financial services including aviation, shipping and rail. Investors are seeking increased exposure to hard assets and hedge funds have become a valid alternative to mainstream lenders with the differences between regulated and unregulated sectors lessening. The acquisition of AvCS gives DMS the ability to offer a single solution that is unique in the Irish market. The key addition to DMS of very high calibre leaders - Niall and Frank - and the addition of a strong, experienced team means we are confident we can expand successfully in this second Irish location. This expansion will be across all our product ranges. The strong legal and regulatory landscape in Ireland, combined with DMS proven expertise and committed staff allows our Ireland operations to continue to grow to meet the demands of our client base. CEO of IDA Ireland Martin Shanahan welcomed the announcement stating: Todays investment announcement represents the first financial services investment in South Tipperary by an IDA client company. These new roles will boost the local economy and points to IDAs success in encouraging client companies to look at developing a second site outside of Dublin. I wish DMS every success going forward and look forward to welcome future expansion announcements. AEGEAN MARINE INVESTIGATION INITIATED by Former Louisiana Attorney General: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Investigates Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. for Possible Securities Fraud - ANW Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. (NYSE: ANW). On June 4, 2018, the Company provided an update on its ongoing audit committee internal review, specifically that "approximately $200 million of accounts receivable owed to the Company at December 31, 2017 will need to be written off" and further that "the Company cannot determine the full impact on the financial statements or how this adjustment will be recorded...there could be other adjustments that result from the Audit Committee's review that could impact the financial statements." On this news, the price of Aegean's shares plummeted. KSF's investigation is focusing on whether Aegean and/or its officers and directors violated state or federal securiies laws. If you are an Aegean shareholder and have suffered losses, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-anw/ to learn more. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include the former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is a law firm focused on securities, antitrust and consumer class actions, along with merger & acquisition and breach of fiduciary litigation against publicly traded companies on behalf of shareholders. The firm has offices in New York, California and Louisiana. To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180605006394/en/ [June 05, 2018] Call for Submissions Open for the Sixth HIMSS-Elsevier Digital Healthcare Award in Asia Pacific SINGAPORE, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- HIMSS Asia Pacific and Elsevier, the global information analytics company specializing in science and health, are proud to announce the call for submissions for the 6th Annual Asia Pacific (APAC) HIMSS-Elsevier Digital Healthcare Award 2018. "For the past five years, HIMSS and Elsevier have created a global platform for healthcare organizations to showcase their IT advancements. Since the inception of the Award, submissions have evolved with more large-scale projects. Last year, we also received a wider range of submissions from department-wide to enterprise and national-level. We hope this trend continues and look forward to greater participation from APAC and our host country Australia," said Simon Lin, Executive Director, HIMSS Asia Pacific. Since 2013, the HIMSS-Elsevier Digital Healthcare Award has attracted193 submissions from 119 organizations across 30 countries. In total, the projects submitted have impacted over 41 million patients worldwide. The two categories open for submission this year are: Outstanding ICT Achievement focuses on those who have harnessed information and technology to successfully advance patient care and safety focuses on those who have harnessed information and technology to successfully advance patient care and safety Outstanding ICT Innovation focuses on those who have creatively leveraged existing technology or developed ground-breaking new solutions, to significantly enhance patient care and outcomes, and drive greater ICT adoption Last year, the Award program witnessed strong participation from 18 healthcare organizations across APAC, recognizing five first-time recipients: The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne (Australia) and Fudan University Huashan Hospital (mainland China) won the Outstanding ICT Achievement Award. Aravind Eye Hospital Pondicherry (India), Mackay Memorial Hospital (Taiwan) and Princess Alexandra Hospital (Australia) won the Outstanding ICT Innovation Award. "We're very proud of how far this Award has grown to become a recognized platform for meaningful exchange of ideas and best practice, on how to innovate and implement technology to improve patient safety ad quality. We look forward to receiving the submissions from our healthcare partners and providers across Asia Pacific," said Tim Hawkins, Managing Director, Clinical Solutions, Europe, Middle East, Latin America and Asia Pacific for Elsevier. Judges for this year's Award are: Bill Le Blanc , Executive Director and Chief Information Officer, SA Health , Executive Director and Chief Information Officer, SA Health John Sutherland , Chief Information Officer, Ramsay Healthcare , Chief Information Officer, John Daniels , Global Vice President, HIMSS Analytics, USA , Global Vice President, HIMSS Analytics, Dr. Korpong Rookkapan, Hospital Director, Paknampo Hospital, Thailand Robert Nieves , Vice President Health Informatics, Clinical Solutions, Elsevier , Vice President Health Informatics, Clinical Solutions, Elsevier Dr. Aamir Ali , Health Informatics Consultant, Ministry of Health and Prevention, UAE Submit your case study here or email HIMSS to enquire. Deadline for submissions is Friday, Aug. 31, 2018. Winners will be recognized on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, at the HIMSS-Elsevier Award Dinner Reception held during HIMSS AsiaPac18, in Brisbane, Australia. About HIMSS HIMSS is a global voice, advisor and thought leader of health transformation through health information and technology with a unique breadth and depth of expertise and capabilities to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of health, healthcare and care outcomes. HIMSS designs and leverages key data assets, predictive models and tools to advise global leaders, stakeholders and influencers of best practices in health information and technology, so they have the right information at the point of decision. Through its network of over 1 million experts, over 200 knowledge exchanges and collaborations, including 68,000-plus members, HIMSS drives innovative, forward thinking around best uses of technology in support of better connected care, improved population health and low cost of care. HIMSS is a not-for-profit, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois with additional offices in North America, Europe, United Kingdom and Asia. www.himssasiapac.org About Elsevier Elsevier is a global information analytics business that helps institutions and professionals advance healthcare, open science and improve performance for the benefit of humanity. Elsevier provides digital solutions and tools in the areas of strategic research management, R&D performance, clinical decision support and professional education, including ScienceDirect, Scopus, SciVal, ClinicalKey and Sherpath. Elsevier publishes over 2,500 digitized journals, including The Lancet and Cell, more than 38,000 e-book titles and many iconic reference works, including Gray's Anatomy. Elsevier is part of RELX Group, a global provider of information and analytics for professionals and business customers across industries. www.elsevier.com SOURCE HIMSS Asia Pacific [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] Women-Owned Startups Deliver Twice as Much Per Dollar Invested as Those Founded by Men BOSTON, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new publication by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and MassChallenge, a global network of startup accelerators, women-owned companies receive far less in startup financing than companies founded by men. Yet startups founded and cofounded by women actually perform better in terms of the revenue they generate. An article that describes the research, Why Women-Owned Startups Are a Better Bet, is being published today. The researchers analyzed data from 350 alumni companies that had taken part in the MassChallenge program. (MassChallenge provides programming, support, and mentorship for early-stage companies, and its strong programs are designed to support women entrepreneurs.) The research revealed the following: The average startup that had been founded or cofounded by women received $935,000, or less than half the $2.12 million that the male-founded companies had received. Despite that funding gap, the women-owned companies had generated more in revenue over a five-year period: $730,000 compared with $662,000. For every dollar of funding, the women-owned startups had generated 78 cents in revenue, while those founded by men had generated less than half that amountjust 31 cents. In this sample, if investors had put the same amount of capital into the startups that were founded or cofounded by women as they had intothose founded by men, an additional $85 million would have been generated over the five-year period studied. Gender Biases in Pitching and Business Plans In addition to the quantitative analysis, the authors interviewed company founders, mentors, and investors to identify underlying causes of the investment gap. That research revealed that women business founders are subject to more pushback during pitch presentations than men, particularly on technical aspects of their ventures. Women are more likely to make realistic or even conservative assumptions in their business plans than men, who tend to make bold projections. That bolder approach can get rewarded because of the mindset of some VC investors to swing for the fences, said Matt Krentz, a BCG senior partner and another coauthor of the publication. Firms make the majority of their returns from a small number of highly successful deals. So theyre predisposed to look for big, bold numbers in business plans. The article includes recommendations for actions that three stakeholder groups can take to close the investment gap, As our study and other recent findings show, the industry needs to change: investors need to make their funding decisions more objectively, and accelerators need to support women-founded startups with better mentorship and resources while advocating for longer-term change across their networks, said John Harthorne, founder and CEO of MassChallenge and another coauthor of the study. We hope that women founders can use these findings to operate more effectively in the short term within this flawed environment, while we work together to address these systemic issues. The investment gap is real, and it will take deliberate action by all groups to help close it. The measures recommended in this report represent an important starting pointone that is long overdue. A copy of the article can be downloaded here. To arrange an interview with one of the authors, please contact Eric Gregoire at +1 617 850 3783 or gregoire.eric@bcg.com. About The Boston Consulting Group The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is a global management consulting firm and the worlds leading advisor on business strategy. We partner with clients from the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors in all regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their enterprises. Our customized approach combines deep insight into the dynamics of companies and markets with close collaboration at all levels of the client organization. This ensures that our clients achieve sustainable competitive advantage, build more capable organizations, and secure lasting results. Founded in 1963, BCG is a private company with offices in more than 90 cities in 50 countries. For more information, please visit bcg.com. About MassChallenge MassChallenge is a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators. Headquartered in the United States with locations in Boston, Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK, MassChallenge is committed to strengthening the global innovation ecosystem by supporting high-potential startups across all industries, from anywhere in the world. To date, more than 1,500 MassChallenge alumni have raised more than $3 billion in funding, generated over $2 billion in revenue, and created over 80,000 total jobs. Learn more about MassChallenge at masschallenge.org. The Boston Consulting Group Eric Gregoire Global Media Relations Manager Tel +1 617 850 3783 Fax +1 617 850 3701 gregoire.eric@bcg.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] MDxHealth launch agreement with Philips for prognostic prostate cancer biomarker NEWS RELEASE MDxHealth announces worldwide licencing agreement with Philips for prognostic prostate cancer biomarker Agreement with Philips facilitates the launch of InformMDx(TM) HERSTAL, BELGIUM and IRVINE, CA - 07:00 CEST, June 6, 2018 - MDxHealth SA ("MDxHealth, or the "Company"), (Euronext Brussels: MDXH.BR), today announces a worldwide licencing agreement with Koninklijke Philips N.V. ("Philips") for the rights to manufacture and market Philips' recently validated prognostic biomarker for prostate cancer, phosphodiesterase-4D7 ("PDE4D7"), as a prognostic test. The test is based on technology which was jointly developed by Philips Research and The University of Glasgow. The agreement enables MDxHealth to prepare the launch of its InformMDx(TM) test for prostate cancer, a tissue-based test utilising PDE4D7 that can stratify patients according to their risk of disease progression and the development of secondary tumors. The Company anticipates that InformMDx will provide actionable information to help clinicians guide post-biopsy treatment decisions at the time of diagnosis, as well as post-surgical treatment decisions following prostatectomy. In the US alone, over 150,000 patients per year could benefit from the InformMDx test. PDE4D7 has recently been validated in a 503 patient study published in the journal European Urology Focus which confirmed, based on 10-15 years of follow-up data, the independent prognostic and incremental value of PDE4D7 compared to the established clinical risk metric (https://www.eu-focus.europeanurology.com ) The financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. Dr. Jan Groen, Chief Executive Officer of MDxHealth, commented: "This is an exciting deal which moves us a step closer towards launching InformMDx, our fourth commercial test which we believe will be valuable in providing physicians with critical information required to make informed therapeutic decisions for men recently diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. In linewith our growth strategy, MDxHealth will continue to expand the range and reach of our diagnostic offering as the demand for actionable and cost-effective diagnosis and patient-monitoring grows across healthcare systems globally." About MDxHealth MDxHealth is a multinational healthcare company, listed at the Brussels, Belgium, stock exchange (Euronext Brussels: MDXH.BR), that provides actionable molecular diagnostic information to personalize the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The company's tests are based on proprietary genetic, epigenetic (methylation) and other molecular technologies and assist physicians with the diagnosis of urologic cancers, prognosis of recurrence risk, and prediction of response to a specific therapy. The Company's European headquarters are in Herstal, Belgium, with laboratory operations in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, and US headquarters and laboratory operations based in Irvine, California. For more information, visit mdxhealth.com and follow us on social media at: twitter.com/mdxhealth, facebook.com/mdxhealth and linkedin.com/company/mdxhealth. For more information: MDxHealth Dr. Jan Groen, CEO US: +1 949 812 6979 BE: +32 4 364 20 70 info@mdxhealth.com Consilium Strategic Communications (IR & PR) Amber Fennell, Chris Welsh & Hendrik Thys +44 20 3709 5701 mdxhealth@consilium-comms.com www.consilium-comms.com LifeSpring Life Sciences Communication Leon Melens +31 6 538 16 427 lmelens@lifespring.nl This press release contains forward-looking statements and estimates with respect to the anticipated future performance of MDxHealth and the market in which it operates. Such statements and estimates are based on assumptions and assessments of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which were deemed reasonable but may not prove to be correct. Actual events are difficult to predict, may depend upon factors that are beyond the company's control, and may turn out to be materially different. MDxHealth expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements in this release to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based unless required by law or regulation. This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation for the sale or purchase of securities or assets of MDxHealth in any jurisdiction. No securities of MDxHealth may be offered or sold within the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or in compliance with an exemption therefrom, and in accordance with any applicable U.S. securities laws. NOTE: The MDxHealth logo, MDxHealth, ConfirmMDx, SelectMDx, AssureMDx, InformMDx, PredictMDx and UrNCollect are trademarks or registered trademarks of MDxHealth SA. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Attachment MDxHealth launch Agreement with Philips.pdf [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] Sensorion Announces Oral Presentation at the 15th International Conference on Cochlear Implants and Other Implantable Auditory Technologies (Ci2018) The company will present preclinical data on the otoprotective capacity of SENS-401 which may benefit cochlear implant patients MONTPELLIER, France, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sensorion (FR0012596468 ALSEN), a biotech company specializing in the treatment of inner ear diseases, will present at the International Conference on Cochlear Implants and Other Implantable Auditory Technologies (Ci2018), at the Flanders Meeting & Convention Center Antwerp, Belgium from June 27th to 30th, 2018. Sensorion will present preclinical data on SENS-401s potential to prevent sensory hair cell damage. This could improve the hearing loss outcomes for patients undergoing cochlear implant surgery. The details of the oral presentation are as follows: Session: Next-Generation Electrodes: Pharmacological Structure Preservation Abstract Title: Potential for Pharmacological Protection Against Loss of Residual Hearing After Cochlear Implant Surgery Using the Clinical-Stage Oral Otoprotectant SENS-401 Date & Time: Thursday, June 28th from 2:40 PM 3:30 PM CEST Location: Gorilla 3 Room About Ci2018 The International Conferences on Cohlear Implants and other Implantable Auditory Technologies are the most comprehensive, innovative and inclusive events of their kind with more than 2000 otologists, audiologists and speech pathologists, scientists, educators and industrial partners. This 15th edition of the conference aims to realize a next step forwards in the field, based on evidence based experience and fueled by cutting-edge technologies and the latest scientific developments. About SENS-401 SENS-401, R-azasetron besylate, is a drug candidate that aims to protect and preserve inner ear tissue when lesions are present that can cause progressive or sequelae hearing impediments. A small molecule that can be taken orally or via an injection, SENS-401 has received Orphan Drug Designation in Europe for the treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and Orphan Drug Designation from the US FDA for the prevention of platinum-induced ototoxicity in pediatric population. About Sensorion Sensorion is a biotech company pioneering novel treatments of inner ear diseases such as severe vertigo, tinnitus or hearing loss. Two products are currently in the clinical development stage: SENS-111, in phase 2 in acute unilateral vestibulopathy (vestibular neuritis), and SENS-401, which has completed a phase 1 trial. The company was founded by Inserm (the French Institute of Health and Medical Research) and is utilizing its pharmaceutical R&D experience and comprehensive technology platform to develop first-in-class easy-to-administer, notably orally active, drugs for treating and preventing hearing loss and the symptoms of bouts of vertigo and tinnitus. Based in Montpellier, Southern France, Sensorion has received financial support from Bpifrance, through the InnoBio fund, and Inserm Transfert Initiative. Sensorion has been listed on the Euronext Growth Paris exchange since April 2015. www.sensorion-pharma.com Contacts Sensorion Nawal Ouzren CEO contact@sensorion-pharma.com Tel : +33(0) 467 207 730 Investor Relations LifeSci Advisors LLC Chris Maggos chris@lifesciadvisors.com Tel. : +41 79 367 6254 Label : SENSORION ISIN : FR0012596468 Mnemonic : ALSEN Press Alize RP Caroline Carmagnol & Wendy Rigal sensorion@alizerp.com Disclaimer This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Sensorion and its business. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Sensorion considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will be verified, which statements are subject to numerous risks, including the risks set forth in the Document de reference registration document filed with the Autorite des marches financiers (AMF- French Financial Market Authority) on July 28, 2016 under nR.16-069 and to the development of economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Sensorion operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Sensorion or not currently considered material by Sensorion. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause actual results, financial conditions, performance or achievements of Sensorion to be materially different from such forward-looking statements. This press release and the information that it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe for, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for, Sensorion shares in any country. The communication of this press release in certain countries may constitute a violation of local laws and regulations. Any recipient of this press release must inform oneself of any such local restrictions and comply therewith. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] SAPPHIRE NOW 2018 Financial Analyst Conference WALLDORF, Germany, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) today announced the following event: SAPPHIRE NOW 2018 Financial Analyst Conference The Company will host a financial analyst conference in Orlando today, June 6th, 2018 from 7:00 pm 9:00 pm (CET) / 6:00 pm 8:00 pm (GMT) / 1:00 pm 3:00 pm (EST) / 10:00 am 12:00 pm (PST). At this event members of senior management will present on the Company's strategy and financial performance. The event will be webcast live on the Company's Investor Relations website www.sap.com/investor and will be available for replay. Supplementary presentation slides will also be made available. About SAP As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP (NYSE: SAP) helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable more than 388,000 business and public sector customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. For more information, visit www.sap.com. For more information, financial community only: Stefan Gruber +49 (6227) 7-44872 investor@sap.com, CET For more information, press only: Nicola Leske +49 (6227) 7-50852 nicola.leske@sap.com, CET Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "should" and "will" and similar expressions as they relate to SAP are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. SAP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. The factors that could affect SAP's future financial results are discussed more fully in SAP's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including SAP's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. 2018 SAP SE. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or for any purpose without the express permission of SAP SE. The information contained herein may be changed without prior notice. Some software products marketed by SAP SE and its distributors contain proprietary software components of other software vendors. National product specifications may vary. These materials are provided by SAP SE and its affiliated companies ("SAP Group") for informational purposes only, without representation or warranty of any kind, and SAP Group shall not be liable for errors or omissions with respect to the materials. The only warranties for SAP Group products and services are those that are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services, if any. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE (or an SAP affiliate company) in Germany and other countries. Please see http://www.sap.com/corporate-en/legal/copyright/index.epx#trademark for additional trademark information and notices. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sapphire-now-2018-financial-analyst-conference-300660578.html SOURCE SAP SE [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] Hyper loop Technology Market 2018 -Develop Market-Entry and Market Expansion Strategies Market synopsis The hyperloop technology was based on the concept of Elon Musk who experimented with a paper traveling in the vacuumed space. The concepts and idea of Elon Musk took the transportation industry by storm in nearly five years, the investments and constructions started to build up. One of the major factor contributing to the growth of Hyperloop technology market is the rising demand for a fast mode of transportation. Although airplanes are by far the fastest mode of commercial transport, the rising technology advancement in transportation leads to the development of the even faster mode of transportation. Along with the faster mode of transportation, the increasing demand for cheaper transportation, better infrastructure facilities and safer transportation from natural calamities. Get Sample of Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3282 Another major factor driving the market growth is the growing industrialization. Hyperloop technology is resistant towards natural calamities, providing the users with a trust of more safety, cheaper transportation and time-saving. However, there are certain factors such as lack of awareness, issues related to security, and higher cost of implementation hinder the market growth. Hyperloop Technology has embarked many projects within a few years of idea generation. In June 2017, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies signed an agreement with the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) and Hanyang University to develop a full-scale hyperloop system which will be known as the HyperTube Express within Korea. This has led transportation industry to evolve with the technology providing the customers with the efficient and advantageous transportation system. Growing urbanization, industrialization, automation and increased travel times have been the key factors for market growth. Key Players: The key players in the global Hyper Loop Technology Market include- AECOM (U.S.), Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (US), Hyperloop One (US), Dinclix GroundWorks (India), TransPod Inc. (Canada) and Space Exploration Technologies Corp (U.S.) among others. Segmentation By Component, the market is segmented into the capsule, tube, a propulsion system (electromagnetic propulsion and passive magnetic propulsion system) and Station. By type, the market is segmented into passenger and freight. On the basis of region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and rest of the world. Regional analysis The global market for hyperloop technology is estimated to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period from 2022 to 2027. The geographical analysis of hyperloop technology market is studied for North America, Europe (including Russia), Asia Pacific (including Australia and New Zealand), and the rest of the world (including the Middle East, Africa, and Southern America). At present, there are no deployments made in the actual transportation system. However, there have been many routes proposed for Hyperloop technology from the year 2022. Among those proposed routes are, the United States, India, UAE, Slovakia, Belgium, Canada, Sweden, China, Norway and other European Countries. The first Hyperloop transportation will be deployed in the route of Dubai to Abu Dhabi. This would cover a distance of nearly 160 Km in about 12 minutes. As per the total investments in the Hyperloop technology market, The Middle East will lead the market, in 2022. Following the Middle East, the U.S. is expected to capture the second spot, with its project of Los Angeles to San Francisco which is expected to be deployed by 2023. The governments approval towards the growth of hyperloop technology is a predominant factor fuelling market development. Further, the capital investments will also contribute a significant role in the growth of hyperloop technology. The Hyperloop technology market in Europe will be in a close competition with Asia Pacific as there are various countries such as Belgium, Sweden, and Slovakia planning to deploy Hyperloop projects in various countries. The prominent companies like Virgin Hyperloop One will deploy its project in Mumbai Pune route, whereas an Indian origin company DGWHyperloop will deploy countrys first Hyperloop transportation in Andhra Pradesh by 2024. Intended Audience Hyperloop Technology manufacturers Component suppliers OEM Component distributors Software providers Testing & Engineering Firms Government Bodies Capital investors Research Firms Get Complete Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/hyper-loop-technology-market-3282 TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES Table1 World Population By Major Regions (2022 To 2030) Table2 Global Hyperloop Technology Market: By Region, 2022-2027 Table3 North America Hyperloop Technology Market: By Country, 2022-2027 Table4 Europe Hyperloop Technology Market: By Country, 2022-2027 Table5 Asia Pacific Hyperloop Technology Market: By Country, 2022-2027 Table6 The Middle East & Africa Hyperloop Technology Market: By Country, 2022-2027 Table7 Latin America Hyperloop Technology Market: By Country, 2022-2027 Table8 Global Hyperloop Technology By Component Market: By Regions, 2022-2027 Table9 North America Hyperloop Technology By Component Market: By Country, 2022-2027 Table10 Europe Hyperloop Technology By Component Market: By Country, 2022-2027 Table11 Asia Pacific Hyperloop Technology By Component Market: By Country, 2022-2027 Table12 The Middle East & Africa Hyperloop Technology By Component Market: By Country, 2022-2027 Table13 Latin America Hyperloop Technology By Component Market: By Country, 2022-2027 Table14 Global Component Market: By Region, 2022-2027 Table15 Global Component Market: By Region, 2022-2027 Table16 Global Component Market: By Region, 2022-2027 Continued About Us: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Media Contact: Market Research Future Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune - 411028 Maharashtra, India +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com As a community-building service, TMCnet allows user submitted content which is not always proofed by TMCnet editors. If you feel this entry is of inferior quality or wish to report it for some reason, please forward the URL to "webedit [AT] tmcnet [DOT] com" with your comments. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] How MeetTheWorld.com has risen to prominence with a free social platform to meet new people SEOUL, Korea, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Traditionally, everybody meets new people through their existing social circle. Perhaps an individual has met new people on Facebook because they are their friends friends. Or maybe a person has met someone new through their family. Honestly, the traditional way to meet new people is quite limiting because individuals can only meet so many new people through those they already know. Thats why the new social superpower from South Korea has dominated the world today: In June 2018, MeetTheWorld.com has become the largest free platform in 193 countries that takes social networking to the next level. MeetTheWorld.com, a free global platform that fundamentally changes how to meet new people in todays day and age, has transformed the social media scene. Thats right. If Facebooks main functionality is to help you connect with people you alread know and occasionally connect you with an acquaintance, then our platform is the new Facebook that only introduces new friends to you, says Jaehoon Park, director of MeetTheWorld.com, This alone has revolutionized the way we meet new people. Indeed, now no matter someone is looking for a pen pal, a travel buddy or a date, they will find exactly what they are looking for on MeetTheWorld.com because this social site has risen to prominence its absolutely free to join. No wonder the growth of this platform is so fast. Research shows that the ability to meet new people is the most important life skill because a persons existing social circle share similar resources with them and similar resources dont lead to new results. In contrast, when an individual meets a new friend, this new connection is much more likely to bring different resources that can make a difference. Networking experts have coined the term weak links (acquaintances, someone new, etc.) and it is said that weak links are the most helpful group because they always possess new resources. A study in the United States suggests that nine times out of ten, an individual finds a good job with the help of a weak link rather than a friend or family member. Therefore, meeting new people is of vital importance when it comes to personal growth and career success as well. Of course, nobody is supposed to be an island, and the desire to connect with others is in everyones DNA. As a result, MeetTheWorld.com is designed for people to connect with new friends at an emotional level, which means its not a regular networking site like LinkedIn where users only want to use the site for professional benefits. On MeetTheWorld.com, members can easily find like-minded people who are interesting, genuine and open-minded. For more information, please visit www.meettheworld.com About ICECube Korea Co., Ltd. MeetTheWorld.com is the world's best social platform that introduces singles to each other. It has been regarded as the Internet social site by industry experts. Taehoon Park is the founder and CEO of ICECube Korea Co., Ltd. www.meettheworld.com, which was created to meet the worlds growing need for the social platform. Contact: Mr. Jaehoon Park Phone: +82-10-2823-1615 Email: jhpark@icubekorea.com Address: 429, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea Or PR Agency InterAd, Inc. Jay Shim, +82-2-3454-1513 pr@interad.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at //www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/31809f19-a2aa-44c5-90c0-9a5d27cb36af [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] Gas Sensors Market is Majorly Driven by Rising Usage in Automobile, Chemical, Oil and Gas Industry Till 2020 | Million Insights FELTON, California, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Gas Sensors Market is estimated to develop at a substantial CAGR in the years to come. The Gas sensors are the instruments that sense the attentiveness of gas and translate it into an electrical indication. The necessity for safeguarding security in place of work is likely to be the important motivating power for the market above the following years. Rules in technologically advanced markets of North America and Europe order the usage of these sensors in possibly risky surroundings. The increasing tendency of integrating gas sensors in vehicles for coziness and security of travelers is a most important motive for the progress of the gas sensors market in automobile uses. Growing usage of gas sensors in inhalation study to check the condition of patients is furthermore motivating the demand for gas sensors. The most important tendency that is motivating the international gas sensor market is the progress of wireless abilities and miniaturization, joined with better-quality message competences that permit their combination into numerous devices and machineries, deprived of negotiating the finding of poisonous or combustible gases at harmless spaces. The international Gas Sensors Market may be divided by Type of Technology, by Type of Product, Type of End Use, and the Area. The division of the international Gas Sensors Market on the source of Type of Technology extends Solid-state/metal oxide semiconductor [MOS] gas sensing technology, Infrared [IR] gas sensing technology, Semiconductor gas sensing technology, Catalytic gas sensing technology, Electrochemical gas sensing technology, PID [Photo ionization detectors] gas sensing technology and Further, that includes thermal conductivity, paramagnetic gas sensing technology. Browse 129 page research report with TOC on "Global Gas Sensors Market" at: https://www.millioninsights.com/industry-reports/gas-sensors-market-analysis The division of the international Gas Sensors Market on the source of Type of Technology extends: Nitrogen oxide [NOx] sensors, Carbon monoxide [CO] sensors, Oxygen [O2]/Lambda sensors, Carbon dioxide [CO2] sensors, and Further such as CH4, NH3, hydrocarbons, etc. The division of the international Gas Sensors Market on the source of Type of Use, extends: Building automation and domestic appliances gas sensors, Automotive gas sensors, Medical gas sensors, Petrochemical gas sensors, Indusrial leak detection and process control gas sensors, and Further R&D laboratories, educational institutes, etc. gas sensors. The division of the international Gas Sensors Market on the source of Area extends: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. As per the geography, the international gas sensors market is divided into the areas of North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. The area of Europe at present leads the international market. But, the enormous automobile manufacturing in the area of Asia Pacific and the increasing usage of gas sensors in vehicles in the area is estimated to assist Asia Pacific beat Europe, by way of the biggest gas sensors industry by the completion of the estimated period. The area of Asia-Pacific is one of the rapidly developing areas for the gas sensor market, and is estimated to be the market frontrunner in the predicted period. Nations for example Germany, U.S. and China are the most important markets for gas sensors. Some of the important companies operating in the Gas Sensors Industry on the international basis are Yokogawa Electric Corporation, ABB LTD, City Technologies, Dynament Ltd., Trolex Ltd, Ngk Insulators Ltd., Alphasense, Figaro Engineering, Gfg Europe Ltd, Aeroqual Ltd., Dragerwerk AG & Co, Membrapor AG, Nemoto & Co. Ltd, Robert Bosch, Llc, And Siemens AG. Browse reports of similar category available with Million Insights: Sensor Patch Market Near Field Sensor Market Rail Wheel Sensor Market Temperature Probes/Sensors Market This report studies Gas Sensors in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, covering City Technology Ltd. Figaro Engineering Inc. Dynament Ltd. Bosch Sensortec GmbH Membrapor AG. Alphasense Amphenol Advanced Sensors Cambridge CMOS Sensor Sensirion AG. AMS AG Senseair AB MSA Market Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate of Gas Sensors in these regions, from 2011 to 2020 (forecast), like North America China Europe Japan Taiwan Korea Split by product types, with production, revenue, price, and market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided into Oxygen Carbon Monoxide Carbon Dioxide Ammonia Chlorine Hydrogen Sulfide Nitrogen Oxide Hydrocarbon VOCS Split by applications, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Gas Sensors in each application, can be divided into Water and Wastewater Treatment Oil & Gas Environmental Automotive Metal & Chemical Consumer Electronics Transport & Logistics Building Automation Power station Medical 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: sales@millioninsights.com Web: https://www.millioninsights.com/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] Is Private Banking creeping into Public Post Offices? OTTAWA, June 6, 2018 /CNW/ - The Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association (CPAA) is calling for greater transparency and scrutiny of partnerships between Canada Post Corporation and financial technology ("fintech") companies, even as legislation is being debated to restore postal banking in Canada. Financial technologies ("fintech") are shaking up banking sectors all over the world, targeting gaps in traditional financial services such as international remittances and serving the underbanked. Both Brazil's and Spain's postal systems recently struck deals with fintech companies to offer services such as prepaid credit cards for consumers, as well as accounts for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Canada Post has also been quietly partnering with fintech companies, allowing people to open bank accounts, pay their bills, and even pay their taxes at post offices. For example, Scotiabank-owned Tangerine has postal clerks verifying IDs, allowing people to instantly activate bank accounts at Canada Post outlets. Paytm Canada, a bill payment mobile app, recently partnered with Canada Post and Payment Source, allowing customers at 6,000 Canada Post locations to pay bills without transaction fees. On May 17th, Paytm's CEO stated: "We have seen great adoption of this service." Payment Source also partnered with the Canada Revenue Agency this year to allow Canadians to se a QR code to pay their taxes at the post office. Minister of Procurement and Public Services Carla Qualtrough promised to ensure Canada Post will "work in partnership" with its employees on new technologies but these fintech partnerships have not been made with any consultation with the CPAA, which has been campaigning with allies, including over 900 municipalities, to offer financial and government services through rural post offices. "Rural Canada needs better financial services and the best way to deliver them is through the thousands of post offices operated by Postmasters," said Brenda McAuley, national president of the CPAA, which represents over 8,000 rural postal workers operating over 3,000 rural post offices nationwide. "We've been urging the Liberals to seriously explore this possibility, but it looks like there may be a backdoor plan that's allowing private companies to creep in." Bank branches are scarce or closing in rural Canada, forcing residents to travel long distances. McAuley points out that Postmasters, who are already trained for MoneyGrams (now partnered with Royal Bank for e-transfers) and prepaid Visa cards, could save their communities considerable travel time and money, while maintaining local jobs and services. McAuley points out that rural post offices are trusted institutions while Paytm's Indian parent company has been accused of sharing its customers' data with the Indian government. The security of online banking customers is a major issue in Canada as well: on May 29th, CIBC's Simplii and the Bank of Montreal reported being hacked, compromising the data of 90,000 Canadians. McAuley says she was approached by a big bank wanting to put ATMs in rural post offices but prefers to see any revenue from financial services flowing back into her members' rural communities rather than to the big banks. "The big banks are making billions by charging us some of the highest fees in the world," she said. "Why shouldn't we invest in our own communities and our own services by banking at the post office?" Irene Mathyssen (MP London-Fanshawe), who introduced M-166, a motion to restore postal banking, in March, has tabled an Inquiry of Ministry in the House of Commons showing that Canada Post conducted not one but six separate studies on postal banking over a 5-year period. "We have a real opportunity here with Motion M-166 under debate and a change in management at Canada Post," said McAuley. "The Liberals need to deliver on that culture of collaboration they've promised us and stop the stealth privatization." SOURCE Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] Animoto Releases Video Marketing Best Practices for Major Social Media Networks NEW YORK, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Animoto, the company that makes it easy for anyone to create professional marketing videos, released its "Cheat Sheet for Social Media Video." The guide includes practical tips for businesses looking to maximize their presence on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube through creating and sharing marketing videos. As video on social media continues to become more prevalent, marketers and small businesses are responding by becoming resourceful video marketers themselves. Animoto's "2017 State of Social Video Report" uncovered that 92 percent of businesses creating marketing videos for social media are doing so by repurposing content that they already have. Consumers are responding to the inlux of marketing videos on major social networks with their wallets. In the same report, it was found that 64 percent of consumers say watching a marketing video on Facebook had influenced a purchase decision in the last month. "Businessesand not just large corporationshave the opportunity to build their brands and acquire new customers with video on social media. Many of our customers have become successful video advertisers and video publishers by incorporating these best practices into their social media strategies. We've released this cheat sheet so that all businesses can attract and connect with audiences through the undeniable power of video," said Animoto co-founder and Chief Video Officer, Jason Hsiao. Marketing video tips for major social platforms: Go square for Facebook: Square videos take up 78 percent more space in the News Feed than landscape videos. Create square videos to optimize for the mobile experience. Square videos take up 78 percent more space in the News Feed than landscape videos. Create square videos to optimize for the mobile experience. Avoid the hard sell on Facebook: Drive more engagement with content that educates, inspires, and entertains rather than content that's just about your product or service. Drive more engagement with content that educates, inspires, and entertains rather than content that's just about your product or service. Plan for intent and educate on YouTube: What are your potential customers interested in or already searching for? Create longer videostwo minutes or longerthat educate and are useful to those potential customers. What are your potential customers interested in or already searching for? Create longer videostwo minutes or longerthat educate and are useful to those potential customers. Keep it short and choose a cover image on Instagram: Since Instagram videos loop, it's best to keep videos under 30 seconds. Also, remember to set a cover image for your videos. Once published, cover images can't be updated. "The Social Media Video Cheat Sheet" can be downloaded for free through Animoto's Resource Center. About Animoto Animoto's award-winning online video maker makes it easy for anyone to drag and drop their way to powerful and professional marketing videos. The company's certified partnerships with Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and the Small Business Administration give it unique insight into the changing social media and business landscape, which may be why more than 1 million businesses around the world have used Animoto to create marketing videos that stand out on social media and beyond. Founded in 2006, Animoto has offices in New York City and San Francisco. For more information, visit http://animoto.com. Animoto is a registered trademark of Animoto Inc. Other names may be of trademarks of their respective owners. Contacts Public Relations Contact Rebecca Brooks rebecca@animoto.com View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/animoto-releases-video-marketing-best-practices-for-major-social-media-networks-300660014.html SOURCE Animoto [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] Survey of Major Health Systems Reveals that 27 Percent Intend Launch of Medicare Advantage, Though Most Lack Confidence in Ability to Succeed ST. LOUIS, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lumeris, the industry leader in value-based care solutions, today announced that 27 percent of major U.S. health system executives participating in a recent survey intend to launch a Medicare Advantage plan in the next four years. The survey also found that only 29 percent of those respondents planning to launch a Medicare Advantage plan felt confident in their organization's ability to do so successfully. "These survey findings are consistent with our conversations with healthcare executives across the country who are feeling a sense of urgency around Medicare Advantage strategies but also realize that this type of work is vastly different than traditional health system operations," said Jeff Carroll, executive director of health plans at Lumeris. According to the 90 surveyed executives from major health systems, their top reason for launching a Medicare Advantage plan is the oportunity to capture more value by controlling a greater portion of the premium dollar as compared to fee-for-service Medicare. Other key drivers cited include market and regulatory trends supporting Medicare Advantage. In particular, shrinking Medicare margins could threaten the viability of hospitals and health systems as the senior population continues to grow and becomes a larger proportion of providers' patient panels. Survey respondents also recognized that launching a Medicare Advantage plan will be challenging due to the complexities of operating an insurance plan which are far different than the capabilities required to successfully operate a health system. They also shared concerns about the significant financial investment required and an overall lack of expertise in the health plan space. The majority of respondents, 59 percent, indicated they were likely to utilize outside resources to launch their plansand that those resources are very likely to include a vendor partner that can mitigate operational risk. "Launching and managing a Medicare Advantage plan requires skills beyond the core competencies of most health systems, which is one reason many provider-sponsored plans fail in the first few years," said Carroll. "Through those failures, it has become clear that providers who select the right partners increase the likelihood for greater success in a shorter period of time. That's why the Lumeris model, which encourages providers to partner with a collaborative payer to reduce financial risks, and with an operational partner to handle contracting, compliance, utilization management, and various day-to-day plan activities, is gaining traction so quickly. We couldn't be more pleased to help health systems translate their Medicare Advantage 'plans' into reality and enable them to deliver better care at lower costs for seniors." ABOUT LUMERIS Lumeris serves as a long-term operating partner for organizations that are committed to the transition from volume-to value-based care and delivering extraordinary clinical and financial outcomes. We guide health systems and providers through seamless transitions from volume to value, enabling them to deliver improved and more affordable care across populationswith better outcomes. And, we work collaboratively with payers to align contracts and engage physicians in programs that drive high-quality, cost-effective care with satisfied consumersand engaged physicians. An industry recognized leader, Lumeris won the 2018 Best in KLAS award for value-based care managed services for helping clients deliver improved clinical and financial outcomes. This was the third year it received this distinguished award. For the past seven years, Essence Healthcare, Lumeris' inaugural client with more than 65,000 members in Missouri and Illinois, has received 4.5 to 5 Stars from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Lumeris is committed to delivering these same results with its multi-payer/multi-population clients to meet their goals and missions. Contacts Media Amendola Communications for Lumeris Lisa Chernikoff, 734-678-5513 lchernikoff@acmarketingpr.com Lumeris Christopher Currington, 314-770-3723 ccurrington@lumeris.com View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/survey-of-major-health-systems-reveals-that-27-percent-intend-launch-of-medicare-advantage-though-most-lack-confidence-in-ability-to-succeed-300660381.html SOURCE Lumeris [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] Wildix to Unveil SuperVision at 2018 CeBIT in Hannover Wildix to Unveil SuperVision at 2018 CeBIT in Hannover Global UC&C and telecom leader returns to CeBIT for fifth consecutive year to debut new Android telephone terminal and four-fold stand Columbus, OH (June 6, 2018) - Wildix, a multinational telecommunications provider specializing in VoIP, WebRTC Browser-Based Unified Communications and Collaboration (UC&C) solutions, today announced that it will debut its new SuperVision phone at CeBIT 2018, taking place from June 11-15, 2018 in Hanover, Germany. 2018 marks the companys fifth consecutive year at CeBIT, one of the Europes most important industry events. Wildixs new SuperVision telephone is the most advanced device in its category. A terminal designed specifically for senior managers, SuperVision runs on an Android-based operating system and comes equipped with an 8-inch screen and removable web cam to ensure total security. A wide angle 120 camera for videoconferencing is optional. Most important to note, is that the SuperVision phone allows supervisors to monitor their company's telephone activity; it provides access to the control panel (call center wall board) from which users can monitor missed calls, response times and other metrics within a service level agreement (SLA). SuperVision will prove itself to be an essential tool for measuring internal performance and efficiency, said Wildix German Country Manager, Frederic Oster,. We look forward to unveiling this innovation at CeBIT, and to showcasing the breadth of our browser-based UC&C Cloud solutions. CeBIT is an incredibly valuable forum for Wildix, added Oster, considering our focus on the channel. As one of the worlds most influential gatherings, CeBIT is a "barometer" for this sector, which Wildix, a pioneer in the UC&C field, most certainly cannot not miss. The company will announce when the SuperVision phone will be available in markets globally in the coming weeks. Please visit Wildix at CeBIT stand E121 in Hall 13 to learn more about the company's offerings and to see the new SuperVision phone first-hand. About Wildix Wildix is a multinational company that has designed a browser-based Unified Communications and VoIP products solution. It installs systems in Europe and the United States, taking advantage of the professionalism of an ecosystem of certified partners on the territory. In 2005 they set up their own research and development centre in Ukraine and, in the following years, opened sales offices in Italy, France, Germany, Holland, Estonia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States. Wildix is aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, between 50 and 1000 users, which need to provide their employees with more organized and efficient communication tools, easy to introduce and manage, and with low maintenance costs. For more information: Web,Twitter, Facebook As a community-building service, TMCnet allows user submitted content which is not always proofed by TMCnet editors. If you feel this entry is of inferior quality or wish to report it for some reason, please forward the URL to "webedit [AT] tmcnet [DOT] com" with your comments. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] jjPLUS and Efficient Power Conversion (EPC) Showcasing Wide Surface-Area, Multiple-Device Wireless Power Solutions at InnoVEX 2018 jjPLUS and EPC, both members of the AirFuel Alliance, to show how large area wireless power surfaces can be designed following the most advanced AirFuel Resonant standard. Go for a wirelessly powered home and office! TAIPEI, Taiwan, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- jjPLUS Corporation, a design manufacturer of advanced wireless communication and wireless power embedded solution company, will demonstrate the next-generation magnetic resonance wireless power transfer (WPT) technology at InnoVEX 2018 in Taipei. Joining jjPLUS will be its technology partner -- Efficient Power Conversion Corporation (EPC). The demonstration units will be located in TWTC Hall 3, booth no. G0309a on June 6 - 8. Both jjPLUS and EPC participated in the AirFuel working committees and in the AirFuel Developers Forum in March 2018. Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) -- From Magnetic Inductive to Magnetic Resonance From electric toothbrushes to the latest smartphones, magnetic inductive wireless charging has created significant awareness, ascertaining that wireless power is ready to widely adopted and change the way we live. Magnetic resonant technology with its ability to transmit power wirelessly over large surface areas and permit devices to placed anywhere on the surface while powering (or charging) multiple devices at the same time, takes wireless power to another level. "Delivering more power, at a longer distance, as well as over a larger surface area for powering multiple electronic devices are our target wireless power transfer systems," said Jeff Shu, CEO of jjPLUS Corporation. "Clearly, magnetic resonant technology is the key for ubiquitous implementation of wireless charging by enabling large surface area transmission, spatial freedom for placement of receiving devces, and the ability to power multiple devices simultaneously." "Wireless power has the potential to change the way we live, work and play, but first-generation technology has major limitations. That's why AirFuel members like jjPLUS and EPC are working with next-generation resonant technology," said Sanjay Gupta, President, AirFuel Alliance. "Resonant technology delivers a superior consumer experience which is the key to driving wider consumer and business adoption of wireless power worldwide. We're excited about the new solutions from jjPLUS and EPC, the role our Developer Program had in shorten their time to market, and the innovation that's yet to come." "End users want convenience and freedom from power cords. With the Airfuel method of magnetic resonant wireless power and the capability of GaN technology to enable low cost and highly efficient amplifiers for wireless power, we can finally eliminate power cords," said Alex Lidow, CEO and co-founder of Efficient Power Conversion Corporation. jjPLUS /EPC CPT030A Wide Surface-Area Wireless Power Transmitter Based on magnetic resonance technology, the jjPLUS CPT030A wireless power transmitter is the PTU (Power Transmitting Unit) part of a Wireless Power Transfer system with the capability to support the use of one transmitter for powering multiple-receiver configurations. CPT030A's special surface-area antenna design can simultaneously support highly-resonant pairing of up to 8 PRUs (Power Receiving Unit) with different power receiving levels. Operating at the AirFuel Alliance standard 6.78 MHz frequency, the CPT030A design relies upon EPC's eGaN FETs. About jjPLUS Corporation Established in 2004, jjPLUS is a forerunner design manufacturer from Taiwan in wireless communication and wireless power technologies. With deep domain knowledge and engineering expertise, jjPLUS has always been developing and designing collaboratively with fundamental technology partners to offer OEMs and ODMs the latest and the best by integrating jjPLUS wireless solutions, gracefully, into their solutions. For more information about jjPLUS, please visit www.jjplus.com. About Efficient Power Conversion Corporation EPC is the leader in enhancement mode gallium nitride-based power management devices. EPC was the first to introduce enhancement-mode gallium-nitride-on-silicon (eGaN) FETs as power MOSFET replacements in applications such as DC-DC converters, wireless power transfer, envelope tracking, RF transmission, solar micro inverters, remote sensing technology (LiDAR), and class-D audio amplifiers with device performance many times greater than the best silicon power MOSFETs. Visit www.epc-co.com.tw. eGaN is a registered trademark of Efficient Power Conversion Corporation, Inc. Contact: Efficient Power Conversion Corporation Winnie Wong +852-9669-9034 winnie.wong@epc-co.com SOURCE Efficient Power Conversion Corporation (EPC) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] NANOBIOTIX' Management statement on recent share price variation NANOBIOTIX' MANAGEMENT STATEMENT ON RECENT SHARE PRICE VARIATION Paris, France and Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, June 6 2018 - NANOBIOTIX (Euronext: NANO - ISIN: FR0011341205), a late clinical-stage nanomedicine company pioneering new approaches to the treatment of cancer, communicates today regarding the recent evolution of its share price. The Company noticed a significant decrease of its share price over the last few days. The management confirms that no news or particular event, that would not have been disclosed to the public, has happened. Some inquiries have emerged regarding the inclusion or exclusion criteria in the Soft Tissue Sarcoma Phase II/III trial. The update made on the website www.ClinicalTrials.gov regarding this trial, is a technical update related to a protocol amendment that has been implemented in 2015. The Company will publish Soft Tissue Sarcoma top line data as soon as it is available and before the end of June as expected. Nanobiotix pursues its development and strategy according to plans. *** About NANOBIOTIX: www.nanobiotix.com Incorporated in 2003, Nanobiotix is a leading, late clinical-stage nanomedicine company pioneering new approaches to significantly change patient outcomes by bringing nanophysics to the heart of the cell. The Nanobiotix philosophy is one rooted in designing pioneer physical based approaches to bring highly efective and generalized solutions to address high unmet medical needs and challenges. The Company's first-in-class, proprietary lead technology, NanoXray, aims to expand radiotherapy benefits for millions of cancer patients. Furthermore, the Company's Immuno-Oncology program has the potential to bring a new dimension to cancer immunotherapies. Nanobiotix is listed on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris (Euronext: NANO / ISIN: FR0011341205; Bloomberg: NANO: FP). The Company's Headquarters are based in Paris, France, with a U.S. affiliate in Cambridge, MA, and european affiliates in Spain and Germany. Contact Nanobiotix Sarah Gaubert Director, Communication & Public Affairs +33 (0)1 40 26 07 55 sarah.gaubert@nanobiotix.com / contact@nanobiotix.com Noel Kurdi Director, Investor Relations +1 (646) 241-4400 noel.kurdi@nanobiotix.com / investors@nanobiotix.com Ricky Bhajun Investor Relations Europe +33 (0)1 79 97 29 99 ricky.bhajun@nanobiotix.com / investors@nanobiotix.com Media relations France - Springbok Consultants Marina Rosoff +33 (0)6 71 58 00 34 marina@springbok.fr United States - RooneyPartners Marion Janic +1 (212) 223-4017 mjanic@rooneyco.com Disclaimer This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Nanobiotix and its business. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Nanobiotix considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be verified, which estimates are subject to numerous risks including the risks set forth in the reference document of Nanobiotix filed with the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorite des Marches Financiers) under number D.17-0470 on April 28, 2017 as well as in its 2017 annual financial report filed with the French Financial Markets Authority on March 29, 2018 (a copy of which is available on www.nanobiotix.com) and to the development of economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Nanobiotix operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Nanobiotix or not currently considered material by Nanobiotix. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause actual results, financial conditions, performance or achievements of Nanobiotix to be materially different from such forward-looking statements. This press release and the information that it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe for, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for, Nanobiotix shares in any country. At the moment NBTXR3 does not bear a CE mark and is not permitted to be placed on the market or put into service until NBTXR3 has obtained a CE mark. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] Apache Pulsar 2.0 Brings Enterprise-Class Scale, Speed and Functionality to Streaming Data Processing PALO ALTO, Calif., June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Streamlio, the intelligent platform for fast data, today announced availability of Apache Pulsar 2.0, a significant new release of the streaming messaging solution at the core of the Streamlio platform. Building on the proven Apache Pulsar foundation, this release adds new capabilities to Apache Pulsar that support easy development and deployment of modern data-driven applications and demonstrates the maturity and enterprise-class capabilities of Pulsar. They also continue to advance the performance, scalability and durability advantages of Pulsar compared to older messaging platforms such as Apache Kafka, as demonstrated by the real-world OpenMessaging benchmark. Messaging solutions for streaming data are a critical and central component of software infrastructure for modern digital companies, providing the glue that connects diverse data with users and applications. Applications in financial services, IoT, advertising, retail, security, fraud prevention, real-time analytics, machine learning and other fast-data scenarios have demonstrated the value of processing data as it arrives rather than waiting on batch processing pipelines. Todays fast evolving and massively scalable data-driven applications require performance and durability at scale without operational burdens. Apache Pulsar 2.0 is th first platform to meet these twin enterprise performance and functionality demands. This is an important milestone demonstrating the maturity and continued innovation of the Apache Pulsar solution, notes Matteo Merli, co-founder of Streamlio and the architect and lead developer of Pulsar while at Yahoo. Designed from day one to deliver unmatched performance, scalability, and operational simplicity, Pulsar provides the enterprise-class technology needed to enable companies to move beyond the limits of traditional batch-centric approaches to the data-driven future where they can immediately process and act on fast-moving data as quickly as it arrives. The latest enhancements to Pulsar dramatically decrease the cost and complexity involved in analyzing, transforming and acting on data as it arrives. This new functionality builds on Pulsar's performance and durability advantages with features to improve developer and application efficiency, including: Pulsar Functions , a stream-native processing capability first announced as a preview feature earlier this year. Pulsar Functions is now generally available for developers looking for a simple way to apply transformations and analytics directly to data as it flows through Pulsar, without requiring external systems or add-ons. , a stream-native processing capability first announced as a preview feature earlier this year. Pulsar Functions is now generally available for developers looking for a simple way to apply transformations and analytics directly to data as it flows through Pulsar, without requiring external systems or add-ons. Schema Registry , a new feature that simplifies development of data-driven applications by providing developers the ability to define and validate the structure and integrity of data flowing through Pulsar. This easier and more consistent method of tracking information in data streams is critical at the scale Pulsar operates in most enterprises. , a new feature that simplifies development of data-driven applications by providing developers the ability to define and validate the structure and integrity of data flowing through Pulsar. This easier and more consistent method of tracking information in data streams is critical at the scale Pulsar operates in most enterprises. Topic Compaction, a new enhancement to Pulsar in coordination with the Apache Bookkeeper solution for streaming data storage that improves performance for applications consuming data from Pulsar. This release also delivers significant performance enhancements that further raise the bar for enterprise-class streaming data processing. These enhancements, which take full advantage of scaling optimizations in recent releases of the Apache BookKeeper stream storage solution used within Pulsar, extend Pulsars performance lead, demonstrating 7x greater throughput than Apache Kafka. "At STICorp were using Apache Pulsar as the messaging solution that processes data for our production applications, said Daniel Ferreira Jorge, Director of Operations at STICorp. "We switched from Apache Kafka to Pulsar because Pulsar has proven to have higher performance and reliability and is easier to operate than other solutions. Were excited about the release of Pulsar 2.0 because features like Pulsar Functions and the many other enhancements it has will make it even easier for us to build the data pipelines that connect, process and transform data for our applications. Streamlio offers commercial support for Pulsar, which serves as core technology for the companys intelligent platform for fast data. The company will be demonstrating the new functionality in Pulsar 2.0 at booth S8 at the upcoming Data Works Summit in San Jose, Calif. June 17-21. More information about Pulsar 2.0 is available on the Streamlio blog. About Streamlio Streamlio delivers the first intelligent platform for fast data, allowing organizations to readily build the data-driven applications they need to react to data as it arrives. Its platform is built on leading open source technologies for messaging, processing, and storage of streaming data that have been proven at scale in companies including Twitter and Yahoo. Founded by industry veterans and funded by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Streamlio helps organizations build the data-driven applications they need to react to data in real-time. Learn more online at streaml.io. Andrew Goss Voxus PR for Streamlio agoss@voxuspr.com 253.444.5446 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] Take-Off with UnaBiz & Sigfox at InnoVEX 2018 TAIPEI, Taiwan, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Since the commercial launch of Sigfox's nationwide IoT network in Taiwan last October, UnaBiz has been accelerating the adoption of Sigfox powered IoT applications and services across a wide range of industries. This year, UnaBiz is proud to showcase innovative IoT solutions in smart parking, asset tracking, urban planning and even rodent monitoring, at InnoVEX -- Asia's Leading Startup Platform. "We are extremely excited and privileged to co-exhibit with our local and international partners at InnoVEX this year. We have GlobalSat Worldcom (GPS trackers) and Holding Force (Smart Parking) from Taiwan; CRE8TEC (Rodent Monitoring) and PTGEM (Geo-mapping Services) from Singapore; and Sensolus (Asset Tracking) who came all the way from Belgium!", explained Philippe Tzou, Ecosystem Director for Taiwan at UnaBiz. Co-Exhibitor Profiles: 1) Holding Force Holding Force is an expert in the field of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and AutoID solutions. As the system provider of Taipei City & Taichung City road-side parking management multi-channel payment system for many years, Holding Force is now promoting a comprehensive Smart Parking Sensor & Cloud-based management and payment system that would enable local parking authorities to better manage their road-side parking resources, increase management efficiency and even improve revenue schemes. 2) CRE8TEC CRE8TEC is Singapore's first integrated rodent risk management company who developed RATSENSE -- an innovative rodent monitoring system that uses sensors and data analytics to monitor rodent activity and movements, thereby providing accurate insights and location mapping for strategic placement of traps in the ield. Currently deployed in Singapore, Malaysia and Australia, RATSENSE is looking to uncover new opportunities in Taiwan's environmental and health industries. 3) PTGEM PTGEM Pte Ltd is a company developing geo-spatial artificial intelligence solutions. Geospatial technologies are at the edge of innovation in many sectors. PTGEM's mission is to provide the highest quality products and service through the development of innovative, state-of-the-art IT development for Urban Planning and IoT. PTGEM provides SAAS solutions as well as ad-hoc services on geospatial industry in two main areas: (1) Urban planning - PTGEM is developing SAAS products for architects and planners that want to increase their productivity with geospatial solutions, with strong interest in Sustainability and Smart Cities. PTGEM provides services to develop geo-infrastructure deployments for clients willing to use Open Source and state-of-art geo-technologies. (2) IoT - PTGEM has developed a suite of tools for developers to visualize, analyse and integrate sensor information in both 2D and 3D, from different sources. At the moment, several POCs are under development (e.g. with Cre8tec, pest control IoT) powered by newest IoT technologies such as SIGFOX. 4) Sensolus Sensolus is an Industrial Internet-of-Things company, based in Ghent, Belgium. Sensolus brings value to supply chain and asset monitoring processes by offering end-to-end geolocation-enabled IoT solutions. By combining smart sensors with low-power communication networks and cloud analytics, Sensolus helps businesses lower operational costs and increases asset up- and usage time. Internationally recognized as being extremely energy-efficient, easy to install, operational scalable and very reliable in industrial environments, Sensolus has been adopted by Airbus Group or TCR, an international Ground Service Equipment operator currently present in over 140 airports. Sensolus's Stickntrack is an end-to-end IoT tracking solution that is easy-to-install, low-power, scalable and most importantly user-friendly. It has been awarded the Gold medal in the IoT Global Awards 2018 in "Scaling Industrial IoT". 5) GlobalSat Worldcom GlobalSat provides customisation for electronics. designs, system integration and software development to meet specific customer needs. By integrating Sigfox/GPS/BLE RF electronic and communication applications, GlobalSat provides Smart Trackers and an array of Sigfox-Ready Product. An expert in the field of GPS receivers and electronic communications, GlobalSat is dedicated to providing a myriad of services in the form of engineering design, product development and manufacturing of IoT and M2M technology solutions specifically. Its core competencies lie in location-based and edge network sensor technologies, a broad spectrum of connectivity and diversified platform services. Visit UnaBiz at InnoVEX's IoT Theme Pavilion to learn more about: i) How the largest luxury trunk maker in the world -- Louis Vuitton is using IoT to inform you if your luggage has arrived safely at any of the 70 airports worldwide, ii) Why is Google Map the only solution for visual monitoring of cars, parcels, assets in the future's smart cities, iii) What IoT solutions could Taipei and Taichung City exploring to enable smart parking, iv) Why is one of the major worldwide GPS-enabled tracking device manufacturers joining the UnaBiz SIGFOX ecosystem? The iconic B2B exhibition is happening from June 6th to 8th at the Taiwan World Trade Center - Hall 3. SOURCE UnaBiz [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] Biosensors Everywhere: From Space and Robotics to Diagnostics and Personalized Medicine MIAMI, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- At Biosensors 2018 [Miami, USA, June 12-15, 2018], more than 900 international delegates will convene to review how biosensors are being used in applications as diverse as space exploration, robotics, mobile diagnostics and personal health. The 3-day Congress Program features more than 200 talks and 600 posters highlighting the latest research and associated commercial applications from around the world. Industry exhibitors will showcase their latest products and a special outreach program will encourage students to appreciate the opportunities offered by a career in STEM. Executive Chair, Professor Tony Turner says: "It is excellent to welcome so many delegates to Miami for our 28th Anniversary Congress. With continued growth in the biosensors market, which is expected to be valued in excess of US$27 billion by 2022, our plenary speakers will highlight key growthareas including: non-medical applications, point-of-care diagnostics, and glucose monitoring systems." In non-medical applications: David Cullen (Cranfield University, UK) will review aspects of enabling bioanalytical and biotechnological systems in space and including planetary exploration and support of humans. Kyu-jin Cho (Seoul National University) will describe novel soft robotic systems that use soft or compliant materials to overcome the limitations of traditional robotics. The use of biosensors for diagnostics and personalized medicine is covered from different perspectives by four plenary speakers: Point-of-care diagnostics with greater levels of precision are discussed by Emmanuel Delamarche (IBM) who will also reveal important developments in limiting counterfeiting by combining a complex signal with a "time domain" for authentication of diagnostic devices. Kevin Plaxco (UCSB) will reveal how, for the first time, an electrochemical sensor can provide real-time molecular measurements directly in the living body. A powerful new tool for drug development, the technology can also be applied to personalized medicine Continuous glucose monitoring, where subcutaneous and implanted sensors communicate with smartphones, is an increasingly used technology revolutionizing the treatment of diabetes. David Klonoff (UCSF) outlines how the technology allows patients to see real-time fluctuations in glucose levels to better manage their disease with lifestyle and medication adjustments. John Rogers (Northwestern University) shows how electronic and microfluidic sensors for the skin, with physical properties precisely matching the human epidermis, can provide continuous, clinical-quality information on physiological status. These plenary talks are supplemented by 200 contributed talks from leading research institutes and organizations. For more information and a press pass visit: https://www.elsevier.com/events/conferences/world-congress-on-biosensors Contact Marie-Claire Morley m.morley@elsevier.com, +44(0)7903-406176 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/biosensors-everywhere-from-space-and-robotics-to-diagnostics-and-personalized-medicine-300660920.html SOURCE Elsevier and Biosensors 2018 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] Ursa Launches Expanded Global Oil Storage Monitoring Capability Ursa, a provider of geospatial intelligence solutions, today announced the release of a fully global oil storage monitoring solution. Ursa Global Oil Storage Monitoring, available immediately, provides unmatched oil storage monitoring around the globe for users such as hedge funds, commodities traders, big banks, and oil companies. It uses radar satellite imagery to measure over 3.6 billion barrels of crude oil storage in nearly 10,000 tanks on a weekly basis. Ursa has also added North American oil storage monitoring as part of the expanded global service. The company also announced that it is partnering with S&P Global Platts, a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), to incorporate Ursa's new global oil storage monitoring capability into S&P Global Platts Analytics products and services. The companies also plan to jointly develop new products and services for the commodity and energy markets. S&P Global Platts is an independent provider of information, benchmark prices, and analytics for the energy and commodities markets. The company's essential insights deliver greater transparency and efficiency to companies, governments and individuals in 190 countries to make decisions with conviction. "We constantly seek to improve the quality and accuracy of S&P Global Platts Analytics supply and demand outlooks," said Chris Midgley, Head of Analytics Content, S&P Global Platts. "Ursa's Global Oil Storage Monitoring helps validate our analysis and enables us to respond closer to real time. Partnering with Ursa will enable us to consider innovative ways to leverage satellite data to further advance our market insight and support customers' strategic decisions." "Ursa's expanded global oil storage offering connects our customers with the largest, most reliable source of geospatial data in the business plus the analysis and tools to put that intelligence to the greatest use for their businesses," said Adam Maher, CEO of Ursa. "Working with S&P Global Platts, we can put that capability to work for a much larger universe who will also benefit from Platts' extensive expertise and ability to turn that data into meaningful insights for users in finance, oil and energy." Ursa Global Oil Storage Monitoring aggregates and analyzes data from the industry's largest network of radar satellite providers to provide commercial customers with alternative sources of market intelligence and competitive advantage. Coverage includes more than 340 oil terminals including 119 key refineries, and the 15 largest refineries in the world. The product provides weekly direct measurements for high accuracy and reliability and the radar satellite-based collection method is unhindered by weather. Strict QA processes incorporate both automation and human analysis and Ursa also supports data use by regularly sharing analysis, insights, and education with users. About Ursa Ursa is on an unflinching quest to move the world forward by turning data into decision advantage. Founded in 2014, Ursa pioneered transparency into oil data in China and has since expanded their global reach with geospatial intelligence products that set new standards for accuracy and reliability and are designed to empower customers with critical insights that make an impact. For more information visit www.ursaspace.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180606005905/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] Altia Systems Launches Intelligent Vision 2.0 Suite of AI Products for PanaCast CUPERTINO, Calif., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Altia Systems, creator of PanaCast 2, the world's first 180 Panoramic-4K Plug-and-Play camera system, today announces its Intelligent Vision 2.0 suite of products which are based on a new generation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. These technologies improve participants' collaboration experience by delivering accurate information that automates workflows by accurately counting people and creates "big data" for data science applications through industry-first Intel Architecture based intelligence. The AI head detector CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) has been developed and trained on PanaCast in collaboration with Intel. These technologies have been developed with customers' privacy as the first and foremost requirement. The device stores no information, only provides numerical data, and that too only on demand. Altia Systems launched Intelligent Vision 1.0 in January 2017 with the shipment of Intelligent Zoom followed by PanaCast Whiteboard and PanaCast Vivid over the past year. The Intelligent Vision suite works with any video conferencing service and enhances the video collaboration experience. The Intelligent Vision 2.0 product suite includes: Built-in People Detection : this capability is based on an embedded face detector technology using front/side facial views and is available through the newly-released PanaCast API. It allows users to query the device for real-time people counting data through simple standards-based UVC queries. The information can be used to create a histogram of usage and also to automate manual workflows, such as room occupancy detection, room calendar management, room/space utilization and resource management, or to automate facility assets such as TV monitors, lights, video conferencing equipment, etc. It can provide people counting data when the camera system is idle and concurrently while it is in use by a video conferencing application. It detects people up to 12 feet away and can simultaneously count up to 40 people, and is built into the PanaCast Vision Processor within the PanaCast 2 device. : this capability is based on an embedded face detector technology using front/side facial views and is available through the newly-released PanaCast API. It allows users to query the device for real-time people counting data through simple standards-based UVC queries. The information can be used to create a histogram of usage and also to automate manual workflows, such as room occupancy detection, room calendar management, room/space utilization and resource management, or to automate facility assets such as TV monitors, lights, video conferencing equipment, etc. It can provide people counting data when the camera system is idle and concurrently while it is in use by a video conferencing application. It detects people up to 12 feet away and can simultaneously count up to 40 people, and is built into the PanaCast Vision Processor within the PanaCast 2 device. Advanced People Detection: this capability is based on a new AI head detector CNN, developed in cooperation with Intel. The technology uses a novel CNN network architecture that is able to detect people from all directions including partially visible heads and extends the range up to 40 feet in crowded scenarios. The CNN inference engine is highly optimized for Intel Core processor based PCs and the Panoramic-4K video of the PanaCast 2 camera system. The technology is available through PanaCast API built for the Windows operating system. The technology can be used for large areas like classroms, auditoriums and general gatherings. this capability is based on a new AI head detector CNN, developed in cooperation with Intel. The technology uses a novel CNN network architecture that is able to detect people from all directions including partially visible heads and extends the range up to 40 feet in crowded scenarios. The CNN inference engine is highly optimized for Intel Core processor based PCs and the Panoramic-4K video of the PanaCast 2 camera system. The technology is available through PanaCast API built for the Windows operating system. The technology can be used for large areas like classroms, auditoriums and general gatherings. Intelligent Zoom 2.0 Intelligent Zoom 2.0 has integrated significant enhancements based on customer use around the world over the past 18 months and now also includes temporal filtering and the new AI head detector CNN. It automatically zooms the video frame in and out to include all the meeting participants autonomously, so people can focus on their meeting without being distracted by the need to manage the field of view. With the advanced people detection technology, Intelligent Zoom 2.0 can detect people up to 40 feet away from the existing PanaCast 2 device and works with any video conferencing application. "Intel is investing in AI technologies on Intel Client platforms to deliver more intelligent conference rooms and meetings" said Praveen Vishakantaiah, Intel Corporation Vice President, Client Computing Group and General Manager, Client Architecture and Innovation. "The Intel Core processor optimized AI head detector technology combined with the low distortion 180 field of view video produced by the PanaCast camera enables businesses to make better decisions, automate workflows and improve business efficiency." Jose De La Paz, CEO, VisibilityOne Corp said, "We've integrated PanaCast's API and people detection and counting capability into our VisibilityOne dashboard to deliver real-time data and insights into devices, applications and operating environment to provide the best communication and unified collaboration experience for our customers. VisibilityOne will be showcasing our dashboard at booth N2732 at InfoComm." "PanaCast's platform has a unique ability to provide full video coverage with real-time intelligent sensing," said Graham Evans of avt. "Leveraging the data provided by the PanaCast camera system enables our customers to optimize their increasingly expensive and in-demand, meeting/huddle-space resources." PanaCast is increasingly being used in new markets, including education, broadcasting and advertising. Quividi, the industry standard for Audience and Attention Analytics in DOOH with its own measurement technology, has now started using PanaCast 2 cameras for some of its high-profile deployments. "We are proud to pioneer the use of the PanaCast 2 in the Digital Out of Home (DOOH) market," says Ke-Quang Nguyen-Phuc, CEO of Quividi. "This camera offers an incredible resolution and gives our real-time Attention Analytics a superb 180 field of view, allowing it to analyze ever further and wider. More than ever, measuring DOOH is equivalent to measuring views." "Modern collaboration requires 100% video coverage and, concurrently, 100% intelligent sensing. Single cameras miss a lot of the space because of their limited field of view and create unnatural distortion when extending the field of view optically, making them infeasible for modern AI based solutions," said Aurangzeb Khan, President and CEO of Altia Systems. "This new suite of products lets you see and make sense of the video experience for people in real time, enabling companies to improve participants' collaboration experience via autonomous, intelligent action, and to create data sets which lead to further workflow automation and provide the basis for sound decision-making." The PanaCast API is available free of cost. The Intelligent Zoom 2.0 and the built-in people detection technology are also available as free of cost upgrades for Intelligent Zoom 1.0 customers for their own use. Companies wishing to build commercial services on this technology may contact the Altia Systems team. The Intelligent Vision 2.0 suite of products prices will remain identical to the original 1.0 suite, available as an add-on to any PanaCast 2 camera. Customers currently using the 1.0 suite of products may upgrade to 2.0 at no additional cost. Intelligent Vision 2.0, along with PanaCast 2, PanaCast 2s and the recently announced PanaCast Live will be demonstrated at booth N1868 at InfoComm, taking place from June 6-8, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. About Altia Systems Altia Systems is a venture-backed company based in Cupertino, CA., and is the creator of the PanaCast system and software products. PanaCast 2, the world's first Panoramic-4K Plug-and-Play camera system that delivers a 180 wide field of view, which replicates the natural human visual perspective. Funded by Intel Capital and other leading investors, Altia Systems' PanaCast 2, 2s, 3D VR and Live systems deliver real-time 180 Panoramic-4K, Panoramic-5K and 4K 3D video streams from integrated, synchronized and optimized multi-camera arrays. PanaCast systems and Intelligent Vision (artificial intelligence) software products are used by more than 1,500 companies worldwide, including 400+ universities, for video collaboration, education, AR/VR, live broadcasting and machine learning for autonomous systems. PanaCast system devices are designed and assembled in the U.S. and have received prestigious awards such as CES Innovation Awards Honoree, Frost & Sullivan New Product Innovation, GOOD DESIGN award, Gartner Cool Vendor in Unified Communications, and more. For more information and the latest updates, visit www.panacast.com and follow @PanaCast1 via Twitter. Contact: Brenda Manea BAM Communications brenda@bamcommunications.biz (714) 904-8592 View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/altia-systems-launches-intelligent-vision-2-0-suite-of-ai-products-for-panacast-300660550.html SOURCE Altia Systems [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] 3DR Brings On Uplift Data Partners As Preferred Commercial Drone Provider CHICAGO, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Uplift Data Partners, the leading data capture pilot platform for enterprise businesses, has been designated as 3DR's preferred commercial drone provider. 3DR will leverage Uplift Data Partners' extensive network of experienced pilots to help their customers capture 2D and 3D imagery using their drone software, Site Scan. Site Scan is a complete drone data platform built for construction and engineering firms of all sizes. It works with a variety of drones and makes it easy to autonomously capture aerial imagery, create and analyze high-resolution maps and 3D models, and share them with key stakeholders. While most 3DR customers have their own in-house drone program, the company found its customers often require the flexibility to access a network of on-demand pilots for additional support. 3DR selected Uplift Data Partners to enhance and support Site Scan because of the company's extensive network of commercial-grade drone pilots and its deep expertise of compliance and regulatory guidelines. Together, the companies present a 360-degree approach in their sales, business development, and product efforts, providing construction customers a full solution to solving both the first and last mile challenges. "Our partnership with Uplift Data Partners gives our customers more flexibility to collect the data they need, whenever they need it," said Chris Anderson, CEO of 3DR. "By having direct access to an extensive network of highly trained pilots, our customers can easily conduct test flights or scale their drone operations depending on their project needs. We're thrilled to work with Uplift Data Partners to make this possible." When Uplift Data Partners was first formed in 2015, the company saw an opprtunity to not only modernize the AEC industry, but bring substantial transformative change to the world by advocating for the accessibility of drone services. To accomplish this, the company took an uncompromising approach to differentiate itself from the competition, by requiring additional training standards of its pilots that are beyond FAA requirements and proactively gaining airspace rights. This, along with mastering data capture automation, is why Uplift Data Partners builds strong alliances with its clients, such as 3DR. "We are happy to serve as a supporting service to 3DR to promote their mission in providing industry-leading drone technology to the AEC industry," said Suzanne El-Moursi, CEO of Uplift Data Partners. "Our mission is to make it simple for our clients and partners to outsource their drone data capture needs to us because they are confident in our ability to deliver at commercial scale, ensuring best-in-class data capture quality, superior turnaround time and a winning client service experience by Uplift's Client Success team. Drone service offerings are transforming from merely a la carte client requests to consistent client demands, so it is paramount that this requirement is met and fully integrated into the offerings of companies moving forward. We are proud to bolster 3DR's quest in providing a complete set of offerings in drone software solutions." For more information, please visit www.3dr.com and www.upliftdatapartners.com. About Uplift Data Partners Uplift Data Partners was founded in 2015 in Chicago. Uplift Data Partners is the leading data capture pilot platform for enterprise businesses to capture and integrate drone data into their business operations. Our turn key platform strategically matches highly trained commercial drone pilots with enterprise clients, enabling them to scale their drone data capture needs. The platform seamlessly solves for compliance, airspace, and dispatch of commercially trained pilots at the touch of a button. Uplift's pilot network is the leading commercially trained and insured pilot network, guaranteeing that every drone pilot meets our enterprise client requirements. Our network has 100% nationwide coverage of the United States, in addition to network wide night waiver that allows for completing night missions, allowing us to deliver any mission anywhere. Our clients are leading brands in the construction, insurance and real estate industries with national and global recognition. For more information, visit UpliftDataPartners.com. Uplift Data Partners: We fly. You get data. About 3DR: 3DR is a drone technology company based in Berkeley, California. Its flagship product, Site Scan, is a complete drone data platform built for construction and engineering professionals to help them build and manage the physical world. Site Scan, a secure, scalable platform, makes it safer and easier than ever for commercial and enterprise users to collect and process aerial data, perform inspections, and improve business operations. For more information on 3DR, visit 3dr.com. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/3dr-brings-on-uplift-data-partners-as-preferred-commercial-drone-provider-300660953.html SOURCE Uplift Data Partners [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] Kneron Showcasing Offline Smart Home Solutions at InnoVEX Participating in MOST Global Research & Industry Alliance to Jointly Promote Industrial Renovation TAIPEI, Taiwan, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global ICT's annual event, InnoVEX Taipei 2018 (Computex's Innovations & Startups Area), officially began today. Kneron, the leading provider of edge artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, was invited by its investor Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund to showcase offline smart home solutions, including visual recognition software and the edge AI processor NPU IP-KDP 500, at the Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund's booth on June 6th-June 8th. Kneron was also invited to attend the Global Research & Industry Alliance (GLORIA) signing ceremony held today by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST). Kneron along with several internationally renowned companies jointly announced on stage their determination to promote state-of-the-art technology development and leading industrial innovation. Albert Liu, Kneron's founder and CEO said, "In connection with the InnoVEX's spirit of innovation, Kneron showcased offline smart home solutions that allow AI networks to run on the edge devices without connecting to the cloud. Therefore, people can experience a more intelligent and convenient way of life while protecting their personal privacy. In addition, Kneron as the Innovator Member representative of National Chiao Tung University (NCTU)'s GLORIA-Semicon program will continue to enhance innovative momentum through cooperation with the industry and academia." Kneron's Offline Smart Home Solutions Protect Personal Privacy To create a smart home, all home appliances were connected to the cloud in the past, but that heightened the risk of data leakage, causing a major concern for home privacy. There were incidents of hackers hacking into home surveillance camera systems and revealing home images such as changing clothes and blow-drying hair. Those daily life images were then broadcast on global websites, which not only invaded personal privacy but also threatened personal safety. Through Kneron's offline smart home solutions, the air conditioners, lights, audio equipment, televisions, home control centers, and the other appliances can be offline conrolled. Take air conditioner for example, this solution can recognize the number of people and distance, and then automatically adjust the temperature, airflow volume, and air direction. In addition, more intuitive human-computer interaction can be achieved through gesture recognition control, without worrying about not being able to find the controller. Kneron's showcased solutions include visual recognition software and NPU (Neural Processing Unit) IP-KDP 500. The visual recognition software features face detection and recognition, gesture recognition, and body recognition. Take gesture recognition for instance, the palm, fist, and moving direction recognition facilitates various functional controls. KDP500 is a dedicated AI chip for smart homes. In the 40nm process, it has a performance reaching 1.5 TOPS/W, with the computing capacity up to 152 GOPS (500MHz) (billion operations per second), while sustaining 100mW power consumption. Participating in NCTU's Gloria-Semicon to Jointly Promote Industrial Innovation In order to enhance industry-academia collaboration, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) invites 15 Taiwan universities to join the Global Research & Industry Alliance (GLORIA) to develop state-of-the-art technology and innovation in different industries. Among them, National Chiao Tung University (NCTU) owns the GLORIA-Semicon for the purpose of matching Taiwan's semiconductor companies (Service Manufacturing Member) and domestic and foreign startup companies (Innovator Member). Through this alliance, a variety of application chips are expected to be developed to meet to the increasing demands in different industries. Kneron's AI processor NPU IP designed for edge devices have the advantages of high performance and low power consumption, which has received the attention of the industry and has enabled Kneron to be invested by Horizon's Ventures, a venture capital firm founded by Mr. Ka-shing Li. As an innovator member of Gloria-Semicon, Kneron adheres to the concept of innovation and will share the experience in developing NPU with the industry and academia, thereby promoting the development and popularization of artificial intelligence. Exhibition Information: Kneron@Innovext Date: 2018/6/6~2018/6/8 Time: 9:30-18:00 Venue: Taipei World Trade Center Hall 3, No. 6, Songshou Rd., Taipei City Booth No.: G0442 (Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund's Exhibition Area) About Kneron Kneron, established in San Diego in 2015, is a leading provider of edge AI solutions. It is dedicated to the design and development of integrated software and hardware edge AI solutions for smart home, smart surveillance, smartphones, robots, drones, and IoT devices. Kneron's investors from the series A round of investments in November 2017 include Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, CDIB, Himax Technologies, Inc, Qualcomm, Thundersoft, Sequoia Capital (its sub funds: Cloudatlas), and CYZONE. On May 31, 2018, Kneron announced the completion of their series A1 financing led by Horizons Ventures, a venture capital firm founded by Mr. Ka-shing Li. Horizons. To date, Kneron has received financing amounting to more than US$33 million. For more information about Kneron, please visit: http://www.kneron.com . View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kneron-showcasing-offline-smart-home-solutions-at-innovex-300660978.html SOURCE Kneron [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] Actifio Welcomes IBM as Premier Sponsor of Data Driven 2018, To Expand Alliance With IBM Resiliency Services MIAMI, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Actifio, the Data-as-a-Service company, today welcomed IBM as a Premier Sponsor at Data Driven 2018 and announced that the companies will be expanding their long-standing alliance with a new focus on cyber resiliency. Data Driven 2018, Actifio's first global user and partner conference, is taking place June 5-6 at the Fontainebleau in Miami, Florida. Hundreds of innovators from around the world are participating in technology sessions focused on topics including DevOps, Cloud and Resiliency. Chandra Pulamarasetti, Vice President, Resiliency Strategy & Resiliency Orchestration Software/Services, IBM Global Technology Services, will give a keynote presentation to address disaster recovery, cyber resiliency and business continuity challenges, and how organizations can resolve these issues to pursue digital enterprise transformation. In the next phase of their longstanding alliance, Actifio's data-as-a-service software will assist IBM's Resiliency Services to rapidly identify and evaluate potential risks and disruptions rom cyber attacks and address them with robust recovery capabilities to resume business operations in the event of unplanned outage to production, focusing on the need for solutions that enable clients to recover from Cyber Incident attacks. As the first software company to enable instant access to massive data payloads on a hardware-agnostic and multi-cloud basis, Actifio also works with IBM to help organizations transition to the IBM Cloud, as well as other public clouds, without the concerns previously imposed on data access and availability for their most critical applications. Ash Ashutosh, Founder and CEO of Actifio, said, "We have worked with IBM since the founding of the company in an alliance that has served our mutual customers extremely well. We believe this next phase of our alliance around cyber resiliency services will have a massive impact on organizations around the world, and we are honored to have IBM as a Premier Sponsor at Data Driven 2018." For more information on Actifio Data Driven 2018, please visit the website. About Actifio Actifio is the world's leading Data-as-a-Service platform. It enables thousands of users around the world to deliver their data just as they deliver their applications and infrastructure... as a service available instantly, anywhere. An enterprise-class software platform powered by patented Virtual Data Pipeline technology, Actifio frees data from traditional infrastructure to accelerate adoption of hybrid cloud, build higher quality applications faster, and improve business resiliency and availability. For more, visit Actifio.com or follow @Actifio on Twitter. Media Contact: P.J. Lee, CTP for Actifio pjlee@ctpboston.com View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/actifio-welcomes-ibm-as-premier-sponsor-of-data-driven-2018-to-expand-alliance-with-ibm-resiliency-services-300660993.html SOURCE Actifio [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] Fordham Law School Center on Law and Information Policy (CLIP) Study Reveals Lack of Transparency in Commercial Marketplace for Sale and Exchange of Student Data The Center on Law and Information Policy at Fordham Law School (Fordham CLIP) has released its findings from a multi-year study on the commercial marketplace for the sale and exchange of student information. Transparency and the Marketplace for Student Data sought to gain an understanding of the commercial marketplace for student data and the interaction with privacy law. Over several years, Fordham CLIP reviewed publicly-available sources, made public records requests to educational institutions, and collected marketing materials received by high school students. The study uncovered and documented an overall lack of transparency in the student information commercial marketplace and an absence of law to protect student information. Key findings of the reporter include: Parents and students are generally unable to determine how and why certain student lists were compiled or the basis for designating a student as associated with a particular attribute like race, religion, and purported interests. It is difficult to ascertain sources for student data; large school districts claim they do not sell directory information except to the military and other educational institutions. Data brokers operating in the student information marketplace frequently change names, merge and have affiliated relationships, making it difficult to identify student data brokers. Despite all of this, student lists are commercially available for purchase on the basis of ethnicity, affluence, religion, lifestyle, awkwardness and even a perceived or predicted need for family planning services. The findings also revealed that a profitable ecosystem for commercial student data exists, but a lack of transparency and accessibility to information remains. Based then on the research and the deficiencies in existing law and regulation of the commercial marketplace fr student data, Fordham CLIP makes the following policy recommendations: The commercial marketplace for student information should not be a black market. Parents, students, and the general public should be able to reasonably know (i) the identities of student data brokers, (ii) what lists and selects they are selling, and (iii) where the data for student lists and selects derives. A model like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) should apply to compilation, sale, and use of student data once outside of schools and FERPA protections. If data brokers are selling information on students based on stereotypes, this should be transparent and subject to parental and public scrutiny. Brokers of student data should be required to follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy of student data. Parents and emancipated students should be able to gain access to their student data and correct inaccuracies. Student data brokers should be obligated to notify purchasers and other downstream users when previously-transferred data is proven inaccurate and these data recipients should be required to correct the inaccuracy. Parents and emancipated students should be able to opt out of uses of student data for commercial purposes unrelated to education or military recruitment. When surveys are administered to students through schools, data practices should be transparent, students and families should be informed as to any commercial purposes of surveys before they are administered, and there should be compliance with other obligations under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA). N. Cameron Russell, Executive Director of Fordham Law School's CLIP, and one of the co-authors of the study, said that Vermont's recent passage of H.764 - the United States' first legislation regulating commercial data brokers - is responsive to, and in part inspired by, problems identified in the Fordham CLIP study. "I recently had the opportunity to testify before the Vermont House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development on the need for closer regulation and oversight of commercial data brokers, and the passage of H.764 requiring data brokers to register with the state as well as include specific information disclosures for brokers of student information underscores the need for an overhaul of the commercial student information marketplace, particularly increased transparency," said Russell. Joel Reidenberg, Professor of Law and Founding Academic Director of Fordham Law's CLIP, says the passage of H.764 in Vermont is likely to have a national impact. "The Vermont law is likely to become a national model and have a nationwide effect. Data brokers harvest personal information on a national scale and the Vermont registry requirement will result in increased national transparency for the identities and practices of these brokers," said Reidenberg. The full report is available here The Center on Law and Information Policy (CLIP) was founded to make significant contributions to the development of law and policy for the information economy and to teach the next generation of leaders. CLIP brings together scholars, the bar, the business community, technology experts, the policy community, students, and the public to address and assess policies and solutions for cutting-edge issues that affect the evolution of the information economy. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180606006003/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] SOCAR Turkey Signs Agreement for Coreworx Contract Management HOUSTON, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Coreworx Inc. ("Coreworx") announced today that SOCAR Turkey Enerji A.S. has signed a multi-year agreement for Coreworx Contract Management. SOCAR will license Coreworx Contract Management as a Coreworx hosted solution. Coreworx Contract Management will enable SOCAR to manage project contracts and associated risks from planning to close out. Egbert Wijnen-Riems, Procurement and Supply Chain Group Director at SOCAR commented on the new agreement, "Contracts are the basis for commercial success of any project and the project-specific solution Coreworx provides will help ensure our team members are compliant with our contract policies and commitments, and also provide us with a higher-level of insight to manage contract-related risk." John Gillberry, Coreworx CEO, stated, "We look forward to working with SOCAR and are focused on contributing to their commercial success. Our end-to-end contract solution provides management of prject contracts from pre-award through post-award. In doing so, it will provide SOCAR with greater control and insight into their projects, and significant improvements in risk assessment and management." About SOCAR Turkey Founded in 2008, SOCAR Turkey, officially titled "SOCAR Turkey Enerji A.S.", is an affiliate of SOCAR, abbreviated form of "State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic", one of the most well-established oil and natural gas companies of the world. SOCAR Turkey is the icon of growing economic collaboration between the two sister countries, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. While transforming into one of the largest corporations of the country, SOCAR Turkey keeps empowering Turkish industry with its significant investments; thus assisting Turkey to become a major player in international energy platforms. About Coreworx Coreworx is a software and services company that provides integrated information management software solutions, including Coreworx Contract Management, for the world's engineering and construction projects. Coreworx solutions service a portfolio of projects valued at over $1 trillion across 40 countries, on more than 2000 projects with 100,000+ users. Coreworx software enables EPCs, owner-operators, and contractors to automate best practices, mitigate business risk, and improve performance to budget throughout the entire project life cycle. Coreworx has development and sales locations in Houston, Calgary, and Kitchener. For more information, visit: www.coreworx.com Contacts Jenn Spencer Marketing Manager, Coreworx jspencer@coreworx.com View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/socar-turkey-signs-agreement-for-coreworx-contract-management-300660998.html SOURCE Coreworx [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] Government of Canada improves telecommunications services for Canadians Minister Bains announces initiatives to improve quality, coverage and price TORONTO, June 6, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is making sure that when it comes to telecom services, all Canadians benefit from improved quality, coverage and price. Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, delivered a keynote address to the 2018 Canadian Telecom Summit. He announced a series of measures to improve telecom services for Canadians, including: Consultations to prepare Canada for 5G, the next-generation, high-quality , wireless systems that will enable smart cities, connected cars, and e-health; wireless systems that will enable smart cities, connected cars, and e-health; Canada's new five-year plan for wireless spectrum releases that will promote competition to help drive down prices for Canadians and deliver better quality and coverage; A 100-million-dollar Budget 2018 investment that will improve coverage and connectivity in rural areas with low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites; and Budget 2018 investment that will improve coverage and connectivity in rural areas with low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites; and The launch of Connecting Families, an initiative that will provide hundreds of thousands of Canadians with low-cost Internet and will provide up to 50,000 computers to eligible households through the Government of Canada's existing Computers for Schools program. Taken together, these measures will continue to expand Canadians' access to the digital economy and build on progress that the Government has made over the past year. Quotes "We remain focused on te three elements of telecom service that matter most to Canadians: quality, coverage and price. We are also dedicated to ensuring that underrepresented groups can access the new skills, jobs and opportunities that are available online. We're building on the progress we've made to promote telecom competition and help prepare Canada for emerging new technologies such as smart homes and connected cars. I also want to recognize the private sector leadership we're seeing through the Connecting Families low-cost Internet initiative." Quick facts The Government is pleased to be partnering on Connecting Families with Bell Canada , Cogeco, Rogers, SaskTel, Shaw, TELUS and Videotron , Cogeco, Rogers, SaskTel, Shaw, TELUS and Videotron Connecting Families will offer eligible participants with no less than 10 Megabits per second (Mbps) download speeds (or the fastest available if less than 10 Mbps to that family in their region) and no less than 100 gigabytes (GB) of data usage each month at the discounted rate. No equipment or installation fees will be applied. Today's announcements build on several other steps the Government has taken to improve telecom services for Canadians, including the historic ENCQOR 5G partnership for next generation technology, the Connect to Innovate program, the CRTC's $750M Broadband fund, and the 600MHz Auction Framework that supports vigorous marketplace competition. Associated links Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada [June 06, 2018] Intelligent Contacts Expands Payment Security to Call Centers with PCI-Validated Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) ATLANTA and PLANO, Texas, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Intelligent Contacts, the leading provider of communication and payment solutions for the call center industry, and payment security leader Bluefin Payment Systems today announced the expansion of Intelligent Contact's PCI-validated Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) solution to call centers in their growing client portfolio. "Call centers have been taking payments over the phone for decades, but high-profile data breaches and stricter rules on how credit card information is handled, have forced the industry to look outside to stay PCI certified," said Intelligent Contacts CEO Jeff Mains. Intelligent Contacts connected to Bluefin's Decryptx solution, which enables gateways and software platforms to offer a PCI-validated P2PE solution to customers with no change in software or payment flow. One of Intelligent Contacts' first clients to adopt the P2PE solution was a major provider of back office billing support in the healthcare industry. With over 1,000 agents entering creditcard data into their computers each day, achieving yearly PCI certification was a painful process. "This company had a unique challenge with so many agents taking payments," said Mains. "Yearly PCI audits were creating a drag on their IT department. Basically, they needed to take 1,000 workstations out of scope during a PCI audit." The answer was to stop entering credit card data into computers. Instead, each agent used a P2PE terminal. The devices, which provide secure card entry via keypad, are integrated with Intelligent Contact's software suite. "Once deployed," Mains added, "the devices eliminated about 95% of the company's PCI requirements." "It's not just large call centers that find P2PE attractive," said Greg Cornwell, Head of Global Sales for Bluefin. "Call centers often have multiple locations and agents logging in remotely. Having a uniform security solution like PCI-validated P2PE encryption creates the same level of payment security across the board." Intelligent Contacts will discuss the impact and ROI of P2PE during a July 11th webinar, Securing Call Center Payments with PCI-Validated Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE). To pre-register, visit https://www.bluefin.com/p/callcenter-webinar/. To learn more about Intelligent Contacts' suite of call center solutions, visit http://intelligentcontacts.com/call-center-solutions/. For more information about Bluefin, please visit https://www.bluefin.com/. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/intelligent-contacts-expands-payment-security-to-call-centers-with-pci-validated-point-to-point-encryption-p2pe-300660919.html SOURCE Intelligent Contacts [June 06, 2018] Attorney Alexander Borell Opens Orlando Office to Help Central Floridians with Immigration, Family, Criminal, Real Estate Law Issues Attorney Alexander Borell has opened a new location in Orlando to offer people in Central Florida immigration assistance, family law help, and foreclosure defense. In recent years, Borell began offering immigration and family law services at his office in Miami Lakes. In order to provide the highest quality legal representation, Borell partnered up with two of the most knowledgeable and experienced family law and immigration attorneys in the area. The 2 attorneys bring over 50 years' experience to Borell Law. Since initially offering the new services, Borell has vastly expanded his network of attorneys. Now, whether someone is going through a divorce and seeking child support, in need of immigration assistance to petition a relative, or is dealing with a foreclosure sale date, Borell Law clients have the luxury of bringing attorneys who specialize in specific areas of law to heir cases. "I felt confident about expanding because the attorneys at my firm provide top-level legal representation," said Borell. Borell Law is one of the top law firms in Florida and has grown in popularity after focusing on getting client feedback. The firm's Google (News - Alert) reviews are filled with positive ratings and authentic testimonials are posted all over their social media sites. Borell credits a great staff and a passion to help more people as reasons to open new offices. "I have been winning cases since I opened my firm, but I've never had as knowledgeable and determined a staff as a I do now and I feel very lucky," Borell said. "I have gotten my clients good results for a long time, but seeing feedback on social media sites has raised awareness to the work we do and made me feel excited about opening additional offices to help more people," he added. Borell's new office is located in downtown Orlando at 390 North Orange (News - Alert) Avenue #2300, Orlando, FL 32801. Attorney Alexander Borell received his J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law and passed the Florida Bar in 1989. He opened his first firm in 1994 and currently has offices in Coral Gables, Miami Lakes, West Palm Beach, Orlando and Tampa. Mr. Borell has been in good standing with the Florida Bar since becoming an attorney in 1989. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180606006118/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] The Linux Foundation Announces Keynote Speakers for Open Source Summit North America SAN FRANCISCO, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization enabling mass innovation through open source, today announced the keynote speakers for Open Source Summit North America, taking place August 29-31 in Vancouver, BC. Open Source Summit North America is the leading conference for developers, architects and other technologists as well as open source community and industry leaders to collaborate, share information, learn about the latest technologies and gain a competitive advantage by using innovative open solutions. Over 2,000 are expected to gather for the event. Keynote speakers include: Ajay Agrawal , Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Expert, Author of Prediction Machines, and Founder of The Creative Destruction Lab , Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Expert, Author of and Founder of The Creative Destruction Lab Jennifer Cloer , Founder of reTHINKit and Creator and Executive Producer of The Chasing Grace Project , Founder of reTHINKit and Creator and Executive Producer of The Chasing Grace Project Wim Coekaerts, Senior Vice President of Operating Systems and Virtualization Engineering, Oracle Ben Golub , Executive Chairman and Interim CEO, and Shawn Wilkinson , Co-founder, Storj Labs , Executive Chairman and Interim CEO, and , Co-founder, Storj Labs Preethi Kasireddy , Founder & CEO, TruStory , Founder & CEO, TruStory Window Snyder, Chief Security Officer, Fastly Imad Sousou , Corporate Vice President and General Manager, Open Source Technology Center, Intel , Corporate Vice President and General Manager, Open Source Technology Center, Intel Sana Tariq , Senior Architect, E2E Service Orchestration, TELUS The full schedule of sessions wil be announced next week, with additional keynotes announced shortly thereafter. Registration is $800 through June 17. Additional alumni, non-profit and Linux Foundation member discounts are available as well; details are available on the event registration page. Applications for diversity and needs-based scholarships are currently being accepted. For information on eligibility and how to apply, please click here. The Linux Foundation events are where the world's leading technologists meet, collaborate, learn and network in order to advance innovations that support the world's largest shared technologies. Members of the press who would like to request a press pass to attend should contact Dan Brown at dbrown@linuxfoundation.org. Open Source Summit North America is made possible thanks to Diamond Sponsors Intel and SUSE; Platinum Sponsor Red Hat; and Gold Sponsors Amazon Web Services, IBM and VMware. Additional Resources YouTube: Why Attend Linux Foundation Events (https://youtu.be/X_rLxfmLlYY) Open Source Summit 2017 Event Recap (https://events17.linuxfoundation.org/events/open-source-summit-north-america) About The Linux Foundation The Linux Foundation is the organization of choice for the world's top developers and companies to build ecosystems that accelerate open technology development and industry adoption. Together with the worldwide open source community, it is solving the hardest technology problems by creating the largest shared technology investment in history. Founded in 2000, The Linux Foundation today provides tools, training and events to scale any open source project, which together deliver an economic impact not achievable by any one company. More information can be found at www.linuxfoundation.org. The Linux Foundation has registered trademarks and uses trademarks. For a list of trademarks of The Linux Foundation, please see our trademark usage page:https://www.linuxfoundation.org/trademark-usage. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Media Contact: Dan Brown The Linux Foundation 415-420-7880 pr@linuxfoundation.org View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-linux-foundation-announces-keynote-speakers-for-open-source-summit-north-america-300660973.html SOURCE The Linux Foundation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] Dome Productions to Provide 4K HDR Footage as Host Broadcaster of G7 Summit To tweet this release: http://bit.ly/2sRJTcv TORONTO, June 6, 2018 /CNW/ - Dome Productions, one of North America's leading production facilities providers, announced today that broadcast footage from the G7 Summit in Charlevoix, Quebec will be produced in 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) 2160p60 resolution. For some of the principle areas of coverage, Dome will be producing and capturing in UHD High Dynamic Range (HDR) format. As announced earlier this year, Dome Productions won the contract to provide host broadcaster services for the G7 Summit, June 8 and 9. Today's announcement is expected to mark the first time that the leaders of the G7 member countries arecaptured in UHD HDR based on Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) HDR format, promising the best possible picture quality for live broadcast. "We're incredibly proud to be able to provide UHD HDR footage of the G7 Summit," said Mary-Ellen Carlyle, Senior Vice-President and General Manager, Dome Productions. "This milestone is proof that Dome Productions continues to be on the forefront of innovation and technology in Canada and for the world stage." Dome began providing G7 host broadcast services in 1995 and produced the first high definition broadcast of the leaders of the G8 Muskoka and G20 Toronto in 2010. Home to the largest and highest quality fleet of high definition and 4K production mobiles and uplink tractors in Canada as well as extensive point-to-point fibre throughout Canada and into the United States, Dome Productions is one of North America's leading production facilities providers. Its unique business approach sets the company apart from the competition with its integration of primary business units of 4K and HD mobile production, host broadcast, and transmission services. About Dome Productions Dome Productions is owned by Bell Media and Rogers Media Inc. Dome operates a fleet of 18 TV production mobiles, 7 'B' support units, 1 production/uplink truck and 3 KU uplink tractors. It also owns a full time cross-Canada and cross-border fibre network which is the backbone of the transmission services it offers. With additional offices in Ottawa, Calgary, and Montreal, Dome's head office is in the Rogers Centre in Toronto where it also offers studio and control room facilities. SOURCE Dome Productions [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] OPTIZMO Head of Marketing Tom Wozniak Accepted into Forbes Communication Council AUSTIN, Texas, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OPTIZMO Technologies, the industry leader in email suppression list management, announced that Executive Director of Marketing, Tom Wozniak has been accepted into the Forbes Communications Council, an invitation-only community for executives in marketing, communications and public relations. Wozniak joins other Forbes Communications Council members, who are hand-selected, to become part of a curated network of successful peers and gain access to exclusive benefits and resources, including the opportunity to submit thought-leadership articles for publication on Forbes.com. The Forbes Council initiative combines an innovative, high-touch approach to community management with the extensive resources and global reach of Forbes. As a result, Council members get access to people, benefits and expertise to grow their businesses and a dedicated member concierge who acts as an extension of their own team, providing personlized support. I am excited to join the Forbes Communication Council and have the opportunity to contribute content to Forbes.com, said Wozniak. Forbes is a world-class platform for thought leadership content and I look forward to writing articles that will enhance OPTIZMOs position as a leader in the email marketing and compliance arenas. Scott Gerber, founder of Forbes Councils, says, We are honored to welcome Mr. Wozniak into the community. Our mission with Forbes Councils is to curate successful professionals from every industry, creating a vetted, social capital-driven network that helps every member make an even greater impact on the business world. Wozniak has had content published in a number of industry publications, including FeedFront and Adotas. He has also provided content for several industry blogs and websites, generally focused on email marketing, suppression list management, and digital marketing. About OPTIZMO OPTIZMO Technologies is the recognized thought-leader in the email and online marketing space for email suppression list management, email campaign management, data management, and risk mitigation services relative to email compliance. With an expert staff in pursuit of unrivaled efficiency, innovative technology and an insatiable desire to problem-solve, clients find a customer-centric business model that not only enhances the way OPTIZMO clients do business, but drives the company forward. The company is headquartered in Austin, TX, and has offices and team members in Charleston, Denver, and Brisbane, Australia. Media Contact: Tom Wozniak Executive Director, Marketing tom@optizmo.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] StartUp Nation Ventures Announces the Israel-Florida Innovation Alliance's First Call for Proposals ORLANDO, Fla., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- StartUp Nation Ventures ("SUNV") in partnership with the Israel Innovation Authority ("IIA") is proud to announce the initial Call for Proposals through the Israel-Florida Innovation Alliance ("Innovation Alliance"). The Innovation Alliance was created to support Israeli innovation companies in the discovery and selection of Florida as their destination to establish U.S. headquartersa gateway for expansion into the U.S., and Latin America markets. The joint collaboration between SUNV and the IIA establishes a scalable platform to support Israeli companies that have proven the feasibility of their technologies and have a minimal viable product or working prototypes for the U.S and Latin America markets in the following areas: Financial Technologies (FinTech), Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Entertainment, Cryptocurrency, Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs); and Tech Innovation related to smart contracts, supply chain, asset verification, certification, identity, health and financial transactions, digital and mobile payments; capital markets & investing, banking & corporate finance, financial platforms, crowdfunding & peer-to-peer lending, and personal financial management. "This Innovation Alliance was established to catalyze the growth of Israeli tech into US markets by leveraging greater collaboration and synergies between Florida's burgeoning innovation ecosystem and Israeli innovative companies," says StartUp Nation Ventures founder and CEO, Vicki Rabenou, MD. "StartUp Nation Ventures, with its partners, is poised to take advantage of the unique utility within Blockchain and application development to expedite go-tomarket processes through our platform that provides not only Financial but also professional-Intellectual and human-network capital investments." The Israel Innovation Authority may approve a grant of up to 50% of eligible R&D costs of the Israeli companies that are selected by and receive investment from SUNV. These grants support the R&D pilot and validation costs for companies expanding their solution into new markets. Applicable companies should be in a stage following proof of concepts and ready for demonstration, commercialization; or at ready to market. The partnership between StartUp Nation Ventures and the Israel Innovation Alliance was memorialized in Tel Aviv, Israel in December 2017 as part of Florida Governor Rick Scott's Business Development Mission to Israel. "We are committed to supporting Israeli tech innovation companies in selecting Florida as their entry point into the United States and Latin America markets," adds Peter Antonacci, CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc., Florida Secretary of Commerce. For more information about the call for proposals: www.matimop.org.il/Israel_Florida_Innovation_Alliance.html For more information about the Israel-Florida Innovation Alliance: www.sunv.io/israel-florida-innovation-alliance StartUp Nation Ventures www.sunv.io StartUp Nation Ventures is a Florida-based global, crowd-backed equity investment vehicle that leverages ecosystem partnerships to help companies design and execute strategies for adapting and expanding their businesses into the U.S. and Global Markets. Media Contact: A.J. Ripin Email: aj@sunv.io Phone: +1 (407) 720-7766; Ext. 3 Related Images sunv-meets-with-the-israel.jpg SUNV Meets with the Israel Innovation Authority in Tel-Aviv StartUp Nation Ventures met with the Israel Innovation Authority in Tel-Aviv, Israel to form the Israel-Florida Innovation Alliance on December 5, 2017. startup-nation-ventures-logo.png StartUp Nation Ventures Logo View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/startup-nation-ventures-announces-the-israel-florida-innovation-alliances-first-call-for-proposals-300661116.html SOURCE StartUp Nation Ventures [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] Solar-Log Headliners Intersolar North America 2018 BETHEL, Conn., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Solar Data Systems, Inc. will present Solar-Log's biggest headliners of 2018 at Intersolar North America, July 10th- 12th in San Francisco, CA. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest technological advancements from the global market leader in independent commercial and residential solar monitoring. With the power of Solar-Log and Amazon's Alexa, if you need solar plant performance information, just ask! Solar-Log WEB Enerest's compatibility with Amazon's Alexa will allow solar PV plant owners to ask Alexa about their plant status. Plant owners can ask questions like, "Alexa, how is my plant?" or "Alexa, how much money have I earned with my plant?". Alexa will even know the answer to questions like, "when is the best tme to vacuum?". The answer will not be based on how dirty the floor is, but rather on the current amount of available solar power and the expected energy production surplus over the next two days. Solar-Log Skill will be available in Amazon's Skills store June 2018 in English and German. Demonstrations will be given at Intersolar Booth 8719. Newest Generation of Monitoring Now Available The Solar-Log 50 Gateway, a compact, advanced residential solar monitoring solution, is now available in the U.S. The Solar-Log 50 was officially launched in Germany in December 2017 and high demand has fueled its entrance into the global solar market. The Solar-Log 50 is ideal for the price-sensitive residential market segment, up to 15kW. Its modular hardware and software pricing means users only pay for the features they need. "Having a cost-effective option for the price-sensitive residential market is important now more than ever," says Anthony Conklin, President of Solar Data Systems, Inc. (Solar-Log USA). "The newest generation of Solar-Log offers a modular pricing structure to help keep O&M costs down, without sacrificing the reliable Solar-Log data that the industry depends on." This gateway provides PV yield and plant performance data through inverter direct communication. The compact, din rail mountable hardware can be installed in as little as 10 minutes. Smarter Energy - Charging Stations and Battery Systems The Solar-Log monitoring platform is quickly transforming into a complete energy management system, most recently with the integration of EV charging stations to optimize charging of electric vehicles. When there is a surplus of solar power, the Solar-Log informs the charging station that there is additional power to charge the car beyond the minimum charge level. The charge data is recorded and visualized with the Solar-Log WEB Enerest portal. Integrating battery storage with the Solar-Log system provides an additional solution for optimizing the use of self-produced energy. Measured values such as the battery voltage, state-of-charge, and energy flow can be accessed directly from the Solar-Log WEB Enerest portal. About Solar Data Systems, Inc. and Solare Datensysteme GmbH Solar Data Systems, Inc. is a fully owned subsidiary of Solare Datensysteme GmbH, the manufacturer of Solar-Log web-enabled monitoring and metering solutions for photovoltaic plants. Solar-Log is a global market leader with over 275,000 plants monitored worldwide, with a generating power of 12.3 GWp. The Solar-Log product family monitors plant performance, integrates yield forecasting, provides real-time error detection, automatic status information, and offers revenue-grade metering for incentive reporting. This industry-leading functionality maximizes PV plant performance, optimizes self-consumption, offers intelligent grid feed-in controls, and best-in-class PV plant fleet management. Solare Datensysteme GmbH is based in Binsdorf, Germany and is a subsidiary of BKW AG (Bern, Switzerland) a global company for energy and infrastructure. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/solar-log-headliners-intersolar-north-america-2018-300661191.html SOURCE Solar Data Systems, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] CES Asia 2018 Official News Conference Schedule Released: Major Company Announcements to Come The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) today released its official news conference schedule for CES Asia 2018, the premier event for the consumer tech industry in the Asian marketplace. Allwinner, Bubble Lab, BYTON, The Dow Chemical Company, Honda (News - Alert) , Kia, Mercedes-Benz and more will host news conferences onsite to launch product and make company announcements. More than 500 leading technology companies of all sizes will participate in CES (News - Alert) Asia to showcase and advance technologies that better the world. The show is a proving ground for transformative technology such as 5G connectivity, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, and vehicle technology. CES Asia 2018 will run June 13-15, 2018 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC). Please visit CESAsia.com for the CES Asia Full Events and Conference Program Schedule and to register. Check out the show maps to easily navigate when on-site. Note to Editors: High-definition video b-roll is available for easy download on CESbroll.com. Visit the CES Asia photo gallery for the latest pictures from CES Asia 2018. Journalists traveling from outside of China will require a J-1 or J-2 visa. For questions about exhibiting at CES Asia, contact Brian Moon at bmoon@CTA.tech or +1 703-907-4351. About CES Asia: Owned and produced by the International CES (Shanghai) Exhibition Co. Ltd. and co-produced by Shanghai Intex Exhibition Co., Ltd (Shanghai Intex), CES Asia is the premier event for the consumer technology industry, showcasing the full breadth and depth of the innovation value-chain in the Asian marketplace. Key global businesses come to this new event to grow and reinforce their brand by showcasing the latest products and technologies to consumer tech industry executives, foreign buyers, international media and a limited number of consumers from China. Attendees have exclusive access to some of the largest brands from China and around the world, while celebrating the innovation that defines the consumer technology sector. About International CES (Shanghai) Exhibition Co. Ltd. and CTA: International CES (Shanghai) Exhibition Co. Ltd. is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), a trade association representing the $351 billion U.S. consumer technology industry, which supports more than 15 million U.S. jobs. More than 2,200 companies - 80 percent are small businesses and startups; others are among the world's best known brands - enjoy the benefits of CTA membership including policy advocacy, market research, technical education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CTA also owns and produces CES - the world's gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. Profits from CES are reinvested into CTA's industry services. About Shanghai Intex: Shanghai Intex Exhibition Co., Ltd was originally the exhibition organizing business of Shanghai Intex, a pioneering exhibition organizer established in 1995. Shanghai Intex is jointly overseen by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Shanghai and PNO Exhibition Investment (Dubai) Limited. Starting in 1998, Shanghai Intex has organized over 100 trade shows and conferences with a sum total exhibition space in excess of 2 million sqm. Shanghai Intex is comprised of professional teams with a wealth of experience in organizing major international events, covering the creative industry, healthcare, lifestyle, advanced manufacturing and consumer electronics. UPCOMING EVENTS CEO Summit June 24-27, Barcelona, Spain CES Unveiled Amsterdam September 27, Amsterdam, Netherlands CES Unveiled Paris October 3, Paris, France Innovate Celebrate October 15-17, Boston, MA CES Unveiled New York November 8, New York, NY CES Unveiled Las Vegas January 6. 2019, Las Vegas, NV CES 2019 January 8-11, 2019, Las Vegas, NV View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180606006095/en/ [June 06, 2018] ALUS Canada and The W. Garfield Weston Foundation present Innovation Awards for ecosystem services TILLSONBURG, ON, June 6, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - ALUS Canada and The W. Garfield Weston Foundation today presented two Innovation Awards, each worth $10,000, during an awards presentation held at Y U Ranch in Tillsonburg, Ontario. The Innovation Awards recognize researchers and producers of ecosystem services on Canadian farms and ranches. The winner of the Weston Family Ecosystem Innovation Award for 2018 is Dr. Wanhong Yang, a Professor in th Department of Geography at the University of Guelph who has pioneered innovative research in modelling and quantifying environmental benefits of on-ground conservation projects. "Through my research, and by bringing scientific evidence and tools to bear on the ALUS program, I hope to help move its innovative work forward to another level over the next few years," said Dr. Yang. The Weston Family Ecosystem Innovation Award, which recognizes researchers or ALUS Canada partners for excellence and innovation in scientific research, monitoring or verification of ecosystem services on working farmlands, was presented by Mrs. Camilla Dalglish, Director, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation. "Dr. Yang's research offers much-needed insights into measuring the benefits of wetlands for the broader public good," said Mrs. Dalglish. "My family's foundation is pleased to honour him with this award, recognizing his dedication to the conservation of Canada's agricultural watersheds." ALUS Canada CEO Bryan Gilvesy presented this year's ALUS Canada Producer Innovation Award to Joe Csoff, who has been involved with the ALUS Norfolk program since its inception, first as a participant, then also as a PAC member, farmer liaison, teacher and mentor. "When it comes to the environment, everyone's got to try to do their part. For my part, I've helped to get more people to do the right thing. I'm happy to be the key to get that motor started," said Mr. Csoff. The ALUS Canada Producer Innovation Award recognizes participating farmers and ranchers who are excellent stewards of the land and who have done innovative work in producing ecological services on their farms through the ALUS program. In future, the ALUS Canada Producer Innovation Award will be renamed the Dave Reid ALUS Producer Innovation Award, in honour of Mr. Reid, an ALUS pioneer whose retirement was announced following the presentation ceremony. ABOUT ALUS ALUS Canada, A Weston Family Initiative, is a national program dedicated to supporting farmers and ranchers who produce cleaner air, cleaner water, more biodiversity and other ecosystem services in their communities. As a recent Alberta Emerald Award-winnerand guided by a Clean 16 Award-winning teamALUS Canada is a recognized leader in sustainability that is revolutionizing the way Canadians support the environment. ALUS.ca Stay connected: @ALUSCanada Twitter Instagram Facebook YouTube SOURCE ALUS Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The Klein Law Firm Reminds Investors of an Investigation Concerning Possible Violations of Federal Securities Laws by Fluor Corporation (FLR) The Klein Law Firm announces the commencement of an investigation of Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws. On May 3, 2018, Fluor issued a press release announcing its first quarter 2018 financial results, disclosing an after-tax charge of approximately $96 million for forecast revision on a gas-fired power project. Fluor revised its 2018 guidance for Earnings Per Share to $2.10-$2.50 per diluted share. Following this news, shares of Fluor fell more than 22% to close at $45.76 per share on May 4, 2018. If yo suffered a loss in Fluor and wish to obtain additional information, please contact Joseph Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or visit http://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-c/fluor-corporation. Joseph Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180606006111/en/ [June 06, 2018] AdvisorEngine Introduces New Junxure Branding, Continues Company Evolution NEW YORK, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- AdvisorEngine, the financial experience company, today announced a rebranding initiative to align its visual identity with recently acquired Junxure, the leading CRM solution for financial advisors. The company unveiled an updated look across Junxure's digital marketing channels, including a new logo and website aligned with the AdvisorEngine brand. The change comes at an exciting time for the company. In the five months since Junxure was acquired, CRM sales are proceeding at a record pace - putting the company on track for the best sales in its 17-year history. To support innovation and client support, AdvisorEngine has made key hires in Raleigh, expanding personnel by 25 percent so far this year. The company is also preparing for its annual conference, to be held in Nashville from October 10-12, 2018; it is expected to be the company's biggest ever conference since its inaugural 2013 event. "This new brand identity builds upon Junxure history and opens the door to the future of smart automation," said Craig Ramsey, Chief Operating Officer of AdvisorEngine. "Today's announcement brings in a new era for Junxure. It is a small but important step in our journey." "Following the Junxure acquisition, financial advisorshave shown tremendous excitement about our vision," said Rich Cancro, founder and CEO. "We are thankful for the support of Junxure clients and look forward to continued investment in new functionality and third party integrations." The new logo for the CRM features a stylized "X" that pays homage to its original design and tagline, "where information and action meet." Its familiar navy and orange colors have been exchanged for the modern blue and green scheme to reflect AdvisorEngine graphic standards. The new logo and colors appear today on the Junxure's redesigned website and social media accounts. The company also announced that its Junxure Cloud product will now be referred to solely as "Junxure," while its Junxure Desktop product will retain its current name. AdvisorEngine will continue to offer the CRM as a standalone product, without a change in pricing structure, and is investing to further enhance features and functionality. Advisors attending the Pershing iNSITE 18 conference in Orlando June 6-8 can visit the AdvisorEngine booth #114 to view the new look and feel of Junxure CRM. Advisors attending TD Ameritrade Institutional Elite LINC 2018 conference in Colorado Springs June 5-8 can visit the AdvisorEngine booth to learn more. About AdvisorEngine AdvisorEngine is a financial experience company. We work with forward-thinking financial advisors to create personal, scientific and beautiful experiences. Our wealth management technology platform operates at the forefront of the industry, applying smart automation to mission-critical advisor activities. We serve 15,000 users across 1,500 firms with over $600 billion in network assets. Our team is made up of enterprise technologists, data scientists, product managers, designers, futurists and business builders. For more information, please visit www.AdvisorEngine.com. Contact: Jessica Taylor Shores Impact Communications 800-974-7753 jessicashores@impactcommunications.org View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/advisorengine-introduces-new-junxure-branding-continues-company-evolution-300661166.html SOURCE AdvisorEngine [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 06, 2018] CVCA Announces 2018 Deal Of The Year And Ted Anderson Community Leadership Award Recipients The Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CVCA) announced winners of its annual Deal of the Year awards during its 2018 annual conference, Invest Canada '18 in Calgary. The 2018 CVCA Awards are sponsored by Alberta Enterprise Corporation. Montreal-headquartered Real Ventures won in the venture capital category for its investment in Montreal-based SweetIQ, while Montreal-based Novacap Management Incorporated won in the private equity category for its investment in Montreal-based Chemical Computing Group. Both deals were selected for outstanding cash realization value, and multiple of invested capital returned. The CVCA's Deal of the Year awards are presented annually and promote, highlight and celebrate the achievements of CVCA members who have had outstanding investment successes. The selection process recognizes CVCA members with the most significant investment return realized via an exit from a Canadian portfolio company during the 2017 calendar year. "Canadian private capital investors are playing an increasingly critical role in our economy," said Mike Woollatt, Chief Executive Officer, CVCA. "It's more important than ever that as the industry association we spotlight the accomplishments of our members through our annual awards program." The CVCA also announced the winner of the 2018 Ted Anderson Community Leadership Award which honours an individual CVCA member for community involvement. The CVCA is proud to announce Rob Antoniades, Chair and Co-Founder, The Upside Foundation Of Canada, as this year's recipient. In addition to supporting Canada's economic productivity, the Ted Anderson Community Leadership Award recipient also fosters strong corporate social responsibility as a foundation for building solid vibrant communities. The award recognizes the commitment of time and effort to an organization or cause over several years. 2018 Venture Capital Deal of The Year Award Real Ventures, a Montreal-based venture capital firm that backs world-class entrepreneurs building game-changing companies, originally invested in Montreal-basd SweetIQ, a company that delivers industry leading location-based marketing analytics and automation solutions, in October 2011. SweetIQ co-founders Mohannad El-Barachi and Michael Mire led the company to four straight years of +400% growth and an increase of over 100 employees until it was acquired in April 2017 by ReachLocal, a USA TODAY NETWORK company and a part of Gannett Co., Inc. The exit generated an internal rate of return of 66 % and provided a 5.6X cash on cash multiple. "An outcome like this can only be achieved through teamwork," said Real Ventures Partner, John Stokes. "The founders were always willing to wear whatever hat was needed to move the company forward, the management team put in the extra effort whenever it was required, and our investment partners, especially Plaza Ventures and Desjardins, also played important roles in supporting the company throughout the journey." 2018 Private Equity Deal of The Year Award Novacap Management Incorporated, a Montreal-based leading Canadian private equity firm with $2.3B in assets under management, initially acquired Montreal-based Chemical Computing Group (CCG), a software company dedicated to the life sciences, delivering unique and customized software applications for drug discovery to pharmaceutical, biotech and academic researchers, in August 2011. With the help of Novacap's network and experience in recruiting key executives, CCG was able to hire new talented executives, solidify an already strong management team and, approached selected acquisition targets with niche products for highly specialized applications. On April 28, 2017, Novacap sold CCG to Altaris Capital Partners. The exit generated an internal rate of return of 48% and provided a 7.6x multiple on invested capital. "It has been a real pleasure partnering with Paul Labute, President, CEO, CCG, and his team," said Pascal Tremblay, President and Managing Partner, Novacap Management Incorporated. "We are really proud that our strategic teamwork is recognized." 2018 Ted Anderson Community Leadership Award The CVCA is proud to announce Rob Antoniades, Chair and Co-Founder, The Upside Foundation of Canada, as the recipient of the 2018 Ted Anderson Community Leadership Award for his leadership in the creation of the foundation. The Upside Foundation of Canada a charity, that enables early-stage, high-growth companies to support their community by donating stock options or warrants for the charity of their choice. Under Rob Antoniades' stewardship over six years the Upside Foundation has grown to over 200 companies who have pledged to give back through the platform. The Upside Foundation is recognized by venture capitalists and CEOs across the tech industry as an impactful way for startups to give back. Three Upside Foundation member companies have had exits to-date, resulting in donations to charities in their communities. With many more donations to come, the Upside Foundation is driving a conversation about social responsibility in tech and making it easy for our community to share its wealth with Canadians in need. Ultimately, when a single company wins, the entire country wins alongside them. Any venture capitalists or startups looking to get involved can email info@upsidefoundation.ca to learn about how they can join the movement. "I am thrilled and gratified to receive this award on behalf of the Upside Foundation," said Rob Antoniades. "Upside is the only charity founded by VCs to serve the needs of our community by introducing the concept of CSR (News - Alert) to our startups, entrepreneurs and portfolio companies. The support of the VC and PE community is appreciated and foundational for Upside's success and spread of this new best practice for entrepreneurs. We look forward to working with VCs and PEs across the country to enable the community to make a great impact for Canada." 2018 CVCA Award Media Assets 2018 CVCA Venture Capital Deal Of The Year Award Video 2018 CVCA Private Equity Deal Of The Year Award Video 2018 Ted Anderson Community Leadership Award Video About the CVCA The CVCA is the voice of Canada's venture capital and private equity industry. We are focused on improving the private capital ecosystem by broadening industry awareness and providing market research, networking, and professional development opportunities. We also advocate on behalf of the industry to ensure sound public policy that encourages a favourable investment environment. The CVCA works alongside its members, who represent the vast majority of private capital firms in Canada, to improve the industry and drive innovation and growth. Please visit: http://www.cvca.ca. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180606005006/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Facebook said yesterday (June 5) that it currently has data-sharing agreements with at least four Chinese technology companies, including Huawei, Lenovo, TCL (which now manufactures BlackBerry phones), and Oppo (the parent company of OnePlus). (Image credit: Pixinoo/Shutterstock) Facebook said the four companies were among around 60 companies worldwide who have such data-sharing deals with the social-networking giant, including Apple, Samsung, and HTC. Manufacturers were given the ability to access some Facebook data so that they could build device-specific apps and interfaces to let customers easily use and sync with Facebook on their phones, tablets and smart devices. MORE: 12 Computer Security Mistakes Youre Probably Making ZTE, which is currently facing U.S. government sanctions for illegally exporting products containing American technology to Iran and North Korea, does not have such a sharing agreement, reported the Washington Post. citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter. Both ZTE and Huawei are suspected of having ties to the Chinese military and intelligence services, and American authorities earlier this year pressured Verizon and AT&T to abruptly cancel distribution deals with Huawei. Lenovo, Oppo and TCL are not under such suspicion. Facebook said that the data the phone-specific apps collected was stored directly on devices, and not on the phone manufacturers' servers. The company told the New York Times that its contracts with device makers have been "controlled from the get go," and that it approved each of the device-specific Facebook integrations. It also claims that it began shutting down the program in April, after the Cambridge Analytica scandal came to light, and has already ended 22 of the partnerships. Many of the agreements with the phone makers originate from the days before smartphones could download Facebook-built apps from Apple or Android app stores. In order for "dumb" phones, aka feature phones, to access Facebook, the social network had to write custom application-program interfaces (APIs) that let each maker's mobile operating system communicate with Facebook's database. This was the norm for many years until smartphones finally began to outsell feature phones in North America and Europe around 2014. It's still the norm in parts of the world, such as India and Africa, where feature phones are widely used. MORE: Those traveling to the country will need a China VPN to access sites The admission of Chinese phone-maker participation follows a New York Times report Sunday that broke the news of the device-maker agreements. Other manufacturers involved include Amazon, BlackBerry and Microsoft, and Samsung. The Times showed that an app using a custom API could still pull Facebook data, but since the newspaper used a 2013 BlackBerry Z10 for this, it's unclear whether it would work on newer phones. Still, if you're scared by this, what can you do? If you're using a modern iOS or Android smartphone or tablet, you probably don't need to worry about your device: Facebook uses its apps to control all of the information flowing to and from its servers. If some of your Facebook friends are using feature phones, it's possible that information about you is being stored on those devices. What you really want to do is minimize the amount of information about yourself that you provide to Facebook. We recommend that users access the Facebook website in private browsing mode (such as Chrome's Incognito mode, or Firefox's Private Browsing). You can do this on a mobile device as well as on a desktop. You may also consider a desktop-browser tracker blocker, such as Disconnect or Privacy Badger. These won't hide you from Facebook's snooping, but will sign you out of the service when you're not using it so it can't track you across the web. And deleting Facebook's apps (including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp) from your smartphone will prevent them from accessing your contacts and location. The Olympus PEN E-PL9 is inexpensive and portable, ideal for shooting travel and street photos in all kinds of light, like this shot. It lacks a viewfinder, though. So, you need to rely on the display, which can get washed out in bright light. (Image credit: Olympus) The first mirrorless mirco-four-thirds mirrorless cameras from Panasonic and Olympus arrived about 10 years ago and significantly changed the higher-end camera market as truly viable alternatives to shooting with bulker DSLRs. Olympus' latest, the PEN E-PL9 ($599; body only), is a 16-megapixel entry-level mirrorless camera for novices looking to step up from a point-and-shoot or smartphone, and it keeps the same styling as its first model, including a retro camera-body design. This latest iteration strikes a nice balance between offering easy-to-use, physical controls while also keeping its size compact and folding some features into the menu. And while it doesn't match the quality and versatility found on the top models in its class, it's quite capable, rich with features and enjoyable to use. Design, Controls and Features The Olympus PEN E-PL9 measures 4.6 x 2.7 x 1.5 inches and weighs about 13.4 ounces (without its kit lens, but with the included rechargeable battery). It's a tiny bit smaller than the Sony A6000 (4.75 x 2.88 x 1.87 inches), but the Sony is a tad lighter, at 12.1 ounces. If you're looking for a more compact model, consider the Canon EOS M100, which measures 4.3 x 2.6 x 1.4 inches and is about 9.4 ounces. (Image credit: The Olympus PEN E-PL9 is inexpensive and portable, ideal for shooting travel and street photos in all kinds of light, like this shot. It lacks a viewfinder, though. So, you need to rely on the display, which can get washed out in bright light. Credit: Oly) Some may find the textured feel of the Olympus appealing, but it lacks the more prominent grip found on the Sony A6000 or A6500, which can make it harder to take stable handheld photos and video, especially when shooting at slower shutter speeds. (Image credit: Olympus) The E-PL9 includes a swiveling touch-screen LCD that's very bright and crisp, and doesn't get choppy in low light. However, it doesn't swing out to the side like A6000's display, which is easier to adjust. Also, when shooting selfies with the E-PL9, you'll need to fold the LCD down, which means you can't place it on a table and use a timer. Even if you put it on a tripod, part of the display will be blocked by the tripod itself. That's just poor product design. (Image credit: Olympus) Like most entry-level models including the Sony A6000 E-PL9 lacks a viewfinder, crucial when shooting in bright outdoor light, since sunlight can wash out the display. However, unlike the Canon EOS M100, the Olympus includes a hot shoe for an external strobe, which can improve your flash photography. It also comes with a dedicated video button, located conveniently just above the menu button on the back to the camera. In bright light, the E-PL9 shot images that captured vibrant color, fine details and good dynamic range. Image Quality and Performance The lens that comes with the E-PL9, the M.Zuiko 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ, is very compact and nicely designed. It's also motor-driven, which means that when shooting video, you can zoom in and out of a scene much more smoothly than a lens that has a manual zoom. It's not the brightest lens, though; it struggled somewhat in low-light settings. In our bright-light test photo, the E-PL9 did a good job. Colors were vibrant, and overall tonal balance looked very good. However, in examining the details, subjects that were sharp in the center of the image were softer toward the edges. This happens with all lenses to some degree, particularly cheaper kit lenses. But I found this problem was a tad more prominent in Olympus' power-drive lens than on other mirrorless models. (A better lens should minimize this problem.) Colors were vibrant, and the overall tonal balance looked very good, but details were softer towards the edge of images. In low light, the E-PL9 had very good saturation and colors were accurate. It kept most of the tonal qualities found in the bright light image. I did, however, find both the low-light image and the converted RAW file to have more noise than on competing models, such as the Canon EOS M100. As you can see, the prominent pattern of grain competed with the subtle details, which means up close, the pattern of image noise makes subtle details less sharp (see the close-up comparison of the red color swatches, shot at ISO 200 and ISO 6,400 ). Consequently, you should avoid pushing the ISO above ISO 6,400. (The ISO range is ISO 200-6,400, but you can expand it to as low as ISO 100 and as high as ISO 25,600.) In this close-up shot of the our test images, see how ISO affects detail. In the image on the left, shot at ISO 200, the text is fairly legible. On the right side, shot at ISO 6400, the text is obscured by image noise. Although the E-PL9's onboard popup flash doesn't allow you to angle it in various directions to bounce the light off a ceiling or wall, like you can with the flash on the Fujifilm X-E3, it still offers lots of control over the amount of illumination you use, as it can be set from full strength to 1/64h power. The position of the popup flash on the camera body, though, will produce red-eye in some instances. MORE: Best Mirrorless Cameras From Beginner to Pro In general, I found the camera's menu system to be adequate, although its design and organization could be more consistent. Video Quality Most new mirrorless cameras can shoot 4K-resolution video (like the Sony a6300 and a6500), and the E-PL9 is no exception. It can also shoot high-frame-rate video at 120 frames per second (fps), for slow-motion quality, but only at 720p. By comparison, the Sony A6500 can capture 120 fps1080p. In the 4K video clips I shot, I found color, contrast, image detail and audio to be quite good. In general. Another nice extra is the E-PL9's time-lapse feature. It lets you choose whether you want to record only still photos or record both still photos and allow the camera to produce a movie from those photos. Overall, I was impressed with the PEN E-PL9's variety of video options. In the 4K video clips I shot, I found color, contrast, image detail and audio to be quite good. In general, I was happy to see the camera quickly changed focus points when I pointed it at different subjects on the streets of New York City. It was also responsive to changes in lighting. I even enjoyed applying some of the various special-effects filters to my video clips. Another powerful feature on this PEN camera, which helps improve your video footage, is image stabilization: This PEN includes 3-axis mechanical, or body-based image stabilization, which means it will be effective, at least to some degree, with all interchangeable lenses. However, it's generally not quite as robust as optical, or lens-based, IS, which is tailored to specific lenses. (Digital IS is the least effective.) Still, the E-PL9's IS system worked well on my video clips. Other Camera Features The burst modes worked quite well, too, allowing me to capture as many as 8.6 frames per second. The camera also features a large selection of filters, scene modes and advanced photo modes, which can make your images look like grainy film shots or snazzy high dynamic range images. And many of these modes can be used when capturing video. The photo on the left, taken in program auto mode, displays the vertical lines of these three Manhattan buildings as converging lines. On the right, shot in Keystone Compensation mode, I could correct this distortion. One mode I was very impressed with is Keystone Compensation, which allows you to increase or decrease trapezoidal distortion and straighten out tall buildings. Its very effective, particularly for shooting cityscapes. Wireless Sharing The Olympus wireless mobile app, Olympus Image Share, mostly worked as expected. Once you go through the initial setup (there were a few hiccups in connecting my phone and camera), you can simply touch an icon on the camera's touch screen to enable the Wi-Fi connection. Once connected, the app let me operate the camera remotely from my smartphone, take photos and video, and adjust exposure modes, settings, burst modes, ISO, art filters and scene modes. It was also easy to import photos and video from the camera to my phone. The PEN E-PL9 comes with many modes, like this HDR mode, that can improve your photos. In this composite image, see how in auto mode the camera will either underexpose (left) or overexpose (center) an image to get the proper exposure (right). I wasn't wowed by the app's design, but it worked well enough. I did like the easy-to-follow how-to videos, like how to take a beautiful selfie, which are helpful, particularly if you've never used an interchangeable-lens camera. Battery Life For still photos, Olympus claims the PEN E-PL9 captures 350 shots in standard mode (according to CIPA standards), just shy of what you can capture with the Sony a6000 (360 shots per charge). For video, the Olympus can shoot video for 140 minutes per charge (when zoom and other operational functions are not used) or 80 minutes (according to what Olympus claims is standard JEITA testing). In both cases, my experience using the E-PL9 roughly matched these battery life claims. Lenses Because Olympus and Panasonic introduced cameras and lenses for their systems so early, and because the brands are compatible with each other, there is a large selection of lenses to choose from for the E-PL9. As with all micro-four-thirds cameras, the magnification factor is 2x, which means that a 14mm lens will be cropped, which makes it appear as a 28mm lens. Although this kit lens doesn't have a very wide aperture (with f/3.5 as its widest aperture), it can still capture some nice shallow depth-of-field, like this image in Midtown Manhattan. In addition to all of Olympus' lenses, the E-PL9 is also compatible with any Panasonic MTF lens. In other words, all mirrorless MTF cameras are compatible with both Olympus and Panasonic lens systems. Bottom Line Competition remains fierce in the mirrorless-camera market, which is good news for consumers, since cameras like the E-PL9 will offer a lot of value for the money. It shoots very good stills and videos, although it's challenged in low light and the images are a tad soft at the edges. But it comes with lots of modes and filters, which are both fun and creative. MORE: Camera Recommendations for All Kinds of Photographers This Olympus doesnt quite match the power, quality or versatility of the Sony A6000 or A6500. However, if you're a novice, the E-PL9 mirrorless camera can get you shooting better photos and videos quickly. Credit: Terry Sullivan/Tom's Guide Do international treaties mean anything when America needs fresh water? There is a lot of fresh water in the Great Lakes, fully one fifth of the world's supply of it. According to Ron Way of the Minnesota Star Tribune, people down in the American Southwest are eyeballing it in what he calls "the great siphoning." Those far-off onlookers thirst mightily for the Lakes 6.5 million billion gallons of fresh water that, to them, just sits there before running off to the ocean. Wasted. Its easy for us lake-landers to dismiss such thoughts, but those in the American Southwest are up against a 17-year drought that keeps getting worse. After an unusually warm winter, its expected to worsen still more this summer due to a dearth of mountain snow that will again leave Colorado River flow far below normal, with forecasts of dry and very hot weather a la La Nina. President Nixon and Prime Minister Trudeau sign Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement in 1972/Public Domain Way notes that there are treaties and agreements protecting this water, but that these could change. But because the ultimate power rests with Congress and the president, multistate compacts and international accords can be false security. Whats done can be undone, as evidenced by all the undoing from todays Washington crowd. Whats more, some scholars say the compact could be vulnerable to legal challenge, especially if a national emergency were declared. Certainly Canadians have seen recently what the American government will do in the name of national security. Way goes so far as to predict: Within the lifetime of todays newborn, Great Lakes water will be piped to the Colorado basin to relieve a region that by midcentury will be in the throes of an unimaginable water crisis. Writing in Strong Towns, Rachel Quednau blames the water crisis on the Growth Ponzi scheme- "through which we have developed countless cities, towns and suburbs across America a quick-fix financial ruse that values "growth" above all else and sacrifices economic stability and the futures of communities for a temporary gain....The reality of this "unrestrained growth" is finally is hitting. The bills are finally coming due." Burning of the White House/Public Domain Two years ago, on the 200th anniversary of the burning of the White House in the War of 1812, I asked if the next war with Canada will be a fight over water? Many readers thought I was nuts. (Although my favourite comment was "I am amused at the thought of the US sucking Canada Dry.") but the events of the last few months, with arbitrary tariffs, ripping up of international agreements like NAFTA, and other bellicose actions by the American government give pause for thought. And as Ron Way notes, The West sees some things in its favor, politically. One is mushrooming population thats tipping the power balance in Congress. Another is the always-powerful agriculture industry in the West. And still another is that Western states stick together like fired clay to leverage their will over all things land and water. Besides, theyll argue, water is a resource that, like oil, must be shared. Or grabbed, as the case may be. NAPAWA via Wikipedia/Public Domain This is not a new idea, as I noted in the earlier post; There have been a number of proposals to divert Canadian waters south to solve America's water woes. In the 50s, the US Corps of Engineers proposed the North American Water and Power Alliance, diverting western rivers to a giant 500 mile long reservoir that would hold 75 million acre-feet of water, enough to feed the west and even Mexico. Beloved Canadian Prime Minister Lester Pearson said "This can be one of the most important developments in our history; Environmentalists of the time described it as "brutal magnificence" and "unprecedented destructiveness." GRAND Canal via Wikipedia/Public Domain They may well be dusting off the plans as I write. Hotel operators have found themselves in a tricky spot with the safe zone initiative. Hotels are currently not operating in a safe zone as several logistics have to be ironed out and operators are seeking clarification from the Ministry of Health so their businesses can be added to the initiative. Police have executed search warrants at the homes of at least three businessmen in Barrackpo Covid-19 has exposed the fragility of food systems in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. Pre-existing inequalities have been exacerbated by the socio-economic impacts of the crisis and the mitigation measures taken around the world. We will be in Esterillos for a week before heading to the Southern coast. We want to make the most of it, we don't mind driving as we will have wheels. Recommendations for day trips, restaurants,excursions. Want to try new things and experience what Costa Rica has to offer. Thank you in Advance Hey there! So I am just wondering what it's like living in Gold Coast because I am really looking forward to moving on a work Visa there for a year! I saw they have warmer winters than Sydney so that's mainly the reason why I would like to stay in that area! Also I am Canadian, I am working full time up until November then I will be traveling to Hawaii for two months (my accommodations there are already taken care of so my costs there should be low and I'll have money saved for sure)! Then afterwards instead of coming back to Canada I would love to continue my travels to Australia (flights from Hawaii to Australia are super cheap!) I have created an account on Flatmates website and I don't know if it's too far in advance for me to be looking for a place to stay coming January but I just want to figure out my options! I am a waitress here in Canada so that is the job I will be looking for when I get to Australia, I know I can pay first and last in advance and I understand it can be tricky especially if I haven't seen it in person first... Basically I am just wondering what it is I need to know to move there successfully! I have a few friends from Canada already who have lived in Australia and they say it's super easy to get the working Visa, but my main concern is how can I set myself up for success so I have a place to stay when I do get there and also gives me time to job hunt! I am really good at saving money (thankfully) so I know I can manage but yeah, what should I know! Thank you so much!! Actually CanaTico and all other Canadians who may read this, effective December 1/17 things changed in Canada due to a CRTC ruling. All phones sold after that date are unlocked. And if you have an existing locked phone, the carriers have to unlock it for free. No more waiting. No more $50. As for the US, I have read that for Verizon, all newer 4G phones come unlocked. As Canatico said, best to call your carrier to see. But if you want to check whether or not your phone is unlocked, find a friend who is on a different network than you who has a phone with a SIM. Put his SIM into your phone. If your phone is locked, when you put in the SIM, you will get some kind of message to that effect. If not, you will be able to use the phone. My husband had to replace his phone in November. He got a brand new iphone 10. I had a feeling that since the new law was coming into effect in a few weeks, the phone was probably not locked. It seemed silly to stock a whole bunch of new locked phones, only to be forced to unlock them very soon. But when we asked, they did not tell us. So we tried my SIM - we are not with the same carrier. Sure enough, it was not locked. So when we went to CR in mid December, everything worked fine with a Kolbi sim. I would like to travel to Costa Rica for 2 weeks in July, Possibly the 5th to 19th. My 10 year old daughter and I will be traveling together. I would like to use this opportunity to develop Spanish skills and see that there are opportunities to stay with local families to practice what we have learned in daytime classes. This sounds like a great adventure for us. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I will begin exploring online and trying to understand which area will be the most pleasant to visit during this time. Thank you in advance for your advice and consideration. ...an excited Mom P.S. Happy to travel off the beaten track, but want to stay safe, how would it be received in Costa Rica; a mom and daughter traveling without a male escort? So, following on my last post about a possible Vietnam trip, I've started to look at itinerary options. I think we'd have about 3 weeks in late March / early April. We could fly into HCMC and out of Hanoi - that would mean that we'd avoid backtracking (although I am actually am not that interested in HCMC). If we did that, we could possibly spend a couple of nights in HCMC, then go to the Mekong Delta for a couple of nights. Someone on this board suggested visiting Can Tho? From there, we could fly to Da Nang to go to Hoi An (4 nights) and then Hue (3 nights). We'd then fly to Hanoi and head to Ninh Binh (3 nights) and then back to Hanoi (5 nights). I'm not sure if we'd go to Halong Bay - it sounds lovely, but maybe it's just more than we want to do. Even this itinerary seems like a lot of moving around. We don't like to be on the go all the time - I often say that we're 'lazy' travellers. We're interested in food, art (especially textiles), local culture. My knees aren't great, but I don't want to put off this trip forever, and I think there are probably lots of opportunities to sit and have a Vietnamese iced coffee or a cold beer (and maybe a few massages). When I started to think about going to Vietnam a couple of years ago, I really had hoped to include Cambodia as well, but I realize that's more walking than I want to do. We'll pass on Cambodia this time and maybe we'll go in the future. I don't especially like the idea of a long flight to / from Toronto, but unfortunately I don't see a lot of places where we could have a stopover that would make sense. Any feedback is welcome. TIA. Susan -:- Message from Tripadvisor staff -:- This post has been removed at the author's request. The author may repost if desired. Posts on the Tripadvisor forums may be edited for a short period of time. Once the edit period has expired, authors may update their posts by removing and reposting them. To read more about editing your posts, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts Hello, I am planning to stay overnight at Koya Mountain in a monastery, will travel from Kyoto. What should I do with the suitcases? We will go to Osaka after. Maybe I should go to Osaka, leave luggage there, and then go to Koya? Maybe I should ask Kyoto hotel to send luggage to Osaka hotel. Is this expensive? Thank you very much I like Kamakura a lot. I've visited a few times. If you have the full day you can definitely include Enoshima as well. One suggestion is to get off the train at Kita-Kamakura and visit some of the temples around there before taking one of the walking trails - perhaps towards the Giant Buddha via Zeniarai Benten where you can wash your money for good fortune. The giant bamboo at Hokukuji on the other side of town is also pretty cool. As for which day to visit, I'd go for a more peaceful non-weekend day if I had the choice. I just returned home from an emergency trip from Las Vegas, NV to Kansas. I studied and booked my car online from Budget and nowhere did I see a state travel restriction mentioned. It was "unlimited miles" and I booked at the weekly rate and prepaid. Upon arrival at the counter I was informed I could only take the car to Nevada, California, Arizona and Utah. I could not drive into New Mexico or Colorado. They refused to rent the car to me. The agent said they would refund my money and gave me a number to call. I called the number and that person said they would refund my money and explained the details. I had to rent a different car from a different company, Dollar, which cost considerably more money but they did not care where I drove in the US. Now I return home to receive an e-mail from Budget telling me there will not be a refund at all (per the contract). I never received a contract since I never got a car.They canceled, not me and my confirmation papers did not say anything about travel restrictions. What do I do? Please help! Avoid Dianne & Elisabeth! Called to make reservations at The Marshal for a party of 5 at 5:30pm, between parts one and two of the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Broadway play. They were booked up, but recommended Diane & Elisabeth, their sister restaurant down the street, and made the reservation for me there. When we showed up at Diane & Elisabeth just before 5:30, we checked in with the host, but he only had us down for a party of four. When he said he wasnt sure if he could fit us in since they had the reservation for the wrong number of people, we assumed he was joking because the restaurant was completely empty except for a couple of people sitting at the bar. Turns out he was serious. He accused us of making the reservation for the wrong number of people, quizzed us on who made the reservation, and then turned us away. The restaurant was EMPTY. We had a reservation for a party of five, but their system was wrong and had us down for a party of four. He made no attempt to accommodate us, took no ownership of the situation to correct it, and was rude. Its no wonder so many restaurants struggle and fail when they treat patrons like this. Avoid this restaurant. My wife and I will be visiting NYC for the first over the last weekend in August (staying at the DoubleTree Suites on Times Square). We're expecting it to be hot, so are looking for suggestions to be able to have a evening drink (beer/wine) on evenings in the open-air. I've seen that there are a number of rooftop bars, but from what I see these are more club-like. We will be travelling for my 50th birthday, so are looking for someone with a more mature crowd/less noise and not too expensive. TIA Edited: 3 years ago Diamond Platnumz, aka Simba, never seems to leave the gossip columns, whether it is because of his music or his love life. Regardless of the negative publicity resulting from the way he treats his women, there is no denying that he is one of the most talented singers in East and Central Africa. A quick look at Diamond Platnumz latest songs offers a testament to this fact. Diamond Platinumz attends the BET International "Sounds of Africa" exhibit grand opening at The Grammy Museum Photo: Araya Diaz Source: Getty Images Other artists can only envy the industrious nature of Tanzanian Bongo musician Diamond Platnumz. For years, he has been the one representing Tanzania and entire East Africa to the world. He has collaborated on music projects with other industry heavyweights from all over the world including, Nigeria, South Africa and the USA. Diamond Platnumz latest songs Diamond has established himself as a formidable musician by releasing hit after hit. The veteran singer still dominates the airwaves, with fans always looking forward to his next project. If you want to download Diamond songs, you might want to know his latest tracks. Below are his most recent songs and videos: 1. Bado Sana - Lava Lava Ft Diamond Platnumz Bado Sana is a song by Lava Lava featuring Diamond Platnumz released in January 2021. It is a typical Diamond video featuring dancers flexing their bodies to the tune. Director Kenny shot the video. The two artists sing about everyday life with themes such as love, pride and hard work. In one of the lines, Diamond sings, niache kula bata, ati Simba uoe", about people asking him to marry while all he wants to do is have fun. 2. Ongeza - Diamond Platnumz Diamond Platnumz new music does not get better than Ongeza. It was produced by non-other than Lizer Classic. It was released towards the end of 2020. It is an intimate song with rich lyrics thought to be about his love life. The intro talks about how he loved knowing it was a lifelong commitment till death, but it was never to be. Perhaps the song refers to the disappointments and stresses the musician has endured after being rejected by his true love. It is a good song which most fans thought, to be honest, and authentic. 3. Haunisumbui - Diamond Platnumz Simba was a busy man in 2020. As the Covid-19 pandemic ravaged the world, he was in the studio creating new music. Haunisumbui was one of the songs that came out from the Tanzanian powerhouse towards the end of the year. Lizer Classic produced the track under the Diamonds label of WCB Wasafi. In this track, Diamond lets his bitter ex-girlfriends know that he is not bothered by the things they do to undermine him. He sings of a woman who has found it difficult to cope with life after leaving him, thus resorting to sending friends to insult the singer. He clarifies that it is a waste of time for the said woman to post photos just to show how happy she is with another man. To him, he does not care because he has another beautiful woman in his arms. 4. Waah! - Diamond Platnumz Ft Koffi Olomide Waah is a collaboration with the legendary Koffi Olomide. As can be expected, this massive hit became a club-banger immediately. Even though Diamond sang in Swahili, the song deviates from his usual Bongo style giving it a Rhumba feel with the Afro-beats. In this song, Diamonds producer Iyo Lizer has partnered with Iddy Santos. Diamond continues to address his love life, as is the case with most of his recent songs. In the intro, he sings about how sweet it is to be loved by someone. He queries why other people get involved and criticize his woman when it shouldn't concern them. Towards the end, the song creates awareness of the need to stay safe during the Coronavirus pandemic by keeping a safe distance. 5. Shusha - Diamond Platnumz Ft Baba Levo The traditional regalia in this video displays the richness of an African culture that has since been abandoned. In a way, Diamond and Baba Levo intended to depict the traditional African culture and way of life as superior to the Western one. The theme of the song is as much in sync with its video. Diamond sings that he outranks his competitors, even those that view themselves as the best of the best. The collaboration with Baba Levo was also meant to raise the Tanzanian rapper to another level, and his rap did not disappoint. 6. Quarantine - Diamond Platnumz Ft Rayvanny, Mbosso, Lava Lava, Queen Darleen & Zuchu During the early months of the Coronavirus pandemic, Bongos Wasafi powerhouse showed solidarity when they came together and made a track called Quarantine. It is about all the challenges that came with quarantine and other Covid-19 regulations that were imposed. The song was intended to encourage people to adapt to the new life remaining indoors. This video was shot with all the artists dancing in their living rooms and even bedrooms. It was a powerful statement for fans to learn that even celebrities were no exceptions to the harsh measures meant to defeat Coronavirus. 7. Kachiri - Diamond Platnumz Ft King 98 Kachiri is one of Diamond new song featuring Zimbabwean artist King 98. The video was shot by director Kenny. The two artists brought their best to the song. Apart from the video being a masterpiece, the way their voices blended in between the verses is something else. The video directors have to be praised for the work they did on this one. The locations where it was shot are on point ranging from the artwork to the architecture of the background buildings. The artists also seized the opportunity to show why they are style icons. 8. Simba - Diamond Platnumz This self-titled track is from Diamond Platnumz love songs. The Wasafi boss praises himself as 'Simba', who is the king of the jungle. He sings about how he has been fiercely victorious throughout his career. He likens himself to a beast that his competitors cannot be able to defeat. Simba can also be interpreted to mean Diamonds prowess when it comes to women. He has conquered all. In a way, he is implying that he can get whatever he wants because of his big personality. 9. Magufuli Baba Lao - Diamond Platnumz It is not everyday Diamond sets aside themes like love to sing about politics. Magufuli Baba Lao is a song in which the artist praises the Tanzanian president. Even though the track was released less than eight months ago, it seems as if it has been on radio charts for ages. This is because the song was an instant hit that many people resonated with even outside Tanzania. Diamond has no problem with the way Magufuli has ruled Tanzania with an iron fist. He sings that the opposition leaders are having sleepless nights and cannot topple the ruling party even if they united. The singer also praises the president for the developments that have been witnessed under his leadership. 10. Jeje Jeje is a fan favourite, especially among female fans. It is one of the tracks you wouldnt want to miss if you want to download Diamond Platnumz songs. The lyrics reveal the romantic side of Diamond and explain why he does not have problems finding new girlfriends. The track was produced by non-other than director Kenny. The video shows Diamond flaunting his amazing body. The video vixen has also done justice to the video with her sleek dance moves. Through Diamond Platnumz latest songs, one can see the manifestation of how far he has come from being an inexperienced singer to becoming the top artist he is today. He has broken barriers to collaborate with Burna Boy, Fally Ipupa, Koffi Olomide and Omarion, among many others. All his concerts are sold out, which can only be because people recognize and accept his talent. While other artists fade away after a few songs, Simba's musical growth can only be compared to fine wine it gets better with age. Tuko.co.ke recently shared 10 best new Ochungulo Family songs. The group has taken the industry by storm and put the music scene on a higher scale. Ochungulo Family are among those that are widely recognized by many today. The group's songs can be a little too much for those that have conservative views. The young rappers are however versatile with their songs, tackling topics that are common among youth their age. Source: Tuko.co.ke Carrot farming has emerged as one of the highly valued and lucrative economic activities in Kenya as the country, under the Ministry of Agriculture, continues to advocate for agribusiness. As a result, most small-scale farmers are opting for carrot farming in Kenya due to the high yields from even a small piece of land. With a shorter maturity period compared to other crops like maize and coffee, carrots also require minimal attention and are easy to manage. Carrots in Kenya are mainly grown for the local market where they are consumed when fresh or processed while others are packed and exported to foreign markets. This carrot plating guide gives you all the details you need to know for successful and profitable carrot farming in Kenya. Source: Greenlife Crop Protection Africa What you need to start carrot farming in Kenya The leading determinants of carrot planting in Kenya are soil type and climate. Fortunately, carrots do well in most soils and weather, except clay or stony soils and areas that are too hot. Notably, carrots grow well in places where the temperatures range from 15 to 200 degrees Celsius and where the soils are fertile and well-drained. For excellent results, therefore, ensure that your land is free of large stones and receives good light quality. This is because light supports the growth of the shoot whereas the well-drained soils offer the appropriate conditions for your carrots to expand in breadth and length. You will also need 2.5 kilograms of carrot seeds for an acre of land. READ ALSO: Fish Farming in Kenya Business Plan and Tips Additionally, soil analysts in Kenya have established that carrots require soils with pH between 6 and 6.5 with sufficient potassium and the right amounts of nitrogen. Potassium, in this case, is a vital mineral for the growth of carrots as it ensures their robust nature and sweetness. Too much nitrogen, on the other hand, leads to hairy, branched, and fibrous carrots and you should avoid it. Source: SunCulture As a farmer, you have to prepare the land where you want to plant the carrots by digging it and removing the weeds using a rake. You also have to raise the carrot beds and make furrows that are half-inch deep to hold the seeds. This depends on the topography of your land and soil depth. Moreover, you can broadcast the seeds, water them, and leave them to germinate minus covering with soil. Nevertheless, the option of making furrows stands out since it allows you to weed and thin your crops conveniently. You can intercrop the carrots with various crops including tomatoes, leek, lettuce, and capsicums. The model ideal for intercropping the carrots is the use of leeks because of the symbiotic relationship. Here, the carrots fend off caterpillars from the leeks as the leeks keep away flies from the carrots. How can you farm for great carrot production? Source: vosena For the carrots to mature to the maximum with excellent foliage, make the furrows 15 cm apart and two centimetres deep. While the seeds tiny nature makes them not easy to space, you can combine them with light soils to ease the sowing and spacing process. You also have to thin them within the first two weeks of germination as you aim at leaving between two and four centimetres between the seedlings. This spacing encourages the growth of strong and healthy roots. Irrigate the carrots before thinning to make the pulling seamless and harmless to the remaining carrots. You can repeat this process of thinning your carrots after three weeks when there is need while still maximizing your small scale carrot farming business. Carrots take about four months or 110 days to mature and be ready for carrot farming market in Kenya. You can check this by removing some soil and seeing if the carrot root has grown to the expected diameter of about one inch. You can also pull out some carrots to determine whether they are mature based on market demands. The two major varieties of carrots recommended for commercial carrot farming are Super Kuroda and Nantes with a potential yield of over 20 tons per acre depending on how you manage them. Profitability of carrot farming in Kenya Carrot farming is lucrative once the farmer has followed all the details included in this carrot planting guide. In this case, the profitability of carrot farming in Kenya will largely depend on how best you manage your crop including ensuring the soil is conducive and fertile, there is sufficient water, and that the temperatures and pH are within the required limits. With a total cost of approximately Kshs. 45,000 per acre, you can get the best carrot harvest of about 20 tons. The average selling price of carrots in Kenya per 138-kilogram bag was about Kshs.3,000 as of January 2018. This price fluctuates from season to season, but in an ascending curve. Source: 123RF.com Potential carrot markets and how to get better market Some county governments in Kenya like Nakuru are promoting carrot farming by seeking potential markets who can help promote the crop. Thus, they invite the stakeholders who include the farmers to cooperate and enlighten each other in high-quality carrot production. This goes a long way to ensure that the yields meet the demands of the East Africa Community and other markets. As a carrot farmer wishing to advance to the foreign markets outside the carrot farming market in Kenya, you need a valid license showing that you are a registered exporter to avoid problems at the border. You can get favorable market prices from young carrots that have a fresh top. Leaving the top longer quickens the drying of root and limits the crops market period. Challenges facing carrot farming in Kenya Like other agricultural activities in Kenya, carrot farming experiences challenges; most of which can be controlled and contained. The following are predominant carrot farming challenges in Kenya that you need to know in advance as you plan to start commercial carrot farming. Pest and diseases Source: WSU Vegetable Pathology Program The leading enemies of carrot farming are pests and diseases. With the right information at hand, therefore, you can curb this menace before it wrecks havoc on your precious and most-priced crops. Here are the seven major diseases and pests affecting carrots and how to control each of them: Cutworms Cutworms like black cutworm and turnip attack the roots by causing holes as they feed on them. You can control this by encouraging and conserving natural cutworm enemies, digging the land to expose the caterpillars to sun and predators, destroying vegetation and weeds before planting, spreading thick ash on the seedbeds, and flooding the land for some days before planting. Cottony soft rot A fungus called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causes cottony soft rot, and the disease is characterized by the development of watery leaf rot and soft roots and crowns. The affected areas are covered with white fungal growth where irregular, black fungal resting bodies appear. It is a serious storage and field crisis where the affected roots cause extensive breakdown during storage and transportation if the carrots are packed. Fortunately, you can prevent and control this carrot disease by practicing 3-year crop rotation using forage grasses and cereals and flooding the soils. You should also avoid packing and storing diseased or damaged roots. Using clean storage containers and maintaining temperatures close to 0 degrees Celsius and humidity not higher than 95 percent during storage will also help. Root-knot nematodes Root-knot nematodes cause swelling and galls on the fleshy tap-root. This problem commonly affects carrots planted on sandy soils and may discourage a farmer wishing to start commercial carrot farming in Kenya. You can contain it by planting resistant varieties and practicing crop rotation to interrupt nematodes life-cycle. Where possible, carry out a minimum of one-year fallow cultivation. Carrot damping-off A complex crop pathogen causes damping-off disease by causing seed rotting before germination or seedling death after germination. This can be avoided by using recommended seeds free from diseases and avoiding over-irrigation of the seed-beds or fields. Leaf blight This disease is characterized by dark-grey angular spots on the leaves and yellowing of surrounding tissues that eventually leads to the death of the affected leaves. This can be so severe that the carrots will appear scorched. The good news is that leaf blight can be controlled by using certified and resistant seeds. If you are using your seeds, use hot water seed treatment method. Practice proper field hygiene and avoid parsley when practicing crop rotation. Additionally, use non-nitrogen or little nitrogen fertilizer and monitor the land regularly to ensure proper reaction. Copper treatments can also reduce leaf blight infection. African armyworm African armyworms are a major threat to carrot farming as they cause serious crop losses. The worms may indirectly injure the taproot by chopping off the stems and destroying foliage above the ground. You can control it by regularly monitoring field margins beneath crop debris, low areas, below the plant leaves, and signs of worm presence on the ground. Spray the plants when the caterpillars are small since mature ones can cause serious irredeemable damages. Moreover, encourage and conserve natural enemies as you practice soil sanitation. Bacterial soft rot Bacteria live in decaying matter and get into the root mainly through harvest bruises, insect openings, cultivation wounds, and freezing injury. The diseases they cause advance in high humidity after infection and causes watery, soft, and slimy rot where the rotten tissues turn grey to brown and may develop a bad odour. You can control or avoid bacterial soft rot by following a crop rotation of fodder grasses and cereals, destroying by burning infected plants, and carefully handling the crops during harvest to reduce bruises. You can also throw away the affected carrots before storage and transportation and ensure that the store is well-ventilated. Outdated technology Source: Bored Panda Although there is a well-developed system of agricultural research in Kenya, the use of modern technology and scientific approaches to increase the profitability of carrot farming in Kenya is still below average. Inadequate research-farmer connection to ensure that the research benefits the farmers limits the efforts to increase the production of the crop as farmers continue to use ineffective and outdated technologies. Thus, there is need to develop and implement the services that can connect the research and the farmers. Inadequate information on the right farm inputs to use Most carrot farmers do not have enough information on the necessary farm inputs to use and the right time of their use. The cost of crucial inputs like fertilizer, pesticides, and seeds are also too high for a farmer starting carrot farming in Kenya to afford. Growing carrots in Kenya is a straightforward and easy-to-do activity once you have mastered the carrot planting guide and basics of how to plant carrots. This is because carrots are easy to grow. Carrot farming comes with many benefits besides financial profitability. Carrots are rich in vitamin A necessary for clear sight and beautiful skin. It is also vital for cancer prevention and anti-aging as well as prevention of stroke and heart diseases. The crop requires reliable and stable rainfall and where this condition is not available naturally, it is important to irrigate them based on the soil type. Due to these and many other benefits, carrot farming market in Kenya is growing at a high rate. Source: Tuko Breaking News - Sikolia started his new job at Citizen TV on Monday, June 4 after working for NTV for sometime - The bubbly reporter is among tens of journalists from NTV who ditched the station for Citizen TV and other stations - He will join a strong team of star TV reporters and anchors who were poached by Royal Media Services from rival stations - Sikolia's move has dented NTV's team which has been thinning by the day Revered Kenyan journalist Enock Sikolia has joined a list of high-flying journalists who have ditched their respective media houses for SK Macharia's Royal Media Services. Sikolia quit his job at the Nation Media Group's owned NTV for greener pastures at rival Citizen TV. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens The award winning political reporter shared news of his move as he took to social media to give his fans a sneak peak of what to expect on his first day at his new job. READ ALSO: Alaa! Kobe apatikana ndani ya chumba cha kulala Muranga READ ALSO: Citizen TV raids NTV, KTN for top talent in major restructuring move and TUKO.co.ke has details The journalist officially joined Citizen TV on Monday, June 4. ''Take 2: My debut on Citizen TV. Tonight at 9pm," Sikolia captioned a photo of himself out in the field while holding a Citizen TV mic. His post attracted the attention of his social media followers who could not help but throng the comments section with countless congratulatory messages. READ ALSO: Larry Madowo lands new plum job after leaving NTV Sikolia's departure from NTV came just days after the Kimathi street based media house lost some of its brilliant journalists to Citizen TV and other media establishments. As reported by TUKO.co.ke earlier, the struggling station experienced massive exodus after SK Macharia invaded it and walked away with over five super talented media personalities. READ ALSO: I did not fall from any building - Gospel music producer dismisses Jimmy Gait's medical appeal Earlier on, NMG's print department suffered a major blow after eight Daily Nation columnists resigned citing government interference in the independence of the giant media house. The columnists including Maina Kiai, Muthoni Wanyeki, Gabriel Dolan, Rasna Warah, Goerge Kegoro, Kwamchetsi Makokha, Gabrielle Lynch and Nick Cheeseman, accused NMG of censoring journalists and columnists by silencing divergent views deemed to be critical to the 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. Vivian Exclusive Interview for Tuko Buzz: Meet Miss Chum Chum | TUKO TV Source: Breaking News - Relatives of the passengers were asked to convene at Weston hotel - Among the missing passengers was an American national - The location and condition of the plane is still not known - Rescue mission is expected to continue on Wednesday, June 6, morning Hours after a Cessna C208 plane with a capacity of eight passengers from Kitale to Nairobi went off the radar, recovery is yet to be done . Information reaching TUKO.co.ke indicate East African Safari Air Express, a subsidiary of Fly540, asked relatives of the passengers who were on board to convene at Weston Hotel for more information. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens TUKO.co.ke also understands among the missing passengers aboard the 5Y-CAC C208 plane was an American national identified as Ronald Mathew Pikerton. READ ALSO: Alaa! Kobe apatikana ndani ya chumba cha kulala Muranga The plane reported to have gone missing when flying Kitale to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Photo: Zadock Angira/Facebook. READ ALSO: Jubilee MP files petition seeking to disband EACC, says its useless East Africa Safaris Air Express which operates the plane also said it did not have information on the condition of the plane and its occupants. According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the Cessna C208 flight was last seen at 2.02pm Tuesday, June 5, afternoon flying at 11,000ft above sea level before it went off radar. READ ALSO: Moi Girls' High School Board dissolved, principal sent home Initial report by TUKO.co.ke indicated the scheduled flight was to land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) but disappeared about 50km from the JKIA. It was cleared to land at runway 24 and was to approach the airport from zone boundary on the North East from the Utawala/Ruai direction. READ ALSO: 43 NYS suspects to remain in police custody as court denies them bail By Tuesday, June 5, evening, the search mission had yielded no fruit, with the team being forced to halt the exercise for the night and resume on the morning of Wednesday, June 6. It was feared that the aircraft may have crashed in the Aberdares. 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. Awful day to die (Animated Joke) - on TUKO TV Source: Tuko - The five officers were attacked near the Kenya-Somalia border - Three others were critically injured following the morning attack - Reinforcement was reportedly sent to pursue the attackers At least five General Service Unit (GSU) officers were killed by suspected al-Shabaab militants in Liboi, Garissa County on Wednesday, June 6. Three other officers were left in a critical condition after the vehicle they were traveling in was blown up by an improvised explosive device (IED). Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Hawa ndio abiria waliokuwa ndani ya ndege iliyoanguka Aberdares The vehicle that the eight GSU officers were traveling in was blown by an improvised explosive device that was planted on the road by suspected al-Shabaab. Photo: Strategic Intelligence Service. READ ALSO: Police officer charged with terrorist links takes own life Reports reaching TUKO.co.ke indicated the attack happened at around 9am at Harar in Liboi, a few metres from the Kenya-Somalia border. Confirming the attack, Dadaab Deputy County Commissioner Harun Kamau said the officers were on normal patrol when the vehicle they were traveling in ran over the IEB which was planted by suspected members of the militia group. "The injured officers were airlifted to Nairobi for specialised treatment," Kamau said as quoted by Daily Nation. READ ALSO: Al-Shabaab facilitator presents himself to police 4 days following KSh 1 million bounty on him Reinforcement was reportedly dispatched to the region to pursue the attackers. Garissa County is one of the regions which has been prone to al-Shabaab attacks that have left behind a trail of deaths. Recent reports show the terrorists have been targeting police officers and soldiers deployed in the region to flush them out and protect the Kenya-Somalia border. One of the worst attacks happened in 2015 when the terrorists entered Garissa University College and killed 148 students. 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. Government demolishes Kiosks in Kibera following rape at Moi Girls School - On Tuko TV Source: Tuko Have you gotten a chance to hit the gym just yet? The Government gave leeway for more places Militants launched 31 attacks on positions of Ukrainian troops in the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) area in Donbas over the past day. This is reported by the press center of the JFO Headquarters. As noted, the tense situation was observed near Prychepylivka (50km north-west of Luhansk), Krymske (42.5km north-west of Luhansk), Novotoshkivske (53km north-west of Luhansk) in Luhansk direction and outside Opytne (11.5km north-west of Donetsk) and Novotroitske (32km south of Donetsk) in Donetsk direction, where Russian-occupation troops used 120mm and 82mm mortars eleven times. Militants also opened fire from small arms in the area of Lebedynske (16km north-east of Mariupol) and Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol). At the same time, the invaders intensified their reconnaissance efforts with the use of UAVs. In the morning of June 5, the units of the radio-radar troops of the joint forces identified the air target, which was the Russian UAV Orlan-10. The units of the anti-aircraft missile troops destroyed the target on approach to the area the enemy had been interested in. Three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in fighting in last day. ol Washington has called the planned vote in the Verkhovna Rada on the bill on an Anti-Corruption Court an important step in overcoming corruption, and urged Kyiv to fully take into account the IMF's demands in this issue. U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Heather Nauert said this in a statement on Tuesday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. "The United States calls on the government of Ukraine to implement deep, comprehensive, and timely reforms that reflect the demands the people of Ukraine made during the Revolution of Dignity: an end to systemic corruption, faster economic growth, and a European future for all Ukrainians," reads the statement. The Department of State said that the establishment of a genuinely independent anti-corruption court "is the most important, immediate step the government can take to meet those demands and roll back corruption that continues to threaten Ukraine's national security, prosperity, and democratic development." Washington also expressed support for the requirements outlined in the program of interaction between Ukraine and the IMF. "We agree with the IMF that any legislation establishing an anti-corruption court must include a central role for a council of international experts to ensure the selection of qualified judges," reads the statement. "We, therefore, encourage the Ukrainian government to discuss relevant legislative proposals directly with the IMF and to pass a bill that meets IMF requirements. The anti-corruption court has important work to do on behalf of the people of Ukraine," Nauert said. op President of Poland Andrzej Duda believes that there would be no separatists in Donbas without Russias backing. "Everyone in the world understands perfectly well that there would be no separatists without constant support from Russia," Duda said during a joint press conference with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. It is necessary to hold talks precisely with Russia on the end of conflict in eastern Ukraine, the restoration of peace and the resumption of Ukraine-Russia border, which is recognized by the international community, Duda stressed. The Polish president also noted that he supported the idea of deploying UN peacekeeping forces throughout the militant-controlled territory. ol Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has met with Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein Alois, who is on an official visit to Ukraine. The official meeting ceremony took place on the square near the Mariyinsky Palace in Kyiv on Wednesday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. The sides are expected to discuss the intensification of Ukrainian-Liechtenstein political dialogue, Liechtenstein's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the intensification of trade and economic cooperation taking into account the opportunities of free trade as part of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). The Ukrainian president and the prince are also to meet with media representatives. Prince Alois will also visit Lviv. Ukraine's Presidential Administration noted that this was the first visit by a high representative of Liechtenstein since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states. op Ukraine and Estonia will strengthen interdepartmental cooperation and exchange of experience in the field of neutralizing cyberattacks. The press service of the Foreign Ministry reported this on the results of bilateral interdepartmental consultations in the field of strengthening cybersecurity, held for the first time in the history of Ukrainian-Estonian relations. "As part of the consultations, the parties discussed modern trends in the field of cybersecurity, the main mechanisms for its strengthening, as well as promising areas for further cooperation between the two countries in this sector," the report says. During the event, the Estonian delegation told the Ukrainian side about the achievements of its country in monitoring and neutralizing cyber problems, developing a "digital society", and also about the strategy of an Estonian cybersecurity. The Ukrainian delegation, among other things, informed the Estonian colleagues about certain aspects of large-scale cyberattacks on electronic and governmental resources of Ukraine by the Russian Federation during 2015-2018, noting that cyber attacks, which were supported and funded by this state, had become one of the main elements of the hybrid war against Ukraine. The Ukrainian side also expressed interest in the innovative experience of the Estonian specialists in the field of ensuring cybersecurity during the elections of local and national levels. ish The Principality of Liechtenstein will support Ukraine in its cooperation with the UN and the OSCE and will make every effort to find the ways to settle the conflict in Donbas peacefully as soon as possible. Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein Alois said this at a joint briefing with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "We will support cooperation with UN and OSCE at the international and bilateral level," Prince Alois said. He noted that during negotiations with President Poroshenko he had expressed concern about the situation in eastern Ukraine as well as hope that the way to settle the conflict peacefully could be found quickly. "We are a small state, of course, we have limited capacities and we can provide only limited assistance, but we will do everything in our power," Prince Alois promised. Liechtenstein is also ready to assist Ukraine in carrying out reforms, the Prince noted. Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein Alois currently pays an official visit to Ukraine. This is the first visit of the high-level representative of Liechtenstein to Ukraine since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states. ol A Latvian delegation led by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to Ukraine Juris Poikans has provided humanitarian assistance to the residents of Donetsk region. This was reported by the press service of Donetsk Regional and Civil Administration on Tuesday. "The Latvian delegation has sent humanitarian aid to the residents of Donetsk region. The aid will be delivered by the representatives of the National Guard of Ukraine," the report reads. Ambassador Poikans stressed that Latvia "is pleased to help Ukraine in the struggle for integrity." "This is our seventh cargo. The main goal of humanitarian assistance is to give practical support to Donetsk residents. And this is also our political support for Ukraine," the ambassador said. As Ukrinform reported, on June 5, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to Ukraine Juris Poikans met with Head of Donetsk Regional and Civil Administration Pavlo Zhebrivsky in Donetsk region and discussed the issues of cooperation with the region. ish The International and European Federation of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) have called on the Russian authorities to release Ukrainian journalist Roman Sushchenko, who was sentenced to 12 years in a high-security prison. "The IFJ-EFJ joined its affiliates the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) and the Independent Media Trade Union of Ukraine (IMTUU) in condemning the harsh verdict and in urging Russian authorities to release Sushchenko until thorough evidence of the allegations against him has been presented," the IFJ-EFJ said in a statement. The NUJU also expressed indignation at the sentencing of Sushchenko. "Together with international partners who unequivocally support our position, we will continue to use means of public pressure on the Russian authorities to ensure that all prisoners of the Kremlin, whether held in Russia or in the territory occupied by pro-Russian terrorists, have been released," NUJU Chairman Serhiy Tomilenko said. IMTUU Head Ihor Chaika called the arrest of Roman Sushchenko "a cynical abduction organized by Russian security services." Earlier, Oksana Romanyuk, Executive Director of the Institute of Mass Information and a Reporters Without Borders representative, called the verdict by the Moscow City Court a bright example of the violation of freedom of speech by Russia. In addition, the demand for Sushchenko's release was put forward by the OSCE. OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Desir hopes that the decision to imprison Sushchenko will be overturned in appeal. On June 4, the Moscow City Court sentenced Sushchenko, a correspondent of the Ukrainian National News Agency, Ukrinform, to 12 years in prison in a high-security prison on espionage charges. He has been under arrest in Moscow since September 30, 2016. op Security officials are probing the pre-trial investigation secrecy breach. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) launched criminal proceedings over the initial publication by one of Ukraine's media outlets of a list of 47 Ukrainian journalists and bloggers whose life is claimed to be threatened. "The Main Investigation Department of the Security Service of Ukraine opened criminal proceedings into the disclosure of information of the pre-trial investigation. Law enforcers established that on the webpage of one of the online publications there is a report that includes a list of persons, on whom the data are available in the case file of an earlier open criminal proceeding," says the statement by the SBU press center. The SBU notes that the publication "lists the names of citizens of Ukraine and those of foreign countries that were planned to be physically exterminated as a result of terrorist acts in the territory of our country." "At the same time, neither an investigative body nor a chief procedural officer provided relevant information to anyone, including the author of the publication of the above-mentioned online outlet, to disclose said data," the Security Service said. Meanwhile, the investigation is underway. Read alsoChief prosecutor elaborates on Babchenko list with 47 potential victims As reported earlier, on Tuesday, June 5, Strana.ua online media outlet published a list of 47 Ukrainian journalists and bloggers whose life is allegedly threatened and who may be potential targets of Russia-hired hitmen. Earlier, Ukrainian security services prevented an attempt on the Russian opposition journalist Babchenko, who now resides in Kyiv, and carried out a sting operation to stage his "murder" on May 29. According to the SBU, Russian special services recruited a Ukrainian man to organize Babchenko's murder. The man received $40,000 for organizing the crime, according to law enforcers. The organizer offered a former ATO participant to kill the journalist for $30,000 and handed him over a deposit of $15,000. Law enforcers detained the organizer of the assassination attempt, who testified on plans to murder another 30 people in Ukraine. Also, the organizer, on instructions he received from Russian intelligence, had to illegally acquire weapons for planting arms caches across Ukraine. Read alsoSecurity agency explains why Klimkin not warned about Babchenko sting operation The suspect in organizing the crime is Boris German, an executive director of the Ukrainian-German joint venture Schmeisser, the only non-state arms producer in Ukraine. On May 31, the Kyiv Shevchenko District Court ruled to remand German in custody pending pre-trial investigation. The Security Service of Ukraine announced they had information about a real threat to life of other individuals following an attempt on Babchenko. In turn, the prosecutor general said that the investigation received a list of 47 people, among them famous Ukrainian and former Russian journalists who could be the next victims of terrorists. Despite a more pro-Russian government being in power today, Austria remains consistent with the general western position on Ukraine. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Tuesday at a joint press conference with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin that the situation in eastern Ukraine should be improved before the sanctions on Russia could be lifted. At another joint press conference with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, the Russian president called for the lift of the sanctions on his country, saying the sanctions are harmful for everyone, especially for those who initiated them, according to Xinhua. Austria is the first EU state visited by Putin. And Kurz, who is in coalition with right-wing party FPO, is seen to head a more pro-Russia government compared with the previous one. Read alsoPutin: Federalization, rejection of NATO could resolve "Ukrainian problem" However, Austria is still consistent with western position by insisting that the situation in eastern Ukraine must improve first. Kurz said diplomatic progress in eastern Ukraine, followed by a gradual easing of sanctions, was the scenario the country is wishing for. The United States, EU and other western states imposed sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine crisis in 2014. Among other measures, the command will test the performance of air defense systems against cruise missile strikes from sea. Russian military exercises launched in the occupied Crimea, involving over a hundred helicopters and warplanes. Air defense units and the Black Sea Fleet will also take part in maneuvers in Rostov region and Krasnodar Territory, Interfax reports. As part of the exercises, the air defense unit deployed in Crimea are tasked with repelling a missile strike of conventional enemy ships from the sea. Read alsoExpert names Putin's three goals in Azov Sea "Crews of the reconnaissance aircraft of the Black Sea Fleet's naval aviation successfully coped with the task assigned and channeled to the recon and stike action control point the exact coordinates of conventional enemy ships," the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported. A total of about 6,000 servicemen are taking part in the drills. As a military expert Mykhailo Samus earlier wrote for UNIAN, the present legal vacuum in the Sea of Azov allows Russia to freely interpret and independently determine sea borders with Ukraine in the area, acting as a more powerful player it considers itself. The wrongfully-imprisoned Ukrainian film director continues his hunger strike demanding the release of all Ukrainian political prisoners in Russia. It has been three weeks since the Kremlin's political prisoner, Ukrainian film director Oleh Sentsov, who has been illegally convicted on "terrorism" charges in Russia, has gone on a hunger strike, and his condition has been deteriorating accordingly. "Sentsov continues his hunger strike, it has already been three weeks. Dmitry Dinze, who is his lawyer in the criminal case, is now in Labytnangi [a city in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District where the colony is located]," Sentsov's attorney at a trial stage, Olga Dinze, told a Kyiv press conference Wednesday, an UNIAN correspondent reports. "Sentsov's health status currently leaves much to be desired. As explained by lawyer Dmitry Dinze, he [Sentsov] is now at the brink. He was recently examined in a local hospital. He was specifically taken to a local hospital [outside prison], which is a really rare occurrence for the colony. He has been examined - his condition is deteriorating due to the hunger strike," Olga Dinze said. Read alsoWorse than serial criminals: Why Ukrainian political prisoners in Russia receive huge terms According to her, if Sentsov's health condition further worsens, then, most likely, doctors will decide on his compulsory feeding, "since they cannot allow him dying in the colony." As UNIAN reported, Sentsov was detained by FSB operatives in Crimea in the spring of 2014. He was transferred to Russia, where he was tried on trumped-up charges of plotting terrorist attacks and arson of party offices on the peninsula. The Russian court in August 2015 sentenced Sentsov to 20 years in prison. On May 14, Sentsov announced an indefinite hunger strike demanding the release of all 64 Ukrainian political prisoners of the Kremlin. Parties will discuss all issues on the agenda related to the Ukraine crisis settlement, Russian deputy foreign minister said. The Russian Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the top diplomats of the so-called Normandy Four Ukraine, Germany, France and Russia will sit down for talks in Berlin, Germany, on June 11, 2018. "Yes, the meeting is scheduled for June 11," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said, as reported by an UNIAN correspondent in Russia. At the same time, answering the question whether the issue of peacekeeping mission deployment in Donbas will be considered, he noted that "all topics" would be discussed. "All issues on the agenda related to the Ukraine crisis settlement will be discussed. There are no banned issues. This is why the Normandy Four format has been created," the Russian official said. Read alsoNormandy Four foreign ministers to meet in Berlin on June 11 As UNIAN reported, following a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on May 10 announced they were coordinating steps to hold a meeting in the Normandy Four format in early June. Paris, France, was named as a most probable venue. Later, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin announced his readiness to hold a meeting of the Normandy Four foreign ministers in Berlin on June 11, 2018. According to him, one of the main topics at the meeting should be the deployment the UN peacekeeping mission in eastern Ukraine. During Poroshenko's talks with Spanish PM Sanchez, given Russias meddling in the independence drive in Catalonia, the heads of state warned that the massive fake-news factories, well known in Ukraine, were far from giving up their goal to destabilize the West. Asked by El Pais whether he believes Ukraine is a testing ground for Russian fake-news campaigns that the West is now experiencing, Poroshenko said he believes "the whole world is the testing ground for the Russian fake-news policy." "It was the United States during the election campaign, it was United Kingdom during Brexit, it was Catalonia during the Catalan separatist crisis, and of course, during the illegal annexation of Crimea when President Putin said: 'There are no Russians there.' There were 60,000 Russian troops which penetrated into the sovereign Ukrainian territory!" Poroshenko told El Pais. The president went on to say that "everybody knows that this is fake news which is paid for and distributed by Russia. Russia spent several hundred million dollars on Russia Today and Sputnik, to distribute this campaign of fake news." He added that "this is a very powerful instrument for Russia to exercise influence on all democratic countries." Read alsoRussias troll factory launches new website targeting Americans "I mean free press, I mean free elections, I mean democratic means to destabilize the situation in the country," he said. "Dont trust Russian media," Poroshenko stressed, commenting on outrageous claims by RT and Sputnik that the Ukrainian parliament glorifies fascism. "This is a very simple answer because we are one of the nations who suffered the most during WWII. We have a genetic memory against fascism. With that situation, we have turned into the European family. With that situation, Russia is just trying to continue their policy of fake news, including using accusations of fascism. This is absolutely dangerous for the whole of democracy and we should fight against the problem of fake news." As UNIAN reported earlier, Petro Poroshenko thanked the Spanish authorities for conducting an investigation into Spanish citizens' participation in the Donbas war on the side of the Russian-led forces. What Russia has done in Ukraine has to have consequences, the NATO chief says. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels Wednesday, commenting on the new Italian government's statements calling for a review of Russia sanctions, that a political dialogue with Russia must be maintained but the economic sanctions are also important. Sanctions "send a clear message that what Russia has done in Ukraine has to have consequences," the NATO Secretary General said, adding that "Russia has to change behavior" before the sanctions could be lifted. He added that NATO had been pursuing a dual-track approach to Russia, which is about having strong defense and deterrence, combined with political dialogue. Read alsoWhy appeasement never stops aggressors "We're not aiming at isolating Russia. Russia is our neighbor, Russia's here to stay," Stoltenberg said. "It is important to continue this dialogue. The dialogue with Russia is not easy that's exactly why it's so important," the NATO chief stressed. "Italy is a committed and highly-valued ally," Stoltenberg also assured. As UNIAN reported earlier, the newly-appointed Prime Minister of Italy, Giuseppe Conte, who was nominated by a coalition of populists, stands for a review of Russia sanctions imposed by the European Union over Moscow's aggression against Ukraine. Now the document can be considered by the parliament. The abolition of parliamentary immunity complies with the Constitution of Ukraine. Such a decision was made by the Constitutional Court at a closed session on June 6 following an analysis of bill No. 6773. Read alsoRada strips MP Savchenko of parliamentary immunity, allows arrest The court came to such conclusion after the request of the Verkhovna Rada to give an opinion as to whether the draft law complies with the requirements of Article 157 and Article 158 of the Constitution of Ukraine or not, as reported by the Judicial and legal newspaper. Now the document can be considered by the parliament. According to it, Part 1 and Part 3 of Article 80 are removed from the text of the Constitution, which stipulate the immunity of people's deputies, the prohibition of their arrest and bringing to criminal responsibility without the consent of the Verkhovna Rada. As UNIAN reported earlier, on October 19, 2017, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine sent two draft laws on lifting parliamentary immunity to the Constitutional Court of Ukraine. One of the draft laws is the bill submitted by the president on the abolition of the immunity of people's deputies, set to be enforced from January 1, 2020. The bill was sent to the Constitutional Court to obtain a conclusion on its compliance with Articles 157-158 of the Constitution of Ukraine. The bill "On Amendments to Article 80 of the Constitution of Ukraine (concerning the immunity of people's deputies, registration No. 7203), introduced by the president, provides for excluding from the current version of the Basic Law the regulation that "people's deputies cannot be brought to criminal responsibility, detained or arrested without the consent of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine." At the same time, the norm remains in the law that people's deputies bear no legal responsibility for the outcome of their voting or statements voiced in parliament and its bodies, with the exception of responsibility for insult or slander. In addition, the parliament adopted a resolution to include in the agenda the draft law "On Amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine (regarding the abolition of parliamentary immunity)" (registration No. 6773), submitted by MP Yuriy Levchenko and 157 other deputies. If adopted, the law is to be enforced the day after it is officially published, according to the latter bill. Government troops have downed an enemy drone. Over the past day, June 5, Russian proxy forces in eastern Ukraine violated the ceasefire 31 times. Three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in enemy attacks. The situation remained tense in the vicinity of Prichepylivka, Krymske, and Novotoshkivske on the Luhansk line, as well as Opytne and Novotroitske on the Donetsk line, where Russian-occupation troops employed 11 times 120mm and 82mm mortars, proscribed by the Minsk accords, according to the press service of the Joint Forces Operation HQ. Read alsoJFO: Ukraine reports 30 enemy attacks in last day Ongoing hostilities involving automatic weapons are reported outside Lebedynske and Shyrokyne near the strategic port city of Mariupol. Also, the JFO reported on the shooting down of an enemy drone. "The invaders stepped up their aerial recon efforts with the use of UAVs. On the morning of June 5, electronic warfare units of our Joint Forces spotted and identified an air target which appeared to be the Russian-made Orlan-10 UAV. On-duty units of anti-aircraft missile forces destroyed the target on its approach to the area of interest for the enemy," reads the statement. In the past day's fighting, three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded and evacuated to a hospital. According to Ukraine's intelligence, two militants were exterminated and another four wounded. As UNIAN reported earlier, residents of Pivdenne, recently liberated by Joint Forces, are terrified by constant shellings and reluctant to stay in their homes. Militants intentionally aim their incendiary shells at residential areas, burning out the area, aiming to causing panic and fear. Poroshenko met with newly appointed Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has thanked the Spanish authorities for an investigation into Spanish citizens' participation in the Donbas war on the side of the Russian-led forces. "I would like to thank the Spanish government for its cooperation in this matter," Poroshenko said in an interview with the Spanish newspaper El Pais, the Ukrainian presidential press service said. Read alsoLusvarghi case: Court arrests Brazilian who fought alongside militants in Donbas According to Poroshenko, he discussed this issue at a meeting with newly appointed Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez. The Ukrainian president particularly noted the arrest by the Spanish authorities of eight Spaniards in 2015 upon their return from Donbas where they fought against Ukraine. "Those ultranationalists came in Ukraine illegally to kill innocent Ukrainians. This is unacceptable, this is a crime. Russia sends snipers who kill Ukrainians both military and civilians every day. It does not matter that those criminals have a Spanish passport. They remain criminals. I am very pleased with how the Spanish authorities have investigated this case," Poroshenko said. Poroshenko says Ukraine pays a very high price, protecting not only its sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also freedom and democracy in the world. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko told a joint press conference with Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein Alois in Kyiv that a hot phase of war rather than the "frozen conflict" is ongoing in Donbas. Read alsoPoroshenko thanks Madrid for probe into Spanish mercenaries' participation in Donbas war "I want to emphasize that today we have not a frozen conflict, as some are trying to imagine, we have a hot phase of war, where Ukraine pays a very high price, protecting not only our sovereignty, our territorial integrity, our independence, protecting freedom and democracy in the world," Poroshenko said, according to an UNIAN correspondent. The president also noted the extreme importance of international support for Ukraine on the issue of repelling Russian aggression. As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak said Russia had amassed over 77,000 troops on the border with Ukraine. Two so-called "army corps" of the occupation forces stationed in Russian-occupied Donbas number almost 40,000 troops, he said. According to Poltorak, these "corps" are "an integral part of the Southern Military District of the Russian Armed Forces." The Security Council condemns continuous violations of the ceasefire regime, especially the use of heavy weapons prohibited by the Minsk agreements. The United Nations Security Council has expressed grave concern about the recent deterioration of the security situation in eastern Ukraine and its severe impact on civilians. In presidential statement S/PRST/2018/12, read out by Vassily A. Nebenzia (Russian Federation), Council president for June, "the Security Council condemns continuous violations of the ceasefire regime, especially the use of heavy weapons prohibited by the Minsk agreements, responsible for tragic deaths, including among civilians, and calls for the implementation of disengagement commitments and the immediate withdrawal of heavy weapons in accordance with relevant provisions of the Minsk agreements," the United Nations said on its website. Read alsoPoroshenko: Donbas seeing hot phase of war, not "frozen conflict" "The Security Council welcomes the work of the United Nations agencies in order to address the tragic humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine and emphasizes the need for scaling up efforts to alleviate suffering of the civilian population affected by the conflict," reads the report. It is also noted the Security Council expresses its full support to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Special Monitoring Mission and calls on all the parties to facilitate its work, including safe and secure access throughout Ukraine to fulfill its mandate and guarantee the safety of its staff and protection of its equipment. "The Security Council recalls its full support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, underlines the need for strict compliance with resolution 2202 (2015), which endorsed the Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements, and encourages all the parties to recommit to the peace process and to implement all the measures agreed in the Normandy format and the Trilateral Contact Group in order to achieve immediate progress in the implementation of the Minsk agreements." "The Security Council reaffirms its full support for resolution 2166 (2014) on the downing of flight MH17," the report says. This might be a new direction in information warfare and deal with information gathering and profiling the audience. Three months after being indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice, the notorious Russian troll factory known as the Internet Research Agency (IRA) has launched a new media venture targeting Americans. This time, however, theres reason to believe the project named USA Really. Wake Up Americans may not be just another influence operation, but rather an intelligence gathering experiment, according to ArcDigital. UNIAN has already reported on the project back in April when RIA FAN (riafan.ru), a St. Petersburg-based media empire that is known to be an offshoot of the IRA , called on English-speaking journalists and authors to apply for the new venture, which was described as an information agency that would combat growing political censorship imposed by the United States. As the awkward name suggests, this venture isnt the most sophisticated operation. However, its existence shows that Russia is still actively pursuing new avenues to reach American audiences (particularly Trump supporters) and despite all the congressional hearings and headlines about digital manipulation, a clearly Russian-backed project was able to establish (and in at least one case, maintain) a presence on two of the largest social media platforms in America. And long before the emergence of USA Really, the links between RIA FAN and the Internet Research Agency were already thoroughly documented. Read alsoRussian infowar: Twitter battles rage over Salisbury case The most noteworthy characteristic of @USA_Reallys Twitter profile is that the earliest accounts it followed and the earliest accounts that followed it backwere almost exclusively embedded within a pro-Trump network. Many of the accounts bear the hallmark characteristics of the Russian-backed accounts that were used to boost Trump during the 2016 election, including patriotic symbolism (e.g., flags, eagles, etc) and excessive use of hashtags and emojis, while others featured Christian symbols and imagery. The pro-Trump, patriotic theme characterizing @USA_Reallys Twitter network is particularly apparent when viewing the small group of accounts that were the first to follow @USA_Really. Of course, the fact that an account follows @USA_Really (or is followed by them) doesnt necessarily mean anything on its own. It cant be assumed that any specific user knew that they were following a Russian propaganda account when they followed it, nor can we assign nefarious intent to the act. With that in mind, it is a pretty damning indictment of Trump and his supporters that a Russian operation targeting Americans knows that it has a receptive audience in pro-Trump social media users and that it can appeal to Trump supporters by parroting attacks on U.S. institutions like the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. Since it first launched, USA Really has published well over 100 articles, averaging nearly 10 per day. The content covers everything from the volcano in Hawaii to uninsured Americans, economic news, and criminal investigations. While much of the content can be described as benign, a significant proportion of articles are distinctly anti-American in their tone, and many of them focus on socially and politically divisive issues such as crime and violence, guns, and police brutality, as you can see in the sample below. Other articles take aim at the intelligence community, echoing Trumps conspiracy theories about the deep state and peddling misinformation about special counsel Robert Mueller. Read alsoRussians posed as ISIS Hackers, threatened U.S. military wives Determining the purpose of the new venture is not quite straightforward. While its certainly possible that USA Really is exactly what it appears to bea new channel to bring covert Russian propaganda to an American audiencetheres also reason to believe there may be more going on than meets the eye. It is important to remember that information warfare is not unidirectional. Weaponizing information and releasing it into the information space is only part of the picturethe other part involves the collection of information and intelligence from target populations. This is achieved through a variety of methods, including cyberattacks (e.g., hacking, malware, and spearphishing), human intelligence collection, mass- and targeted data collection, and leveraging social media capabilities for purposes such as surveillance, social network mapping, sentiment analysis, and geo-tracking. Digital environments, particularly social media platforms, provide a prime opportunity for gathering detailed and dynamic information about individuals, networks, communication styles, activity patterns, and moreall of which can yield crucial insight about the information environment and the actors operating in it. This information can then be used for purposes such as target audience analysis (TAA), and to inform future operations and the selection of new targets (individuals and groups). Read alsoU.S. Senate panel finds Russia worked to aid Trump in election media For one thing, its possible USA Really left such obvious digital footprints connecting it to the Internet Research Agency because it wanted to be noticed so it could identify who is tracking these types of ventures and how they are doing it. Want to avoid being detected in the future? Learning how youre being detected now is a good start. It may also be the case that USA Really has included (or plans to include) malicious code in some of the links to its articles, in the hopes of installing tracking cookies, spyware, or other types of malware on the computers of those who click the link. This would allow for the collection of vast amounts of personal data, as well as valuable information on user behavior and online preferences, all of which could be used to develop profiles for a variety of purposes. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Terming the contribution of universities for national development as broad and diverse, AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan called for a higher education that is compatible to the needs of the time. MIRPUR (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jun, 2018 ) ,:Terming the contribution of universities for national development as broad and diverse, AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan called for a higher education that is compatible to the needs of the time. He was addressing a ceremony held to distribute laptops among the students at Muzaffarabad Campus of Azad Jammu and Kashmir University on Wednesday. The ceremony was attended by large number of students and faculty members were also addressed by Vice Chancellor of the university Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi and Director Academics Prof. Dr. Azhar Saleem. Prime Minister urged the students to utilize social media as tool to build positive image of the country and one of its best use is to highlight the struggle of Kashmiri people for their legitimate right to self determination. Describing Social Media as game changer, he said the new tool in the hands of young people is productive only when young are taught to use it for positive purpose. Calling Azad Jammu and Kashmir University as one of the oldest institution of higher education, the prime minister pledged to make it one of the best quality educational institutions of international standard. The prime minister assured that government will fully cooperate with the management of the universities located in enhancing the standard of the education by addressing their problems. He went on to say that universities serve as think tanks and policy making institutions in the developed nations and same we expect from our universities here to guide the government and other institutions in making policy on different spheres of the life. Speaking on the occasion Vice Chancellor of the university Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi congratulated prime minister for his untiring efforts in bringing amendments in the constitution of Azad Kashmir and restoring the honour and dignity of the people of AJK. The Vice Chancellor further said that the people of Kashmir and intelligentsia of the state rightly pin hopes with PM that he will continue to take such stepsthat would heighten the respect and dignity of the people. AJK President Sardar Masood Khan said that it is our primary responsibility to take meaningful measures for preventing and managing the environmental impact of human activity and similarly, in comprehensive and coherent manner to address the challenges posed to the environment. MIRPUR (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jun, 2018 ) ,:AJK President Sardar Masood Khan said that it is our Primary responsibility to take meaningful measures for preventing and managing the environmental impact of human activity and similarly, in comprehensive and coherent manner to address the challenges posed to the environment. The President made these remarks as the Chief guest at a seminar marking the World Environment Day organized by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the State's capital city late Tuesday, This year, the World Environment Days' theme is "Beat Plastic Pollution". Additional Chief Secretary and Secretary AJK Environmental Protection Agency Dr. Syed Asif Hussain Shah, Director General Environmental Protection Agency AJK Raja Muhammad Razzaque Khan, Country Representative International Union for Conservation of Nature-Pakistan Muhammad Akhtar Cheema, Prof. Dr. Haleem Khan, Vice Chancellor AJK Women University Bagh, and members of recently-formed Environmental Protection Council of AJK Government including Qamar uz Zamn, former Director General Pakistan Metrological Department, Altaf Hamid Rao, President AJK Environmental Journalist Forum, Raja Arslan Nusrat, CEO Global UK-Based NGO Muslim Hands in AJK, Ch. Murtaza President MCCI, Qin Guobin, CEO CTG Sail and other experts also addressed the seminar, which was attended among others by Senior AJK EPA officers including DGPR AJK Raja Azher Iqbal, Div. Director Mirpur Sardar Idrees Mahmood, Assistant Director Raja Rizwan Ullah besides large number of the city elite representing all spheres of life including Secretaries and heads of various nation-building institutions of AJK government members of the business fraternity, activists and a large number of people from the civil society. While speaking to his audience, the President reiterated the need for government institutions to formulate policies and frameworks for safeguarding precious environmental resources and promote responsible attitudes. He said that it is our religious and collective social responsibility to help promote similar activities and encourage sustainable and responsible production processes. The President said that climate change and its accompanying environmental degradation are perceived to be a threat that can have incalculable consequences. He added that challenges of global climate change have been at the forefront of the international agenda in the last quarter of a century and this issue has become an area of concern for many governments across the globe. Underlining the environmental impact of irresponsibly using plastics, especially single-use polythene bags, the President said that using such bags has led to a considerable impact on the environment and the inappropriate disposal of these bags along with its inability to biodegrade has led to toxic contaminants being introduced into the soil, ultimately poisoning the very food that we eat. He added that the excessive use of plastic bags has become a nuisance both in urban and rural settings which has deeply impacted the ecosystem, adding that if this trend continues, it is said that by 2050 plastic will exceed the number of fish in the world's oceans. President Masood Khan also emphasised the need to protect the environment by planting more trees and ensuring proper treatment of sewage and solid waste. He said that the AJK Government in this regard has taken steps to promote tree plantation in all districts of AJK adding that after the Federal Government the AJK Government was the first to prepare and promulgate its climate change policy which aims to mitigate climate change, spur sustainable development and avert greenhouse gas emissions. He said that this has also led to the AJK Government vigilantly taking steps to ensure that all construction projects within the State strictly conform to environmental requirements and protocols. (@FahadShabbir) Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has revealed that it participated in the worldwide celebrations of Global Exhibitions Day (GED) on 6th June, highlighting the strategic importance of the MICE industry to the growth of world economies. ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 06th Jun, 2018) Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has revealed that it participated in the worldwide celebrations of Global Exhibitions Day (GED) on 6th June, highlighting the strategic importance of the MICE industry to the growth of world economies. The GED initiative, which began in 2016, has seen an ever-growing number of participants and is actively supported by 40 exhibition industry associations and coordinated by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. As with previous GED events, industry professionals and students from around the world have been very active in online campaigns this year, while many global organisations hosted and organised events marking the days significance. Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC, said, "These are truly exciting times for the global MICE industry as analysts are predicting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5 percent in the next five years and reaching US$1.24 billion in 2023. Rapid globalisation along with the expansion of service industries and the continuing emergence of newer technologies have become key drivers in this industry's continuous growth. " He continued,, "In line with this, ADNEC is confident that it will be a key player in the growth--remaining steadfast in our commitment to provide world class services and facilities to the region. We join the whole world as it celebrates GED on 6th June, which aims to highlight the importance of the MICE industry for world economies. With over 260 million visitors and 4.4 million exhibitors generating EUR 98 billion (AED422 billion) in revenues every year, the MICE industry contributes significantly to the GDP of every country in the world." The year 2017 was a momentous one for ADNEC. It held 54 exhibitions, representing an increase of 25.5 percent from 2016, including 13 new exhibitions. Customer satisfaction was at an all-time high, at 94.6 per cent. During the same year, ADNEC upgraded its Wi-Fi network to become the fastest in the UAE. It spearheaded several Green initiatives and recycled 1,049 tons of waste material. It launched its strategic Innovation Lab initiative in 2017, generated 22,000 job opportunities within Abu Dhabi and contributed to the occupancy of 690,000 hotel nights in the emirate as a result of the hosted events and exhibitions. The Dubai Islamic Bank, DIB, has donated Zakat money worth AED10 million to the Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla Charity and Humanitarian Foundation, which will be distributed to eligible people during the Holy Month of Ramadan. DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 06th Jun, 2018) The Dubai Islamic Bank, DIB, has donated Zakat money worth AED10 million to the Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla Charity and Humanitarian Foundation, which will be distributed to eligible people during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Abdulrazaq Al Abdullah, Chairman of Community Services Department at the DIB, presented the donation cheque to Rashid Hamad Al Hamar, Director-General of the Foundation. Al Abdullah highlighted the DIBs desire to support the charity work of regulated national charity and humanitarian foundations, as they are experienced in exploring the needs of poor and needy people, whether UAE citizens or residents. He added that since its establishment in 1975, the DIB has been keen to distribute Zakat during the Holy Month of Ramadan, as part of its humanitarian role in alleviating the suffering of the needy people. (@ChaudhryMAli88) H.H. Sheikha Aisha bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Advisory Committee of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, attended the awards ceremony of 344 distinguished graduating female students from the Spring 2018 batch. SHARJAH, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 06th Jun, 2018) H.H. Sheikha Aisha bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Advisory Committee of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, attended the awards ceremony of 344 distinguished graduating female students from the Spring 2018 batch. The honoured students have achieved the highest standards of academic excellence in their respective graduate, undergraduate and diploma programmes in the various scientific and literary fields from colleges at the University of Sharjah, UoS. The ceremony was organised by the Deanship of Female Students Affairs and Dr. Salama Al Rahoomi, Dean of Women's Student Affairs, who attended the celebration along with a number of the universitys departments and centres directors, female faculty and staff members, and the honoured students families. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rahoomi welcomed and thanked Sheikha Aisha for her continued support of female students by participating in the universitys celebrations and honouring outstanding academic performance. She also congratulated the graduating students, their families and faculty members for the fruits of their efforts and for their distinguished performance throughout their academic journeys. She added that this comes in light of the vision and guidance of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University, for the UoS. She added that the university community constantly aspires to meet the goal of raising the level of academic performance, as set by Sheikh Sultan for the UoS. Dr. Al Rahoomi then proceeded to praise the distinguished students guardians for nurturing their sense of inquisition, creativity, confidence and love for education. She ended her remarks by urging the students to continue pursuing higher education as a contribution to social and national development. In her graduation speech, student Maryam Wid-Aladham from the College of Pharmacy thanked Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, the Chancellor of the UoS, for the universitys unceasing support to its students during their academic journeys and for preparing them for the future. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Former Federal Secretary, Imran Cheema called on Sardar Masood Khan, President Azad Jammu and Kashmir and apprised him of opening an Academy for Competitive Exams (ACE) for training and preparing students, hailing from AJK, for various competitive exams and especially the Central Superior Services (CSS) exam. MIRPUR (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jun, 2018 ) , :Former Federal Secretary, Imran Cheema called on Sardar Masood Khan, President Azad Jammu and Kashmir and apprised him of opening an Academy for Competitive Exams (ACE) for training and preparing students, hailing from AJK, for various competitive exams and especially the Central Superior Services (CSS) exam. During the meeting the President was informed by Mr. Cheema - patron of Academy for Competitive Exams (ACE) - of a MoU signed with the University of AJK for opening of the above ACE academy in the near future. The President while expressing his appreciation on opening such an academy, said that with a large number of students graduating each year from our universities, there is a huge number of aspirants applying for such exams. Preparation for these exams are being undertaken by them in Islamabad, Lahore and other cities due to which our students face excessive expenditures, he added. President AJK said that such facilities will help to motivate and encourage aspiring students appearing from all over Azad Kashmir to prepare for competitive examinations,entry tests and other recruitment exams conducted throughout the country. Operational Readiness, Developmental Plans And Prevailing Maritime Environment Reviewed ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jun, 2018 ) Command and Staff Conference of Pakistan Navy concluded today at Naval Headquarters, Islamabad. The Conference was chaired by Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi. Matters related to operational preparedness, developmental plans of Pakistan Navy, prevailing security situation and training/ welfare of troops were reviewed. Detailed briefings on various ongoing and future Pakistan Navy projects and plans were also given to Chief of the Naval Staff. Chief of the Naval Staff expressed satisfaction over operational readiness of Pakistan Navy in the prevalent Maritime challenges including security aspects and lauded the morale and motivation of troops at all levels. Command and Staff Conference is the apex decision making body of Pakistan Navy in which all Chiefs of Staff, Principal Staff Officers and Field Commanders undertake strategic review of Pakistan Navys Policies and Plans. Accountability Court of Islamabad Wednesday fixed June 13, a date for hearing a plea of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) president Saeed Amed seeking acquittal from reference against former finance minister Ishaq Dar regarding assets beyond known sources of income. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jun, 2018 ) :Accountability Court of Islamabad Wednesday fixed June 13, a date for hearing a plea of NBP president Saeed Amed seeking acquittal from reference against former finance minister Ishaq Dar regarding assets beyond known sources of income. Accountability court judge, Muhammad Bashir conducted hearing of a reference against Ishaq Dar filed by National Accountability Bureau (NAB). The three co-accused including President National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) were also present during hearing. During hearing, the defense counsel continued his cross-examining with prosecution witness Muhammad Azeem, who presented the bank transaction record of Ishaq Dar before the court. The witness provided record of 21 bank transactions that include eight electronic transactions as well. Meanwhile, on the request of Saeed Ahmed's counsel, the court allowed him to leave the proceeding due to illness. The court fixed June 13, to hear the plea of Saeed Ahmed seeking acquittal from the reference. It may be mentioned here that the court imposed fine Rs 2,000 against juniorcounsel Muazzam Habib due to ringing of his cell phone in court room. Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Iqbal Zafar Jhagra Wednesday underlined the need for following teachings of Islam to take care of persons with disabilities so that they could become active part of society. PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jun, 2018 ) :Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Iqbal Zafar Jhagra Wednesday underlined the need for following teachings of islam to take care of persons with disabilities so that they could become active part of society. He appreciated the valuable contributions of Hashoo Foundation for the purpose and asked affluent persons to support generously to such organizations which had been rendering services for the cause of humanity. He was addressing a special ceremony organized by Hashoo Foundation as a chief guest. Besides Country Director Hashoo Foundation Ayesha Khan, diplomats, heads of Corporate Sectors, Government Officials, Academia, Politicians and representatives of civil society notables participated in the ceremony. Governor termed Umeed e Noor Centre for special children of Hashoo Foundation a Ray of hope in real sense for such kids who need our attention. He said today's evening creates awareness, compassion and acceptance of the needs and potentials of our children with special needs. He said every religion has put a lot of emphasis on serving humans which includes charity as well. Allah replaces what we give and multiplies it. "Improving the lives of disadvantages people and especially children with disabilities by encouraging them an act of kindness and those who had been involved in such noble cause deserves our special appreciation," he added. He said special children deserve our attention and encouragement and admired the untiring efforts of teaching faculty of Umeed e Noor. He was of the view that Hashwani Family rendering meritorious services in social sector which has enabled a large number of deserving persons. Country Director Hashoo Foundation Ayesha Khan while sharing the objectives of Umeed e Noor said that all possible facilities were being extended to the special children's with the vision to envisage ethical, equitable, inclusive and progressive society in which people live with dignity and honor. She said we are trying our best to cater the necessities ofquality education training and placement of special children in society. Colorful performancesof special children's were also demonstrated by young championsenthusiastically on the occasion. FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jun, 2018 ) ::As many as 30 motorcycles were disbursed among women under the project of Women on Wheels of Strategic Reform Unit, Government of the Punjab as a step toward women empowerment. The ceremony was held at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad that was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Salman Ghani while Dr Naureen Aziz Qureshi, Vice Chancellor, Government College Women University Faisalabad was the guest of honor on the occasion. ADCG Khalid Masood Farooqa, representative of Strategic Reform Unit Maryam Khan, Coordinator Bazla Manzur and trained women also participated in the ceremony. More than 250 bikes would be distributed in Faisalabad under which 60 were given away in the two phases. Deputy Commissioner Salman Ghani said that the scheme was meant for making women movement easy without dependency on their male family members. He said that women constituted 50 percent of the total population, adding, "We cannot compete with the rest of the world without involving them in socio-economic activities." He said that under WoW subsidy scheme, successful candidates across the five districts including Faisalabad, Lahore, Multan, Sargodha and Rawalpindi were qualified. He said that Women on Wheel Scheme was initiated in 2015 in which initially free training of riding bikes was launched then. Dr Naureen Aziz Qureshi said that women empowerment was prerequisite to compete with the rest of world and to contribute their share in the GDP of the country. President All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) Dr. Muhammad Amjad has said that the party chairman General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf will return back to the country after Eid-ul-Fitr and will participate in party's election campaign. Islamabad, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jun, 2018) : President All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) Dr. Muhammad Amjad has said that the party chairman General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf will return back to the country after Eid-ul-Fitr and will participate in party's election campaign. Dr Muhammad Amjad announced this here on Wednesday while addressing a press conference before 'Iftar' dinner hosted by him. The APML Chief Organizer Syed Faqeer Hussain Bukhari was also present on the occasion. The APML President announced that General Musharraf will return to Pakistan following Eid-ul-Fitr but his final date of arrival will be announced once Supreme Court (SC) announces its decision in General Musharraf's appeal against disqualification to contest polls. Even if SC don't decide the appeal in his favour, he'll return to the country and lead his party in the elections, he added. It was also announced that General Musharraf will contest 2018 elections from four Constituencies including Chitral, Jhang, Gawadar and Karachi. Dr Amjad said that APML wants to become part of the political system through election process and we don't believe in any other non-political system. He negated the rumors about any imminent deal through which General Musharraf to become President of Pakistan. He said that APML would participate in the elections through seat adjustment with its allied parties. In next couple of days party would announce its final candidates from all over Pakistan. Dr Amjad told the journalists that on June 1 APML Core Committee had a meeting in Dubai that was presided over by General Musharraf. It was decided in the meeting that APML would participate in the elections from all over Pakistan and would issue tickets to the aspiring candidates on merit. Talking about his allied parties, Dr Ahmad said that our coalition don't have a common election symbol. Therefore we have decided to contest these polls on the basis of seat adjustment wherever we felt it necessary. Our allied parties would contest elections on their own election symbols, Dr Amjad also said. He said that SC would announce its judgment in General Musharraf's appeal against disqualification for life today on Thursday. Life time ban was imposed at General Musharraf for November 3, 2007 emergency. Dr Amjad expressed his hope that the apex court would do justice to us. He said that General Musharraf after Eid-ul-Fitr would come back to Pakistan and land at Islamabad International Airport. Faqeer Hussain Bukhari briefed the media about party's candidates and it's preparations for the elections. Governor of Sindh, Mohammad Zubair hosted an iftar dinner at the Governor House for children residing in "Mayra Ghar," an orphanage managed by Al-Mustafa Welfare Society. KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jun, 2018 ) :Governor of Sindh, Mohammad Zubair hosted an iftar dinner at the Governor House for children residing in "Mayra Ghar," an orphanage managed by Al-Mustafa Welfare Society. He on the occasion said extending support and assistance to the kids losing their parents due to any reason and helping out destitute is incumbent upon every member of the muslim community. "Our religion islam beseeches support for resourceless and marginalized sections as a collective responsibility of the ummah," he said adding that those contributing towards the cause are promised honour. The governor appreciative of the contribution made by the social welfare organizations in upgradation of the have not said extreme care and caution is particularly needed towards proper and healthy nurturing of the orphans. "The young and innocent souls who are hapless must be brought up with all passion, care and love with equal attention that their self respect and dignity is not compromised," said the Sindh Governor. Mentioning that the Mayra Ghar was inaugurated by him only last year, he said inviting its young occupants to the Governor House was an honuor for him. He on the occasion also expressed his pleasure that Al-Mustafa Welfare Society under the able leadership of Haji Hanif Tayyab was in process of establishing residential facilities for senior citizens. Old homes are urgently needed owing to varied reasons, he said emphasizing that a realistic attitude is required by the society at all levels. Later-on, the Sindh Governor presented keys of an ambulance and a coffin carrier bus on behalf of local philanthropists Shakil Khan andSardar Yasin Malik to the Chairman, Al-Mustafa Welfare Society. (@rukhshanmir) Deputy Chairman Senate Saleem Mandviwalla on Wednesday said that Pakistan wants peace to flourish at regional and global level and world must recognize the sacrifices offered by Pakistan in war against terrorism. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jun, 2018 ) :Deputy Chairman Senate Saleem Mandviwalla on Wednesday said that Pakistan wants peace to flourish at regional and global level and world must recognize the sacrifices offered by Pakistan in war against terrorism. He expressed these views while talking to Nicole Goia Ambassador of Romania at the Parliament House. He said that Pakistan considers Romania an important country and wants to further enhance bilateral cooperation for mutual benefits of the two sides. He said that though both Romania and Pakistan have strong linkage at political and other levels, however, the trade volume between the two is at lower ebb and there is dire need to boost economic and trade links. He said that business and trade cooperation will bring people of the two countries more close to each other. He lauded the excellent cooperation between Pakistan and Romania at international forums and hope that the two sides would explore new vistas of cooperation to place bilateral relations at high pedestal. Mandviwala also called for increased cooperation at parliamentary level to give parliamentary diplomacy a chance to discuss and share thoughts on matters of mutual concern and share experiences for better collaboration. Both sides exchanged views on matter of mutual interests specially focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation in different sectors. He observed that Pakistan places its bilateral relations with Romania at high esteem and there is huge scope to further strengthening parliamentary, cultural and economic ties for mutual benefits of both the nations. He said that trade bodies of both the nations can steer the efforts for boosting the economic ties. The Ambassador said that Romania is looking forward for increased cooperation in trade through increased cooperation with trade bodies of Pakistan and other mutually beneficial economic activities. He extended invitation to Deputy Chairman to visit Romania. The Deputy Chairman Senate expressed well wishes to the government, people and parliament of Romania and hoped that both sides would strive to explore new vistas of cooperation for investment in different sectors. The Yom-e-Ali (RA) procession which emanated from Karbala Dadan Shah area here Wednesday afternoon culminated in the evening at Qadam Gal Moula Ali (RA). HYDERABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jun, 2018 ) :The Yom-e-Ali (RA) procession which emanated from Karbala Dadan Shah area here Wednesday afternoon culminated in the evening at Qadam Gal Moula Ali (RA). The procession marched through the traditional and historical route St Mary's Chowk, Jamia Masjid Saddar, Haji Shah Chowk, Society Chowk, Lajpat Road, Station Road and Mehfil-e-Hussaini before concluding.Thousands of mourners attended the procession.The police spokesman Mazharul Haq informed that the procession's security was divided in 4 sections. More than 2,000 policemen including lady police and 100 police commandos were deployed for the security, he added. He told that the procession was monitored through 30 close circuit television cameras while all the 28 roads and streets in the route were sealed.Shani added that the snipers were deployed at 20 high rise buildings. DIG Hyderabad Javed Alam Odho, SSP Peer Muhammad Shah and SP Zahida Parveen Jamro visited the procession to review the security. Cooperation in legal affairs was discussed as Deputy Head of the Belarus President Administration Vladimir Zhevnyak met with the party committee member in the rank of the deputy justice minister of China Gan Zangchun on 5 June, BelTA MINSK, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jun, 2018 ) :Cooperation in legal affairs was discussed as Deputy Head of the Belarus President Administration Vladimir Zhevnyak met with the party committee member in the rank of the deputy justice minister of China Gan Zangchun on 5 June, BelTA has learned. Changes in the structure of the court system, reforms of the defense attorney and notary office systems in Belarus and China were discussed during the meeting. The application of information technologies in legal affairs was discussed as well as their introduction into state administration processes, interaction between government agencies and citizens, commercial entities, and mass media. The sides sketched out promising avenues of cooperation between the Belarus President Administration and the Chinese Justice Ministry with a view to sharing the best practices in lawmaking and law enforcement. Leading German politicians Tuesday called for the new US ambassador to be expelled after the staunch ally of Donald Trump was accused of meddling in domestic politics and aggravating already tense ties. Berlin, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Jun, 2018 ) :Leading German politicians Tuesday called for the new US ambassador to be expelled after the staunch ally of Donald Trump was accused of meddling in domestic politics and aggravating already tense ties. Richard Grenell took up his Berlin posting on May 8 and immediately irked Germany when he tweeted the same day that German companies should stop doing business with Iran as Trump quit the nuclear deal with the Islamic Republic. He stoked further outrage last weekend with reported comments to right-wing website Breitbart of his ambition to "empower other conservatives throughout Europe, other leaders". Grenell also raised eyebrows with his plan to host a lunch on June 13 for Austria's arch-conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, described by the US envoy as a "rock star". "What this man is doing is unheard of in international diplomacy," Martin Schulz, former chief of the Social Democratic Party and an ex-European Parliament president, told national news agency DPA. "If a German ambassador were to say in Washington that he is there to empower the Democrats, he would have been kicked out immediately. "I hope that Kurz's visit will lead Mr Grenell's tenure as ambassador in Germany to be short," added Schulz, playing on the German word for short "kurz". Schulz had earlier tweeted that the US envoy did not behave like a diplomat but like a "far-right colonial officer". Amid the row, Germany's foreign ministry is seeking clarification from Grenell about his comments, with the topic to be raised at a pre-arranged meeting Wednesday between the envoy and senior official Andreas Michaelis. "There will certainly be a lot to discuss and that's why it's good that the ambassador will be a guest tomorrow of state secretary Michaelis," said Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. Pakistan has consistently advocated dialogue and peaceful means for conflict resolutions between member states of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the same principle applies as far as Pakistan's relations with India are concerned, Pakistan Ambassador to China, Masood Khalid said on Wednesday. BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jun, 2018 ) :Pakistan has consistently advocated dialogue and peaceful means for conflict resolutions between member states of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the same principle applies as far as Pakistan's relations with India are concerned, Pakistan Ambassador to China, Masood Khalid said on Wednesday. "Pakistan and India joined the SCO at the same time last year. We follow the Shanghai Spirit of cooperation and building trust. This has been the guiding principle of Pakistan's foreign policy, which also guides us in the SCO," he told Beijing Review while responding to a question whether SCO could help narrow the differences and improve relations between India and Pakistan. When asked how could Pakistan benefit from joining SCO and what kind of role could Pakistan play in the organization, he said Pakistan had been an observer of the SCO since 2005. In 2017 at the Astana Summit, Pakistan became a member. The cooperation in the SCO focuses on issues of security, politics, economy and culture. Pakistan had been playing a constructive role in all these areas since its observer membership and had been regularly attending the events held by the organization, he added. Pakistan had been at the frontline of the fight against terrorism, he said and added, "During the war on terror, we have suffered greatly in terms of both human and economic loss. Our experience in counter-terrorism operations can be shared with the SCO community so as to improve the security situation in our region." The Ambassador informed that Pakistan was at the confluence of Southwest Asia, the middle East, and South Asia. "We can connect 86 percent of the world's population through enhanced connectivity and improved transportation links." Pakistan as a culturally rich country had a strong culture and common heritage links with SCO member states and could cooperate in the promotion of SCO culture in the region and the world at large, he said. Ambassador Khalid said the organization was home to approximately half of the world's population. Pakistan's membership in the SCO has provided it with a platform to interact more closely with Central Asian states and Russia. "Of course, with China, we have traditionally had an all-weather, strategic, cooperative partnership. Cooperating with this region will benefit Pakistan's security, accelerate its economic growth, enhance its connectivity and promote its people-to-people ties with the region," he added. Sharing his insight on Pakistan's role in future regional security, he said it should be very clear that the SCO is not opposed to any country or organization. The SCO has achieved significant milestones in promoting regional peace and security since its inception in 2001. The regional anti-terrorist structure of the SCO had played an important part in improving the overall security environment of the region. In the field of security, terrorism poses a serious challenge. Terrorism has mutated, both in form and in terms of the tools at the disposal of terrorists. We need to address both symptoms and root causes of this security threat and focus our efforts. He said the Afghan contact group is another important step toward improving the peace and security of the region. By helping Afghanistan in an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process, SCO member states are contributing to the improvement of the overall security environment. Ambassador Khalid said the mechanisms of the Council of Ministers of Defense and Secretaries of National Security of SCO Member States are helpful in synergizing our efforts. The Peace Mission exercises and other platforms of military-to-military interaction would improve the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in tackling traditional and non-traditional threats to peace and security, he added. He said all four areas of cooperation under the SCO were vital and interconnected. The first and foremost area of importance, however, is security. "We should also keep in mind that poverty breeds violence whereas development and prosperity promote peace and harmony. Economic development and interconnectedness have proven an effective tool in addressing security threats." In order to improve the living standards of our people, there is a dire need to promote cooperation in the economic field. SCO member states need to promote regional connectivity initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative. There should be concerted efforts for the establishment of a fair and rational international political and economic order upholding the goals and principles of the UN Charter. He opined the people-to-people cooperation is another area where significant potential for cooperation exists. Promoting intra-SCO tourism will help the peoples of the region understand each other better and create more job opportunities. The UN General Assembly has elected Ecuador Foreign Minister Mar'a Fernanda Espinosa Garces as president of its 73rd session which is scheduled to begin in September the only fourth woman to preside over the world body's most representative body in its history. UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Jun, 2018 ) :The UN General Assembly has elected Ecuador Foreign Minister Mar'a Fernanda Espinosa Garces as president of its 73rd session which is scheduled to begin in September the only fourth woman to preside over the world body's most representative body in its history. She defeated Honduras' U.N. Ambassador Mary Elizabeth Flores Flake by a 128-62 vote, with two abstentions on Tuesday. Espinosa Graces dedicated the election to "all the women in the world who participate in politics today and who face political and media attacks marked by machismo and discrimination." The election of Ecuador's Espinosa Graces was seen here as another setback to the U.S., which was lobbying for Honduras' Ambassador Flake. The Ecuadorian foreign minister will take over from the current council president, Miroslav Lajcak of Slovania, on September 18. "We are delighted with the election of a female president of the General Assembly," Pakistan UN Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi said in an interview with APP after the vote. "Ecuador has always taken principled positions, including on the issue of Palestine. And we are delighted with the outcome," Ambassador Lodhi said. While the presidency of the General Assembly is largely ceremonial, it is also prestigious. The world body controls the U.N. budget, adopts treaties and passes numerous resolutions that while not legally binding generally reflect global opinion. Espinosa Graces joins the short list of female assembly presidents that began in 1953 with Indian diplomat Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, the sister of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and aunt of later Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. She was followed by Angie Elisabeth Brooks of Liberia in 1969 and Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa ofBahrain in 2006. Robert Schafrik, the new Presidential Distinguished Professor of Industrial, Systems and Manufacturing Engineering, will have a secondary appointment in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Dr. Robert Schafrik lost his battle with cancer on July 10, 2018. Our thoughts are with his family. Please visit the Dignity Memorial site for more information. National Academy of Engineering member Robert Schafrik, an internationally renowned expert in materials and manufacturing, has joined The University of Texas at Arlington, strengthening the universitys programs around manufacturing, materials, and aerospace engineering. Schafriks recruitment received support from Gov. Greg Abbotts Governors University Research Initiative and the University of Texas System Science and Technology Acquisition and Retention, or STARS program. The GURI program is a matching grant program that assists higher education institutions in recruiting distinguished researchers to the State of Texas. UTA was awarded a matching GURI grant totaling $2 million for a total startup fund of $4 million. Texas is pleased to support UTAs success in hiring Dr. Schafrik, which reflects the growing reputation of the University as a Carnegie R1: Highest Research Activity institution, said Gov. Greg Abbott. Our GURI initiative is a strategic investment to vault the standings of our public colleges and universities into the top-ranked nationally. We at UTA would like to thank the governor for his support, said UTA President Vistasp Karbhari. Dr. Schafriks unique experience will enhance our world-class team in composite materials, advanced manufacturing and computational materials science, and give an important boost to UTAs innovation, commercialization activities and startup initiatives through his extensive experience bringing inventions to the market. Schafrik, the new Presidential Distinguished Professor of Industrial, Systems and Manufacturing Engineering, will have a secondary appointment in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The current visionary leadership and upward trajectory at UTA attracted me to the University and its great that I can be a part of this dynamic research, Schafrik said. I used to come here to the General Dynamics facility - now Lockheed Martin - when I was in the Air Force and it is amazing to see the dramatic changes at UTA since then, especially the growth into an outstanding Carnegie R-1 institution. Alongside his academic responsibilities, Schafrik will collaborate extensively with the Institute for Predictive Performance Methodologies at the UTA Research Institute, which has brought together a group of world-renowned experts led by NAE member Kenneth Reifsnider in the area of modeling, analysis, and prediction of composite and advanced material performance in structures and systems. The IPPM laboratory is working with companies like Triumph Aerostructures, Lockheed Martin, GE, Bell Helicopter and Boeing to extend lifetime and predict failure in aerospace structures and turbine engines before they occur. IPPM is also working with NASA to predict the strength and life of rotor blade assemblies, or rotor spars. This new strategic hire comes as UTA continues to grow its scholarly and research enterprise, on track to graduate more than 200 doctoral degrees for the fifth year in a row and with research expenditures expected to top $104 million in 2018. 2018 will be another landmark year for UTA, said Duane Dimos, UTA vice president for research. The opening in September of our new 230,000-square-foot Science and Engineering Innovation and Research building, a state-of-the-art teaching and research space, will enable even more innovative interdisciplinary collaboration across the campus. UTA College of Engineering Dean Peter Crouch added that Having Dr. Schafrik join the College also gives us immediate access to industrial contacts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as well as nationally, and a much-enhanced knowledge base from which to launch new research initiatives. He will also be able to advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in careers in aerospace and manufacturing, which are growth sectors in the DFW area, he added. Schafrik holds 21 U.S. patents and was inducted into the GE Aviation Propulsion Hall of Fame in 2016. He also received the ASM International Eisenman Award for lifetime achievement in materials and, as a National Academy of Engineering member, is pre-eminent in his field. He is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel who held senior positions at the National Research Councils National Materials Advisory Board and Board on Manufacturing and Engineering Design before joining GE Aviation in 1997, where he rose to general manager of the Materials and Process Engineering Department. Schafrik also currently holds several positions in leading professional associations, including as a member of the audit committee of the National Academy of Engineering, and as chair of the National Research Councils Committee on Connector Reliability for Offshore Oil and Natural Gas Operations. He earned his bachelors degree of science in metallurgy from Case-Western Reserve University, master's of science degree in aerospace engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology and master's of science degree in information systems from George Mason University. He earned a doctorate in metallurgical engineering from Ohio State University. Archbishop Bernadito Auza, the Holy Sees Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York addressed a side event on June 4 commending faith-based groups for their role in providing protection and integration to migrants. By Robin Gomes The Holy See has underscored the importance of faith-based organizations in providing protection and integration to migrants. Their efforts, alongside those of other key stakeholders, are essential in helping implement the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), the first intergovernmental agreement coordinated by the United Nations that will cover all dimensions of international migration. The Holy Sees Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York, Archbishop Bernadito Auza, made the point in an address on June 4 at a side event organized by the diplomatic missions of Guatemala and the Holy See to the UN together with the Scalabrini International Migration Network (SIMN). Well-established footprint across the world The Holy Sees Permanent Observer pointed out that faith-based organizations are best equipped to deal with the migrants because of their reach and presence at all points of the migratory journey, often filling gaps in services to migrants that governments and other civil society actors are unable or unwilling to fill on their own. They are on the front lines in protecting migrants human rights and dignity, and in providing food, shelter, education, medical and psychological support. This, Archbishop Auza said, is because faith-based institutions have a well-established footprint across the world, merging local programmes with international support, providing highly qualified staff, great local know-how and resources. They have the wherewithal and readiness to mobilize whats needed to fill in the gaps, often in countries of origin, transit and destination. Defending human dignity Besides, migrants particularly trust institutions of their or other faiths, who affirm and defend the human dignity of all people without any political or economic interest. Even governments and other stakeholders trust faith-based groups. Archbishop Auza recalled four ways that Pope Francis suggested in responding to migrants and refugee, namely, welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating. The archbisop said faith-based organizations in general not only strive to achieve but actually deliver on all four. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and top employers across southern Nevada will join efforts to support local veterans and their families at the third annual Supporting Our Veterans Career Fair, one of the few events that brings competitive employers together in support of the local community (Photo credit: Jeff Ragazzo / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com). Photo credit: Jeff Ragazzo / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com The career fair will feature 50 local employers and is open to all veterans, military spouses and family members. Candidates should bring copies of their resume to share with employers. Unique cookies and specialty mocktails designed by Chief Mixologist Mariena Mercer will be passed throughout the event. Photo credit: Jeff Ragazzo / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com More than 100 villagers impacted by sugar plantation companies in Koh Kong province staged a protest on Monday, according to rights groups. According to rights monitors, the protesters were approached by the deputy governor of the province, Orn Pheareak, during the demonstration at the Ministry of Land Management, who asked them to return to their homes and promised to resolve the dispute. A statement later released by the government said the authorities would work to measure plots of land for the villagers, who have been embroiled in a long-running dispute with the Koh Kong plantation and Koh Kong sugar industry companies. The authorities said that all plots of land would be measured and allocated prior to the July 29 election. Orm Phun, 65, one of the protesters, asked that the authorities expedite the work. The villagers from Koh Kong were blocked by military police led by Suon Sitha, the deputy governor of Sre Ambil district, on Monday as they attempted to reach the capital to hold the protest, according to rights groups. Am Sam Ath, chief of rights group Licadhos investigation unit, said the government must hurry to end the dispute. Im worried when there are such positive statements but the issues cant be addressed for the people. The people will come back, and the issue will get hotter and more controversial as happened yesterday when the authorities blocked the cars to stop them, he said. We worry that in the next days if the issue cant be addressed, violence could take place. Phearak, the deputy governor, said the authorities would attempt to speed up the dispute resolution process. Many Muslim Rohingyas who fled Myanmar went to other countries before coming to the United States. Some of those who have resettled in Philadelphia came from Malaysia, where they were denied legal status and were not allowed to attend public schools. To help those refugees adapt to their new home, the Muslim community in South Philadelphia --together with Christian volunteers-- hold extra-curricular classes for Rohingya children. Alam Burhanan reports. As U.S. President Donald Trump prepares for next weeks summit with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un, the U.S. Congress is asserting its right to review and, potentially, reject any nuclear deal that emerges from the historic encounter. VOA Senate correspondent Michael Bowman has this report. A surge in participation by startup companies this week, at a highlight of Asias biggest annual tech event, shows an increased reliance on young entrepreneurs to come with the IT industrys strongest ideas for connected devices and artificial intelligence. The InnoVEX segment of Taipei Computex 2018 brought together 388 startups, a term usually defined as founder-owned firms of three to five years old. That number is a jump from 272 at the same event a year ago. Venture capitalists, including at least one with half a billion dollars in investment funds, evaluated them one-on-one and at formal pitching events. Startups are catching attention as inventors of Internet-of-things technology because there's no market leader yet, said Jamie Lin, founding partner of AppWorks Ventures, a startup accelerator in Taipei. That technology refers to software and hardware that let computers or phones communicate with everyday devices such as cameras and alarm systems. Some connections run on artificial intelligence, which means computerized processing of the data collected from those devices. That can mean making human-like decisions. "Computers continue to morph and there are no dominant players in IoT," Lin said. "That's why they need startups and that's what makes the show relevant." In software, by contrast, Google and Microsoft dominate markets worldwide. Apple and Samsung, among others, lead in smartphones. Coinciding with the tech show this week, Lin's accelerator, another like it and a Japanese venture capital firm are all holding their own events in Taipei this week for startups. Expanding market More than 20 billion things will be connected to the internet by 2020, up from 8.4 billion connected last year, market research firm Gartner forecasts. The number will pick up especially as 5G wireless services speed up connections. By next year, Gartner anticipates, startup firms working with artificial intelligence will overtake Amazon, Google, Microsoft and IBM in driving the artificial intelligence economy for businesses. Artificial intelligence, also known by its abbreviation AI, will reach a market value of $1.2 trillion per year by 2020 as investment triples between now and then, Forrester Research said. Theres a process, which is experimental -- error and trial, error and trial so theres no one with a ready solution, and AI is so broad that one that can do it all, said Tracy Tsai, a Gartner research VP in Taipei. With AI startups, they say Im focused, I just do some part of it and I do it well, and I do it attentively, she said. For companies looking for a full solution, if you can show your part works, then they use it. Venture capitalists watching Venture capital firms at the three-day InnoVEX show Wednesday watched a spread of mostly Asian startups with software and hardware ideas focused largely on connected devices. Healthcare and the management of drones were among the fields that companies said they could help with AI. The show offered chances for startups to pitch their ideas to venture capital firms and accelerators, which are programs that show young firms how to improve their businesses. Startup promotion authorities from 13 countries, including France and the Netherlands, also scanned the exhibition hall for Asian firms that might complement their own. What we care about the most is whether these startups or smaller firms have technology, so if its a just a business model only, they arent suitable for us, said Amanda Liu, CEO of the Taiwan government-backed business accelerator StarFab. Her accelerator takes 10 to 15 of every 100 applicants. They need to have products and their core competence must come from technology. Taiwanese firms are good at altering hardware specs, Liu said, and for technology ideal for businesses rather than individual consumers, Liu said. Taiwan positioned itself decades ago as a high-tech hardware manufacturing hub for much of the world. Qara was one AI-dependent startup at InnoVEX. The 4-year-old South Korean developer with $1 million in venture capital funding uses an AI algorithm to predict the movement of stock and cryptocurrency markets. It has earned revenues of $1.5 million and reports a profit. Anyone can see the predictions powered by AI, said Qaras global CEO Katie Bomi Son. In terms of accuracy, she said, Some are from 70, or between 70 to 90. Most of our information [comes] from the machine. Qara counts mostly companies as clients but its looking for a way to monetize the free app for common users. At least 18 people were killed and 90 wounded in an explosion in Baghdad's Sadr City district on Wednesday, an Iraqi police source said. Photos from the scene showed a destroyed car and building as well as weeping relatives of victims. An interior ministry spokesman said in a brief statement the blast was the result of the detonation of an ammunitions cache and that security forces had opened an investigation into the matter. The ammunition had been stored in a mosque and the explosion happened during its transfer from the mosque and into a car parked nearby, the police source said. Earlier, state television cited a ministry spokesman describing the explosion as "a terrorist aggression on civilians" which had caused "martyrs and wounded." Authorities did not offer an explanation of the discrepancies between the two statements, neither of which gave casualty figures. Sadr City is a stronghold of the nationalist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, whose political bloc won a May 12 parliamentary election. Parliament ordered a national recount of votes on Wednesday. In May, two homemade bombs targeted the headquarters of the Iraqi Communist Party, which is part of Sadr's bloc. Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea have reopened their border six months after it was sealed to stop the movement of armed groups that fought to overthrow President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, who has led Equatorial Guinea since 1979. Strict controls remain on movement across the border. It is a busy Wednesday morning at the main bus station in Ebebiyin, a north eastern town in the part of Equatorial Guinea that is on the African mainland. Business persons from neighboring Cameroon and Gabon are transporting goods to and from the tiny central Africa state. Ephraim Mukwah, a 43-year old Cameroon-born truck driver, said they are happy Equatorial Guinea officials have finally authorized them to have access to Cameroon. He said people are very grateful and happy as the town's taxi business is picking up and buses and trucks can now freely circulate between Cameroonian border towns right to Bata, the economic capital city of Equatorial Guinea. Cameroon supplies food items, building material and motor spare parts to Equatorial Guinea while Equatorial Guinea delivers beverages, and vegetable oil to Cameroon. Forty-year old Equatorial Guinean business woman Rosaline Avah said there has been a huge movement of goods and people to and from Ebebiyin within the past two weeks after Equatorial Guinea officials announced that the borders had been completely reopened. She said she is just returning from the first business trip to Cameroon in five months. She said they went to the Cameroonian border town of Kiossi with nine trucks of wine, whiskies and vegetable oil on Friday last week with the hope of returning after two days. Instead, she said, they spent three additional days waiting for farm produce they bought from Cameroon to supply to their clients in the Equatorial Guinea border town of Ebebiyin and the country's economic capital Bata. She said she is happy they are doing brisk business after a long period of no trading. Rosaline, however, complained that the military checked them seven times between Bata and Ebebiyin, with all passengers asked to get out of their vehicles and pass through security checks. She said some people who did not have all of their identification papers were arrested. Equatorial Guinea closed its border with Cameroon on December 24, following a failed coup attempt in the oil-rich Central African state. On December 29, Equatorial Guinea's leadership said its forces had arrested a number of people moving towards the Cameroon border in possession of rocket launchers, rifles and a stockpile of ammunition. Officials alleged the group had accumulated the weapons to destabilize the government of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, who has ruled the Spanish-speaking country since 1979 and is the longest-serving leader in Africa. His critics have historically characterized his government as authoritarian and corrupt. Cameroon said it arrested 40 heavily armed men on its side of the border and had strengthened security along the 290-kilometer boundary. The security measure, traders said, crippled economic activities. Handerson Quetong Kongeh, the highest-ranking government official in Ntem valley Cameroon border administrative unit, said the decision to reopen the border was taken following a series of meetings in which both countries agreed the threat to Obiang Nguema's presidency had passed. "Progressively serenity, peace, order and discipline reigns along the borders. So the Guinean authorities have judged for themselves that it was necessary to relax the exchanges and we think that if it continues in this way, the barriers will be completely uplifted," said Kongeh. Two months ago, the border was opened only two days every week and movement was under strict control of the Equatorial Guinea military. But today, movement is allowed daily, with impromptu and spontaneous checks by the country's police force. Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea are members of the six-member Economic Community of Central African States, CEMAC. Obiang, who celebrated his 76th birthday on Tuesday, was elected to a fifth seven-year term in 2016 in polls the opposition said were rigged in his favor. Equatorial Guinea, a former colony of Spain, is a tiny oil rich state with 1.2 million people. China blasted the United States Tuesday for flying a pair of B-52 bombers near disputed islands in the South China Sea, further fueling tensions between the two countries. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying accused the U.S. of "stirring up trouble" and warned "China will not be threatened by any military warships." Hua said China would do whatever is necessary to protect its sovereignty. The bombers flew near Scarborough Shoal, which China seized from the Philippines six years ago. The flyby occurred after U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis accused China of "intimidation and coercion" in the South China Sea. Beijing claims most of the sea, which has a wealth of resources and some of the world's busiest shipping lanes. The neighboring countries of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have competing claims to the sea. Mattis said at a security conference in Singapore last weekend that China has deployed anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles on the disputed islands. Mattis promised the region would remain a "priority theater" for U.S. military forces and added the U.S. was willing to develop a "results-oriented" relationship with China Despite escalating tensions, Mattis is expected to visit China, at China's invitation, on a date that has yet to be announced. China's Defense Ministry has said it hoped for more interaction with the U.S. military. In March, Kenya agreed to accelerate a health agreement it signed with Cuba last year to bring in 100 doctors. The doctors, who have started arriving in Kenya, are meant to fill what the government has termed "gaps" in county hospitals. The Kenyan doctors' union thinks those gaps should be filled by locals. The first group of 50 Cuban medics arrived late Tuesday and were welcomed at the airport by top government officials and representatives from Kenya's Ministry of Health. A second group of 50 arrives Thursday. Thereafter, the doctors will be posted to various hospitals in Kenya's 47 counties. Each county is expected to get at least two doctors. However, the Kenyan Medical Pharmacists and Dentists Union is criticizing the deal, insisting Kenyan doctors could have been trained and hired for the positions. Our appeal and advice is that as we consider bringing expertise from other countries, we need to exhaust what we have locally," said Samuel Oroko, KMPDUS chair. "And if we lack capacity locally we should focus on training our own so that they can be able to manage the patients in Kenya. KMPDU said more than 1,200 Kenyan doctors were unemployed as of May 2017. "We do have a number of doctors who have qualified [as] both general practitioners and specialists, who have not been employed and they are Kenyans," Oroko said. This is not the first time the Kenyan government has tried to import medical staff. Last year, when Kenyan doctors went on strike for better pay and working conditions, KMPDU blocked attempts to bring in doctors from Tanzania. Kenya's Cabinet secretary for health, Sicily Kariuki, has stated in the past that the country does not have enough specialists. She said that Kenya stands to learn lessons from Cubas many years of providing universal health coverage to its citizens. She said Cuba has a strong primary health care model that, in her words, "Kenya is now pursuing." "There is every conviction that we need to reorient our approach, and to give more focus to preventive as opposed to curative approach, which is currently how our health sector is oriented," she said. Over the past 50 years, Cuba has consistently used the export of its doctors as a powerful and far-reaching tool of health diplomacy. It sent its first doctors overseas as far back as 1963, and to date has sent physicians to over 100 countries. Uganda's government is also making plans to hire Cuban doctors, due to a shortage of medical specialists on the country. According to the deal, Uganda will hire at least 200 doctors -- a move that the doctors union in Uganda is also against. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has pardoned 712 prisoners, the state news agency MENA said Wednesday, and security sources said many of those freed were youth jailed for anti-government protests. A full list of those pardoned was not immediately available. Since coming to power in 2014, Sisi has presided over a sweeping crackdown on Islamist opponents and liberal activists that rights groups say is the worst period of political repression in Egyptian history. He has issued pardons several times a year, including on major national holidays, often releasing students and young protesters. Egypt in 2013 passed a law requiring interior ministry permission for any public gathering of more than 10 people, effectively ending the mass protests that helped unseat two presidents in the span of three years beginning in 2011. Sisi is a former military chief who toppled elected Islamist president Mohamed Mursi in 2013 after mass protests against his rule. Critics say public dissent continues to be suppressed as matter of policy under Sisi. Sisi denies there are political prisoners in Egypt. He was sworn in for a second term as Egyptian president on Saturday, amid a crackdown on opponents after a landslide victory in a March election from which all serious opponents had withdrawn. Ethiopia will give a long-disputed swath of land to Eritrea, the government announced Tuesday. The executive committee of the EPRDF, Ethiopias ruling coalition, said that it would adhere to the terms of the Algiers Agreement, which resulted in a definitive ruling on the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The international community backed the ruling, finalized in 2002, and both sides agreed to a U.N. boundary commissions terms. But Ethiopia prevented demarcation of the border, resulting in 16 years of unresolved tension and occasional open conflict between the East African neighbors. The EPRDF said its decision Tuesday came after reviewing the current Ethio-Eritrea situation and deciding to maintain peace between people of the two countries. The Algiers Agreement, signed in 2000, followed a lengthy and bloody border war between Ethiopia and Eritrea. When the war ended, a boundary commission spent several years delimiting a border between the two countries. Their decision reflected the two countries respective claims, along with colonial-era maps from the early 1900s. Ethiopia and Eritrea disputed nearly three-fourths of the border defined by the commission, and the town of Badme in the west became a major flash point. The commission awarded it to Eritrea, but Ethiopia refused to cede it and surrounding land. This wasnt the first time Ethiopia said it had accepted the decision, Lea Brilmayer, a professor of international law at Yale Law School, told VOA by phone. Brilmayer was lead counsel for Eritrea on the commission and worked on attempts to implement the ruling. Its impossible to know what the intent is, she said. If the statement was made in good faith and they implement it, that would be great. Eritrea and Ethiopia share a complicated history. Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1991 after a 30-year war, and it won international recognition in 1993. Before the war for independence, Eritrea had been colonized by Italy and made part of Ethiopias federation. The Eritrean government has often cited the border issue and what it calls a state of no peace, no war as justification for mandatory, indefinite national service. In 2013, the late Eritrean Ambassador Girma Asmerom said, If Ethiopia withdraws its army from occupied sovereign Eritrean territory, including the town of Badme, in the morning, dialogue between the two countries will start in the afternoon. Adhering to the Algiers Agreement would not be complicated, Brilmayer said. Its relatively straightforward to withdraw Ethiopian forces, she said, adding, theres nothing for Eritrea to do to follow through on the boundary commissions ruling. Brilmayer said Ethiopias decision, if put into action, is an important development. Countries need to know they can count on one another to comply with the obligations theyve assumed, she said. Facebook has admitted that it had a data sharing agreement with four Chinese technology companies, including one considered a national security threat by the U.S. intelligence community, raising new concerns about the social media giant's handling of its consumer's personal information. The admission by the U.S.-based social media giant Tuesday came two days after The New York Times revealed that Facebook had struck special data-sharing deals with as many as 60 device makers, including Huawei, Lenovo, OPPO and TCL, to make it easier for Facebook users to access their accounts on a wide array of devices. U.S. intelligence officials have raised concerns for years about Huawei, fearing the Chinese government could demand access to data stored on their devices or servers. The concerns prompted the U.S. military to ban the sale of Huawei smartphones on its bases. Francisco Varela, Facebook's vice president of mobile partnerships, said Tuesday that the data sharing deals with Huawei and the other Chinese companies "were controlled from the get-go." Facebook has been under intense criticism after it was disclosed that tens of millions of users' personal information was accessed by the British-based political consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica. The company has also been under fire after revealing in September that Russians, using fake names, used social media to try to influence voters ahead of the 2016 U.S. election. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is investigating whether Facebook violated a 2011 consent agreement over a previous ruling that found Facebook had misled consumers over its data-use policies. Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga said he thinks he can make a difference in the stalemate between South Sudan President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar. Odinga is offering to mediate talks between the president and his former deputy to end the nearly 4-year civil war in South Sudan. He secretly visited Juba to meet with Kiir two weeks ago, just days after the warring parties failed to reach a peace deal in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. South Sudan Information Minister Michael Makuei said that during the visit, Odinga indicated he wanted Kiir and Machar to reconcile the same way he and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta have reconciled after their past differences. The EastAfrican newspaper reported that Odinga is expected to travel to South Africa this week to meet with Machar. Rebel spokesmen have said Machar is being held under house arrest by South African officials at the request of the Kiir administration. Kiir officials have denied the charge. Makuei said he expects Odinga to have a firm grasp of the contentious issues between the warring parties before he meets with Machar. He also expects Odinga to persuade Machar to denounce violence. "The first and most important thing is denunciation of hostilities. He [Odinga] needs to know what plans others have in mind. Within these proposals that have been presented, some of them are almost impossible to implement, and they don't in any way amount to reaching peace soon. So, he should actually work to soften the position of the opposition," Makuei told the VOA radio program South Sudan in Focus. Makuei outlined which Machar positions he deemed unacceptable. "The disbandment of all the security organs and handing over to UNMISS [U.N. Mission in South Sudan] these are conditions that are unacceptable to any person," Makuei told VOA. "Other demands are the dissolution of the national parliament. When you say the parliament should be dissolved, and then the seats will be allocated to us again so that we appoint new members to the parliament in accordance with the parties and power-sharing formula, definitely you are creating another problem." General Oyet Nathaniel, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) shadow governor for Imatong State, headed the committee on governance at the High Level Revitalization Forum. Nathaniel highlighted what issues he hopes Odinga can resolve between Kiir and Machar. "The issues that we have been dealing with are governance issues, security issues, reform issues, how to arrest the humanitarian situation. All these are the issues at hand," Nathaniel told South Sudan in Focus. Makuei said the Kiir administration expects Odinga's initiative to complement peace talks led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which ended without agreement last month in Ethiopia. The warring parties could not agree on a power-sharing structure or details about how to absorb rebel forces into the South Sudan army. There was little likelihood that France and Israel would see eye to eye on the Iran nuclear deal, which the Europeans support and Israel strongly opposes. But as European businesses including French carmaker PSA begin exiting Iran over fears of U.S. sanctions, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu predicts business, not politics, will sink the deal. "I think the nuclear issue is going to be resolved because economic forces will do their thing," Netanyahu said from Paris. "But the larger issue today is: How do we block Iran's aggression? Its cash machine has been smashed by the possibility of new sanctions, and that's good. But they still are pushing their missiles, their army and their militia in Syria." Speaking Tuesday at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, Netanyahu called for European support in curbing Iran's regional influence. He drew parallels between Tehran and Islamic State both embraced radical Islam, he said, that threatened Europe, as well as Israel. Netanyahu's visit to Paris follows his talks Monday in Berlin with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. His next stop is Britain, the third European signatory of the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran, whose fate is looking increasingly bleak after U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal last month over concerns it was badly flawed. The Europeans are scrambling to save the pact, which they claim is the best way to curb Iran's nuclear activity. Macron said Iran's announcement to boost uranium enrichment did not amount to an infraction of the nuclear deal. He said Washington's decision to back out of the deal offered a disincentive for Iran to stick to it. Macron also suggested the agreement had brought Iran a bigger windfall by unfreezing Iranian assets than through business investments to date. Macron also criticized Washington's decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem, which was followed by violent clashes on the Gaza border that killed dozens of Palestinian protesters. Ties between French and U.S. leaders have frayed in recent weeks, including over Trump's decision to impose tariffs against European steel and aluminum exports. Macron said he still had a warm rapport with his U.S. counterpart, but expected "frank" talks during G-7 meeting of industrialized nations in Canada later this week. A year ago in Sicily at the G-7 summit of leading industrial nations, U.S. President Donald Trump was at loggerheads with his fellow summiteers primarily over climate change. At this years annual meeting starting in Canada Friday, the dispute will be over tariffs. European and Canadian participants remain fuming over Trumps decision to impose tariffs on their steel and aluminum imports an issue which will dominate a summit planners were already struggling to agree on an agenda ahead of the U.S. presidents decision to include close allies in the new metals tariff regime. The U.S. President will find himself without an ally when it comes to tariffs, say European and Canadian diplomats. There will be disagreements on important issues and tariffs will certainly be one of them, a Canadian official told reporters midweek. Even Britains Theresa May, who has declined to keep in step with her fellow Europeans and threaten retaliation, fearing apparently to do so could sink Britains chance of a post-Brexit deal with the U.S., has made her disapproval clear. She told Trump in a 30-minute phone call that the tariffs on EU metals are unjustified and deeply disappointing and urged him to exempt the Europeans. But behind the united front of disapproval there are deep disagreements among U.S. allies especially among the Europeans about how to respond and whether to take retaliatory action. And if so, what counter-measures to introduce. The disagreements partly stem from different interpretations about whats driving the U.S. president. Is Trump being opportunistic and mercurial and playing to a domestic American audience seeking to secure short-gains or is there are an overall longer-term strategy, one at odds with the global free-trade system Washington largely shaped and has backed since the end of World War II? Is he wanting to change or "re-balance" the terms of global free-trade by using U.S. leverage to reshape rules or is he out to wreck a rules-based system entirely, thereby creating a free-for-all which allows the largest, most powerful countries to exploit their power to the full, secure better deals and lift trade barriers impeding them? Despite Trumps rapport with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, Paris has been among the hardest pushing for retaliation, along with top EU officials, viewing the U.S. Presidents decision to cite national security as the grounds for the tariffs on steel and aluminum as a direct challenge to the rules-based global trade system overseen by the World Trade Organization. CNN reported last week that Macron and Trump clashed during a phone call in a conversation described as terrible by an unidentified White House source. In a statement issued by the Elysee Palace before the call, Macron said the U.S. tariff imposition was a mistake on many points. It is a mistake because it responds to a worldwide unbalance that exists in the worst ways through fragmentations and economic nationalism. Germany, which runs a large trade surplus with the U.S. and has more to lose than most European nations from a full-blown transatlantic trade, has been more reticent with German businesses especially in its auto sector urging Berlin to proceed cautiously. German car-makers biggest fear is that EU retaliation Brussels has already published a list of U.S. products that could be targeted will result in the U.S. imposing tariffs on German cars. Trump has lambasted in the past the 10 percent EU tariff on car imports. On May 23 the Trump administration announced an investigation into whether car imports are a threat to U.S. national security, too. A German magazine reported last week that Trump told Macron in April he wanted German carmakers out of the United States altogether. The report was based on unnamed sources and hasnt been confirmed by either the White House or Elysee Palace. German car-makers are banking on President Trumps not raising U.S. duties to 25 percent on all imports of automobiles and auto parts, arguing that to do so will hurt American workers as much as German ones. An analysis by the Peterson Institute, a Washington think tank, has suggested the fallout for the U.S. auto industry from such tariffs would be harsh as well with a possible 195,000 American workers losing their jobs over a three-year period. But projected chain-supply job consequences in the U.S. from the metals tariffs imposed on June 1 did not deter the Trump administration and EU retaliation could well prompt, German officials fear, Washington to respond with tariffs on auto imports. According to some analysts and European officials, it doesnt really matter whether Trump has a longer term-strategy to end rules-based trading or is determined to tug the global system in a direction that favors the U.S. more, making the rules anyway less predictable. Up to a point, the consequences are the same, they say. In a world where there are no internationally predictable rules, most countries faced with protectionist actions, crudely, have two options retaliate or concede. If they choose to retaliate, the optimal strategy is to cause enough pain to the political leadership of the protectionist country that they will back down, argued Matthew Oxenford, an analyst at Britains Chatham House. He added: However, this can only be effective for large economies that the U.S. exports to significantly. For smaller countries without significant leverage, the alternative is to concede and try to negotiate a favorable settlement, which will still be asymmetrical. That is the policy South Korea has followed, agreeing to quotas on their steel exports to the U.S. in exchange for a permanent exemption. For all of the rage and fury in Europe about the metal tariffs, amid disunity about how to respond, that may well end up as the result with the EU, too, but probably not in Canada this week. U.S. officials say they expect a long rocky road ahead and they doubt there will even be an agreed joint statement at the end of the summit, emphasizing how the G-7 is becoming increasingly, in the eyes of observers, a G-6 plus 1. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani said Wednesday that special counsel Robert Mueller's team is trying to frame President Donald Trump. It was the latest salvo in Giuliani's attacks on the probe into Russia's potential meddling in U.S elections. Trump's team and allies have waged a public relations campaign against Mueller and the Justice Department to discredit the investigation and soften the impact of the special counsel's potential findings. "There are a group of 13 highly partisan Democrats who make up the Mueller team, excluding him, and are trying very, very hard to frame him to get him in trouble when he hasn't done anything wrong," said Giuliani, who has been serving as Trump's lawyer amid the Russia scandal. "They can't emotionally come to grips with the fact that this whole thing with Russian collusion didn't happen. They are trying to invent theories of obstruction of justice," Giuliani told a business conference in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv. "They have revealed no evidence that President Trump has done anything wrong," he added. "None." Mueller is investigating whether Trump associates coordinated with Russia during the 2016 presidential election and whether Trump took steps to shut down that investigation through actions, including the firing of FBI Director James Comey. Though Trump insists he did nothing wrong, the statements from him and his lawyers have made clear that much of their defense revolves around establishing that he was constitutionally empowered to take the actions he took. Speaking to the Globes capital market conference Wednesday, Giuliani said Trump has the power to pardon himself but would not do so. "The law of the United States is that the president of the United States has unlimited, unreviewable power to pardon people from federal crimes even before they are convicted," he said. "Does he have the power to do it? Yes. Is he going to do it? No. He's innocent. He hasn't done anything wrong." Giuliani has made similar statements in the past. He has become a lightning rod during his tenure on Trump's team, drawing the president's ire for a series of scattershot interviews. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani on Wednesday boasted that Donald Trump's tough line had forced the North Korean leader to beg to re-schedule a high-profile summit after the president abruptly called off the meeting. In an interview with The Associated Press, Giuliani rejected suggestions that such comments might sour the atmosphere ahead of next week's summit, saying that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un must understand that the United States is in a position of strength. "It is pointing out that the president is the stronger figure," Giuliani told The Associated Press. "And you're not going to have useful negotiations unless he accepts that." Giuliani said Trump had no choice but to call off the meeting after the North Koreans insulted Vice President Mike Pence, National Security Adviser John Bolton and threatened "nuclear annihilation" of the U.S. "President Trump didn't take that. What he did was he called off the summit," he said. Giuliani said Kim quickly changed his position, expressed willingness to discuss denuclearization and asked to have the meeting again. "That's what I mean by begging for it," Giuliani said. The summit is back on in Singapore next Tuesday. Giuliani, Trump's lawyer in the Russian investigation, noted that he was sharing a personal opinion and was not part of the U.S. foreign policy team. The former New York mayor, a strong supporter of Israel, is in Israel for a number of appearances, including a speech to a Tel Aviv business conference earlier in the day and an address late Wednesday to OneFamily, a group that supports Israeli families whose loved ones have been wounded or killed in Palestinian attacks. Speaking earlier at the Globes capital market conference, Giuliani suggested high-pressure tactics should be used with the Palestinian Authority, which has cut off ties with the U.S. to protest Trump's decision to recognize contested Jerusalem as Israel's capital. "They have to be seeking peace. You've got to change the dynamic and put the pressure on them," Giuliani said. Giuliani is leading the defense of Trump in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into whether Trump associates coordinated with Russia during the 2016 presidential election, and whether Trump took steps to shut down that investigation through actions, including the firing of FBI Director James Comey. Trump's team and allies have waged a public relations campaign against Mueller and the Justice Department to discredit the investigation and soften the impact of the special counsel's potential findings. In the latest salvo, Giuliani accused Mueller of trying to "frame" the president. Giuliani claimed that Mueller has produced no evidence of wrongdoing by the president, and has stacked his team with partisan Democrats, including supporters of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. "They don't have a crime. And that's why I say they're trying to frame him. Because if they had any sense, they would realize they're trying to put together a case on an innocent man. And that's what we call in America framing somebody," Giuliani said. Though Trump insists he did nothing wrong, the statements from him and his lawyers have made clear that much of their defense revolves around establishing that he was constitutionally empowered to take the actions he took. Giuliani rejected criticism that the defense team is attacking the justice system or public institutions. "We're trying to purify institutions," he added, accusing the media of trying to convict Trump and saying the prosecutors are "not saints" immune from attack. Nonetheless, Giuliani said he remains in touch with Mueller, and that there have been discussions about allowing investigators to question the president. But he said his client needs assurances he won't be railroaded. "The president would very much like to do an interview. His lawyers are very, very suspicious," he said. "They're going to have to convince us that it's going to be a fair interview." He said so far, Mueller has not produced evidence indicating wrongdoing by the president. "If they can show us some hard, incriminating facts from that evidence, then we would consider advising our client to be interviewed," he said. In and around the Mekong Delta, school children will spend this summer moving rainbow-colored blocks and cartoon animals around a screen to get an early taste of computers in a program backed by Google. The tech company is paying for Vietnamese students to learn some introductory programming, along the way perhaps earning some goodwill from Vietnamese officials who are taking an increasingly strict view toward global internet firms. The Mekong Community Development Center will run the classes, which make use of Scratch, a very basic computer language that lets children create their own virtual games. "To support Vietnam's development in the direction of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 in the most effective and practical way, Google is focused on developing projects to build and raise awareness and capacity in information technology in Vietnam, said Ha Lam Tu Quynh, who is the director of communications and public relations in charge of Vietnam at Google Asia Pacific. We believe children in particular will be the best creators of the future. She was referring to a tech revolution that has been a buzz word around the Communist country, encompassing all kinds of new tech, from the internet of things, to big data analysis. Google, which did not disclose how much it is spending, is far from alone in stressing its corporate social responsibility, allowing firms to do good or look good, or both. It would not hurt to earn some goodwill with Vietnam, which has been overhauling its legislative and regulatory system in a way that has not always gone over well with tech companies. Last year the Southeast Asian country pressed local advertisers to boycott Facebook and Googles YouTube because they had permitted content critical of the state. In a more recent example, the National Assembly is debating a draft law on cyber security that would require businesses to store data inside the borders and delete online information that is deemed objectionable. The U.S. embassy in Hanoi expressed concerns about Vietnams proposed cyber security law, including the impact of localization requirements and restrictions on cross-border services for the future development and growth of Vietnams economy. Also contributing to the child-friendly computer lessons, with laptops and technical support, is the Dariu Foundation, which focuses on micro-finance and education for low-income people in Vietnam, Myanmar, and India. Nguyen Van Hanh, the director of the Dariu Foundation, noted that roughly 65 percent of those now in primary school will be doing jobs someday that do not exist right now, citing data from the World Economic Forum. With all of the economic and social changes brought on by technology, we do not know exactly the kind of skills children will need in order to develop and become citizens who contribute positively to the world in the future through work, he said in discussing his groups participation in the Scratch classes. However, we can be sure that today's children need to be equipped with many skills to adapt to the challenges and the requirements of the digital era. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology invented the simple Scratch language so that computer programming would be more widely accessible. First-time programmers do not type dense lines of code, but rather use logic to design things like animation and games, dragging colorful objects and command labels around the software interface. Even an 8-year-old can do it, and in fact they do. So will 1,200 public school students in the Vietnamese metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City and the nearby delta provinces of Vinh Long and Tien Giang. The initiative Programming the Future with Google, also includes digital training for 30 local school teachers, will run from now through August. A Pakistani journalist and rights activist who openly criticized the military and its alleged meddling in politics was freed early Wednesday, several hours after being abducted, her family and colleagues said. The journalist, Gul Bukhari, who is a dual Pakistani-British national, has been an unusually vocal critic of Pakistan's powerful military on social media in the runup to the July 25 general election. She has also defended Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party founder Nawaz Sharif, who has clashed with the military. Bukhari was on her way to record a TV program on Tuesday evening on the late-night Waqt news show when her vehicle was intercepted in the cantonment area of the eastern city of Lahore and she was taken away, her husband and two media colleagues said. "She is back and she is fine," Ali Nadir, Bukhari's husband, told Reuters. He declined to comment further. Earlier, Muhammad Gulsher, who is a producer on the Waqt news program where Bukhari appears as a guest, raised alarm about her abduction. He told Reuters that Bukhari had been abducted when a group of pickup trucks stopped her vehicle and men in plain clothes dragged her way while other men in "army uniforms" stood guard. "They put a black mask on her face and took her," he said, adding that he was basing his information on Bukhari's driver, who witnessed the abduction. Pakistan's military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Bukhari's abduction drew widespread outrage on social media, becoming the main trending topic on Twitter in Pakistan. Many activists swiftly pointed the finger at the military, calling it part of efforts to stifle dissent. "If true, this would be a most audacious attempt to silence a known critic. Is this Pakistan or Kim's North Korea or Sisi's Egypt?" tweeted Syed Talat Hussain, a prominent journalist. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the daughter of PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif, called the abduction "disturbing." "This is just cruel & worst kind of oppression. Sad day. #BringBackGulBukhari," she tweeted earlier in the evening. Rights groups have denounced the kidnappings of several social media activists over the past year as attempts to intimidate and silence critics of Pakistan's security establishment. Last year, five Pakistani bloggers went missing for several weeks before four of them were released. All four fled abroad and at least two afterward told media that they were tortured by a state intelligence agency during their disappearance. The military has staunchly denied playing a role in any enforced disappearances, as has the civilian government. In the runup to the polls, media houses have complained of growing censorship by the military establishment. In the past six months, Bukhari, who has 69,000 Twitter followers, has penned several critical articles for the Nation newspaper about Pakistan's military and the judiciary, accusing them of overstepping their constitutional mandate and trying to interfere in the political process. U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan on Wednesday rejected President Donald Trump's claim that the Federal Bureau of Investigation planted a "spy" in his 2016 campaign. Trump has been calling the FBI's use of an informant who passed on details of his conversations with three Trump campaign associates "Spygate." The Republican president claimed the FBI planted a spy in his campaign in an effort to undermine his presidential bid. Media reports identified the man as Stefan Halper, an American-born professor at Britain's University of Cambridge, Ryan, leader of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, recently reviewed classified information underlying the FBI's use of an informant as part of its investigation of Russian meddling in the election. Ryan told reporters that he agreed with the assessment of another key Republican lawmaker, Congressman Trey Gowdy, who reviewed documents in the case and concluded that the FBI did nothing wrong. Gowdy said last week, "I am even more convinced that the FBI did exactly what my fellow citizens would want them to do when they got the information they got, and that it has nothing to do with Donald Trump." The South Carolina congressman said he had never heard the term spy used and did not see evidence of it. Informants are used all day, every day, by law enforcement." Ryan said, "I think Chairman Gowdys initial assessment is accurate." However, Ryan added, "We have some more digging to do. We are waiting on some more document requests. We have some more documents to review. We still have someone answering questions." Asked last week about Gowdys comments, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the president still has concerns about whether or not the FBI acted inappropriately having people in his campaign. Trump continues to assail the investigation led by special counsel Robert Mueller into allegations, denied by Trump, that his campaign colluded with Russian interests and that he obstructed justice when he fired FBI director James Comey last year as he led the agency's Russia investigation. In a Twitter comment Tuesday, Trump claimed there is evidence the FBI was running "a counter-intelligence operation into the Trump Campaign dating way back to December, 2015. SPYGATE is in full force! Is the Mainstream Media interested yet? Big stuff!" In a tweet Monday, Trump asserted he had the "absolute right" to pardon himself if Mueller finds wrongdoing by him, but questioned why he would since he has "done nothing wrong." He called Mueller's investigation a "never ending Witch Hunt." Ryan said he does not know if Trump has the power to pardon himself, but added, "I think obviously the answer is he shouldn't, and no one is above the law. I'll leave it at that." Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, speaking at an investors' conference in Israel on Wednesday, accused Mueller's lawyers of "trying very, very hard to frame [Trump] to get him in trouble when he hasn't done anything wrong." The three generals North Korean leader Kim Jong Un moved into key positions before the Singapore summit with the United States are fanatically devoted to the North Korean system and the Kim familys leadership. Filling the top posts of the three main bodies of the North Korean People's Army (KPA) with loyalists signals Kims effort to prepare for any changes that North Korea might need to make as a result of the summit with President Donald Trump in Singapore on June 12, according to Ken Gause, director of the International Affairs Group at the Center for Naval Analyses. If Kim Jong Un is set on making peace with the U.S. and [South Korea] and dealing away at least part of the nuclear program, he will have to put the Korean People's Armys influence in a box and keep it there, said Gause. This reshuffle has brought to the fore the officers who can do just that. They are loyal to Kim Jong Un and no one else. 'Devoted to North Korean system' Or as Michael Madden, founder and director of North Korea Leadership Watch and a North Korea expert at Johns Hopkins University's 38 North website, said, Those guys generally are fanatically devoted to the North Korean system and fanatically devoted to the Kim familys leadership. Kim prizes loyalty and has taken a pitilessly practical approach to removing rivals. In 2013, he ordered the execution of his uncle, Jang Song Thaek, who was seen by many as an advocate for reform, with close ties to China. Last year, his government was accused of orchestrating the assassination of his half brother Kim Jong Nam in Malaysia, who was reportedly under the protection of the Chinese. Patrick Cronin, senior director for the Asia-Pacific Security Program Center for a New American Security, said that with the change of military leadership, Kim is seizing the opportunity of the summit diplomacy to bring those Kim identified as more aligned with his thinking into the top positions of power. In charge of munition orders No Kwang Chol, formerly the first vice minister of the KPA, was promoted and is now the minister of the North Korean Ministry of Peoples Armed Forces (MPAF), which is responsible for KPAs administrative and logistical tasks, processing munition orders, and diplomatic activities with foreign militaries. Previously, No headed the Second Economic Committee that oversees defense production, including the nuclear and missile programs. He replaced Pak Yong Sik, who accompanied Kim to the inter-Korean summit on April 27. Ri Yong Gil succeeded Ri Myong Su, returning as the armys chief of the General Staff Department (GSD), a position he held from 2013 to 2017. The GSD oversees the operation of North Koreas conventional military and special forces. In charge of ideological indoctrination Kim Su Gil was appointed director of the armys General Political Bureau (GPB), the most senior position in the country. He replaces Kim Jong Gak. Kim Su Gil was the former chairman of the Pyongyang City Committee of the Workers' Party. The GPB handles a variety of activities, including ideological indoctrination, financial audits and financial regulation over economic activities. South Koreas Yonhap news agency reported the appointment of No and Ri Yong Gil, while Kims appointment was announced by North Korea state media, which was confirmed by South Koreas Unification Ministry. Madden said the military shake-up was probably initiated in the beginning of the year, but is only now taking effect because North Korea usually takes six months to make personnel changes, especially in the national security community. [North Korea] exercises with an abundance of caution in these things, said Madden. These are not magical, under-the-cover-of-the-night personnel appointments. These were in place at least for three months or the beginning of the year. The changes in the top military posts align with a transition North Korea is making from nuclear weapons development to economic development. As Pyongyang shifts its policy and carries out economic reforms that were announced in the beginning of the year, the changes in the top military posts might have been necessary, according to Madden, who suggested that Kim wanted loyalists to oversee economic development projects that could employ thousands of people. I think North Korea has reached its internal benchmark, said Madden. I think they have exceeded their internal benchmark in the development of an incredible nuclear deterrent that they are now focusing on the economy. Military modernization Using the military to carry out economic activities such as large construction works is not unusual for North Korea, according to Madden. Such a practice dates to the late 1980s when the policy of military modernization was put in place. The goal was, first, to develop ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons; second, to continue the expansion and development of asymmetrical threats such as cyberwarfare and special operation forces; and third, lay off some of the countrys military personnel who were then detailed to work on projects for civilians. Iran has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency it will resume testing of a new generation of nuclear centrifuges Wednesday. Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's nuclear energy agency, said Tehran would remain within the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, nuclear deal reached with the five permanent members of the United Nations plus Germany. Salehi added that the accord allowed Iran to test a new generation of nuclear centrifuges and that his country's nuclear program is intended for peaceful civilian purposes. Salehi says Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a religious edict years ago that banned nuclear weapons. Khamenei told a group of visitors Monday that he had issued orders for the country's Atomic Energy Organization to increase its enrichment capacity to 190,000 centrifuges, provisionally, in accordance with the JCPOA. President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear accord last month. Britain, France and Germany have been attempting to salvage the deal that Trump has described as "horrible" and "one-sided." Former Iranian President Abolhassan Bani Sadr told VOA he thinks Khamenei's decision to resume nuclear enrichment capacity is "not a well-thought out move," and that it is having negative consequences on regional interests. According to Bani Sadr, the decision strengthens Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's charge that Iran represents a threat to Israel and must evacuate its forces from Syria, as requested by the U.S.-Israeli-Saudi axis. In addition, said Bani Sadr, Khamenei's statement that Israel will be "eradicated from the face of the Earth" negatively influences public opinion against Tehran. Khattar Abou Diab, a political science professor at the University of Paris, tells VOA that Khamenei's decision was aimed at pressuring Europe into gaining concessions from the United States. While France's foreign minister spoke of "red lines" that Iran must not cross, Paris, Berlin and London have asked to be exempted from new economic sanctions Trump imposed on Iran. Abou Diab argues that despite Iran's bluster, it "fears any eventual reaction or backlash from Washington." Iran's government is facing increasing criticism from prominent Iranian lawyers angered by its decision in recent days to allow only a select few defense attorneys to handle national security cases. Iran's state-run Tasnim news agency published a report on Monday, naming 20 government-vetted lawyers who have sole approval from the Iranian judiciary to defend clients accused of security offenses. Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner and lawyer Shirin Ebadi sharply criticized the Iranian judiciary's move in an interview with the U.S.-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) published Tuesday. Ebadi, who lives in exile, is quoted as saying the selection of the 20 lawyers trusted by the government will lead to the "complete destruction" of the Iranian judiciary's independence and the public's right to legal defense services. "The most important issue is that all defendants charged with political or ideological offenses from now on will be deprived of their right to legal counsel," Ebadi told CHRI. Iranian state media said judiciary chief Sadeq Amoli-Larijani approved the exclusive list of defense lawyers for national security cases on the basis of Iranian Penal Code Article 48, adopted in 2013. In another interview published Tuesday, by state-run news agency ILNA, Iranian Bar Associations Union head Morteza Shahbazinia said if the list is confirmed, it will "severely undermine" what he called the basic right of Iranians to choose a lawyer from among the tens of thousands certified in Iran. "(Judicial authorities) also would be unduly discriminating between public attorneys and the selected individuals, who would be given many advantages (in their work)," Shahbazinia told ILNA. He also called on the Iranian judiciary to either eliminate Article 48 of the penal code or modify it immediately. The Iranian Bar Associations Union was created by the Iran Bar Association in 2003 to coordinate activities of the nation's main organization for lawyers around the country. Iran-based lawyer and human rights advocate Nasrin Sotoudeh also spoke out against the list of vetted defense lawyers in a separate interview with CHRI published on Monday. If the law that enabled the creation of the list is not revoked, she said, "a number of lawyers have declared their readiness to stage a sit-in protest." Sotoudeh also criticized the government list for not including any women or advocates for the legal defense of political and social activists. One of the government-approved lawyers came under scrutiny from a former Iranian attorney who is active on Twitter. In a tweet posted on Monday, Ali Mojtahedzadeh singled out Abdolreza Mohabati, who served as deputy to Tehran's then-chief prosecutor Saeed Mortazavi in 2009. Mohabati and Mortazavi presided over a harsh government crackdown on weeks of mass opposition protests in Tehran in the aftermath of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's disputed 2009 re-election win. In his tweet, Mojtahedzadeh said Iran's judiciary authorized Mohabati in 2009 to act as a defense lawyer for the same political activists swept up in the crackdown of the Tehran prosecutor's office. Mojtahedzadeh ended his tweet with a sarcastic hashtag about Mohatabi's latest appointment, saying "big surprise, an insider lawyer." This report was produced in collaboration with VOA's Persian Service. The Iraqi legislature voted Wednesday to have a recount of votes in the country's May 12 parliamentary election and to suspend the panel charged with overseeing the election amid charges of electoral fraud. The vote forces the Independent High Elections Commission (IHEC) to conduct the recount after it initially declined to do so and the replacement of the commission's leadership with nine judges. The vote could impede the delicate process of forming a new government and puts the government and legislature at odds with the commission, whose mission is to operate independently. The commission declined to comment. The parliament ordered a recount at all polling stations, where nearly 11 million votes were cast. Iraq has been mired in confusion since the surprise victory for populist Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr, who is aligned with communists. Since Sadr's victory, long-time political figures who were forced out by reform-minded Iraqi voters have been calling for a recount. Intelligence services said tests of electronic voting machines, which were used for the first time in Iraq, produced inconsistent results, fueling claims of election fraud. In a vote last week, the legislature voted to annul the ballots of displaced Iraqis and citizens living abroad. Lava from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano destroyed hundreds of homes overnight, including one belonging to Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim. No injuries were reported, as homeowners in those oceanfront communities had been told to evacuate weeks ago. "We don't have an estimate yet, but safe to say that hundreds of homes were lost in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland last night,'' Janet Snyder, a spokeswoman for Hawaii County, said Tuesday. Loss of the homes would more than double the 117 homes that have been confirmed destroyed since Kilauea began erupting May 3. The destruction was compounded by a magnitude 5.5 earthquake that rattled parts of the island Tuesday. Some areas may have experienced "strong shaking," but no tsunami was triggered, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. Besides the lava and the earthquakes, officials are warning Hawaii residents of "vog," or volcanic smog, created when sulfur dioxide gas and other volcanic pollutants mix with moisture and dust that can cause eye and respiratory irritation. Officials also warned of another volcano hazard sharp, thin strands of volcanic glass fibers known as "Pele's hair," a reference to the Hawaiian goddess of fire. Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is canceling all but one week of the Senate's traditional August recess, apparently to keep Democrats off the campaign trail. Blaming what he called historic obstruction by Democrats, McConnell said Tuesday that senators should expect to remain in session in August to pass legislation, including appropriations bills, and to make additional progress on the presidents nominees. The lawmakers will get a vacation for the first week of August and will be expected to work the rest of the month. Many of his fellow Republicans pressured McConnell to cancel the recess, accusing Democrats of dragging their feet on spending bills and votes on Trump judicial nominees. But by keeping senators working, the Kentucky senator will keep Democrats from campaigning this summer. August is prime time for political candidates and a chance to meet voters at outdoor rallies, picnics, barbecues and county fairs. Twenty-six Senate seats currently held by Democrats are on the ballot in November, with just nine for the Republicans. Despite what appears to be McConnells cynical ploy, some Democrats welcomed the chance to stay in Washington. Working through August gives us the perfect opportunity to tackle this pressing issue of health care, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Tuesday. McConnell may restore some of the recess if there is progress on passing bills and approving nominees. A White House aide who joked about U.S. Senator John McCain's battle with brain cancer no longer works in the Trump administration, a source with knowledge of the matter said Tuesday. During an internal meeting last month, Kelly Sadler, who worked as a White House communications aide, dismissed McCain's objection to President Donald Trump's pick to be CIA director by saying it "doesn't matter, he's dying anyway," a source familiar with the meeting told Reuters. The White House refused to confirm or deny whether Sadler made the remarks. Sadler's departure was first reported by CNN. McCain, 81, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer last year. He has been receiving treatment in his home state of Arizona and has been absent from the Senate for months. McCain, who was tortured as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, had released a statement after CIA nominee Gina Haspel's Senate confirmation hearing, denouncing her for refusing to condemn torture. He recommended that his fellow senators vote against her, but the Senate confirmed Haspel. McCain has been a frequent critic of Trump. In 2015, Trump denigrated the former Navy flier's military service, telling a gathering of religious conservatives, "He's not a war hero. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren't captured." Britain, France and Germany have officially requested that European companies conducting business with Iran be exempt from U.S. sanctions that will be imposed on Iran following U.S. withdrawal from a global nuclear agreement. The ministers from the three European countries said they "strongly regret" U.S. President Donald Trump's decision last month to pull out of the deal in a letter dated Monday to U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. "As allies, we expect that the United States will refrain from taking action to harm Europe's security interests," the letter said. French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said the three countries and other EU nations asked the U.S. "to exempt European businesses doing legitimate trade in Iran from all extraterritorial American sanctions." Trump has argued the 2015 agreement, aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons in exchange for lifting economic sanctions, was not tough enough on Tehran. Trump said U.S. sanctions will be imposed on any company engaged in business with Iran. Many European and U.S. companies rushed to invest in Iran after sanctions were lifted since the pact took effect in 2016 and have the most to lose from the renewed sanctions. The ministers reiterated in the letter the agreement with Iran is still the "best means" to prevent Tehran from becoming a nuclear power. They also warned that an Iranian withdrawal from the deal would "further unsettle a region where additional conflicts would be disastrous." The letter was published Wednesday, one day after Tehran said it was planning to resume uranium enrichment within the parameters of the agreement. Iran's announcement was apparently a signal that it could resume efforts to develop an industrial-scale enrichment program if the nuclear agreement unravels. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with British Prime Minister Theresa May in London Wednesday, concluding the final leg of a three-day European tour aimed at persuading European leaders to alter the international nuclear agreement with Iran. Netanyahu began his three-day European tour Monday in Germany, where he warned Chancellor Angela Merkel that Iranian meddling in the Middle East could spark massive new refugee flows to Europe. In France Tuesday, the Israeli leader said his interest is "making sure Iran doesn't have nuclear weapons." "I've been very consistent about my opposition to this nuclear deal, because I said you cannot divorce this from Iran's aggression in the region," Netanyahu told a joint news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron Tuesday. Macron said France will continue to work with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which it considers the best way to control Iran's nuclear activity. "The JCPOA is not sufficient, and I absolutely agree, but still, it's better than what we had before," he said. Macron said he doesn't see how exiting the nuclear deal would help improve regional stability. Britain, France and Germany agreed to the deal with Iran in 2015 along with Russia, China and the United States. Trump announced last month the U.S. was pulling out of what he called a "horrible, one-sided deal," while saying he wants additional restrictions on Iran's ballistic missile program and what he called its "destabilizing activities in the Middle East." Like Trump, Netanyahu has been a fierce critic of the deal, saying the agreement left Iran with the potential to quickly develop a nuclear weapon when the terms expire. Iran has said repeatedly its nuclear activity was solely peaceful in nature. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Sunday the U.S. decision to withdraw from the agreement was illegal, and he urged the other signatories not to follow suit. State-run Iranian media said Zarif sent a letter to the foreign ministers of the remaining nations. He asked them to "make up" for the Iranian losses brought on by the U.S. withdrawal if they want to save the deal. Zarif called the 2015 nuclear agreement the result of "accurate, sensitive and balanced multilateral talks." "The illegal withdrawal of the U.S. government... especially bullying methods used by this government to bring other governments in line, has discredited the rule of law while challenging the principles of the U.N. Charter and efficiency of international bodies," Zarif wrote. Native Americans have been largely absent from the corridors of power in Washington, D.C. But that could soon change. Deb Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna, won the Democratic nomination for New Mexico's 1st Congressional District, and if predictions are correct, could become the first Native American woman in Congress. Tonight, we made history, Haaland told supporters Tuesday. Our win is a victory for working people, a victory for women, and a victory for Indian Country. Haaland, a graduate of the University of New Mexicos law school, is no stranger to politics. A single mother, she was the first Native woman to chair the states Democratic Party (2015 to 2017). In 2012, she served as the states vote director during President Barack Obamas 2012 campaign and is crediting with helping him win in New Mexico. Observers are calling this weeks primary victory historic. What makes Haaland's primary win so important is that she is running in a district that's favorable to Democrats, said Mark Trahant, editor of Indian Country Today, who has closely tracked the campaigns of dozens of Native Americans running for federal, state and local office across the country this year. She is likely to rewrite history - either alone or with another Native woman. 'Worst Nightmare' Climate change and renewable energy top Haalands political agenda. She is an outspoken critic of President Donald Trumps environmental policy. The Trump administration is the worst nightmare to happen to the environment in decades, she told VOA in February. And then we have got the Bureau of Land Management working overtime to sell off leases to lands so that people can frack. She is also critical of Trumps immigration policy and has promised to work to stop deportations and defend DREAMers, those protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The federal government program, created in 2012 under Obama, allows children brought to this country illegally the temporary right to live, study and work in the U.S. Native Americans in New Mexico, who account for 10% of the states population, did not get the right to vote until 1948. 'Different perspective' Haaland has called for changes to federal tax policy to require the wealthy to pay what she calls their fair share in taxes and for stronger gun laws in the wake of a series of school shootings across the country, and in New Mexico. A gunman killed two students at Aztec High School in December 2017. In August that year, a 16-year old gunman killed two employees at a library in downtown Clovis. The candidate says she is confident she would bring a different perspective to Washington. Diversity is a good thing to have when people are doing things and making decisions, she said, adding that she would also work to promote the interests of the more than 570 tribes and nations across the United States. My grandparents were products of forced assimilation, she said. My dad was in the military. My mom worked in Indian education for 25 years. I have a good knowledge of the history of our country, which means that I have a firm grasp on how Natives were treated and why its important that the U.S. government live up to its trust responsibility to tribes. Arms control experts estimate that the dismantlement of North Koreas nuclear program could take a decade to complete, and cost $20 billion, if a nuclear agreement is reached between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when they meet in Singapore on June 12. The hard work has not yet begun, and it is gong to take sustained energy on the part of the United States, South Korea, Japan, China and North Korea. Its going to be a multiyear long process, said Daryl Kimball, the executive director of the Arms Control Association in Washington. President Trump has said he expects a "very positive result" from the North Korea nuclear summit, but he also said it will likely be the beginning of a process to resolve differences over the extent of the Norths denuclearization, and the specifics regarding what sanctions relief, economic aid and security guarantees would be offered in return. U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Sunday that North Korea would only receive sanctions relief after it takes "verifiable and irreversible steps to denuclearization." This position aligns closer to the Kim governments stance that denuclearization measures and concessions be matched action for action. And it backs away from demands made by some in the presidents national security team that Pyongyang quickly and unilaterally dismantle all its weapons of mass destruction before any concessions would be offered. Nuclear costs North Korea is estimated to have 20 to 80 nuclear warheads, both known and covert nuclear research and processing sites, and thousands of ballistic missiles that can be launched from mobile vehicles, and submarine based launchers have been tested in recent years. With such an extensive nuclear arsenal it could cost $20 billion to achieve the U.S. goal of complete, irreversible, and verifiable nuclear dismantlement (CVID), according to a recent study conducted by Kwon Hyuk-chul, a Kookmin University professor of security strategy. Kwon based his assessment in part on past nuclear deals with North Korea and Ukraines experience in dismantling its nuclear arsenal after the fall of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. In the process of the nuclear dismantlement of Ukraine, all of the strategic nuclear warheads that Ukraine possessed were transferred to Russia and were dismantled there. In doing so, the United States provided large-scale containers and technical support to assist with safe dismantling, said Kwon. The Kookmin University study estimates it would costs $5 billion to dismantle the Norths nuclear arsenal and supporting facilities. Another $5 billion, Kwon said, would be needed to fulfill a U.S. pledge, made as part of a 1994 nuclear agreement with North Korea, to build two light water reactors to generate electrical power. Another $10 billion in economic aid would be needed both as incentives to convince the leadership to give up its nuclear deterrent and to help transition the over 3,000 to 10,000 nuclear workers into peacetime professions. President Trump recently said he does not expect the U.S. to provide any government aid but could offer American private investment if North Korea gives up its nuclear weapons. Instead he said the Kim government should look to South Korea and China for any direct economic assistance. Denuclearization roadmap A recent Stanford University report estimates it would take over 10 years to permanently dismantle the Norths nuclear program. Stanford nuclear scientist Siegfried Hecker, who visited North Korea in the past to assess the countrys plutonium program, Robert Carlin, a former CIA Korea analyst, and researcher Elliot Serbin, conducted the detailed study of the Norths nuclear program. The researchers listed specific categories that must be verified by outside inspectors including; nuclear fissile material of plutonium, tritium for fusion Hydrogen bombs, enriched uranium, nuclear reactors, centrifuge facilities, long and medium and short range missiles, test engines, and space launch vehicles. The authors proposed a three-phase denuclearization process that would halt or limit further activity in the first year, roll back or dismantle over five years, and permanently eliminate North Koreas nuclear capabilities in 10 years. Lee Yoon-jee in Seoul contributed to this report. In Nairobi, parents stormed a girls boarding school on Monday and took away their children, accusing administrators of failing to protect the students. The incident was a reaction to the rape of three girls Friday at the school. Kenyan police are investigating, and parliament is getting involved. The parliamentary committee tasked to look into education spent much of Wednesday at Moi Girls in Nairobi, where three girls were reportedly raped Friday. The committee was on a mission to understand how the rapes happened, and who has information that could help police. The pressing issue for the committee was - what time did the rape occur and did anyone hear anything? A lawmaker said, A lot is being reported around 5:00. Now in the imagination of everybody and the school, what time do you think this incident happened, because everybody is talking about 5-5:08 and by that time the girl was dressed, sited on a bed. What time could it have occurred at night?" According to the school officials, there is just one female guard watching the girls dormitory. The guard said she heard nothing out of the ordinary at the time of the rapes. One official told the committee the first sound the guard heard was the students getting ready for their classes on Saturday morning. She heard the girls noise at around 5:00 and they were waking up to freshen up. She opened the gate for the girls to fetch water and after that she met the matron and the matron is the one who narrated the story of what happened at night, said the official. Minister of Education Amina Mohamed said Tuesday the security systems failed the students. It has been established that various security gaps and lapses existed at the school by the time of the reported defilement incident. To address this the ministry has ordered an overhaul of the entire security system, including the replacement of all security agents, said Mohamed. The minister also dissolved the board of management and parent association of the school. Police have taken the DNA samples of all the male teachers, relatives, and workers of the school to establish who was behind the rape. Results of the tests are expected next week. Meanwhile, the government has deployed police officers at the school in an effort to assure parents the premises are safe. Students are expected to return this Sunday. Chinese telecommunications firm ZTE has signed a deal with the United States that lets the crippled company get back in business, Reuters reports. ZTE was almost totally shut down after the Trump administration cut off exports of U.S. made parts to the company. It was, in the words of one expert, caught red-handed putting the U.S. technology into products and selling them to countries under U.S. trade embargoes, including Iran and North Korea. ZTE depends on U.S. parts for wireless stations, optical fiber networks and smartphones. According to Reuters, the deal to get ZTE operating again included a $1 billion fine, regular inspections of its plants and the replacement of its team of executives. Neither ZTE nor the U.S. Commerce Department has confirmed that any definitive deal was signed. But the reports already have U.S. lawmakers angry that the Trump administration is willing to let ZTE resume using U.S.-made components. If these reports are accurate, this is a huge mistake, Virginia Democrat Mark Warner of the Senate Intelligence Committee said. ZTE poses a threat to our national security. That's not just my opinion it's the unanimous conclusion of our intelligence community. Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York called President Donald Trump someone who roared like a lion and is governing like a lamb when it comes to China and letting ZTE off the hook. Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida has also called ZTE a security risk and said a bill to block the U.S. from doing business with it would have huge support in Congress. Trump said last month he was looking for a way to let ZTE get back into business fast. Too many jobs in China lost, Trump tweeted as he ordered the Commerce Department to get it done! Trump has often complained about China stealing U.S. jobs and having a huge trade deficit with the U.S. His tweets in support of China and ZTE perplexed Congress and many economic experts. But the White House has said Trumps tweets underscore the importance of a free, fair, balanced and mutually beneficial economic trade and investment relationship between the United States and China. Growing assaults against social media activists and journalists in Pakistan have alarmed defenders of free speech and human rights activists before the July 25 general election. There are also increasing allegations the military is also behind some of these incidents to stifle dissent. The latest incident occurred Tuesday when Gul Bukhari, who openly criticizes the military via social media and newspaper articles, was briefly abducted while she was on her way to participate in a television talk show in the eastern city of Lahore. The 52-year-old dual Pakistani-British national returned home safely early Wednesday after being held several hours, her family members and colleagues confirmed. I am well, and would request privacy at this stage, Bukhari later stated in a message delivered to journalists. She did not say anything about who could be behind her kidnapping. I would like to express my deep gratitude and love to my friends, family, colleagues and supporters in civil society, journalism and politics across the board for coming together in solidarity in concern for my well being last night, she said. Separately, investigative journalist Asad Kharal was physically assaulted in Lahore around the same time Bukhari was abducted. Kharal was hospitalized with multiple injuries and fractures, according to his employer, the private BOL television channel. Attacks awaken social media It was also not clear immediately who was behind Bukharis short-lived kidnapping that instantly triggered widespread outrage on social media. We are very concerned at reports of Gul Bukharis abduction last night. As a dual Pakistani-British national, the British High Commission is reaching out with consular assistance, Britain's diplomatic mission in Islamabad tweeted Wednesday. Pakistani politicians and activists took to their Twitter accounts to condemn the incident. Some pointed fingers at the military for orchestrating the abduction as part of efforts to silence critics. Pakistan military spokespeople have not commented on the allegations, nor has Bukhari or her family accused the military. We strongly condemn abductions and attacks on journalists and social media activists. We believe this is a clear message meant for all of us, even the dwindling band that we are now, Tahira Abdullah, a human rights activist based in Islamabad, told VOA. Washington-based Michael Kugelman, an expert on South Asian affairs tweeted dissent is a right, not a crime in his reaction shortly after the news of Bukharis kidnapping hit social media. Very troubling new. Hope she is ok. Pakistans current crackdown on dissent seemingly knows no bounds, said Kugelman. Bukhari has strongly defended Nawaz Sharif in her social media comments and newspapers articles.The former prime minister was ousted from office by the Supreme Court last July for concealing foreign assets. Sharif and his Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) party have since accused the Pakistan army of orchestrating his removal, allegations military officials reject as unfounded. No one claimed responsibility for the attack on Kharal, though his colleagues accused members of Sharif's party for plotting the assault. Kharal tweeted from hospital, his assailants were were wearing masks. Chilling effect on freedom A central leader of the PML-N, Ahsan Iqbal, through his twitter account denounced the attack.Strongly condemn attack on journalist Asad Kharal. Freedom of expression should be protected. Popular Pakistani television anchor, Hamid Mir, while denouncing the physical assault tweeted ... the injuries on the body of Kharal are reflection the injuries of media freedom in Pakistan. Pakistani journalists and media organizations have increasingly complained of censorship by the military in the run-up to the July 25 parliamentary elections. Army spokesman, Major-General Asif Ghafoor, has strongly denied the charges. Tuesdays attacks came a day after Ghafoor accused journalists of sharing anti-state and anti-army comments on social media. The general displayed a graphic featuring a troll account's Twitter activity and the journalists as well as other individuals allegedly connected to the account, saying the Pakistani spy agency, ISI, is monitoring such accounts and those that redistribute the propaganda against the army and the state. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) denounced Ghafoor for making the remarks and endangering lives of Pakistani journalists and activists. "Displaying photos of journalists alleged to help push anti-state propaganda in Pakistan is tantamount to putting a giant target on their backs," said Steven Buttler, CPJs Asia program coordinator in Washington. Buttler demanded an apology from General Ghafoor for his comments and called for promoting journalist safety in Pakistan where reporters and editors are routinely threatened, attacked, and killed for their work. Singapore says its foreign minister will visit Pyongyang later this week, just days before the city-state hosts the leaders of North Korea and the U.S. for a highly anticipated summit, Foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan plans to be in North Korea for two days starting Thursday. Singapore has diplomatic ties with both the U.S. and North Korea. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will meet in Singapore on June 12. The White House says the summit will be held at the Capella hotel on Sentosa Island. On Tuesday, Trump expressed hope the talks in Singapore will be "the start of something big... we will soon see!" U.S. and North Korean officials are continuing to lay the groundwork ahead of the summit. Trump met last week at the White House with Kim Jong Un's top deputy, Kim Yong Chol, who delivered a letter from the North Korean leader. The U.S. leader has in the past called for a quick denuclearization process but after his talks with the top North Korean official on Friday he said "Take your time." Were not going to go in and sign something on June 12th and we never were. Were going to start a process, Trump said. He made clear, however, that sanctions on North Korea will not be lifted until the country agrees to give up its nuclear arsenal. The accounts are horrific. A young girl strangled and gang-raped. Children burned alive as government soldiers blocked the door of their hut and set it aflame. These are some of the atrocities revealed in 14 reports, seen by The Associated Press, that have not yet been released by the independent body charged with monitoring a failed cease-fire imposed in December in South Sudan, where civil war is now well into its fifth year. The reports should have been released last month at a meeting led by the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission but South Sudan's government did not attend, preventing the accounts of abuses from being made public because there was not a quorum. "The reports contain evidence that soldiers continue to kill, rape and destroy property. The decision to keep these ongoing atrocity crimes secret sends the wrong message," Jehanne Henry, senior Africa researcher for Human Rights Watch, told the AP. Only five such reports have been released this year. The African Union and the East African regional bloc that mediates South Sudan's peace talks should take action, said Edmund Yakani, executive director for the local advocacy group Community Empowerment for Progress Organization. "Silence on the violations only encourages further violations," he said. While people attending the meeting said copies of the reports on atrocities were distributed to diplomats from the United States, the United Nations, Britain and elsewhere, none have released them publicly or made public the reports of abuses. South Sudan's government didn't respond to multiple requests for comment on why it didn't attend last month's meeting. The unpublished reports describe violations by both government and opposition forces but most of the accounts blame government troops for instigating attacks and deliberately targeting civilians. During an attack in February on a school in the town of Modit, children fled into a hut to hide. Government soldiers blocked the door and set it on fire, burning the children to death, said one report. A young girl fetching water from a river in the town of Yei was strangled before she and her mother were gang-raped by government soldiers, another report said. More than 30 cases of sexual assault were recorded in Yei and surrounding areas in the three months following December's cease-fire agreement. And in the nearby town of Morobo, a woman was raped and beaten so badly that she lost sight in one eye. A disabled woman, unable to flee the fighting, was thrown into a burning house by government soldiers, the report said. The group that compiled the reports, the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism, told the AP its mandate doesn't require it to publish reports and that releasing them had been the task of its parent body, the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission. The commission reports to the East African regional bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. Neither responded to several AP requests for comment. The concealing of the atrocities comes as the international community loses patience with South Sudan's civil war, which has killed tens of thousands and created Africa's largest refugee crisis since the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The U.S., South Sudan's largest aid donor, has increased pressure on the Juba government amid widespread allegations that its officials are profiting from the conflict instead of working to end it. Last week the U.N. Security Council adopted a U.S.-sponsored resolution that warns of an arms embargo and sanctions against six high-ranking officials if the fighting doesn't stop. The U.S. and others, however, insist that the East African regional bloc, along with the African Union, should take the lead in finding peace and holding perpetrators of abuses accountable. The U.S. urges the monitoring bodies to release the reports of atrocities as soon as possible and regrets that the South Sudan government's ``refusal to attend the plenary on May 14 prevented those reports from being made public at that time,'' embassy spokesman Mark Weinberg told the AP. Chris Trott, U.K. special representative for South Sudan, concluded that "it's important, for the sake of ordinary South Sudanese who are again falling victim to the violence and for the credibility of the peace process, that violators are held to account." Ukrainian journalists have been left puzzled and feeling uneasy since the Ukrainian security service (SBU) staged the assassination of Russian reporter Arkady Babchenko, a U.S. media watchdog says. Ukrainian authorities have said the elaborate operation was designed to foil a Russian plot to assassinate Babchenko and other members of the Ukrainian media. The Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday that Ukrainian media staffers were upset by SBU's revelation that it had discovered a "hit list" of 47 journalists, bloggers and activists who may allegedly be targeted by assassins. But veteran journalists told CPJ that while they were perturbed by the news of the list, they were used to being under threat. Many questioned why the SBU would go through all the trouble to protect Babchenko when it has yet to solve the daylight car bombing that killed Russian journalist Pavel Sheremet in 2016. "I feel the same as I felt before the Babchenko case," TV reporter Nastya Stanko told CPJ. "I didn't feel safe then, and I don't feel safe now." Stanko said the Babchenko case had, in fact, made things worse for journalists. "When some journalists spoke their mind and said journalists shouldn't work with security services, Babchenko himself said that he wished for these 'betrayers' to have a killer knocking on their door," she said. "I think we are now at a greater risk of that than before." In an Istanbul courthouse, 22 students from one of Turkey's elite universities went on trial Wednesday on terrorism charges. The case has become a focal point in growing criticism of an ongoing legal crackdown under emergency rule. "As the families of these Bogazici [Bosphorus] students, we now know very well that they are no longer our children only, but the children of those who want peace and democracy in Turkey, who want freedom and autonomy in universities," Bulent Yilmaz, the father of one jailed student, said while addressing supporters and family members gathered ahead of the hearing. The Bosphorus University students were arrested for organizing a counterprotest aimed at supporters of a Turkish military operation in Syria against the YPG Syrian Kurdish militia. Fourteen of those arrested have been jailed for nearly 70 days. According to the students' lawyers, some were subject to police beatings and abuse. 'Shameful' "This is shameful that we are going through this experience," said professor Can Candan of Istanbul's Bosphorus University, speaking outside the court. "These students that have peacefully protested have been declared terrorists without trial, unjustly. They just expressed their opinions, and they are free to do that under our own constitution." With prosecutors demanding up to seven years in jail for supporting a terrorist organization, many of the students in court looked shaken by events. One student, appearing to be holding back tears, pleaded with the judge to be freed in order to graduate. All the detained students were released by the court under judicial control, with the case adjourned until October 3. Critics say the case is politically motivated. The arrests followed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's speech labeling the students terrorists for protesting the military operation in Syria. The United States has backed the YPG in the fight against Islamic State. Ankara has linked the YPG to the outlawed PKK Kurdish rebel group, which has been waging an insurgency in southeastern Turkey. Turkey has labeled the PKK a terrorist organization. The defendants say Bosphorus University is the president's real target. "Erdogan is trying to impose his ideology on the youth. That is why they are targeting a liberal university," said a student attending the court proceedings. "This university is a liberal-rooted university, and it was an American college before, so we had comparatively liberal politics. With the arrests of the students and even our academics [teachers] and the presence of the undercover police on campus, now everyone feels pressure and anxiety." Past immunity Bosphorus is one of Turkey's top colleges, and analysts say its status had given it some immunity to past legal crackdowns. During military rule in the 1980s, it remained a beacon of liberalism. In the 1990s, the university was one of the few institutions that did not enforce a religious headscarf ban on students. Erdogan has recently repeatedly targeted the university as a center of subversion, fueling suspicions that politics lie behind the crackdown. "Bosphorus is a symbol for progressive democratic values; it's a university much more democratic and free than many other universities in Turkey. It's not a coincidence that Bosphorus has been targeted," Candan said. "The student arrests are not the only thing facing the university. We have the trials of academics of peace going on; we have close to 100 academics facing trial for signing a peace petition. We've been criminalized for calling for peace." Candan and nine colleagues are due in court Thursday for having signed a petition that calls for an end to the war against the PKK. Hundreds of other academics across the country are also on trial. The Bosphorus University situation is part of the broader legal crackdown implemented after a 2016 coup attempt. Under emergency rule introduced after the botched military takeover, nearly 100,000 people were detained, and many more were fired from their jobs, including a number of academics. 'Hands off' university "This court case is actually a sign of how all the liberties are restricted," undermining Turkey's laws, said parliamentary deputy Binnaz Toprak of the main opposition party, the CHP. "Take your hands off Bosphorus University; take your hands off our students," added Toprak, who once taught at the school. Abolishing emergency rule is a shared pledge of all the opposition parties and presidential challengers in the presidential and parliamentary elections set for June 24. Emergency rule gives the president sweeping powers and suspends many legal rights. "The polls do show the majority of Turks do want emergency rule lifted, around 65 percent," said Sinan Ulgen, head of the Istanbul-based Edam research institution. "This is not the normal state of affairs as the name indicates; it is something extraordinary. People want to go back to normalcy. Fatigue may be a factor [for voters], but much more so is the economy." Erdogan continues to robustly defend the need for emergency rule, arguing conspirators behind the failed coup still threaten democracy and that the country is continuing to fight the Kurdish rebels. The dominant U.S-backed Syrian Kurdish party that controls large swaths of oil-rich territory in northeastern Syria is prepared to hold talks with the Damascus government over the future of the area, a senior Kurdish official said Wednesday. The proposition came a day after Turkey and the United States agreed on a ``roadmap'' to resolve a dispute over the northern Syrian town of Manbij, which is controlled by the U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters, Washington's main ally in Syria. "The aim would... be to develop a Syrian-Syrian solution and close the door on conflicts and wars,'' said Aldar Khalil, a senior Kurdish official said. Another Kurdish official suggested time may be ripe for dialogue with the Syrian government, which has opposed the Turkey-U.S. deal on Manbij. A previous round of talks between the Syrian Kurds and Damascus, sponsored by Russia, yielded no results. "We are seeking... a vision that ends the war,'' said Ilham Ahmed, who co-chairs the U.S-backed Syrian Democratic Council. "We want to secure our [self-administration] project and the Americans care for that too.'' There was no immediate response from Damascus to the Kurdish comments. Syrian President Bashar Assad's government has oscillated between reaching out to the Kurds and lashing out at them for collaborating with the Americans. Last year, the Syrian foreign minister said self-administration for the Kurds is "negotiable." Damascus has also sharply criticized a Turkey-backed offensive against a Syrian Kurdish enclave in northwestern Syria, and left roads open for the movement of aid and people out of the Kurdish enclave. Meanwhile, Turkey has been pushing Washington to get Syrian Kurdish militiamen out of the town of Manbij and across the Euphrates River to its eastern bank. Ankara sees the Syrian Kurdish militia and its political body as an extension of its own Kurdish insurgents, whom it considers terrorists. On Wednesday, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said with the Manbij deal, Ankara would have successfully "completely eliminated terror" from a 250 kilometer-long (155 miles) border area stretching from west of the Euphrates all the way to the Mediterranean. The roadmap envisions joint Turkish-U.S. patrols around Manbij after the Kurdish militia withdraws from the town. But the deal, which could ease tensions between the NATO allies, is likely to force a realignment of troops along the volatile Syria-Turkey frontier and shrink the area controlled currently by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, backed by the U.S. A Kurdish official in Manbij, Shervan Darwish, confirmed that some militia members will begin withdrawing from the town but did not mention any changes to the local military council. Turkish officials said a new council would be set up as part of the deal, within six months. The U.S. and Turkey have differed over their description of what the Manbij deal entails and how it would be carried out, illustrating its fragility. Khalil, the senior Kurdish official, said his party is ready to send a delegation to "test the waters" to see whether Assad's government is ready to accept an autonomous Kurdish area in the northeast. "If the result is peace and stability, then it is in the interest of all," Khalil said in a series of messages on a social media application. U.S. first lady Melania Trump appeared in public Wednesday for the first time since undergoing a kidney procedure nearly a month ago. She accompanied President Donald Trump to the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, where they were briefed on the 2018 hurricane season. "She had a little rough patch, but she's doing great," the president said at the start of the meeting. WATCH: First Lady Appears Before Media for First Time in Nearly a Month The first lady did not make any remarks at the meeting. Melania Trump's absence from public appearances touched off various conspiracy theories on the Internet, drawing rebuke from the president and the first lady herself. Hours before the FEMA briefing, Trump tweeted that media organizations had been "unfair" and 'vicious" to his wife. He said the first lady was "doing really well" and accused news organizations of reporting erroneous accounts regarding her condition and whereabouts after undergoing the kidney procedure, which was followed by a five-day hospital stay. The president said journalists saw Melania Trump "walking merrily along" in the White House last week but failed to report the sighting because doing so would have ruined their "sick narrative" that she was ill and had moved out of the White House. The first lady remained out of public view for more than three weeks after her hospitalization before appearing at a private White House reception on Monday. As her absence at public events increasingly drew scrutiny, Melania Trump criticized the media on Twitter. She said reporters were "working overtime" speculating about her, adding that she was "feeling great." Melania Trump's spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, confirmed Sunday that the first lady would not accompany the president to the G-7 summit this week in Canada or the planned North Korean summit in Singapore on June 12. In hosting his first iftar dinner at the White House on Wednesday, President Donald Trump said to his guests "and to Muslims around the world, Ramadan Mubarak," observing the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. "At tonight's dinner, we especially are pleased to welcome members of the diplomatic corps, representing our friends and partners across the globe," Trump said. "And a very warm welcome to all the ambassadors here tonight, representing Muslim-majority nations. We're greatly honored by your presence, and thank you very much for being here." WATCH: Trump Hosts Iftar Dinner in Switch from Anti-Muslim Rhetoric He said the gathering honored "a sacred tradition of one of the world's great religions." Trump did not host an iftar dinner last year, breaking a tradition started by the Clinton administration and maintained through the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations. During the 2016 campaign, Trump called for a complete ban on all Muslims entering the United States and has signed multiple executive orders restricting immigration from Muslim-majority countries. During Ramadan, observers abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. The iftar dinner is traditionally held at sundown, breaking the fast. 'There is great love' "Iftars mark the coming together of families and friends to celebrate a timeless message of peace, clarity and love. There is great love," Trump said at Wednesday night's event. "It's a moment to call upon our highest ideals, and to give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy. Thank you very much. Tonight we give thanks for the renewed bonds of friendship and cooperation we have forged with our valued partners from all across the Middle East." The event was held in the White House State Dining Room, with 30 to 40 guests in attendance. The White House did not release a list of the attendees, but photos tweeted by reporters in attendance showed that Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, was among those at the dinner. U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Dawud Abdul-Aziz Agbere of the Chaplain Corps led the call to prayer in the East Room. The event is typically attended by diplomats and leaders of the American Muslim community. Several American Muslim groups said they would boycott the event, and a protest of the dinner was held Wednesday night at Lafayette Square. "I wouldn't anticipate that any credible mainstream American Muslim organizations or leaders would be invited or agree to attend, given the administration's Islamophobic and white supremacist positions and policies," Ibrahim Hooper, Council on American Islamic Relations spokesman, told The Guardian. U.S. President Donald Trump "will be sticking to his guns" at the upcoming Group of Seven summit despite criticism of his trade policies from allies, one of his key economic advisers told reporters Wednesday. "The president is at ease with all these tough issues," said Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council. "There's always tension about something" between the United States and other G-7 members. The comments in the White House press briefing room came shortly after both Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is hosting the G-7 summit in Quebec's Charlevoix region, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel forecast difficult discussions on Friday and Saturday. Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said, "This is essentially a recipe for a G-6 plus one." WATCH: American Delegation Faces an Icy Reception at G-7 Summit Protecting American workers Kudlow, in his remarks, denied the United States was engaged in a trade war with its strategic partners, as well as China, but said that the United States would do what was necessary to protect American workers and industries. Speaking to reporters in Brussels on Wednesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said it was too early to call the tariffs dispute a trade war and contended the United States was justified in demanding "fair and reciprocal" trade with its partners. Mattis said economic disputes with allies were not expected to damage military and security relations. Kudlow said that "the world trading system is a mess. It's broken down." But, he added, "Don't blame Trump. Blame the nations that have broken away from those conditions." It is now clear that the United States and the other G-7 countries are "no longer singing from the same hymn book," and that has serious ramifications for the global trading order, said Lynn Fischer Fox, a former deputy assistant secretary for policy and negotiations in the U.S. Commerce Department's International Trade Administration. Fischer Fox, who led negotiations for a number of trade remedy disputes during former President Barack Obama's administration, described Trump's approach to trade as upsetting and unpredictable. Asked by VOA News whether the administration would respect decisions of the World Trade Organization filed against the United States over recent tariffs imposed by Trump, Kudlow replied: "We are bound by the national interests here more than anything else. International multilateral organizations are not going to determine American policy." While there have been tensions between the United States and other G-7 leaders previously on strategic issues, such as the placement of nuclear weapons in Europe and the Iraq War, this rift appears far more fundamental, according to some analysts. International rules The United States has always followed the international rules, Fischer Fox told VOA. "And we've confronted other nations that use this kind of tactic of saber-rattling or hostage-taking, as it were, to try to get what they want out of the international system, outside of the rules," she said. Fischer Fox contended, "Violating the rules doesn't give you a means to negotiate around the rules. If they [the Trump administration] want to negotiate the rules to be different, that's what they should be putting on the table." The leaders of the other countries have no political choice now but to confront Trump, Kirkegaard, of the Peterson Institute, told VOA. "If you do not sanction an American president who behaves like this, every president and administration after this will think that trade policy is something you can easily mess with," Kierkegaard said. Speaking in the Bundestag on Wednesday, Merkel warned that G-7 countries "must not keep watering down" previous summit conclusions committing the group to fair multilateral trade and rejecting protectionism. "There must not be a compromise simply for the sake of a compromise," Merkel said. If an acceptable agreement can't be reached, a "chairman's summary" by the Canadian hosts "is perhaps a more honest path there is no sense in papering over divisions at will." Canada's foreign minister, Chrystia Freeland, said Wednesday that steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by the United States coming into force on July 1 were illegal and that the Canadian response would be measured and proportionate. Trump will be seeing many of the G-7 leaders again soon. He is set to meet British Prime Minister Theresa May in the United Kingdom next month. And he is also expected to attend the annual NATO summit to be held in Brussels in mid-July. The U.N. human rights office has condemned the most recent crackdown against activists, bloggers and journalists in Egypt as a violation of their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly. In recent weeks, the U.N. human rights office has reported that prominent bloggers, activists and journalists have been arbitrarily arrested and subjected to interrogation while in detention on spurious charges of peddling fake news. In one instance, it notes an activist, Amal Fathy, was picked up and charged with using the internet and social media to spread false news to push forward a supposed terrorist agenda. Human rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani says it is not possible to know how many people have been detained for exercising their rights of freedom of expression. She says their conditions of confinement are of concern as their rights to due process are not being respected. In many cases, these people are detained without an arrest warrant. In some cases, they are not aware of why they have been detained. In many cases, their pre-trial detention continues to be renewed again and again," said Shamdasani. "In some of the cases that I mentioned, three individuals have been detained since March, since the end of February, early March and their detention, pre-trial detention keeps getting renewed for 15-day periods successively. Shamdasani says some of the charges carry long prison terms. The U.N. human rights office is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all those currently being held by the Egyptian authorities. Officials are urging the government to respect its obligations under international human rights law. According to the Reuters news agency, the Egyptian state news agency MENA reports that President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has pardoned 712 prisoners who were jailed for anti-government protests. The president was re-elected for a second term in March and sworn in recently. Marking World Environment Day, the United Nations on Tuesday named plastic one of the biggest environmental threats facing the world. The report, Single-Use Plastics: A Roadmap for Sustainability, said while government regulation on the use of plastic has made some impact on reducing waste, it is not enough, and more urgent action is needed. Our world is swamped by harmful plastic waste, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a speech. Microplastics in the seas now outnumber stars in our galaxy. From remote islands to the Arctic, nowhere is untouched. If present trends continue, by 2050 our oceans will have more plastic than fish, he said. The report noted that by some estimates, as many as 5 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide every year. While acknowledging that combating plastic waste is different for every country, the U.N. report suggested 10 universal steps that policymakers can follow, including use of more eco-friendly alternatives to plastics and the promotion of reusable products. According to the Ocean Conservancy, 8 million metric tons of plastic enters the Earths oceans every year, which adds to the estimated 150 million metric tons already in the marine environment. A 2017 report by the Ocean Conservancy said China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam are dumping more plastic than the rest of the world combined. But the advocacy group warned that the problem is not Asia's alone. It noted the United States tosses out more than 33 million tons of plastic, of which less than 10 percent is recycled. For years, environmentalists have warned of the deadly effect plastic trash has on marine wildlife. This week, a pilot whale died in Thailand after struggling for five days to stay alive. Thailands Department of Marine and Coastal Resources announced that the whale had 80 plastic bags lodged in its stomach. A Thai marine official said the whale, which normally feeds on squid, probably mistook the floating debris for food. Both refugees and host communities in Uganda lack basic services such as water, sanitation and shelter, according to a study by the U.N. Children's Fund and Uganda's Economic Policy Research Center. The main refugee hosting areas for the more than 1.4 million refugees in Uganda are in districts such as Yumbe, Moyo, Adjumani, Arua and Isingiro among the country's poorest and least developed. The issue is one of supply and demand, notes Ibrahim Kasirye, the principal researcher at the Economic Policy Research Center. "The report shows that there are serious challenges in terms of implementation, especially when the government plan for a given number of [people in the] population, and the population that ends up using these services doubles within the same year in which these plans were made. The fact that they've had to deal with that huge number, their level of deprivation has increased," Kasirye said. The report notes that 69 percent of refugees who have lived in the country more than five years don't have enough clean drinking water, while one-fourth lack sanitation and about a half are in need of shelter. For members of host communities, about two-thirds do not have water and close to one-half lack sanitation. Though Uganda has been praised for its progressive refugee policy, which includes providing the refugees with land for shelters, Diego Angemi, head of the social policy team at UNICEF-Uganda, says this is still a major challenge. "When you look at it from the point of view of integration and if we believe that adequate shelter is a good proxy for integration, then refugee communities are now perfectly integrated with host communities," Angemi said. "But, we are still talking about one in two households, whether they are hosts or refugees, being deprived of adequate shelter, and that is simply not good enough." Sixty percent of refugees in Uganda are below the age of 18, and thousands arrive unaccompanied. According to the report, 70 percent do not own a blanket, 84 percent do not eat three meals a day and nearly one half do not visit a health facility when ill or get the prescription medication needed to treat illnesses. Additionally, out of five senior medical officers needed in an area, only two are available, says Manga Godfrey, assistant district health officer in the Adjumani district. "We don't have medical officers, special grade pediatrics and to us, it's a gap. We also need that physician," Godfrey said. "Our disease burden is mainly malaria, intestinal worms, dysentery. Now, these two special-grade medical officers we have, may not help much if the issue of medicines and other health supplies is not addressed. Currently, we are receiving medicines from [the] National Medical Store every two months, but these medicines are planned for the host community only, excluding the refugees." Researchers stress the need for government and international humanitarian organizations to go beyond emergency response and build systems and capacities for all social services in refugee-hosting districts. Anti-corruption efforts in Afghanistan continue to face challenges of capacity, resources, lack of action against powerful individuals, and the presence of "unqualified and potentially corrupt actors" in key government institutions combating corruption. Those findings are part of a report conducted by the U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) on the policy and corruption reform undertaken by the Afghan government. In the report, released Wednesday, SIGAR praised Afghan officials' efforts to implement the anti-corruption strategy, but noted areas that did not meet "some international standards and best practices." The report questioned the ability of the Afghan government to fully implement the strategy and demonstrate a lasting commitment to combating corruption. SIGAR noted that the strategy focuses on 15 "priority" ministries but leaves the role of Afghanistan's Defense Ministry, the largest portfolio, unclear. "If the Afghan government continues not to take action against public officials who violate internal codes of ethics, while simultaneously failing to protect reformers and whistle-blowers from reprisal, a climate of corruption will endure," the report said. Lax investigation, prosecution Afghanistan's law enforcement and judiciary often avoid investigating, prosecuting and punishing powerful individuals. Moreover, U.S., international and Afghan officials have all expressed skepticism about the Afghan parliament's willingness to support anti-corruption reforms. SIGAR has been tasked to identify fraud and recommend steps to prevent it. The agency submits reports to the U.S. Congress quarterly, detailing audits of reconstruction- and security-related programs that are funded by U.S. taxpayers to stabilize Afghanistan. Afghan officials were not available immediately to comment on SIGAR's findings. The United States has spent about $1 trillion to secure and stabilize Afghanistan. Most of the funds have been devoted to creating and training the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces so they can tackle the Taliban-led insurgency. For all their talk of a "blue wave," Democrats needed a good day Tuesday in California to have much hope of seizing the House majority this fall. No state will play a more significant role in the fight for control of Congress. And with primary elections across California and seven other states on Tuesday, the political battlefield will soon be set for the first midterm elections of Donald Trump's presidency. The first wave of polls closed at 8 p.m. EDT in New Jersey, Alabama and Mississippi. Mississippi Republican Senator Roger Wicker won his primary contest, as did New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, a Democrat who faced federal bribery charges last year. Former Navy pilot and federal prosecutor Mikie Sherrill won the Democratic primary in New Jersey's 11th District. Polls were also closed in Alabama, where Republican Governor Kay Ivey faced three GOP challengers. California's results, however, may not be finalized for days in some cases because the state will count any mail ballots postmarked by Tuesday. Recognizing the high stakes, Trump sought to energize his supporters in a series of tweets praising his preferred California Republican candidates. "In High Tax, High Crime California, be sure to get out and vote for Republican John Cox for Governor. He will make a BIG difference!" Trump tweeted. Yet nightmare scenarios exist for both parties. Because of California's unusual primary system, Trump's party faces the embarrassing prospect of not qualifying any candidate for the governor's race or the U.S. Senate. Democrats, meanwhile, could be shut out of a handful of competitive House races because they ran too many primary candidates and diluted their vote. California tops a list of eight states with primary contests Tuesday from Montana to Mississippi and New Mexico to New Jersey. With the possibility of a Democratic wave on the horizon, the elections will test voter enthusiasm, candidate quality and Trump's influence as each party picks its nominees to face off in November. Francine Karuntzos, a 57-year-old retiree from Huntington Beach, California, said she has deep concerns about the Republican president particularly his recent declaration that he could pardon himself. She said she isn't a member of a political party, but she voted Democratic on Tuesday. "I'm really, really worried about our Constitution being ruined by this presidency," Karuntzos said after casting her ballot at a local community center. Across the country in Montclair, New Jersey, Lynnette Joy Baskinger, a psychotherapist, said she's fed up with the GOP. "I still consider myself an independent, but I just won't vote Republican because of what's going on," she said. It was a different story in Mississippi, where 66-year-old Gladys Cruz wasn't sure which Republican she would support in the state's Senate primary, but she wants whoever wins to firmly support Trump. The president "touches my heart," she said. California complications While several states had competitive primaries on Tuesday, none will be more consequential in the fight for congressional control than California, which features seven Republican seats in districts won by Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in 2016. No other state features more than three. Yet the state's unusual election laws complicate things for both sides. Under California's system, all candidates appear on a single primary ballot, with the top two vote-getters regardless of party advancing to the November election. That allows the possibility of two candidates from the same party qualifying. That's exactly what could happen in California's marquee races for Senate and governor, where Republicans fear the prospect of being left off the general election ballot altogether. In the race to succeed term-limited Democrat Jerry Brown, two Democrats, Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, are leading the pack. For the GOP, the Trump-backed Cox, a business executive, has the best chance at earning a spot. It's also possible Republicans may not secure a nomination spot in the challenge against 84-year-old Senator Dianne Feinstein, who is expected to easily win first place in her primary. Second place is far less certain. On the other hand, Democrats could be shut out in a handful of House races, which would be a massive blow to the party's fight to claim the House majority this fall. The party must wrest at least 23 seats from Republican hands. National Democrats have spent more than $7 million trying to curb and repair the damage inflicted by Democrats attacking each other in districts opened by retiring Republican Representaives Ed Royce and Darrell Issa, and the district where Republican Dana Rohrabacher is facing challenges from the left and the right. That's money the Democrats would have preferred to spend promoting their candidates this fall. Trump also urged Republicans to support the party's congressional candidates, in light of Democrats' increased chances of taking the House, where GOP retirements have made such a changeover more likely in the past year. "Keep our country out of the hands of High Tax, High Crime Nancy Pelosi," Trump tweeted, referring to House Minority Leader Pelosi of San Francisco. Election drama There are other kinds of drama playing out in other parts of the country. In New Jersey, Menendez was expected to become the Democratic Party's nominee for a third term despite being tainted by a hung jury in his recent federal bribery trial. Republican businessman Bob Hugin claimed the Republican nomination Tuesday and will face Menendez this fall. Republicans hope to use Menendez's legal troubles to tar other Democrats in the state, including those fighting to defeat vulnerable GOP incumbents in suburban districts. In Montana, Republicans will pick a candidate to take on Democratic Senator Jon Tester, who is among the most vulnerable Democratic senators in the nation. The GOP struggled to recruit top-tier candidates, leaving the most likely nominees as state Auditor Matt Rosendale or retired Judge Russ Fagg. Democrats have aimed their most aggressive attacks at Rosendale, seizing on his background in Maryland and questions about his experience as a rancher. In Alabama, Republican Representative Martha Roby faced a difficult primary challenge after becoming the first to withdraw her endorsement of Trump in 2016. She made the decision after Trump was caught on video bragging about grabbing women's genitals. Roby's top challenger was the man she beat to win the seat in 2010, former Democratic Representative Bobby Bright, who switched parties to try to even the score. Governors' races will also take shape Tuesday in Alabama, Iowa, South Dakota and New Mexico, where Republicans in most cases were fighting to demonstrate their loyalty to Trump. Female candidates Women were trying to make history in a few states. Tuesday's contests featured one in South Dakota, where Representative Kristi Noem's bid to become the state GOP's first female nominee for governor opened the only House seat. In Iowa, 28-year-old Democratic state Representative Abby Finkenauer was trying to become the youngest woman to serve in Congress. And in New Mexico, former state Democratic Party Chairwoman Debra Haaland, a tribal member of Laguna Pueblo, was making a bid to become the first Native American woman in Congress. U.S. allies and partners will face very significant risks if they continue to do business with Iran, including the possibility of getting hit with sanctions from Washington. The U.S. Treasury Department warned Tuesday that Irans use of shell companies and illicit financing to fund malign activities continued unabated, even after it signed the landmark 2015 nuclear deal. U.S. officials said they expected Tehran to ramp up such activities. The Iranian regime will deceive your companies, undermine the integrity of your financial systems and put your institutions at risk of our powerful sanctions, all to fund terrorism, human rights abuses and terrorist groups like Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis, said Sigal Mandelker, undersecretary of the Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence. We continue to see Iran use deceptive tactics, including front and shell companies to exploit markets in numerous countries, Mandelker said during a speech at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based think tank. Do extra work to stop Iran She encouraged U.S. allies to harden their financial systems and encourage their companies to do extra work to make sure they are not inadvertently helping pay for what she called Irans nefarious activities across the Middle East. To our allies and partners around the world, we ask that you add your voices to ours in condemning Irans deceptive, exploitive and destructive practices, she said. Mandelker also warned the U.S. will apply unprecedented financial pressure against the Iranian government. Our powerful economic authorities will give the regime a clear choice: change its unacceptable support for terrorism, destabilizing activities and human rights abuses, or face economic calamity, she said. The impact of our sanctions will only grow more painful if the regime does not change course. End to 'horrible, one-sided deal' President Donald Trump last month announced the U.S. was withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear agreement between world powers and Iran, calling it a horrible, one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made. He also ordered U.S. agencies to reinstitute all nuclear sanctions against Tehran. But European countries have been hesitant to toss aside the deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), provided the Iranian government sticks to its provisions. European Union officials have also taken steps to protect small and midsize companies that have been doing business with Iran. Tentative plans to draw down the number of U.S. special operations commandos deployed in Africa are drawing mixed reactions from American military experts. The New York Times first reported the plan this week, saying the reduction could decrease the number of commandos on the continent from about 1,200 to 700 over the next three years. Although Pentagon officials have agreed on the general outlines of the reductions, final decisions havent been made, military officials told VOA. The proposal followed a Pentagon review of an incident last October in which four U.S. Green Berets were ambushed and killed while on patrol in Niger. Pentagon investigators found multiple failings, including inadequate training and oversight. The incident prompted calls from some in Congress to reduce the U.S. footprint in Africas Sahel region, one of the most volatile in the world. In a statement to VOA, Major Sheryll Klinkel, a Pentagon spokeswoman, said the U.S. was constantly assessing its allocation of forces around the globe and adjusting based on needs. The Joint Staff consistently reviews plans, operations and military investments across the globe to develop the best options that address the constantly evolving threat to U.S. national interests, she said. These periodic and holistic self-assessments of the U.S. military sustain our global military advantage and optimize the application of U.S. government resources. However, there has been no direction at this time to adjust force size in AFRICOM. Former Ambassador to Nigeria John Campbell, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, told VOA via Skype that military officials were concerned that special forces were overstretched. It would be quite logical to look at Africa as a place where reductions might be possible, he said, saying the gap could be filled by other military assets. I dont really see the extent to which a large Special Forces presence in Africa can be transformative, Campbell said. The purpose of Special Forces in Africa has been to train indigenous African militaries to improve the capability of African states essentially to manage their own security. I think that type of training can and should be provided, but it doesnt have to be provided by Special Forces. Opposition to cuts But others have questioned the timing and the reasoning for the decision. Donald Bolduc, former commander of Special Operations Command Africa, said the threats exemplified in the Niger attack proved that the U.S. needed to maintain its presence in the region. Anybody that knows me knows that I would disagree with any downsizing in Africa. We are probably too small there to begin with, Bolduc said. My reasoning for that is were in 28 different countries doing 96 different missions with 886 associated tasks. And we can barely keep our finger on the pulse and assist our partners in disrupting, degrading and neutralizing the violent extremist organizations as it is. Bolduc said the sparsely populated and harsh landscapes occupied by extremist groups are the quintessential special operations force environment, and only elite units can operate there to secure the region for nongovernmental organizations, the U.N. and local partners. Without the presence that we have there now, were just going to increase the effectiveness of the violent extremist organizations over time, and we are going to lose trust and credibility in this area and destabilize it even further, Bolduc said. The move comes at a time when China and Russia are increasing their military presence on the African continent. Last month, Beijing announced it would host an inaugural China-Africa forum on defense and security this summer, according to a report by Chinas state-run news agency Xinhua. On Sunday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on a visit to Rwanda that the two countries were deepening cooperation on air defense systems, part of a broader partnership, according to Xinhua. Crews in Colorado, New Mexico and California continue to fight wildfires as the National Interagency Fire Center warns that warmer and drier-than-normal conditions have put large portions of the Western United States at above-average risk for significant wildfires between now and September. A fire in Colorado, dubbed the "416 Fire," grew to more than 1,200 hectares early on Tuesday and was only 10 percent contained, fanned by strong winds near Durango, Colorado. The fire started on Friday and has already forced about 825 homes to be evacuated. On Tuesday, La Plata County issued evacuation orders for another 252 residences. In New Mexico, authorities lifted evacuation orders issued to the residents of Cimarron after showers helped quell part of the blaze. But more than 600 firefighters, using helicopters and bulldozers, continue to fight a separate fire in Ute Park, about 16 kilometers west of Cimarron. The National Weather Service has placed large sections of the Four Corners region of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah under an elevated fire risk. Meanwhile, crews were making progress against a small wildfire that prompted evacuations in Southern California. Two firefighters were injured in the fire that erupted late last week. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Meanwhile, officials said the largest wildfire in California's modern history is officially extinguished, more than six months after it started. The U.S. Forest Service says the Thomas fire, which started December 4, 2017, eventually burned 114,078 hectares. The fire destroyed more than 1,000 structures across Southern California and was responsible for devastating mudslides in Montecito that killed 17 people and destroyed dozens of homes. Click here to search our database for earlier earthquakes in the same area since 1900! Please wait while we search through millions of records.This can take up to 20-30 seconds. Based on its magnitude, the fault that was active during the quake ruptured along a surface of approx. 13 km(=5 sqare miles) as a first-order estimate. The length of the rupture zone thus was probably around 6 km (4 mi).Aftershocks typically occur during the days and weeks following the quake at or near the same fault, at distances of up to approx. two times the length of the rupture zone.The often broadly linear arrangement of aftershock epicenters encompasses the rupture zone of the main shock (check on the map below to verify). Contribute: Leave a comment if you find a particular report interesting or want to add to it. Flag as inappropriate. Mark as helpful or interesting. Send your own user report! User reports estimate the perceived ground shaking intensity according to the MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) scale Info: The more agencies report about the same quake and post similar data, the more confidence you can have in the data. It takes normally up to a few hours until earthquake parameters are calculated with near-optimum precision. If you felt this quake (or if you were near the epicenter),Other users would love to hear about it!although you were in the area,! Your contribution is valuable to earthquake science, seismic hazard analysis and mitigation efforts. You can use your device location or the map to indicate where you were during the earthquake. Thank you! Support us - Help us upgrade our services! Maintaining our website and our free apps does require, however, considerable time and resources. We're aiming to achieve uninterrupted service wherever an earthquake or volcano eruption unfolds, and your donations can make it happen! Every donation will be highly appreciated. Improved multilanguage support Tsunami alerts Faster responsiveness Earthquake archive from 1900 onwards Detailed quake stats Additional seismic data sources Download and Upgrade the Volcanoes & Earthquakes app to get one of the fastest seismic and volcano alerts online: Android | IOS to get one of the fastest seismic and volcano alerts online: We truly love working to bring you the latest volcano and earthquake data from around the world.We need financing to increase hard- and software capacity as well as support our editor team.If you find the information useful and would like to support our team in integrating further features, write great content, and in upgrading our soft- and hardware, please PayPal or Online credit card payment )., these features have been added recently: Stratovolcano 3,763 m / 12,346 ftGuatemala, 14.47N / -90.88W(4 out of 5)1581, 1585, 1586, 1587, 1614, 1617, 1620, 1623, 1629, 1679(?), 1685, 1686, 1689(?), 1699, 1702, 1705, 1706, 1709(?), 1710,1717,1730, 1732, 1737, 1751(?), 1765(?), 1773(?), 1799, 1826, 1829, 1850(?), 1852(?), 1855, 1856, 1857, 1860, 1861(?), 1867(?), 1880, 1896, 1932, 1944, 1949, 1953, 1955, 1957, 1962, 1963, 1966, 1967, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1987, 1999, 2002 - ongoingDominantly explosive, construction of lava domes and extrusion of viscous lava flows. In near constant activity, at least during the past centuries.(15-day study trip and expedition to Guatemala's volcanoes)(8-day volcano tour to Pacaya and Fuego, Guatemala) If you havn't done it yet,to get one of the fastest volcano news online: A strong eruptive phase (paroxysm) occurred at the volcano yesterday (Sun 3 June). Lasting for about 16-17 hours until the evening, it generated ash clouds reaching up to 10 km, which drifted into westerly directions for more than 40 km, lava flows descending on the flanks, heavy ash fall in nearby areas and secondary mud flows triggered by strong rainfall. ... More details slowly emerge about Sunday's deadly eruption, which now ranks as the largest of the volcano since 1974. The national disaster mitigation agency CONRED gave the official number of fatalities as 25 (as of yesterday) while from other sources it seems that clear there were far more, at least 60+, lives lost in this eruption. ... The special bulletin about the new pyroclastic flow on Fuego yesterday A total solar eclipse will occur on 14 Dec 2020 and pass over southern Chile and Argentina. Chile's most active volcano Villarrica is located exactly on the center line where the eclipse will be best to observe.We offer you the unique chance to combine the eclipse with a tour to one the world's most beautiful volcanic areas - the Lake District in Chile. A physically active tour to visit and climb some of Indonesia's most active and famous volcanoes: Papandayan and Galunggung in West Java, Merapi in Central Java, Kelud, Semeru, Bromo, the Tengger caldera, and Ijen in East Java. Gorely is a young and very active shield volcano in southern Kamchatka. It is one of Kamchatka's easiest volcanoes to climb and offers stunning views into vast craters and the surrounding landscape. Check which volcanoes are currently active (erupting). Our daily updated maps give a quick overview. Support us - Help us upgrade our services! Maintaining our website and our free apps does require, however, considerable time and resources. We're aiming to achieve uninterrupted service wherever an earthquake or volcano eruption unfolds, and your donations can make it happen! Every donation will be highly appreciated. Improved multilanguage support Tsunami alerts Faster responsiveness Earthquake archive from 1900 onwards Detailed quake stats Additional seismic data sources Download and Upgrade the Volcanoes & Earthquakes app to get one of the fastest seismic and volcano alerts online: Android | IOS to get one of the fastest seismic and volcano alerts online: We truly love working to bring you the latest volcano and earthquake data from around the world.We need financing to increase hard- and software capacity as well as support our editor team.If you find the information useful and would like to support our team in integrating further features, write great content, and in upgrading our soft- and hardware, please PayPal or Online credit card payment )., these features have been added recently: If you havn't done it yet,to get one of the fastest volcano news online: Satellite image of Langila volcano (image by Google Earth View) Langila volcano stratovolcano 1330 m / 4,363 ft New Britain, Papua New Guinea, -5.53S / 148.42E Current status: minor activity or eruption warning (3 out of 5) Langila volcano eruptions: 2009-2013, 2002-08, 1973-2000, 1971-72, 1970, 1969, 1967-68, 1964-66, 1962-63, 1960-61, 1958, 1956, 1955, 1954, 1942 (?), 1907, 1900, 1890, 1884, 1878 Typical eruption style: explosive Last nearby quakes Latest satellite images stratovolcano 1330 m / 4,363 ftNew Britain, Papua New Guinea, -5.53S / 148.42E(3 out of 5)2009-2013, 2002-08, 1973-2000, 1971-72, 1970, 1969, 1967-68, 1964-66, 1962-63, 1960-61, 1958, 1956, 1955, 1954, 1942 (?), 1907, 1900, 1890, 1884, 1878explosive Background Langila volcano, whose activity record goes back to the 19th century only, is one of the most active volcanoes of New Britain, Papua New Guinea. Langila's frequent activity consists typically of mild-to-moderate explosive eruptions, that are sometimes accompanied by lava flows. The volcano consists of four small overlapping cones on the lower eastern flank of the extinct Talawe volcano,- the highest volcano in NW New Britain. The rectangular, 2.5-km-long crater of Talawe has a large gap to the SE; the younger Langila volcano formed NE of Talawe's breached crater. Extensive lava flows have reached the sea from the N and NE flanks of the volcano. Since observations have begun, 3 summit craters have been active. The youngest and smallest of these, with a diameter of 150 m, was formed in 1960. NASA Earth Observatory Explosion of Langila volcano 1985 Ethiopia is a very diverse and beautiful country. Thanks to our numerous expeditions to Erta Ale and Dallol and beyond, we have an extensive collection of images showing the volcano's lava lake, the desert, the colorful hot springs of Dallol, the vast salt lakes, camel caravans and more. 6 June-31 July. The z2o Sara Zanin Gallery presents an exhibition of paintings, drawings and sculptural reliefs made by the British artist Gabriel Hartley at the beginning of 2018 during his residency at the British School at Rome. The works on display are themed around the idea of spoiling something, of purposefully pushing it to the point of ruin, celebrating the end result whose scarred surface holds scattered information, imagery that is both recognisable and abstract, and colours that advance and recede. The exhibition, which is supported by the British School at Rome, opens on Wednesday 6 June from 18.30-21.00. For full details see website. But the two-day meeting of the Group of Seven, which will bring together many of the worlds leading economies in a picturesque Canadian mountain town, has crystallized into a showdown over trade after Trumps recent insistence on new barriers that the other nations see as petty and insulting. Most of the other countries represented have a trade beef with Trump that is unlikely to be resolved at the summit and for each the standoff is one more sign that the United States is pulling back from traditional global leadership roles. The tension over how to pay for the legislation is part of a larger debate over private care for veterans. The Mission Act revamps a private-care program Congress approved in 2014 after a scandal over fudged patient wait lists for medical appointments. The new, bipartisan measure consolidates numerous private-care programs that were fragmented and inefficient and drew support from disparate veterans groups that often disagree. It also expands stipends for a popular program that pays family caregivers of veterans who served in Vietnam and later wars, for example, a priority for advocates. Thousands of U.S., British, Canadian and French troops launched a naval, air and land assault as dawn was breaking on June 6, 1944. The invasion weakened the Nazis hold on Western Europe after they had suffered a punishing defeat the year before in Stalingrad, Russia. So what does all this mean? Youre far more likely to take a long drive to your summer vacation destination, which may be off the beaten path. Youll take fewer days and are likely to check emails and receive phone calls while youre away. You may wait until the last minute to make these plans, and youll look for a way to save money. Now that you know the truth, you can find opportunities for which others might not look. Hayes St. S., 1100 block, 2:21 a.m. May 27. Two male perpetrators entered a back room of a business, and one of them hit a victim in the face with a firearm and demanded cash. The other perpetrator took cash and items and then both fled from the scene on foot. The victim did not require medical attention. Garvey called the no-confidence vote an opinion poll that followed some difficult conversations weve been having this spring. He said he foresaw a year ago that budget cuts would cause debate. There was naturally a degree of unhappiness, he said. I dont want to pretend this was an easy process. He said the views of the dissident faculty members are something we need to be sensitive to but added that professors had been given input on the plans through the Academic Senate, a body of administrators and faculty members. The secretary and the commission continue to look at all issues the president asked the committee to study and are focused on making recommendations that the agencies, states and local communities can implement, Hill said. Its important to note that the commission cannot create or amend current gun laws that is the Congresss job. At a budget hearing last month before the D.C. Councils Education Committee, Michael Gaal, the school systems deputy chancellor in charge of systemic improvement, told council members that more than 50 of the Districts 115 schools have classroom doors that cant be locked. And despite repeated requests by some schools to have working locks installed in their classrooms, the citys Department of General Services has not made those fixes. Gaal told the committee the work would cost $15 million. After investigating, police said they determined that the 11-year-old, who was not a student at the school, had made the threat. They said he was charged with one count of disrupting school activities and one count of making a threat of mass violence. In office, Trump has tried to ban transgender people from the military. His administration sided with a Colorado baker the Supreme Court ruled in favor of this week after he refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple. And for the second year in a row, Trumps Twitter stream has so far omitted any acknowledgment of June as Pride Month. Jealous wants Maryland to require a $15 minimum wage and become the first state in the country to adopt its own single-payer health-care system. As governor, he says, he would aim to reduce the prison population by 30 percent, raise the cigarette tax and increase income taxes by 1 percent on the top 1 percent of earners to help pay for several programs that would allow students to go to public colleges and universities free. Muse has a dedicated core of supporters, many of whom turn out to forums in shirts with his name on them. He has endorsements from unions representing volunteer firefighters, school principals and administrators, and local Teamsters, whose leaders said the state senator was instrumental in preventing the closure of two Safeway distribution plants in the county in 2016 that would have meant the loss of 700 warehouse jobs. Slight majorities of residents also approve of Hogans performance on taxes and transportation. He has opposed tax increases his signature issue and came around to support construction of the light-rail Purple Line in the Washington suburbs after opposing the project in his 2014 campaign. He and the Democratic-majority state legislature also brokered an agreement to allocate $167 million in additional funds each year to improve the Metro rail and bus system, which the poll finds 71 percent of registered voters support. Confederate troops came through Frederick twice: once in September 1862 during Robert E. Lees first invasion of the North and again on July 9, 1864, on their way to the Battle of Monocacy. While Frederick residents may have been supportive of the troops early in the war Maryland was full of Southern sympathizers by 1864 many were tired of the conflict, especially since the Confederates had informed Fredericks banks that the town would be torched unless they forked over $200,000 in ransom. State police said the vehicle was driven east on Route 460, and then north on Interstate 95. The distance over that route is about 60 miles. The vehicles maximum speed during the trip was about 40 mph, the police said. Todays Headlines The most important news stories of the day, curated by Post editors and delivered every morning. Email address By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy In 1967, there were about 220,000 U.S. residents behind bars, most of them white. Today, there are about 1.5 million, a disproportionate number of them black. African Americans make up 12 percent of the U.S. population but account for 33 percent of those locked behind bars, according to Justice Department figures. Whites make up 64 percent of the population but only 30 percent of prisoners. The emails, made public this week in response to a public-records request by neighborhood residents, show that Alexandria officials knew early last summer that the planned station could lose its south entrance, closest to hundreds of existing residences. The public learned of the change last month. That delay, as well as the loss of the entrance, has enraged residents, many of whom were counting on easy access to the transit station. The city was in far better shape when he left office, but that legacy was a difficult one for Villaraigosa to present during the campaign, which came at a time of budget surpluses in Sacramento and a thriving state economy. Barreto said Villaraigosa would have needed to win 70 percent of Latino votes cast to finish second in the primary and fell far short of that figure. Ricardo Zuniga, a FEMA spokesman, said the territory asked in May to begin drawing down the $186 million for the STEP program also known in the Virgin Islands as the Emergency Home Repairs Program but FEMAs Office of Legal Affairs raised concerns about some costs. Zuniga said the agency will authorize the release of the funds only after receiving appropriate documentation of the projects scope and costs. Announcing the results of an initial examination, the military said that a small number of bullets were fired during the incident, and that no shots were deliberately or directly aimed toward her. It said that the investigation was ongoing and that the results would be passed to the military advocate general. Fortunately, in our dynamic free enterprise system, Googles competitors will not hesitate to jump in to fill the vacuum it has left. President Trump spends a lot of time berating Amazon, but the company runs a giant data cloud for the CIA that allows the intelligence community to share top secret information and, along with Microsoft and other tech companies, is pursuing contracts to build the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure Cloud (JEDI), potentially the largest IT procurement project in history. (Jeffrey P. Bezos, the founder and chief executive of Amazon, also owns The Washington Post.) The New York Times reports that Google is widely expected to compete with other tech giants for a piece of that $10 billion business. But according to Pentagon officials, the purpose of JEDI is to increase lethality and readiness of the military. If it does not want to be in the business of war, perhaps that contract should be off the table as well. So far, the fact that only a single staff member is publicly known to have been affected has allowed the Trump administration to play down the Guangzhou case. That may no longer be possible if more victims present themselves and Lenzi, for one, is not prepared to go away quietly. A former staff member on Sen. John McCains 2008 primary campaign, he is well- connected in Washington and says he has already been calling internally for the resignation of the U.S. ambassador to Beijing. He says the State Department restricted his access to the building where he normally worked after he began to speak up more forcefully about the treatment of his family, essentially neutralizing his capacity to continue his work at the consulate. Lenzi and his family were evacuated on Wednesday. Heres the good news: There is still time to do some simple, common-sense things to save the safety net. Just for one example: Why do we send retirement checks to Warren Buffett? When the system is running out of money, shouldnt we let the millionaires and billionaires provide for themselves, and conserve the money for those who really need it? There are plenty of other steps we could take, that wont hurt anyone now or soon to be in the system, or anyone ever who really needs the protection., But the big shots dont want you to know about them, because then theyd have to admit to the mess theyve made of our great Social Security system. The Supreme Courts ruling said that the outcome of cases like this in other circumstances must await further elaboration in the courts. Some interpret this to mean that the decision benefits only Phillips. That reads the ruling too narrowly. The court was deeply troubled by the fact that the state had punished cake artists who declined to celebrate same-sex marriage but had exonerated those who refused requests to criticize same-sex marriage. Most government officials presented with similar circumstances will interpret their nondiscrimination laws the same way; this means that many other artists who share Phillipss religious beliefs about marriage will benefit from the courts decision. Rosenberg is hopeful that the new therapy will be a key player in that fight: The development of this approach holds the best opportunities for finding effective immunotherapies for patients with the solid cancers that last year caused over 500,000 deaths in this country. And his lab, he says, is working around the clock to develop it further: identifying more tumor mutations to target, extracting more of the tumor-fighting cells from lab cultures. Then the biotech industry will need to figure out how to turn this into a standardized process that can be deployed outside of a research center. With the midterm elections approaching, the tariff issue is partly a numbers game. How many prospective voters will be helped by protectionist policies, and how many will be hurt? A study released last week by the Peterson Institute for International Economics argues that if Trump moved to the next stage in his trade war, and levied a 25 percent duty on imports of automobiles, trucks and SUVs, the United States could lose 195,000 total jobs and 1.5 percent of the output from its auto and parts industries. Another Peterson Institute study last month argued that because of global supply chains, Trumps tariffs could hurt American competitiveness and damage some industries. Pooling their money this way has increased their power. Last year, the network almost single-handedly killed a tax on imported goods, known as the border-adjustment tax, that House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) wanted to use to pay for cuts to corporate and individual tax rates. Then, Americans for Prosperity spent more than $20 million to help pass the version of the tax bill that the Kochs liked, one that brought the corporate rate down from 35 percent to 21 percent. Several former staffers of the Koch network now work in the Trump administration, including White House legislative liaison Marc Short, ensuring that the allied groups have a seat at the table. They are a group of 13 highly partisan Democrats that make up the Mueller team excluding him [who] are trying very, very hard to frame him, to get him in trouble when he hasnt done anything wrong, Giuliani said, according to a video of the event. This is about the future of Northeast Asia, not just about North Korea and Kim Jong Un is driving the bus, said Sheila Smith, a Japan expert at the Council on Foreign Relations. The interesting question is whether the other players will wake up to the fact that they need to get a better handle on the kind of Northeast Asia they want as they go into the conversation. We certainly dont. When we started, in the 10 states that went for Trump where we have Democratic incumbents, about six months ago, three of them we said were nicely ahead, Schumer said. Doesnt mean theyre foregone conclusions, but theyre no longer neck-and-neck races. And two months ago, we knocked off another three. So now there are only four of those left that are neck-and-neck. The Fake News Media has been so unfair, and vicious, to my wife and our great First Lady, Melania, Trump wrote on Twitter. During her recovery from surgery they reported everything from near death, to facelift, to left the W.H. (and me) for N.Y. or Virginia, to abuse. All Fake, she is doing really well! Trump, who was infuriated by the release of the information to the news media, called Sadler and other communications staffers into the Oval Office to ask who might have leaked Sadlers comments. He did not chastise Sadler for her remarks about McCain, White House aides said. At the meeting, Sadler accused Schlapp, her boss, of leaking the material, causing a rift between the two. Schlapp, who was in the room when Sadler made her comment, denied being the source of the leak. Ms. Johnson has accepted responsibility for her past behavior and has been a model prisoner over the past two decades, the White House said. While this Administration will always be very tough on crime, it believes that those who have paid their debt to society and worked hard to better themselves while in prison deserve a second chance. Only in Washington can someone who is the cause of the separation blame someone else, and only under the Trumpian world could that happen, Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) said Tuesday. The reality is, is that there is no law that requires that. It is purely a decision by the Trump administration. It is the Trump administration that is tearing families apart. At the end of the day, you can only lie so much. In a statement last week, Ellison suggested the Democratic Party should not be intervening in the primary process, saying: It is our role to be fair to all contestants and let the voters decide. After much squabbling, the intelligence panels top Democrat, Rep. Adam B. Schiff (Calif.), also attended the briefing about Halper. The Gang of Eight a group of lawmakers that includes the Republican and Democratic leadership in the House and Senate, as well as the top Republicans and Democrats on the Intelligence committees was given the same briefing later that afternoon. Ryan and Gowdy attended the first briefing with Nunes and Schiff. Now, there is a surge in the number of those passing through Morocco bound instead for Spain, with more than 8,250 arriving there by sea in the first five months of this year. That is nearly double the figure in the same period last year and close to 60 percent of the number reaching Italy so far this year, long a favored destination. An intelligence officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, described the Farah attack as a meticulously planned operation involving more than 2,800 fighters who traveled from as far as Helmand province and Pakistan. He declined to discuss the possible role of Iran but said that many local police officers had fled their posts and that if U.S. Special Operations forces did not remain in the area, the insurgents would strike again. Last year, a White House statement condemned the brutality of the North Korean regime after the death of Otto Warmbier, a 22-year-old University of Virginia student, just days after being returned to his home in Ohio in a coma following more than 17 months in North Korean custody. In April, Warmbiers parents filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging that the Kim regime violated international law by torturing and detaining their son, who was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for crimes against the state, for allegedly trying to take a propaganda poster from a Pyongyang hotel. Nix kept returning to Wylie in his testimony. After working at the company for only 10 months, alongside academic Aleksandr Kogan, who initially mined the personal Facebook data, Wylie went around America pitching his business, Nix said. My point is, you have an individual, claiming to be a whistleblower . . . who purports to be a protector of data sovereignty but who actually acquired a significantly larger data set than ours, and then went and tried to commercialize it in exactly the same way we did, and then spent the last two or three years getting bitter and jealous. Although the subcommittees Democratic minority sat in on many of the investigation meetings, which began in the summer of 2016, it did not sign on to the report. This was something that definitely was a Portman majority priority that we were just monitoring. He did this work, and he can release it, a minority staff member said. The staffer also spoke on the condition of anonymity, directing questions to the subcommittees ranking Democrat, Sen. Thomas R. Carper (Del.) Secondary sanctions, prohibiting U.S. entities from doing business with those in other countries who do business with Iran, were part of the pre-deal restrictions that were lifted with its implementation. Although they are not now in effect, the administration has indicated it is likely to reimpose them at some point before the end of this year. Pity the airlines: fuel prices are soaring, pilots are in short supply and political spats threaten global trade. And worse may be to come. With global passenger numbers forecast to almost double to 7.8 billion by 2036, runways, airports and even airspace could rapidly become too crowded to cope. In Asia, which will contribute more than half of the extra flyers, many terminals are already full to bursting. With the lack of runways hindering airlines' growth, airports may have to use their existing runways more efficiently. Credit:Alamy "Infrastructure is a bigger threat to the growth of airlines than the price of oil," Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said in a television interview on Tuesday. "There is today a capacity shortage of more than a billion passengers across the globe." At stake is the $US2.7 trillion ($3.4 trillion) that the International Air Transport Association estimates the industry contributes each year to the wider global economy, as well as the expansion plans of planemakers such as Airbus and Boeing and major airlines spanning British Airways to Dubai-based Emirates and Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways. A Sydney mother has been accused of repeatedly poisoning her young son and causing a near-fatal overdose had previously described him as "my world", vowing to "fight whatever we can, to let my little boy have a normal life". The 20-year-old was arrested on Wednesday, following an investigation by detectives from the State Crime Command's Child Abuse Squad that began in January after an 18-month-old boy arrived at the Sydney Children's Hospital suffering from a serious overdose. The toddler was found to have high levels of Tegretol in his system. Tegretol, which is mainly used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain, was not prescribed for the little boy at this stage. The Greenwich private equity firm L Catterton is investing $200 million in The Honest Co., the consumer brand created in 2012 by actor Jessica Alba selling a range of beauty, personal care and infant products. More for you Honest Company CEO Nick Vlahos Selling His Clean Calabasas Mansion With the new funding under CEO Nick Vlahos, the Los Angeles-based Honest Co. plans to launch 80 new products this year, while expanding the number of retail outlets carrying its lines. In late May, The Honest Co. announced a distribution deal with Douglas, which operates some 2,500 retail stores in Europe. A Stony Mountain inmate has received special permission to attend an awards gala where hell be a guest of honour. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/6/2018 (1226 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Stony Mountain inmate has received special permission to attend an awards gala where hell be a guest of honour. Shawn James Hartnell is serving a 32-month prison sentence for firearms offences, but he has big plans for his future plans that have led to him being recognized for his educational pursuits. Hes set to receive the John Howard Society of Manitobas second annual Learner Achievement Award at the societys fundraising gala June 7 and the Correctional Service of Canada has agreed to let him accept the award in person, with a guard as his escort. "He wants to put his past behind him, he wants to get his petroleum engineering degree and move forward in life, so it is quite unique. And to be honest, weve never had a student, per se, of that type of calibre," said Dave Schmidt, literacy co-ordinator at John Howard. They became acquainted when Hartnell, who was on bail, participated in the John Howard Societys former bail residency program and would spend about six hours a week studying with a literacy program volunteer. Before he was convicted on two counts of weapons trafficking for smuggling guns to undercover officers, Hartnell worked on oil rig sites around the world. When he was on bail awaiting his sentencing, he made it his mission to take all the prerequisite courses he would need to enroll in an engineering program upon his release from prison. "He had to take very, very advanced math calculus, chemistry and physics for his prerequisites. I couldnt believe it. He would get assignments that were in the neighbourhood of 40 to 50 pages long," Schmidt said, adding Hartnell never received a grade lower than 90 per cent on his assignments. Hartnell was allowed to continue working with the John Howard Society to finish his courses, provided through an adult education program in Ontario, before he was sentenced and sent to Stony Mountain in September 2017. The Correctional Service of Canada didnt make Hartnell available for an interview prior to press time, but correctional officials indicated they are supportive of him receiving the award. Schmidt described Hartnell as a "role model" to other men in the bail residency program. The program ended Dec. 1, 2017, after its provincial funding was cut. "Its not only being an inspiration to other guys that are currently incarcerated, but heres somebody that had the world by the tail, got involved with the wrong people... and heres somebody that is doing everything in his power to turn his life around and move on and try his best to put his past behind him," Schmidt said. "Whether theyve been involved with conflicts with the law or not, everybody has their struggles in life. And heres somebody that went from the top right to rock bottom and now hes slowly climbing his way back. If he can do it, with a little bit of will and determination and a positive attitude, anybody can, from any situation that brings them down." 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 awards gala is also a fundraiser for the John Howard Society and will be hosted by former longtime CBC broadcaster Peter Mansbridge. The event will also honour Chris Melnick, who is set to receive the Peter Gzowski Award for her work with the Share the Magic program, which donates books to the John Howard Society, to correctional centres in Manitoba and to school children. The program has given away more than 428,000 books so far. Thats important, Melnick said, because higher literacy rates are linked to lower recidivism rates. "If we can give a better start, then thats a better future for everybody," she said. katie.may@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @thatkatiemay OTTAWA For years, Wilfred Catcheway has asked officials to help with the mental toll borne by him and other families whose loved ones are among the murdered and missing. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/6/2018 (1227 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA For years, Wilfred Catcheway has asked officials to help with the mental toll borne by him and other families whose loved ones are among the murdered and missing. While it may only provide a small measure of solace for Catcheway now his daughter Jennifer disappeared a decade ago this month it appears the federal government has finally listened. On Tuesday, Ottawa opted to give a small extension to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and divert the commissioners funding request to support for families. "In my daughters case it's a little too late," said Wilfred, who lives in Portage la Prairie. "They dropped the ball on my daughter." Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett told reporters shed tried to reach a balance between families need for closure and commissioners demand to double their two-year mandate and $53-million budget. The Liberals have opted to instead prolong the inquiry by six months, ending next April, and put up almost $50 million for prevention and family support. "A lot of the families said to us they would rather the money went into the concrete actions," Bennett said. "They want justice. They want healing and they want us to do everything to make sure that not another family has to go through what they have been through." The dysfunctional inquiry has endured frequent turnover, unflattering leaks and bureaucratic bungling. Its been particularly embattled in the Prairies, after losing the only commissioner of the five who hailed from central Canada, and the only Metis. Some of the most intense criticism has come from Grand Chiefs Arlen Dumas of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and Sheila North of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. Both have said grieving Manitoba families suffered a traumatizing lack of information and mental-health support. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Wilfred Catcheway, father of Jennifer Catcheway. Jennifer disappeared a decade ago this month. The government says its trying to address those issues with a series of funds. Families and survivors will be able to tap into a $21.3-million support fund for counselling and culturally relevant aftercare, until June 2020. Theres an extra $5.42 million for grassroots groups and family-liaison units, which are meant to help relatives keep abreast of police investigations. Theres also a $10 million commemoration fund to let national and local groups implement events and possibly monuments over the next two years. Inquiry continues to face Manitoba criticism First Nations leaders in Manitoba have been among the most critical of the inquiry, saying one of its key problems is a lack of understanding why so many Manitobans have vanished. Grand Chiefs Arlen Dumas of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs withdrew support for an extension in April, in part over the commissioners refusal to establish a Manitoba working group. Grand Chief Sheila North of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak has said the top-heavy inquiry needs to learn from cases in the province, like the Winnipeg death of Tina Fontaine. click to read more First Nations leaders in Manitoba have been among the most critical of the inquiry, saying one of its key problems is a lack of understanding why so many Manitobans have vanished. Grand Chiefs Arlen Dumas of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs withdrew support for an extension in April, in part over the commissioners refusal to establish a Manitoba working group. Grand Chief Sheila North of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak has said the top-heavy inquiry needs to learn from cases in the province, like the Winnipeg death of Tina Fontaine. Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott said that Manitoba families told the pre-inquiry hearings that the provinces dysfunctional child-welfare system is completely tied into girls and women disappearing. Philpott noted the governments landmark summit on the issue in Ottawa this January, and the funding the Liberals put up both to bridge a discriminatory CFS funding gap (though only after repeated human-rights tribunal condemnations). She said Ottawa supports really remarkable work by groups like the AMC's family advocate office, which supports families so children arent apprehended. But Dumas questions whether commissioners are getting the message. He revealed in a news release Tuesday that the AMC unsuccessfully asked them to study the role of CFS. The commissioners wrote that such a move would mean taking time away from the existing hearing schedule. Dumas hopes the commissioners use their extra time to examine that issue. North wrote in a statement that it was "time to turn the page" on the "bungled" inquiry, hoping that the extra six months "make up for the late start to the hearings." Meanwhile, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett said her government gave a short extension because more than one province declined to support the call for more time. All provinces and territories have signed the inquiry's current terms, allowing commissioners to subpoena records from any police force until the end of 2018. Bennett said refused to reveal which provinces were reluctant to extend those powers. I will just say there was not a consensus in any way to extend the terms of reference, she said. The Pallister government said Tuesday that Manitoba gave no position to Ottawa on the matter. Meanwhile, Bennett claimed the inquiry has gotten past bureaucratic stumblings that led to slow rollout. Manitoba Sen. Marilou McPhedran had asked commissioners whether controlling bureaucrats in the Privy Council Office were hampering their ability to get work done, after reports that red tape had taken weeks for simple tasks, like getting a computer set up. Officials said Tuesday that since November, a committee has been meeting weekly with the inquiry to keep things on track. Were well on our way to having resolved that, Bennett said. Close Those supports are intended for families just like the Catcheways. Wilfred claims the RCMP told his wife Bernice that her daughter was probably a drunk, and to wait a week before reporting her missing. Thats not the girl he knew. "She was very friendly; she had her whole life ahead of her." The family says the Mounties have hardly been in touch, and claimed officers didnt bother to check for video footage along Highway 6, after learning shed vanished in Grand Rapids. "I don't believe for a second theyll find her," he said. "Somebody took her away from us, and somebody is responsible and whoever it is, is out walking around, everyday." Wilfred and Bernice testified at the inquiry last October in Winnipeg, a process that reopened old wounds, but one they hoped would drum up leads. Ottawa also announced $9.6 million over five years for the RCMPs investigative-standards unit, aimed at preventing botched investigations. Wilfred says he hopes that funding prevents future tragedies, but hed also like the inquiry to fund parents like him who are doing investigations they believe go deeper than existing police work.. The commissioners had instead asked for an Indigenous-led task force to review investigations that seem to have faltered. Many families want the inquiry to be able to re-open cold cases. In a statement, the commissioners expressed "profound disappointment" in Ottawas limited extension, calling it a "disservice" to grieving families and the 1,273 witnesses who have written in or appeared at hearings. A commissioner from Quebec said shed need a few weeks to decide whether shed continue with the job. STEVE LAMBERT / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Bernice Catcheway, right, carries a picture of her daughter, Jennifer Catcheway, into a hearing of the national inquiry into missing and murdered women in Winnipeg on Friday Oct. 20, 2017. Bennett said she expects that moving the inquiry's ending from November to next April will be enough time. "We want to make sure that everybody who wants to be heard will be heard," she said, adding that she was dismayed by attacks on the commissioners. "I feel sad that the criticism has been personal and that they're already doing a tough job." The women's wing of the Metis National Council praised Ottawas focus on supporting and commemorating families. "We believe in many, many ways that this is a good-news announcement," said Melanie Omeniho, head of Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak. In March, the group started designing a process to gather testimony from Metis families, after the inquiry seemed to forget them. For example, at Marchs hearings in Thompson, not a single Metis family was present, despite numerous Metis settlements in northern Manitoba. Omeniho said after multiple meetings, theyre hearing the extension "should engage ways to fill the gaps of the Metis in the inquiry." 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. At the Catcheway house in Portage, theyre focusing on honouring their daughter. "We just want to bring her home, and give a proper burial," he said. "She's not a dog to be buried out there some place. Or she could be underwater. All this stuff crosses your mind." On June 23, the family is holding a barbecue in their Portage backyard, just days after Jennifers 28th birthday. They were planning one just before she disappeared, on the eve of her 18th birthday in 2008. Its a fundraiser, but theyve also invited politicians and chiefs, in the hopes of drumming up publicity. At 10 p.m., Wilfred will set off fireworks, a somber take on whats normally a happy celebration ritual. "Maybe that's what it takes for people to listen," he said. "Jennifer will never be forgotten. My wife and I will bring her home." dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca Winnipeg's first Indigenous Accord report outlines significant commitments, goals and progress over the last year on the city's road of reconciliation. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/6/2018 (1226 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Winnipeg's first Indigenous Accord report outlines significant commitments, goals and progress over the last year on the city's road of reconciliation. Mayor Brian Bowman presented the document to his executive policy committee Wednesday morning at city hall. "This report highlights some incredibly positive, tangible development for our city," he said, before launching into a list of accomplishments from dozens of local organizations, schools, businesses, social and health-related agencies, and arts and heritage groups. The 20-page report's focus was on the long-term. "Winnipegs Indigenous Accord is a living document, not a single-time event, but an ongoing responsibility accepted by the signatories," says a report post on the City of Winnipeg website. In March 2017, city council unanimously adopted Winnipeg's Indigenous Accord -- a program that invited organizations and residents to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions 94 calls to action. Three months later, more than 80 organizations had signed on at its public launch; 29 more have since joined the list, the report states. The signatories report is a separate 94-page document, also posted on the citys website. Seventy-nine groups reported back progress on some 61 of the 94 calls to action. That included eight from city departments and four from members of council: Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan), Jenny Gerbasi (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry), Brian Mayes (St. Vital) and Mike Pagtakhan (Point Douglas). "I want to reiterate my appreciation for the number of organizations that have been taking steps to implement the calls to action (from the) Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This will be an ongoing effort," Bowman said Wednesday. "This is, as I've often stated, I think the single greatest challenge of our generation of Canadians is how communities respond to the calls to actions in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission." According to the reports, more than 1,600 employees from accord organizations took part in the first year of its existence, and continue to take part in training and education programs to broaden awareness (calls to action Nos. 57 and 92). More than 5,000 City of Winnipeg employees took similar training. More than 60 per cent of accord partners have incorporated the practice of acknowledging Winnipeg falls within Treaty 1 territory and the heart of the Metis homeland in greetings and announcements. More than 180 separate policies and practices were amended or adopted by 32 accord partners which recognize Indigenous rights, priorities and improve Indigenous access and inclusion, the reports say. More than 670 school students are taking Ojibwe and Cree language classes, and the Winnipeg School Division is adding Grade 2 to its Ojibwe and Cree courses at Isaac Brock School in 2018-19, partly in response to parents' calls. "I am very proud of Winnipeg School Division's achievements and, in particular, our staff. The community from all over the city has come to support Isaac Brock and their efforts to teach Cree and Ojibwe," WSD chairwoman Sherri Rollins said Wednesday. "While the board of trustees ensures we committed to that work and more within our strategic plan, the Winnipeg Indigenous Accord and the mutual process of goal setting we commit to within it, has the power to transform the city, the province, the country for the better." Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. In total, more than 42,000 students from five school divisions are learning about residential schools, treaties, Indigenous history and contemporary contributions to Canada, the reports say. Responses ranged from lengthy to succinct, and most accord signatories plotted out their goals one by one, linking them to specific calls to action and reporting on their progress. Some were local, such as a school division which broadened its curriculum to include field trips to pick wild Indigenous medicine. Others had an international reach: the St. Andrew's Society of Winnipeg worked with First Nations to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Peguis-Selkirk Treaty, flying the current Lord Selkirk to Manitoba from the United Kingdom last summer for the event. -- with files from Aldo Santin alexandra.paul@freepress.mb.ca Despite their perpetual bleating that there is no more money, governments always seem to find the money they need to buy whatever they want. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/6/2018 (1226 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion Despite their perpetual bleating that "there is no more money," governments always seem to find the money they need to buy whatever they want. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered spectacular evidence of this, finding $4.5 billion in his sock drawer to purchase the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline, present and future. ANDREW RYAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files Protesters gather outside Natural Resources Minister Jim Carrs office Monday after the Liberal governments recent purchase of the Kinder Morgan pipeline. Jim Carr is now not just Minister of Pipelines, but owner, operator and CEO, as well. The addiction continues. Canada will not only deserve Fossil of the Year awards at future climate conferences, but risk being kicked off the guest list entirely for its national hypocrisy. So much for "sunny ways," optimism and visionary environmental leadership. Trudeau has just provided 4.5 billion reasons for you not to vote Liberal in the next federal election, if you have any thought for your children and grandchildrens future. To be clear, the Conservatives are no better. While Andrew Scheer is laughing all the way to the pollsters office today, the Kinder Morgan scene was set by the Harper government, which repeatedly made the worst environmental management decisions in Canadian history, across all sectors. Scheers leadership offers a smiley version of the same serial disasters. As for the New Democratic Party, they are still straddling the picket fence a painful position, with British Columbia Premier John Horgan on the one side and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley on the other. National NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has been conspicuously absent all along, making it hard to evaluate his leadership when none has been apparent. Only the Green partys Elizabeth May has demonstrated concern for something beyond the needs of the fossil-fuel industry. After receiving a hefty fine for her public support of the protest, she spoke to following higher moral principles than those expressed in the law an unusual position for a politician to take. So, that $4.5 billion plus another $7 billion for construction, it seems will be another bad investment in a future no thinking person wants to happen. There will be jobs, but the main employment opportunities will be cleaning up the inevitable spills. Given the fact those spills will happen in B.C., there wont be many extra jobs for Albertans, despite Notleys flailing efforts to engineer her re-election with a variety of pipe dreams. Her threats against B.C. are as desperate and absurd as they sound, moreover. Land-locked provinces should not threaten trade wars against the provinces with ports, rail lines and highways and Horgan has shown restraint by not escalating the situation, despite holding the stronger hand. Given their apparent desperation, since re-election trumps common sense among Albertas NDP (or concern for the planets future), they might take a lesson from other developing economies in the global South equally dependent upon natural resources. Some countries are paid not to cut down their rainforests, paid to preserve wetlands, paid to preserve habitat, wildlife and so on. Perhaps Alberta should ask the rest of the world for money not to dig up the tar sands, which alone are big enough to push the planet over any survivable carbon limit if the rest are developed. I remember in the 1970s when prairie farmers in Saskatchewan were paid not to grow wheat. Perhaps it is time to pay Albertans not to produce bitumen. Still, I wish I had the prime ministers sock drawer. Perhaps there might be more money in it for the host of infrastructure, health care, education and development needs that have been sidelined until now. But I expect the drawer is empty again, just like the promises that were made about truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, environmental protection and whatever else sounded good during election season. 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. This decision satisfies no one except Kinder Morgan shareholders. The protests and blockades will continue, as will the legal challenges. The economics of this pipeline will never make sense and the environmental devastation of its construction and use will be forever. The Trudeau government, however, bought the Trans Mountain pipeline for the same price it would otherwise have had to pay Kinder Morgan for damages had the project been cancelled (under the same NAFTA rules that just awarded Bilcon millions of dollars in damages for having its Digby Neck quarry in Nova Scotia denied as an ecological menace). Perhaps it now can snatch disaster from the jaws of catastrophe and just shut the whole thing down and put the other $7 billion needed for constructing the Pipeline-to-Nowhere back into Trudeaus sock drawer for something else. On top of the wish lists that other people have made for the federal government, that same money could subsidize a carbon-free future for future generations of Canada, instead of buying more obsolete technologies of mass destruction. Activist and author Peter Denton teaches the history of technology at the University of Winnipeg. When leaders of the worlds seven most advanced economies meet in Charlevoix, Que., on June 8 and 9, the top-line agenda item will be preparing for the jobs of the future. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/6/2018 (1226 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion When leaders of the worlds seven most advanced economies meet in Charlevoix, Que., on June 8 and 9, the top-line agenda item will be preparing for the jobs of the future. What exactly does this agenda item mean for Canadas workers, students and employers? The proliferation of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced robotics, are changing the face of work. Some jobs will be fully automated. Others will require humans to work alongside emerging technologies, leveraging the best of what machines are good at routine tasks and analytics against what humans are best at critical thinking and creativity. The structure of the labour market also is shifting. Gone are the days of gold-watch careers, where individuals stick to the same employer for 50-plus years. Todays digitally-enabled economy allows jobs to be tasked-out, across cities, provinces and countries, and encourages temporary contracts that come largely without benefits. Geographically diffuse, short-term and with little social protections, the "gig economy" has changed the employer-employee relationship fundamentally. The implications of these shifts are massive, and as a society, we need to be ready to respond. So how do we prepare? We need to focus on skills above all else, we need innovation in credentials and we need to bring educators and students closer to employers. Its often hard to match an emerging talent need to a specific credential but breaking the need into specific skills can broaden the landscape and make a match easier to find. To succeed in an innovation economy, we need to also nurture a skills economy and develop a common and shared vocabulary about the skills that are in demand. British Columbia has revamped its K-12 education system to focus on applied learning and career readiness and at the post-secondary level, institutions such as Kwantlen Polytechnic University are experimenting with an admissions process that measures competencies instead of grades. Shifting our focus to skills requires buy-in from educators and employers alike. On credentials, we need to better align the supply side of the labour market with a rapidly pivoting demand side. Placing an emphasis on completing credentials in a timely fashion is essential. For many, the goal of education is employment, and to ensure skills gained while in education are immediately relevant to the labour market, speed of delivery is essential. Canadas polytechnics and colleges offer an array of industry-aligned, short-term credentials that range from one-year certificates to three-year advanced diplomas. We also need to be innovative in how credentials are designed and delivered. For example, a key trait we should be aiming for is "stackability" open-ended credentials that allow learners to earn credit continuously and "stack" their accumulated knowledge. These open-ended credentials promote the lifelong learning and continuous skills enhancement that are so necessary to stay competitive in todays labour market. Finally, theres no better way to ensure that young people are ready to hit the ground running in the job market than by having some experience in it already. Through work-integrated learning, applied research, or capstone projects, polytechnics and colleges provide an opportunity for students to get hands-on experience in real-world work environments, and ultimately, build the skills they will need to succeed in it. 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. Bringing students, post-secondary institutions and employers together has benefits on so many fronts students obtain experience, while industry not only gains access to top talent, but also access to top-of-the-line research capability at these institutions. For example, new technologies and techniques are changing the ways video games, television and film are being made. To keep on top of these shifts, Ontario-based Sheridan College has partnered with SPINVFX, a global leader in visual effects production, to create the Screen Industries Research and Training Centre (SIRT). SIRT supports and fosters innovation in production and post-production for the film, television and gaming sectors. SpinVFX has also created an internship program known as "Spinternships" where students and recent graduates are matched with mentors, provided training and given opportunities to familiarize themselves with the many different aspects of the film industry. When leaders converge on Charlevoix, lets show the G7 that if theres one pipeline we can agree on, its the talent pipeline. Nobina Robinson is the chief executive officer of Polytechnics Canada, a national association representing the leading polytechnics and colleges in Canada. Daniel Komesch is senior policy analyst with Polytechnics Canada. Ottawa legislation will soon let LGBTTQ* Canadians apply to wipe clean their criminal record of engaging in consensual same-sex acts when they were illegal. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/6/2018 (1227 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Ottawa legislation will soon let LGBTTQ* Canadians apply to wipe clean their criminal record of engaging in consensual same-sex acts when they were illegal. The Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act is commendable and overdue. It would also be commendable if Ottawa extended such forgiving grace to Canadians convicted of possessing marijuana. The historic demonization of same-sex relationships and cannabis no longer reflect our modern understanding. With homosexual acts decriminalized in Canada in 1969, and with marijuana use expected to be legal in Canada by early autumn, this country's values have moved to a more enlightened understanding on these matters. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's understanding of the unfairness of marijuana convictions is not reflected in the the Cannabis Act currently up for a vote in the Senate. The bill doesn't mention past marijuana convictions. (Justin Tang / The Canadian Press) This change in the legal status of marijuana brings an important question: what happens to people who have criminal records for possession when the plant becomes legal to possess? Estimates of the number of Canadians fettered by convictions for marijuana possession range from half a million to a million. These people can pay a heavy price for an indiscretion that was often committed in their youth. Even after being labelled marijuana convicts, most have gone on to be law-abiding citizens with jobs, families and positive contributions to the community. But they continue to be dogged by the many handicaps of a criminal conviction. Crossing borders into other countries, including the U.S., is more difficult. Also, many careers are all but closed to people with criminal convictions, including finance, child care, health care, government, teaching and law enforcement. Canadians convicted of possessing marijuana should have their criminal records wiped clean. (Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press Files) The prime minister seems to get it. When Justin Trudeau was asked at a town hall in April 2017 what he would say to someone charged with pot possession, he replied with a personal story. When his late brother Michel was involved in a traffic accident, police at the scene found two joints in the wreckage and charged Michel with pot possession. Want more great journalism? Get our best news and features delivered in your inbox every weekday evening. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. "When he got back home to Montreal, my dad said, 'OK, don't worry about it.' He reached out to his friends in the legal community, got the best possible lawyer we were confident that my little brother wasn't going to be saddled with a criminal record for life." The PM went on to say its unacceptable people without similar connections or money are treated unfairly when "Canada is supposed to be fair for everybody." Unfortunately, Mr. Trudeaus understanding of the unfairness of marijuana convictions is not reflected in the the Cannabis Act that is currently up for a crucial vote in the Senate, the last step of the legislative process. The bill doesn't mention past marijuana convictions. Allowing convictions to be expunged is not as easy as waving a magic wand. Drug possession records are stored at three levels of government and policing, without a unified data base. Some marijuana-possession convictions are included in a package of related charges, or listed under other sections such as "possession of a narcotic." But Canada can learn from other jurisdictions. At least nine American states, including Colorado, Maryland and Oregon, have made it easier to have some marijuana charges sealed or thrown out completely. Unfortunately, to Canada's shame, the decision to allow erasure of convictions for homosexual acts comes five decades after such acts were decriminalized. Some of the 9,000 LGBTTQ* people saddled with such convictions died before they could see their country finally remove their designations as criminals. People convicted of marijuana possession shouldn't have to wait so long. After legalization, Ottawa should move promptly to free these citizens from the shackles of convictions. When it's no longer a crime, they should no longer be criminals. 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 The following companies are subsidiares of American Tower: 10 Presidential Way Associates LLC, 3267351 Nova Scotia Company, 3286208 Nova Scotia Company, 3298099 Nova Scotia Company, 52 Eighty LLC, 52 Eighty Partners LLC, 52 Eighty Tower Partners I LLC, ACC Tower Sub LLC, AT Kenya C.V., AT Netherlands C.V., AT Netherlands Cooperatief U.A., AT Sao Paulo C.V., AT Sher Netherlands Cooperatief U.A., AT South America C.V., ATC Africa Holding B.V., ATC Africa Shared Services (Pty) Ltd, ATC Antennas Holding LLC, ATC Antennas LLC, ATC Argentina C.V., ATC Argentina Cooperatief U.A., ATC Argentina Holding LLC, ATC Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., ATC Atlantic C.V., ATC Atlantic II B.V., ATC Atlantic III B.V., ATC Backhaul LLC, ATC Brasil Servicos de Conectividades Ltda., ATC Brazil Holding LLC, ATC Brazil I LLC, ATC Brazil II LLC, ATC Burkina Faso S.A., ATC CSR Foundation India, ATC Chile Holding LLC, ATC Colombia B.V., ATC Colombia Holding I LLC, ATC Colombia Holding LLC, ATC Colombia I LLC, ATC EH GmbH & Co. KG, ATC Ecuador Holding LLC, ATC Edge LLC, ATC Ethiopia Infrastructure Development Private Limited Company, ATC Europe B.V., ATC Europe LLC, ATC European Holdings Inc., ATC Fibra de Colombia S.A.S., ATC France Cooperatief U.A., ATC France Holding II SAS, ATC France Holding SAS, ATC France Reseaux SAS, ATC France SAS, ATC France Services SAS, ATC GP GmbH, ATC Germany Holdings GmbH, ATC Germany Services GmbH, ATC Ghana ServiceCo Limited, ATC Global Employment B.V., ATC Heston B.V., ATC Holding Fibra Mexico S. de R.L. DE C.V., ATC IP LLC, ATC India Infrastructure Private Limited, ATC Indoor DAS Holding LLC, ATC Indoor DAS LLC, ATC International Cooperatief U.A., ATC International Financing B.V., ATC International Financing II B.V., ATC International Financing II Holding LLC, ATC International Holding Corp., ATC Iris I LLC, ATC Kenya Operations Limited, ATC Kenya Services Limited, ATC Latin America S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R., ATC MIP III REIT Iron Holdings LLC, ATC Managed Sites Holding LLC, ATC Managed Sites LLC, ATC MexHold LLC, ATC Mexico Holding LLC, ATC Niger Wireless Infrastructure S.A., ATC Nigeria C.V., ATC Nigeria Cooperatief U.A., ATC Nigeria Holding LLC, ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited, ATC On Air + LLC, ATC Operations LLC, ATC Outdoor DAS LLC, ATC Paraguay Holding LLC, ATC Paraguay S.R.L., ATC Peru Holding LLC, ATC Polska sp. z o.o., ATC Ponderosa B-I LLC, ATC Ponderosa B-II LLC, ATC Ponderosa K LLC, ATC Ponderosa K-R LLC, ATC Sequoia LLC, ATC Sitios Infraco S.A.S., ATC Sitios de Chile S.A., ATC Sitios de Colombia S.A.S., ATC Sitios del Peru S.R.L., ATC South Africa Investment Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, ATC South Africa Services Pty Ltd, ATC South Africa Wireless Infrastructure (Pty) Ltd, ATC South Africa Wireless Infrastructure II (Pty) Ltd, ATC South America Holding LLC, ATC South LLC, ATC Spain LLC, ATC TRS I LLC, ATC TRS II LLC, ATC TRS III LLC, ATC TRS IV LLC, ATC Tanzania Holding LLC, ATC Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited, ATC Tower (Ghana) Limited, ATC Tower Services LLC, ATC Uganda Limited, ATC Uganda ServiceCo (SMC) Limited, ATC Watertown LLC, ATC WiFi LLC, ATS-Needham LLC, ActiveX Telebroadband Services Private Limited, Adquisiciones y Proyectos Inalambricos S. de R. L. de C.V., Agile Airband Ohio LLC, Agile Connect LLC, Agile IWG Holdings LLC, Agile Network Builders LLC, Agile Networks Indiana LLC, Agile Networks Site Development LLC, Agile Towers LLC, Alternative Networking LLC, American Tower Asset Sub II LLC, American Tower Asset Sub LLC, American Tower Charitable Foundation Inc., American Tower Delaware Corporation, American Tower Depositor Sub LLC, American Tower Guarantor Sub LLC, American Tower Holding Sub II LLC, American Tower Holding Sub LLC, American Tower International Holding I LLC, American Tower International Holding II LLC, American Tower International Inc., American Tower Investments LLC, American Tower LLC, American Tower Management LLC, American Tower Mauritius, American Tower Servicios Fibra S. de R.L. de C.V., American Tower Tanzania Operations Limited, American Tower do Brasil - Cessao de Infraestruturas Ltda., American Tower do Brasil Communicacao Multimidia Ltda., American Towers LLC, BR Towers, Blue Sky Towers Pty Ltd, Blue Transfer Sociedad Anonima, Broadcast Towers LLC, CNC2 Associates LLC, California Tower Inc., Cell Site NewCo II LLC, Cell Tower Lease Acquisition LLC, Central States Tower Holdings LLC, Colo ATL LLC, Colo Atl, Communications Properties Inc., Comunicaciones y Consumos S.A., Connectivity Infrastructure Services Limited, DCS Tower Sub LLC, Eaton, Eaton Towers (Lilongwe) Limited, Eaton Towers Ghana (M) Limited, Eaton Towers Ghana Limited, Eaton Towers Holdings Limited, Eaton Towers Kenya Limited, Eaton Towers Limited, Eaton Towers Niger S.A., Eaton Towers Uganda Limited, Essar Telecom Infrastructure, Eure-et-Loir Reseaux Mobiles SAS, GTP Acquisition Partners I LLC, GTP Acquisition Partners II LLC, GTP Acquisition Partners III LLC, GTP Costa Rica Finance LLC, GTP Infrastructure I LLC, GTP Infrastructure II LLC, GTP Infrastructure III LLC, GTP Investments LLC, GTP LATAM Holdings B.V., GTP LatAm Holdings Cooperatieve U.A., GTP Operations CR S.R.L., GTP South Acquisitions II LLC, GTP Structures I LLC, GTP Structures II LLC, GTP TRS I LLC, GTP Torres CR S.R.L., GTP Towers I LLC, GTP Towers II LLC, GTP Towers III LLC, GTP Towers IV LLC, GTP Towers IX LLC, GTP Towers V LLC, GTP Towers VII LLC, GTP Towers VIII LLC, GTPI HoldCo LLC, Ghana Tower InterCo B.V., Global Tower Assets III LLC, Global Tower Assets LLC, Global Tower Holdings LLC, Global Tower LLC, Global Tower Partners, Global Tower Services LLC, Gondola Tower Holdings LLC, Grain HoldCo LLC, Grain HoldCo Parent LLC, GrainComm I LLC, GrainComm II LLC, GrainComm III LLC, GrainComm LLC, GrainComm Marketing LLC, GrainComm V LLC, Haysville Towers LLC, IW Equipment LLC, IWD Equipment LLC, IWG Holdings LLC, IWG II Holdings LLC, IWG II LLC, IWG Miami LLC, IWG Towers Assets I LLC, IWG Towers Assets II LLC, IWG-TLA Australia Pty Ltd., IWG-TLA Canada Corp., IWG-TLA Encanto 1 LLC, IWG-TLA Encanto 2 LLC, IWG-TLA Encanto 3 LLC, IWG-TLA Encanto LLC, IWG-TLA Holdings LLC, IWG-TLA Media 2 LLC, IWG-TLA Media LLC, IWG-TLA Telecom LLC, IWL-TLA Telecom 2 LLC, Idaho Tower Company LLC, InSite (BCEC) LLC, InSite (MBTA) LLC, InSite Borrower LLC, InSite Co-Issuer Corp., InSite Guarantor LLC, InSite Hawaii LLC, InSite Issuer LLC, InSite Licensing LLC, InSite Towers Development 2 LLC, InSite Towers Development LLC, InSite Towers International 2 LLC, InSite Towers International Development LLC, InSite Towers International LLC, InSite Towers LLC, InSite Towers of Puerto Rico LLC, InSite Wireless Development LLC, InSite Wireless Group, InSite Wireless Group LLC, Insite Wireless LLC, Invisible IWG Holdings LLC, Invisible Towers LLC, JT Communications LLC, LAP Inmobiliaria Limitada, LAP Inmobiliaria S.R.L., LL B Sheet 1 LLC, Lap do Brasil Empreendimentos Imobiliarios Ltda, Lease Advisors-AU PTY LTD, Loxel SAS, MATC Digital S. de R.L. de C.V., MATC Infraestructura S. de R.L. de C.V., MATC Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., MC New Macland Properties LLC, MCSU Properties LLC, MHB Tower Rentals of America LLC, MIP III Iron Holdings LLC, MIP III U.S. Iron LLC, Microwave Inc., Municipal Bay LLC, Municipal-Bay Holdings LLC, New Towers LLC, PCS Structures Towers LLC, R-CAL I LLC, RSA Media Inc., Repeater Communications Group I LLC, Repeater Communications Group II LLC, Repeater Communications Group III LLC, Repeater Communications Group IV LLC, Repeater Communications Group LLC, Repeater Communications Group V LLC, Repeater Communications Group VI LLC, Repeater Communications Group of New York LLC, Repeater IWG Holdings LLC, Richland Towers LLC, Signum/IWG Tower Corp., Southeast Network Access Point LLC, SpectraSite Communications, SpectraSite Communications LLC, SpectraSite LLC, T8 Ulysses Site Management LLC, TLA PR-1 LLC, TLA PR-2 LLC, Telecom Lease Advisors Management 2 LLC, Tower Management Inc., Towers of America L.L.L.P., Transcend Infrastructure Holdings Pte. Ltd., Transcend Towers Infrastructure (Philippines) Inc., Turris Sites Development Corp., Turris Sites IWG Corp, Tysons II DAS LLC, UNIsite, Uganda Tower Interco B.V., Ulysses Asset Sub I LLC, Ulysses Asset Sub II LLC, UniSite LLC, UniSite/Omnipoint FL Tower Venture LLC, UniSite/Omnipoint NE Tower Venture LLC, UniSite/Omnipoint PA Tower Venture LLC, Vangard Wireless LLC, Verus Management One LLC, Viom Networks, and Virdi IWG Holdings LLC. The following companies are subsidiares of CVS Health: @Credentials Inc., ACS ACQCO CORP., ADMINCO Inc., AE Fourteen Incorporated, AHP Holdings Inc., AMC - Tennessee LLC, APS Acquisition LLC, ASCO HealthCare LLC, ASI Wings LLC, AUSHC Holdings Inc., Accendo Insurance Company, Accordant Health Services L.L.C., Active Health Management Inc., Administrative Enterprises Inc., AdvancePCS SpecialtyRx LLC, AdvanceRx.com L.L.C., Advanced Care Scripts Inc., Aetna, Aetna (Beijing) Enterprise Management Services Co. Ltd., Aetna (Shanghai) Enterprise Services Co. Ltd., Aetna ACO Holdings Inc., Aetna Asset Advisors LLC, Aetna Behavioral Health LLC, Aetna Better Health Inc., Aetna Better Health Inc., Aetna Better Health of California Inc., Aetna Better Health of Florida Inc., Aetna Better Health of Kansas Inc., Aetna Better Health of Michigan Inc., Aetna Better Health of Missouri LLC, Aetna Better Health of Nevada Inc., Aetna Better Health of North Carolina Inc., Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma Inc., Aetna Better Health of Texas Inc., Aetna Better Health of Washington Inc., Aetna Capital Management LLC, Aetna Card Solutions LLC, Aetna Corporate Services LLC, Aetna Dental Inc., Aetna Dental of California Inc., Aetna Financial Holdings LLC, Aetna Florida Inc., Aetna Global Benefits (Asia Pacific) Limited, Aetna Global Benefits (Bahamas) Limited, Aetna Global Benefits (Bermuda) Limited, Aetna Global Benefits (Europe) Limited, Aetna Global Benefits (Middle East) LLC, Aetna Global Benefits (Singapore) PTE. LTD., Aetna Global Benefits (UK) Limited, Aetna Global Benefits Limited (DIFC UAE), Aetna Global Holdings Limited, Aetna Health Holdings LLC, Aetna Health Inc., Aetna Health Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, Aetna Health Insurance Company, Aetna Health Insurance Company of Europe DAC, Aetna Health Management LLC, Aetna Health and Life Insurance Company, Aetna Health of California Inc., Aetna Health of Iowa Inc., Aetna Health of Michigan Inc., Aetna Health of Ohio Inc., Aetna Health of Utah Inc., Aetna HealthAssurance Pennsylvania Inc., Aetna Holdco (UK) Limited, Aetna Holdings (Thailand) Limited, Aetna Inc., Aetna Insurance (Hong Kong) Limite, Aetna Insurance (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Aetna Insurance Company Limited, Aetna Integrated Informatics Inc., Aetna International Inc., Aetna Ireland Inc., Aetna Korea Ltd., Aetna Life & Casualty (Bermuda) Ltd., Aetna Life Assignment Company, Aetna Life Insurance Company, Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC, Aetna Multi-Strategy 1099 Fund LLC, Aetna Network Services LLC, Aetna Partners Diversified Fund LLC, Aetna Pharmacy Management Services LLC, Aetna Resources LLC, Aetna Risk Assurance Company of Connecticut Inc., Aetna Rx Home Delivery LLC, Aetna Services (Thailand) Limited, Aetna Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Aetna Student Health Agency Inc., Aetna Ventures LLC, Aetna Workers Comp Access LLC, Alabama CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Alaska CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Allina Health and Aetna Insurance Company, Allina Health and Aetna Insurance Holding Company LLC, American Continental Insurance Company, American Drug Stores Delaware L.L.C., American Health Holding Inc., Arbor Drugs, Arizona CVS Stores L.L.C., Arkansas CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Badger Acquisition LLC, Badger Acquisition of Kentucky LLC, Badger Acquisition of Minnesota LLC, Badger Acquisition of Ohio LLC, Banner Health and Aetna Health Insurance Company, Banner Health and Aetna Health Insurance Holding Company LLC, Banner Health and Aetna Health Plan Inc., Beauty Holdings L.L.C., Best Care LTC Acquisition Company LLC, Busse CVS L.L.C., CCI Foreign S.a R.L. (R.C.S. Luxembourg), CCRx Holdings LLC, CCRx of North Carolina LLC, CHP Acquisition LLC, CP Acquisition LLC, CVS 2948 Henderson L.L.C., CVS 3268 Gilbert L.L.C., CVS 3745 Peoria L.L.C., CVS AL Distribution L.L.C., CVS AOC Corporation, CVS AOC Services L.L.C., CVS Albany L.L.C., CVS Bellmore Avenue L.L.C., CVS Care Concierge LLC, CVS Caremark Advanced Technology Pharmacy L.L.C., CVS Caremark Indemnity Ltd., CVS Caremark Part D Services L.L.C., CVS Caremark TN SUTA LLC, CVS Foreign Inc., CVS Gilbert 3272 L.L.C., CVS Health Solutions LLC, CVS Indiana L.L.C., CVS International L.L.C., CVS Kidney Care Advanced Technologies LLC, CVS Kidney Care Health Services LLC, CVS Kidney Care Home Dialysis LLC, CVS Kidney Care LLC, CVS Manchester NH L.L.C., CVS Media Exchange LLC, CVS Michigan L.L.C., CVS Orlando FL Distribution L.L.C., CVS PA Distribution L.L.C., CVS PR Center Inc., CVS Pharmacy Inc., CVS RS Arizona L.L.C., CVS Rx Services Inc., CVS SC Distribution L.L.C., CVS State Capital L.L.C., CVS TN Distribution L.L.C., CVS Transportation L.L.C., CVS Vero FL Distribution L.L.C., Campos Medical Pharmacy LLC, Canal Place LLC, Care Pharmaceutical Services LP, CareCenter Pharmacy L.L.C., Carefree Insurance Services Inc., Caremark Arizona Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Arizona Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark California Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Florida Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Florida Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Hawaii Mail Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Hawaii Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark IPA L.L.C., Caremark Illinois Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Illinois Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Irving Resource Center LLC, Caremark Kansas Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark L.L.C., Caremark Logistics LLC, Caremark Louisiana Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Maryland Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Massachusetts Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Michigan Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Minnesota Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark New Jersey Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark North Carolina Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Ohio Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Pennsylvania Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark PhC L.L.C., Caremark Puerto Rico L.L.C., Caremark Puerto Rico Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Redlands Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Repack LLC, Caremark Rx L.L.C., Caremark Tennessee Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Texas Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Texas Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Ulysses Holding Corp., Caremark Washington Specialty Pharmacy LLC, CaremarkPCS Alabama Mail Pharmacy LLC, CaremarkPCS Health L.L.C., CaremarkPCS L.L.C., Central Rx Services LLC, Claims Administration Corp., Cofinity Inc., Compscript LLC, Connecticut CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Continental Life Insurance Company of Brentwood Tennessee, Continuing Care Rx LLC, Coram Alternate Site Services Inc., Coram Clinical Trials Inc., Coram Healthcare Corporation of Alabama, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Florida, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Greater D.C., Coram Healthcare Corporation of Greater New York, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Indiana, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Massachusetts, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Mississippi, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Nevada, Coram Healthcare Corporation of North Texas, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Northern California, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Southern California, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Southern Florida, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Utah, Coram LLC, Coram Rx LLC, Coram Specialty Infusion, Coram Specialty Infusion Services L.L.C., Coventry Consumer Advantage Inc., Coventry Health Care National Accounts Inc., Coventry Health Care National Network Inc., Coventry Health Care Workers Compensation Inc., Coventry Health Care of Illinois Inc., Coventry Health Care of Kansas Inc., Coventry Health Care of Missouri Inc., Coventry Health Care of Nebraska Inc., Coventry Health Care of Virginia Inc., Coventry Health Care of West Virginia Inc., Coventry Health Plan of Florida Inc., Coventry Health and Life Insurance Company, Coventry HealthCare Management Corporation, Coventry Prescription Management Services Inc., Coventry Rehabilitation Services Inc., Coventry Transplant Network Inc., D & R Pharmaceutical Services LLC, D.A.W. LLC, Delaware CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Delaware Physicians Care Incorporated, Digital eHealth LLC, District of Columbia CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., E.T.B. INC., Echo Merger Sub Inc., Eckerd Corporation of Florida Inc., Employee Assistance Services LLC, Enloe Drugs LLC, Enterprise Patient Safety Organization LLC, EntrustRX, Evergreen Pharmaceutical LLC, Evergreen Pharmaceutical of California Inc., Express Pharmacy Services of PA L.L.C., FOCUS HealthCare Management Inc., First Health Group Corp., First Health Life & Health Insurance Company, First Script Network Services Inc., Florida Health Plan Administrators LLC, Garfield Beach CVS L.L.C., Generation Health L.L.C., Geneva Woods Health Services LLC, Geneva Woods LTC Pharmacy LLC, Geneva Woods Management LLC, Geneva Woods Pharmacy Alaska LLC, Geneva Woods Pharmacy LLC, Geneva Woods Pharmacy Washington LLC, Geneva Woods Pharmacy Wyoming LLC, Geneva Woods Retail Pharmacy LLC, Georgia CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., German Dobson CVS L.L.C., Goodhealth Worldwide (Asia) Limited, Goodhealth Worldwide (Global) Limited, Goodyear CVS L.L.C., Grand St. Paul CVS L.L.C., Grandview Pharmacy LLC, Group Dental Service Inc., Group Dental Service of Maryland Inc., Health Care Management Co. Ltd., Health Data & Management Solutions Inc., Health Re Inc., Health and Human Resource Center Inc., HealthAssuance Pennsylvania Inc., Healthagen LLC, Highland Park CVS L.L.C., Holiday CVS L.L.C., Home Care Pharmacy LLC, Home Pharmacy Services LLC, Hook-SupeRx L.L.C., Horizon Behavioral Services LLC, Idaho CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., IlliniCare Health, Indian Health Organisation Private Limited, Innovation Health Holdings LLC, Innovation Health Insurance Company, Innovation Health Plan Inc., Interlock Pharmacy Systems LLC, Iowa CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., JHC Acquisition LLC, Kansas CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Kentucky CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., LCPS Acquisition LLC, Langsam Health Services LLC, Lo-Med Prescription Services LLC, Lobos Acquisition LLC, Longs Drug Stores, Longs Drug Stores California L.L.C., Louisiana CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., MHHP Acquisition Company LLC, MHNet Life and Health Insurance Company, MHNet Specialty Services LLC, MHNet of Florida Inc., Managed Care Coordinators Inc., Managed Healthcare LLC, Martin Health Services LLC, Maryland CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Med World Acquisition Corp., Medical Arts Health Care LLC, Medical Examinations of New York P.C., Melville Realty Company Inc., MemberHealth LLC, Mental Health Associates Inc., Mental Health Network of New York IPA Inc., Meritain Health Inc., Merwin Long Term Care LLC, MetraComp Inc., Minor Health Enterprise Co Ltd., MinuteClinic, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Alabama L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Arizona LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Florida LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Georgia LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Hawaii L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Illinois LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Kentucky L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Louisiana L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Maine L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Maryland LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Massachusetts LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Nebraska L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of New Hampshire L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of New Mexico L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Ohio LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Oklahoma LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Oregon LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Pennsylvania LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Rhode Island LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of South Carolina L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Texas LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Utah L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Virginia LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Washington LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Wisconsin L.L.C., MinuteClinic L.L.C., MinuteClinic Online Diagnostic Services LLC, MinuteClinic Physician Practice of Texas, MinuteClinic Telehealth Services LLC, Mississippi CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Missouri CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Montana CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., NCS Healthcare LLC, NCS Healthcare of Illinois LLC, NCS Healthcare of Iowa LLC, NCS Healthcare of Kansas LLC, NCS Healthcare of Kentucky Inc. (Oh, NCS Healthcare of Montana LLC, NCS Healthcare of New Mexico LLC, NCS Healthcare of Ohio LLC, NCS Healthcare of South Carolina LLC, NCS Healthcare of Tennessee LLC, NCS Healthcare of Wisconsin LLC, NIV Acquisition LLC, Navarro Discount Pharmacy, Nebraska CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., NeighborCare Holdings Inc., NeighborCare Inc., NeighborCare Pharmacy Services Inc., NeighborCare Services Corporation, NeighborCare of Indiana LLC, NeighborCare of Virginia LLC, New Jersey CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Niagara Re Inc., North Carolina CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., North Shore Pharmacy Services LLC, NovoLogix LLC, OCR Services LLC, Ocean Acquisition Sub L.L.C., Ohio CVS Stores L.L.C., Oklahoma CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Omnicare, Omnicare Holding Company, Omnicare Inc., Omnicare Indiana Partnership Holding Company LLC, Omnicare Pharmacies of Pennsylvania East LLC, Omnicare Pharmacies of Pennsylvania West LLC, Omnicare Pharmacies of the Great Plains Holding LLC, Omnicare Pharmacy and Supply Services LLC, Omnicare Pharmacy of Tennessee LLC, Omnicare Pharmacy of the Midwest LLC, Omnicare Property Management LLC, Omnicare of Nebraska LLC, Omnicare of Nevada LLC, Omnicare of New York LLC, Oregon CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., PE Holdings LLC, PHPSNE Parent Corporation, PP Acquisition Company LLC, PRN Pharmaceutical Services LP, PT Aetna Management Consulting, Pamplona Saude e Beleza LTDA, Part D Holding Company L.L.C., PayFlex Holdings Inc., PayFlex Systems USA Inc., Pennsylvania CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Performax Inc., Pharmacy Associates of Glenn Falls LLC, Pharmacy Consultants LLC, Phoenix Data Solutions LLC, Precision Benefit Services Inc., Prime Net Inc., ProCare Pharmacy Direct L.L.C., ProCare Pharmacy L.L.C., Prodigy Health Group Inc., Professional Risk Management Inc., Pt. Aetna Global Benefits Indonesia, Puerto Rico CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Red Oak Sourcing LLC, Resources for Living LLC, Rhode Island CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Roeschens Healthcare LLC, RxAmerica, Schaller Anderson Medical Administrators Incorporated, Scrip World LLC, Sheffield Avenue CVS L.L.C., Shore Pharmaceutical Providers LLC, Silverscript Insurance Company, Soma Intimates, South Carolina CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., South Wabash CVS L.L.C., Specialized Pharmacy Services LLC, Spinnaker Bidco Limited, Spinnaker Topco Limited, Stadtlander Drug Company, Stadtlander Pharmacy, Sterling Healthcare Services LLC, Superior Care Pharmacy LLC, Sutter Health and Aetna Administrative Services LLC, Sutter Health and Aetna Insurance Company, Sutter Health and Aetna Insurance Holding Company LLC, T2 Medical Inc., TCPI Acquisition LLC, TargetPharmacy, Tennessee CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Texas Health + Aetna Health Insurance Company, Texas Health + Aetna Health Insurance Holding Company LLC, Texas Health + Aetna Health Plan Inc., The Vasquez Group Inc., Thomas Phoenix CVS L.L.C., Three Forks Apothecary LLC, U.S Healthcare Holdings LLC, U.S. Healthcare Properties Inc., UAC Holding Inc., UC Acquisition LLC, UNI-Care Health Services of Maine LLC, Universal American - Medicare Part D Business, Utah CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., VAPS Acquisition Company LLC, Value Health Care Services LLC, Vermont CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Virginia CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Virtual Home Healthcare L.L.C., Warm Springs Road CVS L.L.C., Washington CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Washington Lamb CVS L.L.C., Weber Medical Systems LLC, Wellpartner LLC, West Virginia CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Westhaven Services Co LLC, Williamson Drug Company LLC, Wisconsin CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Woodward Detroit CVS L.L.C., Work and Family Benefits Inc., ZS Acquisition Company LLC, Zinc Health Services LLC, Zinc Health Ventures LLC, bSwift LLC, and iTriage LLC. The following companies are subsidiares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise: 3Com International Inc., 3PAR Inc., Apogee, Aruba Networks Inc., Aruba Networks International Cayman, Aruba Networks International Limited, BlueData Software, Cloud Cruiser, Cloud Technology Partners, Cloud Technology Partners Inc., Compaq Computer (Mauritius), Compaq Trademark B.V., Cray, Cray Inc., EDS World Corporation (Far East) LLC, EYP Mission Critical Facilities Inc., H3C Holdings Limited, HP Enterprise Services Australia Pty Ltd, HP Financial Services (Australia) Pty Limited, HP Financial Services (Chile) Limitada, HP Financial Services (Japan) K.K., HP Financial Services Arrendamento Mercantil S.A., HP Financial Services Company (Korea), HP Financial Services International Holdings Company, HPE Government LLC, HPFS Global Holdings I LLC, HPFS Global Holdings II LLC, HPFS Rental S.R.L., Hangzhou H3C Technologies Co. Ltd, Hewlett Packard Caribe BV LLC, Hewlett Packard Colombia Ltda., Hewlett Packard Enterprise (China) Co. Ltd., Hewlett Packard Enterprise B.V., Hewlett Packard Enterprise B.V. Amstelveen Meyrin Branch, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Canada Co., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Canada Co. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Canada Cie, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Costa Rica Limitada, Hewlett Packard Enterprise GlobalSoft Private Limited, Hewlett Packard Enterprise India Private Limited, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Ireland Limited, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Luxembourg SCA, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Polska sp. z o.o., Hewlett Packard Pathfinder LLC, Hewlett Packard Taiwan Ltd., Hewlett-Packard (Israel) Ltd., Hewlett-Packard (M) Sdn. Bhd., Hewlett-Packard (Nigeria) Limited, Hewlett-Packard (Schweiz) GmbH, Hewlett-Packard (Tanzania) Limited, Hewlett-Packard (Thailand) Limited, Hewlett-Packard ApS, Hewlett-Packard Argentina S.R.L., Hewlett-Packard Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Hewlett-Packard Australia Pty Ltd, Hewlett-Packard Belgium SPRL/BVBA, Hewlett-Packard Bermuda Enterprises LLC, Hewlett-Packard Brasil Ltda., Hewlett-Packard Bulgaria EOOD, Hewlett-Packard Caribe B.V., Hewlett-Packard Caribe Y Andina B.V. LLC, Hewlett-Packard Chile Comercial Limitada, Hewlett-Packard Cyprus Ltd, Hewlett-Packard Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Hewlett-Packard Egypt Ltd., Hewlett-Packard Financial Services (India) Private Limited, Hewlett-Packard Financial Services Canada Company, Hewlett-Packard Financial Services Company, Hewlett-Packard France SAS, Hewlett-Packard G1 SPV (Cayman) Company, Hewlett-Packard Gesellschaft mbH, Hewlett-Packard Ghana Limited, Hewlett-Packard GmbH, Hewlett-Packard Guatemala Limitada, Hewlett-Packard HK SAR Ltd., Hewlett-Packard Hellas EPE, Hewlett-Packard Holdings Ltd., Hewlett-Packard International Bank Designated Activity Company, Hewlett-Packard International Bank Public Limited Company, Hewlett-Packard International Sarl, Hewlett-Packard Italiana S.r.l., Hewlett-Packard Japan Ltd., Hewlett-Packard Korea Ltd., Hewlett-Packard Leasing Limited, Hewlett-Packard Limited, Hewlett-Packard Luxembourg Enterprises LLC, Hewlett-Packard Macau Limited, Hewlett-Packard Manufacturing Ltd, Hewlett-Packard Marigalante Ltd., Hewlett-Packard Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Hewlett-Packard Middle East FZ-LLC, Hewlett-Packard Mocambique Limitada - Sociedada em Liquidacao, Hewlett-Packard Nederland B.V., Hewlett-Packard New Zealand, Hewlett-Packard Norge AS, Hewlett-Packard OY, Hewlett-Packard Operations Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Hewlett-Packard Peru S.R.L., Hewlett-Packard Philippines Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Portugal Lda., Hewlett-Packard SARL, Hewlett-Packard SIA, Hewlett-Packard Servicios Espana S.L., Hewlett-Packard Singapore (Sales) Pte. Ltd., Hewlett-Packard South Africa (Proprietary) Limited, Hewlett-Packard Sverige AB, Hewlett-Packard Technology Center Inc., Hewlett-Packard Teknoloji Cozumleri Limited Sirketi, Hewlett-Packard The Hague B.V., Hewlett-Packard Venezuela S.R.L., Hewlett-Packard Vision Limited, Hewlett-Packard d.o.o., Hewlett-Packard s.r.o., Limited Liability Company Hewlett Packard Enterprise, MapR Technologies, New H3C Technologies Co. Ltd., Niara Inc., Nimble Storage, Nimble Storage Inc., Nimble Storage Israel Ltd, Nimble Storage Japan GK, Nimble Storage UK Limited, Plexxi, RedPixie, SGI (Silicon Graphics), Sapphire Holding Co, Scytale, Shanghai Hewlett-Packard Co. Ltd., Silver Peak, SimpliVity, Sinope Holding B.V., Trilead, UAB ES Hague Lietuva, and Unis Huashan Technologies Co. Limited. 3 hours ago Deere & Co. workers go on strike after rejecting contract MOLINE, Ill. (AP) More than 10,000 Deere & Co. workers went on strike Thursday, the first major walkout at the agricultural machinery giant in more than three decades. The union had said its members would walk off the job if no deal has been reached Wednesday. Read Article The following companies are subsidiares of Ashland Global: 565 Corporation, ASH GP INC., ASHLAND SPECIALTY CHEMICAL (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD., ASHLAND SPECIALTY CHEMICALS (MALAYSIA) SDN.BHD, Adams Drive Totowa L.L.C., Alera Property Holdings LLC, Alera Technologies Inc., Alix Technologies LLC, Aloe Vemera S.P.R de R.L. de C.V., Ash (Gibraltar) One Limited, Ash B CIS 1 Limited, Ash B CIS 2 Limited, Ash B1 Limited, Ash B2 Limited, Ash B3 Limited, Ash B4 Limited, Ash B5 Limited, Ash CIS Canada Corp., Ash CIS Canada Holdings B.V., Ash CIS GmbH, Ash Global Holding Three GmbH, Ash Global Holdings Two B.V., Ash Junior Global Holding One LLC, Ash Junior Global Holding Two LLC, Ash Swiss Holding Two GmbH, AshLux Three S.a r.l., AshOne C. V., Ashland (Australasia) Pty. Limited, Ashland (Changzhou) Advanced Chemical Co. Ltd., Ashland (Changzhou) Specialty Chemical Co. Ltd, Ashland (China) Holdings Co. Ltd., Ashland (Gibraltar) One Holding Inc., Ashland (Thailand) Co. Ltd, Ashland Argentina S.R.L., Ashland CZ s.r.o., Ashland Canada Corp./Corporation Ashland Canada, Ashland Canada Holdings B. V., Ashland Chemco Inc., Ashland Chemical De Mexico S.A. De C.V., Ashland Chemical Hispania S. L., Ashland Chemical Trading (Shanghai) Company Limited, Ashland Chemicals (Nanjing) Company Limited, Ashland Colombia S.A.S., Ashland Comercio de Especialidades Quimicas do Brasil Ltda., Ashland Danmark ApS, Ashland Eastern Markets LLC, Ashland Ethanol Inc., Ashland Finance Limited, Ashland Finland Oy, Ashland France SAS, Ashland Global Holdings One C.V., Ashland India Private Limited, Ashland Industria de Ingredientes do Brasil Ltda., Ashland Industries Deutschland GmbH, Ashland Industries Europe GmbH, Ashland Industries France SAS, Ashland Industries Italia S.r.l., Ashland Industries Nederland B.V., Ashland Industries UK Limited, Ashland International Holdings LLC, Ashland Italia S.r.l., Ashland Japan Ltd., Ashland Korea Limited, Ashland LLC, Ashland Licensing and Intellectual Property LLC, Ashland ME Holdings Inc., Ashland Mexico Holdings One LLC, Ashland Mexico Holdings Two LLC, Ashland Nigeria Exploration Unlimited, Ashland Oil (Nigeria) Company Unlimited, Ashland Oil Inc., Ashland Pacific Pty. Ltd., Ashland Participacoes Ltda., Ashland Pharmachem International Holdings LLC, Ashland Polimeros do Brasil S.A., Ashland Services B. V., Ashland Services Mexico S.A. de C.V., Ashland Singapore Pte. Ltd., Ashland Specialties Austria GmbH, Ashland Specialties Belgium BVBA, Ashland Specialties France S.a.r.l., Ashland Specialties Hispania S.L., Ashland Specialties Holding C.V., Ashland Specialties Ireland Limited, Ashland Specialties Poland Sp. z o.o., Ashland Specialties Sverige AB, Ashland Specialties UK Limited, Ashland Specialty Chemical Korea Co. Ltd., Ashland Specialty Ingredients G.P., Ashland Technologies GmbH, Ashland-Alaskan Limited, Ashland-Plasticos De Portugal Lda., Ashmont Insurance Company Inc., Ashprop Two LLC, Avoca LLC, Avoele S.A. de C.V., Belleville Realty Corp., Bluegrass Insurance Company Limited, CLTA LLC, CVG Capital III LLC, Carol Clifton Inc., Clevedon Sp. z o.o., Curtis Bay Insurance Co. Ltd, East Bay Realty Services Inc., Ever Success Overseas Limited, FRJ Inc., Fospur, Hercofina, Hercules, Hercules Holding BV BVBA, Hercules Holding II Limited, Hercules Hydrocarbon Holdings Inc., Hercules International Limited LLC, Hercules Investment ApS, Hercules Investments Netherlands B.V., Hercules Islands Corporation, Hercules LLC, Hercules Paper Holdings Inc., Hercules Trading (Shanghai) Company Limited, ISP (Belgium) International N. V., ISP Alginates Inc., ISP Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd, ISP Biochema Schwaben GmbH, ISP Canada Corp., ISP Capital LLC, ISP Chemco LLC, ISP Chemical Products LLC, ISP Chemicals LLC, ISP Environmental Services Inc., ISP France Holding SARL, ISP France Marketing SARL, ISP Freetown Fine Chemicals Inc., ISP Freight Services N. V., ISP Global Operations (Barbados) Inc., ISP Global Technologies Deutschland Unterstutzungskasse GmbH, ISP Global Technologies Inc., ISP Global Technologies LLC, ISP HC Limited, ISP Holdings (U.K.) Ltd., ISP Hungary Holdings Limited Liability Company, ISP International Corp., ISP Investments LLC, ISP Lima LLC, ISP Luxembourg Canada S.a.r.l., ISP Management Company Inc., ISP Marl GmbH, ISP Marl Holdings GmbH, ISP Microcaps (U.K.) Limited, ISP Pharma Systems LLC, ISP Real Estate Company Inc., ISP Singapore Holding LLC, ISP Technologies Inc., ISP Technologies LLC, International Specialty Holdings LLC, International Specialty Products, International Specialty Products (India) Private Limited, International Specialty Products Funding Corporation, International Specialty Products Inc., Jiangmen Ashland Chemicals Company Limited, Nanjing Clear Environment Protection, Northwest Coatings, Oil Can Henrys, PT Ashland Asia, PT ISP Chemicals Indonesia, Pakistan Gum Industries (Private) Limited, Pharmachem Laboratories, Pharmachem Laboratories LLC, Pharmachem Laboratories Utah LLC, Prince Street Paterson LLC, Progiven S.A.S., Proprietary Nutritionals LLC, Ralop S. de R.L. de C.V., Saudi Industrial Resins Co. Ltd. (Polyester), Shanghai Ashland Industrial Trading Co. Ltd., St Croix Petrochemical Corp, Taiwan Ashland Co. Ltd., Techwax Limited, Vemera S. de R.L. de C.V., and WSP LLC. National Australia Bank Limited provides financial services to individuals and businesses in Australia, New Zealand, and internationally. It operates through Business and Private Banking, Personal Banking, Corporate and Institutional Banking, and New Zealand Banking segments. It operates through Business and Private Banking; Personal Banking; Corporate and Institutional Banking; New Zealand Banking; Corporate Functions and Other; and MLC Wealth segments. The company accepts transaction accounts, savings accounts, deposit accounts, and term deposits; and specialized accounts, such as foreign currency, business interest, statutory trust, community free saver, farm management, and project bank accounts, as well as farm management deposits. National Australia Bank Limited also provides home loans; personal loans; business loans; vehicle and equipment finance; and trade and invoice finance, as well as business overdrafts and bank guarantees. In addition, the company offers insurance products consisting of car, home and content, landlord, travel, caravan and trailer, life, and business insurance products; and pension, superannuation, self-managed super funds, cash management, and financial planning and advisory services. Further, it provides investment products; credit, debit, and business cards; payments and merchant services; travel services; online and internet banking services; small business services; international and foreign exchange solutions; and industry specific banking services. National Australia Bank Limited was founded in 1834 and is based in Docklands, Australia. Read More Royal Dutch Shell plc operates as an energy and petrochemical company worldwide. The company operates through Integrated Gas, Upstream, Oil Products, Chemicals segments. It explores for and extracts crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids; markets and transports oil and gas; produces gas-to-liquids fuels and other products; and operates upstream and midstream infrastructure necessary to deliver gas to market. The company also markets and trades natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil, electricity, carbon-emission rights; and markets and sells LNG as a fuel for heavy-duty vehicles and marine vessels. In addition, it trades in and refines crude oil and other feed stocks, such as gasoline, diesel, heating oil, aviation fuel, marine fuel, biofuel, lubricants, bitumen, and sulphur; produces and sells petrochemicals for industrial use; and manages oil sands activities. Further, the company produces base chemicals comprising ethylene, propylene, and aromatics, as well as intermediate chemicals, such as styrene monomer, propylene oxide, solvents, detergent alcohols, ethylene oxide, and ethylene glycol. Royal Dutch Shell plc was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands. Read More 2 Wall Street analysts have issued "buy," "hold," and "sell" ratings for Purplebricks Group in the last year. There are currently 2 hold ratings for the stock. The consensus among Wall Street analysts is that investors should "hold" Purplebricks Group stock. A hold rating indicates that analysts believe investors should maintain any existing positions they have in PRPPF, but not buy additional shares or sell existing shares. View analyst ratings for Purplebricks Group or view top-rated stocks. The Socialist Equality Party calls for a maximum mobilisation in support of the June 19 vigil outside the Ecuadorean Embassy in London calling for freedom for WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange. Workers and young people must demand that the Conservative government of Theresa May end its cruel persecution of Assange, drop the bail-related issues against him and allow him to leave the embassy and, if he chooses, the UK, without fear of arrest. The defence of Assange is the cutting edge of the struggle to defend Internet freedom, freedom of speech and all the social and democratic rights of the working class. The SEP, the International Committee of the Fourth International and the World Socialist Web Site support every effort worldwide to secure Assanges freedom. Our Australian sister-party is also demanding that the Turnbull government extend to Assange the rights that should be available to him as a citizen and secure his return to Australia with guarantees against indictment and extradition to the USculminating in a June 17 demonstration at Sydney Town Hall Square. For nearly eight years, Assange has been arbitrarily detained in Londonfirst on bogus accusations of sexual misbehaviour in Sweden and, now that the entire case has been dropped, for defying bail conditions and seeking refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy. Everyone knows the real reason that Assange has been targeted is because he exposed the crimes of the United States and other major powersespecially Britainfor their murderous wars, targeted assassinations, rendition, arbitrary detention, torture and spying on their own citizens. The US has made clear it wants Assange to be silenced forever, having prepared a Grand Jury indictment on espionage charges that carry a sentence of life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Sweden sought Assanges extradition on a European Arrest Warrant, without any actual charge being brought against him, only so he could be shipped off to the US. But this plan relied on the collusion of the UKmore so now that the only basis for his arrest is that Assange skipped bail to avoid deportation. For six years, the UK has trapped Assange in the embassy under heavy police guard and constant surveillance. The impact of his confinement inside a small building, with no direct sunlight and without the necessary medical treatment, on Assanges health is appallingbut is of no concern to Britains rulers. His treatment stands in stark contrast to the handling of the fascist dictator and mass murderer General Augusto Pinochet, whose extradition to Spain under an international arrest warrant was resisted for more than a year while he lived in luxury until the then Labour government Home Secretary Jack Straw cited compassionate grounds allowing him to return to Chile. Pinochets defence team included Clare Montgomery, the lawyer for the Crown Prosecution Service who represented the Swedish authorities in arguing for Assanges extradition. This year, documents emerged showing that the Crown Prosecution Service responded to a suggestion in 2012 from Sweden that they might have to abandon their attempted frame-up with the warning, Dont you dare get cold feet!!! Swedens prosecutors closed their investigation this last yeareffectively confirming that there was never a case against Assange and that he and WikiLeaks were the targets of a dirty tricks operation. But a British judge ruled in February that Assange would still face arrest if he left the embassyjust one day after the US Department of Justice confirmed to Reuters that its case against Assange is ongoing. Assange has now been denied all contact with the outside world and is unable to receive visitors, make phone calls or access the Internet because Ecuadors President Lenin Moreno is seeking a rapprochement with Washington that would only be sealed with the WikiLeaks editors expulsion from the embassy. None of this could proceed without the role played by the liberal media, the Labour and trade union bureaucracy and various pseudo-left groups that have erected a wall of silence around Assange. The Guardian has led the pack in blackguarding Assange as a sexual predator, an egotistical self-promoter and a Russian stoogeespecially following his political expose of the warmongering and corruption of Hillary Clinton and the US Democrats. The trade unions and the Labour Party have maintained absolute silence on Assanges fate. As soon as he became Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn abandoned any criticism of Assanges treatment. To this day he has refused to condemn the May governments preparations to arrest Assange should he leave the embassy and has offered no guarantee that a Labour government will block his extradition to the US. Of equal significance, Assange has been incarcerated without a word of protest or significant demonstration by the alphabet soup of socialist and revolutionary groups. To a man and woman, they have sacrificed Assange because they support the regime change wars he has exposed and will do nothing that cuts across their promotion of identity politics in furtherance of a career in academia, local government and the trade unions. Wikileaks Is Not a Threat, proclaimed the Socialist Workers Party in 2010, before lining up behind Assanges accusers and the demands that Assange must be extradited to Sweden in August 2012, claiming that Assange and some of his supporters have refused to take the rape allegations seriously. The Socialist Party concurred, insisting, It is important for socialists to reject any idea that some rape does not need to be taken seriously. Socialist Resistance added, for good measure, that Rape and all forms of sexual violence are Sometimes committed by peopleoverwhelmingly menwho see themselves as progressive and act in radical ways on other questions All these groups knew that Assange was being targeted by Washington, with the SWP writing, We know that Assange faces a secret sealed indictment in the US, and a grand jury has been convened against Wikileaks. All knew that his two accusers had engaged in repeated consensual sex acts and attended social events with Assange after the alleged incidentsforcing Socialist Resistance to argue, In consenting to have sex with a man on a particular occasion, a woman is not consenting to have sex with him on other occasions. This is the last time any of them has said a word about Assangeeven after the manufactured sex case against him collapsed. The SEP insists that the defence of Assange and WikiLeaks can be carried out successfully only when based on a socialist, anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist perspective. Everything depends on a determined effort to politically mobilise the broadest possible layers of workers and youth internationally on such a perspective. We call on all defenders of civil liberties and democratic rights, all opponents of imperialist wars for regime change, to attend the June 19 vigil and circulate information on it in workplaces, campuses and schools across the country and throughout social media. Freedom for Julian Assange! Attend the vigil at the Ecuador Embassy in London Tuesday, June 19 6-8 p.m. 3 Hans Crescent London , SW1X 0LN (nearest Tube station: Knightsbridge, Piccadilly Line) For further details of the vigil visit: https://wiseupaction.info/2018/ Socialist Equality Party (SEP) general secretary Wije Dias and assistant secretary Deepal Jayasekera have filed a fundamental rights petition in Sri Lankas Supreme Court against the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), its mayor and others. The petition, lodged last Wednesday, accuses the CMC of discrimination for cancelling the SEPs reservation of the New Town Hall for its May Day celebration on May 1. The petition says the cancellation violated the constitutional rights of the petitioners. It calls for a declaration to that effect, along with reasonable compensation. Respondents named in the petition are the Colombo Municipal Council, Mayor Rosy Senanayake, the Acting Municipal Commissioner, the Municipal Treasurer and the Sri Lankan attorney general. The CMC is controlled by the United National Party of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The document states: The petitioners institute this action against the respondents in view of the infringements of the fundamental rights of the petitioners and in the interests of the larger public, including the members of the petitioners political party. The SEP had made the necessary payments to the CMC to reserve the New Town Hall for its May 1 public meeting, and obtained police permission for the event, as legally required. On April 23, the SEP received an undated letter from the acting municipal commissioner stating that the SEPs hall booking had been cancelled. It said, As the government decided to cancel May Day meetings on May 1, heeding to a request by Chief Buddhist sangha (clergy), the municipal council also decided not to allow meetings in its grounds. In early April, the government of Prime Minster Wickremesinghe and President Maithripala Sirisena cancelled the May Day public holiday in response to a request by the Buddhist chiefs not to permit working-class activities on that day because it fell during Vesak Week, a traditional Buddhist holy festival. An SEP protest on May 27 opposing the government ban on May Day activities The Buddhist establishment exploits a reactionary clause first inserted into the countrys constitution in 1972, which gives privileged legal rights to the Buddhist religion and commits the state to protect it. The clause effectively ended the Sri Lankan states secular status. Vesak is held annually in May. Two working days, one including the full moon day, are designated as public holidays. Responding to the clergys calls, the government arbitrarily shifted this years May Day holiday to May 7. The SEP issued a statement on April 19 opposing the cancellation of the May 1 holiday. It said: The governments decision to undermine May Day is in line with its promotion of reactionary Sinhala-Buddhist chauvinism. It is bound up with the enormous political crisis of the government. Amid a growing wave of strikes and protests, the government fears that May Day could become a focal point for the hostility of workers, the oppressed and rural poor, and a threat to bourgeois rule. Following the Colombo councils termination of the SEPs hall booking, the party issued another statement, demanding that the government and other authorities rescind the effective ban on May 1 rallies. The SEP warned the working class that the governments sabotage of May Day was an indication of the wholesale attack which is being prepared by the government to tear up the democratic and social rights of the working people and youth. The statement further declared: The governments imposition of the Buddhist hierarchys so-called request to block workers rights to hold May Day celebrations is completely illegal and unconstitutional. The constitution says, at least in name, that all citizens and their organisations are equal before the law, while guaranteeing them freedom of expression and assembly. The governments actions clearly discriminate against all non-Buddhists and atheists and violate their fundamental rights. In lead up to May 1, the SEP and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), vigorously campaigned across Sri Lanka against the May Day ban. This included a successful picket by SEP and IYSSE members and supporters outside the Colombo Fort Railway Station on April 27. The SEP held its May Day meeting outside the New Town Hall on May 1 in defiance of the governments directive. More than 100 peopleworkers, youth, professionals and housewives, as well as party members and supportersattended the event. The SEP has noted that the Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya (SLNSS) was permitted to hold its May Day meeting at the Colombo Public Library Auditorium on May 1. The SLNSS is one of several unions affiliated with President Sirisenas Sri Lanka Freedom Party. This decision made clear that the councils cancellation of the SEPs hall reservation was a political decision by Sri Lankas ruling establishment. The Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government faces growing popular opposition, strike action and protests over its social austerity measures. It is fully aware of the political threat posed by the international socialist program for which the SEP fights. This is the real reason behind the ban on the SEP/IYSSE May Day meeting. The SEP intends to use the fundamental rights case to further expose the anti-democratic actions of the government against its political opponents and working people as a whole. One day after Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa declared that her government would continue blocking WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange from all communications and deny him any personal visitors, she was elected president of the United Nations General Assembly. Today marks 10 weeks since Ecuadors government deprived Assange of his rights, which it is obliged to honour after granting him political asylum in its London embassy in 2012. The UN vote in support of Espinosa was a substantial 128, versus 62 for the only other nominee, Hondurass UN ambassador Mary Elizabeth Flores Flake, and two abstentions. The vote suggests that the United States did not energetically intrigue on behalf of Honduras. Washington was believed to favour Honduras because its right-wing government supported the provocative relocation of the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. There is little doubt that the treatment of Assange by Ecuadors governmentand behind it, the small countrys corporate eliteis the outcome of pressure and threats by the US and other powers. Washington is demanding Assanges head as the price of restoring relations. CIA director Mike Pompeo, now US secretary of state, asserted last year that WikiLeaks was a non-state hostile intelligence agency, due to its publication of documents exposing the operations of US intelligence. Assange is being used as a bargaining chip in sordid negotiations between the US and Ecuador. On June 4, US Vice President Mike Pence met with Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno. Amid the stepped-up persecution of Assange, Pence issued a statement lauding their discussion on opportunities to reinvigorate the bilateral relationship between the two countries. In words dripping with imperialist deceit, he said they would work together to protect and promote freedom and build prosperity, security and democracy. Such freedom does not include freedom of speech or freedom of the press. Such democracy does not include the right to expose or oppose the crimes of American imperialism or other capitalist governments. The Orwellian freedom espoused by Pence means submission and subservience to the control of the worlds wealth by a minuscule financial and corporate oligarchy. Morenos evidently friendly discussion with Pence, and Espinosas victory in the UN, follow Morenos own attacks on Assange and democratic rights last week. On May 30, Moreno again hinted that Ecuador will renege on the political asylum that the previous government granted to the WikiLeaks editor in 2012. Moreno declared that Assange could remain in the London embassy only on the condition that he accept a permanent ban on speaking out about politics or intervening in the politics of other countries. Espinosa stated on Monday that such flagrantly anti-democratic terms were not a matter of censorship. In reality, Assange has been delivered an unacceptable ultimatum. Unless he renounces the mission of WikiLeaks, which is to publish and comment on whistleblower leaks that expose government and corporate criminality and abuses around the world, he will be forced out of the embassy to be arrested and imprisoned by waiting British police on a bail-related charge. Assange defied the terms of his bail in June 2012 and sought asylum from Ecuador because his life was in danger. The sole motive behind efforts to extradite him to Sweden, to purportedly answer questions in an investigation into allegations of sexual offenses, was to silence him while Washington sought his extradition to stand trial on espionage charges that potentially carry the death penalty. After years of delay, in late 2016 the Swedish police and prosecutors agreed to Assanges repeated offer to be questioned in London. It belatedly took this action after a December 2015 ruling by the UN Working Party on Arbitrary Detentions. That ruling stated: The Working Group considered that Mr. Assange has been subjected to different forms of deprivation of liberty detention was arbitrary because he was held in isolation during the first stage of detention and because of the lack of diligence by the Swedish Prosecutor in its investigations, which resulted in the lengthy detention of Mr. Assange. The ruling concluded: The Working Group also considered that the detention should be brought to an end and that Mr. Assange should be afforded the right to compensation. In May 2017, Sweden finally abandoned its investigation. Assange was still unable to leave the embassy, however, because the British government of Prime Minister Theresa May insisted it will seek his imprisonment for jumping bail. Moreover, it refused to rule out continuing to hold him in custody while his legal defenders fought protracted court action against a US extradition warrant. With each passing day, the danger facing Julian Assange increases. For six years, he has been confined inside a small building with no access to direct sunlight. He has been denied medical and dental treatment for serious conditions. Now he has been inflicted with the additional pressure of being prevented from continuing his work as a journalist, and denied outside communication or contact, even with his family. The vindictive operation underway is intended to either force Assange to voluntarily leave the embassy, or create conditions in which Ecuador evicts him via claims he has violated its terms. Crucial demonstrations and vigils have been called to defend Assange. They must be understood not as one-off protests, but the renewal of a determined campaign to win his freedom, especially if he is forced into a British prison and faces a protracted legal struggle against extradition to the US. The movement that is required will be built by the most determined fight to independently mobilise the social force that has the power to win Assanges freedom: the international working class. It will not be built by appeals to the ex-liberal and ex-left organisations and trade union apparatuses that have aligned themselves with their own ruling classes and governments. Around the world, millions of working-class people are entering into immense struggles for their social right to decent living standards, education and health care, and against the persecution of refugees and immigrants, police-state policies and the threat of war. These struggles are inseparable from the fight for democratic rights, including an end to Internet censorship and the defence of a free, critical and independent media, such as WikiLeaks. Every effort must be made to break the silence imposed by the official political and media establishment and raise awareness of the immense implications of the effort to destroy WikiLeaks and railroad its editor into a prison cell or worse. Again, we urge readers of the WSWS to turn to the workplaces, factories, campuses and high schools to fight for maximum participation in the demonstrations and vigils demanding Julian Assanges immediate and unconditional freedom. The US carried out war crimes in its four-month-long siege of the Syrian city of Raqqa last year, according to evidence gathered by Amnesty International and released in a report by the human rights group on Tuesday. The report takes its title, War of Annihilation, from the description given by Defense Secretary James Mattis of the tactics that would be pursued in taking the city from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The report concludes that the impact on civilians was devastating. There is strong evidence that [US] coalition air and artillery strikes killed and injured thousands of civilians, including in disproportionate or indiscriminate attacks that violated international humanitarian law and are potential war crimes, Amnesty International declared. While the Pentagon utilized proxy ground troops in the siege, organized in the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), comprised almost entirely of members of the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, their advance was made possible only through a relentless bombardment by US warplanes and artillery units. The Amnesty report quotes US Army Sergeant Major John Wayne Troxell, who declared: In five months they [US Marines] fired 30,000 artillery rounds on ISIS targets. They fired more rounds in five months in Raqqa, Syria, than any other Marine or Army battalion, since the Vietnam War. Every minute of every hour we were putting some kind of fire on ISIS in Raqqa, whether it was mortars, artillery, rockets, Hellfires, armed drones, you name it. Using satellite imagery and eyewitness testimony, the report decisively refutes the claim by the top US commander in the operation, General Stephen Townsend, that the US offensive on Raqqa had been the most precise air campaign in history. The Coalitions claims that its precision air campaign allowed it to bomb IS out of Raqqa while causing very few civilian casualties do not stand up to scrutiny, said Donatella Rovera, Amnesty Internationals senior crisis response adviser. On the ground in Raqqa we witnessed a level of destruction comparable to anything weve seen in decades of covering the impact of wars. Reports from Raqqa have established that up to 80 percent of the city was razed to the ground, with 11,000 buildings either damaged or destroyed. The remaining population has been left without adequate food, electricity or running water, nor the means of removing either the explosives that still claim lives or the bodies still buried in the rubble. General Townsends claims paralleled those made in a report issued by the Pentagon last Friday to the US Congress acknowledging credible reports of approximately 499 civilians killed and approximately 169 civilians injured during 2017 as a result of US military operations in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and Yemen. The report, which is mandated under an executive order signed by President Barack Obama, was supposed to be released on May 1, but instead came out a month late. It is absurd on its face. The evidence supplied by Amnesty establishes that the death toll in Raqqa alone far exceeded the total number supplied by the Pentagon. Moreover, the razing of the Syrian city followed that of the even larger urban center of Mosul in Iraq, where a report by Kurdish intelligence estimated the number of dead as high as 40,000. The Pentagon gave nothing more than the total number of 499 civilian deaths, providing no estimates for individual attacks in any country. Instead, it repeated over and over self-serving claims about the US military using best practices and precision munitions in its bombing campaigns, while stating that unfortunately, despite the best efforts of U.S. forces, civilian casualties are a tragic but at times unavoidable consequence of combat operations. It went on to blame such casualties on adversaries who use civilians as shields. The report acknowledged that more than 450 reports of civilian casualties from 2017 remained to be assessed, and attributed the vast disparity between the Pentagons estimates and far higher civilian casualties recorded by human rights and monitoring groups to different types of information and different methodologies to assess whether civilian casualties have occurred. As the Amnesty report makes clear, the methodologies employed by the Pentagon include a failure to actually visit any of the sites of US airstrikes to assess their impact, and the routine denial of civilian casualties before making any investigation. Indeed, before Amnesty had even issued its report, a spokesman for the US military, Colonel Sean Ryan, issued a rebuttal, inviting the director of the human rights group to personally witness the rigorous efforts and intelligence gathering the coalition uses before any strike to effectively destroy IS [ISIS] while minimizing harm to civilian populations. Colonel Ryan described Amnestys accounts of indiscriminate bombing of civilian targets as more or less hypothetical. The Amnesty report was based on visits by researchers to the sites of 42 US airstrikes across the demolished city of Raqqa and interviews with 112 survivors who had lost relatives to the bombing campaign. The report cites the case of the Badran family, which suffered the deaths of 39 family members and 10 neighbors in the course of four separate US strikes as they tried to flee from one place to another in search of shelter from the bombs. First, nine of the familys men were killed in a July 18, 2017, airstrike while they desperately sought to move their relatives out of a neighborhood under attack. Then, on August 20, US warplanes struck two neighboring houses in which the surviving family members were staying. Rasha, who survived the airstrike, but lost her two-year-old daughter Tulip to the American bombs, told Amnesty: Almost everybody was killed. Only I, my husband and his brother and cousin survived. The strike happened at about 7 p.m. I fainted and when I regained consciousness I heard my husbands cousin, Mohammed, calling out. I could neither move nor speak. Then my husband and his brother found me. My husband was the most seriously injured [of the survivors]he had a head wound and blood was pouring from his ears. It was dark and we could not see anything. We called out but nobody else answered; nobody moved. It was completely silent except for the planes circling above. We hid in the rubble until the morning because the planes were circling overhead. In the morning, we found Tulips body; our baby was dead. We buried her near there, by a tree. The story of the Badran family is just one of many documented in the report. The report also calls attention to the continuation of airstrikes against Raqqa, even as the US and its proxy forces in the SDF were negotiating a ceasefire with ISIS, under the terms of which ISIS fighters were allowed safe passage out of the city. The report, confirming earlier reporting by the BBC and other news agencies, states: As part of the deal, a convoy of buses arranged by the SDF took IS fighters and their families out of the city to areas east of Raqqa that were still under IS control. To date, the Coalition has not explained why it continued to launch strikes which killed so many civilians while a deal granting IS fighters impunity and safe passage out of the city was being considered and negotiated. Many survivors of Coalition strikes interviewed by Amnesty International asked why Coalition forces needed to destroy an entire city and kill so many civilians with bombardments supposedly targeting IS fightersonly to then allow IS fighters to leave the city unharmed. The deal cut between the US military and ISIS was meant to further American strategic interests in Syria, which centered on seizing control of the countrys oil and gas fields east of the Euphrates River. With over 2,000 US special forces troops still occupying the area, Washingtons aim is to deny these resources to the Damascus government in order to prevent the countrys reconstruction and continue the war for regime change that has devastated Syria since 2011. By channeling the ISIS fighters to the east, the Pentagon sought to utilize them to block the advance of Syrian government forces seeking to retake the countrys energy reserves. While waged in the name of a campaign against ISIS, the real aim of the US intervention in Syria is to further the drive of American imperialism to assert its dominance over the oil-rich Middle East and to counter the influence of the principal obstacles to Washingtons regional hegemony, Iran and Russia. The same US corporate media that gave wall-to-wall coverage to fraudulent claims of a Syrian government chemical weapons attack last April has largely ignored the latest revelations of US war crimes in Raqqa, whose victims number in the thousands. Behind this guilty silence lies concern within the US military and intelligence apparatus over growing antiwar sentiment among the broad mass of the population in the US and worldwide, even as Washington prepares for far bloodier wars. Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine 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 TCN News New Delhi: One of the leading Islamic body Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has expressed concern over violence against the Sikh community in Shillong, Meghalaya. In a press statement released on Tuesday, Mohammed Salim Engineer, the Secretary-General at JIH said, We are deeply concerned over the reported violence against the Sikh community in Shillong. The flare-up in violence against the Sikhs, which are a minority community in Meghalaya, over a trivial street brawl is highly condemnable and shows that some anti-social elements have been infected by the communal virus and are trying to divide people and instigate violence. Support TwoCircles In a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country like India, it is the responsibility of the majority community to protect the minorities, argued Engineer. The general-secretary further said, We wish to remind the Meghalaya government of their moral and constitutional responsibility. It is their foremost duty to protect the lives and properties as well as the honor and dignity of the citizens. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind demanded that the culprits behind the violence in Shillong should be arrested and punished. We appeal to the citizens of Shillong not to fall prey to any rumors and appreciate the role of the Sikh community which has contributed significantly towards the development of Meghalaya. Peaceful coexistence is the only way ahead and should be respected and protected by all, Engineer made an appeal through the press statement. By Daisy Katta, TwoCircles.net Six months after the Bhima Koregaon incident, Pune police along with Deonar Police, Mumbai barged into the office of Dalit Activist Sudhir Dhawale, the presiding member of Elgar Parishad early morning. The Pune police accompanied by the Deonar police carried out a search operation at Republican Panthers office in Chembur Lumbini Park area and detained him.Sudhir Dhawale is also the editor of left-leaning Ambedkarite magazine Vidhrohi. Initially, the police came in for questioning without any warrant, but Dhawale was later escorted to Deonar police station after a warrant was produced. He is currently detained at Deonar Police Station for the time being and will be taken to Pune for further questioning. Support TwoCircles A student activist from Republican Panthers present in support said, This is only a ploy by the state to divert the attention from from the arrests of Sambahji Bhide.The police barged in and searched the party office without any warrant. This is a ploy to disrupt the Ambedkarite people and the movement. But we are not afraid because of these arrests , we will continue to fight. Vira Sathidar, Senior Ambedkarite activist who was present at the Deonar Police station told TwoCircles.net that the way the state is acting it is evident that they want to protect Sambhaji Bhide and they want to create unrest between the people to divert attention from the main issue. It is to be noted that thousands of juvenile Dalit youths were arrested on January 1 from mainly Dalit areas of Mumbai as well and other parts of Maharahstra after right-wing activists carried out attack on people at Bhima, allegedly orchestrated by Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote. Ambedkarite political parties like BHARIP led by Prakash Ambedkar and other factions of the RPI have been rallying to release the Dalits youth who were arrested during the Bhima Koregoan unrest. The current arrests of Sudhir Dhawale and others have been made under the FIR registered on 8th January, 2018 at Vishrambaug Police Station, Pune with regard to the holding of the Elgar Parishad on 31st December, 2017 by the Bhima-Koregaon Shaurya Din Prerna Abhiyan. This FIR, originally registered u/s 153(A), 505 (1)(b), 117 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), was made a conspiracy case in March 2018 and now has had sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) added to it. UAPA includes detention without charge sheet up to 180 days. Other activists like Adv Surendra Gadling, General Secretary Indian Association of Peoples Lawyers from Nagpur; Prof Shoma Sen, Head of Department of English, Nagpur University; Rona Wilson, Public Relations Secretary Committee for the Release of Political Prisoners and Mahesh Raut, anti-displacement activist from Bharat Jan Andolan and former Fellow at Prime Ministers Rural Development (PMRD) for Gadchiroli District have also been arrested. The Deonar police station saw a huge crowd in support of Dhawale and other activities from the Republican Panthers group. In Stores This Week Around The World - GRIP, 11-11: Memories Retold UPDATED with more details: Harvey Weinstein pleaded not guilty to rape and criminal sex act charges this morning at New York Supreme Court in Manhattan, a week after a grand jury charged him. His bail had already been set at $1 million. Outside the courthouse on Centre Street in Lower Manhattan throngs of media, paparazzi and protesters gathered as Weinstein arrived wearing a dark suit and a tie. (See video clip below.) A second flock of media and onlookers stood behind barricades set up in the hallway outside the 13th-floor courtroom as Weinstein shuffled past with a noticeable hitch in his stride. The hearing lasted about a half-hour, with Weinsteins portion taking up just a tiny part of the proceeding. He answered all questions posed to him with a firm yes and a nod of his head. Weinstein is next scheduled to appear September 20. The judge also set deadlines and dates in July and August for pre-trial motions and conferences. Weinstein faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted. The not guilty plea had been expected; his primary lawyer Benjamin Brafman said in the hearing that his client intends to vigorously fight these charges. He added, However reprehensible the crime of rape may be, it is equally reprehensible to falsely accuse someone of rape. The bulk of todays time in court was consumed by an exchange between Brafman, Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi and Manhattan Supreme Court Justice James Burke. For anyone who has spent time in Weinsteins once-formidable industry orbit, it was a striking spectacle to see sparks fly in the courtroom as the man accustomed to being the center of attention was reduced to a mere spectator. Brafman addressed an issue that has swirled around his defense of Weinstein in recent days: a former associate at his law firms discussions with a Weinstein accuser named Melissa Thompson about representing her. In a federal lawsuit, Thompson has claimed that Brafmans firm acted shady in its interactions with her, which she says were actually an effort to gather information that could be used to help Weinstein. This alleged conflict of interest, the suit says, should disqualify Brafman from representing Weinstein. Story continues Should Thompson wind up testifying in this case, all parties agreed this morning, Brafman would have to recuse himself. In his remarks to the judge, Brafman adamantly insisted that the tabloid issue was a non-story and that he had zero knowledge of the contact between his firm and Thompson. He said the lawyer moved to a different firm soon after being in contact with Thompson via email. I cant control the tabloids. I cant control what ex-associates say, Brafman said. What I can control is what I do. And what I do is consistent with the law. After Brafman complained about law-enforcement sources leaking information to the press, including Thompson having been spotted at the D.A.s office on Monday, Illuzzi said prosecutors take umbrage at that accusation. She also said the prosecution objected to Brafmans efforts in March to contextualize Weinsteins alleged behavior in the decades-long history of Hollywoods casting couch. The defense attorney responded, My job is to defend specific allegations. My job is not to defend what some may call inappropriate behavior that may not rise to the level of criminal. In negotiating the timetable for filing pre-trial motions, Brafman signaled the possibility he may ask the court to separate the accusers and create separate trials. They were eight to 10 years apart and they have no relationship to each other, he argued. After surrendering himself to the NYPD on May 25 after months of investigation, Weinstein, who has been accused by dozens of women, was arrested. He was charged with two counts of rape (one involving force) as well as a criminal sexual act in the first degree, for alleged assaults against two women that occurred in 2013 and 2004. The grand jury charges supersede that matter, with the same charges in the indictment that came down May 30. NEW: Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein arrives at courthouse, ignores questions ahead of arraignment on rape charges. https://t.co/aVjNzVDur5 pic.twitter.com/S9AWBkY5kG ABC News (@ABC) June 5, 2018 Related stories Brian De Palma's Weinstein-Inspired Horror Pic Gets A Title & 'Elle's Producers Harvey Weinstein-Inspired "Horror Film" In Works By Director Brian De Palma Harvey Weinstein's Lawyers Used "Deceptive Tactics" Against Victims, Says New Class Action Suit "We will no longer judge our candidates on their outward physical appearance." With those words, Miss America ushered in a whole new era this morning as Gretchen Carlson, the board of trustees chair for the organization, told "Good Morning America" that the storied event is "no longer a pageant. We are a competition." It's a major departure from Miss America's history. The event started as a swimsuit pageant in Atlantic City in 1921, but the competition will no longer feature a swimsuit portion. PHOTO: Stefanie Wittler, Miss Tennessee, Mallory Ervin, Miss Kentucky, Sarah Slocum, Miss Arkansas, Taylor Treat, Miss Oklahoma, and CC Barber, Miss Oregon, wait to see who will advance after competing in the swimsuit competition, Jan. 30, 2010. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images) PHOTO: Contestants compete to be crowned Miss America 1970, Atlantic City, N.J., Sept. 4, 1969. (Bettmann Archive via Getty Images , FILE ) Instead, there will be "Miss America 2.0," designed to encourage and judge contestants on their passion, charity work and personal style. "We are now open, inclusive and transparent and I want to inspire thousands of young people across this country to come and be a part of our program," Carlson said. "We want you and we want to celebrate your accomplishments and your talents and then we want to hand you scholarships." PHOTO: Gretchen Carlson appears on 'Good Morning America,' June 5, 2018. (ABC News) Social media users, including the reigning Miss America Cara Mund, used the hashtag #ByeByeBikini to show their support for the changes. Were changing out of our swimsuits and into a whole new era #byebyebikini #MissAmerica2019 pic.twitter.com/08Y7jLFxhs Cara Mund (@MissAmerica) June 5, 2018 This is amazing! How awesome and empowering for the women of this country who want to compete. Well done! #byebyebikini Melissa Bagliano (@fastandfrenzied) June 5, 2018 As a local titleholder, Ive never been more proud to be involved in the Miss America Organization. I am no longer going to be judged on the way my body was naturally made. What a positive change. #byebyebikini Amanda Lewis (@AmandaLewis323) June 5, 2018 Mund, who reigns throughout 2018, will crown the next winner Miss America 2019. Story continues So what will viewers see when they tune into the next Miss America Competition in September? Here is what we know so far. Questions instead of swimsuits During what was once the swimsuit portion, Miss America contestants will now be participating in a live interactive session with the judges, according to the organization. PHOTO: Miss Georgia 2017, Alyssa Beasley participates in the swimsuit challenge during Miss America 2018 at Boardwalk Hall Arena, Sept. 7, 2017, in Atlantic City, N.J. (Donald Kravitz/Getty Images ) The contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will be asked to demonstrate their passion, intelligence and overall understanding of the job of Miss America. Social impact instead of sparkly gowns Miss America contestants will compete wearing evening attire of their choosing that makes them feel confident and expresses their personal style. Ashlee Baracy, Miss Michigan, Ellen Carrington, Miss Tennessee, Nicole Fox, Miss Hawaii, Jackie Geist, Miss California, and Chasity Hardman, Miss Georgia, compete in the gown competition during the 2009 Miss America Pageant, Jan. 24, 2009, in Las Vegas. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images) During the evening gown portion of the competition, contestants will also discuss how they will advance their chosen causes, called "social impact initiatives" by the Miss America Organization. Enduring talent The talent portion of the competition will continue, organizers said. "Talent, which has always been a distinguishing element of Miss America, will remain a highlight of the competition," the organization said in a statement. A classic set The 2019 Miss America Competition will take place in Atlantic City, New Jersey, just as the first Miss America Pageant was nearly a century ago. PHOTO: Miss America 1946 Marilyn Buferd crowns the new Miss America 1947, Barbara Jo Walker, of Memphis, Tennessee in Atlantic City, N.J. ( Hulton Archive/Getty Images, FILE) The Miss America Parade will be held on the Atlantic City boardwalk on Sept. 8. Viewers can watch the 2019 Miss America Competition live on ABC on Sunday, Sept. 9, at 9 p.m. ET. Outrage led to change in at least one election Tuesday night when Californians voted to recall a judge whom many viewed as being too lenient in a high-profile sexual assault and attempted rape case. Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky gained national prominence after sentencing Stanford University swimmer Brock Turner in 2016 to six months in jail for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman outside a fraternity party in 2015. He was 19 at the time. Some of the backlash against Persky, a judge for 15 years, also stemmed from Turners being sentenced to jail rather than prison. The judge cited the "severe impact" that prison would have on the athlete. Turner, who denied assaulting the 22-year-old woman, was eventually released from jail after three months for good behavior. Prosecutors had sought a 6-year sentence, though the crimes were punishable by up to 14 years in prison. In this May 15, 2018 file photo, Judge Aaron Persky poses for photos in Los Altos Hills, Calif. (AP) Judgment day came for Persky, 56, Tuesday night, as part of the statewide primaries, when voters in Santa Clara County voted to remove Persky from the bench. With 88 percent of precincts reporting by Wednesday morning, the vote to recall Persky had 59.75 percent, while the "no" votes stood at 40.25 percent. The recall effort has dogged Persky since he handed down the sentence in June 2016 after a jury convicted Turner of three felonies. Stanford law professor Michele Dauber, who had led the charge against Persky, released a statement today about the meaning of their effort's win. "The voters of Santa Clara County are the winners of this election," Dauber said in a statement released by the Recall Judge Persky Campaign. "We voted today against impunity for high status perpetrators of sexual assault and domestic violence. We voted that sexual violence is serious and it must be taken seriously by our elected officials. In this historical moment, when womens rights are under attack, the women and many men of this county stood our ground." Story continues Dauber also posted a tweet about the victory early Wednesday morning, touting the recall movement's efforts in sustaining public interest over the past two years. Two years ago I was on CNN and @JeffreyToobin said that while he thought Persky deserved to be recalled, the effort "would fail" because we would never be able to sustain voter interest and attention. But nevertheless, we persisted. Perhaps Jeff should invite me back now #metoo, pic.twitter.com/BfJlzY3odH Michele Dauber (@mldauber) June 6, 2018 Dauber's effort, which organized behind the Recall Persky Campaign, raised more than $1 million in donations, according to ABC San Francisco station KGO-TV. The judge's defenders raised more than $850,000, which included donated services, KGO reported Persky told The Associated Press in May that he has no regrets about his handling of the case, which he has said followed existing legal guidelines. "The problem with this recall is it will pressure judges to follow the rule of public opinion as opposed to the rule of law," Persky said. Persky held his first public news conference days before the AP interview and declined to speak about the details of the case because it was going through the appeal process in which Turner argues that the trial was "fundamentally unfair. During the May 8 news conference, Persky said the threat of a recall was "subtle and insidious, silent corrupting force that will enter the minds of judges as they contemplate difficult decisions." Persky has not released a public statement in the wake of the recall. Back in May, when asked what he would do if recalled, Persky said he would go on to do something productive. The on-again, off-again and now on-again summit between President Donald Trump and North Koreas leader Kim Jong Un is set for next week on a secluded island off the coast of Singapore, in southeast Asia. Both delegations have been in the small city-state nation since the end of May preparing for the historic June 12 meeting, which the White House said Tuesday would take place at the Capella Hotel, a five-star luxury resort on Sentosa Island. Luxury and seclusion The American team has already set up shop at the Capella Hotel, a short drive away from the main business center of the country. Joe Hagin, the White House deputy chief of staff, has reportedly met the leader of the North Korean delegation, Kim Chang Son, at the Capella to discuss the details of the summit. The two are finalizing the security, protocol and logistical details. PHOTO: An undated handout photo of Capella hotel on Sentosa island, Singapore, released June 5, 2018. (Capella Singapore via REUTERS) The luxurious main reception area and guest villas were designed by Sir Norman Foster, a famous British architect who restored the former colonial buildings that once were used to house the British military during Imperial rule. The Capella has already stopped accepting bookings for the summit period, according to an executive in the hospitality industry, an early indication the hotel would be either where Trump would stay or the site of the summit. The Capella, which sits on 30 acres of lawn and rainforest, has banned journalists from entering the property since the U.S. delegation arrived. A Washington Post reporter was expelled from the grounds after trying to speak to the diplomats. PHOTO: An undated handout photo of Capella hotel on Sentosa island, Singapore, released June 5, 2018. (Capella Singapore via REUTERS) Kim Jong Un's hotel The North Korean delegation has been seen coming and going from the Fullerton Hotel, an old colonial building that was once the main post office. The hotel has a stunning position on the marina surrounded by modern skyscrapers that have sprung up on reclaimed land in the past decade. PHOTO: A view of the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore on June 4, 2018. (Edgar Su/Reuters) The Singaporean newspaper The Straits Times has also speculated that The St. Regis Singapore could play host to Kim and his delegation. Story continues Who's paying? Singapore is picking up the costs of the massive security that will be required to host the event. Local media has reported that helicopters and planes will patrol the air and hundreds of police will monitor the various venues. "It's a cost we're willing to bear to play a small part," Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen told reporters over the weekend. PHOTO: A view the lobby of the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore on June 4, 2018. (Edgar Su/Reuters) (MORE: What you need to know about the possible US-North Korea summit) (MORE: Trump announces summit with North Korea is back on) The Washington Post reported last week that the summit discussion has included how the North Korean delegation will cover the costs of their accommodations and security. The international sanctions against North Korea make access to hard currency difficult and legally challenging. The State Department has denied that the American government will help pay the costs of the delegation from North Korea. "We are not paying for the DPRK delegation and we are not asking others to do so," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert told ABC News Sunday, using the acronym for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. PHOTO: Police officers conduct security checks outside the Shangri-la hotel during the 17th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-la Dialogue, on June 2, 2018 in Singapore. (Yong Teck Lim/AP) Where will the media go? Five thousand members of the media have requested access to cover the summit. The Formula One pit stop area is being transformed into the International Media Center by the government of Singapore, where reporters will receive updates through media briefings. It is located miles from the actual site of the summit at the Capella hotel. History of high-level meetings Many have guessed the summit would be held at the Shangri-La Hotel, and there's still a chance it could play a role in some way, as thousands of people descend on Singapore for the historic event. The Shangri-La staff are well prepared for high-profile, high-security meetings. The hotel was the site of the first high-stakes meeting between the leaders of China and Taiwan in 2015 and it also hosts an annual summit of defense leaders known as the Shangri-La Dialogue. This years conference, which concluded on June 3, was attended by U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis, his counterparts from South Korea and Japan, the Prime Minister of India and other senior officials of foreign governments. PHOTO: People view the Marina Bay Sands hotel and resort from the Merlion Park on May 27, 2018 in Singapore. (Elizabeth Law/AFP/Getty Images) The White House has yet to announce where Trump's delegation will stay, and the Shangri-La could potentially host. Both President Barack Obama and President George H.W. Bush stayed at the hotel during visits to Singapore. Another possible venue, the Marina Bay Hotel, is owned by a company connected to Trump donor Sheldon Adelson. The three-tower complex that is connected by a roof designed to look like a ship has become one of the landmark sites in the country. The iconic location is likely to be used for a photo opportunity, according to local media. ABC News' Conor Finnegan contributed reporting from Washington. On Tuesday, Californians voted to remove Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky from the bench, the first judge in 86 years to be recalled in the state. Persky was best known for handing a six-month sentence to Brock Turner, sparking a national outcry in 2016. Turner, then a 20-year-old Stanford University student, was convicted of three felony counts of sexual assault after attacking an unconscious woman next to a dumpster. Persky sentenced him to six months in prison, saying he feared a heavier sentence would have a "severe impact" on Turner. Prosecutors had asked for a six-year sentence, but the probation department didn't recommend jail time. At the time, it didn't seem like Persky considered the impact the attack had on Emily Doe, the 23-year-old woman that was assaulted. Turner ended up being released after serving only three months in jail, though he also had to register as a sex offender. He is now trying to appeal his conviction. In the wake of Turner's conviction, the state of California amended the loophole that allowed Persky to sentence him to only six months and the recall efforts began. The campaign led by Michele Dauber, a Stanford University professor who also knows Doe. (The identity of the young woman assaulted by Turner has never been made public.) Tonight many, many voters voted against the culture of impunity for high-status perpetrators of sexual assault or domestic violence, Dauber told The Washington Post. This election expresses clearly that sexual assault, sexual violence is serious and it has to be taken seriously by elected officials. Its a historical moment when women across all sectors of society are standing up saying enough is enough. Persky seldomly talked about his decision to sentence Turner to only six months in jail, but recently made news for comparing the unpopularity of the light sentencing to the unpopularity of Brown v. Board of Education, the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision which led to school desegregation. Story continues In a statement that appeared on the Santa Clara County ballot on Tuesday, Persky said: "As a prosecutor, I fought vigorously for victims. As a judge, my role is to consider both sides. California law requires every judge to consider rehabilitation and probation for first-time offenders. Its not always popular, but its the law, and I took an oath to follow it without regard to public opinion or my opinions as a former prosecutor." He has yet to comment publicly on the voters' decision to remove him from office. Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here? Trump Grants Clemency To 63-Year-Old Woman After Meeting Kim Kardashian West Trump Doesn't Know "God Bless America." A Body Language Expert Tells Us What That Really Means. Miss America Scrapping The Swimsuit Competition Won't Make It More Inclusive Escuintla (Guatemala) (AFP) - Explosions boomed from Guatemala's fearsome Fuego volcano Wednesday, unleashing fresh torrents of mud and ash down slopes, as the death toll from a previous eruption rose to at least 99. Fears of a new blowup of the 3,763-meter (12,346-foot) volcano have stalked rescue workers since Sunday's eruption buried entire villages on its southern flank. The National Forensic Sciences Agency said in a report Wednesday that morgues had received the remains of 99 people killed as a result of the eruption. Only 28 have been identified so far, it said. "We already have data with names and locations where there are missing persons and that number is 192," Sergio Cabanas, head of Guatemala's disaster management agency, told reporters earlier in the day. Experts warned Wednesday that heavy rains in the area could provoke avalanches due to the large flows of volcanic mud, known as lahars, since the eruption on Sunday. Volcanologists recorded the volcano exploding several times an hour Wednesday, which generated a fresh 4,700 meter (15,500 feet) high column of gray ash. "The explosions are generating moderate avalanches that have an approximate distance of 800 to 1,000 meters," the Volcanology Institute said. It said the lahars could sweep down the mountain laden with concrete, rocks up to a meter (yard) in diameter and tree trunks. "The activity continues and the possibility of new pyroclastic flows in the next hours or days cannot be ruled out, so it is recommended not to remain near the affected area," it said. Emergency workers had to temporarily suspend their search late Tuesday after a new eruption triggered a landslide. Hundreds of people were evacuated from seven communities in the Escuintla area near the summit, as panicked locals rushed to their cars to escape, causing chaotic traffic. An AFP photographer saw a large plume of ash rise into the sky, prompting an evacuation of everyone authorities could find before the police, the military and rescuers were ordered to stand down. Story continues - Ongoing search - Hundreds of rescue workers, including firefighters, police and the military, were battling adverse conditions to search for remains in the tangled morass of rubble, dust and earth left behind by the landslides. General Walter Sanchez, in charge of operations around the epicenter of the destruction near the village of El Rodeo, said the heat from the ash and hot sediment made rescue work difficult. Firefighters hosed down their smoking boots, which had sunk into molten volcanic material just below the ash surface. Everything in the search area was covered in a thick blanket of dust. In the murk created by the dust, police were using red ink to mark homes that had already been searched for bodies. More than 12,000 people have been evacuated from their homes, the disaster management agency said, with over 3,000 of them housed in temporary shelters. On the slopes Wednesday, local volunteers distributed food to rescue workers, and columns of cars handed out food, water, toilet paper, diapers and other necessities to residents. Some residents said they had organized themselves to prevent looting that they claimed occurred on the first night of the disaster. - Strongest in decades- The killer eruption was the Central American country's strongest in four decades. It sent huge clouds of ash barreling over the surrounding area, blanketing roads, cars and people in thick gray dust as a river of molten mud carved a path down the mountain, sweeping away entire villages. Officials said the speed and ferocity of the eruption took mountain communities by surprise, with many of the dead found in or around their homes. Despite offers of international help from the United States, Mexico and several Latin American neighbors, Guatemalan authorities have not made a request for foreign aid. The foreign ministry said disaster management agency CONRED would help determine any such request. "We are ready when CONRED, as the governing body of emergency management, authorize us to make an appeal," the ministry said in a statement. President Jimmy Morales has been criticized on social media for passively waiting to react to offers of international aid. The head of the International Red Cross Francesco Rocca is due to visit the country on Thursday, the Geneva-based agency said. Meanwhile, the US Air Force was to "transport six Guatemalan children injured by the recent eruption" for treatment in Texas on Wednesday, the American military said. Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Gianluigi GuerciaAFP/Getty Images, White House Santos Simione operates health clinics in Mozambique, which has one of the highest rates of HIV in the world, with one in eight adults infected. Its poverty rate is about 45 percent. The illiteracy rate is 47 percent in the sub-Saharan nation, which emerged from Portuguese colonial rule in the 1970s and then fell into a protracted civil war that only ended in 1992. Simiones Mozambican Association for Family Development, or AMODEFA, provides services that include family planning, HIV counseling and other medical assistance. If it wasnt for Amodefas visits, I wouldnt be here, an HIV-positive mother told the Guardian last year. Simione was recently in Washington, D.C., but it was not to receive an award for his public health work. Rather, it was to help release a new report from the Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE) that details how the Trump administrations tethering of foreign aid to a strict pro-life agenda has harmed efforts to curb AIDS and other diseases around the world. Simione, for example, has had to close half of his 20 youth clinics in Mozambique because he is a supporter of abortion rights and refused to comply with the requirements the administration put in place after taking office last year. The new report, titled Prescribing Chaos in Global Health: The Global Gag Rule from 1984-2018, tracks the history of the Mexico City policy, thus named because it was announced at the International Conference on Population taking place in that city in 1984. At that conference, chief delegate James L. Buckley announced that the U.S. will no longer contribute to separate non-governmental organizations which perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning in other nations. Santos Simione, executive director of AMODEFA, at a panel hosted by CHANGE in Washington, D.C., June 5, 2018. (Photo: Joy Asico/Jason Dixson Photography) The Mexico City policy was canceled by President Bill Clinton, but then restored by President George W. Bush, only to be canceled again by President Barack Obama. But according to the new CHANGE report, Trumps version of the Mexico City policy now officially titled Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance is the most onerous yet. Story continues That policy was spelled out in a memorandum issued three days after Trumps inauguration. It instructed his incoming Secretary of State, Rex W. Tillerson, to implement a plan to extend the requirements of the reinstated Memorandum to global health assistance furnished by all departments or agencies. The application of the Mexico City policy to anything involving public health abroad, not just family planning, is an unprecedented expansion of the policy, CHANGE argues in its report, estimating that some $8.8 billion in foreign aid is predicated on organizations asserting that neither they nor their subcontractors provide abortion services. Basically, if youre doing any health activities overseas as a non-U.S. organization, you are impacted by this policy, said CHANGE president Serra Sippel at the reports release at the National Press Club on Tuesday. (American nongovernmental organizations are exempt from the Mexico City policy.) Simione was among the activists in Mozambique pushing for abortion to be made legal there, and laws surrounding pregnancy termination were in fact liberalized in 2015. He estimates that, because of his refusal to comply with the Mexico City stipulations, he has lost two-thirds of his funding. Prescribing Chaos uses AMODEFAs clinic in the coastal district of Xai-Xai as a case study. It finds that between July and September of 2017, AMODEFA tested 5,981 young women and girls for HIV/AIDS. But then, after it refused to comply with the Mexico City policy and lost its funding, it was only able to test 671 in the final three months of the calendar year. Protesters rallying in support of womens health programs and against the White House global gag rule, March 8, 2017. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) To limit access to abortion does not stop abortion, Simione explained during an address Tuesday at the National Press Club. In fact, research findings published in 2011 by Kelly M. Jones of the International Food Policy Research Institute found the opposite. Focusing on the West African nation of Ghana during the George W. Bush presidency, when the Mexico City policy was in place, Jones discovered no evidence that any demographic group reduces the use of abortion as a result of the policy. On the contrary, rural women significantly increase abortions. CHANGE estimates that between 2017 and 2020, the reinstatement of the Mexico City policy will result in 6.5 million unwanted pregnancies, 2.1 million unsafe abortions and 21,700 maternal deaths. But because abortion is an animating political issue for the right, the policy is back in place, and its likely to remain so while Trump or any other Republican is president. That prospect infuriated many of the attendees at Tuesdays event. Among those present was Edinah Masiyiwa, who runs the Womens Action Group in Zimbabwe. Masiyiwa explained that Zimbabwe was considering implementing a comprehensive sex education policy, a crucial potential development in a nation where child marriage is a problem and the adult HIV/AIDS rate is 13.5 percent, the sixth-highest in the world. But Zimbabwe, which is subject to the Mexico City policy, would be prevented from including abortion in the curriculum. That would either kill the plan for comprehensive sex education or significantly shorten the reach of any curriculum that does come to pass. Its a deadly policy, Masiyiwa said. It should be stopped. An African woman shows her skin condition to her visiting friend and caregiver in a small village in Mozambique, August 2012. The caregiver works for a charity that aims to increase HIV awareness and to support people affected by the disease and poverty. (Photo: In Pictures Ltd./Corbis via Getty Images) _____ Read more from Yahoo News: When Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told fellow Republicans that their plans to spend August back home were being ditched, the grumbling was brief. After all, McConnells reasoning, as typical, was sound and his political antennae finely tuned. But the decision to scrap the month-long August recess is about so much more than the stated desire to confirm President Donald Trumps nominees for his Administration and to the courts. In the end, this is a prime way to jam Senate Democrats who are seeking re-election. There is a reason why even his harshest critics acknowledge McConnell is among the shrewdest political tacticians working today. Hes taking summer vacation as a hostage, Democratic strategist Brian Fallon snarked on Twitter. Of the 35 Senate seats being decided this November, 24 are currently held by Democrats. Another two are in the hands of non-affiliated senators who caucus with the Democrats. Of them, 10 Democrats are from states Trump won in 2016. (Only one Republican, Dean Heller of Nevada, faces comparable vulnerability.) By tethering lawmakers to Washington, it limits their abilities to meet with voters and make the case for re-election. Sen. John Cornyn, McConnells second-in-command, was transparently political when discussing what the move means for Democrats. I think now theyre desperate because now they realize theyre more exposed politically, because theyve got so many people up running for re-election in red states, he told reporters at the Capitol. The move left Democrats fuming. The fact that the Republicans have resorted to keeping Democrats off the campaign trail in August shows you just how nervous they are about November, a senior aide to Senate Democrats said. Privately, they were still formulating their strategy. Some strategists suggested leaving Washington behind, even though the Senate was still in session, and have one lawmaker stick around to gum-up the process with objections and procedural gimmicks. A lawmaker from a nearby state, such as Virginia Sen. Mark Warner or Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen, would do nicely. The risk in that strategy is to prove McConnells and Trumps claims that the Democrats were little more than obstructionists. Story continues An alternative case was being made to stay in Washington and en masse oppose the Presidents nominees. Supporters of this idea note that the enthusiasm is strongest among the most liberal members of the Democratic Party, many of whom have been clamoring for Democrats to do more to block the Presidents team. For instance, activists picketed Sen. Dianne Feinsteins offices in California before she came out against Trumps pick to lead the CIA. A third option is the least appealing but most efficient: to give the President his nominees. McConnell played this same game last year and canceled August recess. The Senate then confirmed a slate of 77 nominees and lawmakers were allowed to leave town. Its a calculation of raw politics, said Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida, who faces a potentially difficult re-election bid. Finally, McConnells other stated goal of staying in Washington to pass a spending bill simply doesnt match up with the possibilities. The House has no plans to be in Washington during August and lawmakers in the lower chamber plan to be campaigning in earnest to defend their majorities. Constitutionally, all spending bills have to start in the House, so talk of any big omnibus packages matters only if the House can give the Senate something to pick up. At this point, that is an iffy proposition at best. French President Emmanuel Macron has weighed in on his reportedly terrible call with President Donald Trump, telling journalists the less they know about it, the better. Their vastly different policies on climate change, Iran and trade have prevented a political, as well as a personal coalescence, so after Trumps decision to impose tariffs on France and other European allies last week, Macron publicly condemned the decision and had a terrible phone call with Trump, according to CNN. Asked to confirm the details of his last conversation with the U.S. president, Macron was tight-lipped but uncomplimentary. Trending: Where is Kim Jong Un Staying in Singapore? U.S. Company Offers To Pay His Hotel During Summit with Trump I never recount what happens behind the scenes, Macron told the Ouest-France newspaper, during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. The report from CNN cited two sources familiar with the call but speaking on the condition of anonymity, one of who said the talk was "just bad. It was terrible." Related: Trumps tariffs on Europe make no sense and undermine his China stance, senators warn The source claimed Macron thought that based on the relationship between him and Trump, he could openly criticize the impending tariffs but the U.S. leader can't handle being criticized like that." Asked to confirm such details, Macron suggested that the minutiae of his relationship with Trump could include off-putting chapters but he would refrain from divulging specifics, instead choosing to cite a renowned Machiavellian in European history, Otto von Bismarck. Don't miss: Stormy Danielss Former Lawyer Was Puppet for Trump and Tried to Get Her to Deny Affair on Fox News, Lawsuit Claims As Bismarck said, if we explained to people the recipe for sausages, its unlikely theyd keep eating them, he said. So I like it when people see the finished meal, but Im not convinced the kitchen commentary helps with delivering the meal or eating it. Story continues 06_06_Trump_Macron Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Macron also assured that nobody from his team leaked details of the phone call, outside the very brief readouts released by both presidential administrations, which only stated the subject of the remarks, not how either leader received them. Instead, Macron urged that those interested in more details, to ask elsewhere. Here in Paris we dont make comments on how it went, or how hot, cold, warm or terrible things are, he insisted. We just act and move forward. Most popular: Video: Chicago Police Handcuff 10-Year-Old After Call About Black Male With Gun The comments touched on a sore spot for the Trump administration, where officials have repeatedly derided a large number of leaks from within the White House, since the start of the presidency. The reports have sometimes included profanity used by the U.S. president or his relationship with Russia. Macrons relationship with the press in his country has also become more distant since the days of his campaign. French journalists have criticized his aloofness, compared to predecessors. Macron notably moved the press room of the presidential administration out of the historic Elysee Palace, citing the need for a bigger office and abandoned other more personal aspects of the conventional relationship of the French president with reporters. "We very rarely see Macron," Elizabeth Martichoux, political editor at French public broadcaster RTL, told Al Jazeera in February. "Macron does not host luncheons with journalists like his predecessor, Francois Hollande, used to. He stopped doing all that. There is never an 'off-the-record' moment, he is a president who is always 'on the record. Macron is very active on social media to address the public and has faced criticism at home for sometimes preferring foreign media with less interest in domestic issues, ahead of top French broadcasters. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek By Colin Packham SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian winemakers on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to visit China to resolve diplomatic tension blamed for trade obstacles that have raised concerns for an export market expected to top A$1 billion ($766 million) this year. As many as six Australian wine companies, including Treasury Wine Estates Ltd - the world's biggest-listed winemaker - have faced delays at Chinese customs since Turnbull complained of Chinese political interference late last year. Six winemakers including Treasury held talks with Assistant Minister for Agriculture Anne Ruston on Wednesday to urge the government to do more to end the trade tension, according to a source familiar with the talks. "There is a meeting today with Senator Ruston, where it will be suggested that the prime minister travel to China," Tony Battaglene, chief executive of industry body the Wine Federation of Australia, told Reuters ahead of the meeting. "There is obvious concern about China from the government but for us, we must all be aware that they are an extremely important strategic partner for us." Beef and citrus industry leaders have also expressed fears the diplomatic spat is harming exports, although China has denied targeting Australian products with customs delays. Beijing has shunned Australian officials in recent months, casting doubt on a visit to China by Turnbull expected some time later this year. Left unresolved, the issue could become a sore point for the government ahead of elections due next year. China pays great attention to exchanges with other countries, and mutual visits need both sides to communicate and have consultations to reach a consensus, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Wednesday. "As for a specific visit, I have no information on this," Hua said, when asked at a daily news briefing when an Australian leader might come to China. Trade Minister Steven Ciobo played down the exporters' concerns. While Turnbull had "indicated a willingness" to visit China, he said, any trip had to be "married against a number of other competing demands in terms of time". "There is a trade irritant that is there, but when you put it in the context of where trade is going, when you look at the growth we've had of beef and wine exports, I think it is important that we don't mischaracterize what is happening," he told reporters in Canberra. Ciobo last month became the first elected Australian official to travel to China in more than seven months, but he was largely shunned during his three-day visit. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has not visited China since 2016. Turnbull did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Chinese customs officials did not immediately respond. GLASS HALF FULL While the Australian wine industry has not put a value on the exports languishing at China's ports, investors are concerned as winemakers increasingly rely on rapidly growing Chinese sales to boost earnings. Treasury Wine's share price has dropped 6.5 percent since the owner of the Penfolds, Wolf Blass and Rosemount labels revealed the Chinese customs delays on May 17. Battaglene said Australian government lobbying had seen wine shipments begin to slowly flow again into China, but a backlog remained. "As you know, customs in any country can carry out spot checks on some products from relevant companies. This is normal enforcement behavior. The aim is to protect consumer rights. Communication between the two countries' customs is smooth," the Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman said. Hua added that according to her understanding, since China and Australia signed their free trade deal, the two customs authorities had set up an effective communication system to handle any problems in a timely way. Both countries are in communication over the issue, and China's customs is processing related shipment applications in line with normal procedures, the Chinese commerce ministry said in response to a fax message from Reuters seeking comment. Australia's wine exports to China were worth A$848 million last year and are forecast to top A$1 billion in 2018, government figures show, though some analysts now say those hopes look optimistic. "China is Australia's growth market. Anything that inhibits that trade is a major worry," said Phin Ziebell, an agribusiness economist at National Australia Bank. Patrick Hutchinson, chief executive of the Australian Meat Industry Council, said 26 companies were still waiting for permission to begin exports to China two years after Premier Li Keqiang, during a visit to Sydney, agreed to increase access. While exporters want the tension to go away, another strain opened up on Tuesday when Australian officials accused China of applying undue pressure on Qantas Airways Ltd to refer to Taiwan as a Chinese territory. ($1=1.3051 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Colin Packham in Sydney; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard and Stella Qiu in Beijing; Editing by Stephen Coates and Clarence Fernandez) By Anthony Boadle BRASILIA (Reuters) - Far-right presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro said on Wednesday that China was an "exceptional partner" of Brazil, softening earlier criticism that Chinese investors were taking over Latin America's largest economy. "We will continue being a partner of China," Bolsonaro said when asked how he would treat Chinese investments if he wins the October election. "I don't want any country buying up Brazil, but we will do business with all countries and China is an exceptional partner," he told reporters. China displaced the United States in 2009 as Brazil's biggest trade partner, buying much of its soy and iron ore exports. Chinese investment has poured into Brazil's energy and infrastructure sectors in recent years, and China has become a new source of financing in the Brazilian economy. In an interview with Reuters last year, Bolsonaro said he wanted to restore the United States as Brazil's top partner. He said he was worried that China was taking over the country with its investments in mining, agriculture, ports and airports, and vowed to restrict Chinese purchases of Brazilian companies. Four months from the election, Bolsonaro has consolidated his lead with about 25 percent of voter intentions. Among his most fervent supporters are Brazil's farm lobby, which depends on the Chinese market and which has led Bolsonaro to soften his view of China. Chinese investment in Brazil hit a seven-year high in 2017, with $20.9 billion coming into the country. Speaking before a panel at the Correio Braziliense newspaper, Bolsonaro said he would ease gun-control laws if elected, a prime demand of prosperous Brazilian farmers who want to arm themselves to deal with growing crime in rural areas. Bolsonaro said he would reduce taxes and oppose an inheritance tax, but gave no details of how he planned to deal with Brazil's gaping budget deficit if elected. His closest rival in early polling, center-left populist Ciro Gomes, said taxing the wealthy and company profits and dividends was the only way to fix the fiscal deficit. Gomes, who has 12 percent of voter support, said Brazil and Estonia were the only countries in the world that do not tax profits and dividends. "Whoever wants to fix things in Brazil has to raise taxes on the rich and reduce taxes on the middle class and poor," he told the panel. (Reporting by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Leslie Adler) Voters cast their ballots in Los Angeles, California: Mario Tama/Getty Images Voters in eight states are heading to the polls in a busy primary election day headlined by a pivotal group California congressional races. Viable Democratic challengers are targeting seven Republican-held seats in the House of Representatives, with the national party pouring in millions of dollars under the belief that the road to wresting back a majority runs through the Golden State. But Californias top-two electoral system, which allows the leading two to advance to the general election regardless of their party affiliation, has raised the prospect of a Republican shutout. Numerous Democrats vying for general election spots in a trio of southern California races could split the liberal vote amongst themselves, strategists fear, thus allowing two Republicans to advance and fumbling key pickup opportunities. Californians will also be choosing finalists to be the states next governor. In addition to managing the nations most populous state and one of the worlds largest economies, the winner could have a formidable platform to lead the states resistance to Donald Trump. Frontrunner Gavin Newsom, a Democrat and the states lieutenant governor, has been a fierce critic of the president - the main question is whether Mr Newsom will face a Republican or a Democrat in November. Other contests across the country could help determine which party controls Congress in 2019. In New Jersey, Democrats are hoping to wrest away the five seats held by Republicans in part by cultivating suburban voters, rehashing a strategy that has helped deliver victories in a series of contests since Mr Trumps election. Also drawing attention will be New Jerseys Republican senate primary. The victor of that race will take on Senator Bob Menendez, a Democrat who has been tarnished by an ethics investigation that led him to be severely admonished by a Senate committee for accepting gifts. Voters in Montana will be choosing which Republican will take on Democratic senator Jon Tester, seen as one of the most vulnerable Senate incumbents. Story continues Mr Trump has repeatedly assailed Mr Tester by name after the senator aired allegations against Mr Trump's pick to be veterans affairs secretary, Ronny Jackson, injecting himself into a contest that could help swing control of the Senate. In Iowa, too, Democrats are targeting incumbent Republican House members and deciding who will take on Republican Governor Kim Reynolds, who recently signed an abortion law widely seen as the nations strictest. Iowa election law dictates that, if no single candidate can win 35 per cent of primary votes, the process moves to a party nominating convention. Multiple New Mexico Democrats are vying for a chance to challenge Rep Steve Pearce, a Republican who is running for governor. Mr Pearces decision to run for governor has also opened up his seat, and a handful of Democrats are hoping to win a spot on the ballot to replace him in a district where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans. London (AFP) - Britain has celebrated its drinking culture for centuries but initiatives such as the "Dry January" campaign show body-conscious adults are now shunning alcohol in record numbers -- a phenomenon seized upon by the drinks industry. "I actually realised I slept better, I felt great, I had a lot more energy," 47-year-old Stuart Elkington said after he made the decision seven years ago to give up alcohol while trying to start a family with his partner. A 2017 poll showed that 57 percent of 7,100 respondents said they had drunk alcohol in the previous week -- the lowest level since the annual survey, conducted by the Office for National Statistics, was launched in 2005, when the figure stood at 64 percent. That has translated into a rise in the number of Britons who say they do not touch a drop of alcohol -- just over a fifth of those questioned last year, compared to 18.8 percent 12 years earlier. The trend is particularly noticeable among those aged 25 to 44, where the figure climbed five points to 20.6 percent. For all the benefits he felt after just six months of alcohol abstinence though, Elkington said he had one frustration. "The one thing I did miss was actually having a beer. When I went and tried to find a really tasty beer I couldn't really find one," he told AFP. - Fewer calories - Taking matters into his own hands, in 2016 he launched Dry Drinker, an online company selling beer, wine, sparkling wine and other alcohol-free or low-alcohol drinks. The range rapidly expanded and today comprises more than 100 products. "When you've got kids and a family or a busy life you don't really want to waste your time with hangovers," he said. "For me it was about having the best of both worlds: I could enjoy some fantastic beer but without the negative aspects." Elkington said that sales had skyrocketed on the back of demand for products offering "the taste of alcohol but without alcohol". Story continues The trend seems to have been amplified by the popularity of "Dry January", which became a formal campaign in 2013, when people give up alcohol for a month after the excesses of the holiday season. According to its instigators Alcohol Concern, five million Britons took part last year. Sales of beer and cider containing less than 1.2 percent alcohol jumped by nearly 28 percent in 2017 compared to 2015, with demand for alcohol-free wine rising eight percent, according to consumer researcher Kantar Worldpanel. The main driver of demand is "growing health-consciousness amongst consumers and greater awareness of the risks associated with heavy alcohol consumption," BMI Research analysts reported. Similar trends have been seen across developed nations. "Low-alcohol drinks also have lower calories than conventional alcoholic drinks," it added. - Quality flavour - Both the alcohol and mass retail industries have rushed into the blossoming sector. "What you inevitably have in a shrinking market is people fighting harder for their market share," said John Timothy, who heads Portman Group, the British alcohol lobbyist. Producers are spending millions of pounds on bringing "much better quality" low-alcohol products to market. Several alcohol-free beers have recently been launched on the British market, including one by the world's largest brewer, AB InBev. The Belgian-Brazilian company estimates that alcohol-free or low-alcohol beers will account for one fifth of its beer sales by volume by 2025. British supermarket giant Tesco recently launched a range of wines with less than 0.5 percent alcohol, which, it boasts, is "virtually indistinguishable" from a full-alcohol product thanks to a technique "that gently removes the alcohol without sacrificing the aroma, quality and flavour profile of the wine". Rival Marks and Spencer is also on board. "We had this idea with our supplier in South Africa called 'Journey's end' to develop a high quality wine that would be lower in alcohol and lower in calories because we saw that consumers were increasingly aware in the UK of calories generally," its sommelier Sue Daniels said. "Certainly for us we don't now see it as a niche market, we see it as a market we want to expand," she added. As a sign of the times, the Great British Beer Festival, which will in August transform a London exhibition centre into the world's biggest pub, will buck tradition and offer alcohol-free beers for the first time in its history. BEIJING (Reuters) - Safety crews in China's Liaoning province rescued almost two dozen people who were trapped after a blast at an iron ore mining project, state media said on Wednesday, the latest deadly incident in one of the world's top mining nations. The explosion at the site, which is under construction, killed 11 people and injured nine on Tuesday morning, according to online reports by the People's Daily and CCTV. On Wednesday, state television showed live images of rescue crews and heavy machinery being used to pull the survivors from the project. Two people were still missing, state media said. Iron ore futures rallied on Wednesday morning on news of the explosion even as the market remains in a hefty surplus due to big imports. China is the world's top consumer of the steelmaking ingredient. The project in Benxi city, which is owned by the Huamei Group, is the first phase of the facility due to open in 2019 producing 15 million tonnes per year. Telephone calls made to Huamei and the Benxi city government went unanswered. China's government has taken action to try to improve the poor safety record at many mines. In May, an explosion at a small coal mine in China's Hunan province killed two workers while another three are missing, the Hunan coal mine safety regulation bureau said. At 10:18 a.m. (0218 GMT), the most-active prices for delivery in September were up 2.6 percent at 474 yuan ($74.13) per tonne. (Reporting by Lee Chyen Yee in Singapore, Min Zhang in Beijing and John Ruwitch in Shanghai; additional reporting by Tom Daly and Muyu Xu; Writing by Josephine Mason; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg and Darren Schuettler) The Colorado baker who took his refusal to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex couple all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court insisted he is not biased against members of the LGBTQ community and serves everyone who walks into his store. I serve everybody. Its just that I dont create cakes for every occasion, Jack Phillips told NBCs Today show Tuesday one day after he prevailed at the Supreme Court. I dont discriminate against anybody. Phillips and his Masterpiece Cakeshop became symbols of discrimination for many in the LGBTQ community when refused to make David Mullins and Charlie Craig a wedding cake in 2012. Phillips and his lawyer maintain that his refused was based on deeply held religious beliefs. U.S. Supreme Court justices ruled 7-2 in Phillips favor on Monday in a narrow decision that applied specifically to his case and did not set a broader precedent. In an opinion written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, the court said it took issue with the previous judgment made by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission because it failed to show religious neutrality when it ruled against Phillips. Watch @savannahguthrie and @hodakotb's full interview with the Colorado baker who would not make a cake for a same-sex wedding pic.twitter.com/V2MXz9Nc7w TODAY (@TODAYshow) June 5, 2018 The baker told Today that he also refuses to make Halloween cakes because of his religious beliefs. He said he would refuse to bake anti-American cakes and even cakes that would be disparaging to the LGBTQ community. In this case, he said he offered to make Mullins and Craig other desserts for their wedding, but refused design a wedding cake due to his religious beliefs. Story continues A wedding is an inherently religious event, and the cake is definitely a specific message, Phillips said. In an interview on CNNs New Day Tuesday morning, Mullins said, Shock and disappointment are the main emotions that we experienced after the ruling. Craig said that if Phillips didnt want to sell wedding cakes to gay couples, he shouldnt sell wedding cakes at all. In the courts opinion, Kennedy wrote situations like these must be resolved with tolerance, without undue disrespect to sincere religious beliefs, and without subjecting gay persons to indignities when they seek goods and serves in an open market. The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a Colorado baker who refused to bake a cake for a same-sex couple. "Shock and disappointment were the main emotions we experienced," says one of the plaintiffs, David Mullins. https://t.co/Y4MA3sCKyR pic.twitter.com/JiFGAT3nXp New Day (@NewDay) June 5, 2018 What the ruling did not do, however, was set a larger precedent for whether or not a business owner can claim religious freedom when choosing not to serve members of the LGBTQ community. That question, which some advocates had hoped would be answered with the Supreme Court case this session, will have to wait for another case. Still, many LGBTQ advocates took issue with the Supreme Courts ruling Monday. The Court today has offered dangerous encouragement to those who would deny civil rights to LGBT people and people living with HIV, wrote Rachel Tiven, the CEO of Lambda Legal, a nonprofit legal organization that serves the LGBTQ community, in a statement. The American Civil Liberities Union, which represented Mullins and Craig, said the court reaffirmed the core principle that businesses open to the public must be open to all in a statement after the ruling. The court reversed the Masterpiece Cakeshop decision based on concerns unique to the case but reaffirmed its longstanding rule that states can prevent the harms of discrimination in the marketplace, including against LGBT people, Louise Melling, the ACLUs deputy legal director, said. President Donald Trump on Wednesday addressed rumors about first lady Melania Trumps nearly monthlong withdrawal from the public eye, denying that there was anything nefarious about his wifes absence. The Fake News Media has been so unfair, and vicious, to my wife and our great First Lady, Melania. During her recovery from surgery they reported everything from near death, to facelift, to left the W.H. (and me) for N.Y. or Virginia, to abuse. All Fake, she is doing really well! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 6, 2018 The president also claimed that four reporters had spotted Melania Trump last week walking to a meeting, but said they chose not to report the sighting because it would have hurt the sick narrative that she was living in a different part of the world, was really ill, or whatever. He did not name any reporters or publications. The first lady has not made any public appearances after her office said she was hospitalized following surgery for a benign kidney condition last month. Speculation about the reason behind the first ladys absence has included that she and the president were getting divorced, that she had undergone a plastic surgery procedure and that she had joined special counsel Robert Muellers investigation. On Monday, Melania Trump attended a private White House event that honored Gold Star military families. A Daily Caller reporter in attendance shared a blurry video that captured the president and the first lady. Some were unconvinced by the video, speculating that Melania Trumps return was actually staged by a doppelganger to prevent further scrutiny. A tweet from Melania Trumps account included pictures of her sitting in the front row at the Gold Star families event. Tonight @POTUS & I were honored to pay tribute to our fallen heroes. Thank you to the Gold Star families that joined us in celebration & remembrance. pic.twitter.com/6oSh1t88G7 Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) June 5, 2018 Related Coverage Story continues I Wonder Who Wrote That Melania Trump Tweet First Lady Won't Accompany President To G7 Or Singapore 'Missing' Melania Trump Briefly Surfaces To Attend White House Event Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. President Donald Trump can be deposed in a defamation case, a New York Judge ruled Tuesday. Summer Zervos, a former contestant on The Apprentice, claimed Trump kissed her and groped her while she was a contestant on the show in 2007. After Trump repeatedly denied her claims, calling her a liar, Zervos filed a defamation claim in January 2017, just days before his inauguration. Zervos was one of more than a dozen women to accuse Trump of sexual misconduct during his campaign. Both parties have been given a deadline of January 31, 2019, to submit depositions. Trending: Trumps Unpopular Tariffs Could Cost U.S. 400,000 Jobs, Economists Estimate Earlier in May, Trump was forced to respond to all 90 items in Zervoss complaint against him. Trump denied almost every allegation while responding to some he didnt have information sufficient to form a belief. Following Trump's denials, Mariann Wang, Zervoss attorney, told Newsweek: We look forward to proving his denials are baseless. She did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Trumps legal team, led by attorney Marc Kasowitz, has filed appeals to New Yorks highest court in an attempt to stop the lawsuit and avoid deposition, arguing the case is politically motivated. On Tuesday, he argued unsuccessully that the case should not be allowed to proceed until the higher court has ruled on whether a sitting president can be sued in state court. Its merely seeking a determination at the highest level of competent jurisdiction as to the resolution of this very important constitutional issue, Kasowitz said in court, according to Reuters. Don't miss: Can Nipah Spread Through Chicken? Fake WhatsApp Message Circulates in India In recent days, Trump has fueled suggestions that he believes, as president, he is above the law. Trump claimed on Twitter that he has the power to pardon himself while taking aim at Robert Muellers special counsel investigation into whether Russia meddled in the 2016 election and colluded with the Trump campaign. As has been stated by numerous legal scholars, I have the absolute right to PARDON myself, but why would I do that when I have done nothing wrong? he said. In the meantime the never ending Witch Hunt, led by 13 very Angry and Conflicted Democrats (& others) continues into the mid-terms! Story continues Most popular: MIT Trains Psychopath Robot 'Norman' Using Only Gruesome Reddit Images In June 2017, Trump tweeted that all agree the U.S. president has the complete power to pardon. Trump's lawyers have also argued that he cannot obstruct justice. Judge Jennifer Schechter ordered lawyers for both Zervos and Trump to issue their demands for documents by July 13. According to The New York Post, Kasowitz indicated in court Trumps legal team may need more time. We will do our best to abide by those dates and deadlines, he said. There are significant attendant duties that the president must perform. 886426770 KENA BETANCUR/AFP/Getty Images This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Kinshasa (AFP) - Across central Africa, a belt of countries is casting a wary eye at the political crisis brewing in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), fearing the impact on their security and economy if the situation explodes. Nine countries share a border with the DRC, one of the biggest and most troubled nations in Africa -- and the theatre of two wars in the late 1990s and early 2000s that sucked in countries around the region and led to the deaths of three million people. From the Republic of Congo and Angola in the west to Uganda and Rwanda in the east, memories of that traumatic period remain razor sharp today as their vast neighbour's political future hangs in the balance. "The DRC is the mother of all crises," Angolan Foreign Minister Manuel Domingo Augustos told the French daily Le Monde in January. "What happens there affects the entire Great Lakes region." DRC's neighbours are already hosting around 600,000 people who have fled conflicts in the centre and east of the country, and struggle to cope with rebels, traffickers and other criminals who also seep across the border. The country's problems, many fear, could careen out of control if President Joseph Kabila seeks a third term in elections in December in defiance of constitutional limits -- or if the vote is postponed for a third time. - Talks - A diplomatic ballet is starting to unfold as clouds darken on the horizon. The leaders of six southern and central African countries -- Angola, Republic of Congo, the DRC, Gabon, Rwanda and South Africa -- will "in principle" meet in Luanda on June 17, an informed source in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, told AFP. "We are all awaiting the confirmation from Kinshasa for this decisive meeting," the source said. Leading the dynamic are Angolan President Joao Lourenco -- current head of the 15-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) which includes the DRC -- and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who is also the current chair of the African Union (AU). Story continues The leaders, whose countries are observers in the DRC's troubled election process, have separately been on tours of Europe, where they talked to the region's former colonial powers France and Belgium. Both have also, and discreetly, signalled that it is time to bring the curtain down on the Kabila era. In talks in Brussels on Monday, Belgium and Angola stressed the "importance of free, credible and transparent elections in line with the New Year's Eve agreement" -- a deal reached on December 31, 2016, under which Kabila was allowed an additional year in power before the long-awaited elections. "If we can understand, as neighbours, how to aid the transition in Congo without affecting ourselves, this is what we should do," Kagame has said. Angola has had up-and-down relations with Kabila. It supported the then 29-year-old political neophyte after he succeeded his assassinated father, Laurent-Desire Kabila, in 2001. But in late 2016, it withdrew its military advisors from the DRC and in May 2017, it sent troops to the Congolese border as a bloody crisis flared in the Kasai region. Relations between Rwanda and the DRC have been similarly fraught. Kigali accuses Kinshasa of providing a haven for rebels who played a part in the 1994 Rwandan genocide, in which around 800,000 Tutsis and Hutu moderates were slaughtered. The DRC accuses Rwanda of using its influence to pillage the valuable mineral coltan in the restive province of North Kivu. The two countries clashed briefly at the border in February. - Suspicions - The DRC last week reacted with concern to the talks in Europe, apparently suspecting that a deal was being cooked up behind its back. "No one has the right to envisage solutions to our problems without us," government spokesman Lambert Mende said after Kagame met French President Emmanuel Macron. He condemned "people who are nostalgic for the colonial order" and "closed-door meetings and open plotting against our country's sovereignty." Those words find an echo in Tanzania, with which the DRC has cordial relations -- the Kabila family lived there in exile. "No solution to the intra-Congolese conflict should be envisaged behind the back of the country concerned and without associating regional organisations," a senior Tanzanian official said. Links between the suspect believed to have been involved in a series of killings that happened in Arizona over the course of several days and the victims are becoming more apparent. Many of the victims had a connection in one way or another to the suspect, Dwight Lamon James, who died Monday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He and his ex-wife Connie Jones were apparently involved in a drawn-out divorce and many of those who were killed were connected to the alleged murderer that way. Connie Jones released a statement in which she said her now husband, a retired Phoenix police detective, saw a connection between the killings and her divorce with Dwight Lamon Jones. Her now-husband contacted the Phoenix Police Saturday night, the statement said, while she also contacted the Scottsdale Police Department Sunday morning. Trending: Ukraine Under Threat From Far-Right Extremism, Report Reveals Reward money stemming from the tips Connie Jones and her husband submitted will be donated to the families of the victims as well as to Chrysalis, a non-profit for victims of domestic violence, the statement said. Police confirmed Monday during the press conference that both Connie Jones and her child were unharmed. I have feared for my safety for the past nine years, her statement said. Police said Monday that there was ballistic and DNA evidence that linked Dwight Lamon Jones to the cases and that he was observed disposing of a weapon that even belong to one of the victims. Don't miss: Joe Scarborough Mocks Trump After Melania Tweet: Can You imagine Lying About Loved One Having a Facelift? How Dwight Lamon Jones is connected to each of his alleged victims: Jones was the suspect in the killing of Steven Pitt that occurred Thursday. In a press conference Monday, police said Pitt evaluated Jones as part of the Jones divorce case. Pitt was the forensic investigator who worked on the infamous JonBenet Ramsey case, along with the Columbine shooting massacre. Two paralegals, Veleria Sharp and Laura Anderson, were shot and killed at work in the Scottsdale office of Burt, Feldman and Grenier. Elizabeth Feldman, a partner at the firm, was the lawyer for Connie Jones for her divorce from the suspect, according to court records. A statement posted to the law firm's website Tuesday said: Our hearts are heavy for their families at this time. We are assisting the Scottsdale Police Department as they work to solve this horrible murder. We thank everyone for their concern and ask that you give us and their families privacy as we mourn these losses. The fourth victim in the slayings was Marshall Levine, a psychologist and counselor who was killed Saturday. Police confirmed during Mondays press conference that Levine was working out of an office where Dwight and Connie Jones son saw a doctor during the divorce case. Most popular: Pokemon Switch 2019 Will Have New Pokemon Confirms CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara Two victims killed in their Fountain Hills home were found in the early hours of Monday morning just after midnight. They were identified Monday as Mary Simmons, 70, and Bryon Thomas, 72, the San Diego Tribune reported. Their possible connection to the suspect was unclear Tuesday. Police observing Dwight Lamon Jones saw him dispose of a pistol that belonged to Thomas, The Washington Post reported. extended stay Google Maps Story continues This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek By Suleiman Al-Khalidi DUBAI (Reuters) - Jordan will ask the IMF to give it more time to implement reforms, after some of the largest protests in years showed pushing the debt-burdened country beyond its means risked major instability, officials said. A week of rare protests has brought down the government and forced King Abdullah to effectively suspend tax rises - a key part of fiscal consolidation plans pushed by the IMF to reduce Jordan's large public debt. The government is unlikely to abandon the IMF program, but officials believe its hasty implementation sparked the protests. "Jordan cannot afford to abandon the program but will ask to extend its duration for one or two years. Provided you show commitment you are delivering, I think this is doable," an official involved with the IMF program said. "Pushing countries to the extreme regardless of the political environment was not the right thing. The IMF now has to take into consideration Jordan's capacity in what it can do," a second senior economic official who requested anonymity said. The designated new prime minister, Omar al-Razzaz, a Harvard-educated ex-World Bank economist, is expected to address deeper social and political factors that triggered the protests. Razzaz has long opposed the free-market reforms that the kingdom pursued for nearly three decades. He is expected to steer away from the enthusiastic embrace of unpopular IMF mandated measures, officials familiar with his thinking said. "He adopts a more gradualist approach ... and is more attentive to mitigating the impact of reforms on the poor," said a former cabinet member who has worked with Razzaz and requested anonymity. IMF officials in the Middle East were not immediately available to comment. FEW FISCAL OPTIONS In the past two years, the government pressed ahead with a series of steep tax increases, yielding $1.4 billion in additional revenue. That angered an already disenchanted professional middle class and small and medium-sized businesses who form the backbone of a vibrant private sector, who felt they were bearing the brunt of rising taxes in a country with rampant corruption. A general strike by their unions launched the protests. Most of the increased revenue goes to maintain a bloated bureaucracy, in a country with some of the world's highest government spending relative to its economy. Economists say its spending accounts for over 40 percent of the country's roughly $40 billion gross domestic product. After an IMF arrangement that brought some fiscal stability, Jordan agreed in 2016 to a more ambitious three-year program of long-delayed structural reforms. The aim is to reduce public debt to 77 percent of GDP by 2021 from 95 percent now. Cutting public-sector jobs, either by reducing defense spending or by streamlining the civil service, would greatly curb spending, but both are political red lines in Jordan. The IMF had little choice but to push for higher taxes, to reduce the rising public debt. The debt is caused at least in part by the expansionist fiscal policies of successive governments, who wanted to create jobs and raise public-sector pay to ensure stability after the "Arab Spring" protests in the region in 2011. The economic strains of rising public debt were accompanied by reduced local revenue and foreign aid, forcing Jordan to borrow heavily, both externally and from local banks. MISCALCULATING THE RISKS Many in official circles believe the IMF and the outgoing government gravely miscalculated the potential risks of accelerating the economic reforms. "The government could not measure exactly how much these steps were impacting people. They underestimated the economic pressure the middle class in the big cities has been subjected to in the last two years," said a former minister who requested anonymity. "They thought the fiscal space was there to generate more revenues." But he added that the unrest might persuade Western donors and Gulf countries to offer Jordan more concessional loans to avert further instability. "There are good signs ... that the other donors are more interested in helping us," he added. Officials say the IMF has already hinted it would be amenable to a new approach to ease the burden on the heavily indebted country, including extending the program to allow more leeway to meet revenue targets. "What is one or two years against the risk of losing the stability of the whole country," said the official involved with the IMF program. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi, editing by Angus McDowall and Larry King) By Warren Strobel, Yara Bayoumy and Phil Stewart WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.N. peace plan for Yemen calls on the Houthi movement to give up its ballistic missiles in return for an end to a bombing campaign against it by a Saudi-led coalition and a transitional governance agreement, according to a draft of the document and sources. The plan, which has not yet been made public and could still be modified, is the latest effort to end Yemen's three-year-old civil war, which has spawned one of the world's worst ongoing humanitarian calamities. The conflict pits the Iran-aligned Houthis, who took control of the capital Sanaa in 2014, against other Yemeni forces backed by a coalition led by U.S. allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The coalition fears the Houthis are part of a regional power grab by Tehran. Previous efforts to end the conflict, which according to the United Nations has killed more than 10,000 people, have failed. It is unclear whether the new plan will fare any better given the divergent interests of fighters on the ground and international backers. A draft document seen by Reuters and confirmed by two sources familiar with it says that as a step toward new security arrangements, "Heavy and medium weapons including ballistic missiles shall be handed over by non-state military actors in an orderly and planned fashion." "No armed groups shall be exempt from disarmament," it says. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the language included the Houthis, who have launched ballistic missiles at neighboring Saudi Arabia. The document also cites plans to create a transitional government, in which "political components shall be adequately represented," in an apparent nod to the Houthis, who would be unlikely to cede Sanaa without participation in a future government. "The intention is to link security and political aspects starting with a cessation of fighting...then to move towards a withdrawal of forces and the formation of a national unity government. This last objective could possibly be the hardest," one of the sources said. The peace plan was drafted by special U.N. envoy Martin Griffiths, who is due to present a "framework for negotiations" in Yemen by mid-June. Anwar Gargash, the UAE's minister of state for foreign affairs, signaled Abu Dhabi's desire to support Griffith's efforts. "Politically, there is a necessity to back the U.N. effort. It will ultimately mean a transition, to a new political order in Yemen. Clearly with the U.N. effort, the military and political process will see the Houthis pull out of urban centers," he told UAE English-language newspaper The National. PORT CITY STANDOFF UAE-backed Yemeni forces and the Houthis are in a standoff over the Houthi-controled Red Sea port of Hodeidah. The Emirati-backed Yemeni forces, who are loyal to exiled Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi have moved to within 10 km (six miles) of Hodeidah, a lifeline for humanitarian supplies. Griffiths is in the Middle East working on a separate deal to stave off an assault on Hodeidah The wider peace plan appears designed to win a quick ceasefire while leaving many thorny issues for later negotiation. Issues such as constitutional and electoral processes, and reconciliation among the sides would be dealt with later as part of a transition agenda, it says. The draft document calls for establishing an inclusive transition government, led by an agreed-upon prime minister, "in which political components shall be adequately represented." The plan offers no further detail on how much representation the Houthis might receive in such a transition government. A national military council would oversee steps for "phased withdrawal of armed groups from specific areas" and the handover of weapons, including ballistic missiles. U.N.-backed peace talks between the Houthis and the Yemeni government were last held in Kuwait in August 2016. (Additional reporting by Jonathan Landay and Rodrigo Campos; Editing by Alistair Bell) An Indian Air Force pilot was killed Tuesday after his fighter jet crashed near the country's border with Pakistan, officials said. Sanjay Chauhan was on a routine training mission in the remote Kutch desert region of Gujarat state when he crashed, air force officials said. "The pilot died in the crash and we have ordered an inquiry in the accident," an IAF official told AFP. It was not immediately clear what caused the single-seat Jaguar jet to crash. More than 30 fighters have crashed in India since 2012, with most accidents blamed on ageing jets. More than 170 Air Force pilots have died in accidents in the past three decades, mostly in incidents involving Soviet-era MiGs -- unflatteringly dubbed "flying coffins". Last May, two air force pilots were killed after their Russian-made jet crashed near the border with China. The nearly 160 European-made Jaguars in the Indian Air Force's active fleet were mostly inducted in the early 1980s. India is investing billions of dollars in modernising its air force as fears grow over increasing cooperation between its arch-rival Pakistan and China. New Delhi has signed a contract to purchase 36 Dassault Rafale fighters from France for $8.8 billion. The jets are expected to be delivered in 2019. First lady Melania Trump appears at a FEMA briefing on June 6, her first public appearance in weeks. (Photo: Carlos Barria / Reuters) First lady Melania Trump accompanied President Donald Trump to a briefing on disaster preparedness Wednesday, marking her first public appearance after nearly a month of rampant speculation regarding her whereabouts. She went through a little rough patch, but shes doing great, the president said, acknowledging the first ladys presence at the start of the meeting at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The people of our country love you, so thank you, honey. Pres. Trump to first lady Melania Trump during visit to FEMA headquarters: "She went through a little rough patch, but shes doing great." https://t.co/Jw7d52ECX8 pic.twitter.com/DEbefhddmL ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) June 6, 2018 The first lady had briefly appeared Monday at a White House event for Gold Star families, but that was closed to the press. Melania Trumps last public appearance was on May 10, shortly before undergoing surgery for a benign kidney condition. She was hospitalized until May 19 and had not appeared in public at White House events since including not accompanying her husband and other members of her family to Camp David last weekend. First lady Melania Trump's last public appearance was on May 10, when she and President Donald Trump welcomed the return of hostages held in North Korea. (Photo: Jim Bourg / Reuters) Her apparent lack of activity for nearly a month sparked rumors about where she was, particularly given persistent reports that she and the president frequently spend time apart. The first lady tweeted last week that everything was fine, in an attempt to quell the talk. She also chided the press for working overtime in inquiring about her activities even though she is a public figure. I see the media is working overtime speculating where I am & what I'm doing. Rest assured, I'm here at the @WhiteHouse w my family, feeling great, & working hard on behalf of children & the American people! Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) May 30, 2018 The tweet only fueled more speculation, partly because it mirrored the presidents typical rhetoric and writing style. Story continues The first ladys communications director, Stephanie Grisham, further criticized the media coverage on Monday in a statement to The New York Times. Mrs. Trump has always been a strong and independent woman who puts her family, and certainly her health, above all else, and that wont change over a rabid press corps, Grisham said. Shes confident in what she is doing and in her role, and knows the rest is just speculation and nonsense. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. First lady Melania Trump leaves the White House earlier on June 6. (Photo: Carlos Barria / Reuters) The president fired off several related tweets Wednesday morning labeling the fake news media as so unfair and vicious. He claimed without evidence that four reporters did not report that they spotted the first lady walking merrily along to a meeting last week. After The Washington Post wrote last month that the Trumps lead largely separate lives, the couple appeared together at a previously scheduled event announcing Melania Trumps policy initiatives. Related Coverage Melania Trump Is Forging Her Own Path As First Lady, In Spite Of Her Husband First Lady Won't Accompany President To G7 Or Singapore 'Missing' Melania Trump Briefly Surfaces To Attend White House Event This article originally appeared on HuffPost. A hoax 911 call saying David Hogg was kidnapped sent a team of armed police officers to his house while he was in Washington DC David Hogg on 29 May 2018, in Parkland, Florida. Photograph: Wilfredo Lee/AP The Parkland school shooting survivor and gun reform activist David Hogg was the victim of a so-called swatting prank on Tuesday, when a hoax 911 call saying he had been kidnapped sent a team of heavily armed police officers to his house. Neither Hogg nor any family members were at their home when the Broward sheriffs office Swat team responded to the anonymous call shortly after 8.30am. The call was regarding someone in the home with a weapon, Gina Carter, a BSO spokesperson, told the Guardian. We responded to the home and cleared the property. It was established that the call was a hoax and detectives are investigating to try to find out who made the call. Carter added that officers quickly determined that the house, in an upscale gated community, was unoccupied. They made contact with the Hogg family, who were in Washington DC, to make sure they were safe. Two elementary schools in Parkland were placed on a temporary lockdown. In January, a swatting call allegedly placed by a California man led to a man in Wichita, Kansas being shot dead by local police. Hogg, 18, has become an outspoken advocate for gun law reform since the 14 February shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school in which 14 students and three teachers were killed. He has often found himself the target of abuse. Last month a Florida police officer was suspended for a Facebook post in which he suggested Hogg should be run over at a protest against a supermarket chain that donated to a pro-National Rifle Association politician. Hogg, a founding member of the March for Our Lives movement that has staged nationwide rallies, described Tuesdays incident as a silly prank. Its an attempt to try to distract us from what we are trying to do, which is solve the gun violence epidemic and get youth out to vote, he told CBS News. Story continues Hogg said he had no idea who might have been behind the call. Shortly after learning of the incident, he tweeted: I could really use a chocolate muffin right now. While the Swat team was descending on their house, the Hogg family were in Washington, where he and his fellow activists were receiving the RF Kennedy human rights award. On Monday, Stoneman Douglas students announced a Road to Change tour, a two-month trip through 20 states, including stops in cities affected by gun violence or where politicians tied to the gun lobby have been elected. He told the Guardian the goal was engagement: Not speaking at people like we do through the TV and have done a lot of the time at these marches and things, but speaking with them, understanding that were going to have our disagreements. We all want to prevent our children from dying from gun violence. For example, if you dont agree with common sense gun reform, we can work together to promote better mental healthcare funding. Seven strangers meet for brunch in Brooklyn. They have only two things in common: they were born roughy between 1998 and 2015, the cohort known as Generation Z , and theyre willing to talk politics at the dining table specifically about refugees. The group is surrounded by white stucco walls, marble tabletops and potted palms an ideal setting for an Instagram photoshoot. But none of these Gen Z-ers have a phone in their hand. For the next few hours all devices are tucked away while the conversation proceeds without distraction, save for the cameras taping them. UNICEF and Purpose, a creative agency specializing in purpose-driven campaigns that impact policy, have organized this group to discuss the global refugee crisis. If we brought folks even folks who think very differently from one another around a table, they could relax, eat something and bond over that, says Gissou Nia, an international criminal lawyer and strategy director for Purpose. The awkwardness of meeting a stranger gets stripped away. Members of Generation Z are known for choosing their own preferred pronouns, leading online-offline protests and backing intersectional politics. Theyre a set of uniquely diverse, digital natives. And while theyre also considered the loneliest generation, theyre largely connected to the world via social media and can incite protests without leaving their bedrooms. The ultimate hope was to convene a group of change makers who would start to build solutions by them, for them because more than half of the worlds refugees are children, says Nia. She helped bring together Gia Grier, 18, Ahmed Badr, 19, Abdalla Asem, 21, Soraya Morales Nunez, 21, Fadumo Osman, 22, Latchmi Gopal, 24 and Julie Kim, 27. Screengrab of Gia Greer, a high school graduate from Brooklyn, New York City, who is taking a gap year before starting college had the capacity for passion projects. (Video still: Purpose/UNICEF) Each of the video participants has a history of activism. They were selected via social media, and agreed to be filmed as a part of a campaign to welcome refugees to dinner. Among several issues discussed over brunch, displaced persons emerged as the most pressing topic. Story continues I didnt feel like I knew enough about the refugee crisis to speak on it, says Gia Grier, a high school graduate from Brooklyn, N.Y. I think by having conversations that can sometimes be challenging or uncomfortable, because we dont know too much about the topic at hand, we end up learning more about the world. I think challenging conversations are more rewarding. Grier is taking a gap year before attending college, deferring enrollment in a move similar, she points out, to actress Yara Shahidi and Malia Obama. So, when Purpose asked her to host the Generation Z conversation, she was available to take it on as a passion project. I was coordinating with all these people I had never met before, says Grier, who, before the meeting, researched conversations about the refugee crisis on U.N. websites and in Teen Vogue, among others, and on aid and relief forums. I challenged myself to learn more about the gravity of the issue. Grier says the experience showed her how we are all connected in this world, and exposed her to the work being done by others of her generation. They do a really great job of raising consciousness about gun violence or whats happening in Israel and Palestine, says Grier. Theyre not afraid to share more information about that. I feel like Im learning a lot through watching their stories or just interacting with their posts. Screen grab of, Fadumo Osman, 22, the daughter of Somali refugees,who is now back home in San Jose after graduating from NYU with a degree in computer science and politics. (Video still: Purpose/UNICEF) Grier wasnt alone in feeling intimidated by the table topic. The daughter of Somali refugees, Fadumo Osman says, I had to remind myself that I care about this issue and learning never really stops. No one was going to judge me for not having saved thousands of people already. Osman, who has returned to San Jose, Calif., after graduating from NYU with a degree in computer science and politics, thinks Purpose found her through the Muslim ban hashtag. In college, she led NYUs chapter of New York State College Democrats and was outspoken on human rights issues. Having to represent the liberal voice on campus but personally having much more radical views was interesting, says Osman. As a black Muslim woman, I can look at issues as a black person, as a Muslim, as someone whose parents are refugees. I knew what I believed in, I knew what I stood for. But I also had to understand that if I had the right to speak up and share my views, so did anyone else. Meeting with other Gen Z-ers was refreshing, says Osman. Going to protests, I always meet people who are much older than me, she says. And even though I have a lot of friends on campus that cared about issues, it was almost always in setting of the classroom or a particular club never over something like brunch. But what was most eye-opening to Osman was seeing the diversity of interests at the table. Not everyone worked on refugee rights, says Osman, which made it cool to see their tactics on [issues] they care about. And to see that you can care about multiple issues at once. You dont have to be a one-issue person. Ahmed Badr, a former Iraq refugee currently living in Houston, spoke about displacement from firsthand experience. A junior at Wesleyan University, he came to America with his family in 2008. Today, Badr is a U.S. citizen and says, Its really a privilege to be in this country. We had to really beat the odds to get here, and we have to keep this in perspective. Badr has traveled the world telling his refugee story, and now promotes youth storytelling as a means to self-empowerment. You cant expect everyone to share their stories on an international stage, says Badr. But we need to have more representatives across different backgrounds. I can talk about my own experience and my background, but I cant be the only person doing this. I dont represent all of Gen Z. Like Osman, who has a close connection to the refugee crisis, Badr is familiar with being the only Gen Z-er around when speaking on global forums. Usually Im the youngest person in the room and closest person in age is typically in their mid-30s. On one hand, its a privilege to be a representative, but I cant be the only person. Badr thinks that sometimes Gen Z doesnt feel like theyre good enough to be a part of those spaces. On one side is the systematic exclusion that happens, says Badr, and on the other there are people who dont feel they are worthy of being in those spaces when in reality they are just as worthy as anyone else. You and your experience are valid enough. Screengrab of Ahmed Badr, 19, a former Iraq refugee currently living in Houston. (Video still: Purpose/UNICEF) Despite being the only one at the table with lived refugee experience, Badr says, There wasnt anyone there who wanted to take up the whole space or take up the spotlight. Every single person around that table had different experiences, yet we could still find the common thread. We could still agree on something and disagree on [other] things. We had grown closer together by the end of [brunch]. Badr hopes there will be more young people talking about the issue that brought him and six strangers together. The refugee crisis isnt going away any time soon, unfortunately, says Badr. In just a few years its going to be us making decisions. Were already starting to change policy, or influence it at least. Were using whatever tools we have in our hands, echoes Osman. Were finding different ways of making an impact. It may not look like the traditional ways of meeting in a community center, but its happening in digital spaces. Badr added: The world is starting to realize we are definitely a part of the conversation and we deserve to be a part of the conversation because these are issues that are affecting us and our futures. The gathering ended but the participants have kept in touch, collaborating on social projects and sharing information about their separate interests. I think we created a group of friends, says Nia, who as strategy director played a part in the team effort to bring this group together. Grier, as moderator, asked the group for ideas to solve the refugee crisis. Ultimately, they decided to host their own conversation, gathering strangers around a table, says Grier. She now hopes to travel to Africa and India once shes in college. I think this concept of gathering people around a table can work in so many different ways, says Grier. The goal is to raise consciousness and make [the refugee crisis] more of a human issue, to give people a human entry point to a conversation that is often lost in jargon and statistics. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: George and Amal Clooney have kept their twins, Ella and Alexander, out of the spotlight. You got that right, no selfies or glamorous magazine covers for the Clooney kids, but maybe that will change now that theyre celebrating their first birthday? The lucky few that have met the Clooney babies swear theyre a perfect combo of their famous parents. One looks just like her mother and the other is the image of his father. It looks like they took the best parts of both Amal and George and mixed them together, a source told People magazine. George Clooney became a dad at the age of 56. The Clooneys, who met in July 2013, are raising the kids between their homes in London, Los Angeles and their Lake Como villa in Italy, which will serve as home base for the summer. Lake Como is also the place Amal first laid eyes on her future husband. She was passing through Italy with a mutual friend who decided to make a stop at Clooneys home. The actors agent was also in on the meet-and-greet. I got a call from my agent who said, I met this woman who is coming to your house, who youre going to marry,' Clooney said in an interview with David Letterman. What was his first impression? I thought she was beautiful, and I thought she was funny and obviously smart. While there was an instant attraction, the romance took time. They ended up talking and emailing for a few weeks before going on their first date, in London. Six months later, Clooney proposed. I did all the stuff, got down on my knee and did all the things youre supposed to do, he said. A lavish Italian wedding followed, and in June 2017, the couple welcomed their twins. Amal recently revealed their first word was mama. The human rights lawyer is balancing motherhood and career like a true pro. In an interview with Vogue she said the family spends quality time between 6 and 8 in the morning: We get to have [the kids] in our bed. I dont schedule any calls before 8. How does Clooney fit into his dad role? According to his friends, George is a great dad so fun and silly. The softer side of George now thats adorable! George and Amal Clooney have kept their twins, Ella and Alexander, out of the spotlight. You got that right, no selfies or glamorous magazine covers for the Clooney kids, but maybe that will change now that theyre celebrating their first birthday? George and Amal Clooney at the Met Gala earlier this year. (Photo: Carlo Allegri/Reuters) The lucky few that have met the Clooney babies swear theyre a perfect combo of their famous parents. One looks just like her mother and the other is the image of his father. It looks like they took the best parts of both Amal and George and mixed them together, a source told People magazine. George Clooney became a dad at the age of 56. The Clooneys, who met in July 2013, are raising the kids between their homes in London, Los Angeles and their Lake Como villa in Italy, which will serve as home base for the summer. George and Amal Clooney wave from a taxi boat in Venice, Italy, on the morning after their September 2014 wedding. (Photo: Pierre Teyssot/AFP/Getty Images) Lake Como is also the place Amal first laid eyes on her future husband. She was passing through Italy with a mutual friend who decided to make a stop at Clooneys home. The actors agent was also in on the meet-and-greet. I got a call from my agent who said, I met this woman who is coming to your house, who youre going to marry, Clooney said in an interview with David Letterman. What was his first impression? I thought she was beautiful, and I thought she was funny and obviously smart. While there was an instant attraction, the romance took time. They ended up talking and emailing for a few weeks before going on their first date, in London. Six months later, Clooney proposed. I did all the stuff, got down on my knee and did all the things youre supposed to do, he said. A lavish Italian wedding followed, and in June 2017, the couple welcomed their twins. George and Amal Clooney attending the royal wedding. (Photo: Getty) Amal recently revealed their first word was mama. The human rights lawyer is balancing motherhood and career like a true pro. In an interview with Vogue she said the family spends quality time between 6 and 8 in the morning: We get to have [the kids] in our bed. I dont schedule any calls before 8. How does Clooney fit into his dad role? According to his friends, George is a great dad so fun and silly. The softer side of George now thats adorable! Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Managua (AFP) - At least 121 people have been killed in a wave of protests since April 18 against President Daniel Ortega's government, Nicaragua's main human rights group said Tuesday, calling it a "human tragedy." The Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (CENIDH) said another 1,300 people have been wounded in the protests, which have met with a violent crackdown from the government. "This is now a massacre, a human tragedy where the goal is to exterminate all those young people who think differently than or are critical of the government," the group's executive secretary, Marlin Sierra, told AFP. "It amounts to state terrorism." The latest toll includes a young boy killed by gunfire during clashes Tuesday in the resort city of Granada between anti-government protesters and riot police, the group said. A parish priest, Wilmer Perez, earlier told the 100% news channel that the boy was killed in a confrontation between demonstrators and government supporters trying to clear a barricade in the city, 45 kilometers (28 miles) south of the capital Managua. Town hall and the local office of the ruling Sandinista party in Granada were burned down by protesters, and several electrical appliance stores were looted and burned, a local businessman told AFP on condition he not be named. He said the police did not show up at any of these places. Ten people were also killed in running battles over the weekend in the flashpoint city of Masaya, near Managua, said the CENIDH. Masaya residents armed with homemade mortars and slingshots faced off in clashes with what they said were riot police and vigilante groups loyal to Ortega, who has dominated the Central American country's politics for four decades. Separately on Tuesday, the Organization of American States, which was holding its general assembly in Washington, issued a condemnation of the violence and appealed to the Nicaraguan government and other parties to "demonstrate commitment and engage constructively in peaceful negotiation." Story continues - On edge - The city braced for a new night of clashes Tuesday, after several nights of attacks that residents say were led by riot police. "Yesterday we buried one person, the day before we buried another. One was a 15-year-old boy. He begged for his life. He told the policewoman, 'Don't kill me, don't kill me.' But bam, bam, she shot him," said Ramona Garcia, 83. "We're sick and tired of it. We want that son of a bitch Ortega to go. The people want him to go, all Nicaragua wants him to go," she told AFP, speaking beside one of the myriad barricades residents have erected in the streets. Built with cobblestones, furniture, sheet metal and whatever else is at hand, the barricades are meant to keep out pro-Ortega gangs, whom residents accuse of pillaging the city of 100,000 people. The government blames criminals for the pillaging, and says it sent in riot police at the request of small-business owners. - Economic pressure - In Managua, there is a virtual curfew in place after dark, with motorcycle gangs terrorizing those who venture out, according to the CENIDH. Barricades set up on key highways have meanwhile ground transportation to a halt. Some parts of the country are beginning to run out of fuel and other essentials. The country's business elite, long close to Ortega, have broken with him over the crackdown. The Catholic Church, also once close to Ortega, initially tried to mediate the conflict. But it called off the talks after attacks on a march led by victims' mothers last Wednesday left 16 people dead. The crackdown on what started as relatively small protests against pension cuts has fueled demands for the ouster of Ortega and Murillo. Ortega blames the violence on right-wing opposition groups he says are conspiring to "terrorize" the country. The former guerrilla leader first came to power in 1979, at the head of a communist junta installed by the Sandinista rebels after they ousted dictator Anastasio Somoza. He lost power at the ballot box in 1990, then led the opposition until winning a 2006 election that again returned him to the presidency. He is now serving his third consecutive term, due to end in 2022. The Hague (AFP) - International judges will Friday hand down a verdict in the appeal of disgraced former Congolese vice-president Jean-Pierre Bemba, fighting his conviction for war crimes and an 18-year jail term. Bemba, 55, appealed after judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) unanimously found him guilty in June 2016 on five charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Central African Republic (CAR). In a landmark case, the heavy-set, imposing former leader nicknamed "miniature Mobutu" was convicted for his role in a reign of terror by his troops, sent into CAR in October 2002 to quash a coup against the then president Ange-Felix Patasse. The court said the powerful leader of the Congolese Liberation Movement (MLC) militia had failed to stop a series of "sadistic and cruel" rapes, murders and pillaging by his soldiers between 2002 and 2003. Bemba "directed a widespread attack against the civilian population" during a five-month assault when "entire families were victimised", the judges said. Some victims were raped repeatedly by as many as 20 soldiers, others were shot point blank for refusing to hand over a motorbike or a sheep. Bemba knew the crimes were being committed and "failed to take all necessary and reasonable measures to prevent or repress the commission of crimes by his subordinates," the judges ruled. - Chain-of-command - The trial, which opened in November 2010, was the first before the ICC to focus on sexual violence as a weapon of war, and the first to underline a military commander's responsibility for the conduct of troops under his control. Bemba was the highest official ever convicted and sentenced at the court, and has received its longest jail term to date. Set up in 2002, the ICC is a court of last resort which aims to prosecute the world's worst crimes in cases where domestic tribunals are unable or unwilling to act. Chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda hailed Bemba's conviction as "sending a very strong signal to commanders that they will be held accountable for the crimes that their troops commit in the field". Story continues But the prosecution has also appealed against Bemba's sentence, pleading for his jail term to be increased, saying it "did not reflect the gravity" of all the crimes. In the appeal, defence lawyer Peter Haynes maintained that the trial judges chose to ignore much of the defence's evidence. "A hatchet was simply taken to the defence case," Haynes told the five appeals judges in January, adding the trial court had taken "an unbalanced" approach to the evidence. Bemba's lawyers also said the judges "invented a theory of command responsibility which is a military impossibility". - Corruption appeal lost - In a separate trial, Bemba was sentenced in March 2017 to one year in jail and fined 300,000 euros ($350,000) for bribing witnesses during his main war crimes trial. He lost a separate appeal against that bribery conviction when appeals judges agreed with prosecutors that a one-year term was not tough enough and sent the case back to the original trial chamber for a new sentence. A wealthy businessman, Bemba was once a towering figure in business and politics in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His family was close to that of former dictator Mobutu Sese Seko. But when Mobutu was ousted in 1997 by late rebel leader Laurent Desire Kabila, Bemba fled into the bush and built up his militia, opposed to the Kabila regime. A 1998-2003 war drew foreign armies on rival sides into the vast central African nation with fabulous mineral wealth. But after the Congolese war ended, Bemba laid down his arms and was awarded in 2003 one of four vice-presidential posts shared out among wartime rivals in a transitional government. In 2006, he lost a presidential run-off against young Joseph Kabila, son of the late leader. He was captured and transferred to the court while living in exile in Brussels in July 2008. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Thomas Homan defended the Trump administration's contentious new practice of separating families at the border on Tuesday, hours after the United Nations condemned the policy as a violation of human rights. Speaking at a discussion hosted by the Center for Immigration Studies, which has been branded an "anti-immigrant hate group" by the Southern Poverty Law Center, Homan said: "Children and parents get separated every day across this country when a parent is charged with a criminal offense. Its sad to see children cry when you take a parent out of a home, but because its sad, doesn't mean that we ignore the law. GettyImages-961479070 Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Trending: Fire in Campo: San Diego County California Recycle Fire Growing "Those who choose to come between the ports of entry are committing a crime," said Homan, who is set to retire later this month, after 34 years in federal law enforcement. Homan's comments come after the United Nations urged Washington to immediately halt its new "zero tolerance" practice of separating families caught crossing into the U.S., with parents taken to federal jail and children taken into the custody of the Department of Human Health Services. The U.N. human rights office said it was deeply concerned over the policy announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions last month, with spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani writing in a statement that the practice "amounts to arbitrary and unlawful interference in family life and is a serious violation of the rights of the child." Story continues The use of immigration detention and family separation as a deterrent runs counter to human rights standards and principles, Shamdasani said. The childs best interest should always come first, including over migration management objectives or other administrative concerns, she asserted. Shamdasani added, It is therefore of great concern that in the US, migration control appears to have been prioritised over the effective care and protection of migrant children. Related: U.N. calls on Trump administration to stop separating immigrant children from parents Don't miss: Belmont Stakes 2018 Cocktail: Belmont Jewel, Breeze Punch Drink Recipes In early May, as many as 658 children were separated from their parents at the border. The ICE chief said that he felt "bad" after being shown a video by a reporter of a father being arrested as his children cried, but said ICE agents and officers "have a job to do." "I feel bad. Law enforcement officers throughout this country see sad things every day, but we have a job to do. It doesn't mean it's sad, so we ignore it," Homan said. "One thing you got to remember, for that parent who was arrested and his child crying and feeling bad about it, I get it, but what responsibility does he have in this? He chose to enter the country illegally in violation of federal law. He chose to do that intentionally," the ICE chief said. He added, "He put himself in the position." However, Homan also said that he believed there is a lack of understanding about ICE's role in separating families, arguing that Border Patrol is largely responsible for enforcing the new policy. "First, ICE isn't separating families. It's happening on the Border Patrol," Homan said, adding that he did not mean to "throw CBP under the bus" and supports the policy. Most popular: What is CBD? Marijuana Compound Could Help Smokers Quit By Stopping Intrusive Thoughts, Study Finds "CBP decides who we're getting. Because of that prosecution, they are separating families. I transport the children to a [Department of Health and Human Services] facility. That's our job," he said. The ICE acting director explained that because ICE is not allowed to detain children for more than 72 hours, "they must be given over to Health and Human Services." "If families come to the board of entry to claim asylum, which they have the right to do, they won't be separated because they have a right to claim asylum," he added. "But those who choose to violate law between the ports of entry are committing a crime." The ICE director compared the separation to families he saw separated as a police officer in New York whenever a parent was arrested for a criminal offense. He stated, "Children and parents get separated every day across the country when a parent is charged with a criminal offense." Related: What is the Center for Immigration Studies? ICE head Thomas Homan criticized for addressing hardline group The ICE acting director said he is tired of public perceptions of ICE, saying people should be focusing on Congress instead. "A lot of people want to attack ICE. I see it every day. They want to call ICE racists, Nazis," Homan said. "If you think ICE is racist, is Congress racist because it enacted these laws? I mean think about that for a minute, but the men and women of ICE deserve thanks for this country," he added. Asked whether ICE will "ever get back to the days of 400,000-plus removals," Homan said: "First of all, there is no quota." "I don't put a quota on it. It's more difficult," he said. "If you look at it, 400,000 if there is 11 million illegal aliens, that's 3 percent. We need more resources to do that, more officers." "Will we get to 400,000? I don't know. We'll keep enforcing the law we're supposed to the way it is on the books. Whatever results are there is the results. I have not put any quotas out there other than saying you can increase enforcement," Homan said. He added that he believed sanctuary cities, which prevent local law enforcement from working with federal immigration authorities, are making it more difficult for the agency to carry out its mandate. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Its not exactly an international crisis, but many people are confused why IHOP aka the International House of Pancakes is changing its name after 60 years. The pancake chain announced Monday on Twitter that starting June 11, IHOP would now be IHOb. However, they left out one teensy-weensy, itty-bitty little detail: What the b stands for. For 60 pancakin years, weve been IHOP. Now, were flippin our name to IHOb. Find out what it could b on 6.11.18. #IHOb pic.twitter.com/evSxKV3QmT IHOP (@IHOP) June 4, 2018 Were serious about the quality of food and our menu, and this name change really reflects that, Stephanie Peterson, IHOPs executive director of communications, told USA Today. The change seems to have been in the works for a while. The Twitter handle for IHOb joined Twitter in July 2016, nearly two years ago, according to NPR. The company is teasing the change on social media by holding polls that allow people to guess what the b stands for. Choices include biscuits, bacon, butternut squash and barnacles. The name change is definitely cooking up publicity for IHOP, but Twitter users arent sure it was the right plan. I am not ok with IHOP turning into IHOB Krista Nikole (@kristanikolee) June 4, 2018 #IHOP need to throw their entire marketing team AWAY And I MEAN THE WHOLE TEAM #IHOB Y'all are Famous for PANCAKES!! pic.twitter.com/0qkSSmSPz0 CHADA (@H_I_D_E09) June 6, 2018 Some offered their thoughts what that b might be, some more likely than others. Story continues Im thinking the b in #IHOb will stand for bromance Rene Salazar (@iSAL9000) June 6, 2018 I know what @IHOP is trying to do by changing to #IHOb, but I am just going to go ahead and insist on calling it the International House of bancakes. Alan Linic (@AlanLinic) June 6, 2018 Others speculated a whole new concept was in play. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. #IHOb. All the servers are Hobbits and Gandalf is the manager. Taylor (@taylorpdonley) June 6, 2018 One guy predicted people might have more of a problem with the font than the name change. My final guess is BURGERS but that font tho. #IHOB pic.twitter.com/ToOWwAbbfg COREYOGRAPHY (@djcoreycraig) June 6, 2018 Also on HuffPost Lemon Ricotta Pancakes Get the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes recipe from Half Baked Harvest Classic Buttermilk Pancakes Get the Classic Buttermilk Pancakes recipe from Damn Delicious Sausage Pancakes Get the Sausage Pancakes recipe from Honey and Jam Lemon Cornmeal Pancakes Get the Lemon Cornmeal Pancakes recipe from Two Peas and their Pod Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes (Vegan and Gluten Free) Get the Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes recipe from Minimalist Baker Blueberry Oatmeal Yogurt Pancakes Get the Blueberry Oatmeal Yogurt Pancakes recipe from Damn Delicious Roasted Acorn Squash Pancakes Get the Roasted Acorn Squash Pancakes recipe from Bev Cooks Cappuccino Pancakes With Mocha Syrup Get the Cappuccino Pancakes With Mocha Syrup recipe from Pastry Affair Sourdough Pancakes Get the Sourdough Pancakes recipe from Completely Delicious Nutella Pancakes Get the Nutella Pancakes recipe from Bel'allimento Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Pancakes With Roasted Blueberry Honey Syrup Get the Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Pancakes with Roasted Blueberry Honey Syrup recipe from Half Baked Harvest Peanut Butter Cup Pancakes (Vegan And Gluten Free) Get the Peanut Butter Cup Pancakes recipe from Minimalist Baker Gingerbread Pancakes Get the Gingerbread Pancakes recipe from The View From The Great Island Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pancakes With Coconut Whipped Cream Get the Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pancakes with Coconut Whipped Cream recipe from How Sweet It Is Cinnamon Roll Pancakes (Vegan) Get the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes recipe from Minimalist Baker Chocolate Lovers Pumpkin Fudge Brownie Pancakes Get the Chocolate Lovers Pumpkin Fudge Brownie Pancakes recipe from Half Baked Harvest Banana Bread Pancakes Get the Banana Bread Pancakes recipe from Foodie Crush Whole Wheat Zucchini Pancakes Get the Whole Wheat Zucchini Pancakes recipe from Two Peas and their Pod Ombre Ricotta Pancakes Get the Ombre Ricotta Pancakes recipe from A Beautiful Mess Whole Wheat-Flax Buttermilk Pancakes Get the Whole Wheat-Flax Buttermilk Pancakes recipe from Portuguese Girl Cooks Chocolate Chip Lemon Baklava Pancakes With Salted Vanilla Honey Syrup Get the Chocolate Chip Lemon Baklava Pancakes with Salted Vanilla Honey Syrup recipe from Half Baked Harvest S'mores Pancakes Get the S'mores Pancakes recipe from Pastry Affair Orange Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pancakes Get the Orange Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pancakes recipe from Two Peas and their Pod Rum And Cranberry Pancakes With Butter Rum Syrup Get the Rum and Cranberry Pancakes with Butter Rum Syrup recipe from Half Baked Harvest Banana Nut Pancakes Get the Banana Nut Pancakes recipe from A Beautiful Mess Coconut Pancakes With Grilled Bananas Get the Coconut Pancakes with Grilled Bananas and Salted Caramel Rum Sauce recipe from Citrus and Candy Whole Wheat Greek Yogurt Pancakes Get the Whole Wheat Greek Yogurt Pancakes recipe from How Sweet It Is Toffee Nut Pancakes Get the Toffee Nut Pancakes recipe from A Spicy Perspective Apple Pie Pancakes Get the Apple Pie Pancakes recipe from Averie Cooks Bourbon-Maple Syrup On Egg Nog Pancakes Get the Bourbon-Maple Syrup on Egg Nog Pancakes recipe from Jerry James Stone via Food52 Chocolate Pancakes Get the Chocolate Pancakes recipe from Foodie Crush Rice Krispie Treat Pancakes With Browned Butter Syrup Get the Rice Krispie Treat Pancakes with Browned Butter Syrup recipe from Half Baked Harvest Cake Batter Pancakes Get the Cake Batter Pancakes recipe from How Sweet It Is Apple Cider Pancakes With Cinnamon Syrup Get the Apple Cider Pancakes with Cinnamon Syrup recipe from Buns In My Oven Goat Cheese And Mascarpone Vanilla Bean Pancakes With Strawberry Rhubarb Syrup Get the Goat Cheese and Mascarpone Vanilla Bean Pancakes with Strawberry Rhubarb Syrup recipe from Adventures in Cooking This article originally appeared on HuffPost. By Francois Murphy and Sudip Kar-Gupta VIENNA/PARIS (Reuters) - Iran will not cooperate more fully with atomic inspectors until a standoff over its nuclear deal is resolved, its U.N. envoy said, as one signatory warned Tehran against moving ahead with preparations to boost its uranium enrichment capacity. Tehran meanwhile signaled its resolve to expand its enrichment capability by detailing plans to build advanced centrifuges - the machines that enrich uranium. European powers have been scrambling to salvage the agreement they signed in 2015 since U.S. President Donald Trump pulled Washington out last month and said he would reimpose far-reaching U.S. sanctions on Iran. Foreign and finance ministers from those three countries - France, Britain and Germany - have written to U.S. officials to stress their commitment to upholding the pact, and to urge Washington to spare EU firms active in Iran from secondary sanctions. An Iranian withdrawal from the deal, which lifted sanctions on Tehran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program, would "further unsettle a region where additional conflicts would be disastrous," the ministers wrote in the letter dated June 4 and seen by Reuters on Wednesday. Since the U.S. pullout was announced, authorities in Tehran have sent mixed signals on whether they believe the nuclear deal's remaining signatories, which also include China and Russia, can salvage it. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said on Monday he had ordered preparations to increase uranium enrichment capacity if the agreement collapsed. Tehran also informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N. nuclear watchdog that polices restrictions placed on its activities under the deal, of "tentative" plans to produce the feedstock for centrifuges. In Paris on Wednesday, French Foreign Minister Yves Le Drian told Europe 1 radio that, while that initiative remained within the framework of the nuclear deal, it was unwelcome and risked sailing close to a "red line". Story continues U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Twitter that Washington was aware of reports Iran plans to increase its uranium enrichment and he vowed not to allow Tehran to develop a nuclear weapon. "Iran is aware of our resolve," he said. Emphasizing that Tehran's patience with European efforts to save the deal was not unlimited, its envoy to the IAEA said it had granted the three powers a few weeks. "A few weeks means a few weeks, not a few months," Reza Najafi said outside a quarterly meeting of the agency's Board of Governors in Vienna. STANDOFF He also dismissed calls by the IAEA to go the extra mile in cooperating with the nuclear watchdog's inspectors, telling reporters that, while the standoff over the deal continued, "no one should expect Iran to go to implement more voluntary measures." "But I should emphasize that it does not mean that right now Iran will restart any activities contrary to the (deal)," Najafi added. "These are only preparatory works." Iran's nuclear chief on Wednesday inaugurated work on a facility in Natanz plant in central Iran designed to build advanced centrifuges and said the center would be fully functional in a month. "After the supreme leader's order we prepared this center within 48 hours. We hope the facility to be completed in a month," Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, said on state television. Although the move was not a violation of the nuclear deal, it sent a strong signal to the West that Tehran would not succumb to the pressures. Answering a question about a remark by Pompeo last month that Iran must halt all uranium enrichment, Salehi said: "We are far beyond that point. That man has been talking for himself." The agency has said Tehran is implementing its commitments, but also called for "timely and proactive cooperation" on providing access for snap inspections. Diplomats who deal with the agency say an inspection in late April went down to the wire in terms of how quickly the IAEA team gained access to one site. U.S. Receives Letter From Several Countries on Iran Exemptions Watch news, TV and more on Yahoo View. (Additional reporting by Tom Koerkemeier in Berlin, Bozorgmehr Sharafedin in London and Eric Beech in Washington; writing by John Stonestreet; editing by William Maclean and James Dalgleish) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has embarked on a three-day trip to Europe, where he is rallying leaders against Iran's alleged threat. During a trip to France on Tuesday, Netanyahu warned that Tehran will soon use its uranium enrichment program to destroy Israel. The comments came after the head of Irans atomic agency announced that the country would once again begin developing the infrastructure to build centrifuges to enrich uranium in case the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, falls apart. "Israel and Iran were on a collision course even without the JCPOA following apart. Now that Iran is rebuilding its nuclear infrastructure, it's difficult to see how conflict can be avoidedIsrael has made it clear that a nuclear Iran is not an option, and Iran is all but daring Israel to stop it," Chris Meserole, a Middle East expert at the Brookings Institution, told Newsweek. Trending: Baby Dies in Hot Car After Parents Leave Her for Hours The Obama administration, China, France, Germany, Russia and the U.K. signed a deal with Iran in 2015, but the administration of President Donald Trump recently decided to pull the U.S. out of the agreement. What's more, it is unclear whether the U.S. decision to impose sanctions on Iran, which were lifted after Tehran put curbs on its uranium enrichment program, will kill the deal entirely. Some European Union members, such as Frances President Emmanuel Macron, have said they plan to ensure that the deal survives. Still, the threat of U.S. sanctions has put pressure on European countries working with Iran. So far, international inspectors say that Iran has not violated its end of the agreement, but the country is warning that it will stop abiding by the terms of the deal if the international community doesn't offer an alternative. Don't miss: Video Shows Four Arizona Police Officers Punching Man Using His Cellphone Story continues With this in mind, Netanyahua staunch opponent of Iran and the nuclear dealis currently visiting Europe to gin up support to eliminate the agreement. Netanyahu claims Iran is an existential threat, and he is pressuring European allies like France and Germany to get tough on the country. Speaking at a joint news conference with Macron on Tuesday, Netanyahu called Tehran the greatest threat in the world. Nevertheless, some experts argued that a war between Iran and Israel is not imminent. Most popular: Severed Rattlesnake Head Bites Texas Man, Leaving Him Needing 26 Doses Of Anti-venom Whats going on now is that there is a propaganda campaign. Iran is trying to pressure the Europeans to come up with a compensation for the U.S. pulling out. So far they have done nothing that violates the agreement. As for Netanyahu, he has been beating this drum for over 20 years. So were still in a messaging and propaganda phase. But if in a month or two all European countries have pulled out of Iran and arent buying Iranian gas, then they might re-start the nuclear program, Barbara Slavin, director of the Future of Iran program at the Atlantic Council, told Newsweek. Netanyahu enjoys having Iran as a foil. He is also controversial at home and an endangered politician, so its always useful to have an external enemy. He wants to put the blame on Iran, but the blame is on the United States and those who pressured the U.S. to pull out of the deal, Slavin added. Meanwhile, Israel has spent the last several months launching strikes against Iranian militias stationed in Syria. Russia, who is helping prop up the Syrian government, has reportedly reached a deal with Israel that would see Iranian troops removed from the southern part of Syria that borders Israel. Nevertheless, Iran has said that it is unwilling to move the militias. In this tense atmosphere, Macron argued that the Iran nuclear deal is more important to maintain than ever because it could prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Some experts said Irans nuclear program could be up and running again within a year if it starts redeveloping its nuclear program. Macron has previously claimed that the end of the nuclear deal could lead to war. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - European Union ministers searched in vain on Tuesday for a compromise on immigration reform, overshadowed by a new hardline government in Rome which has declared Italy will no longer be the continent's "refugee camp". Dimitris Avramopoulos, the EU commissioner for migration issues, struck an upbeat note after talks in Luxembourg but signaled that agreeing a system for member states to share responsibility for asylum-seekers would take time. "The last reform took eight years, I believe our reform will be done in a quicker way," he told a news conference. Arrivals of asylum-seekers largely landing in Italy and Greece, which peaked in 2015, have tested European unity and encouraged many voters to support anti-immigration parties, including the right-wing League of new Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini. Salvini, who said this week that Italy "can't be transformed into a refugee camp", was absent from Luxembourg, instead attending a Senate address in Rome by new Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. But anti-immigration ministers took heart from his hardline stand before a summit of EU leaders at the end of June which is supposed to tackle the reform. "I am happy for every ally," said Austrian interior minister Herbert Kickl, a member of the right-wing Freedom Party. The new Italian government has already opposed the latest proposal for adapting the EU asylum system. Describing the mood of deadlock, Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn quipped: "I guess we'll have a compromise by Easter, I just don't know of which year." Under the existing rules, refugees must claim asylum in the country in which they first enter the EU, leaving countries of entry such as Italy and Greece with a large number of migrants. Many are economic migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, not eligible for asylum and unable to return. For those classified as refugees, such as people fleeing war or oppression in Syria and Eritrea, Brussels wants a distribution system among member states. Wealthy EU members such as Germany and Austria complain they have taken in more asylum seekers than others, while central European countries such as Hungary and Poland have rejected obligatory quotas for accepting refugees. German Chancellor Angela Merkel called at the weekend for a flexible system in which countries that refuse quotas could compensate by making contributions in other areas. She also said the European border police force Frontex should be allowed to operate independently. However, Merkel said she was unsure an agreement could be reached at the June summit. The EU struck a deal with Turkey in 2016 that has sharply reduced new arrivals on neighboring Greek Islands. However, they continue in the central Mediterranean, despite a deal with groups which control the Libyan coast to stop migrants from boarding boats, a move criticized by rights groups. "We also need a deal with Tunisia, much like we have with Turkey, so people who depart from Libya can be rescued at sea and brought back to Tunisia," Belgian migration minister Theo Francken said. (Reporting by Robert-Jan Bartunek; Editing by Alissa de Carbonel) New Jersey cops who pinned a beachgoer to the ground and punched her in the head during an alcohol possession arrest will not face criminal charges, prosecutors said. Bystander video of 20-year-old Emily Weinmans violent May 26 encounter with two Wildwood police officers went viral. The cops approached Weinman after noticing unopened alcohol near where she was sitting on the beach with her daughter, her daughters father, and a friend. Police bodycam footage showed one officer pinning Weinman to the ground, grabbing her hair and punching her in the head twice after she refused to cooperate. The county prosecutor announced Tuesday that the officers actions did not warrant criminal charges. I recognize that the video footage has raised a lot of questions regarding the officers actions, Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland said in a statement. A decision such as this is not based on emotion; it is based upon applying the proper laws, policies and directives that govern law enforcement. Members of the public should understand that no matter what your opinion is regarding the subject event, it is not based on a full review of the evidence, he continued. The Wildwood Police Department is conducting an administrative investigation of the officers conduct, Sutherland said. Weinman was charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, aggravated assault by spitting on an officer, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and being a minor in possession of alcohol. She defended her conduct Wednesday on CBS This Morning, saying her attitude on the beach did not justify the officers actions. In my eyes, Im not a criminal, said Weinman, who is on probation for a previous misdemeanor assault. Im not a bad person. ... They think that because theyre cops they can get away with it and thats not the case. Thats not right at all. WATCH: A New Jersey police officer will not face charges for punching a woman in the head during a controversial arrest caught on video. Video shows one officer pinning down 20-year-old Emily Weinman, as another hits her. She spoke to @DavidBegnaud: https://t.co/IzNiLxIwlF pic.twitter.com/T5dXTqw6w2 CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) June 6, 2018 Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Los Angeles (AFP) - Voters cast ballots in eight US states for key primary elections on Tuesday, with all eyes on California, where the outcome could swing the balance of power in Congress. Democrats in the country's most populous state are battling to ensure they come out on top in several congressional districts that voted for Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. However, given the state's unusual election system in which the two top vote-getters move on to the general election in November, regardless of party affiliation, Democrats fear they may give Republicans the upper hand in some districts where they have a glut of candidates. "The worry is that with so many enthusiastic Democrats running for Congress, the Democrats will split up the Democratic vote and you'll end up with one or two Republicans in the top two slots," said Elaine Kamarck, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Brookings Institution. "So there's quite a bit of concern that this would backfire and that congressional districts that would elect a Democrat in the end would be given only the choice of Republicans." - 'Turnout always the uncertainty' - The race drew huge attention nationwide, especially given how solidly Democratic California has been, but it is unclear whether the high stakes will spur voters to cast ballots. "Turnout is always the uncertainty in primary elections," said Louis DeSipio, a political science professor at the University of California at Irvine. "If Democrats are as energized in California as they have been in some other states, they can move into the general election with no viable Republicans running statewide. "This seems unlikely, but is a possibility." Officials said tabulating final results for the vote may take several days, or even weeks, given that many of the 19.4 million registered voters are casting their ballots by mail. Story continues There were 27 candidates looking to succeed Democratic Governor Jerry Brown, and more than two dozen looking to replace veteran US Senator Dianne Feinstein. The race for governor will now be between deputy governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, and Trump-backed Republican John Cox, a businessman who is not well known, according to results published late Tuesday on the state government website. In the end Feinstein survived and will be on the ballot for the midterm elections in November, results showed. Newsom is seen as the likely favorite in November. "I will do anything to fight Trump," Arthur Aguirre, a 76 year old artist, said at a polling station in Hollywood. "He is destroying our democracy." And in the race for California's 53 seats in the US House of Representatives, the slate of candidates featured a plethora of novice Democrats looking to make a statement against Trump. Kamarck said that although Democrats in the most prominent anti-Trump state in the country would be expected to fare well, the "jungle" format of the election could create chaos. - 'High Crime Nancy Pelosi' - Trump tweeted early Tuesday urging Republicans to head to the polls. "Get the vote out in California today for Rep. Kevin McCarthy and all of the great GOP candidates for Congress. Keep our country out of the hands of High Tax, High Crime Nancy Pelosi," Trump said, referring to the 78-year-old House Democratic minority leader. In the race for the governor's mansion, former San Francisco mayor Newsom -- who gained attention for allowing same-sex unions before the legalization of gay marriage -- has a strong lead in opinion polls leading up to Tuesday's voting. In the House races, Democrats are focusing on seven districts currently in Republican hands that voted for Clinton in 2016 and could flip again this year. But in at least five of them, progressive candidates could split the vote, leaving a path for Republicans to make the November runoff. The Democratic Party "tried to winnow out some of the candidates, but the same excitement and energy that led them to run in the first place makes them unlikely to listen to the national party," DeSipio said. Nationwide, Democrats must clinch at least 23 seats from Republicans to wrest control of the House of Representatives. Apart from California, voters also cast ballots Tuesday in Alabama, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota. Famed designer Kate Spade was found dead in her New York City apartment of an apparent suicide, CBS News reported Tuesday. The 55-year-old, who launched her brand in 1993, married her husband, Andy Spade, in 1994. The pair met when they worked at a clothing store together. Andy Spade, also 55, had not yet publicly commented on his wifes death. The entrepreneur is the brother of actor David Spade. He was a founding partner at the creative agency Partners & Spade, and founded the fashion brand Sleepy Jones alongside Anthony Sperduti and Chad Buri in 2013. The Spades sold their remaining stakes in the Kate Spade brand in 2006. The husband-and-wife duo launched a new venture selling handbags and shoes called Frances Valentine, in 2016. Trending: Pokemon Quest Training Guide: Learning New Moves and Leveling Up In an interview with for BUILD Series NYC in 2017, Andy discussed the way they work as a team. The good part is that we share the same aesthetic, and we like the same things, he said. She happens to be very, very detail oriented, and I happen to think more conceptually. Andy discussed the inspiration behind the brand Jack Spade in a 2010 interview on the website A Continuous Lean. "At the time, 1995 or 1996, I liked Patagonia and some outwear companies," he said. "But when I went to the office I didn't want to carry an alpine bag, and I wasn't attracted to designer bags. So I wanted to create something in between, with menswear fabrics. I grew up in Arizona. As a kid, I hiked up mountains and was a boy scout and went to the Grand Canyon and camped out all night." Don't miss: Argentina Cancels Soccer Match With Israel in Jerusalem After Pressure from Palestinian Protesters Andy and Kate Spade have one daughter, Frances Beatrix, for whom the new fashion line was named. "Frances is a longtime family name on my dad's side," Kate Spade said in a 2015 interview with WWD. "My grandfather, father, brother and my daughter's name is Frances." Story continues The designer was reportedly found inside her home at 850 Park Avenue by her housekeeper. The Kate Spade New York company confirmed her death on Twitter. Most popular: Trumps New Ambassador Should Be Expelled After Expressing Support for Right-Wing Groups, German Politicians Say "Kate Spade, the visionary founder of our brand, has passed," the company said. "Our thoughts are with her family at this incredibly heartbreaking time. We honor all the beauty she brought into this world." This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. GettyImages-57536643 Donald Bowers/Getty for Company Agenda This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Kim Kardashian has succeeded in her quest to free Alice Marie Johnson, the 63-year-old grandmother serving a life sentence for a first-time drug offense. After meeting with the reality star in the Oval Office last week, President Trump granted clemency to Johnson. The White House released an official statement saying that Johnson had accepted responsibility for her past behavior. Today, President Donald J. Trump granted a commutation to Alice Marie Johnson, a 63-year-old grandmother who has served almost 22 years in Federal prison for a first-time criminal offense. While this Administration will always be very tough on crime, it believes that those who have paid their debt to society and worked hard to better themselves while in prison deserve a second chance. Kardashian excitedly tweeted the news, writing, BEST NEWS EVER, along with a message of gratitude to both the president and White House senior adviser Jared Kushner. The reality star also revealed that she had the opportunity to personally give Johnson the news. Kardashian became aware of Johnsons story last year after seeing Mics viral Facebook video profiling the grandmother. Johnson was convicted in 1996 for her involvement in a multimillion-dollar cocaine ring. Though Johnson had had no criminal record, she was sentenced to life in prison with no parole. Johnson had applied for clemency three times under the Obama administration but was repeatedly denied. One week after Kardashian personally lobbied on her behalf at the White House, her request was granted. Immediately after announcing the news, Kardashian again went on Twitter, vowing to help others in the same way she helped Johnson. I hope to continue this important work by working together with organizations who have been fighting this fight for much longer than I have and deserve the recognition, she wrote. Though she didnt specifically announce which organizations or causes she hoped to lobby for, several Twitter users filled in the blanks. They urged Kardashian to fight both for and against certain political issues, including gun control, the devastation left by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, the current U.S. practice that has separated hundreds of immigrant children from their mothers, and other special-interest issues. WASHINGTON (AP) The Latest on primaries being held Tuesday in Alabama, California, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota (all times local): 11:15 p.m. Twenty-eight-year-old state legislator Abby Finkenauer has won a Democratic congressional primary in Iowa and is fighting to be the youngest woman ever elected to the U.S. House. Finkenauer won the nomination Tuesday over three other candidates by stressing her blue-collar roots and support for policies intended to support working families. She now will face two-term Rep. Rod Blum, who ran unopposed in the GOP primary. Finkenauer frequently notes she's running for Congress while still paying off student loans. Finkenauer is serving her second term in the Legislature. She has called for improving health care through the Affordable Care Act, supported more infrastructure spending and questioned federal tax cuts she argues primarily helped corporations and the wealthy. Republican Elise Stefanik of New York became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress in 2014 at age 30. ___ 11 p.m. California polls have closed and results are trickling in in hundreds of contests across the state that could solidify Democratic dominance and reshape the fight for control of the U.S. Congress. Traffic at polling stations was light Tuesday because many people voted in advance in races setting the stage for the November election. Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom is the front-runner in the race for governor. President Donald Trump tweeted support for Republican businessman John Cox in the governor's race. The secretary of state's office said more than 2.5 million people had voted by mail as of Monday night. ___ 10:55 p.m. Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox has won the Democratic primary in Alabama's race for governor. Maddox defeated former Alabama Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb and other candidates in the Tuesday race. Maddox has been the mayor of Tuscaloosa since 2005. His platform includes establishing a state lottery to fund a mixture of college scholarships, prekindergarten programs and financial assistance for the state's poorest and struggling schools. Story continues In seeking the Democratic nomination, Maddox obtained valuable endorsements from Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and the Alabama Democratic Conference, which is the state's largest African-American political organization. Alabama hasn't elected a Democrat to the governor's office since 1998. Energized by the December victory of U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, the party is seeking a resurgence in state politics. ___ 10:50 p.m. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has clinched the Republican nomination for governor without a runoff. Ivey was declared the winner Tuesday night after beating back a field of GOP challengers. She is seeking to win the office in her own right after becoming governor 14 months ago when her scandal-battered predecessor, Robert Bentley, resigned. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, evangelist Scott Dawson and state Sen. Bill Hightower did not collectively pull enough votes to force Ivey into a runoff. She will face the Democratic nominee in November. In her campaign, Ivey emphasized the state's robust economy, falling unemployment rate and the quieting of the scandal that had engulfed the state's previous governor. Her challengers had condemned her refusal to debate and indirectly questioned whether the 73-year-old governor could complete a four-year term. ___ 10:45 p.m. David Baria and Howard Sherman are headed to a June 26 runoff in Mississippi's Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. Six candidates ran in Tuesday's primary. The Senate seat has been held since 2007 by Republican Roger Wicker. Mississippi last had a Democrat in the Senate in 1989. Baria, of Bay St. Louis, is an attorney and served one term in the state Senate before being elected in 2011 to the Republican-led Mississippi House, where he's now the Democratic leader. He criticizes Republicans for cutting taxes and refusing to expand Medicaid. Sherman is a venture capitalist and the husband of actress Sela Ward. They raised their two children in Los Angeles, where he grew up, and the couple now lives near her hometown of Meridian, Mississippi. ___ 10:40 p.m. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby has been forced into a runoff in Alabama's Republican primary after challengers blasted her 2016 criticism of Donald Trump. Roby faces Bobby Bright in a July runoff in Alabama's conservative 2nd district where Trump loyalty has been a central issue. Roby is a four-term incumbent. In campaigning for Tuesday's primary, she emphasized her record and working relationship with the White House. In 2016, Roby criticized Trump after a 2005 recording surfaced of him making lewd comments about women, saying the behavior made him an unacceptable candidate and suggesting he step away from the presidential ticket. Bright is a former Montgomery mayor who represented the district for two years as a Democrat before losing in 2010 to Roby. He ran an ad with footage of Roby's Trump comment. ___ 10:35 p.m. Retired Des Moines businessman Fred Hubbell has won the Iowa Democratic primary and a chance to face Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds in November. Hubbell hasn't been elected to office but has held numerous business positions he says make him well-positioned to lead state government. Those jobs include executive roles at Younkers department stores, Equitable Life Insurance and the ING Group. Hubbell's victory in Tuesday's primary over four other candidates followed a campaign in which he outspent all of his opponents. Much of Hubbell's campaign was self-funded, with him contributing $2.1 million of his own money in 2018. Hubbell says his priorities include improving wages, health care and education. A sixth candidate on the ballot, state Sen. Nate Boulton, dropped out of the race after allegations of sexual misconduct. ___ 10:10 p.m. U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham has won the Democratic nomination for New Mexico governor and will take on Republican congressman Steve Pearce in November for the state's top job. The three-term congresswoman defeated state Sen. Joseph Cervantes and former media executive Jeff Apodaca in a campaign focused on improving the state's lagging economy and public education. Lujan Grisham leads the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump and his immigration policies. She previously led state public health agencies under three former governors, including Democrat Bill Richardson. Her campaign received endorsements from an array of labor unions, progressive advocacy groups and several tribal governments. State law prevents Republican Gov. Susana Martinez from seeking a consecutive third term. ___ 10:05 p.m. Polls have closed in Iowa and Montana on a night when eight states are holding primaries. In Montana, races were called at closing time Tuesday for the unopposed incumbents, Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester and Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte. They and other candidates running unopposed advanced to the Nov. 6 general election. In Iowa, election officials say there appeared to be record turnout Tuesday, fueled in part by a five-way race for the Democratic governor nomination. The winner will face incumbent Gov. Kim Reynolds, who wasn't opposed for the Republican nomination. There also were contested Democratic primaries for three of Iowa's four U.S. House seats. Republican Rep. Steve King was the only incumbent who was challenged in the primary. ___ 9:25 p.m. U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez has fended off a primary challenger and will be the Democratic nominee in New Jersey's only statewide race this fall. The 64-year-old on Tuesday defeated publisher Lisa McCormick in his push for a third term. Menendez is heading into the general election after federal criminal corruption charges against him were dropped and he was rebuked by the Senate's ethics panel. Republican challenger Bob Hugin (HYOO'-gihn) has been pummeling Menendez over the allegations he accepted gifts in exchange for helping a friend with personal and business matters. A jury couldn't reach a verdict on the charges last year, and federal prosecutors decided not to retry the case. Menendez has denied he did anything wrong and has cast himself as a check against President Donald Trump in a year when the Senate could be up for grabs. ___ 9:20 p.m. Los Angeles County officials say the names of more than 118,000 voters were omitted from voter lists because of a printing error, but residents can still cast their ballots. The county's registrar-recorder's office says registered voters can cast provisional ballots in Tuesday's primary election. They say the issue involves 118,522 voters in Los Angeles County. They say poll workers have been instructed to offer provisional ballots to every voter whose name doesn't appear on the poll site's roster. The county says votes cast on provisional ballots will be counted once the voter's registration is confirmed. Democratic U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff tweeted Tuesday: "Don't let this affect the election results. Make sure your vote is counted!" Democrats need a good day in California to have much hope of seizing the House majority this fall. ___ 9:10 p.m. Polls are closing in New Mexico as voters decide on a Democratic candidate for governor and major-party nominees for two open congressional seats. More than 92,000 votes were cast as the race narrows to succeed Republican Gov. Susana Martinez, who cannot run for a consecutive third term. In all, eight states are holding primaries Tuesday. Democratic U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham is competing against state Sen. Joseph Cervantes and former media executive Jeff Apodaca, the son of a former governor. The winner will face the sole Republican candidate, U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, in the November general election. ___ 8:55 p.m. A wealthy former biopharmaceutical executive and Marine has won New Jersey's Republican Senate primary. Bob Hugin defeated Brian Goldberg on Tuesday. Hugin ran Celgene until this year and is a first-time candidate spending millions of his own fortune to finance his race. He says he's running as an independent Republican in a state with roughly 900,000 more Democrats than Republicans. Hugin barely concentrated on Goldberg, a former IT professional and construction firm executive. Hugin's entrance into the race buoyed Republicans, who have been on a downswing in statewide politics since Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy won last year. Hugin has loaned his campaign at least $7.5 million and has pledged to restore dignity to the state. That's a ding at Democratic incumbent Bob Menendez, who defeated federal corruption charges after a hung jury last year. ___ 8:50 p.m. Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi has won his party's primary, months after being endorsed by President Donald Trump. Mississippi is heavily Republican. It last had a Democrat in the Senate in 1989. Wicker said in a recent fundraising appeal that he wants to help the president "enact his America-first policies." In Tuesday's primary, he defeated one opponent, Richard Boyanton. Boyanton ran a low-budget campaign. Wicker served nearly 13 years in the U.S. House before he was appointed to the Senate when fellow Republican Trent Lott resigned in late 2007. Six people were competing Tuesday in Mississippi's Democratic primary for Senate. They include state lawmakers David Baria and Omeria Scott and venture capitalist Howard Sherman, who is married to TV and movie actress Sela Ward. ___ 8:10 p.m. Polls have begun closing in the eastern half of the United States as eight states hold primaries ahead of the November midterm elections. Races were called at closing time Tuesday for candidates running unopposed in New Jersey, Alabama and Mississippi, and they advanced to the general election. With primary elections across California and seven other states on Tuesday, the political battlefield will soon be set for the first midterm elections of Donald Trump's presidency. With the possibility of a Democratic wave on the horizon, the elections will test voter enthusiasm, candidate quality and Trump's influence as each party picks its nominees to face off in November. ___ 10 a.m. President Donald Trump is urging Californians to vote Republican in the state's gubernatorial and congressional primaries. Trump tweeted Tuesday: "In High Tax, High Crime California, be sure to get out and vote for Republican John Cox for Governor. He will make a BIG difference!" The president also plugged California's GOP congressional candidates, specifically naming Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the No. 2 House leader, and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes. Trump tweeted: "Keep our country out of the hands of High Tax, High Crime Nancy Pelosi." Pelosi, the House Democratic leader, hopes to reclaim the speaker's gavel if her party regains control of the chamber in November. Trump also encouraged voters in Mississippi to "get out and vote" for Sen. Roger Wicker. In a tweet, Trump said Wicker "has done everything necessary to Make America Great Again!" ___ 9:25 a.m. For years sidelined on the national political fringe, California has lurched to the center of the fight for control of Congress. No state will be more consequential to the success or failure of a prospective blue wave this fall. Before then, Democrats must avoid self-inflicted wounds in Tuesday's so-called jungle primaries that feature a swarm of candidates who could cannibalize their own party's chances. Republicans face the embarrassing prospect of failing to nominate any candidates in Senate and gubernatorial races. California tops a list of eight states holding primary contests on Tuesday. With the possibility of a Democratic wave on the horizon, the elections from Montana to Alabama to New Jersey will test voter enthusiasm, candidate quality and President Donald Trump's influence as the 2018 political battlefield begins to settle. ___ Sign up for "Politics in Focus," a weekly newsletter showcasing the AP's best political reporting from around the country leading up to the midterm elections: https://bit.ly/2ICEr3D Beirut (AFP) - Lebanese politicians and ordinary citizens alike are fuming over a secretive presidential decree granting nationality to dozens of people, allegedly including Syrian investors close to the Damascus regime. Critics have slammed the secrecy surrounding the move and say it adds insult to injury for thousands unable to acquire nationality because they were born to Lebanese mothers and foreign fathers. Political discourse in Lebanon, a country of just four million, is deeply divided over the war in neighbouring Syria, with allegations of corruption on all sides. The contested decree has brought all of that to the fore. It was reportedly issued on May 11 after being signed by President Michel Aoun, but news of its existence only emerged last week when dozens of names allegedly included in the edictwere leaked to the media. It prompted a wave of public outrage, with Lebanese officials scrambling to defend themselves or defect blame. The president's office confirmed the decree's existence, but said it had submitted the names to the General Security agency to verify they all have "the right" to become Lebanese. That agency, in turn, established a hotline and encouraged citizens to call in any relevant information about named individuals. The official list has yet to be made public. Lebanese media reported it may include as many as 300 people, including businessmen known to be close to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Names being circulated include powerful industrialists Khaldun al-Zoabi and Samer Foz, who has since denied he requested nationality, as well as Mazen Mortada, the son of a former Syrian minister. - Investments, outrage - Under Lebanese law, foreign businessmen are not permitted to invest in Lebanon without local partners, and foreigners can only be naturalised by presidential decree, signed by the prime minister and interior minister. Business ties and investments are valid reasons for naturalisation, said Foreign Minister Gibran Bassil, who is also the president's son-in-law. Story continues Lebanese nationality could be granted to "anyone useful to the state, whether a businessman, investor or someone with a good reputation, and whose naturalisation would be in Lebanon's interest", Bassil said. Among those set to become Lebanese citizens are the three sons of Syrian steel and flour mogul Farouq Joud, who told AFP the decree would "make their work easier". "Our industrial work in Syria requires materials transported through Lebanon, and others imported from Lebanon. That's why my children, who travel on an almost weekly basis to Lebanon, resorted to requesting nationality," he said. Joud said his own shipments through Lebanese ports, and those of other Syrian businesses, were boosting Lebanon's economy. With nationality, his family may invest more, he hinted. "We don't currently have investments in Lebanon for one simple reason: we don't want any partners. We want a company we own," he said. But many Lebanese officials are furious, with parliamentarian Wael Abu Faour warning: "This decree will not slide." "We won't allow Lebanese nationality to become a commodity to be bought and sold -- and to whom? To killers and their biggest allies," he said Sunday. - 'I lost hope' - Critics also took to Facebook, with activist Firas Abu Hatum calling the decree "a business venture to fill coffers". "And more than that, it's a project to sell the country to the Syrian regime," he wrote. Naturalisation is controversial in Lebanon, where power is shared according to religious parity. Fears of upsetting that delicate demographic arrangement are often cited as the reason Lebanese women cannot pass their nationality onto children born to foreign fathers. Today's debate has a precedent: in 1994, during Syria's military occupation of Lebanon, tens of thousands were naturalised by a controversial presidential decree. At the time, Aoun fiercely opposed the move. His issuance of the new decree was like rubbing salt into an open wound -- particularly for thousands in Lebanon officially considered "stateless" and not allowed to work or own property. "Legally they don't exist. You're nobody: your presence isn't registered, your death isn't registered," says Samira Turad, from Lebanese NGO Frontiers Rights. The group estimates there are up to 60,000 in Lebanon without identity papers, most in marginalised areas. "Before naturalising foreigners, the state should decide to limit this phenomenon of stateless people, who have more of a right to Lebanese nationality," said Turad. Nataly Majdalani, 42, was also outraged. Born to a French father and Lebanese mother, Majdalani has lived in Lebanon since age four but can never be a citizen. "I was raised here, grew up and studied here, but I can't get nationality," she said. "Every three years I renew my residency. I lost hope in getting nationality, then I find out today that others who don't even live here got it," she told AFP. "Why? Because they have money?" Ottawa (AFP) - French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed support for "strong multilateralism" in Ottawa Wednesday before the G7 summit, where US President Donald Trump's aggressive trade policies are sure to raise hackles. Displaying a united front, the two leaders in their 40s said in a statement they "support a strong, responsible, transparent multilateralism to face the global challenges." The pair were scheduled to hold formal talks and a private dinner on Wednesday, followed by a joint news conference early Thursday. Those discussions are likely to focus on Trump's decision last week to impose punishing tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum from Washington's closest allies, including Canada, the European Union and Japan. In retaliation, all of them have either hit back with their own tariffs on US goods or threatened to do so, as well as challenging the US trade measure at the World Trade Organization. Both Trudeau and Macron had tried to persuade Trump not to impose the tariffs. "There will be frank and sometimes difficult discussions around the G7 table, particularly with the US president on tariffs," Trudeau told reporters. His private meeting with Macron, he said, "will be an opportunity to talk about the relations between Canada and France that are going very well, but also to highlight the challenges that we are going to have around the G7 table, and to make sure we are aligned." - Economic order 'under attack' - The EU and Canada were originally shielded from the aluminum and steel tariffs, but Trump ended that exemption last week. Since then, Trudeau, Macron and other European leaders have toughened their tone, lamenting what they see as rising US protectionism. "The world economic order is... under attack," Canada's Trade Minister Francois Philippe Champagne commented. Trump economic advisor Larry Kudlow, however, framed the trade spat as a "family quarrel" which he said would be "worked out," while adding that his administration "will do what is necessary to protect the United States, its businesses and its workforce." Story continues Macron -- who had formed an unlikely bond with Trump -- declined to characterize his last conversation with the US leader, but unnamed White House insiders told US media it was "terrible." Still, the French leader pledged to have a "productive and frank discussion with President Trump at the G7," the Group of Seven industrialized democracies. "It does not detract from the friendship we have for each other and the friendship between our two countries," he said. Trudeau, who has been cordial with Trump, said in March he had received assurances that Canada would be spared as they worked toward a revamp of a 1994 continental trade pact with the United States. But that all changed with the announcement of the US levies, and Trudeau retaliated with Can$16.6 billion (US$12.9 billion) in tariffs on US goods. The two sides are also deadlocked on negotiations over the future of their North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Mexico. Ottawa refuses to grant US demands for a clause that would end the trade deal after five years unless it is renewed by the parties. Canada has also rejected "for now" a proposal floated by the White House for new separate US trade deals with Canada and Mexico. The left-leaning Trudeau and Macron see each other as natural allies in a world increasingly shaped by right-wing nationalism. That bond should only grow deeper ahead of the G7 in Quebec. According to a statement, they settled on the creation of an international working group to advance research and best practices in artificial intelligence, as well as a new defense alliance. The French-Canadian Council for Defense Cooperation will meet by year's end and look at boosting cooperation between their respective armed forces, including conducting joint military operations and partnering on UN missions. - Focus on trade - The GSeven summit on Friday and Saturday in La Malbaie, a small town 140 kilometers (87 miles) from Quebec City, will bring together the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. Trudeau hoped to put the focus on jobs, security concerns, cleaning up the world's oceans and empowering women. But officials concede the agenda is likely to be overtaken by trade disputes. "I think it's fair to expect that any discussions on the global economy... in the current environment will quickly turn into a discussion about trade," a senior Canadian official said. The other six members of the G7 are holding out hope they can find common ground with Trump, but are prepared to stand up to US protectionism. "The challenge is to try to preserve a form of unity within the G7, but not hesitate to express firmly and strongly the interests of France and of Europe," Macron's office said. Lilongwe (Malawi) (AFP) - Malawi's vice president Saulos Chilima publicly attacked the corruption of the president's government on Tuesday and announced his resignation from the ruling party, leaving the door open for a presidential run. Chilima was handpicked by President Peter Mutharika to run alongside him in the 2014 elections on the Democratic People's Party (DPP) ticket. His dramatic decision to quit the DPP has exposed a widening rift in the ruling party, which has come under heavy criticism for alleged corruption. "Despite all the sacrifices that our forefathers made, our nation remains one of the poorest. Nepotism, cronyism and corruption are rampant and only those connected continue to benefit," he said at a media conference in Lilongwe. "We must give this country a new lease of life. We must clean this country. We must drain the swamp." Chilima's shock move comes as calls have mounted from within the DPP for him to challenge 79-year-old Mutharika, who has ruled the country for four years. While Chilima holds no leadership position in the ruling party, several top leaders calling themselves the "Chilima Movement" have called on the 45-year-old VP to oppose Mutharika during the party's next conference. Presidential elections are scheduled for 2019. Chilima said he would "follow the procedure and leave the DPP" and also declined to rule out a run in 2019's polls. "I made no decision, no one contacted me," he said, pledging to announce his decision soon. Speculation is rife that former president Joyce Banda, who returned home in April after four years in exile following allegations of corruption, could be preparing a bid for the presidency. Banda, 68, was president of Malawi from 2012 to 2014. Police in Tennessee are searching for a fired gym worker who they say killed his former boss with a hatchet and another bladed instrument at a Belle Meade strip mall. Domenic Micheli, 36, is accused of attacking 46-year-old Joel Paavola at the Balance Training fitness center in the strip shopping center in Harding Pike with a weapon in both hands around 6:55 a.m. on June 4. Micheli is reported have struck Paavola multiple times before fleeing in a small silver Toyota, either a Prius or a Yaris. Paavola died from his injuries en route to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Trending: Scott Pruitt Used EPA Staff to Try to Get Wife Chick-fil-A Job According to the Tennessean, Paavola reportedly fired Micheli from the gym around 14 months ago, although police have been unable determine a possible motive for the attack. Metro Nashville Police Department spokesman Don Aaron described the incident as "a senseless, brutal, violent attack this morning on Mr. Paavola as he was there in the business." Police said that Micheli was previously arrested by the U.S. Secret Service on April 27 for driving his car to a checkpoint near the White House and refusing to move when told to do so. Following his arrest, a judge subsequently ordered a mental evaluation and treatment to determine if he was mentally fit to stand trial, reports the Associated Press. Don't miss: Guatemala Volcano Eruption Map: Rescuers Continue Search Effort in Hazardous Conditions A Facebook profile believed to belong to Micheli recently posted a lengthy update saying how Some people, even the strong faithful, have indeed waivered in their belief of me as being the Sun of God and their leader. Domenic Micheli-April 2018 Metro Nashville Police Department Elsewhere, people have paid tribute to Paavola following his death. Nashville restaurateur Randy Rayburn told the Tennessean he used to train with Paavola at another gym a few years ago. Joel was one of the most enthusiastic and well-rounded people Ive ever known in my life, Rayburn said. He was just a wonderful father and human being. Story continues Most popular: C9 Sneaky Cosplay Is a Good Direction for the Human Race A GoFundMe page to help raise money to support the 46-year-olds family has since gone on to raise more than $70,000. Joel Paavola was a phenomenal man, father, husband, and role model, Tyson Ford, who set up the fundraising page, wrote in its description. He was bright, happy go lucky, and never ceased to make you smile. He always put his family first and we want that to carry on after his unfortunate passing. His wife and 5 children were the most important and loved people in his life. Police urge anyone who spots Micheli, who is likely still driving the Toyota, to immediately contact 615-862-8600 or their local law enforcement agency. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Port Louis (Mauritius) (AFP) - The Catholic Church in Mauritius on Wednesday condemned the blocking of Saturday's gay pride parade in the capital Port Louis by hostile Muslim protesters. "Regardless of one's moral beliefs about homosexuality, we would like to express our indignation at the way a LGBT parade that had police permission was obstructed by illegal protesters," said Cardinal Maurice Piat, Bishop of Port Louis, in a statement. On Saturday, the Rainbow Collective, which advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, attempted to hold a Pride parade in downtown Port Louis, attracting around 200 people. But when a group of Muslim Mauritians waving placards with anti-gay slogans gathered for a prayer meeting nearby march organisers decided to cancel their event fearing clashes. Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth also condemned the illegal religious gathering. "The rule of law must prevail and authorities will do what is necessary following this unacceptable and illegal demonstration," he said. A police investigation is also underway into the incident. Piat insisted on respect for the rights of others, adding that a small group of demonstrators did not represent all Mauritian Muslims. "We have many friends among our Muslim brothers and sisters and we will not lump a group of demonstrators together with the entire Muslim community," he said. The Council of Religions, which brings together representatives of all religions in Mauritius, echoed the message of tolerance and the rule of law. Respect for the law and human rights, it said in a statement, "is not an option, it is an imperative for any society, for our society!" Mauritius has a reputation for tolerance and has held gay events in the past. The Indian Ocean island nation is a mix of religions with around half the 1.3 million people being Hindu, just under a third Christian and the remainder Muslim. London (AFP) - British Prime Minister Theresa May told Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday that London is "concerned" about Palestinian deaths on the Gaza border, as he insisted the protests were driven by Hamas. As the pair met at her Downing Street office, they were at odds over the clashes on the Gaza Strip border fence. May said Britain was "concerned about the loss of Palestinian lives" in the recent Gaza protests. She said Britain "absolutely recognises" Israel's right to defend itself against "extremists and terrorists". "But with 100 Palestinian lives lost and a deteriorating situation in Gaza I hope we can talk about how we can alleviate that situation and how we can ensure that we can get back to a position where we are able to find a way through to talk about a two-state solution." Netanyahu insisted that the protesters were being "paid for and pushed by Hamas" to try to break through the border and kill Israelis. "This is not a non-violent protest -- quite the contrary," he said. "We are doing everything we can to both minimise casualties and at the same time protect Israeli lives." Britain considers Hamas, which has run the Gaza Strip since 2006, as a terror organisation. Since March 30, Gazans have been holding border protests demanding the return of Palestinians to land they fled or were expelled from during the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation, now inside the Jewish state. The demonstrations are accompanied by smaller clashes as youths hurl stones at Israeli soldiers and attempt to breach the border fence, at times laying explosive devices on the fence or throwing grenades. At least 125 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire on the border since March 30. May also underlined her support for the Iran nuclear deal after President Donald Trump last month pulled the United States out of the accord -- a move applauded by Iran's arch-foe Israel. Story continues Netanyahu is on a European tour where he has tried to convince leaders to follow Trump's stance. He told May he was focused on making sure Iran did not get a nuclear weapon, and on "how to roll back Iran's aggression in the region". But May said: "Along with France and Germany the UK continues to believe that is the best route to preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. "We will remain committed to it as long as Iran meets its obligations. "But we do recognise that there are other issues that need to be addressed in relation to Iran -- its destabilising regional activity in countries like Syria and Yemen and also the the proliferation of ballistic missiles," she said. Mexico City (AFP) - Mexico said on Monday it will file a complaint with the World Trade Organization over US tariffs on its steel and aluminum. The economy ministry said it will "initiate a dispute settlement process under the umbrella" of the WTO, and that its actions will "continue to follow the state of international commercial law and will be proportional to the damage that Mexico regrettably received." Both the European Union and Canada have already opened legal challenges to the United States at the WTO, the Geneva-based arbitrator of international trade disputes that is loathed by President Donald Trump who on Friday imposed duties of 25 percent for steel and 10 percent for aluminum against his allies. Mexico submits that the tariffs, imposed on the grounds of national security, were not adopted in accordance with relevant WTO procedures and also violate the 1994 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Immediately following the move by Trump, Mexico said it would impose retaliatory duties on a variety of US goods, including steel and a host of agricultural products including apples, cheeses and pork. Those penalties will remain in place "until the United States government eliminates tariffs imposed," Mexico's government said. Other US allies have also reacted with fury and retaliation, with fears building of a global trade war. Ottawa hit back with proportional Can$16.6 billion ($12.8 billion US) in tariffs on US steel and aluminum as well as consumer goods. The tariff dispute comes as Canada, Mexico and the US try to reach an agreement to update the North American Free Trade Agreement in talks triggered last year by Trump's discontent with that deal. Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau said Washington's decision to impose the tariffs had lessened the chances for a successful outcome of the NAFTA talks. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and his Canadian counterpart, Justin Trudeau, spoke as soon as Washington announced the new duties. Story continues - Rising tensions - "These unilateral tariffs, imposed under a false pretext of safeguarding US national security, are inconsistent with the United States' international trade obligations and WTO rules," Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said Friday after her country filed its WTO complaint. Mexico has received backing in the dispute from its domestic business sector. "We support the position of the Mexican government to impose the equivalent measure on diverse products," Mexico's Business Coordinating Council said of the retaliatory tariffs. The group rejected "the protectionist measures of the United States government." Mexican Finance Minister Jose Antonio Gonzalez Anaya said the US tariffs -- along with Trump's tweets against Mexico -- further raise tensions over the NAFTA review. "It is very difficult to reach a negotiation when measures of this nature are suddenly taken," the minister said. Ties between Washington and Mexico City have also been strained over immigration. US media reported in February that the two sides shelved tentative plans for a visit to Washington by Pena Nieto as tensions persisted over a proposed border wall. Pena Nieto had previously scrapped a visit in January last year because of Trump's insistence that Mexico pay for the wall, which he wants as part of his efforts to curb immigration. The US is Mexico's largest trading partner, receiving about 80 percent of the country's exports. When a person dies, you should speak only well of them, but for one Minnesota woman, the message in her obit was clear: Good, shes dead. Kathleen Dehmlow died May 31 in Springfield at the age of 80, and the obituary submitted to her local newspaper by two of her children makes it clear she will not be missed by them. Her obit, which appeared in the Redwood Falls Gazette, begins with the usual information, including her date of birth, her marriage to Dennis Dehmlow in 1957 and the two children she had with him, Gina and Jay. It then takes a sharp turn: In 1962 she became pregnant by her husbands brother Lyle Dehmlow and moved to California. She abandoned her children, Gina and Jay who were then raised by her parents in Clements, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schunk. The obit then reads that Dehmlow will now face judgement and will not be missed by Gina and Jay, and they understand that this world is a better place without her. As you might expect, the brutal death notice has gone viral, with most people just plain shocked. Paragraph 1: ok Paragraph 2: ok Paragraph 3: wait Paragraph 4: OH Paragraph 5: *airplane flies overhead with a banner reading WELCOME TO HELL MOM* pic.twitter.com/ppV45htrda Stu (@RandBallsStu) June 5, 2018 Some wondered on social media why the newspaper allowed the obituary to be printed. One Twitter exchange with the newspaper suggested that the decision to run the nasty obit received some pushback in the newsroom. Redwood Falls Gazette general manager Lisa Drafall told HuffPost the family paid for the obit to run, but she wouldnt address whether it caused a debate in the newsroom. Story continues At least one of Kathleen Dehmlows relatives thinks she isnt getting a fair shake. Dwight Dehmlow told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that the facts as related in the obit are true but there is a lot of stuff that is missing. Dwight Dehmlow, who wouldnt specify his relationship to the deceased, said, The sad thing about this is there is no rebuttal. There is more to it than this. Its not simple. He said she lived in a nursing home the last year of her life and her sisters were there when she died. She made a mistake 60 years ago, but who hasnt? he said. Has she regretted it over the years? Yes. Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. Colin Kroll Colin Kroll, the co-founder of the widely popular game HQ Trivia and the co-founder of the now-defunct video platform Vine, died on Dec. 16, 2018. He was 34. George H.W. Bush George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States and the father of the 43rd, who was denied a 2nd term after support for his presidency collapsed under the weight of an economic downturn and his seeming inattention to domestic affairs, died on November 30, 2018 at 94. Bernardo Bertolucci Bernardo Bertolucci, the Italian filmmaker whose sensual and visually stylistic movies ranged from intense chamber dramas to panoramic historical epics, died on November 26, 2018. He was 77. Ricky Jay Ricky Jay, the master-showman magician, actor, scholar, special effects consultant and author who was called the most gifted sleight-of-hand artist alive, died on November 24, 2018. He was believed to be 70, although some sources said he was 72. William Goldman Screenwriter William Goldman, 87, who won two Academy Awards for his screenplays, first for the western "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and again for "All the President's Men," and was beloved for his book and screenplay "The Princess Bride," died on November 16, 2018. Roy Clark Roy Clark, a country music star and former host of the long-running TV series "Hee Haw," died on November 15, 2018. He was 85. Stan Lee Stan Lee, the co-creator of countless Marvel comic book characters that have become staples in pop culture, died on Nov. 12, 2018 at the age of 95. Dennis Hof Dennis Hof, who turned owning a brothel into a unique form of pop culture celebrity, died on October 16, 2018 at the age of 72. Paul Allen Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft and owner of the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trailblazers sports teams, died on Oct. 15, 2018. He was 65. Richard DeVos Billionaire Richard DeVos, co-founder of direct-selling giant Amway, owner of the Orlando Magic and father-in-law of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, died on September 6, 2018. He was 92. Burt Reynolds Actor Burt Reynolds, one of the biggest movie stars of the 1970s, died on September 6, 2018 at the age of 82. John McCain Arizona Sen. John McCain (R), a naval bomber pilot, prisoner of war, conservative maverick, giant of the Senate, twice-defeated presidential candidate and an abrasive American hero, died on August 25, 2018 at 81. Robin Leach Robin Leach, who chronicled the conspicuous consumption of the 1980s on his syndicated show Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, died on August 24, 2018. He was 76. Ed King Ed King, a former guitarist for the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd and a co-writer of several of the groups hits including Sweet Home Alabama" died on August 22, 2018 at 68. Kofi Annan Kofi Annan, a Ghanaian diplomat and former United Nations secretary-general, died at the age of 80 on August 18, 2018. Aretha Franklin Aretha Franklin, the undisputed Queen of Soul whose powerhouse vocal cords revolutionized American music and made her one of the top-selling female musicians of all time, died on August 16, 2018. She was 76. V.S. Naipaul V.S. Naipaul, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2001 for documenting the migrations of peoples and the unraveling of the British Empire, died on August 11, 2018. He was 85. Joel Robuchon French celebrity chef Joel Robuchon, who was credited with winning the most Michelin stars in the world, died on Aug. 6, 2018 at 73. Charlotte Rae Actress Charlotte Rae, who was best known as the wise and lovable house mother Mrs. Garrett on "Diffrent Strokes" and "The Facts of Life," died on August 5, 2018. She was 92. Jonathan Gold Jonathan Gold, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Los Angeles Times restaurant critic who chronicled the citys vast culinary landscape and made its food understandable and approachable, died on July 21, 2018. He was 57. Harlan Ellison Harlan Ellison, a major figure in the New Wave of science fiction writers of the 1960s who became a legend in science fiction and fantasy circles for his award-winning stories and notoriously outspoken and combative persona, died on June 27, 2018. He was 84. Joe Jackson Joe Jackson, father to Michael and Janet Jackson and the no-nonsense manager of the Jackson 5, died on June 27, 2018 at 89. Richard Harrison Richard Harrison, who starred on the popular History Channel reality show Pawn Stars, died on June 25, 2018. He was 77. Donald Hall Donald Hall, a former poet laureate of the United States, died on June 23, 2018. He was 89. Charles Krauthammer Charles Krauthammer, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post columnist and intellectual provocateur, died June 21, 2018 at 68. Anthony Bourdain Anthony Bourdain, the chef, restaurateur and author who hosted CNNs Parts Unknown, died on June 8, 2018 at the age of 61. Kate Spade Designer Kate Spade, seen here with her handbags in 1999, died at age 55 on June 5, 2018. Dwight Clark Dwight Clark, a receiver who made one of the most memorable plays in NFL history and jump-started the San Francisco 49ers dynasty, died on June 4, 2018. He was 61. Donald H. Peterson Sr. Donald H. Peterson Sr., an astronaut who served on the maiden voyage of the space shuttle Challenger, died on May 27, 2018. He was 84. Alan Bean Astronaut Alan Bean, a member of the Apollo 12 mission and the fourth human to walk on the moon, died on May 26, 2018 at the age of 86. Philip Roth Author Philip Roth, who was both hailed and derided for laying bare the neuroses and obsessions that haunted the modern Jewish-American experience, died on May 22, 2018 at the age of 85. Tom Wolfe Tom Wolfe, the innovative writer who chronicled the early days of the U.S. space program and the rise of 1960s counterculture before becoming a novelist with his classic "Bonfire of the Vanities," died on May 14, 2018 at the age of 88. Margot Kidder Actress Margot Kidder, who brought Lois Lane to life in the hit 1978 film Superman and three sequels, died on May 13, 2018 at 69. Larry Harvey Larry Harvey, who co-founded what evolved into the nations most outlandish anti-establishment art, music and exhibitionist extravaganza the Burning Man festival died on April 28, 2018. He was 70. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Ryan Pickrell Security, Asia What could go wrong? And how angry will China get? The Navy Might Be Getting Ready to Sail Through the Taiwan Strait The U.S. is reportedly considering sending warships through the Taiwan Strait, a move likely to stir outrage in Beijing at a particularly tense time in U.S.-China relations. The planned passage, confirmed to Reuters by U.S. officials, follows earlier plans to send an American aircraft carrier through the strait that ultimately failed to materialize. The last time the U.S. sailed a carrier through the strait was in 2007, when the USS Kitty Hawk and eight accompanying ships transited the Taiwan Strait on the way back to Japan after being barred from entering port in Hong Kong. Some defense officials apparently believe another trip through the strait is long overdue, but for the time being, the Pentagon has yet to confirm any such plans. We have a vital interest in upholding the current rules-based international order, which features a strong, prosperous, and democratic Taiwan, Department of Defense spokesman Lt. Col. Christopher Logan told Reuters. In recent months, China has put increased pressure on Taiwan, which Beijing perceives as a belligerent separatist territory rather than an independent country. Not only has China sent bombers and warships into the area regularly, but Beijing has also leaned hard on the self-ruled islands few remaining diplomatic partners, pressing them to sever all ties. We have repeatedly emphasized that the Taiwan issue is the most important and sensitive core issue in the China-U.S. relationship, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Tuesday, urging the U.S. to handle the issue properly. Reports that the U.S. may send warships through the strait come as the trade talks between China and the U.S. fail to bring an end to an escalating trade war, which is likely to become more intense if the Trump administration follows through on its plans to impose tariffs. Tensions are also on the rise in the South China Sea, where China is pursuing greater militarization. Story continues The U.S. recently sent warships and bombers into the South China Sea to challenge Chinas activities. The Department of Defense also disinvited Chinas naval forces from the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) maritime exercises. Washington and Beijing are also in a spat over the new de facto U.S. embassy in Taipei. Were the U.S. to sail warships through the strait, apparently offering support to Taiwan and its government which Beijing suspects has independence leanings, it would likely raise bilateral tensions in the already troubled U.S.-China relationship. Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. Read full article Norman Reedus and Helena Christensen have the whole co-parenting thing down. The Walking Dead star and the former Victorias Secret Angel attended their 18-year-old sons high school graduation together and proudly showed off photos on Instagram. Christensen, 49, looked happy posing alongside her ex and their son, Mingus. The model, clad in a green dress for the special occasion, also shared a video of the trio walking with the graduate. #classof2018 A post shared by Helena (@helenachristensen) on Jun 5, 2018 at 1:57pm PDT Reedus, 49, scored some big points with fans by singling out Christensen on the special occasion in a sweet post. The actor and model dated from 1998 to 2003 after meeting through photographer Yelena Yemchuk. I guess Helena saw a picture of me and said, Whos that? and Yelena goes, Oh, thats f ****** Norman and took Helena to meet me at a friends birthday party, Reedus recalled to the New York Post. Reedus admitted there were challenges at first in co-parenting their son. When Mingus was smaller, it was a little harder, going from two places, he shared. But now he has the best of both worlds. The only hard part is, Where are his sweatpants? Are they at your house or at my house? Norman Reedus and Helena Christensen take Mingus to a Cirque du Soleil event in 2003. (Photo: Getty Images) The actor also said in the 2014 Post interview that he and Christensen remained friends. Shes a really cool girl, he stated. Shes really smart, and we laugh at the same crap. Reedus, who plays Daryl Dixon on the AMC show, is now dating Diane Kruger. While the Inglourious Basterds actress was absent from Tuesdays festivities. It has been reported but not confirmed that she is pregnant with Reedus child. It will be her first and his second. Story continues Kruger, 41, split with longtime love Joshua Jackson in 2016 after 10 years together. This week, it was revealed that the Dawsons Creek actor has moved on as well, with E! reporting he is dating Cheddar TV host Alyssa Julya Smith. Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: Abby Bard Security, Asia From left, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Secretary of Defense James Mattis and national security adviser John Bolton attend a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the White House in Washington. U.S., May 17, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque The Trump team needs to regroup in order to develop, in close coordination with Japan and South Korea, a unified strategy that protects the interests of America and its allies. North Korea Summit Should Be About Substance, Not Flash With the Capella Hotel in Singapore announced as the site of the June 12 summit between U.S. president Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, it appears that the two are on track to meet next week after a tumultuous month in their relationship. On May 24, the White House released a letter from Trump to Kim canceling their much-anticipated summit, only to reinstate it on June 1. The way the Trump administration executed these decisions is another example of how its conduct over the past months has hurt U.S. leverage and alliances in regard to North Korea and obscures the fact that the administrations priority should be substantive progress, not summit showmanship. Since the March 8 announcement of a Trump-Kim meeting, diplomacy has seemed almost too easy. There were signals that gave hope that maybe this time, North Korea would actually make good on its deals. Kim went on a charm offensive, meeting Chinese leader Xi Jinping twice and holding a much-hullabalooed meeting with South Korean president Moon Jae-in. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo traveled to North Korea twice and insisted that Kim Jong Un was on the same page about denuclearization as the United States. However, the gap between the two countries became undeniable on May 16 when North Korea threatened to pull out of the summit if the U.S. continued to push for a unilateral, Libya-style denuclearization model. On the 23, Trump said there was a substantial chance that the summit would not work out. Following this, North Korean vice foreign minister Choe Son Hui threatened the summit and insulted U.S. Vice President Mike Pence for bringing up Libya-style denuclearization. It appears that as soon as North Korea made it clear it wasnt going to quietly acquiesce to U.S. demands for complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization (CVID), the Trump administration wasnt prepared to play diplomatic hardball and canceled the summit. Story continues This amplifies concerns that Trump is more concerned with the summits style than its substance. Without a huge deal that looked good in the press and in the eyes of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Trump would rather quit. In addition, issuing commemorative coins for the summit is another example of Trump aggrandizing his performance (and also counting his decommissioned nuclear weapons before theyre disassembled). While Trump was patting himself on the back for a job not yet done, his team was in total disarray. Pence and National Security Advisor John Bolton were publicly advocating for Libya-style denuclearization while Pompeo had been less aggressive in his stance. Trump was reported to be completely unprepared for the meeting and believed he didnt need to do his homework. If Trump had canceled the summit to align his team while developing a negotiating strategy, the cancellation would have been welcome. However, the order of events suggests withdrawing was more about preserving Trumps ego than making actual progress on the peninsula. The manner in which Trump canceled the meeting is also deeply troubling. He does not appear to have consulted Japanese or South Korean leadership before making this decision. For example, the day before Trump called off the summit, Pompeo met with Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Taro Kono and discussed coordination on the summit. Furthermore, Moon had to hold a middle-of-the-night meeting with his team to react to Trumps letter. In fact, Pompeo declined to comment on whether South Korea had been informed before the president made his decision. All of this suggests that Trump made this decision unilaterally, damaging U.S. alliances. If Trump truly wants to address the threats posed by North Korea, he needs to be on the same page as Americas allies not leaving them in the lurch. While Trump has damaged the U.S. position for any future negotiations with North Korea, Kim has strengthened North Koreas hand. Hes in close coordination with China after years of their relationship souring. Additionally, Americas economic sanctions campaign against North Korea is weakening. Finally, with the U.S. continuing to undermine its alliances, South Korea is also more likely to accept overtures from North Korea that it would reject were it sure about Americas commitment. With the summit is back on, the question again becomes what, exactly, is Trumps game plan? Is he ready for a long, hard diplomatic process? Or is he looking for a photo op? However, what is truly important is not whether Trump and Kim sit down in a room together, but whether substantive progress can be made on the Korean Peninsula. And for that to happen, the Trump team needs to develop, in close coordination with Japan and South Korea, a unified strategy that protects the interests of America and its allies. Abigail Bard is a research assistant for National Security and International Policy with a focus on Asia Policy at the Center for American Progress. Image: From left, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Secretary of Defense James Mattis and national security adviser John Bolton attend a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the White House in Washington. U.S., May 17, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque Read full article CARACAS (Reuters) - The Organization of American States (OAS) on Tuesday passed a resolution to call an extraordinary assembly to vote on suspending Venezuela from the 34-member group after President Nicolas Maduro's widely condemned re-election last month. The OAS's general assembly in Washington voted, with 19 member states in favor, four against and 11 abstaining, to take the first step to suspending the South American nation. Maduro won a May 20 vote that the Venezuelan opposition, along with the United States and other Latin American nations, have decried as a sham cementing a dictatorship which has devastated a once-prosperous economy. "I'm glad we are recognizing that democracy matters. We will not recognize illegitimate governments," Carlos Trujillo, the U.S. representative to the OAS, told the assembly after the vote. "It's a great day for the OAS ... Our hope is that this brings freedom to the Venezuelan people," he said. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said Venezuela rejected the assembly's decision and it would enable the United States to continue its "economic war" against Maduro's socialist government. "Those that have supported this are supporting the possibility of a military intervention in Venezuela. Let that be on your conscious," he said. Maduro calls the OAS a pawn of U.S. foreign policy and last year his government said it had started the two-year process to pull out of the organization. (Reporting by Vivian Sequera and Deisy Buitrago; Writing by Angus Berwick; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) OB/GYN Jenner Gunter is criticizing Dr. Mehmet Oz for linking astrology to health. (Photo: Getty Images) An opinionated gynecologist who has disputed health claims made by Gwyneth Paltrows website Goop is targeting Dr. Mehmet Oz again this time, for linking astrology to health. On Wednesday, Dr. Oz tweeted a photo of a page from the book, Your Body and the Stars by astrologer Rebecca Gordon. For centuries, we have used astrological signs to examine our personality and how we interact with those around us, however, these signs may reveal a great deal about our health as well, the physician and talk show host tweeted. Discover what your astrological sign can tell you about your health. Dr. Jennifer Gunter, a mother-of-two and a board-certified OB/GYN in Canada and the United States, shared Ozs tweet, writing, Dude. Just stop. Really. This is embarrassing on so many levels. Dude. Just stop. Really. This is embarrassing on so many levels. https://t.co/2ERFLB5ChT Jennifer Gunter (@DrJenGunter) June 6, 2018 Later that day, when Oz tweeted a promo for his television show extolling the benefits of astrology on the body, Gunter responded, What if your astrologer and your medium disagree. Who do you choose for health advice? What if your astrologer and your medium disagree. Who do you choose for health advice? https://t.co/9UGMz4ONET Jennifer Gunter (@DrJenGunter) June 6, 2018 And in response to Ozs claim that 50 might not be the ideal age to undergo ones first colonoscopy, Gunter tweeted, Im a Cancer. Does that impact the age I should be screened? and Were at the point where Dr. Oz is a parody of himself. Im a Cancer. Does that impact the age I should be screened? https://t.co/Sw5tOAkvBX Jennifer Gunter (@DrJenGunter) June 6, 2018 Were at the point where @DrOz is a parody of himself Jennifer Gunter (@DrJenGunter) June 6, 2018 Oz is a familiar target of Gunter. In May, when the doctor ran an article called How to Avoid Getting Scammed By Fake Psychics on his website, Gunter scolded him for promoting an alleged real psychic named Laura Lynne Jackson who Gunter called a scam artist. She also called out Ozs so-called bias against psychics from places like Romania, a reference that was later removed from his site. Story continues Also in May, when President Trump appointed Oz to his Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, Gunter mocked the doctors health philosophy on Instagram. In September, when Oz invited Ivanka Trump on his show to discuss postpartum depression, among other subjects, Gunter accused him of treating the medical condition with kid gloves, writing on her website, While Oz did put on his T.V. doctor empathy face he asked and offered nothing substantive about postpartum depression. So many missed opportunities to talk about screening and treatment. In 2016, Oz invited Donald Trump on his show after a gastroenterologist declared in a letter that if he were elected, he would be the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency (a claim Gunter dismissed as nonsensical medical information on the Huffington Post). After the Oz interview ran, Gunter criticized the TV doc for contradicting himself, not pressing Trump on his plans for Medicaid, and allowing him to sidestep basic health questions. Even as far back as 2014, Gunter was on the Oz beat when the doctor asked his Twitter followers to ask him questions, prompting a wave of criticism for making so-called wacky claims, Gunter wrote on her website that the experience should serve as a Wake-up call that doctors (or at least the ones who dont want to appear on your show to hawk a product) and a lot of other people think you are cheering for the wrong team. Gunter has also made a name for herself as one of Paltrows most vocal contesters, refuting health claims made by the actresss website Goop. For example, in 2017, the doctor wrote a blog post called Dear Gwyneth Paltrow Were Not F**king With You Were Correcting You, XOXO Science, accusing the star of suggesting that bras cause breast cancer, that inserting jade eggs in the vagina can cultivate sexual energyand invigorate our life force, and that tampons introduce a toxic burden to the body. Yahoo Lifestyle could not reach Gunter for comment. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. (NEW YORK) Anthony Ray Hinton, wrongly imprisoned for nearly 30 years, can hardly believe how his luck has changed. Hintons memoir, The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row, is Oprah Winfreys latest book club pick, a dream for virtually any writer and beyond the imagination for a man who was once confined to a 5-by-7-foot cell. Tuesdays announcement comes three years after Hintons release from Jefferson County Jail in Birmingham, Alabama. He had been convicted for two 1985 murders in Birmingham, where he still lives. Hinton, during a recent telephone interview with The Associated Press, called Winfreys endorsement the second biggest surprise of his life. The biggest surprise was being charged with a crime I didnt commit. Published in March, Hintons book tells of his conviction for killing two fast-food restaurant workers during separate robberies, and his decades spent on death row. His efforts to overturn the conviction reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which in 2014 unanimously ruled he had been denied a fair trial. Hinton was freed after new ballistics tests contradicted the only evidence an analysis of crime-scene bullets that connected Hinton to the slayings. When he finally got out, the words he spoke to loved ones greeting him The sun does shine became his memoirs title. Hinton, 61, likened himself to Job as a man who lost everything, but eventually saw his life restored. Speaking of his time in jail, he said, Every day was hell, every night was hell, every waking moment was hell. But upon leaving, The sun was shining brighter than I could ever remember it shining. Hintons legal case was taken on by the Alabama-based Equal Justice Initiative and its director, Bryan Stevenson, whose 2014 book Just Mercy is considered essential reading about the criminal justice system. Stevenson provided the foreword to The Sun Does Shine, which Hinton wrote with Lara Love Hardin. Her other credits include co-writing The Book of Forgiving with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu. Story continues In a promotional video released Tuesday, Winfrey noted that most of her picks over the past 20 years have been works of fiction. But she said The Sun Does Shine was a worthy exception. This story reads like an epic novel and it is all true, Winfrey said. You will, throughout the book, try to imagine yourself falsely accused, and in a 5-by-7 cell for 30 years. He is a remarkable storyteller and when you read it youll be swept away. Winfreys interview with Hinton will air Sunday on her OWN network. Her O magazine will highlight The Sun Does Shine in its July issue. Winfrey has turned dozens of books into best-sellers, whether older works such as John Steinbecks East of Eden or contemporary novels such as Jane Hamiltons A Map of the World. In February, Winfrey chose a novel that also focuses on a man jailed for a crime he didnt commit, Tayari Jones An American Marriage. Peshawar (Pakistan) (AFP) - Authorities in Pakistan's restive tribal region expanded a 24-hour curfew along the Afghan border to avert further clashes between tribesmen and militants after at least three people were killed and dozens injured in recent days, officials said Wednesday. The move comes as tensions mount in the area with burgeoning civil rights group the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) heightening calls for the removal of alleged Taliban-linked militants from the region. The US and others have long accused Pakistan of using proxies in Afghanistan, including the Taliban and other militant groups. Islamabad denies the claims. PTM has had repeated clashes with the militants this week during two rallies in the area, leading authorities Tuesday to expand an earlier curfew to encompass all of the South Waziristan tribal district. "Curfew has been tightened and extended to the entire South Waziristan. More than 80 people have so far been arrested," a senior government official in Peshawar told AFP, adding that at least three people have been killed and 40 injured. The area is sealed off to journalists, making claims difficult to verify. A clash between PTM activists and insurgents Sunday killed two people, sparking fears of wider unrest in an area flush with weapons and long-held traditions that demand violent reprisals against perceived slights against an individual or tribe's honour. The violence was followed by a second clash during a rally on Monday, according to PTM. Authorities were negotiating with local tribal elders to restore calm and had relaxed the curfew for two hours on Tuesday to allow people to buy food to break their fasts during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. A government official in South Waziristan's Wana confirmed details of the curfew, telling AFP that landlines had been disconnected in the area and roads blocked. A local tribal elder added that mosques had been shuttered to prevent people from rallying crowds with the facilities' loudspeakers. PTM has been calling for investigations into disappearances and extrajudicial killings by Pakistan's security establishment, while also echoing accusations that the military allowed extremists a safe haven from which to launch attacks in Afghanistan. During a press conference earlier this week, chief military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor slammed accusations that the country was harbouring militants, accusing the PTM of being manipulated by "enemies of Pakistan". By Mubasher Bukhari and Drazen Jorgic LAHORE/ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (Reuters) - A Pakistani journalist and rights activist who openly criticized the military and its alleged meddling in politics was freed early on Wednesday, several hours after being abducted, her family and colleagues said. The journalist, Gul Bukhari, who is a dual Pakistani-British national, has been an unusually vocal critic of Pakistan's powerful military on social media in the run-up to the July 25 general election. She has also defended Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party founder Nawaz Sharif, who has clashed with the military. Bukhari was on her way to record a TV program on Tuesday evening on the late-night Waqt news show when her vehicle was intercepted in the cantonment area of the eastern city of Lahore and she was taken away, her husband and two media colleagues said. "She is back and she is fine" Ali Nadir, Bukhari's husband, told Reuters. He declined to comment further. Earlier, Muhammad Gulsher, who is a producer on the Waqt news program where Bukhari appears as a guest, raised alarm about her abduction. He told Reuters that Bukhari had been abducted when a group of pick-up trucks stopped her vehicle and men in plain clothes dragged her way while other men in "army uniforms" stood guard. "They put black masks on her face and took her," he said, adding that he was basing his information on Bukhari's driver, who witnessed the abduction. Pakistan's military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Bukhari's abduction drew widespread outrage on social media, becoming the main trending topic on Twitter in Pakistan. Many activists swiftly pointed the finger at the military, calling it part of efforts to stifle dissent. "If true, this would be a most audacious attempt to silence a known critic. Is this Pakistan or Kims North Korea or Sisis Egypt?" tweeted Syed Talat Hussain, a prominent journalist. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the daughter of PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif, called the abduction "disturbing." "This is just cruel & worst kind of oppression. Sad day. #BringBackGulBukhari," she tweeted earlier in the evening. Rights groups have denounced the kidnappings of several social media activists over the past year as attempts to intimidate and silence critics of Pakistans security establishment. Last year, five Pakistani bloggers went missing for several weeks before four of them were released. All four fled abroad and at least two afterwards told media that they were tortured by a state intelligence agency during their disappearance. The military has staunchly denied playing a role in any enforced disappearances, as has the civilian government. In the run-up to the polls, media houses have complained of growing censorship by the military establishment. In the past six months, Bukhari, who has 69,000 Twitter followers, has penned several critical articles for the Nation newspaper about Pakistan's military and the judiciary, accusing them of overstepping their constitutional mandate and trying to interfere in the political process. (Additional reporting and writing by Drazen Jorgic; Editing by Leslie Adler) Paul Ryan has publicly broken with Donald Trump, rejecting the presidents assertions that a spy was planted in his campaign and warning Mr Trump against pardoning himself. Nobody is above the law, Mr Ryan told reporters, after saying the president should not exercise his power to pardon himself. After reports revealed a memorandum from Mr Trumps lawyers asserting sweeping executive powers, including a presidents ability to halt investigations, Mr Trump weighed in on Twitter to emphasise his authority and to again deny any wrongdoing as special counsel Robert Mueller investigates whether the president obstructed a probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election. I have the absolute right to PARDON myself, but why would I do that when I have done nothing wrong? Mr Trump wrote earlier this week. Mr Ryan, the outgoing Republican speaker of the House, also repudiated Mr Trumps allegations that federal investigators looking into Russian efforts to swing the 2016 election planted a spy in his campaign. While it has been revealed that the FBI drew on an informant who contacted members of the Trump campaign, there is no evidence that a person was embedded in the campaign or that the use of an informant violated rules barring politically motivated enquiries. Rep Trey Gowdy, a South Carolina Republican who heads the House Oversight Committee, said after being briefed by FBI and Justice Department officials last week that he had seen no evidence of a spy being used and backed the federal investigation by saying the FBI did exactly what my fellow citizens would want them to do. I think Chairman Gowdys initial assessment is accurate, Mr Ryan said. I have seen no evidence to the contrary of the initial assessment Chairman Gowdy has made. Multiple former Trump campaign officials have already been indicted as a result of Mr Muellers probe. Investigators are exploring whether Mr Trump may have obstructed justice in firing former FBI official James Comey, who had led the investigation, or in dictating a misleading statement about a meeting between campaign officials and a Russian emissary. Story continues While Mr Trump has expressed a willingness to sit for an interview and clear his name, his lawyer have cautioned against it. Attorney Rudy Giuliani said over the weekend the legal team would contest a subpoena seeking to compel Mr Trump to testify. Mr Giuliani also said the potential political consequences made it unlikely Mr Trump would pardon himself. The president of the United States pardoning himself would just be unthinkable, Mr Giuliani said, and it would lead to probably an immediate impeachment. Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Jung-ho Kang missed all of 2017 after visa issued related to his third DUI arrest prevented him from returning to the United States. While on the comeback trail, Kang spoke to reporters Wednesday, saying hes given up alcohol after his latest arrest, according to Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. What happened? In December 2016, Kang was arrested for his third DUI after attempting to flee the scene of an accident. He was caught by police shortly after the incident. Because it was Kangs third DUI arrest, he was unable to obtain a work visa. He missed the entire 2017 season with the Pirates. Then, in April 2018, it was announced that Kangs work visa had finally been granted. No more alcohol During his interview with reporters Wednesday, Kang said he would not consume a drop of alcohol moving forward. He said he made that decision after his third arrest. Kang has a personal driver now. He said hes comfortable being around alcohol, but is trying to keep himself out of those situations as well. What is Kang doing now? The 31-year-old is playing in the Pirates minor-league system. In 19 plate appearances in the low minors, hes hitting .462. Hes expected to be promoted to Triple-A soon. Jung-ho Kang will no longer drink alcohol after third DUI arrest. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) Did the Pirates know about Kangs history with alcohol? They did not. Kang admitted he kept his first two DUI arrests private from both the Pirates and the team he played for in Korea. He said he regretted keeping those arrests from both clubs. Sexual assault investigation As a member of the Pirates in 2016, Kang was investigated for sexual assault after a woman alleged he drugged her and then sexually assaulted her. That investigation is unresolved. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says police have tried to reach out to the woman, but have been unable to contact her. Last year in Pittsburgh Kang is currently in the last year of his contract with the Pirates. He has a .273/.355/.483 career line with the team over two seasons in the majors. Kang has not played in a major-league game since 2016. Story continues Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik More from Yahoo Sports: MLB draft pick explains Obama assassination tweet Terez Paylor: As Trump wages war on NFL, players grow tired of lies Damn cameras: LeBron didnt know clip went viral Perkins warns Warriors: Im not the problem they want A pizza delivery man is facing deportation after being arrested while making deliveries to a New York military base, local officials said. Military officials stopped Pablo Villavicencio an immigrant from Ecuador and father of two after he delivered pizza to the Fort Hamilton Army base on Friday, according to New York City Councilman Justin Brannan. When Mr Villavicencio failed to provide adequate identification, Mr Brannan said, the officers passed him to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The 32-year-old remained in ICE custody on Monday, pending his removal from the country. Eric Adams, the borough president for Brooklyn, said Mr Villavicencio's arrest set a "dangerous precedent". It is unimaginable that a person can go from a pizza to prison, he said at a press conference. An ICE spokesperson confirmed Mr Villavicencio had been detained, and was being held in custody pending his removal. The spokesperson said Mr Villavicencio had failed to comply with a 2010 voluntary departure order and was considered a fugitive. Mr Villavicencio has lived in the US for 10 years, according to his wife, Sandra Chica. Ms Chica told reporters that she and the couples two children, ages 2 and 3, are both US citizens. Mr Villavicencio supported the family with his job at the pizza restaurant, Ms Chica added. She didnt know what they would do if he was deported. Mr Brannan said Mr Villacencio had filed papers for a green card and was awaiting permanent resident status. He had a New York City identification card, Mr Brannan said, which he had used to gain entry to the military base before. It was unclear why he was stopped on Friday. Does the Army now have some new policy that demands all non-military personnel show proof of citizenship to gain access onto the army base? Mr Brannan asked. Otherwise what happened here? Is this part of some new Donald Trump deportation strategy? The Trump administration has cracked down on undocumented immigrants, ordering ICE to target everyone in the country illegally even those without a criminal record. ICE arrests surged by 40 per cent in the first year Mr Trump took office, and the number of workplace immigration raids has doubled in the last seven months. Story continues But Mr Brannan questioned on Wednesday whether this new policy was making the US more secure. Is our city, state, and nation any safer today because they took a pizza delivery guy off the street? he asked. This is absolutely ridiculous. Were tearing families apart, and for what? The military base did not respond to a request for comment. WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland's Lech Walesa, who led protests and strikes that shook communist rule in the 1980s, has thrown his authority behind moves to persuade the European Union to do more to stop reforms in the country which critics say threaten the rule of law. Walesa, 74, who led the Solidarity movement that contributed to the end of communist rule in Europe, joined representatives of NGOs and citizen movements in an appeal to the EU's executive over reforms of the judiciary which they say harm the independence of the courts. The European Commission last month gave Poland until late June to reverse the reforms introduced by the nationalist-minded, eurosceptical Law and Justice (PiS) party which has been in power since 2015. Under the overhaul, the justice minister was given the power to fire court heads without providing justification and subject to no review. Among other measures, PiS also decided to cut the terms of Supreme Court judges, retiring 40 percent of them. The EU has already launched a procedure to strip Warsaw of its voting rights over the issue and the Polish leadership has offered some concessions on the reforms. But the core of the reforms, which come into force in early July, remain. The only way now to stop the destruction of judicial independence in Poland is by a ruling of the EU Court of Justice, said the appeal to European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker signed by Walesa and NGOs in a group called the Front Europejski. "In representing civic organizations in Poland, we are calling upon the European Commission to take immediate steps to prevent the progressive dismantling of the independence of the judiciary in our country," it said. Under the reforms, the new Supreme Court judges will be appointed by the president who is a PiS ally. This is the Supreme Court that will decide directly about the validity of election results. Warsaw says the changes were necessary to push aside judges left over from the Communist era. It also says that the reforms will improve the way and speed courts in Poland function. Walesa won the Nobel peace Prize in 1983 and, with the collapse of communist power in Europe, went on to serve as president for five years until December 1995. In January 2017, Poland's government-affiliated history institute said it had new evidence that Walesa had been a paid informant for the secret police in the 1970s. He denies the accusations. (Reporting by Marcin Goclowski; Editing by Richard Balmforth) Lenny Dykstra apparently really needed to get to Staten Island on the night of his latest arrest. Police arrested the former MLB All-Star on May 23 and charged him with making terroristic threats and various drug offenses after he allegedly threatened to kill his Uber driver. On Tuesday, My Central Jersey obtained the police report from the arrest, and it paints a troubling picture. Per the report, Dykstra got into an Uber early in the morning in Linden, New Jersey and wanted to go to Staten Island, despite having requested a ride elsewhere. Lenny Dykstra reportedly told his Uber driver Ill blow your (expletive) head off before telling police that the driver was trying to kidnap him. (Getty) Police: Dykstra threatened to kill driver when he told him how Uber works When the driver explained to Dykstra that he would have to change his request through the Uber app, Dykstra allegedly got hostile. Dykstra then placed a black pill bag with an object [the driver] believed to be a gun to his head and said take me to Staten Island or Ill blow your (expletive) head off, according to the police report. The driver, fearing for his life, drove Dykstra instead to the Linden Police station. Upon arrival around 3:30 a.m., the driver ran from the vehicle screaming for help and that Dykstra had a gun, according to the report. When police responded, Dykstra reportedly told an officer that the driver had tried to kidnap him and allowed him to search his body and his bags. Dykstra recanted consent of the search on the bag, but police determined they had probable cause to continue. Police: No gun, but drugs recovered from Dykstra Police did not find a gun, but did find a substance believed to be marijuana, a glass pipe, a straw with suspected cocaine residue, a vial of suspected cocaine and two pills suspected to be MDMA, according to the report. Police charged Dykstra with third-degree making terroristic threats, third-degree charges for possession of cocaine and MDMA and disorderly persons charges for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. His court date is scheduled for July. Dykstra took to Twitter after his release and quoted Taylor Swift and Bobby Brown while admiring his mugshot. Story continues But I keep cruising, can't stop, won't stop moving It's like I got this music in my mind, sayin' gonna be alright @taylorswift13 Lenny Dykstra (@LennyDykstra) May 23, 2018 Everybodys talking all this stuff about me. Why dont they just let me live? Bobby Brown Lenny Dykstra (@LennyDykstra) May 23, 2018 There have definitely been worse-looking mugshots. Lenny Dykstra (@LennyDykstra) May 23, 2018 MLB video from Yahoo Sports More from Yahoo Sports: Warriors and Cavs united on one front: A Trump visit Convicted child molester presents dilemma for MLB Terez Paylor: As Trump wages war on NFL, players grow tired of lies Report: Trump angry that Brady skipped 2017 visit Melania Trump is back in the spotlight, ending a 26-day vanishing act to attend a meeting at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The first lady wore a camel-colored shirt dress to accompany President Donald Trump to the FEMA headquarters in Washington, DC., and receive a report on the 2018 hurricane season, one year after storms Harvey, Irma, Jose, and Maria inflicted deadly damage on various parts of the country. Melania Trump is back in the public eye, attending a FEMA meeting with the president. (Photo: Getty Images) Hunter Walker, a White House correspondent for Yahoo News tweeted, The pool report from @KateBennett_DC on the First Ladys appearance at the FEMA event says Melania was looking well, like her old self and perfectly healthy from at least her outward appearance. Melania Trump attended a FEMA meeting with President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. (Photo: Getty Images) The pool report from @KateBennett_DC on the First Lady's appearance at the FEMA event says Melania was "looking well, like her old self" and "perfectly healthy from at least her outward appearance." Hunter Walker (@hunterw) June 6, 2018 During the meeting, the president said, Id like to pay some respects to some of the people here today, I have a list. of course, we have to start with our great first lady Melania. Thank you, Melania. Shes doing great. She went through a little rough patch but shes doing great and were very proud of her. Shes done a fantastic job as first lady. Then, turning to his wife of 13 years, he said, The people love you. The people of our country love you. So, thank you, honey. The media has been tracking Melanias every move since her last public appearance on May 10th. After being hospitalized for a benign kidney infection and treated with an embolization procedure during the week of May 14th, Melania canceled scheduled appearances with the president such as a June 1st family getaway to presidential retreat Camp David in Maryland, Fridays G7 Summit in Quebec, and the June 12th North Korea Summit during which the president will meet with leader Kim Jong Un. Story continues However, on Monday, Melania greeted Gold Star families at the White House for a Memorial Day reception that was closed to the press. A video depicted her walking through the crowd on the arm of her husband, wearing a black, sleeveless dress. First public appearance by @FLOTUS in just under a month at the Gold Star Families reception to ihht. Good to see her doing well. pic.twitter.com/p6pCB4UPbi Jena Greene (@JenaMGreene) June 4, 2018 While rumors of the first lady undergoing plastic surgery and filing for divorce have run rampant, official spokesperson Stephanie Grisham told CNN that She is fine, shes doing great. And in late May Melania tweeted Im here at the White House with my family, feeling great and working hard I see the media is working overtime speculating where I am & what I'm doing. Rest assured, I'm here at the @WhiteHouse w my family, feeling great, & working hard on behalf of children & the American people! Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) May 30, 2018 The president has also been defending his wife, joking at Mondays reception Did she leave him? And on Wednesday, he tweeted that the media is unfair and vicious for perpetuating a sick narrative. The Fake News Media has been so unfair, and vicious, to my wife and our great First Lady, Melania. During her recovery from surgery they reported everything from near death, to facelift, to left the W.H. (and me) for N.Y. or Virginia, to abuse. All Fake, she is doing really well! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 6, 2018 Four reporters spotted Melania in the White House last week walking merrily along to a meeting. They never reported the sighting because it would hurt the sick narrative that she was living in a different part of the world, was really ill, or whatever. Fake News is really bad! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 6, 2018 Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Melania Trump is finally present and accounted for according to footage from a White House event honoring Gold Star families, anyway but President Trump isnt taking speculation about her 25-day absence lightly. Donald and Melania Trump on May 10, before her lengthy absence from public view. (Photo: Yuri Gripas/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Though Trump initially cracked what spectators called an awkward joke about rumors that his wife had left him, he took to where else? Twitter on Wednesday morning to slam the media for its vicious coverage of FLOTUSs low profile over the past month. He also insisted that members of the press spotted her walking merrily along to a meeting but chose to not report the sighting. The Fake News Media has been so unfair, and vicious, to my wife and our great First Lady, Melania. During her recovery from surgery they reported everything from near death, to facelift, to left the W.H. (and me) for N.Y. or Virginia, to abuse. All Fake, she is doing really well! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 6, 2018 Four reporters spotted Melania in the White House last week walking merrily along to a meeting. They never reported the sighting because it would hurt the sick narrative that she was living in a different part of the world, was really ill, or whatever. Fake News is really bad! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 6, 2018 Before Tuesday, the first lady was last seen in public on May 10, when she joined her husband in welcoming three American detainees back to the U.S. after their release from North Korea. A few days later, the White House announced that she would be undergoing a kidney embolization procedure, which would require a brief hospital stay. But Melania dropped off the radar for longer than expected, fueling speculation that shed encountered a medical complication, was recovering from a top-secret cosmetic surgery procedure, or had fled the White House life completely. Despite her assurances, sent via a tweet that did little to quell the rumors, that there was no truth to the conspiracy theories, questions continued to be raised especially after she skipped a Trump family gathering at Camp David last weekend. Story continues CNNs White House correspondent Kate Bennett responded to Trumps Twitter rant by defending her coverage of the first lady. I am to my knowledge the only reporter on the @FLOTUS beat full time from a major outlet, and I never reported she was near death or had a facelift, or anything in bewteeen it similar. https://t.co/4yeX3qcFIF Kate Bennett (@KateBennett_DC) June 6, 2018 MSNBCs Joe Scarborough, meanwhile, couldnt resist ribbing Trump for his own cruel comments about Morning Joe co-host (and real-life fiancee) Mika Brzezinski. Last year Trump claimed to have rejected Brzezinski as a party guest because she was bleeding badly from a facelift. I agree that it would be vicious and unfair to lie about a loved one having a facelift for the purpose of causing pain and embarrassment. Mr. President, can you imagine anyone would be so cruel to do such a thing? https://t.co/zfqjt1LKw2 Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) June 6, 2018 What matters now is that the first lady is back in action although, as her spokeswoman recently confirmed, she wont be attending this weeks G7 meeting or joining her husband for next weeks trip to Singapore. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Kathy Griffin is calling out Ivanka Trump for her Kate Spade tweet: Youre all talk The president misspelled the first ladys name in a tweet, and celebs had jokes Melania is now one of the most popular baby names Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. On Tuesday, New Mexico voters could guarantee that at least one candidate who supports abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is on the ballot in November. ICE abolitionist candidates Antoinette Sedillo Lopez and Deb Haaland are both running in the states first congressional district, where a crowded field of six Democratic candidates are vying for the seat Michelle Lujan Grisham left behind to run for governor. Its looking likely that either Haaland, the former chair of New Mexicos Democratic Party, or Sedillo Lopez, the executive of an anti-domestic violence nonprofit, will clinch the partys nomination. The two have raised the most money of their competitors, and Sedillo Lopez has compensated for her lack of establishment clout with the help of a more than $400,000 ad campaign from Latino Victory Fund, a progressive PAC that backs Latino candidates. As of last month, polling showed voters pretty evenly split among Haaland, Sedillo Lopez and former U.S. attorney Damon Martinez, with each candidate pulling in 20, 25 and 23 percent of the vote respectively, with Sedillo Lopez as the frontrunner. An additional chunk of 27 percent of voters were undecided, which means any of those voters could easily swing over to Haaland or Sedillo Lopez and deliver them a victory on Tuesday. A win for either of them would be momentous for the movement to abolish ICE, a cause a growing number of 2018 candidates have gotten behind. Given the makeup of the states first districta solidly Democratic oneif Haaland or Sedillo Lopez win the partys primary it will be a virtual guarantee that soon a sitting member of Congress will support the defunding and dismantling of the agency. Trending: Donald Trump Insists Melania Hasn't Left Him, Isn't 'Really Ill, Or Whatever' For both women, being vocal about their position on ICE is absolutely vital to conversations surrounding the Trump administrations immigration policy, and how the Democratic Party will need to address it should it regain power of at least one chamber of Congress. Story continues It is time to pull our tax dollars from an agency whose policies demean and abuse people, Haaland told Newsweek in a statement. The role of Immigration and Customs enforcement should never include killing people, ripping children from their parents' arms, or sexual assault. Until we can stop this violence and dehumanization, we must stop ICE. abolish-ICE John Moore/Getty Images Don't miss: Giuliani Thinks Mueller's Team Is Trying 'Very, Very Hard' To Frame Donald Trump Recently, per the guidance of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, ICE has escalated its attacks on immigrant families, separating parents and children at the southern border. Haaland says this issue is personal for her: As a Native American woman, shes familiar with state-sponsored violence, having descended from grandparents who were torn from their families by the U.S. government. The story of brutal family separationof ripping children from their parents armsis as old as America, Haaland said. But weve had enough. We can rise above our past. Every human life has value and we cannot allow one rogue agencyunder the direction of an immoral presidentto terrorize people across America. Sedillo Lopez has also experienced the effects of ICEs crackdown on immigration firsthand, as the director of Enlace Comunitario, her domestic violence nonprofit. Sedillo Lopez said that she saw a 70 percent drop in undocumented survivors reporting abuse because they feared detention and deportation. Most popular: FCC 'Lied to Media' Saying Net Neutrality Comment Flood Was Cyberattack Its not merely a call for a change in policy, but is a call to stand up for human and womens rights, Sedillo Lopez said in March, when she first called for dismantling ICE. A call premised on the fundamental pillar that all human beings deserve to live in dignity and security, and confronts the reality that this agency stands contrary to this principle. Sean McElwee, a co-founder at progressive research firm Data for Progress who has been closely following candidates calling to abolish ICE, said he felt especially encouraged by Sedillo Lopezs endorsement to eliminate the agency, arguing that her background as a law professor lends the cause some legitimacy in the eyes of skeptics. This is coming from someone who has spent a lot of time thinking about the law and understanding the law really well, McElwee told Newsweek in April. Every time we have a candidate like this step out and call for defunding ICE, its one more piece of evidence that this movement has momentum and that its a serious thing. McElwee had been similarly heartened by news the same month that Randy Bryce, House Speaker Paul Ryans challenger in Wisconsin, had voiced his support for abolishing ICE. At the time, Bryce rounded out a slate of more than a dozen candidates who felt the same way. Sedillo Lopez or Haalands success Tuesday night would drive home what many of these candidates have long insisted: Calling to abolish ICE is no longer a radical position. The idea of abolish ICE has been criticized from the center as an idea thats only gaining traction among fringe candidates, McElwee said. Serious, [Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]-endorsed candidates believe this issue should be taken seriously and be discussed and debated in their races. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) (AFP) - More than a thousand people including schoolchildren protested against bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday after a 20-year-old woman was murdered in a police station by her abductor. Medical student Burulai Turdaaly Kyzy, 20, was stabbed to death in the north of the Central Asian country as she prepared to give evidence against her kidnapper. The 30-year-old killer then turned the knife on himself and ended up in hospital. The murder in May drew condemnation from the United Nations, rights groups and Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov. The UN says 13.8 percent of women in the ex-Soviet republic younger than 24 are forced into marriage with their abductors. Demonstrators in the capital Bishkek's main square held white balloons and posters bearing slogans such as, "We are against bride-stealing" and "Allow girls a chance to be happy". The authorities, who organised the event, put the turnout at 1,000-1,500 people. One student, who gave only her first name, Asel, called the murder "alarming". "We are all shocked that this happened inside a police station. I am 19 years old and I am also afraid of being stolen," she told AFP. Education Minister Gulmira Kudaiberdiyeva told AFP it was time "to radically change attitudes" towards the "shameful phenomenon" of bride kidnapping. "We need to stop giving away our girls against their will," she said at the demonstration. "There are already good laws, but we need to work with the parents of young people to change their consciousness." Reports of bride kidnapping have risen recently in part due to new legislation but many parents still refuse to report the crime when their daughters are stolen. Although bride kidnapping existed in Kyrgyzstan's nomadic past, many argue a surge in the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 was more closely linked to the economic depression than any cultural revival. Story continues Turdaaly Kyzy's tragic case has trained public attention on law enforcement after police apprehended the pair but allowed her to be kept with her kidnapper unattended inside the police station. Human Rights Watch condemned police for showing a "horrifying disregard for the danger that (the victim) faced" when they failed to separate her from her killer. The chief of police in the northern Chui region where the murder took place was sacked while over a dozen police are facing negligence charges in connection with the killing. 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 Amman (AFP) - Doctors, lawyers and teachers staged a strike across Jordan on Wednesday in protest over IMF-backed austerity measures including a proposed income tax law that have sparked a week of angry demonstrations. Lawyers in black robes were among more than 1,000 protesters who gathered outside the headquarters of the country's trade union federation in the capital Amman to demand the government drop the reforms. Some demonstrators waved Jordanian flags or carried placards reading "I'm afraid for my future" while others held up loaves of flatbread with "corruption = hunger" written on them. Later, some 2,000 demonstrators gathered in the capital for a fresh protest. Scuffles took place between police forces, mobilised in large numbers, and demonstrators who tried to repel them, according to an AFP reporter on the scene. The official Petra news agency said a policeman was stabbed and is in critical condition. After a week of rallies against reforms backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), there were few signs that public anger was abating, despite Prime Minister Hani Mulki stepping down and King Abdullah II calling for a full review of the proposed tax law. If passed, the bill would raise taxes on employees by at least five percent and on companies by between 20 and 40 percent. A majority of deputies have said they will vote against it, but protesters have staged repeated night-time demonstrations after breaking the Ramadan fast to demand the bill be withdrawn altogether. Tarek, a 45-year-old lawyer, said the law would imperil "what remains of the middle class". "This bill is a disaster," he said. Linda, a 35-year-old English teacher at a private school, said it was the first time in her life that she had attended a protest. Ali al-Abous, head of Jordan's doctors' union and trade union federation, told AFP that the strike aimed "to send a message to the new government (to) drop the income tax draft law and hold a national dialogue on it." Story continues - 'National dialogue' - Addressing a crowd later Wednesday, Abous said unions had "decided to give the government a chance to hold a national dialogue" on the law, but booing protesters prevented him from finishing his speech. "That's unacceptable; we shouldn't talk to the government until the bill is withdrawn," said Saad, 27, a pharmacy student, prompting shouts of agreement. Other protesters accused the unions of selling out their cause. Abous later clarified on television that the unions' main demand -- to see the bill withdrawn -- had not changed but that the government should be given time to respond. For his part, Jordan's newly named Prime Minister Omar al-Razzaz tweeted to pledge "dialogue with the different parties and to work with them" towards "a tax system that is fair to everybody". The tax bill, yet to be approved by parliament, was the latest in a series of austerity measures since Amman secured a $723-million loan from the IMF in 2016. Since January, resources-poor Jordan, which suffers from high unemployment and poverty, has seen repeated price rises including for staples such as bread, as well as extra taxes on basic goods. Fuel prices have risen five times since the start of the year, while electricity bills have surged by 55 percent since February. The measures have sparked some of the biggest economic protests in five years. Demonstrators gathered in Amman overnight after breaking their Ramadan fast, jostling with police and waving Jordanian flags. In a letter charging Razzaz with forming a new government on Monday, King Abdullah II said it "must carry out a comprehensive review of the tax system" to avoid "unjust taxes that do not achieve justice and balance between the incomes of the poor and the rich". Late Monday, the king had warned Jordan was "at a crossroads", blaming the economic woes on regional instability, the burden of hosting hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees and a lack of international support. Russian President Vladimir Putin has blamed Ukraine for allowing Malaysia Airlines plane MH17 to fly over a conflict zone before it was shot down. In a rare interview with a foreign news broadcaster, the Russian president told Austrian network ORF that despite Russian weapons being used in the downing of the plane, Moscow was not responsible. Last week, investigators named the Russian military officer Oleg Vladimirovich Ivannikov as being behind the transportation of the Russian-made BUK missile system that shot down the the Boeing 777 over the Donbas region, in the eastern Ukraine, on July 17, 2014, killing all 298 people on board. Trending: Scott Pruitt Used EPA Staff to Try to Get Wife Chick-fil-A Job But Putin was bullish in his interview ahead of a visit to meet the Austrian president and insisted that both the Ukrainian battalions and the armed units in the Donbas used the same weapons. RTX66V99 (1) Pavel Golovkin/Pool via REUTERS The two sides have all sorts of systemsboth firearms, aviation, and anti-aircraft systems. All of them were made in Russia...the Russian army has exactly the same systems the experts are talking about, this is the first thing. The second thing is that Russian experts have been denied access to the investigation, our arguments are not taken into consideration, and nobody in the commission is interested in hearing us out. Don't miss: Guatemala Volcano Eruption Map: Rescuers Continue Search Effort in Hazardous Conditions On the other hand, the Ukrainian side, which is a party interested in the results of the investigation, does have access. Meanwhile, it is responsible at least for failing to prohibit civilian aircraft to fly in the conflict zone in violation of ICAOs [International Civil Aviation Organization] international norms. Story continues We are still unable to get answers to some questions regarding the activities of Ukrainian air forces in that region, at that place and at that time, he said. Last month, the multinational Joint Investigation Team (JIT) of experts from the Netherlands, Australia and Malaysia, said Russia was directly responsible but Putin batted away any Kremlin culpability. When asked by the interviewer Armin Wolf what those countries would have to gain by blaming Russia, Putin replied: You now listed countries that allegedly believe that it was a Russian missile and that Russia is implicated in that terrible tragedy. Most popular: C9 Sneaky Cosplay Is a Good Direction for the Human Race 09_28_MH17_Putin_01 Maxim Zmeyev/reuters I regret to disappoint you. Quite recently, Malaysian officials declared that they do not see Russias complicity in that tragic event; they have no proof that Russia is implicated. Are you really not aware of that? Did you not see the statements by Malaysian officials?" Analysis by the Dutch-led investigators revealed that the missile was fired by a Russian military convoy and that it came from the Russian militarys anti-aircraft missile brigade in Kursk before being taken across the Ukrainian border. The Kremlin has denied the investigators findings. If we really want to get to the bottom of things in that horrendous event and reveal all the factors that would allow us to render a final conclusion, all arguments should be taken into account, including the ones offered by Russia, Putin added. In the wide-ranging interview, the Russian leader also played down reports that the Kremlin sought to disrupt the European Union. Putins visit to Austria is his first to a Western European country in nearly a year and he will meet the countrys president Alexander Van der Bellen and the Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek By Aziz El Yaakoubi and Hadeel Al Sayegh DUBAI/DOHA (Reuters) - Qatar accused Saudi Arabia of "reckless behavior" that is tearing apart a pro-Western Gulf bloc in the wake of a report that Riyadh threatened military action against Doha in a stand-off between regional powers. The Qatari foreign minister said the threat -- reported to have been made in a letter from the Saudi king to France warning over a Russian arms deal with Doha -- aims to further destabilize the region after Riyadh and its allies imposed a political and economic boycott on tiny Qatar a year ago. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt accuse Doha of supporting terrorism - charges which it denies. The dispute has evaded mediation efforts by Washington which has strong alliances with both sides and fears the split among Sunni Muslim U.S. allies could benefit Shi'ite Muslim Iran. France's Le Monde reported on Saturday that Saudi King Salman sent a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron warning the kingdom could act militarily if Doha goes ahead with a deal to buy Russian S-400 missile air defense systems. "There is no serious military threat out of this (letter), but the way it is being used to justify or to create a disturbance in the region is just unacceptable," Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told the English-language channel of Qatar-based Al Jazeera. "Aren't they aware that the region has lost the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the last united bloc in the Arab region," he said in a separate comment on Twitter, referring to the 37-year-old political and economic Gulf alliance. Doha is seeking confirmation from the French government about the letter, the minister said in the interview aired on Tuesday. He stressed Qatar's sovereign right to independently decide on its defense procurements. A European diplomat confirmed the letter had been sent to France as well as to the United States and Britain. French and Saudi state communications offices have not responded to requests for comment. A Qatari official has been quoted as saying it was in talks to buy Russian S-400 missile air defense systems. A Qatari foreign ministry spokeswoman said on Twitter on Tuesday that there are talks to hold a summit in Washington in September on the Arab row, which Abu Dhabi and Riyadh have said is not a high priority and must be resolved within the GCC bloc. GULF CHASM Western diplomats said neither side showed signs of backing down as the conflict entered its second year. "We tend to see the situation as hopeless and a new era in the region has begun which everyone has to accommodate," one Western diplomat said. Analysts say the row has failed to isolate Qatar which has moved to strengthen its energy and investment ties with the United States, Turkey, Russia and China. But it has widened cracks among GCC states. "Ties of trust and confidence have been shattered on both sides of the divide as positions have hardened and a 'zero-sum' mentality has taken root," wrote Kristian Coates Ulrichsen from Texas-based Rice University's Baker Institute. "Kuwaiti and Omani officials watch on, uneasily aware that they too could be vulnerable to regionally-assertive Saudi and Emirati pressure when they undergo eventual leadership transitions of their own," he wrote in Gulf International Forum. He said the powerful crown princes of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were redefining Gulf politics around a "hyper-hawkish axis". The four boycotting states have issued an ultimatum that Qatar meet a list of demands, including closing Al Jazeera television and reducing ties with regional foe Iran. Doha says the boycott is an attempt to impinge on its sovereignty. The boycott disrupted Qatar's imports and triggered the withdrawal of billions of dollars from Qatari banks by depositors from the four states. Doha quickly moved to develop new trade routes and deployed tens of billions of dollars from its massive sovereign wealth fund to protect its banks. The economy of tiny but wealthy Qatar, the world's largest exporter of natural liquefied gas, has weathered the boycott and diplomats said Doha has no reason to bow to demands, especially as the emir has emerged stronger at home. "We do not expect any more measures from Saudi Arabia and the UAE against Qatar as they have fired all their bullets. The crisis now is only about information and media war," another Western diplomat said. (Additional reporting by John Irish in Paris; Writing by Ghaida Ghantous; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Richard Balmforth) Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) is drafting legislation to curtail President Donald Trump's authority to levy tariffs. (Photo: Joshua Roberts / Reuters) WASHINGTON Republicans are finally standing up to President Donald Trump, but not for the reason you might think. Rather than, say, taking action to protect the investigation into Russias meddling in the 2016 presidential election, GOP senators are working on a plan this week to curb the presidents authority to unilaterally impose tariffs. They argue that Trumps recently announced steel and aluminum tariffs on U.S. allies will hamstring the nations humming economy and cost Americans jobs. Proponents of the effort face a big hurdle, however convincing GOP leaders to support a measure that would directly challenge Trump on trade and open an intraparty clash just months before the crucial November midterm elections. Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas), the No. 2 Senate Republican, poured cold water over the prospect of reining in the presidents trade powers in interviews on Capitol Hill this week. I think that is primarily an executive branch function, and I dont really see Congress passing and getting a presidential signature on something constraining his authority, Cornyn told reporters Monday. Lawmakers could, of course, override a presidential veto on a potential measure that limited Trumps ability to impose tariffs. But it would require a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate a gargantuan task in the sharply divided Congress. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), who is spearheading the effort alongside Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), said he received a very positive reaction from members when he brought up the matter during a weekly GOP caucus lunch Tuesday. Vice President Mike Pence, who was also in the room, did not react or make any comment, Corker said. The retiring Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman is planning on introducing a bill challenging Trumps tariffs on imports from the European Union, Canada and Mexico. The measure would curtail the presidents authority under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to levy tariffs based on national security grounds a provision Trump has invoked several times. Story continues What this would do is redefine that and say that the president would go through the same steps that he goes through, but at the end of the day, if he decides that he wants to put tariffs in place, Congress would have to approve those, Corker said Tuesday. Corker declined to say how many senators supported the legislation but said that was working with a big list of Republicans and Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), a China trade hawk who has openly supported Trumps policies with respect to the communist nation, said Tuesday he was waiting to see the bill before commenting on it. I told him to send me the bill, Schumer said during a weekly press briefing. I havent seen it yet. The effort to push back on Trumps tariffs follows sharp criticism and even retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports from leaders in the European Union, Canada and Mexico on American products from steel to pork and bourbon. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau slammed Trumps recent tariffs on imported vehicles over the weekend, stating that he found it insulting that his administration views Canada a longtime U.S. ally as a national security risk. The fact that the president has moved forward with these tariffs is not just going to hurt Canadian jobs, its going to hurt U.S. jobs as well and neither of those things is something Canada wants to see, Trudeau said. Trump defended his actions on trade Monday, arguing that the U.S. farm industry will benefit overall in the future as a result of his policies. Farmers have not been doing well for 15 years. Mexico, Canada, China and others have treated them unfairly. By the time I finish trade talks, that will change. Big trade barriers against U.S. farmers, and other businesses, will finally be broken. Massive trade deficits no longer! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2018 Corker said he is considering offering his bill as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a defense spending bill Congress must pass each year. Doing so would give it the best opportunity for passage this year, given that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) remains opposed to allowing a vote on the trade measure as a standalone bill. The NDAA is going to be open, well see what amendments are offered, McConnell said Tuesday when asked about the Corker bill. Other GOP senators, however, seemed more skeptical about the prospect of attaching an unrelated measure to a must-pass defense bill, arguing that such a strategy risked holding up funding for the military. Im not sure the NDAA is the right vehicle, Cornyn said Tuesday. I dont know how he [Trump] might respond to that, and we really have to pass the NDAA. Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.), meanwhile, argued that it would be unwise to limit the presidents ability to unilaterally impose tariffs at a time when China is aggressively exerting its influence on the world stage. Yes, I agree that the legislative branch gave up a lot of authority in 1962 but the worlds different, he said, referring to the Trade Expansion Act. My first reaction to that is we need to protect the executive branch to move quickly and have flexibility. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. In an historic ruling for the rights of same-sex couples, the EU Court of Justice (ECJ) has held that for the purposes of EU free movement law, the notion of a spouse includes the same-sex spouse of an EU citizen. The case was referred to the ECJ from the Romanian Constitutional Court which was confronted with a dispute between a couple, Adrian Coman, a Romanian national, and Claibourn Hamilton, a US national, and the Romanian authorities. After living for a number of years in Belgium, where the couple married, Coman wished to return to Romania with his spouse. But Hamilton was refused the right to reside in Romania as Comans husband, on the grounds that Romania does not recognise same-sex marriage. The case was referred to the ECJ as EU law requires member states to grant a right of residence to the spouse of an EU citizen who moves there in exercise of EU free movement rights. The ECJ was asked whether the term spouse should include same-sex spouses and it ruled that it should. As the ECJ underlined, EU member states still remain free to decide whether or not to allow marriage for persons of the same sex in their territory. But in situations where an EU citizen, who has been living in another EU member state, wants to return to their country of origin, their same-sex marriage must now be recognised under EU law. The same law applies for EU citizens moving to any other EU member state so for example if Coman had wanted to move to Poland with his husband, he would be allowed to. Rights clarified The ruling provides much-needed clarity and legal certainty for same-sex couples who get married in an EU member state. It makes clear that wherever they wish to move in the EU, their union should be recognised as a marriage for the purposes of family reunion, irrespective of whether the host state allows same-sex couples to formalise their relationship in its territory. Currently, 15 out of the EUs 28 member states do not permit same-sex marriage, including Romania, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. The court had comforting words for these countries, that its ruling does not require them to provide for the institution of marriage between persons of the same sex. But the ruling appears to have the potential of initiating a process of voluntary harmonisation whereby all member states will realise they need to recognise and make provision for same-sex spouses, even in situations when this is not required by EU law. The ruling offers an interpretation of spouse for the purposes solely of family reunification in cross-border situations. However, once a member state accepts that a same-sex married couple are spouses for the purposes of EU family reunification and are therefore entitled to a right of residence in its territory it would appear anomalous to strip them of this status for other legal purposes, regardless of whether those situations fall within the scope of EU law. This could include rights regarding taxation, inheritance, pensions, hospital visitation rights, childbearing and childrearing. Story continues Not open to marriage tourism At the same time, the court repeatedly stressed in its ruling, that an EU citizen can only claim family reunification rights upon moving countries if they have taken up genuine residence in the territory of another member state and during that time have established and strengthened their family life. In previous case law, the court clarified that such genuine residence can only exist when the EU citizen has settled in another member state for more than three months. This should put to rest fears that the ruling can lead to marriage tourism. It ensures that EU citizens living in a member state that does not permit same-sex marriage cannot move to another member state simply in order to marry and then return to the first state claiming the right to be recognised as a married couple. They will need to show that they have taken up genuine residence in that member state and during that period they established and strengthened their family life. The court should be applauded for its audacious approach, in a case which involved an admittedly delicate matter. The ruling, nonetheless, leaves a question unanswered. It emphasises that the obligation imposed on member states is to recognise same-sex marriages lawfully concluded in another EU country. The marriage of Coman and Hamilton satisfied this requirement because it took place in Belgium. Would they be in the same position if their marriage was concluded in, say, the US? This is a question that will have to wait for another ECJ ruling. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. The Conversation Alina Tryfonidou does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Roseanne Barr reportedly taped a call-in to her friend Rabbi Shmuley Boteach's podcast just days after ABC canned her show in reaction to a racist tweet about Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett. A source told The Hollywood Reporter that the call was very emotional as Barr sobbed and was apologetic. Shmuley has long been a spiritual counselor to the comedian, and like her has often courted controversy for his views and support of President Trump. Shmuley tweeted about the interview Saturday. "I did record a podcast with my friend @therealroseanne & I have decided not to release it out of respect for Roseanne," he wrote. "I want to give her space to reflect on the recent events and releasing the recording is a decision she will make at the appropriate time." The famous rabbi also came to Barr's defense this week, but admitted he was shocked as he read the now-infamous tweet. "I found what she wrote mystifying and inexplicable, but also inexcusable," he said. "I've known her 20 years. I've never heard a racist thing come out of her mouth." Barr has reportedly been at her home in Utah since ABC's decision to cancel the popular revival of her eponymous sitcom and she has not spoken publicly outside of Twitter. Meanwhile, THR reports her show might go on in a different form, one that doesn't include Barr. ABC is reportedly knee-deep in conversations with the show's producers about creating a spin-off with star Sara Gilbert, who plays Roseanne's daughter Darlene. The show could also see John Goodman and Laurie Metcalfe reprise their roles. A green light for the show could come as soon as this week. RELATED STORIES Roseanne Barr 'Begged' ABC to Keep Her Sitcom on the Air After Network Canceled It Does Roseanne Barr Need Help? Concern Grows Over Her Mental Health Meet the Breakout Stars of 'Roseanne' Who Are Now Out of a Job After Twitter Uproar Related Articles: President Donald Trumps attorney Rudy Giuliani denied that the presidents legal team lied about Trump dictating his son Donald Trump Jr.s statement on a controversial Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer, swearing that it was simply a mistake. Related: Trump Lawyers' Letter to Mueller with Comic Sans Letterhead: President Cant Obstruct Justice, Shouldn't Testify It was a mistake, I swear to God, it was a mistake, Giuliani said on CNN Monday night, after The New York Times reported that, in a leaked 20-page letter to Russia probe special counsel Robert Mueller, the presidents legal team explained that Trump dictated the statement, contrary to what Trumps lawyer Jay Sekulow previously claimed. Trending: Pokemon Quest Training Guide: Learning New Moves and Leveling Up The guy made a mistake, Giuliani said. He corrected it. Last summer, Sekulow said the president was not involved in the drafting of that statement, adding that "to put this on the president, I think, is absolutely incorrect." White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders later claimed that the president certainly didnt dictate it. Their statements contradicted the January 29 letter The Times obtained on Saturday. Don't miss: Argentina Cancels Soccer Match With Israel in Jerusalem After Pressure from Palestinian Protesters In response to CNN anchor Chris Cuomos comment that it was a lot of mistakes by Trumps legal team, Giuliani said, You think Jay Sekulow lied? Maybe he just got it wrong, like Ive gotten a few things wrong in the beginning of the investigation. This is a complex investigation. Cuomo argued that somebody was lying, because its not the kind of information that you would get wrong, that you wouldnt be privy to, that would change. 06_05_18_GiulianiMistake Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images Story continues Most popular: Trumps New Ambassador Should Be Expelled After Expressing Support for Right-Wing Groups, German Politicians Say Giuliani then said that mistakes in the early stages of a case happen all the time, and that the most important thing is there was no testimony under oath to that effect and when a written statement was put in, it was completely accurate. I have no idea how they got it wrong but they got it wrong. I dont think either one of them is ever going to deliberately lie, Giuliani concluded. And I know the president isnt, he didnt do anything wrong. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Mitzpe Ramon (Israel) (AFP) - Israel has already been credited with making the desert bloom. Now it hopes to make it boom -- with tourists. Seeking to bolster tourism to its vast and largely undeveloped Negev desert region, Israel is promoting luxury camping trips, Bedouin hospitality and challenging outdoor activities like dune surfing. In addition, a new international airport is rising from the desert floor 18 kilometres (11 miles) from the Israeli Red Sea resort of Eilat and the neighbouring Jordanian port of Aqaba. Tourism in Israel is big business, bringing in $5.8 billion in 2017. Arrivals to the country of about eight million citizens hit a record 3.6 million last year, the Israeli tourism ministry said. The United States, Russia, France, Germany and Britain accounted for most of the visitors. The ministry says that it now seeks to grow the Negev's share of total Israeli tourist revenue from the present five percent to 20 percent within two to three years. It also aims to increase the number of Negev hotel rooms from 2,000 to about 5,000 within six to seven years. - Desert on your doorstep - Israel is marketing the desert as a unique destination on Europe's doorstep. "When it's very cold in Europe, let's say in December, January and February, we have very mild temperatures in the Negev," the tourism ministry's Uri Sharon told journalists on a tour of the sparsely populated region. Activities include hiking, biking, rock climbing, abseiling and dune surfing -- akin to snowboarding on sand. The Negev is also home to a geological marvel: the Ramon Crater, the world's largest erosion crater. Salaam El Wadj has opened up the encampment where he lives with his wife, children and goats to visitors, who can stay in one of the tents and listen to his stories of Bedouin life. "I was born here in the Negev hills," he tells his visitors over strong, sweet tea. Wadj relates how the arrival a century ago of British and French administrators and, in 1948, officials of the new state of Israel, brought a drive for modernisation that disrupted and threatened the nomadic Bedouin way of life. Story continues Hosting tourists, he said, enables him to preserve his heritage. "They don't want to just sleep in a Bedouin camp but also to learn," he said. Hikers can walk along part of the Negev Highland Trail, covering about 12 km a day between Bedouin camps while their luggage is transported by vehicle. - Wines in the wilderness - Near Wadj's site, Hannah and Eyal Izrael have planted vineyards on terraces where Nabatean farmers cultivated vines 2,000 years ago. Their Carmey Avdat winery produces just 5,000 bottles a year of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and other wines. Eyal supplements his income by offering tourist accommodation in cabins and group tours to surrounding sites of interest rather than industrialising his winemaking. Visitors can help run the production line and bottle, cork and label their choice of wine personally. "All the time there are tourists from all over the world coming to the Israeli desert to explore, trek, taste our wine, go to other farms to taste goat cheese," he said. "The Negev is a very safe and accessible desert and it's warm here." The vines grow in a natural basin, watered in winter by runoff from the surrounding hills and augmented with a modern irrigation system fed by desalinated sea water piped from the Mediterranean coast. Not far from Carmey Avdat is the town of Mitzpe Ramon, which stands at the edge of the Ramon Crater. There, travellers after tranquility with a luxurious twist can go "glamping" -- glamour camping -- in luxury tents with hot showers and a personal chef. When inky night falls over the crater's floor, there is the option of gazing through high-powered telescopes at the stars shining brightly in the unpolluted sky. - Getting there - The Negev's heart is only about a two-hour drive from Israel's main international airport near Tel Aviv. The new Ramon Airport will bring jumbo jets from around the globe to the desert itself. Its website says that it will be able to initially handle up to two million passengers annually, but will be able to expand to a capacity of 4.2 million by 2030. Low-cost and charter airlines currently flying to Ovda airport, about 60 km away from Eilat, will move to Ramon, it says. They include Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, SAS, Finnair and Ural Airlines. Construction began in May 2013. Israeli media say that the airport is expected to start operations this autumn, in time for the November-May winter tourist season, but the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) is making no official forecasts. The IAA says the original specifications for the project were revised in light of lessons learned during the 2014 Gaza war. After a rocket fired by Hamas militants in Gaza hit near the perimeter of Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport, international carriers suspended flights. IAA spokesman Ofer Lefler told AFP that the revised plans for the Ramon airport will allow it to serve as a backup in addition to boosting tourism. "In an emergency, not only will Israel's entire passenger air fleet be able to land and park there, but also additional aircraft," he said. Singapore (AFP) - Singapore's foreign minister will make a two-day trip to Pyongyang starting Thursday, as preparations for a summit in the city-state between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un accelerate. The announcement came a day after the White House revealed that the historic June 12 meeting between the US and North Korean leaders will take place in a luxury hotel on Singapore's resort island of Sentosa. The summit is due to be held following a rapid detente between Pyongyang and Washington -- as well as South Korea -- in a turn-around from a dramatic escalation of tensions last year, when the North ratcheted up its weapons programme. Trump finally confirmed the summit last week following a visit from a top Pyongyang official in Washington, after having abruptly cancelled the meeting as US and North Korean officials traded verbal barbs. He has said denuclearisation, and a formal end to the decades-old Korean war, will be on the table in Singapore. Singapore's foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan will visit the North Korean capital at the invitation of the North's foreign minister Ri Yong Ho, Singapore's foreign ministry said in a statement. The minister, who will be accompanied by foreign ministry officials, will also meet the North's ceremonial president Kim Yong Nam, the statement said. It did not give reasons for the trip but analysts noted Balakrishnan visited the US this week and met with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and will be keen to keep both sides happy before the summit. - 'Extremely fragile' - "We've reached a point where the summit is extremely fragile and can easily be tipped out of balance," Graham Ong-Webb, a research fellow at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, told AFP. The US is pushing for a "complete, verifiable and irreversible" end of North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile programmes, but observers believe there is a large gap between what Washington and Pyongyang define as "denuclearisation". Story continues Singapore has diplomatic ties with Pyongyang and the North has an embassy in the city-state, although Singapore does not have an embassy in Pyongyang. The Southeast Asia financial hub of 5.6 million people also has good relations with the US. Part of its appeal as summit host was its the fact it has one foot in the East and one in the West, as well as being modern, efficient and secure. The island resort of Sentosa, which was selected by American diplomats, is connected to the Singapore main island by a single causeway that can be easily closed off to traffic, sources familiar with the arrangements told AFP Singapore authorities on Tuesday marked out a part of the island surrounding the Capella hotel as a special security zone for the days around the summit. Balakrishnan is the latest senior foreign official to visit the North as summit preparations heat up -- last month, top diplomats from China and Russia made trips to Pyongyang. Since the inter-Korean detente began at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in February, there has also been a flurry of diplomatic activity between the North and South. South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Kim have held landmark summits twice in recent weeks. Min hee Jo Security, Asia A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor is launched from the Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska during Flight Experiment THAAD (FET)-01 in Kodiak, Alaska, U.S. on July 30, 2017. Picture taken on July 30, 2017. Courtesy Leah Garton/Missile Defense Agency/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Whether Moon decides to permanently station THAAD in South Korea or have it removed will create political challenges for his government. South Korea's Tough Choice on THAAD Presumably in late June, after U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's summit may happen, South Korean President Moon Jae-in will face a dilemma regarding the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) U.S missile system in South Korea. The outcome of the Trump-Kim summit, and any agreement on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, will influence Moon's decision. However, whether Moon decides to permanently station THAAD in South Korea or have it removed will create political challenges for his government. The clock for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula has been ticking fast. This has happened despite Trumps abrupt decision to pull out of the planned talks in response to North Koreas own threat to call off the summit. On May 26, Moon's surprise meeting with Kim at the Panmunjom Peace Village on the demilitarized zone appears to have salvaged the canceled Trump-Kim summit meeting. So far, it U.S officials have resumed negotiating with North Koreans to set up the potential meeting. During the inter-Korean summit of April 27, Moon and Kim agreed to "complete denuclearization" in the Panmunjom Declaration. This joint statement has laid the groundwork for Trump's meeting with Kim. In early April and May, U.S Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Kim twice in Pyongyang. And in New York, his meeting with Kim Yong-chol, a high-ranking North Korean official and former intelligence chief, will finalize details for the June 12 summit in Singapore. Unlike the topic of denuclearization, however, the deployment of THAAD remains an open and conflict-provoking question in South Korea. On April 23, 2018, at the THAAD site in the southern city of Seongju, South Korea, clashes took place between protesters and riot police over construction equipment entering the site. While the South Korean Ministry of Defense insisted that repair work for military facilities are required to improve soldiers' accommodations, protesters countered that the government intended to perpetuate THAAD deployment. Story continues Although permanent deployment of THAAD was postponed by President Moon to conduct an environmental impact study, the anti-THAAD groups believe the issue remains unsettled, especially as President Moon only ordered a temporary deployment of THAAD in the wake of North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile threats. Furthermore, North Korea's apparent willingness to relinquish its nuclear weapons, its halt to nuclear and missile tests and its destruction of the Punggye-ri test site, has vindicated anti-THAAD groups' stance that THAAD is unnecessary. As one spokesperson for the protesters said, "there is no more North Korea as an excuse. Therefore, should Trump and Kim reach an agreement for denuclearizing North Korea in return for its economic development and regime security, Moon should consider the anti-THAAD groups stance and the lack of North Korea as an excuse. The summit could result in two possible scenarios. The first one where Trump and Kim would agree on dismantling North Koreas nuclear weapons, either through immediate or step-by-step denuclearization. The second possible outcome is failure- in which there is no summit, or the meeting falls apart. If the former plan works, then there is little reason for deploying THAAD, or other missile defense systems, in South Korea as the system is aimed at countering North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. However, it would still not be easy for Moon to withdraw THAAD shortly after the talks. For instance, Moons predecessor Park Geun-hyes decision to let the United States deploy THAAD was made at the bilateral level. In other words, Seouls unilateral withdrawal of THAAD is likely to cause strain and increase the chances of de-coupling the U.S.-South Korea alliance. Moreover, because denuclearization cannot be completed in a relatively short amount of time, Kim could suddenly reverse the course for denuclearization, following nearly the same steps his father Kim Jong-il took in 2015. Thus, removing THAAD based on Kim Jong-un's word alone could prove to be a naive and hasty decision. In contrast, if the talks fail or do not occur, then THAAD should be deployed to protect the South from the North's military threats. In such a case, President Moon has no option but to face fierce opposition from North Korea and China, which was seen when South Korea deployed THAAD in the first place. Even three days before the inter-Korean summit, North Korea blamed the United States and South Korea for increasing tensions on the Peninsula, arguing that Washington was forcing Seoul to deploy invasive weapons and that Seoul had succumbed to American pressure. Additionally, China also expressed outrage over THAAD, claiming that THAADs X-band radar will threaten Chinas national security by penetrating its territory. Since 2016, as a sign of how strong their complaint is, China retaliated economically against South Korea, especially sanctions on tourism. Meeting with President Moon later in March 2018, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi, China's top foreign policy official, hinted at withdrawing those retaliatory measures from South Korea but substantive changes have yet to occur. Beyond foreign threats, there are also potential risks at home should Moon withdraw THAAD. To reduce anti-THAAD sentiment and public suspicion of its effects, Moon should keep his 2016 presidential campaign promise and carry out the one-year-long environmental impact assessment. That year-long study will push Moon to tolerate not only the uncertainty of THAAD's effects but the fact is that the environmental test results will help determine how difficult it will be to persuade the South Korean populace to accept THAAD. Cautious optimism has been ramped up on the Korean Peninsula since Kim Jong-un has come to the negotiating table with a willingness to exchange his nuclear weapons for security guarantees and economic assistance. Still, the outcome of the June 12 summit between Trump and Kim, if it happens, is unknown. Peace might finally be achieved, but history has advised that one should remain suspicious of North Korean promises. Either way, the result will impact the South Korean president's decision on the deployment of THAAD. Whatever Moon decides, he will confront harsh consequences from his decision. This will be his onerous task. Minhee Jo is an Asan Academy Young Fellow (2017-2018) at the Center for the National Interest and a student at Pusan National University. Image: A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor is launched from the Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska during Flight Experiment THAAD (FET)-01 in Kodiak, Alaska, U.S. on July 30, 2017. Picture taken on July 30, 2017. Courtesy Leah Garton/Missile Defense Agency/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Read full article Washington (AFP) - SpaceX will not send tourists around the Moon this year as previously announced, and will delay the project until the middle of next year, US media reported on Monday. "A new timetable for the flight -- now postponed until at least mid-2019 and likely longer -- hasn't been released" by the California-based company, said the report in The Wall Street Journal. The reason for the delay is unclear. But it is a "sign that technical and production challenges are disrupting founder Elon Musk's plans for human exploration of the solar system," said the report. "SpaceX also is confronting industry doubts about market demand for its Falcon Heavy rocket," it said. The tourists would ride aboard a Dragon capsule, hoisted into space on SpaceX's most powerful rocket to date, the Falcon Heavy, which made its first test flight only four months ago. SpaceX spokesman James Gleeson said, in an emailed statement to AFP, that the company "is still planning to fly private individuals around the moon and there is growing interest from many customers." SpaceX has not publicly released any new timeline for the mission, first announced in February 2017. At the time, Musk said on Twitter the moon tourist mission was slated to happen "late next year," referring to 2018. Two private citizens, who have not been named, "have already paid a significant deposit," Musk added. The trip would mark the farthest humans have ever traveled to deep space. The United States has not sent astronauts to the Moon since NASA's Apollo missions of the 1960s and '70s. SpaceX is also planning to send astronauts to the International Space Station later this year, marking the first time since the US space shuttle program ended in 2011 that people have blasted to space from US soil. SpaceX has told NASA it is targeting the first astronaut test flight no earlier than December 2018. Some observers, however, say the schedule could slip to 2019. "Once operational Crew Dragon missions are under way for NASA, SpaceX will launch the private mission on a journey to circumnavigate the Moon and return to Earth," SpaceX said in a statement. Madrid (AFP) - Former European parliament president Josep Borrell, who was nominated Wednesday Spain's new foreign minister, has been an outspoken critic of Catalan secessionism in recent years and is staunchly pro-European Union. The appointment marks a return to the frontline of politics of the white-haired 71-year-old Catalan who in 1999 had to renounce leading Spain's Socialists over a financial scandal. He served as deputy finance minister, and then public works minister, under former Socialist prime minister Felipe Gonzalez, who was in power between 1982 and 1996. Borrell was elected leader of the party in 1998 but he renounced the position the following year before a 2000 general election due to a financial scandal involving two of his former co-workers when he was deputy finance minister. A keen hiker who has often described himself as a "long distance runner", Borrell bounced back by dedicating himself to European affairs. He served as president of the European parliament between 2004 and 2007. In recent years he has been one of the most prominent voices against Catalan independence, delivering a speech at a rally in favour of the unity of Spain in Barcelona in October where he dismissed the rhetoric being used by some in the secessionist movement. "It is a war in which we can't use weapons but propaganda is key. They use it very well and the Spanish government very badly," Borrell said in October during a meeting with the foreign press, in a reference to Catalan separatists. "They refer to the other side as a stranger who is belittled. They talk of a 'revolution of smiles' but on social networks the violence is terrible," he added. That same month, he caused controversy when he said Catalan society, deeply divided over independence, had to be healed "and for that you need to pile on disinfectant." - Bright student - Borrell also co-authored a book in 2015 which criticised the political and economic arguments used by Catalan separatists. Story continues Catalan separatist parties, which backed new Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's no-confidence motion against conservative Mariano Rajoy last week which ousted him from power, reacted coolly to Borrell's nomination. "This is the gesture you thought of to send us a message of de-escalation?", Catalonia's ousted president Carles Puigdemont wrote Monday on Twitter, accusing him of fomenting "hate" for Catalans. Born on April 24, 1947 in a tiny village in the Catalan Pyrenees, Pobla de Segur, Borrell is the son of a baker who used to accompany his father to deliver bread in villages by donkey. A bright student, he won several scholarships which allowed him to obtain a degree in aeronautical engineering in Madrid, then a masters degree at Stanford University in the United States and another masters in Paris. He also has a doctorate degree in economics. A father of two children from a first marriage with a French woman he met while working at a kibbutz in Israel, Borrell has been in a relationship for the past two decades with former Socialist environment minister Cristina Narbona. Manbij (Syria) (AFP) - The strategic town of Manbij in northern Syria won't be abandoned by the US-led coalition, a local military official said Wednesday after the leading Kurdish militia announced its withdrawal. On Tuesday the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) said it was pulling its military advisers from Manbij, where they had been training local forces in the fight against the Islamic State group. The announcement came a day after an agreement between the US and Turkey over the future of the Arab-majority town, which sits just 30 kilometres (about 20 miles) from the Turkish border. Manbij's military council had not been privy to the details of the deal, but it has received reassurances that the US-led coalition will not leave the town, the council's chief Mohamad Mustafa Abu Adel said. "With this agreement, we have had meetings with high-level officials from the coalition who have assured us that in no case will they abandon the town of Manbij," Abu Adel told AFP. The YPG forms the backbone of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Kurdish-Arab alliance that has received extensive backing from the US-led coalition. The militia spearheaded a victorious offensive in 2016 to drive IS from Manbij, where French and US troops belonging to the Western coalition against the jihadists are currently stationed. "The coalition forces are still there at their outposts," Abu Adel told AFP on the sidelines of a news conference. Dozens of YPG advisers were expected to leave the town within days, he added. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the aim of the roadmap agreed with the United States was to "eradicate the YPG" from Manbij. "Then we will work (with the Americans) to set up a security framework, and we will decide together who will manage the town," he said on Wednesday. Ankara accuses the YPG of being the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is outlawed in Turkey. Washington's support for the YPG has strained relations with Ankara, which fears the emergence of an autonomous Kurdish region on its southern border. Juba (AFP) - South Sudan's armed opposition said Wednesday leader Riek Machar would be "happy" to meet with his bitter rival President Salva Kiir, but denied knowledge of planned talks in Khartoum. Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir this week offered to host a meeting between the warring parties as regional leaders seek an end to the more than four-year civil war in South Sudan which has resisted numerous peace efforts. Kiir's spokesman, Ateny Wek Ateny, told AFP that such a meeting was to take place at the end of June, after his boss apparently welcomed the encounter. However Machar's Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) slammed this as "disinformation". "(It) has not received any official communication regarding the venue of any prospective 'face-to-face' meeting between President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar," spokesman Mabior Garang Mabior said in a statement. However he said Machar would "for the sake of peace" be "more than happy" to meet with Kiir. Bashir's offer comes after yet another round of peace talks organised by the regional Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) group failed to make headway in Addis Ababa last month. South Sudan, the world's youngest nation formed after splitting from the north in 2011, descended into war in December 2013 when Kiir accused his former deputy Machar of plotting a coup. A peace deal was signed two years later but collapsed in July 2016 when fresh fighting in the capital Juba forced Machar into exile. The renewed violence spread across the country, and numerous new armed opposition groups have formed, further complicating peace efforts. Efforts to revitalise a 2015 peace agreement resulted in a ceasefire in December which lasted just hours before warring parties accused each other of breaking it. Tens of thousands have died and nearly four million South Sudanese have been driven from their homes, while millions are going hungry amid a massive humanitarian crisis. Story continues Last week the UN Security Council gave the two warring sides a month to reach a peace deal or face sanctions. South Sudan won independence from Sudan with critical backing from the United States, which remains Juba's biggest aid donor. But Washington has grown increasingly frustrated with Kiir's government as the brutal war grinds on. Observers say that with the government winning militarily and the opposition fractured more than ever before, there is little incentive for Kiir to make concessions to his rivals. KHARTOUM (Reuters) - Sudan said on Wednesday it had cut all defence ties with North Korea, in a rare admission that it used to have such ties in the first place. The announcement came as Washington is locked in a standoff over Pyongyang's missile and nuclear weapons programmes, and as Sudan, which is still on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, reels from an economic crisis. "Sudan's government would like to affirm that its defence production sector has cancelled all contracts ... with North Korea, and ended all relations, direct or through a third party," the foreign ministry said in a statement. It said this came as part of its commitment to the international Non-Proliferation Treaty and sanctions against Pyongyang. It did not say when ties had been severed, or provide details of what they had been. The United States lifted 20 years of sanctions on Sudan in October, in a move that looked set to help Sudan's ailing economy, but the country has since plunged into a fiscal crisis, with the Sudanese pound's value plummeting and no significant increase in foreign investment. Washington said then that Sudan had made progress fighting terrorism, and that it had secured Khartoums commitment not to pursue arms deals with North Korea. But Sudan remains on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism - alongside Syria and Iran - which means a ban on weapons sales and restrictions on U.S. aid. Sudan's economic problems led to widespread protests earlier this year. (Reporting by Khalid Abdelaziz; writing by John Davison in Cairo; editing by Andrew Roche) A SWAT team was called to the home of Parkland student activist David Hogg on Tuesday morning after receiving a report of an armed man holding hostages. When police arrived at the scene shortly before 9 a.m., they discovered the call was a prank, a spokesperson told Newsweek. Police are looking into who might have made the call to police. Making a false report is a criminal offense in Florida, according to state statutes. In this case, it was a particularly expensive one: The Broward County Sheriff's Office responded with multiple police crews and a helicopter. "We got a call saying there was someone at home with a weapon," a Broward County Sheriff's Office spokesperson told Newsweek. "Officers gave an "all-clear after searching the area." Trending: Will Israel and Iran Go to War? Leaders Warn of Imminent Threat During Netanyahu's Trip to Europe The spokesperson declined to offer additional details about the call, citing an investigation. Hogg's mother, Rebecca Boldrick, told Newsweek that the FBI is tracing the call and investigating the situation. Neither Boldrick nor Hogg were home at the time the call was made, as both are in Washington, D.C., for an award ceremony. The incident is the latest in a long line of "swatting" pranks targeting public figures. Mostly used as a harassment technique, the prank typically involves someone phoning in an erroneous bomb threat, hostage claim or shooting claim in order to draw a large police presence to their target's neighborhood. Each incident can cost a county thousands of dollars in employee wages, transportation and other costs. Don't miss: Donald Trump Set to Be Deposed In Sexual Assault Accuser Lawsuit After Latest Judge Ruling david hogg Joe Raedle/Getty Images Story continues This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek An Indiana teacher says he was forced to resign after he refused to comply with the school districts policy of addressing transgender students by their preferred names. John Kluge, the former orchestra teacher at Brownsburg High School in Brownsburg, Indiana, argued that the policy which also requires teachers to refer to students using the pronouns which best align with their gender identity goes against his religious beliefs and violates the First Amendment. Im being compelled to encourage students in what I believe is something thats a dangerous lifestyle, the teacher, who has been with the Brownsburg School District for four years, said. Im fine to teach students with other beliefs, but the fact that teachers are being compelled to speak a certain way is the scary thing. A Brownsburg Community Schools spokeswoman declined to comment on Kluges claims, but told HuffPost: This teacher voluntarily submitted his resignation prior to the end of the school year. The resignation was accepted by the administration. She added that the school district complies with all state and federal laws. The dispute between Kluge and his employers reportedly began at the start of 2018, soon after teachers received an 11-page document outlining the school districts transgender student policy. A copy of whats purported to be the Jan. 3 document on the Indiana Family Institutes website states that the Brownsburg School District allows name changes with a letter from the students parent(s) and a letter from a health care professional. The district permits trans students to use the restroom of their choice. Kluge, 28, told the Indianapolis Star that he and school administrators initially reached a compromise that would permit him to refer to all students by their last names. A few months ago, however, he said he was told he would no longer be allowed to do that. After what Kluge described as a very threatening and bullying type of meeting, he said district officials told him he would be terminated if he didnt comply with the schools transgender student policy. Though he submitted what ABC 6 described as a conditional resignation letter with a tentative date, he said he asked to withdraw it May 25, four days before the end of the school year. Story continues Instead, Kluge said he found himself locked out of his schools email system, and was informed by colleagues that a listing for his position had been posted. He said he plans to appeal to keep his job at a June 11 school board meeting. Theyre acting as if I have [resigned], even though Im pleading, No, Kluge told USA Today. Im not dead yet. I still want to work here. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. A substitute teacher in Canada is being investigated for posting a photo on Instagram that smacks of anti-black racism, school officials say. The post appears to mock a young black students hair. It shows a picture of a small child in a classroom next to a picture of a character from the 1996 movie Dont Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood. The character is brandishing a gun. The posts caption reads, Who rocked it better? LOLOLOL. The Peel District School Board in Ontario said school officials became aware of the post after a concerned member of the community tweeted about it on Saturday. Hi @PeelSchools, please be informed that a grade school teacher with your district is 1) openly mocking her students appearance and posting photos of them on social media 2) tagging the location of the school on her Instagram, putting them in danger. pic.twitter.com/Y3JNwz8EIf Fool of a Took! (@giaper) June 2, 2018 This is not the kind of behaviour I expect from educators. This is so embarrassing and honestly fully racist. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of qualified teachers who are waiting for teaching positions, and this is who our children learn from? Fool of a Took! (@giaper) June 2, 2018 The district has not released the name of the teacher who posted the picture, and the account responsible for the post has since been closed. The teacher will not be permitted to teach or to contact staff or students while the school conducts an investigation, according to the Brampton Guardian. We were made aware of an inappropriate Instagram post made by one of our staff members when it was sent to the Peel District School Board Twitter account yesterday, district spokeswoman Carla Pereira said in a statement. As the post shared is considered anti-black racism, we became concerned as this behavior is simply unacceptable. Story continues Pereira added: We dont yet know how long the investigation will take or what the outcome will be, as were just getting started, but want to assure our community that this matter is being taken very seriously by senior leadership of the Peel board. The teacher could face discipline ranging from a verbal reprimand to sensitivity training or even termination, according to Toronto City News. Also on HuffPost LOL. They get a free education with an opportunity to play in the NFL. Get the fuck over it #WeAreAJoke #wearedone https://t.co/w1MSEdjtoO We Are A Joke UA (@WeAreAJoke_UA) November 19, 2015 This shit is fucking hilarious and it's also a joke. Joke doesn't equal racism #wearedone #WeAreAJoke pic.twitter.com/NHjy3KOn2c We Are A Joke UA (@WeAreAJoke_UA) November 20, 2015 Remember when black people couldn't go to college? THAT was oppression. What do you guys go through that can compare? #wearedone #WeAreAJoke We Are A Joke UA (@WeAreAJoke_UA) November 19, 2015 Ithaca College officials trying to ID people making physical threats on Yik Yak https://t.co/wB8QDsQqQd pic.twitter.com/LwnbjcZwqA The Ithaca Voice (@ithacavoice) November 13, 2015 University of Alabama University of Alabama University of Alabama University of Alabama University of Missouri University of Missouri University of Missouri University of Missouri University of Missouri University of Nebraska University of Nebraska Yik Yak after UCONN students #StudentBlackOut day. But racism doesn't exist... pic.twitter.com/K5FE1GqIWW Shakima (@miesh_b) November 20, 2015 Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. A three-alarm brush fire engulfed almost 500 acres of land Monday near Agua Dulce, a city Northeast of Los Angeles, prompting evacuations. The blaze, known as the Stone Fire, started around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, but it is so far unclear how it began, according to local news station KABC. 240 fire fighters and fire personnel, as well as aircraft, were dispatched to the scene. Police told KABC the Stone Fire could consume up to 1,000 acres due to high winds and high temperatures. #LASD assisting @LACoFDPIO with #StoneFire. Evacuations: Anthony Rd. & Sierra Hwy. Hard closure of Anthony Rd. 200-500 acres burned in #AguaDulce & approx 240 fire personnel on-scene. For updates follows us or @LACoFDPIO pic.twitter.com/RcGiQBC9bW LA County Sheriff's (@LASDHQ) June 4, 2018 The fire started north of Highway 14, near the 35000 block of Anthony Rd., which is now closed. The evacuations were ordered for residents of Anthony Rd. and the Sierra Highway. The wind gusts fanning the flames were up to 20 mph, the National Weather Service told the L.A. Times, and forecaster Ryan Kittell told the newspaper the temperature was around 97 degrees on Monday when the Stone Fire began, making the area an elevated risk for a fire. California has seen the number and severity of fires increase in recent years. CalFire keeps a map of fires happening throughout the state, and Google also runs a crisis map. Two top Environmental Protection Agency aides resigned this week as a fresh round of controversies stretches the scandals surrounding Scott Pruitt into a third consecutive month. Millan Hupp, the EPAs director of scheduling and advance, resigned after becoming the subject of a second major controversy, this time involving a used Trump hotel mattress, according to The Atlantic. Her last day is Friday. Minutes after The Atlantics report went live, New York Times reporter Eric Lipton tweeted that Sarah Greenwalt, a senior EPA adviser, also stepped down. Both women worked for Pruitt when he served as Oklahomas attorney general and were part of a close-knit group of appointees known among EPA staffers as the Oklahoma posse. They were also the two aides awarded five-figure raises through a legal loophole after the White House rejected a request to bump their salaries. Pruitt first denied knowledge of the raises after they became public in April but later reversed course, admitting during a congressional hearing that he authorized them. On Monday, Hupp again found herself at the center of Pruitts swirling series of ethics scandals after two Democrats released a letter to Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), the chairman of the House committee on oversight and government reform, containing her testimony as part of a congressional investigation. In the testimony, she said Pruitt instructed her to try to buy an old mattress from the Trump International Hotel in Washington. She said that she wasnt sure why Pruitt wanted the mattress and that, to her knowledge, it wasnt for EPA business. A top EPA official told The Atlantic that Hupp was tired of being thrown under the bus by Pruitt. The EPA did not respond to HuffPosts requests for comment. But EPA spokesman Jahan Wilcox told an Atlantic reporter by phone, You have a great day, youre a piece of trash, according to the magazine. The departures continue an exodus of high-profile political appointees from the EPA. Last month Liz Bowman, the EPAs top spokeswoman, stepped down days after the resignations of Albert Kell Kelly, who was in charge of overhauling the agencys cleanup of Americas most contaminated sites, and Pasquale Nino Perrotta, the head of Pruitts controversial round-the-clock security detail. Perrotta stepped down before planned testimony before the House oversight committee. Story continues Related... 3 Top Officials Leave EPA Amid Scott Pruitt Scandals Scott Pruitt Twice Introduced Anti-Abortion Bills Giving Men Property Rights Over Fetuses EPA Chief Scott Pruitt Has Racked Up At Least 10 New Scandals In Just The Past Month Also on HuffPost Portland, Oregon Chicago Denver Seattle Los Angeles Washington, D.C. Joining the #climatemarch because #hawaii leads nation on climate and other states should act too #ActOnClimate pic.twitter.com/mBTZ5ioiK1 Chris Lee (@chrisleeforhi) April 29, 2017 About 1,000 people, including #UCC members and a UCC minister as a featured speaker, participated in the People's #ClimateMarch in Honolulu. pic.twitter.com/x3INdRUNUq UCC Hawaii Justice (@UCCJustice808) April 29, 2017 BONUS: Amsterdam Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Ottawa (AFP) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday he expects "frank and sometimes difficult" conversations with US President Donald Trump on US tariffs at the upcoming G7 summit. The Canadian prime minister will host the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States for an annual G7 summit in La Malbaie, Quebec on Friday and Saturday. "We know certainly that there will be frank and sometimes difficult discussions around the G7 table, particularly with the US president on tariffs," Trudeau told reporters. He had hoped to put the focus on jobs, security concerns, cleaning up the world's oceans and empowering women. But officials have conceded the G7 agenda is likely to be overtaken by trade disputes. Last week, the Trump administration unveiled punishing tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum from the EU, Canada and Japan, among others. That was met with retaliatory levies from its closest allies, which have raised fears of a trade war and prompted complaints to be filed with the World Trade Organization. In Washington, Trump economic advisor Larry Kudlow told reporters that Trump would press ahead with global tariffs on steel, and allies including Canada and the EU should not expect exemptions. He denied America's trade policies left it isolated from G7 allies, but warned that Trump would "stick to his guns" at the upcoming summit. "There may be disagreements, I regard this as much like a family quarrel. I'm always the optimist, I believe it can be worked out," Kudlow said. "We will do what is necessary to protect the United States, its businesses and its workforce," he added. Kudlow also insisted that the US relationship with Canada, in particular, was still "very good." But observers noted that Trudeau's pointed rebuke last week, calling for "common sense" to prevail in the US administration, marked a turning point for the worse in the relationship. Story continues - Economic order 'under attack' - CNN said Wednesday that Trump invoked the War of 1812 in a testy phone call with Trudeau on May 25 about the burgeoning trade row. According to CNN's sources familiar with the conversation, Trudeau pressed Trump on his national security justification for the tariffs, to which Trump replied: "Didn't you guys burn down the White House?" That was actually British troops, and historians say it was payback for an American attack on York, Ontario, which later became a part of Canada. The United States is reportedly preparing to unleash another round of tariffs on Canada as retribution for its Can$16.6 billion (US$12.9 billion) in tariffs on US goods. "The world economic order is under pressure, under attack," Canadian Trade Minister Francois Philippe Champagne said. "We must continue to work together because a world where there are no rules is a world where nobody wins," he warned. "Let us modernize what needs to be modernized," he added in reference to the WTO. "But let's also remember that these global rules have allowed all of our economies to prosper." Kudlow shot back that "Trump is trying to fix this broken system." "It was a good system," he said, "And it lasted for a bunch of decades, but that system has been broken in the last 20 years plus. The World Trade Organization, for example, has become completely ineffectual." President demands answers on DoJ Clinton emails investigation Opinion: Trumps lawyers want immunity. Who will stop them? Donald Trump tweeted: There are so many horrible things to tell, the public has the right to know. Transparency! Photograph: Susan Walsh/AP Amid a scattergun blast of tweets on Tuesday morning, Donald Trump demanded to know what is taking so long with an internal justice department investigation and criticized attorney general Jeff Sessions, the head of the DoJ, once again for recusing himself from the Russia investigation. The internal justice department investigation is expected to criticize the FBI and its handling of the investigation of Hillary Clintons use of a private email server while she was secretary of state an investigation which dominated Clintons 2016 presidential election campaign against Trump. The president tweeted: What is taking so long with the Inspector Generals Report on Crooked Hillary and Slippery James Comey. Numerous delays. Hope Report is not being changed and made weaker! There are so many horrible things to tell, the public has the right to know. Transparency! Trump has repeatedly denied collusion, criticized the FBIs handling of the Russia investigation, and said the focus should be on the Clinton email case. He subsequently tweeted: The Russian Witch Hunt Hoax continues, all because Jeff Sessions didnt tell me he was going to recuse himself I would have quickly picked someone else. So much time and money wasted, so many lives ruined and Sessions knew better than most that there was No Collusion! Sessions, a former Alabama senator who was an early supporter of Trumps campaign for the White House, recused himself from the investigation of Russian election interference and alleged collusion between Trump aides and Moscow after it became clear he had misled Congress about conversations with the then Russian ambassador. Trump has repeatedly criticised his attorney general, but not fired him. Nor has he moved against deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, who appointed former FBI director Robert Mueller as special counsel for the Russia investigation after Trump fired Comey last May. Story continues Trump told media and Russian diplomats he fired Comey because of the Russia investigation claims which have attracted attention as Mueller considers whether the president might be guilty of obstruction of justice. Last month, Trump insisted he fired Comey for other reasons. Trumps offensive against Mueller and the Russian investigation has recently included claims, by tweet and by his lawyer Rudy Giuliani, that the president has the power to pardon himself if he is indicted. Experts disputed this. Trump also tweeted on Tuesday about his cancellation of a White House visit by the Super Bowl champions the Philadelphia Eagles, over player protests during the playing of the national anthem. No Eagles player knelt during the anthem last season. President Trump on Wednesday assailed the media for what he described as vicious coverage of first lady Melania Trumps weeks-long absence from the public eye following her hospitalization last month. The Fake News Media has been so unfair, and vicious, to my wife and our great First Lady, Melania, Trump tweeted. During her recovery from surgery they reported everything from near death, to facelift, to left the W.H. (and me) for N.Y. or Virginia, to abuse. All Fake, she is doing really well! On Monday, Melania Trump appeared alongside Trump at a White House reception honoring Gold Star families. It was closed to the press, but she tweeted photos from the event showing her seated next to the president, and a video posted to social media showed her arrival. It was the first time the first lady had been seen publicly since May 10 four days before she underwent what the White House said was a successful procedure to treat a benign kidney condition. President Trump kisses first lady Melania Trump after she spoke in the Rose Garden of the White House on May 7. (Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images) Melania Trumps time away from the spotlight and the White Houses silence about her condition led to some wild speculation and conspiracy theories online. But contrary to the presidents claim, the mainstream media did not embrace suggestions that she had had a face-lift, been abused or was near death. On the other hand, Trump has long spread conspiracy theories on a wide range of topics. And last June he publicly described Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski as bleeding badly from a face-lift during an earlier encounter. Trump was widely criticized by both Democrats and Republicans for the personal attack. Joe Scarborough, Brzezinskis co-host and fiance, was quick to note the hypocrisy of Trumps complaint about the coverage of Melania. I agree that it would be vicious and unfair to lie about a loved one having a facelift for the purpose of causing pain and embarrassment, Scarborough tweeted. Mr. President, can you imagine anyone would be so cruel to do such a thing? Story continues I cant even imagine, Brzezinski quipped. President Trump also suggested on Wednesday that reporters who saw Melania Trump last week did not report the sighting. Several reporters, though, did. Four reporters spotted Melania in the White House last week walking merrily along to a meeting, Trump tweeted. They never reported the sighting because it would hurt the sick narrative that she was living in a different part of the world, was really ill, or whatever. Fake News is really bad! First lady Melania Trump appears with President Trump at a hurricane response briefing at the FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. (Carlos Barria/Reuters) Melania Trump made her first appearance before the press since her hospitalization at a hurricane season briefing at FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday afternoon, although she did not speak, at least while the press was present. President Trump, seated next to her, thanked the first lady for being present in his opening remarks. She went through a little rough patch, the president said. But shes doing great. Read more from Yahoo News: President Trump with VP Mike Pence and first lady Melania Trump at FEMA headquarters. (Photo: Jim Watson/AFP) President Trump did not address the much-discussed death toll in Puerto Rico during his public remarks at the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Wednesday afternoon. Before being briefed by FEMA officials on preparedness for the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season, Trump delivered some opening remarks that focused on praising his Cabinet and others involved in the emergency response to the string of natural disasters that struck the U.S. last year. Weve had three devastating major hurricanes that hit our country within a months time. Theres never been really anything like it, Trump said, referring to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. He also addressed the devastating wildfires along the West Coast: America has never experienced so many large-scale disasters in so short a period of time. But Trump did not address the recent controversy over the official death toll in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria hit on Sept. 20, when the U.S. territory was still dealing with the damage wrought by Hurricane Irma. The U.S. governments official death toll from Maria stands at 64. Just last week, however, a Harvard study estimated that 4,645 people died from the conditions following the storms. The Puerto Rican government and the New York Times placed that figure at around 1,000. In short, researchers say theres a growing scientific consensus that the U.S. governments tally is far below the actual death toll and that further study is required to establish the definitive figure. Slideshow: Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria >>> Photo: Carlos Barria/Reuters White House press secretary Sarah Sanders has largely deflected questions about the death toll in Puerto Rico and Trump has not addressed the recent estimate publicly, but the discrepancy has reignited a debate over the federal governments relief efforts in the immediate aftermath of the storm. The mobilization was clearly slower than what happened in Texas and Florida, and its more than just it was an island, which was the lame excuse given by President Trump, Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., told Yahoo News. Ships were not ready to depart to go down right afterwards. Weve deployed resources, whether its food, water, utilities, personnel, other assets to war zones halfway around the globe quicker than the federal government brought the resources to bear on Puerto Rico. It took weeks for us to really ramp up, and I believe we must be better prepared for the next storm. Story continues Asked about the White Houses defense of its response to the tragedy, Soto said, The 64-death-number is wholly inaccurate. It is missing thousands of Puerto Ricans who died as a result of inaction. As importantly, just look at the numbers, 90 billion dollars in damage and only 18.9 billion was allocated. That is, per se, inadequate. During his public comments at FEMA headquarters, Trump did, however, mention Puerto Rico when listing the places struck by colossal storms last year. Families in Texas and Louisiana, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi they were all affected, hard to believe and on tribal lands, where the hit was catastrophic and the storms were really historic in their severity. But in the wake of such tragedy, we also witnessed the resilience of the American people. It is not yet known whether the Puerto Rican death toll was brought up during the closed-press portion of Trumps meeting at FEMA. In his public comments, Trump said that U.S. disaster response infrastructure is the best model in the world and that the U.S. helps other countries also when theres catastrophic events, like in Mexico and other places, were always there for them. He said these systems work best when they are federally supported, state-managed and locally executed. As we enter the hurricane season again here we go, are you ready? Trump said. But were entering it. This is it. We are marshaling every available resource to ensure maximum preparation for rapid response. Thats what we had last year. After the briefing ended, Trump again thanked Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and FEMA administrator Brock Long and expressed much respect for FEMAs work. And again, he did not mention the death toll in Puerto Rico. With additional reporting by Chris Wilson Read more from Yahoo News: Istanbul (AFP) - An Istanbul court on Wednesday ordered the release of all the suspects in a hugely controversial trial of 22 students from a prestigious Istanbul university who protested on campus against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's military campaign in Syria. Fourteen of the students had been held in jail on charges of disseminating "terror propaganda" after their initial detention in March when police stormed dormitories at Bogazici University. But after an emotionally-charged first trial hearing, the judge ordered that the 10 young men and four young women be released. The order sparked scenes of jubilation in the packed courthouse, with families crying in jubilation and relief, an AFP correspondent said. The other eight defendants had been free -- but still charged -- ahead of the trial Wednesday. All 22 now remain charged and under judicial supervision, which means they are subject to certain restrictions and should report to the authorities. The judge set the next hearing in the case for October 3. They were due to walk free later Wednesday. The accused face jail terms of up to five years if convicted on charges of propaganda for the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). - 'Afrin delight' - Turkey earlier this year successfully carried out a major incursion into the Afrin region of northern Syria with allied Syrian rebels. The offensive ousted the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia, which Ankara brands a terror group and branch of the PKK. A day after Afrin was taken, a group of students opened a stand on the campus handing out sweets they dubbed "Afrin delight" in memory of the Turkish soldiers killed in the operation. But another group unfurled a banner with the words "There's nothing sweet about occupation and massacre," in a show of protest. Erdogan then slammed the anti-war students as "terrorists". Turkish prosecutors accuse the students of seeking to discredit the army and the state by portraying them as an "occupier" and as an "illegitimate force that uses violence." Story continues The case was condemned by rights activists, who saw the prosecution as the punishment of sometimes teenage suspects who had only expressed their political views. - 'Taking her home' - Giving testimony in court, the students rejected the charges and argued shouting slogans against the government or in favour of promoting peace had nothing to do with the PKK. "I didn't praise violence or make terror propaganda," accused student Sukran Yaren Tuncer told the judge. "I shouted slogans like 'Shoulder to shoulder against fascism' and 'No war, peace now'. They are universal slogans and chanted in every demo." Another defendant, Sevde Ozturk, added: "Some slogans were shouted but they can only be seen as political criticism." "I reject being stigmatised as a terrorist just because I chanted peace slogans," she told the court. Some of the students also accused police of beating them in detention. Authorities detained hundreds of people during the Afrin operation on terror propaganda charges for criticising the operation, raising new concerns about freedom of speech in Turkey. Founded in the 19th century as Robert College, Bogazici University is considered a bastion of secular and Western-orientated education in Turkey. Parents of the students attending the trial said that their children were innocent and their education was being unfairly disrupted. Tevfik Tulay, father of arrested third-year engineering student Uzay, told AFP his son was "now deprived of all his rights to education". "There is no evidence, he was curious what was going and stayed there merely as a spectator." Ozgur, whose 18-year-old student Yaren has been held since March 25, said: "I am here to take her home." "She is innocent. She was taken just because she stood on the right or on the left of a banner," the mother said. ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan denounced on Tuesday one of his main rivals for elections on June 24 for visiting a pro-Kurdish candidate who is in jail on terrorism charges. Erdogan accused Muharrem Ince, who has energized the secularist opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) since becoming its presidential candidate, of trying to "steal" votes among Turkey's Kurdish community. Addressing supporters in the northwestern Sakarya province, Erdogan also turned on Selahattin Demirtas, the jailed candidate of the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP), calling him a terrorist who was responsible for the deaths of Kurdish civilians during unrest three years ago. Demirtas denies the charges while human rights groups have described them as trumped up and an attempt to stifle dissent in Turkey. Turkey's most successful modern politician, Erdogan is strong favorite to win re-election to a newly empowered executive presidency, although his Islamist-rooted AK Party is in a close race with the opposition for parliamentary polls the same day. The president went on the attack over Ince's visit last month to Demirtas, who has been in jail for a year and a half pending trial. "Those visiting him aren't doing this for freedom, they think they can steal votes from there. You won't be able to. My people will teach a lesson on June 24 to the person who visits such a terrorist," he told an election rally. Demirtas, who has won votes beyond his Kurdish core constituency in recent elections, faces 142 years in jail on terrorism charges as well as four years for insulting Erdogan in a different case. Erdogan accused him over the deaths of civilians in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir in 2015. These occurred during protests against a siege by Islamic State fighters of Kobani, a Kurdish town just over the border in Syria. "The person who caused the death of 53 of my citizens, my Kurdish brothers, in Diyarbakir is a presidential candidate in this country," he said. "A terrorist cannot be a presidential candidate," he said. "The fact that this person, who caused the deaths of 53 people, is a presidential candidate is not proof of his innocence." Demirtas's HDP denies accusations of links to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a rebel group which has fought government forces in southeastern Turkey since 1984. The PKK is deemed a terrorist organization by the United States, Turkey and Europe. Ince, 54, a combative parliamentarian and former physics teacher, has accused Erdogan of driving Turkey "to the cliff" through ideological politics and a determination to control the central bank at a time when the Turkish lira has been plunging. However, he faces competition from former interior minister Meral Aksener as the leading opposition candidate. The victor in this month's election, held under a state of emergency imposed after a failed coup in 2016, will exercise sweeping new executive powers after Turks narrowly approved a constitutional overhaul in a referendum last year. The changes come into effect after the June 24 vote. (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu and Ece Toksabay; editing by David Stamp) Americas Got Talent is full of feel-good stories and inspiring talents that will have you walking away feeling pretty great. Then theres people like Tuesdays comedic hopeful, Alex Hooper. He managed to fool fellow contestants - not to mention the judges during his pre-performance chat - into thinking he was a positive and uplifting guy.I just want to inspire the world through happiness, positivity, and comedy, Hooper responded when asked why he entered the show.Then, his routine began. He started by recognizing the shows host, Tyra Banks.Tyra, I really admire your courage! Hooper said. It must be so difficult to host a show like this and still find a way to make it about you.And thats when things turned rather quickly. Over a chorus of boos from the crowd, Hooper moved on to the judges. He compared Howie Mandel to a big toe and told Mel B., aka Scary Spice, that the only thing scary about her was her solo career.After those two quick buzzers, he turned his focus to Heidi Klum.Heidi Klum, you are magical, he began. Four children, and yet your body looks as though you haven't paid attention to any of them.Going after someones parenting may be crossing the line, and after also implying that Klum wears too much makeup, its no surprise that a third buzzer came his way. Luckily Hooper got a little relief when he reached Simon Cowell - someone who clearly respects and admires the ability to be mean to people. After Hooper sent a few good digs in his direction, Cowells reaction was perfect:Can I be honest with you? he asked. I think you're really funny.America's Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC. Watch clips and full episodes of America's Got Talent for free on Yahoo View.Check out why Mel B. was brought to tears during an America's Got Talent audition: 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. GENEVA (Reuters) - Forth-six Ethiopians drowned early on Wednesday and 16 were missing after a smuggler's boat carrying at least 100 migrants capsized as it approached Yemen, the U.N. migration agency said in a statement. The boat left the port of Bossasso in Somalia on Tuesday, with 83 men and 17 women on board who were hoping to find work in Yemen and the Arabian Gulf, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said, citing information from survivors. IOM's director of operations and emergencies, Mohammad Abdiker, said the Gulf of Aden's migration tragedy was shameful. "Over 7,000 poor migrants take this perilous journey every month; some 100,000 took it just last year. They are treated appallingly and go through horrendous conditions. This has to end," he was quoted as saying in the statement. The drownings happened just days after IOM helped 101 Ethiopians, including 51 women and 33 children, to leave Yemen for Djibouti, as fighting closed in around Yemen's key port of Hodeidah. They were stranded in Yemen and among the most vulnerable of about 300 migrants stuck in detention, IOM said. "Both while traveling to and in Yemen, migrants are routinely abused by smugglers and other criminals, including physical and sexual abuse, torture for ransom, arbitrary detention for long periods of time, forced labor and even death," the IOM statement said. Some migrants got caught up in the war and were injured or killed or taken to detention centers, official or unofficial, IOM said. (Reporting by Tom Miles, editing by Larry King) United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The UN Security Council on Wednesday endorsed a French-backed plan for general elections in Libya by the end of the year. It did not, however, mention the December 10 date agreed upon last month during a Paris meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and rival Libyan leaders. "The Security Council welcomes the commitment of these parties, as set out in the Paris declaration, to work constructively with the UN to organize credible and peaceful parliamentary and Presidential elections, and to respect the results of these elections," said the text adopted by the UN body. It said, too, that it "welcomes the momentum generated by the international conference on Libya hosted in Paris by President Emmanuel Macron on May 29, 2018" under the auspices of the United Nations. That meeting brought together for the first time Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, head of the UN-backed unity government in Tripoli, and 75-year-old military strongman Khalifa Haftar, whose rival Libyan National Army dominates the country's east. Also present were Aguila Saleh Issa, the parliament speaker based in the eastern city of Tobruk, and Khalid Al-Mishri, the newly-elected head of the High Council of State. The four main Libyan leaders had agreed in Paris to hold elections on December 10 in a bid to lead the country out of years of chaos and fighting that began with a popular uprising in 2011 to overthrow late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi, Diplomatic sources said that in negotiating the exact working of the Security Council text, some countries had opposed "explicitly" mentioning December 10 as the election date. They wanted approval by all the parties for a constitution and a clear electoral law before settling on a precise date for polls, the same sources said. In its statement, the Security Council also noted the importance of "a constitutional basis for elections," as outlined in the Paris declaration. Story continues UN envoy Ghassan Salame has long been urging all the parties to agree on a constitution and a timetable for its adoption. In Paris, the four Libyan leaders had promised to find a "constitutional base" for elections by September 16, without specifying if such a deal would be put to a referendum. That date was not mentioned in the UN statement either. The question of the constitution provokes sharp disagreements in Libya. The process, which would define among other things the powers of a future president, could "delay the elections," said a source close to the negotiations at the Paris conference in May. Ben Bowling, valedictorian of Bell County High Schools class of 2018 in Pineville, KY, has had quite an exciting graduation season. Not only did he receive his diploma and deliver a memorable speech, but hes also made national headlines. This is the part of my speech where I share some inspirational quotes I found on Google, Bowling said in his graduation speech to the class assembled in the auditorium on June 3. Dont just get involved. Fight for your seat at the table. Better yet, fight for a seat at the head of the table Donald J. Trump. As video of his speech confirms, the audience went wild for his line, bursting into applause. But he had a follow-up zinger. Just kidding, he said, even as the audience continues cheering. That was Barack Obama. The auditorium became noticeably subdued. I expected the applause for sure, but wasnt sure what to expect when I revealed the real quote, Bowling explained to TIME. I knew my classmates would find it funny, but wasnt sure about the audience. It was all in good fun. Bowling says he does lean left despite living in a conservative area, and his classmates were aware of his political opinions so that helped the joke land even better. They knew I wouldnt quote Trump, so they all thought it was hilarious, he said. I love my area and all the people in it. I am not knocking the local people or their political opinions at all. It turns out the quote is taken from a Barnard College commencement address delivered by the former president in 2012 about leadership, specifically tailored to speak to the challenges women face. And as someone who wants that future that better future for you, and for Malia and Sasha, as somebody whos had the good fortune of being the husband and the father and the son of some strong, remarkable women, allow me to offer just a few pieces of advice. Thats obligatory, he prefaced; Barnard is all women. Bear with me. He then launched into the quote that Bowling decided to use. Story continues I just thought it was a really good quote, Bowling told local news after the fact. (And yes, he confirmed to TIME that he really did come across it via Google.) Most people wouldnt like it if I used it, so I thought Id use Donald Trumps name. It is southeastern Kentucky after all. Bowling said he hasnt faced backlash for the source of his inspiration; the local response has been all positive. But he also isnt planning on jumping into politics too soon although hes keeping his options open. Im not exactly comfortable with public speaking, he admitted to TIME, but I would like to improve and if given the opportunity to do something important with it, to be able to make a positive impact. Bowling intends to attend the University of Kentucky as a member of the class of 2022, and right now is looking at majoring in biology and pursuing a degree in medicine, although he tells TIME hes keeping an open mind. Volcanic tornado forms above Kilauea on Hawaii's Big Island: Anthony Quintano The sight of a volcanic tornado has been captured on camera over a fissure at the foot of an erupting volcano on Hawaiis Big Island. The rare phenomenon came as lava from Kilauea destroyed hundreds more homes overnight, overtaking two oceanfront communities advised to evacuate last week. The lavanado which does not have an official name among volcanologists was captured by photographer Anthony Quintano during a tour by the Hawaii National Guard of an area known as Leilani Estates. The fountain was shooting 200 feet in the air and it was roughly a half a mile away from where we were standing, he said of the tornado, which formed over Fissure 8. A spinning vortex of air, the volcanic tornado is formed by the intense heat, which causes air to rise rapidly and stretch to form a column. If it is within a boundary where surface winds are converging, this column can begin to rotate, creating a twister that can potentially fling bits of lava out of its interior. The homes lost on Tuesday night were in addition to at least 117 destroyed and reported by county officials since lava began spilling from cracks in the ground that opened up last month. "We don't have an estimate yet, but safe to say that hundreds of homes were lost in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland last night," Janet Snyder, a spokeswoman for Hawaii County, said on Tuesday. A morning overflight confirmed that lava completely filled Kapoho Bay, inundated most of Vacationland and covered all but the northern part of Kapoho Beach Lots, scientists with the US Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said. Story continues Lava early on Tuesday claimed Big Island Mayor Harry Kim's second home in Vacationland, Ms Snyder said. County managing director Wil Okabe said his own vacation home in Kapoho Beach Lots was also threatened. Mr Okabe described the area as a mix of vacation rentals and year-round residences. "For us it's more of a vacation area, but for those who live there permanently, they're trying to figure out where they're going to be living," he said. "He was very depressed," Mr Okabe said of how Mr Kim felt about losing his vacation home. Mr Kim and Mr Okabe live in Hilo, the county's seat, which is more than an hour's drive from the Kapoho area. Those who live or vacation in the area were mourning the loss of popular tide-pools where children enjoyed swimming. Thousands in the Puna area had to evacuate after the first fissure opened on 3 May. Officials had issued mandatory orders for residents of Leilani Estates, and those in Kapoho Beach and Vacationland were advised to leave by last Friday or risk being trapped and unreachable by emergency crews. Homes in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland are on smaller lots and are closer together than in other parts of the Puna district. Mr Okabe estimated there are several hundred homes in each of the two subdivisions. Additional reporting by AP. Robert Farley Security, Asia Militarily, they represent a thin crust on Chinas A2/AD system. Under certain conditions this crust could disrupt U.S. freedom of action, but it wont be hard for the United States Air Force and Navy to punch through. Why America Should Fear China's South China Sea Bases (Or Not) The four largest military installations in the SCS have extensive facilities for the operation of military aircraft. This includes advanced fighters, but more importantly patrol, electronic-warfare and advanced early-warning aircraft. The ability to use these airfields effectively extends the reach of Chinas A2/AD bubble, enabling the transmission of targeting data to missile launchers at sea and in mainland China. The fighter aircraft themselves serve to make the skies over the SCS even more lethal than they otherwise would be, as well as threaten U.S. ships at a distance with cruise missiles. China has built some islands in the South China Sea. Can it protect them? During World War II Japan found that control of islands offered some strategic advantages, but not enough to force the United States to reduce each island individually. Moreover, over time the islands became a strategic liability, as Japan struggled to keep them supplied with food, fuel and equipment. The islands of the SCS are conveniently located for China, but do they really represent an asset to Chinas military? The answer is yes, but in an actual conflict the value would dwindle quickly. The Installations China has established numerous military installations in the South China Sea, primarily in the Spratly and Paracel Islands. In the Spratlys, China has built airfields at Subi, Mischief and Fiery Cross, along with potential missile, radar and helicopter infrastructure at several smaller formations. In the Paracels, China has established a significant military installation at Woody Island, as well as radar and helicopter facilities in several other areas. China continues construction across the region, meaning that it may expand its military presence in the future. The larger bases (Subi, Mischief, Fiery Cross and Woody Island) have infrastructure necessary for the management of military aircraft, including fighters and large patrol craft. These missiles, radars and aircraft extend the lethal reach of Chinas military across the breadth of the South China Sea. Story continues Recommended: Stealth vs. North Koreas Air Defenses: Who Wins? Recommended: Americas Battleships Went to War Against North Korea Recommended: 5 Places World War III Could Start in 2018 Missiles Several of the islands serve as bases for SAM systems (including the HQ-9, with a range of 125 miles, and perhaps eventually the Russian S-400) and ground-launched cruise missiles (GLCMs). These missiles serve to make the South China Sea lethal for U.S. ships and aircraft that do not have stealth capabilities, or that do not enjoy a layered air-defense system. The SAM installations, buoyed by networks of radars, can effectively limit the ability of enemy aircraft to enter their lethal zone without significant electronic-warfare assistance. The GLCMs can add another set of launchers to Chinas A2/AD network, although not necessarily with any greater effectiveness than missiles launched from subs, ships or aircraft. But it is an open question how survivable the missile installations would be in a conflict. Land-based missiles survive air attack because they can hide among hills, forests and other natural cover. There is no effective natural cover on the islands that China has created, and even man-made defensive installations may not survive concerted attack. Moreover, missile launchers depend upon an at least somewhat robust logistical network for fuel, power and munitions, which China may not be able to reliably provide during a shooting war. Airfields The four largest military installations in the SCS have extensive facilities for the operation of military aircraft. This includes advanced fighters, but more importantly patrol, electronic-warfare and advanced early-warning aircraft. The ability to use these airfields effectively extends the reach of Chinas A2/AD bubble, enabling the transmission of targeting data to missile launchers at sea and in mainland China. The fighter aircraft themselves serve to make the skies over the SCS even more lethal than they otherwise would be, as well as threaten U.S. ships at a distance with cruise missiles. But in conflict, the durability of an airfield depends on the availability of materials and equipment to execute repairs after an attack. It is not obvious that the islands China has created in the South China Sea will be robust enough to continue in operation after U.S. missile and bomb attacks. Although the larger islands have aircraft shelters, it is an open question whether these shelters could long survive a concerted U.S. attack. Radars SAMs, GLCMs and combat aircraft depend on accurate targeting data for effectiveness. The most important contribution that the SCS islands may offer to the Chinese military is through the radar installations that China has established on many of the islands. These installations, while individually vulnerable, help to provide a much fuller picture of the battle space than China would otherwise enjoy. Together, they significantly enhance the lethality of Chinas defensive networks. That said, the radars themselves are vulnerable to a wide array of U.S. attacks. These include kinetic methods such as missiles (launched from submarines, stealth aircraft or other platforms), electronic warfare, cyberattacks and even special-forces raids. In a conflict, China could quickly lose access to the radar network that it has established. Still, the network offers a relatively low-cost way of complicating the job that the U.S. military faces in penetrating the SCS. Logistics All the military capabilities of Chinas SCS islands depend upon secure communications with mainland China. Most of the islands constructed by China cannot support extensive logistics stockpiles, or keep those stockpiles safe from attack. In a shooting war, the need to keep the islands supplied with fuel, equipment and munitions would quickly become a liability for presumably hard-stretched Chinese transport assets. Assuming that the PLAN and PLAAF would have little interest in pursuing risky, expensive efforts at resupplying islands under fire, the military value of the islands of the SCS would be a wasting asset during a conflict. Unfortunately for China, the very nature of island warfare, and the nature of the specific formations that China has determined to support, make it difficult to keep installations in service in anything but the very short term. Ships vs. Forts As Lord Horatio Nelson may have quipped, a ships a fool to fight a fort. But there are situations in which ships have a major advantage over forts. Chinas islands in the SCS are not mobile, and are not large enough to hide much in the way of military equipment and material. The United States will be able to meticulously map the military installations on each of the islands in the SCS, and will probably be able to track shipments of military equipment to the islands. This will make the islands extremely vulnerable to attack from ships, subs and aircraft, as missiles will not require real-time targeting data. One positive step for the United States would be to reverse the decision to retire in place the Advanced Gun System on the Zumwalt-class destroyer. Making available a munition for this gun would enable the Zumwalts to strike Chinese island installations at range, potentially causing serious, practically irreparable damage at a relatively low cost. Otherwise, the islands will suck up cruise missiles that might effectively be used on more juicy targets. The islands of the SCS have some military relevance, but are more important as a political claim to waterways and undersea resources. Militarily, they represent a thin crust on Chinas A2/AD system. Under certain conditions this crust could disrupt U.S. freedom of action, but it wont be hard for the United States Air Force and Navy to punch through. Robert Farley, a frequent contributor to TNI, is author of The Battleship Book. He serves as a Senior Lecturer at the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce at the University of Kentucky. His work includes military doctrine, national security, and maritime affairs. He blogs at Lawyers, Guns and Money and Information Dissemination and The Diplomat. Image: Reuters This first appeared in Feb 2018. Read full article It would have been terrifying to be a citizen of Botswana on early Saturday evening. A blindingly white orb suddenly streaked down the sky toward the horizon, appearing larger and brighter with every second. Just as it looked ready to crash into the Earth, it exploded into a huge dome of light, illuminating the sky. Unless you worked for NASA, you probably wouldnt have known what happened. Even NASA only sort of knew what was going on, but the space agency stayed cool. In a news release on Sunday, NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory stated that the six-foot-wide asteroid, named 2018 LA, was discovered on Saturday morning to be on a collision course with Earth. There werent enough data to determine exactly where itd hit: Scientists sketched out a very rough map covering South Africa, the Indian Ocean, and New Guinea, comprising a very large swath of Earth. But they werent too worried because the asteroid, being so small, was expected to safely disintegrate in Earths atmosphere. NASA was right, fortunately, and the asteroid disintegrated several miles above the surface of Botswana, which is what created the bright white fireball. Paul Chodas, manager of the Center for Near-Earth Object Studies at JPL and seemingly chill guy, reassured the public in a statement that NASA and its network of international space agencies are on top of planets asteroid watch, even though this most recent one may have seemed like a close call. The discovery of asteroid 2018 LA is only the third time that an asteroid has been discovered to be on an impact trajectory, he said. It is also only the second time that the high probability of an impact was predicted well ahead of the event itself. NASA and its affiliates keep track of potential Armageddon scenarios using an array of survey telescopes that are constantly taking pictures of the sky. If something is moving, images taken successively of the same patch of sky will reveal an object slowly changing position. An array of computers are tasked with finding these moving anomalies, and if they do, they check it against a database of known objects bodies like comets and periodic meteor showers, which arent cause for alarm. If they cant find the object in the database, then it gets placed on NASAs radar as an object to confirm and gets top priority if its calculated trajectory puts it on a collision course with Earth. Story continues That seems to be what happened in the case of LA 2018. It was first detected by telescopes near Tucson, Arizona operated by the Catalina Sky Survey when it was far away near the Moons orbit. The Minor Planet Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Center for Near-Earth Object Studies in Pasadena, California took that data and calculated the asteroid could indeed hit Earth. Sending alerts to citizen asteroid observers as well as the Planetary Defense Coordination Office at NASA Headquarters in Washington, they put all interested parties on Asteroid Watch. However, since the asteroid was determined to be so small and therefore harmless, NASA writes, no further impact alerts were issued by NASA. A bolide (fireball) similarly lit up the sky over Oklahoma panhandle's Black Mesa State Park in 2008. As space rocks enter the Earths atmosphere at blisteringly fast speeds LA 2018 entered at 38,000 miles per hour they break apart, and all the fragments heat up and burn away, creating the bright lights we see in the sky. At only six feet across, LA 2018 was deemed unworthy of a closer look: It would certainly burn up before it touched down. For comparison, the meteor that exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia in 2013 and injured 950 people, was 65 feet wide; as a 2017 study on the explosion showed, it might have actually exploded from the inside out. Fortunately, nobody was hurt in Botswana or in South Africa, where LA 2018s trajectory came to an end, though its probably safe to say local residents werent nearly as chill as NASA. Photos via NASA, Screenshot via YouTube Photos via NASA, Screenshot via YouTube More From Inverse The Hague (AFP) - The UN's top court on Wednesday partly threw out a case brought by Equatorial Guinea against France, amid a bitter row triggered after a French court convicted the African nation's vice president of embezzlement. In a complicated legal ruling at the International Court of Justice, judges found they lacked jurisdiction to decide whether France had broken international conventions by prosecuting Teodorin Obiang. In the long-running, corruption case, the 48-year-old son of Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang was tried in absentia by a Paris court and given a three-year suspended sentence in October for corruption. He was found to have embezzled 150 million euros ($180 million) to fund his lavish lifestyle, and was also given a suspended fine of 30 million euros for money laundering, corruption and abuse in the small central African state. Malabo had contended that under the Palermo Convention, Obiang had diplomatic immunity from any prosecution. But the ICJ judges agreed with objections raised by France that "the court lacks jurisdiction" in that matter under the UN's convention against transnational organised crime, presiding judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf said. However, the ICJ judges agreed they could rule on whether Obiang's six-storey mansion, on the upscale Avenue Foch in Paris, was a diplomatic mission. In 2012, French authorities seized the property, on one of the French capital's poshest streets, along with a fleet of luxury cars including two Bugatti Veyrons -- often dubbed the world's most expensive supercar -- and a Rolls-Royce Phantom. Police also carted away vanloads of valuables, including paintings, a $4.2-million clock, Michael Jackson memorabilia and fine wines worth thousands of euros per bottle. Malabo contends the mansion in the luxury 16th arrondissement, which boasts a cinema, spa and gold-leafed covered taps, acted as its embassy in Paris, and as such was off-limits to French raids under the Vienna Convention. Story continues - Diplomatic mission or home? - The ICJ judges threw out a preliminary objection from France, and unanimously agreed that they could hear the dispute over the luxury house. "The Vienna Convention provides for the regime of inviolability of buildings which have the status of diplomatic premises," said Yusuf. And he specified that it was not just the premises but also "their furnishings and other property thereon and the means of transport of the mission, that are immune from search, requisition, attachment or execution." France has maintained that the Avenue Foch address was never registered as the embassy by Equatorial Guinea, and was just Obiang's private home. New hearings will likely now be organised by the court in The Hague to hear arguments over the status of 42, Avenue Foch. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, 75, has ruled Equatorial Guinea with an iron fist since 1979, making him the world's longest-serving president of a country awash with oil, but mired in poverty and a reputation for corruption. He appointed his son as vice president in June 2016 -- two years after the first charges were first brought in France. The case sets a precedent for France which has long turned a blind eye to African dictators pouring their ill-gotten gains into Parisian real estate and luxury products. French judges have also been probing allegations of corruption against Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso, and Omar Bongo, the late president of Gabon. Harare (AFP) - Thousands of Zimbabwean opposition supporters took to the streets on Tuesday to call for electoral reforms to prevent fraud and voter intimidation ahead of presidential elections on July 30. Brandishing placards, singing and dancing, noisy activists defied the cold and marched with the main Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) to the country's electoral commission in Harare, halting traffic and drawing onlookers. "We will not allow an election which is not free and fair," MDC leader Nelson Chamisa told supporters after handing over a petition to the commission. "We are prepared to do anything necessary. We will keep pressuring them. We will do this every day until we get the reforms we want." The opposition are demanding the publication of the full voter roll, independent audits of ballot papers as well as guarantees of safety for non-government candidates. "Why are you deploying soldiers against a political party?" Chamisa asked the crowds which marched watched by a heavy security presence. Opposition parties are also calling for military personnel seconded to the commission to be removed. Zimbabwe's next polls will be the first since the fall of long-time ruler Robert Mugabe who was forced to step down following a brief military takeover in November. Mugabe who had been in power since Zimbabwe's independence from British colonial rule in 1980 was replaced by his former deputy, President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Previous elections in Zimbabwe were marred by violence which peaked in 2008 when then-opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai boycotted a presidential run-off because of a spate of deadly attacks on his supporters. Mnangagwa has pledged "free, fair and credible elections" as he seeks to end Zimbabwe's isolation and mend fences with the West. He will face-off against Chamisa who became leader of the MDC following Tsvangirai's death from colon cancer in February. The ruling ZANU-PF party's youth wing is planning street marches on Wednesday in support of the government and Mnangagwa. A Dallas-area church recently distributed flyers advertising a series of weekly seminars it plans to host condemning "dangerous isms" like Judaism, Islamism and liberalism. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Greenville Avenue Church of Christ in Richardson says in the flyers that the Wednesday seminars, being held through August, will "provide a proper response for the Christian." Pulpit minister Shelton Gibbs III told The Dallas Morning News that while the wording used in advertising could have been better, other faiths run counter to God's order to follow Jesus Christ. Church says will be more careful of phrasing when promoting future events (Photo: Visual/Photos) The flyers prompted a social media backlash but Gibbs said the predominantly African-American church doesn't mean to condemn others. "We're not here to criticize or be antagonistic toward people and to beat them down," he told the newspaper. "There's no threat. The people in the community should not feel a threat." Atheism, alcoholism and "emotionalism" are some of the other seminar topics. Gibbs said topics such as racism or sexism won't be discussed because "there are only so many Wednesdays in a summer." The church will be more careful of phrasing when promoting future events, he said. "We're living in an age where every word means something, and you have to be very careful about the words that you use," Gibbs said. "And I think going forward, I'm sure we'll be able to phrase it where people are drawn in, and not that we have somehow marginalized them and caused them to fear." Some 200 Haredim are protesting near route 38 against the excavations done in the vicinity of Beit Shemesh. The Haredim say they protest against desecration of graves they believe are in the site of the excavations. The site manager says no graves have been found in the area. A violent confrontation began during the demonstration between the ultra-Orthodox and the police officers who tried to stop them. A young Palestinian was killed Wednesday morning in clashes during a military detention activity in the West Bank village of Nabi Salih in southern Samaria. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter According to the IDF, the man hurled a stone which hit a soldier in the head. The stone was thrown during a riot that included more than 10 Palestinians, who threw stones at an IDF force, the army said in a statement. The force responded with crowd-dispersal means. The Palestinian approached the force from a side position and hurled a rock that struck one of the soldiers in the head. The soldier then returned fire, wounding the Palestinian, who was treated by the IDF force. He was proclaimed dead later on. There were no injuries among the force. The incident is being investigated. Documentation from Nabi Salih X The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the dead Palestinian as 21-year-old Izzideen Tamimi of Nabi Salih. A documentation from the scene of the incident shows Tamimi before being proclaimed dead and what appears to be the firing of stun grenades. Palestinians are heard shouting at the soldiers in the background. The incident comes shortly after Staff Sergeant Ronen Lubarsky was killed in similar circumstances by a block that crushed his head during operational activity at the al-Amari refugee camp in Ramallah. On Wednesday, the IDF detained for questioning a number of Palestinians from the distant circle of terrorists from the refugee camp. Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan will visit North Korea from Thursday to Friday, the Singapore government said in a statement, days before it plays host to the leaders of North Korea and the United States at a summit. US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are due to hold their historic meeting in Singapore on Tuesday next week. British Prime Minister Theresa May will discuss how best to prevent Iran getting a nuclear weapon in talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, her spokesman said, reiterating Britain's support for the Iran nuclear deal. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "You can expect the PM to raise Iran, and how best we can prevent them from developing a nuclear weapon. The UK, like France and Germany, continues to believe the Iran nuclear deal is the best way to prevent this," he told reporters. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and British Prime Minister Theresa May in a previous meeting (Photo: Getty Images) On Tuesday evening in Paris, Netanyahu said now is the time to apply maximum pressure on Iran to make sure that it never acquires a nuclear weapon, but insisted that Israel never tried to convince France to withdraw from the Iranian nuclear deal. Flanked by French President Emmanuel Macron in a joint press conference, the Israeli premier began by extolling the values shared by their respective countries, before turning his focus to the threats posed by Iran. I want to make it clear that I did not ask President Macron to leave the deal. I think that economic realities are going to decide this matter so its not what we focused on, actually, Netanyahu said. What we focused on, and what I focused on was to stop Iranian aggression in the region. Netanyahu also claimed that the content of the Iranian nuclear deal, present or future, is less of a concern for him than preventing Tehran from building the bomb. Netanyahu with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday (: ) My interest is not this or that agreement. My interest is to make sure that Iran doesn't have nuclear weapons, the prime minister said when the floor was opened for questions. I didnt ask France to withdraw from the JCPOA (The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, commonly known as the Iran deal) because I think it is bascially going to be dissolved by the wave of economic forces, he reiterated in response to a question from a journalist. Were doing everything we can to prevent the aggressive designs of Iran which will ultimately destabilize not only the Middle East in their effort to conquer the Middle East but destabilize Europe and the world, Netanyahu said while reminding the French president of terror attacks that have struck France and claimed 250 lives. Iran, the prime minister insisted, was not only bent on developing nuclear weapons, but also moving other weapons to Syria from which to target Israel, a situation he said "we cannot accept." I want to say that this position is common right now across the Middle East, not only for us Israelis but also many of the Arab countries there who are themselves threatened by Iranian aggression. Netanyahu started his European trip in Berlin on Monday in an effort to rally support from allies against Iran. Alexander J. Apfel and Associated Press contributed to this report. LONDON - Britain is concerned about the deaths of protesters in Gaza, Prime Minister Theresa May told Israel's premier Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, saying that the situation had deteriorated. Over a hundred Palestinians have been killed in weekly demonstrations launched on March 30 in the Gaza Strip, an enclave controlled by the Islamist group Hamas. "We have been concerned about the loss of Palestinian lives," May told Netanyahu ahead of talks in London, adding that Britain recognized the Israel's right to self-defense. LONDON - Britain is concerned about the deaths of protesters in Gaza, Prime Minister Theresa May told Israel's premier Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, saying that the situation had deteriorated. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Over a hundred Palestinians have been killed in weekly demonstrations launched on March 30 in the Gaza Strip, an enclave controlled by the Islamist terror group Hamas. "We have been concerned about the loss of Palestinian lives," May told Netanyahu ahead of talks in London, adding that Britain "absolutely recognizes" the Israel's right to self-defense against "extremists and terrorists." Netanyahu and May meet in London (Photo: GettyImages) "But with 100 Palestinian lives lost and a deteriorating situation in Gaza, I hope we can talk about how we can alleviate that situation, and how we can ensure that we can get back to a position where we are able to find a way through to talk about a two-state solution," May added. Netanyahu responded that the Palestinians rioting on the Gaza border were being "paid for and pushed by Hamas" to try and breach the border and infiltrate Israel. I think the problems there are rooted in the fundamental goal of Hamas to destroy Israel. We are not witnessing peaceful protests, he said. Netanyahu and May meet in London (: ") X "In addition to burning our fields, these people are being paid for and pushed by Hamas to try to break into Israels defenses, kill as many Israelis as they can, right next to our border, and kidnap our soldiers," Netanyahu argued. "We are doing everything we can to both minimize casualties and at the same time protect Israeli lives," he added. May welcomes Netanyahu to Downing Street (Photo: EPA) Netanyahu is on the last leg of his three-day European tour to discuss the threat posed by Iran with May, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in the wake of the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal signed with the Islamic Republic. During their meeting on Downing Street, May told Netanyahu that "Along with France and Germany, the UK continues to believe (the nuclear deal) is the best route to preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. We will remain committed to it as long as Iran meets its obligations." However, she said, the UK does "recognize that there are other issues that need to be addressed in relation to Iranits destabilizing regional activity in countries like Syria and Yemen and also the proliferation of ballistic missiles." Netanyahu said he was focused on preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and on "how to roll back Iran's aggression in the region, and specifically in Syria." "I think we can find ways to work together to achieve both goals," he added. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told UKs Prime Minister Theresa May Wednesday that the problems in Gaza start with Irans desire to destroy Israel." "They burn our crops, try to breach our border, kidnap our soldiers and harm our citizens, he said at the beginning of his meeting with May in London. BRUSSELS - The European Investment Bank on Wednesday said it could not ignore potential US sanctions on Iran after the EU executive urged it to do business there to help keep trade flows open and save the 2015 nuclear deal. "A prerequisite for its business model is that the bank should remain a solid and credible institution on the international capital markets, and this would be incompatible with ignoring possible sanctions against Iran," a spokesman for the bank told Reuters in an email. "The EIB is a capital market based institution, and like all other similar bodies the bank cannot be the solution to this problem. The EU bank is not the right tool." The Israel Prison Service's parole board on Wednesday rejected a request by Palestinian teen provocateur Ahed Tamimi, who is serving eight months in prison for the assault of an IDF officer and soldier, to cut a third of her sentence. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter In explaining its decision, the board cited a "lack of regret, the severity of the offenses and an assessment of the danger she poses." Ahed Tamimi, 17, and her cousin Nur Tamimi, 21, were filmed hitting a company commander and a soldier during clashes between Palestinians and IDF forces in the village of Nabi Salih in the central West Bank. The original footage of Tamimi slapping the soldier X Ahed Tamimi, incarcerated since December 19, was charged with assaulting the officer and soldier, attacking members of the security forces in five other incidents, stone throwing, participation in clashes, threats and incitement. Her cousin Nur was charged with aggravated assault of a soldier. As part of a plea deal, Tamimi pled guilty to four of the charges in the indictment: the assault on the officer caught on film, incitement and two prior instances of disrupting IDF soldiers. She was sentenced to eight months in prison and ordered to pay a NIS 5,000 fine. Ahed Tamimi in court (Photo: AFP) A Shin Bet assessment of the danger she poses noted that "the comments she made on the matter show the radical ideology she holds. That, combined with the current security situation, present an indication of the potential danger she may pose if released early." The state opposed Tamimi's early release, stressing she continues posing a threat and has shown no remorse for her actions. Furthermore, Tamimi has not undergone any treatment while in prison. The state also submitted classified documents to the court related to "negative activity" during her incarceration. Tamimi's attorneys, meanwhile, tried to justify her actions and argued she should not suffer because of the volatile situation on the Gaza border. "We cannot ignore the Shin Bet's assessment, the severity of the offenses attributed to the prisoner and mostly the circumstances and the insistence of the prisoner that she would continue acting as she did and does not regret her actions. It is for those reasons that she continues posing a danger," the board wrote. GOC Northern Command Yoel Strick said Wednesday that the deterrence Israel achieved during the Second Lebanon War has not eroded. From a strategic point of view, the deterrence achieved after the Second Lebanon War against our enemies still exists, he said during ceremony marking the 12-year anniversary of the war. The quiet and the security enjoyed by the people in the north was not presented on a silver platter but rather fought for by the IDF, he added. Joint List MK Hanin Zoabi was forcefully removed of a Knessent plenary discussion Wednesday after she condemned IDF soldiers and called them "murderers." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Zoabi was presenting a bill proposal to provide additional funding to political parties with a high number of female members. After Monday's meeting at the Committee on the Status of Women (about the situation of women in Gazaed.), I wondered why this proposal was necessary, since it would bring us more female MKs who are just as insensitive to injustice and oppression as their male counterparts," she said at the outset of her remarks. (Photo: Knesset Channel) MKs from the Left are actually those who wish to privatize the suffering and disconnect the cause from the effect ... The responsibility for the suffering of the women in the Gaza Strip lies solely with Israel. After Israel destroyed the infrastructure and the agriculture in Gaza, it dictates to the people there how and where to eat, she added in rage. Zoabi went on with her charge. You all should be boycotted. The people in Gaza are refugees, their land is in Israel. Those murdered by the soldiers are not being accounted for. Democracy is a nightmare in the Knesset, she accused. Zoabi refused to step down from the podium after her time to speak has passed, ignoring three calls for her to do so, and was consequently ushered out. (Photo: Knesset Channel) Minister of Tourism Yariv Levin, slammed Zoabi for her remarks. We witnessed here another speech full of hate and incitement that would not have been allowed in a parliament anywhere in the world," he asserted. "The only reason shes here is because the High Court has cancelled the Central Elections Committee's decision to ban her in order to avoid this disgrace from happening in the Knesset again," Levin claimed. This has opened the gates for all traitors and supporters of terrorism." "I suggest that rather than yelling at MK Zoabi, we should finally fix the real issue since because of that, all of this is happening herein the judicial system," he added. Her proposal is the height of hypocrisy. How many female MKs are there in the Joint List Party? How many women are in the United Arab List and in the Islamic Movement? A bunch of hypocrites. So as long as youre getting paid for it, having women is good? A woman is simply a currency, he concluded. Under Zoabis proposal, a faction that has at least one woman for every three people on its Knesset elections list would be eligible for a 15 percent increase in funding. During the vote, 44 MKs supported the proposal, while two opposed and 33 abstained. A representative for the European Broadcasting Union has told their Israeli counterparts that they will not tolerate political intervention in the organization of next year's Eurovision song contest in Israel. During the meeting that took place between the unions, the Europeans demanded to hold next years event in a location which is not divisivereferring to Jerusalem. The European representatives pointed out that our goal is to avoid countries boycotting the location of the event. Supreme Court Chief Justice Esther Hayut underlined the independence of the judicial system versus other government authorities on Wednesday, arguing that the government cannot intervene in the decisions of courts." "Those decisions are binding even if the state doesnt approve of them, she noted. Hayut, who spoke during a ceremony commemorating the 100 year anniversary of the Israeli judicial system's establishment in Jerusalem, added that Judges in Israel dont belong to political parties, neither in practice nor in theory. West African music has been making great improvements over years. The secular industry has made tremendous growths. So is the gospel industry. Actually, countries like Ghana have the best Gospel music. This is so due to the artists who have devoted their energy into the music industry. An example of music that has dominated the gospel industry is Ohemaa Mercy songs. Source: ytainment.com Apart from artists like Joe Mettle and Sonie Badu, female artistes too are working towards making sure that gospel music does not lose its meaning in the country. The fans have been spoilt for choices when it comes to these gospel artists and music. One of the best songs are the Ohemaa Mercy songs. Be it praise or worship songs, Ohemaa Mercy songs are just so touching. They are the kind of songs that you would listen to and get moved. For those who do not know these songs, just flow along, by the end of this article, you will have insight on her and the kind of music that she does. READ ALSO: Gospel musicians of our time do not say anything sensible Pastor Love Who is Ohemaa Mercy? Born on September 1977, Mercy Twum-Ampofo was the daughter to one Mr. Amoah. Mercy was born in Accra, but was raised in Koforidua As a small girl, Mercy had a thing for music. She spread her wings when she joined a music band by the name Golden Bells. Her contribution towards the band was appreciable since she sang so well. Mercy attended her primary school in St. Peters Anglican Primary school which is located in Koforidua, after which she joined Ghana Secondary school for her secondary school education. Upon completion, she joined S.D.A Teachers Training College, which is located in Koforidua. She is a teacher in St. Peters Anglican Primary School. She later got married to one Mr. Isaac Twum-Ampofo. Her marriage gave rise to three adorable boys. Her first son is Nyamekye, her second born, Nhyira and the youngest of them all is Aseda. Music career Ohemaa mercy started her music career in 2004. Unlike other artists, Mercy had a couple of goals that she looked forward to achieving by getting into the industry. Some of these goals were; to preach through her music, to give hope to those who were humble in Christ, to stretch a helping hand towards the poor in the society, to preach excellence in gospel industry and in turn bring the youth back to Christ and help reform those in prison through ministering to them. By the end of the year, she was releasing her first album. The title of the album was Adamfo Papa. Unlike other artists, Ohemaa Mercy songs in this album had the best airplays. This is not what she imagined she would get from the public, especially for the fact that she was just a beginner. Within no time, her music was being played in the local radio stations. This was so encouraging for her. She took some time without recording, for her first album to make sales. In the year 2006, Ghana Music Awards, Mercy got nominated for seven categories. This was evidence that her music was taking a good course and that she had genuine fans. She did not win any awards this year. She however did not get discouraged. She continued working towards her second album. In 2007, Mercy had already finalized on her second album which she released that same year. The title of this album was Edin Jesus. This was also a great one. Actually it did her magic, because within six months after the album had been released, she sold over 800,000 copies. By the end of that year, this album won the best-selling that year. 2008 was Mercys year of elevation in the Gospel Music Industry. During the Ghana Music Awards that year, the mother of three got nominated for ten different categories. This was an unusual thing that had never happened. No artist had ever gotten such a high number of nominations before. Out of the ten, she won three. These were the Album of the Year award, the Gospel Album of the Year and the Gospel Artiste of the year award. That same year during the National Honours Awards, Mercy earned herself a Grand Medal that was awarded to her by then Ghanas president, His Excellency Honourable John Kufuor. Mercy then embarked on her ministry. READ ALSO: My mother died in my arms Noble Nketia shares painful story In 2010, she started working on her third album. This one she named, Wobeye Kese. This album too made her proud when it made tremendous sales months after it had been released. Within a span of four months, the album secured her four nominations, again in the Ghana Music Awards that were held in the year 2014. To prove to everyone that the God she served was a true one, she scooped the Gospel Artiste of the Year Award. That same year in Canada, Mercy won the Gospel Artiste of the year. She also got a nomination for the Best Female Artiste West Africa. This was in London, during the Africa Gospel Music Awards. This was enough proof that Ghanaian gospel had the capability to change ones life completely. After releasing Wobeye Kese in 2009, Mercy embarked in her ministry, prior to the goals she had set before she got into music. She later released her fourth album, which she named Prophecy in the year 2012, which was followed by another album named His Word in 2014. In 2016, she released her sixth album, Aforebo. Ohemaa Mercy new album Ever since she began her music career fourteen years ago, Mercy has been able to release six albums, which amount to a total of fifty songs. The titles of these albums are: Adamfo Papa Edin Jesus Wobeye Kese Prophecy His Word Aforebo Aforebo is the Ohemaa Mercy new album that was released in 2014. Ohemaa Mercy new album marked her tenth anniversary in her music career. The album has a total of eleven songs. The titles of these Ghanaian worship songs are; Woye Nyame Wobesan Asore We praise Sumsum Obaofor Nhyira Meyi Naye Meto Ndwom Medo Wo Ase Ebedwo Adepa Aforebo. Being the newest album that Mercy has worked on, Aforebo contains Ohemaa Mercy latest song. Ohemaa Mercy worship songs This lovely lady seems so obsessed with Christ. This is seen through her level of devotion in her music. Ohemaa Mercy worship songs bring out this aspect so well, especially the Ghanaian gospel songs for worship. She is not ashamed of her faith in God and this is seen through the message in her music too. These Ohemaa Mercy worship songs that are the reason why she is this famous. Some of them include; Ya Pae This is your time The Name Jesus Ohemaa Mercy-Thank you Thank you (slow version) Oye Bi Mame Obeye Ama Wo Obaatanpa Mengye Nto Mu Mengye Nto Mu Fa Woho To No So Bigger Than Apam Adom Bi Ohemaa Mercy-Apam (slow version). Other Ohemaa Mercy worship songs from her Wobeye Kese album include; Se Wobegye Yesu Adi Ne Hwere Nfi Wo Yesu Nim Wo Yesu Mogya Wanum Nsem Se Obinim Reason why Jesus on my side Aseda READ ALSO: Top 10 best Kwaw Kese songs ever On to Ohemaa Mercy worship songs from her His word album which mainly comprises of Ghanaian worship songs, these are the songs in the album; Ohemaa Mercy-Menka Mno Nto Mu worship You fight for me Yu are Good, Ohemaa Mercy-unbreakable Nhyira Menka Mano Nto Mu Freedom Firi Mu Birbi Besi Abro Su. These Ghanaian worship songs have worn Mercy big awards. Ohemaa Mercy latest gospel music is entitled Wobesan Asore which is a hit in her sixth album, Aforebo. Ohemaa Mercy - Aseda Ohemaa Mercy is one lady who is genuinely after Gods own heart. From her music, it is evident that she is a true believer whose goal is to have a saved generation. Her music effortlessly depicts the character of a lady whose life revolves around having the best relationship with her God. A very good example of a worship song that proves this is Ohemaa Mercy Aseda. For some reason I tend to think this song is the reason behind her sons name. This is a track in her Woye Kese album. This song managed over 4600 views on YouTube ever since it was uploaded. Here is a quick link to the music video of Ohemaa Mercy Aseda; Ohemaa Mercy - Wofiri Mu Directed by Kwasi Oduro Junior, Ohemaa Mercy wofiri mu is a six minute Ghanaian gospel music. The song was part of Ohemaa Mercys fifth album, whose title is His Word and was released in 2014. This is the album that moved peoples heart and earned Mercy a name in the society. This particular song had the highest number of views of all the songs in this album. On YouTube, it managed over five hundred and sixty thousand views. For those who have not listened to Ohemaa Mercy wofiri mu, here is a quick link to the song; Ohemaa Mercy - Nhyira Ohemaa Mercy Nhyira is also a debut single hit song in her His Word album. Despite the fact that the song is a Ghanaian worship songs, the song had the best response from the public. It managed more than nineteen thousand views on YouTube. This song was released in 2015. The producer of this song who also features in it is one Moris BabyFace. Here is a quick link of Ohemaa Mercy nhyira; Ohemaa Mercy - Thank You Ohemaa Mercy thank you was released in 2013. The praise song had the highest views in the His Word album. This year, Mercy went the praise way and weird enough, she got more fans. Actually, this song got her the highest number of YouTube views within a very short period of time. So far, Ohemaa Mercy thank you stands at one million six hundred thousand views. Isnt this encouraging, especially for young artistes who are still struggling in the Ghanaian gospel music industry. Here is a quick link on the YouTube video of Ohemaa Mercy thank you; For the years she has devoted to the music industry, Mercy has left a legacy that the upcoming gospel artistes look up to. Through her music, she has been able to touch the lives of many people. She probably is living her dream. Her music has also earned her a name in the country, West African Region, Africa as a whole and even beyond. Her hard work has seen her meet prominent musician like Don Moen. Though her music career, she has been able to share a stage with well-established musicians like Kirk Franklin, Darwin Hopps, Israel Houton, Don Moen, Fredd Hammond, Andrae Crouch, Juanita Bynum and many more. From her music career, Mercy can be described as a woman after Gods own heart. Mercy has now devoted her energy to her ministry. She is a role model to upcoming artistes and the society as a whole. READ ALSO: 10 facts about Nayas Ghana actress who attacked Ernest Opoku Ghanaian gospel music In as much as secular music is making progress in West Africa, Ghanaian gospel music is in the limelight too. Actually, Ghanaian gospel music is becoming the trendsetter in the music industry. The reason behind this honor is the efforts put in by the overwhelming gospel artistes the country has. The latest gospel music by artistes such as Sonie Badu and Joe Mettle have earned the country a name in the charts and awards. Their music is being played in top charts and these Ghanaian gospel artistes have had to travel the world, meet prominent people and even win awards, thanks to their music. In as much as the society is compromised by the secular kind of life, there is hope, thanks to personalities such as Ohemaa Mercy who have taken the initiative of using gospel music as a tool to transform the society. The music styles used by this artistes are a very powerful tool in capturing the attention of the society and have the message delivered. The much that we as the society can do is support these gospel artistes. Source: Yen Ghanaian rapper, Michael Owusu Addo, known in showbiz as Sarkodie, has made Ghana proud once again as he is the only Ghanaian to be named in Forbes 30 under 30 list for the creative arts sector in Africa this year. The fourth edition of Forbes Africa 30 under 30 list was compiled across different industries including music, art, media, film and fashion. After naming him in the same category in 2014 and 2015, Forbes Africa also named Sarkodie among others in Africas Top 10 musicians in 2017. Sarkodie makes Forbes 30 under 30 list READ ALSO: BBC drops first 1-minute of Anas' explosive video Ghanas West African counterpart Nigeria, however, had nine personalities named in the Forbes Africa 30 under 30 list including Wizkid, Davido, Yemi Alade, Falz. Read below the statement that was put on the their website. The 2018 FORBES AFRICA Under 30 is our authentic and most definitive list of Africas most promising young change-makers. This year is our fourth edition of the list and for the first time, inspired by the growing number of young men and women entrepreneurs, we have expanded it to bring you 30 game-changers, all under the age of 30, in each the three sectors business, technology and creative. The 90 in total are challenging conventions and rewriting the rules for the next generation of entrepreneurs, creatives and tech gurus. We put in months of rigorous research, sifting through over 600 nominations, vetting them for weeks, verifying and investigating them. We favored entrepreneurs with fresh ideas and took into account their business size, revenue, location, potential, struggles, social impact and resilience. A panel of judges then debated the final 90. You may not know many of their names now and they may not be richest people in Africa, but they could be the billionaires of tomorrow gracing our future covers. This compilation is exciting, inspiring and offers a sneak peek into Africas future. Meet the class of 2018. The list is in no particular order, Forbes Africa explained. In no particular order, find the full list below: Thuso Mbedu, 26, South Africa. Actress. Maria Borges, 25, Angola. Supermodel.Herieth Paul, 22, Tanzania. Supermodel. Eddy Kamuanga Illunga, 26, DRC. Painter. READ ALSO: Kwesi Nyantakyi breaks silence on his arrest and Anas video in revealing police statement Cassper Nyovest, 27, South Africa. Rapper & Entrepreneur. Stacey Gillian Abe, 27, Uganda. Multidisciplinary Contemporary Artist. Yemi Alade, 29, Nigeria. Singer & Songwriter. Falz, 27, Nigeria. Rapper & Actor. Orapeleng Moodutle, 29, South Africa. Fashion Designer. Nomzamo Mbatha, 27, South Africa. Actress. Kwesta, 29, South Africa. Rapper & Entrepreneur. Davido, 25, Nigeria. Singer & Songwriter. Safia Elhillo, 27, Sudan. Author & Poet. READ ALSO: Yvonne Nelson breaks up with her baby daddy Jamie Roberts? Joyce Jacob, 28, Nigeria. Founder: Joyce Jacob Beauty. Shekhinah, 23, South Africa. Singer & Songwriter. Adebayo Oke-Lawal, 28, Nigeria. Fashion Designer. Founder: Orange Culture. Wizkid, 27, Nigeria. Singer & Songwriter. Koleka Putuma, 25, South Africa. Poet & Author. Nasty C, 21, South Africa. Rapper & Producer. Beverly Naya, 29, Nigeria. Actress & Entrepreneur. Simphiwe, 27, South Africa. Visual Artist. Rina Chunga-Kutama, 29, South Africa. Fashion Designer. Kemiyondo Coutinho, 28, Uganda. Playwright, Actress, Filmmaker & Entrepreneur. Sarkodie, 29, Ghana. Rapper & Entrepreneur. Mapeseka Koetie-Nyokong, 29, South Africa. Actress & Entrepreneur. Sonia Irabor, 28, Nigeria. Writer, Filmmaker & Actress. Tony Gum, 22, South Africa. Visual Artist. ANATII, 25, South Africa. Producer, Writer, Director & Artiste. Sasha Pieterse, 22, South Africa. Actress & Singer/Songwriter. Tania Omotayo, 26, Nigeria. Model & Entrepreneur Ghana Trends: How Anas Aremeyaw Anas aused a Stir With Latest Investigation | Yen.com.gh: Want to be featured on YEN.com.gh? Send us a message on our Facebook page or on Instagram with your stories, photos or videos. Source: Yen.com.gh Eloquent broadcaster and head of news at GHOne TV, Nana Aba Anamoah, has jumped to the defense of social media celebrity, Rosemond Brown, popularly known as Akuapem Poloo. Nana Aba Anamoah is of the opinion that people are disrespecting Rosemond Brown so much and are spewing unnecessary comments on her social media pages just because she has decided to" go for it." Rosemond Brown became the toast of social media after she struggled to pronounce some words at the just ended Golden Movie Awards. She was also in the news for kneeling to apologize to Moesha Boduong on the red carpet of the same event for comments she made about her some time ago. Rosemond Brown READ ALSO: Yvonne Nelson breaks up with her baby daddy Jamie Roberts? After these happenings, people have thrown jabs at her for being all over the place. Prince David Osei on Tuesday, June 5, also made some derogatory comments about her in connection with the award ceremony, saying she is a fool. You bring people who are not articulate to present awards. Her English speaking is out of place. There are a lot of people who could have presented the award. She took an hour to breathe. Why is it that when people play the tomfoolery we celebrate? Stupidity is the hallmark. People are doing so well and they are not recognised but if you give the platform to fools he had said. Shortly after making the comments, however, Prince apologised, saying he was only being sentimental about the matter. I am sorry about what I said; I am just being sentimental he said. It is on the backdrop of all these that Nana Aba Anamoah has jumped to her rescue as she usually does for other ladies. READ ALSO: Kwesi Nyantakyi breaks silence on his arrest and Anas video in revealing police statement See her post below: "Some of the comments on @rosemond_browns page are utterly miserable. Why do some of you think its okay to verbally abuse this young lady? Shes a happy go lucky ray of sunshine who has decided to go for it! If you cant stand her, move on. How does her inability to speak good English affect your bank account? Shes full of energy and joy; copy that! Keep being you, @rosemond_brown. No one can steal your thunder " Ghana Trends: How Anas Aremeyaw Anas Caused a Stir With Latest Investigation | Yen.com.gh Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish on YEN.com.gh? Please contact us on Facebook now! Source: Yen.com.gh - A renowned Ghanaian Prophet has revealed that Obinim's two angels are gods - Prophet Oduro believes Nimokafrim and Ayatafrim are names of gods in Togo and Benin A Ghanaian prophet has finally revealed what he describes as top secret, the practices of self-styled Bishop, Daniel Obinim. According to the head pastor of Alabaster International Ministries, Prophet Dr. Kofi Oduro, names of Obinims supposed two angels Nimokafrim and Ayatafrim are known gods in neighboring Togo and Benin. Speaking on Accra-based Peace FM, Prophet Oduro revealed that there is nowhere in the Bible or in Christian doctrine that some Angels are called Nimokafrim and Ayatafrim. Prophet Kofi Oduro READ ALSO: Kwesi Arthur gets BET nomination and his fans can't keep calm Anyone can research to find out from Benin or Togo. It is in these two countries youll find Nimokafrim and Ayatafrim. They are names of gods, he said. The renowned preacher in his argument indicated that human beings have not been given powers to fly and vanish as Bishop Obinim claims. Therefore, he [Obinim] may be reading from different Bible and some Christian literature he cannot be sure of its source. All those citations were incantations that were being recited, which are not of God, but practices of idol worship and witchcraft. We need to let people understand that humans do not change or vanish, he cautioned. READ ALSO: Asamoah Gyan under serious' attack on social media over Anas expose Supporting his argument, Prophet Oduro quoted Zephaniah 1:4 to explain that there are idolatrous priests, Baal priests and true priests of God. The respected Prophet who was clearly not happy in his conversation advised Christians to be watchful of Gods missionary work, rather than putting their trust in the hands of some individuals. Daniel Obinim was recently seen in a video telling members of his church about how he had to plead with some two angels to stop them from punishing some Ghanaian pastors on his behalf. The religious leader in a viral video gave the names of the said angels as Nimokafrim and Ayatafrim. READ ALSO: Kennedy Agyapong finally replies Dr Bawumia for 'defending' Anas Ghana Trends: How Anas Aremeyaw Anas Caused a Stir With Latest Investigation | Yen.com.gh 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 or Instagram Source: Yen.com.gh The final TWELLIUM National Quran recitation is set to roll on Saturday June 9th, at the AhlussunaWal-Jamaa national Office (Behind GCB, Nima -Alaska), 10:00am prompt. The Annual Quran Competition is an educational competition which aims to enhance todays generation by strengthening their connection to the Holy Quran. The month of Ramadan is the holy month that God blesses with a magnificent hospitality, immeasurable rewards, and provides the greatest opportunity and environment for gaining better knowledge and spirituality. It is also the most blessed month for reciting the Quran. In addition to the limitless blessings of this sacred month, participants of the competition will have the chance to win one of 3 Grand Prizes. The educational event dubbed Twellium National Quran Recitation Competition within the 10 regions of Ghana and will include Quran Recitation, Dawah and Motivational Speeches, Presentations and closing ceremony. The competition is under Twellium Foundationwhich turns to support the society in numerous ways(Verna Changing Lives, Breast Cancer Awareness, Campaigning against drug Abuse ) in-collaboration with office of His Eminence the National Chief Imam of Ghana (Sheihk Osman Nuhu Shaributu) and the National Imam of ASWAJ (Sheihk Umar Ibrahim). Twellium wishes to honor the National Chief Imam of Ghana and his noble office for maintaining peace within the Muslim Community in Ghana and amongst Christians. Twellium the organizers of the competition want to take advantage of this Holy Month of Ramadan to Host a National Quran Competition among all the 10 regions of Ghana in Accra to seek for Allahs blessings, guidance and protection to our dear Nation and to all Muslims. Special Awards will be giving to contestants and an ultimate price to winners. Twellium Industrial Company was incorporated in Ghana in September 2014, to kick start the production of several products. These include Rush Energy drink, Original American Cola, Planet Range, Bubble Up lemon lime, Bigoo, Go on Energy drink and Run Energy drink. While the company specializes in the production of irresistible non-alcoholic beverages, it also prides itself in its flagship product, Verna Mineral Water, for its clean, tasty and refreshing appeal, as confirmed by target market and consumers. Meet Abdul Mujeeb in the video below, a participant of the Twellium National Quran Quiz From the Upper west Region. As you can see from his reactions in the video, there is no doubt that he is very poised and ready to take on his fellow counterparts from other Regions; follow this event on all our social media platforms @Twelium Ghana to rally behind your favourite Region. Ghana Trends: Rawlings Official Apologizes to Mahama and Kufuor: Want to be featured on YEN.com.gh? Send us a message on our Facebook page or on Instagram with your stories, photos or videos. Source: Yen.com.gh Education is very important to many Ghanians because it is deemed as the key to success in life. While education is free up to the secondary level in Ghana, quality education is very expensive. But many parents are not deterred; they are willing to break the bank to give their children solid education. But while every parent would want to send his or her ward to the best schools possible, there is also the problem of fees charged. In many cases, parents choose to measure their monthly earnings as against the school fees they are supposed to pay before deciding on which schools to make their children attend. But have you ever wondered how much the various categories of schools charge as fees? American International School (1 Jungle Road, East Legon) Below is a list of the 10 most expensive schools in Ghana and how much they actually charge as fees. The list is in no particular order. Liberty American School The school is located at Abelemkpe on the Dadeibaa street. They offer tuition for nursery, primary and secondary levels. Students of the Liberty American School pay fees of GH30,000. Roman Ridge School The Roman Ridge School is one of the most expensive in terms of fee charging in Ghana. The school charges GH6,000 for tuition fees. It is located at Ridge in Accra and they offer tuition from nursery to secondary level. READ ALSO: 9 headmasters interdicted, 2 fired for extorting cash over Free SHS Ghana International School The Ghana International School charges pupils a sum of GH14,000 as fees. They have nursery, primary and secondary levels. American International School Located in East Legon, the American International School demands from pupils fees of GH40,000. The school also offers tuition at nursery, primary and secondary school levels. Al-Rayaan International School The Al-Rayaan International School is located on the Spintex road. The school uses the Islamic, British and Cambridge curriculum. They charge fees of GH15,000. Al-Rayaan International School ( Spintex Road, Facing Casa Trasacco) READ ALSO: Here are the 11 richest pastors in Ghana today Lincoln Community School The Lincoln Community School, located in Accra offers tuition from nursery to secondary school level. The school operates the American educational curriculum. The school fees is up to $20,000 dollars per year. SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College The school operates on the British curriculum and charges fees of GH40,800. Located in Tema, the school offers tuition only for secondary school students. Soul Clinic International School The Soul Clinic International School runs for nursery, primary and secondary level. For primary pupils, the charge is GH2,271, while Junior High pupils are required to pay GH2,595. READ ALSO: Ranking: The best SHS schools from Ghana's 10 regions Galaxy International School The schools runs on the British curriculum and serves pupils from nursery to secondary school level. They charge fees of about GH26,000. Ecole Francaise (East Legon) Ecole Francaise The school is located at East Legon in Accra and offers tuition from nursery to secondary school level as well. They operate on a purely French curriculum and charge fees of GH30,000. Share your views on this with us in the comments section below. READ ALSO: Childhood photos of 10 of your favourite Ghanaian celebs Source: Yen.com.gh On June 10, a "national protest rally" will be held in front of the parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. This decision was made on Monday at a meeting of opposition organizations led by Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement (UNM) party. Later, one of the UNM leaders, Nika Melia, explained that announcing the "national rally" was the opposition's response to "the arrogant refusal of the authorities to fairly investigate the murder of two schoolchildren" on December 1 of last year. The father of one of the killed teenagers Zaza Saralidze claims that the prosecutor's office, hence the government, "cover" his son's killers. In this case, two senior high school students were sentenced to long prison terms, but not for killing 16-year-old David Saralidze, but for "attempting to deprive him of his life." That is, the court acknowledged that the investigation could not establish which of the dozens of teenagers who participated in the mass brawl on Horava Street caused a fatal wound to David. The murder on Horava street has acquired a political significance after it became known that one of the participants in the fight was the son of prosecutor Mirza Subeliani. Perhaps, he uses his influence in the prosecutor's office to hide the truth and prevent the just punishment of perpetrators. Well-founded assumptions about malicious injustice brought tens of thousands of people to the streets of Tbilisi. The spontaneous rally under the slogan "Do not kill me!" started as a civil, apolitical protest, but Zaza Saralidze, who initially opposed "politicization," asked the opposition parties for help, saying: "It is impossible to achieve a fair investigation and trial under the current authorities, and they can be changed only with the help of the opposition and the broad protest movement." Under the word "opposition" in modern Georgia, they mean the UNM and Mikhail Saakashvili. Only this political force has enough resources to mobilize tens of thousands of supporters. The former president himself, although living in the Netherlands, monitors the situation in his homeland and influences them not only through his party and thousands of loyal activists, but also with the help of the Rustavi 2 (R2) TV channel, which is the most popular in the country. In November 2003, this television company played a decisive role in the victory of the Rose Revolution and the coming to power of Mikhail Saakashvili. Now the R2 journalistic staff and its leader Nika Gvaramia, judging by their statements, comments and editorial policy, are not less determined. But will these resources be enough to organize a new revolution by forcing pressure "from the street" on the authorities and forcing them to capitulate using at least the Yerevan model, when the ruling party was forced to appoint the main opposition figure, Nikol Pashinyan, as the country's prime minister? There is no other constitutional way to change the government. The basic law of Georgia forbids the president to convene special parliamentary elections six months before the expiration of presidential powers, and the country's next presidential election will be held in October. But if the Georgian Dream ruling party - a bit "strengthened" after its founder, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili returned to the big politics - refuses to accept the resignation of its government, and Prime Minister Georgy Kvirikashvili does not voluntarily resign, unlike Serzh Sargsyan, then all the opposition can do is to organize a Rose Revolution 2.0: breaking into the parliament like on November 22, 2003, and driving out all those sitting there except for the parliamentary opposition and frightened majority neutralists. Will the opposition have the strength and resources to do it? Unlike in Armenia, where Pashinyan was the leader of street protests, Saakashvili is not in Georgia now. Four criminal cases have been brought against him. According to one of them, the former president has already been sentenced to three years in prison. And leading the revolution using Rustavi 2 live interviews and social networks is much more difficult. It was puzzling that Saakashvili has simultaneously started to fight for the presidency in Ukraine and required the European Court of Human Rights to return him not Georgian, but Ukrainian citizenship. He does not have a Georgian passport since 2015. Most likely, the Rose Revolution 2.0 is not possible also because Georgian Dream and Ivanishvili are still supported, and there is no unity in the opposition: a large part of its former leaders split away from UNM, creating a new party - European Georgia. They are not enthusiastic about the prospect of Saakashvili's return to Georgian politics and are not ready to support the revolution. But the European Georgia has the majority of opposition mandates in the parliament. Finally, Georgia is still shocked with the August 2008 events and the majority of the population would hardly want to experience the fate again - returning the power to unpredictable Mishiko. However, all these arguments may not work in view of Saakashvili's irrepressible energy, his fanatical assertiveness and general indignation because of the authorities' inability or unwillingness to fulfill the people's justified demand of punishing all those responsible for the brutal murder of adolescents. After meeting Kvirikashvili, Zaza Saralidze told reporters that the prime minister had promised him to take personal control of the investigation into the killing of his son. "But if until June 10 all the guilty are not arrested, I will call the people to attend a national rally," the father of the killed boy warned. But there is no sign of the authorities' desire or ability to fulfill the demand of the leader of the people's movement, therefore, it is inevitable that the rally will be held. Unless Saakashvili does not cancel it at the last minute in order to avoid public defeat and loss of reputation. Turkmenistan remains one of the most promising suppliers of natural gas to Europe. The obvious advantage of the Turkmen hydrocarbon deposits is that most of them are concentrated in the central part of the country - about 80% of the whole production line. This allows implementing more confident diversification of gas exports, thereby creating a multivariate and multidirectional pipeline system, which today can guarantee the growth and sustainable development of the global energy. Soon, an event significant for the entire region will be held - the opening of the Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline (TANAP). The leading world politicians, including Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, have been invited to attend the event. Turkey's participation in the development of Turkmenistan's energy sector is promising. Ankara is making efforts to ensure that Turkmenistan, which is rich with hydrocarbons, has its share on the European energy market. Moreover, Turkey has repeatedly expressed its desire to participate in the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline, which Turkmenistan still considers as promising. If we talk about the bilateral cooperation between Ankara and Ashgabat, we should recall several important points. Turkey was the first country to support the neutral status of Turkmenistan back in 1995. Former Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Turkish Minister of Economy Zafer Caglayan often visited the republic and the political relations between the countries were tacitly regarded as ideal. By the way, the policy of neutrality was always valued by Turkey, as it contributed to the achievement of Turkmenistan's high positions in the eyes of the international community. During the visit to Turkey, Berdymukhamedov confirmed the high importance of the strategic relations between Ashgabat and Ankara, adding that Turkmenistan is interested in the investments of Turkish companies. To date, Turkmenistan has registered about 600 Turkish companies working in the areas of trade, investment, construction, energy, transport, communications, textile, and processing industries. What is the strategy of bilateral cooperation of the republics for the next five years? The transit opportunities in Turkey are increasing scores of times, respectively, the expected export of Turkmen gas to Europe can begin in 2019. For this reason, Turkey can significantly influence the solution of the Caspian Sea problem, which could help Turkmenistan finalize the issue of gas transportation to Europe. In the light of this perspective, the Turkmen side can count on an early solution to the problem of bordering in the Caspian Sea area, since the region's gas fields account for about 6% of the world's reserves. In this regard, it is worth referring to the work "The grand chessboard" by Zbigniew Brzezinsky, who paid special attention to the future of the Caspian Sea basin. Otherwise, Ashgabat will have to pay attention to an alternative route for laying a gas pipeline across Iran. By the way, Tehran repeatedly supported this project, arguing that the construction of a land pipeline through its territory is simpler and more reasonable from the economic point of view. However, amid the current geopolitical situation in the region and the problems with the Iranian nuclear deal, Turkmenistan is very cautious in implementing all potential gas pipeline projects in which it participates, guided solely by the economic and commercial benefits for all countries the territory of which the gas supply routes pass. Despite the obvious prospects for the cooperation of states in the energy sector, it is important for Turkmenistan to cooperate in the field of international transport infrastructure, in particular, the implementation of road and sea routes to Turkey through the Caucasus. Turkmenistan needs Turkey's support in implementing a large-scale reconstruction of the seaport in Turkmenbashi. Given the experience and successes of Turkey in the sphere of tourism, Turkmenistan is ready to develop an uncharacteristic branch of the national economy. In support of what has been said, we can cite the regularly held seminars for workers of hotel complexes of the national tourist zone Avaza, implemented by the State Committee for Tourism of Turkmenistan in cooperation with the Turkish Agency for Co-operation and Coordination. Specialists from Turkmenistan annually take internships in Turkish travel companies. It is likely that the accumulated experience of the joint work will affect Turkmenistan favorably, saving it from the reputation of a semi-closed state. With the constitutional amendment referendum held in Turkey on April 16, 2017, a new movement arose in European media, which is still ongoing ahead of the June 24 elections. Numerous newspapers and magazines, who had previously not given much coverage to Turkey, began to include captions written in Turkish before the referendum. As Daily Sabah writes in the article European media fears a strong Turkey, a Germany-based newspaper notorious for its negative reports against Turkey and Turks featured a picture of Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on its front page. They also spread propaganda against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the constitutional reform in both German and Turkish. Much of the European media, in particular Turkish-language media based in Germany, made an effort to mobilize Turkish voters in Germany to vote "no" in the referendum. From the tabloids to prestigious newspapers, most focused on a defeat of Erdogan in the polls. They ceaselessly insulted Erdogan by referring to him as a dictator. Erdogan and the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) were constantly smeared. On the other hand, the opposition leader propagating the "no" campaign was hyperbolically praised. Even ones within the opposition party were surprised by the praise since they were also aware of the true competence of their leader. All of the insults, lies, manipulation and propaganda have been futile. The Turkish electorate in Europe said "yes" to the new constitution with an overwhelming majority. Thanks to this result, Turkey attained a new and modern constitution as of April 16, 2017. This constitution enabled the transition to the presidential system, which will accelerate Turkey's modernization, democratization and consolidation processes. Currently, early elections are to be held on June 24, in which the Turkish electorate will head to two separate ballot boxes for parliamentary and presidential elections. Unfortunately, the European media seems to have not learned any lessons from the referendum process as they are still pursuing their heinous methods to hamper the elections. In Germany, France, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Switzerland and several other European countries, media outlets kicked off a propaganda campaign against Erdogan and the AK Party. Again, all kinds of insults, lies and propaganda tools have been employed for this sake. The newspapers and magazines in Europe insult Erdogan every day. Some baseless allegations are even put in captions. The president they referred to as a dictator is a democratically elected leader. In all the elections he has participated in so far, he was elected by a landslide. It is not by any means ethical to call a democratically elected leader a dictator. However, the European media has already breached press ethics when it comes to this subject. With this attitude, the European media has proven that they do not respect democratic elections and voter preferences in Turkey. They have gone too far - I am afraid the future news reports might suggest a fascistic coup in Turkey. Evidently, they are highly disturbed by the fact that Turkey is a strong, social and democratic country, and they definitely want to hamper Turkey's development. They believe that the only way to achieve this is to overthrow Erdogan, who enjoys the love and trust of the nation. They have gone to great lengths to realize their goals. To that end, they are constantly disregarding democratic values, press ethics and all the EU values that uphold democracy. Apparently, the only goal of European media outlets up to the June 24 elections will be to hamper Erdogan and prevent a strong Turkey. But they have still not realized that their actions have consequences; Turkish citizens resent what they are doing. The Turkish people are patiently waiting to reply to these heinous actions at the ballot boxes. The European media and those organizing operations to shape the electorate's opinion will be defeated on June 24. The saddest part is that this trend is causing irreparable damage to the relations between countries, which is a shame. On Baku 6, Baku is marking the birthday of the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, who is considered the founder of the modern Russian literary language, as well as the Russian Language Day. Participants of the event laid flowers to the monument to Pushkin, installed in the park in central Baku. Tatyana Kerimova, chairman of the Republican Society of Solidarity of the Peoples of Azerbaijan 'Sodrugestvo', welcomed the audience. "The installation of the monument to Alexander Pushkin in Baku is a guarantee of strong relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, which have been as eternal as Pushkin's poetry," AzerTAc cited Kerimova as saying. The adviser of the Russian embassy in Azerbaijan Artem Barkov, the first deputy head of the executive power of the Sabail district Khalid Bayramov and others also addressed the event. Head of the expert council of Baku Network, Elkhan Alasgarov, speaking with Vestnik Kavkaza, noted that the Russian language has played a progressive role during all the periods of the existence of the Azerbaijani people and Azerbaijan as a state. "Using the Russian language, the Azerbaijani intelligentsia had the opportunity to receive education in Moscow and abroad before the Revolution. The creators of the Azerbaijani Democratic Republic were fluent in Russian. The Russian language is tought in a variety of schools and universities, being an important piece of knowledge of any citizen. We have a large Russian community, it has its own public organizations, and a lot of people here speak Russian," he said in the first place. "Russian language is the means of our friendship with Russia, a way to establish and maintain relations between our countries at the level of strategic partnership For us, the knowledge of the Russian language is a sign of good tone. Of course, Azerbaijani is our state language. But we respect the Russian language and believe that the Russian Language Day on June 6 is not alien to us. Moreover, there is a special Baku dialect of the Russian language, considered one of the pure forms of the literary Russian language, because it was spoken by Molokans," Elkhan Alasgarov said. Political scientist Rovshan Ibrahimov stressed that the Russian language has an important place in the social, economic and political life of Azerbaijan. "Modern Russian and translated into Russian literature is sold in Azerbaijani bookstores, many media are published in Russian," he recalled. "Since Azerbaijan gained independence, no Russian-language school in the country has been closed. There is Slavic University in Azerbaijan, there are certain specialties with instruction in the Russian language in other universities. The branches of Russian universities, primarily the Moscow State University branch, operate in the country," Rovshan Ibrahimov underlined, drawing attention to the government's support of the Russian language. Georgia has started procedures to cut diplomatic relations with the Syrian Arab Republic, the press service of the Georgian Foreign Ministry said. The ministry said that recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by Syria was "an illegal move and disregarded international law." As noted, on the basis of the "decree of the government of Georgia, dated may 31, 2018, the Georgian side has terminated the Agreement on diplomatic relations between Georgia and the Syrian Arab Republic." Russia's central bank, which has spent over $40 billion to bail out three banks in the past year, would like to take control of the assets of the owners of banks it has had or will have to rescue, Governor Elvira Nabiullina said. She said that the central bank took over Otkritie, B&N and Promsvyazbank via bailouts last year, through a specially created fund. So far, it has recovered around 100 billion rubles in assets from their former owners. Nabiullina said the central bank injected 758.3 billion rubles to boost the capital of the three banks, while another 1.86 trillion rubles was provided in deposits. According to her, these figures were likely to be final and the central bank was only considering providing additional liquidity for a yet-to-be-created non-core asset bank, which will take over the non-core and bad assets of the banks that have been bailed out. "If the controlling shareholder has brought the bank to the situation where its license is to be withdrawn or the state is forced to spend funds on a bailout, then the (former) owner should be responsible with all their assets," she said. "Of course, this would concern also the owners of the banks already taken over in bailouts. In that regard, we expect to receive the assets we did not yet receive - including financial ones," Reuters cited her as saying. Nabiullina added that the Russian banking sector is forecast to post a profit of around 1.5 trillion rubles this year. Train drivers demanding a 45% salary raise have ended their two-day strike in Tbilisi as talks with the city mayors office have come to fruition. Their salaries are expected to be increased from January 2019, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze said. However, it is not clear how much the raise will be. The metro will restart functioning at 2:00PM today, APA reported. The citys public buses ran free of charge due to the strike by train drivers. Tbilisi City Hall and the Transport Company face a 45,000 GEL loss due to the strike. The summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will be on Singapore's southern island of Sentosa, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said in a Twitter post, adding that the venue would be the Capella Hotel on the island and thanked Singaporeans for their hospitality. The summit is scheduled to start on the morning of June 12 (9:00 local time). Trump said on Friday the summit he had canceled the previous week was back on after he received the North Korean delegation bearing a letter from Kim, the Telegraph reported. On Monday, Singapore declared a central region that is home to its foreign ministry, the US embassy and several hotels, as a special zone from June 10 to 14. In its online gazette, the government amended the area to include Sentosa and an area of the sea stretching more than 1 km off its southwestern shore. The United States warned governments and the private sector to crack down on what it described as Iranian efforts to exploit them to fund its support for terrorism, destabilizing actions in the region and rights abuses at home. "You must harden your financial networks, require your companies to do extra due diligence to keep them from being caught in Irans deceptive web, and make clear the very significant risks of doing business with companies and persons there," Under Secretary of the Treasury Sigal Mandelker said. "Companies doing business in Iran face substantial risks, and those risks are even greater as we reimpose nuclear-related sanctions. We will hold those doing prohibited business in Iran to account," she added. "To those in the private sector, I urge you to also take additional steps to ensure Iran and its proxies are not exploiting your companies to support their nefarious activities. You have to do more to make sure your compliance programs are airtight," Reuters cited her as saying. HA NOI An increasing number of consumers are buying fresh food online, according to the Ha Noi Department of Industry and Trade. A Vietnam News Agency reporter quoted the Ha Noi Department of Industry and Trade as saying that food, especially fresh food, was previously difficult to market online, but it is picking up now. Most online stores compete with traditional markets by trading organic foods produced in clean processes. In particular, thanks to the development of technology, shop owners can post their product images online directly, enabling both sellers and buyers to interact more quickly. Tran Hoai Thu, a Techcombank staff, started selling food online after buying clean pork at an online store on Facebook. Finding it delicious, she introduced friends to it and ordered for them. When the number of buyers increased, Thu decided to build a trading website to provide clean pork. Selling clean food online can save the cost of rent and involves less capital, flexible time, and cost, therefore, profits can be 15 per cent to 30 per cent higher. In addition, selling food online is convenient for consumers. "I have heard of a lot of unsafe food, so I am afraid to buy fruits and vegetables, which have no origin in the market. Off late, I have been buying food at supermarkets or online, where the products have a clear origin," said customer Thu Hoai in Hai Ba Trung District, Ha Noi. Consumer Lien in ong a District, Ha Noi, said that trusted online stores can prove the origin of the product and it is more convenient and guaranteed despite being priced higher than that in the traditional markets. Customer Ngan Anh in Hoang Mai District, Ha Noi said that she often buys food online due to her busy working hours and workplace, which is located far away. Food is shipped to her house or office, and therefore, it helps save time. However, there are still many individuals doing online business through websites and social networking sites without quality and origin licences, posing a risk of unsafe food, affecting the health of consumers. According to the Ha Nois Market Management Department, it found many online food businesses without documents of origins and no assurance of food hygiene and safety. Therefore, consumers should choose to buy clean food at reliable addresses to avoid spending money and getting worse food. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has proposed to temporarily halt the import of bitcoin mining machines to improve the management of bitcoin and cryptocurrency transactions. According to the ministrys report to the Government on cryptocurrency management, the bitcoin mining machine has not been mentioned in the list of forbidden imported goods, which has made it easy for businesses to import the machine. However, the ministry said the use of bitcoin mining machines has shown complications in management, with the potential to be used illegally as a currency or in other non-cash payment methods. Cryptocurrency is considered an illegal non-cash payment method in Viet Nam. The use of virtual money as a means of payment is prohibited and will be handled according to the countrys legal regulations. MoF cited the example of a case in HCM City to prove shortcomings in virtual money management. An organisation based in the city, Modern Tech, reportedly duped 32,000 individuals in an investment of approximately VN15 trillion (US$666 million) in two fraudulent digital currency projects. This forced State management agencies to have strict solutions in place on the import of bitcoin mining machines, MoF said. So far, the country has imported some 15,600 bitcoin mining machines. These were mainly imported into three major cities HCM City, Ha Noi and a Nang. Last year alone, more than 9,300 machines were imported, including 2,300 into Ha Noi, some 7,000 into HCM City and the remaining into a Nang. In the first four months of the year, the country imported more than 6,300 bitcoin mining machines, including 4,300 machines into Ha Noi and 2,009 machines into HCM City. Earlier, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc asked the State Bank of Viet Nam (SVB), financial institutions and other organisations providing payment brokerage services to intensify inspections and promptly report suspicious cryptocurrency transactions. Phuc issued Directive No 10/CT-TTg on the matter, following repeated warnings from relevant agencies on risks associated with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, along with the threat that cryptocurrencies can be used to finance crimes, such as money laundering, terrorism, tax evasion and fraud. Meanwhile, cryptocurrency trading and investment are on the rise, posing a threat to the stability of the financial market as well as social order and safety due to the high risks involved. Phuc instructed the Ministry of Public Security to join hands with the SBV and relevant ministries to detect and handle any case of cryptocurrency being used for illegal payment, any activity connected to money laundering and any terrorism-related activity sponsored via cryptocurrency. The MoF has been asked to study the global experience to recommend solutions to counter initial coin offering. In addition to this, the ministry should work to reduce the import of bitcoin mining machines. The Ministry of Industry and Trade must channel efforts to address illegal activities related to the use of bitcoin to make payment on e-commerce websites or applications. The Ministry of Justice is responsible for completing a legal framework on the management and settlement of cryptocurrency or crypto assets. VNS The Government will abolish administrative procedures for issuing investment registration certificates for Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) projects, according to the new governmental Decree 63. Photo baodauthau.vn HA NOI The Government will abolish administrative procedures for issuing investment registration certificates for Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) projects, according to the new governmental Decree 63. This is one of the key contents of the newly-issued decree on investment under the PPP model, which is set to replace a previous one. It will come into effect on June 19 this year and is expected to simplify administrative procedures and save time for investors. Speaking at a conference announcing the decree in Ha Noi on Tuesday, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment (MPI) Vu ai Thang said that the PPP investment model was not new in Viet Nam. It had been developed with the participation of the private sector and foreign investors at different levels. There were infrastructure projects, notably those in the transport and energy sectors, that had been deployed. With some important amendments, Thang said the new decree introduced regulations and made procedures for PPP projects clearer and more transparent. Meanwhile, the authority to decide PPP projects was also detailed. This increases transparency and publicity in PPP investment projects. The abolition of the procedures for issuing investment registration certificates for PPPs will contribute to simplifying administrative procedures for investors, said Thang. With the new points introduced in the decree, Thang said he hoped that there would be practical innovations in the implementation of the PPP model for ministries, departments, provinces, localities and investors in the future. To overcome the problems arising from this abolition, ensuring that information on the project contract is publicly supporting State management agencies and the communities in supervision, the decree supplemented the regulation on the disclosure of project contract information. The contractors are required to make their bids accessible to the public on the National Procurement Network (NPN). Tran Viet Dung, Chief of the Office of the MPIS Procurement Management, said that Decree 63 also contained some other important new points such as strengthening decentralisation (more authority given to localities), self-control and self-responsibility at ministries, sectors and localities. Dung said it was necessary to remove the investors who were weak in financial capacity, increase participation of the State in PPP projects and vice versa, and strengthen participation of investors in public investment projects converted to PPP projects, helping reduce the burden on the State budget. At the meeting, the participants also discussed and gathered ideas for the orientation for the development of the circular guiding the implementation of the Decree 63. VNS HCM CITY Bilateral trade between Viet Nam and Australia is poised to grow thanks to lower tariffs under free trade agreements, according to Vo Tan Thanh, deputy director of Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). Speaking at a conference on Viet Nam and Australias relations on Tuesday, Thanh said that Australia would remove 90 per cent of its import tariffs from ASEAN and New Zealand within 2018, and the remaining 10 per cent in 2020, in accordance with the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. In addition, the upcoming Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership would help promote trade between Viet Nam and Australia. Thanh said that the two countries have had a close business partnership for 45 years and have seen great developments in trade, investment and tourism. Australia is Viet Nams eighth biggest trade partner and has invested around 400 projects valued at US$1.8 billion into the country, ranked 19th among 126 countries and territories that invest in Viet Nam. Vietnamese companies are also investing in several projects in Australia. Thanh is confident that Australia will rise to be one of the top 10 countries investing in Viet Nam in the future. Australia is one of Viet Nams biggest Official Development Assistance fund contributors, investing around $150 million to Viet Nam annually. However, according to Le Thanh Tung, director of Tien Thinh International Migration and Investment Consulting, while Viet Nam is Australias 15th largest import market, Viet Nams export value to Australia only accounts for 1.7 per cent of Australias total import turnover. There would be more opportunity for Vietnamese companies to increase their export volume to Australia, with the help of market research and counselling, he said. However, he added that Australia had tough requirements for the goods it imports, so Vietnamese firms must ensure that their goods meet Australian requirements. Gary Dawes, senior trade advisor from Austrade TradeStart and New South Wales Business Chamber, said that exporting Vietnamese goods to Australia could be a good way for Viet Nam to enter other foreign markets as Australia is the 5th most developed economy in the Asia-Pacific region and also exports to other markets such as New Zealand and US. He also advised Vietnamese firms before investing to carefully research Australias demands and make sure they stand out from competitors. In 2017, bilateral trade was at $6.5 billion. Viet Nam exported $3.3 billion worth of goods to Australia. VNS HA NOI Enterprises from 20 provinces nationwide will showcase high-tech agricultural products and technologies at a fair themed, High-tech and safe agricultural products in the Red River Delta Region in 2018. The exhibition will be held in the northern province of Ha Nam from June 15-21. The event will be co-organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) in co-operation with the Ha Nam Peoples Committee. Truong Quoc Hung, head of the Ha Nam Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department, said with more than 300 booths comprising associations and enterprises from different provinces and cities, the fair would introduce a wide range of hi-tech agricultural products as well as advanced processing and preservation technologies. Ha Nam is one of the pilot provinces focusing on accumulating land serving and attracting investment in agricultural production to develop high-tech agriculture. As a result, many large enterprises have invested in and developed hi-tech agriculture in the province. The fair will be an opportunity for enterprises to expand exchanges and co-operation in the field of investment and development of high-tech agricultural production and establishment of a safe market for agricultural products. Through this, businesses will be able to grasp the needs and tastes of customers to improve the product quality and develop new products to enhance competitiveness in domestic and foreign markets. MARD will also organise the Special week of Thanh Ha lychee in Ha Noi from June 12-18, in co-operation with Peoples Committee of the northern Hai Duong Provinces Thanh Ha District, to introduce local lychee. Thanh Ha District applies the quick response (QR) code-based payment technology to develop and protect the brand name of Thanh Ha lychee. This year, the district has so far produced nearly 3,900ha of lychee, of which nearly 93ha are suitable for exports to the United States, Australia, Japan, France and the European Union, with 30ha meeting Global GAP standards. The total lychee output of Thanh Ha District this year is estimated at 35,000 tonnes. VNS LY SON ISLANDS The island district of Ly Son in the central province of Quang Ngai has exported 500 tonnes of purple onion a unique farm product of the island to Japan. It marks the first time a Japanese company has put in an order for farm produce from the island this year. Director of the Ly Son Island Company Nguyen Van inh said that purple onion will be harvested and exported from June to December this year. inh said the product has to meet the high requirements of the Japanese market, which means passing strict examinations and gaining a certification of origin before shipping to the country. He said farmers in the island have been successful in gradually applying safe farming techniques and have joined value chains with high productivity, making an attractive price for export. Last year, the district began construction of a high-tech farm to produce organic garlic on the island, with a total investment of VN4 billion (US$177,000). Products of Ly Son Island including garlic, onion, seafood, garlic wine, dried seafood and seaweed were recognised by the National Office of Intellectual Property of Viet Nam, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, in 2007. In 2015, 40 tonnes of Ly Son black garlic were exported to Thailand. The island has planned to produce organic black garlic as well as garlic oils for export to Japan, the US and other Asian countries. Ly Son garlic and purple onion have a distinct flavour and a high demand both at home and in foreign markets. The island produced 2,500 tonnes of garlic and 6,500 tonnes of purple onion from 1,000ha of farmland last year. The island, known as the Kingdom of Garlic in Viet Nam, has around 21,000 inhabitants, of whom 73 per cent make their living from farming garlic and spring onions, alongside fishing. VNS HA NOI Some important rituals of the ethnic people in the Central Highlands region will be put on display during an event held at the Viet Nam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, in the ong Mo tourism area of Son Tay Town, Ha Noi, this June. The brotherhood ceremony of the E e from ak Lak Province will take place on June 23, while the ceremony to pray for good health will take place on June 24. With the theme A Lullaby from the Central Highlands, the programme will celebrate the cultural diversity and customs of the Central Highlands region. It will bring in around 90 ethnic people from 12 groups in the region, including the Ta Oi, Co Tu, Raglai, E e and Khmer. Running during the month, the programme introduces visitors to folk songs and lullabies of the Central Highlanders, as well as cloth weaving and the making of their traditional musical instruments. A cooking contest, gong performance, sporting events and folk games are also indispensable parts of the month-long event. Notably, children visiting the village can register for a free training course on experiencing the Buddhist monastic life. During the two-day course on June 16-17, participants will learn about Buddhist rituals and Buddhas teachings on humanism and personal discipline. During June, a number of traditional festivals of ethnic groups will be held in the village, such as the house warming ceremony of the Cham group from Ninh Thuan, providing an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn about the bountiful culture of Viet Nam. VNS HA NOI French guest chef Mickael Le Calvez from Raffles Singapore will share some of his favourite childhood dishes with food connoisseurs here during his week-long Ha Noi stint. Le Calvez will showcase his talent and creativity in the kitchen of the French fine-dining restaurant Le Beaulieu at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Currently the Executive Sous Chef at Raffles Singapore, Chef Le Calvez is set to sprinkle his culinary wisdom into a series of carefully crafted dishes that best capture the spirit of contemporary France. From June 15 to 21, guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a special five-course menu at Le Beaulieu featuring some of the French chefs favourite childhood dishes. The menu includes lobster tail with mango and quinoa tabbouleh, sauteed scallops with cauliflower risotto, and slow-cooked lamb with celery puree, spiced carrots, and tamarind sauce. Growing up in Brittany, in the northwest of France, Im naturally passionate about fishing and I love seafood, he said. Im very much looking forward to sharing some of my favourite childhood dishes with guests at the Metropole. Le Calvez started his career at La Cotriade in Paimpol, France before moving to the three Michelin-starred Aubergade de Michel Trama in the Perigord region. After five years at the Aubergade, he moved to Hong Kong as Executive Chef at French Window. This was followed by roles at BRASS by Mickael in Hong Kong, Maison Pourcel by Jacques and Laurent Pourcel in Shanghai, and Eon Epicurean Luxury in HCM City. The 32-year-old chef joined Raffles Singapore in 2014 and is currently the hotels Executive Sous Chef, responsible for eight of the hotels restaurants, including Raffles Grill and Long Bar Steakhouse. For more than a century, Le Beaulieu has set the standard for French cuisine in Viet Nam, winning repeat visits from the likes of Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin, Catherine Deneuve, Michael Caine, and Sir Roger Moore. Today, the French fine-dining restaurant, with its marble and wooden parquet floors, is especially well-known for its dazzling soirees and sublime Sunday brunch. VNS Minister of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) ao Ngoc Dzung. VNA/VNS Photo Doan Tan HA NOI The quality of human resources in Viet Nam is still poor, which leads to low labour productivity, said Minister of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) ao Ngoc Dzung in the National Assembly question and answer session yesterday afternoon. The minister answered NA deputies questions about the situation of the labour market, job creation and training, child care and child abuse prevention. The main reason for the low quality of human resources is that training has not caught up with the economic restructuring process, he said. At present, agricultural production accounts for 15.34 per cent of the countrys GDP while industrial production is over 33.34 per cent. But by April this year, agricultural labourers accounted for 38.6 per cent of the labour structure, Dzung said. Besides, job training is inadequate to ensure labourers basic needs of salary, safety and social benefits. In the coming time, the ministry will make job training a top priority to meet the Industrial Revolution 4.0, Dzung said. The model of school-to-business co-operation in job training has been successful in many countries such as Germany , Singapore and Japan . This year, the ministry will choose 10 schools to pilot the co-operation model. This will allow us to launch a new direction in job training, he said. Restructuring job training institutions will be essential. Answering a question about solutions to prevent Vietnamese workers from travelling to neighbouring countries without proper permits, as well as measures to protect the labourers, Minister Dz ung admitted the issue of illegal labourers was becoming more common. The MoLISA and Ministry of Public Security were asked to deal with the issue. At present, about 140,000 people are travelling across borders to work. But the labourers do not have work permits in host countries. Viet Nam has not had a legal framework to manage the labourers, Dzung said. MOLISA was asked to support seven northern border provinces to sign memoranda of understanding with neighbouring Chinese provinces to manage the Vietnamese guest workers. In terms of protecting employees rights and benefits as well as preventing the dismissal of employees over age 35 in foreign direct investment (FDI) businesses, Dzung told the meeting that the FDI businesses had made big contributions to job creation and economic growth. In general, the FDI businesses had paid fair benefits to their employees. Some cases of wrongdoing happened in small-scale businesses, he said. At present, the average salary in the large-scale FDI businesses is about VN5.5 million (US$250). Referring to the news that 80 per cent of FDI enterprises had fired employees aged 30 to 35, the minister said that was false information. The MOLISA and the NA Committee of Social Affairs had inspected some businesses in HCM City and the provinces of Binh Duong, ong Nai and Bac Ninh. The inspection found that only 11 per cent of employees, including workers aged 30 to 35, quit the jobs for personal reasons. The minister said the Prime Minister agreed with the ministrys plan for training and re-training unemployed workers in case the FDI businesses shifted their production structure. Child care and protection Many deputies also raised questions about child care and child abuse. Deputy Prime Minister Vu uc am and Public Security Minister To Lam also joined to explain the situation. According to Minister To Lam, violence against children was very serious. Sexual assaults account for 84 per cent of violence against children. Not only girls were child abuse victims but also boys. And the perpetrators included foreigners in Viet Nam, said Lam. Investigations are stymied because the victims and their families often do not report to the police, as they consider the crime shameful, said the minister. The minister recommended measures to increase child care and protection awareness among the people. The police will set up hot lines to receive tips on criminal acts as well as suggest a special process for investigating and judging the crimes against child sexual assaults, he said. MOLISA Minister Dzung admitted that many cases relating to child abuse were not judged strictly. Deputy Prime Minister Vu uc am said the issue deserves more attention. At present, Viet Nam has 17 organisations in charge of child care and protection. The chairmen of commune-level peoples committees have been held accountable for offences occuring in their jurisdictions, said the deputy PM. He called on society to make child care and protection a top priority. VNS Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (r) receives Vice Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Vojtech Filip in Ha Noi yesterday. VNA/VNS Photo Thong Nhat HA NOI Viet Nam always wishes to develops ties with traditional friends in the central Eastern Europe, with the Czech Republic as a priority partner, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc told Vice Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Vojtech Filip during a reception in Ha Noi yesterday. PM Phuc lauded the guests proposal to boost ties in aviation technology, pilot training, use of lightweight cargo aircraft and technological transfer, saying these new types of cooperation needed to be studied and carried out in the future. He pledged to direct units concerned to offer easier visa procedures to Czech citizens. He asked for further efforts to extend bilateral economic-trade-investment ties, especially in fields suggested by the guest. Viet Nam will create good conditions for cooperation projects with the Czech Republic, he said, highlighting the cooperation potential in aviation with countries worldwide, including the Czech Republic, as Viet Nam is witnessing a strong growth in airlines. The leader said Viet Nam hails partnership with the Czech Republic in auto manufacturing which is in high demand in the country. Welcoming the outcomes of the sixth Viet Nam Czech Republic Inter-Governmental Committee meeting on economic cooperation, the PM said the Vietnamese government will work closely with their Czech counterparts to launch cooperation agreements, contributing to carrying forward bilateral relations in fields of Viet Nams demand and the Czech Republics strengths such as energy, mining, infrastructure, environment protection, and food safety. He asked the Czech Republic to support Viet Nams run for non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure, adding that Viet Nam wants the Czech Republic to continue promoting Viet Nam EU comprehensive cooperative partnership and the signing of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Viet Nam is ready to help the Czech Republic reinforce ties with ASEAN and its member states, he said. As the Czech Republic is lacking workforce, the PM proposed that it simplify visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens coming for the purpose of tourism and labour. The host heralded the sharing of experience in legislation and supervision between the Vietnamese and Czech legislatures, believing that both sides will make important contributions to Viet Nam Czech Republic ties in the near future. Filip, who is also Chairman of the Communist Party of the Czech Republic-Moravia, said his visit aims to further bolster traditional friendship between the two nations. The European country always strives to offer favourable visa policy to Vietnamese citizens wishing to come for leisure, study or work, he said. According to him, the Czech Republic has established several vocational training establishments to improve Vietnamese workers skills in the fields of mechanical engineering, automobile industry to supplement skilled workforce in the country. He said his country backs Viet Nams run for non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure, adding that the Czech parliament expects early signing of the EVFTA. The guest suggested the Vietnamese government supports the launch of a direct flight between the two nations to boost bilateral trade and cultural exchange as the Vietnamese community is the third largest foreign one and has become an inseparable part of the socio-economic and cultural life in the Czech Republic. He said the Czech Republic is stepping up a project on labour export with the northern province of Quang Ninh and another on automobile manufacturing with the hope of bringing more cooperation opportunities to the two countries. VNS Canadian Minister of National Defence Harjit Singh Sajjan talks with Viet Nam News on the prospects of Canada-Viet Nam defence co-operation and Canadas commitment to sustain peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region during his visit to Viet Nam. Viet Nam and Canada set up a new vision on bilateral relations during the visit of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Viet Nam last November, including defence ties. What is the significance of the defence relations between Viet Nam and Canada? This is the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and we are very proud of that. Our Prime Minister was very happy to visit here and also happy at the comprehensive agreement to move our relationship forward after 45 years. It just shows that the relationship has been built over time. And now coming to defence, we want to move that relationship forward as well. We want to enhance agreement in military training co-operation. We are able to look at opportunities in which we can enhance military training co-operation: from language training to medical and engineer training. During this visit, the two ministries of defence have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. How can this foster bilateral relations in the defence sector? This is another step forward. The military training programme we have in Canada allows us to locate the needs of the military. We have identified three needs that we will move forward with, not only in the agreement but on which we will take action. Language training is one of them. Regarding medical training, we have really good experience in field hospitals and especially during the deployment of peacekeeping operations. It is also very important in dealing with mines and unexploded ordnances because when we go out of our peacekeeping comfort zones, we have to make sure our soldiers are safe and at the same time, the civilians are kept safe. Those are a start, but we are also exploring other opportunities. This is another step in deepening our relationship. Canada is seeking to strengthen its presence in the Asia Pacific by not only promoting economic ties but also building partnerships in security and defence. What role does Viet Nam play in Canadas Asia Pacific strategy? First of all, Canadas role in the Asia Pacific is very important. We are a Pacific nation ourselves. We have a significant focus in our defence policy: we will maintain a consistent military engagement in Asia Pacific to help foster peace and security. Viet Nam plays a very important role in peace and security in the region, especially when it comes to looking at not only the maritime perspective but other security challenges that we face together. We worked together on a number of occasions, we talked on many security issues at the Shangri-La Dialogue, and having Viet Nams perspective is extremely important. How can Canada help Viet Nam in the maritime sector? What is Canadas view of the current dispute in the South China Sea? In terms of maritime co-operation, it is about how we can build the capability for Viet Nam. It is not just about operating a vessel but what system you need for management. Regarding the security issue in the South China Sea, we all have to send a message that any disputes need to be dealth with by international resolutions. We have tribunals that are in place and all nations need to respect international law and freedom of navigation. That is Canadas position in terms of security in the region. We will have a consistent presence in the Asia Pacific to promote peace and security so we can be relied upon to deal with threats. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam will take all steps necessary for the enhancement of Viet NamCanada defence cooperation, President Tran ai Quang told visiting Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan during their meeting in Ha Noi yesterday. President Quang warmly welcomed the Canadian Defence Minister, saying his visit to Viet Nam comes at a time when the two countries are implementing agreements to foster the Comprehensive Partnership, which was set up in 2017, and celebrating the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, established August 21, 1973. Viet Nam is keen on developing the Comprehensive Partnership with Canada, he reiterated, adding that the two nations have maintained good relations and together made efforts to promote common goals and economic growth and to increase trade. The president also noted that Viet Nam is now Canadas biggest trade partner in ASEAN, while Canada is among Viet Nams large investors. The Canadian Defence Minister, for his part, informed his host on the outcomes of the talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Ngo Xuan Lich, during which the two sides agreed to step up their partnership in areas of mutual interest, including defence industry, personnel training, UN peacekeeping missions, marine security and military medicine. The ministers also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the Military Training and Cooperation Programme of Canada, allowing Vietnamese officers to take part in diverse training courses in Canada. Sajjan praised the Vietnamese community in Canada, saying some 14,000 Vietnamese students who are studying in Canada will play a significant part in consolidating and developing the two countries relations. Furthermore, he emphasised that as an Asian-Pacific nation that looks to promote cooperation to maintain regional stability, Canada supports the rule of law and observance of international law in the settlement of territorial disputes, particularly in the South China Sea (East Sea). President Tran ai Quang hailed the outcomes of the talks between the two ministers. He asked the two defence ministries to closely work together to effectively implement the agreements in a bid to make defence ties a pillar of the two nations relationship. The Vietnamese top leader also lauded Canadas stance on the East Sea issues and thanked the Government and people of Canada for facilitating Vietnamese citizens, including 14,000 students, to live and study there, noting they are bridges for strengthening the bilateral ties. Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan is paying an official visit to Viet Nam from June 4 to 6 at the invitation of Minister of National Defence Ngo Xuan Lich. VNA HA NOI Viet Nam always cherishes its developing friendship and cooperative ties with the Federated States of Micronesia, said Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan during her talks with Micronesian Speaker of the Congress Wesley W. Simina in Ha Noi yesterday. Touting the sound political ties between the two nations in the past, particularly after they established diplomatic relations on September 22, 1995, the top legislator thanked the Federated States of Micronesia for supporting Viet Nams bid to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2008-2009 tenure. As the two nations hold huge potential to develop cooperative ties in the fields of economy, trade, investment, culture and tourism, they should ink cooperation deals in the fields of their strengths, she suggested. Ngan noted that mutual support to deal with the consequences of natural disasters vividly illustrate the friendship between the two countries. In the context of the complex developments of the regional and international situation, Viet Nam and the Federated States of Micronesia should coordinate and support each other at regional and multilateral forums and organisations, especially the United Nations, she stressed. Simina appraised the importance of relations with Viet Nam, stating that the ongoing visit to the Southeast Asian country affirms the Federated States of Micronesias commitment to bolstering bilateral relations, particularly when the two countries are celebrating the 23rd founding anniversary of diplomatic ties. The bilateral parliamentary diplomacy has been promoted in recent years, he said, extolling Viet Nams proactive participation in and hosting of the 132nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in 2015 and the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum in 2018. He underlined that the Micronesian Government and Congress will do their utmost to accelerate cooperation with Viet Nam in agriculture, aquaculture and tourism. Currently, small businesses of the Federated States of Micronesia are interested in landing investment in Viet Nam, he said, adding that both nations are enjoying fruitful cooperation on environmental and climate change issues. The Vietnamese NA leader affirmed that Viet Nam always backs the Federated States of Micronesia as well as other South Pacific island countries in fostering a relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), thus opening up new cooperation prospects for ASEAN and regional countries. She suggested that the Federated States of Micronesia support Viet Nams candidacy for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council in the 2020-2021 tenure. Affirming that both Viet Nam and the Federated States of Micronesia are coastal countries, Ngan held that the East Sea issue is the shared interest of all countries, while highlighting Viet Nams goodwill and constant policy of maintaining friendship with all regional countries, and dealing with disputes in the East Sea through peaceful measures in line with international law, the UN Charter and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 as well as other regional commitments Regarding the relationship between the two parliaments, both sides expressed their intense delight at the growth of legislative cooperation both bilaterally and at multilateral parliamentary forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF). On the occasion, Ngan lauded Siminas role as the Chair of the Asia-Pacific Group at the 138th Assembly of the IPU in Geneva, Switzerland, from March 24-28. During the event, participants welcomed the report by Viet Nam in the role of a member of the IPU Executive Committee. She proposed that in the coming time, the two sides should increase the exchange of high-ranking delegations and people-to-people exchanges, while setting up mechanisms of cooperation and negotiation, moving inexorably towards the signing of agreements on investment protection and double-tax avoidance as well as in technical cooperation. Besides, the two sides should promote trading in agricultural products, consumer goods and agricultural machineries. The Vietnamese top legislator stated that Viet Nam can share its experience with the Federated States of Micronesia in growing rice and industrial crops, ensuring food security, processing industrial trees products, infrastructure construction and tourism development. She said that Viet Nam has dozens of thousands of fishing vessels as well as experience in aquaculture, which are a great advantage in boosting cooperation with the Federated States of Micronesia, a country possessing large territorial waters. VN HA NOI Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Danish counterpart Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressed their delight at growing bilateral ties in diverse fields during their telephone conversation on Wednesday. They said both sides offered mutual support in regional and global forums. The two leaders discussed measures to strengthen the Viet Nam Denmark comprehensive partnership, including strategic partnership in climate change, energy, environment and green growth. The leaders agreed to work closely together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties in 2021. As Denmark will host the first global summit of Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) in October, Rasmussen invited PM Phuc to attend the event. The Vietnamese PM expressed his hope that the forum will devise major orientations and specific actions to fuel green and sustainable growth in the near future. VNS Illustrative Image. Vietnamnet.vn HCM CITY On a recent Saturday morning in the meeting room of Tam uc Heart Hospital in District 7, HCM City, a seminar was held on Atrial fibrillation effective management: the role of new generation anticoagulants in preventing stroke in atrial fibrillation patient. It was a unique event in the fact that all participants were heart disease patients or people with an elevated risk of stroke. The seminar disseminated useful information as doctors discussed what causes atrial fibrillation (AF), how to control it and what new generation anti-coagulants are available to treat atrial fibrillation. The seminar has been a regular activity organised by Tam uc Hospital in recent years for its stroke patients club. Dr Ton That Minh, the hospitals director, said the incidence of stroke is increasing globally and in Viet Nam due to modern habits like smoking and eating fast food and work-related stress. Yet people barely know about it, he said. They know a stroke is dangerous since it could cause death. Many do not know how to protect themselves from the disease, how a stroke will seriously affect their lives or what to do when a family member suffers a stroke. A stroke will impact both the patient and their families, he said. It was for this reason that the hospital, with sponsorship by Bayer Vietnam, set up the club for stroke patients to share knowledge and experiences about the disease, how to prevent it and cure it, how to take care of stroke patients, and how to use medicines correctly. The club has achieved useful results. Minh told Viet Nam News: Patients knowledge has significantly improved compared to two years ago. They know a lot about the disease and some of them can talk about it like a doctor. Since in the case of stroke it is better to prevent than cure, providing knowledge about it is critical, he said. Trinh Khac Nhon, 58, of District 3 told Viet Nam News that two years after joining the stroke patients club in Tam uc Hosptial he has acquired a lot of knowledge. Before joining the club he would often seek information on social networks or from people. There are many sources of news about medicines and methods to treat heart diseases and stroke. But after joining the club I have discovered all that information is not correct. He has been taught about new generation medicines and how to use them. He also said he has passed on to relatives and friends the information he has acquired. Nguyen Thi Bich Hoa, 48, of District 1 is another member of the Tam uc Heart Hospitals stroke patients club. She regularly goes to the club and, thanks to information acquired there, can take care not only of herself but also her mother in the correct way. Such a club has been set up not only at Tam uc Hospital but also many other hospitals like Cho Ray and Thu uc Hospital, and they have become popular among patients and their families. A stroke club is useful not just for patients and their relatives since when someone gets a stroke, their whole family is impacted. At a seminar Bayer organised in Singapore on stroke, a stroke victim, Anthony Quek, surprised attendees by saying the lives of the five other people in his family too had been affected after he had the stroke. He recalled the difficult early days, saying he couldnt walk or take a bath by himself, and needed his familys support for everything. Normal life had ceased to exist, and the five other members in his family had to serve him. Dr N Venketasubramanian Ramani of Raffles Hospital in Singapore said: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to any part of the brain is blocked, which in turn cuts off the oxygen supply essential to the functioning and survival of brain cells. If it is not treated early enough, a stroke can damage the brain, which may leave it unable to function as it did previously. A stroke is a medical emergency that can have serious consequences for both patients and their families and friends, he warned. At a seminar held to discuss stroke prevention for non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients organised late last week by the Vietnam Cardiology Association and sponsored by Bayer, Dr Nguyen Lan Viet, the president of the association said: To achieve better stroke prevention, especially in high-risk AF patients such as those who had a stroke, kidney failure, etc, patients need to strictly adhere to the treatment regimen regarding the use of anti-coagulants prescribed by doctors and informing doctors in time about disease conditions. But while underlining the dangers of strokes, doctors also assured that they are completely preventable. FAST is an acronym that needs to be learnt by heart, they said. FAST refers to Face, Act, Speak and Time: When you smile, is one side droopy? When you raise your arms, is one side weak? When speaking simple sentences, do you slur or find you are unable to do it? The doctors said anyone having any of these symptoms needs to be rushed to hospital, the last important factor being Time. Remember to take the patient to a hospital as soon as possible since 60 minutes is considered the golden hour for treating a stroke. Within 60 minutes is the best time for cells to recover, the doctors said. VNS ONG NAI ong Nai Province plans to offer VN10 billion (US$438,115) to fish farmers affected by mass fish deaths on the La Nga River caused by a natural disaster two weeks ago. The provinces Peoples Committee said it was providing assistance under a decree which calls for aid for farmers in case of losses caused by natural disasters and epidemics. More than 1,500 tonnes of dead fish were found on the La Nga River in the provinces inh Quan District on May 20. Many fish have continued to die. Most of the dead fish belonged to farmers in the districts La Nga and Phu Ngoc communes. Most were lang fish (hamibagrus), dieu hong fish (read tilapia) and chep fish (carp). Huynh Thanh Vinh, director of the provinces Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said an investigation was launched immediately after the incident. Samples of river water and dead fish were collected for tests, while agencies inspected suspicious waste discharged from businesses located upstream from where the deaths occurred. Based on test results, scientists at the HCM City-based Research Institute for Aquaculture No 2 and the Centre for Environmental Monitoring and Analysis said the losses were caused by discharged waste water from businesses. Analysis showed that the decline of dissolved oxygen content caused the fish to die. The concentration of dissolved oxygen in the river water was between 2.6 mg/l to 3.2 mg/l, but the required ratio was 4 mg/l. The test also found an unusual level of NH4 (Ammonia), 5.6-11 times higher than normal, while NO2 (Nitrite) was 10-20 times higher than the allowable levels for fish farming. A heavy rainfall prior to the incident possibly carried a large volume of water polluted with garbage and compounds from upstream. In combination with NH4 and NO2, this also contributed to the fish deaths. In addition, the high density of fish and the narrow distance between cages reduced the volume of oxygen in the living environment of the fish, the local authorities said. VNS iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- At a White House trade meeting on Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin urged President Donald Trump to exempt Canada from steep steel and aluminum tariffs, two senior administration officials and two sources close to the White House tell ABC News. Mnuchin presented the option to Trump in a meeting of the administrations most senior economic policymakers, including director of the National Economic Council Larry Kudlow, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Trade advisor Peter Navarro, trade representative Robert Lighthizer and chief of staff John Kelly. After returning from the G-7 finance ministers summit in Canada, Mnuchin made the case that the U.S. has a $2 billion steel surplus with Canada and a nearly $26 billion services surplus, and should consider making an exemption for its northern neighbor, according to the sources. But not all of the advisers were in agreement, according to two sources familiar with the conversations. They say the group has been known to harbor ideological differences on major economic issues and the meeting adjourned without any clear resolution to the matter. Hes still deciding on what to do about Canada, said one senior administration official on the Presidents response to the request for leniency. President Trump's decision to impose tariffs on allies including Canada and the European Union has stoked fears of a trade war and is expected to be at the top of the agenda when Trump meets face-to-face with the world's economic powers at the G-7 summit in Canada on Friday. So it's no surprise that at the G7 finance ministers summit last Saturday, Mnuchin faced blowback from allies. In a rare move, Canada, Italy, Germany, France, Japan and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement requesting that Mnuchin express their "unanimous concern and disappointment to President Trump. Throughout the weekend, foreign leaders often referred to it as to the "G-6 plus 1," suggesting the United States had alienated itself from the group. On Sunday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the tariffs insulting in an interview with NBC News. The Canadians made an impassioned personal plea to Mnuchin to take the case up with Trump, an administration official said. According to the United States Trade Representatives office, the U.S. had a $17.5 billion dollar goods deficit with Canada in 2017, but an overall surplus of $8.4 billion with Canada in 2017, with services, are included. The 25 percent tariff on imports of steel and 10 percent on imports of aluminum went into effect on June 1, after a short exemption period for Canada, Mexico, and the European Union. The U.S. has been in trade negotiations with Mexico and Canada for months over the North American Free Trade Agreement. Kudlow said Tuesday on Fox News that the president is seriously considering negotiating with Canada and Mexico separately, and forming two bilateral trade agreements. A White House and Treasury spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. The Peoples Superior Court in HCM City yesterday rejected the appeals of 14 of 16 defendants charged with terrorism against the peoples administration, after a two-day trial. VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Chung HCM CITY The Peoples Superior Court in HCM City yesterday rejected the appeals of 14 of 16 defendants charged with terrorism against the peoples administration, after a two-day trial. The court upheld the original sentences of five to 16 years in prison issued at a trial in February. No additional evidence was given that would result in a reduction of the original sentence, the court said. The court said the group had plotted to use petrol bombs to blow up Tan Son Nhat International Airport last year as the country was preparing to celebrate Liberation Day, a national holiday on April 30 which marks the liberation of the south. Two other defendants charged with "failing to denounce criminals" did not send appeal letters to the court. The court concluded at the previous trial that the defendants were enticed by subversive forces abroad to engage in activities against the administration and the people, such as spreading false and distorted information on social media, participating in demonstrations, recruiting members for reactionary organisations, and making weapons. Their acts posed serious danger to society, threatening national security and violating peoples assets and health, the court said. VNS HA NOI Ha Nois 115 emergency department under the municipal Department of Health currently has 21 ambulances which are able to serve only seven out of every 100 calls, according to the centre. The low response rate is blamed on lack of budget. There are 22 ambulances but one has broke down waiting to be scrapped, Nguyen Thanh, Ha Nois 115 centres director said. Five medical emergency stations are placed citywide in charge of saving people. One is the headquarter station at 11 Phan Chu Trinh Street in the city centre. Four others are in the districts of Thanh Tri, Long Bien and Ha ong. According to World Health Organisation, there needs to be 15 medical emergency teams to serve one million people. Ha Noi (with the population of nearly 10 million) is in need of 150 taskforces, Thanh said. We have 14 emergency teams working every day and we are unable to provide the service to outlying districts of expanded Ha Noi area because they are too far away, he added. However, the problem causing the biggest headache persists in personnel shortage. Thanh said since 2015, five doctors and ten nurses asked to leave. Two doctors moved to other facilities. The city now has 188 staff including 28 doctors, 25 nurse practitioners, 63 nurses, six pharmacists and 48 ambulance drivers. 28 doctors is not enough. Literally 42 taskforces need 42 doctors, he said. Medical staff on the mission also have to suffer from attacks from relatives of patients. Some encounter drug addicts. Right after seeing our staff, they take out weapons. In some other cases, at the accident sites, relatives of the victims told us We dont need you, Thanh said. He added that many doctors of the centre have not been granted a work permit. The doctors are required to work at medical facilities which have patient beds. But the 115 centre does not have beds so doctor who even work here for ten years have not been certificated. If ambulances come earlier and collaboration is better, more people will be saved, Nguyen inh Hung, director of Saint Paul general hospital said, adding there should be more measures to support the centre in the future. Who will drive ambulances? To save money, the centre did not ask to buy 150 new vehicles with the budget forecasted to amount to hundreds of billions of ong but instead only replaced more than ten old ambulances, director Thanh said. But even when the ambulances are bought, who will drive them, he asked, once again raising a headache question over personnel. Hung, director of general hospital of Saint Paul, said that Ha Noi should follow emergency model of France where the centres are managed by the hospital. This solution helps solve problems related to infrastructure and personnel shortages. Following local authorities order, the city will develop a network of emergency stations which connect with 115 centre and hospitals. Then it is hoped a hospital specialising in emergencies will be built. There needs to be four elements: a core hospital, a network of ambulances, a training centre and a collaborating centre, he said. VNS HA NOI Facebook, in collaboration with the Management and Sustainable Development Institute (MSD), officially launched Think Before You Share, an online safety programme, in Viet Nam on Tuesday. MSD is a Vietnamese non-government organisation that acts for the rights of marginalised groups, especially children and youth. Through a series of workshops, training sessions and online resources, Think Before You Share will provide the youth with tools and guidelines on sharing information safely and responsibly on social media. Keeping our community safe is core to everything we do, and we want to help youth in Viet Nam make better decisions about what they share online. With Think Before You Share, Vietnamese youth will have the tools they need to do just that. We are committed to working with local partners to reach more youth across Viet Nam and build a positive online community, said Clair Deevy, director of Community Affairs, APAC at Facebook. Executive Director of MSD, Nguyen Phuong Linh, said that The Think Before You Share programme was an important part of her work to support the online safety of young people and ensure they have the right skills to contribute to creating positive online communities. The programme has been designed to help students analyse content on social media and use their own critical thinking and empathy to understand how it informs their opinion. We want to empower students as digital citizens to use social media safely, smartly and create a positive social media experience, Linh added. Facebook and MSD kick-started the campaign with a two-day summit, which will be attended by more than 100 Vietnamese NGO participants from 15 provinces and cities nationwide. The summit will provide NGOs with tools and practical skills to enhance their efforts in building a secure and useful network environment, create a positive online presence and promote responsible digital citizenship. Through design thinking, critical thinking and empathy, NGOs will create social campaigns that promote better and safer online communities. Besides workshops and training sessions, the initiative will also make online resources and videos available, covering digital literacy, online safety, critical thinking and empathy. As part of this programme, these resources will continue to be shared by Facebook and its partners in more than 100 schools across Viet Nam. The programme, which will visit 15 cities and provinces across Viet Nam, seeks to train approximately 30,000 youth aged between 13 and 18 years old, as well as 1,500 teachers, 100 NGOs, and more than 40 youth trainers. In addition, the initiative aims to reach more than 250,000 youth in Viet Nam online. VNS HA NOI Vietnam Railways (VNR) has asked railway companies to install cameras at level-crossing barriers to improve the safety of pedestrians. Accordingly, railway companies across the country will install two cameras before and after level-crossing barriers. Surveillance monitoring centres will be based in the offices of the companies. Late last month, Vu Quang Khoi, head of the Railway Department under the Transport Ministry, and an inspection group found railway staff to be in violation of working regulations while performing unannounced visits to stations and level crossings along the routes of Ha Noi- Hai Phong, Ha Noi-Lao Cai, Ha Noi-HCM City and Bac Hong-Van ien. During their visits, guards at level-crossing barriers were found drinking alcohol and oversleeping during work hours. In some cases, inexperienced interns were assigned to work as barrier keepers at level-crossings. Street vendors were found around the booths of barrier keepers, which affected their work as well as traffic safety. The Railway Department then asked Vietnam Railways to strengthen inspections and punish violators to improve railway traffic safety, Khoi said. This is an urgent task for Viet Nam s railway sector as within the last month, five serious railway accidents were reported on the Ha Noi-HCM City route, killing two people and injuring other 11 ones. Notably, three out of the five accidents were caused by faults of railway staff. After the accidents, Vietnam Railways suspended ten officers who were directly involved as well as disciplined 12 of their managers disciplined too. Another incident just happened on Wednesday morning. A fire was detected on a carriage of a train at Hao Son Station in central Phu Yen Province . The fire was allegedly caused by an electrical short circuit in the passenger area. All the passengers in the carriage were evacuated to safety and the fire was extinguished after about one hour. A report from VNR showed that from September 16, 2017 to April 15, 2018, there were 199 rail accidents, killing 91 people and injuring 122 others. VNS LOS ANGELES Voters headed to the polls in eight US states for key primary elections Tuesday, with all eyes on California, where the outcome could swing the balance of power in Congress. Democrats in the countrys most populous state are battling to ensure they come out on top in several congressional districts that voted for Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. However, given the states unusual election system in which the two top vote-getters move on to the general election in November, regardless of party affiliation, Democrats fear they may give Republicans the upper hand in some districts where they have a glut of candidates. Democrats splitting vote? The worry is that with so many enthusiastic Democrats running for Congress, the Democrats will split up the Democratic vote and youll end up with one or two Republicans in the top two slots, said Elaine Kamarck, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Brookings Institution. So theres quite a bit of concern that this would backfire and that congressional districts that would elect a Democrat in the end would be given only the choice of Republicans. The race has garnered huge attention nationwide, especially given how solidly Democratic California has been, but it is unclear whether the high stakes will spur voters to cast ballots. Turnout is always the uncertainty in primary elections, said Louis DeSipio, a political science professor at the University of California at Irvine. If Democrats are as energized in California as they have been in some other states, they can move into the general election with no viable Republicans running statewide. This seems unlikely, but is a possibility. There are 27 candidates looking to succeed Democratic Governor Jerry Brown, and more than two dozen looking to replace veteran US Senator Dianne Feinstein. And in the race for Californias 53 seats in the US House of Representatives, the slate of candidates features a plethora of novice Democrats looking to make a statement against Republican President Donald Trump and his anti-immigration, anti-environment policies. Kamarck said that although Democrats in the most prominent anti-Trump states in the country would be expected to fare well, the jungle format of the election could create chaos. High Crime Nancy Pelosi Trump tweeted early Tuesday to drive Republicans to the polls. "Get the vote out in California today for Rep. Kevin McCarthy and all of the great GOP candidates for Congress. Keep our country out of the hands of High Tax, High Crime Nancy Pelosi," Trump said, referring to the 78-year-old House Democratic minority leader. In the race for the governors mansion, former San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom -- who gained attention for allowing same-sex unions before the legalization of gay marriage -- has a strong lead in opinion polls. Former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, also a Democrat, is in second place, but he could be outrun by Republican businessman John Cox, if other fringe Democratic candidates earn votes. Some also think Villaraigosa has counted too heavily on the Latino vote, notoriously unpredictable in the primaries, and has failed to mobilize wider support. In the Senate race, Feinstein is leading, followed by Democratic challenger Kevin de Leon, but the number of candidates in the race could throw a spanner in the works for the party. In the House races, Democrats are focusing on seven districts currently in Republican hands that voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and could flip again this year. But in at least five of them, progressive candidates could split the vote, leaving a path for Republicans to make the November runoff. The Democratic Party tried to winnow out some of the candidates, but the same excitement and energy that led them to run in the first place makes them unlikely to listen to the national party, DeSipio said. Polls close in California at 8pm (0300 GMT Wednesday). Officials say the results in some key districts could take days or even weeks to come out, given that many Californians vote by mail. Polling officials said they were receiving an unusually high number of mail-in ballots this year, making it more difficult to predict the final outcome. Nationwide, Democrats must clinch at least 23 seats from Republicans to wrest control of the House of Representatives. AFP ROME Italys incoming prime minister on Tuesday won the first of two parliamentary votes to confirm his populist government, after calling in his maiden policy speech for obligatory redistribution of asylum seekers around the EU and a review of sanctions against Russia. Giuseppe Contes government, made up of a coalition of far-right and eurosceptic parties, was sworn in on Friday after almost three months of political turmoil that alarmed EU officials and spooked financial markets. A lawyer with little political and no government experience, Conte was nominated by far-right League leader Matteo Salvini and the head of the anti-establishment Five Star movement Luigi di Maio -- both of whom are now his deputy prime ministers. In his first policy speech to lawmakers since being sworn in, Conte reaffirmed several of the coalitions key manifesto themes, including a tough line on migrants, rejection of economic austerity and conciliatory gestures towards Moscow. We want to reduce our public debt, but we want to do so with growth and not with austerity measures, he told senators. We will strongly call for the Dublin Regulation to be overhauled in order to obtain respect for a fair distribution of responsibilities and to achieve an automatic system of compulsory distribution of asylum seekers. Under the Dublin Rules, would be asylum seekers must submit their applications in their country of arrival, meaning Italy has huge numbers to deal with. On Russia, which faces EU sanctions over the Ukraine crisis, Conte said: We will promote a review of the sanctions system. Summits on horizon The alliance between the anti-establishment Five Star Movement and far-right League won Tuesdays vote in the Senate, with 171 votes in favour, 117 against and 25 abstentions. A second parliamentary vote on Wednesday in the Chamber of Deputies, where the two parties also enjoy a majority, will officially confirm the new cabinet. The government is set to win despite both former premier Silvio Berlusconis Forza Italia party -- a campaign ally of the League -- and the outgoing centre-left Democratic Party saying that they will not vote in favour. On the 53-year-old prime ministers agenda in his first weeks in office are a Group of Seven summit in Canada this week and a key EU summit at the end of the month. Contes low profile has fuelled speculation that he will take a back seat to his two powerful deputies. Salvini is interior minister and Di Maio holds the economic development portfolio in addition to both being deputy premiers. Since being sworn in Conte had limited himself to a Facebook post in which he said that he had spoken with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron and would meet the two leaders at the G7 summit. AFP As many readers will know, the Commemorative Air Forces historic D-Day veteran C-47 Skytrain Thats All, Brother recently regained her nose art from the time when she led the main 82nd Airborne paratrooper fleet over Normandy on the night of June 5th/6th 1944. This was an important symbolic step in the refurbishment of this iconic aircraft, so WarbirdsNews sat down with the acclaimed artist, Chad Hill, who earned the honor of recreating those famous letters on the Skytrains nose. WN: How did you get to paint the nose art for Thats All, Brother? CH: Keegan Chetwynd from the CAF called me a couple years ago and told me about the plans for the restoration of the aircraft and asked if I would be interested in painting the nose art. Since that time, we worked together on several CAF graphic design projects, but he always would keep me up to date on the progress. Then last month, Andy Maag from the CAF CenTex Wing called and said they were ready to move forward, so we made the arrangements to make it happen. We discussed the two different techniques to get the art onto the aircraft that I use; sketching it directly onto the plane using a grid system drawn onto the fuselage in 2 squares to map out the location and each letter form. This technique is good if the art is to be painted at an event if the event is long enough for people to get a real period correct demonstration on the process. The other method is to project the art via laptop and projector onto the fuselage. This process allows me to adjust the art on the screen as its being projected to get it exactly where we want it based on historic photos. We both agreed that projection would be the best method so that the nose art would be as close to the two original photos as possible. WN: What kind of research have you done to prepare for this task? CH: With this particular project, the restoration team was really lucky to have two images of the aircraft, taken from a 1944 D-Day film. The image of the left side was really great. I took the photo into Adobe Photoshop and skewed the image to account for the perspective of the nose so I could start with somewhat flat art. From there I imported the photo in to Adobe Illustrator to begin drawing each letter one at a time. Ive been a graphic designer for 26 years and typography is very important to me, so I studied the letter shapes in the photo and matched them as closely as possible. The left side was missing the beginning quote marks in 1944, so they are missing today in 2018. For the right side, we were lucky to have a photo at all to work from, but the quality was pretty poor. We could see that the art was similar, but not exactly the same. It was not as wide and smaller in scale. Being hand painted, there is no way that it was exactly the same as the left side, so I took the art file from the left side and began to modify each letter to be similar but different from the left side. This also helped with the narrower width The Ts in That and Brother seemed to be narrower on the right side, and the Rs seemed to have shorter tails so I adjusted the letters accordingly. On both sides, at the time of projection, Andy looked at the photos from the floor and gave direction, while I fine tuned the letter forms and placement on the fuselage to try to get as close to the original photos as possible. WN: What kind of paint have you used? CH: I use 1 Shot Sign Painters enamel with a #10 lettering brush. We decided on FS614 for the yellow, so I mixed up the color starting with 1 Shot Chrome Yellow for the base paint. For this particular project, I knew that the daily 99F Texas temps would be an issue with the paint drying before I could get it from my palette to the fuselage, so I used Hi Temp Reducer to slow the drying time down. It was a great help, but the paint drying too quickly was still a challenge. I got into a rhythm dipping into the paint and reducer before each stroke and it worked out well. The adjustable hard stand that I used was a big help as well. I had plenty of room to move, go up and down to get to the most comfortable position to paint, and a shelf for the paint, reducer, reference photos, and bottle after bottle of water to combat the heat! WN: When and how did you get into painting nose art for warbirds? CH: My Dad, Gary Hill, and my uncle Bob Hill took me to my first air show in 1977. I was immediately drawn to the WWII aircraft. My Mom, Kitty Hill had taught me how to draw, and I immediately started drawing airplanes and building models. One of the first projects was hand painting nose art Show Me on a scale model of the CAF Missouri Wings B-25 in 1988, because you couldnt get decals back then like you can today. As I began my professional career as a graphic designer, I really began to study the nose art and appreciate the paintings as an art form. With the advent of message boards, I found the Warbird Information Exchange web site, and came across Gary Austin, who was working on bringing the CAFs [Consolidated Liberator] Diamond Lil back to an A-model configuration, and documenting the process on WIX. As the weeks went on, Gary seemed like a great guy, so in early 2007, I got brave one day and messaged him about the plans for new nose art. He said the General Staff hadnt decided on a plan yet, but were leaning towards going with the name Ol 927 in reference to the tail number found in some Consolidated documents. As the discussion progressed he invited me to submit some sketches for nose art concepts, which I excitedly worked up and sent to him. Gary called me and said that they liked the sketches and asked if I wanted to come to Texas to paint the nose art! While I had painted small projects before, I hadnt done anything of that scale and magnitude, so I asked my Dad, and friends Sean Cowger and Mike Hede to come along to help. Sean was also a fellow artist, so his experience was a great asset for us to complete the 5x5 design on both sides of the B-24 in four days. While the art only lasted five years before the change back to Diamond Lil, it was a remarkable experience that none of us will forget. Every time I work on a project, I smile and think of Gary Austin, and remember his friendship and how he launched me into painting nose art. WN: What kind of research do you do before you paint a nose art panel? CH: The research depends on the project. In this case, I had great photos to work with. But in cases where a photo may not exist, or if I am creating something new, I will start with looking at as many photos as I can from the particular fighter or bomber squadron that the aircraft is representing. Ill look at the style of art and the lettering. With each squadron or group, most of the nose art was done by a particular guy, and as you study the photos, you start to see his style emerge. For example the lettering will have similar traits. The girls or characters are rendered in a similar style. As I start my sketches, my thought process takes me to what would he have done if a crew asked him to do this plane? And Ill try to come up with a concept that looks not only period correct for the time, but period correct for that particular squadron down to the correct style of lettering. The accuracy is important to me, even when Im asked to just create new art. Many of the girls in the nose art were based on poses from magazines by artists like Alberto Vargas and George Petty. If the aircraft markings are representative of the Summer of 1944, then I will only look at reference material from August 1944 and earlier, because a pin up that was published in February 1945 would not be accurate, even though Im designing it in 2018. Its a type of detail that defines me as nose artist and historian. Im really encouraged by the recent trend of uber-historical accuracy, even in the nose art. In the not too distant past, you would see a plane represented with vinyl graphics and what ever font they could find that was close enough to the reference photo, which always confounded me. I never could understand how an owner could spend literally millions of dollars on a restoration, but not follow through to get the nose art as period correct as the gun bays or radio equipment. Thankfully that is changing. WN: What are your sources? CH: I have a pretty good library of books on nose art like Gary Velascos Fighting Colors and Talisman by John and Donna Campbell, Paint Locker Magic by Jim Meehan and Bill Tate, as well as Jeffery Ethells WWII Nose Art in Color. I also have tons of books of aircraft types as well as specific bomb or fighter groups. The internet has really grown into an amazing resource for reference photos and information on the USAAF. It has definitely become a tool for research unthinkable 30 years ago. I also have a collection of original photos that Ive purchased on eBay, and at estate sales, with the hope to write my own book on the subject someday. WN: What other airplanes have you painted? CH: CAF B-24 Ol 927 Grissom Air Museum C-47 1st Air Commando Lt. Jim Haus Do It The rest have been salvage skins, cowlings, or panels that I build and rivet together myself WN: Who is your favorite artist? CH: For nose art, Im a huge fan of Hal Olsen who painted mainly Navy Privateers on Tinian. He was an amazingly talented artist. I was fortunate to be put in contact with Mr Olsen through Bill Tate and was able to ask questions about his process from start to finish. Its always a pleasure to talk to any veteran about his experiences, and it was really amazing to speak to someone who actually painted on the planes that I had been studying photos of nearly my entire life. He was really nice and appreciative that I was helping to carry on the art form. Chris Henry from EAA and I contacted the few museums with Privateers about recreating some of his art while he was still with us, but sadly that never came to be. Don Allens nose art work in the 4th Fighter Group is right there for me as well. Alberto Vargas and George Petty are big influences, as well as comic book artist Bruce Timm. Disneys contributions to art in WWII are huge and also a big influence for me as well. WN: What is your favorite nose art subject? CH: If someone asks me to create whatever I want, its going to include a pin up girl, of the period correct, non-PC variety. That doesnt mean it will end up being vulgar either. Theres something about the beauty and style of the 1940s pin ups that Ive always been attracted to. It seems that the majority of people today seeing the art on the planes dont understand why it was there and why the subject matter was chosen by those young men in say 1944. Its all part of the history and tells the story. I also like designing my own Disney influenced characters or animals. No matter the subject, they are all finished off by lettering that is appropriately period correct in design and style, and that is important to me. WN: What is your favorite WWII nose art? CH: Its hard to pick a favorite! Anything by Hal Olsen or Don Allen. The Dragon and its Tail B-24 was amazing. I would love it if the Collings Foundation would do another SWPA theme the next time they repaint their B-24. I also love the P-38s from the 459th Fighter Squadron Green Dragons. The CAFs surviving Surprise Attack panel was always iconic to me, as well as Flaming Mamie, which is a similar style to my work today. The CAF B-25 Show Me nose art circa 1987 made a lasting impression on me. I dont know who originally painted that first version of the nose art, but there is something about the pin up that has always spoken to me. About 8 years ago, I drew up a replica of the original version just for fun. A couple of guys asked if I was going to hide my signature in the nose art somewhere. Honestly the thought didnt even cross my mind on such a historic aircraft, especially when we were striving to make it as close to original as possible. I felt that my name didnt really need to be there. There are other places where my place in the story of Thats All, Brother can be told. To that end, I painted Thats All, Brother on the lid of the can of the paint that I mixed up, and signed my name and Django Studios. The whole experience was one to not soon be forgotten. It was an honor to be asked to be the artist to paint the nose art on such a historic aircraft. Everyone at the CAF CenTex Wing was very friendly and great to work with. They were quick to address any question or request that I had, no matter how small. I hope to continue to work with them in the future. WarbirdsNews wishes to thank Chad Hill for taking the time to talk with us so candidly about his part in resurrecting the legend of Thats All, Brother. For those of you interested in checking out the work of this marvelous artist, be sure to check out Chads website Django Studios. Who knows, you may even commission your own work from Chad! past daily news Sep 13 (1) Sep 09 (15) Sep 06 (12) Sep 04 (10) Sep 03 (10) Aug 31 (17) Aug 29 (14) Aug 26 (13) Aug 22 (11) Aug 21 (12) Aug 19 (21) Aug 14 (6) Aug 13 (10) Aug 10 (10) Aug 08 (9) Aug 07 (10) Aug 06 (10) Aug 05 (8) Aug 03 (8) Aug 02 (7) Aug 01 (7) Jul 31 (14) Jul 29 (1) Jul 27 (7) Jul 25 (5) Jul 24 (10) Jul 22 (11) Jul 19 (16) Jul 17 (6) Jul 16 (10) Jul 15 (13) Jul 12 (7) Jul 11 (5) Jul 10 (8) Jul 08 (8) Jul 07 (3) Jul 06 (5) Jul 05 (8) Jul 04 (11) Jul 03 (8) Jul 02 (7) Jul 01 (5) Jun 30 (8) Jun 28 (7) Jun 27 (8) Jun 26 (7) Jun 25 (8) Jun 24 (6) Jun 23 (6) Jun 22 (9) Jun 20 (5) Jun 19 (9) Jun 18 (8) Jun 15 (9) Jun 13 (13) Jun 11 (11) Jun 09 (19) Jun 06 (10) Jun 04 (10) Jun 03 (8) Jun 01 (6) May 31 (5) May 30 (5) May 29 (6) May 28 (7) May 27 (7) May 26 (6) May 25 (4) May 23 (6) May 22 (6) May 21 (4) May 20 (7) May 19 (9) May 18 (4) May 17 (6) May 16 (5) May 15 (7) May 14 (3) May 13 (3) May 12 (9) May 10 (3) May 09 (7) May 08 (4) May 07 (3) May 06 (5) May 05 (8) May 03 (9) May 02 (1) May 01 (5) Apr 30 (8) Apr 29 (5) Apr 28 (4) Apr 27 (7) Apr 26 (12) Apr 25 (4) Apr 24 (8) Apr 23 (7) Apr 22 (5) Apr 21 (3) Apr 20 (1) Apr 19 (5) Apr 18 (3) Apr 17 (6) Apr 16 (6) Apr 15 (5) Apr 14 (2) Apr 13 (4) Apr 12 (2) Apr 11 (4) Apr 10 (3) Apr 09 (3) Apr 08 (3) Apr 07 (5) Apr 06 (3) Apr 05 (10) Apr 04 (2) Apr 03 (3) Apr 02 (9) Apr 01 (7) Mar 31 (10) Mar 30 (6) Mar 29 (7) Mar 28 (5) Mar 27 (3) Mar 26 (10) Mar 25 (4) Mar 24 (5) Mar 23 (10) Mar 22 (6) Mar 21 (5) Mar 20 (11) Mar 19 (8) Mar 18 (5) Mar 17 (4) Mar 16 (11) Mar 15 (10) Mar 14 (7) Mar 13 (7) Mar 12 (5) Mar 11 (3) Mar 10 (3) Mar 09 (5) Mar 08 (6) Mar 07 (8) Mar 06 (6) Mar 05 (12) Mar 04 (6) Mar 03 (8) Mar 02 (6) Mar 01 (8) Feb 28 (7) Feb 27 (5) Feb 26 (6) Feb 25 (7) Feb 24 (3) Feb 23 (6) Feb 22 (4) Feb 21 (3) Feb 20 (1) Feb 19 (6) Feb 18 (4) Feb 17 (4) Feb 16 (2) Feb 15 (5) Feb 14 (3) Feb 13 (6) Feb 12 (6) Feb 11 (4) Feb 10 (6) Feb 09 (6) Feb 08 (4) Feb 07 (6) Feb 06 (4) Feb 05 (2) Feb 04 (3) Feb 03 (5) Feb 02 (1) Feb 01 (4) Jan 31 (8) Jan 30 (2) Jan 29 (4) Jan 28 (1) Jan 27 (4) Jan 26 (7) Jan 25 (4) Jan 23 (4) Jan 22 (8) Jan 21 (2) Jan 20 (2) Jan 19 (3) Jan 18 (4) Jan 17 (2) Jan 16 (7) Jan 15 (6) Jan 14 (4) Jan 13 (6) Jan 12 (5) Jan 11 (4) Jan 10 (5) Jan 09 (4) Jan 08 (5) Jan 07 (4) Jan 05 (5) Jan 04 (4) Jan 03 (3) Jan 02 (2) Jan 01 (1) Dec 31 (5) Dec 29 (4) Dec 28 (5) Dec 26 (3) Dec 25 (2) Dec 24 (3) Dec 23 (2) Dec 22 (4) Dec 21 (4) Dec 20 (3) Dec 19 (3) Dec 18 (2) Dec 17 (1) Dec 16 (4) Dec 15 (2) Dec 14 (3) Dec 13 (7) Dec 12 (5) Dec 11 (4) Dec 10 (3) Dec 09 (2) Dec 08 (2) Dec 07 (4) Dec 06 (4) Dec 05 (1) Dec 04 (5) Dec 03 (3) Dec 02 (5) Dec 01 (6) Nov 30 (5) Nov 29 (10) Nov 28 (6) Nov 27 (2) Nov 26 (3) Nov 24 (2) Nov 23 (5) Nov 22 (4) Nov 21 (3) Nov 20 (6) Nov 19 (2) Nov 18 (5) Nov 17 (5) Nov 16 (3) Nov 15 (2) Nov 14 (3) Nov 13 (3) Nov 12 (2) Nov 11 (4) Nov 10 (5) Nov 09 (4) Nov 08 (5) Nov 07 (5) Nov 06 (5) Nov 05 (4) Nov 04 (5) Nov 02 (4) Nov 01 (4) Oct 31 (9) Oct 30 (9) Oct 29 (3) Oct 28 (2) Oct 27 (6) Oct 26 (6) Oct 25 (6) Oct 24 (3) Oct 23 (6) Oct 22 (4) Oct 20 (3) Oct 19 (6) Oct 18 (5) Oct 17 (5) Oct 16 (4) Oct 15 (5) Oct 14 (2) Oct 13 (4) Oct 12 (7) Oct 11 (5) Oct 10 (4) Oct 09 (5) Oct 08 (10) Oct 07 (1) Oct 06 (10) Oct 05 (6) Oct 04 (8) Oct 03 (3) Oct 02 (4) Oct 01 (6) Sep 30 (5) Sep 29 (1) Sep 28 (6) Sep 27 (6) Sep 26 (5) Sep 25 (3) Sep 24 (6) Sep 23 (5) Sep 22 (7) Sep 21 (6) Sep 20 (6) Sep 19 (5) Sep 18 (3) Sep 17 (5) Sep 16 (5) Sep 15 (5) Sep 14 (6) Sep 13 (4) Sep 12 (5) Sep 11 (7) Sep 10 (6) Sep 09 (5) Sep 08 (3) Sep 07 (4) Sep 06 (8) Sep 05 (6) Sep 04 (7) Sep 03 (3) Sep 02 (4) Sep 01 (5) Aug 31 (8) Aug 30 (6) Aug 29 (6) Aug 28 (6) Aug 27 (1) Aug 26 (4) Aug 25 (3) Aug 24 (7) Aug 23 (4) Aug 22 (4) Aug 21 (4) Aug 20 (7) Aug 18 (5) Aug 17 (8) Aug 16 (8) Aug 15 (4) Aug 14 (6) Aug 13 (5) Aug 12 (4) Aug 11 (2) Aug 10 (5) Aug 09 (4) Aug 08 (8) Aug 07 (4) Aug 06 (3) Aug 05 (4) Aug 04 (4) Aug 03 (10) Aug 02 (9) Aug 01 (8) Jul 31 (1) Jul 30 (3) Jul 29 (2) Jul 28 (11) Jul 27 (10) Jul 26 (10) Jul 25 (7) Jul 24 (5) Jul 23 (3) Jul 22 (2) Jul 21 (7) Jul 20 (10) Jul 19 (8) Jul 18 (7) Jul 17 (1) Jul 16 (10) Jul 14 (7) Jul 13 (6) Jul 12 (11) Jul 11 (7) Jul 10 (5) Jul 09 (6) Jul 08 (5) Jul 07 (8) Jul 06 (4) Jul 05 (6) Jul 04 (6) Jul 03 (7) Jul 02 (6) Jul 01 (2) Jun 30 (7) Jun 29 (7) Jun 28 (5) Jun 27 (8) Jun 26 (5) Jun 25 (6) Jun 23 (4) Jun 22 (4) Jun 21 (5) Jun 20 (8) Jun 18 (2) Jun 17 (3) Jun 16 (4) Jun 15 (3) Jun 14 (7) Jun 13 (4) Jun 12 (7) Jun 11 (3) Jun 10 (2) Jun 09 (8) Jun 08 (8) Jun 07 (8) Jun 06 (10) Jun 05 (14) Jun 04 (6) Jun 03 (6) Jun 02 (8) Jun 01 (6) May 31 (7) May 30 (2) May 29 (7) May 28 (7) May 27 (2) May 26 (4) May 25 (5) May 24 (4) May 23 (5) May 22 (5) May 21 (5) May 20 (3) May 19 (10) May 18 (6) May 17 (3) May 16 (6) May 15 (2) May 14 (3) May 13 (5) May 11 (1) May 10 (5) May 09 (3) May 08 (4) May 07 (2) May 06 (4) May 05 (6) May 04 (5) May 03 (5) May 02 (1) May 01 (6) Apr 30 (6) Apr 29 (7) Apr 28 (8) Apr 27 (9) Apr 26 (14) Apr 25 (6) Apr 24 (6) Apr 23 (7) Apr 22 (1) Apr 21 (8) Apr 20 (3) Apr 19 (6) Apr 18 (4) Apr 17 (7) Apr 16 (1) Apr 15 (8) Apr 14 (1) Apr 13 (7) Apr 12 (10) Apr 11 (7) Apr 10 (2) Apr 09 (2) Apr 08 (4) Apr 07 (3) Apr 06 (6) Apr 05 (6) Apr 04 (9) Apr 03 (4) Apr 02 (5) Apr 01 (2) Mar 31 (5) Mar 30 (4) Mar 29 (8) Mar 28 (5) Mar 27 (9) Mar 26 (4) Mar 25 (5) Mar 24 (11) Mar 23 (10) Mar 22 (9) Mar 21 (10) Mar 20 (11) Mar 19 (5) Mar 18 (7) Mar 17 (3) Mar 16 (7) Mar 15 (6) Mar 14 (6) Mar 13 (9) Mar 12 (6) Mar 11 (3) Mar 10 (3) Mar 09 (5) Mar 08 (6) Mar 07 (13) Mar 06 (6) Mar 05 (3) Mar 04 (7) Mar 03 (4) Mar 02 (5) Mar 01 (6) Feb 28 (6) Feb 27 (4) Feb 26 (5) Feb 25 (6) Feb 24 (6) Feb 23 (9) Feb 22 (6) Feb 21 (7) Feb 20 (8) Feb 19 (6) Feb 18 (3) Feb 17 (4) Feb 16 (6) Feb 15 (5) Feb 14 (7) Feb 13 (5) Feb 12 (3) Feb 11 (4) Feb 10 (5) Feb 09 (9) Feb 08 (8) Feb 07 (7) Feb 06 (10) Feb 05 (7) Feb 04 (2) Feb 03 (8) Feb 02 (7) Feb 01 (5) Jan 31 (4) Jan 30 (4) Jan 29 (7) Jan 28 (3) Jan 27 (7) Jan 26 (8) Jan 25 (6) Jan 24 (6) Jan 23 (5) Jan 22 (4) Jan 21 (6) Jan 20 (8) Jan 19 (6) Jan 18 (8) Jan 17 (12) Jan 16 (5) Jan 15 (4) Jan 14 (8) Jan 12 (6) Jan 11 (6) Jan 10 (7) Jan 09 (4) Jan 08 (6) Jan 07 (4) Jan 06 (6) Jan 05 (9) Jan 04 (9) Jan 03 (4) Jan 02 (6) Jan 01 (8) Dec 31 (2) Dec 30 (1) Dec 29 (5) Dec 28 (4) Dec 27 (8) Dec 26 (4) Dec 24 (5) Dec 23 (7) Dec 22 (12) Dec 21 (4) Dec 20 (7) Dec 19 (3) Dec 18 (5) Dec 17 (3) Dec 16 (1) Dec 15 (7) Dec 14 (10) Dec 13 (7) Dec 12 (12) Dec 10 (3) Dec 09 (6) Dec 08 (7) Dec 07 (12) Dec 06 (6) Dec 05 (13) Dec 04 (6) Dec 02 (8) Dec 01 (8) Nov 30 (6) Nov 29 (7) Nov 28 (7) Nov 27 (4) Nov 26 (8) Nov 24 (2) Nov 23 (5) Nov 22 (11) Nov 21 (7) Nov 20 (3) Nov 19 (10) Nov 18 (7) Nov 17 (6) Nov 16 (11) Nov 15 (10) Nov 14 (7) Nov 13 (3) Nov 12 (5) Nov 11 (12) Nov 10 (4) Nov 09 (14) Nov 08 (10) Nov 07 (11) Nov 06 (8) Nov 05 (5) Nov 04 (11) Nov 03 (9) Nov 02 (10) Nov 01 (8) Oct 31 (12) Oct 30 (5) Oct 29 (5) Oct 28 (5) Oct 27 (11) Oct 26 (13) Oct 25 (9) Oct 24 (10) Oct 23 (8) Oct 22 (5) Oct 21 (11) Oct 20 (8) Oct 19 (6) Oct 18 (5) Oct 17 (5) Oct 16 (6) Oct 15 (4) Oct 14 (9) Oct 13 (10) Oct 12 (11) Oct 11 (9) Oct 10 (10) Oct 09 (7) Oct 08 (5) Oct 07 (10) Oct 06 (9) Oct 05 (14) Oct 04 (9) Oct 03 (12) Oct 02 (4) Oct 01 (9) Sep 30 (5) Sep 29 (7) Sep 28 (13) Sep 27 (10) Sep 26 (11) Sep 25 (3) Sep 24 (9) Sep 23 (7) Sep 22 (10) Sep 21 (12) Sep 20 (12) Sep 19 (4) Sep 18 (5) Sep 17 (7) Sep 16 (11) Sep 15 (8) Sep 14 (5) Sep 13 (8) Sep 12 (8) Sep 11 (6) Sep 10 (10) Sep 09 (5) Sep 08 (9) Sep 07 (8) Sep 06 (11) Sep 05 (2) Sep 04 (8) Sep 03 (2) Sep 02 (6) Sep 01 (9) Aug 31 (9) Aug 30 (7) Aug 29 (9) Aug 28 (4) Aug 27 (8) Aug 26 (6) Aug 25 (5) Aug 24 (8) Aug 23 (4) Aug 22 (5) Aug 21 (2) Aug 20 (4) Aug 19 (6) Aug 18 (4) Aug 17 (4) Aug 16 (6) Aug 15 (3) Aug 14 (4) Aug 13 (7) Aug 12 (6) Aug 11 (3) Aug 10 (5) Aug 09 (8) Aug 08 (9) Aug 07 (7) Aug 06 (7) Aug 05 (7) Aug 04 (7) Aug 03 (11) Aug 02 (6) Aug 01 (9) Jul 31 (11) Jul 28 (7) Jul 27 (11) Jul 26 (5) Jul 25 (5) Jul 24 (1) Jul 22 (3) Jul 21 (2) Jul 20 (9) Jul 19 (8) Jul 18 (6) Jul 17 (7) Jul 15 (4) Jul 14 (2) Jul 13 (6) Jul 12 (10) Jul 11 (11) Jul 10 (2) Jul 09 (3) Jul 08 (5) Jul 07 (5) Jul 06 (6) Jul 05 (3) Jul 04 (6) Jul 03 (5) Jul 02 (3) Jun 30 (8) Jun 29 (5) Jun 28 (6) Jun 27 (4) Jun 26 (4) Jun 25 (1) Jun 24 (5) Jun 23 (11) Jun 21 (5) Jun 20 (5) Jun 19 (7) Jun 17 (4) Jun 16 (7) Jun 15 (4) Jun 14 (6) Jun 13 (4) Jun 12 (4) Jun 11 (6) Jun 10 (6) Jun 09 (8) Jun 08 (6) Jun 07 (8) Jun 06 (7) Jun 05 (5) Jun 04 (7) Jun 03 (1) Jun 02 (9) Jun 01 (5) May 31 (8) May 30 (7) May 29 (5) May 28 (5) May 27 (4) May 26 (4) May 25 (4) May 24 (3) May 23 (5) May 22 (2) May 21 (3) May 20 (7) May 19 (11) May 18 (1) May 17 (7) May 16 (3) May 15 (4) May 14 (3) May 13 (4) May 12 (4) May 11 (11) May 10 (2) May 09 (6) May 08 (6) May 07 (2) May 06 (3) May 05 (4) May 04 (5) May 03 (8) May 02 (4) May 01 (4) Apr 30 (6) Apr 29 (13) Apr 28 (5) Apr 27 (7) Apr 26 (5) Apr 25 (5) Apr 24 (2) Apr 23 (7) Apr 22 (9) Apr 21 (11) Apr 20 (2) Apr 19 (2) Apr 18 (5) Apr 17 (5) Apr 16 (6) Apr 14 (5) Apr 13 (2) Apr 12 (9) Apr 11 (10) Apr 10 (6) Apr 09 (5) Apr 08 (3) Apr 07 (10) Apr 06 (7) Apr 05 (7) Apr 04 (7) Apr 03 (9) Mar 31 (12) Mar 30 (9) Mar 29 (7) Mar 28 (4) Mar 27 (3) Mar 26 (6) Mar 25 (3) Mar 24 (8) Mar 23 (7) Mar 22 (4) Mar 21 (10) Mar 20 (6) Mar 19 (6) Mar 17 (7) Mar 16 (11) Mar 15 (6) Mar 14 (9) Mar 13 (4) Mar 12 (6) Mar 10 (3) Mar 09 (9) Mar 08 (10) Mar 07 (4) Mar 06 (5) Mar 05 (3) Mar 04 (2) Mar 03 (4) Mar 02 (5) Mar 01 (5) Feb 28 (3) Feb 27 (8) Feb 26 (9) Feb 24 (11) Feb 23 (8) Feb 22 (9) Feb 21 (8) Feb 20 (7) Feb 19 (4) Feb 18 (9) Feb 17 (6) Feb 16 (5) Feb 15 (7) Feb 14 (11) Feb 13 (2) Feb 12 (5) Feb 11 (5) Feb 10 (3) Feb 09 (10) Feb 08 (9) Feb 07 (9) Feb 06 (2) Feb 05 (9) Feb 03 (7) Feb 02 (5) Feb 01 (7) Jan 31 (4) Jan 30 (5) Jan 29 (6) Jan 28 (5) Jan 27 (2) Jan 26 (7) Jan 25 (7) Jan 24 (8) Jan 23 (4) Jan 22 (14) Jan 20 (8) Jan 19 (10) Jan 18 (11) Jan 17 (9) Jan 16 (5) Jan 15 (3) Jan 14 (9) Jan 13 (6) Jan 12 (7) Jan 11 (7) Jan 10 (2) Jan 09 (7) Jan 08 (6) Jan 07 (10) Jan 06 (8) Jan 05 (7) Jan 04 (9) Jan 03 (8) Jan 02 (5) Jan 01 (14) Dec 30 (13) Dec 29 (13) Dec 28 (9) Dec 27 (5) Dec 26 (4) Dec 25 (7) Dec 24 (4) Dec 23 (5) Dec 22 (4) Dec 21 (8) Dec 20 (3) Dec 19 (8) Dec 18 (9) Dec 16 (8) Dec 15 (5) Dec 14 (5) Dec 13 (8) Dec 12 (4) Dec 11 (17) Dec 09 (8) Dec 08 (5) Dec 07 (10) Dec 06 (12) Dec 05 (6) Dec 04 (8) Dec 02 (6) Dec 01 (7) Nov 30 (9) Nov 29 (6) Nov 28 (11) Nov 27 (6) Nov 26 (15) Nov 24 (7) Nov 23 (15) Nov 22 (9) Nov 21 (6) Nov 20 (11) Nov 18 (11) Nov 17 (13) Nov 16 (8) Nov 15 (13) Nov 14 (7) Nov 13 (7) Nov 12 (3) Nov 11 (13) Nov 10 (13) Nov 09 (6) Nov 08 (9) Nov 07 (6) Nov 06 (4) Nov 05 (12) Nov 04 (8) Nov 03 (9) Nov 02 (8) Nov 01 (6) Oct 31 (10) Oct 30 (8) Oct 29 (3) Oct 28 (8) Oct 27 (15) Oct 26 (10) Oct 25 (10) Oct 24 (13) Oct 23 (9) Oct 21 (8) Oct 20 (13) Oct 19 (6) Oct 18 (11) Oct 17 (8) Oct 16 (14) Oct 14 (9) Oct 13 (11) Oct 12 (9) Oct 11 (13) Oct 10 (7) Oct 09 (15) Oct 07 (7) Oct 06 (11) Oct 05 (18) Oct 04 (14) Oct 03 (1) Oct 02 (10) Sep 30 (11) Sep 29 (11) Sep 28 (11) Sep 27 (15) Sep 26 (7) Sep 24 (9) Sep 23 (11) Sep 22 (7) Sep 21 (17) Sep 20 (20) Sep 19 (4) Sep 18 (11) Sep 16 (10) Sep 15 (12) Sep 14 (9) Sep 13 (12) Sep 12 (14) Sep 11 (4) Sep 10 (8) Sep 09 (9) Sep 08 (5) Sep 07 (13) Sep 06 (15) Sep 05 (8) Sep 04 (11) Sep 03 (10) Sep 02 (12) Sep 01 (12) Aug 31 (14) Aug 30 (14) Aug 29 (8) Aug 28 (8) Aug 27 (9) Aug 26 (12) Aug 25 (6) Aug 24 (8) Aug 23 (12) Aug 22 (6) Aug 21 (5) Aug 20 (6) Aug 19 (9) Aug 18 (4) Aug 17 (7) Aug 16 (11) Aug 15 (2) Aug 14 (12) Aug 12 (15) Aug 11 (11) Aug 10 (6) Aug 09 (7) Aug 08 (3) Aug 07 (4) Aug 06 (5) Aug 05 (7) Aug 04 (7) Aug 03 (4) Aug 02 (5) Aug 01 (5) Jul 31 (7) Jul 30 (5) Jul 29 (9) Jul 28 (8) Jul 27 (8) Jul 26 (7) Jul 25 (6) Jul 23 (8) Jul 22 (6) Jul 21 (5) Jul 20 (9) Jul 19 (5) Jul 18 (15) Jul 15 (14) Jul 14 (5) Jul 13 (6) Jul 12 (12) Jul 11 (8) Jul 10 (3) Jul 09 (11) Jul 08 (8) Jul 07 (7) Jul 06 (10) Jul 05 (4) Jul 04 (4) Jul 03 (5) Jul 02 (7) Jul 01 (8) Jun 30 (7) Jun 29 (10) Jun 28 (8) Jun 27 (4) Jun 26 (5) Jun 25 (4) Jun 24 (2) Jun 23 (11) Jun 22 (5) Jun 21 (7) Jun 20 (3) Jun 19 (7) Jun 18 (10) Jun 17 (11) Jun 16 (5) Jun 15 (5) Jun 14 (7) Jun 13 (14) Jun 11 (6) Jun 10 (8) Jun 09 (9) Jun 08 (11) Jun 07 (14) Jun 06 (16) Jun 03 (8) Jun 02 (12) Jun 01 (5) May 31 (7) May 30 (15) May 28 (7) May 27 (5) May 26 (21) May 25 (14) May 24 (10) May 23 (7) May 22 (8) May 21 (11) May 20 (5) May 19 (4) May 18 (10) May 17 (11) May 16 (5) May 15 (6) May 14 (7) May 13 (12) May 12 (10) May 11 (7) May 10 (13) May 09 (4) May 08 (7) May 07 (3) May 06 (6) May 05 (9) May 04 (14) May 03 (7) May 02 (10) May 01 (10) Apr 30 (6) Apr 29 (9) Apr 28 (5) Apr 27 (9) Apr 26 (8) Apr 25 (8) Apr 24 (6) Apr 23 (14) Apr 22 (16) Apr 21 (11) Apr 20 (7) Apr 19 (16) Apr 18 (8) Apr 17 (7) Apr 16 (10) Apr 15 (8) Apr 14 (5) Apr 13 (11) Apr 12 (10) Apr 11 (8) Apr 10 (12) Apr 09 (5) Apr 08 (13) Apr 07 (9) Apr 06 (11) Apr 05 (15) Apr 04 (7) Apr 03 (15) Apr 02 (5) Apr 01 (11) Mar 31 (12) Mar 30 (10) Mar 29 (8) Mar 28 (7) Mar 27 (12) Mar 26 (8) Mar 25 (8) Mar 24 (7) Mar 23 (15) Mar 22 (17) Mar 21 (9) Mar 20 (8) Mar 19 (4) Mar 18 (16) Mar 17 (8) Mar 16 (19) Mar 15 (13) Mar 14 (7) Mar 13 (20) Mar 11 (5) Mar 10 (11) Mar 09 (13) Mar 08 (13) Mar 07 (7) Mar 06 (6) Mar 05 (9) Mar 04 (10) Mar 03 (16) Mar 02 (16) Mar 01 (13) Feb 29 (8) Feb 28 (6) Feb 27 (16) Feb 26 (10) Feb 25 (6) Feb 24 (12) Feb 23 (14) Feb 22 (9) Feb 21 (11) Feb 20 (8) Feb 19 (12) Feb 18 (12) Feb 17 (11) Feb 16 (8) Feb 15 (9) Feb 14 (7) Feb 13 (10) Feb 12 (11) Feb 11 (13) Feb 10 (5) Feb 09 (6) Feb 08 (4) Feb 07 (9) Feb 06 (13) Feb 05 (10) Feb 04 (11) Feb 03 (7) Feb 02 (19) Jan 31 (21) Jan 29 (11) Jan 28 (10) Jan 27 (13) Jan 26 (7) Jan 25 (5) Jan 24 (2) Jan 23 (8) Jan 22 (13) Jan 21 (11) Jan 20 (9) Jan 19 (13) Jan 18 (4) Jan 17 (11) Jan 15 (7) Jan 14 (13) Jan 13 (9) Jan 12 (9) Jan 11 (5) Jan 10 (8) Jan 09 (7) Jan 08 (7) Jan 07 (6) Jan 06 (11) Jan 05 (7) Jan 04 (7) Jan 03 (3) Jan 02 (8) Jan 01 (5) Dec 31 (10) Dec 30 (9) Dec 29 (7) Dec 28 (9) Dec 27 (4) Dec 26 (1) Dec 25 (5) Dec 24 (6) Dec 23 (6) Dec 22 (7) Dec 21 (6) Dec 20 (7) Dec 19 (13) Dec 18 (16) Dec 17 (10) Dec 16 (13) Dec 15 (11) Dec 14 (8) Dec 13 (4) Dec 12 (9) Dec 11 (10) Dec 10 (12) Dec 09 (10) Dec 08 (13) Dec 07 (7) Dec 06 (12) Dec 05 (8) Dec 04 (11) Dec 03 (12) Dec 02 (16) Dec 01 (14) Nov 30 (10) Nov 29 (11) Nov 28 (15) Nov 27 (16) Nov 26 (11) Nov 25 (9) Nov 24 (13) Nov 23 (10) Nov 22 (1) Nov 21 (7) Nov 20 (12) Nov 19 (10) Nov 18 (11) Nov 17 (11) Nov 16 (10) Nov 15 (3) Nov 14 (10) Nov 13 (14) Nov 12 (8) Nov 11 (13) Nov 10 (10) Nov 09 (6) Nov 08 (9) Nov 07 (11) Nov 06 (12) Nov 05 (17) Nov 04 (12) Nov 03 (11) Nov 02 (5) Nov 01 (12) Oct 31 (11) Oct 30 (11) Oct 29 (10) Oct 28 (18) Oct 27 (16) Oct 26 (11) Oct 25 (9) Oct 24 (12) Oct 23 (11) Oct 22 (14) Oct 21 (12) Oct 20 (17) Oct 19 (12) Oct 18 (13) Oct 17 (15) Oct 16 (14) Oct 15 (10) Oct 14 (16) Oct 13 (12) Oct 12 (13) Oct 11 (8) Oct 10 (12) Oct 09 (21) Oct 08 (22) Oct 07 (19) Oct 06 (18) Oct 05 (6) Oct 04 (17) Oct 03 (13) Oct 02 (14) Oct 01 (13) Sep 30 (14) Sep 29 (15) Sep 28 (12) Sep 27 (11) Sep 26 (15) Sep 25 (13) Sep 24 (9) Sep 23 (10) Sep 22 (12) Sep 21 (8) Sep 20 (4) Sep 19 (12) Sep 18 (12) Sep 17 (16) Sep 16 (21) Sep 15 (14) Sep 14 (7) Sep 13 (5) Sep 12 (10) Sep 11 (16) Sep 10 (7) Sep 09 (8) Sep 08 (10) Sep 07 (7) Sep 06 (5) Sep 05 (8) Sep 04 (9) Sep 03 (8) Sep 02 (11) Sep 01 (10) Aug 31 (4) Aug 30 (6) Aug 29 (1) Aug 28 (10) Aug 27 (8) Aug 26 (8) Aug 25 (14) Aug 24 (4) Aug 23 (3) Aug 22 (5) Aug 21 (13) Aug 20 (9) Aug 19 (13) Aug 18 (3) Aug 17 (3) Aug 16 (3) Aug 15 (6) Aug 14 (8) Aug 13 (7) Aug 12 (12) Aug 11 (9) Aug 10 (8) Aug 09 (14) Aug 08 (6) Aug 07 (1) Aug 06 (4) Aug 05 (8) Aug 04 (6) Aug 03 (6) Aug 02 (2) Aug 01 (6) Jul 31 (6) Jul 30 (3) Jul 29 (6) Jul 28 (8) Jul 27 (7) Jul 25 (4) Jul 24 (6) Jul 23 (5) Jul 22 (3) Jul 21 (7) Jul 20 (5) Jul 18 (6) Jul 17 (5) Jul 16 (4) Jul 15 (9) Jul 14 (2) Jul 13 (8) Jul 12 (1) Jul 11 (5) Jul 10 (8) Jul 09 (3) Jul 08 (3) Jul 07 (13) Jul 05 (2) Jul 04 (5) Jul 03 (6) Jul 02 (6) Jul 01 (7) Jun 30 (7) Jun 29 (3) Jun 28 (1) Jun 27 (4) Jun 26 (7) Jun 25 (4) Jun 24 (6) Jun 23 (9) Jun 22 (4) Jun 21 (3) Jun 19 (4) Jun 18 (7) Jun 17 (7) Jun 16 (7) Jun 15 (11) Jun 12 (6) Jun 11 (3) Jun 10 (10) Jun 09 (3) Jun 08 (3) Jun 07 (4) Jun 06 (2) Jun 05 (9) Jun 04 (8) Jun 03 (9) Jun 02 (6) Jun 01 (4) May 30 (7) May 29 (9) May 28 (13) May 26 (8) May 25 (5) May 24 (2) May 23 (8) May 22 (9) May 21 (7) May 20 (4) May 19 (6) May 18 (7) May 17 (8) May 15 (9) May 14 (5) May 13 (8) May 12 (6) May 11 (6) May 09 (7) May 08 (6) May 07 (11) May 06 (7) May 05 (4) May 04 (11) May 03 (5) May 02 (4) May 01 (9) Apr 30 (6) Apr 29 (4) Apr 28 (9) Apr 27 (4) Apr 26 (3) Apr 25 (5) Apr 24 (3) Apr 23 (10) Apr 22 (8) Apr 21 (9) Apr 20 (3) Apr 19 (4) Apr 18 (8) Apr 17 (7) Apr 16 (4) Apr 15 (6) Apr 14 (8) Apr 13 (3) Apr 12 (6) Apr 10 (2) Apr 09 (4) Apr 08 (5) Apr 07 (5) Apr 06 (2) Apr 05 (2) Apr 04 (5) Apr 03 (7) Apr 02 (7) Apr 01 (12) Mar 31 (12) Mar 30 (3) Mar 29 (1) Mar 28 (2) Mar 27 (6) Mar 26 (2) Mar 25 (5) Mar 24 (4) Mar 23 (7) Mar 22 (4) Mar 21 (6) Mar 20 (9) Mar 19 (9) Mar 18 (8) Mar 17 (9) Mar 16 (7) Mar 15 (11) Mar 13 (5) Mar 12 (12) Mar 11 (9) Mar 10 (12) Mar 09 (4) Mar 08 (5) Mar 07 (5) Mar 06 (5) Mar 05 (5) Mar 04 (6) Mar 03 (11) Mar 02 (5) Mar 01 (8) Feb 27 (9) Feb 26 (9) Feb 25 (8) Feb 24 (6) Feb 23 (4) Feb 22 (3) Feb 21 (6) Feb 20 (3) Feb 19 (10) Feb 18 (9) Feb 17 (7) Feb 16 (5) Feb 15 (2) Feb 14 (8) Feb 13 (12) Feb 12 (8) Feb 11 (10) Feb 10 (7) Feb 09 (6) Feb 08 (3) Feb 07 (2) Feb 06 (7) Feb 05 (4) Feb 04 (11) Feb 03 (5) Feb 02 (7) Feb 01 (4) Jan 31 (5) Jan 30 (8) Jan 29 (12) Jan 28 (6) Jan 27 (8) Jan 26 (13) Jan 24 (8) Jan 23 (12) Jan 22 (8) Jan 21 (10) Jan 20 (8) Jan 19 (6) Jan 18 (9) Jan 17 (6) Jan 16 (4) Jan 15 (11) Jan 14 (4) Jan 13 (6) Jan 12 (7) Jan 11 (6) Jan 10 (2) Jan 09 (6) Jan 08 (5) Jan 07 (6) Jan 06 (4) Jan 05 (4) Jan 04 (3) Jan 03 (6) Jan 02 (2) Jan 01 (3) Dec 31 (6) Dec 30 (4) Dec 29 (6) Dec 28 (4) Dec 27 (4) Dec 26 (2) Dec 25 (3) Dec 24 (5) Dec 23 (7) Dec 22 (5) Dec 21 (4) Dec 20 (4) Dec 19 (5) Dec 18 (8) Dec 17 (5) Dec 16 (9) Dec 15 (7) Dec 14 (3) Dec 13 (10) Dec 12 (10) Dec 11 (9) Dec 10 (10) Dec 09 (11) Dec 08 (5) Dec 07 (5) Dec 06 (6) Dec 05 (9) Dec 04 (3) Dec 03 (8) Dec 02 (10) Dec 01 (6) Nov 30 (1) Nov 29 (3) Nov 28 (9) Nov 27 (3) Nov 26 (7) Nov 25 (12) Nov 24 (3) Nov 23 (8) Nov 22 (4) Nov 21 (3) Nov 20 (12) Nov 19 (6) Nov 18 (10) Nov 17 (12) Nov 16 (5) Nov 15 (5) Nov 14 (12) Nov 13 (3) Nov 12 (7) Nov 11 (8) Nov 10 (7) Nov 09 (6) Nov 08 (5) Nov 07 (5) Nov 06 (6) Nov 05 (12) Nov 04 (9) Nov 03 (6) Nov 02 (14) Nov 01 (3) Oct 31 (6) Oct 30 (7) Oct 29 (9) Oct 28 (9) Oct 27 (3) Oct 26 (6) Oct 25 (9) Oct 24 (8) Oct 23 (4) Oct 22 (3) Oct 21 (4) Oct 20 (2) Oct 19 (11) Oct 17 (6) Oct 16 (7) Oct 15 (7) Oct 14 (8) Oct 13 (5) Oct 12 (8) Oct 11 (6) Oct 10 (5) Oct 09 (11) Oct 08 (10) Oct 07 (8) Oct 06 (3) Oct 05 (7) Oct 04 (8) Oct 03 (3) Oct 02 (10) Oct 01 (3) Sep 30 (7) Sep 29 (6) Sep 28 (5) Sep 27 (8) Sep 26 (11) Sep 25 (11) Sep 24 (15) Sep 23 (8) Sep 22 (9) Sep 21 (4) Sep 20 (8) Sep 19 (9) Sep 18 (10) Sep 17 (10) Sep 16 (5) Sep 15 (5) Sep 14 (7) Sep 13 (5) Sep 12 (5) Sep 11 (8) Sep 10 (6) Sep 09 (7) Sep 08 (5) Sep 07 (2) Sep 06 (4) Sep 05 (7) Sep 04 (11) Sep 03 (7) Sep 02 (7) Sep 01 (2) Aug 31 (3) Aug 30 (1) Aug 29 (10) Aug 28 (5) Aug 27 (4) Aug 26 (10) Aug 25 (6) Aug 24 (9) Aug 22 (11) Aug 21 (8) Aug 20 (12) Aug 19 (8) Aug 18 (4) Aug 17 (4) Aug 16 (3) Aug 15 (6) Aug 14 (4) Aug 13 (7) Aug 12 (8) Aug 11 (7) Aug 10 (12) Aug 08 (5) Aug 07 (6) Aug 06 (6) Aug 05 (8) Aug 04 (5) Aug 03 (4) Aug 01 (7) Jul 31 (6) Jul 30 (12) Jul 29 (4) Jul 28 (5) Jul 27 (7) Jul 25 (7) Jul 24 (8) Jul 23 (8) Jul 22 (3) Jul 21 (8) Jul 20 (6) Jul 19 (3) Jul 18 (8) Jul 17 (2) Jul 16 (7) Jul 15 (6) Jul 14 (9) Jul 13 (10) Jul 11 (9) Jul 10 (8) Jul 09 (3) Jul 08 (7) Jul 07 (7) Jul 06 (7) Jul 05 (10) Jul 04 (4) Jul 03 (6) Jul 02 (6) Jul 01 (8) Jun 30 (5) Jun 29 (6) Jun 28 (1) Jun 27 (15) Jun 26 (10) Jun 25 (9) Jun 24 (16) Jun 23 (6) Jun 22 (12) Jun 20 (6) Jun 19 (8) Jun 18 (10) Jun 17 (6) Jun 16 (7) Jun 15 (5) Jun 14 (5) Jun 13 (13) Jun 12 (7) Jun 11 (14) Jun 10 (3) Jun 09 (2) Jun 08 (2) Jun 07 (7) Jun 06 (16) Jun 05 (7) Jun 04 (18) Jun 03 (12) Jun 02 (8) May 31 (3) May 30 (6) May 29 (6) May 28 (7) May 27 (4) May 26 (4) May 25 (6) May 23 (4) May 22 (8) May 21 (5) May 20 (6) May 19 (2) May 18 (9) May 17 (1) May 16 (5) May 15 (5) May 14 (7) May 13 (7) May 12 (7) May 11 (4) May 10 (4) May 09 (5) May 08 (10) May 07 (4) May 06 (13) May 05 (4) May 04 (10) May 02 (2) May 01 (5) Apr 30 (9) Apr 29 (6) Apr 28 (3) Apr 27 (4) Apr 26 (9) Apr 25 (9) Apr 24 (7) Apr 23 (11) Apr 22 (7) Apr 21 (3) Apr 20 (10) Apr 19 (6) Apr 18 (5) Apr 17 (6) Apr 16 (6) Apr 15 (7) Apr 14 (11) Apr 13 (4) Apr 12 (5) Apr 11 (9) Apr 10 (4) Apr 09 (6) Apr 08 (6) Apr 07 (3) Apr 06 (6) Apr 05 (10) Apr 03 (9) Apr 02 (9) Apr 01 (12) Mar 31 (4) Mar 30 (9) Mar 29 (10) Mar 28 (7) Mar 27 (8) Mar 26 (8) Mar 25 (15) Mar 24 (11) Mar 23 (8) Mar 22 (7) Mar 21 (14) Mar 20 (6) Mar 19 (11) Mar 18 (11) Mar 17 (12) Mar 16 (8) Mar 15 (8) Mar 14 (13) Mar 13 (8) Mar 12 (10) Mar 11 (8) Mar 10 (7) Mar 09 (3) Mar 08 (12) Mar 07 (15) Mar 06 (16) Mar 05 (9) Mar 04 (6) Mar 03 (12) Mar 02 (20) Feb 28 (11) Feb 27 (8) Feb 26 (11) Feb 25 (6) Feb 24 (14) Feb 23 (5) Feb 22 (6) Feb 21 (8) Feb 20 (11) Feb 19 (7) Feb 18 (4) Feb 17 (8) Feb 16 (11) Feb 15 (3) Feb 14 (10) Feb 13 (4) Feb 12 (10) Feb 11 (7) Feb 10 (7) Feb 09 (4) Feb 08 (6) Feb 07 (5) Feb 06 (4) Feb 05 (10) Feb 04 (5) Feb 03 (4) Feb 02 (4) Feb 01 (3) Jan 31 (3) Jan 30 (5) Jan 29 (2) Jan 28 (6) Jan 27 (3) Jan 26 (2) Jan 25 (5) Jan 24 (7) Jan 23 (4) Jan 22 (4) Jan 21 (5) Jan 20 (5) Jan 19 (6) Jan 18 (7) Jan 17 (6) Jan 16 (4) Jan 15 (3) Jan 14 (5) Jan 13 (4) Jan 12 (5) Jan 11 (3) Jan 10 (5) Jan 09 (6) Jan 08 (6) Jan 07 (3) Jan 06 (1) Jan 05 (4) Jan 04 (5) Jan 03 (3) Jan 02 (6) Jan 01 (2) Dec 31 (6) Dec 30 (1) Dec 29 (5) Dec 27 (1) Dec 26 (2) Dec 25 (4) Dec 24 (8) Dec 23 (2) Dec 22 (1) Dec 20 (3) Dec 19 (8) Dec 18 (3) Dec 17 (4) Dec 16 (3) Dec 15 (3) Dec 14 (3) Dec 13 (3) Dec 12 (4) Dec 11 (4) Dec 10 (7) Dec 09 (5) Dec 08 (2) Dec 07 (5) Dec 06 (6) Dec 05 (10) Dec 04 (9) Dec 03 (4) Dec 02 (2) Dec 01 (8) Nov 29 (5) Nov 28 (7) Nov 27 (5) Nov 26 (9) Nov 25 (3) Nov 24 (5) Nov 23 (6) Nov 22 (5) Nov 21 (12) Nov 20 (12) Nov 19 (10) Nov 18 (4) Nov 17 (3) Nov 16 (8) Nov 15 (7) Nov 14 (7) Nov 13 (6) Nov 12 (12) Nov 11 (6) Nov 10 (3) Nov 09 (4) Nov 08 (10) Nov 07 (5) Nov 06 (5) Nov 05 (9) Nov 04 (4) Nov 03 (4) Nov 02 (3) Nov 01 (3) Oct 31 (10) Oct 30 (4) Oct 29 (11) Oct 28 (3) Oct 27 (7) Oct 26 (7) Oct 25 (6) Oct 24 (7) Oct 23 (11) Oct 22 (2) Oct 21 (7) Oct 20 (4) Oct 19 (6) Oct 18 (7) Oct 17 (5) Oct 16 (8) Oct 15 (5) Oct 14 (5) Oct 13 (3) Oct 12 (7) Oct 11 (20) Oct 10 (2) Oct 09 (4) Oct 08 (21) Oct 07 (20) Oct 06 (34) Oct 04 (24) Oct 03 (21) Oct 02 (3) Oct 01 (7) Sep 30 (3) Sep 29 (5) Sep 28 (6) Sep 27 (5) Sep 26 (6) Sep 25 (5) Sep 24 (2) Sep 23 (8) Sep 22 (4) Sep 21 (3) Sep 20 (9) Sep 19 (11) Sep 18 (5) Sep 17 (7) Sep 16 (6) Sep 15 (3) Sep 14 (7) Sep 13 (8) Sep 12 (11) Sep 11 (7) Sep 10 (6) Sep 09 (5) Sep 08 (3) Sep 07 (6) Sep 06 (10) Sep 05 (7) Sep 04 (7) Sep 03 (5) Sep 02 (4) Sep 01 (8) Aug 31 (5) Aug 30 (7) Aug 29 (10) Aug 28 (7) Aug 27 (6) Aug 26 (6) Aug 25 (3) Aug 24 (8) Aug 23 (6) Aug 22 (6) Aug 21 (8) Aug 20 (8) Aug 19 (4) Aug 18 (2) Aug 17 (5) Aug 16 (7) Aug 15 (4) Aug 14 (3) Aug 13 (4) Aug 12 (6) Aug 11 (6) Aug 10 (4) Aug 09 (8) Aug 08 (6) Aug 07 (4) Aug 06 (6) Aug 05 (4) Aug 04 (12) Aug 03 (3) Aug 02 (4) Aug 01 (10) Jul 31 (3) Jul 30 (7) Jul 29 (3) Jul 28 (6) Jul 27 (4) Jul 26 (5) Jul 25 (4) Jul 24 (7) Jul 23 (10) Jul 22 (8) Jul 21 (5) Jul 20 (4) Jul 19 (7) Jul 18 (9) Jul 17 (10) Jul 16 (11) Jul 15 (5) Jul 13 (5) Jul 12 (9) Jul 11 (11) Jul 10 (12) Jul 09 (6) Jul 08 (5) Jul 07 (8) Jul 06 (9) Jul 05 (10) Jul 04 (8) Jul 03 (10) Jul 02 (12) Jul 01 (8) Jun 30 (5) Jun 29 (6) Jun 28 (23) Jun 27 (18) Jun 26 (12) Jun 25 (14) Jun 24 (15) Jun 23 (11) Jun 22 (11) Jun 21 (15) Jun 20 (9) Jun 19 (8) Jun 18 (11) Jun 17 (7) Jun 16 (6) Jun 15 (6) Jun 14 (6) Jun 13 (5) Jun 12 (6) Jun 11 (9) Jun 10 (10) Jun 09 (9) Jun 08 (6) Jun 07 (2) Jun 06 (6) Jun 05 (4) Jun 04 (3) Jun 03 (4) Jun 02 (3) Jun 01 (6) May 31 (3) May 30 (5) May 29 (8) May 28 (7) May 27 (2) May 26 (2) May 25 (8) May 24 (7) May 23 (6) May 22 (9) May 21 (6) May 20 (5) May 19 (6) May 18 (9) May 17 (10) May 16 (11) May 15 (5) May 14 (11) May 13 (6) May 12 (7) May 11 (7) May 10 (5) May 09 (3) May 08 (10) May 07 (8) May 06 (11) May 05 (5) May 04 (9) May 03 (3) May 02 (2) May 01 (5) Apr 30 (5) Apr 29 (8) Apr 28 (6) Apr 27 (4) Apr 26 (9) Apr 25 (11) Apr 24 (4) Apr 23 (11) Apr 22 (7) Apr 21 (5) Apr 20 (7) Apr 19 (10) Apr 18 (8) Apr 17 (10) Apr 16 (8) Apr 15 (4) Apr 14 (5) Apr 13 (7) Apr 12 (11) Apr 11 (6) Apr 10 (7) Apr 09 (6) Apr 08 (3) Apr 07 (3) Apr 06 (9) Apr 05 (10) Apr 04 (7) Apr 03 (2) Apr 02 (6) Apr 01 (4) Mar 31 (3) Mar 30 (4) Mar 29 (3) Mar 28 (5) Mar 27 (10) Mar 26 (5) Mar 25 (4) Mar 24 (5) Mar 23 (7) Mar 22 (6) Mar 21 (9) Mar 20 (5) Mar 19 (5) Mar 18 (9) Mar 17 (2) Mar 16 (8) Mar 15 (10) Mar 14 (9) Mar 13 (10) Mar 12 (10) Mar 11 (2) Mar 10 (1) Mar 09 (6) Mar 08 (4) Mar 07 (4) Mar 06 (3) Mar 05 (3) Mar 04 (7) Mar 03 (6) Mar 02 (8) Mar 01 (9) Feb 28 (6) Feb 27 (3) Feb 26 (8) Feb 25 (7) Feb 24 (3) Feb 23 (4) Feb 22 (4) Feb 21 (7) Feb 20 (4) Feb 19 (4) Feb 18 (2) Feb 17 (1) Feb 16 (6) Feb 15 (6) Feb 14 (5) Feb 13 (4) Feb 12 (7) Feb 11 (2) Feb 10 (2) Feb 09 (5) Feb 08 (5) Feb 07 (9) Feb 06 (4) Feb 05 (9) Feb 04 (3) Feb 03 (3) Feb 02 (10) Feb 01 (9) Jan 31 (5) Jan 30 (8) Jan 29 (5) Jan 28 (3) Jan 27 (4) Jan 26 (5) Jan 25 (6) Jan 24 (5) Jan 23 (4) Jan 22 (8) Jan 21 (3) Jan 20 (3) Jan 19 (7) Jan 18 (3) Jan 17 (6) Jan 16 (8) Jan 15 (7) Jan 14 (9) Jan 13 (1) Jan 12 (7) Jan 11 (1) Jan 10 (3) Jan 09 (3) Jan 08 (5) Jan 07 (4) Jan 06 (2) Jan 05 (3) Jan 04 (5) Jan 03 (4) Jan 02 (4) Jan 01 (4) Dec 31 (3) Dec 30 (4) Dec 29 (5) Dec 28 (8) Dec 27 (4) Dec 26 (4) Dec 25 (2) Dec 24 (4) Dec 23 (4) Dec 22 (7) Dec 21 (5) Dec 20 (3) Dec 19 (4) Dec 18 (6) Dec 17 (4) Dec 16 (5) Dec 15 (5) Dec 14 (8) Dec 13 (3) Dec 12 (6) Dec 11 (8) Dec 10 (5) Dec 09 (4) Dec 08 (4) Dec 07 (7) Dec 06 (7) Dec 05 (6) Dec 04 (6) Dec 03 (7) Dec 02 (1) Dec 01 (6) Nov 30 (2) Nov 29 (8) Nov 28 (16) Nov 27 (7) Nov 26 (5) Nov 25 (2) Nov 24 (6) Nov 23 (5) Nov 22 (5) Nov 21 (5) Nov 20 (15) Nov 19 (8) Nov 18 (2) Nov 17 (3) Nov 16 (5) Nov 15 (7) Nov 14 (6) Nov 13 (9) Nov 12 (7) Nov 11 (8) Nov 10 (3) Nov 09 (5) Nov 08 (8) Nov 07 (9) Nov 06 (9) Nov 05 (1) Nov 04 (4) Nov 03 (8) Nov 02 (6) Nov 01 (3) Oct 31 (6) Oct 30 (7) Oct 29 (3) Oct 28 (3) Oct 27 (4) Oct 26 (4) Oct 25 (8) Oct 24 (4) Oct 23 (1) Oct 22 (6) Oct 21 (1) Oct 20 (8) Oct 19 (6) Oct 18 (10) Oct 17 (6) Oct 16 (15) Oct 15 (4) Oct 14 (5) Oct 13 (3) Oct 12 (9) Oct 11 (7) Oct 10 (1) Oct 09 (5) Oct 08 (7) Oct 07 (3) Oct 06 (8) Oct 05 (5) Oct 04 (3) Oct 03 (7) Oct 02 (6) Oct 01 (6) Sep 30 (8) Sep 29 (6) Sep 28 (13) Sep 27 (10) Sep 26 (8) Sep 25 (8) Sep 24 (8) Sep 23 (3) Sep 22 (7) Sep 21 (9) Sep 20 (7) Sep 19 (8) Sep 18 (4) Sep 17 (3) Sep 16 (4) Sep 15 (8) Sep 14 (5) Sep 13 (7) Sep 12 (7) Sep 11 (9) Sep 10 (4) Sep 09 (10) Sep 08 (4) Sep 07 (12) Sep 06 (13) Sep 05 (15) Sep 04 (5) Sep 03 (4) Sep 02 (6) Sep 01 (9) Aug 31 (7) Aug 30 (6) Aug 29 (8) Aug 28 (11) Aug 27 (2) Aug 26 (6) Aug 25 (15) Aug 24 (6) Aug 23 (8) Aug 22 (5) Aug 21 (6) Aug 20 (7) Aug 19 (2) Aug 18 (5) Aug 17 (5) Aug 16 (11) Aug 15 (4) Aug 14 (6) Aug 13 (9) Aug 12 (4) Aug 11 (5) Aug 10 (6) Aug 09 (5) Aug 08 (7) Aug 07 (9) Aug 06 (4) Aug 05 (4) Aug 04 (4) Aug 03 (8) Aug 02 (9) Aug 01 (10) Jul 31 (11) Jul 30 (4) Jul 29 (3) Jul 28 (11) Jul 27 (4) Jul 26 (7) Jul 25 (7) Jul 24 (4) Jul 23 (8) Jul 22 (5) Jul 21 (4) Jul 20 (10) Jul 19 (6) Jul 18 (9) Jul 17 (6) Jul 16 (7) Jul 15 (6) Jul 14 (4) Jul 13 (7) Jul 12 (8) Jul 11 (6) Jul 10 (14) Jul 09 (6) Jul 08 (5) Jul 07 (4) Jul 06 (9) Jul 05 (8) Jul 04 (5) Jul 03 (8) Jul 02 (5) Jul 01 (5) Jun 30 (6) Jun 29 (3) Jun 28 (3) Jun 27 (4) Jun 26 (8) Jun 25 (3) Jun 24 (5) Jun 23 (14) Jun 22 (11) Jun 21 (5) Jun 20 (8) Jun 19 (7) Jun 18 (4) Jun 17 (3) Jun 16 (12) Jun 15 (12) Jun 14 (10) Jun 13 (10) Jun 12 (9) Jun 11 (6) Jun 10 (12) Jun 09 (4) Jun 08 (3) Jun 07 (12) Jun 06 (6) Jun 05 (7) Jun 04 (6) Jun 03 (3) Jun 02 (4) Jun 01 (8) May 31 (4) May 30 (3) May 29 (8) May 28 (7) May 27 (4) May 26 (3) May 25 (5) May 24 (9) May 23 (16) May 22 (12) May 21 (11) May 20 (7) May 19 (10) May 18 (8) May 17 (8) May 16 (10) May 15 (8) May 14 (5) May 13 (1) May 12 (6) May 11 (9) May 10 (9) May 09 (10) May 08 (9) May 07 (6) May 06 (5) May 05 (7) May 04 (10) May 03 (7) May 02 (9) May 01 (10) Apr 30 (4) Apr 29 (9) Apr 28 (12) Apr 27 (9) Apr 26 (4) Apr 25 (5) Apr 24 (9) Apr 23 (4) Apr 22 (7) Apr 21 (8) Apr 20 (9) Apr 19 (6) Apr 18 (4) Apr 17 (2) Apr 16 (4) Apr 15 (10) Apr 14 (7) Apr 13 (5) Apr 12 (7) Apr 11 (7) Apr 10 (7) Apr 09 (6) Apr 08 (7) Apr 07 (10) Apr 06 (8) Apr 05 (8) Apr 04 (9) Apr 03 (6) Apr 02 (4) Apr 01 (4) Mar 31 (11) Mar 30 (12) Mar 29 (16) Mar 28 (8) Mar 27 (10) Mar 26 (12) Mar 25 (6) Mar 24 (9) Mar 23 (3) Mar 22 (12) Mar 21 (12) Mar 20 (14) Mar 19 (8) Mar 18 (7) Mar 17 (8) Mar 16 (4) Mar 15 (10) Mar 14 (9) Mar 13 (9) Mar 12 (6) Mar 11 (5) Mar 10 (13) Mar 09 (8) Mar 08 (10) Mar 07 (12) Mar 06 (6) Mar 05 (4) Mar 04 (2) Mar 03 (3) Mar 02 (12) Mar 01 (8) Feb 29 (11) Feb 28 (5) Feb 27 (3) Feb 26 (13) Feb 25 (10) Feb 24 (13) Feb 23 (10) Feb 22 (9) Feb 21 (18) Feb 20 (6) Feb 19 (7) Feb 18 (9) Feb 17 (5) Feb 16 (9) Feb 15 (7) Feb 14 (6) Feb 13 (5) Feb 12 (6) Feb 11 (4) Feb 10 (8) Feb 09 (5) Feb 08 (8) Feb 07 (10) Feb 06 (7) Feb 05 (7) Feb 04 (5) Feb 03 (11) Feb 02 (4) Feb 01 (3) Jan 31 (12) Jan 30 (7) Jan 29 (7) Jan 28 (7) Jan 27 (12) Jan 26 (7) Jan 25 (11) Jan 24 (4) Jan 23 (6) Jan 22 (8) Jan 21 (12) Jan 20 (11) Jan 19 (6) Jan 18 (6) Jan 17 (11) Jan 16 (9) Jan 15 (4) Jan 14 (3) Jan 13 (6) Jan 12 (9) Jan 11 (9) Jan 10 (10) Jan 09 (5) Jan 08 (10) Jan 07 (5) Jan 06 (6) Jan 05 (8) Jan 04 (5) Jan 03 (8) Jan 02 (7) Jan 01 (7) Dec 31 (10) Dec 30 (11) Dec 29 (6) Dec 28 (5) Dec 27 (10) Dec 26 (4) Dec 25 (5) Dec 24 (7) Dec 23 (2) Dec 22 (9) Dec 21 (8) Dec 20 (8) Dec 19 (5) Dec 18 (1) Dec 17 (5) Dec 16 (6) Dec 15 (5) Dec 14 (13) Dec 13 (8) Dec 12 (7) Dec 11 (9) Dec 10 (12) Dec 09 (7) Dec 08 (11) Dec 07 (9) Dec 06 (11) Dec 05 (10) Dec 04 (6) Dec 03 (8) Dec 02 (6) Dec 01 (14) Nov 30 (7) Nov 29 (8) Nov 28 (8) Nov 27 (6) Nov 26 (9) Nov 25 (10) Nov 24 (12) Nov 23 (10) Nov 22 (10) Nov 21 (10) Nov 20 (4) Nov 19 (4) Nov 18 (8) Nov 17 (9) Nov 16 (9) Nov 15 (12) Nov 14 (6) Nov 13 (9) Nov 12 (3) Nov 11 (9) Nov 10 (10) Nov 09 (10) Nov 08 (7) Nov 07 (8) Nov 06 (10) Nov 05 (8) Nov 04 (7) Nov 03 (10) Nov 02 (11) Nov 01 (10) Oct 31 (5) Oct 30 (8) Oct 29 (8) Oct 28 (8) Oct 27 (11) Oct 26 (6) Oct 25 (9) Oct 24 (10) Oct 23 (5) Oct 22 (14) Oct 21 (10) Oct 20 (8) Oct 19 (11) Oct 18 (13) Oct 17 (7) Oct 16 (6) Oct 15 (9) Oct 14 (7) Oct 13 (12) Oct 12 (13) Oct 11 (9) Oct 10 (8) Oct 09 (9) Oct 08 (7) Oct 07 (12) Oct 06 (8) Oct 05 (13) Oct 04 (11) Oct 03 (7) Oct 02 (5) Oct 01 (14) Sep 30 (12) Sep 29 (12) Sep 28 (11) Sep 27 (11) Sep 26 (7) Sep 25 (10) Sep 24 (3) Sep 23 (7) Sep 22 (8) Sep 21 (8) Sep 20 (8) Sep 19 (7) Sep 18 (5) Sep 17 (14) Sep 16 (7) Sep 15 (11) Sep 14 (13) Sep 13 (11) Sep 12 (9) Sep 11 (5) Sep 10 (4) Sep 09 (13) Sep 08 (11) Sep 07 (11) Sep 06 (16) Sep 05 (1) Sep 04 (10) Sep 03 (8) Sep 02 (8) Sep 01 (7) Aug 31 (1) Aug 30 (6) Aug 29 (2) Aug 28 (3) Aug 27 (6) Aug 26 (8) Aug 25 (5) Aug 24 (5) Aug 23 (6) Aug 22 (7) Aug 21 (6) Aug 20 (4) Aug 19 (9) Aug 18 (7) Aug 17 (7) Aug 16 (10) Aug 15 (2) Aug 14 (5) Aug 13 (5) Aug 12 (10) Aug 11 (5) Aug 10 (4) Aug 09 (8) Aug 08 (3) Aug 07 (5) Aug 06 (12) Aug 05 (5) Aug 04 (7) Aug 03 (6) Aug 02 (7) Aug 01 (14) Jul 31 (7) Jul 30 (7) Jul 29 (13) Jul 28 (10) Jul 27 (6) Jul 26 (7) Jul 25 (7) Jul 24 (4) Jul 23 (12) Jul 22 (14) Jul 21 (6) Jul 20 (9) Jul 19 (12) Jul 18 (9) Jul 17 (4) Jul 16 (6) Jul 15 (8) Jul 14 (15) Jul 13 (8) Jul 12 (10) Jul 11 (6) Jul 10 (6) Jul 09 (6) Jul 08 (6) Jul 07 (9) Jul 06 (15) Jul 05 (6) Jul 04 (10) Jul 03 (6) Jul 02 (6) Jul 01 (11) Jun 30 (7) Jun 29 (4) Jun 28 (8) Jun 27 (8) Jun 26 (5) Jun 25 (11) Jun 24 (9) Jun 23 (10) Jun 22 (8) Jun 21 (8) Jun 20 (6) Jun 19 (5) Jun 18 (15) Jun 17 (8) Jun 16 (13) Jun 15 (15) Jun 14 (11) Jun 13 (6) Jun 12 (15) Jun 11 (7) Jun 10 (7) Jun 09 (18) Jun 08 (20) Jun 07 (17) Jun 06 (9) Jun 05 (9) Jun 04 (12) Jun 03 (13) Jun 02 (14) Jun 01 (8) May 31 (13) May 30 (8) May 29 (6) May 28 (8) May 27 (17) May 26 (8) May 25 (13) May 24 (12) May 23 (9) May 22 (4) May 21 (4) May 20 (11) May 19 (14) May 18 (6) May 17 (10) May 16 (4) May 15 (5) May 14 (28) May 12 (9) May 11 (17) May 10 (15) May 09 (12) May 08 (5) May 07 (4) May 06 (10) May 05 (8) May 04 (10) May 03 (5) May 02 (6) May 01 (8) Apr 30 (8) Apr 29 (12) Apr 28 (6) Apr 27 (11) Apr 26 (12) Apr 25 (6) Apr 24 (3) Apr 23 (5) Apr 22 (10) Apr 21 (19) Apr 20 (13) Apr 19 (11) Apr 18 (11) Apr 17 (5) Apr 16 (12) Apr 15 (11) Apr 14 (17) Apr 13 (6) Apr 12 (16) Apr 11 (10) Apr 10 (1) Apr 09 (18) Apr 08 (14) Apr 07 (6) Apr 06 (10) Apr 05 (21) Apr 04 (12) Apr 03 (4) Apr 02 (13) Apr 01 (8) Mar 31 (10) Mar 30 (11) Mar 29 (10) Mar 28 (8) Mar 27 (6) Mar 26 (12) Mar 25 (15) Mar 24 (10) Mar 23 (12) Mar 22 (12) Mar 21 (8) Mar 20 (4) Mar 19 (11) Mar 18 (7) Mar 17 (7) Mar 16 (9) Mar 15 (10) Mar 14 (4) Mar 13 (2) Mar 12 (14) Mar 11 (13) Mar 10 (7) Mar 09 (9) Mar 08 (17) Mar 07 (5) Mar 06 (7) Mar 05 (13) Mar 04 (10) Mar 03 (14) Mar 02 (12) Mar 01 (18) Feb 28 (8) Feb 27 (2) Feb 26 (9) Feb 25 (13) Feb 24 (17) Feb 23 (13) Feb 22 (12) Feb 21 (11) Feb 20 (11) Feb 19 (16) Feb 18 (17) Feb 17 (15) Feb 16 (15) Feb 15 (15) Feb 14 (10) Feb 13 (8) Feb 12 (10) Feb 11 (15) Feb 10 (11) Feb 09 (13) Feb 08 (10) Feb 07 (9) Feb 06 (6) Feb 05 (15) Feb 04 (15) Feb 03 (11) Feb 02 (14) Feb 01 (15) Jan 31 (11) Jan 30 (9) Jan 29 (19) Jan 28 (9) Jan 27 (9) Jan 26 (16) Jan 25 (19) Jan 24 (17) Jan 23 (8) Jan 22 (15) Jan 21 (9) Jan 20 (11) Jan 19 (7) Jan 18 (9) Jan 17 (6) Jan 16 (7) Jan 15 (12) Jan 14 (9) Jan 13 (14) Jan 12 (11) Jan 11 (13) Jan 10 (8) Jan 09 (8) Jan 08 (20) Jan 07 (11) Jan 06 (11) Jan 05 (8) Jan 04 (14) Jan 03 (6) Jan 02 (7) Jan 01 (7) Dec 31 (14) Dec 30 (15) Dec 29 (7) Dec 28 (10) Dec 27 (4) Dec 26 (3) Dec 25 (11) Dec 24 (9) Dec 23 (9) Dec 22 (15) Dec 21 (12) Dec 20 (11) Dec 19 (4) Dec 18 (16) Dec 17 (6) Dec 16 (12) Dec 15 (14) Dec 14 (11) Dec 13 (10) Dec 12 (6) Dec 11 (10) Dec 10 (17) Dec 09 (11) Dec 08 (12) Dec 07 (16) Dec 06 (11) Dec 05 (5) Dec 04 (12) Dec 03 (15) Dec 02 (15) Dec 01 (12) Nov 30 (16) Nov 29 (7) Nov 28 (11) Nov 27 (13) Nov 26 (13) Nov 25 (16) Nov 24 (15) Nov 23 (10) Nov 22 (10) Nov 21 (4) Nov 20 (8) Nov 19 (9) Nov 18 (16) Nov 17 (11) Nov 16 (11) Nov 15 (10) Nov 14 (9) Nov 13 (6) Nov 12 (10) Nov 11 (12) Nov 10 (15) Nov 09 (9) Nov 08 (10) Nov 07 (6) Nov 06 (7) Nov 05 (12) Nov 04 (14) Nov 03 (10) Nov 02 (13) Nov 01 (9) Oct 31 (9) Oct 30 (11) Oct 29 (18) Oct 28 (13) Oct 27 (23) Oct 26 (12) Oct 25 (14) Oct 24 (20) Oct 22 (18) Oct 21 (18) Oct 20 (19) Oct 19 (12) Oct 18 (11) Oct 17 (5) Oct 16 (18) Oct 15 (8) Oct 14 (11) Oct 13 (9) Oct 12 (13) Oct 11 (6) Oct 10 (7) Oct 09 (27) Oct 08 (14) Oct 07 (10) Oct 06 (9) Oct 05 (7) Oct 04 (10) Oct 03 (6) Oct 02 (9) Oct 01 (13) Sep 30 (12) Sep 29 (13) Sep 28 (8) Sep 27 (9) Sep 26 (8) Sep 25 (14) Sep 24 (4) Sep 23 (14) Sep 22 (20) Sep 21 (11) Sep 20 (6) Sep 19 (9) Sep 18 (14) Sep 17 (8) Sep 16 (17) Sep 15 (6) Sep 14 (11) Sep 13 (9) Sep 12 (4) Sep 11 (7) Sep 10 (14) Sep 09 (12) Sep 08 (17) Sep 07 (12) Sep 06 (13) Sep 05 (9) Sep 04 (20) Sep 03 (16) Sep 02 (16) Sep 01 (10) Aug 31 (13) Aug 30 (4) Aug 29 (9) Aug 28 (6) Aug 27 (8) Aug 26 (11) Aug 25 (10) Aug 24 (14) Aug 23 (12) Aug 22 (13) Aug 21 (10) Aug 20 (13) Aug 19 (15) Aug 18 (8) Aug 17 (10) Aug 16 (8) Aug 15 (3) Aug 14 (11) Aug 13 (12) Aug 12 (15) Aug 11 (10) Aug 10 (17) Aug 09 (6) Aug 08 (13) Aug 07 (11) Aug 06 (13) Aug 05 (11) Aug 04 (11) Aug 03 (10) Aug 02 (7) Aug 01 (6) Jul 31 (10) Jul 30 (21) Jul 29 (14) Jul 28 (13) Jul 27 (16) Jul 26 (10) Jul 25 (15) Jul 24 (17) Jul 23 (15) Jul 22 (15) Jul 21 (19) Jul 20 (17) Jul 19 (9) Jul 18 (7) Jul 17 (26) Jul 16 (18) Jul 15 (20) Jul 14 (16) Jul 13 (19) Jul 12 (11) Jul 11 (5) Jul 10 (13) Jul 09 (11) Jul 08 (8) Jul 07 (12) Jul 06 (16) Jul 05 (9) Jul 04 (5) Jul 03 (15) Jul 02 (11) Jul 01 (14) Jun 30 (13) Jun 29 (19) Jun 28 (8) Jun 27 (9) Jun 26 (16) Jun 25 (22) Jun 24 (17) Jun 23 (11) Jun 22 (15) Jun 21 (14) Jun 20 (8) Jun 19 (17) Jun 18 (10) Jun 17 (10) Jun 16 (17) Jun 15 (13) Jun 14 (14) Jun 13 (4) Jun 12 (13) Jun 11 (15) Jun 10 (25) Jun 09 (10) Jun 08 (23) Jun 07 (14) Jun 06 (20) Jun 05 (10) Jun 04 (11) Jun 03 (12) Jun 02 (21) Jun 01 (14) May 31 (10) May 30 (14) May 29 (8) May 28 (23) May 27 (20) May 26 (16) May 25 (13) May 24 (12) May 23 (10) May 22 (18) May 21 (14) May 20 (12) May 19 (18) May 18 (14) May 17 (13) May 16 (4) May 15 (7) May 14 (16) May 13 (13) May 12 (8) May 11 (18) May 10 (8) May 09 (7) May 08 (13) May 07 (11) May 06 (15) May 05 (18) May 04 (17) May 03 (7) May 02 (5) May 01 (11) Apr 30 (19) Apr 29 (21) Apr 28 (18) Apr 27 (16) Apr 26 (8) Apr 25 (11) Apr 24 (9) Apr 23 (20) Apr 22 (23) Apr 21 (5) Apr 20 (16) Apr 19 (13) Apr 18 (6) Apr 17 (6) Apr 16 (16) Apr 15 (18) Apr 14 (13) Apr 13 (14) Apr 12 (9) Apr 11 (3) Apr 10 (16) Apr 09 (14) Apr 08 (12) Apr 07 (18) Apr 06 (7) Apr 05 (11) Apr 04 (9) Apr 03 (19) Apr 02 (17) Apr 01 (16) Mar 31 (16) Mar 30 (22) Mar 29 (16) Mar 28 (16) Mar 27 (19) Mar 26 (31) Mar 25 (25) Mar 24 (26) Mar 23 (27) Mar 22 (22) Mar 21 (22) Mar 20 (13) Mar 19 (21) Mar 18 (20) Mar 17 (24) Mar 16 (18) Mar 15 (9) Mar 14 (9) Mar 13 (29) Mar 12 (15) Mar 11 (11) Mar 10 (11) Mar 09 (20) Mar 08 (12) Mar 07 (6) Mar 06 (21) Mar 05 (22) Mar 04 (19) Mar 03 (9) Mar 02 (20) Mar 01 (11) Feb 28 (11) Feb 27 (27) Feb 26 (15) Feb 25 (18) Feb 24 (17) Feb 23 (19) Feb 22 (24) Feb 21 (10) Feb 20 (14) Feb 19 (25) Feb 18 (16) Feb 17 (19) Feb 16 (23) Feb 15 (8) Feb 14 (11) Feb 13 (25) Feb 12 (16) Feb 11 (12) Feb 10 (18) Feb 09 (12) Feb 08 (14) Feb 07 (8) Feb 06 (27) Feb 05 (28) Feb 04 (24) Feb 03 (17) Feb 02 (20) Feb 01 (23) Jan 31 (16) Jan 30 (20) Jan 29 (26) Jan 28 (17) Jan 27 (21) Jan 26 (24) Jan 25 (16) Jan 24 (14) Jan 23 (16) Jan 22 (17) Jan 21 (19) Jan 20 (21) Jan 19 (17) Jan 18 (13) Jan 17 (14) Jan 16 (10) Jan 15 (21) Jan 14 (16) Jan 13 (19) Jan 12 (30) Jan 11 (14) Jan 10 (11) Jan 09 (8) Jan 08 (23) Jan 07 (13) Jan 06 (21) Jan 05 (15) Jan 04 (18) Jan 03 (9) Jan 02 (12) Jan 01 (15) Dec 31 (18) Dec 30 (7) Dec 29 (13) Dec 28 (11) Dec 27 (8) Dec 26 (6) Dec 25 (8) Dec 24 (28) Dec 23 (12) Dec 22 (12) Dec 21 (17) Dec 20 (19) Dec 19 (19) Dec 18 (22) Dec 17 (24) Dec 16 (17) Dec 15 (29) Dec 14 (22) Dec 13 (12) Dec 12 (22) Dec 11 (24) Dec 10 (25) Dec 09 (18) Dec 08 (15) Dec 07 (21) Dec 06 (24) Dec 05 (30) Dec 04 (28) Dec 03 (26) Dec 02 (22) Dec 01 (33) Nov 30 (23) Nov 29 (9) Nov 28 (18) Nov 27 (25) Nov 26 (17) Nov 25 (23) Nov 24 (27) Nov 23 (12) Nov 22 (10) Nov 21 (15) Nov 20 (23) Nov 19 (23) Nov 18 (24) Nov 17 (21) Nov 16 (20) Nov 15 (13) Nov 14 (15) Nov 13 (27) Nov 12 (23) Nov 11 (19) Nov 10 (21) Nov 09 (13) Nov 08 (16) Nov 07 (16) Nov 06 (32) Nov 05 (24) Nov 04 (20) Nov 03 (29) Nov 02 (12) Nov 01 (15) Oct 31 (20) Oct 30 (22) Oct 29 (27) Oct 28 (20) Oct 27 (23) Oct 26 (21) Oct 25 (15) Oct 24 (23) Oct 23 (26) Oct 22 (27) Oct 21 (28) Oct 20 (24) Oct 19 (13) Oct 18 (9) Oct 17 (30) Oct 16 (8) Oct 15 (20) Oct 14 (14) Oct 13 (17) Oct 12 (16) Oct 11 (8) Oct 10 (19) Oct 09 (22) Oct 08 (16) Oct 07 (18) Oct 06 (23) Oct 05 (7) Oct 04 (15) Oct 03 (21) Oct 02 (17) Oct 01 (22) Sep 30 (25) Sep 29 (20) Sep 28 (17) Sep 27 (13) Sep 26 (20) Sep 25 (15) Sep 24 (24) Sep 23 (23) Sep 22 (18) Sep 21 (20) Sep 20 (11) Sep 19 (24) Sep 18 (25) Sep 17 (25) Sep 16 (19) Sep 15 (21) Sep 14 (15) Sep 13 (10) Sep 12 (23) Sep 11 (23) Sep 10 (25) Sep 09 (25) Sep 08 (17) Sep 07 (3) Sep 06 (17) Sep 05 (14) Sep 04 (24) Sep 03 (16) Sep 02 (11) Sep 01 (19) Aug 31 (20) Aug 30 (11) Aug 29 (24) Aug 28 (24) Aug 27 (16) Aug 26 (26) Aug 25 (21) Aug 24 (15) Aug 23 (19) Aug 22 (15) Aug 21 (25) Aug 20 (27) Aug 19 (19) Aug 18 (24) Aug 17 (14) Aug 16 (10) Aug 15 (15) Aug 14 (16) Aug 13 (21) Aug 12 (30) Aug 11 (19) Aug 10 (8) Aug 09 (12) Aug 08 (17) Aug 07 (21) Aug 06 (26) Aug 05 (23) Aug 04 (21) Aug 03 (12) Aug 02 (7) Aug 01 (19) Jul 31 (21) Jul 30 (25) Jul 29 (29) Jul 28 (23) Jul 27 (17) Jul 26 (11) Jul 25 (21) Jul 24 (14) Jul 23 (15) Jul 22 (19) Jul 21 (15) Jul 20 (9) Jul 19 (10) Jul 18 (15) Jul 17 (22) Jul 16 (18) Jul 15 (21) Jul 14 (20) Jul 13 (7) Jul 12 (9) Jul 11 (29) Jul 10 (19) Jul 09 (17) Jul 08 (26) Jul 07 (21) Jul 06 (18) Jul 05 (14) Jul 04 (20) Jul 03 (17) Jul 02 (24) Jul 01 (23) Jun 30 (23) Jun 29 (18) Jun 28 (16) Jun 27 (16) Jun 26 (17) Jun 25 (23) Jun 24 (32) Jun 23 (29) Jun 22 (8) Jun 21 (17) Jun 20 (25) Jun 19 (28) Jun 18 (19) Jun 17 (25) Jun 16 (23) Jun 15 (9) Jun 14 (11) Jun 13 (14) Jun 12 (22) Jun 11 (19) Jun 10 (17) Jun 09 (15) Jun 08 (16) Jun 07 (7) Jun 06 (29) Jun 05 (27) Jun 04 (24) Jun 03 (22) Jun 02 (22) Jun 01 (13) May 31 (9) May 30 (26) May 29 (19) May 28 (15) May 27 (15) May 26 (23) May 25 (13) May 24 (12) May 23 (24) May 22 (13) May 21 (21) May 20 (18) May 19 (16) May 18 (7) May 17 (12) May 16 (25) May 15 (24) May 14 (23) May 13 (19) May 12 (17) May 11 (8) May 10 (6) May 09 (14) May 08 (21) May 07 (26) May 06 (14) May 05 (14) May 04 (3) May 03 (3) May 02 (24) May 01 (13) Apr 30 (15) Apr 29 (24) Apr 28 (24) Apr 27 (11) Apr 26 (8) Apr 25 (13) Apr 24 (27) Apr 23 (15) Apr 22 (21) Apr 21 (19) Apr 20 (17) Apr 19 (8) Apr 18 (20) Apr 17 (27) Apr 16 (27) Apr 15 (21) Apr 14 (8) Apr 13 (8) Apr 12 (7) Apr 11 (7) Apr 10 (22) Apr 09 (15) Apr 08 (15) Apr 07 (17) Apr 06 (14) Apr 05 (5) Apr 04 (12) Apr 03 (19) Apr 02 (17) Apr 01 (19) Mar 31 (25) Mar 30 (13) Mar 29 (9) Mar 28 (16) Mar 27 (23) Mar 26 (22) Mar 25 (17) Mar 24 (25) Mar 23 (16) Mar 22 (13) Mar 21 (24) Mar 20 (27) Mar 19 (20) Mar 18 (24) Mar 17 (17) Mar 16 (11) Mar 15 (6) Mar 14 (20) Mar 13 (28) Mar 12 (30) Mar 11 (20) Mar 10 (21) Mar 09 (12) Mar 08 (8) Mar 07 (17) Mar 06 (20) Mar 05 (19) Mar 04 (15) Mar 03 (17) Mar 02 (8) Mar 01 (12) Feb 28 (16) Feb 27 (17) Feb 26 (8) Feb 25 (23) Feb 24 (15) Feb 23 (8) Feb 22 (10) Feb 21 (24) Feb 20 (14) Feb 19 (24) Feb 18 (19) Feb 17 (27) Feb 16 (13) Feb 15 (11) Feb 14 (15) Feb 13 (13) Feb 12 (13) Feb 11 (21) Feb 10 (16) Feb 09 (15) Feb 08 (10) Feb 07 (17) Feb 06 (21) Feb 05 (17) Feb 04 (14) Feb 03 (23) Feb 02 (5) Feb 01 (8) Jan 31 (17) Jan 30 (22) Jan 29 (23) Jan 28 (10) Jan 27 (24) Jan 26 (12) Jan 25 (9) Jan 24 (12) Jan 23 (19) Jan 22 (19) Jan 21 (14) Jan 20 (21) Jan 19 (12) Jan 18 (8) Jan 17 (20) Jan 16 (14) Jan 15 (23) Jan 14 (8) Jan 13 (20) Jan 12 (9) Jan 11 (7) Jan 10 (18) Jan 09 (11) Jan 08 (18) Jan 07 (13) Jan 06 (12) Jan 05 (12) Jan 04 (11) Jan 03 (10) Jan 02 (9) Jan 01 (9) Dec 31 (12) Dec 30 (11) Dec 29 (6) Dec 28 (9) Dec 27 (13) Dec 26 (15) Dec 25 (8) Dec 24 (6) Dec 23 (8) Dec 22 (5) Dec 21 (6) Dec 20 (14) Dec 19 (17) Dec 18 (14) Dec 17 (14) Dec 16 (13) Dec 15 (9) Dec 14 (9) Dec 13 (11) Dec 12 (16) Dec 11 (18) Dec 10 (4) Dec 09 (24) Dec 08 (11) Dec 07 (19) Dec 06 (6) Dec 05 (26) Dec 04 (15) Dec 03 (20) Dec 02 (17) Dec 01 (11) Nov 30 (10) Nov 29 (18) Nov 28 (21) Nov 27 (10) Nov 26 (22) Nov 25 (16) Nov 24 (12) Nov 23 (8) Nov 22 (18) Nov 21 (9) Nov 20 (17) Nov 19 (16) Nov 18 (16) Nov 17 (5) Nov 16 (9) Nov 15 (21) Nov 14 (17) Nov 13 (20) Nov 12 (16) Nov 11 (13) Nov 10 (9) Nov 09 (10) Nov 08 (16) Nov 07 (15) Nov 06 (18) Nov 05 (19) Nov 04 (16) Nov 03 (11) Nov 02 (5) Nov 01 (17) Oct 31 (17) Oct 30 (21) Oct 29 (9) Oct 28 (16) Oct 27 (6) Oct 26 (6) Oct 25 (16) Oct 24 (18) Oct 23 (14) Oct 22 (17) Oct 21 (10) Oct 20 (6) Oct 19 (8) Oct 18 (11) Oct 17 (12) Oct 16 (14) Oct 15 (19) Oct 14 (15) Oct 13 (11) Oct 12 (9) Oct 11 (10) Oct 10 (23) Oct 09 (13) Oct 08 (15) Oct 07 (20) Oct 06 (13) Oct 05 (4) Oct 04 (16) Oct 03 (17) Oct 02 (17) Oct 01 (20) Sep 30 (17) Sep 29 (9) Sep 28 (8) Sep 27 (14) Sep 26 (20) Sep 25 (19) Sep 24 (13) Sep 23 (11) Sep 22 (9) Sep 21 (5) Sep 20 (8) Sep 19 (21) Sep 18 (12) Sep 17 (20) Sep 16 (16) Sep 15 (10) Sep 14 (6) Sep 13 (18) Sep 12 (14) Sep 11 (24) Sep 10 (17) Sep 09 (16) Sep 08 (16) Sep 07 (10) Sep 06 (20) Sep 05 (13) Sep 04 (23) Sep 03 (14) Sep 02 (12) Sep 01 (11) Aug 31 (11) Aug 30 (13) Aug 29 (18) Aug 28 (14) Aug 27 (21) Aug 26 (10) Aug 25 (8) Aug 24 (10) Aug 23 (17) Aug 22 (15) Aug 21 (14) Aug 20 (20) Aug 19 (20) Aug 18 (7) Aug 17 (9) Aug 16 (11) Aug 15 (12) Aug 14 (14) Aug 13 (19) Aug 12 (14) Aug 11 (6) Aug 10 (12) Aug 09 (7) Aug 08 (18) Aug 07 (16) Aug 06 (16) Aug 05 (20) Aug 04 (12) Aug 03 (8) Aug 02 (12) Aug 01 (14) Jul 31 (16) Jul 30 (16) Jul 29 (11) Jul 28 (8) Jul 27 (9) Jul 26 (17) Jul 25 (20) Jul 24 (17) Jul 23 (11) Jul 22 (18) Jul 21 (7) Jul 20 (10) Jul 19 (14) Jul 18 (11) Jul 17 (15) Jul 16 (12) Jul 15 (10) Jul 14 (8) Jul 13 (8) Jul 12 (17) Jul 11 (18) Jul 10 (16) Jul 09 (13) Jul 08 (10) Jul 07 (12) Jul 06 (8) Jul 05 (16) Jul 04 (14) Jul 03 (17) Jul 02 (13) Jul 01 (16) Jun 30 (19) Jun 29 (7) Jun 28 (19) Jun 27 (21) Jun 26 (27) Jun 25 (23) Jun 24 (23) Jun 23 (12) Jun 22 (9) Jun 21 (18) Jun 20 (15) Jun 19 (24) Jun 18 (21) Jun 17 (13) Jun 16 (9) Jun 15 (9) Jun 14 (18) Jun 13 (24) Jun 12 (18) Jun 11 (23) Jun 10 (25) Jun 09 (24) Jun 08 (27) Jun 07 (5) Jun 06 (25) Jun 05 (30) Jun 04 (23) Jun 03 (22) Jun 02 (16) Jun 01 (17) May 31 (18) May 30 (19) May 29 (17) May 28 (23) May 27 (15) May 26 (10) May 25 (19) May 24 (16) May 23 (16) May 22 (27) May 21 (20) May 20 (26) May 19 (6) May 18 (8) May 17 (20) May 16 (8) May 15 (18) May 14 (5) May 13 (21) May 12 (9) May 11 (8) May 10 (12) May 09 (18) May 08 (11) May 07 (27) May 06 (12) May 05 (16) May 04 (19) May 03 (14) May 02 (18) May 01 (18) Apr 30 (25) Apr 29 (27) Apr 28 (11) Apr 27 (10) Apr 26 (18) Apr 25 (10) Apr 24 (29) Apr 23 (29) Apr 22 (14) Apr 21 (15) Apr 20 (20) Apr 19 (22) Apr 18 (16) Apr 17 (32) Apr 16 (12) Apr 15 (21) Apr 14 (21) Apr 13 (15) Apr 12 (13) Apr 11 (14) Apr 10 (16) Apr 09 (20) Apr 08 (36) Apr 07 (22) Apr 06 (11) Apr 05 (28) Apr 04 (20) Apr 03 (29) Apr 02 (32) Apr 01 (18) Mar 31 (12) Mar 30 (9) Mar 29 (15) Mar 28 (22) Mar 27 (24) Mar 26 (17) Mar 25 (17) Mar 24 (13) Mar 23 (5) Mar 22 (12) Mar 21 (15) Mar 20 (18) Mar 19 (19) Mar 18 (16) Mar 17 (10) Mar 16 (6) Mar 15 (18) Mar 14 (24) Mar 13 (18) Mar 12 (18) Mar 11 (17) Mar 10 (13) Mar 09 (12) Mar 08 (18) Mar 07 (25) Mar 06 (16) Mar 05 (16) Mar 04 (22) Mar 03 (17) Mar 02 (6) Mar 01 (23) Feb 29 (19) Feb 28 (25) Feb 27 (26) Feb 26 (23) Feb 25 (12) Feb 24 (13) Feb 23 (15) Feb 22 (26) Feb 21 (31) Feb 20 (12) Feb 19 (21) Feb 18 (15) Feb 17 (10) Feb 16 (15) Feb 15 (19) Feb 14 (15) Feb 13 (25) Feb 12 (20) Feb 11 (9) Feb 10 (7) Feb 09 (28) Feb 08 (20) Feb 07 (22) Feb 06 (20) Feb 05 (19) Feb 04 (14) Feb 03 (16) Feb 02 (28) Feb 01 (37) Jan 31 (27) Jan 30 (31) Jan 29 (18) Jan 28 (14) Jan 27 (10) Jan 26 (18) Jan 25 (26) Jan 24 (34) Jan 23 (21) Jan 22 (21) Jan 21 (18) Jan 20 (18) Jan 19 (18) Jan 18 (26) Jan 17 (24) Jan 16 (23) Jan 15 (30) Jan 14 (20) Jan 13 (18) Jan 12 (24) Jan 11 (11) Jan 10 (23) Jan 09 (22) Jan 08 (17) Jan 07 (17) Jan 06 (9) Jan 05 (18) Jan 04 (15) Jan 03 (19) Jan 02 (14) Jan 01 (6) Dec 31 (12) Dec 30 (4) Dec 29 (15) Dec 28 (11) Dec 27 (7) Dec 26 (10) Dec 25 (16) Dec 24 (13) Dec 23 (16) Dec 22 (11) Dec 21 (26) Dec 20 (28) Dec 19 (14) Dec 18 (25) Dec 17 (23) Dec 16 (19) Dec 15 (22) Dec 14 (38) Dec 13 (26) Dec 12 (25) Dec 11 (27) Dec 10 (31) Dec 09 (15) Dec 08 (30) Dec 07 (31) Dec 06 (27) Dec 05 (38) Dec 04 (25) Dec 03 (27) Dec 02 (15) Dec 01 (36) Nov 30 (23) Nov 29 (17) Nov 28 (23) Nov 27 (13) Nov 26 (16) Nov 25 (14) Nov 24 (18) Nov 23 (21) Nov 22 (21) Nov 21 (24) Nov 20 (20) Nov 19 (23) Nov 18 (17) Nov 17 (17) Nov 16 (34) Nov 15 (25) Nov 14 (17) Nov 13 (21) Nov 12 (18) Nov 11 (9) Nov 10 (15) Nov 09 (9) Nov 08 (9) Nov 07 (12) Nov 06 (8) Nov 05 (4) Oct 29 (1) Oct 01 (1) Jul 29 (1) May 11 (1) Jul 11 (1) Chico, Calif.-- The primary elections are now underway, and across the state, Californians are heading to the polls to take part in the democratic process. In Chico, poll inspector Paul Gosselin is heading the Chico Masonic Family Center where six precincts of voters will head to today. He urges people to find the time to get out and just do it, saying it's pretty quick and easy. You can also turn in your vote via mail if you signed up for a mail-in ballot. Today in the North State, eyes are on the race for District 1 in congress. There are four Democrat candidates, two Republican and one Green Party candidate. Congressman Doug LaMalfa was first elected in 2012 and has had the position ever since. Audrey Denney is one leading Democrat contender. She says congress is grid-locked right now, with not enough people willing to cross party lines for the sake of their constituents. LaMalfa said he's up for the challenge. The Butte County Registrar of Voters are expecting a low turn out this year for voters. Let's be sure we head out to the polls today to do our civic duty! Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. NEWS APP: DOWNLOAD OUR NEWS APP FOR LATEST UPDATES: iOS | Android Chico, Calif. -- On Tuesday several Chico community groups protested outside of the Chico City Council Chambers. Chico Friends on the Street and Mobilize Chico are two of the groups that protested several proposed ordinances they say are aimed at criminalizing homelessness in the city. Members say some of these proposed ordinances are immoral and unethical because they target the homeless and will make trying to survive on the streets a crime. So you have four issues there, all of them pointed at trying to make life in the public space more difficult for people, said Chico Friends on the Street member Patrick Newman. The group is a public space advocacy group, and he says people are on the street because the system has failed them. He says lack of affordable housing is the biggest culprit. 90% of homelessness would go away if there was affordable housing. It does everywhere in the world, he said. He says until then, we have to figure out how to deal with the problem humanely, and not simply make it harder for those people to live on the streets, which is why his group is protesting several proposals put forth by councilmember Andrew Coolidge. To me, it's more important to look at all of these people who are already suffering, make space for them, and allow them to live in our community as friends, as people that we can ally with. He says considering the shopping cart ordinance, closure times for city parks, and the controversial sit & lie ordinance which says people cant be on sidewalks or anywhere where they would obstruct public traffic are simply punishing people living in the public space; theyre criminalizing homelessness, and making those people's lives more difficult doesn't do anybody any good. I can spend money in the downtown myself because I have money in my pocket, so I can go and sit in any cafe or restaurant that I want to. Better to think about people's human rights first, in other words, are we going to accommodate them. NEWS APP: DOWNLOAD OUR NEWS APP FOR LATEST UPDATES: iOS | Android As the success of auto-enrolment continues, two in five UK workers (39%) aged 22-29 years old are now saving adequately for retirement, up from 30% last year. Despite this, more than one in five young people (21%) are still saving nothing for later life, with a further 20% saving seriously less than 12% of their income, the minimum amount recommended by Scottish Widows. Hardworking multi-jobbers missing out The research also shows that nearly two million multi-jobbers people with more than one job are missing out on over 90 million a year in employer contributions because of the policy on auto-enrolment thresholds. Multi-jobbers, who are often working full-time hours, are unfairly missing out on pension contributions for their overall earnings due to their income being split across different employers, thus falling foul of minimum earnings threshold for enrolment. Scottish Widows projections, using the latest ONS figures, show that 1,831,127 multi-jobbers have at least one job that earns under 10,000 and is not enrolled in the companys pension scheme. Based on the average salary from these jobs, collectively over 90 million of employer contributions a year could be claimed if the auto-enrolment threshold was scrapped. Robert Cochran, Retirement Expert at Scottish Widows, said: Its encouraging that more young people are saving enough for a decent retirement and auto-enrolment has played a really important part. However, auto-enrolment was designed as a safety net for a country facing a pensions crisis. This years study shows some of the hardest working and most financially vulnerable members of society are slipping through the auto-enrolment net because of minimum earnings thresholds. This unfairly impacts multi-jobbers, who could be working the equivalent of full-time hours, yet without the financial benefit of having a single employer. Adequate savings levels stagnate for fourth year Meanwhile, savings levels have stagnated across the rest of the working population. At 55%, the proportion of UK workers saving adequately for retirement has dropped slightly for the first time since 2013, falling from 56%, the prevailing rate for the last few years. Despite adequate savings rates having risen by 10% since auto-enrolment was introduced in 2012, the stall in recent years demonstrates that a renewed effort is needed to improve the nations readiness for retirement. Robert Cochran continues: The fact that savings levels have stagnated for the last few years shows that auto-enrolment is not a silver bullet. It will be interesting to see if the step up in minimum contributions helps reverse this trend, but it doesnt take away from the fact that the current threshold puts an unfair barrier in the way of low-paid workers and their ability to prepare adequately for retirement. We want to see it scrapped entirely to let all workers benefit from employer contributions. Its vital that every single person in the UK is prepared for the rising costs of retirement, and removing the threshold can help to do that. This evidence underscores our continued campaign to make pensions more inclusive for low earners. Its a thorny issue but only by tackling it will the lowest paid segments of the workforce have a fair chance of kick-starting their later life savings with support from their employers. Scottish Widows recommendations: 1. MAKE PENSIONS INCLUSIVE FOR LOWER EARNERS Britons can only start to benefit from auto-enrolment when they are earning over 10,000 a year. While those earning 6,032 and above can choose to opt in, many of them are not doing so. This means lower earners, those working part-time or in multiple jobs miss out on valuable employer contributions into a pension. The current threshold puts an unfair barrier in the way of low-paid workers and their ability to prepare adequately for retirement. We want to see it scrapped entirely to let all workers benefit from employer contributions. Its vital that every single person in the UK is prepared for the rising costs of retirement, and removing the threshold can help to do that. 2. LOWER THE MINIMUM AGE OF AUTO-ENROLMENT Our research shows that, while the number of younger people saving enough for retirement has risen, a significant proportion still arent saving anything. Lowering the minimum age for auto-enrolment to 18 as the Government has proposed is a great start. We want to see this introduced with urgency given these latest findings. 3. CONTINUE AUTO-ESCALATION BEYOND 8% We know that the minimum contribution level is lulling people into a false sense of security. While this will rise to 8% next year, this will still see people saving seriously less than the 12% of their income the minimum amount recommended by Scottish Widows. Continuing with auto-escalation beyond 8% will ensure that more workers who are auto-enrolled can build up to saving enough for the retirement they want. 4. DIGITISE PENSIONS To encourage young people to embrace the savings habit, we need to engage with them in a way that suits them. Scottish Widows has invested 100m in digital innovation and continues to do so. We are developing interactive digital services easily accessible on phone, tablet or computer, to help people manage their savings, and have created a series of 30 second Pensions Basics videos to help make pensions advice more accessible with 4 million views to date. We also believe that the pension dashboard provides a great opportunity to build confidence and engagement in planning for retirement and are calling for this to be delivered at the earliest opportunity. However, people will lose confidence in the system if some schemes or plans are missing. The priority for the first phase of delivery is for the dashboard to be fully populated with all schemes, including DB and DC schemes, Trust, Master Trust and Contract Based schemes, Workplace and Personal Pensions, Public and Private Sector pensions, along with the State Pension. 5. TACKLE THE ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL APPROACH TO ENCOURAGING SAVING A one-size-fits-all approach to retirement doesnt work. We need to recognise that age and what someone earns are not the only factors in determining preparation for retirement. Government and industry needs to move from messages targeted at the population at large to communicating directly with different cohorts in society. We are investing significant resource to tackle this issue to ensure we can help our customers when they need it most and deliver tailored support. We also see an opportunity for the new Public Financial Guidance Body, within its broader remit, to galvanise the efforts of the industry to achieve consistency and a greater impact on the nations savings. British Airways and Fiji Airways, Fijis National Airline, have today announced a new partnership which will open up more routes between London and the South Pacific. With its idyllic beaches, world-famous dive sites and lush green forests, Fiji and its extremely popular island destinations are more accessible than ever before as customers in the UK will be able to travel from gateways in the US and Asia to destinations that have previously been more difficult to access from the UK. From today, British Airways will start offering flights between Singapore, Los Angeles and San Francisco and the Fijian gateway of Nadi direct on ba.com. For the customer the partnership means an easy one-stop-shop booking experience and allows them to earn Avios loyalty points on both airlines. Customers can earn Avios points on the Fiji Airways sectors as well as British Airways services. This new partnership comes just days after Fiji Airways signed up to become the first oneworld connect partner - a new platform for airlines to link up to the global airline alliance which includes British Airways as a founding member. British Airways is one of Fiji Airways oneworld connect sponsors enabling customers to enjoy more services and benefits when flying on either airline. Rishi Kapoor, British Airways Head of Alliances, said: We are delighted to be partnering with Fiji Airways and welcoming them into the oneworld family. We are incredibly pleased that customers can now book to fly to this stunning part of the world direct on ba.com. We believe the start of this code-share will make Fiji even more popular with European travellers by offering them a more attractive route network and a comfortable and seamless travel experience. Fijians are known around the globe for giving visitors the warmest of welcomes, so we look forward to giving them an equally warm welcome onboard our flights very soon. Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways Managing Director & CEO of Fiji Airways, said: We are extremely proud to embark on a codeshare with British Airways to give travellers from the UK convenient access to our home - Fiji, one of the worlds most sought after tourism destinations. This is particularly significant for us as British Airways is our third oneworld sponsor, just days out from our accession into the alliance as a oneworld connect airline. Given the close historical ties between Fiji and Britain, and with thousands of Fijians serving in the British Army, our partnership will make it easier for families and friends to visit each other. Fiji Airways operates international and domestic services to 12 countries and 31 cities, including Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, the US, Hong Kong and Singapore. A newly appointed 5001 Ops Flight Sergeant joined his team to perform hangar construction training ahead of their next deployment. The 5001 Ops Flight Squadron were at Rubb UKs HQ in Gateshead performing their week-long training course which addressed the construction and usability of the Rubb EFASS hangar Heli-Door system and the internal maintenance crane. 5001 Squadron is responsible for the rapid construction of Temporary Working Environment (TWE) and the installation of Portable Aircraft Arrestor Gear (PAAG). TWE provides environmentally controlled facilities, including Rubb military structures, supporting deployed exercises and operations across the world. Ops Flight Sergeant Andy Whitehead has recently moved from 5001 Vehicle Maintenance to Operations to gain more experience and tackle a new challenge, travelling around the world supporting MoD operations with the construction of Rubb hangars. Andy commented: The Rubb EFASS hangar is the perfect product to protect our assets out in theatre. I have recently been on two builds and the Rubb hangars have performed flawlessly. The aim of the 5001 training course was to familiarise the squadron with the various tasks and activities required for the installation, pre-testing, setting and maintenance procedures associated with the EFASS Heli-Door and internal crane system. The course was a mixture of both classroom and hands-on training. Eight squadron members took part over the five days, studying relevant installation and maintenance documentation, along with practical demonstrations. The squadron carried out various tasks on working examples within Rubbs 20m span and 25m span military hangars. The course was split into two parts: the construction and operations of the 25m span Heli-Door system and the installation of the required elements to fit the crane system into the Rubb EFASS hangar, and then the installation and maintenance of the actual crane system. The Rubb training week was led by EFASS hangar specialist Dave Cromarty. Ops Flight Sergeant Andy Whitehead said: Daveys knowledge and experience was invaluable to me and my team. Daveys real-life scenarios helped us all understand certain tasks and procedures to complete the build in extreme conditions. 5001 personnel regularly attend training sessions at Rubb Buildings' Gateshead factory on all aspects of installing Rubb Military buildings and accessories at bases and in theatre. For me, leaving town is not an easy feat. Like many of you who live with a child who is chronically ill, a departure from their care can be difficult. I told Meg, who has had GI issues since regression at age two, nonverbal since that regression, seizures starting at age sixteen and then positive for antinuclear antibodies at eighteen, that I was going to go on this trip to learn how to get her feeling better. She smiled and smelled my hand, giving me a tiny kiss as she ran off to her favorite swing. That day was a good one for her but there are too many not good. She deserves a pain-free life where GI pain, vocal tics, OCD and self-injurious behavior disappear. Leaving gluten, casein and soy-free meals plus 3 days of medications and supplements, I left Chicago for Little Rock. I decided to drive as I wanted to stop in Missouri after the conference and visit the cemetery where my parents are buried, along with my maternal grandmother. My parents had bought land in the Ozarks years and years ago as a serene goal for retirement. My father died in 1993, the year Megan was born and my mother died in 1996, the year Megan was diagnosed with autism. Not an easy time for me. I had not been to the cemetery since then, as Megans many medical and behavioral issues made life challenging. There were some connections in my family history that the microbiome research may help answer, including Megs autism, which seemed to be infections and behaviors that trapped her. More about that connection on the return trip. I continue to read and write about the relationship between the microbiome and autism for some very important reasons. First, I have a very ill daughter, called autistic yet affected by infections and now, an autoimmune diagnosis. In addition, there are thousands like her around the world. The significance of the microbiome and this first symposium is tremendous. Whether you have a child who has a diagnosis of AUTISM, PANDAS, PANS, IMMUNE DYSFUNCTION, or a combination of these, the studies of the microbiome are showing how the puzzle pieces may fit. I want to thank John Rodakis and N of One for organizing this first symposium on autism and the microbiome. Research on the microbiome is booming. I recently read that smartphones could be used as a sensor for personal mirobiome analysis demonstrating that the microbiome is becoming a mainstream concept. Our cell phones actually reflect the personal microbial world of their owners, with potential implications for their use as bacterial and environmental sensors, according to new research.University of Oregon researchers sequenced microbes from the dominant-hand index fingers and thumbs of 17 subjectsThe study found smartphones closely resembled the microbiome sampled from their owner's finger, with 82 percent of the most common bacteria on participants' fingers also found on their phones. It was about a 10 hour drive from the flat farms of Illinois into the Ozarks and beyond. I spent a lot of time reflecting on the progression of Megs illness and my anticipation of hearing from some of the top researchers around the world on what I believe to be the root of her symptoms and her AUTISM. I was not going to be disappointed as they were cutting-edge topics. Luckily, a new and good friend had also decided that the microbiome research was important to her family too, and decided to attend. Wendy Nawara (in photo on right) has three children and they each have PANDAS. She started the IL PANDAS/PITAND/PANS Advocacy and Support group, a place on FaceBook where parents can discuss treatments and the many issues of these increasing disorders. She also was instrumental in reaching out to Governot Pat Quinn and having him proclaim Oct. 9 as PANDAS/PITAND/PANS Awareness Day in Illinois. I am a member of Wendys group, as a good number of us have children also with an Autism diagnosis or a combination of sibling children with PANDAS/PANS or Autism. That may be another clue in this whole explosion of illnesses of the microbiome. Since one of those noted researchers in Little Rock was Dr. Sue Swedo, famous now for her PANDAS studies and support of medical help for so many affected children, both Wendy and I were hopeful that the spark would take off on microbiome research and treatments. I want to also say thank you to John C. Slattery, Clinical Research Coordinator and Dr. Richard Frye MD, PhD. Director of Autism Research of Arkansas Childrens Hospital for planning and promoting this excellent symposium, the Autism Research Program (and Clinic), and also thank the Arkansas Autism Alliance. Many of our families are hopeful about this pertinent research and would like to attend next year. Please keep us posted. You can see each participant and read their related bios here as well as check back for the soon-to-be added videotaped presentations. Some of the brief highlights that I noted and paraphrased: Dr. Richard Frye: Man disrupted beneficial bacteria. Diseases are erupting. Mitochondrial dysfunction in Autism may in fact be connected to the dysfunction of the microbiome. John Rodakis: Discussed his own son, diagnosed with autism, and his improvement when on antibiotics. When he had Strep, his son on the antibiotic could ride a tricycle, (he and many of us were choked up as our kids are just so ill) because for years before that, his son was not able to ride the trike. He feels we need to understand the biology of autism. The kids can get better. There is hope. Something Man- made. In our lifetime, we need to know! Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe: Breast milk is good. Babies have less colonization than years ago. Hand sanitizer may be bad, kills off too much and may affect the number and types of microbes. It may be important to look at how microbes exist and not just the numbers. C diff infections: replace the damage by fecal transplant. 90% cured of c diff. Concern for pathogens in samples. Long term unknown, so working on pure bacteria.----Repoopulate. , a kind of robot they made that makes gut bacteria. Dr. William Parker: Helminths and rats were an integral part of his presentation but in a good way! He talked about how the microbiome has changed and helpful helminthes that used to be around have become extinct. His lab uses indoor and also outdoor rats to examine differences in the microbiome. From his bio: Such differences likely explain the rising incidence of hyper-immune associated disorders such as allergy and autoimmune disease in countries with modern medical practice. Loss of particular components, including helminthes, from the human biome is likely responsible for many of the changes, and it is hoped that this situation can be reversed. Dr. Jim Adams and Dr. Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown: Both from Arizona State University, they discussed results from their research on the microbiome in children with an autism diagnosis compared to neurotypical peers. Conclusions from that paper: the group hypothesized the existence of distinctive features in the intestinal microflora found in autistic subjects compared to typical children. The current study confirmed these suspicions, and found that children with autism had significantly fewer types of gut bacteria, probably making them more vulnerable to pathogenic bacteria. Autistic subjects also had significantly lower amounts of three critical bacteria, Prevotella, Coprococcus, and Veillonellaceae.Currently, they are enrolling subjects to examine fecal transplants as a potential treatment for autism and GI issues. Dr. Carl Cerneglia: He is Director of the Division of Microbiology, for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). His presentation had a focus on the microbiome and possible effects from Man, with an emphasis on antibiotics in many of the foods consumers buy. Dr. Tore Midtvedt: He feels there needs to be a paradigm shift and he, himself, has changed his attitude from microbe killer to microbe lover. He reported too that some bacteria can switch our genes on and off. Dr. Derrick MacFabe: His focus has been on Propionic Acid (PPA), a fermentation by-product of a subpopulation of opportunistic enteric bacteria (i.e clostridia, desufovibrio, propionibacteria). His description of the research here: Examination of brain tissue from PPA treated rats (brain sections, homogenate, ToF-SIMS imaging, gene arrays) reveals an innate neuroinflammatory response (reactive astrogliosis and activated microglia, CREB activation), an increase in oxidative stress markers, reductions in cholesterol, altered phospolipid/acylcarnitine profiles, mitochondrial dysfunction and a reduction of glutathione, a broad spectrum xenobiotic detoxifier. Current studies in our laboratory are finding similar effects with systemic infusions of PPA at the post natal and adolescent times and with infusions of butyric acid, a related gut short chain fatty acid. These findings are consistent with those found in ASD patients. Connected to that research is the fact that many children diagnosed autistic, who are put on vancomycin, an antibiotic effective against c diff, had a significant improvement in their behavioral symptoms. This was discovered by a mother, Ellen Bolte, who I had the privilege of meeting in Little Rock. I had learned about Ellen and her connection to that initial research on the microbiome and autism about twenty years ago, but had never met with her. Megan has had numerous c. diff infections and always improves in health and behaviors on Flagyl, a related antibiotic. Dr. Swedo spoke after all of the researchers presented their findings. I have to say that her slides and comments reflected some of the older research, with maybe a more skeptical view than most regarding the microbiome. It may come with the territory of NIMH, and I say that not in disrespect but that quite possibly there are more questions than answers at this time. I also want to add that it may be that Dr. Swedo and quite possibly NIMH, have not fully accepted regressive autism. Again, thousands of parents, myself, included, cannot be ignored nor can the research showing these connections. I know the researchers were all meeting as a team and I do hope that Dr. Swedos keen interest in so many ill children will have her motivated to recommend the investment of both time and money into the microbiome research. Two topics that came up throughout the presentations - 1) the issue of glutathione reduction and use of Tylenol and 2) the huge issue of antibiotics in our food supply as well as the pattern reported by parents of their ASD child being on antibiotics often as babies and toddlers. Antibiotics have a profound effect on the microbiome and there are concerns that they are having a negative impact on bacterial populations. One thing that I keep pondering, which was connected to my trip to Missouri, is mercury. The history of mercury shows us that it was used for hundreds of years as --- an antibiotic! I have written about this before because my family has a history of mercury exposures. My father was a doctor, an ophthalmologist, and a surgeon from the 1940's until 1980, and the use of Thimerosal and Wydase was a common practice. Both are a form of Man-made mercury and were used as a bacteriocide. My maternal grandfather died of General Paralysis of the Insane (GPI), a disease brought on when Syphilis, a bacteria, was treated with, for example, mercuric chloride , a Man-made poison used as an antibiotic. Mark Blaxill and Dan Olmsted did an elegant job tracing the history of mercury and the related diseases that have been caused from its different forms. There is research showing generational connections to mercury and the microbiome may be a key. In Missouri, I visited my parents and my grandmothers grave. All three had been affected by the insidious nature of mercury. It is a beautiful and historic cemetery and while I sat there, I felt hopeful that the microbiome research will give us many answers to the puzzling pieces in front of us. Stay tuned. Teresa Conrick is Contributing Editor to Age of Autism. WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 22, 2011-- Today, in a 6-2 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the ruling of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in favor of Pfizers subsidiary Wyeth, in Bruesewitz v. Wyeth. The Third Circuit determined that the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act prevents civil suits against manufacturers of FDA-approved childhood vaccines based on a claim that a particular vaccine should have been designed differently. The article started with a harsh paragraph : The Supreme Court closed the courthouse door Tuesday to parents who want to sue drug makers over claims that their children developed autism and other serious health problems from vaccines. The ruling was a stinging defeat for families dissatisfied with how they fared before a special no-fault vaccine court. On the same day, the New York Times published a Pfizer Inc press release titled U.S. Supreme Court Decision In Bruesewitz V. Wyeth A Win For Public Health under Business Day Markets: The United States Supreme Court recent decision in Bruesewitz V. Wyeth did not only affect a family. It affected thousands, who after unsuccessfully pursuing a claim through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, will no longer be able to hold a vaccine manufacturer accountable for injuries believed to be due to an FDA-approved vaccine. By its majority decision, the court indicated that such secondary lawsuits would be countering the intent of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 and risking the proliferation of tort-based cases the Act was created to prevent. On February 22, 2011, the Associated Press announced: With acknowledgments and thanks to Vaccination News AoA returns to Dr Yazbak's assessment of the Supreme Court's decision in the case of Bruesewitz v Wyeth (Pfizer) in 2011, which effectively placed vaccine manufacturers beyond any kind of litigation, contrasting it with the case of Berkovitz 23 years before. One of the most chilling aspects of this story, seven year's on, is how the US media based its report on press releases from Pfizer. Vaccines are one of modern medicine's greatest success stories, said Pfizer Executive Vice President and General Counsel Amy Schulman. Their nearly universal administration to children is responsible for the elimination of polio and smallpox in the United States, and the near-elimination and containment of other childhood diseases. The Vaccine Act that Congress enacted nearly 25 years ago appropriately places the responsibility for determining the optimal design of life-saving childhood vaccines in the hands of expert federal agencies, not a patchwork of state tort systems. We are pleased that the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the ruling of the Third Circuit. The document ended with a commercial for Pfizer: Pfizer Inc.: Working together for a healthier world At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines for people and animals. Our diversified global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the worlds best-known consumer products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as the worlds leading biopharmaceutical company, we also collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. To learn more about our commitments, please visit us at www.pfizer.com Source: Pfizer Inc. The Pfizer Executive even mentioned the family: We have great sympathy for the Bruesewitzes. The press release was provided by Pfizer Inc to many other newspapers and outlets including the Wall Street Journal. Many have discussed the Bruesewitz case and by now, those interested in the subject are well aware of the decision and of the fact that Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor dissented. Two quotes from that black day are worth remembering: One by Justice Sotomayor: Nothing in the 1986 law remotely suggests that Congress intended such a result" and the other by Attorney David Frederick, the Bruesewitz family attorney: "I'm disappointed for the families of victims of defectively designed vaccines, who now have no remedy at law for their injuries." ~~~~~~ Things were certainly different in 1988, when the United States Supreme Court decided Berkovitz v. United States. First the Media Reaction then the case and the decision: On Tuesday June 14, 1988, the Washington Post carried the first report about the decision: Court rules Government Liable for Negligence. The detailed article included the following remarkable quote by Justice Thurgood Marshall: We intend specifically to reject the governments argument that a provision of the Federal Torts Claims Act shields the government for liability for any and all acts arising out of the regulatory problems of federal agencies. On the same day, the New York Times reported the decision and its details in its Supreme Court Roundup under the title: Court Eases Way to Sue U.S. For Safety Policy Violations On Friday June 17, the Washington Post published the following opinion: One perennial nightmare of all parents is the possibility that a defective vaccine might injure a child. The drug companies have always been liable for damages in those cases. But these vaccines are produced under stringent federal regulation, and now the Supreme Court says the government can be sued if it fails to carry out its own safety rules. No responsible parent would allow a child to remain unprotected against polio or any of several other deadly diseases, and this kind of pharmaceutical disaster is rare. But it happens. The FDA says that there are currently four other polio vaccine cases pending in lower courts. In the case that went to the Supreme Court, an infant two months old had been given a dose of Orimune, an oral vaccine that resulted in a full-blown case of polio and severe paralysis. The manufacturer, Lederle Laboratories, settled out of Court. Then the childs parents sued the government charging that the FDA had allowed the vaccine to be distributed in violation of its own standards. The Government lawyers argued that Congress has specifically given regulators discretion, and granted them immunity from lawsuits when they exercise it. Not so fast, said the Supreme Court. Justice Marshall, writing for a unanimous court, agreed that Congress has given administrators discretion to make rules. But once the rules are set, administrators dont have the discretion to evade or bend them. Congress, he said, never intended to protect regulatory corner-cutting. The injured childs parents charge that some of the FDAs employees allowed the vaccine to be shipped with the knowledge that it was not quite up to standard. The courts decision now gives the parents an opportunity to prove that accusation in a trial and, if they succeed, to collect damages from the Government itself. This decision reaches far beyond vaccines to every kind of health, safety and environmental regulation. For all of the endless talk in the Reagan administration about the revolt against the regulators, those are three areas in which the principles laid down in the 1970s remain undiminished. There has been plenty of deregulation over the years, but it has been elsewhere in finance, transportation and communications. The federal laws to protect your life and your health have not been rolled back. Now the Supreme Court has created a powerful sanction to force tighter enforcement of those laws and the administrative regulations that carry them out. No one who has ever watched a child be vaccinated will doubt that, in its impact on the regulators, the effects of this decision can only be healthy. I believe I can safely say that we are not likely to ever read again anything remotely similar to this in any newspaper anytime soon. *** Berkovitz v. United States, 486 U.S. 531 (1988) was argued in the United States Supreme Court on April 19, 1988 and decided June 13, 1988. As mentioned, Justice Thurgood Marshall, a giant, delivered the unanimous opinion of the Court. He started: The question in this case is whether the discretionary function exception of the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA or Act), 28 U.S.C. 2680(a), bars a suit based on the Government's licensing of an oral polio vaccine and on its subsequent approval of the release of a specific lot of that vaccine to the public. Justice Marshall went on discussing the details of the case and what happened in the lower courts summarizing the opinion of the court relative to the vaccine lots as follows: Viewed in light of these principles, petitioners' claim regarding the release of the vaccine lot from which Kevan Berkovitz received his dose survives the Government's motion to dismiss. Petitioners allege that, under the authority granted by the regulations, the Bureau of Biologics has adopted a policy of testing all vaccine lots for compliance with safety standards and preventing the distribution to the public of any lots that fail to comply. Petitioners further allege that notwithstanding this policy, which allegedly leaves no room for implementing officials to exercise independent policy judgment, employees of the Bureau knowingly approved the release of a lot that did not comply with safety standards. See App. 13; Brief for Petitioners 20-21; Reply Brief for Petitioners 15-17. Thus, petitioners' complaint is directed at a governmental action that allegedly involved no policy discretion. Petitioners, of course, have not proved their factual allegations, but they are not required to do so on a motion to dismiss. If those allegations are correct - that is, if the Bureau's policy did not allow the official who took the challenged action to release a noncomplying lot on the basis of policy considerations - the discretionary function exception does not bar the claim. 13 Because petitioners may yet show, [486 U.S. 531, 548] on the basis of materials obtained in discovery or otherwise, that the conduct challenged here did not involve the permissible exercise of policy discretion, the invocation of the discretionary function exception to dismiss petitioners' lot release claim was improper. IV For the foregoing reasons, the Court of Appeals erred in holding that the discretionary function exception required the dismissal of petitioners' claims respecting the licensing of Orimune and the release of a particular vaccine lot. The judgment of the Court of Appeals is accordingly reversed, and the case is remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. It is so ordered. ***** There was indeed a difference between Bruesewitz and Berkovitz. The Berkovitz decision was right and fair. The Bruesewitz decision was neither. By now, many have forgotten Berkovits. As of now, many more will remember Bruesewitz and the unfortunate decision that is certain to affect thousands just as it has affected a devastated deserving and loving family. F. Edward Yazbak MD Falmouth, Massachusetts March 8, 2011 The asbestos mine in Asbestos, Quebec, Canada. Photo credit: Denis-Carl Robidoux/Flickr At the heart of the triangle made by the three Canadian cities of Quebec, Montreal, and Sherbrooke, lies a town with the worst name imaginableAsbestos. So ugly is the word, that local businesses with Asbestos painted on their vehicles are denied entry into the United States. Custom agents recoil with horror when they see Asbestos stamped on packages of meat. Asbestos, a fibrous, silicate-based natural mineral has been mined around the world since ancient times. The mineral has several desirable properties, such as the ability to absorb sound, and resist heat, fire and electricity. It is tough and cheap. Large scale production of asbestos began in the mid-19th century and use of the material continued to grow through most of the 20th century until growing evidence of the lethality of asbestos and its association with a particularly painful form of lung cancer forced most countries to ban the product. Today, the word "asbestos" is synonymous with poison and death, but for the 7,000 people in southern Quebec, it is the name of their home. Asbestos was first discovered in Quebec in the 1870s. The first industrial scale mining began at what is now Thetford hills, and the city became a hub for one of the world's largest asbestos-producing regions. A couple of years later, the Jeffrey mine opened less than 50 miles south of Thetford hills. The town that developed around Jeffrey mine named itself after the miracle fiber. Soon Jeffrey mine became the largest asbestos mine in the world providing half of the worlds supply of asbestos. As the 19th century slid into the 20th century, an increasing number of asbestos mines opened in Quebec, Newfoundland, British Columbia and the Yukon, helping Canada become the worlds largest asbestos exporter by the 1970s. Canada's biggest power shovel loading an ore train with asbestos at the Jeffrey Mine in Asbestos, Quebec, June 1944. While the asbestos industry boomed, workers began to get mysteriously sick, coughing up blood, suffering from breathing difficulties and dying. Asbestos resident and long-time head of the Asbestos Historical Society, Pierrette Theroux recalls as a girl how she would wake up to the screens of her home covered in snow-like asbestos dust. Walking on the porch would leave footprints. The first connection between the disease and the deadly mineral was made in the early 1900s when a coroner at Londons Charing Cross Hospital conducted postmortem investigation of a young man who had died from pulmonary fibrosis after having worked for 14 years in an asbestos textile factory. Traces of asbestos was found in the victims lungs. Twenty years later, after another confirmed death by asbestos, a British pathologist William Edmund Cooke testified before a court and forced the government to act. The first Asbestos Industry Regulations came into effect in 1932, and a string of regulation followed. But it took another half a century before the use of asbestos was phased out. Asbestos Jeffrey mine continued production until the late 2011. Photo credit: Denis-Carl Robidoux/Flickr Today, there is a huge gaping hole in the ground at Asbestos, more than 2 km across, and almost as big as the surrounding town. With Asbestos biggest employer shuttering its business, the town is searching for a new identity and new means to support its population. Some debated whether they should change the name of the town, but the residents voted against it. There is a microbrewery now in Asbestos called Moulin 7, and some of the names of the beers they serve borrow from the towns historysuch as L'Or Blanc (meaning White Gold), Spello (a mining term for a short break), and Mineur (Miner), which picked up a gold medal in 2016 World Beer Awards. Another pale ale called La Ciel Ouvert (The Open Sky) is prepared using water taken from a lake that has accumulated at the bottom of the disused mine. The water was tested to be pure. Since the closure of the mine, other businesses have found home in the former mining town. A gourmet food products company opened a duck meat processing center providing jobs for over a hundred workers. A ski resort a few minutes north of the town absorbed another couple of hundred employees. The town is slowly stumbling back to life. Related: The Asbestos Ghost Town of Wittenoom Posted on: June 6, 2018 7:42 AM The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has spoken of the danger that fear of the other poses to Christian witness and presence. Speaking to the General Assembly of the Conference of European Churches, meeting in Novi Sad, Serbia, he said that churches working together can help to break down the walls that others seek to build. The Church breaks across boundaries and frontiers as if they did not exist, he said. By being in Christ, I am made one by God in a family that stretches around the world and crosses cultural, linguistic and ecumenical frontiers, driven by the Spirit who breaks down all the walls that we seek to erect. He began his address by saying that fear is the greatest danger that afflicts Christian witness and presence. He added: It is fear of the other that causes us to put up barriers, whether within churches, between churches and for that matter between nations. It is fear of the Other the causes us to build walls, whether spiritual or physical. It is fear of the Other that leads to divisions and eventually to the fall of civilisations. The Archbishop said that Christians had been in Europe since halfway through the first century and through that time had survived many persecutions from the Roman Empire to post World War II Eastern Europe. He told members of the Assembly that he and his wife smuggled Bibles into Romania and what was then Czechoslovakia. Christianity in Europe does not depend on the organisation or governance of the Church, nor does it depend on the virtue of Christians, or the blessing of circumstances, he said. It is assured because it depends on the God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. St Augustine of Hippo, write his book De Civitate Dei contra paganos City of God in the aftermath of the sacking of Rome by the Goths in AD 410, Archbishop Justin said. For Augustine the fall of Rome showed the specious nature of putting faith in the earthly city. For Augustine the benefit of being a Christian is citizenship of an eternal city. This comes through faith in Christ. That cannot lead to complacency. The fact that Christianity survived in Europe does not indicate that it is indestructible, but that God protects the Church that he created and loves. Christian survival within Europe is not an objective of the Church, rather it should be for the Church to be obedient to the pattern of Christ, to be Christs hand, mouth and love in this world today. Jesus told his disciples that they were to be salt and light (Matthew 5: 13-16), both the means of preserving the society in which the Church exists and also the source of illumination that reveals both shadow and truth, that unveils what seeks to be hidden, and illuminates what inspires. For the Church to be effective and to continue to be blessed by God, it must speak truth to the societies that it sees around it and act in a way that is consistent with the truth it speaks. He said: History would indicate, and the command of Jesus direct, that the Church is first to seek to be a holy community, based in order, in mutual love, in humility, service and hospitality. That all sounds good and harmless, but it is in fact something that runs directly contrary to much of what we see going on in Europe today. Populist calls to preserve our way of life against the other, to put up walls and barriers, to smother dissent and disagreement, to ignore international obligations recognised as morally binding since Jesus spoke of the Good Samaritan, all these will be deeply challenged and will be hostile to a church that is truly itself hospitable. On the very small stage of Lambeth Palace in London, where we welcomed a Syrian Muslim family of refugees, driven from their homes under shellfire, wounded and harried, the hate mail we received demonstrated the unpopularity even of small gestures. Secondly the Churchs presence and witness must be more powerful in its unity than the centrifugal forces within Europe are powerful in their fractures. Our ecumenical endeavours are not for the sake of organisational tidiness but so that the Church is a faithful presence and witness. The Church breaks across boundaries and frontiers as if they did not exist. By being in Christ, I am made one by God in a family that stretches around the world and crosses cultural, linguistic and ecumenical frontiers, driven by the Spirit who breaks down all the walls that we seek to erect. He stressed the importance for churches to be reconciled, and said that he values greatly the Conference of European Churches and the work of ecumenism. He said that reconciliation was immensely costly, for it involves paying for sin, and was only created by the death of Christ on the cross. It is a journey of generations, for our historic resentments and hatreds rise in rebellion within our hearts. It is not agreement on all things, for that is impossible, but the acceptance of diversity, even disagreement and yet love in all things. Let us be the peace makers of Europe, for in making peace we will demonstrate the presence of Christ to those who do not see Him, and we will be the present taste of Christ in a world of individualism, conflict, manipulation and hatreds. It is no longer the case that to be English is to be Anglican, to be French is to be Catholic, to be Swedish is to be Lutheran, to be Romanian is to be Orthodox. There are Catholics and Protestants, Orthodox and Anglican, Pentecostal and Evangelical Christians in all our countries. For that matter, there are also Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and many of no faith at all. That diversity is one of the gifts of the Europe of the EU, but to live with that diversity must call for the gift of reconciliation through the church. The more that people are gripped by fear of the other, and the more that those fears are played on and manipulated by political leaders, the more the Church is to exist in witness and presence demonstrating the hospitality, the humility, the service and the love in a disciplined and virtuous life. Posted on: June 6, 2018 3:19 PM The Diocese of London, which covers a large part of Britains capital city, has reached the half-way mark in its ambitious plan to open 100 new worshipping communities. Capital Vision 2020 was launched at St Pauls Cathedral in June 2013. The new worshipping communities are a mixture of new churches St Francis in the Engine Room became the first new church opened in London in 40 years when it was dedicated in November 2017 and new congregations in existing churches. At the end of April the Bishop of Kensington, Dr Graham Tomlin, and the Bishop of Islington, Ric Thorpe, launched the 50th community French Connect to serve hundreds of thousands of French speakers living in west London. French Connect is based at St Barnabas Church in Kensington. Bishop Rics role includes a focus on supporting and encouraging church plants. Five years ago, we set a goal to create 100 new worshipping communities by 2020, he told the congregation. You are the 50th. You are part of something that is growing in London. We are seeing new services for new people starting across the capital, from the reopening of closed churches to the creation of new churches on estates or in schools and cafes. Wherever people are gathering, we want to provide a space where they can come and find out about faith in Christ. Id love to encourage you to keep growing, reaching more and more French people with the good news of Jesus. Bishop Graham addressed the congregation in French, telling them: I hope that many French-speaking people will come here and discover friendship, faith and joy. The simplest way to share your faith with your friends is by simply asking the question: Would you like to come to church with me? Until recently there were only three French-speaking churches in central London to serve what is believed to be up to 500,000 French-speaking people roughly the equivalent of the population of Bordeaux. The new French Connect community joins them as does another recent initiative by Christ Church, another church in Kensington. French Connect will be led by husband-and-wife Parisians Jean-Luc and Ginie Sergent , Jean-Luc is the curate of St Barnabas. It will be supported by the parishs vicar, Andy Buckler, who previously spent 17 years as a pastor and mission partner in France with his family. The opening of French Connect comes as encouraging news emerges from another recent Anglican church plant: KXC, or Kings Cross Church. Since it opened in 2010, near one of Londons main railway station serving passengers heading to north-east UK and across the Continent through the Channel Tunnel, the congregation at KXC has grown from 40 to 500. The average age of its worshippers is 28. Posted on: June 6, 2018 9:43 AM [Anglican Journal, by Art Babych] A long-forgotten Canadian hero buried in an unmarked grave in an Anglican cemetery near Almonte, Ontario, for more than a century now has his own headstone. Canon Pat Martin, Rector of St Pauls Anglican Church in Almonte, unveiled the monument to George Eccles at a service on Sunday (3 June) in the churchs cemetery on the outskirts of the town. Eccles, an Almonte native, was credited with saving the lives of over 200 people when the passenger-cargo steamship SS Ohio hit a rock off the British Columbia coast and sank on 26 August 1909. As the ships radio telegrapher, Eccles stayed at his post, signalling for help from nearby vessels. His new headstone concludes: It cost him his life. Eccles, 36, became famous for being the first radio telegrapher to die at sea, and his heroism was celebrated in his hometown and abroad. But as time passed, and since his grave on the family plot in St Pauls Anglican Church Cemetery was never marked, the memory of George Eccles faded away. Until the summer of 2014, that is. That was when local resident, actor and history buff David Frisch came upon a weather-beaten sign along a concession road outside Almonte marking Eccles birthplace. I had to stop to see the sign facing the road, he told the small group gathered for the unveiling ceremony. The sign was rotting and paint was bleeding so badly I had to struggle to read the description. The sign showed that 208 lives were saved through Eccles efforts, that he was buried with full civic honours and that his fame was worldwide. But Frisch indicated that no one he spoke with in Almonte seemed aware of Eccles heroism. He stayed in the radio room of the rapidly sinking ship, continuing to guide two nearby ships to the site, said Frisch. Others encouraged him to abandon ship, but we know Eccles refused. Eccles finally gave in to the pleas of his crewmates, said Frisch. But as he was about to jump into the last lifeboat, the sinking ship shifted rapidly, he said, and Eccles fell and hit his head in what was a fatal blow. Through the lobbying efforts of Frisch and others, a larger, more durable sign was erected near the former Eccles farm last November. But the effort to further honour George Eccles didnt stop there. After the Ottawa Citizen reported on 8 November 2017 that Eccles was buried without a stone or marker, Reg Gamble, retired founder of C R Gamble Funeral Home & Chapel in Almonte, and John Bowes of Kinkaid & Loney Monuments Ltd of Smith Falls, Ontario, went into action. We decided we were going to fix this, said Gamble at the service. We were astounded that a native son of Almonte, and a man of such quality and bravery a hero, in every sense of the word was buried in our community and that his grave had never been marked. The new headstone for George Eccles is unveiled by Reg Gamble (left), Canon Pat Martin, and John Bowes at St Pauls Church cemetery in Almonte, Ontario. Photo: Art Babych / Anglican Journal George Eccles rested under the Lanark County sod for more than a century without most of our population knowing who he was and what he did, said Gamble, whose company and that of Bowes, shared the $4,000 [CAD, approximately 2,300 GBP] cost of the granite headstone. Martin unveiled the monument with the help of Gamble and Bowes. She also led in the prayer of thanksgiving and gave the final blessing. The opening Scripture, also delivered by Martin, was drawn from John 15:12: This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down ones life for ones friends. About 40 people attended the service, which included the participation of Pipe Sergeant Jenny Putinski, a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pipe Band. Jordan: generale strike as anti-austerity protests continue Major sit-in scheduled in Amman (ANSAmed) - AMMAN, JUNE 6 - Professional associations are staging on Wednesday general strike across Jordan to protest against successive monitory policies and rising prices as protests continued overnight in many parts of the kingdom. A major sit in is scheduled at the complex of professional association later in the day. Tens of thousands are expected to join the activity, which has been supported by political parties and labour unions from many parts of the kingdom, unionists told ANSA. Meanwhile, many businesses were seen open after some labour unionts decided against joining the strike following the appointment of a new prime minister. The protests continue one day after king Abdullah officially installed Omar al Razaz as new prime minister to take over from disgraced Hani al Mulki, whose government incurred public wrath over its proposed income tax law. But the Islamist movement and union leaders have said they will continue protests despite the government change. President of the Jordan engineers' association, Ahmed al Zubi, said the change of faces does not mean change of policies. "We are asking for an amendment to the way governments are formed and inclusion of all segment of the society in discussion for the income tax law," he told ANSA. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch has called on authorities to avoid clashing with protesters and release detained activists during the past few days. The protests appear to have largely been peaceful however that videos circulating online show incidents of clashes between security forces and protesters, with some members of the Gendarmerie "using force and briefly arresting protesters," said the HRW in a statement. "Security forces have detained at least 12 people and a court order had ordered the release of four of them, they continue to be arbitrarily detained on orders from Amman's governor". "As protesters take to the streets to demand economic reform, it's crucial for government security forces to act with restraint and to allow peaceful protesters to freely voice their demands without fear of arbitrary arrest or violence," Sarah Leah Whiston, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, was quoted as saying in the statement. (ANSAmed). TEL AVIV - Numerous police departments were sent on Tuesday night to patrol working-class neighbourhoods in southern Tel Aviv in an attempt to quell scuffles that erupted between Eritrean citizens there, some of whom support the regime in their country of origin and others who oppose it. Neighbourhood residents said they have been living in "an atmosphere of fear" since the end of May, when celebrations for Eritrea's Independence Day set off the violence. Eritrean political rivals have clashed on numerous occasions in the streets, usually at night, armed with rocks, metal bars, and bottles. About a dozen people have been injured, one of whom is in serious condition. On Tuesday night in the southern districts of Tel Aviv, where there is a significant presence of African migrants, Israeli residents organised a protest march to spur the government to "resolve the situation once and for all", meaning to undertake a mass expulsion of the approximately 40,000 Eritreans and Sudanese living in Israel. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) 74th Annual General Meeting (AGM) urged governments to take a cautious approach when considering airport privatisation. In a unanimously passed resolution, IATA members called on governments to prioritise the long-term economic and social benefits delivered by an effective airport ahead of the short-term financial gains provided by a poorly thought-out privatisation. "We are in an infrastructure crisis. Cash-strapped governments are looking to the private sector to help develop much needed airport capacity. But it is wrong to assume that the private sector has all the answers. Airlines have not yet experienced an airport privatisation that has fully lived up to its promised benefits over the long term. Airports are critical infrastructure. It is important that governments take a long-term view focusing on solutions that will deliver the best economic and social benefits. Selling airport assets for a short-term cash injection to the treasury is a mistake," said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA's Director General and CEO. Currently about 14% of airports globally have some level of privatisation. As they tend to be large hubs, they handle about 40% of global traffic. IATA research shows that private sector airports are more expensive. But we could not see any gains in efficiency or levels of investment. This runs counter to the experience of airline privatisation where enhanced competition resulted in lower pricing to consumers. So we don't accept that airport privatisation must lead to higher costs. Airports have significant market power. Effective regulation is critical to avoiding its abuseparticularly when run for profit by private sector interests," said de Juniac who also noted that five of the top six passenger ranked airports by Skytrax are in public hands. Informed decision-making IATA member airlines resolved to urge governments considering airport privatisation to: Focus on the long-term economic and social benefits of an effective airport Learn from our positive experiences with corporatization, new financing models, and alternative ways of tapping private sector participatio Make informed decisions on ownership and operating models to best protect consumer interests, and lock-in the benefits of competitive airport infrastructure with rigorous regulation. "There is no one-size-fits-all solution. A broad range of ownership operating models exist that can meet a government's strategic objectives without a transfer of control or ownership to the private sector. Globally, many of the most successful airports are operated as corporatized entities of governments. Governments need to evaluate the pros and cons of different models taking into account interests of all stakeholders, including airlines and customers. The most important thing is that airports meet the needs of customers and airport infrastructure users, at a fair price. And to do that, user consultation must be an integral part of the consideration process," said de Juniac. Safeguarding consumer interests when pursuing privatisation Recognising that when airport privatization is pursued, a key determinant of success is the effective balance of the interests of consumers, airlines, investors, citizens and economies IATA's member airlines called for: Governments to protect consumer interests by establishing robust regulatory safeguards to ensure cost efficiency in charges and improvements in investments and service levels Expectations for performance improvement to be set in consultation with airport users and the consumers Periodic monitoring of airport privatisation through public consultation, with corrective action taken to ensure benefits are realised for the passengers, for airlines and for cargo consumers. "Efficient and economical air transport contributes directly to a community's prosperity. Poorly thought-out airport privatisations put this at risk. The balancing role of effective and strong economic regulation is essential," said de Juniac. Moving to the Istanbul New Airport will help Turkish Airlines forget its recent troubles and once again focus on profitable growth, chief executive Bilal Eksi tells Martin Rivers. Bilal Eksi knew he was in for a rough ride when he took on the role of Turkish Airlines (THY) chief executive in October 2016. His predecessor, Temel Kotil, had won countless accolades during his time in office, presiding over a decade of rapid expansion and rising prestige for the super-connector airline. By the time of Kotils departure, however, events were conspiring against both the flag-carrier and its home nation. A failed coup d'etat, a wave of terror attacks by Daesh, and a regional slowdown in demand were setting the scene for THYs first annual loss in recent memory. The outlook was so poor that 30 aircraft were grounded and 22 routes suspended when Eksi took over the helm a dramatic retreat for an airline that had achieved double-digit growth in each of the past 10 years. And yet, just 12 months on, THY surged back into the black with a 2017 third-quarter net profit of 2.4 billion lira ($693 million). The flag-carriers share price has now more than tripled from its recent low, building confidence as management prepare for an historic move to the Istanbul New Airport. Actually, the third-quarter result was very fantastic. It is the record for the last decade, said Eksi, the former director general of Turkeys Civil Aviation Authority. If you look at Turkish Airlines [performance during the] last 10 years, every year we are growing more than 14%. So, 2016, for us, was the exception, because of the security concerns. But, of course, we have learned a lot of things in 2016. And one of them is to make the network run in a very smart way. At the time of writing, many of the routes that THY suspended two years ago remain closed among them Alborg in Denmark, Munster in Germany, Rotterdam in Holland, Genoa in Italy, Kermanshah in Iran, and Osh in Kyrgyzstan. However, rising demand has seen the flag-carrier re-open stations such as Bordeaux in France, and Gassim in Saudi Arabia. And other markets such as Havana in Cuba, and Phuket in Thailand have been launched anew. Such proactive capacity management allowed THY to avoid shrinking, even during the downturn, with passenger numbers rising by a respectable 2.5% in 2016. That was followed by stronger 9.3% growth last year. Combined with an increased reliance on wide-body jets up from 94 to 105 units in an otherwise static fleet of about 290 aircraft the changes have put the flag-carrier on track for a healthy full-year profit in 2017. And, while much of the credit goes to management, Eksi stressed that all departments pulled together during the hard times. He recalled with delight how one trade union had asked him to re-open pay negotiations, despite already agreeing to hikes of 4% every six months. Their new demand? Less money. They said to us they can accept 2.5% [wage growth], because they want to show they are helping our airline, Eksi smiled. The amount [saved] is not big, but the motivation and the emotion is amazing. All around the world, unions are requesting more. Our employees stand behind their airline. Happily, sacrifices by the workforce coincided with a vastly improving geopolitical landscape. Having wrought havoc across the region in 2016 including one deadly assault on Istanbul Ataturk Airport, THYs home base Daesh lost most of its territory in Iraq and Syria last year. Seemingly on the back foot, the terror group has not staged any large-scale attacks in Turkey since January 2017. Kurdish militant groups have also cut back their activities. And there has been no repeat of the 2016 attempted coup. The overall effect has been that holidaymakers are now flooding back to Turkish resorts. Foreign tourist arrivals surged by 28% in the first 10 months of 2017. Officials hope to match the all-time high of 36.8 million visitors reached in 2014 this year. Surging demand could not come at a better time for THY. In October, the flag-carrier will begin moving from capacity-constrained Ataturk Airport to the Istanbul New Airport a mega-hub designed to be the biggest in the world upon completion. Plans for a six-runway airport, capable of handling 150 million people a year, remain very much in the blueprint stage. Just two runways will be operational when the gateway opens its doors. But, because they are parallel unlike the two at THYs current hub the benefits will be immediately felt. [At] Ataturk we have the two runways but they cross each other, Eksi explained. When the wind is [coming] from the south, the capacity drops to half. For this reason, the new airport is offering us much [more] capacity than Ataturk from the first day. The new airports third runway should be completed in 2019, putting Istanbul on-track to becoming the worlds largest mega-hub. Only Dubais Al Maktoum International Airport is seen as a contender. Eksi admits that shifting bases will be a stressful experience for the flag-carrier. Incheon International Airport Corporation and Copenhagen Airports have been appointed as consultants for the move, assisting with the development of an operations readiness and transfer (ORAT) plan. The precise details had not been finalised at the time of writing, but it is clear the consultants are recommending a big bang approach. This means changing the airport ORAT [in a] very short time, Eksi said. We are discussing how many days one day or one week or two weeks. It will not take more than 15 days. He noted that slots at the new airport will be shared liberally with foreign operators. Adopting such an open-door policy may increase competitive headwinds for THY, but management believe the indirect benefits of free-market access will outweigh the costs particularly when it comes to bilateral restrictions. Our competitors from the other countries can easily find slots in the [new] airport, and this means that they will offer more traffic rights to Turkey, Eksi predicted. Turning to the fleet, the airline boss confirmed that long-awaited plans for wide-body renewal are taking shape. THY currently has just three firm orders for wide-bodies all Boeing 777-200LRF freighters but much larger commitments are in the works. Last September, Mehmet Ilker Ayc, THYs chairman, announced that he was negotiating the possible purchase of 40 787-9s from Boeing. Four months later, he also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus covering 20 A350-900s plus five options. Eksi stressed that neither deal has been firmed up. He said the board had issued a tender for 40 firm units plus 10 options perhaps hinting at a split order between Boeing and Airbus, given the size of the latters MoU and that deliveries should be completed by 2023. There is not any decision right now, he said. Whoever is the less cost for Turkish Airlines, we will buy from them. Things are clearer on the narrow-body front, as THY already has firm orders for 92 A321neos, 65 737-8 MAXs and 10 737-9 MAXs. Ten of those aircraft will arrive this year, followed by 35 in 2019, 42 in 2020, 35 in 2021, 30 in 2022 and 15 in 2023. The A321neo and 737-8 deliveries will span the full six-year period, while all of the 737-9s will arrive in 2019 and 2020. At present, THYs passenger fleet comprises 97 A320-family jets, 89 737s, 53 A330s, 33 777s and four A340s. The flag-carrier also operates 15 freighters. Across the broader group, 33 737s are deployed with low-cost brand AnadoluJet, and another 31 with SunExpress, a leisure-focused joint venture with Lufthansa. SunExpress has its own orders for 32 737 MAXs, but AnadoluJet has no outstanding commitments. Asked about its plans, Eksi speculated that some of the narrow-bodies being retired by THY over the coming years could be refurbished and placed with AnadoluJet. He said that Turkish Seat Industries, another group subsidiary, might be called on to reconfigure the aircraft. Expansion by the low-cost subsidiary could, in turn, see the group deepen its presence in Ankaras Esenboga International Airport particularly if AnadoluJet is granted independence. Today, AnadoluJet is the brand name of Turkish Airlines. It is a dedicated group but it is not a company, Eksi explained. We are discussing [whether] to separate AnadoluJet as a company. It is under discussion and the decision is not yet given, but the board has requested us to make the evaluation. AnadoluJet, if it is separated to an individual company, can utilise Ankara as a hub. The Turkish capital already serves as a springboard for domestic air travel, owing to its location in the centre of Anatolia. But the city has relatively few international connections. Both THY and low-cost rival Pegasus Airlines which also uses Esenboga Airport are eager to change that. Even as he considers a broader nationwide strategy, however, Eksis attention remains firmly focused on Istanbul. The citys location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and the Middle East creates a powerful network effect for THY. Its geographical advantage is strengthened by the flag-carriers high proportion of narrow-bodies opening the door to thin markets as well as the allure of political relations with Turkey, an enticing prospect for investment-hungry African nations. The result is that THY now flies to 300 airports in 120 countries more than any other airline and management continue looking for new routes. We will open three to five new destinations for 2018, Eksi said, singling out Samarkand in Uzbekistan, and Freetown in Sierra Leone. But, actually, if you look at the map, there is not much space! Mainly, we will increase the frequencies for existing destinations. THYs appetite for foreign investments has also subtly shifted gears. While it plans to take a stake in Air Albania, the new Albanian flag-carrier being set up with Turkish assistance, no other projects are on the horizon. As of today, we have no such intention, Eksi said, when asked about media reports linking THY to various African start-ups. Of course, some countries and some airlines are coming to us and they are offering us to establish a joint venture. If they request from us some help we are very keen to help them. But, as a policy, the joint venture and other establishment is not on the table. You know, establishing airlines is easy but running airlines is not so easy! You should have enough population, enough network. Otherwise you can lose money very easily. That focus on commercial viability and financial health will be Eksis guiding light as he leads the flag-carrier away from its darkest year in recent history. With the imminent opening of the Istanbul New Airport, its future once again looks bright. Effective 1 October, 2018, Etihad Airways will operate the Airbus A380 on its second daily service linking Abu Dhabi and Paris Charles de Gaulle. This will transform the airlines operation between the UAE and French capitals into a year-round all-A380 service, joining London Heathrow as the second European destination enjoying daily multiple visits by Etihads award-winning double-decker aircraft. The introduction of the aircraft on the second daily service will provide business and leisure travellers between both cities with more options to experience Etihads latest award-winning cabins and products. The airline has operated the A380 between Abu Dhabi and Paris on one of its two daily flights since 1 July 2017, with the service performing very strongly since its introduction. Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer said, Paris has always been a very special destination on the Etihad network and the number of visitors from France to Abu Dhabi, and vice versa has continued to show significant growth. The route has never been more in demand. We have seized the opportunity to place our flagship Airbus A380 on our second daily flight, following the great reception the aircraft has received from our guests, and to ensure we offer product consistency on the route. This will also allow us to significantly increase the number of leisure and premium seats available, providing more options for those wanting to travel point-to-point between Abu Dhabi and Paris, two capitals now also united by Louvre museums, or to connect via our Abu Dhabi hub to points all over the Middle East, Asia and Australia. The Saudi Air Navigation Service Co, the entity in charge of air traffic management in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has selected Thales to support a programme for the modernisation of all surveillance radars in the Kingdom. Copyright Shutterstock The programme comes under the auspices of KSA Vision 2030, aiming at reducing Saudi Arabias dependence on oil through the diversification of its economy and development of public service sectors. Thales will supply Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radars (MSSR) Mode S for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Jazan Airport. These radars will provide full coverage across dense traffic areas. The radars supplied by Thales are the first phase of SANS programme and plan to replace the existing ones installed throughout the Kingdom. As a key supplier of ATM equipment in the region, this contract is an integral part of Thaless commitment to continue to broaden its long standing cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the civil aviation domain. The group has been supporting the countrys air traffic management for decades, with Navigation Aids as well as the Air Traffic Management, Control & Approach Center and the Academy of Civil Aviation. Russia and Rwanda are developing military-technical cooperation, and negotiations over potential deliveries of air defense systems to Kigali are underway, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said after his meeting with the head of Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Louise Mushikiwabo on June 3. Rwanda already operates several SA-7B (Grail-b) 9K32M Strela-2M man-portable air defense systems (Picture source ) "We feature good cooperation in the military-technical area. Rwanda's armed forces and law enforcement agencies operate our helicopters, Ural trucks, small arms; potential deliveries of air defense systems are being discussed," Lavrov said. "Last year, we established an intergovernmental committee on military-technical cooperation," the minister pointed out. "Last Autumn, [the committee] held its first meeting in Kigali and outlined the prospects for development of military-technical cooperation. The next meeting is scheduled for Autumn 2018, it will take place in Moscow," Lavrov added. According to the Military Balance 2018 analytical book published by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Rwanda operates a large number of Soviet-/Russian-originated platforms, including 24 T-54/55 main battle tanks, several BMP infantry fighting vehicles, several BTR armored personnel carriers, several T-54/55-based engineering vehicles, six D-30 howitzers, several Strela-2 man-portable air defense systems, 14.5 mm/23 mm/37 mm anti-aircraft guns, two Mi-24V (NATO code: Hind) and three Mi-35P (Hind) combat helicopters, and four Mi-17V (Hip), a Mi-17MD (Hip), a Mi-17V-5 (Hip-H), and five Mi-17-1V (Hip) military transport helicopters. Interestingly, Race 3 could carry the trailer of Sanju not only in India but also in Pakistan The news about Salman Khans Race 3 clashing with Ranbir Kapoors Sanju, a biopic on actor Sanjay Dutt, in Pakistan, made the rounds of the internet recently. But now it looks like the clash has been averted thanks to the request by local film distributors who know that Salman Khan films make good business in the country and more delay will lead to loss. Thus, the Chairman of Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) Danyal Gillani came to a decision that Bollywood movies will be banned only for a week (rather than the original decision of ban for two weeks) and hence, Race 3 will release on 22nd June while Sanju will make its way to the theatres on 29th June. Interestingly, Race 3 could carry the trailer of Sanju not only in India but also in Pakistan, thus ensuring that at least somewhere Ranbir and Salman will be on the same screen. The craze for Rajinikanth movies is unmatchable and the excitement for his upcoming release Kaala is on another level! The craze for Rajinikanth movies is unmatchable and the excitement for his upcoming release Kaala is on another level! An IT company has gone out and declared a holiday on 7th June just because Rajinis Kaala releases a day later. That is the power of the megastar. Unfortunately, the movie might have to face a loss of Rs. 20 crores since it might not release in Karnataka. The film got banned in the state after Rajinis comment on the Cauvery issue. Trade analyst Ramesh Bala had tweeted, .@wunderbarfilms has filed a case in #Karnataka HC seeking a direction to allow and also provide security for the screening of #Kaala in the state. The petitioners say the movie is made a budget of Rs 140 crore and they are expecting gross revenue of Rs 15 20 crore from Karnataka. However, Rajinikanth assures that the film will release in Karnataka since people want to watch it. In fact he states that the Government will provide adequate security for them. There is certainly good news for the makers since the movie is in profit even before its release! A report on Hindustan Times affirms that the pre-release business of 'Kaala' (through its theatrical and music rights) is Rs. 230 crore, which have already been recovered. Now for the movie to be declared a hit, it needs another Rs. 280 crore, which looks quite possible for the movie, considering how the megastars last film Kabali collected Rs. 650 crore worldwide, with Rs. 259 overseas business. Page Not Found! It seems that the page you are looking for does not exist or has been removed. 'Why is Amit Shah meeting NDA allies after losing by-elections?' asked Shiv Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana'. 'Ties between the people and the BJP have snapped...for the BJP, relationships are business calculations,' an editorial in 'Saamana' proclaimed today. (Photo: File | PTI) Mumbai: It was not a warm welcome for BJP president Amit Shah who travelled to Mumbai from Delhi to meet Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on June 6. Hours ahead of BJP chiefs meeting with Uddhav Thackeray on the evening of June 6, Shiv Senas mouthpiece, Saamana, has named Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as wilful defaulters in ally management. Amit Shah is in Mumbai specifically to assuage Uddhav Thackeray who has been targeting and criticising the BJP though they run Maharashtra together. "Ties between the people and the BJP have snapped...for the BJP, relationships are business calculations," an editorial in 'Saamana' proclaimed on Wednesday. Also Read: No tie-up with BJP, will contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections on our own: Shiv Sena It is not just Uddhav Thackeray who is feeling slighted by the BJP. However, he is the only one who has been vocal and said he will not be a part of its national coalition for the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Other members of that league, like the Akali Dal and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, have indicated they want a more even-handed approach and respect from the BJP, frequently accused of treating its partners as dispensable, secure in its own might - when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was elected in 2014, his party had enough seats to form the government on its own without any help from its partners. In March, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu hit out at the Prime Minister's coalition government, alleging that he had been insulted by Narendra Modi who refused to meet him to discuss his demands for special financial assistance for Andhra Pradesh. Shiv Sena contested a recent by-poll in Maharashtra against the BJP. The Palaghar seat was retained by the BJP, though by a narrow margin of 30,000 votes. The election was part of 11 assembly and 4 parliamentary seats that saw the BJP winning just two. In March, BJP lost two prestige seats in Uttar Pradesh, the state that determines who governs India because it elects as many as 80 members of parliament. A worried Amit Shah has quickly lined up a series of visits to its alliance to ensure ties remain firm and intact ahead of the general election, especially crucial at the moment as the opposition is making a concerted attempt to come together to oust Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A united opposition which consists of different voter group with varied ideologies is being viewed as the only way that non-BJP parties have any chance at defeating PM Modi in 2019 polls. In Karnataka last month, the Congress quickly accepted junior partner status and allowed regional leader H D Kumaraswamy to become the Chief Minister so that the BJP could not form the government in the state. "Why is Amit Shah meeting NDA allies after losing by-elections?" 'Saamana' asked today. "In 2019, the Shiv Sena will fight alone," it asserted. However, Sena's own strength in Maharashtra has not been inarguable. It struggled to hold onto Mumbai's municipal corporation, a hugely rich body that it has controlled for two decades. The BJP was just two seats behind. The BJP also won a series of local bodies in other parts of the state. The couples domestic servant, Narayan Singh, has been named as one of the key witnesses in the case. Mr Tharoor, a Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram and a former Union minister, is the only person named as an accused in the Delhi polices chargesheet that runs into more than 3,000 pages. New Delhi: A trial court in Delhi on Tuesday summoned Congress MP Shashi Tharoor as an accused in the case related to his wife Sunanda Pushkars death, saying there was sufficient ground to proceed against him. He has been asked to appear before the court on July 7. Mr Tharoor, a Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram and a former Union minister, is the only person named as an accused in the Delhi polices chargesheet that runs into more than 3,000 pages. The chargesheet, submitted to the court on May 14, alleges that he subjected Sunanda to mental as well as physical cruelty that drove her to commit suicide. The couples domestic servant, Narayan Singh, has been named as one of the key witnesses in the case. Additional chief metropolitan magistrate Samar Vishal, taking cognisance of charges of alleged abetment of suicide and committing cruelty, said, I have heard the prosecutor. I have gone through and perused the chargesheet and the documents filed along with it. On the basis of policereport (chargesheet), I take cognisance of offence of abetment of suicide of late Sunanda Pushkar and committing cruelty upon her by Dr Shashi Tharoor. There exists sufficient grounds to proceed against Tharoor for commission of offences of Section 306 and 498 A of IPC. Issue summons to him for appearance for July 7. Reacting to the summons, Mr Tharoor issued a statement via his Twitter account. He called the charges against him preposterous and baseless, and a product of a vindictive campaign against him. Delhi Police chief spokesperson Deependra Pathak said, We have investigated the case professionally. We will defend the case in the court and do a proper follow-up of the court proceedings. Mr Tharoor married Sunanda Pushkar in 2010 and their high-profile relationship was often in the media glare. On the night of January 17, 2014, two days after she had a very public spat with Pakistani journalist Mehn Tarar, Sunanda Pushkar, 51, was found dead in Delhis Leela Palace Hotel. She had taken to Twitter to accuse Ms Tarar of having an affair with her husband. The cause of death was stated to be poisoning and on January 1, 2015, a case was registered by the Delhi Police against unknown persons under IPC Section 302 (murder). In its chargesheet submitted to the court last month, the Delhi Police has charged Mr Tharoor under Sections 498A (husband or his relative subjecting a woman to cruelty) and 306 (abetment of suicide) of the Indian Penal Code. Under Section 498A, the maximum punishment is up to three years of imprisonment, while jail term of up to 10 years is prescribed under Section 306. Mr Tharoor has never been arrested in the case. IGC plans to increase its strength by inducting new aerial, sea-borne assets by 2019 after concluding its coastal security exercise. "Sagar Kavach'', an exercise aimed at validating standard operating procedures on command and control, communications and response tactics for the threats emanating from the sea, got underway on Tuesday. (Photo: File) Kolkata: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is going to increase its strength along the Bay of Bengal off West Bengal and Odisha coasts by inducting new aerial and sea-borne assets by 2019 as its two-day-long bi-annual coastal security exercise: "Sagar Kavach'' in the deep sea from near Sagar Island in South 24 Parganas up to Digha in East Midnapore concluded on Wednesday. The two coastal states fall under the ICG's North East (NE) region. ICG Inspector General K S Sheoran (NE) said, "At present, we have 15 ships covering the coastlines of West Bengal and Odisha. Two more ships will be added to the fleet either by this year or early next year. We have three Dornier aircrafts operating from the Kolkata airport. A plan has been made to induct another to the fleet soon. At Haldia, we have a floating jetty. There is a plan to construct a permanent jetty there also." Sources revealed that two helicopters are going to be based in Kolkata airport for ICG in the next five years for coastal surveillance purpose. "Sagar Kavach'', an exercise aimed at validating standard operating procedures on command and control, communications and response tactics for the threats emanating from the sea, got underway on Tuesday. (Photo: File) This exercise helps in plugging the gaps if any and learning lessons thus enhancing effectiveness in coastal security, said Sheoran, who is the NE regional commander. The exercise is of utmost importance to West Bengal in view of its geographical location and prevailing security scenario in the neighbourhood. Since 2009, 18 coastal security exercises have been conducted for West Bengal. The exercise aimed at checking the efficacy of layered security arrangements-- air-surveillance, deep sea patrol by bigger ships of Coast Guard and Navy and close coast patrol by Coast Guard interceptor boats, air cushion vehicles (hovercrafts), boats of marine police, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Customs and forest department. Participants of the exercise were divided into two teams: Attack (Red) and Defence (Blue). Attack team acted as anti-national elements who attempted to infiltrate into Coastal area while Defence teams established coastal security surveillance. While the Navy deployed one Dornier aircraft and one ship, the ICG engaged three Dornier aircrafts, one off-shore patrol vessel, four fast interceptor boats among other assets, sources disclosed. The participating agencies were the central and state security organisations, law enforcement and intelligence agencies -- ICG, Indian Navy, Border Security Force, CISF, police, customs, forest and port. The exercise was preceded by a planning conference held on May 30, chaired by additional director general (Coastal Security) of West Bengal Police Hermanprit Singh, where the schedule of exercise planned by the ICG was discussed and participating agencies were briefed about their role and responsibilities. The progress of the exercise was supervised by neutral observers to inject necessary mid-course corrections during the progress of exercise and also to provide feedback for future exercises. According to Sheoran, all the agencies' attitude was positive and cooperative. A fierce critic of the RSS, BJP and PM Narendra Modi, in particular, Mr Mevani is asking dalits to take a pledge not to vote for the BJP. Jaipur: Dalit leader and Indepen-dent MLA from Gujarat, Jignesh Mevani is giving sleepless nights to ruling BJP in Rajasthan. After the Karnataka Assembly election, he has shifted focus to Rajasthan with the single aim of defeating the BJP in the Assem-bly elections in December and followed by general elections next year. A fierce critic of the RSS, BJP and PM Narendra Modi, in particular, Mr Mevani is asking dalits to take a pledge not to vote for the BJP. Back for the third time in less than two months, Mr Mevani said, I will ask them to take in name of baba saheb that they will never attend shakha in their life time and will not vote for the BJP ever in the future. Mr Mevani has set a target of administering this oath to at least ne lakh dalits. The BJP is creating a divide between dalits, Muslims and other communities. However, you should remain united. Always remember that you are a dalit. In the coming time, Amit Shah (BJP national president) will come and try to lure you with money, but never fall in his trap, said Mr Mevani while addressing dalit community members be it in Abu, Sirohi, Nagaur or Sikar. He keeps reminding them about atrocities against dalits and blamed BJP governments across the country for suppressing their voice. Initially, in a panic, the BJP government had imposed several restriction on him. When he arrived in Jaipur in April after mass-level violence followed by backlash from general castes, the police had detained him at airport on the ground that he might disturb peace. He returned without any meeting but threw a challenge to chief minister Vasundhara Raje that he would be back soon to a grand welcome. I would be back and promise you that it will be fun to work against you in assembly elections. Earlier, BJP MLA had sparked controversy for blaming parents and smartphones for rising rape incidents. Surendra Singh ordered his supporters to beat up government officials if they ask for bribes. (Photo: ANI) Patna (Bihar): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA, Surendra Singh has courted a controversy by saying that prostitutes are better than government staffs. Addressing a gathering, Singh said, "Officials se accha charitra vaishyaon ka hota hai, woh paisa lekar kam se kam apna kaam toh karti hain aur stage pe naachti hain. Par yeh officials toh paisa lekar bhi aapka kaam karenge ki nahi, iski koi guarantee hi nahi hai," Singh told his supporters (Prostitutes are better than government officials; at least for money they do their work well and also entertain us by dancing on the stage. But these officials even after taking the money they will not guarantee of the work being done.)" Singh also ordered his supporters to beat up government officials if they ask for bribes. He also urged his supporters to record the voice of any official who demands a bribe. This is not the first time when the BJP MLA has made such absurd statement. Earlier, he had sparked controversy for blaming parents and smartphones for rising rape incidents. Read: Parents, mobiles responsible for incidents of rape: UP BJP MLA Surendra Singh The mobs had damaged and torched several vehicles and shops on New Year's Day and the houses of local residents were also ransacked. One person was killed in the caste violence between two groups near Sanaswadi, adjacent to Koregaon Bhima. The violence led to the statewide Dalit agitation. (Photo: File) Pune: The Pune Police on Wednesday arrested five people allegedly having close Maoist links, including prominent Dalit activist Sudhir Dhawale, from Mumbai, Nagpur and Delhi in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence on January 1. According to sources in the Pune Police, Dhawale was arrested from his house in Mumbai, lawyer Surendra Gadling, activist Mahesh Raut and Shoma Sen were picked up from Nagpur and Rona Wilson was arrested from his flat in Munirka in Delhi in simultaneous raids this morning. Dhawale was one of the organisers of Elgar Parishad, organised to commemorate 200 years of the Koregaon Bhima battle on December 31 at Shaniwarwada. There Kabir Kala Manch activists had allegedly made provocative speeches leading to violence at Koregaon Bhima in the district, according to an FIR registered at Vishrambaug police station after the event. Sudhir Dhawale is a Dalit activist and editor of Marathi magazine Vidrohi while Surendra Gadling, a Nagpur based lawyer, also known as a Dalit and tribal activist, provides legal aids to those who arrested for Maoist links, police said. Shoma Sen is a professor at Nagpur University and her husband Tushar Kranti Bhattacharya was arrested from Nagpur station for his alleged Naxal links in 2010. Mahesh Raut is a former Prime Minister Rural Development fellow and said to have close Maoist links. Rona Wilson, 47, a native of Kerala, is currently based in Delhi and associated with for Committee for Release of Political Prisoners. "We have arrested five people in connection with Bhima Koregaon violence. All five have close Maoist links and prima facie, their involvement is being seen in the matter. It is to be investigated whether they instigated the violence," Joint Commissioner of Police, Pune Police, Ravindra Kadam, said. He said there were possibilities of additional arrests in the case. "We are also evoking relevant sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act," he said. He said the latest developments took place after the detailed investigation of the case registered at Vishrambaug police station. The event (Elgar Parishad) was attended by Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani, JNU student leader Umar Khalid, Rohit Vemula's mother Radhika Vemula, and Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh president Prakash Ambedkar. Shaniwarwada, a historical fortification in the city, had remained the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha empire until 1818. The complaint against the KKM members was lodged by one Tushar Damgude. The FIR was registered against Sudhir Dhawale, Sagar Gorkhe, Harshali Potdar, Ramesh Gaychor, Deepak Dengle and Jyoti Jagtap, a police official said. The complainant had alleged that the "provocative" speeches and presentations made during the entire programme "promoted" enmity between two groups. The complaint also had stated that the "inciting speeches and presentations" led to the violence. One person was killed in the caste violence between two groups near Sanaswadi, adjacent to Koregaon Bhima. The violence led to the statewide Dalit agitation. The mobs had damaged and torched several vehicles and shops on New Year's Day and the houses of local residents were also ransacked. The Pune Police had registered a case against Hindutwa leader Milind Ekbote and another right-wing leader Sambhaji Bhide. Ekbote had already been arrested in the case. Bhide and Ekbote are accused of orchestrating the violence. A case against the members of the Kabir Kala Manch was registered under sections 153(a), 505(1)(b) and 117 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. He said that if BJP has a winning formula, then the SP and its alliance partners will also come up with a formula to win the elections. The SP and Congress had joined hands last year as well to contest the assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh. However, the two lost comprehensively to the BJP. (Photo: ANI/Twitter) Bhopal: Samajwadi President Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said that the party was open to an alliance with the Congress for the upcoming assembly polls which is slated to be held later this year. The party president slammed the Modi government on various issues and said that the 'BJP can be defeated'. He said that if the BJP has a winning formula for the assembly polls, then the SP and its alliance partners will also come up with a formula to win the elections. The SP and Congress had joined hands last year as well to contest the assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh. However, the two lost comprehensively to the BJP. Yadav's statement of a possible alliance between the Congress and the SP for the Madhya Pradesh elections comes in the wake of the massive opposition unity that is building up against the BJP. On Sunday, the Congress had alleged irregularities in the voter list in Madhya Pradesh, claiming that there are approximately 60 lakh fake voters registered. The Election Commision constituted two teams to investigate the allegations. The teams have to submit a report by June 7. Arun Jaitley hits back, says Rahuls speech case of inadequate knowledge. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Digvijay Singh and other leaders during the Kisan Samriddhi Sankalp rally at Khokhra in Mandsaur. (Photo: PTI) Bhopal/New Delhi: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday sounded the partys poll bugle in Madhya Pradesh by promising to waive farm loans if his party returned to power in the state in the year-end elections. Addressing a farmers rally at Pipliya Mandi in Mandsaur in the state, exactly a year after six farmers were killed there in police firing during an agitation, Mr Gandhi said, Kamal Nath (MP Congress president) and Jyotiraditya Scindia (the state poll campaign committee chairman) are sitting here. The day the Congress comes to power in MP, count 10 days, I say with guarantee that farmers loan will be waived within 10 days. It wont take even the eleventh day. Mr Gandhi paid tribute to the six farmers slain in police firing and met their kin. Lashing out at the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government for not making the probe report of the Mandsaur police firing incident public, Mr Gandhi announced that cops responsible for the killings would be punished if his party returns to power in the state. He lambasted the state government as well as the Centre for failing to mitigate the pain of farmers, leading to growing incidents of suicide deaths of ryots (an Indian peasant or tenant farmer). As many as 1,200 farmers ended their lives in MP due to mounting debts. Has any member of debt-ridden rich families committed suicide? he asked. Mr Gandhi declared that if the Congress is voted to power at the Centre, it would bring in legislation to ensure a fixed income for farmers. Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of waiving Rs 2.5 lakh crore of 15 industrialists, when neither the BJP-led Union or state governments had extend even a one-rupee assistance to farmers, Mr Gandhi claimed that the Congress-ruled states of Punjab and Karnataka have waived farm loans. He further said that his plea to the Prime Minister to write off farmers loans was yet to be heeded to. Hitting back at the Congress president, Union finance minister Arun Jaitley said, Every time I listen to the view of Rahul Gandhi, both inside and outside Parliament, I ask myself the same question How much does he know? When will he know? Listening to his speech delivered in Madhya Pradesh today reaffirms my curiosity about the answer. Is he being inadequately briefed or is he being a little too liberal with his facts, Mr Jaitley wrote in a Facebook post titled How much does he know. Providing a six-point rebuttal to what Mr Gandhi had said at the rally, Mr Jaitley rejected the accusation that the PM had waived the loans of Rs 2.5 lakh crore of 15 top industrialists, calling it completely false. The government, he said, has not waived a single rupee due from any industrialist. On the Congress presidents comment that Mr Modi has given Rs 35,000 crore each to two diamond jewellers who have fled the country, Mr Jaitley said this is factually incorrect and added that the banking fraud started in 2011 when the UPA II was in power but was detected during the NDA period. Assembly polls are due in Madhya Pradesh in November this year along with Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. The visit came on a day when Shiv Sena, in an editorial in Saamna, asserted that it will fight all upcoming elections solo. This is the first meeting at Uddhav Thackrey's residence, Matoshree, after Amit Shah's visit in 2017 when he came to seek support for NDAs presidential nominee. (Photo: File) Mumbai: As part of an effort to reach out to NDA allies, BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday met Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai a visit that is being seen as an attempt by the saffron party to pacify its oldest ally that now calls itself BJPs biggest political enemy. The visit came on a day when the Shiv Sena, in an editorial in the partys mouthpiece Saamna, questioned the BJP's outreach programme after suffering defeats in bypolls and asserted that it will fight all upcoming elections solo. This is the first meeting at Thackrey's residence, Matoshree, after Shah's visit in 2017 when he came to seek support for NDA's presidential nominee. Though, the meet did not stop the Shiv Sena from slamming the BJP time and again but it did eventually support NDA's presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind. The ties between the two parties have been worsening with every passing day. Shiv Sena contested a recent bypoll in Maharashtra against the BJP. The Palghar seat was retained by the BJP, though by a narrow margin of 30,000 votes. The election was part of 11 assembly and 4 parliamentary seats that saw the BJP winning just two. In March, BJP lost two important seats in Uttar Pradesh, the state that elects as many as 80 members of parliament. A worried Amit Shah quickly lined up a series of visits to its allies to ensure that the relations remain intact ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The move is also significant at a time when the opposition is making a concerted effort to come together to ensure that the Narendra Modi-led government do not get a second chance to come to power. Shah on Thursday will travel to Chandigarh to meet Shiromani Akali Dal's Parkash Singh Badal and Sukhbir Singh Badal as part of the BJPs Sampark for Samarthan or outreach programme. The chain of meetings are being seen as an attempt by the BJP to reach out to its allies who have either been criticising or expressing their dissent with the party and it also aims to strengthen the National Democratic Alliance ahead of general polls. Akhilesh Yadav said that no discussions had taken place as yet. Former UP chief minister and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav rides a cycle at Rumi Darwaza in Lucknow on Tuesday. (Photo: PTI) Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has said that seat-sharing with the BSP would be discussed at the appropriate time. There has been no decision to my knowledge in this regard, he said reacting to reports of the BSP wanting 40 out of 80 seats for itself in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Whatever seats are to be given will be decided when talks are initiated. We will discuss this at the appropriate time, he told reporters on Tuesday. Mr Akhilesh Yadav said that no discussions had taken place as yet. We are Samajwadis, and we have a big heart. We will not let minor issues come between us, he said. Mr Yadav emphasised that the coming together of likeminded forces had rattled the BJP, which had suffered a humiliating defeat in recent by-elections in Kairana and Noorpur recently. They (BJP) tried to fan communal passions but people doused their intentions by voting against BJP, he said. He alleged that the BJP had tried to divert the peoples attention from core issues but the anger of the people was visible from the results despite the fact that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a road show on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway on May 27, a day before polling in Kairana, in an obvious attempt to influence the byelection. Mr Akhilesh Yadav, while referring to upcoming assembly elections in other states, said The SP will contest all the seats in MP and we are preparing for polls in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Replying to a question, however, he said that he had no information of an alliance between Congress and BSP in Madhya Prad-esh. We are preparing to contest all 230 seats in MP, he stated. The Samajwadi Party chief also said that the party was prepared for the 2019 polls and the process was on for selecting pros-pective candidates. He said that he expects that the general elections wo-uld be held early and simultaneously with Asse-mbly polls of some states. Rahul addressed a rally in Mandsaur to observe 1st anniversary of police firing on farmers during a protest in which 6 farmers were killed. Mandsaur: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday assured the farmers of Madhya Pradesh that their loan would be waived within 10 days if his party comes to power in the state. "Here Kamal Nath (MP Congress President) and Jyotiraditya Scindia (the state poll campaign committee chairman) are sitting. I want to assure you that within 10-days of coming to power in Madhya Pradesh, the government will waive (farmers') loan," Rahul Gandhi said. Rahul was addressing a rally at Pipliya Mandi in Mandsaur district to commemorate the first anniversary of police firing on farmers during an agitation in which six farmers were killed. Congress president also promised the farmers that his party would ensure justice to the victims of Mandsaur firing and would take action against those responsible for the police firing on farmers if it comes to power. Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue of farmers loan waiver, the Congress chief said, PM Modi waived off loan worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore of just 15 businessmen, but I requested him to waive off farm loans, his answer was SILENCE. Modiji does not have a word for the voice of farmers, he added. He further said, When I asked the same to Captain Amarinder Singh and Siddaramaiah, in just 10 days Karnataka and Punjab governments waived off farm loans. Criticising the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh over Mandsaur firing in which five farmers were killed, Rahul said, A year ago, Madhya Pradesh government shot and killed farmers. Today, all across India, farmers are demanding for their rights, while adding that the truth is PM Modi and BJP are not concerned about farmers. Helping their rich businessmen friends is their only priority. The government only gives to the rich and takes away from the power. Prime Minister Modi calls Mehul Choksi Mehul bhai and Nirav Modi, Nirav bhai, he said. Rahul further added, Narendra Modi ji gave Rs 30,000 crore to Nirav bhai and Mehul bhai. With this much amount, the loan of the states farmers would have been waived twice. Accusing PM Modi of betraying the farmers, Congress chief said, The food we eat is all due to the efforts of our farmers and their families, not rich businessmen. Which is why farmers are our priority. My first priority is the people of this country, second priority is my Congress karyakartas and third priority is the Congress leaders, Rahul added. Madhya Pradesh is all set to go to Assembly polls in November along with Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. The cobra was held by the head and placed in a mesh cage before being handed over to the local wildlife preservation department. He used tongs to successfully pull the massive snake out (Photo: YouTube) Snakes are terrifying creatures not just because of their ability to cause fatalities but also because they can sneak into any space. From refrigerators to air conditioners and airplanes, snakes have managed to shock people by crawling inside unexpected place. A police officer in China was called in to tackle a cobra hiding inside a minivan when the driver spotted it under the seat. The cop removed a king cobra which was a shocking nine-foot-long and weighed 4.1 kg. The serpent slid into the glove compartment when the officer reached in to catch it. But he used tongs to successfully capture and pull the cobra out of the van. The cobra was held by the head and placed in a mesh cage before being handed over to the local wildlife preservation department. Terms them baseless, product of malicious, vindictive campaign. New Delhi: Soon after a Delhi court summoned him in a case relating to death of his wife, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday dubbed the charges against him as preposterous and baseless and the product of a malicious and vindictive campaign against him that he will vigorously contest. In a statement, he said, he maintains steadfast conviction that ultimately the truth will prevail through the judicial system. I would like to reiterate my position that I find the charges preposterous and baseless, the product of a malicious and vindictive campaign against myself. I will continue to vigorously contest these charges and maintain steadfast conviction that ultimately the truth will prevail through the judicial system that we are privileged to have in our country, he said. He, however, refused to speak further and urged the media to respect his and his familys right to privacy as the matter is sub-judice. I will refrain from commenting on this issue further until such time as the next scheduled hearing of the case, he said. Mr Tharoor said he has taken note of the developments in the case being heard by the Patiala House Court in relation to the circumstances surrounding the death of his wife Sunanda Pushkar. He said from the very start, he has fully cooperated with the investigating team and continue to maintain that due legal process must be followed in all aspects related to this case. His remarks came soon after the Delhi court summoned him on July 7, saying there were sufficient grounds to proceed against him. Additional chief metropolitan magistrate Samar Vishal took cognisance of Mr Tharoors alleged offences of abetment of suicide and committing cruelty towards Pushkar. I have heard the prosecutor. I have gone through and perused the charge sheet and the documents filed along with it. On the basis of police report (charge sheet), I take cognisance of offence of abetment of suicide of late Sunanda Pushkar and committing cruelty upon her by Shashi Tharoor, the judge said. There exists sufficient grounds to proceed against Mr Tharoor for commission of offences of Section 306 and 498 A of IPC. Issue summons to him for appearance for July 7, the court added. The Police had on May 14 accused the Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvanantha-puram of abetting Pushkars suicide and told a city court that he should be summoned as an accused in the four-and-half year-old case, claiming there was sufficient evidence against him. Jan. 15, 2014 Sunanda and Shashi Tharoor fly from Kerala to Delhi Jan. 16 Tharoors checks into the hotel, they shift to suite 345. Sunanda calls up her friends, including Nalini Singh, informing her about Shashi Tharoors alleged affair with Pakistani journalist Mehr Tarar. Sunanda found dead Jan. 17 Sunanda Pushkar found dead at Leela Palace Hotel, a day after she was involved in a Twitter spat with Pakistani journalist Mehr Tarar over the latters alleged affair with her husband Shashi Tharoor Jan. 21 The SDM who was heading the inquest says Sunanda died of poisoning. The SDM, in his report, had said Sunanda could have died in just three ways, homicidal, suicidal and accidental and the police should investigate further to ascertain the reason of her death Jan. 23 The probe into the death of Sunanda transferred to the crime branch of Delhi police Jan. 25 Case transferred back to the Delhi police Murder case filed Jan. 1, 2015 The Delhi police registers FIR against unknown persons under the Section of 302 (murder) Jan. 15, 2016 The police receives AIIMS medical boards advice on the FBI lab report on viscera samples of Sunanda to identify the cause of her death. Her viscera samples were sent to the FBI lab in Washington DC in February 2015 to determine the kind of poison that killed her after an AIIMS medical board identified poisoning as the reason behind her death but did not mention any specific substance Swamy seeks sit probe July 6, 2017 BJP leader Subramanian Swamy moves Delhi HC for SIT probe into Sunandas death Oct. 26 The HC dismisses Swamys plea saying his PIL was a textbook example of political interest litigation Jan. 29, 2018 Swamy moves the Supreme Court Feb. 23 Supreme Court seeks reply of the Delhi police on Swamys plea April 20 The police, in its affidavit in the apex court, says a draft final report has been prepared after conducting thorough professional and scientific investigations in the case May 14 The police files chargesheet in the case May 24 Case transferred to additional chief metropolitan magistrates court, a special designated court to try politicians May 28 Court reserves order on whether to summon Tharoor as an accused in the case June 5 Court summons Tharoor as accused in Sunandas death case, says sufficient grounds to proceed against him Republican leader Prakash Ambedkar called it the governments attempt to divert attention from right wing activist Sambhaji Bhide. Besides Dhawale, the others arrested included, human rights lawyer Surendra Gadling, activists Mahesh Raut and Shoma Sen from Nagpur, and activist Rona Wilson from New Delhi. (Representational image) MUMBAI/PUNE: In a crackdown at dawn, a Pune police team on Wednesday arrested Ambedkarite activist-editor Sudhir Dhawale in Mumbai along with four other dalit activists in Delhi and Nagpur. They were arrested for their alleged links to Naxals and their role in organising the Elgaar Parishad to commemorate the bicentenary celebrations of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in December last year, where socially-divisive speeches were made. However, the arrests have come in for criticism from many quarters. Members of the Elgaar Parishad organising committee condemned the arrests, saying the state government was creating a new narrative of urban naxalism in its efforts to protect the real culprits, Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote. Republican leader Prak-ash Ambedkar called it the governments attempt to divert attention from right wing activist Sambhaji Bhide. This arrest is part of governments constant attempt to save the main culprit. We have been saying this that Bhide is the mastermind of the attack on Dalits gathered at Koregaon Bhima on June 1. We have submitted the proofs of Facebook posts of his supporters inviting others to come at place on January 1. But ignoring that, police are arresting people who have no connection with this incident, he said. At a press conference in Pune on Wednesday, Jyoti Jagtap from the Kabir Kala Manch said, The state has instituted a judicial committee to investigate the Bhima-Koregoan violence and that committee will work till June 11. But before the committee could present its report, the police has begun arresting activists. Ramesh Gaichor, a member of the Elgar Parisad organising committee, said, The chief minister, who represents fascist ideology, is misleading people. Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani tweeted, While dalit activists have been booked under UAPA, the main culprit, Manohar Bhide roams scot free. Besides Dhawale, the others arrested included, human rights lawyer Surendra Gadling, activists Mahesh Raut and Shoma Sen from Nagpur, and activist Rona Wilson from New Delhi. A case has been filed to appeal a judges ruling that said blocking people from the @realDonaldTrump account violates the First Amendment. In this June 1, 2018, photo, President Donald Trump walks to Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, as he heads to Camp David for the weekend. Lawyers for President Donald Trump and Summer Zervos, a former Apprentice contestant who sued the president for saying her sexual misconduct claims were lies, are scheduled to be in court Tuesday, June 5, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) President Donald Trump is asking an appeals court to restore his power to block critics on Twitter. Government lawyers representing Trump and White House Social Media Director Dan Scavino filed paperwork Monday to appeal a federal judges ruling last month that said blocking people from the @realDonaldTrump account violates the First Amendment. The paperwork did not list grounds for the appeal. Trump and Scavinos lawyers did not immediately respond to messages. Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald made clear in her May 23 ruling that people have a right to reply directly to politicians who use their accounts as public forums to conduct official business. The decision the most prominent in a string of similar cases against public officials could mark a turning point for constituents interacting with government employees on social media. Buchwalds ruling stopped short of ordering Trump to unblock users, but one user who sued Trump said her access was restored Monday. Two days shy of the one year anniversary of my blocking, @realDonaldTrump has unblocked me, Rebecca Buckwalter-Poza tweeted. Theory: He just didnt want to give me the paper anniversary gift. Trump built his campaign on early morning tweet storms and hashtag-worthy slogans. Since taking office, hes turned his account into a virtual megaphone boasting about accomplishments, jeering opponents and dismissing critical media coverage as fake news to his more than 52 million followers. The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University went to court to challenge his habit of blocking people with dissenting political views. The lawsuit involved seven Trump critics that his account blocked. Others whove been walled off include author Stephen King and model Chrissy Teigen. Buckwalter-Poza, the judicial affairs editor for Daily Kos, said shes confident she and other Trump critics will win again on appeal. Were still right, and theyre still wrong, she said. The notice said airspace over Singapore will be temporarily restricted for parts of June 11, 12 and 13. Singapore is set to host a summit meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12. (Photo: AP) Singapore: Singapore airspace will be restricted during the planned US - North Korea summit, said a notice to airmen posted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Wednesday. The notice said airspace over Singapore will be temporarily restricted for parts of June 11, 12 and 13. Singapore is set to host a summit meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12. All aircraft arriving into Singapore Changi Airport will be required to reduce speed and face some restrictions on runway use "for reasons of national security," the notice said. The Changi Airport could not immediately confirm the details of the notice. The meeting will be held at a hotel on Sentosa Island. Putin calls Trumps decision to meet Kim brave and mature. Meanwhile, experts look at the timing and costs of denuclearisation: ten years and US$ 5 billion. The IAEA is available for verification but funds are needed. Red Cross calls for action to solve immediately humanitarian problems. Seoul (AsiaNews/Agencies) North Koreas Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump will meet at 9 am on 12 June at the Capella Hotel, on Sentosa Island (Singapore). The White House made the announcement after weeks of diplomatic meetings and uncertainties, putting an end to the speculations about the fate of the summit. Today, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Trump's decision to meet Kim brave and mature and expects a "positive outcome". Sentosa (peace and tranquillity in Malay) is Singapores fourth largest island. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that the airspace over Singapore will be temporarily restricted for 11, 12 and 13 June. On the ground, Singapores Gurkha troops will provide security. Meanwhile, experts and the media have started to look at the costs of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and how long it would take. The US hope for a quick denuclearisation is considered technically impossible. Experts believe it could take up to 10-15 years. According to reports, South Korean intelligence community estimates that North Koreas nuclear weapons workforce stands at about 3,000 individuals including 200 experts. Finding new jobs for the staff will take time, and the costs of denuclearisation could total about US billion. For his part, Trump said he did not expect the United States to spend a lot, and that South Korea and China would help North Korea. In fact, costs also weigh on the denuclearisation process. On Monday Yukiya Amano, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said the UN agency is prepare to play the crucial role of verifying the process once the parties reach an agreement. However, How to ensure the staffing needed for real inspections is going to be the biggest question, an IAIE official said. North Koreas humanitarian situation will also be on the table. Since last September, tough sanctions have been in place against the country. Humanitarian aid [to North Korea] needs to be provided without conditions, divided family reunions included, said International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) president Peter Maurer. Solutions to humanitarian issues need to be achieved at their own pace. There are serious humanitarian issues on the Korean Peninsula, he explained. Sanctions have had a negative impact on the North Korean people and should be reduced as soon as possible, he added. Maurer noted that the ICHR is ready to offer assistance for the upcoming meetings between families separated by the war of 1950-1953. by Dario Salvi Neematallah Issa, who looks at the example of "many priests" who came from the West to bear witness to Christ, issues the call. The presence of Christians is an element of balance in the middle of radicalism. Schools are a place of growth and education for life together. The crisis of vocation means the need for new missionaries. Milan (AsiaNews) - Bearing witness to Christ in a Muslim majority nation "is difficult. Even just talking about our faith can be a problem, said Neematallah Issa, a 55-year-old Egyptian from Cairo. For this reason, many people have thought about emigrating. Yet, "thanks to the example of many priests who left their country to come to Egypt to evangelise with their life and works, I realised that I too am called to the mission at home". Issa is married father of eight children "five of whom are already in heaven", he notes with serene resignation. With his wife, he is a leader in the local neocatechumenal movement, a member of the parish choir as well as an ordained sub-deacon. AsiaNews caught up with him in Milan (Italy) at the conference Marhaba - God is love meeting promoted by the Ambrosiana San Marco Foundation, which brought together about 50 priests, students and lay people of the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Lebanon, inspired by the Neocatechumenal Way founded by Kiko Arguello. "In the past, he noted, I wanted to go to Canada, where I have an uncle and where I worked for some time. However, seeing the missionaries coming from Europe or America, who left ease and comforts to live in a poor parish or poor neighbourhood in Cairo, I felt a sense of amazement. And I began to ask myself many questions about the wish to emigrate." Faced with a massive exodus of Christians from the Middle East and North Africa, the testimony given by Issas family of Issa and of many others who remained in their own land "has born fruit," he explained. Many young people have begun to look at these examples." "We have to stay in Egypt even if we have the possibility, like me, to leave. I was sure that I could play a role for this nation and for my community and I want to continue doing so." The value of the Christian presence starts in schools, an essential factor of growth for the whole country. For Issa, "It is not just a place of study but is also a space in which to learn to live together. This is also why our presence in the Middle East is important. We are a balancing factor to be opposed to radicalism. Proof of this is that I have many Muslim friends and we live in harmony." In addition to the exodus, the Churches of the East must also face a decline in vocations. "In the Greek Catholic Church in Cairo, there have not been any new priests for at least five or six years. Patriarchs and bishops are asking for more and more missionary priests because they struggle to keep places of worship open." Bombs against churches and targeted attacks on communities "have also left their mark" but "faith remains stronger than fear". "Several Muslims, even among journalists wonder how can Christians forgive and talk about love, even in the face of those who attack their families? But when you have an idea, a purpose, a mission, everything is different even terrorism, economic and social difficulties are not scary." Neematallah Issa does not want to conceal the problems of Egyptian society, which "lost a little of that tolerance that distinguished it". Nonetheless, he remains "optimistic" about the future, noting "positive" signs in the direction of "living together in peace". "For that to happen, he notes, we need an adequate and balanced education for all, i.e. free from radical ideas. For Christians the task is to struggle to overcome this precarious condition in their own land." Manila plans to supervise the curricula in the countrys Muslim schools. For Fr Sebastiano D'Ambra, some schools get money from abroad and escape the controls of the Department of Education. They also promote radical ideas. The Bangsamoro Basic law is a good thing, but Muslim community is divided. Zamboanga (AsiaNews) "There is a need for an education that starts from the grassroots, even before school," said Fr Sebastiano D'Ambra (pictured). For more than 40 years, the missionary with the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) has been in Mindanao, an island in the southern Philippines where most of the countrys Muslims live. Speaking to AsiaNews, the clergyman gave his thoughts about Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzanas statement three days ago in which he said that government plans to supervise what is taught in Islamic schools, both public and private. Secretary Lorenzana stressed the need for a standardised system for madrasas to exert greater control over school curricula in order to combat the Islamic radicalism that threatens the country. "It was a speech that I think was very delicate and at the same time very important, said Fr D'Ambra. The government already provides funds to Islamic schools that comply with its requirements. However, several others get money from foreign countries, Arab and others. "They have a certain educational orientation and escape the control of the Department of Education. I think that some kind of surveillance is necessary for these cases because, unfortunately, some schools promote extremist thoughts and ideologies. But we must wait to understand how the government intends to implement this policy of control. Founder of the Silsilah movement for dialogue and peace in 1984, the priest has contributed to the success of the Madrasa Education programme. Silsilah means chain or link in Arabic. Funded by the Filipino government, this programme sets a basic educational standard for the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) programme. In Zamboanga, Sarah L. Handang, a Muslim educator active in Silsilah, heads the programme, which involves 289 teachers in 48 schools. "Lorenzana's words reveal the well-founded fears of the government, but here in Mindanao it is still not clear how the situation will evolve. To draw the attention of people we need the regions autonomy, which should start to take shape in the coming weeks, Fr D'Ambra explained. A fee days ago, the Filipino House of Representative and Senate approved the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), now awaiting final drafting. The law outlines the process of creating an autonomous territory in an area called Bangsamoro (Muslim or Moorish Nation), home to at least four million people, mostly Muslims. For many, this is the key to achieving lasting peace and countering the rise of Islamist extremism in the resource-rich region, which is nevertheless the countrys poorest. "The provision is a good thing but the problem is that the Muslim community is divided. The BBL is not liked by everyone and everyone has a different opinion about it. We will see reactions in the coming weeks. "In the context of this situation, the Duterte government is pushing to give the state a federal structure. Federalism is in itself another form of autonomy, but we do not know if and how it will be implemented. The path to peace is still long, there is a lot of work to do," Fr D'Ambra said. (PF) by Paul Nguyen Thanh The National Assembly is preparing to vote on conceding Van on, Bac Van Phong and Phu Quoc as economic zones. For former lawmaker Nguyen Minh Thuyet, largescale investments is leading to intensive and harmful exploitation of the environment. Catholic teacher fears that Chinese domination will threaten Vietnamese Catholicism. Hanoi (AsiaNews) "What the authorities are doing is selling out our country to China," said Mr Thuan, a Catholic elementary school teacher, reacting to upcoming trade agreements between the Vietnamese government and its Chinese "communist brothers". Like him, millions of Vietnamese fear that the authorities will subject the country to the will of Beijing, when on 15 June the National Assembly votes a bill on "special administrative-economic zones". In particular, lawmakers will decide on the creation of three important Chinese economic hubs in Van on (Quang Ninh province), Bac Van Phong (Khanh Hoa) and on Phu Quoc Island (Kien Giang). If approved, thanks to special incentives, the plan would allow Chinese red capitalists to acquire, for 99 years, the rights to exploit the areas, located in regions of significant geopolitical and historical interest. The Vietnamese, at home and abroad, are afraid that these areas may become to gioi, kingdoms dominated by China, thus undermining national sovereignty. Van on is a strategic island district in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh, on the border with China. Located off the Bay of Bai Tu Long, it includes 600 islands and reefs covering an area of more than 550 km2. Established in 2006, the Special Economic Zone in Bac Van Phong covers 1,500 km2 and is a major tourist and economic centre. From this area it is possible to monitor the trade routes that crisscross the South China Sea, which is Beijings goal. Phu Quoc island, 574 km2, provides instead control over the Gulf of Thailand, a fundamental passage for ships that sail the Pacific and Indian oceans. Justifying the concerns of the citizens, former parliamentarian Nguyen Minh Thuyet said yesterday that "The Spratly and the Paracel Islands have already ended up in the hands of Beijing. To these must be added the forests along the border, key areas for Vietnam, as well as the coasts of Nha Trang, a Nang and Vung Ang, in Ha Tinh province. "These areas are being intensively exploited and the environment is devastated. The pollution of soil, water and air is damaging the health of the millions of people who live there." For Nguyen Xuan Nghia, a well-known Vietnamese-American journalist and an international economics expert, "The contents of the draft law on the three autonomous special economic zones concern the survival of the nation and its people. We must consider that the three areas could be given in concession to a foreign country for almost a century." Over the years, Vietnamese and international experts have said that "the main projects of the Chinese government in Vietnam have failed or have damaged the environment in a terrible way". These include the Highland Bauxite Project, the Formosa Steel Company plant in Vung Ang (Ha Tinh province), and projects in Dung Quat and Nhan Co projects etc. Despite this, the Vietnamese government continues to pursue a very risky economic policy. Experts warn that, once in control of these three economic zones, Beijing could deploy armed forces to protect its interests. Once they have granted the concession, Vietnamese authorities will no longer have access to the territories. "I am a Catholic, and my voice is of little importance, Mr Thuan told AsiaNews. I cannot call on the Vietnamese to protest against the government. However, what the authorities are doing is selling out our country to China. Catholics must become aware of this and help save the nation. "By getting these territories, China could control almost all of Vietnam by 2020, exercising its 'soft power' on the local economy, finance and culture. If this happens, Catholicism would be even more threatened by communism and would face immense difficulties." According to Sheikh Mohammad ben Abderrahmane al-Thani, the country and its people are "stronger". He denies a condition of "isolation", now Doha is "a strong international partner". The purchase of a Russian defence system risks opening a new confrontation front with Riyadh. Gulf Cooperation Council mediation proves useless. Doha (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The political, diplomatic and economic crisis between Doha and other Gulf nations, particularly Saudi Arabia and Qatar, has in fact "strengthened" the emirate, according to the Foreign Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammad ben Abderrahmane al-Thani. He also underlined that the country today is more competitive on the international scene and more solid internally. "A year later - the minister wrote on Twitter - Qatar and its people are stronger". Among the main actors of the worst crisis experienced by the Gulf monarchies, al-Thani adds that "there is too much talk of imaginary victories and isolation" of the country. In reality, after a year the reality "bears witness to the opposite", because "it has become an international weight partner". For almost a year, Qatar has been embroiled in a serious political, diplomatic and economic crisis with the other Gulf countries, led by Riyadh. Since 5 June, Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have cut off all relations with Qatar, accused of financing terrorist groups active in the region. According to some analysts and experts the clash between Qatar and Saudi Arabia is really over links between Doha and Teheran, which recently confirmed its economic and diplomatic support. There is also the opposition within the Sunni Islam between Doha and Abu Dhabi. The conflict has isolated the small emirate in the Gulf area, bringing it closer to the Islamic Republic, Turkey and Morocco. Many goods and products - even those subject to the government ban - enter Qatar through Kuwait and Oman. Ministry spokesman Louloua al-Khater yesterday announced the possibility of new talks in September to try and unblock the tense situation. However, he warns, "this will depend on the countries of the bloc". Doha "is open to dialogue", but at the same time the government will continue to negotiate with Moscow on the purchase of the Russian anti-aircraft missile defence system S-400. This project which seems destined to heighten tensions with other countries in the area. In response, the leaders of Saudi Arabia have appealed to France to intervene in the Kremlin and block arms sales. Otherwise the Wahhabi kingdom says it is ready to undertake a military action against Qatar. In a situation of growing tension, the first victim of this crisis seems to be the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), born in 1981 on the impetus of Saudi Arabia and the support of the United States, in response to the Iranian revolution of the ayatollahs of 1979. The block is made up of six nations: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. In these 12 months there have been very harsh exchanges of accusations and threats within the two opposing blocs, which risk collapsing an institution that has been in crisis for some time. So far, the fragile mediation of Kuwait, which seeks to preserve its unity and avert another conflict in a region already battered by too many wars, has proven fruitless. And the recent Saudi threats of an attack on Doha certainly do nothing to ease the tension. by Melani Manel Perera The Global Alliance for National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), a network that coordinates relations between individual associations and the United Nations, has granted full status to the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka. The needed criterion (missing since 2000) was independence. Colombo (AsiaNews) After waiting for several years, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has obtained A status which will enable it to attend the UN Human Rights Council. The Commissions president, Dr Deepika Udagama, is happy for the important recognition. "It is an achievement not only for the Commission but for the whole country". An A grade represents a considerable achievement for organisations that deal with human rights protection. It is awarded by the Global Alliance for National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), a global network of national human rights institutions that coordinates the relationships between individual associations and UN bodies working in the human rights field. The Alliance applies the Paris principles of 1993, according to which an NGO must meet the following international standards: full mandate, operate on the basis of universal human rights rules and criteria, autonomy from the government, independence guaranteed by statute or the Constitution, pluralism, adequate resources and independent power of investigation. At the meeting held in Geneva from 14 to 18 May, GANHRI certified the independence requirement that he Commission did not have in the 2000 evaluation. The HRCSL has been working tirelessly over the past several years to win public confidence as an independent body," said Dr Udagama explained. We came forward for the rights of socially discriminated groups, prisoners and women. We strongly recommended to the Government to establish the Office of Missing Persons (OMP). We have taken a keen interest on economic and social rights of the people," she added. Contacted by AsiaNews, some commentators expressed satisfaction with the recognition. At the same time, they note that "the Commission must work hard on individual cases, much more than now". "Of the 120 National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) reviewed as of January 2018, only 77 have been granted A status, said Nihal Chandrasiri, acting director of the Research and Monitoring Division and Inquiries and Investigations Division of the HRCSL. Aside from Sri Lanka, India and Nepal are the only countries in South Asia to have the A grade NHRIs. Only 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region have NHRIs with A status accreditation. Asian nations are embracing marine aquaculture as the solution for depleting wild stocks and as a source of sustainable protein for its people. Across the continent, fish stocks have decreased dramatically and farmed fish is now more common on many dinner tables than wild-caught fish. According to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, aquaculture will need to supply 2/3 of the worlds seafood requirements by 2030. Without aquaculture, the world will face a seafood shortage of 50-80 million tonnes by then. The United Nations recently said aquaculture operations needs to be intensified as there will be no fish stocks for commercial fishing by 2048 in Asia. Few countries can match Canadas natural advantages when it comes to aquaculturean enormous coastal geography, an abundance of cold, clean water, a favorable climate, a rich marine and fishery tradition, and established trade routes to the United States, Asia, and Europe. Add innovation, research, and science, and you can see why representatives from over 40 seafood companies are making a beeline for the upcoming 2018 B.C. Seafood Expo on Vancouver Island. The BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival and the BC Seafood Expo attracts incredible interest from a range of international media, as well as seafood buyers, said John Watson, the executive director of the Comox Valley Economic Development Society. This year the visiting nations include, Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, USA, China, Vietnam, and Thailand, he said. Over the last two years the BC Seafood Festival has worked with the BC Salmon Farmers and BC Shellfish Growers to host 40 seafood buyers each year the majority from key Asian markets. Over that time, sales of farmed salmon alone in Asia has grown by more than four times the volume from under $10-million in value to almost $40-million in value. The BC Seafood Expo is one of the largest seafood industry trade events in the Pacific Northwest attracting suppliers, buyers, distributors, producers, industry leaders and government representatives to network, meet and grow the seafood sector. Here are some of the Asian seafood companies and buyers attending this years Seafood Expo; Pan Fish (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. was founded in 2000. The Company's line of business includes preparing fresh and raw or cooked frozen fish and other kinds of seafood and seafood preparations, such as soups, stews, chowders, fishcakes, crab cakes, and shrimp cakes. COFCO Womai is a fast-growing food e-commerce company in China, owned by COFCO, which is Chinas largest food company. Among other things, COFCO is a food importer, exporter and is the largest bottling partner of Coca-Cola company in Mainland China. The company focuses on providing healthy food, living space and services from renewable natural resources. The Consulate is one of Indonesias fine dining establishments. It offers an unparalleled dining experience in the luxury of a seasonally changing menu that is set in an authentic ambiance of colonial Spanish Heritage architecture. Tsukiji Uoichiba Co., Ltd. of Japan is mainly engaged in the wholesale of marine products. The Company operates in three business segments. The Marine Product Wholesale segment is engaged in the processing and sale of fresh processed marine products. The Refrigerated Warehouse segment is involved in refrigerated warehouse business, as well as the provision of cargo handling services in refrigerated warehouses. The Real Estate Leasing segment is involved in the leasing of real estate properties. Tokai Denpun Co. Ltd. operates as a trading company in Japan. The Company distributes, imports, and exports a range of products including starch, agricultural products, seafood, livestock products, oils and fats, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and packing materials. Tokai Denpun also processes and manufactures food, animal feed, and fertilizers. Shinsegae Food engages in the food manufacture, food distribution, restaurant, and consignment meal service businesses in South Korea. It offers soups, stews, casseroles, salads, processed meat, sauces, noodles and rice cakes, baked goods, and fresh foods; and supplies food to a range of customers, such as restaurant franchises, food manufacturers, and hotels and resorts. Siam Food Services Limited (SFS) is a firmly established player in the Thai food distribution business has been around since 1984. It specializes in the distribution of temperature-controlled and value-added international brands of high-quality meat, seafood, and ethnic food products. Here is a list of international representatives attending the Seafood Expo 2018 China Shenzen NorthSouth Import LTD China Pan Fish (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. China COFCO Corporation Woman Ecommerce China Shanghai Jingsji Import & Export Co. China Gottfried Friedrichs KG Germany Family Care Ltd. Hong Kong Jeton International Foods Limited Hong Kong Brahman Farm Indonesia Dog Palace Indonesia Indonesia The Consulate Restaurant & Bar Indonesia Blessing of Pantai LCC Japan Tsukiji Uoichiba Co., Ltd. Japan Tokai Denpun Co., Ltd. Japan Emart South Korea Shinsegae Food South Korea ELBON International Co., Ltd South Korea Siam Food Services Thailand Wild Harvest Seafoods. LLC USA Truong Royal Seafood International Trading Limited Company Vietnam BACH SON TRADING AND SERVICE CO.,LTD Vietnam TDFOOD / CAPITAL PRODUCTION AND INVESTMENT Vietnam Hoang Le Tin Son Trading Co. LTD (Calisa Foods) Vietnam B.C. Trade and Investment representatives from Indonesia, the EU, South Korea, USA, China, Philippines and Japan will also be on hand at the Seafood Expo 2018. About the BC Seafood Expo The Expo features over 50 Trade Show exhibitors, leading speakers in their fields and provides a venue to network with industry leaders, international buyers, distributors, and educators for every type of fish, seafood, and seafood-related products and services. (bcseafoodexpo.com) The 2018 keynote speakers include; entrepreneur, lawyer, and best-selling author, Calvin Helin and president of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership, Linda Cornish. Attendees can indulge in the two networking lunches as well as the International Buyers Reception, which features top domestic chefs, the best of BC seafood, and a delegation of international seafood buyers, all taking place within the Expo trade show area. Add Your Answer Can a service man who serves over seas able to transfer money to the united states? Can a service man who is serving over seas in Syria transfer money to the United States if he wants too? Post to Facebook Post to Twitter Subscribe me Retail Food Group fights back tough time One of Australias leading cafe and pizza franchising groups, Retail Food Group es expecting further poor results. The group expects FY18 underlying NPAT (Net Profit After Tax) to be approximately $34.5 million and the statutory NPAT to be a loss of $87.6 million, which consider substantial impairment charges the group suffered at the end of 2017. In May 2018, Richard Hinson was appointed to step in to replace the former managing director after joining the company in January 2018 to lead a strategic review of the business. RFG, which operates food franchises such as Donut King, Gloria Jeans Coffee and Pizza Capers, Crust Pizza and Michels Patisserie, was previously accused of forcing franchisees to the wall financially by charging exorbitant franchise fees along with excessive marketing and food costs for low quality products. It was also alleged that RFG offered limited support to franchisees. RFG previously revealed plans to close up to 200 outlets. Trading conditions in food retailing continue to be tough. The actions we are taking in collaboration with franchisees are starting to see a positive response, Hinson says. RFG is one of several franchise networks, including 7-Eleven, Dominos Pizza and recently Red Rooster and Oportos parent company Craveable Brands, to be accused publicly of mistreating franchisees or similarly underpaying staff. A federal parliamentary inquiry into the franchise sector is now underway in response to the string of allegations across several companies. Related articles Winemakers sign MoU with Alibaba, in industry-wide approach Australias wine producers stand to make significant inroads into the Chinese market from a deal with Alibaba. Wine Australia and Chinese multinational e-commerce conglomerate Alibaba have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to better showcase Australian wine on the worlds fastest growing e-commerce platform, Tmall. This is possibly the first industry wide food promotional platform being offered for Australian suppliers across a category range, with a major online global marketplace. The MoU complements Wine Australias investment in Chinas e-commerce sector as part of the Australian Governments $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package (the $50m Package). It will be interesting to see whether other Australian industry organisations consider a similar approach to marketing the Australian brand across the product category. Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Anne Ruston, said this strategic partnership is an important and significant development for the Australian wine sector. With the changing face of online retail in China, its critical for our wineries to significantly improve their online presence, and to do so in the right way, she said. Wine Australia Chief Executive Andreas Clark said the signing of this MoU recognised the strong engagement of Chinese consumers in online retail and their growing interest in Australian wine. By partnering with Tmall, we can collaborate on many aspects and activities that further promote genuine Australian wine and do so in a way that supports the integrity of the brands, he said. Its also an opportunity to educate Alibaba staff about the quality and diversity of Australias premium wines through education and awareness development, he added. How wine makers can benefit It is predicted that over 50% of Chinas consumption will be conducted online within 10 years. As the domestic wine sector in China is yet to reach maturity and Australian wines are considered world-class and come at varied price points, the opportunity to sell to Chinas burgeoning middle class is significant. Alibaba Groups Founder and Chairman, Jack Ma, announced he expects triple-digit growth in its wine business in the next three years. China is now the biggest market for red wine in the world. The MoU signing took place at the 2018 Vinexpo Hong Kong, where Australia is celebrating its Country of Honour role with 151 exhibitors showcasing 225 wine brands from more than 51 regions. Australias Country of Honour role is one of the major activities supported by the AUD $50m Package that aims to further drive demand for Australian wine and to build premium cues and consumer engagement. Related content By Heather Handley, Associate Professor in Volcanology and Geochemistry, Macquarie University Recent photographs and video from the devastating eruption of Fuego volcano in Guatemala show people stood watching and filming hot, cloud-like flows of gas, ash and volcanic material (known as pyroclastic flows) travelling towards them down the slopes of the volcano. From this it is clear that some people do not fully understand the risks of the volcanoes they live near. Although each volcano is different, and each presents different risks to the people near to them, there are some generalisations that help us understand what these risks are likely to be. Three points are clear: location matters, explosiveness can be predicted to an extent, and fast-moving pyroclastic flows of volcanic material are deadly. Read more: Fuego volcano: the deadly pyroclastic flows that have killed dozens in Guatemala 1. Location matters The outer layer of the Earth, called the lithosphere (crust and upper mantle), is broken up into a number of rigid tectonic plates. Volcanoes typically occur where the plates move apart from one another, for example at underwater mid-ocean ridges, or collide together at subduction zones. from www.shutterstock.com We also find volcanoes in the middle of tectonic plates these are called intraplate volcanoes, such as the Hawaiian and Galapagos oceanic islands. The magma (molten rock) that feeds volcanoes is generated in different ways in these settings, and different volcanic landforms result. Hawaii is in the middle of a tectonic plate and volcanic activity there forms relatively low-profile, shield volcanoes. Typically, these volcanoes are built up by many fluid lava flows into broad, gently sloping domes, which resemble a warriors shield. In contrast, Fuego is situated in a subduction zone environment (one plate going under another) where steep-sided, stratovolcanoes, or composite volcanoes are most common. These often symmetrical, conical volcanoes form from the build up of layers of lava and pyroclastic (fragmented volcanic) rocks. 2. Magma and gas affect explosiveness The volcanic landforms and eruptive styles we see in different settings are largely a result of the differences in the composition of the magma (molten rock) erupted, its temperature and its gas content in these contrasting tectonic settings. Large shield volcanoes in the middle of tectonic plates, such as Kilauea volcano in Hawaii, erupts high temperature, low silica lava. This is runnier (less viscous) than magma typically erupted at subduction zone volcanoes (like Fuego). Read more: Eruptions and lava flows on Kilauea: but what's going on beneath Hawai'i's volcano? This means that any volatiles (dissolved gases such as water, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide) in the Kilauea magma are able to escape more easily compared to in a stickier, higher silica, magma that characterises subduction zone volcanoes. And so Hawaiian-style eruptions are characterised by lava fountaining and flows of hot fluid lava that normally travel slow enough for people to walk away from and evacuate. This is exactly what we have been seeing over the last month in Kilaueas East Rift Zone. In contrast, at subduction zone volcanoes such as Fuego the higher water content of the magma and the typically more silica-rich, sticky magmas erupt more explosively. It is harder for gas bubbles formed to escape as magma rises to the surface, which then take up more space and over pressure the system. Subduction zone volcanoes can produce high columns of gas and ash reaching tens of kilometres into the atmosphere, and scalding hot, fast-moving, cloud-like currents of gas, ash and volcanic material. These pyroclastic flows, or pyroclastic density currents, race down the volcano at speeds over 80 km/hr. Some news reports of eruptions at Fuego have incorrectly termed these pyroclastic flows rivers of lava. They are very different to lava flows and much more hazardous. Clear and accurate communication of volcanic eruptions is crucial if those near the volcano are to understand the real risks. 3. Pyroclastic flows are deadly Pyroclastic flows are extremely hazardous and deadly. They were responsible for deaths in Pompeii and Herculaneum from the AD79 eruption of Vesuvius in Italy. Even the famous volcanologists Katia and Maurice Kraft underestimated the reach of a pyroclastic flow during an eruption at Unzen volcano on June 3, 1991, which killed them along with many others. Read more: Curious Kids: Do most volcanologists die from getting too close to volcanoes? Historic subduction zone volcanic eruptions producing devastating pyroclastic flows include: Vesuvius, Italy AD 79 Tambora, Indonesia (1815) Krakatau (Krakatoa), Indonesia (1883) Mt Pelee, Caribbean (1902) Mt St Helens, USA (1980) Mt Pinatubo, Philippines (1991) Unzen, Japan (1991). At Fuego, the loose, fragmented volcanic material (known as tephra) lying on the slopes after eruptions may be remobilised by rain to form volcanic mudflows known as lahars. These pose a significant current and future risk for the people surrounding Fuego compared to those living in Hawaii. Pyroclastic density currents were the main cause of death from volcanic activity in the 20th Century, killing around 45,000 people, almost 50% of all volcanic deaths in that time period (total deaths from volcanic activity is estimated to be 91,724). While eyes are diverted toward eruptions in Central America and the Pacific Ocean, Indonesia has raised the alert level on some of its volcanoes this week. It now has 21 volcanoes on alert levels 2-4 (yellow, orange and red) on a scale of 1-4. Local authorities will be vital in managing and communicating the risks of these volcanoes, as well as around Fuego and Kilauea. Heather Handley receives funding from the Australian Research Council. Originally published in The Conversation. current visa grant letter CV formal qualifications work experience To be able to answer such a question I would need to see as a minimum:I would then review that material and provide professional advice about your friend's options. I would charge a fee for such a service. Others may do it for free.I don't think you can expect a considered response to such a general question on a public forum without providing detailed relevant information, but maybe someone's gone through this and can share their personal experience, which may or may not be relevant to your friend's situation. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Man charged with gunning down girlfriend in northwest Bakersfield says he loved her, not sure how the shooting happened, reports say Former Kern County District Attorney Ed Jagels said he is most likely going to work as a consultant for new District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer s 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. Three Oregon Coast Towns Drop Fourth of July Fireworks This Year Published 06/05/2018 at 7:05 PM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Manzanita, Oregon) To the chagrin of some, and with the approval of others worried about noise, three Oregon coast towns have dumped their Fourth of July fireworks displays this year. All three are in Tillamook County: Manzanita, Pacific City and Neskowin. Each are citing primarily financial issues along with difficulties in the labor involved in putting on large shows. In Manzanita, its not the end of the full days of activities, however. The towns parade and other satellite celebrations are moving forward as they do every year. This leaves Rockaway Beach as the only full show in Tillamook County; all other usual displays around the Oregon coast will go on as planned. Pacific Citys fireworks displays always fired off on a day close to July 4 either just before or after that date, to not conflict with larger celebrations just north and south of town. According to Pacific City - Nestucca Valley Chamber treasurer Doug Olson, the chamber cant foot the bill this time around. The Pacific City Nestucca Valley Chamber will not be sponsoring fireworks this year, Olson said. Also, the community of Neskowin has decided to not have a professional display in 2018 as well. Olson said the chamber spends about $7000 to $8000 each year on the fireworks, but the last two years saw funding get behind about $10,000. Without a major corporate sponsor, the chamber could not afford that loss any longer. Also, it takes about 12 to 15 local people to help with the event as well as the professional folks from Western Display Fireworks, he said. Its becoming more difficult to find volunteers for this type of event. The good news is theres now a sponsor for next years display in 2019. We plan to raise an equal amount and have a bigger and better event on July 4, 2019, Olson said. In Manzanita, the reasons are more complex. According to a statement by the City of Manzanita, the display has always been funded by local donations and no city money has ever been involved. Even cleanup work done by city crews was reimbursed by the fireworks committee and its fundraising efforts. Since its inception, the Fourth of July Fireworks display has been funded through private donations, the statement said. Local volunteer individuals and organizations have provided some of the ground work to put on the display. Essentially, donations for the firework funds have been down, and organizers this year requested the City pay $15,000 of the $18,000 for fireworks. That was denied by the city council in February. The Council's position has been that if the costs of the display are covered by private donations, that the City would allow the display to happen, the statement said. The feeling was that when donations no longer covered the costs, that the people have voted with their pocketbook and the display would end. Finding volunteers to work the display and do fundraising also became a problem, with many burnt out, according to the citys statement. The city council also noted some objections to the display over the years. The reasons cited by the citizens wanting to discontinue the display included noise, impact on pets and wildlife, impact on the beach from fireworks litter, and the fact that the noisy event was not in keeping with the quiet village character of Manzanita. The opponents of the fireworks suggest that the City ought to use public funds for fixing streets and other public property instead of using a good amount of funds to support the fireworks display. Oregon Coast Hotels in these areas - 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 We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. For Immediate Release, June 6, 2018 Contact: Catherine Kilduff, (202) 780-8862, CKilduff@biologicaldiversity.org Lawsuit Launched to Protect Endangered Orcas' West Coast Habitat Trump Administration Stalls Protections as Southern Resident Killer Whale Population Drops to 76 SEATTLE The Center for Biological Diversity filed a legal notice today pressing the Trump administration to protect ocean habitat off California, Oregon and Washington to save the last remaining Southern Resident killer whales. Todays notice points out that the administration has unlawfully delayed critical habitat designations sought by the Center in a 2014 petition under the Endangered Species Act. Endangered Southern Residents live along the Pacific Coast and are starving for lack of their preferred prey, spring chinook salmon. Other threats to these orcas survival include oil spills, water pollution and vessel noise. These iconic orcas are going extinct, but the Trump administration has proposed oil leases rather than protections for their habitat, said Catherine Kilduff, an attorney and marine scientist at the Center. The Southern Residents desperately need protected foraging areas full of salmon to feed them through the winter. Without swift federal action, these whales will continue their steep slide to extinction. The threat of legal action comes just a week after the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission met in Seattle. Experts there warned of the crisis facing Southern Residents with a steep population decline to only 76 whales and few calves born. There were calls for urgent action, including habitat protections, to prevent their extinction. Responding to the Centers petition in 2015, the National Marine Fisheries Service said it would expand habitat protections in 2017 to safeguard key foraging and migration areas off the West Coast. Yet the Trump administration has failed to act, despite broad public support. These incredible orcas should not become victims of the Trump administrations policy of blocking science-based protections for the environment, said Kilduff. With extinction right around the corner, Southern Residents cant afford to wait for help. While spending their summers in Puget Sound and the Salish Sea, areas protected as critical habitat in 2006, these killer whales travel extensively along the West Coast during the winter and early spring, congregating near coastal rivers to feed on migrating salmon. The Center petitioned in 2014 to protect areas off the coasts of Washington, Oregon and California as critical habitat (see map). The death of the two-year-old male orca known as J52 in 2017 came as the population dipped from 83 in 2016 to only 76 individuals today, the biggest year-to-year decline ever recorded. The death was confirmed by the Center for Whale Research, which reported malnutrition was likely the cause. Todays notice, which typically precedes the filing of a lawsuit, outlines how the Fisheries Services failure to act on the Centers 2014 petition violates federal law. The letter asks the agency to propose habitat protections by August 6. Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi. Photo: South Africa Today Overcrowding in public hospitals Human resources battle Radiation oncology backlogs HIV programmes Speaking at a media briefing, the minister said he was not aware of any scientific methods used to measure the veracity of the claims made about the breakdown of the health system.I am not here to challenge that because I do not know the yardstick that was used to arrive at a conclusion of collapse. Surely healthcare systems are measured on some form of scientific yardstick to arrive at any conclusion.So is he discounting the methodology used by the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC)?The OHSC is a statutory body charged with assessing the quality of hospitals and clinics, and will be responsible for determining whether public health facilities are up to scratch to be accredited under the National Health Insurance (NHI) programme.It has tabled a report before parliament that only five of the 696 hospitals and clinics it inspected in 2016-17 complied with the Department of Healths norms and standards to achieve an 80% pass mark. The inspections covered just under a fifth of SAs 3,816 public health facilities.The minister was willing to concede that extreme overcrowding in public hospitals is a problem and that the situation could have been much worse if we did not take proactive steps.One of these steps was to decant patients away from the clinics and hospitals to take their medication at selected pick-up points. These are pick-up points selected by the patients themselves. We have 2.2 million people on this system called CCMDD (Central Chronic Medication Dispensing and Distribution). We are poised to load one million more people on this system during this financial year.He also disputed allegations that public health facilities have run out of medicines, saying drug stock outs in health facilities have long been resolved, with a new technology launched in 2014.In our clinics, we have the SVS (Stock Visibility System), which we launched with the Vodacom Foundation. We are able to monitor stocks in all our clinics straight from head office in Pretoria, and we do so every single week.On our hospital dashboard, we also average 88% for the highest provinces and 70% for the lowest provinces, which are Limpopo and North West.Yet he failed to take into account the stock outs of anti-retrovirals in North West province as recently as March this year due to industrial action by healthcare workers.He admitted that the country has a big human resources problem, saying sub-Saharan Africa carries 80% of all infectious diseases in the world but only has 3% of the health human resources.We are not exempted from that as South Africa. We are actually very badly affected. We have decided to enter the battle robustly, the Minister said.After placing the North West Health Department under Section 100 (1) (b), Motsoaledi said they have found huge vacancies, and this month they are going to fill 223 vacancies at the cost of R150 million.In Gauteng, the minister said a substantial number of vacant posts in health would be filled this year, especially in especially in the teaching hospitals.Motsoaledi announced that the national department will help KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng with their radiation oncology backlogs in a programme in August this year. Gauteng and KZN will get R100m between them to deal with their backlogs.This new programme is still two months away, so what is happening to all the critically ill cancer patients not getting treatment in the meantime?Despite the obvious, Motsoaledi was at pains to point out the countrys HIV programme, which is the biggest in the world at 4.2 million people. In the next 24 months, we are poised to initiate an additional two million people on treatment.Motsoaledi said that the countrys public health system is still able to treat all 300 000 patients who suffer from TB, noting that South Africa is the first country to get to scale in the use of TB diagnostic and early introduction of the latest medication for TB.Despite the ministers optimism, there is definitely far more wrong with South Africas public healthcare system than there is right with it. Now throw NHI into the mix, are we ready for it? At this point the answer would be a resounding no. Innovation in South Africa Potential impact For a long time commentators believed that an economy can only diversify and grow through following a model of industrialisation. But theres a growing consensus that the services sector can contribute to economic transformation in emerging economies.The South African services sector has traditionally involved low-tech activities. Examples include food, personal or legal services. These are limited to domestic markets which means that, for the most part, they cant be traded or exported.But recent technology developments have led to a raft of a modern and tradable set of service industries that are delivered digitally. These have popped up in different areas, like finance, transport, hospitality and information, communication and technology.On top of this, technology has disrupted traditionally non-tradable service industries. Examples include Takealot.com, GetSmarter, and of course, Uber and Airbnb. All of them are models that show how technology and big data can lead to sectors being completely disrupted and overhauled , creating new types of enterprises and jobs.Unfortunately, debates about changing South Africas economy usually ignore these developments and the role that innovation and technology can play in transforming the services sector.Innovation refers to the introduction of a new good or service (product), a process, or a new organisational or marketing method. It can be new to the firm, the market or the world. Innovation in services has a strong human dimension, selling, marketing and delivery are critical, as well as close customer integration.Using data collected by the Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators, which does surveys on behalf of the Department of Science and Technology, we pieced together an understanding of the innovation dynamics in the finance and the wholesale and retail sectors. These are the service sectors that contribute most to GDP.We discovered trends that show theres huge potential for innovation across the services sector. Data from 2010-2012 suggests a healthy scale of innovation in South African services sector firms. This is particularly true, but isnt confined to, financial services where one of the most prevalent innovations was in marketing.We also found significant innovation trends in wholesale and retail, where a higher proportion of firms produced products that were new to the market.The finance firms spent almost seven times more on innovation activities. Their innovation expenditure as a proportion of their turnover was likewise seven times greater.Both sub-sectors received almost the same turnover from sales of new to the market products around 17%. This suggests that there may be a greater return on innovation investment for the wholesale and retail firms, which spend less.Comparing the two services sub-sectors also suggests that there are a variety of ways that innovations can be implemented.Incremental innovation, through small improvements that build on one another, was more prevalent in the wholesale and retail firms. This took the form of training and investment in new machinery. Finance firms also spent on incremental innovation. But they were more likely to conduct R&D in-house.All of these firms experience barriers to innovating on a large scale. The main ones were market uncertainty, competition and lack of qualified people. Firms that innovate in the two sub-sectors experience these barriers in different combinations and scales.There is significant potential for globally competitive and local job-creating services firms that could help South Africas economy grow in different ways.Haroon Bhorat, director of the Development Policy Unit at the University of Cape Town, and other academics argue that South Africas services sector needs to become more export orientated so that it can access larger global markets. This in turn, they argue, will drive structural transformation so that our economy does not over-rely on the traditional mining or agriculture sectors, and will grow local employment.Currently, South Africa lags behind other emerging economies when it comes to expenditure on R&D and innovation. But a shift will require businesses to get involved in more innovation and knowledge intensive activities. These, in turn, need support from public funds.The Department of Science and Technology is developing a new policy framework on science, technology and innovation. Current policy tends mostly to support R&D driven innovation, for example, through a tax incentive for expenditure on R&D. But theres room for more interventions through incentives to support improvements in production systems, branding and marketing activities, as well as export promotion. Got a question or tip? Contact us at bizmojoidaho@gmail.com. Reciba en su email: noticias de ultima hora, analisis tecnicos o el cierre de mercado Email no valido Nombre requerido Recibira las informaciones mas relevantes del dia en tiempo real Que informacion desea recibir? Noticias de Ultima hora Boletin Cierre de Mercado Boletin analisis tecnico Boletin Fundsnews Debe seleccionar un tipo de boletin Acepto la Politica de privacidad Debe aceptar la politica de privacidad Responsable EMPRESAS DEL GRUPO WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Finalidad La remision de informacion, novedades y promociones Establecimiento o mantenimiento de Relaciones Comerciales. Legitimacion Consentimiento del interesado. Interes legitimo en el desarrollo de la relacion comercial Destinatario Empresas del Grupo WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Derechos Acceso, rectificacion, supresion, limitacion, oposicion y portabilidad Informacion adicional Politica de Privacidad de nuestra pagina Web + INFORMACION Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. An internet imagery. NEW DELHI (PTI): India has very clearly conveyed to the US that the "time-tested" Indo-Russian cooperation in the defence sector will continue, including the deal for S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems for the IAF, notwithstanding the American sanctions against Moscow. Sources said India wants its defence transactions with Russia to be insulated from the purview of stringent American law CAATSA and is likely to raise the issue with the US when the two sides meet in Washington for the 2+2 talks next month. "In all our engagements with the US, we have clearly explained how India and Russia's defence cooperation has been going on for a long time and that it is a time-tested relationship. We have mentioned that CAATSA cannot impact the India-Russia defence cooperation," Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said at a press conference. She said India has got quite a lot of defence assets from Russia and the cooperation between the two countries will continue. In January, the US announced sanctions against Russia under its Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for Moscow's alleged meddling in the American presidential election in 2016. CAATSA, which came into effect in January, mandates the Donald Trump administration to punish countries and entities engaging in significant transaction with the defence or intelligence establishment of Russia. Asked whether India will go ahead with the S-400 deal with Russia, the defence minister said the long-drawn negotiations relating to it have reached final stage. "The S-400 deal has been on for a very long time and we have reached the final stage of negotiations. That explains it," she said. India wants to procure the long-range missile systems to tighten its air defence mechanism, particularly along the nearly 4,000-km-long Sino-India border. Official sources said both Russia and India are likely to announce the deal before an annual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in October. There have been mounting concerns in India over the US sanctions against Russian defence majors including Rosoboronexport as billions of dollars of military purchases may be impacted because of the punitive measure. The issue is understood to have figured during Modi's informal talks with Putin in Sochi last month. Top American lawmakers and experts have warned that imposition of sanctions on India under a newly-enacted law if it buys the S-400 air defence missile system from Russia could be disastrous for the Indo-US ties. Last month, the chairman the US' House Armed Services Committee, Mac Thornberry, had warned that the S-400 deal may limit inter-operability between Indian and US militaries. The Pentagon too had said it was "very concerned" over the possible implications of Russian sanctions on defence ties between India and the US. NEW DELHI (PTI): Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday rejected a parliamentary panel's findings that the three services were reeling under severe shortage of funds, saying adequate financial resources have been allocated to them in the last four years. Sitharaman, at a press conference, also asserted that there was no shortage of ammunition for the armed forces which had been the case during the previous government. "The defence expenditure has been highest in 2017-18 if you look at it since 2004-05. In the same manner, it was second highest in 2016-17 and third highest in 2015-16. The fourth highest defence expenditure since 2004-05 was in 2014-15," she said. In March, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, headed by BJP MP Maj Gen (retd) B C Khanduri, had come down hard on the government for inadequate allocation of funds to the Army, Navy and the Air Force. The Army had told the panel that it was reeling under severe financial crunch and struggling to even make emergency procurements when China and Pakistan were carrying out modernisation of their defence forces in "full swing". The then Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Sarath Chand had told the parliamentary panel that inadequate allocation of funds in the defence budget for 2018-19 will hit the Army's modernisation plan when Chinese military was competing to reach the level of the US. He said 68 per cent of the Army's equipment is in the vintage category, adding that the fund crunch will also impact the serviceability of the existing equipment and may even affect payment of instalments for past purchases. While giving reply to a question, the defence minister reeled out budget figures and said there had been no shortage of funds for the armed forces at all. In 2013-14, she said the capital outlay for defence services was Rs 86,740 crore the actual expenditure was Rs 79,125 crore. She said the capital outlay for defence services was Rs 94,587 crore in 2014-15, while the actual expenditure was Rs 81,886 crore. In 2015-16, capital outlay was Rs 94,588 crore, while the expenditure was Rs 79,958 crore. In 2016-17,capital outlay for defence was Rs 86,340 crore and expenditure was Rs 86,370 crore. "I want to dispel the myth that the funds which have been given are lesser than ever before," Sitharaman said. Asked whether the Army was unreasonable on its demands for more funds, the defence minister did not give a direct reply but said the service headquarters should rationalise procurement list to cater to new technology. She said the armed forces need to review their wishlist as new technology has come and some of the equipment they wanted may not be required now. Sitharaman said financial powers were given to the service headquarters and that was the reason why there was no shortage of ammunition for the armed forces in the last four years. Army sources, however, maintain that there has been shortage of ammunition for a long-duration war. The government allocated Rs 76,765 crore less to the Army, Navy and Air Force in the defence budget than what they had been sought to purchase new weapons, aircraft, warships and other military hardware, according to official figures. The three forces had demanded Rs 1.60 lakh crore as capital outlay but were granted Rs 83,434 crore for the year 2018-19. PERKASIE >> The Council Rock High School North Marching Band, competing for the first time in two years, brought home the first-place trophy in its division Saturday, October 9, in a Cavalcade of Bands competition at Pennridge High School in Perkasie. Under the leadership of band director Wayne Bishop, the 59-member ensemble performed its 2021 show Shattered, which picks up... The film industry in Cameroon was at the centre of attraction in Accra, Ghana Saturday June 2, 2018 during the 2018 Golden Movie Award. The Industry bagged home 6 Awards wins just one movie, A Good Time to Divorce Cameroonian born movie star, Alenne Menget beat the likes of Majid Michel, Mike Eruruonye and Ramsey Noah to become the best Actor in Africa. Alennes role as main actor in the movie, A good Time to Divorce, was unprecedented accompanied by launch of the movie in several States in the US. The multi-talented Cameroonian actor, Alenne Menget in an emotional speech at the Award venue, dedicated it to Cameroonians hoping that peace will return to the two English speaking regions, urging both sides to drop weapons and let dialogue take its course. A "Good Time to Divorce", captured the hearts of voters and Jury to sweep almost all categories, best Art Director, best Director, best Writer, best Actor, best Drama and overall best Movie. This award comes just a year after another Cameroonian Series, Samba bagged home 3 awards last July. The Series marshaled by Producer Brenda Shey Elung won the Best actress which went to Ade Kelly, Best Actor by Libota McDonald and Best TV Series. After the victory, Producer Brenda Shey Elung said Kudos to the fantastic script writer PROXY, the amazing director ENAH John Scott, Achille Brice, Dr Ray, Delvis, Anurin, Jeffrey Epule, Nina Marie, Otia Vitalis, Nsang Dilong and the entire SAMBA team once more for the hard work and determination. Even though we all could not be present, it was a blast with the warm and welcoming audience. This years triumph in Ghana is an indication that despite the scandals rocking the industry on daily basis, it is growing by lips and bounds. | BY Ricki Green | Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has partnered with AirAsia to launch a new digital campaign and online game called The Secret Scrolls of Ikigai developed by Circul8, which aims to help young Australian travellers discover their true passion in Japan. Ikigai is an age-old Japanese concept that means your reason for being. Your ikigai is what drives you to get up in the morning. It gives you purpose, and with it, can lead to what we keep searching for longevity and joyful living. In The Secret Scrolls of Ikigai, players solve a series of Japan travel-related riddles to unlock the Secret Scroll of Ikigai, and go in the draw to win return flights for two from Australia to Japan flying AirAsia. Says Kana Wakabayashi, executive director, JNTO Sydney: Japan is a travel destination that has something for everyone. I invite Australian travellers to visit for themselves, and find their true passion! Whether its hiking through pristine forests or dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant, staying in a Buddhist temple in Koyasan or learning karate in Okinawa, Japan has it all. Says Barry Klipp, head of commercial, AirAsia X Group: Japan was a destination rich in history and tradition. Unlocking these secrets through a unique campaign like The Secret Scrolls of Ikigai would help to showcase the breadth of our network to Australians, alongside fantastic fare offers. The Secret Scrolls of Ikigai online campaign runs from 4 June to 15 July 2018. | BY Ricki Green | Online small business insurance service provider BizCover has launched a campaign designed to be a turnoff. The campaign was developed by Sydney-based agency Eardrum. The radio and TV ads feature people farting in the bath and clipping toenails to encourage Australians to stop watching or listening and finally get a cheaper deal on their business insurance. Says Michael Gottlieb, founder, BizCover: Insurance is a low interest category, with a lot of insurance advertising having low recall and a low talk-ability factor, so we wanted to shake things up with a campaign that would make people talk and something that they will remember. We know this campaign will polarise but we hope it will get people talking. BizCover has already noticed a strong uplift in results in the first couple of days, despite the ads being banned from Sky News. Says Gottlieb: Its too early to tell if weve totally nailed it yet. Says Tristan Viney, CD, Eardrum: Theres a certain irony in Eardrum creating an unwatchable TV ad, but the benefits of businesses going to BizCover to compare and insure are outlined clearly and the results are speaking for themselves. Head of Marketing; Sharon Kenny Marketing & Communications Manager; Narelle Cole Founding Creative Director: Ralph van Dijk Creative Director: Tristan Viney Producer: Jessie Williams Production Company (TV): Rawkus | BY Ricki Green | WARC, the international authority on advertising and media effectiveness, has today launched the WARC Media Awards 2018, a comprehensive global competition rewarding communications planning which has made a positive impact on business results for brands around the world. Now in its third year, the WARC Media Awards has four categories, each with its own high-calibre judging panel and set of Special Awards. The deadline for entries is 19 September 2018. Effective Use of Partnerships & Sponsorships category looks for how collaborations with third parties, including native advertising and sponsorships, have helped brands meet business goals. Returning to chair this category for a second year is Jerry Daykin, head of global digital media partnerships, Diageo. Daykin was appointed to lead and strengthen Diageos relationships with a range of key global media partners, joining their global digital centre of excellence and supporting their wider digital transformation drive. Says Daykin: The WARC Media Awards strike an important balance of truly celebrating the rich creative possibilities of media, but with a clear view as to how that creativity is driving effectiveness and business results. There are many questions rightly being asked of media and digital channels at the moment, and highlighting the cases when data, tech, partnerships and channel integrations really drive results are how we continue to move the industry forward. I cannot wait to see, and learn from, many of the fantastic entries I am sure the awards will attract this year. Best Use of Data category, recognising the role of data in an effective communications strategy, will once again be chaired by Nicole Kane, director, global media, McDonalds Corporation. Kane joined McDonalds three years ago and oversees global partnerships, accountability, and agency relationships. Effective Channel Integration category is a search for how sophisticated communications architecture helped boost campaign effectiveness. Laurent Aliphat, head of media, Renault will lead this jury. Aliphat joined Renault in 2011 when the digital factory had been created in-house, to take care of the overall performance and lead management. In his current role, he oversees the team responsible for the Global Media coordination (strategy, budget, digital, data, transformation). Aliphat has developed its agency ecosystem to drive efficiency and effectiveness. Effective Use of Tech category will reward communications that have effectively used or combined emerging platforms or technology in the media mix. Andres Polo, vice president, digital marketing, Visa, Latin America and the Caribbean will chair the jury panel. Polo is responsible for driving the evolution of global consumer digital, social media and mobile strategies. He also leads the cross functional collaboration among global, regional and country marketing teams with key internal stakeholders and external audiences. The WARC Media awards are free to enter and are discipline-neutral and channel-agnostic. Papers are submitted as effectiveness case studies and can be entered by media agencies, creative agencies, media owners, digital agencies and data specialists from all over the world. | BY Lynchy | To Indonesians, the holy month of Ramadhan means a time of reunion with loved ones. Millions of Indonesians travel home to be with their parents and enjoy the festivities. However, in the competitive world of sport, taking time off is difficult and hundreds of Indonesian national athletes are unable to spend quality time with their mothers. Unfortunately, Ramadhan falls within the peak training season this year, and to choose between one mother or their motherland (bearing the hopes of 250 million Indonesians) is a dilemma many have had to mull over. This year, P&G wants to help 810 Indonesian national athletes apologize to their mothers in their own unique ways. A package of apology will be sent directly to every mother of the athletes who will be unable to return home this Ramadhan. Featuring Sri Ranti, among the most prominent of Indonesias medal hopefuls, the film illustrates her painstaking experiences as she invests heart and soul into training for the upcoming 2018 Asian Games in August, and how she dedicated her Gold medals from previous tournaments in a heartwarming tribute and apology to her mother. The video has received over 11 million views in 3 weeks. Being an athlete is a lifestyle that consumes every aspect of ones life including the time you have available for your own mother. Mothers are the silent strength behind the success, the ones who understand that such practices will come before spending time with the family. The athletes mothers deserve as much credit for their success as they do, said Daphne Kuah, Country Marketing Manager P&G Indonesia. As an act of purifying oneself, Indonesians ask for each others forgiveness during Eid. While national athletes are unable to make it back home for Eid, there is no reason they cannot share their own unique and special apology to their moms. Our idea was centered around making the choice between Mother and Motherland a less painful one added Nugroho Nurarifin, Executive Creative Director, Grey Group Indonesia. Credits Executive Creative Director: Nugroho Nurarifin Senior Art Director: Finy Tjong Copywriter: Juenre Sitanggang Art Director: Devan Rudhinata Senior Graphic Designer: Maria Priscilla General Manager: Sharan Sood Account Director: Sawitri Hertoto Senior Account Manager: Masayu Difa Strategic Planner: Ilmalana Digital Manager: Oktavianus Daud Social Media Officer: Ainun Yasmin Executive Producer: Iqbal Arrasyid Film Director: Upie Guava Huma Qureshi, Regional Director, PR & Corporate Communications, AMEA Country Marketing Manager P&G Indonesia: Daphne Kuah Brand Manager: Berlian Dewirani Make room for the 'shroom - it's National Mushroom Day! If youre looking for something truly satisfying for supper, reach for some mushrooms. Nutritious, delicious and so versatile, mushrooms are considered a superfood full of flavour and goodness, and they are truly coming into their own, especially for those looking to amp up their dietary eating habits, not to mention as star ingredients in many a professional kitchen. Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 3:27AM Aside from unveiling the much-hyped ROG Phone, ASUS had one more surprise up its sleeve. During its ZenBook launch at Computex 2018, the Taiwanese company teased a laptop concept its planning to release in the coming year. Called Project Precog, this concept is the first dual-screen laptop from the brand and has what the brand says are artificial intelligence-related features. It will supposedly be able to do things like optimize your battery charging depending on the time of day, provide suggestions when youre editing things like Excel documents, among other things. Project Precog is part of Intels AI for PC Developer program and shows what Intels technology combined with PC makers can do. This concept makes use of Intels Movidius visual processing unit, so itll supposedly be able to track where your hands are on the screen at all times. This laptop is a full-fledged convertible machine so it can be used in different modes: in tent, folded as a tablet, as a traditional laptop, or flat on the table. It seems you can even connect an external keyboard to it and have it propped up in portrait mode. It borrows its looks from ASUSs Zenbook line but were not sure if its going to retain this look if and when ASUS releases the product next year. cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com The untimely passing of Cape Coral Fire Department Engineer Michael Camelo Jr. has left the department without a brother and his two young children without a father. It is with deepest sympathy and regret that I announce the passing of Cape Coral Fire Engineer/Driver Michael Camelo Jr He was surrounded by his friends and family and with members of the Cape Coral Fire Department standing vigil. We are greatly saddened by his untimely death. This is not only a great loss to the Cape Coral Fire Department and his family, but to the entire Southwest Florida community. We all lost a Brother today, said CCFD Chief Ryan W. Lamb in a written statement shortly after his passing last week. Camelo passed away due to a brain aneurysm on May 31 among loved ones, he was 37. Funeral arrangements have been made with the viewing being held at Gendron Funeral Home today, June 6, from 5-9 p.m. Camelos funeral will take place at St. Andrews Catholic Church on Thursday, June 7, at 11 a.m. His father worked for the department for 36 years, he grew up around the station, Lamb said. Its humbling to see the outpour of support from the community. We are receiving cards, emails and so many kind words, it restores your faith in humanity. Lamb said they expect over 1,000 people to pay their respects, and that Gendron Funeral Home will be picking up all funeral expenses. We still have someone with him on watch for 24 hours, until he is laid to rest. We dont want him alone until the very end, Lamb added. The CCFD, with permission from Camelos family and the church, will broadcast the funeral on Facebook Live, via the CCFD Facebook page. We have people coming from all over the state and beyond, Michaels reach was a long one. We have people who feel terrible they cannot make it, so hopefully this can reach more of Michaels loved ones, said Lamb. A fund has been started for his two children, Anna, 5, and Michael III, 3, by Eric Chudzik, president of the Local International Association of Fire Fighters 2424. Chudzik knew Camelo fairly well, for 15 years long before he was able to become a firefighter. He was an outstanding firefighter. He had a passion for the job that was second to none. He was always willing to perfect his craft either by taking classes or training, then take what he had learned and pass on that knowledge to his co-workers or his students at the Fire Academy, he said. As good as firefighter as he was, he was an even better person,?Chudzik continued. He was one the happiest people I have ever had the pleasure of being around. He was always the first to step up and help a brother or sister that was in need, yet never really asked anything of anyone. He was selfless to a fault. Which is what made him such a good person. He, along with members of the CCFD administration, felt that starting the fund for his children was the least they could do and that they pride themselves on having the ability to help their own in a time of need, and to Chudzik, no need is bigger than this one. He said Camelo will be remembered fondly, but greatly missed by his fire department brothers and sisters. It is devastating to say the least, he said. It always hurts to loose someone you care for, or work with but the brother and sisterhood is completely different. This is truly a family in every sense of the word and we all feel as if we lost a brother. I have no doubt that this will bring us closer together at the same time though. Donations can be made at gofundme.com/ccfdcamelo, or, at any Fifth Third Bank, by making a deposit to the benefit of Anna and Michael Camelo. Over $50,000 has already been donated for his childrens futures. This support has far exceeded our expectations, Lamb said. A second generation firefighter, Camelo joined CCFD in February 2006 and earlier this year, was promoted to fire engineer/driver. He was a paramedic, Hazardous Materials Technician, Public Safety Boat Operator, member of the Firefighter Survival and Rapid Intervention team and served on the Honor Guard. In 2017, Camelo received his A.S. in Fire Service from Columbia Southern University. In giving back to the community, Camelo was a Basic Life Support Instructor, having taught numerous citizens CPR. He was also an instructor for the Cape Coral Community Emergency Response Team and an instructor at the Fort Myers Fire Academy. Camelo received a full scholarship to attend the Fire Department Instructors Conference International in Indianapolis just this April. Mike was able to live his dream. He followed in his fathers footsteps and became a very good firefighter and even better father to his two young children. Mike lived a good life, and those that had the pleasure of knowing him should be thankful that we were able to take that ride with him, Chudzik added. Gendron Funeral home is located at 2325 East Mall Drive, Fort Myers. St. Andrews Catholic Church is at 2628 Del Prado Blvd., South, south of the Midpoint Bridge, in Cape Coral. Photo: fr.videoblocks.com A summer reading list for foodies and wine lovers Instead of breaking out the Kindle or iPad for reading books at the beach or on the patio this summer, why not grab the actual book? A glass of wine or a craft beer, your snack of choice paired with one of these reads, and youre all set. Icon: Flagship Wines from British Columbias Best Wineries, by John Schreiner This is a gorgeous hardcover book. Keep it on the coffee table as a reference point or for guest to pick up and thumb through while sipping a glass. Dozens of wineries are profiled, following a detailed introduction by Schreiner that explains the selection process for the book. Several wines per winery are included with tasting notes and a handy drink now note. Need a wedding gift this summer? Start the happy couples wine cellar with this book and a few bottles highlighted in it. Lure: Sustainable Seafood Recipes from the West Coast, by Ned Bell with Valerie Howes Chef Ned Bell is a champion of the sustainable seafood movement and responsible management of the bounty our oceans provide, as reflected in this well-organized cookbook. The book is organized by white fish, shellfish, fatty fish, and sea greens, and by course (salads, soups, sandwiches and so forth). It also includes a handy back to basics section with fun charts, and, of course, a primer on how to cook fish. The Okanagan Table: The Art of Everyday Home Cooking, by Rod Butters with Kerry Gold Okanagan-ites will be familiar with the growing restaurant portfolio under the guidance of Chef Rod Butters (RauDZ, micro bar bites, Terrafina, and Sunnys). It's filled with mouth-watering photos and recipes sorted by the time of day, like sunrise and twilight." The recipes also embrace the flavours and freshness of the Okanagan with an occasional twist. The Cauliflower and Saffron Wedding Soup is divine. One of the best parts of the book is a list of local farmers, producers, and suppliers. The Wandering Vine: Wine, the Romans and Me, by Nina Caplan A lyrical journey through wine regions, from England to France to Italy, that at one point were part of the Roman Empire. This book is part travel journal, part personal exploration, and part wine writing. It may make you want to retrace the writer's route, or simply let this transport you to another realm that explores what wine can do for each of your senses, and what memories a certain wine can make or revive. Tangled Vines: Greed, Murder, Obsession and an Arsonist in the Vineyards of California, by Frances Dinkelspiel The title just about sums things up. This is the true story of a day in 2005 when a warehouse of wine in California went up in flames, the costliest destruction of wine in history. If you like true-crime stories, this meticulously researched book is for you. It addresses many things in the underbelly of the wine industry, from personal tensions to wine fraud. Next on my reading list? Eating Local in the Fraser Valley by Angie Quaale, and Food Artisans of Alberta by Karen Anderson and Matilde Sanchez-Turri. Photo: (Twitter/@TranBCVanIsle A serious crash has closed a portion of the Pat Bay Highway on Vancouver Island. The crash has closed one southbound and one northbound lane just south of the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, CTV reports. A vehicle on one of the inside lanes was seen on its roof as emergency crews tended to those inside. Sidney police are investigating the incident. with files from CTV Vancouver Island Photo: Colours4Kids Walk, run and get colourful at the fifth annual Wildstone Colours4Kids charity run in Penticton this Sunday. The event will start at LocoLanding Adventure Park, and participants will follow their choice of a 2.5 or 5 kilometre circuit. Throughout the run, they will be doused in washable vibrant paint. All proceeds from the event will go to the OSNS Child & Youth Development Centre. It's intended not to be a competition, but to celebrate health and happiness. The Colours4Kids Run is particularly special to us because it's a family event that has kids helping kids. And it was wonderful that the Lovett family, who started the event in memory of their daughter Bronwyn, were kind enough to support local treatment programs for children," said executive director of OSNS Child & Youth Development Centre Manisha Williams,. "Every year is bigger and more exciting." The route will take runners up and down Riverside Drive. In attendance will be actor Cody Kearsley, known to fans of the Netflix show Riverdale as "Moose Mason," who is a graduate of South Okanagan Secondary. He will be taking photos and signing autographs in support of the cause. There will also be pizza at the event, provided by Boston Pizza, with all proceeds going to OSNS. Registration is $20 and includes a t-shirt, sunglasses and colour pack. For more information on how to sign up, click here. Photo: CTV Popular horse-drawn carriages in Victoria, B.C. are facing heat from the SPCA following a video published in May of a fall and struggle between two of the animals. BC SPCA CEO Craig Daniell said that the video, recorded May 4, showed two trolley horses that had fallen over and were clearly in "significant distress for more than five minutes." In a letter to Mayor Lisa Helps, he requested that the City of Victoria ban all horse-drawn carriages. "This collision caused the harness to slacken, knocking the horses, Chris and Matt, off balance," he said. "Chris fell, pulling Matt down with him in the middle of the road." The handlers attempted to get the horses on their feet during the ensuing struggle. Members of the public attempted to intervene, pulling on harnesses and putting themselves in harms way near the horses' legs. "It is not until more than five minutes into the video that the harnesses are finally removed and the horses are able to successfully return to their feet," Daniell said. The SPCA spoke to a horse specialist and veterinarian who expressed concern that the harnesses weren't removed immediately. The company, Victoria Carriage Tours, spoke to CTV in May and said that the video did not tell the whole story. "Our horses are trained to stay down once they realize they can't get back up on their own," said head horse trainer Emily May. "They also would have seen a number of equestrians, once the horses were back on their feet, commenting on how expertly our staff handled it, and in my opinion more importantly, commenting on how amazingly calm the horses were once they were back on their feet." Still, the SPCA wants "strong response" from city council. They want horse-drawn carriage activity restricted to city parks, where it will be safer, and want only one horse per vehicle. City staff are looking into the matter and will report back to council on their findings. Photo: The Canadian Press President Donald Trump is complaining about media reports questioning the first lady's recent absence from public view. Trump says the press has been "so unfair, and vicious." Trump tweeted Wednesday that during Melania Trump's recovery from a medical procedure: "they reported everything from near death, to facelift, to left the W.H. (and me) for N.Y. or Virginia, to abuse." He adds: "All Fake, she is doing really well!" Mrs. Trump recently spent five days in the hospital following a kidney procedure and stayed out of sight for more than three weeks before re-emerging at a private White House reception Monday. Mrs. Trump will join the president for a briefing at Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters Wednesday. It would be her first appearance outside the White House since May 10. Photo: The Canadian Press While raising hopes for denuclearization and a peace treaty to finally end the Korean War, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's newly found focus on diplomacy comes with an ironic flipside: It could be a godsend for his generals. Kim's thinking on how his military fits in to his plans to foster detente on the Korean Peninsula and negotiate security guarantees from Washington may become clearer when he sits down with President Donald Trump next week in Singapore. But one thing is already clear. Kim cannot survive without his loyal troops. Whatever grand strategy he has in mind will strongly reflect their interests and that includes the ability to make lots of money. Along with the nuclear bombs and intercontinental ballistic missiles that have gotten the world's attention, the Korean People's Army is deeply involved in everything from raising mushrooms and apples to running its national airline and selling the country's mineral resources abroad. So they stand to benefit greatly if Kim succeeds in depleting support for sanctions by negotiating with Trump and the North's affluent neighbours. Rivaled only by the ruling party itself, with which it is carefully intertwined, the military is the biggest and most formidable organization in North Korea. It consumes roughly one-third of the country's annual budget and employs 1 million-plus personnel, making its standing army one of the world's largest despite the North's small population of less than 25 million. Just as shifts in the economy since Kim assumed power in late 2011 have created a growing income gap in the civilian sector, so have they contributed to growing disparity within the military ranks, suggests William Brown, an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and former analyst with the U.S. State Department and CIA. "Some units and some soldiers are making good money doing construction work and others are making essentially nothing doing their foxhole duty. Same for the officers," he said. "Some are coming out of their 10-year tour of duty with marketable skills, like driving and fixing taxis, and others with no skills at all." Brown said that, in the long run, diplomatic success could free Kim to cut costs by reducing the military's bloated ranks. But he stressed that for now "keeping soldiers happy when others seem to be getting rich is of paramount importance." "I get the sense that Kim is getting ready for another massive state wage increase to make state workers, including the military, a little more happy," he said. The military's involvement in such a wide variety of side-businesses also means it is in its interest to see an increase in trade well beyond sales of nuclear technology or missile parts that will likely remain the target of international non-proliferation watchdogs no matter how well Kim's talks go. Unconfirmed reports this week out of Seoul and Washington that Kim recently replaced his top three military officials could suggest he is already trying to ensure the military is properly positioned to handle more foreign investment and to toe his new line without being lured by an influx of money into corruption or insubordination Roger von Dach puts an interesting spin in his letter on the rules for balloon landings. The regulations do not say the pilot can land anywhere that he chooses as long as it does not put passengers in danger. CAR 602.13 states in part: (4) A person may conduct a landing in a balloon within a built-up area of a city or town at a place that is not located at an airport, heliport or military aerodrome, where ... the landing is necessary to avoid endangering the safety of the persons on board." To me, that reads emergency landing. This still does not address the issue of private property. I am opposed to hot air balloons being operated over any built-up area. One day there will be fatalities. Gord Marshall, Kelowna UPDATE 1:45 p.m. West Kelowna fire crews have managed to extinguish a vehicle fire near the Safari Adventure Park. A black BMW caught fire for an unknown reason and quickly became fully engulfed in flames. The burnt out husk of the car was still smouldering on the side of the road but crews are working to clear the scene. UPDATE 1:37 p.m. Emergency crews have now arrived on scene of a vehicle fire in West Kelowna. A video sent to us by Michael Jamieson, shows a black BMW, fully engulfed in flames as crews begin attempting to get the blaze under control. The BMW is a complete write-off and it appears the driver of the BMW managed to escape the flames uninjured. RCMP and West Kelowna fire crews are on scene. ORIGINAL 1:20 p.m. A black BMW Sedan was spotted engulfed in flames along highway 97 and Horizon Drive just before 1 p.m. It's unclear what started the fire. As of 1:15 p.m. emergency crews had yet to arrive on scene. The car is stationed on the side of the road by Safari Ridge Adventure Park. Send photos and video to [email protected] Photo: Contributed Four men from the Lower Mainland are in police custody after police responded to a weapons call. Early Wednesday morning, Kamloops RCMP received a call that a man was waving a machete around. Police say the man was associated with a vehicle in the Cascades Casino parking lot and there were three other males with him. A search of their vehicle revealed a second machete, brass knuckles, a sawed-off shotgun and a quantity of illegal drugs. The drugs have been sent for testing to confirm their composition. All four suspects were previously known to police. They are currently in custody and the investigation is ongoing. Nickels for Nepal is hosting a sale of donated artwork to benefit the children in remote village schools in Nepal. Watercolor artwork in a variety of sizes has been donated by Ernest Barnes of Tampa, Fl. as well as various mixed media artwork created by Larry Bullington of The Masters Studio. As board chair of Nickels for Nepal, a non-profit based in Chattanooga, Chris Hockert states the importance of this sale to raise funds to support school children in the remote villages supported in Nepal. "The school children in Nepal that we support would not have any uniforms to attend school and remain in school," said Ms. Hockert. "They would also not have any school supplies or an opportunity for educational scholarships. The Artwork Benefit Sale is at Braxton Mill, 8719 Hixson Pike. The sale hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information contact Christine Hockert at 596-9217 or email at chockert@comcast.net. Chesterfield begins process of redrawing its five magisterial districts Chesterfield County is in the early stages of reviewing and redrawing the countys five magisterial districts. The process, known as redistricting, can have enormous implications and is often wrought with... High school football fields to be replaced with synthetic turf By this time next year, Friday night football games at Monacan and Lloyd C. Bird high schools could look very different. The grass football fields at the two county schools... County plans to build ice skating arena at Route 60, Chippenham Chesterfield County is planning to build an ice skating facility as part of its multi-faceted redevelopment of the eastern Midlothian Turnpike corridor. County economic development officials last week announced plans... 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... Pharmacists will administer the tests by conducting cheek swabs in private. They will then ship the swabs off for testing. When the results return seven to 10 days later, Jewel-Osco pharmacists will meet with patients to go over the results, and they may contact a patients doctor to discuss switching medications or starting a certain medication if the test results indicate that might be helpful. Patients doctors also will get the results. Yet more needs to be done to make manufacturing jobs accessible to communities with a lot of poverty and violence and few connections to the industry, said Joshua Brooks, a coordinator with the Young Manufacturers Association, an arm of Manufacturing Renaissance that provides a support network for people who have gone through the nonprofits programs. Many people cant afford even to go to community college, so one key is to provide paid training, so trainees receive a paycheck while they learn the necessary skills, Brooks said. That purchase agreement priced Ferros more than 9 million shares of Tronc at $23 each. Ferro had the option to terminate the deal and receive a $1 million fee if it didnt close by the later of May 15 or five days after federal antitrust regulators signed off on the transaction. Rush will put the cash toward its Road Home Program, which treats veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, depression, anxiety and related conditions at no cost to patients. The program, which also helps the families of veterans, has treated more than 1,000 people since launching in 2014. The new donation is expected to help Rush treat another 5,000 veterans and their family members over the next five years. When she was in high school, her mom sent her to an event that featured the Tuskegee Airmen, the famed African-American military pilots from World War II. One of the pilots took her for a ride and let her take the wheel. I was literally 16 years old, flying over Lake Michigan, facing down the skyline, and I knew immediately that was the career for me, she said. Zell's Equity LifeStyle Properties Inc. has a female CEO, Marguerite Nader, and Ventas Inc. CEO Debra Cafaro has credited Zell with encouraging her over the course of her career. Zell has a history of provocative statements, including using vulgarities during panel discussions and live television interviews. In a Bloomberg TV interview in March, he said in passing that "all women are good looking." He infamously told an Orlando Sentinel journalist "f--- you!" when answering her questions about journalistic priorities in 2008, shortly after acquiring the paper. Jean-Claude is no longer with us, killed in a winter-related automobile accident in 2016. The restaurant now is in the hands of his son Oliver Poilevey, who is marking Le Bouchons 25th anniversary with a monthlong prix-fixe menu of some of his fathers favorite dishes. Obviously, weve gone through a chef and some staffing changes, getting the kitchen reset, Feldmeier said. Right now, were coming up with the new menu. My goal is to have it ready by the 1st of July. Were adding a couple of dishes here and there (to the existing menu), but slowly; I dont want to put up (new) dishes just to put them up. The Food & Dining stage will feature those chefs and authors and several others in a program of 13 sessions, Saturday and Sunday at Jones College Prep High School, one of the venues for the annual festival. Other headliners include Chicago chef Paul Kahan cooking from Cheers to the Publican, Repast and Present; Tribune beer writer Josh Noel, who will read from his just-released book, Barrel-Aged Stout and Selling Out: Goose Island, Anheuser-Busch, and How Craft Beer Became Big Business; Hungry Hound Steve Dolinsky, who will talk with Chewing podcast hosts Louisa Chu, a Food & Dining reporter, and Monica Eng, of WBEZ, about pizza; and Tribune columnists John Kass, Mary Schmich and Eric Zorn, who welcome their loyal readers for coffee talks. I was determined not to use the word crushable when assembling this list it is among the biggest cliches when discussing beers such as these but OH MY LORD IS THIS BEER CRUSHABLE!!!! (I also was determined not to use all caps or multiple exclamation marks. Alas.) Bright, light, a touch grassy and a bit lemony, this new arrival in 12-ounce cans is endlessly refreshing even after a few of them. (And the modest alcohol content allows you to have a few of them.) Ill probably drink more Spiteful Lager this summer than any other beer. 6. With a curved plastic scraper, repeatedly smooth the batter up along the side of the mixing bowl to work out air pockets: Starting with the scraper at the bottom of the bowl, lift the batter up from the bottom center, pushing it into the sides as you go. Continue to scrape the sides of the bowl, pushing the batter back down, and then up again. You want to apply firm pressure to get the air out. When the batter looks smooth and falls from the scraper in a steady stream, it is the proper consistency. This may take longer than expected. The batter will go from looking fluffy and airy to being thicker, with no bubbles. A: Typically you enter into (a documentary) with a lot of material, a notion of how to proceed but not a clear path to get there. Editorially, structurally, youre not sure how to put it together. After spending time with the material here, we realized Mr. Rogers has created a utopia. The neighborhood of Make Believe is a place where conflict gets resolved in healthy ways, where you can model ideas of kindness, listening. So we talked about the organizing core of the film being the building of the utopia, then defending the utopia, then the legacy of the utopia. The nice thing is Im not looking for this material myself instead, Im hunting inside the material. Months of work have been done before I start, and because this world is so vast, its an endless quest for the right footage. Morgan approached the Rogers family and formed a relationship, got permission and secured rights. On this, on Best of Enemies (also directed by Neville), hes wanted footage others didnt have access to. With Enemies, we had access to all the debates between Buckley and Vidal, all filmed off-air moments. "You have every young black actor from the age of 17 to 40 going out for it," he said. "It was like how do you reverse-engineer that problem, that kind of pitted competition between each other, and just put more opportunities out there for people to eat and be successful at what they want to do." With Frozen likely iced out (its not so bad, really), this seasons eclectic slate of new musicals all are likely to bow to The Bands Visit. No other score this year came even close to what David Yazbek, a jazz master, conjured up in his gently feverish dreams. No piece of direction fully compared with David Cromers achievement on that show, although, in a different year, Tina Landaus transformation of a cartoon into a joyous, omnicultural and spectacular inclusive playground would have scored its deserved Tony Award. Landaus work on SpongeBob was remarkable; this was more difficult material than people tend to realize. Its a strange paradox. In theory, Barnes & Noble with its significantly larger inventory should be more likely to have something I want, but the sheer volume of product makes it harder to find. Granted, I am one of those readers who normally goes to the store not on a specific mission, hoping for an unexpected or unanticipated match, but I suspect many core bookstore patrons are similar. We go to commune with the books. The three patients were treated by a team at the National Cancer Institute led by Steven Rosenberg, an immunotherapy pioneer who is chief of the surgery branch. For each patient, the team sequenced the genomes of their tumors to find mutations, then tested immune cells extracted from the cancers to identify which ones might recognize the defects. Those cells were expanded by the billions in the laboratory, then infused back into the patients, where they attacked the tumors. Many women, including celebrities like Mindy Kaling and Chelsea Clinton, took to social media to share everything from stories about their first Kate Spade bag, to a cry for mental health awareness, to their affinity for the designer and the brand, to their gratitude for all the beauty, joy and color she brought to the world. New exhibit highlights include a large 3D printed model of the St. Louis riverfront before the devastating Great Fire of 1849 and an exhibit devoted to the design and construction of the Arch, which contains an architectural model of the landmark that hasnt been displayed since 1962. Contemporary interpretations of westward expansion also come into play. The introduction to one gallery gives visitors three perspectives: That of former U.S. President James Polk, for whom the West was won; that of a Native American, for whom the West was stolen; and that of a Mexican, for whom the North (Mexicos North) was taken in war by the U.S. No matter how much life occurred in those rooms, no matter what tales those walls could tell, the walls and the floors and the stuff in the drawers are not you. You can leave it all behind without losing yourself. I think it's great that they go after illegal party buses, but the fact is they are targeting the legal operators, said Chris Vecchio, operations manager for Chitown Party Bus and one of the coalitions organizers. The new ordinance goes to the extreme. If I drove two dozen 14-year-olds with an adult chaperone lets say someones grandma to last weeks Taylor Swift concert in a bus I still will need security because Soldier Field serves alcohol. Were open to that. Thats why we have an expert coming in whos looked at this at the national level to tell us what they think are best practices. But what I want to be clear about is that theres no silver bullet to fix this, theres no one department or one person who can fix all of these issues. This requires a collective effort. Around 9:30 p.m., Archie Harris, 34, was shot in the head in a backyard on the street, Chicago police said. He was pronounced dead on scene. Chicago police had originally said the man was 20 years old. At one point during the lengthy hearing, Valdez, 35, took off her glasses to wipe away tears with a tissue as her lawyers read letters from her three other children about how much they loved and missed her and didnt want to just see her on Skype. When Doss began urinating in public, the victim told him not to do that. He said something back to her and then she took a picture of him, which made him mad, Antonietti said. Garrett also described a second incident in December 2014 that she said took place as she and colleagues planned inauguration festivities. Mapes said completely out of nowhere that I needed to make sure that I was not showing my pink bra to the judge during the inauguration because he knows how girls who work on the second floor like to leave little to the imagination, Garrett said. Hampton has said it took the speakers political operation too long to act. She has said she first went to Ald. Quinn about his brother in February 2017, but noted the firing didnt happen until a year later. Hampton also has acknowledged the alderman called her after they met and told her that his brother would not be in contact with her. Martese Edwards, 29, is arrested after being escorted out of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in front of the White House on June 5, 2018. (Jabin Botsford / The Washington Post) This undated image posted on his Linkedin profile shows George Papadopoulos posing on a street of London. (AFP/Getty Images) Maybe his pattern of chutzpah and untruth is just the essence of his toxic character, which bubbles over no matter what. But more likely, the conduct of Trump and his attorneys reflects their knowledge that he is guilty of serious offenses and their fear that he will be exposed and punished. He looks like someone terrified of going to prison. Trumps shabby treatment of our closest friends becomes conceivable, though not acceptable, if we recall that he does not have any close friends of his own. He cannot credibly pledge the loyalty of faithful friends, because he has never known or shown that loyalty. He literally does not know what he is missing in living without one of lifes greatest blessings. Sad. The company understood all this as recently as April, saying in a statement that the technology "is intended to save lives and save people from having to do highly tedious work." Yet some bad public relations and a handful of people walking out is apparently all it took to provoke the reversal. One of the roles of senior management is to do the right thing, even if it provokes criticism. That's especially critical when our collective security is at stake. One can understand why some might be leery about a slippery slope to machines making life-and-death decisions without humans in the loop. But that's an argument for staying on the project, so they could influence future applications. A good number of them broke the law in serious ways. Their crimes make any pitch for prison reform or lenient sentencing a hard sell. They are rightly punished, although even for them, the punishment itself may not be right. In any case, policymakers are often deaf to appeals for prisoners human rights. To make the case for criminal justice reform, then, advocates often reduce the problems of a flawed system to numbers and statistics that we think will sway those on the outside, who have no real knowledge of prison life or what led people to end up there. Finally, were seeing some leadership, though not from the top. Moderate Republicans in the House are collecting signatures to bypass the procedural roadblocks and bring four competing immigration measures to the floor later this month. They need three more members to reach the necessary 218. They are confident they can get them. At issue is an incendiary aspect of special counsel Robert Muellers probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election: Did Trump obstruct justice by firing FBI Director James Comey or by asking Comey to go lightly on former national security adviser Michael Flynn? Mueller, who took up the Russia investigation after Comeys ouster, seems poised to make some big decisions, including whether to ask Trump to sit for an interview, or seek a subpoena compelling the president to testify. That prospect has riled up Trump. And it has worried his legal team. They likely think little good will come if an aggressive special counsel interrogates a president with a habit of shooting off his mouth. What if we were wrong? Obama asked his aides who were riding with him in a motorcade in Lima, Peru, according to Rhodes, then Obamas deputy national security adviser. Obamas aides tried to reassure the president, Rhodes writes. He still would have been re-elected, if he could have run for a third term, they told him. He wouldnt have made big mistakes, like fellow Democrat Hillary Clintons campaign did when it seemingly forgot to campaign in Michigan and Wisconsin. They talked about the long-term victory: The next generation had more in common with Obama than with Trump. A Chicago Public Schools investigation found that teacher Stephen Stapanian touched the crotch of one student. He also taught disabled students how to circumvent the internet firewall to access pornographic websites, the investigation concluded. Stapanian denied the allegations in that report but resigned amid the 2011 investigation. Still, when a Florida school district looking to hire Stapanian just a few months later asked CPS directly whether he had resigned, a district human resources clerk marked the box for "No," records from Florida show. The CPS clerk also offered no information about the misconduct allegations against Stapanian. He got the Florida teaching job. Read the full story here. Sure, architecture boat tours might be one of Chicagos best known attractions (and fun for locals as well), but the new Chicago Cycleboats offers a more active way to explore the Chicago River. Launched May 17, its the citys first pedal-powered boat. Bring your own food and drink as the boat captain guides the 14-16 passengers (who can rent the whole boat or just a seat) on a 90-minute trip; dont worry, the boat has an electric motor if needed and only 10 passengers can pedal at once. Although Chicago Cycleboats operates seven days a week in season, its cheaper on weekdays ($45 for individual adults, $600 for the whole boat) than on weekends ($50 for individual adults, $700 for the whole boat). Definitely check out Wednesday and Saturday night Navy Pier fireworks rides. More information and tickets: chicagocycleboats.com A: In 2006, my wife and I were living in Indonesia, and I bought my first digital camera. Before that, when I shot with film, I didnt develop it myself, so I would drop it off somewhere and just hope and pray it turned out. In Indonesia, I used my digital camera to photograph the Borobudur Temple and a live volcano. We moved to Stuttgart, Germany, in 2011 because my wife was enrolled in a masters degree program there, and I really enjoyed taking photos of the architecture there, and in Paris, too. We have been working hard with them. It seems like every year it is a battle but it was nice to see the bipartisan cooperation this year. Last year it was split along party lines and that is just so frustrating. They finally set those things aside and decided to work together to make this happen, Craig told The Beacon-News. Were just hoping for good weather, said Laura Marquardt, president of the Clarendon Hills Chamber of Commerce, which coordinates the event. Its always a fun event for our residents, where they like to get together, and its a good opportunity for people from other towns to come and see Clarendon Hills. Middle school kids can be cruel, even vicious. I know this firsthand, because I experienced it as the mom of my 14-year-old daughter. But despite the daily tears children cause others to experience, I know in my heart most kids are and will grow up to be good people. In my opinion, bullying and other bad middle school behaviors are caused by insecurity and lack of self-esteem. Tuffy agreed, and said the reason girls can be mean is because they havent learned the skills to let go of their own insecurities and express what they are really feeling. Authorities have not named the 14-year-old Lake in the Hills boy who was arrested Thursday and charged with three counts of sexual assault. Police and McHenry County prosecutors said they could not release further details about the allegations because the accused is a minor. 30 E. Scott St., Chicago: $2,895,000 | Listed: July 8, 2021 This four-bedroom home has three full bathrooms, two half-baths, a skylight, hardwood floors and a landscaped rooftop terrace. The foyer has original terrazzo floors, a coat room and a half bath. The kitchen features a six-burner Wolf range, a venting hood, a marble waterfall island and backsplash, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, a Miele dishwasher, LeFroy Brooks spa bath fittings and built-in custom cabinetry. Two of the bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and two other bedrooms share an en-suite bathroom. This home has a dining room/living room with a fireplace, a wet bar/den/office and a laundry room. The first-floor entry level has room for exercise equipment and storage. Agent: Monique Crossan, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Chicago, 312-933-5363 *Some listing photos are virtually staged, meaning they have been digitally altered to represent different furnishing or decorating options. To feature your luxury listing of $800,000 or more in Chicago Tribunes Dream Homes, send listing information and high-res photos to ctc-realestate@chicagotribune.com. Join our Chicago Dream Homes Facebook group for more luxury listings and real estate news. This is huge, said Nick Palmer, chief of staff for Will County Executive Larry Walsh. The county created its Community Friendly Freight Mobility Plan to seek grant funds, and this is a key project in reducing the bottleneck that occurs as lanes are reduced from three to two at this interchange, he said. Early Sunday morning, an officer in Watervliet, Mich., stopped a silver Honda Civic belonging to the dead woman and Czeslaw Sipior was the driver and only occupant, police said. He was held for investigation and treated for his injuries at a Kalamazoo hospital, according to the release. He said he will first ask the appellate court to hold off on its mandate until the Illinois Supreme Court rules on another case in which the word shall is a key factor. If that court decides that shall is an obligatory term, Learner said he will file for a re-hearing with the appellate court. Since habitat loss is the main reason for its decline, the district works to preserve the habitat, managing the site with prescribed burnings and brush clearing, and trying to prevent deer from eating certain plants. But she said officials cant control the drawdown of the water table or the amount of incoming pollution as the site is surrounded by urbanization. What about a student that needs to pay for books and tuition and decides on a Friday to pick up shifts for the weekend? All of those occurrences would create scheduling changes and would be threatened by this proposal, she testified. The men, who were dubbed The Ashford 5, were part of a larger group of about 20 masked and hooded men who used weapons including hammers and metal batons to beat patrons who were allegedly members of a white supremacist group. Ten people were injured in the attack, which drew national media attention and which police at the time said was carried out by an anti-racism faction targeting the group. The suit also notes that, according to the video, officers at various times said, We are just gonna go up and talk with her, see if we can get her out, We will try to get her to stop. At worst we have the 40 (rubber bullets) and the barrier, which is great, and Thats why we have pepper ball. Fox Ridge is being transformed into an early childhood center after almost three decades as an elementary school. The decision to close it was made earlier this year by the District 303 School Board as a way to deal with declining enrollment and to save money. Fox Ridge parents and community members failed in their attempt to keep it open. The village is also hoping to receive more than $4 million in low-interest loans from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for water and sewer repairs in the subdivision. Talbott said after the meeting it is unlikely Franklin Park will get the money, although the village wont find out until July. He said village officials are considering issuing debt certificates for the project if the state loan doesnt come through. Though we came out with a $1.3 million deficit, we will continue to work to bring that deficit down over the coming year, Rockingham said. Not only should we hold the line on spending, but look at what other sources we can find to raise revenue. But no, Democrats have to start getting fancy and begin promising all sorts of pie-in-the-sky offerings, like a guaranteed job for everyone who wants one. Might as well throw a chicken which is fairly cheap these days at the grocery store in every pot into the progressive Democratic campaign trail mix. Or how about assurances of direct stipends for those of us earning less than a certain amount? Mundelein Deputy Police Chief Don Hansen said the crash appears to be an accident and the driver is not currently being charged with a crime. Hansen said Mundelein and the Lake County States Attorney may consider other charges if the girl ends up with any serious injuries. While its possible Khudu may have hidden out of view and eluded its owners for days, Rodriguez said she believes someone walked off with her tortoise, either to keep it as a pet or to try to sell it. Erics credentials, skill set and experience with Illinois tourism are exactly what we were looking for in a new president and CEO, Visit Oak Park board chair Aberdeen Marsh-Ozga said. Upon meeting Eric, we were additionally impressed by his original thinking and approach to growing tourism in our partner communities. Erics enthusiasm for all that our area has to offer is, quite frankly, inspiring. Its an exciting time to be involved with Visit Oak Park, and we are looking forward to Erics leadership. Nenif M. Oshana, 26, of the 2500 block of West Berwyn Avenue in Chicago, was charged with felony aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and misdemeanor aggravated assault in connection with an alleged dispute that police said erupted at Taco Burrito House, 9001 N. Milwaukee Ave. in the north suburb, around 4:30 a.m., according to a Niles Police Department news release. Weems sped up in his 2014 Dodge Charger to 130 mph with his lights and siren activated as the motorcycle headed east, following him at 125 mph for just under a mile to attempt to stop the motorcycle, the release states. Weems radar showed the motorcycle going at 135 mph, according to the release. City officials have discussed the matter with the Indiana State Board of Accounts, and Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson said she hopes to know by the end of June. The fund was intended to cover costs related to Emergency Medical Service program. Such transfers are acceptable if they are individually reviewed and approved by the Common Council and mayor. But officials say some $4.5 million in money had been transferred without prior approvals. Enforcement of traffic laws intends to prevent the crash, injuries and deaths that impact our community, Westerfield said. With the summer travel season fully underway, police urge motorists to buckle up every trip, every time and to use a sober driver. One participant found out about our participation in the PAARI program while incarcerated at Lake County Jail from another inmate, Officer Richard Merschantz said in the release. Word is spreading that we can be trusted and are willing to find those addicted to drugs the help that can save their life. For more than two decades, the annual Wizard of Oz Festival in Chesterton was an annual highlight for fans of Oz from Northwest Indiana and beyond to greet the arrival of the actors and actresses who played the Munchkins. During the festival's biggest years spanning the 1990s, as many as 20 Munchkins and spouses would attend the event, with Maren and his wife Elizabeth (who did not appear in the film) as favorite face ambassadors for the festival event until it ended in 2012. Whoever is chosen will be working with the librarys recently completed three-year strategic plan, OLaughlin said. Previous strategic plans have focused on updating and improving the library building at 1242 Wilmette Ave., she said, but the new plan will target finding new ways to connect with patrons and potential patrons. A: We are going to Mexico with children, family and friends. I will go to Texas where the rest of my family is to spend time there. My daughter is going to Morocco to study for seven weeks and my son is going to Montana. Centennial High School Hall of Fame to honor eight inductees Nov. 11 Pueblo Centennial High School will induct 8 new members into its Hall of Fame with a ceremony on Nov. 11. Archaeologists have found six ancient white marble bracelets at a site in central China's Henan Province, local authorities said Tuesday. Besides the bracelets, some other jade and stone materials which had been polished, cut or carved, have also been discovered at the Huangshan Site, which is located in Nanyang. The site was built by a Neolithic culture called Yangshao that originated on the middle reaches of the Yellow River and is considered a main precursor of Chinese civilization. All of the findings date back to between 5,000 to 7,000 years ago. Experts said this area could have been a processing factory of jade and stone ware. "The findings showed that people living in this region might have mastered the skills of making, cutting, and polishing jade and stone," said Ma Juncai, a researcher at the provincial institute of cultural heritage and archaeology. "This information is crucial for the study of the exploitation and making of jade and stone ware in ancient times," Ma said. Preservationists are using new high-tech approaches to sustain the ethereal beauty of the frescoes and Buddhist sculptures created inside the man-made caves excavated 1,652 years ago at the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, Gansu province. The adoption of these new technologies is exemplified by Dunhuang Xiaoice, an interactive chatbot that serves as a tour guide for the site. Available 24 hours a day on the Chinese social media app WeChat, the service provides users with facts concerning the history of the arts and folklores of the grottoes as well as tourist information such as travel routes and visiting hours. Dunhuang Xiaoice, jointly developed by Dunhuang Research Academy and Microsoft Research Asia, is attempting to make a balance between capacities of tourist visits and preservation efforts. "It is supposed to spread the culture, history, tourism and academic research of Dunhuang through free chats," said Sun Zhijun, director of the internet division of Dunhuang Research Academy. "Besides that, it can independently learn information about Dunhuang by searching online for articles concerning the grottoes to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the answers it delivers, although it has already stored tens of thousands of questions and answers from references of the Dunhuang Encyclopedia," Sun added. At the same time, 65 of the caves accessible for tourist visits have been equipped with sensors, enabling staff members to monitor changes in humidity, traffics and security via remote controls. Algorithm is also in use to assist in the reception of tourists. On a day with 6,000 visitors, for example, 36 buses will be automatically dispatched to shuttle back and forth between the tourist site's digital exhibition center and the grottoes located 15 kilometers away. Moreover, QR codes have been posted at 118 grottoes, and the remaining grottoes are set to be equipped with the QR codes at a later stage. Although tourists are only allowed access to a maximum of 12 caves per visit, they can scan codes to view virtual representations of the other grottoes on their cellphones. The Wi-Fi that blankets the entirety of the grottoes is protected by the password "19440101," which represents Jan. 1, 1944, the founding date of the Dunhuang Research Academy, then known as the State Art Research Institute of Dunhuang. "We're expecting people to learn from Dunhuang's history and legacy, which have been passed downed from generation to generation, and the password is a good start," Sun said. New Zealand exports to China totaled NZ$15.3 billion (US$10.77 billion) in the March 2018 year, led by dairy products, the statistics department Stats NZ said on Tuesday. Dairy product exports totaled NZ$4 billion, accounting for one-quarter of New Zealand's exports to China, Stats NZ said. China has remained New Zealand's top trading partner since the December 2017 year, followed by Australia. China, Australia, and the European Union (EU) account for nearly half of New Zealand's total trade with the rest of the world, it said. Travel services continue to be the most valuable export to Australia. Travelers from Australia spent NZ$2.6 billion in New Zealand in the year ended March 2018, statistics show. For the year ended March 2018, New Zealand's two-way trade with China was valued at NZ$26.9 billion, while that with Australia was at NZ$25.9 billion. Two-way trade measures the total amount of goods and services New Zealand imports and exports with the rest of the world. New Zealand's two-way trade with the EU was NZ$22.2 billion for the year ended March 2018, Stats NZ said, adding the EU is New Zealand's third-largest market for trading goods and services. "In recent history we have continued to import more from the EU than we have exported to them, while our trade balance with China switched from a deficit to a surplus in 2013," international statistics senior manager Peter Dolan said, adding since 2009, New Zealand has maintained a trade surplus with Australia. A team of Chinese health experts will depart for the Democratic Republic of Congo this week to help fight an Ebola outbreak in the west central African nation. Gao Fu, head of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said the experts will attempt to use a vaccine developed by China to help combat the disease. The team, comprising four public health experts from the Chinese CDC and seven from other institutes including the Academy of Military Medical Sciences, will evaluate the situation on the ground and provide support to counterparts in Congo, including virus testing, he said. "They will stay in Congo for a month according to the initial plan," Gao said. "The places where outbreaks occurred are far away from the capital, and transport is inconvenient. We are still discussing the details of our work there. "So in the initial period of the stay the team members will try to get familiar with the situation," he said. "We will seek to use the Chinese developed vaccine there to help with control and prevention of the disease, but for the present the vaccines will likely only cover Chinese living in Congo." It's also a pre-emptive intervention for China, as infectious diseases know no national borders, he said. The vaccine, jointly developed by the Academy of Military Medical Sciences and Cansinobio, a Chinese company involved in human vaccine development and production, was approved by China's top drug regulator in October. This made China the third country, after the United States and Russia, with a vaccine available to combat Ebola, according to the State Drug Administration. The vaccine-recombinant Ebola virus disease vaccine (Adenovirus type 5 vector)-is available in powder and, compared with liquid vaccines in the other two countries, is more stable, which is an advantage in transportation and use in tropical areas such as Africa, the administration said. Through Saturday, 53 confirmed or suspected Ebola cases had been reported since the most recent outbreak began on April 4. The World Health Organization said 25 people have died so far. Health experts in Congo have located more than 1,000 people who have had contact with the infected patients, and more than 680 have received Ebola vaccinations, the Associated Press reported. Gao said vaccines developed by a US company are being used in Congo. Ebola is a severe illness in humans, with fatality rates that have varied from 25 percent to 90 percent in past outbreaks, according to the WHO. There are currently no licensed treatments available for Ebola, although multiple experimental therapies are being developed. The largest outbreaks ever occurred in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea between 2014 and 2016, causing more than 11,300 deaths in the three West African countries, according to the WHO. China delivered the largest scale public health assistance in history to other countries following the outbreaks, including sending more than 1,000 medical and public health experts to the countries to help fight the disease. It provided 750 million yuan ($117 million) in assistance, according to the Foreign Ministry. Gao, from the Chinese CDC, said China will intensify cooperation with African nations to help them better cope with infectious disease prevention and control. "We will fulfill our pledge to support the building of a center for disease control and prevention in Africa, including training experts in Africa," he said. "We will help build a center on prevention, control and research of tropical diseases in Sierra Leone, and continue the monitoring of emerging pathogens such as Ebola in West Africa." Chinese conservationists in north China's Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces have found two habitats of the North China leopard, a subspecies of the Amur leopard that is peculiar to China. Over the past year, cameras have captured at least 28 North China leopards in a monitored mountainous region in Shaanxi, by far the most densely populated region for the endemic leopard, said Feng Limin, an associate professor with Beijing Normal University. The other habitat was found in the Taihangshan Mountains in Shanxi. From 2013, Feng's team started a research program monitoring the leopard species, deploying a large number of motion detectors and infrared cameras over a large area. The discovery of the habitats shows the number and variety of wild animals have improved in China after years of conservation, Feng said. The North China Leopard is one of the four leopard subspecies in China and the only one to live exclusively in the country. It is under top national-level protection in the country. The Ministry of Public Security has coordinated local authorities in a crackdown on criminal gangs that manufactured and sold high-tech devices for cheating on the upcoming national college entrance examination, known as the gaokao, which starts on Thursday morning. The campaign, launched in Liaoning, Shandong, Hubei, Guangdong and Sichuan provinces and the Inner Mongolia autonomous region in late May, resulted in the busting of 12 criminal gangs and the seizure of over 100,000 sets of wireless devices for cheating, the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday. An official from the ministry said that the illegal production, sale and use of wireless cheating equipment seriously jeopardizes the security of the examination, and undermines social justice and the credibility of the system. In late May, local authorities around the country arrested more than 50 criminal suspects from 12 criminal gangs, destroyed six equipment production lines and eight sales dens, and seized more than 100,000 sets of wireless equipment. The money involved amounted to several hundred million yuan, or many tens of millions of dollars. Since February, the ministry has taken action against cybercrime and cracked down on technological cheating aides, the illegal production and sale of eavesdropping equipment and examination fraud. Police have smashed more than 100 gangs and arrested over 500 suspects. Chu Zhaohui, a senior researcher at the National Institute of Education Sciences, said the ways students cheat are constantly changing, and efforts to prevent cheating should be appreciated. "This is necessary, because for an exam that affects students' future development, fairness should be guaranteed," he said. Apart from the anti-cheating campaign targeting criminal gangs, high-tech measures such as facial recognition and fingerprint verification systems have also been used to prevent cheating on the gaokao since 2016. China listed cheating in the exam as a criminal act in its amended Criminal Law, which came into effect on Nov 1, 2015. A total of 9.75 million Chinese students will sit for the 2018 national college entrance exam, according to the Ministry of Education. Flash French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday told visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the 2015 nuclear deal should be preserved or security in Tel Aviv and the region would be at risk. "I reiterated to the prime minister my deep conviction which is shared by our European partners that the 2015 agreement should be preserved to control nuclear activity," Macron told reporters. "But it had never been considered by France as sufficient or fully satisfactory," he said, noting that "the 2015 nuclear accord is a step which needs to be completed with other post-2025 activities." Macron called on his partners and allies to "focus efforts (to promote) regional stability by maintaining the nuclear agreement that had allowed the monitoring of Iran's activities." Officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the agreement eased sanctions on Iran in exchange for Tehran limiting its nuclear program. U.S. President Donald Trump decided to withdraw from the deal struck by his predecessor Barack Obama's administration, claiming it did not address Iran's ballistic missile program, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 or its role in conflicts in Yemen and Syria. Tehran has threatened that, in case other parties to the nuclear deal could not safeguard Iran's interests under the accord, Iran will move out of it and resume its nuclear activities at full speed. Warning of the risk of rising tensions due to the Iranian nuclear stand-off, the French president called on "everyone to stabilize the situation and not give into this escalation which would lead to only one thing: conflict." The Israeli prime minister, who strongly opposes the nuclear accord, said: "It's time to apply measures on Iran so that it cannot go forward," because "the great threat for the world today is nuclear weapons in the hands of radical Islamic regime like Iran." Flash Richard Grenell, the new U.S. ambassador to Germany, was criticized sharply on Monday for breaking diplomatic protocol in an interview with the right-wing online portal Breitbart. The German government has demanded that Washington formally clarify how Grenell's comments are to be interpreted, a Foreign Office spokesperson told the press. In the interview published Sunday, the 51-year-old former communications consultant vowed to "support other conservatives throughout Europe". He also said the election of U.S. President Donald Trump had "empowered" citizens to rise up against undemocratic political elites on the continent and chastised Germany for failing to meet NATO spending goals in spite of its national wealth. Grenell, formally appointed as U.S. ambassador by Trump only in May, has already caused eyebrows to be raised repeatedly in his host country by publicly interfering in domestic politics. Earlier, he had asked German companies to "wind down their operations immediately" in Iran after Washington decided to withdraw from the nuclear agreement signed by the Middle Eastern nation, China, Russia, Germany, France, Britain and the United States in 2015, a move that has been widely condemned. Several German policymakers said on Monday that Grenell's latest comments had crossed the red line and called for Berlin to insist on his replacement by a more qualified candidate. European citizens will not allow themselves to be told by a vassal of Trump how they should cast their votes. A U.S. ambassador who interferes in democratic debates to this extent is not suited to his job, Thorsten Schaefer-Guembel, a Social Democratic Party member of Parliament, said in a tweet. Martin Schulz, former leader of the party and head of the European Parliament, said it was the duty of ambassadors to represent their countries as a whole, rather than specific political movements. Schulz likened Grenell's behavior to that of a "right-wing extreme colonial officer". Another deputy leader of the parliamentary faction of the party, Ralf Stegner, also expressed astonishment at Grenell's lack of tact. Drawing attention to the deterioration of relations between Berlin and Washington over several areas, Stegner said Trump's "anti-European views" were already "bad enough" without the U.S. ambassador adding fuel to the fire. Speaking to Die Welt daily, Elmar Brok, a senior Christian Democratic Union politician who is also a member of the European Parliament and foreign policy expert, warned that Grenell's political intervention could backfire. He said many of the European parties the ambassador had sympathized with favored closer relations with Russia. Even if Grenell's attempts proved futile, Sevim Dagdelen, leader of the Left Party's parliamentary faction, said Grenell had "outed himself" in the Breitbart interview as a "regime-change officer installed by the president". Dagdelen urged German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas to summon Grenell and push back against his political meddling. A Foreign Office spokesperson said Grenell was scheduled to have his inaugural meeting at the department on Wednesday and would have an opportunity to clarify his statements. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Global Radiotherapy Market: Market Estimation, Dynamics, Regional Share, Trends, Competitor Analysis 2012-2016 and Forecast 2017-2023 Radiotherapy Market: Market Growth, Size, Share, Trends, Key Players, Competitive Intelligence 2013 to 2017 and Forecast 2018 to 2024 Radiotherapy Market report offers Market Size, Dynamics, Regional Market Share, Top Key Players, Latest trends, Growth factors, Industry Stats, Historic Market, Business Intelligence, Business Research Reports, Competitive Intelligence 2013 to 2017 and Forecast 2018 to 2024 Radiotherapy is likewise called as radiation treatment. Radiotherapy alludes to utilizing radiation, for example, electronic pillars, protons, X-beams and others to treat the ailments. Radiation treatment used to slaughter the malignancy cells. At the point when body tissue presented to radiation, growth cells and typical cells both are influenced however ordinary cells as a rule repair themselves while malignancy cells can't. Radiotherapy utilized as a part of numerous courses, for example, corrective radiotherapy (to cure malignancy totally), chemo radiation (make other treatment more powerful, for example, radiotherapy frequently utilized alongside chemotherapy), Adjuvant treatment (lessen danger of disease after surgery) and palliative treatment (soothing indications of tumor). Radiotherapy can be given by utilizing outer gadgets, inserts or radiotherapy infusions in light of the condition. Radiotherapy advertise for the most part is driven by increment in rate and commonness of growth and ascend sought after for the non-intrusive treatments of malignancy comprehensively. As indicated by World Health Organization (WHO), growth is evaluated to be one of the main source of passings around the world. In 2012, 14 Mn new tumor cases are analyzed and new disease cases will ascend to 22 Mn inside next two decades. Furthermore, innovative advances in radiotherapy, for example, picture guided radiation treatment (IMRT) and increment in adjustment of radiotherapy to treat growth are relied upon to support the radiotherapy showcase over the figure time frame. Besides, creating social insurance framework and positive government approaches are relied upon to help the market. In any case, high cost of gear, treatment and reactions are limiting the radiotherapy advertise comprehensively amid the conjecture time frame. A sample of this report is available upon request @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-radiotherapy-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx Global radiotherapy market is segmented based on device type and end-user Based on device type, radiotherapy market is segmented into External Radiotherapy Internal Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy) Systemic Radiotherapy Based on end-user, radiotherapy market is segmented into Hospitals Diagnostic Centres Ambulatory surgical centres Radiotherapy Centres To view TOC of this report is available upon request @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-radiotherapy-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu Market players are focus on product innovations and product launches to increase their market share and to sustain their positions in the radiotherapy market. In June 2017, Varian medical System received clearance from U.S. FDA to launch its new device, Halyon System to treat cancer. Furthermore, companies adopting strategies such as mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their market in radiotherapy segment. For instance in 2011, Elekta AB acquired Nucletron- a leader in brachytherapy treatment planning and delivery- to strengthen their radiotherapy product portfolio. Academic and research institutions are also contributing to radiation therapy development by collaborating with market players. For instance, in March 2016, Weill Cornell Medicine, a biomedical research unit and medical school formed a strategic alliance with the Janssen Biotech, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson Services Inc.,) to study the preclinical efficiency of combining external radiotherapy with Janssens immune oncology drugs. Need more information about this report @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-radiotherapy-market/#ulp-14mlyhjMGhVjZqa3 Geographically radiotherapy market has been segmented into following regions viz. North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America radiotherapy market expected to grow at notable rates owing to technological advancements, well-established healthcare infrastructure and favourable government policies. In addition growing prevalence of cancer expected to boost the radiotherapy market in this region. According to National Cancer Institute (NIH) estimated that in 2016, 1,685,210 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the united states. A number of new cases of cancer is 454.8 per 100,000 men and woman per year. Europe radiotherapy market expected to grow at significant rate owing to increase in cancer incidents and rise in adaptation of radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer. Asia Pacific radiotherapy market expected to grow at higher rate owing to increase in cancer cases, developing healthcare infrastructure and rising disposable income. According to WHO, more than 60% of new cancer cases occur in Asia, Africa and Central and South America. Some of the players in radiotherapy market are Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (U.S.), Ion Beam Applications (IBA) (Belgium), Accuray Incorporated (U.S.), Nordion, Inc. (Canada), Elekta AB (Sweden), Isoray Medical, Inc. (U.S.), C. R. Bard, Inc. (U.S.), ViewRay, Inc. (U.S.), RaySearch Laboratories (Sweden), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan), iCad Inc (Xoft) (U.S.), and Mevion Medical Systems, Inc. (U.S.) to name a few. Get access to full summary @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-radiotherapy-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. Precision Business Insights mission is to provide high-quality market research reports and generate key insights to our clients. PBIs approachable strategies are to help clients to make key decisions for business growth. Precision Business Insights vision is to become most valued partner to fortune 500 companies by providing agile, accurate, and actionable market insights 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. Holographic Imaging Market: Market Growth, Size, Share, Trends, Key Players, Competitive Intelligence 2013 to 2017 and Forecast 2018 to 2024 HIV Diagnostics Market report offers Market Size, Dynamics, Regional Market Share, Top Key Players, Latest trends, Growth factors, Industry Stats, Historic Market, Business Intelligence, Business Research Reports, Competitive Intelligence 2013 to 2017 and Forecast 2018 to 2024 Holographic Imaging devices produce a 3D image of objects by recording the split beam of a light from laser. Holographic imaging helps the healthcare professionals to keep their diagnosis infection free and providing a healthy diagnosis. The recorded interference enables to view real 3D image. The existing 3D technologies like 3D rotational angiography, 3D-CT, and 3D-ultrasound revolutionized medicine allow the doctors to observe patients anatomy without any incisions. Holographic systems collect the data from MRI and CT scans and convert into 3-D visualizations and finally creates a virtual object in the actual 3-dimensional space. Holographic imaging helps to examine the heart conditions and colon cancer without cutting the skin. Medical holography images are in high resolution to help to reveal complex, potential information which is unexplored in the alternative conventional imaging. Increasing awareness about the holographic imaging in medical education, medical research, and medical imaging purposes and rise in holography techniques adoption by the academic medical centres, surgeons, and biomedical researchers expected to propel the holographic imaging market over the forecast period. Moreover, technology advancements in the hologram recording procedures, tools available for the interpretation of interferograms, and endoscopic holography for high resolution with non-invasive measurements inside human organs also drive the holographic imaging market. However, the high computational cost of processing, issues associated with projection under the sunlight, and the requirement for sophisticated and complicated recording methods might restrain the growth of holographic imaging market. A sample of this report is available upon request @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-holographic-imaging-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx The holographic imaging market is segmented on the basis of product type, by application, and end users. Based on product type, holographic imaging market has been segmented into the following: Holographic Display Laser Touchable Piston Semi-transparent Microscopes Software Holographic Prints Others Based on application, holographic imaging market has been segmented into the following: Medical Imaging Ophthalmology Dentistry Urology Otology Orthopaedics Others Medical Education Biomedical Research Based on end-user, holographic imaging market has been segmented into the following: Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies Academic Medical Centres Research Organizations Hospitals and Clinics To view TOC of this report is available upon request @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-holographic-imaging-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu Holographic imaging market is in growth stage with the innovation of newer technologies for the 3D imaging. The most commonly adopted strategies by industry players include new product launches with technological advancements, acquisitions & mergers, agreements, and collaborations to capture significant holographic imaging market share. For instance, in December 2015, Phase Holographic Imaging inked an agreement with the Boston Childrens for the evaluation of HoloMonitor technology in the cancer research. Moreover, in 2015, Phase Holographic Imaging AB collaborated with the Florida International University to provide Holomonitor for the characterization of stem cells in breast cancer. Many companies have been developing holographic technologies for biomedical imaging to capture the holographic imaging market share. For instance, Zebra Imaging, a renowned Texas-based holographic imaging industry player, has developed the ZScape holographic motion display, a technology that is designed to produce true holograms. The company has partnered with the Zygote Media Group with an intention of getting this technology commercialized and deployed at major medical schools across the United States. Rise in clinical applications of the holography imaging in healthcare industry also boosting the holographic imaging market growth. For instance, in January 2014, real view imaging completed the clinical study using the 3D hologram of a beating heart to help surgeon operate the patient. Need more information about this report @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-holographic-imaging-market/#ulp-14mlyhjMGhVjZqa3 Geographically, holographic imaging market has been segmented into following regions Viz. North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America anticipated to holds the largest share in holographic imaging market followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. Rise in biomedical research activities, adoption of holographic imaging by research academics centres and laboratories are expected to propel the market in North America region. Europe holds a significant share in holographic imaging market attributed to increase in research and development activities and new products launching in near future. Asia-Pacific is an emerging holographic imaging market due to increase in population, especially in India and China. Moreover, increase in demand for better healthcare infrastructure and changes in the population should increase the holographic imaging market growth in Japan. Brazil holds the considerable share in holographic imaging market share due to increase in preference for the use of holographic imaging technology for medical training and surgeries. Some of the players in holographic imaging market are EchoPixel, Inc. (U.S.), Mach7 Technologies Ltd. (U.S.), Realview Imaging Ltd. (Israel), Ovizio Imaging systems (Belgium), zSpace, Inc. (U.S.), Holoxica Ltd. (U.K.), Lyncee Tec. (Switzerland), NanoLive SA (Switzerland) Zebra Imaging (U.S.), Eon Reality (U.S.), and Phase Holographic Imaging AB (Sweden) to name a few. Get access to full summary @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-holographic-imaging-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. Precision Business Insights mission is to provide high-quality market research reports and generate key insights to our clients. PBIs approachable strategies are to help clients to make key decisions for business growth. Precision Business Insights vision is to become most valued partner to fortune 500 companies by providing agile, accurate, and actionable market insights 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 FAY-WEST CALENDAR Chicken and biscuits Christian Church of Connellsville will hold a chicken and biscuit dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday. It is takeout only. Cost is $8 for adults and... Fay-West Calendar Church bazaar Connellsville Church of God, 126 Breakneck Ave., Connellsville is seeking vendors for a holiday bazaar scheduled for Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call Jane Ottenberg... FAY-WEST CALENDAR Pancake breakfast The Holy Name Society at St. Rita Church in Connellsville will hold a pancake, buckwheat and sausagebreakfast7am.tonoon Oct. 17 at Bucci Hall on South First Street. Cost is... FAY-WEST CALENDAR Fish club meets General Braddock Fish Club will meet 7 p.m. Monday at the Connellsville VFW, located on Arch Street. New 2022 memberships for $20 are available. Toastmasters to meet... EVERYONE IS WELCOME The Christian Church of Connellsville doesnt just open its doors on Sundays. Its a welcoming location seven days a week with various programs, services and even free community lunches. A... A woman so crippled by body dysmorphia she struggles to leave the house broke down in tears as she confronted her condition on camera. Liane, 29, from south west London, who appeared in Ugly Me: My Life with Body Dysmorphia, sobbed as she recalled how she's spent her whole life feeling 'ugly'. 'I really hate my face, I really hate it. Im just so ugly no matter what I do,' she said. 'I can always remember feeling ugly, all I can remember is that feeling all the time. Its estimated that as many as 1 in 50 people in the UK have BDD, a condition which causes you to believe you are horrifically ugly, but many are undiagnosed. Liane who can spend hours agonising over her appearance before leaving the house, acknowledged the detrimental effect her condition has on her social life and her relationship with boyfriend Mitch, so agreed to be filmed for the documentary as she underwent a year of counselling in an effort to conquer it once and for all. Liane spends hours agonising over her appearance. She has been diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder, a condition which causes you to believe you are horrifically ugly She is asked to fill in a questionnaire as part of an assessment of her condition, and Liane is asked to draw the impression she has of herself Left, Liane at the age of 13 on a family holiday where she says that was the first time she felt ugly. Right, Liane then began wearing make-up to feel more confident 'Its like me telling myself that I am ugly - my brain working overtime telling me all the things that are wrong,' Liane said of the 'bully' in her brain. Each week Liane met with Professor David Veale, one of the worlds leading experts on BDD, who attempted to undo some of her deeply entrenched habits, often leading to uncomfortable realisations. Liane was referred to Maudsley Hospital in south London for a pre-assessment where she had to fill in a detailed questionnaire that also required her to draw a self-portrait - an impression in her mind of how she sees herself. She drew a person with a large hooked nose, a high forehead, a wonky hairline and what she believed to be an unsymmetrical face - leaving her boyfriend aghast. In her first session with Professor Veale, Liane recalled how her negative thoughts began around the age of 13 and 14. 'My first memory is my parents had this mirror and it had a front bit and two side bits and I remember thinking that is disgusting,' she said. The Professor likened Liane's thoughts to a 'bully' in her brain: 'I feel its easier for her to listen to the anxiety, she is just not breaking the cycle. 'She has got a strong bully inside her and it is very difficult to shift. She fears it.' Her condition is having a detrimental effect on her social life and her relationship with boyfriend Mitch (right) Liane finds herself so repulsive that she admits she will never watch the BBC Three documentary because she doesn't want to see herself on screen Liane's boyfriend Mitch struggled to know what to say to her, confessing he often held back in case he triggered her A family holiday as a teenager furthered those thoughts, as Liane explained how, when mingling with her peers, she didn't feel confident enough to spark a conversation because she 'looked like a man'. 'The only time I really remember thinking I was really ugly was when I was 12 or 13, because I never used to wear make up because I was a big tomboy,' she said. 'I went on holiday and there was like a kids club thing and all the girls were wearing make-up and all the boys were interested in the girls and because I looked like a man I felt like no one really wanted to talk to me much.' She adds through wracked sobs: 'I cant go and talk to people because I dont have anything interesting to say and no one wants to be my friend because I look like a boy, I just want someone to talk to me, I need some confidence because I am just not confident.' Liane explained how this became a turning point and led to her becoming 'obsessed' with wearing make-up. Professor Veale, who treated her using cognitive behavioural therapy, asked Liane to 'update her memory' by revisiting the moment and asking her how she would tell her younger self to act. She surprised herself when she said she would tell her teenage self to not care about wearing make-up and to just go speak to anyone: 'It's nothing to do with your make-up it's nothing to do with your face.' Body dysmorphia: Mental health condition that sees sufferers obsess over flaws in their appearance Body dysmorphia is a mental health condition where a person obsessively worries about flaws in their physical appearance. Sufferers develop compulsive behaviours and routines, such as excessive use of mirrors or avoiding them completely. These obsessions and behaviours cause emotional distress and have a significant impact on people's ability to carry on with their day-to-day life. In this way, the condition is closely related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). BDD can vary in severity from person-to-person and from day-to-day. For some people, concerns around appearance may make it difficult for them to go out in public or see other people. For others, they need to uphold what they perceive as a perfect look. BDD may also cause other problems such as feelings of shame, guilt and loneliness. People with the condition may isolate themselves to avoid situations where their appearance may cause them anxiety or awkwardness. Advertisement Mitch attends a counselling session with Liane where they discuss how BDD has affected their sex life BDD has taken over Liane's life and simple tasks like visiting the hairdressers become difficult because she doesn't want to sit in front of the mirror For Mitch the BDD has had an extreme affect on intimacy: 'For the last two years the love life has been pretty much non-existent. Which naturally is going to drive you apart. In my head I think he must be [attracted to me] but I dont know how he could be, because in my head I actually repulse myself I dont understand how he can actually like me. 'Sometimes it does literally feel like you are with a housemate. Its not the only part of a relationship but that situation in general is like a minefield now, because I dont want to do something and then set her off and make her worse So you kind of hang back. 'Once the body dysmorphia is gone I can actually gauge what the relationship is rather than this beast being there.' Mitch said he often keeps quiet because he doesn't want to trigger Liane, who doesn't understand why he is with her. In my head I think he must be [attracted to me] but I dont know how he could be, because in my head I actually repulse myself I dont understand how he can actually like me,' she said. 'Its very stressful being with someone like me, he did say I should sort myself out otherwise we will break up. I feel like I am dragging him down. He shouldnt have to deal with that.' After a year of counselling Liane finally admits she has BDD and uses cognitive behavioural therapy techniques to deal with her negative thoughts When the cameras caught up with Liane a year on, she readily admitted she had BDD - after previously convincing herself that she had been wrongly diagnosed. I think I do have BDD now. The amount I obsess about it and how much it affects me, is not normal. That is body dysmorphia,' she said. 'About a year ago that was seriously feeling low, like it had got to the point where I felt like I needed to get help because I was just going down in a spiral.' 'Every day I am trying not to engage with negative thoughts, but I just have to keep going and trying with the homework.' She said she is hopeful that the CBT techniques can help her deal with the negative thoughts, and trying desperately to focus on her future with Mitch, and without BDD. Mitch said he is equally hopeful that they can eventually move on: 'I think these days people give up on things too easily. 'Obviously I still care for Liane and I still love her hence why I want to try and be there and be supportive. Its something you have to work at, anything worthwhile you have to work at it.' 'It takes a lot of work on both of our parts to stop that ruining what weve got. All Im doing is day by day, that is all I can do,' Liane adds. Ugly Me: My Life With Body Dysmorphia is available to watch on BBC Three iPlayer and YouTube from today 'Who knew Hugh Grant could act?' was the question on everyone's lips when the highly acclaimed BBC drama A Very English Scandal aired a few weeks ago. Now it's 'Who knew Hugh Grant would get married after all this time (or have five children, by the way)?' Even close friends were surprised when Grant finally tied the knot in a small ceremony in Chelsea Registry Office a bit over a week ago this is the man who famously called marriage 'boring' and 'unromantic', after all. So why did the 'eternal bachelor' finally settle down at the grand old age of 57 and, after dating some of the world's most beautiful women Liz Hurley and Jemima Khan among them what does new wife Anna Eberstein have that the others apparently don't? What makes a confirmed bachelor suddenly (or finally) change their mind? Hugh Grant and Anna Eberstein married in an intimate ceremony in Chelsea just over a week ago - here Tracey Cox reveals how Hugh lost his 'eternal bachelor' status How do you know if someone's a confirmed bachelor? Hugh Grant ticked every box to earn his 'eternal bachelor' status. The chances of a man marrying for the first time after age 38 drop dramatically and even further once he reaches 42 or 43. Even if he's battle weary, bitter and defensive, a widowed or divorced man is still more likely to marry after the age of 35 than a man who has never attempted to commit for life. (Ditto the man who still lives with his parents and has never left home not that this applies to Grant, but just so you know.) Grant is often compared to the other (former) famous bachelor, George Clooney, but George did have a brief marriage to actress Talia Balsam before he married Amal. Grant has made no secret of the fact he's not a fan of marriage. 'Do I think humans are meant to be in a 40-year-long faithful relationship? No, no, no.' Unlike women who will often say one thing and mean another, men who say they're anti-marriage, generally are. Confirmed bachelors like Grant use phrases like 'I like not having to answer to anyone' and 'I like doing what I please' all the time. They also often have routines they don't like to alter. Tracey says that being a bachelor is not the same as being a commitment-phobe If you meet a guy who's never been married who won't change the slightest thing about their life to accommodate you, walk away if a ring is what you're after. There's hard evidence Grant cheated on Liz Hurley - he was arrested on Sunset Boulevard for receiving oral sex in a public place from sex worker Divine Brown - and wanting to continue to play the field is another reason men give for not wanting to settle. We also know two women one his now wife Anna - were bearing his sons at the same time, proving there was at least an overlap in his relationship with her and his previous partner (and mother of the other two of his children), Tinglan Hong. Is a bachelor a commitment-phobe? Hugh Grant might have not have believed in the institution of marriage but he definitely doesn't tick the boxes for a commitment-phobe. The two often get lumped in together but there is a difference. A bachelor doesn't believe in marrying; true commitment phobia is a fear of any kind of commitment that involves other people not just relationship commitment. Grant was with Liz Hurley for 13 years which is let's face it - longer than a lot of people's marriages. He dated socialite Jemima Khan for three years and others for years at a time. More importantly, he and Liz have remained close friends ever since the split with Grant godfather to her son Damian. He has five children in total: two with former partner Tinglan Hong and three with his now wife. He reputedly met Tinglan in the bar, had a 'fleeting affair' (according to a statement by his publicist) and the pregnancy was an accident. He could easily have contested it but didn't. She points out that Hugh dated Liz Hurley for 13 years, and the pair remained friends after separating with Hugh acting as godfather to her son The actor also dated socialite Jemima Khan for three years and others for years at a time Grant might conduct his relationships in a way most don't. As I said, both Tinglan and Anna were pregnant with his sons at the same time. His first child with Anna, John Mungo, was born in September 2012; his second child with Tinglan, Felix, was born three months later in December 2012. This didn't come out until a year later, when Grant signed a birth certificate as John Mungo's father, and he was caught on camera seeing both women, apparently simultaneously. But he didn't shirk his responsibility, acknowledges paternity of all his children and supports them financially. He also has a circle of close friends he's known for years, who are all fiercely supportive of him: few, if any, commitment-phobes can say the same. They tend to shy away from intimate involvement with anyone. Why now? So even if he's not a commitment phobe, Grant certainly wasn't a fan of marriage - why bother with a ceremony he doesn't really believe in, six years and three kids into a relationship, three years off hitting 60? I think it's this simple: the timing is right for him. Some people want what he's just signed up for at 25, others don't fancy it until 57. I got married (albeit for the second time) when I was 55 because I didn't find the person I truly wanted to spend the rest of my life with until then. Sometimes it takes that long especially if you've got a lot of other stuff going on, like a career. Tracey says a partner who is a great mother, as Anna is to three of Hugh's children, is a compelling reason to rethink old beliefs Post 50, there's less need to prove ourselves, our libidos calm down and we start to realise our own mortality. In short, we want different things from life. Things that did not appeal to me at all pre-50 routine, familiarity, being able to second-guess how your partner will react in pretty much all situations I now find hugely attractive. Which is a good thing because marriage is all about routine and predictability. It's also reassuring that Grant got married six years into his relationship with Anna. Saying 'I do' to someone, six years and three children in, is a much stronger, more realistic commitment than one made when you're in the heavy idealization stage of a new relationship, brains flooded with love and sex hormones that remove rational judgement and thought. Having five children also changes you. Grant is known for being miserable and nothing like the dippy, happy characters he played in Richard Curtis movies. 'Having these kids has transformed him from a very miserable person into a fairly miserable person,' said Hurley, ironically, recently. 'It's improved him. He's gone up the scale.' Who knows - the whole idea of marriage might well have come from one of the children he has with Anna? Why Anna? 'They have three kids' is the obvious answer to anyone asking why Anna Eberstein was the one to finally tame Grant. A partner who is a great mother is a compelling reason to rethink old beliefs. Anna's also bright (she's a Swedish TV producer), comes from good stock (her parents are prominent Swedish judges) and looks good, in a non-flashy way, sporting a bod to die for (and that's after three children). If you believe in the theory that we all fall for someone who looks like us, their face shapes and proportion are remarkably similar. Anna might be successful but she's not a star, so if Grant is a tad narcissistic, there's no competition for the limelight. Watching videos of them together, their body language is impressive: there don't appear to be any power plays going on and they're affectionate without suspiciously over-doing it. Just as he's finally getting the roles he's always wanted, perhaps Hugh Grant is entering a more mature, contented stage of his life. I met him once, years ago in a restaurant in Notting Hill. He was sitting at the table next to me and we ended up chatting: he was charming, flirtatious without being creepy and very funny. It was around the time the media were changing their opinion of him: undecided as to whether he was a handsome playboy or seedy womanizer. Maybe I'm biased because of this, maybe it's because his characters (apart from Jeremy Thorpe) are always so loveable, but I've always been fond of him and thought his heart was in the right place. We've all made mistakes and at least he admits his. Some leopards do change their spots and I have every confidence he'll last the distance. Find more advice on sex and love on Tracey's website and her Edge and supersex ranges on lovehoney.co.uk Camila Mendes opened up about battling with an eating disorder and how she managed to push through it. The Riverdale star dished to Marie Claire Malaysia about her ongoing battle with body image, confidence and positivity, while also posing on the cover of the June 2018 issue. Speaking about her struggle to accept her body, the 23-year-old confessed, 'When I grew up, I was obsessed with being thin. I always wanted to be lean and then I went to college,' where she said she gained weight. Body image: Camila Mendes opened up about battling with an eating disorder and how she managed to push through it on the cover of Marie Claire Malaysia Issues: Speaking about accepting her body, the 23-year-old confessed, 'When I grew up, I was obsessed with being thin. I always wanted to be lean and then I went to college' Changes: Camila admits when she went to college, 'I noticed my body was changing and it made me feel out of control but I didn't understand it' 'I noticed my body was changing and it made me feel out of control but I didn't understand it. 'I thought I was just gaining a lot of weight at that time there weren't many voices out there that championed curvier body types,' Cami admitted. However, she shares that it wasn't until models such as Ashley Graham began trailblazing the industry that she started to accept who she was. 'Now, we see models like Ashley who are encouraging women to embrace being unique and that made me let go of the standard that was established so long ago that thin is the only type of beautiful,' Cami said. Support: She admits that at that time she was gaining weight, 'there weren't many voices out there that championed curvier body types' (pictured November 2017) Models: However, she shares that it wasn't until models such as Ashley Graham began trailblazing the industry that she started to accept who she was (pictured last night) Role models: 'We see models like Ashley Graham who are encouraging women to embrace being unique which made me let go of the standard that thin is the only type of beautiful' Something that not a lot of people know about Cami is that when she was growing up her sister battled with a serious eating disorder for many years and had to go to rehab for awhile. This is part of the reason she chose to work with Project Heal, an organization that raises awareness about eating disorders, because she shared that she feels strongly about the issue. Cami shared, 'I think the biggest message through Project Heal is to let the public know just how high the costs really are to get treatment and how an eating disorder is not recognized as a mental illness when in fact, it is one of the deadliest mental illnesses there is.' 'There is the common misconception that when you have an eating disorder, you are really skinny and that is not the case at all, it's actually quite the opposite,' she admits. Camila continued to the magazine, 'People don't know that you don't necessarily have to look like you have an eating disorder to have one and because I was never that skinny, I never thought that I did have the disorder.' This is certainly not the first time that Camila has spoken up about her body issues and she even posted a photo to Instagram back in October detailing her past struggles with eating disorders. BFF: Aside from Cami, Riverdale co-star Lili Reinhart (left) has also spoken about body image and confidence, especially most recently when people were accusing her of being pregnant Body image: Lili, 21, has also spoken up about her cystic acne many times in the past year, specifically about how her acne led to body dysmorphia 'I'm done believing in the idea that there's a thinner, happier version of me on the other side of all the tireless effort,' she said in her post. Camila also went on to share with her followers how she's officially done with dieting because she doesn't want to feel ashamed of her body anymore. Aside from Cami, Riverdale co-star Lili Reinhart has also spoken a lot about body image and confidence, especially most recently when people were accusing her of being pregnant. The 21-year-old admits that the pregnancy rumors had an effect on her, 'It did take a hit to my self-esteem for a second and then I kind of picked myself back up and said, "I'm not going to let this ruin my day!"' She has also spoken up about her cystic acne many times in the past year, specifically about how her acne led to body dysmorphia and she would even put her makeup on in the dark because she couldn't look at herself. Lili told Seventeen, 'I developed slight body dysmorphia - when I would break out, I couldn't look at myself in the mirror for a couple of months at a time. 'I remember doing my make-up before school in the dark, which is an awful idea, but it's because I didn't want to see myself in that bright light,' she admitted. The rise of the superfood in recent times has seen turmeric shoot to the top of health conscious shopping lists the world over. A relative of ginger, the Ayurvedic spice has well and truly secured itself a place in the zeitgeist of modern food and drink (think turmeric lattes, turmeric supplement pills and straight shots sprinkled with black pepper to boost the immune system). Researchers are analysing the remedial effects of turmeric on medical complaints from toothache to tuberculosis. But now it seems the ancient ingredient may be the fresh faced star of the cosmetic world too. Turmeric has been used in ancient Indian Ayurvedic tradition for hundreds of years for its medicinal and beautifying benefits Used for centuries across China and India to purify the skin, turmeric is overflowing with rich anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Turmeric-laced facial products have been popping up on beauty counters from Sydney to San Francisco, bringing with them promises of smoother, calmer and brighter skin. A growing number of cosmetologists and beauty brands are harnessing these mystical benefits to create next level makeup products - but the power of the golden spice can come at a heavy cost to your bank account. So, is it worth the money? Kiehl's Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque (left, RRP $58) and the Verso Skincare Antioxidant Turmeric Booster (right, $139) The magic of turmeric - what the yellow spice can do for your skin *Improve uneven texture and skin tone *Reduce the appearance of ageing *Reduce the severity of scars and blemishes *Prevent acne and tackle stubborn spots *Enhance radiance and brighten dull complexion *Soothe inflammation and angry lumps *Repair damage from environmental pollution *Rejuvenate and energise tired skin *Protect against free radicals Advertisement At $58, Kiehl's Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque appears to be a great return on investment. Proving a major hit around the world, beauty lovers have credited the yellow potion with improving the luminosity of their visage as well as leaving skin clean, refreshed and revitalised the morning after. A warrior in the fight against blemishes, turmeric's antiseptic and anti-inflammatory components are the perfect antidote to troublesome acne for all skin types. Swedish skincare brand Verso offer an Antioxidant Turmeric Booster serum enriched with vitamin E which promises an instantly nourished, more youthful complexion with long lasting benefits. Shell out $139 on Mecca.com for this bottle of liquid radiance. Beauty blogger and celebrity makeup artist Huda Kattan (aka Huda Beauty) has long endorsed the seemingly mystical powers of turmeric (seen here applied as a face mask) Independent reviewers on global beauty marketplace MakeupAlley praise turmeric face masks for their hydrating, glow-enhancing effect, while others credit the spice with evening out their skin texture, reducing scarring and speeding up the healing process for spots. Australian makeup reviewer POPSUGAR Beauty is a long time fan of all things turmeric, calling the ingredient a 'miracle for skin'. Huda Kattan, US mega-blogger and founder of the makeup brand Huda Beauty, has endorsed the benefits of regular household turmeric on her YouTube channel, calling it 'an inexpensive, super-beautifying superfood from the earth'. For Ms Kattan, using the pure form of yellow herb seems to be just as effective as shelling out big bucks for brand name potions. Huda Kattan (pictured), recommends using household ground turmeric spice for serious benefits to your skin Makeup giant NARS have developed a way for us to reap the benefits of turmeric all day, every day, thanks to their Sheer Glow Foundation ($69) which is laced with turmeric extract and continues to be a firm favourite among makeup lovers everywhere for its lightweight, invigorating coverage. Taking this queue, professional makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift mixes turmeric into her own-brand RMS products, including her antioxidant lipsticks and facial oil. Hair specialists Aveda have even cottoned on to the magic of turmeric, with their Invati Advanced Exfoliating shampoo ($49) promising thicker, fuller locks as well as a healthier, energised scalp, all thanks to the golden herb. There has been a sharp drop in the number of women seeking treatment for incontinence and doctors say it's because they're fearful of vaginal mesh. The Urogynaecological Society of Australasia (UGSA) has revealed that young women aged between 35-44 are the most likely to put up with incontinence due to concerns over mesh implants, impacting their work, quality of life and mental health. Figures show there has been a 41 per cent decline in stress incontinence surgery in the age group since peak rates in 2009, and 32 per cent in women aged 25-54. There has been a sharp drop in the number of women seeking treatment for incontinence and doctors say it's because they're fearful of vaginal mesh (stock image) It comes after UGSA raised serious concerns at the Australian Senate Committee Inquiry recommendation that implantation of all transvaginal mesh products only be undertaken as a 'last resort' by women with urinary incontinence and pelvic floor conditions. UGSA chair Dr Jenny King said about 150,000 meshes have been used in Australia for prolapse and incontinence, with a 95 per cent success rate. But she said specialists were now being left with no choice but to perform sub-standard surgery without mesh, as women had been exposed to inaccurate information. 'I think the fall in patients seeking treatment for their incontinence is evidence of the fear generated by adverse publicity, social media and the Senate inquiry,' she said. The Australian Senate Committee Inquiry recommendation that implantation of all transvaginal mesh products only be undertaken as a 'last resort' by women but doctors are concerned by this (stock image) 'Anecdotally we have all had patients with severe and recurrent prolapse who are simply too anxious to contemplate a mesh repair even though it really is their only chance of a good outcome. 'At the moment I am performing prolapse procedures without mesh which I know have an extremely high chance of failure - simply because of patient anxiety. 'They will then be faced with further, more complex surgery with greater rates of complications. This is poor practice but what else can we do?' She said the Senate had lumped together incontinence and prolapse devices, considering them all to be ''transvaginal meshes", even though only the prolapse devices were problematic. Last year, hundreds of Australian women claimed the mesh left them with debilitating, chronic pain and they were unable to have sex again. The Therapeutic Goods Administration decided in November to remove transvaginal mesh for the sole purpose of pelvic prolapse and single incision mini-slings from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Dr Jenny King said about 150,000 meshes have been used in Australia for prolapse and incontinence, with a 95 per cent success rate (stock image) However, Dr King said those used for incontinence, called mid-urethral slings (MUS), were safe. A prolapse is when pelvic organs such as the bladder, bowel or uterus fall through the vagina. Stress urinary incontinence is involuntary urine leakage with activity such as sport, coughing or even walking. It affects up to 37 per cent of Australian women, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. UGSA states lightweight, minimally invasive mid-urethral slings are the safest and most effective surgical treatment for urinary incontinence, having been used in Australia and New Zealand since 1998. The US FDA statements on safety concerns over transvaginal mesh do not include mid-urethral slings and the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has continued to support the inclusion of these products on the Register of Therapeutic Goods. Dr King (pictured) said it was important to clarify that the TGA had removed from the register only those transvaginal meshes used for treatment of prolapse The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists also recommends the MUS as it is highly effective in the short and medium-term, with fewer adverse outcomes than other available major continence surgeries. 'MUS have been clearly shown to be safer and more effective with a lower complication rate than our previous continence procedures,' said Dr King. 'UGSA believes the way forward lies in rigorous safeguards including ongoing audit, long term monitoring, careful surgical training and research with thoughtful patient selection and counselling.' Dr King said it was important to clarify that the TGA had removed from the register only those transvaginal meshes used for treatment of prolapse. 'The mid-urethral mesh slings have been recognised in Australia and worldwide, by all medical and regulatory agencies, as the appropriate treatment for stress urinary incontinence and these continue to be available.' 'Much work still needs to be done to help those women who have had adverse outcomes but this should not be at the expense of other women who will benefit from these treatments,' she said. Continence Foundation of Australia CEO Rowan Cockerell said that incontinence was a concern for millions of people. 'Incontinence is a massive problem affecting more than five million adult Australians and costing the Australian economy more than $67 billion a year,' he said. This week, an NHS chief called James Palmer told a conference that the health service must be prepared for the prospect of two million Britons questioning their gender. He said that referrals for gender dysphoria when people feel they were born in the wrong body have gone up by a staggering 240 per cent in the past five years. In case you were wondering, NHS-funded operations for sufferers include mastectomies and gender reassignment procedures, but Mr Palmer said that in future we may also pay for reversing gender reassignment surgery. Its got to be a good thing that there are people out there who want to explore their gender, he said, adding that no other specialist service has seen this growth, anywhere near. As a result, there is absolutely not sufficient capacity in the system. The NHS has suffered a period of rapid decline under the stewardship of current health secretary Jeremy Hunt In other words, can we have more money, please. While I accept that genuine gender dysphoria should be treated with sympathy and respect by all of us, including the NHS, I suspect that many would question whether a financially challenged health service can afford to offer such surgery to anyone who feels that they need it. But really thats not the point here. The point is the NHS belongs to the people who fund it: British taxpayers. What happens to the health service should not be decided by pressure groups and political lobbyists or individuals with vested interests, but by us. Which is why Im convinced we should have a referendum on the future of the NHS. Oh no, not another one! I hear you wail. Are you mad? Possibly. But bear with me. It doesnt take a genius to see that thanks to decades of political inertia, all attempts to reform the way the NHS is run and funded have failed. As a result, in some areas its in an advanced state of paralysis, wedded to the ideology that it must be free at the point of delivery, yet lacking the resources to function effectively in a country of nearly 70 million people. There has been an increase in waiting times and a lack of beds available in NHS hospitals in recent months Meanwhile, anyone who dares utter a batsqueak about serious reform is guaranteed to be torn limb from limb by the Left, who guard what they see as their greatest political achievement like a rabid dog with a bone. No politician would dare to grasp the nettle and overhaul the NHS from top to bottom. To do so properly would mean slaughtering so many sacred cows it would turn the House of Commons into an abattoir. But put the decision in the hands of the people and it becomes an entirely different matter. If those who fund the NHS have decided how it should be run, then they wouldnt have the right to attack the Government which carries out the reforms. A referendum would allow us to have a proper debate about funding. Of course, it wouldnt be a Yes/No decision like the EU vote, but a series of crucial questions could be asked. Should we have an insurance system, perhaps, where everyone would contribute directly to the NHS, instead of lining the pockets of private insurance companies? Or would we all rather pay an extra few pence in National Insurance contributions, as Gordon Brown suggested this week? Or maybe charging to see a GP would be popular? It would certainly cut down on the number of people who miss appointments. The important thing is to have the conversation. If we dont act soon, this greatest of British institutions will expire because no one has the guts to perform radical life-saving surgery. Never mind all the fuss about Poldark: what about the new Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez? Scorchio! Pedro and the Canadian premier Justin Trudeau should form a boyband. Since theyre both socialists, it could be called Wrong Direction. Spain's new Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (left) shakes hands with Spain's out-going Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy last week My kind of feminist! Increasingly it seems the world is divided into two types of feminists. There are those like Anne Robinson, who this week told the Radio Times that when she was a young journalist in the Eighties she received plenty of unwanted male attention, but dealt with it by simply telling them where to get off. I never actually clouted a man if he tried to pat my bum because I never attached that much importance to it, she said, adding: I just used to sigh and curtly say, Look, Im very busy, please dont waste my time. I certainly didnt run crying to the loo. And then there is the #MeToo brigade, who cast themselves as helpless victims who require smelling salts if a man so much as pays them a compliment. I know which type I am. Jeremy Hunt marked a milestone on Monday when he became the longest-serving Health Secretary in NHS history the most toxic job in British politics. If that doesnt mark him out as one of the most skilled politicians of our age, I dont know what does. A baby after 50? Get a dog! Janet Jackson had a baby at 50. Brigitte Nielsen is pregnant at 54, Rachel Weisz at 48. Why are so many women obsessed with having children so late in life? Theres a reason fertility dips around the age of 35: you need to be young and fit to withstand the rigours of babies. Just look at the glowingly gorgeous Rosie Huntington-Whiteley this week (left) aged 31, who had a baby son a year ago. Sleepless nights are one thing in your 30s, quite another in your 50s. Ladies, get a dog instead. Cheaper, easier to train, and always delighted to see you. Janet Jackson, who had a baby at 50, accepts the Icon Award onstage during the 2018 Billboard Music Awards So awful to hear about the suspected suicide of the American designer Kate Spade. How dreadfully sad that someone who brought so much joy in the shape of her quirky accessories and uplifting prints could have been so unhappy. I will cherish my Kate Spade treasures all the more. Love Island: a family affair Very excited about the new series of Love Island. Dont get me wrong: its drivel. But its also the one thing that can lure my 15-year-old out of her room and on to the sofa with her family. Yes, its a terrible price to have to pay. But if I have to put up with this sordid spectacle of venal soft porn in order to get half an hour of mum-and-daughter time, then so be it. Kirstie Allsopp is absolutely right to dump her kids in economy while she and her husband fly business class. If I could ever afford business, then I certainly wouldnt waste it on my children. And Im confident all that free champagne would quickly dull the nagging sense of guilt about inflicting my offspring on their fellow passengers in cattle class at the back. Kirstie Allsopp sparked outrage this week after revealing she travelled in business class while her children flew economy Silly Lily misfires again London is in the grip of an epidemic of gun violence. So what does Lily Allen, self-appointed campaigner for social justice, do? Why, wear a gold AK-47 necklace on stage at a music festival in the capital the day after a promising young boxer, Oluwafemi Omosuyi, was shot in the face outside a primary school in Peckham. Seriously, girl, you need to lay off the ketamine. Orlando Bloom has caused a stir by flashing his bum on stage in the West End. But why the fuss? Weve seen the full monty already on that paddle board in the Med. At least, I think it was a paddle... Sorry Lush, this won't wash Yes, Lush cosmetics anti-police campaign which accuses them of spying and lying is disgusting. But what really irks me is the fact that because it flogs over-priced glittery bath bombs (which require industrial amounts of Flash to clean off) to eight-year-old girls, its hateful propaganda will have now infiltrated the brains of half the countrys primary school pupils. Which is not only dangerous, its also very wicked. Many parents know just how hard it can be to wrangle kids in the mornings to make sure they get to school on time. It's a scenario Jody Allen, a busy mum-of-two, and Queensland-based blogger behind Stay At Home Mum says she is all too familiar with - and one that's a real cause of stress. 'Getting little children (and husbands) up, washed, fed, teeth brushed, lunches made and dressed appropriately by a certain time every morning is an achievement in itself, the budget-savvy mum wrote on her blog. She recently shared her simple hacks for making mornings that much easier - with her top tip being to ensure she makes time for herself first. 'Getting little children up, washed, fed, teeth brushed, lunches made and dressed appropriately by a certain time every morning is an achievement,' said Jody (pictured) Speaking on a podcast for 9Honey's Honey Mum's series, Jody said she dials back the stress of her mornings by taking some time to focus on herself first. She said making time for that all important morning coffee along with 'five minutes to myself' makes her morning routine just that much less stressful. Another tip Jody shared that helps keep her sane in the chaos of it all is to make sure her bedroom is in order - before she leaves the house. Jody said giving herself five minutes in the morning before taking care of her family helped make her morning just that much less stressful 'I always make sure that my bedroom is tidy that my bed is made and my room's clean. Even if the rest of the house is a bomb. Because when I come back from the school run I've just got one little piece of sanity.' Jody's sons, aged nine and 10, are just learning how to get themselves up and ready for school on their own, she revealed on the podcast. And while the blogger, who has six million followers, admitted her mornings were still a bit on the hectic side, she said she did what she could to make things as smooth as possible. The mum-of-two said her sons, aged nine and 10 are just learning how to get themselves up and ready for school on their own 'I have started freezing school lunches to make the lunchtime thing a little bit easier in the morning, and laying their uniform out.' But, she confessed this extra effort was a little like 'spoon-feeding' her kids and wasn't something she was so sure was good for them. 'I would like to say, "Look if you've forgotten your lunch then you've got to go hungry," but you're not allowed to do that anymore, so I'm sort of a little bit lost too when it comes to how to get them to take account of what they're doing every day.' 'Imagine leaping out of bed at 5am, running full pelt on a treadmill whilst getting dressed and stuffing an octopus into a handbag,' said Jody describing a 'typical' morning In her most recent blog post, Jody described in a 'typical' morning in detail, revealing just how hectic it was for parents battling the school run: 'For people without children, imagine leaping out of bed at 5am, running full pelt on a treadmill whilst getting dressed and stuffing an octopus into a handbag before getting into your car ten minutes after youre meant to leave. 'Then as soon as everyone is strapped in, engine on and reversing out someone has always forgotten show and tell or lost a shoe.' In 2018, we use earphones probably more than we eat hot meals. But for an item that Australians wear so regularly, few of us spare a thought about the importance of keeping our earbuds clean. So it's probably no surprise that our favourite, trusty earphones can often be the bearer of a lot of nasty bacteria. It's probably no surprise that our favourite, trusty earphones can often be the bearer of a lot of nasty bacteria According to a 2009 study published in the Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences, frequently using in-ear listening buds significantly increases bacterial growth within the eardrum. Working out with earphones can contribute to the development of bad bacteria too, thanks to the increased quantity of sweat we produce during exercise. Using in-ear buds while producing a high quantity of sweat can even cause the painful complaint of swimmer's ear, which occurs when foreign objects are inserted into the ear, damaging the skin and allowing bacteria to enter. Sharing earphones with friends allows the transfer of bacteria from their ears to yours Squeaky clean: How to SAFELY sanitise your earphones * Make sure earphones are detached from your device BEFORE cleaning * Use a gentle cleaner like regular dish soap and luke warm water * Always use a barely damp cloth, never a saturated one * Remove detachable covers when necessary * Brush heavier dirt away with a dry toothbrush * Never submerge earphones in water Advertisement Dr Chiranjay Mukhopadhyay of India's Manipal University also cautioned against sharing earphones with friends, which in some cases can even cause the onset of painful ear infections. During a research study at the University, harmful bacteria was found on 92 per cent of ear swabs taken from people who regularly shared their earphones with friends, compared with only eight per cent of those who shared less frequently. Dr Mukhopadhyay, who led the research, said: 'It is better not to share or else to clean the earphones thoroughly before sharing'. So how should we clean this much-used instrument (considering some of us may have never done so before)? It goes without saying that we can't simply throw earphones into the dishwasher with pots, pans and cutlery. Jolie Kerr, a US columnist and cleaning expert, advises that earphones should be cleaned using a soft, barely damp cloth, never a wet one. Ms Kerr also says that while buying specialist audio cleaning wipes may be convenient, it is definitely not necessary - according to the writer, everything you need is already in your house. Keeping earphones clean and hygienic after using them for exercise reduces the risk of getting nasty ear infections The secret is to use a gentle kitchen detergent with lukewarm water, dabbing around the ear piece carefully so as not to damage the electronics. If your earphones have removable covers like certain Beats and Bose models, remove the detachable elements first to make cleaning quick and easy - this is the area that picks up the most of the gross stuff. Try scrubbing away dry dust and grime with an old toothbrush. Bacteria and built up ear wax: the disgusting truth about what's on your earphones In the event that dirt particles are particularly stubborn, Jolie Kerr suggests taking a cotton swab with a tiny drop of alcohol and rubbing the affected area - although hopefully, it shouldn't come to this. If you prefer an 'over the head' style of listening device, Jolie Kerr stresses that you should still be vigilant when it comes to cleaning the mesh screens on your headphones. This surface accumulates dust, grit and ear wax. Ms Kerr advises tackling this type of dirt with a dry, soft bristled brush. To the outside world, they lead a seemingly happy life. But behind closed doors, they can deliberately distort your mind by planting seeds of self-doubt without you even knowing. Meet 'gaslighters' - a term to describe people who emotionally abuse others with such conviction and confidence that the victim starts to feel uncertain themselves. So given they can manipulate people so subtly, how easy can you spot one? Here, Sydney's behavioural expert Grazina Fechner reveals the warning signs to help you identify whether you're a victim of gaslighting. 'Gaslighters is a term to describe people who emotionally abuse others with such conviction and confidence that the victim starts to feel uncertain themselves (stock image) How to spot a gaslighter Always lying Correcting your memory Call you crazy Plant seeds of self-doubt Their mistakes become yours Advertisement 'In the whole gaslighting arena, you generally think you're going crazy. It's the emotional abuse, thinking you're going crazy and lack of control,' she told The Morning Show. 'There's lots of different ways to spot a gaslighter - everything from you starting to doubt yourself, so straight away, you're on the back foot all the time. 'They're always lying and they're correcting your memory - so what will happen is, you'll say "no, I didn't do that" but they'll say "yes, you did, that's exactly what happened". They'll call you crazy, so often you'll sit there and go "far out, maybe I am going crazy". 'And their mistakes often become yours. So when they've made the mistake, they'll bring it back to you and say "you know what, that was all about you, nothing to do with me".' Describing their behaviour, Ms Fechner said gaslighers have a 'fake little persona'. Sydney's behavioural expert Grazina Fechner (pictured) reveals the warning signs to help you identify whether you're a victim of gaslighting Behind closed doors, they can deliberately distort your mind by planting seeds of self-doubt without you even knowing (stock image) 'So to the outside world, they live this glamorous life, and they are the perfect husband, the perfect father and the perfect employer,' she explained. 'They feed off drama, so they love drama. They have that "perfect" image, they rationalise everything, they always think they're right, and they stay in control.' 'When they can manipulate and when they can emotionally abuse, that means they have control over you... It's in various situations and they are very good at doing it.' And it's not just couples who are suffering emotionally. Ms Fechner said employers can also gaslight by shifting the blame onto you after they made a mistake at work. She said mother-in-laws or family members are also good at gaslighting - but when they are with their friends, they have a different persona because they know they don't have control over them. They have already won over beauty fans with copycat versions of high-end Jo Malone products. And now Aldi has expanded its budget beauty offering with two new skincare products inspired by the British luxury brand - and they're already proving a hit with shoppers. The supermarket giant launched its Luxury Hand and Body Wash and Luxury Hand and Body Lotion, both 2.99 for 250ml, in May. They are modelled on Jo Malone's 'premium equivalent' products, a 40 Pomegranate Noir Body & Hand Lotion and a 30 Body Wash - each costing more than ten times the price of Aldi's copycats. Scroll down for video Supermarket giant Aldi recently launched its 2.99 Luxury Hand and Body Lotion (right), closely modelled on Jo Malone's hugely popular 40 Pomegranate Noir lotion (left) Now savvy customers are flogging them on eBay for a profit, with some listed at three times the price of Aldi's RRP. Some were being sold in sets of four priced at 15 to 20, equivalent to almost twice the price of the in-store offering. While one eBay seller was flogging a single bottle of the body wash for 9.25 - more than three times the RRP. Aldi's hugely popular Luxury Collection, inspired by Jo Malone, now consists of five products, including candles, reed diffusers, room sprays as well as the new hand and body washes and lotions. The German chain has also won plaudits for its Lacura beauty range, including a Garnier-inspired sheet mask and a makeup sponge modelled on the cult favourite Beautyblender. While Jo Malone's cult 30 body and hand wash is 30 (left), Aldi's budget version offers a saving of 90 per cent at 2.99 (right) Due to the popularity of the range, products often crop up on eBay with sellers - dubbed 'fashion flippers' - flogging them at more than double the original price as shoppers scramble to get their hands on them. But last year Jo Malone hit back at the creative laziness of budget retailers who continue to launch copycat versions of her trademark products. When asked how she felt about high street and supermarket brands copying her perfumes, candles and diffusers, Malone said: You have to really protect yourself, thats where the lawyers come in. 'I think people that mimic, its laziness - laziness instead of creativity because they cant come up with it themselves. Flog it: Savvy customers are flogging them on eBay for a profit, with some listed at three times the price of Aldi's RRP. One was flogging a single bottle of the body wash for 9.25 Asked if she thought imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Miss Malone told Chiswick Book Festival: No I think its creative laziness. They havent copied Jo Loves (her new company) yet.' Aldi is not the first brand to try its hand at designer dupes; earlier this year, Lidl unveiled a 3.49 anti-ageing potion to rival La Prairie's 494 cellular radiance cream. From Primark's much-hyped nude eye shadow palettes to Superdrug's 3 body mists, many fans have been impressed by the calibre of some of these cut-price copycats, often taking to sites like Reddit to rave about the products on line. Prince Harry and Meghan are set to make their first balcony appearance together at Buckingham Palace for Trooping the Colour on Saturday. The newlyweds are expected to join the Queen and other members of the royal family for the military parade, held in honour of the Queen's birthday. This will be the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex's first public appearance since their honeymoon. Unlike the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Harry, 33, and Meghan, 36, did not share a traditional kiss on the Buckingham Palace balcony on the big day after choosing Windsor as their venue. Prince Harry and Meghan are set to make their first appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony together at Trooping the Colour on Saturday The newlyweds are expected to join the Queen and other senior royals (pictured at Trooping the Colour last year) for the military parade A royal source told the Mirror: 'There will be huge interest in seeing the newlyweds after the magic of their wedding. 'The balcony appearance is the perfect symbol of how Meghan has been welcomed into the family.' Harry attends the Trooping the Colour ceremony annually, but this will his new wife's first appearance at the traditional parade. There had been much speculation over whether Harry and Meghan would share a kiss outside St George's Chapel ahead of their wedding. Harry, 33, and Meghan, 36, have not been seen in public since Charles' 70th birthday celebrations at Buckingham Palace Harry attends Trooping the Colour every year, although this year will mark Meghan's first appearance on the balcony Prince Charles and Diana began the tradition of sharing a kiss on the Buckingham Palace balcony after their wedding in 1981. Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson followed suit in 1986, with Kate and William carrying on the tradition in 2011. Harry and Meghan have not been seen in public since attending Prince Charles's 70th birthday celebrations at Buckingham Palace just three days after their wedding. They are believed to be on their honeymoon, with reports suggesting they had chosen the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Canada as their destination. Earlier this week, it was announced that Meghan would be conducting her first joint engagements with the Queen in Cheshire next week. Harry and Meghan were not able to follow the tradition of sharing a kiss on the Buckingham Palace balcony after choosing Windsor as their venue. Pictured are the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after their wedding day in 2011 Charles and Diana were the first royal couple to start the tradition of sharing a kiss on the balcony at Buckingham Palace In an unprecedented move, the Duchess of Sussex will be travelling with the head of state on the royal train. Only the most senior members of the Royal Family namely the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall - are entitled to use it. Harry, Kate and William are not believed to have ever used it in an official capacity. Trooping the Colour is attended by senior members of the royal family including Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It is not clear if Prince Louis, who is just six weeks old, will join his parents at Buckingham Palace, although Prince George and Princess Charlotte are expected to attend, as in previous years. Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar of Sweden stole the show as they joined their parents for a photocall on Wednesday. The brother and sister were well-behaved as they posed with their mother, Crown Princess Victoria, 40, father Prince Daniel, 44, and grandparents, King Carl XVI and Queen Silvia, for a family portrait in Stockholm to mark the country's National Day. But the playful young royals clearly had other ideas and soon broke free to explore the royal gardens. Princess Estelle, who wore traditional Swedish dress, was seen whispering in her little brother's ear before skipping away from the group, clutching her skirt in her hand. Meanwhile curios Oscar, two, was soon distracted by the sunken fountain in the middle of the garden and couldn't resist taking a closer look. Princess Estelle of Sweden, six, stole the show at a royal photocall in Stockholm today The six-year-old princess whispered in her brother Prince Oscar's ear, pictured The toddler prince, two, was more interested in taking a better look at the sunken fountain Mother Crown Princess Victoria was on hand to hold him back as he tried to paddle The toddler was seen pointing at the bubbling fountain and leaning over the edge as he admired the water feature. At a couple of moments he seemed to be trying to paddle in the shallow water, but Victoria was on hand to keep an eye on her son and lead him away from trouble. One photo of the lively photo session shows Princess Estelle tearing through the gardens, a smile spread across her face. Prince Oscar was fascinated by the bubbling fountain as his mother kept a close watch on him Prince Oscar showed off his balancing skills as he wandered closely to the edge while clutching on to some rocks She allowed him to pick up a small stone and throw it in the pond as she held onto his legs to make sure he didn't fall in The royal mother who had her fingernails painted a rich jewel red leaned over her son as he stood by the water edge The youngster threw his collection of stones into the pool as his mother watched on in national dress Crown Princess Victoria carefully grasped hold of her son to stop him from walking down a slope into the pond The mother and son were in good spirits after their stone throwing session, the young royal following behind her footsteps Queen Silvia, Princess Estelle, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Oscar and Prince Daniel on the National Day celebrations Princess Estelle held grandmother Queen Silvia's hand as she made her way into the garden The young royal and her grandmother wore traditional Swedish dress for the occasion Playful Princess Estelle had other ideas and could be seen skipping through the garden Another shows the schoolgirl holding up her dress in front of her grandmother the Queen, as if she is trying to curtsey. Senior members of Sweden's royal family donned traditional blue and yellow dress as they celebrated country's National Day on Wednesday. Queen Silvia, 74, was joined by daughters Crown Princess Victoria, 40, and Princess Madeleine, and daughter-in-law Princess Sofia, 33, in wearing the traditional Sverigedrakten for a carriage ride through the streets of Stockholm. The royal women were accompanied by their respective husbands as they took part in the procession through the capital city. Prince Oscar's parents kept a firm grip on their young son's hands as they stood in the courtyard The royal family posed in the courtyard for an official shoot to celebrate the National Day celebration The cortege on the way to Skansen with the royal family, with them wearing cloaks to protect against the chill Queen Silvia shared a carriage with King Carl XVI Gustaf, Princess Victoria, her husband Prince Daniel, 44, and their children, Princess Estelle, six, and Prince Oscar, two. The entire party appeared in good spirits and could be seen waving to the crowds. She kept her accessories to a minimum in the form of a taupe court shoe as she joined her husband Prince Daniel at Stromsholm Castle this morning. Meanwhile Victoria's parents King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia attended National Day celebrations at the Open Palace, Royal Palace of Stockholm. Silvia, 74, arrived in traditional Swedish dress of blue and yellow dress embroidered with daisies as is custom on the national holiday. To further mark the occasion the royal court released an adorable new portrait of two-year-old Prince Oscar and Princess Estelle, six, on Instagram earlier today. Estelle sported a blue and yellow dress embroidered with daisies, teamed with a wide collared white shirt and wore her hair in a low ponytail. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden looked her elegant best in a dress by Self-Portrait as she attended Sweden's National Day celebrations King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia attended National Day celebrations at the Open Palace, Royal Palace of Stockholm To further mark the occasion the royal court has released a new portrait of Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar She was accompanied by husband Prince Daniel as the pair arrived at Stromsholm Castle on Wednesday morning Meanwhile her younger brother is adorable in a pair of black shorts and a white shirt. Every year the King and Queen take part in a ceremony at Skansen, Stockholms open-air museum, where the yellow and blue Swedish flag is run up the mast, and children in traditional peasant costume present the royals with bouquets of summer flowers. National Day also now recognises new Swedish citizens, welcoming them with special ceremonies held around the country. Not normally known for being the most patriotic nation, National Day has been embraced over recent years, with some groups even pushing for the country to have a national dish, according to the countrys official website. Victoria kept her accessories to a minimum in the form of a taupe court shoe and a white leather bag today The Swedish royals are today celebrating National Day is an annual celebration having become a public holiday in 2004 National Day is an annual celebration held in honour of two historical events: on 6 June 1523, Gustav Vasa was elected king and, on the same date in 1809, the country adopted a new constitution. It became a public holiday in 2004. This is not the first time we have seen Victoria in the elegant dress having selected it for the christening of Prince Oscar in 2016. Self Portrait has become a staple brand among royals and celebrities alike starting at around 165 for its shirts and blouses, and going up to 400 for its famous 'naked' sheer maxi dresses. Queen Silvia wore traditional Swedish dress for today's celebrations, made up of a blue and yellow dress embroidered with daisies Every year the King and Queen take part in a ceremony at Skansen, Stockholms open-air museum, where the yellow and blue Swedish flag is run up the mast The buzz around the label, which is just three years old, grew to a point in the summer 2017 where Selfridges was selling 100 Self-Portrait pieces a week. The Duchess of Cambridge sent the brand's profile stratospheric when she wore a white lace dress to the world premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob in 2016. Since then the new Duchess of Sussex has also embraced the label wearing a green pleated dress by the brand ahead of her wedding in April. It has also been seen on the likes of Princess Beatrice and Kate's sister Pippa Matthews. Victoria previously wore the dress to the christening of Prince Oscar back in 2016 The Queen joined the Duchess of Cornwall to see the remarkable work of the countrys cancer-detecting dogs first hand today and got more of a demonstration than she bargained for. For as well as being trained to use their extraordinary sense of smell to locate early-stage disease, some of the incredible canines have also been taught to alert their owners to potentially life-threatening conditions such as epilepsy and diabetes. Mid-way through the display of their work at the Royal Mews, a talented four-year-old Labrador/Golden Retriever cross called Nimbus realised that his owner, Jodie Griffin, who suffers from a rare condition that causes her to falls unconscious several times a day, was about to have an episode. As the monarch looked on, Nimbus jumped up to warn Jodie, 28, and helped shepherd her to a safe place so she could lie down. The Queen said afterwards that the demonstration had been marvellous and fascinating. I can imagine that it must be difficult to get enough dogs, she added, and smiled to learn that a number of rescue dogs and failed gun dogs had been trained up. Speaking to another dog owner, the 92-year-old monarch commented: 'He is clearly very clever. I can imagine that you cant imagine life without him. Scroll down for video The Queen looked in high spirits as she arrived with the Duchess of Cornwall for the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Medical Detection Dogs charity The 92-year-old monarch beamed as she arrived by car at the Royal Mews for the event After she had recovered, pet portrait painter Jodie from Cannock, Staffordshire, told the Queen how Nimbus had transformed her life she got him. Its very clever and you must have a very good relationship with him, the monarch said. Hes my best friend, Jodie, who suffers from Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, known as PoTS, admitted. She later explained that the charity responsible for training and matching her up with Nimbus Medical Detection Dogs - hadnt been sure, initially, that it could work as their dogs sense there is a problem based on odour. The Queen opted for an elegant cornflower blue jacket and white gloves for the occasion One of the specially-trained dogs was seen jumping up at its owner during the event today Jodies blackouts are caused by her bodys inability to pump sufficient oxygenated blood to the brain, causing her regularly fall unconscious. But using saliva and sweat samples from Jodie, they were, incredibly, able to train Nimbus to pick up on signs that she is about to fall ill that would be otherwise imperceptible to humans. Having Nimbus has just transformed my life she, she said. I can be affected up to two or three times a day and had been too scared to go out in case I hurt myself. He has changed everything. What he and the charity do is just amazing. Medical Detection Dogs was founded by CEO Dr Claire Guest, a scientist and animal behaviour expert, ten years ago. The Queen, who is known to be a dog lover, looked to be in a cheerful mood as she arrived Her Majesty and the Duchess of Cornwall watched a demonstration by the charity's bio-detection dogs to showcase their ability to detect the odour of human disease She is herself in remission from breast cancer after her own dog, Daisy, who sadly died in February this year, detected the disease by nudging her repeatedly in the chest. From that time on I believed that dogs could detect cancer, she said. She has since discovered through rigorous clinical trials that cancer has its own unique odour and that dogs, with their incredible sense of smell, are able to detect it. For example, a canine would be able to sniff out one single teaspoon of sugar in two Olympic-sized swimming pools and their power of cognitive thinking allows them to even recognise strains of cancer they havent come across before. Dr Guest has since made it her lifes work to train specialist bio detection dogs to identify the odour of human disease using urine, breath and sweat samples. The Queen, who wore a floral printed dress for the event, met with the charity's founder Clare Guest (far left) The event marked the 10th birthday of The Medical Detection Dogs, which is involved in research into the ability of dogs to detect cancer In clinical trials, the dogs have proved to have up to a 93 per cent reliability for detecting prostate cancer, for example. Early diagnosis can save lives and allow for less invasive testing and treatment, the charity says. It is now branching out, testing the ability of dogs to recognise early Parkinsons and malaria. Dogs are basically bio sensors with a fluffy coat and a waggy tail, Dr Guest explained today to the Queen. He has an incredible nose, he has 300 million sensory receptors. Us humans have five million. Camilla and the Queen were seen speaking to representatives from the dog charity during the event today The Queen looked to be in a cheerful mood as she and Camilla were shown the charity's bio-detection dogs The Duchess of Cornwall was certainly impressed by their work and became the charitys patron in 2008, before setting up todays 10th anniversary event. She introduced her mother-in-law to their work with demonstrations by nine-year-old cocker spaniel Kizzy, a cancer detection dog, and black Labrador Peanut, three, a Parkinsons detection dog, who both successfully identified several samples out of a string of placebos. She said: One in two of us will now be diagnosed with cancer in the course of our lifetimes. Early detection is crucial to successful medical treatment. It is more important than ever that we develop an easy and reliable test to rocket-boost survival rates. I am hugely grateful to the Duchess of Cornwall and to the Queen in helping us to raise awareness of our charity so that our vital research can soon be put into practical use in saving lives. The Queen looked keen to find out more about how the dogs are able to detect cancer and other medical conditions The Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall were seen listening intently as they were told about the work of the charity The Queen also met Magic, whose sense of smell is so acute that he can detect even the most minute changes in his owners blood sugar levels when she is upstairs in the bath and he is asleep in his basket downstairs. Claire Pesterfield, 45, from Hitchen, Hertfordshire, who has had Type 1 Diabetes since she was a teenager, says that in five years Magic has warned her of danger more than 4,500 times. He has literally saved my life, she said. Britain is such a world leader in terms of the dogs that it has recently teamed up with physicist Dr Andreas Mershin from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology to develop a digital nose that can also sniff out cancer calls with the help of the latest AI technology. Queen Maxima joined her mother-in-law Princess Beatrix for a prize giving ceremony at Noordeinde Palace on Wednesday. The Dutch Queen looked her elegant best as she joined King Willem-Alexander's mother at the Hague. In honour of the occasion Maxima, 46, dressed up in a glamorous lilac gown featuring draping detail around the shoulder. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands joined her mother-in-law Princess Beatrix for an awards ceremony at Noordeinde Palace on Wednesday She added several dazzling accessories in the form of a diamond brooch pinned to her lapel along with pearl drop earrings. Coordinating her outfit further she opted for a pair of heeled sandals in the same shade as her dress and carried a matching satin clutch. She swept her famous blonde tresses into a low chignon and stuck to a makeup palette of earthy tones. Meanwhile Princess Beatrix, 80, looked elegant in a baby blue skirt and jacket complete with a grey print. Maxima looked glamorous in a lilac draped dress (left) while Beatrix was elegent in a coordinated skirt and jacket The prize winners of the 'Appeltjes van Oranje' (Apples of Orange) awards posed for a commemorative photo following the ceremony The award is normally presented by King Willem, however, Queen Maxima took his place today The two women were attending the 'Appeltjes van Oranje' (Apples of Orange) awards to Dutch social initiatives who help connect people from different backgrounds and cultures. The award is normally presented by King Willem, however, despite the king being present Queen Maxima took his place today. The Appeltje van Oranje consists of a prize of 15,000 and a bronze statue made by Princess Beatrix. The Dutch Queen appeared to take a small bow of respect as she handed out awards The Appeltje van Oranje consists of a prize of 15,000 and a bronze statue made by Princess Beatrix This prize from the Oranje Fonds, of which Queen Maxima is patron, is the prize for initiatives that ensure that people participate in our society. The three winners were chosen from twelve nominees and they will be presented their prizes today. Maxima appeared to be in high spirits as she presented the awards - seemingly taking a small bow of respect before handing them over. It was a bust day for Maxima who attended a second engagement this afternoon in the form of a conference about homeless youth Despite not having time for a change of clothes Maxima looked fresh faces as she arrived at Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam Following the ceremony the royals and the winners gathered in a reception room where they posed for a commemorative photograph. It was a busy day for the Dutch Queen who performed a second engagement later on Wednesday. Without time to change Maxima made her way to a conference about homeless youth, organised by Stichting Zwerfjongeren Nederland (SZN) and Kansfonds. The conference took place at Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam The judges and audience were feeling the heat on Tuesday's episode of America's Got Talent thanks to one couple who definitely know how to keep their romance burning. Married couple Celina, 64, and Filiberto, 70, of Cuba performed a raunchy routine to Jason Derulo's Talk Dirty To Me during the show's June 5 episode, which left some judges enthralled by the seemingly unassuming married couple and others uncomfortable by their dirty dancing. Their audition started with the loving pair standing on the stage hand-in-hand and giving each other a peck on the lips. Filiberto even got a little emotional and started to tear up, which the judges chalked up to simply being 'with the woman he loves'. Scroll down for video Lovers: Married couple Celina, 64, and Filiberto, 70, of Cuba performed a raunchy routine to Jason Derulo's Talk Dirty To Me on Tuesday's episode of America's Got Talent Dirty dancing: The elderly couple's performance consisted of some racy dance moves Getting down: Their passionate choreography consisted of some gyrating, bumping and grinding Close: And at point, Filiberto even nuzzled up to Celina's chest while the well-known pop song played in the background Nothing but a number: Celina and Filiberto are old enough to be grandparents but they didn't let their age hinder them from busting a move But the brief kiss was just a preview because moments later, the couple began their passionate choreography, which consisted of some gyrating, bumping, grinding and some altogether racy dance moves - especially for a duo who are old enough to be grandparents. But neither Celina nor Filiberto let their age hinder them from busting a move and getting down and dirty on the dancefloor. At one point, Celina even started to twerk, which garnered a response from judge Howie Mandel who exclaimed during their routine: 'She's twerking!' And Filiberto must have liked his wife's twerking too because moments later, the infatuated husband can be seen nuzzling into Celina's chest, which the camera managed to capture in slow motion. Uncomfortable: Judge Howie Mandel appeared to enjoy the performance whereas Mel B seemed uneasy Eyes covered: At times, Mel B couldn't even look at the the couple's routine because it was too much for her Fans: The audience seemed to get a hoot out of Celina and Filiberto's racy routine Enthusiastic: Judges Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell both had positive comments for the couple after their performance Unfortunately, the couple's dance routine was a little bit too close for comfort for show judge and former Spice Girl Mel B, who at times, couldn't even look at the couple's routine because it was too much. 'Some things should just be done in private,' she said after she buzzed for them to leave. But the couple wasn't bothered by her lack of interest and still kept up their routine. Filiberto even got down to the ground at one point show off his dancing prowess while Celina moved her hips back and forth to the well-known pop song. And while Mel B might not have been a fan of the couple, the audience, judges and Tyra Banks, definitely were. The show host even said after their performance: 'Now that's the love I'm looking for.' Not having it: Mel B voted against the couple but they didn't seem to bothered by it One of a kind: During their performance, Tyra told the camera 'now that's the love I'm looking for' Mesmerized: At one point, Filiberto got low to the ground while Celina moved her hips back and forth to the song Stay tuned: For those wanting to see more performances, season 13 of America's Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8pm on NBC Judge Heidi Klum even agreed and said: 'I pray I'm going to be that lucky when I get old to find someone to do that with, I really do.' And judge Simon Cowell who's arguably considered to be the toughest of them all said: 'I like things I get surprised by. You surprised me.' Other performances from Tuesday's episode included pediatric mental health nurse Michael Ketterer, who sang To Love Somebody by the Bee Gees, Christina Wells, 42, who performed Queen Latifah's I Know Where I've Been and Lilly Wilker, 11, who amazed everyone with her animal impressions. For those wanting to see more performances, season 13 of America's Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8pm on NBC. When it comes to make-up, its tit for tat in our house. Thanks to my job as a beauty editor, my girls Molly and Beth have always known that my office is the place to raid for expensive pieces of make-up. But what they dont know is that when Im on the hunt for a new product Ill sneak a peek at their make-up stash. Teenagers dont usually take make-up too seriously. They see the cosmetics aisle as a huge playground and are keen to experiment. Its an attitude we tend to forget when were older. But best of all these products can be less than 5. A mascara doesnt have to cost 20 to give a high-end result. Often you are paying for the expensive packaging on pricey mascaras, says make-up artist Wendy Snowdon, who works with celebrities and on film sets. Wendy believes cheap products are great for encouraging women to step outside their make-up comfort zone. British beauty expert Alice-Hart Davis revealed the best inexpensive cosmetics for giving this season's bright colour make-up trend a go (file image) Theres a big trend for bright colour this summer and teen brands are an inexpensive way of having a go, she says. Many brands also have websites with videos on how to use the products. So heres my pick of the products worth adding to your make-up bag . . . FLATTERING BLUSHER Sleek Makeup is an innovative brand with its finger on the pulse of make-up trends, which has helped to make it one of the fastest-growing cosmetics companies. Skip past the palettes of rose-gold highlighter powders and instead try the Cream to Powder blush in French Rose (5.99). Stick with a cream blush, advises Wendy. Its easier to manage than powder for older, drier skin and gives a more flattering result. Or choose the colourful Twist-Up eye pencils (2.99) to try out this summers brighter-eyes trends (sleekmakeup.com). STAY-PUT LIPSTICK Most beauty-obsessed teens have some Revolution products in their collection because they deliver impressive colour options at amazing prices. Alice says Revolution's Pro Supreme Matte Lip Pigment (pictured) is ideal for lip gloss that stays in place For example, its Flawless Palettes offer 32 eyeshadow colours for 8, making them some of the best value available. For a slightly more grown-up option, try their Revolution Pro line. Packaged in classy black cases, the felt-tip style Fine Gel Liquid Eyeliner is 4 and perfect for a winged eyeline. Most of all, Im taken with their Pro Supreme Matte Lip Pigment in a scorching red called Spiritual, also 4, which has a gel formula that stays in place (revolution beauty.com). FLAWLESS SKIN Its all about full-on make-up looks at NYX Cosmetics. Launched over here in Boots in 2014, this cult U.S. brand took the teenage market by storm they have more than 12 million followers on Instagram. The illuminating powders are best left to youngsters, but the brand is strong on what I call make-up support. The Hydra Touch Primer is 13, says Wendy, and its as good as products twice its price. Theres a good Proof-It Waterproof Eye Shadow Primer, 6, too (nyxcosmetics.co.uk) Make-up artist Wendy recommends using products from NYX Cosmetics such as their Hydra Touch Primer (pictured left) to support looks. Barry M's Gelly range (pictured right) is ideal for everyday manicures PRETTY BRUSHES In blue, pink or rainbow-coloured, the range of make-up brushes from Spectrum is surely the prettiest on the High Street. Their synthetic fibres also mean they are vegan friendly, a big draw for teens. I love their So Oval You foundation brush (7.99) for liquid foundation, and their super-soft Well Rounded brush (8.99) for adding a light dusting of anti-shine powder. (spectrumcollections.com) BRIGHTER EYES W7 is a sassy London-based brand with a full range of teen-magnet products, from metallic highlighters to lip glosses. But what appeals to the mid-life eye are the eye shadow palettes, dead ringers for the expensive Urban Decay Naked range that are 39.50 each. Fetchingly styled in rectangular tins, W7 offers 12 eye shadows for just 9.95 (w7cosmetics.co.uk) The Colour me Buff Eye Palette by W7 Cosmetics, 9.95, is a rival for Urban Decay's Naked range MAGICAL MASCARA Italian brand Kiko has stand-alone shops that are an Aladdins cave for make-up junkies of any age, though with bargain prices (nail lacquers from 1 and eye shadows from 2.50) many of the clientele are young. I love the soft, glide-on eye pencils the black Everlasting Kajal is 5.50 and the 30 Days Extension Mascara (7.90) which promises that if you wear it every day its active ingredients will help your eyelashes grow longer over the course of a month (kikocosmetics.com). Alice recommends eye make-up from Kiko (pictured). She revealed the active ingredients in the brand's mascara is able to lengthen lashes CREATIVE NAILS I challenge your heart not to leap as you stand at a Barry M counter, marvelling at the colours. It takes you back to being a teen. Steer clear of the face jewels and glitter pots and try something sensible such as their All Night Long Anti-Redness Primer, 6.99, which has a smoothing effect. And I adore the bright Nail Paint nail varnishes, though what works better for everyday wear are nudes such as Pink Lemonade or Lychee in the Gelly range (2.99). Its mascaras are great, too the Showgirl Extra Lengthening Mascara (4.99) wakes up tired eyes in an instant (barrym.com). After a very challenging first birth four years ago that left me with ongoing physical problems, as well as severe enough emotional trauma to make me question whether I would ever want to be pregnant again, I am just two months away from having my second child. That child, Ive decided, will be delivered by Caesarean. Its not a choice Ive made lightly; Ive never had an operation before, and honestly, the thought of one terrifies me. But not as much as giving birth naturally again. I am aware of the risks of surgery. But for me, there are also benefits that far outweigh them, including a much lower risk of worsening my prolapse (a collapse of the internal organs, and a physical condition I still find hard to type or say out loud, aged 36). Natasha Pearlman (pictured) is an ex-magazine editor and is due to give birth in two months for the second time If things get worse for me in that respect, operations to correct the problem can be far more unpleasant than a C-section and take even longer to heal. My reasons for wanting a C-section this time are also psychological after the trauma of my daughters birth, a 33-hour labour followed by a forceps delivery. I am almost ashamed to admit that I have cried during every single midwife, physio and consultant appointment I have had this time around. I am, of course, aware of just how lucky I am to have become pregnant again easily and, so far, to have had an uncomplicated seven months. But reliving my first birth time and again, whether its through going over my medical notes or being poked or prodded internally, throws me every time. Which is why I am deeply grateful that not only have I felt able to request the birth I feel is right for me, but that I have been listened to and supported by all the professionals I have seen since my very first appointment. But do I, does every woman, have the right to choose the birth we want? After all, as women, our bodies are designed to give birth. We have been doing it for millennia, and for the vast majority of that time without even the most basic pain relief. She says that, after careful consideration, she has decided that her baby will be delivered by Caesarean Globally recognised research spearheaded by the World Health Organisation tells us that if there are no complications natural birth means quicker recovery times for the mother and a babys first breaths are easier. With hugely improved hygiene and healthcare provisions, its also much safer than it has ever been and many women talk passionately about their almost euphoric experiences of hypno-birthing or water births and other pain-medication-free methods. I am also very aware of the fact that each elective C-section costs the NHS an average 3,781, versus vaginal deliveries at 1,985 although, of course, the cost of natural deliveries can spiral the minute complications set in. We're not too posh to push, we're too scared There are on average just under 700,000 live births in the UK a year, of which nearly 20 per cent are C-sections (both elective and emergency). However, I am also aware that there are a growing number of women like me who just cannot countenance giving birth naturally a second time after what happened during our first labour. Were not too posh to push (a phrase I and Im sure many other women resent), but scared. And even more than that, protective of our own bodies. Which may sound controversial and even selfish. But as women we also need to be able to raise our babies and often, having been through a deep trauma already, we know the only way to do that is by putting our own mental and physical health first. Louise Davies, pictured, says she is a petite woman and endured what she describes as a barbaric assisted delivery Medics are all too quick to point out the risks of a Caesarean, but few talk about the damage inflicted by assisted births via forceps, ventouse or episiotomy, where the skin is cut to make way for the babys head. Yet statistics show these are increasingly the norm. Virtually every professional I spoke to about this midwife or doctor noted that almost all their C-section requests come from women who have suffered previous birth trauma. That raises the question of whether the fuss over a womans right to choose a Caesarean has been unnecessarily exaggerated. Because, while only anecdotal, it does suggest that the majority of women coming into birth the first time round do want to try a natural approach. But, more worryingly, it also hints at a bigger problem that, for far too many women, were getting birth so wrong that C-sections are becoming preferable with their second baby, regardless of the risks of major surgery. More than 90 per cent of women who have a vaginal birth suffer a tear or need an episiotomy, and up to half of all women who have children suffer some form of prolapse and may have long-term incontinence problems or need lifelong physio or expensive and complicated surgery to repair the damage. The annual follow-up costs for women who have had the controversial mesh implants to repair their prolapses are a staggering 245 million a year alone. That does not include the costs of the operations or physiotherapy, for which there are no official figures. The Birth Trauma Association estimates that as many as 200,000 women a year suffer from symptoms of post-traumatic stress related to their delivery, while mental health care related to the births in any given year costs the NHS 1.2 billion. C-sections are becoming the preferred choice for more and more women, regardless of the risks of major surgery (file photo) In my experience, a lot of people who request an elective Caesarean section see it as their only way to guarantee that they cant have a repeat of what has often been an awful experience before, concedes Lawrence Impey, a consultant in Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine at Oxfords John Radcliffe Hospital. I think we should regard this as being as much our problem as that of women, and it is a problem we need to address. Milli Hill, founder of the Positive Birth Movement and author of the Positive Birth Book, tells me: Were simply not getting birth right. There are too many women having unnecessary interventions. The World Health Organisation states that 80 per cent of women should be able to give birth without intervention, but only around 40 per cent in the UK do. So many births are becoming medicalised that we are losing track of what our bodies are actually capable of. Until we improve the way we do natural birth, we should respect women if they choose the option where they feel most in control which at the moment is Caesarean for many. I know how traumatic it can be when a woman is not listened to because I had that with my first, a hospital induction and forceps. I had always wanted a home birth, and because I was being induced (which I hadnt wanted), I wasnt allowed. Experts say that we are 'not getting birth right' as more and more women opt to not have a natural birth (file photo) It was deeply disempowering and inspired me to start thinking about how to achieve birth in a more positive way. For my second and third babies I hired private midwives and set up birthing pools in my house. I felt protected, less exposed and I had very powerful and fulfilling experiences. And while I really believe that natural birth can and should be made better and its vital we do this every woman has the right to the birth they feel is right for them. All too often this is simply not the case, as Louise Davies, 35, a teacher from Berkshire, discovered when she was pregnant with her eldest son Toby, now two. Im petite 5ft 1in tall and a dress size six so I knew Id struggle to cope with a vaginal birth when a scan at 36 weeks pregnant estimated that he was already a big baby and likely to weigh around 7lb 7oz. But when I voiced my concerns to the consultant and asked if I could have a Caesarean, she told me: No, no, youll be fine. I wasnt fine. Birth, full stop, is a risk. And, having weighed up all the options, I wanted my birth to be a controlled risk. Having been induced a week early due to gestational diabetes being diagnosed, Louise endured what she describes as a barbaric assisted delivery involving forceps followed by an episiotomy which resulted in a second degree tear. She lost two litres of blood and several months later needed surgery to remove some of the scar tissue. The consultant who performed the operation told me if I had another baby and wanted an elective Caesarean, hed give his full support to my choice, she says. He delivered my second baby, Charlie, by elective Caesarean 13 weeks ago. I felt a lot more in control despite the fact that its major surgery and certainly isnt an easy or pain-free option. After my first experience, Id never have a vaginal birth again. Louise was lucky to get this support. In April this year, 21 out of 91 hospital trusts questioned by the Daily Mail admitted that they are refusing women elective Caesareans unless they have a medical reason against guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) that specifically state: For women requesting a Caesarean section, if after discussion and offer of support, a vaginal birth is still not an acceptable option, offer a planned CS. However, 21 out of 91 hospital trusts questioned by the Daily Mail this year admitted that they are refusing women elective Caesareans unless they have a medical reason (file photo) Rebecca Pendleton, 32, owns a company running childrens events and lives in Staffordshire with her husband Ben, 34, a roofer, and their children Daisy, four, and Arlo, two. She had to battle for seven months to be granted an elective Caesarean after a traumatic first birth. Despite everything in my medical notes about the first labour, which ended in an emergency C-section, I had months of hell trying to persuade medics to grant me an elective Caesarean. At eight months pregnant, the consultant finally conceded that there were, by then, medical grounds for me to have a C-section, mostly that my blood pressure was dangerously high, probably due to the stress of it all. Arlos delivery by planned Caesarean felt calm and controlled compared to what Id been through previously. I dont subscribe to the idea that women should be allowed elective Caesareans on a whim. But when someone has experienced a birth as traumatic as my first one, its scandalous for them not to be given the choice. When I put these concerns to Gill Walton, the newly appointed chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, she accepted that the goal of all birthing professionals should be to improve the birth experience. We need to be clear that one size doesnt fit all. The role of the midwife must be to help women work through the best birth that they can have. And yet with so many horror stories of natural birth emerging, its perhaps no wonder that some women are making a calculated choice not to even try. Experts suggest that a majority of C-section requests come from women who have suffered previous birth trauma Nicola Prentis, who now lives in Spain with her partner and two children aged two and eight months, says she made a medical decision, based on analysis of the medical facts to have both her children by elective C-section. But when her then local London hospital refused her request at 37 weeks pregnant, she had to travel to Gloucester, 100 miles from her home, where she found a doctor who would agree to the birth she wanted. Birth, full stop, is a risk. And, having weighed up all the options, I wanted my birth to be a controlled risk. I absolutely didnt want to end up with an emergency C-section, I didnt want to tear, I didnt want to have a cut to help the baby out. I saw that as a medical reason for requesting a planned C-section. I still feel very let down by my own experience of birth the first time around. I dont blame the individuals involved. But there was such a lack of pre-birth education, that when things started to go wrong, I didnt know the questions I could and should have asked. Or even that I did have options. I certainly didnt know any of the statistics about the number of forceps births that end in prolapse or injury and, if I had, I would have chosen anything over them. I remain disturbed by what I saw as an unrelenting desire from the professionals around me to push me beyond my physical and psychological limits to deliver my baby naturally. As a result, I am simply unwilling to take that risk with my second child and that choice must be mine to make. A couple who promised decades ago they would marry each other if they were still single aged 50 has done just that, after years of nurturing a profound friendship. Kimberley Dean, 51, and Ron Palmer, 54, tied the knot last week, fulfilling the pact that had started as a 'complete joke', as Kimberley told Today. The pair, from Saint Paul, Minnesota, have been friends for 37 years. They were first high school sweethearts, but broke up because Ron wanted to 'sow [his] oats'. Keeping their promise: Kimberley Dean, 51, and Ron Palmer, 54, tied the knot last week, decades after pledging to marry each other if they were still single aged 50 Young love: The pair, from Saint Paul, Minnesota, have been friends for 37 years. They were first high school sweethearts (pictured), but broke up because Ron wanted to 'sow [his] oats' 'I thought at that young age, girls were a dime a dozen and I could get along with anybody so we broke up,' he said. 'But we broke up on good terms. We remained friends.' Over the years, Ron and Kimberley got into the habit of calling each other whenever one of them would go through a breakup. It was after one of those calls that they ended up making their marriage pact. 'It was a complete joke,' Kimberley said. 'We were both single at the time and we were just both fed up with dating and all the craziness that goes with that.' The promise dates back to several decades ago, though neither Ron nor Kimberley can remember the exact date. Kimberley, who works for her school district, had gone through a divorce and had two children, whom Ron, an iron worker, would sometimes look after and take camping. Family: Kimberley walked down the aisle with her son Konner as she and Ron finally tied the knot on Friday over the course of a 'beautiful' day Long time coming: Ron and Kimberley started dating again in 2016, and on New Year's Eve last year, Ron popped the question, leading to their nuptials last week Smitten: 'Everything you go through to get to here was worth it. I just wish it could have been a little earlier. What can I say? I love him. I'm head over heels,' Kimberley said Loved ones: Kimberley's daughter Kayla acted as maid of honor during the big day, while her son Konner gave her away Back when they made their promise to each other, Ron had no children of his own. 'It was something along the lines, since she's two and a half years younger, "Once you hit 50, if we're both single, maybe we should try this again,''' he recounted. Kimberley and Ron remained friends, and never let more than six months elapse between their conversations. In addition to babysitting Kimberley's children, Ron once helped get her son's late hamster out of its cage. 'That's the kind of friendship we have,' Kimberley said. '"If you need something, I'm there for you." It's always been that way for us. We've always clicked.' Finally, in 2016, Ron and Kimberley started dating again, and on New Year's Eve last year, Ron popped the question. The wedding took place on Friday, with Kimberley's son Konner walking her down the aisle while her daughter Kayla acted as the maid of honor. 'We had a pretty exciting day on Friday. It was awesome,' Ron said. Close: Kimberley and Ron (pictured in an archive photo) remained friends for years, and never let more than six months elapse between their conversations True love: Ron said he has 'always' loved Kimberley because 'she's such an awesome friend' The bride called the day 'beautiful', adding: 'We were surrounded by friends and family. It was overwhelmingly breathtaking and so full of happiness.' Ron made it clear he is, and has always been, smitten with his new wife. 'We started out as friends, we fell in love and we parted as friends, but we still cared for each other,' he said. 'I've always loved her because she's such an awesome friend.' As for Kimberley, her only regret is not tying the knot with Ron sooner. 'Everybody jokes, "Well, it's about dang time." We waited a long time to finally get to this point,' she said. 'Everything you go through to get to here was worth it. I just wish it could have been a little earlier. What can I say? I love him. I'm head over heels.' Kayla told the Star Tribune that Ron has played the role of a father for herself and for her brother Konner, adding about Kimberley and Ron's romance: 'People who are meant to be together will always find each other. It may take 37 years, but it can happen.' Forget cronuts and cruffins, a married couple have whipped up a delicious mash-up - and it certainly has a nice ring to it. Crag Carrick and his chef wife Rachel Dutton have launched their own start-up business selling the Donug - a cross between a chicken nugget and a doughnut. Appearing on Shark Tank on Tuesday night, the Melbourne pair sealed a $100,000 deal after pitching their culinary idea. Scroll down for video Crag Carrick and his wife Rachel Dutton launched a start-up business selling the Donug Ms Dutton is the chef behind the business - combining the two humble fast foods together The fried finger food called Donugs is a cross between a chicken nugget and a doughnut What's a Donug? 98 per cent free range chicken Cornflakes and panko crumb Three different sauces to choose from - a cheesy Dijon bechamel, a golden Japanese curry & mozzarella and a hot chilli Advertisement 'I'm not changing the world with this product. I'm giving something that's fun, it's easy to understand, people get it straight away,' he explained to the panel. The finger food made entirely out of free range chicken, comes with three different sauces to choose from. 'Nothing's sweet about it. All savoury product. It's 98 per cent chicken that has our unique and top-secret spice mix that goes through it,' Mr Carrick explained. 'It's got then a cornflakes and panko crumb and three different sauces - a cheesy dijon bechamel, a golden Japanese curry and mozzarella, a hot chilli, or you can have it just on its own.' After seeing quirky food trends sweeping social media from Japan and LA, Mr Carrick said he wanted to create something crazy too. So far, the couple have sold their food at two events but have already made $8,000 in profit The quirky creation has three mouth-watering toppings to choose from, including hot chilli Poll Would you try a Donug? Yes No Would you try a Donug? Yes 221 votes No 69 votes Now share your opinion 'I want this to be the crazy new food trend coming out of Melbourne,' he said. And so he teamed up with his chef wife, who has been in the food industry for 15 years, to whip up a combination of the two humble fast foods. 'It's made with care, it's a chef's recipe,' Mr Carrick added. Besides the delicious taste, the investors were far more impressed with the numbers. Donugs sell for $9 a pop but cost just a measly $2.20 to make - but the figure will rise to $4 at production cost - that's still a 225 per cent return and a 125 per cent profit. So far, the couple have sold their food at two events but have already made an impressive $8,000 in profit. Mr Carrick explained he wanted to take his start-up business to the 'next level'. Donugs are made from free range chicken, coated with crispy cornflakes and panko crumb The finger food made from chicken comes with three different sauces to choose from RedBalloon founder Naomi Simson offered the pair $100,000 for 25 per cent of the business 'I want to go to the manufacturing stage,' he said. 'I've been working with a manufacturer so far trying to get a prototype together. $100,000 basically kick starts the process. '$50,000 gets me my first 10,000 Donugs made, $40,000 is for a proper event set-up, and the $10,000 is for insurance and branding.' Despite enjoying the tasty food, investor Andrew Banks, internet entrepreneur Steve Baxter, Greencross founder Glen Richards and Boost Juice founder Janine Allis decided not to invest. However, RedBalloon founder Naomi Simson surprisingly offered the pair $100,000 for 25 per cent of the business. The couple happily accepted the deal. 'It's about getting Donugs sold here at every sporting ground, every servo, every fish-and-chip shop,' Mr Carrick added. It shares a similar name as a popular fast food burger - but instead of the meat being engulfed in between two patties, it's contained within sesame seed pastry in the form of a pie. Located 120 km north-west of Brisbane, Australia, Blackbutt Bakery has released their 'Big Mack' pie for the second time after popular demand. Roberta Anson, the owner of the bakery told Courier Mail they brought the unusual creation back after one customer saw the picture of it on Facebook and called up to order 20 of them. The unconventional pie contains beef, special sauce, cheese, onion and pickles The popular pie has won the title of 'Best Gourmet Pie' alongside the bakery's many accolades. The unconventional pie contains beef, special sauce, cheese, onion and pickles. But it isn't the only wacky pie to come out of Australia. Blackbutt Bakery, 120km northwest of Brisbane have released their Big Mack pie for the second time after popular demand Mount Barker Country Bakery in Western Australia have come out with a Thai Green Curry Chicken pie, which took third place for 'Overall Gourmet Pie' at the Great Aussie Pie competition in 2017. Others include the Footy Pie, a pie centered around the Sydney Swans and a smoked fish pie if you're into seafood. Blackbutt Bakery is also known for their Jack Daniels pie, a bourbon infused pork pie featuring hand-made pastry. The popular pie has won the title of 'Best Gourmet Pie' alongside the bakeries many accolades Blackbutt Bakery is also known for their Jack Daniels pie The 2017 Great Aussie Pie Competition also saw a chicken, brie and cranberry pie take out the prestigious title of Australia's Best Pie. Jeff Alexander, from Victoria, the baker behind the unique creation, left school when he was 15 to do his pastry cook apprenticeship and at 23, he started his bakery, Tatura Hot Bread, with his wife Glenda. 'We use [the competitions] as a benchmark to try and find out if our products are the good standards. So if we do well in these competitions we know that we are providing our customers with good products,' Glenda told WIN news. This chicken, brie and cranberry pie took out the prestigious title of Australia's Best Pie Since 2011, bakers around the country have been submitting their most delicious and unique pie creations in the hope of taking out the title of Australia's Best Pie Jeff said that they had been making the winning chicken, brie and cranberry pie for 'a long time'. 'We made two batches this week and picked the best one and sent it down [to be judged],' Jeff said. 12 judges from the Australian Baking Association tasted 2,000 pies in a bid to find the best one. The best vegetarian pie was made by the bakers at Bruns Bakery in Brunswick, New South Wales (left) while the best seafood pie went to Rolling Pin Pies & Cakes in Ocean Grove, Victoria, whose Prawn Laksa Pie impressed the judges (right) 'People want to come and try this pie and see why it's Australia's best. Not everyone will like it and it's not everyone's taste but if you love creamy chicken pies then this is it,' Glenda said. There were also winning pies in a number of weird, wonderful and simple categories - from plain mince beef pies to seafood pies. The country's best plain mince pie went to the Country Cob Bakery in Kyneton while the best vegetarian pie was made by the bakers at Bruns Bakery in Brunswick, New South Wales. The best gluten-free pie went to JoJo's Gluten Free Goodies in Kernot, Victoria (pictured) In 2016, the controversial first place pie was a vegan 'Thai Vegetable Curry' creation from Ka Pies in Sunshine, Melbourne. The pie was made like a traditional thai curry from fresh lemongrass and chillies The best seafood pie went to Rolling Pin Pies & Cakes in Ocean Grove, Victoria, whose Prawn Laksa Pie impressed the judges and the best gluten-free pie went to JoJo's Gluten Free Goodies in Kernot, Victoria. In 2016, the controversial first place pie was a vegan 'Thai Vegetable Curry' creation from Ka Pies in Sunshine, Melbourne. Heart attacks are more deadly during colder months, according to research. If you have a heart attack between November and April you may be nearly 50 per cent more likely to die than someone who has one in the summer. Cardiologists at a hospital in Leeds looked at the records of more than 4,000 heart attack patients over four years to find the concerning statistic. They found the number of heart attacks remains steady year-round but the risk of dying within a month is around 50 per cent higher in winter. There is no clear reason for the difference, they said, but hospital delays and an increased number of possibly fatal infections could be to blame. In the UK someone is hospitalised by a heart attack every three minutes the British Heart Foundation says there is an urgent need for research into reducing the number of heart attacks. Research found the number of heart attacks is evenly spread across colder and warmer months, but that one in four winter heart attacks is fatal, compared with one in five in the summer The research, done at Leeds General Infirmary in West Yorkshire, will be presented at the British Cardiovascular Society Conference in Manchester today. The doctors found people who have a severe heart attack between May and October have a 20 per cent chance of dying within 30 days. Those suffering a cardiac arrest between November and April, however, have a 28 per cent chance of death meaning more than one in every four heart attacks in colder weather is fatal. Numbers of heart attacks similar in warm and cold months Only slightly more than half of heart attacks happened in colder months 52 per cent with the most serious cases leading to cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock. Cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood around the body, while cardiogenic shock is when the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Both conditions are often caused by a severe heart attack, but not everyone who has a heart attack has a cardiac arrest or cardiogenic shock. HOW BAD WAS THE 2018 NHS WINTER CRISIS? Waiting times at over-stretched A&E units were at their worst level since records began, official figures revealed in April this year. Experts said the NHS was in the grip of an 'eternal winter' and many hospitals struggled to cope with the unprecedented pressure. Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt was forced to admit it was the 'worst winter ever' amid a severe outbreak of flu and cold weather. Chiefs cancelled thousands of operations in a controversial move to ease pressure. And experts have suggested this may be the only option to stop a crisis next year. Data from NHS England also shows that waiting times for routine operations, such as knee and hip replacements, are at their highest since 2004. And violent assaults on staff have risen by 10 per cent in a year partly driven by frustration with waiting times. Advertisement Dr Arvin Krishnamurthy, who led the research at Leeds, said: 'There is no physical reason why a heart attack, even the most severe, should be more deadly in winter. 'We must do further research to find the cause of this difference and remedy it. The next step is to find out if this trend is seen nationwide. Hospital delays could be to blame 'Potential explanations could include longer time to treatment, prolonged hospitalisation and delays to discharge, and increased prevalence of winter-associated infections, which in the sickest patients, could be potentially lethal. 'Further studies interrogating the association between time of admission and outcomes, especially in the sickest and most vulnerable patients, are certainly warranted.' The cardiologists compared information from 4,056 people who received treatment for a heart attack in four separate years. In the UK, someone goes to hospital with a heart attack every three minutes 200,000 people per year and only around seven out of 10 survive. When you have a heart attack shouldn't impact your chance of survival Professor Metin Avkiran, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, added: 'You obviously can't choose when you have a major heart attack, but it shouldn't have such an impact on your chances of surviving. 'It's vital we carry out more research to find out why there are these differences, as well as continuing to do all we can to stop people having heart attacks in the first place. 'Although we've made huge strides in the last 50 years, we must urgently fund more research to continue to drive down the number of heart attacks and ensure more people can live full lives even after a heart attack.' NHS winter crisis at record levels in February The NHS comes under extraordinary strain in the winter and the 'winter crisis' regularly hits the headlines. In February 2018 just 85 per cent of patients were admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours of arrival in casualty units across England. The NHS target is to have at least 95 per cent of patients dealt with in this time. February's figure was worse than the 85.1 per cent recorded in December 2017 and January 2018, when the Red Cross was drafted in to help combat what it called a 'humanitarian crisis' in hospitals. What are the hallmarks of a good doctor? Technical expertise and skill, of course but someone who understands you, someone you trust, is also vital. Indeed, research shows that a good relationship with your doctor can actually improve the chances of a successful outcome. But how do you find a specialist who fits the bill? Thats where this unique series of guides, running every day this week in the Mail, can help. Weve identified the countrys top consultants as judged by their peers. Weve canvassed the views of more than 260 consultants across seven specialties from around the country and asked them this very simple, but key, question: If your own nearest and dearest were to need treatment in your field, to whom would you refer them and why? The consultants who earned the most votes from their peers are the ones who made it into our guides though patients should bear in mind that this is not a scientific study. Research shows that a good relationship with your doctor can actually improve the chances of a successful outcome And, of course, there are many superb and highly skilled specialists all over the country who didnt make it on to our list, but who spend every day of their working lives transforming patients lives. To help you make informed decisions about your care, weve also talked to experts about the latest thinking on treatment. Today, we focus on breast reconstructive surgery. Why implants are more common HOW DO I SEE THE SPECIALIST I WANT? Its a little known secret, but, under the NHS Constitution, patients in England have the right to choose where to receive their NHS treatment which means you can ask to have your treatment in any hospital or clinic in the country if it has the necessary expertise. Your GP can help arrange a referral to the specialist you would like to see. You (and your doctor) can access the electronic national referral service called the NHS e-Referral Service this allows you to select your hospital or clinic as well as the date and time of your first appointment. This is not a guarantee that you will see a specific consultant and there may be a waiting list for that specialist. You must also consider other practical reasons for not travelling too far; if you need hospital treatment, you may not want to be hundreds of miles from family and friends. Note that many of the specialists in our guides also work in private practice, so seeing them privately may also be an option. Advertisement Just at the point when a woman can be at her most vulnerable, dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, she is likely to be confronted by further bewildering choices on a matter to which shes probably never given much thought: Would she like breast reconstruction? Some women may consider this a distraction; others see it as a step to aiding their self-confidence and recovery. Under National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, all breast cancer patients should be offered the full range of breast reconstruction procedures. Broadly speaking, these fall into two main categories: implant-based reconstruction, or using the womans own surplus tissue, known as flaps, harvested from areas such as the abdomen, inner thigh or the back, to rebuild the breast. Reconstruction can be carried out at the same time as the cancer surgery, or it can be delayed until all other treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, is completed. Although all options should be on the table for each woman, in practice its far less clear-cut. Most good surgeons will want to take the womans preferences into account, but a number of factors will influence which reconstruction option is best. The stage of cancer, the womans size and shape, where in the breast the lump is located and whether radiotherapy is necessary this can scar and shrink tissues and interfere with blood supply to the breast, making reconstruction more difficult these are all key factors in determining which type of reconstruction will produce the best cosmetic result, and whether it can be done immediately. A woman with a smaller lump in the lower part of a medium to large, pendulous breast may be a good candidate for therapeutic mammoplasty where the lump is removed with a cancer-free margin of tissue around it (i.e., a lumpectomy), allowing the surgeon to reshape the remaining tissue into a smaller breast. In a slim and smaller-breasted woman, breast conservation can be more of a challenge. In a small breast, removing even a 1cm lump can leave a big defect, says Simon Smith, a breast surgeon at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford. So then you have to think about whether you can move a bit of tissue from elsewhere to fill this, or consider whether that patient might be better with a mastectomy, then an implant reconstruction. In fact, 70 per cent of patients electing to have breast reconstruction end up with an implant. It is probably the simplest, most straightforward route and it can get a lovely result, according to Stephen McCulley, a breast surgeon at Nottingham City Hospital. However, it is unlikely to age as well as a flap reconstruction, and if radiotherapy is needed, this may shrink the skin and harden the implant, in which case further surgery may be needed. With own-tissue breast reconstruction, the DIEP flap where tissue and its blood supply is taken from the abdomen is the gold-standard treatment. It is ideal for women with surplus fat around the abdomen, providing a soft, natural-feeling breast without any muscle-loss. The key benefits of such microsurgical procedures and only plastic surgeons are able to undertake these is that they can provide a natural-looking and feeling breast which will gain and lose weight with the woman. But there are drawbacks these are lengthy, complex operations and if some muscle has to be taken to boost blood supply in the breast, it can weaken areas where the tissue was mined. Breast surgeons are the first port of call in the referral process. They diagnose suspicious lumps, carry out all necessary cancer surgery and also orchestrate chemotherapy and radiotherapy when its needed. Breast reconstruction is done by breast surgeons and plastic surgeons, sometimes called oncoplastic breast surgeons. A tummy tuck can help with rebuilding your breast The aim of reconstruction is to restore a natural symmetry to a womans figure, says Steven Thrush, a breast surgeon at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital. So if shes having a mastectomy and has a generous breast, we might reconstruct a smaller breast and do a reduction on the other side. Here, we look out the main available options. RECONSTRUCTION Partial: This can be an option when the cancer is on the outside of the breast and clearing it involves removing more than 1520 per cent of the breast, but leaving more than 50 per cent. Tissue from elsewhere, such as the fatty pads in the armpits, is used to fill in the missing parts this is known as LICAP flap breast reconstruction. PROS: The healing process is quicker, though surgeons are limited by how much tissue is available, says Mr Thrush. CONS: Theres a risk that breast tissue thats left behind contains cancer cells. And as more breast tissue is left with this technique, the risk may be increased, so patients tend to have radiotherapy afterwards. FULL: This involves removing as much breast tissue as possible the skin is retained, but the nipple may be removed if the cancer is close. THE DIEP FLAP: Here, fat, skin and blood vessels are lifted off the wall of the lower belly and are rejoined near the chest to rebuild the breast. This technique involves an automatic tummy tuck. PROS: As this procedure uses fat from the patients body, the reconstruction feels and moves like breast tissue, says Mr Thrush. Its warm, changes in shape and ages with the womans body. If you lose or put on weight, the flap does, too. This is considered the gold standard in breast reconstruction. CONS: Its not suitable if you have a flat tummy. Also, the operation lasts six or seven hours, patients need to be in hospital for six days and it can take three months to recover fully, says Mr Thrush, and some women may not want a long recovery time. Due to its complexity, only some hospitals offer the procedure. The biggest problem is that, because its such complex surgery, it doesnt always work one in 40 fails, adds Mr Thrush. This is devastating for the patient, whos gone through all that surgery for nothing. THE LATISSIMUS DORSI FLAP: The latissimus dorsi is a muscle in the back, just below the shoulder and behind the armpit. We need it for twisting movements, such as opening a door. Here, the muscle, along with skin and fat, is moved to the chest to build a new breast. It remains attached to the arm for its blood supply. PROS: Unlike the DIEP flap, the blood vessels dont have to be rejoined, so its less complex surgery, explains Mr Thrush. The operation takes three to four hours, patients stay in a hospital for a few days and recovery time is usually six weeks, quicker than with the DIEP. CONS: Theres less fat on the back to create the breast, which can affect the shape. And as the new breast is made with muscle, it can behave like one. So doing movements that affect the muscle can cause the breast to twitch, says Mr Thrush. Also, that side of the body might not be as strong as before. BREAST IMPLANTS Implant surgery involves using a silicone gel or a saline-filled silicone shell. PROS: It causes very little scarring and is a much simpler operation than flap options. The implants are anatomically shaped [they mimic breast shape] or are round, says Ruth Waters, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and BMI The Priory Hospital in Birmingham. Most surgeons usually use textured implants, which allow tissue to stick to them, so theyre less likely to move or rotate. Smooth implants, which move freely inside the breast capsule, may create a rippling effect. CONS: The breasts can feel colder or less mobile. The body can form hardened tissue around the implant [capsular contracture], which makes the breast uncomfortable and distorts its shape, says Ms Waters. Implants need to be replaced after ten to 20 years. They can change in size and sometimes rupture without symptoms, so surgeons should recommend regular MRIs. Advertisement Oncoplastics is effectively a hybrid of oncology (cancer care) and some types of plastic surgery; oncoplastic breast surgeons are experts in clearing cancer and can undertake implant reconstructions and breast conservation surgery, with the aim of creating the sort of cosmetic result the patient can live with. However, its worth noting that the term oncoplastic commonly tagged on to the title breast surgeon does not necessarily signify any further qualification many breast surgeons who have adopted the term have had no formal training in oncoplastics, although the majority may well have done courses or visited hospitals to learn from experienced surgeons and have become very good in the process. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons are qualified to carry out the most complex microsurgical breast reconstructions, but not to remove the cancer, for example with a lumpectomy or mastectomy (although some now do extensive further training for this, too). In large breast units, oncoplastic breast surgeons work with the plastic surgeons as a team; breast surgeons in smaller hospitals, which are unlikely to have an on-site plastic surgeon, may well refer patients suitable for flap reconstructions to larger regional units providing such services. This in itself is a quality indicator, the sign of a hospital wanting to provide the full spectrum of reconstructions for their patients, says Mr McCulley. So what are the hallmarks of the best breast and plastic surgeons? Cancer clearance is absolutely the number-one priority, says Jo Skillman, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at University Hospital in Coventry. It has to be safe but it is a fine balance. We have to take enough tissue, but not overdo it. If we dont take enough, we can compromise cancer clearance. If we take too much, we compromise the aesthetic result. To identify the countrys very best consultants in breast reconstruction, we canvassed the views of around 40 breast and plastic surgeons themselves. Here, we reveal their choices, with a selection of personal comments about why they chose them. Resconstructive surgeons rated by their peers PAUL HARRIS The Royal Marsden Hospital in London WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HIM: An unbelievable surgeon with brilliant results who has great rapport with his patients, says one of his peers. According to another: His breasts always look amazing and never fail. You really cannot tell the reconstructed breast from the other. He can make a DIEP flap [where tissue from the abdomen is used to rebuild the breast] work well in virtually anyone. He is also very good at taking his patients views on board. PRIVATE: The Royal Marsden Hospital (private care), The London Clinic, Parkside Hospital in Wimbledon. FIONA MacNEILL The Royal Marsden Hospital in London WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HER: Incredibly experienced, technically gifted and with an international reputation. She is also kind, really caring, is a good diagnostician and she looks after her patients very well, says a fellow surgeon. Will give a very sensible opinion on how best to manage difficult cases and her patients can feel reassured that the best decisions for their treatment are being made. PRIVATE: The Royal Marsden Hospital (private care), The London Breast Clinic. VENKAT RAMAKRISHNAN Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HIM: Technically brilliant, a lovely man and generally regarded as one of the best in the country for the DIEP flap reconstruction. He is also an innovator who has pushed the boundaries, streamlining the service at his hospital for flap reconstructions so that it is almost a production line this means more patients benefit from the service than would otherwise be the case. PRIVATE: Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital in Essex, Spire Wellesley Hospital in Southend-on-Sea, BMI Southend Hospital, Springfield Hospital in Chelmsford. DOUGLAS MACMILLAN Nottingham City Hospital WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HIM: Technically a very good breast surgeon who is very thorough and who does lots of implant reconstructions, according to one of his peers. He thinks hard about providing the best aesthetic outcome and takes an active interest in the academic side of breast reconstruction a sign of someone in the forefront of the field, interested in honing his skills. PRIVATE: BMI The Park Hospital in Nottingham. GERALD GUI The Royal Marsden Hospital in London WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HIM: Very creative with a great reputation and a very big, fairly international practice, says a contemporary. He is an experienced cancer surgeon who publishes widely [a sign of someone at the forefront in his field], pays great attention to detail and achieves excellent results with low complication rates, particularly with implants. PRIVATE: The Royal Marsden Hospital (private care), The London Clinic. STEPHEN McCULLEY Nottingham City Hospital WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HIM: Technically skilled and dual-trained in oncoplastics so he can both clear the cancer and offer the full spectrum of breast reconstructions. He has a very good aesthetic eye and has a sound understanding of how he can best restore the breast, according to one. Very confident, an excellent communicator and also caring of his patients, says another. PRIVATE: The Redcliffe Rooms, Woodthorpe Hospital, BMI The Park Hospital, all in Nottingham. RICHARD SUTTON Royal United Hospital in Bath WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HIM: Technically a great surgeon who gets very good results and who handles the tissues beautifully to minimise any possible damage, comments one fellow surgeon. He is also a gentleman, a genuinely kind and sensitive man who cares about his patients, was another comment. PRIVATE: Circle Bath Hospital, BMI Bath Clinic. STUART JAMES The Royal Marsden Hospital in London WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HIM: Tremendous, technically brilliant and really understands aesthetics for a man, he really gets it, says one of his peers. He is also a very good communicator and is one of the few plastic surgeons who understands that the person sitting in front of him has a serious illness and that tackling this is all about team effort and is not only a matter of breast enhancement. Caring, but not touchy-feely. PRIVATE: The Royal Marsden Hospital (private care), Spire Gatwick Park, 108 Harley Street, The Chelsea Outpatient Centre, all in London. Also highly thought of: SIMON WOOD Charing Cross Hospital in London WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HIM: Huge experience on a very broad spectrum of breast reconstructions, including lots of difficult cases with women with advanced disease. He is a quiet, self-effacing man who publishes and presents widely [a sign hes at the forefront of this field] and is very approachable, down-to-earth and genuine, with lots of common sense. PRIVATE: Parkside Hospital, The London Clinic, Imperial Private Healthcare, all in London. IAIN BROWN Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HIM: He gives a lot of thought to what reconstruction will work best for each patient and has great technique he tries hard to avoid implants and will try to conserve the breast if at all possible, according to one. A lovely man and a great communicator as he takes his patients through this process, when theyre at their most vulnerable. PRIVATE: Duchy Hospital in Truro. STEVEN THRUSH Worcestershire Royal Hospital WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HIM: One of the newer generation of consultants, he is totally dedicated to breast surgery, says a surgeon who nominated him. He is very caring and very sound oncologically in other words, cancer clearance is, as it should be, the top priority, but he also has a very good aesthetic eye. He wants to restore the most natural-looking breast, unlike some oncoplastic breast surgeons who might be too ready with an implant. PRIVATE: Spire South Bank Hospital in Worcester, BMI The Droitwich Spa Hospital in Worcestershire. P. G. ROY John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HER: According to one surgeon: Shes young, engaging, technically outstanding and with huge energy. She also has a good aesthetic eye and has developed a technique for partial breast reconstruction i.e., lumpectomy and sculpting the remaining tissue, taking tissue from elsewhere, to achieve excellent results. Another says: She does wonderful work with the LICAP flap [suitable for women with breast cancer in the outer part of the breast here, skin and fat are taken from under the arm to rebuild the breast]. PRIVATE: Oxford Breast Clinic, Nuffield Health The Manor Hospital in Oxford. PROFESSOR ANDREW BAILDAM Manchester and London WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HIM: In a sense, hes the godfather of oncoplastics, says one simply. He helped set up a UK training fellowship scheme for breast oncoplastics in 2002 and he has artists hands it is a pleasure to watch him operate. He completely understands the 3D aspects of the breast and he gets amazing results, comments another. He is a really good oncosurgeon and has a wonderful aesthetic sense. PRIVATE: (Works privately only) BMI The Alexandra Hospital in Cheshire; King Edward VII Hospital, The Harley Street Clinic, The Wilmslow Hospital, all in London. JOHN MURPHY University Hospital South Manchester WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HIM: A relatively new appointee, he is a breath of fresh air with lots of new ideas. He tries hard to avoid mastectomy if at all possible. He has led the way with implant-based reconstructions as opposed to own-tissue reconstructions. He is also very personable. PRIVATE: Spire Manchester Hospital, BMI The Alexandra Hospital in Cheshire. ANNE TANSLEY Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HER: A very good surgeon, a lovely person and a next-generation Fiona MacNeill, says one, referring to a leading figure in this field (see far left). She has been a key figure in driving up the quality of breast surgery and devotes a lot of time to running training courses for the next generation in oncoplastics. She has also been a key figure in bringing oncoplastic surgeons and plastic surgeons together which benefits all patients. PRIVATE: Spire Liverpool Hospital, Spire Murrayfield Hospital in Wirral. SIMON SMITH Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HIM: A lovely man, who is technically very skilled and who really understands the importance of the most careful tissue handling in getting the best results there is huge skill in removing the breast well and this is what he will do, leaving what we call a good skin envelope, says one of those who nominated him. If this is done well, plastic surgeons can do an amazing reconstruction. He also gets beautiful results with therapeutic mammoplasty [where the cancerous lump is removed and the remaining tissue is reshaped into a smaller breast]. PRIVATE: Springfield Hospital, The Chelmsford, both in Chelmsford. EVA WEILER-MITHOFF Glasgow Royal Infirmary WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HER: One of the grandes dames of breast reconstruction. She is a wonderful communicator who is massively experienced and who cares about her patients, comments one. Another says: Shes been a leader in the field over the years and was one of the frontrunners in establishing fat transfer techniques. (See box on fat jabs far right.) PRIVATE: Nuffield Health Glasgow Hospital, BMI Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow. JO SKILLMAN University Hospital in Coventry WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HER: Delightful. She is a brilliant communicator who is technically gifted, has low complication rates and is one of the few plastic surgeons who has also formally trained in oncoplastics, which means she will do the mastectomy and the breast reconstruction as well. PRIVATE: BMI The Meriden Hospital in Coventry, Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital, Spire South Bank Hospital in Worcester. Fat jab that fills out any little flaws While the aim of breast reconstruction is for perfect symmetry with the other natural breast, this isnt always possible. Matching the two can be technically difficult for even the most experienced surgeons and some patients are left with a lack of fullness, or dents or hollows emerge. A newish technique known as lipomodelling can rectify this. It involves harvesting fat from the womans stomach or thighs, which is then used to reshape any irregularities in the reconstructed breast. Its a straightforward procedure that most reconstructive surgeons can do its usually performed by the original surgeon. The fat is removed under general anaesthetic using liposuction [i.e. a needle], explains Steven Thrush, a breast surgeon at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital. A rough estimate will have been made of how much is needed and slightly more will be taken. The fat is then washed to remove blood cells and transplanted using a second needle while the fat is still fresh and sterile. Its put in thin strips, about a millimetre apart, until the area is filled in. The donor site wont look different, adds Lester Barr, a breast cancer surgeon at the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester. There wont be enough fat taken to produce a flat stomach. In some cases about half of the transplanted fat cells will die or be reabsorbed into the body, but the procedure can be repeated a couple of months later (to allow healing from the first attempt). Lipomodelling can also be used after a lumpectomy. It is not suitable for everyone, for instance patients with diabetes or those who smoke, as restrictions in blood flow mean the fat may not take as well. Advertisement Five questions you should ask your surgeon 1- What are all the reconstructive options available for me? 2- What are the pros and cons of each option? 3- In the light of my lifestyle, hobbies and body shape, which option would you recommend as my first choice? 4- Is the operation a one-off or will there be further revision treatment i.e., what are the chances it may need repeating or improving? 5- Can you show me photos/testimonials from previous patients you have operated on? Advertisement Should you delay your breast reconstruction? WHY TIMING CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE The NHS performs around 23,000 mastectomies every year, but only 21 per cent of women have an immediate reconstruction. While some women wont want it, there are concerns that the rate of immediate reconstruction is lower than it should be. Sometimes this may be down to cost this type of surgery can cost up to 20,000. According to Ruth Waters, a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specialises in breast surgery at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, every woman diagnosed with breast cancer should be offered all the options. Obviously some types of reconstructive surgery are better for certain patients. But every patient should at least have the chance to be offered what is now available. Reconstruction may be delayed until all other treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, is completed. IF YOURE HAVING CHEMOTHERAPY . . . Many breast units around the country offer patients chemotherapy or hormones prior to surgery to shrink the tumour. Depending on the aggressiveness of the cancer, this can be very successful, says Geraldine Mitchell, a breast surgeon at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. Between 33 and 46 per cent of patients will respond to this to the extent that under the microscope we can no longer spot any cancer cells. That doesnt mean there will be no surgery because there could be tiny satellite cancer cells remaining but it does mean we can save those patients from a disfiguring operation or mastectomy. This may mean the patient may need a less extensive reconstruction operation. The order of chemotherapy and surgery very much depends on the type of breast cancer being treated, explains Lester Barr, a breast cancer surgeon at the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester. So for example with HER2-positive breast cancer [which tests positive for a protein that promotes the growth of cancer] we like to give chemotherapy first, as it shrinks the tumour and makes the surgery easier. And also the chemotherapy is the priority we have drugs such as Herceptin which work effectively in treating this cancer because they specifically target the HER2 molecule. So we like to get the chemotherapy in early. With triple negative breast cancer, chemotherapy is also suggested before any surgery, he says. But with women with certain types of oestrogen receptor positive breast cancers, its more usual to wait until after the surgery to decide if chemotherapy is needed, explains Dr Sacha Howell, a consultant in medical oncology at the Christie and Wythenshawe Hospitals in Manchester. Its important to look at the biology of the tumour. If its a small tumour, less than 2 cm in size, chemotherapy may not be needed unless it is an especially aggressive cancer or if it has spread to the lymph nodes. If chemotherapy does take place first, it can take up to a couple of months after treatment has finished for a woman to be well enough to go ahead with surgery, adds Mr Barr. By then haemoglobin levels needed for red blood cells will have recovered and white cells, needed to fight infection, are functioning well. Of course, the order of treatment is ultimately the patients decision some will want to have reconstruction first to get all their surgery out of the way. Its important to remember that if you do a simultaneous immediate reconstruction as part of a mastectomy operation theres a chance chemotherapy will be delayed because you are making a recovery from quite a big operation, says Mr Barr. Its one of the reasons, if chemotherapy is strongly advised, to have it first. If the chemotherapy is to be given after the surgery, the timing depends on the procedure. Recovery of about four weeks is needed after a mastectomy before chemotherapy can begin. The same is true if the operation also includes implant surgery. For more extensive reconstructive surgery using the patients own tissue, recovery before chemotherapy can take between four to ten weeks. IF YOURE HAVING RADIOTHERAPY . . . If radiotherapy is needed, different factors have to be taken into account for reconstructive surgery. The treatment can mean the surrounding tissue on the breast wont heal well, says Dr Howell. If you have had radiotherapy prior to reconstruction, it limits the wound healing ability. Reconstruction is possible before radiotherapy, but the treatment may spoil the cosmetic outcome, as radiotherapy can change the shape or size of the reconstructed breast, explains Mr Barr. (See reconstruction options, on the previous page.) The job of the team is to calculate the risk of local recurrence and long-term survival when deciding treatment options, adds Dr Howell. This should be discussed very early after diagnosis. Its vital patients know all the facts and understand the issues and options op How to ensure your bra fits comfortably after surgery Adapting to changes after reconstruction surgery also means choosing the right bra, explains Dr Anne Rigg, a consultant medical oncologist specialising in breast cancer at Guys and St Thomas Hospitals in London. It can take some time, even up to a year, to recover. There could be skin changes such as swollen breasts from radiotherapy, while the nerves need time to repair. So its important to choose a bra with adjustable straps and one that fits on the loosest hook to ensure comfort. Some women can be left with broken blood vessels known as telangiectasia, which may not disappear, and they may want to cover them up with a bigger style. Some hospitals have a specialist bra shop and fitting service. If you dont have access to specialist help, there are key things to look out for when buying a bra, explains Dr Rigg. It should have soft seams and minimal detail. Avoid underwired designs as these can be uncomfortable. Opt for styles with a wide band under the cups and round the back as well as full cups. The bra should provide cup separation, so that the centre of the bra between the cups lies flat on the chest. For women who have had a mastectomy without reconstruction, it is possible to buy bras with a bra pocket in which to hold breast prosthesis. These bras should be well fitted with full cup to secure the prosthesis, says Dr Rigg. Its also possible to buy pockets to sew in yourself, though avoid sewing in too tightly. Remember that shape and size can change during and/or after treatment, so its a good idea to have your bra size accurately measured before you buy any new ones. GUIDE TO CONSULTANTS compiled by ANGELA BROOKS. Additional reporting by Angela Epstein. Personalised cancer treatment can raise the chances of survival by up to six times, a study has found. The treatment, which is tailored to individual patients' tumours, has been described as the biggest medical breakthrough since chemotherapy. In the US study of more than 3,700 people with incurable or untreatable cancer, 6 per cent given personalised medicine survived the next decade, compared to just 1 per cent of those treated the traditional way. Using the latest type of gene sequencing, researchers tested for mutations in 20 to 50 genes at once. They then used these results to give people 'matched' treatments based on the biology of their tumours. Personalised cancer treatment can raise the chances of survival by up to six times, a study has found While it was tested on patients who had exhausted treatment options, experts say the same benefit could be seen in less serious patients. Many NHS cancer patients get genetic testing, but more detailed sequencing such as that being looked at in the study is still not used widely. The study, by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Oncology in Chicago. Nell Barrie of Cancer Research UK said: 'Drugs that target changes in a patient's cancer cells have transformed the way cancer is treated, as this study illustrates.' Dr Catherine Diefenbach, an oncologist at NYC Health and Hospitals in New York, said: 'Now with faster and more robust genetic tests, we can help even more patients by treating the cancer based on its genetic make-up rather than solely on its location in the body.' The study gave 711 cancer patients matched personalised treatment, which often involved blocking the function of genes altered and mutated by cancer. The study gave 711 cancer patients matched personalised treatment, which often involved blocking the function of genes altered and mutated by cancer. Another 596 received more traditional non-matched therapies. Professor Tsimberidou said: 'All patients should have access to next-generation sequencing and I believe in the next few years we are going to see this approach dramatically improving outcomes. 'We need to know what is really causing these diseases so we can treat them properly.' Sweden and Iceland are the happiest countries in Europe, according to a new index developed by scientists. The system for judging a nation's satisfaction is based on official statistics rather than questionnaires answered by some of the population. Data on a country's development, freedom, solidarity, justice and peace are measured to build rankings and work out how people can be made happier. Of 13 countries on which the index was tested, Iceland and Sweden come out on top, with a 76 out of 100 score. Austria places third on 74, and the UK fourth with 69. Experts hope analysing countries this way could help develop strategies for their countries to improve people's happiness. Nordic countries such as Sweden and Iceland, which have high incomes and good government services, regularly rank as the happiest and best places to live in the world Researchers at the University of Valencia and Polytechnic University of Valencia in Spain invented the Happiness Index named HAIN in a study using official data from sources such as the UN, World Data Bank and Eurostat. They tested the index on 13 European countries for which all the data they wanted was available: Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Top rankings line up with UN Happiness Report The top four countries Iceland, Sweden, Austria and the UK are in the same order but in different ranks in the World Happiness Report 2018, commissioned by the UN. In the UN's much larger list, which ranks 156 countries, Finland is the happiest country, followed by Norway in second, Denmark in third, and Iceland in fourth. The Nordic countries regularly top happiest and quality of life surveys; this is thought to be partly due to higher incomes and good government and community support. Dr Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, an author of the UN's Happiness Report, told Time: 'The Scandinavian countries are very big on social support. 'The top countries, you can see, have societies which are not at each others throats. But also they have high GDP per capita.' Their happiness could be down to high taxes in Denmark people pay a lot of tax but in return they get free university education, free healthcare, generous maternity leave and unemployment benefits, the BBC reports. Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen said in 2016: 'We are not paying taxes. We are investing in our society. We are purchasing quality of life.' HOW DO THE COUNTRIES RANK? (OUT OF 100) Iceland (76) Sweden (76) Austria (74) UK (69) France (66) Spain (63) Czech Republic (63) Cyprus (62) Slovenia (61) Croatia (60) Lithuania (58) Latvia (51) Portugal (50) Advertisement New index is different because it uses data, not questionnaires As well as Iceland making the top four, the UN ranks HAIN top performers Sweden ninth, Austria 12th and the UK 19th. There are differences among other countries, however, and the Czech Republic ranks higher than France and Spain in the UN's list but not in the HAIN. It also rates Croatia as a happier country than Lithuania, Latvia and Portugal, which is not reflected in the World Happiness Report. The HAIN is also different because it looks at data on the quality of education, migration and importing and exporting of goods and services. Professor Joan Mico, who was involved in creating the index, said: 'At the moment, happiness indexes are based on questionnaires that a certain sample of the population answer. 'They are therefore very subjective values. Unlike these, our index is created based on objective data, official statistics that represent a country's entire population.' How the index works The HAIN rates a country between zero and one on its levels of development, freedom, solidarity, justice and peace. The figure changes over time as data changes on factors such as population, births, literacy rate, income per person and life expectancy. Data for this study was taken from UN Human Development Reports and World Bank and Eurostat data between 1996 and 2015. An average is then taken of all five scores to produce an Overall Satisfaction Index score on which the countries are ranked. Iceland and Sweden's figures the highest were 0.76. Data could teach countries how to be happier By rating countries in such detail experts hope the HAIN will show governments what they need to do for their populations to be happier. 'This index is part of a mathematic equation that provides objective guidelines on how to improve the happiness of a society,' said Professor Mico. Researchers say the scores produced in this study reflect the countries' happiness in 2013, but they hope to use the index to study more countries in future. They hope to discover links between happiness and geographic regions, climates and religions. 'We also want to polish the model for more countries, so that we can include more social and financial variables,' added study author Antonio Caselles. 'The end goal is that HAIN can be used to find strategies adapted to the specific governing issues of each country.' The HAIN was published in a study called 'A stochastic dynamical social model involving a human happiness index' in the Journal of Computational and Applied Mathematics. A cure for Parkinson's disease could revolve around vitamin B3, a study suggests. German researchers have found that taking a form of the vitamin can stop nerve cells from dying off. Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition that destroys cells in the part of the brain that controls movement. Around 140,000 people in the UK and nearly one million in the US suffer from Parkinson's. But there is currently no cure. The new University of Tubingen and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research study could change that and offers a 'new starting point' for treatment. The Vitamin B3 could help to restore function in nerve cells with Parkinson's, say study authors How was the study carried out? Skin cell samples were taken from Parkinson's disease patients and turned into nerve cells for the experiment. The cells contained the GBA gene, a risk gene frequently found in people with the disease, which causes muscle stiffness, slowness of movement, tremors, sleep disturbance, chronic fatigue, an impaired quality of life and can lead to severe disability. As expected, the mitochondria described as the powerhouses of cells - in these nerve cells did not function properly. They also produced less energy than normal cells, according to the study, published in the journal Cell Reports. The researchers, led by Dr Michela Deleidi, 'fed' the cells nicotinamide riboside, a form of the vitamin B3. It is important in the formation of new mitochondria. Giving the nerve cells doses of the vitamin allowed new mitochondria to form and energy production increased. A second experiment The researchers then decided to feed flies with the GBA gene nicotinamide riboside to observe the effects in a living organism. Flies with the enriched feed were able to stave off the effects of Parkinson's longer and showed less nerve cell die-off. Commenting on the study, Dr Deleidi said: 'Administering [B3] may be a new starting-point for treatment.' Scientists still do not know exactly what causes the symptoms of Parkinson's disease to start developing. However, recent research suggests the parts of the brain that die off in Parkinson's cases have damaged mitochondria. The new study backs up the evidence and 'suggests the loss of mitochondria does indeed play a significant role', Dr Deleidi added. Claire Bale, Head of Research Communications at Parkinson's UK, told the MailOnline: 'These new findings build upon previous experiments which show how important niacin a form of vitamin B3 may be for keeping brain cells healthy and working properly. 'However, as with previous studies, this research was carried out in the lab using skin cells and fruit flies so we now really need to understand whether these encouraging findings hold true in people. 'There is currently a clinical trial underway in the US investigating the effect of treatment with niacin in people with Parkinson's and results are expected in late 2019. 'Some vitamins, when taken in large doses, can have side effects so it's vital that people consult a health professional for advice before deciding to take any form of dietary supplement.' Trevor Hayden was driving his truck down a country road in November 2016 when he he suddenly lost control. The truck rolled over several times and Hayden, 27, was ejected from the vehicle and landed on the side of the road. In the hospital, doctors told Hayden, from Manto, Illinois, that he was paralyzed from the waist down and he would likely never be able to walk again. But Hayden refuses to accept the diagnosis and, in addition to standard therapy, he's learning how to walk again with the help of a robotic exoskeleton. The bionic legs encourage the motion of walking and stimulate hip joints and leg muscles - which Hayden hopes will help train his body out of paralysis. Trevor Hayden, 27 (pictured), from Manto, Illinois, was driving his truck down a country road in November 2016 when he suddenly lost control and was ejected from the vehicle In the hospital, doctors told Hayden (pictured, prior to the accident) that he was paralyzed from the waist down and he would likely never be able to walk again After spending ten days in the hospital following the accident, Hayden (left and right, in physical therapy) was transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation facility in Chicago where he spent the next six weeks Hayden isn't quite sure how the truck lost control as he was driving but remembers how it rolled over repeatedly. He was ejected from the truck and landed in a field. When he woke up, first responders were surrounding him and he was unable to move anything besides his arms slightly. Hayden was immediately taken to the hospital and underwent surgery. When he woke up, doctors informed him that he may never be able to walk again due to the extent of his paralysis. 'I had no idea what to think. There were a lot of tears and pain before I really knew what was happening,' he said. 'Initially they told me I wouldn't regain much more movement than what I had retained from the time of my accident and that I was very lucky to have the dexterity and motor function I still did in my arms. 'After getting over the initial shock of what happened, I quickly started to focus on what my first step would be in recovery and I haven't looked back since.' After spending 10 days in the hospital following the accident, Hayden was transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation facility in Chicago where he spent the next six weeks. With basic therapy, Hayden regained the motor function in his arms and the strength in his fingers and hands. Hayden (pictured) lived in his parents' house until his own home could be remodeled so that it would be wheelchair accessible During therapy sessions, Hayden (pictured) uses a 'Rewalk exoskeleton' to help encourage the motion of walking and stimulate the muscles in his legs as well as the joints in his hips His goal is to learn how to use the exoskeleton well enough where he can have one at home and no longer use a wheelchair (Pictured, Hayden with his family) Upon leaving the inpatient facility, Hayden spent the next three months still living in Chicago but in an outpatient facility, slowly regaining back his independence. 'I was living at my parents' house at the time and that was a huge adjustment, being in a wheelchair and rolling into your childhood home where everything has been modified was a shock to say the least,' he said. Hayden set a personal goal of returning to his own house by the first year anniversary of the accident, in November 2017. Family and friends pitched in to help remodel the house to make it wheelchair accessible so he could move back in. Hayden is currently in therapy to improve his strength and balance in the hopes that he will defy the doctors' prediction of being completely paralyzed for the rest of his life. He has therapy sessions twice a week and on other days he has a stimulation bike set up in his home, or he does pool therapy. During the sessions, Hayden uses a 'Rewalk exoskeleton' to help encourage the motion of walking and stimulate the muscles in his legs as well as the joints in his hips. Hayden (pictured) has therapy sessions twice a week and on other days he has a stimulation bike set up in his home, or he does pool therapy Members of the local community, friends and family put together a benefit called 'Trevor's Endeavor' to raise money for the expenses of therapy and recovery (Pictured, Hayden, left and right) Joint movement is created from battery-powered motors and the user can control the suit's motion from a wireless controller worn on the wrist. A tilt sensor perceives when the body is leaning forward and takes the first step. Crutches can also be used for stability. Members of the local community, friends and family put together a benefit called 'Trevor's Endeavor' to raise money for the expenses of therapy and recovery. 'My current goal is to get efficient enough in the exoskeleton to the point where it becomes a reality to have one for home use,' Hayden said. 'The constant goal is to walk again and regain functional movements which is what all the therapy is working towards in the end. 'I continue to see improvement in all areas so it's encouraging to keep pushing while I have the opportunity, I don't want to look back and think I could have done more.' You can read more about his challenging journey at Trevor's Endeavor or through his Instagram, @trevorsendeavor. A life-extending prostate cancer drug has been denied to 7,000 men because it is not deemed to be 'value for money'. Abiraterone has been hailed as one the greatest achievements in the NHS's 70-year history for its success in treating advanced prostate cancer. Costing 2,700 a month, it is one of the few drugs available to men with very advanced tumours and has doubled average survival times. But it has been rejected by Nice, in draft guidance, due to a lack of evidence over whether it was more effective than existing treatments. The rationing body also said it couldn't guarantee that the drug offered 'value for money' for the NHS. Abiraterone has been hailed as one the greatest achievements in the NHS's 70-year history for its success in treating advanced prostate cancer Cancer doctors and charities said the decision was 'concerning' and 'disappointing' and urged Nice to review the very latest evidence. The drug could have been offered to up to 7,000 men in England a year with an aggressive form of prostate cancer which has spread to organs such as the liver, kidneys and bones. A major French study last year involving 1,200 men last year showed that it doubled average survival times. Men given abiraterone lived for an average of 33 months nearly three years compared to 14.5 months if they were given hormone treatment. But the issue is complicated because men in the UK with this type of prostate cancer are given hormone treatment and chemotherapy. As the French study did not compare abiraterone with chemotherapy, Nice cannot determine whether it is any better. Doctors who have been using the drug for years - in trials -are certain the drug is more effective than chemotherapy - and causes far fewer side effects. And many men cannot tolerate chemotherapy, particularly if they are frailer or more susceptible to its side effects which include severe infections. Professor Paul Workman, chief executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: 'Abiraterone has been a game changer for treatment of prostate cancer extending the lives of men with the disease, and crucially sparing them the side-effects of conventional chemotherapy. 'I am disappointed that men with advanced prostate cancer will not be able to access abiraterone as a first-line treatment. WHAT IS PROSTATE CANCER? How many people does it kill? More than 11,800 men a year - or one every 45 minutes - are killed by the disease in Britain, compared with about 11,400 women dying of breast cancer. It means prostate cancer is behind only lung and bowel in terms of how many people it kills in Britain. In the US, the disease kills 26,000 men each year. Despite this, it receives less than half the research funding of breast cancer and treatments for the disease are trailing at least a decade behind. How quickly does it develop? Prostate cancer usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs someone has it for many years, according to the NHS. If the cancer is at an early stage and not causing symptoms, a policy of 'watchful waiting' or 'active surveillance' may be adopted. Some patients can be cured if the disease is treated in the early stages. But if it diagnosed at a later stage, when it has spread, then it becomes terminal and treatment revolves around relieving symptoms. Thousands of men are put off seeking a diagnosis because of the known side effects from treatment, including erectile dysfunction. Tests and treatment Tests for prostate cancer are haphazard, with accurate tools only just beginning to emerge. There is no national prostate screening programme as for years the tests have been too inaccurate. Doctors struggle to distinguish between aggressive and less serious tumours, making it hard to decide on treatment. Men over 50 are eligible for a PSA blood test which gives doctors a rough idea of whether a patient is at risk. But it is unreliable. Patients who get a positive result are usually given a biopsy which is also not foolproof. Scientists are unsure as to what causes prostate cancer, but age, obesity and a lack of exercise are known risks. Anyone with any concerns can speak to Prostate Cancer UK's specialist nurses on 0800 074 8383 or visit prostatecanceruk.org Advertisement 'It is particularly concerning that some men who are ineligible for the current first-line treatment, docetaxel (a type of chemotherapy), should be denied access to abiraterone and I would urge NICE to consider availability of the drug for these patients as a matter of urgency.' Tim Windle, policy manager at Prostate Cancer UK said: 'For some men diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, treatment with abiraterone alongside hormone therapy has been shown to have impressive results. 'It is therefore disappointing that this draft decision from Nice is not to approve its use for any of this group. Currently the best treatment available at this stage is chemotherapy alongside hormone therapy, which some men through no fault of their own are unable to tolerate. It's imperative that these men are able to access abiraterone as an alternative.' WHAT IS ABIRATERONE? Abiraterone works by blocking an enzyme which in turn stops the body producing the hormone testosterone. Prostate cancer tumours need testosterone to grow, so stopping the production of teststeonr halts or even reduces its spread. It was developed in 2008 by doctors at the Royal Marsden, a leading NHS cancer hospital in South West London and the Institute of Cancer Research, also in London. In January it was approved by the European Medicines Agency, the drugs watchdog, and countries across Europe were encouraged to use it as a 'first line' treatment. Advertisement Nice's draft guidance states that abiraterone cannot be used as a 'first-line' treatment. This means that it can only be offered to men who have tried hormone therapy and chemotherapy first, for several months, without success. Many men will not be able to tolerate chemotherapy for several months however. Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men and there are 47,700 new cases in the UK a year. Approximately 15 per cent have this very aggressive, advanced form Abiraterone works by blocking an enzyme which in turn stops the body producing the hormone testosterone. Prostate cancer tumours need testosterone to grow, so stopping the production of teststeonr halts or even reduces its spread. It was developed in 2008 by doctors at the Royal Marsden, a leading NHS cancer hospital in South West London and the Institute of Cancer Research, also in London. In January it was approved by the European Medicines Agency, the drugs watchdog, and countries across Europe were encouraged to use it as a 'first line' treatment. Charities are urging the Belgian-based manufacturer Janssen to lower the price. Last June, a highly promising breast cancer drug was made available on the NHS after the manufacturer Roche agreed to significantly reduce its cost. Kadcyla had proven to be extremely successful for women with advanced breast cancer and had enabled them to live an extra six months. Nice and NHS England announced they had persuaded another firm MSD to slash the price of a lung cancer drug so it could be offered on the NHS. A Nice spokesman said: 'We understand that some men with prostate cancer will be disappointed by this news. 'However, we can only recommend drugs that are clinically effective and show value for money compared to current treatment options. In this case, abiraterone has fallen short. 'This publication is not our final recommendation, it is a draft decision. We hope to receive further information from consultees, including the company, during the consultation period.' The grotesque tale of a 63-year-old woman biting into calamari only to spit out a mouthful of squid babies is enough to put anyone off seafood. But the astonishing claims, first published in a medical journal in 2012 and since picked up by various media outlets, have been debunked. Doctors in South Korea originally explained how they found '12 small, white spindle-shaped, bug-like organisms' embedded in her tongue. But journalists have confused insemination with impregnation - when successful fertilisation has already taken place, according to fact-checking website Snopes. The woman did, however, have squid sperm stuck in her mouth because the animal had not been properly gutted before it was served. The squid the woman was eating had not been gutted properly before she ate it and she ended up biting into its 'sperm bag' which released sperm into her mouth The woman, who has not been named, was eating the parboiled dead squid when she felt a sharp stinging pain in her mouth. She then spat out what she was eating but said she could feel something 'pricking' in her mouth, according to the report in the Journal of Parasitology. Medics removed 12 'small, white spindle-shaped, bug-like organisms' that were stuck to her tongue, cheek and gums when she was taken to hospital complaining of pain. These small bumps have since been incorrectly referred to as 'squid babies' by some media outlets, Snopes clarified. Scientists confirmed what she had eaten was squid spermatophores packages of sperm from inside the animals sperm bag. The journal authors wrote: 'On the basis of their morphology [shape] and the presence of the sperm bag, the foreign bodies were identified as squid spermatophores.' The sperm of a Japanese flying squid, or Todarodes pacificusy, had fixed to her mouth as they would to the inside of a mate. HERE'S WHY THE WOMAN WAS NEVER 'PREGNANT WITH BABY SQUIDS' Although scientists confirmed the 63-year-old South Korean woman had the squid's sperm stuck to the inside of her mouth, she was never 'pregnant'. The sperm need the egg of a female squid to fertilise before any baby squid are able to grow, and there was no egg in the woman's mouth. Instead, experts say her mouth was technically inseminated sperm were released into it. She bit into the sperm bag of the parboiled squid which had not been completely gutted while eating it, and spat out what was in her mouth. She complained of pain afterwards and, when she went to hospital, medics discovered she had spermatophobes packages of sperm attached to the inside of her mouth. Website Science 2.0 said: '"Impregnate" means that successful fertilization has already taken place: sperm met with egg and an embryo is developing. That did not happen.' Advertisement Snopes said: 'For a number of scientific reasons (a human womans mouth is not the same as a female squid egg), these sperms never developed into baby squids.' Because the squid sperm needs the egg of a female to fertilise and grow into baby squids, no impregnation took place during the encounter. Website Science 2.0 weighed in on the debate days after the bizarre tale surfaced and wrote: '"Impregnate"means that successful fertilization has already taken place: sperm met with egg and an embryo is developing. That did not happen. 'There was no impregnation, no pregnancy, and no baby squid. 'Nobody ever got pregnant from eating squid, or from any other contact with squid, and furthermore, it is not possible to become pregnant from eating squid, or from any other contact with squid.' Similar cases have been documented in the past, however, and it is possible for squid's spermatophores to attach themselves to a body independently. The spermatophores attach themselves to a female's eggs when squids reproduce, and scientists have observed them causing pain by doing the same thing to the human mouth when eaten raw, according to a 2012 report in journal Zoomorphology. The report said the process could happen outside of a squid's body and without any input from either the male or a mate. Scientists say the best way to avoid it happening is to remove all the animal's internal organs before eating it. Angola has shut a segment of its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus. It comes after five more deaths in the DRC last week, bringing the total death toll to an estimated 25 this year. While the outbreak has not yet reached their border, Angolan officials have shutdown the strip of land where Angolans and Congolese most commonly interact. A group of border patrol officers, nurses and veterinary doctors have also been deployed to the border to specifically screen for Ebola in water and animal products being passed through. The current Ebola outbreak began in the poorly-connected region of Ikoko-Impenge and Bikoro. It has since travelled 80 miles (130km) north to Mbandaka. There is fears it will spread to Kinshasa 364 miles (586km) south on the river, where 12 million people live The way things stand, the current outbreak is, while alarming and devastating, manageable. But measures like Angola's border closure won't hurt, and may ultimately prove very useful in containing the spread. In 2014, the virus, considered one of the most lethal pathogens in existence, decimated West Africa and killed more than 11,000 people. The DRC escaped the brutal Ebola pandemic, which was finally declared over in January 2016 - but it was struck by a smaller outbreak last year. The new outbreak is the DRCs ninth since the discovery of Ebola in the country in 1976. Officials in the DRC have already branded the fresh outbreak, which has seen 54 suspected cases, a public health emergency. The country's vast, remote geography also gives it an advantage, as outbreaks are often localized and relatively easy to isolate. Neighbouring countries have already been alerted about the new outbreak of Ebola, which can cause severe bleeding. DRC borders Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Rwanda, Burundi and the Republic of Congo. Kenya - separated from the DRC by Uganda - issued warnings earlier this month over the possible spread of Ebola. International help has poured in as aid workers battle round-the-clock to contain the outbreak. A mass vaccination campaign has also begun and all neighboring countries have been placed on high alert. The current Ebola outbreak began in the poorly-connected region of Ikoko-Impenge and Bikoro in the north east of the DRC. It has since travelled 80 miles (130km) north to Mbandaka, a port city on the river Congo an essential waterway - with around 1.2 million inhabitants. The current outbreak of Ebola is caused by the Zaire strain. There has been 54 suspected cases since the beginning of the outbreak in April but only 35 have been confirmed in lab tests. Twelve deaths from Ebola have been confirmed so far, including two health care workers. Another two have been confirmed to have the virus. In its last situation report, released Tuesday, the WHO said 906 contacts have been recorded and are being followed up actively. Dr Derek Gatherer, a virologist from Lancaster University, warns the fresh outbreak is reminiscent of the 2014 Ebola pandemic. He said there is a major concern it will spread to Kinshasa 364 miles (586km) south on the river, where 12 million people live. The city, which is the capital of the DRC, has an international airport with regular flights to European cities Zurich, Frankfurt and Brussels. In an editorial for a scientific journal, Dr Gatherer wrote: The current outbreak has the potential for rapid expansion in numbers. He added: Mbandaka is a port on the River Congo, the main arterial transport link from DRCs capital Kinshasa to inland cities. With poor to non-existent provision of running water, sewage and electricity, the similarities with the urban situation during the west African outbreak are obvious. A clinic in Ukraine is doing the seemingly impossible and using the DNA of three different people to create babies. Valery Zukin, director of the Nadiya Clinic, in Kiev, says the process has helped several women, who have been infertile for years, finally conceive by inserting the parents' DNA into the egg of a donor. Zukin told NPR in the first ever inside look at the clinic that, so far, four children have been produced this way and three women are currently pregnant. Additionally, he says that several women from around the world, including Brazil and Israel, are going through the process. However, the clinic's work is contentious and many geneticists and ethicists worry the procedure could result in new, inheritable diseases or that it could lead to 'designer babies' - parents who want to genetically modify their future children. The Nadiya Clinic in Kiev, Ukraine, is performing a procedure where the DNA of three people is being used to create babies for couples that have been struggling with infertility. Pictured: clinic director Valery Zukin holding a baby girl born via this procedure in January 2017 Clinic director Valery Zukin (pictured, center, holding baby girl conceived via this procedure) said that, so far, four children have been produced this way and three women are pregnant in January 2017 Geneticists and ethicists worry the procedure could lead to 'designer babies' - parents who want to genetically modify their future children. Pictured: Nadiya clinic The procedure starts with fertilizing the egg of the woman with the sperm of her male partner to create an embryo. Then the egg of another woman, who was paid to donate her eggs, is fertilized with the same man's sperm to create a second embryo. Both embryos are put under a microscope and, from there, the scientists have 15 minutes to complete the process without risking damage. HOW THEY CREATED A THREE-PERSON BABY The technique could be used for anything - from avoiding disease to altering a baby's appearance. For now, disease is the focus. The world's first 'three-parent' baby was created to prevent him inheriting a genetic condition his mother carries in her mitochondria. The disease - Leigh's syndrome - would have killed him within a few years. Damaged mitochondria can also prevent a woman from getting pregnant in the first place. HOW IS THE PROCEDURE DONE? Take eggs from a mother with damaged mitochondria. Take eggs from a donor with healthy mitochondria. Remove and save the nucleus from the mother's egg. This contains the majority of her genetic material. Remove and discard the donor's nucleus. Place the mother's nucleus in the donor's egg with the healthy mitochondria. The egg can then be fertilized by the father's sperm. Advertisement Carefully, a small glass needle is inserted into the fertilized egg of the mother and her male partner. The scientists extract the future parents' DNA and then they do the same thing with the fertilized egg from the female donor. All that is left behind in the second egg is something known as mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondria known as the 'powerhouse of the cell' is like a battery that provides energy to the cells. Most DNA is found within the nucleus, or center, of a cell, but less than one percent is found in the mitochondria, which is passed from mother to child through the egg. However, if the mother has damaged mitochondria, she could pass rare but serious, mitochondrial diseases that could cause muscle weakness, vision and/or hearing loss, and organ failure. In other cases, damaged mitochondria could be what is preventing a woman from getting pregnant. However, the procedure allows the damaged mitochondria to be replaced with the healthy mitochondria of the donor. So the DNA of the couple trying to have a baby is transferred to the donor embryo. Once this process is complete, scientists at the Nadiya clinic will transfer the embryos carrying the DNA of three people into the womb of the woman who wants to get pregnant. In total, 21 women have undergone this procedure. The clinic says 14 transfers were unsuccessful likely due to the age of the women trying to get pregnant. The women who have had babies or are pregnant are younger but were unable to produce viable embryos, according to clinic staffers. It's a very expensive procedure. While women in Ukraine pay around $8,000, foreigners pay close to $15,000. Dr John Zhang of the New Hope Fertility Clinic in New York came under fire from the FDA for promoting the procedure (Pictured, Zhang holding the world's first 'three-person' baby after the boy was born in Mexico in April 2016) Zukin has helped form a company, Darwin Life-Nadiya, with a New York clinic to market the service to American women who want to travel to Ukraine to try the procedure. The New York clinic, New Hope Fertility Clinic, is run by Dr John Zhang. He made headlines in 2016 after he delivered a baby that was conceived via this three-parent process. The mother of the baby, who was born in April 2016, had Leigh syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting the nervous system, which she didn't want to pass down through her own mitochondrial DNA. The procedure is banned in the US but, because Dr Zhang performed part of the procedure in Mexico, he did not face any criminal charges but was told to stop promoting it. The FDA reprimanded Dr Zhang last August, saying he was continuing to market the procedure, particularly as 'the first proven treatment for certain genetic disorders'. Marcy Darnovsky, head of the Center for Genetics and Society, a US-based watchdog group, told NPR that she fears a slight mistake could result in creating a new, inheritable disease. It's a very expensive procedure, costing women in the Ukraine around $8,000 while foreigners pay close to $15,000. Pictured: a scientist at work in the Nadiya clinic In total, 21 women have undergone this procedure. The clinic says 14 transfers were unsuccessful likely due to the age of the women trying to get pregnant. Pictured: two women inside the clinic This chart explains how the procedure is done for parents with hereditary diseases (1) Eggs are taken from the mother with damaged mitochondria (2) Eggs are taken from a donor with healthy mitochondria (3) The nucleus is saved from the mother's egg (4) The donor's nucleus is discarded (5) The mother's nucleus is placed in the donor's egg (6) The donor's egg is fertilized with the father's sperm She is also worried the procedure could lead to parents who want to genetically modify their children for other reasons. 'What we're seeing is a fast slide down a very slippery slope toward designer babies,' Darnovsky said. 'We could see parents feeling eager to give their children traits like greater strength, needs less sleep. Some people are saying that: "Yes, there are genes for IQ and we could have smarter babies".' It all feels very familiar, but a change of scene is just enough to keep Fallen Kingdom fresh and there's comfort in familiarity, writes Pippa Bailey Fallen Kingdom sees Owen and Claire make an ill-fated return to Isla Nublar Undergrowth rustling ominously on black, rainy nights; shaking ground signalling the arrival of stampeding herbivores; grisly T-rex jaws looming from around the side of vehicles: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is very much what we have come to expect from the franchise only with added lava. We return to Isla Nublar four years after the end of Jurassic World to find that the long-dormant volcano is now very much active, and the world is in conflict over whether to intervene to conserve the dinosaurs or to allow nature to once again leave them extinct (an ethical dilemma that gives Fallen Kingdom more weight than its predecessor). In the absence of John Hammond, his business partner Benjamin Lockwood retroactively inserted for the purposes of this film takes the role of the dying patriarch putting his dollars behind a trip to the island to round up the dinosaurs and relocate them to the safety of a new island paradise. Slicked-back estate executor Eli (Rafe Spall), however, has other, more shifty plans as Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard), now a dinosaur rights activist, and Owen (Chris Pratt), who has spent the intervening years drinking beer and building a cabin, discover when they agree to join the rescue mission. The relationship between Owen and his raptor-child Blue is the romantic heart of the film The tranquilliser-wielding leader of the expedition takes on extra villainous weight for fans of The Silence of the Lambs who will recognise the actor, Ted Levine, as the man behind the Oscar-winners serial killer. Otherwise, the cast of characters is all rather familiar. Jeff Goldblums cameo is excellent, of course, but far too short. Beefcake velociraptor whisperer Owen is up to his usual day-saving, one-liner antics, while his now ex-girlfriend Claire is given slightly more to do, and more sensible shoes, than last time round. Owen and his outstretched hand are relieved to find that his blue steel still works on Blue, and several almost laughably rose-tinted 'family' videos of man and his raptor-child bonding make their pairing the romantic heart of the film. The Jurassic trope of the child in need of saving is initially filled by twitchy techie Franklin (Justice Smith) whose slightly grey pallor throughout is surely the most realistic performance of the lot until it is taken over by an actual child, in the form of Maisie (Isabelle Sermon), the curious, corridor-wandering 'orphan'. The secret behind her identity is Fallen Kingdom's strangest twist. Hedge-fund villain Eli and his genetically modified Indoraptor If the plot feels like a box-checking exercise bad guys hunting dinosaurs to turn a profit and breed them as weapons, geneticists modifying the creatures to make them even more deadly (this time its the Indoraptor, Jurassic Worlds Indominus Rex crossed with a raptor) director J A Bayona makes up for it by moving the second half of the film to a new setting: a creaky gothic mansion. This provides a whole new set of thrills: dinosaurs thrashing about in too-narrow corridors, sending roof tiles clattering and lurking in the shadows of the skeletons of their ancestors, and its enough of a refresh to keep you glued. From its opening with an old-fashioned, skin-of-your-teeth set piece, the film keeps up the pace and there are plenty of jumps. The overriding feeling, topped off by the return of Dr Henry Wu and his genetic tomfoolery, is one of Will they never learn? never more so than when Claire and Owen attempt to take a blood sample from a T-rex. Yes, its camp, its formulaic and it pushes the boundaries of incredulity, but, oh boy, is it watchable. In April, I passed out twice in a Benidorm hotel, where staff called a private doctor who got me admitted to hospital. Not only did we have to pay the doctor, but my husband had to pay the hospital 2,000 for me to be let out to fly home. They are also demanding a further unspecified bill of 2,500. I have a European health card and insurance from easyJet/Zurich. But the insurers say I have to pay because of pre-existing medical conditions. The cardiologist in Spain discovered I have an irregular heartbeat, which caused the blackouts. I have never suffered with this before. We can ill afford what we have had to pay, let alone further costs to come. G. H., Gwent. One reader who suffered health problems on a Spanish holiday was saddled with a huge bill despite taking out insurance You were initially caught out by Spanish medics whisking you to a private, rather than a state, hospital. Then an intermediary handling the claim made a right old mess. Zurich, the insurer that underwrites your policy, says your claim was valid, as your fainting had nothing to do with any pre-existing condition. The hospital misled you on this. You contacted the insurance assistance team at 9.59 and they replied at 10.54 asking for details and the likely discharge date. Costs at that point were estimated at 2,500 by the hospital. The assistance team spoke with you that afternoon and ran through the questionnaire, when you were told that you might not be covered if your claim was related to an existing condition. The assistance team contacted the hospital the following day, however you had already been discharged and given a Fit To Fly certificate by a doctor. You called to discuss your claim again on April 16. Zurich has listened to the call and, when you said you had paid the hospital, an agent shrieked: Why did you do that? This should not have happened and Zurich has made this clear to the agent. You were asked for receipts and then given an incorrect number to call about your claim. The hospital then appears to have incorrectly told you the claim would not be paid. There was a further delay, and it was not until April 24 that Zurich had a reply from the hospital. You then received an email on April 26, which, the agent admits, was a little blunt. A further letter contained mistakes, not least being addressed wrongly. After this, Zurich called a senior team meeting to sort things out. Finally, your claim has been sorted out. In sterling terms, Zurich will be coughing up around 4,500, which underlines the value of travel insurance. You paid a 2,000 deposit to the hospital and got 1,910 back, but Zurich refunded your 75 excess to cover this. Medical bills of 4,916 will be paid directly to the hospital. They will also cover the 80 doctors call-out fee and add 25 hospital benefit for the 24 hours you spent in hospital. I must add that when under great stress, we do not always remember seemingly trivial things such as receipts and, in your case, you were clearly put under great pressure by the hospital. But in future, Id suggest you get a more specialist policy and please tell the insurer about all your pre-existing medical conditions. It may make your policy more expensive, but this would be tiny besides the cost of a rejected claim. You Have Your Say - Every week, Money Mail receives hundreds of your letters and emails about our stories. Here are some from our report on how Aviva refused a payout to a father-of-three because he had a cardiac arrest and not a heart attack... This is unfortunately the way of things. My insurer refused to pay out as I had the wrong type of open-heart surgery. Total charlatans I paid 90 a month for almost 20 years. C. B., Kinross. What annoys me is that the couple in question had done all the right things and bought the necessary protection products only then to be thwarted by nonsense technicalities. Y. S., Ashford. When it comes to insurance, people want everything for nothing, so insurers offer what customers want: cheap policies. Comprehensive critical illness cover can be easily 100 per month, so a policy at just 22 per month will have many clauses and limited cover. S. P., Cheltenham, Glos. Insurers trade on fears: they promise the Earth in order to get your business, then find every excuse in the book to avoid meeting their obligations. A. L., France, via email. Its incredible how many life-limiting conditions are not covered by critical illness insurance. Always read the list of conditions first. B. F., Yorkshire. If you go into a car showroom and buy a Ford Fiesta, you dont complain when youre not given a Range Rover. Stop whingeing and accept responsibility for the agreements youve signed. U. T., via email. When you find yourself lying in intensive care, with your life flashing before your eyes, the difference between having a heart attack and a cardiac arrest is of no importance. M. M., Larnaca, Cyprus. My late husband died in 1967. We had two children. I have not remarried. I inherited our home, which was worth 7,306. The estate duty plus interest came to 226.70 in todays money. As the current rules concerning bequests and gifts between spouses did not come into force until 1972, I am not entitled to his inheritance tax gift allowance. But I have recently been told I am entitled to his residence allowance. Is this correct? A. E., Devon. Your letter highlights a terrible inequality on inheritance taxes. Before 1972, gifts between spouses were not tax-free and you had to pay estate duties. Your husbands nil-rate band of 5,000 was used up in transferring assets to you. This iniquitous kink in legislation leaves the children of those widowed before 1972 at a disadvantage when it comes to inheritance. Your children could have to pay 130,000 more tax (40 pc of the current 325,000 nil-rate band) than those who had a parent die from 1972 onwards. But there is better news on the main residence relief, says Paul Falvey, a tax partner at business and advisory firm BDO. He says: You could receive all or part of his main residence relief. The estate of the surviving spouse can benefit from the percentage of the allowance not used on the first spouses death. The main residence nil-rate band did not exist until April 2017, so could not have been used against his estate. Therefore, 100 per cent of his allowance can be transferred to use against your estate in addition to both your standard and main residence nil-rate bands. There is a potential catch, as the relief is reduced if your total estate at death is more than 2 million. He says that, from 2020/21 onwards, your allowances could exempt at least 675,000 of your estate from tax made up of your own 325,000, plus a double residence allowance of 350,000. Mr Falvey adds: If your estate is worth more than 2 million at death, the main residence nil-rate bands (your own and the allowance transferred from your husband) would be reduced by 1 for every 2 over 2 million. The cut-off point when all of the residence allowance has gone is 2.7 million. Mr Falvey says: This is a good reason to consider making lifetime gifts of your assets in order to reduce the value of your estate at death. Kingston-upon-Thames-based Intelliflo has been sold by parent company Hg to investment manager Invesco A company that makes software for financial and mortgage advisers has been snapped up for a reported 200million. Kingston-upon-Thames-based Intelliflo has been sold by parent company Hg to investment manager Invesco, it was announced yesterday. The companys Intelligent Office software system is used by about a third of UK advisers, who manage more than 300billion for their clients. It was bought by Hg, a private equity firm, in 2013. Hamish Purdey, chief executive of Intelliflo, said: In a comparatively short space of time, we have built one of the UKs largest pure-play software as a service businesses, and we now look forward to expanding our business, taking our leading technology into new markets. Sebastien Briens, a partner at Hg, said: We will continue our focus on the asset management and wealth sector, having already partnered with several exciting businesses. The deal is worth 200million, says Money Marketing newspaper a figure Intelliflo dismissed. Capita boss Jonathan Lewis is joining the board of Norwegian oil major Equinor (formerly Statoil) as it looks to diversify. Originally from south Wales, he spent 15 years in Texas working for oil services company Halliburton. He took over at outsourcer Capita last December after previous employer Amec Foster Wheeler was sold to Wood Group. The IT and administration firm has tapped shareholders for 701million as it tries to recover from a string of missteps. Foreign tech stocks helped Monks Investment Trust deliver market-beating results MARKET BEATER Foreign tech stocks such as Amazon and Alibaba helped Monks Investment Trust deliver market-beating returns in the year to April 30. It backs businesses worldwide and delivered 15.8 per cent of its value back to savers. LONDON LAUNCH New York hedge fund Hudson Bay Capital is to launch in London to take advantage of a European deal-making boom. It looks after 2billion of investors cash, and has hired several investment veterans. HQ SALE The headquarters of German lender Commerzbank is on the market for 425million. The site in Gresham Street near the Bank of England has been put up for sale by owner Samsung Life Insurance. BRITISH RECORDS Foreign owners sold British firms worth a record 6.9billion in the first three months of 2018, data from the Office for National Statistics shows. PARTNERS MADE Accountancy firm Deloitte has promoted 54 British staff to the coveted rank of partner, three fewer than a year earlier. Only 20 per cent of these were women. 66M RAISED Property investor Yew Grove Reit has raised 66million ahead of a float on the AIM junior stock market tomorrow. TECH VALUATION Financial technology firm Adyen has been valued at up to 6.2billion ahead of a float on the stock market. SECURITY FEAR Social media network Facebook faces fresh pressure over data-sharing deals with mobile device makers, after it emerged they include Chinese companies such as Huawei, raising security concerns in the US. PASSENGERS UP The number of passengers flying with EasyJet jumped 3.7 per cent last month to 7.8m, despite 1,000 flights being cancelled in May due to storms and strikes. BORROWING BACKED Model train maker Hornby has secured a deal to borrow up to 18million to get back on track, from PNC Business Credit and Phoenix. DEAL OK Aerospace and defence firm Northrop Grumman has been cleared by US competition authorities to buy rocket motor supplier Orbital in a deal worth 6billion. UBER BIKES An electric cycle rental service is being launched in Berlin by Uber, with plans to launch in other European cities. Apple's UK retail arm raked in 1.2bn from sales last year but only paid 10m in tax. The US technology giant's tax bill fell by more than a quarter for the year to September 30, accounts published yesterday showed. This was despite profits nearly doubling to 31.8m. The accounts for Apple Retail UK Ltd yesterday showed that its overall tax bill was reduced by a 2.1m tax credit. Campaigners argue Apple and other tech giants use complex schemes to minimise its tax bills. For years it concentrated profits in low-tax Ireland, but the European Commission recently ruled the arrangement amounted to billions of pounds in illegal state aid. The accounts for Apple Retail UK Ltd yesterday showed that its overall tax bill was reduced by a 2.1m tax credit. A spokesman for HMRC last night said it did not comment on the tax affairs of individual companies. Apple said the lower tax bill was because of accounting changes related to the depreciation of assets. A spokesman for the company said: 'Apple is an engine of economic growth in the UK through the fast-growing iOS app economy and our own expanding workforce. 'Last year we spent nearly 2bn with British suppliers and across the country our investment and innovation now supports over 300,000 jobs. 'We know the important role that tax payments play in society and pay all that we owe according to tax laws and local customs in the countries where we operate.' An Iraq war veteran whose post-traumatic stress disorder led to him developing a crippling drink and drug addiction has revealed how a failed suicide bid helped him to turn his life around. Jordan Pearce, 31, from Lewisham, London, was a Lance Bombardier in the army for seven years and first served his country in Iraq when he was just 18 years old - making him one of the UK's youngest veterans. But his life was shattered when he began suffering from PTSD and mental health issues. He had to leave the army and soon found himself struggling with addictions and attempted to take his own life twice. Jordan Pearce, 31, from Lewisham, London, was a lance bombardier in the army for seven years and first served his country in Iraq when he was just 18 years old - making him one of the youngest veterans 'There is not enough support for soldiers that are leaving,' he told MailOnline. 'They tend to turn to drink and drugs which takes away that loneliness.' Mr Pearce joined the army in November 2004 and in February 2005, just after his 18th birthday, he and his regiment the Royal Horse Artillery were sent to Iraq. He said: 'At the time I was young and naive and taking orders, I just did what I had to do. There was a network of brothers - it was a surreal feeling to be in one of the most dangerous places in the world but feel quite safe.' Then in 2010 he was sent to Iraq for his second tour - but tragedy soon struck. His partner went into labour and he was approved leave to fly back to Britain for the birth. Sadly, their daughter was stillborn. Just four days later, he was flown back to Iraq. 'I found myself in a warzone. I had no time to process what happened,' he told MailOnline. 'Looking back now I think I was suffering [with PTSD] and it got worse in 2011, just as I was leaving the army. 'It became a lot more apparent in 2014 and 2015, I was having a lot of nightmares, noises were setting me off - I always felt uncomfortable, I saw everyone as a threat. Mr Pearce joined the army in November 2004 and in February 2005, just after his 18th birthday, he and his regiment, D Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, were sent to Iraq 'I was self-medicating through drink. I was having nightmares. I couldn't go near a school because of the screaming.' But 2011 was a particularly bad year. He said: 'I left the army and my relationship ended. I just didn't want to talk about it.' 'I suppressed all those feelings. And I kind of knew the PTSD was there, but there was so much other stuff going on I put it to the back of my mind.' It was then he started self medicating with drink and drugs. Mr Pearce said: 'I was self-medicating while still in the force. And then I attempted to take my life. I was driving a car and I threw myself off the road and ended up in quite a severe car crash.' Mr Pearce, pictured today, had to leave the army and soon found himself struggling with drink and drug addictions and attempted to take his own life twice While he survived, he says the army did not understand the crash was a suicide bid - and claims they just punished him for drink driving instead. He said: 'My commanding officer at the time decided to discharge me - but first I was ordered to serve four months in a military prison in Colchester, because I'd been drinking at the time of the crash.' MailOnline has contacted the Ministry of Defence for comment. And so in 2011, finding himself with no job, no partner and no home Mr Pearce moved to Canada, where his mother lived, for nine months. He then returned to the UK and moved to Cornwall, where his sister lived, for a fresh start. He got a job in telesales, but it was then his addictions spiralled out of control and he slipped into 'heavy addiction'. He said: 'I was very reliant on cocaine to keep me up and alcohol to bring me down. That went on for about a four year period.' Mr Pearce eventually found himself back in his hometown of Grimsby, sleeping on a friend's couch. By this point he was heavily addicted to both drink and drugs, and was eventually asked to leave. He then decided to try and kill himself for a second time. He said: 'On May 31 last year I threw myself off the cliff in to the sea at Cleethorpes.' But he survived and a passing dog walker pulled him out. He then got into a car, still heavily under the influence, and began driving erratically before causing a traffic accident. He fled the scene but was later arrested and this, he says, was the turning point. Mr Pearce has now turned his life around and is training to become an electrician He was given the number of military charity Veterans Aid, which helps ex-servicemen and women in crisis. With their help he was put in a homeless shelter in London and went on a six-month rehabilitation course. Once clean, he heard about Beam, a crowdfunding platform that helps homeless people to train up and get into work. Now, he is training to become an electrician after 428 generous people donated to his cause, and helped raise 3,826 in less than a month. The funding covered Mr Pearce's entire training programme, including the cost of the course, safety boots and travel expenses. He hopes to qualify in August, before doing a year of work experience with a company before getting a further diploma. He then plans to set up his own business and become a self-employed electrician. 'I know becoming an electrician is my next step back to a normal life' he said. 'My plan in 5 years is to be at the level 3 of electrical installations and looking at setting up my own business! This is going to be a life changing experience for me.' Beam is the world's first crowdfunding platform that helps homeless people to train up and get into work. Now it is safe and easy for anyone to help homeless people by donating to their employment training. You can visit there site and donate here. Millennials are more likely to regard Britain as a threat to world peace than China - and think Donald Trump's US is more dangerous than Iran. The stark divide between the attitudes of younger people and the older generations are laid bare in the findings from a new poll. Research by Datapoll for MailOnline shows some 14 per cent of Millennials - those who reached adulthood after the year 2000 - view the UK as a 'serious threat to world peace'. By contrast just 1 per cent of the post-war Baby Boomers and 3 per cent of Generation X members said the same. The younger age band were also less inclined to view Russia as a threat despite mounting fears over Vladimir Putin's aggressive foreign policy and the Salisbury nerve agent attack. The poll asked people which countries they regarded as a risk to world peace. The US was viewed as dangerous by 38 per cent of Millennials, with the level dropping to 36 per cent and 30 per cent among the older age bands The survey asked people to choose which countries they believed were a threat to world peace. Britain scored on a par with Saudi Arabia among Millennials, and ahead of China on 12 per cent. Only slightly more of the generation - 19 per cent - saw Iran as a threat to the world. What countries do Millennials view as a threat to world peace? Russia - 47% North Korea - 48% US - 38% Iran - 19% Israel - 16% China - 12% Saudi Arabia - 14% Britain - 14% Advertisement But 26 per cent of Gen X and 36 per cent of Baby Boomers believed Tehran was a risk. The US was viewed as dangerous by 38 per cent of Millennials, with the level dropping to 36 per cent and 30 per cent among the older age bands. Russia was seen as the biggest danger by everyone - but again there was a big split between the generations. Some 47 per cent of Millennials, who will have few memories of the Cold War, thought Moscow was a threat to world peace. The figure for Gen X was 50 per cent and for Baby Boomers 63 per cent. North Korea was second most likely to be seen as a threat, with roughly half of each generation labelling the rogue state that way. Deltapoll's Joe Twyman said: The result highlights the significant generational differences in Britain and particularly how younger people view their own country. This could have profound implications for foreign policy decisions, especially heading towards Brexit, and for Britains "Special Relationship" with Donald Trumps United States. :: Deltapoll interviewed an online sample of 1,013 GB adults aged 18+ between May 30 and June 1. The results have been weighted to the profile of all GB adults. Some 19 per cent of Millennials saw Iran as a threat to the world, but 38 per cent said the US was a danger to peace A Connecticut mother who withheld food from her autistic teenage son until he died weighing just 84 pounds was sentenced Tuesday to 11 years in prison. Katiria Tirado, 34, of Hartford, was also sentenced to five years of probation by a judge who said the mother 'failed to provide her son with the basics necessary for life.' Tirado pleaded guilty in March to manslaughter under the Alford doctrine, meaning while she doesn't agree with all the state's evidence she acknowledges there is enough for a conviction. Katiria Tirado (seen right in a Hartford courtroom), a Connecticut mother who withheld food from her autistic teenage son until he died weighing just 84 pounds, was sentenced Tuesday to 11 years in prison Tirado, 34, of Hartford, was also sentenced to five years of probation by a judge who said the mother 'failed to provide her son with the basics necessary for life' Her nonverbal son, Matthew, had been vomiting for several days when Tirado sent a text to her sister in the early morning hours of Feb. 14, 2017, that said 'looks like he is dying,' police said. But she did not call 911 for another 36 minutes. Matthew was taken to a hospital where he died hours later. He was 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighed 84 pounds and had cuts and bruises on his body, according to authorities. The medical examiner said the cause of death was 'fatal child abuse syndrome with dehydration and malnutrition.' Her nonverbal son, Matthew, had been vomiting for several days when Tirado sent a text to her sister in the early morning hours of Feb. 14, 2017, that said 'looks like he is dying,' police said Tirado pleaded guilty in March to manslaughter under the Alford doctrine, meaning while she doesn't agree with all the state's evidence she acknowledges there is enough for a conviction His 34-year-old mother screwed cabinets shut and locked the refrigerator, police said. Matthew had to dig through the trash for food and drank oils and condiments, according to an investigation by state Child Advocate Sarah Eagan. The family was being monitored by the state Department of Children and Families, but Tirado refused the department's help and barred anyone from seeing her son, and under state law the agency lacked the authority to force her to cooperate. Tirado was struggling with her own mental health issues, her lawyer, William O'Connor said. Tirado turned down an opportunity to address the court. 'She is very remorseful. She does grieve,' O'Connor said. Brazen daredevils have been caught on camera travelling on the roof of a moving bus. Footage shows two young 'bus surfers' ride on top of the vehicle in Nightcliff in Darwin's north this week. One of the men was seen standing and running along the roof as the bus travelled through an intersection. The pair's behaviour has been slammed by police and the Transport Workers Union. South Australia-Northern Territory union branch secretary Ian Smith said bus drivers wouldn't know if someone had climbed on the roof. 'Unless someone tells them, drivers are unlikely to know because of the noise of the bus,' he told NT News. 'Some buses do 70-80 km/h even more in outlying areas so if someone was to come off at that speed, I don't know how the driver is supposed to react... This could be a catastrophe.' Brazen daredevils have been caught on camera travelling on the roof of a moving bus A Northern Territory Police spokesman said the incident was not being investigated as it had not been reported. 'Northern Territory Police strongly discourage this kind of behaviour,' they told Daily Mail Australia. 'It puts at risk the lives of not only the people engaging in this dangerous behaviour, but everyone around them. 'We urge anyone who witnesses this activity to report it to police.' Three years ago Kalief Browder hanged himself, haunted by his ordeal at Rikers Island Prison where he had been held without trial for 33 months. He had spent nearly two years in solitary confinement where at times he was starved; he was beaten by gang members but also by prison guards the latter of which was caught on security footage. When he was finally released on May 29, 2013 (no charges were brought against him), he told his family this was his re-birth at life. But Kalief struggled with depression and mental illness and just over two years later, on June 6, 2015, he took his own life. The night before his death, the 22-year-old Bronx native told his mother: Ma, I just cant take it anymore. His familys ordeal continued when in October 2016, his mother his greatest advocate and staunchest defender Venida Browder died of a heart attack. Many claimed she died of a broken heart. She had spoken out publicly advocating for prison reform and even collaborated with rapper Jay Z and now-disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein to produce a documentary miniseries about her son titled, Time: The Kalief Browder Story. Scroll down for video It's been three years today since Kalief Browder (left) took his own life after being haunted by his ordeal at Rikers Island Prison where he had been held without trial for 33 months. His brother, Akeem Browder (right) is leading the family's fight for criminal justice reform and wants to prevent others from experiencing what Kalief did Kalief was arrested in 2010 aged 16 when he was accused of stealing a backpack with a camera, credit card, iPod Touch and $700 from another teen in the Bronx. He was taken to Rikers Island Prison after his family could not afford the $3,000 bail. He's pictured above in a childhood photo His brother Akeem had become a campaigner for criminal justice reform in light of Kaliefs imprisonment but has struggled to gain the support of New Yorks politicians. Akeem wants to make his brothers death mean something and today, three years on, hes as determined as ever to realize that hope. Speaking to DailyMail.com to mark the anniversary of Kaliefs passing, he said: My family just went through having our second Mothers Day without our mom last month. Then following Mothers Day, its Kaliefs birthday on May 25th, this was our third year without him. Then June 6th he committed suicide. We as a family have three dates that we are bearing every year and yet every year that has passed so far, we have elected officials that come to us who want to take photos and do stories with us as a family knowing they are up for re-election, but have not acted on criminal justice reform. Kalief was just 16 years old when he was arrested on May 15, 2010 after being accused of stealing a backpack with a camera, credit card, iPod Touch and $700 from another teen in the Bronx. Kalief told arresting officers that he did not rob anyone and allowed them to search him. Though officers did not find the backpack, Kalief was still arrested and taken to the 48th Police Precinct Station where he was interrogated by another officer and prosecutor. While in Rikers for 33 months, Kalief was beaten by gang members and prison guards. One incident, pictured above, where he was attacked by guards was recorded on shocking video Though Kalief was handcuffed at the time, it did not prevent him from being viciously attacked. In addition to the violence he faced, he was also subjected to spend more than two years inside of solitary confinement, where he was often withheld food and still beaten by prison staff The teen, who was on probation for a previous incident, was charged and not released. At his arraignment, bail was set at $3,000. His family could not raise the amount and Kalief was sent to Rikers Island where he was imprisoned at the Robert N. Davoren Center (R.N.D.C.). When his parents came up with money for his bail, it was denied, forcing Kalief to stay behind bars. To try to protect himself from gang members and prison guards, Kalief tried to gain physical strength by doing push-ups and pull-ups inside his cell. But even becoming bigger in size could not protect him from being attacked, especially by prison guards. On September 23, 2012, the teen was filmed in handcuffs being brutally assaulted by guards and the footage was eventually leaked to the public following his death. Besides facing violence often, even more alarming is that Kalief spent nearly two years in solitary confinement, where he was still beaten by corrections officers when he was in the shower. Part of the reason why his case never went to trial is due to the fact the assistant district attorney kept delaying it by deferring the criminal proceedings. In fact, it was deferred a total of 33 times until a judge released Kalief from Rikers on May 29, 2013, dismissing the case against him. Soon after his release, Kalief passed his G.E.D. exam and enrolled at the Bronx Community College (BCC) where he completed 11 credits and had a grade point average of 3.5. But due to depression, Kalief did not attend BCC in the fall and re-enrolled in the spring with hopes of finishing out the school year strong. Kalief harbored intense feelings of paranoia and had anti-psychotics prescribed for him. He attempted suicide six months after his release from prison. But through it all, he also wanted to help support his mother so he worked for a period of time as a security guard, but was let go once the employer allegedly learned of his history with mental illness. Part of the reason why his case never went to trial is due to the fact the assistant district attorney kept delaying it by deferring the criminal proceedings. In fact, it was deferred a total of 33 times until a judge released Kalief from Rikers on May 29, 2013, dismissing the case against him. He is pictured above during a violent incident at Rikers Kalief's story gained national attention after he was released and he appeared on several talk shows and major media news programs to discuss what happened to him. He is pictured above during an appearance on The View speaking with Rosie O'Donnell Though he was happy to have his freedom, Kalief struggled with depression and mental illness as a result of what he endured at Rikers. He took his life on June 6, 2015 at his family's home in the Bronx. He is pictured above right as a youngster in a family photo Kaliefs struggles with depression continued until he took his own life at his family home in the Bronx. Akeem told DailyMail.com that his brother never struggled with mental illness prior to being arrested in 2010. There was nothing wrong with him mentally or physically or emotionally, nothing before he left, he said. When he left and came back, it was a 180, a total difference. Besides in physicality, his mentality was totally messed up because of what he learned and experienced and was forced to do while he was there. Rikers Island Prison is notorious for being one of the worst facilities in the country. Located on a 400-acre island across from La Guardia Airport in the East River, as many as 10,000 people are held their daily. And about 85 per cent of the inmates have not been convicted of a crime and are either being held on bail or remanded to custody, according to date from the City of New York. Like Kalief, at least 1,500 people locked up at the over populated jail have waited more than a year for their criminal trials to begin. Akeem revealed that hes still upset that his family did not hear from New Yorks Gov. Andrew Cuomo or even Mayor Bill de Blasio immediately after his brothers death. We dont hear from Gov. Cuomo at all. De Blasio himself didnt once come to my family and say Im sorry to your family for your loss. And my mom before dying, only wanted for someone to take responsibility for doing this to her son, he said. But yet in still we voted that guy, de Blasio in office again because either people were misdirected in their decision making and because they heard hes shutting down Rikers. Meanwhile, he just sounds like hes shutting it down and people are confused with the thought that isnt this supposed to happen, yet we are still talking about it. Theres no movement. His death gained even more national attention as his family campaigned for criminal justice reform. Rapper Jay Z soon enough became involved and wanted to tell Kalief's story by producing a documentary about his life. Pictured above from left: Akeem Browder, his sister Nicole Browder and their mother Venida Browder with Jay Z in October 2016 Back in January, Akeem was invited by Cuomo to his annual State of State address where the Democratic governor publicly promised to pass new criminal justice reform legislation that included ending cash bail for non-violent felonies, speedy trial requirements and enactment of more timely evidence discovery. During his poignant speech, Cuomo declared, 'Your brother did not die in vain.' But the criminal justice reform legislation that Cuomo promised did not happen; it failed to be included into the final budget that was enacted in late March - which has left Akeem and others upset. Though discussing his brothers death is difficult for him at times, Akeem says that he is empowered to try and change the criminal justice system that failed Kalief by putting pressure on lawmakers to act before the legislative session ends this month. I cant protect Kalief, but I can put in the provisions to help protect another child. We are coming up with alternatives to fight incarceration and I want to empower the people to understand that. Anyone can say they are for criminal justice reform, but if you dont do anything to reform it youre really not for it, said Akeem, who created The Kalief Browder Foundation in his brothers memory. Akeem, who traveled to the state Capitol on Wednesday, is calling for Democrat and Republican lawmakers to sign the pledge to end cash bail. He's asked those who support the movement to use hashtag #IstandwithKalief, which several politicians and celebrities have already shared on social media. Though discussing his brothers death is difficult for him at times, Akeem (pictured) says that he is empowered to try and change the criminal justice system that failed Kalief by putting pressure on lawmakers to act before the legislative session ends this month Ive created a pledge for New Yorks politicians to sign and support saying that they are for changing the system and Im publishing everyones names who either sign it or dont,' he explained. 'That way, we as the people can see if our senators, assemblymen, or governor is truly behind change and then can decide if we want to elect them in the future. Akeem, who says his family is all still struggling without Kalief and their mother, is also calling for the three laws Cuomo promised to be passed and believes that they would have helped his brother had they existed years ago. We are fighting to put an end to wealth based detention and reduce the jail population with a speedy trial, discovery and bail. We have built a coalition of people that understand this is just wrong and we wont stand for it anymore, he said. And we cant also deny the fact that it is so biased that someone like Harvey Weinstein, who was one of the executive producers on the show for my brother and accused by 15 women of sexual misconduct, he himself is privileged enough to afford a $1million dollar bail and walk out scotch free without even a second in jail. However, that just shows a person as dangerous as Harvey Weinstein can get out, but yet Kalief who had a backpack alleged against him couldnt get out of jail for $3,000 but the severity of dangerousness didnt matter. It has nothing to do with dangerousness and everything to do with can you afford bail. Its sickening that on my brothers birthday is the day that he bailed out for $1million on May 25th. The outlook in the eurozone has darkened dramatically, but Britain is bouncing back from a slow start to the year. Businesses in the EU have suffered their worst month for a year and a half. The German and French economies are both slowing while Italy remains stuck in the doldrums, according to research group IHS Markit. By contrast, the British economy has picked up pace and looks set for growth of up to 0.4 per cent in the second quarter of the year, following expansion of just 0.1 per cent in the first three months. The outlook is bright for the UK economy, which looks set for growth of up to 0.4 per cent in the second quarter of the year after just 0.1 per cent in the first quarter Chris Williamson, chief business economist at Markit, said: With the economic indicators turning down at the same time as political uncertainty has spiked higher, the eurozones outlook has darkened dramatically compared to the sunny forecast seen at the start of the year. Brexit campaigner John Longworth, the former-director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: The recent slowdown of growth in the UK appears to be reversing with strong growth in prospect, while a short-lived expansion in the EU is petering out. Markit said its index of activity in the British economy where scores above 50 show growth rose from 53.2 in April to 54.3 in May as the manufacturing and services sectors strengthened. That was the best performance so far this year and suggested the economy is picking up pace after a slow start. The equivalent score in France fell to a 16-month low of 54.2 while the German reading dropped to a 20-month low of 53.4. Italy held firm at 52.9. While the outlook is better for Britain, the eurozone's has darkened dramatically Spain was the only one of the biggest four economies in the eurozone to perform better than Britain, with its index of activity at 55.9. The EU grew by 2.5 per cent in 2017 its best performance for a decade and better than the 1.8 per cent expansion seen in the UK. But unemployment in the eurozone remains painfully high at 8.5 per cent, more than double the 4.2 per cent rate in the UK. Killers who refuse to reveal where they hid their victims body will face extra punishment, the prisons minister declared yesterday. Rory Stewart pledged to tackle the absolutely disgusting practice which increases the agony for grieving loved ones. It also emerged that the Parole Board has tightened its rules to take account of the wilful and deliberate withholding of the location when a killer is seeking release from prison. Marie McCourt with a picture of her murdered daughter, Helen, who has been campaigning for new rules to stop killer Ian Simms being freed without saying where he has hidden her body The developments are a major victory for Marie McCourt, whose daughter Helen, 22, was murdered in 1988. She has been campaigning for new rules dubbed Helens Law to stop killer Ian Simms being freed without saying where he has hidden her body. The insurance clerk vanished on her way home from work and pub landlord Simms, 62, was convicted of her murder thanks to DNA evidence. Despite extensive searches, Helens remains have never been found. But Mrs McCourt, 74, a former catalogue saleswoman, has been told that Simms was allowed two escorted day trips out of his open jail last month. He could be allowed further unsupervised visits later this month. Mr Stewart told MPs he was confident the Government will bring forward legal measures to penalise those who do not disclose the information. He said officials have drawn up two options which he will discuss with Justice Secretary David Gauke within days to come up with a solution. Mr Stewart did not give details but Parole Board rules could be toughened even further or sentencing guidelines could be bolstered. The minister spoke out after being pressed by MPs to introduce a no body, no parole law. There is something peculiarly disgusting about the sadism involved in an individual murdering somebody and then refusing to reveal the location of the victims body, he said. Simms was convicted of Helen's murder thanks to DNA evidence but despite extensive searches, her remains have never been found There have been delays in terms of framing the right kind of legal response but I am absolutely confident we can overcome that and officials are now bringing forward advice which I hope will achieve exactly what people have been campaigning for. But we are absolutely clear this is an absolutely disgusting practice and we ought to be able to use legal methods to impose consequences on individuals who refuse to reveal the location of a body. Last night Mrs McCourt said: Its the most positive news weve had since we first started Helens Law. All this publicity in the Daily Mail has hopefully made somebody in the Government sit up and take notice. Ive been fighting for 30 years for Helen, Im not going to go away now. Time is running out for me because Simms has had escorted visits and could be getting unescorted ones any time now. We really need to get this law through, not just for my sake and my familys sake but for all those other families in the same position. Killers who refuse to reveal where their victims remains are should never be considered for parole. In another boost, Parole Board chief executive Martin Jones said guidance had been changed as a direct result of the campaign. In a letter to Mrs McCourts Labour MP Conor McGinn, he said: As made clear in that guidance the Board should always have regard to the failure to disclose the location of a body. The updated guidelines mean parole hearings can take account of wilful and deliberate withholding of information about the whereabouts of the victims body. Mr Jones added, however, that it would be unlawful to deny a prisoners release on that basis alone. WHAT IS HELEN'S LAW? Marie McCourt wants Britain to adopt 'Helen's Law' legislation which would prevent the release of killers who have hidden the locations of their victims' bodies. She writes on change.org: If parole is granted, my hopes of finding my daughter may never be realised. No other family should live this ordeal. I, hereby, petition the Prime Minister Theresa May and Home Secretary Amber Rudd to acknowledge the pain and distress caused to the families of missing murder victims by: Denying parole to murderers for as long as they refuse to disclose the whereabouts of their victims remains Passing a full life tariff (denying parole or release) until the murderer discloses the location (and enables the recovery) of their victims remains Automatically applying the following rarely-used common law offences in murder trials without a body*; preventing the burial of a corpse and conspiracy to prevent the burial of a corpse, disposing of a corpse, obstructing a coroner (*as in the case of R v Hunter, 1974 (from Archbold, Criminal Pleading Evidence and Practice 2015) Advertisement Mr McGinn, MP for St Helens North, welcomed the new parole guidelines as a step in the right direction. But he added: We need urgent action from the Government so Marie and other grieving relatives enduring a similar torment can find peace by giving their loved ones a proper funeral. Helen was a regular at Simmss pub in the village of Billinge, Merseyside. Police believe she encountered the married father-of-two as she walked home past the pub. Mrs McCourts online petition on change.org calling for Helens Law has been signed by almost 500,000 people. A pet dog known for terrorising saltwater crocodiles for more than nine years has been tragically killed by one of her arch enemies. The West Highland White Terrier cross Australian Terrier - aptly named Dumb Blonde - was chasing a saltwater crocodile when she was bitten and snatched into the water outside a Northern Territory lodge. Dumb Blonde came to fame after a video of the pup chasing a three-metre saltwater crocodile went viral. The terrier had been courageously chasing crocodiles for years, but her luck ran out when she was savagely attacked and killed by one in her backyard on Monday. Scroll down for video A pet dog known for terrorising saltwater crocodiles for more than nine years was tragically mauled by one of her arch enemies on Monday (pictured) Dumb Blonde (pictured) a pet pooch living on Goat Island in the Northern Territory, has been known for chasing saltwater crocodiles for years, according to her owner Mr Hansen said that Dumb Blonde would normally bite the crocodile's tail and chase it back into the water - something she'd been doing for nine years. Mr Hansen previously told Daily Mail Australia, 'It started when she chased Casey [one of the island's 'pet' crocs] off one year and she just loves it.' 'At first I was worried but I can't stop her - the only way to stop her would be to hold her all day.' Mr Hansen said she used to be called Pippa, but the name Dumb Blonde stuck after she started taking crocodiles by the tail. Mr Hansen told Daily Mail Australia the 10-year-old dog (pictured) - a West Highland White Terrier Australian Terrier cross - had been chasing crocodiles by the tail for years Yet unfortunately this time around, the crocodile's patience had run out. The late dog's owner Kai Hansen told the NT News, 'Its such a sad story and Im feeling terrible about it still, but its not something I ever trained Dumb Blonde to do.' 'She did things her way,' he said. 'This time she went very close to the head straight away which was, yeah, not very smart,' Mr Hansen said. Mr Hansen's remote getaway (pictured) is located on Goat Island in the Northern Territory A man was trying to relax on Saturday night when he was attacked by a feral cat that flew at him in a terrifying and bloody encounter. Truck driver Adam Whitehouse, from Queensland, told theSunshine Coast Daily that he was letting his nine-month-old cat, Billy, out of the house when the monster appeared. Mr Whitehouse described the animal as the size of a small cattle dog with black, shiny fur. He was dumbfounded by the size of the animal. 'It was the biggest cat I've ever seen,' he said. Mr Whitehouse's encounter with a feral cat left him with excruciating pain and bloodied bite marks (pictured) As Whitehouse moved to save his own pet from the danger, the feral animal launched at his calf. 'It grabbed the back of my calf muscle on my leg and it wouldn't let go,' he said. 'I grabbed its tail and and started punching it to get it off me and it latched on to my arms. 'It just hung on - it was not going to let go.' Mr Whitehouse's stepson tried to help him in the brawl but the wild animal could not be stopped, as shown by Whitehouse's bloody injuries. Eventually, after a tussle, the feral cat let go and disappeared. Mr Whitehouse was left in excruciating pain from the biting and clawing attacker. The drama unfolded when Mr Whitehouse let his pet cat, Billy (pictured), out of the house on Saturday evening. He suffered the injuries while protecting his cat Mr Whitehouse compared the muscles of the cat with a punching bag, and believes that the animal would have no trouble ripping up a decent-sized dog. The cat had sunk its teeth into his calf and knuckle joint, leaving him with swelling as well as scratches down his arms and side of his body. 'It was horrific, (the teeth) went in quite deep,' he said. There have been previous reports of big-cat sightings in the area, but Mr Whitehouse is convinced that he only crossed paths with a feral cat. As a drama student in 1969, I once got to help a professional company of actors. Inevitably, there was an after-show party and my friends and I were excited to be included in the social life of the grown-ups. But, what started out as a thrilling night of drinking and chatting to members of the cast took a very dark turn. When the party moved on to a cast members rented flat, I consumed far too much alcohol for one unused to such volumes of the stuff. Jenni Murray as a drama student in the 1960s. She says she still remembers being raped with 'absolute clarity' Curling up in a corner, I didnt notice the other partygoers drifting away. My awakening was rude. I was picked up, thrown down and raped. My cries of No! were ignored and seemed to inflame my attacker further. He was huge and heavy and powerful. As I sobbed, he punched and slapped me. When he rolled away afterwards, he simply said: Off you go. Ive never sobered up so fast in my life and couldnt get out of there quickly enough. Nearly 50 years on, I remember that episode with absolute clarity. It was undoubtedly horrifying, humiliating and traumatic. But the worst thing thats ever happened to me? Probably not. Losing my parents in my 50s at the same time as undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy as a result of breast cancer was infinitely worse. You really cant get over those deeply painful and heartbreaking life events and forget about them. By admitting this, I find myself in part, at least agreeing with the ever-controversial feminist Germaine Greer. Last week she caused an explosion like a mushroom cloud with her comments about rape. Speaking from personal experience at the Hay Literary Festival (when she was an 18-year-old student in Melbourne, Australia, a rugby player dragged her into her car and punched her in the face before raping her) she said rape wasnt the worst thing that had ever happened to her. She was determined to get over it. To not live the rest of her life as a damaged victim or a rapee as she put it. She then went on to call for the lowering of punishment for rape and said society should not see it as a spectacularly violent crime, but instead view it more as lazy, careless and insensitive. Just bad sex. Of course, Ms Greer, who is not averse to publicity, could not have been unaware of the reaction she was likely to get from other feminists and the response to her pronouncements was visceral. How dare she, a revered feminist, trivialise such a terrible crime? How dare she let the sisterhood down in this way? Like Germaine Greer, Murray has been determined not to let what happened to her dominate the rest of her life Nevertheless, reflecting on my own personal, very similar experience, I had an understanding of what she meant when she said she had been able to get over her rape and get on with her life. Because I had been able to do the very same. As dawn broke following my rape, I arrived back at my student house. I showered my attacker away, threw the clothes Id been wearing in the bin, went to bed and slept. I woke up with a humdinger of a hangover and a sense of absolute fury. I was angry with myself for making myself vulnerable. It was my fault, I thought, because Id had so much to drink. It didnt occur to me to make a complaint to the police. I dont think I even realised that a crime had been committed. But, of course, it had. I never told anyone at the time what had happened. I made jokes to friends about the bruises on my face, saying I had fallen over and bumped into doors in my drunken state. I know now that this was the classic response of women whove been beaten. To this day, Ive never named the rapist. Hes dead now, but I know he had a wife and children and I have never wanted to shame or upset them. But even then, in my youth and innocence and long before a womans right to enjoy a sex life was accepted, I told myself I had nothing to be ashamed of. Id been silly to be so drunk, but what had happened was not my fault and it was, frankly, best forgotten. I hadnt been a virgin. He was just another bloke. Just like Germaine, I thought to myself: Youve been annoyed, not destroyed. Put it down to experience. Get on with life. Dont be a victim. And never put yourself in such a weak position again. I like to think in doing so that I took some of the power from the man in question and reclaimed it for myself by refusing to let my life be dominated by his abusive behaviour. Germaine suggested the sentence for the offence might be reduced to 200 hours community service and perhaps an r tattoo on the rapists hand, arm or cheek That said, its all very well for women like Germaine and me tough, outspoken and open about the sexual experiences that we enjoyed in our youth to look back on the one we did not consent to and say it was not the worst thing that happened to us. We were not badly hurt and we felt no need to let one 20-minute unpleasant experience ruin the rest of our rich and fulfilling lives. But I differ from Germaine on the following point: Despite my own experience, I also believe that it is profoundly dangerous to diminish such a crime. For some victims, there is none of the violence we generally associate with rape no beating around the head, no strangulation, no wielding of a knife and no fear of death. Nevertheless, the very act of penetration without consent is a violation, and that in itself is violence. I fully acknowledge that some womens lives are destroyed by such an act. The virginity which they held as a precious commodity may have been taken, sexually transmitted infection may have been passed on and explanations to a husband or boyfriend may have been deeply traumatic. Worst of all, a pregnancy may have been the result. Rape is violation whether its perpetrated by a stranger, a husband, a friend or a colleague and whether theres additional violence or not. There is no shame in being destroyed by it. Not everyone finds it possible to move on from the experience and put it behind them. I put my rape behind me but I never forgot it. I suspect for both myself and Germaine Greer it has remained a powerful influence on the work weve done in sexual politics throughout our lives. And, thankfully, so many advances have been achieved in the past 50 years in understanding sexual violence and changing the law to reflect the reality. I fully applaud all of them. Jenni Murray pictured with her parents in Blackpool in 1951. Losing them in her 50s at the same time as undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy as a result of breast cancer was infinitely worse than being raped, she says Lets consider for a moment, that when a 19th century woman was raped, it was her fathers or her husbands rights which had been violated. Now we understand that the crime was committed against a woman not her male relatives. In the early 20th century, any woman who appeared in court claiming rape was treated like a child. The judge was required to give the jury a corroboration warning, stating that women and children have a tendency to lie about sexual matters. This archaic warning was rightly removed but not until the late 1990s. It was clearly unfair to suggest a victim may be lying and, of course, corroborating evidence is difficult to find when only two people know what happened. Its her word against his. The alleged victims sexual history can now only be raised in England at the discretion of the judge. In the Seventies, Susan Brownmiller, the feminist author of the groundbreaking Against Our Will, argued that rape was motivated by the need for domination and not by uncontrollable lust. She also laid to rest the idea that a woman wearing a short skirt was asking for it. And, one positive consequence of the MeToo and TimesUp movements is that men have been left in no doubt that uninvited sexual activity is an abuse of power and can lead to serious consequences. Most encouragingly, young men now want to be part of the conversation with the new generation of young feminists, who are, thankfully, well able to stand up for themselves. This generation of young men want to know how to flirt, how to behave correctly in their relationships with women and how to ensure that the sex they engage in is good sex. They are open too to the idea of commitment and love. 'Yes, I was able to move on and enjoy my life but that doesnt preclude me from wishing Id seen the brute punished,' said Murray None of this is to say there will no longer be rape just that women are more protected by the law and the conventional mores of society than ever before. Something for which we should all feel grateful. Like Germaine, I was fortunate enough not to be badly hurt by my rapist and thankfully was not destroyed by him or made forever fearful of the opposite sex. But this does not mean I expect the same response from all victims. Unlike Germaine, I fully understand that every woman reacts differently to being raped and those, like me, who recovered should not be considered stronger or superior to those who are broken by such assaults on them. As for a fitting punishment, Germaine suggested the sentence for the offence might be reduced to 200 hours community service and perhaps an r tattoo on the rapists hand, arm or cheek. This is where I deviate from her view most vociferously. I would prefer the legal system take complaints seriously from the moment they are made, investigate them thoroughly and correctly and provide an atmosphere in court thats carefully controlled by a well-informed judiciary. Then, if the jury convicts, a prison sentence should most definitely follow. Germaine claimed the legal system cannot cope because rape is so common and it always comes down to the difficult issue of consent, with the victims becoming little more than bits of evidence. Frankly, I would have been quite content to be a bit of evidence if Id had the guts to go to the police back in 1969. Yes, I was able to move on and enjoy my life but that doesnt preclude me from wishing Id seen the brute punished. Joanna Elliott, one of the women, pleaded guilty on two counts of damaging property (pictured) Three women were caught slashing their ex-partners' tyres out of anger using steak knives they bought from Kmart. Earlier that night, the trio were exchanging stories on their past relationships. Later on, they decided to buy the knives and proceeded to drive to their ex-partners' homes in different suburbs. One man's car in East Geelong, a suburb in Victoria, was damaged, followed by another man's car in Armstrong Creek. During the second attack, witnesses quickly intervened. When confronted, one of the women reportedly said that they were 'stalking an ex'. Police were also notified and arrived at the scene shortly after. The following day, the women were called in for interview regarding the incident. According to the Geelong Advertiser, the court heard that the estimated total of damages done to both cars amounted to over $600. One of the women, Joanna Elliott, pleaded guilty to two counts of destroying property. The Geelong Advertiser also reported that the court ordered Joanna to pay $500 for a 'six-month good behaviour' bond, despite the defence lawyer Shane Balkin's argument that the act was 'out of character' for his client. Court magistrate John Lesser made a reference to the 1996 romantic comedy film (pictured), adding, 'This sounds like a very poor version of that. What a stupid thing to do' Two cars were damaged in East Geelong and Armstrong Creek in Victoria (stock images) The court magistrate, John Lesser, said that all three women should split the payments for the damages done to the victims' cars. According to The Geelong Advertiser, the two other women have yet to face the court following Joanna's hearing. Upon hearing the case, Lesser reportedly said, 'Theres a movie The First Wives Club. This sounds like a very poor version of that. What a stupid thing to do'. Lesser was making a reference to a 1996 romantic comedy film on three middle-aged women who decided to make a revenge pact to get back at their ex-husbands. Kate Spade's brother-in-law, David Spade, paid tribute to the late fashion designer with sweet social media posts late Tuesday, hours after her shocking suicide. The comedian and younger sibling to Kate's husband, Andy Spade, took to Twitter to share a photo of Kate supporting him at a book signing, looking especially happy. The 'Tommy Boy' star, 53, wrote in the caption: 'Katy at my book signing. I love this pic of her. So pretty. I don't think everyone knew how f****** funny she was... It's a rough world out there people. Try to hang on.' David later posted another beaming photo of the fashion icon and himself to his Instagram page. 'Fuzzy picture but I love it. Kate and I during Christmas family photos. We had so much fun that day,' David said. 'She was so sharp and quick on her feet. She could make me laugh so hard. I still cant believe it.' Comedian and Kate Spade's brother-in-law, David Spade, paid tribute to the late fashion designer through sweet social media posts Tuesday David shared this snap of himself with a smiling Kate during Christmas, saying, 'We had so much fun that day' Earlier Tuesday afternoon, David appeared beside himself as he stepped out in Los Angeles. The actor shared a tender hug with an unknown woman in a parking lot before the pair went their separate ways. This was David's first time being seen since the tragic news broke about the Kate's suicide which took place inside her Park Avenue home Tuesday morning. David wore sunglasses, a hat and leisurewear during his brief public outing. The television personality shared a close relationship with the late businesswoman Kate, 55, who hanged herself with a scarf from a door before her body was discovered by a horrified housekeeper. David Spade and a mystery woman are spotted hugging one another in Los Angeles. David's sister-in-law Kate Spade was found dead this morning in her apartment from an apparent suicide The 'Tommy Boy' actor appeared glum as he stepped out in public for the first time since the news of Kate's passing Law enforcement officials have ruled Kate's death a suicide. David's brother and Kate's husband of 24 years, Andy, was at the family's home at the time of the tragedy. The mother-of-one left behind a suicide note that was addressed to her 13-year-old daughter, Frances Beatrix, according to TMZ. The letter, found by law enforcement officials on a bed near Kate's body, read: 'Bea - I have always loved you. This is not your fault. Ask Daddy!' Distraught loved ones to the late fashionista released a statement Tuesday that read: 'We are all devastated by todays tragedy. We loved Kate dearly and will miss her terribly. Kate Spade and David Spade are pictured during The 20th Annual CFDA American Fashion Awards at Avery Fisher Hall - Lincoln Center in New York City, June 2001 Kate Spade with husband Andy Spade and brother-in-law David Spade are seen at the 20th Annual American Fashion Awards at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center in New York City in June 2001 Andy Spade, Kate Spade and David Spade are seen at the Council of Fashion Designers of America Fashion Awards at Lincoln Center in New York, June 2001 'We would ask that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this very difficult time.' Together, Kate and Andy launched the trendy upscale fashion line in January 1993, widely recognized today as Kate Spade New York. The brand, which began solely as a handbag line, expanded in following years with the addition of clothing and accessories. Andy also launched a men's bag collection, Jack Spade, in 1996. The men's brand is currently sold at high-end shops such as Barneys. This May 13, 2004 photo shows fashion designer Kate Spade during an interview in New York. The mother-of-one took her own life on Tuesday, police said Kate and her husband Andy launched the fashion brand widely recognized as Kate Spade New York in January 1993 The Kate Spade logo is shown at her Madison Avenue store, Tuesday, June 5, 2018, in New York A woman carries her Kate Spade shopping bag outside the fashion designer's Madison Avenue store, Tuesday, June 5, 2018, in New York The designer duo sold their line to Neiman Marcus in 2006, before it was re-sold again to Liz Claiborne. Liz Claiborne then re-branded the line as Kate Spade & Company. Two years, ago, Kate and Andy further launched a new footwear, handbag and accessories line, Frances Valentine. The collection is currently sold at stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and DSW. Executives for Kate Spade and Company released a statement later on Tuesday about the founder. 'Kate has not been affiliated with the brand for more than a decade, she and her husband and creative partner, Andy, were the founders of our beloved brand. Kate will be dearly missed,' the statement read. 'Our thoughts are with Andy and the entire Spade family at this time.' If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details. A woman with coeliac disease has suffered severe symptoms after a restaurant served her two meals it ensured were gluten free. Kate Smithies-Williams went out for breakfast with her husband, Scott Williams, at a Perth eatery two weeks ago where she ate a chicken dish followed by a plate of waffles. Moments after the meal however, the 27-year-old began drifting in an out of consciousness and suffered mild kidney failure, the West Australian reported. Kate Smithies-Williams (pictured) suffered severe symptoms after a restaurant served her two meals it ensured were gluten free 'If I was already sick or if I was an elderly person and I had this sort of reaction, I could have died,' Ms Smithies-Williams said. The couple were surprised given they had dined at the eatery previously and did not have an issue with the food. The restaurant owner said while it offered a gluten free menu, it warned its coeliac customers not to order from it because there's a risk the meals may have been contaminated. 'If you're really coeliac or really gluten intolerant, we don't recommend that you eat the gluten-free. We only have one kitchen and flour is obviously airborne, so there's always the possibility of cross-contamination,' she said. The young CrossFit fanatic was diagnosed a coeliac at just one-year-old and said if it weren't for her good health she might not have survived. The couple went out for breakfast at a Perth eatery two weeks ago. Ms Smithies-Williams ate a chicken dish, followed by a plate of waffles (stock photo) The couple said they were surprised given they had dined at the eatery previously and did not have an issue with the food The incident followed revelations that nearly 10 per cent of food sold as gluten-free at cafes and restaurants across Melbourne contained gluten. Ms Smithies-Williams intends to decline a $40 refund and confidentiality clause from the restaurant so she can warn other coeliacs about the dangers of dining out. 'If they're not prepared to put in that effort and time to make sure that it's gluten-free, then they shouldn't advertise it as such. I have lost faith in going out for dinner and it's going to take me a long time to be able to go out and do that without fear of this happening.' Coeliac Australia's Cathy Di Bella said it was unfair for restaurants to offer gluten free options then claim they may contain gluten. She claimed gluten was the 'forgotten allergen' so the organisation was helping to establish an accreditation program within the hospitality industry. Leo Docherty, who served with the Scots Guards, said it was vital that veterans from the Troubles or from the Falklands conflict were not dragged through the courts over events decades ago MPs last night launched a campaign to protect British military veterans as the outgoing head of the Armed Forces said he was 'deeply uncomfortable' with how some were being hounded. A Tory MP, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, started a petition urging ministers to introduce a statute of limitations to ensure British serviceman are not prosecuted over historical conflicts. A fierce Cabinet row broke out over the issue last month when ministers apparently back-tracked on a pledge to ensure UK veterans were protected legally from a new investigation into the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Leo Docherty, who served with the Scots Guards, said it was vital that veterans from the Troubles or from the Falklands conflict were not dragged through the courts over events decades ago. 'If the bond of trust between the Government and our Armed Forces which is so critical to our national security is to be maintained, our servicemen and women must know that the state is on their side,' he said. Yesterday, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach made a dramatic intervention on the issue, vowing that British veterans would be 'properly supported' by the military. The Daily Mail has long campaigned for an end to the witch-hunt against British troops in a series of conflicts after hundreds were questioned about their actions in Iraq more than a decade ago. Sir Stuart, who was making his final public speech before stepping down as Chief of the Defence Staff next week, spoke out after being asked if he thought there should be a statue of limitations. Yesterday, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach made a dramatic intervention on the issue, vowing that British veterans would be 'properly supported' by the military 'That question as posed is a political decision,' he told the Policy Exchange think-tank in London. 'My position as Chief of the Defence Staff is very clear. We in the Ministry of Defence will continue to support the veterans with legal and other support. That is an absolutely unequivocal clear position. 'If you ask me as Stuart Peach, as I depart as Chief of the Defence Staff, I am deeply uncomfortable about some of this as to the way in which it could be interpreted. I am uncomfortable with what is happening. It is for the Government to decide things like a statute of limitations and how the law is understood and framed. 'As Chief of Defence Staff all I am allowed to do within my terms and conditions is to ensure which I give you my word that we do ensure that our veterans are properly supported if they are called forward for due process.' He went on to say that he did not believe the Armed Forces should be 'frightened' of the law, adding: 'I have the highest confidence in the discipline of the UK armed forces to abide by and follow the law.' His comments mark the first time a serving forces chief has publicly slammed the 'witch-hunt' into British troops. They will pile further pressure on the Government to implement legislation to stop British troops being investigated relentlessly for alleged incidents that occurred decades ago. Mr Docherty said a statute of limitations would protect veterans of conflicts in Northern Ireland, the Falklands, the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan and all other overseas combat operations. He said: 'The Government must act now to end the repeated and spurious prosecution of individuals who have served and will serve.' His petition comes after the Government omitted references to a statute of limitations for troops from a consultation document on dealing with 'legacy issues' from the Troubles. Advertisement Aerial images of Hawaii captured the devastating lava flows from the Kilauea volcano which destroyed hundreds of homes in one night, including the Big Island county mayor's second home. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim's home was among the at least 159 houses in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland wiped out by lava flows on Monday night. But Janet Snyder, a spokeswoman for Hawaii County on the Big Island, said they believe the number could be much higher - in the hundreds. The mass destruction in one night more than doubles the 117 confirmed homes that have been destroyed since Hawaii's Kilauea volcano began erupting May 3 - making it the most destructive day since the eruption began. 'Harry had a premonition this was going to happen,' she told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. 'Vacationland is almost totally destroyed.' Several homes were still ablaze on Tuesday after lave flows destroyed hundreds of properties in the Kapoho area, east of Pahoa, during ongoing eruptions of the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii Aerial images captured the devastating lava flows from the Kilauea volcano which destroyed hundreds of homes in one night, including the Big Island county mayor's second home Lava erupts in Leilani Estates during ongoing eruptions of the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii, on Tuesday, after tearing through the islands The eruptions have been spewing molten lava, ash clouds and tiny particles of glass as the lava flows reached the sea Lava flows across a highway on the outskirts of Pahoa during ongoing eruptions of the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii County Managing Director Wil Okabe said his own vacation home in Kapoho Beach Lots was also threatened. Okabe described the area as a mix of vacation rentals and year-round residences. 'For us it's more of a vacation area, but for those who live there permanently, they're trying to figure out where they're going to be living,' he said. 'He was very depressed,' Okabe said of how Kim felt about losing his vacation home. Kim and Okabe live in Hilo, the county's seat, which is more than an hour drive from the Kapoho area. Those who live or vacation in the area were mourning the loss of popular tide-pools where kids enjoyed swimming. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim's home was among the at least 160 houses in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland wiped out by lava flows on Monday night But Janet Snyder, a spokeswoman for Hawaii County on the Big Island, said they believe the number could be much higher - in the hundreds Steam rises from the coast as the boiling hot lava flows meet the sea creating smoke known as laze, which is filled with fine glass particles and hydrochloric acid Lava destroys homes in the Kapoho area, east of Pahoa, during ongoing eruptions of the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii on Tuesday A property, possibly a vacation home, goes up in flames as it is surrounded by lava flows Thankfully, the area had already been evacuated so no injuries or casualties were reported Lava surrounds a home on the outskirts of Pahoa during ongoing eruptions of the Kilauea Volcano Thankfully, the area had already been evacuated so no injuries or casualties were reported. A magnitude-5.5 earthquake also shook the area, causing further damage, on Tuesday. On Monday evening, lava poured into the Kapoho Bay, releasing toxic steam and tiny glass particles, all but covering the bay and most of Vacationland. Witnesses also report a cloud of ash was sent billowing a mile into the sky. The bright red lava flows in Hawaii can get as hot as 1,165 F, with the temperature of the glowing orange flows reaching more than 1,600 F - igniting trees, roads, buildings or anything in its path. 'There's a lot of destruction,' Talmadge Magno, Hawaii County Civil Defense administrator, told CBS affiliate KGMB-TV. 'It's like a flood - it's just pouring out, covering everything in its path. It looks like there's no stopping it.' Lava continued to flow at a much slower pace into the bay on Tuesday. The eruptions have caused chaos across Hawaii since they began on May 3, which have caused earthquakes, volcanic ash smog or 'vog' and acid rain, giant fissures and cracks across the islands, and lava destroying anything that stands in its way. Red hot lava flows, with pockets of rock, floating down the lava. Experts say the eruptions have already wiped out more than 300 homes The bright red lava flows in Hawaii can get as hot as 1,165 F, with the temperature of the glowing orange flows reaching more than 1,600 F The lava flows can ignite trees, roads, buildings or anything in its path - leaving molten rock behind Thousands of residents have been evacuated since they began, and most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park remain closed. But some keen tourists have found another way to see the huge eruption - via boat. Pictures show adventurous tourists using a boat to approach the point where lava is sliding into the ocean, their vessel seemingly just yards from the thick smoke. The adventure doesn't come without danger though. When lava hits water it sends up a smoke known as laze, which is filled with fine glass particles and hydrochloric acid. In the images, tourists are seen holding up cameras as they approach the smoke, and in some it appears the group are in the midst of it all. Kim, has warned people to 'stay away from any ocean plume to prevent harmful health effects' after the lava inundation. Currently, most boats must keep away from a 300 meter radius of where the lava hits the water. Lava erupts in Leilani Estates during ongoing eruptions of the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii, U.S., June 5 Similar events are expected to continue for 'months', Cindi Preller, geologist and duty scientist at the Oahu office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said On Sunday, the National Guard airlifted two man and a woman from an isolated area to safety after they became surrounded by fast moving lava. Nearly 400 evacuees stayed at shelters on Saturday night, including people from Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland, with cell service not working in the area Monday night saw the most damage caused by the volcano since eruptions began on May 3. This image shows shows the lava flow originating from Fissure 8 entering Kapoho Bay A spokeswoman for the US Coast Guard told DailyMail.com the area was decided on by the USGS, the Hawaii Volcano Observatory and the Coast Guard, and that there was a second, closer number for some tour operators. She said because the volcano had affected so many locals, only one operator was currently believed to be running, and confirmed they had a waiver from the safety zone. '[The operator] has permission to approach closer because they have proven they have the proper equipment and experience to operate closer to lava,' she said. 'But, they must still remain a safe distance away. There is still risk involved, but it's a mitigated risk.' The spokeswoman said the Coast Guard and scientific bodies working on preventing any avoidable harm from occurring during Kilauea's eruption. She said there was great interest from people wanting to see the phenomenon, and all three organisations wanted to see it done safely and with the absolute minimum risk. Lieutenant John Bannon told DailyMail.com the distance operators with a waiver could travel towards the smoke changed constantly, but was quite lenient. 'Based on the lava hazards, we have allowed approved operators the discretion to get as close to the lava as they feel safe,' he explained. Brave tourists were very close to the phenomenon during a boat tour on Monday (pictured) While it is not known how close the group were, at some points it almost appeared they were engulfed in the smoke With many roads closed off and residential areas being evacuated, boat tours allow exclusive access to a close up view Tourists were seen with their cameras out, documenting the moment lava from Kilauea hit the Pacific Ocean Only one operator is currently believed to be running the tours as many others have been affected by the devastation of the eruption 'At other times we've restricted access to various distances... it's a moving line based on the lava activity, or threat of a bench collapse.' Applying for a waiver is a difficult job, with operators needing to provide detailed information on their safety system, mariner background, their vessel and the safety equipment on board. Lt. Bannon said he was not too concerned about letting vetted operators head in towards the lava, considering the high standards they needed to meet. 'It's the paddle boarder, kayaker, wanting to get that selfie, that becomes our next search and rescue case,' he said. The tour company believed to own the boat pictured has been contacted for comment but did not respond by the time of publication. Kilauea has been erupting for a month, with lava now moving faster than before and consuming much of the residential areas. Early on Tuesday morning, a tremor rocked the volcano, sending ash spewing up to a mile high. Luckily, the small size of the earthquake meant there was no threat of a tsunami, another danger of being in the ocean while the area is so unstable. 'Unlike lava, which you can see coming and avoid, we cannot see or predict earthquakes,' Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando said. 'Nor can we foresee a summit explosion. But both threats continue.' Lieutenant John Bannon told DailyMail.com depending on the current risk, operators with a waiver were allowed to go in as close to the lava as they felt comfortable When there was extra risk though, the Coast Guard would create a set safety line for operators with a waiver It is not known how close the tour group managed to get towards the point where lava met the ocean on Monday A spokeswoman from the US Coast Guard told DailyMail.com many tour operators were currently suspending their tours as they had lost their homes in the eruptions Pictured: Lava flows into the Pacific Ocean in the Kapoho area, east of Pahoa, during ongoing eruptions of Kilauea The lava has consumed 176 structures on the island, and thousands have been evacuated over the past month When lava meets the ocean, it explodes, creating the toxic, thick smoke (pictured) Lt. Bannon said he was not too concerned about letting vetted operators head in closer towards the lava, considering the high standards they needed to meet Similar events are expected to continue for 'months', Cindi Preller, geologist and duty scientist at the Oahu office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, told ABC News. 'The volcano is active and when these eruptive sequences get underway it's doing exactly as it's supposed to do, behaving as it should,' she said. On Sunday, the National Guard airlifted two man and a woman from an isolated area to safety after they became surrounded by fast moving lava. Nearly 400 evacuees stayed at shelters on Saturday night, including people from Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland, with cell service not working in the area. On Saturday, National Guard troops, police and firefighters ushered evacuees from homes on the eastern tip of the island, hours before lava cut off road access to the area, officials said. Big Island's mayor, Harry Kim, warned of volcanic gas emissions, including sulfur dioxide being high in the fissure system. He added: 'Residents in the area and downwind should take precaution to limit exposure. Stay alert and be prepared to evacuate with little notice' Jessica Ball, USGS volcanologist said on Sunday that lava was continuing to fountain from fissure 8, 'and is feeding a lava flow that has wrapped around the Kapoho Crater to the north and has entered the Vacationland neighborhood. 'Lava entered Green Lake at about 10am (June 2), forming a large steam plume, and by 1.30pm lava had filled the lake and boiled off all the water. 'At 7am on June 3, the flow front had entered Kapoho beach lots and was about 50 yards from the ocean. 'We estimate that the flow front is moving roughly 250 feet per hour, but be advised that this could become faster or slower at any time. There is now no access to Vacationland, Kapoho, or Highways 132 and 137. There was a weak flow from fissure 16, but it has not advanced far beyond the vent. 'At the summit, earthquake activity was low and ash emissions from the Halema'uma'u crater were weak. However, gas emissions remain high and we expect small explosive events to continue.' Kristen Horabin(DALLAS) -- Clothes ripped to shreds and covered in black grease and toothpaste. Thats what American Airlines passenger Kristen Horabin said she found Sunday when she went to claim her suitcase at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, according to ABC Dallas affiliate WFAA-TV. The suitcase was shredded, Horabin told the station. Most of the clothes that were left were shredded, and what was left was covered in black grease and toothpaste. There was a lot of toothpaste. It must have exploded on whatever impact there was. Horabin and her husband, who live in Texas, had returned from a weekend trip to Tampa, Florida, WFAA reported. Her husbands checked bags arrived undamaged, but Horabins battered belongings arrived on the baggage carousel in a plastic bin. Id say about 50 percent of my belongings were gone, Horabin said, adding that no one from the airline offered an explanation. I guess what I find so appalling is that, after it happened, someone gathered up what was left of my bag and my belongings and put them in the bin and sent it on its way, she said. The bag just popped up on the carousel with my destroyed belongings, or half of my destroyed belongings, heaped on top. An airline employee told her to file a claim, which she did immediately, Horabin said. Within 24 hours of reporting it, Horabin told WFAA, American Airlines apologized and told her it was sending her a $3,500 check for the damages, as well as a $300 travel voucher. A statement from American Airlines obtained by WFAA reads: We apologize for the damage that occurred to Ms. Horabins bag; we know how difficult it is to arrive at your final destination and a find a bag extremely damaged, American Airlines said in a statement obtained by WFAA. In 2017, American transported more than 160 million checked bags. While it is extremely rare to receive a report of a broken and/or damaged bag such as this one, our team will always work with our customers directly to resolves these claims. Horabin said she hopes that that if this ever happens again, the airline will do more than send a heavily damaged bag through the carousel with no explanation. Send someone up to say, you know, something happened to your personal effects and were sorry, she told WFAA. And I really honestly would have walked away and counted it as an unfortunate accident. I hope in the future that happens for other passengers. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. This is the moment a heroic police officer rescued a baby from her house after a volcano smothered the building in ash. Volcan de Fuego's eruption in Guatemala killed at least 69 as it rained lava down on El Rodeo and San Miguel Los Lotes. But as many held funerals, this National Civil Police officer was seen saving a tiny girl, who appeared immaculately dressed an unharmed by the carnage. More eruptions are feared after the volcano sprayed rocks, hot gases and ash at the hillside settlements on Sunday. Hundreds witnessed the carrying of caskets through streets as some still teemed with debris. The central American country is observing three days of mourning. The heroic officer descended a ladder (left) to pull the baby (right) out of the building apparently unharmed The flows of lava were as hot as 1,300F (700C) and the current death toll is expected to rise. A total of 3,271 people were evacuated and the eruptions are said to have affected 1.7million. A 5.2-magnitude earthquake also shook the Guatemala coast on Monday, which is when the video footage emerged. The day after the volcano's eruption, its biggest in more than four decades, residents in the capital Guatemala City woke to sweep ash from rooftops and streets. The officer was seen cradling the infant who appeared to emerge from the aftermath of the deadly volcano unscathed Technicians were assessing whether the runway at the international airport was clear enough to restart commercial flights. The eruption of the 3,763-meter (12,346-foot) volcano sent ash billowing over the surrounding area, turning plants and trees grey and blanketing streets, cars and people. Eddy Sanchez, director of the country's seismology and volcanology institute, said the flows from the eruption reached temperatures of about 1,300F (700C). Experts said the eruption ended after over 16 hours of activity, but warned that it could resume again. As mourners buried their dead and the country lives in fear of further eruptions, this officer was able to save a baby girl Sacatepequez television showed images of the volcano's damage including the charred landscape and three bodies lying partially buried in ash-colored debris from the volcano. Among the fatalities were four people - including a disaster agency official - killed when lava set a house on fire in El Rodeo village, and two children who were burned to death as they watched the volcano's second eruption this year from a bridge, Cabanas said. Another victim was found in the streets of El Rodeo by volunteer firefighters and later died in an ambulance. Hilda Lopez said the volcanic mud swept into her village of San Miguel Los Lotes, just below the mountain's flanks. She still does not know where her mother or her sister are. She said: 'We were at a party, celebrating the birth of a baby, when one of the neighbors shouted at us to come out and see the lava that was coming. 'We didn't believe it, and when we went out the hot mud was already coming down the street.' Israel said on Monday it was sending emergency aid worth $10,000 to Guatemala to buy emergency equipment including medication, food and blankets. A Briton said he felt 'fortunate' to have escaped harm after he trekked to the base camp of Acatenango, which lies around two miles from the deadly Volcan de Fuego, the day before the explosion. The police officer looks into the eyes of the baby he has just saved following deadly lava flows in Guatemala Richard Fitz-Hugh, a backpacker from Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, said: 'It was fine then, erupting as normal with lava flows but it was a lot worse today. 'We knew it was active, it's all part of the experience, you go up and see the lava, that's the point of climbing Acatenango. 'We heard there were a couple of people who were coming down early this morning when it started raining small volcanic rocks up to the size of your palm. 'I don't know anyone who has been physically harmed [on Acatenango], but obviously it wouldn't be completely safe being up high today - I'm sort of fortunate that I did it before.' Parents have refused to send their children to school after an alleged shooting threat from a student. Concerned parents said students fear a mass shooting at Elanora State High School on the Gold Coast due to the alleged threat to shoot classmates. Police were contacted by outraged parents who claimed the school has not taken the alleged threat seriously. Parents have refused to send their children to Elanora State High School (pictured) after an alleged shooting threat from a student One parent said students were 'scared' after screenshots of a conversation containing the threat were circulated, Gold Coast Bulletin reported. 'I only found out last night, and have had no notification from the school about the issue,' the parent said. 'It's the school's responsibility to let us know what's going on I'm disgusted and flabbergasted nothing has been sent to us.' Queensland Police told Daily Mail Australia an investigation was conducted into the alleged threats. Shortly before 9am on Wednesday the school made an announcement on its Facebook page to address the concerns. 'The school is aware of messages and screenshots that are circulating of a conversation between two students of Elanora SHS that refers to concerns of another student threatening to harm others,' the school said. Shortly before 9am on Wednesday the school made an announcement on its Facebook page to address the concerns 'The school has been in contact with the QPS and parents of students involved. QPS have investigated the incident and are on site and do not believe students and staff are at risk. 'The school is supporting those students involved through the Guidance Officer and meetings have been arranged with key parents. 'The school will continue to monitor the wellbeing of all students and the safety of all on site is our first priority. 'There is no risk to students at the school and it is a normal school day.' Wednesday's threat follows another online threat (pictured) made against a school in the region late last month The alleged school shooting threat comes after a series of bomb and shooting threats were made at school in the region in late May. A North Lakes school was targeted in an online post that warned students: 'Don't come to school next week.' That was followed by a similar threat days later, and two bomb threats - one at North Lakes and one on the Gold Coast. Police said no credible threats were found during their investigations and they believed the string incidents were a series of hoaxes. Daily Mail Australia contacted Elanora State High School for comment. A dead woman from New Zealand received a $98 invoice for a 400-metre ambulance journey to hospital. St John Ambulance sent the 25-year-old Arohaina Gilbert the bill five days after she died at Wairoa Hospital, reported Stuff. Ms Gilbert was rushed hospital from her home in Wairoa on the country's North Island on May 14. Arohaina Gilbert (pictured) in New Zealand received a $98 invoice for a 400-metre ambulance journey to hospital five days after she died She died after her urgent thyroid surgery was postponed, an incident which is now being investigated by the Hawke's Bay District Health Board. Hawke's Bay District Health Board spokeswoman Anna Kirk told Daily Mail Australia that the board is investigating the death through its Clinical Event Review process and has referred the death to the coroner. She died after her urgent thyroid surgery was postponed, an incident which is now being investigated by the Hawke's Bay District Health Board 'A meeting with the family has been set up so we can understand their concerns and discuss the review process with them,' Ms Kirk said. 'The coroners office has ultimate jurisdiction and its process is independent and external to the DHB.' The family have said they were shocked to receive the invoice from St John Ambulance. Ms Gilbert's brother, who wished not to be named, said the family 'paid the bill straightaway' but thought 'it was a bit insensitive'. However, St John Ambulance spokeswoman Victoria Hawkins told Stuff, 'The invoice is automatically generated and St John has no way of knowing patient outcomes once the patient has been discharged from our care.' St John charges all its patients $98 if they are treated and transported to the hospital by their ambluance officers. Ms Gilbert died at Wairoa Hospital after her urgent thyroid surgery was postponed, which is now being investigated by the Hawke's Bay District Health Board However, the Accident Compensation Corporation covers the if the injury was caused by an accident. 'The actual cost to St John for an emergency ambulance call out is approximately $600 (inc GST),' Hawkins said. But Ms Hawkins did not clarify if it is a standard practice for St John to issue bills to those who have died. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced new legislation Tuesday that would make New York State the first in the nation to give teachers the power to keep guns out of kids' hands. If passed, the proposal would create a new type of court order called an 'extreme risk protection order.' It would allow family members, police officers and teachers or school administrators to petition the state Supreme Court system, arguing that someone is likely to harm themselves or others and they shouldn't be allowed access to guns. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announces legislation on June 5, 2018 that would give teachers the power to petition the court to keep guns away from students they suspect could harm themselves or others. Cuomo (right) said the legislation was a better alternative to arming teachers. Parkland school shooting survivor Aalayah Eastmond (left) joined Cuomo for the announcement, echoing her support for the proposed measure If the court found the complaints legitimate, a judge could issue a temporary order restricting that person from purchasing, owning or having access to any type of firearm. The National Rifle Association did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Cuomo said Tuesday that the legislation, which he's calling the 'Red Flag Bill,' is a better solution than President Trump's proposal to arm teachers in the classroom. 'That makes absolutely no sense to us,' Cuomo said of Trump's suggestion. 'But a teacher should have recourse. We're also talking about teachers' safety here. and right now you have the teachers in a situation where there's nothing they can do, and it's frightening.' The governor's office noted that students and teachers had expressed concerns about Nikolas Cruz before the 19-year-old former student was arrested in the February 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Cruz has been charged with 17 counts of first-degree murder in the attack. A spokesman for Cuomo said the law wouldn't take guns away from parents whose children were brought before the court but judges could require parents to have a secure method (such as a safe) for storing any weapons away from a minor under an extreme risk protection order. 'The president has said the answer is to give teachers guns,' Cuomo said Tuesday at press conference in Manhattan. 'To me, that is a bizarre concept. Teachers are not there to carry firearms and engage in shootouts in a school setting with hundreds of students in the venue.' Parkland student Aalayah Eastmond joined Cuomo for the announcement, echoing her support for the proposed measure. 'No student should have to hide underneath her deceased classmate's body to survive, but I was that student,' Eastmond said during the press conference. 'Gun violence all around, whether it's in schools or the streets, needs to be eradicated.' People are brought out of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School after a February 14 shooting that killed 17 people and injured many more Cuomo's proposal did not immediately have any sponsors in the state Senate or Assembly, but a spokesman called on lawmakers to take up the measure and publicly take a position on whether to advance it to the floor of both chambers. While current state law allows firearms to be removed from a person through a temporary order of protection issued by a criminal or family court, there is no system in place to allow courts to temporarily seize firearms from someone who is merely considered at risk of harming themselves or others. While other states have laws that allow family members or police to bring someone before a judge to prohibit access to firearms, New York would be the first to give that power to teachers and school administrators, Cuomo's office said. Two former chief executives are among six bankers who face jail after being criminally charged with a $2.5 billion capital raising plot involving Australia's ANZ bank. The scandal involving the Australian heads of the American Citigroup and German Deutsche Bank will see the financial executives face a Sydney courtroom in July. The charges were laid after a two-year Australian Competition and Consumer Commission investigation into the 2015 plot, involving ANZ, convinced the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions to take action. Two former chief executives are among six bankers who face jail after being criminally charged with a $2.5 billion capital raising plot involving Australia's ANZ bank Stephen Roberts, the former chief executive of Citigroup in Australia, is the highest profile defendant. He moved to Bank of America Merrill Lynch after the alleged scandal Stephen Roberts, the former chief executive of Citigroup in Australia, is the highest profile defendant. He moved to Bank of America Merrill Lynch after the alleged scandal and has now taken leave from his new position as that bank's head of capital markets in Australia. Citigroup's former head of capital markets origination John McLean has also been charged along with the bank's global head of foreign exchange trading Itay Tuchman. Michael Ormaechea, who was previously Deutsche Bank's CEO in Australia, is also accused of being part of a financial conspiracy along with his former head of equity capital markets for Australia, Michael Richardson. Citigroup's former head of capital markets origination John McLean has also been charged along with the bank's global head of foreign exchange trading Itay Tuchman (pictured) ANZ's chief risk officer for Australia, Rick Moscati, is also among the six bankers who are due to face Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on July 3. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's chairman Rod Sims said the charges followed a long investigation into alleged financial malpractice. 'These serious charges are the result of an ACCC investigation that has been running for more than two years,' he said in a statement on Tuesday. A former Iowa state director shared with Governor Kim Reynolds that he had undergone sexual harassment prevention training a month before he was fired for speaking sexually to an employee. Iowa Finance Authority Director Dave Jamison was fired on March 24 after Reynolds was given a three-page letter from a former employee. The letter is comprised of 24 allegations against Jamison, with claims of the man touching the employees' breast, requesting explicit details from her past relationships and sending texts about male genitalia to other employees. Iowa Finance Authority Director Dave Jamison was fired on March 24 after Gov. Kim Reynolds received a three-page letter from a former employee Reynolds had asked all state directors in February to ensure that all staff would take the sexual harassment prevention training, the Des Moines Register reports. The move was in response to Reynold's administration agreeing to pay $1.75million against Senate Republican staff for sexual misconduct, just last year. Reynolds had asked all state directors in February to ensure that all staff would take the sexual harassment prevention training On February 27, Jamison reported to Chief of Staff Jake Ketzner that he had completed the training. 'I am pleased to report IFA has reached 100 percent,' Jamison said in an email to Ketzner. Jamison would be fired, 25 days later, for 'credible allegations of sexual harassment.' Both Chief Administrative Officer Brian Crozier and Attorney Mark Thompson were also said to have told Jamison to stop making the comments toward employees, according to the letter. It also named other employees who were said to have voiced their concern with Jamison. But since his firing, other questionable activity has come to light on Jamison. A $17million move by the IFA was deemed 'wasteful' and found to be $6million more dollars than staying at the same location. The move was approved in February by the Iowa Executive Council but without the information that Jamison should have allegedly provided. On February 27, Jamison reported to Chief of Staff Jake Ketzner (pictured) that he had completed the training Jamison (right) - who is also connected to questionable spending practices under Reynolds (center) - has filed for unemployment and is expecting a hearing on June 5 Also brought into question were some of Jamison's spending habits, as he was able to spend $100,000 each year without accounting for it in the budget. At least three audits have been attached to Jamison, including one sanctioned by Reynolds. It is also being closely looked at by Marck Weinhardy, a Des Moines attorney who wrote a 2013 report about Senator Kent Sorenson when he broke ethic rules when taking payments from Michele Bachmann. Sorenson resigned after the report and was sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2017. Jamison has filed for unemployment and is expecting a hearing on June 5. The jail sentence handed to the neo-Nazi couple convicted of murdering 42-year-old father, Alan Taylor, has been appealed by prosecutors. Melony Attwood, 37, and Robert Edhouse, 22, were found guilty of the 2016 murder in March and were each sentenced to a minimum non-parole period of 21 years. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed both sentences on May 24 on the grounds they were 'so inadequate as to manifest error,' WA Today reported. The sentence of Robert Edhouse (left) and Melony Attwood (right) for the murder of Perth father Alan Taylor has been appealed by The Director of Public Prosecutions Attwood, 37, insisted she was not involved in the killing of father-of-one Alan Taylor (pictured), 42, inside his house in Girrawheen in Perth's north in April 2016 'The State has lodged appeals against the sentences imposed on Ms Attwood and Mr Edhouse. The ground is that there was an error of law when the offenders were given minimum non-parole periods of 21 years that were so inadequate as to manifest error,' a DPP spokesperson said. Mr Taylor was living with Attwood and Edhouse - the president of the Perth chapter of neo-Nazi group Aryan Nations - before the murder. The pair went on trial in the Supreme Court of Western Australia earlier this year, along with Corey Joshua Dymock, 21, who was acquitted of murder but found guilty of being an accessory. A fourth person, and associate of the group who cannot be identified because he was 17, pleaded guilty to murder and was given a reduced sentence for testifying. Attwood has lodged an appeal against her murder conviction, claiming she was not involved in the murder inside Mr Taylor's Girrawheen house in north Perth in April 2016. Mr Taylor was living with Attwood (pictured) and Edhouse - the president of the Perth chapter of neo-Nazi group Aryan Nations - before the murder Edhouse (pictured) maintains he didn't kill Mr Taylor but admits disposing of evidence including the hammer, his lawyer Lisa Boston has said Court documents reveal she has appealed the conviction on several grounds, claiming her guilty verdict was 'unreasonable and not supported by the evidence'. Prosecutor Carmel Barbagallo said the murder was planned and premeditated by Edhouse and Attwood, the mother of Mr Taylor's three-year-old child. 'It was a very brutal murder,' she said. Ms Barbagallo said Attwood and Edhouse's motive for the killing was getting hold of a $1million life insurance policy they believed Mr Taylor had and to continue their relationship unencumbered by him. The trial heard the group went to a cinema to watch The Jungle Book after the killing in a bid to create a false alibi. Attwood made a distressed-sounding call to Triple Zero when she returned home, implying Mr Taylor had been murdered in a botched robbery. Edhouse will also be sentenced for trying to attack Dymock in the dock moments after he was convicted. He had to be restrained by security guards and police after he allegedly threw punches and threatened to kill his former friend. He was later charged with contempt of court. Edhouse (pictured) will also be sentenced for trying to attack Dymock in the dock moments after he was convicted A five-year-old boy has been rushed hospital after a car hit three pedestrians near a primary school. The young boy and two women were struck on Maramba Drive near Westfield Fountain Gate in Narre Warren, south-east Melbourne. The female driver of the vehicle stopped to help after the incident, which occurred just before 9am on Wednesday. The young boy and two women were struck on Maramba Drive (pictured) near Westfield Fountain Gate in Narre Warren, south-east Melbourne The boy was flown to Royal Children's Hospital with serious head and leg injuries after being treated at the scene by paramedics. A 79-year-old woman was taken to Dandenong Hospital in a stable condition, while a woman in her 30s was assessed at the scene. The incident occurred near a primary school around school drop off, The Herald Sun reported. The cause of the collision is yet to be determined and the investigation is ongoing. It's a common problem on the beach youre in swimwear but theres nowhere to keep some change for an ice cream. Now Nike has come up with the answer footwear with a small storage bag attached. Its 37 bumbag sandal has a small zip bag fastened to the straps, with enough room for car keys or small change. Its 37 bumbag sandal has a small zip bag fastened to the straps, with enough room for car keys or small change The poolside slides received mixed reactions online, however. One critic, using the US term for a bumbag tweeted: Nikes fanny pack slides. Just no. But some were more taken by their practicality. One online commenter tweeted: Fanny pack sandals by Nike is genius and revolutionary. The sandals sold out online in America, but there is no European release date. A 14-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of a man knifed to death on the streets of Chelsea. The teenager - who cannot be named because of his age - was arrested on Tuesday over the death of Mark Fontaine, 41, who was fatally stabbed on the evening of May 31. Police and paramedics were called at around 10.20pm following reports of a stabbing on Cathcart Road. Mr Fontaine, of Walthamstow, died at the scene just after 11pm. A post-mortem gave the cause of death as multiple stab wounds. The defendant appeared at Highbury Magistrates Court on Tuesday and remains in custody at a north London police station. A teenager - who cannot be named because of his age - was arrested on Tuesday over the death of Mark Fontaine, 41, who was fatally stabbed on the evening of May 31. Pictured: Police and paramedics were called to the scene at Cathcart Road The defendant appeared at Highbury Magistrates Court on Tuesday and remains in custody at a north London police station Detectives from the Met's Homicide and Major Crime Command are investigating and have urged anyone with any information to contact them. Witnesses claim Mr Fontaine gasped for breath as passers-by tried to give first aid, applying pressure on his wounds to try to stem the bleeding. Neighbours who rushed to give aid said they tried talking to the victim, who was wearing a dark blue sweatshirt, to keep him conscious. He told them his name, that he was a father-of-three and that he wanted his family. A picture of him lying on the floor appears to show him wearing a wedding ring. Witnesses claim Mr Fontaine gasped for breath as passers-by tried to give first aid, applying pressure on his wounds to try to stem the bleeding At the time of the fatal stabbing, the residents on Cathcart Road, Kensington, spoke of their shock that such a violent incident could take place in such an exclusive postcode. London now has a higher murder rate than New York, with more than 70 killings so far this year. Knife crime has also led to the deaths of a 17-year-old boy in Ipswich and of 15-year-olds in Sheffield and Wolverhampton. Since the start of the year, at least 37 people have been fatally stabbed and 62 overall killed. This is the dramatic moment a private contractor was arrested at the White House security gates over an outstanding warrant for attempted murder. Martese Edwards, 29, had arrived for work at the White House on Tuesday when he was taken into custody at the checkpoint in the 1600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue. Secret Service officials told The Washington Post that Edwards' name matched with an outstanding warrant for attempted murder in Prince George County, Maryland. This is the dramatic moment a private contractor was arrested at the White House security gates over an outstanding warrant for attempted murder On Tuesday, the smartly dressed contractor was charged with being a fugitive from justice in Washington, DC. He could be extradited back to Maryland to face the attempted murder charge. A Prince George Sheriff's Office spokesman said the warrant was issued on May 17. President Trump had been at the White House on Tuesday for an alternative America celebration after Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, were disinvited. Martese Edwards, 29, had arrived for work at the White House on Tuesday when he was taken into custody at the checkpoint in the 1600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue The smartly dressed contractor was stopped at the gates by multiple officers and arrested Pictured show him being handcuffed and put into the back of a police cruiser Trump told gathered guests on the White House lawn that the event was now a 'Celebration of America' and made no mention of the team, telling the crowd: 'We love our country,' he said. 'We respect our flag. And we always proudly stand for the national anthem.' It is not clear where Edwards would have been working as a private contractor or what his role was. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Edwards's arrest. President Trump had been at the White House on Tuesday for an alternative America celebration after Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, were disinvited A man has been arrested after stabbing a 17-year-old boy and seriously injuring him in a violent attack in the heart of London. The youth was attacked near busy Liverpool Street station at rush hour by a man in his 40s and was rushed to hospital soon afterwards. Police later confirmed the attacker, said to be from East Ham, had been arrested after the incident. A City of London police spokesperson said: 'City of London police officers were called to reports of a 17-year-old being stabbed at 5.59pm. 'He has serious but non-critical injuries and has been taken to the Royal London Hospital.' 'City of London police officers have arrested a man from East Ham and he remains in custody.' The latest incident follows a spate of recent stabbings in the capital - with 66 people stabbed in London so far in 2018. Scotland Yard has launched more than 60 murder inquiries so far in 2018 following a surge of violent crime in the capital. The Duchess of Sussex is to experience a sleepover like no other when she travels overnight with the Queen to Cheshire on the Royal Train next week. The monarch has invited Meghan to accompany her for a day of engagements on Thursday and MailOnline understands that, given the distances involved, the train will set off on Wednesday, arriving at Runcorn Station on Thursday morning. While the Queen always tends to make long distance journeys on her train overnight, it will be quite the eye-opener for her new grand-daughter-in-law. Much of the nine-carriage train currently in service dates back to 1977 when it was extensively used during the Silver Jubilee tours and while a novel experience, it is terribly dated and not entirely luxurious. Scroll down for video Royal sleepover! The monarch has invited Meghan to accompany her for a day of engagements on Thursday and the pair will travel together on board the Royal Train (pictured) Her Majesty's personal saloon is 75ft long and fitted with secondary air suspension giving passengers an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride. It has a bedroom, decorated in light pastel shades, with a 3ft-wide single bed in one corner (there are no double beds on the Royal Train) made up with cotton sheets and woollen blankets. While Prince Philip's pillows are plain, the Queen's are trimmed with lace, with a small Royal cipher in one corner. The ceiling has subdued strip lighting and there are several reading lamps near the bed. The adjoining bathroom has a full-size bath, but the fittings are modest and functional. The train operators make sure the carriages are not crossing any bumpy points just after 7.30am: that could make the water slop around when the Queen is taking her bath. The train's speed is always lower than the normal maximum for any route. Lap of luxury: Her Majesty's personal saloon is 75ft long and fitted with secondary air suspension giving the Queen (pictured in June) an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride First time: While the Queen often makes long distance journeys on her train overnight, it will be quite the eye-opener for her new grand-daughter-in-law Meghan (pictured in April) The sitting room has a sofa with hand-stitched velvet cushions, armchairs and the small dining table where the Queen and Prince Philip have breakfast. The table can be extended to seat six people. There is also a desk in one corner where Her Majesty works on her official papers. Although she has enjoyed several meetings with the Queen and spent time with her at Windsor Castle, the overnight journey will be unprecedented for Meghan. It will provide the queen for a chance to spend some quality time with Harrys new bride, with relatively few interruptions. Meghan - pictured with Harry after their Windsor wedding - will ride with the Queen on the royal train, and the MailOnline can reveal that the pair are expected to travel overnight Harry has already revealed that his grandmother has given Meghan her seal of approval - and that the dog-loving duchess has even charmed the monarchs notoriously snappy corgis. Last year royals travelled on the distinctive liveried train just 14 times at a cost of 900,000 to taxpayers. Buckingham Palace officials admit it is expensive, but say the Queen, 92, finds it more comfortable to use on overnight on long-distance journeys. The Queen and Meghan will be undertaking three official engagements in Cheshire next Thursday. Harry and Meghan will finally appear on the balcony where Kate and William famously shared this kiss after their April 2011 wedding (pictured) Prince Harry and his new wife will also finally appear on Buckingham Palace's balcony as they attend the Trooping the Colour on Saturday after they broke with royal tradition by marrying outside of London. Harry and Meghan will grace the balcony with other senior royals during the celebration, which marks the Queens 92nd birthday. A royal source told Mirror Online: 'There will be huge interest in seeing the newlyweds after the magic of their wedding. 'The balcony appearance is the perfect symbol of how Meghan has been welcomed into the family.' The newlyweds have not been seen since attending Prince Charles 70th birthday three days after their wedding on May 19. Kate Spade seemed to have it all; she was a world renowned fashion designer living in a Park Avenue apartment with her beloved husband and daughter. But underneath the glamorous lifestyle and 'happy-go-lucky' facade, her family says she was battling her own demons. Her older sister Reta Saffo told DailyMail.com that Kate struggled to cope with her celebrity status, which only made her suspected bipolar disorder worse. She added that her sister had been planning to kill herself for a long time before she hanged herself on Tuesday. 'My little sister Katy was a precious, precious little person,' Saffo told us. 'Genuine in almost every way. Kate Spade's (pictured) older sister Reta Saffo has revealed her sister's long battle with mental illness Spade with her daughter Beatrix Spade (left), and Darcy Miller with her daughter (right) Daisy Nussabaum attend the 5,000 performance celebration of 'Mamma Mia!' on Broadway at Broadhurst Theatre in November 2013 'Just dear - but she was surrounded by YES people, for far too long, therefore she did not receive the proper care for what I believed to be (and tried numerous times to get her help for) bipolar disorder... stemming from her immense celebrity.' Saffo said the 55-year-old never anticipated how successful her brand would become - and how she, with it, would become a household name. 'She never expected it - nor was she properly prepared for it,' she told DailyMail.com. Saffo told The Kansas City Star she'd noticed worrying signs of mental illness even when Kate was young - but the pressure of running her own brand meant her sister began to crack. 'She was always a very excitable little girl,' she said adding that 'this was not unexpected by me'. 'I felt all the stress/pressure of her brand (KS) may have flipped the switch where she eventually became full-on manic depressive...' The heartbroken sister, who said she spoke to the newspaper after taking sedatives, said Kate would self-medicate her suspected bipolar disorder with alcohol, because she was too scared to seek professional help in case it damaged the brand. 'Unfortunately, untreated, it finally took its toll on her,' she told the DailyMail.com. 'A very tragic and sad ending to the life of a very colorful and delightful being.' Saffo said she was aware of her sister's battle with mental illness, but it wasn't until comedian Robin Williams killed himself in August 2014, that Saffo began to realize Kate's obsession with suicide and her unraveling mental health. Kate pictured far left as a young child with her family in the 1960s It wasn't until comedian Robin Williams (pictured in 2005) killed himself in August 2014, that Saffo began to realize Kate's obsession with suicide and her unraveling mental health Saffo, 57, describes how they were together at a hotel in Santa Fe when news broke of his death. And while she says they were both shocked and saddened, Kate seemed unable to tear herself away from the footage. 'She kept watching it and watching it over and over,' she said. 'I think the plan was already in motion even as far back as then.' Increasingly concerned about her mental state, Saffo says that she and Kate's husband Andy Spade repeatedly urged her to go for treatment, including to the same treatment program where Catherine Zeta-Jones went for her successful bipolar treatment. But she'd always 'chickened out' at the last moment. Family: She is survived by her husband Andrew (above in 2017), who is the brother of actor David Spade, and her 13-year-old daughter Frances Apartment: The designer left a note telling her daughter it was not her fault before taking her own life by hanging and allegedly told the girl to 'ask daddy' reports TMZ (Spade's apartment above) Trio: By 2006, the company was valued at $125 million, and Kate left for good the following year after Neiman sold Kate Spade & Co to Liz Claiborne that same year (Kate with Andy and David Spade in 2001) 'We'd get sooo close to packing her bags, but in the end, the 'image' of her brand (happy-go-lucky Kate Spade) was more important for her to keep up. She was definitely worried about what people would say if they found out.' WHAT IS BIPOLAR DISORDER? Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that mainly affects sufferers' moods. It is characterised as periods of euphoric highs and depressive lows. These mood swings can be extreme and have a big impact on a patient's quality of life. The rate of bipolar episode cycling varies between sufferers. Bipolar's causes may include childhood trauma, stressful life events, genetics or brain chemistry. Treatment may include medication or therapy. Sufferers can practice self-care by staying physically healthy, maintaining a strong support network, sticking to a daily routine and avoiding known triggers, such as late nights. The difference between bipolar I and II is that bipolar II sufferers won't have experienced a full manic episode. Source: Mind Advertisement In the end, she says, Kate's death was heartbreaking but 'not unexpected'. 'Sometimes you simply cannot SAVE people from themselves!' Saffo, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, told The Star, adding that she would miss her 'kind', 'funny' and 'dear' sister and their marathon seven hour phone calls. Saffo said after numerous attempts to try and help her sister, she 'finally let go.' The last time they talked, her sister had urged her to attend her funeral. 'One of the last things she said to me was, 'Reta, I know you hate funerals and don't attend them, but for me would you PLEASE come to MINE, at least. Please!' I know she perhaps had a plan, but she insisted she did not.' Saffo said that even if her sister's death had not been a surprise, she was still devastated by the loss, and was going 'for a good cry.' Spade, who shot to fame with her line of eponymous purses, was found unconscious and unresponsive' by her housekeeper on Tuesday morning. She is survived by her husband Andy, who is the brother of actor David Spade, and daughter Frances. If you or anyone you know needs to talk, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 To contact the Samaritans, visit www.samaritans.org or call 116 123. A 10-year-old girl was honored by Clark County commissioners on Tuesday for protecting her young relatives from bullets at a NevadaWalmart on May 8. Aaliyah Inghram, 10, was given a medal as Clark County Commissioners designated June 5, 2018, 'Aaliyah Inghram Day.' 'Heroism comes in all shapes, sizes and forms,' Commissioner Lawrence Weekly said, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The sentiment was shared by Commissioner Larry Brown, who added: 'You're a superhero.' Aaliyah Inghram, 10, was given a medal as Clark County Commissioners designated June 5, 2018, 'Aaliyah Inghram Day' On May 8, Aaliyah had been in an SUV with her mother who was handing cookies to her and her other two children and nephew after a shopping trip. When a shootout began, 26-year-old Samantha Tygrit - who is four months pregnant - instructed all the children to get out of her white Chevrolet Tahoe and get to the ground. As a bullet went through her shoulder, Tygrit threw her daughter, four, to the ground and rushed to unbuckle her 18-month-old son and 15-month-old nephew from their carseats. On May 8, Aaliyah shielded her 18-month-old brother and 15-month-old cousin from gunfire at a local Walmart 'I've never been so scared in my life,' she said. 'To feel like you can't protect all your kids at once, that was the worst feeling in my life.' When Tygrit looked, she discovered that Aaliyah had been shielding the children and was hit in the buttocks by the same bullet that pierced through her mom. 'She didn't have to do what she did, but she did and it saved her brother,' Tygrit said. The girl was shot by a bullet in the buttocks that also hit her mother, 26-year-old Samantha Tygrit (center), in the shoulder 'Stay calm and do what's right for you,' she said for other kids who find themselves in difficult situations 'I thought it was like a car reacting to something,' the girl explained to news3lv. 'But then I saw that I was bleeding, so then I told mom that I got shot.' The two received treatment at Sunrise Hospital and were released on the same day as the shooting. The young girl is expected to have surgery in the month to remove the bullet. All the children will also receive trauma counseling. 'We'll figure it out,' Tygrit asserted. 'They're really strong and we have a lot of support.' Aaliyah shared that protecting her brother and cousin were of vital importance to her Aaliyah shared that protecting her brother and cousin were of vital importance to her. 'Stay calm and do what's right for you,' she said for other kids who find themselves in difficult situations. Police have detained one of the suspects in connection to the shooting and are looking for the other. Third of the Bali Nine to die: Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, 34, died after a fight with stomach cancer at 7.10am on May 19, Indonesian prison authorities confirmed The Bali Nine heroin smuggler who died of stomach cancer after 13 years behind bars wrote powerful diary entries warning others not to 'waste their life'. Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, 34, was the third member of the notorious trafficking ring to die while serving jail time. Nguyen died in a Jakarta hospital on May 19 following a cancer fight, said Ade Kusmanto, a spokesman for Indonesia's Directorate General of Corrections. The son of Vietnamese migrants from Brisbane, Nguyen was sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the infamous plot to smuggle drugs into Australia. An inmate who served time with Nguyen at Malang Prison, in East Java, said he was first hospitalised following an incident in 2017. 'He was sick a lot longer before then, it's just taking him a long time to get to the hospital because (he) wouldn't go,' the inmate said. Nguyen spent 13 years behind bars for the Bali Nine drug trafficking plot. He was sentenced to death on one appeal but a higher court later granted him mercy. Above, seen with family Mr Nguyen (left, in police photo) had been diagnosed with a terminal illness, believed to be cancer. He wrote a powerful letter to supporters in 2015 (right) Nguyen, then 23, with co-accused Si Yi Chen (left) and Matthew Norman (right) after they were sentenced to life for heroin trafficking in February 2006 Nguyen died at 7.10am on a Saturday almost three weeks ago, and his body was shipped home to Queensland on May 22, authorities said. Blog posts uncovered on Wednesday revealed Nguyen started writing a diary following the executions of plot ringleaders Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan. Nguyen's diary entries featured poetry and his daily thoughts. The prisoner said he started writing 'to help get over what had happened recently' - the killings. One poem, written about his future self, imagined sharing his life lessons with university students. 'There I am, giving a speech, to a group of younger people ... telling them my mistakes, telling them my story. 'Making them know the reasons why, revealing my experiences, sharing and opening to them, about the dangers. 'Not to follow the same mistakes as me, to not end up in jail, to not waste their life ... 'That is my duty, that is my goal, that is what I will work forward to.' 'MYSELF IN THE FUTURE': A POEM BY TAN DUC THANH NGUYEN 'Myself in the future There I am, Giving a speech, To a group of younger people, Univeristy students it appears, What was it I was saying, Telling them my mistakes, Telling them my story, Making them know the reasons why, Revealing my experiences, Sharing and opening to them, About the dangers, Not to follow the same mistakes as me, To not end up in jail, To not waste their life, To be forgotten in foreign land, To not take things for granted, To know that family is first, There was something etched in my face, A worry that I cant tell, Something must be wrong, Or maybe its just more difficult, About my future role, To warned others about the cost of mistakes, And what those mistakes cost, Though it will be tiring, I shall not give up, No matter what, I shall work to that end, That is my duty, That is my goal, That is what I will work forward to, This is me, That is whom I am to become, That is my fate, That is my destiny.' Source: Tanducthanhnguyen.wordpress.com Advertisement Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen - known as the 'forgotten Bali Nine' prisoner - has died following a long battle with illness, sources said In other posts, he reflected upon his love for his family, the deaths of Chan and Sukumaran and the lessons learned from prison. 'I truly believe this though, being in jail has actually been the best thing for me, to have this experience and to better myself as a person,' he wrote on one occasion. 'Because while everyone, well some, experienced something life changing, something tragic, yet still wanting to do positive in the world. 'Who knows what my life would of been liked (sic), if I did something different.' Nguyen had been planning to transport heroin to Australia The entries, published in 2015, did not appear to make reference to illness. Nguyen and two others - traffickers Matthew Norman and Si Yi Chen - landed behind bars after they were arrested at the Melasti Hotel in Kuta on April 17, 2005. They had been planning to transport heroin to Australia. In a blog post, he recalled: 'Five gun barrels are pointing directly at my head. 'Daring me to make any sudden moves. 'Moments before this, around thirty guys with guns came in the hotel room. 'My first thoughts when I saw them was, the mafia is robbing us.' Mr Nguyen, above, was sentenced to death in Indonesia - but escaped with a life sentence A letter written by Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen in 2015 where he asked for a 'second chance' Myuran Sukumaran (left) and Andrew Chan (right) were put to death by firing squad in 2015 In a previous interview with Daily Mail Australia, Nguyen said: 'No one wishes death. 'I have a life sentence, that means life in Indonesia. 'That's death by a different means'. Nguyen said his family visited when they could, but the years-long Indonesian ordeal had been hard on them financially. The family spent their savings on Tan's legal costs, he claimed, and the shame and stress he caused his family were one of his biggest regrets. 'I live with that regret every single morning when I wake and every night in my noisy bare jail cell as I try to sleep,' he said. 'I tell you now, there isnt any code of honour among drug dealers and in the end it will destroy you and everyone around you. Two members of the Bali Nine, Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan, were executed by firing squad in April 2015. Seven of the 'Bali Nine' appear in an Indonesian holding cell in December 2005 The other seven members were sentenced to jail terms. In 2006, Nguyen's sentence was upgraded to death on appeal. But a further appeal restored his original life sentence. Fellow smuggler Renae Lawrence expects that she could be released from prison this year. A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman said it 'has been providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian man who died of a terminal illness in Indonesia.' A community group is campaigning to have a phone booth they suspect performs 'an Uber for drugs' service removed from their neighbourhood. The Telstra phone box on Dalgetty Street in St Kilda, Melbourne, has reportedly become a hub for local drug users and allegedly has phone numbers of dealers stuck inside. 'There are a lot of people on bikes with backpacks it's like an 'Uber for drugs' service,' Darren Robinson, from Friends of St Kilda Hill, told Herald Sun. A Telstra phone box on Dalgetty Street (pictured) in St Kilda, Melbourne, has reportedly become a hub for local drug users 'There are mobile phone numbers stuck inside and people go in there, ring up that number and get drugs,' he said. The push to have the booth removed has gained support from Victoria Police, who wrote to Telstra asking for the measure to be taken in the interest of public safety. But the telecommunications giant refused, claiming the onus was on the police force to conduct regular patrols of the area if they suspected criminal activity. Telstra claimed the booth was the fourth most used payphone in the St Kilda area and had been used to dial Triple Zero eight times in the past year. The push to have the booth removed has gained support from Victoria Police which wrote to Telstra asking for the measure to be taken in the interest of public safety Mr Robinson believes the phone's high usage was likely linked with dial-a-dealer activity, saying the location was an 'obscure' spot for a phone booth to be placed. Port Phillip Inspector Jason Kelly said the area was 'of interest' to police and officers had made several arrests during their patrols. Telstra said in its response to police it would be willing to aid in installing stickers inside the cabinet to advise users the payphone was under increased surveillance. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Telstra for comment. Furious backpackers in Australia have hit back after a racist poster was slapped across a shopfront in a Far North Queensland town. A number of travellers publicly condemned the 'Ayr is a backpacker free-free zone' notice which told them to 'F*** off, because you are not welcome here'. Yuri Struycken, from the Netherlands, told the Townsville Bulletin whoever was behind the poster was 'acting like we're beasts' and had a message of their own for those who wanted travelling workers out of Ayr. 'Let them fall like one of the many mining/agricultural towns here in Australia,' Ms Struycken said, adding there were plenty of other town across the nation which would welcome the help from backpackers. A racist poster telling backpackers they're unwelcome has been found in Ayr (pictured) Backpackers have hit back at the poster, saying if they are not welcome in Ayr, there are other places in Australia which would welcome them with open arms (stock image) Lyndsey Peel, from Britain, said as someone who was both from northern Europe and a backpacker, she was confused if that meant she was allowed to be in Ayr or not. The notice also read: 'So unless you are of northern European decent, speak English and you are not a thot or a degenerate'. The word 'thot' is misogynistic slang used to criticise promiscuous women. The poster has also been widely condemned by the community, with Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin calling it 'vile'. 'We wholeheartedly welcome backpackers to our region, not only for the crucial work they do in our horticultural industries but for the cultural diversity they add to our community,' Cr McLaughlin said in a statement. 'I am appalled by the vile messaging in this poster. The person or persons responsible should hang their heads in shame. 'The poster is certainly not in keeping with the friendly and welcoming nature of our community, which celebrates cultural diversity. Our cultural diversity makes the Burdekin a great place to live and enriches our way of life.' The anti-backpacker poster is the latest in a string of racist posters in Australia in recent months. The community has condemned the poster, with mayor Lyn McLaughlin calling it 'vile' In Sydney, anti-Asian posters were found outside a busy shopping centre that called for an end to immigration amongst other things. It is unknown who put them up. Anonymous neo-Nazi group Antipodean Resistance have also continued their campaigns by putting up stickers in Toowoomba and Bathurst. It is unclear if they were responsible for the anti-backpacker poster. Police are investigating and would like anyone with information to contact them. A dreadlock could be vital evidence in the trial of a man accused of twice raping a woman almost five years ago. A District Court trial heard on Monday how a woman was walking through Adelaide's Victoria Park in December 2013 when Benjamin James Heldon, 45, allegedly grabbed her from behind, threw her to the ground and sexually assaulted her. Prosecutor Emily Telfer SC told the jury that the woman allegedly punched her alleged attacker in the face, gouged his eyes and pulled out a dreadlock, Yahoo 7 reports. Benjamin James Heldon, 45, (pictured) is accused of allegedl;y sexually assaulting a woman in an Adelaide park in December 2013. The court heard that DNA was extracted from the dreadlock but it took three years for police to find a match and arrest Heldon. The court was told police later allegedly found matted hair at the scene and strands entangled in the victim's glasses, which she lost during the sexual assault. It was also told how forensic tests uncovered a DNA match with the hair along with swabs from the alleged victim's hands and fingernails. Ms Telfer said the DNA match from the dreadlock was 'one billion times more likely' to come from Heldon than anyone else, the Adelaide Advertiser reported. Heldon was arrested on the NSW mid north coast three years after the alleged sexual assault in Adelaide Benjamin Heldon (pictured) has denied the sexual assault allegations By the time he was arrested, Heldon had moved to the New South Wales mid north coast near Coffs Habour. 'Police searched the house and located more than just images hanging on a hook in the main bedroom was a bundle of long dreadlocks that had been cut,' Ms Telfer told the court. 'Numerous images of the accused were located that showed him wearing his hair in dreadlocks, that were long and hung down his back.' The prosecutor told the court that the DNA match from the dreadlock was 'one billion times more likely' to come from Helson (pictured) than anyone else Heldon has denied the sexual assault allegations. His lawyer told the court his client admitted he came into physical contact with the woman at the park that night but said the 'mechanics of that physical interaction' and the 'state of mind of the accused' will be issues in contention. The trial continued on Tuesday, where the alleged victim began giving evidence in a closed court. A mother has been charged after allegedly riding her horse through a bottle shop while four times over the limit. Charmaine Maguire, 51, was charged with being in charge of a horse while under the influence of liquor after an incident in Logan, south of Brisbane, on Monday. Ms Maguire's social media accounts feature hundreds of photos of horses, including two taken inside a bottle shop which she posted in 2015. Scroll down for video Charmaine Maguire (pictured), 51, was charged with being in charge of a horse while under the influence of liquor after an incident in Logan, south of Brisbane, on Monday Police officers walked the horse (pictured) to Logan Central Police Station before it was later returned to a Marsden address She allegedly rode her mare through a bottle shop drive-through while drinking from a bottle of wine. Springwood officers were called to the tavern on Wembley Road at Logan Central around 11:30pm as the woman refused to leave the premises. Ms Maguire was then arrested and taken to Logan Central Police Station. She allegedly returned a positive blood alcohol content level of 0.226 per cent - four times higher than the legal BAC limit for driving of 0.05 per cent. Ms Maguire (pictured) is due to appear in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on June 26 Ms Maguire's social media accounts feature hundreds of photos of horses, including two taken inside a bottle shop which she posted in 2015 (pictured) Police had to walk the horse from the scene of the incident to Logan Central Police Station. The mare was then taken to an address in Marsden, where police believe Ms Maguire picked up the horse after riding a bicycle from Kingston. Ms Maguire is due to appear in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on June 26. She faces a maximum penalty of nine month's jail if convicted of the charge of being in charge of a horse while drunk. An American themed cafe-bar has shut down just one month after its long-awaited opening amid a feud between its business partners over 'skimpy' uniforms. Roberta Aitchison and John Sankey spent a year developing Meter Maid Bar in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, but have recently gone their separate ways. Mr Sankey argued staff wearing revealing bathing-suit style uniforms made serving in a family-friendly environment an uncomfortable experience for everyone involved, Gold Coast Bulletin reported. Roberta Aitchison and John Sankey (pictured with staff) spent a year developing Meter Maid Bar in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, but have recently gone their separate ways Mr Sankey argued staff wearing revealing bathing-suit style uniforms made serving in a family-friendly environment an uncomfortable experience (Meter Maid pictured) 'The uniforms was a point of contention. There was quite a lot of feedback from people saying they felt uncomfortable with children and families. So were a couple of the girls on staff they felt uncomfortable serving families and children with basically their bikinis up their a***,' Mr Sankey said. Ms Aitchison's next goal was to get hold of a licence that would allow the business to trade until 1am without selling food, rather than cutting off the bar an hour after the kitchen closed, which was normally 9.30pm. 'It needs to be relaunched with the right licence. We don't want to be a nightclub. We just need a later licence so we are able to make money later on in the evening,' she said. But her former business partner, who said he would remain a shareholder, believed the night scene in Surfers Paradise would not have room for the business Ms Aitchison had in mind. Ms Aitchison's (pictured) next goal was to get hold of a licence that would allow the business to trade until 1am without selling food Mr Sankey (pictured) said he would remain a shareholder, believed the night scene in Surfers Paradise would not have room for the business Ms Aitchison had in mind 'There is no way I want to compete with businesses of that late-night nature and that is where it is shifting now. I have no interest in that. There is no room for it in Surfers, all those bases are covered. I also believe it'll kill the Meter Maids brand that's my opinion,' Mr Sankey said. The former Penthouse cover girl wasn't concerned about the future of her business or brand's reputation and said she had no issue with her staff's uniform. She claimed Mr Sankey had all but 'walked away' from the business, but conceded it would be favourable for her if he stayed on as a shareholder. The businesswoman claimed Mr Sankey had all but 'walked away' from the business, but conceded it would be favourable for her if he stayed on as a shareholder The duo met after Mr Sankey, a heavy metal drummer, returned to the Gold Coast to take some time out, and was introduced to Ms Aitchison through a mutual friend. Ms Aitchison was an original Meter Maid who would to feed parking meters around Surfers Paradise to save people from being fined. She later trademarked the concept, which still operates 50 years on, and developed the brand into her business. A South Dakota lawmaker has apologized for saying businesses should be able to turn away customers based on race. State Rep. Michael Clark, a Republican from Hartford, made his comment in a Facebook post on Monday. It came after a US Supreme Court ruling in favor of a Colorado baker who refused to make a cake for a same-sex couple's wedding. The Argus Leader reported Clark wrote the baker 'should have the opportunity to run his business the way he wants' and 'if he wants to turn away people of color, then that (is) his choice.' In hot water: State Rep. Michael Clark, a Republican from South Dakota, has apologized for saying businesses should be able to turn away customers based on race Clark made the comment on Facebook Monday after a US Supreme Court ruling in favor of a Colorado baker who refused to make a cake for a same-sex couple's wedding A critic of Clark's marvelled that as an elected official, he was seemingly unfamiliar with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits businesses from discriminating against customers on the basis of race, color, gender, religion or national origin . 'I suspect you'd be singing a different tune if a business refused to serve a straight/white/Christian,' the Facebook user wrote. In an interview with the Argus Leader, Clark said that business owners who have strongly-held beliefs should have the right to deny service. If its truly his strongly based belief, he should be able to turn them away, Clark said. People shouldnt be able to use their minority status to bully a business. Clark also argued that in a free market economy, if the community does not support a store or a restaurant because of its policies or practices, it would put it out of business by refusing to spend money there. Clark removed the original post after several commenters questioned it. He took down the post on Tuesday, saying he 'jumped in on it a little bit too fast.' He later issued an apology. Clark (left and right) said that business owners who have strongly-held beliefs should have the right to deny service. His opponents of the left said he is not fit for office 'I made some comments here on Facebook, defending a Colorado Baker decision not create a cake for a Homosexual wedding. The comments I made were very racist. 'I would like to apologize for those comments. Businesses should not be able to discriminate solely based on race, sex, national origin, age, or handicap.' 'My comments were made in haste, with the belief that businesses should be able to operate with fewer constraints of a heavy-handed government. Of course, I was wrong, all business should serve everyone, equally. 'I know I cant make amends to everyone and not everyone will see this apology. For those that do, I sincerely hope you will accept this apology.' The state Democratic Party and Democratic candidates who will be running against Clark in the November elections said his comment shows that he is unfit for office. He doesnt understand the rights of people he represents, said District 9 House candidate Toni Miller. A high school teacher was shocked when she developed severe acne and a rare autoimmune disease from household mould A high school teacher was shocked when she developed severe acne and a rare autoimmune disease from household mould growing in her air conditioner. Just four years ago Carly Buhagiar, 34, was a high school PE teacher, health nut, and lived comfortably with her partner in a rental apartment in the trendy inner Melbourne suburb of Prahran. Yet from the time she moved into her apartment in April 2014, she suddenly developed severe rashes as well as anxiety and depression. Ms Buhagiar became so sick she was even forced to give up her job in 2016. At first she was diagnosed with severe adult acne. Yet the acne turned out to be lesions that covered her entire face, legs and chest. Carly Buhagiar, 34, moved into her trendy Melbourne apartment in April 2014, but shortly afterwards she started to develop severe rashes on her face and body 'I was diagnosed with adult acne, severe and cystic, and put on some serious medication,' she said 'I know this sounds awful but I wanted to go to a doctor and for them to say you have cancer because that would make sense then' Symptoms of toxic mould illness fatigue brain fog headaches cramps coughing shortness of breath blurred vision abdominal pain memory loss vertigo Source: Toxic Mould Support Australia Advertisement With painful rashes developing on her face and body, she went to see doctor after doctor including one of Melbourne's top rheumatologists. Yet no one could pinpoint how and why the former teacher's health was deteriorating so dramatically. 'I know this sounds awful but I wanted to go to a doctor and for them to say you have cancer because that would make sense then,' she previously told 9 News. It wasn't until last December that she was finally diagnosed with toxic mould illness after seeing a new GP. Ms Buhagiar told Daily Mail Australia: 'I was diagnosed with both Lupus and then later diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. She said the hardest part is knowing she will have these illnesses for the rest of her life. Despite the diagnosis, Ms Buhagiar said finally getting an answer was 'music to her ears.' She said: 'I had known four years that there was a big piece to the puzzle that doctors were missing!' Toxic mould illness is one of the most under-diagnosed conditions caused by toxic vapours from mould. These vapours can cause an auto-immune reaction in some individuals like in Carly Buhagiar's case. I had known for 4 years that there was a big piece to the puzzle that doctors were missing! Symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, memory loss, shortness of breath, depression, sleep disturbances and abdominal pain, according to Toxic Mould Support Australia. Ms Buhagiar's then GP recommended her to get the apartment tested for mould. A microbiologist Dr Cameron Jones tested the apartment with swabs and found it was 'uninhabitable.' Photos taken by Ms Buhagiar (pictured) reveal mould growing inside the casing and fins of the air conditioner Carly's strict regime since her diagnosis Carly has a strict treatment plan since seeking treatment at a specialised U.S. clinic. Her detox treatment involves: infrared saunas colonics a strict diet ionic foot baths organic coffee enemas Advertisement Dr Jones found that the air conditioner was to blame. Ms Buhagiar told Daily Mail Australia that she didn't think to check her air conditioner because she was renting a brand new apartment. 'I was in a brand new apartment there was no reason to question that mould was present. I couldn't see it anywhere so I presumed it wasn't an issue,' she said. Ms Buhagiar added: Thats why it is so damaging as in my case it was the aircon which I used daily for heating or cooling and that whole time I couldn't see the toxic spores it was releasing and I was breathing in.' Photos taken by Ms Buhagiar reveal mould growing on the inside and fins of her air conditioner. 'While reverse cycle air conditioners can be useful in lowering a homes humidity, they can also become mouldy inside if they are not regularly checked and maintained,' Dr Jones told 9 News. Ms Buhagiar said that even after her long diagnosis she still had trouble treating her illness because of a shortage in doctors specialising in mould illness in Australia. The former PE teacher said, 'I didn't feel there was enough support in Melbourne for those who were going through what I was meaning there aren't doctors who specialise with toxic mould related chronic illness. 'I was desperate for answers and for long term help.' It's all worth it as I am genuinely feeling so much better and have a huge sense of hope for the first time in a long time! Last month she flew to a specialised clinic Sophia Health Institute in Seattle, U.S. to get a two-week treatment costing $25,000 to treat her illness. And Ms Buhagiar couldn't be happier with her results since she started treatment at the clinic. She said: 'Heading over to seattle was the best thing I could have done. I am feeling far less fatigued each day. My skin has really settled meaning I'm not getting those aggressive painful lesions and my brain is so much clearer.' While Ms Buhagiar has a strict regime as part of her treatment plan from infrared saunas to ionic foot baths, she said it's all been worth it. 'It's all worth it as I am genuinely feeling so much better and I have a huge sense of hope for the first time in a long time!' Not everyone is on board with the decision to eliminate the swimsuit competition from the Miss America event, which will no longer be a 'pageant.' Kendall Morris, a former Miss Texas who was the preliminary swimsuit winner at the Miss America 2012 pageant, expressed disappointment at the news. 'As a former Miss America swimsuit winner, I have mixed feelings about getting rid of that part of the competition,' she wrote in a statement posted to Twitter. 'I have experienced firsthand the benefits of the fitness portion through receiving scholarship money and working with trainers who volunteered their time to teach me how to eat healthy and exercise, not just for 15 seconds onstage but for life.' Morris, now a local news anchor, also credited the 'fitness competition' for teaching her 'lifelong discipline beyond the Miss America stage'. Kendall Morris, a former Miss Texas who was the preliminary swimsuit winner at the Miss America 2012 pageant (pictured), expressed disappointment at the news that the competition would no longer feature a swimsuit competition Morris, now a local news anchor, credited the 'fitness competition' for teaching her 'lifelong discipline beyond the Miss America stage' But Morris added that she was 'excited' that the changes would allow more young women to compete in the program. 'Miss America has and always will be a competition that has empowered young women to pursue their goals and aspirations,' she wrote. 'I am proud to be a part of it's history, and I welcome the changes for its future as it continues to evolve and represent the women of 2018.' Courtney Pelot, who was Miss Wisconsin in 2016, tweeted a photo of herself in a swimsuit and a nightgown, saying: 'I felt pretty darn empowered in both of these moments. We dont need Miss America 2.0 to empower women - weve been doing just that for almost 100 years.' Natasha Amera, a model who has competed in beauty pageants, also posted a notice on Twitter slamming the decision. The fact that the bikini portion of Miss America got taken away is so sad and unbelievably lame, she wrote. As someone who has actually competed in pageantry, its not about the swimsuit or the body, as others are commenting. Natasha Amera, a model who has competed in beauty pageants, also posted a notice on Twitter slamming the decision. Amera is seen left with the late Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington Its about being accountable and striving to look your best by being healthy in your lifestyle. Being in a bikini on stage isnt about having the most toned body, its about showing that you live a healthy lifestyle and are confident in the skin youre in. Its empowering. I dont believe walking on stage in a bikini diminishes my strength as a woman or my success in the business world or as a student. To act as though women need to be one dimensional is so outdated. Removing this portion of the competition is neither progressive nor constructive because it insinuates that a woman cannot be both beauty and brains. And to change the title from pageant to competition is so incredibly lame. Courtney Pelot, who was Miss Wisconsin in 2016, also weighed in on the controversy Its the Miss America Pageant. If you want a competition, go throw darts. Gretchen Carlson, the new head of the organization's board of directors, revealed the changes earlier on Tuesday, saying that Miss America will no longer judge women based on their physical appearance. 'We are no longer a pageant,' Carlson told Good Morning America on Tuesday. 'We are a competition.' The decision comes months after internal emails revealed former CEO Sam Haskell and board members frequently demeaned the physical appearance, intellect, and personal lives of former pageant winners, including Carlson. There will no longer be a swimsuit competition in Miss America, it has been revealed Gretchen Carlson, the new head of the organization's board of directors, revealed that Miss America will no longer judge women based on their physical appearance The Miss America Organization celebrated the news on Tuesday by tweeting a video of a bikini going up in smoke Carlson, 51, was named chairwoman of the Miss America Organization just days after Haskell resigned in January. Now Carlson hopes to usher in a new era for the organization, revealing the evening gown portion will also be cut as well. Instead contestants will be asked to wear any attire that makes them feel confident, expresses their personal style, and shows how they will advance the role of Miss America. 'We've heard from a lot of young woman who say, "We'd love to be a part of your program but we don't want to be out there in high heels and a swimsuit"', Carlson said. 'So guess what, you don't have to do that anymore.' The decision comes months after internal emails revealed former CEO Sam Haskell and others frequently demeaned the physical appearance of former contestants, including Carlson Now Carlson hopes to usher in a new era for the organization, revealing the evening gown portion will also be cut as well 'Who doesn't want to be empowered, learn leadership skills, and pay for college and be able to show the world who you are as a person from inside of your soul.' 'That's what we're judging them on now...We want more women to know they are welcome in this organization.' The swimsuit competition will now be replaced with an interactive session with the judges, in which the women will be asked to demonstrate their 'passion, intelligence, and overall understanding of the job of Miss America'. 'It's going to be what comes out of their mouths we're interested in when they talk about their social impact initiatives,' Carlson said. The Miss America Organization celebrated the news on Tuesday by tweeting a video of a bikini going up in smoke. 'We're changing out of our swimsuits and into a whole new era. #byebyebikini #MissAmerica2019,' the tweet read. Carlson also revealed that the organization now plans to put a greater emphasis on talent and scholarship. 'Now we're adding in this new caveat that we're not going to judge you on your outward appearance,' she said. 'We're interested in what makes you "you", tell us about your goals and achievements in life and, by the way, at the end of the day we hand out scholarships to these young women.' But not everyone was excited about the news on Tuesday morning. One commenter on Twitter called it a 'horrible decision' that will 'ruin show and tradition'. 'Gretchen Carlson has no clue, experience, or idea that she has singlehandedly doomed show (sic)', the Twitter user wrote. 'Now may as well be America's Got Talent. Not a celebration of women. Joke. Pathetic. Will not watch.' 'No swimsuit segment for Miss America wow goodbye ratings goodbye Miss America,' another man added. 'So basically they are getting rid of the only reason people actually watch Miss America?', one man asked. 'Saying that Miss America contestants will no longer be judged on their appearance is like announcing that the Super Bowl will no longer be won by the team that scores the most points. In other words, it's utterly stupid,' said another angry male viewer. Not everyone was excited about the news on Tuesday morning, with one man claiming the competition no longer 'celebrated women' without the swimsuit segment And while there were some male critics of the news, many more women celebrated the major change and praised the organization for 'solely judging women on their intellect' And there was plenty of praise for the decision on Twitter, with one fan calling the news 'amazing'. 'This is huge!!' another added. 'We now live in a world that sees the value in solely judging women on their intellect and not their bodies.' 'Bravo Miss America! What a great step in the right direction.' 'Way to go Miss America,' another added. 'It's about damn time, way to be led by women and driven by strength and not appearance.' One longtime fan thanked Carlson, saying she cried listening to to the news this morning as she had never felt good enough to enter a pageant herself. 'Many times I have said I would trade my intelligence if I could be pretty enough to be able to be a model or a pageant contestant,' she wrote. 'Thank you. I am sure it will matter to many young women in the future.' Others took aim at the many men who expressed disappointed at the news. Carlson said she is not concerned that the changes will hurt the competition's viewership 'Interestingly enough thats not a highly rated part of the competition,' she said of the swimsuit round. 'People actually like the talent part of the competition' 'The guys most upset about #MissAmerica dropping the swimsuit competition look exactly how you would expect them to,' quipped fashion bloggers Tom & Lorenzo. 'Someone actually just said that Miss America will no longer be a celebration of women without the swimsuit competition. Yes because the only way women can be celebrated is in a bikini,' another sarcastically joked. Meanwhile, Carlson said she is not concerned that the changes will hurt the competition's viewership. 'Interestingly enough that's not a highly rated part of the competition,' she said of the swimsuit round. 'People actually like the talent part of the competition.' Carlson added that she hopes young women realize that Miss America is 'now open, inclusive, and transparent'. 'I want to inspire thousands of young people across this country to come and be a part of our program,' she said. Carlson (pictured before winning Miss America in 1989) is the first former pageant winner to serve as the leader of the organization Carlson was specifically targeted in the leaked emails among Haskell and others, in which he wrote of tactics he hoped would drive her insane 'We want you and we want to celebrate your accomplishments and your talents and then we want to hand you scholarships.' Miss America made headlines last year after leaked emails showed Haskell and other male board members referring to former contestants as 'c***s'. In one email, Haskell wrote of tactics he hoped would drive Carlson insane. Haskell was initially suspended from his role. At the time he denounced the Huffington Post expose and called the internal emails 'unkind and untrue.' 'Much of what was reported is dishonest, deceptive, and despicable,' he said in a statement in December. 'The story is so unkind and untrue, and hurts me, my family, and the stewardship of this nonprofit. Those who know my heart know that this is not indicative of my character, nor is it indicative of my business acumen.' Haskell resigned the following day and, just 10 days later, Carlson was named the new CEO. Carlson said it was a 'form or justice' that she was able to take over the role and saw the volunteer position as a 'call of duty'. When it first began in 1921, Miss America was actually a swimsuit competition called a 'bathing beauty revue' (pictured here are competitors during the swimsuit round in 1945) Carlson said she hopes young women will realize that Miss America is 'now open, inclusive, and transparent'. Pictured are competitors in 1947 The selection of Carlson marked the first time a former pageant winner has served as the leader of the organization. Now the entire leadership team for Miss America is made up of women. 'This is a new beginning, and change can sometimes be difficult, but I know a lot about change,' Carlson said. 'My life has worked in mysterious ways. I never thought I'd be the chairwoman of the Miss America Organization, but here I am and we're moving it forward and we're evolving in this cultural revolution.' On Tuesday Carlson also touched on her recent work as an outspoken advocate for victims of sexual harassment. Her lawsuit against former Fox News chairman Roger Ailes, who stepped down from his role after mounting pressure from additional employees with similar accusations, is seen as one of the first sparks of the #MeToo movement. 'I could have never expected what would happen when I sued my former employer at Fox News for sexual harassment 22 months ago, but look what happened,' she said. 'Thousands of women have been inspired to know that they can stand up and speak up and their voices will be heard.' 'If I've been a beacon of hope to any woman in that process, it has been worth it.' A young mother has been charged after police alleged she repeatedly poisoned her little boy with a prescription epilepsy drug. Doctors called detectives after an 18-month-old from south-west Sydney was rushed to hospital in January. Hospital staff found the infant had overdosed on Tegretol - and had not been prescribed the medicine. The mother, 20, was arrested wearing a Batman hoodie about 7.30am Wednesday After 'exhaustive' investigations, child abuse detectives from NSW State Crime Command arrested the boy's mother, 20, about 7.30am on Wednesday. The woman was charged with seven counts of using poison to endanger life or inflict grievous bodily harm, police said in a statement. The woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was refused police bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court. The woman has been charged with seven counts of using poison to endanger life or inflict grievous bodily harm Tegretol is prescribed in tablet form and is prescribed to control the fits caused by epilepsy 'The child has since been released from hospital and is currently in the care of relatives,' the police statement said. Tegretol is sold in tablet form and contains the active ingredient Carbamazepine. It is prescribed to control the fits caused by epilepsy. It also sometimes prescribed to control mania and bipolar disorder. A potential data breach at a leading human resources company may have compromised the personal information of thousands of Australians. The company, Sydney based PageUp, noticed 'unusual activity' within its IT infrastructure on May 23, prompting the company to launch an investigation, ABC News reported. PageUp has 2 million users across 190 countries, with clients including NAB, Officeworks, Australia Post, Kmart, Coles and Medibank. The company, PageUp, noticed 'unusual activity' within its IT infrastructure on May 23 which caused the company to launch an investigation, clients include NAB and Coles Client companies were forced to release emergency statements to employees and customers about the potential data breach. Australia Post released a statement saying job applicants who were successful may have had details such as their Tax File Numbers, superannuation and home addresses compromised because of the breach. 'As a proactive step, we have also ceased use of PageUp's systems while we seek assurances from PageUp about data security,' an Australia Post spokesperson said. All recruitment activity within Telstra has also been suspended while the company holds 'urgent discussions' with the telco giant Medibank had to suspend its careers page and is now working alongside PageUp 'to determine whether the data of its applicants has been compromised' University of Canberra cyber security expert Nigel Phair (pictured) said that under this new legislation any company that suspects a data breach is required to report it immediately Medibank suspended its careers page and is now working with PageUp 'to determine whether the data of its applicants has been compromised'. All recruitment activity within Telstra has also been suspended while the company holds 'urgent discussions' with the telco giant. Experts claim the alleged breach is the first of its type since the government introduced mandatory reporting for data breaches. University of Canberra cyber security expert Nigel Phair said under this new legislation any company that suspects a data breach is required to report it immediately. 'So it is difficult to say whether this is the biggest data breach we have experienced in Australia, because in the past companies were not compelled to report breaches to authorities,' he said. 'What this demonstrates is that all Australian companies, not just financial institutions, need to take cyber security seriously.' Fashion designer Kate Spade left behind a tragic note telling her teenage daughter not to blame herself for her suicide. Spade, 55, was found hanged at her Park Avenue home on Tuesday morning. Next to her body, was a heartbreaking suicide note addressed to her 13-year-old daughter Frances 'Bea' Beatrix, her only child, telling her she'd always loved her and not to feel guilty over her mother's death. The note read, according to TMZ: 'Bea - I have always loved you. This is not your fault. Ask Daddy!' Scroll down for video Fashion designer Kate Spade left behind a tragic note telling her teenage daughter Frances 'Bea' Beatrix not to blame herself for her suicide Fashion designer Kate Spade (pictured with her husband Andy) left behind a tragic note telling her teenage daughter not to blame herself for her suicide Kate's husband was at the apartment when his wife took her own life according to police. The housekeeper who discovered Spade's body reportedly ran downstairs to inform the building's superintendent who rushed back to the apartment, cut the scarf around her neck and attempted CPR. Spade was declared dead at the scene. It's not clear how long she had been dead. The medical examiner will perform an autopsy. In a statement, Spade's family reportedly said they were 'devastated by today's tragedy.' 'We loved Kate dearly and will miss her terribly,' they said. 'We would ask that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this very difficult time.' American icon: Kate Spade was found dead at the age of 55 in her Park Avenue apartment on Tuesday (Spade above in 2004) Remarks: 'Kate has not been affiliated with the brand for more than a decade, she and her husband and creative partner, Andy, were the founders of our beloved brand. Kate will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with Andy and the entire Spade family at this time,' said executives for the fashion line Kate Spade A source close to the family described the moment Andy Spade picked up their daughter from school 'Everyone was crying,' a source told People. The NYPD Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea said that police are not treating Spade's death as suspicious. 'At this point, there was a note left. The contents of that note, as well as the physical state of the apartment and the comments of the witness, lend to the credibility that it is an apparent suicide,' he said. Relatives say her death comes after a long battle with mental illness. Her sister Reta Saffo told the DailyMail.com that she believes Spade had bipolar disorder which was made worse by her celebrity status after her brand took off. However, a source told People that 'Kate and Andy were having relationship problems' and that he had been shopping for a new one or two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan, although other sources say they were working closely together on her new brand Frances Valentine, a line of luxury handbags and shoes. Trio: By 2006, the company was valued at $125 million, and Kate left for good the following year after Neiman sold Kate Spade & Co to Liz Claiborne that same year (Kate with Andy and David Spade in 2001) Apartment: The designer left a note telling her daughter it was not her fault before taking her own life by hanging and allegedly told the girl to 'ask daddy' reports TMZ (Spade's apartment above) Kid's corner: The apartment that the couple shared could be seen decorated with children's drawings in a photo shoot Kate and Andy married in 1994, one year after launching Kate Spade New York together. Three years in the couple was able to open their first store, and for the next decade continue to grow the company. Kate had launched international and home lines by 2004, having by that point sold off most of her company. Neiman Marcus purchased 56 per cent of the company in 1999 and the remaining 44 percent by 2006, at which time Kate left the business to raise her daughter. She told People at the time that she wanted to focus on her family. 'When the two of us sold the company with our other two partners to Neiman Marcus, it was kind of a time for us to take a break. So we sold Kate Spade and I personally, I don't know about Andy, I took off a good nine years raising my daughter and absolutely adored every moment of it. 'And then I realized she was becoming 12 and didn't want me around so much, so I thought I would get back into the business.' Tragedy: The designer left a note before taking her own life by hanging and was discovered 'unconscious and unresponsive' by her housekeeper just after 10am (Spade is taken from her home in a body bag) In a 2016 interview with Wall Street Journal, Kate spoke about how even through she had returned to the world of fashion her daughter was still her priority. 'I kind of thought taking that time off was unbelievably amazing,' she said of her decade-long absence . 'I thought it was, like, a gift. I really did.' Once back at work, it was including her only child that made work a delight for Kate, and she described her excitement at getting to go to the studio with Frances on the weekends. Kate is the third major designer to take her life in the past decade, with L'Wren Scott committing suicide in 2014 and Alexander McQueen also ending his life in 2010. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details. An old mobile phone found at the home where a mummified body was discovered last week could hold vital clues to the dead man's last moments. The man, believed to have been rotting inside the derelict Greenwich property in north Sydney for more than 10 years, was named on Tuesday as Shane John Snellman. A mobile phone, believed to be an older model Nokia, will be examined for clues to Mr Snellman's fate, police have revealed. The man, believed to have been rotting inside the derelict Greenwich property in north Sydney for more than 10 years, was named on Tuesday as Shane John Snellman (pictured) A mummified body has been found a a house in Greenwich with police searching the house for any clues Police believe a gun and old phone may unravel mystery of the mummified body Mr Snellman was known to police for numerous crimes, which AAP understands were low-level, and no missing persons report was lodged with authorities, NSW Police said. His long-lost sister, Tracy Trudgitt, says the family lost contact with her older brother more than four decades ago when he was placed in the welfare system. She says she screamed and fell to the floor of her Sydney home when detectives told her they had found her brother's remains. 'I'm still in shock. I can't believe this has happened.' She told The Australian that Mr Snellman, who would have been 55 if alive, was one-of-five children. She last saw her brother 10 years ago, during a jail visit, and says their father also tried to find him. 'He has never been forgotten,' Mrs Trudgitt said on Wendesday. The body was on Tuesday named as Shane John Snellman, 30, who was known to police for multiple crimes Mr Snellman was known to police for numerous crimes, which AAP understands were low-level A mobile phone, believed to be an older model Nokia, will also be examined for clues to Mr Snellman's fate Mr Snellman at some point wound up dead in the run down home of hoarder Bruce Roberts in the northern harbourside suburb of Greenwich. A post-mortem examination showed he had suffered a number of injuries and his death is being treated as suspicious, investigators said last week. A gun was reportedly recovered from the property during the search and is being tested by forensic experts. Mr Roberts died of natural causes in the home in July 2017 and his body was discovered shortly after local shop attendants realised he had stopped going on grocery runs. The piles of rubbish and junk which fill the home apparently meant Mr Roberts' body was removed without anyone noticing Mr Snellman's corpse in the living room Piles of rubbish and junk stacked in the home helped shield Mr Snellman's corpse when authorities removed Mr Roberts' body Piles of rubbish and junk stacked in the home helped shield Mr Snellman's corpse when authorities removed Mr Roberts' body. The executor of Mr Robert's estate sent cleaners to the home last week. The cleaners discovered the skeletal remains under a pile of debris. Mr Roberts was reportedly a familiar sight pacing about the leafy suburb. While he would quietly exchange pleasantries with neighbours and passers-by, he has been described as a 'loner' and 'child-like' while police confirmed he had mental health issues. It now seems investigators are being forced to consider whether Mr Roberts was living for years alongside Mr Snellman's corpse. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has defended his kiss with a married Filipino woman - and vowed to quit if enough women protest. The 73-year-old kissed on the lips a young Filipino worker in Seoul, South Korea, after inviting her up to a stage, drawing cheers from the crowd of fellow overseas workers. But feminists called it his 'perverted way' of taunting female critics who are angered by frequent derogatory comments, some of a sexual nature. 'If there are enough women to ... Well I think if all women here would sign a petition for me to resign, I will resign,' Duterte told a media briefing at around midnight on Tuesday upon his return from an official visit to South Korea. The president kissed a young Filipino worker in Seoul after inviting her up to a stage, drawing cheers from the crowd of fellow overseas workers The president asked for women in the audience to receive a copy of a book, invited one to the stage and said: 'You have to pay me with a kiss. Are you ready for kissing?' Social media was abuzz with photos and videos of Duterte on stage asking an unidentified woman from an audience of Filipinos to kiss him in exchange for a book he was handing out. The woman, who appeared excited to see Duterte in person, agreed. Duterte enjoys a rock star status among Filipinos and has a cult-like following among those living overseas. He said kissing women was his 'style' during his 22 years as a mayor in Davao City prior to becoming president. 'During the campaign in my mayorship days, I kiss every woman there, lips to lips', the 73-year old Duterte said. 'The problem is you don't know me.' Egged on by the audience the seemingly star-struck woman kissed and hugged Duterte after he reportedly said she had to 'pay with a kiss' A women's group slammed Duterte's actions as 'disgusting theatrics of a misogynist President' Duterte's controversial remarks about women include several public jokes about rape. But none have dented his domestic support and many Filipinos view his politically incorrect, earthy language as part of his appeal. Women's rights advocates in the Philippines recently launched an online #BabaeAko (I Am A Woman) campaign to send a message that they were not taking Duterte's 'sexist' statements sitting down. Presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo on Wednesday said the kiss showed Duterte's caring, fatherly character, and the recipient in Seoul enjoyed the moment. 'She did it willingly and excitedly, she was tickled pink,' he told news channel ANC. A bipartisan group of 10 senators introduced longshot legislation Wednesday that would require Congress to sign off on tariffs imposed in the name of national security, defying President Donald Trump on a bedrock issue that once defined the GOP. Congressional Republicans are mostly at odds with what they view as Trump's protectionist instincts on trade. Despite much hand-wringing, prospects for any bill to challenge him remain uncertain. Many Republicans are hesitant to confront Trump in a legislative showdown that could end badly for them. Doing so could court a veto and bruise their standing with Trump voters they need in midterm elections. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., indicated he was not interested in spending too much time on the effort presented behind closed doors Tuesday by its chief proponent, Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., saying he preferred to focus on 'getting bills passed.' And the second-ranking Republican, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, said he hoped Republicans concerned about the tariffs could prevail on the president to reverse course. He was heading to the White House later Tuesday for talks. Rein him in: Rebel Republican senators want to force Trump to get approval from Congress for imposing tariffs on 'national security' grounds No support: Mitch McConnell appears certain to kill off the effort to stop Trump's new push for tariffs even though some of his own Republican caucus are pushing it 'Not everything we do has to be legislative. Part of this job is persuasion,' said Cornyn. He said lawmakers would 'continue to make the case' with the president and his staff, which he noted is divided. Trump took office promising to rip up trade deals and crack down on unfair trading practices. But that campaign slogan is at odds with Republicans' longstanding preference for free markets and open trade. The standoff is raising an uncomfortable question: If Republicans can't confront Trump on trade, can they challenge him on anything? 'For Republicans, this is who we are,' said Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz. 'If we believe our own rhetoric - on trade, tariffs and congressional prerogative - I hope it does come to a vote.' The idea being pursued by Corker, Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., and others who have been meeting privately - and with Democrats - would be narrowly crafted legislation requiring congressional approval of the tariffs Trump has imposed in the name of national security. They're targeting Trump's reliance on the so-called 232 authority, named from Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allowed the administration to impose tariffs of 25 percent on imported steel and 10 percent on imported aluminum from Mexico, Canada and the European Union, some of the U.S.'s top allies. The senators are also hoping to halt Trump's threat to slap tariffs on auto imports, including those from Japan. 'I fail to see the national security threat when a Pennsylvanian decides to buy a Toyota Corolla,' Toomey said. It's not just Trump, the senators say, but past administrations that have leaned too heavily into the national security provision the lawmakers now want to subject to congressional oversight. 'When you can just name anything as a national security issue then basically you undermine the whole trade agreement process,' Corker said Tuesday. Five Republicans and four Democrats signed on as co-sponsors to Corker's bill. The bill requires the president to submit to Congress any proposal to adjust imports in the name of national security and provides for speedy consideration. The requirement would apply to all such actions moving forward as well as those taken in the past two years. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce quickly endorsed it, saying 'this modest proposal to clarify congressional prerogatives is welcome and long overdue.' Steel yourself: Empty aluminum cans on a conveyor belt to be filled with beer at Devil's Canyon Brewery in San Carlos, California, are just some of the everyday items which could go up in price because of the tariffs Corker acknowledged the difficulty in passing legislation despite 'tremendous concern' among lawmakers in both parties. 'My guess is the administration may have some resistance,' he said. Time and again, Republicans in Congress have been reluctant to put guardrails around Trump as the administration has veered from GOP orthodoxy in policy or as the president interprets the law, as he did earlier this week, to assert the special counsel probe is unconstitutional and that he has the power to pardon himself. Flake is one of the few Republicans who repeatedly take on Trump, and he has separately offered a bill that would reverse the steel and aluminum tariffs, with support from Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota. Farm-state senators are particularly concerned about retaliatory tariffs that would close off foreign markets to pork and key crops like soybeans and corn. 'It isn't as if the dog has not barked,' said Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Roberts hesitated though on whether he could back the bill. 'I've got to get a farm bill done. I don't want to roil the waters.' Challenging Trump comes with its own risks, from alienating his supporters to taking voters' attention off a healthy economy before the midterm elections, which will determine control of the House and Senate. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., said it's too early to say whether the House would take up Corker's proposal. Lawmakers are wary of a trade war, he said, but 'we're not looking for a fight with the president.' 'A lot of senators are a lot braver since they're not on the ballot. Over here, everybody is on the ballot,' Cole said. Asked if Congress will act on trade, Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., a member of GOP leadership, answered simply: 'No.' Bill Clinton has admitted his combative response to questions about his affair with Monica Lewinsky was not his 'finest hour'. The former U.S. President bristled in an interview with NBC's Today on Monday when asked if should have resigned over his relationship with the White House intern. Mr Clinton became annoyed at the implication he didn't apologize to Ms Lewinsky at the time in 1998, which he insisted he did. Bill Clinton admitted his combative response to questions about his affair with Monica Lewinsky wasn't his 'finest hour', on CBS' Late Show with Stephen Colbert CBS Late Show host Stephen Colbert on Tuesday asked him if he would like a 'do-over' on his comments and if he understood why they appeared 'tone deaf'. 'It wasn't my finest hour but the important thing is, that was a very painful thing, 20 years ago, I apologized to my family, to Monica Lewinsky and her family, to the American people,' he said. 'I meant it then and I meant it now, and I've had to live with the consequences ever since.' Mr Clinton said he 'wasn't surprised' when Ms Lewinsky was brought up in interviews but 'didn't like this one' because of he 'flat-out assertion that I had never apologized'. He said he re-watched the interview and 'I was mad at me - not for the first time' about his aggressive answers. Clinton and Lewinsky are seen together in a photo taken in November 1995 President Clinton infamously wags his finger in 1998, emphatically denying having affair with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky As the affair was 20 years ago he admitted he should have realized there were 'a lot of people who don't have a lot of memory of that'. In another interview on his book tour for his novel The President Is Missing, written with James Patterson, he said he should have approached it as an opportunity. 'I should have remembered that that man is young enough to be my son,' he said of Today interviewer Craig Melvin, 39, at a TimesTalk event on Tuesday. 'I messed up, and I own that, and no mistake by anybody else - including that young man aggressively saying I didn't apologize - can justify the fact that I got mad. 'I should have been saying: "I've got a chance to tell a whole new generation that the journey I've been on the past 20 years is one the country has to take, and that #MeToo is demanding we take it, and the sooner the better".' Clinton is now on a book tour with co-author James Patterson but got pointed questions from NBC in an interview that aired Monday morning In another interview on his book tour for his novel The President Is Missing, written with James Patterson, he said he should have approached it as an opportunity Renewed questioning about the Lewinsky affair began after Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said if the affair happened today, Mr Clinton would have to resign. Though he repeatedly said he disagreed with her comments despite the change in political climate with the MeToo movement, Mr Clinton said he supported it. 'I still believe this #MeToo movement is long overdue, necessary and should be supported,' he said. When Melvin asked him if he thought he owed Ms Lewinsky an apology, Mr Clinton replied: 'No I do not'. 'I have never talked to her. But I did say publicly on more than one occasion that I was sorry. I apologized to everybody in the world,' he said, implying that was enough. The former president carried on a lengthy affair with Lewinsky, often trysting with her just steps from the Oval Office Renewed questioning about the Lewinsky affair began after Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said if the affair happened today, Mr Clinton would have to resign He was referring to the 1998 National Prayer Breakfast, where he said he was sorry for the affair that nearly ended his political career. Mr Clinton accused Melvin of 'ignor[ing] gaping facts in describing this, and I bet you don't know you don't know them.' If he were president today, he said later, his most famous extramarital affair wouldn't 'be an issue, because people would be using the facts instead of the imagined facts.' 'This was litigated 20 years ago. Two-thirds of the American people sided with me. 'You think President Kennedy should have resigned? Do you believe President Johnson should have resigned? Someone should ask you these questions because of the way you formulate the questions. I dealt with it 20 years ago, plus.' In a March essay for Vanity Fair magazine, Ms Lewinsky wrote that 'what transpired between Bill Clinton and myself was not sexual assault, although we now recognize that it constituted a gross abuse of power' The flustered former president portrayed himself, not Lewinsky, as history's victim in the mass-media's retelling of the 1990s saga. 'A lot of the facts have been omitted to make the story work,' he declared, 'I think partly because they're frustrated that they got all these serious allegations against the current occupant of the Oval Office and his voters don't seem to care.' Mr Clinton complained in the interview that he left the presidency financially ruined because of the costs associated with the legal consequences of his actions. 'Nobody believes that I got out of that for free,' he said. 'I left the White House $16 million in debt.' He's worth about $80 million today, aided by an aggressive schedule of speaking events many of which paid him six-figure fees for individual appearances. In a March essay for Vanity Fair magazine, Ms Lewinsky wrote that 'what transpired between Bill Clinton and myself was not sexual assault, although we now recognize that it constituted a gross abuse of power'. Andira Abdelaziz, 37, is on trial for murder in San Antonio, Texas A Palestinian-American woman is on trial in Texas for stabbing to death her 25-year-old nephew with whom she was involved in a romantic relationship. Andira Abdelaziz, 37, testified in a San Antonio court on Tuesday that she fatally stabbed Mohammed Abdelaziz in August 2016 after he allegedly threatened and abused her. Andira, who has pleaded not guilty, said she was repeatedly belittled by her nephew, who also beat her in public and threatened to kill her during the course of their three-year affair. News of her testimony was reported by mySanAntonio. Mohammed Abdelaziz, a law school graduate, referred to Andira as daughter of a whore, according to text messages obtained by police. In one instance, he told her that he would come to her home and look through the front window. She testified in a San Antonio court on Tuesday that she fatally stabbed Mohammed Abdelaziz (above) in August 2016 after he allegedly threatened and abused her Andira Abdelaziz testified that she and her nephew were carrying on a three-year affair If she wasnt sleeping on the couch - which meant she was in bed with her husband, who also happened to be his uncle - Mohammed told her: Your life is over. Your kids are over. Youre dead. Andira testified that she was physically intimidated by her nephew, who was 6ft5in and weighed 213 pounds. On the morning of the fatal stabbing, Mohammed came to her home and rang the doorbell constantly, Andira and her son both testified in court on Friday. Andira told the court that he was pounding on the windows - all in full view of her children. Mohammed then came inside the house and beat his aunt, striking her in the face, stomach, and back with balled fists. Andira testified that she did not call 911 because she wanted to calm him down. She also said she was afraid that exposing the affair would have a negative impact on her children while also putting her in danger of falling victim to an honor killing. So-called honor killings are acts of revenge taken by male members of a family against female members of the family who have brought shame upon the family. Andira Abdelaziz, who has pleaded not guilty, said that she was repeatedly belittled by her nephew, who also beat her in public and threatened to kill her during the course of their three-year affair. Police are seen above at the crime scene in August 2016 Eventually, police were called to the home where they were told a burglary was taking place. But Andira told officers that it was a misunderstanding and police did not detain her nephew. After the cops left, Andira allegedly stabbed her nephew-lover once in the back with a kitchen knife. He bled to death in the driveway of her home. If convicted, she faces life in prison. A man has been arrested after another man was stabbed in the neck in Sydney's CBD on Wednesday afternoon. The man was attacked in front of shocked onlookers while he was waiting for a bus on Carrington Street, outside Wynyard train station. Emergency services raced to the scene at about 2pm, with the man treated by paramedics before he was taken to St Vincent's Hospital in a stable condition. Emergency services rushed to a bus stop in Sydney's CBD on Wednesday afternoon following reports of a stabbing Paramedics were on scene at the Carrington Street bus stop outside the Wynyard train station Police spent the next hour desperately searching for a man who fled the scene shortly after the stabbing. That man was wearing a light blue jumper, black hat and jeans and was last seen heading towards York Street. He has was arrested by police at about 3pm close to the scene of the stabbing and was taken to Day Street police station. Police have said inquiries into the stabbing are continuing. A sign erected outside a church containing a very risque message has now been removed. The Anglican Church Southern Queensland Diocese confirmed that the 'spitting and swallowing' sign on a church's noticeboard was removed due to it being 'inappropriate'. The church's Reverend Mike Upton put up the sign, reported The Brisbane Times. The sign, which had heads turning, also went viral on the Internet. Situated in Surfers Paradise, Queensland, The Anglican Church of Holy The Spirit's risque message reads: 'Forgiveness is swallowing when you'd rather spit'. Despite the Anglican reverend's well-meaning intentions, people couldn't help but see the sexual innuendo. An Anglican reverend's cheeky message on a church sign has been turning heads Situated in Surfers Paradise, Queensland, The Anglican Church of The Holy Spirit's unintentionally risque message actually has a very Christian message Before the Anglican Diocese reviewed the matter, church officials insisted that the meaning was innocent, and that it simply wanted to convey that people should let go of their negative thoughts instead of talking about it. A spokesperson from the church told The Gold Coast Bulletin, 'You don't open your mouth and yell at somebody, you close your mouth and swallow.' 'If you want to say something, keep your mouth closed for a bit.' 'Swallow it, don't spit it out,' they said. Despite this, the head office decided to remove the sign anyway. Reverend Upton also told The Courier-Mail that he would no longer be answering any questions on the issue. All inquiries should instead be directed to the Brisbane Diocese. Meanwhile, Surfers Paradise locals were in disbelief but had a laugh at the Church's unintentional gaffe. Surfers Paradise Member of Parliament John-Paul Langbroek, posted a selfie with the sign and captioned the photo 'This will get the punters in ' A former Bandidos bikie has hit out at new laws which will stop him from being able to own a gun. Toby Mitchell, 43, was slapped with one of the new Victorian firearm prohibition orders - which he claims are a waste of money. 'All you have to do is look at my history to know I don't carry or use guns,' the gold-toothed man said. Former Bandido bikie Toby Mitchell, 43, was slapped with one of the new Victorian firearm prohibition orders - which he claims are a waste of money The former bikie has been on the wrong end of a firearm twice. In 2011 he was shot five times in Brunswick and he was shot at again in 2013. Bikies and members of Middle Eastern crime gangs will be targeted as the new law is rolled out across the southern state, News.com reported. People who receive the notices won't be allowed to own or posses firearms and won't be allowed in gun shops or on shooting ranges. 'I was probably the first person in Victoria to be served with the Firearm Prohibition Orders threatening up to 10 years imprisonment for a breach. 'So unless the government are about to try to prohibit being able to bitch slap clowns that think they can have a go at you, this is a waste of taxpayers' time and money. 'All you have to do is look at my history to know I don't carry or use guns,' the gold-toothed man said The former bikie has been on the wrong end of a firearm twice, in 2011 he was shot five times in Brunswick, he was shot at again in 2013 '(I was) shot on a number of occasions but never been the one shooting,' he said. Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said the orders are to make it harder for criminals to store, carry or access guns. 'On their own, FPOs won't solve issues around firearms-related violence, however, we believe they are a really important new tool for us to have, and let us target those who present a public risk if they access firearms in a really strong way.' The Deputy Commissioner believes the ten year sentence for ignoring the notice is a 'real deterrent' for the violent offenders. Advertisement A web of security trapped a 55-year-old freeclimber dubbed the French Spiderman while scaling the worlds fifth highest building today. French urban freeclimber Alain Robert managed to get more than halfway up the 123-storey Lotte World Tower in Seoul before security officers forced him to abandon the ascent. His daredevil antics were curtailed because of bureaucratic red tape he had not received prior permission from the people in charge of the skyscraper, which soars 555m into the air. Urban climber Alain Robert of France scales the exterior of the Lotte World Tower in Seoul on June 6 You would be hard-pushed to believe he suffers from vertigo: Alain Robert also describes himself as '66 per cent disabled' Alain Robert made his way up the building bare-handed and without ropes as staff pursued him from inside the structure A fire service ladder attempts to reach 'French Spiderman' Alain Robert, who holds a world record for urban climbing 'It's regrettable,' said You In-sik, a spokesman for the Lotte World Tower. 'He climbed without permission. It's dangerous.' Robert, who suffers from vertigo but describes climbing as his 'passion', made his way up the building bare-handed and without ropes as staff pursued him from inside the structure. He said: 'I climbed about 75 storeys and then after that, it was a bit like cat and mouse. Finally, I decided to surrender.' Robert has scaled more than 100 structures without ropes or other safety equipment, setting a record for 'most buildings climbed unassisted' according to Guinness World Records. His successes include many of the world's tallest skyscrapers and iconic buildings, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, where he used suction devices and a safety rope as it has no hand or footholds. Robert has suffered several severe falls while climbing and estimates his accidents have left him 66 per cent disabled. He has been arrested numerous times for his exploits. Taking a different route up the side of the 123-storey building, which is the tallest in South Korea, and the fifth tallest in the world, the French climber was forced to surrender to security officials and abandon his attempt With his climbing brought to an abrupt halt, Alain Robert is hoisted to a deck of the Lotte World Tower after scaling part of the exterior of the building, in Seoul French climber Alain Robert, after being stopped, said: 'I may get a hefty fine... but I did it because of what is happening now between South Korea and North Korea' Several fire trucks and police were sent to the Seoul building after a security guard spotted the French climber. He was eventually taken to the rooftop on a maintenance cradle and arrested. Robert also had to hand over his passport to security, before being taken from the building for questioning. As he awaited processing by police he explained that his climb was to celebrate the recent peace-making efforts between the two Koreas and he hoped the authorities would take that into account. The skyscraper features one of the worlds fastest and longest elevators, which can carry 54 people from the basement to the 121st floor in less than a minute 'I may get a hefty fine... but I did it because of what is happening now between South Korea and North Korea,' Robert said. 'That is my way of saying thank you to Kim Jong Un and Moon Jae-in.' In the last two months the leader of nuclear-armed North Korea has twice met the South's president, the two men exchanging smiles and hugs after years of heightened tensions. After a 'cat and mouse game' with security, the French Spiderman has to hand over his passport to waiting authorities in South Korea The urban climber is immediately arrested after being intercepted during his climb of the Lotte World Tower in Seoul, as he attempted to reach the top of the 123-story skyscraper to celebrate the recent peacemaking efforts between the two Koreas Although he is smiling here, the French Spiderman was worried about receiving a hefty fine from authorities in South Korea Nabbed: Alain Robert is led away by police. He has been arrested numerous times for his climbing exploits, across the globe A senior Australian Comancheros member has been found after evading police for three months following the discovery of $6million worth of methamphetamine at Auckland Airport. The gang associate was located in Ngataki, in New Zealand's far north, on Wednesday as a result of a the National Organised Crime Group's Operation Gegenees, NZ Herald reports. The operation investigated the seizure of 13.5 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside heavy steel machinery at the international airport in March. The gang associate was located in Ngataki after allegedly trying to smuggle $6million worth of meth into the country inside heavy machinery (Comanchero members pictured) Police charged the 37-year-old, and four others who were previously arrested, with the Importation of the Class A drug methamphetamine. 'Our Special Tactics Group, NOCG, and local Northland staff assisted in the arrest early this morning of a 37-year-old male in Ngataki, who allegedly had been actively avoiding police since March,' Detective Senior Sergeant Lloyd Schmid said. The man is expected to appear in Manukau District Court Thursday morning. Mr Schmid warned people with gang associations would be caught eventually. Police evading he evaded them for three months following the discovery of 13.5 kilograms of methamphetamine at Auckland Airport (pictured) in March 'Today's arrest sends a strong message to all organised crime gangs operating in New Zealand you will be held accountable,' he said. 'Organised crime gangs are bringing methamphetamine into the country with absolutely no regard for the significant harm it causes in our communities.' Anyone with information on gang activity has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers. A woman has claimed her husband made her believe they were struggling to make ends meet for decades, only for her to discover during their divorce that they owned 15 properties. Joanne, 63, a Gold Coast woman whose name has been changed for anonymity, said it wasn't until she visited her divorce lawyer that she discovered her and her husband had quite the property profolio, despite years of financial struggles. 'When I needed more money for something for the children or myself he would tell me that there was no more money and that me or the children would have to go without, I was told that I had to give up any luxuries and do everything I could to save money,' she told news.com.au. A Gold Coast woman has claimed her husband made her believe they were struggling financially for decades, only for her to discover during their divorce that the couple owned 15 properties (stock image) Joanne said her ex-husband went so far as to tell her they couldn't afford basic items and that any luxury was a definite 'no, no.' The 63-year-old said after raising their children the couple's relationship deteriorated and became violent, prompting her to file for divorce. When the couple's relationship deteriorated after they raised their children, Joanne said she decided to file for divorce. After sitting down with a lawyer, Joanne said she was stunned to discover her family owned 15 properties and bank accounts filled with thousands of dollars. Joanne said once she had discovered her finances weren't as dire as she had been led to believe for years, she decided to indulge in something small for herself. 'The first thing that I did after my settlement was go to the hairdresser to have my grey hair coloured for the first time, as I never thought that I had the money to do that during my marriage,' she said. After sitting down with a lawyer, Joanne said she was stunned to discover her family owned 15 properties and bank accounts filled with thousands of dollars She said the biggest lesson she learned and wants other women to learn is that they need to make sure they are kept in the loop with finances. 'Don't leave that up to your husband. You should know exactly what you own and what you owe so that you can be more independent in your marriage,' she said. Family lawyer Marie Fedorov told news.com.au it's not uncommon for divorced women to struggle financially. Many women, in particular seniors, find it difficult to manage their finances after a divorce if the husband has kept control of the accounts, Ms Fedorov said. Ms Fedorov said all people should be proactive with their finances so if the relationship were to break down, each party is aware of where they stand financially. Samantha Cameron has revealed she did not enjoy her time in Downing Street and described waving in public as the worst part of being wife of the prime minister. The 47-year-old made many public appearances alongside husband David during his time as premier between 2010 and 2016. But she said she felt 'awkward' waving to crowds in both the UK and abroad and felt it was something for the Royal Family alone to do. She even tried to persuade Barack Obama and his wife to skip the gesture while in Washington. Samantha Cameron has revealed she hated public waving during her time in Downing Street. She is pictured here avoiding the gesture alongside husband David, second left, and former President Barack Obama, second right, and first lady Michelle, left, Mrs Cameron, 47, said she was 'terrible' at waving and looks less than enthusiastic here at the 2013 Conservative Party Conference with her husband Samantha Cameron said she 'did not enjoy' her time at Downing Street. She is pictured here with David shortly after he became prime minister in 2010 Mrs Cameron gave birth to fourth child Florence (left as a baby and right after her first birthday) shortly after she entered No 10 The fashion designer said she did enjoy meeting 'amazing people' including The Queen and Prince Philip, pictured with the Camerons at Downing Street Mrs Cameron told The Times: 'I remember we had to stand next to the Obamas in Washington once and I tried to say, "Can we not do the waving thing?" So we are standing there, and it is going quite well, and then of course Obama starts waving, and Dave starts waving.' Outside of public greetings, the fashion designer was full of praise for former President Obama and wife Michelle. She described the former first lady as 'unbelievably intelligent and wise' and praised her for her style. Mrs Cameron said: 'She absolutely went for it with the hair, the make-up, the dresses, and it didn't feel like it compromised her intelligence or dignity in any way.' Mrs Obama was one of many 'amazing people' Mrs Cameron said she enjoyed meeting during her husband's time as leader of the country. Since leaving Downing Street, Mrs Cameron has set up her own fashion label Cefinn. The business aims to create easy-to-wash clothes for the over-25 market - although still catering for 'the little girl in us who likes wearing a dress'. Mrs Cameron attended the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011 (left) and rubbed shoulders with the 'unbelievably intelligent and wise' Michelle Obama (right) while in No 10 The Camerons also became well known for being pictured on holiday (here in Cornwall in 2013) during David's time as leader She also revealed she had a wardrobe malfunction or two at high-profile appearances including one at a shopping centre while her husband was still leader of the Conservative Party. Mrs Cameron said the 'terrible' incident saw happened when static on her silk skirt caused it to ride up her body just as she and her husband were about to be introduced on stage. She added: 'The static was getting worse and it went right up my...and then a man comes up to bring us on stage and says to me, "Is there something wrong with your skirt'. The Camerons left No 10 in 2016 after the Brexit referendum and Mrs Cameron was praised for her style and support of her family Melbourne had its coldest start to winter in 36 years as temperatures plunged below 4C and saw the city covered in a thick blanket of fog. Temperatures in the Victorian capital were three degrees below the long-term average for June going by weather records dating back to 1939. With a minimum temperature of just 3.9C on Wednesday morning, Melbourne was even colder than Australia's coldest city of Lithgow, a two-hour drive west of Sydney, where minimum temperatures fell to a most modest 7C. Melbourne had its coldest start to winter in 36 years as temperatures plunged below 4C and saw the city covered in a thick blanket of fog Temperatures in the Victorian capital were three degrees below the long-term average for June going by weather records dating back to 1939 Weatherzone meteorologist Graeme Brittain said a high pressure system south-east of mainland Victoria, combined with light winds, caused surface temperatures to fall, giving Melbourne its coldest start to winter in 36 years. 'We haven't seen this kind of low temperature since 1982 - it's quite unusual,' he told Daily Mail Australia today. 'Light winds, clear skies allow temperatures at the surface to drop. 'We can get that moisture condensing to form fog, which is what we saw in Melbourne this morning.' With a minimum temperature of just 3.9C, Melbourne was even colder than Australia's coldest city Lithgow, west of Sydney, where minimum temperatures fell to a most modest 7C Mr Brittain said the minimum temperature of 3.9C early on Wednesday morning was three degrees below the long-term average for June going back 79 years. 'But as we are going into winter, obviously we will see some nights below average,' he said. The Bureau of Meterology said Melbourne had not experienced average minimum temperatures of less than 5C for the first week of winter since the early 1980s. 'Melbourne's coldest start to June since 1982, with an average minimum temp of less than 5C for the first six days,' it tweeted as part of its own industrial cold war with the federal government. The commonwealth meteorologists also pointed out that average temperatures in Melbourne at the start of winter had not been so low since 1989. The Bureau of Meterology said Melbourne had not experience average minimum temperatures of less than 5C for the first week of winter since the early 1980s The commonwealth meteorologists also pointed out that average temperatures in Melbourne at the start of winter had not been so low since 1989 The thick fog over Melbourne hampered visibility for morning commuters, as the city's eastern suburbs was covered in the thickest fog. However, Graeme Brittain said Melbourne would be unlikely to experience such a cold start to Thursday morning. 'Tomorrow is not likely to be as cold as the morning just gone,' he said. 'We're going to see a bit more in the way of wind which will keep the temperature from dropping as much as it did this morning so probably high, single figures, probably double figures for the CBD by tomorrow morning.' The thick fog over Melbourne hampered visibility for morning commuters, as the city's eastern suburbs was covered in the thickest fog The Bureau of Meterology is forecasting a more modest minimum temperature of 11C on Thursday morning. This level is still below the average year-round temperature of 12.2C in Australia's coldest city, Lithgow, a two-hour drive west of Sydney. However, temperatures in the town west of the Blue Mountains are forecast to drop to just 3C on Thursday before plunging to 2C on Sunday and on the Queen's Birthday public holiday this Monday. Canberra is also expected to freeze in coming days, with minimums of 2C on Sunday and zero degrees on Tuesday. However, Graeme Brittain said Melbourne would be unlikely to experience such a cold start to Thursday morning Outlaw bikies are set to be banned from visiting their associates in jail as part of a crackdown on drug smuggling in prison. The South Australian government will introduce two key pieces of legislation that will enforce a blanket ban for bikies from visiting a prison, the ABC reported. The legislation will cut communication between drug dealers inside and outside prisons. Outlaw bikies are set to be banned from visiting their associates in jail to crack down on drug smuggling in prison (stock image) The South Australian government will introduce two key pieces of legislation that will enforce a blanket ban on bikies from visiting prisons, the ABC reported The new bill will also enforce workplace testing to detect illegal drugs and alcohol for prison staff, prison officers and contractors. The testing is also extended to G4S officers at Mount Gambier Prison as well as staff and officers in private correctional facilities. South Australian prisons have detained 162 prisoners as of April of this year who are known associates of bikie gangs. The SA government is determined to put an end to drugs being trafficked into prisons, said Correctional Services Minister Corey Wingard. Mr Wingard believes the legislation will make it impossible for outlaw bikie gangs to operate out of jail. We're going very, very hard on this because we have zero tolerance,' Mr Wingard said. The SA government is determined to put an end to drugs being trafficked into prisons, said Correctional Services Minister Corey Wingard (pictured) SA police and the Correctional Services Department will work closely together to implement the ban. Mr Wingard added that the current Correctional Service Act has no power stop criminal gang members from visiting prisons and communicating with their associates. The former government outlawed ten bikie gangs. For bikie members, that law also came with new restrictions on wearing logos, displaying gang colours and having meetings. South African Airways has announced a three day sale, slashing prices by more than half. Prices for flights from Perth to Johannesburg start from $1,000 for economy or $4,000 for business class. For economy travellers, dates range from June 6 to November 30, the West Australian reported. Prices for flights from Perth to Johannesburg start from $1,000 for economy or $4,000 for business class South African Airways has announced a three day sale, slashing prices by more than half Business class tickets are available from January 14 to May 16. The West Australian Travel Editor Stephen Scourfield has urged travel hopefuls to snatch the fares up. 'The trick with flying to South Africa is to watch for offers just like this, and snap them up. This is a good deal,' Scourfield says. 'South Africa is our near neighbour a direct flight and then the rest of the southern African continent is opened up for us.' The non-stop flight time for Perth to Johannesburg is approximately 11 hours. The non-stop flight time for Perth to Johannesburg is approximately 11 hours Taking their sense of fashion to a laughable rather than fearful new level, these Pakistani Taliban fighters clearly arent gunning for any designer accolades. The militants have released photos of their new recruits in training gear. The trainees are wearing an unusual mix of Army-style camouflage trousers tucked into knee-length white socks, paired with a black t-shirt sporting the words No Tension above pictures of handguns facing in opposition directions. Featuring an unusual mix of Army-style camouflage trousers tucked into knee-length white socks, paired with a black t-shirt sporting the words No Tension above pictures of handguns facing in opposition directions Proud Taliban chiefs have released snaps of their latest batch of death-dealing recruits The death-dealing recruits, who look more like a dance troupe from a Taliban's Got Talent show than a bunch of brainwashed militants Their look is rounded off with a black balaclava, beneath bandana headbands bearing Islamic script, while their hands are clad in studded fingerless black leather gloves. Their clashing clobber was exposed via TRACterrorism.org, which analyses terrorist groups and activities around the world. The recruits, who look more like a dance troupe from a Taliban's Got Talent show, are posing near a pile of assault rifles. The pictures were uploaded to Taliban-supporting channels on social media by the groups propaganda wing, Umar Media. They belong to Tehreek-e-Taliban, the Pakistani offshoot of the fundamentalist group that once controlled neighbouring Pakistan and were taken at a training camp in the mountainous region that separates the two countries. The pictures were uploaded to Taliban-supporting channels on social media by the groups propaganda wing, Umar Media And a rear view of their ensemble: 'No tension' motto is repeated on the back of their t-shirts Tehreek-e-Taliban received a hammer blow last month when at least 20 members, including the son the groups chief Mullah Fazlullah, were killed in a US drone strike in the northeastern Afghan province of Kunar. The fighters died killed in an attack on a camp training suicide bombers, the group said in a statement texted to local journalists in Pakistan's Bajaur district, which borders Kunar. Pakistan has often accused US and Afghan forces of not doing enough to target the groups forces resident on the Afghan side of the volatile Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where they fled following a series of military operations by Pakistan. Vladimir Putin has insisted during a trip to Austria he is not embarrassed about the many topless snaps of him on holiday, as he hinted at another job swap to maintain his grip on power. The Russian President, speaking during a visit to Vienna, said he saw 'no need to hide behind the bushes' while on vacation. Photos of the Kremlin leader with his shirt off - sometimes fishing, holding a gun or riding of horseback - have been seen as an attempt to cultivate a powerful image as a man of action. But he made light of a question about what was the 'true story' behind the 'half naked' pictures, saying: 'You said "half-naked" not "naked", thank God. When I am on vacation I see no need to hide behind the bushes, and there is nothing wrong with that,' he said. Putin, who met with Austria's young Chancellor Sebastian Kurz during the visit, also hinted he may once again become Prime Minister when his current presidential term ends - a move that would see him maintain his rule over Russia. Vladimir Putin has insisted he is not embarrassed about the many topless snaps of him on holiday The Russian President, speaking during a visit to Vienna, Austria, said he saw 'no need to hide behind the bushes' while on vacation Photos of the Kremlin leader with his shirt off -sometimes fishing, holding a gun or riding of horseback - have been seen as an attempt to cultivate a powerful image as a man of action Putin (left), who met with Austria's young Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (next to the Russian President) during the visit, also hinted he may once again become Prime Minister when his current presidential term ends - a move that would see him maintain his rule over Russia The 65-year-old was inaugurated last month for another six-year term. He already is Russia's longest-serving leader since Josef Stalin. He served two four-year presidential terms in 2000-2008 before shifting into the prime minister's seat to observe a limit of two consecutive presidential terms while his longtime ally Dmitry Medvedev was elected president. Putin reclaimed the presidency in 2012 after the presidential term was extended to six years under Medvedev's tenure. One way or another, Putin is widely expected to continue calling the shots in Russia even after his current term ends. The Russian leader was asked about him being regularly photographed topless, in a series of macho poses Putin replied that he saw 'no need to hide in the bushes' while on holiday and was happy with the world seeing him shirtless He could do that by initiating the extension of the term limits or abolishing them altogether, shifting into a new position of power or naming a loyal placeholder. 'My presidential term has just started, I am only at the beginning of this journey so let's not jump ahead,' Putin said when asked if he could shift into the prime minister's seat or leave politics after 2024. 'I have never violated the constitution of my country and I am not going to.' He added with a characteristic coyness that 'a lot will depend on what kind of job we do ... and what results we can achieve.' Meanwhile, Putin also dismissed allegations that he was attempting to divide Europe. Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen and Putin review a guard of honor after the Russian leader's arrival at Hofburg palace President Putin said lifting sanctions against his nation would be in the benefit of both Russia and the West 'It is not our aim to divide anything or anybody in Europe,' Putin said. 'On the contrary, we want to see a united and prosperous European Union, because the European Union is our biggest trade and economic partner. 'The more problems there are within the European Union, the greater the risks and uncertainties for us.' As well as the Chancellor and President, Putin met Heinz-Christian Strache, whose far-right Freedom Party entered the government in December as the junior coalition partner. Strache - whose party has ties with the main Kremlin party, United Russia - called for the EU to lift sanctions against Russia. Austria will take over the 28-nation EU's rotating presidency for six months in July. Putin's sixth official visit to traditionally neutral Austria marks the 50th anniversary of the start of Soviet gas deliveries to the country. The United States, the European Union and other Western allies imposed sanctions against Moscow over its 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine who are fighting the government. Coupled with a drop in oil prices, the sanctions contributed to Russia's two-year recession. The Russian economy has rebounded, however, and Putin emphasized that lifting the sanctions would answer common interests. Over the weekend, Strache - whose party has ties with the main Kremlin party, United Russia - called for the EU to lift sanctions against Russia. Unlike many other EU countries, Austria didn't expel Russian diplomats over the nerve agent poisoning in Britain earlier this year of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter. A 100-year-old widow who had her neck broken as she was mugged on the way to church has died. Sophia Kaczan was left covered in blood and with a fractured cheekbone after being thrown to the pavement as the thug grabbed her leather bag from behind. Incredibly, the 'resilient' pensioner managed to stumble to her church, still clutching one of the bag's gold straps. The pensioner was taken to hospital after the mugging on May 28 with what police initially said were 'non-life threatening injuries'. However, she has now died. Sophia Kaczan (pictured) was taken to hospital after the mugging on May 28 with what police initially said were 'non-life threatening injuries' but has since died The widow was left covered in blood and with a fractured cheekbone after being thrown to the pavement as the thug grabbed her leather bag (pictured) from behind Police in Derbyshire said that a 39-year-old man had been released under investigation in relation to the robbery. Detectives are now asking for help to trace the owner of a Seat Leon that was seen in the area at the time of the attack and was abandoned in a car park days later. At the time, neighbours said they feared that Mrs Kaczan could have had as much as 1,000 in the bag because she had a big electricity bill to pay and did not like leaving money in the house. The former factory worker, known as Sophie by friends, had moved from Poland to the UK with husband Micoli after the Second World War. Detectives are now asking for help to trace the owner of a Seat Leon that was seen in the area at the time of the attack and was abandoned in a car park days later She was attacked moments after leaving her semi-detached home in Derby to attend a service at nearby St Maksymilian Kolbe Polish Church. Neighbours Stacia and Gary Fitzsimmons said Mrs Kaczan's bag was later found dumped, with the utility bill for about 900 still in it. Mrs Kaczan, a devout Catholic, celebrated her centenary with a party at her home last month (pictured) Mrs Kaczan, a devout Catholic, celebrated her centenary with a party at her home last month, where she showed off a certificate from the Pope marking the milestone. Her husband's wartime service with a Polish regiment won him the right to settle in the UK. He worked at the Rolls-Royce factory in Derby, but died a decade ago. The couple did not have any children. Detective Chief Inspector Darren De'ath, who is leading the investigation, said: 'This crime is absolutely horrific. 'Mrs Kaczan was a well-loved member of the community and that she was targeted in this way is disgusting. 'There are people in Derby who know the person responsible for this crime and I would urge them to come forward with any information that can help bring those responsible to justice.' Mr De'ath added: 'We have a number of leads that we are pursuing and a post-mortem will take place to determine a cause of death.' The polo-loving boss of Cambridge Analytica has today said had got 'carried away' and was 'foolish' when he said his firm would use 'beautiful girls' to seduce politicians. Alexander Nix faced MPs and told them that an undercover film where he claimed Ukrainian prostitutes 'worked well' for honeytraps was a 'lie' to impress potential clients. Mr Nix was suspended as Chief Executive of CA in March after it emerged that it was mining Facebook accounts and selling the data on without permission and it has since gone bust. The millionaire was called back to Parliament to clarify evidence he gave in February after an embarrassing Channel 4 documentary showed him bragging about 'dark arts' used to win elections for clients around the world. He said: 'That was all a lie. For me to get carried away was deeply embarrassing but something I regret enormously because of the impact on my company and also my staff'. Nix said he was 'entrapped' and the victim of a media conspiracy claiming the extraordinary things he said were 'overzealousness to secure a contract' and 'tell a client what we thought he wanted to hear'. Alexander Nix said that extraordinary claims he made about sex workers, spies and influencing elections was all lies and hyperbole to impress clients Alexander Nix arrived at Parliament and denied he had $8million withdrawn from Cambridge Analytica as the Facebook crisis started Mr Nix (right) faced a worldwide media storm in March after he was secretly filmed appearing to suggest the firm use 'beautiful' Ukrainian sex workers to seduce politicians (pictured) - he said it was a 'lie' today Channel 4 has responded furiously to his claims the documentary was 'heavily edited' and aimed at portraying him and Cambridge Analytica 'in the worst possible light'. A spokesman said: 'What Mr Nix actually said to our reporter and which was broadcast by Channel 4 News and watched by over 3-million people was that his caveat "they're just examples of what can be done" was followed by "and what has been done". 'His comments about entrapment to our reporter were not solicited by our undercover reporter, and his comments about using "Ukrainian girls" were made unprompted'. Mr Nix was also asked about reports if he withdrew $8million from the firm before its collapse because of the Facebook data scandal and said this was false and claimed he had been secretly investing 'millions' to pay staff wages, bonuses and redundancy payments. Mr Nix allegedly withdrew the cash just after the British media revealed Cambridge Analytica was selling data mined from millions of Facebook members. The new allegations over a $8million loan came from disgruntled shareholders who say Mr Nix must repay the money to CA staff and investors. These critics, who have spoken to the Financial Times, say Mr Nix and other bosses set up a new company called Emerdata as part of a plan to rebrand CA and its parent company SCL whose reputations have been badly tarnished. Emerdata raised $19million from investors around the world but the money ran out and insiders claim $8.2million was sent to CA in the form of a loan. Bankruptcy documents filed in New York seen by the newspaper show that the cash is classed a 'non-priority' and may never have to be paid back. The FT has reported that Nix has indicated he will pay back some of the money, said to diverted for unpaid services, but he is facing pressure to return it all. Mr Nix said today that the story was false and in the past three months he had personally paid millions in for staff pay and bonuses. Alexander Nic has been recalled to face MPs today over evidence he gave them in February (pictured) Mr Nix, a polo loving millionaire (pictured centre), was suspended from the company and has not commented on allegations about the $8million loan He started his evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Committee with a row over his appearance and kept trying to read a prepared statement. He denied he didn't want to attend but admitted he wanted any hearing to be postponed or held behind closed doors. He accepted his answers in February - when he denied working with the Leave.EU campaign in the 2016 Brexit referendum - 'could have been clearer'. But he was interrupted by committee chair Damian Collins, who insisted he would not allow witnesses to read out prepared statements, rather than responding to questions from the cross-party panel of MPs. Mr Nix (pictured in March) has been summoned to Parliament 'clarify his original evidence' after he declined to turn up in April After Mr Nix made several attempts to restart the statement, Mr Collins cut him short, telling him: 'The way this works is we ask questions and witnesses answer them.' The former CA boss told him: 'Mr Collins, you will have plenty of opportunity to ask me as many questions as you want, but I have to insist on delivering the rest of this statement.' Mr Collins responded: 'I'm sorry, Mr Nix, it is not your place to insist on anything in front of this committee.' Mr Nix faced a worldwide media storm in March after he was secretly filmed appearing to suggest the firm use 'beautiful' Ukrainian sex workers to seduce politicians as part of its lucrative election work. He was also recorded boasting about the firm's work during the Donald Trump presidential campaign, saying: 'We did all the research, all the data, all the analytics, all the targeting, we ran all the digital campaign, the television campaign and our data informed all the strategy.' Nix said its data on voters wins elections and his company made huge sums working with politicians around the globe. Facebook had given CA access to the personal data of tens of millions of users, without the users' knowledge - they claimed the company lied to them and they had no idea they would sell it on. There were calls for Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to resign and he saw 5.3billion wiped off his 48billion personal fortune yesterday due to a plunge in the social media company's share price. Since then Zuckerberg has been forced to apologise and try to rebuild trust with users about the safety of their data. Alexander Nix is at Parliament today and has been recalled to give evidence to an inquiry into fake news. The businessman first appeared before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Committee in February. Weeks later CA was suspended by Facebook amid allegations it amassed data on millions of voters from their profiles and misused it. Among the allegations were claims the information was used to target voters during Donald Trump's 2016 presidential election campaign, while a whistleblower has claimed the firm had links to pro-Brexit campaigners. On Monday, the head of Britain's data watchdog said she was 'deeply concerned' about the impact on democracy of the misuse of social media users' personal information. The committee first recalled Mr Nix to appear before them on April 18 to 'clarify his original evidence'. After agreeing to attend he then declined, but he was issued with a formal summons by MPs. The scandal that erupted around CA's alleged misuse of Facebook data saw the social media giant's chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, issue a series of public apologies. The billionaire went before the US Congress and has been asked to appear before the DCMS committee. Mark Zuckerberg's fortune and reputation have been badly damaged by the scandal, pictured facing Congress where he issued a humbling apology Chairman Damian Collins wrote to Facebook on May 1 after Mike Schroepfer, the network's chief technology officer, spoke to the committee. Mr Collins said his evidence 'lacked many of the important details we need' and re-stated Mr Zuckerberg's invitation. 'It is worth noting that, while Mr Zuckerberg does not normally come under the jurisdiction of the UK Parliament, he will do so the next time he enters the country,' Mr Collins wrote. 'We hope that he will respond positively to our request, but if not the committee will resolve to issue a formal summons for him to appear when he is next in the UK.' Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham told the European Parliament's inquiry into the CA affair that legal systems had failed to keep up with the rapid and unforeseen development of the internet. Ms Denham said that her office's investigation, triggered by allegations of misuse of Facebook users' personal data, was 'unprecedented in its scale' and thought to be the largest undertaken by any data protection authority in the world. A pet owner has managed to save his three dogs from being stolen after chasing the suspected thief's van and even starting a street duel with him. The unnamed pet owner from southern China deliberately collided his car with the back of the suspect's van, causing the van to lose control and topple. He then pulled out what seemed like a machete and started fighting the thief, who was holding a wooden club. The pet owner, driving a black car, deliberately crashes into the thief's silver van in China As the thief's van toppled, the fearless dog owner holds a machete and threatens the dog snatcher to release his pets (left). The thief can be seen trying to fight back with a rod (right) The incident took place on a street in Shanwei in southern China's Guangdong Province on Monday, according to the police. The pet owner managed to save all of his three dogs. The suspect, 44-year-old Xie, has been detained by the police on suspicion of theft. According to a police statement, the unnamed dog owner noticed his three dogs went missing at around 5am on the day. After reviewing home security footage, he realised his pets had been dragged into a van by a man. The owner immediately called the Luhe Police before driving his car to chase the suspect's Wuling minivan. The pet's owner three stolen dogs have been saved uninjured after the owner chased the suspected thief down the street (left). The suspect was captured by joint effort (right) Police in Luhe, Guangdong, have arrested 44-year-old Mr Xie (pictured) on suspicion of theft After witnessing the car chase and street fight, onlookers called the police who arrived at the scene shortly after. The suspect was captured by police officers with the help of the pet owner and bystanders. Police also confiscated the tools believed to be used by the suspect to steal dogs, including lassos, a rod, a hammer and a butterfly catcher. They also found four fake number plates in the suspect's van. Suspect Xie is said to be from Sichuan Province in south-west China. He has admitted to stealing dogs from the pet owner and is now detained in the police station. It is unclear whether the dogs Xie had stolen were to be killed and sold to a meat market or resold as pets. Luhe police found four fake number plates in Xie's van after capturing the suspected dog thief They also found some tools believed to be used by the suspect to snatch dogs from villages Every year, thousands of pet dogs are poisoned and stolen in China, and as many as 20 million dogs are killed annually to satisfy the dog meat industry. During a separate dog-stealing case in eastern China's Hangzhou city last year, police found out that dog meat gang sold dead dogs to restaurants at the prices of 50 to 60 yuan (5.6-6.8) each. Also in late last year, Chinese police bust a gang based in central China that had sold nearly 200,000 poisonous syringes to dog thieves across the nation through social media network. Wendy Higgins from Humane Society International UK said the practice of dog stealing is 'too common' in China as she called for more attention to it. She said: 'It's a cruelty that very often sees people's beloved pets targeted, and the animals involved can suffer enormously. 'HSI's Chinese partner groups routinely find dogs and cats on meat trucks headed to slaughter who are clearly suffering toxic poisoning or who have died from poisoning before reaching their destination.' The stolen pet dog's meat often ends up on the dinner table and their skin is used to make fashion accessories. Advertisement Michael McIntyre gave a cheeky grin today as he told MailOnline he's 'feeling better' after being robbed at knifepoint by a moped gang and even cracked a joke about needing a new watch after his Rolex was stolen. The comedian, 42, who is worth 38million, was pictured for the first time outside his 5.7million Hampstead mansion 36 hours after he was held up outside his son's school in north London. Mr McIntyre had been picking up his youngest boy Oscar, 10, when two robbers on a moped smashed the window of his 120,000 Range Rover with a hammer. The gang then threatened him with a knife in front of his terrified child and ripped the 15,000 Rolex from his wrist in an attack lasting no more than 30 seconds. The comedian, 42, returns to the stage tomorrow night in Dublin for the latest gig in his 104-date Big World Tour - and joked that without a watch he could be late. When asked about the Irish show he told MailOnline: 'The show must go on', and in typical style he cracked a gag about his own terrifying ordeal, adding: 'I'm not sure if I'm going to arrive there on time, but I'm going to get a new watch later.' Mr McIntyre also showed off his luxury car's new window, which was hammered around 15 times by his attackers. He said: 'Im feeling better. Were carrying on, but I could do with not driving this car at the minute. Anyway, its all fixed'. Scroll down for video Michael McIntyre gave a cheeky grin after he told MailOnline today he was 'feeling better' after his terrifying knifepoint robbery In typical style he cracked a joke about needing a new watch after the gang grabbed his Rolex admitting without one he could be late McIntyre (pictured with his ten-year-old son) was mugged by two masked moped robbers on Monday as he prepared to drive away from school with his boy in North West London McIntyre and young son Oscar, 10, were stopped in a London street by a gang of thugs who smashed his Range Rover with a hammer. Armed robbers smashed his 120,000 Range Rover's window around 15 times and the comedian was seen flinching as they waved a knife in front of his terrified son. The father-of-two was picking up Oscar, who with his brother Lucas, 13, are the source of a lot of his material in his much-loved stand-up routines. Michael McIntyre's Big World Tour UK dates June 7-June 10: 3 Arena, Dublin June 12-June 13: BHGE Arena, Aberdeen June 14 June 16: SSE Hydro, Glasgow June 23: FlyDSA Arena, Sheffield September 4 September 5: Pavilions, Plymouth October 5 October 7: o2 Arena, London October 11 October 14: o2 Arena, London November 9 November 11: SSE Arena, London Advertisement McIntyre, worth around 38million, is currently in the middle of his 104-date Big World Tour, which started in 2017 in Malta. Living up to the saying 'the show must go on', the 42-year-old will resume his tour in Dublin at the 3 Arena tomorrow night. Speaking after the incident, Mr McIntyre said: 'I can't really say what's happening, we're in the process of sorting this out. There's been an incident and we're dealing with it. 'I need to find out the best thing to do here, I can't say anything. This is not a wind up, it's ongoing and I can't share the details.' Witnesses originally claimed the star fell out of the driver's side of the Range Rover and appeared to try to fight off the robbers during the 30-second attack. He then rushed round to the passenger side of the vehicle to comfort his shaken up son and give him a hug. A friend said Michael, is 'very shaken by the whole experience' but was uninjured. Since the start of the tour he has travelled tens of thousands of miles around the world to perform his routine, beginning with central Europe and then heading to Hong Kong, Singapore and South Africa at the turn of the year. McIntyre also performed in New York and Toronto in February. He began the UK leg in March, first moving around some of the smaller towns in England before heading to Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland this month. Much of the UK leg is sold out, although there are still tickets available when he comes to London in October and November, performing at the o2 Arena and the SSE Wembley Arena. It is unknown exactly how much money he has made from the tour but it is expected to net him millions of pounds, with tickets to the UK leg costing as much as 63 per person. A high demand for tickets also led to extra dates being added at venues around the world. Michael McIntyre, pictured today in London, will return to the stage tomorrow night in Dublin to continue his 104-date Big World Tour, which runs until summer 2019 The comedian, pictured left and right near his home, has tour dates in Ireland and Scotland this month before coming to London in the autumn. He was pictured wearing a different watch today (left) after the theft of his 15,000 Rolex Pictures taken shortly after the attack show the driver's side window smashed and damage to Mr McIntyre's door Pictures show stunned comic Michael McIntyre speaking with police moments after he was robbed by a moped gang Mr McIntyre wears his valuable Rolex most of the time (circled) but was seen without it on his wrist in the aftermath of the terrifying moped attack Following the UK leg, he will continue performing next year, beginning in Norway in February and then heading to Australia and New Zealand. The tour concludes in Auckland, New Zealand, in June 2019. McIntyre was waiting outside a school in north London, when he was robbed at around 2pm on Monday. Police are investigating whether the moped gang followed him from his 5.7million Hampstead mansion with the aim of grabbing his Rolex or if he was the victim of a random attack because he was driving a luxury car in a wealthy London suburb. In a disgusting new tactic the gang struck as soon as the schoolboy was in the car knowing the comic would not risk them harming him. London is fast becoming overrun by moped gangs with 22,000 crimes in the capital last year 60 every day. Ed Davey, the Lib Dem home affairs spokesman, said: For some areas its fast becoming like the Wild West with criminals no longer afraid of getting caught'. Footage shows a flustered McIntyre, wearing a white shirt, take off his Rolex watch as one of the thieves leers over his shoulder McIntyre can be seen holding up his hands as one of the men jumps off their moped and threatens him with a knife (circled) Footage, which was obtained by The Sun newspaper, shows a clearly shocked McIntyre standing on the pavement near the passenger seat with his son, as one of the masked attackers demands that he hands over his watch. The attacker then jumps onto the back of the moped, which had no number plates, and the pair speed off as a visibly shaken McIntyre comforts his son. A witness told The Sun: 'It was shocking to see. They pulled up to his car as it was stopped by the side of the road near to some traffic lights, which were green. 'They smashed the window which clearly startled Michael as it would anyone then he jumped out the passengers side and they followed him round. The witness added: 'People who saw it were shocked too. No one went to help when it was happening, but it happened so fast, they were gone in seconds. They had hammers and Im sure I saw one of them with a big knife.' In a chilling illustration of the moped gang crisis, a young woman was fighting for her life last night after her mobile was snatched by moped-riding thieves. And a motorcycle gang targeted yet another luxury store in London yesterday with pedestrians forced to try to tackle them, wrestling one suspect to the ground. Campaigners and politicians warned the attacks were matched by disturbing rises in stabbings, drug crime and gang violence. London now has a higher murder rate than New York, with more than 70 killings so far this year. Knife crime has also led to the deaths of a 17-year-old boy in Ipswich and of 15-year-olds in Sheffield and Wolverhampton. After an extraordinary day of violence, including the attack on Michael McIntyre, it emerged: Scotland Yard has logged 22,025 motorcycle muggings in 12 months a rise of 50 per cent; Officers revealed that city gangs had set up 650 county line networks to sell drugs in towns and villages; Police were hunting moped robbers who targeted comedian Michael McIntyre; A rank-and-file police leader said officers were wary of chasing them for fear of possible disciplinary action; A think-tank said shop theft cost 6.3billion last year or 270 for every household. David Green, of the Civitas think-tank, said: A fall in police numbers combined with increasingly violent drug gangs has meant some parts of our cities resemble TVs The Wire. Violent crime is rising and knife crime is rising as gangs fight over drug territories. Experts believe a booming illicit drugs market notably in crack cocaine is fuelling much of the violence. They have also highlighted the middle-class appetite for regular cocaine. The Metropolitan Police figures showed that crimes committed using mopeds, scooters and motorcycles soared by 50 per cent in the year to May, to 22,025. As the thugs fled, the 42-year-old rushed round to the passenger side of the vehicle to comfort his son (pictured), who is understood to have been in the car at the time of the attack Mr McIntyre, 42, who is worth 38million, was waiting outside a school in northLondon, when he was robbed at around 2pm on Monday. Police are investigating whether the moped gang followed him from his 5.7million Hampstead mansion with the aim of grabbing his Rolex or if he was the victim of a random attack because he was driving a luxury car in a wealthy London suburb. The father-of-two was picking up Oscar, 10, who with his brother Lucas, 13, are the source of a lot of his material in his much-loved stand-up routines. Speaking after the incident, Mr McIntyre said: 'I can't really say what's happening, we're in the process of sorting this out. There's been an incident and we're dealing with it. 'I need to find out the best thing to do here, I can't say anything. This is not a wind up, it's ongoing and I can't share the details.' Journalist Jane Moore, who is married to the comic's agent Gary Farrow, believes Michael may have been targeted as soon as his son was in the car knowing the star would not risk them harming him. She told ITV's Loose Women: 'How terrifying - his 10-year-old son is in the front seat of the car, and this guy pulls up alongside and he's got a hammer. To smash a window like that it takes about 10 or 15 goes. Can you imagine how terrified? 'They probably targeted him because he had a child in his car, because as a parent you're not going to take anybody on, you're going to say, 'have whatever you want, don't hurt me or my child'', She added: 'Somebody please do something about these gangs' while fellow panelist Anna Richardson said father and son should seek counsellling and revealed she had needed help after she was robbed in a hotel room in 2016. Mr McIntyre was in the Range Rover with his ten-year-old son in the front passenger seat, one witness told the Mail. They originally claimed the star fell out of the driver's side and appeared to try to fight off the robbers during the 30-second attack. He then rushed round to the passenger side of the vehicle to comfort his shaken up son and give him a hug. A friend said today Michael, who is currently on the UK leg of his Big World Tour, is 'very shaken by the whole experience' but was uninjured. The moped gang dressed head-to-toe in black pulled up next to him and smashed their way into his car and demanded his Rolex before they sped away. Mr McIntyre's wife Kitty was reportedly seen close to the damaged car in 'floods of tears' as police spoke to her husband. Today she left the 5.7million family home and told reporters her husband was 'fine'. Parents on the school run rushed to comfort the shocked star and he looked shell-shocked and was heard saying: 'I need to find out the best thing to do here'. It's not known if the comedian was targeted or his 120,000 Range Rover was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. The robbers used hammers to destroy the driver's window and demanded his silver watch, worth around 15,000 A serious looking Kitty McIntyre, wife of Michael McIntyre, was photographed leaving the family home in North London yesterday and said her husband is 'fine' Mr McIntyre's 120,000 Range Rover was returned back to the star's home today 24 hours after it was attacked by robbers COMEDIAN IS LATEST CELEBRITY TARGETED IN MOPED MUGGINGS Michael McIntyre is the latest in a number of high-profile moped muggings around London. Raiders tried to steal Evening Standard editor George Osborne's phone as he left the BBC's Broadcasting House in May last year. The former chancellor said he felt a moped brush past him and claimed he would have been seriously injured if it had connected. Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan, left, had a 100,000 watch stolen after an armed moped rider stopped his Maserati in Croydon earlier this year. Ex Made in Chelsea star Ashley James, pictured right, was targeted by moped thieves for her phone in March Moped riders also stole a 100,000 Franck Muller watch from former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan when he stopped in his Maserati in Croydon. The rider appeared to produce a gun and threatened the businessman through the window. Mr Jordan said his 80-year-old father was also in the car and was 'trying to have a pop at the gunman'. A 32-year-old man was arrested and charged over the offence last month. Ex Made in Chelsea star Ashley James was also targetted in March after two moped riders stole her phone near Kilburn station. The 30-year-old model former Celebrity Big Brother star revealed she chased down the thieves and got the phone back after tackling them. She added it was the second time such an incident had happened to her after having her handbag stolen in Barcelona. And Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe rushed to the aid of a tourist slashed in the face by a moped rider last July. The victim was targeted for a Louis Vuitton bag and Radcliffe, 27, rushed over to tend to him after the offenders sped away. Raiders tried to steal Evening Standard editor George Osborne's phone as he left the BBC's Broadcasting House in May last year. Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe rushed to the aid of a tourist slashed in the face by a moped rider last July Advertisement Kitty McIntyre left their 5.7million north London mansion at 8.20am on Tuesday morning and drove their eldest son Lucas, 13, to school. Oscar, ten, who is believed to have witnessed the attack was not with her. She returned to their six bedroom home and parked their silver-grey Range Rover sport courtesy car in the driveway. When asked if they were worried for their family's safety, the aromatherapist said: 'No, no. He's fine.' The three-storey mansion, with a green door, had every blind and curtain drawn. It is not known if Michael, who is one of the most successful comedians of all time, is at home. His Range Rover, with the shattered window, was not outside his home. Moped crime has been described as being 'out of control' in London with 23,000 offences last year - up from 827 reported incidents in 2012. Gangs all over the capital have been trying to rip valuables such as phones and jewellery from drivers and pedestrians including millionaire Simon Jordan, whose 127,000 watch was taken at gunpoint as he sat in his Masarati in March. George Osborne almost had his phone ripped from his hand outside the BBC in May last year and Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe ran to the aid of a tourist who was attacked in Fulham. Michael McIntyre had been sitting outside the school when two masked riders brandishing hammers pulled up next to him. They then smashed through his driver's window and stole his watch. It is not known if they took other items like his wallet and phone. One witness said: 'The guy at the front of the moped started to hit the driver's window about ten to 15 times and it eventually just cracked. He opens the door and gets Michael McIntyre out of the car. Michael fell but he was still trying to put up a fight. 'I just remember one of the bikers trying to get something. I don't know what the guy was trying to get a watch, a wallet, maybe? 'And then within seconds they were gone down the hill. It was all so quick the whole thing must have taken 30 seconds'. He added he thought that Michael's son was in the car with him and was hugged by his dad and school friends afterwards. Mr Mcintyre was photographed looking shell-shocked by his 120,000 Range Rover after yesterday afternoon's attack The millionaire comedian was sitting in his Range Rover at around 2pm yesterday when the thugs started trying to smash his window with a hammer Another witness said: 'I was driving along the road when I saw two men dressed head to toe in black. One man was on the bike and the other was either attacking or fighting Michael McIntyre. There was shouting too. 'The driver's window of his Range Rover was completely smashed. The second guy jumped on the back of the motorbike and they got away'. The comedian with his wife Kitty in 2014, who was said to be a in 'floods of tears' In the aftermath pictures show a shell-shocked McIntyre cuddling one of his sons, believed to be Oscar, after the terrifying incident. His wife Kitty was also reportedly at the scene but it is not known if she was inside the school getting their boys or whether she rushed there from their nearby home. The exclusive school sits in a street flanked by large detached 5million properties and luxury cars, making it a likely target for moped gangs wanting to rob rich people. As crowds of people surrounded him following the attack, McIntyre is said to have shook his head and said: 'I need to find out the best thing to do here, I can't say anything.' People living in the area said muggings were common. Residents have learnt to hide their phones when they get off the bus for fear of being robbed, the witness said. But she added: 'I have never seen anything like this before. I have never seen anyone target a car like this. Maybe they were following him or maybe they were following the expensive car. 'I was really shaken after it happened. It was shocking.' The witness said that a the moped riders sped away, McIntyre jumped out of the car to comfort his son while police arrived. The comedian's agent confirmed there was an incident, but said: 'He is absolutely fine.' McIntyre lives in nearby Hampstead with wife Kitty, an aromatherapist. They have two children, who have been regularly mentioned in his live stand-up shows, including one routine in which he jokes that they do not do anything he tells them to. The award-winning comedian became known through appearances on comedy panel shows. He rocketed to fame when he was given his own BBC1 show, Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, in 2009. Ticket sales for his Showtime tour in 2012 made him the most commercially successful stand-up comedian of all time. He is currently on the UK leg of his Big World Tour. The mugging follows a spate of terrifying robberies aby moped gangs in London. Masked thugs as young as 14 use stolen scooters for their speed and manoeuvrability and because police are often reluctant to give chase. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'The victim was stationary in his car when two males on a moped smashed the car windows with a hammer before stealing property. No injuries were reported. 'No arrests have been made. Enquiries continue'. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD4018/04JUN or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Donald Trump has renewed his 'spygate' attacks on the FBI by parroting claims that surveillance of his presidential campaign 'makes Watergate look like Keystone Cop'. Trump said texts between shamed FBI lovers Peter Strzok and Lisa Page proves 'spygate is in full force' and stretches to the 'highest levels.' The President took the claims from a Lou Dobbs segment on Fox Business in which he interviewed Chris Farrell, an investigator for conservative 'education forum' Judicial Watch. President Trump renewed his attacks on the FBI over what he has branded the 'spygate' scandal on Tuesday, saying texts between FBI lovers Strzok and Page showed the operations was in 'full force' by December 2015 and reached to the 'highest levels' In the segment, Dobbs and Farrell discussed texts sent between Strzok and Page in December 2015 in which the pair discuss 'oconus lures'. Oconus means 'outside the continental United States' and lures refers to counter-intelligence agents, or double-agents, according to Dobbs. A text from Strzok to Page says: 'You get all of our oconus lures approved? ;)' To which she responds: 'No, it's just complicated a much bigger policy issue. I'll explain later. Might even be able to use it as pretext for a call...:) Asked what viewers should be taking from these messages, Farrell told Dobbs: 'We're taking that from very early on in 2015 there is an effort to apply intelligence trade craft and intelligence operations to attack and undermine candidate Trump and President Trump. 'You cannot go to the lengths they've gone to using the language that they have - these are their own words, their back and forth - they were running an operation to undermine a candidate for President of the United States.' Trump parroted claims by conservative 'education forum' investigator Chris Farrell who told Fox Business that FBI surveillance 'makes Watergate look like Keystone Cop stuff' Farrell later added: 'This is a level of criminality beyond the pale, the President needs to rip the lid off this as does Congress. 'Anyone involved in any kind of oversight capacity or any management position whether its the president, the Attorney General, whoever has any influence whatsoever needs to rip the lid off this and make it public. 'This is such a grave abuse of power and authority, it's like nothing else we've seen in our history, it makes the Watergate burglary look like Keystone cop stuff. 'This is very grave and the public has a right to know and should know as soon as possible all the details about this.' Trump prefaced the interview with a tweet about Strzok and Page's messages, before tweeting Dobbs after the segment finished praising the interview. He said: 'Great interview by Lou Dobbs with Chris Farrell of Judicial Watch concerning the governments counter-intelligence operation into the Trump Campaign. SPYGATE at the highest level. Who would believe?' In December 2015, Strzok texted Page saying 'you get all of our oconus lures approved?', referring to double-agents outside the United States. Farrell claimed this demonstrates a counter-intelligence campaign against Trump He then spliced together several of Farrell's quotes in two subsequent tweets, before signing off with 'the greatest Witch Hunt in political history!' Trump has accused the Obama administration of planting an FBI spying in his campaign as part of a deep-state operation to undermine his candidacy. Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper has denied the FBI looked at Trump's campaign directly, and said they were instead looking at Russian attempts to interfere in the election. That line of investigation led them to the Trump campaign, Clapper says. Last month senior US lawmakers were given an intelligence briefing about the claims. Afterward, Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, said he had seen 'nothing' to substantiate Trump's claim. A former terror suspect who once threatened to kill members of ASIO has been arrested in Singapore ahead of next week's US-North Korea summit. Zaky Mallah, 34, was the first person to be arrested for terrorism offences in Australia after pleading guilty to threatening to kill government officials in 2003. Now, some 15 years later, western Sydney-based Mallah has been thrown into a holding cell at Singapore Airport, Seven News reports. Scroll down for video Former terror suspect Zaky Mallah (pictured) has been arrested in Singapore ahead of next week's US-North Korea summit Mallah was thrown into a holding cell at Singapore Airport (pictured) after flying in from Sydney last night Mallah, who flew into Singapore from Sydney last night, was reportedly detained at the airport and questioned by authorities for more than five hours. 'They asked me a lot of questions about my history, about my dealings with the Australian government, ASIO, my trip to Turkey, Syria,' Mallah said. He was ultimately deemed a security risk by Singaporean authorities, who allegedly didn't want him near the upcoming nuclear summit where US president Donald Trump is set to meet with Kim Jong-un. The 34-year-old from western Sydney was the first person to be arrested for terrorism offences in Australia after pleading guilty to threatening to kill government officials in 2003 He was deemed a security risk by Singaporean authorities, who allegedly didn't want him near the upcoming nuclear summit where US president Donald Trump is set to meet with Kim Jong-un 'I think the last thing they need is someone with my history to be here in the same country as them,' Mallah said. He is to be detained in an immigration holding cell before being deported back to Sydney. Mallah was just 19 years old when he was arrested for terrorism-related acts, and spent two years in Goulburn Correctional Centre subject to solitary confinement while he awaited trial. He was ultimately acquitted of plotting a suicide attack against government buildings. Mallah became the subject of national media attention again in 2015 following an appearance on the ABC's Q&A, when he accused Liberal government policies of forcing young Australian Muslims into joining ISIS. The ABC subsequently issued an apology for allowing him to appear on the program. Mallah became the subject of media attention in 2015 after an appearance on the ABC's Q&A, when he accused the Liberal government of forcing young Australian Muslims into joining ISIS A pair of brave cops have pulled an elderly man from a vehicle seconds before it is engulfed in flames in a heroically selfless act. In footage captured of the incident the officers can be seen smashing through the windshield of the overturned car as smoke and then flames spread from the engine. Constable Jeremy Gardiol and Senior Constable Kevin Mayo responded to a triple zero call in Gympie, about two hours north of Brisbane, at about 7am Wednesday morning. A pair of brave cops have pulled an elderly man from a vehicle seconds before it is engulfed in flames in a heroically selfless act 'We didn't think about anything else other than getting him out alive,' Constable Garidol told The Courier-Mail. 'It's not until afterwards that you realise the risk. I don't have kids but if I did I imagine they would have been playing on my mind,' Constable Garidol said. The officers said they used their batons to smash through the windshield and then pulled out the laminated glass before dragging the driver, an elderly man, to safety. Constable Gardiol said that the driver had a few bumps and bruises and they reversed him out of the explosion zone safely after getting him the back of the police car. 'It's only now that I'm realising that we probably saved his life,' he said. The cause of the crash has not been identified and the 73-year-old driver is recovering in hospital. Constable Gardiol said he intends to celebrate by watching the State of Origin. Theresa May told the Israeli PM today she is determined to stick with the Iran nuclear deal despite the dramatic withdrawal of the US. The Prime Minister vowed to fight for the pact as she met Binyamin Netanyahu at Downing Street. Israel has been ramping up the pressure for the agreement - which eased sanctions in return for Iran dropping its bid to develop nuclear weapons - to be ditched altogether after Donald Trump pulled out. But as she sat down with Mr Netanyahu in No10 this afternoon, Mrs May said: 'Along with France and Germany the UK continues to believe that is the best route to preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. 'We will remain committed to it as long as Iran meets its obligations. Protesters gathered outside Downing Street to show their disapproval of Mr Netanyahu this afternoon, after widespread criticism of Israel's brutal response to recent unrest in Gaza. Mrs May said the UK 'absolutely recognises' Israel's right to defend itself against 'extremists and terrorists' but was 'concerned' that more than 100 people had been killed. The Prime Minister vowed to fight for the Iran nuclear pact as she met Binyamin Netanyahu at Downing Street this afternoon Mrs May warmly greeted Mr Netanyahu warmyl on the steps of Downing Street today Protesters gathered outside Downing Street to show their disapproval for Mr Netanyahu As they posed for photographs at the start of their meeting, Mr Netanyahu replied that he was focused on making sure Iran did not get a nuclear weapon and 'how to roll back Iran's aggression in the region'. 'I think we can find ways to work together to achieve both goals,' he said. Mr Netanyahu also insisted Gaza protesters were being 'paid for and pushed by Hamas' to try to break through the border and kill Israelis. 'This is not a non-violent protest, quite the contrary,' he said. 'We are doing everything we can to both minimise casualties and at the same time protect Israeli lives.' UK, France, Germany and EU urge the US to exempt business from Iran sanctions Britain, France, Germany and the EU sent a joint request to the US urging Donald Trump to exempt them from Iran sanctions. French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said the three countries and the EU were asking the US 'to exempt European businesses doing legitimate trade in Iran from all extraterritorial American sanctions'. He said: 'Those businesses must be able to pursue their activities.' Advertisement Earlier this week it emerged that Israel has shared evidence with the UK and other allies that Tehran had been trying to acquire the bomb. The material - part of a haul of 100,000 files snatched by the Israeli security service Mossad in January - was said to include a memo handing responsibility for enriching weapons-grade uranium to the Iranian defence ministry. Mr Netanyahu has been using the fruits of the audacious raid to press the case the nuclear deal struck in 2015, which eased sanctions in return for a halt to weapons development. He visited France and Germany this week as part of a European tour, before heading to the UK today. Mr Trump has already declared that the US will withdraw from the pact and threatened sanctions on businesses that continue to trade with the regime. However, the EU has vowed to save the agreement, saying it still represents the best chance of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Mrs May reiterated her 'commitment' to the Iran deal earlier this week in a phone call with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Mr Netanyahu is expected to argue during the discussions that the terms of the accord were breached because Iran did not disclose the scope of its previous efforts to become a nuclear power. Mr Netanyahu and Mrs May posed for cameras as they started their discussions today As demonstrations took place outside No10, Mrs May said the UK 'absolutely recognises' Israel's right to defend itself against 'extremists and terrorists' but was 'concerned' that more than 100 people had been killed A senior Israeli intelligence officer told the Times earlier this week: 'What Iran told the International Atomic Energy Agency about its capacities was almost comical compared to what we have here. 'Iran said there had only been feasibility and scientific studies but what we see is that Iran ran a fully fledged nuclear weapons programme and that it followed directions from the political levels.' Meanwhile, Britain, France, Germany and the EU have sent a joint request to the US urging Mr Trump to exempt them from Iran sanctions. French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said the three countries and the EU were asking the US 'to exempt European businesses doing legitimate trade in Iran from all extraterritorial American sanctions'. He said: 'Those businesses must be able to pursue their activities.' Donald Trump has already declared that the US will withdraw from the pact and threatened sanctions on businesses that continue to trade with the regime Mr Netanyahu visited France and Germany this week as part of a European tour, before heading to the UK today Police have called off a search for nineteen-year-old Orlando Nyero after a body was found in Rochdale Canal The body of a young man has been pulled from a canal in Manchester city centre reigniting fears over the 'Manchester pusher'. Police believe they have found the body of Orlando Nyero, 19, who has not been seen since he went missing after a night out in the early hours of Sunday morning. The search for Orlando from Bolton was called off after the discovery in the Rochdale Canal, off Whitworth Street, at around 2.50pm on Tuesday. The latest death in the canal is the 86th since 2007 as fear grows over a serial killer operating around the city's waterways. However, any suggestion of a 'pusher' has simply dismissed as an urban myth by police. However, 28 of the first 85 deaths were 'unexplained'. Police said enquiries are ongoing into the latest body found. A GMP spokesman said: 'Police searching for a missing man have found a body. 'Shortly before 2.50pm on Tuesday 5 June 2018, police were called to Whitworth Street West in Manchester City Centre to reports that a body had been found in a canal. 'Officers attended and found the body of a man. 'Although formal identification is yet to take place, it is believed that this is the body of 19-year-old Orlando Nyero. The body of man has been found in the Rochdale Canal in Manchester city centre. The man was discovered in a stretch of water near Whitworth Street at around 3.20pm on Tuesday 'There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. 'His family are being provided with support from officers at this time.' Orlando had been out in Manchester with his brother and two friends on Saturday night but was not seen again after 3.35am on Sunday morning. The group returned to the Jurys Inn Hotel on Great Bridgewater Street together but Mr Nyero then left the building. Just last month a cyclist said he was 'lucky to be alive' after being attacked by a 'complete psychopath' on the canal path near Old Trafford football stadium - reigniting fears over a 'pusher' attacking people, mainly men, in the city. The victim, a father-of-two, said he was pushed into the water by a man who was white and aged between 20 and 40. When the cyclist attempted to free himself from his bike in the water and grabbed onto the sides, the man reportedly kicked his hands away, before running off. In 2016 a Channel 4 documentary titled 'Manchester's Serial Killer?', featured former senior detective Tony Blockley who examined the evidence purporting to support the allegation that the same person may well be responsible for a catalogue of killings. His probe focused on the deaths of three men: Souvik Pal, 18, and 21-year-olds David Plunkett and Nathan Tomlinson. Sports teacher Mr Tomlinson's body was discovered in the River Irwell in February 2011. He had been out with friends two months before. Despite still being clothed, the 21-year-old was found without his coat, phone, passport and wallet. Souvik Pal (pictured) was discovered in the Bridgewater Canal in 2012 after he was last seen with an unknown male in Manchester A documentary probed the mysterious deaths of three men who were found died in Manchester's canals. A map shows where 18 of the 86 bodies were found An inquest into his death failed to establish if Mr Tomlinson died before or after hitting the water. David Plunkett had been at a concert at the Daytona Racetrack, also in Trafford Park, before he went missing in April 2004. Parents Michael and Anne are adamant David's death was the result of sinister and deadly act. They called his phone on the night he went missing and heard terrified screaming. Trainee sports teacher Nathan Tomlinson (pictured, as a schoolboy, left, and before he died, right) was pulled from the River Irwell in February 2011. He had been out with friends two months before. Despite still being clothed, the 21-year-old was found without his coat, phone, passport and wallet Police say his death was not suspicious. The body of Mr Pal - a design student in Manchester - was discovered in the Bridgewater Canal three weeks after he had been ejected from a 2012 New Year's Eve party at the Warehouse Project nightclub in Trafford Park. A coroner recorded an open verdict into his death, admitting she did not know how he ended up in the water. Disturbingly, CCTV images recorded the teenager walking in the company of a man whose identity has never been confirmed minutes after leaving the club. A Go Fund Me page has been set up for the family or Orlando Nyero. Three people including an 18-year-old man have been arrested after a young boy suffered horrific burns which could leave him scarred for life. Owen Atkin, aged seven, is believed to have been scalded with boiling water while his parents had left him in the care of others. He remains in hospital more than a week after he was burned so severely on his face and head that medics do not know whether his hair will grow back. Owen Atkin's parents had left the seven year old in the care of three people when the youngster was scalded by a boiling kettle in Sheffield, South Yorkshire Two men and a woman have been arrested as a result of the injuries suffered by young Owen on May 27 South Yorkshire Police say two men and a woman had been arrested following the incident on Sunday, May 27. A 31-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man from Rotherham were arrested on suspicion of neglecting a child and an 18-year old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. All three have since been released on bail as enquiries continue. Owens father Paul Atkin said his youngest son had been in someone elses care in Southey Green, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, when he suffered the burns last weekend. The injuries are believed to have been caused by the contents of a boiled kettle. A fundraising appeal to cover the familys hospital costs and pay for a holiday for Owen and his elder brother, Lewis has passed the 3,600 mark, with nearly 240 people donating. Mr Atkin, 36, said brave Owen is getting back to his old self, following a visit from Sheffield Wednesday legend Lee Bullen. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, quoting the incident number 34 of May 27. The youngster has spent a week in hospital recovering from his injuries although medics do not know at this stage whether he will face permanent scarring or hair loss Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte inspired confidence he likes to run a clean office after being filmed mopping up a coffee he spilled on his way into parliament. However, the leader clearly needed to brush up on his technique after one of the cleaners had to take control and show him how to use the mop properly. Social media users applauded Rutte's efforts as the clip went viral on World Environment Day. Mark Rutte spilled his coffee as he passed through a turnstile into Dutch parliament The prime minister made a mess with the spill Not one to let others clean up after him, Rutte took a mop from the cleaner and got to work Rutte, known for a handful of humble gestures in public, was caught on film after clumsily dropping his coffee cup when he entered Dutch parliament on Monday. But rather than standby and let the cleaners do their job he takes a mop from one of the women and tries to clean up the mess himself. Moments later a group of workers arrive to cheer on Rutte as he wipes the surfaces of the floor and turnstile, smiling all the while. Rutte was cheered on by cleaning staff at the building A woman gives the Dutch PM some tips on how to mop In return the cleaners repay the favour by helping Rutte out, showing him how to adjust the height of the mop, or how it should be used properly. People from around the world were quick to applaud the rare display of humility from a politician. The footage ironically went viral on World Environment Day, the UN initiative that strives for a cleaner planet. Rutte impressed social media users with his actions The Twittersphere was full of praise after the clip went viral Some couldn't help laugh when Rutte needed help from the cleaners Most were inspired by 'humble' Rutte A few labelled the coffee cleanup a publicity stunt, noting the conveniently placed cameras and Rutte's grin as he was filmed. But others claimed the gesture was hardly an unexpected act of kindness from Rutte who is known for living a modest lifestyle. Rutte is well known for displays of humility in public He reportedly owns a second-hand car and old mobile phone while, like most Dutch people, cycles to work. Twitter users denied the coffee spill was a publicity stunt Asad Malik, 37 (pictured outside court in Lewes) and his company London Parking Gatwick Ltd are accused of six counts of fraud over a two year period A Gatwick Airport parking scam saw customers duped out of 1million before their cars were joyridden and dumped in muddy fields, a court heard. Asad Malik, 37, and his unofficial company London Parking Gatwick Ltd are accused of six counts of fraud over a period of a year. Lewes Crown Court heard Mr Malik, of Crawley, convinced customers their cars would be safe by showing them a picture of Borders General Hospital car park in Melrose, Scotland 400 miles away. They thought their vehicles were being kept safe with valet cleaning facilities and 24-hour CCTV supervision. But in reality they were being driven illegally and dumped in fields in the Ifield area, at petrol stations and even a mosque near the West Sussex airport, the jury heard. Mr Malik also left fake reviews on his own website so clients would trust him, jurors were told. He denies the charges against him. Richard Heller, barrister for West Sussex County Council Trading Standards, told the hearing that the cars were used for joyrides and to tow other vehicles before being parked in muddy fields unlocked or with the keys stuck to the windscreen in a clear plastic bag. The jury were told cars were driven extra miles, returned dirty and damaged to their owners or not returned at all. Mr Malik is accused of tricking customers into trusting him with their cars and then dumping them in a muddy field in the West Sussex area (pictured) The jury were told cars (pictured) were driven extra miles, returned dirty and damaged to their owners or not returned at all Lewes Crown Court heard Mr Malik, of Crawley, convinced customers their cars would be safe by showing them a picture of Borders General Hospital car park in Melrose, Scotland (pictured) 400 miles away Mr Malik, of Crawley, West Sussex, fraudulently claimed customers' cars would be kept secure and returned undamaged, he said. He also told customers they had no right to complain after leaving the airport despite warnings from Trading Standards officers he was breaking the law. Customers cars were used to drag other vehicles through mud, returned damaged and dirty and complaints were ignored, Mr Heller said. Richard Heller said Mr Malik and LPG were one and the same. Customers thought their vehicles (pictured) were being kept safe with valet cleaning facilities under 24-hour CCTV supervision But in reality they were being driven illegally and dumped in fields in the Ifield area (pictured) at petrol stations and even a mosque near Gatwick The websites operated by Mr Malik also included fake customer reviews, he added, saying: 'Their provenance must be regarded as somewhat dubious. 'Mr John Smith left a review in December 2014 in which he described how his 'experience with them was the most suitable one, as I paid very less there which was the around trip of taxi fare and got the full service both ends of my journey'.' Several complaints were uncovered by Trading Standards Officers and more unhappy customers came forward during the investigation. 'In June 2016, Sylvia Goodman said her car was returned with a bent key, the language on the dashboard display was changed to one she didn't recognise, there was hardly any fuel left, it was dirty, the time had been changed and there was litter in the car including a Co-Op receipt for mini garlic naans,' Mr Heller said. Malik is accused of showing clients a picture of a Scottish hospital car park to make them believe their vehicles (pictured) would be safe The naan breads had been purchased four-and-a-half hours after she dropped her car off at the airport expecting it to be parked a few minutes drive away, the court heard. 'Which gives rise to the obvious question - where had it been in that time and why wasn't it taken to, and left at, one of the parking locations,' Mr Heller said. Other drivers received parking tickets after their cars were left at petrol stations around Gatwick airport. Another customer was forced to search through fields himself for his own car after London Gatwick Parking failed to return it. Customers' cars (pictured) were used to drag other vehicles through mud, returned damaged and dirty and complaints were ignored, prosecutors told the jury at Lewes Crown Court 'Christopher Allen, who used LPG's services in June 2016, returned to Gatwick expecting to have his car brought to him but despite several attempts to contact the company he could not do so. 'He describes how with the help of other passengers he managed to locate his car in a muddy field some five to six hours after he arrived,' Mr Heller said. Trading Standards officers booked several mystery shopper test purchases for cars fitted with a tracking devices. 'The investigation revealed a multiplicity of dishonest practice, misleading claims and unfair commercial practices,' Mr Heller said. Asad Malik and London Parking Gatwick Ltd deny six counts of fraudulent trading between October 2015 and August 2016. A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport said: Gatwick Airport has no relationship with Gatwick First Parking as it is not an officially approved off-airport parking operator. We strongly recommend that passengers use official on-airport parking or companies registered with Gatwicks off-airport approved parking operators scheme." The trial at Lewes Crown Court in Brighton before Mr Recorder Anthony Chinn QC continues. Advertisement A historic island fort is being sold for less than the price of a one-bedroom flat in London. Stack Rock Fort, off the coast of Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire, was built to defend Britain from an invasion from France's Napoleon III. Made up of three floors with spiral staircases leading to each one, with cannon rooms, former sleeping quarters, the island provides a 360-degree view of the Haven waterway. The average cost of buying a home in London is 471,944 and the average cost in Wales is 152,999, according to the UK Land Registry. Room with a view: Stack Rock Fort, off Milford Haven, is uninhabited but comes with plenty of potential The island is off the coast of South Wales and was designed to defend Britain In its prime, it was armed with 16 18-ton guns and manned by up to 150 men. A small consignment of men also manned the fort during the World War I. Stack Rock was one of a chain of forts designed to defend Britain and the Royal Naval Dockyard at Pembroke Dock. Built between 1850 and 1852, and upgraded in 1859 with a new building that completely encased the original gun tower, the Grade II-listed fortification is on sale for 400,000. In 2015, it was put up for sale for 150,000. Sales agent Purplebricks says the privately-owned, derelict site has 'unbelievable scope for development'. 'Previous owners have asked about the potential to turn the fort in to a commercial residence with links to the main land,' it says. The three-floor island home has spiral staircases, canon rooms, former sleeping quarters, and spectacular 360-degree views Sales agent Purplebricks says the island home has 'unbelievable scope for development' It could be yours for 400,000 or you could try to get a one-bedroom flat in London Noisy neighbours would be a forgotten nightmare as waves lap against the island fort's walls Milford Haven is a short sail away from the derelict fort Stack Rock was built between 1850 and 1852, and received an upgraded in 1859 The Grade II-listed fortification is on sale for 400,000. In 2015, it was put up for sale for 150,000 A businessman has returned to court in a bid to overturn the decision of judges to increase his ex-wife's alimony payments despite their marriage ending 16 years ago. Graham Mills has appealed a High Court ruling which saw monthly payments awarded to Maria Mills increase by 341 to 1,441 to meet her 'basic needs'. Supreme Court justices will analyse the case today, with surveyor Mr Mills claiming that Mrs Mills 'unwisely' invested money he has sent her since their divorce in 2002. Mrs Mills was originally awarded a 230,000 lump sum and monthly payments of 1,100, but a court heard she was left in debt after a number of failed property deals. She repeatedly traded up to live in increasingly upmarket homes, leaving her with a mortgage she was unable to afford, and is now living in rented accommodation. Graham Mills (left, at court this morning) has appealed a ruling which saw monthly payments awarded to his Maria Mills (pictured at court today, right) increase by 341 to 1,441 Lady Hale, the Supreme Court president and most senior justice, said, at the start of the hearing that the case raised a point of law of 'some considerable importance'. Mr Mills argued he 'should not be the insurer against the wife's poor financial decisions', saying it was unfair that he should 'pick up the tab' years after they split. He said Mrs Mills had lost the lump sum through 'gross financial mismanagement' and argued she was in a position to work and increase her earnings. A family court judge ruled that nothing should change but Court of Appeal judges, who considered the case in 2017, said Mrs Mills' payments should increase. Mr Mills is now hoping for the Supreme Court to overturn the Court of Appeal ruling. Despite pleas from Mr Mills for his ex-wife to secure her own 'independence', a judge said her monthly outgoings equated to 1,441 and it was wrong for a previous judge to order lower payments. Sitting at London's Appeal Court, Lord Justice Longmore and Sir Ernest Ryder heard how the couple, who have a grown-up son, married in 1988, before separating in 2001. They divorced in 2002, after reaching an agreement on how their wealth should be split. The court heard how Mr Mills, a surveyor, agreed to give his ex-wife 1,100 a month in personal maintenance. He also offered to give her almost all their 'liquid capital', while he agreed to keep his businesses. Mrs Mills (left, in 2017) was awarded a 230,000 lump sum and monthly payments of 1,100 by Mr Mills (right), but a court heard she was left in debt after a number of failed property deals Later, however, Mrs Mills 'unwisely invested in a series of properties', each time 'moving upmarket' from a house in Weybridge, Surrey, to a smart three-bedroom flat in Wimbledon. She then moved to a two-bedroom apartment in a luxury Victorian mansion block in Battersea. The court heard how Mrs Mills 'over-financed' each of her homes, increasing her mortgage liabilities. But she failed to offset them with enough profit from the sale of the properties, a court heard. She is now living in a rented home, back where she started in Weybridge, and works two days a week as a beauty therapist. The judge said the pair both went before a family judge last year, with the wife asking for more maintenance because she could not manage financially. Her ex-husband, who has since remarried and has another child with his new wife, went to judges in a bid to get a clean break. Italy's new populist government broke ranks with its Western allies and called for the lifting of sanctions on Russia. In his debut speech to the Italian parliament on Tuesday, incoming prime minister Giuseppe Conte said he wanted to restore traditionally close relations between Rome and Moscow and push for a review of the EU sanctions. 'We will be advocates of an opening towards Russia, a Russia which has consolidated its international role in recent years in various geopolitical crises,' he said. 'We will promote revising of sanctions, starting with those that demean Russia's civil society.' Conte won the first of two parliamentary votes to confirm his cabinet, formed from a coalition of far-right and eurosceptic parties, after his maiden speech on Tuesday. italy's new prime minister Giuseppe Conte (pictured) said he wanted to restore traditionally close relations between Rome and Moscow and push for a review of the EU sanctions The rise of nationalist and populist parties in the EU has bolstered Russia's campaign to have the measures - which were imposed over its annexation of Crimea and support for rebels in Ukraine's east - repealed. But France insisted on Wednesday that the lifting of the damaging sanctions be conditioned on advances in the country's peace process. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Paris opposed any quick rethink. 'When we make progress (on ending the conflict in Ukraine) then we can start to raise the question of the sanctions and that is what we will tell Italy,' he told France's Europe 1 radio ahead of a meeting Monday in Berlin to try reinvigorate the peace process. It comes as Putin made a visit to Austria, one of the few EU nations not to expel its Russian diplomats following the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury in March. Conte won the first of two parliamentary votes to confirm his cabinet, formed from a coalition of far-right and eurosceptic parties, after his maiden speech on Tuesday Justice minister Alfonso Bonafede (left) celebrates winning a confidence vote as Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte is embraced by another senator During the visit on Tuesday, Putin, who was received with full military honours, said it was in the interest of 'everybody' to have the measures lifted. Putin met with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, whose People's Party is in a coalition with the far-right Freedom Party which supports Russia's claim of sovereignty over Crimea. Kurz agreed that 'to go forward together... is better than one against the other.' But he also assured fellow EU members that Vienna, which takes over the rotating EU presidency in July, would abide by the bloc's decisions. The foreign ministers of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France will attend the talks in Berlin Monday on the Ukraine crisis. Meanwhile, European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker has called for the EU to boost its ties with Russia, given the country's size and importance. 'I am not very happy with the state of our relations. We will never accept what Russia did with Crimea or eastern Ukraine,' he said last week. Russian President Vladimir Putin (centre) is on his first foreign trip since being sworn in for his fourth term to Austria, one of the EU's more Russia-friendly members. Pictured left, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and right, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz But he added: 'There are so many areas, so many domains where we can cooperate in a better way with Russia, not forgetting what our differences are. 'This Russia-bashing has to be brought to an end.' Moscow's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine after the 2014 ouster of a pro-Russian president in Kiev plunged relations between the EU and Russia into the deep freeze. Brussels responded to the territorial grab and to Moscow's support for an uprising by pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's east with a series of asset freezes and travel bans. It also imposed economic sanctions to which Moscow retaliated in kind. Putin said it was in the interest of 'everybody' to have the measures lifted Meanwhile, Conte won the first of two parliamentary votes to confirm his cabinet after his inaugural address to parliament. The alliance between the anti-establishment Five Star Movement and the far-right League gained the Senate's endorsement with 171 votes in favour, 117 against and 25 abstentions. The coalition will now seek final parliamentary approval on Wednesday from the country's Chamber of Deputies, where it also holds a majority. Conte's eurosceptic government was sworn in on Friday after almost three months of political turmoil that alarmed EU officials and spooked financial markets. A lawyer with little political and no government experience, Conte was nominated by far-right League leader Matteo Salvini and the head of the anti-establishment Five Star movement Luigi di Maio - both of whom are now his deputy prime ministers. Conte's maiden policy speech reaffirmed several of the coalition's key manifesto themes, including a tough line on migrants, rejection of economic austerity as well as conciliatory gestures towards Moscow. The 53-year-old also reiterated his government's intention to stay in the EU and defended its 'populist' and 'anti-establishment' labels. 'If populism is the attitude of a ruling class which listens to the needs of the people and anti-establishment means aiming to introduce a new system that removes old privileges... then the political forces that support this government deserve both these labels,' he said to senators. Conte's eurosceptic government was sworn in on Friday after almost three months of political turmoil that alarmed EU officials and spooked financial markets Italy's new prime minister Giuseppe Conte (right) listens to Labor Minister Luigi Di Maio at the Senate Newly sworn-in Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte (centre) addresses senators as part of a debate ahead of a confidence vote in the Italian Senate in Rome Conte responded to concerns about the xenophobic League's rhetoric, insisting that Italy 'isn't racist' and accepts its responsibilities to welcome and integrate legitimate refugees. But he said the rest of the EU must take on a greater burden of accepting refugees as well as negotiating with migrants' home countries and helping send back those who don't qualify for asylum. 'It's obvious to everyone that the way migrant flows have been managed has been a failure,' he said. 'We will put an end to the business of immigration that grew disproportionately under the cloak of a pretend solidarity.' 'We will forcefully seek the overcoming of the Dublin Regulations in order to obtain the effective respect of the principle of equal distribution of the responsibility to set up an automatic system of obligatory re-distribution of asylum seekers.' 'We are not and will never be racists. We want procedures that determine refugee status to be certain and speedy, in order to effectively guarantee their (refugee) rights.' The new Home Secretary (pictured in Downing Street this week) highlighted the wave of vile abuse he has received since taking on his high-profile job Sajid Javid has lashed out at trolls for jibing that he is 'not Muslim enough' after he rejected claims of widespread Islamaphobia in the Conservative Party. The new Home Secretary highlighted the wave of vile abuse he has received since taking on his high-profile job. He said he had been branded a 'Coconut' and 'Uncle Tom', and some people had even questioned whether he was 'really Muslim or not'. The comments, at a meeting of the cross-party group on British Muslims last night, come amid a bitter row over whether the Tories have failed to deal with allegations of Islamophobia. The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) demanded an inquiry into 'racists and bigots' in the Conservative Party last week, highlighting a series of alleged incidents involving activists. Mr Javid - a non-practising Muslim - hit back over the weekend, pointing out that he had been made Home Secretary in a Tory government. He also questioned whether the MCB was a legitimate voice for the Muslim community. Jeremy Corbyn sparked disbelief yesterday by adding his voice to calls for an inquiry into the incidents - even though he himself has face an outcry for failing to tackle anti-Semitism in Labour. Speaking at the event last night, Mr Javid insisted 'Muslims come in all shapes and sizes'. 'Since becoming Home Secretary, I've been called a Coconut, an Uncle Tom and much worse,' he said. 'And some people even question whether I'm really Muslim or not. Some say I'm too Muslim, others say I'm not Muslim enough. I can't keep up. 'But there's one thing I do know about being a Muslim in Great Britain today. 'And that is that I have the freedom to define myself, not Muslim extremists or the far right. My relationship with God is my business. Just as yours is.' Mr Javid added: 'I don't think there's anything to be gained by attacking one another for being more or less Muslim. 'Instead, we should celebrate our different connections to such a generous and compassionate faith.' Muslim Council of Britain general secretary Harun Khan wrote to party chairman Brandon Lewis demanding an investigation into Isamophobic incidents Peers have been told off for falling asleep in the Chamber - and been warned they must stay alert and maintain 'standards'. Lord Taylor of Holbeach, the Government's chief whip, has emailed all Tory peers to warn them that their conduct was not up to scratch. He complained that peers have been loudly chattering on their red benches and even dozing off rather than listening respectfully to the debates. He wrote: 'It has been observed by members of our house that, over recent months, conduct in the Chamber has not been of the standard we should expect.' A list of the 'main transgressions' includes 'falling asleep in the chamber', 'audible conversations' and 'sedentary shouting', The Times reported. Peers have been told off for falling asleep in the Chamber - and been warned they must stay alert and maintain 'standards'. Labour peer Lord Foulkes was pictured with his eyes closed and apparently asleep in a recent BBC documentary about the House of Lords The whips of the other main political parties have sent emails to Lib Dem and labour peers also delivering the stern warnings. A recent BBC documentary showed the Labour peer Lord Foulkes of Cumnock with his eyes closed an apparently asleep in the Chamber. It comes as pressure mounts for ministers to abolish or drastically reform the unelected House of Lords. Peers are paid 300 a day to turn up at the Chamber - regardless of whether or not they speak or vote in debates. And the Chamber has been stuffed with some 778 unelected peers, making it one of the second biggest legislature in the world after the People's Republic of China. A Labour source said peers would be reminded of conventions but said there would be no mention of sleeping. They added: 'Sometimes they really are closing their eyes. Others are leaning into the monitor to hear more closely and it looks like they've keeled over.' Willie Sullivan, Senior Director at the Electoral Reform Society, said: 'Despite the way it is treated by some members, the House of Lords is not some private members' club. 'Afternoon napping in the chamber is probably not the best way to scrutinise legislation.' Tory MP Sir Desmond Swayne fell asleep while his Conservative colleague Ken Clarke spoke during a debate on the Brexit Bill in January. The rebuke follows weeks of noisy and angry debates on the Brexit Bill in the Chamber. Remain-backing peers tables some 15 wrecking amendments to the crucial legislation in a bid to keep the UK in the EU customs union and single market after Brexit. The fiery debates sparked verbal clashes between peers who desperately want the UK to stay close to Brussels and those who warned they were overstepping their authority to try to dictate to MPs the terms of Brexit. It is not the first time that politicians have come under fire for dozing off while in a debate in Parliament. Tory MP Sir Desmond Swayne fell asleep while his Conservative colleague Ken Clarke spoke during a debate on the Brexit Bill in January. The Brexit-backing slumped into his seat with his head rested on his hand for a short period as Mr Clarke - a vocal Remainer - discussed the EU charter of fundamental rights. A new people-smuggling route to the UK via Ireland has been set up to dodge tighter cross-Channel security raising fears today it is the new 'back door to Britain'. Migrants are paying at least 10,000 for new EU passports before being flown from Paris to Dublin on the promise identity checks are far laxer there than at Gatwick, Heathrow or Dover. They then travel by car over the UK's open border into Northern Ireland, take the ferry from Belfast to Glasgow and then the final leg to London by road to start their new life in Britain. A brazen people-smuggler making a fortune from the scam has said the 'Irish route' is 'a guaranteed way to get into the UK'. MPs have told MailOnline that Britain must shut it down immediately, demand stricter searches for 'fake papers' in Ireland and introduce a tightly controlled visa system for EU visitors after Brexit in March 2019. Tory Nigel Evans said: The British government have got to make absolutely certain that when people come into the UK from Ireland proper identification has got to be shown. There cannot be a back door into the UK. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is also worried and said at a Brexit conference last year: 'You're going to get people [coming] in here. Let's be honest about it. Wouldn't you be an awful eejit if you were trying to get into the EU and you didn't [try the route]?'. A new people-smuggling route to Britain via Ireland costs 10,000 and includes a new EU passport and a flight to Ireland before safe passage to the UK One Iranian illegal immigrant called Hamid (pictured in a hooded top) has done the journey and told the BBC he was 'not worried' about being caught because of the security in Ireland British MPs have said any route for illegal immigrants into Britain via Dublin or Ireland's ports must be closed in Ireland and in France. May faces Brexiteer backlash over Irish border 'backstop' plan Theresa May (pictured at PMQs today) is making a bid to break the deadlock in negotiations by proposing a compromise designed to guarantee a soft Irish border Theresa May is facing a Brexiteer backlash today over her Irish border backstop plans amid fears they will leave the UK tied to the EU 'indefinitely'. The Prime Minister is making a bid to break the deadlock in negotiations by proposing a compromise designed to guarantee a soft Irish border. It moots extending the period when the UK aligns with EU rules in order to give more time for smooth customs arrangement to be put in place. However, a note understood to have been circulated to the Brexit War Cabinet on the blueprint has sparked fears that the extension could go on for ever. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson (pictured in Whitehall yesterday) is among the senior ministers on the Brexit War Cabinet The document apparently does not include an end date, merely stating that it will finish when the customs systems are ready. Ministers have been scrambling to find a way to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. Brussels has been demanding a backstop customs arrangement that would essentially draw a new border in the Irish sea - something Mrs May has said the UK will never accept. The Cabinet signed off the principle of a 'backstop' plan that would maintain alignment with EU rules beyond 2020 last month. But the PM previously insisted any extension on customs would only be for a short period. The Cabinet sub-committee on Brexit is due to hold its latest meeting tomorrow - although customs plans are not thought to be on the agenda. Advertisement Mr Evans said he believed the post-Brexit visa regime would allow EU citizens free access to visit the UK. He added: But we must absolutely close down any routes that could lead to uncontrolled immigration into the UK, he added. We need to work with the Irish government because they should be concerned about any illegal immigration. Tory MP Peter Bone said illegal immigration routes could only be closed down by tackling opportunist trafficking gangs who spotted loopholes in the borders. It looks like these people are being trafficked by gangs, he told MailOnline. Most of them will have fake papers. What should happen is the National Crime Agency will target the gangs. One it has become clear it is happening it is easy to take down the gangs. You dont solve these problems by having lots of checks on the border. The way of disrupting trafficking is all intelligence led. It is not like walking down the street and tackling a burglary. One Iranian illegal immigrant called Hamid has done the journey and said he was 'not worried' about being caught because of the security in Ireland. His safe passage to Britain cost him 10,000 and a genuine Greek passport adapted to include his photograph was only checked once in Dublin and never again. He told BBC South-East, who have investigated the route, that police and border officials appear to have been focussing on their efforts on the Calais and Dover areas. Describing what happened he said: 'When I got on the plane I was not worried. 'When we arrived in Dublin, I went through passport control - I passed through the checks and was able to leave. 'This route from Dublin is still fresh and the police do not focus on it as they do at Gatwick or Heathrow'. Former director general of immigration enforcement Dave Wood said the investigation had revealed a huge gap in security. He said: 'If there are weaknesses at Irish ports or Irish airports, they will exploit them and use them, because once you're into Ireland, effectively you're into the UK. 'There's nothing stopping people once you're in Ireland travelling north to Northern Ireland and then to the wider UK'. The border between the Republic and Northern Ireland has been open and without checks since the Good Friday Agreement meaning anyone is free to travel between the two countries Former Immigration Minister Damian Green, who was one of Theresa May's most trusted advisers, says there can be no hard border between Ireland and the UK post-Brexit. He added, however, that they 'have to get those arrangements right'. A Home Office spokesman said: 'The UK and Irish governments work closely on border security. Our existing joint programme of work with Ireland includes investment in border procedures, increased data sharing and use of passenger data'. Rachid Redouane launched the London Bridge attack with two other jihadis - but had got back to Britain after being deported having married an Irish woman There have been concerns that 'backdoor terrorists' could use Ireland to get to Britain after one of the London Bridge attackers was deported to Morocco only to return to the UK via Ireland. Rachid Redouane, 32, was first recorded being in Dublin in 2012 where he married Charisse O'Leary, 38, who is originally from the UK. Before he launched his attack with two other jihadis he lived at an apartment block in Rathmines, south Dublin, with Ms O'Leary. After four years of marriage he was then able to return to the UK legally because a legal loophole and within a year had launched the deadly attack on London Bridge and inside Borough Market. In 2011 Ireland adopted an EU directive that allows citizens from outside the EU to travel freely between Britain and Ireland if they marry an EU citizen. A common travel area exists between Ireland and the UK meaning that there are no passport checks. There are growing concerns that the rule is allowing terrorists into Britain via Ireland. A security source told the Irish Mirror: 'Their main aim is to get a GNIB or FAM (EU identity card). Once they have that they can move freely to the UK. 'They often have an address in Ireland which they do not use but it takes the suspicion off them when they are living in Britain as Ireland is official their country of residence. 'They are calling them "backdoor terrorists" or sleepers and that's a fair description'. Police attempted to hit back at London's crime gangs this morning as a wave of violent crime sweeps the country. Scotland Yard launched 30 raids on homes around east London, arresting 26 men and a woman for offences including violence, drugs supply and anti-social behaviour. It comes amid growing fears of moped robbers and knife attackers in the capital after a woman was left fighting for her life and comedian Michael McIntyre became the latest victim of scooter gangs. This fearsome looking knife was among the weapons seized in a series of police raids today Police kitted out in riot squad uniform burst into a flat in east London this morning as Scotland Yard attempts to fight back against the gangs plaguing the capital's streets The Met Police drafted in 150 officers this morning, as police in riot gear knocked down the front doors of suspected criminals. A stash of drugs was found at one of the raided properties while around 20,000 in cash, two tasers, weapons and a car were seized at other addresses. The Met Police's taskforce tweeted a picture of a fearsome looking knife seized in one of the raids, with the message: 'Three males successfully arrested. These weapons were found at one address underneath the bed. Owner agreed to dispose of them. No reason to have these.' The raids came as stats showed that violent crime soared by 21 per cent last year, with 1.3million offences recorded by police. The figure was the highest since records began in their current form 15 years ago. Knife crime rose by 22 per cent, robberies by a third and sex attacks were up by a quarter as police recorded 5.4million offences, 13 per cent up on the previous year. Experts believe a booming illicit drugs market notably in crack cocaine is fuelling much of the violence. They have also highlighted the middle-class appetite for regular cocaine. Police force their way into 30 homes in London today amid growing concerns over crime Among the weapons seized during the raids was this Taser, being held by an officer today Assistant Commissioner Martin Hewitt said today: 'We are prioritising our resources where there is the greatest risk, harm and threat to communities. Moped enabled crime is a huge priority and weve seen significant reduction.' Detective Chief Inspector Mike Hamer said of today's raids: 'These arrests for drug dealing are particularly pleasing and demonstrate our commitment to deal robustly with those who supply drugs within the local community.' Metropolitan Police figures showed that crimes committed using mopeds, scooters and motorcycles has soared by 50 per cent in the year to May, to 22,025. The 24-year-old who is fighting for her life was attacked by two thugs on a moped in Edgware, north London, just after 9pm on Monday. She suffered a head injury and was found unconscious on the ground. Wraps of drugs were found in a car. Experts believe drug wars are behind the violence Comedian Mr McIntyre was targeted in north London, while picking his son up from school on Monday. The moped muggers made off with his watch and are thought to have been watching his movements. A Nationals MP has slammed Barnaby Joyce in the wake of last week's controversial television interview, stating that the former federal party leader needs to completely withdraw from politics. NSW Nationals MP Kevin Humphries suggested that the Sunday Night interview - for which Joyce and ex-staffer Vikki Campion were paid $150,000 - was the final nail in Joyce's coffin as far as Nationals party members were involved. 'To be rescued from this is virtually impossible,' said Humphries, in conversation with Ten Eyewitness News. 'He pretty much wrote his political death warrant last week with that interview.' NSW Nationals MP Kevin Humphries has slammed Barnaby Joyce (pictured) in the wake of last week's controversial television interview, stating that Joyce needs to completely withdraw from politics 'To be rescued from this is virtually impossible,' said Humphries (pictured). ''He pretty much wrote his political death warrant last week with that interview.' Humphries went on to suggest that standing down was the only sensible option for both Joyce and the party - particularly with the next federal election coming down the pipeline. 'I think he needs to make sure that the transition to the next election is a smooth one and the best way to do that by serving his people is to bow out,' he said. Humphries is the first sitting Nationals MP to publicly call for Joyce to withdraw. 'I'm not standing at the next election so I can speak freely and my views reflect my colleagues here at the state level and I believe pretty much at the federal level as well.' 'I think he needs to make sure that the transition to the next election is a smooth one and the best way to do that by serving his people is to bow out,' said Humphries in conversation with Ten Eyewitness News Several of those colleagues further alleged that Joyce - who is currently on medical leave following the Campion affair scandal - had recently contacted them in an attempt to force their vote against a bill relating to abortion centres. The bill would see 'safe zones' set up around NSW abortion clinics, and has already been passed in the upper house. It is set to go to a conscience vote in the lower house on Thursday. Joyce, who is currently on medical leave, also allegedly contacted several party members recently in an attempt to force their vote against a bill relating to abortion centres Multiple NSW Nationals MP have reportedly claimed that Joyce's intervention in political affairs is unwarranted, given the ongoing turmoil in his private life. Several party members have also suggested that Joyce will lose his seat if he stands. Nationals leader Michael McCormack has said that he will support Joyce if he runs again, but insists the final decision rests with party members in his electorate. Nationals leader Michael McCormack has said that he will support Joyce if he runs again, but insists the final decision rests with party members in his electorate Mr McCormack stressed he would support any Nationals candidate who got the support of local branch members, including Mr Joyce. 'If he puts his hand up, good luck to him. The leader doesn't get to choose his team,' Mr McCormack told Sky News. 'I'll welcome any person who gets pre-selected for the National Party.' A 12-year-old Indian boy has made an astounding recovery despite being impaled by a four-foot-long branch that pierced his chest and came out through his neck. Bishnu Mahakud miraculously survived the gruesome injury, which occurred when he accidentally fell off a blackberry tree while plucking berries in Dhangadadiha village, Keonjhar on the Bay of Bengal. The lengthy branch pierced through his chest and came out of his neck in a graphic ordeal that was caught on camera. Bishnu Mahakud, 12, from Dhangadadiha village, Keonjhar, India, was impaled with a four-foot-long tree branch, which went through his chest and out through his neck Awaiting surgery: The branch pierced the chest of the teenager after he fell off a blackberry tree while plucking the berries Recovering after a three-hour-long operation. Medical staff said it was fortunate the impaling had not had a more 'severe' impact Bishnu was immediately rushed to a community health centre by locals in a desperate bid to save his life. However, when the doctors failed to remove the branch stuck in his body, the boy was transferred in a critical condition to Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, 120 miles away from his village, for surgery. The branch that impaled him A team of five doctors led by Dr Manoj Kumar Patnaik immediately gave the boy a CT scan and several medical tests before performing a three-hour-long surgery to safely remove the tree branch from Bishnu's body. Dr Manoj, who operated on the boy, said: 'The patient was brought to the hospital in a critical condition. 'The tree branch has pierced through the left of his chest and came out of the neck. 'We immediately conducted a CT Scan to find out what all parts were affected. Luckily there was no such severity. 'The boy underwent a three-hour-long surgery during which the tree branch was successfully removed from his body.' Out of danger: Bishnu Mahakud will be kept in the hospital for few more days to avoid any chances of infection After the operation, Bishnu was kept in intensive care unit for 72 hours and has been shifted to the general ward, as his condition has improved. Dr Manoj said the boy is 'completely out of danger', however, 'we will keep him in the hospital for few more days to avoid any chances of infection'. A Chinese man has apparently had a live leech removed from his nostril after suffering from nose pain. Footage from Chinese social media shows a doctor pulling out the wiggling creature from the agonising patient with a pair of tweezers. Leeches can suck up to five times their body weight in blood, but they don't grow very quickly in size, according to an expert. A doctor uses forceps to expand the man's nostril as he tries to find the leech (left). The doctor then slowly pulls the wiggling creature out of the agonising patient in China (right) The patient, whose identity has not been revealed, was admitted to a hospital for a checkup after feeling unwell in the nose, reported Changsha Legal and Legislation Channel. Apparently, the man was unaware of the fact that a blood-sucking leech had been living in his nostril, and that may have been the cause of his condition. The doctor looked into the man's nostrils before using nose forceps to prise open one of them. He then placed a pair of tweezers and slowly pulled out a live leech. The man seemed to be horrified as he saw the large creature wriggling in front of him. 'It's massive,' one onlooker can be heard saying in the video. It's unclear how the leech had got into the man's nose or how long it had lived there. The leech can be seen wriggling after it was pulled out from the patient's nose (left). The man, unidentified, is shocked to see the creature as the doctor shows it to him (right) Leeches can attach themselves to a person's skin or even inside their nose or mouth. When this happens, the person suffers from a condition called hirudiniasis, according to Mark Siddall, an expert on leeches. Mr Siddall is a researcher at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. In an interview with Live Science, Mr Siddall said a leech can suck as much blood as about five times its unfed body weight. However, its size wouldn't grow quickly. In 2014, a Scottish backpacker had a three-inch-long leech removed from her nose after suffered from persistent nosebleeds. Doctors said the leech had been living in her nose for a month before being found. Commenting on the incident, Mr Siddall said the leech may have got into the patient's nose while she was swimming during a trip in south-east Asia. It was also suggested that the creature had got into the traveller's nose through her mouth when she was drinking water. This is the extraordinary moment police in Brazil prised open a concrete floor tile in a bedroom to find an escaped convict, who had been on the run for over three years, hiding in an underground bunker. Cops captured Jean Gomes Chiola in the early hours of Tuesday morning following an anonymous tip-off that the fugitive was holed up in the property in Macaiba, north east Brazil. The bunker was around 10 miles from Alcacuz State Penitentiary where he had been serving time for drug trafficking offences. Scroll down for video Convicted drug dealer Jean Gomes Chiola was found crouching in a waist-deep hole beneath a bed that was covered with a concrete floor tile The 39-year-old was arrested with his son, Jean Felipe, 20, in a joint raid between military and civil police who stormed the residence armed with a search warrant. Along with the astonishing discovery, agents seized a .38 calibre revolver and several wraps of drugs. 'When we knocked on the door it took a long time for the son to open up,' detective Normando Feitosa explained to G1. 'We thought this delay was strange, so we decided to break in and do a thorough search of the property. 'That's when we noticed something was wrong with the floor underneath a bunk bed.' Jean Gomes Chiola surrendered and clambered out from his makeshift hideaway The contents of the squat including rubbish and a mobile phone Police prised open the concrete bedroom tile with a crowbar where they found Chiola Officers used a crowbar to force open the heavy slab and were amazed to find the missing man hidden beneath. When the Chiola stood up from his crouched position, the hole was waist deep. In the footage, filmed by detectives, he is seen surrendering and ordered out of the grubby dugout which is littered with rubbish and a broken mobile phone. Officers handcuff the man as they ask if there is a gun at the bottom of the hideout. He is dripping with sweat and squints in the light after coming out of his darkened cubby hole. Detective Feitosa admitted to FocusOn News, that they never expected to find the fugitive so easily. Chiola (left) was arrested again along with his 20-year-old son Jean Felipe (right) Police found a number of drug wraps and a .38 calibre revolver gun 'It was a bit of a surprise to find him cowering in the hole. 'If we hadn't done a meticulous search and noticed the unevenness on the floor he would have escaped again,' he said, adding the clue to his whereabouts came from an undisclosed source. Chiola, better known as 'Nega An', escaped from Alcacuz in April 2015, according to investigators. He broke out during the night with 35 other convicts, crawling down a tunnel measuring 55 centimetres in diameter. Three lags were immediately recaptured. Chiola escaped Alcacuz in April 2015 after a breakout involving 35 other cons Wardens found a hole used to escape by the prisoners The fugitives were placed on a 'most wanted' poster, with Chiola becoming the latest arrest The excavated route linked Pavilion 2 to the outside and was located just 10 metres from one of the guard towers. At the time, the jail break was the second largest recorded in the history of the prison based in Parnamirim, some 13 miles from Natal, the state capital. It followed a prison rebellion the month before that destroyed cells and left prisoners loose in the yard with little supervision. A poster identifying the escapees was issued after the break out and showed the recaptured man was among them. In 2017, Alcacuz hit the headlines when rampaging inmates went on deadly riots killing over 26 prisoners in decapitations and mutilations. Chiola and his son, who are now in custody, face charges of drug trafficking and illegal arms possession. Both will appear in court later this year. European leaders are in talks to create a camp for asylum seekers outside the EU in a country seen as being 'not particularly attractive' to traffickers. The migrant centre would be in a non-EU European nation that is 'not on the migrants' or the human traffickers' list of preferred destinations'. Germany, Holland, Austria and Denmark are among governments involved in talks and there are hopes an initial pilot project could pave the way for a new European asylum system. Denmark's Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said there would be greater control than under the current system - but refused to say where the camp would be set up. European leaders are in talks to create a camp for asylum seekers outside the EU in a country seen as being 'not particularly attractive' to traffickers (file picture shows migrants crossing the Mediterranean) He said it would be in a place that was 'not particularly attractive' for traffickers. The EU currently has 28 member states. Candidate countries include Turkey, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Potential candidates for membership of the bloc include Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. Meanwhile, the EU's website includes Armenia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Azerbaijan as being non member European countries. 'I'm optimistic. Based on my discussions with other European leaders - and the dialogue, that is going on at official level - it is my expectation that we will be able to take the first step this year,' Rasmussen said in a speech marking Denmark's Constitution Day. The talks are being held directly between European governments and not within the EU framework, he told local media. Germany, Holland, Austria and Denmark are among governments involved in talks and there are hopes an initial pilot project could pave the way for a new European asylum system (file picture shows migrant camps in Paris, France 'To be honest, it would be in a country that is not on the migrants' or the human traffickers' list of preferred destinations,' Rasmussen said in the speech. Denmark's intake of asylum seekers fleeing war and unrest in the Middle East and other regions has dropped to just over 1,000 in the first four months of this year, from a peak of more than 21,000 in 2015. Compared with its neighbours Sweden and Germany, Denmark has generally granted fewer people asylum compared to the size of population. Julian Monaghan (pictured outside Crawley Magistrates Court), 49, was arrested amid dramatic scenes on board the 300-passenger plane at Gatwick Airport in January A British Airways pilot faces jail after he was dragged of a passenger plane packed with passengers because he was over the drink-fly limit. Julian Monaghan, 49, was arrested amid dramatic scenes on board the 300-passenger plane at Gatwick Airport in January. BA flight 2063 was due to fly to Mauritius, a 12-hour flight, but it got delayed when cabin crew reported his unusual behaviour. Concerned about his appearance, staff on the Boeing 777 dialled 999 just minutes before the plane was due to take off. Airport police rushed to the departure gate and Monaghan, a long-serving British Airways first officer, was arrested and led off in handcuffs in front of stunned passengers. Today he appeared at Crawley Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to being over the limit while reporting for flying duty. Wearing a dark suit and tie, Monaghan, who divides his time between South Africa and Harmondsworth, west London, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address as being under the care of his solicitors. Mel Wotton, prosecuting, said the incident happened at around 8pm at Gatwick Airport on January 18 this year. Monaghan, the first officer, had boarded the flight along with the pilot and was preparing to start the plane. She said: 'One of the aircraft technicians was concerned they could smell alcohol on the pilot. 'Bosses spoke to police who duly arrived and they could also smell alcohol on his breath.' Today the 49-year-old (pictured drinking on holiday) appeared at Crawley Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to being over the limit while reporting for flying duty Monaghan was due to fly a BA Boeing 777 from Gatwick to Mauritius on January 18 this year She said a breath test was carried out and he was found to have 52mg of alcohol in his breath - the legal limit is 9mg for a pilot. The court heard a blood sample was subsequently taken and found it have 86mg in 100ml of blood - the drink drive limit is 80mg but the legal limit for a pilot is just 20mg. Monaghan (pictured outside court) has been sacked from his job at British Airways, which had an annual salary of around 60,000 Emlyn Jones, defending, said Monaghan had only had one vodka and coke more than eight hours before the flight was due to take off. He said pilots had to follow a policy of an eight our alcohol prohibition before any flight which Monaghan had observed. Mr Jones said: 'His prohibition began more than eight hours before hand. However he could not sleep and spent he day without the food and without drink.' 'He was appalled, astonished and horrified when he found he was over the limit.' Mr Jones said Monaghan was not due to take up responsibility of take off and would not have flown the plane until they were three hours into the flight. He said that although the matter was 'very serious' the level of alcohol was so low that if it was a drink drive case then he would not have been charged. Mr Jones said: 'No harm was caused, His culpability was somewhat lower because he was careless rather than wilfully ignoring a prohibition of alcohol before the flight. 'By his guilty plea he has thrown away the only career he has every known. He has been a pilot all his life. 'By his own misconduct he has suffered. He has been punished enough.' Wearing a dark suit and tie, Monaghan (pictured arriving at court) who divides his time between South Africa and Harmondsworth, West London, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address as being under the care of his solicitors Adjourning the case for sentence at crown court next week, Chairman of the Bench Dr David Wiggins, warned him he faced an immediate custodial sentence What is the alcohol limit for pilots? Pilots are subject to much stricter alcohol restrictions than drivers. The legal alcohol limit for pilots is 9mg per 100ml of breath, but for a driver it is 35mg per 100ml. The restriction on alcohol in the bloodstream is 20mg per 100ml for pilots and 80mg for drivers. Advertisement Dr Wiggins said: 'The comparison with drink driving is somewhat spurious as flying 777 is a bit different to driving a car.' Monaghan joined British Airways, whose motto is 'To fly, to serve', in 2001. First officers at the airline typically earn more than 60,000. A British Airways spokesman said: 'This behaviour is completely unacceptable and not what we expect from our highly professional fleet of pilots. 'The safety and security of our customers and colleagues is always our top priority.' She added: 'Julian Monaghan no longer works for the airline.' Monaghan will appear to be sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday June 12. An Indian policewoman breastfed an abandoned newborn who was found dumped in a pile of rubbish on the outskirts of Bangalore. Police received a call from a local shopkeeper on Friday after a rag picker told him he had spotted the baby boy stuffed inside a plastic bag near a construction site in the capital of India's southern Karnataka state. Officer Nagesh R took the infant, who was covered in blood and likely just a few hours old, to a hospital where doctors treated him for free before bringing him to the police station. But hours after his rescue, the baby was barely stirring and crying, so a policewoman named Archana decided to breastfeed him. A policewoman named Archana (pictured with the abandoned newborn), who recently gave birth, breastfed the crying infant Archana said she had recently given birth to a boy and felt instantly connected to the newborn. 'I just couldn't bear it. I felt like my child was crying and I had to feed the baby,' she told BBC Hindi. Archana's colleagues were full of praise for her actions and said she probably saved the infant's life. Officer Nagesh ran out to buy clothes for the baby, who was then named 'Kumaraswamy' after the state of Karantaka's newest chief minister. The baby boy was named 'Kumaraswamy' before police handed him over to a children's home 'It is the government's baby now, and we decided to name him Kumaraswamy as it would be under the care of the government,' he told The Hindu. The baby has now been handed over to a children's home by the police. Officer Nagesh said police have visited the home to see the baby again and make sure he's well. 'We police officers work so hard, but the last two days in the station was something else,' he said. 'It felt like a baby was born in our home.' Norway's Prime Minister has urged Britain not to embrace her country's model of being outside the EU but inside the single market. Erna Solberg, who visited Theresa May in Downing Street today, said it meant Brussels imposed rules on Norway without the country getting a formal say in how they are made. Ms Solberg - who supports Norway becoming a full member of the bloc - said the European Economic Area (EEA) was the best available model for small countries on the edge of Europe. But she questioned whether Britain would or should accept being dictated to. Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg (pictured with Theresa May today) has urged Britain not to embrace her country's model of being outside the EU but inside the single market Erna Solberg (pictured today visiting Downing Street) said it meant Brussels imposed rules on Norway without the country getting a formal say in how they are made Norway is one of a small number of countries in the EEA without being in the EU. It has to accept single market rules, including free movement of people. It is seen by Remain supporters as a way of delivering Brexit while limiting damage to economic ties between Britain and the continent. But speaking at a Politico event in Brussels, Ms Solberg said: 'Then I should just ask why should you leave the EU if you're accepting that?' Warning Britain would not be allowed to build its own model, she added: 'We do agree with the EU that you cannot be cherry-picking. 'Norway is outside [the EU], but we are inside the single market We do accept that decisions on the four freedoms are done in Brussels.' 'You can't just opt out of one of the freedoms.' Ms Solberg said Britain had a much bigger economy than Norway and other EEA members Iceland and Lichenstein. Prime Minister Theresa May (pictured in Downing Street today) has rejected keeping Britain in a Norway-style relationship with the EU but is under pressure from Remain rebels She said: 'We believe we have the best system in the world, but we know we are small and that big countries decide,' she said. 'That might be a little bit more difficult for a larger country.' The premier added: The EEA is the only organisation in which Norway is a super power. The EEA plan looks doomed to fail after Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (pictured at the GMB conference today) produced his own amendment blocking the arrangement 'Losing that is of course of [big] importance then Britain becomes a super power in that organisation.' Remain MPs are desperate to defend an amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill that seeks to keep Britain in the EEA. The effort looks doomed to fail after Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn produced his own amendment blocking the arrangement. Chuka Umunna said it was in the hands of Labour's frontbench whether the option of an EEA deal remained on the table. The Labour MP said: 'Whether the UK continues to participate in the single market through the EEA is now in the hands of the Labour frontbench. 'This is a very unusual position but it is by dint of the fact this is a hung Parliament, tight parliamentary arithmetic and we live in quite extraordinary times. 'The option of us continuing to participate in the single market is only dead insofar as the Labour frontbench seek to adopt that position and I sincerely hope.' A man who contacted mothers posing as a policeman as he told them haunting lies has been caught making his evil calls on CCTV footage. Phillip Anton Zillner stalked women on social media before phoning them to say their children had been hit by a truck. The 37-year-old was filmed making the evil calls from a phone booth in South Australia to the Ballarat and Tullamarine mothers. Phillip Zillner (pictured) posed as emergency on the phone to traumatise his victims The 37-year-old was filmed making the evil calls from a phone booth (pictured) He would contact them and say one of their family members had been killed 'I'm Paul Simpson from Emergency Services, your daughter has been hit by a truck and I'm sorry she has passed away,' he said in one of the calls, Nine News reported. 'Your daughter has been hit by a truck out front of the school,' he said in another call. The court heard that Zillner contacted the women again later that night to compound the emotional distress he had caused, the Herald Sun reported. He asked one of the victims if he could 'f*** her' and 'give another kid'. During sentencing Judge Michael McInerney said Zillner's actions were 'bizarre', 'outrageous' and 'heinous'. A psychological report said his offending was a distorted attempt at making up for years of rejection and isolation,Perth Now reported. Phillip Anton Zillner stalked women on social media before contacting them to say their children had been hit by a truck The South Australian will be out of jail in three months after serving 14 months on remand The court also heard that a doctor once described Zillner as a 'resentful stalker' who acts upon impulse after years of 'isolation' and 'rejection'. Zillner pleaded guilty in February to charges including three counts of recklessly causing injury, stalking and harass to cause offence. Following his sentencing, the 37-year-old, who is autistic and suffers from Tourette's Syndrome, told the court he is 'sorry for what he's done'. He will be behind bars for another 90 days after already serving 14 months on remand. A fashion chief executive attacked by an unwell 6ft man on a busy Tube carriage has slammed two men who moved seats and left her to defend herself. Tamara Cincik was kicked and threatened while travelling to a business meeting in central London yesterday. The mother-of-one told MailOnline, children were crying as the agitated man squared up to her and started violently attacking her in the middle of the carriage. Pictured: Tamara Cincik was kicked and threatened while travelling to a business meeting in central London yesterday Recounting the incident, Ms Cincik said: 'I got on the Tube at Highgate and I was going to Old Street. A man got on at Archway, he was about six foot and around 30 to 35-years-old and he started just screaming. 'At first I thought he was some sort of performance artist but then it became clear that he was not well. 'He was screaming and shouting at me and saying things like 'I am going to f****** kick you' then he did actually kick me. It was intimidating, he was a big guy and I am only size eight.' The mother-of-one told MailOnline, children were crying as the agitated man squared up to her and started violently attacking her in the middle of the carriage The fashion CEO is keen to stress she does not blame this man, who she desribes as being 6ft tall and of Southeast Asian descent. She said she believes he needs medical help but added the incident was 'terrifying'. Ms Cincik said: 'Children were crying and women were crying, it was awful. I wasn't crying I was in shock. 'I remain more angry with those white middle class men who left me to it. As fathers, husbands and sons they should be ashamed of themselves.' Miss Cincik praised those who came to her aid as 'angels', saying: 'An Eastern European man who had seen the guy on the platform had worked his way down the train as he felt that man was dangerous and he got to me when the train stopped.' She said her message to those who left her was: 'You are cowards with less empathy and strength than two size 8 women and a Greek female pensioner. Shame on you. 'If you were so scared is one thing but one of you had a briefcase and could have helped me and both of you could have pulled the chord from the safety of the next carriage that you left me for. I would never in my life do that.' Abandoned: Ms Cincik was left to defend herself as the two men left the carriage A spokesman for the British Transport Police told MailOnline officers would be reviewing CCTV footage. He said: 'We are currently investigating an assault on the Northern Line which happened at approximately 12.40pm to 12.50pm on Monday. The incident is believed to have happened at Tufnell Park. 'We are conducting a number of enquiries are present and would ask any witnesses to contact BTP by sending a text to 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 511 of 04/06/2018.' The 20-year-old mother who was beaten by cops at a New Jersey beach appeared on Good Morning America Wednesday morning to discuss the case, a day after the three officers involved in the incident where let off without criminal charges. Emily Weinman was enjoying a sunny day at Wildwood beach with her 18-month-old daughter over Memorial Day weekend when officers came up and questioned her about an unopened bottle of alcohol. To prove she hadn't been drinking, Weinman took and passed two breathalyzer tests, but refused to cooperate with the cops further when they demanded that she give them her last name. Scroll down for video Emily Weinman appeared on Good Morning America Wednesday morning to speak about being beaten by police on a New Jersey beach In her GMA interview, the young mom's lawyer (left) said she wasn't hit with the most serious charges until the video came out and the officers came under fire "One situation doesn't define a person... I'm not this person that they're out here trying to make me seem like." Mom punched in the head during violent beach arrest speaks out: pic.twitter.com/M0pCfJjWs5 Good Morning America (@GMA) June 6, 2018 Witnesses recorded the officers then tackling Weinman to the ground, one repeatedly hitting her, as they struggled to put her into handcuffs. When the video started going viral online, the officers - identified as Thomas Cannon, John Hillman and Robert Jordan - were placed on administrative duty. Prosecutors said Monday that the officers, who were hired on as temporary help for the summer, would not face criminal charges in Weinman's arrest. But they are still under investigation by internal affairs. In an interview on CBS on Wednesday morning, she said it was unfair how she was treated and claimed the officers thought they were above the law which, she says, they have proven to be. 'They think that because they're cops they can get away with it and that's not the case, that's not right at all. 'In my eyes, Im not a criminal. Im not a bad person,' she said. In an earlier interview on GMA, Weinman said the experience had been 'emotionally exhausting' for her. Weinman said she 'didn't really see the point' in giving the officers her name. Weinman was enjoying a day at the beach with her young daughter when the officers questioned her about an unopened bottle of alcohol. Things got heated when she refused to five her last name 'Something in my gut was just telling me something wasn't right with the situation and I just knew in my rights I didn't have to give them my name due to everything that they did. I cooperated and, like I said, I did everything that they asked to,' she said. When asked if the reason she didn't want to give her name was because she was on probation for another 2016 arrest, Weinman responded: 'No, not mainly, no.' She was also questioned about the officers' allegation that she was the first to strike. 'No, I didn't,' Weinman said. The officers said she also kicked and spit at them. While Weinman said she may have kicked after they started being forceful with her, she never intended to spit at them. At one point, as the officers handcuff Weinman, she turns around and spits at one of them. But she claims she was just trying to get sand out of her mouth Weinman continues to profess her innocence as she is being led away by officers The officers have claimed that Weinman was the first to attack them by kicking one of them in the groin, which is not seen in the video 'My daughter is right there seeing this,' Weinman screams. 'I didn't do anything wrong!' 'When he smashed my head into the ground I got sand in my mouth, so when they got me to the point where they got me on my stomach, you know, after I was like done struggling, trying to defend myself, I spit the sand in my mouth which makes me look like I was spitting at the officer, but that wasn't the case and it definitely wasn't my intention at all,' she said. Weinman's attorney accompanied her to the interview, and pointed out that the she wasn't hit with the most serious charges until after the bystander video started going viral. 'The Saturday when she was taken into custody, she was in custody for a total of about 40 minutes. She was taken in, she was charged with misdemeanors. After the bystander video came out and started getting attention, that's when they charged her with aggravated assault, that's when they piled on,' her attorney Stephen Dicht said. This shocking video shows the moment a New Jersey officer repeatedly punched Emily Weinman in the head during an arrest on Memorial Day weekend 'You're not allowed to hit me like that,' Weinman repeatedly tells the officers who continue to hold her down and proceed to handcuff the young woman Her lawyer also condemned the Wildwood mayor, who has defended the cops' actions and said that Weinman was 'no angel'. 'All the things the mayor has said about her - she didn't go out that Saturday looking for trouble. She went to have a fun time on the beach with her daughter and they're the police officers,' Dicht said. After the video came out, Weinman says she's faced all sorts of critics online. 'I've been real anxious over it. Kind of upset. Just the neg things that people say about me. They see one video, one situation, and they start saying all this negative stuff about a person. But one situation doesn't define someone. I'm not a bad person. I'm not this person that they're out here trying to make me seem like,' she said. The chief executive of Qatar Airways apologised on Wednesday for saying that a woman could not do his job. Akbar Al Baker said his remarks at the closing of the International Air Transport Association's two-day annual meeting in Sydney had been intended as a joke and taken out of context. He defended his airline's record of gender diversity, saying 44 percent of its staff were female including some in senior positions. 'Quite frankly I think the press took it out of context,' the 56-year-old told a CAPA-Centre for Aviation conference in Sydney. Qatar Airways boss Akbar Al Baker (pictured on Tuesday) has apologised for saying that a woman could not do his job 'They blew it out of proportion. It was just a joke. 'I didn't mean it in the way it was meant to be ... I apologise for it.' Al Baker's earlier comments had come at a news conference moments after he was elected as the IATA's chairman. The issue of gender imbalance in aviation was a hot topic at the annual meeting of the IATA, only six of whose 280 member airlines have female chief executives. Asked at Tuesday's news conference about female employment among Middle East airlines, and why his job as chief executive could not be done by a woman, Al Baker said: 'Of course it has to be led by a man because it is a very challenging position.' He later attempted to backtrack and said Qatar Airways was the first carrier in the region to have female pilots. Akbar Al Baker (centre) later defended the carrier, saying it was the first Middle Eastern airline to have a female pilot and that other women were in senior roles. Pictured left, IATA chief executive Alexandre de Juniac and right, Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce But his remarks sparked backlash on social media. Al Baker, who also sits on the board of Heathrow, is one of the airline industry's most outspoken and controversial figures. He is known for blistering and often humorous criticism of rival airlines and planemakers, but he has drawn criticism for being insensitive or disrespectful. In 2017, he apologised after calling American flight attendants 'grandmothers' during a trade row with US airlines, prompting an airline union to accuse him of sexism and age discrimination. While in Ireland to launch the country's link to Doha, he delivered a speech saying that the average age of Qatar's flight attendants is 26, so there's no need to fly with 'cr**' US carriers where passengers are 'served by grandmothers.' In 2017, he apologised after calling American flight attendants 'grandmothers' while saying the average age of Qatar Airways stewardess is 26. Pictured, a Qatar Airways stewardess for Qatar Airways In 2014, Qatar Airways defended policies on pregnancy and marriage for cabin crew after coming under fire over working conditions in the conservative Gulf emirate. Al Baker, who has two sons with his wife Samira, became chief executive of Qatar Airways in 1997. Asked at Wednesday's CAPA conference whether he truly believed that only a man could do his job, Al Baker said: 'No, I don't believe that. 'As a matter of fact (at) Air Italy the majority shareholder has shortlisted women to be CEO and as minority shareholder we are actively encouraging that.' Akbar Al Baker is pictured with his wife Samira Al Baker (left) and Donald and Melania Trump in 2007 It's not the first time Al Baker has courted controversy with his remarks about women. Pictured from left, Stephen Schwarzman, Christine Schwarzman, Samira Al Baker and Akbar Al Baker Sharing a podium, the head of British Airways owner IAG, Willie Walsh, said the industry had a long way to go in promoting women, starting with the IATA, a quasi-international organisation with two women on its 31-person board. 'This whole debate should encourage more,' Walsh said. 'If you look at the board it is predominantly middle-aged white men from Europe. 'We have more diversity on the board now than we have had for a long time, and we have to strive to improve that situation.' The gender row comes amid a deeper debate about whether airlines based on different national social models, recruitment policies and wage structures can compete on equal terms. US and some European airlines have accused Gulf carriers of unfair competition based on subsidies and social policies, but Walsh - whose group counts Qatar Airways as a shareholder - said he believed Gulf airlines competed on an equal footing. A leading Islamic scholar at Oxford University has been cleared of a raping a prostitute who took part in orgies with the former head of the International Monetary Fund. Mounia Rabbouj, who is French and in her late 40s, accused Professor Tariq Ramadan, 55 and a married father of four, of sexually attacking her nine times between 2013 and 2014. This was soon after Rabbouji became known for taking part in hotel sex parties in Lille, northern France, with VIP guests including former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, 69. Tariq Ramadan was cleared of nine counts of rape by a French court, but still stands accused in two other cases which he also denies Professor Ramadan, who is in custody while facing trial for two other rapes, admitted consensual sexual relations with Ms Rabbouj. But the Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies at St Antonys College, Oxford, and teacher at the universitys Faculty of Theology and Religion, has always denied any criminal behaviour. Following a court session in Paris on Tuesday, the academics lawyer, Emmanuel Marsigny, said: The magistrates considered, following explanations from Professor Ramadan, and the presentation of documents, that there was no need to investigate Professor Ramadan further. He explained at length to the magistrates that there had been sexual games, that there had been sexual relations as well, but they were always free and consensual. Mr Strauss-Kahn was cleared of aggravated pimping in his own case involving Ms Rabbouj following a trial in Lille in 2013. Like Professor Ramadan, Mr Strauss-Kahn admitted having an unconventional private life involving prostitutes, but always denied any criminality too. In 2011 he was accused of sexually assaulting a cleaning lady in a hotel in New York, and was forced to resign from the IMF, but the case against him in America collapsed. He later paid his accuser an undisclosed sum, believed to be in seven figures, as part of a civil settlement. Professor Ramadan, who has been incarcerated without trial since February, despite numerous bail applications. This has led to his family and high-profile supporters, including many in Britain, saying he has been targeted because he is an outspoken Muslim. His most high-profile accuser, Henda Ayari, 41, is a feminist activist actively backed by French secularists who have been ideological enemies of Professor Ramadan for many years. Ms Ayari claims she was raped in a Paris hotel room in 2012, while a second woman who cannot be named for legal reasons says the same thing happened to her in Lyon in 2009. Ms Rabbouj filed her own complaint in March, but it has now been struck off the file. Professor Ramadan is suffering from multiple sclerosis and is suing Ms Ayari for slander. The academics eldest daughter, Maryam Ramadam, has attacked the treatment of her father as a media lynching. I have a lot of questions about how my fathers case has been handled, said Ms Ramadan, He has been considered guilty since the beginning. Eric Serges Luna Balanay (pictured) was arrested for allegedly peeping a phone under doors where he filmed more than 70 women A man accused of secretly filming up womens' skirts at a shopping centre change room is banned from using his phone. Eric Serges Luna Balanay was arrested for allegedly peeping his iPhone under doors where he filmed more than 70 women. The 30-year-old man is accused of filming the women while they were getting changed or using the bathrooms at a Gold Coast shopping centre. Queensland Police allegedly found more than 70 secret videos on his computer where 52 incidents were reportedly recorded at his former workplace, according to 9News. The 30-year-old man (pictured) is accused of filming the women while they were getting changed or using the bathrooms at a Gold Coast shopping centre The behavioural therapist, who worked at a children's autism foundation, is accused of remotely filming parents by his phone hidden in a bag. Mr Balanay was arrested on Sunday after Harbor Town Shopping Centre staff caught him filming women. The 30-year-old, who moved from the Philippines to Australia about two years ago, is facing 37 counts of making recordings in breach of privacy, Gold Coast Bulletin reported. The Gold Coast man is not allowed to carry a recording device and was ordered to surrender his passport. Mr Balanay was granted bail and is expected to face court on June 18. The behavioural therapist (right), who worked at a children's autism foundation, is accused of remotely filming parents by his phone hidden in a bag Jens Stoltenberg warned that splits between America and European NATO members over trade is threatening the alliance NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday he was battling to stop the increasingly bitter row between Europe and the US spilling over into the alliance, warning of 'serious disagreements' among member countries. European countries are at loggerheads with Washington over punishing new US tariffs on steel and aluminium as well as President Donald Trump's decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate accord. NATO defence ministers will meet in Brussels on Thursday to approve plans to beef up the alliance's ability to mobilise forces quickly in the event of a crisis, as concern about the threat from Russia shows no sign of abating. They will also sign off on two new command centres - one to protect Atlantic shipping lanes, based in Norfolk, Virginia, and another to coordinate troop movements around Europe, located in the southern German city of Ulm. But the meeting, just five weeks out from a full summit of NATO leaders, looks set to be overshadowed by the spat between European countries and their longtime ally across the Atlantic. 'There are now serious disagreements with NATO allies on serious issues,' Stoltenberg told reporters, saying he was working hard to minimise the fallout. 'As long as they're not solved I have to be focused on how to reduce, limit the negative consequences for NATO.' Stoltenberg, who held talks with Trump in Washington last month, insisted the 'transatlantic bond' remained strong and pointed to the way NATO survived major differences among members over the Iraq war in 2003 and the Suez crisis of 1956. President Trump has angered allies in the EU by imposing steep trade tariffs on aluminium and steel, with the trading bloc vowing to retaliate 'What we have seen again and again is that we have been able to unite around NATO's core task, to protect and defend each other despite those differences,' he said. The US ambassador to NATO, Kay Bailey Hutchison, insisted 'the strength of our alliance is not in jeopardy'. The Suez crisis In 1956 Britain, France and Israel invaded Egypt in an attempt to regain control of the Suez Canal which had been nationalized by Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser. While the invasion was a tactical success it led Egypt to close the canal to shipping, which drew the ire of the United States and Soviet Union. Heavy political pressured from the US and USSR, including the threat by President Eisenhower to crash the British economy by selling off government bonds, eventually led the invaders to withdraw. Advertisement 'We are strong together, we will have disagreements on other issues but we will not have disagreement about the strength of NATO and the importance of deterrence and defence for NATO and for North America,' she told reporters. The leaders of all 29 NATO members will meet in Brussels for the summit in July when all eyes will be on Trump, who has repeatedly attacked European countries for not pulling their weight in the alliance. Germany, Europe's largest economy, has suffered the worst of Trump's wrath for its failure to live up to a pledge by all NATO countries to try to spend at least two percent of gross domestic product on defence. NATO is modernising its command structure and beefing up its defences in response to growing fears about Russia, following Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Thousands of NATO troops are already stationed on standby in the Baltic states and Poland as deterrent and on Thursday defence ministers will give the go-ahead to a new US initiative called '30-30-30-30' or 'four 30s'. Under the plan, by 2020 NATO will have 30 batallions, 30 air squadrons and 30 warships ready to be used within 30 days to back up existing rapid response forces. 'This is about establishing a culture of readiness and we need that because we have a more unpredictable security environment, we have to be prepared for the unforeseen,' Stoltenberg said. Shocking footage has laid bare the horrific abuse Australian nurses are subjected to by vile patients - despite the presence of security guards with body cameras. The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital revealed they endure up to 500 assaults per month, releasing footage showing patients spitting on and choking nurses. However, it is believed that attacks on health workers are actually much worse than what is reported, with 40 per cent of attacks going unreported across Queensland. Scroll down for video Shocking footage shows the disgusting moment Australia's nurses are spat on, choked, and threatened with razor blades It is believed that figures are actually much worse than what is reported, with 40 per cent of attacks going unreported across Queensland CCTV footage, obtained by Nine News, shows hospital staff being violently kicked, punched, slapped and scratched. Reports reveal that some patients in Mackay have been caught with knives, razor blades and an ice pick. Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union secretary Beth Mohle told Nine News that this sort of behaviour against health workers is unacceptable. She also said these attacks affect the workers greatly, with some suffering from PTSD. 'It makes me extremely angry to see our members continue to be used as punching bags. Any level of violence against nurses, midwives and other health workers is totally unacceptable,' she said. 'Any form of abuse be that physical or verbal abuse has a significant effect, and they have a right to be safe at work, and everyone has a role to play to ensure that happens.' An ex Cabinet minister today tore into Theresa May's plans to expand Heathrow Airport - warning that taxpayers could be left with a hefty bill if the project goes sour. Justine Greening said the plans include a 'poison pill clause' which leaves the Government carrying all the risk of deal. The ex Education Secretary, whose Putney constituency in west London is vehemently opposed to the third runway, confronted Mrs May about the plans in PMQs. But the PM hit back - insisting the cost of the project will be funded by the private sector alone. Mrs May is set to face a backbench rebellion when the plans to build a third runway are voted on in Parliament. The ex Education Secretary Justine Greening (pictured today in the Commons) whose Putney constituency in west London is vehemently opposed to the third runway, confronted Mrs May about the plans in PMQs But Theresa May hit back (pictured in the Commons today) - insisting the cost of the project will be funded by the private sector alone A clause in the statement of principles for Heathrow Airport shows that Heathrow Airport Limited reserves its rights to claw back lots money from the project if the Government withdraws its support Boris Johnson is among the Tories who has loudly opposed the proposal, and it is expected he will be sent away abroad on Foreign Office business when the vote takes place. Raising the issue in PMQs, Ms Greening branded the project the 'worst kind of nationalisation'. What are the alternatives to the expansion of Heathrow Airport? Here are some of the alternatives to expanding Heathrow Airport which have been put forward: Don't do anything: Some say Britain should stop fuelling endless airport growth. But critics warn that not increasing UK airport capacity will harm trade. Boris Island: One of the more eye-catching suggestions, Boris Johnson has suggested a floating airport built in the Thames Estuary should be built. This would mitigate issues of noise, air pollution and space would all be mitigated. It would also provide the chance to close Heathrow entirely - solving the problem of noisy flight paths that have plagued West London and allowing new development of the area. Expansion of Gatwick or Stansted: Fewer people live near Gatwick and Stansted airports meaning that airport development will be far less controversial. Combine Gatwick and Stansted into a super hub airport High speed rail links could join the two airports - providing a super hub that would eliminate the need for Heathrow to be London's main hub airport. Increase capacity at local airports: Regional airports elsewhere in the UK have more spare to build on. These could be expanded eliminating the need for a large hub airport. Advertisement She said: Heathrow played an absolute blinder with the DFT (Department for transport) they are a privately owned company that now has DFT policy to give them an active monopoly status. They have somehow managed to get a poison pill clause agreed by the DFT that means the taxpayer has to cover all their costs if things go wrong. Isnt this the worst kind of nationalisation the public sector and taxpayers owning all of the Heathrow downsides and risks and the private sector owning all of the upsides and financial returns. Buts Mrs May said the plans to build a third runway at the west London airport will bring much-needed jobs to the country. She said: Yesterdays decision to support Heathrow expansion demonstrates this Governments commitment to delivering the jobs and major infrastructure that this country needs to thrive. But the airport expansion will be fully financed by the private sector. The statement of principles is clear that it does not give Heathrow airport limited the right to claim any costs or losses from Government should their scheme not proceed. Meanwhile, Labour has hinted it could vote against the airport expansion plans. A spokesman for Jeremy Corbyn said the party remained in favour of airport expansion in the south east, subject to four tests set out on the manifesto. In a signal Labour could vote against the Governments plans, the spokesman said: It has to meet those four tests. The spokesman would not be drawn on which of the tests on noise, air quality, climate change and economic growth was causing concern. But he said Labour needed to see more detail before deciding whether to back the Government version. After the long-delayed airport expansion finally received Government approval the PM today said the plans will be brought to parliament to be voted on in a ' timely' fashion. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling confirmed yesterday that the third runway project had at last been given the green light. MPs will vote on the plans within three weeks. The runway is expected to cost 14billion and be running by 2026. It will deliver at least 260,000 extra flights a year, giving Heathrow the capacity for dozens of new routes to trade hubs and tourist destinations. An artist's impression of how Heathrow Airport would look with the third runway added The Prime Minister said the huge project at Heathrow (pictured) was part of the overhaul needed to ensure the UK can 'thrive' outside the EU Mr Grayling confirmed there would be a six-and-a-half-hour period at night when flights would be banned, to protect residents living in the flight path. Up to 2.6billion will be spent by the airport on compensation for residents, noise insulation and improvements to the local area, he said. He argued that the runway would provide an estimated 74billion boost to the economy over 60 years and better connect the UK to the world with an extra 16million long-haul seats available by 2040. It will also provide more flights to regional airports. But a strong of Tory MPs, including Ms Greening and Richmond MP Zac Goldsmith, have been vocally opposed to the scheme. Lieutenant Joshua Philip Yabut was arrested Tuesday night after hijacking a tank-like personnel carrier from a National Guard base in Virginia, and led authorities on a two-hour chase. Yabut, who was reportedly under the influence of drugs when he hijacked the massive M577 vehicle, shared shots of his 60-mile run through Virginia while tweeting bizarre comments, all while the police were on his tail. Yabut tweeted a picture of himself with his helmet on and his head outside the vehicle, while making a hand-sign. He also tweeted a short video clip from inside the vehicle. Among other bizarre tweets during the 40-mile-per-hour chase Yabut also wrote to Twitter: 'where is this damn water buffalo' and 'all i wanna do is get an anime wife.' Just as authorities had begun their pursuit of Lieutenant Joshua Yabut (pictured), he tweeted this photo of himself, apparently on the open road, with the caption 'wutang clan aint nothin to f*** wit booiiiiiiii' About a half hour before Yabut took off in the M577, he shared this shot of what appears to be the vehicle's interior And just hours before the bizarre incident, he tweeted 'thinking about putting my packet in tbh.' Yabut was a Lieutenant with an engineering battalion of the Virginia Army National Guard at Fort Pickett, where the vehicle was hijacked from. The chase began at 7.55pm, while the vehicle wound through Virginia for over 60 miles. The vehicle was not armed, and is designed for mobile command posts. However, Yabut did have his service weapon on him, but it did not have ammunition in it, according to WTVR. The soldier led police to Virginia's capitol of Richmond, and was heading through downtown straight toward the Capitol building. Capitol police officers with combat-style rifles guarded the entrance to Capitol Square as a police helicopter shined a spotlight on the vehicle and police worked to stop traffic. Stunned onlookers filmed the chase as dozens of police cars pursued the vehicle along Route 460, Interstate 95, and through the streets of Richmond. At some points the vehicle topped speeds of 45 miles per hour, but fortunately no accidents were reported. Twitter users compared the bizarre scene to something out of video game Grand Theft Auto. An armored personnel carrier tore through the streets of Richmond on Monday after a soldier stole it from a National Guard base and drove it 60 miles to Virginia's capitol Dozens of police vehicles, armed officers and a helicopter followed the vehicle with bystanders comparing it to something out of Grand Theft Auto Nico Rico wrote: 'Lmao someone stole an armored personnel carrier and acting like Richmond part of GTA.' 'This is INSANE! Someone has hijacked a 'Tank-like' vehicle from Fort Pickett and just drove it by our apartment!,' Parker Slaybaugh, communications director for the Virginia Speaker of the House, added. At about 9.40pm the driver drove the armored vehicle onto a median and was surrounded by police. The soldier got out of the M577 through the roof hatch, and clamored down. He dropped to his knees, and then refused commands, so Virginia State Police tasered him. He was first brought to the hospital, and then hauled to jail. 'The unit was conducting routine training at Fort Pickett when [Yabut] drove away in the armored personnel carrier,' Virginia National Guard spokesperson Cotton Puryear said, according to WTVR. 'The vehicle was not equipped with any weapons, but the soldier did have his personal weapon with him but had no ammunition,' Puryear said. Yabut was assigned as the commander of the Petersburg-based Headquarters Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, and that he has more than 11 years of service, according to the Virginia National Guard. He also served in Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009 with the Illinois National Guard Virginia State Police are investigating. After two hours the vehicle ran into the meridian near Richmond City Hall and the driver got out, before he was Tasered and arrested Officers spent more than two hours pursuing the vehicle along two highways before it eventually came to a stop in Richmond, where the driver was arrested Earlier in the day Yabut tweeted a map of the Capitol building in Richmond, and a Wikipedia entry on an M113, which is similar to the M577 he allegedly hijacked 'We are extremely grateful that there were no injuries as a result of this incident, and we appreciate the great work of the Virginia State Police, Richmond Police Department and other law enforcement and first responders who safely brought this situation to a close,' Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, said, WTVR reported. 'We have initiated our own internal investigation, and we will determine appropriate actions once the investigation is complete.' Yabut was taken into custody in downtown Richmond just before 10pm and is being held at the Richmond jail. The soldier is facing a couple of different criminal outcomes in the case. Civilian authorities could turn all the matters over to the military to prosecute- or he could face a military court martial and will still also be charged in other jurisdictions, according to WTKR. An Istanbul court has ordered the release of all the suspects in a hugely controversial trial of 22 students from a prestigious Istanbul university who protested on campus against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's military campaign in Syria. Fourteen of the students had been held in jail on charges of disseminating 'terror propaganda' after their initial detention in March when police stormed dormitories at Bogazici University. But after an emotionally-charged first trial hearing, the judge ordered that the 10 young men and four young women be released. The order sparked scenes of jubilation in the packed courthouse, with families crying in jubilation and relief. The other eight defendants had been free - but still charged - ahead of the trial on Wednesday. All 22 now remain charged and under judicial supervision, which means they are subject to certain restrictions and should report to the authorities. People demonstrate outside the Caglayan courthouse in Istanbul with banners reading 'Freedom for Bogazici' after students went on trial over a campus protest The judge set the next hearing in the case for October 3. They were due to walk free later on Wednesday. The accused face jail terms of up to five years if convicted on charges of propaganda for the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Earlier this year, Turkey successfully carried out a major incursion into the Afrin region of northern Syria with allied Syrian rebels. The offensive ousted the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia, which Ankara brands a terror group and branch of the PKK. A day after Afrin was taken, a group of students opened a stand on the campus handing out sweets they dubbed 'Afrin delight' in memory of the Turkish soldiers killed in the operation. But another group unfurled a banner with the words 'There's nothing sweet about occupation and massacre,' in a show of protest. Journalist Ahmet Sik (right) and Sezgin Tanrikulu (left) of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) take part in a demonstration outside the Caglayan courthouse A trial began on Wednesday of students from Bogazici University who were described by Turkey's President as 'terrorists' after they opposed the Turkish military operation in Syria Erdogan then slammed the anti-war students as 'terrorists'. Turkish prosecutors accuse the students of seeking to discredit the army and the state by portraying them as an 'occupier' and as an 'illegitimate force that uses violence.' The case was condemned by rights activists, who saw the prosecution as the punishment of sometimes teenage suspects who had only expressed their political views. Giving testimony in court, the students rejected the charges and argued shouting slogans against the government or in favour of promoting peace had nothing to do with the PKK. 'I didn't praise violence or make terror propaganda,' accused student Sukran Yaren Tuncer told the judge. Dozens gathered outside the main Istanbul courthouse as the trial got underway, unfurling banners reading 'Freedom for Bogazici' and 'A right to education cannot be blocked' 'I shouted slogans like 'Shoulder to shoulder against fascism' and 'No war, peace now'. They are universal slogans and chanted in every demo.' Another defendant, Sevde Ozturk, added: 'Some slogans were shouted but they can only be seen as political criticism.' 'I reject being stigmatised as a terrorist just because I chanted peace slogans,' she told the court. Some of the students also accused police of beating them in detention. Authorities detained hundreds of people during the Afrin operation on terror propaganda charges for criticising the operation, raising new concerns about freedom of speech in Turkey. Founded in the 19th century as Robert College, Bogazici University is considered a bastion of secular and Western-orientated education in Turkey. The accused face jail terms of up to five years if convicted on charges of propaganda for the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Pictured, the protest outside court Parents of the students attending the trial said that their children were innocent and their education was being unfairly disrupted. Tevfik Tulay, father of arrested third-year engineering student Uzay, told AFP his son was 'now deprived of all his rights to education'. 'There is no evidence, he was curious what was going and stayed there merely as a spectator.' Ozgur, whose 18-year-old student Yaren has been held since March 25, said: 'I am here to take her home.' 'She is innocent. She was taken just because she stood on the right or on the left of a banner,' the mother said. Domenic Micheli, 36, (seen in an undated booking photo from an earlier misdemeanor) was arrested on Tuesday evening A sacked Nashville gym worker accused of killing his former boss with a hatchet has been caught after two days on the run. Domenic Micheli, 36, was arrested by Kentucky State Police on Tuesday evening along the I-65 near Bowling Green around 60 miles northeast of Nashville, Metro Nashville Police tweeted. The arrest came after a tip-off from a member of the public who recognized Micheli's silver Toyota Prius from news coverage of a police appeal. Police say Micheli attacked and killed his former boss, Joel Paavola, early on Monday at The Balance Training Center in Belle Meade while the 46-year-old was assisting clients with a workout. Micheli was pictured on surveillance camera stills released by police limping into an urgent care facility in a nearby town less than two hours after the alleged attack. He was seen walking into and out of a Gallatin urgent care facility Monday morning while limping from a left leg injury. In yet another twist in the case, the Secret Service said on Tuesday that they had arrested Micheli near the White House in April. He was detained after driving his car to a checkpoint by the White House and refusing directives to move. Micheli limped into Gallatin urgent care facility on Monday just two hours after he allegedly killed his former boss with a hatchet Surveillance video from the urgent care facility on Monday shows Micheli limping in and out. Police say he will be charged with murder Micheli was reportedly fired from The Balance Training Center 14 months ago by Paavola and went to the west coast before returning east. It is unclear if he returned to Nashville and then went to Washington D.C., or if he continued his time away with the trip to the White House. Security footage shows Micheli pacing back and forth in the parking garage below the shopping center where the Balance Training Center is located before allegedly carrying out the attack. 'Just a senseless, brutal, violent attack this morning on Mr. Paavola as he was there in the business,' Metro Nashville Police Department spokesman Don Aaron said. Authorities say that Micheli went to the Belle Meade shopping center to target Paavola with a hatchet and another 'cutting instrument'. Nashville police said Micheli will be charged with murder. Joel Paavola, the owner of The Balance Training Center gym leaves behind his wife and five children (pictured with one of his children) and was well respected in the community Micheli, 36, was arrested by the Secret Service in April near the White House. He is pictured in an undated Facebook photo Paavola was considered a fitness guru who would give speeches about living a healthy lifestyle. 'I went through boot camp twice with Joel. He was one of the nicest, most dedicated human beings,' Randy Rayburn told Tennessean. 'Joel was one of the most enthusiastic and well-rounded people I've ever known in my life. I worked out with him for a couple years (at another gym). He was just a wonderful father and human being.' Paavola leaves behind his wife, and five children. A post from Micheli's Facebook page posted Friday said he considered himself the 'Sun of God.' The Balance Training center in Nashville, where Paavola was running an exercise class when he was killed The names of more than 118,000 California voters were omitted from Los Angeles County voting rosters because of a printing error, it has been revealed. And one of those names was Henry Winkler, better known as 'The Fonz' from Happy Days. Winkler tweeted that he was one of the names left off the registry on Tuesday, which prompted confusion throughout polling places. The names of registered voters are included on lists that poll workers use to record who votes. The names of more than 118,000 California voters were omitted from Los Angeles County voting rosters because of a printing error - including Henry Winkler, better known as The Fonz Californians were voting in a primary for the governor race in November, as well as a US House and Senate elections on Tuesday Californians were voting in a primary for the governor race in November, as well as US House and Senate elections. Workers were instructed to offer provisional ballots to every voter whose name didn't appear on a list for the primary, according to the county registrar-recorder's office. The issue affected 118,000 voters and a third of the country's 4,357 polling locations, according to ABC. County Registrar Dean Logan apologized for the inconvenience and said provisional ballots would be counted after voters' registrations were confirmed. 'Our office is committed to ensuring every voter has a positive voting experience on Election Day,' he said Tuesday. Workers were instructed to offer provisional ballots to every voter whose name didn't appear on a list for Tuesday's primary Winkler, who shot a campaign ad for Barack Obama in 2008, was able to vote despite the issue and tweeted a picture of himself proudly wearing an 'I Voted' sticker 'We apologize for the inconvenience and concern this has caused. Voters should be assured their vote will be counted.' Winkler, who shot a campaign ad for Barack Obama in 2008, was able to vote despite the issue. The Fonz tweeted a picture of himself smiling proudly with an 'I Voted' stick on his shirt. 'Your turn!!!' he wrote in the caption. Officials are still working to identify what caused the printing error, which they realized after officials saw that certain data had not been included in the lists. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa called on county officials to keep the polls open longer on Tuesday night after the error was revealed. 'You have the right to vote,' he tweeted. 'If you were turned away, return to your polling place & exercise your right to vote by requesting a provisional ballot.' Democratic gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa (pictured) called on county officials to keep the polls open longer after the error was revealed But Villaraigosa will not appear on the November ballot after Republican John Cox (pictured) secured his spot in the runoff against Gavin Newsom But Villaraigosa will not appear on the November ballot after Republican John Cox secured his spot in the runoff against Gavin Newsom. The Republican got about a quarter of the votes counted in the election to easily outdistance Villaraigosa for second to Newsom, who won by a comfortable margin. Cox had been struggling to break clear of fellow Republican Travis Allen until Donald Trump tweeted his endorsement two weeks ago. Because of California's 'jungle primary,' the top two finishers - regardless of party - advance to a runoff in November. It wasn't all good news for the GOP, however, as they failed to lock Democrats out of several congressional races that will be key to their attempts to regain control of the House. Democrats also managed to lock Republicans out of the state Senate race, which will now likely be between incumbent Dianne Feinstein and uber-progressive challenger Kevin de Leon. A woman who had a 12-year-long affair with Bill Clinton now says he should be prosecuted for rape, comparing him with other famous men who have been convicted or accused of sex abuse. 'Why shouldn't he be prosecuted for rape as Bill Cosby has, and Harvey Weinstein who was just arrested? Why shouldn't he be?' Gennifer Flowers asked Tuesday night during a Fox News Channel interview. Flowers was referring to the case of Juanita Broaddrick, a 75-year-old former nursing home administrator who told 'Dateline NBC' interview in 1999 that the then-Arkansas attorney general raped her in a Little Rock hotel room. She also made reference to Paula Jones and Kathleen Willey, two women who accused Clinton of sexual misconduct, while mocking the president for being 'a huge abuser of the #MeToo movement.' The feminist groundswell, Flowers said on 'The Ingraham Angle,' has largely ignored Clinton's accusers while it makes mincemeat of Hollywood's moguls and leading men. Former Bill Clinton paramour Gennifer Flowers says he should face rape charges for his alleged sexual assault of Juanita Broaddrick decades ago in an Arkansas hotel room Flowers is impatient with the #MeToo movement for ignoring women's accusations of sexual assault and harassment against the former president while it makes mincemeat out of Hollywood moguls and stars Broaddrick (right), pictured in 1978 with Clinton (2nd left), said during a 1999 interview that the then-Arkansas attorney general had raped her, bit her lip and then casually told her to put ide on it 'I would like for the #MeToo movement to be so kind as to recognize myself and Paula and Juanita and Kathleen and many, many other women, starting many years ago, that have come up with claims of sexual harassment from Bill Clinton,' she said. 'They havent given us any respect as far as Im concerned.' Jones sued Clinton for sexual harassment, extracting an $850,000 settlement in a case that precipitated his impeachment. Willey said in 1998 that Clinton had sexually assaulted her in the Oval Office. Clinton made headlines on Monday when he told the 'Today' show that he didn't owe a personal apology to Monica Lewinsky, who he trysted with when she was a 22-year-old White House intern. He also painted himself as a victim in the affair that nearly ended his presidency, complaining that the resulting legal fallout cost him so dearly that he left office $16 million in debt. But other than the lawsuit settlemend paid to Jones, Clinton has never seen tangible legal consequences for bedding a series of women in circumstances that some of them later called abusive. 'It just seems like that the Clintons are bullet proof, that it doesnt matter what they do,' Flowers said Tuesday night. 'They seem to get away with things, and this would be another instance of that. He just he hasn't been held accountable.' Flowers says of Clinton, 'Why shouldn't he?' be prosecuted just like Bill Cosby (left) and Harvey Weinstein (right) Flowers held a press conference in 1992 with her lawyer to confirm that she had a 12-year sexual relationship with Bill Clinton, who was then Arkansas governor and a presidential candidate; Clinton denied it initially, but later admitted the affair The Broaddrick case is one that has given Democrats headaches for decades. She retold the saga during a 1999 'Dateline NBC' broadcast, describing what happened in a hotel room years earlier. 'He starts to bite on my top lip, and I tried to pull away from him,' Broaddrick recalled. 'And then he forces me down on the bed. And I just was very frightened, and I tried to get away from him and I told him "No," that I didnt want this to happen but he wouldnt listen to me.' 'It was a real panicky, panicky situation,' she recounted of her encounter with the future president. 'I was even to the point where I was getting very noisy, you know, yelling to "Please stop." And thats when he pressed down on my right shoulder and he would bite my lip.' 'When everything was over with,' Broaddrick claimed, 'he got up and straightened himself, and I was crying at the moment and he walks to the door, and calmly puts on his sunglasses.' 'And before he goes out the door he says "You better get some ice on that." And he turned and went out the door.' Flowers' own situation was different, since her relationship with Clinton was long-lived and consensual. But on Tuesday night she said he had pursued her relentlessly, pestering her for sex until she finally gave in. Flowers made her claims during an interview Tuesday night withLaura Ingraham on the Fox News Channel Three of Clinton's accusers, (left to right) Paula Jones, Kathleen Willey and Juanita Broaddrick, attended a presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis in late 2016, sitting togehter in the audience in an attempt to rattle Hillary Clinton as she debated Donald Trump 'I told him to knock it off. He proceeded to continue to come onto me for three months before I decided that I wanted to have a relationship with him, which at that point was consensual,' she said. 'But in today's standards, and in hindsight, it was definitely sexual harassment. I was a little bit ashamed to admit that because in a way, I felt guilty because I was a willing participant, at a point.' 'Back in 1977 when I met Bill, we didn't have the laws to protect us,' Flowers added. 'We as women, we were I was in the workplace of a man's world. I just had to do the best that I could.' It has been 26 years since Flowers' allegations of her affair with Clinton became the most sensational event of the 1992 presidential campaign. Three days after a supermarket tabloid broke the story, Clinton and his wife Hillary appeared side-by-side on '60 Minutes,' flatly denying it ever happened. 'You know, I'm not sitting here, some little woman standing by my man like Tammy Wynette,' Hillary famously said. 'I'm sitting here because I love him, and I respect him, and I honor what he's been through and what we've been through together. 'And you know, if that's not enough for people, then heck don't vote for him.' Clinton ally and friend Betsey Wright later coined the term 'bimbo eruption' to describe the fire-alarm routine that erupted as the campaign had to deal with the fallout from Flowers and Bill's other girlfriends. Flowers now says that while her affair with Clinton was consensual, he hounded and pressured her into sleeping with him for three months before it began Clinton admitted six years later that he had sex with Flowers 'one time' in 1977. That came during a deposition in the Paula Jones sexual harassment case. By then Flowers had already told her story in a book and posed for Penthouse magazine a photo shoot that earned her close to $1 million. She told a radio interviewer in 2016 that Clinton had made her pregnant during the first year of their affair, and paid $200 for her to have an abortion around the same time she learned that Hillary Clinton was aware of her husband's extracurricular relationship, which laster another 11 years. Flowers said she was 'more casual with birth control then I would have been normally' when she was with Clinton, because he told her he couldn't have children. In 1980, three years after she claims she had that abortion, Bill and Hillary's daughter Chelsea was born. Some people unwind before exams by exercising, meditating or listening to music, but hundreds of high school students in China got creative. Students in a Heze city middle school found a way to de-stress by ripping up their textbooks and tossing them from the school balcony days before college entrance exams. The confetti party has been a tradition among schools in China, hoping to bring good luck to pupils that will take the gruelling exam known as gaokao - 'the high test' - this week. Students in a Heze city middle school found a way to de-stress by ripping up their textbooks and tossing them from the school balcony days before college entrance exams A total of 9.8 million students are expected to take the annual national college entrance exams this year, 350,000 more than last year, according to China's Education Ministry. Students of the middle school in Shandong province were filmed shredding their textbooks and practice papers into pieces. Then, from the roof and each floor's balcony of the building, they threw the paper scraps in unison in a loud cheer, making it rain white paper. The white textbook confetti completely covered the school grounds, appearing like a thick layer of snow. Other schools in different provinces across the country have a similar tradition. Another middle school in Luoyang city, Henan province also held the pre-exam party on Monday as a way to relieve the exam stress. They threw the paper scraps in unison in a loud cheer, making it rain white paper in the school Students are seen cheering during the confetti party held ahead of the gaokao this week Teachers and school workers reportedly cleaned up the mess for hours past midnight, according to local reports. 'We don't mind cleaning up. This is the last time that students are going to annoy us!' said one teacher endearingly. In China, the gaokao is widely considered to be one of the most significant tests in a young person's life, if not the most important. It is often dubbed the 'world's hardest exam' in the media. Pupils would often spend hours studying for the test with some revising for 16 hours a day without a break in extreme cases. The results of the exam dictates which university each high school graduate would attend, making it an 'all or nothing' challenge for many families. The notoriously competitive exam lasts for nine hours over the course of two days in most of the provinces and incorporates mathematics, science, English, physics, chemistry, geography, history and Chinese. Some other provinces including Xinjiang, Hainan and Zhejiang host the exams over a span of three days. A man dubbed 'the poo jogger' after he was photographed defecating on a city sidewalk has been outed as a top business executive. Andrew Douglas Macintosh, 64, is the national quality manager with retirement village giant Aveo and is also on a Brisbane City Council board advising on planning issues, reported The Courier Mail. He was previously a Retirement Village Association director. He will be infamously remembered now though as the 'poo jogger' after being charged with public nuisance. Scroll down for video The 'poo jogger' has been outed as hotshot businessman Andrew Douglas Macintosh, 64 Residents in the Brisbane suburb of Greenslopes have complained for almost a year of a mysterious morning runner squatting and relieving himself on a public pathway. They rallied together to catch the culprit in action. Residents ended up snapping a photo of a man defecating on a pathway which lead to their apartment block during a morning jog. Photographer Steve Smith waited at dawn to catch the jogger in the middle of his bizarre morning ritual. He ran past the block three times in one week before he was snapped Macintosh defecating on the pathway. 'I started sitting out there in the dark and waiting, and I decided I was going to get a photo of this guy,' Mr Smith told the Courier Mail. 'I patiently waited each morning for a few minutes until eventually I got that photo.' Mr Smith posted the image on Facebook in the attempt to identify the 'poo jogger'. The image captured the grey-haired man squatting over the pathway clutching a piece of toilet paper. The case was mentioned this week in Holland Park Magistrates Court however the case was adjourned with the court file stating it is 'likely to be withdrawn.' In court, Brendan Ryan from Mulcahy Ryan Lawyers indicated there had been negotiations with prosecutors to have the offence dealt with by an infringement notice. If all goes well at President Donald Trump's summit with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, a follow-up meeting at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in West Palm Beach is on the table. The White House has been trying to dampen expectations for the summit with Kim in Singapore next week, even signaling that Trump is willing to walk away if things don't go well. But if the two leaders manage to get along, the White House is dangling the possibility there could be a follow-up meeting at Trump's favorite weekend getaway at Mar-a-Lago, Bloomberg News reports. The follow-up talks could happen in the fall, when the club reopens after shuttering for the summer. TAKE TWO: If the Trump-Kim summit goes well in Singapore, Trump's Mar-a-Lago club could host a follow-up meeting White House press secretary Sarah Sanders referred to the Singapore summit as the 'first meeting' between the two men, and Trump has lowered expectations for any kind of breakthrough by calling it a 'getting-to-know-you meeting, plus.' The U.S. is pushing North Korea to commit to denuclearize after it launched a series of provocative missile launches and nuclear tests. The North is seeking security guarantees from the U.S. Trump has tempered expectations by saying, 'We'll see what happens' at the summit RED CARPET: South Korean President Moon Jae In (front) and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hold talks at the House of Peace in Panmunjeom on April 27, 2018. Kim will travel to a luxurious resort for the Singapore summit, and could score a coveted invite to Mar-a-Lago The president has said the trip is 'coming along fine,' though he has frequently hedged. 'We'll see what happens,' Trump said. The summit next week will be held at the luxurious Capella hotel on Sentosa Island. Trump has used Mar-a-Lago to host other world leaders in the past, including hosting Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and China's President Xi Jinping. If things go well at the summit being held June 12 local time, there could be time for additional talks June 13. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who has met with North Korea's former spy chief in Pyongyang and in Washington, is slated to attend the Singapore meeting. Mar-a-Lago was built by heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post in the 1920s along a stretch of the Atlantic. The historic summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un will be held at the Capella Hotel on Singapore's Sentosa Island The hotel in Singapore was originally built to house the British officers of the Royal Artillery and their families in the 1880s It will have trouble keeping up with the Capella Hotel when it comes to amenities. Surrounded by rainforest with peacocks for company, the leaders will gather in a 30-acre resort that has 112 rooms, all furnished with king beds, starting at $500 a night up to a three-bedroom colonial manor with a private pool for $7,500 a night. Originally built to house the British officers of the Royal Artillery and their families in the 1880s, it was restored as a five-star hotel in 2009 by UK architect Norman Foster. Facilities include a sunny portico and the circular Grand Ballroom with a glass-domed skylight and room for 400 guests, popular for wedding receptions that can cost up to $1,800 a table. The resort is also a magnet for culture with about 900 works of art by 200 artists from 15 countries, French sculptor Bernar Venet's The Arc on the front lawn, and a Nikolas Weinstein chandelier in the ballroom. President Donald Trump has freed a first-time drug offender and grandmother whose case has been championed by reality TV star Kim Kardashian. He commuted the life sentence of Alice Johnson, 63, after the personal plea in the Oval Office from the reality star. Kardashian posted a picture of Johnson with the caption: 'BEST NEWS EVER!!!!' 'So grateful to @realDonaldTrump, Jared Kushner & to everyone who has showed compassion & contributed countless hours to this important moment for Ms. Alice Marie Johnson,' she said in a follow-up message. 'Her commutation is inspirational & gives hope to so many others who are also deserving of a second chance.' She said, 'I hope to continue this important work by working together with organizations who have been fighting this fight for much longer than I have and deserve the recognition.' Kardashian said later that she'd had a call with Alice Johnson and that it 'will forever be one of my best memories.' 'Telling her for the first time and hearing her screams while crying together is a moment I will never forget,' Kardashian tweeted. Reality star Kim Kardashian met with President Trump in the Oval Office in May to pled for a pardon for Alice Marie Johnson, a 63-year-old grandmother Kardashian posted a picture of Johnson with the caption: 'BEST NEWS EVER!!!!' Trump met with Kardashian last week to discuss Johnson's case in the Oval Office Johnson's attorneys had prepped Kardashian for the meeting with Trump where she begged for clemency for the for the great-grandmother Trump met with Kardashian last week to discuss Johnson's case in the Oval Office. The White House shared a picture of Kardashian and Trump, who was grinning from ear to ear, after the meeting that reporters were not allowed anywhere near. The paperwork for a pardon for 63-year-old Alice Johnson was being finalized on Tuesday Johnson's attorneys had prepped Kardashian for the meeting with Trump where she begged for clemency for the for the great-grandmother. A lawyer for Johnson did not return a request for comment on the commutation. Reporting out of the White House from Axios originally was that Johnson had been pardoned. A senior White House official told DailyMail.com that was inaccurate. An official White House statement later said that it was a 'commutation' and that it was being granted because 'Ms. Johnson has accepted responsibility for her past behavior and has been a model prisoner over the past two decades.' 'Despite receiving a life sentence, Alice worked hard to rehabilitate herself in prison, and act as a mentor to her fellow inmates,' the White House statement said, noting that even her warden had 'exhibited outstanding and exemplary work ethic.' The White House said, 'While this Administration will always be very tough on crime, it believes that those who have paid their debt to society and worked hard to better themselves while in prison deserve a second chance.' The move to commute the sentence came after internal debate among his top advisers. White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and White House counsel Don McGahn are said to have been less-than-thrilled, however, with the president's recent reprieve. Both officials are said to have reviewed Johnson's case, which involved drug possession and money laundering, and were not convinced she should be set free, The Washington Post reported. Kelly did not respond to questions from DailyMail.com after news of the commutation broke during a chance encounter. A source told The Post that Trump is 'obsessed' with his almost unchecked ability to issue pardons and could issue a dozen more before the end of the summer. CNN said the number he was considering was closer to 30. An official affirmed the higher number to DailyMail.com. Trump had already told reporters that he's also considering pardons for former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Martha Stewart. The Post says that Trump is also thinking about pardoning two ranchers from Oregon, Dwight and Steven Hammond. They were convicted of arson charges in 2012 and sentenced to minimal time in prison, then re-sentenced to five years each at the behest of the government. Johnson's case has a powerful ally in not just Kardashian, but the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who set up the face-to-face with with the celebrity who's married to Kayne West. Trump reportedly thanked Kardashian at the meeting for boosting his popularity with African-Americans, a group that has not strongly supported his presidency. Two sources familiar with the conversation recounted it to Bloomberg News. Trump received only 8 percent of African-American vote in 2016, compared to the 88 percent who supported Hillary Clinton Kim Kardashian didn't speak to the press when she left the West Wing of the White House Kayne West praised President Trump on twitter in April for having 'dragon energy' WHO IS ALICE JOHNSON AND WHY IS KIM KARDASHIAN INVOLVED? Inside time: Alice Johnson in federal prison Alice Marie Johnson, a mother-of-five, grandmother-of-six and great-grandmother of one, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted of drug dealing in 1996. It was her first conviction and some of her co-conspirators testified her against in exchange for plea deals. The 63-year-old grew up in Olive Branch, Mississippi, and was married and pregnant by age 15. In 1989, she and her husband divorced. Her life started to crumble as she struggled, as a single mother, to try and be financially stable for her five children, reports Mic. However, in 1990, because of a gambling addition, she was sacked by FedEx Corporation. After filing for bankruptcy in 1991, Johnson lost her house. The next year, a scooter accident claimed the life of her youngest son, Cory. It was while she was at rock bottom that Johnson became involved in a drug syndicate that imported cocaine into Memphis, Tennessee, where she acted as a go-between and passed on messages to drug dealers, relaying coded messages like 'everything is straight' by telephone. While admitting to acting as a middle man for the drug traffickers, passing on the messages in code via telephone, Johnson claims she never directly sold drugs. She was arrested along with 15 others in 1993 on charges including conspiracy to possess cocaine, attempted possession of cocaine and money laundering. But ten of her alleged co-conspirators turned against her in exchange for reduced sentencing or dropped charges. During the trial, evidence showed an operation with Texas-based Colombian drug dealers and their Memphis connections trading tons of cocaine for millions of dollars in cash. At the time of Johnson's February 1997 sentencing the amount of drugs and money involved meant that federal laws mandated a life sentence, despite the fact Johnson was a first-time, nonviolent offender. US District Judge Julia Gibbons, who sentenced Johnson, called the then 42-year-old the 'quintessential entrepreneur' of the drug ring. Mom: Alice Johnson is now a great-grandmother as well 'And clearly the impact of 2,000 to 3,000 kilograms of cocaine in this community is very significant,' Gibbons said at the sentencing. The quantity of cocaine - up to three tons - would now be worth about $85 million. Johnson was 21 years into her life sentence at FCI Aliceville, in Aliceville, Alabama before it was commuted by President Donald Trump on May 6. Her eldest daughter Tretessa Johnson, told Mic several years ago, 'It's like a waking death; it's like the person is alive but they're not. There's never a point of closure, ever. It's heartbreaking for me.' Tretessa has organized an online petition, via change.org, calling for her to be released, explaining that her family's life 'changed forever' when she was sentenced to life in federal prison. She said her mother had explained that she became a telephone mule passing messages between her co-conspirators after losing her job at FedEx. Alice Johnson is quoted on Tretessa's petition: 'I couldn't find a job fast enough to take care of my family. I felt like a failure. 'I went to a complete panic and out of desperation I made one of the worst decisions in my life to make some quick money. I became involved in a drug conspiracy'. Tretessa said that her 'mom's desire upon release is to assist the community with the needs of ex-offenders to help reduce recidivism. 'It serves no purpose or benefit to society to have her locked up for life. Her large and loving immediate and extended family and friends would welcome her return.' During her time in prison, Johnson has displayed exemplary behavior, become an ordained minister, a published writer and a prison tutor, a biography from Can Do Clemency reports. She had gained a large following of people pushing for her to be granted clemency. Part of this push saw her story turned into a short video, which went viral on social media. Kim Kardashian saw the video and retweeted it to her millions of followers with the caption: 'This is so unfair' in October last year. Since then, she has been working to help Johnson receive clemency from Trump. The reality star had her personal lawyer begin working on Johnson's case, and has spent months in conversation with Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and adviser, on the topic. Kushner - whose father Charles is himself a federal felon - is pushing a criminal justice reform agenda. A grateful Johnson penned a moving letter to Kardashian, saying her efforts were 'literally helping to save my life'. 'I was drowning, and you have thrown me a life jacket and given me hope,' she wrote. On May 30, Kardashian went to the White House to secure Johnson's release. Johnson was released on June 6 after having her sentence commuted. Advertisement Kardashian met with Trump and Kushner at the White House on May 30 to make her case for a presidential pardon for Johnson, a 63-year-old grandmother serving a life sentence without parole for a drug offense. Trump hasn't mentioned Johnson's case, although he issued a pardon for conservative commentator Dinesh D'Souza since that meeting. Additionally, Trump has publicly said he could pardon Stewart and commute the sentence of Blagojevich. The star of 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' told Mic News that her meeting with Trump went well after he tweeted the picture of them in the Oval Office. 'He really understood, and I am very hopeful that this will turn out really positively,' she said. Kardashian also sent out a tweet that said, 'I would like to thank President Trump for his time this afternoon. It is our hope that the President will grant clemency to Ms. Alice Marie Johnson who is serving a life sentence for a first-time, non-violent drug offense.' After the meeting, Kardashian left the White House and headed for Kushner and wife Ivanka Trump's Washington D.C. home. Exclusive photos taken by DailyMail.com show the reality star walking inside and laughing with the First Daughter and her husband. Kardashian, who appeared on Trump's NBC show 'The Apprentice' in 2010, said she voted for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. She arrived at and left the White House for her meeting last week in a black SUV, wearing all black, except for yellow stilettos. Kardashian avoided a pack of press staking her out. Kim Kardashian thanked President Trump for meeting with her The president has not mentioned a pardon for Alice Marie Johnson but he's reportedly on the verge of granting her one In December of 2016, Kayne West actually met with President Trump About a month before, her husband, West, had praised Trump in a tweet that said: 'You don't have to agree with trump but the mob can't make me not love him. We are both dragon energy.' He later revealed that his 'Make America Great Again' hat is signed by Trump himself, posting a picture of the accessory. Trump retweeted the message and wrote, 'Thank you Kanye, very cool!' The president then praised West at a rally in Michigan. 'Kanye West gets it when he sees African American unemployment is the lowest in history, you know, people are watching,' Trump told a crowd of supporters. Trump credited the April tweet from West with raising his approval rating among African Americans during a speech to the National Rifle Association the first week in May. 'Kanye West must have some power because you probably saw I doubled my African American poll numbers. We went from 11 to 22 in one week,' Trump said at the NRA's annual conference in Texas. A Reuters tracking poll showed Trump's approval among African-Americans rose by six points - from 12 percent in April to 18 percent in May. His support among male African Americans nearly doubled. Johnson was imprisoned for life in 1996 for drug dealing and money laundering after her 15 accomplices all testified against her and had their own charges dropped, despite Johnson's minor role in the cocaine ring. It was her first offense. Kim Kardasian arrives at the Trump/Kushner home after her White House meetings in May Ivanka Trump arrives home on the night Kim Kardashian joined her and Jared for dinner Kim Kardashian leaving the Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner house A German far-right leader's clothes were stolen by a thief yelling 'no swimming for Nazis!' as he went for an evening dip, he has revealed. Alternative for Germany, or AfD, party co-leader Alexander Gauland emerged from the small lake near his home outside Berlin to find the items gone and had to walk to a police station in his swimming trunks. Potsdam police have launched a probe after the incident last week and say that 'political motivation' cannot be ruled out. Witnesses told Gauland, 77, that the thief had yelled out 'this is no swimming area for Nazis.' German far-right leader Alexander Gauland's clothes were stolen by a thief yelling 'no swimming for Nazis!' as he went for an evening dip, he has revealed. Pictures later emerged of him walking with a police officer in his swimming trunks Gauland spoke after a photo started circulating on social media Tuesday showing him in his bathing suit walking with a police officer. AfD entered the national parliament in last year's election on anti-migrant and anti-establishment sentiment and is now the biggest opposition party. Gauland told Maerkische Allgemeine: 'My belongings were stolen by someone as I was in the water and other swimmers called the police without asking me.' The newspaper reported that the incident in Heiliger See southwest of Berlin happened last Tuesday. Gauland drew rebuke from German politicians over the weekend for saying that Hitler and the Nazis were nothing more than 'bird poop,' remarks interpreted as an attempt to downplay the significance of Nazi crimes. Alternative for Germany, or AfD, party co-leader Alexander Gauland (pictured) emerged from the small lake near his home outside Berlin to find the items gone 'Other swimmers told me that the robbers shouted, 'This is no swimming place for Nazis',' Gauland, a lawmaker in the Bundestag lower house, told the newspaper. 'My keys were in the trousers so the whole locking system of the house had to be changed,' he said. Gauland told an AfD gathering in the eastern state of Thuringia that 'Hitler and the National Socialists are just bird poop in 1,000 years of successful German history.' Politicians from of many parties condemned his remarks, saying they amounted to belittling the Holocaust and other crimes committed by the Nazis. The Nazi dictatorship is a highly sensitive issue in Germany, more than seven decades after its defeat. Germany has built its post-World War Two identity on the principle of keeping alive the memory of the six million Jews killed by the Nazis and a commitment to Israelas right to exist. (Reporting by Joseph Nasr; editing by Toni Reinhold) Teen booked: Jordan Corter, 18, has been charged with sexual battery and criminal attempted rape for allegedly attacking his friend's mother during a sleepover A teenager from Tennessee has been arrested and charged with attempting to rape his friend's mother during a sleepover. Jordan Corter, 18, from Bartlett, was spending Sunday night at his friend's home in Arlington when police say he knocked on the bedroom door of the other boy's mother. The woman, who has not been identified, had gone to bed during the sleepover after hiding all the alcohol in the house in her room, which she locked. Police say when the woman heard the knock at 2.30am on Monday, she went to open the door and Corter barged inside. The 18-year-old suspect then forced his friend's mother into her bed and shoved his hand down her pajama shorts, according to an arrest affidavit cited by Fox 13. The woman, however, put up a fight and kneed Corter in the groin. Before he had a chance to recover, the mom managed to grab hold of a pistol and pointed it at the intruder's head. The woman did not call police right away, and instead ordered the teen to get out of her house. Records show that Corter allegedly shoved his hand down the victim's pants, but she fought back, grabbed a hold of a pistol and ordered him to leave at gunpoint. The 18-year-old burst into tears when police came to arrest him the next day Law enforcement officials learned of the attempted rape on Monday afternoon, after the woman confided in her supervisor at work about the incident. When officers went to arrest Corter at his home in Bartlett, they said the teenager burst into tears and said he 'should not be forgiven' for what he had done. He also admitted to forcing his friends mother 'to do the things she didnt want to do,' according to the affidavit. The victim told police Corter did not sexually penetrate her, but she did suffer a black eye while trying to escape his grasp. Corter was booked into the Shelby County Jail on charges of sexual battery and criminal attempted rape. His bond was set at $30,000. Corter's step-grandfather defended the youth in an interview with WREG, describing him as a 'good kid' who had just graduated high school. A 17-year-old school student was forced to remove her bra by male security officers before sitting a nerve-wracking university entrance exam. The unnamed pupil went through security screening at her school in Nizhnekamsk, Russia, but metal in her bra repeatedly set off the alarm, it was claimed. After removing her bra she walked through the metal detector wearing a see-through shirt that allegedly caused security men to gawp at her breasts. The incident happened at School Number Ten in Nizhnekamsk, Russia where students are seen being scanned by metal detectors before entering the exam hall The girl, who was not identified, was made to walk through a second time with her breasts revealed under a light fabric shirt Security has been stepped up ahead of exams in Russia in response to recent knife attacks The girl's sister raised the issue on social media. 'Girls this year were made not only to give away their mobile phones but also to take off their underwear,' she wrote. 'The guards held back my sister, forced her to take off her bra and to walk through metal detectors with her transparent chiffon blouse over her naked body in front of two men who were focused on her bust. 'What could she write after this in her exam? She was in hysterics.' The girl was said to be in 'hysterics' after feeling exposed to male officers The alleged incident was at School Number Ten in the city, in oil-rich Tatarstan. Ayziryak Ramazamova, deputy head of the Nizhnekamsk education department, denied anything happened. Teacher Eduard Taymasov said students and parents are told not to send children to school with any metal on their clothing. 'Students are warned to wear clothes without any metal hooks, buttons or chains, and it's the same about bras,' he said. 'Many children just do not bother.' Taymasov added that bras are taken off in a designated room and not in front of others. 'Usually it is checked and they go.' The girl's mother has made a formal complaint about the incident and an investigation is underway. Students are believed to be warned about items of clothing with metal before entering exams Russia has stepped up school security ahead of final state exams after a succession of violent knife attacks in classrooms. Armed security officers are invariably male. More people complained about the treatment of faced by school-leavers. One mother posted: 'My friend has called me in a state of shock, she said that her daughter was forced to take off her bra. 'How could it happen? Where to complain? 'These exams are such a stress for all students, and now they make them cry and undress.' A general view of School Number Ten in Tatarstan, where the incident supposedly took place Local education official Ayziryak Ramazamova denied the girl was made to remove her bra A former student called Polina Kulikovksaya said she had previously suffered the same fate. 'We were told to take our bras off in a separate room, then walk in front of other (students) in our shirts though the security. 'Thank God mine was not transparent.' Another mother said: 'My (daughter) sat the exam too it was freezing at school and they had to stay there for four hours. 'At the entrance they searched them like in a jail only the guard dogs were missing. 'Where are the children's rights protectors?' Security searches are meant to prevent students carrying micro-headphones and bugging devices into school, said an exam official. The exam equivalent to English A Levels are vital for university entrance in Russia. Two young girls have been rushed to hospital after taking 'Snapchat' pills shortly after they were arrested on suspicion of a public order offence. West Yorkshire Police confirmed they stopped a group of teenagers in the Smawthorne Lane area of Castleford shortly before 5pm yesterday. Officers arrested the two girls before bringing them to hospital for treatment. A 13-year-old boy from Castleford was also arrested on suspicion of drugs offences. West Yorkshire Police warned drug dealers were using 'catchy images ' to entice young people into sampling their products, file photograph West Yorkshire Police have warned young people about the dangers of illegal drugs which are circulating in the Castleford area which led to the hospitalisation of two girls aged 12 and 13 West Yorkshire Police said the drugs are often given 'catchy names' to entice young people Detectives are trying to determine the nature of the substance taken by the two girls. It is understood the girls took pills called 'Snapchat'. According to West Yorkshire Police: ' At around 4:42pm yesterday afternoon (05/06) officers stopped a group of teenagers in the Smawthorne Lane area of Castleford. 'Two girls aged 12 and 13 were arrested for public order offences and transported to hospital after it was suspected that they had taken an illicit substance. They are both currently in a stable condition under observation. 'Enquiries are ongoing to establish the nature of the substance. A 13-year-old boy from the Castleford area was also later arrested in connection with drugs related offences. Tommy Cowan, left, and Georgia Jones, right, both died after taking 'Green Heineken' ecstasy tablets at the Mutiny music festival in Portsmouth last month 'We want to remind the public about the dangers of drugs. Drugs are often given catchy names to appeal to young people. We had an incident involving two females in hospital after taking "Snapchat pills".' Last month two young people died at a music festival in Portsmouth having taken super strength 'Green Heineken' Ecstasy tablets. Another festival has warned of 'Punisher' pills. Tommy Cowan, 20, and Georgia Jones, 18, also died at the Mutiny festival in Portsmouth. Miss Jones and Mr Cowan fell ill 20 minutes apart from each other and were both at the centre of dramatic rescue bids by on-site paramedics, in front of horrified festival goers. A man from a remote Northern Territory community has been jailed for the rape of his 10-year-old stepdaughter, whom he had told he was protecting from black magic that would kill her. The assault is the latest unusual event on Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria, where black magic is widely believed by indigenous people. A school on the island was recently closed for almost two weeks after it was placed under a curse. The man, 30, who pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 16, was jailed for six years and nine months and will be eligible for parole in four years and nine months. The assault is the latest unusual event on Groote Eylandt (pictured) in the Gulf of Carpentaria, where black magic is widely believed by indigenous people A school on the island was recently closed for almost two weeks after it was placed under a curse The man spoke about black magic to the girl's mother and siblings and stated someone was going to kill her and the victim, Justice Anthony Graham said in sentencing him in the Supreme Court in Darwin. 'He then he said, 'I will take (the girl) to the room because someone is going to kill her',' he said in sentencing remarks released on Wednesday. 'I'm taking her to the room and I'm going to rub her in my sweat, which will protect her from the black magic.' He then climbed on top of her and raped her. On another occasion, he told the girl's brother to go to sleep, took the victim by the hand and into the shower after she refused to go with him and raped her. He then told her not to tell anyone. Justice Anthony Graham from the Supreme Court in Darwin sentenced the 30-year-old man to six years and nine months jail Crown prosecutor Matthew Nathan said the mother had said her daughter had changed and refused to talk about the matter. The girl's mother has a two-year-old child with the offender. Sexual assaults against children were regarded as abhorrent and the long-term effects were now better recognised and understood, Justice Graham said. 'Punishment is an important factor. The community must realise and they in fact expect that these offences are grave and any punishment that is given must be of a significant nature,' he said. The offender had never worked, had poor literacy and a long criminal background that included being jailed at least nine times. Groote Eylandt is relatively well-off due to it hosting one of the world's largest manganese mines. The Angurugu School reopened this week following meetings between the board of the Anindilyakwa Land Council and men from the community over the curse. EXCLUSIVE: Soldier's wives across the UK living in military accomodation have claimed they are provided with houses to live in that are 'black with mould', 'riddled with damp' and have 'urine' stains. A group of wives and partners revealed the 'filthy' conditions they are forced to live in to MailOnline but said that many families are scared to speak out as it would put their husband's jobs at risk. The conditions are so poor that one wife revealed that she was given leaflets about dealing with 'legionnaires disease, asbestos and damp' when she moved into their new home. One family in the south east said her ceiling collapsed in the middle of the night (centre and inset) after reporting a water leak multiple times. Another army wife living in Aldershot said that when they moved into their new home there was a 'urine stain in the cupboard' and the mould around the bedroom windows was 'painted over'. An army wife, who lived in married quarters for just under two years in Greater London, said the issues stem from the contractor - Amey - who she claims 'do as little as possible to maximise profit'. She also claimed that the house was 'riddled with damp' (left and right) and they couldn't walk on the carpets as their socks would get wet. A smuggling gang have been jailed for a total of 1,400 years after forcing migrants to live in filthy caves in Greece before charging 3,500 each to get them into Europe. Ringleaders crammed people from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and Pakistan into dank and perilous caverns and dilapidated farms on the coast of Crete. From there, the migrants were packed into crowded boats for an 'incredibly dangerous journey' to mainland Europe. The smugglers were finally caught with a boat full of 112 migrants after a joint operation by European agencies, including the UK's National Crime Agency. A smuggling gang have been jailed for a total of 1,400 years after forcing migrants to live in filthy caves in Greece (shown) before charging 3,500 each to get them into Europe Horrendous photographs reveal the horrible conditions that the smugglers forced the migrants to live in One of the ringleaders, an Iraqi man, was sentenced to 357 years behind bars, while two Afghan men and a Syrian man were given 360-year jail terms. All 112 migrants were rescued in a joint operation by the Hellenic Police, Hellenic Coastguard and the National Crime Agency in March 2017. But it is feared that hundreds more may have reached European countries before the smugglers were caught out. Horrendous photographs reveal the horrible conditions that the smugglers forced the migrants to live in. Chris Hogben, head of the taskforce at the NCA said: 'The utter disregard for human life shown by those groups was clearly demonstrated in this case, with migrants forced to live in squalor and then attempt an incredibly dangerous journey by sea.' Each smuggler was fined more than 1million and another seven members of the international crime group were handed sentences between six and 12 years. Ringleaders crammed people from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and Pakistan into dank and perilous caverns and dilapidated farms on the coast of Crete (pictured) The gang were aided by six members of a criminal network in Crete, including a policeman, all of whom were sentenced for up to five years behind bars last month. Mr Hogben added: 'The very substantial sentences handed down by the Greek Court should send a very clear message to those tempted to profit from this sort of criminality. The criminal networks involved in people smuggling cross international boundaries so it is vital as an international law enforcement community we work together to tackle them. 'The UK provided vital support in this investigation, and it shows how our partnership with the Greek authorities is vital to protect life and disrupt the organised crime groups making money from people's misery.' Advertisement Families of fallen soldiers and dwindling numbers of veterans of the D-Day invasion have gathered in Normandy shore to mark 74 years since the massive military operation that helped change the course of World War II. There was heavy mist as relatives and others paid respects at the US military cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, above Omaha Beach where the message 'never forget' had been written in the sand. Ceremonies have been held this week at memorial sites along the cliffs and sandy expanse where Allied forces landed in Nazi-occupied France. Thousands of U.S., British, Canadian and French troops launched a combined naval, air and land assault as dawn was breaking on June 6, 1944. The invasion weakened the Nazis' hold on Western Europe after they suffered a punishing defeat in Stalingrad in the east. The poignant message 'never forget' was written in the sand on Omaha beach in Normandy as D Day veterans gathered to remember the invasion Families of fallen soldiers and dwindling numbers of veterans of the D-Day invasion have gathered in Normandy shore to mark 74 years since the massive military operation that helped change the course of World War II. A veteran is pictured at Bayeux Cemetery today Powerful gusts of wind blew through a heavy mist as relatives and others paid respects at the American military cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, above the sandy expanse known as Omaha Beach Ceremonies have been held this week at memorial sites along the cliffs and sandy expanse where Allied forces landed in Nazi-occupied France. Veterans are pictured at Bayeux Cemetery today Second World War enthusiasts from France wearing 101st Airborne uniforms attend a ceremony near Omaha beach today next to the Colleville American military cemetery, in Colleville sur Mer, France American tourists and Dutch military history enthusiasts were among those visiting the memorial sites on Wednesday, mingling with families of victims of the Battle of Normandy buried in cemeteries sprinkled around the region. This year's commemorations were relatively low-key, while bigger events are planned for the 75th anniversary next year. It comes as it emerged D-Day veterans are being asked to register their intention to attend 2019's commemorations. The Royal British Legion and the UK Government are encouraging veterans to get in touch early so they can mark the poignant occasion 'according to their wishes'. Members of the public are also being asked to spread the message and help any D-Day veterans in accessing a purpose-built website or contacting the Legion. Thousands of US, British, Canadian and French troops launched a combined naval, air and land assault as dawn was breaking on June 6, 1944 Armed French police were on patrol today as Normandy veterans attended a service of remembrance at Bayeux Cemetery Normandy veterans and other guests attend a official service of remembrance at Bayeux Cathedral during the D-Day 74th anniversary commemorations Vera Hay, 96, who was a nursing sister in the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service and landed on Gold Beach shortly after D-Day, leaves a service of remembrance at Bayeux Cathedral today This year's commemorations were relatively low-key, while bigger events are planned for the 75th anniversary next year The Legion and the Government, along with organisations including the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Normandy Memorial Trust and the Spirit of Normandy Trust are planning commemorations to mark D-Day 75, both in France and across the UK. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: 'The Normandy Landings were the vital springboard to the liberation of Europe and the end of the Second World War. 'The breath-taking bravery and ingenuity shown during those days still echo through today's armed forces. 'At D-Day 75 the eyes of the world will be on these men once more. To enable us to do them justice it's important we find as many veterans as possible and let them know how to participate. 'We will never forget the debt we owe for the peace and freedom we now enjoy on this continent.' American tourists and Dutch military history enthusiasts were among those visiting the memorial sites on Wednesday, mingling with families of victims of the Battle of Normandy buried in cemeteries sprinkled around the region D-Day veterans are being asked to register their intention to attend 2019's commemorations. The Royal British Legion and the UK Government are encouraging veterans to get in touch early so they can mark the poignant occasion 'according to their wishes' Musical tribute: A military band arrives as Normandy veterans attend a official service of remembrance at Bayeux Cemetery Thousands of tourists flock to the area every year to see the spot where brave allied soldiers changed the course of the Second World War Helped by servicemen and women, D Day veterans took it in turns to pay their respects to fallen soldiers at Bayeux Cemetery US and French flags and a flower are placed on the grave ofJames D. Black, from New York, who died on June 11, 1944 School children visit the Colleville American military cemetery, in Colleville sur Mer, western France Memorial services are set to take place in Normandy, the South Coast, the National Memorial Arboretum, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland next year A veteran passes the graves of the fallen as Normandy veterans attend a official service of remembrance at Bayeux Cemetery Today is the 74th anniversary of D-Day and some of the handful of surviving Normandy Veterans have made their way to France to commemorate the landings, which saw 156,000 troops from the allied countries including the United Kingdom, the United States and France join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy A military band arrives as Normandy veterans attend a official service of remembrance at Bayeux Cemetery during the D-Day 74th anniversary commemorations today The Normandy landings were the landing operations on Tuesday, June 6, 1944 of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. Codenamed Operation Neptune and often referred to as D-Day, it was the largest seaborne invasion in history Normandy veterans including Bill Pendall, 96, (centre right) and Joe Cattini, 95, (centre left) who both landed on Gold Beach on D-Day were among those who attended the ceremony at Bayeux Cemetery Vera Hay, 96, (left) who was a nursing sister in the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service and landed on Gold Beach shortly after D-Day Bill Pendall, 96, (right) and Joe Cattini, 95, (centre) who both landed on Gold Beach on D-Day prepare to lay a wreath today Normandy veteran George Parsons watches on as he attends the ceremony in Normandy today Vera Hay, 96, a nursing sister in the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service and landed on Gold Beach shortly after D-Day, takes the arm of a serviceman as she leaves a service at Bayeux Cathedral Memorial services are set to take place in Normandy, the South Coast, the National Memorial Arboretum, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Veterans and their families that register on the D-Day 75 website will be kept updated as plans are confirmed and more details are released. Charles Byrne, director general of the Royal British Legion, said: 'D-Day 75 is only a year away and significant plans are already afoot. 'We want to ensure that every veteran can mark this incredibly important occasion exactly where and how they want. 'To ensure the utmost care and attention can be given to the ex-servicemen, now in their nineties, the Legion and its partners need the public's help to make sure as many come forward as soon as possible. 'If you are a friend or family member of a D-Day veteran, please help them to get in touch with us.' Police in Arizona were caught on surveillance camera beating a man of color in the face until he became unconscious, for no apparent reason. Three officers and a sergeant are now on administrative leave as a result of the altercation, Mesa Police Chief Ramon Batista said. The police involved in the beating of the name identified as Robert Johnson said they used physical force on him because 'he wouldn't sit down,' according to Fox 10 News. Scroll down for video Arizona Police caught on surveillance camera beating Robert Johnson, a man of color, in the face until he was unconscious because he 'wouldn't sit down,' are now on administrative leave Batista only became aware of the incident one week after it occurred, thanks to a local pastor. 'I didn't know anything about this, and the way I learned about this is because a member of the community sent me the video and said, "Hey, this looks very alarming, and I need you to look at it,"' said Chief Batista. 'I examined it, and I immediately opened up an investigation.' That community member was Pastor Andre Miller. Mesa Police Chief Ramon Batista only became aware of the incident one week after it occurred, thanks to a local pastor Johnson can be seen leaning back against a wall beside an elevator, checking his phone, when four members of the Mesa Police Department begin closing in on him 'The officers who initiated this assault need to find another vocation,' Miller said; 'And I am not anti-police, I am not pro-police. I am pro-community policing' 'The officers who initiated this assault need to find another vocation,' Miller said. 'And I am not anti-police, I am not pro-police. I am pro-community policing.' He added: 'Somewhere along the lines, we've lost the protection aspect and the serving aspect, and it's become a militant force, if you will, against citizens, and that's not OK for me.' The video footage, which lasts roughly one minute, was captured at an apartment complex on May 23. The full video shows the police patting down Johnson moments before kneeing him in the lower body and repeatedly punching him in the face, making it clear that they were aware he was unarmed, according to Fox 10. Pastor Andre Miller (pictured) sent Batista the tape and expressed concern for the use of force As the four policemen proceed to pummel him, the elevator doors open with two additional officers on board Johnson can be seen leaning back against a wall beside an elevator, checking his phone, when four members of the Mesa Police Department begin closing in on him. As the four policemen proceed to pummel him, the elevator doors open with two additional officers on board. At first, the officer closest to the elevator exit waits, appearing to evaluate what is happening right in front of him. As Johnson begins to drop to the floor, the fifth officer is shown putting a hand on one of the original four officials' shoulder, and eventually making his way through the four law enforcement officials to Johnson, who is now unconscious on the floor. At first, the officer closest to the elevator exit waits, appearing to evaluate what is happening right in front of him The officers on the elevator slowly make their way out and into the fray The entire time this was going on, another man in plain clothes can be seen in the lower right corner of the video, peeking around the corner to watch the scene unfold The officers and sergeant, together, move Johnson's unconscious body over a few feet, and proceed to restrain his hands and legs. The entire time this was going on, another man in plain clothes can be seen in the lower right corner of the video. At first, he remained around the corner, with eyes forward and not paying attention to what was going on to his right. As the situation escalated, almost simultaneous with the other officers' arrival as the elevator doors opened, the other man peered around the corner and watched, seated on the ground, as Johnson was beaten. As Johnson begins to drop to the floor, the fifth officer is shown putting a hand on one of the original four officials' shoulder The fifth officer eventually begins to make his way through the officials, toward Johnson As the police cuffed Johnson, one of them turned his attention to the man seated around the corner, making him stand up with his hands on his head to be searched. The video ends after an officer pulls a few items out of the other man's pockets and instructs him to sit back down on the ground. Batista, who has been Police Chief in Mesa for just 10 months, has acknowledged the need for a culture change within his police force, according to Fox 10. 'There's going to be a special directive that says that we will not strike somebody in the face or in the head unless they are showing us active aggression,' he said. Mesa Mayor John Giles said he would reserved comments on the incident until the Mesa Police Department conducted its full investigation. Batista, who has been Police Chief in Mesa for just 10 months, has acknowledged the need for a culture change within his police force Miller, along with attorneys Benjamin Taylor and Joel Robbins, issued a joint statement on the incident, noting that Johnson was both 'cooperative' and 'following police instructions' But Miller, along with attorneys Benjamin Taylor and Joel Robbins, issued a joint statement on the incident, noting that Johnson was both 'cooperative' and 'following police instructions.' 'The misconduct of these officers would have gone unnoticed if it had not been captured by surveillance videos at the apartment complex where the assault occurred,' the statement read. 'The Mesa Police Department must develop a law enforcement culture that meets community and constitutional norms and ensures that police and citizens go home safely after police interactions.' A news conference in scheduled for Thursday, according to the Miller, Taylor and Robbins statement. National Park Service acting director Paul Daniel Smith apologized to employees for behaving 'in an inappropriate manner in a public hallway' after he grabbed his crotch and acted as though he was peeing on the wall. But he denied the bizarre actions were sexually inappropriate in nature, explaining them as a part of a story he was acting out about a time earlier in his career when he was stationed in Alaska. 'I recognize that the story was inappropriate for the workplace,' he wrote in the email, according to CNN, which obtained it. National Park Service acting director Paul Daniel Smith apologized after he grabbed his crotch and acted as though he was peeing on the wall Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke brought Smith out of retirement to take on the acting director role as President Trump has not nominated a permanent chief The National Park Service oversees 417 locations covering more than 84 million acres spread across the United States The Washington Post reported on the original incident in March, noting an employee described how in January Smith 'grabbed his crotch and his penis and acted out as though he was urinating on the wall.' The employee reported the incident and the inspector general's office launched an investigation. The employee stayed anonymous because the person feared retaliation. 'I wish I could come forward,' the worker wrote in a note describing the incident, 'but retaliation is real.' The employee said Smith's action 'could have been a sexual act' but that 'regardless, he grabbed his crotch and penis in a public place.' The results of the investigation are expected to be announced at the end of June, according to the Interior Department, which oversees the National Park Service. 'I am very sorry for my mistake in telling this story and any discomfort it clearly caused,' Smith wrote. 'As a leader, I must hold myself to the highest standard of behavior in the workplace. I take my responsibility to create and maintain a respectful, collegial work environment very seriously. I promise to do better.' Smith is acting director because President Donald Trump has not yet named a nominee for the job, which requires Senate confirmation. Smith had retired in 2014 after 31 years of work, but came back to the National Park Service in January at the request of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to serve as acting director. And it's not the first time he's come under scrutiny from the inspector general. He 'inappropriately used his position' to help Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder cut down more than 130 trees on park property in 2004 so Snyder could have a better view of the Potomac River from his Maryland manison. The inspector general found that the decision to cut down the trees should have been left to biologists at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. An October survey of National Park Service employees found that more than 1 in 10 felt they had been sexually harassed on the job. In response, Zinke went on a firing spree, purging the service of four senior management staffers for inappropriate conduct, including sexual harassment. 'I fired four. I will fire 400 if necessary,' Zinke said at the time. The survey was the result of a scandal at Grand Canyon National Park, where investigators found that male staffers preyed on female colleagues during trips down the Colorado River. The National Park Service oversees 417 locations covering more than 84 million acres spread across the United States. The communications aide who exited the White House on Tuesday may not have been fired over her comment about Sen. John McCain's health. Counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway said that former press aide could even find new employment inside the Trump administration, if that's what she wants. 'There are other administration jobs open to her and to others who would like to interview for those jobs,' Conway told CNN. Conway said she could not comment on the circumstances surrounding Sadler's departure because she is prohibited from discussing personnel issues. The White House communications aide who angered Sen. John McCain's family by mocking his brain cancer is no longer employed by the government Senator John McCain's family was outraged by Kelly Sadler's remarks She said that she can confirm that 'she no longer works on this complex' and that that there are a number of jobs in the administration that are open that 'match up with different individuals's communications skills.' 'Kelly Sadler has been told that there are administration jobs that fit with her skill set and her experience, and the rest is her choice,' Conway said. The senior White House official said she talked to Sadler yesterday after word of the departure spread. 'She, as I understand it, has been provided with the idea that she would be provided with different opportunities.' Conway's vague comments about Sadler suggested that she was moved out of the White House after mocking McCain's brain cancer but is not being ex-communicated over the remark that upset the family of the Republican senator who sometimes spars with Trump. 'Kelly Sadler is no longer employed within the Executive Office of the President,' the official statement from White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah said Tuesday night. It remained a mystery as to whether she had been fired or was leaving her job doing rapid response for the Trump administration voluntarially. Politico reported there could be more heads on the chopping block after President Donald Trump ordered a wide-ranging housecleaning of his communications team. Additional aides are expected to be fired or reassigned in the coming days. Aside from the McCain comment, Sadler is said to have angered her boss Mercedes Schlapp by calling her a leaker in front of the president. Counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway said that former press aide could even find new employment inside the Trump administration, if that's what she wants White House press aides declined to offer details on Sadler's fate. As late as end-of-day Monday Sadler was still sending out White House emails on immigration to reporters, including DailyMail.com. She was roundly criticized after reports last month she had told colleagues in an internal meeting that the president shouldn't worry about McCain's opposition to CIA director-designate Gina Haspel's nomination. 'He's dying anyway,' she had said. McCain has an aggressive form of brain cancer and is receiving treatment for it in his home state of Arizona. He has recently begun planning his funeral. The White House rallied around communications staffer after the incident was reported, saying it would not validate the leak by commenting on it. Sadler has not released any public statements since the incident and press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders has refused to address the issue at her daily briefings. After the leak occurred Trump held an Oval Office meeting with his communications team, who have been without a director since Hope Hicks left the job in March. The president told Sadler she wouldn't be fired, Axios reported at the time. Trump is also a frequent critic of McCain and is still angry the senator was the deciding no vote in an effort to repeal and replace Obamacare. But Trump did demand to know who the leakers were. Sadler stunned the staff by naming her boss, Schlapp. Schlapp, whose husband Matt is the chairman of the American Conservative Union, defended herself. The Daily Beast reported she called Sadler 'a b****' in the meeting. McCain's daughter, Meghan, said Sadler apologized to her privately and promised to make a public apology. However, Sadler never did speak out on the subject. Meghan was one of the loudest critics after Sadler's comments were reported. 'Nobody's going to remember you', she said on 'The View.' The senator's wife Cindy hammered Sadler on Twitter, writing last month: 'May I remind you my husband has a family, 7 children and 5 grandchildren.' Former Vice President Joe Biden condemned Sadler's comments at the time. 'People have wondered when decency would hit rock bottom with this administration. It happened yesterday,' Biden said. 'John McCain is a genuine hero - a man of valor whose sacrifices for his country are immeasurable. As he fights for his life, he deserves better - so much better,' he continued. 'Given this White House's trail of disrespect toward John and others, this staffer is not the exception to the rule; she is the epitome of it.' Sadler's comments came after McCain released a public statement on his official website denouncing Trump's decision to nominate Gina Haspel for CIA director. McCain urged the Senate to reject Haspel for the position, based on her role in the enhanced interrogation program during the Bush Administration. Haspel was ultimately confirmed and became the CIA's first female director. Sadler, a mother of three, is a former opinion editor for The Washington Times. She's married to Frank Sadler, who previously served as 2016 presidential campaign manager for Carly Fiorina another outspoken Trump critic. Additionally, she failed to blind-copy recipients in a May 22 email blast highlighting the administration's new Iran strategy, Politico reported last month. The email list included Trump critics and former Obama administration officials, some of whom expressed their confusion on why they were on the list. Woolworths has shut down controversial photographer's plan to host a mass nude art photoshoot on their rooftop car park. World-renowned artist Spencer Tunick planned on using the Chapel St supermarket at Prahran, in inner-city Melbourne, for his shoot next month but it won't be going ahead. The grocery giant rejected a proposal for the three-hour photography session in the morning of July 7 to take place, explaining it would disrupt shoppers. The New York-based artist last visited Australia in 2010, photographing thousands of naked people on the steps of the Sydney Opera House (pictured) Woolworths however shut down the artist's plans to host the mass nude art photoshoot on their roof (pictured) Spencer Tunick (pictured) planned on using Prahran's Chapel St supermarket rooftop 'The request for the photo was for the weekend, which is the busiest time of the week for shopping in our stores, and as such we must ensure customers have convenient access to our store when we are open,' a Woolworths spokesman told the Herald Sun. However one of the event organisers said the shoot would have been finished by 9am and wouldn't have posed as an inconvenience to customers. 'We undertook a detailed reconnaissance before approaching Woolworths to ensure Spencer's installation would not cause detrimental impact to trading in the store,' Chapel Street Precinct executive chairman John Lotton said. 'We have photographic proof that only four cars used the car park at this time on a Saturday.' New York-based Tunick said that ultimately the final images would hold 'a historic moment in the timeline of that location'. Event organisers said that the shoot would not have been an inconvenience but the supermarket giant told them it will not be happening 'I have even worked at UNESCO world heritage sites, such as the Great Aletsch Glacier in Switzerland. Working on the Woolworths Prahran rooftop car park provides an amazing opportunity to let the citizens of Melbourne become the art themselves,' Tunick said. The New York-based artist last visited Australia in 2010, photographing thousands of naked people on the steps of the Sydney Opera House. '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 in May. Police and immigration authorities will be handed new powers to stop suspected spies entering Britain in the wake of the Salisbury attack. Russian former spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, were left fighting for their lives after being poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok in an attack blamed on the Kremlin. Ministers today unveiled the new crackdown and said that it will bolster Britain's defences against 'hostile state activity'. Officers will get anti-terror style powers to stop individuals who may pose a threat as they arrive in the country. Details of the regime emerged as ministers unveiled a wide-ranging new Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Bill. Russian former spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, were left fighting for their lives after being poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok in an attack blamed on the Kremlin Home Secretary Sajid Javid said: 'We judge that it was highly likely that the Russian State carried out the appalling attack in Salisbury which demonstrates why the police need robust powers to investigate, identify and challenge those acting against our interests. Russian acts of aggression against the West under Putin? Feb 2014 Russian forces seize control of Crimea from Ukraine sparking worldwide condemnation. But Vladimir Putin initially denies sending in troops to the area, insisting the little green men who appeared in Russian uniforms were actually local defence forces. Russian forces also entered and stoked war in eastern Ukraine. 2016: Russian hackers target the US elections spreading fake news to meddle in the outcome and hacking Hilary Clintons campaign teams emails. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating the claims and so far 19 Russians have been hit with sanctions for cyber-attacks. April May 2017 French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron says his campaign has been targeted by groups in Russia and Ukraine. The leading centrist was running against far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, who was calling for closer ties with Moscow. March 2018 Former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia are poisoned on the streets of Salisbury. The pair are slipped Novichok a deadly nerve agent manufactured in Russias lab rooms at the height of the Cold War. Theresa May says Russia is behind the attack, but the Kremlin launch a massive disinformation campaign questioning whether the UKs security services can be trusted and suggesting Britain carried out the poisoning itself. Advertisement 'This is a necessary and proportionate response to the threat and will, of course, be subject to strict safeguards and robust oversight to assure its proper use.' Currently police and immigration officers can question and detain people entering and leaving the country through sea ports, airports and international rail stations. But they can only use the powers if they suspect the person is involved in terrorism. Under the new powers, officers will be able to stop, question, search and detain an individual to determine whether he or she is, or has been, engaged in hostile activity. A hostile act is defined as one that 'threatens national security, threatens the economic well-being of the UK, or is an act of serious crime' and is linked to a foreign state. Plans for the measure were first announced by Theresa May in the aftermath of the attempted assassination of former double agent Mr Skripal. The Russian spent many weeks fighting for his life in hospital after the attack on the streets of Salisbury, but has now been released. He and his daughter Yulia are both recovering at a secret location somewhere in Britain amid fears they could be targeted a gain. The Home Office today warned the UK faces a 'sustained threat' from hostile state actors 'seeking to undermine our national security in a wide variety of ways, including espionage and - as the attack in Salisbury has made clear - violence against individuals'. Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 allows officers to examine a person at a port area when they are entering or leaving the country. Last year 16,349 people were examined under the provision in Britain. A Government impact assessment on the proposed hostile activity power says it is expected annual use will be 'very low' and 'far below' the level of Schedule 7 activity. 'It is further expected that the rate of non-compliance will be low,' the document adds. Oversight of the power will be assigned to the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, and the Bill includes provisions for safeguards to protect legally privileged and journalistic material. Scotland Yard has said that police are still following a 'number of lines of inquiry' as part of a huge investigation to establish who carried out the poisoning. Mira Sorvino is speaking out about Harvey Weinstein for the first time since accusing the disgraced mogul of sexual harassment. In an interview on Sirius XM's Signal Boost, which aired just hours after Weisntein appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court, the Oscar-winning actress said: 'I think he should just plead guilty and get it over with, Get it over with, Harvey. We all know youre guilty. Lets just do it.' She was far more emotional on Wednesday, fighting back tears as she spoke about 'that monster' on Today. 'He has raped many people that I love, so its not really a happy occasion. I think maybe there will be some celebration when he gets convicted and goes to jail,' said Sorvino at the start of the interview. 'That is when the process will be complete and we will see justice really being served. But until then, this is a great first step.' Scroll down for videos Opening up: Mira Sorvino (above on Today) gave an emotional interview about Harvey Weinstein on Today just one day after he was arraigned on charges of rape and criminal sex act Brave: 'He has raped many people that I love, so its not really a happy occasion,' said Sorvino, who called Weinstein 'that monster' (Sorvino and Weinstein above in 2006) Sorvino admitted that she struggled in the days after Weinstein turned himself into police last month. 'It feels like a really good first step, its him finally facing real, real criminal consequences for his criminal behavior,' stated the actress, who was promoting her new show Condor. 'And so for that I feel gratified but, honestly, last weekend was a very emotional one and I cried many times because just seeing him brings up a lot of bad feelings .' She went on to explain that she was hesitant to come out with her allegations but she was not even sure that she had an legal recourse, or that Weinstein had committed a crime. Things later became difficult when Sorvino saw photos of the other women who have accused Weinstein of sexual assault and harassment. 'I think we would have found strength in numbers and we would have done something a lot sooner,' explained Sorvino. 'But I did try to do something at the time, I even spoke to someone at Miramax about it and nothing happened and it kind of went away and I tried to go on with my life.' Sorvino said that Weinstein's attempts to engage with her began in 1995, when she was promoting her role in Woody Allen's 'Mighty Aphrodite,' for which she would go on to win the Academy Award. He began to massage her shoulders while the two were alone in a hotel room at the Toronto Film Festival according to Sorvino, who said that he then tried to take things further but she was able to ward him off at the time. A few weeks later he managed to bypass her doorman and make it up to her apartment around midnight, at which point she told him her boyfriend was on the way after calling a male friend to rush over. Sorvino believes that this rejection of Weinstein ultimately hurt her career. 'There may have been other factors, but I definitely felt iced out and that my rejection of Harvey had something to do with it,' said the actress. Sorvino also said that her story 'pales in comparison' to some of the others. Derailed: Harvey Weinstein (above on Tuesday) appeared in Manhattan criminal Court on Tuesday to be arraigned on two counts of rape and one of criminal sexual act March of the penguins: He was also wearing a pair of jeans that looked to be almost a foot too long, perhaps to hide his ankle bracelet Sweet revenge: Brafman said in court on Tuesday that the two encounters which make up the indictment were consensual, not denying the fact that Weinstein engaged in sexual relations with the two accusers Weinstein was seen in Manhattan Criminal Court on Tuesday looking ashen and scruffy. The 65-year-old predator, who has been accused of assault by over 20 women, was arraigned on charges of rape in the first degree, rape in the third degree and criminal sexual act, just six days after a grand jury voted on the case. Weinstein, who opted not to testify in front of the grand jury, entered a plea of not guilty to all three counts. He wore a suit jacket and tie for the occassion, which he strangely paired with jeans that looked to be close to a foot too long - perhaps to cover his ankle monitor. The mogul did not shave for his appearance and had a bit of a limp as he walked into the courthouse, which again could be the result of his new ankle monitor. Brafman said in court on Tuesday that he 'intends to vigorously fight these charges.' He also addressed a potential conflict of interest that had arisen after a former associate lawyer at his firm allegedly tried to obtain key evidence from a Weinstein accuser. The defense attorney told the judge that he had never met with alleged victim, Melissa Thompson, and only became aware of her a few days ago. He also said he had no knowledge that she has been in contact with one of his former employees, Alex Spiro. According to a federal lawsuit filed last week, Thompson claims Spiro used 'deceptive tactics' to get a hold of her evidence against Weinstein, including visual and audio material. This happened before Thompson realized that Spiro worked for the firm representing Weinstein, according to the suit. Brafman said that Spiro had never worked on the Weinstein case and had since left for another firm. 'I assured Joan Illuzzi I would never attempt to discourage anyone from cooperating with the DA's office,' he said. Illuzzi said that her office accepted Brafman's explanations and should there be a potential conflict of interest in that Ms Thompson became a witness in the case, then Brafman would not be able to cross-examine her on the matter of the emails. No changes were made to Weinstein's bail but the judge reinforced that the fired executive must attend every court appearance. Weinstein spoke at that point, declaring 'yes' he understood the judge. Brafman also took some time to berate law enforcement officers in court, saying that he believed they were the source of a number of leaks about the case to the media. 'I agree with Mr Vance when he said that it should be tried in the court room and not in the press,' Brafman told the court. Also making an appearance in court on Tuesday was Gloria Allred, who is representing multiple women in civil cases against Weinstein. It was her daughter Lisa Bloom who was first hired by Weinstein to fight the allegations prior to the stories about his alleged misconduct. That move drove a wedge between mother and daughter that was only recently mended. Brafman said in court on Tuesday that the two encounters which make up the indictment were consensual, not denying the fact that Weinstein engaged in sexual relations with the two accusers. Last chance Harvey: Brafman also claimed that there were law enforcement leaks which were hurting his client before trying to sever the two cases with a motion It follows: Weinstein was surrounded by police as he made his way outside the court on Tuesday Inglorious basterd: There was also a brief conference about claims made by a new accuser, Melissa Thompson, who has claimed that an associate of Brafman's tricked her into handing over evidence of Wesintein's alleged assault einstein was indicted by a grand jury last Wednesday after Brafman released a statement stating that his client would not be testifying and complaining that he had been 'unfairly denied access to critical information about this case that was needed to defend him before the Grand Jury.' Brafman cited the fact that he and Weinstein did not know who the accusers were in this case as part of the issue, saying they only learned who the charges were linked to on Friday after Weinstein's arrest. This despite the fact that both women shared their stories with The New Yorker. Brafman told reporters last Tuesday after a court meeting that the woman who alleges she was raped by Weinstein multiple times during a 2013 incident in a midtown hotel was having a decade-long affair with the producer. 'This is an extraordinary case in my judgement where the only rape victim that Mr. Weinstein is accused of raping is someone with whom he has had a 10-year consensual sexual relationship - both before and after the alleged incident,' stated Brafman. He also called the woman's allegations 'absurd.' Brafman also said he had concerns about his client being able to get a fair trial. 'The ability for people to keep an open mind is of concern to me,' remarked Brafman. 'Demanding an indictment or prosecution is inappropriate pressure. It is unprecedented. It troubles me and I want to make those matters known to the court.' He then noted: 'I'm not certain that there's any remedy but I wanted to make clear I was unhappy with those issues.' Weinstein was not in court last Tuesday either and is remaining in the New York area after surrendering his passport on May 25. Pulp fiction: Gloria Allred also appeared in court on Tuesday, with the lawyer representing a number of Weinstein accusers Gangs of New York: Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi was in court on Tuesday for the hearing with Weinstein The pallbearer: No conditions were changed regarding Weinstein's bail on Tuesday in court He handed over a cashier's check to cover the $1 million cash bond on May 25 before leaving the court, with Weinstein heading off to be fitted for his electronic monitoring bracelet. Shortly after he was released that day, Brafman spoke outside court and offered up an unexpected defense for his client. 'My job is not to defend behavior. My job is to defend something that is criminal behavior,' stated Brafman. 'Mr. Weinstein did not invent the casting couch in Hollywood. To the extent that there's bad behavior in that industry, that is not what this is about. Bad behavior is not on trial in this case.' The investigation into Weinstein's alleged assaults is ongoing, and a grand jury is still convened and hearing testimony in the case. One of the women accusing Weinstein, Lucia Evans, claimed that she was forced to perform oral sex on him at the then-Miramax offices in Tribeca. The second woman worked with Weinstein when she claims he forced himself on her at the DoubleTree Hilton in Manhattan. Evans confirmed the fact that she was one of the woman who helped bring charges against Weinstein in an interview with The New Yorker on Thursday, saying: 'At a certain point, you have to think about the greater good of humanity, of womankind.' David Davis today launched a searing attack on the EU for blocking post-Brexit security cooperation - accusing the bloc of putting dogma above the safety of citizens. The Brexit Secretary warned that people across the continent would be in more danger if Brussels made good on its threats to shut Britain out of projects like the Galileo GPS satellite system. He insisted the UK was making an 'unconditional' offer to keep close ties in counter-terrorism and policing, but was being met with blocks by the EU commission. 'They are shooting themselves in the foot just to prove the gun works,' Mr Davis said. David Davis today insisted the UK was making an 'unconditional' offer to keep close ties in counter-terrorism and policing, but was being met with blocks by the EU commission Ministers are incandescent at efforts to shut the UK out of the Galileo satellite project, and have demanded Brussels must repay the 12 per cent the UK has contributed if the threat comes to pass. There have been signs of splits within the EU over the hard line taken by officials including Jean-Claude Juncker's enforcer Martin Selmayr - with France, Spain,Sweden, the Netherlands, and the Baltic states understood to be concerned. In a speech at RUSI in London this evening, Mr Davis insisted the UK had 'deliberately avoided 'tit-for-tat' briefings on security negotiations. He said Britain had proved over decades that it could be 'trusted' and had been a 'proven friend of every country in Europe'., needs to brush up on their history. 'Britain has always stepped up to its global responsibilities,' he said. 'We put our world-leading military power at the service of our shared values and always have done. 'We use our position as one of the globe's most advanced economies to create jobs and spread prosperity.' Mr Davis said the UK had 'set out, early and publicly, our proposals to continue security cooperation with the EU'. 'We are publishing detailed technical papers on specific issues, such as Galileo and internal security,' he said. 'And our discussions with the Commission will continue between me and Michel Barnier next week.' Mr Davis warned that as the 'threats we face continue to evolve so must our collaboration'. 'Because we must work together and quickly if we want to avoid any gap in our operational capability,' he said. 'A gap that could be exploited, putting people in harm's way.' Mr Davis said the UK was often portrayed as the negotiating partner that had to make up its mind on issues, but the 'EU does have choices'. 'When I see the positions proposed by the Commission, I see choices being taken there,' he said. 'Ones which lean towards the protection of legal precedents, above operational capability. A German-backed clique of Brussels officials in the European Commission is fighting to exclude Britain from the Galileo satellite project David Davis has been engaged in fraught negotiations with the EU's Michel Barnier (right) 'This may be deliberate. It may be where the EU sees us ending up. But there is an alternative path.' On Galileo, Mr Davis said the UK had 'spent hundreds of millions of pounds on the project, and thousands of hours of work has been dedicated to making sure the system is secure'. 'But now, the Commission are suggesting that by being involved, the United Kingdom poses a risk to the security interests of the European Union,' he said. 'British companies are being discriminated against, blocked from applying for contracts to design and manufacture parts of the new system. 'And this is happening, despite the fact that excluding UK industry would delay the project by up to three years and cost the programme an extra billion euros.' Morgan Summerlin, 25, (pictured) has been sentenced to 20 years jail after she allowed men to rape her daughters, aged five and six, for money and drugs A Georgia mother-of-three has been sentenced to 20 years behind bars for allowing men to rape her two daughters for money. Morgan Summerlin, 25, admitted last month she would take her children to the home of Richard 'Pop' Office, 78, where she would wait in the living room while he raped her five-year-old daughter and had her six-year-old massage his feet. After the girls' ordeal, he would give them each $100, which was then given to Summerlin, USA Today reported. The Fulton District Attorney said the girls were told to call Office 'Pop' and the man gave drugs to Summerlin. After pleading guilty in May, Summerlin was sentenced to 20 years without parole, and a further 10 years on probation following her release. Her attorney told the Fulton Superior Court Summerlin herself was sexually abused as a child, and appeared to suggest her actions were a consequence of her own trauma. The Georgia woman's children are now in the custody of a family member, who was in court on Monday. Summerlin was charged with raping and trafficking a person for sexual servitude, cruelty to children and enticing a child for indecent purposes. Office was earlier found guilty of rape, child molestation, trafficking a person for sexual servitude, enticing a child for indecent purposed and sexual battery, and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 146 years. Her attorney told the court Summerlin was sexually abused as a child and her actions could be a consequence of her own trauma The court heard that Summerlin would take her two daughters, aged 5 and 6, to the home of 78-year-old Richard 'Pop' Office (pictured), and he would molest one girl and have the other massage his feet As Summerlin left the court room, she blew a kiss to the family members who were sitting in the court room Another man the girls were taken to visit, Alfredo Trejo, was convicted in February of rape, child molestation, sexual battery, enticing a child for indecent purposes, trafficking a person for sexual servitude and aggravated child molestation. 'It is difficult to imagine facts that are more horrific than those found in this case,' Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney Irina Khasin told news station WSVN. 'I am hoping these two little girls can somehow survive this abuse and grow into healthy adults who can lead a productive and fulfilling life.' The girls' grandmother, Teresa Davidson, has also pleaded guilty to cruelty to children after she failed to act when they told her they were being abused. She was sentenced to five years, but one year was struck off as time served and the rest will be served through probation. As she was led to a jail cell following her sentencing, Summerlin blew kisses to her family who sat in the courtroom. Alfredo Trejo (pictured) was convicted in February of rape, child molestation, sexual battery, enticing a child for indecent purposes, trafficking a person for sexual servitude and aggravated child molestation Police have released CCTV images after a 'distressing' armed robbery at a shop in the north west. Detectives in Bury are appealing for information after two men armed with machetes raided the One Stop Shop on Sunnybank Road. Greater Manchester Police say the men parked near the shop before going in, threatening staff and forcing them to hand over cash from the safe and till. Police in Bury, Greater Manchester are looking for two men in connection with an armed robbery on a shop on April 19. The suspects were both carrying large machetes The men ordered the terrified staff to hand over the contents of the tills and the safe The incident happened shortly before 11pm on Thursday, April 19. These shocking CCTV images have now been released in a bid to help track down the men. They entered the shop and threatened staff, forcing them to hand over a quantity of cash from the safe and till. They also stole a quantity of cigarettes before fleeing on foot. It is believed that a grey-silver or light blue Fiat Punto they used to arrive at the shop was left nearby. The second suspect, pictured, was dressed all in black and was also armed with a machete Police confirmed the shop's staff were distressed after being subject to such a violent crime Detective Constable Gordon Milne of GMP's Bury Division, said: 'This was a distressing incident that left innocent staff members fearing for their safety. 'We would urge anyone who recognises the offenders, or has any information, to contact police immediately.' Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8045 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. The authorities behind the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower should 'hang their heads in collective shame', a public inquiry into the disaster heard today. Leslie Thomas QC, who represents a group of the bereaved and survivors, told the official probe into the deadly blaze it was 'incontrovertible' that the tower was made less safe by the introduction of flammable material on its outside. He added a culture of 'corporate impunity' had been allowed to 'take root' at the tower block and that the residents were 'not helpless, they were just not helped' due to the 'stigma' around social housing. Mr Thomas said the stigmatised perception of social housing tenants 'allowed the cost cutting and deadly materials to become normalised'. The inquiry has already heard criticism of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council, the Tenant Management Organisation (TMO) and several contractors and sub-contractors involved in the work. Earlier the hearing was told Behailu Kebede, the man whose flat the fire started in, 'did the right thing from start to finish' and tried to help get as many people out as he could. A barrister for survivors and the bereaved at Grenfell Tower said cost cutting and the use of deadly materials at the high rise had become 'normalised'. Pictured is the tower today with banner tributes to the victims draped over it Mr Thomas said : 'Any attempt to mislead, distract, rewrite history or blame others in an attempt to conceal the truth will be met with unwavering resistance.' Addressing the chairman, Sir Martin Moore-Bick, he added: 'Whilst the extinction of this culture is beyond the powers of any person or any judge, you and your team can surely contribute to its dismantling by joining us in ensuring that by holding those responsible for this terrible fire, this inquiry marks the beginning of the end.' He said one of his clients had told him the refurbishment 'changed the building from being an ugly, safe council block to a death trap that looked like a pretty private block'. He added: 'The state palpably failed in its primary duty to protect its citizens, and, as for the corporates... silence speaks a thousand words.' Mr Thomas said the idea that Grenfell Tower residents deserved less because they lived in social housing 'simply needs to be debunked'. He said negative perceptions of social housing tenants was 'all based on false stereotypes and stigmatisation'. Mr Thomas said: 'This inquiry is, of course, not only a legal process but a social and cultural event, whether or not that fact is fully embraced by this inquiry. 'It is imperative that this inquiry does not even inadvertently confirm the stereotypes around social housing, even when expressing sympathy with the victims of the fire. 'They were not helpless, they were just not helped.' James Maxwell-Scott QC, for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, said the fire was a human tragedy but also a man-made one. He said that he and his team, council leader Elizabeth Campbell and her deputy Kim Taylor-Smith, had attended the seven days of commemorations that preceded the evidence hearings. The blaze at the high rise spread quickly because of flammable cladding and killed 72 people He said: 'The intensity of emotion that we experienced will ensure that we do not forget the human face of the disaster and the importance of searching for the truth and providing justice for the bereaved, survivors and residents. 'That emotion and passion must energise and sustain this inquiry's desire to search for the truth. 'The search itself must be dispassionate.' Mr Maxwell-Scott said the terms of reference for the inquiry would allow 'lessons to be learnt on a national scale as well as a local level'. He suggested building regulations could be one area where particular lessons could be drawn. RBKC, as the owner of the tower in which social tenants died, understands why it has been the target of such anger, he continued. 'The council recognises that it is seen as the public face of the disaster and understands why it is so. The council is very sorry that its residents suffered in Grenfell Tower.' The narrative in the 'mainstream' media and social media has noted the facts that the borough had a lot of wealth and has long been run by one party, he continued. 'The unspoken and at times spoken assumption has been that these facts are somehow relevant because of the fire.' The inquiry also heard Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council said there was 'nothing unique' about the tower that made a fire inevitable Mr Maxwell-Scott then suggested there was 'nothing unique about the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea' which made the fire inevitable. He said the council was not a 'relevant organisation' in the refurbishment - the Tenant Management Organisation (TMO) entered a contract with Rydon as a client. This was not to 'suggest the council played no role at all', he said, but urged Sir Martin to assess the authority in regards to its 'specific relevant functions'. Mr Maxwell-Scott outlined how RBKC's cabinet considered the refurbishment proposals on three separate occasions over two years, increasing the budget from 6 million to 10.3million. 'Those are not the decisions of a council determined to build on the cheap,' he added. He went on: 'Given the huge political and media interest in the refurbishment since the fire, it may seem remarkable that it didn't attract more cabinet interest at the time. But may I suggest that there are good reasons why this is so. 'The programme was not a politically controversial or politically high-profile issue. It did not involve cutting services or closing a much-loved community asset. 'At its core it involved a proposal to spend more than 10 million improving the accommodation of social housing tenants. 'As such it had, if anything, the potential to unite those of different political persuasions rather than divide them.' Mr Maxwell-Scott spoke about the role of the local authority's Building Control team. He said: 'The officials who work in Building Control and grant Building Control approvals are not, and do not become, 'designers' of the projects that they approve. 'It is well understood in the construction industry that the fact that local authorities have a Building Control function does not remove the duties on those paid to design buildings.' The Grenfell Tower tenant in whose flat the fire started was 'absolutely blameless' his lawyer has said. Fourth-floor resident Behailu Kebede acted 'quickly and instinctively' when he was woken by his smoke alarm on June 14 2017, calling 999 and alerting neighbours, Rajiv Menon QC told the public inquiry into the disaster. The hearing was told that Mr Kebede left his home with no shoes, keys or wallet. The inquiry was told Behailu Kebede, in whose flat the fire started, did 'the right thing from start to finish' and tried to get as many people out as possible Mr Menon said: 'In short, Behailu Kebede did exactly what Grenfell Tower residents who discovered a fire in their flat were told to do by the fire action notice posted by the lifts.' The inquiry heard that Mr Kebede had lived in the west London high-rise block for 25 years, having originally moved from Ethiopia. He had concerns about the refurbishment work done on the tower and 'personally had problems with incorrectly fitted double-glazed windows that left gaps between the frame and the concrete'. It is suspected that the fire set light to the flammable exterior cladding through the gaps around the flat windows. On the night of the blaze, Mr Kebede banged on the door of five other flats on the floor, yelling 'Fire! Fire! Fire!' and waited until somebody opened each flat, his lawyer told the hearing. Mr Menon said: 'Having warned all his neighbours on the fourth floor, Mr Kebede returned to flat 16, switched off the main electricity in the hallway and put on some trousers. 'He left his home for the very last time, shutting the front door behind him. 'All he had on his person were the clothes he was wearing and the mobile phone with which he was calling 999.' He added: 'The inquiry needs to thank Mr Kebede for his prompt effort that he made on the night to contact the fire brigade, raise the alarm and warn his neighbours.' Michael Mansfield QC, representing survivors and the bereaved, urged Sir Martin to make recommendations by the summer, instead of waiting to include it in a report. The original target for the interim report was Easter, he said, but 'that is gone by and we haven't even started evidence'. The inquiry is looking into what lessons could be learned and recommendations made for future tower block development. Pictured left and right is how the fire spread last June Mr Mansfield told the hearing that the public 'don't have to wait for recommendations that are obvious', and 'if it takes the usual course, the question of recommendations might not arise in part one' of the inquiry. 'If you are prepared to consider recommendations at a much earlier stage that in itself will encourage those who remain silent in relation to these events,' he said to Sir Martin. 'For example, it might be possible by the summer for you to begin to indicate or actually make recommendations.' Referring to another major disaster which he had worked on, Mr Mansfield said: 'In the case of Hillsborough, Lord Justice Taylor held a public inquiry within a month or so... one of the things he did was a sea-change in the way in which crowd safety was approached. 'The whole thing was transformed by the beginning of the next season that was only months away.' Mr Mansfield set out three areas upon which Sir Martin could make early recommendations. The first was a 'paradigm shift in the mindset and approach to home safety' in the construction trade. He said: 'There should be a right to home safety and security. It cannot be more basic than that.' The second was to identify safety measures that could be introduced on building materials, while the third was a reappraisal of the 'stay put' fire safety advice to residents in high-rise blocks. Mr Mansfield made the case for a set of simple fire safety measures that could 'shape the world of safety'. He suggested high rise packs for people in flats above a certain floor level, which could include a mask to help minimise smoke inhalation and a torch to aid people's escape. Having hose reels at the side of tower blocks ready to be plugged into wet risers could also help, he said. Automated fire alarms, smoke detectors and ventilation systems operating on each floor, not just the one on which the fire was located, were also raised by the QC. 'Instead of which what did we have? Mobile phones, knocking on doors, ringing call centres, total chaos,' he said. He added: 'These are all matters that, of course, of themselves do not provide a panacea. It does provide, as it were, incremental resolution to the problem'. Critics of Grenfell firefighters 'not fit to lace their boots' - union boss Firefighters saved scores of lives at the Grenfell disaster, and people who criticise them 'are not fit to lace their boots', a union leader has said. TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady paid tribute to the 'bravery and professionalism' of the officers who tackled the inferno. She told the Fire Brigades Union annual conference in Brighton: 'Given the Eton code of dishonour that dominates British elites, I knew it wouldn't be long before someone tried to pin the blame on firefighters - just as we saw some of them turn on firefighters in the wake of the Manchester attacks. 'They know that it is not uncommon for those whose job it is to save others end up feeling guilty. 'They know that firefighters, and other life-saving professionals, often torment themselves about whether they could have done more, and it seems that some are cynically setting out to exploit that trauma. 'Firefighters facing such disasters have nothing to be ashamed of. 'Every day your members put their lives on the line. 'In my view, those who criticise FBU members are not fit to lace your boots.' Ms O'Grady said those who are really responsible needed to be held to account, such as corporations, regulators, the Government or the landlord. 'We all need to know how 72 people could lose their lives like this, in London, in the 21st century. 'We need to know how it is that working-class lives be treated as so cheap. 'The public inquiry must be the most forensic investigation possible. 'Not a whitewash, not a stich-up, but a proper public inquiry that leaves no stone unturned, and one that listens to the voices of local people and FBU firefighters. 'An inquiry that asks hard questions, not just about what happened on the day, but about what happens when public housing is deregulated and privatised, when corners are cut, and health and safety is systematically trivialised.' Advertisement James Ageros QC, representing the TMO, played down the role the firm had in deciding details of material used in the refurbishment. He told the hearing: 'While the TMO is a specialist in management of social housing stock, it is not a specialist in design and construction and had no expertise in this area. 'The TMO's role in relation to the refurbishment project was that of a client.' 'The TMO doesn't seek to underplay the importance of its role,' he said, but added that regulations say 'clients may not be specialists in design and construction so clients are not required to plan, manage or carry out' these areas. The council had put forward certain companies to work on the project including Studio E Architects, the TMO's lawyer said. Rydon was selected as the main contractor after a rendering process as they had the 'highest quality and offered the best value for money'. 'The cladding that was eventually used on Grenfell Tower was shown to RBKC planning on numerous occasions in 2014 and in fact there was a mock-up installed on the tower itself,' he said. The London Fire Brigade met with the TMO on a bi-weekly basis and hired CS Stokes as fire safety consultant, the hearing was told. Mr Ageros said complaints made by tenants would form part of the inquiry. He said: 'TMO recognises that one of the issues the inquiry will have to consider is what complaints were made by residents to whom, when and what they were about. 'How TMO dealt with these complaints will be considered during this inquiry and the TMO will continue to provide all information in relation to those complaints. We fully appreciate that it's an important issue.' The Environment Secretary accused 'crony capitalists' of exploiting a 'rigged' capitalist system for their own gains (pictured at an event a fortnight ago) Michael Gove today said ministers must crackdown on fat cat 'irresponsible' bosses who dish themselves out excessive pay rises. The Environment Secretary accused 'crony capitalists' of exploiting a 'rigged' capitalist system for their own gains. He warned that the economic crash of 2007 and 2008 highlighted the need to reform the global economy. And he said the failure to address failure in the capitalist system would fuel populist movements and help Jeremy Corbyn's Labour. His warning comes amid ongoing concern that bosses are rewarding themselves huge pay packets - with some FTSE bosses earning hundreds of times more than the average worker. Last month it emerged that Mike Betts, the chief executive of Motability Operations which supplies cars to disabled people, is paid 1.7million a year. MPs slammed the seven figure salary - which has soared 78 per cent pay increase in nine years - as 'totally out of whack with reality'. Mr Gove's speech at Policy Exchange today will encourage suspicion in Westminster that he is plotting a fresh run for the Tory leadership. Mr Gove said that, since the global crash of 2008, the outlook had grown 'darker' for the majority of people - particularly the young and those with low skills. He said: 'It is imperative we address that failure honestly and unsparingly, determined to identify where, and how, we have gone wrong, because, unless we rescue and re-invigorate capitalism, then we will find the engine which has generated so much of mankind's progress either stalls or moves into reverse,. 'Economic power has been concentrated in the hands of a few and crony capitalists have rigged the system in their favour and against the rest of us. Boss of disabled car firm paid 1.7m slammed by MPs Mike Betts (pictured in glasses) was paid 1.7m as chief executive of Motability Operations. The boss of a firm supplying cars to disabled poeple was slammed by MPs for giving himself a fat cat salary. Mike Betts was paid 1.7m as chief executive of Motability Operations. His pay soared by 78 per cent in nine years - even though nationally wages have remained pretty stagnant. Much of the company's money comes form taxpayers who are paying for benefits for disabled people. Tory MP Heidi Allen challenged Mr Betts about his bumper pay packet. She said: I am going to be pretty direct. Mike, your salary is 1.7 million... 'That is more than most chairs in FTSE companies earn. This is taxpayers' money on benefits paid to people with disabilities. 'Are you really running the company absolutely with that charitable ethos in mind?' But Mr Betts defended his salary saying: 'I have worked myself in and with the public sector for many years. You can never reconcile either the professional footballer or the chief executive of a major corporation with the student nurse. However, my responsibility, and the responsibility of my board, is to put in place a management team that is capable of running this very large business. Advertisement 'Over recent decades, debt has fuelled growth in an unsustainable fashion - indeed growth has been built not just on irresponsible levels of borrowing but an unsustainable approach towards natural resources. 'Our politics, culture and regulatory models have worked against innovation, indeed have been pushed in that direction by powerful incumbents. 'Many of our fellow citizens, especially those without the qualifications and connections to work the existing system, have seen less and less value placed on their work and themselves.' Mr Gove said the Government must press ahead with plans set out by Theresa May to hold 'irresponsible bosses, who reward themselves excessive pay rises' to account. The PM has announced plans to make bosses publish their pay gap with ordinary workers in the hope this will curb excessive salaries. Mr Gove said that such economic trends had fuelled the rise of populist, left-wing movements across Europe - including Labour in Britain which was now more in tune with radical parties like Syriza in Greece and Podemos in Spain than 'the movement of Attlee, Wilson, Callaghan and Brown'. 'Since 2008, the outlook has grown darker for most. With productivity stalling, so unemployment has increased in many advanced economies, particularly among the young and those with fewer skills. 'Wage growth has stagnated and expectations of future security have eroded as occupational pension schemes have been plundered or dissipated in value,' he said. 'These unfortunate trends have gone hand in hand with an increased concentration of wealth, and power, in the hands of the already wealthy and powerful. 'It's not just that members of the cognitive elite, the well-educated and well-connected, have the networks and mobility to insulate themselves from economic shocks, it's also the case that deliberate policy decisions have rewarded those who're already asset-rich. 'These political currents pose a particular danger for the free market system which has generated so much wealth and opportunity in the past, and which I believe has the potential to do so again. 'The current failure of capitalism to deliver prosperity and opportunity - as it has, can and should - has fed the revival of ideological movements which threatened, indeed harmed, free markets and human flourishing in the past.' A policeman was beaten by rioters in Nicaragua as the death toll in the wave of anti-government protests has reached 121. The bloodied officer was pictured in the town of Masaya, which has been a flashpoint for the demonstrations against Daniel Ortega's government, which began on April 18. He was held by anti-government protesters, who have been fighting running battles with the pro-government vigilantes and the police. The officer, wearing a blood soaked vest, is paraded for the cameras by the anti-government protesters in Masaya The Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (CENIDH) said people were also killed in running battles over the weekend in the city, which is near the capital Managua. The latest death toll also includes a young boy killed by gunfire during clashes in the resort city of Granada between anti-government protesters and riot police on Tuesday, the human rights group said. A parish priest, Wilmer Perez, earlier told the 100% news channel that the boy was killed in a confrontation between demonstrators and government supporters trying to clear a barricade in the city, 28 miles south of Managua. Another 1,300 people have been wounded in the protests, which have met with a violent crackdown from the government. 'This is now a massacre, a human tragedy where the goal is to exterminate all those young people who think differently than or are critical of the government,' the CENIDH executive secretary, Marlin Sierra, told AFP. Masaya has been the flashpoint for clashes between anti-government protesters, armed with home made mortars, and pro-government vigilantes Ant-government demonstrators manning a barricade in Masaya, where ten people were killed in clashes at the weekend 'It amounts to state terrorism.' Town hall and the local office of the ruling Sandinista party in Granada were burned down by protesters, and several electrical appliance stores were looted and burned, a local businessman said on condition he not be named. He said the police did not show up at any of these places. In Masaya residents armed with homemade mortars and slingshots faced off in clashes with what they said were riot police and vigilante groups loyal to Ortega, who has dominated the Central American country's politics for four decades. Locals say several nights of attacks against residents were led by riot police. 'Yesterday we buried one person, the day before we buried another,' said 83-year-old Ramona Garcia, speaking beside one of the myriad barricades residents have erected in the streets. 'One was a 15-year-old boy. He begged for his life. He told the policewoman, "Don't kill me, don't kill me." But bam, bam, she shot him. 'We're sick and tired of it. We want that son of a bitch Ortega to go. The people want him to go, all Nicaragua wants him to go.' Built with cobblestones, furniture, sheet metal and whatever else is at hand, the barricades are meant to keep out pro-Ortega gangs, whom residents accuse of pillaging the city of 100,000 people. Bullets fire by riot police in the hand of an anti-government protester in Masaya. Riot police have been accused by residents of carrying out atrocities The death toll in the wave of demonstrations that has gripped Nicaragua has now reached 121. As well as hand held mortars, anti-government protesters have been deploying larger weapons Two masked anti-government demonstrators carrying large mortars Barricades have been set up around Masaya (pictured) as well as in the capital Managua and key highways in the central American country The government blames criminals for the pillaging, and says it sent in riot police at the request of small-business owners. In Managua, there is a virtual curfew in place after dark, with motorcycle gangs terrorizing those who venture out, according to the CENIDH. Barricades set up on key highways have meanwhile ground transportation to a halt. Some parts of the country are beginning to run out of fuel and other essentials. The country's business elite, long close to Ortega, have broken with him over the crackdown. The Catholic Church, also once close to Ortega, initially tried to mediate the conflict. But it called off the talks after attacks on a march led by victims' mothers last Wednesday left 16 people dead. The crackdown on what started as relatively small protests against pension cuts has fueled demands for the ouster of Ortega and Murillo. Ortega blames the violence on right-wing opposition groups he says are conspiring to 'terrorize' the country. The former guerrilla leader first came to power in 1979, at the head of a communist junta installed by the Sandinista rebels after they ousted dictator Anastasio Somoza. He lost power at the ballot box in 1990, then led the opposition until winning a 2006 election that again returned him to the presidency. He is now serving his third consecutive term, due to end in 2022. A woman has been awarded a 20,000 payout 20 years after she was branded a prostitute and thrown out of a fancy hotel in Kenya. Winfred Njoki Clarke had gone to the five-star Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi on March 19, 1998, to have a drink with a friend. But when she tried to order drinks at the bar, she was refused service on the basis that she was not accompanied by a man, Tuko reports. In court papers, she said she was dismissed as a sex worker and assaulted by a security guard who threw her out of the hotel. A woman has been awarded a 20,000 payout 20 years after she was branded a prostitute and thrown out of the Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi (pictured, file photo) Mrs Clarke was then arrested and was detained for two days without any charges being filed before she was released. She sued the Intercontinental Hotel, as well as the attorney general, for defamation and unlawful detention. Now, more than two decades after the night in question, a judge ordered the hotel for pay KSh 2million (14,775) to Mrs Clarke. The attorney general was ordered to pay her KSh 1million (7,387). Mrs Clarke testified that she went to the bar and ordered two bottles of beer while holding a KSh400 note in her hand. But the bartender refused to serve her and instead asked for a cover charge. When she asked what that was, she was referred to the hotel's manager. Winfred Njoki Clarke had gone to the five-star hotel (pictured, file photo) on March 19, 1998, to have a drink with a friend But it was a security guard who told her that women not staying at the hotel couldn't be served and must pay a cover charge like two other women there had done. Mrs Clarke said that when she tried to press further about why she was being denied service, she was dismissed as a sex worker looking for rich clients at the hotel. 'A security guard pulled me outside the hotel because I refused to pay the cover charge,' she said in court papers. Mrs Clarke said that despite her telling the guard that she was a respectable and married woman, she was dragged out of a taxi outside the hotel by security staff, 'The Hotel Interconintental personnel called and directed police officers to arrest me, after which I ended up at Central Police Station where I was held for two days without any charges being pressed against me,' she says. Mrs Clarke said the hotel acted maliciously by having her arrested in public and the ordeal caused her mental anguish. The hotel's management said Mrs Clarke's behaviour was unruly and said they had every right to call the police. But the judge disagreed and said the hotel had discriminated against Mrs Clarke 'which in the circumstances was embarrassing and humiliating.' He added: 'Malice can be imputed from the language used and actions taken,' he said. The Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi has hosted a number of heads of state and politicians, including former US Vice President Joe Biden and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Advertisement An intimate collection of Andy Warhol photographs taken on a 1982 holiday to Beijing and Hong Kong are going on display for the first time ever in the UK. The remarkable pictures taken by the superstar artist will be shown at the RedHouse originals gallery in Harrogate, Yorkshire from Friday as part of forthcoming exhibition Trooping the Colour. The set of 35 black-and-white photographs, which have never been displayed in a public art gallery before, were taken on a Chinon 35mm point-and-focus compact camera and printed on silver gelatin. In the collection Warhol took several shots of far-eastern food, his Beijing and Hong Kong hotel rooms, urban landscapes and even a couple of selfies. One image presents the iconic Jumbo Kingdom floating restaurant, whilst in another Warhol is seen mimicking a tai chi pose. Warhol also captured several snaps of local people and the photos act as a fascinating time-capsule from 1980s China. Andy Warhol posing with a member of staff wearing the uniform of a room attendant at a hotel in Beijing, China back in 1982 The artist adopting a well-known tai chi martial arts pose in the darkened living room of an undisclosed location in Beijing Two Chinese men riding a horse and carriage through the city centre of Beijing in the days before everyone in China drove a car A double-decker tram adorned with several colourful adverts written in Cantonese chugs down a busy street in Hong Kong A photo taken from Warhol's room in a hotel in Hong Kong with hundreds of cars in the streets below and a memorial to the world wars standing in the centre of a square A typical Chinese fruit stand selling several plates of apples which was taken at a busy street stall during the night time An advert for the film 'Tiger Killer' written in both Mandarin and English showing a heroic Chinese figure flanked by a hulking big cat Three Chinese men in a typical street scene in Beijing wearing worker's clothes and riding bicycles loaded with baskets on the handlebars for carrying goods The world famous Jumbo floating restaurant in Hong Kong. Established in 1976 just 6 years before Warhol's visit - the restaurant is still available to visit to this day A traditional Chinese table and chairs coloured black with intricate engravings showing detailed paintings of dragons The gates of a Chinese temple which lead into a traditional tree-lined courtyard surrounded by terracotta-tiled buildings Light shining through the window of an apartment which is decorated simply with just a small sofa, dated lamp and painting of Chinese flowers A wall filled with Chinese writing in the traditional characters of the Mandarin classical alphabet telling the history of China Andy Warhol's manager Fred Hughes who collected hundreds of his works siting atop of Honda CBR500R motorbike in China The central market in Hong Kong as several families barrel in and out of the complex buying food and supplies for their day-to-day lives A serial rapist on the verge of being released from prison after serving nearly 30 years for raping two young boys has been arrested and charged again after he allegedly exposed himself to a nurse. Wayne Chapman, the 70-year-old convicted child rapist was set to be released from custody but was held without bail Wednesday after not guilty pleas to new charges of indecent exposure and lewd acts were entered on his behalf. Wendy Murphy, a lawyer representing some of Chapman's victims, said her clients are 'very pleased' he will remain in custody. 'They were relieved and very emotional. One was sobbing,' Murphy told WBZ-TV. Scroll down for video Wayne Chapman (seen above on Wednesday during his arraignment in Ayer, Massachusetts), a serial rapist on the verge of being released from prison after serving 30 years for raping two boys, has been arrested and charged again after he allegedly exposed himself to a nurse Chapman, a 70-year-old convicted child rapist, was set to be released from custody but was held without bail Wednesday after not guilty pleas to new charges of indecent exposure and lewd acts were entered on his behalf Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has filed legislation to toughen penalties for child rape, citing Chapman's case 'I am not surprised by this development. Chapman has committed other sex offenses while behind bars, including one as recently as this March involving the same conduct for which he was charged today - indecent exposure and lewd conduct. 'It boggles the mind that not one but two qualified examiners could find this man not sexually dangerous. 'The absurdity of their decisions is why we have been fighting so hard to prevent his release. 'This is not a frail man with a walker. This is a dangerous man with no conscience who used knives, rope, and duct tape on his child victims, and boasted about feeling pleasure in their pain.' Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has filed legislation to toughen penalties for child rape, citing Chapman's case. Baker's bill would require a court hearing over whether a sexually dangerous person should be released. Current law requires an individual held under civil commitment be released when two qualified examiners determine the person is no longer sexually dangerous, even if other experts disagree. The bill would also increase mandatory penalties for rape of a child with force by a person previously convicted of sexual offenses to life without parole. Chapman sat in a wheelchair with his ankles shackled at his brief arraignment Wednesday. The examiners determined, based on his age and health, it was unlikely that Chapman would re-offend He did not speak but just nodded when a judge asked him if he understood. The prosecution and defense agreed to keep Chapman civilly committed and held without bail until June 27 while both sides determined their next moves. The Department of Correction said the new charges stem from acts Sunday and Monday at the prison where he's being held. A lawyer for some of Chapman's victims said she was told Chapman exposed himself to a nurse. Chapman's attorney told The Boston Globe he was unaware of the new charges. On Monday, a Massachusetts justice denied a bid to block Chapman's release from a treatment center for sexual offenders. He has been civilly committed for the last 14 years after his prison sentence ended in 2004. Chapman, who was convicted of child rape in 1977, was set to be freed after two examiners concluded he was 'no longer sexually dangerous'. On Monday Justice Scott Kafker ruled that Chapman's victims do not have the right under state law to prevent him from being released. 'The petitioners, victims of Chapman's horrible crimes, are understandably upset and frightened by the possibility of Chapman's release,' Kafker wrote in the ruling. 'Each qualified examiner conducted an examination of Chapman and concluded he was no longer sexually dangerous.' 'Chapman is entitled to be released according to the laws of the Commonwealth.' The convicted rapist had filed four petitions to be discharged from the Massachusetts Treatment Center after his prison sentence ended. Convicts can be civilly committed to the state facility if it is found that they suffer from a 'mental abnormality or personality disorder' that makes them likely to engage in sexual offenses, according to the Boston Globe. They can only be released if two independent 'qualified examiners' determine that they are no longer a threat to society. Chapman was interviewed for an hour each by examiners Gregg Belle and Katrin Rouse Weir in May. When Belle asked Chapman if he was worried about 're-offending', he replied: 'On occasion, but rare', according to reports obtained by WFXT. A McDonald's manager has been caught on camera screaming expletives at a customer and his nine-year-old son after he complained about the drive-thru wait. Tom Olzewski filmed his encounter with the manager when he took his son to the McDonald's in Muskego, Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon. The customer claims he had been waiting in the drive-thru for 15 minutes when he got fed up and asked an employee for a refund. A McDonald's manager in Muskego, Wisconsin was caught on camera screaming expletives at a customer and his nine-year-old son after he complained about the drive-thru wait He said the worker declined to do so before the manager came to the window. 'Make your own cheeseburger! Teach your son how to cook a f***ing hamburger,' the manager can be heard yelling as the customer films her from his car. Olzewski responded: 'I just want my money back.' 'I'm getting you your money back. I want you to get out of my line,' the manager hit back. 'Move your crappy car.' Another recording taken by a different customer inside the McDonald's showed the manager yelling through the window that she was sick of customers complaining about the wait. Tom Olzewski filmed his encounter with the manager on Sunday afternoon after he claims he had been waiting in the drive-thru for 15 minutes The customer claims he had been waiting in the drive-thru at this McDonald's for 15 minutes when he got fed up and asked an employee for a refund 'Yes, we are tired of people coming up here telling me, 'it takes too long. It takes too long.' Go somewhere else!' she said. Olzewski told Fox6 that the manager wasn't willing to discuss the ordeal, saying 'she just went ballistic right off the bat'. He went on to say he wanted the manager to lose her job because her behavior isn't something children should be exposed to. In a statement, the owner of that McDonald's franchise said: 'This behavior is not reflective of our organization, and we have been in contact with the customer to offer our deepest apologies while we investigate the incident.' A Frenchman has won a million euros twice in the last eighteen months on the same lottery, a feat mathematicians said carried odds of around 16 trillion to one. Le Parisien newspaper said the unnamed player, from the eastern Haute-Savoie region, held winning tickets on both 11 November 2016 and May 18 this year through My Million. The man incredibly won twice in 18 months through France's 'My Million' lottery The lottery is linked to the Euro Millions franchise, which is offered in 12 European countries twice a week and carries enormous jackpots, sometimes worth more than 100 million euros. French players who buy a Euro Millions ticket are automatically entered into the My Million draw which carries a lower top prize of one million euros (878,000). Unlike Euro Millions, players cannot choose their numbers for their My Million ticket. They are randomly generated instead. Mathematicians said the odds of winning My Million was around 19 million to one while the harder to win Euro Millions was 140 million to one. The French player's luck mimics that of an Australian man who last month won a local lottery twice in the same week. The unidentified man, aged in his 40s and from the suburb of Bondi, picked up Aus$1,020,487 (572,000) and then scooped another Aus$1,457,834 (833,000) just five days later. The first of Britain's new stealth fighter jets have touched on UK soil after a journey across the Atlantic. The US-made F-35B Lightning jets have been in America since rolling off the production line and have been put through their paces by the first batch Royal Air Force and Royal Navy pilots training to fly them. The first of the four of the jets, which were stationed at a US Marine Corps base in South Carolina, touched down at RAF Marham at 8.10pm tonight after a journey of between eight and nine hours. Scroll down for video One of the new F35s makes a pass over RAF Marham in Norfolk before coming into land The planes touched down on British soil at just after 8pm last night The arrival of the planes represents a welcome landmark in the troubled history of the F-35 project, whose cost overruns have made it the most world's most expensive weapons system. The plan to cross the Atlantic involved five jets taking off from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort with one on them returning back to the US once the others had taken on fuel from an RAF tanker escorting the aircraft. A further five jets will join up with the other jets at RAF Marham by the end of July and the beginning of August. The multimillion-pound supersonic aircraft will make up the recently reformed historic 617 'Dambusters' squadron which is set to declare initial operational capability from land by the end of the year. The 'jump jets', aptly named due to their vertical landing mechanism, did not use using their high-tech landing feature today but will instead used a traditional runway when touching down in the UK. The four aircraft fly past in formation. They will make up part of the reconstituted 617 Dambusters squadron RAF ground crew greet one of the F-36 Lightning II aircraft as it comes to a halt on the tarmac The first of the new F-35B Lightning after touching down RAF Marham following its eight hour journey across the Atlantic The four pilots, who were supported by an RAF voyager providing air-to-air refuelling across more than 3,000 miles of the Atlantic Ocean, were greeted by the Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier and other dignitaries. ACM Hillier said: 'In the RAF's centenary year, it's great to see the most advanced and dynamic fighter jet in our history arrive today at RAF Marham - and with the modern Dambusters in the cockpit, this homecoming truly feels like an historic moment in British airpower. 'If you can't see us coming, you won't be able to stop us, so with its stealth and other world-beating technologies the F-35 Lightning takes the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy to a whole a new level of capability.' A pilot climbs out of the cockpit after flying the F-35 from a US Marine Corps air base in South Carolina The supersonic aircraft have been stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, where they have been training The jets will be jointly operated by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy and will operate from land and sea, including off the decks of the new 3.1 billion Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. Britain currently has 15 F-35Bs - the short take-off and vertical landing variant of the jets - and has pledged to purchase 138 in total from American Aviation giant Lockheed Martin. The jets were set to touch-down in Britain yesterday but the Ministry of Defence claimed adverse weather conditions over the Atlantic forced them to postpone the flight. F-35: How the planes serving HMS Elizabeth have been plagued with problems The delivery of the RAF's new, US-built F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter in July marked a rare moment of celebration in what has been a troubled project. The 'fifth generation' fighter aircraft is the world's most expensive weapons system, though costs have finally stabilised at an eye-watering $406billion. Manufacturer Lockheed-Martin agreed to cap costs after US President Donald Trump critised the project and even tweeted support for a rival aircraft. Britain is currently embarked on a 9.1billion programme to purchase 48 of the F-35s, from American aviation giant Lockheed Martin, by 2025. One of the first four F-35B Lightning II aircraft arrives at RAF Marham in Norfolk on June 6, 2018 America enticed its Nato and other allies into sharing the cost of the aircraft by offering input into manufacture and 15 per cent of each one is comprised of parts from British companies while some of the jets will be made in Italy. But the planes have been plagued by a catalogue of problems which have sent costs soaring. There are fears about shortcomings in the technical systems underpinning the new generation of war planes will leave them unable to function properly. The true cost of the British planes delivered this year is estimated to be over 150million each to cover 'extras' such as software upgrades and spare parts. There are also concerns plane's software system is vulnerable to cyber-attack and cannot be tested independently by the UK. The weak broadband on the Royal Navy's principal aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth is also hampering the jet's abilities. The problems are not helped by the department responsible for the computer networks essential to the aircraft's operation needs to find savings of 400 million this year. The reports into the costs and other problems prompted the Defence Select Committee to launch an inquiry into the project. It reprimanded the Ministry of Defence for keeping parliament and the public in the dark about the costs. The MoD has so far refused to provide the estimated cost to the UK of buying the F-35, beyond referring to a National Audit Office which used the 9.1billion figure. MPs said 'it is simply not acceptable for the MoD to refuse to disclose to parliament and the public its estimates for the total cost of the programme'. Though the cost of the F-35 has been the focus of attention, there have also been embarrassing reports of operational shortcomings emerging from the United States. In a mock air battle in 2015, the cutting edge plane was defeated by an older generation F-16, a plane designed in the 1970s. Last year Pentagon tests found 276 different faults in jet's combat system. They included the 25mm cannon vibrating excessively and problems with the he aircraft's 'virtual reality' helmet Overheating, premature wear of components in the vertical tails and vulnerability to fire were also found to be issues. The US Air Force temporarily grounded dozens its F-35 stealth fighters while it investigated an oxygen supply issue. The Marine Corps, who also operate the same F-35B model the UK has purchased, was forced to ground its planes after flaws were found in the computer system. Advertisement An RAF spokesman said peacetime rules flight safety is always put first, and with sea states and diversion airfields unsuitable the 'routine decision' was taken to postpone. Wing Commander John Butcher, the officer commander of the 617 squadron, was the fist pilot to land. RAF Marham station commander Group Captain Ian 'Cab' Townsend said the arrival of the stealth fighter warplanes is a massive moment for him and those involved. 'So many people have worked so hard for so many months and years to get to this point - to have the aeroplanes here at Marham is fantastic and they'll be here for the next 35, 40 years,' he said. The four F-35B Lightning planes making their way across the Atlantic to their new home at RAF Marham The first of the 617 Squardron F-35B, Lightning II planes making their way across the Atlantic to their new home at RAF Marham The RAF stealth jets refuelling off the coast of Canada this afternoon ahead of their journey to Britain He said he will have a 'massive grin' on his face watching the jets touch down, adding: 'I'm really lucky, I've seen the aeroplane frequently both in America and when we brought the jet back in 2016. 'But the difference now is when the wheels touch down, they stay and they are our aeroplanes in the UK for good. That is a really significant moment for UK defence.' Outside of RAF Marham, one sign has been updated to state it is the home of the new Lightning Force, while another highlights it is also the home of the Tornado Force. He said: 'The important thing is the sign says RAF Marham, we really are one team. Britain currently has 15 F-35Bs - the short take-off and vertical landing variant of the jets - based in the US, and has pledged to purchase 138 in total from American aviation giant Lockheed Martin. Despite optimism surrounding the arrival of the jets, their production and delivery into Britain has been hit by a host of problems. Initial estimates put the cost of the planes between 77million to 100million, although The Times claims they are expected to cost a staggering 150million each. It is believed the true cost of the plane has been bumped up to cover 'extra' costs such as software upgrades and spare parts. There are also concerns the 'stealth' F-35 are unable to transmit data to British ships and older jet without revealing its position. The plane's software system is vulnerable to cyber attack and cannot be tested independently by the UK. Photo issued by the U.S. Marine Corps of an F-35 Lightning stealth fighter leaving US Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort The RAF F-35 Lightning stealth fighter taking off from the US Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort earlier today A mother-of-two died three days after falling ill at Royal Ascot Ladies' Day where a first aider discharged her, an inquest heard today. Nicole Mitchell, 32, of Surrey, collapsed after spending time with family and friends on one of the hottest ever days at the annual racing event on June 21 last year. She was seen and discharged by a British Red Cross first aider at the races which are attended by the Queen. Mrs Mitchell died at St Peter's Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey, three days after being sent home from the Queen Anne medical centre at the grandstand. Consultant Pathologist Dr Michael Hall told Woking Coroners Court the cause of death as `hypoxic brain injury,' which is caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain possibly caused by heart arrhythmia, an irregular heart beat. Nicole Mitchell, 32, of Surrey, collapsed after spending time with family and friends on one of the hottest ever days at Royal Ascot Ladies' Day on 21 last year. She died three days after the incident. Pictured: File photo of Royal Ascot Ladies Day last June The incident happened on one of the hottest ever days at the annual racing event - thought to be the first time men were allowed to break tradition by removing their blazers because of the heat. Nearly 300,000 racegoers flocked to the week-long racing festival at Ascot, Berkshire, in 2017. The inquest heard British Red Cross provided 25 first aiders split between three medical centres at the races which can 'see, treat and discharge patients without supervision'. Richard Tyler, event planner for the British Red Cross which is contracted to provide first aid by the race organisers, said each new volunteer would undergo eight days of training before the event and report to a team leader with advanced first aid training. Mrs Mitchell died at St Peter's Hospital (pictured) in Chertsey, Surrey, three days after being sent home from the Queen Anne medical centre at the grandstand British Red Cross nurse Ruth Beck and specialist paramedic Adam Bailey were also stationed at the centre and six doctors were also on duty at the Royal Ascot on the day, the inquest heard. Mr Tyler said: 'I think overall we have 25 first aiders, now the distribution of the 25 first aiders throughout the day, it could depend how busy each post is.' Assistant Coroner for Surrey, Karen Henderson asked him: 'Someone who is trained for potentially eight days is able to see, treat and discharge a patient without any supervision whatsoever?' He said: 'Only if they followed through their entire training protocols and got to a stage where they see as being safe reason for that patient.' Dr Roger Gault, said there were six doctors at the site - two for attendees and four covering the races but none were alerted to Mrs Mitchell collapsing. Ms Beck said in a statement she did not remember seeing Mrs Mitchell on the day. Pictured: Woking Coroners Court Mr Bailey, of South Central Ambulance Service, said in a statement read out to the inquest that he did not remember Mrs Mitchell and confirmed that the writing on the patients paperwork was not his. It read: 'I remember that the Wednesday was one of the hottest days at Ascot - so much it was one of the first times men were allowed to remove jackets because of the heat. 'The two main ailments were alcohol and also the effect of the heat.' He said patients who were discharged from the Queen Anne medical centre would have been observed 'by a responsible adult' and told to call non-emergency NHS number 111 if their condition worsened. The inquest was adjourned until tomorrow. Lawyers for jailed Nxivm sex cult leader Keith Raniere say he is being framed by the 'morality police' after he was charged sex-trafficking. The accusation was made in court papers filed in New York late Tuesday seeking Raniere's release from prison on $10 million bond. Raniere, 57, is accused of forming a barbaric secret society within Nxivm, a group that over the years has attracted a following of minor celebrities and wealthy people. Federal prosecutors allege the sub-group branded brainwashed victims with Raniere's initials during initiation ceremonies that turned them into sex slaves for him. Lawyers for jailed Nxivm sex cult leader Keith Raniere, 57, say he is being framed by the 'morality police' after he was charged sex-trafficking In the court papers, Raniere's team of lawyers renewed claims that the alleged victims were never abused. 'Through this case, the United States Government seeks to curtail the ways in which independent, smart, curious adults may legally search for happiness, fulfillment and meaning,' the papers say. 'By condemning (the group) as a criminal enterprise and the teachings of Keith Raniere as fraudulent and criminal, the Department of Justice has made itself the morality police.' If Raniere goes to trial, his followers will testify that his teachings actually 'improved their lives or gave their lives greater meaning,' the papers add. Raniere has been behind bars since he was captured in Mexico and brought to the US in March. The accusation was made in court papers filed in New York late Tuesday seeking Raniere's release from prison on $10 million bond Smallville actress Allison Mack (above in April) also is charged with helping Raniere in the scheme. She agreed to cut all ties with the cult and Raniere as a condition of her $5 million bail Along with posting $10 million bond, his lawyers said he would pay for private security guards that would watch him at all times. Prosecutors have argued Raniere should stay locked up because he's a flight risk. They had no comment about the bail request on Wednesday. Smallville actress Allison Mack also is charged with helping Raniere in the scheme. She agreed to cut all ties with the cult and Raniere as a condition of her $5 million bail. Nxivm's Mexican affiliate is headed by Emiliano Salinas, a son of that country's former president. Authorities also say Raniere has been bankrolled by Clare Bronfman, an heiress to the Seagram's liquor fortune. Both have said they were unaware of the alleged abuses. A judge has set an October 1 trial date. Attorney General Jeff Sessions warned illegal immigrants trying to come to the United States that if they don't want to be separated from their children, 'they should not bring them.' 'If people don't want to be separated from their children, they should not bring them with them,' he told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt on Tuesday. Sessions, who is said to have a tense relationship with President Donald Trump because he recused himself from the Russia investigation, vigorously and repeatedly defended the administration separating children from their companions who are crossing the border illegally. Attorney General Jeff Sessions warned illegal immigrants trying to come to the United States that if they don't want to be separated from their children, 'they should not bring them' The administration has cracked down on prosecutions of illegal immigrants, resulting in adults being separated from children The attorney general emphasized adults who cross the border illegally will be prosecuted and separated from their children. They then lose contact with the children, who are detained in a separate facility. Hewitt pressed Sessions hard on the issue. At one point he asked him if he was a grandfather. When Sessions affirmed he was, Hewitt demanded to know if Sessions could tolerate his grandchildren being separated from their parents and held in a government facility. 'The United States can't be a total guarantor that every parent who comes to the country unlawfully with a child is guaranteed that they won't be, is guaranteed that they will be able to have their hand on that child the entire time. That's just not the way it works,' Sessions replied. The attorney general conceded he agreed children and adults should be held together but added the law did not allow for that. 'The law says that parents who come unlawfully are subject to prosecution. And the law says we must carefully take care of any children that come, and they must be held not by the law enforcement branch, but held by our Health and Human Services branch to ensure they're properly taken care of,' he said. He also shifted the blame to Congress, saying lawmakers needed to change the laws regarding the handling of illegal immigrants. 'We could use Congressional action to help us keep children together better, frankly,' he said. Trump also has tried to shift blame to the Democrats after vocal criticism of the separation of children and parents. In May, the administration began enforcing a 'zero tolerance' policy on the border to prosecute any adult who entered the country illegally. The crackdown came after a report illegal crossings in March and April had gone up compared to the year before, a statistic that reportedly outraged the president. Hewitt made a strong case for keeping children and parents together, saying a separation of any time period could be traumatic for a child. 'I don't think children should be separated from biological parents at any age, but especially if they're infants and toddlers,' Hewitt said to Sessions. 'I think it's traumatic and terribly difficult on the child.' The attorney general explained children are well cared for while being held by the government. 'Those children are being well taken care of. Within 72 hours, they're taken to the Health and Human Services to be sure they're properly cared for. And those persons will have, the adults will be prosecuted like the law requires.' Sesions also said most of the captured kids aren't infants who need constant care but teenagers. 'Most are teenagers, although we do have a number of younger ones now, more than we've seen recently. And they are maintained in a very safe environment not by the law enforcement team at Homeland Security, but put with Health and Human Services. And they are kept close by, and if the person pleads guilty, they would be deported promptly, and they can take their children with them,' he said. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said he has not visited any facility where children are held The government is caring for more than 11,000 unaccompanied children Sessions said he has not visited any facility where children are held. Children are separated from the adults they are traveling with and transferred to the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services, which attempts to place them with other relatives or foster parents. The agency's Administration for Children and Families is caring for more than 11,000 unaccompanied children at the moment, and it is averaging about 45 days to place children, a spokesperson told NBC News. HHS Officials also told the news outlet they were not warned about the crackdown and were unprepared for the influx of children that resulted from the strict new enforcement. HHS staffers are considering military bases as option for housing children. During a surge in children from Central America in 2014, when Barack Obama was president, Health and Human Services temporarily used military bases in California, Oklahoma and Texas to house the kids. Nearly 1 in 4 Border Patrol arrests on the Mexican border from October through April was someone who came in a family. That means any large increase in prosecutions will likely cause parents to be separated from their children while they face charges and do time in jail. 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. As the White House and the nation await what is expected to be a scathing report on the Justice Department's handling of the Hillary Clinton email scandal, word is leaking out that it will be especially brutal to fired FBI Director James Comey and former Attorney General Loretta Lynch. ABC News reported Wednesday that the report, from the DOJ's independent Inspector General Michael Horowitz, will brand Comey 'insubordinate.' That's a judgment of the former top lawman for telling Congress, barely a week before the 2016 election, that he was reopening a dormant probe into classified material nestled among other files on Hillary Clinton's private email server. The word choice suggests Lynch may have ordered Comey not to tell Congress that he had rebooted the investigation, a move that made voters aware of his decision and likely had political consequences. Lynch's transgression appears to be her declaration that she would accept the reccomendations of the FBI which ultimately recommended no prosecution shortly after a secret meeting with former president Bill Clinton on an airport tarmac. A bombshell report from the Justice Department's inspector general is expected to scorch fired FBI director James Comey's decision to reopen the Hillary Clinton classified email investigation just days before the 2016 election Former attorney general Loretta Lynch will be under the inspector general's microscope, reportedly for announcing just after a secret meeting with Bill Clinton that she wouldn't intervene in deciding whether to charge Hillary with a crime Clinton maintained a private, home-brew email server for her communications while she was secretary of state, and classified material was found on it; Comey cleared her of criminal wrongdoing in July 2016 but rebooted the probe in October, a move that she has said doomed her presidential hopes That episode raised deep suspicions about whether she was putting her thumb on the scales of justice to help the Clintons, although both insisted they didn't speak about the then-Democratic presidential candidate's email scandal. The late-October 2016 restart of the Hillary Clinton probe came after a tranche of her emails were discovered on a laptop belonging to disgraced former Democratic congressman Anthony Weiner. Weiner was married to Huma Abedin, Clinton's deputy campaign manager, from whose account the emails were forwarded. Sending theletter to Congress broke with longstanding DOJ policy not to take actions that could interfere with political processes, according to ABC. The network's anchor George Stephanopoulos asked Comey in April: 'If Attorney General Lynch had ordered you not to send the letter, would you have sent it?' 'No. I believe in the chain of command,' he replied. President Donald Trump put public pressure on the inspector general this week to finish the report, and said he hoped it wasn't being made 'weaker.' The IG was originally scheduled to complete its findings by the end of May. The potentially explosive document has been highly anticipated on Capitol Hill; the Senate Judiciary Committee was already planning for but recently postponed a hearing to hear Horowitz's testimony. 'What is taking so long with the Inspector Generals Report on Crooked Hillary and Slippery James Comey,' Trump tweeted. President Donald Trump asked this week why it was 'taking so long' for the Justice Department's IG to complete his report, details of which are now leaking out 'Numerous delays. Hope Report is not being changed and made weaker! There are so many horrible things to tell, the public has the right to know. Transparency!' There has been no indication that Trump has seen the report ahead of its release. Horowitz has already solicited the required comments from the FBI and the Justice Department. Trump's call for 'Transparency!' could be an effort to push the IG not to shield material the FBI may have tried to conceal. There have been similar internal battles between the FBI and congressional Republicans over the release of information about the origins of the FBI's Russia probe. PRESSURE: The president said he hoped the report wasn't being made 'weaker' a likely reference to the comment period where the Justice Department and FBI get the chance to make comments or dispute conclusions Amid growing interest in the report, the Senate Judiciary Committee last week gave notice that it would hold a hearing titled: 'Examining the Inspector Generals First Report on Justice Department Decisions Regarding the 2016 Presidential Election.' It pushed the hearing back a week, from its original date of June 5 to June 12. 'We are not going to hold the hearing until the report comes out,' said a Judiciary panel spokesman on Monday. Horowitz told a House Oversight hearing late last year his office was 'aiming to release the report in late winter/early spring hopefully in that March/April time period.' WHAT'S TAKING SO LONG? The president asked why Michael Horowitz, inspector general of the Justice Department, hadn't completed his report. One person the IG interviewed in the course of his investigation was Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who on Sunday said he provided satisfactory assurances that he did not have inside information on the FBI reopening the Clinton email investigation. Asked if he expected to be identified in the report as getting leaked information from the FBI, Giuliani told NBC's 'Meet the Press': 'Oh no, no, absolutely not. No. Impossible. I didn't get any leaked information from the F.B.I.' Giuliani said he had 'no idea that Weiner was involved in this at all. Had no idea they were going to reopen it.' Giuliani in advance of the FBI's surprise move had touted 'some pretty big surprise,' telling Fox News: 'You'll see.' He told NBC he was referring to a major TV ad buy, 'where we were going to buy a tremendous amount of time unlike anything we had ever done before.' He says he was able to 'show them a memo, a contemporaneous memo I have' about it. Asked by host Chuck Todd if he had a heads-up, Giuliani replied: 'Right, no heads up. I had a speculation.' President Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani accused Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigators of trying to 'frame' Trump. Speaking at the Globes conference in Tel Aviv on a trip to Israel that he said runs a week, the outspoken Trump lawyer said his client hasn't 'done anything wrong.' Giuliani referenced the investigators when he said there are '13 highly partisan Democrats (who) are trying very very hard to frame him to get him in trouble when he hasnt done anything wrong.' He was picking up a repeated attack by Trump about the political affiliation of many of Mueller's top investigators. Mueller himself is a Republican. He said Trump has the power to pardon himself, but won't because he is innocent. President Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani accused Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigators of trying to 'frame' Trump. Giuliani also defended Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a close Trump ally, who is facing corruption charges of his won. 'The case against Netanyahu is a joke. There's not a politician in the world that doesn't do deals with newspapers to get favorable coverage,' Globes reported. 'You're very lucky to have a distinguished prime minister who enjoys relations like these with the US president,' he added. Giuliani was speaking to the Globes capital market conference in Tel Aviv. He stood by his position articulated Sunday that Trump had the power to pardon himself stating the president's innocence when asked if the president is 'above the law.' He said Sunday it would be 'unthinkable' for him to do so. Giuliani spoke to the Globes capital market conference in Tel Aviv, where he said Trump had the right and the 'duty' to fire former FBI Director James Comey 'U.S. law states that the president has the authority to pardon people who have committed federal crimes. This was determined by our Founding Fathers. President Clinton pardoned criminals who contributed money to his library and got away scot-free,' Giuliani said. 'Trump is innocent. He's done nothing bad. There are people who are trying very hard to incriminate him because they're incapable of mentally facing the fact that he is the president, so they're inventing theories.' Giuliani said Trump has the 'right and the duty to fire the FBI director,' a reference to James Comey and his handling of the Clinton email scandal. 'Holding a press conference and talking about her investigation was like saying, 'I won't file an indictment against you, but you're a murderer,' Giuliani said. Giuliani also made an explosive comment about North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, who is set to meet Trump in a summit in Singapore next week. Trump announced he was pulling out of the summit, only to put it back on after the North Korean side was surprisingly conciliatory. 'Well, Kim Jong Un got back on his hands and knees and begged for it, which is exactly the position you want to put him in,' said Giuliani. A man who fell asleep in his car shot dead his 14-year-old son when the boy startled him by knocking on the car window. The boy, named locally as Luyanda Tshabalala by the Fred Norman Secondary School, was said to have been attending evening classes at the institution on Wedneday. His father, 50, who remains unnamed, was parked outside Luyanda's school, but fell asleep while waiting to collect him after classes. But when Luyanda rushed outside and knocked on his window, the shocked 50-year-old allegedly shot his child through the head. Luyanda Tshabalala, 14, was said to have been attending evening classes at the school before he was shot Police have arrested the father is expected to appear in court on Thursday in relation to the incident. 'The father who was asleep in the car with his firearm on him, got scared by the knocking of his son, he pulled out his firearm and shot towards the direction of the person who was knocking,' police spokesman Mpande Khoza said in a statement. 'He then realised that it was his son after he had fired the shot,' he said, adding the boy died as he was being taken to hospital. The school had to postpone exams that were due to take place on Wednesday. The incident occurred in Ennerdale, a gang-infested township south of Johannesburg. Violent crime is notoriously common in South Africa, with armed robbery, rape, carjacking and muggings among the biggest threats. The incident occurred in the suburb of Ennerdale, a gang-infested township south of Johannesburg A 15-year-old girl who was shot when a gunman stormed an Oklahoma restaurant has posed for a thumbs up photo from her hospital bed as she recovers from her severe injuries. Alex Speegle, 15, suffered two gunshot wounds that shattered her collarbone and severed nerves in her arm when the gunman opened fire at the Louie's On The Lake restaurant in Oklahoma City on May 24. The teenager had just entered the restaurant with her 12-year-old friend and her friend's mother when the gunfire rang out. Scroll down for video Alex Speegle, 15, posed for a thumbs up photo from her hospital bed after she was shot when a gunman stormed an Oklahoma restaurant on May 24 Speegle's friend Syniah Giles was shot in the stomach and the 12-year-old's mother Natalie was treated after being grazed by bullets. The 15-year-old told KFOR that she was standing so close to the gunman that she could see his eyes were blue but thought at first she was hearing firecrackers instead of gunshots. 'I did not see him until we heard the firecrackers. I saw out of my vision concrete flying up,' Speegle said. 'I stood there and took a mental picture of him, and then I got shot and then I ran. I ran behind to the bushes and was screaming for help. Yelling, 'God, why me? Help me'.' The wounded girl was found by a young couple who were also running from the gunfire. A doctor who happened to be at the restaurant also stopped to help and started treating her in the bushes. The 15-year-old suffered two gunshot wounds that shattered her collarbone and severed nerves in her arm Alex will have to undergo further operations and extensive rehabilitation. She can barely wiggle her fingers after the muscles in her bicep were damaged Speegle's friend Syniah Giles, 12, was shot in the stomach and had to undergo surgery. She is pictured above recovering at home with her father Alex, who has since been released from hospital following surgery, will have to undergo further operations and extensive rehabilitation. She can barely wiggle her fingers after the muscles in her bicep were damaged. Her friend Syniah is also at home recovering after undergoing surgery to her stomach. The gunman, 28-year-old Alexander Tilghman, was shot dead by two armed bystanders outside the restaurant. Investigators say Juan Carlos Nazario and Bryan Whittle each retrieved a firearm from their vehicles and then took down Tilghman. Authorities said Tilghman was legally authorized to carry a firearm. Oklahoma City Police Capt. Bo Mathews said the shooting appeared to be random but noted that Tilghman drove to the restaurant and wore protective gear for his ears and eyes. Gunman Alexander Tilghman walked into Louie's On The Lake restaurant at the dinner hour and opened fire before being shot dead by a handgun-carrying civilian in the parking lot Alex Tilghman, who shot up a restaurant in Oklahoma City, made dozens of videos about seeing and hearing demons Police and emergency personnel surround the scene of a shooting in Oklahoma City on May 24 'It looked like his mind was made up that he was going to discharge his firearm once he got there,' Mathews said. He stressed that the investigation was ongoing and confirmed that Tilghman's mental health was being looked into. On a Facebook page that police said belonged to Tilghman, the man posts a video in which he claims his television is possessed by the devil. The page uses the same profile photo as a YouTube channel where a man that appears to be Tilghman also describes demons possessing his TV and being surrounded by computers. He calmly begs for help from 'a real human,' saying he's suicidal, lonely and 'really losing it.' The FBI says it was contacted about a YouTube channel associated with the gunman but determined no further action was needed. GoFundMe pages have been set up for both Alex and Syniah to help with their medical costs. A Virginia lawyer who was once gifted $20,000 by Ellen DeGeneres when she was a law student has been accused of proving drugs and having sex with an inmate. Dana Tapper, 30, has been charged with providing a prisoner with a cell phone, providing a prisoner with drugs, and distribution of a controlled substance. One source claims Tapper visited the inmate hundreds of times at the Riverside Regional Jail to smuggle drugs and have sex with him in prison. It has been a drastic fall for Tapper, who was celebrated on 2013 episode of DeGeneres' talk show when she was a University of Virginia law student. Scroll down for video Virginia lawyer Dana Tapper, who once was gifted $20,000 by Ellen DeGeneres when she was a student, has been accused of proving drugs and having sex with an inmate DeGeneres had invited Tapper to the show after the University of Virginia student's friend wrote a letter about her work with troubled low-income children DeGeneres invited Tapper to the show after the student's friend wrote a letter about her work with troubled low-income children. 'Most law students are lured in by promises of large corporate salaries to help pay off their debt,' the letter, obtained by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, read. 'But Dana has been steadfast in her commitment to helping those less fortunate.' During her appearance on the show, Tapper told DeGeneres that she was the first person in her family to go to college. She also talked of her dreams to help those in the juvenile justice system. 'The only reason I went to law school was to work with kids,' she told the host. DeGeneres then surprised Tapper with a $20,000 gift donated from online photo service Shutterfly. Tapper, 30, has been charged with providing a prisoner with a cellphone and drugs. She is pictured here receiving a complimentary bar course for her volunteer work Tapper has a history of visiting inmates dozens of times in prison without being their attorney, including Karon Porter (left) and Damian King (right) Now Tapper is facing serious charges and a further investigation as it was uncovered she has a history of visiting inmates, even when she isn't representing them in court. Tapper has been charged for two incidents in which she allegedly gave an inmate a cell phone on December 7, 2017 and then gave him drugs five days later. The inmate's name has not been released and it has not been revealed what drugs she allegedly brought into the prison or how they were smuggled. Tapper was not an 'attorney of record' for the inmate but 'went to visit him', according to Prince George Commonwealth's Attorney Susan Fierro 'She made an appearance in Chesterfield Circuit Court [for him], and the court asked her if she was the attorney of record,' Fierro said. 'She apparently conceded that she was not.' And records show that Tapper has a history of doing this. Tapper (pictured on her wedding day) also faces a bar hearing for 'misconduct' in June. It remains unclear if she is still married Tapper visited inmate Karon Porter 38 times at Riverside Regional Jail over a year-and-a-half, according to WTVR. She also asked to address the court during Porter's hearing, despite the fact that she was not his attorney, and said she had spent 'several hundred hours' on his case. Porter was later found guilty of leading state police on a 2013 high speed chase. He had crashed into a car and killed a 73-year-old Marine veteran. Tapper also spoke as a witness on behalf of convicted felon and gang member Damian King, who she also was not representing, during a bond hearing. King was charged with breaking into a man's home and shooting him. Tapper claimed King worked for her at her Richmond law practice and said he was essential into giving her access to clients in the juvenile network. She told King's attorney in court that she had no concerns working with King despite the current charges.King was denied bond and pleaded guilty. Tapper, who will go on trial in August, also faces a bar hearing for 'misconduct' in June. She remains an attorney in good standing with an active law license. Roseanne Barr has a fight on her hands to be paid her full compensation from her canceled ABC sitcom, DailyMail.com can reveal. ABC executives believe the star has brought the network into disrepute and has breached her contract obligations with her racist tweet, a source with knowledge of the situation claims. It's understood senior ABC figures are keen to block any payments due to Barr amid the embarrassment her incendiary tweet has caused the network. It has been reported the star raked in an estimated $250,000 per episode of the show and will likely lose more than $3 million in the wake of the scandal. Roseanne Barr smokes a cigarette and chats on her phone outside her Salt Lake City, Utah home on Tuesday Roseanne might a long fight for her compensation ahead of her. ABC execs believe Roseanne Barr has brought the network into disrepute and has breached her contract obligations with her racist tweet, an insider told DailyMail.com This comes amid reports that ABC is considering a spin-off of the show that would center around Sara Gilbert, who played Barr's daughter on Roseanne. Gilbert was one of the first members of the cast to speak out against Barr following her tweets, calling them 'abhorrent'. Barr, 65, is still keeping a low profile at her parent's house in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she is holed up with partner Johnny Argent. She was snapped looking increasingly weary on Tuesday walking near the home in a plain black dress. Smoking a cigarette and chatting on her phone a make-up free Barr appeared glum and lost in her thoughts in DailyMail.com's exclusive photos. The disgraced television star had vowed to take a break from Twitter, but on Tuesday she tweeted: 'I'm making restitution for the pain I have caused.' While Barr takes stock ABC execs are hammering out the future of the show. If a reboot doesn't materialize then the source reveals the network has agreed to commit to their monetary responsibilities for those caught up in the wake of the scandal. Barr, 65, is still keeping a low profile at her parent's house in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she is holed up with partner Johnny Argent. She was snapped looking increasingly weary on Tuesday walking near the home in a plain black dress After initially saying she was taking a break from Twitter, Roseanne Barr returned late Tuesday with a cryptic tweet promising to make 'restitution for the pain' she has caused Sara Gilbert, who played Roseanne's on-screen daughter Darlene, appeared on The Talk on Monday saying she was saddened about how 'Roseanne' ended but supported the cancellation It's understood Barr's co-stars, including John Goodman and Sara Gilbert, will receive close to their full agreed contracted fees for the canceled run. The source added that 'only the significant' lead writers in the creative room are in talks of compensation packages. The crew of the show has not been made any promises of financial compensation, however. The source said: 'There's a lot to sort out. Some of the senior crew members are actively looking for work, with no decision yet made on any spin off or reboot. 'Roseanne's contract was canceled because she brought the show and the network into disrepute so network bosses aren't going to want to pay her but they're more than happy to pay the rest of the cast. 'Even Roseanne's comments on Twitter in recent days have the legal team adamant that she has broken the moral obligations of her contract.' It's understood Goodman, Gilbert and Laurie Metcalfe will be paid for the unfilmed ten episodes - even though 13 were commissioned. The source claims the stars have already accepted those terms behind closed doors. Another source from ABC told People that talks about a possible spin-off are currently 'underway', however. Roseanne Barr's mother, Helen, was seen outside her Salt Lake City home on Tuesday carrying a plate of food. Roseanne is staying with her in the aftermath of her racist tweet scandal It's understood Barr's co-stars, including John Goodman and Sara Gilbert, will receive close to their full agreed contracted fees for the canceled run. Goodman is pictured above outside The Herb smoke shop with a bandage around his arm 'But it's too preliminary to know if it's going to gel or not,' they added. The source also revealed that the cast were 'always on edge' about Barr and whether she would go 'off track' while they were filming. 'Everyone is upset for the cast and the crew, but there was always a feeling that something was going to happen,' the source said. 'There was always a heightened awareness with her and we were always on edge. Did we think she would say something like that? No. But then it all fell apart.' Sara Gilbert led the way for a number of Barr's co-stars to speak out against her last week. 'I am disappointed in her actions to say the least,' Gilbert wrote on Twitter last Tuesday 'This is incredibly sad and difficult for all of us, as we've created a show that we believe in, are proud of, and that audiences love - one that is separate and apart from the opinions and words of one cast member.' Barr - who has an estimated worth of over $80 million - has been widely condemned ever since she compared former Barack Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett to an ape on Twitter last month. ABC swiftly canceled 'Roseanne' in the wake of the racist tweet scandal. Following the fallout, Barr apologized for the tweet about Jarrett and to her colleagues but has repeatedly insisted she is not racist. She has since retreated to Utah. A special one-off documentary marking the first anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire will be showing on ITV tonight. Grenfell: The First 24 Hours reveals the story of the disaster from the moment it began until the flames were finally brought under control 24 hours later. The documentary, which airs at 9pm, will be a focus on survivors' stories and include personal footage taken on the night. Scroll down to view video Firefighter Aldo Diana who was asked to rescue people trapped on high floors describes the scene on the emergency staircase Banners are unveiled on the outside of Grenfell Tower in west London reading: Grenfell forever in our hearts The fire at Grenfell Tower in the Lancaster West Estate in North Kensington fire broke out on June 14, 2017 causing at least 72 deaths and over 70 injuries It starts at the first report of the blaze at 12.54am on June 14, 2017 and continues through to the moment the London Fire Brigade got the fire under control 24 hours later. First-hand eye-witness accounts of those living in and around the tower, as well as their personal footage captured on the night will piece together the timeline of the tragic events. Onlookers and those involved in the fire and rescue operation will also tell their story. For the first time, a firefighter who rescued nine people from the burning tower talks in detail about his experience of entering the inferno on a search and rescue mission. Others recount emotional memories of extreme acts of bravery by members of the public and firefighters as the horror unfolded. Local resident Sammy Wordy says he felt powerless as he heard a woman screaming from the tower. He said: 'I could hear other voices but her specific voice was ringing out at the time more than anyone else's for me. 'I could see her through the window, but we were powerless to do anything. 'Those screams will haunt me forever.' Firefighter Aldo Diana who was asked to rescue people trapped on high floors describes the scene on the emergency staircase. The cladding on the outside of Grenfell Tower was to blame for the fire spreading Shocking footage shows how a fire which started in a kitchen of Grenfell Tower flat leapt up the side of the building He said: 'The staircase itself was only, you know, 3ft wide... 'You've got heat, thick smoke, people in shock, people suffering smoke inhalation, some people suffering burns, some people in a state of panic. 'All the windows had melted, and we went quite close to the edge and it just didnt seem real, because inside was devastation, when you looked out it was just normal life, a normal view. 'Buildings, trees, the sky. You could see planes going across. 'There was traffic on the motorway, on the A40 - so all seemed to be normal.' Grenfell: The First 24 Hours is produced by Mentorn Media, who made last year's Inside London's Fire Brigade documentary series. The one-off documentary is on ITV at 9pm tonight on Wednesday, June 6. Theresa May will give the NHS a 'significant increase' in funding to mark its 70th birthday this year, Jeremy Hunt has said. The Health Secretary said he has been making the case for the service to have extra cash pumped into it ahead of the milestone next month. He also wants the NHS to be given ten-year budgets so that that the service is put on a long-term financial footing rather than yoyo-ing from feast to famine. The Prime Minister has faced mounting pressure to find extra money for the NHS ahead of the milestone anniversary next month. Health chiefs say it must get four per cent yearly increase in funds if the UK wants to keep the same health standards it has. Chancellor Philip Hammond is understood to be resisting calls to pump that much extra money into the NHS. Theresa May will give the NHS a 'significant increase' in funding to mark its 70th birthday this year, Jeremy Hunt has said (the pair, pictured together on a visit to a Liverpool hospital last year) In an interview with The Guardian, Mr Hunt said the PM is full square behind the calls for extra money. He said: 'She is unbelievably committed. You should not underestimate how committed she is to the NHS. So she is absolutely 100 per cent behind getting this right. 'I've been making the NHS's case that we need significant and sustainable funding increases to meet the demographic challenges we face, and the prime minister completely appreciates that. 'Now the economy is back on its feet and growing much more healthily we're able to have a discussion for the first time about [a] significant increase in resources, and that presents enormous opportunity for the country in terms of the type of NHS that our children and grandchildren will experience.' Many Tories have called for the PM to ramp up funding for the NHS to show that the Tories are committed to the service. And many Brexiteers - including Boris Johnson - have urged her to pledge to use any Brexit dividend Britain gets to bolster NHS funds. Mr Hunt said the extra cash should be spent on tackling chronic understaffing, cope with the ageing population and improve care. The PM will ditch the austerity-era one per cent annual rises it has received since 2010. In pressing for an increase in funds the Health Secretary has told the PM a big boost for the NHS will be a vote winner,. The Health Secretary (pictured with Theresa MAy) said he has been making the case for the service to have extra cash pumped into it ahead of the milestone. He said: 'We have to recognise that we have a once-in-a-generation challenge and the choice we have as a country is: are we going to deal with that challenge in an ad hoc way, living hand to mouth year in year out, or are we going to look at this strategically?' He added: 'The NHS remains for the vast majority of people, in poll after poll, the most important public service. Bbut he also warned that there remain major problems iwthin the health service. And he said that many members of tsaff are still toscared to blow the whistle on bad practice in the NHS. He said 'patient safety in the NHS is still deeply flawed' and warned some staff remained 'terrified' to speak out about mistakes in case they get disciplined or sacked. Amanda Richardson was removed from her job teaching humanities at LINC High School, which is investigating the allegations. Undated photo A Philadelphia teacher took bribes from students in return for good grades, it is claimed. Amanda Richardson was removed from her job teaching humanities at LINC High School, which is investigating the allegations. The police have also been informed along with the chief school inspector. A school spokesman told NBC10: We are aware of the situation and once it was brought to our attention, we acted immediately. The teacher was promptly removed from the school and both the Inspector General and Philadelphia Police have been notified. The School District of Philadelphia is fully cooperating with the investigation. It is not exactly clear what the bribes Richardson accepted were. On its website, the LINC boasts of its 'non-traditional instructional approach' which is centered on 'project' and 'problem-based' learning. A large majority of Americans agree with Donald Trump's decision to hold next week's expected nuclear disarmament summit with Kim Jong-un, but very few expect the president to accomplish his goal. Fully 72 per cent of U.S. voters, including half of Democrats, approve of Trump meeting with the North Korean dictator in person, an unprecedented move for an American president. But just 46 per cent believe he's prepared for nuclear negotiations. And a scant 20 per cent say North Korea will 'ever give up their nuclear weapons.' Among Republicans, Trump's own party, only 30 per cent say the unexpected could actually happen, according to a new poll from Quinnipiac University. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEOS 72 per cent of U.S. voters approve of President Trump's coming meeting with Kim Jong-un but just 20 per cent believe dictator Kim Jong-un will ever surrender his nuclear weapons program Kim, the communist nation's supreme despot, is set to meet with Trump next week to negotiate nukes for economi sanctions relaxation The Trump administration hopes to persuade Kim to irrevocably destroy North Korea' nuclear weapons program, giving up his best means of national security against both the democratic West and his regional adversaries like South Korean and Japan. In exchange Pyongyang would see the economic stranglehold of international sanctions loosened, allowing more trade and hard currency to flow in. North Korea is perilously close to exhausting its reserves of hard currency, most of which it uses to finance its debts to China, its main trading partner. The state of the hermit kingdom's economy is notoriously hard to discern form the outside, but a money crisis there would provide much-needed leverage to the White House as it tightens the noose of a 'maximum pressure' campaign. Trump's approval rating in the Quinnipiac poll is in the doldrums overall: Voters disapprove of his job performance by a 51-40 margin. That's a 3 per cent improvement from six weeks ago. But a larger proportion, 49 per cent, approve of his handling of the economy By a divided 49 - 46 percent, voters approve of the way Trump is handling the economy. The Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island in Singapore will host next week's summit, the first of its kind between an American president and a North Korean leader 'Korea helps. The booming economy helps,' Quinnipiac University Poll assistant director Tim Malloy said Wednesday. 'President Donald Trump's approval rating peeks out of the 30s just as he faces perhaps his biggest challenge yet - Kim Jong-un.' But Trump is still deep under water when voters are asked to assess his personality traits. 'Yes, he's strong and intelligent but is he a role model for American kids? No way,' Malloy added. Is Donald Trump honest? Only 35 per cent say yes. A similar 56 per cent don't believe he has 'good learedship skills,' and 55 per cent believe he doesn't care about 'average Americans.' An astonishing 64 per cent say the president is not 'level-headed.' And 69 per cent don't consider him a good role model for their children. On the plus side, 62 per cent consider Trump a 'strong person' and 58 per cent call him 'intelligent.' The president's negative approval ratings are typical for his administration: Positive reviews for Vice President Mike Pence, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders and attorney Rudy Giuliani are running low, at 35, 30 and 29 per cent, respectively. The lone bright spot is first lady Melania Trump who is riding a wave of popularity following her kidney surgery. American voters give her a 49-17 percent favorability rating, but 3 in 10 say that more than nearly three years since her husband became a presidential candidate, they still don't know enough about her to form an opinion. The Quinnipiac poll surveyed 1,223 voters nationwide, and has a margin of error of +/- 3.4 percentage points. President Donald Trump fumed at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a contentious phone call on the administration's new tariff policy, attacking Canada for burning down the White House - a feat performed by British troops in the War of 1812. Canada didn't exist for another 55 years - until 1867 when the colonies of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia came together to form the nation. Yet, Trump reportedly quipped to Trudeau during a call, 'Didn't you guys burn down the White House?' Trudeau had been pressing Trump on how he could justify the new steel and aluminium tariffs as a 'national security' issue, CNN reported. In response, Trump brought up the War of 1812 when British troops burned down the presidential residence on August 24, 1814. They also looted and set the U.S. Capitol building aflame. Larry Kudlow, the president's national security chief, told reporters on Wednesday that despite the dispute with Canada over tariffs that 'relations are very good' between the two countries as he blew off a suggestion that the partnership between the U.S. and its northern neighbor is strained. President Donald Trump fumed at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a contentious phone call on the administration's new tariff policy, attacking Canada for burning down the White House - a feat performed by British troops in the War of 1812. The two men exchanged an awkward hand shake at a February 2017 meeting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau fought back against the White House rational that the tariff policy was for in the best security interest of the United Sates A map of the War of 1812 Kudlow was not asked about and did not directly comment on Trump's remark to Trudeau about the burning down of the White House. In response to a push to compare the leaders' relationship with that of Trudeau and Barack Obama, though, he said: 'President Trump talks to Prime Minister Trudeau a lot and continues to do so. 'I think the bilateral meeting that's scheduled between the two is a really good thing and I think they'll walk through a lot of these issues,' the senior White House official said of a face-to-face that's set for Friday. 'I have no doubt that the United States and Canada will remain firm friends and allies, whatever short-term disagreements may occur. So I would say relations are very good.' The White House press office deflected a question about whether Trump was joking about the role he suggested that Canada had played in the War of 1812. A spokesperson for the president directed DailyMail.com back to a readout of the call from last month. When CNN asked its source if the president was joking, the source said: 'To the degree one can ever take what is said as a joke. The impact on Canada and ultimately on workers in the U.S. won't be a laughing matter.' Trudeau has vocally slammed Trump's reasoning for his new steel and aluminum tariff policies, saying it is 'insulting and unacceptable' to say Canada is a threat to the United States. The Canadian prime minister fought back against the White House rational that the tariff policy was for in the best security interest of the United States. 'The idea that we are somehow a national security threat to the United States is quite frankly insulting and unacceptable,' he said on NBC's 'Meet the Press' on Sunday. Larry Kudlow, the president's national security chief, told reporters on Wednesday that despite the dispute with Canada over tariffs that 'relations are very good' between the two countries as he blew off a suggestion that the partnership between the U.S. and its northern neighbor is strained Ironically, during that interview, he emphasized the long history between the U.S. and Canada, noting how the military from each country has fought together. 'The idea that, you know, our soldiers who had fought and died together on the beaches of World War II on the - and the mountains of Afghanistan, and have stood shoulder to shoulder in some of the most difficult places in the world, that are always there for each other, somehow - this is insulting to them,' he said in an interview from his Parliament office in Ottawa. The Trump administration says that Trudeau is missing the point, though. The purpose of Trump's tariffs are to make sure the United States' own aluminum and steel factories are not totally depleted. 'The president has declared our steel industry a national security matter and he hopes through these actions to rebuild it,' Kudlow on 'Fox News Sunday' said. 'But, look, in the communique, in the announcement from the White House, it said very clearly that we still welcome good faith negotiations, and that's why I regard this as more of a family quarrel.' Trudeau and the White House officials have been engaged in a battle of words since Trump announced the tariffs on Thursday, sparking fears of an international trade war. Trump last week allowed Canada and the European Union's exemptions from steel and aluminum tariffs he introduced this spring to expire, which resulted in the U.S. imposing tariffs of 25 percent and 10 percent, respectively, on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico and the European Union. A report on Wednesday claimed that Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin tried to talk Trump into another exemption for Canada, which is in negotiations with the U.S. to rewrite the North American Free Trade Agreement. Kudlow told reporters during an on-camera briefing that the report was 'patently false' and that neither he nor Mnuchin spoke at all. 'I was in that meeting. I talked to the Treasury Secretary earlier today. This was funny. Neither of us said a word in that meeting. So that story is patently false. Okay? Patently false.' Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Trump have been engaged in a war of words since the tariff decision was announced, sparking fears of an international trade war When asked what President Trump wanted out of the new tariffs, Canadian Prime Minister told NBC's Chuck Todd: 'I don't know.' Kudlow stressed to reporters that the president wants free, fair and reciprocal trade. 'But until we can deal with these unfair practices and so forth, we will not have fair trade. Until we can have reciprocal relationships, we will not have free trade, we will not have fair trade,' he said. 'So I think his cause is just, and I think the rest of the world agrees with him. I mean, it always has from day one.' Trump strummed the tune Wednesday that the U.S. has the 'worst trade deals ever made' that his administration is scrapping for ones that are 'really fantastic.' 'And we're going to have now fair trade deals. We have made the worst deals ever made. NAFTA is a disaster,' he said, referring to the existing deal between the U.S. Mexico and Canada. 'World Trade Organization is a disaster. I could go deal after deal, and it's been very unfair to our country, to our workers, to our companies, and to everybody else involved. And we're changing them around rapidly.' White House National Trade Council director Peter Navarro has framed the issue of tariffs as a matter of national security. 'This particular action on steel and aluminum is not about unfair trade practices,' Navarro told Fox Business. 'It's about national security. Without an aluminum steel industry, we don't have a country.' Trudeau countered that argument by emphasizing how the neighboring countries are bound together. 'There are no two countries that are as interconnected, interdependent. You sell more things to us every year than to UK, Japan, and China combined,' he told NBC. He argued the decision would hurt U.S. jobs in addition to Canadian ones. 'The fact that the president has moved forward with these tariffs is not just going to hurt Canadian jobs. It's going to hurt U.S. jobs as well, and neither of those things is something that Canada wants to see.' Trudeau responded to the administration's move by slapping retaliatory tariffs on $12.8 billion worth of U.S. goods, including metals, toilet paper, mayonnaise and handkerchiefs. EU leaders have also threatened a tariff counter-strike. Kudlow said Trudeau is 'overreacting' in his Fox interview on Sunday. 'To say that this is an attack on Canada is not right,' Kudlow said. Trump fought back too. He argued in a tweet on Saturday that the U.S. is losing the trade war and something must be done about it. 'When you're almost 800 Billion Dollars a year down on Trade, you can't lose a Trade War! The U.S. has been ripped off by other countries for years on Trade, time to get smart!' the president wrote on Saturday. The U.S. has a $8.4 billion trade surplus in goods and services with Canada, according to a report from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. But looking at trade in goods alone, Canada has a surplus of $17.5 billion last year, according to the same USTR report. Trudeau is set to host Trump and other world leaders on Friday in Quebec's Charlevoix region, home to this year's G7 summit. He's seen here greeting France's Emmanuel Macron, whom Trump is also set to meet with Trudeau is set to host Trump and other world leaders on Friday in Quebec's Charlevoix region, home to this year's G7 summit. Kudlow said the two leaders will meet privately during the conference. Trump will also sit down, he said, with France's Emmanuel Macron. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire griped after a weekend meeting at the ministerial level that 'it has been far more a G6 plus one than a G7' and that the group's work 'has been put at risk by the decisions taken by the American administration on trade and on tariffs.' Kudlow rebuffed him on Wednesday, telling a reporter, 'There may be disagreements. I regard this as much like a family quarrel. 'I'm always the optimist. I believe it can be worked out. But I'm always hopeful on that point. This is a G7 meeting, and the presidents and heads of state will get together. 'President Trump is very clear with respect to his trade reform efforts that we will do what is necessary to protect the United States, its businesses, and its workforce. So that we may have disagreements, we may have tactical disagreements, but he has always said -- and I agree -- tariffs are a tool in that effort. And people should recognize how serious he is in that respect,' Kudlow added. Trudeau told NBC News he will try to one-on-one time with Trump during that meeting and said he wanted to 'have a frank conversation about where we can work together to grow our economies, to help Canadian workers and American workers who are working in the same, in the same way to build a better future for their families.' The 1814 sack of Washington D.C. was later justified by the British as retribution for American 'burnings' in various parts of what is now York, Ontario. Canada was a British colony at the time of the war and some of its troops would have been included in the fighting on the side of the British. Several battles in the War of 1812 were fought in territory that is now Canada. The burning of the White House is mostly remembered by first lady Dolley Madison famously rescuing a portrait of George Washington before fleeing the residence. A manhunt for a New York man who is believed to have fled with his two-year-sold son on Tuesday has ended after both of their bodies were found in Virginia on Wednesday. The bodies of John Ligurgo III, 43, of Long Island and his son, Jovani, were found in the morning hours in Rockbridge County. It's believed the two were found inside the father's Jeep Grand Cherokee, according to the New York Post. The cause of death was not immediately known. Scroll down for video A manhunt for John Ligurgo III (left), 43, of Long Island, who is believed to have fled with his two-year-sold son, Jovani (right), on Tuesday has ended after both of their bodies were found in Virginia on Wednesday Maria, the mother of Jovani, dropped her son off with Ligurgo at his home in the Coram suburb on Tuesday at 7.00am Eastern. The father was supposed to return with their child between 3.30pm and 4.00pm, but never showed up. When he didn't arrive, Maria called 9-1-1, Suffolk County police said. At 3.35pm on Tuesday, which is around the same time that Maria called the authorities, police were also called to the scene of a fire at Ligurgo's home on Bretton Woods Drive. Authorities said smoke was billowing out of the windows, originating from a blaze they put out inside the bedroom of the second-floor apartment, Pix 11 reported. At 3.35pm on Tuesday, police were called to the scene of a fire at Ligurgo's home on Bretton Woods Drive, which the father is believed of starting himself by the toddler's adult brother No one was there, but items believed to belong to the toddler were at the home, according to a message Jovani's adult brother, Anthony Busone, sent to the Post. Whether the blaze was set on purpose remains the subject of an ongoing investigation, police said. '[T]here has not been a definitive answer on if it was intentional, but my personal opinion is that he did it on purpose,' Busone, 26, said. There had been an ongoing custody battle between Lugargo and Maria, according to Busone, that had began about one ago. 'I wouldnt put anything past him at this point,' he wrote, prior to the finding of his little brother's body in Virginia. Police said that when the father fled with his son, he was armed with a hunting rifle. A positive identification is still pending. It was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime. A 12-month-long honeymoon to begin at the peak of Denali Mountain and end with hitchhiking across Central America. That all changed when Madgalenda Czarnecka fell 1,000 feet from the Alaska mountain, the highest peak in North America, and lay injured at the bottom of a crevasse. It was a fall that should have killed her, just 10 days after her honeymoon began. But, after surviving the night, Czarnecka got the chance to see her husband again. This is the selfie that Madgalenda Czarnecka took to survey the damage to her face after she fell 1,000 feet from Denali Mountain in Anchorage, Alaska in May The horrific fall came just 10 days into what was supposed to be a year-long honeymoon with her new husband Michael Wangrat The Polish newlyweds have already been through more in two months of marriage than most couples go through a lifetime. But as Michael Wangrat sleeps each night by Czarnecka's hospital bed in Anchorage, his sleeping bag spread across a fold-out chair, they've only gotten stronger. The couple are used to scaling large challenges - although they usually come in the form of mountains. Czarnecka, 29, and Wangrat, 34, met on a night out with the student mountaineering club while both were graduate students at the University of Warsaw six years ago. 'Our first meeting was on the railway station,' Wangrat told Anchorage Daily News. 'If it's like love from first sight, it might be that.' The couple would go on to climb Mount Elbrus in Russia, Aconcagua in Argentina, and Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, where Wangrat proposed. The couple had planned to reach the Denali summit before traveling across Central America And, at first, everything was going to plan. Joined by Wangrat's cousin Marek Paleski, the trio made it to base camp at 14,200 feet with a forecast of good weather ahead After a year of working and saving up, they got married and set off for their 12-month adventure, landing in Alaska on May 10. And, at first, everything was going to plan. Joined by Wangrat's cousin Marek Paleski, the trio made it to base camp at 14,200 feet with a forecast of good weather ahead. Ten days later, as they were preparing for a summit attempt up the 20,310 feet mountain, Paleski and Czarnecka left to store supplies at the 17,200-foot camp. Wangrat stayed behind to sleep off a headache. Hours later, a ranger told him that his cousin and wife had both been involved in an accident. As the pair climbed up to 17,200 feet, Paleski slipped. But one day, as Paleski and Czarnecka set off to store supplies at the 17,200-foot camp, Paleski slipped and they both fell more than a thousand feet into a crevasse Czarnecka underwent a four hour surgery, during which doctors fused the bones in her neck and installed a plate and rods to stabilize her skull Through it all, Czarnecka said she has always had a 'peace inside' despite the horrific ordeal They had not been clipped into the aluminum pickets - meant for protection - along the path, but were roped together. So when Paleski slipped, Czarnecka followed. Although she tried to halt their descent with an ice axe, it was no use. Moments later, she lost consciousness. Both Paleski and Czarnecka slid 1,000 feet and then dropped 10 feet into a crevasse on Peter Glacier. It would be another half-hour before Czarnecka became conscious again. When she awoke, Czarnecka managed to take a selfie to see the damage to her face. Meanwhile, rangers were frantically trying to find the pair after Paleski activated a personal locator beacon and a guided climbing party who witnessed the fall alerted officials. And Czarnecka said the experience has only made her marriage stronger with Wangrat But a helicopter search had to be called off due to wind and, after four hours, rangers on the ground decided to restrategize and continue the following morning. Paleski had not been allowed to join the search team due to the potential risk because of his emotional involvement. Thus he was left to spend the night desperately hoping to see a helicopter carrying his wife and cousin. As Paleski lay awake with worry, his cousin packed snow around the pair's tent to block them from the wind. They had no sleeping bags, so Palecki laid gear, food, and chemical hand warmers atop his and Czarnecka's body to keep them warm. A dozen rangers began their search to find the pair the next morning and spotted Paleski, who had set off on his own in hopes to finding help. After he gave the group more information about Czarnecka's location, she was discovered and able to wave at the National Park Service helicopter. Czarnecka and Wangrat had a brief reunion at the base camp before she was taken by helicopter to the hospital in Anchorage. Now Czarnecka is celebrating small victories, like being able to walk up and down the stairs and take a shower It was there she underwent a four hour surgery, during which doctors fused the bones in her neck and installed a plate and rods to stabilize her skull. Through it all, Czarnecka said she has always had a 'peace inside' despite the ordeal. 'I have this feeling that, okay, it wasn't time for death now,' she said. 'It's not comfortable, of course, but I don't feel any panic.' The couple are hoping to return to Poland this week and Czarnecka is already looking ahead to their next adventure, hopefully in the Southern Hemisphere. Meanwhile, her incredible recovery has shocked and awed those who found her, including Joseph McBrayer. 'If you were to ask any one of my peers, or anyone else in the climbing community, if someone would survive a 1,000-foot fall on 40 to 50 F snow and ice, I think they'd probably say no.' Gove has demanded a reforming of the 'rigged' crony capitalist system Michael Gove has demanded a crackdown on crony capitalists who have rigged the system. The Environment Secretary warned the failure of capitalism needed to be addressed urgently so it did not result in just the rich getting richer. In a speech at the Policy Exchange think-tank, he called for an overhaul of the tax system to encourage investment and a curb on excessive bonuses for fat-cat bosses. Warning of the rise of radical Left-wing movements, he criticised the Bank of England and other central banks over quantitative easing, which he said had simply boosted the wealth of the wealthy. Mr Gove said that after Brexit Britain would be able to impose stricter controls on lobbyists to prevent the powerful rigging markets in their favour. He condemned bosses who earn a fortune but dont look after their staff, international companies that treat tax laws as an optional extra, directors who take out massive dividends while knowing the company pension is about to go bust. In his own department, Mr Gove said he had warned the water companies they must change or change will come to them. Earlier this week, a study revealed that 58million has flowed into the pockets of nine water firms bosses in five years. Liv Garfield, 42, boss of Severn Trent Water, was the highest paid in the sector last year, earning 2.5million. She has raked in around 7million since 2014. Mr Gove said that since the global crash of 2008, the outlook has grown darker for most, particularly the young and those with low skills. He added: Economic power has been concentrated in the hands of a few and crony capitalists have rigged the system in their favour and against the rest of us. Over recent decades, debt has fuelled growth in an unsustainable fashion indeed, growth has been built not just on irresponsible levels of borrowing but an unsustainable approach towards natural resources. Our politics, culture and regulatory models have worked against innovation, have been pushed in that direction by powerful incumbents. Many of our fellow citizens, especially those without the qualifications and connections to work the system, have seen less and less value placed on their work and themselves. He warned: It is imperative we address that failure honestly and unsparingly, determined to identify where and how we have gone wrong. Unless we rescue and reinvigorate capitalism, we will find the engine which has generated so much of mankinds progress either stalls or moves into reverse. Mr Gove said such trends had fuelled the rise of Left-wing movements in Europe, including Labour in Britain which he argued was now more in tune with radical parties such as Syriza in Greece and Podemos in Spain than the movement of Attlee, Wilson, Callaghan and Brown. Wage growth has stagnated and expectations of future security have eroded as occupational pension schemes have been plundered or dissipated in value, the Environment Secretary added. Christopher Bailey (pictured with Rosie Huntington Whiteley) will be handed Burberry shares worth 8.7million next month as he continues to cash in from the fashion house These trends have gone hand in hand with an increased concentration of wealth and power in the hands of the already wealthy and powerful. Deliberate policy decisions have rewarded those who are already rich. These political currents pose a particular danger for the free market system. The current failure of capitalism to deliver prosperity and opportunity as it has, can and should has fed the revival of ideological movements which threatened, indeed harmed, free markets and human flourishing in the past. However, Mr Gove warned that the daring thinking needed to challenge received wisdom was being inhibited by the prevailing culture. The culture of our times does not welcome dissent and challenge as it should, he said, citing the example of speakers being denied platforms at universities. Original thinking is scrutinised for political acceptability and, if it is deemed to fall outside prescribed boundaries, the author is attacked. The human spirit cannot soar when these traps and shackles are deployed so energetically to limit freedom of thought and speech. Hedge fund boss to scoop 100m from Italy turmoil A billionaire hedge fund boss could scoop a pay-out of more than 100million after gambling on political turmoil in Europe. Alan Howards 1.7billion fund is thought to have bet big on upheaval across the Continent as Italys new anti-establishment coalition squared up to the European Union. The political row triggered falls in stock markets and a slump in the price of Italian debt, giving a boost to speculators seeking a fast profit from crashes. Alan Howards (pictured) 1.7billion fund is thought to have bet big on upheaval across the Continent as Italys new anti-establishment coalition squared up to the EU These market moves helped Mr Howards fund, AH, surge by 36.7 per cent in May alone adding hundreds of millions of pounds to its value. He gets a 30 per cent cut of annual profits from the fund, meaning a likely pay-out of more than 100million based on last months rise. His windfall will infuriate critics who claim that super-rich hedge fund bosses seek to profit from downturns that hurt ordinary savers. Mr Howard, 54, quit Britain for Switzerland in 2010 after the Labour Government brought in a 50 per cent income tax rate on top earners. The married father of four, who has a 22million penthouse in New Yorks Trump Tower, moved back to London last year, saying this was for family reasons. During the Italian crisis, there was a massive sell-off of the nations government bonds due to fears that it would face an economic crisis and be unable to pay off its debts. Bank shares also fell sharply. The nation has since backed away from new elections, meaning markets have recovered some lost ground. Mr Howard told the Financial Times: Im happy that the loyalty and confidence shown by my investors has been rewarded. Burberry head leaves fashion label... and still bags 13m! The former boss of Burberry is leaving the company with nearly 13million in pay, shares and bonuses despite dwindling sales. Christopher Bailey was handed 4.2million for the 12 months to the end of March 2018 even though he was replaced as chief executive nine months earlier. That was 20 per cent more than he got the previous year. Christopher Bailey (pictured) was handed 4.2million for the 12 months to the end of March 2018 And the 47-year-old will be handed Burberry shares worth 8.7million next month as he continues to cash in from the fashion house, whose ad campaigns have featured top models such as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. It takes his pay since his departure was announced to nearly 13million. On top of the bumper pay awards, Mr Bailey was given a leaving gift worth 28,000 as recognition for his extraordinary contribution to the British luxury label, according to the companys annual report published yesterday. Mr Bailey, who lives in London with his partner, the actor Simon Woods, and their two daughters who joined Burberry as head designer. In 2014, he was promoted to the dual role of chief executive and chief creative officer. Shareholders criticised the move, warning that he lacked the corporate experience for the top job. There were also fears the dual role would undermine his ability to focus on designing new products. Burberrys share price plunged 22 per cent under his leadership as profits and sales dwindled and he was eventually replaced. After disappointing results, Burberry brought in Givenchy chief Marco Gobbetti, 58, in July and made Mr Bailey president and chief creative officer. He remained in this post until March, when ex-Givenchy designer and Mr Gobbettis former colleague Riccardo Tisci was brought in. However, the firms report revealed he was still paid 4.2million in the year to the end of March up from 3.5million the previous year. His pay included a basic salary of 1.1million, a cash allowance of 440,000, pension contributions of 330,000 and a string of bonuses and other perks. Next month, he will be handed 400,000 Burberry shares which were last night valued at 8.7million. Mr Bailey will also continue to be paid until the end of the year. The report said: Christopher has agreed to remain with Burberry in an advisory capacity until December 2018, which provides valuable continuity and helps ensure a smooth transition. The firm where chief is on 45m while 97% of staff get real living wage One of the countrys biggest housebuilders was branded a disgrace by a senior MP last night in a row over fat cat pay. In a bruising encounter in Parliament, the chairman of Persimmons pay committee was told the 45million bonus handed to chief executive Jeff Fairburn last year was egregious. Marion Sears faced humiliation when she was unable to tell MPs on the business committee what the firms average worker earned. Marion Sears faced humiliation when she was unable to tell MPs on the business committee what the firms average worker earned And she was condemned after she revealed that 97 per cent of Persimmon staff earn the real living wage, which campaigners say is necessary to live. The national living wage compulsory for workers aged 25 and over is 7.83 an hour. The real living wage is 8.75 nationally and 10.20 in London. Persimmon later revealed that its average worker was paid 35,600 less than half the 75,714 Mrs Sears, 55, earned last year. Mr Fairburn earned 1,323 times the firms average wage. Appearing before the business committee yesterday, Mrs Sears was asked what her boss was paid last year. She replied that it was 675,000 his basic salary but was cut off by committee chairman Rachel Reeves, who wanted to know what his total pay was. Oh, about 45million, said Mrs Sears. This is around 2million short of the real figure. Mr Fairburn, 52, has been dubbed Mr 131million over the potential size of the windfall he could have received through a bonus scheme agreed in 2012. He has agreed to give up a chunk of the payout after a backlash but still received 44.9million of shares last year under the plan, taking his total pay for 2017 to 47.1million. He is in line for a payment worth around 35million next month. Miss Reeves was incredulous when Mrs Sears was unable to state the firms average wage, saying: Isnt one of the reasons why people are unhappy about the 45million paid to Jeff Fairburn is because the success of the company reflects the work of everybody and in the case of Persimmon the Governments Help to Buy scheme? 'So isnt the pay of the average person in the organisation quite pertinent to the issue of pay at the top? Mrs Sears said: Yes it is. But this is such a special case that its an irrelevant multiple. Miss Reeves shot back: It might not be that irrelevant to somebody just doing an ordinary job at Persimmon. She added: You would have thought an organisation that can pay 45million to their chief executive might be able to afford to pay the living wage to everybody in their organisation, wouldnt you? After the hearing, the MP tweeted: Answers from Persimmon a disgrace. She said later in a statement: Executive pay at Persimmon is a tale of corporate greed and incompetent pay management, financed on the back of a taxpayer-funded housing scheme. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani complemented his client President Donald Trump for having a 'warm relationship' with both of his ex-wives. Giuliani, who represents Trump in the Russia probe and is himself divorcing Judith Giuliani, his third wife, vouched for the president's character by saying he hasn't heard a 'bad word' about his client from his exes. 'Trump is a real gentleman who respects his wife and loves his daughter and has a warm relationship with his ex-wives - that's not something I can say about everybody,' Giuliani said during a discussion at the Globes financial conference in Israel. 'I haven't heard a bad word about him from his ex-wives,' Giuliani added. Rudy Giuliani praised President Trump, saying he has a 'warm relationship with his ex-wives.' Giuliani is divorcing his wife of 15 years, Judy If she were of the mind to trash her ex, Trump's first wife, Ivana, might need to first get his permission. She signed a detailed confidentiality agreement in 1992 that prohibits her from discussing her marriage without Trump's consent. It states that she 'shall not directly or indirectly publish, or cause to be published, any diary, memoir, letter, story, photograph, interview, article, essay, account, or description or depiction of any kind whatsoever, whether fictionalized or not, concerning her marriage to [the husband] or any other aspect of [the husband's] personal, business or financial affairs,' according to lawandcrime.com. Asked whether Melania Trump, who held hands with her husband Wednesday in her first public appearance with him in weeks, wanted him to win Giuliani said, 'Women always think that their husbands will win.' 'Trump is a real gentleman who respects his wife and loves his daughter and has a warm relationship with his ex-wives,' said Giuliani. Here President Donald Trump looks toward first lady Melania Trump at a briefing on this year's hurricane season at the Federal Emergency Management Agency Headquarters, Wednesday, June 6, 2018, in Washington Trump divorced Marla Maples weeks in advance of a four-year marriage deadline that would have boosted her terms according to their prenup. As the end of a long divorce battle and getting a $2 million payment, she issued the following statement: 'After giving Donald two years to honor the verbal commitments he made to me during our 12-year relationship, I decided to walk away completely under the terms of our prenuptial agreement that had been placed before me just five days before our 1993 wedding,' the New York Daily News reported at the time. Trump told the paper: 'I wish Marla well. I'm glad it worked out so amicably.' The two also have appeared to remain on solid footing. Maples got a front-row seat to the inauguration. Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani (L) arrives at the White House with Jennifer LeBlanc (R) on May 30, 2018 in Washington, DC. Giuliani, one of U.S. President Donald Trump's lawyers, was attending an event on the south lawn of the White House Trump traveled to Camp David in Maryland last weekend with Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump, both born of his first marriage, as well as Tiffany, whose mom is Marla Maples. He famously included his three kids from his first marriage in 'The Apprentice.' During their bitter divorce, Ivana Trump accused Trump of 'rape' after what she said in a proceeding was an angry encounter after he blamed her for a painful procedure with a plastic surgeon she had recommended, as the DailyBeast reported during the campaign. When a Trump book, 'Lost Tycoon' by Harry Hurt III was published containing the allegations, it included a statement from Ivana provided by Trump's lawyers explaining what she meant by the term. 'I felt violated, as the love and tenderness, which he normally exhibited towards me, was absent. I referred to this as a "rape," but I do not want my words to be interpreted in a literal or criminal sense,' she said. Giuliani recently moved into a new bachelor pad, now that he is divorcing the former Judith Nathan after a 15-year union. Tiffany Trump, White House Senior Advisor Jared Kushner and his wife Ivanka Trump leave the White House June 1, 2018 in Washington, DC. The The family members are accompanying U.S. President Donald Trump to Camp David for the weekend Giuliani's divorce from Donna Hanover became so tense that a judge issued a restraining order. Rudy Giuliani, Judy Nathan Giuliani during HBO Sports' premiere of "Nine Innings From Ground Zero" at American Museum Natural History in New York, New York, United States He previously was married to Donna Hanover and Regina Peruggi. He had two kids, Andrew and Carolina, with Hanover during their 20-year marriage. Their divorce was so angry that a judge issued a restraining order. Giuliani last week took Andrew on a sort of double date with Andrew's new bride and Giuliani's guest, Louisiana fundraiser Jennifer LeBlanc, whom he also took to the White House. LeBlanc told DailyMail.com she and Giuliani are not dating. Although he called Trump a 'gentleman who respects his wife,' he used considerably less kind words to describe porn star Stormy Daniels, who claims she had an affair with Trump in 2006 during his marriage to Melania. 'I respect women - beautiful women and women with value - but a woman who sells her body for sexual exploitation I don't respect. Tell me what damage she suffered. Someone who sells his or her body for money has no good name,' said Giuliani. Shot back Daniels' attorney Michael Avenatti: 'Mr. Giuliani is a misogynist. His most recent comments regarding my client, who passed a lie detector test and who the American people believe, are disgusting and a disgrace. His client Mr. Trump didnt seem to have any moral issues with her and others back in 2006 and beyond.' David Videcette took to Twitter to instruct people not to be 'passive targets' in moped gang attacks As London is grappling with a rise of violent moped gang attacks, an expert has revealed a step-by-step guide on how to react if targeted. David Videcette took to Twitter to instruct people not to be 'passive targets' following the stunning attack on Michael McIntyre, who was held at knife point by masked robbers on mopeds earlier this week. The former Scotland Yard counter-terror detective turned thriller author warned against following a predictable daily routine, saying switching up habits will help fend off targeted attacks. He also called on passers-by to take better notice of their surroundings and try to stop the robbery, saying 'there are simply not enough police to fight this epidemic.' Mr Videcette started out the informative Twitter thread by using Mr McIntyre's incident as an example, beginning with the robbers bashing in the car's window, saying the comedian should have never gotten out of the car. Mr Videcette used Michael McIntyre's (pictured hugging his son) incident as an example, saying the comedian should have never gotten out of the car Mr Videcette wrote: 'There are a few interesting points that are worth mentioning about [the attack]. 'First off, timing & location of attack. Im totally not interested in moaning about double yellow line parking here, so forget that. Hes stopped to pick up his son, and this would appear to be a regular occurrence - it leaves open the idea that he was specifically targeted. 'Theyve attacked the drivers side window with a hammer. As you can see theyve had to hit it a number of times before its actually broken. Car windows are surprisingly strong. Dont sit there & let them break it, drive off or move, dont be a passive target. ' However, Mr Videcette warns once outside of the car Mr McIntyre was correct in fighting back once he was threatened with weapons. 'In any case, at this point, I wouldnt advise putting up a fight. Being passive is likely best. Its only a watch. Mr Videcette then highlights to the bikes the moped robbers were riding, noting the removed number plate. He said: 'The moped is probably stolen, its number plate removed. It cant be identified, and therefore cant be tracked back to the robbers - it also cant be linked to the scene after its left. So even if police do recover it, they cant say its the one used in robbery.' Pictures taken shortly after the attack show the driver's side window smashed and damage to Mr McIntyre's door He added: 'Note the dark clothing worn by the attackers, nothing distinctive. Both wearing gloves. They leave no forensic evidence behind.' Mr Videcette says passers-by need to take more notice of what's happening around them, saying they could have helped stop the attack. He wrote: 'Passers by & people not being aware of whats going on: One guy does go to help, but then stands and watches. Note the people on the pavement behind Michael, oblivious of whats going on around them. Wake up! You outnumber these yobs and together could have done something. 'Even if you take photos & video of whats going on, do something. Video and photos help police if you make them aware of it. Identification - we want to see makes of clothing. The attackers eyes. Distinctive marks or features on the moped, scratches, so we can link to the scene 'Routine, especially at places like schools where you likely park in the same place at the same time... Michael had an expensive watch, much has been said about it, but we are all targets. Our phones are worth several hundred pounds each. They want them. 'Vary your routine. Plan ahead. Not planning for these sorts of events is why we become easy targets. Different routes to and from home are a good idea. Are you being watched/followed? These are indicators for a possible up coming event. 'There are simply not enough police to fight this epidemic. Weve all got to help each other. If you see this happening, help. If you know who this is, help, ring crimestoppers, tell someone, please. If you dont, next week, thats me, or worse, its you and your child.' His guide comes as London's crime rate has soared with violent and knife incidents both up by more than 20 per cent. London now has a higher murder rate than New York, with more than 70 killings so far this year. There are also sixty moped attacks per day in London and the capital has been described 'like the Wild West'. Scotland Yard has logged 22,025 motorcycle muggings in 12 months a rise of 50 per cent; Officers revealed that city gangs had set up 650 'county line' networks to sell drugs in towns and villages; Police were hunting moped robbers who targeted comedian Michael McIntyre; A rank-and-file police leader said officers were wary of chasing them for fear of possible disciplinary action; A think-tank said shop theft cost 6.3billion last year or 270 for every household. Violent crime soared by 21 per cent last year, with 1.3million offences recorded by police. The figure was the highest since records began in their current form 15 years ago. The aide to Scott Pruitt who shopped for his used mattress, arranged his personal travel and apartment shopped for the EPA administrator resigned from the Environmental Protection Agency. Millan Hupp's last day will be Friday. The 26-year-old was 'tired of being thrown under the bus by Pruitt,' and weary of seeing her name in the news, one EPA official told The Atlantic, which reported Hupp's resignation. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump praised Pruitt during his visit to FEMA Wednesday for a hurricane preparedness briefing despite the nearly day-to-day revelations of a new controversy involving the EPA administrator. Trump said the EPA is 'doing well' and told Pruitt 'somebody has to say that about you a little bit.' Millan Hupp, an aide Scott Pruitt used to mattress shop, has resigned the EPA Scott Pruitt, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is under fire for his use of tax payer money When The Atlantic contacted EPA spokesperson Jahan Wilcox, he would not comment on Hupp's resignation but said: 'You have a great day, you're a piece of trash.' Officials began drafting Hupp's resignation paperwork on Monday morning, hours after her congressional testimony was made public. Also resigning is another top aide who has been close to Pruitt since his Oklahoma days. Sarah Greenwalt, a senior counsel at the agency who also worked with Pruitt when he was Oklahoma attorney general, also gave notice. Greenwalt came to public attention for the 52 percent raise she received earlier this year, before the EPA reversed the decision. Pruitt had pushed for raises for several senior staff members outside of normal federal pay scale protocals. Pruitt is under fire for multiple questionable uses of tax payer money during his tenure at the EPA, including $3.5 million on his own security, $10,000 to redecorate his office, using his security detail's flashing lights and sirens to make a dinner reservation at a posh D.C. restaurant, and and building a $43,000 soundproof booth in his office. Trump praised him Wednesday during a hurricane preparedness briefing attended by the president, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Pruitt and other Cabinet officials. 'EPA is doing really, really well. And you know, somebody has to say that about you a little bit. You know that, Scott,' Trump said. ' People are really impressed with the job that's being done at the EPA. Thank you very much, Scott.' Hupp has come under heavy fire this week after her testimony to congressional investigators was released. The two top Democrats on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee outlined the unusual duties of taxpayer-funded scheduling assistant Hupp in a letter obtained by The Washington Post earlier this week. Pruitt directed Hupp, his director of scheduling and advance, to help him purchase a Trump Home Luxury Plush Euro Pillow Top mattress, according to the letter. A standard queen version of the luxury mattress, without a box spring, costs $1,399 before tax and shipping. A standard king costs $1,750. Additionally, the Washington Post reported this week Pruitt instructed Hupp to inquire about opportunities for his wife to purchase a Chick-Fil-A franchise. Pruitt had Hupp set up a call with the head of the company for the purpose of discussing a 'potential business opportunity.' In a subsequent conversation, Pruitt brought up his wife's desire to open up a Chik-fil-A franchise. Mrs. Pruitt started but did not finish the paperwork, a spokesperson for the company told The Post. These were some of the many unique tasks Hupp performed for her boss, which saw her scout apartments in D.C. neighborhoods and arrange his family vacation to California over the New Year's holiday so the Pruitts could watch the Oklahoma Sooners play in the Rose Bowl. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Tuesday afternoon that she had not talked to Trump about the latest blow to Pruitt's credibility. She said as she did on Monday when DailyMail.com asked about Pruitt that the White House would look into the charges. Director of Environmental Protection Agency Scott Pruitt is sworn in by Justice Samuel Alito as his wife Marilyn holds a bible. Pruitt allegedly tried to get his wife a Chik-fil-A franchise MIllan Hupp (center) poses with her sisters. Sydney Hupp (right) has also worked for the EPA. 'I haven't had a chance to speak with the president directly about the Washington Post's new report,' Sanders told a reporter. 'We continue to have concerns and look into those and we'll address them.' A day prior Sanders said the White House was looking into a claim from two Democratic members of Congress that Pruitt used a government aide to help him shop for apartments and for a used luxury mattress at Trump's Washington hotel. 'Certainly looking into the matter,' Sanders said during a White House briefing, quipping: 'I couldn't comment on specifics of the furniture used in his apartment.' Hupp isn't the only senior aide who's left EPA. In April, Samantha Dravis, the agency's senior counsel and associate administrator in the Office of Policy, resigned, CBS News reported. Her departure came days after a Democratic senator asked for a review by the EPA inspector general of Dravis' time and attendance, 'including an investigation of potential fraud committed' by Dravis. Meanwhile, Hupp described her work at the EPA in an interview with congressional investigators as including an array of personal tasks, including booking non-work flights with Pruitt's personal credit card. She said she remembered Pruitt 'has spoken with someone at the Trump Hotel who had indicated there could be a mattress he could purchase, an old mattress he could purchase,' and that the administrator 'had expressed interest in securing a matter' to her. Hupp said she did not recall if Pruitt got his bedding but asked to confirm that 'it was not for use at EPA,' she replied, 'Not to my knowledge.' The Trump International Hotel does allow guests to buy Trump-branded furnishings, but it does not appear to sell used mattresses. A receptionist referred a Post reporter to Tempur-Sealy corporate offices, which sells the same ones used at the Trump Hotel by mail order. Hupp has been at the EPA since March 2017, according to her LinkedIn profile, and before that was a political consultant in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Barely three years ago, she worked at an Embassy Suites hotel near the Nashville airport. She made $114,590 in Pruitt's personal office, The Washington Post reported in April. She got a 33 percent raise after the 26-year-old staffer oversaw an extensive housing hunt for Pruitt. At times, she did this work office hours, a former EPA employee and others who interacted with her told the Post. Ethics experts say that kind of activity constitutes a violation of federal rules. Pruitt told a House panel Hupp performed the apartment hunt 'on personal time,' but she told investigators she did some of it during work hours and used her official agency email at times in her search. She said she was not compensated for this service. Pruitt is under investigation for renting a Capitol Hill condo for which he paid $50 a night whenever he was in town - from a lobbyist who worked on energy issues. Pruitt described Hupp in his congressional testimony as 'a longtime friend,' and she told investigators 'I would consider him a friend of mine, yes.' But federal rules bar a federal employee from making 'a donation or a gift to an official superior' and bar a federal official from accepting 'a gift from an employee receiving less pay than himself.' Asked if she took leave from work when she occasionally looked at apartments during office hours for Pruitt and his wife, Hupp told committee staffers, 'I did not.' Advertisement Robert F. Kennedy's granddaughter Kick joined the rest of the family to mark the 50th anniversary of his death in one of her first public appearances since her troubled billionaire 'boyfriend' Matthew Mellon died. The 30-year-old daughter of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attended the commemoration for her grandfather at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on Wednesday. Kennedy was pictured smiling as she held a bunch of white roses that she and her family later placed on the marble tombstone marking RFK's grave. Robert F. Kennedy's granddaughter Kick joined her family at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on Wednesday to mark the 50th anniversary of his death She also posted a tribute photo of her grandfather on Instagram to mark the 50th anniversary of his assassination. It is one of her first public appearance since the death of Mellon, a 54-year-old billionaire banking heir. She had been dating the twice-divorced father of three for four months when he passed away on April 16 a source told DailyMail.com. The pair had been introduced years earlier at a New York City charity event. The 30-year-old daughter of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attended the commemoration at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia She also posted a tribute photo of her grandfather on Instagram to mark the 50th anniversary of his assassination Mellon, who struggled with drug addiction during his adult life, was found dead in his Mexico hotel room on the same day he was due to check into a rehab facility. Kennedy, who had just spent several months travelling around Europe and the US with Mellon, took to Instagram following his death to share a video of the pair dancing and a tribute alongside it. She wrote: 'Most who knew Matthew knew he had an incredible way of manifesting wildly unpredictable miracles that shocked and awed us all. Simply, he was magical. 'We also couldn't really understand what he was ever talking about, almost ever. He had a way of moving around quickly and mumbling and then all of the sudden saying something completely insightful. Kennedy shared this touching video and tribute to billionaire banking heir Matthew Mellon, 54, who she was said to be dating before his shock death in Mexico on April 16 It was Kennedy who suggested Mellon check into rehab when he relapsed before his death. Mellon is pictured above in a photo he posted on March 25 as Kennedy hid behind a book 'I remember him turning to me once and saying 'Don't let the fear of losing be greater than the excitement of winning' before going back to the usual topics (UFOs....!!! Human cloning...!!!). It was hard not to be completely under his spell.' Kennedy went on to say that Mellon loved his friends and described his two ex-wives, Tamara and Nicole, as the 'loves of his life'. Prior to his death Mellon had been sober for three months but made the decision to check himself into the rehab clinic for follow up treatment, according to a family spokesperson. Kennedy's agent Christine Schott, who spoke to Kick after the news of Mellons death, told People: 'He was sober and they were enjoying life. Then all of a sudden he apparently fell off the wagon'. A source close to Mellon told DailyMail.com that it was Kennedy who implored Mellon to seek treatment. The Kennedy family placed white roses on the marble tombstone marking Robert F Kennedy's grave in Virginia on Wednesday Never get between a man and his bottle of ketchup. That's a lesson one Tennessee woman learned the hard way when she attempted to stab her neighbor with a knife, only to be squirted with the tomato sauce. A couple in Mufreesboro awoke around 2.45am to the sound of their neighbor, Shalonda Latrice Shepard, banging on their front door last week. When the couple opened the door, Shepard allegedly threw a bowl of sugar over them. She then allegedly pulled out a steak knife and began to stab the woman. Shalonda Latrice Shepard has been arrested after she allegedly began attacking her neighbor with a steak knife in the middle of the night The neighbor's husband only managed to stop Shepard when he began to squirt her with ketchup (file photo) The woman's husband ran into the kitchen, desperate to find something he could use to stop the attack. He then came back outside with a bottle of ketchup and squirted it on Shepard, according to the Daily News Journal. Shepard immediately stopped stabbing the woman and 'became very angry about the ketchup', according to the report. '[She] stated she was going to "take care of them in the morning" and fled the apartment', it added. The woman was hospitalized and treated for lacerations on her left elbow and left upper back as well as small cuts to her stomach. Shepard was charged with aggravated assault and criminal trespass. She was released on $20,500 bond and is due to appear in court in July. A undocumented man working for a pizza shop was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as he delivered catering to an Army base in Brooklyn on Friday. Pablo Villavicencio, a native of Ecuador, was first taken into custody by military policy at Fort Hamilton after a guard at the gate asked him to produce more than an IDNYC card, which is an official form of identification recognized in New York City. 'I was delivering food to the military base and they detained me,' Villavicencio told The New York Post from an ICE detention center on Wednesday, over the phone., where he is being held pending deportation. 'I have been there before and always go in and never have had any problems. They actually know me and the sergeant knows me for some time doing delivery.' A GoFundMe page has been set up for the Villavicencio family by a person named Mauricio Sierra. Pablo Villavicencio, an undocumented pizza delivery man was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as he delivered catering to an Army base in Brooklyn on Friday; He is seen here (top, right) with his wife, American citizen Sandra Chica (top, left) and their two young daughters 'Its cruel that theyre going to separate my daughters from him,' said Sandra Chica, who is an American citizen and wife to Villavicencio and mother to their two young daughters. 'Hea supporting the family and now Im going to be by myself with them.' Chica, who works as a part-time medical assistant, said her husband had already applied for a green card but is now scheduled to be deported in a matter of days. Villavicencio is shown here with his daughters in a photo shared to Facebook on March 9 The trouble for Villavicencio, who had been living with his family in Long Island, started because a new soldier was at the gate that day. 'Last Friday there was a different security guard and he told me I needed to go get another pass to enter,' Villavicencio said. 'And I proceeded to do that. A tall man with dark skin started to ask me many questions. He asked me about why I didnt have any social security card. 'He called the NYPD and the NYPD told him I didnt have any record, that I was clean. But the man said, "I dont care." He said I need to keep waiting and he called ICE.' A spokesperson for Fort Hamilton said that when Villavicencio couln't produce a Department of Defense- issued identification card, he was instructed to secure a day pass. At that point, the woman said, he signed a waiver for a background check, and 'an active Immigration and Customs Enforcement warrant was discovered on file.' According to an ICE spokesperson, the pizza delivery man was ordered by a judge to leave the country in 2010, and has been a 'ICE fugitive' ever since. The trouble for Villavicencio, who had been living with his family in Long Island, started because a new soldier was at the gate at Fort Hamilton Army base that day The manager at Nonnas Deli in Queens, which is the pizza place where Villavicencio works, only said, 'He was a great worker.' Bay Ridge Councilman Justin Brannan and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams demanded Villavicencios release during a press conferenced held with Chica on Wednesday. 'Is our city or our nation any safer now that Pablo the pizza delivery man is off the streets?' Brannan asked. 'Its insane the message it sends is scary and ridiculous.' Those wishing to donate to the Villavicencio's family may do through the fundraising campaign that has been created here. A San Diego man was left furious after police wrongly identified him as a person of interest in a neighborhood burglary last month. Ike Iloputaife had taken his three-year-old Borzoi dogs, Lars and Luvkiy, for an early morning walk around Vista, where he lives, on May 16 - just seven hours before a home he'd walked past had been burgled, the LA Times reported. Police issued a press release with pictures of the three suspects, and a 'person of interest'. Iloputaife, 55, was stunned to see a picture of him on the release, listed as the 'person of interest'. The suspects were all black males, and Iloputaife is also black. Ike Iloputaife (pictured) had taken his dogs for a walk around his neighborhood in Vista seven hours before a home he walked past was burgled. A neighbor had taken a photo of him, saying he was 'a stranger in her street' and sent it to police after the robbery He was listed in the release as appearing 'similar to Suspect 2 in the burglary', even though Suspect two was described as being between 20 and 35, at least six feet tall and weighing 260 pounds. Iloputaife said he had been vacationing in Yosemite when the picture was released days after the incident, and came back to hear the news from a neighbor. A woman who lived near the burgled home and sent the picture in told police she'd taken a photograph of the Nigerian-born man after he walked past her house because he was 'a stranger on her street'. The picture had been taken long before the robbery. Iloputaife took to the Nextdoor app to share his frustration at what had happened. 'In this person's head I became a person of interest because of my skin color,' he wrote. 'Asking to call the police on a black person in this highly charged political and cultural environment can be a danger for the black person.' Iloputaife's friend said watching he and his partner Jim Watson deal with the incident, for which he says he's received no apology, has been difficult. Laurie Gilbert said both men were 'good, kind, loving people' without a bad bone in their bodies. 'To suddenly feel unwelcome and afraid to go out and walk your dogs is awful,' she said. The photograph has been removed from the press release at Iloputaife's request, and he has contacted various media outlets about retracting it. Paul Dacre: 'He has given a voice to the voiceless' Paul Dacre yesterday announced that he is to step aside as Editor of the Daily Mail after 26 years. The newspaper's proprietor, Lord Rothermere, described him as 'quite simply the greatest Fleet Street Editor of his generation' and praised him for holding power to account through many campaigns and investigations. Mr Dacre said he will step back from day-to-day editing of the Mail by his 70th birthday in November. He will take on broader challenges within the company as Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and Metro newspapers and the MailOnline and Metro.co.uk websites. Mr Dacre said he was 'announcing this now in order to facilitate the handover to a new team'. He has been a Fleet Street Editor for 28 years, 26 of them at the Mail and prior to that at the Evening Standard. Lord Rothermere, the Chairman of parent company DMGT, praised Mr Dacre's 'brilliant stewardship not only for his huge circulation successes on both the Mail and Standard but also for the sheer power of his many campaigns, investigations and crusades that have held power to account, given a voice to the voiceless and often set the political agenda, through six prime ministerships'. He added: 'He has done this while working tirelessly to defend Press freedom to the benefit of our whole industry.' In his statement, Mr Dacre said: 'It is a joy to work for Lord Rothermere. He has given me two things that to an editor are worth more than all the riches of Araby the freedom to edit without interference and the backing to assemble Fleet Street's greatest team of journalists.' He said the 'extraordinary team's tireless efforts' had increased the Mail's circulation by almost a million copies in a declining market, and made the Mail's Saturday edition Britain's biggest selling paper. The team had launched the Scottish and Irish Daily Mails, Metro the UK's top circulation week-day paper and MailOnline which, under its Publisher Martin Clarke, has become the world's No 1 English-language newspaper website. He said: 'During these years thousands of jobs in our industry were created.' Describing the Mail's campaigning journalism, Mr Dacre added: 'It's this team who have been behind our countless successful campaigns. Whether it has been justice for Stephen Lawrence and the Omagh bomb victims, plastic in supermarkets and in the seas, Dignity for the Elderly, thwarting Labour's plans for super casinos, or putting sepsis and prostate cancer on the map, we have shown that newspapers make a difference. 'Without the Mail, Gary McKinnon, Shaker Aamer and Marine A would probably be in jail and Afghan British Army translators, whose lives are now at risk, would not have the chance to live here.' Alleged computer hacker Mr McKinnon, who has Asperger's syndrome, was saved from extradition to the US in 2013, and the Mail's work to free Mr Aamer, the last Briton held at Guantanamo Bay, saw him come home in 2015. Royal Marine Alexander Blackman, jailed for killing a Taliban fighter in the war in Afghanistan, was freed last year. Mr Dacre also paid tribute to his team for spearheading the battle for freedom of expression against those seeking to impose statutory regulation of the Press. He said: 'This battle is on-going and I plan to continue playing as great a part in it as ever.' Paying tribute to the Daily Mail's staff, Mr Dacre expressed his 'heartfelt gratitude to everyone journalists, management, circulation reps and printers who have made Associated one of the most successful newspaper groups in the world'. He said it has been a privilege to work with them all, and 'I look forward to continuing to do so in my new role in which I will endeavour to ensure that our company remains at the absolute forefront of a rapidly changing industry.' Under Mr Dacre's stewardship, the Daily Mail has won Newspaper of the Year on seven occasions at the industry's 'Oscars', the British Press Awards more than any other title. Sara Huegill has been spotted running errands a day before she is due to court on shoplifting charges. The 34-year-old publicist looked downcast while picking up her daughter from daycare on the Gold Coast on Wednesday. Mrs Huegill is due to face Byron Bay Local Court on Thursday after allegedly stealing from a clothing store last month. Earlier this week, Mrs Huegill's husband, former Olympic swimmer Geoff Huegill, broke his silence on his wife's alleged behaviour. 'There are no excuses for poor choices,' he wrote in a heartfelt social media post in which he said there are 'two sides to every story'. Scroll down for video Sara Huegill has been spotted running errands a day before she is due to court on shoplifting charges The 34-year-old publicist looked downcast while picking up her daughter from daycare on the Gold Coast on Wednesday Olympic swimmer Geoff Huegill was seen shopping for groceries on Thursday morning She was arrested after staff at Byron Bay's Bassike store allegedly caught her stashing a $2,500 pair of leather pants into her handbag and leaving without paying. A day before facing court Mrs Huegill was seen getting in and out of a purple Volkswagen Beetle carrying her daughter's school bag. Casually dressed in light-coloured jeans and a long-sleeved black T-shirt, the mother-of-two looked pensive ahead of Thursday's court appearance. Mrs Huegill said the allegation was 'FALSE' when approached for comment. The PR businesswoman was seen picking up her daughter from daycare on the Gold Coast Casually dressed in light-coloured jeans and a long-sleeved black T-shirt, the mother-of-two looked pensive ahead of Thursday's court appearance Geoff Huegill was seen looking downcast on the day his wife Sara was due to appear in court Her lawyer has also issued a statement apologising for the alleged shoplifting incident. 'Sara deeply regrets the incident and apologises unreservedly,' the statement said. 'Sara has made good progress recently in being treated for issues related to anxiety and depression and acknowledges this is a setback. 'She has asked for privacy and understanding for her family at this time.' Earlier this week Mrs Huegill's husband, former Olympic swimmer Geoff Huegill, broke his silence on his wife's alleged behaviour Mrs Huegill is due to face Byron Bay Local Court on Thursday after allegedly stealing from a clothing store last month A day before facing court Mrs Huegill was seen getting in and out of a purple Volkswagen Beetle carrying her daughter's school bag Earlier this week former Olympic swimmer Geoff Huegill spoke out for the first time since his wife was hit by the accusations Geoff Huegill (pictured, left, right) took to Instagram on Tuesday appearing to speak about his wife's behaviour saying 'at times, good people make poor choices' Geoff Huegill took to Instagram on Tuesday appearing to speak about his wife's behaviour saying 'at times, good people make poor choices'. 'We all trip over and make mistakes and unfortunately, we let others down. But that doesn't make us bad people,' he said. 'There are no excuses for the poor choices, however, when we look back at a moment in time, naturally there are things we would all do differently. 'I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to those who have supported us and those who continue to support us in these challenging times. Geoff Huegill took to Instagram to post a vague apology, alongside a photo of the couple 'We all trip over and make mistakes and unfortunately, we let others down. But that doesn't make us bad people,' he said 'Naturally there are two sides to every story, and there will be a time, when we as a family will share our side. 'For now, my primary focus is to make sure that the health and well-being of my best friend is managed, so she can be the best person she can be for herself and for our family.' The latest allegations follow Geoff and Sara's 2014 arrest for cocaine use at Randwick Racecourse. Both Geoff and Sara pleaded guilty to drug possession and were handed six-month good behaviour bonds. Mrs Huegill, 35, allegedly allegedly stole a pair of leather pants worth $2,500 from exclusive Byron Bay boutique Bassike in May Special Counsel Robert Mueller wants to see witness' personal phone so he can examine their encrypted conversations as he investigates Russia's role in the 2016 election. The request could potentially let him see conversations between close associates of President Donald Trump as the special counsel examines whether or not the president obstructed his investigation. Since at least April, Mueller's team has demanded witness' phones so they can examine private conversations on encrypted apps like WhatsApp, Confide, Signal and Dust, sources told CNBC. Special counsel Robert Mueller is looking for conversations that weren't previously disclosed Mueller's request could reveal to investigators conversations with those close to Trump Paul Manafort reportedly used WhatsApp to talk to witnesses in his case The witness have done so out of fear they will be subpoenaed if they don't. It's unknown if the demand has resulted in new information for the investigative team but they seem to think the apps will expose conversations that weren't previously disclosed. The apps are designed to keep conversations private. The revelations about Mueller's new demand comes as the special counsel wants Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort to be put in jail while he awaits trial because he allegedly tampered with witnesses via encrypted apps. Mueller filed a motion in federal court asking a judge to revoke Manafort's $10 million bail, The New York Times reported. Prosecutors working with Mueller say that Manafort tried to contact witnesses in the case using an encrypted messaging program on his cell phone. Manafort allegedly sent numerous text messages to a potential witness using WhatsApp. The messages allegedly sent on WhatsApp were then backed up on Manafort's iCloud, according to prosecutors. Mueller is now asking a judge to either revise the terms of his release or revoke it entirely, which could mean he will have to stay in jail until his trial. FBI Special Agent Brock Domin, in a declaration filed with Mueller's motion, said Manafort had attempted to call, text and send encrypted messages in February to two people from The Hapsburg Group, a firm he worked with to promote the interests of Ukraine. The FBI has documents and statements from the two people, as well as telephone records and documents recovered through a search of Manafort's iCloud account showing that Trump's former campaign manager attempted communication while he was out on bail, according to Domin. The communications were 'in an effort to influence their testimony and to otherwise conceal evidence,' Domin wrote. 'The investigation into this matter is ongoing.' Manafort is the most senior member of Trump's campaign to be indicted, though the charges do not relate to campaign activities. He has been indicted for financial crimes related to his work as a lobbyist for foreign actors, which he did not register for until his work was revealed during the campaign. Trump has denied collusion with Russia and called Mueller's investigation a 'witch hunt.' Manfort's legal team has also denied any wrong doing. And Dust was the app reportedly used between longtime Trump personal attorney Michael Cohen and Felix Sater, a real estate developer with ties to Russian when they tried to complete Trump Tower Moscow. The plan ultimately fell apart. She survived the Nazi invasion of Poland before coming to Britain to start a new life after the war. But yesterday Sophie Kaczan, 100, died in hospital after her neck was broken during a vicious mugging. Mrs Kaczan, born Zofija, was left covered in blood after she was attacked in the street as she made her way to church. The pensioner was approached from behind and knocked to the ground before her green imitation leather handbag was stolen. She suffered several injuries, including a fractured cheekbone and broken neck. The former factory worker, who was forced to work for the Nazis during the Second World War, managed to stumble to church still clutching one of the bags gold straps. Sophie Kaczan, 100, died in hospital after her neck was broken during a vicious mugging Police initially said her injuries were not life-threatening and that she was recovering after the attack in Derby on May 28, but she died yesterday morning. Her friend and neighbour Stacia Fitzsimmons, 55, said the mugger had in effect taken the pensioners life. She would still be walking to church every morning if it wasnt for the person who has done this he has killed her, she added. Mrs Fitzsimmons said Mrs Kaczan had been receiving treatment at a residential home for rehabilitation after the mugging, but was transferred back to hospital, where she died. Mrs Ftzsimmons added: Its so upsetting she was like a mother to me. It is just awful that she has had to live out her final days like this. I just hope that the police catch whoever did this to Zofija. Another neighbour said Mrs Kaczan often spoke of her life in Poland after the Nazi occupation. It is estimated 6.5million people died there during the war around a fifth of the countrys population. Of those, 664,000 were battlefield deaths but the rest were civilians of all ages. Those who were spared were put to work in factories to support the German war effort. The conditions were poor and workers received little or no pay. Police yesterday appealed for witnesses and officers were seen carrying out door-to-door inquiries in the area. DCI Darren Death, from Derbyshire police, who is leading the investigation, said: This crime is absolutely horrific. Mrs Kaczan was a well-loved member of the community and that she was targeted in this way is disgusting. There are people in Derby who know the person responsible for this crime and I would urge them to come forward with any information that can help bring those responsible to justice. We have a number of leads that we are pursuing. Mrs Kaczan was attacked moments after leaving her semi-detached home in the Normanton area of Derby to attend a service at the nearby St Maksymilian Kolbe Polish Church. Neighbours said she went there most days. It was the second time Mrs Kaczan had been mugged. Neighbours said the pensioner was robbed in almost identical circumstances around eight years ago It was feared the mugger may have got away with as much as 1,000 as her bag with a 900 utility bill inside was later found dumped. Friends said she may have had the cash to pay the bill in her bag at the time. It was the second time Mrs Kaczan had been mugged. Neighbours said the pensioner was robbed in almost identical circumstances around eight years ago. Just weeks before the latest incident, Mrs Kaczan, a devout Catholic, was pictured celebrating her centenary with a party at her home for friends and neighbours. She proudly showed off a certificate from the Pope to mark the milestone. Her husband Micoli, who died ten years ago, served with the Polish regiment during the war and saw action in the battle of Monte Cassino in Italy. His military service won him the right to settle in the UK after the war. He found work at the Rolls-Royce factory in Derby and his wife joined him soon after. The couple had no children. A 39-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the incident has been released under investigation. University of Bolton vice chancellor Professor George Holmes was given a 1million loan by his employers so he could move nearer to the campus The boss of a low-ranking university who owns a Rolls-Royce, a Bentley and sails a 30ft-yacht has seen his pay soar this year. Professor George Holmes, who provoked criticism last year for claiming vice chancellors in Britain are not paid enough, has received a salary rise of 66,000 to lead the University of Bolton. He now earns a total of 290,215 higher than some leading vice chancellors despite his institution being smaller and ranked 126th by the Complete University Guide. The news comes after Professor Holmes was ridiculed for flaunting his wealth publicly, saying he hope[d] students use their education to get a good job and then they can have a Bentley. He also made headlines in January when it emerged that he had attended the all-male Presidents Club charity dinner at the Dorchester Hotel where, it was claimed, several hostesses were sexually harassed. Professor Holmes later issued a statement saying he had felt uncomfortable about the treatment of female staff and had raised his concerns. Dr George Holmes with his Rolls Royce at the Mayor's Classic Car Rally in Victoria Square, Bolton Professor Holmes' former home near Wakefield, a 47-mile drive from the University of Bolton campus Details of his latest pay deal emerged in company accounts for 2016/17, which have been published later than those of other universities. Sally Hunt, head of the University and College Union, said: George Holmes has certainly made the headlines again this year, but not in a manner one would expect to be rewarded so handsomely for. The vice-chancellor has been rightly criticised for his embarrassing lack of self-awareness when it comes to his pay and accepting this huge increase will do nothing to combat the idea that vice-chancellors are utterly out of touch. Asked about his Bentley Continental and yacht, which is moored on Lake Windermere and was part-funded by an inheritance, the professor said: You should be free to spend your money how you want. For anyone who prefers the window seat to the aisle, this will sound plane crazy the next generation of airliners could have no windows at all. Emirates has unveiled its latest aircraft in which passengers flying first class with Emirates will be treated to virtual views. Fibre optic cameras project the scene from outside, even to those sitting in the middle aisle. It means travellers can have a window seat wherever they sit. Emirates president Sir Tim Clark forecast that all passenger planes will eventually do away with windows. The windowless aircraft will be shown off in the UK for the first time tomorrow [file photo] This will make aircraft lighter and thus more fuel-efficient as well as stronger. They will be faster and able to fly at higher altitudes. Sir Tim insisted passengers who normally fight to get a window seat would not be missing out on the latest Boeing 777-300ER. The quality of the imagery is so good, its better than the natural eye, he told the BBC yesterday. The windowless aircraft will be shown off in the UK for the first time tomorrow when Emirates starts its daily service from Stansted to Dubai. But not everyone is convinced. Aviation expert John Strickland told the BBC people want to be able to look out and see skyscapes adding: Im a bit of a window obsessive. For me, artificial windows would be no substitute. Those paying 4,000-plus return for their first-class seat to Dubai may see another advantage of a windowless plane there is no chance of being sucked out of the aircraft if a window shatters. A body covered in material, hidden among bushes, has been found dumped at the side of a busy road in a Sydney suburb. The grim discovery was made by a passing motorist on Wednesday at 10.30pm in Homebush, in Sydney's west. Police have launched a homicide investigation into death, which they are treating as suspicious. Police have begun their homicide investigation where the body was located (pictured) It has been reported that items have been found at the crime scene as officers investigate the suspicious death (pictured) The crime scene is located on busy Homebush Bay Drive (pictured) where investigation continues The local police have established a crime scene as forensic examinations continue. Detectives from the State Crime Commands Homicide Squad have visited the scene for their investigations. An inflatable mattress was found at the crime scene. It is unsure whether this is related to the incident or not. The age, sex and identity of the body is still not known. Police have said that the investigation looks to uncover the suspicious death, the identity of the body and the circumstances of the death. A post mortem will likely be completed today. Officers urge anyone with information to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Google Maps shows where the police currently are parked and investigating the suspicious death The wife of Trump campaign aide George Papadopoulos has made an impassioned plea to President Donald Trump to grant him a pardon. Following a wake of grants of mercy from the president, including granting Kim Kardashian's appeal for clemency for Alice Johnson, Padopoulos' wife has been on a media blitz for her husband. Simona Mangiante made the case for Papadopoulos with an interview withCNN on Wednesday. The former Trump campaign aide pleaded guilty in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation to lying about his Russian contacts. He is one of two Trump aides to cop a guilty plea, the other being former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. The wife of Trump campaign aide George Papadopoulos has been on a media blitz to plea for a pardon for her husband Simona Mangiante said George Papadopoulos 'is loyal to the truth, and has been through a lot' 'George is loyal to the truth, and has been through a lot, and is loyal to his country,' she said on CNN's 'The Lead with Jake Tapper.' 'He believed in Trump, and I believe in Trump having access to information and awareness now to know that he deserves a pardon.' 'And of course, one of the reasons I want him to pardon is that I love him,' she added. Trump is eyeing pardons for dozens of people, though it's not clear if Papadopoulos or anyone involved in the Russia investigation is under consideration. The president has tweeted he could pardon himself in regards to the Russian investigation, should he wish. Legal scholars disagree and several lawmakers, including Republicans, have said such an action would not be advisable. Loyalty, which Mangiante has emphasized in her interviews, is a trait the president is said to highly value. Mangiante said Papadopoulos is a 'victim' who got confused and 'made a mistake' while being questioned by the FBI during its investigation of Russian contacts with Trump's campaign. He pleaded guilty last October to lying to the FBI about his contacts. He has cooperated with the investigation and prosecutors recently asked a judge to prepare for his sentencing. Papadopoulos faces a maximum sentence of five years behind bars. Prosecutors have agreed, however, to seek a lower sentence of zero to six months in return for his cooperation. MSNBC asked Mangiante if she had spoken with anyone in the White House about a possible pardon and she said she had not. Court filings revealed Papadopoulos was in touch with two Russians and a Kremlin-tied professor throughout the campaign. The filings say one of those contacts, professor Joseph Mifsud, told him in April 2016the Russians had dirt on Hillary Clinton in the form of 'thousands of emails.' Hillary Clinton's campaign manager, John Podesta, had his email account hacked during the 2016 campaign. Mangiante told CNN Papadopoulos 'just confused the date' when talking to investigators about his conversations with Mifsud. But prosecutors accused him of lying about the content of the conversations. 'He never had any interactions likely to cause collusion,' Mangiante said. Recent reports revealed a confidential FBI source met with Papadopoulos during the campaign and reported to the FBI, which was investigating Russian meddling in the election at the time. President Trump is said to be considering several pardons and just issued clemency to convicted drug dealer Alice Johnson, who had her case pleaded by Kim Kardashian It's unknown if Trump will pardon anyone related to the Russian investigation but did tweet he had the ability to pardon himself if he so choose George Papadopoulos cooperated with Robert Mueller's investigation and is expected to receive a light sentence in return An American professor at Cambridge University, Stefan Halper, allegedly met campaign aide Carter Page and Papadopoulos. Papadopoulos first met Halper after the academic invited him to England in September 2016 to discuss energy issues, two sources familiar with his account told NBC News. The Trump aide found Halper's behavior during these meetings suspicious, the sources said, and also noticed that the academic's young assistant appeared to flirt with him both during and after the exchanges. Papadopoulos said Halper, who is now retired, randomly brought up Russians and Clinton's emails, adding to his suspicions. There is no public evidence that Halper was an FBI informant, and official sources have refused to comment on the subject. Halper has not given any comment on the issue. But Trump has claimed that this man was a 'spy' embedded in his campaign and demanded the Justice Department investigate the matter. Papadopoulos has not given any interviews since his guilty plea. His public appearances have been limited to posts on Twitter and pictures posted on Mangiante's social media. Miangiante, an Italian citizen who has done work for the Italian parliament, has done all the talking for the two. She has offered a starkly different portrait of her fiancee, who the White House said had an 'extremely limited' roll in the campaign. Even Trump tweeted that Papadopoulos was a 'low level volunteer.' In December, she said Papadopoulos was no low-level 'coffee boy' and was 'constantly' in touch had 'high-level' officials in the campaign. Advertisement China's rampant development has sent nature into full retreat, but in one village the countryside has managed to creep back to reclaim lost ground. Houtouwan was once a thriving fishing community of sturdy brick homes clinging to the steep hills of the island of Shengshan. But it's now abandoned, with entire houses completely overgrown as if shrink-wrapped in a lush layer of green. The former hub is one of many examples of small villages in China that have become deserted after residents have moved away to find better prospects in cities. Houtouwan village on the island of Shengshan, east of Shanghai, was once a thriving fishing community in the 1990s It is now abandoned, with entire houses completely overgrown as if shrink-wrapped in a lush layer of green The island, a few hours east of Hangzhou Bay, is a stark contrast to the vibrant metropolitan skyline of nearby Shanghai The remote village has recently been attracting tourists who crave for a full immersion into some greenery, far away from the nearby bustling city of Shanghai. It's one of the 400 villages that make up the Shengsi Islands to the east of China's Zhejiang province. The island, a few hours east of Hangzhou Bay, is a stark contrast to the vibrant metropolitan skyline of Shanghai - an image conjured up in many westerners' minds when imagining populous China. The remote village was abandoned in the early 1990s as fishermen and their families moved away to the mainland for better prospects. Years later in 2015, it was re-discovered - with vegetation overtaking empty houses and footpaths. Years later in 2015, the abandoned village was re-discovered - with vegetation overtaking empty houses and footpaths The hilly terrain on Shengshan Island make the village look even more picturesque against the bright blue sky Houtouwan is one of the 400 villages that make up the Shengsi Islands to the east of China's Zhejiang province Shengsi Islands - made up of nearly 400 islands - are located east of China's Zhejiang province just hours from Hangzhou Bay Shanghai-based amateur photographer, who calls herself Qing Jian, first took a set of photos of the seaside village during a trip to Shengshan three years ago. 'The neighbouring villages all have people living in them - only Houtouwan is completely empty,' she told MailOnline. The stunning photos of the forgotten hub went viral and have since been drawing tourists who wish to see the force of mother nature with their own eyes. These visitors are the only thing disturbing the bush's re-conquest of the village, located 140 kilometres (87 miles) from Shanghai by its fairy-tale setting and East China Sea vistas. Right now, bottles of water are the only item available for sale in the village. The village of Houtouwan was established in 1950 and prospered over the decades on the sea's riches Now, it is completely covered with overgrown vegetation, attracting tourists on a daily basis who crave for some greenery Day-trippers used to roam freely through Houtouwan, but last year authorities introduced a 50 yuan ($7.80) entry charge Houtouwan was established in 1950 and prospered over the decades on the sea's riches. But its tiny harbour eventually proved too small for the larger vessels needed to sustain fishing, and the ships were diverted to nearby ports instead. The big seas that lash the coast at certain times of the year often made it too dangerous to land small craft, meaning the only connection to other communities on Shengshan was a strenuous trek up a steep, winding path. 'Giving birth, children going to school, when old people got sick - all we had was that small path. It took too much effort,' said a woman who gave only her surname Wang. The former resident, now in her 40s, only returns these days to earn extra money as a safety officer, keeping an eye on the tourists. The island looks like a scene from a movie set and almost every metre of the stone buildings have been overtaken by vines Vines climbing up buildings, along the paths and through the windows of former homes are so beautiful they look deliberate What was once home to fishermen and their families in a once thriving village is now overgrown, eerie and abandoned 'It was a lot of fun when we were young, going down to the beach to collect seafood,' she said. But by the mid-1990s the village, which once had as many as 3,000 residents, was largely abandoned in favour of a neighbouring town on the island. 'Once people had more money, they all moved out one after another up into the town. That how it was,' Wang said. In recent years, selfie-snapping day-trippers could roam freely through Houtouwan. However, since last year, local authorities have charged 50 yuan (5.83) for entry, while confining tourists to a single circular walking loop through a village frozen in time. The site 140 kilometres (87 miles) from Shanghai captivates tourists with its fairy-tale setting and East China Sea vistas The big seas that lash the coast made it too dangerous to land small craft, meaning the only connection to other communities on Shengshan was a strenuous trek up a steep, winding path The seaside village now lies empty because it was more economical for the fishermen to move and work on the mainland Many of China's villages have disappeared due to economic development, inaccessibility, poverty and social changes, among other factors. Nearly 900,000 villages across China were abandoned or destroyed in the first decade of this century, historian Feng Jicai previously told Jinan Daily News. In 2014, a study on the nation's rapid urbanisation in rural areas was conducted by Chinese researchers, who visited 91 remote villages in a seven-month expedition. They discovered that some villages with development value have been commercialised with shops and tourism, while some were abandoned as many young villagers have moved away to find work in the city, according to Guangzhou Daily. The famous Chinese mathematician Chen Jingrun's hometown - Chaolei Village in Fuzhou City - was completely demolished because of the construction of Fuzhou Railway Station. Another remote village, Maijieping, located 800 metres above sea level in Yanshi city of Henan province, is home to only four remaining elderly residents after younger families have moved to neighbouring cities. However, Houtouwan is perhaps the most renowned 'ghost village' due to its fairy tale-like reclamation. A boy in south-west China staged his own abduction to demand a ransom from his mother so that he could buy a new phone. 13-year-old Xiaojun (not his real name) tried to extort 50,000 yuan (5,823) from his mum on Sunday after calling his mother to say that he's been kidnapped. After investigating, the police established that the kidnapping in Leshan city, Sichuan, was fake and the boy was trying use the ransom to buy a new phone. The 'kidnapper' sent Xiaojun's mother a picture of him crying and being gagged with a white cloth. Police later established that the abduction in Leshan city, Sichuan, is fake At about 5pm on Sunday, Xiaojun's mother, Zhang Li (not her real name), received a phone call from a Beijing number on her Sichuan mobile, according to Chengdu Business News. She heard her son yelling: 'Mummy! Mummy!' 'Who's phone is this?' She asked. 'A stranger,' he answered. Before she could ask her anything else, he yelled once more before the line went dead. She received another phone call three hours later, this time with Xiaojun crying and saying that he's been abducted near the train station. She then received threatening messages demanding the family to pay for her son's 'safe return'. 'If you want to save your child, take 50,000 yuan (5,823) to the train station. Otherwise, he'll be dead,' the message read. The 'kidnapper' also sent her a picture of him crying and being gagged with a white cloth. She hastily replied: 'Please don't hurt my son. The money is ready, I beg you!' Police on Monday found Xiaojun hiding in a hotel room in Huatou district in Leshan city 'If you want to save your child, take 50,000 yuan (5,823) to the train station. Otherwise, he'll be dead,' the message sent to Ms Zhang read. She quickly prepared the money She immediately contacted the Jiajiang police department and prepared the money to be placed in Haochi Street, a busy tourist area in the district of Yancheng. In a another phone call, Xiaojun said that four men took him at the train station, blindfolded him and left him under a bed. However, local police detected several discrepancies in the text messages, and suspected that the Beijing number is a fake one. They also wondered why the four kidnappers would leave the boy alone with a cell phone. After investigating for two days, the police on Monday found Xiaojun hiding in a hotel room in Huatou district, about an hour away from Yancheng. When the police couldn't find any trace of the said abductors, the truth came out - Xiaojun owned up and said it was all an act. It turned out that he just wanted to scare his parents into giving more attention and use the ransom to buy a new phone, according to the report. He reportedly had been asking them to buy him a mobile phone for a year and couldn't wait any longer. A British nuclear fusion reactor has reached temperatures hotter than the centre of the sun in a test that marks a key step toward limitless clean energy. The Tokomak reactor hit 15 millionC (59 million F) at a facility in Oxfordshire as part of preparations to supply the UK grid with fusion power by 2030. Researchers at Tokomak Energy are attempting to build an affordable fusion reactor that turns hydrogen into cost-effective green energy. With fusion energy, one tablespoon of liquid hydrogen fuel could generate as much energy as 28 tons of coal with no radioactive waste. The latest test takes Tokomak Energy a step closer to its ultimate goal of heating high-energy gas to 100 million degrees centigrade (212 million F) later this year. At this temperature - seven times hotter than the centre of the sun - the reactor will trigger nuclear fusion, a joining together of atomic nuclei that releases enormous amounts of energy. Scroll down for video A British nuclear fusion reactor has reached temperatures hotter than the centre of the sun in a test that marks a key step toward limitless clean energy. Pictured is the reactor at the Tokomak Enegery facility in Milton, Oxfordshire This same process powers stars, and Tokamak Energy, based in Milton, Oxfordshire, is working to recreate it in a device called a compact spherical tokamak. The company aims to produce industrial scale fusion energy by 2025 before its technology is integrated into Britain's power grid. Tokamak Energy's 15 millionC landmark was achieved in a prototype device dubbed ST40 that was commissioned last year. ST40 is the third machine in a five-stage plan to achieve abundant, clean fusion energy. Dr David Kingham, co-founder of Tokamak Energy, said: 'The world needs abundant, controllable, clean energy. 'Our business plan is built on strong scientific foundations and this major milestone provides further validation of our compact spherical tokamak route to fusion power. The Tokomak reactor heated a gas to 15 million degrees centigrade (59 million F) at a facility in Oxfordshire as part of preparations to supply the UK grid with fusion power by 2030. This image shows the high-energy gas, known as plasma, inside the ST40 reactor Researchers at Tokomak Energy are attempting to build an affordable fusion reactor that turns hydrogen into cost-effective green energy. The reactor used in the latest test is called ST40 (pictured), the third machine in a five-stage plan to achieve abundant, clean fusion energy WHAT IS A TOKAMAK NUCLEAR FUSION REACTOR? The tokamak is the most developed magnetic confinement system and is the basis for the design of many modern fusion reactors. Plasma is contained in a vacuum vessel, which is then heated by driving a current through it. A combination of two sets of magnetic coils creates a field in both vertical and horizontal directions, acting as a magnetic 'cage' to hold and shape the plasma. The heating provided by the plasma current supplies a third of the 100 millionC temperature required to make fusion occur. The tokamak (artist's impression) is the most developed magnetic confinement system and is the basis for the design of many modern fusion reactors Additional plasma heating is provided when neutral hydrogen atoms are injected at high speed into the plasma, ionized and trapped by the magnetic field. As they are slowed down, they transfer their energy to the plasma and heat it. High-frequency currents are also induced in the plasma by external coils. The frequencies are chosen to match regions where the energy absorption is very high. In this way, large amounts of power may be transferred to the plasma. Advertisement 'Fusion is a major challenge, but one that must be tackled. 'We believe that with collaboration, dedication and investment, fusion will be the best means of achieving deep decarbonisation of the global energy supply in the 2030s and beyond.' Tokamak Energy's 15-million-degree landmark was achieved in a prototype device dubbed ST40 (pictured) Fusion involves placing hydrogen atoms under high heat and pressure until they fuse into helium atoms. The same process enables stars to shine and in a less controlled way provides the destructive force of H-bombs. Fusion power holds out the promise of almost unlimited supplies of clean energy. It uses special forms of hydrogen as fuel, produces no greenhouse gases, and the only waste product is helium. But harnessing and raining in the mighty forces involved is a daunting challenge. Tokamak Energy's ST40 achieves its dizzying temperatures using a technique known as merging compression. This releases energy as rings of super-hot cloud of electrically charged gas called plasma that crash together, forcing the plasma's magnetic fields to reconfigure. Merging compression involves putting high electric currents through internal coils of the tokamak, which requires power supplies to deliver thousands of amps in a matter of seconds. With fusion energy, one tablespoon of liquid hydrogen fuel could generate as much energy as 28 tons of coal with no radioactive waste. Pictured is the SV40 reactor Tokamak Energy grew out of the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy in Oxfordshire. A key innovation is that the company combines spherical tokamaks with the latest generation of high temperature superconducting magnets (HTS). Jonathan Carling, CEO at Tokamak Energy, said: 'We are taking significant steps towards achieving fusion energy, doing so with the agility of a private venture, driven by the goal of achieving something that will have huge benefits worldwide. 'Reaching 15 million degrees Celcius is yet another indicator of the progress at Tokamak Energy and a further validation of our approach. The latest test takes Tokomak Energy a step closer to its ultimate goal of heating high-energy gas to 100 million degrees centigrade (212 million F) later this year At 100 million degrees centigrade (212 million F) - seven times hotter than the centre of the sun - the reactor will trigger nuclear fusion, a joining together of atomic nuclei that releases enormous amounts of energy 'Our aim is to make fusion energy a commercial reality by 2030.' In 2017, Tokamak Energy was selected by the International Energy Agency (IEA) as one of three leading innovative ideas in fusion. Tokamak Energy has raised private investment of more than 30 million, with investors including Oxford Instruments, Legal & General Capital and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Tokamak Energy's ST40 (pictured) achieves its dizzying temperatures using a technique known as merging compression. This releases energy as rings of super-hot cloud of electrically charged gas called plasma that crash together A primitive sea reptile that swam the oceans 245 million years ago had tuberculosis (TB), according to new research. Scientists found the oldest known case of the respiratory infection to date in the fossil of a creature that lived during the Triassic Period. The skeleton of the extinct reptile was dug up at a fossil site in Poland near the border with the Czech Republic. Lesions in the creatures' ribs led researchers to identify the contagious disease. A primitive sea reptile (reconstruction) that swam the oceans 245 million years ago had tuberculosis (TB), according to new research Proneusticosaurus silesiacus belongs to the sauropterygians, a group of aquatic reptiles that developed from land ancestors and flourished during the Mesozoic before they became extinct at the end of the era. Sauropterygians had flat skulls with curved, rounded teeth and long, flexible necks. The largest were the plesiosaurs that grew up to 40 feet (12 metres) in length. Proneusticosaurus silesiacus was one of the first sauropterygians to appear and was much smaller. It had a long and slender body. This unfortunate specimen had contracted the serious infectious disease TB which is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 'Modern-day epizootic studies of the spread in free-ranging animals have been reported for birds and mammals, but data regarding reptiles are scarce', said research assistant Dawid Surmik, of the Park of Science and Human Evolution in Poland. 'The speciman was found in Gogolin quarry probably at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries', Mr Surmik told MailOnline. Evidence of it was first reported in 1902 by palaeontologist Wilhelm Volz. Scientists found the oldest known case of the respiratory infection to date in the fossil of a creature that lived during the Triassic Period. Pictured is a close-up of the rib cage showing the pathological ribs Pictured is a close-up of a pathological rib exhibiting abnormal bone growth. Lesions in the creatures' ribs led researchers to identify the contagious disease Proneusticosaurus silesiacus (pictured) belongs to the sauropterygians, a group of aquatic reptiles that developed from land ancestors and flourished during the Mesozoic (250 to 65 million ago) before they became extinct at the end of the era WHAT IS THE PRONEUSTICOSAURUS SILESIACUS? Proneusticosaurus silesiacus belongs to the sauropterygians, a group of aquatic reptiles that developed from land ancestors and flourished during the Mesozoic (250 to 65 million ago) before they became extinct at the end of the era. Sauropterygians had flat skulls with curved, rounded teeth and long, flexible necks. The largest were the plesiosaurs that grew up to 40 feet (12 metres) in length. Proneusticosaurus silesiacus was one of the first sauropterygians to appear and much was smaller. It had a long and slender body. It is named after Silesia, a particularly beautiful area in eastern Europe known for its castles and palaces. It probably moved through the water by undulating the body and paddling with the limbs. It would have also had considerable mobility on land. It is not known if the animal lived in herds or exhibited any other group behaviour. Advertisement TB, which kills 1.7 million people a year, reduces lung function meaning the animals breathing capacity was probably weakened. It would have blighted the life of the marine animal for years. 'This potentially constrained diving behaviour related to feeding or escape from predators', said Mr Surmik. 'It is clear it survived several seasons of disease, before it perished', he said. 'It cannot be determined whether the death was an independent phenomenon or the result of compromise of hunting efforts due to limited mobility related to diminished lung capacity or the result of TB-related failure of internal organs.' Pictured is the specimen as preserved today. TB, which kills 1.7 million people a year, reduces lung function meaning the animals breathing capacity was probably weakened Pictured is a microscopic view of a thin section of a pathological bone growth on a rib in polarised light. The creature probably moved through the water by undulating the body and paddling with the limbs The skeleton of the extinct reptile was dug up at the Gogolin quarry fossil site in Poland near the border with the Czech Republic TB was identified by the character of lesions recognised on several consecutive ribs of the fossil which looked like the ones seen on humans who have the disease. Proneusticosaurus silesiacus probably moved through the water by undulating the body and paddling with the limbs. It would have also had considerable mobility on land. It is not known if the animal lived in herds or exhibited any other group behaviour. Many marine reptiles have been found at Gogolin quarry, which is near the border between Poland and the Czech Republic. Proneusticosaurus silesiacus was one of the first sauropterygians to appear and was quite small. It had a long and slender body It would have also had considerable mobility on land. It is not known if the animal (reconstruction, pictured) lived in herds or exhibited any other group behaviour 'Such specimens were collected and housed in Museum of Geology, the University of Wroclaw', Mr Surmik told MailOnline. 'However, they were lost or damaged during WWII. This specimen was also substantially damaged', and only the middle portion now remains. The discovery, reported in Royal Society Open Science, shows pathogenic microorganisms causing TB were present during the Early Mesozoic more than 250 million years ago. Mr Surmik said: 'The case presented here is the oldest record of pneumonia and possibly pushes the earliest record of TB back to the Early Mesozoic, the dawn of the age of reptiles. 'The multidisciplinary approach used in the current analysis revealed a chronic, multi-seasonal disease affecting bone tissue', he said. 'The presence of bone reaction and protrusions, localised to the visceral surface of the paravertebral area of the ribs, suggest a TB-type lung infection, the oldest known such observation to date.' A US Army research center has developed a complicated algorithm that can figure out an ideal dosage of caffeine. The system will also maximize alertness for people exhausted from lack of sleep. A recent study found that 85 percent of American adults consume caffeine in some form every day, and now the Army has found the perfect time to get the best effect from it. A US Army research center has developed an algorithm that can figure out an ideal dosage of caffeine to maximize alertness when tired from lack of sleep In a study published in the Journal of Sleep Research, Department of Defense researcher Jaques Reifman discussed how an created algorithm can determine the best dosage of caffeine to take at the right time. 'We found that by using our algorithm, which determines when and how much caffeine a subject should consume, we can improve alertness by up to 64 percent, while consuming the same total amount of caffeine,' Reifman said. 'Alternatively, a subject can reduce caffeine consumption by up to 65 percent and still achieve equivalent improvements in alertness.' The system can figure out safe, individualized caffeine-dosing solutions that result in the alertness that makes people more productive. Reifman had users perform psychomotor vigilance tasks (PVT) and had user input sleep and caffeine intake data, since caffeine can affect everyone differently. The algorithm then used the data to calculate an ideal dosage strategy for each person. A recent study found that 85 percent of American adults consume caffeine in some form every day, and now the Army has found the perfect time to get the best effect from it The algorithm is currently being tested among soldiers in training, and the army plans to license the system. 'Our algorithm is the first quantitative tool that provides automated, customized guidance for safe and effective caffeine dosing to maximize alertness at the most needed times during any sleep-loss condition,' said Reifman. BENEFITS OF DRINKING COFFEE Caffeine has been deemed safe for consumption in doses of up to 400 mg per day for the general population. Studies suggest it can have a variety of health benefits, including combating liver disease and type two diabetes. Research has even suggested it could even help people live longer. It is the world's most widely consumed stimulant and reports show it can boost daily energy expenditure by around five per cent. Researchers have said combining two to four daily coffees with regular exercise would be even more effective at keeping the weight off. A 2015 study showed just a couple of cups a day could help millions of dieters stay trim once they have achieved their desired weight. Advertisement A commercial smartphone app for public use could be available at one point, but nothing is yet in the works. Related research led to the development of an open source version of the system called 2B-Alert. However, it does not incorporate PVT results, so it isn't personalized. Facebook shared user data with four Chinese phone manufacturers, including Huawei, which US intelligence experts have branded a 'national security threat'. The social network acknowledged the handset makers Huawei, Lenovo, Oppo and TCL were among the 60 companies it had shared data with as early as 2007. Huawei was singled-out by the FBI director earlier this year, who said he was 'deeply concerned' its handsets have the 'capacity to conduct undetected espionage' on behalf of the Chinese government. Facebook allowed Huawei and other manufacturers access to user data to enable social media features, like Facebook Messenger, on their devices. These Facebook 'experiences' were used as a stop-gap until the social network could build a designated mobile app for the manufacturers' operating system. Facebook will now wind down its dealings with Huawei, the Californian company confirmed in a statement to The New York Times. The latest flagship smartphone from Huawei, the P20 Pro, has three separate lens to enable 3x optical zoom and low-light photography. Huawei smartphones were banned from sale in all retail outlets on US military bases earlier this year over security fears Huawei is the third largest smartphone manufacturer in the world. The Shenzhen-based company has enjoyed huge success with its Android-powered smartphones, including the triple-camera touting P20 Pro, which launched back in March, and its exclusive 1,499 ($1,225) Porsche-design Mate handset. However, US security officials have branded the company a 'national security threat'. The Pentagon ordered all retail outlets on US military bases to stop selling Huawei branded smartphones in May after the US Department of Defence said using the handsets would pose an unacceptable risk to the departments personnel, information and mission. FBI Director Chris Wray said the government was deeply concerned about the risks of allowing any company or entity that is beholden to foreign governments that dont share our values to gain positions of power inside our telecommunications networks. Wray added this would provide the capacity to maliciously modify or steal information. And it provides the capacity to conduct undetected espionage. The deal with Facebook enabled Huawei to access social media users work and education history, relationship status, friends and likes. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg pictured testifying to a US House Committee about how the company handles users' private data. The company has since confirmed it shared data with Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei WHY ARE HUAWEI AND ZTE CONSIDERED A NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT? Huawei P20 Pro (pictured) is the latest flagship phone from the Shenzhen-based company, which is now the third largest smartphone manufacturer in the world The heads of the FBI, CIA, NSA, and the director of US National Intelligence, have warned against the use of Huawei and ZTE smartphones. Elsewhere, the Pentagon ordered all retail outlets on US military bases to stop selling Huawei and ZTE branded smartphones. FBI director Chris Wray said the government was deeply concerned about the risks of allowing any company or entity that is beholden to foreign governments that dont share our values to gain positions of power inside our telecommunications networks. These concerns stem from the fact that both Huawei and ZTE have demonstrable links to the Chinese government. Huawei founder and president Ren Zhengfei had a successful military career in China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), and ZTE has close financial ties to the Chinese government. Other Chinese companies such as Lenovo, Xiaomi, and Oppo do not have the same ties and as such, haven't drawn the same scrutiny from US politicians. Huawei is effectively an arm of the Chinese government, and it's more than capable of stealing information from U.S. officials by hacking its devices," Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton said earlier this year. There are plenty of other companies that can meet our technology needs, and we shouldn't make it any easier for China to spy on us. However, there has yet to be any public evidence that Huawei or ZTE products could endanger the privacy or digital security of consumers. Huawei and ZTE both dispute claims from the US government they pose a threat to national security. A spokesperson for Huawei said: 'Huawei is aware of a range of US government activities seemingly aimed at inhibiting Huaweis business in the US market. 'Huawei is trusted by governments and customers in 170 countries worldwide and poses no greater cybersecurity risk than any ICT vendor, sharing as we do common global supply chains and production capabilities.' In a statement, ZTE said: As a publicly traded company, we are committed to adhering to all applicable laws and regulations of the United States, work with carriers to pass strict testing protocols, and adhere to the highest business standards. ZTE takes cybersecurity and privacy seriously and remains a trusted partner to our US suppliers, US customers and the people who use our products. Advertisement Facebook vice president of mobile partnerships Francisco Varela said access to user data was granted to the company in a controlled manner. However, vice chairman of the senate select committee on intelligence, US Senator Mark Warner called for assurances that Facebook data was not transferred to Chinese servers. Concerns about Huawei aren't new, he said. I look forward to learning more about how Facebook ensured that information about their users was not sent to Chinese servers. Contracts with phone manufacturers had tight limits on what could be done with users data, and approved experiences were reviewed by engineers and managers before being deployed, Facebook said in a statement. The company said it is not aware of any privacy abuse of user data as a result of the deal with Huawei. Facebook VP Varela said: Given the interest from Congress, we wanted to make clear that all the information from these integrations with Huawei was stored on the device, not on Huawei's servers. Earlier this week it emerged that Facebook has shared user data with 60 different smartphone manufacturers. The social network says it cut data-sharing deals with hardware manufacturers as it was unable to keep up with demand for mobile apps. Since almost every handset maker had its own proprietary operating system, Facebook would have needed to build a specific version of the app for each firm. To solve this problem, the social network allowed device manufacturers access to user data to enable them to build the Facebook 'experiences' themselves. Facebook maintains the deals it cut with smartphone manufacturers, like Huawei, were 'very different' from the type of public interfaces that allowed Cambridge Analytica to harvest data on millions of users WHY DID FACEBOOK HAVE DATA DEALS WITH PHONE MAKERS? Facebook has shared user data with phone manufacturers since 2007. The social network had deals with 60 companies, including a number of household names, like Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, Blackberry, and Amazon, which allowed them to access users' social network data with permission. Facebook says it cut data-sharing deals with hardware manufacturers because it couldn't keep up with demand for its mobile app. Since almost every handset maker had its own proprietary operating system, Facebook would have needed to build a specific version of the app for each firm. To solve this problem, Facebook allowed device manufacturers themselves access to user data so they could build the Facebook 'experiences' for their individual platform. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg (pictured) and his team signed deals with 60 companies, including Microsoft, Samsung, Blackberry, and Amazon, because it was unable to keep up with demand for its mobile app 'In the early days of mobile, the demand for Facebook outpaced our ability to build versions of the product that worked on every phone or operating system,' said Ime Archibong, Facebook VP of Product Partnerships. To bridge this gap, we built a set of device-integrated APIs that allowed companies to recreate Facebook-like experiences for their individual devices or operating systems.' Facebook says it tightly controlled how companies could use the data available via these APIs. Given that these APIs enabled other companies to recreate the Facebook experience, we controlled them tightly from the get-go,' Archibong said. These partners signed agreements that prevented peoples Facebook information from being used for any other purpose than to recreate Facebook-like experiences.' Since most modern smartphones run on either iOS or Android, Facebook is able to keep up with the demand. As such, it recently announcement to developers that it would be winding down access to device-integrated APIs. According to Archibong, 22 of the partnerships have already ended. Advertisement 'In the early days of mobile, the demand for Facebook outpaced our ability to build versions of the product that worked on every phone or operating system,' Ime Archibong, Facebook VP of Product Partnerships, said in a company blog post. 'It's hard to remember now but back then there were no app stores. 'So companies like Facebook, Google, Twitter and YouTube had to work directly with operating system and device manufacturers to get their products into peoples hands. This took a lot of time and Facebook was not able to get to everyone. To bridge this gap, we built a set of device-integrated APIs that allowed companies to recreate Facebook-like experiences for their individual devices or operating systems. Over the last decade, around 60 companies have used them including many household names such as Amazon, Apple, Blackberry, HTC, Microsoft and Samsung. Given that these APIs enabled other companies to recreate the Facebook experience, we controlled them tightly from the get-go. These partners signed agreements that prevented peoples Facebook information from being used for any other purpose than to recreate Facebook-like experiences.' Archibong insists these device interfaces are 'very different' from the type of public interfaces that allowed Cambridge Analytica to harvest data on millions of users. For example, Apple said it had previously used the software interfaces to allow iPhone users to post photos to Facebook without opening the app. BlackBerry claims access was only used to give its customers access to Facebook and Facebook Messenger. Huawei has specified how it used the device-integrated APIs. On 24 April, a matter of weeks after CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified to Congress about user privacy, Facebook told developers that it was winding down the scheme. According to Archibong, 22 of the partnerships have already ended. Huawei disputes claims from the US government that it could pose a threat to national security. A spokesperson for the company said: 'Huawei is aware of a range of US government activities seemingly aimed at inhibiting Huaweis business in the US market. 'Huawei is trusted by governments and customers in 170 countries worldwide and poses no greater cybersecurity risk than any ICT vendor, sharing as we do common global supply chains and production capabilities.' Police technology capable of identifying people from video footage is now so advanced it is 'running ahead of the law', a UK government report has claimed. The software can pick-out someone from CCTV footage by analysing their facial structure, gait, voice, and even their iris. This method of identification, using biological features, is known as biometrics. Investment from both public and private companies has allowed advances in Big Brother-style facial recognition and biometric technology to increase rapidly in recent years. However, legislation has not moved at the same rate. The commissioner of a new government report claims new legislation is 'urgently' needed to protect the privacy of innocent people. Scroll down for video Technology used by police to identify people from video footage is so advanced, it is 'running ahead of the law'. Software can now do this by analysing a person's fingerprints, DNA, facial structure, gait, voice and even their iris (file photo) The 125-page report, the fourth of its kind, was commissioned by Professor Paul Wiles from Sheffield Hallam University and looked into how law enforcement should use biometric technology in future. There is currently no legal guidance to regulate the use of automated facial recognition in CCTV footage, which some believe could lead to mass-surveillance of innocent people. Professor Wiles, who serves as the commissioner for the retention and use of biometric material, also looked at the legality of databases that retain images of people who had not committed a crime. He said there is a 'worrying vacuum' in police regulation around biometric technology. Professor Wiles added that official guidance from the Home Office, which was originally scheduled to be published in 2012, is now urgently needed. He said: 'Technical development and deployment is running ahead of legislation, which is why the Home Office's promised biometric strategy is urgently needed.' The report found that police are currently operating within the bounds of the law and are 'largely compliant' with rules pertaining to the retention of fingerprints and DNA. Ministers were presented with the biometrics report on March 26. Home Secretary Sajid Javid published the report this week and a spokesperson for the Home Office said a full biometrics strategy will be published later this month. As well as restricting the use of DNA samples, fingerprints and foot impressions, the latest report demanded an overhaul in the use of CCTV surveillance footage and automatic number plate scanning. Biometric technology is rapidly developing and a government report has found that updated legislation is 'urgently' needed to protect the privacy of innocent people. Home Secretary, Sajid Javid (pictured), published the report this week The biometrics report was released on time, despite the office being understaffed. In the foreward of his report, Professor Wiles reveals the office only had one member of staff for the majority of the process. As a result of this, Professor Wiles warned that he was unable to look into the emerging problem of police potentially manipulating IT systems to illegally store biometric details that should have been automatically deleted. In the 2015 report of the previous commissioner, Alastair MacGregor QC, police were found to be breaking the law to enable them to hold onto suspects' details for longer than they were legally allowed. Renate Samson, data and privacy consultant, told Sky News: 'Biometrics are beginning to play an integral role in our day to day lives, as a method of keeping our identity and data secure and as a way of law enforcement picking us out of a crowd. 'The move towards biometrics being used as a social norm is happening rapidly, but Professor Wiles' report highlights yet again that the government's failure to publish a biometric strategy has enabled use of new technologies such as facial biometrics by law enforcement has been allowed to proceed for years without the necessary laws, transparency and oversight in place. 'As we become increasingly digital citizens by default the attitudes towards security of our identity, particularly our biometric identity, must be paramount.' China has unveiled an unmanned fighter jet that could fly at supersonic speeds and prove a 'nightmare' for US defence systems. The deadly aircraft, codenamed Dark Sword, has been rumoured for over a decade but a new photo appears to finally show a full-sized version of the military vehicle. Much about Dark Sword remains a mystery, but experts believe it is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is capable of flying like a fighter jet. Dark Sword could give China a huge advantage if its military is able to mass-produce the aircraft, as it could rapidly expand its fighter fleet without training new pilots. Scroll down for video China has finally unveiled its unmanned combat drone Dark Sword after a decade of rumours. A new photo appears to show the aircraft has a supersonic intake vent and stabilisers like the US F-22 Raptor jet, suggesting it is designed for use as a fighter jet rather than a stealth drone The new photo, leaked to Chinese media this week, shows a sleek black aircraft with a front-facing vent typical of supersonic jets. This means Dark Sword could travel at speeds of up to 740 miles per hour (1,190kph), an unprecedented speed for unmanned military aircraft. The current top speed for unmanned service aircraft is around 300 miles per hour (480kph), achieved by the US MQ-9 Reaper drone. Justin Bronk, an expert at the London-based British defence think tank the Royal United Services Institute, analysed photos of the aircraft, concluding its design suggests it could 'transit to areas very fast'. 'If produced in large numbers without having to train pilots, [the aircraft] could at the very least soak up missiles from US fighters, and at the very best be an effective fighter by itself,' Bronk told Business Insider. 'If you can produce lots of them, quantity has a quality all its own.' The vehicle appears to have vertical stabilisers at the rear like the US military's F22 fighter jet, suggesting it is geared toward speed and manoeuvrability over stealth. This hints China is building the aircraft for use as a combat jet rather than a reconnaissance or precision missile strike vehicle, like the unmanned MQ-1 Predator drone used by US forces. 'The Chinese have gone with something that has a longer body, so it's stable in pitch. It's got these vertical, F-22 style vertical stabilizers,' Bronk said. Dark Sword made its debut at the Zhuhai Airshow in southern China's Guangdong province in 2006. All that military experts have had to work with since is unconfirmed images of what appeared to be a sub-scale remote model of the vehicle, leaked in 2011 (pictured) These suggest the aircraft is 'geared towards supersonic performance and fighter-style capability'. The fighter jet represents a marked difference in the directions of the Chinese and US airforces. The Pentagon has largely shelved all of its unmanned fighter jet programmes in favour of more reliable manned technology. Much of its unmanned capacity comes in the form of reconnaissance drones that deliver precision missile air-to-ground missile strikes. Dark Sword 'represents a very different design philosophy' than US unmanned combat plans, Bronk said. WHAT IS CHINA'S DARK SWORD UNMANNED FIGHTER JET? China's Dark Sword is a rumoured unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that flies like a fighter jet. Dark Sword - known in Chinese as 'Anjian' - made its debut at the Zhuhai Airshow in southern China's Guangdong province in 2006. The model was subsequently exhibited at the Paris Air Show, but details of the jet's development have since been kept tightly under wraps. All that military officials have had to work with is unconfirmed images of what appeared to be a sub-scale remote model of the vehicle, leaked in 2011. Dark Sword made its debut at China's Zhuhai Airshow in 2006. The model (pictured) was subsequently exhibited at the Paris Air Show - but details of the craft's development have since been kept tightly under wraps Little about the aircraft is known, but images show it features a front-facing vent typical of supersonic jets. This would mean Dark Sword could travel at up to 740 miles per hour (1,190kph), an unprecedented speed for an unmanned military aircraft. The current top speed for unmanned service aircraft is around 300 miles per hour (480kph), achieved by the US Reaper drone. The world's fastest unmanned aircraft was Nasa's X-43A, an experimental hypersonic jet that hit Mach 9.6 (around 7,000mph/11,200kph) during a test flight in 2004. Dark Sword has vertical stabilisers at the rear like the US F22 Raptor, suggesting it is geared toward speed and manoeuvrability over stealth. This hints China is building the craft for use as a fighter jet rather than a reconnaissance or precision missile strike vehicle, like the US Predator drone. Dark Sword could give China a huge advantage if its military is able to mass-produce the aircraft, as it could rapidly expand its fighter fleet without training new pilots. Advertisement Dark Sword - known in Chinese as 'Anjian' -made its debut at the Zhuhai Airshow in southern China's Guangdong province in 2006. The model was subsequently exhibited at the Paris Air Show - but has since been kept tightly under wraps. All that military experts have had to work with since is unconfirmed images of what appeared to be a sub-scale model of the vehicle, leaked in 2011. While the UAV would be the world's fastest unmanned military jet, it would come nowhere near the record for the quickest ever pilot-less flight. That accolade goes to Nasa's X-43A scramjet, an experimental hypersonic vehicle that hit Mach 9.6 (around 7,000mph/11,200kph) during a test flight in 2004. Spotify is gearing up to launch its own range of hardware products fuelling rumours the company plans to launch its own smart speaker. The music streaming service has registered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), paving the way for it to sell hardware products for the first time. Without proper certification from the FCC, it is impossible to market or sell wireless products in the United States. Spotify has yet to submit any hardware for certification from the US government agency. The company has long been rumoured to be developing its own hardware, however, its registration with the FCC is the first evidence it is considering bringing products to market. Scroll down for video Spotify CEO and co-founder Daniel Ek speaks on-stage during a recent announcement from the company. Spotify is purportedly gearing up for its first hardware launch The music streaming service is available on a variety of different mobile platforms, as well as third-party speakers, like the Amazon Echo, Google Home and SONOS One Earlier this year, Spotify advertised positions for a project manager and a senior project manager of hardware production, as well as an operations manager for the development of hardware products. In the listing for the operations manager role, the music streaming service said: Spotify is on its way to creating its first physical products and setting up an operational organisation for manufacturing, supply chain, sales and marketing. 'We are looking for a passionate and seasoned Operations Manager that will contribute in the creation of innovative Spotify experiences via connected hardware.' An advert for a Hardware Product Operations Manager, which was posted on the Spotify website in February 2018. The listing fuelled speculation the music streaming service intends to take on Amazon Echo and Google Home with a smart speaker of its own This sparked rumours of an upcoming smart speaker, similar to the Amazon Echo or Apples HomePod, from the Stockholm-based company. A Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled smart speaker would require FCC approval. Spotify is currently compatible with almost every smart speaker on the market, including the Amazon Echo, Google Home and SONOS One. The exception is the HomePod, which only allows voice-activated assistant Siri to source music from Apple Music not third-party subscription services, like Spotify. It is possible for HomePod owners to beam Spotify tracks from a mobile device to the speaker using AirPlay, however, this is only possible on iOS, not Android. Unlike rivals from Amazon and Google, Apple HomePod is unable to stream music from Spotify using voice commands to AI assistant Siri By building its own hardware, Spotify would have control over the hardware features available to listeners, rather than being beholden to other manufacturers design decisions. Hardware could also help the company to boost its bottom line. This isn't the first time Spotify has revealed hints it is about to launch a smart speaker. Earlier this year, Spotify pushed-out an advertisement for an in-car music player to some app users. Spotify showed an advertisement for an in-car music player to some subscribers. Customers were offered the hardware as part of a $12.99 (10) a month subscription The disc-shaped music player sported physical buttons to control playback and shuffle, plus an LED light running around the outside of the gadget in Spotifys signature green. The Spotify speaker purportedly had built-in 4G connectivity to allow it to stream music without the need to be connected to a smartphone. Spotify subscribers were offered the hardware as part of a $12.99 (10) a month subscription. Users took to the official support forums to ask Spotify about the unannounced gadget, however, the streaming company said it had no news to share. We understand the frustration, a moderator on the Spotify forum posted. Right now we don't have any news on this, but we've let the right team know it's something you'd like to see.' Global warming is causing severe storms to move across the planet slower than ever before - and that's bad news for everyone. These lingering tropical cyclones - including hurricanes and typhoons - are increasing the risk of deadly flooding worldwide, scientists have warned. In the last 70 years the storms have slowed by ten per cent. Researchers claim that as the planet's poles heat up, pressure gradients around the world are changing, reducing the winds that push on these storms. Global warming is causing cyclones to move across the planet slower than ever before. These pedestrian paced tropical cyclones - also referred to as hurricanes and typhoons - are increasing the risk of flooding According to the study by Dr Jim Kossin from the National Centers for Environmental Information, tropical cyclones have slowed in both hemispheres and in every ocean basin except the Northern Indian Ocean. The effect has been more profound north of the equator, with the western North Pacific Ocean one of the most hard hit regions. Dr Kossin said: 'Tropical cyclones over land have slowed down 20 per cent in the Atlantic, 30 per cent in the western North Pacific, and 19 per cent in the Australian region. 'These trends are almost certainly increasing local rainfall totals and freshwater flooding, which is associated with very high mortality risk.' Experts believe that continued global warming will increase the severity of tropical storms, but they also believe this anthropogenic warming will increase rainfall. 'Nothing good comes out of a slowing storm', Dr Kossin told National Geographic. 'It can increase storm surge. It can increase the amount of time that structures are subjected to strong wind. And it increases rainfall', he said. As polar regions warm, the pressure gradients change, reducing the winds that push them. 'The storms will stay in your neighbourhoods longer', he said. Dr Kossin came to his conclusion by studying the tropical cyclone record, which spans from 1949-2016. Storms have slowed down by ten per cent in 70 years as global warming has worsened, and this has the potential to double localised rainfall. Events like Hurricane Harvey could become more common as a result of this stalling weather Dr Christina Patricola, from the Climate and Ecosystems Sciences Division at University California, Davis, says the findings raise several questions, especially regarding 'stalled' tropical cyclones. Although commending the study for its findings, she said it is not without its limitations. 'It leaves open the question of what is happening to the rate of tropical-cyclone rainfall. 'The laws of thermodynamics reveal that, as the atmosphere warms by 1C, the amount of moisture it can hold increases by 7 per cent. 'This suggests that global warming can enhance rainfall.' HOW DO HURRICANES FORM? Hurricanes, also known as tropical cyclones, are the most violent storms on Earth. Only tropical cyclones that form over the Atlantic Ocean or eastern Pacific Ocean are called 'hurricanes.' They form over warm ocean waters near the equator. As this warm region of air rises, it leaves a pocket of low pressure beneath it. This causes vast amounts of warm air from surrounding areas to flood into the low pressure. These consequently heat up and rise, and the cycle continues. Oncve the warmed air that has risen colls down, it forms clouds. These clouds, constantly being fed by rising air currents, then swarm, grow and circle. As the storm system rotates faster and faster, an eye forms in the centre. Storms north of the equator spin counterclockwise and storms that are found south of the equator spin clockwise. This is due to the rotation of the Earth. It is very calm and clear in the eye, with very low air pressure. Higher pressure air from above flows down into the eye. Advertisement Stalled tropical cyclones are relatively rare, making predicting and understanding them difficult. Recent research also found that 'blocking' of the jet stream can lead to extreme weather events such as hurricanes and floods. These bottlenecks form in the jet stream, a narrow band of wind which keeps air flowing around the globe. This phenomenon causes air to grind to a halt, causing a huge volume of air to get stuck. Hurricane Sandy and the deadly 2003 European heat wave were caused by this unusual event. Lockheed Martin has revealed new details on a nearly $1 billion contract to develop a missile that will travel more than five times the speed of sound. The aerospace firm is working on an air-launched weapon system dubbed the Hypersonic Conventional Strike Weapon (HCSW) under a new deal with the US Air Force. In the first phase, the team will finalize the system requirements before moving on to design, flight tests, and initial production and deployment. Scroll down for video The contract has been awarded to Lockheed Martin, based in Bethesda, Maryland, to design and develop a hypersonic missile that can be launched from a warplane. This 2010 file photo shows rival Boeing's X-51A WaveRider hypersonic vehicle under a B-52 bomber Work on the ultra-fast missile will largely take place in Huntsville, Alabama, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and Orlando, Florida, according to Lockheed Martin. Additional expertise in Denver, Colorado, and Sunnyvale, California will also be involved in the project. The US Air Force will grant Lockheed Martin up to $928 million for development of the weapon through early operational capability. Our goal is rapid development and fielding of the HCSW system, and this contract is the first step in achieving that goal, said John Snyder, vice president of Air Force Strategic Programs at Lockheed Martin. Design, development, production, integration and test experts from across Lockheed Martin will partner with the Air Force to achieve early operational capability and deliver the system to our warfighters. 'We are incredibly proud to be leading this effort. It was first revealed back in April that the Pentagon pushed through development of the highly maneuverable weapons, which are designed to outpace detection and defensive capabilities. The move follows repeated warnings from senior officials about rapid advances by China and Russia, who have unveiled their own versions in recent months. Arsenals of the ultra-fast intercontinental weapons could also be equipped with nuclear warheads with the capability of delivering devastating strikes across the planet. In a statement, the Pentagon said Lockheed will receive up to $928 million (661 million) to build a new, non-nuclear missile it is calling the 'hypersonic conventional strike weapon.' Hypersonic weapons can beat regular anti-missile defenses This artist's impression, courtesy of the US Air Force, shows Boeing's hypersonic X-51A Waverider cruise missile currently under development This computer simulation shows how a hypersonic missile or other vehicle, in this case the Russian Avangard glider, could manoeuvre at high speed to bypass missile defences en route to its target 'This contract provides for the design, development, engineering, systems integration, test, logistics planning, and aircraft integration support of all the elements of a hypersonic, conventional, air-launched, stand-off weapon,' the statement read. Mike Griffin, the Pentagon's new defense undersecretary for research and engineering, said China had built 'a pretty mature system' for a hypersonic missile to strike from thousands of kilometres (miles) away. 'We will, with today's defensive systems, not see these things coming,' Mr Griffin said. Hypersonic weapons can beat regular anti-missile defences as they are designed to switch direction in flight. They also do not follow a predictable ballistic arc like conventional missiles, making them much harder to track and intercept. According to reports, China has developed and last year tested a new type of hypersonic missile called the DF-17. Since 2013, China has conducted seven successful test flights of its hypersonic craft (model pictured in a state-TV documentary) WHAT ARE HYPERSONIC MISSILES AND HOW DO THEY WORK? Aircraft and missiles are said to be hypersonic once they exceed speeds of Mach 5 and above, or five times the speed of sound. This occurs at 1,715 metres per second (3,836mph / 6,174kmh). The latest class of hypersonic missiles would be smaller, guided and designed to carry conventional explosives for time-sensitive, rapid response in theatre operations. There are two kinds of approaches to solving the hypersonic challenge in missiles: 'scramjet' and 'boost glide.' The air-breathing scramjet relies on high speed for its power. As it accelerates, more air and fuel is pushed into the engine, allowing it to accelerate even more - to hypersonic speeds. The boost glide model rides a reentry vehicle to extremely high altitudes, where it skips across the Earth's upper atmosphere. Traditional ballistic missiles already travel at hypersonic speeds. Built to carry nuclear and conventional warheads, these weapons are capable of reaching outer space in the course of their flights, but they can't manoeuvre. Advertisement Russian President Vladimir Putin in February claimed to have developed a new type of hypersonic missile that is impervious to any Western shield. Gary Pennett, director of operations at the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), recently said enemy hypersonic weapons - which could be launched from planes, ships or submarines - would create a 'significant' gap in US sensor and missile interceptor capabilities. The MDA has asked for $120 million (85 million) to develop hypersonic missile defenses, a big increase from the $75 million (53 million) in fiscal 2018. According to reports, China developed and last year tested a new type of hypersonic missile called the DF-17. The DF-17 is a ballistic missile equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV), which is said to be capable of achieving speeds of up to 7,680 miles per hour (12,360 kph) or 10 times the speed of sound. Pictured is an official artist's impression of China's DF-17 hypersonic craft. Hypersonic vehicles travel so rapidly and unpredictably they could provide an almost-immediate threat to nations across the globe Russia's Zircon missile is capable of travelling twice as fast as the Royal Navy's Sea Ceptor missile (pictured), which would be responsible for shooting it down were it to attack British troops or mainland UK In tests conducted in November 2017, the missiles payload flew roughly 870 miles (1,400km) in about 11 minutes with the HGV, though intelligence experts suspect it could one day achieve over 1,500 miles (2,500 km). Russia too is believed to be developing its own hypersonic weapon called the Zircon. The Zircon cruise missile travels between 3,800mph (6,115kph) and 4,600mph (7,400kph) - five to six times the speed of sound - and puts Russia 'half a decade' ahead of the US'. This makes it faster than any anti-missile system, including those that are expected to appear in the next two decades. According to Russian news agency Tass, it is to go into serial production this year. It would also be more than capable of evading US defences. This image shows a ground-based interceptor missile taking off from Vandenberg Air Force base, California last year in a test against an ICBM Though the Pentagon is warning about hypersonics, the United States has been developing the technology for years. The Air Force says its X-51A Waverider cruise missile, tested in 2012, could travel at speeds faster than Mach 6 (4,603mph / 7,408kph). That's more than one mile a second, and future iterations are expected to go much faster. Part of the reason China has been able to advance its hypersonic missile programs is that it is not subject to anti-missile treaties signed between the United States and Russia. The 1987 Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty banned short- and intermediate-range ground-launched missiles. Microsoft is testing a shipping-container-sized datacenter that will provide cloud services from the bottom of the ocean. The years-long Project Natick effort recently moved into its second phase of development, with a prototype deployed to the seafloor near Scotlands Orkney Islands to process workloads. Given the density of populations along the worlds coasts, Microsoft says subsea datacenters could make for more efficient web browsing, with the ability to support smoother video streaming and gameplay. Scroll down for video Microsoft is testing a shipping-container-sized datacenter that will provide cloud services from the bottom of the ocean. The years-long Project Natick effort recently moved into its second phase of development The 40-foot-long subsea datacenter was lowered some 117 feet beneath the surface using an industrial catamaran, where it will be cooled by the flow of water Microsofts 40-foot-long Northern Isles datacenter sits roughly 117 feet beneath the surface. Its loaded with 12 racks, for a total of 864 servers and cooling system infrastructure, according to the firm. Not only does it aim to cut down on the distances data must travel to reach communities, but it could also make for more environmentally sustainable operations, Microsoft says. The underwater datacenters could eventually be ordered to size and deployed quickly, with the ability to operate underwater for years on end. That is kind of a crazy set of demands to make, said Peter Lee, corporate vice president of Microsoft AI and Research, who leads the New Experiences and Technologies (NExT) group. Natick is trying to get there. Given the density of populations along the worlds coasts, Microsoft says subsea datacenters could make for more efficient web browsing, with the ability to support smoother video streaming and gameplay Microsofts 40-foot-long Northern Isles datacenter sits roughly 117 feet beneath the surface. Its loaded with 12 racks, for a total of 864 servers and cooling system infrastructure, according to the firm To get the datacenter to the seafloor, the team used winches, cranes, a gantry barge, and a remotely operated vehicle, ensuring it was all in place before the fiber optic cable was properly attached. Then, they powered it on. The region is home to tidal currents that can hit up to nine miles per hour at their peak, with 10-foot waves that can climb to as high as 60 feet during a storm. We know if we can put something in here and it survives, we are good for just about any place we want to go, said Ben Cutler, a project manager in the special projects group within Microsofts research organization that leads the Project Natick team. At full capacity, the system runs on less than a quarter of a megawatt of power, obtained from Orkney Islands grid. The underwater datacenters could eventually be ordered to size and deployed quickly, with the ability to operate underwater for years on end, Microsoft says WHAT IS MICROSOFT AND FACEBOOK'S 'MAREA' SUBSEA CABLE? The cable is initially designed to carry 160 terabits of data per second. This is around 16 million times the bandwidth of your home internet connection. It aim to meet growing demand for high-speed cloud and online services. The 4,100 mile (6,600 km) cable will be the first to connect the US with southern Europe. It will be operated and managed by Telefonica SA's telecoms infrastructure unit Telxius. Construction began in August 2016 and finished in September 2017, ahead of the targeted completion which had been scheduled for October 2017. Typically, companies like Microsoft and Facebook join larger consortiums of technology companies to create cables. The latest move allowed the two technology giants can sell their excess capacity to third parties. Facebook and Microsoft's 4,000-mile cable runs from Bilbao, Spain, to Virginia Beach, as illustrated above. It can transmit 160 terabits of data per second. That's 16 million times faster than the average home internet connection Advertisement The island uses wind turbines and solar panelled rooftops to generate energy to sustain its 10,000 residents. And, the European Marine Energy Center is testing experimental tidal turbines and wave energy converters to harness energy from the seawater. Microsoft showed that its underwater datacenter concept is feasible in the first phase of the project. Now, theyre working to find out if it is practical across several vectors. Our vision is to be able to deploy computer rapidly anywhere on the planet as needed by our customers, says Christian Belady, general manager of cloud infrastructure strategy and architecture in Microsofts cloud and enterprise division. The team will monitor the subsea datacenter for the next 12 months to see how it performs in the underwater environment. Advertisement Santa Monica sits just far enough away from the rush and concrete of Hollywood to offer a sedate escape, and maintains the glamour and excitement of neighbouring Beverly Hills. Yet when it comes to picking a location in sprawling Los Angeles, Santa Monicas major draw is, unlike many other major US cities, that you dont need a car to get around. Car hire can end up being unfeasibly expensive in Los Angeles: parking is a premium commodity and youll often be expected to valet park at your hotel for up to $30 per day. Plus you can spend hours in traffic every single day. Santa Monica sits just far enough away from the rush and concrete of Hollywood to offer a sedate escape. Pictured is the beach you've seen on a hundred movies Santa Monica has several A-lister fans, including Jennifer Garner (left) and Reese Witherspoon (right). They are both pictured here out and about in the city Everything in Santa Monica is within walking distance, and a taxi from the airport wont set you back more than $50. A day of shopping comes uninterrupted by parking and reparking the car outside different stores because Santa Monica Place contains everything youd need in one place: Barneys, Diane Von Furstenburg, Bloomingdales, Tory Burch and Nike among the most popular. The best of the worlds high street stores sit on Third Street Promenade: J Crew, Urban Outfitters, Old Navy and Banana Republic. Two blocks away youll find one of the most famous beaches in the world, Santa Monica Beach, with its landmark pier and huge Ferris wheel. The beach huts made famous in Baywatch look exactly as they did when they first appeared on the show 30 years ago. Everything in Santa Monica is within walking distance and a taxi from the airport wont set you back more than $50 Walk along the seafront to the Venice Boardwalk with a fresh coffee, it is one of the best ways to shrug off jet lag if youve flown in from afar and you - predictably - wake up at 5am. Or you can hire bikes from Perrys on the beach to do the same journey, and lock up the bike to explore Venice. Public transport isnt a big part of life for Angelenos, but for tourists its definitely improving and worth looking into (its cheap and youll always get a seat). Though a local would probably have no idea, Santa Monica is now connected to Downtown Los Angeles by the updated Metro system, which reopened in the city last year. It is the start of transport preparations for the 2028 Olympics. For $1.75, you can travel Downtown on the Expo line in 45 minutes. The Downtown area has changed significantly in the last ten years, transforming itself from an avoidable no-mans-land to the citys new centre of arts and design. Though a local would probably have no idea, Santa Monica is now connected to Downtown Los Angeles by the updated Metro system, which reopened in the city last year A lot of people visit Los Angeles to spot celebrities. In Santa Monica your best bet is an exercise class. Soul Cycle, on Wilshire Boulevard, is a favourite of Beyonce (left) and Jay-Z (right) Check out the Hauser and Wirth gallery, which curates modern art in a 100,000 square foot former flour mill, or nearby contemporary art museum The Broad - theyre both free. Visit the rooftop bar at the Ace hotel for amazing views surrounded by the skyscrapers of the financial district. The Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry, is one of the most Instagram-friendly sights in Downtown LA, even if you cant get tickets to see its resident LA Philharmonic Orchestra. And you will be back in Santa Monica in time for the sunset. The Downtown area has changed significantly in the last ten years, transforming itself from an avoidable no-mans-land to the citys new centre of arts and design. Pictured is Ocean Avenue after sunset The Farmers Market on Arizona Avenue (pictured) every Wednesday and Saturday is an A-list hotspot A lot of people visit Los Angeles to spot celebrities. In Santa Monica your best bet is an exercise class. Soul Cycle, on Wilshire Boulevard, is a favourite of Beyonce and Jay Z, while the gyms on Montana Avenue - which include new studio Mighty Pilates - are good places to spot stars like Jennifer Garner and Reese Witherspoon. If that doesnt work: the Farmers Market on Arizona Avenue every Wednesday and Saturday is an A-list hotspot. The farmers markets vibrant fresh and organic food sets the tone for many of Santa Monicas restaurants. Real Food Daily has been a haven for vegans and organic food lovers since the nineties. Urth Caffe on Main Street is one of the citys most popular lunch spots. For organic ice cream go to the Sweet Rose Creamery. One of the best restaurants in Santa Monica is Fig, within the Fairmont Hotel. Its a Mediterranean bistro, with an emphasis on sustainability. Worthiness aside: if you dont order the bread balloon, youll regret it. Its a good job there are so many exercise classes in Santa Monica: youre going to need them. The chief executive of British Airways' parent company has ruled out the carrier flying non-stop to Sydney saying 'the idea of sitting on a plane for 21 hours doesn't appeal to me'. Willie Walsh, the chief executive of International Airlines Group, which owns BA, said it was not considering starting services between its London Heathrow hub and Australia. His comments came after Qantas revealed it is close to ordering ultra-long-range jets to start a non-stop service between London and Sydney by 2022, in a flight that will take 20 hours and 20 minutes. The chief executive of British Airways parent company IAG has appeared to rule out the carrier flying non-stop between London and Australia Qantas began non-stop 17-hour flights between Perth and London in March. Only Australian and British carriers have the rights to fly non-stop flights between the UK and Australia. But speaking at the CAPA Centre for Aviation summit in Sydney, Mr Walsh said: 'Code sharing is an option but in terms of using our metal, we're not considering it. 'Personally the idea of sitting on an aircraft for 21 hours to get from Heathrow to Sydney, it does not appeal to me.' Willie Walsh, the chief executive of IAG, said the idea of sitting on a plane for 21 hours didn't appeal to him This appears to mean that in the future, passengers flying BA to destinations in Australia will still have to stop off in Singapore or Hong Kong. Mr Walsh's comments come in contrast to the chief executive of Qantas, Alan Joyce, who confirmed that a purchase decision on jets to fly the route between London and Sydney is expected next year, if the business case stacks up. The carrier is thought to be considering an order for ultra-long-range jets such as the Airbus A350 and the Boeing 777X to carry out the service. Qantas has not announced how many ultra-long-haul jets it will order, but Mr Joyce said it could be a 'reasonable-sized fleet' given that potential routes include Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to London, New York and Paris or Frankfurt. Ultra-long-haul flights are aimed primarily at business travellers and can allow airlines to charge a 20 per cent premium over one-stop rivals, according to industry data. It was also revealed that the Qantas non-stop Perth to London route, which launched to massive fanfare, has sold better than expected, particularly in premium cabins. Australian national carrier Qantas, pictured, began non-stop 17-hour flights between Perth and London in March. It hopes to start non-stop services from Sydney to London by 2022 Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert said the airport was considering the construction of special arrival lounges for ultra-long-haul flights. He explained: 'At the moment, 70 per cent of the world's population is reachable from Sydney on one direct flight. 'Once those aircraft come to market the entire population of the world will be reachable in one flight. It is just an amazing step change in aviation.' These are the three guard dogs in Japan that have become a tourist attraction. Their security duties include poking their heads out of three square holes in their owners outer wall and this has proved to be such a cute sight that people flock from miles around to take pictures of them. Even visitors from abroad have turned up, such as blogger Miguel Yeh, 34, from Taiwan, who shot a short video of the adorable Shiba Inu hounds. These are the three guard dogs in Japan that have become a tourist attraction In a subsequent blog he wrote about his visit, he explained that fellow Shiba Inu owners often bring their dogs to the wall for a bit of fun. The three dogs live in Shimabara, Kyushu island. A sign above them reads please do not feed the Shiba dogs, or else they will have diarrhoea. Apparently, the lovable pooches come to the wall if you call them. A sign above them reads please do not feed the Shiba dogs, or else they will have diarrhoea The level of social media interest his dogs have generated has been extraordinary. One Japanese Twitter user took a picture of the trio and it was retweeted 105,000 times And occasionally their owner will poke his head out and have a chat. As he did with Mr Yeh. The level of social media interest his dogs have generated has been extraordinary. One Japanese Twitter user took a picture of the trio and it was retweeted 105,000 times. Some might say thats barking. Laura Prepon is officially a married woman. The Orange is the New Black star and longtime boyfriend Ben Foster tied the knot over the weekend. Laura, 38, shared a photo of her and the father of her only child on their big day with Instagram followers, thanking them 'for all the love and support'. Laura and Ben's wedding comes nearly one year after they welcomed their first child together. Their daughter, Ella, will be one this summer. Laura Prepon announced on June 3, 2018 that she and longtime beau Ben Foster were married Who is Laura Prepon? Laura Prepon is an American actress born on March 7, 1980 in New Jersey. The 38-year-old is one of five children born to Marjorie and Michael Prepon. Her father died when she was 13, however. After finishing high school at Watchung Hills Regional High School, Laura went on the study at the Total Theatre Lab in New York City. She got her start as a stage actress, appearing in plays like A Woman of Property and Ascension Day in the '90s. From there, she scored her first major role and perhaps her most notable as Donna Pinciotti on That '70s Show. She appeared on the show until it ended in 2006. Laura continued to act, but wasn't in anything with a massive following until Netflix's Orange is the New Black, which she still co-stars on. Laura married longtime boyfriend Ben Foster at the start of June 2018. The pair are believed to have begun dating in 2016. They welcomed their first child together in mid-to-late summer 2017, though the exact date of their daughter's birth remains unconfirmed. Laura Prepon net worth According to Bankrate, Laura Prepon's net worth is $12 million (8.9m). How did Laura Prepon make her money? Laura Prepon made the majority of her money as an actress, though she's done some work as a model. Her big break came in 1998 when she appeared on That '70s Show as Donna Pinciotti. She also appeared in Slackers, Southlander, The Pornographer: A Love Story, Lightening Bug, How I Met Your Mother and, most recently, Orange Is the New Black. Laura Prepon and Orange is the New Black Laura Prepon has been playing Alex Vause in Netflix's Orange is the New Black since 2013. Her character is the love interest of co-star Taylor Schilling's Piper Chapman. The show and its characters are based on the real-life memoir of a woman called Piper Kerman. The book is called 'Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison.' Where the real Piper was held in a real low-security prison called FCI Danbury, Orange Is the New Black is set in a fictional facility called Litchfield. On the Netflix original series, Piper is a woman in her 30s who was sentenced to 15-months in prison after being caught transporting a suitcase full of drug money for Alex, whom she was dating at the time. Alex was an international drug smuggler. She was also busted and found herself in Litchfield with Piper, who had since moved on and married a man called Larry (Jason Biggs). Behind bars, the scorned exes found that they still had love for one another and ended up back together. Their relationship was eventually rocked by the many trials and tribulations both women faced while staying at the prison. In addition to focusing on the relationship between Piper and Alex, Orange Is the New Black shines a light on very real issues like corruption, funding cuts, overcrowding, excessive force and so on in the American prison system. Fans of the show are currently awaiting the release of the sixth season. Laura Prepon cookbook Laura Prepon co-authored a cookbook called The Stash Plan with a woman by the name of Elizabeth Troy. The book is about a 21-day plan to help readers shed weight and reach the peak of 'overall wellness'. The actress often showcases her love of cooking on Instagram. She shares photos of prepared meals as well as videos of her process. Laura often shares new and tried and true recipes with her followers. Laura Prepon husband Laura Prepon is married to Ben Foster, who she's thought to have been dating since 2016. They have reportedly been close friends since they were teens. The pair have one child together, Ella, who was born in summer 2017. Laura announced her marriage to Ben on Sunday, June 3, 2018. They were spotted picking up their marriage license from the New York City clerk's office in May, however. Laura Prepon and Ben Foster's wedding comes nearly one year after the birth of their first child Who is Ben Foster? Ben Foster, Laura Prepon's husband, is also an actor. He was born on October 29, 1980 and comes from Boston, Massachusetts. He and his family moved to Iowa when he was young after their home was broken into while they were inside. There, he attended the Maharishi University of Management. Ben got his start as an actor at 16. Early on in his career he landed a role on the series Flash Forward. From there he went on to start in Get Over It, Six Feet Under, The Punished, X-Men: The Last Stand, Alpha Dog and more. Before Ben dated Laura Prepon, he was in a relationship with Robin Wright. In 2014, they were engaged to be married. They called it off that November only to reconcile a short while later. Ben and Robin's reunion was short-lived, though. They called it quits again, this time for good, in August 2015. Ben and Laura are thought to have started dating in July 2016. They were engaged that October and announced they were expecting a child in January 2017. Now, Ben and Laura are happily married. Laura Prepon height Laura Prepon is five-feet, 10-inches tall. How tall is Ben Foster? Ben Foster is five-feet, nine-inches tall. Laura Prepon baby Laura Prepon and Ben Foster welcomed a baby girl called Ella in mid-to-late summer 2017, according to E! Online. The child's birth date remains a mystery. The actress has never shared a photo of her daughter, though she does occasionally post about her in other ways on Instagram. She shared a photo of her daughter's onesies hanging on a drying rack. She also regularly shared photos of her baby bump during her pregnancy. She's the songstress known for her heartbreak anthem 'Torn'. But Natalie Imbruglia, 43, looked the picture of happiness with her boyfriend Matt Field at the Grand Opening of the JD Malat Gallery in Mayfair, London, on Tuesday. The Aussie songstress wore a berry dress cinched in at the waist to show off her slender figure. Loved up: Natalie Imbruglia, 43, looked the picture of happiness with her beau Matt Field at the Grand Opening of JD Malat Gallery in Mayfair, London, on Tuesday Natalie showed off her long toned pins as she posed for pictures at the event, and boosted her frame in a pair of black stilettos. Keeping things relaxed, the star wore her dark tresses loose around her shoulders in a tousled style. She showcased her eternally youthful looks with minimal makeup, adding a rose lip to add a splash of colour to her dewy complexion. In February, the beauty discussed on Lorraine how she fell into the music industry in London after 'struggling' to get a work permit and how Mr Blobby pipped Torn to the number one spot in 1997. Summery: The Aussie songstress wore a berry dress cinched in at the waist to show off her slender figure Despite her candid conversation, viewers were blinded by the former soap stars natural beauty and couldn't help but comment on how incredible she looks. Aside from fans going wild over her age-defying appearance, Natalie revealed she fell into music after struggling to get work in the UK following her Australian soap success. 'I couldn't get a work permit and was struggling to work as an actress [in the UK],' she shared. 'Then I met my then manager Anne Barrett and she put me in touch with songwriters. 'I was so scared and really nervous about failing but with my financial situation, I didnt want to go home with my tail between my legs.' Laid back: Keeping things relaxed, the star wore her dark tresses loose around her shoulders in a tousled style And her foray into music ended up being the right choice as she picked up a MTV VMA and EMA for Torn in 1998 as well as two BRIT awards for Best International Female Solo Artist and Best Breakthrough Act in 1999. Natalie's personal life is also flourishing as she's happily loved-up with photographer Matt Field. Back in March 2017, Natalie appeared to confirm the romance with Matt with a selfie from the romantic destination of Panarea, a small volcanic island north of Sicily. Kyle Sandilands has suffered a health scare on-air. The radio shock jock was told to go to the hospital immediately after he revealed a troubling symptom during his radio show on Wednesday. After the 46-year-old-year complained about a strange vibrating sensation in his right leg, a listener recommended he seek medical help right away. 'You really need to get to emergency ASAP!' Kyle Sandilandshas been told to go to the hospital immediately after he revealed a troubling symptom on-air, on Wednesday 'You really need to get to emergency ASAP... It's a blood clot,' the female caller said. She continued: 'The vibrating leg is a symptom of a blood clot, you need to get that checked out as soon,' but Kyle cut her off, saying: 'I'll worry about it later.' The caller urged him to follow up with a medical professional, telling him: 'You don't want to loose your leg or have a blood clot travel to your lung.' Get medical help: The 46-year-old-year complained about a strange vibrating sensation in his right leg on The Kyle And Jackie O Show , which a listener followed up on recommending he seek medical help right away Instead of taking her advice, Kyle lamented over potentially wasting his day waiting at a hospital. Newsreader Brooklyn chimed concerned for the radio shock jock's health, saying: 'blood clots can actually kill you,' with Jackie concurring, calling it 'incredibly serious'. The woman pressed Kyle on seeing a doctor, explaining she has a medical background and a friend who had the same symptoms. 'I'll worry about it later!' The female caller said 'It's a blood clot,' and added 'The vibrating leg is a symptom of a blood clot, you need to get that checked out as soon,' but Kyle cut her off, saying: 'I'll worry about it later' Not a medical problem? As the radio ratings king arranged for a medical professional to come by the studio, Jackie offered the idea that maybe it was not a health problem called 'phantom vibration syndrome' As the radio ratings king arranged for a medical professional to come by the studio, Jackie offered the idea that maybe it was not a health problem called 'phantom vibration syndrome.' She explained it was getting hallucinations that the phone in your pocket was vibrating, when it's. While Kyle appreciated the least concerning of the options offered, Jackie and the rest of the studio still urged him to get it checked. She announced her split from husband Channing Tatum, 38, after nine years of marriage in April. And on Tuesday, Jenna Dewan was snapped while leaving an office building in Los Angeles after completing a solo errand. The 37-year-old actress looked pretty in a pink floral, off-shoulder top as she returned to her car. Pretty in pink: On Tuesday, Jenna Dewan was snapped while leaving an office building in Los Angeles after completing a solo errand The Step Up star showed off her slender legs in ripped jeans that were cropped above the ankle. She added a couple inches with a pair of rustic, open-toe heels, and was seen making her way across the concrete garage. Hiding a golden necklace beneath her billowy top, she carried a large grey-brown purse while making her way to the ticket counter. Her medium-length dark locks were in a choppy bob and bounced wildly as they framed her face. Currently keeping busy as a judge on World of Dance, it's been a whirlwind couple of weeks for the actress who just a few days ago put together a unicorn-themed party for her daughter's fifth birthday. Errands: The 37-year-old actress looked pretty in a pink floral, off-shoulder top as she returned to her car On Thursday, Everly Elizabeth Maiselle Tatum turned five years old. And Jenna celebrated by throwing her a party complete with balloons and dogs wearing party hats. The proud mother took to Instagram and shared some of the visuals from her daughters upcoming party, writing 'Happy birthday Evie!!!!!' across one image. Pink, purple, and white were the main colors featured throughout Dewan's home, and the dogs' looked ready for what was sure to be an energy packed afternoon. They have vehemently denied rumours there is trouble in paradise in their relationship. But Married At First Sight star Carly Bowyer has done little to stop more speculation, attending another event without her boyfriend, Troy Delmege. The marketing manager went solo at the premiere of Oceans 8 in Bondi Junction on Tuesday. Where's Troy? Carly Bowyer turns up to Oceans 8 premiere alone after attending another event without boyfriend Delmege over the weekend The brunette beauty looked pretty on the red carpet in a black and red polka dot wrap dress teamed with leather ankle boots. She accessorised with gold hoops earrings, however her most prized accessory was clearly absent. The outing comes after Carly attended Melbourne hot spot Baroq House over the weekend, again without Troy. The 32-year-old stunner instead cosied up for a photo with MAFS co-star Patrick Miller, joining a slew of other celebrities for the night out on the town. Pretty in polka dots! The brunette beauty looked pretty on the red carpet in a black and red polka dot wrap dress and leather ankle boots What's happening? The outing comes after Carly attended Melbourne hot spot Baroq House over the weekend, again without Troy Carly didn't appear too downcast without Troy by her side, perhaps happy to take a break from the public displays of affection for which the pair have become notorious. The pretty blonde looked glamorous in a red off-the-shoulder top, as she slid into a black booth to pose with Patrick. Appearing suitably dapper, the 34-year-old operations manager cut a stylish figure in a pinstripe blazer and a grey button-down shirt. Lady in red! The pretty blonde looked a vision in an off-the-shoulder top Look away now Charlene! In scenes that might devastate his 'ex-wife' Charlene Perera, Patrick cosied up with a number of stunning women including former Bachelor star Steph Dixon Ladies' man! Patrick posed for a snap with plus-size model Amelia Stubbs After recently sharing a snap alongside a $645,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith, Patrick continued his penchant for the finer things in life by sporting a snazzy silver wristwatch. And in scenes that might devastate his 'ex-wife' Charlene Perera, the ladies' man cosied up with a number of stunning women, including former Bachelor star Steph Dixon and plus-size model Amelia Stubbs. Meanwhile, Instagram model Kurt Coleman was also among the illustrious names to turn out for the event. The cream of Melbourne's social scene! Steph made sure to document the occasion, taking a snap of Carly Seeing double! Both stars opted for off-the-shoulder red tops to match their straightened blonde locks Who knew they were friends? Telv and Kurt made for quite the unlikely pair as the soaked up the party atmosphere The 21-year-old was seen with a drink in hand as he spent time with MAFS groom Telv Williams. The self-described 'beauty' and the blokey FIFO worker made for quite the unlikely duo as the soaked up the party atmosphere. Meanwhile, Telv brought along his on-again girlfriend Maddie Carolan who put on a eye-popping display in a low-cut black tank top. It's thought the couple briefly called time on their short-lived romance earlier in the week before reuniting. Busting out! Telv brought along his on-again girlfriend Maddie Carolan who put on a eye-popping display in a low-cut black tank top She caught the attention of two grooms on controversial Nine series Married At First Sight, but Tracey Jewel has revealed women have also tickled her fancy in the past. The mother-of-one, 35, shocked KIIS FM's Kyle And Jackie 'O' on Wednesday when she admitted to having a threesome with two women. Tracey, who recently split from MAFS star Sean Thomsen, didn't hold back when asked about her sexual history while in an open relationship. 'There's different rules for guys and girls': MAFS star Tracey Jewel cheekily admits to enjoying a lesbian THREESOME before reconnecting with ex-boyfriend Patrick Kedemos Shock jock Kyle Sandilands asked if a 'three-way' would be on the cards for the author, not expecting Tracey's candid response. 'Those days are gone,' she said, appearing to confirm it was once something she had participated within. 'When you were in your threesome days, was it another woman and a man or two men and you? What was it?' Kyle pried with heightened interest. Tracey giggled as she confessed to the shock of the hosts: 'two women... there's different rules for guys and girls.' Bedroom antics: Tracey, who recently split from MAFS star Sean Thomsen, didn't hold back when asked about her sexual history while in an open relationship (Pictured with 'ex-husband' Dean Wells on MAFS) 'Now I'm a commitment girl and I think I'd be too possessive - too jealous': She later admitted her 'threesome days' had occurred more than five years ago in her 20s and the days were well and truly behind her (Pictured with MAFS groom Dean) She later admitted her 'threesome days' had occurred more than five years ago: 'In your 20s anything goes, but now I'm a commitment girl and I think I'd be too possessive - too jealous.' 'The thing is, it's two ways, guys don't want their girlfriend or partner to be with another guy but they want to be with another girl, that's not an open relationship, it has to go both ways. Double standards,' she added. Tracey was partnered with 'alpha male' groom Dean Wells on the show, and later began a new relationship with his rival Sean Thomsen - both relationships have since ended. Sean was brutally dumped by Tracey in May, just three weeks before she confirmed she was back together with her ex-boyfriend, Patrick Kedemos. Over: Sean was brutally dumped by Tracey in May, just three weeks before she confirmed she was back together with her ex-boyfriend, Patrick Kedemos Tracey hit hit back at rumours that she only went on Married At First Sight for fame and that she had always planned to get back together with her ex Patrick after filming the show. Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday, Tracey insisted that she went on the show for the right reasons and that she has every right to move on with her new beau. 'It's not like I've hurt anyone, it's not like I've cheated on anyone... There's no overlap between relationships, it's just the way that it worked out!' the This Goddess Means Business author explained. His brilliantly white teeth have not gone unnoticed in the Love island villa. And it comes as no surprise that Jack Fincham has had work done on his teeth, with new new Islander admitting he has travelled to Turkey for his smile. The reality star's transformation can be seen through his social media, where he previously uploaded posts of his younger self grinning with less than pearly whites. Gleaming: Jack Fincham's brilliantly white teeth have not gone unnoticed in the Love island villa Previously: The reality star's transformation can be seen through his social media, where he previously uploaded posts of his younger self grinning with less than pearly whites In a selection of the snaps, a much younger Jack can be seen posing for the camera as he boxes and poses for a selfie. Jack revealed he had undergone treatment to get perfect gnashers during the launch of the hit ITV2 show. Viewers took to Twitter to discuss the star's blinding gnashers, with one saying: 'Jack's teeth are so white man like you could deffo see them in the dark'. Pearly whites: Viewers took to Twitter to discuss the star's blinding gnashers, with one saying: 'Jack's teeth are so white man like you could deffo see them in the dark' Another added: 'Remember Ross from friends luminous teeth. Yep it's Jack #LoveIsland'. Others made the comparison of Jack's smile to that of former TOWIE star Joey Essex, 'Jack: the teeth of Joey Essex, the voice of Kem and the face of a younger skinnier Arg #loveisland'. On Tuesday's episode of the hit ITV2 show, Jack brought Dani Dyer to tears after he talked of his cheating ways with previous partners. In the past: In a selection of the snaps, a much younger Jack can be seen posing for the camera as he boxes All smiles: Another added, 'Remember Ross from friends luminous teeth. Yep it's Jack #LoveIsland'. The distraught daughter of EastEnders actor Danny Dyer lamented: 'Do you know what I mean? He's cheated on all of his girlfriends.' 'He said it's just two it doesn't matter. I dont care if its one. I just feel like I've stepped forward for the boy that I always go for. 'So I feel like I've just made a mistake. I just thought his reaction wasnt that great... I just thought it was a little bit muggy on his behalf, really.' Yet Jack tried to play down his cheating past as he insisted if the right girl came along he wouldn't be unfaithful while trying to explain his behaviour. During the episode, he said: 'I was 17 years old, I was young. The other, she cheated on me and it became a to and fro... I wouldn't cheat on the right person. I don't want her to think, "Oh, he's not trustworthy".' They're two of the top actresses in the industry. And Cate Blanchett and Sarah Paulson put on quite a show during an appearance on NBC's Today Tuesday. The two stars, who were there to promote their movie Ocean's 8, reduced host Hoda Kotb to giggles and then tears of laughter as they playfully sparred with each other. They're two of the top actresses in the industry. And Cate Blanchett and Sarah Paulson put on quite a show during an appearance on NBC's Today Tuesday The two stars, who were there to promote their movie Ocean's 8, reduced host Hoda Kotb to giggles and then tears of laughter as they playfully sparred with each other Blanchett and Paulson were both sipping on mugs of coffee as the interview started and said they were 'parched', having been up since 4 a.m. for the visit to the breakfast show. And then they were off, riffing on who was the more famous actress of the two of them, listing awards they'd won and teasing that they would never have made the movie if they'd known the other one was going to be in it. Hoda struggled to get a word in edgeways, instead creasing up and wiping tears from her eyes until Blanchett helpfully pointed out that her mascara was running. 'Oh, it's fine!' Blanchett told her. 'Someone will come and touch you up before you speak to some 'real actors'.' Blanchett and Paulson were both sipping on mugs of coffee as the interview started and said they were 'parched', having been up since 4 a.m. for the visit to the breakfast show Hoda struggled to get a word in edgeways, instead creasing up and wiping tears from her eyes until Blanchett helpfully pointed out that her mascara was running Paulson and Blanchett riffed on who was the more famous actress, listed awards they'd won and teasing they'd never have made the film if they'd known the other one was going to be in it The ribbing had started almost immediately when Paulson joked she'd never met Blanchett before. The Australian Oscar winner, who wore a lavender suit with pink blouse, retorted that Paulson, who was wearing a floral-themed dress, should 'get a stylist.' 'I borrowed it from your mother,' Paulson snapped back. 'I got it from your mom.' The ribbing had started almost immediately when Paulson joked she'd never met Blanchett before The Australian Oscar winner, who wore a lavender suit and pink blouse, retorted that Paulson, who was wearing a gray patterned dress, should 'get a stylist' 'I borrowed it from your mother,' Paulson snapped back. 'I got it from your mom' Hoda went on to ask if the pair had worked together before and it turned out they had - on the film Carol. 'She was nominated for an Academy Award -- which she did not win,' said Paulson. 'She did not win that one, OK, you guys? She didn't win it. It doesn't happen every time out of the gate. She tried, she wore dresses, it was a whole thing -- and she did not win.' 'Who signed onto this movie first?' Hoda asked. 'Me,' Blanchett replied, before adding: 'I tried to get out of it when I heard what the rest of the cast was gonna be, and they wouldn't let me. I was contracted.' Blanchett ended up sitting on Paulson's lap as the interview descended into farce Hoda's co-host Savannah Guthrie tried to come to the rescue but ended up perching on Hoda's lap Ocean's 8 arrives in theatres on Friday and also stars Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Rihanna, Mindy Kaling and Awkwafina. It's a female spin-off of Ocean's Eleven that starred George Clooney as conman Danny Ocean. Bullock plays Debbie Ocean, Danny's estranged sister, who puts together a team of female thieves to pull off a stunning jewelry heist during the Met Gala in New York. She plays the fiery flame-haired beauty Demelza in Poldark. And Eleanor Tomlinson was every inch the leading lady when she led the glamour at the Poldark photocall at Regal Cinema Redruth, in Cape Cornwall on Tuesday. The redhead actress, 26, was a vision in her summery white dress which had a figure-hugging bodice to accentuate her slender waist and a billowing sheer skirt. Hot on her heels! Poldark star Eleanor Tomlinson looked astonishing in an ivory sheer dress at the Poldark photocall at Regal Cinema Redruth, in Cape Cornwall on Tuesday Eleanor was the picture of elegance in the demure high-neck number which also had delicate pleats sewn into the skirt of the garment. The Poldark star added a splash of colour to her ensemble with her olive green clutch bag, which stood out against her all-white ensemble. Sweeping her enviable red mane into a ponytail, the starlet displayed her youthful beauty enhanced with soft make-up. Eleanor looked well and truly at ease as she returned to Poldark's native Cornwall, where the four series have been filmed. Sheer delight! The redhead actress, 26, was a vision in her summery white dress which had a figure-hugging bodice to accentuate her slender waist and a billowing skirt Eleanor didn't let her romance woes dampen her spirits following her split from Poldark co-star Harry Richardson, who plays Demelza's brother Drake Carne. The Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging star mingled with her Poldark co-stars on the red carpet as she twirled around in her sky-scraper high sparkling stilettos. Although Poldark's heartthrob Aidan Turner was no where to be seen, co-star Christian Brassington was happy to step in and put on a cosy display with Eleanor. It is no surprise Eleanor was left feeling emotional after watching the first episode of season four following on from both Ross and Demelza betraying each other, leaving their marriage on the rocks. How to accessorise: The Poldark star added a splash of colour to her ensemble with her olive green clutch bag, which stood out against her all-white ensemble Heartbroken fans watched as Demelza stole a smooch from Hugh Armitage (Josh Whitehouse) before learning her husband Poldark had kissed his childhood sweetheart Elizabeth (Heida Reed). Eleanor told Cornwall Live of season four: 'Probably like myself Demelza is a strong independent woman and obviously periodically if you are going with period correctness, everything belonged to the man so she was also the property of the man. 'I had a few questions for Debbie about that actually while we were filming just because its not something I understood but now what is lovely about Demelza is that shes incredibly modern. Flirty and fun: Sweeping her enviable red mane into a ponytail, the starlet displayed her youthful beauty enhanced with soft make-up 'She does change the way that things happen and the way that she runs her life and the way that people respect and talk to her as much as she can within her time.' Eleanor's triumph of her 'strong independent' character comes after she confessed she would be 'upset' if Aidan was paid more than her now because they have 'equal leading roles' in the show. Production firm Mammoth Screen, the team which makes the show, confirmed Aidan is paid more than Eleanor. Poser: The actress posed up a storm with waiting admirers at the red carpet as they snapped a slew of selfies together A spokesman for Mammoth said in a statement: 'Whilst we cant and wont disclose the details, we do pay Aidan Turner more for playing Ross Poldark as throughout all the series Ross has significantly more screen time than any other character.' Salary disparity has been widely discussed in the industry recently, after Claire Foy publicly addressed her pay difference with co-star Matt Smith for The Crown. Giving her own view, Eleanor admitted she would be hurt if she found out Aidan was paid more, as she feels they have an equal presence onscreen. Feels like home! Eleanor looked well and truly at ease as she returned to Poldark's native Cornwall, where the four series have been filmed When asked if she and the Irish actor were paid the same, she simply told Red magazine: 'My guess is no. 'And while at the beginning that might have been OK he was a bigger star than me now I don't think so. We're equal leads of the show, so I'd be pretty upset if the gap hadn't closed.' Despite their potential disagreement on salary, Eleanor added that she and Aidan were really good friends, and often tease each other about their roles. She went on: 'We're great mates, although we do row. We row about everything - usually our characters. We're both ridiculously protective of them and squabble like an old married couple.' Support: Although Poldark's heartthrob Aidan Turner was no where to be seen, co-star Christian Brassington was happy to step in and put on a cosy display with Eleanor Close: The pair looked incredibly cosy as her co-star wrapped his arm supportively around Eleanor's tiny waistline He's known for his unfiltered and controversial remarks on the popular reality show House Rules. But some fans think judge Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has gone too far with his latest comments, specifically referring to his on-air spats with British interior designer and fellow judge, Drew Heath. Viewers have taken to the official Facebook page to share their thoughts on Laurence's behaviour, with one person writing: '[Laurence] is a very arrogant man...' 'He is a very arrogant man...': House Rules judge Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is under fire from fans for his 'rude' behaviour to fellow judge Drew A viewer commented: 'I think Laurence is too rude to Drew, and needs to rein it in. An apology wouldn't go amiss!' 'Tonight he (Drew) just kept his mouth shut - Lawrence is all about Lawrence,' wrote another fan. Comments about the House Rules judge kept coming, with one viewer writing: 'Drew is an intellectual giant compared to Lawrence!' 'Lawrence is all about Lawrence!': The official House Rules Facebook page was rocked by several comments from fans about Laurence's 'bullying' behaviour The scandal was triggered by last week's House Rules episode in which contestants Sean And Ella's 'Industrial Scandinavian' renovation received a perfect score. Both Drew and Laurence had contrasting opinions on the renovation, which resulted in a blistering argument between the two judges. While some fans are not happy about Laurence's behaviour, Drew thinks little of his fellow judge's remarks. 'Looking for a rise': Drew defended his co-star behaviour, saying that it's all in good fun and Laurence's remarks don't faze him Speaking to TV Week on Wednesday, Drew defended Laurence's behaviour by saying that he's just 'looking for a rise.' The House Rules judge explained that his co-star is just having some 'fun' due to his greater TV experience, saying: 'He's an experienced, sophisticated professional in television and I'm not. So I think sometimes he believes it's kind of fun to play with me.' Drew reassured fans that there's nothing to worry about, saying that Laurence's remarks don't faze him. 'The stuff Laurence sometimes throws at me doesnt stick,' he said. She may be a chart-topping rapper, but Iggy Azalea could also easily be the hottest woman on Instagram. The 27-year-old took her bikini-clad holiday snaps to a whole new level on Tuesday, posing poolside in a very daring ensemble. Iggy flaunted her perfectly hourglass figure in a skimpy two-piece while soaking up the sun in a tropical destination. Scroll down for video Is this her most daring bikini snap yet? Iggy Azalea flaunted her jaw dropping hourglass physique and curvy derriere in an underboob-baring swimsuit on Tuesday Flashing plenty of sideboob, the Black Widow star looked sexy and confident against the backdrop of a private beach. Her impossibly curvy hips and tiny waist stole the spotlight as she raised her arms above her head and stared into the camera. Posing for another risque snap, she turned her back to the mystery photographer while casting a sultry gaze over her shoulder. Bootylicious! Posing for another risque snap, she turned her back to the mystery photographer while casting a sultry gaze over her shoulder Iggy made sure her most famous asset, her bootylicious derriere, took centre stage in the Brazilian-cut bottoms. Meanwhile, she sizzled in a pair of stylish sunglasses and wore her long, blonde hair in Kim Kardashian-inspired boxer braids. The third photo of the series was perhaps the most suggestive: a close-up snap of her stomach and underboob taken from a low angle. Too hot for Instagram? The third photo of the series was perhaps the most suggestive: a close-up snap of Iggy's stomach and underboob taken from a low angle Sporting a glowing, golden tan, the Fancy rapper appeared to be dripping wet following a dip in the ocean. In an accompanying video posted to her Instagram Story, Iggy offered an up-close-and-personal glimpse of her figure. Filming herself with a mobile phone, she highlighted her curvy thighs while sitting by the pool in her barely-there bikini. Wish you were here? In an accompanying video posted to her Instagram Story, Iggy offered an up-close-and-personal glimpse of her figure Our Girl Rating: She may still be grieving the death of her first love, Special Forces soldier Elvis, but that won't stop plucky little trooper Lance Corporal Georgie Lane returning to the front line. This time in Nigeria. In the first episode of a new series of Our Girl (BBC1), the Army medic was part of an assignment delivering inoculations to villagers. Regular viewers will know that Georgie isn't just a medic with magical healing powers (one plaster was all it took to treat an child with a deep gash on his leg), she also has a heart of gold. Michelle Keegan is a talented and engaging actress, but she has spent much of the past week defending the glamorous appearance of her Our Girl character, writes Claudia Connell Despite being told repeatedly by her commanding officer Captain James (Ben Aldridge) not to get involved, Georgie couldn't help trying to stage her own daring rescue mission to find the schoolgirls kidnapped by terror group Boko Haram. It ended up with her vehicle being ambushed and her (and two colleagues) being kidnapped. Michelle Keegan is a talented and engaging actress, but she has spent much of the past week defending the glamorous appearance of her Our Girl character even Andrew Marr quizzed her about it. Yes, every now and then the make-up team slapped a streak of mud across her face to demonstrate that she wasn't afraid to get dirty with the troops, but it wasn't enough. For the most part, with her tattooed brows and suspiciously large pout, she looked like a Kardashian in camouflage. Michelle Keegan is a talented and engaging actress, but she has spent much of the past week defending the glamorous appearance of her Our Girl character even Andrew Marr quizzed her about it For the most part, with her tattooed brows and suspiciously large pout, she looked like a Kardashian in camouflage Upset of the night In Bride And Prejudice (C4), marrying couples were fretting that disapproving relatives might not attend their wedding. After hearing from some of them, surely their fear should have been that they would turn up? Advertisement She's not helped by one of the cheesiest scripts on TV. Whenever Georgie spoke, it sounded like those awful 'inspirational' quotes that litter social media. 'Once you've seen something you can never unsee it,' she said after witnessing the death of a comrade. The writers' obsession with turning her into some sort of military angel is also tiresome. During one scene, Private Harry 'Brains' was feeling down and depressed. Georgie put her arm around him and asked what was wrong. His parents were splitting up. She told him to forget about it and cheer up and he did! Instantly. In the next scene, he was laughing and joking as if nothing had happened. There was certainly drama and excitement, and the producers are clever enough to end every episode on a cliffhanger. But the suspension of reality demanded of the viewer is a lot to ask. Ackley Bridge Rating: Glamorising gritty situations is not an accusation you could level at Ackley Bridge (C4). Centred around a failing school in a Yorkshire mill town, the first series met with critical acclaim. Ackley Bridge is the result of two segregated schools merging (one previously attended by white pupils and the other by those of Pakistani heritage). Glamorising gritty situations is not an accusation you could level at Ackley Bridge (C4). Centred around a failing school in a Yorkshire mill town, the first series met with critical acclaim The blending of the two cultures and the problems it throws up for teachers and pupils alike is at the centre of every episode. Last night Nasreen (Amy-Leigh Hickman) was preparing for her sham marriage to Naveed (Gurjeet Singh). Both were gay and had concluded that marrying one another to hide their sexuality was the only way forward. During last night's episode, Nasreen discovered her own parents' marriage was a fraud, too, since her father had a whole other family living just a few miles away. The news was enough to make her see that yet another marriage built on lies was not the answer, and the engagement was called off. While Nasreen is bright, her white best friend Missy is sassy and funny, but struggles in exams. 'I might as well drop my CV off at the chicken shop and be done with it,' she said. Throw in a smattering of trendy teachers who all want to be friends with the kids, a couple of feckless parents and an ill-fated staff romance, and you have the makings of what should be another cracking series. Her Italian holiday with fiance Tim Robards keeps on heating up - and shows no sign of cooling anytime soon. And Bachelor star Anna Heinrich shared another sizzling Instagram snap of her and fiance Tim Robards on Tuesday, hugging atop an emerald-green rock pool. Anna, 31, looked stunning in a skimpy black-and-white polkadot bikini, while Tim, 35, wore only a pair of tiny red boardshorts, showing off his chiseled abs. Hot to handle: Bachelor star Anna Heinrich (pictured), 31, on Wednesday shared a sizzling Instagram shot of her and fiance Tim Robards, 35, atop an emerald-green rock pool in Italy Anna caption the shot: 'Im not letting this one go ... holiday hangs with the fiance.' Anna's Instagram followers shared their love for the duo in the comments section. 'Perfect is the only word', wrote one, while another added: 'True Love does exist.' Queen of hearts: The couple appear supremely relaxed ahead of their wedding, which is due to take place any day now Shredded for the wedding! Tim shows off his insane abs in tiny boardshorts in Italy One fan posted: 'No more muscle. You have just enough between you. Anymore perfect it becomes weird.' Both Tim and Anna appear supremely relaxed ahead of their wedding, which is due to take place any day now. Tim recently dropped several hints about the nuptials, sharing a photo of himself carrying a pair of suitcases with the Italian town of Matera in the background. Something special planned? Tim recently dropped several hints about the nuptials, sharing a photo of himself carrying a pair of suitcases with the Italian town of Matera in the background Any day now! The original Bachelor couple have stayed tight-lipped about details of their wedding ceremony, but it looks like it could take place any day now Guests, including Tim's close friends and Anna's family, have already arrived in Italy for what is expected to be the Australian wedding of the year. Groomsmen Luke Khoury and Dean Stannard recently jetted into Europe, as have Anna's parents, Les and Judith Heinrich. The original Bachelor couple have stayed tight-lipped about details of the ceremony, but it looks like it could take place any day now Tyrese Gibson has been hit with a lawsuit from credit card company American Express. According to a new report by TMZ, the 39-year-old actor has an unpaid balance of $61,071.35. Back in November the Fast And Furious star claimed he was having money problems amid his ongoing feud with his ex-wife, Norma Gibson. Debt: Tyrese Gibson has been hit with a lawsuit from credit card company American Express for an unpaid balance of $61,071.35 Tyrese said he earns $105,686 per month but his monthly expenses amount to $107,576. According to documents he filed at the time, Tyrese said he had nearly $900,000 in cash and had property worth close to $2 million. Meanwhile, the action star is back in court seeking primary custody of his 10-year-old Shayla. In November 2017, a judge ruled that Tyrese and ex-wife Norma should share custody of their daughter following an acrimonious legal battle. The actor argues in new legal documents, seen by TMZ, that Shayla will have a better life if she moves to live with him in his new Atlanta mansion rather than remaining with her mother in Los Angeles. Wants his kid: Meanwhile Tyrese is back in court seeking primary custody of his 10-year-old daughter Shayla with ex-wife Norma after a judge ruled last year they should share custody The actor accuses his ex of restricting his time with his daughter and argues that he will provide a 'stable and loving' environment for her in his seven-bedroom, nine-and-a-half bath Georgia home. The Transformers star says he will send her to a top private school and she will be less bothered by paparazzi if she's away from Tinseltown. Tyrese and Norma were married from 2007 to 2009. Dispute: The Fast And Furious star, 39, left, and Norma, right last September, went through an acrimonious legal battle over Shayla after they split up. They were wed from 2007 to 2009 Famous: The Transformers star says he will send his daughter, pictured with him in 2016, to a top private school and she will be less bothered by paparazzi if she's away from Tinseltown Luxury living: Tyrese says in court documents that he will provide a 'stable and loving' environment for his daughter in his seven-bedroom, nine-and-a-half bath Georgia home Last year, the LA native tied the knot with New Jersey-born Samantha and they announced in April that they are expecting a baby together. The child is due in September. Speaking to People last year, Tyrese said of his court battle with his ex: 'Unfortunately as entertainers and public figures, you have to go through very private matters publicly sometimes.' Samantha said earlier this year that she believes her pregnancy has come at the 'right time.' 'There was a lot that happened last year - everyone is aware of that - and so to have the opportunity to really start a new chapter in the way that has happened, I just look to God and I'm like, 'Wow, I can't believe that you would plan it this way and you do it so perfectly,' she explained to People. Mindy Kaling looked fabulous as she hit the red carpet at the Ocean's 8 world premiere on Tuesday. The 38-year-old actress, who welcomed daughter Katherine five months ago, donned a shimmering black Prabal Gurung dress as she joined her castmates at Alice Tully Hall in New York. Mindy's frock featured ruching on the bodice and cross-over straps flowing down her back into a long train. Scroll down for video Glitzy: Mindy Kaling looked fabulous as she hit the red carpet at the Ocean's 8 world premiere in New York on Tuesday Her brunette tresses fell glossy in a center parting and she accessorized with Cartier jewels. Joining her on the red carpet were co-stars Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Sandra Bullock, Sarah Paulson, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter and Akwafina. Ocean's 8 all-star female line-up sees Debbie Ocean (Bullock) - the estranged sister of Danny Ocean - attempt to pull of a $150 million heist at the Met Gala. Cate stars as Lou, Debbie's partner-in-crime, while Paulson plays Tammy, a suburban mom and Debbie's former partner-in-crime. Beauty in black: The 38-year-old actress, who welcomed daughter Katherine five months ago, donned a shimmering black Prabal Gurung dress as she joined her castmates at Alice Tully Hall Mindy is along for the ride as Amita, a jewelry maker, while Awkwafina plays Constance, a thief, and Rihanna is Nine Ball, a tech genius. Bonham Carter appears as Rose Weil, a fashion designer, in the summer female-driven blockbuster. On the other side is Hathaway playing Daphne Kluger, a celebrity and the target of the heist, whose assistant is James Corden (John Frazier). It will also see cameos from Anna Wintour, Zayn Malik, Katie Homes, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Kylie Jenner. Meanwhile, during an appearance on Ellen DeGeneres on Monday Mindy admitted she's struggled to shed her pregnant eating habits after giving birth to her daughter. Kisses: Mindy greeted singer Rihanna as the ladies gathered for a photo Teaming up: Joining her on the red carpet were co-stars Cate Blanchett, Akwafina, Sarah Paulson, Anne Hathaway, Sandra Bullock, Helena Bonham Carter and Rihanna 'Yea so it's not normal to NOT be pregnant and have a birthday cake on a Tuesday afternoon when its not your birthday,' she quipped. Mindy also chatted about her A Wrinkle in Time co-star Oprah Winfrey inviting the cast of the film to her house for a screening and how she was nervous bringing her newborn to the fete. 'I was scared because I had to bring my baby with me and she was really fussy on the way there and I was like "OMG am I gonna be the one that brings the screaming baby to Oprah's cathedral of beauty and art,' she joked. But Katherine surprised her mother and behaved like an angel. 'As soon as we walked in the door, her eyes got wide and she got really quiet like she knew she was in Oprah's house.... and she was like coyly smiling for the rest of the four hours,' she explained. TV star: Meanwhile, during an appearance on Ellen DeGeneres on Monday Mindy admitted she's struggled to shed her pregnant eating habits after giving birth to her daughter They are among Australia's top chefs and are bitter rivals with their competing TV cooking shows MasterChef and My Kitchen Rules. But a temporary truce was called on Monday as chefs Matt Preston, George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Manu Feildel joined forces to cook a feast for charity SecondBite at Melbourne's MCG. In a rare display of unity, MasterChef judge Matt posted a group shot of the event to Instagram, with the caption: 'The stellar culinary line up.' Hats off: A 'truce' was called on Monday as rival chefs Matt Preston, George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Manu Fieldel joined forces to cook a feast for charity SecondBite at the MCG In another shot - this time from the kitchen at the event - Matt wrote: 'Back of house at the #wastenotwantnot dinner at the MCG for @secondbiteorg ... United for a great cause!' 'I love that Manu is coming down (from Sydney) for this. Were all friends in the food world coming together for a great cause,' Matt told the Herald Sun recently. SecondBite distributes surplus fresh food to communities around the country. Apron army: 'Back of house at the #wastenotwantnot dinner at the MCG for @secondbiteorg ... United for a great cause!' wrote Matt Preston on Instagram It was something of a reunion for Manu and Gary, who appeared together on Network Ten's Boys Weekend cooking show in the mid-to-late 2000s. Fans of the rival cooking shows however are not expecting the truce to last, as they have a history of public spats. Speaking to Confidential in May, MasterChef judge Matt Preston appeared to throw shade at MKR, saying he had a 'no d**kheads' policy for his show's upcoming season. Tough talk: Matt Preston (centre) appeared to throw shade at MKR in May, saying he had a 'no d**kheads' policy for MasterChef's upcoming season 'You can get drama by picking d**kheads but over the years we have picked less and less d**kheads,' he said. MKR at the time had controversially booted contestants Sonya and Hadil off the show for 'bullying'. And last year, MKR's Manu hit back at the suggestion his celebrity status has taken over, having not worked in a restaurant for years. Rules broken: MKR in April controversially booted contestants Sonya and Hadil off the show for 'bullying' Kitchen confidential: MKR's Manu (pictured left) hit back at the suggestion his celebrity status has taken over, having not worked in a restaurant for years 'Why should I stop calling myself a chef?' the 44-year-old told the Daily Telegraph. 'Can you call yourself a doctor if you don't practise? I think you can,' Manu explained. A proud John Travolta took to Instagram on Wednesday to show his daughter Ella Bleu Travolta as she performed before the camera on the set of his upcoming movie, Poison Rose. 'First day of shooting with my daughter Ella Bleu for the film Poison Rose,' the A-list actor, 64, wrote, adding the hashtag, '#EllaTravolta.' The Gotti star showed a camera view of his 18-year-old daughter with wife Kelly Preston as she appeared in a scene in the forthcoming Noir thriller. Scroll below for video Big day: John Travolta, 64, took to Instagram on Wednesday to show his daughter Ella Bleu Travolta, 18, as she performed before the camera on the set of Poison Rose Production on the George Gallo-directed movie, which features a cast including Morgan Freeman, Brendan Fraser, Famke Janssen and Robert Patrick, has been ongoing in Savannah, Georgia amid the controversy surrounding Freeman, 81, stemming from a CNN report he sexually harassed or was inappropriate towards women. In February, Travolta took spoke to Extra about Ella's role in the movie, coming on the heels of her performance in his latest release, Gotti. 'My daughter is stunning and we're planning to do a movie together,' the veteran actor told the program. 'Yes, called Poison Rose, and she plays my daughter, but I don't know she's my daughter. 'Although I look at her and she looks just like me, so it's going to be hard to play that, but that's next.' Glitz: Ella was at the side of her father at the Cannes Film Festival last month for the Gotti premiere Wheels up: The Hollywood veteran shared a shot of himself reflecting in a private jet Tuesday Ella was at the side of her father and mother Kelly Preston, as well as her younger brother Ben, seven, at the Cannes Film Festival last month for the Gotti premiere. It was a sentimental occasion, marking the family's first red carpet walk in the nine years since the tragic death of Jett Travolta at 16 at the family's Bahamas vacation home in January of 2009. The actor, in a 2014 interview in London, called Jett's death 'the worst thing that's ever happened in [his] life,' adding that he 'didn't know if [he] was going to make it' through the traumatic aftermath. 'Life was no longer interesting to me, so it took a lot to get me better,' said the family man, who credited the Church of Scientology for helping pave the road back. 'I will forever be grateful to Scientology for supporting me for two years solid, I mean Monday through Sunday,' Travolta said. 'They didn't take a day off, working through different angles of the techniques to get through grief and loss, and to make me feel that finally I could get through a day.' Married At First Sight's Telv Williams has endorsed a widely disputed statistic about male suicide associated with the controversial men's rights movement. The father-of-two, 34, reposted a photo to his Instagram Story on Wednesday that showed a man holding a sign reading: 'Every week 21 fathers take their own life due to child access issues'. The photo was originally posted to the For The Boys Instagram page on Monday and machinery technician Telv appeared to approve of the message, writing: 'Love your work'. Scroll down for video 'Every week, 21 fathers take their own life due to child access issues': MAFS' Telv Williams has endorsed a disputed statistic about male suicide associated with the men's rights movement The supposed statistic that 21 men commit suicide every week because of family law issues such as child support and domestic violence orders is associated with The Australian Brotherhood of Fathers (ABF), which was started by Leith Erikson. Erikson has previously been described in the media as a 'men's rights activist'. The statistic has also been promoted by One Nation Queensland leader Steve Dickson and Tracey Bell-Henselin, the party's candidate for the Sunshine Coast seat of Glass House. 'Love your work': Telv reposted a photo to his Instagram Story on Wednesday showing a man holding a sign reading: 'Every week 21 fathers take their own life due to child access issues' According to The Conversation, 'there is no data available' to support Dickson's assertion that there are 'up to 21 fathers killing themselves every week' in Australia. This is because national suicide statistics do not specify whether men who have killed themselves were fathers. While relationship breakdown is considered a risk factor for suicide deaths among men, data supporting the claim that family access issues were the direct cause of suicides also does not exist. Fact check: According to The Conversation, 'there is no data available' to support the assertion there are 'up to 21 fathers killing themselves every week' in Australia. Pictured: Telv on MAFS On Thursday, Telv's ex-partner Amy told Daily Mail Australia she did not approve of him 'supporting broken fathers as he has every opportunity to have a relationship with his children'. Telv no longer lives in the same state as his two young children. Earlier this year, he relocated to Melbourne from Perth, where his children live with their mother. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Telv Williams via Channel Nine's publicity department for comment. Abby Lee Miller was forced to undergo another emergency surgery. The 51-year-old, who is battling newly-diagnosed cancer, revealed on Instagram on Tuesday that she was back in hospital. 'After another 2 hour MRI this morning, the pros thought I needed one more quick little emergency surgery!' she wrote alongside a shot of her arm rigged with an intravenous line. Fighting: Abby Lee Miller underwent another MRI and emergency surgery amid her cancer battle on Tuesday 'Ugh! Im in recovery now and texting so everything must be ok,just hiccups in my plans! She continued: 'Im on a tight schedule; shooting two projects and I need to get out of here and on with my life!!! Please keep me in your prayers. Im grateful for all the well wishes!' The Dance Moms star was recently diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, shortly before her release from prison. Last month a source told People that the reality star was 'losing it' and was in a 'really bad place'. Ill: The Dance Moms star was recently diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, shortly before her release from prison 'She has two more chemo sessions to go, but she's in a really bad place - mentally and emotionally. She's really losing it,' they said. In April Abby underwent a four-hour emergency operation shortly after her prison release, on what doctors first thought was a spinal infection. It's been a difficult few years for Miller, who had been in custody at Victorville Federal Correctional Institution from July until late last month in connection with her bankruptcy fraud conviction. She lost 100 pounds while in custody while at the penitentiary. In March, she began staying at a Long Beach, California halfway house, where she was slated to stay until May 25. She's no stranger to turning heads with her enviable figure and impeccable fashion taste. And on Wednesday, Shanina Shaik had all eyes on her again as she and her husband, Gregory 'DJ Ruckus' Andrews, hosted the IL MAKIAGE launch week party in New York City. The former Victoria's Secret model looked spectacular in a short black leather mini skirt, which flaunted her trim and very toned pins. He's a very lucky man! Shanina Shaik shows off her endless legs in a sexy black leather mini skirt and daring shoulder cut top as she and husband DJ Ruckus host party in New York Equally eye-catching was Shanina's stunning top. Combining bell sleeves with a large shoulder cut that teased a hint of skin and cleavage, Shanina's blouse complemented her skirt perfectly. The brunette beauty completed her smouldering look with a high ponytail, a chic black clutch bag, and some fancy black heels. Daring: The model wore a chic black skirt and a unique top that featured a deep shoulder cut and bell sleeves Lucky man: DJ Ruckus co-hosted the IL MAKIAGE event One person in attendance who only had eyes for Shanina was her event co-host and husband, DJ Ruckus. The 34-year-old was all smiles as he looked dashing in an army green coloured collared shirt. The performer also rocked some trendy black jeans and a pair of fashionable black sneakers. Eye of the beholder: The brunette beauty topped her stunning outfit off with a high ponytail and smoky make up The IL MAKIAGE launch party wasn't the only event this week attended by Shanina in which all eyes were on her. The model attended the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City on Monday, where she wowed everyone by wearing a tiny tassel playsuit by designer Kobi Halperin. It's been a busy week for the model, who returned from an idyllic Mexico trip with her husband only recently. Having been engaged since 2016, the Melbourne beauty and DJ Ruckus tied the knot just over a month ago. She recently confirmed she was expecting her second child with Hugh Dancy. And Claire Danes covered her growing baby bump as she was spotted at the Homeland FYC event in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The gorgeous star, 39, swathed her figure in a sleeveless black and grey dress as she commanded attention for the red carpet event. Stunner: Claire Danes covered her growing baby bump as she was spotted at the Homeland FYC event in Los Angeles on Tuesday Daring to impress, the natural stunner looked healthy and happy as she rocked the fashion forward gown. Her trademark strawberry blonde tresses were left long and loose allowing her youthful face to shine. Throwing caution to the wind, the Brokedown Palace thespian went virtually makeup free with just a touch of berry lip. She paused to pose with co star Mandy Patinkin. Movie star glamour: The gorgeous star, 39, swathed her figure in a sleeveless black and grey dress as she commanded attention for the red carpet event Claire has previously admitted she would be a 'lousy stay at home mom', and is glad she waited until later in life to have her children. 'Ive always wanted to have kids, but Im glad I didnt until now,' she told ELLE magazine in 2013. 'When I was thinking about [working and being a mother] originally, I was really nervous about it. Impressive:Daring to impress, the natural stunner looked healthy and happy as she rocked the fashion forward gown 'I think I would make a lousy stay-at-home mom. It just wouldnt suit me. I feel so fortunate, in that Ive had this arrow-straight focus that I wanted to act.' The New York native stopped by Howard Stern's morning program late last month to promote the seventh season of her hit show before a surprise announcement to reveal she was 'deep' in the second trimester of pregnancy. She went on to tell Stern that she's keeping the baby's gender a secret until she gives birth later this year. Hair story: Her trademark strawberry blonde tresses were left long and loose allowing her youthful face to shine Claire has a five-year-old son, Cyrus, with her husband of nearly one decade, actor Hugh Dancy, 42. After meeting Hugh on the set of Evening in 2006, the pair announced their engagement in February 2009. They tied-the-knot in the same year in a secret ceremony in France. Married At First Sight contestants put their lives on hold for up to four months and risk destroying their reputations for TV ratings gold. But how much are cast members actually paid to take part in the show? There is no salary, per se, however participants do receive daily 'living expenses' that are expected to cover food and bills. Scroll down for video How much Married At First Sight stars are REALLY paid: Nasser Sultan reveals the surprisingly low amount cast members received for 'living expenses' and admits they had to buy their food Nasser Sultan told Stav, Abby & Matt on Wednesday that he only received $150 per day in exchange for appearing on the show. 'Out of that, we've got to buy our own food and we've got to pay our own bills, so it's really not much money,' he said. 'When [the Network is] making millions of dollars out of something, it's not much money.' How much? Nasser Sultan told Stav, Abby & Matt on Wednesday that he only received $150 per day in exchange for appearing on the show. Pictured with on-screen wife Gabrielle Bartlett Nasser, 51, added: 'People think we got thousands of dollars, we really didn't. 'Other contestants, I believe, negotiated and got a bit more. Like, they got $300 or $200 a day. 'But I was getting $150 a day. Mate, I have mortgage. We couldn't work for three or four months.' Worth the price? Married At First Sight contestants put their lives on hold and risk destroying their reputations for TV ratings gold. Pictured: Davina Rankin (left) and Tracey Jewel (right) Nasser said that he accepted the low living expenses, but feels annoyed because he's since been blacklisted by Channel Nine. 'I love the show and chose to be on it. But at least do something, ring up every now and then,' he said. Nasser has claimed Nine's publicity department dropped him for taking part in unapproved media interviews. Out of the club! Nasser said that he accepted the low living expenses, but feels annoyed because he's since been blacklisted by Channel Nine. Pictured: The Married At First Sight cast He is also not invited to the upcoming Logie Awards, despite the fact Married At First Sight has been nominated. 'We made the show, we made the ratings... and we get snubbed,' he said. 'I think it's an outrage.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine for comment. Erin Molan has given birth to a baby girl. The Footy Show host, 35, and her fiance Sean Ogilvy, welcomed their first child on Wednesday morning. The couple have named their bundle of joy Eliza Emily Ogilvy. Baby joy! Channel Nine star and Footy Show host Erin Molan welcomes baby girl called Eliza Emily Ogilvy - just in time for the first State of Origin Proud parents! Erin and her police officer fiance Sean Ogilvy welcomed daughter Eliza into the world on Wednesday 'Everyone at Nine is so happy for Erin and Sean and the safe arrival of beautiful Eliza,' Erin's spokesperson told Nine. 'We wish them well for the start of the next exciting phase, and look forward to meeting the new Blues supporter when she is ready. Congratulations from all.' Erin previously revealed that her due date was around one of the biggest days on the Australian sporting calendar - the first game of the 2018 State of Origin series. 'My timing is horrendous, as per usual with most things in life': As previously predicted by the NRL Footy Show host, Erin's newborn arrived hours before the State Of Origin opener And baby Eliza was right on the mark, arriving the same morning as the opener. 'Im due to give birth around State Of Origin I,' she told hit105s Stav, Abby and Matt back in March. She joked: 'My timing is horrendous, as per usual with most things in life.' Chuckling, she predicted at the time: 'I'm sure work's really happy with my timing.' Tough mama! While it's been confirmed Erin and baby Eliza are happy and healthy, the Nine journalist had a difficult pregnancy While it's been confirmed Erin and baby Eliza are happy and healthy, the Nine journalist had a few hiccups throughout her pregnancy. Back in February, Erin was taken to hospital after collapsing and hitting her head whilst working at Channel Nine's Sydney studios. She also suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum, commonly known as extreme morning sickness. Starting a family: Erin announced her engagement to fiance' Sean while hosting the Footy Show last April, and revealed she was expecting a child on the show in December And then while she was heavily pregnant in May she was rushed to hospital after suffering a shocking tumble in a Sydney shopping centre. 'The baby is totally healthy, as am I! Just an unfortunate but very common reaction to the vaccines,' she notified concerned fans at the time. Erin announced her engagement to fiance' Sean while hosting the Footy Show last April, and revealed she was expecting a child on the show in December. 'I just keep Googling "how to keep a baby alive after birth"': Erin joked she felt anxious about becoming a mother earlier this year Preparing for the bub's arrival earlier this week, Erin shared a glimpse of her baby haul for her adorable girl on Monday to Instagram. Erin gave her followers a tour of her various baby-related purchases, including a changing table, nappies, a blanket and a rocker. A new pram, by Bugaboo, appeared to be specially made and could cost up to $2,000, according to the company's website. Erin joked she felt anxious about becoming a mother earlier this year. 'I just keep Googling "how to keep a baby alive after birth" ' and not much comes up so I'm totally stuffed, I don't know what I'm doing,' she said during a past radio interview. Oh, baby! Preparing for the bub's arrival earlier this week, Erin shared a glimpse of her baby haul for her adorable girl on Monday to Instagram, including a pricey pram 'Hopefully instinct kicks in but we'll see... It hasn't served me well in the past.' Erin said she does not expect to take a great deal of maternity leave and will return to work, 'very quickly'. The Footy Show host told The Sunday Telegraph earlier this year: 'I think I will be able to go back very quickly because Ill be able to be a full-time mum at home; I can do my prep from there, and then be able to go into work for a few hours at night.' She had previously stated she intends to have a nanny accompany her to the Nine News studios for her 6pm sports bulletin shift. In spite of Erin's ambitious post-baby plans she confessed other mothers may not concur with her school of thought. Her statement came after she spoke to Nine Honey about the pressures of being a new mother in the celebrity spotlight. 'I don't think that it affects me, people saying things about me or judging me, because I've had so much of it over 12 or 13 years in television,' she said. 'But they say when it involves a child it's a different thing, so I'm a little bit anxious about how it will be perceived.' It's a great job if you can swing it. And for Bella Hadid work's a breeze judging from her latest Instagram post. 'Chilling on the job,' she wrote alongside a photo showing her sunning herself in Mexico reclining in an over-sized wooden chair wrapped in a yellow and white beach towel. Work's a breeze: Bella Hadid posted a photo to Instagram Tuesday showing herself reclining in sunny Mexico during a Vogue photo shoot with the caption: 'Chilling on the job' The model, 21, was sitting underneath a wooden shade structure and was surrounded by green tropical foliage. Her long legs and feet were bare and she ported large sunglasses. She's south of the border for a photo shoot for Vogue and she went on to share some behind-the-scenes images too. Chilling: The model, 21, was wrapped in a yellow and white beach towel. Her long legs and feet were bare and she ported large sunglasses At work: Bella also shared a short video clip from behind the scenes as she showed off her figure in a skimpy white top and black shorts Mexico photo shoot: She showed equipment being moved around the tropical location Tropical style: She seemed to be having a good time Bella arrived in Mexico from New York where she'd been spotted out and about over the weekend. That was after returning stateside from Paris, France, where she enjoyed a reunion with on/off boyfriend, rapper The Weeknd. She arrived back in the Big Apple on Saturday and was seen running through the streets of New York revealing some serious underboob in a skimpy, plaid crop top. She teamed her tiny top with a pair of distressed mom jeans, a large belt and chunky Balenciaga sneakers. Sexy in the city: Bella arrived in Mexico from New York where she'd been spotted out and about over the weekend revealing some serious underboob in a skimpy crop top What could be worse than holding a heavily promoted book launch where only '15 fans' show up? Married At First Sight's Tracey Jewel learned the answer on Tuesday night, when her advertised special guest Sonia Kruger failed to show up to the event. Worse still: according to News Corp, the Today Extra host left 'read receipts' on her iPhone, so Tracey knew her desperate 'where are you' texts were being seen, then ignored. Seen zoned! Tracey Jewel plummets to the 'depths of despair' as book launch no-show Sonia Kruger leaves 'read receipts' on her phone so the MAFS star knew she'd ignored her texts Would you like a receipt? The Today Extra host reportedly left 'read receipts' on her iPhone, so Tracey knew her desperate 'where are you' texts were being seen, then ignored The publication spoke to the reality star at the event - they had no trouble spotting her among the handful of people who showed up to Vaucluse House event. Tracey made it even easier to find her, sporting a velvet dress, bright pink cap and a really big frown. 'She messaged me two days ago saying she was coming!' the author reportedly said, frantically staring down at her notification-less phone. Sonia was said to be a big draw-card attraction to the event and her attendance was promised in a Press Release. Where's Sonia? Tracey was contacted for comment at the event - it was no trouble spotting her among the handful of people who showed up to Vaucluse House for the launch Tracey continued, still staring at the little grey text on her and Sonia's message thread that let her know the TV star had apparently seen the messages but not found time to reply. 'I messaged her, like, half an hour ago! 'Ugh, nothing throws you into the depths of despair like being left on read' it's claimed she said. All quiet on the textin' front: 'She messaged me two days ago saying she was coming!' the author reportedly was heard saying, frantically staring down at her notification-less phone At least she's still got merch! 'I messaged her, like, half an hour ago! 'Ugh, nothing throws you into the depths of despair like being left on read' it's claimed she said Ever the glass-is-half-full-but-this-book-launch-isn't type of girl, the MAFS star concluded: 'Oh well, FOMO!' The publication suggested Sonia probably didn't have FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) after a Nine spokesperson subsequently told them Sonia never received a formal invite, nor had she seen or approved a press release. It appears at most, there was a mix-up, but Channel Nine insisted Sonia was never asked to help launch the book. Tracey's new book, This Goddess Means Business: Marketing pep talks for women in business is available now via Booktopia. Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell have celebrated their four-and-a-half year anniversary in typically loved-up fashion. On Wednesday, Bindi, 19, sent Chandler, 21, a romantic Instagram tribute to mark the special occasion. The daughter of Terri and late Australian icon Steve Irwin shared an image that showed her cuddling her boyfriend on the grounds of Australia Zoo. 'Every day is so special with you': Bindi Irwin celebrates her anniversary with boyfriend Chandler Powell in a loved-up social media tribute 'I have loved this guy since I first met him, over four and a half years ago,' she wrote. 'Every day is so special with you.' The post attracted an astonishing 11,000 plus likes in under an hour. True love: 'I have loved this guy since I first met him, over four and a half years ago,' she wrote on Instagram Chandler and Bindi met at Australia Zoo and have previously discussed the story of their fateful encounter. 'I'm a professional wakeboarder. I was there (Australia) for a wakeboard competition,' the American told Dancing With The Stars in 2015. 'We were stopping by the area where the zoo was so I thought it would be awesome to go visit Australia Zoo. And she ended up giving me a tour and we ended up staying in touch ever since.' Popular! The post attracted an astonishing 11,000 plus likes in under an hour In an interview with US Weekly around the same time, Bindi recalled how much of a gentlemen Chandler was when he reached out to her. 'He tracked me down through the zoo and was like 'If she doesn't want to stay in contact that's totally fine, but here's my e-mail.' 'We stayed in touch and became great friends. I can't really say when it turned into more. It just evolved over time and bloomed into this wonderful thing.' Advertisement The impressive A-list cast of Ocean's 8 redefined 'squad goals' on the red carpet on Tuesday night. Actresses Cate Blanchett, Sarah Paulson, Anne Hathaway, Sandra Bullock, Mindy Kaling, Helena Bonham Carter, Awkwafina and Rihanna stood in formation to premiere an all-female reboot of the franchise in New York. After a three-year wait, the octet of Hollywood royalty looked proud to be finally introducing the heist movie at the global premiere, held at Alice Tully Hall in Manhattan. The gangs all here: The cast of Ocean's 8 (from left) Cate Blanchett, Awkwafina, Sarah Paulson, Anne Hathaway, Sandra Bullock, Mindy Kaling, and Helena Bonham Carter and Rihanna stood in formation on the red carpet for the world premiere in New York on Tuesday night, as they introduced their new female reboot They represented a cross-section of women in Hollywood, each with individual red carpet style and a back catalogue of blockbusters under their belts. The actors have spoken at length about how it felt to work with so many talented stars, which was made all the more significant because they were all women. Sandra Bullock told People in May: 'I saw a group of women support each other in the most humbling way. Everyone wanting the other to have their moment.' She went on to say: 'Early on in the shoot we started reading stories that we were at each others throats, but the opposite was true. A lot of film was wasted on laughing fits that usually resulted in makeup having to be redone and a little snot being removed.' Meanwhile, the stars have tried to play down the significance of the line-up being exclusively women. Individual style: The women each exhibited their unique sense of style as they brought glamour and talent to the red carpet Holding hands: They supported one another as they brought together their wealth of experience in Hollywood to form a unit of leading ladies Party girls: Away from the formality of the red carpet, the actresses showed their personalities Letting their guard down: They all seemed to share a strong bond when they arrived for afterparty of the premiere Posing time: Six of the stars let their hair down together at the post-party on Tuesday night Awkwafina told Refinery29: 'I hope we can live in a world where its not special, where it can just be a movie.' Cate Blanchett conquered, adding: 'I hope that we dont have to have these conversations anymore. I am really done with talking about how amazing it is that weve got an all-female cast. 'Because in the end, its a heist movie, and you dont want this sort of political climate on a human issue to eclipse the fact that this is just a fun film. The timing is actually completely coincidental. Fantastic, wonderful, but completely coincidental.' Ocean's 8 all-star female line-up sees Debbie Ocean (Bullock) - the estranged sister of Danny Ocean - attempt to pull of a $150 million heist at the Met Gala. Cate Blanchett stars as Lou, Debbie's partner-in-crime, while Sarah Paulson plays Tammy, a suburban mom and Debbie's former partner-in-crime. Owning it: The film sees (from left) Rihanna as Nine Ball, Awkwafina as Constance, a thief and technical genius, Helena Bonham Carter as Rose Weil, a fashion designer, Danny Ocean's estranged sister Cate Blanchett as Lou, Debbie's close friend and partner-in-crime Sandra Bullock as Debbie Ocean, a professional robber, Mindy Kaling as Amita, a jewellery maker, Sarah Paulson as Tammy, a suburban mom and Debbie's former partner-in-crime, Anne Hathaway as Daphne Kluger, a celebrity and the target of the heist Squad goals: The octet of female actors have been promoting the film for the last few months Screen stars: The women come together to form an unlikely squad in the 2018 film Saying hello: Kaling gave a smooch to Rihanna on her cheek Stunner: The pop sensation oozed glamour in a dazzling purple couture number as she lead the star-studded red carpet affair Stunners: Sandra Bullock (left), Anne Hathaway (centre) and Sarah Paulson (right) commanded attention in individual styles Suited up: Blancett rocked a fashion forward bedazzled suit Sparkle queen: Kaling (left) and Helena Bonham Carter (right) both kept things simple in classic black dresses, while Awkwafina shone in white Mindy Kaling is along for the ride as Amita, a jewelry maker, while Awkwafina plays Constance, a thief, and Rihanna is Nine Ball, a tech genius. Helena Bonham Carter also appears in the summer female blockbuster as Rose Weil, a fashion designer. On the otherside is Anne Hathaway playing Daphne Kluger, a celebrity and the target of the heist, whose assistant is James Corden (John Frazier). It will also see cameos from Anna Wintour, Zayn Malik, Katie Homes, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner. The movie hits theaters June 8. The cast - along with some of the cameo stars - certainly set the red carpet alight on Tuesday night, with an ecclectic choice of red carpet outfits. Impressive: Daring to impress, the Umbrella songstress turned all the heads in the glamourous dress that featured bell shaped fringe Additions: Allowing the fashion forward sartorial choice to speak for itself, Rihanna opted for minimal accessories with only a set of floral shaped earrings and small clutch Flawless: The sensational deep purple color of the fabric highlighted her perfect skin tone Au natural: Throwing caution to the wind, the darling diva went virtually makeup free with only a slight smokey eye and deep berry lip Sarah Paulson made quite the statement in an electric green dress, made up of thousands of confetti like frills. Sandra Bullock and Anne Hathaway showcased their individual styles in elegant floor-sweeping dresses, oozing glamour. Gravity alum Sandra, 53, looked every inch the movie star in a gold fringe dress while Devil Wears Prada star Anne, 35, turned heads in a unique geometric gown. Sandra's fabulous sartorial choice featured an ethereal sheer gold fabric with intricate bedazzled designs. She showcased her delicate decolletage and ample cleavage as the showstopping number boasted a plunging neckline. Rihanna commanded attention in a dazzling purple couture dress that cut just around the knee and draped asymmetrically with bell-shaped frills. Allowing the fashion forward sartorial choice to speak for itself, Rihanna opted for minimal accessories with only a set of floral shaped earrings and small clutch. The sensational deep purple color of the fabric highlighted her perfect skin tone. Throwing caution to the wind, the darling diva went virtually makeup free with only a slight smokey eye and deep berry lip. Supermodel style: (From left) Gigi Hadid, Adriana Lima and Lily Aldridge brought the model glamour Repose: For one snapshot, Lily and Gigi stood by a large lineup of letters spelling out the title of the movie and rested their arms on them All that sweet affection: At the Tuesday premiere of Ocean's 8 in New York City, Gigi Hadid and Lily Aldrige posed up a storm side by side, making kissy-faces Glow: Her dirty blonde hair had been teased into fine waves, and she let it tumble down over her shoulders, framing her elegantly made-up face The occasion: Ocean's 8, spun off from the Ocean's Trilogy starring George Clooney, is directed by The Hunger Games vet Gary Ross and stars Sandra Bullock in the title role Smirking: The pair shot their best supermodel smoldering stares at the shutterbugs as they got themselves photographed to the hilt on the black carpet Feeling blue: Corden rocked a light blue classic suit for the fete Her trademark raven tresses were left long and slicked straight as they cascaded over her back. Meanwhile, the Barbadian beauty has broken up with her billionaire boyfriend, Hassan Jameel. According to reports the pop star ended her romance with the Saudi businessman, after supposedly 'tiring' of him, A friend of the musician told MediaTakeOut.com: 'It's over... Rihanna broke his heart. That's what she does, break men's hearts. Rihanna just got tired of him. She gets tired of men sometimes.' Rihanna had never confirmed the romance, thought to have started last year, but had spoken of being in a serious relationship in interviews. Golden girl: Bullock sparkled in a fabulous gold gown that boasted fringe on the shoulders Designer duds: Hathaway was a goddess in a quirky designed dress Big night: She carried a matching drawstring bag with her down the carpet, and her blond locks were brushed back and to the side, eventually making their way into a bun Cast of characters: Cate Blanchett stars as Lou, Debbie's partner-in-crime, while Sarah Paulson plays Tammy, a suburban mom and Debbie's former partner-in-crime Indeed in the June edition of Vogue she said her unnamed partner had given her a new outlook on life. The Stay hitmaker explained: 'I used to feel guilty about taking personal time, but I also think I never met someone who was worth it before.' And Rihanna had a role in creating her movie's character Nine Ball - a street-smart hacker with dreadlocks. In a recent Vogue article, the movie's director Gary Ross remembers brainstorming ideas for her character after one of her concerts in 2016 and coming up with the idea to make Nine Ball a Barbadian native. 'Rihanna is so bravely authentic. She doesnt care what people think of her; shes fully invested in being herself,' said Ross. 'She also has a seriousness of purpose and focus that not a lot of people have. Its all about the work, and it doesnt come with any excess personal baggage.' Proud: Rihanna's parents Ronald and Monica were on hand to show their support Fancy: Her brother Rajad Fenty rocked a fetching pair of shoes After party: Rihanna teamed up with co-star Anne Hathaway at the after party in NYC Chat: She and Anne became engrossed in conversation Social group: Anne, Awkwafina and Gary Ross talked to Rihanna following the premiere Chatting away: Cate and acting pal Sandra talked shop at the after party later that night 8+1: James Corden squeezed in beside the octet Lols: Something certainly seemed to tickle the Barbadian She excitedly welcomed her first child, daughter Eliza, into the world on Wednesday. And while Erin Molan and her fiance Sean Ogilvy's bundle of joy has been confirmed to be happy and healthy, the Nine journalist had several hiccups throughout her pregnancy. The 35-year-old suffered two shocking falls within three months, as well as battling extreme morning sickness and low blood sugar. Baby joy! Erin Molan meets her gorgeous new daughter Eliza after a difficult pregnancy which saw her suffer two scary tumbles, extreme morning sickness and low blood sugar Back in February, Erin was taken to hospital after collapsing and hitting her head whilst working at Channel Nine's Sydney studios. Tests at Royal North Shore Hospital revealed she had a low blood sugar count which had caused her to faint. Erin's police officer fiance Sean rushed to her bedside in hospital. And then while she was heavily pregnant in May, she was rushed to hospital after suffering a shocking tumble in a Sydney shopping centre. Shocking tumble: Back in February, Erin was taken to hospital after collapsing and hitting her head whilst working at Channel Nine's Sydney studios Speaking to WSFM's Jonesy and Amanda, Erin said she 'fainted' and landed on her side, thankfully protecting baby from injury, after receiving preventative shots for the flu and whooping cough. 'I had a little... faint is a strong word,' she revealed, 'but a little fall in the Randwick shops.' 'The baby is totally healthy, as am I! Just an unfortunate but very common reaction to the vaccines,' she notified concerned fans at the time. Ordeal: Tests at Royal North Shore Hospital revealed she had a low blood sugar count which had caused her to faint. Erin's police officer fiance Sean (pictured) rushed to her bedside in hospital Oh dear: And then while she was heavily pregnant in May, she was rushed to hospital after suffering a shocking tumble in a Sydney shopping centre While acknowledging she was fortunate to conceive and carry a child, Erin previously said her pregnancy had been extremely difficult. The Channel Nine reporter confirmed she had suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum, commonly known as extreme morning sickness, during the first few months of her pregnancy. It's the same condition that affected Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, during her three pregnancies. 'It's been horrendous but I feel horrendously guilty even talking about it, because I know how blessed I am to even have children... but it's been awful,' she said. Struggle: While acknowledging she was fortunate to conceive and carry a child, Erin previously said her pregnancy had been extremely difficult 'It hasn't been fun, even all the things that give me joy like alcohol, runny eggs and raw meat and sushi I can't eat any more,' Erin joked. The blonde bombshell is no doubt ecstatic about her happy and healthy child's arrival into world. 'Everyone at Nine is so happy for Erin and Sean and the safe arrival of beautiful Eliza,' Erin's spokesperson told Nine on Wednesday. 'We wish them well for the start of the next exciting phase, and look forward to meeting the new Blues supporter when she is ready. Congratulations from all.' Awful: 'It's been horrendous but I feel horrendously guilty even talking about it, because I know how blessed I am to even have children... but it's been awful,' she said Erin announced her engagement to fiance Sean while hosting the Footy Show last April, and revealed she was expecting a child on the show in December. 'Sean and I are very blessed and very excited to announce that we're having a child,' Erin gushed to her Today co-host Georgie Gardner. An excited Molan laughed as she described the news as 'slightly terrifying but wonderful'. Bambi Northwood-Blyth celebrated her 27th birthday surrounded by her nearest and dearest model pals this Tuesday. Taking to her Instagram, the fashionista posed in a colourful mini dress outside the restaurant as she held two bouquets and a vibrant bunch of balloons. Showcasing her endless legs in the flirty frock, Bambi wrote in the caption: 'Love love love. Thank you to my epic friends, the family you get to choose and thank u @zimmermann for the dress!' Birthday beauty! Bambi Northwood-Blyth shows off her endless legs in a flirty mini-dress as she celebrates turning 27 with model friends The Melbourne-born star and her genetically-blessed crew were all smiles as they toasted to the slender beauty with a meal at French eatery, Lucien, in New York. In one photo shared on Bambi's Instagram account, Australian model Montana Cox was seen being fed cake by fellow model Jordan Barrett. Other famous faces around the table included fellow models Steffy Argelich and Lucinda Taffs and fashion designer Brianna Lance. Birthday bash! In one photo shared on Bambi's Instagram account, Australian model Montana Cox was seen being fed cake by fellow model Jordan Barrett A sweet treat: The model, who has graced the covers of Harper's Bazaar and Elle Australia, also documented herself tucking into a cake on her big day In the caption, the brunette beauty gushed, '[I] feel lucky to be surrounded by this beautiful crew.' In a video shared to her Instagram story earlier that day, Bambi was seen tucking into a tiny birthday cake to mark the occasion. She also gave a nod to her family with a sweet throwback snap of her parents and older sister Olivia. Baby Bambi! The 27-year-old gave a nod to her family, with a sweet throwback snap of herself, her parents and older sister Olivia Bambi made no mention of her ex-husband Dan Single, however, with whom she confirmed her split in January this year. In the past, Bambi and Dan described themselves as 'co-dependent.' In January, the wife of Bambi and Dan's marriage celebrant, Jane Magnus, told Daily Mail Australia that the couple had split. Jane's husband Adam performed Bambi and Dan's marriage ceremony in Byron Bay at Coorabella 2014. It is a truth universally acknowledged, that Love Island contestants are not only seeking romance but also the inevitable fame that comes with the show. And it seems Scottish air hostess Laura Anderson has always been celebrity-minded as backdated images on the 29-year-old's Instagram account show a host of superstar meetings and a D-list relationship. Given her job as an Emirates air hostess, it seems the First Class cabins permitted the star some high-end star meetings while she is rumoured to have dated Another Level star and Katie Price's ex Dane Bowers. When Magic Mike meets Love Island: Scottish air hostess Laura Anderson appears to have always been celebrity-minded as backdated images on the 29-year-old's Instagram account show a host of superstar meetings and a D-list relationship Since joining the photo-sharing site in 2012, Laura has dedicated her page to images of some of the nine boyfriend she admitted to having, her high-flying life in the skies, bikini-clad getaways - and also her many snaps with an array of snaps. The most recent in her string of celeb links was a series of videos and snaps with Dane, who she is said to have dated, as they headed to an adventure park in Dane. She shared a sweet snap as they cosied up to one another while also posting videos as they showed their wild side while zip-lining as they egged one another on. Laura's snaps with Dane only date back to February, meaning he may have been the boyfriend she referred to when saying she was single for two to three months. Another Level of fame? Given her job as an Emirates air hostess, it seems the First Class cabins permitted the star some high-end star meetings while she is rumoured to have dated Another Level star and Katie Price's ex Dane Bowers OOPS! Since joining the photo-sharing site in 2012, Laura has dedicated her page to images of some of the nine boyfriend she admitted to having, her high-flying life in the skies, bikini-clad getaways - and also her many snaps with an array of snaps The confession was met with mirth, after viewers pointed out the applications for Love Island closed six months ago - meaning she had either dumped her beau to enter the show or had entered behind the 'mystery man's' back. Possibly her most high-profile snap, was the image in which she cosied up to Channing while in her Emirates uniform, before also sharing an image with his Magic Mike co-star Adam Rodriguez - in yet another cosy shot. CSI star Kellan Lutz joined the A-list roll of stars on her roster, again looking elegant in her Emirates uniform and beaming at her celeb spot. Happy days: Laura's snaps with Dane only date back to February, meaning he may have been the boyfriend she referred to when saying she was single for two to three months Legend: England legend Alan Shearer was looking suave as he posed with Laura and her pals - again as she seemed delighted to be rubbing shoulders with the stars Fellow star: Possibly her most high-profile snap, was the image in which she cosied up to Channing while in her Emirates uniform, before also sharing an image with his Magic Mike co-star Adam Rodriguez - in yet another cosy shot England legend Alan Shearer was looking suave as he posed with Laura and her pals - again as she seemed delighted to be rubbing shoulders with the stars. It seems Laura also has a frienship with the stars of Liberty X, as she recently posted an image with Kelly Young, Jessica Taylor and Michelle Heaton. As her celeb-spotting was revealed, Laura came under fire on Tuesday night's show after she was accused of gold-digging when she discovered her partner Wes Nelson revealed he had once spent 1000 on a first date. More?! CSI star Kellan Lutz joined the A-list roll of stars on her roster, again looking elegant in her Emirates uniform and beaming at her celeb spot The girls! It seems Laura also has a frienship with the stars of Liberty X, as she recently posted an image with Kelly Young, Jessica Taylor and Michelle Heaton One user penned on Twitter: 'Laura liked Adam yesterday and now she hears about Wes has got money she's got fanny flutters the gold digger slosh pot #loveisland'. The air hostess was flighty with her affections on Monday, having stepped forward for smoldering Wes after being paired with unlucky-in-the-villa Dr. Alex George. In unbelievable scenes, Laura then decided she wasn't all that into her current partner when she fixed her eyes on the muscle-bound Adonis Adam Collard. The whole crew: Laura and her colleagues posed with the star for a sweet snap Yet on Tuesday, the Olivia lookalike angered fans when she declared her interest in the Electrical and Nuclear Systems Design Engineer after finding out he had money. Love Island viewers branded the blonde bombshell as 'money grabbing' and 'shallow' in a slew of scathing tweets. Others remarked: 'Funny how that Laura now suddenly cares about Wes now that she knows he's got money #golddigger #LoveIsland.' They've been facing personal woes since Livia Firth admitted to an affair with a man who she later accused of stalking her. But the Italian film producer put on a united front with her husband Colin, 57, when they attended an afterparty following the premiere for the Happy Prince movie. The event was hosted by Justine Picardie, the editor of Harper's Bazaar, at London's swanky Cafe Royal. United front: Colin Firth and his wife Livia put on a loving display at the Happy Prince movie afterparty held at London's Cafe Royal... after her 'stalker' hell Support: Livia oozed sophistication on arrival at the premiere to support her husband Alleged stalker: Livia had a secret romance with Brancaccia (pictured) while she and husband Colin were temporarily separated Livia, 48, who promotes eco-friendly fashion, stood out wearing a purple and pink patterned blazer over an all-black ensemble and strappy heels. Colin looked smart wearing a black suit with his white shirt unbuttoned a little. The heart throb stars as Reggie Turner in the untold story of the last days in the tragic times of Oscar Wilde. New story to tell: The heart throb stars as Reggie Turner in the untold story of the last days in the tragic times of Oscar Wilde alongside Rupert Everett (right) Firm friends: Rupert and Colin posed together for a snap and looked smart in their suits Tough times: Colin and Livia's outing comes after prosecutors reportedly revealed they had enough evidence to go to trial with Livia's alleged stalker Brancaccia Razzle dazzle: Celia Imrie wore a pair of sparkly boots for the outing Other big names appearing in the film include Rupert Everett and Emily Watson. Colin and Livia's outing comes after prosecutors reportedly revealed they had enough evidence to go to trial with Livia's alleged stalker Brancaccia, and under Italian law the journalist could face up to five years in prison. After being charged with the crime, the Italian legal system states that a preliminary hearing will decide whether Brancaccia's case will proceed to full trial. Double trouble: Colin Firth and Rupert Everett in a still taken from the movie A preliminary hearing has been postponed until July due to a lawyers strike. Prosecutor Maria Monteleone said: There was evidence of stalking against the victim in the form of messages and emails. She was very frightened and they were serious persecutory acts against her. She had to change her lifestyle because of the messages. 'She made her complaint in the prosecutors office in Rome and we recovered material from the defendants home. Livia had a secret romance with Brancaccia while she and husband Colin were temporarily separated. She later accused 55-year-old Brancaccia of a campaign of harassment when their one-year relationship ended in 2016. Leggy lady: Tallia Storm paraded her lithe legs in a flirty strapless mini dress at The Happy Prince premiere, earlier that evening Dazzling diva: Stephanie Beacham looked stunning in her navy lace dress with glittering embellishments, which she accessorised with a matching jacket as well as clutch and sandals Good company! Rupert was delighted to be joined by Ruby Wax and Celia Imrie at the star-studded premiere of his movie Team! Edwin Thomas, Rupert, Colin Morgan and Julian Wadham were in high spirits as they relaxed ahead of the screening of the movie Dapper! Fashion designer Erdem Moralioglu cut a sharp figure in his crisp power blue shirt, putting his hands into his pockets while posing for cameras Elsa Hosk made a bold statement in a lime green blouse and Gucci fanny pack on Tuesday as she sipped a green smoothie while out and about in New York's East Village. The 29-year-old supermodel was effortlessly stylish in the bright top and statement accessories as she enjoyed a healthy beverage while out and about in the Big Apple. Elsa shielded her eyes from the sunshine with dark-framed sunglasses and carried minimal essentials in her high-end body bag - which retails at an eye-watering 795. On point: Elsa Hosk went for sartorial chic on Tuesday as she rocked a lime green blouse with her Gucci fanny pack to grab a green smoothie in New York's East Village Elsa appeared to be enjoying a spot of downtime in her non-stop schedule as she rocked her bright green top with black chino trousers. The Swedish beauty accessorised her look with red and blue striped loafer heels as well as her designer bag, sporting her dark thick-framed sunglasses against her flawless complexion. Elsa sported only a classic pink lip-gloss to highlight her plump pout as she headed into the city, keeping her blonde hair scraped back in a centre-part up-do. Looking good: The 29-year-old supermodel rocked a neon green top with black chino trousers and red striped loafer heels Elsa went solo for the low-key outing after stunning with a sharp black suit at New York's CFDA awards, flashing a hint of her toned abs in the sartorial look. The Victoria's Secret star first rose to public attention after joining the iconic lingerie brand in 2011, earning her coveted wings four years later. Since then she has modelled for brands such as Dolce and Gabbana, Anna Sui and Guess, and has walked the Victoria's Secret annual fashion show seven times. Sharp: Protecting her eyes with dark-framed sunglasses, Elsa carried minimal essentials in her designer body bag - which retails for an eye-watering 795 Elsa has also been in relationship with entrepreneur Tom Daly, 30 since some time in 2015 when they were first linked together. However despite their high profiles, the pair keep their relationship private, only occasionally appearing on each other's social media. Earlier this year Elsa and Tom did team up to star in an advert for J Brand jeans, larking about and giving each other piggyback rides in the light-hearted video. He has made his thoughts on Love Island resoundingly clear. And Piers Morgan was on his soap box once again on Wednesday as he discussed the show on Good Morning Britain, during which he took particular aim at Coventry-born Islander Niall Aslam for his incessant use of the word 'like'. In the midst of his rant, the 53-year-old journalist hit out at a clip of the student and construction worker in which he said like six times in five seconds - leading to Piers quipping: 'This is why we should be proud of our country.' Fuming: Piers Morgan was on his soap box once again on Wednesday as he discussed the show on Good Morning Britain, during which he took particular aim at Coventry-born Islander Niall Aslam for his incessant use of the word 'like' Piers has been ranting about the show since its return on Monday, as he has been hitting out at the contestants - including Niall and his lingo. The clip of Niall depicted him saying: 'But, like, I didn't actually, like, say to her, like, before she went, like, anything, like, I didn't say, like.' Piers' attempt to mimic his voice led to fans being tickled on social media, as fans soon swarmed the microblogging site to pen: 'Piers, I can assure you us Coventry people do not speak with a dummy brummie accent or like niall from love island... '@piersmorgan making me belly laugh this morning! #LoveIsIand... I thought the same thing thats not a Coventry accent but Niall sounds more brummy then Coventry... @piersmorgan on fire this morning with his impression of Niall'. Trouble ahead? In the midst of his rant, the 53-year-old journalist hit out at a clip of the student and construction worker in which he said like six times in five seconds - leading to Piers quipping: 'This is why we should be proud of our country' Not too happy: Piers has been ranting about the show since its return on Monday, as he has been hitting out at the contestants - including Niall and his lingo On Tuesday morning's episode of the show, Piers called the show 'c**p', to the shock of his co-presenters Charlotte Hawkins, Susanna Reid, and Alex Beresford. Susanna urgently reminded him the big GMB boss was in the building so he should refrain from the naughty activity. She said: 'You've chosen this morning to inspire a complaint from Ofcom and trash one of ITV's biggest programmes.' On paper? On Tuesday morning's episode of the show, Piers called the show 'c**p', to his co-presenter Charlotte Hawkins, Susanna Reid, and Alex Beresford's shock Ouch! On Tuesday morning's episode of the show, Piers called the show 'c**p', to his co-presenter Charlotte Hawkins, Susanna Reid, and Alex Beresford's shock Piers dismissed her concerns, saying: 'Come on then son, fire me. 'Take away your rock star and leave everyone with these three. For me, it's not a difficult choice.' Susanna later said: 'The boss is in the building, he's waiting to give you your P45.' The Wizard of Oz's oldest living munchkin Jerry Maren has died at the age of 98. The late star passed away at a nursing care facility in San Diego, California, last week, following an ongoing battle with dementia. The actor's family and friends gathered for his funeral at Forest Lawn in Hollywood over the weekend. Tragic loss: The Wizard of Oz's oldest living munchkin Jerry Maren has died at the age of 98, following a battle with dementia Despite landing a number of small parts throughout his 70 years in showbiz, Jerry's most notable role was that of the 'oldest munchkin' in 1939 fantasy phenomenon The Wizard of Oz. Standing at 4ft 3in, Jerry was just 18-years-old when he starred as a member of The Lollipop Guild, alongside Jakob 'Jackie' Gerlich and Harry Earles, in the movie, which saw the late acting legend Judy Garland play leading lady Dorothy. He went on to secure a number of uncredited roles, playing a gremlin in supernatural sitcom Bewitched in 1967 and an ape in 1968 cult classic Planet of the Apes. Where it all began... Standing at 4ft 3in, Jerry [C] was 18-years-old when he played a member of The Lollipop Guild, alongside Jakob 'Jackie' Gerlich and Harry Earles, in The Wizard of Oz Jerry bagged his first supporting part in 1971 TV series Lidsville and boasted another title role in 1982 comedy series No Soap, Radio, which also starred Steve Guttenberg. Jerry also had a walk-on role in an episode of Seinfeld 'The Yada Yada' and played a mime in the 2010-released comedy horror movie Dahmer Vs. Gacy, one of his final acting roles. The long-time actor was bestowed the honour of a handprint and footprint ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood in September 2013. Honour: Jerry appeared with six other Munchkin actors at the unveiling of a Hollywood Star for the Wizard of Oz Munchkins on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007 The privilege came six years after he appeared with six other Munchkin actors at the unveiling of a Hollywood Star for the Wizard of Oz Munchkins on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Away from the spotlight, Jerry was married to Elizabeth Barrington for 36 years before she tragically passed away in 2011. His final Instagram post, shared in May 2017, was a black-and-white snap of the happy couple on their wedding day, alongside which Jerry wrote: 'Happy Aniversary my life long love. Rip.' Jerry was also forced to use the social media site as a platform to dismiss reports he had died after he was the subject of a death hoax back in 2016. He leaped to the rescue of a Deliveroo rider who was being beaten up by a group of four last week in London. But Avengers actor Benedict Cumberbatch says he's 'no hero' for protecting the delivery driver who was being hit over the head with a bottle in the street. Benedict, 41, who's better known for playing Dr Strange in the franchise, was called 'brave and selfless' by onlookers after putting himself in danger to pull the gang off the bloodied victim. Brave: Benedict Cumberbatch has said that 'he's no hero' for defending a victim in an attack against a gang of muggers 'There are real-life heroes out there and I'm not one of them,' a humble Benedict told The Sun this weekend. When asked, Benedict - who is sometimes better known in the role of Marvel's Dr Strange - previously said that he did what he 'had to' do. The actor was in anUber vehicle on Marylebone High Street in central London with his wife, Sophie Hunter, when they first saw the cyclist being attacked. Standing up for him: The star waded in with the help of an Uber driver when they saw a Deliveroo cyclist being attacked by four people (file photo) Sefless: Cumberbatch - pictured as Sherlock outside the detective's iconic Baker Street home - jumped in to save a Deliveroo cyclist The driver of the car, Manuel Dias, told the newspaper last Friday: 'Benedict was courageous, brave and selfless. If he hadn't stepped in the cyclist could have been seriously injured. 'He stood there instructing them in the street, shouting, "Leave him alone".' The driver said he grabbed one of the men and Benedict got hold of another and added the star knew exactly what to do. The driver says they fled when they recognised who he was. On-screen, fans of the Hollywood actor's work will know that Benedict's Avengers character has been known to defend the universe. Real-life hero: Benedict is also well-known for playing Marvel character Dr Strange, who is forced to defend the world Afterwards, the delivery company Deliveroo issued a public statement of gratitude via Twitter. 'Thank you Benedict Cumberbatch for your brave actions,' a tweet from the Official Twitter account read. 'Deliveroo riders are heroes - their safety is our priority and any violence against them is totally unacceptable. So on behalf of everyone at Deliveroo: thank you.' Fans flooded the post with their own praise for the actor, saying that he was an 'amazing person' and 'a boss'. 'I definitely need a man like Benedict :)' one fan wrote: 'Get a man who saves your life and your food.' Sharing their gratitude: Delivery company Deliveroo shared their appreciation in a tweet a day afterwards Another said: 'Well done to him for been incredibly brave and doing what's right.' While one other commented: 'I know you thanked him but I'd say Benedict is more the hero in this case.' 'No surprise here,' another said. 'Mr. Cumberbatch has always been a stand up, genuine human being who just happens to have a job as an actor. Kudos Mr. Cumberbatch for showing the rest of us what is the right thing to do!' Declaring her love, a fellow cyclist said: 'I love you Benedict Cumberbatch!! I'm a cyclist too and safety is kind of always on our mind but usually we are worried about cars not attackers. You are a hero!' His ex recently claimed he will be hell-bent on getting revenge on his ex, after the emergence of her new romance with Kris Boyson. But Kieran Hayler cast any drama with estranged wife Katie Price aside on Tuesday, as he visited a posh Harley Street dental clinic in London. The former stripper, 31, flashed a smile at cameras as he arrived for his appointment at YourDentist.co.uk, in a casual ensemble. Say cheese: Kieran Hayler cast any drama with ex-wife Katie Price aside on Tuesday, as he visited a posh Harley Street dental clinic in London Bad to worse: Kieran's ex recently claimed he will be hell-bent on getting revenge on his ex-wife Katie Price (above), after the emergence of her new romance with Kris Boyson Kieran kept things low-key in simple skinny jeans, teamed with a white and red logo T-shirt. Layering a denim shirt on top and adding black trainers, the star proved to be comfortable as he headed to his appointment, to improve his pearly whites. Kieran looked relaxed as he smiled at cameras outside the clinic, despite the recent drama with his ex Katie. Ready to go: The former stripper, 31, flashed a smile at cameras as he arrived for his appointment in a casual ensemble Casual: Kieran kept things low-key in simple skinny jeans, teamed with a white and red logo T-shirt Excited: Layering a denim shirt on top and adding black trainers, the star proved to be comfortable as he headed to his appointment, to improve his pearly whites The pair parted ways last month after Kieran's numerous infidelities emerged, and his ex has since moved on with Kris Boyson, 29. However, Kieran has since been spotted liking a number of women's sexy Instagram posts - which his ex Laura-Alicia Sumners claims is the star's idea of 'revenge'. Weighing in on their split, the Ex On The Beach star told Reveal: 'He's trying to wind her up. He knows what she's like. Remember when Peter Andre married that gorgeous young doctor? Ooh, I bet Katie was seething! 'Wasn't she pretty much getting surgery the next day? And Kieran knows it. Katie reacts to certain things so he will do it for revenge. But equally he probably does want to meet someone for stability.' Staying strong: Kieran looked relaxed as he smiled at cameras outside the clinic, despite the recent drama with his ex Katie Sneaky: However, Kieran has since been spotted liking a number of women's sexy Instagram posts - which his ex Laura-Alicia Sumners claims is the star's idea of 'revenge' 'He's trying to wind her up': Laura-Alicia (above) said: 'Katie reacts to certain things so he will do it for revenge. But equally he probably does want to meet someone for stability' Yet, the reality star also revealed the hunk's more sensitive side, and revealed he will be hurting about the split deep down. 'He's super soft and will take this terribly hard,' she added. 'He loves kids, he loves animals, he won't like the separation and I can't imagine he'd have any legal rights to the children that aren't biologically his.' Following the split, Kieran was also spotted at a tattoo parlour last week to have his inking tribute to Katie removed. The former stripper had two intertwined Ks inked on his ring finger, alongside a vast portrait of the star dressed as an angel down his leg - and is now keen on banishing all traces of his previous declaration of love. Happier times: Kieran finally moved out of their former marital home last month. Katie has since moved on with new toyboy Kris Boyson, 29 (Katie and Kieran pictured in Nov 2016) A source told The Sun: 'Kieran is looking into getting the wedding tattoo lasered off. He doesn't see the point in keeping it and wants to get rid of it. 'It's just a daily reminder of his marriage, which is now over. He wants the whole thing removed and is booking in sessions for it to get lasered off.' Kieran finally moved out of their former marital home last month - but was left looking after the kids when Katie celebrated her 40th birthday in Belgium with her new toyboy beau. Katie confirmed Kieran had left the family home with a dig on Sunday, writing alongside a snap of son Harvey's birthday cake: 'Thankyou @wendyhayler04 for Harvey's birthday cake you made it's amazing and thanks Kieran for dropping it off.' Danny Dyer's reaction to his daughter Dani's Love Island stint is being closely monitored by intrigued fans. And Tuesday night's episode of the show was certainly a shocker as the reality starlet was seen breaking down in tears over her partner Jack Fincham's confession during an Excess Baggage task, that he cheated on all his girlfriends in the past. In a newly-unearthed video, the EastEnders hardman is seen telling Jack Whitehall that he would be fine with any of his daughter's boyfriend - so long as a 'tear never drops from her f***ing eye', in which case they would be dismissed. Heartbreaking: Tuesday night's episode of Love Island was certainly a shocker as Dani Dyer was seen breaking down in tears over her partner Jack Fincham's confession during an Excess Baggage task, that he cheated on all his girlfriends in the past Funnyman Jack was seen interviewing Danny, 40, on his BBC3 comedy chat sho3w with his father Michael, where they grilled him on his protective nature. Jack took to Twitter to share a clip from the interview, as he penned: 'I see Danny Dyers daughter is in Love Island - any would be suitors been warned.' He responded: 'Listen I am sweet with him as long as a tear never drops from her f***ing eye were gonna be good friends. I can do it in a look. 'You walk in youre getting blanked straight away Im blanking ya Im looking at the telly and I just go and look away again. Its a little pipe, which is a look and then look away and then have another look right and then say f**k all to him.' Tough: In a newly-unearthed video, the EastEnders hardman is seen telling Jack Whitehall that he would be fine with any of his daughter's boyfriend - so long as a 'tear never drops from her f***ing eye', in which case he would be dismissed Awkward: Jack took to Twitter to share a clip from the interview, as he penned: 'I see Danny Dyers daughter is in Love Island - any would be suitors been warned' Cheeky: Jack took to Twitter to share a clip from the interview, as he penned: 'I see Danny Dyers daughter is in Love Island - any would be suitors been warned' On Tuesday, Dani broke down in tears after Jack's cheating past come to light during the emotional roller coaster episode of Love Island. As she admitted she 'made a mistake', fans posted a host of memes joking that her dad Danny would want to torture him for upsetting her. Dani lamented: 'It just seems to be that I always step forward for the same boys. He's cheated on all of his girlfriends. 'He said it's just two it doesn't matter. I dont care if its one. I just feel like I've stepped forward for the boy that I always go for. A comforting presence: In lieu of her father's comfort, the ladies of the villa lobbied around the starlet Daddy dearest: Dani lamented: 'It just seems to be that I always step forward for the same boys. He's cheated on all of his girlfriends. 'He said it's just two it doesn't matter. I dont care if its one. I just feel like I've stepped forward for the boy that I always go for' Tough times: As she admitted she 'made a mistake', fans posted a host of memes joking that her EastEnders actor dad Danny would want to torture him for upsetting her 'So I feel like I've just made a mistake. I just thought his reaction wasnt that great... I just thought it was a little bit muggy on his behalf, really.' Yet Jack tried to play down his cheating past as he insisted if the right girl come along he wouldn't be unfaithful while trying to explain his behaviour. During the episode, he said: 'I was 17 years old, I was young. The other, she cheated on me and it became a to and fro... I wouldn't cheat on the right person. I don't want her to think, "Oh, he's not trustworthy".' So it already seems like there is trouble in paradise for the new lovebirds who had instantly hit it off on Monday's episode. Taking it hard: Yet Jack tried to play down his cheating past as he insisted if the right girl come along he wouldn't be unfaithful while trying to explain his behaviour She comes from a family of proud cockneys - but Love Island contestant Dani Dyer could be set to become the show's 'poshest' ever contestant. Arguably, the contestant currently holding the crown for such a title is 2017 contestant Camilla Thurlow, 28, who famously once dated Prince Harry, 33. But viewers have been reminding each other about 22-year-old Dani's very unlikely royal connections on Twitter, as she is related to two kings of England. Scroll down for video Could it be? Cockney Dani Dyer could be set to take Camilla Thurlow's 'poshest ever contestant on Love Island' crown as viewers revisited her VERY unlikely royal connections You're having a laugh: Her father Danny Dyer discovered that he is the descendant of two kings, and Thomas Cromwell, while appearing on BBC show Who Do You Think You Are? The unexpected lineage came to light in 2016 when her father, EastEnders actor, Danny Dyer, 40, appeared on BBC show Who Do You Think You Are? The series - which sees celebrities trace their heritage and learn about their family trees - showing Danny mapping his ancestry as far back the 11th Century. He was staggered to learn that distant relative of William The Conqueror. As well as this stake to the throne, he was informed of further links to King Edward III, Henry VIII's chief advisor Thomas Cromwell and a plethora of aristocrats. Blast from the past: Camilla appeared on the show on 2017 (pictured with Jamie Jewitt) and viewers noted her posh voice and the fact she once dated Prince Harry The truth will out: Dani was over the moon that Jack Fincham didn't know her father is Danny Dyer - but does he know about her slightly more famous family members? Ironically, Dani said she was nervous about mentioning her famous father to any potential love matches on Love Island and was over the moon when Jack Fincham made out he didn't know they were related. But she has yet to mention her other, slightly more famous family members. Viewers haven't forgotten though and tweeted: 'If Dani Dyer doesn't mention that her dad, Danny Dyer is related to King Edward 3. She's doing it all wrong.' Unexpected: Viewers took to Twitter to remind everyone that despite Dani being cockney, she's actually got a very posh lineage Another penned: 'People thought Camilla was posh, but I suppose Dani Dyer is a direct descendant of Edward III.' Danny, who comes from the Canning Town area of East London, spoke to Radio Times in 2016 about his links to Cromwell, saying: 'He came from a slum, I come from a slum. 'Cromwell left the country at 14, I started acting at 14. He was a self-taught lawyer. I'm a self-taught actor. Cromwell had two daughters and a son. 'I've got two daughters and a son. Cromwell wrote his last letter to Henry VIII begging for his life, on July 24, which is my birthday ... And I drink in the Anne Boleyn pub.' Enter, Sir Dyer: Viewers previously branded Danny's Who Do You Think You Are? episode the 'best ever' as the EastEnders star discovered he's a descendant of royalty Blue bloodline: As well as this stake to the throne of the past, he was informed of further links to King Edward III, Thomas Cromwell and a plethora of aristocrats So fascinating was the episode that viewers took to Twitter to praise the show, its producers and Dyer himself for his heartfelt reactions to the findings. 'The best episode of #wdytya ever! Fact; stranger & far more glorious than fiction!' came one excited tweet. 'If you thought 2016 couldn't get any weirder, go watch Who Do You Think You Are on the iPlayer. Astonishing stuff!' typed somebody else. 'I can totally see Danny Dyer as a descendant of Thomas Cromwell, self-made, resilient and cheeky. Get in!' observed another fan. 'Never mind a Pearly King - you're a Proper King!' posted another Twitter user. 'So now we have Prince Danny Dyer? Fabulous British history!' another tweeter remarked. 'Can we somehow make Danny Dyer next in line to the throne now please?' quipped someone else. Others wrote: 'OMG, if you didn't watch the Danny Dyer Who Do You Think You Are? you MUST. It was BRILLIANT. I am still laughing,' one person typed about Dyer's quips about his descendants being 'geezers' and living in 'massive gaffs'. 'Danny Dyer was charming in #wdytya. I was almost moved to tears, related to King Edward IIII, Henry III, William the Conqueror. AMAZING,' said another. Loyal subjects: Many fans of the soap star flocked to Twitter to sing his, and the shows praises Others found themselves converted into new fans of the show: 'Loved watching #wdytya, never seen it before but thought as Danny Dyer was in it I'd give it a whirl! Proper chuffed I did now!' 'I can't believe it. I don't know what to say,' Dyer was seen saying to one of the historians. 'I need a moment to digest this. A kid from Canning Town is related to Edward III. 'It's ridiculous to think that someone of my stature shares the same bloodline. I can't compute it.' The show has been known to drop certain celebrities lined up for the show because their stories are just too dull. Geezer: His ten-times great-grandfather Robert was landed gentry, a Cavalier in the English Civil war who, in the words of Dyer, was a proper geezer, as game as you like' Regal connections: Dyer visited the stately home in Suffolk where his distant relative once lived and learned of further, even more impressive, connections Dyer's story was far from it, with the initial research in the show proving that his family tree on his fathers side initially indicated that criminal connections were looking far more likely than aristocratic ones. His three-times great-grandmother, Mary Ann, had ended up in the workhouse after being suspected of killing her illegitimate daughter. Further investigation revealed that Mary Ann had likely delivered her own baby and the child had died in the process. In a panic she hid the babys body in a bucket and covered it with ashes. Mary Ann went on to make a good marriage and it was through her husbands family that Dyer was able to trace his ancestors back to grander circumstances. Royal roots: So fascinating was the episode that viewers took to Twitter to praise the show, its producers and Dyer himself for his heartfelt reactions to the findings His ten-times great-grandfather Robert was landed gentry, a Cavalier in the English Civil war who, in the words of Dyer, was a proper geezer, as game as you like. Dyer visited the stately home in Suffolk where his distant relative once lived and learned of further, even more impressive, connections. Going back another five generations, he discovered his 15-times great-grandfather was Thomas Cromwell, right-hand man to Henry VIII. Dyer was particularly tickled that, like him, Cromwell came from humble beginnings and his father, a blacksmith, had also run a tavern. Before falling foul of King Henry, Cromwell had married his own son off to Elizabeth Seymour and through her lineage Dyer found that he was the 22-times great-grandson of Edward III. However, he said it was the connection to Cromwell, who was played by his mentor Mark Rylance in the BBC adaptation of Hilary Mantel's novel Wolf Hall, that was particularly meaningful. Mighty following: On Wednesday, while his daughter was in Love Island, Danny visited a new Penguin Love Island at Chessington World of Adventures Resort After three years of waiting, Oceans 8 is finally here and the all-female cast in the reboot of the iconic franchise joined hands on the red carpet at the New York premiere of the new film. Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Awkwafina, Rihanna, Mindy Kaling, Sandra Bullock, Sarah Paulson and Helena Bonham Carter attended the event at Manhattans Alice Tully Hall ahead of the release date. Representing a cross-section of Hollywood women, the actresses come together in Oceans 8 to form an unlikely squad that attempts to go through with a heist at Met Gala. Heres everything you need to know about Oceans 8, the Oceans 8 cast, the Oceans 8 trailer and the UK release date. Rihanna, Awkwafina, Helena Bonham Carter, Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson and Anne Hathaway pictured here in a publicity picture for Ocean's 8 What is Oceans 8? Directed by Gary Ross, Oceans 8 is a heist comedy film that follows eight women as they try to rob New York Citys Met Gala. Based on Steven Soderberghs Oceans trilogy, the group is led by the estranged sister of Danny Ocean, Debbie, played by Sandra Bullock. After the release of Oceans Thirteen, Soderbergh confirmed that there would not be an Oceans Fourteen due to George Clooney wanting to go out strong with a trilogy. Ocean's 8 premiered on Tuesday, May 5, 2018 at the Alice Tully Hall in New York. The film is scheduled to be released in the US on Friday, June 8, 2018. The cast of Ocean's 8 stand in formation on the red carpet for the world premiere in New York Oceans 8 cast In 2016, it was announced that there would be an all-female version of the film franchise with Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter and Mindy Kaling being the first to be confirmed. Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Awkwafina and Sarah Paulson were later added to the cast and after Dakota Fanning and Damian Lewis were spotted on set, their parts were also announced. At the end of the year, Richard Robichaux, Matt Damon and James Corden were also slated to have roles in the film with Rooney Mara making an appearance as Cate Blanchetts characters girlfriend, thought to be an allusion to the film Carol. As well as this, a long list of cameos was also announced which included Kim Kardashian, Anna Wintour, Zayn Malik, Kylie Jenner, Alexander Wang, Serena Williams, Katie Holmes, Hailey Baldwin, Olivia Munn and Kendall Jenner, to name a few. Squad goals: The octet of female actors have been promoting the film for the last few months Heres a character breakdown of the Oceans 8 cast: Sandra Bullock as Debbie Ocean, robber Cate Blanchett as Lou, Debbie's partner Anne Hathaway as Daphne Kluger, celebrity and heist target Mindy Kaling as Amita, jewellery maker Sarah Paulson as Tammy, suburban mother and Debbie's former partner Awkwafina as Constance, thief Rihanna as Nine Ball, tech genius Helena Bonham Carter as Rose Weil, designer Richard Armitage as Claude Becker James Corden as John Frazier, Kluger's associate and Debbie's confidant Dakota Fanning as Penelope Stern Damian Young as David Welch Oceans 8 trailer Oceans 8 UK release date Oceans 8 will be released on Monday, June 18, 2018. She's a doting wife to hunky actor Chris Hemsworth and a full-time mother to their three children Tristan, India and Sasha. But it was all about 'me time' for Elsa Pataky on Tuesday, as she hit the town with a pal for a night of indulgence. Uploading a candid video to Instagram Stories, the blonde, 41, was seen licking scoops of caviar decadently off her hand, cosying up to her girlfriend. Scroll down for video Girls night: Uploading a candid video to Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Elsa Pataky was seen licking scoops of caviar decadently off her hand while cosying up to her gal-pal 'First time to have a shot of caviar,' was the caption emblazoned across the video, as she licked the expensive treat from her skin, savored it and then burst into fits of giggles with her friend. The Spanish-born model is known for documenting her adventures on social media. And she didn't disappoint on Sunday when she shared a sweet selfie with her and her husband during a weekend away, having just returned from a family vacation to Stradbroke Island. Letting down her hair: 'First time to have a shot of caviar,' was the caption emblazoned across the video Elsa was all smiles as she huddled close to Chris, 34, on a balcony. Wearing a pair of mirrored Aviator-style sunglasses, Elsa casually leaned against the balcony's railing. Chris, meanwhile, sported a rather relaxed expression and playfully flashed a cheeky peace sign. Laughs: She licked the expensive treat from her skin, savored it and then burst into fits of giggles with her friend Smitten:The 41-year-old stunner was all smiles as she huddled close to Chris, 34, on a balcony In captioning the image, Elsa was full of gushing sentiment for the Thor star. 'Weekend get away with this handsome man!' Elsa wrote, reiterating the sentiment in her native Spanish. Her fans too were full of gushing praise for the genetically blessed couple, writing comment underneath the image such as; 'You guys are so lucky to have each other,' and: 'You two are so cute.' They're celebrating their five year wedding anniversary, having tied the knot on 4 June 2013 in Indonesia. And loved up Jake Wall was sure to honour his wife Jennifer Hawkins by uploading a loved up snap to Instagram, which was in fact taken on their honeymoon. In the snap, the pair perched on an ornate couch with a stunning backdrop of the ocean, cliff sides and rolling green hills. Scroll down for video Happy five year anniversary: Loved up Jake Wall was sure to honour his wife Jennifer Hawkins by uploading a loved up snap to Instagram, which was in fact taken on their honeymoon Taken at dusk, the then-newlywed couple each wore a crisp white shirt, with Jennifer, 34, cuddling into her man, 35, in tiny black shorts, showing off her toned pins. Jake wore smart chino shorts in the snap - which was taken during one of the many legs of their honeymoon which saw them travel to Bali, Paris and the Maldives. He captioned it with the sentimental message: 'Love doing life with you.' Natural beauty! Former beauty queen Jennifer and her husband Jake enjoyed a romantic nature walk, hiking through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, near Sydney, to reach the picturesque West Head lookout Sporty chic: In a photo captured by her husband, which she reposted on her Instagram Story, the stunner flaunted her statuesque figure as she made her way down a man-made staircase The couple had already been together for eight years when the wed in a small ceremony in a luxury resort, having been engaged for 18 months after Jake proposed in New Zealand. The pair are a fan of traveling the globe, with former beauty queen Jennifer seen enjoying a romantic nature walk with her husband Jake through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, near Sydney, recently. In a photo captured by her husband, which she reposted on her Instagram Story, the stunner flaunts her statuesque figure as she makes her way down a man-made staircase. Picturesque: The self-tan entrepreneur also shared a snap of a tiny inlet with a walkway leading down to a secluded beach The blonde beauty marked their romantic bush hike with a selfie of herself and Jake on the hike. Clearly exhausted from their strenuous activity, she wrote in the caption: 'Currently have jelly legs.' The self-tan entrepreneur also shared a snap of a tiny inlet with a walkway leading down to a secluded beach. Jennifer recently revealed her plans to start a family with her husband of five years, former model turned builder Jake Wall. In an interview with BW magazine, she said: 'We would definitely love to have a family, the timing though is something you have to keep between your husband and yourself, it's important to keep that private.' Emma Bunton has hinted the rumoured Spice Girls animated movie will go ahead. The 42-year-old pop star, who performed under the moniker Baby Spice, appeared on This Morning on Wednesday where she was quizzed about the legendary pop band's widely-discussed reunion - the answers of which left fans delighted. While she responded to questions about the movie, which was first rumoured in March, she remained coy about her bandmate Victoria Beckham's involvement, as questions have been raised over the fashion designer's plans. Big news! Emma Bunton hinted the rumoured Spice Girls animated movie will go ahead Emma looked sensational as she appeared on the show to talk to her good pal Holly Willoughby and co-host Phillip Schofield about her work as a Unicef ambassador while also touching on the eagerly-anticipated return. In February, the band released a statement saying: 'We are always overwhelmed at how much interest there is across the whole world for the Spice Girls. The time now feels right to explore some incredible new opportunities together... 'I was with Geri and Mel C in Mel's kitchen and we're like: "What are we going to do?" There's so much excitement it's just about making sure we do the right thing.' Now, she hinted that the animated superhero movie will be the way into the reunion - ahead of a tour or any festival appearances. The big reveal: While she responded to questions about the movie, which was first rumoured in March, she remained coy about her bandmate Victoria Beckham's involvement, as questions have been raised over the fashion designer's plans Who's that girl? Emma went under the moniker Baby Spice during the run in the band, which first launched in 1994 Stunner: Emma looked sensational as she appeared on the show to talk to her good pal Holly Willoughby and co-host Phillip Schofield about her work as a Unicef ambassador while also touching on the eagerly-anticipated return It's not the first time the group have broken through on the big screen, having starred in their first cinematic film - Spice World: The Movie - 21 years ago. She said: '(The film) is something we are talking about... Im not sure about a tour, but a few shows definitely... (Glastonbury) would be nice!' In regard to Victoria making a comeback, she said: I'm sure Victoria will be involved in some way. Emma herself confessed she's been back in the studio for solo work, saying: I am back in the studio. I'm having fun with some music on my own. In February, it was reported each band member - comprising of Geri Horner, Mel B, Mel C and Victoria 10m ($14.15m) to promote a new greatest hits album. Then and now: Victoria's involvement has been widely-debated as her prosperous career as a fashion designer soars Raking it in! In February, it was reported each band member - comprising of Geri Horner, Mel B, Mel C and Victoria 10m ($14.15m) to promote a new greatest hits album (pictured at the BRITs in 1997) True story: Now, she hinted that the animated superhero movie will be the way into the reunion - ahead of a tour or any festival appearances The Spice Girls last toured after reuniting in 2007, with their greatest hits shows wrapping up in 2008. The last time they performed as a five-piece was at the 2012 London Olympics closing ceremony. Back in February, Mel had hinted that the Spice Girls would be performing at Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle - although the promise did not materialise. The group are said to be in talks to take on a number of projects this year - including endorsement deals and a TV project - but had fans hoping that they would be performing at the royal wedding too. Mel was asked on the talk show The Real if she knew anyone attending the nuptials - with Mel nodding in response, and mouthing:'Yeah, Im going... I don't know if I should've said that!' Sam and Billie Faiers hoped Essex boutique Minnies would 'be the next ASOS' when they opened the fashion store in 2011. Yet seven years on, the Brentwood shop is floundering, posting debts of 145,877 at Companies House on Wednesday. Documents show that losses for Minnies Boutique over the last year are up from 85,950 in 2016. Stepping down: The boutique formerly opened by TOWIE sister act Billie and Sam Faiers (together in March) has filed losses of 145,877 for the last year A representative for Sam and Billie Faiers has been contacted by MailOnline for comment. Reality stars Sam and Bilie - who now have two children each - have taken a step back from running Minnies. While Sam switched her focus to new online clothing company All Bits London with her partner Paul, Billie has reportedly turned her attention to Minnies' website. After their departure from TOWIE, the sisters' new reality show Sam And Billie Faiers: The Mummy Diaries explored how they are adapting to running rival businesses. Debts: The fashion store in Essex was originally opened in 2011 at the height of sisters Sam and Billie Faiers' TOWIE fame Business losses: Billie (left) and her mum Suzie Wells (right, here with Billie's children Arthur and Nelly) previously ran the boutique together In February, the young mums took a fashion-buying trip to Paris to select products for their boutiques. A touch of rivalry was detected between the two working mums on the reality show as they competed for the most desirable stock. In 2014, Sam told The Daily Mail that she had big plans for Minnies: 'In five years' time, I'd like Minnies to be an empire of her own, expand it and make it the next ASOS.' ASOS is a fashion store run exclusively online, but the Faiers sisters expanded to a transactional website within just six months of opening the doors to their flagship in April 2011. 'I'll be an auntie then, maybe I'll have a family of my own,' Sam declared. 'Five years is a long way off, I don't know where I'll be, hopefully on a yacht in LA. The TOWIE duo and their family also initially had plans to open many more physical Minnies stores in the north and southeast. 'We will open three or four boutiques in total,' the sisters' auntie explained. 'That and the internet site would be enough.' According to the Minnies website, the boutique has 'revolutionised the fashion habits of Essex and beyond', bringing customers the latest designer clothes. High hopes: Previously, they had high hopes for their business, saying that it could have been as big as ASOS by 2016 (Billie is pictured in 2014) In March, they even put out on advert on Twitter for models who could showcase our boutique stock. Both sisters have had great success with their own companies, which make them money individually. Sams is called SEF Limited and it recently posted accounts for last year, which showed it had 523,497 cash in the bank and made 348,515 profit. Meanwhile, Billie Faiers Enterprises Ltd last set of figures revealed that it had made a profit of 126,406 in 2016. Victoria's first and second series proved to be a smash-hit, drawing critical acclaim in both the UK and the United States. And Jenna Coleman returned to her regal role as Queen Victoria as she got back into character to shoot scenes for season three in the seaside town of Flamborough, Yorkshire, on Wednesday. The actress, 32, slipped into a traditional, period-style purple and white floral tiered gown with a full skirt as she checked her phone during a break in filming. Hard at work: Jenna Coleman returned to her role as Queen Victoria as she got back into character to shoot season three in the seaside town of Flamborough, Yorkshire, on Wednesday The pleated dress was held at the waist with a black belt, and she accessorised with a glamorous purple brooch and a straw sun hat to complete the look. Jenna looked busy as she talked with the crew to discuss the day's filming, but that didn't stop her from checking her phone as she waited for her cue. The star protected herself from the brisk winds with a large blue padded jacket, so that she could stay warm while she waited. Chatterbox: The actress, 32, slipped into a traditional, period-style purple and white floral tiered gown with a full skirt as she chatted on her phone during a break in filming Back for more: Jenna looked busy as she talked with the crew to discuss the day's filming, but that didn't stop her from checking her phone as she waited for her cue Hotly-anticipated return: Jenna wasn't alone on set, as she was reunited with her onscreen husband Tom Hughes as he returned to the role of Prince Albert Jenna wasn't alone on set, as she was reunited with her screen husband Tom Hughes as he returned to the role of Prince Albert. Dressed in a striped black-and-white jumper, a white shirt and light blue trousers, the actor, 32, looked ready to frolic on the beach for the day's filming. Sporting his character's signature moustache, Tom completed his look by donning a blue flat cap over his brunette locks. The star appeared to be shooting a sweet scene alongside a child actor, who will take on the role of one of the pair's children, as they played a fun seaside game. Filming away: The star appeared to be shooting a sweet scene alongside a child actor, who will take on the role of one of the pair's children, as they played a fun seaside game Covering up: The star protected herself from the brisk winds with a large blue padded jacket, so that she could stay warm while she waited In character: Dressed in a striped black-and-white jumper, a white shirt and light blue trousers, the actor, 32, looked ready to frolic around on the beach for the day's filming The third series of Victoria began shooting in late May, as Jenna shared a selfie on Instagram where she wore the character's costume. Focusing on her blue contact lenses, which emulate the Queen's image, the actress told her 737k followers: 'Guess who back. Blue eyes back #crackingwallpaper @victoriaseries #6babies' The actress has since been seen filming in a variety of locations, with the crew set to take over Hull High Street later this week. The royal show's new outing is said to begin in 1848, and will focus on a 'hugely dramatic and eventful' period in the family's life as revolutions take place across the European continent. Back: The third series of Victoria began shooting in late May, as Jenna shared a selfie on Instagram where she wore the character's costume Busy schedule: The actress has since been spotted filming in a variety of locations, with the crew set to take over Hull High Street later this week Excited: Jenna and her co-stars listened intently as they talked with the crew ahead of filming Victoria creator Daisy Goodwin toldDigital Spy: 'Victoria and Albert are the most famous couple of the nineteenth century, but underneath the united facade, their relationship is at breaking point and it is a struggle for mastery that neither side can win.' As well as Jenna and Tom, other returning members of the cast include Alex Jennings and Margaret Clunie, who take on the roles of King Leopold and The Duchess of Sutherland, respectively. It has also been announced that Laurence Fox, 40, will join the new series as Foreign Secretary Lord Palmerston while Kate Fleetwood, 45, will play Victoria's mysterious sister Feodora. What's to come: The royal show's new outing is said to begin in 1848, and will focus on a 'hugely dramatic and eventful' period in the family's life Difficult times ahead: Victoria creator Daisy Goodwin previously said of the couple: 'Underneath the united facade, their relationship is at breaking point' Kaitlynn Carter has shared a bikini image from her wedding weekend to Brody Jenner in Indonesia. The 29-year-old beauty looked toned and tanned as she relaxed by the pool. She explained she had to wear the suit all week so she would not get bikini tan lines before her wedding. This posting comes just as the happy couple flew into the Maldives to celebrate their honeymoon. Scroll down for video Hot stuff: Kaitlynn Carter has shared a bikini image from her wedding weekend to Brody Jenner in Indonesia Bikini time: This posting comes just as the happy couple flew into the Maldives to enjoy their honeymoon They shared several images to social media showing off their hotel room which is on stilts above the water. There were also images of the Maldives from their airplane. The leggy wonder also shared more images from Indonesia. In one, she is with an elephant. She explained she chose the park that treated the animals the best and didn't want to be shamed for her choice. For the caption on her swimsuit shot she said: 'Wore this swimsuit top for a week so I wouldnt have tan lines for my reception dress.' Nice room: A look inside the hotel room the couple are sharing on their honeymoon Good view: There was a window in their room which showed the water below which was teeming with fish Huts: The Maldives is known for their little huts over the water on pristine beaches; stock image And for the shot with the elephant the beauty wrote: 'Look at that fuzzy little head! UPDATE: it seems as though people have had different experiences than I had at this elephant park. I guess everything is not always as it seems. we specifically asked around for which was the best one because wed heard some were really bad and this was where we were directed. 'I love animals, and for me this was such a memorable moment in my visit to Indonesia, but certainly elephants should never be chained up or inhumanely treated, so if that is the reality here, I feel sad about it. I also feel very sad that elephants in the wild have their tusks ripped out and are left for dead by poachers. its a crazy world we live in and I just want every creature to be safe and happy. thats all!' Trying her best: The leggy wonder also shared an image with an elephant explaining she chose the park that treated the animals the best and didn't want to be shamed for her choice She also bought turtles with Brody and released them into the wild. And on Wednesday she also shared a clip with her pals: 'We had all our friends meet up in Bali for a welcome party the night before we flew everyone to Sumba for the wedding weekend! had the most beautiful live guitar performance as we watched the sun go down over the waves.' On Tuesday - just three days after saying 'I do' on the island of Nihi Sumba in Indonesia - the son of Caitlyn Jenner and Linda Thompson posted a romantic photo to Instagram where he is holding his new bride. Unfortunately, Caitlyn could not attend the wedding as she had already committed to a ball in Austria. In love: Brody released his official wedding photo with Kaitlynn on Tuesday - just three days after saying 'I do' on the island of Nihi Sumba in Indonesia His caption read, 'Well this happened over the weekend. @mitchpohl.' Brody looked handsome in a light beige suit by Stitched with white shirt. He was barefoot. His bride wore a long sleeved white dress with a French veil and was barefoot too as she held onto her gold sandals. Her photo: His wife shared a photo of them at sunset next to a fire pit. She said, 'Parting is such sweet sorrow' His wife shared a photo of them at sunset next to a fire pit. She said, 'Parting is such sweet sorrow.' And Jenner also shared a video from the resort he stayed at, saying, 'Just want to thank @nihisumba and all of the amazing staff for creating one of the most incredible and memorable experiences of my life. You guys truly deserve being the #1 resort in the world the past 2 years . Thanks to all my friends and family that came out to celebrate with @kaitlynn and I. Love you all Till next year!!' Scene of the ceremony: The two wed on the beach with stunning views of the ocean Caitlyn Jenner, 68, was in Austria with her girlfriend Sophia Hutchins, 21 The 68-year-old former Olympian was reportedly 'too busy' to attend the nuptials as she has been in Austria, where she attended the Life Ball with gal pal Sophia Hutchins, 21. According to TMZ, Brody is 'deeply hurt' that the person formerly known as Bruce Jenner did not make the wedding. It did not appear that half-sisters Kylie or Kendall Jenner were there either and no Kardashians attended. 'It wasnt in the cards for Kendall and Kylie to come as Kylie is a new mom and this is a more intimate affair [and its a] big ordeal to fly all the way to Bali for the celebration,' a source told UsWeekly. But Brody has said he was very happy to walk down the aisle with the pretty blonde even if several members of his family were not there to support him. 'I'm looking forward to living the rest of my life with Kaitlynn,' Jenner told the site earlier. 'Hopefully not too much changes. But having the ring and the commitment, that's really exciting.' Nice location: The Nihi Sumba resort looked idyllic and romantic with luxurious grass-roofed huts that had floor-to-ceiling windows A place to unwind: The bedroom was roomy with a bed, two chairs and writing table After the wedding, he gushed to People magazine that marriage 'feels awesome. I honestly feel like weve been married for five years already!' He added, 'I am the luckiest man on earth to have Kaitlynn by my side.' Kaitlynn dished to the magazine about the reception, where Indonesian cuisine was served: 'It was the most dreamy, incredible night ever.' The blushing bride confided in People: 'We were out until 4 a.m.! It was so much fun.' So much to celebrate: Caitlyn's ex-wife Linda Thompson shared this image from the festivities before the actual wedding There had been four days of festivities before the big ceremony. The resort looked idyllic and romantic with luxurious grass-roofed, wood floor huts that had floor-to-ceiling windows. 'We're just excited to celebrate spending the rest of our lives together,' Jenner told People weeks before the wedding. 'I can't wait to marry Kaitlynn.' Heading home: Brody and his wife ere seen on their airplane heading back to LA on Monday evening after several days in Indonesia The two met at a party in 2013. 'I was going after her,' Jenner said. 'She's an amazing girl.' Added Carter: 'He was really honest about what he wanted, no messing around, and I found that really charming and refreshing. Pretty soon after we started dating, I thought it could be for life.' In 2016, Jenner proposed at the same resort on Nihi Sumba where they would wed. 'I'm glad we took our time to get to know each other,' said Carter of the long engagement. 'We know for sure that we can work through things and that we want to be together.' She's 28 weeks into her second pregnancy, after welcoming daughter Polly last April. And Amy Childs had really noticed her baby bump 'pop' on Wednesday morning when she posed in front of the mirror in a red maxi dress. 'Hello darling bump, where have you come from all of a sudden?' she asked, as she snapped a selfie for her 566k followers. Bumping along: Amy Childs showed off her growing bump as she celebrated her 28-week pregnancy mark on Wednesday The mum-of-one looked summery in an ankle-grazing dress and sunglasses before heading out for a lunch date with a friend. Amy flattered her stomach in the garment, which featured an empire line design and a plunging neckline. She rested one hand underneath her bump to outline the shape as she commented 'You have certainly got big' in an additional InstaStories fashion post. Cooking up a storm: The former TOWIE star, who is already mum to sweet Polly, but she's expecting a second child in the coming months Amy announced her second pregnancy in March, but it appears she already has her sights set on her post-baby career. It was reported on Sunday that Amy had landed a job as a TV chef on a new ITV2 six-part series. According to the Sunday People, the former TOWIE star is said to be joining nutritionist and author Annabel Karmel, 61, to show viewers how to make family friendly meals. New venture: Pregnant Amy has reportedly landed a job as a TV chef on a new ITV2 six-part series Helping hand: Amy will also be joined on the show by nutritionist and author Annabel Karmel, 61 The publication has revealed: 'Amy will be showing viewers, with Annabels expert help, how to cook easy meals that are healthy for everyone and low in sugar.' As well as delivering advice on schooling for children, Amy will also be reportedly meeting experts across the UK to discuss issues affecting new parents as well. It was revealed: 'In one episode she meets a 90-year-old midwife who will help dispel myths around parenting and some conflicting messages parents get.' MailOnline has contacted representatives for Amy for further comment. Despite her second pregnancy being unplanned, the former TOWIE star revealed she was excited to become a mother for the second time. She told OK! magazine: 'Me and my partner are over the moon about having a baby, but hes not in the least bit interested in being in the public eye, which is so nice and refreshing. Educational: As well as delivering advice on schooling for children, Amy will also be reportedly meeting experts across the UK to discuss issues affecting new parents as well 'I just wanted me and my partner to really enjoy it because it's a very precious time. We're extremely happy and can't wait to welcome a brother or sister for Polly.' The reality star has not revealed who the father of her second child is, but she was pictured in the Caribbean packing on the PDA with a mystery man in February. The Sun have previously reported the father of Amy's new baby is a 'high-flying' businessman who 'wants to stay out of the spotlight', with the couple dating for the past eight months. Happy: Despite the unplanned pregnancy, the former TOWIE star revealed she was excited to become a mother for the second time He's Australia's homegrown heartthrob who got his acting break in Home And Away, before taking Hollywood by storm. And Chris Hemsworth, 34, has revealed exactly how he avoids letting the fame of being a megastar get to his head. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, the hunky Avengers actor said his goal has always been to not become a 'd**k head' - no matter how successful he gets. 'My goal is not to become a d**k head': Chris Hemsworth has revealed how he stays humble in spite of his success... and shared the ONE promise he made to his parents 'My goal has been not to become a d**k head,' he joked to the publication on Wednesday. He added: 'I promise I won't become a d**k head - that's what I have to say to my parents.' The Thor star also shared his thoughts on losing humbleness at the cost of fame. Humble: Speaking to the Daily Telegraph , the hunky Avengers actor said his goal has always been to not become a 'd**k head' - no matter how successful he gets Honest: 'I think you're either a d**k head or you're not a d**k head, fame just amplifies that,' he added (pictured with his Spanish actress wife Elsa Pataky and their daughter India 'I think you're either a d**k head or you're not a d**k head, fame just amplifies that,' he said. On Wednesday, Chris looked every inch the leading man as he attended the Australian launch of TAG Heuer's Museum In Motion party at Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art. The Byron Bay-dwelling actor ditched his usual board-shorts and T-shirt for skinny jeans and a relaxed blazer at the red carpet bash. Sweet: Chris jetted off to Stradbroke Island, Queensland, with Elsa and their three children Chris completed his dapper look with a pair of heavy-duty black leather boots and a white T-shirt. Letting his monochrome ensemble do the talking, he accessorised simply with a pendant necklace. Boasting a tan from his recent family vacation to Stradbroke Island, Chris wore his hair slicked back and sported a tiny hint of stubble. Leading man: Chris made the comments about staying humble while attending an event for r an event for TAG Heuer in Sydney Looking good: Chris looked dapper on the night, rocking a pair of heavy-duty black leather boots and a white T-shirt Chris jetted off to Stradbroke Island, Queensland, with his Spanish actress wife Elsa Pataky, their daughter India and their twins, Tristan and Sasha. Elsa shared several sweet snaps from the idyllic getaway, including a selfie with Chris and a sweet shot of their twins starring out at the ocean. The actress captioned the image: 'Two old souls Checking the surf and pondering life's great questions. #brothers'. Turning heads: Boasting a tan from his recent family vacation to Stradbroke Island, Chris wore his hair slicked back and sported a tiny hint of stubble Elsa recently revealed that shortly after she and Chris met in 2010, the A-list couple made a pact to never live in the other's home turf. Speaking to Yahoo Be, the Spanish star revealed: 'We always said when we met, I'd never make you live in Spain, and he would never make me live in Australia because our families are so far away from us.' After the birth of the twins, the Avengers actor persuaded to Elsa to change her mind by moving to Byron Bay. She has just spent the weekend celebrating her 31st birthday. And it seems there's even more to celebrate for reality starlet Nikki Gogan, who announced she is a taken woman this Wednesday. Taking to Instagram, the former Bachelor runner-up shared a black-and-white photo of herself wrapping her arms around the neck of a mystery man, along with a caption confirming that she is loved-up. Scroll down for video What a difference a year makes! Nikki Gogan announced she is a taken woman this Wednesday 'Happy Birthday to meeee. Ive had the best day (following the best weekend). Believe me when I say that I am the luckiest girl in the entire world,' cooed the blonde real estate agent. 'I am surrounded and loved by the most incredible people and I am so so grateful (I havent had the opportunity to respond to you all yet but I will!). This has been the best Birthday ever and this man is a major part of that #taken'. The announcement comes almost two years after Nikki was left heartbroken when she failed to win over Richie Strahan on The Bachelor in 2016. Tears: Nikki was left heartbroken when she failed to win over Richie Strahan on The Bachelor in 2016, only to come runner-up The woman who stole Richie's heart! Back in 2016, Australia was stunned when Richie Strahan chose Alex Nation over Nikki on The Bachelor She was beaten in the race to Richie's heart by Alex Nation- with whom Richie has since split. To make matters worse, Nikki revealed earlier this year that she recently suffered extra heartache after being 'catfished' for eight months. The blonde beauty claimed she met a man through her work - only for him to lie about being a rich 'property developer,' who drove pricey sports cars. 'I had no reason not to believe what I was seeing and being told,' Nikki told New Idea. 'It makes you really wonder how trusting you are when you realise how you accepted this big, elaborate story that ended up having so many holes,' she added. The term 'catfishing' refers to a person who someone typically meets online, who deceives the other and often creates a fake relationship. A man called Matthew first met Nikki when he inspected one of her properties in Perth, pulling up in a luxury sports car. Appeared wealthy: A man called Matthew first met Nikki when he inspected one of her properties in Perth, pulling up in a luxury sports car He then attended more inspections, driving a different car each time - which a friend of Nikki's said were borrowed or rented. The publication reported Matthew also pretended to own a number of expensive properties in Perth and showered Nikki in 'designer' gifts. After Matthew spent Christmas Day with Nikki and her family, she soon found out he was a liar when she met another woman in Perth who had the same story. Tough: After Matthew spent Christmas Day with Nikki and her family, she soon found out he was a liar when she met another woman in Perth who had the same story A friend of Nikki told New Idea that she felt 'embarrassed', saying: 'She felt foolish after being lead along by Richie on The Bachelor and now this,' they reportedly said. Fans had previously urged Nikki to date former Bachelorette star, Sasha Mielczarek, who was previously in a relationship with Sam Frost. She was also tipped for an appearance on The Bachelorette and subsequently The Bachelor In Paradise but this never came to fruition. She is an Oscar-winning actress who has appeared on many a best-dressed list. And Emma Stone oozed Parisian chic as she stepped out in the French capital for the LVMH Prize 2018 Edition at Fondation Louis Vuitton on Wednesday, The La La Land star, 29, flaunted her braless cleavage in a plunging white blazer with statement shoulder pads as she posed up at the art museum and cultural centre. Chic: Emma Stone oozed Parisian chic as she stepped out in the French capital for the LVMH Prize 2018 Edition at Fondation Louis Vuitton on Wednesday Breathtaking: The La La Land star, 29, flaunted her braless cleavage in a plunging white blazer with statement shoulder pads as she posed up at the art museum and cultural centre She paired the daring blazer with high waisted black trousers which cinched in at her tiny waist with a custom leather Louis Vuitton belt. Adding to the androgynous look, the flame-haired beauty's trousers also featured kooky leather braces and she added height with patent black stilettos. The Spider-Man actress accessorised with a vintage-inspired handbag and diamond earrings. Her caramel flecked scarlet tresses were pulled back into a chic updo, with wavy strands framing her face while her stunning features were accentuated with gold eyeshadow, feline flicks of liner and scarlet lipstick. Wow factor: She paired the daring blazer with high waisted black trousers which cinched in at her tiny waist with a custom leather Louis Vuitton belt Stunning: Adding to the androgynous look, the flame-haired beauty's trousers also featured kooky leather braces and she added height with patent black stilettos Siren: Her caramel flecked scarlet tresses were pulled back into a chic updo, with wavy strands framing her face while her stunning features were accentuated with gold eyeshadow, feline flicks of liner and scarlet lipstick The star was in Paris to present the LVMH Prize which was created to honour and support young fashion designers around the world. Young fashion designer winners are awarded a grant of 300,000 euros and personalized technical and financial support from the group for a year afterwards. Emma has recently sparked romance rumours with Justin Theroux, 46. who has recently split from actress wife Jennifer Aniston, 49, with the pair spotted together on numerous occasions. Striking: The star looked flawless as she checked out the latest designs Animated: Emma waved at her fans as she arrived at the centre Fashion forward: Jaden Smith joined Emma to present designers Rokh Hwang and Masayuki Ino with awards The pair star together in new Netflix Manic which Emma was seen shooting in New York City last month. According to Netflix, the series will see Emma and Jonah Hill star in the 'remake of a Norwegian dark-comedy about an institutionalized man who lives a fantasy life in his dreams.' Sonoya Mizuno, Sally Field and Justin Theroux will also make regular appearances. Emma was named as Forbes 2017 highest paid actress after racking up $26 million. Talented: Masayuki looked confident as he posed with the stars Designer company! The redhead rubbed shoulders with Nicolas Ghesquiere and Karl Lagerfeld Pout and about: Nicolas Ghesquiere and Jaden Smith looked trendy as they posed at the designer event Jessica Chastain has played a number of strong-willed women on the silver screen. And off-screen the actress has been a voice for issues affecting women and minorities. Now in a new interview in The Hollywood Reporter, the two-time Oscar nominated actress has singled out the Kardashians, and Kim in particular, as 'the most powerful women in our society.' Cover girl: Actress Jessica Chastain reveals more about her social activism and fight for causes affecting women and minorities in June 6 issue of The Hollywood Reporter Giving praise: Jessica called Kim Kardashian an 'intelligent person' while talking about strong women in THR interview; here Kim is seen at the White House on May 30 She did it: On Wednesday President Donald Trump freed a first-time drug offender Alice Johnson after Kim asked him to Kim was last seen at the CFDAs in NYC on Monday where she won an award In the June 6 issue of THR, Jessica talks about how she admires Kim's genius at what she chooses to reveal and conceal. She readily admits that she watched a season of Keeping Up With The Kardashians as inspiration while prepping to play celebrity poker ringleader Molly Bloom in the 2017 movie Molly's Game. 'You definitely see that Kim is a very intelligent person and is learning how to gain control over her life,' Chastain said. 'I mean, she already has it, but especially in media and society.' Kim has a new feather in her cap as on Wednesday President Donald Trump freed a first-time drug offender and grandmother whose case has been championed by Mrs Kanye West. Chastain also gives praise to a number of men and women she admires that includes actress Michelle Williams, 'love her,' and Stephen Colbert, 'love him.' She also dispels rumors about working with Jennifer Lawrence. 'In 2012, there was some tabloid saying that, like, Jennifer Lawrence and I were in a feud, which was insane. She and I laughed about it. She came up to me and goes, So I hear were feuding? Ive never had a bad situation with women that Ive worked with.' Beauty and brains: The 41-year old has been a strong voice for issues affecting women and minorities both in and out of Hollywood Hollywood A-lister: The actress has starred in hits including The Help, Zero Dark Thirty, Interstellar, The Martian and The Tree of Life The 41-year old has been a strong advocate for equal pay in the workplace and greater gender balance on Hollywood sets for years. And more recently, she has been vocal about her support for the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements that emerged in the wake of the revelations of sexual misconduct allegations against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. In fact she has been a major advocate in the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund, which provides support to women who have experienced workplace sexual harassment, abuse and assault. The lady in red: The two-time Oscar nominated actress looks strong and sexy in red dress The A-list actress also knows how to enjoy the lighter things in life. In the cover shoot for THR, the starl got to show her natural beauty and fashion. Jessica looks absolutely radiant and natural. Her signature ginger tresses are long, flowing and parted slightly to the right for a classy but sexy touch. Jessica has called herself a very shy and private person. She has been in a relationship with Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo since 2012. He's an Italian count of the Passi de Preposulo noble family, who is an executive for the fashion brand Moncler. The couple got married in June of 2017 and now live in New York City. They got engaged in April after a whirlwind three-month romance. And Caroline Flack, 38, and her toyboy fiance Andrew Brady, 27, seemed to be taking their romance to a new level by becoming parents to a puppy as they were seen stocking up on dog supplies at London branch of Pets At Home on Wednesday. The Love Island presenter slipped her lithe legs into a pair of denim hotpants as she left the store with her reality star lover after buying toys and training pads. New commitment: Caroline Flack, 38, and her fiance Andrew Brady, 27, look set to become puppy parents as they stocked up on supplies at a branch of Pets At Home on Wednesday Enjoying the early summer sun, the TV host paired her shorts with a form-fitting tank top which she covered with a semi-sheer lace shawl. The beauty stepped out in a pair of nude Chelsea boots, and she added a pop of colour to her ensemble with a red Gucci bag. Pulling her blonde locks back into a high ponytail, Caroline kept her hair out of her face with a black bandanna while she shielded her eyes with a pair of stylish shades. Looking good: The Love Island presenter slipped her lithe legs into a pair of denim hotpants as she left the store with her reality star lover after buying toys and training pads Stylish: Enjoying the early summer sun, Caroline paired her shorts with a form-fitting tank top which she covered with a semi-sheer lace shawl Comfortable chic: Andrew cut a more casual figure as he paired damaged jeans with a long-sleeved grey top, which he offset with a pair of white trainers Puppy love: The pair spent 30 minutes in the store before emerging with supplies for a puppy, including toys and training pads, which suggests they are ready to make another commitment Andrew cut a more casual figure as he paired damaged jeans with a long-sleeved grey top, which he offset with a pair of white trainers. Brushing his dark locks into a stylish spiky up-do, the Apprentice star looked ruggedly handsome thanks to his close-cropped beard. The pair spent 30 minutes in the pet store before emerging with supplies for a puppy - including toys and training pads- which suggests that they are ready to make yet another commitment together. New member of the family? Andrew carried a bed for a dog, as well as other essential items for taking care of a puppy Excited: The pair looked to be in high spirits as they left the pet store together Couple clothing: The couple matched well in their stylish ensembles Their outing together comes after Caroline opened up on marriage, body confidence and the new series of Love Island in a cover shoot for the July edition of Women's Health magazine. The star admitted she always saw herself as a career woman after successfully carving a profession in TV hosting. Caroline told the publication now she has found love with Celebrity Big Brother star Andrew, she sees herself 'having it all' as she referred to a future with work, marriage and babies. She said: 'Of course, it's possible to have it all. Work, marriage, babies I know a lot of women who do all of it; who have raised families and go to work every day. Honest talk: Their outing together comes after Caroline opened up on marriage, body confidence and the new series of Love Island in the July edition of Women's Health magazine Happy together: Caroline told the publication now she has found love with Celebrity Big Brother star Andrew, she sees herself 'having it all' Female power: The star also admitted she always saw herself as a career woman after successfully carving a profession in TV hosting Nuptials: During their outing, Caroline also showed off her stunning engagement ring 'For me, I thought work was always what I wanted to do, but now, I don't know, maybe I just hadn't met the right guy. Gushing about her beau Andrew Caroline said that she loves the feeling of falling in love, after forgetting what it was like to be in that phase. When it comes to wedding plans she revealed that it is all a bit up in the air, as she doesn't know where to begin with planning her big day. She said: 'I do sort of feel different. But then marriage was something that Id never 'People keep saying to me, Oh, do you have your wedding all planned out? but actually I dont know where to start. 'What do I do first? I forgot what it felt like. 'When you fall in love, then fall out of love, you forget those first feelings. I love the beginning part of falling in love its nice.' Happy with her romance: Gushing about her beau Andrew Caroline said that she loves the feeling of falling in love, after forgetting what it was like to be in that phase Need to prepare: When it comes to wedding plans she revealed that it is all a bit up in the air, as she doesn't know where to begin with planning her big day Victoria's Secret Angel Josephine Skriver-Karlsen and her live-in love - Bohnes rocker Alexander DeLeon - showcased their all-white, three-story modern home in Nashville in a new spread. 'This is both of our first houses and our first house together; it's our baby!' the 25-year-old Society Management model told Architectural Digest. 'I've always liked it clean and simple, but somehow still cozy. I'm not a big fan of a lot of colors, because the design itself has to stand out.' Scroll down for video 'It's our baby!' Victoria's Secret Angel Josephine Skriver-Karlsen and her live-in love - Bohnes rocker Alexander DeLeon - showcased their all-white, three-story modern home in Nashville in a new spread The 25-year-old Society Management model told Architectural Digest: 'This is both of our first houses and our first house together...I'm not a big fan of a lot of colors, because the design itself has to stand out' The half-Dutch, half-Danish beauty's move to Tennessee had much to do with the six acres of lush forest surrounding the property. 'I think [Nashville is] the first place in America that reminds me a little bit of Denmark,' Josephine explained. 'I felt so at peace and so at home here.' Skriver and her 29-year-old boyfriend - who began dating in December 2013 - enlisted Nashville-based designer April Tomlin to redesign the house, which took nearly a year. 'The best interior designers are the ones that can take what's in your mind and somehow make it a reality. April was great at pulling that out of us,' the Las Vegas-born musician said. 'It reminds me a little bit of Denmark': The half-Dutch, half-Danish beauty's move to Tennessee had much to do with the six acres of lush forest surrounding the property (pictured in 2017) Oversize windows: Josephine and her 29-year-old boyfriend - who began dating in December 2013 - enlisted Nashville-based designer April Tomlin to redesign the house, which took nearly a year (pictured December 23) What's cooking? Among Tomlin's additions to the home were a breakfast nook in the kitchen and a bunk bed room for the couple's younger siblings (pictured August 21) 'The house isn't supposed to be what's loud. The life that you live is supposed to be what's loud. I think that is represented in the house perfectly.' Among Tomlin's additions to the home were a breakfast nook in the kitchen and a bunk bed room for the couple's younger siblings. 'I've always had this picture of a hanging bed in my head,' the 5ft11in catwalker said of her custom-built floating bed. 'April customized it exactly how I had it in my mind, even though I couldn't fully describe what I wanted.' Skriver said of her floating bed: 'I've always had this picture of a hanging bed in my head. April customized it exactly how I had it in my mind' (pictured in 2017) 'My sanctuary': The 5ft11in catwalker said she feels 'so at peace and so at home here' (pictured in 2017) She added: 'I've always liked it clean and simple, but somehow still cozy' (pictured in 2017) On Tuesday, Josephine shared a gym video of herself and 'sister' and fellow VS Angel, Jasmine Tookes, working out together on their fitness blog JoJa (combining their names). Skriver currently stars in Maybelline 'Super Cushion Duo' campaign alongside Hong Kong pop superstar William Chan, which runs exclusively in China. Last year, Josephine revealed she was conceived through In Vitro Fertilization by a gay father and a lesbian mother. 'Friends who twist together, stay together': On Tuesday, Josephine shared a gym video of herself and 'sister' and fellow VS Angel, Jasmine Tookes, working out together on their fitness blog JoJa (combining their names) 'Growing up with two sets of gay parents made me outgoing and open-minded,' she told Harper's Bazaar. 'Like from the age of 4, I was dragging my parents to the gay parades because I wanted to yell loud and proud. Families are not always about blood but it's about the love you find with each other.' Skriver continued: 'It's not just the LBGTQ community, there [are] so many communities right now being hit at and we're all humans and I think that's the main message.' She's the Australian star who's known equally as a fashion icon as she is an Oscar-winning actress. And ahead of her latest female-driven film Ocean's 8, Cate Blanchett oozed style as she stepped out from her New York City hotel on Wednesday. The 49-year-old blonde showcased her trim physique in a straight cut jeans and a bold blazer. Scroll down for video Always stylish! Cate Blanchett oozed style in chic blazer around New York ahead of Ocean's 8 release on Wednesday Cate stunned in a sheer button-up shirt for the outing that gave a look at her bra. The Carol star added a dark metallic bronzed jacket with a structured collar over the top. The beauty completed her look with denim jeans that fell to just above her ankle. What's inside? Quite the working girl, Cate was seen carrying a large diary-like book and a pile of documents Cate's look was complimented with simple black pumps. Her short blonde locks were left out and styled into a lose natural wave and she kept a low profile with dark designer glasses. The Thor: Ragnarok star appeared to be wearing a full face of makeup that featured rosy pink cheeks and a nude lip. Star studded line-up: Ocean's 8 will also star Sandra Bullock, (left bottom), Anne Hathaway, Sarah Paulson (left top), Mindy Kaling, Aquafina (right), Helena Bonham Carter, Dakota Fanning and Rihanna (middle) among others, it's predicted to be a hit. And quite the working girl, Cate was seen carrying a large diary-like book and a pile of documents. Later the Talented Mr Ripley star was seen at a photo shoot on the streets of Manhattan. She looked to be walking outside The Whitby Hotel on west 56th street. The 5ft9in stunner looked fantastic in a patterned orange, black and white fake fur coat. Underneath the Elizabeth star had on a gunmetal grey shimmer suit with a high collar. White chunky shoes added a daytime look. Dressed to be photographed: Later the Talented Mr Ripley star was seen at a photo shoot on the streets of Manhattan Style queen: The 5ft9in stunner looked fantastic in a patterned orange, black and white fake fur coat Location: She looked to be walking outside The Whitby Hotel on west 56th street A handsome male assistant in a green jacket and worn-in jeans stuck close to her side. And then the Cinderella actress was seen in a dark top and jeans with a mesh scarf around her neck. The latest film from the Australian native is the female driven Ocean's 8. Zany look: And then the Cinderella actress was seen in a dark top and jeans with a mesh scarf around her neck Always in top shape: The Thor star always maintains a very slender frame Boot scooting baby: The Oscar winner dons leather chaps and boots for a shoot Also staring Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway, Sarah Paulson, Mindy Kaling, Aquafina, Helena Bonham Carter, Dakota Fanning and Rihanna among others, it's predicted to be a hit. According to Deadline, the star-studded female heist flick - which is a spin-off of the George Clooney led Oceans 11 trilogy - is tracking for an opening weekend between $30 million and $45 million. Ocean's 8 will be in all cinemas from Friday June 8. Set for big things: According to Deadline, the star-studded female heist flick - which is a spin-off of the George Clooney led Oceans 11 trilogy - is tracking for an opening weekend between $30 million and $45 million Departure: The actress leaves NYC in yet another eccentric outfit Platform shoes: Blanchett wore white sneakers with thick soles as she hit the NYC pavement Arrival: Cate landed at LAX in the unmissable apparel She is the theatre producer wife of Rolling Stones rocker Ronnie Wood who has been supporting her husband during the band's No Filter tour. And Sally Humphreys, 40, looked delighted as she stepped out with her musician husband, 71, and their twin daughters Alice and Gracie in Manchester on Wednesday, following the Stones Old Trafford show. The brunette beauty, who wed Ronnie in 2012, looked every inch the devoted mother as she carried one of her adorable two-year-old girls out of the hotel, closely followed by Ronnie and their second daughter. Family first: Sally Humphreys, 40, looked delighted as she stepped out with her musician husband, 71, and their twin daughters Alice and Gracie in Manchester on Wednesday, following the Stones Old Trafford show Sally looked chic in a cream trench coat, yellow ruffled top and jeans, paired with black ankle boots. Her raven tresses were styled sleek and straight and she accentuated her glowing complexion with a light dusting of make-up. Gimme Shelter hitmaker Ronnie rocked his typically cool look, wearing a scarlet shirt over a blue tee, paired with black skinny jeans and a hoodie. He wore his black locks in a spiked style and covered his eyes with aviator shades. Cute:The brunette beauty, who wed Ronnie in 2012, looked every inch the devoted mother as she carried one of her adorable two-year-old girls out of the hotel, closely followed by Ronnie and their second daughter Twins: Sally looked chic in a cream trench coat, yellow ruffled top and jeans, paired with black ankle boots The married couple of five and half years, who tied the knot in December 2012, raise their two young twin daughters together. Ronnie is also father to Jesse, 41, whom he shares with his late first wife Krissy. The former flames were married from 1971 to 1978. The music legend shares daughter Leah, 39, as well as sons Tyrone, 34, and Jamie, 43, with his second wife Jo Wood, whom he was married to from 1985 to 2008. After Manchester, the group will storm the stage imminently at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and London's Twickenham Stadium. Rock on: Gimme Shelter hitmaker Ronnie rocked his typically cool look, wearing a scarlet shirt over a blue tee, paired with black skinny jeans and a hoodie They will then fly to Berlin, Marseille, Stuttgart, Prague and Warsaw to finish off their European tour in style. Ahead of the tour, Mick said: 'This part of the No Filter tour is really special for the Stones. We are looking forward to getting back on stage and playing to fans in the UK and Ireland. 'It's always exhilarating going to cities we havent played for quite a while and also some new venues for us like Old Trafford and The London Stadium.' Happy: Stones drummer Charlie Watts, 77, looked jovial as he left the hotel dressed in a tweed blazer She split from her director beau Darren Aronofsky in September after nearly one year of dating. But Jennifer Lawrence appeared to be happily over her ex boyfriend as she stepped out for a romantic evening with rumored new sweetheart Cooke Maroney in New York on Tuesday. The 27-year-old Academy Award-winning actress sported a flirty black miniskirt paired with a white blouse as she left the Sant Ambroeus arm-in-arm with the esteemed art dealer. Cute couple: Jennifer Lawrence appeared to be happily over her ex boyfriend as she stepped out for a romantic evening with rumored new sweetheart Cooke Maroney in New York on Tuesday Jennifer kept things casual wearing a crisp white T-shirt paired with a flowing black-and-white polka dot skirt. Her tanned and toned legs peered from underneath the flowing garment, which she paired with sensible black leather shoes. She accessorized with a simple silver chain necklace with a few matching studs in her ears. Official couple? The 27-year-old Academy Award-winning actress sported a flirty black miniskirt paired with a white blouse as she left the Sant Ambroeus arm-in-arm with the esteemed art dealer Smile! Jennifer kept things casual wearing a crisp white T-shirt paired with a flowing black-and-white polka dot skirt Walk it out: Her tanned and toned legs peered from underneath the flowing garment, which she paired with sensible black leather shoes The Silver Linings Playbook stunner wore her short blonde hair in natural curls and appeared to be makeup-free for the outing. She carried a black leather clutch by her side as she linked arms with the handsome art connoisseur after an Italian feast in Lower Manhattan. Cooke, the director of the high-end Gladstone Gallery, looked equally as casual on the romantic night out. Beauty: The Silver Linings Playbook stunner wore her short blonde hair in natural curls and appeared to be makeup-free for the outing Cute: She carried a black leather clutch by her side as she linked arms with the handsome art connoisseur after an Italian feast in Lower Manhattan So happy: Cooke, the director of the high-end Gladstone Gallery, looked equally as casual on the romantic night out Comfortable: She accessorized with a simple silver chain necklace with a few matching studs in her ears He sported a matching white T-shirt paired with khaki trousers and bright blue-and-white Vans sneakers. Hints of salt-and-pepper strands peeked from Maroney's facial scruff, matching his relatively short brunette hair. The A-list actress and the dashing art director came together through Lawrence's friend Laura Simpson, a source told Page Six. Dressed down: He sported a matching white T-shirt paired with khaki trousers and bright blue-and-white Vans sneakers Sweet: Hints of salt-and-pepper strands peeked from Maroney's facial scruff, matching his relatively short brunette hair Table for two! The A-list actress and the dashing art director came together through Lawrence's friend Laura Simpson, a source told Page Six 'The relationship has been going on a few weeks,' a source told the outlet. 'But they have been very private and careful not to be seen together.' Maroney is 33, insiders told the outlet, and a regular at swanky art exhibitions in the Big Apple. He formerly worked for the Gagosian gallery. In his post at the art gallery, Maroney worked alongside noted artists including Carroll Dunham (who is Lena Dunhams father), Anish Kapoor and Matthew Barney, the ex of Bjork. 'The relationship has been going on a few weeks,' a source told the outlet. 'But they have been very private and careful not to be seen together' Fine arts: Maroney is 33, insiders told the outlet, and a regular at swanky art exhibitions in the Big Apple The Louisville, Kentucky native has past been in a number of high-profile romances with noted names such as Aronofsky, who she collaborated with on last year's Mother!, though the pair parted ways last autumn. She's also been romantically-linked to Coldplay front man Chris Martin in 2014, and actor Nicholas Hoult of X-Men fame around 2012-2014. The Oscar-winner gave her fans a rare glimpse at her love life in a December 2015 chat with Vogue, telling the publication: 'No one ever asks me out. I am lonely every Saturday night. Guys are so mean to me.' Talk about it: In his post at the famed art gallery, Maroney worked alongside noted artists including Carroll Dunham (who is Lena Dunhams father), Anish Kapoor and Matthew Barney, the ex of Bjork New: The Louisville, Kentucky native has past been in a number of high-profile romances with noted names such as filmmaker Darren Aronofsky, who she collaborated with on last year's Mother!, though the pair parted ways last autumn. In the chat, The Hunger Games star revealed that she hopes to find a suitor whose opinion of her is unaffected by her fame. 'Im just a girl who wants you to be nice to me,' she told the magazine. 'I am straight as an arrow. I feel like I need to meet a guy, with all due respect, who has been living in Baghdad for five years who has no idea who I am.' Lawrence said that she 'cant wait to be married' and 'would absolutely not f*** it up' if she finds the right person. It's the controversial teen-suicide drama that saw an average of 6.08 million viewers in the U.S. in its first three days of release. And following a great reception, Netflix announced on Wednesday that 13 Reasons Why would return for a third season in 2019. Taking to the official Instagram page, producers posted a short clip of someone opening a school locker with the passcode: 20-1-9, before removing a lunch bag. Scroll down for video Back again! Following a great reception, Netflix announced on Wednesday that 13 Reasons Why would return for a third season in 2019 'What happens now? Season 3 of #13ReasonsWhy is coming,' they captioned. The second season of the series executively produced by Selena Gomez that was released last week, sees the star's having to deal with the fallout of protagonist Hannah Baker's suicide. Hannah's (Katherine Langford) parents sue Liberty High School for negligence which sees many of the students on the stand and opening up about the events surrounding her the lead-up to her death. What does that mean? Taking to the official Instagram page, producers posted a short clip of someone opening a school locker with the passcode: 20-1-9, before removing a lunch bag Captivating drama: The controversial Netflix series follows the suicide of teen school student Hannah Baker and after debuting its second season last week, it saw an average of 6.08 million viewers in the U.S. in its first three days of release The series also delves into student Tyler Down's (Devin Druid) graphic and controversial rape scene that saw him sodomized with a mop handle by Montgomery de la Cruz (Timonthy Grandaderos). After many were left with complete disgust over the scene, Devin justified the confronting nature stating that they felt it was their responsibility to not 'sugarcoat' or 'censor' the reality of assault. Season three will see show creator Brian Yorkey will continue to lead the series with Selena also joined by fellow executive producers: Joy Gorman, Tom McCarthy, Kristel Laiblin, Steve Golin, and her mom Mandy Teefey. Continuing on: The second season of the series executively produced by Selena Gomez that was released last week, sees the star's having to deal with the fallout of protagonist Hannah Baker's (right) suicide Confronting: The series also delves into student Tyler Down's (Devin Druid) - pictured- graphic and controversial rape scene that saw him sodomized with a mop handle by Montgomery de la Cruz (Timonthy Grandaderos) Following in the footsteps of its other two seasons, season three will also have 13 episodes. And while fans were quick to share their excitement over the news, late last month, Katherine hinted that season two would be the end of Hannah. '"Hannah...I love you...and I let you go" Those are the words I was able to say six months ago, and now can finally share with you...As most of you know,' she captioned an Instagram photo of chalkboard with tribute messages for the deceased character. '@13reasonswhy was my first ever job and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to tell Hannah's story so fully in season 1, and to be asked back for a season 2.' Is that it for Hannah? And while fans were quick to share their excitement over the news, late last month, Katherine hinted that season two would be the end of Hannah 'Thankyou to @netflix @paramountpics @anoncontent, the incredible producers, creatives, cast and crew for making these last 2 years so special,' she continued the lengthy post. The Australian actress went on to say that she had a lot of other projects in the work and the show will always be a special part of her life. Season two of 13 Reason's Why is available for viewing worldwide on Netflix, with season three set to begin filming later this year ahead of its 2019 release. Kanye West unveiled his new album to hundreds of high-profile guests at a listening party on Thursday night. But despite the warm reception the sounds received from attendees, it seems not everyone was a fan of the boisterous event. On Monday, The Blast reported the 40-year-old's 'party will be the last rap gathering at the picturesque ranch.' Kanye hosted the bash at the Wyoming ranch which saw hundreds of his friends turn up Boisterous: Kanye West unveiled his new album to hundreds of high-profile guests at a listening party on Thursday night Beautiful sights: On Monday, The Blast reported the 40-year-old's 'party will be the last rap gathering at the picturesque ranch' Revelers are pictured living it up on the ranch Taking place at Diamond Cross Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the one night party was attended by a slew of celebrities, including Kim Kardashian, Jonah Hill, and Chris Rock. The outlet spoke with the owner and operator of the location, Jane Golliher, who called the event the 'most confusing' they've ever held. She said the plans for the event were changing 'every 30 minutes', and ended up taking place outside, despite originally be set to occur indoors. This didn't sit to well with neighbors who quickly complained about the decibel levels of the event. Industry heavyweights helped Kanye celebrate in style although not to the liking of neighbors who complained about the noise Celeb-packed: But despite the warm reception the sounds received from attendees, it seems not everyone was a fan of the boisterous event The Blast reports,'Teton County has strict noise ordinances which require any sound after 10PM to be kept under 80 decibels,' yet 'Ye's listening party cranked up the music to 120 decibels.' They added, 'Golliher says her neighbors mainly other lodges immediately complained about the deafening noise, and she had to send employees running down to smooth things over to avoid complaints with the county.' Apparently the party was supposed to be over by 10 p.m., but thing didn't even start till 930 p.m. Everything seems to be good between Kanye and Golliher despite the the confusion. According to the outlet, she 'is adamant she has no beef with Kanye, and says that his planners and employees were amazing.' The only bad news is for anyone who was looking to hold their own rap release party at the now famed venue, as 'there will be 'no more rappers' at the ranch.' However, the venue may hold a 'day concert' at some point. Despite the problems the owners insist they have no beef with the rapper She's one of Hollywood's most beloved and beautiful actresses. And Sandra Bullock didn't disappoint fans on Wednesday when she looked her very best while leaving her Manhattan hotel. The 53-year-old star wore a low-cut blue-and-yellow floral print dress. This sighting comes the day after the mother-of-two was praised for her red carpet appearance at the Ocean's 8 premiere. Premiere: Sandra Bullock is seen leaving her Manhattan hotel with her longtime publicist Cheryl Maisel, right, in New York City on Tuesday The Oscar winner matched the low-cut ensemble with blue strapped high heels. She added rounded, dark shades to her face. Sandra's brunette locks were left down to freely flow, and she kept things simple, not wearing any jewelry or having any accessories on. Ocean's 8 has quite the all-star female line-up. The story line focuses on Sandra's character, Debbie Ocean, the estranged sister of Danny Ocean, and her attempt to pull of a $150 million heist at the Met Gala. Cate Blanchett stars as Lou, Debbie's partner-in-crime, while Sarah Paulson plays Tammy, a suburban mom and Debbie's former partner-in-crime. The time is now! Bullock has supported the Time's Up movement, donating $500k to the legal defense fund spearheaded by a legion of women in Hollywood Mindy Kaling is along for the ride as Amita, a jewelry maker, while Awkwafina plays Constance, a thief, and Rihanna is Nine Ball, a tech genius. Helena Bonham Carter appears as Rose Weil, a fashion designer, and on the other side is Anne Hathaway playing Daphne Kluger, a celebrity and the target of the heist, whose assistant is James Corden (John Frazier). The movie will also have cameos from Anna Wintour, Zayn Malik, Katie Homes, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Kylie Jenner. A 10! This sighting comes the day after the mother-of-two was praised for her red carpet appearance at the Ocean's 8 premiere Group shot: Cate Blanchett, Sarah Paulson, Anne Hathaway, Bullock, Mindy Kaling and Helena Bonham Carter All of this comes as the mother-of-two recently revealed that she nearly quit acting because of Hollywood's sexism and didn't want to be a part of it. In an interview with USA Today, Sandra explained how certain experiences caused her to think about a career change, telling the paper 'I was like, "Wow, maybe I need to step out of here. Maybe I need to do something else for a living."' 'I can safely say there is not one person I know who hasn't experienced some form of (harassment) or doesn't know someone (it's happened to),' the Miss Congeniality actress told InStyle. 'It happened to me when I was 16. And you're paralyzed to a degree, thinking, "Will anyone believe me?' And at that time? No. Up until recently it was the victim who was shamed, not the perpetrator.'" Bullock has supported the Time's Up movement from the star, donating $500k to the legal defense fund spearheaded by a legion of women in Hollywood. Following the success of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation, MTV is reportedly considering a reboot of its reality show The Hills and 'everyone is down to do it' except Lauren Conrad. 'The rest of the crew is all still friends besides her,' an insider told Us Weekly on Wednesday. The Laguna Beach spin-off - which was criticized for fabricating storylines - originally ran from 2006-2010 on the cable network and first focused on Lauren's Teen Vogue internship in Los Angeles. Scroll down for video Following the success of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation, MTV is reportedly considering a reboot of its reality show The Hills and 'everyone is down to do it' except Lauren Conrad Conrad - who starred in the 10th anniversary reunion special in 2016 - told Access Hollywood back in 2013 that she was 'not looking to go back' and said the show 'made me uncomfortable.' The 32-year-old designer now keeps busy with her Kohl's line and The Little Market she co-founded as well as her son Liam - turning 1 next month - with husband, William Tell. Kristin Cavallari and her husband Jay Cutler will star in her own E! docuseries Very Cavallari - premiering July 8 - but she admitted in January: 'I would love nothing more than a Hills reunion.' But fans should not expect to see the 30-year-old E! Live from the Red Carpet countdown host's three children - Camden, 5; Jaxon, 4; and Saylor, 2; - on Very Cavallari. 'The rest of the crew is all still friends besides her': The Laguna Beach spin-off - which was criticized for fabricating storylines - originally ran from 2006-2010 Starred in the 10th anniversary reunion special in 2016: Conrad told Access Hollywood back in 2013 that she was 'not looking to go back' and said the show 'made me uncomfortable' 'Holiday card!' The 32-year-old designer now keeps busy with her Kohl's line and The Little Market she co-founded as well as her son Liam - turning 1 next month - with husband, William Tell (pictured December 22) Also interested is Audrina Patridge, whose daughter Kirra Max turns 2 this month with estranged husband Corey Bohan, whom she separated from in September. 'I'm not opposed to it,' the 33-year-old mother-of-one - who appeared in all 113 epsiodes of The Hills - told Us. 'It would really depend on what it was going to be. So, we'll see.' Whitney Port - who's celebrating her son Sonny's first birthday next month with husband Tim Rosenman - said there was a 'slight possibility' she'd drop her I Love My Baby, But... vlog for a reunion. Kristin Cavallari and her husband Jay Cutler will star in her own E! docuseries Very Cavallari - premiering July 8 - but she admitted in January: 'I would love nothing more than a Hills reunion' 'It's about me opening a store': But fans should not expect to see the 30-year-old E! Live from the Red Carpet countdown host's three children - Camden, 5; Jaxon, 4; and Saylor, 2 'I'm not opposed to it': Also interested is Audrina Patridge, whose daughter Kirra Max turns 2 this month with estranged husband Corey Bohan, whom she separated from in September (pictured May 27) 'It'd definitely be something fun!' Whitney Port - who's celebrating her son Sonny's first birthday next month with husband Tim Rosenman - said there was a 'slight possibility' she'd drop her I Love My Baby, But... vlog for a reunion 'I mean, people are talking about it a little, but there's nothing actually like concrete in the works,' the 33-year-old Bloom2Bloom co-founder told Us. 'I think it would be hard to get everybody back together again just because we're all in such different places, but it'd definitely be something fun.' However, Love Wellness founder Lo Bosworth told her Lady Lovin' podcast in February that she said 'F***, no! I don't want any association with those people' after a TV executive reached out to her. Nope! However, Love Wellness founder Lo Bosworth (M) told her Lady Lovin' podcast in February that she said 'F***, no! I don't want any association with those people' after a TV executive reached out to her (pictured November 7) 'Not enough money in it!' Money would likely be the motivator for Heidi Montag Pratt and her husband Spencer, now caring for eight-month-old son Gunner, but his sister Stephanie has been busy on E4's Made in Chelsea (pictured May 8) 'Releasing baby turtles!' Meanwhile, nightclub host Brody Jenner is currently celebrating his honeymoon in the Maldives with wife Kaitlynn Carter following their wedding Saturday Money would likely be the motivator for Heidi Montag Pratt and her husband Spencer, now caring for eight-month-old son Gunner, but his sister Stephanie has been busy on E4's Made in Chelsea. 'Definitely no on the reality TV route. That's a no go. Not enough money in it!' Pratt told AskMen.com last year. Meanwhile, nightclub host Brody Jenner is currently celebrating his honeymoon in the Maldives with wife Kaitlynn Carter following their wedding Saturday at the Nihi Sumba Resort. Advertisement The stars turned out in force for The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Party held at Burlington House in Piccadilly, London on Wednesday evening. Leading the glamour on the evening were the likes of Donna Air and Sophie Dahl, who turned heads with their stylish and vibrant ensembles as they stormed the red carpet. Ensuring all eyes would be on her, Donna, 38, looked phenomenal in a dusty pink gown with cut out detailing across the neckline and also along the torso to flash some flesh whilst remaining demure. Chic and colourful: The stars turned out in force for The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Party held at Burlington House in Piccadilly, London on Wednesday evening. Leading the glamour on the evening were the likes of Donna Air and Sophie Dahl It was the billowing sleeves that made the ensemble, however, whilst the midi length skirt offered a look at her tanned and toned pins, which were boosted by a pair of patterned court heels. Also dressed to impress was Sophie Dahl, who looked sensational in a vibrant yellow maxi skirt that she teamed with a black long sleeved top and a pair of court heels. She added to the glamour by styling her glossy golden locks in a chic chignon buns, whilst she accessorised with a pair of gold hooped earrings and a small leopard print clutch bag. Pretty in pink: Ensuring all eyes would be on her, Donna, 38, looked phenomenal in a dusty pink gown with cut out detailing across the neckline and also along the torso to flash some flesh whilst remaining demure Leggy lady! It was billowing sleeves that made the ensemble, however, whilst the midi length skirt offered a look at her tanned and toned pins, which were boosted by a pair of patterned court heels Turning heads: Also dressed to impress was Sophie Dahl, who looked sensational in a vibrant yellow maxi skirt that she teamed with a black long sleeved top and a pair of court heels Chic and cheerful: She added to the glamour by styling her glossy golden locks in a chic chignon buns, whilst she accessorised with a pair of gold hooped earrings and a small leopard print clutch bag Catching up: Lisa Eldridge, Sophie and Paloma Faith posed inside the soiree together Spot the difference: She held onto a leopard print clutch Imogen Poots, also ensured she would turn heads as she stepped out onto the red carpet at the glittering event. Dressed to impress in a low-cut floral dress, the 29-year-old actress looked effortlessly stylish as she walked the red carpet on the arm of her dapper beau James Norton, who she went public with last month following his split from Jessie Buckley. The blonde beauty looked sensational in the low-cut mini dress which featured a plunging neckline adorned with lace that showcased her cleavage, with the garment also cinching in at her slender waist to highlight her modelesque frame. Flaring out to just below the knee, the flirty floral frock also showed off her lean legs, whilst she boosted her petite frame with a pair of platform peeptoe sandals which aided in helping her reach the towering frame of her handsome boyfriend, James. Imogen finished off the look by styling her glossy golden locks in loose waves and bearing a full fringe that framed her pretty features, whilst a neutral smattering of make-up accentuated her striking good looks without masking her stunning porcelain complexion. Pretty in pink: The glamorous socialite looked elegant in her stunning pencil dress and printed heels as she made a glamorous exit from the star-studded summer soiree Turning heads: Donna dazzled in her velvet look for the arty soiree Cute couple: The stars turned out in force for The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Party held at Burlington House in Piccadilly, London on Wednesday evening. Leading the glamour on the evening was Imogen Poots and boyfriend James Norton Fabulous five: The handsome couple also posed with (L to R) Grayson Perry, Erdem Moralioglu and Jennifer Saunders Imogen and James made for a very handsome couple at the event, with the Grantchester actor looking his typical dapper self by teaming a pair of navy trousers with a grey blazer and crisp shirt, injecting some fun into the ensemble with a pair of navy polka dot socks that peeked out above his brown loafers. The couple had turned out along with a host of stars to attend the world famous Summer Exhibition, which was set up in 1768, to raise funds to support the Royal Academy Schools, Britains first art school. It was a rare outing for the couple, having only gone public with their romance last month whilst attending a glamorous Cannes Film Festival party. Sassy in sequins: Paloma Faith looked phenomenal in a black sequinned skirt with a hot pink bodice and chunky white shoes Stunning: Accentuating her tiny waist with the hand-on-the-hips pose, the mother-of-one showcased her slender figure in the fitted bodice of the floor-length dress, having snapped back into shape since giving birth to child in December 2016 Two's company: Paloma was joined at the bash by Fat Tony, who looked dapper in a navy fitted suit Hot mesh! Charli XCX looked phenomenal in a black floral print dress with a tulle skirt whilst donning barely-there heels Gorgeous in green: Olivia Colman donned a forest green patterned ankle length dress whilst Peter Capaldi rocked a dark green suit as they walked the red carpet at the glittering bash Suited and booted: Kristin Scott Thomas, 58, arrived at Burlington House in statement piece trousers which caught the eye with its butterfly, floral and polka dot design Stylish: Anais Gallagher looked effortlessly chic in a striped cream midi dress teamed with Gucci loafers and a straw handbag Stunner: Anais looked incredible in her white dress as she displayed her trendy style Earning her stripes: She clutched a glass of champagne while showing off her natural make-up look Lady Amelia has been a notable individual within the fashion industry since signing with agency Storm, who also represent Kate Moss Despite not going public, their romance wasn't the best kept secret, as soon after breaking up with his ex of two years Jessie Buckley, James was seen kissing Imogen as they did some Christmas shopping in December, with an onlooker saying at the time: They appeared to be very much in love. They are clearly very close and seemed relaxed in each others company. Whilst James seems to have moved on with Imogen, his ex recently confessed that their break-up was 'acrimonious, putting it down partly to the difficulty of dating a fellow actor. While in a relationship, the stars acted in the BBCs lavish six-part dramatisation of Tolstoys War and Peace, which came out in 2016. James played Andrei Bolkonsky, while Jessie took on the role of his sister Princess Maria Bolkonskaya. Glamorous: Also at the event was Hollywood star Kim Cattrall who attended the party with her boyfriend Russell Thomas, and looked sensational in a silver blazer that she teamed with printed cropped trousers All-smiles: Kim looked in high spirits as she walked the red carpet in her muted yet stylish ensemble Bold and beautiful: Grace Chatto and Grayson Perry rocked vibrant prints and clashing colours while Anne-Marie also stood out in a pair of wide legged jeans that she teamed with a pinstripe blazer and bandeau top as well as a The Kooples bag Vision in white: Model Clara Paget turned heads in a white lace gown with layers of tiered lace and a ruffled bib that skimmed over her sensational figure and fell to ankle length, revealing a pair of barely-there gold heels Quirky: Grace Chatto and Grayson Perry opted for bold and vibrant colours while Anne-Marie rocked bootleg trousers and a pin stripe blazer whilst revealing some flesh with a black bandeau When they broke up last summer, they kept the news under wraps but in December the Mail revealed James was dating his new co-star Imogen, and refused to say whether the actor tipped to be the next James Bond had left her for Imogen, but said the relationship had ended badly. We have broken up, yes, she said. It was acrimonious, but its a tough job to have a relationship and he is a great man and we are great friends. Thats it. How diplomatic can I sound? Explaining the break-up, Jemma told The Times: If you are away for a year filming, you are just not physically around at points. Kristin Scott Thomas, 58, arrived at Burlington House in statement piece trousers which caught the eye with its butterfly, floral and polka dot design. Here come the boys! (L-R) Nick Grimshaw, Graham Norton and Jonathan Yeo looked dapper on the red carpet Taking the plunge: Jessie Ware looked phenomenal in a low-cut black full skirted gown with lace up detailing across the chest that showcased her ample cleavage whilst she stormed the red carpet Framing her age-defying features with her tortoise shell sunglasses and sweeping the fringe of her pixie cut off her face, the actress added a slick of red lipstick for a burst of colour for an overall dramatic effect. The Tomb Raider star flattered her incredible figure by teaming her fashionable wide-legged trousers with an elegant blouse with a pleat sewn across the bust to bring attention to her cleavage. Completing her sophisticated vibe on the red carpet with the stars, Kristin draped her ivory blazer over her shoulders in a trendy fashion and she toted a black clutch with a golden casing for a hint of sparkle. Lovely ladies: (L-R) Jennifer Saunders, Kirsty Wark and Laura Jackson looked summery in their chic ensembles Paloma Faith pulled off another quirky number once again. The Only Love Can Hurt Like This hitmaker, 36, was impossible to miss in her sequinned dress which had black, hot pink and white segments making up the out-there garment. Accentuating her tiny waist with the hand-on-the-hips pose, the mother-of-one showcased her slender figure in the fitted bodice of the floor-length dress, having snapped back into shape since giving birth to child in December 2016. A cheeky split at the back of the garment gave the stars a good glimpse of her impressively tall platform heels in white. The songstress worked all her angles on the carpet and she showed off her accessories including a transparent scarlet clutch bag with a dazzling clasp which she kept firmly in her left hand. Blue-tiful! Amber Le Bon looked stunning in an ethereal baby blue gown adorned with lace embellishment and intricate beading that she teamed with towering gold heels Also at the event was Hollywood star Kim Cattrall who attended the party with her boyfriend Russell Thomas, in a rare appearance amid her ongoing feud with Sarah Jessica Parker. Dailymail.com reported in September that Cattrall, 61, was the reason Sex And The City 3 had been 'torpedoed' due to her 'diva demands', while the rest of the cast; Parker, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis had all signed on eager to move on with production. 'It's over we're not doing it, I'm disappointed,' Parker said days later. 'We had this beautiful, funny, heartbreaking, joyful, very relatable script and story. It's not just disappointing that we dont get to tell the story and have that experience, but more so for that audience that has been so vocal in wanting another movie.' Perfect in pink: Actress Florence Pugh rocked a hot pink midi dress with a scarlet tulle hem that flattered her figure Chirpy: Carl Michaelson and Jackie St Clair seemed in good spirits as they cosied up to one another on the red carpet Blooming lovely: Dakota Blue Richards dazzled in a cream midi dress whilst Zawe Ashton turned heads with a floral frock by Emilia Wickstead Three's company: (L-R) Pam Hogg, Stacy Martin and Doina Ciobanu, who donned Altuzarra, turned heads with their colourful ensembles The next month Cattrall sat down with Piers Morgan and revealed she had a 'toxic relationship' with the other stars and said Parker 'could have been nicer' about the situation. She told him: 'This is really where I take to task the people from Sex And The City and specifically Sarah Jessica Parker, is that I think she could have been nicer. I really think she could have been nicer. I don't know what her issue is. 'The thing that still bothers me is this feeling of being in some way made to be the baddie. I never asked for any money, I never asked for any projects, to be thought of as some kind of diva is absolutely ridiculous.' In recent days however it seems the feud between the duo has reached a point of no return as Cattrall lifted the lid on just how strained the relationship is between the two women. Glamorous: Beauty entrepreneur Maria Hatzistefanis (left), Molly Goodard (centre) and Martha Ward (right) put on stylish displays as they arrived at the glamorous event Manning the decks: Fat Tony was seen keeping the guests entertained as he played a selection of tracks on the big night Ready to party: Jennifer Saunders and Ade Edmondson, left, and Kelly Hoopen, right, appeared to be in jovial spirits Two's company: Jackie St Clair (L) and Kelly Hoppen cuddled up to one another as they partied in the event together Stepping out: Paloma looked phenomenal as she sashayed past in her eye-catching sequinned ensemble Stepping out: (L-R) Kristin Scott Thomas, Charlie XCX and Doina Cioban sashayed past in their stylish ensembles Lovely ladies: Donna Air and Clara Paget looked in good spirits as they headed home after the glitzy bash On the move: Tracey Emin, Nick Grimshaw and Gabriella Wilde looked stylish as they left the star-studded soiree Taking to Instagram Cattrall shocked fans by calling out Parker directly, calling her 'cruel' and a 'hypocrite'. 'I don't need your love or support at this tragic time @sarahjessicaparker' the British-born actress shared. With the post Cattrall pasted a link to a New York Post article titled 'Inside the mean-girls culture that destroyed 'Sex and the City'' It came following the sudden death of Cattrall's brother Christopher on February 4 and after her former HBO colleagues had expressed their condolences. Sarah Jessica Parker had to deal with the New York Police Department as she tried to shoot a TV commercial on Tuesday. To make matters even more challenging, the 53-year-old star was forced to do so while flashing her black lace bra under a pair of silk pajamas. The event took place while the Sex In The City star actress was shooting an advertisement for Italian clothing label Intimissimi in the West Village. Scroll down for video Star power: Sarah Jessica Parker had to deal with the New York Police Department as she tried to shoot a commercial on Tuesday It seemed like there may be some sort of permitting issue as Parker tried to discuss options with the officer. The Failure To Launch star stunned in black silk pajamas and sparkling silver heels as she attempted to keep the shoot going. The outfit showcased her ample cleavage, but did nothing to take the attention away from the passion in her eyes. It is not sure how the shoot was impacted by the officer's visit. Bringing out the big guns: To make matters even more challenging, the 53-year-old star was forced to do so while dressed in lingerie Figuring it out: The event took place while the Sex in the City star was shooting an advertisement for Italian clothing label Intimissimi in the West Village Dazzling: It seemed like there may be some sort of permitting issue as Parker tried to discuss options with the officer Glamour: The Failure to Launch star stunned in black silk pajamas and sparkling silver heels as she stood in the straight in an attempt to keep the shoot going A tough day: She seemed to be in an intense mood after her talk with New York's finest Earlier in the day, Parker was back on the red carpet. The actress was spotted flashing a lot of cleavage in the same eye-catching ensemble which looked more appropriate for a night at home. The sexy display came about as she was apparently filming another scene for the lingerie commercial, making an appearance at a mock red carpet event. Showing off a lot: The siren gave a look at her belly as she sat on the hood of a taxi cab Eye-catching display: Parker was pictured filming a lingerie commercial in New York on Tuesday The Sex and the City star wore a string of dazzling diamonds around her neck and wrist and wore some glittery heels. In May the actress said she thinks Sex And The City would be a 'different show' now following the #MeToo movement and Time's Up initiative. Speaking at the Wall Street Journal's Future of Everything Festival in Manhattan, Parker said: 'I think [my character] Carrie Bradshaw is very much a product of her generation and I think her conversations about sexual politics and intimacy spoke to the years, Blonde bombshell: The 53-year-old star looked fantastic in a lacy black bra and silky pajamas Glitzy affair: The actress was filmed at a mock red carpet event Long hair don't care: SJP looked camera ready with her long blonde locks perfectly styled VIP: The mother-of-three wore a slinky pajama set as she walked down a staircase in front of adoring fans 'As always, those years prior to being a young adult inform your world view. I think that she would have a lot to say about this, and I would be curious to read [her] column if she could sit back and look at it. 'You know, this city has changed - that was 20 years ago this June - this city has changed an enormous amount politically and economically and socially and I think it would be a different show, honestly.' Sarah currently stars in HBO's Divorce which returned for season two on January 14. The series follows Frances, played by SJP, and Robert, played by Thomas Haden Church, as they struggle through a long, drawn out divorce. The star has been married to Matthew Broderick since 1997 and the couple have three children; son James, 15, and twins daughters Marion and Tabitha, eight. Camera ready: The beauty team made some touch-ups to Parker's look Twice as nice! The Sex and the City star appeared to have a body double on set with her Bouncing babe: Sarah jumped around the Big Apple for her commercial She got front: Her ample cleavage stole the show in the revealing top Youthful glow: Sarah looked to be in incredible shape for the shoot She is enjoying a high-flying acting career after her breakout role in 1988's A Handful Of Dust. And Kristin Scott Thomas proved she's still got it at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition Preview Party, in London on Wednesday. The Darkest Hour star, 58, arrived at Burlington House in her statement piece trousers which caught the eye with its butterfly, floral and polka dot design. Flying free: Kristin Scott Thomas, 58, stunned in busy butterfly print trousers at Royal Academy of Arts party at Burlington House, in London on Wednesday Framing her age-defying features with her tortoise shell sunglasses and sweeping the fringe of her pixie cut off her face, the actress added a slick of red lipstick for a burst of colour for an overall dramatic effect. The Tomb Raider star flattered her incredible figure by teaming her fashionable wide-legged trousers with an elegant blouse with a pleat sewn across the bust to bring attention to her cleavage. Completing her sophisticated vibe on the red carpet with the stars, Kristin draped her ivory blazer over her shoulders in a trendy fashion and she toted a black clutch with a golden casing for a hint of sparkle. Get the look: The actress added a slick of red lipstick for a burst of colour for an overall dramatic effect, framing her age-defying features with her tortoise shell sunglasses Showcasing her knowledge of the hottest catwalk trends, the Mission: Impossible star elevated her height with silver sparkling perspex heels. A whole galaxy of stars from the great and the good of the showbiz world descended on the Royal Academy for the boozy bash. The swanky soiree promises champagne and canapes with the stunning surroundings of the artwork. Sophistication: The Tomb Raider star flattered her incredible figure by teaming her fashionable wide-legged trousers with an elegant blouse with a pleat sewn across the bust Keeping up the tradition, the bash was first put on in 1768 to raise funds for Britain's first art school the Royal Academy Schools. Kristin has made waves in the acting world since embarking on her Hollywood career, securing five BAFTA Award nominations and five Olivier Awards. Despite stepping away from the limelight, the actress found herself unable to keep away from its siren calls and after just three years she made her comeback. Flying away! The actress draped her ivory blazer over her shoulders in a trendy fashion and she toted a black clutch with a golden casing for a hint of sparkle The British beauty, who hails from Cornwall, stepped back into the acting spheres as Winston Churchill's wife Clementine in Darkest Hour opposite Gary Oldman. She explained to VOGUE in January: 'Id just had it this is the last f**king film, this is the last f**king time. Its the way I earn my living, you know. 'You put one foot in front of the other, you keep going, you just plod through. And I did plod through a lot of them and got into a sort of a lull.' Kylie Jenner seems to have taken well to being a first-time parent. In her latest images, the 20-year-old Kylie Cosmetics founder has looked more relaxed than ever as she cradles the little bundle of joy that she welcomed with rapper Travis Scott. And on Wednesday another lovely portrait surfaced on social media as Kylie sat in a white chair with the baby - who turned four months only on Friday - in her arms. Happy mommy: Kylie Jenner looked content as she held her baby daughter Stormi in this social media photo shared on Wednesday Kylie had her raven locks in a top knot and she was wearing a black T-shirt with Mustang written in gold on the side. It appeared she had a swimsuit on underneath. The daughter of Kris Jenner, 62, had on no makeup, not even a hint of lip gloss. Little Stormi wore a pink and white print top and leggings. Her expression was serious as if she had just woken up from a nap. Party time: The beauty held Stormi in a Gucci baby carrier as she attended the joint birthday party for North West and Penelope Disick in Calabasas on Sunday The siren was last seen at North West and Penelope Disick's joint birthday party in Calabasas, California over the weekend. She wore a white T-shirt and gold shorts with her hair up and flattering makeup on as well as gold sunglasses in her hand. And the child was not wrapped in the run-of-the-mill baby carrier. Rather, she was buckled into a Gucci model which costs $625. Party time: The young girls wore rainbow robed as they stood by the cotton candy table Sweet treats fr all: Kim Kardashian shared an image of the donuts and Oreos put out The caption read, 'Happy birthday North & P.' Little Stormi could barely be seen as her head was turned. But it was clear she had a white bow around her head and was barefoot. Earlier, the beauty posed in a beige jacket with her black bra showing. On her lips was a deep red shape called Jordy after her best friend Jordyn Woods. And the next day the mother to Stormi looked more natural with beige lipstick, blush and eye shadow. Weekend mood: Jenner shared this new image on Sunday. The Lip Kit mogul wore earth toned makeup that was made her look flawless The Lip Kit mogul wore earth toned makeup that was made her look flawless. The TV star wore a graphic T-shirt and a big gold watch with her nails long and manicured. Jenner had her seat belt on inside her $275,000 Rolls-Royce sedan which she purchased in 2016 after one of her splits from ex Tyga. Also on Sunday Kylie shared another photo in that red lipstick. Happy lady: Also on Sunday Kylie shared another photo in that red lipstick. This time her eyes were closes and she smiled Her own best advert: On Saturday, Jenner, 20, took to Instagram to promote the latest shade in her lip kit line In November 2015, the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star launched Kylie Cosmetics. The collection began with a line of liquid lipsticks, and has since expanded into a full make-up collection. In an August 2017 interview with Women's Wear Daily, mom Kris Jenner revealed that the young star had made $420 million in sales in a year-and-a-half. Her man: Relationship: Kylie is currently dating rapper Travis Scott, 26. The couple welcomed daughter Stormi Webster, four months, in February. Seen in May at the Met Gala in NYC If predictions are correct, the young mom should reach $1 billion by 2022. In the midst of carving out her own career, the Los Angeles native had her share of ups and downs in regards to her personal life. In 2014 - when she was a teenager - she allegedly began dating Tyga; he was in his mid-twenties. The duo continued to date until their split in April of last year. That same month, the reality star was seen on a date with current boyfriend, Scott, 26. The couple would later welcome daughter Stormi Webster on February 1. They went public with their romance at the Cannes Film Festival, although eagle-eyed shoppers had seen the pair smooching over the festive period. And James Norton was a happy man to have Imogen Poots on his arm for the Royal Academy of Arts party hosted at Burlington House, in London on Wednesday. The couple, 32 and 29, looked closer than ever with James firmly wrapping his arm around his ladylove's envy-inducing waist. Flirty in florals: James Norton's girlfriend Imogen Poots wowed in a flirty dress as she joined her dapper beau at Royal Academy of Arts party at Burlington House in London on Wednesday Imogen ensured she would turn heads as she stepped out onto the red carpet at the glittering event. Dressed to impress in a low-cut floral dress, the actress looked effortlessly stylish as she walked the red carpet on the arm of her dapper beau, who she went public with in May following his split from Jessie Buckley. The blonde beauty looked sensational in the low-cut mini dress which featured a plunging neckline adorned with lace that showcased her cleavage, with the garment also cinching in at her slender waist to highlight her modelesque frame. Flaring out to just below the knee, the flirty floral frock also showed off her lean legs, whilst she boosted her petite frame with a pair of platform peeptoe sandals which aided in helping her reach the towering frame of her handsome boyfriend, James. Going strong: The actress looked effortlessly stylish as she walked the red carpet on the arm of her dapper beau, who she went public with in May following his split from Jessie Buckley Imogen finished off the look by styling her glossy golden locks in loose waves and bearing a full fringe that framed her pretty features, whilst a neutral smattering of make-up accentuated her striking good looks without masking her stunning porcelain complexion. Imogen and James made for a very handsome couple at the event, with the Grantchester actor looking his typical dapper self by teaming a pair of navy trousers with a grey blazer and crisp shirt, injecting some fun into the ensemble with a pair of navy polka dot socks that peeked out above his brown loafers. The couple had turned out along with a host of stars to attend the world famous Summer Exhibition, which was set up in 1768, to raise funds to support the Royal Academy Schools, Britains first art school. Good company: They joined forces with a slew of glamorous stars including Grayson Perry, Erdem Moralioglu, Jennifer Saunders A whole galaxy of stars from the great and the good of the showbiz world descended on the Royal Academy for the boozy bash. The swanky soiree promises champagne and canapes with the stunning surroundings of the artwork. Keeping up the tradition, the bash was first put on in 1768 to raise funds for Britain's first art school the Royal Academy Schools. James and Imogen's romance hasn't been the best kept secret after they were seen smooching during a Christmas shopping trip in December. An onlooker said at the time: They appeared to be very much in love. They are clearly very close and seemed relaxed in each others company. The new romance blossomed shortly after his heartbreaking split from his girlfriend of two years Jessie Buckley. As James moves on with Imogen, his ex recently confessed that their break-up was 'acrimonious putting it down partly to the difficulty of dating a fellow actor. While in a relationship, the stars acted in the BBCs lavish six-part dramatisation of Tolstoys War and Peace, which came out in 2016. James played Andrei Bolkonsky, the son of famed Russian general, while Jessie took on the role of his kindhearted sister Princess Maria Bolkonskaya. Starring roles: James played Andrei Bolkonsky, (pictured with Lily James) while his ex Jessie took on the role of his kindhearted sister Princess Maria Bolkonskaya in War And Peace When they broke up last summer, they kept the news under wraps but in December The Mail revealed James was dating his new co-star Imogen. Jessie refused to say whether the actor tipped to be the next James Bond had left her for Imogen but she said the relationship had ended badly. We have broken up, yes, she said. It was acrimonious, but its a tough job to have a relationship and he is a great man and we are great friends. Thats it. How diplomatic can I sound? Explaining the break-up, Jemma told The Times: If you are away for a year filming, you are just not physically around at points. She recently admitted she kept their romance a secret for nearly a year. And Lydia Bright proved that her relationship with Lee Cronin is going from strength-to-strength as they attended the Graduate Fashion Week Gala at The Truman Brewery on Wednesday. The 28-year-old, who revealed they had rekindled their relationship in April, slipped into a kooky mixed print maxi dress for the occasion while she posed for photos with her other half. Picture perfect: Lydia Bright proved that her relationship with Lee Cronin is going from strength-to-strength as they attended the Graduate Fashion Week Gala at The Truman Brewery on Wednesday The former TOWIE star's stylish wraparound number featured an eye-catching rose print which popped against the garment's polka dot sleeves. Beaming Lydia's enviable wardrobe staple featured a plunging neckline and daring thigh-high slit that teased at her lean legs. Adding to her look, she sported a pair of pointed stilettos and draped a leather handbag over her shoulder while her trademark blonde locks were worked into a tight corkscrew curl. The ITVBe darling worked her voluminous coif into a messy ponytail and highlighted her blue eyes with a bronzed eye look. Style savvy: The 28-year-old, who revealed they had rekindled their relationship in April, slipped into a kooky mixed print maxi dress for the occasion while she posed for photos with her other half Stepping out: The former TOWIE star's stylish wraparound number featured an eye-catching rose print which popped against the garment's polka dot sleeves Complementing Lydia's stylish appearance, Lee donned a fitted white shirt and skinny suit pants with a check print for the event which celebrates upcoming design talent. In April, she revealed she had rekindled her romance with ex beau Lee, after splitting last year, as they enjoy a romantic getaway in Marrakesh, Morocco. Lydia confessed the relationship is far from new as she revealed that she had in fact been with the hunk for an entire year. The reality star previously said she wanted to keep their romance out of the public eye following her failed on/off eight-year relationship with James 'Arg' Argent. Work it: Lydia's enviable wardrobe staple featured a plunging neckline Posing up a storm: Complementing Lydia's stylish appearance, Lee donned a fitted white shirt and skinny suit pants with a check print for the event which celebrates upcoming design talent Speaking to The Sun Online, she said: 'We're really, really good. Me and him went to Morocco. I kept it secret for a very long time but we've actually been together for nearly a year. We live together. 'I just had such a public relationship that I just felt it was nice to hold back a bit. There's less pressure. 'I was asked when I was at the BAFTAs and everyone thought we weren't together and they thought I had another boyfriend. But I've been with him for nearly a year.' Last September, the 28-year-old beauty filmed E4's '5 Star Hotel', during which she enjoyed a cheeky smooch with Ex On The Beach's Ashley Cain, but she's adamant that her and Lee were an official item when she agreed to take part in the show. Blonde ambition: Adding to her look, she sported a pair of pointed stilettos and draped a leather handbag over her shoulder while her trademark blonde locks were worked into a tight corkscrew cur beauty: The ITVBe darling worked her voluminous coif into a messy ponytail and highlighted her blue eyes with a bronzed eye look She explained: 'When I did '5 Star' we had some time apart because it was so early on in the relationship I went away and I was kind of like, 'look let's not put a label on it' but when we got back we got back together. 'I was out there for two and a half months away so it was quite hard. We were only three months in at that stage. So we took some time out but we were still in contact and more just friends throughout that. 'I met him at the wrong sort of time with regards to work commitments, but then when I came home it made sense.' During a recent appearance on The Chris Ramsey show, the reality star also gave the host an insight into her romance with Lee, who she was dating last year. Stopping by: Henry Holland attended the event Style duo: Former X Factor star Misha B (L) and actress Cassie Bradley, who donned Lena Hosheck, were also in attendance But while her fans believed they had split in October, she said: 'We met in June, but I kept it secret for a while.' The pair have just returned from a holiday to Marrakesh, where she posted a picture of the pair on Instagram, saying her heart would always belong to him. She revealed: 'I completely messed up when I met his mother. I was nervous and I got verbal diarrhea. 'I ended up telling her that I went to the Ping-Pong show in Thailand. She didn't know what it was, so I had to explain. I said they gave me a bat and when the ball came out I had to hit it. 'Then I also said that all of a sudden, a hamster came out of the same place and then went back inside again.' Ready: Models showcase the emerging designers looks She's been seen with her beau Scott Disick nearly every day since it was reported he had 'cheated' on her. And Sofia Richie continued to keep up appearances on Wednesday, joining the 35-year-old for lunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The 19-year-old was oozing with style in a full black ensemble that showcased her washboard abs. Street style: Sofia Richie oozes style in black ensemble as she heads to lunch with Scott Disick in Beverly Hills Sofia opted for a crop top and cuffed trousers for the meal. The cover girl kept warm with a bomber jacket over the top. The daughter of Lionel Richie completed her stylish getup with simple black strappy heels. Chic: The budding model, who used to date Justin Bieber, opted for a crop top and cuffed trousers for the meal Lunchtime: Scott was photographed driving his black Range Rover to lunch and rocked a casual ensemble Sofia accessorised her look with a small metallic backpack and kept a low profile wih a pair of sunglasses. The model had her brunette locks slicked back into a low bun with a center path and appeared to be wearing minimal makeup. Scott was photographed driving his black Range Rover to lunch and rocked a casual ensemble. Casual: The father-of-three was dressed in a graphic t-shirt and grey chino trousers New look: Seemingly growing out his hair off late, his longer than usual tresses were slicked back and he sported a beard The father-of-three was dressed in a graphic t-shirt that said Waiting To Exhale and grey chino trousers. Seemingly growing out his hair of late, his longer than usual tresses were slicked back and he sported a thick beard. And the last few days hasn't come without drama for the father-of-three. Making amends? Earlier in the week, it reported revealed he had 'cheated' on Sofia while in Wyoming for Kanye West's album listening party Who to believe? It was reported earlier in the week the pair had called it quits Earlier in the week, it reported revealed he had 'cheated' on Sofia while in Wyoming for Kanye West's album listening party. It was also speculated that Lionel had given his daughter a 'inheritance ultimatum.' But despite everything, the pair have continued to appear loved up on social media and have been spotted out and about every day together. Scott shares sons Mason, eight, and Reign, three and daughter, Penelope, five, with Kourtney Kardashian, 39. Georgia Steel and Rosie Williams ruffled feathers when they entered the Love Island villa in a surprise twist during Wednesday's episode. The 20-year-old student from York and the 26-year-old solicitor from Glamorgan in South Wales caused quite the stir as the boys were left to greet them whilst the girls watched on from the balcony. Yet the pair heading in together didn't go down well with the girls, who were outraged by the new arrivals and the way in which the boys reacted to their presence. Scroll down for video Here come the girls: Georgia Steel and Rosie Williams ruffled feathers when they entered the Love Island villa in a surprise twist during Wednesday's episode Watching on from the balcony, the girls fretted over minor details, with worries such as 'why are they wearing shirts?' Laura Anderson - who is coupled up with Wes Nelson - admitted 'I don't want to watch. We've all lost our s**t!' Meanwhile Dani Dyer, who had cooled off her romance with Jack Fincham just hours earlier was feeling threatened by Georgia, explaining: 'I feel like I'm watching my boyfriend cheat on me. 'I feel like she's like me but a posher, prettier version!' Fuming: Yet the pair heading in together didn't go down well with the girls, who were outraged by the new arrivals and the way in which the boys reacted to their presence The girls were right to be worried, as the boys' heads were turned by the stunning new arrivals, with Wes - who appeared to be in the most stable relationship - remarking 'We're on love island, not loyalty island!' Jack was also feeling exciting, saying of Georgie 'she's a sort mate, she's a weapon, proper fit.' The situation worsened when the girls overheard Georgia announce she is a drama student, with Samira Mighty fuming 'Now I feel jealous, I feel weird. I hope she wasn't on the West End.' Frazzled: Dani Dyer, who had cooled off her romance with Jack Fincham just hours earlier was feeling threatened by Georgia, explaining: 'I feel like I'm watching my boyfriend cheat on me' The performer continued: 'She's ballsy. She would nick your man. She would take him from your table and buy him a drink.' Georgia wasted no time asking the boys about their romantic status inside the villa, with Jack and Eyal Booker putting themselves forward as single and ready to mingle, prompting the pair to shake hands, which left Eyal's partner Hayley Hughes furious. Even Adam Collard, who has already caused friction in the house by stealing Kendall Rae-Knight away from Niall Aslam, admitted: 'Rosie is my normal type... and Georgia is quite fiery.' Threatened: The situation worsened when the girls overheard Georgia announce she is a drama student, with Samira Mighty fuming 'Now I feel jealous, I feel weird. I hope she wasn't on the West End' However, following a public vote, it was Dr Alex George and Niall who were able to take the ladies on a date, leaving the villa with Rosie and Georgia respectively. The first recoupling of the series is set to take place at the end of the week, and now the group will have two extra girls to choose from, with Georgia and Rosie both joining the sun seeking singles in their quest to find love. Hopeful partners who have their eye on Georgia will have their work cut out though, as she revealed she's previously dated 'someone famous'. Speaking before entering the villa, she said: 'I went on a date with someone famous but a girl doesn't tell her secrets. 'He was quite into me. But I let that go. All I'll say is they had famous relatives. I'm very out there but when it comes to my private life I'm quite reserved.' Meanwhile, Rosie is no stranger to the life of a reality TV star, as she previously dated someone who has been on both Ibiza Weekender and Ex on the Beach. She's now looking for somebody funny, who has a 'nice body'. Speaking out: The girls were right to be worried, as the boys' heads were turned by the stunning new arrivals, with Wes remarking 'We're on love island, not loyalty island!' When asked what her type is, she said: I want someone who makes me laugh. I don't like a boring guy who takes life too seriously. I like to experience all life has to offer, so I want someone that I can do that with. And then your typical nice body and nice eyes!' The guys in the villa should watch their tongue around Rosie though, as she insists her biggest turn off is 'bad manners'. Elsewhere in the episode Laura, 29, came under fire once again as fans continued to question whether her feelings were genuine for Wes Nelson, 20. Paranoid: The girls were furious at the prospect of the guys finding love with the newbies The air hostess admitted that she was feeling an attraction to the star and shared a steamy smooch with him in their bed, but viewers couldn't help but notice that her emotions only came out after it was revealed Wes once spent 1,000 on a first date. Speaking in the Beach Hut, Laura revealed the increasing intimacy with Wes had left her excited about where things could be heading, explaining: 'He's so cute and affectionate and that's what I really like, and he's always hugging me when I'm cold. 'And it's like little things isn't it. It's just caring, and you need that when you're in here. And I kind of, oh God this is so cringe, but I can't wait to get into bed and have a little snuggle and fall asleep. Like, I genuinely do want to do that.' Potential new couple: However, following a public vote, it was Dr Alex George and Niall who were able to take the ladies on a date, leaving the villa with Rosie and Georgia respectively As the couple spoke together whilst in bed, Wes then admitted: 'If you didn't step forward would I have chosen you? God's honest truth, yeah I would. 'You've ticked every box. I'm not just saying that as well. Your eyes are daft. They are daft. Your personality, you're so sweet. It's hard to find someone genuine and nice.' Later in a chat with Dani, she admitted she was struggling the night before to avoid brushing his manhood, explaining 'I think it's very big... I'm scared of it'. Pucker up: Elsewhere in the episode Laura, 29, came under fire once again as fans continued to question whether her feelings were genuine for Wes Nelson, 20 The pair then shared a steamy smooch which left viewers unconvinced, tweeting: 'Laura cuddling up to Wes since shes knows he has money #loveisland'; 'Suddenly Laura is happy and doing pillow talk. Money signs got her moving mad #loveisland 'Laura and Wes are making me feel physically sick #loveisland'; 'Lauras moving madddd look at her, yesterday she said she doesnt think she likes him but now that she knows he has dolla different story #LoveIsland 'Laura is a gold digger. #loveisland'; 'Is Laura really into Wes or does she think he is loaded??? #loveisland'; 'Laura's so fake - how can Wes not see through that #LoveIsland'; 'look at this 360 Laura has done, Wes you are in the suken place, get out #LoveIsland'. Who are you? Viewers were also left in stitches as Hayley still struggled to pronounce Eyal's name despite being in a couple and on their third day in the villa Viewers were also left in stitches as Hayley still struggled to pronounce Eyal's name despite being in a couple and on their third day in the villa. 'Hayley: Ayal. Eyul. Iyal. Oyal. Uyal. Sometimes Y-yal,' one fan penned on Twitter, leading the troops. In awkward scenes, the Liverpool born beauty continuing to stumble over trying to say Eyal's name during Wednesday's gripping episode. But Eyal didn't seem to mind she couldn't get his name right as he divulged to Niall he is more interested in 'ripping off' her clothes. Meanwhile, things fizzled out between Dani and Jack as the daughter of EastEnders hardman Danny Dyer struggled to move past the fact that he had cheated on all of his past girlfriends. In the Beach Hut, Jack had admitted he still has higher hopes for their fortunes as a couple, reasoning: 'If me and Dani did give it a little bit of a chance, I think it would be worth it. 'Im going to just carry on how we are and I think me and Dani will be sweet, I think well be alright.' However, Dani later called an end to their romance, explaining: 'Ive got to talk to Jack later. I just dont get butterflies around him. 'Hes a lovely looking lad and hes very funny, and any other girl would be lucky to have that. But not me because, Ive had that. I do feel ready to find something new and thats what it is. New and fresh, not used.' She's expecting her second child with actor husband Hugh Dancy, 42. And feeling slightly drained, Claire Danes admitted on Wednesday that she was looking forward to 'retiring for a little while.' The 39-year-old actress told Us that she was ready to settle down and 'just be pregnant.' Scroll down for video Break: Claire Danes revealed on Wednesday that she was looking forward to 'retiring for a little while' as she prepares for her second child; seen on Tuesday at a Homeland screening Rest time: Having filmed her show Homeland right up to the end of her pregnancy with her now five-year-old son Cyrus, Claire recently told People that it felt like a 'luxury' to be able to rest this time round 'I feel pretty knocked up at this point,' she said. 'I am definitely with child. I feel okay. I've been doing a bit of traveling and tap dancing, as I call it, which is my term for letting people know that I've been making work and encourage them to see it. 'Pretty soon I get to retire for a little while and just be pregnant, which I look forward to,' she continued. Expanding their brood: Claire is married to actor Hugh Dancy and is already the mother to their five-year-old son Cyrus; seen in 2016 Having filmed her show Homeland right up to the end of her pregnancy with her now five-year-old son Cyrus, Claire recently told People that it felt like a 'luxury' to be able to rest this time round. 'It feels like a huge luxury,' she gushed. 'When I was pregnant with my first son, I worked until I was in my eighth month, so this feels like a huge gift, to have a chance to kick my feet up a little bit.' Wants to be with the family: 'Pretty soon I get to retire for a little while and just be pregnant, which I look forward to,' she said; seen in May And while she's enjoying her pregnancy and her increased time off this time round, Claire recently revealed the one thing she couldn't stand - flying. 'Everything's just a little more complicated when you're knocked up,' she bemoaned. 'I have to wear compression stockings. I should be wearing them all the time, but I definitely have to wear them when I fly. And they're dreadful.' 'So there's a lot of pressure on the lower extremities right? So it interferes with circulation, so it's harder for the blood to get back up to the heart. Anyway, so I hate these things and so I refuse to wear them until it's entirely essential.' After meeting Hugh on the set of Evening in 2006, the pair announced their engagement in February 2009. They tied-the-knot in the same year in a secret ceremony in France. Claire and Hugh welcomed their first-born Cyrus into the world in 2012 and announced they were expecting once again and 'well into' their second trimester in April. Olivia Munn came to the defense of bullied Star Wars: The Last Jedi actress Kelly Marie Tran on Wednesday after the Vietnamese-American 29-year-old 'deleted all her Instagram posts due to months of harassment.' 'As an Asian American actress myself, I am SO PROUD of @kellymarietran for forging a path in Hollywood, which is extremely hard because it's not a path that already exists for us,' the half-Chinese 37-year-old wrote on Instagram. 'Not only did she find a way, but she found it all the way to STAR WARS!!! She is ridiculously talented, brave and gorgeous. I think it's interesting how her character Rose Tico in #TheLastJedi allowed us to see how widespread the First Order's venom has become, reaching out to the farthest points of the galaxy.' Scroll down for video Team Tran: Olivia Munn (L) came to the defense of bullied Star Wars: The Last Jedi actress Kelly Marie Tran (R) on Wednesday after the Vietnamese-American 29-year-old 'deleted all her Instagram posts due to months of harassment' The half-Chinese 37-year-old wrote: 'As an Asian American actress myself, I am SO PROUD of @kellymarietran for forging a path in Hollywood, which is extremely hard because it's not a path that already exists for us...Just remember girl, DON'T TRIP OVER THE HATERS, WALK OVER THEM' The Six star added: 'And now today, Kelly is showing us how poisonous people can corrode so many things right here on Earth. I'm proud of Kelly for taking a stand and saying enough to the bulls***. 'But I hope that if she ever wants to come back to social media, she does, because she deserves to be here and we need more people like her putting good energy out in the world. Just remember girl, DON'T TRIP OVER THE HATERS, WALK OVER THEM.' For example, vandals edited Rose Tico's Star Wars Wookie-pedia page to read: 'Ching Chong Wing Tong is a dumba** f***ing character Disney made and is a stupid, retarded, and autistic love interest for Finn. She better die in the coma because she is a dumba** b****.' And in December, the official Star Wars Facebook account was forced to come to the 'impressive' Resistance maintenance worker's defense after hateful comments on a video of one of Kelly's five auditions. For example, vandals edited Rose Tico's Star Wars Wookie-pedia page to read: 'Ching Chong Wing Tong is a dumba** f***ing character Disney made and is a stupid, retarded, and autistic love interest for Finn. She better die in the coma because she is a dumba** b****' 'You're conflating critiquing a movie with being an abusive a**hole to people online': The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson has repeatedly defended Tran over the last day 'It's harassment. It's abusive behavior': Legendary pop diva Cher scolded the 'racist man babies' and tweeted that they should 'fix your f***ing life if you do s*** like this' 'Done with this disingenuous bulls***. You know the difference between not liking a movie and hatefully harassing a woman so bad she has to get off social media. And you know which of those two were talking about here,' the Last Jedi director Rian Johnson tweeted after defending Tran for the last day. 'Your "implication" was not an implication at all, it was explicitly stated in your tweet: youre conflating critiquing a movie with being an abusive a**hole to people online, when its clear as day they are two seperate things & were condemning the latter and not the former.' Legendary pop diva Cher scolded the 'racist man babies' and tweeted that they should 'fix your f***ing life if you do s*** like this.' Lord of the Rings alum Elijah Wood supportively tweeted that he loved Kelly and 'her incredible work in The Last Jedi.' Heart emoji! Lord of the Rings alum Elijah Wood supportively tweeted that he loved Kelly and 'her incredible work in The Last Jedi' Sweet: Murder on the Orient Express actor Josh Gad posted a fan photo of himself with the 'beautiful' UCLA grad and called haters 'empty' if they harassed the 'genuinely kind and sweet soul' 'Rose Tico was unequivocally one of the highlights': The Big Sleep's Kumail Nanjiani said he was '#TeamTran' and admitted he 'totally embarrassingly fanned out' when he met her 'Sad to hear': And Heroes alum Masi Oka tweeted that 'fandom should be about inclusion and sharing the love of something that we passionately care about' Murder on the Orient Express actor Josh Gad posted a fan photo of himself with the 'beautiful' UCLA grad and called haters 'empty' if they harassed the 'genuinely kind and sweet soul.' The Big Sleep's Kumail Nanjiani proudly announced he was '#TeamTran' and admitted he 'totally embarrassingly fanned out' when he met her. 'Rose Tico was unequivocally one of the highlights of The Last Jedi,' the Pakistani-American 40-year-old (and Oscar nominee) tweeted. 'You'd have to be an idiot to disagree with that...I look forward to the hundreds of awesome things she will make over the course of her long career.' Before/after: Tran had been lauded over her candid, relateable posts such as comparing herself before and after the polish of glam squads and retouching in magazine spreads She wrote in an October 15 post: 'Guys, can I tell you a secret? I avoided social media for a long time purely because I was afraid. I was terrified of being picked apart, of being scrutinized, of being seen' 'I'm super sensitive!' The SoCal native followed the lead of her castmate Daisy Ridley, who deleted the popular platform in July of last year because she wasn't 'equipped' (pictured December 9) And Heroes alum Masi Oka tweeted that 'fandom should be about inclusion and sharing the love of something that we passionately care about.' 'Sad to hear about Kelly Marie Tran being bullied off of instagram,' the Japanese-American 43-year-old wrote. 'She was great in the movie.' Tran had previously been lauded over her candid, relateable posts such as comparing herself before and after the polish of glam squads and retouching in magazine spreads. 'Guys, can I tell you a secret? I avoided social media for a long time purely because I was afraid,' she wrote in an October 15 post. 'That's how we're gonna win, not fighting what we hate, but saving what we love': Kelly made history as the first woman of color to hold a major onscreen role in the Star Wars franchise and Rose prevented 'Resistance hero' Finn (John Boyega) from martyring himself 'I was terrified of being picked apart, of being scrutinized, of being seen. I'm an incomplete, imperfect, broken mess, and I'm here to say that it's OKAY to be imperfect.' The SoCal native followed the lead of her castmate Daisy Ridley, who deleted the popular platform in July of last year because she wasn't 'equipped.' 'I'm super sensitive - not too sensitive - but I really feel things,' the British 26-year-old admitted to Glamour in December. 'And I didn't sign up for people to go, "You're amazing!" But I didn't sign up for them to say things like, "Your skin is s***" either.' Kelly made history as the first woman of color to hold a major onscreen role in the Star Wars franchise and Rose prevented 'Resistance hero' Finn (John Boyega) from martyring himself. Tran will next star as Leigh Gibbs' (Elizabeth Olsen) hard-partying younger sister Jules in the 10-episode dark comedy Sorry for Your Loss, which streams later this year on Facebook Watch - according to Variety. She spends much of her life jet setting around the world and showing off her gorgeous features in distant locales. And on Wednesday, Bella Hadid shared a picture of herself getting pampered and painted up at the luxurious Hotel Esencia in Mexico as she prepared for a Vogue photo shoot. Capturing the moment in a post to Instagram, the 21-year-old model looked relaxed as she flaunted her cleavage in a gorgeous gown. Getting pampered in paradise: Bella Hadid shared a picture of herself getting glammed up at Hotel Esencia in Mexico as she prepared for a Vogue photo shoot The long, black garment reached down past her ankles and framed her delicate decolletage. She held a glass of champagne in her lap as he cheeks glowed under the tropical sun. It was a memento that model truly cherished in what she called her,'favorite place since childhood.' Bella wrote an extended caption for her post remarking on how thankful she was for the opportunity: 'thank you to the most perfect team of people for the absolute most perfect 2 days of 'work.'' 'Mexico has always had my heart and been my favorite place since childhood...I was so lucky to be able to come back. She went on to praise her glam squad, adding: 'Thank you from the bottom of my heart, you made my soul singggg this week.' Tough day at the office: The 21-year-old model relaxed while her glam squad got to work Roses: She hid one of the dresses that will appear in the future photo spread underneath a flower, while also sharing images of empty beaches Untouched: The model also shared a number snaps and videos to her Instagram stories from the trip to the Yucatan Peninsula's Riviera Maya The model also shared a number snaps and videos to her Instagram stories from the trip to the Yucatan Peninsula's Riviera Maya. She hid one of the dresses that will appear in the future photo spread underneath a rose, while also sharing images of empty beaches. The trip was also filled with wildlife, and on one clip she took of a lizard she wrote, 'literally I just walk around and chill with any animals I can find.' Signs of life: The trip was also filled with wildlife, and on one clip she took of a lizard she wrote, 'literally I just walk around and chill with any animals I can find.' Can't wait to return: It was a memento that model truly cherished in what she called her,'favorite place since childhood.' On Tuesday, Bella shared another image from her trip. 'Chilling on the job,' she wrote alongside a photo showing her sunning herself in Mexico reclining in an over-sized wooden chair wrapped in a yellow and white beach towel. She's shooting south of the border for Vogue and she went on to share some behind-the-scenes images too. She's been running errands without her girlfriend Stella Maxwell recently. And Kristen Stewart kept up the trend as she was spotted solo grabbing a juice in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The 27-year-old stunner flaunted her toned tummy as she rocked a casual chic ensemble of cropped tee and baggy sweats. Stunner: Kristen Stewart kept up the trend as she was spotted solo grabbing a juice in Los Angeles on Wednesday Daring to impress, the Twilight star gave a peek at her enviable abs as the skimpy shirt cut just above the navel. Her gorgeous gams were swathed in the light grey Adidas sweat pants that belied her fabulous figure underneath. She accented the laid back look with a pair of box-fresh white trainers and a set of retro sunglasses. The edgy star recently served on the first female dominated Cannes Film Festival jury for many decades in May. Casual chic: The 27-year-old stunner flaunted her toned tummy as she rocked a casual chic ensemble of cropped tee and baggy sweats However, aside from her jury duties at the star-studded festival, Kristen made quite the statement on the glamorous red carpet as she ditched her heels on two occasions. The actress broke a cardinal rule at Cannes as she removed her black stilettos at the premiere of BlacKkKlansman. Later that week, Kristen went one step further in her red carpet rebellion on as she attended the Knife + Heart premiere in flat shoes. Kristen previously protested the unspoken rule that women must wear heels on the red carpet at Cannes. 'There's definitely a distinct dress code,' Kristen told the Hollywood Reporter in 2017. 'People get very upset at you if you don't wear heels or whatever.' She added: 'I feel like you can't ask that anymore, but it's still a given. If you're not asking guys to wear heels and a dress then you can't ask me either.' She has a successful blog, authored several cookbooks and has her own show on the Food Network. And now Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond is adding to her empire by opening a boutique hotel in the small Oklahoma town of Pawhuska just down the block from her wildly successful restaurant and store, the Mercantile. She and her business partner and husband Ladd Drummond created 250 jobs with the two enterprises and will also shortly add to that when they open a steakhouse and saloon in the downtown of Pawhuska. Pioneer Woman: Ree Drummond has created 250 jobs in the Oklahoma town of Pawhuska as she translates her blog, cookbook and TV show success into brick and mortar enterprises 'Its exciting to use whatever success weve achieved to do things that arent just about us,' Ree told People in an interview published Wednesday. Ree added: 'Ive always loved our small town and it just thrills me that the Mercantile is giving people a chance to see what its all about.' 'And Pawhuska doesnt exactly have a huge inventory of hotel rooms, so thats how the Boarding House came to be.' Giving back: She and her business partner and husband Ladd Drummond, pictured last year, are thrilled to help revitalize the small town where Ladd was raised, they told People Expanding: Ree is adding to her empire by opening a boutique hotel in downtown Pawhuska just down the block from her wildly successful restaurant and store, the Mercantile Draws crowds: 'It just thrills me that the Mercantile is giving people a chance to see what its all about,' she explained. 'And Pawhuska doesnt exactly have a huge inventory of hotel rooms, so thats how the Boarding House came to be' Thousands of fans visit the small town every week thanks to her fame. And it has helped revitalize an area that was badly hit during economic downturns that have plagued the community for three decades. 'In the early 80s, everything went downthe agriculture business, the oil businessand thats basically the economy in Osage County. Everybody was hurting,' Pawhuska native Ladd told People. 'I love seeing people come back here. We have some great old buildings, and a lot of them are being fixed up and restored,' he said. Rich: The Drummond family are one of the largest landowners in the U.S., owning 433,000 acres of property, and received $23.9 million from the U.S. government since December 2006 Payments: The millions are given to the family to keep wild horses and burros on their property with government records stating that they need the land to 'support animal protection' Ree and Ladd have raised their four children on a ranch in Pawhuska and the Drummond family are one of the largest landowners in the U.S., owning 433,000 acres of property. Ladd is now a key player at Drummond Land & Cattle Co, the notoriously private family-held company that Frederick Drummond started after arriving in this country from Scotland in the late 19th century. In addition to the money they bring in from their cattle and horse endeavors, Drummond Land has also received $23.9 million from the federal government via he Bureau of Land Management since December 2006. These contracts are awarded to the family to keep wild horses and burros on their massive property, with government records stating that they need the land to 'support animal protection.' Ree also came from money, growing up as the daughter of a surgeon on a country club in Bartlesville, about 20 miles east of Pawhuska. She left for school at the University of Southern California and, a few years after graduating, planned to move closer to home, to Chicago. Her plans took a detour when she stopped for a visit in Bartlesville and meet her Marlboro Man, who she wed in 1996, paving the way for the birth of her alter ego. 'It was, kind of just, love that got me out here, and then after we got married I thought, 'Oh my gosh, what have I done?' You know, 'Where am I, and this is real. I live in the country,''she said in an interview last year. 'If I had sat down and tried to plan an empire there's no way, no way any of this would have happened,' she added. Queenslanders are being urged to have their say on the controversial NAPLAN testing system, amid concerns they leave young students stressed. Education Minister Grace Grace is conducting a state-wide evaluation of the literacy and numeracy tests and has also been pushing for a national review, amid claims the system has had unintended outcomes. "I have been constantly approached by parents, principals and teachers about their concerns with the NAPLAN tests," the minister said on Wednesday as she urged parents to complete a survey on their experience of the tests. NSW consumers are being warned not to deal with a dodgy tradie who may be "up to his old tricks", says the state's Minister for Better Regulation. Convicted and unlicensed tradie Peter Hynes, also known as Peter Garay, who often trades under the Captain Trade Group, was in 2015 ordered to pay $20,000 for failing to deliver goods and services. The 48-year-old, known to abandon work after requesting large sums of cash as a deposit, is out targeting people again, warned the minister Matt Kean on Wednesday. Previous complaints against Hynes include incomplete or unsatisfactory residential building work contracted for driveways, fencing, retaining walls and landscapes. Mr Kean issued the warning for people not to engage with Mr Hynes or his company and to report any issues to NSW Fair Trading. "Hynes has never held a contractor licence," Mr Kean said in a statement. "I'm frustrated to hear that he is up to his old tricks again." Mr Hynes' victims are also unable to claim from the Home Building Insurance Fund due to him never being licensed. Wednesday's warning follows the jailing of another unlicensed builder, Matthew Geoffrey Rixon, who is serving at least 12 months behind bars after ignoring court orders that banned him from working in the industry. A man who was critically ill after being overcome by gas that killed two other men at a NSW paper mill is expected to make a full recovery. Thomas Johnson, 22, on Tuesday was taken off life support nearly two weeks after the gas leak that killed his two colleagues Lyndon Quinlivan, 35, and Ben Pascall, 28, at Norske Skog mill at Ettamogah, north of Albury. In a statement issued through the hospital, Mr Johnson's family said he was in a stable condition and making "remarkable progress". A manhunt is under way after a man in his 60s suffered serious injuries in an attack when a car crashed into a Perth home. The car was reported driving erratically in Rockingham shortly before it smashed into a house on Barnes Street early on Wednesday, causing front-end damage to the vehicle, police said. When confronted by the occupant, the driver is alleged to have got out of the car and attacked him with a weapon before driving away. The offender is described as being about 40-years-old and 165cm tall with dark skin and short, balding hair, wearing an aqua-coloured jumper and blue long pants. He was last seen driving a white ute towards Rockingham from a Kwinana Beach petrol station on Beach Street at about 8:30am and police warned people not to approach the man but to call them immediately. Australian men are being urged to stop ignoring the risk of skin cancer, with new research showing most underestimate how vulnerable they are to the sun. A survey released by the Australasian College of Dermatologists on Wednesday shows less than one-in-three men consider themselves at high risk of the disease despite most (82 per cent) having at least one of the known risk factors: fair hair, skin that burns easily and spending time outdoors. Sixty-one per cent of survey participants said they had delayed a doctor visit despite having concerns, while more than a quarter of full-time workers claimed to be too busy to have a skin check. President of the ACD, Associate Professor Andrew Miller, said men need a reality check and to be reminded that they can die from skin cancer if it isn't caught early. "The earlier they are diagnosed the better the outcome, 90 per cent of melanomas are cured simply by being cut out," said Prof Miller. Brisbane man and avid beach goer Tony was about to get married when he was diagnosed with skin cancer at the age of 32. Now 55, the father-of-three said it was his now-wife who had convinced him to have the 'suspicious' spot looked at by a doctor. "If she hadn't pushed me, I would likely have left it longer," he said. Like many, he thought his risk of skin cancer was no more than anyone else. "I was shocked. You don't expect to get skin cancer at the age of 32. You think your risk is no more than anyone else." Tony has since had several skin cancers removed from his neck, chest and back including an early stage melanoma. An estimated two-in-three Australians will develop skin cancer by 70 years of age - a disease primarily caused by exposure to the sun's UV rays. Professor David Whiteman, deputy director, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute said this rises noticeably at 50 years of age. He described the survey findings as very concerning. "Melanomas are a deadly form of skin cancer and can quickly spread to other areas of the body," he said. "It's crucial men do not delay a visit to their doctor if they notice changes in their skin, no matter how busy they might be." An Australian news reporter and her cameraman have been mugged by a pair of balaclava-wearing cyclists in an upmarket London suburb. Seven News Europe correspondent Laurel Irving and cameraman Jimmy Cannon had just finished a live cross to the Sunrise morning program and were pre-recording footage for later use when the two men rode up and demanded their $25,000 camera. The pair were working on a busy street lined with restaurants and pubs in the inner-north suburb of Islington at 10pm, to align with Australia's breakfast television timeslot. "I noted they were wearing balaclavas, which you would think would be a dead give away of their intentions, but no, I kept working and ignored them," Ms Irving told 3AW radio on Tuesday. "Then I started talking into the camera and while that was happening, one of them walked up to Jimmy." Ms Irving said when Mr Cannon removed the camera from the tripod and told her to stay back she became concerned. "I tried to grab the camera to stop it and Jimmy said, no, no, he's got a gun, so I let it go and they took off on the bikes carrying the very expensive, very large and very heavy camera," she said. Ms Irving said the men's "upmarket" activewear had initially put her at ease despite their heads being covered. "They weren't the scuzzy down and outs of the world, they looked more together than that and they were riding mountain bikes, so they didn't really strike me as suspicious," she said The reporters didn't see the gun but Ms Irving said it was better to be safe than sorry. A Seven spokesperson said Ms Irving and Mr Cannon were both safe and well. The network handed footage over to London's Metropolitan Police. Overlooked veteran Matt Scott believes he can still contribute at State of Origin level but he'll be content if the curtain has already been drawn on his representative career. Having debuted in 2006 and played 22 games for Queensland, the powerhouse prop must have felt strange training in Townsville on Wednesday while the Maroons were preparing for the Origin opener in Melbourne. He will return from a one-match suspension for North Queensland to play Parramatta this Saturday, having missed selection in Kevin Walters' side. Scott thought he had done enough to earn a recall after missing last year's campaign with a knee injury but, copping his snub on the chin, says he has been around long enough to know how Queensland sides are picked. "I thought my last four or five weeks of footy have been pretty good, back to what I knew I was capable of doing," he said. "I thought I was pushing to get my spot back, but Kevvy's shown a lot of faith in the guys that did the job last year and that's a credit to him. "That's the Queensland way; it was up to me to claim my spot back and I didn't do that and that's part of footy." Scott, 32, will watch the series opener intently and says he's okay with whichever way his representative career pans out from here. "I've still got enough to contribute on the Origin stage; I'd love to get back in there, love to pull on the jersey again," he said. "But if I never do I'm pretty happy with my career so far ... I played more Origins than I ever thought I would. "If I didn't play again I'd be happy but at the same time I'd love to be back in that arena." CLIVE PALMER'S QUEENSLAND NICKEL SAGA 2009 - Clive Palmer buys the struggling Yabulu nickel refinery in Townsville from BHP Billiton. 2011 - Nickel prices begin a five-year downward spiral, slumping to a 15-year low at the end of 2015. 2013 - Palmer officially steps down as director of Queensland Nickel (QN) upon entering parliament. 2016 January 15: 237 QN workers axed on the back of sliding nickel prices. 18: The company enters voluntary administration. 20: Australian Workers Union (AWU) asks the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) to look at whether Palmer acted as a shadow director of QN. 29: Palmer doesn't attend the first creditors meeting where workers are told company has $100 million in debts. February: ASIC draws up "shopping list" of reviews into the refinery, including claims Palmer acted as shadow director at Qld Nickel, potential conflicts of interest and corporate donations. March 7: Palmer regains control of the refinery from administrators under Queensland Nickel Sales. 11: A further 550 refinery workers are sacked. 14: Palmer writes to the Queensland government, outlining five requirements that must be met for the refinery to resume operations in July. It doesn't. April 11: ABC's Four Corners alleges Palmer was making multimillion-dollar financial decisions, and had veto rights, after he stepped down as a director of QN. 12: An administrator's report recommends Qld Nickel be liquidated, and alleges Palmer and his nephew Clive Mensink, QN's sole registered director, acted recklessly. 22: Creditors meet in Townsville and unanimously vote to wind up the company, appointing liquidators in the hope of regaining what they are owed. May 4: Palmer announces he will not recontest his seat at the next federal election. 17: Palmer reveals plans to sue liquidators for $1.2 billion. June: Palmer claims the refinery will open in March 2018. It doesn't. September: Palmer faces an all-day grilling by liquidators in the Federal Court for the first time, revealing occasions when he held meetings with himself where he passed resolutions about the oversight of the business. 2017 February: Palmer announces plans to sue Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Employment Minister Michaelia Cash for $10 million each over allegedly defamatory comments they made about the demise of Queensland Nickel. He later lowers the damages to $1 million. August: Liquidators apply to freeze $200 million of Palmer's assets. 2018 March: The elusive Clive Mensink appeals against warrants issued after he failed to return from overseas to answer questions about QN's collapse. May: More than $500 million of Palmer's personal and business assets are frozen as part of the dispute with liquidators. June: Palmer says he'll reopen his mothballed Townsville nickel refinery but doesn't say when. Five people have been charged following raids targeting underground gun manufacturing in western Victoria. A 51-year-old Sebastopol man was charged possessing a firearm, as well as equipment to make firearms and is due to front Ballarat Magistrates Court on Wednesday. A 22-year-old Delacombe man was charged with possessing guns and ammunition and was bailed to appear at Ballarat Magistrates Court on July 16. Two women from Ballarat East, aged 41 and 51, were charged with drug offences and bailed to appear at Ballarat Magistrates' Court at later dates. The charges follow raids on seven properties in Sebastopol, Ballarat, Black Hill and Ballarat East on Tuesday. A 26-year-old Delacombe man was also arrested over a ram raid at a Daylesford service station on Saturday. He was charged with a number of offences including burglary, theft and criminal damage and remanded to appear at Ballarat Magistrates Court on July 16. The previous federal Labor government is to blame for more job losses in the South Australian ship building industry, Defence Industries Minister Christopher Pyne says. Metal fabrication company J&H Williams, which employs 13 staff, has been placed in administration because, Mr Pyne said, ship contracts had come too late to save the company. "If Labor had made the decisions, even a couple of years before, to commission this number of vessels, I'm sure that this company would not be going into receivership today," Mr Pyne told reporters in Adelaide on Wednesday. Former South Africa flyhalf Peter Grant reckons he would have been forced into early retirement if it wasn't for billionaire mining magnate Andrew Forrest. Grant was among a big group of Western Force players who were left fearing for their future after the franchise was axed from Super Rugby at the end of last season. The 33-year-old had the option of continuing his career in Japan, but he couldn't bear the thought of uprooting his young family again. Grant, who was born in South Africa and made five appearances for the Springboks, was on the cusp of receiving his Australian permanent residency when the Force were cut. The prospect of being pushed into early retirement was at the forefront of Grant's mind, but he was able to shelve those plans when Forrest saved the Force by launching World Series Rugby. "I've become a real WA man," said Grant, who joined the Force in 2016. "I applied for my permanent residency pretty early on when I came to Australia. "My family loves it here, so to uproot them and go somewhere else would have been a big challenge. "So I think I would have just hung up the boots and gone into something different if there was no World Series Rugby." Grant is keen to play on next year when WSR converts to a proper competition format, rather than the seven exhibition games that are being played this year. WSR attracted huge crowds for the opening two games, and organisers hope there'll be another big turnout for Saturday night's match against the Melbourne Rebels. The Force and Rebels were locked in a fierce battle for survival last year, but Grant said the players aren't viewing the upcoming clash as a grudge match. The Rebels are expected to bring a strong squad, minus their players who are on Wallabies duties. Grant suffered a big scare in the WSR opener against Fiji Warriors when he got knocked unconscious after his head crashed into the ground during a tackle. For Grant, it was the fifth or sixth concussion he has suffered during his career, and it was the most serious. "I've never been knocked out completely like that," Grant said. "It took me a long time to get my vision completely back. It was a bit blurry and hazy. "My memory was fine though. I can remember exactly what happened up until that point. "I went to hospital and had a quick scan to make sure there was no bleeding. That was all ruled out, so they were all very happy. I felt quite relieved." Tony Abbott says any prospect of him returning to the prime ministership remains in the hands of the Liberal Party and voters in his Sydney electorate. "I obviously am here to serve but whatever capacity I serve in depends upon others," Mr Abbott, dumped from the top job in September 2015, said on Wednesday. The former leader was speaking in Sydney at the launch of Kevin Donnelly's book, How Political Correctness is Destroying Australia. Asked what he would fix if he was prime minister again, Mr Abbott said he "first and foremost wouldn't be prosecuting culture wars". "The first thing I would do is try to do some things that government can and must - and that's take pressure off cost of living by doing something about power prices," Mr Abbott said. The backbencher said he'd also scale back the rate of immigration because it was "mad" to accept 250,000 people a year when wages were stagnant, house prices were rising and infrastructure was clogged. "Unfortunately, if you touch on these things, you are a climate change denier, and you are anti-immigrant, even racist. Well, wrong, wrong wrong. "But this is the suffocating political correctness which has descended over so much of our public discourse." Mr Abbott also lamented the "suffocating politeness" that has "caused too many of us to acquiesce for too long to things that are in many cases absolutely unconscionable". "Why is it that two-year-old's are being raped in indigenous communities in the Northern Territory and we just throw up our hands and say 'there's not much we can do about it because it's cultural'? "Well wrong. Wrong. It's just wrong and it needs to be stopped. But it's not being stopped." India's decision to slap Australian chickpeas with a 60 per cent tariff will harm its reputation globally as a customer, Trade Minister Steve Ciobo has warned. The surprise March tariff hike comes while Australia is negotiating a free-trade agreement with India. Mr Ciobo discussed the issue with his Indian counterpart in Paris last week and said the government had been proactive on the matter. India has historically been a strong market for Australian crops, with chickpea export values hitting $1.14 billion in the last financial year. "The challenge that we have got with India at the moment is that India's general pre-disposition to trade sees them have some very strong defensive interests around agriculture," the minister told the National Press Club. Access to other markets like Nepal, Iran and the UAE had lessened the blow on chickpea farmers. Mr Ciobo characterised as difficult free trade talks with the emerging economic powerhouse. Meanwhile, he hinted Australia and Indonesia could see the finish line on free trade negotiations. Indonesia and Australia failed to meet a deadline on the trade pact late last year. A former NSW nurse has told a court that a "perfect storm" led to him paying a drug-addicted and vulnerable female patient for sex. Stephen Sullivan had sex with the patient about eight times in January and February 2016 while he worked for NSW Health's opioid treatment program, the Civil and Administrative Tribunal found on Wednesday. On most occasions he paid the patient, who had worked as a prostitute and accepted his offer because she was "desperate" for money. Sullivan, who admitted to the conduct, told the tribunal in a statement that his judgment was impaired after a sudden marriage breakdown and a shock health diagnosis for his mother, who later died. "I am not proud of my behaviour and have and still do feel greatly embarrassed," he said. "I believe the circumstances that led to this situation was the perfect storm." He said he had surrendered his registration and could not be punished more than he had already punished himself for his "gross error in judgment and performance". The tribunal decision on Wednesday found Sullivan was guilty of professional misconduct and failed to maintain proper boundaries with the woman, who was receiving outpatient treatment for heroin use. As well as paying her for sex, he sent her more than 70 inappropriate text messages, including one in July 2016 that said: "I gave you my phone number because I liked you and wanted to get into your pants." The tribunal accepted his genuine remorse and regret and said he had shown "deep insight" into his situation. It noted that if he was still registered it would have been cancelled, and disqualified him from registering again for 18 months. He has been banned from providing health services related to drug, alcohol or mental health patients during his disqualification. Rising heavyweight and KO specialist Tai Tuivasa is ready to bring down a UFC legend and announce his arrival on the world stage. The former Sydney Roosters under 20 rugby league player has already created a buzz by winning all nine of his MMA fights by first-round KO, including his first two UFC bouts in Australia. The 25- year-old wrecking ball from western Sydney will step up in class in Chicago this weekend, fighting former UFC heavyweight world champion Andrei Arlovski. While the 39-year-old veteran from Belarus is no longer at the same level as when he held the world crown in 2005, he has won his last two bouts and is ranked ninth, three places above Tuivasa. "I think what he's done is awesome, he's a legend of the sport," Tuivasa told AAP in Chicago. "But young blood has got to come in and the old fellows have got to move out." Tuivasa wasn't on the main card for either of his first two UFC bouts but he'll be part of the pay for view section in Chicago on Saturday (Sunday Australian time). It means he'll be seen back home on Main Event as well as giving American fans their first close up look at the man known as 'Bam Bam'. He's not fazed by the extra attention nor does he feel any pressure to perform. "I'm not really the type to get nervous, I'm more excited than anything," Tuivasa said. "I'm pumped. I think it's awesome - I'm just looking forward to showing the world how we do it down under. "You never know what Bam Bam's going to do. I don't even know what I am going to do, but it's going to be exciting that's for sure.", Renowned for his lethal striking, Tuivasa is coming off an eight-week Muay Thai camp in Thailand and has also been working on his wrestling, something he's not displayed much of in his UFC career to date. "I've been working hard on it, but probably nothing that I'll go out there and do something stupid and get myself in trouble ... but it's just up the sleeve," Tuivasa said. An overnight stand-off in the NSW Snowy Mountains has ended with a man arrested and several firearms seized. Police were called to a property at Dalgety, near Jindabyne, just before midnight on Tuesday over an alleged domestic violence incident. Officers spoke to a woman at a nearby location but when they went to speak with a man it's alleged he pointed a rifle at them through a window. A perimeter was established around the property and after negotiations, the 32-year-old man gave himself up at about 6am on Wednesday. Police searched the premises and seized firearms and ammunition, charging the man with firearm and domestic violence offences. He was refused bail in Cooma Local Court on Wednesday and is due to reappear in the same court on June 20. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 Three people are on the run from Melbourne police after allegedly making a getaway from a liquor store robbery in a stolen car. Police say two men were involved in the theft and assault at the Dandenong liquor store on Wednesday afternoon. The men and a woman were later sighted in the car on the Princes Highway in Dandenong when it reportedly drove towards police, who fired a shot at the car. The vehicle was later found dumped and the occupants had fled. Today's birthday, June 7: New-Zealand actor Karl Urban (1972 - ) The role which launched actor Karl Urban to local fame was that of paramedic Jamie Forrest in the hit New Zealand TV series Shortland Street. Since then the talented actor has made a name for himself in Hollywood playing in the Star Trek and Lord of the Rings series. Urban was born in Wellington in 1972. He developed an interest in the local film industry through his mother's work at Film Facilities in Wellington. At the age of eight he scored his first acting role, delivering a single line of dialogue in an episode of the New Zealand TV series Pioneer Woman. After graduating college in 1990, Urban enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts at the Victoria University of Wellington. While studying he appeared in Shortland Street for the 1993-1994 season. He then left university in 1994 to pursue a career in acting. Over the next few years, Urban starred in several theatre productions and local TV commercials, before moving to Auckland and then to Bondi Beach in Australia. Upon returning to New Zealand in 1996 he bagged the recurring role of Cupid in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, and Julius Caesar in the spin-off series, Xena: Warrior Princess. He played these roles until 2001. In 2002 Urban made his Hollywood debut in the horror flick Ghost Ship. That performance led to numerous high-profile roles in the industry. Some of these roles include Eomer in the second and third instalment of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Leonard McCoy in Star Trek and its sequel Star Trek Beyond, Vaako in The Chronicles of Riddick, and Judge Dredd in the action movie Dredd. His most recent performances have been as Skurge in the 2017 Marvel film, Thor: Ragnarok, and Detective John Kennex in the TV series Almost Human. Urban is currently filming the lead role of Billy Butcher in the upcoming American superhero television series The Boys. The Kiwi actor has two children with ex-wife Natalie Wihongi. Victoria's path towards a treaty with indigenous people will be a step closer after the Greens agreed to support Labor's historic bill through state parliament's lower house. The party's Aboriginal affairs spokeswoman and Victoria's first Indigenous female MP, Lidia Thorpe, is due to officially announce the position on the steps of parliament alongside clan elders on Thursday morning. "The Greens are pleased by Labor's willingness to negotiate and welcome these important changes, however, I'm disappointed that the government will not recognise the sovereignty of the clans of Victoria in the legislation," Ms Thorpe has said. The bill is expected to go to a vote in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday. It will create the framework to allow a treaty process to take shape. While the Greens will support the bill in the lower house, the party has reserved its right to submit amendments in the Legislative Council. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Natalie Hutchins called on the Liberal-National opposition to support the bill. But the coalition on Wednesday reaffirmed its desire for a national treaty instead, a position the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations called a "cop-out". Former terror suspect Zaky Mallah has reportedly been detained after flying into Singapore and is due to be deported. The Seven Network reports the Australian man was interrogated for five hours after landing in the island republic on Tuesday night. "They asked me a lot of questions about my history, my dealings with the Australian government, ASIO, my trip to Turkey, Syria," Mallah told Seven. "They asked me if I was in Syria ... fighting, more or less." Mallah alerted Seven to his situation before his phone was confiscated. He told Seven he was seen as a security threat ahead of next Tuesday's expected summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Mallah previously spent two years in prison for threatening to kill ASIO officers. DFAT confirmed to AAP an Australian had been detained in Singapore but would not comment further for privacy reasons. Victorian police have been warned against faking breath tests over the coming long weekend following revelations more than a quarter of a million were falsified. The force last week said 258,463 roadside tests had been falsified since 2012, with the figure representing 1.5 per cent of more than 17.7 million tests over the five-year period. This has prompted Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer to warn officers "a line in the sand has been drawn" ahead of the Queen's Birthday long weekend. "This behaviour has to stop and it has to stop now," he told officers in an internal video message published by the Age. "Whilst 1.5 per cent in the scheme of things sounds small, we have taken, and rightly so, a huge reputational hit. "It's damaged our brand, there's no doubt about that." Officers faked the tests either by placing a finger over the straw entry hole or by blowing into the straw themselves. Former Victorian police chief Neil Comrie has been tasked with leading an investigation to figure out why, but a leading theory is officers were trying to make themselves look more productive. "If owing to operational commitments, you can't do an RBT (random breath test), I get it and you won't be crucified for it," Mr Fryer said. "If in the past you've been criticised by supervisors for not doing an RBT on a long weekend, I apologise for that, that shouldn't happen." The fake breath test scandal cost Victoria Police part of its funding from the Transport Accident Commission for roadside operations. Authorities are considering using satellite and radar technology to locate sunken containers that fell from a cargo ship off the NSW coast. At least 30 skip bins worth of debris have already been cleaned off beaches in and around Port Stephens since 83 containers toppled off the YM Efficiency when high swells unexpectedly hit the vessel a week ago. Roads and Maritime Services NSW is leading the clean-up effort, working with the private company contracted by the ship's insurers to identify and recover the containers and any debris lost from the ship. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is already using modelling to help track where containers might be or where they are likely to come ashore. It is also investigating the possibility of using radar and optical satellite capabilities to better understand where hazards may be, a spokeswoman said. On top of that, the RMS is working with the Navy to help pinpoint potential obstructions and issue more specific warnings to the commercial fishing industry, in particular, before they can remove it. The RMS says all of the costs will be passed onto the ship's insurer, which could be in the tens of thousands of dollars per day. The Taiwanese, Liberian-flagged ship docked in Sydney's Port Botany on Wednesday morning. Its operators, Yang Ming, apologised on Tuesday for the hundreds of kilos of debris that have washed up along the coast. "We know that the marine incident has brought a lot of public concern," Yang Ming spokesman Steven Ka said. "We will take full responsibility to recover and to minimise the impact to the marine environment." Barnaby Joyce has declared he wants the sexual harassment complaint against him to be resolved as soon as possible. Mr Joyce quit as deputy prime minister in February after it emerged he had been accused by former West Australian Rural Woman of the Year Catherine Marriott of harassment. The former Nationals leader told the ABC he wanted the complaint "finalised ASAP", saying the issue has "been hanging over my head for too long". When the complaint was revealed Mr Joyce dismissed it as spurious and defamatory. But he conceded the 2011 allegation was the final straw causing him to resign amid a political storm surrounding his affair with former media adviser Vikki Campion, who has since given birth to their son. The couple's paid TV interview on Sunday reignited calls for Mr Joyce to leave politics after he labelled unnamed colleagues "scum". But Mr Joyce is digging in, emailing Nationals branch members in New England to confirm his intention to stay on in the seat and contest the next federal election. Nationals leader Michael McCormack has not explicitly endorsed his predecessor, saying the final decision rests with party branch members. It comes as senior NSW Nationals state MP Kevin Humphies, who lives in New England, urged Mr Joyce to quit politics for the good of the party. "To be rescued from this is virtually impossible. He pretty much wrote his political death warrant last week with that interview," Mr Humphries told Network Ten. Mr Joyce's former political nemesis and independent MP Tony Windsor believes the beleaguered former Nationals leader will bow out before the next election. International artist Spencer Tunick has been foiled in his latest artistic endeavour after a Melbourne Woolworths store refused him permission to photograph hundreds of naked adults at a stunning rooftop location. The New York-based artist wanted to use the store's car park at Prahran's Chapel St precinct for his latest shoot next month, but was denied because Woolworths did not want its customers inconvenienced, The Herald Sun reports on Thursday. "I have even worked at UNESCO world heritage sites, such as the Great Aletsch Glacier in Switzerland. Working on the Woolworths Prahran rooftop car park provides an amazing opportunity to let the citizens of Melbourne become the art themselves," Tunick told the paper. "Ultimately, the final images will document a historic moment in the timeline of that location," he said. Tunick used the United Nations building in New York for his first work and has previously used Melbourne's Yarra River, Sydney's Opera House and New York's Grand Central Station as backdrops for his staged mass nude photos. Hollywood star Mel Gibson could film his next movie in southeast Queensland after he met with Screen Queensland executives and toured the area. The controversial Oscar-winner, whose acting and directing credits include Mad Max, Passion of the Christ and Hacksaw Ridge, was shown several potential film locations on Wednesday, The Courier Mail reports. It has previously been announced Gibson will film the movie Destroyer, based on John Wukovits book, Hell From the Heavens: The Epic Story of the USS Laffey and World War II's Greatest Kamikaze Attack. Marginalised One Nation senator Brian Burston will again defy Pauline Hanson to vote for the Turnbull government's entire income tax cut package, the Australian Financial Review reports. Senator Burston, who was ostracised from the minor party after breaking ranks over company tax, has delivered the government some hope of passing its full seven-year plan. Senator Hanson will only support the first two stages of the $144 billion plan, and Labor has all but ruled out backing the third stage of the proposed income tax cuts. A man and woman are expected to be charged after a police officer and a protective services officer were assaulted at a train station in Melbourne. The protection officer was patrolling Armadale station when he was allegedly struck on the back of the head with a bottle by a woman, who then kicked the police officer who arrived to help. A 26-year-old Northcote woman and a 25-year-old Bentleigh man are expected to be charged on summons with a range of offences, including assaulting emergency service workers and resisting arrest. Kelly Sadler has been fired over a dismissive remark she made about US Senator John McCain, 81 and battling brain cancer Donald Trump has sacked an aide who said cancer-stricken Senator John McCain's opposition to a presidential nominee did not matter because "he's dying anyway," the White House announced Tuesday. The White House was roiled by bipartisan fury over the remark attributed to Kelly Sadler in May. "Kelly Sadler is no longer employed within the Executive Office of the President," read a brief statement by deputy White House spokesman Raj Shah. McCain, 81, had indicated he opposed the nomination of now CIA Director nominee Gina Haspel over her role in enhanced interrogation techniques under president George W. Bush. The Arizona senator, who was held prisoner and tortured during the Vietnam War, is battling brain cancer. CNN had quoted a White House official as saying Sadler, speaking at a staff meeting, meant the comment as a joke but that it flopped. Another extraordinary attack against McCain that stunned Washington came around the same time from a fellow veteran, retired US Air Force lieutenant general Thomas McInerney, who said torture works because it made McCain spill sensitive information to his captors during his years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. The attacks, remarkable for their bluntness, triggered swift reaction from across the political spectrum, with lawmakers demanding an apology from Trump that never came. Meghan McCain, a conservative commentator on ABC's popular morning talk show "The View," delivered an eloquent defense of her father, who is battling brain cancer at home in Arizona. "I don't understand what kind of environment you're working in when that would be acceptable and then you can come to work the next day and still have a job," she said at the time. Her father is "all about character and bipartisanship and something greater than yourself," Meghan McCain said, before adding a stinging message to the critics: "Nobody's going to remember you." Members of Congress also rallied behind their ailing, war-hero colleague. Trump, for his part, once mocked McCain's war service, saying during the presidential campaign that "I like people that weren't captured." Hundreds of oceanfront homes have been destroyed by a lava flow frmo Hawaii's Kilauea volcano Hundreds of oceanfront homes have been destroyed by lava flow from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, officials said Tuesday. "We lost hundreds of homes in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland overnight, but we don't have exact figures," Janet Snyder, a spokeswoman for Hawaii County, told AFP. She said the lost homes were in addition to 117 others destroyed since the volcano began erupting on May 3, forcing the evacuation of 2,500 people. The latest two communities affected by the lava flow had been ordered evacuated beforehand and there were no immediate reports of any casualties. One of the homes lost was that of Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim, Snyder said. "His second home was claimed by lava," she said. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said that an overflight early Tuesday confirmed that lava had completely filled Kapoho Bay, inundated most of Vacationland and had covered all but the northern part of Kapoho Beach Lots. It said that a series of earthquakes had rattled the island for most of Monday night and into Tuesday morning, including one with a magnitude 5.5 that generated an ash plume. Lava has engulfed an area of about eight square miles (20 square kilometers) since the volcano -- one of five on Hawaii's Big Island -- began erupting. Scientists believe that volcanic activity can be a precursor to a major eruption, similar to the Kilauea eruption in the mid-1920s. Many Lebanese are angered by a secret government plan to give nationality to wealthy business figures Lebanese politicians and ordinary citizens alike are fuming over a secretive presidential decree granting nationality to dozens of people, allegedly including Syrian investors close to the Damascus regime. Critics have slammed the secrecy surrounding the move and say it adds insult to injury for thousands unable to acquire nationality because they were born to Lebanese mothers and foreign fathers. Political discourse in Lebanon, a country of just four million, is deeply divided over the war in neighbouring Syria, with allegations of corruption on all sides. The contested decree has brought all of that to the fore. It was reportedly issued on May 11 after being signed by President Michel Aoun, but news of its existence only emerged last week when dozens of names allegedly included in the edict were leaked to the media. It prompted a wave of public outrage, with Lebanese officials scrambling to defend themselves or defect blame. The president's office confirmed the decree's existence, but said it had submitted the names to the General Security agency to verify they all have "the right" to become Lebanese. That agency, in turn, established a hotline and encouraged citizens to call in any relevant information about named individuals. The official list has yet to be made public. Lebanese media reported it may include as many as 300 people, including businessmen known to be close to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Names being circulated include powerful industrialists Khaldun al-Zoabi and Samer Foz, who has since denied he requested nationality, as well as Mazen Mortada, the son of a former Syrian minister. - Investments, outrage - Under Lebanese law, foreign businessmen are not permitted to invest in Lebanon without local partners, and foreigners can only be naturalised by presidential decree, signed by the prime minister and interior minister. Business ties and investments are valid reasons for naturalisation, said Foreign Minister Gibran Bassil, who is also the president's son-in-law. Lebanese nationality could be granted to "anyone useful to the state, whether a businessman, investor or someone with a good reputation, and whose naturalisation would be in Lebanon's interest", Bassil said. Among those set to become Lebanese citizens are the three sons of Syrian steel and flour mogul Farouq Joud, who told AFP the decree would "make their work easier". "Our industrial work in Syria requires materials transported through Lebanon, and others imported from Lebanon. That's why my children, who travel on an almost weekly basis to Lebanon, resorted to requesting nationality," he said. Joud said his own shipments through Lebanese ports, and those of other Syrian businesses, were boosting Lebanon's economy. With nationality, his family may invest more, he hinted. "We don't currently have investments in Lebanon for one simple reason: we don't want any partners. We want a company we own," he said. But many Lebanese officials are furious, with parliamentarian Wael Abu Faour warning: "This decree will not slide." "We won't allow Lebanese nationality to become a commodity to be bought and sold -- and to whom? To killers and their biggest allies," he said Sunday. - 'I lost hope' - Critics also took to Facebook, with activist Firas Abu Hatum calling the decree "a business venture to fill coffers". "And more than that, it's a project to sell the country to the Syrian regime," he wrote. Naturalisation is controversial in Lebanon, where power is shared according to religious parity. Fears of upsetting that delicate demographic arrangement are often cited as the reason Lebanese women cannot pass their nationality onto children born to foreign fathers. Today's debate has a precedent: in 1994, during Syria's military occupation of Lebanon, tens of thousands were naturalised by a controversial presidential decree. At the time, Aoun fiercely opposed the move. His issuance of the new decree was like rubbing salt into an open wound -- particularly for thousands in Lebanon officially considered "stateless" and not allowed to work or own property. "Legally they don't exist. You're nobody: your presence isn't registered, your death isn't registered," says Samira Turad, from Lebanese NGO Frontiers Rights. The group estimates there are up to 60,000 in Lebanon without identity papers, most in marginalised areas. "Before naturalising foreigners, the state should decide to limit this phenomenon of stateless people, who have more of a right to Lebanese nationality," said Turad. Nataly Majdalani, 42, was also outraged. Born to a French father and Lebanese mother, Majdalani has lived in Lebanon since age four but can never be a citizen. "I was raised here, grew up and studied here, but I can't get nationality," she said. "Every three years I renew my residency. I lost hope in getting nationality, then I find out today that others who don't even live here got it," she told AFP. "Why? Because they have money?" Neighbouring countries are jittery about DR Congo's political future -- the mineral-rich country has a history of coups and conflicts which drag in other nations Across central Africa, a belt of countries is casting a wary eye at the political crisis brewing in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), fearing the impact on their security and economy if the situation explodes. Nine countries share a border with the DRC, one of the biggest and most troubled nations in Africa -- and the theatre of two wars in the late 1990s and early 2000s that sucked in countries around the region and led to the deaths of three million people. From the Republic of Congo and Angola in the west to Uganda and Rwanda in the east, memories of that traumatic period remain razor sharp today as their vast neighbour's political future hangs in the balance. "The DRC is the mother of all crises," Angolan Foreign Minister Manuel Domingo Augustos told the French daily Le Monde in January. "What happens there affects the entire Great Lakes region." DRC's neighbours are already hosting around 600,000 people who have fled conflicts in the centre and east of the country, and struggle to cope with rebels, traffickers and other criminals who also seep across the border. The country's problems, many fear, could careen out of control if President Joseph Kabila seeks a third term in elections in December in defiance of constitutional limits -- or if the vote is postponed for a third time. - Talks - A diplomatic ballet is starting to unfold as clouds darken on the horizon. The leaders of six southern and central African countries -- Angola, Republic of Congo, the DRC, Gabon, Rwanda and South Africa -- will "in principle" meet in Luanda on June 17, an informed source in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, told AFP. "We are all awaiting the confirmation from Kinshasa for this decisive meeting," the source said. Leading the dynamic are Angolan President Joao Lourenco -- current head of the 15-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) which includes the DRC -- and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who is also the current chair of the African Union (AU). The leaders, whose countries are observers in the DRC's troubled election process, have separately been on tours of Europe, where they talked to the region's former colonial powers France and Belgium. Both have also, and discreetly, signalled that it is time to bring the curtain down on the Kabila era. In talks in Brussels on Monday, Belgium and Angola stressed the "importance of free, credible and transparent elections in line with the New Year's Eve agreement" -- a deal reached on December 31, 2016, under which Kabila was allowed an additional year in power before the long-awaited elections. "If we can understand, as neighbours, how to aid the transition in Congo without affecting ourselves, this is what we should do," Kagame has said. Angola has had up-and-down relations with Kabila. It supported the then 29-year-old political neophyte after he succeeded his assassinated father, Laurent-Desire Kabila, in 2001. But in late 2016, it withdrew its military advisors from the DRC and in May 2017, it sent troops to the Congolese border as a bloody crisis flared in the Kasai region. Relations between Rwanda and the DRC have been similarly fraught. Kigali accuses Kinshasa of providing a haven for rebels who played a part in the 1994 Rwandan genocide, in which around 800,000 Tutsis and Hutu moderates were slaughtered. The DRC accuses Rwanda of using its influence to pillage the valuable mineral coltan in the restive province of North Kivu. The two countries clashed briefly at the border in February. - Suspicions - The DRC last week reacted with concern to the talks in Europe, apparently suspecting that a deal was being cooked up behind its back. Kabila, seen here at the UN last September, has been in power since 2001. Under the constitution, his final term in office expired at the end of 2016 -- he has invoked a clause entitling him to stay on until his successor is elected "No one has the right to envisage solutions to our problems without us," government spokesman Lambert Mende said after Kagame met French President Emmanuel Macron. He condemned "people who are nostalgic for the colonial order" and "closed-door meetings and open plotting against our country's sovereignty." Those words find an echo in Tanzania, with which the DRC has cordial relations -- the Kabila family lived there in exile. "No solution to the intra-Congolese conflict should be envisaged behind the back of the country concerned and without associating regional organisations," a senior Tanzanian official said. Former Congolese VP Jean-Pierre Bemba was found guilty in 2016 on five charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Central African Republic International judges will Friday hand down a verdict in the appeal of disgraced former Congolese vice-president Jean-Pierre Bemba, fighting his conviction for war crimes and an 18-year jail term. Bemba, 55, appealed after judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) unanimously found him guilty in June 2016 on five charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Central African Republic (CAR). In a landmark case, the heavy-set, imposing former leader nicknamed "miniature Mobutu" was convicted for his role in a reign of terror by his troops, sent into CAR in October 2002 to quash a coup against the then president Ange-Felix Patasse. The court said the powerful leader of the Congolese Liberation Movement (MLC) militia had failed to stop a series of "sadistic and cruel" rapes, murders and pillaging by his soldiers between 2002 and 2003. Bemba "directed a widespread attack against the civilian population" during a five-month assault when "entire families were victimised", the judges said. Some victims were raped repeatedly by as many as 20 soldiers, others were shot point blank for refusing to hand over a motorbike or a sheep. Bemba knew the crimes were being committed and "failed to take all necessary and reasonable measures to prevent or repress the commission of crimes by his subordinates," the judges ruled. - Chain-of-command - The trial, which opened in November 2010, was the first before the ICC to focus on sexual violence as a weapon of war, and the first to underline a military commander's responsibility for the conduct of troops under his control. Bemba was the highest official ever convicted and sentenced at the court, and has received its longest jail term to date. Set up in 2002, the ICC is a court of last resort which aims to prosecute the world's worst crimes in cases where domestic tribunals are unable or unwilling to act. Chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda hailed Bemba's conviction as "sending a very strong signal to commanders that they will be held accountable for the crimes that their troops commit in the field". But the prosecution has also appealed against Bemba's sentence, pleading for his jail term to be increased, saying it "did not reflect the gravity" of all the crimes. In the appeal, defence lawyer Peter Haynes maintained that the trial judges chose to ignore much of the defence's evidence. "A hatchet was simply taken to the defence case," Haynes told the five appeals judges in January, adding the trial court had taken "an unbalanced" approach to the evidence. Bemba's lawyers also said the judges "invented a theory of command responsibility which is a military impossibility". - Corruption appeal lost - In a separate trial, Bemba was sentenced in March 2017 to one year in jail and fined 300,000 euros ($350,000) for bribing witnesses during his main war crimes trial. He lost a separate appeal against that bribery conviction when appeals judges agreed with prosecutors that a one-year term was not tough enough and sent the case back to the original trial chamber for a new sentence. A wealthy businessman, Bemba was once a towering figure in business and politics in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His family was close to that of former dictator Mobutu Sese Seko. But when Mobutu was ousted in 1997 by late rebel leader Laurent Desire Kabila, Bemba fled into the bush and built up his militia, opposed to the Kabila regime. A 1998-2003 war drew foreign armies on rival sides into the vast central African nation with fabulous mineral wealth. But after the Congolese war ended, Bemba laid down his arms and was awarded in 2003 one of four vice-presidential posts shared out among wartime rivals in a transitional government. In 2006, he lost a presidential run-off against young Joseph Kabila, son of the late leader. He was captured and transferred to the court while living in exile in Brussels in July 2008. Teodorin Obiang Nguema (L), the son of Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema and the country's vice president, was found guilty by a French court of embezzling millions to fund his lavish lifestyle The UN's top court on Wednesday partly threw out a case brought by Equatorial Guinea against France, amid a bitter row triggered after a French court convicted the African nation's vice president of embezzlement. In a complicated legal ruling at the International Court of Justice, judges found they lacked jurisdiction to decide whether France had broken international conventions by prosecuting Teodorin Obiang. In the long-running, corruption case, the 48-year-old son of Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang was tried in absentia by a Paris court and given a three-year suspended sentence in October for corruption. He was found to have embezzled 150 million euros ($180 million) to fund his lavish lifestyle, and was also given a suspended fine of 30 million euros for money laundering, corruption and abuse in the small central African state. Malabo had contended that under the Palermo Convention, Obiang had diplomatic immunity from any prosecution. But the ICJ judges agreed with objections raised by France that "the court lacks jurisdiction" in that matter under the UN's convention against transnational organised crime, presiding judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf said. However, the ICJ judges agreed they could rule on whether Obiang's six-storey mansion, on the upscale Avenue Foch in Paris, was a diplomatic mission. In 2012, French authorities seized the property, on one of the French capital's poshest streets, along with a fleet of luxury cars including two Bugatti Veyrons -- often dubbed the world's most expensive supercar -- and a Rolls-Royce Phantom. Paris police in 2012 on the Avenue Foch in Paris searched the home of Teodorin Obiang, the son of Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang, as part of a corruption probe. Police also carted away vanloads of valuables, including paintings, a $4.2-million clock, Michael Jackson memorabilia and fine wines worth thousands of euros per bottle. Malabo contends the mansion in the luxury 16th arrondissement, which boasts a cinema, spa and gold-leafed covered taps, acted as its embassy in Paris, and as such was off-limits to French raids under the Vienna Convention. - Diplomatic mission or home? - The ICJ judges threw out a preliminary objection from France, and unanimously agreed that they could hear the dispute over the luxury house. "The Vienna Convention provides for the regime of inviolability of buildings which have the status of diplomatic premises," said Yusuf. And he specified that it was not just the premises but also "their furnishings and other property thereon and the means of transport of the mission, that are immune from search, requisition, attachment or execution." France has maintained that the Avenue Foch address was never registered as the embassy by Equatorial Guinea, and was just Obiang's private home. New hearings will likely now be organised by the court in The Hague to hear arguments over the status of 42, Avenue Foch. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, 75, has ruled Equatorial Guinea with an iron fist since 1979, making him the world's longest-serving president of a country awash with oil, but mired in poverty and a reputation for corruption. He appointed his son as vice president in June 2016 -- two years after the first charges were first brought in France. The case sets a precedent for France which has long turned a blind eye to African dictators pouring their ill-gotten gains into Parisian real estate and luxury products. French judges have also been probing allegations of corruption against Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso, and Omar Bongo, the late president of Gabon. Jason Mitchell, Lex Scott Davis, and Trevor Jackson attend the photo call for "Superfly" at The London Hotel on June 3, 2018 in West Hollywood; Sony's remake of the 1972 classic hits US theaters on Wednesday With their fast cars, furs and fedoras, the heroes of 1970s "blaxploitation" are making a comeback on the big screen as Hollywood indulges its endless addiction to cinematic nostalgia. Seen variously as a rich celebration of Black America or a regressive return to negative stereotyping, the movement is an attempt by filmmakers to relive the thrill of "The Mack," "Foxy Brown" and other classics. Next year, moviegoers can expect yet another reboot of "Shaft" starring Samuel L. Jackson, while Warner Bros. plans to remake 1973's "Cleopatra Jones" and a new "Foxy Brown" is headed to internet streamer Hulu. Hitting US theaters on Wednesday next week is "Superfly," Sony's remake of the 1972 classic "Super Fly," a touchstone in black cultural history and perhaps the definitive blaxploitation film. "Some of my favorite movies are remakes," music video veteran turned filmmaker Director X told a news conference in Los Angeles at the weekend. "'Scarface' is a remake, 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' is a remake, so I wanted the possibility to make a great remake of a classic film." Released on August 4, 1972, "Super Fly" told the story of Harlem drug pusher Youngblood Priest (Ron O'Neal) trying to score one last big deal before retiring from a life of crime. - Cultural moment - "Some of my favorite movies are remakes," music video veteran turned filmmaker Director X (seen here) told a news conference in Los Angeles at the weekend Trevor Jackson, best known for ABC sit-com "grown-ish," takes on the role in the new version, while Jason Mitchell ("Straight Outta Compton," "Mudbound") plays his sidekick Eddie. Director X gives the story the inevitable modern tweaks, including turning Priest's duplicitous philandering with two girlfriends into a consensual "polyamorous" three-way relationship. Drug-taking and gun violence, both central elements of the 1970s original, play a much smaller part in the remake. The biggest swap, however, was the shift from Harlem to Atlanta, a city enjoying something of a cultural moment thanks to its burgeoning hip hop scene and a favorable tax regime attracting a slew of major productions, most notably Disney's Marvel movies. "The clubs in Harlem were famous worldwide. Even the drug dealers in Harlem were famous worldwide. It was really what Atlanta is today," says X, who was born Julien Christian Lutz. "If you're an artist in Atlanta and you've got a hit record, you've got a hit record around the world. When we're telling this story for today, we're placing it in the epicenter of today's black culture." X also replaced the iconic soundtrack by Curtis Mayfield, regarded as a landmark album, for the era-appropriate stylings of Atlanta-based rapper Future, who brought on board a team of local performers and producers. Atlanta rappers with acting parts include Big Bank Black, Lecrae Moore, Antwan "Big Boi" Patton from the multiple Grammy Award-winning hip-hop duo Outkast, and Rick Ross, whose mansion was a key filming location. - 'Authenticity' - "We wanted to bring some authenticity for some of our key roles and that's what guys like Bank bring," said X. "He's from Atlanta and knows this life. He is Atlanta." Blaxploitation gave African Americans an influential voice in Hollywood and presented new and empowering images of black culture on the big screen -- but it had its critics. The movies were seen as glorifying criminality and presenting the white perception of Black America rather than the real thing, especially since very few of the directors, writers or producers were black. Often low-budget and of commensurately low-quality, blaxploitation movies had formulaic plots that typically involved drug dealers, pimps or over-sexed private detectives "sticking it to the Man." The female characters -- often prostitutes -- were lucky if they managed to keep their clothes on long past the opening credits. Culture writer Michael Arceneaux questioned the wisdom of returning to these violent, often misogynistic films in a recent essay for online African-American lifestyle magazine The Root. "When I think about black TV and film now -- mostly television -- there are so many examples of new and innovative storytelling," he added, bemoaning the lack of imagination in remaking old properties. "In a world in which 'Insecure,' 'Queen Sugar,' 'Get Out' and 'Black Panther' exist, why go back and dig into the 1970s crates for ideas?" Experts have warned of an alarming decline in Australian fish populations Conservation experts warned Wednesday of alarming falls in Australian fish populations and called for more marine reserves and better management to halt the decline. A 10-year study, looking at nearly 200 species at 544 sites, found the main cause was overfishing, with climate change also contributing, although the organisation that manages the nation's fisheries disputed the findings. The research, in the decade to 2015 by the University of Tasmania and Sydney's University of Technology, indicated that the numbers of large fish species -- over 20 centimetres (eight inches) -- had decreased by about 30 percent. Claimed to be the first independent assessment of the size and abundance of coastal fish species off the Australian continent, it used frequent underwater surveys by divers along blocks of reef. Researchers compared areas where fishing was allowed with marine parks where it was limited or not permitted at all. "We found consistent population declines amongst many popular commercial and recreational fishes, including in marine parks that allowed limited fishing, while numbers increased within no-fishing reserves," said lead author Graham Edgar. The study, published in the journal Aquatic Conservation, warned that the present situation globally -- with more than 98 percent of seas open to some form of fishing -- needed "immediate multinational attention". "Effective recovery of fish populations, so that catch can be doubled from the present very low levels, cannot occur without major change to business as usual," said Edgar. Researchers say the decline in global fish stocks requires 'immediate' attention The authors said more marine reserves were the best "least-cost, high-impact" way to help stem the declines and ensure future human food needs. "There is little doubt that in Australian waters, with proper design and placement, marine reserves would assist fish population recovery," said co-author Trevor Ward. "Eventually this would lead to increased catches for all fishers." But the Australian Fisheries Management Authority said the research was flawed. "The basic premise of the paper that there has been a general decline in Commonwealth fisheries is not supported by the weight of evidence publicly available and in the scientific literature," said chief executive Nick Rayns. He said new measures had already been brought in, including lowering allowable catches and introducing harvest strategies. "So it is unsurprising that catches are lower and more sustainable today than in 2005 which the paper uses as a baseline year," he added. "The commercial catch for all fish stocks are set at ecologically sustainable levels, and for the fourth consecutive year, no fishery solely managed by the Commonwealth has been subject to overfishing." Israel wants to draw more tourists to its vast and largely undeveloped Negev desert region Israel has already been credited with making the desert bloom. Now it hopes to make it boom -- with tourists. Seeking to bolster tourism to its vast and largely undeveloped Negev desert region, Israel is promoting luxury camping trips, Bedouin hospitality and challenging outdoor activities like dune surfing. In addition, a new international airport is rising from the desert floor 18 kilometres (11 miles) from the Israeli Red Sea resort of Eilat and the neighbouring Jordanian port of Aqaba. Tourism in Israel is big business, bringing in $5.8 billion in 2017. Arrivals to the country of about eight million citizens hit a record 3.6 million last year, the Israeli tourism ministry said. The United States, Russia, France, Germany and Britain accounted for most of the visitors. The ministry says that it now seeks to grow the Negev's share of total Israeli tourist revenue from the present five percent to 20 percent within two to three years. It also aims to increase the number of Negev hotel rooms from 2,000 to about 5,000 within six to seven years. - Desert on your doorstep - By promoting luxury camping trips, Bedouin hospitality and challenging outdoor activities in the Negev desert region, Israel aims to boost the Negev's share of total tourism revenue within a few years Israel is marketing the desert as a unique destination on Europe's doorstep. "When it's very cold in Europe, let's say in December, January and February, we have very mild temperatures in the Negev," the tourism ministry's Uri Sharon told journalists on a tour of the sparsely populated region. Activities include hiking, biking, rock climbing, abseiling and dune surfing -- akin to snowboarding on sand. The Negev is also home to a geological marvel: the Ramon Crater, the world's largest erosion crater. Salaam El Wadj has opened up the encampment where he lives with his wife, children and goats to visitors, who can stay in one of the tents and listen to his stories of Bedouin life. "I was born here in the Negev hills," he tells his visitors over strong, sweet tea. Wadj relates how the arrival a century ago of British and French administrators and, in 1948, officials of the new state of Israel, brought a drive for modernisation that disrupted and threatened the nomadic Bedouin way of life. Hosting tourists, he said, enables him to preserve his heritage. "They don't want to just sleep in a Bedouin camp but also to learn," he said. Hikers can walk along part of the Negev Highland Trail, covering about 12 km a day between Bedouin camps while their luggage is transported by vehicle. - Wines in the wilderness - The Negev is also home to the Ramon Crater, the world's largest erosion crater Near Wadj's site, Hannah and Eyal Izrael have planted vineyards on terraces where Nabatean farmers cultivated vines 2,000 years ago. Their Carmey Avdat winery produces just 5,000 bottles a year of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and other wines. Eyal supplements his income by offering tourist accommodation in cabins and group tours to surrounding sites of interest rather than industrialising his winemaking. Visitors can help run the production line and bottle, cork and label their choice of wine personally. "All the time there are tourists from all over the world coming to the Israeli desert to explore, trek, taste our wine, go to other farms to taste goat cheese," he said. "The Negev is a very safe and accessible desert and it's warm here." The vines grow in a natural basin, watered in winter by runoff from the surrounding hills and augmented with a modern irrigation system fed by desalinated sea water piped from the Mediterranean coast. Not far from Carmey Avdat is the town of Mitzpe Ramon, which stands at the edge of the Ramon Crater. There, travellers after tranquility with a luxurious twist can go "glamping" -- glamour camping -- in luxury tents with hot showers and a personal chef. When inky night falls over the crater's floor, there is the option of gazing through high-powered telescopes at the stars shining brightly in the unpolluted sky. - Getting there - A new international airport is also being built, 18 kilometres (11 miles) from the Israeli Red Sea resort of Eilat, to bring tourists to the desert The Negev's heart is only about a two-hour drive from Israel's main international airport near Tel Aviv. The new Ramon Airport will bring jumbo jets from around the globe to the desert itself. Its website says that it will be able to initially handle up to two million passengers annually, but will be able to expand to a capacity of 4.2 million by 2030. Low-cost and charter airlines currently flying to Ovda airport, about 60 km away from Eilat, will move to Ramon, it says. They include Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, SAS, Finnair and Ural Airlines. Construction began in May 2013. Israeli media say that the airport is expected to start operations this autumn, in time for the November-May winter tourist season, but the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) is making no official forecasts. The IAA says the original specifications for the project were revised in light of lessons learned during the 2014 Gaza war. After a rocket fired by Hamas militants in Gaza hit near the perimeter of Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport, international carriers suspended flights. IAA spokesman Ofer Lefler told AFP that the revised plans for the Ramon airport will allow it to serve as a backup in addition to boosting tourism. "In an emergency, not only will Israel's entire passenger air fleet be able to land and park there, but also additional aircraft," he said. Yuya Shibakai working at his organic vegetable farm outside Tokyo, where he produces organic lettuce, tomatoes, carrots and other vegetables Yuya Shibakai sometimes feels he is ploughing a lonely furrow. The Japanese farmer produces organic lettuce, tomatoes, carrots and other vegetables for a market that has tasted nothing like the success of the sector in other advanced economies. On his farm outside Tokyo, the 32-year-old doggedly trudges along a line of lettuces, pulling up weeds by hand. Shibakai says it is a "daily struggle to find ways to make a profit using a system you could call inefficient, where you have to pull all the weeds out by hand." "We need a different supply system in Japan, a sustainable structure for farmers that would also change the way our profession is seen," added Shibakai, who took over the business from his parents in 2009. Organic farming occupied just 0.5 percent of Japan's entire arable area in 2016. The country hopes to double this by 2019 Organic farming occupied just 0.5 percent of Japan's entire arable area in 2016. The country hopes to double this by 2019, Akimi Uenaka, an official in charge of organic farming at the agriculture ministry, told AFP. However, Uenaka admitted the development of the sector in Japan was "slow", as weeding and pest control take more time and organic farms struggle to produce a "stable" output due to technical limitations. Shibakai is one of 12,000 organic farmers in the whole country, according to statistics from 2010, the last time the agriculture ministry collected figures from the nascent sector. While a craze for healthy eating has fuelled lucrative sales around the world, the market for "bio" or organic food in Japan is estimated to be worth just over $1 billion. While a craze for healthy eating has fuelled lucrative sales around the world, the market for 'bio' or organic food in Japan is estimated to be worth just over $1 billion The world's third-largest economy has a mere fraction of the global market of around $90 billion and is dwarfed by the US ($45 billion), Germany ($11 billion), France ($8 billion) and China ($7 billion). Moreover, while even most of these mature markets are enjoying solid growth, the sector in Japan is stagnating. - Minuscule offerings - One of the few players to dip a toe into the market is French organic retailer "Bio c'Bon," which has had a presence in Japan since the end of 2016 and just opened its third shop in Tokyo. A dearth of large-scale farming means the company has to work with around 200 individual farms for its fruit and vegetables and even import other goods -- for example raspberries from Mexico, as well as organic wines and cheeses from France. One of the problems faced by shops offering organic food is a Japanese obsession with how their fruit and vegetables look and are packaged One of the problems faced by shops offering organic food is a Japanese obsession with how fruit and vegetables look and are packaged. "Especially during the week, Japanese customers tend to shop very quickly and grab pre-packaged and pre-weighed goods," said Pascal Gerbert-Gaillard, Asia director at Bio c'Bon. "We are working to find a good balance between our brand and Japanese consumption habits," he added. As an example, he says his staff minutely check for any tiny imperfections in their vegetables and remove them from sale. They are donated to staff members. Gerbert-Gaillard said organic food is gradually finding a market among "Japanese aged between 30 and 40, especially mothers, and expats." Yuya Shibakai doggedly trudges along a line of vegetables, pulling up weeds by hand The firm has ambitious plans to grow its "minuscule offerings" by expanding to "around 30 shops in Tokyo and its suburbs before the 2020 Olympics," he said. But well-established smaller players have already found that organic food can be slow to gain traction. Rika Oishi founded her organic firm SuperOrganic seven years ago, hoping to capitalise on a boom in demand -- especially from foreigners -- for "healthy" food after the Fukushima earthquake and nuclear meltdown. "I have noticed a bit more interest down the years from consumers and firms, but it has not yet become a way of life," she said. The co-founder of Ghanaian NGO Nasco, Ousman Umar, recently completed a masters degree in Spain Ousmann Umar may seem like a role model to fellow migrants, having built a successful new life in Europe after making the dangerous journey from Africa. And yet his sole message to peers today is "don't do it". The Ghanian in his 30s has just completed a masters degree -- after surviving a five-year trek across his home continent followed by a perilous boat crossing to Spain. But he's also actively pursuing a campaign to discourage others from following in his footsteps. "I went from being almost illiterate to studying a master, it's like I won the lottery," Umar, dressed in a blazer, white shirt and moccasins, told AFP in the seaside town of Badalona near Barcelona. But "today I wouldn't do it again, it's too hard," he said as he gazed at the Mediterranean Sea, where thousands of migrants have died trying to reach Europe. "I am only 0.01 percent. (Many others) die along the way and of those who arrive, only one percent manage to integrate into European life." Having already founded an NGO promoting childhood education in Ghana, Umar recently launched a project with migrant rescue charity Proactiva Open Arms that aims to convince his compatriots to stay at home. Over the past three years, the group says it has rescued nearly 60,000 migrants from the Mediterranean. Umar recalls the ordeal of crossing the Sahara desert without water, the mistreatment he suffered in Libya and Algeria and the death of his best friend along the journey to Europe. "I will always carry this burden. That is why I don't want anyone to go through what I did," he said. - Dodging death - Umar said death has played a key part in his life since he was born in Fiaso, a tiny village in Ghana's rainforest. His mother died while giving birth to him, which in Ghanaian culture means that the child is "cursed" and must be killed. He escaped this fate thanks to his father being the local witch doctor. But when he was nine years old, Umar was sent to live with a distant uncle who taught him to be a welder. He eventually decided to go to Europe when he was around 13. The search for a better life quickly turned into a nightmare when the human traffickers abandoned him with 45 others in the middle of the Sahara desert. Umar said he walked for 21 days, surviving by drinking his own urine while many of his companions died along the way. By the time they reached Libya, there were only six of them left. "The biggest grave is not the sea, it is the desert," Umar said. - 'Born again' - After working in Libya for several years, he made it to Mauritania where he boarded a boat packed with migrants bound for the "promised land" -- Spain's Canary Islands. Along the way he lost his best friend Musa, whose boat sank during the crossing. "I vowed I would never return to the water. It was total anguish, I don't know how to swim and I thought I could die at any moment," Umar recalled. After a short stint at a migrant reception centre on Fuerteventura, he was sent to Barcelona where he had dreamt of living ever since he watched FC Barcelona on TV as a child. He slept rough for a month before a couple with three children took him into their home. "I was born again that day," he said 13 years later. - 'Russian roulette' - Umar learned to speak Spanish and Catalan, completed high school and last week finished a masters degree in international cooperation at Barcelona's prestigious ESADE business school. During this time, he made living repairing bicycles, earning enough to pay for his studies as well as those of his brother who is still in Ghana and runs Umar's Nasco education charity there. Founded in 2012, Nasco acquires computer equipment and provides training in new technologies at five rural schools in Ghana to provide opportunities so youths do not need to immigrate. The plan is to send migrants rescued in the Mediterranean by Proactiva Open Arms to give talks at the Nasco-backed schools in Ghana about the ordeal they faced trying to get to Europe. "We want to explain to them before they leave what they can expect during this long journey, from people from their country whom we rescued," said Proactiva founder Oscar Camps. "Ousmann says he won the lottery. But in the lottery, if you don't win, everything remains the same. This is more like Russian roulette," he added. An Ivorian woman carries a heavy load after a distribution of safe drinking water in Bouake in early June "All that comes out of the tap right now is cockroaches," said Honorine Babalou, a 20-year-old textile worker. In Bouake, Ivory Coast's second city, the regular water supply trickled to a halt three months ago -- a shortage that officials blame on a drought inflicted by global warming. Like many other Bouake residents, Babalou balanced on her head a giant basin of fresh water drawn from a tanker truck which had trundled down sun-scorched clay tracks to make a delivery in a poor part of town. The city of about 800,000 people, as estimated by the mayor, has long depended on the nearby Loka dam for around three-quarters of its water supply. But the lake behind the dam has shrivelled to almost nothing. Hundreds of metres (yards) behind a sign that sternly declares "Fishing and Bathing Forbidden" lies a sad, muddy puddle. "This is climate change. It rains a lot less often, the sun has been stronger for several years," states Yeboue Ouffoue, 85, chief of the small village of Angoua-Yaokro, near the site where the dam was built in the late 1970s. "Here we live off agriculture, but with the water shortage we can no longer plant the way we want. Income has dropped, that's for sure," Ouffoue said, expressing concern for some 300 villagers in his charge. "Times are hard." "We've entered a time of water rationing in Bouake," said Mayor Nicolas Djibo, who also blames climate change, along with people who diverted waterways to exploit sand quarries in the region. - 'Greeted like the Messiah' - Located in the centre of Ivory Coast, Bouake is known as a centre for "white gold," referring to the once lucrative cotton industry, and now "grey gold", the thriving cashew nut business. Young Ivorian women carrying precious water in the city where the taps have run dry The city formerly served as headquarters for rebels who helped bring President Alassane Ouattara to power in 2011 after a disputed election and a violent political crisis. Today, faced with an existential threat, the city is looking at a scheme to pipe in supplies from Lake Kossou, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) away. This operation would take two years and cost an estimated 45 million euros ($53 million), said Djibo, who hopes the World Bank will help finance it. At the Alassane Ouattara 2 University in Bouake, the lack of water has forced many students to leave their rooms on campus to return home, some geography students told AFP. Tanker trucks now provide emergency supplies, after attempts to drill into groundwater faltered. In a bid to ease the shortage, authorities sank wells in several parts of Bouake, but the water pumped fell far short of basic requirements. "We're greeted like the Messiah, or something like that," joked driver Mohamed Lamine Diakite, whose truck carries 10,000 litres (2,500 gallons) of water. He announces his arrival in a district by pumping his horn to bring local residents running. In the Sokoura district, women set out hundreds of basins and buckets on the ground, waiting for the water distribution under a broiling sun. There are few men around. Women carry away the heavy load for the family. - 'Water is like treasure' - "We cannot live like this," said Mariam Kone, a trading woman with three children who also cares for her sick mother. A supplier distributes water from a tanker truck to residents of Bouake at the start of July 2018 "You can go two or three days without washing yourself. Before this, we drank water straight from the tap. Today, we adults hold back but the children don't understand. We have to pay for mineral water. The price has risen by 400 (CFA francs) to 800 (1.20 euros, $1.40). We're spending more and more -- we'll go broke," Kone said. People in the 2 Bodjo district make similar protests. "This is too hard. This doesn't suit us. We have no water to wash or to drink. When the truck doesn't come, we have to take water from the well or swamps," said Chigata Soro, 30, who sells hot food at the roadside. "We need water. It's not too much to ask." Others are angry at officialdom, accusing it of mismanaging both the problem and the solution. "They tell us 'It's emergency measures' or 'Wait a couple of years' but the dam didn't go dry from one day to the next. The government, the authorities, the (water distribution company) SODECI -- somebody handled this really badly," one resident said. Awaiting her turn in line, Sabine Kone yelled at a neighbour: "Hands off my water!" Explaining her sharp words, the young student said: "Water is like treasure now. And what's more, she wanted to fill her dirty flask from my bowl. This water we get is drinking water. She was going to make it dirty. Water is life!" A supporter holds a picture of Demirtas, Turkey's leading Kurdish politician, who urged supporters to campaign in his name as "my voice and my breath" Turkey's leading Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas is facing not only President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in this month's presidential elections but the seemingly insurmountable obstacle of having to campaign from jail. Demirtas, the former co-leader of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and still by far its most prominent figure, has been held since November 2016 on charges of links to outlawed Kurdish militants. But the party chose him as its candidate to challenge Erdogan in the June 24 polls and, undeterred, Demirtas called on every member of the party to campaign in his name. "I trust you because you are my voice and my breath," Demirtas wrote last week. The ex-HDP leader was detained during the crackdown launched after the July 2016 failed coup which critics say went well beyond targeting just the plotters. Demirtas, 45, is accused of being a member of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and making propaganda for the group blacklisted as a terrorist organisation by Ankara and its Western allies. He risks up to 142 years in jail. The former human rights lawyer won almost 10 percent of the vote in the presidential elections of 2014, establishing himself as a serious rival to Erdogan. The HDP then became the first pro-Kurdish party to enter parliament in June 2015 elections, maintaining its status as the second largest opposition party in a re-run of the polls in November that year. "The fact that (Demirtas) is in prison is illegal and unfair. We wanted to show that we do not accept this injustice," Demirtas' campaign co-ordinator and deputy co-leader of the party, Saruhan Oluc, told AFP. - 'Difficult to campaign' - From his prison cell in the northwest province of Edirne which he shares with another HDP MP, Demirtas tweets almost daily through his lawyers, alternating between political messages, comments on the news and strokes of humour. "From the survey I undertook in the prison cell, I won 100 percent each time. Just kidding :). There was one time when I was angry at myself and I obtained 50 percent of the vote," he quipped. Meanwhile, the HDP's current co-leaders Pervin Buldan and Sezai Temelli are campaigning across the country for the simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections. "It's difficult (to campaign this way), but it does not occur to us that we will fail," Temelli told AFP on board his campaign bus in Ankara. Several HDP officials have said that on the ground, their stands and rallies are often harassed by public officials including police. Sezai Temelli, co-leader of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), says Turkish institutions are out to ensure the party's campaigning is limited so it does not reach the 10 percent threshold needed to enter parliament "All the institutions... are working now hand-in-hand for the HDP to stay under the threshold (of 10 percent needed to enter parliament) and not letting the party campaign," Temelli said. The HDP, which Erdogan accuses of having close links to the PKK, is given very little media coverage in mainstream Turkish media. According to Transparency International Turkey, state broadcaster TRT only gave three seconds of airtime to Demirtas in its main television news programming in May compared to 105 minutes for Erdogan. Demirtas on Wednesday issued his first, and possibly only, audio message of the campaign, delivered in a telephone call received by his wife Basak and filmed by the party. "Turkey has been transformed into a semi-open prison. They are trying to create a society based on fear and reign though fear," he declared as Basak put him on loudspeaker for the five-minute address. - 'Pivotal moment' - Murat Gezici, the head of the polling company Gezici, said Demirtas' incarceration "can break the motivation of HDP voters", who assume that the battle is lost in advance. According to Gezici polls, Demirtas will win eight to nine percent of the vote in the presidential election, and HDP 9.7 percent in the parliamentary poll. But Ozer Sencar, chairman of the Metropoll pollster, said his polls indicate Demirtas could win 11.4 percent of the vote and the HDP 11 percent. "The fact that he is in prison is not a negative thing," Sencar said. "Demirtas is the best candidate the HDP could put forward: young, intelligent, with a good sense of humour, liked by Kurds and for whom Turks, especially leftists, have sympathy." Durust, an HDP supporter at an Ankara event, said the party's struggle was far from over. "We are at a pivotal moment, it's either the HDP or our end." Former Malaysian leader Najib Razak insisted in a statement late Tuesday there was no wrongdoing in the pipeline project, saying he and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding for the deal in Beijing in 2017 Malaysia's ousted leader has denied wrongdoing over a $2.4 billion China-backed pipeline deal after the new government said the project was "highly suspicious" and linked it to a massive financial scandal. A company owned by Malaysia's finance ministry signed the 9.4-billion ringgit deal in 2016 for a Chinese state-owned company to build a gas pipeline and an oil pipeline. Najib Razak -- toppled in elections last month -- was prime minister at the time, and battling allegations billions of dollars were looted from sovereign wealth fund 1MDB. The pipeline deal was one of a series of big-ticket, Beijing-backed projects signed during Najib's leadership, fuelling suspicions China was helping the scandal-mired leader pay off debts racked up by the stricken fund. Malaysia's Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said Tuesday that 8.25 billion ringgit had already been drawn down by the Chinese company building the pipelines. This amounted to almost 88 percent of the project value -- yet only 13 percent of the work had been completed, he said in a statement. Lim said he had instructed officials to file a report about the "highly suspicious transactions" with anti-corruption authorities and noted that the company behind the deal had links to a scandal-mired, former subsidiary of 1MDB. "We have documents to prove... it's all part of the 1MDB scam," the minister was cited as saying in The Star newspaper. State-owned Export-Import Bank of China provided 85 percent of the funding for the project with the rest required to be raised by issuing sukuk, or Islamic bonds, Lim said. Najib insisted in a statement late Tuesday there was no wrongdoing in the project, saying he and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding for the deal in Beijing in 2017. The toppled leader, who has been questioned twice by graft investigators since losing power, said he was "confident" that all necessary "procedures and laws have been complied with" in the deal. He said "great care" should be taken "when making such serious politically-motivated public allegations involving foreign state-owned companies as it may have a negative effect on foreign relations and international trade". Public disgust over allegations of corruption linked to Najib and his cronies was a major factor in his surprise election loss last month to an alliance headed by Mahathir Mohamad. Washington-based National Gallery of Art researcher John Delaney sits next to the original painting of 'Mother and Child by the Sea', by Spanish painter Pablo Picasso, during his research at Pola Museum of Art in Hakone, Japan's Kanagawa prefecture Infrared imaging technology has helped peel back the layers of a Pablo Picasso painting on display in Japan, and revealed a page from a 1902 newspaper and another composition below. US and Japanese researchers scanned the piece "Mother and Child by the Sea", owned by the Pola Museum of Art in Hakone, west of Tokyo, and uncovered a page of the French newspaper Le Journal from January 18, 1902. "While the reason for the presence of newsprint in the paint layers in a mystery, the discovery is significant for Picasso scholars due to the proximity of the date to the artist's move from Paris to Barcelona," said the Washington-based National Gallery of Art, whose researcher John Delaney led the project in Japan. Picasso is thought to have moved to the Spanish city in early January 1902, bringing a few canvasses with him, and the newspaper article revealed in the painting suggests the work was completed some time after his move. The scan also provided clear images of an underlying painting of a woman sitting down next to an absinthe glass with a spoon in it. Picasso frequently reused canvasses or incorporated previous sketches into a final work. However, it was not immediately clear why the artist used a page from Le Journal, which he was known to have read frequently. "It may have been used... to cover previous layers before he painted another layer or the final composition of the mother and child," scientists said. The section of newsprint brought readers news of parliamentary clashes in London and the creation of a new annual exhibition of painting and sculpture at the Automobile Club of France, a gentleman's club in Paris. Malaysia's central bank governor Muhammad Ibrahim's replacement has not yet been decided on Malaysia's central bank governor has resigned, the prime minister said Wednesday, after claims the bank helped the previous regime cover debts linked to a financial scandal by purchasing government land. Muhammad Ibrahim's days had looked numbered since the new government, which came to power last month after a shock election win, disclosed the purchase made by Bank Negara Malaysia from Najib Razak's government. Former prime minister Najib, his family and cronies, are accused of looting billions of dollars from sovereign wealth fund 1MDB in an elaborate fraud that stretched from Switzerland to Los Angeles. The graft allegations were a major reason voters rejected Najib's coalition, breaking their six-decade hold on power. Announcing Muhammad's resignation, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said the Harvard-educated banker's replacement had not yet been decided on and the king still needed to give his approval. In late 2017, Najib's government sold land in Kuala Lumpur for about two billion ringgit ($500 million) to the central bank, according to the finance ministry. The money raised by the sale was used "to service debt obligations of 1MDB", the ministry said. The central bank has insisted the purchase was "at fair value" and said it had given information on the matter to anti-corruption authorities for a review. Muhammad, who had served with the central bank since 1984, was only two years into his term as governor which was due to end in 2021. He had replaced Zeti Akhtar Aziz, a widely respected figure who served 16 years as central bank chief but had been at odds with Najib as corruption allegations mounted. Iran said Tuesday that it would boost its capacity by opening a centre for production of new centrifuges, possibly as early as Wednesday, at the Natanz plant China urged all parties to the Iran nuclear deal to uphold the pact on Wednesday after Tehran unveiled plans to boost uranium enrichment capacity following Washington's pullout from the agreement. Iran said Tuesday that it would boost its capacity by opening a centre for production of new centrifuges, possibly as early as Wednesday, at the Natanz plant. Under the 2015 nuclear agreement that Iran signed with world powers, it has the right to build and test certain centrifuges, though detailed restrictions exist for the first 10 years on the types and quantities of the machines. "Under the current situation, we hope that all parties concerned can proceed with the long-term and overall interests in mind and continue to sustain and implement the agreement," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing. "A comprehensive agreement and a thorough and balanced implementation of its obligations will help maintain the international system to ensure nuclear non-proliferation and help maintain peace and stability in the Middle East," she said. The move comes a month after President Donald Trump announced the US decision to withdraw from the deal and reinstate sanctions. The remaining parties -- China, Britain, France, Germany and Russia -- have vowed to stay in the accord. Many Western companies have already started to wind down Iranian operations, but Beijing, which is Iran's top trade partner and one of the biggest buyers of its oil, has signalled that it intends to keep working with the Islamic regime. Iran's president, Hassan Rouhani, will meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a regional security group, in the eastern city of Qingdao this weekend. Russian President Vladimir Putin will also attend the conference. Demonstrators wave Jordanian flags as they face Jordanian police officers during a protest near the prime minister's office in Amman, Jordan, on June 5, 2018 Jordanian unions staged a nationwide strike on Wednesday over IMF-backed austerity measures including a proposed income tax law that has sparked a week of angry demonstrations. Doctors staged a walkout from hospitals at 9:00 AM (0600 GMT) and are set to strike until mid-afternoon, said Ali al-Abous, head of Jordan's doctors' union and trade union federation. "We are striking to send a message to the new government (to) drop the income tax draft law and hold a national dialogue on it," he told AFP. Lawyers were set to be present at courts in their official black robes, but would not present cases, he said. Jordan's main federation of unions also called for a protest outside its headquarters at 1:00 PM. Shops are also set to shut, although many would anyway be closed during the morning due to the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. Protests continued overnight despite King Abdullah II's call for a full review of the proposed tax law, which has yet to be approved by parliament. Demonstrators gathered in Amman after breaking their Ramadan fast, jostling with police and waving Jordanian flags. Trade unions said a review of the law was a "positive" step but nonetheless called for a general strike on Wednesday. In a letter charging new premier Omar al-Razzaz with forming a government, King Abdullah II said it "must carry out a comprehensive review of the tax system" to avoid "unjust taxes that do not achieve justice and balance between the incomes of the poor and the rich". Late Monday, the king had warned Jordan was "at a crossroads", blaming the economic woes on regional instability, the burden of hosting hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees and a lack of international support. The curfew comes as tensions mount in the area with burgeoning civil rights group the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) calling for the removal of alleged Taliban-linked militants from the region Authorities in Pakistan's restive tribal region expanded a 24-hour curfew along the Afghan border to avert further clashes between tribesmen and militants after at least three people were killed and dozens injured in recent days, officials said Wednesday. The move comes as tensions mount in the area with burgeoning civil rights group the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) heightening calls for the removal of alleged Taliban-linked militants from the region. The US and others have long accused Pakistan of using proxies in Afghanistan, including the Taliban and other militant groups. Islamabad denies the claims. PTM has had repeated clashes with the militants this week during two rallies in the area, leading authorities Tuesday to expand an earlier curfew to encompass all of the South Waziristan tribal district. "Curfew has been tightened and extended to the entire South Waziristan. More than 80 people have so far been arrested," a senior government official in Peshawar told AFP, adding that at least three people have been killed and 40 injured. The area is sealed off to journalists, making claims difficult to verify. A clash between PTM activists and insurgents Sunday killed two people, sparking fears of wider unrest in an area flush with weapons and long-held traditions that demand violent reprisals against perceived slights against an individual or tribe's honour. The violence was followed by a second clash during a rally on Monday, according to PTM. Authorities were negotiating with local tribal elders to restore calm and had relaxed the curfew for two hours on Tuesday to allow people to buy food to break their fasts during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. A government official in South Waziristan's Wana confirmed details of the curfew, telling AFP that landlines had been disconnected in the area and roads blocked. A local tribal elder added that mosques had been shuttered to prevent people from rallying crowds with the facilities' loudspeakers. PTM has been calling for investigations into disappearances and extrajudicial killings by Pakistan's security establishment, while also echoing accusations that the military allowed extremists a safe haven from which to launch attacks in Afghanistan. During a press conference earlier this week, chief military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor slammed accusations that the country was harbouring militants, accusing the PTM of being manipulated by "enemies of Pakistan". An Israeli soldier takes cover during clashes with Palestinian protesters following a demonstration against the expropriation of Palestinian land by Israel in the village of Kfar Qaddum, near Nablus in the occupied West Bank, on May 4 2018 A Palestinian who threw a rock at Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank was shot dead by a soldier Wednesday, the Israeli army said. It said the troops were on a search and arrest operation in the village of Nabi Saleh, northwest of Ramallah, when they were confronted by at least 10 stone-throwing Palestinians who hit one soldier in the head. The soldier struck by the rock then fired at the Palestinian who threw it, who was given medical treatment but later died, the military said in a statement. An activist group named him as Ezzedine al-Tamimi, from Nabi Saleh, citing witnesses saying he was more than 40 metres (yards) from the soldiers when shot. There was no confirmation of his identity from the Palestinian health ministry. In a statement on Twitter, the head of Human Rights Watch in Israel warned troops could have used unnecessary force. "International law only permits use of lethal force when there's an imminent threat to life. Hard to see how throwing rocks meets that bar," Omar Shakir said. Last month a soldier from the Duvdevan special forces unit was fatally struck on the head by a granite slab thrown from an upstairs window during an arrest raid in the Amari Refugee Camp in Ramallah. Israeli forces regularly carry out raids in Palestinian-administered parts of the West Bank to arrest suspects they accuse of militant activities against Israel. Both chambers of Nigeria's parliament said the National Assembly "will not hesitate to (invoke) its constitutional powers if nothing is done," in a clear warning to Buhari Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday faced a threat of impeachment after lawmakers issued a raft of demands over security and corruption in a deepening rift with the executive. Both chambers of parliament said the National Assembly "will not hesitate to (invoke) its constitutional powers if nothing is done," in a clear warning to the 75-year-old leader. Buhari, elected in 2015 on pledges of defeating Boko Haram insurgents and fighting endemic corruption, is under pressure on both fronts as he looks towards re-election next February. The Islamist militants, though weakened, are still present in the northeast, while central states have seen a resurgence of deadly violence between cattle herders and farmers. At the same time, kidnapping gangs and cattle thieves have increased attacks in the wider north. The lawmakers' statement followed a closed-door meeting in Abuja on Tuesday. In it, they call for security chiefs to be sacked for failing to protect lives and property while also castigating Buhari for appointing them in the first place. It accused the head of the federal police, Ibrahim Idris, of "doing nothing" to prevent the violence and of being a yes-man appointed to do the government's bidding. The executive uses the police and security agencies for the "systematic harassment and humiliation... of perceived political opponents", the statement said. It further accused Buhari of being "selective" in his fight against corruption and called for members of his own administration with cases against them to be prosecuted. The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party has called the former military ruler's anti-corruption drive a political witch-hunt, as most of those charged are PDP members. That has raised tensions between the legislature and the executive, as has the government's greater scrutiny of parliamentary spending in an effort to cut waste and fraud. Lawmakers passed a "vote of confidence" in embattled Senate leader Bukola Saraki, who has been linked to a criminal gang that carried out an armed robbery in April that killed 33. Police on Sunday issued a statement calling on Saraki, who has denied the claims and suggested he is being set up, to come in for questioning. He has been at loggerheads with Buhari's All Progressives Congress as he was not the party's first choice as Senate president -- the third-highest position in Nigerian politics. Both he and the speaker of the lower House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, defected from the PDP before elections in 2015. On Tuesday evening, APC lawmakers claimed the joint statement was not unanimous and mostly represented the views of PDP members. There was no immediate comment from the presidency. People in the Tunisian town of Sfax on June 4, 2018, receive the bodies of loved ones who drowned in the shipwreck Tunisia's interior minister and numerous officials were sacked on Wednesday, days after a shipwreck that killed at least 66 migrants. No reason was given for the dismissal of the minister, Lotfi Brahem, who the prime minister's office said will be replaced temporarily by Justice Minister Ghazi Jribi. Sources close to the government told AFP that Brahem's sacking was expected, as he had poor relations with Prime Minister Youssef Chahed. The minister's departure came after a boat overcrowded with migrants sank after leaving the Kerkennah Islands off the coast of Sfax province. Earlier on Wednesday Brahem accused officials of negligence over the incident, announcing the sacking of 10 people. A "preliminary investigation" had shown that officials had "directly or indirectly" failed to carry out their duties, an interior ministry statement said. Among those fired were national guard officials based in Sfax and others from the maritime unit in Kerkennah. A total of 68 people were rescued from the vessel after it ran into trouble late on Saturday evening. On Monday the International Organization for Migration said "at least 112 people" had died in the accident. Survivors have said the boat was packed with more than 180 people, which would mean dozens are still missing. The shipwreck is the deadliest in the Mediterranean since February 2, when 90 people drowned off the coast of Libya, according to the IOM. Tunisians and other migrants regularly try to cross the Mediterranean to seek a better future in Europe. In March, 120 people -- mostly Tunisians -- were rescued by the navy as they tried to reach the Italian coast. Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan will visit the North Korean capital at the invitation of the North, the foreign ministry said in a statement Singapore's foreign minister will make a two-day trip to Pyongyang starting Thursday, as preparations for a summit in the city-state between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un accelerate. The announcement came a day after the White House revealed that the historic June 12 meeting between the US and North Korean leaders will take place in a luxury hotel on Singapore's resort island of Sentosa. The summit is due to be held following a rapid detente between Pyongyang and Washington -- as well as South Korea -- in a turn-around from a dramatic escalation of tensions last year, when the North ratcheted up its weapons programme. Trump finally confirmed the summit last week following a visit from a top Pyongyang official in Washington, after having abruptly cancelled the meeting as US and North Korean officials traded verbal barbs. He has said denuclearisation, and a formal end to the decades-old Korean war, will be on the table in Singapore. Singapore's foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan will visit the North Korean capital at the invitation of the North's foreign minister Ri Yong Ho, Singapore's foreign ministry said in a statement. The minister, who will be accompanied by foreign ministry officials, will also meet the North's ceremonial president Kim Yong Nam, the statement said. It did not give reasons for the trip but analysts noted Balakrishnan visited the US this week and met with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and will be keen to keep both sides happy before the summit. - 'Extremely fragile' - "We've reached a point where the summit is extremely fragile and can easily be tipped out of balance," Graham Ong-Webb, a research fellow at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, told AFP. The US is pushing for a "complete, verifiable and irreversible" end of North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile programmes, but observers believe there is a large gap between what Washington and Pyongyang define as "denuclearisation". Singapore has diplomatic ties with Pyongyang and the North has an embassy in the city-state, although Singapore does not have an embassy in Pyongyang. The Southeast Asia financial hub of 5.6 million people also has good relations with the US. Part of its appeal as summit host was its the fact it has one foot in the East and one in the West, as well as being modern, efficient and secure. The island resort of Sentosa, which was selected by American diplomats, is connected to the Singapore main island by a single causeway that can be easily closed off to traffic, sources familiar with the arrangements told AFP Singapore authorities on Tuesday marked out a part of the island surrounding the Capella hotel as a special security zone for the days around the summit. Balakrishnan is the latest senior foreign official to visit the North as summit preparations heat up -- last month, top diplomats from China and Russia made trips to Pyongyang. Since the inter-Korean detente began at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in February, there has also been a flurry of diplomatic activity between the North and South. South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Kim have held landmark summits twice in recent weeks. Malawi's vice president Saulos Chilima (L) with President Peter Mutharika (R), pictured together when they were running mates in 2014 Malawi's vice president Saulos Chilima publicly attacked the corruption of the president's government on Tuesday and announced his resignation from the ruling party, leaving the door open for a presidential run. Chilima was handpicked by President Peter Mutharika to run alongside him in the 2014 elections on the Democratic People's Party (DPP) ticket. His dramatic decision to quit the DPP has exposed a widening rift in the ruling party, which has come under heavy criticism for alleged corruption. "Despite all the sacrifices that our forefathers made, our nation remains one of the poorest. Nepotism, cronyism and corruption are rampant and only those connected continue to benefit," he said at a media conference in Lilongwe. "We must give this country a new lease of life. We must clean this country. We must drain the swamp." Chilima's shock move comes as calls have mounted from within the DPP for him to challenge 79-year-old Mutharika, who has ruled the country for four years. While Chilima holds no leadership position in the ruling party, several top leaders calling themselves the "Chilima Movement" have called on the 45-year-old VP to oppose Mutharika during the party's next conference. Presidential elections are scheduled for 2019. Chilima said he would "follow the procedure and leave the DPP" and also declined to rule out a run in 2019's polls. "I made no decision, no one contacted me," he said, pledging to announce his decision soon. Speculation is rife that former president Joyce Banda, who returned home in April after four years in exile following allegations of corruption, could be preparing a bid for the presidency. Banda, 68, was president of Malawi from 2012 to 2014. UN agencies will initially carry out assessments in Rakhine state, which has been largely closed off to outsiders since the crisis began The UN inked a deal with Myanmar on Wednesday which would give it access to the epicentre of the Rohingya crisis, but provided few details on how the agreement would jumpstart stalled repatriation plans. Some 700,000 people fled over the border from Myanmar to Bangladesh after the military launched a crackdown on Rohingya insurgents last August that the UN has called "ethnic cleansing". The two countries signed a repatriation deal in November but fears over safety and rights in Myanmar mean only a couple dozen of the long-persecuted minority have chosen to return. The UN said few concrete details were decided in the newly-signed "framework" agreement that took months to draft. Its agencies will initially carry out assessments in Rakhine state, which has been largely closed to outsiders since the crisis began. "The work so far has been to open the door," UN Myanmar resident coordinator Knut Ostby told AFP, saying he could not confirm the extent of the access UN teams would be given or which areas would be prioritised. Giuseppe De Vincentiis, the Myanmar representative for the UN refugee agency, said they hoped to start "as soon as possible," adding that the initial assessment phase would be completed in the coming months. But any large-scale refugee repatriation is still a long way off. "Based on our reading, the situation at the moment is not conducive for repatriation," De Vincentiis said, emphasising that he hoped the deal would eventually enable refugees to make a "well-informed" decision about whether to return or not. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement, calling it the "first step to address the root causes of the conflict in Rakhine". "The Secretary-General encourages Myanmar to take decisive steps to implement the agreement. He also reiterates his call for an end to violence, accountability for perpetrators, redress for victims, humanitarian access to all areas in Rakhine State", Guterres said in a statement. But human rights groups say the new deal will be worth little unless Myanmar opens Rakhine state up to independent monitors and takes significant steps towards treating Rohingya as full citizens. "If this agreement can help the UN access areas the government has blocked, that's good, but this doesn't represent any fundamental change on the ground," said Matthew Smith, co-founder of NGO Fortify Rights. Myanmar has traded accusations with Bangladesh over who is responsible for the repatriation delay, and allowed only chaperoned visits to Rakhine state. The country has refused access to a UN Human Rights Council fact-finding mission and barred UN rights expert Yanghee Lee, rejecting nearly all allegations that its security forces committed atrocities in Rakhine. Ostby confirmed that the new UN envoy for Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener would visit the country "very soon" for talks on the refugee crisis. rs-burs/amu/bmm According to the Head of State, the Inca country needs a strong economy with public and private investment , as well as higher tax collection in order to achieve development "We are aware that we have several possibilities to increase ( tax collection )," the statesman expressed in this sense. "We must focus on the large companies, which owe debts to the State, but have not been requested to pay them, as established by law," he added. In this sense, the top official stated his administration wants enterprises to work, invest, and make profits, but also to be responsible and comply with State regulations. "These (companies) can continue making progress, but they must also contribute to the country's progress . That is what we want," the Peruvian leader affirmed. Within this context, he also said his administration has achieved an economic growth of 5% in two months , higher than the 2.5% rate recorded last year Soldiers patrol in Bamenda, capital of Cameroon's English-speaking Northwest region, November 17, 2017 English speakers in the Northwest of Cameroon want an anti-terrorism law repealed and a general amnesty to help end the armed separatist campaign, a government commission said Wednesday. Among the demands are a debate on introducing a federal system to the West African country which is dominated by French-speakers. The proposals come from more than 800 people representing a cross-section of society in Bamenda, capital of the Northwest anglophone region. The commission, set up by President Paul Biya, said in a statement it had consulted traditional, religious, administrative and political figures as well as a "sample representing the population". Biya, who has been in power for 35 years, has long rejected demands for greater autonomy. Resentment festered from perceived marginalisation in education, the judiciary and the economy at the hands of the French-speaking majority But tasked with listening to the local population, the commission to promote bilingualism and a multi-party structure said it had drawn up a list of 18 proposals from English speakers to end the crisis. The food market in Bamenda, capital of the English-speaking Northwest region of Cameroon, November 15, 2017 Since trouble broke out in 2016, the government has refused to open a debate on the make up of the State. However, while some English speakers want a federal system, the more radical seek a separate anglophone country. Almost all those arrested are held under 2014 anti-terrorism legislation which includes capital punishment. The proposals call for "clarification of the terms 'terrorists' and 'separatists'", that are used against many anglophones. The amnesty should cover those who have been forced into exile as well as those arrested. -- Corruption, tribalism, nepotism -- English speakers say they feel "unloved by the French-speaking brothers" who maintain "a superiority complex", the commission notes. The proposals also detail grievances over youth unemployment, corruption, tribalism, nepotism and the "total absence of industry" in the Northwest. The authorities are accused of "arrogance in the management of the crisis". The crisis escalated last October after the declaration of the self-described "Republic of Ambazonia" in the Northwest and Southwest Regions, causing scores of deaths and prompting tens of thousands to flee their homes. Human-rights watchdogs point to a range of abuses, including abductions and targeted killings. The linguistic divide dates back to colonial times. Cameroon was once a German colony and was split between Britain and France after World War I. In 1960, the French part gained independence and the following year, British-ruled Southern Cameroons was amalgamated into the new Cameroon, becoming the Northwest and Southwest regions. According to the International Crisis Group think-tank, at least 120 civilians and 43 security forces have been killed since the end of 2016. The UN says 160,000 people have been internally displaced and 20,000 sought refuge in neighbouring Nigeria. Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar al-Baker (L) and Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce (R) attend a press conference at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) annual meeting in Sydney Qatar Airways' outspoken boss Akbar al-Baker on Wednesday issued "heartfelt apologies" for saying that a woman could not do his job because it was too challenging. Baker stirred negative headlines for the Gulf carrier with his sexist remark at the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) two-day annual meeting in Sydney. But on Wednesday a contrite Baker said sorry while also lashing out at the coverage, in a statement issued by the Doha-based airline. "I would like to offer my heartfelt apologies for any offence caused by my comment yesterday, which runs counter to my track record of expanding the role of women in leadership throughout the Qatar Airways Group and has been sensationalised by the media," he said. On Tuesday at the IATA meeting, asked why Qatar Airways was led by a man, he replied: "Of course it had to be led by a man because it is a very challenging position." His comments, which he also put down to his sense of humour, drew groans from assembled journalists, according to media reports. Baker was appointed chairman of IATA during the meeting, where gender parity was one of the major issues. He later defended Qatar Airways, saying it was the first Middle Eastern airline to have a female pilot and that other women were in senior roles. IATA currently has just two female CEOs on its 31-member board, and figures it released in March showed three percent of CEOs in the airline industry were female, compared with 12 percent in other sectors. Baker is well-known for being outspoken. In March 2015, he accused US rival airline Delta of flying "crap" planes. And he had to apologise last year for calling female American flight attendants "grandmothers". Bangladesh police conduct a drive against narcotics in Dhaka, June 5, 2018. UN rights chief Zeid Al Hussein has condemned the recent killing of more than 100 alleged drug dealers in Bangladesh The UN rights chief on Wednesday condemned the recent killing of more than 100 alleged drug dealers in Bangladesh, insisting that extra-judicial killings cannot be justified in the fight against narcotics. Some 130 people have reportedly been shot dead by Bangladeshi security forces since May 15 and another 15,000 arrested in the Philippines-style crackdown aimed to halt the spread of methamphetamine and other illegal drugs. "I am gravely concerned that such a large number of people have been killed," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said in a statement. He also voiced concern about government reaction, which "has been to assure the public that none of these individuals were 'innocent'. "Such statements are dangerous and indicative of a total disregard for the rule of law," he said. "People do not lose their human rights because they use or sell drugs." Bangladesh has been struggling to contain a surging drug trade. Police have vowed to stamp out "yaba", a very popular street pill made of caffeine and methamphetamine. Authorities last year seized a record 40 million yaba tablets, but said an estimated 250-300 million others entered the market, due in part to large quantities coming across the border from major producer Myanmar. Nine million yaba tablets were seized in less than three months earlier this year, including nearly two million in a single haul. The rights commissioner stressed that "the presumption of innocence and the right to due process must be at the forefront of any efforts to tackle crime." "Given the large number of people arrested, there is a high likelihood that many people may have been arbitrarily detained, without due regard for their rights." Urging Bangladesh to investigate reports of extra-judicial killings and hold the perpetrators to account, he also voiced concern that already vulnerable slum communities were particular targets and that the crackdown appeared to be hampering drug users from accessing health services. The alleged dealers killed in Bangladesh mainly died in what authorities described as shootouts, but parallels have been drawn to the Philippines where police have been accused of executing suspects. "There is no doubt that the trafficking and sale of illegal narcotics leads to tremendous suffering," the rights chief added. "But extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrests and the stigmatisation of people who use drugs cannot be the answer." Mauritius has a tradition of tolerance -- its population is drawn from a mixture of religions The Catholic Church in Mauritius on Wednesday condemned the blocking of Saturday's gay pride parade in the capital Port Louis by hostile Muslim protesters. "Regardless of one's moral beliefs about homosexuality, we would like to express our indignation at the way a LGBT parade that had police permission was obstructed by illegal protesters," said Cardinal Maurice Piat, Bishop of Port Louis, in a statement. On Saturday, the Rainbow Collective, which advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, attempted to hold a Pride parade in downtown Port Louis, attracting around 200 people. But when a group of Muslim Mauritians waving placards with anti-gay slogans gathered for a prayer meeting nearby march organisers decided to cancel their event fearing clashes. Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth also condemned the illegal religious gathering. "The rule of law must prevail and authorities will do what is necessary following this unacceptable and illegal demonstration," he said. A police investigation is also underway into the incident. Piat insisted on respect for the rights of others, adding that a small group of demonstrators did not represent all Mauritian Muslims. "We have many friends among our Muslim brothers and sisters and we will not lump a group of demonstrators together with the entire Muslim community," he said. The Council of Religions, which brings together representatives of all religions in Mauritius, echoed the message of tolerance and the rule of law. Respect for the law and human rights, it said in a statement, "is not an option, it is an imperative for any society, for our society!" Mauritius has a reputation for tolerance and has held gay events in the past. The Indian Ocean island nation is a mix of religions with around half the 1.3 million people being Hindu, just under a third Christian and the remainder Muslim. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu (left) met US US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo earlier this week ahead of a deal for the withdrawal of a US-backed Kurdish militia from a flashpoint Syrian town A road map agreed with Washington for the withdrawal of a US-backed Kurdish militia despised by Ankara from a flashpoint Syrian town will help rebuild trust between the two NATO allies, Turkey's foreign minister said Wednesday. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his Turkish counterpart Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu earlier this week reached a deal on the withdrawal of People's Protection Units (YPG) fighters from the town of Manbij which lies west of the River Euphrates close to the Turkish border. The YPG, which forms the backbone of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Kurdish-Arab alliance that has received extensive American backing, vowed Tuesday it would withdraw. Cavusoglu told Agence France-Presse in an interview that the move was a key part of rebuilding ties with Washington damaged by a string of rows including Syria and also issues such as American citizens detained in Turkey. "The US couldn't keep its promises in the past. But I think they also understood that it is a very critical issue, and this is why we agreed to work," Cavusoglu told AFP in his home southern region of Antalya where he is campaigning for Turkey's June 24 elections. "The implementation of this roadmap will help us actually to rebuild the mutual trust between two allies," he added. But he warned that the plan now had to be implemented on the ground. "If not, there will be a lack of trust," he said. Tensions between Washington and Ankara have so far scotched expectations of a strong alliance emerging between President Donald Trump and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. - 'Time to implement' - Cavusoglu expressed scepticism over the vow to withdraw by the YPG, who Turkey accuses of being the Syrian branch of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). "I'm not sure they are leaving," said Cavusoglu. Vehicles of US-backed coalition forces in the northern Syrian town of Manbij last month "I have seen that in the press, but in the past also the US had told us that they had left and they didn't. For me, what the YPG is saying is no kind of truth. We have to make sure that they leave." He said the aim of the roadmap is to ensure that the YPG leaves Manbij and then have the US and Turkey work together to establish a local security structure and "decide together who is going to govern Manbij. "This is the aim, so now it is time to implement it," he said. He said the assurance of stability in the area would encourage the return home of Syrian refugees, some 3.5 million of whom live in Turkey. Turkish forces earlier this year ousted the YPG from the Afrin region of northern Syria in a military operation. But Cavusoglu indicated that he wanted similar agreements with the US to prise the YPG from towns it had seized from Islamic State (IS) jihadists with American backing close to the Turkey border. Turkey has repeatedly accused the YPG of unbalancing the pre-war ethnic balance of towns like the former IS de-facto capital of Raqa which were predominantly Arab. "Eventually they should also leave from other areas... because Raqa for instance is a 90 percent Arab city," said Cavusoglu. Ankara has long opposed the YPG controlling a continuous stretch of territory on its border up to Iraq, fearing the creation of an autonomous region or even independent entity that could embolden Turkey's own Kurds. "A terrorist should not rule any areas. We are not against Kurds but against PKK and YPG," said Cavusoglu. Ahead of the elections, top officials including Erdogan have increasingly evoked the possibility of a Turkish operation against the bases of the PKK's military leadership in the Qandil mountains of northern Iraq. Pressed on the possibility of such an operation, Cavusoglu said: "We will eliminate (them) wherever they are. The threat is there and we have to eliminate it." Some lawmakers say Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, seen here at an April congressional hearing on personal data protection, should return to explain its deal allowing smartphone makers to access user information Facebook drew fresh criticism from US lawmakers following revelations that it allowed Chinese smartphone makers, including one deemed a national security threat, access to user data. The world's largest social network confirmed late Tuesday that China-based Huawei -- which has been banned by the US military and a lightning rod for cyberespionage concerns -- was among device makers authorized to see user data. Facebook has claimed the agreements with some 60 device makers dating from a decade ago were designed to help the social media giant get more services into the mobile ecosystem. Nonetheless, lawmakers expressed outrage that Chinese firms were given access to user data at a time when officials were trying to block their access to the US market over national security concerns. Senator Ed Markey said Facebook's chief executive has some more explaining to do following these revelations. "Mark Zuckerberg needs to return to Congress and testify why @facebook shared Americans' private information with questionable Chinese companies," the Massachusetts Democrat said on Twitter. "Our privacy and national security cannot be the cost of doing business." Other lawmakers zeroed in on the concerns about Huawei's ties to the Chinese government, even though the company has denied the allegations. "This could be a very big problem," tweeted Senator Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican. "If @Facebook granted Huawei special access to social data of Americans this might as well have given it directly to the government of #China." Representative Debbie Dingell called the latest news on Huawei "outrageous" and urged a new congressional probe. "Why does Huawei, a company that our intelligence community said is a national security threat, have access to our personal information?" said Dingell, a Michigan Democrat, on Twitter. "With over 184 million daily Facebook users in US & Canada, the potential impact on our privacy & national security is huge." - 'Approved experiences' - Huawei has been a lightning rod in Washington for concerns on national security but denies any links to the Chinese government Facebook, which has been blocked in China since 2009, also had data-access deals with Chinese companies Lenovo, OPPO and TCL, according to the company, which had similar arrangements with dozens of other devices makers. Huawei, which has claimed national security fears are unfounded, said in an emailed statement its access was the same as other device makers. "Like all leading smartphone providers, Huawei worked with Facebook to make Facebook's service more convenient for users. Huawei has never collected or stored any Facebook user data." The revelations come weeks after Zuckerberg was grilled in Congress about the hijacking of personal data on some 87 million Facebook users by Cambridge Analytica, a consultancy working on Donald Trump's 2016 campaign. Facebook said its contracts with phone makers placed tight limits on what could be done with data, and "approved experiences" were reviewed by engineers and managers before being deployed, according to the social network. Any data obtained by Huawei "was stored on the device, not on Huawei's servers," according to Facebook mobile partnerships chief Francisco Varela. Facebook said it does not know of any privacy abuse by cellphone makers who years ago were able to gain access to personal data on users and their friends. It has argued the data-sharing with smartphone makers was different from the leak of data to Cambridge Analytica, which obtained private user data from a personality quiz designed by an academic researcher who violated Facebook's rules. Facebook is winding up the interface arrangements with device makers as the company's smartphone apps now dominate the service. The integration partnership with Huawei will terminate by the end of this week, according to the social network. The news comes following US sanctions on another Chinese smartphone maker, ZTE -- which was not on the Facebook list -- for violating export restrictions to Iran. The ZTE sanctions limiting access to US components could bankrupt the manufacturer, but Trump has said he is willing to help rescue the firm, despite objections from US lawmakers. US President Donald Trump has hosted his first iftar at the White House on Wednesday Donald Trump hosted his first iftar dinner as president Wednesday, marking the traditional Ramadan fast-breaking meal with Muslim invitees at the White House. Trump, who has frequently engaged in inflammatory anti-Muslim rhetoric, defied recent custom by not holding a similar event during his first year in office. Hundreds of millions of devout Muslims observe the holy fasting month of Ramadan, which is slated to end on June 14 this year. From sunrise onwards, they abstain from food and drink, breaking their fast at sunset. There were more than 50 guests. At the head table, Trump sat with Saudi Ambassador Prince Khalid Ben Salman, and Jordanian Ambassador Dina Kawar. Ambassadors were invited from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Tunisia, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Morocco, Algeria and Libya. "To each of you and to the Muslims around the world: Ramadan Mubarak," Trump said. "Tonight, we give thanks for the renewed bonds of friendship and cooperation we have forged with our valued partners from all across the Middle East," he said. Outside the White House, a group of demonstrators displayed slogans and chanted in protest against Trump's efforts to ban immigrants from several Muslim-majority countries. "We think it's the height of hypocrisy for Donald Trump to ban Muslims with one hand and then invite lead diplomats into the White House and break fast with them," said Bilal Askaryar. "It's hypocritical and his actions with the Muslim ban and spreading hate speech about Muslims is un-American and un-presidential." Iftar dinners have been a regular feature on the White House calendar, along with prayer breakfasts, Passover Seders and similar events. Several American Muslim groups said they would not participate in Wednesday's iftar. Jordanian protesters wave national flags and shout slogans during an anti-austerity rally on June 6, 2018, in front of the trade union federation's offices in Amman Doctors, lawyers and teachers staged a strike across Jordan on Wednesday in protest over IMF-backed austerity measures including a proposed income tax law that have sparked a week of angry demonstrations. Lawyers in black robes were among more than 1,000 protesters who gathered outside the headquarters of the country's trade union federation in the capital Amman to demand the government drop the reforms. Some demonstrators waved Jordanian flags or carried placards reading "I'm afraid for my future" while others held up loaves of flatbread with "corruption = hunger" written on them. Later, some 2,000 demonstrators gathered in the capital for a fresh protest. Scuffles took place between police forces, mobilised in large numbers, and demonstrators who tried to repel them, according to an AFP reporter on the scene. The official Petra news agency said a policeman was stabbed and is in critical condition. After a week of rallies against reforms backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), there were few signs that public anger was abating, despite Prime Minister Hani Mulki stepping down and King Abdullah II calling for a full review of the proposed tax law. If passed, the bill would raise taxes on employees by at least five percent and on companies by between 20 and 40 percent. A majority of deputies have said they will vote against it, but protesters have staged repeated night-time demonstrations after breaking the Ramadan fast to demand the bill be withdrawn altogether. A Jordanian protester holds up a loaf of bread with a slogan in arabic reading, "corruption = hunger" during an anti-austerity rally in Amman on June 6, 2018 Tarek, a 45-year-old lawyer, said the law would imperil "what remains of the middle class". "This bill is a disaster," he said. Linda, a 35-year-old English teacher at a private school, said it was the first time in her life that she had attended a protest. Ali al-Abous, head of Jordan's doctors' union and trade union federation, told AFP that the strike aimed "to send a message to the new government (to) drop the income tax draft law and hold a national dialogue on it." - 'National dialogue' - Addressing a crowd later Wednesday, Abous said unions had "decided to give the government a chance to hold a national dialogue" on the law, but booing protesters prevented him from finishing his speech. "That's unacceptable; we shouldn't talk to the government until the bill is withdrawn," said Saad, 27, a pharmacy student, prompting shouts of agreement. Other protesters accused the unions of selling out their cause. Abous later clarified on television that the unions' main demand -- to see the bill withdrawn -- had not changed but that the government should be given time to respond. For his part, Jordan's newly named Prime Minister Omar al-Razzaz tweeted to pledge "dialogue with the different parties and to work with them" towards "a tax system that is fair to everybody". The tax bill, yet to be approved by parliament, was the latest in a series of austerity measures since Amman secured a $723-million loan from the IMF in 2016. Since January, resources-poor Jordan, which suffers from high unemployment and poverty, has seen repeated price rises including for staples such as bread, as well as extra taxes on basic goods. Jordanian protesters wave national flags and shout slogans during an anti-austerity rally in Amman on June 6, 2018 Fuel prices have risen five times since the start of the year, while electricity bills have surged by 55 percent since February. The measures have sparked some of the biggest economic protests in five years. Demonstrators gathered in Amman overnight after breaking their Ramadan fast, jostling with police and waving Jordanian flags. In a letter charging Razzaz with forming a new government on Monday, King Abdullah II said it "must carry out a comprehensive review of the tax system" to avoid "unjust taxes that do not achieve justice and balance between the incomes of the poor and the rich". Late Monday, the king had warned Jordan was "at a crossroads", blaming the economic woes on regional instability, the burden of hosting hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees and a lack of international support. Designer Kate Spade was treated for depression and anxiety for five years, her husband said Designer Kate Spade, who committed suicide in New York this week, had been treated for depression and anxiety for five years, her husband said Wednesday. "She was actively seeking help for depression and anxiety over the last five years, seeing a doctor on a regular basis and taking medication for both depression and anxiety," her husband Andy Spade said in a statement carried by The New York Times. It was a blunt rebuke to claims by the designer's sister that Kate Spade needed mental health care but refused treatment over concerns about potentially hurting the light-hearted brand. The death of the 55-year-old star designer, whose body was found Wednesday in her Park Avenue apartment, "was not unexpected by me," Spade's older sister Reta Saffo told The Kansas City Star from her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Spade -- a Missouri native who first worked as a journalist, including a stint as accessories editor at Mademoiselle magazine -- launched her Kate Spade fashion label in 1993 with her husband Andy and the help of outside investors. Her cheerful use of bright colors and prints proved a hit with career women. Over a decade ago, she sold the business and later launched a luxury line Frances Valentine. Celebrity news website TMZ cited police sources as saying Spade had fallen into depression in recent weeks after her husband left her and was seeking divorce. Andy Spade said that the couple had been living apart but in the same neighborhood, caring for their 13-year-old daughter Bea. - Embodying authenticity - Media and onlookers gather outside the New York apartment of fashion designer Kate Spade after she was found dead at age 55 on June 5, 2018 "Our daughter was our priority. We were not legally separated, and never even discussed divorce. We were best friends trying to work through our problems in the best way we knew how. We were together for 35 years. We loved each other very much and simply needed a break," Andy Spade added. "There was no substance or alcohol abuse. There were no business problems. We loved creating our businesses together. We were co-parenting our beautiful daughter," he stressed. "My daughter and I are devastated by her loss, and can't even begin to fathom life without her." Anna Wintour, the grand priestess of fashion and editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, hailed Spade as a woman who "defined" authenticity. "There was a moment when you couldn't walk a block in New York without seeing one of her bags, which were just like her; colorful and unpretentious," Wintour said in a statement. "Kate designed with great charm and humor, and built a global empire that reflected exactly who she was and how she lived. Long before we talked about 'authenticity,' she defined it." Several admirers such as First Daughter Ivanka Trump highlighted the importance of suicide helplines and seeing the signs of depression. "Kate Spade's tragic passing is a painful reminder that we never truly know another's pain or the burden they carry. If you are struggling with depression and contemplating suicide, please, please seek help," Trump tweeted. Cloth & Kind's Cross-Country Partnership Textiles and designer furnishings at Arbor Hills Crossing by Sabine Bickford From the June, 2018 issue It's not uncommon these days to hear of an online meet-cute through Tinder or eHarmony, but Cloth & Kind owners and friends Tami Ramsay and Krista Nye Nicholas met on the style inspiration website Pinterest. "We happened to have a mutual Pinterest friend, who 'pinned' something," Ramsay explains. "Krista commented on it; it happened to be an image that I had posted originally. Long story short, through all that weird alchemy we came together to meet." Their store, which opened in May, filled one of the remaining vacancies in Arbor Hills Crossing at Washtenaw and Platt. As Ramsay and Nicholas describe it, they are "full-service interior designers ... and textile lovers." Says Nicholas: "We had this little idea to be like a showroom for interior designers, to buy the textile lines that we love ... and represent them here." The store walls are lined with a few open "room vignettes," showing off a selection of textiles like rugs, curtains, and wallpaper, as well as furniture that the designers can order with the customer's upholstery of choice. Textiles range from actual vintage, to vintage-looking, to modern and sleek. Floral, striped, and plain color samples all line the store's "wall of fabric." "They can be used in all applications honestly," says Ramsay. "Certain fabric weights are probably better for upholstery, and we generally guide clients in that direction. We're not gonna put a piece of sheer fabric on a chair, but all of these have multiple applications between upholstery as well as window treatments, pillows, various sundries like that." A large table at the entryway is filled with odds and ends that the partners call "one-of-a-kind from Cloth & Kind." Little statuettes and decorative knickknacks they have picked up everywhere from resale stores to Moroccan markets are displayed. Further back is a selection of designer lighting options from Texas supplier Visual Comfort and the wall of textile samples, neatly hung by hooks and sectioned by designer. "A lot of the artisans are ...continued below... our friends now," says Nicholas, "so we wanted an opportunity to sing their praises." In the far back is the Cloth & Kind design studio, curtained off for private consultations.Though Nicholas lives in Ann Arbor and Ramsay lives in Athens, Georgia, the two friends have worked together cross-country as interior designers since 2013, with an office in each town. "We always dreamed of having a little shop," says Nicholas. She describes their initial vision as a small showroom and boutique."It quickly spiraled into this much larger scenario," she says. Visual Comfort "asked us if we wanted to be a gallery partner, which meant you couldn't have a cute small little boutique shop. We had to have tall ceilings."They ultimately chose Ann Arbor over Athens for the store because they saw more need here for what they had to offer. Athens is close to Atlanta, which according to Nicholas has "everything you'd ever ever want in the world of interior design." That's not the case in Ann Arbor or Detroit: "A lot of lines that we're carrying are just not represented here."The shop is meant to be useful for both walk-in customers and professional designers, but both owners say the trade discount they offer on textiles and furnishings means it's almost always more economical for any interested customer to go through a licensed and registered designer.Still, they say, they've designed the store so that someone can walk in and find something at any price point they choose.[Originally published in June, 2018.] Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, pictured in a blue suit, has decided to sell shares in the national carrier Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopia's move to open its markets has been hailed as a seismic policy shift, but analysts say the new government had little choice after years of tight control took their toll on the economy. Ethiopia boasts Africa's fastest-growing economy and a slew of new, ambitious infrastructure projects -- but beneath this jewelled facade are problems. Despite the heady growth, the economy is showing signs of slowing at a critical time. Just when the country is facing a demographic crunch, dollars have become scarce, debt is unsustainable and sectors that are booming elsewhere in Africa are moribund. This, say analysts, is what pushed the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) to announce Tuesday it will allow foreigners to take minority shares in some of its biggest state-owned industries, among them the country's sole telecom company and Ethiopian Airlines. It also announced plans to privatise a swathe of industries, from railroads to factories to industrial parks. "This is potentially a massive change, yes, but it is a change made by necessity," said Aly-Khan Satchu, an independent economic analyst based in Nairobi. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed "understands Ethiopia has their backs against the wall because the model where the government is the main borrower, guarantor and investor does not work anymore." The EPRDF put the Ethiopian state at the centre of its plans to rebuild the country after 16 years of civil war that ended in 1991 when they removed the communist Derg regime from power. Ethiopia's growth has largely been driven by Chinese investment and loans. Though it remains one of Africa's poorest nations, the EPRDF has guided Ethiopia through a decade of double-digit growth. This year the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts its economy will expand by 8.5 percent -- the fastest in the continent. Yet this is a drop from 2017's rate of 10.9 percent -- a dip largely attributed to recent political turmoil. - Limits of state control - Abiy came to power in April after the shock resignation of his predecessor Hailemariam Desalegn following years of unprecedented anti-government protests. The unrest served as a wake-up call to the administration that its economic policies hadn't delivered jobs or benefited the youth. More than 41 percent of the country's population of 100 million is under 15, said the United Nations, while the African Development Bank (ADB) estimates as many as a third of young people in cities have no job. Ahmed Salim of geopolitical risk advisory firm Teneo Intelligence says the state-centred approach had reached its limits. "The economic growth story Ethiopia has enjoyed hasn't been equally distributed around the country," Salim said. "The Ethiopian model has been remarkable and it's worked, but now, it's just not enough. "With a country of 100 million people, the public sector is just not able to cope with that" level of unemployment, Salim said. The liberalisation was announced after a meeting of the top 36 officials in the EPRDF, a one-time Marxist group that wields total control over Ethiopia. Coming on the same day parliament cut short a nationwide state of emergency, the move was hailed as a sign Abiy is committed to reforms. The government currently owns most of Ethiopia's major industries, and foreign businesses are kept out of the banking and retail sectors, a drastic departure from other rapidly-growing African economies like Ghana and Kenya who have welcomed foreign brands. With the new policy, Salim says he expects foreigners to take interest in the sole telecom Ethio Telecom, along with the agriculture, energy and brewery sectors, where foreigners are already allowed but which may see increased inflows from once-hesitant companies reassured by Abiy's new approach. - Will they come? - Charlie Robertson, global chief economist at investment bank Renaissance Capital, said many prospective investors in Ethiopia may still be turned off by the tough business climate and economy. Ethiopia, which the World Bank ranks in 161st place globally in ease of doing business, has no stock market, few mechanisms for repatriating profits abroad and last year banned foreigners from personally owning cars. "Heavy government involvement, a deep suspicion of capitalism, a belief that the government knows best" all may scare away investors, Robertson said, adding that he believes the currency remains overvalued despite a 15 percent devaluation last October. "Now, the main question will be to see if Abiy is able to back up his promises," said Satchu. A beach in Tunisia's Kerkennah Islands off Sfax, pictured on June 5, 2018 Days after dozens of migrants died in a shipwreck off the coast of Tunisia, Ibrahim remains undeterred from his "really profitable business" of people-smuggling in the country's Kerkennah archipelago. Sixty-six bodies have so far been recovered since an overcrowded boat sank after departing from the Kerkennah Islands over the weekend. The consensus among the 68 survivors is that more than 180 people were crammed on board, prompting the International Organization for Migration to give a death toll of at least 112. Residents of the islands off the coast of Sfax province had already seen tragedy in October when 46 migrants drowned after their boat was struck by a naval vessel. Over the past two years locals have seen their home transformed into a departure point for people hoping to reach Europe. The trade benefits from a lack of security on the islands, according to Ibrahim, who acts as an intermediary between migrants and the main smugglers. A man points toward the Mediterranean from Tunisia's Kerkennah Islands on June 5, 2018 "The absence of police encourages the departures towards Italy," he told AFP, declining to give his real name. The 30-year-old said his involvement makes him "easy money", earning 500 dinars (around 165 euros) per passenger. Wearing flip-flops and a cap shadowing his thin face, he explains that his customers usually gather at al-Jorf -- the same point from where migrants departed on Saturday before being shipwrecked. Survivors said the boat was more than double its capacity and sank after three hours at sea. - 'Security vacuum' - Khalifa Chibani, an interior ministry spokesman, said smugglers have benefited from a "security vacuum" in the area. Since the start of the year, nearly 6,000 migrants have been identified trying to cross from Tunisia to Europe, 2,064 from Kerkennah, he added. Chibani said the number of police was considerably reduced following social unrest in 2016, in which security facilities were set on fire by demonstrators. The protests were part of a months-long labour dispute with British energy firm Petrofac, the area's main employer. Migrants departing from the islands are mostly let go if they are stopped and questioned by authorities, a senior security official told AFP on condition of anonymity. "(They) know that if they are arrested in the Sfax or Kerkennah area, they will quickly be released," the official lamented. Conscious of the problems, Prime Minister Youssef Chahed visited Kerkennah on Tuesday. Ahead of his trip, he called for greater efforts to dismantle "as quickly as possible" the "criminal networks that profit from these young people looking to emigrate and putting their lives in danger". On Wednesday the prime minister's office announced the sacking of Interior Minister Lotfi Brahem, without giving a reason for his dismissal. The government has also fired 10 officials responsible for security in Sfax and Kerkennah, accusing them of negligence over the shipwreck. For Mohamed Salah, a retired school teacher from Kerkennah, increasing the security presence is essential to avoid further deaths. "For as long as there aren't enough police officers and security measures, more tragedies will happen on our island," he said. - 'The living dead' - Outside the morgue of the Habib Bourguiba University Hospital in Sfax, tearful families waited with coffins to collect the bodies of their loved ones. Fareh Khalifa, from Hamma in southern Tunisia, was waiting for news of his missing son Riadh. "The authorities want to leave our children to die! Young people have no more hope here! They are lost!" he shouted. A fisherman works on his wooden boat in Tunisia's Kerkennah Islands off Sfax on June 5, 2018 Kais, a pale-looking youth from Mahdia in southern Tunisia, was looking for his 17-year-old brother Zoubeir. After an hour, a nurse called him to identify "the body of a young teenager". Close by, a survivor with a bandaged leg lost his temper. "There is no different between me and the dead. I am the living dead. I have no present and no future! "My country offers me nothing... I want to leave no matter what!" Declining to give his name, the 25-year-old said he held onto a plank and pushed through floating bodies to survive. He was in the water for four hours before being rescued, but despite the ordeal he remains determined to reach Europe. "The next time, I will succeed! I won't stay in Tunisia," he said. Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, head of the UN-backed unity government in Tripoli, leaving the Elysee Palace following an International conference on Libya in Paris on May 29, 2018 The UN Security Council on Wednesday endorsed a French-backed plan for general elections in Libya by the end of the year. It did not, however, mention the December 10 date agreed upon last month during a Paris meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and rival Libyan leaders. "The Security Council welcomes the commitment of these parties, as set out in the Paris declaration, to work constructively with the UN to organize credible and peaceful parliamentary and Presidential elections, and to respect the results of these elections," said the text adopted by the UN body. It said, too, that it "welcomes the momentum generated by the international conference on Libya hosted in Paris by President Emmanuel Macron on May 29, 2018" under the auspices of the United Nations. That meeting brought together for the first time Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, head of the UN-backed unity government in Tripoli, and 75-year-old military strongman Khalifa Haftar, whose rival Libyan National Army dominates the country's east. Also present were Aguila Saleh Issa, the parliament speaker based in the eastern city of Tobruk, and Khalid Al-Mishri, the newly-elected head of the High Council of State. The four main Libyan leaders had agreed in Paris to hold elections on December 10 in a bid to lead the country out of years of chaos and fighting that began with a popular uprising in 2011 to overthrow late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi, Diplomatic sources said that in negotiating the exact working of the Security Council text, some countries had opposed "explicitly" mentioning December 10 as the election date. They wanted approval by all the parties for a constitution and a clear electoral law before settling on a precise date for polls, the same sources said. In its statement, the Security Council also noted the importance of "a constitutional basis for elections," as outlined in the Paris declaration. UN envoy Ghassan Salame has long been urging all the parties to agree on a constitution and a timetable for its adoption. In Paris, the four Libyan leaders had promised to find a "constitutional base" for elections by September 16, without specifying if such a deal would be put to a referendum. That date was not mentioned in the UN statement either. The question of the constitution provokes sharp disagreements in Libya. The process, which would define among other things the powers of a future president, could "delay the elections," said a source close to the negotiations at the Paris conference in May. Americans imported fewer mobile telephones and consumer goods as well as passenger cars in April 2018 The US trade deficit narrowed in April for second the straight month on record exports and as Americans imported fewer goods from China, government data showed Wednesday. The all-time high amount of exports were driven upwards by growing orders for American corn and soybeans as well as fuel oil and other petroleum products. The falling trade gap comes as the major world economies gird for all-out trade war after President Donald Trump last week imposed punishing tariffs on US imports of steel and aluminum. The total US trade deficit fell 2.1 percent for April to $46.2 billion after a downward revision for March. The result was better than analysts expected, since the consensus forecast called for a 3.4 percent increase. Exports of goods and services rose 0.3 percent to $211.2 billion, the highest on record. Exports of goods ($141.2 billion) and services ($70 billion) also hit all-time highs. Meanwhile, imports fell 0.2 percent to $257.4 billion. The deficit with China in goods only, the principal driver of the overall US trade gap, fell 9.8 percent for the month as US imports from the industrial giant fell $4.7 billion to $41.9 billion. Year-to-date, however, the US trade gap with China was still up 10.4 percent. Deficits also narrowed with Canada and Mexico for the month. The narrowing total trade deficit suggested trade could be less of a drag than expected on GDP growth at the start of the second quarter. But despite the declines in March and April, the deficit for the first four months of 2018 was still nearly 12 percent higher than the same period last year. Americans imported fewer mobile telephones and consumer goods as well as passenger cars. Trump's multi-front trade confrontation was due to spill over into this week's summit of Group of Seven economies in Quebec, Canada. Other G7 members have unanimously denounced Trump's protectionist trade policies and vowed to retaliate against the tariffs. The European Union on Wednesday said a package of counter-measures on US goods would be ready by July. South Sudan's armed opposition leader Riek Machar (C), pictured at a football match between South Sudan and Mali in June 2016, before he was forced into exile South Sudan's armed opposition said Wednesday leader Riek Machar would be "happy" to meet with his bitter rival President Salva Kiir, but denied knowledge of planned talks in Khartoum. Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir this week offered to host a meeting between the warring parties as regional leaders seek an end to the more than four-year civil war in South Sudan which has resisted numerous peace efforts. Kiir's spokesman, Ateny Wek Ateny, told AFP that such a meeting was to take place at the end of June, after his boss apparently welcomed the encounter. However Machar's Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) slammed this as "disinformation". "(It) has not received any official communication regarding the venue of any prospective 'face-to-face' meeting between President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar," spokesman Mabior Garang Mabior said in a statement. However he said Machar would "for the sake of peace" be "more than happy" to meet with Kiir. Bashir's offer comes after yet another round of peace talks organised by the regional Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) group failed to make headway in Addis Ababa last month. South Sudan, the world's youngest nation formed after splitting from the north in 2011, descended into war in December 2013 when Kiir accused his former deputy Machar of plotting a coup. A peace deal was signed two years later but collapsed in July 2016 when fresh fighting in the capital Juba forced Machar into exile. The renewed violence spread across the country, and numerous new armed opposition groups have formed, further complicating peace efforts. Efforts to revitalise a 2015 peace agreement resulted in a ceasefire in December which lasted just hours before warring parties accused each other of breaking it. Tens of thousands have died and nearly four million South Sudanese have been driven from their homes, while millions are going hungry amid a massive humanitarian crisis. Last week the UN Security Council gave the two warring sides a month to reach a peace deal or face sanctions. South Sudan won independence from Sudan with critical backing from the United States, which remains Juba's biggest aid donor. But Washington has grown increasingly frustrated with Kiir's government as the brutal war grinds on. Observers say that with the government winning militarily and the opposition fractured more than ever before, there is little incentive for Kiir to make concessions to his rivals. A file pictures shows Palestinian teen Ahed Tamimi at a military court at the Israeli-run Ofer prison in the West Bank village of Betunia on December 28, 2017 A Palestinian teen jailed for slapping an Israeli soldier near her home in the occupied West Bank lost an appeal on Wednesday for her early release, her supporters said. Ahed Tamimi's case gained international attention when footage emerged of her slapping and kicking two Israeli soldiers next to her house in the West Bank in December, with the soldiers not responding to the provocation. Tamimi was later arrested and eventually accepted a plea bargain in which she was sentenced to an eight-month prison term due to end in mid-July. On Wednesday an Israeli parole committee rejected the 17-year-old's appeal for early release, said a spokeswoman for a group campaigning on her behalf. There was no immediate confirmation of the decision from the Israeli side. The video of Tamimi's confrontation with the soldiers went viral, with some Israelis saying it was an example of the army not responding to provocations, but others saying the soldiers were humiliated. Palestinians said she repeatedly told the soldiers to leave her land, which is considered occupied under international law. A cousin of hers had been shot in the head earlier in the day during clashes with Israeli soldiers, her lawyers have said. Critics of Israel have contrasted her eight-month sentence with the nine months eventually served by an Israeli soldier who shot dead an injured Palestinian attacker as he lay on the ground. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had hoped to put the focus on jobs, security, environmental and women's issues at the G7 summit Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday he expects "frank and sometimes difficult" conversations with US President Donald Trump on US tariffs at the upcoming G7 summit. The Canadian prime minister will host the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States for an annual G7 summit in La Malbaie, Quebec on Friday and Saturday. "We know certainly that there will be frank and sometimes difficult discussions around the G7 table, particularly with the US president on tariffs," Trudeau told reporters. He had hoped to put the focus on jobs, security concerns, cleaning up the world's oceans and empowering women. But officials have conceded the G7 agenda is likely to be overtaken by trade disputes. Last week, the Trump administration unveiled punishing tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum from the EU, Canada and Japan, among others. That was met with retaliatory levies from its closest allies, which have raised fears of a trade war and prompted complaints to be filed with the World Trade Organization. In Washington, Trump economic advisor Larry Kudlow told reporters that Trump would press ahead with global tariffs on steel, and allies including Canada and the EU should not expect exemptions. He denied America's trade policies left it isolated from G7 allies, but warned that Trump would "stick to his guns" at the upcoming summit. "There may be disagreements, I regard this as much like a family quarrel. I'm always the optimist, I believe it can be worked out," Kudlow said. "We will do what is necessary to protect the United States, its businesses and its workforce," he added. Kudlow also insisted that the US relationship with Canada, in particular, was still "very good." But observers noted that Trudeau's pointed rebuke last week, calling for "common sense" to prevail in the US administration, marked a turning point for the worse in the relationship. - Economic order 'under attack' - CNN said Wednesday that Trump invoked the War of 1812 in a testy phone call with Trudeau on May 25 about the burgeoning trade row. According to CNN's sources familiar with the conversation, Trudeau pressed Trump on his national security justification for the tariffs, to which Trump replied: "Didn't you guys burn down the White House?" That was actually British troops, and historians say it was payback for an American attack on York, Ontario, which later became a part of Canada. The United States is reportedly preparing to unleash another round of tariffs on Canada as retribution for its Can$16.6 billion (US$12.9 billion) in tariffs on US goods. "The world economic order is under pressure, under attack," Canadian Trade Minister Francois Philippe Champagne said. "We must continue to work together because a world where there are no rules is a world where nobody wins," he warned. "Let us modernize what needs to be modernized," he added in reference to the WTO. "But let's also remember that these global rules have allowed all of our economies to prosper." Kudlow shot back that "Trump is trying to fix this broken system." "It was a good system," he said, "And it lasted for a bunch of decades, but that system has been broken in the last 20 years plus. The World Trade Organization, for example, has become completely ineffectual." Members of the Manbij military council are pictured in the town on June 6, 2018 The strategic town of Manbij in northern Syria won't be abandoned by the US-led coalition, a local military official said Wednesday after the leading Kurdish militia announced its withdrawal. On Tuesday the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) said it was pulling its military advisers from Manbij, where they had been training local forces in the fight against the Islamic State group. The announcement came a day after an agreement between the US and Turkey over the future of the Arab-majority town, which sits just 30 kilometres (about 20 miles) from the Turkish border. Manbij's military council had not been privy to the details of the deal, but it has received reassurances that the US-led coalition will not leave the town, the council's chief Mohamad Mustafa Abu Adel said. "With this agreement, we have had meetings with high-level officials from the coalition who have assured us that in no case will they abandon the town of Manbij," Abu Adel told AFP. The YPG forms the backbone of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Kurdish-Arab alliance that has received extensive backing from the US-led coalition. The militia spearheaded a victorious offensive in 2016 to drive IS from Manbij, where French and US troops belonging to the Western coalition against the jihadists are currently stationed. "The coalition forces are still there at their outposts," Abu Adel told AFP on the sidelines of a news conference. Dozens of YPG advisers were expected to leave the town within days, he added. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the aim of the roadmap agreed with the United States was to "eradicate the YPG" from Manbij. "Then we will work (with the Americans) to set up a security framework, and we will decide together who will manage the town," he said on Wednesday. Ankara accuses the YPG of being the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is outlawed in Turkey. Washington's support for the YPG has strained relations with Ankara, which fears the emergence of an autonomous Kurdish region on its southern border. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg insists the "transatlantic bond" remains strong NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday he was battling to stop the increasingly bitter row between Europe and the US spilling over into the alliance, warning of "serious disagreements" among member countries. European countries are at loggerheads with Washington over punishing new US tariffs on steel and aluminium as well as President Donald Trump's decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate accord. NATO defence ministers will meet in Brussels on Thursday to approve plans to beef up the alliance's ability to mobilise forces quickly in the event of a crisis, as concern about the threat from Russia shows no sign of abating. They will also sign off on two new command centres -- one to protect Atlantic shipping lanes, based in Norfolk, Virginia, and another to coordinate troop movements around Europe, located in the southern German city of Ulm. But the meeting, just five weeks out from a full summit of NATO leaders, looks set to be overshadowed by the spat between European countries and their longtime ally across the Atlantic. "There are now serious disagreements with NATO allies on serious issues," Stoltenberg told reporters, saying he was working hard to minimise the fallout for the alliance. "As long as they're not solved I have to be focused on how to reduce, limit the negative consequences for NATO." - 'Strong together' - Stoltenberg, who held talks with Trump in Washington last month, insisted the "transatlantic bond" remained strong and pointed to the way NATO survived major differences among members over the Iraq war in 2003 and the Suez crisis of 1956. "What we have seen again and again is that we have been able to unite around NATO's core task, to protect and defend each other despite those differences," he said. US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters that it was too early to start talking about a trade war -- "you know, there is always give and take on these things." "What we are looking for is fair and reciprocal trade," Mattis said en route to Brussels, adding: "I don't anticipate any effect on the security arena." He said he was going to Brussels "to listen to them, to take notes, to work these things forward and to find a common ground to work at." The leaders of all 29 NATO members will meet in Brussels for the summit in July when all eyes will be on Trump, who has repeatedly attacked European countries for not pulling their weight in the alliance. Germany, Europe's largest economy, has suffered the worst of Trump's wrath for its failure to live up to a pledge by all NATO countries to try to spend at least two percent of gross domestic product on defence. US neighbour Canada is also upset at being included on the tariff list and has rejected a US proposal to go further and slap steep tariffs on car imports over American national security concerns. "I will be very vocal" about the trade fight, said Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan. "To consider Canada as a national security risk as a result of steel is beyond ridiculous." - 'Four 30s' plan - NATO is modernising its command structure and beefing up its defences in response to growing fears about Russia, following Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Thousands of NATO troops are already stationed on standby in the Baltic states and Poland as deterrent and on Thursday defence ministers will give the go-ahead to a new US initiative called "30-30-30-30" or "four 30s". Under the plan, by 2020 NATO will have 30 battalions, 30 air squadrons and 30 warships ready to be used within 30 days to back up existing rapid response forces. "This is about establishing a culture of readiness and we need that because we have a more unpredictable security environment, we have to be prepared for the unforeseen," Stoltenberg said. Washington has banned the sale of US components to Chinese telecoms giant ZTE The United States and China have not yet reached a deal on Chinese telecoms giant ZTE that would lift crippling sanctions against the company, top US economic advisor Larry Kudlow said Wednesday. "No decision has been reached by both sides as of now," Kudlow told reporters. ZTE was fined $1.2 billion in March 2017, but in April, Washington banned the sale of crucial US components to the firm after finding it had lied multiple times and failed to take action against employees responsible for sanctions violations. Those measures had threatened to put ZTE out of business. US media reported late last month that the US Commerce Department had brokered a new deal under which ZTE would pay a substantial fine, hire American compliance officers to be placed at the firm and make changes to its current management team. Trump appeared to confirm that a deal had been reached in a tweet on May 25, but subsequent broader US trade talks in Beijing on US tariffs on aluminum and steel ended inconclusively with no mention of the ZTE matter. Democrats and some Republicans have vehemently opposed any deal on ZTE, which has been deemed a cybersecurity risk, but Trump cited the potential loss of US jobs if ZTE is forced out of business. Headed by United Kingdom's Trade Commissioner in Armenia and Georgia, Parliament member Marc Pritchard representatives of 10 British companies will be in Armenia on June 6-7 who will examine the opportunities for bilateral trade and investments in the spheres of renewable energy, infrastructure and urban development. June 6, 2018, 09:42 British business delegation to visit Armenia STEPANAKERT, JUNE 6, ARTSAKHPRESS: The British embassy in Armenia informed that during the 2-day visit the British businessmen will meet with high ranking officials and business representatives of Armenia. UK-Armenia business forum and individual meetings between British and Armenian businessmen are also scheduled. Animals left the first footprints on Earth up to 551 million years ago, according to ancient tracks found in China. Scientists believe the tiny parallel footprints which are only a few millimetres across were left by an early ancestor of modern-day insects or worms. Previously, it was believed animals with pairs of legs capable of leaving such footprints first appeared during the 'Cambrian Explosion' about 541 to 510 million years ago. However, this creature which provides the earliest evidence of an animal with legs would have existed around 10 million years before then. Scroll down for video Scientists believe the tiny parallel footprints (pictured) which are only a few millimetres across were left by an early ancestor of modern-day insects or worms Researchers from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Virginia Tech studied ancient trackways and burrows found in the Yangtze Gorges area of South China. The fossils date back to the Ediacaran Period, which was between 635 to 541 million years ago. Researchers found the tiny marks by tilting rocks at different angles so they caught light from the sun. The rock layers where the fossils were found date between 551 million and 541 million years ago, suggesting the footprints were made some time between those dates. The shape of the tracks suggest they were made by bilaterian animals with pairs of legs and a raised body. Prior to this discovery, it was suspected that animals with legs first appeared during this period, but no evidence had ever been found. 'Previously identified footprints are between 540 and 530 million years old', Dr Zhe Chen from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology told MailOnline. 'The new fossils are probably up to 10 million years older than previously known footprints', he said. The trackways are somewhat irregular, consisting of two rows of imprints that are arranged in series or repeated groups. The fossils date to the Ediacaran Period, which was between 635 to 541 million years ago. Researchers found the tiny marks (pictured) by tilting rocks at different angles so they caught light from the sun Researchers studied ancient trackways and burrows found in the Yangtze Gorges area of South China Researchers do not know what animals made the footprints but have interpreted the two parallel rows of dots as rows of tracks. The trackways appear to be connected to burrows, suggesting that the animals may have periodically dug into sediments, perhaps to mine oxygen and food. 'At least three living groups of animals have paired appendages (represented by arthropods such as bumble bees, annelids such as bristle worms, and tetrapods such as humans)', said Dr Chen. 'Arthropods and annelids, or their ancestors, are possibilities. 'But unless the animal died (and preserved) next to its footprints, it is hard to say who made the footprints', he said. Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky was recalled by a majority of voters in Santa Clara County, south of San Francisco, during primary elections held in the state June 5, 2018 A US judge who came under seething criticism for sentencing a Stanford University student to six months in jail for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman has been ousted from office by voters in California. Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky was recalled by a majority of voters in Santa Clara County, south of San Francisco, during primary elections held in the state on Tuesday. Persky, who has served on the bench for 15 years, is the first California judge to be recalled since 1932. He set off a storm of outrage in 2016 after he handed down what was perceived as a far too lenient sentence in the sexual assault trial of Stanford student Brock Turner. Turner, who was 19 at the time, was arrested after two students discovered him lying on top of an unconscious 22-year-old woman near a dumpster. He denied having assaulted the woman and said they had consensual sex after meeting at a fraternity party where there was heavy drinking. A jury, however, rejected his defense and he was convicted of three felonies. The case drew international attention after the victim -- identified as "Emily Doe" -- read an emotionally charged 12-page letter at the sentencing, telling Turner he had taken away "my worth, my privacy, my energy, my time, my intimacy, my confidence, my own voice, until today." The letter, which went viral, threw the spotlight on the problem of rape and sexual assault on US college campuses and galvanized women's rights groups. The case also sparked a national debate about judicial independence. "This is a sad day for the California judiciary," LaDoris Cordell, a former Santa Clara County judge who was active in the campaign against the recall, told the San Francisco Chronicle. The voters' message to judges, she added, was that "if they don't go along with popular opinion... they can lose their job." However, supporters of the recall said Persky's ouster was a clear message that perpetrators of such crimes would no longer get impunity. "We're in the middle of a historic moment, when women across all sectors of society are standing up and saying, 'enough is enough'," Michele Dauber, a Stanford law professor who led the campaign for Persky's recall, told local media. "And I think there is a sort of national reckoning with the fact that women aren't going to experience equality as long as we're subject to high rates of sexual violence and sexual harassment." Robert F. Kennedy (R) in the Oval Office in February 1961 with his brother President John F. Kennedy and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover Sirhan Sirhan is serving a life sentence in a California prison for the murder 50 years ago of Democratic presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy. Kennedy's son and namesake, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, is not convinced the Palestinian-born did it, or at least not alone. RFK Jr wants a fresh investigation of the assassination -- an appeal which is supported by only one of his eight surviving siblings. Robert F. Kennedy, 42, was shot dead just after midnight on June 5, 1968 in the kitchen pantry of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. The younger brother of president John F. Kennedy, cut down by an assassin's bullets five years earlier, had just delivered a victory speech in the hotel ballroom after winning the California presidential primary. The former US attorney general and New York senator died the next day. Sirhan, who was born in Jerusalem and moved with his family to the United States in 1956, was convicted of firing the fatal shots with a .22 caliber pistol. Sirhan, who was 24 at the time, confessed to the murder at his 1969 trial but claimed he could not remember carrying it out. Diaries in which he had written "RFK Must Die" were entered as evidence along with a motive of supposed hatred for Kennedy's support for Israel. Sirhan was captured at the scene, the gun still in his hand, but there have long been claims a second gunman may have been involved. Several witnesses and an acoustics expert believe that a total of 13 shots were fired although Sirhan's gun only held eight bullets. Also, Kennedy was hit behind the right ear by a bullet fired from point-blank range although Sirhan was said to be standing in front of him. - 'Curious and disturbed' - RFK Jr, 64, an environmental lawyer who is the third-eldest of Robert and Ethel Kennedy's 11 children, is among those who entertain doubts. Robert F. Kennedy Jr, whose father was assassinated 50 years ago while running for president, is not convinced that Sirhan Sirhan, who is serving a life sentence in prison, carried out the murder He revealed to The Washington Post last week that he visited Sirhan in prison in December of last year. "I went there because I was curious and disturbed by what I had seen in the evidence," RFK Jr told the Post. "I was disturbed that the wrong person might have been convicted of killing my father," he said. "My father was the chief law enforcement officer in this country. "I think it would have disturbed him if somebody was put in jail for a crime they didn't commit." His sister, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, 66, the former lieutenant governor of Maryland, said she supports her brother's call for a fresh look at the assassination. "Bobby makes a compelling case," she told the Post. "I think it should be reopened." Paul Schrade, a labor organizer who was wounded at the Ambassador Hotel that night along with four other people, has long campaigned for the case to be reopened. "Yes, (Sirhan) did shoot me," Schrade, now 93, told the Post. "Yes, he shot four other people and aimed at Kennedy. "The important thing is he did not shoot Robert Kennedy," Schrade said. "Why didn't they go after the second gunman? "They knew about him right away. They didn't want to know who it was," he said. "They wanted a quickie." - Focus on his life - Two other surviving Kennedy children -- his eldest son, Joseph P. Kennedy II and Kerry Kennedy -- told The Boston Globe they did not support reopening the case. "I think what is most important is that our country and my family reflect on what my father stood for and fought for -- a legacy promoting global peace, social justice, and civil rights," Joseph Kennedy said. Kerry Kennedy, a human rights activist, said "the reason that people are interested in the circumstances of my father's death is because of what he did with his life. "And I think we should focus on his life and not so much on his death." There appears, in any case, to be little likelihood the investigation will ever be reopened. In a 2013 rejection of Sirhan's appeals, US magistrate Judge Andrew Wistrich dismissed the claims there were 13 shots instead of eight as not conclusive. The judge also said the fatal shot behind the ear could be explained by the "chaos" and Kennedy perhaps turning his head after Sirhan opened fire. Sirhan, now 74, was sentenced to death in 1969 but his sentence was commuted to life in prison in 1972 after the death penalty was abolished. His requests for parole have been repeatedly denied. No caption A visiting Taiwanese high school student was charged Wednesday with threatening to attack his Pennsylvania high school after acquiring a pistol and more than 1,600 rounds of ammunition. Edward An-Tso Sun, 18, was arrested in March after another student told school officials that Sun had warned he planned to attack his school in Upper Darby, a suburb of Philadelphia, on May 1. "Hey, don't come to school on May 1st.... I'm going to come here armed and shoot up the school. Just kidding," Sun told the fellow student, according to the charges. When notified by police, Sun's host family recovered from his bedroom the huge cache of ammunition and a semi-automatic pistol. Later police found a full "ballistic suit" including a vest, jacket and pants, and a crossbow. "When someone makes an alleged threat of this kind, law enforcement must take it seriously and investigate all leads," said US Attorney William McSwain. "Law enforcement is committed to doing everything in our power to stop an attack before it happens." The charges came amid a spate of school shootings that have left dozens dead and injured and made global headlines. In the worst cases this year, 10 people were killed when student attacked his high school in Santa Fe, Texas on May 18, and 17 were killed in Parkland, Florida on February 14 after a former student opened fire. Sun was charged in federal court with one felony count of possessing ammunition while being in the United States on a non-immigrant visa. The charge brings up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Flying car project Kitty Hawk, funded by Google co-founder Larry Page, unveiled a "Flyer" model it described as "an exciting first step to sharing the freedom of flight," as seen in this handout image A flying car project backed by Google co-founder Larry Page was closer to take-off on Wednesday, with a model for test flights by aspiring buyers. Kitty Hawk, funded by Page, unveiled a "Flyer" model it described as "an exciting first step to sharing the freedom of flight." The company was created last year in Google's home town of Mountain View, California, and has been testing a prototype in New Zealand. Images and details were available at a freshly launched website at flyer.aero, and CNN posted coverage of a reporter taking to the air in a Flyer over a lake at a test site near Las Vegas. Kitty Hawk chief executive Sebastian Thrun, who founded the Google X lab devoted to "moonshots" such as self-driving cars and internet-synched eyewear, was quoted by CNN as saying piloting Flyer was as easy playing the video game "Minecraft." "Making Flyer accessible, which is what we do at our Lake Las Vegas training facility, helps more people experience the freedom and possibilities of vehicles of the future," a Kitty Hawk spokeswoman told AFP. "Our immediate priority is to invite small groups of people -- customers, influencers, media and community members - to experience the freedom of flight here in our newly opened training facility." People interested in buying Flyers were invited at the website to apply for an invitation to do so, with no price specified. An early version of Flyer was shown off last year. The electric aircraft had 10 small lift rotors on its wings, making it capable of vertical take-off and landing like a helicopter. Kitty Hawk said that at 15 meters (50 feet) away, it sounded about as lound as a lawn mower, while from 250 feet away the volume was on par with a loud conversation. Test flights by first-timers were over water, with the top speed limited to 32 kilometers per hour (20 mph) and the altitude to no more than three meters. The uncovered cockpit appeared big enough for one person, with their head poking out as it might from a go-kart. "Flyer is designed to be easy to fly and flown for recreational purposes over water and uncongested areas," the website said. "Flyer is Kitty Hawk's first personal flying vehicle and the first step to make flying part of everyday life." The new flying machine is one of several concept vehicles being testing, with Uber and others in the mix. Page and Sergey Brin founded Google in 1998, starting out in a Silicon Valley garage and transforming into one of the world's largest companies. He remains chief executive of Google-parent Alphabet but the Kitty Hawk project is a personal pursuit, not part of the tech giant's operations. ROME (AP) - Italy's new populist government won the first of two votes of confidence needed to start governing after its leader denounced Europe's "failed" immigration policy and warned Tuesday that his Cabinet would renegotiate Italy's fiscal obligations so it can help struggling Italians. The 5-Star-League alliance secured 171 votes in favor from Parliament's upper chamber, well beyond the minimum needed to pass. Another 116 senators voted against the coalition government and 25 abstained. Lawmakers in the lower Chamber of Deputies, where the two parties also have a majority, are set to cast confidence votes Wednesday that would launch western Europe's first populist government. Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte, 2nd from right, is congratulated by Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, right, as Labor Minister Luigi Di Maio, top left, applauds, at the Senate, in Rome, Tuesday, June 5, 2018. In his first policy statement, Conte addresses the upper Senate chamber on Tuesday and the lower Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday, capping an extraordinary week that saw the installation of Western Europe's first populist government after three months of political and financial turmoil. (Angelo Carconi/ANSA via AP) In his inaugural policy address ahead of the Senate vote, Premier Giuseppe Conte readily acknowledged that the 5-Star-League partnership marks a radical shift from the Italian status quo. "If 'populism' is the attitude of leaders to listen to the people ... and if 'anti-system' means introducing a new system that removes the old privileges of power, then this government deserves both these descriptions," said the premier, who was sworn into his first political office Friday. Conte, who until last week was still teaching law classes at the University of Florence, was interrupted with applause nearly three dozen times during his 75-minute speech. But during the debate that followed, opposition senators from left to right ridiculed the government's proposed agenda as contradictory, superficial and fiscally unrealistic. The heavy-spending plan calls for a two-tiered flat tax, a basic income for poor Italians, reforms to the pension system and a "dignified" minimum wage for workers. "You're deceiving the good faith of Italians if you're trying to make us believe that it's enough just to list these things, without saying how you'll do it or how you'll convince Europe," said Sen. Annamaria Bernini of the center-right Forza Italia, which campaigned in an alliance with the League before the March parliamentary election but voted against the new government. "Mr. President, you need heavy doses of reality, not just good intentions," she said. Conte sought to assuage fears in Europe about his fiscal program, but he offered no details on financing Tuesday and limited his comments to responding to concerns that Italy at some point might leave the eurozone. "Do we have to repeat it? Leaving the euro was never up for discussion. It is not up for discussion," he said. "The issue is another: Is it legitimate or not for a government of a country to re-negotiate economic policy?" Fears of a possible exit strategy were stoked when an early draft of the government's policy agenda leaked, showing plans to delineate rules to leave the euro and for the European Central Bank to cancel 250 million euros in debt. Those points were dropped in the final policy document. Conte also said Italy was a "convinced" member of NATO and reaffirmed its "traditionally privileged" alliance with the United States. However, he also called for the lifting of European Union sanctions on Russia, citing Moscow's strategic role internationally and the risk that sanctions will crush Russian civil society. Conte responded to concerns about the xenophobic League's rhetoric, insisting that Italy "isn't racist" and accepts its responsibilities to welcome and integrate legitimate refugees. But he said the rest of the EU must take on a greater burden of accepting refugees as well as negotiating with migrants' home countries and helping send back those who don't qualify for asylum. "It's obvious to everyone that the way migrant flows have been managed has been a failure," he said. "We will put an end to the business of immigration that grew disproportionately under the cloak of a pretend solidarity." Conte gave his speech standing between his two political masters: 5-Star Leader Luigi Di Maio and League leader Matteo Salvini, who both gave up their own ambitions to be premier to find a compromise candidate to head a previously unthinkable alliance. The 5-Star-League's financial platform has worried economists and EU policymakers who warn it will increase Italy's debt burden, already Europe's heaviest after Greece. Conte said Italy was committed to reducing its public debt, but said it wouldn't do so through austerity measures. He said the government plans to grow the economy through environmentally sustainable development, reduction in bureaucracy and a more business-friendly administrative climate for the small and medium-sized companies which are the backbone of the economy. Leading the opposition in the Senate on Tuesday, Democratic Party Sen. Franco Mirabelli said it was fine to call for decent salaries and a speeding-up of public works contracts. He said the Democrats could support some of the new government's policy proposals. "But the point is: How do you do it? With what resources?" Mirabelli said. Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte looks up as he addresses the Senate, in Rome, Tuesday, June 5, 2018. In his first policy statement, Conte addresses the upper Senate chamber on Tuesday and the lower Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday, capping an extraordinary week that saw the installation of Western Europe's first populist government after three months of political and financial turmoil. (Angelo Carconi/ANSA via AP) Premier Giuseppe Conte, left, is congratulated by Interior Minister Matteo Salvini after addressing the Senate, in Rome, Tuesday, June 5, 2018. In his first policy statement, Conte addresses the upper Senate chamber on Tuesday and the lower Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday, capping an extraordinary week that saw the installation of Western Europe's first populist government after three months of political and financial turmoil. (Angelo Carconi/ANSA via AP) Former Italian Premier Matteo Renzi, left, listens to Premier Giuseppe Conte delivering his speech at the Senate, in Rome, Tuesday, June 5, 2018. In his first policy statement, Conte addresses the upper Senate chamber on Tuesday and the lower Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday, capping an extraordinary week that saw the installation of Western Europe's first populist government after three months of political and financial turmoil. (Angelo Carconi/ANSA via AP) Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte, right, listens to Labor Minister Luigi Di Maio, at the Senate, in Rome, Tuesday, June 5, 2018. In his first policy statement, Conte addresses the upper Senate chamber on Tuesday and the lower Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday, capping an extraordinary week that saw the installation of Western Europe's first populist government after three months of political and financial turmoil. (Angelo Carconi/ANSA via AP) VIENNA (AP) - Western sanctions against Russia haven't worked and both Moscow and the West would benefit from lifting them, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Tuesday as he visited Austria - one of the European Union's more Moscow-friendly members. Putin, making his first foreign trip since being sworn in for a fourth term, said the restrictions are "harmful for everyone - those who initiated them and those who are targeted by them." The United States, the European Union and other Western allies imposed a slew of sanctions against Moscow over its 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine who are fighting the government. Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a joint press conference with Austrian President Alexander Van Der Bellen as part of a meeting in Vienna, Austria, Tuesday, June 5, 2018. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak) Coupled with a drop in oil prices, the sanctions contributed to Russia's two-year recession. The Russian economy has rebounded, however, and Putin emphasized that lifting the sanctions would answer common interests. He said that both Russia and the EU would benefit from resuming full-scale cooperation. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said his country, which will take over the 28-nation EU's rotating presidency for six months in July, stands by EU sanctions but "will work to improve relations between the European Union and Russia." "In particular, we hope that there will be progress in eastern Ukraine, so that sanctions can be removed step by step in accordance with the Minsk agreement," Kurz said, referring to a 2015 peace accord brokered by Germany and France that, so far, is far from fully implemented. He added that "a win-win situation is better for both sides than a lose-lose situation." Unlike many other EU countries, Austria didn't expel Russian diplomats over the nerve agent poisoning in Britain earlier this year of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter. Putin met in Vienna with liberal President Alexander Van der Bellen, the conservative Kurz and officials including Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache, whose nationalist Freedom Party entered the government in December as the junior coalition partner. Over the weekend, Strache - whose party in 2016 signed a cooperation agreement with the main Kremlin party, United Russia - said it was time to lift sanctions against Russia. Putin's sixth official visit to traditionally neutral Austria marks the 50th anniversary of the start of Soviet gas deliveries to the country. After Tuesday's talks, the managers of Russia's state-controlled gas giant Gazprom and Austria's OMV signed an agreement on Russian natural gas supplies through 2040, a deal Putin said highlights the two nations' "significant contribution to energy security in Europe." OMV is also among European companies involved in the planned Nord Stream 2 pipeline that would double the amount of gas Russia can send directly to Germany, skirting transit countries such as Ukraine - a project opposed by the U.S. and some other EU members. In Warsaw on Tuesday, Poland's president expressed his country's disapproval of the planned Russian-German gas pipeline to the visiting German president. Polish President Andrzej Duda said at a joint news conference with Frank-Walter Steinmeier that he believes Nord Stream 2 would undermine the security of central and eastern Europe. The pipeline project has become a deeply divisive issue in Europe. After meeting Putin in Vienna, Van der Bellen said some U.S. politicians claim that the EU is too dependent on Russian gas, but overlook the fact that American liquefied gas is much more expensive. "Under such circumstances, it makes little sense - viewed from a purely economic point of view - to replace Russian gas with American liquefied gas," he told reporters. Putin, meanwhile, welcomed Austria's intention to provide humanitarian assistance to Syria. He said that "if Europe wants to see the flow of migrants from Syria ... ebb, it's necessary to help people return to their homes and normalize life in their country." ___ Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report. Austrian President Alexander Van Der Bellen, right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, attend a military welcome ceremony as part of a meeting in Vienna, Austria, Tuesday, June 5, 2018. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak) Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, gestures as he walks next to Austrian President Alexander Van Der Bellen, right, during a military welcome ceremony as part of a meeting in Vienna, Austria, Tuesday, June 5, 2018. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak) WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - A Texas woman who faked a pregnancy for several months was found guilty Tuesday of fatally shooting a former co-worker in Kansas and kidnapping the victim's newborn baby with the intention of raising the child as her own. A Sedgwick County jury found Yesenia Sesmas guilty of first-degree premeditated and intentional murder, kidnapping and interference with parental custody. Prosecutors said she shot 27-year-old Laura Abarca on Nov. 17, 2016, at Abarca's Wichita apartment and abducted 6-day-old Sophia Gonzales. The baby was found safe less than two days after the abduction at Sesmas' apartment in Dallas and was returned to relatives in Wichita. According to authorities and evidence at the trial, Sesmas, a 36-year-old Mexican national, faked a pregnancy for months after she lost her unborn child. After finding out Abarca had given birth, Sesmas drove to Wichita and shot her in the head before taking the baby back to Texas. The two women had worked together at a Wichita restaurant years earlier. The trial centered on Sesmas' intentions when she went to Abarca's apartment, The Wichita Eagle reported . Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett told jurors during closing arguments Tuesday that after Sesmas had faked a pregnancy, prepared a home for a new baby and had a baby shower, she reached the point where she "was either going to have to come home with a baby" or explain her lies to those who knew her. "When she walked into that apartment on Nov. 17, 2016, there were only two ways for this to end," Bennett said. Sesmas went back to Texas thinking "she would wake up and raise that baby and her life would begin," he said. In interviews with investigators and the media, Sesmas has maintained that Abarca had agreed to give her Sophia but rescinded the offer after the girl was born. She said she didn't plan to kill Abarca and took a gun to the apartment only to threaten her into turning over Sophia. "She didn't know that it (the gun) was going to fire and she was surprised when it did," public defender Jason Smartt said during closing arguments. "She didn't intend to kill Laura." Jurors deliberated for less than three hours before reaching their verdict. Sesmas faces life in prison plus the possibility of additional time when she is sentenced on July 13. WASHINGTON (AP) - Authorities say a man wanted on an arrest warrant from a Maryland county was taken into custody when he reported for work at the White House, where he was employed as a private contractor. News outlets report 29-year-old Martese Edwards was taken into custody at a checkpoint Tuesday. Prince George's County police say a man with the same name was wanted on a charge of attempted first-degree murder. A Secret Service statement says a member of its uniformed division ran the man's name through a criminal database when he arrived at the White House. The Secret Service didn't provide the man's precise job or where he worked at the White House. Edwards was charged in the district with being a fugitive from justice. It's unclear if he has a lawyer. MEXICO CITY (AP) - Authorities in the western Mexico state of Jalisco say seven people have been killed in a clash with state police. The Jalisco state prosecutor's office says officers were patrolling a dirt road in Encarnacion de Diaz when they came under fire from two vehicles early Tuesday. It says seven men were killed in the ensuing gunbattle, while two escaped. The prosecutor's statement says police vehicles were hit by gunfire, but no officers were wounded. Encarnacion de Diaz is about 110 miles (180 kilometers) northeast of Guadalajara. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Gasgoo summarizes four major Japanese automakers China sales performance in May as below. Last month, Nissan was still the champion by both monthly sales and YTD sales. Honda has not seen year-on-year growth yet whether in monthly or year-to-date sales. Besides, Mazda faced a year-on-year decline of 2.4% in May, versus the 7.6% year-on-year increase the company had achieved in April. Nissan Nissan vehicle sales in China jumped 14.3% in May over the previous year to 128,059 units (including imported vehicles), according to the data the company released. Among that, the PV sales of Dongfeng Nissan and Dongfeng Venucia in May reached 106,445 units in total, jumping 15.2% year on year. Meanwhile, the sales performance of the CV unit (including Dongfeng Automobile Co., and Zhengzhou-Nissan) showed a year-on-year jump of 14.4% to 18,251 units last month. Through May, the China sales volume totaled about 589,409 vehicles for Nissan, up 10.8% compared with year-ago period. Its PV sales rose 11.3% year on year with 492,662 units delivered so far this year, while the CV sales reached 81,508 units, increasing 13.5% from a year ago. Toyota Toyota Motor's China sales reached 122,400 units in May, up 8.6% from the previous year. Over the first five months, the Japanese automaker delivered a total of 562,200 units in China with a year-on-year increase of 8.7% as well. The automaker is ambitious to sell 1.4 million vehicles in the worlds largest auto market, nearly 9% more than the sales target the company set for 2017. At the Auto China 2018 in China, Toyota Motor, joining hands with FAW-Toyota and GAC Toyota, showcased a total of 26 models, including the IZOA, the Corolla, the Levin plug-in hybrid version and the C-HR, which is the first SUV model based on TNGA platform. Honda Honda delivered a total of 99,263 vehicles in China last month, dropping 15.3% year on year. Both GAC Honda and Dongfeng Honda saw year-on-year decline of 12.9% and 17.7% in May, with 51,141 units and 48,122 units delivered respectively. By the end of May, 2018, the Japanese automakers cumulative sales in China have already exceeded 10 million units, according to Honda China. For the first five months this year, two joint ventures delivered 501,116 vehicles in total, edging down 6.5% from a year ago. GAC Honda saw a slight year-on-year drop of 1.8% in year-to-date sales to 276,328 units. Meanwhile, Dongfeng Honda Jan-to-May deliveries shrank by 11.6% over the previous year to 224,788 units. Mazda Mazda delivered a total of 126,530 vehicles in China for the first five months, maintaining an upward sales momentum with a year-on-year jump of 12.6%. It is noteworthy that the cumulative sales of SKYACTIV technology-equipped models have already exceeded 1 million units in China, according to Mazda Motor (China) Co., Ltd. As to its two major sales channels in China, FAW-Mazda Jan-May deliveries reached 51,261 units, edging up 3% from a year earlier. Changan Mazda boasted an impressive year-on-year sales growth of 20.2% with 75,269 vehicles delivered so far this year. In terms of monthly sales, Mazda delivered 24,495 vehicles in China last month, slightly dropping 2.4% from a year ago. To be specific, FAW-Mazda sales in May edged down 3% year on year to 9,799 units, and Changan Mazda delivered 14,696 units, down by 1.9% over the previous year. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A federal judge sentenced a man on Wednesday to 55 months in prison for harassing an Ohio sheriff and his family over almost two decades by sending dozens of threatening letters and creating slanderous websites. Judge Michael Watson also sentenced defendant William Young to three years of supervised release, instructed Young to undergo mental health counseling, and banned him from having any contact with the sheriff or his family. Young received credit for 303 days in jail. Young will "rue the day" if he violates any aspect of these orders, the judge said. He noted that Young was so obsessed with his harassment that he didn't realize his own father had died - a fact Young learned when reading a report analyzing sentencing options. "What you've engaged in here is so far beyond the pale," Watson said. "It evidences a 20-year fixation on intentional harassment that deprived them of their ability to enjoy life." Young, in jail togs and shackled at the wrists and ankles, told the judge he was "absolutely" remorseful, apologized to Sheriff Russell Martin and his family, and promised he had no intentions of ever repeating the behavior, under supervision or not. Authorities said the harassment began in 1999 when Young, of Columbus, was arrested by Martin, then a Delaware County police officer, on a menacing charge. Investigators said the 54-year-old Young sent letters over the years to Martin's wife, doctor and barber and to numerous other people. Young also created websites falsely accusing Martin of various sexual allegations, authorities said. "I'll force his hand if the powers that be make the mistake of coming after me again," Young said in a 62-page letter sent to Martin's wife in 2015, according to an affidavit. "Then I'll take everyone down who had a hand in what was done to me one by one." Protecting his family during two decades of constant threats from a stalker took a significant toll and required many lifestyle changes, Martin told the judge Wednesday. "This constant state of attentiveness and efforts to maintain as possible a normal lifestyle has taken a significant toll on me and those closest to me," Martin said, reading a statement to the judge. "We've been denied a normal lifestyle, even for someone involved in investigating and apprehending dangerous criminals." The first moments of peace in years came when Young was charged and jailed last year, said Martin, 60. He said he and his wife celebrated by enjoying a popsicle on their patio. ___ Andrew Welsh-Huggins can be reached on Twitter at https://twitter.com/awhcolumbus. FREI MIGUELINHO, Brazil (AP) - On Tuesdays, 18-month-old Joaquim Santos spends an hour sitting by himself in a corner of a special needs classroom in this small city in northeast Brazil, one of the country's poorest regions and one hit hard by the Zika virus. Two harried teachers look on as other toddlers play around Joaquim, who has severe developmental delays after being born with a small head. As limited as Joaquim is in the early education classroom, his family and doctors say he is lucky to be there. In this May 3, 2018 photo, mothers with their children, who were born with the Zika-caused microcephaly birth defect, sit in a waiting room at the Getulio Vargas Hospital, in Recife, Brazil. Three years ago, an outbreak of the Zika virus in Brazil's impoverished northeast led to thousands of babies being born with microcephaly. Now toddlers, some are trying out school while others, afflicted with myriad health problems, are fighting to survive. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) "When Joaquim was born I thought he was going to be in a vegetative state forever," said his mother, Maria de Fatima Santos, who must take the boy to therapy sessions and medical appointments most other days of the week. "I thought my life was going to be in a hospital." Three years ago, an outbreak of the Zika virus in Brazil's impoverished northeast led to thousands of babies being born with a birth defect called microcephaly. The virus is spread by mosquito, and scientists determined that it could lead to congenital defects in fetuses of mothers who were infected during pregnancy. Today, some of the children born during the outbreak are trying school for the first time - in very limited capacities - while others have died or are struggling to survive, hindered by health and developmental problems. Dr. Epitacio Rolim of the Getulio Vargas Hospital in Recife, where many children with Zika-related birth defects are treated, said there are still myriad unknowns. "How much they will learn or live, unfortunately, is a huge question mark," said Rolim, who during a recent afternoon spent hours injecting babies with Botox to ease muscle spasms. Beyond developmental delays, around 40 percent of the children with microcephaly treated at the hospital started showing new physical problems by the time they reached their first birthdays, including dislocated hips, which needed to be repaired surgically. "I only know of four who are walking," said Rolim. Zika began spreading in Latin America's largest nation in April 2015 and exploded in 2016, with more than 260,000 cases of virus that year, according to the Health Ministry. In 2015, there were 960 confirmed cases of microcephaly and just over 1,800 the next year, the majority in the northeast. Then, thanks to what scientists call "herd immunity" in hard-hit areas and public awareness campaigns, the number of cases of Zika and microcephaly plummeted. In 2017, there were fewer than 18,000 Zika cases and fewer than 300 children born with microcephaly. So far this year, Brazil has seen about 2,200 cases of Zika and 20 cases of microcephaly and other developmental abnormalities. For doctors, researchers and therapists, the Brazilian toddlers born with microcephaly a few years ago represent by far the largest pool in the world for them to observe and learn from. Seeing the children in school helps provide a window into the challenges children with microcephaly may face as they grow, but the institutions receiving them are often ill-equipped to meet their needs. Vaneide Campos, the principal where Joaquim attends school in Frei Miguelinho, a city of 13,000 in the Brazilian drylands, said she had to rejigger an already-tight budget to get a second special needs teacher. Joaquim has shown modest development. He can hold a pen and scribble on paper. He hears classmates recite letters of the alphabet, though he can't speak. He has also been included in school plays, all more than many other children with microcephaly. "We have had more goodwill than training here," Campos said. "We were not ready, but we knew we needed to offer a chance." Schools and daycares at the Zika epicenter face similar issues, with teachers and principals learning as they go. Jose Wesley Campos, who will be 3 years old in September, attends school in the city of Bonito, in the state of Pernambuco, two days a week. He and three other children with disabilities are in a room with 14 normally developing toddlers. "He was our first case with microcephaly. It was scary, and we didn't know what to do," said deputy principal Viviane Simon, who has worked at the school for 20 years. "But now we learn more from him than he learns from us." Still, because teachers are not equipped to provide nursing skills, Wesley's mother goes to class with him. "He needs double the attention," said Simon, explaining that Jose is fed through a tube and his mouth needs to be cleaned. Like many others, Jose must spend much of each week getting treatments in Recife, the state capital that is a few hours drive away. Dr. Liana Ventura, who runs the Altino Ventura Foundation in Recife, said more than 150 of the children with microcephaly getting treatment at the clinic are stable and healthy enough to be candidates for school. "But we can see schools are not prepared; they need caretakers that families can trust and materials geared toward inclusion," said Ventura, whose family helped found the clinic opened in 2014. Ventura also said there are 130 children waiting to get eye exams, glasses or other optical treatments, key for being able to attend school. But budget shortfalls have made it impossible to hire more doctors or buy supplies. For many children, going to school is out of the question. In the state of Pernambuco, 159 of the 2,513 children diagnosed with microcephaly have died, according to health figures. Paraiba, a neighboring state that was also hit hard, does not have current figures, but local specialists estimate that 10 percent of children born with microcephaly have died. Those numbers are much higher than Brazil's infant mortality rate, which was 14.4 deaths per 1,000 births in 2016, the most recent year available. Sophia Donario, one of the more recent cases of Zika-caused microcephaly, was only 5 months old when she passed away earlier this year. Yara da Costa says her daughter came down with pneumonia on a Monday evening. She took the baby to a local hospital in Lagoa Seca, a small poor city in the middle of Paraiba. She was then transferred to a hospital in Campina Grande, one of the state's largest cities. A bed couldn't be found for her in the intensive care unit until Wednesday. On April 1, Easter Sunday, she died. "Until then, she was doing very well. Some kids can't feed themselves, but she could. I could breastfeed her," Sophia's mother said through tears. A unique case of a mother who nearly three years ago gave birth to one normally developing twin and the other with Zika-caused microcephaly shows just how stark the differences can be. The boy, Edson Junior, runs around with the exuberant energy while his sister, Melissa Vitoria, born with microcephaly, has sight problems and stiff muscles that limit her movements. "It was a shock for me. I had no idea this was even possible" to have one healthy twin and the other with microcephaly, said mother Cassiana Severina, who lives in a home with crumbling walls on the outskirts of Recife. While Severina wants to send Junior to school, she has no such plans for his sister, who can't even sit up. "Everything she does is a victory with her, that's why I call her Melissa Vitoria (Victory in Portuguese)," said Severina. "Maybe one day she will win by going to school." Back in Frei Miguelinho, the mother of Joaquim, Maria de Fatima, says she is also hopeful. "I hope he gets a diploma one day," she said during a recent physical therapy session in Recife. "If I have a diploma earned by Joaquim to hang on my wall, any diploma, that is good enough for me." In this May 3, 2018 photo, 18-month-old Joaquim Santos, who was born with the Zika-caused microcephaly birth defect, works to place a plastic farm animal into a toy trailer during a therapy session at the Altino Ventura Institute, in Recife, Brazil. Joaquim was born during an outbreak of the Zika virus in Brazil's impoverished northeast which led to thousands of babies being born with microcephaly. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) In this May 3, 2018 photo, Maria de Fatima, right, accompanies her 18-month-son Joaquim, who was born with the Zika-caused microcephaly birth defect, in a manual dexterity therapy session with therapist Catarina Aquino at the Altino Ventura Institute in Recife, Brazil. "When Joaquim was born I thought he was going to be in a vegetative state forever," said Joaquim's mother. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) In this May 8, 2018 photo, Maria de Fatima, center back, accompanies her son Joaquim, who was born with the Zika-caused microcephaly birth defect, in a corner of a special needs classroom in Frei Miguelinho, Brazil. As limited as Joaquim is in the early education classroom, his family and doctors say he is lucky to be there. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) In this May 3, 2018 photo, 2-year-old Agata da Silva, who was born with the Zika-caused microcephaly birth defect, looks over her shoulder during a therapy session at the Altino Ventura Institute, in Recife, Brazil. Some of the children born with microcephaly during the 2015-2016 outbreak are trying school for the first time, in very limited capacities, while others have died or are struggling to survive, hindered by health and developmental problems. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) In this May 3, 2018 photo, 2-year-old Luiz Mauricio, who was born with the Zika-caused microcephaly birth defect, is reflected in a mirror held by Dr. Liana Ventura during an ophthalmology exam at the Altino Ventura Institute, in Recife, Brazil. For doctors, researchers and therapists, the Brazilian toddlers born with microcephaly a few years ago represent by far the largest pool in the world for them to observe and learn from. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) In this May 3, 2018 photo, 2-year-old Luiz Mauricio, who was born with the Zika-caused microcephaly birth defect, undergoes an ophthalmology exam at the Altino Ventura Institute, in Recife, Brazil. Ventura, who runs the Altino Ventura Foundation in Recife, said more than 150 of the children with microcephaly getting treatment at the clinic are stable and healthy enough to be candidates for school, but the schools are not prepared for them. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) In this May 2, 2018 photo, Solange Ferreira sits close by as a therapist works with her 2-year-old son Jose Wesley Campos, who was born with the Zika-caused microcephaly birth defect, at the Disabled Child Assistance Association, in Recife, Brazil. Jose has shown modest improvement. He can keep his head up thanks to therapy that has strengthened his neck and torso. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) In this May 3, 2018 photo, mothers and their children who were born with the Zika-caused microcephaly birth defect, wait to be seen by a doctor at the Getulio Vargas Hospital, in Recife, Brazil. Dr. Epitacio Rolim of the hospital, where many children with Zika-related birth defects are treated, said there are still myriad unknowns. "How much they will learn or live, unfortunately, is a huge question mark," he said. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) In this May 3, 2018 photo, Dr. Thiago Rodrigues injects botox into the calf of a child who was born with the Zika-caused microcephaly birth defect, to ease muscle spasms, at the Getulio Vargas Hospital, in Recife, Brazil. Beyond developmental delays, around 40 percent of the children with microcephaly treated at the hospital started showing new physical problems by the time they reached their first birthdays, including dislocated hips, which needed to be repaired surgically. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) In this May 4, 2018 photo, 2-year-old Melissa Vitoria, who was born with the Zika-caused microcephaly birth defect, left, rests next to her twin brother Edson Junior, at their home in Sao Lourenco da Mata, Brazil. "Everything she does is a victory with her, that's why I call her Melissa Vitoria (Victory in Portuguese)," said her mother Cassiana Severina.". (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) In this May 4, 2018 photo, Cassiana Severina da Silva, lies on a bed with her 2-year-old twins, Melissa Vitoria, who was born with the Zika-caused microcephaly birth defect, and Edson Junior, at their home in Sao Lourenco da Mata, Brazil. "It was a shock for me. I had no idea this was even possible" to have one healthy twin and the other with microcephaly, said Severina. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) Trump takes his own brand of diplomacy to North Korea summit WASHINGTON (AP) - He hectored Mexico's leader over border wall funding. Lobbed statistics at the Canadian leader without checking his facts. Cajoled the British prime minister to crack down on protesters. Had a tete-a-tete with Russia's head of state on a whim. Bonded with France's prime minister over military parades. President Donald Trump rarely conducts business-as-usual diplomacy when he interacts with world leaders. Heading into his expected summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Trump has a record on the international stage that suggests he'll seek to charm the dictator and look for an agreement that he can pitch as a win - even if it's more a triumph of appearance than policy. But never bet against the possibility that he'll just walk away. Trump's unpredictable negotiating style has been on full display in the run-up to the historic June 12 summit in Singapore. After months spent deriding Kim as "Little Rocket Man" and boasting about the size of his nuclear button, Trump has shifted tone in recent months, suggesting that a friendship was possible and agreeing to an unprecedented meeting. ___ Trump commutes term of Kardashian-championed drug offender WASHINGTON (AP) - Flexing his clemency powers once again, President Donald Trump on Wednesday commuted the life sentence of a woman whose cause was championed by reality TV star Kim Kardashian West. "BEST NEWS EVER!!!!" was the exuberant twitter response from Kardashian West, who visited the White House last week to press the case of Alice Marie Johnson, 63, who has spent more than two decades behind bars, serving life without parole for drug offenses. Unlike a pardon, the commutation will not erase Johnson's conviction but will end her sentence. Michael Scholl, a member of Johnson's legal team, praised Trump for "a courageous move." He spoke with The Associated Press as he was driving to the federal prison in Aliceville, Alabama, for Johnson's release. "She was speechless. She was in tears. She was just delighted. She was just beyond words," Scholl said of Johnson's reaction to the news. Trump's decision, his latest inspired by a celebrity champion, comes amid a flurry of recent pardons issued by the president. He says he's considering a long list of other clemency actions for those famous and not, including former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who is serving 14 years in prison for corruption, and celebrity homemaker Martha Stewart, who served about five months for insider financial trading. ___ At Guatemala volcano, time running out for rescue chances SAN MIGUEL LOS LOTES, Guatemala (AP) - Emergency crews cautiously resumed search-and-rescue operations Wednesday in towns and villages devastated by the eruption of Guatemala's Volcano of Fire, but time was quickly running out to find survivors of a disaster that killed more than 75 people with another nearly 200 still missing. Thousands of people displaced by the eruption have sought refuge in shelters, many of them of with dead or missing loved ones and facing an uncertain future, unable to return to homes destroyed by the volcano. Firefighters said the chance of finding anyone alive amid the still-steaming terrain was practically nonexistent 72 hours after the volcanic explosion on Sunday. The thick gray ash covering the stricken region was hardened by rainfall, making it even more difficult to dig through the mud, rocks and debris that reached to the rooftops of homes. "Nobody is going to be able to get them out or say how many are buried here," said Efrain Suarez, standing amid the smoking holes dotting what used to be the village of San Miguel Los Lotes on the flanks of the mountain. "The bodies are already charred," the 59-year-old truck driver said. "And if heavy machinery comes in they will be torn apart." ___ Ryan contradicts Trump's claim that the FBI planted a 'spy' WASHINGTON (AP) - In a break with President Donald Trump, House Speaker Paul Ryan said Wednesday that he agrees there is no evidence that the FBI planted a "spy" in Trump's 2016 presidential campaign in an effort to hurt his chances at the polls. He also issued a careful warning about Trump's recent assertion that he has the authority to pardon himself. "I don't know the technical answer to that question, but I think obviously the answer is he shouldn't and no one is above the law," Ryan told reporters on Wednesday. The comments come after Trump insisted in a series of angry tweets last month that the agency planted a spy "to help Crooked Hillary win," referring to his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton. There is a growing sense that Republicans are uncomfortable with those statements. Ryan, R-Wisc., is one of three congressional Republicans who have now contradicted Trump on the spying matter, including House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., and Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C. ___ Video details the moments before Florida school shooting FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - A just-released video interview with a campus security monitor at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School provides new details that may prompt another round of what-if questions about the Valentine's Day shooting that killed 17 people. The video released by Broward County prosecutors Tuesday was recorded shortly after the shooting. In it, Andrew Medina told detectives he saw Nikolas Cruz get out of an Uber with a large bag and make "a beeline" toward the freshman building, moments before it became a killing scene. Medina told detectives that he recognized Cruz, wearing a backpack and carrying a duffel bag, as a troubled former student and immediately radioed another unarmed security monitor to "keep your eyes open." That monitor entered the other side of the building, and then hid in a janitor's closet when shots rang out, Medina said. Neither monitor was armed with anything but a radio. Following the shooting at the school in Parkland, many politicians including President Donald Trump have said more trained armed personnel should be stationed at schools to protect students. He said Cruz turned to look at him as he approached the building on the golf cart. ___ EPA head laughs off Chick-fil-A questions; senior aide quits WASHINGTON (AP) - Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt laughed off questions Wednesday about whether he used his office to try to help his wife get a "business opportunity" with Chick-fil-A, while a close aide abruptly resigned amid new ethics allegations against her boss. Pruitt said in a statement that his scheduler, Millan Hupp, had resigned. It came two days after Democratic lawmakers made public her testimony to a House oversight panel that Pruitt had her do personal errands for him, including inquiring about buying a used mattress from the Trump International Hotel. Despite the mounting scandals, President Donald Trump continues to stand by Pruitt and lavished praise on him at a hurricane-preparedness briefing attended by Cabinet secretaries and agency heads. "EPA is doing really, really well," Trump told Pruitt on Wednesday. "And you know, somebody has to say that about you a little bit. You know that, Scott. But you have done - I tell you, the EPA is doing so well. ... And people are really impressed with the job that's being done at the EPA. Thank you very much, Scott." Pruitt is the subject of numerous ongoing federal ethics investigations over his lavish spending on travel and security, his dealings with subordinates and other matters. ___ The heat is back on high: May smashes US temperature records WASHINGTON (AP) - Record heat returned to the United States with a vengeance in May. May warmed to a record average 65.4 degrees in the Lower 48 states, breaking the high of 64.7 set in 1934, according to federal weather figures released Wednesday. May was 5.2 degrees above the 20th century's average for the month. Weather stations in the nation broke or tied nearly 8,600 daily heat records in May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported. It hit 100 in Minneapolis on May 28, the earliest the city has seen triple digits. "The warmth was coast-to-coast," said climate scientist Jake Crouch at NOAA's Centers for Environmental Information. What made May seem even warmer was that April was unusually cool for much of the United States, he said. Wisconsin had its coldest April followed by its second warmest May. ___ GOP, Democrats dodge disaster in California primaries LOS ANGELES (AP) - Republicans and Democrats alike appear to have escaped calamity in a crucial day of coast-to-coast primary battles as they fight to shape the political battlefield for the fall. There was an especially big sigh of relief from the GOP Wednesday after the party avoided being entirely shut out of California's November election of a new governor. Republicans had feared that Democrats would win both of the governor's spots in California's unique top-two primary system. With no one to support at the top of the state ticket, the concern was that GOP voters would sit the election out, giving Democrats a big advantage in House races across the state that could help swing control of Congress. There was less Democratic talk of a November "blue wave" on Wednesday. And President Donald Trump, crediting "the Trump impact," said there might be "a big Red Wave" instead. But that seemed to be more of a typical presidential boast than a realistic analysis of the California results. While some Golden State contests remained too close to call Wednesday, Republicans managed to get business executive John Cox on the November ballot for governor. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newson, a Democrat, easily captured the top spot to succeed term-limited Jerry Brown in the deeply Democratic state's top office. There will be no Republican candidate in the other big statewide race, for U.S. Senate. Democrats were fighting to avoid their own calamity, in California's many competitive House districts, and appeared to have largely succeeded. The concern in their case was that so many candidates would divide the Democratic vote and let Republicans take the top two spots in some House races. After more votes were counted on Wednesday, the Democrats appeared to have avoided being shut out in nearly all of the state's battleground contests. ___ Masters of rock: Climbers smash El Capitan's climb record LOS ANGELES (AP) - Days after two of the world's most celebrated rock climbers twice set astonishingly fast records on the biggest wall in Yosemite National Park, they did it again Wednesday, breaking a mark compared with track's four-minute mile. Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell scaled El Capitan's 3,000-foot (915-meter) sheer granite wall in 1 hour, 58 minutes and seven seconds, Honnold said. The blisteringly fast pace capped weeks of practice climbs up the so-called Nose route that runs up the middle of the massive monolith towering above Yosemite Valley. It also came just days after two speed climbers fell to their deaths on El Cap. Honnold didn't think they were on a record time until he pulled his phone out and looked at his timer as he ran for the tree that marks the official finish line, he told The Associated Press by phone as he hiked down from the summit. "Oh my god, we're doing it," he thought to himself as he secured the rope around the tree and hoped Caldwell would hustle up the final pitch. "It was slightly emotional when we finished it. I had a wave of, 'Oh wow.' I'm pretty proud we saw it through." ___ First lady returns to public eye after 'little rough patch' WASHINGTON (AP) - Melania Trump's disappearing act is over. The first lady showed herself in public Wednesday for the first time in nearly a month, seated alongside her husband, President Donald Trump, for a briefing on the federal government's preparedness for the hurricane season that began June 1. The routine meeting at Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters took on outsized significance after the White House revealed that Mrs. Trump would accompany her husband. Prior to Wednesday, she had not been seen off the White House grounds since May 10. The first sighting of the first lady came as she and the president strolled down the walkway from the Oval Office and climbed into "the Beast," his idling limousine. She was wearing a belted trench coat and her customary high heels. Minutes later, Mrs. Trump took her seat alongside the president at one end of a long conference table as the FEMA briefing began, appearing to be her usual self. WASHINGTON (AP) - Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt had an agency staffer reach out to Chick-fil-A on government email about a "potential business opportunity," emails show. The opportunity, according to one former EPA senior staff member, was exploring the possibility of a Chick-fil-A franchise for Pruitt's wife. It was the second disclosure in as many days of Pruitt asking agency staff to do personal tasks for him. Democratic lawmakers released a transcript Monday of an interview with a top Pruitt aide who said the EPA chief asked her to reach out to the Trump International Hotel about buying a used mattress. Federal ethics rules bar government employees from using their positions for private gain and prohibit supervisors from directing their subordinates to carry out personal errands. This Sept. 21, 2017 file photo shows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Building in Washington. The Government Accountability Office has agreed to examine the legality of a politically-tinged tweet from the official Environmental Protection Agency account. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) EPA mails obtained by the Sierra Club under the Freedom of Information Act show Sydney Hupp, then Pruitt's scheduler, reaching out to Chick-fil-A executive Dan Cathy on May 18, 2017, for a meeting, at Pruitt's request, she wrote in the email. "The administrator didn't mention a specific topic but I will touch base with him to see if there is one," Hupp said in one email. She followed up the next day. "The administrator would like to talk about a potential business opportunity." Former EPA deputy chief of staff Kevin Chmielewski said in an interview Tuesday that Millan Hupp, also a top aide to Pruitt, told him that the administrator was inquiring about the possibility of his wife acquiring a franchise with the chain. He said Pruitt, Millan Hupp and "the Oklahoma people" were doing what they could to find a job for Marlyn Pruitt in the Washington area. Pruitt and his aides also put out feelers among government and private contacts about interior decorator work for Pruitt's wife, according to Chmielewski, who says he was fired from the agency after challenging some of Pruitt's spending. Neither the EPA or Chick-fil-A officials returned requests for comment. Chick-fil-A representative Carrie Kurlander told The Washington Post, which first reported the story, that Pruitt had been interested in his wife becoming a franchise owner. "Administrator Pruitt's wife started, but did not complete, the Chick-fil-A franchisee application," the Post quoted her as saying. Pruitt's alleged use of his EPA position to help job-search for his family is improper because he put aides to work, and because "by using his staff he brought in the imprimatur of the agency, he invoked the authority of the agency," said Virginia Canter, ethics counsel with the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington nonprofit. "Under no circumstances is it appropriate to do that." Asked about the latest disclosures, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Tuesday, "We continue to have concerns and look into those and we'll address them." Separately Tuesday, the Government Accountability Office said it had agreed to a Democratic senator's request to examine the legality of a politically tinged tweet from the EPA. The GAO will conduct a legal review of the April 13 tweet from the EPA's official Twitter account, spokesman Charles Young said. The EPA tweet noted the Senate approval of Andrew Wheeler, a former coal lobbyist who also served in the EPA under President George H.W. Bush, as the agency's new second-in-command. The tweet added, "The Democrats couldn't block the confirmation of environmental policy expert and former EPA staffer." Democratic Sen. Tom Udall of New Mexico asked for the GAO review, calling the tweet "partisan taunting." Udall contended the dig by the EPA-run Twitter account violated a law barring use of government appropriations for publicity or propaganda. The review becomes the latest in a succession of federal investigations of Pruitt and his agency by the EPA's inspector general, the GAO, the White House Office of Management and Budget, and Congress. Questioned by Udall about the EPA tweet in a Senate hearing last month, Pruitt said: "I was unaware of the tweet and that shouldn't have occurred. The agency should not have done that." Asked for comment Tuesday, the EPA forwarded a May 23 letter by a different federal agency, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, finding the tweet did not violate a separate law, the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in political activity on the job. WASHINGTON (AP) - On college campuses in virtually every state across the U.S., the Chinese government supports more than 100 institutes that teach language and culture. For university students like Moe Lewis, they offer a chance to learn about Chinese art and pick up a few phrases in Mandarin. For critics, like Sen. Marco Rubio, they present a threat to academic freedom and a spy risk. As tensions between the U.S. and China rise over trade and security, perceptions vary wildly about educational exchanges that have thrived since diplomatic relations were normalized four decades ago. Increasingly, U.S. authorities are concerned that Chinese professors and students could exploit access to universities to gather intelligence and sensitive research - an issue a Senate judiciary panel will address Wednesday. And while the China-funded Confucius Institutes that have mushroomed worldwide since 2004 focus on benign subject matter, U.S. lawmakers are pushing for them to be more tightly regulated or even shuttered. Undergraduate student Moe Lewis, left, shows her watercolor painting of peony leaves at a traditional Chinese painting class at the Confucius Institute at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., on May 2, 2018. U.S. lawmakers are pushing for tighter regulation or even closure of the more than 100 Chinese Confucius Institutes set up on campuses across America. But for university students, they offer a chance to learn about Chinese language and art. (AP Photo/Matthew Pennington) "I think every college should be aware of what these institutes are used for and that they are in fact consistently been used as a way to quash academic freedom on campus at the behest of a foreign government," said Rubio, R-Fla. "I would encourage every college in America to close them. There's no need for these programs." The view from the George Mason University campus a few miles outside Washington is much different. While institutes have sometimes been accused of squelching anti-Beijing views on issues like Tibet, Lewis, an undergraduate studying animation, said she's seen no sign of intentional bias. She said the institute is one of her favorite places on campus. "I think that it's nice to have a lot of multicultural experiences especially with countries that (we) have tensions with," said Lewis, after painting peony leaves with watercolors at a weekly art session where most attendees were Chinese students and the painting teacher was an American. "It's important to learn about those places." The debate over Confucius Institutes has become a testing ground for the American response to China's growing global reach and underscores anxieties over the more than 350,000 Chinese who study in the United States, more than one third of all foreign students. Only around 20,000 Americans study in China. In February, FBI Director Christopher Wray voiced concern that China could be using professors or students to collect intelligence at universities naive about the risks. He also told a Senate intelligence committee hearing on worldwide threats that the FBI was monitoring Confucius Institutes, although he highlighted no evidence of wrongdoing. Since then, universities have announced the closure of three institutes in Texas and Florida after pressure from lawmakers. Rubio is co-sponsoring legislation that would require the institutes to register with the U.S. government as representing the interests of a foreign power. Currently, their academic activities exempt them from the Foreign Agents Registration Act, which requires disclosure by lobbyists and others advocating for foreign governments and organizations. "To me as a person, it seems to be more about fear, an anti-China sentiment, rather than speaking of the truth," responds Gao Qing, executive director Confucius Institute U.S. Center in Washington, who rejects allegations of espionage. "The problem I have with people who disagree with Confucius Institutes is that they haven't visited them." Foreign government funding of educational programs in the U.S. is not uncommon. U.S. allies like Japan and South Korea, for example, fund courses in their nation's language and culture. Saudi Arabia and other Mideast nations have supported research in Islamic and Mideast studies. Political suspicion about the Confucius Institutes has been driven in part by their sheer reach, with more than 500 in 140 countries, and by China's rise as a world power. In 2009, a top Chinese Communist Party leader described the institutes as "an important part" of the Asian nation's overseas propaganda. The Chinese government contributes teachers, materials and funding. America has been the biggest beachhead. But have threats to academic freedom - which forced the closure of institutes on campuses in Chicago and Pennsylvania in 2014 - been overblown? Each institute has an American and a Chinese director, and according to Harvey Perlman, a law professor at the University of Nebraska, the Chinese government agency that oversees the institutes, Hanban, has been flexible in amending contracts to make them subordinate to university rules. Their courses are tailored to the needs of the host university and have their own specialties, like Chinese theater and opera, traditional medicine and China's financial system. Former Republican lawmaker Matt Salmon of Arizona is "incredulous" that Chinese language training poses a security threat. He's a Mandarin speaker and former chair of a House subcommittee on Asia - a longtime friend of Taiwan and critic of Chinese trade practices. He now works at Arizona State University, which hosts more than 4,000 Chinese students. He said that the Defense Department awarded a three-year grant to Arizona State to promote Mandarin teaching in public schools that is conducted with its Confucius Institute. It helps design courses taught by local teachers for high school students taking advanced Chinese. The funding from National Security Education Program, which supports learning in strategically important languages, has totaled $450,000 in the past year-and-a-half, institute director Joe Cutter said. "I believe very strongly that if the DoD felt there were some kind of a threat to the national security, it would have never given us that grant," Salmon told The Associated Press. Pentagon spokeswoman Maj. Carla Gleason said the institute is not a formal partner in Arizona or elsewhere - although it is mentioned in the language program's annual report for 2017. Rubio, a member of the Senate intelligence committee and one of the most outspoken critics of China in Congress, says such cooperation should end. He contends that Confucius Institutes are used to identify students who could become "agents of Chinese influence." He warns that it is part of broader strategy by China's ruling party to eclipse American power. "It's a new world we're living in. A lot of the stuff sounds like Hollywood. But I wouldn't waste my time on it if it wasn't real," he said. ____ This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of Harvey Perlman. Chinese language teacher Li Nana speaks during an interview with the Associated Press on May 2, 2018, at Confucius Institute at George Mason University in Fairfax, Vs., where she is a visiting teacher. U.S. lawmakers are pushing for tighter regulation or even closure of the more than 100 Chinese Confucius Institutes set up on campuses across America. But for university students, they offer a chance to learn about Chinese language and art. (AP Photo/Matthew Pennington) SAO PAULO (AP) - Three years ago, Brazil experienced a major Zika outbreak that led to the revelation that the virus can cause severe birth defects in babies whose mothers were infected during pregnancy. Here's a look at what scientists know today about Zika and its effect on developing fetuses. THE OUTBREAK Zika began spreading in Brazil in April 2015 and the country saw more than 260,000 probable cases in 2016, according to the Health Ministry. Cases of microcephaly, an abnormally small head in babies, and other developmental deficits linked to Zika began surging in 2015, when more than 960 were confirmed; the next year saw more than 1,800. In this May 3, 2018 photo, 2-year-old Luiz Mauricio, who was born with the Zika-caused microcephaly birth defect, is reflected in a mirror held by Dr. Liana Ventura during an ophthalmology exam at the Altino Ventura Institute, in Recife, Brazil. For doctors, researchers and therapists, the Brazilian toddlers born with microcephaly a few years ago represent by far the largest pool in the world for them to observe and learn from. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) Almost as quickly as they spiked, cases of Zika and microcephaly plummeted. In 2017, there were fewer than 18,000 Zika cases and fewer than 300 cases of microcephaly. So far this year, Brazil has seen about 2,200 cases of Zika and 20 cases of microcephaly and other developmental abnormalities. WHAT CAUSES MICROCEPHALY? Many infections, like rubella and HIV, can cause microcephaly. Exposure to toxic chemicals and genetic abnormalities can also cause it. Since the 2015 outbreak, a panel of experts convened by the World Health Organization has concluded that Zika is also a cause. But scientists have been puzzled by the fact that Zika appeared to lead to microcephaly more often in northeastern Brazil than it did in other places, and they are still not sure why, said Ganeshwaran H. Mochida, a pediatric neurologist and researcher at Boston Children's Hospital. One hypothesis is that if a mother has already had dengue, which is related to Zika, Zika may be more likely to cause microcephaly in her baby. LINK BETWEEN ZIKA AND MICROCEPHALY? Scientists are not sure why a spike in microcephaly cases wasn't reported during previous Zika outbreaks. It could be that an increase was overlooked, or the outbreaks weren't large enough to produce a noticeable uptick in brain abnormalities. One study has suggested that a more recent mutation to the virus may have made it more likely to lead to microcephaly. "This may not be the whole story," said Mochida, the neurologist. "I don't think that this explains everything." WHAT DOES MICROCEPHALY MEAN FOR CHILDREN? On the most severe end of the spectrum, children with microcephaly have significant neurological disabilities that affect vision and hearing and they may not ever walk or speak. Scientists are still studying the effects of less severe cases. Microcephaly does not necessarily reduce a person's lifespan, but it can cause complications that do. For instance, many children have trouble swallowing, which leads them to aspirate, which can lead to pneumonia. WHAT ELSE IS UNKNOWN? Zika has also been linked to a range of other problems in babies, like seizures, restricted limb movement and poor coordination and balance. Scientists are still trying to figure out if Zika may cause problems that don't become apparent until later in a child's life, even when babies appear to be healthy at birth. IS THERE A VACCINE FOR ZIKA? No vaccine is currently on the market, though several are being developed. The most advanced of these was developed by government scientists at the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and is being tested at 16 sites in the U.S., the Caribbean and Latin America. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the institute, says approval for the vaccine could come in 18 months if scientists get data from a future outbreak. Barring an outbreak, approval could take three or more years. PHOENIX (AP) - More than 300 people who say their livelihoods depend on a coal-fired plant on a sprawling Native American reservation rallied in Phoenix Wednesday to request a 90-day delay in steps being taken to shutter it by 2019. Demonstrators - including miners who extract the coal that fires the plant, plant employees, their relatives and tribal and union leaders - asked for more time to allow a potential buyer of the Navajo Generating Station in northern Arizona to work out the details of a purchase they said would save jobs and a major source of funding for the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe. The power-generating plant is owned by several utility companies including its operator the Salt River Project, which owns 42.9 percent and controls another 24.3 percent on behalf of the U.S. government. The utilities decided early this year to shut the plant down when its lease expires and use cheaper power sources. Roger Parrish and Diane Johnson, right, rally outside the Capitol in Phoenix, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Hundreds of Navajo Generating Station employees, relatives and union and tribal leaders rallied at the state Capitol in Phoenix on Wednesday to request a 90-day pause in steps to close the coal-fueled plant by the end of 2019 as scheduled. (AP Photo/Matt York) "Just 90 days! Just 90 days!" the crowd chanted. Some in the crowd carried signs that read, "We're Worth 90 Days." "We don't think that 90 days is too much to ask," Clark Tenakhongva, the Hopi Tribe's vice chairman, told the group. He said that 85 percent of the tribe's operating budget revenues come from the generating plant. Added Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye: "We should continue to work to find solutions to keep the plant operating while supporting both the Navajo economy and families." The board of the Central Arizona Water Conservation District is to consider alternative power sources to the generating station during a Thursday meeting. The district uses power from the plant to operate an aqueduct system. It was the latest effort by employees of the 2,250-megawatt station to save their jobs. The plant's sole coal supplier, Peabody, has hired an investment banking firm to find a new owner for the station and the Kayenta Mine that supplies the plant with coal. Demonstrators were heartened by news that a Chicago-based company called Middle River Power has expressed interest. While supporters of the plant insist it can produce economically priced energy, utility operators say the station is more expensive to run than natural gas-burning plants. Jolene Bitsui, a 42-year-old single mother of four grown children who services heavy machinery at the coal mine, said her job has allowed her family to continue living on the Navajo reservation. "Closing the plant and the mine will take away hundreds of jobs from Navajos and Hopis, and these are good jobs," she said. "There really isn't any other business out there, any employer out by the reservation," said Floyd Singer, a 67-year-old member of the Hopi Tribe who made the five-hour trip to Phoenix with his son and three grandchildren. The Hopi Tribe and coal mining groups last month sued the operator of an Arizona aqueduct system known as the Central Arizona Project to halt the plant's closure when its lease expires near the end of next year. The lawsuit in U.S. District Court contends that federal law obligates the district to buy power from the station. A recent letter from the Interior Department raised the question of whether a 1968 federal act that obligated purchase of electricity from the station should be considered when deciding its future. Congress constructed the station rather than build two dams on the Colorado River for hydroelectricity so Arizona could move its water. Middle River Power, a portfolio company of Avenue Capital responsible for managing its power plant investments, said in a May 2 letter to the water conservation district's board president that it was discussing a possible plan for the station's future with the plant's operator and owners and federal and tribal officials. "We are immediately advancing discussions with the existing non-federal owners, tribal leadership and other stakeholders to discuss next steps for a functional transition to new ownership," wrote Mark Kubow, Middle River Power's president. Company officials did not immediately respond to a request for more details. The Salt River Project, a utility that operates the generating station, said Tuesday there is no deal. Salt River Project spokeswoman Scott Harelson said the station's owners decided to end its participation in the plant because coal generation cost so much and they had "not received an offer or entered into negotiations with any potentially interested party" to buy it. The Central Arizona Project, run by the Central Arizona Water Conservation District, is a primary customer of the plant, using the power to move water to residents and businesses in the state's Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties. The plant also provides electrical service to other customers in Arizona and parts of Nevada. Bill Bradley rallies outside the Capitol in Phoenix, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Hundreds of Navajo Generating Station employees, relatives and union and tribal leaders rallied at the state Capitol in Phoenix on Wednesday to request a 90-day pause in steps to close the coal-fueled plant by the end of 2019 as scheduled. (AP Photo/Matt York) A person waits for a rally to begin outside the Capitol in Phoenix, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Hundreds of Navajo Generating Station employees, relatives and union and tribal leaders rallied at the state Capitol in Phoenix on Wednesday to request a 90-day pause in steps to close the coal-fueled plant by the end of 2019 as scheduled. (AP Photo/Matt York) Members of the Navajo Nation attend a rally outside the Capitol in Phoenix, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Hundreds of Navajo Generating Station employees, relatives and union and tribal leaders rallied at the state Capitol in Phoenix on Wednesday to request a 90-day pause in steps to close the coal-fueled plant by the end of 2019 as scheduled. (AP Photo/Matt York) People rally outside the Capitol in Phoenix, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Hundreds of Navajo Generating Station employees, relatives and union and tribal leaders rallied at the state Capitol in Phoenix on Wednesday to request a 90-day pause in steps to close the coal-fueled plant by the end of 2019 as scheduled. (AP Photo/Matt York) TOKYO (AP) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, unable to meet North Korea's leader himself, is heading to Washington to try to make sure President Donald Trump doesn't overlook Japan's security and other concerns at the unprecedented U.S.-North Korea summit next week. Abe will have less than two hours to make his points to Trump at the White House on Thursday, before both go to Canada for a G-7 summit on Friday and Saturday, and the American president then flies to Singapore for his June 12 meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Japan, which relied on the U.S. for its post-World War II diplomacy and security, has been absent in the recent burst of engagement with North Korea. Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Moon Jae-in have both met Kim twice, as Abe waits his turn to raise Japan's concerns directly. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie prepare to leave for the U.S. at Haneda international airport in Tokyo Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Abe, unable to meet North Korea's leader himself, is heading to Washington to try to make sure President Donald Trump doesn't overlook Japan's security and other concerns at the unprecedented U.S.-North Korea summit next week. (Hiroki Yamauchi/Kyodo News via AP) "I want to make sure to be on the same page with President Trump ahead of the first ever U.S.-North Korea summit so we can push forward nuclear and missile issues, and most importantly the abduction problem, and make for a successful summit," Abe told reporters before leaving for the airport. Abe doesn't want Trump to strike a compromise that would leave Japan exposed to shorter-range missiles that do not threaten the U.S. mainland or that relieves pressure on North Korea before it takes concrete steps toward complete denuclearization. He is expected to ask Trump once again to raise with Kim the fate of Japanese abducted by the North in the 1970s and 1980s. "It wouldn't be my style to have to ask the U.S. for help on the abduction issue," said Hitoshi Tanaka, a former diplomat and head of a think tank, the Institute for International Strategy. "It's embarrassing that a state leader has to ask another leader in resolving the sovereignty of his people." While in Washington, Abe will also likely press Trump to remove Japan from U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, as well as express his opposition to threats of sharply higher U.S. tariffs on imported automobiles. Abe said he will show at the G-7 summit his full backing for Trump on North Korea, but he will urge everyone to take leadership in promoting free and fair trade rather than escalating disputes. Japan hopes to hold talks with North Korea after a successful Trump-Kim summit. Abe has said he is open to meeting with Kim, but only if it would lead to resolving the abduction issue. He said Japan would then normalize ties and provide economic aid as rewards for a North Korean commitment to both denuclearization and resolution of the abduction issue. Japanese analysts agree that if Abe's turn to meet Kim comes, it would be at the very end of a long process as Trump and other regional leaders deal with North Korea's denuclearization. "Japan eventually should develop its own diplomacy to deal with North Korea independently to resolve its problems, including the abductions," said Atsuhito Isozaki, a Keio University professor specializing in North Korea. He said that economic aid or financial compensation for Japan's 35-year colonization of Korea could be attractive, but noted that North Korea now has other potential sources of assistance. "Japan's economy does not stand out in northeast Asia as it did 16 years ago," he said, when Pyongyang and Tokyo last tried to negotiate a normalization of ties. Without Japan's help, North Korea has arranged a summit with the U.S. and possible economic cooperation from South Korea, he said this week at a briefing for media. After a 2002 summit between then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, North Korea acknowledged abducting 13 Japanese and allowed five of them to visit Japan, though they then stayed, angering North Korea. Japan says at least 17 Japanese were abducted and possibly more. Japanese officials are scrambling to get information on the Trump-Kim summit. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Japan will dispatch diplomats to Singapore to try to get the latest updates. After his last meeting with Trump in April, Abe said the two leaders were in complete agreement on North Korea policy, namely to keep sanctions in place until Pyongyang takes concrete action toward verifiable and irreversible denuclearization. Concerns have since grown in Japan that Trump may be prioritizing holding a summit rather than the goal of full denuclearization. Abe, who has played tough on the North, also worries that a growing reconciliatory mood between the two Koreas may prompt leniency toward Pyongyang. Trump's recent statement that he doesn't want to keep using the phrase "maximum pressure" against North Korea reinforced those fears. North Korea's state media Korea Central News Agency criticized Abe and other Japanese officials for insisting on pressuring the North. KCNA, quoting the Rodong Shimmun newspaper, said Japan worries about being "marginalized from the structure around the Korean Peninsula." ___ Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi Find her work at https://www.apnews.com/search/mari%20yamaguchi Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks to reporters at Abe's official residence in Tokyo Wednesday, June 6, 2018 before leaving for the United States. Abe, unable to meet North Korea's leader himself, is heading to Washington to try to make sure President Donald Trump doesn't overlook Japan's security and other concerns at the unprecedented U.S.-North Korea summit next week. (Kazuhiro Nogi/Pool Photo via AP) Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, right, speaks to reporters at Abe's official residence in Tokyo Wednesday, June 6, 2018 before leaving for the United States. Abe, unable to meet North Korea's leader himself, is heading to Washington to try to make sure President Donald Trump doesn't overlook Japan's security and other concerns at the unprecedented U.S.-North Korea summit next week. (Kazuhiro Nogi/Pool Photo via AP) Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, center, and his wife Akie prepare to leave for the U.S. at Haneda international airport in Tokyo Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Abe, unable to meet North Korea's leader himself, is heading to Washington to try to make sure President Donald Trump doesn't overlook Japan's security and other concerns at the unprecedented U.S.-North Korea summit next week. (Hiroki Yamauchi/Kyodo News via AP) WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - Former sex worker Catherine Healy was honored this week by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II for her work advocating for prostitutes. In 2003, Healy helped get prostitution decriminalized in New Zealand, which now has some of the most liberal sex work laws in the world. On Monday, the 62-year-old was awarded one of the nation's top honors when she became a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. In an interview with The Associated Press, Healy described finding out about the award, her time working in the sex industry, and fighting for the rights of sex workers. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. ___ In this Tuesday, June 5, 2018, photo, Catherine Healy, the national coordinator of the New Zealand Prostitutes' Collective, stands in front of supplies at the collective's office in Wellington, New Zealand. Healy was honored this week by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II for her work advocating for sex workers. (AP Photo/Nick Perry) THE AWARD: A letter arrived through the letterbox, a rarity these days. I was looking and thought 'Oh, I wonder what that is. A traffic fine?' It resonated with me very deeply. I was so shocked. I cried. It was a very profound moment. ___ PAYING THE BILLS: I was a primary school teacher and had been teaching nine years. I'd always travel a lot. I'd go out to India and Nepal and Sri Lanka and wander around during those wonderful school holidays. I'd come back and I'd have this Visa bill. And I'd save all year to do it again. So it was just kind of that static experience of not moving forward financially. In 1986, I cut out this advert for a massage parlor. I thought, maybe I'd have to go topless. It was a big, gracious old home. It had long, red velvet curtains. It was just that classic place. And here I was, going to school, 9 to 3, and that was my life, and I could see it stretching ahead. I took on the job of a receptionist, and became a sex worker a couple of months later. The pay was better, and it was a very strong economy in those days. And then they had the share market crash in 1987. After that, you had to work harder and longer. I was a sex worker for about 6 or 7 years. ___ ORGANIZING WORKERS: I remember seeing articles that had been written about sex workers, but there was no sex worker voice. There was nothing. It was just, the police were speaking. In 1987, we kicked off. We started having meetings and produced a little newsletter. I was a founding member of the New Zealand Prostitutes' Collective. At the first inaugural meeting, there were nine people in the bedroom and lounge of my apartment. All sitting there, smoking cigarettes. It was the '80s. These days, I'm national coordinator of the collective. ___ ARREST: I was arrested in 1991 and charged with solicitation. There were nine of us. The court case lasted about five hours, and I was acquitted. It was just so offensive. And, of course, the clients didn't get arrested, and nor should they have. The consequence of being convicted for soliciting in those days meant that you couldn't continue to work in a massage parlor, which is where most of the sex workers worked. ___ LAW REFORM: It went through the Parliament and passed by one vote. It was significant. The relationship we had with the police changed. They used to come in periodically and pose as clients, and then come back and charge you with solicitation. They used to record all the names of sex workers on a database, and your name could come up in a security check. You couldn't trust the police with information, and you need to have a relationship with them. People need access to police. There's been a lot of interest in our law. There's been a steady flow of academics coming in, people coming down on Fulbright scholarships, academics coming from Europe, from Holland, from the U.K., all looking at the New Zealand model. A ruling in 2014 was a big milestone. We supported a sex worker in a harassment case. The ruling came out in her favor, that she had been sexually harassed at a brothel. She was awarded 25,000 New Zealand dollars ($17,600). ___ STIGMA: I think that fighting the stigma of sex work remains our biggest battle. I well remember somebody saying, 'Oh, when are you going to stop.' It's just not what sex workers generally want to hear. It's their work, it's their job, it's what they do. If somebody's in a position where they absolutely hate their job, of course you want to support them to get out, and we do that. Hopefully my award is useful for every sex worker. We are not about fixing sex workers, we're about recognizing them. BERLIN (AP) - German prosecutors are investigating a suspected former member of Adolf Hitler's mobile killing squads for involvement in World War II massacres carried out by the "Einsatzgruppen," part of an 11th-hour effort to bring elderly ex-Nazis to justice, The Associated Press has learned. It's the third case to be opened in Germany recent months targeting individuals who are believed to have been part of the death squads. All three are being investigated under a new legal argument, recently upheld by the country's top criminal court, that someone who helped the Nazi killing machinery run can be convicted of accessory to mass murder, even if they can't be linked to specific deaths. Extending the legal standard on complicity from death camp guards to the Einsatzgruppen raises the possibility of a fresh wave of investigations, said Efraim Zuroff, the head Nazi hunter at the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Jerusalem, who alerted German authorities about the new suspects. FILE -- This photo was taken from a the body of a dead Germany officer killed in Russia, showing a German firing squad shooting Soviet civilians in the back as they sit beside their own mass grave, in Babi Yar, Kiev, 1942. German prosecutors are investigating a suspected former member of Adolf Hitler's traveling killing squads for involvement in massacres carried out by the "Einsatzgruppen" in Ukraine. The investigation centers on 95-year-old Wilhelm Karl Friedrich Hoffmeister, a corporal in the Nazi SS who was in Ukraine around the time of 34,000 people were massacred in 1941. The case is the third of its kind in recent months, raising hopes among Nazi hunters that Germany is pursuing a new wave of prosecutions. (AP Photo, file) "It was a very significant decision, but it's only one that has been reaching fruition in recent months after we helped them find now three people who fit the category," he said. "It's not exactly clear why it took them so long." The Einsatzgruppen were the Nazis' opening salvo in the Holocaust - SS units and police personnel who followed behind the regular army as it pushed into the Soviet Union in 1941, slaughtering perceived racial or political enemies in mass executions. Estimates vary, but experts agree they were responsible for well over 1 million killings. The Nazis later established their system of death camps partially due to concerns about the psychological effects the up-close mass killings were having on the Einsatzgruppen troops themselves. "The death camps and concentration camps ... became the iconic images of the Holocaust, but it was the Einsatzgruppen that were maybe even a more stark manifestation of the Nazi ideology and the Final Solution," Zuroff said. "The number of active (Einsatzgruppen) participants is much greater than the number who actually carried out the murders in the death camps." The latest investigation centers on 95-year-old Wilhelm Karl Friedrich Hoffmeister, a former SS Rottenfuehrer - roughly equivalent to corporal - suspected of serving with one of the death squads in Ukraine. That group, Einsatzgruppe C, was responsible for the shootings of nearly 34,000 people at Babi Yar, a ravine northwest of the Ukrainian city of Kiev, on Sept. 29-30, 1941 - one of the largest and most notorious of the mass executions done by Einsatzgruppen. The German federal prosecutors' office in Ludwigsburg that investigates Nazi war crimes has established that Hoffmeister was in Ukraine with the unit around that time, but hasn't linked him to any specific killings, Jens Rommel, the head of the office, told the AP. "We don't know what he did on what day," Rommel said. Rommel's office does not have authority to file criminal charges, but determined there was enough evidence to recommend that prosecutors based near where Hoffmeister lives in a retirement home pursue accessory to murder charges against him. Serving in the unit would not be enough on its own to secure a conviction, even under the updated evidentiary standard, so the prosecutors in Braunschweig need proof that Hoffmeister was present in some capacity when Einsatzgruppe C committed atrocities. The argument that Germans who enabled war crimes could be charged with accessory to murder even if they did not personally pull a rifle trigger or put the poison in the gas chamber was first used successfully against former Ohio autoworker John Demjanjuk in 2011. Demjanjuk was convicted in Munich on allegations he served as a Sobibor death camp guard, which he denied. He died before his appeal could be heard. The 2015 conviction of former Auschwitz guard Oskar Groening using the same argument, however, was upheld the next year by Germany's top criminal court on appeal, cementing the precedent. Several Einsatzgruppen leaders were tried and convicted in Nuremberg immediately after World War II. In recent years, prosecutors have focused more on former guards at Auschwitz and other death camps, dedicating their limited resources to cases comparatively easier to prove. "With the Einsatzgruppen, they were mobile, on the move over a huge area, so it's much more difficult," Rommel said. "We hope with the new legal situation we will have better success." Hoffmeister has told police he served in a successor group to the Einsatzgruppe C - "Special Task Force C" - and did not participate in any killings, lead prosecutor Julia Meyer told the AP. "He says categorically, he was not involved in any shootings," she said, adding that Hoffmeister also maintained he does not remember a lot about the war years. Two other suspected Einsatzgruppe C members currently under investigation - 94-year-old Kurt Gosdek and 96-year-old Herbert Wahler - also deny participating in wartime massacres. Rommel's office began looking at Hoffmeister and other Einsatzgruppen members after the Wiesenthal Center in 2014 went through a list of 1,069 men and women who had served with the units, pulling out the names of 80 people who were born after 1919 and thus most likely to still be alive. Rommel's office zeroed in on eight suspects they determined were alive, and have now turned over the files on Gosdek, Wahler and Hoffmeister to state prosecutors to pursue charges. One of the eight has since died and four others - all from Einsatzgruppe A, on which there is less information - are still under investigation, Rommel said. Though the Wiesenthal Center only has names and dates of birth for 1,069 people who served in the Einsatzgruppen, some estimates suggest the number could be as much as eight times higher, meaning dozens more might be alive. In an interesting twist, the center recently received a $25,000 "apology donation" from Anthony Scaramucci, who was fired last year after briefly serving as U.S. President Donald Trump's White House communications director. Scaramucci made the donation in October after coming under criticism for a poll on how many Jews were killed in the Holocaust tweeted by his post-White House media venture, the Scaramucci Post, which many considered inappropriate and offensive. The center's headquarters in Los Angeles has said the money will go to Zuroff and can be used to hire researchers. "Now the challenge is to find the rest of the names," Zuroff said. "We owe it to the victims." Shanghai (Gasgoo)- BENTELER and Changchun Faway Automobile Components Co.,Ltd (hereinafter, Faway), a holding subsidiary of Chinas state-owned automaker FAW Group, signed an agreement on June 4 to build an automobile component joint venture in Tianjin, dubbed Faway BENTELER Automotive Components (Tianjin) Co.,Ltd. The joint venture is 75/25 owned by Faway and BENTELER, according to local media. Covering an area of around 50,000 square meters, the new factory will be put into operation in the autumn this year. Reportedly, the factory will mainly manufacture various automobile components, such as stamping, thermoforming parts and welding equipment, etc. The products will chiefly be sold to the market across North China and surrounding areas of Bohai Bay. Its clients will include FAW-Toyota, FAW-VW and Beijing Benz, etc. The new factory currently has around 120 employees and plans to increase the number to over 400 in 2020. BENTELER Automotive, a subsidiary of the German automobile components & system solution provider BENTELER Group, has 12 factories across China since it stepped into this country in 2002. The company wishes to further improve its products and provide Chinese customers with better solutions by virtue of the cooperation with Faway, according to Laurent Favre, CEO of BENTELER Automotive. Founded in 1876, the BENTELER Group stands for over 140 years of premium competence in metal based products, systems and solutions in the areas of automotive, steel/tube and distribution. In 2017 fiscal year, the groups annual revenue hit a new high of 7.856 billion, growing 5.8% from the previous fiscal year. PARIS (AP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting opposition in European capitals to his aggressive stance against Iran. Netanyahu met Wednesday in Paris with French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, who is pushing to maintain European trade with Iran allowed under the 2015 deal curbing Iranian nuclear activities. The recent U.S. withdrawal from the accord threatens that trade and has raised fears of war between Israel and Iran. Earlier this week, Netanyahu met with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who both reiterated their support for the accord. Netanyahu says the deal was too soft on Iran. French President Emmanuel Macron and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, Tuesday, June 5, 2018. Netanyahu is meeting France's President Macron as part of his European tour, in an effort to rally support from allies over Iran. (Philippe Wojazer, pool via AP) He heads later Wednesday to London for meetings with British Prime Minister Theresa May and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. Netanyahu said Tuesday that his main focus now is how to push Iranian forces out of Syria. MANILA, Philippines (AP) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte threatened Wednesday to resort to emergency powers and enforce them "to the hilt" to deal with relentless criticism over his human rights record, crimes and government wrongdoing. Duterte, who placed the southern third of the archipelago nation last year under martial law to battle Muslim militants, said "there's no difference actually between martial law and a declaration of national emergency." "Even with this meager emergency power, I will use it to the hilt (to) put things in order," the brash-talking president said in a late-night news conference upon arrival from a South Korean trip. FILE - In this Tuesday, June 5, 2018, file photo, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during a South Korea-Philippines business forum and luncheon in Seoul, South Korea. Upon his return to the Philippines, Duterte has again threatened to resort to emergency power and use it "to the hilt" to deal with relentless criticisms over his human rights record, crimes and government wrongdoing despite his extra-tough approach to law and order. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File) He has threatened before to resort to authoritarian rule nationwide if lawlessness worsens beyond control. Looking exasperated, Duterte warned that he would place problematic government agencies under his office so he could supervise them directly. He has publicly fired several officials for alleged corruption, excessive foreign trips and other unspecified wrongdoings. "I'm warning all of you criminals, all, in government or outside of it. I will make radical changes in the days to come," he said. "For those offices which could no longer be put under control, I will place you under the office of the president. I'll be the one you'll face every day." It's unclear what triggered the volatile leader's latest outburst. The 73-year-old former city mayor drew widespread condemnation at home after he kissed a married Filipina on the lips in front of thousands of Filipino workers in a town hall meeting in Seoul. He has repeatedly lashed out at U.S. and European officials, U.N. rights experts and watchdogs for raising alarm over his bloody crackdown against illegal drugs. His administration has also been blamed for rising inflation after it pushed through with a government tax reform package and for being soft on China in South China Sea disputes. During the news conference, Duterte asked before a reporter had a chance to speak, "What is your question, about the kissing?" The president went on to explain that the controversial act was "pure showbiz" done without malice and aimed at entertaining the huge Filipino crowd. "That's my style ... There is nothing wrong in a simple kiss (and) you cause an uproar. They're just envious," the president said, although he acknowledged that he may be confronted by his two daughters when he returns home. The kissing episode sparked another uproar when an official and one of Duterte's fierce backers, Mocha Uson, uploaded a video that showed late Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. being kissed by a woman on board a plane shortly before he was assassinated by soldiers at Manila airport in 1983. Aquino's killing sparked protests that ousted then President Ferdinand Marcos three years later. Aquino's daughter and popular actress Kris Aquino slammed Uson in emotional remarks and warned she would confront her if Uson did anything that would besmirch the reputation of her parents, who are revered pro-democracy champions in the Philippines. COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France (AP) - Families of fallen soldiers and dwindling numbers of veterans of the D-Day invasion gathered on the Normandy shore Wednesday to mark 74 years since the massive military operation that helped change the course of World War II. Powerful gusts of wind blew through a heavy mist as relatives and others paid respects at the American military cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, above the sandy expanse known as Omaha Beach. Ceremonies have been held this week at memorial sites along the cliffs and sandy expanse where Allied forces landed in Nazi-occupied France. A red rose is placed on the headstone of John Iannuzzo, from New Hampshire 120th Infantry 30th division, at the Colleville American military cemetery, in Colleville sur Mer, western France, Wednesday June 6, 2018, on the 74th anniversary of the D-Day landing. U.S. and other allied troops have joined veterans of the D-Day invasion and families of fallen soldiers to mark 74 years since the massive military operation that change the course of World War II. (AP Photo/David Vincent) Thousands of U.S., British, Canadian and French troops launched a combined naval, air and land assault as dawn was breaking on June 6, 1944. The invasion weakened the Nazis' hold on Western Europe after they suffered a punishing defeat in Stalingrad in the east. American tourists and Dutch military history enthusiasts were among those visiting the memorial sites Wednesday, mingling with families of victims of the Battle of Normandy buried in cemeteries sprinkled around the region. This year's commemorations were relatively low-key, while bigger events are planned for the 75th anniversary next year. School children visit the Colleville American military cemetery, in Colleville sur Mer, western France, Wednesday June 6, 2018, on the 74th anniversary of the D-Day landing. U.S. and other allied troops have joined veterans of the D-Day invasion and families of fallen soldiers to mark 74 years since the massive military operation that change the course of World War II. (AP Photo/David Vincent) US and French flags and a flower are placed on the grave ofJames D. Black, from New York, who died on June 11, 1944, at the Colleville American military cemetery, in Colleville sur Mer, western France, Wednesday June 6, 2018, on the 74th anniversary of the D-Day landing. (AP Photo/David Vincent) David Chamberlain, second right and his family, from left to right, his wife June, his son Steve, center, and grandfather Charly Powers, from Atlanta, Georgia, visit the Colleville American military cemetery, in Colleville sur Mer, western France, Wednesday June 6, 2018, on the 74th anniversary of the D-Day landing. U.S. and other allied troops have joined veterans of the D-Day invasion and families of fallen soldiers to mark 74 years since the massive military operation that change the course of World War II. (AP Photo/David Vincent) PARIS (AP) - An explosion Wednesday at a grain silo in the eastern French city of Strasbourg injured at least four people and prompted a large firefighting operation. Three victims were taken by helicopter to regional hospitals and one victim with lesser injuries was treated in a nearby hospital, according to a statement by the regional administration, or prefecture. Six other people affected by the explosion were treated at the scene by a medical-psychological unit, the statement said, without elaborating on whether they were physically hurt or in shock. More than 100 firefighters and 60 emergency vehicles were taking part in the ongoing evacuation and rescue efforts at the site, in a port on the Rhine River. The river marks the border between France and Germany. Officials said the reason for the explosion is unclear. KINSHASA, Congo (AP) - The accounts are horrific. A young girl strangled and gang-raped. Children burned alive as government soldiers blocked the door of their hut and set it aflame. These are some of the atrocities revealed in 14 reports, seen by The Associated Press, that have not yet been released by the independent body charged with monitoring a failed cease-fire imposed in December in South Sudan, where civil war is now well into its fifth year. The reports should have been released last month at a meeting led by the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission but South Sudan's government did not attend, preventing the accounts of abuses from being made public because there was not a quorum. FILE - In this Saturday, June 3, 2017 file photo, a South Sudanese refugee and 32-year-old mother, who was raped for several days by a group of soldiers before she was allowed to leave, stands by a window at a women's center focusing on gender-based violence, run by the aid group International Rescue Committee, in Bidi Bidi, Uganda. Atrocities have been revealed in 14 reports, seen by The Associated Press, that are yet to be released as of Wednesday, June 6, 2018 by the independent body charged with monitoring a failed cease-fire imposed in December. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File) "The reports contain evidence that soldiers continue to kill, rape and destroy property. The decision to keep these ongoing atrocity crimes secret sends the wrong message," Jehanne Henry, senior Africa researcher for Human Rights Watch, told the AP. Only five such reports have been released this year. The African Union and the East African regional bloc that mediates South Sudan's peace talks should take action, said Edmund Yakani, executive director for the local advocacy group Community Empowerment for Progress Organization. "Silence on the violations only encourages further violations," he said. While people attending the meeting said copies of the reports on atrocities were distributed to diplomats from the United States, the United Nations, Britain and elsewhere, none have released them publicly or made public the reports of abuses. South Sudan's government didn't respond to multiple requests for comment on why it didn't attend last month's meeting. The unpublished reports describe violations by both government and opposition forces but most of the accounts blame government troops for instigating attacks and deliberately targeting civilians. During an attack in February on a school in the town of Modit, children fled into a hut to hide. Government soldiers blocked the door and set it on fire, burning the children to death, said one report. A young girl fetching water from a river in the town of Yei was strangled before she and her mother were gang-raped by government soldiers, another report said. More than 30 cases of sexual assault were recorded in Yei and surrounding areas in the three months following December's cease-fire agreement. And in the nearby town of Morobo, a woman was raped and beaten so badly that she lost sight in one eye. A disabled woman, unable to flee the fighting, was thrown into a burning house by government soldiers, the report said. The group that compiled the reports, the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism, told the AP its mandate doesn't require it to publish reports and that releasing them had been the task of its parent body, the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission. The commission reports to the East African regional bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. Neither responded to several AP requests for comment. The concealing of the atrocities comes as the international community loses patience with South Sudan's civil war, which has killed tens of thousands and created Africa's largest refugee crisis since the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The U.S., South Sudan's largest aid donor, has increased pressure on the Juba government amid widespread allegations that its officials are profiting from the conflict instead of working to end it. Last week the U.N. Security Council adopted a U.S.-sponsored resolution that warns of an arms embargo and sanctions against six high-ranking officials if the fighting doesn't stop. The U.S. and others, however, insist that the East African regional bloc, along with the African Union, should take the lead in finding peace and holding perpetrators of abuses accountable. The U.S. urges the monitoring bodies to release the reports of atrocities as soon as possible and regrets that the South Sudan government's "refusal to attend the plenary on May 14 prevented those reports from being made public at that time," embassy spokesman Mark Weinberg told the AP. Chris Trott, U.K. special representative for South Sudan, concluded that "it's important, for the sake of ordinary South Sudanese who are again falling victim to the violence and for the credibility of the peace process, that violators are held to account." ___ Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa FILE - In this Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018 file photo, former child soldiers stand in line waiting to be registered with UNICEF to receive a release package, in Yambio, South Sudan. Atrocities have been revealed in 14 reports, seen by The Associated Press, that are yet to be released as of Wednesday, June 6, 2018 by the independent body charged with monitoring a failed cease-fire imposed in December. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick, File) Republican John Cox secured a spot Tuesday night in the California's 'jungle primary' contest to decide who will run for governor in the fall, following a surge of support after President Trump tweeted his backing. Cox's victory, which came after two decades of failed attempts to win elected office, thwarted Democrats' hopes to lock Republicans out of what will now be a costly two-party contest. Trump proclaimed it a '[g]reat night for Republicans!' 'Congratulations to John Cox on a really big number in California. He can win,' the president tweeted. 'Even Fake News CNN said the Trump impact was really big, much bigger than they ever thought possible. So much for the big Blue Wave, it may be a big Red Wave. Working hard!' The Golden State's unusual primary election rules award runoff slots to the top two vote-getters in each contest, regardless of which party they represent. That means two Republicans or two Democrats could be the only ones left on the final ballot in November. Republican John Cox secured a spot in the runoff for California governor in November after a late surge in support thanks to the backing of President Trump Cox's victory knocked former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa out of the running and denied Democrats the chance to lock Republicans out of the running President Donald Trump bragged about seeing a Republican in the fallrunoff to be California's governor, but didn't mention how many congressional races will now have Democrats contending for what would ordinarily be 'safe' Republican seats Republican support was high in some hotly contested congressional districts, but Democrats were hopeful of securing a runoff spot in most key seats. Official results are still pending in many of the races, however, and it could be days before all of the votes are counted. Democrat Gavin Newsom easily secured the top spot in the gubernatorial primary, and will be Cox's opponent in November Trump proclaimed on Twitter that '[m]any more Republican voters showed up yesterday than the Fake News thought possible. The political pundits just dont get what is going on out there or they do get it but refuse to report the facts! Remember, Dems are High Tax, High Crime, easy to beat!' Democrats did manage to deny Republicans the chance to run for the Senate, however, with the race now between incumbent Dianne Feinstein and uber-progressive challenger Kevin de Leon. Gavin Newsom, the state's current Democratic lieutenant governor, easily secured first place in the governor's ballot. He is the ex-husband of Fox News Channel host Kimberly Guilfoyle, who has been dating Donald Trump Jr. for months. Dems had hoped former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa would edge out Cox for the second spot, guaranteeing them a cheap win in November. But Cox won about a quarter of the votes in Tuesday's election to easily outdistance Villaraigosa. Cox had been struggling to break clear of fellow Republican Travis Allen until Trump tweeted his endorsement two weeks ago 273 characters that rallied the president's fans but set up a hyper-partisan battle with Newsom. He told supporters on Tuesday that he relishes a fight with Cox, who he called 'a foot solider' for Trump's war on California. In the meantime, Cox made it clear he'll be fighting Newsom on the battlefields of tax policy and California's high cost of living. In congressional elections, the Republicans had been hoping to use the jungle system to lock the Democrats out of several seats seen as keys to whether Congress will change hands in November. Gavin Newsom's ex-wife, Fox News Channel co-host Kimberly Guilfoyle, is now dating Donald Trump Jr., who is spearated from his wife Vanessa Republican voters had been split between supporting Cox and fellow GOP contender Travis Allen until Trump gave his blessing While support for the Dems has surged across the state since Donald Trump was elected President, there were fears that having too many candidates on the ballot in some districts would splinter the vote, allowing Republicans to take the top spots. Final results had not come in for many battleground districts Wednesday morning, but Democrat challengers looked to have secured runoff spots in most of them. Democrats are targeting 10 of California's 14 Republican districts, with the ultimate goal being to flip 23 nationwide, handing them control of the House. District 39, District 48 and District 49 are seen as wide-open targets which will help establish the strength of Democrat support. Districts 10, 21, 25 and 45 are also being targeted. Democrat TJ Cox secured his spot unopposed in District 25 on Tuesday, but final results have not yet been reported in the others. Republican support was high in a number of hotly contested congressional districts, including District 48 (pictured), but the part failed to lock Democrats out of the running The Dems will keep hold of California's Senate seat, with November's race now looking to be between incumbent Dianne Feinstein and uber-progressive challenger Kevin de Leon In California's Senate race, Democrat incumbent Dianne Feinstein easily made it through to November's election. While the runner-up has not been declared, it is widely expected to be Kevin de Leon, who said he expected as much on Wednesday morning. De Leon won the backing of the California Democratic Party earlier this year and is seen by members as a more fitting face of progressive politics in the state. At 84-year-old, Feinstein is the oldest Senator in the US. She is also markedly more centrist than De Leon - a fact that has drawn criticism from party ranks. While California has drawn the most attention, the Golden State was not the only one going to the polls on Tuesday. There were also elections in Iowa, New Jersey, Montana and New Mexico. In New Jersey, establishment-backed Democrats muscled past liberal challengers in key congressional races, setting up contests in November that will test whether more moderate candidates will fare better against Republicans in swing districts. In southern New Jersey, where the retirement of a longtime Republican incumbent gave Democrats an opening, state Sen. Jeff Van Drew, a conservative Democrat, appeared set to prevail over left-leaning candidates frustrated by his past votes against same-sex marriage and minimum wage increases. He will face Republican Seth Grossman, a former city and county official, who emerged from a four-way contest. In a suburban New Jersey district, former Obama official Tom Malinowski was well ahead of two Democrats backed by independent liberal groups and will take on the moderate Republican Leonard Lance in what is expected to be a competitive race. Democrats also hope to capture two other Republican-held seats in the state. Republicans control both chambers of Congress. While Democrats need only a net total of two seats to take command of the Senate, Democratic senators must defend a bevy of seats in rural states such as Indiana, Montana, North Dakota and West Virginia that supported Trump two years ago. Voters on Tuesday also went to the polls to choose candidates in primaries in Iowa, Mississippi, Alabama, Montana, South Dakota and New Mexico. A number of women won Democratic contests, continuing a trend that began earlier this year. Women will represent the party in key House races in Iowa, New Jersey and New Mexico, based on Tuesday's results. VATICAN CITY (AP) - The Vatican is denying it is protecting the founder of a Peru-based conservative Catholic community who is accused of sexual and psychological abuse against minors and is being sought by Peruvian prosecutors. A letter from the Vatican's office of religious orders acknowledged it had instructed Luis Figari to stay away from the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae community and required him to seek permission before leaving Rome, but said it never impeded his return to face charges. Figari has been living in relative seclusion in Rome for years. An independent investigation concluded he was a paranoid narcissist obsessed with sex and watching his underlings endure pain and humiliation. The Vatican in January took over Sodalitium, a conservative movement that has some 20,000 members and chapters throughout South America and the U.S. JERUSALEM (AP) - Israeli troops shot dead a 21 year-old Palestinian stone-thrower during an arrest raid in the West Bank Wednesday after a soldier was hit in the head with a rock, the Israeli military and Palestinian Health Ministry said. The Health Ministry says Izzideen Tamimi was shot dead during clashes with Israeli forces in the village of Nabi Saleh, near Ramallah. Bassem Tamimi, the casualty's uncle, said forces entered the village and were attacked by stone throwers, to which the troops responded with live rounds, rubber bullets and tear gas. The Israeli military said its forces were attacked by a dozen Palestinians throwing rocks. After initially responding with riot-dispersal means, the military said one of the Palestinians approached from a side position and hurled a large rock that struck one of the soldiers in the head. The soldier then returned fire and killed his assailant, it added. The incident comes shortly after an Israeli soldier was killed in similar circumstances by a block that crushed his head. The military said it was still examining Wednesday's incident, and did not mention who it had sought to arrest or if the action was completed. Since 2015, Palestinians have killed over 50 Israelis, two visiting Americans and a British tourist in stabbings, shootings and car-ramming attacks. Israeli forces killed over 260 Palestinians in that period. most of whom Israel says were attackers. Attacks have petered off in recent months as the Palestinian focus has shifted toward protests at the Gaza border, where Israeli troops have killed over 115 Palestinians wounded nearly 3,700 more during near-weekly protests, according to Palestinian health officials. The casualty is a distant relative of Palestinian teen protest icon Ahed Tamimi. Nabi Saleh is home to about 600 members of the extended Tamimi clan. The 17-year-old Ahed has drawn international attention for her arrest after slapping an Israeli soldier in the face in December. BAIKONUR, Kazakhstan (AP) - A trio of astronauts from Russia, the United States and the European Space Agency blasted off Wednesday for a mission on the International Space Station. A Russian spacecraft carrying Serena Aunon-Chancellor of NASA, Sergey Prokopyev of Russian space agency Roscosmos and the ESA's Alexander Gerst, from Germany, lifted off as scheduled from the Russia-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan atop a Soyuz booster rocket at 1612 local time (1112 GMT) Wednesday. The Soyuz MS-09 ship has successfully entered a designated orbit and is set to dock at the space outpost Friday. The Soyuz-FG rocket booster with Soyuz MS-09 space ship carrying a new crew to the International Space Station, ISS, blasts off at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. The Russian rocket carries U.S. astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev, and German astronaut Alexander Gerst. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) The three astronauts will join Drew Feustel and Ricky Arnold of NASA and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos, who are currently on the station. The mission program includes 250 experiments in fields such as biology, Earth science, human research, physical sciences and technology. Roscosmos said its chief Dmitry Rogozin met at Baikonur with U.S. Ambassador to Russia, Jon Huntsman, who attended the launch. The agency said in a statement that the continuing cooperation in space could help repair the strained relationship between the U.S. and Russia. Relations between Moscow and Washington have plummeted to post-Cold War lows over the crisis in Ukraine, the war in Syria and allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. A bird flies in front of the trail of the Soyuz-FG rocket booster with Soyuz MS-09 space ship, carrying a new crew to the International Space Station, ISS, as it blasts off at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. The Russian rocket carries U.S. astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev, and German astronaut Alexander Gerst. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) The Soyuz-FG rocket booster with Soyuz MS-09 space ship carrying a new crew to the International Space Station, ISS, blasts off at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. The Russian rocket carries U.S. astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev, and German astronaut Alexander Gerst. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) A bird flies in front of the trail of the Soyuz-FG rocket booster with Soyuz MS-09 space ship, carrying a new crew to the International Space Station, ISS, as it blasts off at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. The Russian rocket carries U.S. astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev, and German astronaut Alexander Gerst. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) The Soyuz-FG rocket booster with Soyuz MS-09 space ship carrying a new crew to the International Space Station, ISS, flies in the sky at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. The Russian rocket carries U.S. astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev German astronaut Alexander Gerst. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) U.S. astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, centre, Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev and German astronaut Alexander Gerst, top, crew members of the mission to the International Space Station, ISS, wave as they board prior to the launch at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky, Pool) U.S. astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, member of the main crew of the expedition to the International Space Station (ISS) waves from a bus prior to the launch of Soyuz MS-09 space ship at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Shamil Zhumatov, pool) German astronaut Alexander Gerst, crew member of the mission to the International Space Station, ISS, waves as he boards prior to the launch at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky, Pool) U.S. astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, right, Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev, center, and German astronaut Alexander Gerst, members of the main crew to the International Space Station (ISS), wave near a bus from a hotel prior the launch of Soyuz-FG rocket at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) U.S. astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, right, Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev, centre, and German astronaut Alexander Gerst, members of the main crew to the International Space Station (ISS), wave near a bus from a hotel prior the launch of Soyuz-FG rocket at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) U.S. astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, left, Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev, right, and German astronaut Alexander Gerst, members of the main crew to the International Space Station (ISS), wave as they walk to a bus from a hotel prior to the launch of Soyuz-FG rocket at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) U.S. astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, member of the main crew to the International Space Station (ISS), waves from a bus prior the launch of Soyuz-FG rocket at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev, member of the main crew to the International Space Station (ISS), waves from a bus prior the launch of Soyuz-FG rocket at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) U.S. astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, member of the main crew to the International Space Station (ISS), waves from a bus prior the launch of Soyuz-FG rocket at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) The Soyuz-FG rocket booster with Soyuz MS-09 space ship carrying a new crew to the International Space Station, ISS, blasts off at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. The Russian rocket carries U.S. astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev, and German astronaut Alexander Gerst. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) German astronaut Alexander Gerst, member of the main crew of the expedition to the International Space Station (ISS), gestures from a bus prior to the launch of Soyuz MS-09 space ship at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Shamil Zhumatov, pool) Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev, member of the main crew of the expedition to the International Space Station (ISS), waves from a bus prior to the launch of Soyuz MS-09 space ship at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Shamil Zhumatov, pool) The Soyuz-FG rocket booster with Soyuz MS-09 space ship carrying a new crew to the International Space Station, ISS, blasts off at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. The Russian rocket carries U.S. astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev, and German astronaut Alexander Gerst. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) German astronaut Alexander Gerst, member of the main crew of the expedition to the International Space Station (ISS), gestures prior to the launch of Soyuz MS-09 space ship at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) U.S. astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, left, Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev, centre, and German astronaut Alexander Gerst, members of the main crew of the expedition to the International Space Station (ISS), walk to report to members of the State Committee prior to the launch of Soyuz MS-09 space ship at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Shamil Zhumatov, pool) Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev, crew member of the mission to the International Space Station, ISS, waves as he boards the spaceship prior to the launch at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky, Pool) U.S. astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, centre, Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev, bottom, and German astronaut Alexander Gerst, crew members of the mission to the International Space Station, ISS, board prior to the launch at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky, Pool) Russian Space Agency experts help U.S. astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, member of the main crew to the International Space Station (ISS), to sit during inspecting her space suit prior the launch of Soyuz-FG rocket at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) U.S. astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, crew member of the mission to the International Space Station, ISS, waves as she boards prior to the launch at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky, Pool) German astronaut Alexander Gerst, member of the main crew to the International Space Station (ISS), looks on during inspecting his space suit prior the launch of Soyuz-FG rocket at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) U.S. astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, member of the main crew to the International Space Station (ISS), has her suit inspected prior to the launch of Soyuz-FG rocket at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) German astronaut Alexander Gerst, member of the main crew to the International Space Station (ISS), looks on during inspecting his space suit prior the launch of Soyuz-FG rocket at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - Malaysia's central bank governor has become the latest senior official to resign amid a corruption probe of the former government that appointed them. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Wednesday the government accepted Muhammad Ibrahim's resignation and a replacement will be named once the Malaysian king gives his consent. The resignations come less than a month after a surprise May 9 election defeat for then-Prime Minister Najib Razak ended six decades in power for the former ruling coalition. Tommy Thomas, newly appointed attorney-general of Malaysia, speaks to media outside his office during the first day he report to work in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Thomas, 66, is a renowned senior lawyer whose first task will be to handle prosecution of the 1MDB case. (AP Photo) The central bank is under scrutiny over a 2 billion ringgit ($500 million) land purchase from Najib's government. Proceeds were used to pay debts of the official 1MDB investment fund, which is under investigation for possible graft and money-laundering. Muhammad denied wrongdoing and has said previously he would resign to avoid tarnishing Bank Negara Malaysia's reputation. On Wednesday, Muhammad said the suggestion the bank overpaid to "intentionally aid and abet the misappropriation of public funds" was "totally untrue," according to the national Bernama news agency. He said the central bank had no knowledge of or control over how the proceeds were used. "The 1MDB scandal has cost the country dearly and as a Malaysian myself, I am deeply angered, distressed and outraged," he was quoted as saying. Najib set up the 1MDB fund when he took power in 2009. U.S. investigators say Najib's associates stole and laundered $4.5 billion from the fund from 2009 to 2014, some of which landed in Najib's bank account. Mahathir, who was prime minister for 22 years until 2003, emerged from retirement to lead his alliance to an election victory. Mahathir has reopened investigations into 1MDB and banned Najib and his wife from leaving the country. In addition to Muhammad, the country's attorney general and anti-graft chief also have been replaced. The new attorney general, Tommy Thomas, vowed in a statement Wednesday there will be "no cover up" in the 1MDB case. He said his office will work with counterparts in the United States, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Singapore in investigations into 1MBD and speed up prosecution in the case. "All are equal before the law and no one will be spared," said Thomas. "There will be no cover up." His predecessor, Mohamad Apandi Ali, attempted to clear Najib of wrongdoing in 2016. He said some $700 million that landed in Najib's bank account was a donation from the Saudi royal family and most was returned. U.S. investigators say the money was from 1MDB. Police have raided Najib's home and other properties, seizing 114 million ringgit ($28.7 million) in cash and hundreds of expensive designer handbags and jewelry. The government has said Najib's administration conducted an "exercise of deception" over 1MDB and deceived Parliament over the country's financial situation. DETROIT (AP) - Former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been moved to a low-security federal prison in New Jersey. The federal Bureau of Prisons says the 47-year-old Kilpatrick was moved Tuesday to the Federal Correctional Institution at Fort Dix. He had been in prison in Oklahoma. It says in an email that it can't speak specifically to prison designations, but that it considers security, facility population, programming and medical needs before transferring an inmate. FILE - In this May 25, 2010 file photo, former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick sits in a Detroit courtroom. Kilpatrick has been moved from a federal prison in Oklahoma to a federal detention center in Philadelphia. The 47-year-old Kilpatrick was transferred Monday June 5, 2018. Kilpatrick was sentenced in 2013 to 28 years in prison for extortion, bribery, conspiracy and other crimes during his years in office. He had been housed at the Federal Correction Institute at El Reno, west of Oklahoma City. Kilpatrick's release date is Aug. 1, 2037. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File) Kilpatrick was sentenced in 2013 to 28 years in prison for extortion, bribery, conspiracy and other crimes during his years in office. He first was elected mayor in 2001 and resigned in 2008 following a text-messaging sex scandal. ___ Information from: The Detroit News, http://detnews.com/ BEIRUT (AP) - The dominant U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish party in control of northeastern Syria is prepared to hold talks with the Syrian government over the future of the area, senior Kurdish officials said Wednesday. A Damascus-based political group called the "Syrian Democratic Front," which is seen as close to the government, visited the Kurdish-led administration to "start a dialogue" with the government, said Ilham Ahmed, who co-chairs the U.S-backed Syrian Democratic Council in northeast Syria. The proposition comes days after Turkey and the United States agreed on a "roadmap" to resolve a dispute over the northern Syrian town of Manbij, which is controlled by the U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters, Washington's main ally in Syria. In this March 28, 2018 photo, Aldar Khalil, a senior Syrian Kurdish official in Syria, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press, in Amouda, northern Syria. Khalil said Wednesday, June 6, 2018, that his party is prepared to hold talks with Damascus over the future of northeastern Syria and territories the Kurds control there. Khalil said that discussions within the party and with their allies have been ongoing about sending a delegation to "test the waters" and see if President Bashar Assad's government is ready to accept an autonomous area in northeastern Syria. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) "The aim would ... be to develop a Syrian-Syrian solution and close the door on conflicts and wars," said Aldar Khalil, a senior Kurdish official. Ahmed suggested time may be ripe for dialogue with the Syrian government, which has opposed the Turkey-U.S. deal on Manbij. The Kurdish-led administration is under pressure to clarify its relationship with Damascus after U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to withdraw U.S. troops from eastern Syria. "We are seeking ... a vision that ends the war," said Ahmed. "We want to secure our (self-administration) project and the Americans care for that too." There was no immediate response from Damascus to the Kurdish comments. A previous round of talks between the Syrian Kurds and Damascus, sponsored by Russia, yielded no results. Syrian President Bashar Assad's government has oscillated between reaching out to the Kurds and lashing out at them for collaborating with the Americans. Last year, the Syrian foreign minister said self-administration for the Kurds is "negotiable." Damascus has also sharply criticized a Turkey-backed offensive against a Syrian Kurdish enclave in northwestern Syria, and left roads open for the movement of aid and people out of the Kurdish enclave. Meanwhile, Turkey has been pushing Washington to get Syrian Kurdish militiamen out of the town of Manbij and across the Euphrates River to its eastern bank. Ankara sees the Syrian Kurdish militia and its political body as an extension of its own Kurdish insurgents, whom it considers terrorists. On Wednesday, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said with the Manbij deal, Ankara would have successfully "completely eliminated terror" from a 250 kilometer-long (155 miles) border area stretching from west of the Euphrates all the way to the Mediterranean. The roadmap envisions joint Turkish-U.S. patrols around Manbij after the Kurdish militia withdraws from the town. But the deal, which could ease tensions between the NATO allies, is likely to force a realignment of troops along the volatile Syria-Turkey frontier and shrink the area controlled currently by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, backed by the U.S. A Kurdish official in Manbij, Shervan Darwish, confirmed that some militia members will begin withdrawing from the town but did not mention any changes to the local military council. Turkish officials said a new council would be set up as part of the deal, within six months. The U.S. and Turkey have differed over their description of what the Manbij deal entails and how it would be carried out, illustrating its fragility. Khalil, the senior Kurdish official, said his party is ready to send a delegation to "test the waters" to see whether Assad's government is ready to accept an autonomous Kurdish area in the northeast. "If the result is peace and stability, then it is in the interest of all," Khalil said in a series of messages on a social media application. MANCHESTER, England (AP) - Manchester United completed the signing of Porto defender Diogo Dalot on Wednesday. The Portugal under-21 international is the second acquisition in 24 hours for United manager Jose Mourinho, after the Premier League team reached an agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk to sign Brazil midfielder Fred on Tuesday. Dalot, a 19-year-old full back, has signed a five-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year. "Diogo is an extremely talented young defender with all the qualities to quickly become a great player for this club," former Porto boss Mourinho said. "He has all the attributes that a full-back needs: physicality, tactical intelligence and technical quality ... In his age group, he is the best full-back in Europe and we all believe he has a bright future ahead of him at Manchester United." United didn't reveal details of the fee, with the transfer announced on its club website. British media reports suggested the deal is worth between 20-22 million euros ($23.5-26 million). "Joining Manchester United is an unbelievable opportunity for me," Dalot said, adding that "the chance of coming to the biggest club in the world is something I just couldn't turn down." Dalot is expected to provide competition for Antonio Valencia at right-back, with Italy defender Matteo Darmian now likely to leave the club. Having come through Porto's academy, Dalot made his first-team debut as a substitute in February, before going on to start four league games for the Primeira Liga champion. The co-founder and CEO of athenahealth is stepping down and the medical software company is exploring a potential sale. It is already weighing a buyout offer from a frustrated shareholder. The resignation of Jonathan Bush is effective immediately. Athenahealth Inc. said Wednesday that Chairman Jeff Immelt, the former leader of General Electric Co., will become executive chairman. Chief Financial Officer Marc Levine will take on more responsibilities while the company searches for its next CEO. This undated photo provided by CNBC shows Jonathan Bush, co-founder, Chief Executive Officer, and President of athenahealth. Bush, the co-founder and CEO of athenahealth is stepping down and the medical software company is exploring a potential sale. Athenahealth Inc. said Wednesday, June 6, 2018, that Chairman Jeff Immelt, long-time chairman and CEO of General Electric Co., will become executive chairman. Chief Financial Officer Marc Levine will take on more responsibilities while the company searches for its next CEO. (Kate Rooney/CNBC via AP) Bush, 49, was CEO, president and board member since co-founding athenahealth in 1997. Levine, meanwhile, joined the company last December after serving as chief financial officer of JDA Software Group Inc. Athenahealth, based in Watertown, Massachusetts, makes medical record, revenue cycle and care coordination products and delivers most of its offerings through cloud-based software. "A family, a cause, a company, a country - these things give shape and purpose to an otherwise mechanical and brief human existence," Bush said in a statement issued through athenahealth. "With that lens on, it's easy for me to see that the very things that made me useful to the (company) and cause in these past twenty-one years, are now exactly the things that are in the way." The executive's resignation comes a few days after the New York Post reported that several years ago, Bush settled a sexual harassment claim with a former employee. His departure and the athenahealth board's decision to consider a new path also comes a month after prominent investor Elliott Management Corp. said it had grown frustrated with the company's performance, and made a bid of about $6.5 billion to take the company private. Elliott Management said in a letter that the company "despite all of its promise, has not worked for many years ... and will not work in the future." The bid, for $160 per share, is under review. Wednesday's announcements make it more likely that athenahealth will eventually be acquired, Leerink analyst David Larsen wrote. The Elliott Management bid likely represents a floor for a deal price that could climb as high as $180 per share, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey analyst Sandy Draper said in a separate note. "With Mr. Bush stepping down ... we believe it will make it easier for potential buyers to make substantial changes without having to go around him," Draper wrote. Athenahealth shares climbed more than 6 percent to $157.45 in afternoon trading. NEW YORK (AP) - Civil rights lawyers sued the U.S. Commerce Department on Wednesday to try to stop plans to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census, calling it an unconstitutional attempt to discriminate against immigrants. The Manhattan federal court lawsuit on behalf of immigrants' rights groups blames racial animus for the recent announcement that the census will include a citizenship question for the first time since 1950. The lawsuit, filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and others, claims the question intentionally discriminates against immigrants and will increase fear in their communities. It alleges census participation will be depressed, diluting the economic and political power of residents in places like New York City; Prince Georges' County, Maryland; Houston; San Antonio, Texas; and the Florida counties of Miami-Dade, Broward and Orange. The lawsuit predicts the citizenship question will result in at least two states losing a congressional seat. It alleges that the question was added unconstitutionally with discriminatory intent to diminish the political power and influence of Latinos, Asian-Americans, Arab-Americans and immigrant communities of color generally. U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross announced the plan in March, saying the question was needed in part to help the government enforce the Voting Rights Act, a 1965 law meant to protect political representation of minority groups. The Commerce Department is responsible for the census. The plan has resulted in several lawsuits, including one in California, the nation's most populous state with the highest concentration of foreign-born residents, and another in New York brought by 17 Democratic attorneys general, the District of Columbia, six cities and the bipartisan U.S. Conference of Mayors. The decennial census is required by the Constitution and used to determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives, as well as how federal money is distributed to local communities. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Donna Lieberman, head of the New York Civil Liberties Union, said in a release that President Donald Trump's administration was "shamelessly weaponizing the census to wage its war on communities of color, immigrants and the poor." She added: "New Yorkers refuse to be undercounted, discriminated against or driven into the shadows." Steven Choi, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition, said the citizenship question "is toxic to New York's four million immigrants and all New Yorkers, who stand to lose millions of dollars in federal aid and representation in Congress." Plaintiffs in the lawsuit include the coalition, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and other groups. Besides the Commerce Department and Ross, the Bureau of the Census and its director, Ron Jarmin, were also named as defendants. AMMAN, Jordan (AP) - Jordan's incoming prime minister said Wednesday he will work with different parties on a fair tax system, suggesting he will be responsive to criticism of a tax plan that forced out his predecessor. Omar Razzaz posted the conciliatory message on Twitter a day after Jordan's King Abdullah II appointed him to the post. Razzaz, considered a reformer, replaces Hani Mulki, who quit amid mounting protests against a tax plan viewed as unfair to the poor and the middle class. Despite the promise of a new beginning by Razzaz, several thousand people marched near the prime minister's office for a seventh straight day. Jordanian riot police and security forces scuffle with protesters attempting to breach the police lines during a demonstration outside the the Prime Minister's office, in Amman, Jordan, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Raad al-Adayleh) Protesters demanded that the new government scrap the current tax proposal, restore subsidies for bread, lower fuel prices and fight corruption. Hala Akhbar, a news site linked to Jordan's military, said a protester stabbed and injured a policeman and was arrested. Up to now, the protests had overwhelmingly been peaceful. Underpinning the sustained demonstrations is growing public anger about an economic and political system that many Jordanians view as impenetrable, with benefits reserved for small elites. The country has also grappled with an economic slowdown, largely linked to regional turmoil, as well as high unemployment and rising public debt. The International Monetary Fund has sought sweeping economic changes, including subsidy cuts and price hikes for fuel, electricity and other basics. It's not clear how the king, who has final say over policy, will appease public anger, while not rolling back the IMF-mandated overhaul. There were some signs that the protests might be ebbing. Professional associations with about a half million members staged a warning strike Wednesday to protest the tax bill. But Jordan's trade union federation said it would suspend protests to give the Razzaz government a chance to address the country's economic problems. . Jordanian protesters shout slogans during a demonstration outside the in front of the Labour Union office, in Amman, Jordan Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Raad al-Adayleh) Jordanian protesters shout "bread" in front of the Labour Union offices in Amman, Jordan Wednesday, June 6, 2018. "Corruption equals hunger," is written in Arabic on loaves of bread. (AP Photo/Raad al-Adayleh) LOS ANGELES (AP) - Republican John Cox thinks high taxes, a high cost of living and a growing housing crisis give him an opening to take on Democrat Gavin Newsom in the fight to be California's next governor. But he faces a tough slog convincing voters that they should cast their lot with a Republican in a state where the party's support has eroded and Democrats routinely win every statewide election. President Donald Trump's tweeted endorsement helped Cox unify Republicans and get through Tuesday's primary. But it could weight him down as he reaches out to independent voters. Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox greets a supporter during a Republican election party Tuesday, June 5, 2018, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) "The idea that somehow wrapping yourself in the cloak of Donald Trump is going to help you win in California, I'm trying to be diplomatic here, it's peculiar at best," said Mike Madrid, a Republican political consultant who opposes Trump and worked on Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa's campaign for governor. He said he'll watch how the race unfolds before deciding whether to vote for Cox in November. Newsom, the lieutenant governor and former San Francisco mayor, finished first in Tuesday's primary with a third of the vote, followed by Cox at 26 percent. Villaraigosa, the former Los Angeles mayor, was a distant third at 13 percent. Because of California's "jungle primary," candidates from all parties appear together on the ballot and the top two finishers advance to a runoff in November. Trump tweeted his congratulations and expressed optimism: "Great night for Republicans! Congratulations to John Cox on a really big number in California. He can win." Newsom quickly responded with a tweet of his own: "Please come campaign for him as much as possible." He wasted no time presenting Cox as Trump's man in California, where the president was outpolled by 3.4 million votes in the 2016 election. He sought to tie Cox to Trump policies that are unpopular with a wide swath of the state electorate - from offshore drilling to tougher immigration enforcement. "I'm arguing for something very different. This is going to be a really easy race to explain to folks," Newsom told reporters at San Francisco's Ferry Building, where a crowd of about 30 supporters and fans trailed him as he meandered down the hall. He greeted and took photos with people, and stopped at a coffee shop the day after the primary. Cox, a millionaire businessman from San Diego and perennial candidate, is positioning himself as an outsider with the business savvy to confront California's high cost of living. He's pledged to reduce barriers to housing construction and lower taxes, while challenging what he characterizes as the corrupt influence of special interests in Sacramento. "We are going to take this state and we are going to make it livable and affordable," he said Wednesday on Fox Business Network. "If John Cox is successful at presenting himself as a positive alternative, particularly on issues related to the economy, affordability and crime, I think those are prime opportunities right now," said Ron Nehring, a former state GOP chairman who lost to Newsom in the 2014 race for lieutenant governor. Republicans are always underdogs in statewide contests, Nehring said, but he sees Newsom as vulnerable to the perception that he's elitist and out of touch. Still, Cox showed no signs of moderating the aggressive tone that generated excitement among conservatives, saying "Gavin Newsom wants to turn this state into Venezuela." Cox, 62, became wealthy as a lawyer, accountant, wealth manager and investor in the Chicago area. He now owns thousands of apartment units in the Midwest. In the early 2000s, he ran unsuccessfully for a string of offices in Illinois - U.S. House, twice for the U.S. Senate, and Cook County Recorder of Deeds, a job he wanted to see eliminated. He also ran for Illinois GOP chairman. He bought his house in Rancho Santa Fe, outside San Diego, in 2007 and moved there full-time in 2011, according to spokesman Matt Shupe. He's a strong supporter of a ballot initiative that would repeal recent increases in gasoline and diesel taxes, which is likely to qualify for the November ballot. The state GOP sees it as way to get more Republicans to the polls. On Tuesday, a Republican-backed effort to recall state Sen. Josh Newman was successful. The Orange County Democrat was targeted for supporting the gas tax hike. Bob Shrum, a longtime Democratic political consultant who is now director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics at the University of Southern California, was skeptical that Cox could use the prospect of repealing the gas tax to propel himself to victory. "Voters can do that on their own," Shrum said of voting to repeal the tax. "They don't need to vote for him to do it." Howie Wynn, a 71-year-old Huntington Beach resident and member of the Republican National Committee, said he didn't vote for Cox on Tuesday but would in November. "After yesterday I'm more encouraged than I was before. Still, I don't think he has a chance," he said. "This is a Democratic state." ___ Associated Press writers Lorin Eleni Gill in San Francisco and Amy Taxin in Huntington Beach contributed. ___ Sign up for "Politics in Focus," a weekly newsletter showcasing the AP's best political reporting from around the country leading up to the midterm elections: http://apne.ws/3Gzcraw Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom jokes with a supporter as he was greeting her, while campaigning for governor at the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks to supporters while campaigning for governor at the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, center, greets supporters next to his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, while campaigning for governor at the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom gestures during an interview with reporters while campaigning for governor at the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, left, listens to a woman speak while campaigning for governor at the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom laughs during an interview with reporters while campaigning for governor at the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom gestures next to his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom after speaking at his gubernatorial campaign's primary night watch party in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 5, 2018. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at his gubernatorial campaign's primary night watch party in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 5, 2018. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at his gubernatorial campaign's primary night watch party in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 5, 2018. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox speaks during a Republican election party Tuesday, June 5, 2018, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, right, speaks next to his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom after speaking at his gubernatorial campaign's primary night watch party in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 5, 2018. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at his gubernatorial campaign's primary night watch party in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 5, 2018. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox, center, greets supporters during an election party Tuesday, June 5, 2018, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox, right, stands with a supporter for a picture during a Republican election party Tuesday, June 5, 2018, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Sarah Cox, center, blows a kiss to her husband, Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox, right, as he speaks during a Republican election party Tuesday, June 5, 2018, in San Diego. Their daughter, Julianne, stands between them. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox, center, speaks to reporters at a San Diego Republican election party Tuesday, June 5, 2018, in San Diego. The intrigue in the race to replace departing California Gov. Jerry Brown isn't who wins - it's who comes in second in Tuesday's primary, one of hundreds of contests across the state that could solidify Democratic dominance and reshape the fight for control of the U.S. Congress. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox, center, speaks during a Republican primary watch party Tuesday, June 5, 2018, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox, center, walks through a crowd at a San Diego Republican election party Tuesday, June 5, 2018, in San Diego. The intrigue in the race to replace departing California Gov. Jerry Brown isn't who wins - it's who comes in second in Tuesday's primary, one of hundreds of contests across the state that could solidify Democratic dominance and reshape the fight for control of the U.S. Congress. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump signed a bill into law Wednesday that will give veterans more freedom to see doctors outside the troubled Veterans Affairs system, a major shift aimed at reducing wait times and improving care by steering more patients to the private sector. At a Rose Garden event at the White House, Trump praised the legislation as fulfilling his pledge to fix the Department of Veterans Affairs by bringing accountability and providing private care to veterans whenever they feel unhappy with government-run health care. "All during the campaign I'd go out and say, 'Why can't they just go see a doctor instead of standing in line for weeks and weeks and weeks?' Now they can go see a doctor," he said. President Donald Trump shows off the "VA Mission Act" during a signing ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House, Wednesday, June 6, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) The sweeping $51 billion plan, which would also expand a VA caregivers program to cover families of veterans of all eras, cleared the Senate on a 92-5 vote last month. The House approved it on a 347-70 vote. The legislation will give veterans access to private care when they have endured lengthy wait times or the treatment was not what they had expected. But it could escalate costs, and some lawmakers warn this could put the VA at risk of budget shortfalls next year. A bipartisan group of senators is seeking to pay for the law by adding new funds to cover the VA private care program, but the White House has been quietly working to block that plan, saying it is "anathema to responsible spending." Warning of "virtually unlimited increases" in veterans care spending, the Trump administration argued in a memo circulated to lawmakers that added costs to the newly expanded private care program should be paid for by cutting spending elsewhere at VA. "Without subjecting the program to any budgetary constraint, there is no incentive to continue to serve veterans with innovative, streamlined, and efficient quality of care," according to the memo obtained by The Associated Press. Major veterans groups have cautioned against "cannibalizing" VA programs to pay for Choice, saying more funding is needed. "We do our veterans no favors by promising care without backing it up with resources," said Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee. He warned that failing to provide new funding "would jeopardize the health care and well-being of our veterans." The VA secretary will have wide leeway in implementing the legislation based in part on available money. Trump is nominating acting VA secretary Robert Wilkie to permanently lead the government's second-largest department, which serves 9 million veterans. Democrats say they intend to question Wilkie at his confirmation hearing on whether he plans to "privatize" or degrade the VA health system, an issue that former VA Secretary David Shulkin says led to his firing in March. The legislation would create a presidentially appointed commission to review the closure of underperforming VA facilities. House Democrats had sought restrictions on the commission but were rebuffed by House Republicans and the White House. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., cautioned that the lack of new money for the legislation sets up "another VA crisis and billions in budget cuts to critical veteran initiatives down the road." The measure builds on legislation passed in 2014 in response to a wait-time scandal at the Phoenix VA medical center, where some veterans died while waiting months for appointments. The legislation would loosen Choice's restrictions that limit outside care to only when a veteran must wait 30 days for an appointment or drive more than 40 miles to a VA facility. Currently, more than 30 percent of VA appointments are in the private sector. Veterans groups cheered the legislation as major step toward improving veterans care. "This historic legislation will help our veterans get the care they earned," said Keith Harman, national commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars. ___ Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Darlene Superville and Andrew Taylor contributed to this report. President Donald Trump participates in a bill signing ceremony for the "VA Mission Act" in the Rose Garden of the White House, Wednesday, June 6, 2018, in Washington. The legislation authorizes new health care programs for veterans, but the bill does not reserve federal money to pay for those programs. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) President Donald Trump participates in a bill signing ceremony for the "VA Mission Act" in the Rose Garden of the White House, Wednesday, June 6, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) JERUSALEM (AP) - The Latest on Rudy Giuliani's remarks at a conference in Tel Aviv, Israel (all times local): 6:20 p.m. Rudy Giuliani says President Donald Trump's decision to cancel a summit brought North Korea's leader to "his hands and knees" to beg to reschedule the meeting. The former New York mayor, now Trump's legal adviser, said there was no choice but to cancel the summit after Kim Jong Un insulted the vice president and threatened nuclear war. He says the tough line forced the North Korean leader to soften his stance. Giuliani says that "Kim Jong Un got back on his hands and knees and begged for it, which is exactly the position you want to put him in." Giuliani spoke on Wednesday at a business conference in Tel Aviv, Israel. The summit is scheduled next Tuesday in Singapore. ___ 1:25 p.m. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani says special counsel Robert Mueller's team is trying to frame President Trump. Giuliani, who has been serving as Trump's lawyer amid the Russia scandal, says Wednesday in Israel that Mueller's team includes "13 highly partisan Democrats ... (who) are trying very very hard to frame him to get him in trouble when he hasn't done anything wrong." Speaking to the Globes capital market conference in Tel Aviv, Giuliani says Trump has the power to pardon himself but won't because he is innocent. It was the latest in Giuliani's often contradictory comments surrounding the probe into Russia's potential meddling in U.S elections. Giuliani has become a lightning rod during his tenure on Trump's team, drawing the president's ire for a series of scattershot interviews. RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The Latest on an Army officer who is accused of stealing an armored personnel carrier from a National Guard base (all times local): 9:15 p.m. The Army National Guard officer accused of stealing an armored vehicle says it was part of a training exercise and that he had the authority to take it. In this June 5, 2018 photo, emergency personnel surround a National Guard military vehicle stolen from Fort Pickett, Nottoway County, Va. Police in Virginia said they arrested a soldier who stole the armored personnel carrier after chasing him for more than 60 miles. (Grace Hollars/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP) Joshua Philip Yabut told The Associated Press on Wednesday that his brigade commander told him to take the armored personnel carrier and drive it on a pre-planned route to gauge police response. He spoke to the AP by telephone from Virginia's Central State Hospital. Yabut was taken into custody Tuesday night, about two hours after police say he drove away from Fort Pickett in the carrier. The Virginia National Guard says he was charged with eluding police and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Yabut says some of the charges against him "are just bogus." He also says he was not under the influence of drugs as authorities have said. ___ 4:20 p.m. An Army National Guard officer has been arraigned in Virginia on charges of stealing an armored vehicle and driving it more than 60 miles (96 kilometers) while under the influence of drugs. Joshua Philip Yabut appeared in Richmond General District Court by video link from the city jail Wednesday. No bond was set. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 11. Yabut was taken into custody Tuesday night, about two hours after police say he drove away from Fort Pickett in the armored personnel carrier. No one was injured during the incident. Yabut's attorney did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Efforts to reach family members who could comment on his behalf were unsuccessful. The Virginia National Guard said in a news release that Yabut is assigned as the commander of the Petersburg-based Headquarters Company, 276th Engineer Battalion. He has more than 11 years of service, and was deployed to Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009 with the Illinois National Guard. ___ 3 p.m. A cryptocurrency company says the Virginia National Guard officer accused of driving off a base in an armored vehicle while under the influence of drugs is a former developer who publicized a vulnerability in the company's system. The company, ZenCash, said in a statement Wednesday that Joshua Yabut was a former developer for the project who left in June 2017. The statement says that before he left, Yabut "intentionally made public" a ZenCash vulnerability that he had coded in. Yabut was taken into custody Tuesday night, about two hours after police say he drove away from Fort Pickett in the armored personnel carrier. No one was injured during the incident. Yabut remained in custody Wednesday, and efforts to reach his defense attorney or family members who could comment on his behalf were unsuccessful. The Richmond Times-Dispatch first reported Yabut's connection to ZenCash. He also previously worked for NASA. ___ 12:30 p.m. The soldier accused of driving off a Virginia National Guard base in an armored personnel carrier while under the influence of drugs seemed to foreshadow what he planned to do on Twitter. Joshua Philip Yabut tweeted a Wikipedia entry Tuesday about the M113 armored personnel carrier, which is similar to the M577 vehicle driven away during a routine training exercise at Fort Pickett. He also posted a screenshot of a map around the area where the vehicle stopped hours later, after a long pursuit by police. Minutes after police said they began their pursuit, Yabut posted a photo and video of himself in what appears to be the stolen vehicle. He wrote a series of odd tweets Tuesday, including: "where is this damn water buffalo" and "all i wanna do is get an anime wife." ___ 11 a.m. The Virginia National Guard says the 29-year-old accused of stealing an armored personnel carrier and driving it under the influence of drugs for more than 60 miles (100 kilometers) is a first lieutenant and company commander. The Virginia National Guard said in a news release Wednesday that Joshua Philip Yabut of Richmond is assigned as the commander of the Petersburg-based Headquarters Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, and has more than 11 years of service. The release says he deployed to Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009 with the Illinois National Guard. Virginia State Police say the vehicle, which is National Guard property, was driven away from Fort Pickett in Nottoway County on Tuesday evening. State police pursued it and say they arrested Yabut in Richmond. Yabut is being held at the Richmond jail. It could not immediately be determined if he has an attorney. ___ 10:10 a.m. Virginia state police say a soldier who was chased by police for more than 60 miles (100 kilometers) after he stole an armored personnel carrier from a National Guard base was driving under the influence of drugs. Police identified the driver as 29-year-old Joshua Philip Yabut of Richmond. He also was charged with felony counts of eluding police and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Police declined to comment on Yabut's motive for stealing the vehicle from Fort Pickett Tuesday evening. They said the investigation is ongoing. Yabut is being held at the Richmond jail. It could not immediately be determined if he has an attorney. ___ 7:01 a.m. Police in Virginia say they arrested a soldier who stole an armored personnel carrier from a National Guard base and was chased by police for more than 60 miles (100 kilometers). State Police Sgt. Keeli Hill tells the Richmond Times-Dispatch the vehicle, which drives on tracks like a tank, topped out at speeds of about 45 mph (70 kph). Police couldn't stop it, so they ended up escorting it, sirens blazing, ahead and behind it before the man finally stopped and go out near Richmond's City Hall. Authorities have not identified the driver. Witnesses said he got out and started walking around before police sent a dog to attack him, shot him with a Taser and took him into custody. ___ Information from: Richmond Times-Dispatch, http://www.richmond.com RABAT, Morocco (AP) - Buying yogurt in a small grocery store in Rabat, Morocco, 24-year-old Chaima Lahsini has a request: "Nothing from Central Danone please," she asks the clerk, who looks back mournfully at the unwanted dairy products piled in his fridge. Lahsini is taking part in a boycott movement that began by targeting the biggest companies, largely owned by a handful of tycoons, and has morphed into a protest against the concentration of wealth and power in a country that had been spared the tumult of the Arab Spring eight years ago. The movement started on social media and is now worrying the government, and prompting some companies, like the local subsidiary of dairy giant Danone, to lower milk prices to calm consumer anger. "While I initially thought that boycotting this company and two others was just some new social trend, it proved to be more powerful than expected," said Lahsini. "Seeing how the Moroccan people grew to realize that as consumers they had the right to stand against the yoke of monopolizing companies and the economic regime is truly impressive." Cars refuel at Afriquia station in Rabat, Morocco, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. An anonymous Facebook page last month launched a call to boycott Afriquia gas and oil distribution company, belonging to the richest man in Morocco, Aziz Akhennouch; popular mineral water Sidi Ali, owned by chairwoman of the largest body of enterprises in Morocco Meriem Bensaleh; and French-owned dairy company Centrale Danone. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy) An anonymous Facebook page a month and a half ago launched a call to boycott Afriquia gas and oil distribution company, belonging to the richest man in Morocco, Aziz Akhennouch; popular mineral water Sidi Ali, owned by chairwoman of the largest body of enterprises in Morocco, Meriem Bensaleh; and French-owned dairy company Centrale Danone. In a country where the wealth of three Moroccan billionaires is equivalent to that of 375,000 Moroccans, according to 2018 Oxfam report, a large base of consumers joined the boycott movement. "This campaign is the result of consumer frustration toward products that reign over markets and fail to meet consumer expectations. With prices consistently rising at alarming rates and life becoming ever more expensive, the people need to let out their anger," Bouazza El Kharati, president of the Moroccan Federation of consumer protection told The Associated Press. The government liberalized prices for fuel and other goods in 2015, but "it failed to monitor and set up regulatory measures and give power to a competition council that's supposed to combat anti-competitive practices (...) and big companies thrived on this," said El Kharati, whose federation supports the boycott. Consumers taking part in the boycott are turning to small businesses or rival producers instead. Sidi Ali has blamed high taxes for the high price tags, and told customers not to anticipate drops in prices. Afriquia's Akhannouch has insisted the boycott would not affect sales, and said the Internet cannot change reality. But local newspaper reports say both Afriquia gasoline and Centrale Danone lost more than 5 percent of their market shares since the movement began, according to local newspaper reports. The reports estimate Centrale Danone has lost up to 20 percent of revenues between April 20-30, and Afriquia's losses are estimated at between 25 to 45 percent of daily revenue. The companies did not respond to requests for comment from The AP. The impact of the boycott quickly caught the attention of the government. Finance Minister Mohamed Boussaid described boycotters as "morons." Government spokesman Mustapha Khalfi threatened to use a law against fake news to punish boycotters, for using the campaign as "a tool used to spread false news and damage the reputation of the country." That only gave the boycott further momentum, with social media users, politicians, artists and national media coverage of the issue increasing exponentially. After a lengthy silence, the head of the government finally promised to help consumers and demanded that the boycott end on June 1, saying it damages farmers and the local economy. Centrale Danone lowered the price of milk by 15 percent, but also said the boycott forced it to cut raw milk purchases from local farmers and lay off workers "The depth of the boycott puts in question the politics of money and power that rule the country," said economist Najib Akesbi. "Until citizen and consumer trust is retrieved, and business is separated from power, it becomes evident that this successful boycott will continue." The boycott marks a new kind of protest movement for Morocco. The country experienced a series of big protests over the past two years to demand social and economic justice. The state, however, used violence to intimidate protesters and arrest them - a risk that the boycotters don't face. "Unlike anything Moroccans have experienced before, boycotters know that their involvement will not cost them anything," said Omar Balafrej, of the Federation of Democratic Left political movement. "This Internet-based activism does not present any danger or threat of arrest." Milk cartons produced by French-owned dairy company Centrale Danone are displayed on shelves in a supermarket in Rabat, Morocco, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. A mass boycott movement in Morocco targeting the rich and powerful has reached an unprecedented scale. It is worrying the government and prompting the Moroccan subsidiary of dairy giant Danone to lower milk prices to calm anger. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy) Milk cartons produced by French-owned dairy company Centrale Danone are displayed on shelves in a supermarket in Rabat, Morocco, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. A mass boycott movement in Morocco targeting the rich and powerful has reached an unprecedented scale. It is worrying the government and prompting the Moroccan subsidiary of dairy giant Danone to lower milk prices to calm anger. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy) In this photo dated Tuesday, June 5, 2018, workers of French-owned Central Danone company protest against a popular boycott campaign of their milk products, in Rabat, Morocco. A mass boycott movement in Morocco targeting the rich and powerful has reached an unprecedented scale. It is worrying the government and prompting the Moroccan subsidiary of dairy giant Danone to lower milk prices to calm anger. (AP Photo) A 28-year-old man accused of killing his infant son and storing his body in a hotel freezer in Alabama for nearly a week has been arrested after being shot trying to flee a SWAT team in Florida. Authorities say Carlton 'CJ' Mathis will be charged with aggravated assault in Florida in addition to charges in Georgia and Alabama once he's released from the hospital. Alachua County Sheriff's spokesman Brett Rhodenizer said Georgia's Hall County Sheriff's Office had notified them at 8.30pm on Sunday that Mathis could be in north Florida, based on information from an On-Star-enabled vehicle. He was tracked down in nearby Levy County. Scroll down for video Couple caught: Carlton 'CJ' Mathis, 28 (pictured with 'Pale Face' tattoo), and his girlfriend Amanda Oakes (right), 36, of Georgia, have been arrested in the death of their infant son Shocking find: Police recovered the body of six-month-old Carlton Oakes inside a freezer at In Town Suites hotel in Dothan, Alabama, on Friday Courtesy of ActionNewsJax Mathis was reportedly armed and trying to flee in a red SUV when he was stopped by a SWAT unit at 4.30am on Monday at Bronson Villas & Villages. Mathis, who was a passenger in the vehicle, allegedly threatened the driver with a handgun, prompting a SWAT officer to shoot him four times. The suspect was then taken into custody and transported to a hospital for treatment. He is being held for a parole violation warrant out of Gainesville, Georgia, in connection to a robbery case. Track record: Mathis was also wanted for a parole violation warrant out of Gainesville, Georgia, in connection to a robbery case After Mathis and his girlfriend, 36-year-old Amanda Oakes, were taken into custody in Florida, police in Dothan, Alabama, learned that the couple had been staying at the In Town Suites in the 2800 block of Ross Clark Circle. A search warrant was executed at that location and led to the discovery of the body of Oakes and Mathis's six-month-old son, Carlton James Oakes in the freezer. According to police, it appears the infant was in the freezer for five-six days. The baby was taken to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science in Montgomery for autopsy to determine this cause of death, which is pending at this time. It is believed that the child was already deceased prior to being placed in the freezer, but police suspect foul play in his death. The manhunt for Mathis had started after police in Dothan on Friday received information from Hall County Sheriffs Department in Hall County, Georgia, reporting a possible infant death. According to the tip, Mathis and his girlfriend, 36-year-old Amanda Oakes, were possibly in the Dothan area with their baby, Carlton James Oakes. Mathis and Oakes were apprehended in Bronson, Florida, on Monday morning A SWAT officer shot Mathis four times, injuring him, after the man allegedly put a gun to the head of the driver of this red SUV The Hall County Sheriffs Department received information that the infant was possibly dead inside of an apartment. Police were unable to track down the couple, but received information that they had left the Dothan area and were possibly in Florida, where they were eventually apprehended with the help of SWAT units on Monday. Mathis and Oakes were both charged with one count of abuse of a Corpse and the bond for each was set at $15,000. The pair are awaiting extradition from Levy County, Florida, to Dothan, Alabama. Murder charges are expected to be filed against them after the autopsy on their son is completed. BOSTON (AP) - Boston University is pairing with Johnson & Johnson to help fight lung cancer. School officials announced Wednesday the company will pay for a new lung center at the university where researchers will work to prevent and cure the disease. It's part of a five-year research partnership between the school and Johnson & Johnson Innovation, a development arm of the New Jersey-based health care products company. Researchers at the center will work with the company to develop new early screening tests and lung cancer treatments. Federal health officials say lung cancer leads to more deaths in the U.S. than any other type of cancer. The partnership is among dozens Johnson & Johnson has formed to fight health problems. University officials say they hope it becomes a model that other companies follow. PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A federal judge ruled Wednesday that the Trump administration cannot cut off grants to Philadelphia over the way the city deals with immigrants in the country illegally. U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson said in his ruling that the conditions the federal government placed on the city in order to receive the funding are unconstitutional, "arbitrary and capricious." He also wrote that Philadelphia's policies are reasonable and appropriate. Philadelphia has said it will turn over immigrants to Immigration and Customs Enforcement only if the agency has a warrant signed by a judge. The federal requirements included allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers access to prisons to interview people of interest, providing advanced notice of release of those people and following rules prohibiting restrictions on disclosure of any person's immigration status. "The public statements of President (Donald) Trump and Attorney General (Jeff) Sessions, asserting that immigrants commit more crimes than native-born citizens, are inaccurate as applied to Philadelphia, and do not justify the imposition of these three conditions," Baylson wrote. Federal attorneys had said the city's policies put federal immigration agents in danger and create situations where criminals in the country illegally are released and allowed to reoffend. Department of Justice spokesman Devin O'Malley said the department maintains it used proper authority to attach conditions to the public safety grants. "Today's opinion from the district court in Philadelphia is a victory for criminal aliens in Philadelphia, who can continue to commit crimes in the City knowing that its leadership will protect them from federal immigration officers whose job it is to hold them accountable and remove them from the country," O'Malley wrote in an emailed statement. The city had said that the requirements on federal grant spending were unconstitutional and that following them would promote a perception in the community that it was serving as an arm of federal immigration enforcement. City attorneys had argued that would create a barrier for immigrants to seek out city services ranging from health care to calling the police when they're victimized. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney called the ruling a "total and complete victory," adding that he believed Trump was being a bully and that attaching the conditions to the grant money was equivalent to a "political shakedown." Kenney, who was seen dancing outside his office after the decision earlier Wednesday, said the issue of being a "welcoming city" was personal for him coming from a family of Irish immigrants. "If this was Irish immigration now, I might have been in a detention center right now, or my kids might have been taken away from me," he said. Baylson wrote that Philadelphia is entitled to prompt payment of the grant funds, but he has given the city and Justice Department time to suggest language for a final decree making that an order. Several other "sanctuary cities" have opted to limit cooperation with government enforcement of immigration law. The Justice Department has threatened to cut off millions of dollars in federal grants to cities if they don't meet certain criteria for cooperating with immigration officials. Sessions has said that cities that don't help enforce immigration law are endangering public safety, especially when it comes to sharing information about immigrants who have been accused of crimes. A federal appeals court in April sided with Chicago in a similar dispute. LONDON (AP) - A former chief executive of the defunct Anglo-Irish Bank has been convicted of fraud for his role in inflating the lender's balance sheet before it collapsed in the 2008 global financial crisis. David Drumm was convicted Wednesday of conspiring to inflate the bank's deposit levels by 7.2 billion euros ($8.5 billion) in its 2008 earnings report. He had denied conspiracy to defraud and false accounting. A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court found him guilty after a five-month trial. Anglo-Irish was bailed out by the Irish government, at a cost to taxpayers of almost 30 billion euros. Drumm moved to the U.S. after the bank's collapse, but was sent back to Ireland in March 2016 on an extradition warrant. Drumm was granted bail until his sentencing on June 20. WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on President Donald Trump's commutation of the sentence of a woman Kim Kardashian West championed (all times local): 7:05 p.m. Alice Marie Johnson has been released from federal prison hours after her life sentence was commuted by President Donald Trump. This combination photo shows President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Moon Township, Pa., on March 10, 2018, left, and Kim Kardashian West at the NBCUniversal Network 2017 Upfront in New York on May 15, 2017. Kardashian West arrived at the White House for a meeting with presidential senior adviser Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law. She has urged the president to pardon Alice Marie Johnson, who is serving a life sentence without parole for a nonviolent drug offense. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) Footage from Alabama news station WVTM-13 shows Johnson running toward her family, throwing her arms open wide and embracing them in front of a crowd of onlookers. Her release was confirmed by Jennifer Turner of the American Civil Liberties Union, who is part of Johnson's legal team. Johnson, 63, had spent more than two decades behind bars, serving life without parole for drug offenses. Her case had been championed by reality TV star Kim Kardashian West, who met with Trump in the Oval Office last week. Another attorney, Brittany K. Barnett, said earlier that Johnson feels overwhelmed with emotion and like she's been "resurrected from the dead." __ 1:45 p.m. A lawyer for Kim Kardashian West is describing the moment Alice Marie Johnson found out President Donald Trump had commuted her sentence. Shawn Holley, who accompanied Kardashian West to the White House last week, says that Kardashian West was the one who told Johnson she was being released in a phone call. Holley says in a statement that she, "just got off the most wonderful, emotional and amazing phone call with Alice, Kim and Alice's lawyers." She says that once Johnson's family joined the call, "the tears never stopped flowing." The 63-year-old Alice Marie Johnson has served more than two decades in federal prison for drug offenses. ___ 1:10 p.m. The White House says President Donald Trump has commuted the sentence of a woman whose case was championed by reality star Kim Kardashian West, saying she's been a model inmate. The 63-year-old Alice Marie Johnson has served more than two decades in federal prison for drug offenses. The White House says in a statement that Johnson "has accepted responsibility for her past behavior and has been a model prisoner over the past two decades," working to rehabilitate herself and acting as a mentor to fellow inmates. They note her warden, case manager, and vocational training instructor have all written letters in support of her clemency. Kardashian West is also responding to the decision, tweeting "BEST NEWS EVER!!!!" She visited the White House last week of press Johnson's case. __ 12:49 p.m. President Donald Trump is commuting the life sentence of Alice Marie Johnson, a woman convicted of drug offenses whose cause was championed by reality TV star Kim Kardashian West. That's according to two White House officials who say Trump commuted the 63-year old Johnson's sentence. She has spent more than two decades behind bars and is not eligible for parole. The move comes amid a recent flurry of pardons issued by Trump, who has seemed drawn to causes advocated by conservatives, celebrities or those who once appeared on his former reality show, "The Apprentice." Johnson was convicted in 1996 on eight criminal counts related to a Memphis-based cocaine trafficking operation. Kardashian West visited the White House in May to advocate for Johnson. PELLA, Greece (AP) - Under the brassy stare of an equestrian Alexander the Great statue, 3,000 people gathered near the ancient Greek ruler's birthplace Wednesday to demand that Greece takes a tough stance with Macedonia in talks over the neighboring country's name. The peaceful rally in the northern village of Pella was the best attended of 25 events organized in provincial towns across Greece by hardliners opposing any use of the name Macedonia by the small republic to the north. Alexander was born in the 4th century B.C. and ruled the ancient kingdom of Macedon, most of which later became the Greek province of Macedonia. Since Macedonia the country gained independence from the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the Greek government has insisted the name implies a territorial claim on its province. The statue of Alexander the Great is seen among Greek flags during a rally in Pella, northern Greece, on Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Thousands of protesters gather near the birthplace of Alexander the Great in northern Greece to demand that the Greek government takes a tough stance with Macedonia over the latter country's name. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos) "Respect history, respect Greece," read a banner at Wednesday's rally in the Pella village square, about a mile from the ruins of ancient Pella where Alexander was born. Another sign proclaimed, "You are born a Macedonian, you don't become one." Macedonia and Greece launched negotiations this year to end their 27-year name dispute, which has hampered Macedonia's efforts to join NATO and the European Union. Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev has said he is open to modifying his country's name. But a Greek official warned last week that prospects of a deal emerging within days were receding. The Macedonia government in Skopje denies it has designs on the Greek province. Athens says the name Macedonia also represents the ancient Greek heritage typified by Alexander, who started from northern Greece to carve out an empire reaching India. Rally participant Eugenia Sarrigiannidou said she hopes the protest will harden Greece's official position in the negotiations. "I don't think the negotiations are finished, because they can be affected by developments - such as our reactions," she said. New names for the republic reportedly currently under discussion include New or Northern Macedonia. Rally organizers reject any inclusion of the word Macedonia, and want any agreement to be put to a referendum in Greece - as Macedonia's government has promised to do. They enjoy the backing of the influential Church of Greece, with many priests and Sunday school children among the flag-waving crowd in Pella. Teacher Vangelis Voskidis, 62, said attending the rally was "the least we can do for our country." "I believe there is only one Macedonia, which is Greek," he said. "It is our duty to exert pressure so that the name Macedonia is not given to our neighbor." Police prevented three Macedonian TV journalists from covering the rally, citing fears for their safety. Macedonia's foreign ministry had earlier warned its citizens to avoid rally venues. Hardliners in both countries have held protests ever since the new push for a compromise got underway. More than 100,000 people attended a rally in Athens in February. Demonstrators shout slogans during a rally in Pella, northern Greece, on Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Thousands of protesters gather near the birthplace of Alexander the Great in northern Greece to demand that the Greek government takes a tough stance with Macedonia over the latter country's name. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos) A man dressed as an ancient Macedonian warrior stands under the statue of Alexander the Great during a rally in Pella, northern Greece, on Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Thousands of protesters gather near the birthplace of Alexander the Great in northern Greece to demand that the Greek government takes a tough stance with Macedonia over the latter country's name. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos) Demonstrators hold Greek flags during a rally in Pella, northern Greece, on Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Hardline groups trying to pressure Greece's government into adopting a tougher stance in negotiations with northern neighbor Macedonia organize rallies in Pella, birthplace of ancient Greek warrior-king Alexander the Great, and other northern Greek towns. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos) A man holds a Greek flag next to a statue of Alexander the Great during a rally in Pella, northern Greece, on Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Hardline groups trying to pressure Greece's government into adopting a tougher stance in negotiations with northern neighbor Macedonia organize rallies in Pella, birthplace of ancient Greek warrior-king Alexander the Great, and other northern Greek towns. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos) A boy holds a giant Greek flag during a rally in Pella, northern Greece, on Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Hardline groups trying to pressure Greece's government into adopting a tougher stance in negotiations with northern neighbor Macedonia organize rallies in Pella, birthplace of ancient Greek warrior-king Alexander the Great, and other northern Greek towns. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos) Demonstrators gather during a rally in Pella, northern Greece, on Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Thousands of protesters gather near the birthplace of Alexander the Great in northern Greece to demand that the Greek government takes a tough stance with Macedonia over the latter country's name. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos) Demonstrators wave Greek flags during a rally in Pella, northern Greece, on Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Thousands of protesters gather near the birthplace of Alexander the Great in northern Greece to demand that the Greek government takes a tough stance with Macedonia over the latter country's name. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos) SALINA, Kan. (AP) - A Kansas man who returned a $1 million lottery ticket to a customer who left it on a store counter says he has no regrets about giving up the prize money. Kal Patel, whose parents own the Pit Stop convenience store in Salina, returned the ticket to a longtime customer after tracking him down in his car. "Good deeds come back to help you, and bad deeds come back to haunt you," he said this week. "It felt good to find it and then find them." The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, bought three tickets at a store in nearby Lincoln, but went to the Pit Stop - his neighborhood convenience store - to check if they were winners. The clerk checked two tickets and the winner accidentally left the third on the counter, The Salina Journal reported. When clerk Andy Patel ran the numbers and discovered it was a $1 million winner, he called Kal Patel. "He said six zeroes were popping up on the screen," said Kal Patel, who is not related to Andy. "We couldn't believe it." Kal Patel knew who the customer was based on the clerk's description and knew the area where he lived. He drove around the neighborhood once but couldn't find the man's house. He returned to the store, but later decided to give it another try. That time, he saw the man and his brother driving away and was able to stop them. "I showed them the ticket and told them they were winners," he said. "They started shaking. They couldn't believe it." Friends have chided Kal Patel for giving up the $1 million, but he said he didn't want to live with the guilt of keeping the money. "It felt good to give it to them," he said. "And the praise we got back from everyone for doing this was really nice. They said it restored their faith in humanity." KWCH reports that Wichita law firm DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers this week gave Kal a $1,200 check to reward him for his good deed. ___ Information from: The Salina (Kan.) Journal, http://www.salina.com Wishing Muslims around the world a 'Ramadan Mubarak' - a blessed holiday - President Donald Trump on Wednesday hosted his first White House dinner for Islam's holy month of Ramadan, an overture that surprised many in the Muslim community after he skipped hosting such a meal last year. Speaking at an iftar dinner, which breaks the daylong fast, Trump offered a message of unity, recognizing members of the Muslim community at home and abroad. 'In gathering together this evening, we honor a sacred tradition of one of the world's great religions,' he told an intimate audience that included Cabinet members and ambassadors from many Muslim-majority nations including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. It was a dramatic departure from the inflammatory rhetoric Trump used during his campaign, when he called for a 'complete and total shutdown' of Muslims entering the country, compared Syrian refugees fleeing civil war to a deadly snake and declared, 'I think Islam hates us' in an interview with CNN. President Donald Trump on Wednesday hosted his first White House dinner for Islam's holy month of Ramadan The overture surprised many in the Muslim community after he skipped hosting such a meal last year Trump shakes hands with Dina Kawar, Jordan's ambassador to the United States, at the White House on Wednesday Trump greets guests at the dinner in the State Dining Room on Wednesday Trump offered a message of unity, recognizing members of the Muslim community at home and abroad. The menu for the iftar dinner is seen above Instead, Trump spoke of 'the renewed bonds of friendship and cooperation' forged with 'valued partners' from across the Middle East and said Iftars 'mark the coming together of families and friends to celebrate a timeless message of peace, clarity and love. There is great love.' He recalled his visit last year to Saudi Arabia - his first foreign trip - as 'one of the great two days of my life.' 'Only by working together can we achieve a future of security and prosperity for all,' he said. The dinner came as the Supreme Court considers legal challenges to Trump's travel ban, which critics say unfairly targets some Muslim-majority countries. A ruling is expected as early as this month. Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser, also attended the dinner Kushner shakes hands with a guest just before the start of the dinner on Wednesday Several Muslim civil rights groups pushed back, organizing a 'NOT Trump's Iftar' protest at a park across from the White House. The groups say Trump's heated rhetoric has contributed to an increase in bullying and discrimination against Muslim Americans. Sharif Aly, CEO of Islamic Relief USA, a humanitarian and advocacy organization, said the group was glad to see the White House had reinstated the iftar, 'an event that should be hosted every year, just like the Easter Egg Roll, the Passover Seder and Christmas Open House.' But he urged the administration 'to actively engage on issues impacting our beneficiaries,' including the travel ban and proposed cuts to social welfare programs. During his presidential campaign, Trump called for a 'complete and total shutdown' of Muslims entering the United States. Last year, he drew international criticism for retweeting anti-Muslim videos posted by a far-right group in Britain. And his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital was seen by many critics as an unnecessary provocation in the Muslim world. The White House has defended Trump's policies as necessary for national security. Vice President Mike Pence (left) speaks with Iraqi Ambassador to the United States Fareed Yasseen, right Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross (left) poses for a selfie with a guest Iftar dinners have been held regularly at the White House since the Clinton administration as a form of outreach to the Muslim world. Shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush hosted ambassadors and diplomats in celebration of Ramadan, declaring 'evil has no holy days.' President Barack Obama took up the tradition, saying that discriminating against Muslim Americans 'feeds the lie' that the West is at war with their religion. Last year, Trump broke tradition. Instead of hosting a dinner, the White House issued a statement on the Islamic holiday that focused heavily on the threat of terrorism, noting that recent attacks 'steel our resolve to defeat the terrorists and their perverted ideology.' Protesters hold banners denouncing Trump at an iftar dinner event at Lafayette Park in front of the White House on Wednesday Muslims perform a prayer following an iftar at Lafayette Park near the White House on Wednesday Iftar dinners have been held regularly at the White House since the Clinton administration as a form of outreach to the Muslim world A woman prepares a sign for a rally against Trump before the iftar on Wednesday The White House struck a considerably warmer tone last month, when it released a statement from the president declaring 'Ramadan Mubarak,' a common greeting in Islam for a blessed holiday The White House struck a considerably warmer tone last month, when it released a statement from the president declaring 'Ramadan Mubarak,' a common greeting in Islam for a blessed holiday. The statement praised the Constitution for ensuring Muslims can observe the holiday 'unimpeded by government' and did not mention terrorism. 'Ramadan reminds us of the richness Muslims add to the religious tapestry of American life,' the statement said. The current version of Trump's travel ban applies to travelers from five countries with overwhelmingly Muslim populations - Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. It also affects two non-Muslim countries, blocking travelers from North Korea and some Venezuelan government officials and their families. LAS VEGAS (AP) - A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the killer of a 38-year-old tour operator from Vietnam and one of her employees who were found stabbed to death at a Las Vegas Strip hotel. The hotel, Circus Circus, is offering the reward for information about the slayings last Friday in a room on the 21st floor of the building. Police Lt. Ray Spencer said Wednesday that investigators are trying to identify a person who entered the room to steal property and stabbed Sang Boi Nghia (NEE'-ha) and the man to death. Nghia's daughter, Chau Nghia, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that her mother owned a tour business in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and the male victim was a tour employee. CARMEL, Ind. (AP) - The bankruptcy trustee seeking a settlement for ITT Technical Institute's students is suing its parent company's former CEO and eight former directors for $250 million. The Indianapolis Business Journal reports trustee Deborah Caruso filed suit last week in southern Indiana's U.S. Bankruptcy Court alleging former ITT Educational Services CEO Kevin Modany and directors breached their fiduciary duty to ITT and its stakeholders, leading to the bankruptcy. Carmel-based ITT Educational closed all 130 ITT campuses in 38 states in September 2016. The lawsuit says ITT Educational shut down "without an orderly plan for winding down its operations or even providing for a teach-out of its 40,000 active students." Modany has no published phone number and couldn't be reached for comment Wednesday. Court records list no attorneys for him or the directors. ___ Information from: Indianapolis Business Journal, http://www.ibj.com OSSINING, N.Y. (AP) - CBS News' Bill Whitaker has spoken at college commencements before, but never at one where most graduates weren't free to leave with their families. Whitaker, who has done several stories on criminal justice in four years at "60 Minutes," urged 44 men who earned college degrees Wednesday while inmates at New York's Sing Sing state prison to go "seize your place in the universe" with what they've learned. Sing Sing sits on the banks of the Hudson River 30 miles north of New York City, the prison for which the phrases "up the river" and "The Big House" were coined. For two decades it has offered inmates the chance to earn a degree through Mercy College, and Wednesday's class was the largest ever. FILE - In this May 13, 2015 file photo, Bill Whitaker attends the CBS Network 2015 Programming Upfront in New York. Whitaker, who has done several stories on criminal justice in four years at "60 Minutes," urged 44 men who earned college degrees Wednesday, June 8, 2018, while inmates at New York's Sing Sing state prison to go "seize your place in the universe" with what they've learned. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) Whitaker has reported on conditions for the mentally ill in New York's Rikers Island, about the nation's busiest death row in Texas, on the different correctional approaches in the United States and Germany, and a wrongfully convicted man who served 30 years in a Louisiana before he was released with a $20 gift card. He said he relished the chance to speak to the types of people he reported on. "You were kind of expecting Forest Whitaker, right?" the CBS newsman said in reference to the Oscar-winning actor. Whitaker, who is black, said the nation's prison system is "filled with people who look like you and me and your families." Often, they're treated unfairly and are at the mercy of politicians fearful of being seen as soft on crime. Only a handful of Wednesday's graduates were not black or Hispanic. That motivated Whitaker to tell the story of Glenn Ford, who died shortly after being released from prison in Louisiana, he said. Whitaker said he was struck by a German prison official's statement that if inmates are treated like enemies, they become the enemy. At the prison he visited in Germany, inmates are given keys to their own cells, prompting the head of the Sing Sing college degree program to joke to the warden about trying it there. With their education, Whitaker told the graduates, "you can set yourself free, where it counts. Up here," he said, pointing to his head. Three graduates, including the class valedictorian, have been freed physically and returned to Sing Sing to pick up their degrees. Guests for the ceremony had to put many of their belongings in lockers, go through metal detectors and be ushered through two locked doors. But it was a joyous occasion, with shouts and tears. The inmates wore caps and gowns, and flipped their tassels when commanded by the Mercy College president. "It was a moving experience," Whitaker said before leaving. "I was very glad I came." WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on Chinese institutes on U.S. campuses (all times local): 4:55 p.m. U.S. intelligence and security officials are voicing concerns to a Senate judiciary panel that Chinese students might exploit access to universities to gather intelligence and sensitive research. Undergraduate student Moe Lewis, left, shows her watercolor painting of peony leaves at a traditional Chinese painting class at the Confucius Institute at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., on May 2, 2018. U.S. lawmakers are pushing for tighter regulation or even closure of the more than 100 Chinese Confucius Institutes set up on campuses across America. But for university students, they offer a chance to learn about Chinese language and art. (AP Photo/Matthew Pennington) Joseph Morosco, a senior counterintelligence official at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, says academics and researchers from Russia and Iran also pose a risk. But he voiced particular concern Wednesday about China because it is a "formidable" economic competitor of the U.S. and seeks to acquire critical technology and expertise to further its scientific and military modernization. Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin says the U.S. already has ample legal authority to reject foreign student applications to prevent espionage and illegal activity. He says the wrongdoing of a few individuals should not "cast a shadow over any group of international students." ___ 12:30 a.m. As tensions between the U.S. and China rise over trade and security, perceptions vary wildly about educational exchanges that have thrived since diplomatic relations were normalized four decades ago. Increasingly, U.S. authorities are concerned that Chinese professors and students could exploit access to universities to gather intelligence and sensitive research - an issue a Senate judiciary panel will address Wednesday. And while the China-funded Confucius Institutes that have mushroomed worldwide since 2004 focus on benign subject matter, U.S. lawmakers are pushing for them to be more tightly regulated or even shuttered. The debate over Confucius Institutes has become a testing ground for the American response to China's growing global reach, and underscores anxieties over the more than 350,000 Chinese who study in the United States, more than one third of all foreign students. Chinese language teacher Li Nana speaks during an interview with the Associated Press on May 2, 2018, at Confucius Institute at George Mason University in Fairfax, Vs., where she is a visiting teacher. U.S. lawmakers are pushing for tighter regulation or even closure of the more than 100 Chinese Confucius Institutes set up on campuses across America. But for university students, they offer a chance to learn about Chinese language and art. (AP Photo/Matthew Pennington) SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) - A court hearing was postponed Wednesday for a former NAACP leader in Washington state whose life unraveled after she was exposed as a white woman pretending to be black. Nkechi Diallo, formerly known as Rachel Dolezal, pleaded not guilty last week through her attorney to charges including welfare fraud, perjury and false verification for public assistance. Her next court date is now set for June 20. Diallo resigned as Spokane's NAACP president when it was revealed in 2015 that she was born to white parents. FILE - In this March 20, 2017, file photo, Nkechi Diallo, then known as Rachel Dolezal, poses at the bureau of The Associated Press in Spokane, Wash. A court hearing was postponed Wednesday, June 6, 2018, for the former NAACP leader in Washington state whose life unraveled after she was exposed as a white woman pretending to be black. Diallo pleaded not guilty last week through her attorney to charges including welfare fraud, perjury and false verification for public assistance. (AP Photo/Nicholas K. Geranios, File) The welfare fraud case started in March 2017 when a Washington state investigator received information that Diallo had written a book. The investigator reviewed Diallo's records and found that she had been reporting her income as usually less than $500 per month, court documents said. A subpoena for her self-employment records, which included copies of her bank statements, showed Diallo had deposited nearly $84,000 into her account between August 2015 and September 2017, without reporting most of it to the Department of Social and Health Services. The money came from her memoir, "In Full Color," speaking engagements, soap making, doll making, and the sale of her art, according to the case file. Diallo did report a "change of circumstance" to the state agency, saying she did a one-time job in October 2017 worth $20,000, court documents said. The former civil rights activist told investigators she "fully disclosed her information" and declined to answer further questions, the documents said. She has said previously that she grew up near Troy, Montana, and began to change her perspective as a teenager after her religious parents adopted four black children. She decided to identify as publicly black years later, after a divorce. The ruse worked for years until 2015, when her parents, with whom she has long feuded, told reporters that their daughter was white but was presenting herself as a black activist. The story created an international uproar, and she was fired as head of the Spokane chapter of the NAACP and kicked off a police ombudsman commission. She also lost her job teaching African studies at Eastern Washington University. LANSING, Mich. (AP) - More than 500,000 able-bodied, nonelderly adults in Michigan's Medicaid expansion program would have to work or meet related requirements to keep qualifying for government health insurance under a revised bill that cleared a major legislative hurdle on Wednesday and is expected to become law. The Republican-controlled House voted 62-47, almost entirely along party lines, to advance the measure back to the GOP-led Senate, which could vote as soon as Thursday. If Gov. Rick Snyder signs it into law, as expected, then starting in 2020, adults age 18 to 62 would have to show workforce engagement averaging 80 hours a month - work, school, job or vocational training, an internship, substance abuse treatment or community service. Changes made to the Senate-passed bill on Wednesday would allow for three months of noncompliance in a 12-month period, scale back the work requirement from 29 hours a week, exclude traditional Medicaid beneficiaries from having to comply and let community service count as a qualifying activity for no more than three months in a year. The measure also would tweak rules for Healthy Michigan enrollees once they have been in the expansion program for four years. Snyder, a Republican, said last week that a deal was "basically there" after he pushed for some changes. "The goal of this was not to reduce costs. It was to find more workers. Our employers across the state don't have enough workers," said the bill sponsor, Republican Sen. Mike Shirkey of Clarklake. Democrats criticized the legislation. "Medicaid is not a jobs program. It is not a work program. It is a health care program," said Rep. Yousef Rabhi of Ann Arbor, who said the insurance helps people struggling to find work or caring for family members. "It is cruel and unusual in my opinion for an institution like this to be stripping health care from an estimated thousands of Michigan residents." Before voting, the GOP majority took the rare step of ending the floor debate after two Democrats and one Republican gave statements despite six other Democrats wanting to speak - as tensions remained high following the chamber's contentious vote to repeal Michigan's prevailing wage law . The Medicaid bill would require the state to seek a waiver from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to implement the work requirements. The nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency estimates 670,000 able-bodied adults are in the Medicaid expansion plan. About 130,000 would qualify for an exemption: pregnant women, people with disabilities or medical conditions, caretakers, those meeting a "good cause" temporary exemption and recipients of state unemployment benefits. Of the 540,000 who would be subject to the work requirements, 5 percent to 10 percent - or 27,000 to 54,000 - could lose coverage. Anyone found to have misrepresented his or her compliance would be excluded from coverage for a year. President Donald Trump's administration has approved 20-hour-a-week requirements in four states - Kentucky, Indiana, Arkansas and New Hampshire. They have not been implemented yet. A lawsuit was filed in January to challenge Kentucky's rules. The federal government is considering work requirements proposed by seven other states, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Michigan's expansion program would end if the Trump administration does not approve the waiver within a year of it being submitted. The plan would save the state $7 million to $22 million annually, according to a legislative analysis. ___ Online: Senate Bill 897: http://bit.ly/2JhzuSc ___ Follow David Eggert on Twitter at https://twitter.com/DavidEggert00 . His work can be found at https://apnews.com/search/David%20Eggert . Sign up for "Politics in Focus," a weekly newsletter showcasing the AP's best political reporting from across the United States leading up to the 2018 midterm elections: http://apne.ws/3Gzcraw . It is inevitable that innocent people have been jailed as a result of evidence being withheld from defence lawyers with the possibility that thousands of cases have been affected, a former chief prosecutor said. On Tuesday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) revealed that issues with disclosure had been identified in 47 of 3,637 rape and serious sexual assault cases in England and Wales that were reviewed between January and mid-February. But former director of public prosecutions Lord Macdonald said it was likely that disclosure problems had also affected other cases and part of the problem was due to Government cuts. "It's quite inevitable that there are some innocent people in prison today because of disclosure failures... that's thousands of people," says former Director of Public Prosecutions Lord Macdonald #newsnight pic.twitter.com/mXUX4tdqNE BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) June 5, 2018 There is no reason at all to suppose that these disclosure failures are restricted purely to sex cases, he said. I am sure they are to be found across the entire calendar of criminal cases and I think, given what we have seen in this CPS review it is quite inevitable that there are some innocent people in prison today because of disclosure failures. He told BBCs Newsnight it was impossible to say how many but the review suggested problems in 1-2% of cases. Thats thousands of people, so it is really of the utmost importance that the CPS, the police and the Government grip this it is very important to underline the Government have some responsibility here as well, the level of cuts to the funding of the CPS in recent years has been really quite intolerable. He warned: If you cut a service to the bone then the service that it provides is going to suffer and the Government needs to acknowledge that. The current director of public prosecutions Alison Saunders has pledged to apologise over failures in the 47 identified rape and serious sexual offence cases where evidence was withheld. A national review was launched earlier this year after a number of rape cases collapsed in quick succession when it emerged that police and prosecutors had failed to pass key information to defence teams. The Crown Prosecution Service has published the findings of its review into rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO) cases. Details here: https://t.co/HhQPywgpaP CPS (@CPSUK) June 5, 2018 The cases included five where disclosure was the primary reason why the case had to be stopped. In the remaining 42, there were additional reasons including communications data such as text messages, emails and social media being examined too late; a failure to get material from third parties such as medical or social services records; or new evidence emerging after charge. Ms Saunders told the Justice Select Committee: I feel every single failure. Its not something that we want. We have been very clear about where our failings are. We will apologise for those. Some 14 defendants were in custody at the time the decision was made to stop their cases. Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Prior, Disclosure Lead for the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), said: Weve got to realise that this is about real people. Whether that is a person reporting a matter to us, whether it be a person as a witness, or whether it be somebody accused of an offence. Thats incredibly traumatic, whatever aspect you look at. Weve got to get disclosure right. We cannot allow mistakes to impact so greatly on peoples lives as has been played out in the media over the past few months. In December and January a string of rape cases collapsed when it emerged that vital evidence had not been passed to defence lawyers. The trial of Liam Allan was halted at Croydon Crown Court on December 14, and the prosecution of Isaac Itiary collapsed at Inner London Crown Court a few days later. Liam Allan apology The following month the case against Samson Makele, 28, was halted at Snaresbrook Crown Court after his defence team unearthed key images from his mobile phone which had not previously been made available. And Oxford student Oliver Mears, who had spent two years on bail, had the case against him dropped days before he was due to go on trial. A raft of measures are being brought in, including a National Disclosure Improvement Plan, including new training for prosecutors and police officers, measures to deal with disclosure at an early stage in legal proceedings and better technology to help investigators sift through vast amounts of communications data. The CPS gave a regional breakdown of the 47 stopped cases as follows: two in Wales; four in the East Midlands; 23 in London; four in Mersey Cheshire; two in the North East; four in the North West; three in the South West; two in the West Midlands, and three in Yorkshire and Humberside. Labour Brexit policy and violent crime make headlines on Tuesday. Several papers also carry images of American fashion designer and entrepreneur Kate Spade, who was found dead in her New York apartment after an apparent suicide. The Guardian leads with a shift by Labour to propose seeking an internal market for a new and close relationship with the EU that would provide full access to the single market while falling short of full membership. What the papers say Guardian front page, Wednesday 6 June 2018: Labour seeks full access to single market pic.twitter.com/xT1fBP23un Guardian news (@guardiannews) June 5, 2018 The Times says the significant change in policy aims to unite the party around the issue and marks a shift towards the softest possible Brexit. Tomorrow's front page: Labour bids for softest Brexit deal in new shift #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/nhTa6NRboM The Times (@thetimes) June 5, 2018 The Daily Mail says the country is in the grip of a violent crime wave as figures showed more than 60 armed robberies were being committed every day. And the Daily Express asks if the authorities have lost control of Britains streets after a spate of savage crimes. Wednesdays EXPRESS: Have we lost control of our streets? #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/2ks27lNXoV Helen Miller (@MsHelicat) June 5, 2018 The mugging of Michael McIntyre makes The Suns front page after the paper acquired footage of the moment the comedian was attacked by two robbers on a moped. In other news, failures by Oxbridge to attract more black students are staggering, Universities Minister Sam Gyimah has told the Daily Telegraph. The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph: Minister: Oxbridge diversity failures are 'staggering' #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/a2rrfBWOq6 The Telegraph (@Telegraph) June 5, 2018 The Financial Times leads on alleged actions by the former chief executive of Cambridge Analytica in the lead-up to the Facebook data scandal. Just published: front page of the Financial Times, London edition, Wednesday 6 June https://t.co/ZUHMl6eRgH pic.twitter.com/1lrTqj8rZy Financial Times (@FinancialTimes) June 5, 2018 The Independents online edition reports on an accusation that Conservatives are failing to tackle Islamophobia out of fear of damaging political power. The i leads with the Cabinets decision to give the go-ahead for a third runway at Heathrow. Wednesday's front page: Heathrow third runway cleared for take-off #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/FQRmsDVFH3 i newspaper (@theipaper) June 5, 2018 And the Daily Mirror says a poll suggests four in five people back a 1p rise in National Insurance to increase funding for the NHS. Just a day after lava from Hawaii's Kilauea destroyed hundreds of homes overnight, a video caught the remarkable moment a rainbow appeared inside the volcano's crater. A livestream of the Halema'uma'u Crater was captured Tuesday evening by scientists from the US Geological Survey. The rainbow lasted a few minutes before fading away. Lava from the Kilauea volcano destroyed hundreds of homes this week, engulfing two oceanfront communities. Just a day after lava from Hawaii's Kilauea destroyed hundreds of homes overnight, a video caught the remarkable moment a rainbow (pictured) appeared inside the volcano's crater A livestream of the Halema'uma'u Crater was captured Tuesday evening by scientists from the US Geological Survey. The rainbow (pictured) lasted a few minutes before fading away Earlier this week, lava from the Kilauea volcano destroyed hundreds of homes, engulfing two oceanfront communities Aerial images captured the devastating lava flows from the Kilauea volcano which destroyed the homes in one night, including the Big Island county mayor's second home No injuries were reported as most residents had evacuated the area last week. The latest lost homes were in addition to at least 117 reported by officials since lava began spilling last month from cracks in the ground in a mostly rural district of the Big Island. 'We don't have an estimate yet, but safe to say that hundreds of homes were lost in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland last night,' Janet Snyder, a spokeswoman for Hawaii County, said on Wednesday. A morning overflight confirmed that lava had completely filled Kapoho Bay, inundated most of Vacationland and covered all but the northern part of Kapoho Beach Lots, the US Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said. Despite earlier reports that lava had claimed Big Island mayor Harry Kim's second home in Vacationland, an aerial flyover confirmed his home was still standing, Snyder said. County managing director Wil Okabe said his own vacation home in Kapoho Beach Lots was threatened. The eruptions have been spewing molten lava, ash clouds and tiny particles of glass as the lava flows reached the sea Lava erupts in Leilani Estates during ongoing eruptions of the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii, on Tuesday, after tearing through the islands The latest lost homes were in addition to at least 117 reported by officials since lava began spilling last month from cracks in the ground in a mostly rural district of the Big Island As of June 4, 2018 Thirty Days of Activity at Kilauea Volcano. https://t.co/z2F7A0WCK5 pic.twitter.com/St4i0nif4b USGS (@USGS) June 5, 2018 He described the area as a mix of vacation rentals and year-round residences. 'For us it's more of a vacation area, but for those who live there permanently, they're trying to figure out where they're going to be living,' he said. Kim and Okabe live in Hilo, the county's seat, which is more than an hour drive from the Kapoho area. Governor David Ige signed a second supplemental emergency proclamation on Tuesday that gives the county more options for shelters and sets criminal penalties for violating emergency rules, such as failing to evacuate and interfering with emergency workers. Thousands of people in the Puna area had to evacuate after the first fissure opened on May 3. Officials issued mandatory orders for residents of Leilani Estates, and those in Kapoho Beach and Vacationland were advised to leave last Friday or risk being trapped and unreachable by emergency crews. Homes in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland are on smaller lots and closer together than those in other parts of the Puna district. Okabe estimated there are several hundred homes in each of the two subdivisions. German prosecutors are investigating a 95-year-old suspected former member of Adolf Hitler's mobile killing squads for involvement in Second World War massacres. The case against Wilhelm Karl Friedrich Hoffmeister, a former SS corporal, is part of an 11th-hour effort to bring elderly ex-Nazis to justice. He is suspected of serving with one of the Einsatzgruppen death squads in Ukraine and is known to have been in the country with a unit responsible for the massacre of 34,000 people at Babi Yar, a ravine north west of Kiev, on September 29 and 30, 1941. It is the third case opened in Germany in recent months targeting individuals believed to have been part of the killing squads. All three are being investigated under a new legal argument, recently upheld by the country's top criminal court, that someone who helped the Nazi killing machinery run can be convicted of accessory to mass murder, even if they cannot be linked to specific deaths. German prosecutors are investigating a 95-year-old suspected former member of Adolf Hitler's mobile killing squads for involvement in Second World War massacres. Pictured: A German firing squad Efraim Zuroff, the head Nazi hunter at the Simon Wiesenthal Centre in Jerusalem, alerted German authorities about the new suspects. 'It was a very significant decision, but it's only one that has been reaching fruition in recent months after we helped them find three people who fit the category,' he said. 'It's not exactly clear why it took them so long.' Extending the legal standard on complicity from death camp guards to the Einsatzgruppen raises the possibility of a fresh wave of investigations, he said. The Einsatzgruppen were the Nazis' opening salvo in the Holocaust SS units and police personnel who followed the regular army as it pushed into the Soviet Union in 1941, slaughtering perceived racial or political enemies in mass executions. Estimates vary, but experts agree they were responsible for more than a million killings. The Nazis later established their system of death camps partially due to concerns about the psychological effects the up-close mass killings were having on the Einsatzgruppen troops. 'The death camps and concentration camps became the iconic images of the Holocaust, but it was the Einsatzgruppen that were maybe even a more stark manifestation of the Nazi ideology and the Final Solution,' Mr Zuroff said. The Einsatzgruppen - made up of primarily SS and police personnel - followed Nazi Germany's troops as they battled their way eastward in the early years of the war. Pictured: SS leader Heinrich Himmler inspects troops 'The number of active (Einsatzgruppen) participants is much greater than the number who actually carried out the murders in the death camps.' Hoffmeister, a former SS Rottenfuehrer roughly equivalent to corporal is suspected of serving with one of the death squads in Ukraine. Einsatzgruppe C was responsible for the shootings of nearly 34,000 people at Babi Yar, a ravine north west of Kiev, on September 29 and 30 1941 one of the largest and most notorious of the mass executions by Einsatzgruppen. The German federal prosecutors' office in Ludwigsburg that investigates Nazi war crimes has established that Hoffmeister was in Ukraine with the unit around that time, but has not linked him to any specific killings, said Jens Rommel, the head of the office. 'We don't know what he did on what day,' Mr Rommel said. His office does not have authority to file criminal charges, but determined there was enough evidence to recommend that prosecutors based near where Hoffmeister lives in a retirement home pursue accessory to murder charges against him. Massacre: Einsatzgruppe C was responsible for one of the most notorious mass killings, the shooting of nearly 34,000 at Babi Yar, a ravine northwest of the Ukrainian city of Kiev, on September 29, 1941 Serving in the unit would not be enough on its own to secure a conviction, even under the updated evidentiary standard, so the prosecutors in Braunschweig need proof that Hoffmeister was present in some capacity when Einsatzgruppe C committed atrocities. The argument that Germans who enabled war crimes could be charged with accessory to murder even if they did not personally pull a rifle trigger or put the poison in the gas chamber was first used successfully against former Ohio car worker John Demjanjuk in 2011. Demjanjuk was convicted in Munich on allegations he served as a Sobibor death camp guard, which he denied. He died before his appeal could be heard. The 2015 conviction of former Auschwitz guard Oskar Groening using the same argument was upheld the next year by Germany's top criminal court on appeal, cementing the precedent. Following the unveiling of Labours new position on UK-EU relations after Brexit, what are the options under discussion ahead of the crunch Commons votes on June 12? The Governments position Britain should withdraw from the European single market and customs union, to enable it to strike new trade deals around the world. It should forge a new deep and special partnership with the EU27, with free trade and close security links. Who supports it? Theresa May and a large majority of Conservative MPs, along with some Labour rebels. Theresa May The Labour position Labour wants Britain to remain in a customs union with the EU after Brexit, to ensure tariff-free access and frictionless trade with the remaining 27 members. Jeremy Corbyns new policy would also make full access to the EU internal market an objective in Brexit negotiations. Who supports it? Labours leadership, including Mr Corbyn and shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer, who are expected to be backed by most of the partys MPs. Labour tables amendments to Brexit legislation to force ministers to secure new single market deal - @Keir_Starmer https://t.co/BAvd0Evv4y Labour Press (@labourpress) June 5, 2018 The soft Brexit option Keeping Britain inside the customs union and the single market, to maintain the closest possible ties with the EU. Amendments passed by the House of Lords, and due for an MPs vote next Tuesday, would require the Government to try to negotiate a customs union and continued membership alongside non-EU countries like Norway of the European Economic Area (EEA). Who supports it? A majority of peers, along with europhile MPs from all parties linked to the Open Britain campaign, such as Tory former minister Anna Soubry. A substantial number of Labour MPs, including Chuka Umunna, believe the party should back the cross-party Lords amendments, despite orders from the leadership to abstain in the EEA vote. The Exit from Brexit option Offering voters the opportunity to reverse their decision to leave the European Union. Who supports it? This is the official policy of the Liberal Democrats and the favoured outcome of the Best for Britain pressure group and the Peoples Vote campaign for a second referendum on the final Brexit deal. The No Deal option Britain leaves the EU without any agreement on future relations, and trades on World Trade Organisation terms. Who supports it? Only a relatively small number of committed eurosceptics in Parliament regard this as their preferred result, but many MPs particularly on the Tory benches believe the Government should be preparing for the possibility of a no deal exit in order to strengthen the UKs hand in negotiations with Brussels. Bolivias spectacled bears and the snow leopard Nepals ghost of the mountains are among wildlife being supported by funding from the UK. Projects to protect the threatened species are among 52 schemes awarded a share of 10.6 million from the latest round of the Environment Departments (Defra) Darwin Initiative to help protect wildlife and nature around the world. Chester Zoo has received funding to help people and bears in Bolivia, where around 3,000 of the animals live and are vulnerable to extinction. A project to protect spectacled bears and reduce poverty in Bolivia has received funding (Chester Zoo/PA) Climate change has affected the bears and also humans who have switched from arable agriculture to livestock farming, which has resulted in more encounters between people, bears and livestock, causing conflict. Chester Zoos project aims to help people and bears, monitoring the animals and improving livelihoods for local communities by trialling new income streams such as cheese making and beekeeping. Dr Alexandra Zimmermann, head of conservation science at Chester Zoo, said: Through the support from the Darwin Initiative we will be able to facilitate human-bear co-existence in the southern Bolivian Andes. Our project links poverty reduction and benefits from biodiversity conservation by improving livelihoods and wellbeing of communities who live alongside this threatened species. In Nepal there are an estimated 350 to 500 snow leopards, making up around a 10th of the worlds population of the elusive cat. The Snow Leopard Conservancy is planning to expand a successful Himalayan Homestays programme implemented in Ladakh, India, creating local homestays managed by women for visitors coming to see snow leopards. The scheme has enabled villagers to see snow leopards not as pests that kill livestock but a source of income from visitors, who now have a high chance of seeing the rare cats. With support from the Darwin Initiative, the concept will be expanded to create an interconnected series of snow leopard friendly villages along a Snow Leopard Trail. Funding will also help train local people to monitor snow leopards with camera traps and strengthen traditional cultural heritage values centred on nature. Director of the California-based Snow Leopard Conservancy, Dr Rodney Jackson, said Nepal was trying to give local communities a greater role in wildlife conservation. The Darwin Initiative support comes at the perfect time, enabling the Snow Leopard Conservancy and partners to greatly expand important grassroots, community-driven actions benefiting the snow leopards, known by some as the ghost of the mountains, in two of Nepals most important mountain protected areas. Rebel MPs from both sides of the House of Commons are set to push for a Norway-style Brexit agreement which would keep the UK in the single market. Both Prime Minister Theresa May and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn have rejected such a deal, but pro-EU MPs claimed remaining in the European Economic Area (EEA) would be the best Brexit deal for jobs and businesses. The issue will be voted on by MPs when the Brexit legislation returns to the House of Commons next week, with Labour divisions exposed by an amendment tabled by shadow cabinet ministers which stops short of backing EEA membership. POLITICS Brexit Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said Labour rejected proposals for a Norway-style relationship with the European Union because the party is too divided on the issue. The official Labour amendments to the Brexit Bill call on Mrs May to make maintaining full access to the EU internal market an objective of the negotiations with Brussels. Party critics have accused the frontbench of bailing out the Prime Minister from a potential rebellion on the single market. With Mrs May lacking a majority in the Commons, she is vulnerable to any Tory revolt and at least 12 Conservatives have signalled their support for a future in the EEA. But Sir Keir said the EEA amendment to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill that will go before MPs on June 12 was too divisive in the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP). He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: The difficulty with that, and I think everybody recognises this, is that there are very strong and very different views across the PLP on that particular amendment. So, whilst theres unity on all the others and we will all be voting together, on that amendment there are very divided views. Asked if he was putting party unity before his beliefs about what is right for the country, he replied: Im injecting some honesty about where we are in the Labour Party. "Only way we can win a vote is if Labour are all united and vote together to defeat the government" says @Keir_Starmer before crunch Brexit amendment votes in the Commons next week #r4today BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) June 6, 2018 But Labour MP Chuka Umunna said he would rebel to support the EEA plan as well as the official frontbench amendment. He said: The option of us continuing to participate in the single market is only dead insofar as the Labour frontbench seek to adopt that position and I sincerely hope that we will do right by our values and seek to keep us in the EEA. At an event hosted by the Open Britain campaign, he told the Press Association he would rebel on Tuesday to support the EEA amendment and a large number of Labour colleagues would do the same. Every single MP needs to make their own decision about this in the national interest and in the interest of their own constituents, he said. This is one of those issues where if you just blindly follow orders people will not forgive you. Former shadow chancellor Chris Leslie said: We should not be in the business of bailing out Theresa May when shes facing rebellion on the single market. We should not be in the business of bailing out Theresa May when shes facing rebellion on the Single Market https://t.co/NPN1IgLvUF Chris Leslie (@ChrisLeslieUK) June 5, 2018 Tory support for the EEA has been signalled in an amendment to the Trade Bill. Former minister Stephen Hammond is thought to be one of at least 12 MPs behind it. Pro-EU Tory Anna Soubry, who supports the EEA option, said a majority of MPs would back remaining in the single market if it was put to a free vote but a culture of fear was preventing them from speaking out. At the Open Britain event, she said that Tories at all levels of government including in the Cabinet supported an EEA deal. They will not speak out, they will not be true to what they believe in. That has got to change, we cannot allow this culture of fear that has developed to continue any longer. Former minister Ms Soubry added that people should be angry that debate on the Lords amendments to the EU Bill was being limited to a single day and she was scathing about the Governments handling of the Brexit process. We have a Cabinet that is completely and totally divided so there is no plan for what the negotiating position is going to be, she said. You may think that is a pretty shabby and shocking state of affairs. That is the reality. Brexit Minister Suella Braverman said: Labour have shattered their promise to respect the referendum result this amendment means accepting free movement and continuing to follow EU rules with absolutely no say in them, which is the worst of all worlds. Brexit Secretary David Davis is set to make a speech on his hopes for the future security partnership between the UK and the EU. The intervention comes after a bruising row over the Galileo satellite programme and European arrest warrant which saw Mr Davis suggest Brussels was concerned with public posturing and scoring points rather than resolving the issues. The UK, France and Germany have joined forces to urge the United States to exempt European companies from any sanctions the US will slap on Iran after pulling out of an international nuclear agreement. In a letter to US treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin and secretary of state Mike Pompeo, ministers from the three European countries, including Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, said they strongly regret President Donald Trumps decision last month to withdraw from the Iran deal. Mr Trump has said sanctions will be imposed on any company doing business with Tehran. Donald Trump The three European countries were also signatories of the 2015 deal, which was meant to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. In their letter, the ministers said that as close allies we expect that the extraterritorial effects of US secondary sanctions will not be enforced on EU entities and individuals, and the United States will thus respect our political decision and the good faith of economic operators within EU legal territory. The ministers, including French finance minister Bruno Le Maire and his German counterpart Olaf Scholz, said they want the US to grant exemptions for EU companies that have been doing business with Iran since the deal came into force in 2016. We ask the American authorities, in a letter signed with Germany, the UK and @eu_eeas to exempt European businesses doing legitimate trade in Iran from all extraterritorial American sanctions. Those businesses must be able to pursue their activities. pic.twitter.com/mDZP42gb0b Bruno Le Maire (@BrunoLeMaire) June 6, 2018 They also said Iran should not be cut out of the SWIFT system for international money transfers. Many companies from Europe and the US have been steadily building up their investments in Iran in the past few years in the wake of the nuclear deal, particularly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, banking and oil. Mr Le Maire tweeted that EU businesses must be able to pursue their activities. The Duke of Cambridge indulged his passion for motorbikes when he visited the Isle of Man TT but his wife may have not been so impressed. William, who has a life-long love for the machines, stood feet from the roadside and marvelled at the riders as they screamed past on their bikes. The duke was making his first official visit to the Isle of Man a crown dependency and was joined by the chief minister Howard Quayle and other dignitaries. Duke of Cambridge visits the Isle of Man (Peter Byrne/PA) William confessed Kate may have been a little sceptical of the intentions of his visit when Laurence Skelly, the Isle of Man governments minister for enterprise, quizzed him about the duchess views. The duke replied: When I said I was going to the Isle of Man for an official visit she said really?. And theyre off! The Duke flags off the TT Zero race @iom_tt, which sees teams compete on electric motorcycles without the use of carbon based fuels. pic.twitter.com/9gyXsHWMmj The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) June 6, 2018 The Isle of Man TT was first staged in 1907 and is one of the oldest continuous motorsport events in the world. It features riders competing in nine races, from a superbike category to sidecar events, in time trials around the circuit, which is almost 38 miles long and renowned for its difficulty and danger. Two competitors have been killed during this years event. William watched the final stages of the TT Supersport Race 2 where the 600cc bikes which can reach 180mph roared past at incredible speeds through the finish line. Irelands premier is to pay an historic visit to the headquarters of the Orange Order in Northern Ireland. The Press Association understands Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will tour Schomberg House in Belfast on Friday. It is believed the symbolic visit will mark the first time the head of the Irish government has visited the Grand Orange Lodge of Irelands headquarters. An anti-Brexit sign on the Irish border near Newry, Co Down It is understood Mr Varadkar will be meeting Orange lodge members from the Irish Republic as part of his visit. The tour will form part of a day-long trip across the Irish border for Mr Varadkar. The move comes at a time of tense relations between the Taoiseach and unionist politicians in the region over Brexit, with the latter accusing Mr Varadkars government of aggressive tactics in negotiations over the shape of the border when the UK leaves the EU. The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland declined to comment on the anticipated visit when contacted by PA. A man has been arrested by detectives investigating the murder of a police officer in 1997. Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) constable Darren Bradshaw, 24, was shot dead in the Parliament Bar in Belfast in May that year. Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) detective inspector Debbie Eakin said: It was reported at the time that two men entered the premises and while one stayed in the lobby, the other entered the bar and shot Constable Bradshaw three times. Detectives investigating the murder of RUC constable Darren Bradshaw in 1997 have made an arrest. Paul Faith/PA wire. She said the men fled in a red Toyota car. Constable Bradshaw died at the scene. The arrested man is in his 40s and is currently in police custody in Coleraine, the detective added. Mr Bradshaws family have been made aware of the arrest. The Irish National Liberation Army (INLA), a republican splinter group, claimed responsibility for the killing at the Belfast city centre nightclub. The Parliament Bar was one of the citys best known gay pubs. The UKs highest court is set to rule on a challenge over the legality of Northern Irelands strict abortion law. Seven Supreme Court justices in London will announce their decision on Thursday, at a time of intense political debate on the issue. The ruling by the panel of judges, headed by the courts president Lady Hale, follows a hearing last year. Supreme Court (Fiona Hanson/PA) During proceedings in October, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) told the court the current law criminalises exceptionally vulnerable women and girls and subjects them to inhuman and degrading treatment. During the three-day appeal hearing, a QC representing the commission argued that human rights were being breached, with those affected being forced to go through physical and mental torture. The Supreme Court has been asked to rule that a prohibition on abortions where a pregnancy arises from rape or incest, or involves a serious foetal abnormality, is unlawful. Judgment in Northern Ireland abortion appeal to be handed down on Thursday 7 June at 9.45am: https://t.co/mZ5OMzI6I4 pic.twitter.com/ixNrcHbvYX UK Supreme Court (@UKSupremeCourt) May 31, 2018 The NIHRC claims the laws effect on women is incompatible with rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Contesting the appeal, the Stormont Executives senior legal adviser, Attorney General John Larkin QC, said Northern Irelands criminal law on abortion is a matter for the democratic judgment of the legislature. The legislature, he said, has struck the proportionate balance required for the protection of the rights of women and unborn children. Unlike other parts of the UK, the 1967 Abortion Act does not extend to Northern Ireland. Abortion is illegal except where a womans life is at risk or there is a permanent or serious danger to her mental or physical health. Anyone who unlawfully carries out an abortion could be jailed for life. Belfasts High Court made a declaration in December 2015 that the law was incompatible with Article 8 of the ECHR the right to respect for private and family life because of the absence of exceptions to the general prohibition on abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities and pregnancies resulting from sexual offences. But that decision was overturned in June last year by three of Northern Irelands most senior judges. The appeal judges said the law in Northern Ireland should be left to the Stormont Assembly and not judges, saying the complex moral and religious questions behind the issue should be determined by a legislature rather than a court. Submissions were also made at the Supreme Court by a number of bodies, including seven of the UKs leading reproductive rights organisations, Humanists UK, Bishops of the Roman Catholic Dioceses in Northern Ireland, the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children and Amnesty International. The Northern Ireland Assembly voted in February 2016 against legalising abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormality and rape or incest. The debate on Northern Irelands restrictions on abortion has intensified after citizens in the Irish Republic voted by a landslide last month to liberalise the states laws. An emergency debate on the issue was held in the House of Commons on Tuesday. The UK Government has resisted calls to step in and legislate amid the ongoing powersharing impasse in Northern Ireland, insisting that any decision on abortion in the region has to be taken by locally elected politicians at Stormont. Grainne Teggart, Amnestys Northern Ireland campaigns manager, said in a statement: If the court rules that Northern Irelands abortion ban breaches womens rights, there will be no excuses left for Theresa May the UK Government will be forced to fulfil its human rights responsibilities and make things equal for the women of Northern Ireland. The Supreme Court judges have a unique chance to put right centuries of human rights abuse in Northern Ireland. We hope they take it. The Democratic Unionists the Governments supply and confidence partners at Westminster are staunchly anti-abortion and oppose moves to liberalise the regime in Northern Ireland. Leader Arlene Foster denied her party was under pressure to change stance. The DUP is not under pressure on these issues, she told UTV. We await to hear what the Supreme Court has to say on these issues and we will of course consider that and then the place to discuss this is the Assembly. The eruption of Guatemalas Volcan de Fuego Volcano of Fire may have been one of the biggest in 500 years, according to a volcanologist. The explosion on June 3 and its aftermath have claimed the lives of more than 75 people with at least 192 more still missing. Rescue efforts were disrupted by a new eruption on Tuesday. Fuego is a very active volcano, said Dr Ralf Gertisser from Keele University, explaining Fuego has been continuously erupting since at least 2002. The population has been used to these previous small eruptions. Everything was largely restricted to the summit of the volcano but this bigger eruption has caught people by surprise. Just what happened? Guatemala Volcano The huge eruption, or explosion, sent a plume of volcanic material volanic rock, ash and gas up to 10km into the atmosphere creating a huge column. Either gas-rich magma forced its way through the volcanos internal plumbing or there was a blockage of the volcanic conduit. Any blockage would have increased the gas pressure inside the volcano causing the explosion. The resulting column collapsed back on the top of the volcano almost immediately, with ash lingering in the air. What made it so deadly? Guatemala Volcano As the column collapsed, all the volcanic matter which had been ejected ran down the flanks of the volcano, something that is known as a pyroclastic flow. Moving at more than 100km/hour and at temperatures of several hundred degrees Celicus, the flow destroyed anything in its way, running down the river valleys and into populated areas. You cant run away from it, said Dr Gertisser. There was not much time between the explosion and the eruption column collapsing. It collapsed almost immediately. The pyroclastic flow will knock down trees, strip houses from basements, toss cars around. Its highly destructive. Its the deadliest and most destructive volcanic phenomenon we know. What might happen next? While there remain worries that the volcano will explode again, another concern is rain fall. It will dislodge the new, loose volcanic material and create volcanic mudflows. Why does this volcano look so different from the eruptions in Hawaii? Hawaii Volcano Red volcanoes, like Kilauea in Hawaii, are not as dangerous. The magma bubbles up and out rather than explodes. The grey volcanoes, like Fuego, can be more deadly. The different types of volcanoes occur in different geological settings. Kilauea is squatter and contains a less gaseous magma. Eruptions have minimal risk to life and the flowing lava moves much slower. Any vertical eruptions are typically caused by the magma touching groundwater. Fuego is on an active continental margin. Are volcanoes common in this part of the world? There are 11 active volcanoes in Guatemala and Fuego is big one of the tallest in the world at 3,763 metres (12,346 feet) above sea level. Volcanoes like this one get bigger the more they erupt as lava and ash build up to create the mountainous shape with steep sides, known as a stratovolcano. Given its size its no surprise its one of the most active volcanoes in the country. Guatemala sits on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe of volcanoes which stretches from Indonesia to Central and South America and covers New Zealand, the Western Coast of the US and Japan. It includes about three-quarters of the worlds active volcanoes. A trio of astronauts from Russia, the United States and the European Space Agency have blasted off for a mission on the International Space Station. A Russian spacecraft carrying Serena Aunon-Chancellor of Nasa, Sergey Prokopyev of Russian space agency Roscosmos and the ESAs Alexander Gerst, from Germany, lifted off as scheduled from the Russia-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan atop a Soyuz booster rocket at 4.12pm local time (12.12pm BST). The Soyuz MS-09 ship has successfully entered a designated orbit and is set to dock at the space outpost on Friday. Serena Aunon-Chancellor The three astronauts will join Drew Feustel and Ricky Arnold of Nasa and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos, who are currently on the station. The mission includes 250 experiments in fields such as biology, Earth science, human research, physical sciences and technology. Roscosmos said its chief Dmitry Rogozin met at Baikonur with US ambassador to Russia, Jon Huntsman, who attended the launch. The agency said in a statement that the continuing cooperation in space could help repair the strained relationship between the US and Russia. Relations between Moscow and Washington have plummeted to post-Cold War lows over the crisis in Ukraine, the war in Syria and allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential elections. Police and immigration authorities will be handed new powers to stop suspected spies and agents at the UK border in the wake of the Salisbury nerve agent attack. The crackdown aims to bolster Britains defences against so-called hostile state activity by giving officers anti-terror style powers to intercept individuals who may pose a threat as they arrive in the country. Details of the regime emerged as ministers unveiled a wide-ranging new Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Bill. Currently police and immigration personnel can question and detain people entering and leaving the country through sea ports, airports and international rail stations. But they can only deploy the powers in cases where they are seeking to establish whether the subject appears to be concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. New powers to stop 'hostile activity' Under the proposed system, police or dedicated immigration or customs officers will be able to stop, question, search and detain an individual at a port, airport or border area to determine whether he or she is, or has been, engaged in hostile activity. For the purposes of the new power, a hostile act is defined as one that threatens national security, threatens the economic well-being of the UK, or is an act of serious crime and is linked to a foreign state. Plans for the measure were first announced by Theresa May in the aftermath of the attempted assassination of former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in March. The Government has accused Russia of being behind the attack, but Moscow has repeatedly denied responsibility. Publishing the new Bill, Home Secretary Sajid Javid said: We judge that it was highly likely that the Russian State carried out the appalling attack in Salisbury which demonstrates why the police need robust powers to investigate, identify and challenge those acting against our interests. This is a necessary and proportionate response to the threat and will, of course, be subject to strict safeguards and robust oversight to assure its proper use. Home Office documents published alongside the proposed legislation state the UK faces a sustained threat from hostile state actors seeking to undermine our national security in a wide variety of ways, including espionage and as the attack in Salisbury has made clear violence against individuals. The ability to stop, question, search and detain individuals to determine whether they appear to be or have engaged in hostile activity represents a major improvement in the UKs ability to tackle the threat, according to the department. Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 allows officers to examine a person at a port area when they are entering or leaving the country. Last year 16,349 people were examined under the provision in Britain. A Government impact assessment on the proposed hostile activity power says it is expected annual use will be very low and far below the level of Schedule 7 activity. It is further expected that the rate of non-compliance will be low, the document adds. Oversight of the power will be assigned to the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, and the Bill includes provisions for safeguards to protect legally privileged and journalistic material. Yulia Skripal Mr Skripal, 66, and his daughter, 33, were found unconscious from the effects of the military nerve agent Novichok on a bench in Salisbury on March 4. They were admitted to Salisbury District Hospital, along with Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey. All three have since been discharged. On Tuesday Scotland Yard disclosed that police are still following a number of lines of inquiry as part of a huge investigation to establish who carried out the poisoning. Theresa May has told Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu she is concerned about the shooting of Palestinians during a wave of protests at the Gaza border. The Prime Minister stressed she recognised Israels right to self-defence but called on Mr Netanyahu to take action to alleviate the situation. The Israeli prime minister insisted that the protests were driven by militant group Hamas and the response was aimed at minimising causalities. The pair are also at odds over the Iran nuclear deal, with Mrs May restating the UKs commitment to the agreement, which Israel opposes and US President Donald Trump has pulled out from. Theresa May told Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu she had concerns about the violence in Gaza as demonstrators gathered in Whitehall (Victoria Jones/PA) Rival groups of protesters gathered outside Downing Street waving Palestinian and Israeli flags ahead of Mr Netanyahus arrival. Mrs May told him the UK was concerned about the loss of Palestinian lives in the recent Gaza protests. She said the UK absolutely recognises the right that Israel has for self-defence against the activities of extremists and terrorists. But with 100 Palestinian lives lost and a deteriorating situation in Gaza I hope we can talk about how we can alleviate that situation and how we can ensure that we can get back to a position where we are able to find a way through to talk about a two-state solution. Protesters gathered on Whitehall as Benjamin Netanyahu met Theresa May (Victoria Jones/PA) Mr Netanyahu insisted protesters were being paid for and pushed by Hamas to try to break through the border and kill Israelis. This is not a non-violent protest, quite the contrary, he said. We are doing everything we can to both minimise casualties and at the same time protect Israeli lives. Theresa May meets Benjamin Netanyahu Mr Netanyahu has lobbied for European leaders to follow Mr Trumps example and pull out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) Iran deal. But Mrs May said: Along with France and Germany the UK continues to believe that is the best route to preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. We will remain committed to it as long as Iran meets its obligations. But we do recognise that there are other issues that need to be addressed in relation to Iran its destabilising regional activity in countries like Syria and Yemen and also the the proliferation of ballistic missiles. Mr Netanyahu told Mrs May he was focused on making sure Iran did not get a nuclear weapon and how to roll back Irans aggression in the region. I think we can find ways to work together to achieve both goals, he said. Following the meeting, a Downing Street spokesman said: The Prime Minister told Prime Minister Netanyahu that she was deeply concerned by recent rocket attacks from Gaza and, as a friend of Israel, reiterated the UKs support for Israels right to self-defence. She said the Palestinians had a right to protest but it was important that these protests be peaceful. She said there was, however, concern about the scale of casualties in Gaza in recent weeks, and around Israels use of live fire. The Prime Minister noted the importance of seeing the situation in Gaza swiftly alleviated and parties moving back towards direct negotiations for a two-state solution. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson used a meeting with Mr Netanyahu to reiterate the need for Israel to carry out a transparent, independent inquiry into the loss of Palestinian lives during Gaza protests. Mr Johnson said Britain was very concerned by the deaths of over 120 Palestinians in recent weeks and the deteriorating situation in Gaza. He added: The people of Israel and Gaza have the right to live safely in peace, without constant fear for their security. We continue to press both Israel and the Palestinian Authority on the need to refrain from actions which make peace more difficult. Settlement construction is a significant barrier to achieving this goal, as are terrorism, incitement to violence, and the refusal by some to acknowledge Israels right to exist. The UK has an unwavering commitment to Israels security and stability and we look forward to continuing to work together to achieve our common goals. A former Anglo Irish Bank chief executive has been found guilty of fraud. David Drumm, 51, faced allegations of conspiracy to defraud and false accounting after denying arranging dishonest or fraudulent multi-billion-euro transfers to boost the failed Irish lenders books in the months before it went bust in 2008. Bailing out Anglo was to cost taxpayers billions of euro. The defendant, who wore a dark suit and took notes while he was in the dock, had been charged with conspiring to dishonestly create the false and misleading impression that deposits in 2008 were 7.2 billion euro larger than they were. He also denied knowingly presenting the false figures to the market in December 2008. A jury of nine men and three women returned unanimous verdicts on both counts at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Wednesday, after deliberating for 10 hours and 32 minutes following a near five-month trial. Drumm, of Shenick Avenue in Skerries, Co Dublin, sat quietly and did not react as the verdicts were announced. Anglo Irish Bank Drumms defence team told the court his wife and children were not present because they were attending a graduation ceremony in Boston. They asked he be released on bail for two weeks to get his affairs in order. Judge Karen OConnor released him on bail with strict conditions to sign in at a police station every day and not to apply for a new passport since his had expired. She told the court she will sentence him at 10.30am on June 20. Anglo was nationalised by the then government, a move which cost Irish citizens 29 billion euro. Judge OConnor previously told the court to remember these were clearly very stressful and difficult times. The Northern Rock building society in the UK was nationalised in 2008 as the international money markets stopped lending as part of a crisis involving sub-prime mortgages in the US. Investment banks Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers collapsed. March 17, 2008 became known as the St Patricks Day Massacre as the effects of the global financial crisis began to take hold in Ireland and huge amounts were wiped off the value of stocks. The Irish Government introduced a deposit guarantee scheme that year, then underwrote the entire banking system, the court heard. Described as the man who called the shots at the bank, Drumm was Anglo chief executive from January 2005 until December 2008 when he resigned as the bank was collapsing. He left Ireland for Boston in 2009 but was brought back to Ireland in March 2016 under an extradition warrant. The case against him centred on a series of deposits which circulated between Anglo and fellow financial institution Irish Life and Permanent (ILP) in 2008. Some of the transactions, worth billions, passed between Anglo and ILP and back again within hours, the court heard. Meetings were held in Drumms office about funding which had gone into meltdown as liquidity ratios (between assets and liabilities) had fallen, the court heard. On September 29, 2008, Drumm delivered a letter to Irelands Central Bank about Anglos liquidity problems and its inability to make payments the following day. He sought 1.4 billion euro in emergency funding. In the first day of evidence in the trial his lawyers told the court he does not deny the money was moved. Tessa White, defending, said: David Drumm accepts all of the factual matters relating to the mechanics of how the September transactions happened and the only issue that he disputes is whether they were fraudulent or dishonest or that there was any dishonesty in their reporting. In a series of admissions on Drumms behalf, Ms White detailed a series of transfers between Anglo and IL&P and ILA as the global financial crisis hit hard in 2008. In March Anglo placed one billion euro with IL&P and ILA deposited 750 million euro in return. In June that year IL&P moved bonds worth more than three billion euro to Anglo. In return Anglo deposited three billion euro. In September Anglo moved 7.2 billion euro to IL&P. In return IL&P moved the same amount back to Anglo on behalf of ILA. All the monies were repaid within weeks of each transaction. The aims were to increase Anglos non-bank deposits and to reduce IL&Ps reliance on European Central Bank funding. More transactions had been planned for December but they were never completed. Ms White told the court: David Drumm as chief executive officer authorised the March, June, September and December transactions and assumes responsibility for their execution by Anglo. Paul OHiggins, Senior Counsel for the state, told the court Drumm had arranged the 7.2 billion euro September transfer, adding: This was a completely artificial process leading to a dressing up, a more than dressing up, a falsification of Anglo Irish Banks balance sheet so that its non-bank deposits were 7.2 billion euro bigger than they really were. Evidence in the trial included taped phone calls from Anglos treasury department, including calls about the multibillion-euro transfers. Mr OHiggins said the money was moved at lightning speed and the prime objective was to dishonestly create the false impression at Anglos year end in 2008 that its non-bank deposits were in the 50 billions. Maria Sharapovas return to the French Open came to an abrupt halt at the hands of Garbine Muguruza. The Russian, back on the Paris clay having missed the last two tournaments due to a doping ban, was swept aside 6-2 6-1 by the Spanish third seed. If Sharapova were to write another autobiography this tame quarter-final defeat is unlikely to feature too prominently. It was her book Unstoppable, published last year, which had dominated the build-up to her scheduled fourth-round meeting with Serena Williams, until the American pulled out injured. Williams had branded the book hearsay and expressed her surprise at just how much she featured in its pages. But Sharapova hit back, saying: I think it would be strange for me not to include someone that I have competed against for so many years When youre writing an autobiography, I dont think there is any reason to write anything thats not true. It was probably the best return Sharapova managed all day. Maria Sharapova struggled throughout the last-eight meeting Muguruza had raced into a 4-0 first-set lead, punishing the former world number ones second serve. She broke again at the start of the second set, and although this time Sharapova hit straight back Muguruza bulldozed her way through the rest of the set to secure her place in the semi-finals. I knew it was going to be an intense match, because I hadnt played her for a long time, said Muguruza. I wasnt thinking so much about the result, but I just was thinking about not dropping my level, not giving her a single point, and I guess that helped my performance. Muguruza will face world number one Simona Halep, who got the better of Angelique Kerber over three sets, in the semi-final. Halep got off to a poor start, with 10 unforced errors in the opening three games handing Kerber a double break. The Romanian battled back to force a tie-break, only to lose it tamely and to her obvious frustration. Halep secured an early break in the second and did not relinquish it despite some fierce pressure from two-time major winner Kerber, with one remarkable get at the net even prompting applause from the German. With memories still fresh in the mind of their epic Australian Open semi-final in January, which Halep edged 9-7 in the third, they went to a decider. There were no such fireworks this time, though, and as Kerber tired Halep sealed a 6-7 (2/7) 6-3 6-2 victory. Halep, twice a runner-up in Paris including last years shock defeat to Jelena Ostapenko, is still looking for a first grand slam title. She said: I have no pressure. Ive played well in this tournament. Every match was better and better. I had tough opponents tomorrow I face another one. So I have no expectations, no pressure. I just want to play as I did today, and as I did every day. If I do that, I will be okay after the match, no matter what the result. Guests and staff were evacuated from a luxury hotel in an upmarket area of central London as 120 firefighters tackled a large fire on the roof. London Fire Brigade said 20 engines and 120 firefighters and officers had been sent to the scene at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, in Knightsbridge, as huge plumes of thick black smoke could be seen rising into the sky. Paramedics attended but London Ambulance Service said it had not treated any patients. Flames could be seen around the top of the hotel, and extended ladders were erected to access that area of the building. We've now got 20 fire engines and around 120 firefighters and officers tackling a fire on the roof of a hotel in #Knightsbridge https://t.co/Q8RMsTDSTf @jackwmartin_ pic.twitter.com/npRctIYOvk London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) June 6, 2018 The 12-storey five-star hotel completed the most extensive restoration in its 115-year history, according to a statement published by owner Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in May. All 181 bedrooms and suites are now more luxurious and comfortable than ever before and the buildings iconic facade was revitalised, the company said. The hotel is located between Hyde Park and the Knightsbridge shopping district, which includes Harrods. Knightsbridge fire A tradesman working at the hotel said he saw a big fire on the roof before raising the alarm. The 19-year-old lift engineer, who gave his name as Harry, said: I said (to my colleague) Lee, theres a fire over there, lets get out of the building. Get out the lift shaft, Im being serious. We ran down the stairs and went and got the scaffolder out of the loading bay. He said the builders on the roof had been cutting materials and doing other work during the day. I could see the orange flames on the roof, he said. FIRE Knightsbridge Staff from the hotel have been evacuated to Hyde Park where they were being given bottles of water. One worker, who asked not to be named, said: The fire alarm started and everybody was told to get outside. Everythings fine but we dont know how it started yet. Jack Martin, a 21-year-old student from Peckham, said he was coming out of Knightsbridge station when he saw a huge billow of smoke. He told the Press Association: I obviously was quite shocked when I saw all that smoke. Knightsbridge fire But they were evacuating the building when I arrived, there were a fair amount of staff and guests and it was all fairly orderly. It was all quite calm and collected, there wasnt any hysteria and I thought it was well organised. Emergency services had since cordoned off the road, he said, and although there were ambulances present he had not seen any signs of injury. I would say the fire is under control now. I cant see any smoke, there are firefighters and the whole building is dripping wet right now, he added. Our latest statement on the fire in #Knightsbridge. pic.twitter.com/0toGkPgveX Lndn Ambulance Serv ce (@Ldn_Ambulance) June 6, 2018 Another witness, Samir Boureghda, of Masgouf restaurant in William Street, said he thought the flames had been extinguished. He added: Theres no more fire, it was really too much. The fire was in the middle of the hotel. There was a lot of smoke, black smoke. It was a big fire. Eyewitnesses posted videos on social media showing the large column of smoke rising from the top of the building and people in nearby Hyde Park turning their heads towards the sky. One user called Arthur said: Looks really bad. Prayers to those inside. Fire seen from hyde park right now. Looks really bad. Prayers to those inside. #HydePark pic.twitter.com/SP5pwNZU0d Arthur (@ArthurWilloughb) June 6, 2018 An LFB statement said: The hotel has been evacuated by hotel staff and crews are currently working to bring the fire under control as well as carrying out a systematic search of the building. Firefighters are likely to be on the scene throughout the night. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage. Transport for London said the Sloane Street entrance of the Knightsbridge Tube station had been closed due to the fire and customers were advised to leave by Harrods. London Ambulance Service and Metropolitan Police are also attending the scene. The Princess Royal had been due to attend an engagement at the hotel on Wednesday evening, which Buckingham Palace said had been cancelled. Anne, who is Colonel of The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons), had been due to attend the 50th anniversary dinner of the Blues and Royals Club. A former banker who led a bust institution which contributed to the collapse of the Irish economy has been convicted of fraud. Ex-Anglo Irish Bank chief executive David Drumm, 51, was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud and false accounting after arranging dishonest and fraudulent multibillion-euro transfers to boost the failed Irish lenders books in the months before it imploded in 2008. It was taken into state control in January 2009 following a run on its deposits and plummeting share prices. Bailing out Anglo was to cost taxpayers billions of euro. The defendant had denied conspiring to dishonestly create the false and misleading impression that deposits in 2008 were 7.2 billion euro larger than they were as well as knowingly presenting the false figures to the market in December 2008. A jury of nine men and three women returned unanimous verdicts on both counts at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Wednesday, after deliberating for 10 hours and 32 minutes following a near five-month trial. Dressed in a dark suit and blue open collar shirt, Drumm, of Shenick Avenue in Skerries, Co Dublin, sat quietly and did not react. Three of his former colleagues John Bowe from Anglos treasury department, Willie McAteer, the banks former director of finance and the former chief executive officer of Irish Life and Permanent, Denis Casey, were all convicted of the same conspiracy and jailed in 2016. Their trial was reportedly one of the longest criminal cases in the history of the state and led to lengthy jury deliberations. Drumm, whose wife and children were in Boston at a graduation ceremony as the verdicts were announced, made no comment as he left the court. Judge Karen OConnor released him on bail with strict conditions until he is sentenced at 10.30am on June 20. Detective Superintendent Gerard Walsh, of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, told reporters the investigation was one of the most complicated ever carried out by the team since it commenced nine years ago and involved sifting through almost one million files. Detective superintendent Gerard Walsh He said: Todays verdict emphasises the importance of corporate responsibility at all levels and the very real obligation to conduct business with honesty and integrity. Anglo was nationalised by the then government, costing Irish citizens 29 billion euro. The Northern Rock building society in the UK was nationalised in 2008 as the international money markets stopped lending as part of a crisis involving sub-prime mortgages in the US. Investment banks Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers collapsed. March 17 2008 became known as the St Patricks Day Massacre as the effects of the global financial crisis began to take hold in Ireland and huge amounts were wiped off the value of stocks. The Irish Government introduced a deposit guarantee scheme that year, then underwrote the entire banking system. Described as the man who called the shots at Anglo, Drumm was chief executive from January 2005 until December 2008 when he resigned as the bank was collapsing. He left Ireland for Boston in 2009 but was taken later into custody before agreeing to his extradition to Ireland in March 2016. The case against him centred on a series of deposits which circulated between Anglo and fellow financial institution Irish Life and Permanent (IL&P) in 2008. Some of the transactions, worth billions, passed between Anglo and IL&P and back again within hours. Meetings were held in Drumms office about funding which had gone into meltdown as liquidity ratios (between assets and liabilities) had fallen. On September 29 2008, Drumm delivered a letter to Irelands Central Bank about Anglos liquidity problems and its inability to make payments the following day. Denis Casey He sought 1.4 billion euro in emergency funding. His lawyers told the court he did not deny the money was moved, but disputed it was fraudulent. In a series of admissions on Drumms behalf, a series of transfers between Anglo and IL&P and ILA as the global financial crisis hit hard in 2008 were revealed. In March Anglo placed one billion euro with IL&P and ILA deposited 750 million euro in return. In June that year IL&P moved bonds worth more than three billion euro to Anglo. In return Anglo deposited three billion euro. In September Anglo moved 7.2 billion euro to IL&P. In return IL&P moved the same amount back to Anglo on behalf of ILA. All the monies were repaid within weeks of each transaction. The aims were to increase Anglos non-bank deposits and to reduce IL&Ps reliance on European Central Bank funding. More transactions had been planned for December but they were never completed. Paul OHiggins, senior counsel for the state, said Drumm arranged the 7.2 billion euro September transfer, adding: This was a completely artificial process leading to a dressing up, a more than dressing up, a falsification of Anglo Irish Banks balance sheet so that its non-bank deposits were 7.2 billion euro bigger than they really were. Evidence in the trial included taped phone calls from Anglos treasury department, including calls about the multibillion-euro transfers. Mr OHiggins said the money was moved at lightning speed and the prime objective was to dishonestly create the false impression at Anglos year end in 2008 that its non-bank deposits were in the 50 billions. Theresa May has been fighting to keep her Brexit plans on track despite a Cabinet row over proposals for the Irish border and a potential revolt in the Commons. The UKs proposals for a backstop arrangement for the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland are to be published shortly, although Brexit Secretary David Davis undersood to have concerns about some of the details. Meanwhile Tory Brexit rebels were seen in Downing Street as the Prime Minister sought to avert defeat when the EU (Withdrawal) Bill returns to the Commons on Tuesday. (left to right) Dominic Grieve, Anna Soubry and Ken Clarke leave 10 Downing Street (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The backstop document is expected to set out a time-limited arrangement under which the UK would remain within elements of the EUs customs union, in the event that it is unable to agree a preferred solution for Northern Ireland. The proposal threatens to test Cabinet unity, with Mr Davis thought to be pushing for a provision to ensure the UK can withdraw unilaterally. Asked if he could stay in his job if the Governments backstop proposals did not have his explicit approval, Mr Davis said: Thats a question I think for the Prime Minister to be honest. He said the detail of the document was still being discussed, adding: It has been through one Cabinet committee, it is going to another one and it would be improper of me to pre-empt the negotiation there, but I suspect it will be fairly decisive tomorrow. Answering questions after a speech in London, Mr Davis also hinted at his frustration the Governments promised Brexit white paper had not yet been published. The Prime Minister refused to reveal when the document will be published in Commons clashes with Jeremy Corbyn. (PA Graphics) In debates in Whitehall between fast and slow, I normally vote for fast. Thats probably a given, Mr Davis said. But what she (Mrs May) said today is exactly right that the White Paper will be published when its ready, its up to quality, and is exactly what we need to say. The Brexit Secretary is set to return to Brussels next week for talks with the EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier. Asked if Mr Davis had threatened to resign over the backstop issue, the Prime Ministers official spokesman replied: Not that Im aware of, no. The return of the EU (Withdrawal) Bill to the Commons after a series of bruising defeats in the Lords poses another headache for the Prime Minister. With Tory rebels set to side with Labour over measures aimed at keeping a customs union on the table, Mrs May engaged in crisis talks to avert a damaging defeat. Anna Soubry, Ken Clarke and Antoinette Sandbach arrive in 10 Downing Street (Stefan Rousseau/PA) As part of a compromise package, debate on the Bill is set to be extended into a second day, with MPs considering the Lords amendments on Tuesday and Wednesday. The move follows criticism of the original plan to rush the legislation through on Tuesday. Other contentious pieces of legislation the Trade Bill and the Taxation (Cross-border) Trade Bill will also return to the Commons before the summer. The Prime Ministers hopes of avoiding defeat over another amendment, aimed at keeping the UK in the single market, were given a boost as it emerged Labour MPs would be told to abstain. But rebel MPs from both sides of the House of Commons are still pushing for a Norway-style Brexit agreement. Labour divisions have been exposed by a shadow cabinet amendment which calls for the UK to negotiate full access to the EU internal market but stops short of backing European Economic Area (EEA) membership. Party critics have accused the frontbench of bailing out the Prime Minister from a potential rebellion on the single market. On the other side of the Commons at least 12 Conservatives have signalled their support for a future in the EEA in an amendment to the separate Trade Bill. Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said EEA membership was too divisive in the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP). "Only way we can win a vote is if Labour are all united and vote together to defeat the government" says @Keir_Starmer before crunch Brexit amendment votes in the Commons next week #r4today BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) June 6, 2018 Asked if he was putting party unity before his beliefs about what is right for the country, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Im injecting some honesty about where we are in the Labour Party. Labour MP Chuka Umunna told the Press Association he would rebel to support the EEA amendment and a large number of Labour colleagues would do the same. Every single MP needs to make their own decision about this in the national interest and in the interest of their own constituents, he said. This is one of those issues where if you just blindly follow orders people will not forgive you. (PA Graphics) Pro-EU Tory Anna Soubry, who supports the EEA option, said a majority of MPs would back remaining in the single market if it was put to a free vote but a culture of fear was preventing them from speaking out. At an Open Britain event, she said Tories at all levels of government including in the Cabinet supported an EEA deal. They will not speak out, they will not be true to what they believe in, she said. That has got to change, we cannot allow this culture of fear that has developed to continue any longer. Sajid Javid has pledged to bring a fresh set of eyes to the immigration system, as he spoke of his shock at hearing the ordeals suffered by victims of the Windrush scandal. The Home Secretary said he was appalled at the treatment of Anthony Bryan and Paulette Wilson, saying something had gone massively wrong. Last month Mr Bryan and Ms Wilson told the Joint Committee on Human Rights how they were detained and feared they would be removed from the UK despite having lived in the country for decades. Appearing at the same committee, Mr Javid apologised to the pair, saying they had both asked for help and did not get it. He said: I found listening to that very moving and thought-provoking about what lessons we can learn. This afternoon the Home Secretary @sajidjavid told us that he was sorry about the cases of Paulette Wilson and Anthony Bryan after they were wrongfully detained. #Windrush @HarrietHarman pic.twitter.com/50Pcq1BTE0 UK Parliament Human Rights Committee (@HumanRightsCtte) June 6, 2018 No-one should be treated like that. What happened was profoundly wrong. Mr Javid was appointed Home Secretary in April after Amber Rudd resigned following controversy over Windrush and removal targets. He told the committee: Because I am new to the job I hope to use it as an advantage to bring a fresh set of eyes to what happened, what went wrong in these cases, because obviously something massively went wrong. Whats happened has happened, we are all sorry for it, but how can we try to make sure nothing like it happens to others? He said his early impression was that the immigration system is not set up for dealing with those who, like members of the Windrush generation, have deemed leave to be in the country. Mr Javid said: I dont think thats been taken into account in the system. Even when that individual comes into contact and says I need to get some documentation to prove my status, the system puts the entire burden of proof on the individuals. While the need to keep and provide documents would be commonplace for more recently arrived migrants, the Home Secretary said there is absolutely no reason why those from the Windrush generation would expect the requirement to apply to them. Why should they have to do that? he said. They are absolutely rightly here. I think in many cases people were being asked for proof they couldnt possibly provide. And then even once they were being asked for the proof, there was no help provided. Paulette Wilson, 62, and Anthony Bryan, 60, during a photocall in Westminster Ministers faced a furious backlash over the treatment of the Windrush generation named after a ship that brought migrants to Britain from the Caribbean in 1948. Commonwealth citizens who arrived before 1973 were automatically granted indefinite leave to remain under the 1971 Immigration Act. But some of those who arrived in the years after the Second World War have been challenged over their status. People who have been living legally in the UK for decades have lost their jobs, been denied access to NHS treatment, benefits and pensions, had their driving licences withdrawn and been warned they face deportation. Officials have identified 63 cases where people may have been wrongly removed or deported as a result of the scandal. An exercise is also being carried out to establish how many people were incorrectly detained. The former boss of Cambridge Analytica has claimed his company has been victimised by a liberal backlash against Brexit and the election of Donald Trump. Alexander Nix was suspended as the data analysis firms chief executive after being filmed discussing the use of prostitutes and bribes in honey-traps to discredit politicians, and later resigned amid claims of the misuse of Facebook users personal information in the Trump campaign. Giving evidence to a parliamentary committee, he admitted he wasfoolish to be captured in what he described as a very well-organised sting by Channel 4 News (C4N). But he insisted CA had never carried out the kind of unethical activities he discussed with an undercover reporter posing as a potential client, telling MPs it was just a lie to impress the people I was talking to. And he dismissed as a point-blank lie the claims of whistle-blowing former CA employee Christopher Wyle that the company had played a pivotal role in delivering Brexit. In a mammoth three-and-a-half hour evidence session in the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committees inquiry into fake news, Mr Nix dismissed Mr Wylie as a bitter and jealous individual who had bombarded CA with allegations after leaving the company many of which had proved to be false. Cambridge Analytica probe He acknowledged CA had discussions with Leave.EU about possible work for the campaign, and said it was likely the company was introduced to the groups funder Arron Banks by former Trump aide Steve Bannon. But he said the Electoral Commission had found there was no contract with Leave.EU, CA did no paid work for and had no impact on the groups referendum campaign. In one of a series of clashes with committee members, Mr Nix accused Ian Lucas of building a conspiracy theory after the Labour MP said his assertion that CA had nothing to do with Brexit was complete nonsense. Im sorry if members of this committee are unhappy with the outcome of the referendum, Im sorry if members of the committee are unhappy with Donald Trump being President of the United States, said a clearly angry Mr Nix. But you cant simply put forward your prejudices onto me and make sweeping assumptions about our involvement with a political campaign simply because that is what you want to believe The fact is there is no evidence to support your position. Mr Lucas retorted: Facts are what we are presenting to you. What we are getting back from you is bluster and rudeness. Cambridge Analytica probe Mr Nix said that Mr Wylie had accused CA of working for Brexit, disseminating gruesomely violent videos in an African election, capturing governments, colonising countries and being part of some right-wing conspiracy. But he asked the MPs: What happens if none of that is actually true? He suggested Mr Wylie had provided ammunition for the global liberal media after they decided to put us in their cross-hairs because of CAs perceived role in the Trump and Brexit victories and launched an extremely well co-ordinated and effective attack on us as a company and destroyed our reputations and our business. He told them: If you were sitting where I am right now, you would probably feel quite victimised. Mr Nix was returning to the committee for a second grilling, after his evidence to a February hearing was thrown into question by subsequent events, including the C4N broadcast in March. He admitted his answers to the committee at the earlier hearing about Facebook data it received from Global Science Research (GSR) a company set up by Cambridge University academic Dr Aleksandr Kogan could have been clearer but insisted it was not his intention to mislead. He told MPs he thought he was being asked whether CA held data from GSR at the time of the hearing, but later realised the question was whether it had ever held such information. Mr Nix claimed he and CA colleague Mark Turnbull had been over-zealous in trying to secure a contract from a potential client when they were filmed discussing how pretty Ukrainian women could be used to lure rival politicians into compromising positions. Insisting his remarks were hypothetical, he accused C4N of heavily editing them and removing caveats in order to cast CA in the worst possible light. We have never undertaken any work that involves a honey-trap or the use of a sex scandal or anything like that, or tried to create a sex scandal for political leverage or work on a campaign, he told MPs. But the broadcaster hit back, branding his claim that caveats were edited out as wholly untrue, and pointing out he had described the activities not only as examples of what can be done but also what has been done. The Channel 4 News footage also shows that the suggestions to entrap politicians with bribes and honeytraps were not solicited by our reporter but were both raised first by Mr Nix and Mr Turnbull, said C4N. Mr Nix declined to say whether he had taken eight million US dollars out of CA shortly before its collapse, but insisted a Financial Times article carrying the allegation was based on inaccurate information. He insisted in fact he had paid millions from his own pocket to cover staff salaries, bonuses and redundancies. He said he had absolutely no knowledge of allegations that former CA director Brittany Kaiser visited Wikileaks founder Julian Assange in the Ecuadorean embassy and channelled him donations in crypto-currencies. And he insisted it was correct for him to say at his previous hearing that CA had no relationship with Canadian data firm AggregateIQ, as it had not worked with them for a period of many months at that point. Britains formidable fighters, the F-35 Lightning warplanes, have touched down on UK soil and are set to keep the country safe from the gravest of dangers, the Defence Secretary has said. The multimillion-pound supersonic aircraft have been stationed in America since their manufacture, being tested and used for training by Royal Air Force and Royal Navy pilots. Four of the jets, which had been based at US Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, crossed the Atlantic in a journey more than eight hours long to become permanently stationed in the UK. Landing at RAF Marham in Norfolk, the home base of the F-35, the fighter jets touched down two months ahead of schedule at around 8pm, with the officer commanding 617 squadron, Wing Commander John Butcher, doing so first. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: These formidable fighters are a national statement of our intent to protect ourselves and our allies from intensifying threats across the world. With a game-changing ability to collect crucial intelligence, fight wars and tackle terrorism, these are the most advanced jets in British history. This is the jets refuelling off the coast of Canada this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/DGwhI7B8l2 Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) June 6, 2018 The work thats gone into their early arrival shows they have the people to match. Our defence industry and military have always been at the very forefront of technology, and todays momentous arrival of these incredible jets shows we are upholding our proud tradition of innovation while keeping Britain safe from the gravest of dangers. RAF Air cadets, military personnel, as well as the families of those from 617 squadron and the wider base lined up on the edge of the taxiway to watch the wheels hit the tarmac. Ahead of @thef35's first touch down at it's new home at @RAFMarhamMedia this evening, find out more about the Lightning and the role it will play for both the @RoyalAirForce and the @RoyalNavy #F35UK pic.twitter.com/K7Cwjy9cbK Defence Equipment & Support (@DefenceES) June 6, 2018 The four pilots, who were supported by an RAF voyager providing air-to-air refuelling across more than 3,000 miles of the Atlantic Ocean, were greeted by the Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier and other dignitaries. ACM Hillier said: In the RAFs centenary year, its great to see the most advanced and dynamic fighter jet in our history arrive today at RAF Marham and with the modern Dambusters in the cockpit, this homecoming truly feels like an historic moment in British airpower. If you cant see us coming, you wont be able to stop us, so with its stealth and other world-beating technologies the F-35 Lightning takes the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy to a whole a new level of capability. F-35 stealth fighter The jets will be jointly operated by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy and will operate from land and sea, including off the decks of the new 3.1 billion Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. Britain currently has 15 F-35Bs the short take-off and vertical landing variant of the jets and has pledged to purchase 138 in total from American Aviation giant Lockheed Martin. First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones said: Ever since aircraft first operated to and from ships, the Royal Navy has been at the forefront of maritime aviation and the arrival of our first F35Bs in the UK today, flown by both RAF and Fleet Air Arm pilots, is another important milestone on the way to restoring our place as leaders in the field of aircraft carrier operations. "A transition from current to next generation combat air power." Group Captain Cab Townsend is looking forward to welcoming the new F-35B Lightnings to @RAFMarhamMedia. #F35UK pic.twitter.com/j41XIpLEAc Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) June 6, 2018 Once combined with our new aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and her sister ship HMS Prince of Wales, these extraordinary jets will sit at the heart of our countrys globally deployable expeditionary forces and provide the potent conventional deterrent we need to ensure our national security. Later this year F-35 flight trials will take place off the behemoth aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, seeing British pilots fly jointly owned test jets that are currently based at Patuxent River, Maryland, off the deck. VIENNA, June 5 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Austria on Tuesday in his first trip to the West since being re-elected to the Kremlin and was rebuffed when he called for European Union sanctions to be lifted. Austria, where a coalition of conservatives and the pro-Putin far right is in power, has a history of neutrality and relatively warm ties with Moscow. It came in for criticism from its allies for being among the minority of EU member countries that did not expel any Russian diplomats over the poisoning of the former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal. Putin, re-elected last March to a fourth overall term in office, used his visit to call for a lifting of EU sanctions, imposed as punishment for Russia's annexation of Crimea and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. "These actions are harmful for everyone, both for those who initiate them and for those against whom they are directed," Putin told a news conference. "I therefore think everyone has an interest in cancelling them," he added in the ornate former imperial palace in central Vienna where he met Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. But Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, whose conservatives control EU policy, repeated that Vienna would not break ranks with the rest of the bloc, which says the situation in eastern Ukraine must improve before sanctions can be lifted. "We hope that through more intensive dialogue there will be progress in the relations between the EU and Russia," Kurz told reporters. "In particular we hope that there is progress eastern Ukraine to ... lift the sanctions step by step." Putin's visit is part of celebrations marking 50 years since energy firms OMV and Gazprom first signed a gas supply deal - they signed a fresh accord on Tuesday extending their agreement until 2040. His Austrian trip is a rare and symbolic foray to the West for a man often at odds with Western governments over issues such as Syria and Ukraine. His last bilateral trip to Western Europe was to Finland last July. Austria, which takes over the European Union's rotating presidency in July, says it wants to act as a "bridge-builder" between east and west. It has forged friendly ties with nationalist leaders like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Kurz's coalition government includes the far-right Freedom Party (FPO), whose head called at the weekend for an end to EU sanctions on Russia. (Reporting by Francois Murphy and Darya Korsunskaya Additional reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin and Tom Balmforth in Moscow and Alexandra Schwarz-Goerlich in Vienna; Editing by Richard Balmforth) EOS reaches the end of the line, but dont make any predictions A recent news story titled The end of an era: Canon kills off last film camera prompted me to write this. Is it the end of film and film cameras? Dont make any predictions. The end of vinyl records and record players was predicted long ago, but they are back. Ive used different makes of camera in my life, from Asahi Pentax to Zenit SLRs and Fed rangefinders made in Russia. But my mainstay was always Canon. It was quite by accident. I first took to photography when I was working as a subeditor and writing my first articles for the Jordan Times in Amman. Feeling an urge to learn photography, I went to the only photographic course in town, at the Alliance Francaise. The young Jordanian photographer in charge, a Canon user, advised me to buy one. I was thinking of buying a Minolta but bought a Canon instead. It seemed a good decision once I returned home, as Minolta was almost unknown here, and had no agent and almost no second-hand market. The photography class didnt last long, by the way. The director disliked the teacher, for some reason, and stopped the class after two sessions. I learned photography on my own. Why many Nikon fans switched to Canon All major camera makers offered a range, from high end to low. Im not sentimental about the names stuck on cameras. Camera owners, like some vehicle owners, are fiercely loyal to brand names. At the time, the mass of press and other pro photographers bought Nikons. The Nikon was discovered and elevated to this mythical status by American press photographers during the Korean War. The top end models were rugged, but there were other equally rugged cameras in the market. But the American press corps loved the Nikon and the make achieved demi-god status in the US and elsewhere. I wasnt a professional photographer by any means, just a writer in love with photography, and I saw a used Canon FTb in a camera repair shop for Rs. 5,000, and found it to be as rugged and reliable as any Nikon. Thereafter Canon became my main workhorse until my lab stopped processing film two years ago. That FTb was lost when I was cornered by a mob in Pettah the day the Indo-Lanka accord was signed. My friend Douglas Curran, the dreamy American, who signed me up as a free-lancer for AFP in that fateful year, paid me Rs. 5,000 for a replacement FTb, which I still have. The Canon EOS, the last film-loading camera mentioned in the news story, is a world apart from that FTb. The EOS 650 launched in 1987 finally knocked Nikon off its demi-god status. Its almost indestructible (Unless you set fire to it or use a sledgehammer) and was much easier to use to than its top end Nikon rivals, and many Nikon fans switched to Canon. To avoid misunderstanding, let it be said that the EOS range offered low-end products too, cameras hardly built to last. But thats marketing for you. Nikon was discovered and elevated to this mythical status by American press photographers As Canon Inc. said in its press release: By the way, we finally decided to end sales for the film single lens reflex camera EOS-IV. That by the way sounds as if Canon feared being rebuked by fiercely loyal EOS users. It will continue to repair EOS models till 2025. But a French photojournalist I met recently told me that in France, many young photographers prefer to use film-loading cameras, with film processing labs available in all cities, and there would be plenty of EOS and older Canon workhorses like the FT and FTb, Canon F, AE-1, A1 and T 90 available to enthusiasts. If that is the case in France, it may be similar all over Europe. My FTb with its fully manual controls (with a tiny battery just for the light meter) was already archaic in the 1980s, with photographers cockily carrying their Nikon F3s and FM2s, Pentax K-1000s or (more rarely over here) Canon AE-1s or A-1s to work. That match-needle metering system was restored to life buy a quiet genius who had a repair shop at Bristol Street, Fort. It required only a cheap Mercury Oxide 1. 35v battery the size of a 25 cents coin (Remember those? Anyone?). They say todays DSLRs have greater computing power than the Apollo 11 space mission. The FTb was designed when the first IBM desktop was still science-fiction and produced really good images provided you knew how to recognize a good picture when you saw it. It had mirror lock and a shutter with very low vibration. It was the platform on which all other legendary Canon cameras which followed were based. Good luck to those who need computers to take photographs. In the midst of that 80s electronic glitter (albeit in plastic bodies except for the metal body Nikon F3) the metal body FTb with its pre-ergonomics styling worked without grumbling. Just to test its limits, I once wrapped it in cellophane and stored it in the deep-freezer for a day. Feeling just a little damp after being taken out, it worked perfectly, and does to this day, the whirring beauty of its clockwork mechanical shutter sweet music to ones ears. It could even be conceivably used in self-defense if it came to the crunch. One can imagine the prosecuting lawyer telling an incredulous judge: Your Honour, this man, under the guise of photographing the world at large, harboured murderous intentions, and we have ample proof here in the form of this metal brick thinly disguised as a camera. It isnt just Canon or Nikon or Pentax which made good cameras in the film-loading era. All major camera makers offered a range, from high end to low. The top dogs of the camera business, mostly Japanese except for Leica, Kodak, Voigtlander and a handful of others, too, made rather simple-minded cameras along with the legends, even awful ones. My FTb with its fully manual controls (with a tiny battery just for the light meter) was already archaic in the 1980s, with photographers cockily carrying their Nikon F3s and FM2s, Pentax K-1000s My first Canon, the low-end AL-1, had nothing distinguished about it. But, as with many other things, cameras have their mystique, and not all cameras have it even if the quality may be very good. Thats why a handful of camera makers become the top dogs of the business, just as it is with photographers. Some are immensely successful and achieve mythical status, while the others are just photographers. I guess thats life. To wind this up, I have lost two Canons in my life. One, a friends prized A-1, when I forgot it on top of my car on a hotel parking lot. Repaying that debt left me broke for a while. The other was a Canon AE-1, bought cheap when film-loading cameras were no longer fashionable. I left it behind with my backpack after photographing the scenery along the Ella-Wellawaya Road. When I remembered a couple of minutes later and returned, it was gone. Im happy to say my memory has improved tremendously with age. Canon EOS was so pricey when the range came out that I didnt even dream of buying one. A few years ago, one of these gentlemen photographers who return from work overseas with expensive cameras exchanged his now idling Canon EOS for an old violin. It was for his daughter and I hope shes still using it. That EOS was shelved when I stopped using film, but the cameras in good shape. People forget that cameras are only as good as their lenses. Some of my best photos were taken with a Zenit, a camera derided by our professionals. Anyone of free market orientation could claim that, like much of those cheap goods mass produced in classless societies, they were shoddy. The brand new Zenit I bought for two thousand rupees in the mid-90s broke down after a couple of years, and the camera technician told me it wasnt worth the repair. But I kept using the screw-threaded Helios lens with the 60s vintage Asahi Pentax discovered for sale in the technicians window, and it can compare with the best of Japanese lenses. Later, I found an adapter ring which allowed the Russian lenses to be used on Canon bodies. And so it is with Canon or whatever demi-god camera one may buy. Without the best of lenses, the pictures wont be worth much (technically speaking; artistry is another matter, something money cant buy) and these days you need a bank loan to get the perfect match. I miss my Rs. 2,000 Zenit, Rs. 5,000 FTb, the Rs. 6,000 Pentax and my bartered EOS. They dont deserve to be sitting there on the shelf, doing nothing. As for the end of film photography, though, one can imagine Canon (and other camera makers) resuming a limited production of their film cameras just as new record players are being made and millions of new vinyl records are pressed out of old East German machinery shipped to the UK and elsewhere. Surekha Alles, Managing Director Allianz Lanka, speaking at the event Allianz Lanka recently held their annual awards at the Waters Edge to celebrate their star performers. The theme for the night was Stronger Together a nod to the companys recent acquisition of Janashakthi General Insurance. The chief guest of the evening was George Sartorel, Regional CEO Allianz Asia Pacific, who attended the event with guests of honour Surekha Alles, Managing Director Allianz Lanka, and Alan Smee, Head of Property and Casualty Allianz Asia Pacific. The high point of the year for Allianz team members, the annually held event is designed to generate a sense of close-knit camaraderie and nurture the performance culture the company is renowned for around the world. This years event comes on the heels of Allianz Lankas historic acquisition of Janashakthis general insurance business. The acquisition changed Allianzs market presence in Sri Lanka and accelerated the companys growth giving it a market share of approximately 20%. The transaction also represented one of the largest investments into Sri Lanka demonstrating Allianzs confidence in the market. The Allianz Annual Awards 2018 brought together this newly amalgamated team to recognize and reward individual successes, outstanding team effort and effective partnerships. Over 300 star performers were recognized for their stellar performance and commitment towards the company. Speaking at the event, Surekha Alles, Managing Director Allianz Lanka, said, Since Allianz entered the Sri Lankan market we have gone from strength to strength to become a key player in the countrys insurance industry. 2017 was no different as we sought to retain our position as one of the strongest insurance companies in the market and looked at all growth opportunities available to us. We acquired Janashakthi General Insurance Limited, a company with a business portfolio that complemented our own. Hence, today we have a commanding market presence as well as the best sales force in the industry. We are proud to recognize and reward the spirit of these committed individuals. The overall best performers in four categories walked away with the grand Champion of Champions trophies. The highly coveted Directors Award was also presented to stellar achievers of the year and the Million Dollar Roundtable qualifiers were also recognized. Allianz Insurance Lanka Ltd. and Allianz Life Insurance Lanka Ltd., known together as Allianz Lanka, are fully-owned subsidiaries of Allianz SE, Germany, a world leader in integrated financial services. Having started out as a Greenfield operation in 2005, it has emerged as one of the fastest growing insurance service providers in Sri Lanka. The company prides on supporting its clients business strategy by understanding their risk profile and needs, and providing individual solutions from its world class portfolio of products and services. Around the world, over 140,000 Allianz employees serve some 88 million retail and corporate customers in 70 countries, who place their trust on the knowledge, global presence, financial strength and solidity of Allianz to support them in their moment of truth. Roshan Silva - Managing Director, CL Synergy exchanging the agreement with Thimal Perera - Deputy CEO, DFCC Bank. Also in the picture (Left to Right) Janaka Udamulla - Finance Director - CL Synergy, Rochana Jayawardana Director, CL Synergy and Sheron Mendis - Senior Manager, Payments & Cash Management, DFCC Bank. Leading the banking industry in pioneering FinTech solutions, DFCC Bank has launched DFCC iConnect; a fully integrated Payments and Cash Management (PCM) System, with the objective of delivering a superior service experience to businesses of any size, whether it be an enterprise business, mid-sized business or small business. This innovative solution was developed by AurionPro, a global technology solutions leader specialising in digital innovation. This solution empowers DFCC Banks business clients with access to their account transaction information from any location; be it local or global. It also provides enhanced security features that enable real-time viewing of account balances, making local / cross border payments and choosing the best solution for collection possible at the click of a button. Furthermore, this system can be fully integrated to the customers ERP (Enterprise Resource Planner) through a fully-fledged secured direct Host-to-Host (H2H) channel where encrypted payment instructions can be pulled automatically on to the DFCC iConnect platform, thereby helping the customer to achieve increased productivity as there is no duplication of manual work when processing payments in the day-to-day operational routine. Speaking on this product, Mr. Lakshman Silva, CEO of DFCC Bank said, One of our main objectives that drive us is that we want to give our customers the financial tools they need to improve their lives/businesses where they can capitalize on these capabilities and Keep Growing. Whilst achieving this, the launch of DFCC iConnect also positions DFCC as a Bank that offers best-in-class transaction banking products and specialized services to corporate and SME customers. We believe that this unique solution will help us garner new business while increasing the Banks CASA portfolio. What is unique about DFCCiConnect is that it includes a fully-integrated Financial Supply Chain Management (FSCM) System, Virtual Accounts (VA) and a state-of-the-art mobile application with biometric (Fingerprint recognition) capabilities for payment authorisation. The FSCM solution provides clients with a supply chain finance platform where their dealers and suppliers receive an end-to-end financing solution along with a Straight Through Processing (STP) mechanism for invoice settlement; the key benefits being that it enables channel financing while shortening time to market. Furthermore, customers can identify their payers automatically without issuing a reference code through Virtual Accounts, thereby they have full visibility of their day-to-day transactions. Its fully automated process flow also adds to customer convenience. This highly secured online portal will enable users to experience a comfortable Graphical User Interface (GUI) and a state-of-the-art web solution for financial activities. The platform also allows users to perform ad hoc/ single payments and bulk payments at the click of a button as well as receive personalized prompt alerts via email and SMS. Moreover, it caters to any kind of authorization matrices according to the business requirement of a company, routes all local and foreign payments (Company cheques /cashiers orders/ bank transfers via SLIPS, CEFT and RTGS / Telegraphic Transfers) and maintains an audit trail of all activities that are performed on the system for future reference purposes. On a Cabinet decision, 'Health' will be made a compulsory subject for the GCE (A/L) examination from next year, Cabinet spokesman and Minister, Gayantha Karunatilaka said today. He said this decision was take after considering the proposal submitted by the Committee of Experts on Educational Reforms and a proposal by Health Minister Rajitha Seneviratne. The minister said the objective of making the Health compulsory was to create awareness among the youth about good health, diseases and their prevention and cultivating good health habits. The Cabinet also approved a proposal by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe for a soft loan scheme of up to Rs.2 million to establish day care centers. "With the intention of early detection and prevention of diseases, it has been proposed to purchase and install a 3-Tesla MRI scanning machine at the Maharagama National Cancer Hospital and Gamma Knife Package and PET/CT Machines at Kandy Hospital. Cabinet also approved the proposal made by the Health Minister to callfor a detailed proposal from Odelga Med. G.m.b.H. in Austria and to discuss with Unicredit Bank in Austria for providing funds for this purpose," the minister said. (Sandun A Jayasekera) Video by Sanjeewa The government has stepped up its efforts to bring former diplomats Jaliya Wickramasuriya and Udayanga Weeratunga to justice, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament yesterday. PM Wickremesinghe said this in response to a question raised by Chief Opposition Whip Anura Kumara Dissanayake in this regard in the House last morning. Mr. Wickremesinghe said Jaliya Wickramasuriya had been charged with misusing US dollars 300,000 by claiming that the money was spent to purchase a new building to be used as the Sri Lankan Embassy in the US. He said the Financial Crimes Investigation Department (FCID) had taken over the case and notice was issued for him to appear in court. A warrant has been issued seeking his arrest as he had failed to report to court as per the notice issued, the Prime Minister said, adding that subsequently search warrants were obtained to check the assets, including the bank accounts, of Wickramasuriya. He said Udayanga Weeratunga has been charged with committing a fraud with regard to the purchase of MIG aircraft from Ukraine. He was thought to be hiding in the U.A.E at present. The government is working closely with the U.A.E government to bring him to face justice in Sri Lanka after a warrant was issued for his arrest. The Prime Minister said notices have been issued to prevent Weeratunga's lands in Dompe from being sold until the case against him is over. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana) The Joint Opposition (JO) today said electing both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker from the same political party-the United National Party-was against the principles of the National Government concept. JO MP Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said the basic agreement of the National Government was to appoint the Speaker from the UNP and the Deputy Speaker from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). Today it has been changed. Therefore, we request the Govt. to take off the so called National Government label at least now, since there is no such thing today. Today, SLFP Ministers had become stakeholders of the UNP, he told a news briefing. (Lahiru Pothmulla) Video by Sanjeewa Signs of a serious rift within the Gang of 16 have begun to appear, they say When most of them insist that they should lose no time in teaming up with the former strongman, there is a trio adamant they should make this irrevocable move along with their present party leader pointing out that it is politically suicidal for them all to burn bridges behind without the latter in tow. The flamboyant one from Uva is the most articulate one among the three dissidents. The other two are senior Banda from the hills and the former sporty one from Wayamba who recently got entangled in the bond net. The gang is heading for serious split unless they decide to hold their horses to reach a consensus or a compromise, they say. The 33-year-old Vidanage Asanka Sanjeewa, a main associate of notorious drug leader Keselwatte Dinuka, was arrested by the Police Special Task Force on charges of possessing 10 grams of heroin at Keselwatta last night. Police said Keselwatte Dinuka is residing abroad and Asanka who is a resident in Colombo 12, was handling the Dinukas drugs network in the country. He was arrested following a tip off near the Gunasinghapura housing scheme and handed over to the Organized Crimes Prevention Division.(Darshana Sanjeewa) Sati means mindfulness in Pali. Its most basic and practical definition is; retaining awareness every moment, on purpose, without judgment, being in the present moment and not thinking of the past nor dreaming of the future. That is being here and now. This type of presence in the present moment allows an individual to remember what was heard or done long time ago. This ability will aid all educational endeavours, among other things. The programme aims at introducing a universal, non-sectarian mindfulness practice in all Sri Lankan schools, irrespective of ethnicity and religion. This programme is conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Education. The programme isnt limited to the Buddhist community, but its target population includes Tamils, Muslims, Christians and also those who are non-religious. This initiative makes Sri Lanka the first ever developing country to have introduced a non-religious approach to mindfulness at the national level. The founder of Sati Pasala is Ven. Uda Eriyagama Dhammajiva Maha Thera. The monk gets actively involved when leading the programmes conducted for schools and is assisted by a team of facilitators. The priest is the present abbot and chief meditation master of Meetirigala Nissarana Vanaya Forest Hermitage. Sati Pasala is important in many respects. It is an exceptional project in the country and its work has captured the attention of countries worldwide. How and why did a Buddhist monk- committed to meditation and hailing from a strict Vinaya (Discipline) tradition, belonging to a group of forest monks known for their secluded lifestyles, committed to attaining Nirvana in this very life-come out into the society with an apparently non-Buddhist approach to mindfulness? Couldnt such a move, on the part of a forest monk, be perceived as forsaking of the ultimate goal in favour of social engagement? Isnt this a watering down of the Buddhas teachings and making them fit the consumerist societys need for consumption? Is this a modernist and missionary move in disguise, riding on the wave of the mindfulness thats sweeping over Western and Asian countries? We attempt to look into the backdrop, challenges and the potential of this project and for that we interviewed the monk himself. Following are excerpts of the interview. Q How did the vision of Sati Pasala come to you, Venerable Sir? I am a product of 100% free education in Sri Lanka, Kandy, up-to post graduate level. I learned or picked the idea of mindfulness at the age of 25 plus as an undergraduate. I tried my best to practise it full-time as a forest monk in Nissarana Vanaya in Sri Lanka and at Panditarama in Myanmar during the past four decades, under the guidance of masters from both these meditation monasteries. My intention is to make the younger people be aware of mindfulness, at least before they reach age 25. First the thought and vision was to share the subject of mindfulness with Sunday school children, who are Buddhist. But my original proposal was rejected at the local Sangha (monks) meeting reportedly because Sunday school children are not free. This may be due to these students having tuition classes on Sundays. Eventually I got an opportunity to put to test the same proposal with the children of the close-by Buddhist temple Sunday school. That gave rise to the idea of taking mindfulness to the nearby Government school and gradually, with the success of the initiative, we introduced it as Mindful School- Sati Pasala. This school, catering to students at the grassroots level, was established at Meetirigala Village near Nissarana Vanaya. Q How does a typical Sati Pasala programme unfold during the school term? What do you do with the children? With this limited experience in 2016 I discussed this question with Sri Lankan expatriate families in Perth, Australia, and we refined the idea as follows: (1) Write a book to introduce Sati as mindfulness, as well as how to practise through sitting and walking, in day-to-day activities and with the help of mindful games. At this first phase the programme is somewhat theoretical with teaching taking place at classroom level (for both the children and the class teachers). (2) This must start at the grassroots level rather than coming in a top-bottom way. (3) Once this concludes and after receiving an invitation from a school, mindful facilitators make a visit and conduct a 90-minute session (of sitting, walking and some mindful games) with the participation of the teachers on a voluntary basis. (4) We must obtain the feedback from the children who participate in order to assess the impact. Q Could you say something about Sati Pasala Foundation, the core project team and your mindfulness facilitators? How do you operate internally and during your outreach efforts? With the above-mentioned points being discussed further in Melbourne, Australia, a decision was taken to formulate a plan. The first stage, which comprises sessions at the classroom level where theory is taught, might continue for one year. The second stage comprises the organizing of mindful camps, conducting of mindful games and the practical sitting and walking sessions. The third stage comprises a plan to introduce this programme to the school curriculum with the help of the Education Ministry. Discussions back at home led us to formulate Sati Pasala Foundation. We seek the assistance from the retreat organizers, those who meditate at Nissarana Vanaya Meditation centre, locals and those who are abroad. All Mindfulness Facilitators (MFs) are regular mindfulness meditation practitioners, who possess the experience of retreat-based practice. The programme was later expanded to international level, still with volunteering being the main feature.We specially trained facilitators/teachers in Sati Pasala to work with children using a handbook containing 20 essays, which are printed in Sinhala, Tamil and English. Trained MFs visit selected schools and introduce students to mindfulness with the help of school teachers. These sessions are done as pilot projects with the consent of the Minister of Education in some chosen districts. According to the Buddhist conception, the underlying tendencies connected with passion (raga) and aversion (dosa) as well as ignorance (moha) and the other fetters that bind to samsaric existence (samyojanas) are already present in the case of a newly born baby. These facts are applicable to even an infant which is not yet capable of conceiving and conceptualising the corresponding notions; as implied for example by one of the Buddhas discourses, the Mahamalunkya-sutta in the Majjhima-nikaya. In Buddhist terms, childhood and youth are after all relative concepts, given that we are all senior citizens of Samsara. Young children are therefore not considered as so innocentand they still need to develop and purify their minds in wholesome ways in order to become incapable of unwholesomeness. This will help them reach the zenith of human potential. Q What is your observation of the mental and personal development of children who have participated in the Sati Pasala training? At first a childs attitude towards parents, specifically towards the mother, changes even at a very early stage when the second child is born to the family. This can be termed as jealousy!Thats why children, even at the age of five, say that they feel relaxed after sitting simply, despite paying little attention; something that the teacher or facilitator cannot believe! Q We think of how such a young and innocent child can experience mental conditions like relaxation or tension? If the child has a terminal disease or is born to parents addicted to substance use-leaving aside street children- the situation we are faced with is worse. Such situations are hard for us to comprehend. We have limited experience dealing with such sections of the society. This is because suffering is universal. Q May I be permitted to ask how old you are Venerable Sir? What was your childhood like? Thats an unwanted question! Anyway I am 66 years young. I am still in my childhood. Children are my teachers and facilitators who teach me rejuvenate me. Sati Pasala started that rejuvenation and accelerated the process. Please come and join us and play mindful games to remain young! Q What have you learned by working with the children? How has their company affected your own spiritual life? This is a common question we ask ourselves while actively engaging in the work of Sati Pasala. All volunteers, including me, accept that we are learning at the same time and learning how to receive grace from children in a graceful manner. I wish to invite you all to volunteer and hope the reader who reads this article rethinks about mindfulness! Q How would you position the Sati Pasala approach in relation to the heated debate concerning the Buddhist versus non-Buddhist character in the contemporary mindfulness movement that exists at present? How does religious identity help or else interfere with developing mindfulness, especially in a country subject to religious polarisation such as Sri Lanka? One of the declared features in our Sati Pasala Foundation is its non-sectarian and non-religious nature in all activities. Mindfulness as such is a birth right of human beings that the Buddha acknowledged 2600 years ago. There is no doubt about that. In our interfaith forum of Sati Pasala all the main religious leaders and teachers in Sri Lanka accepted Sati Pasala unanimously. This is a token of its future success. They attended our Global Mindful Summit held in February 2018 in Colombo and have already shared their views. Please visit the website www.globalmindfulnesssummit.org The point worth highlighting here is the preventive purpose of mindfulness that we prescribe in Sati Pasala in comparison to the mindfulness practised in contemporary society. That is definitely a much better thing to do in a non-religiously identified context, since the idea that prevention is better than cure is held in common by all humans, and not limited to a sect. Im sure the world at large would follow this method of mindfulness taught by us. Q What does non-religious mindfulness have to offer our country? Can it truly lead to reconciliation and community regeneration? Presently were working with well-established organizations like Sarvodaya in Sri Lanka and discuss this question openly in a productive way in the presence of other religious leaders and teachers. So far, we have had a number of such meetings and conferences. So far so good. Arigatou is another international organization closely knitted with Sati Pasala and were progressing towards our goal in keeping with time. My experience is that mindfulness can be a potent unifier a practice that, when nurtured, has the capacity to bring diverse people together, in amity with harmony. I often use the phrase: mindfulness is like a thread that can join a string of flowers resulting in a beautiful garland. Our hope is to introduce this practice if possible, as a positive model, under the agenda of Sustainable Development Goals to the United Nations. (More details on Sati Pasala can obtained by logging on to https://www.satipasala.org) Shivani Hegde, Nestle Managing Director and Bandula Egodage, Nestle Vice President Corporate Affairs and Communications, receiving the Brand Finance Award from Ruchi Gunewardene, Brand Finance Managing Director Nestle has once again been ranked Sri Lankas Most Valuable Food and Beverage Brand in 2018 by Brand Finance, in its annual report of Sri Lankas most valuable and strongest brands. This marks the sixth consecutive year in which the company has been ranked amongst Sri Lankas Top 10 Most Valuable Brands. Moving up from 2017, with an increase in its brand value, Nestle secured an overall rank of Number 7 out of 100 corporate brands from varying industries. Said Shivani Hegde, Nestle Managing Director: We are pleased to be recognised once again as Sri Lankas Most Valuable Food and Beverage Company. The fact that the Nestle brand has moved up the rankings from last year demonstrates the growing trust and confidence consumers have, not just in our products but also in our company as a whole. We look forward to continuing to uphold this trust by enhancing lives with good food and beverages. Brand Finance is the worlds leading independent brand valuation and ratings firm. It compiles an annual report on Sri Lankas 100 most valuable brands by using a brand valuation method compliant with the industry standards set in ISO 10668. It calculates Brand Strength Index, which assesses marketing investment, stakeholder equity and business performance; Brand Royalty Rate, which estimates an appropriate royalty rate for the use of the brand in a given sector, by considering the importance of a brand to purchasing decisions; Brand Revenues, which estimates the proportion of parent company revenues attributable to a brand; and finally, Brand Value, where post-tax brand revenues are discounted to a net present value. Nestle is the worlds largest food and beverage company and has been a part of Sri Lanka for 112 years. Nestle is Sri Lankas largest private-sector collector of fresh milk and one of the worlds largest exporters of coconut milk powder. It is also one of the top five most valuable companies on the Colombo Stock Exchange in terms of market capitalization. The company prides itself on local manufacturing, using mainly local ingredients at its state-of-the-art factory in Kurunegala. Its portfolio comprises some of the countrys best loved brands, which benefits from Nestles world leading R&D network, global expertise in nutrition, and stringent quality standards. It provides direct employment to over 800 people in Sri Lanka whilst contributing to the livelihoods of over 25,000 local farming families. The Good Food, Good Life company was also awarded as Sri Lankas Best Corporate Citizen in the Manufacturing Sector by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in 2017, and was ranked Sri Lankas Most Respected Food and Beverage company in 2016 and 2017 in the LMD Most Respected Entities Publication. The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) forum organized by the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka was held in Colombo today under the patronage of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. He said at the event that Ministries of Finance and Education are working on providing ipads to school children together with some private firms. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana State Minister Palitha Range Bandara's son Yashoda and Puttalam Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman were injured when their vehicle driven by State Ministers son veered off the road and crashed into a house at Kottapitiya in Chilaw early this morning. Initial Police investigations revealed that the cab belonging to the Irrigation Ministry had crashed into the house when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The cab and house were heavily damaged due to the accident. The 25-year-old Yashoda Range Bandara and Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Anjana Sandaruwan were admitted to the Chilaw Hospital. (Darshana Sanjeewa and Jude Samantha) Video by Hiran P. Pix by Jude Samantha Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an interview broadcast on Monday, said he did not want to divide the European Union as he prepared to visit Austria in his first bilateral trip to a West European country in almost a year. We do not pursue the objective of dividing anything or anyone in the EU, Putin told broadcaster ORF. We are far more interested in the EU being united and flourishing because the EU is our most important trading and economic partner. Putin, who has not made a bilateral visit to a West European country since he went to Finland last July, will meet government and business leaders in Austria in a trip which officially marks 50 years since the two countries energy firms Gazprom and OMV first signed a gas supply deal. He will attend a business conference with envoys from both countries. But the issue of EU sanctions, imposed on Russia because of its support for pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, will weigh in any official talks he has. Moscows ties with EU countries remain strained after Russias annexation of Crimea, its involvement in Syria and eastern Ukraine and the poisoning of a former Russian double agent in Britain. London has blamed the nerve agent poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter on Russia but Moscow has denied any involvement. VIENNA (Reuters),JUNE 5 2018 It isnt that theres no right and wrong here. Theres no right. -V.S. Naipaul There is piercing hopelessness for the future when listening to certain political rhetoric in Sri Lanka. The International Workers Day, a day to remember workers rights, was initiated from the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago. It grew from a general strike for the eight-hour workday and has over time developed into a showcase of political muscle at the May Day rally. The competition among the political parties is to generate the most amount of crowd moving out of the initial idea. The line that divides the Opposition and government in Sri Lankan politics has been blurred by a bipartisan mechanism introduced by the incumbent government. It is further blurred with 16 Sri Lanka Freedom Party ministers having become part of the joint opposition or ambiguous in their political affiliation. Political party loyalty and discipline has reached the lowest ebb in Sri Lankan politics. The appointment of cabinet ministers in the beginning of this month to what the largest cabinet in the world is perhaps has been questioned by members of the former government who claim there is no scientific basis to the allocation of ministries to particular individuals. Yet such an accusation leaves the general public to wonder if the previous government itself had a mechanism to select its cabinet ministers. Although there was a message to the public from certain politicians including a senior cabinet Minister who said Cabinet reshuffle will take place in a scientific manner and that a scientific formula was introduced to allocate ministers, the substance of the formula was not revealed to the public. A government should allocate its cabinet ministers based on merit and achievements in their area/s of expertise even though party leaders will be limited to selecting only 25 out of 225 members. Whatever the scientific formula used was, it will not give results because most members of parliament were elected from a grave miscalculation, and not based on merit. Sri Lanka, with its middle path idealistic foreign policy, is stuck somewhat in the non-aligned past, which needs re-calibration towards a more realistic approach in this century Call for academic scrutiny Sri Lankan political scientist Dr. Jayadeva Uyangoda rightly calls for academic scrutiny of this changing behavior of political party members towards their leadership, especially on the question of party discipline/indiscipline changing the dynamics of Sri Lankas political party system. According to Dr. Uyangoda, Sri Lankas political parties have become new creatures with some unusually new characteristics. Monitoring these new changes requires not only scholarly vigilance, but also detachment from our old images of what democratic political institutions are. The new creature created by the system sows confusion for political society. Moving from domestic political society to the international, Chinas President Xi Jinping recently spoke of Karl Marxs idea of the struggle of the proletariat, the ideal that underpins some international workers movements. Xi said, Writing Marxism onto the flag of the Chinese Communist party was totally correct. Two centuries since Marxs death, while advancing a much more open economic system, the leader of the second largest economy of the world said Marx is the greatest thinker of modern times. As a rising power, China liberalised its economy and ushered in globalisation to move millions out of poverty. Closer home in South Asia, India took up a somewhat similar formula. As China and India underwent these changes, their respective foreign policies were impacted. After 1990, with the end of the Cold War era, India underwent two important adjustments to its foreign policy: first was economic liberalisation and deregulation; and the second was Indias changing relationship with the US. In their book, India at the Global High Table: The Quest for Regional Primacy and Strategic Autonomy, ambassadors Teresita and Howard Schaffer correctly identify this phenomenon. Over 50 years ago, the classical realist international relations theorist Hans Morgenthau had explained that The character of foreign policy can be ascertained only through the examination of the political acts performed and of the foreseeable consequences of these acts. By assessing given actions, one could evaluate what statesmen have actually done for the foreign policies of their countries and the profound impact on the outlook towards the world outside. Sri Lanka, with its middle path idealistic foreign policy, is stuck somewhat in the non-aligned past, which needs re-calibration towards a more realistic approach in this century. The idealistic view adopted in the past could be due to the influence of Buddhist values towards our leaders. China trade Today, China has expanded its trade with US. Nonetheless, in the past few weeks, Beijing has faced a serious trade war with Washington due to the US Department of Commerce ban on ZTE, one of the largest Chinese telecommunications companies in the US. In February 2018, US intelligence agencies warned Americans against buying products from `ZTE and Huawei, another Chinese telecom company, claiming that the companies posed a security threat to American customers. The chairman of ZTE called this unfair and unacceptable, decrying the US export ban as a massive disruption to its business since the company relies on US firms for key smartphone components. This incident is a clear indication of how national security plays out in the present context despite an open trade policy. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has opened its gates for the lowest price with a high percentage of telecommunication infrastructure based on ZTE and Huawei products. Such a predicament was anticipated and highlighted during a discussion of experts from national security think tanks in Sri Lanka a year ago. Its outcome was circulated among the highest policy makers. Should such warnings from experts go unheeded? (The views expressed are the authors own and do not reflect those of the Government of Sri Lanka or the Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka(INSSSL). Asanga Abeyagoonasekera is a visiting lecturer at the Colombo University for International Security and the Director General of the national security think tank of Sri Lanka (INSSSL). This article was initially published by the IPCS, New Delhi) The losses at The Finance Company PLC (TFC) widened many-fold during the period ended in March 31, 2018, as the troubled licensed finance company saw the hole in its balance sheet deepening with over Rs.16 billion in negative shareholder funds. The former ill-famed Ceylinco group entity suffered a net loss of Rs. 571. 2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 (4Q18), compared to a loss of Rs.94.9 million in the same quarter, last year. The company had a net interest expense of Rs.258.5 million instead of a net interest income for the quarter as the loans and advances book contracted while the deposits showed a growth. Meanwhile, for the year ended March 31, 2018 (FY18), The Finance suffered a Rs.2.26 billion net loss, up from Rs.1.3 billion. The full year net interest expense stood at Rs.958.9 million, up 146 percent (YoY). Continued losses increased the companys balance sheet hole as the shareholder funds had a whopping Rs.16.2 billion negative balance by the end of March, 2018. TFC along with other Ceylinco group entities started facing problems 10 years ago when Golden Keyan unregulated credit card issuing company within the over-expanded groupfailed to honour Rs.26 billion of unauthorized customer deposits taken at exponentially higher rates. The whole fiasco triggered a run on the deposits at TFC, and loans turned bad. The Central Bank took control of the company through a management agent and started restructuring by way of converting Rs.2.0 billion worth of deposits into non-voting shares in 2010. A further Rs.1.6 billion was raised via a public offer. The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) invested in 5.1 million shares in the company and today EPF is the fifth largest shareholder of TFC with 8.43 percent stake. The companys share is now trading on the Colombo bourse at Rs.4.50, down from around Rs.37 in March 2011. Meanwhile, during FY18, the companys total loans and receivables book shrank but the impairments rose to Rs.469.5 million from Rs.228 million. The higher purchase portfolio dropped to Rs.4.4 billion from Rs.5.1 billion and the leasing book fell to Rs.635 million from Rs.982 million. The loans grew by about 10 percent to Rs.4.2 billion. TFC had a pre-crisis loan book of Rs.19 billion. Customer deposits grew by Rs.1.8 billion during the year. TFC also has a real estate portfolio under investment properties, which now stands at Rs.1.9 billion. The senior management and the employee union at TFC were believed to have written to the Central Bank recently over certain efforts to dispose some of the lands belonging to TFC below latest valuations. The Finance is currently on a Central Bank approved 5 year strategic plan, ending in 2019/20. The present TFC director board, which comprises of five directors led by Chairman Wasantha Kumarasiri, was appointed with effect from January 1, 2017 by the Monetary Board of the Central Bank. Interestingly, this is the fifth director board appointed by the Central Bank since 2008 to revive TFC. As at March 31, 2018, high net worth investor, Dr. T. Senthilverl held about 22 percent in TFC as the single largest shareholder. Wheres the Coverage? 14 Members of Congress Call to Halt PA Aid | Main | Wheres the Coverage? Israel Foils Assassination Plot Targeting Netanyahu and Others June 06, 2018 U.S. Official: Irans Support for Hezbollah Greater Than Previously Thought The Islamic Republic of Irans support for Hezbollah might be greater than previously thought. Tehran gives the Lebanese-based terrorist group $700 million a year, according to recent remarks by the U.S. Treasury Departments undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, Sigal Mandelker. Mandelkers comments were made on June 5, 2018 at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), a Washington D.C.-based think tank. The figure supplied by the treasury official is three times? what was previously estimated,? according to a report by The National, a daily newspaper published in the United Arab Emirates (Iran pays Hezbollah 700 million a year, says U.S. official,? June 5, 2018). As CAMERA noted in its 2016 backgrounder on the terror group, Hezbollah calls for the destruction of Israel and has carried out attacks against Jewish people throughout the world. The organization exerts de facto control over the Lebanese state and has launched wars against Israel, most recently in 2006. The group is also deeply anti-American; prior to the Sept. 11, 2001 al-Qaeda terrorist attacks, Hezbollah was responsible for murdering more Americans than any other terror group. Hezbollah engages in illicit activities to raise funds, including narcotics trafficking and smuggling arms, ivory, and diamonds. In a June 2016 speech, Hezbollah head Hassan Nasrallah stated: We are open about the fact that Hezbollahs budget, its income, its expenses, everything it eats and drinks, its weapons and rockets, come from the Islamic Republic of Iran.? Prior to Hezbollahs involvement in the Syrian civil warin which the terror group and Iran fought to keep Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in powerthe group was thought to receive $200 million a year from Tehran. However, Mandelkers comments indicate that Hezbollah is thought to receive at least three times that figure. Joyce Karam, a reporter for The National, noted that Ms. Mandelker also "accused the Iranian regime of using shell and front companies, and forging documents to conceal its tracks in order to fund terrorists, support weapons of mass destruction proliferation or exploit its own people through corruption and human rights abuses.? The U.S. Treasury official also stated that Irans Central Bank is guilty of moving funds on behalf of Hezbollah and Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, which is responsible for training terror groups abroad. In previous years, the IRGC Quds Force has trained operatives from Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hamas and al-Qaeda, among other U.S.-designated terrorist organizations. Posted by SD at June 6, 2018 12:53 PM Guidelines for posting This is a moderated blog. We will not post comments that include racism, bigotry, threats, or factually inaccurate material. Post a comment U.S. Official: Irans Support for Hezbollah Greater Than Previously Thought | Main | Palestinian Fire Kites Are No Child's Play June 06, 2018 Wheres the Coverage? Israel Foils Assassination Plot Targeting Netanyahu and Others Israeli authorities uncovered and thwarted a terrorist cell that planned to murder top governmental officials, including the countrys prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat. However, many major U.S. news outlets have ignored the story. On June 5, 2018, the Shin Bet, Israels domestic intelligence agency that is akin to the FBI, announced that they had arrested three member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine General Command (PFLP-GC), in connection with the case. The three men had been indicted two days prior. Ynet reporter Yoav Zitun noted: One of the suspects is Muhammad Jamal Rashdeh, 30, from the Shuafat refugee camp in east Jerusalem, who holds an Israeli identity card and has served time in prison in the past for terrorist activity. The investigation revealed that he had planned the attacks with guidance from terrorist elements abroad, including a terror operative from Syria.? The terror cell had also planned terror attacks against buildings belonging to the American Consulate and against a delegation of Canadian representatives staying in Jerusalem in a bid to train the Palestinian Authority forces in the West Bank.? Rashdeh was arrested on April 24, 2018, according to a Times of Israel report (Shin Bet says it thwarted plot to assassinate prime minister, Jerusalem mayor,? June 5, 2018). The PFLP-GC is a U.S.-designated terrorist group that is based in Damascus, Syria and receives Iranian support. The group has carried out numerous attacks against Israelis and was active in the Syrian civil war, fighting on behalf of dictator Bashar al-Assad. A foiled terror plot to murder Israels prime minister and other top Israeli officials, as well as Americans and Canadians, is certainly newsworthy. However, as of this writing, many major U.S. news outlets have failed to cover the story. The Washington Post, The New York Times, NPR, USA Today, The Baltimore Sun, Politico, and others have failed to cover the story. By contrast, The Jerusalem Post, The Times of Israel, the U.K.-based Express, and The New York Post, provided coverage. This is not the first time that the Western media ignored a story about a thwarted Palestinian plot to murder Israeli government officials. As CAMERA noted at the time, U.S. press outlets also ignored a foiled Feb. 2018 plot by Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives to murder Israeli defense minister Avigdor Liberman (The Media Ignores Foiled Plot to Assassinate Israels Defense Minister,? Feb. 20, 2018). By failing to cover advanced terror plots targeting the country's leadership, the media effectively minimizes the security challenges facing the Jewish state. Posted by SD at June 6, 2018 01:58 PM Guidelines for posting This is a moderated blog. We will not post comments that include racism, bigotry, threats, or factually inaccurate material. Post a comment Russia to Deploy Pantsyr-S1 Air-Defense Battalion to Crimea 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 20%) 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. The vacant lot at the corner of El Camino Real and Townsgate Drive known as the Pell Property has been acquired by Alexandria Real Estate Equities. The property sits on the edge of the Del Mar Highlands Town Center, near El Pollo Loco and the centers 120,000 square foot expansion project called The Collection. Alexandria specializes in developments for life science and technology companiessample tenants in their San Diego buildings include Illumina, Celgene Corporation and the Scripps Research Institute. The property is fenced on all sides. (Karen Billing ) According to Kim Elliott, assistant vice president of real estate development and community relations, they are just starting the planning design process and will be working with the Carmel Valley Community Planning Boards subcommittee. Elliott said they have also met with Donahue Schriber about integrating their project with Del Mar Highlands Town Center.. For many years there was a caretaker living on the property as well as a loud guard dog. Elliott said the buildings on the site are becoming a nuisance and they may be demolished soonAlexandria did their due diligence and determined the structures do not have historic significance. By Scott Waldman 5 June 2018(E&E News) EPA must produce the opposing body of science Administrator Scott Pruitt has relied upon to claim that humans are not the primary drivers of global warming, a federal judge has ruled. The EPA boss has so far resisted attempts to show the science backing up his claims. His critics say such evidence doesnt exist, even as Pruitt has called for greater science transparency at the agency. Now, a court case may compel him to produce research that attempts to contradict the mountain of peer-reviewed studies collected by the worlds top science agencies over decades that show humans are warming the planet at an unprecedented pace through the burning of fossil fuels. Not long after he took over as EPA administrator, Pruitt appeared on CNBCs Squawk Box, where he was asked about carbon dioxide and climate change. He said, I would not agree that its a primary contributor to the global warming that we see. The next day, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, or PEER, filed a Freedom of Information Act request seeking the studies Pruitt used to make his claims. Specifically, the group requested EPA documents that support the conclusion that human activity is not the largest factor driving global climate change. On Friday, the chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Beryl Howell, ordered the agency to comply. Particularly troubling is the apparent premise of this agency challenge to the FOIA request, namely: that the evidentiary basis for a policy or factual statement by an agency head, including about the scientific factors contributing to climate change, is inherently unknowable. If the case proceeds, it could mean that Pruitt would have to produce such research in the coming months or next year. [more] How Kosmos Energy is one of the world's top explorers Kosmos Energy is one of the world's biggest oil and gas exploration success stories, involved in 2 out of the 3 major deepwater cretaceous basin discoveries over the past 10 years. Paul Dailly, SVP exploration, explained how it does it. Kosmos Energy is one of the world's biggest oil and gas exploration success stories, involved in 2 out of the 3 major deepwater cretaceous basin discoveries over the past 10 years. Those were the transform margin where the Jubilee discovery offshore Ghana was made and the Tortue discoveries to the North, up in Mauritania. Kosmos has been involved heavily in both. (The third discovery was in Offshore Guyana). Kosmos has been focussed on the area since its formation in 2004, and drilled all of its 21 exploration wells in the area. It also has 2 blocks in Suriname (South America), adjacent to the giant Lisa discovery, on the basis that geology and plays are similar. The company is taking a lot of lessons from the exploration in that part of the world which are useful in understanding the transform margin further north, said Paul Dailly, SVP exploration with Kosmos, speaking at the Finding Petroleum forum in London on September 2017, 'Finding Oil and Gas in Sub Saharan Africa.' Kosmos background Most of the original Kosmos management team met in the 1990s while working at a company called Triton Energy, which was acquired by Hess in 2001. Triton Energy had been one of the first companies to see the potential of the late cretaceous play, Mr Dailly said, finding oil in Equatorial Guinea, the first 'real transform play.' When the team started Kosmos in 2004 to 2005, they tried to extrapolate some of this understanding to other areas of the transform margin. The Jubilee field, offshore Ghana, discovered in 2007, was the second big transform play discovery. It led to a big increase in oil industry activity. It was followed by successful exploration offshore Mauritania and Senegal, by both Kosmos and Cairn Energy. During 2017, as the oil price has started to recover, there has been a 'bit of a frenzy of activity to pick up acreage in these basins,' he said. There have been 400 wells drilled around NW Africa, which is 'really not a lot of wells for an area of that size'. There has been a low commercial success rate, although it has improved since 2000. Kosmos has drilled 20 exploration wells in North West Africa, and made 8 discoveries, so a success rate which is 'pretty good in these frontier plays,' he said. The company has aimed to not follow oil price cycles but instead to 'stick to our knitting through highs and lows,' he said. It has also kept a geographical focus. 'I think that's an important reason for us continuing to be successful.' The size of the discoveries basically comes down to the 'extent of these basin floor fans,' he said. Kosmos has been mainly exploring 'slopes' for the past 5-10 years, but now it is doing more exploring in basin floor fans, where the reservoirs can be much larger. In April 2015, Kosmos Energy made a play-opening gas discovery in Mauritania's offshore Block C-8 with its Tortue-1 well. The Tortue field is a giant deepwater gas field straddling the border of Senegal and Mauritania. Kosmos has discovered about 8bn barrels of oil equivalent, and a lot of that is gas. The gas resources are big enough to be commercially attractive. Kosmos' business Kosmos Energy is entirely focussed on the exploration and early development side of the E&P business, where it believes that most value in the industry is created. The value is only monetised if the fields can be developed, 'but that requires a scale of organisation that we don't have and don't particularly want to have,' he said. 'We've taken a conscious decision to have a relatively small company which focusses on the front end, and just make sure we get very good strategic aligned partners to execute on the second part of it.' In the Jubilee field, Tullow became the 'production operator', coming in to run all the operations, while Kosmos was the 'development operator', and alongside the other partner's, GNPC & Anadarko, the group worked together to bring the field onstream in 42 months. At Tortue, 'our hope is that with our partners BP we can do the same thing in gas terms,' aiming to get on stream in 6 years. The Tortue discovery is 'probably about 8 bn barrels of oil equivalent, 20 TCF,' he said. 'We've only drilled 3 or 4 prospects out of an inventory of 20 prospects.' The business model is driven by maximising value creation. 'That drives us to certain basins and certain portfolio shapes,' he said. 'We only go into basins where the fiscal terms are good enough that if we find something we're going to create a lot of value. You can't really go to technically lower risk basins such as Angola or Nigeria, and create the same amount of value because of the terms.' 'If you are going to go to frontier emerging basins, you've got to do it in a way where you can manage the risk. [But] you get the terms, so that in the case of success, it will work even at a low oil price.' 'We keep that risk low by having the right people. Exploration excellence is how we think about that.' The Tortue discovery is a big gas province, but it is so large that 'we think, even in today's LNG world, it will be competitive when it comes to market, in the early to mid-2020s. The breakeven cost is relatively low and the resource is big enough.' The company has a 'clear and consistent strategy,' based around 'generating new ideas in old basins and places which haven't been focused on in the past.' The company only has 4 or 5 'positions' around the world. 'That's about all we can manage technically,' he said. 'There's about 30 people in the exploration department, about 25 geoscientists. We don't want to get too much bigger than that.' 'It is important that the leadership knows the portfolio and is calibrated to the risk of that portfolio.' With higher risk positions, you need big footprints (a larger license area), in case you discover that a prospect or even a play is slightly different to where you thought it was. 'What we'll tend to do is try to build 4 or 5 big footprint positions - independent petroleum systems where we think we can manage the risk.' The company has drilled 25 wells over 10 years with a play opening rate of about 1 in 3, a good success rate in frontier and emerging basins. Typically they drill 2-4 exploration wells per year. 'That's about the level of activity that the balance sheet can stand,' he said. The company needs to make sure there is 'parity between the technical side and the financial side' of the business. After the Jubilee discovery in Ghana, 'this play became too hot for us to participate in,' he said. We didn't feel very comfortable with that. So we stepped out of the area and tried to leverage our understanding of that part of the world into other places.' 'Over the life of the company we spent about $1.4bn dollars, to find net reserves of about 1.5bn boe. So discovery costs of about a dollar a barrel. So we've had a good commercial success rate, which is obviously critical.' The company continues to build its position in the transform margin, including the transform margin of Latin America. In 2011, the company took a position in Suriname, in northern, South America, which has similar geology to North West Africa because the two areas were joined together until 140mm years ago when the Atlantic started to open. However following Jubilee a lot of unsuccessful drilling resulted in many companies leaving the transform margin, despite this it remains a core area for Kosmos. Processes With a small team of people, the company's processes can be kept simple. 'Having the right people is the key thing,' he said. 'We started off with an experienced set of explorers. We've got about 5 or 6 people who worked together for 20 years in this geography. Then we slowly introduced additional people, brought in younger people. We are still a tight knit group.' 'The important thing is to try to leverage knowledge gained from one idea into the next idea.' In that way, the concepts originally developed with the Ceiba discovery) could then be used in the Jubilee discovery, and that should also help find resources in Sao Tome or Suriname. 'One of these plays will allow us to introduce the next stair step in the evolution of the company,' he said. The company needs to continue to develop new frontier play concepts, 'Otherwise we will get trapped in following other people's success. That is a very difficult thing to sustain and create a lot of value in.' Although there was a lot of failure in the transform margin after the Jubilee discovery, there are a number of lesson we can learn from that. 'As an industry we can learn as much from the things we don't do so well to leverage into the future,' he said. 'We try to stick very much to basins we've committed to and try to make the most out of investments we've made,' he said. 'As an industry we are guilty, especially in high oil price cycles, of being opportunity driven and exploring in an ad hoc fashion. 'We did see, and occasionally still see, a lot of ephemeral exploration with companies not really committed to the basin, drilling a couple of wells and leaving without really digesting the results of the drilling they have done. We think that can be a real problem.' Most important consideration Mr Dailly was asked what is the most important consideration when analysing a new basin. He answered it is the 'geologic fundamentals really,' the company puts a lot of emphasis on putting together source rock models, trying to understand the thermal history and crust as well as possible. 'We just keep in mind that while we may have a couple of basin models - there may be many other basin models that are also possible. We don't get too hung up on that stuff.' A critical point is the integration of data and trying to understand where the sweet spot may be, and determining what size position to try to take. 'Quite often it is difficult to do that in a basin where there's lot of people looking,' he said. 'We try to do it in basins where we can pick up a good position and to help us manage the risk.' Also, early in the evaluation Kosmos doesn't focus on trap definition, because 'you don't tend to see them on older, poorer quality 2D or old 3D surveys. We put more emphasis on play elements and tend to look for are the sorts of structural elements that might make traps down the road,' he said. 'We are prepared to take more trap risks than a proven basin explorer would, who is used to seeing traps and flat spots.' The company will spend money on a high-resolution 3D seismic survey upfront. Associated Companies Digital Energy Journal 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. Gigabyte to demonstrate integrated AI/Data Science Cloud at Computex 2018 Gigabyte, an industry leader in server systems and motherboards, has collaborated with local cloud and storage platform providers to showcase an integrated "AI/Data Science Cloud" at Computex 2018, demonstrating how customers can build a private cloud to own and protect their data while connecting with public cloud services, and incorporate inbuilt AI (artificial intelligence) capabilities to use big data for real-time deep learning and inference processing (AIoT). Gigabyte Featured Hardware Gigabyte's Network & Communication Business Unit exhibit area at Computex will showcase its six main product lines and their target applications: H-Series Density Optimized Servers for cloud computing; G-Series High Performance Computing Servers for AI; S-Series Storage Servers for big data; W-Series Workstations for content creation and software development; R-Series General Purpose Rack Servers for enterprise IT; and Racklution-OP Open Rack Standard products for hyper scaled data centers. Product features Product series Target application Computex 2018 featured product Product features H-Series Density-optimized servers for hyper-converged data centers / cloud service providers H281-PE0 2U 4 node server with dual-socket Intel Xeon Scalable CPU and 4 expansion slots per node & optional liquid cooling system G-Series High performance GPU servers for AI and deep learning G481-S80 4U dual-socket Intel Xeon Scalable CPU server w/ 8 x SXM2 NVIDIA V100 / P100 GPU modules & optional liquid cooling system S-Series Scale-out storage for onsite, offsite software defined storage S451-3R0 4U dual-socket Intel Xeon Scalable CPU server w/ 36 x 3.5" SSD / HDD drives and E-ATX form factor motherboard for configuration flexibility R-Series General purpose rack servers for enterprise IT R281-Z92 2U dual-socket AMD EPYC 7000 series CPU server w/ 24 x 2.5" ultra-fast NVMe U.2 storage drives. Top benchmark score on SPEC.org W-Series Office environment workstation for media content creation, or an innovative platform for software development W281-T91 Dual-socket Cavium ThunderX2 ARM CPU workstation tower RACKLUTION-OP Open rack standard compliant servers for hyper scale data centers DO60-MR0 12OU 21" open rack standard compliant mini-rack w/ compute & storage nodes AI/Data Science Cloud Demonstration Gigabyte will not only showcase its hardware during Computex but also demonstrate to its customers the practical applications of its products by building a private cloud in collaboration with its partners InfinitiesSoft and Bigtera. It calls the demonstration an "AI/Data Science Cloud." It is an AI and big data analysis enabled hybrid cloud, enabled with Infinities CloudFusion cloud management platform and Bigtera VirtualStor scale-out storage, running onsite at Gigabyte's Computex booth on its H-Series, G-Series and S-Series server products. It provides remote cloud services in categories such as compute, storage, big data analytics, deep learning and AI training, and management functions. The platform has a high availability architecture that can avoid a single point of failure and can be quickly scaled out at remote locations. Infinities CloudFusion Gigabyte's "AI/Data Science Cloud" has been built with InfinitiesSoft CloudFusion, a comprehensive cloud management solution that can support and integrate over 30 different private and public clouds with a single platform. For this demonstration, a hybrid cloud has been built with OpenStack and Bigtera VirtualStor storage working seamlessly under the hood of CloudFusion, running on Gigabyte's H281-PE0 and H261-N80 hyper-converged servers, and connected with public cloud services. HPC application containers have also been set up and integrated into this cloud with Kubernetes and running on Gigabyte's G481-S80 GPU servers to provide remote AI training and deep learning capabilities. Since CloudFusion supports a highly elastic open API interface for developers, many other additional public or private clouds can also be connected and integrated into this platform to ensure it is future-proof. Bigtera VirtualStor Scaler Gigabyte's "AI/Data Science Cloud" includes a scale-out storage cluster created with Bigtera's VirtualStor Scaler storage platform and running on Gigabyte's S-Series storage servers. VirtualStor Scaler provides customers with a cost effective x86 scale-out storage solution that allows them to pay as they grow. VirtualStor Scaler's scale-out architecture provides the flexibility to specify the storage type (NAS, SAN, object storage), performance (IOPS and throughput), and efficiency all while delivering resilient and secure capacity. VirtualStor Scaler's unique advantages include offering multi-tenant storage capabilities to provide different "virtual storage" for different tenants, making storage management flexible, as well as providing functionality to consolidate legacy devices and help seamlessly migrate old data to a new storage system without downtime. Gigabyte to demonstrate integrated "AI/Data Science Cloud" Gigabyte's Computex booth is at Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1, D0002 For more information on Gigabyte server products, please visit: http://b2b.gigabyte.com For more information on InfinitiesSoft CloudFusion, please visit: http://www.infinitiessoft.com For more information on Bigtera VirtualStor Scaler, please visit: http://www.bigtera.com DIGITIMES' editorial team was not involved in the creation or production of this content. Companies looking to contribute commercial news or press releases are welcome to contact us. Subscriber content preview JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) A Juneau subdivision is looking to keep from falling into the Mendenhall River as erosion in the area worsens. KTOO-FM reports the plan was to essentially build a large retention wall big enough to protect 28 homes. But the community can't agree on who should pay for it. . . . School officials in the Jefferson County, Ky. district, dealing with multiple allegations that children were slapped, shoved, force-fed, and left unattended by child-care aides and teachers in the Head Start program it oversees, recently voted to give up its $15 million Head Start grant after 30 years. Now, district officials say, Jefferson Countywhich merged with the city of Louisville 15 years agowill spend $8 million of its own funds and start a district-run early-childhood program, focusing on getting preschoolers academically prepared for kindergarten. That program will have certified or properly credentialed teachers in all classrooms, a district spokeswoman said, and will be housed in early-childhood centers to improve oversight. The school district had 1,319 Head Start slots and 232 slots for Early Head Start, which serves infants and toddlers under the age of 3. The children were served primarily in district elementary schools. The district said it will seek a partner to serve the infants and toddlers who were enrolled in Early Head Start. The board of the 101,000-student district voted May 30 to relinquish the funds, a day before a federal Office of Head Start letter cataloging incidents of alleged abuse of children in the program. That was the second time in a year that the district had been cited for abuse allegations. District officials said they had been told that even one additional substantiated incident could result in grant termination. Some of the incidents in the second letter had been reported to federal officials by the districts leadership. Long List of Abusive Behaviors In August 2017, federal Head Start officials catalogued a long list of disturbing allegations , which included: a teacher wrapping a child in her arms and legs and forcing him to eat a mixture of fruit and milk after the child refused to stop pouring his milk into the fruit; parent reports that a teacher dragged a child to a cot; a parent report that a child was taken to a restroom and slapped in the face; a teacher lifting a cot vertically to wake a napping preschooler; and a 3-year-old in timeout who was left alone for 10 minutes when the rest of his class went to the cafeteria for lunch. The school district implemented a corrective action plan after that report, but the most recent letter from federal officials , dated May 31, described more incidents, which included a child whose diaper was not changed the entire day; multiple reports of teachers grabbing and yanking children, and a self-report from an aide who said she swatted a child in the back of the head, causing the child to fall, hit a piece of furniture, and bruise her lip. Federal Head Start officials said that it gets a small number of grant relinquishments annually, so Jefferson County choosing to give up its grant is not unheard of. But the chaotic Head Start situation is just the latest controversy embroiling Kentuckys largest school district, already under scrutiny by the state for its high rate of restraint and seclusion for students with disabilities , and other significant deficiencies. Kentucky Interim Education Commissioner Wayne Lewis, who says the state needs to take over the school district, said the board vote to give up Head Start raises serious questions for me about the districts current capacity to keep children safe and to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. This isnt the first time that an educational agency has lost Head Start money after allegations of abuse. In 2016, Prince Georges County, Md. had its $6.5 million Head Start grant revoked after a number of abuse and neglect incidents. In one case, two children were forced to hold objects over their heads as punishment. In such cases, the Office of Head Start has an interim provider who can take over programs until a new grantee is chosen. Federal officials said they plan this fall to solicit applications for a new Head Start grantee in Jefferson County. Greetings to all, and I pray you have had a good week and are rejoicing in the Lord and His goodness. I want to talk about a subject that many This post is by Michael Kuczenski, sixth-grade social studies teacher, and his students, Brooke Romanski and Ayanna Fernandez, at the Interdistrict School for Arts and Communication (ISAAC) in New London, Connecticut Photo Credit: Tim Martin At the 21st Annual Connecticut Immigration Day, 12-year-old Ayanna lowered the microphone by almost a foot before sharing her powerful message. At the end of her speech, all ears in the standing-room-only crowd at the State Capitol in Hartford listened intently. In front of news reporters, cameras, politicians, and lawmakers, she shared the lesson she learned by listening to immigrants in her own community. As sixth-grade global citizens, we learned that many of us make incorrect judgments about other people. We should all listen. It can change our perspective. Ayanna and her classmates from ISAAC had spent months intensively researching immigration in the United States on a local and national level. They applied for and won a grant to conduct a B etter World Day project , but the outward products of their learning and the inner transformation these students experienced had an impact beyond the project itself. The Power of Authentic Learning: A Teachers Story My friend who was raised in Los Angeles once told me, Connecticut is like the red-velvet cake of America. I laughed at the analogy and also the stereotype. Sure, Connecticut has the highest average income per capita, but we also have cities with some of the lowest literacy rates and highest levels of educational inequality in the country. More than a third of the 93 students in my sixth-grade social studies classes are either children of immigrants or immigrants themselves. Nevertheless, prior to this project, much of what my students knew about immigrants was from television and from what they heard their family say--also mostly from television. As a descendant of immigrants myself, I wanted to create a project that allowed students to hear real stories directly from recent immigrants, stories that were as diverse as the people themselves. Together we embarked on a ten-week cross-curricular project exploring stereotypes of immigrants in the United States past and present. In Social Studies, students researched stereotypes faced by immigrants coming to the United States in the early twentieth century. They also looked at primary and secondary sources about current immigration policies as well as news stories. Through their reading, students discovered one commonality throughout the lives of immigrants in U.S. history: Immigrants have always faced stereotypes that negatively impact their lives, and those stereotypes are often false. Reading about immigrants in history made my students curious about what stereotypes immigrants face now in our own community. To answer that question, students worked in groups to interview 16 local immigrants representing different ethnicities, languages, and cultures. Their task was to break the stereotypes they saw by sharing a more complex story of humanity. Early in the project, we discussed different ways of telling the truth about these 16 neighbors and friends in a way that would allow others, including community leaders, to really get to know them as individuals and people, not just stereotypes. We wanted our community to see what they look like, what they care about, what theyve experienced, and how they contribute to our community. That meant we needed to learn some skills, including how to interview and photograph our subjects. We needed an expert. I contacted a Yale medical professor who teaches interview techniques to graduate students. He helped students learn how to ask open-ended questions that would fuel the conversation rather than lead to singular answers. Tell me more about and What was it like allowed immigrants to share their stories in their own way. Then students worked alongside a professional photographer to learn about composition and lighting in order to capture the deep emotions of their subjects stories. For weeks in class and after school students studied professional models to learn new techniques for showing and telling the stories of immigrants. They critiqued each others work and received critique from peers, from professionals, and from me. Most importantly, they revised, revised, and revised again to create photographs on stretched canvas, each with QR codes leading to web pages that profile each of the 16 immigrants they interviewed. Photo Credit: Nylah Lloyd, grade 6 student at ISAAC They didnt create this work just for their teachers. Instead, they hosted multiple community exhibits designed to change the publics hearts and minds. To reach an audience beyond the exhibit, they also created YouTube videos like this powerful interview with Lizbeth, an immigrant from Peru, speaking to sixth graders Keyonna, Benyris, Prishtina, Madison, and Sadia . Students compiled a professionally published interactive book entitled Community Faces: Humanizing the Immigrant Label that contains all of the interviews and photos. The proceeds of the book funded one immigrants green card application. Our projects impact on the immigrants interviewed was palpable and powerful, but the students, like Brooke and Ayanna, were changed too. Immigrant is a Label, Not a Person': Brookes Story I started this project thinking that I was part of changing the world. Thats what Mr. Kuczenski told us when we won a Better World Project award. But what I soon discovered is that I changed as a person because I became educated on who these amazing people are. Just as our project, Community Faces, made me a more open-minded person, it also made the world a better place by explaining to people who these immigrants are. Now our leaders know that each person has a story to share. I interviewed Nancy from Paris, France . Before meeting her, I thought Nancy was going to have a heavy French accent. But I was surprised when she spoke perfect English. I was also shocked to learn that when people thought she was a U.S. citizen because she looked white and sounded American, they felt they could talk negatively about immigrants. They also thought that her son was adopted because he had darker skin than hers, which was incredibly hurtful to her. Hearing Nancys story made me realize that immigration is something people do. Its not all of who they are. I think that students at other schools and adults in the United States should reach out to learn about other people in their communities because it is important not judge someone before you meet them. The word immigrant is a label, not a person. Sit down and talk to this person you call an immigrant; you might learn something about yourself as well as them. Teach the World to Love': Ayannas Story I practiced my speech over and over again, maybe 20 times in the one-hour car ride driving to the Connecticut Immigration Day celebration at the State Capitol. It was terrifying walking into the gigantic room with gold everywhere. Before giving my speech, I thought back to when I interviewed Luqman . I fought back tears as Luqman shared his story about living in Ghana. One thing that I learned from Luqmans story was that you shouldnt make stereotypes about people because your assumptions usually are not correct. If we keep working hard to share the human story of immigration, we can keep teaching the whole world to love and respect each other. At the Capitol, people really were captivated by our work. They even had stereotypes of what sixth graders could create. I was overjoyed to break those stereotypes by showing that sixth graders can and did do it. Our work makes a better world for the community because now immigrants can share their story and not have to be afraid. This project gave a voice to those who didnt know how to use it yet. If we can help change negative stereotypes as sixth graders, adults can do it too--if theyre willing to work hard like us. We Learn Deeply Together: Our Story Through this project, we have all come to realize that getting smart to do good matters in our lives and in the lives of others. Before beginning our learning and teaching, we wanted to see if describing the human experience of immigration could help break the stereotypes we saw in our community. We had no idea what the outcome would be. When we finished, we looked around and realized how influential our work has been in the lives of others. Our immigrant friends had been scared to share their stories even with a group of five sixth-graders. But in the end they became confident and inspired to tell their stories. And people listened! That started other conversations about human experiences of immigration with politicians, lawmakers, and other community members. People listened to them too. Newspapers, radio shows, television stations, and other community partners helped spread the word about our project. And our impact is still continuing, even in this blog! This domino effect has truly opened all of our eyes to the power of community. Identifying a community problem, getting educated (by learning and listening), working tirelessly, and becoming active to solve the problem inspires others to do the same. Its as simple, and as hard, as that. A $100 million gift announced Tuesday will allow the Sanford Harmony social-emotional learning program to make its curriculum and teacher training available for free to students in pre-k through 6th grade schools nationwide. The gift, from philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, will allow the private National University to expand the program, which is already active in many schools. Sanford Harmony uses lessons and classroom strategies in five focus areas: diversity and inclusion; empathy and critical thinking; communication; problem-solving; and peer relationships. As announced today, the gift allows for the program, which is currently reaching more than 1.5 million students, to impact up to 30 million students nationally and around the world, ensuring access to research-based strategies that are demonstrated to increase academic achievement and empathy and decrease stereotyping, bullying and aggression, National University System said in a news release. National University has hosted Sanford Harmony and two other programs developed by Sanford since 2014. The gift, Sanfords largest to the university, will fund research fellowships, the development of new, innovative approaches such as online learning and game-based apps, and the creation of Vietnamese, Mandarin, and Portuguese versions of the program, which is already available in Spanish. The program will also work to align itself with the strategies of after-school programs and develop tools for parents to help support the social-emotional learning strategies students use at school. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning reviewed Sanford Harmony as part of its SEL programming guide . You can read its review of the program and how it fits into the landscape of social-emotional learning offerings here. Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2018 2:00 pm Twenty-seven Miss Missouri Outstanding Teen contestants, their pageant directors and families will travel to Mexico, Missouri, June 11 to kick off a week filled with rehearsals, talent performances, interviews and evening gowns as the Miss Missouri Scholarship Pageant and Miss Missouris Outstanding Teen Pageants kick off at Missouri Military Academy. This group includes Miss Springfields Outstanding Teen Shae Smith of Bolivar. She is the daughter of Mark and Angie Smith and will attend Bolivar High School in the fall. Her platform is "Catching the Curve," advocating for early scoliosis Detection. She will perform a jazz dance for the talent portion of the competition. For the second year in a row, Smith was the top fundraiser in the entire country during Miss America Serves day. She managed to raise $16,000 for The Childrens Miracle Network. Preliminary competitions begin Tuesday, June 11, for the teens with the interview portion of the competition and will continue through Thursday morning. Teen finals are Friday night. In all, the Miss Missouris Outstanding Teen Pageant will award more than $12,000 in scholarships to the contestants. The winner of the Miss Missouris Outstanding Teen Pageant will compete at the Miss Americas Outstanding Teen Pageant in Orlando, Florida, in July. Tickets for the Miss Missouri and Miss Missouris Outstanding Teen Pageants are available by calling 573-581-2765. Blog Archive June 2021 (1) May 2021 (77) April 2021 (77) March 2021 (82) February 2021 (68) January 2021 (64) December 2020 (67) November 2020 (66) October 2020 (66) September 2020 (67) August 2020 (74) July 2020 (83) June 2020 (92) May 2020 (86) April 2020 (104) March 2020 (105) February 2020 (74) January 2020 (75) December 2019 (75) November 2019 (70) October 2019 (89) September 2019 (69) August 2019 (81) July 2019 (77) June 2019 (73) May 2019 (110) April 2019 (110) March 2019 (102) February 2019 (85) January 2019 (123) December 2018 (116) November 2018 (112) October 2018 (121) September 2018 (107) August 2018 (150) July 2018 (163) June 2018 (190) May 2018 (145) April 2018 (112) March 2018 (124) February 2018 (113) January 2018 (164) December 2017 (150) November 2017 (144) October 2017 (169) September 2017 (171) August 2017 (135) July 2017 (131) June 2017 (147) May 2017 (160) April 2017 (138) March 2017 (156) February 2017 (143) January 2017 (203) December 2016 (208) November 2016 (185) October 2016 (173) September 2016 (194) August 2016 (232) July 2016 (225) June 2016 (238) May 2016 (231) April 2016 (215) March 2016 (246) February 2016 (226) January 2016 (252) December 2015 (230) November 2015 (250) October 2015 (234) September 2015 (222) August 2015 (253) July 2015 (275) June 2015 (279) May 2015 (223) April 2015 (226) March 2015 (243) February 2015 (258) January 2015 (281) December 2014 (292) November 2014 (296) October 2014 (413) September 2014 (472) August 2014 (506) July 2014 (483) June 2014 (488) May 2014 (512) April 2014 (497) March 2014 (531) February 2014 (482) January 2014 (535) December 2013 (482) November 2013 (441) October 2013 (416) September 2013 (491) August 2013 (521) July 2013 (491) June 2013 (470) May 2013 (457) April 2013 (426) March 2013 (420) February 2013 (414) January 2013 (489) December 2012 (433) November 2012 (504) October 2012 (469) September 2012 (430) August 2012 (427) July 2012 (360) June 2012 (336) May 2012 (362) April 2012 (322) March 2012 (263) February 2012 (224) January 2012 (291) December 2011 (295) November 2011 (325) October 2011 (330) September 2011 (319) August 2011 (333) July 2011 (318) June 2011 (387) May 2011 (373) April 2011 (389) March 2011 (375) February 2011 (335) January 2011 (400) December 2010 (445) November 2010 (395) October 2010 (312) September 2010 (262) August 2010 (277) July 2010 (323) June 2010 (386) May 2010 (360) April 2010 (333) March 2010 (351) February 2010 (336) January 2010 (384) December 2009 (353) November 2009 (300) October 2009 (308) September 2009 (350) August 2009 (298) July 2009 (255) June 2009 (203) May 2009 (193) April 2009 (186) March 2009 (197) February 2009 (173) January 2009 (148) December 2008 (181) November 2008 (197) October 2008 (236) September 2008 (304) August 2008 (314) July 2008 (273) June 2008 (27) May 2008 (1) April 2008 (6) October 2007 (1) May 2007 (1) April 2007 (6) March 2007 (2) February 2007 (1) October 2006 (1) September 2006 (1) August 2006 (4) July 2006 (4) June 2006 (1) July 2005 (1) May 2005 (2) March 2005 (1) June 2004 (2) May 2004 (1) April 2004 (4) March 2004 (2) February 2004 (2) July 2003 (2) June 2003 (5) Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2018 6:00 am Polk County Junior Livestock Show and Youth Fair co-chairs Katie Garretson and Tim Scott will provide the program at the Thursday, June 7, Polk County Community Connections meeting. In its 72nd year, the fair and livestock show is June 14-16 at the Polk County Fairgrounds and features games, animals and contests. Garretson and Scott will provide information and background about the event, as well as answer questions about the fair. The free breakfast meeting begins at 7:30 a.m. in the community room at Citizens Memorial Hospital, 1500 N. Oakland, Bolivar. The meeting is open to the public. The community connections meeting lasts 60 to 90 minutes, but those attending may leave as needed in order to get to work or school. Those attending are encouraged to bring materials and information about their businesses, schools, organizations, agencies or churches to share with others. Community Connections is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization supported by a coalition of volunteers, churches, businesses, agencies, educators and health care providers from throughout Polk County. Community Connections partners with these coalition members to help improve the overall mental, physical, spiritual, social, educational and economic health of Polk County families. Charitable donations are tax-deductible. For more information, call 326-4118 or email info@bolivarchamber.com. Australia dairy co-operative expands into organic milk market Norco, Australia's biggest dairy co-operative, is courting farmers in the country as far south as Victoria for the supply of organic milk, ABC Rural reported. The move is part of Norco's expansion into the organic milk market. According its chairman, Greg McNamara, the price for a litre of the product was significantly higher than regular milk - a difference of around 30 cents a litre between what an organic farmer and a conventional farmer are paid. McNamara claimed that organic farmers would get "somewhere between 85 to 87 cents a litre on a yearly basis," compared to conventional farmers who are receiving "around 57 to 58 cents a litre." "We've got two farmers at the moment and we've got a number thinking about transitioning across," McNamara added. "We advertised recently within our membership and within Victoria to actually look for organic supply and I think we had about 17 farmers that expressed an interest." Norco is a 123-year-old co-operative, which is based in northern New South Wales (NSW) and has factories further south at Raleigh and Labrador on the Gold Coast. McNamara is one of 326 active members on 214 farms in NSW and south-east Queensland supplying the co-operative with 222 million litres of milk per year. "We've just finished off a strategic plan on organic milk and it's certainly showing that investing in the organic industry going forward from a milk perspective could give us a great reward," he elaborated. "We actually see organics being somewhere between 10 to 15 percent of our annual production, which means in five years time, we could have up to 20 to 30 million litres of organic milk within our Norco system." While the price difference between organic and regular milk is substantial and a definite reward for conversion, the cost of doing so is not cheap. Farmers would take up to three years to transition from conventional dairy farming to organics, McNamara explained. "[Farmers] move from a conventional style of farming to the organic, and that transition period certainly has a higher risk of failure because you're getting the same milk price as conventional but not achieving a higher milk price that you would under the organics," he said. "Organic farmers are generally quite small in the sense that they're generally a little bit more labour intensive so they don't have the large scale and they need to be more focused." Professor Carlo Leifert, director of the Centre for Organics Research at Southern Cross University in Lismore, believed more farmers would be willing to convert to organics if subsidies are made available. He has recently called on the Federal Government to provide such support to organic farmers. "It's not just a lack of R&D support and training; organic farmers here have to work in a much more volatile market environment," Leifert explained, pointing to European government's success in expanding the organic sector by offering subsidies. "During conversion, it is most challenging for farmers because they already get reductions in yield [as] they're not allowed to use the inputs anymore. Their soil hasn't been improved enough to compensate for that and they cannot sell their product as organic, so they get a double hit," he said. - ABC Rural EIB Vice-Presidents Vazil Hudak and Alexander Stubb attended a joint meeting with Slovakias government in Bratislava to debate the next Multiannual Financial Framework and financing cohesion topics. The visit to Bratislava included the GLOBSEC Tatra Summit, an event organised in cooperation with leading Slovak economic daily Hospodarske Noviny and think-tank GLOBSEC. The Vice-Presidents talked about the European Unions future challenges, focusing on a much-needed transformation of investment policies across Europe. They discussed priorities such as innovation financing, blending, financial instruments and the EIBs role in the plan to make European economies more innovative, competitive and resilient. Watch the debate Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2018 4:30 am In a governors office packed tight with media, family, a few close friends that included a few current and former sheriffs in the state, and his Sunday School classmates from Bolivar First Baptist Church, Michael L. Parson took the oath of office to become Missouris 57th governor Friday evening. That was at 5:30 p.m. in the state Capitol, shortly after the resignation of Gov. Eric Greitens took effect. At 4 p.m., in a small chapel within First Baptist Church of Jefferson City, his Bolivar pastor, the Rev. Billy Russell, and his older brother, the Rev. Kent Parson, previewed the kind of man who would be taking that oath within minutes. Dr. Russell described him as a bridge builder, a healer, one who will treat people the way he wants to be treated. His brother said he no doubt would be seeking the advice of many, but some of it might not seem right. Listen to your heart, he advised for such situations. And never be afraid to ask God for help. He encouraged him to maintain a humble spirit and be of a forgiving spirit, while also being man enough to say he is sorry. His brother also talked of being present for four of the biggest events in the new governors life: 1. In the country church where he accepted Christ 2. When he took Teresa as his wife 3. In the moments to follow when he would be sworn in as governor, and 4. When that time comes, to welcome him to heaven. To further accentuate the need for humility, he joked about how when the end comes for his brother, the titles he will have held in life will not matter. The number of people present for his funeral will still be determined by the weather. Back when I ran a gas station, nobody asked to take a picture with me, the still Lt. Gov. Parson told this reporter, laughing, as he posed for photo after photo in what was soon to be his former office after swearing in. He spoke after the ceremony, during a small reception in the governors mansion, about being in awe of how far he had come from humble but proud rural beginnings in Hickory County, to a deputy sheriffs job in Polk County, followed by a stint as a gas station owner and operator, then sheriff of Polk County, state representative, state senator and a short time as lieutenant governor before this, the job as governor. And, in case you wonder, if later elected as governor, it could happen only once, because he will be serving more than two years of the unexpired term of someone who was elected. His oath of office was administered using his fathers bible as was his oath for lieutenant governor. Supreme Court Judge Mary R. Russell administered the oath. Russell was chief justice of the supreme court for two years. She also represents Parsons willingness to reach across the political aisle. Gov. Bob Holden, a Democrat, appointed her to the supreme court. Local people have talked about how Parson, a man with country roots, has improved his public speaking skills as he has gained experience through navigating campaigns and holding public offices. But his nerves were evident, as one easily could expect, while taking the oath to his highest office yet. He slipped on a couple of words. But he was back to being far more at ease in the Governors Mansion, among family and friends from Hickory and Polk counties. He talked with confidence about being able to make a difference in bringing government back together, while also acknowledging full awareness that there would be what always comes after a honeymoon in public office. But he said he was ready for that, too. Here are Gov. Parsons prepared comments after taking and signing his oath of office: Public service is a privilege. And it is truly an honor to serve as Missouris 57th governor. My pledge to all Missourians: To work hard each and every day to bring honor, integrity, transparency to the Governors Office. We have an opportunity unique today to have a fresh start in state government. I believe now is the time for Missouri to come together, to work together and to help one another. I will always I will always be ready and willing to listen to ideas on how state government can better position itself to serve our families and our communities. I am optimistic about the future of our great state, and Im looking forward to the work ahead. God bless you, God bless the great state of Missouri and God bless the United States of America. He fielded three questions from reporters: He said he would be acting quickly to get the states school board back in business. He said he believed there is some authority for the governor to appoint a new lieutenant governor, but there needs to be some clarity determined. That was attempted during the recent session of the legislature, but it didnt pass. But he will be looking into how to fill what he said is a very important job. Leadership is about building relationships, he said in response to a question about avoiding his predecessors pitfalls with the legislature, noting his own experience with building relationships on both sides of the aisle as a representative and senator. He said he will work to bring people together to move the state forward. Search All categories Advertising General Aerospace General Agriculture General Airlines General America - Post 9/11 General Apparel General Apple Products General Architectural General Architecture Architecture Art & Entertainments Books Celebrities Country Music Dance Magazines Movies Museums Music Music Downloads News & Talk Shows Performing Arts Photography Television Web Sites Arts/Culture General Auction General Automotive Aftermarket Classic Autos Consumer Publications General Motorcycle & Bike Racing Recreational Vehicle Repair & Service Trade Publications Blogging & Social Media Blogging & Social Media Business Advertising / Marketing Books Consumer Research Direct Marketing e-Commerce Entrepreneurs Finance Franchise Human Resources Insurance Investment Management Markets Network Marketing Online Marketing / SEO Payday Loans Public Relations Publications Real Estate Retail Stocks Supermarkets Women in Business Careers/HR General Chemical General Coaching / Mentoring Coaching / Mentoring Computers Apple Products Databases Games & Entertainment General Hosting Instruction Linux / GNU "Open Source" Macintosh Microsoft Windows PC Operating Systems Programming Security Software Tablet PCs Utilities Construction General Consumer Gifts and Collectibles Hobbies Web sites / Internet Design Graphic Design Industrial Web E-Cigarette General eCommerce General Economy General Education College / University General Home Schooling K-12 Post Graduate Technical Electronics General Email Marketing General EmailWire Press Releases Press Release Tips Employment/Careers General Engineering General Entertainment General Environment General Events / Trade Shows General Finance General Food General Franchise General Fraud / Identity Theft General Gaming General Government General Judicial Law Enforcement Legislative Local National Public Services Security State Transportation Healthcare General Home and Family Banking / Personal Finance Bereavement / Loss Home Furnishings / Interiors Landscaping & Gardening Marriage / Relationships Money Parenting Payday Loans Pets Taxes Wedding / Bridal Home Schooling General Hotels/Resorts General Household General Industry Aerospace / Defense Agriculture Apparel / Textiles Broadcast Construction / Building Electrical Food Funeral Healthcare Leisure / Hospitality Logistics / Shipping Manufacturing / Production Mining / Metals Oil / Energy Paper / Forest Products Plumbing, Heating & AC Print Media Printing Publishing Radio Restaurants Tobacco Toy Insurance General Internet/Online General Legal General Leisure General Lifestyle Beauty Dating / Singles Diet / Weight Loss Fashion Food / Beverage Health & Fitness Hotel / Resorts Pastimes Restaurants Retirement Travel & Tourism Machinery General Maritime General Medical Addiction Allergies Alternative Medicine Asthma Cancer Cardiology Chiropractic Dental Dermatology Diabetes Emergency Family Medicine General General Geriatrics Hospitals Infectious Diseases Internal Medicine Managed Care / HMO Medical Products Mental Health Neurology Nursing Nutrition OB / GYN Pediatrics Pharmaceuticals Physical Therapy Plastic Surgery Psychology Radiology / Imaging Research Sports Medicine Surgery Vision Military General Mining/Metals General Miscellaneous General Nanotechnology Nanotechnology Non-profit General Occupational Safety Occupational Safety Oil/Energy General Opinion / Editorial Opinion / Editorial Paper Products General Paper/Forest General Pharmaceuticals General Podcasting Announce Tools and Services Politics Politics Print Media General Public Utilities Public Utilities Publishing General Radio General Real Estate General Religion Christian General Islam Jewish Other Restaurants General Retail General RSS & Content Syndication RSS & Content Syndication Science and Research Science and Research Self-Help / Personal Growth Self-Help / Personal Growth Shipbuilding General Society African American Interests Asian Interests Childrens Issues Disabled Issues / Disabilities Gay / Lesbian Hispanic Mens Interests Native American Senior Citizens Social Services Teen Issues/Interests Womens Interest Software General Sports Baseball Basketball Bicycling Boating / Maritime Bowling Boxing Fishing Football Golf Hockey Hunting Martial Arts Outdoors Rugby Soccer Tennis Water Winter/Snow Sports/Fitness General Stocks General Supermarkets General Technology Biotechnology Computer Electronics Enterprise Software Games Graphics/Printing/CAD Hardware / Peripherals Industrial Information Internet Multimedia Networking Public Sector/Government Robotics Semiconductor Software Telecommunications Webmasters Telecom General Wireless Television General Tobacco General Trade General Transportation General Travel General Utilities General Volunteer Volunteer Weather Weather Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2018 6:00 am So, how could anyone at the newspaper make that kind of screw up? Thats the first question that might cross a few minds when seeing a mostly blank front page today. And some might judge it as a screw up even after hearing what really happened. Eye of the beholder, you know. Many community newspapers in Minnesota picked a week last year to publish blank front pages to demonstrate what it might be like without local news any news, for that matter in newspapers. Several others across the nation picked up on the idea, including our neighbor to the north, The Index, at Hermitage. We put the idea in our pocket to pull out for an occasion like this, the commemoration of your newspapers sesquicentennial, or 150th anniversary for those who prefer the perhaps more colloquial term. Whether effective or not in the eyes of individual beholders, the blank page serves as a demonstration of what life could be like for Susan Sparks and other genealogists today had Polk Countys news not been chronicled in local newspapers here over the past 150 years. And what would our family scrapbooks look like? Its an expensive demonstration for us when considering the price and scarcity of newsprint today with a prohibitive U.S. tariff in place on Canadian newsprint. But statements intended to be bold can be expensive. Then, one might ask, whats the deal with the new flag on the second front page today, to your right? Thats what happens when a wall actually, the ever-softer body mass someone sees when looking at me falls down after being pushed from multiple directions for a number of years. Weve been told for a long time by self-proclaimed and otherwise recognized design experts, some who are even older and softer than I am, that our rendition of an Old English font should be sent to the same scrap yards where some of the old equipment described in todays special section went to die. Ours was not actually Old English, though. I call it Ol Keith, as it was designed about 50 years ago by local artist Keith Robinson, commissioned by Jim Sterling. The manner in which it has been displayed has been tweaked a number of times over the years, but the home-made font has remained the same. Sorry, Keith. Sorry, Jim. Sorry, any other traditionalists like me. Ive often said that when the New York Times changes its flag font, well change ours. But I just couldnt keep up the resistance as I edge toward an eventual exit someday and senility. If you love the new flag, or even if you just like it, credit the newly named, talented and much younger editor Jessica Franklin Maull, and the other dynamic people who surround her on staff. Its of their making, with only some interference (well, they might say a lot) from this soft body mass that used to be a wall. If you hate it, blame me for getting old and soft. But, for the record, I admit that I like it, even though I hate quitting on Ol Keith. I wanted the courthouse in it to accentuate the fact that we are the countys newspaper, not just Bolivars. Ive long said we dont choose to draw lines in defining our audience. Not at the city limits or even the county line. If you identify with this community, regardless of where you reside, this is your newspaper. As publisher, Ive insisted that Simon Bolivar still be an anchor on the page, even if not in the flag. Look for him in the lower right. And please enjoy the glimpse of the past 150 years provided in this edition, thanks to many hands, including those of former staff members and owners. 060618ABG PRESIDENT CALLS FOR JOINT IMPLEMENTATION New Dawn FM News The ABG President Chief DR. JOHN Momis wants the ABG and the National Government must jointly implement the Bougainville Peace Agreement as it is a joint creation of the people of Bougainville and the Government of Papua New Guinea. He made these comments at the National Conference on the Bougainville Referendum organized by the National Research Institute at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby. President Momis said that the Bougainville Peace Agreement was agreed as part of an agreement to end the civil war- the worst ever violent conflict between opposing forces of Pacific islanders. He said that our people had real and serious grievances, initially related to the grossly unfair distribution of revenue from the Panguna Copper Mine then later in relation to the behaviour of, first the Police Mobile Squads, and later PNGDF. President Momis said that it was the extremely violent behaviour of the security forces that resulted in deep intensification of an already existing interest in Bougainville separating from Papua New Guinea. He said the grievances of the people of Bougainville are real, they are felt intensely. By Agreeing to the Bougainville Peace Agreement the National Government recognized the demand of Bougainvilleans for Justice and Change. He said that the provisions of the Agreement had to be radical to respond adequately to the deeply felt grievances. President Momis said there could not have been a lasting peace without an agreement such as the BPA and in the end, the main objective of the BPA is lasting Peace for Bougainville and PNG. He said that the goal for lasting peace is so central that if we do not achieve that objective, the whole Peace process will have been a failure. Ends Turkey takes steps to ensure security of expat votes 5-person commission has been formed for keeping and delivering ballot boxes at foreign missions Turkey is taking every step to ensure the security of votes of Turkish expats, who will participate in the countrys presidential and general elections between June 7 and June 19. Citizens living inside Turkey will vote on June 24. A five-person commission will be formed for keeping and delivering ballot boxes at every voting point. The commission will be responsible for keeping the votes in special dungeon-like rooms at foreign missions that have five locks each. The commission will be chaired by the ambassador or the consul general; it will also consist of one representative each from three major political parties, and one civil servant on duty at the mission. The commission will receive ballots delivered from the Foreign Ministry and keep them in the special rooms. Each person from the commission will have a different lock so it could only be opened together. OVER 3M TO VOTE A total of 123 foreign missions in 60 countries are making great efforts to receive the votes smoothly and in accordance with regulations specified by the Supreme Board of Election (YSK). The YSK and the Foreign Ministry have determined the needs of the 123 missions and delivered the required election materials -- chief among them were ballot papers. A total of 3,049,065 people have registered to vote from abroad. Ballot papers were sent to several locations where the majority of Turkish expats live, especially in Europe and the Middle East, via diplomatic cargo. Ballots were also delivered via diplomatic couriers to other locations, including Americas, Australia, and the Far East, in order to prevent any delays. In countries where a large Turkish population resides -- Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland, Luxembourg -- the ballots were delivered to voting points via Turkish Airlines. NEW BALLOT BOXES According to new regulations of the YSK, a new ballot box will be opened for each day at missions where voting takes place for more than a day. Voting will begin on June 7 and end June 19 for Turkish expats. After voting ends, all votes will be locked up and delivered back to capital Ankara before June 24. The votes will be delivered back in various ways, including via three Turkish Airlines chartered planes and diplomatic couriers after being checked by authorities of the YSK and the Foreign Ministry. By applying to the YSK, Turkish political parties will be able to supervise every stage of the voting process. Last April, the parliament passed a bill for early elections, cementing Turkeys move to a presidential system. Six candidates are contesting in the presidential race while eight political parties are taking part in the parliamentary elections. In the April 2017 referendum, Turkish voters had approved the switch from a parliamentary system to a presidential one. Written by ACM *Strasbourg/Press Club/Angelo Marcopolo/- Speaking to Strasbourg's Journalists, including "Eurofora", during a Press-Lunch organized Today Noon by the Press-Club of Strasbourg/Europe, the New French State Secretary for EU Affairs, Nathalie Loiseau, ensured that the Movement of EU Citizens' "Public Consultations on Europe's Future", wished by new French President Emmanuel Macron, is currently Spreading in "All EU Member Countries". - With the "Only Exception" of "the UK, Because of BREXIT", as she pointed out, (while, in fact, Hungary, finally, seems to participate, contrary to initial reports about a refusal, but focusing on a Different kind of Public Debates/Consultations on Europe's Future, at a Similar Time-Frame, including in a "Visegrad" Countries' format, as it results from other sources). ------------------- - The main Point is that, Until Now, EU Citizens were, routinely Called to Express their Views "Only on Election-time" (i.e. Once in 5 Years), "or on a Referendum", she Reminded. - But, on the Latter case, the "Questions" Really raised were usually "Complexe", while "the Reply" should be "Only a Yes, or a No". => Therefore, those Well Known Results, which had Upset Europe, and Delayed EU Integration, (I.e., in particular, Since Turkey's Controversial and UnPopular EU Bid, After 1999-2004, those 3 Famous "No" from a Majority of People, in France, the Netherlands and in Ireland, between 2005-2007, which notoriously Affected a Draft EU Constitution then). >>> In Fact, soon after that, at least for some, "the Fear of Referendums, had been Transformed into a Fear of the People", (with Obvious Anti-Democratic Risks, etc), and this Has to Change, the New French EU Affairs v.Minister Explained in substance. - So, Now, When a Time comes to ReStructure and ReNovate the EU - as even EU Heads of State/Government have Decided, in Principle, especially at their Post-BREXIT Summits at Bratislava, 9/2016 and Rome on 3/2017 (See "Eurofora"'s NewsReports from the spot, in Bratislava and Rome, respectively, at: http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/bratislavasummitoutcome.html + http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/euromesummitonfuture.html , etc)- then, "we Need to Know which are the Priorities of the Population", she stressed. ----------------------------------------------------- - The above-mentioned Europe-Wide Movement for Public Consultations, is due to take place "from April up to the End of October 2018", she reminded, speaking at the End of May in Strasbourg, almost 1,5 Month after Macron officially Launched the 1st such EU Citizens' Consultation on 17 April 2018, set up by Loiseau's Staff at Nearby Epinal City, on the Vosges' Mountains, (See "Eurofora"s NewsReport from the spot, at Epinal : http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/macronlauncheseucitizenconsultations.html + http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/macronlsongmarchtoconsulciti.html). + Adding "European" Flavour, Brussels' Headquartered EU Commission is Helping such moves, particularly with "an EU-wide Enquiry", published "On-Line", at its own Website, "since the 9th of May" 2018, the French deputy Minister observed. That Parallel move is made on the Basis of "a Questionaire established by a Panel" of people "Chosen by Drawing Lots", as she pointed out, (speaking of a Group of Persons Invited Earlier to Brussels for 2 or 3 Days, earlier on). ++ Elsewhere in Europe, until now, the French v.Minister already "assisted personaly in 5" such Events, where I Opened the Process", as Loiseau said, including in Zagreb, already from April 6, Prague (earlier this May 2018, together with new Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis), at Madrid, and (nearby) Luxembourg, as well as in Berlin. ++ MEPs naturally could and should Participate, particularly in their respective Fields of activities, Each one where he/she Knows Best, while paying also Attention to have, as much as possible, a "Pluralist" Input from "All Sides" of the Political Spectrum, she advised. - EU Parliament's President, "Tajani Supports that", Loiseau went on to add, (Comp. President Tajani's relevant Reply to a somewhat Different, but Relevant "Eurofora"s Question at his Press Conference during the December 2017 EU Summit in Brussels, at : http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/euparliamentpresidenttajanioncitizensdebates.html), while also pointing, Meanwhile, also to the forthcoming Annual Meeting of EU Young People at the European Parliament, (usually nicknamed "EYE"), where "a Part will be consecrated to Citizens' Consultations", as she said. That 2 Days Event, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, 1 and 2 June 2018, at EU Parliament's Building in Strasbourg, just after the current Plenary Session, and with the Participation of certain MEPs, as usual, among its Manifold Side-Events, contains, indeed, at least a 1,5 Hour-Long Meeting, on Saturday Afternoon, in the Louise Weiss' Tower's 3rd Floor, inside a 190-places wide Room, co-Organized by the European Movement's Youth section, as "Eurofora" read in the Official Program. -------------------------------- - Concerning France, Loiseau said that the "Public Consultations" movement has Already Spread "throughout All the Territory" of the Country, "including even its Periphery Areas" ("DOM-TOM"), etc., with "around 200 Debates", out of which, she "assisted personaly on 20 among them", (i.e. 10%). - The French Government is Both "Organizing such Events, as well as Facilitating Others to also do so", the EU Affairs v. Minister reminded. - Other Organizers "could be, f.ex., Elected Politicians, Universities, Chambers of Commerce, Trade Unions, Associations, etc", Loiseau said, (Curiously forgetting or ommitting the Key Word : "by Citizens", while, on the Contrary, President Macron had Used it, including in the 1st such Public Consultation, when he Officially Launched the entire Process, at Nearby Epinal City, on the Vosges' Mountains, on April 17, 2018 : Comp. "Eurofora"'s NewsReport from the spot : http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/macronlauncheseucitizenconsultations.html). - The v. Minister also reminded that "there are 3 Conditions", for such a French Government's Help to other Organizers, regarding the "Pluralism, the Transparency" of such Events, "and a Restitution of their main Outcome", at their End, (i.e., around November 2018 at the latest). - For that purpose, the French Government can also "Support financially by Grants", those Other Organizers of EU Citizens' Public Consultations on Europe's Future, according to Public Administration's Decisions due to be taken by a specially Authorized Team, Loiseau added, while always insisting on the Political Pluralism of the overall Operation, officially due to "Involve Citizens from All Sides of Political Beliefs". -------------- "Eurofora", (which notoriously, and as even its own Name clearly indicates, supports a Similar, but not identical, Project, particularly, since, at the latest : +2006-2018), was Present at the Official Launch of the 1st such EU Citizens' Consultation on Europe's Future by new French President Emmanuel Macron himself, on 17 April 2018, at nearby Epinal City, (See : ..., etc). Immediately After which, we had a chance to receive a direct Positive Answer of President Macron himself to our relevant Question about his eventual Political Will to Activate also those EU Lisbon Treaty Articles which can help Develop, even After 2019 EU Elections, (and using also the Possibilities offered by Internet Forums, E-Communications etc), Regular EU Citizens' Public Debates with EU Decision-Makers (including, f.ex. EU Parliament's MEPs, but also, perhaps, EU Council, EU Commission, etc) Before they Take Measures Affecting People's Lives and/or Society at large, (See: http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/macronforcitizensdebatesalsoafter2019.html , Exchange made on 18 April 2018, in Saint Die City, at Vosges' Mountains !). Comp. also EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker's a priori Positive Answer to a Similar "Eurofora" Question, during a 2017 Meeting with German Chancelor Angie Merkel and new Bundestag's President Wolfgang Schauble at nearby Offenburg on 9/2017, (at : http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/schaublejunckerandmerkel.html, etc) Earlier, "Eurofora" has Published, inter alia, also Macron's landmark, relevant Speech at the Symbolic Rock of "Pnyx" facing Parthenon in Athens at the Historic Birth-place of Ancient Greek Civilisation's Direct Democracy, back on 9/2017 (See: http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/macronatthehistoricsourcesofdemocracy.html), and we also promoted a Question precisely on his Plans for EU Citizens' Consultations on Europe's Future during his Joint Franco-German Press Conference, Together with Chancelor Angie Merkel, at the Conclusion of the March 2018 EU Heads of State/Governments' Summit in Brussels, (See the French President's indirect but clear Reply, as given then at a subsequent occasion, in : http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/francogermanleadersappealtoeucitizens.html). I.e. something which was made more Clear in the Direct Reply that he Gave to Our Question, Afterwards, at Saint Die on 18 April 2018, (Comp. Supra), in Addition to Following and Publishing also on Macron's relevant Declarations to MEPs at EU Parliament during the Morning of April 17, 2018 in Strasbourg, (See : http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/macronineuparliamentaskscitizensdebates.html , but also: ... ). (../..) ----------------------- *** (NDLR : "DraftNews", as already send, Earlier, to "Eurofora" Subscribers/Donors. A more accurate, full Final Version, might be published asap) British hopeful Oliver Rowland will enjoy his second run with Williams this summer when he drives in the post Hungarian Grand Prix test at the Hungaroring, alongside the team's reserve driver Robert Kubica. Rowland, who was awarded his first day of testing with Williams last month at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, will drive the team's FW41 on the opening day in Hungary on July 31 while Kubica will take over on August 1. "It's another step in the right direction of achieving my goal of being in F1," said Rowland. "Everything went very well at the test in Barcelona and it's nice to know they're giving me another chance and have trust in me. "I'm aware that you don't get many opportunities to show your talent in F1. It's a pretty exclusive club so I tried to do a good job. "The test went well, and I tried to be mature about my approach," added the 25-year-old who will be racing at Le Mans next week with Manor. "Feedback and consistency was the aim rather than worrying about lap times straight away, but we got the times down pretty quickly. "We need a bit of work at the moment to get the team's performance back to where we should be, so, rather than trying to be a hero, it was important to give the engineers exactly what they wanted." Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter Dedicated Event Seeks to Assist Irish Tourism Businesses to Maximise Potential from China, India and Gulf States Failte Ireland will tomorrow, (Thursday, 7th June) hold a dedicated event for up to 150 tourism businesses in Croke Park to provide them with the key to successfully win business from new emerging tourism markets. With a particular emphasis on China, India and the Gulf States, the one-day event, Winning Business from Emerging Markets will examine how best to win sales from emerging overseas markets and will include insights and tips for doing business with trade in these target countries. With direct flights by Cathay Pacific and Hainan Airlines set to benefit Dublin and Ireland, it is expected that the numbers of Chinese visitors to Ireland will increase significantly. Visa liberalisation and direct flight access will also see an increase in the numbers of visitors from the Gulf States and India, presenting tourism businesses with even more opportunities to win business from these markets. Accordingly, Failte Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland and industry experts, is providing a showcase event on how best to deliver a tailored customer service to new and emerging markets including steps necessary to ensure that a business can appeal to the tastes and needs of these overseas visitors. Paul Keeley, Failte Ireland Director of Commercial Development emphasised: In the context of Ireland remaining competitive, it is important to diversify and improve on the customer experience based on the needs and cultural differences of these markets. Many of those travelling from the emerging markets can be termed as Luxury Travel visitors. The Luxury Traveller has the potential to drive between 3.5 and 10 times the revenue generated from the average visitor. The vast majority of visitors from the Gulf States and China prefer to travel to Europe so therefore, there is major potential to benefit from these lucrative markets and tomorrows event aims to provide insights and tips to Irish tourism businesses to help capture additional market share. As well as presentations from Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, delegates will also hear from a number of industry experts who successfully operate in the new emerging markets including: Ciara Hanley, Director Sales and Marketing, InterContinental Dublin Catherine OGrady-Powers, Glen Keen Farm Mr Luo Ya, Managing Director, WiiYa International Limited Edel Redmond, B2B Senior Marketing Executive, Dublin Airport Wynne W Liu, Managing Director of Emerald Media Joe Hayden, The Orchard Centre, Co. Wicklow Peter Brazil, Managing Director, Limerick Travel & Proprietor of The Bedford Townhouse & Cafe. Attendees will also learn more about Get China Ready programme, which aims to educate the industry about the opportunities available from the Chinese tourist market. This programme is also in keeping with Failte Irelands work to assist tourism businesses to diversify their market mix and reduce the risks currently posed by Brexit. Jump to top 060618ELECTORAL COMMISSION READY FOR REFERENDUM VOTE New Dawn FM News The Papua New Guinea Electoral Commissioner, PATALIAS GAMATO who is a Co- chair of the Interim Bougainville Referendum Commission has told the Referendum Conference in Port Moresby that the BRC is ready for the June 15th 2019 as the date for holding the Bougainville Referendum. In his presentation this morning MR GAMATO said that only problem was that both the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville governments have not released the funds they have budgeted for the Referendum. He said the National Government budgeted TWENTY MILLION KINA whilst the ABG had allocated FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND KINA of which nothing has been released so far. MR GAMATO was presenting on behalf of him and the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner, GEORGE MANU. He called on the two governments to fast track fundings so that the work of updating the Referendum Common Roll and other preparations can start as soon as possible. The Referendum Conference which started on Tuesday will end tomorrow. Ends The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike. We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve. 2020 was a year marked by hardships and challenges, but the Fauquier community has proven resilient. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you for your continued support, wed like to offer all our subscribers -- new or returning -- 4 WEEKS FREE DIGITAL AND PRINT ACCESS. We understand the importance of working to keep our community strong and connected. As we move forward together into 2021, it will take commitment, communication, creativity, and a strong connection with those who are most affected by the stories we cover. We are dedicated to providing the reliable, local journalism you have come to expect. We are committed to serving you with renewed energy and growing resources. Let the Fauquier Times be your community companion throughout 2021, and for many years to come. Banking giant Credit Suisse Group AG said Wednesday it has agreed to pay a $47 million penalty to the Justice Department to end an FCPA investigation into hiring practices in Asia. In a statement posted on the groups website, Credit Suisses Hong Kong unit said it reached a non-prosecution agreement with the DOJ regarding recruitment practices in Asia between 2007 and 2013. As of Wednesday morning EST, neither the DOJ nor Credit Suisse had posted online the non-prosecution agreement or a declination. Credit Suisse first disclosed a DOJ and SEC investigation into its hiring practices in February this year. Wednesdays company statement didnt mention the SEC investigation. The bank said in February the agencies wanted to know whether it hired referrals from government agencies and other state-owned entities in exchange for investment banking business and/or regulatory approvals. Zurich-based Credit Suisse said the investigations focused on potential violation of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and related civil statutes. In 2016, JPMorgan Chase paid $264 million in penalties for awarding jobs to relatives and friends of Chinese government officials to win banking deals. The FCPA enforcement action was brought by the DOJ, SEC, and the Federal Reserve. In 2015, BNY Mellon paid $14.8 million to the SEC to resolve FCPA offenses for providing internships to family members of officials connected to a Middle Eastern sovereign wealth fund. In 2016, mobile chipmaker Qualcomm Inc. paid the SEC $7.5 million to settle FCPA offenses for hiring relatives of Chinese government officials. The officials were deciding whether to select the companys mobile technology products, the SEC said. Other banks that disclosed FCPA-related investigations based on hiring practices include Citigroup Inc., Barclays PLC, Deutsche Bank, HSBC Holdings plc, and Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., according to documents published on FCPA Tracker. * * * Heres the full text of the company statement from Credit Suisse Group AG dated June 6, 2018: Credit Suisse Hong Kong Ltd. (Credit Suisse) is pleased to have reached a resolution in a non-prosecution agreement with the Department of Justice (DoJ) to resolve their investigation of hiring practices in the Asia Pacific region between 2007 and 2013. No criminal charges have been brought. Credit Suisse will pay a monetary penalty of approximately USD 47 million to the DoJ, which has been substantially provided for in prior periods and will therefore have no material impact on its 2Q 2018 financial results, which will be announced on July 31, 2018. As cited in the agreement, since 2013 Credit Suisse has implemented numerous enhancements to its compliance and controls function and it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and fair business practices in every jurisdiction in which it operates. This legacy matter did not impact the services provided to any clients, investors or counterparties. ____ Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog. On May 24, I wrote a post for the FCPA Blog about TRACEs concerns that Article 10 of the new EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) presents an obstacle to anti-bribery due diligence of third parties, and how we have advocated for an EU-wide, or at least a national-level, solution. As background, Article 10 of the GDPR prohibits the processing of personal criminal background information, among other things, unless such processing is either: (i) carried out under the control of a European official authority; or (ii) specifically authorized by law at the EU level or at the EU member state level. In response to my post, Antoine Delacarte commented that according to the French Sapin II Law (Article 17, II, 4), a mandatory component of compliance programs is third party due diligence, including criminal background checks. Thus, companies that must implement anticorruption compliance programs have a legal authorization to do so pursuant to GDPR Article 10, Mr. Delacarte said. He also cited a similar legal authorization in the French financial and monetary code (article L. 561-1 et seq.) for AML/TF due diligence. I am grateful to Antoine Delacarte for his excellent contribution. Indeed, Sapin IIs Guidelines issued by the French Anti-corruption Agency (Agence Francaise Anticorruption) indicate that Organizations should ascertain whether third parties, their managers, main shareholders and beneficial owners have been the subject of adverse information, allegations,prosecution or convictions for any offences and, more particularly, corruption offenses. See the English translation of the Guidelines. I am not a French or EU lawyer but there appear to be some issues with such a promising possibility of resolving the tension between GDPRs Article 10 and anti-bribery due diligence: 1. Although AFAs guidelines/recommendations are required by Sapin II, the guidelines themselves do not appear to have the force of law or regulation. So, they arguably do not meet GDPR Article 10s requirement for the processing [to be] authorized by Member State law. 2. GDPR Article 10 requires that any authorization by Union or Member State law to process Article 10 data should provid[e] for appropriate safeguards for the rights and freedoms of data subjects. Neither Sapin II nor AFAs guidelines provide for any safeguards for the rights and freedoms of data subjects when processing Article 10 data. 3. Any potential solution presented by AFAs guidelines under Sapin II would probably be unavailable to entities that are not subject to the French jurisdiction, i.e. whose anti-bribery due diligence is not governed by Sapin II. We have not addressed the anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism due diligence because the AML/CFT due diligence would require a different analysis under the GDPR for several reasons: 1. a somewhat different nature, scope and purpose of due diligence in each instance; 2. the Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive, which has specific data protection language; 3. detailed Member State legislation under the Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive such as the French law you cite; and 4. the strong support from the FATF and financial institutions for AML/CFT at the EU level (including before the old Article 29 Working Party). Again, I thank Antoine Delacarte for his input. And I welcome further discussion about this important topic. ___ Illya Antonenko is Privacy Counsel and Legal Research for TRACE International. He has advised clients regarding cross-border transactions, general corporate issues and FCPA compliance matters and investigations for fifteen years. He has leveraged his experience in international matters by developing expertise in the European data protection legislation, in particular the General Data Protection Regulation. The Hatay province of Turkey has a special place in Turkeys gastronomy map. Being a ground for several cultures throughout history, Antioch with its ancient name, has its roots back as far as 9000 BC. There had been an important war between Crusades and Saracens in year 1097 here. However today, Hatay is well known with its unique cuisine, offering a wide range of dishes synthesizing old and new methods. This cuisine has been also recognized by UNESCO Creative Cities Network, being announced as a City of Gastronomy. -Sphere Hatay cuisine in Fethiye Here in Fethiye, we count ourselves fortunate that we can enjoy Hatay cuisine right on our doorstep at Mozaik Bahce, a restaurant that specialises in cuisine from the region. Both the owner, Huseyin and chef, Murat are from Antakya and the dishes are made from many authentic ingredients from Hatay. It doesnt get much more Hatay than that. Every year Mozaik Bahce lay on a taster event at the beginning of the summer where dishes from the menu are served in an open buffet and guests have the opportunity to taste anything and everything well, the food is so delicious its very difficult to know what to order when youre choosing from the menu. A special taster menu This year Huseyin, his wfe Deren and the Mozaik Bahce team laid on a very special taster buffet including a number of Hatay dishes that arent normally on the menu. As Huseyin told us, There are so many dishes to choose from its impossible to have them all on the menu without it being two inches thick. Its nice for the guests to try something different And what a delicious spread it was A mouth-watering array of dishes Some old favourites and some new Here are the dishes with descriptions from Huseyin Lamb Cooked in A Salt Crust; Encasing the joint in a salt crust helps seal in the juices, for extra-tender meat. We made it with our special recipe. Only this one will be in our menu very soon. We will announce in our facebook page. Kaytaz Boregi; a pastry made with meat and fennel. It is consumed hot or cold and its softness comes from butter and olive oil. Stuffed Bulgur Balls; A religious celebration and special occasion dish. In Hatay, women gather in their homes to make this dish. We served stuffed bulgur balls by boiling with a garlic olive oil sauce for the taster buffet. Maklube; An Arabic dish which been with us for a long time. Its a share together meal which means it is actually a big meal to share in a big gathering. The dish comes in the middle of a table and everybody gets a spoon with their share. It is a very friendly dish when you think of maybe ten people making a round and having Maklube from the middle of the table. One of the spices is cardamon and it is used a lot in our kitchen and Hatay. Kabak Borani; Our/Antakyas weddings dish for a long long time. It was cooked with a couple of other dishes and served at weddings to add more joy on peoples soul back in the days and I believe its still does. It is very filling soup/stew mixture and the pumpkin that we used is only grown in Hatay which makes it such a unique dish. Also the yogurt sauce is made from yogurt that we call Tuzlu Yogurt which has come from Hatay as well and thats the only place you could find such the thing. So when all meet with a cook from Hatay and add some love, miracles happen Stuffed dried aubergine Also called Halep Dolma. One of the most popular dishes in Hatay is stuffed vegetables. Dried aubergine and peppers are an old style stuffed dish which is still popular in my hometown. Back in the days when there was not much vegetables growing in winter, people start to dry vegetables and fruits so they could still have some of them in winter. The secret in our cooking style was always the way we use spices It shows itself here in this dish as well as others. Also bell pepper paste is used in it which gives a nice texture Followed by a selection of traditional Hatay desserts including the jewel in the Hatay dessert crown, Kunefe. Antakyas Kombe; special cookies filled cinnamon, mahlep, ginger etc. Kombe is served by turkish tea on holidays and special days. Kunefe the jewel in the crown of Hatay desserts Mozaik Bahceye hos geldiniz If youve never enjoyed Hatay cuisine, go along and enjoy a culinary delight. The Mozaik Bahce team waiting to welcome you For more information about Mozaik Bahce visit them on Facebook. 060618PEACE THE ULTIMATE GOALSAYS MOMIS New Dawn FM News ABG President Chief DR.N MOMIS says that the ultimate goal of the Bougainville Peace Agreement is permanent ending to the Bougainville conflict. He made these comments when speaking at the National Conference on the Bougainville Referendum this morning. President Momis said that the Bougainville Peace Agreement is built around three pillars, AUTONOMY,WEAPONS DISPOSAL and REFERENDUM but the basic goal for each of the three pillars is the ending of the conflict. He said based on these, the Referendum arrangements must be implemented in ways that ensure that both sides continue to pursue peace as a new weapon. President Momis said that in the past both the Papua New Guinea National Government and the Bougainville combatants pursued their goals using violence. They each aimed to defeat others through violence and in that way thought they could achieve peace. But with the peace process a new motto was adopted which applies to all parties to the conflict it is peace by peaceful means. He stressed that if lasting peace is the key goal of the Referendum, then we must use peaceful means in the way in which we implement the referendum arrangements that means both sides the former Bougainville fighters must agree not to use weapons of violence for PNG even if it refuses to ratify the referendum they must instead fold their arms and focus on talking and negotiating. Ends Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category 04 June 2018; Rome, Italy: Fiji's report on the recent 34th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organisation regional conference for Asia and the Pacific has been received with a positive response by all FAO members. Fiji's Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management and Meteorological Services Hon. Inia Seruiratu, as President of Asia Pacific Regional Conference reported on the outcome of the conference which took place in Nadi on 9 to 13 April 2018. The FAO welcomed the report by the Minister who provided the final report on behalf of the Asia Pacific region which included a summary of the main recommendations on programme and budgetary matters for the attention of the FAO council and another on regulatory and policy matters for the attention of the FAO conference. Minister Seruiratu was speaking at the first plenary meeting of the FAO's 159th Session at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. In presenting the report, the Minister underlined the need for continuity in the strategic direction of the organisation and welcomed the alignment of the FAO's Strategic Objectives with the 2030 Agenda indicators. He added that following the April conference, countries from the Asia Pacific region recognised the need to review the FAO's global coverage to provide effective support to members according to needs and in consultation with governments of concerned countries, recognised the specific concerns of the Pacific and allowing sufficient time for consultations. Key areas that formed the report included the growing threat of climate change and its impact on food security not just in the Asia Pacific region but across the world especially in developing countries. "With regard to the prioritization of country and regional needs, the regional conference underscored that food security and nutrition are fundamental requisites for national and global stability and the sustainable socio-economic development of every country. The Regional Conference emphasized the importance of SDGs, the Paris Climate Change Agreement and the Sendai Framework in guiding future actions in agriculture, food security and nutrition and welcomed the FAO's strategic objectives with the (UN) SDGs", Minister Seruiratu said. The April conference saw the participation of 140 delegates including 10 Ministers and 45 Vice Ministers and other high - level delegates representing 35-member country delegations plus 36 observers. The FAO director general Jose Graziano da Silva was also present at the conference. Minister Seruiratu was supported in Rome by Fiji's Ambassador in Belgium and permanent representative to the FAO, Ambassador Deo Saran. -ENDS- HON. PM BAINIMARAMA REMARKS AT THE NAVAKAVU PLEDGING HIGH-LEVEL CONFERENCE Turaga Rokobaleni,Excellencies,Permanent Secretaries and Government Officials,Ladies and Gentlemen.Bula vinaka and a very good morning to you all.Im delighted to be here this morning to open this high-level pledging conference of the Yavusa o Navakavu.We are gathered here for one reason above all: we are committed to the success of your community. We are committed to your success today, and we are committed to your childrens success, and the success of their children after them. We are here because we recognise that there is immense opportunity in a growing Fijian economy, and we want to put the Yavusa o Navakavu in the best possible position to realise those opportunities. We want you -- all of you -- to play an even bigger role in our national development our great journey forward as a nation -- and we want all of you to see an even greater share of our countrys success.Today marks the beginning on your conference to launch the Navakavu Revitalisation Plan from 2018-2022, a plan that builds upon the strategic blueprint laid out in Fijis 5-year and 20-year National Development Plan. Your revitalisation plan is a culmination of your vision, your priorities and your wisdom, and it is an incredibly important document. Because real progress takes planning. Like any good team, you need a game plan. You need a guiding light and you need leadership that considers the long-term and that prepares your people for success, now and in the years ahead.Those same lessons in leadership apply to the running of a government. My Government has a very careful plan in place, we have a vision that stretches far beyond the day-to-day running of the country to a far better and brighter future for our people. We arent only focussed on tomorrow, we are focussed on Fiji ten, twenty and thirty years on from now. We are focussed on the legacy we leave for the next generation, the Fiji they inherit and the opportunities they have at their disposal.It is no coincidence that the Fijian economy is the strongest today than it has ever been, we certainly haven't stumbled our way into nine straight years of economic growth. We have achieved that because we have finally brought bold and visionary leadership to Fiji. We have steadily managed our economy, we have been innovative and have constantly seized upon new opportunities; we have a proven game plan, and weve stuck with it, and that is why Fiji stands so strong and so proudly in the world today.When our economy does well, our national pot gets bigger, and there is more to go around for everybody, more resources, more and better government services, more jobs and a more solid foundation upon which we can build up every community in Fiji -- including the Yavusa o Navakavu. And if you really want to see what a growing economy creates, just take a look around you. You see it clearly in the new policies, the new infrastructure and the new opportunities brought by my Government.Your children are attending primary and secondary school at no cost at all, with free textbooks, and subsidised transportation to school. We even give free milk and weetbix to class 1 students. We subsidise electricity for low income families. [On that note please, go apply for the free shares that we are giving to you through the Electricity Fiji Limited.] Weve put in a massive net of social protection to protect and uplift those most vulnerable in Fijian society. And were setting up the next generation to do even better. Setting aside record funding to scholarships and our tertiary loans for students so they can afford to go on to higher education. We are building new roads, bridges, ports and jetties, a massive new network of national infrastructure that will support new business, new investment and new jobs for our people. Just this week, I was in Nadi opening our newly upgraded airport, with a magnificent new international terminal that rivals what youll find anywhere overseas; that is the kind progress Im talking about.Fiji is improving and, yes, it is changing; changing for the better. And because my Government has planned carefully for our success, we are making sure change works for Fiji and that our prosperity reaches every Fijian, including the iTaukei.That commitment is guaranteed by the sacred law of our country; the 2013 Fijian Constitution. That Constitution cannot be violated, ever. It mandates every action of my Government, and in the Constitution, iTaukei land is protected for all time. Under past Governments, we saw iTaukei land being sold off entirely, lost forever from its rightful owners. Those days are over. Today, 91 per cent of land in Fiji is owned by the iTaukei, and not one inch of that land has been lost under my leadership.Those protections have put the iTaukei in the strongest and most secure position in Fijian history. Weve taken down the old systems of control and privilege that kept resources in the hands of the few, and left the vast majority of iTaukei people cash poor, even though they held such valuable assets. Land is no longer a political tool in Fiji, it is source of prosperity, as it should be, and every day we are assisting more iTaukei people to become more financially powerful by developing their land and making the most productive use of it possible.The work of my Government is making your children better educated, it is bringing more jobs and it is increasing job salaries. It is expanding access to water, electricity, health and medical services, telecommunications and new technological tools. And it is empowering all Fijians, including the iTaukei. Again, this financial year weve given another 10 million dollars to fund iTaukei land development. That money is for infrastructure development on new iTaukei subdivided land. This means that iTaukei land owners can directly lease to potential lessees or tenants to make much bigger financial gains.I applaud your community for coming together to determine how you can capitalise on all the great progress and all the new opportunity that has come to Fiji. Because a government alone can only do so much. It can create a favourable environment, but it is up to individuals to take advantage, and my Government has created the right conditions for your success. Weve covered the basic fundamentals, the essentials that everyone needs to live in safety, security and stability. Weve given you a platform of opportunity upon which you can build. But it is up to all of you to make that happen. It is up to you to take the ball and run with it; to build better lives for yourselves and to build better, stronger and more inclusive communities. And that is the challenge I will leave with all of you this morning.Congratulations on your conference and the launch of your revitalisation plan. Your community has proven that you are very serious about working with my Government and your fellow Fijians to make your full contribution to our national development. And I assure you, that when you do put your ideas into action, my Government will always be there to support you.With those few words, I now declare this High-Level Pledging Conference open.Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you. Nimbus Therapeutics, a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based biotechnology company, secured $65m in funding. Backers included Atlas Venture, SR One, Lilly Ventures, Bill Gates, Pfizer Venture Investments, Lightstone Ventures and Schrodinger. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate its pipeline progress and accelerate its expansion into new high-value targets aimed at overlapping biological mechanisms in immunology, oncology and metabolic disease. Led by Don Nicholson, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, Jeb Keiper, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer, Nimbus is a biotechnology company pioneering the application of computational technologies to the design and development of novel treatments for substantial and underserved human diseases. The companys focus is on metabolic diseases, cancer and immune-inflammatory disorders. FinSMEs 06/06/2018 CMR Surgical Ltd, a Cambridge, UK-based company developing a next-generation surgical robot, closed a $100m Series B funding round. Backers included new investor Zhejiang Silk Road Fund and existing investors Escala Capital Investments, LGT, Cambridge Innovation Capital and Watrium. The company will use the proceeds to prepare its Versius system for planned commercialisation. Activities will include the completion of validation studies for regulatory approval processes in both Europe and the USA, international expansion, and commercial scale-up. Led by Martin Frost, Chief Executive Officer, CMR Surgical is developing a universal robotic system, Versius, for minimal access surgery intended to be used across a range of surgical specialties. The company is conducting preclinical trials, demonstrating the ability of its Versius system to perform upper gastrointestinal, gynaecological, colorectal and renal surgery. FinSMEs 06/06/2018 BMW Group: Camp Gobi Erdene, Mongolia - June 6, 2018 - Todays stage was effectively a liaison, with no special tests. With a generous time allowance the competitors were instructed to make the most of the scenery as they rode. By the end of the day all were voicing complete satisfaction as Mongolia turned magnificent. Most notably the GS riders appreciated the breathtaking Dungeene Canyon where the riders rode along the gravel river bed for 20km between rock cliffs 100m high and sometimes only 5m apart! And then the biggest surprise finding the river frozen for one section (making for a tricky crossing!). After this the course took a short climb up onto the Yucca Plateau, again a surprise, for within minutes the riders had transitioned from a deep gorge to a high plain. A refuel in the village of Bayandalai again reminded the riders that this was Mongolia, a sparsely populated remote country, as they queued for the one pump operated by the one elderly Mongolian lady outside the one rendered building on the edge of the village, most of the other buildings being yurts (also known as gers), save for a school building. All roads here being unpaved. The 100 km from here to the finish at Camp Gobi Erdene was as ever entire different. Instead of a high plateau the riders found themselves weaving along a vast flood plain between two mountain ridges and such geology meant rock was mixed with the sand, adding yet more technicality to the ride. And finally to the west of the trail rose sand dunes beautifully lit, too, in the late afternoon sun. And what a stunning end to the day, the GS riders pitching their Marmot tents at the gateway to the sands of the Gobi Desert. So far from being boring, day three has proved to be the most enjoyable yet. While the terrain continues to be difficult the GS riders are adapting, learning. The Mongolian terrain deserves respect, but for all that it demands it is repaying with an experience so rich, so unique that the riders are having the rides of their lives. Quotes: Francisco Lopez, Team Latin America: "Today was awesome, it was great to watch the desert, to see the dunes, and we had good trails today, we had fun. As todays stage had been altered and made a liaison we thought it was going to be boring, but it wasnt, it was really interesting, we had grass, gravel and sand so you needed your skills too. The canyon was beautiful, we woke to a temperature of 19C so to ride into there and find ice and then to go back out onto a vast plain to the warmth of the day it was beautiful." Jamie Jones, Team Canada: "Out of 10, Id have to rate this experience as a 12 or 13! Certainly Ive never done anything like this before, for me its awesome to come here to Mongolia, never having been here, its really cool to see the terrain and the country, its amazing the expanse, how it keeps going and going. In Canada we have space but we dont have the trails that just lead off the road everywhere, unmarked and gravel, its really different. And when we find these Mongolians living out in the wilderness Im asking myself what are they doing here its taken us three and a half hours to ride out this far. Its just normal for them, but they must have a good grocery supplier for food and water! And I love how the animals are out there on their own, and they seem to just hang around, there are no fences but they dont take off, you couldnt have that back home." BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2018 Central Asia. Day Two overall standings: 1 Korea 77 points 2 South Africa 68 3 Germany 56 4 France 54 5 Latin America 53 6 USA 48 7 UK 44 7 Argentina 44 9 Japan 38 9 Russia 38 11 Canada 35 11 China 35 13 Australia 33 14 Mexico 31 15 Southeast Asia 29 16 India 24 17 Ausamerica (female team) 15 18 Euafrica (female team) 5 Find all information about the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2018 Central Asia at the dedicated website www.gstrophy.com The BMW Group With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the worlds leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries. In 2017, the BMW Group sold over 2,463,500 passenger vehicles and more than 164,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2017 was 10.655 billion on revenues amounting to 98.678 billion. As of 31 December 2017, the BMW Group had a workforce of 129,932 employees. The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. Kittyhawk, a San Francisco, CA-based enterprise drone solutions company, raised $5M in funding. The round was led by Jim Andelman of Bonfire Ventures, with participation from Boeing HorizonX Ventures and Freestyle Capital and Kluz Ventures The Flying Object. In conjunction with the funding, Jim Andelman, will be joining the Kittyhawk Board of Directors. The company, which has raised $6.5M in total, intends to use the funds to further its capabilities as a full stack enterprise drone solution. Founded in 2015, Kittyhawk develops full stack enterprise drone solutions for professional pilots and fleet managers across a multitude of missions including industry leaders in media, insurance, energy, rail transportation, education, law enforcement, fire, and emergency management agencies around the world. From one singular platform, enterprises can manage the complexity of operators, aircraft, airspace, data analytics, insights and compliance to maximize safety and ROI. FinSMEs 06/06/2018 Stocard, a Mannheim, Germany-based mobile loyalty wallet, secured $20m in funding. Backers included Macquarie Capital, Shortcut, Alstin, Rocketship, HTGF and Englehorn. The company intends to use the funds to launch a mobile payment functionality, recruit 40 employees across engineering, Sales and Marketing, and expand to new markets starting with the launch of its Paris office today, and Toronto, Canada launch in the coming weeks. Led by Bjorn Go and David Handlos, Stocard allows 25 million users globally to store their loyalty cards in one app and collect points and rewards without having to carry around plastic loyalty cards. In addition, users receive personalized offers from their favourite retailers, see their current points balance and transactions in real-time, and can sign up for new loyalty programmes right inside the app. For retailers, Stocard provides a new communication channel right inside the consumers wallet, allowing them to offer the latest personalized offers or prompt a customer to sign up for a loyalty program. Over 4,000 international brands are currently available in Stocard including Carrefour, Ikea, and Decathlon. Shortly, the company will launch a payment feature allowing consumers to make purchases straight from the app. It has offices in Sydney, Australia, Rome, Italy, Amsterdam for Benelux, Mannheim, Germany, just opened a new office in Paris, France and is looking to open an office in Toronto, Canada shortly. FinSMEs 06/06/2018 Ritual, a Toronto, Canada and San Francisco, CA-based provider of an order ahead app, closed a $70m Series C funding. The round was led by Georgian Partners with participation from existing investors Greylock Partners, Insight Ventures, Mistral Venture Partners. The company, which has raised $127.5M in venture funding, intends to use the funds to expand its offering to Atlanta, Dallas, Philadelphia and San Diego in the coming months. Founded in 2014 by Ray Reddy, CEO, Ritual provides an order ahead app that connects restaurants with customers to offer a time saving tool to place, pay for and pick-up lunch orders for themselves and their workplace teams. The companys rapid growth is largely driven by workplace teams adopting its social ordering and delivery feature Piggyback. Upon signing up for Ritual, Piggyback connects users with teams based on workplace and location, creating a dynamic social element to ordering and picking up lunch, which is often an otherwise individual experience. Ritual is currently available online and via iOS and Android apps in major metro markets, including Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco, Santa Monica, Washington, D.C., and Toronto. FinSMEs 06/06/2018 Potamus Holdings, LLC, the parent company of Potamus Trading, LLC, a Boston, MA-based broker-dealer operating low-latency, co-located trading infrastructure, received a strategic investment from SBI Crypto Investment, a wholly owned subsidiary of SBI Holdings, Inc., a provider of internet-based financial services based in Tokyo, Japan. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The company will use the proceeds to expand its global reach. Founded in 2012 and led by Kristin Linnell, Managing Partner, Potamus Trading operates a proprietary technology platform that provides algorithmic execution services to buy-side institutions at zero commissions and offers transparency in execution as well as reviews of execution quality through a variety of metrics. It is currently accepting new clients onto its platform. FinSMEs 06/06/2018 Zilliz, a Shanghai, China-based GPU database company, completed a $10m A1 financing round in January 2018. The round was led by Morningside Venture Capital with participation from Green Pine Capital Partners, Yunqi Partners and Eminence Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate product R&D and further promote the commercialization of GPU databases. Launched in 2016 by Charles Xie, Zilliz focuses on developing a new generation of OLAP database systems based on GPU hardware acceleration. Compared with traditional analytical databases, the companys core database product MegaWise promises to improve query performance by more than 100 times, while reducing hardware, operation and maintenance costs by over 10 times. Over the 2 years since its founding, Zilliz has signed strategic partnerships with such tech companies as NVIDIA, IBM, Google and Inspur. It currently focuses on multiple fields, including finance, telecommunications, healthcare and retail. FinSMEs 06/06/2018 . " ", . , 24 - , . , 46- , , ... Google has rolled out a new beta update to Gboard bringing the version to V7.3. While there are not many features or changes, digging deep within the APK reveals some critical changes like OCR capabilities, battery saver mode support with a dark theme, custom text and more. Gboard might soon get some OCR functionality, but for now, there are not many details about the same. It just states name and title. Obviously, the name of the string doesnt match with any of the other toolbar features that are available in expanded menu button on the left. It is likely to allow users to either take existing images stored on the device or possibly open a camera to scan something immediately in front of you, then paste the content on the image into the current app. Since Google Lens also has similar functionality, it needs to be seen how the new feature changes things. Google might soon bring the ability to add text to Gif. Users can add text, edit, and delete while youre working on your GIF, and you can choose from seven different colors: Black, Blue, Green, Purple, Red, White, and Yellow. The company looks to be adding more effects to the Make A GIF feature, this time Google looks to be borrowing from a couple of outsiders. The additions are called white hearts, an overflowing bag of popcorn, window shade rolls up, and more. Theres no sign when this would be rolled out to the final version. Gboard might also be taking charge of cutting down some feature when battery saver is turned on. According to some new lines of text, when battery saver is turned on, Gboard may begin shutting off stickers and bitmoji. Interestingly it will also switch to a dark theme when battery saver mode is enabled. The setting for this will be in the Advanced setting screen once this feature goes live. The app might be gaining tons of new languages support coming very soon. You can download and side-load the Gboard APK, and it replaces your existing app. Source Executing acquisitions that Chr. Hansen has made to its portfolio in the past year has not been without challenges. Regardless, the performance of 7%... Read More Graduation always means starting something new. For fifth-graders at Fort Myers Beach Elementary, graduation means leaving the comfort of the small, close-knit school they love and starting fresh in middle school. The elementary has around 100 children enrolled, kindergarten through fifth grade. This year, fourteen fifth-graders are moving on to much larger schools with many more classmates. The Observer sat down and talked with a few of this years graduates, and none of them are too worried: their teacher, Rachel Martin, prepared them, they said. We live in rainbow and unicorn land, Martin said. Across the bridge, its a whole different element.?She spends time throughout the year preparing them both academically and socially for the change. She tells them to spend the first few weeks adjusting and finding where they want to be in middle school. I tell them what to expect, tell them to relax the first few weeks and find your niche, she said. Martin spends her whole work week with the 14 children, and says she tries to think of them as her own, so she wants to see them do well socially and academically. Every class has a personality she said: These are the thinkers. Theyre quiet and kind.?? Erin Boone 11 Erin started coming to beach school just this past school year, in December. But she quickly came to enjoy the school and its small size. She moved here from Kentucky, where there were 500 students enrolled in her elementary school. I like how fun and laid back it is here, she said. You get more time to do stuff.?She enjoys studying math, and thinks all the teachers are kind to her and other students. She said she is a little nervous about going to Lexington Middle School. Its a big change, she said. Patrick Bustamante 11 Patrick has attended beach school since second grade, when he moved here from Mexico. Its really small and friendly, he said. At first, he said pass when asked if he was nervous about going to Lexington Middle School, but he was joking. He said he wasnt really nervous, and he knows quite a few classmates who will be going there, too. Our teacher prepared us, he said. Patrick also said hed miss Ms. Martin the most. Hes hoping there will be better food in middle school, and hes excited to try it out. Math is his favorite subject It seems fun, he said. William Moe 11 William is also a newcomer to beach school, having started in November. He likes the small size of the school, and how there arent too many students enrolled. Hes also headed to Lexington Middle. Im not nervous. Its not scary because weve been prepared, he said. Mrs. Martin taught them to the sixth-grade standard test, and theyve been doing a lot of math. Science is his favorite subject, though. He likes to experiment. He thinks the teachers in middle school might be more harsh some people have told him certain teachers are mean. Hell miss the teachers at beach school the most. Theyre nice, he said. Yoshe Garay 10 Yoshe has been coming to beach school since the beginning, kindergarten. She grew up in the school, and loves all her teachers and friends. She attended school with the same friends for most of her time at beach school. Shell be headed to Bonita Springs Middle School. She said she wasnt nervous about the switch for the same reason as her classmates: she felt well-prepared by Mrs. Martins guidance throughout the year. Math is her favorite subject, because its easy, she said. Shes looking forward to the next chapter. Im excited about meeting new friends, she said. For the last few weeks, Principal Jeff Dobbins has been removing one or two items at a time from his office at Fort Myers Beach Elementary. If he packed up his room all at once, hed get emotional. The table next to his desk is piled with notes and cards made by the 108 students enrolled: Best Principal Ever!, and We will miss you Mr. Dobbins! One, signed by a student named Stella, says retirement only means it is time for a new adventure! I feel like Im going on vacation, Dobbins said. It hasnt sunk in yet. Dobbins is retiring after two years at the beachs elementary school. He took over for long-time principal Larry Wood in 2016. He had hoped hed be able to stave off retiring this year, but since hes enrolled in the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP), he was required by the Lee County School District to retire this year. My life has consisted of work for 35 years, he said. One day you wake up and dont have that. Hell be missed at the beach school. Renee Mulloy, the administrative assistant whos served in her role for 20 years, said his personality filled the office with laughter. Hes a prankster, and often would trick her or others around the office. We have a good team in here. We laugh a lot, she said. Hes very respectful. Coming to work the last two years has not felt like a chore. Dobbins said working at the beach school was unlike any other Ive been at. He worked at the district before coming to the beach, but his last school was home to 900 to 1,100 students: nine times the scale of the beach. I got to work more closely with the kids to make them life-long learners, he said. It was a personalized atmosphere. You could focus on all the kids. Being one of the districts smaller schools, it doesnt get an abundance of funding from the district. But its able to serve the children enrolled there because of the strong parent and community involvement. Since its an island school, and a small community, they take care of this school, Dobbins said. If it werent for the PTO and the community pieces, it would be hard to all we do for the kids. That was an adjustment for Dobbins to need to look for resources in the community rather than getting them through the district. But organizations like the Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation and the Beach Kids Foundation were always ready to pitch in and help out. The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is also an integral part of the school, securing money from sponsors and fundraisers to pay for everything from after school clubs to school supplies. In the past year, the PTO supplemented the school with $21,000, Dobbins said. With the needs of the students covered, Dobbins main goal while on the beach was to teach his staff how to use student data in their teaching plan. We had the opportunity to look at student data to improve learning outcomes, he said. Throughout the year, students take assessments to see where they are proficient or need growth for Florida standards. Dobbins taught his teachers to look at assessments to see what areas students needed more growth. We still need to focus on different instruction for all learners, whether youre challenged or excelling. We need to differentiate, he said. Fifth-grade teacher Jennifer Martin described Dobbins as very supportive. Shes been teaching at the beach school for 10 years, and said he almost made her want to be a principal again. He makes it look so easy, she said. Hes a good leader. He really knows his stuff. The district has already selected Dobbins replacement, and hes pleased with the pick. Karen Manzi has been the principal at Orange River Elementary School since 2013, but now shell be the administrator a little closer to home. Shes a Fort Myers Beach resident, and Dobbins said the two of them go way back. She did a meet-and-greet with parents and students Wednesday. My focus is whats best for the kids, and Karen shares that philosophy, he said. The administration transition will be minimal. Shell be a great addition. Hes planning to help her get set up at the beach school and meet the community members who partner with the school. Then, hell be on his way to officially retired. Im going to watch the grass grow. Im going to actually go to the beach and be a tourist, he said. Dobbins has some plans cooking about what to do next, but said his other retired friends have given him advice he plans to take: spend the first six months enjoying the freedom, and then figure out what else he wants. Its like that kids book, What Do You Do with a Chance?' he said. Now I get to explore. Robert Conidaris didnt know he was poor growing up. It was the Great Depression. No body had anything, he said. Now, many years later, 86-year-old Conidaris is able to make sure every child at his establishment, The Lani Kai Resort, can get free dessert when theyre eating in his restaurants. The Lani Kai opened in 1978. In its 40 years on the beach, the resort has become something of an icon. The five-story building, with its colorful artwork, draws the eye as someone drives over the Matanzas Pass Bridge. Conidaris decided to build the hotel while he was working in Florida as a contractor. He and his wife, Grace, moved down in 1974 and he was building four lane roads on the east coast of the state. Now theyre six lanes, he said, chuckling. His wife liked the Fort Myers Beach area, so he purchased some property and decided to build a resort as an investment. The beach was still small and sleepy in the 70s, and Grace wanted to help the area, he said. The Lani Kai launched several crowd-drawing events: JetSki races, boat races and an air show. People came from all over. It brought people from all over to stay and invest here, Conidaris said. During the early years of the establishment, Conidaris was still working as a contractor across the U.S. He said he got to the point where his other work and the resort became too much to handle. He wanted to move back to their Rochester hometown. But Grace loved the Lani Kai and so they stayed, he said. So, the Lani Kai stayed in Conidaris hands, and it looks to stay that way. The resort became a family affair: their children and grandchildren have or are working at the various businesses within the resort. It houses not only the hotel, but several restaurants, bars, a coffee shop and a gift shop. Twenty-three year old Miranda Conidaris, one of Roberts grandchildren, literally grew up in the resort. There were so many grandchildren (25 in total) that the Conidarises ran a daycare in part of the resort to house the kids. Now, she and her older sister, Allie, are the resorts event managers. Theres one Conidaris in every department, she said. Her parents Ann and Michael met at the Lani Kai, when Michael worked as a bartender; one of her cousins parents met there, too. In the next 40 years, Miranda expects to see the Conidaris population growing at the resort as more and more of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up and start working at the family business. Miranda moved to Tallahassee after graduating college, but it didnt last. I was driving home two to three times a month, she said. The family aspect is what makes the resort dear to her heart, but for the resorts patrons, Miranda thinks its her grandpas charisma that makes people return again and again. He remembers a lot of peoples names. He remembers all my friends names, she said. My grandpa brings people back. Miranda also attributes the Lani Kais loyal following to her grandfathers generous nature. The Lani Kai, by way of the Conidarises, has been involved in a myriad of charitable events. For 26 years, the Lani Kai hosted a special Christmas celebration for economically disadvantaged children in the beach area. For three days, the kids stayed with their families at the resort and were given gifts from their wish lists from Santa who was portrayed by former Lee County Sheriff John McDougall for 10 years. Although the charitable effort went on for so many years, Conidaris said he didnt want any publicity about it in the press. He wanted to make sure the kids were sure that Santa Claus was doing all this for them. Each year, the number of kids grew. It was a project Grace was fully in charge of; she died 10 years ago from cancer. Im more proud of her, he said. She loved Fort Myers Beach. Conidaris is involved in lots of other fundraisers, as well. Every year, the Lani Kai hosts the Cincinnatti Firefighters Show, which has grown in popularity over the nine years its been hosted there. The show raises money for the ARABA Shriners. The Lani Kai also picked up about half the bill for the New Years Eve fireworks this year, giving $10,000 to the event that almost didnt happen because of a lack of community funding. Among other events, the resort has held appreciation breakfasts for law enforcement and hosted blood drives. Conidaris said hes tried to make sure his resort is affordable and welcoming to anyone who wants to stay two ideas that originally drew in families but have also made the Lani Kai a hot spot for spring breakers. The Lani Kai has a colorful reputation as a haven for college students taking a break from school to party and its not a localized reputation. Its nationally known, having landed on several top spring break destination lists. In May, two journalists from Topic.com gave the Lani Kai a generous spread as they came down to experience the place in their piece titled Where spring breaks eternal. The story was shared in the Washington Posts daily newsletter wrap-up, WorldView. While some of the spring breakers who come to the Lani Kai might give the resort a bad rap, Conidaris said he doesnt have anything bad to say about them. No body wants them. Ive always had them, he said. They come here for fun. Theyre good kids. Hes protective of the young college students. He gives them free God Bless America shirts. He dedicated three parking spots in his parking lot for the Sheriffs Office, as well as having his own security at the facility. We have rules and we stick to them, he said. MTVs Girls Gone Wild tried to do a segment on the Lani Kai, and he wouldnt let them in. He even makes sure the kids get a good breakfast after one of the wild spring break nights by having his restaurant serve brunch for $8. Theyre my kids when they come here, he said. The Lani Kai isnt going into its 40th anniversary peacefully; Conidaris opened a lawsuit against the Town of Fort Myers Beach and several surrounding businesses on parking regulations and business expansion, saying that the town has allowed outrageous expansions without the additional parking such expansions require. Next week, hes hosting lunch at the resort for a meeting of the minds of people who still oppose the TPI-FMB project approved May 21. Hes planning to seek more legal action to oppose the development and the towns approval. But it will be celebrating 40 years on the beach in true Lani Kai style: a party on Sunday, June 10. From 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, the resort welcomes its loyal patrons to a barbecue, games, and prizes, as well as family-friendly attractions like a bounce house and slide, arts and crafts, face painting and balloon artists. The event is free to attend. Over the years, Conidaris has taken guests and patrons suggestions to heart, trying to make sure if anyone asks for something, they can get it. The rooftop bar, the SunDeck, was a product of a request; so was serving Starbucks products in the Casablanca Cafe. Ive had the happiest people on the island. Its the peoples beach, Conidaris said. All the businesses help contribute to that. But what he thinks made the Lani Kai so special was Grace. Her presence is still felt everywhere and physically manifested. In the lobby dining area, a heart with RC+GC is carved into a pillar. In the Casablanca Cafe, her portrait is painted into the artwork. She loved this place, he said. As for Robert, hes just happy to help other people be happy. Thanks for being here, he said. Its the Lani Kais motto. Harvey Weinstein reportedly had a section in his employment contract that required him to pay his company a sum of money for each instance of misconduct. The disgraced Hollywood producers employment contract with The Weinstein Company was released per a judges order, who is presiding over the companys bankruptcy filing, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The judge also reportedly allowed a lawsuit filed by six women whove claimed sexual misconduct against the media mogul to move forward. The women have reportedly claimed that the company knew of Weinsteins alleged behavior. HARVEY WEINSTEIN ENTERS NOT GUILTY PLEA IN SEX CRIMES CASE TWC and other defendants not only knew about but endorsed Mr. Weinsteins conduct, attorney Jeff Waxman, who represents the plaintiffs, said in court, according to Variety. The class-action lawsuit was put on hold after the company reported bankruptcy, the outlet said. A "Code of Conduct" was reportedly included in the employment agreement. You and the Company recognize that, in addition to being indemnified for the amount of payments the Company is obligated to make as a result of your misconduct, such misconduct can cause significant damage to the Company which is difficult or impossible to measure, the agreement said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Accordingly, if your misconduct results in the Company making an Obligated Payment to a person damaged by such misconduct, in addition to the indemnification set forth in subparagraph i.(a) above, you will pay the Company liquidated damages of $250,000 for the first such instance, $500,000 for the second such instance, $750,000 for the third such instance, and $1,000,000 for each such additional instance. HARVEY WEINSTEIN HIT WITH RAPE ALLEGATION IN NEW LAWSUIT The company argued against the employment agreement's release and of the portrayal of the section, Variety reported. There was no ratification, attorney Karin DeMasi, who represents The Weinstein Company said, according to Variety. "There is no endorsement." Also on Tuesday, Weinstein entered a not guilty plea at a New York courthouse, where he was arraigned on rape and criminal sex act charges. The recent sexual misconduct allegations against Kevin Spacey were shocking and heart-wrenching, Mena Suvari, Spaceys American Beauty co-star, said on Tuesday. I think with everything that Ive been seeing that everyones been going through, its shocking, Suvari said in an interview with Megyn Kelly. Its important to focus on the conversation thats happening and the healing, the victims the right thing thats to come out of this, Suvari went on to say. Thats sort of what I try to hope for and focus on the most. Its something that were truly changing and moving out of. Spacey, 58, who won Oscars for American Beauty and The Usual Suspects, was accused of sexual assault late last year by several men both in the U.S. and U.K. Officials in both countries have since opened criminal investigations to further explore the claims. Star Trek: Discovery actor Anthony Rapp accused Spacey of sexual misconduct. He claimed the star, then 26, made sexual advances toward him in 1986 when Rapp was 14. Spacey later apologized in a statement in which he also announced that he was choosing to live as a gay man. Following the allegations, he was fired from his role on Netflixs House of Cards. He was also replaced by Christopher Plummer in the Oscar-nominated crime thriller All the Money in the World weeks before it was released in December. Despite the recent controversies swirling around Spacey, Suvari said Tuesday that she was thankful for her role in American Beauty, which snagged the Oscar for best film. For me, having the opportunity to work on American Beauty was something that was so special and so beautiful, she said. I was so young and was so grateful to have a job. And to be working with such experienced individuals everyone on that set was wonderful to me I had a beautiful experience working on that film. Fox News' Stephanie Nolasco contributed to this report. The woman who accused the star of MTVs Catfish of sexual misconduct has reportedly filed two police reports against him in Houston, Texas. Ayissha Morgan told TheBlast that she filed reports with the Special Crimes Division over what allegedly happened to her while she was a participant on Catfish. In two YouTube videos, she alleged that host Nev Schulman, who denies her claims, harassed her while she participated on the show in 2015. I have provided them with my statement and detailed accounts of what I went through, she told the outlet. I ask that you please respect my privacy moving forward and allow those who are handling the investigation to do so without interference. For those unfamiliar with Catfish, hosts Schulman and Max Joseph travel the country trying to help people who believe the significant other they met online isnt who they claim to be. Morgan, who identifies as a lesbian, claimed in her videos that Schulman propositioned her for sex multiple times and encouraged her to reevaluate her sexual preference. She claims that she suffered from depression after her experience on Catfish. Her second video also alleged that she was taken advantage of by a female member of the crew after drinking too much in her hotel room. She alleged that this prompted Schulman to attempt to seduce her in his hotel room the following day. When news of the allegations broke, MTV suspended production on Catfish saying it took these matters seriously and would work with a third party production company to conduct a thorough investigation. The behavior described in this video did not happen and I'm fortunate that there are a number of former colleagues who were present during this time period who are willing to speak up with the truth," Schulman told Fox News at the time. "I have always been transparent about my life and would always take responsibility for my actions - but these claims are false." CNN's Brian Stelter was mocked on Twitter Wednesday for his responses to a tweet President Trump sent regarding media speculation over first lady Melania Trumps recent absence from the public eye. The Fake News Media has been so unfair, and vicious, to my wife and our great First Lady, Melania. During her recovery from surgery they reported everything from near death, to facelift, to left the W.H. (and me) for N.Y. or Virginia, to abuse. All Fake, she is doing really well! Trump tweeted. CNN senior media correspondent Stelter quoted the presidents tweet and wrote, Trump is conflating random Twitter commenters with the media here. A common tactic of bad faith critics. But disappointing to see POTUS do it. Media watchdogs quickly called out Stelter for hypocrisy, since he was among the reporters who helped pushed the narrative that the first lady was missing in action. D.C. Examiners T. Becket Adams replied, Youre joking, right? Writer Erick Erickson added, Given the number of blue check marked accounts and your own that have turned this into a game of Wheres Waldo, I have to disagree on this one. And a number of prominent media figures have speculated openly about abuse, etc. Daily Caller media editor Amber Athey responded to Stelter's tweet, telling the CNN media guru to "stop gaslighting us." Stelter responded, saying that the White House should provide links to the claims made by Trump. Athey fired back with evidence that verified reporters speculated on everything from a suicide attempt to domestic abuse being the reason for the first lady staying out of the public eye for a few days. Stelter went on to claim that tweets sent by reporters are not the same thing as published reporting, which was quickly criticized. Enough with the semantics, youve been dabbling in conspiracy theory territory and you know it, one user responded, while another said, Stelters defense/deflection of him promoting conspiracy theories is getting pretty weak. Oh for heaven's sake we're not idiots. You et al were obviously suggesting something was amiss when you reported on it. You opened the door for the speculation, and you did it with purpose, another user added. One user asked, You're trying to say that when these journalists go on their verified Twitter accounts, where they identify themselves as members of major news organizations, that what they're doing is NOT reporting? Athey sent a follow-up tweet mocking Stelter with an attached article showing a CNN article speculating on plastic surgery being the real cause of Melanias absence, CNN: It was only random twitter users floating conspiracies about Melania Also CNN: Let's repeat those conspiracy theories in our reporting and ask the first lady's spokesperson about them! Stelter's Reliable Sources newsletter on Sunday led with a giant graphic of a calendar, placing question marks on each date since Mrs. Trump was last seen on May 10. Beneath the graphic, the newsletter specifically stated that she was expected to attend an event on Monday to honor Gold Star families. BUT BUT: The event is closed to the press, so Monday evening may not resolve the mystery, CNNs Brian Stelter wrote. He made a similar argument on Twitter, writing if the event is closed press, it means the Melania hasn't been seen in public issue will linger. The first lady appeared at the event on Monday as scheduled. In addition to Stelter, Salon writer Bob Cesca, Rolling Stone senior writer Jamil Smith, New York journalist Natalia Antonova, Atlantic senior editor David Frum and professor C. Christine Fair are among the media members and influencers who have floated conspiracy theories regarding Melania Trumps absence. The first lady a notoriously private person stayed behind Friday when President Trump and several family members went to the Camp David retreat for the weekend. While she hadn't made a public appearance since before her five-day hospital stay last month for treatment of a kidney condition, she had been seen around the White House. Amid the backlash, Fox News contributor Stephen Miller joked, We haven't seen Brian in almost an hour. Where did he go? This is a legitimate news story that he just disappeared without warning or answering questions. Stelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Wyoming ranch where Kanye West held his star-studded listening party for his new album Ye will no longer host any rap parties after numerous noise complaints, the owner said Tuesday. Jane Golliher, who owns the Diamond Cross Ranch in Moran, told The Blast that hosting the party for West was great for business, but was also the most confusing event theyve held. Golliher said that Wests team had originally planned for the event to be inside, but plans kept changing every 30 minutes and the party was eventually held outside. That decision triggered noise complaints from the ranchs neighbors, according to The Blast. Teton County, where Moran is located, has strict noise ordinances that require any sounds being made after 10 p.m. to be kept at an 80-decibel level, The Blast reported. Wests party didnt even start until 9:30 p.m. and that the volume was cranked up to 120 decibels, according to the gossip site. There will be no more rappers at the ranch from here on out, Golliher told The Blast, though adding that she has no ill will toward West and his team. She also said that the ranch charged $50,000 for West to hold the event and she lamented that she didnt charge more. Wests listening party featured Chris Rock, Nas, Big Sean and Jonah Hill among other celebrities. Variety reported that West is set to hold another listening party for Kid Cudis album which is set to drop Friday. However, this time it will be held in Los Angeles. Reality television star Kim Kardashian West has her sights set on changing the realities of several incarcerated people. Kardashian West, 38, has met with President Trump at the White House multiple times now in her efforts to get pardons for certain people serving long prison sentences related to drug offenses. On June 6, 2018, Trump commuted the sentence of Alice Marie Johnson, a great-grandmother who was serving a life sentence for a nonviolent drug conviction. This came following a meeting with Kardashian West. But Johnson isnt the only person Kardashian West has advocated for. Read on for a look at people shes trying to help. Cyntoia Brown Now 30 years old, Cyntoia Brown was serving a life sentence for a murder she committed when she was a 16-year-old prostitute. Brown said she shot a 43-year-old real estate agent after he picked her up and brought her back to his house because she was afraid for her life. Prosecutors had alleged Brown was trying to rob him. She was slated to remain in prison for at least 51 years, meaning shell be at least 67 years old before she can be released. But Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam granted her clemency in January which will allow her to be released on parole supervision later in 2019. Kardashian West, who said last year she asked her attorneys to help with Brown's case, thanked the Republican governor on Twitter. The system has failed. Its heartbreaking to see a young girl sex trafficked then when she had the courage to fight back is jailed for life! she previously said on social media. We have to do better & do whats right. Matthew Charles In May 2018, Kardashian West shared with her more than 60 million Twitter followers the story of Matthew Charles. Charles was released from prison early in 2016 but was directed to go back to jail after a federal court said his reduced sentence was an error, Nashville Public Radio reported. Charles, who is in his 50s, already served 21 years for selling crack to an informant, but he was sentenced to 35 years, according to Nashville Public Radio. While in prison, Charles took college classes and became a law clerk. He even taught a GED program. He's had a job since he's been released. In sharing Charles story, Kardashian West called the situation so sad. This man has completely rehabilitated himself, she said. Charles was released from prison at the beginning of 2019 after Trump signed the First Step Act, a sweeping criminal justice reform legislation, into law. Alice Marie Johnson Alice Marie Johnson was arrested in 1993 and convicted of drug conspiracy and money laundering in 1996, Mic previously reported. She became involved with cocaine dealers after she lost her job, her son was killed, she got divorced and her home was foreclosed on, according to Mic. Johnson said she did not sell drugs or participate in drug deals, but she did admit to acting as an intermediary for those involved, passing along messages. She was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Trump granted clemency to Johnson on June 6, 2018. She was released from federal prison later that day. If you think about a decision that youve made in your life, and you get life without the possibility of parole for your first-time nonviolent offense, theres just something so wrong with that, Kardashian West previously told Mic about Johnson. Chris Young Kardashian West told Jason Flom's "Wrongful Conviction" podcast that she has taken up the case of Chris Young, a Tennessee man who authorities said was caught buying crack cocaine in 2010. Because Young had already been charged with drug crimes twice, Young received a life sentence thanks to the state's "three-strike" law, The Tennessean reported. The judge who handed down the sentence has said he does not believe it was the right decision and said what he was "required" to do was "cruel." Kardashian West reportedly met with Trump on Sept. 5, 2018 to discuss Young's case. Fox News' Benjamin Brown and The Associated Press contributed to this report. The International House of Pancakes (IHOP) is getting ready for a new name. For 60 pancakin years, weve been IHOP, the restaurant chain said on Twitter Monday. Now, were flippin our name to IHOb. Find out what it could b on 6.11.18. #IHOb. The tweet has sparked thousands of comments on the social media platform. In the lead-up to next weeks reveal, IHOP also tweeted a poll, asking, IHOb? What could it b? People can vote for one of four options: biscuits, bacon, butternut squash and barnacles. However, that hasn't stopped Twitter users from weighing in with other ideas. Blueberries? a user asked the chain. Blueberries, bacon, breakfast... There are so many possi-b-ilities, IHOP responded. Burritos I called it years ago, a different person tweeted. Nope, keep guessing! the company wrote back, shooting down the idea. IHOP also had a message for a user who said it's breakfast. TWITTER REACTS AFTER NECCO CANDY COMPANY IS SAVED BY SAME PEOPLE WHO REVIVED HOSTESS o-b-viously you should come back on 6/11 to see what its gonna b, the restaurant chain replied. Burgers, another person declared. IHOPs reply? but it could b anything... you'll just have to stay tuned! Someone else chimed in, "100% international house of barbecue, it is going to be BARBECUED pancakes." "whoaaa there," IHOP tweeted. The move isn't a joke, IHOP rep Stephanie Peterson confirmed to Fox News, though she didn't elaborate on whether IHOb will be the permanent name for the chain. "Right now, were keeping mum on the extent of the name change, but I can tell you that its tied to news well be making on Monday and reflects how serious we are about a new launch for the brand," Peterson said Tuesday via email. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Sandra Lee is voicing her support for gay couples in the wake of the Supreme Courts decision in favor of a Colorado baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex wedding ceremony, and has offered to personally help them find a baker for the big day. The Food Network star took to social media to declare her dissent with the Court ruling on the heated "Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission" case. VIN DIESEL VISITS ICE CREAM SHOP IN WISCONSIN, WALKS OFF WITH SUNDAE DISH I do not believe that it is right to discriminate against anyone. I believe love is love, Lee wrote on Facebook. Therefore if a same-sex couple has been turned down by the bakery of their choice, I will find a baker who appreciates your commitment and loves you for who you are. The celebrity chef signed off her post with Love Aunt Sandy. Making her case, Lee posted similar sentiments on Instagram, describing the ruling as unacceptable in a decision that encourages divisiveness. We need to love and support one another[,] not judge (judging is for God not for us) she wrote. IHOP SAYS IT'S CHANGING ICONIC NAME; PANCAKE LOVERS FLIP OUT The 51-year-old longtime partner of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo further told Vogue that shes proud to take a strong stance on this issue. I never, ever communicate my political views, but I have so many friends that are in loving same-sex relationships that have fought long and hard for the right to marry. I believe that everybody should be able to live their best life, she said. Ive gotten a lot of backlash so far, but this is the one thing that I put my foot down on. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS In 2012, Jack Phillips, the owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop in Lakewood, Colo., declined to make a cake for the wedding celebration of two gay men. Phillips told the couple that he would make a birthday cake but could not make a cake that would promote same-sex marriage due to his religious beliefs, Fox News reports. On June 4, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in favor of Phillips. A proposed bill that would allow large game preserves to import exotic animals for hunting in Rhode Island was shut down by lawmakers Tuesday. The state Senate pulled the bill before the legislative session after receiving pushback from animal rights activists and lawmakers, according to the Associated Press. SPIRIT FLIGHT ATTENDANT ENTERTAINS PASSENGERS WITH STAND-UP COMEDY DURING DELAY Democratic Rep. Stephen Ucci, who sponsored the bill in the House, sided with the Senate and said he was also pulling it from consideration. If passed, the bill wouldve allowed shooting preserves with 500 acres or more to import animals not native to the area, like elk or wild boar, for the purpose of hunting, according to the Providence Journal. The proposed legislation came from The Preserve at Boulder Hills, a Richmond members-only 1,000 acre sporting community. Jerry Sahagian, a founding member of The Preserve, explained to the Journal in April why they were seeking to have the law changed: We are allowed to import elk [now] but we are not allowed to hunt them. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Lawmakers who opposed the bill expressed concern over importing animals not native to Rhode Island, like elk, which pose the threat of spreading diseases, like chronic wasting disease, which could infect local deer and farm animals, the Journal reports. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A woman who claims she nearly went blind after not washing her mascara off for more than two decades is warning makeup users about her "bad habit." Theresa Lynch, 50, of Sydney, Australia, told the Daily Mail her eyes were irritated and discharging. She said she felt discomfort on the underside of her eyelids, so she made a doctor's appointment. Lynch, who said it felt like she had some sort of buildup on her inner eyelids, learned she was suffering from conjunctival concretions, otherwise known as small calcified bumps or lesions. "[The lumps] were embedded so deep that particles were building up on top of each other," she told the Mail. "I was so uncomfortable. My eyelids were swollen and heavy because I left it for so long." 10 TOXIC CHEMICALS TO AVOID IN EYE MAKEUP The mother of two, formerly of Maryland, said her doctor, Daba Robaei, was shocked at the discovery and claimed she hadn't seen anything like it during the course of her career. Robaei published a study in the American Academy of Ophthalmology confirming Lynch's condition, in which she detailed that the dark calcified bumps were found under her upper eyelids. ALL NATURAL DIY RECIPES FOR YOUR COSMETIC NEEDS "Every time Theresa was blinking these bumps were rubbing on the surface of the eye and they pose a risk to her vision," Robaei told the news outlet. "If the scratch on the surface of the eye got infected, there is a risk this could be a potentially blinding but that would be rare." Lynch said her health was in danger because she "had fallen into a bad habit of wearing a lot of makeup and not washing it off," and is warning others that it's "so important to properly take your makeup off every single night. You can't miss a single day." A Detroit-area woman seeking custody of as many as 10 frozen embryos is asking a judge to appoint a guardian over them while she clashes with her former partner for control. Gloria Karungi and Ronaldlee Ejalu have a daughter who has sickle cell disease. Karungi believes if she can bear another child with one of the embryos, bone marrow cells from that sibling could potentially cure the girl's blood illness. But Ejalu must give his consent, according to a contract with an in vitro fertilization clinic, and he's not interested. Karungi and Ejalu never married and are no longer together. Oakland County Judge Lisa Langton last year said she didn't have the authority to wade into the embryo dispute; she was simply determining financial support and parenting time for the couple's daughter. But the Michigan appeals court sent the case back to Langton for more work, including an evidentiary hearing if necessary. MOM WARNS OF COPPERHEAD SNAKES AFTER TODDLER IS SERIOUSLY INJURED BY POISONOUS SERPENT Karungi "wants to cure her daughter and is seeking the embryos to that end. ... Without the embryos coming to term, that child has no ability to be cured," the woman's attorney, Dan Marsh, said in a court filing. Ejalu's lawyer, Dan Weberman, said he'll argue again that a Family Division judge has no role in what's basically a contract quarrel. He also said it's misleading for Karungi to claim that cells from a sibling are the only cure for the 7-year-old girl. "They want to paint a picture like she's on her death bed," Weberman told The Associated Press. "She's in school. She's a happy girl. She gets treatment once a month." Ejalu no longer believes that using frozen embryos is a good idea. WOMAN NEARLY DIES AFTER CUTTING LEG ON RUSTY NAIL "He doesn't feel ethically that a life should be created for human tissue harvesting. That's somewhat mind-boggling," Weberman said. Under orders from the appeals court, Langton on June 20 again will hear arguments on whether she has jurisdiction over contested property held by unmarried parties. But in the meantime, the judge has scheduled a hearing for Wednesday on Karungi's request to have a lawyer appointed as guardian over the embryos. Karungi's legal team believes it got a boost in April when the state Supreme Court declined to intervene at this stage of the case. Justice Bridget McCormack added her own postscript to the one-sentence order, saying Langton shouldn't sidestep "whether frozen embryos are persons subject to a custody determination." No other justice joined her remarks. Weberman said they were "gratuitous and irrelevant." With the backyard of their Atlanta-area home surrounded by woods and a creek, Christina Fisher and her husband knew they'd have to teach their four kids about the beauty and dangers of nature at an early age. From poison ivy to venomous snakes and spiders, Fisher's four kids learned it all. But nothing truly prepared Fisher for what she would face in the summer of 2014. On Aug. 2, 2014, Fisher heard her then-2-year-old son's piercing scream as he tripped up a rocky step while following his father and three siblings to the front door. "It's a scream that all parents recognize more intense than 'I fell and scraped my knee,'" Fisher told Fox News. "There was an intensity with which he was screaming." VENOMOUS COPPERHEAD SNAKE SPOTTED NEAR WASHINGTON'S NATIONAL MALL "There was an intensity with which he was screaming." Christina Fisher Fisher sprinted outside and scooped up her son, Levi. As she was cradling him, she saw a 3-foot-long creature move in the corner of her eye. "I was face-to-face with a snake," Fisher recalled, adding that the skin of the serpent was like camouflage on the rock. "There's no way he saw that thing." The snake had struck Levi twice in the back of the hand. Fisher yelled for her husband as she rushed the toddler inside and called 911. Her husband, an Eagle Scout, called out, "It's a copperhead!" By the time the ambulance arrived, Levi's hand was "swollen and bruised beyond recognition." Within 18 minutes, he arrived at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, where he was hooked to an IV and given morphine to ease the pain. A doctor traced how far the venom had traveled up his right arm with a marker. Dr. Scott Batchelor, a pediatric emergency doctor at Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta, told Fox News that copperhead snake bites are the most common poisonous bites he sees in the emergency room. Most of the wounds are found in the hands, wrist, forearm, feet or ankles. While the venom isn't typically fatal for humans, it can cause serious health complications for children. RARE TWO-HEADED SNAKE DISCOVERED IN BACKYARD "With certain patients, like toddlers, a big dose of venom from an adult male will have more of an effect," Batchelor, who didn't treat Levi, explained. "Toxicity is related to the size of the victim." With young children, there can be localized soft tissue effects such as necrosis, pain and swelling, Batchelor said. An oozing bite can also affect blood pressure and if the dose is strong enough, it can impact the heart. That was the main concern with Levi. The venom had traveled halfway to his heart by the time he arrived at the hospital, so doctors decided to treat him with antivenom. He was given 24 vials of the drug and spent four days in the hospital's pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) before he was released. "In the months afterward, we logged countless hours visiting with a hand surgeon, physical therapist, wound care specialist and hematologist," Fisher explained in a blog post recently shared by Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, adding that her son was left with a scar on his index finger. "Copperhead venom thins the blood of its victims, and it would be nearly three months before Levis blood clotting factors were back in the safe range." ALABAMA MAN PARALYZED, 'FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE' AFTER CORAL SNAKE BITE, FAMILY SAYS The mother decided to share Levi's "terrifying" tale after connecting with the family of 6-year-old Ford O'Neill, who was bitten by the same type of snake in Lake Burton in late May. "I didn't know it, but the snake was inside the bush, and the snake popped out, and it bit me on the pinkie," O'Neill told WSB-TV. Batchelor said both families did the right thing by immediately bringing their children into the ER. "The safest thing they can do it let a medical professional evaluate it," Batchelor said. "If it's a a venomous bite from copperhead see some symptoms localized." "I hope [Levi's story] will help parents show a little bit of extra caution with kids," Fisher said. "We tell them to look both ways before they cross the street you should look when you're playing outside in the yard also." Batchelor shared some safety tips for those who believe they have been bitten by the venomous reptile: The newest Gerber Baby and the original Gerber Baby just met in real life and posed for an adorable photo thats gone viral. One-year-old Lucas Warren beat out 140,000 other babies to win the Gerber Baby Photo Search earlier this year, becoming the first child with Down syndrome to be chosen for the title in the contests 91-year history. SPIRIT FLIGHT ATTENDANT ENTERTAINS PASSENGERS WITH STAND-UP COMEDY DURING DELAY When Warren and his family were visiting Florida recently, they decided it was the perfect opportunity to meet the original Gerber Baby, who lives in Tampa, TODAY reports. 91-year-old Ann Turner Cook became the face of Gerber brand products in 1928 after a family friend submitted a charcoal sketch of her to the company for a contest. Her image became so synonymous with the brand, Gerber trademarked the drawing of Cook in 1931. Her identity, however, wasnt revealed until the companys 50th anniversary in 1978. When Warren and Cook met, Warrens parents said the pair connected instantly. As soon as we walked into the room, (Cook) and Lucas immediately bonded, parents Cortney and Jason told TODAY. Lucas walked right up to her, flashing his signature smile and waving, and we could tell he loved her right away. Cooks grandson, Chris Colin, tweeted a photo of the adorable pair posing together. My grandmother was the Gerber baby. It was a funny bit of trivia, never made her rich or got us free strained peas or anything. But last week she got to meet the company's newest spokesbaby, named Lucas. Pretty pretttty cute, he wrote. The tweet had received over 67,000 likes and 8,000 retweets as of Wednesday afternoon. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Ann Turner Cook is truly a wonderful woman and pleasure to be around, and we couldnt be more grateful that she took the time to meet with our family, Warrens parents told TODAY. For winning the Gerber Baby contest, Warrens family received a $50,000 prize and the little boys face will be featured on all of the companys social media platforms. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! The curious case of Imran Awan, which sounds like an international spy thriller, is entering its third act. Awan was a congressional IT aide to Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., and he was finally fired just after he was arrested trying to fly to Pakistan last summer. Awan and his wife, Hina Alvi, were charged last summer with bank fraud. They now appear poised to strike a plea deal with the Department of Justice. A plea agreement hearing is set for July 3 before U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan in Washington, Fox News reported Wednesday. As Ive dug deep into this case for my book Spies in Congress (out later this year), sources have made it clear that the bank fraud charges in this case, though very real, are just a way to hold the defendants. Alleged theft of congressional equipment, massive data breaches of Congress members emails, likely espionage and more are all wrapped up in this case that involves data from 40 or more Democratic members of Congress. Sources tell me that the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force has been looking into this matter since well before Awan and his crew of Pakistani congressional IT aides were booted off the House computer network in February 2017. Sources also say that investigators were particularly interested in whether anyone else in the congressional offices that all of these IT aides worked for was involved in alleged improper activity. This might include Rep. Wasserman Schultz, who was the Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair when she employed Awan. It might also include former Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif., who employed Awan when Becerra was chairman of the House Democratic Caucus. Becerra is now California attorney general. The House Office of Inspector General tracked the Awans network usage and found that a massive amount of data was flowing from the (congressional) networks, said Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa. Over 5,700 logins by the five Awan associates were discovered on a single server within the House, the server of the Democratic Caucus Chairman, then Rep. Xavier Becerra of California. Up to 40 or more members of Congress had all of their data moved out their office servers and onto the Becerra server without their knowledge or consent. Becerra left Congress in January 2017. Before he left, Capitol Police wanted a copy of the caucus servers contents. Becerra presumably told Imran Awan that Capitol Police wanted a copy of the server. What is known is that Awan did produce a copy of a servers data for Capitol Police; however, after taking a look at the data they were provided, Capitol Police determined they were given a copy of data from some other server instead. Capitol Police found that the image (the copy of the server contents) they were supplied was false, said Rep. Perry, quoting a report from the House Office of Inspector General. So the Awans had access to in fact, were copying all the emails, personal schedules and other data from the Democrats they worked for to this server and, according to other reports, a Dropbox account. Imran Awan was also going back to Pakistan for long stays and, in fact, at times worked remotely from Pakistan. This is where the case leads to possible espionage. Meanwhile, court hearings on the alleged bank fraud Imran Awan and Hina Alvi have been charged with have been delayed again and again. The last hearing took place in October 2017. The delays came as Department of Justice prosecutors and defense attorneys have been fighting it out over a laptop found in a cubbyhole (what was once a phone booth) in congressional office building that has the username REPDWS (a computer used by Imran Awan that is the property of Rep. Wasserman Schultzs office). Whats on this computer we can only surmise, but it is clear that Wasserman Schultz wants the evidence kept out of court. She even publicly threatened the chief of the Capitol Police with consequences if the laptop wasnt returned. Meanwhile, a House Office of Inspector General investigation determined that Awan and his crew (none of whom underwent background checks to gain the IT positions they held in Congress) committed numerous violations of House security policies. There is a lot more to come from this explosive case. Before this plea agreement hearing was set the biggest worry was that the governments odd failure to prosecute Awan for alleged thefts of government equipment (some of which were found in a garage of one of Awans rental properties) and the many alleged national security violations pointed to a political cover-up. Now it appears the plot is set for a riveting climax. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! The blue wave failed to materialize in Californias jungle primary Tuesday, where candidates of all parties competed against each other and the top two finishers won spots on the Nov. 6 general election ballot. Democrats thought that the blue wave would run through California. But so far the wave has been blocked, if not sent on a detour. Thats bad news for Democrats nationally, who saw the California primary as a litmus test for the Democratic Partys prospects of picking up the 23 seats needed to take back control of the House of Representatives in the November election. It is certainly possible that the Democrats will have major pickups in California House races this fall. But based off the results from Tuesday, it seems unlikely that it is going to happen. "By no means can one rationally conclude that Tuesday was anything resembling a blue victory." At the gubernatorial level, California Republicans avoided the doomsday scenario of having two Democrats securing the most votes leaving them without a Republican at the top of the ticket in the general election. Republican winner John Cox finished within 7 points of Democrat Gavin Newsom. Having a Republican candidate for governor of California on the ballot will be critical for Republican turnout this fall. Moreover, when you combine Coxs share of vote which was undoubtedly boosted by President Trumps endorsement last month with fellow Republican gubernatorial candidate Travis Allen, you have a core constituency of 36 percent of California voters who will come out to vote. It was also a good night for Republicans at the congressional level in California. In the 22nd District, Republican incumbent Devin Nunes advances with 58 percent of the vote. This is remarkable, given harsh Democratic attacks against him because of his prominent role in the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. And in the 10th District, Democrat Josh Harder is holding onto second place by a thread of less than 1,000 votes making a Democratic shutout in the district a very real possibility once all of the votes are tallied. Meanwhile, the Republicans avoided shutouts in every California congressional race Tuesday including all seven of the hotly contested districts that Hillary Clinton won in 2016. In Californias 45th District, Republican incumbent Mimi Walters who faced a crowded field of Democratic challengers advances to November with a solid 53 percent of the vote. Republicans similarly performed well in the 39th, 48th and 49th Districts. Republican former state Assemblywoman Young Kim placed first in the 39th District, where combined Republican and independent candidates accounted for over 55 percent of the vote. Meanwhile, in the 48th District, Republican incumbent Dana Rohrbacher advances to the general election in a district where Republican, independent and Libertarian candidates secured 54 percent of the vote, while non-Democrats secured 49.7 percent of the vote in the 49th District. And in each of these California districts, the Republican frontrunners head into the general election race with a clear advantage in finishing first. To be sure, I am not suggesting that the Democrats chances of winning back the House are doomed. The midterms will be undoubtedly be competitive in the fall. But by no means can one rationally conclude that Tuesday was anything resembling a blue victory. And as they head into November with a solid arsenal of voter support and a Democratic Party that is deeply divided, Republican prospects are looking a lot rosier than they did heading into Tuesdays primaries. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! "Are you on the take?" When I tried to get Edgewater, New Jersey, politicians to answer that question, the mayor wouldn't discuss it, ultimately telling me, "You may sit down." The town of Edgewater is right across the Hudson River from Manhattan. Anyone fortunate enough to live there gets a spectacular view of New York City's skyline. But the Edgewater city government wants to seize a choice piece of waterfront land for itself. People everywhere should ask questions of politicians who hand out favors to well-connected big shots. The spot in question is owned by a developer, the Maxal Group. Maxal bought the property for about $26 million and then spent millions more to clean it up. They planned to build apartments and, to please the town, parks, a school and a ferry stop for commuters. "This whole pier would be open to the public," says Thomas O'Gara of the Maxal Group, showing off the spot in my latest YouTube video. In addition, Maxal's development would generate about $12 million a year in taxes for Edgewater. Sounds good to me, or at least good enough to see how the market responds. But Edgewater's politicians just said no. Now they're using eminent domain law to try to seize the property and spend taxpayer dollars to put Edgewater's Department of Public Works there -- a department of just thirteen people. Why would they do that? "The unsuccessful bidder is a fellow named Fred Daibes," says Maxal's lawyer. After Maxal bought the property, "Daibes told us, 'you will never be able to develop this property!'" Apparently, Fred Daibes knew something they didn't. Daibes is the biggest apartment developer in the area. He told a reporter, "You can't be in Edgewater and not be affiliated with me." I suspect that means that Daibes controls Edgewater's politicians. A lawsuit filed by Maxal Group says four city council members got loans from a Daibes-controlled bank, and Mayor Michael McPartland pays below-market rent to live in a Daibes apartment building. (The mayor told a reporter that he doesn't pay below-market rent.) Of course, the politicians give a different reason for seizing Maxal's land. They said Maxal's project was too big. But they approved an even larger project nearby! That one happens to be controlled by -- you guessed it -- Fred Daibes. Daibes' development will have 250 more apartments than Maxal's and buildings twice as tall. I tried to ask Daibes about all this, but he declined to be interviewed. Edgewater's mayor and the city council would not agree to talk either. So I went to the Edgewater city council meeting and asked, "Are you on the take ... rejecting one building in favor of the one owned by the guy where you live?" A town lawyer quickly spoke up, "Mr. Mayor, as your legal counsel, I'm going to suggest and recommend that you don't answer the question from this gentleman ... certainly not with that tone, that objectionable tone." I asked, "Is it true that four of you are getting loans from Mr. Daibes' bank, and is it true that you (Mayor McPartland) get a discounted apartment in Mr. Daibes' building?" The lawyer spoke up again, "Mr. Mayor, I don't think it's appropriate." Eventually the mayor, without answering my questions, closed the meeting. The lawyer said, "He's done." And that was that. Maybe we'll get more answers from Edgewater after my video about this circulates. People everywhere should ask questions of politicians who hand out favors to well-connected big shots. A great thing about capitalism is that the only legitimate way to get rich is to serve your customers well. Customers have choices. To make money, businesses must offer something better than competitors offer. Developers can't tell other developers "you can't build here" because they cannot use force. Unless they have cronies in government. Governments can use force. They have the power to ban some developments while approving others. They can use eminent domain law to seize property. That's what's happened in Edgewater. When politicians favor their friends, that's not capitalism, that's crony capitalism. Crapitalism. Corruption. Maxal's lawsuit alleges "corrupt transactions" by Edgewater's politicians. I think Maxal is right. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! As we mark the 74th anniversary of D-Day Wednesday a pivotal day when Allied forces landed in France to begin the liberation of Europe from the Nazis in World War II Im reminded how this historical moment wouldnt have happened without the courageous Americans who responded to the call to serve their country. It all began with three words: Remember Pearl Harbor. These words rallied people to enlist in the military after the Japanese attack on the U.S. Navy base in Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941. The tragic attack pulled America together in a dark time, when war threatened everything we valued our families, friends and our very freedoms. Similarly, 60 years later, many people were inspired to unite and enlist in the military to serve their country after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Millions of Americans have entered military service since that day. Army Sgt. and recruiter Cheri Depenbrock told the American Forces Press Service in 2001 that she had never seen such resolve to defend America as she did after 9/11. It was amazing the people walking into (our Cincinnati) office, the ages, Depenbrock said. We had so many prior-service folks wanting to come back. I was amazed at how many older people tried some of them were in their fifties. It was all about the patriotism. They didnt care about anything else. Money had nothing do with it. I swear, I think half those (younger) kids would have joined if we hadnt paid them. Did these inspiring phenomena happen because our country suddenly became more patriotic in both of these cases of national tragedy? Not necessarily. We were sobered as a country by both attacks. But we were also suddenly and violently made aware of enemies who wanted us dead and threatened our values. And every generation who loved their country and livelihoods enough responded. Yes, we were sobered. But we were not numbed by any means. We were made aware, we resolved to unite, and we readied ourselves to fight back against darkness, no matter what might try to hold us back. As Christians, it can be all too easy to go about our daily lives without ever thinking about how we are at war with dark spiritual forces that we cant always see. But Paul warns us not to be complacent, saying keep alert with all perseverance (Ephesians 6:18). How can you play your part and persevere in this spiritual war? Your secret weapon is prayer. Prayer might not feel particularly aggressive or militant, but it is by prayer alone that you and I can engage and overcome the enemy of our souls. This kind of prayer could be called warfare prayer. Think of it this way: warfare prayer is a discipline, an attack aimed at the forces of darkness that we must be aware of around us. To engage in warfare prayer is to ask for Gods help to get in on his plan, not to ask him for help with our plans. Warfare prayer worships God for the love he lavishes on us daily. In short, warfare prayer is full of gratitude. But warfare prayer is also hard work. Paul does not give us any leeway for time off. He tells us again in Ephesians 6:18 to be praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. We know how prayer can change our lives and attitudes. But if you have not yet thought of prayer as a powerful weapon, let me encourage you with this: our world needs more believers like you dispelling the darkness as you fight these spiritual battles. Warfare, with Gods help, begins on your knees. Republican John Cox has secured a spot on the ballot to face Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom in the California gubernatorial election in November, boosted by a late endorsement from President Trump and voter discontent over liberal state policies. Fox News projects that Cox will advance to the general election in the race for governor, outpacing a former Democratic mayor for the No. 2 spot on the ballot. The state's jungle primary system allows the top two finishers to advance regardless of party. The result is disappointing for Democratic former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who was widely considered the most viable potential challenger to Newsom in November's general election in the extremely liberal state. Democrats' hopes of retaking Congress in November and mounting a national challenge to President Trump's agenda hang in the balance, meanwhile, as ballots continue to be counted in several key House races in California and seven other states with primaries Tuesday. Trump said in a May tweet that Cox will "Make California Great Again," rallying the state's conservative base around the businessman and saying he could solve California's "high crime, high tax problems." "This is only the first step to turning around this state and taking back California for all Californians," Cox told supporters in San Diego. Fox News also projects that Sen. Dianne Feinstein will place first in the state's jungle primary -- a widely expected result. She will likely face ultra-progressive State Sen. Kevin de Leon in November, who delivered remarks early Wednesday strongly suggesting that he will be the runner-up. "This is only the first step to turning around this state and taking back California for all Californians." GOP gubernatorial candidate John Cox The state's key House races, though, are still too close to call. The winners and losers in California's most competitive races could take days to sort out given the state's unique election laws. There were some results in from the House races early Wednesday. Republican Rep. Mimi Walters easily advanced to the November election in her Orange County district that has been targeted by Democrats. The second spot remained up for grabs. And to the north, House intelligence committee chairman Devin Nunes, a Republican, qualified for the general election ballot as well. Nunes is a polarizing figure in national politics given his support for Trump in one of the many investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Democrats need to flip 23 Republican-controlled to retake the House from the GOP in November. Out of California's 53 House seats, Republicans hold 14 -- and seven of those GOP-held districts backed Hillary Clinton in 2016. That makes the Golden State center stage for what Democrats are hoping is a major anti-Trump wave in November. In several races, either Republicans or Democrats face the very real prospect of being denied a place on the ballot in the general election. CALIF JUDGE IN SEX-ASSAULT CASE FACES RECALL VOTE That's because of California's nonpartisan, open "jungle primary" system, which advances the top two vote-getting candidates to the general election -- regardless of their party affiliation. The risk is particularly high for Democrats, who are riding a wave of anti-Trump enthusiasm in California. So many Democrats are running in three of the House races that they might split the vote to such an extent that two Republicans end up with the most ballots. That result would lock Democrats out of competing in the general election in some of the most vulnerable Republican districts, a kind of embarrassing political "own goal" that would highlight the quirks and perils of California's unique primary procedure. Seven other states held primaries on Tuesday, including New Jersey, Alabama, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Dakota, Iowa and Montana. Click here for results from those key races. More on California's closest races: The governor's race Newsom, a liberal establishment Democrat who previously served as mayor of San Francisco, will win one of the two spots in the jungle primary and therefore will advance to the November ballot, Fox News can project. Republican businessman Cox will face him. But Newsom is the clear favorite in November's statewide contest, given California's overwhelmingly liberal electorate. Some Democrats cried foul earlier this month after Newsom ran ads that reminded voters of Cox's connections with Trump and the NRA, saying the frontrunner was implicitly trying to rally conservatives to the polls to ensure Cox beat Villaraigosa for the second spot on the ballot. The House races One of the most hotly contested races is in the 48th Congressional District, which includes Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. Hillary Clinton narrowly won the district in 2016. Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, who has held the safe seat without serious challenge for decades, faces eight Democrats and fierce competition from GOP rival Scott Baugh. So many Democrats are running for the seat that none may end up getting the votes needed to appear on the ballot in November. WATCH: IS DANA ROHRABACHER BEING GROOMED AS A RUSSIAN AGENT? TUCKER TAKES ON LIBERAL HYSTERIA A similar situation might play out in California's 49th District, where a broad array of candidates is vying for the seat vacated by retiring GOP Rep. Darrell Issa. Eight Republican candidates are in the running, along with four Democrats who are neck-and-neck. The sheer number of entrants in the race could lock out either the GOP or the Democrats in November. Hillary Clinton also won here in 2016, by a margin of a little over seven points. Another closely watched race was the effort by four Democrats to unseat incumbent Republican Rep. Walters in the 45th District in Orange County, which no Democrat has ever represented but that also supported Clinton in 2016. Walters voted to repeal ObamaCare, which has become a hot-button issue in the increasingly liberal district. On Tuesday, Walters easily advanced to the November election. The second spot remains up for grabs. Important GOP-held seats with incumbents facing challenges are the 50th District, where Rep. Duncan Hunter is under investigation for misuse of campaign funds; the 10th District held by Rep. Jeff Denham; the 21st District, where Hillary Clinton won convincingly, that is currently occupied by David Valadao; and the 25th District, where Rep. Steve Knight is facing several challengers. Ed Royce, who was first elected to Congress in 1992 and chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, announced his retirement earlier this year. He will vacate his 39th District seat, and several Republican and Democratic candidates are competing to replace him. That setup, again, raises the possibility of one party being knocked entirely out of the November contest. The Senate race Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., will place first in the jungle primary, Fox News projects, even though the California Democratic Party pointedly declined to endorse her in February. The majority of the votes from delegates at the party's annual convention went to State Sen. Kevin de Leon, Feinstein's progressive challenger who served as the former president pro tempore of the California Senate. Republican James P. Bradley, another hopeful in the primary, is not expected to make it to November's contest. At 84 years old, Feinstein is the oldest senator in the U.S., and California's increasingly liberal demographics raised concerns during the campaign that even Feinstein may be too moderate for the state's new progressive wing. But her strong party backing, financial position and name recognition have offset those potential stumbling blocks. In remarks early Wednesday, Kevin de Leon didn't claim the second-place spot, but strongly suggested he'll be facing Feinstein in November. "A majority of Californians want new leadership in Washington,' he said. "In November, voters will have the opportunity to send a message to Washington, and around the world that the system is broken, the status quo is failing, and the future is now." Fox News' Alex Pappas and The Associated Press contributed to this report. A wealthy businessman who has never been elected to public office will challenge Iowa's Republican governor in November, offering voters two candidates with contrasting backgrounds and visions for the state. Fred Hubbell, a retired insurance executive, secured the Democratic nomination in Tuesday's primary by winning a five-candidate contest. He'll face Gov. Kim Reynolds, who ran unopposed. Reynolds, 58, has highlighted her upbringing in rural St. Charles and early jobs like a waitressing gig for the retail store chain Younkers. Hubbell, 67, once served as that company's chairman. His ancestors have lived in Des Moines for more than a century and owned the governor's ornate mansion before it was donated to the state. Reynolds, a former lieutenant governor, was sworn in last year to serve the remaining term of former Gov. Terry Branstad, now U.S. ambassador to China. She's the first female governor in Iowa history and is seeking the distinction of being the first woman elected to the position. Hubbell is well-known in Des Moines for his philanthropy, political donations and family's real estate business. He has traveled the state and flooded television airwaves to highlight his support for reforming the state's Medicaid health care program and funding Planned Parenthood. Reynolds is deeply conservative and signed into law a ban on most abortions around six weeks of pregnancy. It's considered the nation's strictest abortion ban, though it's on hold amid a lawsuit. Reynolds has also been criticized for Iowa's transition to a privatized Medicaid program. Iowa Democrats see the governor's race as the beginning of an effort to retake political power in Iowa, which is now dominated by Republicans after several election cycles. Although they support Trump, a billionaire, Iowa Republicans and Reynolds appear ready to criticize Hubbell for his wealth. "If you think the governor's office is for sale to the highest bidder, guess what, you don't know Iowans," said Reynolds at an event Tuesday night in referencing Hubbell. "You don't know Iowa, but I do." Voters such as Kathy Sparks, who voted for Hubbell, see hope in the businessman's candidacy. "He seems like a very honorable, intelligent person, and I think he'd be a good leader for our state," she said. New Jersey Democratic voters were projected to nominate Sen. Bob Menendez for a third term Tuesday, months after his trial on corruption charges ended in a hung jury. Menendez overcame an unexpectedly strong showing from primary challenger Lisa McCormick, a Rahway publisher who garnered 38 percent of the vote with 89 percent of precincts reporting. Menendez had the support of the state's Democratic establishment and nearly $6 million cash on hand, while McCormick filed no fundraising reports and said she was running a grassroots-driven campaign. Menendez will face former pharmaceutical executive Bob Hugin, who was projected to defeat concrete company executive Brian Goldberg easily in the Republican primary. Menendez's weak showing will give Republicans some optimism of flipping the seat in their effort to hold onto control of the Senate. "While disgraced Senator Bob Menendez was accepting bribes in Washington, Bob Hugin was creating jobs for New Jerseyans, National Republican Senate Committee Executive Director Chris Hansen said in a statement. "After years of nothing but embarrassment and scandal from Menendez, New Jerseyans agree its time for a fresh voice in the U.S. Senate, and I am confident they will choose Bob Hugin this November." Menendez and Hugin spent the primary campaign season offering a preview of the general election, hurling insults at one another while raking in millions of dollars in campaign contributions. Hugin appeared alongside President Trump at the White House last year but has distanced himself from him since. Democratic voters picked Menendez just weeks after the Senate Ethics Committee rebuked him for accepting valuable gifts and failing to report them while using his position to advance the donor's personal business interests. That and last year's criminal corruption trial against Menendez, which ended in a mistrial before prosecutors dropped the charges, have fueled Hugin's attacks. In one campaign ad, Hugin showed washed-out images of Menendez with the word "disgrace." Menendez was indicted on charges that he accepted lavish gifts, including luxury trips to Paris, from longtime friend Dr. Salomon Melgen in return for help settling a Medicaid billing dispute. He maintained his innocence throughout the prosecution, but the Senate committee admonished him over the gifts last month. Menendez has attacked Hugin as a "greedy CEO." Hugin's firm, Celgene, settled for $280 million last year over allegations that it promoted cancer drugs that were not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Celgene did not admit liability in the agreement. Hugin, a former Marine and Princeton University graduate, has promised to serve as an independent voice for Democrat-leaning New Jersey, where Trump is unpopular among many voters. But Hugin had been close enough to the president to attend a discussion on drug prices at the White House in early 2017. He later called the meeting "incredibly encouraging" and described the president's agenda as "pro-growth." Menendez has promoted himself as a check on Trump, who lost to Democrat Hillary Clinton in New Jersey in the presidential election. Democrats have nearly 900,000 more registered voters than Republicans in the state. Voters on Tuesday also were choosing the state's 12-member congressional delegation, including selecting party nominees to replace two Republican incumbents retiring from the U.S. House. In New Jersey's 2nd District, which covers all or parts of eight counties and includes Atlantic City, State Sen. Jeff Van Drew was projected to win the Democratic primary. Van Drew will face the GOP primary winner, former Atlantic City Councilman Seth Grossman, for the right to succeed retiring Rep. Frank LoBiondo. In the 11th District, former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor Mikie Sherrill was projected to win the Democratic nomination by a wide margin. State Assemblyman Jay Webber was projected to win the Republican contest. Sherrill or Webber will succeed Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, who is retiring after 12 terms in Congress. The Associated Press contributed to this report. New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, who avoided conviction in a corruption and bribery case last year but was "severely" admonished by the Senate Ethics Committee, survived a challenge from a fellow Democrat and won his partys nomination for another term as senator, as eight states across the country held primary contests Tuesday. On a busy night of elections, voting also took place in Alabama, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Dakota, Iowa and Montana. But the most consequential races Tuesday were the House battles playing out in California, with control of Congress at stake. In New Jersey, former pharmaceutical executive Bob Hugin won the Republican nomination to face Menendez in November. Menendezs corruption and bribery case where he was accused of accepting a plethora of donations and gifts from a wealthy friend in exchange for political influence is expected to play a starring role in the general election, with Republicans calling him "Bribin Bob." In Mississippi, Republican Sen. Roger Wicker defeated Richard Boyanton, a veteran and businessman. In a tweet earlier Tuesday, Trump praised Wicker for having done everything necessary to Make America Great Again. The Democratic Senate primary in Mississippi is headed for a runoff, as neither candidates David Baria or Howard Sherman received more than 50 percent of the vote. In Alabama, Republican Gov. Kay Ivey avoided a runoff, as she beat back challenges from several three GOP opponents. Ivey, who was the states lieutenant governor, became governor last year after then-Republican Gov. Robert Bentley resigned over an extramarital affair he had with a staffer. Walt Maddox won the Democratic gubernatorial primary. In one closely-watched House race in Alabama, Rep. Martha Roby, one of a handful of Alabama Republicans who criticized Trump during his presidential campaign, was forced into a July runoff for the GOP nomination for her seat. Roby will face Bobby Bright, a former Democratic congressman, in the runoff in the state's 2nd congressional district, a conservative swath where loyalty to Trump became a central issue of the midterm primary. In New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham won the state's Democratic gubernatorial primary. Grisham will run in the general election against Rep. Steve Pearce, who was unopposed in Tuesday's Republican primary. Former state Democratic Party leader Debra Haaland has won the party's nomination for a congressional seat in New Mexico as she tries to become the country's first Native American congresswoman. Haaland will face former Republican state lawmaker Janice Arnold-Jones and Libertarian candidate Lloyd Princeton in the general election. 5 PRIMARY RACES TO WATCH TUESDAY THAT AREN'T IN CALIFORNIA In Iowa, retired businessman Fred Hubbell won Tuesday's Democratic gubernatorial primary and will face off against incumbent Republican Governor Kim Reynolds. In South Dakota, Rep. Kristi Noem defeated state Attorney General Marty Jackley in the state's Republican gubernatorial primary. Noem will advance to the general election in November, when she will face off against Billie Sutton, who was unopposed in the Democratic primary. In Montana, State Auditor Matthew Rosendale has won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in the race to challenge Democratic incumbent Jon Tester in November. Rosendale defeated three other candidates in Tuesday's GOP primary. The 57-year-old has support from deep-pocketed Republican donors who want to deny Tester a third term. The race between Rosendale and Tester will be under a spotlight. President Donald Trump vowed to make Tester pay for sinking his nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Democrats need to flip 23 GOP-held seats to wrest the House majority from Republicans this fall. In California, Tuesday's primaries were seen as a big test of the Democratic Partys plan to regain control of the House. TRUMP TWEETS PRIMARY DAY ENDORSEMENTS The big question facing Democrats in California was whether their candidates enthusiasm could backfire. So many Democratic contenders have jumped into key races largely running on an anti-Trump platform that the overload threatens to split the vote and boost Republicans. Because of the state's unique election laws, results from some of the races may take days or weeks to finalize. Californias jungle primary is set up to advance the top-two finishers to the general election regardless of party. Republican Rep. Mimi Walters easily advanced to the November election in her Orange County district that has been targeted by Democrats. The second spot remained up for grabs early Wednesday. In California's 48th district, which includes Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, Democrats face a potential scenario where two Republicans and no Democrats advance to November. The seat is currently represented by GOP Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, whos faced criticism over Russia-friendly rhetoric. But if Democrats split the vote too many ways on Tuesday, Republicans could grab the first and second ballot spots under the jungle primary system. Over in Californias 49th district, Democrats see another opportunity in the seat soon to be vacated by retiring GOP Rep. Darrell Issa. They are also eyeing the seat of outgoing Republican Rep. Ed Royce, the chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee, who has represented the states 39th district. As for statewide races, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a liberal Democrat, will take one of the two top spots in California's gubernatorial primary, Fox News can project. He will face Republican businessman John Cox, who surged in the polls after an endorsement from the president. Newsom is widely expected to prevail against the GOP challenger in November. Longtime incumbent Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., will finish first in the states Senate race despite her failure to secure the California Democratic Partys endorsement in February, Fox News can project. The fight for the second spot on the ballot is between the more liberal Democratic state Sen. Kevin de Leon and Republican James P. Bradley, among others. Fox News Peter Doocy in California, Kaitlyn Schallhorn and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Posted 6/6/18 In a governors office packed tight with media, family, a few close friends that included a few current and former sheriffs in the state, and his Sunday school classmates from Bolivar First Baptist Authorities arrested over a dozen protesters on Tuesday demanding the removal of a statue of Christopher Columbus from the rotunda at Californias capital they said is hailing genocide. "During the protest, several members from the group encircled the statue located in the capitol rotunda and began to act in an unlawful manner by attempting to climb on the statue in an effort to hang banners and flags," the California Highway Patrol press release said. Thirteen demonstrators, part of a group calling themselves the California Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, were granted a permit to protest near the Capitol, the Sacramento Bee reported. But the group, which says on its website that it takes peaceful action to promote awareness of a variety of issues such as systemic racism, wasnt allowed to take their demonstration in the Capitol, prompting the authorities to react. The activists posted videos of the arrests. "Police have arrested the first peaceful moral witness. While a statue hailing genocide sits at the center of our capitol, we are removed from the building," the group said on its Twitter page. The CHP told the Bee that the activists were arrested for resisting an arrest, disobeying a lawful order and vandalism. Last month, 18 protesters from the same group were arrested after holding a sit-in for six hours and refusing to leave the capitol after it closed for the day. Imran Awan, the former IT aide to congressional Democrats whose federal court case has drawn the interest of President Trump, is poised to strike a plea deal with prosecutors, court filings indicate. A Tuesday filing said a plea agreement hearing for Awan and his wife Hina Alvi has been set for July 3 before U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan in Washington. The filing did not reveal any details about the terms of the apparent agreement. But in court documents last month, prosecutors hinted that a deal could be in the works. The parties are currently exploring a possible resolution of this matter, prosecutors wrote. Therefore, the parties are requesting additional time in which to explore that resolution. Awans attorney, Christopher J. Gowen, nevertheless kept the door open Wednesday to the possibility that a deal might not be finalized. A plea happens in court, Gowen said in an email to Fox News. A plea does not happen outside of court. We anticipate that by July 3rd we will either enter a plea or the case will be set for trial. William Miller, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys Office, declined to discuss the developments, saying, We typically do not comment on pending cases and have no comment on this particular matter. The federal court case against Awan has been hit with repeated delays over the last six months -- a situation fueled by allegations in the media that, according to his attorney, have piqued the curiosity of prosecutors. AWAN'S CASE HIT WITH REPEATED DELAYS, AS FEDS PROBE NEW ALLEGATIONS Since November, a judge has postponed Awans court hearing in U.S. District Court six times at the request of the prosecution and defense. Gowen on Wednesday blamed the delays on the tremendous amount of false allegations published online and embraced by Republican politicians, the president and his Twitter-addicted children. Because of the pressure being applied by lawmakers and the Justice Department, very precious resources have to be used to fully investigate each absurd claim, Gowen said Wednesday. My client and I have turned over every single thing we have to assist. This is a tremendous waste of time and money. The exact nature of the allegations remains unclear. Reports suggest Awan, who worked for former Democratic National Committee chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and others, could have been involved in a cyber breach operation, something his legal team vigorously denies. But the facts of the case on paper are relatively mundane. Awan and his wife are facing allegations they engaged in a conspiracy to obtain home equity lines of credit from the Congressional Federal Credit Union by giving false information about two properties and sending the proceeds to individuals in Pakistan. A grand jury in August returned an indictment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia charging Awan and Alvi with a total of four counts pertaining to that alleged scheme, which included federal bank fraud and conspiracy. Awan has pleaded not guilty to all charges. But the case has drawn interest from Republican lawmakers because of Awans role for prominent Democrats and the access he had to sensitive data. Trump has tweeted about the case and referred to Awan as the Pakistani mystery man. Trump also mentioned Awan in a New York Times story last year, saying, Whatever happened to this Pakistani guy who worked with the DNC? Awan and other IT aides for House Democrats originally had been on investigators radar for months over concerns of alleged equipment theft, access to sensitive computer systems and more, according to reports dating back to early 2017. Awan was born in Pakistan, but came to the U.S. with his family when he was a teenager. He became a U.S. citizen more than a decade ago. The broader case surrounding him also has put renewed scrutiny on Wasserman Schultz for keeping Awan on the payroll for months, even after a criminal investigation was revealed and he was barred from the House IT network. Most lawmakers fired Awan in February 2017, but Wasserman Schultz had kept him on until his arrest in July. Awan has been enrolled in the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) with conditions that he abide by an electronically monitored curfew of 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. and a limit on traveling beyond 150 miles from his residence, according to court documents. Wasserman Schultz has blamed the right-wing media circus fringe for the attention on Awan, suggesting it's all part of an effort to distract from the investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 campaign and possible ties to Trump's team. Fox News Brooke Singman and Jake Gibson contributed to this report. From women hoping to make history to a recall vote for a California judge who issued a controversial sentence to a college student convicted of sexual assault, June 5 was a busy night of primary elections nationwide. Primaries were held in eight states: Alabama, California, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota. President Trump took to Twitter Wednesday morning to praise Republicans and John Cox, the GOP gubernatorial candidate in California who secured enough votes to make it to the general election in November. Great night for Republicans! Congratulations to John Cox on a really big number in California. He can win, Trump said. So much for the big Blue Wave, it may be a big Red Wave. Working hard! Read on for a look at nine primary moments you should know about. Newsom, Cox advance to California gubernatorial race Republican John Cox, who has the support of President Trump, will appear on the ballot against Democrat Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom later this year. Cox received about a quarter of the votes counted so far, easily outpacing former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for the second-place finish. Newsom came in first by a comfortable margin. Cox, 62, earned his wealth as a lawyer, accountant and investor in the Chicago area. He also owns thousands of apartments in the Midwest. Newsom, 50, is the former mayor of San Francisco. Trump encouraged California voters to support Cox in the primary with multiple tweets, calling the businessman a really good and highly competent man. On the morning of the primary, Trump said Cox will make a BIG difference in California, which he called a high tax, high crime state. Congresswoman who opposed Trump forced into runoff Rep. Martha Roby, R-Ala., retracted her endorsement of Trump -- before he was elected president -- after an Access Hollywood tape of Trump saying vulgar things about women was published. Nearly two years later, her seat is in danger. Roby failed to reach the 50 percent threshold in Alabamas primary and will face Bobby Bright in a July 17 runoff. Bright is the former mayor of Montgomery, Ala., and only recently switched his party affiliation from Democrat. He used to represent the district in Congress until Roby defeated him in 2010. FOX NEWS FULL MIDTERM COVERAGE Roby, 41, has represented Alabamas 2nd congressional district since 2011. Donald Trumps behavior makes him unacceptable as a candidate for president, and I wont vote for him, Roby said at the time, adding, Hillary Clinton must not be president, but, with Trump leading the ticket, she will be. Her lack of support for Trump has made her a target in the midterm elections. Bright even released a campaign ad in which he accused her of having turned her back on President Trump when he needed her the most. Democrat Tabitha Isner won the Democratic primary and will face either Bright or Roby in the general election. Women vying for governor win big Several women secured their partys nomination for governor in the primaries. Rep. Kristi Noem defeated Attorney General Marty Jackley to become the Republican nominee for South Dakotas gubernatorial race. She is the only woman South Dakota Republicans have nominated for the states top job. Noem, 46, is expected to face Billie Sutton, a well-funded Democrat and former professional rodeo cowboy who ran unopposed, in the general election. In New Mexico, Democrats elected Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, 58, as the partys nominee for governor. She will face Rep. Steve Pearce, a Republican, in the general election to replace term-limited Gov. Susana Martinez. Democrats already control much of New Mexico politics, including the legislature and other statewide offices. A win for Lujan Grisham, who leads the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and has been an ardent critic of Trump, could shut out Republicans from redistricting efforts in 2021. Incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey, a 73-year-old Republican, won the GOP primary in Alabama. She will face off against Walt Maddox, a Democrat, in the general. Im grateful to the people of Alabama for their support throughout this journey, and I am honored to be chosen as the Republican nominee for Governor, Ivey, who became Alabamas second female governor in 2017 after Robert Bentley resigned, said in a statement to WBRC-TV. I humbly ask for the peoples continued support, prayers and votes in November. Lets keep up the good fight! In Iowa, Gov. Kim Reynolds is set to advance to the general election, as she ran unopposed. The 58-year-old will face Democrat Fred Hubbell, a wealthy businessman, in November. Reynolds, a former lieutenant governor, took over as leader of the Hawkeye State after Terry Branstad became U.S. ambassador to China in 2017. New Mexico poised to elect first Native American congresswoman Democrat Deb Haaland won her partys primary in New Mexico Tuesday night -- putting her closer to making U.S. history as the first Native American congresswoman. If she wins the general, she would represent New Mexicos 1st congressional district, which encompasses Albuquerque. Haaland is a former leader of the Democratic Party in New Mexico and a tribal member of the Laguna Pueblo. TRUMP TWEETS PRIMARY DAY ENDORSEMENTS Donald Trump and the billionaire class should consider this victory a warning shot: the blue wave is coming, Haaland said after winning her primary. Haaland will face Republican Janice Arnold-Jones in Novembers general election for the seat vacated by Lujan Grisham. Arnold-Jones ran unopposed. No party suffered mass casualties in California House races Both Republicans and Democrats in California appeared to escape the states jungle primary relatively unscathed, as neither party was shut out of certain competitive House races. The jungle primary system pushes the top two finishers of a race to the November elections, regardless of party. For Democrats, certain close House races are critical for taking back control of Congress in the 2018 midterm elections. At least two of their best pickup opportunities in southern California have yet to be officially decided, but Democrats avoided being shut out from the ballot in the vast majority of the states top battleground races. Republicans led the pack by a wide margin in many key races Tuesday. In the 48th congressional district, incumbent GOP Rep. Dana Rohrabacher was comfortably in first place with about 30 percent of the vote, despite being attacked by opponents for his ties to Russia. And in the 39th district, to replace retiring Rep. Ed Royce, Republican Young Kim was ahead with about 22 percent of the vote -- with Democrat Gil Cisneros less than 3 points behind. Republican Diane Harkey advanced to the November election in the 49th congressional district with 25 percent of the vote as of Wednesday morning, leading the pack by about 8 points in the the race to replace outgoing GOP Rep. Darrell Issa. Democrats need to pick up 23 GOP-controlled seats in order to take the House in the midterms. Out of Californias 53 House seats, Republicans hold 14, and seven of those districts backed Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. Judge who sentenced Stanford swimmer recalled The judge who sentenced a former Stanford University swimmer to six months in prison for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman was recalled by voters Tuesday. Judge Aaron Persky sentenced Brock Turner, who was convicted of two counts of digitally penetrating an unconscious person and one count of assault with intent to rape, to six months in jail, but Turner was released from prison after only serving half that time. He was caught in January 2015 assaulting a woman behind a dumpster. WHY CALIFORNIANS LAUNCHED AN EFFORT TO RECALL JUDGE PERSKY, WHO SENTENCED BROCK TURNER The prison sentence set off a nationwide conversation about campus sexual assault and whether the nations judicial system takes the crime seriously enough -- even before the height of the #MeToo movement. Michele Dauber, a Stanford University law professor and friend of victim, launched a campaign to recall Persky. This is a historical moment in time. Women are standing up for their rights, and there is a national reckoning. Michele Dauber, Stanford University law professor The recall vote was considered to be one of the first electoral tests of the #MeToo movements political strengths. Persky is the first California judge to be recalled in more than 80 years. The broader message of this victory is that violence against women is now a voting issue, Dauber said in a statement. This is a historical moment in time. Women are standing up for their rights, and there is a national reckoning. Assistant District Attorney Cindy Hendrickson will finish out the remaining four years of Perskys term, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Rosendale will face Tester for Minnesota Senate Montana state auditor Matt Rosendale beat out the three other GOP contenders to secure his partys nomination to face incumbent Sen. Jon Tester, an endangered Democrat, in the fall. Rosendale, the 57-year-old former majority leader in the state Senate, was elected as Montanas state auditor in 2016. He had the endorsements of Sens. Rand Paul, Mike Lee and Ted Cruz in the primary. Tester, a more conservative Democrat, drew the ire of Trump earlier this year during the kerfuffle over the presidents pick to lead the Veterans Affairs Department. Adm. Ronny Jackson, who was the presidents physician, withdrew his name from consideration for the Cabinet post following allegations about his prescription-drug practices and use of alcohol. Jackson was also accused of wrecking a government vehicle while intoxicated. The allegations were collected by Testers office, as he is the top Democrat on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. DEMOCRATS PATH TO HOUSE TAKEOVER NARROWS: PARTY TRAILS IN CALIFORNIA RACES AS NEW YORK SEAT COMES INTO PLAY Ill fight for more freedom and prosperity for all Montana, Rosendale said after his primary victory. We need to send Trump some conservative reinforcing that will end the liberal constriction. Rosendale beat out three other contenders to win Tuesdays primary: combat veteran Troy Downing, Judge Russ Fagg and state Sen. Albert Olszewski. Menendez survives primary to face pharmaceutical executive New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez survived the Democratic primary after being ensnared in a corruption and bribery case last year. The trial ended in a mistrial after the jury said it could not reach a decision, but Menendez was severely admonished by the Senate Ethics Committee. Menendez defeated publisher Lisa McCormick in the primary and will face pharmaceutical executive Bob Hugin, a Republican, in the fall. Throughout the primary -- even though the two men are not appearing on a ballot together until November -- Hugin and Menendez did not miss any opportunity to take jabs at one another. Both candidates raked in millions of dollars in campaign contributions. My opponent, greedy drug company CEO Bob Hugin, is going to have to answer for his record of driving up prices for cancer patients while making millions for himself, Menendez said after his primary win. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SEN. MENENDEZS CORRUPTION AND BRIBERY TRIAL Hugin has distanced himself from Trump throughout his campaign. He has said he is pro-choice, pro-marriage equality and strongly support[s] equal pay for equal work. In the 2016 presidential election, Clinton took New Jersey with 55 percent of the vote; Trump won 41 percent. Iowa could send youngest congresswoman ever to Washington State Rep. Abby Finkenauer won the Democratic primary to take on incumbent Rep. Rod Blum, a Republican, in the fall. If she wins the general election, Finkenauer, 28, would be the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., currently holds that record as she was elected in 2014 at the age of 30. Blum faces a tough re-election campaign in what Fox News has labeled a toss-up election. He ran unopposed in the primary, but a group of energized Democrats are vying to take him on in the general election. His seat is one targeted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. As Ive said from day one, this is personal, Finkenauer said in a statement after her win. We started this campaign to stand up for families just like mine, who work hard and play by the rules but have the odds stacked against them. Fox News Adam Shaw and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Gennifer Flowers on Tuesday accused former President Bill Clinton of sexually harassing her before entering the alleged 12-year-long relationship with him in the 1970s. Flowers, who hasnt done an interview in six years, spoke with Fox News Laura Ingraham on Tuesday. She claimed that-- in retrospect-- Clintons first approach to her in 1977 when she was a young local news reporter amounted to sexual harassment. When I first met Bill Clinton, it was when I was sent on my first story by myself after my training with my cameraman, she said on The Ingraham Angle. He came on to me that night, I told him to knock it off. He proceeded to continue to come on to me for three months before I decided that I wanted to have a relationship with him, which at that point was consensual. In 1998, Clinton admitted while under oath to a sexual encounter with Flowers but denied that it lasted for over a decade. He testified as part of the Paula Jones sexual harassment case. Flowers went to call for Clinton to be prosecuted for the alleged rape of Juanita Broaddrick in the 1970s. Like Hillary, I want to be in denial that these things could happen because I felt like that wasnt the person that I had known. But when I met [Broaddrick] the first time, I realized she was a very genuine person and had no reason to lie about that, she said. I had to come to terms with the fact that he was very capable and did do that. Why shouldnt he be prosecuted for rape as Bill Cosby has and Harvey Weinstein was just arrested? The Clinton Foundation and David E. Kendall, his personal lawyer, did not immediately respond to Fox News for comment. BILL CLINTON DIGS IN OVER MONICA, #METOO IN AWKWARD INTERVIEW SPREE Clinton returned to spotlight this week, promoting his new political thriller co-authored with James Patterson, The President is Missing. But in the #MeToo era, hes facing hostile questions about his past controversies. On Monday, the former president stumbled during an interview with NBC, accusing a reporter of ignoring "gaping facts" when asked about Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern he had a sexual relationship with. He went on to downplay his misconduct and identify with the #MeToo movement. I like the #MeToo movement; its way overdue, he said. It doesnt mean I agree with everything. I still have some questions about some of the decisions that have been made." Aye! Who barred The Fonz from voting? Happy Days star Henry Winkler said Tuesday he was one of the thousands of voters omitted from Los Angeles County voter lists due to a printing error. Winkler tweeted, My name was left off the polling registry today in Los Angeles. Winkler joined more than 118,000 others who were left off the lists during the primary elections in California. CALIFORNIAS KEY PRIMARIES: TRUMP-BACKED JOHN COX OUTPACES VILLARAIGOSA FOR GOVERNOR, FEINSTEIN TAKES TOP SPOT IN SENATE CONTEST However, the county registrar-recorder's office said workers were instructed to offer provisional ballots to every voter whose name didn't appear on a list for the primary. County Registrar Dean C. Logan apologized for the inconvenience and assured other that their vote will be counted. Officials said they are still working to identify what caused some names to not be included on printed lists of voters. Everything worked out for Winkler, who tweeted a photo of himself wearing an I Voted sticker. Your turn!!! he tweeted. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said in an interview published Wednesday that he regrets backing Hillary Clinton in 2016, and hinted that he could back President Trumps re-election in 2020 -- as he looks to fend off a Republican challenger in November. In an interview with Politico, Manchin said that he urged the doomed Democrat in 2016 not to travel to the coal-rich state after she said she planned to put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business. He said he considered pulling his endorsement, but that Clinton came to the state and promised that if elected, she would make sure devastated areas of West Virginia would receive highways, broadband Internet and a hydroelectic dam. It (endorsing her) was a mistake. It was a mistake politically, he said, although he added that the offer of federal funding could not be refused. Is this about me? Or trying to help a part of my state thats never recovered and is having a tough time? Manchin also hinted that he could cross party lines in 2020 and back President Trumps re-election. Im open to supporting the person who I think is best for my country and my state, Manchin said. If his policies are best, Ill be right there. Manchin faces a tough re-election race, and his West Virginia seat is eyed as a possible Republican gain in November. Trump won the state by more than 40 points, and Manchin has sought to draw himself close to Trump, as much as he can, as a way to fend off the challenge from the GOP. He applauded Trumps State of the Union address, and recently backed Gina Haspel, Trump's choice for CIA Director. Im with him sometimes more than other Republican senators are with him, Manchin told Politico. Yet he has also made a number of moves away from Trump, opposing his pushes for ObamaCare reform and tax reform. He also voted against Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price. A Democratic poll this month found that Manchin is leading Republican challenger and West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey by 12 points. Montana State Auditor Matthew Rosendale won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate on Tuesday in the race to challenge the vulnerable Democratic incumbent Jon Tester in November. Rosendale, 57, pulled out the victory over three other candidates in the GOP primary. The Senate hopeful has support from deep-pocketed Republican donors who seek to deny Tester a third term. The battle of the ox has finally begun, tonight we are one step closer to defeating Jon Tester, Rosendale said. This is not a victory speech we have to earn that we have to go through to November and thats when we will come back and give the victory speech. The upcoming race between Rosendale and Tester is expected to be under a contentious spotlight. President Trump vowed to make Tester pay for sinking his nominee to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Trumps remarks brought an influx of cash to fill Rosendales coffers for his campaign. Ill fight for more freedom and prosperity for all Montana, we need to send Trump some conservative reinforcing that will end the liberal constriction, Rosendale said. Montana Democrats have been facing a strong Republican challenge in recent years as the GOP has increasingly gained a foothold into Big Sky Country. Two years ago, GOP candidates won every statewide race except the governors office. Tester, who is already feeling the heat from Rosendale, didnt receive a majority of the votes in his election victories in 2006 and 2012. He also face a challenge from the Green Party that could steal some of the votes he would need to lock in a win come November. The Montana Democratic Party has sued to try to disqualify the Green Party from the ballot. Trump won Montana with about 56 percent of the vote in 2016. In comparison, 2008 Republican nominee John McCain garnered about 50 percent. Fox News' Alexandra Pamias and the Associated Press contributed to this report. The Obama administration granted a license letting Iran access the United States financial system despite officials pledges that they would prohibit it, according to a draft report from the Senates Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. On Feb. 24, 2016, the Treasury Department issued a specific license to Bank Muscat to authorize the conversion of Irans rials to euros through any United States depository institution , the draft report said. Even after the specific license was issued, U.S. government officials maintained in congressional testimony that Iran would not be granted access to the U.S. financial system. The Obama administration during the negotiation of the Iran deal misled the American people, said Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), subcommittee chairman. I think they did so because they were desperate to get a deal. When the nations involved in the Iran nuclear agreement implemented the deal, Iran had $5.7 billion in assets at Bank Muscat in Muscat, Oman, maintained as Omani rials, according to the subcommittee. Iran wanted to access that money, and using the U.S. financial system to convert it was the most efficient means, even though U.S. sanctions prohibited it, according to the report. Government officials tried to convince two U.S. banks to execute the conversion. They both declined, citing the complexity and the unwanted appearance involved in processing an Iranian transaction, according to the report. Without a compliant American bank, a senior State Department official said he believed Bank Muscat and Iran eventually used European banks to convert the funds, said the committee. Portman said his subcommittee began investigating the transaction last summer. In an interview with an unnamed senior State Department official, the panel said, the official acknowledged that the administration exceeded our JCPOA commitments because there was nothing in the JCPOA that required the issuance of the specific license, according to the report. (JCPOA is the acronym for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran.) A former administration official disputes the subcommittee's conclusion, saying the Treasury Department never authorized Iran to access U.S. investments or markets, conduct commercial transactions in U.S. dollars or open correspondent accounts at U.S. banks. This specific license cannot be described as granting access to the U.S. financial system, the former official said. This specific license was in fulfillment of JCPOA commitments to give Iran access to pools of its money held overseas. It was aimed solely to allow the movement of Irans own funds stranded at an Omani bank into euros at a European bank, where Iran could then make use of them. A senior counsel and a top aide for Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt resigned Wednesday amid growing controversies surrounding the agency. The agency released a statement confirming that the aide, Millan Hupp, had resigned, a move that comes just days after appearing before a panel of House oversight committee investigating allegations of mismanagement and spending at the EPA. Millan has been a valued member of the EPA team from Day 1, serving an integral role in our efforts to take the presidents message of environmental stewardship across the country," Pruitt's statement said. "Ive had the opportunity to know Millan for the last several years as a colleague, friend and trusted partner. She has done outstanding work in all of her endeavors here and will be sorely missed. I wish her all the best. Hupp, Pruitts scheduler, appeared before the panel earlier this month to discuss personal errands that Pruitt had her do. This included house hunting, booking a trip for him to the Rose Bowl, and even securing a used Trump-hotel mattress. Pruitt maintained that any house hunting that was done for him was on personal time. EPA CHIEF SCOTT PRUITT HAS SPENT MILLIONS ON SECURITY, TRAVEL: REPORT Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have called the errands a violation of federal law. According to an administration official, Hupps last day will be Friday. Sarah Greenwalt, a senior counsel at the EPA, has reportedly handed in her resignation as well, The Washington Post reported. The EPA did not immediately comment on her departure. Pruitt has been confronted by allegations of mismanagement at the EPA. In an interview with Fox News back in early April, Pruitt was asked to address controversial pay raises for Hupp and Greenwalt that were initially denied by the White House, yet somehow got approved. EPAS SCOTT PRUITT PUSHES BACK ON PAY RAISE, CONDO CONTROVERSY IN FOX NEWS EXCLUSIVE My staff and I found out about it yesterday and I changed it, Pruitt said at the time. He added that he wasnt sure who was at fault or who would be held accountable for approving the raises. Pruitt had asked to bump Greenwalts salary to $164,200 from $107,435, and Hupps to $114,590 from $86,460. Pruitt has also been criticized in connection with the rental of a Capitol Hill condo tied to a prominent oil and gas lobbyist, and the use of first-class travel and luxury hotel suites, among other things. Fox News Kelly Chernenkoff and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Adult film star Stormy Daniels sued her former attorney Wednesday, accusing him of acting as a "puppet" for President Trump and his personal attorney, Michael Cohen. The lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court accuses Cohen and Keith Davidson of colluding to have Daniels publicly refute her claim that she had a sexual relationship with Trump in 2006. Daniels is fighting to invalidate a confidentiality agreement she signed days before the 2016 presidential election. "Starting in January 2018 at the latest, Defendants Davidson and Cohen acted in concert to benefit not [Daniels], but ... Mr. Trump," reads the complaint by Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. The complaint includes text messages purportedly sent between Davidson and Cohen on Jan. 17 of this year, when the complaint says Cohen became aware of an In Touch magazine article detailing Daniels' claims. "I have her tentatively scheduled for Hannity tonight," one text from a phone number identified as Cohen's reads, apparently referring to Daniels. "Call me after your trial." Davidson responds: "She cannot [do it] today ... I'm trying to get her to commit for tomorrow." Cohen initially responds: "This is no good. We need her as by doing tomorrow you just create another news cycle instead of putting an end to this one." An hour later, Cohen texts: "Let's forget tonight. They would rather tomorrow so they can promote the heck out of the show." More than two hours later, Cohen texts Davidson: "Keith, The wise men all believe the story is dying and don't think it's smart for her to do any interviews. Let her do her thing but no interviews at all with anyone." When Davidson answers, "100%," Cohen responds: "Thanks, pal." Daniels' complaint alleges: "The 'wise men' referred to above included Mr. Trump." "These text messages show that the prior denials by Mr. Trump and Mr. Cohen relating to what Mr. Trump knew and about the honesty of my client were absolute lies," Daniels' current attorney, Michael Avenatti, told Fox News in an email. "There was a significant coverup here as part of an attempt to deceive the American people and Mrs. Trump and we intend on getting to the bottom of it." Daniels is claiming damages in excess of $100,000 and is demanding a jury trial. The lawsuit also alleges that Cohen met with first lady Melania Trump in March to tell her Daniels would disclose the alleged 2006 tryst in a lawsuit after he was tipped off by Davidson that the adult-film star had hired another attorney. Trump and Cohen have publicly denied Daniels' allegations that she had sex with Trump just months after Melania gave birth to their son. Avenatti said on Twitter that Davidson was "a disgrace to the profession." He also referenced a 2012 case in which the FBI investigated Davidson over extortion claims involving a sex tape of pro wrestler Hulk Hogan. Davidson was not charged in that matter. In a statement, a spokesman for Davidson said he sees the lawsuit as a "full and complete waiver of the attorney-client privilege," which will allow him to "rebut the false narrative." "This outrageously frivolous lawsuit is yet another desperate attempt by Michael Avenatti to continue his 'publicity tour,' as well as divert attention from the recent allegations against him relating to bankruptcy proceedings and the failure to withhold millions of federal employee taxes," said Davidson's spokesman, Dave Wedge. Last month, a federal judge in California ordered a law firm linked to Avenatti to pay $10 million to a lawyer who claimed that the firm had misstated its profits and that he was owed millions. During the court hearing, a Justice Department lawyer said Avenatti's firm also owes back taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. Fox News' Lee Ross and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Posted 6/6/18 It is June 3, and lots has happened since I last put the pen to the paper with Memorial Day weekend. May 27 was Don and Patricia Willis anniversary. They planned to be together all day. They President Trump has commuted the life sentence for Alice Marie Johnson, after a high-profile campaign for clemency by reality television star Kim Kardashian West. Johnson, 63, was serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole after being convicted of a first-time nonviolent drug offense. Just hours after her life sentence was commuted, Johnson was released from federal prison and reunited with her family. Johnson was put on the presidents radar during a meeting in the Oval Office last week with Kardashian West, who was originally slated to meet with Trumps son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner to discuss prison reform. "Today, President Donald J. Trump granted a commutation to Alice Marie Johnson, a 63-year-old great-grandmother who has served almost 22 years in Federal prison for a first-time criminal offense," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement Wednesday. "Ms. Johnson has accepted responsibility for her past behavior and has been a model prisoner over the past two decades." Sanders added: "While this Administration will always be very tough on crime, it believes that those who have paid their debt to society and worked hard to better themselves while in prison deserve a second chance." The White House said that Johnson's case manager and vocational training instructor have "written letters in support of her clemency," and that Johnson has "exhbited outstanding and exemplary work ethic." The president commuted Johnson's sentence, which means her punishment has been wiped out, but her conviction remains on her record. A pardon would both wipe out the punishment and the conviction. Justice has been served today, and its long overdue. Alice has more than paid her debt to society by serving over 21 years of a life-without-parole sentence as a nonviolent drug offender. Life in prison without the possibility of parole screams that a person is beyond hope, beyond redemption. And in Alices case, it is a punishment that absolutely did not fit the crime. President Trump saved Alice Johnsons life today," Johnson's attorney Brittany K. Barnett said in a statement Wednesday. "We are extremely grateful and hope the President continues to use his clemency power to save lives. The Washington Post reported on Tuesday that Trump was strongly considering pardoning Johnson, despite resistance from Chief of Staff John Kelly and White House lawyer Don McGahn. Kardashian West tweeted Wednesday: "BEST NEWS EVER." I would like to thank President Trump for his time this afternoon. It is our hope that the President will grant clemency to Ms. Alice Marie Johnson who is serving a life sentence for a first-time, non-violent drug offense, she tweeted last week. Johnson was convicted in 1996 on eight criminal counts related to a Memphis-based cocaine trafficking operation. Her involvement with cocaine dealers reportedly came about after she lost her job, her son was killed, she got divorced and her home was foreclosed on. Last week, Trump pardoned conservative filmmaker Dinesh D'Souza. He also floated potentially commuting the sentence of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and pardoning Martha Stewart. The Associated Press contributed to this report. North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un "begged" for the summit with President Trump to go on after Trump canceled it last month, Rudy Giuliani reportedly said Wednesday. Speaking in Tel Aviv, Giuliani claimed that after Trump sent a letter to Kim Jong Un calling off the June 12 talks in Singapore, Kim got back on his hands and knees and begged for it, which is exactly the position you want to put him in. Trump has since announced that the meeting with Kim is back on and White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders announced Tuesday that it would be held at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island in Singapore. KIM JONG UN TERRIFIED SOMEONE WILL KILL HIM AT SINGAPORE SUMMIT: REPORT The former New York mayor, who is also part of Trumps legal team handling special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation, defended his sharp comments in an interview with The Associated Press, turning down the notion that they could affect the mood before the historic meeting. "It is pointing out that the president is the stronger figure," Giuliani told outlet. "And you're not going to have useful negotiations unless he accepts that." In a letter addressed to Kim last month, Trump called off the summit, calling the talks inappropriate following the hostility displayed in earlier comments from the regime. Based on the tremendous anger and open hostility displayed in your most recent statement, I feel it is inappropriate, at this time, to have this long-planned meeting, Trump wrote in the May 24 letter. Therefore, please let this letter serve to represent that the Singapore summit, for the good of both parties, but to the detriment of the world, will not take place. WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCES LOCATION OF TRUMP-KIM SUMMIT IN SINGAPORE Giuliani told The Associated Press that after the North Koreans insulted Vice President Mike Pence, National Security Adviser John Bolton and threatened the nuclear annihilation of the U.S., the president had no other option but to cancel the summit. "President Trump didn't take that, Giuliani said. What he did was he called off the summit. The attorney elaborated on what I mean by begging for it, saying after the meeting was canceled, Kim quickly changed his position, expressed willingness to discuss denuclearization and asked to have the summit again. Giuliani further noted that he was sharing a personal opinion and was not part of the U.S. foreign policy team. Fox News Brooke Singman and The Associated Press contributed to this report. President Trump brought down the hammer Wednesday on the vicious media coverage of Melania Trump, following days of wild conspiracy theories on the first lady's whereabouts. The Fake News Media has been so unfair, and vicious, to my wife and our great First Lady, Melania. During her recovery from surgery they reported everything from near death, to facelift, to left the W.H. (and me) for N.Y. or Virginia, to abuse. All Fake, she is doing really well! Trump tweeted. A media frenzy had erupted in recent days over the first lady, with reports suggesting she was missing in action following an announcement that she would not join the president at the looming G7 summit in Quebec and that there are no plans for her to travel to Singapore for the president's summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un. Meanwhile, the first lady re-emerged Wednesday shoulder-to-shoulder with her husband at the head of a conference table at the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Washington. "She had a little rough patch, but she's doing great," the president said at the top of a meeting on hurricane readiness. "We're very proud of her, she's done a fantastic job as first lady," he added. "People love you. The people of our country love you. Thank you, honey." Journalists wondered why the first lady was largely out of the public eye, but the theories took a dark turn in recent days. Trumps reference to abuse comes after Rolling Stone senior writer Jamil Smith suggested on Twitter that the first lady was absent from the public eye due to domestic violence. I wish that I didnt suspect that the prolonged, poorly explained public absence of Melania Trump could be about concealing abuse. I wish that it was a ludicrous prospect. I wish that the @POTUS wasnt a man with a history of abusing women, including those whom he is married, Smith tweeted on Sunday. The Independent floated the idea that Mrs. Trump had received a facelift. Minutes after his first tweet, President Trump added on Wednesday that: Four reporters spotted Melania in the White House last week walking merrily along to a meeting. They never reported the sighting because it would hurt the sick narrative that she was living in a different part of the world, was really ill, or whatever. Fake News is really bad! But despite reports, the first lady attended a White House event honoring Gold Star families on Monday evening. Videos of the first lady at the event were quickly posted on social media, showing the first lady wearing a sleeveless black dress and walking into the East Room accompanied by the president. The first lady last week tweeted to dispel rumors circulating about her whereabouts. I see the media is working overtime speculating where I am & what Im doing, the first lady tweeted. Rest assured, Im here at the @WhiteHouse w my family, feeling great, & working hard on behalf of children & the American people. Last month, the first lady underwent a successful embolization procedure to treat a benign kidney condition. She remained at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for about a week to recover. An embolization procedure is typically performed to cut off blood supply to a tumor, aneurysm or abnormal growth, typically growing in the kidney or liver, to shrink the foreign mass. Fox News' Brian Flood and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Republican businessman John Cox is facing Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom in Californias gubernatorial race this year. Cox, 63, came in second to Newsom in Californias jungle primary in June, a system which allows the top two vote-getters to advance to the general election, no matter the political party. Fox News has ranked the gubernatorial race as remaining likely Democrat in the election to replace Gov. Jerry Brown. From President Trumps social media campaigning to Coxs connection to former President Barack Obama, read on for a look three things to know about the gubernatorial hopeful. Hes got Trumps support Trump has offered his support for Cox multiple times on social media. I am hearing so many great things about the Republican Partys California Gubernatorial Candidate, John Cox, Trump said in an August tweet. He is a very successful businessman who is tired of high Taxes & Crime. He will Make California Great Again & make you proud of your Great State again. Total Endorsement! In the 2016 election, Cox didnt vote for Trump; instead, he supported Libertarian Gary Johnson. FOX NEWS MIDTERM ELECTIONS HEADQUARTERS While Trumps endorsement certainly helped rally Republicans around him in the primary, it could hinder him in the general as Cox seeks to sway independent and Democratic voters away from Newsom. Cox already faces long odds in November no Republican has won statewide in the Golden State since 2006. Hes a wealthy businessman On his campaign website, Cox highlights his business acumen, saying he is a businessman not a politician. Cox built his own business from scratch to a $200 million enterprise with almost 100 employees, his website states. He garnered his wealth as a lawyer, accountant, wealth manager and investor in the Chicago area. He now owns thousands of apartment units in the Midwest. He also has three homes in California. OCTOBER SURPRISE? 5 THINGS THAT COULD ROCK THE MIDTERMS I want people to know Ive made an investment here, I love it. Ive been successful, Ive been lucky, Im not going to apologize for it, Cox said in December 2017 during a Public Policy Institute of California event. Cox bought his first house in Rancho Santa Fe, outside San Diego, in 2007, and moved there full-time in 2011, spokesman Matt Shupe told The Associated Press. As he is mostly self-funding his campaign, Cox has decried what he called the corrupting influence of special interests and focused heavily on Californias high taxes and cost of living. Hes a prominent backer of a ballot initiative that would repeal recent increases in gasoline and diesel taxes. Hes run for office before and debated Obama Cox has unsuccessfully run for office several times in the past, including Illinois Senate in 2004, according to the Sacramento Bee. At the time, Cox shared a debate stage with then-State Sen. Barack Obama, who would win the election. In that debate, Cox sparred with the future president over the Iraq war. According to the newspaper, Cox also ran for a Chicago House seat in 2000, U.S. Senate in 2002, Cook County Recorder of Deeds in 2004 and Illinois Republican Party chair in 2005. He also sought the GOP presidential nomination for the 2008 election. WHAT TIME DO POLLS CLOSE ON ELECTION DAY? Hes reportedly said his position on politics stems from his upbringing. Cox was raised by a single mother, a public school teacher, on the south side of Chicago, The Los Angeles Times reported. My mom would come home at night, and she would sit on the sofa and literally cry. Why? Because she had to deal with some of the worst principals you could ever imagine in the Chicago public schools, Cox said at an event in Fresno, according to The Times. Why were they principals? Because they were friends of [a city council member]. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is political corruption. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A Florida Fish and Wildlife trapper bumped heads with a thrashing alligator who appeared to be attempting to break free on Tuesday. The moment was captured on video by an onlooker and showed a few people working to load the alligator, whose legs appeared to be tied together, into the back of a truck in Ocoee, Florida. RARE TWO-HEADED SNAKE DISCOVERED IN BACKYARD As soon as the trio placed the animal into the trucks bed, the gators head snapped back, colliding with the trapper who collapsed to the ground. What appeared to be a pair of sunglasses soared through the air as the alligator made impact. Moments later, as the other individuals attempted to brace the lashing animal, one person was whipped with its tail, sending them backwards. That allowed the gator to tumble out of the vehicle. "The gator flipped back and head-butted the guy," Walter Day, who lives in the neighborhood, told WKMG-TV. "(It) knocked him to the ground. At that point, it was (kind of) free and whacked police officers with its tail." DOG OWNER SLAPPED WITH CHARGES AFTER HUSKY GOES ON ANIMAL KILLING SPREE The agency reportedly arrived to the scene after the animal had been wandering about the neighborhood. "It literally crossed the street from our house," resident Jim Jarrells told WKMG-TV, adding that the 8-foot alligator was pretty fat. The condition of the trapper wasnt immediately clear and the alligator was eventually taken away. The Associated Press contributed to this report. DENVER Small but rowdy space rocks pushing and jostling one another may have created the unusual orbits some astronomers cite as the signature of the hypothesized "Planet Nine," a new study suggests. To date, researchers have discovered more than 2,300 bodies in the cold, distant realm beyond Neptune's orbit. The huge number of these trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) makes it computationally intensive to model the evolution of their orbits. However, the new study suggests that the complex gravitational dances among TNOs can be enough to send some, such as the dwarf planet Sedna, onto odd and intriguing paths. "The picture we have in our head is a lot of little moons floating around the solar system, interacting with comets," Ann-Marie Madigan, an assistant professor in the Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder), said during a news conference today (June 4). [The Search for Planet Nine in Pictures] Madigan and CU Boulder undergraduate student Jacob Fleisig presented the results here at the 232nd meeting of the American Astronomical Society, in Denver. No need for Planet Nine? The Kuiper Belt, the region immediately beyond Neptune, harbors TNOs of many sizes. The largest is Pluto, which was discovered more than 60 years before any of the others. Some TNOs are "detached objects," which orbit so far from the sun that they're not appreciably affected by the gravity of Neptune or any other known planet. Perhaps the most famous of these is Sedna, which takes 11,400 years to make a single orbit and never comes closer to the sun than 20 times farther out than Pluto. In 2016, astronomers Konstantin Batygin and Mike Brown announced that a distant undiscovered planet could have created the unusual signatures of some TNO orbits in the Kuiper Belt and sent Sedna and other detached objects out to even more distant realms. Batygin and Brown calculated that this world, dubbed Planet Nine, may be 10 times more massive than Earth and orbit the sun about 20 times farther away than Neptune does. But not everybody is on board with the Planet Nine hypothesis. The skeptics include Madigan and Fleisig, who, along with study co-author Alexander Zderic, a UC Boulder graduate student, think they've found an alternate solution to the weird orbital signatures. According to the researchers' simulations, the TNOs move like hands on a clock, with the most massive objects moving slowly, like the hour hand, and the smaller ones ticking along quickly, like the minute hand. The result is that the smaller bodies pile up quickly and their accumulated gravity is strong enough to reshape the paths of larger TNOs that get close. Eventually, the larger chunks wind up in extreme orbits, just like Sedna. "They are what's causing this detachment, and not an unseen ninth planet," Fleisig said during the news conference. [Our Solar System: A Photo Tour of the Planets] The gravity of the situation If this is the answer to the TNO puzzle, why hasn't anyone else noticed? Madigan and Fleisig said the problem is one of scale. It's computationally expensive to include a mass for each of the thousands of TNOs, so most simulations leave them massless, which negates how they interact gravitationally. [Trans-Neptunian Objects in the Extreme Outer Solar System (Infographic)] "The crucial difference is to include their mass in the simulation," Madigan told Space.com. The researchers didn't add mass to all of the TNOs, only to about 400. But that was enough to send the most massive objects into bizarre orbits. The collective-gravity hypothesis isn't a silver bullet, however. For example, there's still "clustering in pomega," which Madigan described as the odd fact that the orbits of the detached objects all tilt the same way. "Planet Nine explains this really well, and we do not," Madigan said. Ironically, while the new research discounts the need for an undiscovered planet, it requires the presence of thousands of smaller unseen objects. "The handful we've seen is not enough," Fleisig said. Madigan told Space.com that the early solar system was filled with enough debris to build up tens of Earths, but in far smaller pieces. Because most of the objects are modeled massless, most studies eject the bulk from the solar system. Adding mass means that more of that material could have stuck around, their smaller size keeping them from being detected. "The objects we've seen so far are just the tip of the iceberg," Fleisig said. While the small size of most TNOs makes them a challenge to detect, their motion makes it even harder. Usually, the larger an object is, the easier it is to discover. But because the largest objects are hurled into the most eccentric orbits, they become more difficult to find, the researchers said. In addition, the presence of the small handful already spotted suggests a larger population, Madigan said. "If there are only 10 out there, and we detected 10, it's bizarrely lucky," she said. Death to the dinosaurs The gravitational interactions among TNOs may also explain another strange event: the extinction of the nonavian dinosaurs about 65 million years ago. Previous studies have suggested that mass extinctions may occur with regularity, and some researchers have linked this perceived periodicity to pulses of comet or asteroid strikes. What could cause a cyclical rain of death from above? Other researchers have cited dark matter or the sun's hypothesized unseen companion star, Nemesis, as candidates. (Nemesis has never been spotted and is dismissed by most scientists.) Madigan called this impact-extinction-cycle idea "geology's Planet Nine" a nebulous connection she said is under debate in geologic circles. If the small gravitational interactions among TNOs are hurling objects like Sedna outward, they could also send some of the rocks into the inner solar system. Fleisig said the team's model creates periodic comet showers for the rocky planets, including Earth. While the researchers couldn't directly connect their observations to the collision that wiped out the dinosaurs and most life on Earth, Fleisig called the possibility "tantalizing." "It's exciting and suggestive," Madigan said. Originally published on Space.com. Amid the ongoing destruction as lava from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano has obliterated over 100 homes so far, a spectacular moment was captured Tuesday from the top of the mountain. A livestream of the Halema'uma'u Crater provided by the U.S. Geological Survey showed a late-afternoon rainbow coming out of the summit caldera. The rainbow was captured about 5:53 p.m. local time, and only lasted a few minutes before fading away. Since the eruption began on May 3, corrosive volcanic ash and smoke from ongoing explosions have billowed out of the Halema'uma'u crater, which has left most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park shuttered. We understand and commiserate with our community and visitors about the prolonged closure, but we cannot provide safe access to the Kilauea section of the park as long as these very unpredictable dangers threaten the safety of park staff and visitors, Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando said in a statement on Monday. Unlike lava, which you can see coming and avoid, we cannot see or predict earthquakes, nor can we foresee a summit explosion, but both threats continue." HAWAII'S KIM VOWS TO REBUILD FROM VOLCANO WITH HELP OF FEMA, AS SCIENTISTS SAY THE WORST IS YET TO COME The summit area in particular has been also struck by several earthquakes that have damaged at least three park buildings, fractured park roads, and snapped water lines, according to the National Park Service. A magnitude 5.5 earthquake rattled the summit area at 3:50 p.m. on June 3, cracking the overlook deck at Jaggar Museum. HAWAII'S KILAUEA VOLCANO RANKED AMONG TOP 10 MOST DANGEROUS IN US Over the weekend, the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported more than 500 earthquakes in a 24-hour period the most ever measured by HVO scientists. Unfortunately, theres no way to tell when we can reopen the Kilauea section of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Well only reopen when it is safe to do so, and we will need time to assess, make repairs and clean up, Orlando said. In the meantime, we ask for your understanding and support. Further down the mountain, lava entering the water Tuesday at the Vacationland tide-pools has taken over most of the subdivision, and damage has escalated in recent days, forcing thousands have been forced to flee. Though the full extent of the destruction is hard to tell, Steve Brantley, the deputy scientist-in-charge at the U.S. Geological Surveys Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, told residents late Tuesday the worst may still be ahead. Fox News' Barnini Chakraborty in Pahoa, Hawaii contributed to this report. Facebook acknowledged Tuesday that it has shared controlled access to user data with at least four Chinese companies, including one flagged as a national security threat, a report said. The social media giant approved data access to Chinese firms Lenovo, Oppo, TCL and Huaweian electronics manufacturing company with close ties to Chinas governmentin agreements which date back to at least 2010, The New York Times reported. The paper recently published reports detailing how Facebook has given device makers deep access to the data of users' friends without their explicit consent. The data included work history, relationship status and likes on device users and their friends. I look forward to learning more about how Facebook ensured that information about their users was not sent to Chinese servers, said Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Facebook, which has been banned in China since 2009, issued a statement ensuring that access to all information shared with Huawei was carefully managed and stayed on its phones, not on Huaweis servers. The company said it would end its data partnership with Huawei by the end of this week, Reuters reported. It is also ending partnerships with the three other Chinese firms. Facebook is learning hard lessons that meaningful transparency is a high standard to meet. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D. Facebook is learning hard lessons that meaningful transparency is a high standard to meet, said Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee. The Federal Trade Commission is currently investigating Facebook to determine whether the company adhered to the 2011 settlement requiring it to enact a number of security measures to ensure users information isnt shared without their consent. The Times reported the recipients of Facebook data included Chinese firms like Huawei that have been banned by some U.S. government agencies due to security risksthough the company has long denied such concerns. For years, Huawei and its Shenzhen-based rival ZTE have been the subject of security misgivings in the U.S., but they have come under particular scrutiny since the start of the Trump administration. The Pentagon in May banned the sale of Huawei and ZTE phones on military bases, four months after AT&T dropped a deal to sell a new Huawei smartphone. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All across the country, sophisticated drones have been used to smuggle drugs, weapons, cell phones and even porn into prisons. Smugglers use rope or metal wire to attach loads filled with contraband to the bottom of a drone, which can be altered or modified to drop the loads by hand-held remote controls. The drones can fly up to a quarter of a mile away using GPS coordinates with little to no detection. This makes it almost impossible for law enforcement to find the person controlling the devices. South Carolina has dealt with the problem more than other states in previous years. In 2017, more than 28 drone sightings were reported across the state, in some cases causing inmates to escape or assault each other after they acquired cell phones from drone deliveries. But now, in South Carolina, prison officials are implement the first drone program in the country to fight back against the disturbing new trend. We have been attacked by drones, they have been delivering contraband into our institutions for the past few years, said South Carolina Department of Corrections Director Bryan Stirling. Now, he said, they are using the technology to our advantage. If you consider that Amazon can deliver packages by drone, its not a far leap to the imagination a criminal could take anything, literally any item of contraband and do the exact same thing... you can preprogram it, set it to make multiple drops in multiple very precise locations. CEO of Global Security Group David Katz In April, mobile drone-detection equipment was installed in the states prisons to detect tiny aircraft and alert perimeter patrols. The drones are controlled by two pilots. The two former military members who guide the drones, and who asked not to be unidentified, travel with the equipment to and from the 21 prisons across the state. It gives us a visual of our institutions from up to 400 feet. We can see the entire institution, and we can see the perimeter, Stirling said. The drones, some of which have been confiscated from criminals and converted for use by the programs pilots, use infrared technology. This feature helps them find contraband, like cell phones, weapons or drugs that criminals have either thrown over the fence or dropped in with drones at night. If a criminals remote-controlled aircraft is spotted by the states drones, the director said outside agencies and prison officials will respond, intervene, and conduct an investigation. Over the last almost 20 years now, cell phones have allowed these folks that are incarcerated and the folks on the outside to communicate and organize and bring contraband in and also pay for it, Stirling said. So, that is obviously a problem that we have addressed. Security and investigative experts say as technology advances, so do criminals tactics. If you consider that Amazon can deliver packages by drone, its not a far leap to the imagination a criminal could take anything, literally any item of contraband and do the exact same thing, CEO of Global Security Group David Katz said. So, in other words, you can preprogram it, set it to make multiple drops in multiple very precise locations. In July of 2017, authorities said they believed a drone was used to deliver wire cutters used by convicted criminal Jimmy Causey to escape from Lieber Correctional Institution in Ridgeville, S.C. He was apprehended more than 1,200 miles away in an Austin, Texas days later. But the bigger danger is, lets say you havea high-security prison. Now, take a larger drone, flip it right over the fence and drop very dangerous items: pistols, ammunition, explosive devices or worse. That would be very, very easy to do with even a modest technological experience, Katz said. As another line of defense, the South Carolina Department of Corrections has instituted a 24/7 surveillance operation center to monitor everything from dorms to the perimeter of its institutions. We have almost doubled the number of cameras in the last three or so years that we have installed in the department, Stirling said. We are looking to add another 250 or so cameras and we are going to keep on adding cameras. Stirling said with the new drone program and surveillance center, criminals will see he isnt playing around. Its a clear message to folks that want to deliver contraband or are up to ill intent, or are on our property, Stirling said, that theres a good chance they are being watched and we will respond and act accordingly. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Posted 6/6/18 Part of the back wall of the old Richardsons Grocery Store building on Main Street on the Buffalo square collapsed early the week of May 21-25 and a large number of bricks came tumbling down into This is a rush transcript from "Your World," June 6, 2018. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) NEIL CAVUTO, 'YOUR WORLD' HOST: Will the trade war have a -- have an impact, effect on the security relationship? JAMES MATTIS, U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: Right now, I don't see that. We're looking for reciprocal trade. So, along the path going there, certainly, it will be a little rocky, a little bumpy at times. But, so far, I do not anticipate any effect in the security arena. (END VIDEO CLIP) NEIL CAVUTO, 'YOUR WORLD' HOST: All right. That's the read from the defense secretary. Is that something Kay Bailey Hutchison agrees with, our U.S. ambassador to NATO? Ambassador, thank you for taking the time. Is it your sense too that this will not boomerang on us, the trade tensions between a lot of our allies hurting our security relations? KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO NATO: You know, Neil, in a group of 29 countries, there are a lot of disagreements on a bilateral basis. There are disagreements within NATO on how we do things. But there's no disagreement on our goal, our common goal of a security umbrella for all 29 of us. And I think the professional diplomats here are very good. And they do not bring up bilateral disputes or disagreements that they may have. We have good relationships with all of the other ambassadors, and we're able to talk through things. So, I feel very good about NATO staying very united and together. Unity is the most important thing that we have. And we do have it. NEIL CAVUTO, 'YOUR WORLD' HOST: So, there aren't any of the concerns, or as many as there were about everyone footing the bill or putting up at least the 2 percent toward NATO and defenses that was in doubt a little more than-and-a-half years ago? HUTCHISON: You know, I think that what President Trump has done is really made a big point and he's made it publicly. And countries are coming through. Every NATO ally really in 2016 did not increase spending, but, as of today, every NATO ally is increasing their own defense spending. And, in 2018, when the numbers are finished, we will have the largest increase in defense spending by our NATO countries outside of the United States since the Cold War. So, I think that we are going in the right direction. Everyone is trying hard. There are differences. I mean, look at Italy. They have had trouble forming a government. Germany took several months to form a government after elections. So, you have delays and then you don't get budgets. So I think we're going in the right direction. Do we have more to do? You bet. We do, because we want the 2 percent to represent not just a number out there, but the amount that we need to have a significant deterrence against a real enemy. And that is what -- it came up in the Wales summit. The number was 2 percent. Two percent is not too much to pay for the security and freedom of your people. And that's what NATO believes and that's what we're going to achieve. And we're going to do it in good order. NEIL CAVUTO, 'YOUR WORLD' HOST: Back to this trade tiff, whatever you want to call it, Ambassador. Some are worried that it could escalate. Nothing is in place now, and Americans certainly don't see anything yet, and nor do foreigners, that this could come to fruition. But if it does, the president has long argued that these are as much about our national security efforts as they are economic desires, that they intertwine. Do you believe that? HUTCHISON: I do think that the tariffs are certainly an issue. I'm not going to say it's not something that people are concerned about. What we want is to solve the problem. We want fair and level playing fields. We're talking now about E.U. cooperation. NEIL CAVUTO, 'YOUR WORLD' HOST: Right. HUTCHISON: And they're forming a new defense initiative, PESCO. We want to make sure that there's access to outside E.U. countries to be able to bid on defense projects in NATO, just like we allow from the United States. Let me just tell you that, last year, the Department of Defense spent over a billion dollars with foreign allies buying their products for our defense purposes. So, we want that same level playing field with E.U. countries when they're going out for procurement. We want to do things together. We can compete. But we also want the best products for our overall security. And that is what we're trying to get. NEIL CAVUTO, 'YOUR WORLD' HOST: Are you concerned, Ambassador? -- I know you have to play this diplomatically, given what you have to do as our liaison certainly with NATO -- but that this is coming at a time and this dust-up with some of our allies and our friends when we have to deal with the Chinese, and have to deal with the North Koreans, and that we could be alienating them at a time we really need them? Do you worry about that? HUTCHISON: You know, I think every relationship has so many facets, and there are things that we have. For instance, we talked about Germany not meeting the 2 percent. But we have 300,000 troops in Germany. Well, it may not be 300,000. I think I misspoke. It's 35,000. But it's -- that's something that is very important in our bilateral relationship. And we want Germany to do more, but we respect that they're doing a lot in Afghanistan. They're one of the framework nations in Afghanistan. So we want them to meet the 2 percent, but there are other factors. All of these relationships are intertwined. So, yes, there is certainly some disagreement about the tariffs. There's no question about that. But what I think is the purpose here is to try to get a more even trade relationship, and have a true alliance at NATO that does have some of our allies who haven't put up as much as they could, while they are giving in other areas to be helpful. So we have to balance all of this. We cannot step back on the 2 percent. That is what we need for the overall big picture security. But we know that many allies are also putting troops on the ground, advising in Afghanistan. And we're working with the Iraqis, as well, for advising them on how to get ISIS out of their country and stabilize their country. So we're doing many things in different areas, and we have to factor all of that in. NEIL CAVUTO, 'YOUR WORLD' HOST: Indeed. Ambassador, thank you very much for taking the time. I appreciate it. HUTCHISON: Hey, thank you, Neil. NEIL CAVUTO, 'YOUR WORLD' HOST: All right. END This is a rush transcript from "Your World," June 6, 2018. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated. NEIL CAVUTO, HOST: You know, it might not be one and done after all in Singapore, that this so-called one-day meeting might extend, if not right there in Singapore, down the road, and that the talk that they're promising could yield sort of Reykjavik-like Iceland duration with the likes of Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. Of course, that one didn't get the desired response until they both left, came back months later to seal a deal. That was then. What is going to happen now? The read from Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, what he makes of this. What do you make of the prospect, Senator, that this could be something that gets stretched out a little bit? SEN. RAND PAUL, R-KENTUCKY: You know, I think -- I'm still very hopeful. I'm back that -- I'm glad that we're back on again with the Korean summit. And I don't think there's an easy solution to where we go from here, but I think the fact that we're having a discussion and the beginnings of diplomacy is a good thing. CAVUTO: So, it's trade back and forth, not only the Chinese, but now with a lot of our allies. The Canadians are upset. The French are upset, Germans. Everybody seems unset. Do you think this is the time to be ruffling their feathers, while we're dealing with something far bigger for the time being? PAUL: No. I think it's a mistake to start using national security waivers to invoke tariffs allies, friends, and even frenemies around the world. Trade is largely beneficial to this country. And one of the things that people misinterpret is, they talk about this trade deficit, as if it's sort of money we have lost. Everyone has a deficit with people they buy stuff from. So, I have a deficit with my grocery store. Texas may well have a deficit with Oklahoma or vice versa. But it's an artificial measurement. And it doesn't measure prosperity. You want to know whether your country has more trade or less, and you want to know whether your economy is growing and your wage are growing and more people have jobs. But talking about the trade deficit in isolation is a huge mistake. CAVUTO: So your colleague Senator Corker is among those -- there are others as well, and maybe you are among them -- who thinks that this should get a Senate yea or nay when we're looking at tariffs, when we're looking at what the president is indicating, tariffs and the like. PAUL: I'm always a believer in Congress recouping its power, taking its power back. We have abdicated so much our power. We have given it up to the presidency, whether it's war-making authority, whether it's the health care economy, whether it's regulations in any industry. We have given up too much power to the president. So, I'm always in favor of trying to gain that power back. CAVUTO: Do you think the president is starting on a bad precedent here, that he has brought to people's attention how the Chinese and indeed many of our friends kind of rig the system to their benefit, but is this the proper response? Or is he going too far? What do you think? PAUL: I think, when you look at these old trade deals from decades ago, and they have a national security waiver in them, I think they were intended to be, OK, tomorrow, we have declared war, 1942, with -- or '41 -- with Japan. Should we now reassess our trade agreement with Japan? I think that's what the national security waiver is about. It wasn't about sort of using it as an excuse to put tariffs on anybody. I think it was talking about the threat of war or the actual activities of war, where we might not want to trade with an enemy. So, no, I think it's a misappropriation and a misuse of language from a long time ago. And I don't think it's helpful. I have farmers in my state. To a person, every farmer is against a trade war. I have automobile industry in my state -- 20,000 people work for Toyota. To a person, against a trade war. We expert -- export bourbon in our -- our -- in Kentucky as well. To a person, against a trade war. So Kentucky benefits from trade. We don't want to see less trade. We want more trade. CAVUTO: Ahead of the North Korean meeting, Senator, there's been talk about what we would grant or offer to the North Koreans to get them to denuclearize. One of the ideas bandied about was addressing the number of troops, I believe in excess of 50,000, that are in South Korea that we have. How would you feel about that? You have been an outspoken opponent of our commitments all around the world. How would you feel if we scaled that force down? PAUL: About four months ago, I wrote an op-ed with the suggestion, which I think was novel at the time, that perhaps the forces at the DMZ could become more international and actually China could be part of that. I think there's a distrust on North Koreans' part, after Libya, after the Iran agreement, there's a lot of distrust. But I think if you had an international force there, in exchange, though, for them giving up their nuclear weapons program, it would be worthwhile. So, yes, I would put that in the mix, but I wouldn't just give it away. I would say, we would be willing to withdraw U.S. troops if there was a denuclearization and an international force that would replace our forces. CAVUTO: What did you mean as well by talking about unauthorized use of force? Is that force without approval by Congress or just ongoing military actions without any checking? PAUL: You're talking about hearing today? CAVUTO: Yes. PAUL: Yes, we had a hearing today because we have been at war for 17 years in Afghanistan. And while I was in favor of the original authorization for force that Congress gave President Bush, I'm not in favor of an unlimited authorization to be at war forever. We're now at war against at least eight different group and in 20 different countries. We had soldiers die in Mali the other day. Many people can't find Mali on the map and have no idea why we're at war in Mali. So, yes, we should be debating. And it's Congress' role. The founding fathers were unanimous that Congress should declare war. The president shouldn't be able to make these decisions unilaterally. CAVUTO: So what does that mean about our future commitments? If something were to act up all of a sudden and the Syrians use chemical weapons, what would the Senator Rand Paul position be? PAUL: The War Powers Act and people over time have come to believe -- and I do believe this -- that the president can repel imminent invasion. So, if there's something where we believe that someone is in the process of launching a weapon against us, yes, the president can act imminently. But when we were attacked on Pearl Harbor, it took 24 hours, and Congress came back almost unanimously for it. When we were attacked on 9/11, when President Bush came before the Congress, nearly unanimous. But if you're going to blow up chemical munitions in Syria, you have to ask for Congress. That is an act of war. And he should have come to Congress. And I think you would find that there would be a debate about it, and we may or may not have decided that that was the best, appropriate action. CAVUTO: As weighty and as important, substantive as those remarks are and that line of thinking is, I'm sure you're aware that it was your tweet on Bill Clinton and his comments about Monica Lewinsky that got far more play, Senator. You said that... (CROSSTALK) PAUL: Go figure. CAVUTO: It is the way, right? He "epitomizes the aggressor, not the victim." You went on to say: "You can't have an appropriate or consensual relationship with an intern." PAUL: Yes. CAVUTO: Did you expect it would get as much buzz and play? PAUL: I think the problem is, is that I don't think he's truly contrite. I think he's still playing the victim. He doesn't understand how anybody would have the audacity to ask him, Bill Clinton, about this. Well, for two decades, the mainstream media covered up for him. The mainstream media said, oh, it was a consensual affair between adults. Guess what? Talk to modern women. Talk to people about this. And most women from the MeToo movement will say, you know what, a 20-year- old is not really capable of giving consent in the workplace to have sex under the desk. OK? And so if he doesn't get that, that wouldn't have been acceptable in 1998 if you were the CEO of any major company. Nobody would thought that was ever acceptable behavior, and he still doesn't get it. He acts as if, oh, I was put upon, and I was in debt before -- before I made my next $100 million, I was actually for a few months in debt, you know? So, ridiculous. CAVUTO: Well, no, I was curious because President Clinton had also talked about this notion whether a president can pardon himself. He said no. Do you think that this president, talking about that very subject, can? He thinks he can. PAUL: The Constitution seems to put no limits on the president. There are some principles of law where people would say that it defies sort of the ideas of justice for someone to be able to pardon themselves. But the Constitution isn't explicit in prohibiting this. And so, yes, it can probably do it. But you noticed even the president said this, the president says he's guilty of nothing and that he's not going to do that. But I think that... (CROSSTALK) CAVUTO: So, why mention it, Senator? PAUL: I think because what has happened is, this whole investigation into Russia has become so politicized. You wonder, so they have informants in President Trump's campaign. Did they put informants in President Clinton's campaign? She was talking to a British spy. And that British spy was paying Russians for information to try to dig up stuff, true or untrue, on President Trump. So it sounds like, you know, do we really want the FBI and the CIA, do we want them involved in presidential campaigns? Or really should there be sort of a hands-off on this? I think it's unseemly that the FBI was putting informants in there, trying to extract and entrap members of the Trump campaign. I think it's incredibly inappropriate and an abuse of power. CAVUTO: All right, the president called it spy gate, that that person who was an informant was a spy. Do you? PAUL: Well, he worked for the FBI for several decades. He's going and asking leading questions to people. He's paying people money to get them to London. There's even some who say that the whole running into the Australian ambassador or deputy ambassador over drinks with one of the Trump officials wasn't sort of a random event, that maybe even that had been planned. So, yes, that's entrapment, and that's something that we're not supposed to be involved with. There's still evidence -- and Judge Napolitano has talked about this -- that the British were giving information directly to John Brennan. Now, I asked Gina Haspel about this. And she says that she categorically denies that she knows anything about the British giving information to John Brennan. The next should be to John Brennan, were you getting information from the British about the Trump campaign? Because that's illegal. And John Brennan could go to jail. Now he's this big talking head spewing hatred for President Trump. It sounds like maybe he's come out of the closet as a partisan. And so if he wants to be a partisan all over the news condemning the president, maybe he needs to be asked under oath, did you receive information, secret information, illegally gotten by the British government? Did you receive this information on President Trump or his campaign? Why don't we ask Brennan that under oath and see what he says? CAVUTO: Finally, back to Bill Clinton, if you don't mind, Senator. He had said, if this were a Democrat, the impeachments would already be starting. What do you think of that? PAUL: I think we go too crazy on both sides. And I'm a big believer that the special prosecutors have way too much power, and that can you imagine the entire force of a team of 20 or 30 lawyers that can investigate your entire life for the last 20 or 30 years, bring you in to ask you questions, and if they can get you to make a misstatement based on historical fact of something you don't remember correctly, that you can go to jail for that? It's a crazy situation. We should never have these special prosecutors. We have got to get the criminal aspect out of our campaigns and let the voters decide. CAVUTO: All right. Senator Rand Paul, thank you very much. Covered a lot of ground there. PAUL: Thanks, Neil. CAVUTO: Senator Rand Paul of the state of Kentucky. END Content and Programming Copyright 2018 Fox News Network, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Copyright 2018 CQ-Roll Call, Inc. All materials herein are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of CQ-Roll Call. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. An American Airlines passenger was in for quite a shock when she arrived at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport on Sunday after a weekend getaway in Florida. Kristen Horabin and her husband had checked their bags for the return flight to Texas after a weekend trip to Tampa. Once they arrived at DFW, Horabins husbands suitcase came out of the baggage carousel, Horabin told WFAA, but not hers. We waited and waited and waited and my bag never showed up, Horabin said to WFAA. And then the woman behind the counter said, Oh, maybe thats your bag over there. I look over, and its my belongings heaped in a bin and half of them are destroyed and most of them are missing. HONOLULU AIRPORT WORKER FILMED TOSSING LUGGAGE SPARKS TWITTER DEBATE Horabin said her bag was sitting in a plastic bin at a different carousel and had been torn to shreds. The suitcase was shredded, Kristen told the news outlet. Most of the clothes that were left were shredded, and what was left was covered in black grease and toothpaste. There was a lot of toothpaste it must have exploded on whatever impact there was. Id say about 50 percent of my belongings were gone, she added. According to WFAA, in the bin with the bag was a broken blow dryer, some torn and stained clothes and two mismatched shoes. Its just stuff. Stuff can be replaced. It was really just more shocking the way it was handled, she said to WFAA. Horabin said she received her ruined bag without an explanation from American Airlines. I guess what I find so appalling is that, after it happened, someone gathered up what was left of my bag and my belongings and put them in the bin and sent it on its way, she said. The bag just popped up on the carousel with my destroyed belongings, or half of my destroyed belongings, heaped on top. An American Airlines spokesperson confirmed to Fox News that Horabin was instructed to immediately file a claim about the incident, which she did. Within 24 hours of her report, American Airlines reached out to Horabin and apologized and told her they were sending her a $3,500 check for the damages and a $300 travel voucher, WFAA reported. We apologize for the damage that occurred to Ms. Horabins bag; we know how difficult it is to arrive at your final destination and a find a bag extremely damaged. Our team has received the claim, and reviewing what may have transpired during its transit. We are also in touch with Mr. Horabin directly and have resolved her claim. In 2017, American transported more than 160 million checked bags. While it extremely rare to receive a report of a broken and/or damaged bag such as this one, our team will always work with our customers directly to resolves these claims," American Airlines said in a statement to Fox News. According to the airline spokesperson, the incident is currently being investigated. It appears the bag may have accidentally been caught on a piece of machinery during travel. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Horabin told WFAA that she hopes the airline will consider being more communicative with passengers when events like this happen instead of just sending a damaged bag through the carousel. Send someone up to say, you know, something happened to your personal effects and were sorry, she said. And I really honestly would have walked away and counted it as an unfortunate accident. I hope in the future that happens for other passengers. Parkgoers at a North Carolina amusement park were in for a fright when a bumper car suddenly burst in flames earlier this week. Thankfully, a ride attendant quickly extinguished the flames, and no one was injured. The incident took place at the Carowinds amusement park in Charlotte on June 4, when the double-seater bumper car vehicle at the Dog'ems ride caught fire, Fox 46 reports. A representative for the park said that the last passenger to ride the bumper car had left the vehicle before the blaze began. It remains unclear at this time exactly what set it ablaze. "[It's] nothing Id ever expect, but [you] never know when something like this could ever happen," witness Scott Spainhour told CBS 17 of the incident, which happened around 12:30 p.m. Watching his children, Spainhour cleared his kids out of the area and took video of the flames. SEAWORLD AND BUSCH GARDENS OFFER VETERANS FREE ADMISSION UNTIL JULY 4 "The ride attendant immediately responded with a fire extinguisher as trained," the amusement park told Fox 46 in a statement. In the days since, the Dog'ems ride has been inspected, tested and resumed normal operations, a representative for the park added. Fox 46 followed up the next day interviewing parkgoers about the incident, with many voicing sentiments of shock. "The very first thing I thought was hopefully no one was hurt," said avid parkgoer Cecilia Dennis. "Secondly, I probably will never ride the bumper cars." "In all my 30 years, having been born and raised here and having gone to Carowinds since I can't even remember, I've never once seen anything go wrong here," she added. POWER OUTAGE AT OHIO AMUSEMENT PARK STRANDS RIDERS ON ROLLER COASTERS, GONDOLA LIFT "That's so scary," Cortney Cordell agreed. I have two kids myself so I rely on the rides to be safe and it makes me question the safety of the rides there." As for the grounds themselves, Carowinds is a 400-acre theme park located on the border of North and South Carolina, a press release confirms. Though the Dogems ride is on the South Carolina side of the park, the North Carolina Department of Labor told Fox 46 that the park is inspected every year before opening. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS "Our inspectors are out there working diligently to make sure those rides are up to those 100 percent manufacturers' specifications in order to open that ride to the public," said Mary Katherine Revels, from NC Department of Labor. One of three U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers charged with hazing co-workers on a rape table has pleaded guilty in court. Tito Catota, 38, admitted on Monday to forcibly assaulting, impeding, intimidating and interfering with two male customs officers while on duty at Newark Liberty International Airport in 2016 and 2017, the Associated Press reports. Two of his CBP colleagues working at the airport Parmenio Perez, 40, and Michael Papagni, 32, were also indicted on those same charges, New Jersey U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito confirmed. PICS: AMERICAN AIRLINES VAN PLUNGES OFF FOURTH FLOOR OF MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GARAGE News of the trios alleged behavior at Newark Liberty airport broke in May 2017, following an investigation from WNBC in New York. According to a criminal complaint obtained for the channels original report, Officers Catota, Perez and Papagni stand accused of abusing employees by threatening to place them on an office table in their Terminal C offices a table which they dubbed the rape table where they would be made to endure simulated sex acts. At the time, all three officers were part of the now-defunct Passenger Enforcement Rover Team (PERT), which was responsible for identifying dangerous contraband and threats to national security. One victim who spoke to WNBC, and wished to remain anonymous, claims he was threatened with the rape table in October 2016, less than two weeks after starting the job. The following January, he alleged that Papagni threatened to teach him what this team is about while he was looking for a document. He said officers turned the lights out so Papagni, Catota and another officer could hold him on the table while Perez sat atop him and grinded against his genitals through his clothing. The officers eventually let the victim off the table after he could not break free himself, he claimed. WATCH: HONOLULU AIPORT WORKER SPARKS DEBATE FOR TOSSING LUGGAGE INTO CHUTE Another victim shared a similar story, alleging that he entered the PERT office in November 2016 only to have one PERT officer lock the door behind him while Catota, Papagni and Perez held him on the table. One of the officers also rubbed his genitals along his leg before allowing him to get up, he says. News 4 also reported that other CBP officers described similar incidents after the initial complaints were published, including Vito Degironimo, who claimed that his fellow officers ended up mounting me and pretty much riding me like a horse. I dont know how much more criminal you can get, Degironimo said. Catota, Papagni and Perez were arrested in September following an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Catota could face up to eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine at his sentencing. The Associated Press contributed to this article. The CEO of Qatar Airways has been verbally grounded by critics angry with his recent statement that airlines must be led by men because it is a very challenging position. Akbar al-Baker made the controversial declaration Monday during the annual conference of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), an organization that Bloomberg describes as one of the worlds biggest boys clubs. Al-Baker is the new chairman of the board of governors of IATA, where only six of its 280 members have female chief executives, BBC reports. Discussing gender inequality within the male-dominated aviation industry at the event, held this week in Sydney, the airline exec told reporters regarding Qatar Airways that of course it has to be led by a man because it is a very challenging position, as quoted by Fox Business. OWNER OF DOG WHO DIED DURING DELTA LAYOVER ACCUSES AIRLINE OF 'COVER-UP' Reportedly met with loud boos and groans on the spot, the 56-year-old was quick to make amends via Qatars Twitter page the next day. I would like to offer my heartfelt apologies for any offence caused by my comment yesterday, which runs counter to my track record of expanding the role of women in leadership throughout the Qatar Airways Group and has been sensationalized by the media, al-Baker said in a statement released June 5. He went on to point out that women comprise 44 percent of the Qatar Airways workforce, describing the carrier as a "pioneer" in the region through its commitment to gender equality in the workplace. From being the first carrier to employ female pilots to promoting female engineers and senior vice president positions, he mused that Qatar Airways is made stronger by its female employees for whom I hold in nothing but the highest regard. PHOTOS SHOW DAMAGE TO AMERICAN AIRLINES PLANE FROM HAIL STORM FOLLOWING EMERGENCY LANDING Further clarifying his remarks in an interview with Bloomberg, al-Baker said that he was only referring to one individual, I was not referring to the staff in general, Fox Business reported. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS This isnt the first time that al-Baker has left mouths agape with an apparent bias against women. In July 2017, the CEO caught heat for describing American flight attendants as grandmothers while boasting that Qatars cabin crew members were an average age of 26 years old. In June 2015, Qatar Airways was called out for a policy that barred flight crew from getting married or pregnant, Reuters reported. Pennsylvania students received an ominous graduation gift on Monday after a local business gave the departing 8th graders ballistic shield inserts for backpacks. In the wake of deadly school shootings over the past year, President of Unequal Technologies Rob Vito gifted the "Safeshield," a 10-by-12 bulletproof plate, to the graduating class of St. Cornelius School outside Philadelphia - a school his own daughter attends. Vito called it a gift that hopefully theyll never have to use but recognized its importance in light of the recent school shootings. "Handguns are useless against a product like this. Shotguns are useless against a product like this," Vito told the graduating class, Fox 29 reported. The $150 lightweight plate is said to resist many types of bullets, shotgun blasts, shrapnel and knives but Unequal said that it does not provide protection against high-powered rifles like the one used on February 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. A lone gunman entered the school grounds and opened fire there, killing 17 people. Parents and students said they were saddened by the reality of Unequals latest technology. I never thought Id need this, one student told Fox 29, while another grandparent said, I can't believe that's where we are in our nation today, but that's the fact. The school already has taken precautionary measures to avoid a school shooting. Visitors are asked for drivers licenses before entering, and their information is entered in a database and searched against criminal records, Fox 29 reported. Each classroom is also outfitted with an extra deadbolt lock. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Click for more from Fox 29. A young boy had stars in his eyes after a South Carolina trooper helped his family during a car trouble episode over Memorial Day weekend. Lamar Richardson, 6, of New Castle, Del., told his older cousin Jaybryana Lopez, 22, that he wanted to be a cop one day after South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper Jay Gardner came to the rescue, FOX 29 reported. Lopez told FOX 29 she called police after their familys car ran over a metal rod while on their way home to Delaware. DELAWARE BURGER KING REOPENS FOLLOWING RODENT INFESTATION AND GROSS UNSANITARY CONDITIONS "When we went over it, it popped our tire, took out the engine and the oil. Oil leak and everything," Lopez said. She said the trooper was eager to help the family and even drove them an hour out of his jurisdiction to get them a rental car at an airport. During the incident, the young boy and the trooper bonded. A viral video showed the young boy connecting with Gardner and giving him law enforcement tips. "He let Lamar play all in his car, he let him try different buttons and pressing the horn. Everything possible he let him do and Lamar was just so excited," Lopez said. Following the ordeal, Lamar told Lopez he wanted to be a cop when he was older. NEWSPAPER PULLS WOMANS VIRAL REVENGE OBITUARY THAT SAYS WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE WITHOUT HER "He was like, 'I want to be a cop' and that's all he's been saying since then is 'I want to be a cop,'" Lopez said. Lamars family posted the video of the boy bonding with the trooper in order to help get some recognition for Gardner, who they said went above and beyond to help them. Lopez said Gardners wife posted on social media that her husband seemed to be in a better mood when he came home from work that day. "She was so happy to hear about him being happy when he got home and helping us and making my little cousin want to be a cop," Lopez said. Authorities say two Florida men had an unusual plan for getting some unwelcome house guests to leave they allegedly exploded bombs to scare them. Orlando prosecutors charged 56-year-old Bruce Steffenhagen and 37-year-old Nathan Martin with felony explosives charges after the two were arrested during a Tuesday standoff with sheriff's deputies. According to court documents, Martin told Orange County sheriff's investigators Steffenhagen wanted to kick two people out of an apartment attached to his home. He told investigators he and Steffenhagen decided to explode two acid bombs in the yard to scare them enough to make them leave. Detectives say Steffenhagen told them he knew the bombs would explode but did not think it would be a big deal. Both were being held Wednesday on $15,000 bail. ___ Information from: Orlando Sentinel, http://www.orlandosentinel.com/ Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim wanted his piece of the pie -- a place where he could call home, sit by the water and watch the sun set. In 1971, the former Army medic borrowed $5,000 and bought a house in a rural neighborhood on the Big Island called Vacationland. When I bought it, it was a lousy lot but it was all I could afford, Kim said late Tuesday night. Despite the flaws, he said emotionally, he loved it. On Monday, it had burned to the ground. Like hundreds of others on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kims home has been devoured by the lava flow from the Kilauea volcano eruption in the past month. Harry had a premonition this was going to happen, Janet Snyder, a spokeswoman for the Hawaii County Civil Defense, said. Vacationland is almost totally destroyed. Lava entering the water at the Vacationland tide-pools has taken over most of the subdivision. And thats just the beginning. KILAUEA LAVA DESTROYS HUNDREDS OF HOMES AS EXPLOSION Damage has escalated in recent days and thousands have been forced to flee the lucky ones get to stay with friends and family but far too many others have no other option than popping up tents in muddy parking lots or cramming into packed shelters as life as they know it changes forever. I dont know what to do now, a shell-shocked Doloryn Purfano said over and over again recently to volunteers at a community-run donation center in Pahoa. Purfano and her neighbors have been living in an apocalyptic horror after Kilauea ripped through their homes near Leilani Estates. Though the full extent of the destruction is hard to tell, Steve Brantley, the deputy scientist-in-charge at the U.S. Geological Surveys Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, told residents late Tuesday at a community meeting. He also said the worst may still be ahead. On May 3, Kilauea began shooting ash plumes 30,000 feet into the air. Thick waves of lava seeped from fissures in the ground, destroying homes, choking off escape routes and knocking out power before creeping its way toward the ocean. As it hit the blue waters of the Pacific, it created a dangerous steam laced with hydrochloric acid and fine glass. At least seven people have been hurt, including three government workers, Hawaii County officials said Wednesday. Thick vog volcanic smog created by vapor, sulfur dioxide gas and carbon dioxide blanketed a 2,400-acre zone, and last week, scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey warned of volcanic glass called Peles hair falling from the sky. Brantley believes there wont be any change in the vigor of the eruption any time soon. HAWAII VOLCANO ERUPTION: HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE KILLED BY VOLCANOES? He added, Its likely there would be changes both at the summit and maybe more dramatic changes and also continued eruption here in the lower east rift zone. Late Wednesday afternoon, an ash eruption at the summit of Kilauea sent a plume about 10,000 feet into the air, the Honoluu Star-Advertiser reported. As man continues to chase science, Hawaiis governor and members of FEMA are expected to be on the Big Island on Thursday to address the growing concerns of displaced residents, Kim said. Prior to talking to the governor, I talked to the head of FEMA about the situation you are in and we have to bring some glimmer of light out there in this very, very sad time, Kim told residents. Kim says there is a lengthy bureaucratic process that he hopes can be streamlined, including proclamations for eligibility for certain kinds of programs. When the governor was successful in getting the presidential the eruption just started. So there was nothing we could submit to say we qualify for this or that because we didnt qualify for anything because you have to have certain minimum number of homes but weve surpassed that now and we will go forward, he added. Kim told community members that he had the full commitment of FEMA the commitment of the governor that we will use every single avenue of every single thing we can get our hands on to quickly develop housing, a community and shelter. Fox News' Jeff Paul contributed to this report. Posted 6/6/18 Ragsdale CemeteryDecoration day services are planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, June 10, at Ragsdale Cemetery. There will be a business meeting and a brief program about the cemetery history. The cemetery is A woman who faked a pregnancy for several months was found guilty on Tuesday of killing her former co-worker and kidnapping the victim's newborn baby with the intent to raise the child as her own. Yesenia Sesmas, 36, an illegal immigrant who was living in Dallas at the time, drove to Wichita, Kan. to shoot 27-year-old Laura Abarca on Nov. 17, 2016, and kidnap 6-day-old Sophia Gonzales. The baby was found safe two days later in Sesmas' Dallas apartment and was returned to relatives. Jurors deliberated for less than three hours on Tuesday and found Sesmas guilty of first-degree premeditated and intentional murder, kidnapping and interference with parental custody. We really wanted to go through this trial and have justice. And I think that happened today, Jose Abarca, the victims older brother, told the Wichita Eagle. During the trial, prosecutors said that Sesmas faked a pregnancy for months after suffering a miscarriage and, when she found out Abarca had given birth, drove to Wichita to kill her and take the baby. The two women had worked together at a Wichita restaurant years earlier. Sesmas was in the country illegally and was arrested the summer before the killing for threatening another Wichita woman and trying to hold the womans two daughters for ransom. But she was mistakenly released from custody because of a bureaucratic mix-up. WOMAN ACCUSED OF KILLING MOTHER AND STEALING HER BABY IS FIGHTING EXTRADITION U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said at the time it did not receive the July 25 list of arrests from the Sedgwick County sheriff's office showing Yesenia Sesmas' name on it until the following day, and by that time she had already been released from local custody, the Associated Press reported at the time. The agency would have asked that she be detained if Sesmas, a Mexican national, had still been in jail, a spokesman told the AP at the time. During the six-day trial, prosecutors focused on the 36-year-old's intentions, including how during the faking of her pregnancy Sesmas prepared for a new baby. Sesmas even had a baby shower and had reached a point where she "was either going to have to come home with a baby" or explain her lies to those who knew her, according to the Eagle. "When she walked into that apartment on Nov. 17, 2016, there were only two ways for this to end," Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said. Sesmas went back to Texas thinking "she would wake up and raise that baby and her life would begin," he said. KANSAS KILLING, BABY ABDUCTION SUSPECT LIVING IN US ILLEGALLY In a jailhouse interview with KUVN-TV, Sesmas said Abarca had agreed to hand over the baby to her, but during an apparent dispute she said she accidentally shot her. Public defender Jason Smartt called the killing "unplanned and spontaneous," according to the Eagle. "She didn't know that (the gun) was going to fire, and she was surprised when it did," he said. Sesmas faces life in prison plus the possibility of additional time when she is sentenced on July 13. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A pizza deliveryman in the country illegally, who was making a delivery at a military base in New York City, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last week. The man, Pablo Villavicencio, was arrested on Friday while delivering the pizza to Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn after he was asked for identification at the gate, El Diario reported. His wife, Sandra Chica, told the newspaper that her husband was doing a routine delivery at the Fort location when a guard asked for a valid identification document. Since he didnt have one, the soldier called immigration to arrest him, she told El Diario. Chica, an American citizen originally from Colombia, told the newspaper that she met her husband about five years ago. They got married and have two young girls together. In February, Villavicencio, who is from Ecuador, began the process to get residency status. There arent words that can describe the drama that my daughters and I are living, Chica said. From one moment to the next, life changed for us, and all I ask is for them to not deport my husband, to give him an opportunity. Villavicencio faces possible deportation to Ecuador. A spokesperson for Fort Hamilton told BuzzFeed that Villavicencio arrived at 11 a.m. on Friday to make the delivery without valid Department of Defense identification. He was directed to a center to get a daily pass. There he signed a waiver permitting a background check, and an active ICE warrant was discovered on file. Commanders are authorized to take reasonably necessary and lawful measures to maintain law and order and protect installation personnel and property, the statement concluded. New York City Council Member Justin Brannan said Villavicencio had made prior deliveries to Fort Hamilton and had used his municipal NYC ID, which had always been accepted. He called the sequence of events troubling and demanded more information from ICE and the Army. Does the Army now have a new policy that demands all non-military personnel show proof of citizenship to gain access onto an Army base? he asked in a statement obtained by Fox News. Is this part of Donald Trumps deportation strategy? Why was Pablo Villavicencio singled out? Why was this time different than any times in the past when Pablo entered the base? Is our city, state and nation any safer today because we took Pablo the pizza deliveryman off the street? A spokesman for ICE in New York told Fox News on Wednesday that Villavicencio was granted voluntary departure status by an immigration judge in March 2010, but failed to depart by July 2010 as ordered. As such, his voluntary departure order became a final order of removal" and he is "an ICE fugitive." "On June 1, Villavicencio-Calderon was detained by military police officers and turned over to ICE. He remains in ICE custody pending removal, ICE spokesperson Rachel Yong Yow said in a statement. Yong Yow told BuzzFeed that Villavicencios application for residency does not protect him from deportation. "That doesnt affect whether or not he is removable. That case will remain pending even after removal and if its approved while hes out of the country he will be told as such and be able to come back," she said. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams said a press conference on Wednesday that the unimaginable had happened to Villavicencio. The arrest of Pablo with a permissible ID is sending shock waves throughout the immigrant community," Adams said, according to ABC7 NY. "They were told with this ID, you will have some form of living in this city without the harassment." A family friend has set up a GoFundMe page to help the family. A Pennsylvania man who did a television interview about a body found in a creek near his home was arrested hours later after the victim was identified as his mother, police said. Matthew Haverly, 38, was charged with homicide in connection with the death of his mother, Patricia Haverly, 60, whose body was found in a creek in Wyalusing on Thursday across the street from his home. Soon after the body was discovered, Matthew Haverly spoke with WNEP-TV, telling the station: I was like, what the hell is going on? I had no clue. TEEN GIRL LEARNING TO DRIVE KILLS 2 MEN IN PENNSYLVANIA PARKING LOT, POLICE SAY Matthew Haverly said he thought the body was the result of mob or gang violence, and that his mother would be concerned about a body being found so close to the home. I think it was kind of a hit, and something happened, he said. Something went bad, and this is like a rural area, so they just wanted to plant the body somewhere else besides wherever the hell they were from. Its sad to say that thats someones daughter or mother, he concluded. Hours later he was arrested. Patricia Haverlys death was ruled a homicide caused by trauma to the head, the Star-Gazette reported. Haverly told police he and his mother had a turbulent relationship and they had a fight the day her body was found. He said he blacked out during a confrontation with his mother. Police believe Haverly killed his mother, rolled her body in tarp and then threw her into the creek. PENNSYLVANIA STUDENTS GET BALLISTIC SHIELD INSERTS AS GRADUATION GIFT If thats exactly what happened, thats shocking, Vanessa Billings, a neighbor, told WNEP-TV. Its heartbreaking because he comes across concerned, and thats whats scary, because you dont know whats going on next door at your neighbors house. Haverly was being held without bond at the Bradford County Jail. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Nevada officials honored a 10-year-old girl who shielded her 18-month-old brother and her 15-month-old cousin and was struck by a bullet as gunfire rang out at a Walmart parking lot last month. Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly honored Aaliyah Ingraham on Tuesday declaring June 5, 2018 Aaliyah Ingraham Day. Aaliyah was given a medal for her heroism. Heroism comes in all shapes, sizes and forms, Weekly said at the ceremony, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Aaliyah was with her mother and her two younger relatives in a car in the Walmart parking lot on May 8 when police said two men started shooting at each other, according to FOX5 Vegas. My first reaction was to get out, her's was to jump on her baby brother, Aaliyahs mother Samantha Tygret told FOX5 Vegas. She jumped on his car seat when I told her to get on the ground. If she hadn't done that a bullet would have hit him in the midsection. Aaliyah, seemingly unafraid of the harrowing events transpiring around her, threw her body over her brother and her cousin who were sitting in car seats in the backseat. Aaliyah was shot in the back. She literally took a bullet for her brother. I can never repay her for what she did, Tygret said. The girl addressed the ceremony, still only focused on her brother. "Heroism comes in all shapes, sizes and forms." Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly I hope my brother will be okay, I wanted him to stay alive because he is so young, Aaliyah said. Nearly a month after the shooting, Aaliyah is still feeling the effects of the shooting. She is planning to have surgery next month to remove the bullet lodged in her back, according to FOX5 Vegas. A Minnesota newspaper pulled a paid obituary from its website Tuesday that detailed a deceased womans affair with her husbands brother and accused her of abandoning her two children. The obituary for Kathleen Dehmlow [Schunk] appeared in the Redwood Falls Gazette on Monday. The newspaper took down the obituary amid an outcry from readers who felt it was in poor taste. General Manager Lisa Drafall told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that Dehmlows family paid for the obituary but declined to say more. Legacy.com also had the obituary and stated it would review its standards and not just lean on the newspapers that feed it. WOMANS OBITUARY TAKES A DARK TURN: WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE WITHOUT HER The obituary stated she was born on March 19, 1938, and resided in Springfield, Minn. She married Dennis Dehmlow in 1957 and had two children with him -- Gina and Jay. The next sentence is where the obituarys tone appeared to change. In 1962 she became pregnant by her husbands brother Lyle Dehmlow and moved to California. She abandoned her children, Gina and Jay who were raised by her parents in Clements, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schunk, the obituary reads. The last two sentences wrapped up the obituarys harsh words. MINNESOTA WOMAN GRADUATES COLLEGE 21 HOURS AFTER GIVING BIRTH She passed away on May 31, 2018, in Springfield and will now face judgment. She will not be missed by Gina and Jay, and they understand that this world is a better place without her, the obituary concluded. A relative told the Star Tribune that the allegations in the obituary are true but that there is more to the story. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Northern California residents on Tuesday voted to recall the judge who sentenced a former Stanford University swimmer convicted of sexual assault to a short jail sentence instead of prison. Voters opted to oust Santa Clara County Judge Aaron Persky. He was targeted for recall in June 2016 shortly after he sentenced Brock Turner to six months in jail for sexually assaulting a young woman outside a fraternity house on campus. Prosecutors argued for a 7-year prison sentence. Turner was instead sentenced to six months in jail for sexually assaulting a young woman outside a fraternity house on campus. Critics say Turner's sentece was too lenient. Persky maintained that he had followed a recommendation from the county probation department. The California Commission on Judicial Performance ruled that the case was handled legally. The case gained national prominence after the victim read a statement in court before Turner's sentence. The statement made the rounds online and was read on the floor of the U.S. Capitol during a congressional session. The recall election was viewed as one of the first electoral tests of the #MeToo movement's political strength. Michele Dauber, a Stanford University professor who led the recall effort, said the election "expresses clearly that sexual assault, sexual violence is serious and it has to be taken seriously by elected officials. It's a historical moment when women across all sectors of society are standing up saying enough is enough. Michele Dauber, Stanford law professor She added: "It's a historical moment when women across all sectors of society are standing up saying enough is enough." Persky's supporters said his removal set a dangerous precedent. LaDoris Cordell, a former Santa Clara County judge who led a counter campaign against the recall, called the decision "a sad day for the California judiciary." Cordell added, that the vote implies if judges don't concede to popular opinion, "they can lose their job." Persky has served on the court since 2003. He declined The Associated Press' request for comment late Tuesday. Assistant District Attorney Cindy Hendrickson will serve the last four years of Persky's term, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Arizona police are pushing back on claims from a veterans group that a homeless encampment uncovered in Tucson last week was the site of a child sex-trafficking operation. The allegations from Veterans on Patrol, a group that works to assist homeless vets, have been widely circulating on social media since the living space was found off Interstate 19 on May 29. Among the items reportedly found at the site are belts tied to trees, hair dye, a crib, pornographic material, childrens toys and a large water drum -- with a small opening -- that has a dresser and two crates inside. "We are right there and our city is right there, our children are right there and it's not my problem if it's not in my backyard," Lewis Arthur, one of the groups members, told KOLD-TV. "Now it's in our backyard." Arthur says the items found at the site are signs that children have been sexually abused there. WARNING: GRAPHIC LANGUAGE This is a child sex-trafficking camp that no one wants to talk about, that no one wants to do nothing about, he claimed in a video last week while walking through the site. This isnt some horror set that some kids set up. This isnt a normal homeless camp that you would encounter doing what we do, he said. But the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, in a Facebook post late Monday, denied that the encampment had anything to do with child sex trafficking, linking to a local news interview with police denying the claims. Tucson Police Department officers, detectives and command staff conducted a thorough inspection of the site, spoke to the reporting parties, and collected evidence, the department said Sunday. Based on the departments investigation to this point, there is no indication this camp is being used for any type of criminal activity, including human trafficking. Tucson police added they are working with the property owner and city officials to clean up the encampment and warned the public not to trespass on it. The Tucson Police Department takes all reports of suspected criminal activity seriously and appreciates the publics awareness, it said. Geriatric ex-New England mobsters, Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi and Francis "Cadillac Frank" Salemme, were reunited in court Wednesday when Flemmi took the stand against his old friend and partner in crime who's on trial for the killing of a nightclub owner in 1993. But so much time has passed since the two have seen each other that 83-year-old Flemmi couldn't even recognize 84-year-old Salemme, who was sitting in the courtroom. "I would recognize him if I see him but ... I can't see him," said Flemmi, who stood up, scanned the room and looked right past Salemme. Salemme, who headed the New England family of La Costa Nostra in the early 1990s, was sitting at a table with his lawyers several feet away, with slicked-back wisps of grey hair, a brown jacket and blue tie. Flemmi is the government's star witness and the former partner of notorious gangster James "Whitey" Bulger. Flemmi is expected to testify that he walked in on the killing of Steven DiSarro. Prosecutors say Salemme's son strangled DiSarro while another man, Paul Weadick, held DiSarro's feet. Prosecutors say Salemme watched because he was worried DiSarro would cooperate with authorities. DiSarro's nightclub, The Channel, was under scrutiny at the time for Salemme's involvement in the business. Federal authorities told DiSarro he was about to be indicted and should work with them against the Salemmes. DiSarro's body wasn't found until 2016, when authorities received a tip it was buried behind a building in Providence, Rhode Island. Salemme and Weadick, who's also on trial, deny any involvement in the killing. Salemme's son died in 1995. Salemme shook his head as Flemmi walked into the courtroom, wearing an olive green jacket and tan shirt. After the trial wrapped up for the day Wednesday, Salemme spoke briefly to reporters about Flemmi not recognizing him. "He's soft. He had a stroke," Salemme said, and pulled down the side of his mouth. Flemmi, who's serving life in prison for 10 killings, matter-of-factly described for jurors his and Salemme's involvement in grisly slayings during Boston's gang wars of the 1960s. Flemmi explained how he helped Salemme in 1968 to blow up the car of a lawyer who lost his leg, but survived and how they fled afterward when they were tipped off by the FBI that they were about to be indicted. Later, Flemmi told jurors, he killed another man who was involved in the bombing because they were worried he'd talk to authorities. "He was a witness, I didn't feel that he would be able to stand up," Flemmi said. Flemmi was also a key witness in the 2013 trial of Bulger, who was caught in 2011 after nearly two decades on the lam. Flemmi is expected to remain on the stand in Salemme's case for several days. ___ This story has been corrected to show that Flemmi said he didn't feel the man "would," not wouldn't, "be able to stand up." ___ Follow Alanna Durkin Richer at http://twitter.com/aedurkinricher and read more of her work at http://bit.ly/2hIhzDb . The roommate of a missing San Francisco woman was arrested and charged with murder on Tuesday after authorities found a body chopped up and stuffed inside a plastic bin last weekend while conducting a welfare check. Authorities discovered the remains Saturday afternoon believed to be that of a 61-year-old San Francisco woman whose friend reported her missing the day before, The San Francisco Chronicle reported citing sources. Lisa Gonzales, 47, reportedly cooperated with officers when they knocked on her Mission District Apartment. But at some point, cops took a path to a stairwell that took them to a storage area underneath the building where they say they found the body in a plastic tub, the paper reported. A neighbor told the paper that there had been a foul smell near the apartment in the days leading up to the discovery. The medical examiner is still working to confirm the victims identity, the paper reported. Police have refused to disclose any details about the case, only telling the paper that it is under investigation. Gonzales was charged and held on psychiatric observation, the report said. Her arraignment is expected as soon as Wednesday, according to the paper. Bobby Paul Edwards, a white South Carolinian restaurant manager, pleaded guilty Monday to abusing and enslaving a mentally challenged employee, federal prosecutors said. Edwards, 53, pleaded guilty to one count of forced labor, admitting he used violence, threats, isolation and intimidation against a black man with an intellectual disability and forced him to work more than 100 hours per week without payment, acting assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Sherri A. Lydon of the South Carolina district said. Edwards was the manager of J&J Cafeteria in Conway, South Carolina -- just outside of Myrtle Beach -- from 2009 to 2014, according to court documents. The victim, John Christopher Smith, started working at the restaurant when he was just 12 years old. Over time, Edwards increased Smiths responsibilities and stopped paying him. He used abusive language, threats, racial epithets and acts of violence, including beating him with a belt, punching him, hitting him with pots and pans and burning his back with hot tongs whenever Smith made mistakes or he wanted him to move faster, according to the Justice Department. Smith told WMBF-TV in 2015 he used to like his job, which began as just washing dishes after school. He said he never reported the abuse because he was afraid. WHITE RESTAURANT MANAGER ACCUSED OF ENSLAVING BLACK WORKER I want him to go to prison, and I want to be there when he go, Smith told the news station. Smith's advocate Geneane Caines, whose daughter-in-law reportedly works as a waitress at the restaurant, said some of J&J Cafeteria's customers began to get suspicious of the treatment of Smith, but the waitresses wouldnt divulge any information because they were afraid of Edwards. Caines eventually contacted the authorities and took Smith to a local NAACP to seek help, WMBF reported. According to a police report, Conway law enforcement officials escorted Smith from the restaurant in 2014. Edwards was arrested a month later, according to WMBF. SOUTH CAROLINA MAN TRIED HIRING WHITE SUPREMACISTS TO HANG BLACK NEIGHBOR, PLACE FLAMING CROSS IN YARD, COPS SAY Edwards faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in a prison and a $250,000 maximum fine. He is also required to pay restitution to the victim, which will be determined at his sentencing hearing. A date has not yet been set. Human trafficking through forced labor can happen on farms, in homes, and as todays case shows -- in public places, such as restaurants, Gore said in a statement, adding that combating forced labor human trafficking is one of the highest priorities of this Justice Department. Edwards was indicted in October 2017. He had previously been arrested in 2014 on a state charge of second-degree assault and battery, the Charleston Post & Courier reported last year. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Posted 6/6/18 Buffalo aldermen wondered why the city repeatedly paid large amounts of money to repair pumps in the citys sewer lift stations. Pumps in lift station two, off of Mo. 32 on the east side of town, A Tennessee man was arrested Tuesday for allegedly attempting to rape his friends mother in the middle of the night during a sleepover, Fox 13 reported. Jordan Corter, 18, was invited on Sunday evening to spend the night at his friends house in Arlington, Tenn., the report said. At around 2:30 a.m., he knocked on his buddys mothers bedroom door and forced his way in when she opened it, police said. He allegedly forced her onto the bed and shoved his hand into her pajama shorts, Fox 13 reported. The alleged victim fought back and kneed him in the groin, the report said. During the struggle, she somehow grabbed a pistol and pointed it at his head. She told him to get out, the report said. She later told police that Corter had not penetrated her, the report said. Corter was arrested at his home Tuesday afternoon and cried during his arrest. He said he should not be forgiven for what he had done, WREG reported, citing investigators. He is currently being held in Shelby County Jail where he faces charges of attempted rape and sexual battery. His bond has been set at $30,000. Wishing Muslims around the world a "Ramadan Mubarak" a blessed holiday President Donald Trump on Wednesday hosted his first White House dinner for Islam's holy month of Ramadan, an overture that surprised many in the Muslim community after he skipped hosting such a meal last year. Speaking at an iftar dinner, which breaks the daylong fast, Trump offered a message of unity, recognizing members of the Muslim community at home and abroad. "In gathering together this evening, we honor a sacred tradition of one of the world's great religions," he told an intimate audience that included Cabinet members and ambassadors from many Muslim-majority nations including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. It was a dramatic departure from the inflammatory rhetoric Trump used during his campaign, when he called for a "complete and total shutdown" of Muslims entering the country, compared Syrian refugees fleeing civil war to a deadly snake and declared, "I think Islam hates us" in an interview with CNN. Instead, Trump spoke of "the renewed bonds of friendship and cooperation" forged with "valued partners" from across the Middle East and said Iftars "mark the coming together of families and friends to celebrate a timeless message of peace, clarity and love. There is great love." He recalled his visit last year to Saudi Arabia his first foreign trip as "one of the great two days of my life." "Only by working together can we achieve a future of security and prosperity for all," he said. The dinner came as the Supreme Court considers legal challenges to Trump's travel ban, which critics say unfairly targets some Muslim-majority countries. A ruling is expected as early as this month. Several Muslim civil rights groups pushed back, organizing a "NOT Trump's Iftar" protest at a park across from the White House. The groups say Trump's heated rhetoric has contributed to an increase in bullying and discrimination against Muslim Americans. Sharif Aly, CEO of Islamic Relief USA, a humanitarian and advocacy organization, said the group was glad to see the White House had reinstated the iftar, "an event that should be hosted every year, just like the Easter Egg Roll, the Passover Seder and Christmas Open House." But he urged the administration "to actively engage on issues impacting our beneficiaries," including the travel ban and proposed cuts to social welfare programs. During his presidential campaign, Trump called for a "complete and total shutdown" of Muslims entering the United States. Last year, he drew international criticism for retweeting anti-Muslim videos posted by a far-right group in Britain. And his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital was seen by many critics as an unnecessary provocation in the Muslim world. The White House has defended Trump's policies as necessary for national security. Iftar dinners have been held regularly at the White House since the Clinton administration as a form of outreach to the Muslim world. Shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush hosted ambassadors and diplomats in celebration of Ramadan, declaring "evil has no holy days." President Barack Obama took up the tradition, saying that discriminating against Muslim Americans "feeds the lie" that the West is at war with their religion. Last year, Trump broke tradition. Instead of hosting a dinner, the White House issued a statement on the Islamic holiday that focused heavily on the threat of terrorism, noting that recent attacks "steel our resolve to defeat the terrorists and their perverted ideology." The White House struck a considerably warmer tone last month, when it released a statement from the president declaring "Ramadan Mubarak," a common greeting in Islam for a blessed holiday. The statement praised the Constitution for ensuring Muslims can observe the holiday "unimpeded by government" and did not mention terrorism. "Ramadan reminds us of the richness Muslims add to the religious tapestry of American life," the statement said. The current version of Trump's travel ban applies to travelers from five countries with overwhelmingly Muslim populations Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. It also affects two non-Muslim countries, blocking travelers from North Korea and some Venezuelan government officials and their families. A 94-year-old Illinois woman who wants to Impeach President Trump Now, according to a large sign on her front lawn, is now fighting the city she lives in to keep her message up. Elgin resident Myra Becker said he put the anti-Trump sign up in February and had no complaints until a city code officer stopped by this week to tell her to take it down or face a written violation and $50 fine. I cant march anymore and Im not great at protests because its cold and chilly and windy, and Im on a walker that doesnt make it very good, but I can put up a sign, Becker told Fox 32 Chicago. The city says the message on the sign is not the issue its the size. A spokeswoman told the Chicago Daily Herald they received a call from a resident asking if Beckers sign is allowed by code, and after investigating, determined that it is around 11 sq. feet in size, much bigger than the citys 3 sq. ft. limit. I didn't think about the code. I should have, but I didn't, Becker said. Im going to try to figure out how we can make it conform to the requirements and we will see how that works out. Becker added a sign company is visiting Wednesday to see if they can make the sign smaller. A self-described lifelong Democrat, Becker says she has voted for some on the other side of the aisle, but is not a fan of Trump or some members of Congress. I think the Republican Congress people are wimps. I guess, whatever word may be better, you use your judgement, she said in an interview with WGN. However, not everyone who lives around Becker agrees with the signs message. If you live in this country how can you be anti-president? one of her neighbors, Frank Shields, told the station. The man has done wonders for this country in spite of half thinking he didn't. A flyby of a Chinese-held shoal in the South China Sea by U.S. B-52 bombers sparked harsh words from Beijing on Wednesday, the latest sign in escalating tensions between the two military powers. The near-pass of the Scarborough Shoal by the bombers, which China took from the Philippines in 2012, came days after U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis accused Beijing of "intimidation and coercion" in the South China Sea. China Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying warned the U.S. on Wednesday against "hyping up militarization and stirring up trouble" at a daily briefing in Beijing, according to the Associated Press. The U.S. "doing whatever they want is risky and China will not be threatened by any military warships," Hua said, adding that China would take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty. Last month, China announced it had dispatched warships to drive away two U.S. Navy vessels sailing close to islands claimed by China in the Paracel Island chain after it had landed strategic bombers on an airstrip for the first time. That naval confrontation came shortly after the Pentagon withdrew its invitation for China to participate in multinational naval exercises near Hawaii to protest China's military moves in the South China Sea. The initial move to place the weapons on the island, first reported by Fox News, angered U.S. officials who immediately disinvited China from the Rim of the Pacific Exercises. US WARSHIPS SAIL NEAR DISPUTED ISLANDS IN SOUTH CHINA SEA, OFFICIALS SAY Another naval conformation may be ahead on the horizon, as the U.S. is considering sending a warship through the Taiwan Strait, Reuters reported Tuesday. A possible U.S. warship passage could be seen in Taiwan as a fresh sign of support by President Trump after a series of Chinese military drills around the self-ruled island that China claims as part of its territory. CHINA REMOVES MISSILE LAUNCHERS FROM DISPUTED ISLAND AFTER ROW WITH US, IMAGES SHOW U.S. officials told the Reuters news agency that the United States had already examined plans for an aircraft carrier passage once this year but ultimately did not pursue them, perhaps because of concerns about upsetting China. The last time a U.S. aircraft carrier transited the Taiwan Strait was in 2007, according to Reuters. China claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, which includes some of the world's busiest shipping lanes, despite overlapping claims from neighbors including the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan. Despite rising tensions, Mattis is expected to visit Beijing at an unannounced date. China's Defense Ministry has said it would welcome Mattis and hoped for continued exchanges with the U.S. military. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A former British Airways pilot has admitted being over the legal limit for alcohol while in a commercial airplane cockpit. Julian Monaghan pleaded guilty to reporting for duty while his blood alcohol count was over the legal limit in Crawley Magistrates' Court Tuesday. AMERICAN AIRLINES APOLOGIZES TO PASSENGER OVER 'SHREDDED' SUITCASE The 49-year-old had been arrested at Gatwick Airport in January. Officials say his blood alcohol count was more than four times the legal limit for a pilot. Monaghan is no longer working as a pilot. He is scheduled to be sentenced later in June. Knife-wielding African sex workers robbing European tourists are turning a town located in the southwest of the island of Mallorca, known for its beaches and Roman ruins, into a tourist no-go zone. Magaluf is a hot spot in Spain frequented by young people who take advantage of the cheap alcohol and raucous nightlife, according to The Daily Mail. The prostitutes who are said to lack the proper documents to live in Spain and apparently end up in Magaluf through Nigerian crime groups lure the tourists away from bars and restaurants with the promise of sex. The vacationers are then ambushed by either men or groups of other women and robbed; the sex workers also group around drunken men and pickpocket them while they are distracted. Alexander Khviadkhevya, from Belarus, is one such victim who explained to The Mail about how money was stolen from his wallet. I was walking with my friend and these girls surrounded us and offered us oral sex, he said. I turned them down but this girl then put her hand into my pocket and took my wallet. I managed to get the wallet back but the money was gone. The Mail reported these prostitutes told Spanish authorities they are trafficked by gangs out of poverty in Nigeria and Senegal to cities like Barcelona and Valencia. Then, gang masters sent them to Majorca to target tourists. You could offer these girls any job and they wouldn't take it. They are told what to do and they do it, a Nigerian toilet attendant told The Mail. A British bar owner, from London, who asked not to be named, told The Mail the robberies are so routine that bar owners won't bother sending (police) footage anymore of any thefts caught on video. The robbers take advantage of the fact that most tourists happily interact with the street-sellers and are not at all wary of them. For years, as Fox News previously reported, Magaluf has been both a moneymaker and major headache for officials in the area. A Facebook page was set up called Cleaning Up Magaluf, which, The Mail reported, has more than 2,600 members, and posts regular updates on where the prostitutes gather. Using the Facebook page, organizers set up a protest that saw about 100 of them confront the sex workers. Some five protesters, British expats, were arrested, charged with hate crimes after about 20 Nigerian prostitutes filed reports with police accusing them of insulting, assaulting and filming them in an effort to harass them. The assaults, the women say, include pepper spray and being beat up, requiring some of them to seek medical treatment, according to several published reports. The protesters said they were furious that police went after them, and not, as they described it, the real law-breakers. They have vowed to continue protesting throughout the summer, when crowds at the party town swell. North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un reportedly fears an attempt on his life at the historic Singapore summit that will bring the hermit kingdom leader the furthest hes ever been from his country since coming to power. U.S. officials believe Kim is worried about security and the possibility of an assassination attempt at the high-stakes summit where he will meet President Trump for the first time after months of back-and-forth negotiations, sources told Bloomberg. SEE KIM JONG UN'S BIZARRE PROPAGANDA PHOTOS In 2017, North Korea accused U.S. and South Korean intelligence services of hatching an assassination plot against Kim with a "biochemical substance." According to North Koreas state-run Korean Central News Agency, a hideous terrorists group directed by CIA and South Korean spies ideologically corrupted a North Korean dissident identified as Kim and paid the man more than $20,000 to carry out the attack. North Koreas Ministry of State Security called the supposed plot a last-ditch effort that had gone beyond the limits. Last month, Trump canceled the summit following threatening language by Kim and the North Koreans. The president penned a letter to Kim, notifying him of the cancellation. But last week, former North Korean military intelligence official Kim Yong Chol met with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in New York City. Pompeo said he was confident that negotiations with the rogue regime were moving in the right direction. Trump announced the historic summit was back on track last Friday after an hour-long meeting with the top North Korean official. TRUMP, KIM JONG UN SUMMIT IN SINGAPORE EXPECTED TO TACKLE DENUCLEARIZATION, ECONOMY The June 12 summit is set to take place at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island, the White House announced Tuesday. The secluded 5-star hotel is located a quarter mile off the coast of the city-state with only one raised road connecting the island to Singapore. The location of Capella hotel which is separated from [the] mainland may serve as a virtual wall to keep out security threats from approaching the summit, Muhammad Faizal Abdul Rahman, a national security researcher in Singapore, told This Week in Asia Tuesday. Kim may be no stranger to planned assassinations as he is believed to be behind the death of his estranged brother, Kim Jong Nam, in Malaysia in 2017. Fox News' Brooke Singman and Katherine Lam contributed to this report. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 Mohammed Hashim hid in the hills and watched as his brother begged for his life, his arms bound behind his back as soldiers marched the 35-year-old teacher away. It was the last time he saw him alive. It was Aug. 26, the day after Rohingya Muslim separatist attacks on military outposts in the Rohingya homeland in western Myanmar. In their wake, Myanmar's military and local Buddhists would respond with a campaign of rape, massacre and arson that has driven about 700,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh. But more than a dozen Rohingya teachers, elders and religious leaders told The Associated Press that educated Rohingya already subject to systematic and widespread harassment, arrests and torture were singled out, part of Myanmar's operation to drive the Muslim Rohingya from majority Buddhist Myanmar. Soldiers targeted the educated, they said, so there would be no community leaders left willing to speak up against the pervasive abuse. It's an old tactic, according to those who study genocide and often a precursor to killing. "My brother apologized and pleaded with the military not to kill him; he showed them his ID card and said, 'I'm a teacher, I'm a teacher.' But the government had planned to kill our educated people, including my brother," Hashim said. He was interviewed at one of the teeming Bangladesh refugee camps that have sprung up along the hilly border with Myanmar since the Rohingya began fleeing in August. Hashim, who is also a teacher, ran for the hills and hid after the military surrounded his hamlet in northern Rakhine state, where most of the Rohingya lived. Others told similar accounts. After the Aug. 25 attacks, soldiers in Maung Nu village, the site of a massacre, asked villagers: "Where are the teachers?" Rahim, a 26-year old high school science and math teacher who was known to many soldiers because he taught their children at the local battalion school, saw the military coming and fled. "I knew I was dead if I got caught. They were hunting me," said Rahim, who, like some Rohingya, uses only one name. "They knew that I would always speak out for the people. They wanted to destroy us because they knew that without us they could do whatever they wanted to the rest of the Rohingya." ___ Researchers see comparisons between what is happening in Myanmar and other genocides, including the Holocaust. "Listening to these stories, it sounds so similar. First you take out the religious or the political leaders, and then you start going down to the civilian population and you start tightening things more and more," said Karen Jungblut, research director at the USC Shoah Foundation, who has conducted interviews in the Bangladesh camps. "This was not just some random spurt of regional violence here and there because Myanmar felt it was being attacked by a 'terrorist group.' ... It felt way too organized." A military official who refused to give his name and rank bristled when asked about the Rohingya statements, saying Tuesday that he "couldn't accept the term Rohingya, which does not exist in Myanmar." He said Myanmar had not targeted educated members of the ethnic group in "clearing operations," which is how the government has described the crackdown. Thomas MacManus, a specialist in international state crimes at Queen Mary University of London who has researched the Rohingya since 2012, said: "The objective appears to be to destroy the Rohingya, and one way to do that is to destroy their culture and remove their history. It's part of the genocide tactic." Interviews with about 65 refugees in a September report by the U.N. Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner indicate that "the Myanmar security forces targeted teachers, the cultural and religious leadership, and other people of influence in the Rohingya community in an effort to diminish Rohingya history, culture and knowledge." This targeting was "well-organized, coordinated, and systematic ... thereby challenging the assertion that it was merely collateral damage of the military" operations after the August insurgent attacks. The Buddhist majority has long reviled the Rohingya as "Bengali interlopers" in northern Rakhine state and suppressed their ability to maintain their culture and go to school. "Literacy is not high with the Rohingya; it is difficult to get an education in the first place, so targeting the teachers is a similar path that you've seen and heard in other places that ended up in genocide," said Jungblut. An Amnesty International report from November documented a system of institutionalized discrimination and segregation of the Rohingya that was meant to erase their identity. Since an outbreak of Buddhist-Muslim violence in 2012, Rohingya children have been prevented from attending Buddhist schools, and official government teachers often refuse to come to Rohingya villages because of purported safety worries, the report said. That leaves the bulk of their education left to "local community schools staffed by untrained volunteer teachers." Teachers interviewed by AP said they were paid only by community donations, were banned from teaching the Rohingya language, history and culture, and could only speak Burmese; many said they were prohibited from using the word "Rohingya." "Teachers in school are their windows to the world," said Arif Hossein, 31, a former elementary school teacher from Khular Bil in Maungdaw Township. "They teach them the meaning of the word Rohingya. Who tells them about our history and about how long we have lived there as a community? Teachers do." In the months before Aug. 25, informers made it too dangerous to teach Rohingya language or culture, even in secret, according to a longtime headmaster at a middle school who spoke on condition of anonymity because of safety worries if he's ever allowed to return home. "I couldn't speak out. Informers would follow me every day, every time I left the house. The government police would come at night and accuse me of giving the insurgents food, which was false, and my house was searched." After the 2012 violence, he said soldiers put him and 18 other elders and teachers face down on the ground, with their hands bound, laid a tarp over them and began stomping and beating them. He spent four years in prison, for allegedly burning homes, a charge he denies, and was released in 2016. Four days before the Aug. 25 violence, he says about 300 soldiers surrounded his home. He was handcuffed with his son and brought to the school, where they saw other teachers and five mullahs. Soldiers confiscated anything they thought might have been used to help the insurgents. His son was kicked and beaten. The headmaster fled to Bangladesh soon after the August killing began. "There are some educated people left in my village, but they will never raise their voices," he said, as another man wept silently, listening to him speak. "Things will get worse for the Rohingya because no one will speak out for them. They are too afraid. I think there will be no chance the Rohingya can stay in Myanmar. They all will come to Bangladesh." ___ The penalty for speaking out can be harsh. Months before the August crackdown, the military called a meeting in the village of Chein Kar Li to demand more money from villagers who wanted to fish the local rivers. Kafait Ullah, a 26-year-old primary school teacher, took a breath, steadied his shaking hands and rose to ask a question. "Why do we need to give you so much money?" he asked. He knew, with certainty, that he would be punished. "I was so scared that I was shaking, but I thought it was my responsibility to speak out for my community because they didn't have money or education; they couldn't talk for themselves," Ullah recalled, in an interview at the refugee camp. The retaliation began immediately. He said he was fined and made to go every morning to a military camp and sign a piece of paper, so the soldiers could monitor his actions. They searched his home and threatened him with jail. Others interviewed also described repression. They said the government monitored teachers, mullahs and other educated people, claiming they were working with outsiders to collect and send abroad information about human rights abuses meant to make Myanmar look bad. "We are being targeted because people listen to us," said Maulana Rahmat Ullah, 53, a mullah from Khular Bil. After Buddhist-Muslim violence broke out in October 2016, Ullah said that about 500 soldiers came to his village and gathered everyone in a clearing. The soldiers, who lived nearby and knew the villagers well, separated the mullahs and teachers and those with education from the group. Soldiers beat him unconscious with a heavy wooden club and kept him for two days in a crowded room, with no food or water. Ullah said the attack was because villagers had dared to speak about their oppression to visiting U.N. officials. Tears streamed down Ullah's face as he showed the torture scars on his arms and legs. "They knew I spoke up when others didn't, and that I represented the uneducated, the people with no power." In the months before the Aug. 25 violence, the military again gathered the educated and ordered them not to talk with outsiders about what was happening to the Rohingya, Ullah said. Their homes were searched; their valuables were taken. The rough treatment worked. "They didn't want us to speak out, and we didn't. We couldn't. I wanted to raise my voice, but they would have arrested me and tortured me," Ullah said. "There are not enough people who know our history now to pass it down to the people. I am one of the last. We were under so much pressure for so long that it's almost all gone. Who's left to tell it?" ___ Video journalist Rishabh Jain contributed to this story. 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. More than 30 groups of farmers are carrying out their own research in the Innovative Farmers initiative, on topics ranging from electrical weeding to improving soil health. Richard Allison picks out three. Co-composted farmyard manure and rock phosphate Tim Scrivener Early results show that leaf phosphate concentrations in ryegrass are 20% higher in crops treated with co-composted rock phosphate and manure. Soil phosphate is an important issue for many organic farmers, as they are unable to apply triple superphosphate or biosolids and straw is removed for use as livestock bedding. Adrian Hares, who farms 130ha of heavy soils near Highworth in Wiltshire, has even experienced a couple of crop failures because of insufficient available soil phosphate. He turned to Innovative Farmers, as he was looking to improve crop performance on his mixed arable and beef farm. Existing research did not provide any answers, as studies tend to take place on less-challenging soils. You dont get heavy soils the heaviest you may see in published trials is a medium loam, he says. Therefore, a lot of research is not in the real world of farming. To fill this gap in knowledge, he and two other farmers are trialling co-composting rock phosphate and farmyard manure. They are comparing it with applying rock phosphate directly to soil. This project group includes researcher John Hammond, from the University of Reading. Dr Hammond explains that heavy soils have many sites to hold nutrients. The thinking is that when applying co-composted rock phosphate, it is being chelated rather than being locked up by the soil, so more of it is available to crops, he explains. Early results show a lift in leaf phosphate and the project is continuing for two more seasons. Control weeds with electricity Electricity could offer a non-chemical alternative for weed control, which could prove valuable for organic as well as conventional growers looking to reduce chemicals use. This approach has been tried in the past as a non-chemical means of controlling creeping thistle in arable fields, says Liz Bowles, head of farming at the Soil Association. A trial in the 1980s evaluating several different non-chemical approaches suggested that there was potential for electrical weeding in row crops. However, she says, it was discarded as a concept, because chemicals proved much cheaper at that time. Electrical weeding is being looked at again in an Innovative Farmers project testing the efficacy of a prototype machine in cane fruit. Jerry Alford, arable and soil adviser at Innovative Farmers, explains that they are looking to replace the 0.5m herbicide strip between rows. The trial is evaluating Ubiquteks non-chemical technology, which uses very high voltage, low amperage. Plants go yellow and die, he says. The initial phase is to prove that it can kill weeds. We are looking at a range of treatments and speeds as well as addressing questions such as how often you would need to treat? While the project is starting in cane fruit, he believes it could eventually be used for other fruit and row-cropping systems. The Innovative Farmers project is the practical element of a wider European-funded Horizon 2020 project that is developing the technology. Cover crops help reduce nutrient losses from anaerobic digestate Combining cover crops with anaerobic digestate could help maximise the benefits to soil health, by reducing leaching losses. Patrick Allpress, one of the farmers involved in the trial, explains that he hopes to use digestate like a regular fertiliser, replacing inorganic fertilisers. However, there are questions such as whether it is possible to combine autumn applications with cover crops, and whether nitrogen in the digestate can be stablised, so that it is not lost by leaching. You dont want nutrients to shoot straight through the soil and out the bottom, says Lydia Smith, head of Niab Innovation Farm and the Eastern Agri-Tech Innovation Hub. One way to slow down this movement of nutrients is by growing a cover crop. Six farmers are trialling a cover crop mix of buckwheat, fodder radish, vetch and black oats which has a range of rooting characteristics. Digestate was applied in the autumn, after the cover crops had established. Although the project has been running only since last autumn, Dr Smith says initial soil sampling results are promising. At 90cm depth, there was 25kg/ha of available nitrogen with digestate alone. However, it was much lower (2kg/ha) when combined with a cover crop. This suggests the cover crop successfully accumulated nitrogen. The trial will look at how it benefits crop yield this harvest. These farmers and experts were speaking at the recent Innovative Farmers Network Day held at Sheepdrove Farm, Berkshire UK dairy processor, Meadow Foods has increased its A litre milk price by 1p/litre from the start of next month. The move means the 650 Meadow producers will receive 28p/litre for litres with a constituent content of 4% butterfat 3.3% protein. See also: Dairy markets rise despite peak production month Meadow cited a strengthening of dairy markets behind the rise with protein and skim milk powder (SMP) performing particularly well. SMP was resurgent in May, shooting up 14% on the month to an average of 1,320/t, but still remained 15% down on its level in May 2017. Recent volatility in the butterfat and cream markets had stabilised in recent weeks according to the processor, with average UK wholesale prices for May finishing 13% up at 2,350/t and 11% up at 5,180/t respectively. We are pleased the market conditions continue to improve and to be able to pass on the improvements to our farmers, said Meadow Foods chief executive, Mark Chantler. He added: Our decision to invest in customer innovation and new product development is also starting to bear fruit as we extend our range and reach into new markets, creating an even greater demand for our products. July will also see the introduction of the Meadow Foods fixed price contract. Producers who take up the scheme will lock in 2.6% of their total annual volume recorded between April 2017 and May 2018 for two years at a fixed price of 28p/litre. Scientists have been using near-infrared spectroscopy for decades, analysing everything from blood and tissue samples to livestock forage and grain. But now this technology is starting to migrate from the lab to the field, with units suitable for fitting to forage harvesters, slurry tankers and combine harvesters already making their way on to the market. These systems work by shining a beam of broad-spectrum near-infrared light at the silage, slurry or grain the operator wishes to analyse. Depending on the make-up of the sample, different amounts of this light are absorbed, reflected or scattered when they make contact with it. A sensor within the system records the amounts of light being reflected back off the sample and compares the figures it receives against a database of samples tested in a lab. Many samples can be taken per second, and providing the reference data is up to date, the results should be very accurate (see Limitations of NIRS). Below we take a look at a few of the systems that are currently available. See also: Drivers view: John Deere 8600 self-propelled forager Forage harvesters John Deere Harvest Lab John Deere has been the first of the major agricultural machinery manufacturers to really capitalise on the benefits of near-infrared technology. Its Harvestlab system has been around for several years now and when fitted to a forager is capable of measuring silage dry matter and automatically making adjustments to chop length to suit. The latest versions will also analyse protein levels, starch, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and most other silage constituents. Operators are able to view the readings while harvesting and then make the relevant adjustments to maximize feed quality. The information can also be sent wirelessly to Deeres operations centre where more detailed analysis can be carried out The Harvestlab unit itself is mounted on the forager spout and has a lens that takes up to 4,000 readings per second from the forage as it whizzes past. Its capable of taking measurements from maize crops as well as grass and can be removed from the harvester and used as a stationary tester for assessing forage nutrient quality during feeding. It can also be transferred to muck and slurry spreading kit for on-the-go manure testing. Claas NIR Claas now offers a brace of NIR systems for its range of Jaguar forage harvesters one that offers a simple dry matter reading and another capable of doing nutrient analysis. This records amylum, crude fibre, crude protein, crude ash and crude fat. Like John Deeres version, the unit mounts through a hole on the forager spout and takes readings directly from the crop as it passes by. This is then sent to the Cebis in-cab screen so the driver can monitor any changes in the quality of the grass. It is also possible for the information to be transferred wirelessly back to the farm office. Dinamica Generale NIR On Board A third NIR option for forage harvesters comes from Italian maker Dinamica Generale. This is the unit New Holland uses on its machines, but its also available separately through UK importer Greenforage. Like the Deere and Claas systems, the NIR On Board kit fits to the forager spout and uses a lens to read the forage as it passes by. The results are displayed on a screen in the cab and can also be wirelessly transmitted to the firms own cloud-based software system called Field Trace. It can be installed on any make of forager and is capable of reading both dry matter and nutrient content. The kit can also be used for taking readings on slurry tankers and combine harvesters and mixer wagons. Manure testing Veenhuis Nutriflow Dutch firm Veenhuis has had a busy few years developing its own NIRS system for accurately measuring the nutrient content of slurry and digestate being applied by its machines. Now that the testing phase is out of the way, the Nutriflow system is on sale with several units working in the Netherlands and a few in the UK. The unit itself bolts into the tankers pipework and constantly beams near infrared light at the liquid as it passes by. Its capable of picking up nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, ammonium and dry matter percentage, and has been calibrated using all manor of liquid manures to make sure the readings are as accurate as possible. By linking this system to the spreading equipment control and GPS via Isobus, the rate can then be varied to make sure the field gets an even dose. Accurate application maps can also be produced to show how much of each nutrient has been applied where. Its possible to combine the Nutriflow unit with a front fertiliser tank, which can be mixed with the slurry or digestate if the nutrient content of a certain batch is too low. The system can be combined with automatic section control to prevent any overlaps, too. The system is available through UK importer Technical Waste Solutions. Joskin and John Deere A number of slurry equipment makers have adopted Deeres Harvestlab system for nutrient analysis of manures, but Belgian maker Joskin was one of the first. It has been working closely with John Deere over the years to develop an integrated system, which was launched commercially in 2017. This uses the Deere sensor to take the nutrient readings, while Joskins own flow meter uses the information to adjust application rates accordingly. Its also possible to hook the system up to John Deeres tractor implement system (TIA). This allows the tanker to take control of forward speed, offering another method of automatically controlling application rates. Operators can pick minimum and maximum values of N, P and K, and the flow meter automatically adjust the quantity of nutrients going to the distributor. No modifications need to be made to the Harvestlab unit, but additional parts are required to hook it up to the tanker. Joskin doesnt sell the Harvestlab sensing kit itself, so this needs to be sourced through Deere. However, for those who already have a unit fitted to a forager, its a 20-minute job to move it from one machine to the other. Combine protein analysis Next Instruments Cropscan 3000H On the combine front, NIRS gives farmers the opportunity to accurately measure protein, oil and moisture in cereal grains and oil seeds as they are harvested. The Cropscan 3000H from Australian firm Next Instruments imported by Precision Decisions is mounted on the clean grain elevator and takes samples as the crop makes its way up to the tank. Samples drop into the sampling head for a few seconds while light is passed through them. A fibre optic cable then collects the transmitted light and sends it to the NIR spectrometer unit in the cab. The readings are then displayed on a touch-screen computer. Data is collected and displayed every seven to 12 seconds and the operator can view tank averages, field averages and real-time protein maps. It can also wirelessly transfer the information to a computer. According to Precision Decisions there are currently five machines operating in the UK, fitted to three different brands of combine. Initially, the units were used for research, but some commercial farms are now running them. So far the data has mainly been used to identify nitrogen removal and how this affects yield. Most of this has been in milling wheat, but some work has been done in barley too. To make sure theyre giving accurate results accurate, the units receive new calibrations every year, which are specific to UK varieties. Precision Decisions has done this calibration work in conjunction with ADAS, which involved putting more than 50 samples of nine different varieties through the system. Techno Cientifica Grain-Q A similar system to the Cropscan 3000H is available from Techno Cientifica, based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This also mounts to the clean grain elevator and continuously hives off small samples that pass by the NIR sensor. The unit is capable of monitoring moisture, protein, starch and sugar and the readings are apparently accurate enough to tally with the instruments used by most mills. All readings are sent back to a tablet computer in the cab and there is a built-in GPS unit to show you which parts of the field have performed best. It will also keep a record of the average condition of each tank load. The system is available through Master Farm Services. Portable systems For those who want to test field samples prior to harvesting and monitor the quality of forage during feeding, there are a number of portable NIR systems. The Agri-NIR from Dinamica Generale fits into a small wheel-along unit and is calibrated to take readings from most types of forage crop. All the operator has to do is load a sample into the unit, press a couple of buttons and wait 60s for the result to come through. The result can then be printed on a ticket or transferred to a computer via USB. It does need to be plugged into a 240v power supply unless a separate DC power pack is purchased. The company also offers a smaller hand-held system called X-NIR. This is very simple, requiring the operator to point the machine at the sample to be tested. Results are given in less than a minute and are stored on the unit. The readings can then be transferred using a USB stick. Both of these units are available through Greenforage, based in Ingleton, Yorkshire. Galveston, TX (77553) Today Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. High near 85F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 80F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Under contract with the Hamilton County Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority, S&ME will be conducting smoke tests in the Red Bank Basins beginning Wednesday. The smoke tests are part of a program to detect failures and leaks within the sewer collection system.The smoke generated during the tests should not enter individual homes or businesses if the plumbing is in good condition. The WWTA requests customers to pour water into all infrequently used fixtures to ensure all the traps are full of water.This includes sinks, toilets, floor/basement drains and washing machine drains.If smoke does enter the home or business, report it to the crews working nearby. The smoke used is non-toxic and is made specifically for this purpose. Contact S&ME at 423-648-5080 or smoketest@smeinc.com for questions or additional information regarding these tests. State Representative Ron Travis representing the 31st District, has released a list of grant award recipients from the Tennessee Arts Commission for Fiscal Year 2019 (July 1, 2018 June 30, 2019) in his district. This is the first of a series of grants that will be made throughout FY2019.These include: Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation and Valley Fest, Inc.I am very pleased to announce these investments for arts programming in Tennessees communities and schools, said Rep.Travis. We have seen all across Tennessee, including Rhea and Sequatchie that the arts drive activity and add value to communitiespromoting and increasing quality of life, economic development, tourism and education. The Tennessee Arts Commission has heard from local communities statewide that the arts are a vital tool for attraction and retention of businesses and creatives alike.Tennessee is fortunate to have elected leaders who understand the positive impact the arts and culture have on Tennesseans and their communities, said Anne B. Pope, executive director for the Tennessee Arts Commission. The arts are a vital tool for attraction and retention of businesses, and help build stronger communities by enhancing the distinctive character of Tennessee places.According to Ms. Pope, the Commission will award approximately 1,000 grants during FY2019, totaling more than $5.5 million dollars. These funds have a direct impact on communities across Tennessee, in both urban and rural areas. Grant categories include Arts Access, Arts Education, Arts Project Support, Partnership Support, Individual Artist Fellowships, Major Cultural Institutions, Cultural Education Partnership and Rural Arts Partnership.The Commissions allocations process involves a review by citizen advisory panels made up of Tennesseans with expertise in appropriate arts disciplines and a review by the full 15-member Commission.Other grant opportunities are offered throughout the year with rolling deadlines for qualifying organizations and individuals. They include grants for Arts Build Communities, Arts Education Teacher Incentives, Student Ticket Subsidy, Technical Assistance, Special Opportunities and Professional Development. Additional information on grant programs offered by the Tennessee Arts Commission is available at tnartscommission.org.The Tennessee Arts Commission is the state arts agency whose mission is to cultivate the arts for the benefit of all Tennesseans and their communities. The Festival of Flight, canceled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, is meant to honor the citys aerospace legacy and inspire an interest in aviation. Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church will have a celebratory service honoring Pastor Samuel R. and Lady Vivian Jackson on the 13th pastoral anniversary. The celebration will include three events. Dr. Rev. Andrew Bullard, III of New Enon Baptist Church will speak on Wednesday, June 20, at 6:30 p.m. During the 9:45 a.m. service on Sunday, June 24, Pastor Mike Lacey of Bethlehem Baptist Church will speak. Later that day, at 4:30 p.m., Pastor Dr. Ronald D. Dunnigan of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, Ga. will speak. Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church is at 1800 North Chamberlain Ave. For more information call 698-0337 or email uhmbc_secretary@yahoo.com. After a successful inaugural electric power race car competition this spring, green|spaces announces the expansion of the program, The Chattanooga Green Prix, that will allow at least 20 more schools to participate next school year thanks to a matching grant offered by the Lyndhurst Foundation. Last year, eight local elementary, middle and high schools were selected to participate in the Chattanooga Green Prix hosted by green|spaces as a pilot group to design and build the electric power race cars. Howard High School, Dalewood Middle School, East Lake Academy, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, Chattanooga School for Liberal Arts, Nolan Elementary, Woodmore Elementary and STEM School Chattanooga were in the pilot group. Even though we work in an environment with multiple project opportunities, this one is unique in so many ways. To see students working collaboratively throughout the entire build process was amazing, said Sue Williamson, team advisor for the Stem School. Our team was comprised of mostly 9th graders, so they went from not knowing each other to learning to work and grow together. They learned so much math and science as they had to troubleshoot issues leading up to race day. During the actual race, I loved watching how they were able to troubleshoot and find solutions to get the car back onto the track. Most importantly, they had a blast! My kids are already talking about what they would do different to modify the body to make it more aerodynamic! For this coming school year, 24 other public schools are interested in participating, most of them being Title 1 Schools. Lyndhurst Foundation has committed to match up to 10 cars, five for middle and high schools and five for elementary schools. green|spaces is seeking local companies to sponsor the program to purchase base kits and give as many schools as possible the opportunity to participate. Sponsors will be recognition by having their logo on the car, just like Nascar. The kits are reusable year after year, allowing hundreds of students to participate with a one-time investment. The Elementary car kits are $3,000 and Middle/High School kits are $6,000. The renewable energy and energy service related sector is one of the fastest growing in the nation with solar job rates growing at 17 times faster than the US economy in 2017. Major car companies such as Volkswagen have reported that their entire car fleet of 300 different cars will have electric options by 2030. For green|spaces, this is an opportunity to host a program that aligns perfectly with our mission of promoting sustainable living, working and building by creating a pipeline of students who are not only sustainably-minded but who are also developing a skill set for jobs that will be needed in the near future, said Michael Walton, executive director at green|spaces. This program teaches STEM learning objectives in an entirely new way by engaging students to think creatively, working hands-on, and as a team. Members are assigned roles such as captain, parts manager, marketing/pr, and driver. Students quickly learn that they have to work together in order to finish the car correctly and on time. Our goal is to become a regional hub for races in Chattanooga, said Dawn Hjelseth. There are about 60 teams around the Huntsville area with many more in places like Florida, Texas and Indiana. Teams compete for points, with the top teams becoming eligible to compete in the international race in England. By hosting the races here in Chattanooga, we will eliminate much of the travel expenses allowing many more schools to participate locally. Interested companies can contact Dawn Hjelseth, director of development at green|spaces at dawn@greenspaceschattanooga.or g or by calling 423-648-0963. To watch a video of last years race: https://youtu.be/TviL3q1Dbk4 To watch an interview of Howard High School Students: http://www.clipsyndicate.com/v ideo/play/7290392/the_chattano oga_green_prix Bonn swimming pools : Hardtberg pool closed after lamp cover falls from ceiling BONN The City of Bonn closed the Hardtberg indoor swimming pool in Duisdorf on Monday for safety reasons. When it will be opened again remains unclear. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken Last Sunday, the cover of a ceiling lamp fell down at the Hardtberg indoor pool in Duisdorf. The city confirmed that they have shut down the pool for safety reasons for now. No one was hurt when the incident happened as the pool was closed. An electronics company has been checking all the ceiling lamps since Monday. It is uncertain how long the pool will remain closed. City deputy spokesperson Marc Hoffman said that the pool should normally be in operation for school and club use until August 3. The outdoor pool associated with the Hardtberg indoor pool has been opened since May 18; this means the indoor pool was no longer available for public swimming anyway (the indoor pool normally closes to the public when the outdoor pool opens). A Hardtberg swim team will miss some practices because of the closing. Last November, the same team was affected when a teaching pool in Derletal School was closed due to porous expansion joints. School swimming lessons have also been affected by the closing of the indoor pools. Laura Trevisany from Derletal School said "At least we're lucky with the weather right now, but the situation is far from optimal". One could say the same about the situation for other parts of the Bonn swimming pool scene. The Kurfurstenbad indoor pool in Bad Godesberg was closed in 2016 because it was in need of repair; the city council decided not to reopen it. This was related to the decision to build a new swimming facility in Dottendorf, but that has become controversial and whether it goes forward will depend on the outcome of a voter referendum. As well, another school swimming pool has been closed since January - the Konrad-Adenauer Secondary School has a pool with a defective filter system. Bonn politicians have made money available for the renovation of the Hardtberg and Beueler Butt swimming pools (costs of around ten to 13 million euros). The city says the Beuel pool should open again in fall and plans are still being made for the Hardtberg pool. SPD council member Gabi Mayer said she understands the closing of the pool for safety reasons but criticized the city: The real problem is that the council majority and the responsible mayor are trying to save money on the existing pools so that they can push through the construction of a new central swimming facility. Fewer and fewer students are learning to swim. CDU member Christos Katzidis points out that politicians have decided on a new swimming pool concept, including a new building. Rainbow Daycare Center presented "The Red Carpet Masqurade Prom 2018. The prom was attended by the daycare participants ages 2-5 and their "dates" (their parents). It was held on Saturday, May 19, at 5 p.m. at Lamonts at 801 Dodds Ave. Organizers said, "The purpose was for all proceeds go to the Chattanooga Rescue Mission. Although the children were dressed in their best, we are teaching them early that everyone does not have what they have. We are teaching them the importance of giving back." Chattanooga City Councilman Russell Gilbert invites residents and stakeholders of the District 5 to a day-long community mixer at the Washington Hills Youth & Family Development on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 pm. Constituents will be encouraged to offer feedback about projects and issues their district. Specific ideas will be solicited for potential improvements to the Washington Hills YFD Center. The City of Chattanoogas proposed FY19 capital improvement plan (CIP) budget includes $2 million for renovations and enhancements to this center. As Chattanooga continues to grow, I remain focused on making decisions that are in the best interests of the people who live, work, worship, and play in District 5, said Councilman Gilbert. The Washington Hills YFD Center is an important anchor in our community and I look forward to hearing from the many children and families that use about how we can improve it for them. Food will be provided by Havens Restaurant and activities such as a photo booth, inflatables, face painting, the Citys Touch-A-Truck program will be on hand as well for enjoyment. Representatives from the City of Chattanoogas Office of Workforce Development will be available to discuss employment opportunities in the area. 22-year-old Mamadou Gassama, received Paris' highest award Monday as Mayor Anne Hidalgo praised him as the city's and the country's hero. She nicknamed the Malian immigrant "Spider-Man" for his daring rescue of a 4-year-old dangling from the balcony of a fourth-floor apartment.That act of bravery has catapulted Gassama from illegal immigrant to French citizen with a budding career as a fireman.But as Gassama is showered with praise, critics point to the very different fates facing other undocumented workers.That includes Ayman Latrousse, a Tunisian immigrant, who saved a mother and her two children from a fire three years ago. Today he may face expulsion. His lawyer is protesting unequal treatment.And hours before Gassama received his Paris award, hundreds of migrants were evicted from squatter camps a few kilometers away, under the watchful eye of French police.Afghan Abdoul Kayem said he was glad to be leaving the tent camp. But another migrant cursed France and chose not to board a waiting bus.Paris Prefect Francois Ravier says the migrants are guaranteed a place to stay thanks to newly built accommodation. They can apply for asylum. Those who do not qualify will be sent home.Meanwhile, the French senate is debating immigration legislation passed by the lower house. French President Emmanuel Macron's government says it will streamline asylum claims among other plusses; migrant rights groups criticize it as overly tough and even dangerous. awolana1 at 6-06-2018 10:17 PM (3 years ago) (m) Have you heard about Dr AWOLANA OGUNJIMI ADIFALA Of Ijebu land, He Is The Greatest Herbal Spiritual Psychologist That Has Been Helping In Treating All Long Time Sicknesses With Solving All Types Of Problems Failed To Be Healed By Other Healers By Using Holy Spells With Herbal Mixtures Which He Inherits By His Great Father. He Has Been To India, China, And Brazil To Display The Power Of African. Call Him To Visit You Any Where Worldwide.( +2348131931670 Have You Been Worrying About Your Marriage? Then, This Is Your Time To Smile. Because, He Is Among The World's Most Male Award Winning Marriage Consultant Who Has Fixed Many African's Troubled Marriages. With His Miraculous Powers, He Can Solve Many Complications In Human Lives Spiritually.( +2348131931670 -08131931670) Do You Need A Life Time Partner? Do You Want Your Lover Back? Are You Stuck With Financial / Or Debts Troubles? Are You Suffering Because Of Bad Luck? Has Your Neighbor Been Laughing At You That You Will Die Fruitless? Are You Being Forced Into A Divorce? Do you need to clean your house from Evils & witch-crafts? Or You Want To Know What Future? Have Ahead Of You? Contact Our Father Dr AWOLANA OGUNJIMI ADIFALA Of Ijebu land Today. If You Need Any Spiritual Help On Any of The Following - Promotion At Work Commanding Tone Protection Ring Marriage Success Love Ring Favour Ring Recover Lost Glory Help For Guys That Works Online Traditional Bullet Prove Spiritual Power For Men Of God Travel Success Ring Job Success Lotto/Pool Win Barreness Business Boom Financial Breakthrough Get Rich Without Ritual Do As I Say Examination Success Spend And Get Back Good Luck Natural Health Hypertension Stroke Impotency joystick Elongation Early ******** Win Court Case And Many More. Contact Dr AWOLANA OGUNJIMI ADIFALA Of Ijebu On ( +2348131931670 -08131931670) For Divine Consultation. Notice- Baba Is Always Available To Help You Out Of your Situation, He Is A Very Kind Hearted Man That Loves Assisting And Counselling People Over Their Situation. He Is Not After What You Have But Your Success And He Will Help You Out Of Your Challenge And Expect You To Come And Say Thank You. Call Him Today, ( +2348131931670 -08131931670) I promise You Will Smile Again. Posted: at 6-06-2018 10:17 PM (3 years ago) | Newbie Have you heard about Dr AWOLANA OGUNJIMI ADIFALA Of Ijebuland, He Is The Greatest Herbal Spiritual PsychologistThat Has Been Helping In Treating All Long Time SicknessesWith Solving All Types Of Problems Failed To Be Healed ByOther Healers By Using Holy Spells With Herbal MixturesWhich He Inherits By His Great Father. He Has Been ToIndia, China, And Brazil To Display The Power Of African.Call Him To Visit You Any Where Worldwide.( +2348131931670Have You Been Worrying About Your Marriage? Then, This IsYour Time To Smile. Because, He Is Among The World's MostMale Award Winning MarriageConsultant Who Has Fixed Many African's TroubledMarriages. With His Miraculous Powers, He Can Solve ManyComplications In HumanLives Spiritually.( +2348131931670 -08131931670)Do You Need A Life Time Partner?Do You Want Your Lover Back?Are You Stuck With Financial / Or Debts Troubles?Are You Suffering Because Of Bad Luck? Has Your NeighborBeen Laughing At You That You Will Die Fruitless?Are You Being Forced Into A Divorce?Do you need to clean your house fromEvils & witch-crafts? Or You Want To Know What Future?HaveAhead Of You?Contact Our Father Dr AWOLANA OGUNJIMI ADIFALA Of Ijebuland Today. If You Need Any Spiritual Help On Any of TheFollowing -Promotion At WorkCommanding ToneProtection RingMarriage SuccessLove RingFavour RingRecover Lost GloryHelp For Guys That Works OnlineTraditional Bullet ProveSpiritual Power For Men Of GodTravel Success RingJob SuccessLotto/Pool WinBarrenessBusiness BoomFinancial BreakthroughGet Rich Without RitualDo As I SayExamination SuccessSpend And Get BackGood LuckNatural HealthHypertensionStrokeImpotencyjoystick ElongationEarly ********Win Court CaseAnd Many More.Contact Dr AWOLANA OGUNJIMI ADIFALA Of Ijebu On (+2348131931670 -08131931670) For Divine Consultation.Notice-Baba Is Always Available To Help You Out Of yourSituation, He Is A Very Kind Hearted Man That LovesAssisting And Counselling People Over Their Situation. HeIs Not After What You Have But Your Success And He WillHelp You Out Of Your Challenge And Expect You To Come AndSay Thank You.Call Him Today, ( +2348131931670 -08131931670) I promiseYou Will Smile Again. Reply felicilin at 6-06-2018 02:19 PM (3 years ago) (f) Phillione Police have arrested 13 Nigerian nationals and a Filipino accomplice allegedly behind an online scamming syndicate that victimized Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and other nationalities, during raids conducted overnight in Imus City in Cavite province. Phillione Police have arrested 13 Nigerian nationals and a Filipino accomplice allegedly behind an online scamming syndicate that victimized Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and other nationalities, during raids conducted overnight in Imus City in Cavite province. Imus City police chief, Supt. Audi Madrideo said members of what he described as an online syndicate would create fraudulent Facebook accounts, with stolen photos and profiles, and pose as members of the United States military. Emmanuel Nnandi, a Nigerian national and one of the alleged group leaders, was arrested in an entrapment operation around 7:30 p.m. Sunday in a money transfer outlet in Barangay (village) Tanzang Luma 2. Nandi led authorities to other members of the group who were consequently collared from three apartments in Imus City. They would woo their victims by chat. Once hooked, they would promise to send them gifts or money, some as much as $2.5 million, from abroad, Madrideo said in a phone interview. The catch, however, was that in order for them to allegedly send the package, the victims had to wire some money first in the guise of shipping or customs fees. Police found out that the Nigerians had entered the country using student visas. It was allegedly the same group that faced complaints in Pasay City and Las Pinas City before they moved to Cavite province. As of this posting, authorities were preparing to file a case of syndicated estafa against the suspects, who will be presented in a press briefing on Wednesday by regional police head Chief Supt. Edward Carranza. /kga Imus City police chief, Supt. Audi Madrideo said members of what he described as an online syndicate would create fraudulent Facebook accounts, with stolen photos and profiles, and pose as members of the United States military.Emmanuel Nnandi, a Nigerian national and one of the alleged group leaders, was arrested in an entrapment operation around 7:30 p.m. Sunday in a money transfer outlet in Barangay (village) Tanzang Luma 2.Nandi led authorities to other members of the group who were consequently collared from three apartments in Imus City.Madrideo said in a phone interview.The catch, however, was that in order for them to allegedly send the package, the victims had to wire some money first in the guise of shipping or customs fees.Police found out that the Nigerians had entered the country using student visas. It was allegedly the same group that faced complaints in Pasay City and Las Pinas City before they moved to Cavite province.As of this posting, authorities were preparing to file a case of syndicated estafa against the suspects, who will be presented in a press briefing on Wednesday by regional police head Chief Supt. Edward Carranza. /kga Post Reply Posted: at 6-06-2018 02:19 PM (3 years ago) | Hero The city of Collegedale will host its Freedom Celebration on Tuesday, July 3. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with local artists and food trucks set up along Apison Pike. Two big stages featuring live music will be located at Veterans Memorial Park and the train platform at Imagination Station. Music at Veterans Memorial Park will start at 6 p.m. with Lou Wamp and the Bluetastics, followed by the East Tennessee Symphony Orchestra, and conclude with Sweet Georgia Sound. Musical performances at Imagination Station will kick off with Kofi Mawuko from 6-7 p.m. and Jennifer Daniels from 7:15-9:15 p.m. Children are welcome to join in the activities at Imagination Station hosted by the Parks & Recreation Department. The second annual Red, White and Boom Glow Run sponsored by Scenic City Multisport starts at 7:30 p.m. The Childrens Fun Run and the 5k run along the scenic greenway will begin at 8 p.m. Register for the fundraiser benefiting the city of Collegedales flag program at Veterans Memorial Park by going to http://redwhiteandboomglowrun.itsyourrace.com. The Freedom Celebration will conclude at 9:45 p.m. with the areas largest fireworks display. Vendor applications are still being accepted for the July 3 Freedom Celebration. Contact Kristi Wheeler for a vendor packet at kwheeler@collegedaletn.gov or call 468-1996. The content you are looking for has either been removed or requires you to login to view Please login below or register for an account With Naijapals.com U.S. Senator for Montana Steve Daines visited Glasgow last week on June 1, to meet with community leaders and talk about issues such as education, long-term care, infrastructure and energy. Daines commented that the meeting, "really covered from the cradle to the grave and everything in between." Representatives from various agencies, the hospital, the school board, Prairie Ridge, the Valley County Sheriff's Office and Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital as well as business owners and elected officials attended to talk about the issues concerning Valley County, rural Montana and the Glasgow community. The Senator engaged those participants asking for clarity and seeking policy solutions and suggestions he could take back to Washington for action. The first issue raised by County Commissioner Bruce Petersen was mental health access. COO of Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital Ellen Guttenberg took on the task of discussing critical access funding, mental health in the region and the issue of Medicaid funding for many of the programs. Guttenberg spoke out about Medicaid funding and proposals for that program. Specifically, she addressed per capita and block grant funding saying, "neither of those work very good for Montana. Obviously, per cap (per capita) is a no brainer why that doesn't work for Montana. The block grant funding seems like a good idea but what we've seen is when that funding is given to the state's health care it's an easy target. Mental health is a good place to make cuts, nursing homes are a good place to make cuts, so a block grant funding kind of puts the health care industry at risk." Daines responded to Guttenberg's concerns saying, "The challenge we have right now in Medicaid is there really isn't any budget. It is this open-ended unsourced funding(...) So here's the problem, there really aren't much incentives for the state to find smarter ways to spend Medicaid dollars, to reign in waste, fraud and abuse that does incur in that program. They're not accountable, so there is no budget(...) So, we've got to figure out how to manage that better. To keep that viable long-term." Daines went on to discuss health care in broader terms before speaking emphatically about the loss of critical access funding in the region, "If you lose your critical access, you lose your health care. You lose your seniors who were going to retire here because they have to go elsewhere to get better health care. I think you have to have that for the community really to stay viable as a community." Other topics prompted by the Superintendent of Frazer Schools Melanie Blunt-Cole revolved around meth and opiate use, especially on or around the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and in those schools. Undersheriff Luke Strommen took the topic to task discussing with the Senator the need for more patrolmen and deputies to take on the growing issue of drug related crime in the county. The law enforcement officer said, "I can draw a straight line from almost every felony case I have worked in my career to drugs," Strommen added later, "We really just need more boots on the ground in Valley County." Education funding in the region was also discussed with Daines citing the lack of state and federal funding and the lack of pay to recruit teachers to the area. Infrastructure was brought up and representatives from the county talked through the issues with the city levy and the Army Corps of Engineers and Federal Emergency Management Agency standards for that levy. Following the discussion Senator Daines made his way out to Fort Peck to tour the Northeast Montana Veterans' Memorial. He was greeted and provided information on the fundraising, design and construction of the monument by the veterans, engineers and construction crews that performed the work of making the monument a reality. While there Daines also dedicated a tile for his father, who served in the United States Marine Corps. Agatha Lenore (Harmon) Rohde, age 85, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in St. John's Lutheran Home in Billings, Mont. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be at 1 p.m., June 8, at Bell Mortuary in Glasgow, Mont., with Pastor Tom Fauth officiating. She was born on Dec. 14, 1932, to William and Gladys (Miller) Harmon in Bainville, Mont. She received her education at Lakeside Elementary and graduated from Bainville High School. She worked for Smestad Lumber and the Culbertson State Bank before marrying Richard F. Rohde on June 18, 1951. She and Richard would spend the next 65 years together raising their five children and their families. Agatha was "Aggie" to her friends and "Mumzie" to her children, grandchildren and all their spouses. She spent her life caring for family, caring for patients as a nurse's aid at the hospital and caring for all the customers at Rohde Seed House. Mumzie made work fun, was full of laughter and enjoyed dancing. She learned to play the electric guitar, knitted and sewed many clothes, played cards and even played in a pool league. When she reached her 60s, she bought a computer, took a class at the high school and soon she was navigating the Internet. Mumzie loved to learn and spent her entire life reading whatever she found interesting, from Biblical topics to nutrition to self-help books. When she found a book that made a difference to her, she excitedly bought five copies and all her children received another volume for their library. Even during her last months in the nursing home, she still would pick up any magazine or paper and start reading out loud. She brought joy to all who came into her life. Agatha was preceded in death by her husband, Richard "Dick" Rohde in 2017 on their shared birthday. She is survived by her five children, Colleen (Larry) Pankratz of Opheim, Glenn (Lori) Rohde of Glasgow, Alan (Nancy) Rohde of Absarokee, Nola (Jeff) Howell of Billings and Echo Konecki of Billings; 25 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren. Dear Glasgow Folks, Tonight [June 2], when I saw Glasgow featured on NBC Nightly News, I felt a flutter in my heart. You see, after my husband and I graduated from the University of Arkansas (1964), he received his commission as a second lieutenant in the US Air Force, his first orders sent us to Glasgow. As embarrassing as it sounds now, we actually had to check a US map to locate Montana. In addition, all the info. on Glasgow and Montana described the location with lots of forests and mountains. Shortly after we arrived at Glasgow AFB, that summer, bachelor officers told us the joke was Theres a girl behind every tree. Ahem! Just find a tree. I think we began to get the drift of our future home once we left North Dakota and saw that the daytime speed limit was safe and prudent. John was assigned to Combat Support and I got my second teaching job at Glasgow High School. That meant I had to commute from the base for two winters until John was sent to Southeast Asia in the early summer of 1966. I remember having to go to survival classes (winter and the daylight problem of the Big Sky Country). The only real snow we had ever seen was on Christmas cards. As kids, we were so desperate for snow ice cream that we made it from the sleet we occasionally got. I was intrepid then as I look back. I dont know how we got through the winters. We lived on base housing and I recall that the outer rings of the houses would get snow up to the roofs so kids could ski down. And I only had one problem with the snow, it was when I decided I could drive home just by seeing the barbed wire fence along the highway. All of a sudden my new VW with no gas heater stopped moving because I was high center on a snowdrift across the road. Luckily, the Air Police constantly patrolled the highway and found me. The Airman put me into his truck, towed my VW off the drift, and called John for me. I got home fine without admonishment. I should have stayed with a colleague in Glasgow. I was never so foolish after that. Im thinking/hoping that a former student and/or colleague might be one of your readers. At 25, I was only seven years older than my journalism seniors the second year, stellar girls and boys who finished the publication of the yearbook THE SCOTTY because I had to leave when John left for Vietnam. They were the best! GHS was overcrowded because the base kids attended, so the scheduling was nightmarish, as one might imagine. I remember in winter getting to school in the dark and leaving in the dark. John and I have wondered how the base was used after it closed. He got his choice of assignment after Vietnam so we chose Dow AFB, Maine, in Bangor. That base closed a year after we were there in 1967-68, and became a U of Maine campus and Bangor International Airport among other things. (Stephen King was still in college in Orono at that time. Who knew?) John passed away in 2010 after battling two cancers at different times. Before retirement in 1992, he was a mechanical engineer at Eastman Kodak before its demise. I was a career English teacher in the Rochester City School district. We made the very unpopular decision to remain childfree and have lived here since 1968, when he left the military. This is our third harsh winter location but Rochester has been a good place to live. Im so glad I caught the News segment tonight. Watching it brought back many memories of the place and the people we loved. Linda Kennedy Floyd Rochester, New York Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, in partnership with the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, invites the public to attend a free program focusing on African Americans who were enslaved in the Cherokee Nation and subsequently freed after the Civil War. The 45-minute program will be held Tuesday, June 19, at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 East Martin Luther King Blvd. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the formal presentation begins at 5:45 p.m. Review for the program: When visitors to the Chattanooga area think about its rich American Indian history, the first nation that comes to mind is that of the Cherokee. Forcibly removed from parts of Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina in 1838, they were not the only ones who traveled along the infamous and deadly Trail of Tears. Enslaved African Americans traveled the routes and endured hardships as well. Although the Cherokee maintained slavery during the Civil War, once it died in the Cherokee Nation, one might think the fight for equality would have died along with the institution. However, Cherokee Freedmen were not considered equal to the Cherokee, sparking a battle beginning in 1866 and lasting until a senior United States district judge answered the 151 year old debate on August 30, 2017. We hope you will join us as we explore Cherokee Freedmen and their lives in the Cherokee Nation after enslavement. For more information about upcoming programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, please contact the Lookout Mountain Visitor Center at 821-7786, the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706-866-9241, or visit the parks website at www.nps.gov/chch. The Trump administration Monday released a Medicaid scorecard intended to show how the nations largest health program is performing. But the nations top Medicaid official didnt want to draw any conclusions.This is about bringing a level of transparency and accountability to the Medicaid program that we have never had before, said Seema Verma, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.Yet in a meeting with reporters, Verma refused to discuss the findings in any detail or comment on any individual states that performed poorly or exceptionally.I will let you look at the data and make your own conclusions, she told journalists a few minutes before the report was posted online.When reporters pressed Verma to comment on the document, she refused to give an assessment of the Medicaid program, the federal-state health program for low-income residents. She has run Medicaid for the past 15 months.The idea here is to give you a sense of where states are on different areas, she said. The idea is to be used for best practices, and its an opportunity for us to identify and have discussions with states that arent performing well.Medicaid covers about 75 million people, about half of them children.The report looked at how well states provide a wide variety of health services to children and adults. It also reviewed how quickly the federal government was approving state waiver requests to change their programs.But not all states provided data for each service because sharing information was voluntary.For example, half the states did not show how well they control Medicaid enrollees blood pressure.The National Association of Medicaid Directors panned the scorecard. It acknowledged the need for a system to measure performance but said its members have concerns about its accuracy and usefulness.There are significant methodological issues with the underlying data, including completeness, timeliness, and quality, the association said in a statement. It noted that most of the data comes from 2015.As expected, the data showed great variation in how states provide care, including immunizing teenagers or getting dental care to children. A big reason is that state Medicaid benefits and payments to doctors vary dramatically, the Medicaid directors said, so that it will not be possible to make apples-to-apples comparisons between states.In her first public speech, Verma promised last November to release a Medicaid scorecard. She said states wont immediately face any consequences for poor performance but that could change.The data begins to offer taxpayers insights into how their dollars are being spent and the impact those dollars have on health outcomes, Verma said Monday.Sara Rosenbaum, a professor of health law and policy at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., who previously led a congressional advisory board on Medicaid, suggested that the information is still too incomplete to be of great value.It is amazing to me that in 2018 this is all we have when trying to understand how the nations largest insurer performs for its poorest and most vulnerable residents, she said. As more than a million Americans face losing food stamps under President Trump's vision for reauthorizing the farm bill, his vow to wean families off dependence doesn't apply to thousands of others who have been relying much of their adult lives on payments from the government's sprawling agriculture program.And many of those farmers have been getting aid for far longer than the average 10 months that a food stamp recipient gets help. In fact, 27,930 farmers have been collecting for 32 years, a report released Wednesday shows. The assistance is supposed to keep their farming operations afloat, but it flows in good years and bad.It is well known that the farm bill long ago strayed from its Dust Bowl roots, when the temporary subsidies were established to help farming operations survive brutal drought and other such catastrophic events.But the new data compiled by the advocacy organization Environmental Working Group are setting off fresh charges that food stamps are not the only form of welfare bankrolled under the bill."We are struggling to understand how some of these operations manage to get paid every single year," said Scott Faber, vice president of government affairs at the group. "It is remarkable that 28,000 people have managed to get a check every year for 32 years."Not all of the recipients live and work on hardscrabble farms. Some are managing operations that are quite lucrative, according to the report. At least 245 of them appear to live far from where the cotton, corn, wheat and other subsidy-eligible commodities are grown; they are in urban locations such as Santa Monica and the Napa Valley's St. Helena. While most of the recipients are in the Midwest and Texas, there are 87 Californians who have been collecting farm bill checks since the mid-1980s. Their operations span the entire state, and range from big, industrial farms to the hobby farms of wealthy individuals.The Newton Bros. cotton farming operation in Stratford, Calif., has collected the most of the subsidies in the state, totaling more than $5.7 million over the 32 years, according to the group. Messages left there and at several other of the California farms that received the payments were not immediately returned.Such long-running payments are coming under scrutiny at a time when the White House and many congressional Republicans are aiming to substantially cut food stamps, which are also authorized by the farm bill. A House measure that narrowly failed last month would cut benefits provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, by $9 billion over the next 10 years. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that would result in 1.2 million people losing access to food stamps.The bill failed after Democrats refused to support the food stamp cuts and several in the GOP also defected, some because they objected to the farming subsidies. "Taking away money from taxpayers to inflate the price of their own groceries was never a good idea," said Northern California Republican Rep. Tom McClintock, who wants to cut all the subsidies, including those for food stamps. The White House is continuing to push for the food stamp cuts as the farm bill discussion moves over to the Senate.Under the plan favored by Republicans, new work requirements would kick in, mandating at least 20 hours of work per week or participation in a job training program for most adults in the program, including those caring for children over the age of 6. The California State Assn. of Counties and the County Welfare Directors Assn. of California warned in a letter to Congress that the proposal would have exactly the opposite of the intended effect, by imposing punitive penalties that undercut efforts already underway to help food stamp recipients find and keep jobs."Instead of reducing food insecurity, the policies will increase it for many families," their letter said. "Most SNAP households can and do work. The basic premise underlying the punitive work requirement supports the false narrative that households don't work because they would rather have a relatively small benefit."The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to oppose the cuts, which it warned would "devastate disadvantaged communities." One in 10 Californians uses food stamps. Some 85,000 would immediately lose their benefits under the House GOP plan, which eliminates a provision allowing states to provide food stamps to families with incomes slightly above the federal eligibility limit.None of the proposals supported by congressional leadership target the payments going to the nearly 28,000 farming families who have been collecting for decades. Farming industry groups say those subsidies are not wasteful government handouts, but essential assistance to keep an industry thriving and the world fed."The issue with agriculture is [that] Mother Nature is your business partner," said John Newton, director of market intelligence for the American Farm Bureau Federation. "It is incredibly risky. When you take out these incredibly large loans to buy the seed, the fertilizer, to put crops in the ground, you don't know what you will get at end of the harvest. You don't know if there will be rain or flood or drought. Many farmers take out millions of dollars a year every single year to put a crop in the ground. They have a lot of risk."Newton said many of the payments go to subsidize crop insurance, which mitigates the risk farmers could lose everything if the weather does not cooperate. They also go to payments to farmers when the price of their crops falls so low as to threaten the viability of their businesses.Critics question why any farm would need such bailouts for 32 years straight."There is a bunch of nonsense being claimed," said Vincent Smith, director of agriculture studies at the American Enterprise Institute. "This claim -- that absent these subsidies there will be a farming crisis and lots of farms will go bankrupt -- is implausible."These are not the Joads getting this money," he said, referring to the fictional family impoverished by the Dust Bowl in the novel "The Grapes of Wrath."In some cases, it is members of Congress. While lawmakers do not appear to be among those who have been getting payments for 32 years straight, several have collected handsome amounts of subsidies thanks to the farm bill -- some while serving in Congress, the report found.Among them is Rep. Vicky Hartzler, a Missouri Republican who champions the tougher food stamp rules, vowing that they would move impoverished Americans into self-sufficiency. Hartzler, according to the Environmental Working Group, is also the recipient of nearly $1 million in farm subsidies. Alabama Iowa New Mexico South Dakota Republicans appeared to score two major victories in the Democratic stronghold of California on Tuesday. They secured a spot for a GOP gubernatorial candidate in the November election, and they deprived Democrats of a supermajority in the state legislature.The California contests were among many high-stakes primary races decided Tuesday, with voters in five states going to the polls to choose governors and other statewide officials.In the four other states -- Alabama, Iowa, South Dakota and New Mexico -- women running for governor fared well. In fact, its possible that each of those states could elect a female governor in November. Thats especially significant for South Dakota, which is one of 22 states that has never elected or appointed a woman as governor.But the stakes Tuesday were especially high in California. The states primary system does not guarantee that both Democratic and Republican candidates make it to the November ballot.The big question going into Californias primary elections Tuesday was whether a Republican could survive the top-two primary to have a chance, however remote, at taking the governors office. Republicans feared that not having a candidate in the November election would not only thwart their goals in Sacramento but would also keep GOP voters away from the polls for key congressional races.As expected, though, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a former San Francisco mayor, easily took the top spot. So the attention turned to who would finish second: former Los Angeles Mayor and Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa or John Cox, a Republican endorsed by President Donald Trump.Cox, a perennial candidate who only recently moved from Illinois, easily won the No. 2 spot, a remarkable rebuke for Villaraigosa, who only a decade ago was considered a rising star in the Democratic Party.So instead of a nuanced debate over how best to achieve liberal policies in a state that overwhelmingly supported Hillary Clinton in 2016, the California governors race is more likely to be a clear-cut decision between candidates on opposite sides of the political spectrum.Californias vision and Americas values are one and the same, Newsom said Tuesday. But our values, as you know, are under assault. Were engaged in an epic battle, and it looks like voters will have a real choice between a governor who will stand up to Donald Trump and a foot solider in his war on California.Cox painted the race as a referendum on Democrats stewardship of the state in the eight years since Gov. Jerry Brown took the states top job.It wasnt Donald Trump that made California the highest-taxed state in the country, it was Gavin Newsom and the Democrats Your party has made a colossal mess of this once-golden state, Cox said of Democrats during his victory speech Tuesday. This is only the first step to turning around this state and taking back California for all Californians.The stark choice is no accident. Newsom raised Coxs profile by attacking him in TV ads, so Republicans would coalesce around him rather than split their support between him and another GOP contender. The strategy effectively blocked Villaraigosa from eking out a second-place win.Villaraigosa endorsed Newsom on Tuesday.One issue that Cox has campaigned on is opposition to a gas tax hike last year that funded a major infrastructure program . Republicans also appear to have used that issue to oust a freshman Democratic legislator, Sen. Josh Newman, and replacing him with a Republican.The rare recall could weaken Democrats power at the Capitol because it deprives them of the supermajority in the Senate needed to pass tax and fee increases.But Assembly Democrats have operated for several months without a supermajority because of vacancies caused by sexual harassment scandals. And most major tax bills -- including the gas tax hike -- have passed with a one or a handful of Republican votes as well.Meanwhile, in other states:Gov. Kay Ivey, who assumed office after her predecessor resigned in scandal last year, won the Republican nomination and the upper hand in the November general election. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle came closest to Ivey in a crowded field, but it was a distant second-place finish. Ivey beat him by a 2-1 margin and cleared the 50-percent threshold she needed to avoid a runoff.Ivey became governor during a tumultuous period in Alabama politics. She took over for Robert Bentley, who left office under threat of impeachment for misusing his office to reward friends and cover up a purported affair with a top staffer. In the months before Bentley left, the House speaker stepped down amid criminal charges for violating ethics rules. And Roy Moore had just been removed -- for a second time -- as the states chief justice, this time for failing to honor a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage.Iveys main task has been to restore Alabamians faith in their government. She faced some criticism for backing Moores unsuccessful U.S. Senate bid last year. But by and large, she gave her opponents little fodder to attack her with. Ivey had previously been elected as lieutenant governor and state treasurer. The states GOP establishment seemed to coalesce around her.We promised the people that we would restore their faith in government, Ivey told supporters after her win. We promised we would clean up the mess in Montgomery.On the Democratic side, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox had a similarly lopsided victory over Sue Bell Cobb, who served as Alabamas first woman chief justice from 2007 to 2011.Both candidates featured prominently in state news prior to this years race. Cobb pulled off a rare Democratic win during a multimillion dollar race to become the states top jurist, in part with the help of a memorable ad featuring her and the church song This Little Light of Mine. But in a dozen years as mayor of Tuscaloosa, the home of the University of Alabamas flagship campus, Maddox has helped the city recover from the Great Recession and devastating tornadoes that killed 53 people seven years ago.We will repave our roads and rebuild our bridges while tearing down the obstacles to the ballot box, Maddox said in his victory speech. You cant call yourself a patriot if youre scared of democracy.Like Ivey, Gov. Kim Reynolds is new to the governors job. She took over for six-term GOP governor Terry Branstad after he became the U.S. ambassador to China last year.But unlike Ivey, Reynolds had no Republican challenger Tuesday. That meant the biggest fight was for the Democratic nomination to face Reynolds in November. Fred Hubbell, a retired insurance executive, took more than half the vote in the crowded Democratic field.The Democratic contest looked like it would be far more competitive until just a few weeks ago. But one of the leading candidates, Nate Boulton, a state senator, abruptly suspended his gubernatorial campaign two weeks ago after three women accused him of sexual misconduct. His sudden departure from the race left Democrats worried that no candidate would clear the 35 percent threshold needed to avoid a party convention to select a nominee. In the end, Hubbell cleared that mark easily.Reynolds began attacking her Democratic opponent even before he was declared the winner.Just a few weeks ago, Reynolds signed a law that she claims is the largest tax cut in Iowa history, which would reduce income taxes for most Iowa taxpayers by $300 a year. It was a major priority of hers in this years legislative session, and its clear that pocketbook issues will be a major theme of her upcoming campaign as well.The issue isnt that Fred Hubbell has been rich his entire life, its that he has no idea what its like not to be. He has no idea what its like to balance a family checkbook or make the tough decisions most of us make each and every day when we are trying to make ends meet, she said Tuesday.Hubbell attacked Reynolds and the Republican-led legislature for an extreme agenda that included a major Medicaid privatization effort and new abortion restrictions she signed.Iowa voters have had enough of the heartless and misguided policies and priorities that have taken our state backwards, he said.New Mexicos governorship is up for grabs after eight years of Republican control because incumbent Gov. Susana Martinez is term-limited. On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham won the Democratic nomination. She will face another member of the states congressional delegation, U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, a Republican, in the November election.Lujan Grisham held cabinet positions in New Mexico state government before serving three terms in Congress. She wants to promote more green energy projects in the state, strengthen gun laws and raise the minimum wage to $10 an hour. Lujan Grisham also wants the state to make it easier for non-citizens to get permission to drive in the state. Its an issue that, for more than a decade, has roiled the state, which has sizable Hispanic and Native American populations. During her tenure, Martinez made tougher rules on drivers licenses a top campaign issue and legislative priority, with limited success Lujan Grisham has taken heat, though, over her stake in a company that administered New Mexicos high-risk insurance pool, which covers people with severe medical conditions who cannot get insurance as well as unauthorized immigrants who cannot get coverage through federal programs.The general election is likely to be one of stark contrasts, since Pearce, who represents the southern part of the state, is a staunch conservative and member of the U.S. Houses Freedom Caucus. Pearce, a Vietnam veteran, is stressing the need to rejuvenate the states economy, reduce crime and poverty, and increase accountability in schools. But his conservative record could be a liability in a state that Clinton carried in 2016 and where most major offices are held by Democrats.Another member of Congress, U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem, is likely to become South Dakotas first female governor, after she secured the Republican nomination in the heavily GOP state on Tuesday. A Democrat hasnt won a gubernatorial election in the state since 1974.Noem defeated Attorney General Marty Jackley in the Republican primary. Both enjoyed statewide recognition because Noem represented the entire state as her U.S. House district. But Noems campaign was able to tie Jackley to the status quo in scandals that shook state government while she was in Washington, helping to push Trumps agenda. Jackley, who represented South Dakota in a U.S. Supreme Court case to decide whether the state can collect taxes on online sales, accused Noem of undermining that case with a press release that was cited during oral argument by the states opponent in the case.Noem will face Democrat Billie Sutton, a well-funded state senator, in the November election. Governments around the nation are working to design the best vaccine policies that keep both their employees and their residents safe. Although the latest data shows a variety of polarizing perspectives, there are clear emerging best practices that leading governments are following to put trust first: creating policies that are flexible and provide a range of options, and being in tune with the needs and sentiments of their employees so that they are able to be dynamic and accommodate the rapidly changing situation. The California judge who prompted a national outcry after handing former Stanford University swimmer Brock Turner a six-month sentence for sexual assault has been recalled by voters in Santa Clara County.With 43 percent of county precincts reporting, 59 percent of voters favored the recall of Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky, 41 percent opposed the recall, according to The Associated Press, who called the vote early Wednesday.Persky becomes the first California judge in 86 years to be recalled.Women outraged by Turner's lenient sentence led the charge to recall Persky from his post, saying he is unfit to serve out the remaining four years of his term. Persky's defenders argued that a recall would undermine judicial independence and might unintentionally lead to longer sentences for far less privileged felons.Turner was convicted in 2016 of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman behind a dumpster at a fraternity party when he was a student at Stanford University. The Governors Official Program is comprised of a wide range of constitutional and legal duties and ceremonial and community engagements. Each year, the Governor hosts thousands of visitors to Government House to take part in investiture and award ceremonies, Open Days, receptions and meetings, and travels widely throughout Queensland to support the activities of Patron groups. View a chronological record of the Governors daily program below. On Tuesday, in the morning, at Government House, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC welcomed students and staff from St Peter Chanel Catholic Primary School for a guided tour and morning tea. In the afternoon, at Womens College, St Lucia, Mrs de Jersey attended the Scribblers presentation of the 2018 Bedford Journal. Description GIS 06 June, 2018: An Arboretum which will house some 5 000 endemic plants of 600 rare species was inaugurated yesterday by the Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Mahen Kumar Seeruttun at the Native Plant Propagation Centre in Curepipe in context of the An Arboretum which will house some 5 000 endemic plants of 600 rare species was inaugurated yesterday by the Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Mahen Kumar Seeruttun at the Native Plant Propagation Centre in Curepipe in context of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2018. The theme for this year Celebrating 25 years of Action for Biodiversity, was chosen to mark the 25th anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity and to highlight progress made in the achievement of its objectives at national and global levels. In his address, Minister Seeruttun, spoke of the importance of preserving and conserving the endemic species of plants which are becoming more and more endangered owing to the effects of climate change on the environment. He reiterated the support of his Ministry to ensure that endemic plants and animals which are part of biodiversity are protected. He expressed concern regarding 60% of the ecosystem across the planet which is being threatened and called for a concerted effort of one and all to collaborate in protecting the ecosystem. Mr Seeruttun further dwelt on the various measures being implemented by the Government to ensure sustainable management and restoration of native terrestrial Mauritian fauna and flora. The Minister also spoke of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2017-2025 for Mauritius, which sets out the Strategy and Action Plan for biodiversity conservation for the next nine years and contribute to national development and sectoral planning frameworks through a renewed and active National Biodiversity Planning. Mauritius was the first country to sign and ratify the Convention on Biological Diversity in September 1992, he added. Other activities organised to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity comprised: an open week for secondary students at the Arboretum and the Native Plant Propagation Centre; an exhibition on the native biodiversity; planting of endemic trees in the national parks and various selected sites; and distribution of native plants to all schools. The International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated on 22nd May every year to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity. It is observed in order to increase understanding and public awareness of the biodiversity. (TNS) -- Computer science is such a fast-growing, popular major at the University of Washingtons Seattle campus that two-thirds of the freshmen and sophomores who apply dont get in.But next spring, students who get a letter of acceptance to the UW will also find out immediately if theyve been chosen for a coveted spot in one of the universitys hottest majors.By telling incoming students that theyve already secured a spot in the major, the UW hopes to relieve the frustration and stress of getting in. It could also help students trying make a decision about whether to go to the UW, or choose a different college.The change in policy, known in academia as direct to major, will affect high-school students who are preparing to apply to the UW this fall for entry as freshmen in fall 2019. The change in policy follows a similar change made last spring for students majoring in engineering , another popular major that also turns away many applicants because there is not enough space in the program.Currently, most students who want to major in computer science are first admitted to the UW and begin taking prerequisite courses. A year or two later, they apply for admission to the major.Under the new policy, UW Seattle aims to enroll about 200 computer-science majors directly as freshmen, said Paul G. Allen School Professor Dan Grossman. That doesnt mean, however, that the UW will admit just 200 it will admit more, to take into account that some admitted students will go elsewhere.The vast majority of those admitted students will be from Washington state, he said.But students who dont get in as freshmen will still have a chance to major in the field. About 100 slots will be set aside for students who decide, after theyve already been admitted and are taking courses as freshmen or sophomores, that they want to major in computer science or computer engineering.In addition, about 60 to 70 seats will be set aside in the two computer fields for students who transfer in to the UW, Grossman said. Most transfers come from the states community colleges.The change in policy will not affect the UWs two branch campuses, in Bothell and Tacoma, which also offer computer science.The UWs computer science department became a school last year , and was named after Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. It is constructing a second building as part of an expansion to house classrooms and offices, and has a goal of graduating 450 undergraduates in computer science and computer engineering each year, twice as many as it graduated a few years ago. Grossman said the university expects to meet that goal by 2021.Theres a significant overlap between computer science and computer engineering, Grossman said, but computer science is offered through the College of Arts & Sciences and has more flexible degree requirements. Computer engineering is part of the College of Engineering.Computer science hopefuls applying as freshmen this fall wont have to do a special application as long as they indicate computer science as their preferred major, they will automatically be considered for direct admission.Engineering works a little differently. Students indicate if they want to be admitted to the College of Engineering, and if theyre admitted, can pursue one of the colleges 11 degrees, which includes computer engineering. However, on the application a student can choose only one either a major in computer science or a spot in the College of Engineering.According to the Allen School, the best academic preparation for computer science is to take the most rigorous curriculum offered in high school, including advanced classes, especially in English, math and science. The school says it is not necessary to take computer programming in high school to be considered for the major. (TNS) - Local first responders are set Wednesday to receive equipment to help in handling future flooding disasters more safely.The 100 Club, which supports families of officers injured or killed in the line of duty and provides equipment to local public safety agencies, is donating more than a dozen boats to the three agencies.William Skeen, the organizations executive director, said the decision to donate the boats came after Hurricane Harvey highlighted the lack of watercraft available to local emergency agencies.We saw what first responders were having to do. They were borrowing boats and kayaks and canoes. They couldnt safely do the job they get up every day and go to work to do, Skeen said. We thought this would be a great opportunity to help and get them some equipment that will carry them through the next 25 years, because we know Houston is liable to flood again in the future.In the months since the storm, local leaders have had to confront the lack of resources that the fire department and other agencies had at their disposal to handle serious flooding events. When Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in August 2017, the fire department had just one high-water rescue vehicle, decrepit rescue boats and decades-old evacuation boats. The sheriffs office which has a marine reserve fleet found some of its rescue efforts hampered because its fleet included deep-hulled fishing boats that got stuck in shallow and rapidly shifting currents.In recent months, the city spent $2 million on a package that includes six deuce-and-a-halfs, or high water rescue vehicles capable of driving through flooded areas, at a cost of $75,000 each.The council also voted to buy four rescue boats suited for use in swift water, and 10 evacuation boats, meant for moving people through calmer waters.The fire department also has received private donations and pledges of three additional high-water rescue vehicles, six evacuation boats and two swift-water rescue boats.Ruy Lozano, assistant chief with the Houston Fire Department, said the donations incur no cost for taxpayers.Were really appreciative of William Skeen and the 100 Club, he said.After the storm, Houston Fire Chief Pena said he wanted enough resources to be able to station high-water rescue trucks across the city, and to double the number of evacuation boats and swift water rescue boats.Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez thanked The 100 Club and said Hurricane Harvey revealed Harris Countys true character as the nation witnessed countless acts of heroism from first responders and average residents.When the next highwater disaster strikes, we will be even better equipped to save lives, he said.st.john.smith@chron.comtwitter.com/stjbs2018 the Houston ChronicleVisit the Houston Chronicle at www.chron.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. As if its not enough that communities hit by disaster have to go about rebuilding, its inevitable that the suffering will attract scammers, sometimes called storm chasers, companies that target vulnerable communities rebounding from a disaster and other scam artists.Thats what the Indiana Department of Homeland Security is warning residents about in the 35 counties that received emergency declarations earlier this year after severe flooding.These scammers will go door-to-door offering repairs and often do subpar work or dont complete the work after receiving payment, which they often request up front.Its sad that there are people out there who would take advantage of people who are distraught and have been through a horrible disaster and may be elderly or disabled, said Erin Rowe, state director of emergency response and recovery for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). They call them storm chasers and there are some individuals and groups who have been identified.You see a lot of folks in dire straits and they want to get things repaired as soon as possible, said DHS Executive Director Bryan Langley. But its important to do your due diligence and make sure you protect yourself. The biggest thing we want to communicate is that the threat is out there.There are some important precautions to take before any work is agreed on. Getting three written estimates and then researching each of the companies is good practice.Dont do anything spontaneously. Dont sign any contracts or pay anyone at the initial contact. Ask for licensing and use local contractors if you can, Rowe said. Get multiple estimates and make sure theyre bonded and insured general liability, workmans comp and dont pay until the work is done.You see a little bit of everything, said Communications Director David Hosick. You have people coming in as contractors, trying to turn a quick buck as quickly as they can, and you even have people misrepresenting themselves as FEMA officials, DHS officials. Theres a wide breadth of ways people are trying to pull a fast one and its unfortunate.Scammers often pose as FEMA or DHS officials, so its imperative to make sure people are who they say they are by asking for identification. And its equally important to safeguard personal identification. FEMA and other government personnel will have an identification badge; a FEMA shirt or jacket is not the proper identification.Sometimes the scammers will fill out online forms using stolen identities. We dont have hard data, but some of our recovery folks have heard of FEMA officials showing up at someones door to investigate a residence and the people at the residence knew nothing about the filing, Langley said. Obviously somebody used [the residences] identity to put together the filing.There are also plenty of scams involving charities and people should ask for the exact name, street address, phone number and website address of any charity and contact that charity before giving.What were trying to do as a state agency and as a supporting agency is work hand-in-glove with the Attorney Generals office, with FEMA, and other state agencies to generate awareness, Langley said. Its important for us to engage our community partners our emergency management agency directors, mayors, county commissioners, so they can spread this information as well. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke on Wednesday announced $2.6 million in funding approved to rebuild critical national park infrastructure in Tennessee. The money will go to rehabilitate the Elkmont Waste Water System in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is part of $256 million going to a list of projects across the National Park Service to address dire maintenance and repair needs that contribute to the $11.6 billion backlog currently facing the nations parks. Roads, bridges, trails, water systems and visitor centerseven bathrooms, campgrounds and drinking fountainsare all part of this critical, but often unnoticed, infrastructure framework. In 2017, 330 million people visited the 417 NPS sites across the country. The NPS completed over $650 million in maintenance and repair work in Fiscal Year 2017, but aging facilities, high visitation, and resource constraints have kept the maintenance backlog between $11 billion and $12 billion since 2010. Secretary Zinke said, "The President is a builder, he loves to build and he loves our National Parks, so it is a natural fit that the Administration is dedicating so much attention to rebuilding our aging parks infrastructure. These approved projects are more than just line items on an Excel spreadsheet. They have a tangible effect on a persons experience when visiting our nations parks. Todays announcement is another step toward eliminating the more than $11 billion in maintenance facing the National Park Service. Its another step toward prioritizing infrastructure because it is an investment that bolsters local economies and gateway communities. And it is another step in prioritizing access for all Americans to our public lands. Over his two visits to the Smokies during the last year, Secretary Zinke has made clear his commitment to restoring our national parks, said Senator Lamar Alexander. This plan ends the discussion about whether to build the North Shore Road in the Smokies by providing a long overdue $35 million settlement payment to the residents of Swain County. The plan also includes $2.5 million to rehabilitate the Elkmont Waste Water System in the Smokies, which is one the Parks visitors favorite campground spots. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of Americas great treasures, as well as the most visited national park in the country, making it a huge driver of East Tennessees economy, said Congressman Phil Roe. Providing funding for our national parks is not only critical to preserve these lands for future generations; it also ensures parks can continue to welcome millions of visitors from around the world each year. I thank Secretary Zinke for prioritizing funding for a sustainable and modern wastewater treatment system for the Elkmont Developed Area, and I know this important project will help protect Little River. Secretary Zinke has made tackling Interiors deferred maintenance backlog one of his top priorities. In April, he signed a memorandum of understanding committing Interior to follow President Trumps One Federal Decision framework for processing of environmental reviews and permits for major infrastructure projects. In March, Interior announced the Secretarys partnership with Congress on abipartisan bill to address rebuild and repair National Park Service infrastructure. Approved Fiscal Year 2018 National Park Service construction projects: Safety Through Engineering? FIU Pedestrian Bridge In August 2017, Alexis Dale moved from San Diego to South Florida to attend Florida International University, trading one coastal paradise for another.Two months later, while crossing an eight-lane road near campus at 3 a.m., she was struck by a car and thrown to the side of the road. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.Friends and family knew Dale as one of a kind an ambitious young woman who was eager to pursue a degree in information technology and who loved her dog, Bella. But Dale was one of hundreds of pedestrians who died in Florida that year.The number of pedestrians killed on U.S. roadways is up by a lot. Nearly 6,000 pedestrians were killed in 2016, up from 4,100 in 2009 and the highest toll since 1990, according to the Governors Highway Safety Administration. The number of deaths held steady between 2016 and 2017 but that was cold comfort.It leveled off at a 25-year high, said GHSAs executive director, Jonathan Adkins. Its nothing to celebrate.The problem is increasingly concentrated in certain states and Florida is one of them. Between 2009 and 2016, pedestrian deaths in the state rose by 40 percent, to 652 from 466. To stem the tide, Florida officials increasingly are placing their faith in engineers.In analyzing trouble spots, the state transportation department now uses mapping software that can identify risk factors such as construction sites, which can divert pedestrian traffic to unsafe routes; land-use patterns, which can then dictate the location of signaled crosswalks; and lighting, which affects pedestrian visibility.Last month, several of these factors tracked by the agency played a role in a pedestrian fatality in Putnam County. Around 9:30 p.m., a pickup truck struck a man crossing State Road 20 at an intersection with no crosswalk. The state road has minimal lighting, and the Florida Highway Patrol noted visibility was low at the time of the crash. The nearest crosswalk on the high-speed state road was about a mile away.Engineering is a proven way to improve safety outcomes, said Richard Retting, general manager of the firm Sam Schwartz Engineering and author of the pedestrian fatality report released by the Governors Highway Safety Administration. Florida has some of the best professional planners and engineers working on solving these pedestrian safety problems.There is no single cause of the national spike in fatalities, but there are clear patterns.For example, alcohol consumption by drivers and pedestrians has contributed to about half of pedestrian deaths in recent years, according to federal data.Another factor is distraction. In 2016, an estimated 562 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed in distraction-affected traffic accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Distracted walking injuries resulting from cellphone use by pedestrians increased by more than a third between 2010 and 2014.To help address its rising pedestrian fatality rate, Florida is relying on the engineers who design and build roadways and walkways.We just have to make sure we identify the right problem for them to solve, said DeWayne Carver, manager of the state Department of Transportations Complete Streets program.For many years, the department instructed engineers to design roads to handle as much traffic as possible, according to Carver. In recent years, however, it has directed them to prioritize pedestrian safety.Some of the changes have been subtle, such as changing the standard lane-width on state roads, which had long been 12 feet. Florida narrowed its standard lane width to 11 feet, and to 10 feet in some urban areas.Research has shown that narrower roads are more effective for traffic management and safety, Carver said.Roads with narrower lanes had lower fatality rates , despite many cities assuming wider lanes are safer, according to an analysis of roadways in cities around the world by the World Resources Institute.In Florida, Carver said, If you need a wider lane, you can still ask for it but you need to show why you need it.Flip-flop parking, on-street parking that alternates from one side of the road to the other on different blocks, can also improve safety by keeping drivers alert, Carver said. He cites Centre Street in Fernandina Beach, a coastal town near the Georgia border, as a successful example. On Centre Street, stretches of parking spaces alternate from one side to both sides of the street, punctuated by red brick crosswalks.It does a great job of using parking to create a chicane effect and keep traffic speeds low, Carver said.Engineers are also encouraged to employ terminated vistas, in which a large structure is located at the end of a roadway within view of the driver, to send a message to the driver that they need to be driving slower.The year before Alexis Dale died, construction had started on a nearby pedestrian bridge spanning the busy roadway near Florida International University.Nine months from its completion, the 950-ton bridge collapsed, and the concrete rubble crushed drivers and workers, killing six.The scope of the project was ambitious: Connecting the FIU campus with the nearby town of Sweetwater, the bridge was designed to serve as a floating public space , with benches, tables, viewing platforms and Wi-Fi.The bridge was a multifaceted effort: Tallahassee-based FIGG Bridge Engineers designed the bridge, Miami-based Munilla Construction Management was responsible for construction, and the state Department of Transportation provided oversight.The project reflected the states progressive engineering strategy, said Retting, the author of the highway safety report.But the project was not the first of its kind. The engineers behind the pedestrian bridge at FIU used a method called accelerated bridge construction. The ABC method is intended to minimize construction time and traffic delays by completing much of the construction off-site and assembling the prefabricated bridge components in a shorter time span.The ABC method has been implemented in states across the country one member of the American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that 5 to 10 percent of U.S. bridges are now built using the ABC method . In 2011, Massachusetts replaced 14 bridges in just 10 weeks using the ABC method.But Retting does not believe the collapse of the FIU pedestrian bridge will dissuade engineers in Florida or around the country from pursuing these kinds of ambitious and innovative projects to solve pedestrian safety issues."There can be setbacks with progressive infrastructure" projects, Retting said. "But I think setbacks like this are specific to individual projects. This was a one-off." (TNS) PAHOA, Hawaii Noxious emissions of sulfur dioxide from the eruption activity in Pahoa have caused persistent respiratory problems for displaced Leilani Estates resident David Hess, who has asthma.The breathing is hard. Its really uncomfortable, Hess, 58, said Monday afternoon as he sat at one of the fold-up tables at a makeshift center dubbed Puunohua o Puna, where volunteers provide community support to lava evacuees, including hot meals, free clothing and nonperishable goods.Hess, an Army veteran, said hes experiencing increased tightness in his chest, throat irritation and a burning sensation in his nasal passages. Its like that constantly.Hess evacuated his home May 3, the first day of the eruption, and is staying at a home in Hawaiian Shores. Hes using his inhaler more frequently as his asthma has worsened due to the toxic fumes.Hawaii County, Hawaii County Civil Defense, the state Department of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency are working on a website where residents like Hess can check levels of sulfur dioxide being measured at air monitoring stations throughout Hawaii island.Air monitoring stations have been installed around the island by the EPA, U.S. Geological Survey, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Health Department, and the website will allow the public to look at readings from the various monitors in one location.Janet Snyder, Hawaii County Civil Defense spokeswoman, said the site is still being worked on and might go live shortly.As lava from the fountaining fissure 8 remains active, it continues to feed a flow that entered the ocean at Kapoho Bay on Sunday night, prompting renewed Civil Defense warnings about laze.Laze is formed when hot lava hits the ocean, emitting hydrochloric acid and steam with fine glass particles into the air. If nearby, the corrosive gas mixture causes irritation to eyes, skin and lungs. Though laze looks harmless and quickly dissipates, it could cause lifelong lung damage because of all the particles that get into your lungs because its like glass, Snyder said. How Bad is Bad? Governments Weigh-In On Open Source Security Protections Getting the Word Out Microsofts announcement Monday that it is acquiring massive open source platform GitHub for $7.5 billion is expected to have little impact on reducing the sharp rise in open source vulnerabilities and improving their time to discovery. Thats not good news for governments as they increasingly embrace open source.Microsofts acquisition will undoubtedly further improve the already good security of the GitHub platform. However, it wont naturally change for better or worse the security of the open source projects itself (that use the platform). This is an area where the community, as a whole, needs to own security, not any corporation, said Guy Podjarny, CEO of security firm Snyk.The open source community may not be taking rigorous ownership of its own security, an issue governments need to consider as they pass policies to allow the use of open source technology in their programs, applications and on their websites.For example, 44 percent of open source maintainers surveyed acknowledged they never have conducted a security audit of their code, according to a 2017 State of Open Source Security report by Snyk. The report is based on interviews with more than 500 open source maintainers and data Snyk collected from 40,000 open source projects and scanning millions of GitHub repositories and packages on registries.[Source: Snyk]Meanwhile, state and local governments are jumping onto open source for its ability to save software development time and overall costs, as well as potentially increase the capabilities and scope of the projects they may want to tackle. New Hampshire in 2012, for example, passed legislation that required state agencies to consider using open source software before purchasing commercially available software. Two years earlier, California officially permitted the use of Open Source Software (OSS) for application or software development, according to Manveer Bola, statewide technology policy chief for the California Department of Technology.Open source vulnerabilities in application libraries have risen sharply since 2012, soaring from less than 100,000 published vulnerabilities to approximately 900,000 in 2017. In Snyks test of over 430,000 sites, 77 percent were running at least one library with a known vulnerability, according to the report.[Source: Snyk]The median time between introducing a vulnerability into an application library and when it is publicly disclosed is 2.53 years, according to the report.During that time, cyberattackers can take advantage of the situation and embed their malicious code into the library, gaining entry if a government agency imports that library into the development of an application. For attackers, being baked into the development of an application may be easier access than trying to bust into an application after it has already been created, say security experts.We believe hackers will continue to target vulnerable open source components as it requires less efforts and results in more reward for them, said Rami Sass, CEO of security firm WhiteSource. This is true for all verticals, including government agencies who are becoming heavily reliant on open source projects. Vulnerabilities found in popular open source projects are a prime suspect as it can 'produce' the highest number of targets.[Source: Snyk]The city and county of Honolulu primarily develops its own applications using major open source distributions, such as Linux, software development tools from GNU and languages like Node.js, said Mark Wong, CIO of Honolulu.Much of the software on repositories like GitHub are from sources we cannot verify, and we arent using open source business applications, he said. We do trust software from organizations like Google, Apache, Linux Foundation, MongoDB, Python, and OpenSSL. While there certainly are vulnerabilities with packages from these organizations, known vulnerabilities are reported directly to us in a timely fashion, and we dont have to rely on release notes.Wongs team regularly checks the releases on about 100 open source packages used in the citys software development and that only one of these packages, protobuf, is from GitHub. With protobuf, Wong noted the GitHub page is linked directly from Googles developer site and if Google can trust protobuf hosted on GitHub than he can too. As for Microsofts acquisition of GitHub, Wong does not believe it will significantly impact the security of the site one way or another.The state of California has not discovered malicious code purposely built into open source code at its own department level, according to Bola.Each department is responsible for ensuring the open source software they use is compliant with software management licensing and security practices listed in the State Administrative Manual and Statewide Information Management Manual, which calls for system development life cycle and system developer testing, both of which touch on secure coding practices, he added.We also know that several departments have additional departmentwide policies which cover secure code development, said Bola. As such, since it is state policy, we are hoping all entities are ensuring that open source code acquired from any library is tested and approved prior to incorporating into their applications.Although cyberattackers have always exploited open source vulnerabilities, in the past 18 months they have ramped up the speed in reacting to public information on open source vulnerabilities, according to Sass.[Source: Snyk]Government agencies can take three steps to improve their open source security posture. One is to automate the open source management process, as well as listen to the open source community when it shares information to quickly remediate the vulnerability, he said.However, the problem is that most software teams are not able to learn from issues reported and fixed by the community as the information is spread across many repositories and websites across the Web, and most sources are not indexed properly, explained Sass.Sass suggests using software composition analysis tools for real-time security notifications and quality issues. And lastly, he advises raising the awareness of software engineers that they are the ones who will need to weigh the risks of using open source software before porting it over.Honolulu, meanwhile, relies on a vulnerability monitoring service and its partnerships with agencies like the Department of Homeland Security for timely notifications. When a release note mentions a vulnerability, a patch has usually been developed, according to Wong. As a result, its faster for Honolulus IT team to compile things like OpenSSL from the authoritative source because the IT team can deploy an updated SSL release in less than 30 minutes after a vulnerability is noticed.This is one of the strongest arguments for building from source, said Wong. Having said that, if you dont understand the code well enough to fix it, maybe you should think twice about using it. (TNS) WASHINGTON U.S. election systems are increasingly at risk for cyberattacks ahead of the November midterms as Russia continues information operations to sow political division, according to cybersecurity firm FireEye Inc.State and local election infrastructure is becoming a more popular target for hackers, particularly state-sponsored cyberespionage actors, the Milpitas, California-based company said in a recent report, outlining risks to voter registration, polling places and ballot submission systems.Although the U.S. primary season is well underway, FireEye said it hasnt observed attacks against election infrastructure as of March. But following Russian meddling in the 2016 elections, malicious actors and nation states likely already have an understanding of the flaws in the U.S. elections infrastructure and will seek to exploit opportunities where they can, the report said.As more states place their voter registration processes online, their websites become targets for cyberattackers. Aggressive campaigns to disrupt electoral process could use tools like ransomware and distributed denial-of-service attacks to destabilize state and local computer networks and mimic cybercrime activity, the report said.The Department of Homeland Security has said Russia targeted 21 states voter registration systems, but only Illinois has indicated publicly that some of its voter data was stolen. In its report, FireEye says hackers used three penetration testing tools to gain access to 200,000 voter records in Illinois. While the state said no data was altered, it is possible that the actors had the ability to modify or delete data, the report said.The U.S. uses 57 different types of voting machines that FireEye says have flaws, including machines being particularly vulnerable to malware introduced through removable hardware.Cyberactors deploying information operation campaigns may target or mimic state and local officials social media accounts directly to sow fear and mistrust, the report said. In addition, FireEye regularly sees data from state election systems for sale in the underground web, according to John Hultquist, FireEyes director of intelligence analysis.Homeland Security is working with a growing number of state election officials to install Albert sensors, which detect traffic coming into and out of a computer network. But those sensors have critical limitations. While they funnel suspicious information to a federal-state information-sharing center, they cant actually block attacks, theyre not deployed to most of the 9,000 local jurisdictions where votes are actually cast and sophisticated hackers can sneak past the sensors undetected.With a slew of primary elections scheduled for June, Russian hackers are weighing their next moves, according to FireEye Chief Executive Officer Kevin Mandia. Theres probably a group in the country that thinks the 2016 election targeting was great and another group that doesnt agree, Mandia said at the reports release in Washington.One challenge facing both hackers and the federal government in its efforts to stop them: the midterms are more decentralized, with state and local campaigns versus the one national presidential election in 2016, FireEye analysts say.Theres a moment of uncertainty of what theyre going to do next, Mandia said. Theyre probably still sorting what their cybercampaigns goals are.Though the company hasnt noted Russian hacking or leaks related to the upcoming elections, it was around this time two years ago that Russian hackers ramped up their activity targeting the 2016 president elections, Lee Foster, manager of information operations analysis at FireEye, said. He noted ongoing trolling efforts to foster discord, an effort that will likely increase in the coming months.Theres still plenty of time for this to occur, Foster said. Several hundred devices in Rhode Island, the nations smallest state, were penetrated last week as a result of malware, officials told local news outlets, but the incident did not appear to have compromised data or otherwise affected government infrastructure.The incident was discovered late on May 31 , according to Channel 12 WPRI news. It affected devices at three state agencies, the departments of Children, Youth and Families; Human Services; and Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals, according to newspaper The Providence Journal s Madeleine List reported that the malware, which originated from a generic phishing email, made some state computers crash and resulted in technical issues on June 1 but ultimately only minimal service disruptions." Business hours and first-of-the-month benefits payments were unaffected, List wrote.Channel 12s Susan Campbell reported that less than 4 percent of 10,000 state devices were affected, and there had been no data breach and no data was compromised.In this case, we believe this could be through a generic phishing attack, clicking on a link in an email, just an external site which is clicked," Bijay Kumar, the states chief information officer and chief digital officer, told Channel 12. "We did some proactive upgrades and have since mitigated the issue."Kumar told the TV station that devices that had crashed were at the agency level, and were smaller PCs with lower processing power. That was the only impact we saw," he added. The May 31 incident puts Rhode Island in the company of several other local-level agencies that have experienced incidents or breaches during the past six months.In the most high-profile incident on March 22 , the city of Atlantas court and police department systems were among those compromised by a ransomware cyberattack that a university professor said at the time could have originated with a virus from the Samas or SAMSAM family. The incident, from which Atlanta has largely recovered, impacted a spectrum of city services, requiring police to temporarily produce handwritten incident reports; interrupting the processing of ticket payments; and disrupting the online payment of water and sewer bills.On Dec. 5 , hackers believed to be from Iran or Ukraine, froze data at Mecklenburg County, N.C., using a new type of ransomware called LockCrypt, before demanding payment in bitcoin. (Mecklenburg County didnt pay; the city of Atlanta is believed to not have paid its attackers either.)The North Carolina breach required the county to briefly shutter all online systems, including the public-facing areas of tax payments and code enforcement, but it relaunched core Tier One services within the month and had fully recovered by late March.And on March 25 , Baltimores 911 system was breached through an unprotected port, temporarily shuttering automated dispatch on 911 and 311 calls. City CIO and Chief Digital Officer Frank Johnson toldat the time that the agency was able to isolate and take offline the affected server, thus mitigating the threat, while continuing operations manually.A recent incident of malware making its way onto state computers originated with a phishing email, Rhode Island Chief Information Officer Bijay Kumar confirmed toin an email.The incident came to light when officials were alerted to instances of some of the states computers crashing, said Kumar, who is also the states chief digital officer.The agencys IT team was able to quickly identify, isolate and contain the malware over the weekend, Kumar said, referring to the weekend of June 2-3. The state has around 10,000 devices, but fewer than 400 computers may have been impacted, he said, noting that Rhode Island proactively updated its systems to quickly isolate and contain the incident.For security reasons, he declined to disclose exact details of how the malware was contained but said the state is not seeing disruptions at this point, although officials continue to monitor systems closely.We take security very seriously. As soon as we identified malware, we pulled in the Rhode Island State Police, the Rhode Island National Guard and the states Emergency Management Agency. Their cybersecurity experts worked successfully and quickly with our team to contain the problem, he said.In a changing threat environment, Rhode Islands CIO said the evaluation and assessment of IT security is a continuous process, and that its more important than ever to invest in cybersecurity and employee education. Gov. Gina Raimondo has made this a focus, he said, forming the states Cybersecurity Commission in 2015 and hiring its first cybersecurity officer, Mike Steinmetz.Rhode Island recently conducted a statewide cybersecurity assessment, Kumar said, which is being addressed to help enhance its cybersecurity across the enterprise.Our ability to identify, isolate and contain this so quickly is, in part, due to the investments weve made in people, processes and technology, Kumar said, emphasizing the critical need public-sector agencies have for security awareness.Training employees how to identify a suspicious email may seem like a simple task, but it can make a world of difference. The state has implemented cybersecurity training for its employees, and we will continue to cultivate a cybersecurity-aware culture among our ranks, he added. (TNS) Facebook and Google are mapping big expansions in Chicago, where real estate searches by two of the nations other technology giants have been the center of attention.Menlo Park, Calif.-based Facebook is negotiating to lease more than 200,000 square feet in a recently constructed office tower at 151 N. Franklin St. in the Loop, according to sources.Meanwhile, sources said, Google plans to add more than 100,000 square feet of office space in the citys Fulton Market district, where the company already has a large Midwest headquarters.Those companies growth in Chicago comes as city and state officials await Amazons decision on its planned second headquarters, or HQ2. The Seattle-based company last year announced plans to pick a North American location to add up to 50,000 high-paying jobs, and Chicago in January learned it was among 20 locations still under consideration.Also in January, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Chicago would try to lure Apple, which is seeking a new campus that would create more than 20,000 jobs. Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple has remained tight-lipped about potential locations for the campus, and its unclear whether Chicago is under consideration.For now, at least, Google and Facebook are the tech behemoths beefing up their presence in Chicago. Many of those companies existing employees are in sales.If the Facebook lease is completed as expected, it would cap a spring to remember for Chicago developer John Buck Co. In May, Facebook signed the largest office lease in San Francisco history, agreeing to fill all of a new, 756,000-square-foot tower developed by John Buck and two partners: Chicago-based Golub & Co. and the asset management arm of MetLife.The Chicago deal comes immediately after tenants began moving into John Bucks 35-story tower at 151 N. Franklin St., where CNA Financial is the namesake tenant. Another tenant in the approximately 807,000-square-foot building is law firm Hinshaw & Culbertson.The largest block of remaining space is the top 10 floors, which have just over 257,000 square feet combined. Its possible Facebook could fill all of that space.Its unclear whether Facebook also plans to remain in a recently expanded office on Wacker Drive, or whether the spaces will be consolidated on Franklin Street. In October, the Tribune reported Facebook had expanded its space at 191 N. Wacker Drive to more than 100,000 square feet.A Facebook spokeswoman and John Buck President and Chief Investment Officer Kevin Hites did not respond to requests for comment.In May, Crains Chicago Business reported that Facebook has been poaching recruiters from other Chicago companies so the social media company can make hundreds of new hires in the city.The Franklin Street space would be large enough to accommodate more than 1,000 employees.Facebook is represented by brokers at Cushman & Wakefield. John Buck is represented by Bill Rolander and Jon Cordell of Newmark Knight Frank.Google is expanding in Fulton Market, an area that it helped elevate a few years ago when it moved into 358,000 square feet in the former Fulton Market Cold Storage building, which was redeveloped by Chicagos Sterling Bay and renamed 1KFulton.Google, which has nowhere else to expand at 1000 W. Fulton Market, is leasing 14,000 square feet on the ground floor that once had been planned as retail space for the building, Google spokeswoman Kayla Conti confirmed. She said that space will be used for Googles salespeople to interact with clients.Just south of 1KFulton, Google is negotiating to take more than 100,000 square feet in a 12-story building Sterling Bay plans to finish building at 210 N. Carpenter St. by late this year, sources said.Sterling Bay managing principal Andy Gloor could not be reached for comment.Conti declined to comment on the Carpenter Street lease, or to say whether Google plans further expansion in the neighborhood. She said the Mountain View, Calif.-based company has more than 900 employees in Chicago.Google is represented by Kyle Kamin and Cal Wessman of CBRE. Sterling Bay and 1KFulton owner American Realty Advisors are represented by Sterling Bay leasing director Michael Lirtzman.About 60,000 of the Carpenter Street buildings 205,000 square feet already has been leased. (TNS) Matt Cutts has taken on a tough task: luring highly skilled tech workers from their mecca in Silicon Valley to the political battleground of Washington, D.C.The former Google engineer heads the U.S. Digital Service, a federal agency that grew out of the disastrous roll-out of Obamacares Healthcare.gov website and is now charged with developing technology to improve federal government services and operations.Cutts came to the Bay Area recently, seeking to entice product managers, engineers, designers and other tech experts at companies including Google and Apple to join him in the federal digital service. Sure, new recruits have to forsake the company cafeterias common at major tech firms, but there are other rewards, Cutts said.Theres no free lunch in government, but there are other perks, Cutts said. Theres a bowling alley in the White House.Beyond possible bowling opportunities, digital service jobs can pay up to $163,000 a year, he said. Median compensation for a software engineer in San Jose is $107,000, and $113,000 for a product manager, according to PayScale.What Cutts is hoping will really attract at least some high-performing tech workers is the sense of mission digital service positions confer, whether the job is streamlining the bureaucracies of Medicare and Medicaid, improving record-sharing between the Defense Department and Veterans Affairs, or designing ways to assess the impact of post-disaster Federal Emergency Management Agency loans.You can make a living while youre doing good, Cutts said.In attempting to recruit tech workers from the Bay Area, Cutts should lean heavily on that sense-of-mission pitch, said Terri Griffith, a Santa Clara University business professor who studies the intersection of worker skills and company practices.Any decision to move into a new role is always a bunch of balances, Griffith said. They have to sell the service piece of this.But the Bay Area recruiting drive during which Cutts delivered a keynote speech at Code for America Summit in Oakland comes at a time of long-simmering distrust between the traditionally left-leaning Bay Area, the Trump administration and the Republican-led Congress. Far-right supporters of the president often complain that tech companies like Google, for example, censor conservative views, while Trumps policies and actions have alienated many in the Bay Area, and prompted Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich and former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick to withdraw from the presidents advisory councils.In the digital service, about half of the current 180 employees are women, Cutts said. He wants to hire 50 more people, with workers to be embedded in other federal agencies potentially including the Treasury Department.Weve literally flown people into Fort Knox to revive computer programs, Cutts said.Potential hires must be able to start within six months and commit to at least six months with the digital service, which works out of a townhouse a stones throw from the White House, Cutts said.The White House, and its most prominent resident, could make Cutts recruiting work a challenge, said Stanford University business professor Jeffrey Pfeffer.Government jobs are being demonized by many political figures with people in all sorts of agencies regularly seen as part of the deep state or something, Pfeffer said. The president and cabinet secretaries show, in general, little respect for or appreciation of the people working hard for their government. Who wants to work for a place that, in many ways, signals it does not value them or appreciate their service?The digital service, Cutts said, hires only 4 percent of applicants for jobs that require skills beyond technological expertise.We want people to be able to do the work, but also sit down and brief a cabinet secretary, Cutts said.A number of companies hes aiming to poach employees from have policies allowing workers to take leaves, and he suggested that they could give the digital service a six-month test run, then either continue in government or return to their jobs.The ability for tech experts to try out the digital service is a good selling point for Cutts, along with the opportunity for professional development, Griffith said.You could also sell in terms of learning to work with very complex clients, learning to work with different kinds of time scales, Griffith said. If the U.S.D.S. can sort of paint a picture about how this is a great move to help you build a broad and unique foundation, then I think theyll be more successful.Everyone in America should wish the digital service good luck in its recruiting, she added.All of us are touched by the work that the U.S. government does, Griffith said. I certainly like my government to work better and more efficiently. The inefficiencies cost us all a lot. Elizabeth Baker, candidate for District 2 on the Hamilton County Commission, is hosting a family-friendly event Saturday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at The Pumpkin Patch Pavilion on Signal Mountain. Kids can play on Waldens newly-refurbished Pumpkin Patch playground while their parents talk with the candidate. Coffee, water, fruit and sweets will be available throughout the morning. The Pumpkin Patch is located at 1836 Taft Highway next door to the Walden Town Hall. Encouraging friends and neighbors to stop by, Ms. Baker said, I want to meet and hear from you so I can be your voice on the County Commission. Canadian GP promoter Francois Dumontier says he is happy with the new Liberty Media era. In charge of the race at Montreal, Dumontier told La Presse he formerly had a good relationship with ousted F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. But Bernie "did everything himself", he explained. "When Liberty Media took control, things changed, that's for sure," said Dumontier. "They have experience in the media, with event management, and they listen to promoters," he added. "Already they have taken some ideas that I submitted to them and implemented them in other grands prix. "That said, they inherited an empty shell from Ecclestone and had to set up a whole structure, creating departments, hiring staff. For sure everyone is still learning, but the progress is already significant," Dumontier said. (GMM) Shell Aviation and SkyNRG entered a long-term strategic collaboration to promote and develop the use of sustainable fuel in aviation supply chains. The collaboration combines Shell Aviations technical and commercial expertise, world-class supply chain and carbon management operations with SkyNRGs proven track record of supplying sustainable aviation fuels and in-depth knowledge of this market. The agreement will see Shell Aviation and SkyNRG work together to develop long-term opportunities for low carbon solutions. These efforts are structurally supported by committed funding to a joint business development fund. We want Shell to be a leader in the low carbon transition in aviation fuels. Todays agreement with industry pioneers SkyNRG demonstrates the type of progressive collaboration which can help us move us towards a lower carbon emissions future. Working together, we believe we can advance sustainable solutions for the benefit of our entire industry. Anne Anderson, Vice-President Shell Aviation The agreement is a multi-year collaboration, with both companies acknowledging that the path to lower carbon emissions in aviation requires long-term commitment. The collaboration will focus on the joint development and funding of new opportunities to extend the use of and build more resilient supply chains for sustainable aviation fuels. This will be coupled with the development of a range of comprehensive carbon management options that will provide support to Shell Aviation and SkyNRG customers. First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga, in honor of our armed forces and veterans, are offering a free 5:30 p.m. hamburger/hot dog dinner in the Fellowship Hall and a free 6:30 p.m. patriotic concert in the sanctuary on Sunday evening, July 1. The concert will include the choir, orchestra, Celtic ensemble and soloists, prayers from veterans, a salute to the Armed Forces, and other American Folk and sacred music. Nursery is available for infants to three years during the event. For more information, contact Kelly at 423-648-7912. The American Institute of Architects, Associated General Contractors, American Society of Interior Designers, American Association of Landscape Architects, American Society of Civil Engineers, Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers, green|spaces and Sustainability Professionals of Greater Chattanooga sought out submissions for people and projects that highlight the best of the best in the building industry. Peoples Choice voting is now open for the Third Annual The B.R.I.C. Awards, Building Recognition in Chattanooga, until June 15. Awards will be presented for Judges Choice and Peoples Choice in the following categories: AIA Best Residential Design of the Year AIA Best Commercial Design of the Year AGC Excellence in Construction ASID Residential Project of the Year ASID Commercial Project of the Year ASID Student Project of the Year ASCE/TSPE Outstanding Engineering Project of the Year green|spaces Sustainable Project of the Year green|spaces Sustainable Business of the Year Sustainability Professional of the Year Full submissions and voting for each category can be found at www.brichattanooga.com. ACE Mentor Program of Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia is proud to be involved with the BRIC Awards, bringing together and highlighting the best designers, engineers and contractors Chattanooga has to offer, said Jim Williamson, board president of ACE Mentor Program. The BRIC Awards aligns with the ACE mission of developing partnerships and recognizing excellence, while supporting our ability through scholarships to encourage high school students to pursue higher education and careers in the Architecture, Construction and Engineering professions. The award ceremony will be held on June 28 at the Westin. Individual tickets and tables can be purchased at www.brichattanooga.com. Senator Lamar Alexander today said the U.S. Department of the Interiors fiscal year 2018 spending plan includes a $35 million payment to Swain County to finally end the discussion about building the North Shore Road in the Smokies.During his two visits to the Smokies during the last year, Secretary Zinke has made clear his commitment to restoring our national parks. This plan includes $35 million for settlement payments for the North Shore Road in the Smokies -- this is a long overdue payment to the residents of Swain County based on a promise made 75 years ago, Alexander said.Equally important, it should finally end the discussion about whether to build the North Shore Road, which is impractical today because of environmental concerns and enormous cost. The spending plan also includes $2.5 million to rehabilitate the Elkmont Waste Water System, which is one of the Parks visitors favorite campground spots.Today, the U.S. Department of the Interior released its fiscal year 2018 spending plan for National Park Service construction projects, which included funds for projects in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: $35 million in settlement payments for the North Shore Road and $2.5 million to rehabilitate the Elkmont Waste Water System. In the late 1940s, construction of the Fontana Dam flooded a state highway in North Carolina. The federal government agreed to compensate the citizens of Swain County for the loss of the road. For decades Alexander and others fought against building the North Shore Road through the park which would have cost hundreds of millions of dollars and disturbed pristine wilderness. Instead, Senator Alexander supported a full cash settlement. The fiscal year 2018 spending plan completes the settlement. Inside the Spotted Pig. Photo: Dylan Rives/Getty Images April Bloomfield is no longer involved with the Spotted Pig, the restaurant where she made her name and reputation, spawned a legion of imitators, and later became associated with the sexual harassment and abuse of its co-owner Ken Friedman and investor Mario Batali. Bloomfield has left White Gold, as well, and she and Friedman are no longer associated with Salvation Taco. In a statement shared by a representative, Bloomfield announced the end of her partnership with Friedman. She will hold on to the Breslin and the John Dory Oyster Bar, which shes re-concepting, as well as the Hearth & Hound in Los Angeles and Tosca Cafe in San Francisco. Friedman was accused by ten women of groping, daily unwelcome sexual advances, bullying, and more in a New York Times report published in December. Employees also reportedly nicknamed its private third-floor dining room the rape room. Last month, 60 Minutes aired more accusations against Friedman; it also shared allegations that chef Mario Batali drugged and raped a woman at the Spotted Pig. Bloomfield said then, in a statement, that she was in the final stages of severing her partnership with him. Employees have criticized how she handled Friedmans behavior, with one saying her response was Get used to it. Or go work for someone else. The full statement reads: Pablo Villavicencio tried to deliver the pizza to Fort Hamilton. Photo: Seth McConnell/Denver Post via Getty Images What was supposed to be a pizzeria workers uneventful delivery run to Fort Hamilton last week ended in his sudden detention at the hands of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. Pablo Villavicencio, a 32-year-old employee of a Brooklyn restaurant, was born in Ecuador. He has a green-card application in process, and had in the past delivered to the Army-controlled base. This past Friday, however, he arrived at the gates, and a guard asked Villavicencio for ID to prove that he was a citizen. When Villavicencio apparently could not produce any, the guard made a call and handed him over to immigration authorities. Villavicencio is now thought to be locked in a New Jersey facility, but his exact location is unclear. Sandra Chica, his wife, is trying to prevent his deportation, and has reached out to TV stations and Spanish-language newspapers. Personnel at neither Fort Hamilton nor ICE have commented on the events, but activists say the circumstances of Villavicencios detention are unprecedented in New York City and State. Javier Valdes, co-executive director of Make the Road, an immigrant family advocacy group, has called for an investigation of the incident, which seems to represent a collaboration between the military and ICE. It has also been alleged that the guard did not have legal authority to question Villavicencio about his citizenship status. Delivery workers and restaurant personnel have been frequently targeted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement since its founding in 2003. For this and other reasons, political candidates such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, of New Yorks 14th district, are openly calling for its abolition. Councilmember Justin Brannan and Brooklyn borough president Eric Adams are expected to make formal inquiries today about the circumstances that led to Villavicencios detention. City Councilmember Carlos Menchaca, who also chairs the councils Committee on Immigration, released a statement condemning Immigration and Customs Enforcement tactics that he alleges are specifically designed to intimidate immigrant communities through fear. Villavicencios wife and two children are U.S. citizens, and his path to citizenship was well underway at the time of his detention. In a bizarre detail, Chica told Telemundo that her husband called to say he had been arrested, and mentioned that Fort Hamilton workers took the pizzas while they waited for ICE to arrive. A march is scheduled for tonight, and a GoFundMe campaign has been set up in Villavicencios name. Haiti - Technology : Soon launch of the selection competition for the incubator Alpha Haiti The first Haitian technology incubator "Alpha Haiti" implanted in the complex Cine Triomphe, aims to provide an environment conducive to the creation of start-up, the support of innovative projects and training in the field of new technologies and entrepreneurship. Alpha Haiti's mission is to provide personalized support to business creation: accommodation and logistical support, mentoring, access to certified training, backing up a research laboratory for both scientific and technical expertise, access to financing. "Alpha Haiti" will also offer workshops, conferences and networking events that will be able to reach nearly 1,000 people each month. The incubator is also an accelerator of the creative industries by offering tailor-made and specific resources and training. 50 entrepreneurs with business projects with high growth capacity will be hosted for a period of 6 to 9 months, during 2 sessions, ie 100 entrepreneurs per year. Following its launch, https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-24572-haiti-politic-moise-launches-the-technology-incubator-incubator-alpha-haiti.html in the week of June 4, the incubator Alpha Haiti will launch the selection competition for future incubated. The submitted projects will be studied to evaluate their scope and those who will be selected (50 per semester) will obtain the support of "Alpha Haiti". The new vocation of the Cine Triomphe Complex will be complete with the training component for the general public: theaters and cinemas will be dedicated to different types of training and networking events for the general public in the field of technological innovation and entrepreneurship, but also cultural, artistic and leisure activities. This double vocation of the Cine Triomphe Complex makes the Alpha Haiti technological incubator unique in the Caribbean region. HL/ HaitiLibre iciHaiti - Politic : Weekly Review of Parliament's Activities The week of May 28 to June 1, 2018 was once again marked by a lack of legislative activity at the Parliament level. No plenary meeting, no meeting in the Commission has been held; it has been three weeks since the start of the beginning of the holiday period of the deputies that nothing moves in the Senate... To be noted, a convocation of the Superior Council of the National Police (CSPN) made by the Justice and Security Committee of the Senate for the 1st of June 2018 around the Presidential Order https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-24541-haiti-politic-the-government-explains-about-the-decree-concerning-the-decisions-of-the-pnh.html ruling the report of this entity with the General Directorate of the National Police of Haiti. A convocation canceled due to the unavailability of Jack Guy Lafontant President of the CSPN and Prime Minister. Convocation postponed to June 5, 2018. IH/ iciHaiti Exports of Cremant de Loire wine to the UK soar By Lisa Riley Exports of Cremant de Loire wine to the UK rose 34.2% in volume in 2017 to 4,255 hl, according to data released by InterLoire - the association for Loire Valley wines. Benefitting from the same wine making (traditional) method as Champagne, Cremant de Loire exports were boosted by retailers and consumers alike being quick to take advantage of the price variation between Champagne and Cremant de Loire, said the organisation. Many of the Cremant de Loire wines sit within the 10 15 price bracket, offering consumers a quality alternative to champagne, said president of the communications committee Pierre-Jean Sauvion. At present, the Loire Valley was the largest sparkling wine producer in France after Champagne, with a real know-how that combines tradition, delicacy and modernity, he added. The fact that Cremant de Loire is made with the same wine making method as Champagne inevitably leads to many comparisons between Champagne and our French sparkling wine, he said. Predicting Cremant de Loire to become one of the bestsellers on the UK market in the next couple of years, InterLoire said it was not at all surprised at the sharp increase in exports seen in the past year. Cremant de Loire has been a long time favourite amongst wine professionals and is now becoming more available to everyday consumers due to its increasing popularity, said Sauvion. As the third largest inter-professional association for AOC wines in France, InterLoire -brings together the Nantais, Anjou, Saumur and Touraine areas, comprising around 50 appellations and designated areas across 38,000 hectares. I It includes 2,700 winegrowers, 190 negociants and 13 cooperatives, together selling an average of 2,000,000 hl per year. In February, Interloire joined forces with nine wine producers to launch a premium category for Cremant de Loire and sparkling wines. Prestige de Loire exclusively includes vintage wines made under strict production specifications, with the new category comprising 17 wines: 10 Cremants, five wines from Saumur and two Vouvray wines from the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 vintages. The Missile Defense Agency to Hold Public Scoping Meetings for the Homeland Defense Radar Hawaii Environmental Impact Statement News Release from Missile Defense Agency The Missile Defense Agency (MDA), in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army, will host public meetings to review the scope of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Homeland Defense Radar - Hawaii at Kuaokala Ridge (adjacent to U.S. Air Force Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station) or at one of two sites at the U.S. Armys Kahuku Training Area. When: Tuesday, June 19, 2018 Time: 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Location: Sunset Beach Elementary School 59-360 Kamehameha Hwy. Haleiwa, HI 96712* When: Wednesday, June 20, 2018 Time: 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Location: Keehi Lagoon Memorial Park 2685 N. Nimitz Hwy. Honolulu, HI 96819* When: Thursday, June 21, 2018 Time: 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Location: Waianae High School 85-251 Farrington Hwy. Waianae, HI 96792* *All meetings will have same content and format The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act requires the MDA to develop a plan to procure and field a ballistic missile defense radar for the defense of Hawaii. MDA is required to evaluate possible site locations best suited for future deployment of a radar capable of protecting the homeland against threats from nations, such as North Korea and Iran. The Ballistic Missile Defense System provides protection of the U.S. from existing missile threats. The proposed radar will provide added defense capability against evolving threats to enhance the defense of Hawaii. The potential site locations for the radar, which will be evaluated in the EIS, are at Kuaokala Ridge on State land adjacent to the U.S. Air Forces Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station and at the U.S. Armys Kahuku Training Area. These locations are on the island of Oahu. Your input is important to ensure significant environmental issues, other areas of concern, and alternatives are considered in the EIS process. The public scoping meetings will be conducted in an open house format and will provide attendees with the opportunity to talk with and ask questions of representatives from the MDA and other cooperating agencies. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to provide verbal and written official comments on the proposed project. Verbal comments will be provided one-on-one to a court reporter. The MDA will use your input to help identify environmental and other issues to be considered in completing this environmental study. In addition to attending the meeting, the public may submit written comments until July 23, 2018. Email: MDA.HDRH.EIS@kfs-llc.com Fax: 256-713-1617 US Mail: KFS, LLC Attn: MDA HDR-H EIS 303 Williams Ave., Suite 116 Huntsville, AL 35801 Website: https://www.mda.mil/news/nepa_documents.html Anyone having further questions or media wishing to attend the meeting should contact MDA Public Affairs at 256-450-1599, or via email at MDAPressOperations@mda.mil . Approved for Public Release 19-MDA-9607 (26 Apr 18) FINAL (26 APR 2018) Sakslin on Tuesday expressed her disapproval with the practice not to make a separate decision for children born after a deportation order has been issued to their parents. A separate decision, she argued, should be issued in order to protect the human dignity and special protection of children afforded under the constitution and international conventions. A prerequisite for deporting a child is that a justified deportation decision has been made for the child. Decisions concerning children must take into consideration the interests of children comprehensively and individually, she said in a press release. Sakslin also pointed out that children generally face more challenges than adults in protecting their rights and viewed that a separate deportation decision would show respect for the human dignity of children and secure their right to special protection. Every child must be respected as an individual regardless of age and birthplace according to the constitution and conventions on childrens rights, she underlined. Finnish authorities cannot contribute to a situation where a child disappears after deportation or is left without nationality. A child has the right to a nationality from birth under article 7 of the convention on childrens rights. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Heikki Saukkomaa Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi Visitors look at a Tesla vehicle during the 2nd China Shanghai International Technology Fair (CSITF) in east China's Shanghai, April 24, 2014. Tesla Motors is an American company which designs and manufactures electric vehicles. [Xinhua/Lai Xinlin] Tesla's global sales manager Robin Ren has confirmed that the company is building its first overseas factory in Shanghai, reports CNBC. The decision comes after China announced that it will allow overseas electric car makers to own factories independently, abolishing the requirement that they enter into a joint venture. Tesla already owns factories in Nevada and California that make both electric cars and batteries. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said the Shanghai factory will primarily manufacture Tesla's Model S and Model X cars, but will shift its focus to the Model 3 and Model Y in the future, according to a report by ifeng.com. An Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft from China will land at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base in Auckland on Saturday to take part in Exercise Skytrain18, with the New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF), the Chinese embassy said on Wednesday. China's People's Liberation Army Air Force Illyushin Il-76 prepares to land at Perth International Airport, Australia, after a search mission trying to locate the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 Wednesday, April 16, 2014. [File photo: AP/Pool/Richard Wainwright] The IL-76, from the People's Liberation Army Air Force, is to take part in training with a detachment from 40 Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force in humanitarian aid and disaster relief support and in search and rescue operations, a statement from the Chinese embassy said. The Ilyushin IL-76 is a Russian-made, medium range, multi-purpose military transport aircraft powered by four jet engines. Exercise of this kind has been conducted when the NZDF was involved in the search for the missing airliner MH370 in the Indian Ocean, of which the Chinese air force was also involved, said the statement. Evangelist Andrew Palau Shares the Gospel with Hundreds of Thousands at Historic March for Jesus Festival in Brazil Contact: Jay Fordice, Luis Palau Association, 503-614-1500 SAO PAULO, Brazil, June 6, 2018 /Christian Newswire/ -- Global evangelist Andrew Palau, son of Luis Palau, was the featured speaker this past week at the massive March for Jesus Festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil (population: 12 million). The event is being hailed as one of the largest gatherings of its kind and proved to be a truly blessed Gospel moment for the Church and the nation. Organized by the local evangelical community and supported by hundreds of local church congregations, the event built off of 25 years of similar marches and rallies. This gathering in Sao Paulo grabbed the attention of the entire continent and brought the Gospel to millions through the live event and surrounding media. Coming at the end of an 8-day transportation strike that paralyzed the city, the organizers overcame numerous challenges to accomplish the historic event. Starting at 10:00 a.m. in the morning on May 31, ten massive semi-trailers equipped with sound and stages led the crowd in joyful celebration on a 3-mile march through the city. The crowd increased to several hundred thousand as the parade progressed, eventually filling many city blocks of the 8-lane boulevard near the Praca Campo de Bagatelle park where a massive stage had been built for the evening festival. A variety of musical artists performed throughout the night, culminating with a clear Gospel message from Palau. "To see so many people marching in unity of their dedication to follow Jesus together it was truly unbelievable," said Palau. Focusing his message on John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" Palau ended his message with a clear call to faith and repentance. The sea of hands that raised in affirmation to his call was evidence of the impact of the Word. He went on to imploring those who had publicly confessed Jesus Christ to dig into Scripture, get their roots deep into a local church, and pursue God daily. The local participating churches will work over the next several weeks to connect with and disciple those who made decisions. During Palau's time in Brazil he also gathered with local pastors, church leaders, and evangelists, encouraging them in the Word, focusing on continuing in unity, and inspiring them to keep evangelism a top priority. Palau's father, the famed Latin evangelist Luis Palau, was originally invited to share the Good News at the event in Brazil. Due to his recent stage IV lung cancer diagnosis, he was not able to make it to the event but was overjoyed to have his son Andrew take his place. March for Jesus continues in many countries through multiple and varied initiatives. It continues to gather the largest crowds of any organized event of its kind throughout the world. "The March for Jesus is an international and interdenominational event that occurs annually in several nations," local organizers state. "In it, the church has the opportunity to show that it is not restricted to buildings, but alive and open to the whole of society." To learn more about March for Jesus, visit marchaparajesus.com.br. The next festival with Palau will take place in Sunbury, England, June 13-17, 2018. Andrew Palau will also travel throughout the United States and to Colombia, Argentina, and China later this year to lead outreaches in several additional cities. Learn more at www.palau.org. About Andrew Palau: For nearly 25 years Andrew Palau has played a key role in the ministry of the Luis Palau Association. He has been instrumental in building the LPA model for citywide outreach as an evangelist, director, and key team leader. He has guided campaigns, led church relations efforts, trained thousands of believers in friendship evangelism, and proclaimed the Good News of Jesus Christ in person to hundreds of thousands of individuals in cities throughout Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, the Caribbean, and the United States of America. Palau's weekly radio broadcasts are heard by millions of people on hundreds of radio outlets. He is also the author of multiple books and a regular contributor to national publications with articles on issues of faith. Share Tweet Christians Confess President Trump's 'Muslim Ramadan Sin' to 'Save Our National Security' and to 'Drain the Swamp' Contact: Rev. Steven Andrew, USA Christian Church, 877-537-8734 SAN JOSE, Calif., June 6, 2018 /Christian Newswire/ -- Christians are praying for President Trump to repent for hosting a Muslim Ramadan dinner at the White House today. For "our national security," Rev. Steven Andrew asks Christians to confess President Trump's Muslim Ramadan sin to receive God's forgiveness. Andrew is the author of "Save America" and leads One Million Americans on the LORD's Side. "President Trump hosting a Ramadan dinner is sin according to the Bible. False god celebrations, such as Israel having a feast with a molten calf, bring judgment to the country. Israel went into captivity," said Andrew. He referenced Exodus 32 and Deuteronomy 8:19. Andrew doesn't blame President Trump, but spiritual advisors giving advice against the Holy Bible. Andrew is usually one of President Trump's strongest supporters. "This sin angers God, because the Quran teaches God does not have a Son, which is denying Jesus Christ. How would you feel if someone mocked your son?" he said. "Jesus died on the cross for our sins and is the only way to the Father. So this is a great sin and for protection must be confessed," he said. Andrew explained the nation saw God's judgment of political corruption (the swamp), unprotected borders and job losses since Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama had Muslim events and other sins. "President Trump must know serving the Lord only is the secret to draining the swamp, secure borders and peace with North Korea," he said. Andrew explains how to end judgment in the riveting book, "Save America." He shows, disobeying God causes the judgments of: The swamp: "they that hate you shall reign over you" Leviticus 26:17. Unprotected borders: "the gates of thy land shall be set wide open unto thine enemies" Nahum 3:13. Anti-patriotism: "The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low." Deuteronomy 28:43 "Last year President Trump didn't have a Ramadan dinner, and look how the economy recovered and the swamp weakened," he said. Andrew is leading the nation to reaffirm covenant that the USA serves the Lord with One Million Americans on the Lord's Side. "I don't think President Trump knows he is sinning, but it is probably a deal to negotiate with the swamp," he said. Andrew "hopes President Trump repents, because this is adultery to God" (James 4:4). Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images(NEW YORK) -- The head of Qatar Airways apologized on Tuesday after suggesting that only a man is capable of doing his job as chief executive of the airline. Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker reportedly made the comments after a reporter asked him about the lack of gender diversity in the Middle Eastern aviation sector, saying his position would be much too challenging for a woman. According to Bloomberg, Al Baker told reporters that Qatar Airways has to be led by a man, because it is a very challenging position. Al Baker, who was also appointed chair of the International Air Transport Association this week, offered his heartfelt apologies in a statement on Tuesday, but he claimed his comments had been sensationalized. I would like to offer my heartfelt apologies for any offence caused by my comment yesterday, which runs counter to my track record of expanding the role of women in leadership throughout the Qatar Airways Group, Al Baker, 56, said in a statement posted on Twitter. Qatar Airways firmly believes in gender equality in the workplace and our airline has been a pioneer in our region in this regard. The company says about 44 percent of its workforce consists of women and claims to be the first airline to employ female pilots and engineers. Al Bakers initial remarks, which he said were a joke, contrast with efforts by many international airlines who have launched initiatives to diversify the predominantly male aviation industry. Al Baker clarified his position in an interview on Tuesday, before the company issues its statement. I was only referring to one individual, he said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. I was not referring to the staff in general. When asked if he would support a female CEO, he said: It will be my pleasure to have a female CEO candidate I could then develop to become CEO after me. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Foxconn CEO: US-China Dispute a Matter of 'Technology,' not Trade Published: 06 June 2018 by Mike Buetow by Mike Buetow SHENZHEN -- Foxconn chief executive Terry Gou today asserted that ongoing threats of tariffs between the US and China have their roots in technology, not trade. The US has threatened to levy taxes of up to 25% on various China-made products, in response to what President Trump has deemed unfair trade practices and an excessive trade imbalance between the nations. The US has also banned or thwarted attempts by Chinese OEMs such as ZTE and Huawei to crack the US market. In response to the escalating threats, Gou called the matter "not a trade conflict but rather a competition and comparison of technology." Noting the US has a big technology leadership advantage over China in key sectors such as aerospace and semiconductors, Gou said, "If China is to catch up, it must be in the areas of manufacturing technology, design and manufacturing technology.... They are the real economy." Manila (CNN Philippines Life) JP Talapians earliest memory of Boracay was that of the island during the 90s. It was a peaceful time back then. It wasn't as loud as it was when it became the number one tourist spot here in the Philippines, says Talapian, a photographer who resides in Boracay. Boracay then was abundant with fish, sea shells and wild weeds, horses running by the beach, fruit bats blanketing the island, and many other priceless scenes. There were more foreigners than Filipinos, and visitors would also camp out, light a bonfire, and sing songs under the night sky. The old Boracay was indescribable. It was full of charm and magic. Elders would say that it was an enchanted island. [Folk] stories were also told to us from generation to generation every night before bed, he adds. When the six-month closure was announced, different concerns were raised: Will people lose their jobs? How effective would the cleanup be? Is this really for the good of the island? First day of Boracay closure, remaining tourists savor their last moments on the island. Photo by JP TALAPIAN Workers of the Department of Public Works and Highways watch as the demolition of a locally owned hotel begins. Photo by JP TALAPIAN Talapian says that local residents are cooperative when it comes to the closure since its for the betterment of the island. They have also been enjoying the peace and quiet, especially since they may not experience this again once Boracay is opened again to the public. It's so quiet just like the old days. You can hear the waves crash against the shore and school of small fishes would follow your feet as you walk into the water, he describes. When it comes to the businesses and livelihoods that were affected due to the closure, he explains that the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Labor and Employment have offered assistance such as the cash-for-pay scheme; however, the help offered hasnt been enough. It isn't enough given that the cost of living in the island is much more expensive compared to other places and major cities in the country, and it's only a monthly contract, and only one member of a family can apply for it every month, he says. Out of business Muslim vendors of local souvenirs were forced to pack up and leave the island due to the closure. Photo by JP TALAPIAN Left: Sewer replacement tubes serve as a new playground for the local kids of Bolabog Back Beach. Right: A demolition worker glancing through a demolished wall. Photos by JP TALAPIAN Although he notes that while the shoreline has been tranquil (locals can only swim from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the roadside has been busy with the road widening projects and that the police and the military have been monitoring the island. Residents and workers who are staying in the island were required to get IDs to ensure that no outsiders are loitering in the island. We need [the ID] everytime we go in and out of the island for verification and also that we won't have to pay for the environmental and terminal fee, he says. Workers get a green ID while residents get a yellow ID. When asked about what changes he hopes to see in Boracay after the cleanup, he says that hes positive that the island will have a more improved environmental system that would make it more sustainable. There are also talks of controlling the number of tourists that come and go that I'm personally hopeful for, and [I also hope for] better urban planning for Boracay, he says. See Talapian's photo essay below on what it is like to be in Boracay now. Workers carry bags of residues from a nearby demolition. Photo by JP TALAPIAN Locals observe as a nearby demolition happens along the road. Photo by JP TALAPIAN Demolished dive shop along the White Beach. Photo by JP TALAPIAN Left: A local electronics business is forced to self-demolish their store due to the road widening. Right: A portrait of children from the Ati village. Photos by JP TALAPIAN Daily life in Ambulong as demolition and road widening go down right outside their homes. Photo by JP TALAPIAN Local fisherman peddles his 'fresh catch' along the beach early in the morning. Photo by JP TALAPIAN During sunset, locals burn dried leaves to prevent nocturnal insects around their homes. Sitio Pina-ungon, Brgy. Balabag. Photo by JP TALAPIAN Locals out of jobs who applied to a monthly program by DOLE are forced to clean out the green algeas along the beach. Photo by JP TALAPIAN Locals at night hunt small fishes and crabs along the shallow parts of the beach. This is a local tradition called 'Panulo'. Photo by JP TALAPIAN A boy watches the reconstruction of a new pipeline along Bolabog Back Beach. Photo by JP TALAPIAN Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 6) Senator Antonio Trillanes is facing a complaint from a Labor official over grave threats the senator allegedly made. This is not the first time Labor Undersecretary Jacinto Paras, a former Negros Oriental Representative and a member of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), has filed a complaint against Trillanes. Paras was one of the four lawyers who filed a complaint for graft, inciting to sedition, and proposal to commit coup d' etat against Trillanes in November before the Pasay City Prosector's Office. The Labor official said Trillanes spoke to him during a Senate session break on May 29. Paras claimed Trillanes approached him and said, "Ang lakas ng loob mo. Hindi magtatagal ang amo mo. Matatapos din 'yan. Yayariin kita. Mersenaryo ka. Yayariin kita." [Translation: You're so brazen. Your boss won't last long. This will end, and I will go after you. You're a mercenary. I will go after you.] Paras believes Trillanes' threat, which he allegedly repeated several times, was made in connection with the complaints they filed against him. The November complaint stemmed from Trillanes' privilege speech at the Senate on November 11, 2017, where he accused President Rodrigo Duterte of having undeclared bank transactions amounting to P2 billion from 2006 to 2015. He also said soldiers who will find Duterte's undeclared wealth can use M60 machine guns to shoot Duterte, after the President challenged anyone who finds the supposedly hidden wealth to shoot him. Paras attached to his complaint a copy of the footage of the incident where he was threatened with the repeated "Yayariin kita", which Paras qualified as a threat meaning "to kill." "And with respondent Sen. Trillanes' resources as a senator, and his connections with the military being a retired Navy officer, his threat against me can be easily realized by him," Paras said in his complaint. However, the Senator brushed off Paras' claims. "Walang katotohanan 'yan [There is no truth to that]. Paras has the zero-credibility of a cellphone thief," Trillanes said, referring to the case filed against the Labor executive over allegations of phone theft. READ MORE: Lawmaker files theft charges vs. Labor official "Ganoon pa man, haharapin ko yan. Pero makikita natin dito na gagawin lahat ng mga alagad ni Duterte para ma-distract o ma-harass ang mga taga-oposisyon," he said. [Translation: Still, I will face these charges. But we will see that Duterte's allies will do everything to distract or to harass the opposition.] The VACC, which Paras has been a member of, has filed several complaints against known Duterte critics, such as Trillanes and detained Senator Leila de Lima, and ousted Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. In January, Paras was appointed to the Labor Department while VACC founding chair Dante Jimenez was appointed to the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission. Acclaimed Derbyshire trio Haiku Salut have signed to PRAH recordings and released their latest single from their forthcoming album. The new single entitled Cold To Crack The Stones is an ambient anthem which saw the band manipulate NASA recordings of pulses emitted by lightning to create a unique blend of dream pop and electronica. The track also features a notable contribution from Glastonbury Brass. The band consists of multi-instrumentalists Gemma Barkerwood, Sophie Barkerwood and Louise Croft and between them play piano, accordion, drums, guitar and more helping them create a truly euphoric sound. The band released their debut album Tricolore in 2013, to critical acclaim, which was followed in 2015 by the equally acclaimed Etch And Etch Deep. The trio are set to release their 3rd album There Is No Elsewhere on September 7th this year. Advertisement Check out the new track here: When Chic sit down for the cover story with Hot Press we both find that we're in a similar position, in that 1977 became a defining year for the both of us. Our Contributing Editor Paul Nolan talks to Nile Rodgers, recaps on their seismic self-titled debut album, and discusses why disco has survived and thrived to this day. The legendary frontman also opens up about his special relationship with Irish fans, the similarities between James Brown and James Joyce - and he goes into exclusive detail about the process behind the recording of David Bowie's 'Let's Dance'. Sticking to the 1977 theme, we look back on a year's worth of celebrations for our 40th Anniversary by asking a few familiar Irish faces to talk about the first time they encountered Hot Press. Aidan Gillen, Therapy?, Dara O'Briain, Adam Clayton and The Script's Danny O'Donoghue give us their fondest memories. Over the course of six pages, our man Pat Carty reports from the frontlines of U2's eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE tour. Set deep in the heart of middle America, The Edge explains the thinking behind starting the tour in Tulsa, Oklamhoma - where conservative preaches are decrying the Dublin lads for having 'betrayed Jesus' - while Willie Williams and Ric Lipson talk about the ambitious set up for their live show. 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. LondonIn a landmark debate, MPs of all political parties at a Westminster Hall debate in Parliament passionately spoke out in favour of banning fur imports from the United Kingdom, with MPs calling the fur trade vile, loathsome and the grimmest of human activities. The debate was held in response to the submission of a 425,834-strong petition delivered to No.10 Downing Street by the #FurFreeBritain coalition led by Humane Society International UK. Although DEFRA Minister George Eustice MP failed to commit to government action, he acknowledged that there is nothing in World Trade Organisation rules that precludes the UK from banning items on ethical grounds, and that there is case law for us to advance such measures. Join our call for a fur-free Britain. Humane Society International UK Executive Director Claire Bass said After such an impressive display of compassion from MPs of all political colours, its immensely disappointing and frustrating that the government made no solid commitment towards a fur import ban. The U.K. banned fur farming as inhumane, so it is illogical to suggest we should now try to help fur farmers overseas make their businesses slightly less awful for the animals subjected to this cruel trade. MPs at the debate were united in their position that fur farming cannot be made humane, and that Prime Minister Theresa Mays ambition to be a world leader in animal welfare will never be realised if we ban cruel practices here continue to outsource that same cruelty overseas. Notable quotes from MPs at the debate include: Giles-Watling, Conservative MP for Clacton said: Even though we should celebrate our world leading ban on fur farming we have only outsourced this form of animal cruelty, and that is why I believe this import ban should be put in place By waiting for this to happen we only prolong our role in supporting and enabling these terrible animal welfare practices and I do not believe this is in keeping with our British values. Kerry McCarthy, Labour MP for Bristol East, said Fur farming was banned in England and Wales in the year 2000 and two years later in Scotland on the grounds of public morality, and the fact that fur produced in the same methods is allowed to be imported into the country is fundamentally illogical and surely it must be immoral tooA lot of our fur imports come for countries where animal welfare standards are even lower than the UKs were before we introduced a fur farming ban. In some countries you could say the standards are simply non-existent. Kerry McCarthy continued The idea of ethical fur farming even in countries which report to be high welfare, has been shown time and time again to be a complete fiction The UKs ban on fur farming was introduced only after our farm animal welfare council spent years gathering evidence eventually concluding that fur farms are simply unable to satisfy even the most basic needs of the wild animals kept in them. The council explicitly stated it was not possible to safeguard the welfare of animals kept on fur farms. Patricia Gibson, SNP MP for North Ayrshire and Arran, said Consumers have made an ethical choice away from fur, a ban is important to keep these loathsome and vile products from our country, to help us wash the blood from our handsThe door for a fur import ban is open, will the Minister walk through it? On the morning of the debate, Humane Society International UK, Open Cages and more than 100 #FurFreeBritain campaigners gathered outside Westminster holding placards showing the grim conditions on fur farms across 15 countries such as France, Poland and China that import fur into the UK. Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell MP and Shadow Environment Secretary Sue Hayman MP attended the event to show their support. The #FurFreeBritain campaign calls on the government to make the UK a fur-free zone by extending existing cat, dog and seal fur bans to cover all fur-bearing species. Although fur farming was outlawed in the UK on moral grounds in 2000, and EU regulations ban fur from domestic cats, dogs and from commercial seal hunts, Britain still imports and sells fur from a range of other species such as fox, rabbit, mink, coyote, racoon dog, and chinchilla. According to the most recent trade statistics from HMRC, in the last year* the UK imported almost 75 million of animal fur (74,154,873). The campaign has garnered strong celebrity support; 31 of the countrys biggest celebritiesincluding Dame Judi Dench and Ricky Gervaissent a letter to the Prime Minister calling for a fur import ban. The full letter and list of signatories can be read here. Alesha Dixon, Evanna Lynch, Kirsty Gallacher and Chris Packham have taken to social media to show their support for the campaign. Take action and donate to help. Further information: More than 130 million animals suffer each year in the global fur trade, the majority reared in terrible conditions on fur factory farms. Around the world in countries such as the U.S., France, Poland and China, wild species are kept in small, barren battery cages for their entire lives before being killed by gassing or electrocution. Wild animals such as coyotes fare no betterthey can languish in agony in cruel traps for hours or even days before dying from dehydration, starvation or attacks by predators, or being shot or crushed to death when the trapper returns. A 2018 YouGov poll commissioned by HSI UK shows that more than two thirds of the British public support a UK fur import ban, with only 8 per cent opposed to the idea. The #FurFreeBritain campaign calls on the government to make the UK a fur-free zone by extending existing cat, dog and seal fur bans to cover all fur-bearing species. Earlier this month, Environment Secretary Michael Gove received a letter from 50 vets and animal experts speaking out against cruel fur farming. The full letter and list of signees can be read here. In recent times there has been a fast-growing list of designers banning furGucci, Versace, Michael Kors, Donna Karan and Jimmy Choowho join those with long-standing fur bans, such as Hugo Boss, Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, and Vivienne Westwood. * (April 2017March 2018 inclusive) Media contact: Humane Society International UK: Harriet Barclay, hbarclay@hsi.org, +44 (0) 7794354596 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 6) "Radical changes" are coming in the following days, the President warned early Wednesday morning. "Wina-warning ko lang kayong mga kriminal, lahat na. Nasa gobyerno, nasa labas. I will make radical changes in the days to come," President Rodrigo Duterte said just after his trip to South Korea. [Translation: I am warning all you criminals, all of you. Those within government and the outside of it: I will make radical changes in the days to come.] Duterte said the changes will cover "public order and security." "There are too many crimes and too many claiming to be this and that, " Duterte said. The warning came with a reference to martial law. "Well, remember that there is there's no difference actually between martial law and a declaration of national emergency. So I've been warning all. Lahat. I'm warning all including the Human Rights, it's either we behave or we will have a serious problem again," he said. Duterte has previously exercised the declaration of national emergency and martial law. In September 2016, Malacanang issued Presidential Proclamation 55 declaring a state of national emergency due to lawless violence in Mindanao. Months later, Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law at the onset of the Marawi City crisis on May 2017, citing insurgency from the ISIS-inspired Maute rebels who attempted to take over the city. Congress granted the President's request to extend military rule in the region up until December 2018, which was met with criticisms from rights groups and opposition figures. Article VI, Section 23 of the Constitution says: "In times of war or other national emergency, the Congress may, by law, authorize the President, for a limited period and subject to such restrictions as it may prescribe, to exercise powers necessary and proper to carry out a declared national policy. Unless sooner withdrawn by resolution of the Congress, such powers shall cease upon the next adjournment thereof." "Somehow, even with this meager emergency power, I will use it to the hilt at put things in order," Duterte had said. New government offices? Duterte also singled out offices which were beyond his control, saying he would put them under the Office of the President. "Ako na mismo ang kaharap mo araw-araw [You will have to face me every day]," he said. The President has been clearing government agencies of officials whom he says are corrupt. On May 30, he fired Noel Patrick Sales Prudente, a deputy commissioner of the Bureau of Customs. Before Prudente, he fired Government Corporate Counsel Rudolf Philip Jurado on May 28 and Transportation Assistant Secretary for Railways Mark Tolentino on May 21. Earlier, the President said he would fire at least five more officials. However, he made no mention of who they were or their offices. Flash flooding in Williamstown four years ago cut through several roads and yards and displaced metal culverts on Treadwell Hollow Road. The town is one of several in the Berkshires using state grants to evaluate their vulnerability to natural events. Thursday Session in Williamstown Looks at Threats from Climate Thursday's meeting at Town Hall will review some of the potential threats that the town may face because of climate change. WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. You cannot really know where or when the next natural disaster is going to hit. But you can consider the possibilities and plan for the worst. On Thursday at 6 p.m., Williamstown takes a step in that planning process when it holds a listening session for members of the public to consider the Municipal Vulnerability Plan the town is developing with the help of a grant from the commonwealth and advice from the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. BRPC senior planner Lauren Gaherty will lead a discussion about the data that has been collected and the threats that have been identified by a town-sponsored working group that last month held a daylong workshop. Town Planner Andrew Groff this week explained that the MVP, a state initiative, will help Williamstown develop an updated Hazard Mitigation Plan, which he hopes to complete by later this year. "To qualify for [Federal Emergency Management Agency] grants, like the one we received for the Spruces, we have to maintain an up-to-date, FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan," Groff said. Although the MVP is a separate document, it will help inform the more comprehensive Hazard Mitigation Plan. And the MVP alone will help the town qualify for other grants. Williamstown is one of several communities in the Berkshires in various stages of the MVP process, Gaherty said on Tuesday. Adams will have its public forum next Thursday, June 14, at Town Hall. Lanesborough and Monterey currently are in the middle of their processes. And Dalton, North Adams, Pittsfield, Sandisfield and Sheffield each were successful applicants in the second round of MVP grants. The state has also set up a " climate change clearinghouse " to gather data for planning ahead for severe conditions. The more towns that go through the process, the more their findings can help inform the discussions in other towns, Gaherty said. "We have some of the data we can pull and use for the next towns," she said. "But it really comes down to the local level: Where do you have flooding in your town. Every town experiences it slightly differently. It's really important to plan on the town level to help them to identify the risks and get grants or get things in the town meeting budgets for capital improvements and that sort of thing." The threats to local communities are changing as the climate changes, and the data point to a combination of more frequent and severe weather events (rain storms, ice storms and the like) coupled with more frequent droughts. "I think our big risks in Williamstown include these big temperature fluctuations in the wintertime," Groff said. "Look at the ice jams we had in the Green River. That's a big issue. The extremes are getting more extreme. In the wintertime, you have these rapid melts that are a problem. Or there's the possibility we could get more ice storms than snow storms, which would lead to more sustained power outages. "But the biggest thing overall from a climate change risk perspective is a warmer atmosphere that can hold more moisture and create larger, quicker bursts in precipitation. We've seen it locally with the flash flooding that occurred in 2013. It was super localized, right along the Taconic range. One of the more nationally known stories is those poor folks in Ellicott City, Md., who got hammered with two 'thousand year' flash floods within two years of each other." A weather event does not have to be a "named" storm or a catastrophic event like Tropical Storm Irene to cause significant damage. An event like the 2008 ice storm cost the state more than $7 million and left more than 1 million Massachusetts residents without electricity, some for as much as two weeks. "I think we need to think about how our rain patterns are evolving and how [Ellicott City] could happen to us, too," Groff said. "Luckily, our downtown is not in a narrow, tiny valley surrounded by streams. But we definitely have some streams that are susceptible to flash flooding." The Thursday evening meeting will be a chance for residents to learn about some of the threats that have been identified and share information about potential problems that may not have been considered. "We're going to basically report out what we heard in the workshop," Gaherty said. "There will be a short presentation to set the stage for the public about changing weather patterns, and we'll say, 'This is what people found in the workshop. These are the biggest changes that should be addressed.' "And then we'll ask, 'Did we get it right? Did we miss anything? What are your thoughts?' Basically, we're going to ask the public to weigh in." Not only did Berkshire Bank have its staff volunteer with Habitat, but its foundation also donated $55,000. Gary Levante. Habitat returned the favor with a token of gratitude. Courtney McArdle knows the importance of the work. She will soon be a Habitat homeowner. The volunteers received a quick safety training before starting the work. Habitat will be able to keep all of the panels until needed at the project. PreviousNext Berkshire Bank Shuts Down Offices to Volunteer in Community The panels will make up all of the walls to the Gordon Deming project. PITTSFIELD, Mass. At noon on Tuesday, all of the Berkshire Bank branches and operational centers closed. But the employees didn't go home they went to work. In Pittsfield, 150 of them could be found in a vacant storefront on Merrill Road wearing hard hats and putting together wall panels for the coming construction of Habitat for Humanity's six-unit Gordon Deming project. Others were at the former St. Mark's school cleaning up the playgrounds for Hillcrest Educational Center. They were at Habitat's ReStore rearranging the merchandise. They were on the banks of the Housatonic River in Great Barrington doing a cleanup. They were cleaning up areas of North Adams with the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. Tuesday marked bank's third annual "Xtraordinary Day of Service" when it shuts down operations and sends its workforce into the community to help. "We believe as a financial institution we have a responsibility for the vitality of our communities. We also believe a key way we can do that is through our human capital, our people. We feel like our people are our most powerful asset. They are smart. They are devoted. They are authentic. If we can harness them for good in our community, that is not just good for the community, for the nonprofits, but for our business," Gary Levante, vice president of community engagement, said. "We do it because we believe we have a responsibility to do it." Throughout the Berkshires, 400 or so employees were out volunteering. For Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, that allowed for a pilot program to help fast-track the construction builds the organization can complete. Habitat has been looking to build a six-unit condominium development on Deming Street for a number of years and is finally ready to set it in motion. Mike Panek owns the shopping plaza with a vacancy where Pep Boys used to be and he offered it to Habitat for now. There the volunteers joined together to build all of the walls -- giving them an indoor space to both work and store the material. Habitat is using the volunteer day to pilot a program of indoor builds, hoping to increase its production. "We are hoping to use this model of building inside during the bad weather," Executive Director Carolyn Valli said. The volunteers from the bank, Habitat, and Lowe's Home Improvement gathered there Tuesday to start the work. Lou and Anthony Allegrone had drawn up detailed plans for the building. And work began despite the day's pouring rain. The Berkshire Bank Foundation furthered its support of Habitat by providing a $55,000 donation, one of the largest donations the bank has made to a local nonprofit. "Our foundation does a lot of good in the community. In addition to our volunteer program, we support a lot of organizations financially. We have partnered with Habitat for Humanity in a lot of our different markets. There are a lot of ways we can support them but financially is one way we do support many of our organizations. We give out $2.5 million every year to nonprofits doing great work in all of the markets we serve," foundation Director Lori Gazzillo said. Gazzillo pointed to Habitat's mission of tackling economic development and affordable housing issues and Levante said supporting Habitat dovetails well with the work the bank does every day. A total of 150 volunteers were part of the panel project and many more were volunteering elsewhere in the county. "We really wanted to do something not just with our people but financially with our foundation to really amplify our impact," Levante said. "We're a bank. We're financial services and our brand is built on helping our customers realize life's most exciting moments. One of those most exciting moments is realizing the dream of homeownership. Habitat for Humanity and Berkshire Bank share that ambition, the value in common. So it was kind of a natural extension." Habitat for Humanity in other areas has done panel builds like what was done Tuesday but it was a first for the Berkshires. It started when Levante was looking for a large-scale volunteer project for this year and he asked Valli what they could do with some 150 to 200 people at once. Valli asked her staff and an Amicore volunteer mentioned panel builds and it took off from there. "If other people can do it, then we can do it. And we can do it better," Valli said. While building wall panels isn't a flashy way to spend an afternoon, Courtney McArdle took a moment to thank the volunteers for the work because she knows that afternoon of work means a whole lot to the people who will be moving into the home. She will be moving into a Habitat for Humanity home in Dalton with her two children soon. "For me and for all future Habitat homeowners, it is amazing the support we receive from you," McArdle told the volunteers just before they broke off into groups and began working. "These walls, you don't realize how impactful they are." Ellen Sutherland with her going away gifts at Tuesday's School Committee meeting. Sutherland is retiring after 25 years with the school system. Sutherland poses with current and former committee members and the two superintendents she worked under. PreviousNext North Adams Schools Say Goodbye to Longtime Administrative Assistant Ellen Sutherland, right, delivering homemade cupcakes in December for a Northern Berkshire United Way donation. She has been a driving force behind the district's donations and was honored last spring for her efforts. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. The School Committee said goodbye to longtime administrative assistant Ellen Sutherland, who is to retire. At the last regularly scheduled meeting of the school year Tuesday, officials gave Sutherland a proper send-off after almost 25 years of service to the district. "It has really been my privilege to work here but it is time to go," Sutherland said. Mayor and Chairman of the School Committee Thomas Bernard told Sutherland that she has made an impact on many in the district and community. "Three School Committee chairs, two superintendents and I won't venture how many School Committee members, how many teachers, faculty, staff and students you have been a positive force for over time," he said. Some of those former committee members were there. Larry Taft, and John Hockridge and Mark Moulton, who both left last year, attended the meeting to wish Sutherland their best. "Your work ethic your skill set is second to none and it is not just what goes on in this office it is your heart that you give out to the community," Moulton said. "The entire community has benefited from having you in this position we are all going to miss you." "You made us look good in spite of ourselves and kept us out of the news headlines by making sure we didn't violate any open meeting laws," Hockridge said. "You are extremely dedicated and extremely professional, and you did all of your work without the expectation of public acknowledgment and I am glad you are getting it tonight." Committee Vice Chairwoman Heather Boulger recited a poem to Sutherland and noted how important she was to the district. "We have big shoes to fill and Ellen really goes above and beyond," she said. "She sends notes to those who may not be feeling well or battling something, she sends flowers, gift cards and she really has that personal touch. She is a face of the school district and she has been for so long." Former Superintendent James Montepare also attended and said when Sutherland was first hired they were still using typewriters. He added that she held a very important position, especially to the superintendent, and noted that even in his retirement he misses her guidance. "There are two job titles in the district that people need to know in order to survive: one is the custodian and the other is the administrative assistant," he said. "Everything goes through this office and Ellen is that person, that buffer. It is a scary thing to have someone like Ellen leave who has done the job with such ease." Current Superintendent Barbara Malkas emotionally relayed to Sutherland that she was critical in her transition to head administrator of the school district. "I thanked her for helping me successfully transition to the superintendent of this district," she said. "So thank you." School Committee member and retired teacher James Holmes left Sutherland with a message from the other side. "I can only say this, every day is Saturday," Holmes said. Malkas presented the School Committee with an updated job description and noted the position has already been posted. Twenty applications have been submitted to date. She asked for volunteers from the School Committee to help her sift through the applications and make recommendations for final interviews. The goal is to have someone in the position for July 1. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 6) In a defiant move, Mocha Uson refused to apologize to Kris Aquino regarding their spat on a controversial kiss by President Rodrigo Duterte of a Filipina in South Korea, despite an order from the President himself. "With all due respect to everyone involved, I decline to apologize for the truth," Uson, who is Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary for Social Media, said on her Facebook blog. READ: Aquino challenges Mocha Uson: Face me anytime "This is not about Kris Aquino. Tungkol ito sa paglagay ng malisya sa isang halik. Itinumbas lang sa gawain ng ibang lider tulad ng tatay niya," she said in a video posted thirty minutes before her non-apology. [Translation: This is about putting malice in a kiss. It compared what happened to another leader like her father.] This video was posted almost two hours after a press conference where Special Assistant to the President Bong Go said Duterte had ordered Uson to apologize to the youngest daughter of former President Corazon Aquino. The press conference ended at 2:50 p.m. while Uson posted her video at 4:30 p.m. In a press conference, the Special Assistant to the President said Duterte had ordered Uson, Assistant Communications Secretary, to apologize to the youngest daughter of former President Corazon Aquino. "She will also apologize. Sang-ayon naman siya sa amin ni Pangulong Duterte sa pag-sorry," Go said. He explained that Kris had sent him a text message conveying her dismay at Uson's Facebook post showing a woman kissing her late father and former senator, Ninoy, on a plane just minutes before he was killed. Uson had posted the picture in the wake of all the controversy generated by President Duterte's kissing a Filipina on the lips at a public event in South Korea where he was on an official visit. Go said he and the President extended their apologies to Aquino. "We conveyed our apologies for the incident. We, ibig sabihin kami ni Pangulong Duterte. We conveyed our apologies for the incident concerning her and Mocha," he said. Aquino reached out to Go on Tuesday night to complain about Uson's "malicious" post dragging her deceased parents into the controversy. Go said he talked to Uson who agreed to put the issue to rest. "Ang sabi ni Mocha Uson sa akin, ang purpose niya ay ipakita na ang both leaders ay lapitin ng masa at kapwa Pilipino. Kinumpara niya lang ang paghalik ng isang Pilipina sa isang hinahangaang lider," he said. Aquino challenged Uson to meet her face-to-face for besmirching the legacy and the good name of her parents. "This is a direct challenge to you. Face me. Face me anywhere... Name the place name the location. Let's carry it live. Bring all your followers I can stand alone," Aquino said in a live video statement posted Tuesday evening. Related: Aquino challenges Mocha Uson: Face me anytime Go said he hopes this will not push through after Uson apologizes. Mocha Uson, an asset or a liability? Go said he and Duterte had to apologize to Aquino on behalf of Uson because they could not control what the Communications Assistant Secretary for Social Media posts on her own social media platforms. "Si Mocha talagang loyal supporter 'yan ni Pangulo noong kampanya. Hindi naman namin siya ma-kontrol kung 'yun ang post niya ukol sa bagay na ito. Kaya kami na lang ang humingi ng sorry," he said. Uson has been repeatedly accused of peddling misleading information and fake news on her Facebook blog, which has more than 5 million followers. During the first Senate probe on fake news in October where Uson was put on the hot seat by senators she defended her right to express opinions on her Facebook blog, which she insisted is a personal space. Amid all the criticisms against Uson, Duterte's right-hand man was asked if she is an asset or a liability to the administration. "No comment po ako diyan," Go answered. He added he will talk to Duterte, who appointed Uson, about possible sanctions. The Reality of Border Violence The Fellowship | June 6, 2018 This Friday, Palestinian leadership has already announced that the rioting and violence along Israels border with Gaza will continue. And, as the IDF notes, this is violence, and not the peaceful demonstrations that Palestinians claim to be carrying out, all in an attempt to infiltrate Israel and carry out terror attacks: Since March 30th, thousands of Palestinians have gathered along the Israel-Gaza security fence in order to participate in what they call the Great Return March. The reality was anything but great. The violent riots have included flying arson kites to burn Israeli fields, hurling and planting explosives in order to hurt Israelis, and burning tires to create a smokescreen under which the rioters could infiltrate Israel and carry out terror attacks. That was their ultimate goal. Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), both terrorist organizations based in the Gaza strip, began launching rockets at Israel on May 28 and continue to do so to this day. In less than a week, Gaza-based terrorist organizations launched more than 100 rockets at Israel, endangering the lives of thousands of civilians. One of the rockets hit a kindergarten and another hit a civilian home. Fortunately, no Israelis were killed or injured as a result of the attack. To top off all of this violence, terrorists in the Gaza Strip continued to rain rockets down on Israel. The IDF had to act in response to the continuous terror and demonstrate that the violence against Israelis would not be tolerated. In this spirit, and in response to continuous terrorism, IAF fighter jets conducted multiple strikes on Hamas-owned terror targets in the Gaza Strip. Quiet will be met with quiet, but terror will be met with a firm response said Head of the International Press and Social Media Branch, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, while visiting the civilian home that was hit by a rocket. The IDF will continue to respond to violence according to the rules of engagement and continues to hold the Hamas terror organization responsible for all violence emanating from the Gaza Strip, above and below ground, in the air, and at sea. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 6) "Mocha, I'll end this. You're right. This is not about Kris Aquino." This was what the youngest daughter of former President Corazon Aquino and former Senator Ninoy Aquino said in a Facebook video addressing her recent spat with the sexy actress-turned-political appointee. "This is a reminder that Filipinos still love and respect Cory and Ninoy Aquino," she added. Mocha Uson, Assistant Secretary for Social Media of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) remained defiantly unapologetic about the feud she started with Kris despite an order from President Duterte to apologize so the issue is not blown out of proportion any longer. READ: Mocha Uson unapologetic to Kris Aquino on Ninoy kiss issue "This is not about Kris Aquino. Tungkol ito sa paglagay ng malisya sa isang halik. Itinumbas lang sa gawain ng ibang lider tulad ng tatay niya," Uson said in a Facebook video just over an hour before Kris went online. Less than an hour later, Uson posted on her social media page this line, "With all due respect to everyone involved, I decline to apologize for the truth." Aquino said that she had constantly tried to reach out to Uson on the issue. "Kahit anong gawin ko na kabutihan na ipakita ko sa iyo, kahit anong pagsubok ko na maayos natin ito, ayaw niyong ayusin e," Aquino said about Uson. [Translation: No matter how much kindness I show you, or how much I tried to have us fix this issue, you don't want to fix it.] Uson had reposted an old clip of the late Senator Aquino Jr. being kissed by a female supporter moments before being escorted by soldiers out of a plane and assassinated in 1983. READ: Aquino challenges Mocha Uson: Face me anytime The elder Aquino led the political opposition against strongman Ferdinand Marcos. His assassination sparked massive protests that led to a "people power" revolt that catapulted his widow, Corazon Aquino, to the presidency in 1986. Known by their nicknames - Ninoy and Cory - are considered heroes by many Filipinos for their contributions to the return of democracy in the Philippines. Their son, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III was the country's president from 2010 to 2016, immediately before Duterte. Uson used the video to hit back at critics of Duterte, who kissed a woman on the lips during a meeting with the Filipino community in South Korea. The clip Uson posted showed both videos of Duterte's controversial kiss and Ninoy being kissed before his assassination. On top of the videos were the texts "Masagwa daw ito??? (video of Duterte), pero ito hindi??? (video of Ninoy), paki-explain??? ." [Translation: This is malicious??? but this is not??? Please explain???] READ: Duterte hits back at critics: Kissing women is my style Filmamkers Ronnie Screwvala (right) and Meghna Gulzar will make a biopic title Manekshaw on Sam Manekshaw, the late Field Marshall, who was the Chief of Staff of the Indian Army during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. (photo provided) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 6) The Supreme Court on Wednesday denied with finality the petition of detained Senator Leila de Lima on her arrest over her alleged involvement in the drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison. The High Court earlier dismissed the senator's petition on October 10, 2017 due to lack of merit, but the senator's camp filed another motion for reconsideration on November 3. Three separate drug cases were filed against De Lima and several co-accused for their alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison while she was Justice Secretary from 2010 to 2015. Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 204 Judge Juanita Guerrero on February 24, 2017 ordered De Lima's arrest over the drug charges filed against her. The senator has been detained without bail at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame since then. Dhanush in a still from his Hollywood debut film The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Romain Puertolas. (photo provided) Coastal Carolina University May 15 announced it has established the Dr. Subhash Saxena Math Suite at its College of Science in recognition of a gift received by Subhash Saxena, a retired Indian American faculty member. Seen here (from left) are Michael Roberts, dean of the College of Science, Saxena, his wife Pushpa Saxena and CCU president David A. DeCenzo. (coastal.edu photo) Justice and Freedom For Julian Assange Mean Free Speech For Us All By John Pilger June 05, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - The Courage Foundation announces an urgent campaign to support Julian Assange and demand his freedom. Keep an eye on our liveblog for updates. This month, it will be six years since Julian was forced to take refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy in London. He had been warned; the US Department of Justice was likely to file an application with Britains Home Office for his extradition to the United States. The allegations against Julian and WikiLeaks in the US were subsequently declared secret by a US District Court judge, but it has since been confirmed that a grand jury in Virginia has concocted a number of possible charges against the WikiLeaks founder. The most likely of these is espionage, which harks back to a long-defunct First World War law designed to punish conscientious objectors. Julian is not an American; neither has he betrayed any state. His crime has been free journalism and publishing, which are protected under the US Constitution, a document whose sanctity has apparently been jettisoned. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter WikiLeaks has done no more than the New York Times and the Washington Post in their celebrated pastit has revealed the truth about rapacious wars and the machinations of a corrupt elite. In response to this truth-telling, a Cold War fantasy known as Russiagate has attempted to paint Julianand by extension all journalistsas some spies. What CNN and the rest of the media do not tell you is that the most senior of US intelligence have admitted under oath that their agencies have found not the slightest evidence to link Assange or WikiLeaks to Russia. Julians status as a political refugee under the 1951 Convention has the backing of the United Nations, whose Working Party on Arbitrary Detentions has demanded an end to his persecution. The Working Party, one of the worlds highest authorities on international law, conducted an investigation in which the British Government took part, and found unanimously in Julians favour. The UN calls on Britain to honour its responsibilities under the Convention and give Julian right of passage out of the embassy. Although his health is suffering, Julian cannot go to a hospital for an X-ray as almost certainly he will be arrested. Since Easter, Julians isolation has become extreme; according to Human Rights Watch, His refuge in the embassy looks more and more like solitary confinement. He is denied basic communications; he is refused access to the phone and internet and visitors are forbidden. In forging a new, deferential relationship with the United States, President Lenin Moreno and the Ecuadorean government clearly aim to make life so difficult for Julian that he is silenced completely or he is forced to leave the embassy, into the waiting arms of the police. A US extradition application is likely to follow and Julian will be destined for the kind of penal hell-hole that Chelsea Manning endured. The former president of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, whose government granted Julian political asylum, has condemned his treatment as torture. We at Courage ask people to support vigils on June 19at the Ecuadorean Embassy in London, 6-8pm, info here, as well as the demonstration in Sydney, Australia on 17 June, at 1pm at Town Hall Square, info here. John Pilger, Courage Trustee June 06, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - In a little noticed but potentially monumental development, the House of Representatives voted unanimously for an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (H.R. 5515) that says no statute authorizes the use of military force against Iran. The amendment, introduced by Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minnesota), states, It is the sense of Congress that the use of the Armed Forces against Iran is not authorized by this Act or any other Act. A bipartisan majority of the House adopted the National Defense Authorization Act on May 24, with a vote of 351-66. The bill now moves to the Senate. If the Senate version ultimately includes the Ellison amendment as well, Congress would send a clear message to Donald Trump that he has no statutory authority to militarily attack Iran. This becomes particularly significant in light of Trumps May 8 withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. That withdrawal was followed by a long list of demands by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, which could set the stage for a US attack on Iran. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Co-sponsors of the Ellison amendment include Reps. Barbara Lee (D-California), Ro Khanna (D-California), Jan Schakowsky (D-Illinois), Jim McGovern (D-Massachusetts) and Walter Jones (R-North Carolina). The unanimous passage of this bipartisan amendment is a strong and timely counter to the Trump administrations withdrawal from the Iran deal and its increasingly hostile rhetoric, Ellison said in a press release. This amendment sends a powerful message that the American people and Members of Congress do not want a war with Iran. Today, Congress acted to reclaim its authority over the use of military force. Likewise, Khanna stated, The War Powers Act and Constitution is clear that our countrys military action must first always be authorized by Congress. A war with Iran would be unconstitutional and costly. McGovern concurred, stating, Congress is sending a clear message that President Trump does not have the authority to go to war with Iran. With President Trumps reckless violation of the Iran Deal and failure to get Congressional approval for military strikes on Syria, theres never been a more important time for Congress to reassert its authority. Its long past time to end the White Houses blank check and the passage of this amendment is a strong start. Moreover, the Constitution only grants Congress the power to declare war. And the War Powers Resolution allows the president to introduce US Armed Forces into hostilities or imminent hostilities only after Congress has declared war, or in a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces, or when there is specific statutory authorization. But even if the Ellison amendment survives the Senate and becomes part of the National Defense Authorization Act, Trump would likely violate it. He could target Iranian individuals as suspected terrorists on his global battlefield and/or attack them in Iran with military force under his new targeted killing rules. Unilateral Sanctions Against Iran Are Illegal Although the Ellison amendment states that no statute authorizes the use of US armed forces in Iran, it does not prohibit the expenditure of money to attack Iran. Nor does it proscribe the use of sanctions against Iran. In fact, other amendments the House adopted mandate the imposition of sanctions against Iran. An amendment introduced by Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Illinois) reflects the sense of Congress that the ballistic missile program of Iran represents a serious threat to allies of the United States in the Middle East and Europe, members of the Armed Forces deployed in those regions, and ultimately the United States. The Roskam amendment then states the US government should impose tough primary and secondary sanctions against any sector of the economy of Iran or any Iranian person that directly or indirectly supports the ballistic missile program of Iran as well as any foreign person or financial institution that engages in transactions or trade that support that program. And the House mandated the imposition of sanctions against people connected to named groups in Iran that commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism, in an amendment introduced by Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas). When Trump announced his withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, he also reinstated US nuclear sanctions and the highest level of economic restrictions on Iran. Those sanctions could remove over one million barrels of Irans oil from the global market. The unilateral imposition of sanctions by the United States, without United Nations Security Council approval, violates the UN Charter. Article 41 empowers the Council, and only the Council, to impose and approve the use of sanctions. The other parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the formal name for the Iran deal, oppose ending it. Known as P5+1, they include the permanent members of the Security Council the US, the United Kingdom, Russia, France and China plus Germany, as well as the European Union. At a minimum, France, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom are not likely to cooperate with the USs re-imposition of sanctions. Trump Administration Gunning for War on Iran and Regime Change Before Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear agreement, Iran wascomplying with its obligations under the pact. Once Trump named John Bolton, notorious for advocating regime changein Iran, as national security adviser, it was a foregone conclusion the United States would pull out of the pact. Pompeo also supported renunciation of the deal. His over-the-top demands on Iran include the cessation of all enrichment of uranium, even for peaceful purposes (which is permitted by the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty). Taken together, the demands would constitute a wholesale transformation by Irans government, and they hardened the perception that what Trumps administration really seeks is a change in the Iranian regime, the Associated Press reported. Jake Sullivan, who served in the Obama administration and was Hillary Clintons lead foreign policy advisor during the presidential campaign,said of the Pompeo demands, They set the bar at a place they know the Iranians can never accept. Ellie Geranmayeh, a fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, called the demands conditions of surrender. Meanwhile, it is unclear how long it will take to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act. Constituents who become aware of the risk of a US attack on Iran will invariably lobby their senators to include an admonition comparable to the Houses Ellison amendment. Marjorie Cohn Copyright Truthout. June 06, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - The Great March of Return is a startling, powerful expression of Palestinian identity and resistance. Thousands of Palestinians have come out, bravely and unapologetically, to say: We refuse to remain invisible. We reject any attempt to assign us to the discard pile of history. We will exercise our fundamental right to go home. They have done this unarmed, in the face of Israels use of deadly armed force against targets (children, press, medics) deliberately chosen to demonstrate the Jewish states unapologetic determination to force them back into submissive exile by any means necessary. By doing this repeatedly over the last few weeks, these incredibly brave men, women, and children have done more than decades of essays and books to strip the aura of virtue from Zionism thats befogged Western liberals eyes for 70 years. What the Israelis have done over the past few weekskilling at least 112and wounding over 13,000people (332 with life-threatening injuries and 27 requiring amputation)is a historical crime that stands alongside the Sharpeville Massacre (69 killed), Bloody Sunday (14 killed), and the Birmingham Fire Hoses and Police Dog Repression as a defining moment in an ongoing struggle for justice and freedom. Like those events, this months slaughter may become a turning point for what John Pilger correctly calls the longest occupation and resistance in modern timesthe continuing, unfinished subjugation of the Palestinian people, which, like apartheid and Jim Crow, requires constant armed repression and at least occasional episodes of extermination. The American government, political parties, and media, which support and make possible this crime are disgraceful, criminal accomplices. American politicians, media, and people, who feel all aglow about professing their back-in-the-day support (actual, for some; retrospectively-imagined, for most) of the Civil-Rights movement in the American South and the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa but continue to ignore the Palestinian struggle for justice against Zionism, because saying peep one about it might cost them some discomfort, are disgraceful, cowardly hypocrites. You know, the millions of ant-racist #Resistors who are waiting for a quorum of Natalie Portmans and cool elite, preferably Jewish, personalities to make criticism of Israel acceptable before finding the courage to express the solidarity with the Palestinian people theyve always had in their hearts. Back in the day, theyd be waiting for Elvis to denounce Jim Crow before deciding that its the right time to side with MLK, Malcolm, and Fred Hampton against Bull Connor, George Wallace, and William F. Buckley. Dis/Ingenuity The bankruptcy of purportedly anti-racist and humanitarian liberal-Zionist ideology and ideological institutions reached an apogee with the eruption of various apologia for Israel in the wake of this crime, not-so-subtly embedded in mealy-mouthed regret the tragic loss of life bleats across the mediascape. All the usual rhetorical subjects were rounded up and thrown into ideological battle: Israel has every right to defend its borders (NYT Editorial Board); the misogynists and homophobes of Hamas orchestrated the whole thing (Bret Stephens); the protestors are either Hamas terrorists or Hamas-manipulated robots, to be considered nominal civilians (WaPo). And, of course, the recurring piece de resistance: Human Shields! Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Somewhere in his or her discourse, virtually every American pundit is dutifully echoing the Israeli talking point laid down by Benjamin Netanyahu during the Israeli attack on Gaza in 2014: that Hamas uses the telegenically dead to further their cause. The whole March of Return action is reckless endangerment, bottomlessly cynical (Stephens). Women and children were dispatched to lead the charges although they had been amply forewarnedof the mortal risk. Its a politics of human sacrifice (Jonathan S. Tobin and Tom Friedman), staged by Hamas, the terrorist group that controls [Gazans] lives, to get people killed on camera. (Matt Friedman, NYT Op-Ed). The White House, via spokesman, Raj Shah, adopts this line as its official response The responsibility for these tragic deaths rests squarely with Hamas, which intentionally and cynically provoke[ed] this response in a gruesome propaganda attempt. Shmuel Rosner takes this human shields trope to its ultimate no apologies conclusion in his notorious op-ed in the NYT, Israel Needs to Protect Its Borders. By Whatever Means Necessary. Feeling no need to engage in ingenue mourning, Rosner forthrightly asserts that Guarding the border [or whatever it is] was more important than avoiding killing. They want human sacrifice, well give em human sacrifice! He acknowledges that Gazans marched because they are desperate and frustrated. Because living in Gaza is not much better than living in hell, and that the people of Gaza deserve sympathy and pity. But the Palestinians were seekingto violate [Israels] territorial integrity,so Israel had no choice but to draw a line that cannot be crossed, and kill people trying to leave that hell. It was the only way to ultimately persuade the Palestinians to abandon the futile battle for things they cannot get (return, control of Jerusalem, the elimination of Israel).The alternative ismore demonstrations and therefore more bloodshed, mostly Palestinian. Though he acknowledges that the interests of Palestinians are [not] at the top of the list of my priorities, Shmuel nonetheless feels comfortable speaking on their behalf. He sincerely believe[s] Israels current policy toward Gaza ultimately benefits not only Israel but also the Palestinians.Following the wisdom of the Jewish sages (featuring Nick Lowe?) he opines: Those who are kind to the cruel end up being cruel to the kind. Fear not, Shmuel, for the pitiable people of Gaza: Knesset member Avi Dichter reassures us that the Israeli army has enough bullets for everyone. If every man, woman and child in Gaza gathers at the gate, in other words, there is a bullet for every one of them. They can all be killed, no problem.For their ultimate benefit. Zionist tough love. There is nothing new here. Israel has always understood the ghetto it created in Gaza. In 2004, Arnon Soffer, a Haifa University demographer and advisor to Ariel Sharon, said: when 2.5 million people live in a closed-off Gaza, its going to be a human catastrophe. The pressure at the border will be awful. So, if we want to remain alive, we will have to kill and kill and kill. All day, every day.If we dont kill, we will cease to exist. And when challenged again in 2007 about Israels willingness to do what he prescribes i.e., put a bullet in the head of anyone who tries to climb over the security fence, Soffer replied with a shrug:. If we dont, well cease to exist. Soffers only plaint: The only thing that concerns me is how to ensure that the boys and men who are going to have to do the killing will be able to return home to their families and be normal human beings. A reprise of Golda Meirs shooting and crying lament; We can never forgive [the Arabs] for forcing us to kill their children. Ingenue mourning, anyone? We can point out the factual errors and concrete cruelties that all these apologias rely on. We can point out that Hamas did not orchestrate these demonstrations, and that the thousands of Gazans who are risking their lives are not instruments. You people always looked down at us, one Gazan told Amira Hass, so its hard for you to understand that no one demonstrates in anyone elses name. We can point out that the fence the Israelis are defending is not a border (What country are the Gazans in?), but the boundary of a ghetto, what Conservative British PM David Cameron called a giant prison camp and Israeli scholar Baruch Kimmerling called the largest concentration camp ever to exist. Its a camp that tens of thousands of Palestinians were forced into by the Zionist army. The right of those families (80% of Gazas population) to leave that confinement and go home is a basic human right and black-letter international law. We can point out that Gazans arent just trying to cross a line in the sand, they are trying to break a siege,and that: The blockade is by definition an act of war, imposed and enforced through armed violence. Never in history have blockade and peace existed side by side. There is no difference in civil law between murdering a man by slow strangulation or killing him by a shot in the head. Those were, after all, the words of Israeli Foreign Minister Abba Eban, when he was justifying Israels attack on Egypt in 1967. And they are confirmed today by New York judge Mary McGowan Davis, who says: The blockade of Gaza has to be lifted immediately and unconditionally. We can point out that there can be no excuse in terms of modern international law or human rights principles for Israels weeks-long calculated, unlawful (HRW) mass killing and crippling or unarmed protestors who were standing quietly, kneeling and praying, walking away, and tending to the wounded hundreds of meters from any fenceshootings carried out not in any fog of war confusion, but with precise, targeted sniper fire (which, per standard military practice, would be from two-manteams). As the IDF bragged, in a quickly deleted tweet: Nothing was carried out uncontrolled; everything was accurate and measured, and we know where every bullet landed. Indeed, as Human Rights Watch reports, senior Israeli officialsorderedsnipers to shoot demonstrators who posed no imminent threat to life, and many demonstrators were shot hundreds of meters, and walking away, from the fence. We can point out that the IDFs quick deletion of that tweet indicates its consciousness of guilt awareness, in the face of proliferating images of gruesome, unsupportable casualties, of how bad a Rosner-like no apology, no regrets discourse sounds. After all, its hard, since they know where every bullet landed, not to conclude the Israelis deliberately targeted journalists and medical personnel, who were never threatening to violate [Israels] territorial integrity. There have been at least 66 journalists wounded and 2 killed wearing clearly marked blue PRESS flak jackets. And everyone should see the powerful interview with Canadian doctor, Tarek Loubani, who was shot in the leg, describing how, after six weeks with no paramedic casualties, suddenly: in one day, 19 paramedics18 wounded plus one killedand myself were all injured, soor were all shot with live ammunition. We were all away during a lull, without smoke, without any chaos at all, and we were targetedSo, its very, very hard to believe that the Israelis who shot me and the Israelis who shot my other colleagues Its very hard to believe that they didnt know who we were, they didnt know what we were doing, and that they were aiming at anything else. It was on another day that this 21-year-old nominal civilian nurse, Razan al-Najjar, was killed by an Israeli sniper while tending to the wounded. Of course, pointing all this out wont mean anything to these apologists or to those who give them a platform. Everybody knows the ethico-political double standard at work here. No other country in the world would get away with such blatant crimes against humanity without suffering a torrent of criticism from Western politicians and media pundits, including every liberal and conservative Zionist apologist cited above. Razans face would be shining from every page and screen of every Western media outlet, day after day, for weeks. Even an allied nation would get at least a public statement or diplomatic protest; any disfavored countries would face calls for punishment ranging from economic sanctions to humanitarian intervention. Israel gets unconditional praise from Americas UN Ambassador. Indeed, if the American government defended its own actual international border in this way, liberal Zionists would be on the highest of moral saddles excoriating the Trump administration for its crime against humanity. Andforgetting, as is obligatory, the thousands of heavily-armed Jewish Zionists who regularly force their way across actual international borders with impunityif some Arab countrys snipers killed hundreds and wounded tens of thousands of similarly unarmed Jewish Zionist men, women, children, and paraplegics who were demonstrating at an actual international border for the right to return to their biblical homeland, we all know the howling and gnashing of morally outraged teeth that would ensue from every corner of the Western political and media universe. No Guarding the border was more important than avoiding killing would be published in the NYT,or tolerated in polite company, for that scenario. Nathan J. Robinson got to the bottom line in his wonderful shredding of Rosners argument, it comes down to: Any amount of Palestinian death, however large, was justified to prevent any amount of risk to Israelis, however small. Western governments and media have fashioned, and are doing their utmost to sustain, an ethico-political universe where Israel canlay siege to a million people, bomb them occasionally, and then kill them when they show up at the wall to throw rocks. Is there a way anymore of not seeing the racism of Zionism? Can we just say, once and for all, that the interests of Palestiniansnot as pitiable creatures but as active, fully, enfranchised human beingsare not anywhere on the list of Soffers or Dichters or Rosners (or the Western medias or governments) priorities, and refuse any of their pitifully disingenuous expressions of concern for the Palestinians benefit? Nobody gets to put For your own benefit, in front of Surrender or Ill put a bullet in your head. The onlyconcern any of these commentators have for the people of Gaza is that they submissively accept their forced displacement and imprisonment in the largest concentration camp ever to exist. Does the vulgarity of it shock you? The human shields, human sacrifice trope, which all these apologias hang on, is particularly mendacious and hypocritical as used by Zionists. Its also a classic example of projection. This is a human shield: It is Israel which has repeatedly used the specific, prohibited tactic of using children as human shields to protect its military forces. According to the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child, Israel is guilty of the continuous use of Palestinian children as human shields and informants. Besides this namby-pamby UN Committee that no red-blooded American/Zionist would pay any attention to, the High Court of Justice in Israel identified and denounced the human shield procedures the IDF acknowledged and defended using 1,200 times. These include the neighbor procedure, whereby neighbors of wanted Palestinians are forced to go into the wanted mans house ahead of troops, in case it is booby-trapped, and Israeli soldiers forcibly position[ing] members of [a] family, including the children, at the windows of [a] home and proceed[ing] to fire from behind them. So, when Zionists use a human shields argument as a moral cudgel against unarmed civilian protestors, and a moral justification for a powerful army, which brazenly uses children to shield its own soldiers, killing scores of those protestors by the daywell, its not a stretch to see this charge is a projection of Zionists own pattern of thought and behavior. Besides being an ongoing tactic of todays Israeli army, human shields and the human sacrifice they imply were an integral element of the Zionist narrativeexpressly articulated and embraced, with no apology, as a necessity for the establishment of a Jewish State. Take a look at what Edward Said in 2001 called: the main narrative model that [still] dominates American thinking about Israel, and David Ben-Gurion called as a piece of propaganda, the best thing ever written about Israel. Its the Zionist epicidentified by many commentators as having been enormously influential in stimulating Zionism and support for Israel in the United States. In this piece of iconic American culture, an American cultural iconmore sympathetically liberal than whom there is notexplains why he, as a Zionist, is not bluffing in his threat to blow up his ship and its 600 Jewish refugees if they are not allowed to enter the territory they want: You mean youd still set it [200 lbs. of dynamite] off, knowing youve lost?Without any regard for the lives youd be destroying? Every person on this ship is a soldier. The only weapon we have to fight with is our willingness to die. But for what purpose? Call it publicity. Publicity? Yes, publicity. A stunt to attract attention.Does the vulgarity of it shock you? More Zionist tough love. In the face of the scurrilous human shield accusation against Palestinians now being used to denigrate the killed, maimed, and still-fighting protestors in Gaza, we would do well to recall Paul Newmans Zionist-warrior, no apology, argument for 600 telegenically dead Jewish men, women, and children as a publicity stunt to gain the sympathy of the world. Lest we dismiss this as a fiction, remember that Paul Newmans fictional boat, Exodus, is based on a real ship, the SS Patria. In 1940, the Patriawas carrying 1800 Jewish refugees from Nazi-occupied Europe whom the British authorities refused entry into Palestine. While the Patria was in the port of Haifa, it was blown up and sunk by Munya Mardor on the orders of the Haganah, which did not want Jewish refugees going anywhere but Palestine. At least 267 people were killed. The Haganah put out the story that the passengers had blown up the ship themselves a story that lasted 17 years, nourishing the imagination of Leon Uris, author of the Exodus fiction. This wasnt a commander or leading organization urging people to knowingly take a deadly risk in confronting a powerful enemy; it was their self-proclaimed army blowing its people up with no warningand then falsely claiming they did it to themselves!Nobody who wouldnt use bottomlessly cynical to denigrate the Haganah should be using it to denigrate Gazans. At a crucial moment in history, it was Zionists who practiced a foundational human shield strategy, holding the victims of Nazism hostage to the Zionist statehood project as none other than the publisher of the New York Times, Arthur Hays Sulzberger, recognized and criticized: I cannot rid myself of the feeling that the unfortunate Jews of Europes D. P. [Displaced Persons] camps are helpless hostages for whom statehood has been made the only ransom. [W]hy in Gods name should the fate of all these unhappy people be subordinated to the single cry of Statehood? The Exodus/Patria/Paul Newman/Haganah willingness to blow up hundreds of Jewish refugees in order to force their way into a desired territory was an attitude endemic to the Zionist movement, and enunciated quite clearly by its leader, David Ben-Gurion, as early as 1938: If I knew it was possible to save all [Jewish] children of Germany by their transfer to England and only half of them by transferring them to Eretz-Yisrael, I would choose the latter. You want human sacrifice? (Sulzberger, by the way, opposed political Zionism not solely because of the fate of Jewish refugees because he disliked the coercive methods of Zionists in this country who use economic means to silence those with differing views. Yes, the NYT! So change is possible.) Whats Right Is Wrong And heres the thing: You want to call what the Gazans didcoming out unarmed by the thousands, knowing many of them would be killed by a heavily-armed adversary determined to put them down by whatever means necessarya politics of human sacrifice? You are right. Just as youd be right to say that of the Zionist movement, when it was weak and faced with much stronger adversaries. And just as youd be right to say it of the unarmed, non-violent Civil Rights Movement, when it faced the rageful determination of the immensely more powerful American South, to preserve the century-old Jim Crow apartheid that wasits identity, by whatever means necessary. Princeon Professor Eddie Glaude, Jr. nailed it when, to the visible discomfort of his MSNBC co-panelists, he responded to the invocation of the White House line that its all Hamas fault and that theyre using them as tools for propaganda, with: Thats like saying to the children in the Childrens March of Birmingham it was their fault that Bull Connor attacked them. Civil-rights activists did put children on the front lines, and put their own and those childrens lives in danger to fight and defeat Jim Crow. They knew there were a lot of people armed and willing to kill them. And children, as well as activists, were killed. And those actions weresupported (but by no means orchestrated) by extremist organizationsi.e., the Communist Party. At the time, conservatives attacked Freedom Riders with the same arguments that Zionists are now using to attack Gaza Return Marchers. All unarmed, non-violent but disruptive, Gandhian strategies to eliminate entrenched systems of colonial-apartheid rule will knowingly sacrifice many lives to attain their victory. Call it a politics of human sacrifice if you want. I wont make any ingenue objections. But its not a sign of the subjugated peoples cynicism; its a result of their predicament. Human sacrifice defines the kind of choices a desperate and subjugated people are forced to make in the face of armed power they cannot yet overcome. A militarily-weak insurgent/liberation movement must use an effectively self-sacrificing strategy of moral suasion. That is now a standard and powerful weapon in political struggle. (Though moral suasion alone will not win their rights. Never has. Never will.) For Gazans, its the choice between living in a hell of frustration, misery, insult, confinement, and slow death, or resisting and taking the high risk of instant death. Its the choice faced by people whose dreams are killed by Israels siege and forced expulsion, and who are willing to risk their lives for the worlds attention. Young men like Saber al-Gerim, for whom, It doesnt matter to me if they shoot me or not. Death or life its the same thing. Or the one who told Amira Hass: We die anyway, so let it be in front of the cameras. Or 21-year-old Fathi Harb, who burned himself to death last Sunday. Or Jihadi al-Najjar, whohad to make the choice between continuing to care for his blind father (He was my sight. He helped me in everything, from going to the bathroom to taking a shower to providing for meI saw life through Jihadis eyes.) or being killed by an Israeli sniper while, as his mother Tahani says defending the rights of his family and his people. Tough choices, to get the worlds attention. This is the kind of choice imposed on the untermenschen of colonial-apartheid regimes. The only weapon they have is their willingness to die. But Gazans wont get the sympathetically-anguished Paul Newman treatment. Just bottomlessly cynical. Pauls choice, Sophies choice, is now Sabers and Jihads and Fathis, and its all bad. Maybe some peoplecomrades and allies in their strugglehave a right to say something about how to deal with that choice. But the one who doesnt, the one who has no place to say or judge anything about that choice, is the one who is forcing it. Those who are trying to fight their way out of a living hell are not to be lectured to by the devil and his minions. So, yes, in a very real sense, for the Palestinians, it is a politics of human sacrificeto American liberals, the gods who control their fate. By choosing unarmed, death-defying resistance, Palestinians are sacrificing their lives to assuage the faux-pacifist conscience of Americans and Europeans (particularly, I think, liberals), who have decreed from their Olympian moral heights that any other kind of resistance by these people will be struck down with devastating lightning and thunder. Funny, that these are the same gods the Zionists appealed to to seize their desired homeland, and the same gods the civil-rights activists appealed to to wrest their freedom from local demons of lesser strength. Because, in their need to feel sympathy and pity, the sacrifice of human lives seems the only offering to which these gods might respond. The Nakba Is Now The Israelis and their defenders are right about something else: They cannot allow a single Gazan to cross the boundary. They know it would be a fatal blow to their colonial-supremacist hubris, and the beginning of the end of Zionismjust as Southern segregationists knew that allowing a single black child into the school was going to be the beginning of the end of Jim Crow. Palestinians gaining their basic human rights means Israeli Jews losing their special colonial privileges. As Ali Abunimah points out, Arnon Soffer was right, when he said: If we dont kill, we will cease to exist, and Rosner, when he said the Gazans threatened the elimination of Israel. To continue to exist as the colonial-apartheid polity it is, Israel must maintain strict exclusionist, noright of return, policies. Per Abunimah: the price of a Jewish state is the permanent and irrevocable violation of Palestinians rightsIf you support Israels right to exist as a Jewish state in a country whose indigenous Palestinian people today form half the population, then you must come to terms with the inevitability of massacres. Whats happening in Gaza is not only, as Abunimah says, a reminder of the original sin of the ethnic cleansing of Palestine and the creation of a so-called Jewish state, it is a continuation of that unfinished work of the devil. The Nakba is now. Im all for everybody on both sides of the issue to be aware of the stakes and risks in this struggle, without any disingenuous denials. Whether you sympathize with, or denigrate, the choices of people who put their own, their comrades, and even their childrens, lives at risk is not determined by whether some tactical choices can be characterized as human shields, human sacrifice; its determined by what theyre fighting for, and what and whom they are fighting against, and where your solidarity lies. Stage Left Heres the core of the disagreement about Gaza (and Palestine in general): There are thosethey call themselves Zionistswho think the Palestinians deserve to have been put in that concentration camp, and who stand in solidarity with the soldiers who, by whatever means necessary, are forcing them to stay there. And there are thosethe growing numbers who reject Zionismwho stand in solidarity with every human being trying to get out of that camp by whatever means necessary. Theres a fightbetween those breaking out of the prison and those keeping them in; between those seeking equality and those enforcing ethno-religious supremacism; between the colonized and the colonizer. Pick a side. Bret Stephens, Shmuel Rosner, and Tom Friedman have. The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Breitbart have. ABC, CBS, (MS)NBC, and Fox have. The Democrats and Republicans and the Congress and the White House have. And they are not shy about it. Its past time for American progressives to clearly and unequivocally decide and declare which side they are on. Its time for professedly humanitarian, egalitarian, pro-human rights, anti-racist, and free-speech progressives to express their support of the Palestinian struggleon social media, in real-life conversation, and on the street. Its time to firmly reject the hypocritical discourse of those who would have been belittling any expression ofsorrow and outrage over Emmet Till, Chaney, Schwerner and Goodman, and the four black schoolgirls killed in Birmingham, while ingenue mourning the terrible moral quandary in which those disrupters had put Bull Connors boys. Dont shrink from it, talk back to itevery time.Make them ashamed to be defending colonialism and apartheid with such patently phony arguments. Politically? At a minimum, demand of any politician who seeks your vote: End the blockade of Gaza, immediately and unconditionally. Support BDS. Refuse any attempt to criminalize BDS and anti-Zionism. Stop blocking UN and ICC actions against Israeli crimes. Restrict arms sales to Israel. Reject the hypocritical Zionist apologetics. Refuse any attempt to censor or restrict the internet. (This last is very important. Nothing has threatened Zionist impunity more than the information available on the internet, and nothing is driving the demand to censor the internet more than the Zionists need to shut that off.) This is a real, concrete, important resistance. Whatll it cost? Some social discomfort? Its not sniper fire. Not human sacrifice. Not Sabers choice. Are we at a turning point? Some people think this years massacre in Gaza will finally attract a sympathetic gaze from the gods and goddesses of the Imperial City. Deliberately and methodically killing, maiming, and wounding thousands of unarmed people over weekswell, the cruelty, the injustice, the colonialism is just too obvious to ignore any longer. And I hope that turns out to be so. And I know, Natalie Portman and Roger Waters and Shakira, andthe most serious and hopefulthe young American Jews in groups like Students for Justice in Palestine and IfNotNow. There are harbingers of change, and we must try. I also know there is nothing new here. Thirty years ago, a doctor in Gaza said: We will sacrifice one or two kids to the struggle every family. What can we do? This is a generation of struggle. It was obvious thirty years ago, and forty years before that. TheNakbawas then. The Nakbais now. Was it ever not too obvious to ignore? My mother was an actress on Broadway, who once came to Princeton University to share the stage, and her professional skills, with Jimmy Stewart and other amateur thespians. She played the ingenue. Me, Im not so good at that. By all means, regarding Palestine-Israel and the sacrifices and solidarity demanded: No more ingenue politics. Home Search ICH The U.S. at War with Itself By Lawrence Davidson A Cultural Civil War: Racism June 06, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - The United States is at war with itself. It is actually a function of the nations heritagethe past contesting specific aspects of a modern present. This results in traditions in flux. Some examples of this are the racism, the pseudo-frontier mentality, and the religious fundamentalism that persist into the present moment. These are traditions that characterized the first half of the nations history, and while some of these may have retreated into latency over the past fifty years, they are back with us now. As a result, Americans are in the midst of an ongoing culture war that in many ways is as old as the nation itself. Lets take look at the issue of racism, the latest display of which is the infamous Roseanne Barr tweet. Roseannes racist opinions are nothing new. Nor, since the advent of Donald Trump, is their public display. Here is how I contextualize the nations growing racist revival based on an updated earlier analysis entitled Civil Rights Takes a Hit, posted 5 March 2013 on the occasion of the Supreme Courts ill-advised weakening of the 1965 Civil Rights Act. (1) A culture of racism shaped the American way of life since before the founding of the United States. This culture became particularly deep-rooted in the southern colonies/states, where slavery became not only a foundational economic institution but one that shaped the Souths self-image. In the North, a racist culture was also pervasive and society was segregated. The significant difference here was that the Norths labor system was not based on slavery. (2) In the South, this deeply embedded culture of racism was briefly interrupted when, following the Civil War, a short period of Reconstruction (1865 to 1877) took place. During this time a U.S. military occupation of the conquered Confederacy suppressed most racist laws. The main reason for this was political and not social. Under the Norths occupation regime Blacks were recognized as citizens and could vote. Doing so, they of course supported the party of Abraham Lincoln. This helped the abolitionist Republicans maintain control of Congress. Reconstruction lasted only as long as did the dominance of the abolitionist faction. That ended in 1877. In that year the U.S. army was withdrawn from the southern states. Almost immediately there was a region-wide reversion to a racially dictated way of life wherein the oppression of slavery was replaced with a variety of Jim Crow laws legitimizing segregation and all manner of discrimination against Black Americans. (3) This state of affairs lasted close to another one hundred years, until the 1960s, when a massive movement of civil disobedience known as the Civil Rights Movement, finally led to the outlawing of racist practices in both the South and the North within the public sphere for instance, hotels, bars, public schools, shopping centers, hotels and the like. It also discouraged the public display of racist attitudes. I emphasize the public sphere because, at the time of the passage of national civil rights legislation, little was done to change racist perceptions and behavior within the private sphere. For instance, no effort was made to mandate the teaching of tolerance in the public schools so as to better erode private racist perceptions. The private sphere was left to itself. (4) Thus, until 1965, with only a hiatus of 12 years following the Civil War (the effects of which were felt mostly in the South), U.S. law validated racial discrimination and segregation as a guide to acceptable citizens views and behavior. Against this 200-plus years of cultural shaping we can put the last 50-plus years of limited counter-shaping of the public sphere. Given the protracted period that an overt culture of racism was allowed to work on the American mind, it can be argued that 50 years (approximately two generations) of public sector law is not enough time for the message that racial prejudice is wrong to be fully assimilated in the private lives of citizens. (5) As a result there has developed an unstable cultural scenario wherein white Americans are begrudgingly accepting of racial mixing in public spaces, as well as the workplace. Privately, however, many are less tolerant and continue to resist such levels of intimacy as racially mixed friendship circles, neighborhoods, or intermarriage. This continuing divide becomes even more complicated in the U.S. South. A quarter of the U.S. white population identifies themselves as southerners, and of those an active subgroup have never reconciled to the notion of colorblind civil rights. This subgroup has never given up a sentimental loyalty to Confederate Civil War heroes and symbols (the Confederate flag, for instance). These have become signs of resistance to federal hegemony and emblems of identity which, in some cases, are stronger than those representing the U.S. as a nation. Other Aspects of the Cultural Civil War Racism is a major theme in the nations ongoing cultural civil war, but it is not the only one. Another is the fight over gun laws, which presently are inadequate to provide for public safety. Guns: The prevailing gun culture is a combination of the romanticization of the countrys frontier tradition, and a fear of any authority that might interfere with an open-ended, almost anarchistic, definition of freedom. In terms of the frontier, the gun enthusiasts portrayal is distorted for a reason explained below. The prevalence of guns on the frontier was, in truth, in direct proportion to the absence of the rule of law. Where there was law, the gun-toting was restrained or just prohibited. The myth of the rugged, and armed, individual is actually a product of the television and movie distortion of the history of the old West. It wasnt really a place of heroes who valued freedom. Until it was tamed by law and regulation, It was a place of murder and mayhem. Predictably, todays effort to replicate the frontier myth of rugged individualism through promoting an armed and largely unregulated citizenry has resulted, not in freedom, but in a resurgence of murder and mayhem. Religion: Finally, we should note the survival of 19th century-style of Christian fundamentalism. While this certainly does not include all U.S. Christians, it is the case that millions of Americans still adhere to the faith of their fathers in a fashion that encourages social inequality and undermines the secular nature of the state. It is also a faith riddled with racial and gender bigotry, self-righteous egocentrism, and shameful hypocrisy. That makes it easy for the Christian Right to support President Donald Trump, whose public and private behavior should make him anathema to even pseudo-Christians. Here is how one opinion writer in the New York Times put it: the politicized sectors of the Christian right have been associated with bigotry, selfishness and deception for a long time. Trump has simply revealed the movements priorities. It values the preservation of traditional racial and sexual hierarchies over fuzzier notions of wholesomeness. A key word here is politicized. The Christian right wants to decisively influence the government, local and federal. The Trump Connection The Christian right, along with the gun rights enthusiasts, and those who privately support a diffused undercurrent of racist traditionalism, believe that modern movements for equal rights, as well as for the communitys need for safety and security through law and regulation, are threats to genuine American culture. They threaten traditions of freedom that makes their world ideologically comfortable. The current president has become their champion. That puts Donald Trump front and center in the ongoing cultural civil war. Against this backdrop it becomes clear what the president means when he says make American great again. He means the country has to return to the behavioral patterns that existed before the Civil Rights Movement, before the Great Depression, and before the Second World War. It is not only possible that this regression can be approximated, it is already being attempted! A sure sign of this is the fact that Trumps ascendency to office has encouraged a return of public displays of racist opinionsjust like those of Roseanne Barr. Conclusion Clearly, the American embrace of things like gender and racial equality is superficial and fragile. Its superficial because civil rights legislation was restricted to the public sphereand even that legislation has proved too much for large numbers of white Americans steeped in a cultural history which, in truth, was and is ethically wretched. The past now rises up to challenge those fragile improvements of the recent present. James McFadden, who participated in the original, 25 February 1960, restaurant counter sit-in that helped initiate the Civil Rights Movement, recognizes this resurgence of the past. He sees a frightening similarity to those days the way [some] talk and dehumanize people who are different. Its the same kind of dehumanization we received. Im very fearful today, almost as much today as 1960. Listening to the tweets of Roseanne Barr and Donald Trump, one can understand why. Its a wara cultural civil war. Lawrence Davidson is a retired professor of history from West Chester University in West Chester PA. His academic research focused on the history of American foreign relations with the Middle East. He taught courses in Middle East history, the history of science and modern European intellectual history. http://www.tothepointanalyses.com The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. ====== 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. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 6) While authorities said the case on the death of Assistant Special Prosecutor Madonna Joy Ednaco-Tanyag was considered solved with the arrest of her killer, the investigation continues. The Presidential Anti Corruption Commission (PACC) is urging police and investigators to dig deeper into Tanyag's death. Along with the PACC, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales called for a resolution to Tanyag's death. PACC Chair Dante Jimenez said Tayag's death was alarming, and shared Morales' opinion of a deeper issue behind the killing. "We told the family, and I think we have a common denominator with Ombudsman Morales...that there should be an exhaustive investigation not only on the motive of robbery because this suspect has been a noted addict, user of drugs, in and out sa kulungan, ito yung mga usually kinukuha ng mga masterminds [was in and out of jail, and his kind is usually the person used by masterminds]...They usually get guns-for-hire," Jimenez said. Police said Angelito Avenido Jr., a 31-year-old jeepney barker, was arrested only six hours after the crime was reported to the authorities. They added the victim's cellphone was already in their custody but were still asking her husband if they could examine it. The police are looking at different angles in the killing, including the possibility that it was related to Tanyag's work in the Ombudsman's office. Tanyag handled a number of cases that involved fund malversation and graft and corrupt acts. These include high-profile cases that involving former Makati Mayor Elenita Binay and former Representative Judy Syjuco. Tanyag had attended the Sandiganyan hearings on the Malampaya fund scam that allegedly involved former Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya, Jr., former Budget Undersecretary Mario Relampagos, and Janet Lim-Napoles. Morales says Tanyag was known among colleagues as hardworking and tough in handling high profile cases. Atty. Omar Sagadal, deputy special prosecutor of the Office of the Ombudsman and Tanyag's boss vouched for her reputation, saying she was "brilliant." Family members did not recall hearing about threats to Tanyag's life in relation to her work, and they welcome the suspect's capture and are open to other motives behind the killing. Tanyag's husband, Cris, said, "Wala po siyang dini-detail sakin na mga cases. Ang alam ko lang po, busy po siya kahit nasa bahay. Di po siya sakin nagdi-detail ng cases. Wala naman po siyang binabanggit sakin." [Translation: She does not detail any cases to me. All I know, was that she was very busy even while she was at home. She never mentioned anything to me.] Tanyag's wake remains private to family, close friends, personalities, and colleagues. Tanyag was five months pregnant when she was killed in Barangay Vasra, Quezon City on Monday. Avenido is facing criminal charges of robbery and homicide. CNN Philippines' Lara Tan contributed to this story. Hating Russia Is a Full-Time Job Neocons resurrect tribal memories to fan the flames By Philip Giraldi June 06, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Having just returned from a trip to Russia, I am pleased to report that the Russian people and the officialdom that I encountered displayed none of the vitriol towards Americans that I half expected as a response to the vilifying of Moscow and all its works that pervades the U.S. media and Establishment. To be sure, many Russians I spoke with were quick to criticize the Trump Administration for its hot and cold performance vis-a-vis the bilateral ties to Moscow while also expressing mystification over why the relationship had gone south so quickly, but this anger over foreign policy did not necessarily translate into contempt for the American people and way of life that characterized the Soviet period. At least not yet. Somewhat to my surprise, ordinary Russians were also quick to openly criticize President Vladimir Putin for his autocratic tendencies and his willingness to continue to tolerate corruption, but everyone I spoke to also conceded that he had generally acted constructively and had greatly improved life for ordinary people. Putin remains wildly popular. One question that came up frequently was Who is driving the hostility towards Russia? I responded that the answer is not so simple and there are a number of constituencies that, for one reason or another, need a powerful enemy to justify policies that would otherwise be unsustainable. Defense contractors need a foe to justify their existence while congressmen need the contractors to fund their campaigns. The media needs a good fearmongering story to help sell itself and the public also is accustomed to having a world in which terrible threats lurk just below the horizon, thereby increasing support for government control of everyday life to keep everyone safe. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter And then there are the neocons. As always, they are a distinct force for creative destruction, as they put it, certainly first in line with their hands out to get the funding of their no-expenses-spared foundations and think tanks, but also driven ideologically, which has made them the intellectual vanguard of the war party. They provide the palatable intellectual framework for America to take on the world, metaphorically speaking, and constitute the strike force that is always ready to appear on television talk shows or to be quoted in the media with an appropriate intelligent sounding one liner that can be used to justify the unthinkable. In return they are richly rewarded both with money and status. The neocons believe in only two things. First, that the United States is the sole world superpower, given license by something like a Divine Entity to exercise global leadership by force if necessary. That has been translated to the public as American exceptionalism. Indeed, U.S. interventionism in practice has been by force majeure preferably as it leaves little room for debate or discussion. And the second neocon guiding principle is that everything possible must be done to protect and promote Israel. Absent these two beliefs, you do not have a neocon. The founding fathers of neoconism were New York Jewish intellectuals who evolved (or devolved) from being bomb throwing Trotskyites to conservatives, a process they self-define as idealism getting mugged by reality. The only reality is that they have always been faux conservatives, embracing a number of aggressive foreign policy and national security positions while also privately endorsing the standard Jewish liberal line on social issues. Neocon fanaticism on the issues that they do promote also suggests that more that a little of the Trotskyism remains in their character, hence their tenacity and ability to slither between the Democratic and Republican parties while also appearing comfortably on disparate media outlets considered to be either liberal or conservative, i.e. on both Fox news and MSNBC programs featuring the likes of Rachel Maddow. I have long believed that the core hatred of Russia comes from the neocons and is to a large extent tribal or, if you prefer, ethno-religious based. Why? Because if the neoconservatives were actually foreign policy realists there is no good reason to express any visceral dislike of Russia or its government. The allegations that Moscow interfered in the 2016 presidential election in the U.S. are clearly a sham, just as are the tales of the alleged Russian poisoning of the Skripals in Winchester England and, most recently, the claimed assassination of journalist Arkady Babchenko in Kiev which turned out to be a false flag. Even the most cursory examination of the past decades developments in Georgia and Ukraine reveal that Russia was reacting to legitimate major security threats engineered by the United States with a little help from Israel and others. Russia has not since the Cold War ended threatened the United States and its ability to re-acquire its former Eastern European satellites is a fantasy. So why the hatred? In fact, the neocons got along quite well with Russia when they and their overwhelmingly Jewish oligarchs and international commodity thieves cum financier friends were looting the resources of the old Soviet Union under the hapless Boris Yeltsin during the 1990s. Alarms about the alleged Russian threat only re-emerged in the neocon dominated media and think tanks when old fashioned nationalist Vladimir Putin took office and made it a principal goal of his government to turn off the money tap. With the looting stopped by Putin, the neocons and friends no longer had any reason to play nice, so they used their considerable resources in the media and within the halls of power in places like Washington, London and Paris to turn on Moscow. And they also might have perceived that there was a worse threat looming. The Putin government appeared to be resurrecting what the neocons might perceive as pogrom plagued Holy Russia! Old churches razed by the Bolsheviks were being rebuilt and people were again going to mass and claiming belief in Jesus Christ. The former Red Square now hosts a Christmas market while the nearby tomb of Lenin is only open one morning in the week and attracts few visitors. I would like to suggest that it is quite possible that the historically well-informed neocons are merely longing for the good old Bolshevik days in Russia. The fact is that much of Bolshevik state atheism was driven by the large overrepresentation of Jews in the party in its formative days. British journalist Robert Wiltons meticulously researched 1920 study The Last Days of the Romanovs describes how David R. Francis, United States ambassador in Russia, warned in a January 1918 message to Washington that The Bolshevik leaders here, most of whom are Jews and 90 percent of whom are returned exiles, care little for Russia or any other country but are internationalists and they are trying to start a worldwide social revolution. Dutch Ambassador William Oudendyke echoed that sentiment, writing that Unless Bolshevism is nipped in the bud immediately, it is bound to spread in one form or another over Europe and the whole world as it is organized and worked by Jews who have no nationality, and whose one object is to destroy for their own ends the existing order of things. Russias greatest twentieth century writer Alexander Solzhenitsyn, feted in the west for his staunch resistance to Soviet authoritarianism, suddenly found himself friendless by the media and publishing world when he wrote Two Centuries Together: A Russo-Jewish History to 1972, recounting some of the dark side of the Russian-Jewish experience. In particular, Solzhenitsyn cited the significant overrepresentation of Russian Jews both as Bolsheviks and, prior to that time, as serf-owners. Jews notably played a particularly disproportionate role in the Soviet secret police, which began as the Cheka and eventually became the KGB. Jewish historian Leonard Schapiro noted how Anyone who had the misfortune to fall into the hands of the Cheka stood a very good chance of finding himself confronted with, and possibly shot by, a Jewish investigator. In Ukraine, Jews made up nearly eighty percent of the rank-and-file Cheka agents. In light of all this it should surprise no one that the new Russian government of 1918 issued a decree a few months after taking power making anti-Semitism a crime in Russia. The Communist regime became the worlds first to criminally punish any anti-Jewish sentiment. Wilton used official Russian government documents to identify the make-up of the Bolshevik regime in 1917-9. The 62 members of the Central Committee included 41 Jews while the Extraordinary Cheka Commission Cheka of Moscows 36 members included 23 Jews. The 22 strong Council of the Peoples Commissars numbered had 17 Jews. According to data furnished by the Soviet authorities, out of the 556 most important functionaries of the Bolshevik state in 1918-1919 there were: 17 Russians, two Ukrainians, eleven Armenians, 35 Latvians, 15 Germans, one Hungarian, ten Georgians, three Poles, three Finns, one Czech and 458 Jews. In 1918-9, effective Russian governmental power rested in the Central Committee of the Bolshevik party. In 1918 this body had twelve members, of whom nine were of Jewish origin, and three were Russians. The nine Jews were: Trotsky, Zinoviev, Larine, Uritsky, Volodarski, Kamenev, Smidovich, Yankel, and Steklov. The three Russians were: Lenin, Krylenko, and Lunacharsky. The Communist diaspora in Europe and America was also largely Jewish, including the cabal of founders of neoconservativism in New York City. The United States Communist Party was from the start predominantly Jewish. It was in the 1930s headed by Jew Earl Browder, grandfather of the current snake oil salesman Bill Browder, who has been sanctimoniously proclaiming his desire to punish Vladimir Putin for various alleged high crimes. Browder is a complete hypocrite who has fabricated and sold to Congress a largely phony and self-serving narrative relating to Russian corruption. He is also not surprisingly a neocon media darling in the U.S. It has been more than plausibly claimed that Browder was a principal looter of Russias resources in the 1990s and Russian courts have convicted him of tax evasion among other crimes. The undeniable historical affinity of Jews for the Bolshevik brand of communism coupled with the Jewishness of the so-called oligarchs rather suggests that the hatred of a Russia that has turned its back on those particular aspects of Jewish heritage might be at least part of what drives some neocons. Just as in the case of Syria which the neocons, bowing to Israels interests, prefer to see in chaos, some might long for a return to the good old days of looting by mostly Jewish foreign interests, as under Yeltsin, or even better for the heady days of 1918-9 Bolshevism when Jews ruled all of Russia. Philip Giraldi is a former counter-terrorism specialist and military intelligence officer of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. This article was originally published by " Unz Review - Israeli Apartheid Exposed Knesset Council Bans Bill To Define Israel As State For All Its Citizens In unusual move, bill disqualified before being discussed on Knesset floor because it 'seeks to deny Israels existence as the state of the Jewish people' By Jonathan Lis June 06, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - A bill submitted by three Joint List MKs calling for Israel to be defined as a state of all its citizens was disqualified by the Knesset presidium on Monday before it even reached the Knesset floor for deliberation. Seven MKs supported the decision to ban debate on the Basic Law: A Country of All Its Citizens," submitted by MKs Jamal Zahalka, Haneen Zoabi and Joumah Azbarga; two MKs opposed it (Esawi Freige from Meretz and Ahmad Tibi from Joint List); and MK Bezalel Smotrich from Habayit Hayehudi abstained. This is the first time proposed legislation has been disqualified before being discussed in the plenum during the past two Knesset terms. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Knesset legal adviser Eyal Yinon clarified in a statement that, both in the theoretical plane and in the specific one, it is hard to not see such a proposal as one that seeks to deny Israels existence as the state of the Jewish people, and therefore, and in accordance with Article 75(e) of the regulations, the Knesset presidium is qualified to prevent its submission. The bill, Yinon noted, includes several articles that are meant to alter the character of the State of Israel from the nation-state of the Jewish people to a state in which there is equal status from the point of view of nationality for Jews and Arabs." The legal adviser also said that the legislation seemed to be aimed at altering basic principles for example, by essentially cancelling the Law of Return (which declares the right of every Jew to immigrate to Israel), and determining instead that receipt of Israeli citizenship will be based on a persons familial affiliation to another citizen of the state. In addition, wrote Yinon, the bill negates the principle according to which the symbols of the state reflect the national revival of the Jewish people, in addition to rejecting Hebrew language as the principal language of the state. In a discussion on the Joint List proposal, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein said: This is a preposterous bill that any intelligent individual can see must be blocked immediately. A bill that aims to gnaw at the foundations of the state must not be allowed in the Knesset. This is the first time since my appointment as Knesset speaker 5 years ago that I am recommending that the presidium disqualify a bill. The three MKs from Balad [one of the parties making up Joint List] keep trying to garner votes through provocation, and we cannot lend a hand to this. By contrast, MK Freige said that, the Jewish majority often challenges the Arab minority, and an example of that is the so-called nation-state law. Why are the drafters of that law allowed but Zahalka is not? "The minority," said MK Tibi, "has a right to protest and to oppose conventions such as rights being enjoyed only by the Jewish majority in Israel, a situation that reinforces the inferiority of the Arab minority. MK Smotrich, who had abstained said he agreed "completely with the Knesset speaker, that this is indeed an absurd bill. However, a directive that prevents a bill from being discussed at the Knesset needs to come by means a Basic Law, and not from Knesset regulations. This article was originally published by " Haaretz " - The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. ====== Argentina Wont Play Israel in Soccer Because Slaughtering Palestinians Has Consequences Join the Discussion June 06, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - The United Nations human rights office on Tuesday demanded that the Trump administration immediately halt its policy of tearing migrant children away from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border, declaring that the practice always constitutes a child rights violation. Under the administrations so-called zero tolerance policy, unveiled last month by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, border agents separate children from their parents at the border and prosecute the adults. The approach, which is being framed as a deterrent to stop migrants from attempting to enter the country, has been widely denounced as evil and spurred protests from immigrant rights advocates. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in a statement on Tuesday that the office is deeply concerned by the U.S. governments decision to separate migrant families, arguing that the policy amounts to arbitrary and unlawful interference in family life, and is a serious violation of the rights of the child. Children should never be detained for reasons related to their own or their parents migration status. Detention is never in the best interests of the child, Shamdasani declared, noting that the practice seems to have been in effect since October and has been applied to both asylum-seekers and other migrants in vulnerable situations. The childs best interest should always come first, including over migration management objectives or other administrative concerns, she continued, emphasizing that the policy runs counter to human rights standards and principles. The majority of people arriving at the U.S.s southern border have fled Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvadorin many cases either because of rampant insecurity and violence, or because of violations of a range of other rights, such as health, education, and housing, she noted. The U.S. should immediately halt this practice of separating families and stop criminalizing what should at most be an administrative offense. Shamdasani also pointed out that although the rights of children are generally held in high regard in the U.S., it is the only country in the world not to have ratified the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child. The convention explicitly states that children should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love, and understanding, and has been active for nearly three decades. By Brett Wilkins June 06, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - The United States has been quietly funding and equipping elite paramilitary police units in El Salvador accused of extrajudicially murdering suspected gang members, according to a forthcoming United Nations report reviewed in advance by CNN. Beginning with George W. Bush in 2003, successive US administrations have provided tens of millions of dollars in aid for Salvadoran military and police in support of the governments Mano Dura (Firm Hand) security program, an aggressive campaign to combat out-of-control gang violence in a country with one of the worlds highest homicide rates. Mano Dura aid increased significantly during the Obama administration, which compared the effort to Plan Colombia, the decades-long anti-drug campaign in which billions of US aid dollars funded mafia-like army units that, along with allied paramilitary death squads, kidnapped, tortured and murdered thousands of innocent civilians with impunity. As was the case with Plan Colombia, the new UN report will accuse Salvadoran security forces, in this case some of its elite police units, of a pattern of behavior by security personnel amounting to extrajudicial executions and a cycle of impunity in which such killings go unpunished. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter One police unit, the Special Reaction Forces (FES), killed 43 suspected gang members during the first half of 2017, according to the UN report. While FES officers were executing suspects in the streets, the US government continued to fund and equip the unit. Washingtons total assistance increased from $67.9 million in 2016 to $72.7 million last year. The deportation of members of MS-13 formed in Los Angeles by young Salvadoran refugees fleeing civil war in a homeland ruled by a US-backed military dictatorship and other gangs has further exacerbated the crisis. A spokesman for the US Embassy in San Salvador assured CNN that the US government takes allegations of extrajudicial killings extremely seriously, that it has consistently expressed concerns regarding human rights abuses and that it heavily vets units receiving aid. These assurances ring hollow to many Salvadorans who recall how the Ronald Reagan administration covered up horrific human rights violations in order to keep military aid flowing to the anti-communist military regime during the 1980s civil war. That aid, which included forming, training, funding and arming military death squads, began during the Carter administration and dramatically increased under Reagan. Officers, troops and police were trained in kidnapping, torture, assassination and democracy suppression at the US Army School of the Americas (SOA), also known as the School of Coups and School of Assassins because it produced so many of both. SOA graduates and other US-backed Salvadoran security forces planned, ordered and committed the most heinous atrocities of the 12-year civil war, including the kidnapping, torture, rape and murder of four American nuns and church volunteers in 1980, the assassination of the countrys beloved Catholic archbishop, Oscar Romero, that same year and the massacre of six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper and her daughter in 1989. After the four churchwomen were slain, the Reagan administration undertook a shameful effort to place blame on the victims. The most notorious Salvadoran army unit, the Atlacatl Battalion, was created in 1980 at the SOA and hailed as the pride of the United States military team in El Salvador. As a rite of passage its new troops collected roadkill carcasses dogs, vultures, anything, according to one former member and boiled them into a soup they all drank. Atlacatl Battalions human victims fared even worse than the dead animals its recruits consumed. The unit committed countless massacres, including the slaughter of 117 men, women and children at Lake Suchitlan in 1983 and the mass murder of 68 civilians, many of them children, at Los Llanitos the following year. But even these massacres paled in comparison to Atlacatls deadliest crime, the wholesale slaughter of more than 900 villagers, mostly women, children and the elderly, at El Mozote on December 11, 1981. There, soldiers shot, stabbed, hacked, smashed, and hung helpless villagers to death. They gang-raped women and girls before killing them. They skewered babies on bayonets. They dropped large rocks on the bellies of pregnant women. When the raping and murdering finished, they burned El Mozote to the ground, reducing the village to what one witness called a moving black carpet of scavenging vultures, flies and dogs feasting on the victims. The day after El Mozote made front page headlines in the US, President Reagan officially certified that El Salvador was making a concerted and significant effort to comply with internationally recognized human rights, and was working to bring an end to the indiscriminate torture and murder of Salvadoran citizens. Meanwhile, Elliott Abrams, then a State Department human rights official who was later convicted in the Iran-Contra scandal before serving as a special assistant to President George W. Bush, helped lead an effort to deny the El Mozote massacre ever happened. US aid to El Salvador was doubled, and heinous atrocities continued through the end of the civil war. It wasnt just El Salvador. The United States also supported or covered up death squad activity throughout Central and South America in the 1970s and 80s. In Guatemala, it backed right-wing military dictators including Efrain Rios Montt, who recently died facing genocide charges, as well as brutal death squads like the armys elite Kaibiles unit, which tortured, raped and murdered more than 200 villagers at Dos Erres in December, 1982. In Honduras, Reagans ambassador, John Negroponte, supervised the creation of the notorious Battalion 316, which was tasked with eliminating students, academics, labor unionists, clergy, journalists, indigenous rights activists and others deemed a threat to the dictatorship. Negroponte also played a key role in supporting the US-backed Contra army as it waged a terrorist war against the people of Nicaragua. It also wasnt just in the past. After a 2009 military coup deposed the progressive Honduran president Jose Manuel Zelaya, Obama and his secretary of state Hillary Clinton backed the repressive right-wing regime even as reports of its brutality, which included forced disappearances, torture and extrajudicial executions of opponents, were revealed. Despite the assassination of high-profile critics including the environmental activist Berta Caceres, the Obama administration lavished the Honduran coup regime and its murderous security forces with tens of millions of dollars in military and other assistance. The United States has long operated or supported death squads, from the CIAs Phoenix Program in Vietnam (40,000 killed) through the implementation of the Salvador option during the recent invasion and occupation of Iraq. The latter effort was run by Col. James Steele, a decorated veteran of Central Americas dirty wars, including a stint training Salvadoran death squad units during the civil war. Unsurprisingly, secret prisons, torture and extrajudicial killings became commonplace throughout occupied Iraq. It now appears that the Salvador option has made its way back home from halfway around the world, further terrorizing guilty and innocent alike in what was already one of the most frightful corners of the planet. Brett Wilkins This originally appeared at CounterPunch. A pastor identified as Docho Eshete was killed by a crocodile during a baptism ceremony in an Ethiopian lake. The pastor and about 80 members of his congregation gathered Sunday morning at the southern end of Lake Abaya close to a national park where enormous crocodiles have been reported to cover the shore. The Telegraph reported that Lake Abaya has lately had a shortage of fish, and the crocodiles have become aggressive toward humans, who have little chance to spot them in the lakes murky red waters. He baptized the first person and he passed on to another one, a resident of nearby Arba Minch told the BBC. All of a sudden, a crocodile jumped out of the lake and grabbed the pastor. A police officer, Eiwnetu Kano, told the BBC that fishermen and residents of the town tried to rescue the pastor. Ultimately, they managed to save only Eshetes corpse from the crocodile dragging it from the lake with fishing nets as the crocodile disappeared into the water. Nigerian man, identified as Anthony Abraham, narrated his ordeal in the hands of operatives of the Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad. Abraham via his Instagram page on Wednesday, recounted how he was battered and thereafter asked to apologise to them(SARS) for making them think he is an internet fraudster, popularly called Yahoo Yahoo boys. See his caption below: I dont know what I did to deserve the kind of beating I received from SARS officials yesterday. I was on a bike going to Alagbole from Berger when they stopped me and asked me to come down from the bike which I did. Immediately, they told me to enter their van and I asked them why and that was it, rain of slaps landed on my face. They bundled me and threw me inside the Siena van. Inside the van, they started beating me, I tried to block the slaps but one of them held my hand so that my face will be open to receive the slaps. They beat me as if I was a criminal before asking me what I do for a living. I told them that I am a blogger and also an actor/entertainer. The beating continued again. Seriously, I was scared for my life, I began to doubt if they were truly SARS officials or they are kidnappers or ritualists. A lot of thoughts were running through my mind. By now we were approaching Ojodu going towards Ogba. After all the beating, one of them then searched my phone and saw truly that I was a blogger, he saw my blog and also saw my skit videos this was after beating me o. He searched my pocket and saw some money. One of them said I should come down but the other one said I should bring the money on me, I refused and he then slapped me again and again and then again. I told them I wanted to use the money and he said he saw another one thousand Naira in my pocket while searching me. I told him that was my T-fare. He said that he will take me to the station that why am I wearing ripped jeans. Still, I refused to give him the money before they pushed me out of the vehicle after one of them said that I am a blogger that they should let me go before I start another #ENDSARS campaign. They also forced me to apologise to them for making them think I was a yahoo boy which I did. I still cant believe that this happened to me in my own country. We are no longer safe in this country. Those who are supposed to protect us are actually killing us. We need to #ENDSARS with immediate effect because we really cant see the effect of SARS in our society. SARS has done more harm than good. This is a true life story and it was not sugarcoated. It happened to me yesterday, Abraham concluded. As parts of its evolution, Facebook has introduced two big changes regarding the way music can be used on the platform. These new changes enable users to include music within personal videos and choose from a variety of songs for a new feature called Lip Sync Live. The social media giant is testing out options to let people include music from these catalogues (which includes millions of titles) within their personal videos, before proceeding to roll out this capacity on a global level in the near future. Earlier this year the company clinched music licensing deals with all three major labels, allowing users increased benefits musically. The Lip Sync Live is an idea reminiscent of what popular apps like Musical.ly or Dubsmash have already done. While the feature is being tested in select markets for now, the pool of songs available is in the hundreds, including popular titles like Havana by Camila Cabello and Gods Plan by Drake. Watch the demo below. Lip Sync Live also has a With option, so friends can be brought into the video, and camera effects can be used to add different backgrounds and other creative touches. If Lip Sync Live is available for you, it will appear as an option when starting a Live video so you can then select a song from the list, and add a description and further customizations. When broadcasting, friends will see what artist and song youre lip-syncing to, and they can tap to follow the artist on Facebook. A heartbroken man has taken to social media to lay curses on his ex who he claims left him because of the long distance between them. Michael Okwudili Ifeanyi, a Naval officer, shared a photo of himself with his ex during good times, then accused her of leaving him even after all he did for her. He said he has forgiven her, then turned around and said his God will never forgive her. e wrote: I dont regret my past. I just regret the time I have wasted with you i never hurt you b4 but as you said you av move on bcos of distance i av forgiven you but my God will never forgive you for all i av done for you Sunday Udoh Angela Michael then proceeded to slam all unfaithful women in another post ; Girls be like fan d way she take blow military guy, na so she go still blow civilan even torch yahoo boys too. Leave a Comment comments Punch Controversies have continued to greet Falzs new music video, This is Nigeria, as the Muslim Rights Concern Director, Prof. Is-Haq Akintola, has given the artiste with the full name, Folarin Falana, a seven-day ultimatum to apologise, bring down the video or face legal action. Vanguard Oyegun never told us not to inaugurate excos The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos ,Alhaji Tunde Balogun on Tuesday night denied any directive from the National Chairman of the party,Chief John Odigie-Oyegun stopping state party chairmen from inaugurating their executive members. The Sun Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state will press for the imprisonment of the partys Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and the National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso. Thisday The National Assembly Monday threatened President Muhammadu Buhari with impeachment if he fails to take urgent steps to address the myriad of problems facing the nation. Daily Times 2019: North-East will give Buhari more votes than North-West Sen Lawan Leader of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan (Yobe North) has said that the North-East geopolitical zone will surpass the North-West in supporting President Muhanmadu Buhari, to achieve his re-election next year. Tribune The National Assembly on Tuesday gave President Muhammadu Buhari 12-point condition to address urgently or face the invocation of its powers against him. The Nation A woman, Zainab Olatunji, has been arrested by the police for alleged conspiracy and malicious damage of two vehicles. Punch Metro gathered that Olatunji on June 3, 2018, celebrated her birthday in the Papa Ashafa, Agege area of Lagos State. Some hoodlums, who were allegedly invited by the 21-year-old, were said to have smoked hemp freely, as they wielded different kinds of weapons during the celebration. The party was midway when there was a disagreement among the guests, which reportedly degenerated into a fight. The affray was said to have led to the damage of the windscreen of a Toyota Sienna, with number plate, LSR 260 CK, and a Toyota Rav 4 with number plate, KJA229HQ, owned by residents in the area. One of the affected car owners, Sulaiman Fajumobi, said the party was attended by over 50 guests, adding that most of them drank to stupor. When they had their disagreement, they started threatening passersby with machetes as they burst out into the street to continue their fight. We all stayed indoors to keep safe. After they left and the dust settled, I came out of my house only to discover that the windscreen of my car had been shattered by the hoodlums, he said. Olatunji was arrested for the damage after the hoodlums fled and arraigned on Monday before an Ogba Magistrates Court. She was charged with conspiracy and malicious damage. The police prosecutor of Court 20 said the offences contravened sections 411 and 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. The presiding magistrate, A.K. Dosumu, admitted her to bail in the sum of N30,000, with two sureties each in like sum. The magistrate said the sureties should be gainfully employed with evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government. The case was adjourned till July 9, 2018. -Gistreel Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 6) President Rodrigo Duterte pledged anew to give the state-run Philippine General Hospital (PGH) 100 million a month in aid, which will be sourced from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). "Sabi ko, "Would 100 million a month help you?" Ang sabi ng mga doktor, tanungin ninyo. Sabi niya, "Mayor, malaking bagay 'yan. Yearly?" Sabi ko, "No, I will order PAGCOR to give you 100 million a month," Duterte said in a speech upon arrival from South Korea early Wednesday. [Translation: I told them, "Would 100 million a month help you?" The doctors said, ask them. They said, "Mayor, that would be a huge help. Yearly?" I said, "No, I will order PAGCOR to give you 100 million a month.] Duterte said the hospital is always "stretched beyond its normal capacity." "Tapos sabi nila na pati 'yung mga intern nagco-contribute sila ng pera just to help a patient there," Duterte explained. [Translation: And they said even interns contribute money to help patients.] The PGH is funded through the University of the Philippines (UP) System, as it is the laboratory hospital of health science students enrolled in UP. It has over 1,500 beds, and caters to about 600,000 patients a year. In March 2017, Duterte gave PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi a check worth 100 million, to be allotted for PGH's underprivileged patients who cannot afford medical procedures and treatments. PAGCOR President Lim confirmed their agency was tasked to give the monthly amount to PGH, to provide free medicines for the hospital's patients. "(It began) March 17 last year. We just want to clarify that it was the Office of the President who disbursed the money to PGH but the money was sourced from PAGCOR," Lim said in a message to CNN Philippines. However, PGH Spokesperson Dr. Jonas del Rosario said they have only received the amount twice: first in March 2017, and then in May 2018. "The first 100 million was allocated for the procurement of medicines for indigent patients for PGH. The cap is 50,000 per patient. The second 100 million that was given last month is being used for medicines plus diagnostic tests," del Rosario told CNN Philippines. Del Rosario added PGH liquidated the use of the funds on June 2017, which was approved by Malacanang in December that year. "The liquidation is a tedious process," he said. Lim said PGH has to submit the liquidation for the funding to follow through. "PGH has to liquidate said amount to be able to request for the monthly replenishment of the 100 (million) allocation," he explained. A woman, Zainab Olatunji, has been arrested by the police for alleged conspiracy and malicious damage of two vehicles. PUNCH Metro gathered that Olatunji on June 3, 2018, celebrated her birthday in the Papa Ashafa, Agege area of Lagos State. Some hoodlums, who were allegedly invited by the 21-year-old, were said to have smoked hemp freely, as they wielded different kinds of weapons during the celebration. Ghanaian actress Ella Mensah has sent eyes popping on social media with raunchy new photos of herself to celebrate her birthday. The actress who is well known in the Nigerian movie industry is renowned to be daring with her looks and even her acting, thus these photos were somehow expected. Photos below: Ella Mensah in an interview with vanguard earlier this year revealed what her career has cost her; My baby-daddy broke up with me because Im an actress. He asked me to chose between him and acting. When I told him I wanted to act, he was like No, no Youll be exposed. Every man would want to be with you because youre famous. I cant stand that kind of competition and pressure. We broke up even before I started acting. My immediate ex also had problems with me because of some of the comments some men leave on social media. I was so open with my ex that he could log into my Instagram page because he has my email details and so on, so he goes through my DM. He sees all the messages and nude pictures men sent to me here and there. Acting has broken two relationships of mine. That word actress scares most African men, I dont know why. Acting has cost me two break ups. It takes a man with balls to want to date an actress. I dont blame them though, feeling insecure that every man wants to be with you, but they forget that it doesnt matter how many men want to be with you, you want to be with just one man. They are like the temptation is huge and you might not be able to say No to all the men who want you. Its really frustrating. Being an actress, you always have to prove to your man that you are faithful. Leave a Comment comments Head of states, President Muhammadu Buhari has declared June 12th as the new date for the celebration of Nigerias Democracy Day. The President announced this moments ago on his Twitter page. He said the change in date is to honor late MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. The president also stated that Abiola would be awarded with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) title posthumously. His tweets below: Leave a Comment comments On Monday, June 4th, 2018, Stella Damasus husband Daniel Ademinokan got most people talking after releasing photos of a reunion meet with ex-wife Doris Simeon and son, David. Some online users queried him for restraining Doris from her son and queried his new wife, Stella for destroying his marriage to Stella. Well, actress and mum of two who is now in her third marriage has responded by posting a quote from Oprah Winfrey ; If a man wants you nothing can keep him away. If he doesnt want you, nothing can make him stay. Then she wrote; You dont need permission to love. You dont need permission to have peace. You dont need permission to be kind. You dont need permission to be filled with joy. You dont need permission to smile. These are some of the best things in life and guess what? They are FREE. So why arent we grabbing as much as we can? Why choose hate instead of Love? Why choose evil instead of kindness? Why choose fights instead of peace? Why do we spend almost half our lives on the negative stuff when the positive stuff are right in front of us and they are free. I made my choice and I am loving it. What about you? Leave a Comment comments WTS LATAXNET The two networks hope the agreement will enable them to better serve international clients. The two are notable for not having audit branches, which they feel would constrain their offerings and potentially give rise to conflicts of interest. The two organisations have collaborated for more than five years, initially connecting through Brazilian firm Machado Associados, which is part of both networks. LATAXNET, founded in 2003, has firms in 18 South and Central American jurisdictions among its members. These include Rosso Alba, Francia & Asociados in Argentina, Lewin & Wills Abogados in Colombia, Turanzas, Bravo & Ambrosi in Mexico and Rubio Leguia Normand & Asociados in Peru. WTS Global is present in more than 100 countries worldwide and works with a wide range of clients. Representatives from seven countries in the LATAXNET network came to Germany for the signing ceremony, visiting WTS offices and meeting clients. The material on this site is for financial institutions, professional investors and their professional advisers. It is for information only. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy before using the site. All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws. 2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQ. Share this article VANCOUVER and SMITHS FALLS, ON - June 6, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC) ("Canopy Growth") is proud to announce that it will contribute CDN $2.5 million to the University of British Columbia ("UBC") and BC Centre on Substance Use ("BCCSU") to fund research into the potential utility of cannabis in addressing the overdose crisis. The funds, provided over a two-year period, will establish the Canopy Growth Professorship in Cannabis Science and create an enduring legacy of research through the Canopy Growth Cannabis Science Endowment Fund. Through an investment from the British Columbia Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions towards research leading to solutions to the overdose crisis, the BCCSU will contribute an additional CDN $500,000 in funds held at the St. Paul's Foundation. The investment had been pending contributions from a matching philanthropic contribution, which is now being provided by Canopy Growth. "We are working across government and across all sectors to find new, evidence-based ways to save more lives from opioid overdose and help more people find a pathway to hope and healing," said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. "It's encouraging to see private industry step forward to support our efforts to turn the tide on this unprecedented crisis." Preliminary research suggests that medical cannabis might have a beneficial role to play in the response to the crisis. However, the therapeutic promise of medical cannabis for substance use disorders has rarely been rigorously evaluated through controlled trials, the gold standard of medical research. The funding partnership announced today aims to define the potential benefits of cannabis as a legitimate therapeutic treatment. "Our business strives to be a part of the communities it calls home. Here in British Columbia we feel a responsibility to make investments that matter to this community," said Mark Zekulin, President, Canopy Growth Corporation. "With Vancouver on the frontlines of the overdose crisis, the Canopy Growth Cannabis Science Endowment Fund is an important first step in improving the lives of those affected and creating a legacy of medical cannabis research in Canada that can be used around the world." Last year, an estimated 4,000 Canadians died of an opioid overdose; more than 1,400 were British Columbians. The province declared a public health emergency in 2017 in response. "The overdose crisis is the greatest public health emergency of our time, and the Faculty of Medicine cannot sit on the sidelines - it is our responsibility as a part of our contract with society to try to find answers to tremendous social challenges," said Dermot Kelleher, Dean, UBC Faculty of Medicine. "UBC is pleased to partner with Canopy Growth to generate new knowledge that may stem the tide of opioid overdoses and contribute to improved health and wellbeing." The development and support of a professorship in medical cannabis research is a key approach to understanding and identifying ways to address the complex issues of substance use and addiction, and how medical cannabis may impact both. Today's funding announcement continues Canopy Growth's proud tradition of Corporate Social Responsibility ("CSR") and dedication to medical research. Last week, the Company announced that Dr. Mark Ware, a leading researcher in the cannabis field, will join the senior leadership team at Canopy Growth as Chief Medical Officer. The Company has also recently announced that it intends to acquire all outstanding shares in its affiliated cannabis research arm, Canopy Health Innovations Inc. Together, these strengthen Canopy Growth's rapidly evolving ability to coordinate, research and develop sophisticated cannabis medicines capable of improving patients' lives and provide further clinical evidence for healthcare practitioners and governments in Canada and around the world. Until today Canopy Growth's CSR initiatives have addressed the societal impacts of cannabis by funding awareness and education initiatives. This is true of Canopy Growth's support for education and responsible driving campaigns in partnership with the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition and MADD Canada and it is true for Canopy Growth's support for youth education tools being developed by Parents Action on Drugs based on research by Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy. The initiative announced today aims to reduce harms other drugs cause Canadian society and define the potential benefits cannabis has as a legitimate therapeutic treatment. All parts of North America, specifically British Columbia, need support and resources to address the overdose crisis. Physicians, researchers and policy makers are calling for research on the potential of cannabis for substance use disorders. Canopy Growth and UBC are responding. Here's to Future Growth. 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 visit www.canopygrowth.com About the BC Centre on Substance Use The BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) is a provincially networked organization with a mandate to develop, help implement, and evaluate evidence-based approaches to substance use. Located at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver with researchers based at the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, the BCCSU works to improve the integration of best practices and care across the continuum of responses to substance use through the collaborative development of policies, guidelines, and standards. With the support of the province of BC, BCCSU aims to transform substance use policies, programs, and services by translating research into education and care guidance, thereby serving and improving the health of all British Columbians. About the University of British Columbia The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of North America's largest public research and teaching institutions, and one of only two Canadian institutions consistently ranked among the world's 40 best universities. Surrounded by the beauty of the Canadian West, it is a place that inspires bold, new ways of thinking that have helped make it a national leader in areas as diverse as community service learning, sustainability and research commercialization. UBC offers more than 55,000 students a range of innovative programs and attracts $550 million per year in research funding from government, non-profit organizations and industry through 7,000 grants. Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information 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 or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Canopy Growth or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. Examples of such statements include statements with respect to "can receive", "allow the Company to open cannabis retail locations to serve", "to operate an online store serving the entire province via e-commerce", "to building out retail presence across the province", "will be found", "ability to supply other cannabis retailers", "look forward to our future retail sites contributing positively", "we develop this new industry creating jobs and economic development while also positioning the province as a global leader in hemp production", "improving the efficiency of the CBD supply chain", and "to perform cannabinoid extraction ". Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including the availability of appropriate retail locations in the identified communities, the timing of the opening of retail locations, the willingness of retailers to carry and sell cannabis products from certain licensed producers, the adoption of regulations permitting the production and sale of certain value-added hemp-based products and such risks contained in the Company's annual information form dated June 28, 2017 and filed with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information or forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: Canopy Growth Corporation For further information: Caitlin O'Hara, Media Relations, Caitlin.ohara@canopygrowth.com, 613-291-3239; Investor Relations, Tyler Burns, Tyler.burns@canopygrowth.com, 855-558-9333 ex 122; Director: Bruce Linton, tmx@tweed.com Related Links http://canopygrowth.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 LOS ANGELES - June 6, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) MedMen Enterprises Inc. (MMEN.CN) ("MedMen"), the country's leading cultivator, producer and retailer of state-sanctioned cannabis, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement (the "Agreement") to acquire dispensary and cultivation assets from Florida based Treadwell Simpson Partnership and affiliates ("Treadwell Nursery"). As part of the transaction, MedMen will acquire Treadwell Nursery's cultivation facility situated on 5 acres in Eustis, Florida and the right to open 25 medical marijuana dispensaries in the State of Florida. "For nearly a decade we have been positioning ourselves to capitalize on enormous market opportunities like this," said MedMen Co-founder and CEO Adam Bierman. "This acquisition is right in line with our strategy of establishing a presence early on in high potential markets with limited licenses and large populations. Florida is the third most populous state in the country with a medical marijuana market estimated to reach $1 billion in annual sales by 2020. MedMen has built the best-in-class brand, and we continue to invest in premium assets that solidify our dominant position in the most important cannabis markets in the world." MedMen employs more than 800 people and currently operates 18 licensed cannabis facilities in cultivation, manufacturing and retail in California, Nevada and New York. The addition of Florida expands the Company's reach to yet another key market in the fastest growing industry in the country. As consideration for the acquisition, the Company will pay US$53 million, subject to a working capital adjustment, half of which will be satisfied in cash and the other half of which will be satisfied by way of issuance of common units of MM Enterprises USA, LLC (the "LLC"), a subsidiary of the Company (the "Redeemable Units"), which by their terms are redeemable for Class B Subordinate Voting Shares of the Company (the "Subordinate Voting Shares"). In respect of the cash consideration, the LLC will pay Treadwell Nursery US$6,625,000 on the closing date and on each of the dates that are three (3), six (6) and nine (9) months after the closing date. In respect of the Redeemable Units, the number of units will be based on the lesser of the closing trading price of the Subordinate Voting Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange as of June 4, 2018 or the two-week weighted average daily closing price prior to the closing of the transaction. The transaction is expected to close within 90 days and is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of state regulatory approvals. If certain regulatory approvals are not obtained, the Company and Treadwell Nursery will have the right to terminate the Agreement. Conference Call/Presentation MedMen management will host a conference call, which will be webcast live, on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. EST to discuss the acquisition. Participation details and a slide presentation about the transaction will be available on the investor section of the Company's website at www.medmen.com shortly. About MedMen MedMen is the preeminent cannabis Company in the United States with multiple assets and operations in California, Nevada and New York, which combined account for nearly half of North America's addressable legal market. MedMen owns and operates licensed cannabis facilities in cultivation, manufacturing and retail, and is one of the most well recognized cannabis brands in the world today. Headquartered in Los Angeles, MedMen employs more than 800 people across the United States. The predecessor to MedMen was founded in 2010 by Adam Bierman and Andrew Modlin, two visionary entrepreneurs who saw not just a tremendous business opportunity in the growing legalization of marijuana, but a chance to re-define our society's relationship with cannabis. MedMen supports sensible, clear and just drug laws. The Company is the single largest financial supporter of progressive marijuana laws at the local, state and federal levels, giving directly to pro-legalization groups, industry organizations and political candidates. For more information, visit http://www.medmen.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only MedMen's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of MedMen's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein may include, but are not limited to, information concerning the proposed acquisition, expectations regarding whether the proposed acquisition will be consummated, including whether conditions to the consummation of the proposed acquisition will be satisfied and whether the proposed acquisition will be completed on the current terms, the timing for completing the proposed acquisition, expectations for the effects of the proposed acquisition or the ability of the Company to successfully achieve business objectives, expectations regarding the Florida cannabis market and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. By identifying such information and statements in this manner, MedMen is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of MedMen to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. In addition, in connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, MedMen has made certain assumptions. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information and statements are the following: the ability to consummate the proposed acquisition; the ability to obtain requisite regulatory approvals and third party consents and the satisfaction of other conditions to the consummation of the proposed acquisition on the proposed terms and schedule; the potential impact of the announcement or consummation of the proposed acquisition on relationships, including with regulatory bodies, employees, suppliers, customers and competitors; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws; compliance with extensive government regulation; and the diversion of management time on the proposed acquisition. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although MedMen believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and MedMen does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information and statements attributable to MedMen or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice. Source: MedMen Enterprises Contact: MedMen Enterprises Media Contact: Daniel Yi Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications daniel@medmen.com Investor Relations Contact: Stephanie Van Hassel Head of Investor Relations investors@medmen.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 Pt. Roberts, WA; Delta, BC - June 6, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) www.Investorideas.com, a global news source covering leading sectors including marijuana and hemp stocks and its "potcast" site, www.potcasts.ca release today's edition of its series, Investorideas.com potcastsCM - cannabis news and stocks to watch plus insight from thought leaders and experts. Listen to the podcast: http://www.investorideas.com/Audio/Podcasts/2018/060618-StocksToWatch.mp3 Investor Ideas #Potcasts; #Cannabis Stocks on the Move - TSX:APH, TSX:WEED, TSX:TGOD, CSE:RQB, TSXV:N Today's podcast overview/transcript: Good afternoon and welcome to another Investorideas.com potcast - looking at cannabis news, stocks to watch as well as insights from thought leaders and experts. Today we are looking at announcements from Aphria Inc. trading on the TSX as APH and US OTC as APHQF, Canopy Growth Corporation trading on the TSX as WEED and NYSE as CGC, The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. trading on the TSX as TGOD, RavenQuest BioMed Inc. trading on the CSE as RQB and Namaste Technologies Inc. trading on the TSX-Venture as N. First looking at Aphria Inc., who announced that the company's Board of Directors approved a $55 million capital project to build a state-of-the-art Extraction Centre of Excellence in Leamington, ON. The facility will be equipped to conduct a wide range of cannabis extractions, including C0 2 , butane and ethanol, and produce world-class cannabis concentrates, including fractionated distillates. Construction of the new Extraction Centre of Excellence is expected to begin immediately, and the facility is scheduled to release its first concentrates by March 2019. The custom designed facility will house two Class 1/Division 1 extraction rooms as well as production, packaging facilities and will have the capacity to process in excess of 200,000 kgs of cannabis annually. Canopy Growth Corporation announced that it will contribute CDN $2.5 million to the University of British Columbia and BC Centre on Substance Use to fund research into the potential utility of cannabis in addressing the overdose crisis. The funds, provided over a two-year period, will establish the Canopy Growth Professorship in Cannabis Science and create an enduring legacy of research through the Canopy Growth Cannabis Science Endowment Fund. The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. announced the launch of a global division focused on the beverage industry. TGOD senior management has over 125 years of combined experience in the beverage industry, with international soft drink and beverage alcohol companies in Canada and the United States. The Green Organic Dutchman Beverage Division will utilize this experience to provide a strategic pathway into the cannabis market for large-scale beverage companies by way of direct investment, joint venture or other suitable opportunities. RavenQuest BioMed Inc. announced that it has entered into a binding letter of intent with Western Agripharma Ltd. and NumberCo for the acquisition of all the outstanding share capital of Western Agripharma and a fifteen acre parcel of land held by NumberCo. Western Agripharma is a late stage applicant with Health Canada in the development of a 125,000 square foot facility, purpose-built for the production of cannabis in Port Mellon, on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast. Western Agripharma also owns 23.75 % of Atlantic Cannabis Corp. which intends to build a 50,000 square foot facility and holds an additional 120 acres in early stage application on Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island. Finally with Namaste Technologies Inc. who announced that the Company has signed a supply and distribution agreement with Lowell Herb Co. to launch Lowell Smokes brand of ultra-premium cannabis products for the Canadian recreational and medical cannabis markets. In anticipation of Canada's roll-out of legal recreational cannabis, the Agreement represents a strategic partnership between Namaste and Lowell Smokes to leverage Namaste's resources and Lowell's international brand appeal. Namaste will work with Lowell Smoke's procurement team to source the highest quality cannabis grown with organic methods and facilitate packaging and distribution through the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Cannmart Inc. Namaste anticipates a strong demand for organic cannabis products as the general consumer market becomes more conscious of the products they consume. Investor ideas reminds all listeners to read our disclaimers and disclosures on the Investorideas.com website and this podcast is not an endorsement to buy products or services or securities. Investors are reminded all investment involves risk and possible loss of investment Sign up to get the news alerts including the daily podcast and transcript for Investor ideas potcasts Subscribe to the new cannabis podcast series: http://www.investorideas.com/rss/feeds/Podcasts-Cannabis.xml Or visit http://www.investorideas.com/Audio/Potcasts.asp Or www.potcasts.ca To hear more Investorideas.com podcasts visit: http://www.investorideas.com/Audio/. Investorideas.com podcasts are also available on iTunes, Google Play Music, Stitcher and Tunein. Potcasts is now a certified word mark Trademark on the blockchain through Cognate, Inc. CM Certification-Registration Number: 10468217708 About Investorideas.com - News that Inspires Big Ideas Investorideas.com is a meeting place for global investors, featuring news, stock directories, video, company profiles, interviews and more in leading sectors. Investorideas.com cannabis/marijuana and hemp content now includes http://cannabisstocknews.blogspot.com on Blogger.com: the Investorideas.com news and stock directory pages, a cannabis investor group on Linkedin.com , the 420 Cannabis Investor ideas www.420cannabisinvestorideas.com, and the new AI site Global Cannabis Investing at www.Globalcannabisinvesting.com Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investment involves risk and possible loss of investment. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Contact each company directly regarding content and press release questions. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. More disclaimer info: http://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp . Additional info regarding BC Residents and global Investors: Effective September 15 2008 - all BC investors should review all OTC and Pink sheet listed companies for adherence in new disclosure filings and filing appropriate documents with Sedar. Read for more info: http://www.bcsc.bc.ca/release.aspx?id=6894 . Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: http://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp To sponsor this podcast or be a guest Contact Investorideas.com http://www.investorideas.com/About/Contact.asp 800-665-0411 June 6, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Bob Moriarty of 321 Gold dissects this gold developer's agreement with a large-cap miner that he sees as mutually beneficial. Silver Bull Resources Inc. (SVB:TSX; SVBL:NYSE.MKT) has made a major change in direction and it seems to be paying off. I wrote about them in November when the price seemed stuck in molasses. SVB has a giant 43-101 resource in silver, lead and zinc. Mostly it is an oxide resource that the market doesn't like due to the environmental issues. The price of silver hasn't done much in this time frame. It was about $17 an ounce then and about $16.50 now but with increased visibility the price of Silver Bull has doubled. The company certainly delivered good news to the market in their effort to move from the nasty oxide material into the more desired sulfide ore. In January they reported 9 meters of 20.7% zinc with 98 g/t Ag and 1% Pb and 16 meters of 396 g/t Ag with 1.61% Cu in channel samples of a new 350 meter unexplored zone. They followed up with a February 21 news release of assays from seven drill holes underground with one showing 6 meters of 802 g/t Ag with 5.87% zinc and 3.3% copper. Another hole generated 2 meters of 1,300 g/t silver with 13.52% zinc, 3.87% copper and 2.95% lead. Silver Bull has certainly shown a remarkable ability to deliver money holes. Another press release coming out in March showed the bonanza results from the last three holes of the current drill program including 10 meters of 347 g/t silver, 20.7% zinc with 1.25% copper and 1.35% lead. With today's prices that rock would be worth $969 in the ground. On the 4th of June Silver Bull hit the lottery when they announced an option deal with South32 Limited of Australia and London. The option gives South 32 the right to invest $100 million into Silver Bull in return for 70% of the company's primary project in Mexico. The deal would consist of two parts, $10 million in exploration spread over a four-year period and a $90 million injection upon exercise of the option if the $10 million has been spent. It's a great deal for both companies. By defining the value of 70% of the project at $100 million, it implies a value today of $42 million for the remaining 30%. Since at today's share price, the total market cap of SVB is only $38 million it puts an effective floor under the stock at about $0.21. Better yet, the requirement that South32 fund $10 million over a four year period means Silver Bull need not further dilute their shares. The $10 million would be spread out with $3 million in each of year one and two and $2 million in each of year three and four. On the part of South32, they get an option good for four years on a 100 million ounce silver project for $10 million in exploration and should the prices of silver, lead and zinc go up, the right to buy 70% of a giant project for a total of $100 million. It's an agreement good for each party. Clearly investors don't get it or there would be a reaction in the marketplace and there hasn't been. The chance to get $10 million in essentially free money for exploration is wonderful so the company doesn't need to raise money in the depth of a weak market. Setting a firm floor on the share price is even better. Silver Bull has hit the jackpot with this arrangement. They have set a floor under their share price but not a lid. And who knows, silver, lead and zinc might go up someday. The downside is limited but not the upside. Silver Bull is an advertiser and I own shares. Naturally that makes me biased and only you share in your profit so you need to take responsibility for your own due diligence. Silver Bull Resources SVB-T $0.185 (Jun 06, 2018) SVBL-NYSE 204 million shares Silver Bull website. Bob and Barb Moriarty brought 321gold.com to the Internet almost 16 years ago. They later added 321energy.com to cover oil, natural gas, gasoline, coal, solar, wind and nuclear energy. Both sites feature articles, editorial opinions, pricing figures and updates on current events affecting both sectors. Previously, Moriarty was a Marine F-4B and O-1 pilot with more than 832 missions in Vietnam. He holds 14 international aviation records. Disclosure: 1) Bob Moriarty: I, or members of my immediate household or family, own shares of the following companies mentioned in this article: Silver Bull Resources. Silver Bull Resources is an advertiser on 321 Gold. I determined which companies would be included in this article based on my research and understanding of the sector. 2) The following companies mentioned are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: Silver Bull Resources. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. As of the date of this article, an affiliate of Streetwise Reports has a consulting relationship with Silver Bull Resources. Please click here for more information. 3) Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Streetwise Reports for this article. Streetwise Reports was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this article. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Streetwise Reports relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Streetwise Reports has no means of verifying its accuracy. 4) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports. 5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the interview or the decision to write an article, until one week after the publication of the interview or article. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Silver Bull Resources, a company mentioned in this article. 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 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 6) President Rodrigo Duterte believes the military and police will oust him should he decide to send them to fight China in contested areas of the South China Sea. "If all of my soldiers will die there and all of the policemen to assist them, nadisgrasya ang Pilipinas, sino ang managot [the Philippines will be in danger, who is responsible]? I," Duterte said early Wednesday upon his arrival from a three-day official visit to South Korea . "The people will execute me right at the Luneta and you are either inviting If I do that, either I am inviting trouble within my country or the military and police will oust me," he added. Duterte's remark comes amid criticisms of his soft stance on the territorial dispute due to his administration's warmer ties with the Eastern giant. However, the President repeated he actively protested against China for its continuing reclamation and alleged militarization of the South China Sea. "Diplomatic protest every time we open our mouth, we are protesting actually. And if you might want to know, the first time I met President Xi, I already protested and insisted that we will dig our own oil there," he said. Duterte first met Chinese President Xi Jinping during his state visit to Beijing in October 2016. He claimed Xi said the two countries might head for "some kind of trouble" if the Philippines brought up the arbitral ruling on the South China Sea dispute. "We cannot afford a war at this time because it will result in a massacre," Duterte said. "I am not prepared to lose my soldiers and policeman for a simple adventurism." On Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it has engaged in 85 diplomatic actions on the South China Sea but it was unclear if the actions were directed to China, and which incidents prompted the diplomatic actions. Pictures and videos which came out last month of missle systems installed in Chinese outposts in the disputed territoriy and videos of Chinese bomber planes taking off and landing there have further raised tensions in the region. Malacanang said the missile systems were not directed at the Philippines, but that officials are in serious talks with China over their recent activity. But Rep. Gary Alejano, a former Marine officer, pointed out some of China's missile were located a mere 13 nautical miles away from the Pag-asa Island, the largest Philippine- controlled island in the Spratlys. He also said the missles are capable of targetting vessels located as far away as the waters of Balabac, Palawan. June 6, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) A technology company that develops mobile health and telemedicine platforms for community-based healthcare has raised money, made a deal that will accelerate the number of patients it adds every month, and is breaking through its hardware logjam. Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (RHT:TSX.V; RQHTF:OTCQB) announced its recent quarterly results and followed up with a shareholder conference call that gave an overview of the challenges the company faced in the last quarter and how it overcame them. Reliq Health is primarily a Software as a Service (SaaS) company that is interested in on-boarding patients on its SaaS patient monitoring platform. The company is pursuing a first to market pathway going after chronically ill patients who need remote monitoring services. The company observed that these patients exhibit a high degree of loyalty to their providers. Dr. Lisa Crossley, Reliq Health's CEO, led the discussion in the hour-long shareholder call on May 31, addressing the recent hardware shortage, while expanding on its recently announced implementation partner CareOneTeam. Texas is Reliq's primary geographic market; the company opened a sales office in March to support the region. Dr. Crossly characterized the market as "remote and rural patients with cellular-enabled monitoring devices." Even though Reliq's iUGO Care platform is hardware-agnostic, which means the clients can choose any number of service providers, one specific device was preferred in the market. ForaCare's D40g 2-in-1 blood glucose and blood pressure monitoring device is SIM card-enabled and ideally suited to these applications. On the shareholder call Dr. Crossly admitted that the demand for the monitoring device devices has created a "hiccup" in the company's short-term goals, but assured shareholders the company will catch up and hit its 2018 goals such as 35,000 patients by year-end. Reliq secured a strategic partnership with ForaCare to ensure hardware delivery of this monitoring device and followed up with a purchase order for 27,500 units. The terms of the purchase order call for delivery between the months of June through October. The large order allowed Reliq to purchase the hardware devices at a deeper discount, thus increasing the profit margin. In-home monitoring is currently the primary service offering of Reliq's growing client base. The patients or end-users typically have chronic diseases that need to be monitored. If monitored properly patients could avoid painful complications that could arise from their disease. The South Carolina based CareOneTeam, which originated as a clinical call center, will provide nurses and nurses' aides to support, install and instruct iUgo Care customers with the onboarding process. With in-home care monitoring patients need that human touch to familiarize themselves with how to operate the hardware.Reliq stated it is currently adding about 2,000 patients per month, but by utilizing CareOneTeam's manpower, it can significantly increase these monthly numbers. Dr. Crossley stated, "CareOne is a rapid growth company, much larger than Reliq, and has a multi-state foorprint. It makes the business scalable and avoids the expense of having to hire an implementation team." Focus is currently on the growing Texas population of complex or disadvantaged patients where Reliq's iUGO Care platform will assist with the patient's in-home health care. Future markets include Michigan, Ohio, Florida and Australia. Dr. Crossley commented that the sales people that joined "have experience from all over the world and even have one from Australia." The new hires came from prestigious companies like IBM. The pipeline is estimated at 500,000 patients at various stages of closing. The company indicated that deals held up by the shortage of devices will be signed in the current quarter. The company mentioned it had a recently secured a private placement of $10 million led by Canaccord Genuity and Gravitas Securities and added that it does not foresee a need for the additional raising of capital, as the company has revenues coming in and nearly $13 million on the books. The company stated that its general and administrative expense was CA$1.2 million per quarter. Its target gross margin is 80% and it expects to maintain that going forward and use that as a basis for its variable expenses. In the latest quarter there were extraordinary stock-based compensations expense related to the new hires to the sales force and the company doesn't expect that trend to continue. According to the 10-Q, the company had 109,545,014 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2018. According to OTC Markets, the market capitalization is approximately $120 million. The company has significant tax loss carry forwards of $14 million but has no plans on how to take advantage of it yet. At the end of the call Dr. Crossley compared the business to sailing. "In order to get where you want to go you have to tack to get the wind again." About Reliq Health Technologies Inc. Reliq Health Technologies is a healthcare technology company that specializes in developing innovative software solutions for the Community Care market. Reliq's powerful iUGO Care platform supports care coordination and community-based healthcare. The iUGO Care platform integrates wearables, sensors, voice technology and intuitive mobile apps and desktop user interfaces for patients, clinicians and healthcare administrators. iUGO Care allows complex patients to receive high quality care at home, improving health outcomes, enhancing quality of life for patients and families and reducing the cost of care delivery. iUGO Care provides real-time access to remote patient monitoring data, allowing for timely interventions by the care team to prevent costly hospital readmissions and ER visits. Reliq Health Technologies trades on the TSX Venture under the symbol RHT and on the OTCQB as RQHTF. Disclosure: 1) Dana Salzarulo compiled this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise reports as an employee. He or members of his household own securities of the following companies mentioned in the article: None. He or members of his household are paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None. 2) The following company mentioned in this article is a billboard sponsor of Streetwise Reports: None. Streetwise Reports does not accept stock in exchange for its services. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. As of the date of this article, an affiliate of Streetwise Reports has a consulting relationship with Reliq Health Technologies. Please click here for more information. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. 3) Comments and opinions expressed are those of the specific experts and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. 4) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports. 5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the interview or the decision to write an article, until one week after the publication of the interview or article. As of the date of this interview, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Reliq Health Technologies Inc., a company mentioned in this article. TechSectorStocks.com - investing ideas in tech stocks- mobile payments, social media, AI and Robotics, Drone Stocks, GPS and more Like Tech Stocks? View our Tech Stocks Directory 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 Apple is expanding Apple Watch Series 3 Cellular availability to more countries today. The LTE variant of the wearable was available in a selected few markets when it first launched, though Apple has been slowly expanding its availability to more markets. Now, the company is bringing the wearable to the UAE, Mexico, South Korea, and Brazil. In the UAE, the Apple Watch Series 3 will Cellular will launch on June 15, with pre-orders starting on June 8. It will work with Etisalat network with a starting price of D1,364. The wearable will also be making its debut in Mexico next week under AT&T and Telcel network with prices starting from 8,999 pesos for the 38mm variant and 9,699 pesos for the 42mm variant. In South Korea, the wearable will launch under Uplus network In Brazil, the Apple Watch Series 3 with LTE will launch with Claro network compatibility. Its prices in the region will start from BRL 3199 for the 38mm model and BRL 3449 for the 42mm model. In all the regions and across all compatible carriers, the Apple Watch Series 3 with Cellular connectivity goes on pre-order on June 8, with in-store availability starting from June 15. The Apple Watch Series 3 with Cellular connectivity relies on an eSIM technology to talk to network operators. This is why network providers first have to update their backend to support the technology before Apple could launch the wearable in their region. This has led to the cellular variant of the Apple Watch Series 3 seeing a limited launch compared to its regular variant. It is also important to note that the Apple Watch Series 3 with Cellular will only connect to a cellular network in the country where it is purchased and not in any other region. Australia is working on a new set of laws that will force tech and telecommunications companies to provide law enforcement agencies with access to encrypted data of suspected criminals. The law is expected to be released in a few weeks, but Australian Cyber Security Minister Angus Taylor has been reluctant to discuss how the law and the powers granted to law enforcement agencies under it would work. The law states that if companies fail to comply with law enforcement agencies request, they would have to pay significant fines. Despite being asked multiple times on whether this law would allow for surveillance codes to be implanted into smartphones, the Cyber Security Minster avoided answering the questions directly and claimed a lack of preparation due to which he was unable to get into the technical stuff. He, however, did confirm that companies like Optus, Telstra, Apple, Facebook, and Google which would be affected by this law would not have to install a backdoor in their services and devices. They would also not have to hand over their encryption keys to the law enforcement agencies. Theres been ideas around for decades that you should create some kind of key that law enforcement can get access to, to access any data at any time thats not what were proposing here, Mr Taylor said. But at the same time we must ensure that law enforcement doesnt lose access to the data and the information they need to pre-empt terror attacks and crimes, and to hold criminals and terrorists to account. The Opposition party has asked for more details about the law before confirming whether it would be backing it or not. Its unclear what the Australian government is proposing here without providing more technical details about the proposed law. It is not possible for law enforcement agencies to access data of any suspected criminals without an encryption key. However, Apple cannot and will not hand over the encryption key of its services to the Australian government or to anyone for that matter. But then again, the Australian government is not the only one asking Apple and other tech companies to provide access with user data. The United States and the U.K. government have also tried to pressurize Apple into handing over encrypted data of its users in a readable state, though Apple has not obliged to their orders so far. [Via ABC News (CNN) Nigeria's army rescued 148 hostages, most of them women and children, from Boko Haram militants, the army said Monday. Soldiers rescued the hostages during an operation Sunday as members of the terror group fled "troops' onslaught in the Lake Chad Islands and fringes of the northern borders of Borno state," according to a statement. The captives were freed in the large but remote town of Bama, about 45 miles southeast of Maiduguri. Borno state in northeast Nigeria borders Niger, Chad and Cameroon, all of which have experienced violent incidents with Boko Haram. 'She refused to convert to Islam' Seventy-five children, 58 women and 15 men comprised the rescued group, the army said. There were two pregnant teenagers among the hostages. The women told their rescuers they were "sexually violated and used as sex slaves," while the men were forced to carry out labor, the army statement said. The freed hostages will be transported to a Bama camp for internally displaced people, the army said. Last month, the army freed 1,000 hostages after a weeklong battle with Boko Haram that left 50 militants dead, according to an army spokesman. That battle also unfolded in Borno state. Amnesty: Boko Haram escapees raped by Nigerian troops Boko Haram militants mainly inhabit areas in the northern states of Nigeria, specifically Yobe, Kano, Bauchi, Borno and Kaduna. The group has kidnapped more than 1,000 children in Nigeria since 2013, according to a recent report. The group sparked global outrage after militants seized 276 girls from a boarding school in Borno's Chibok town in 2014. Some of the girls were freed last year following negotiations between the government and Boko Haram. In April, the Nigerian government said a disagreement between members of the terror group had caused a breakdown in negotiations for the release of the remaining schoolgirls. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Nigeria's army frees 148 Boko Haram hostages, half of them children." By approaching the topic of robotics-work relation in a general and international context the book allows to understand the main discussion themes and dimensions included in the debate. It aims to understand the possible answers and available alternatives in the field of robotics and work. The ITAS based sociologist Antonio Brandao Moniz analyses the relation between employment and technology and the underlying process of automation and rationalization with robotics as a technology reference. Further topics are the emergence of ethical, legal and social aspects of this technology, the development that can be perceived in the case of Portugal, and the conclusions about the limits and perspectives of new robotic developments. This edition uses empirical information on the Portuguese case and also includes data from the main resources of the global debate on this issue: the new developments of automation and its relation with the work content and employment. Discussions at the ITAS Working Group on Robotics Technology Assessment, and at the ITAS Research Group on Technology and Work also contributed to the book which is included in a series supported by the Portuguese-American Foundation for Development (FLAD). (09.05.2018) Bibliographic data: Brandao Moniz, Antonio Robotica e Trabalho: o future hoje (Robotics and Work: The future today). Lisbon: Glaciar Ed. 2018, ISBN 978-989-8776-69-3, 251 pp. (CNN) Two US B-52 bombers flew within the vicinity of the contested Spratly Islands in the South China Sea on Tuesday, according to a statement from U.S. Pacific Air Forces, which oversees air operations in the region. The flyover came days after Secretary of Defense James Mattis called Beijing out over its militarization of the islands, accusing China of "intimidation and coercion" in the Indo-Pacific, making clear the U.S. has no plans to leave the region and prompting a furious Chinese response. Beijing claims the Spratly Islands, but those claims aren't recognized by the U.S. or by China's neighbors -- Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Taiwan -- which also say the islands are theirs. China has used geographic features in the Spratlys to build man-made islands, some of which it has equipped with military facilities, including anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles. A U.S. defense official who has knowledge of the mission's original flight plan said it called for the nuclear capable B-52 bombers to fly about 20 miles from the islands. A spokesman for the Pentagon said the mission involved the Guam-based bombers conducting "a routine training mission," flying from Andersen Air Force Base in the U.S. territory of Guam "to the Navy Support Facility" in the United Kingdom's Indian Ocean territory of Diego Garcia. On Tuesday, the bombers flew from Diego Garcia and conducted "training" in the vicinity of the South China Sea, returning back to Diego Garcia the same day, according to the statement from U.S. Pacific Air Forces. CNN initially reported that the flyover took place Monday, based on information from the U.S. defense official who later clarified that the flyover took place Tuesday and not during the initial leg of the aircraft's journey Monday from Andersen to Diego Garcia. Both flight operations were part of U.S. Pacific Command's "Continuous Bomber Presence" missions, which the military says are intended to maintain the readiness of U.S. forces. "U.S. Pacific Command's CBP missions, which have been routinely employed since March 2004, are flown in accordance with international law," said Lt. Col. Chris Logan, a Pentagon spokesman. Tuesday's flyover came after Mattis used a Saturday speech in Singapore to accuse China of "intimidation and coercion" in the region and declared that the United States does not plan to abandon its role there. "Make no mistake: America is in the Indo-Pacific to stay," Mattis said. "This is our priority theater." Mattis specifically called out Beijing's militarization of artificial islands in the South China Sea, home to some of the world's busiest sea lanes. "We are aware China will face an array of challenges and opportunities in coming years, we are prepared to support China's choices if they promote long-term peace and prosperity for all in this dynamic region," Mattis said. The Pentagon last week ratcheted up rhetoric about China's militarization of islands in the South China Sea, even as the Trump administration presses China for cooperation on North Korea. When asked by a reporter about the ability of the US to "blow apart" one of China's controversial man-made islands, Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, director of the Joint Staff, told reporters, "I would just tell you that the United States military has had a lot of experience in the Western Pacific taking down small islands." His comments -- a reference to U.S. amphibious landings and capture of Japanese held islands during World War II -- come amid growing tension in the hotly contested region, as the US ramps up freedom of navigation operations in response to China's steady militarization of its artificial islands. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the United States had to stop "hyping up" China's action in the South China Sea, describing recent statements by Washington as "blatant lies." "If someone frequently flexes his muscles or snoops around your house, shouldn't you raise your alertness and improve your defense capabilities?" she said at a regular press briefing Wednesday. "China will not be intimidated by any planes or ships. We will only be firmer in our resolve to take all necessary measures to safeguard our sovereignty and security as well as maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea." This story was first published on CNN.com, "US B-52s fly by contested islands amid rising tensions with China." Protesters demonstrated on Saturday behind a barricade in the city of Masaya, Nicaragua, where 11 people were killed during confrontations with police and paramilitary groups, say human rights groups. Protesters demonstrated on Saturday behind a barricade in the city of Masaya, Nicaragua, where 11 people were killed during confrontations with police and paramilitary groups, say human rights groups. PHOTO: BIENVENIDO VELASCO/EFE/ZUMA PRESS MANAGUA, NicaraguaA surge of violence has snuffed out economic activity and dimmed prospects to peacefully resolve a political crisis here that began as a protest against tax increases and turned into a revolt against Nicaraguas longtime leader Daniel Ortega. Since mid-April, more than 100 people have been killed in confrontations with police during mass protests and what human-rights groups say are paramilitary gangs aligned with Mr. Ortegas government. Among them were 15 people killed at a peaceful Mothers Day protest march last month in Managua and 11 people by paramilitary groups and police in the predominantly indigenous city of Masaya this past weekend, including a 15-year-old protester who witnesses say was executed by a policewoman. On Tuesday, violence flared in the quaint colonial city of Granada, home to hundreds of American retirees. We are going through very dark days, said Humberto Belli, a former education minister. The people are out in the street demanding that Ortega leave, but he has shown an unexpected ability to kill. We see more blood every daythree, four, five people killed on a daily basis. This has no end. The Organization of American States on Tuesday approved a mildly worded resolution calling for an immediate end of the violence and asking all parties to participate in peaceful dialogue. The resolution, co-sponsored by the U.S. and Nicaragua, was much weaker than declarations made Monday by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who accused Nicaraguan police and armed pro-government groups of killing dozens of protesters. It was a wishy-washy resolution, Nicaragua demands more urgent attention from the OAS than its gotten, said Michael Shifter, president of the Inter-American Dialogue, a Washington-based think tank. The U.S. ambassador to the OAS, Carlos Trujillo, said the OAS declaration marks the beginning of the organizations engagement with the grave situation in Nicaragua. He blasted the government, saying it has committed grave crimes against peaceful protesters. Nicaraguas government denies links to paramilitary groups and says the unrest is the result of an opposition plot to overthrow it. Police havent addressed the alleged police shooting of the teen. Nicaragua is committed to stability amidst this wave of criminal violence generated by certain groups of the opposition which conspire from the darknessto terrorize families, Luis Alvarado, Nicaraguas representative to the OAS, said Monday. Mr. Ortega, a former guerrilla leader who played a central role in the overthrow of the Somoza family dictatorship in 1979, was re-elected by a landslide in 2016 after 16 years out of power. He ran largely unopposed after maneuvering to ban any real contenders. Until the recent spate of violence, Nicaragua had enjoyed far lower levels of violent crime than its Central American neighbors El Salvador and Honduras. Mr. Ortega also had been able to deliver high economic growth and apparent political stability. Most Nicaraguans appeared content or resigned to the quid pro quountil now. A demonstrator on Monday placed crosses in a field in support of teenagers who have died in recent protests against Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega's government in Managua, Nicaragua. PHOTO: JORGE CABRERA/REUTERS But many Nicaraguans say they are fed up with Mr. Ortega and his wife, the unpopular Vice President Rosario Murillo, who they say have usurped democratic institutions and snuffed out political opposition. Government plans to confiscate large tracts of land to build a commercial waterway to rival the Panama Canal have cost the Ortegas rural support. Managua and the country are no longer calm. Ortega has to go now, said Claudia Guillen, a 19-year-old university student. The countrys capital of Managua, a sprawling city of modest malls, street vendors and office towers mixed with open pastures, is now largely deserted. Shops are closed and vandalized. Few people venture out at night. Walls are covered with graffiti calling Mr. Ortega a murderer. A group of police officers stand guard by a monument to the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, erected by Mr. Ortega, after protesters tried to knock it down during recent demonstrations. Throughout Nicaragua, barricades have sprung up, blocking roads and snarling traffic, and making the key Pan American highway that links many of the countrys cities impassable. Tourism has been hit hard, hotel managers say, with occupancies at major hotels plunging and some international airlines paring back flights. 1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war. 2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war. 3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength. 4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war. 5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites. 6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination. 7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N. 8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N. 9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress. 10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N. 11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.) 12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party. 13. Do away with all loyalty oaths. 14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office. 15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States. 16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights. 17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks. 18. Gain control of all student newspapers. 19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack. 20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions. 21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures. 22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms." 23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art." 24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press. 25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV. 26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy." 27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch." 28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state." 29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis. 30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man." 31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over. 32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc. 33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus. 34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities. 35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI. 36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions. 37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business. 38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand. 39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals. 40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce. 41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents. 42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems. 43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government. 44. Internationalize the Panama Canal. 45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike. This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. Focus on Lisa Netz, co-owner of The Lavish Loft Submitted by Haleh Rabizadeh Resnick, Federation Business and Community Development Director For the Voice What was your path to South Jersey? I grew up in... Focus on Peter Hecht Partner at Magna Legal Services Tell me about your connection to the South Jersey Jewish Community? I actually grew up in East Brunswick, Exit 9 off the Turnpike. But weve... Focus on Abigail Dahan: Owner of the Bake School Tell me a bit about your life in South Jersey. I grew up in Cherry Hill. We moved here from Paris when I was six... Welcome back! Today was the second full day of pure astronomical bliss here at the American Astronomical Societys summer meeting. Yet again, the day was bursting with exciting presentations, exhibits, and conferences, so lets dive right in with some highlights. To kick off the day, I sipped my morning coffee while attending the Laboratory Astrophysics Divisions Plenary Lecture: Small Interstellar Molecules and What They Tell Us. The lecture, given by David Neufeld of Johns Hopkins University, didnt just describe our current understanding of the tiny particles of gas and dust that permeate the space between stars, but also stressed the importance of laboratory experiments in astrophysical research. According to Neufeld (and backed up by plenty of studies), cooler regions of the interstellar medium (ISM) naturally form many different types of molecules. In the last 80 years, he said, almost 200 distinct molecules have been detected in the interstellar medium. Furthermore, observations of the ISM have shown that it is quite adept at taking simple molecules and forming more complex ones. Because the environment is not very intense (relatively speaking) in cooler regions of the ISM, Neufeld said that many of these molecules can be synthesized in the lab under the same conditions. Neufeld also made sure to note that the ESAs Herschel Space Observatory (thanks to HIFI, its high-resolution spectrometer) has discovered more than a half-dozen smaller molecules in the diffuse ISM, many of them hydrides a compound made of a hydrogen atom and metal atom. One such compound was Argonium, the first noble gas molecule ever detected in space. Though Herschel has completed its mission, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (with its vastly improved sensitivity) will continue searching for more hydrides at greater distances. [Interesting side note: According to Neufeld, the highest energy cosmic ray ever measured was a single proton with 50 joules of energy. This is about as much energy as a decently thrown fastball.] Stars that make you say WTF? A bit later in the day, I headed to the press conference: Stars that Make You Say WTF (Wheres the Flux?), which addressed three studies focused on two very peculiar stars. The first two talks concentrated on the well-known Tabbys Star (or Boyajians star) a very oddly behaving star that exhibits huge, unprecedented dips in brightness. The first of the Tabbys Star talks was given by Yao Yin and Alejandro Wilcox, both from the Thacher School a high school in Ojai, California. The two young researchers gathered their own data on Tabbys Star and found evidence of chromatic dimming, which is where different colors of starlight are preferentially blocked by intervening gas and dust. Based on their data, the two suggest that the bizarre behavior of Tabbys Star is due to multiple sources of light-blocking material. In the next Tabby talk, Eva Bodman of Arizona State University presented research supported by a Kickstarter campaign (where backers were encouraged to choose names for the sporadic dips seen in the stars light curve). According to Bodmans research, the dust cloud blocking light from Tabbys Star is extremely complex, but we are likely just seeing different parts of the cloud at different times. The final talk in this session was not related to Tabbys Star, but instead focused on Epsilon Aurigae the brightest member of a new class of disk-eclipsed binary stars. Presented by Robert Stencel of the University of Denver, this talk described a long-known variable star that exhibits its weirdness just once every 27 years. For this strange star, there has been a debate raging since 1929 concerning its mass. Is it 15 solar masses like some studies suggest? Or is it just a few solar masses like others have found? Well, according to Stencel, based on new Gaia data, the star is actually a relatively low-mass star in the giant phase of its life that has a blue main-sequence star hiding within its disk. Following the press conference, I attended the Plenary Lecture: The Dynamics of the Local Group in the Era of Precision Astrometry, which was brilliantly presented by Gurtina Besla from the University of Arizona. Besla, whose introduction included an impressive laundry list of accolades (especially for someone so young), did not disappoint. Although its only the second full day of sessions, this was by far the most engaging and compelling talk Ive heard yet. In it, Besla explained (with the help of many beautiful images and animations) how over the past 10 years, new precise measurements of the motions of nearby galaxies have completely changed our understanding of how the Local Group is moving. Specifically, Besla described how Gaias recent second data release not only clocked the speed of every galaxy within 100 kiloparsecs (330,000 light-years), but also provided the astronomical community with incredibly valuable motions for our neighboring galaxies in 6D phase space. (Gathering 6D phase space information means determining both the position and speed of an object in all three spatial dimensions.) With the new Gaia data, researchers can even determine the motions of individual stars within some bordering galaxies, which tells us how they are revolving. Using these very, very accurate Gaia-determined motions, Besla explained how we can also rewind the tape on the movement history of nearby galaxies (such as the Large Magellanic Cloud). By doing this, Besla determined that the LMC is likely within about 50 million years of its first pass of the Milky Way. And if not, then its orbiting our galaxy with an extremely long-period orbit of about 5 billion years. Although this 6D phase space data is a fresh treasure-trove for astronomers to mine, it will still take a while to fully tap its potential. According to Besla, we are basically just realizing that Local Group dynamics are still not very well understood, so there is plenty more to come. Until next time As was the case yesterday, there was just far too much that happened today to do it all justice in just one short blog post, so stay tuned for more tomorrow. And dont forget to keep checking in over the next few weeks as we continue to report on the most exciting science presented at the 232nd Meeting of the American Astronomical Society. A Bahrain court on Tuesday upheld the conviction of prominent human rights activist Nabeel Rajab, who was sentenced to five years [JURIST report] in February over Tweets critical of the Bahraini government. Rajab is the president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights [advocacy website]. He was convicted over Tweets [Twitter feed] about Bahraini prison torture and civilians casualties from Saudi Arabia-led conflict with Yemen. Amnesty International (AI) [advocacy website] expressed disappointment [press release] with Tuesdays decision. In a statement Lynn Maalouf, AIs Middle East Research Director, said: The Bahraini Court of Appeal has missed a vital opportunity to do the right thing and set Nabeel Rajab free. His ongoing detention is further proof of the Bahraini authorities relentless determination to squash the right to freedom of expression and silence any peaceful criticism. Since 2012, Rajab has been in and out of prison on various charges related to his activism. Currently, he is serving a sentence [JURIST report] for media comments from 2015 and 2016. Rajab was banned from leaving Bahrain in November 2014. According to AI, Rajab is expected to pursue a final appeal before Bahrains Court of Cassation. A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit [official website] heard [argument, MP3] oral arguments on Monday concerning Texass attempted defunding of Planned Parenthood [advocacy website]. Texas is appealing [brief, PDF] a lower court injunction that prevents them from denying Medicaid coverage to Planned Parenthood. The appellants argument focused on allegations that the Texas branch of Planned Parenthood violated acceptable medical and ethical standards by misleading patients regarding fetal tissue donation and modifying abortion procedures for the sole purpose of obtaining fetal tissue. Texas alleges that Planned Parenthood employees discuss their unethical procedures to obtain tissue samples in a 2015 videotape. The Attorney General of Texas Ken Paxton [official website] said [press release] Planned Parenthoods shocking and repugnant conduct, captured in the raw video footage, proves that it is not a qualified provider under the Medicaid Act. Planned Parenthood maintains that the video is fraudulent and deceptively edited. After the video was shot in 2015, Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas said [press release] Our health centers and ambulatory surgical centers do not participate in any tissue research programs, though tissue donation is a recognized, standard practice within the medical community. The same day that the Fifth Circuit heard oral arguments, the US Supreme Court [JURIST report] vacated a case that would have decided whether undocumented minors have the right to an abortion on the grounds of mootness. Last week the governor of Louisiana signed [JURIST report] a measure to ban abortion after 15 weeks. Last month the Supreme Court declined [JURIST report] to hear a case challenging an Arkansas law that requires abortion providers to have an agreement with another doctor who can admit the patient in case of an emergency. Human Rights Watch (HRW) [advocacy website] submitted an amicus brief [text] to the Colombian Constitutional Court [official website, in Spanish] on Tuesday [press release] calling for changes to the Special Jurisdiction of Peace billa peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The Court is reviewing the bill, which was passed on November 30, 2017. HRW has identified three shortcomings in the bill, which include: an indefensibly rigid definition of command responsibility for FARC commanders that could impede efforts to secure accountability; loopholes and ambiguities in the sanction regime for confessed war criminals that could allow them to escape meaningful punishment; victim participation in proceedings before the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. HRW called on the court to ensure that the definition of command responsibility includes recognized definitions under international law, which includes only requiring that the commander should have known about the crimes being committed by the subordinates. HRW also called on the court to clarify the nature and location of the place of residence that war criminals would be restricted to under the bill if they confess to the crimes. Although the bill states that victims are able to participate in the proceedings, it does not specify exactly how much the victims can participate. HRW called on the court to ensure that victims are granted full possibilities of being heard and appearing at the corresponding legal proceedings. Colombia and FARC signed a ceasefire [JURIST report] in June 2016, which ended more than 50 years of armed conflict. A peace accord [JURIST report] between Colombia and FARC was signed in September 2016. In July 2017, Colombia granted amnesty [JURIST report] to 3,252 members of FARC. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. UPDATE: Police have arrested a suspect in connection with Monday's hit-and-run that sent one man to the hospital. BPD says that they were able to identify Dustin Davidson (recently of Gold Beach) as the suspected driver in the incident. Davidson was arrested at a house in Gold Beach. Davidson's burnt orange 2016 Toyota Tundra showed damage consistent with debris found at the scene, and appeared to have hit something on the driver's side of the vehicle. According to BPD, the canopy and rack had apparently been recently removed from the pickup, but have not yet been found. (Updated as of 5:10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6) Davidson was arrested on charges of Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver, Felonyhowever, BPD says that additional charges are still pending. BROOKINGS, Ore. The Brookings Police Department (BPD) is asking for help from the public in tracking down a driver that reportedly hit a man crossing the highway on Monday. Witnesses say that the driver did not stop after striking the victim. The hit-and-run occurred along Highway 101 near the Blue Coast Inn. Witnesses say that they saw a man crossing the highway when he was struck by a burnt orange 2014-2017 Toyota Tundra pickup in the northbound lane, but the truck did not stop. Witnesses described the pickup as having an extended cab with a matching canopy, and possibly a dark-colored rack on top of the canopy that extends over the cab of the pickup. BPD says that the pickup likely has damage on the driver's side. Descriptions from witnesses were confirmed by video evidence and debris found at the scene. The victim, described only as a 'male,' was transported tby Cal-Ore Almbulance to the Brookings airport, then flown to an out-of-area hospital by Cal-Ore/REACH. BPD did not describe the extent of the victim's injuries. Oregon State Police were contacted and will be using traffic crash investigators to digitally reconstruct the accident, according to BPD. BPD asks that if you were a witness to this crime or have any information about this suspect vehicle, please call Curry County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-974-0000 or 541-412-0989, or the Brookings Police Department at 541-469-3118. You can remain anonymous. Cash rewards of up to $1,000 may be offered for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those involved. In this May 3, 2018 photo, mothers with their children, who were born with the Zika-caused microcephaly birth defect, sit in a waiting room at the Getulio Vargas Hospital, in Recife, Brazil. Three years ago, an outbreak of the Zika virus in Brazil's impoverished northeast led to thousands of babies being born with microcephaly. Now toddlers, some are trying out school while others, afflicted with myriad health problems, are fighting to survive. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) Suncor president and CEO Steve Williams waits to address the company's annual meeting in Calgary, Wednesday, May 2, 2018. The CEO of Suncor Energy says the oilsands producer is standing by its decision to avoid spending on large growth projects due to Canada's lack of competiveness with other jurisdictions. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., tells reporters he intends to cancel the traditional August recess and keep the Senate in session to deal with backlogged tasks, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 5, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Sebelum Anda bermain, Anda perlu mengetahui apa yang Anda butuhkan untuk masuk ke dalam permainan roulette kasino online ini. Jika Anda sudah mendaftar di situs judi casino online dan sudah memberikan user ID, login terlebih dahulu dan pilih menu live casino yang tertera di situs judi tersebut. Pertama pilih dealer dan putuskan sendiri, lalu pilih meja atau kursi di dalam ruangan. Jika namanya tertera dan berwarna coklat, maka kursi tersebut sudah ditempati oleh pemain lain, dan pilihlah kursi kosong berwarna hitam. Kasino Roulette adalah salah satu permainan paling populer di situs perjudian kasino. Jadi dalam permainan ini kamu harus menebak angka berapa yang akan keluar. Ada 36 nomor berbeda dalam permainan populer ini di mana sebuah bola kecil diputar dan dilemparkan ke dalam mesin roulette. Anda harus menebak dari mana bola kecil itu masuk dan di nomor berapa ia berhenti. Ada banyak jenis pilihan angka dari 0-36, dan mereka dihitung secara berbeda. Sebagai agen casino terpercaya, panduan permainan roulette ini juga memberikan informasi tentang jenis pilihan dan nama permainan roulette casino online sebagai berikut: Jika Anda ingin bermain roulette di situs kasino online, caranya sangat sederhana. Anda dapat bermain di Kasino ION, Kasino Sbobet, dan Situs Kasino. Di bawah ini adalah artikel panduan bermain di mana Anda dapat mempelajari roulette langsung dan memainkannya di situs judi online mana pun. tangkapan layar Sebelum Anda bermain, Anda perlu mengetahui apa yang Anda butuhkan untuk masuk ke dalam permainan roulette kasino online ini. Jika Anda sudah mendaftar di situs judi casino online dan sudah memberikan user ID, login terlebih dahulu dan pilih menu live casino yang tertera di situs judi online tersebut. Pertama pilih dealer dan putuskan sendiri, lalu pilih meja atau kursi di dalam ruangan. Jika namanya tertera dan berwarna coklat, maka kursi tersebut sudah ditempati oleh pemain lain, dan pilihlah kursi kosong berwarna hitam. Panduan Bermain Online Kasino Roulette Kasino Roulette adalah salah satu permainan paling populer di situs perjudian kasino. Jadi dalam permainan ini kamu harus menebak angka berapa yang akan keluar. Ada 36 nomor berbeda dalam permainan populer ini di mana sebuah bola kecil diputar dan dilemparkan ke dalam mesin roulette. Anda harus menebak dari mana bola kecil itu masuk dan di nomor berapa ia berhenti. Ada banyak jenis pilihan angka dari 0-36, dan mereka dihitung secara berbeda. Sebagai agen casino terpercaya, panduan permainan roulette ini juga memberikan informasi tentang jenis pilihan dan nama permainan roulette casino online sebagai berikut: 1. Straight Up: Penempatan angka tunggal dari 0 hingga 36. Contoh perhitungan straight up adalah mengalikan taruhan dengan 35. Ini adalah jenis taruhan tertinggi dalam permainan roulette kasino, jadi 50 dikalikan dengan 35 memberi Anda 1750, mengapa jenis taruhan ini menghasilkan pengembalian yang begitu tinggi? Hal ini karena tidak mudah untuk memenangkan pilihan nomor dengan memilih hanya satu nomor dari banyak. 2. Taruhan split: Jenis taruhan yang ditempatkan pada dua angka atau di antara dua angka yang berbeda. Misalnya, menempatkan di sela-sela angka 9 dan 12 atau 13d dan 14 dihitung sebagai jenis taruhan split. Setiap nomor dapat ditempatkan dalam jenis ini selama nomor tersebut berdekatan dan persis seperti Gambar A dan B. Untuk taruhan ini, jika Anda memenangkan contoh dan mengalikannya dengan 850, Anda akan menerima jumlah taruhan yang dikalikan dengan 17. . 3. Taruhan jalanan: bertaruh dengan 3 angka ke bawah, misalnya 1,2,3 atau 10,11,12. Semua taruhan jalan akan menerima kemenangan dikalikan dengan 11. Misalnya, 50 dikalikan 550. 4. Taruhan sudut: Jenis taruhan di mana empat angka ditempatkan saling berhadapan, seperti 13,14,16,17 atau 19,20,22,23. Semua angka valid karena terdiri dari 4 angka yang diisi seperti kotak dan taruhan dikalikan 8 (misalnya 50 kali 800). 5. Taruhan baris: Atau, Anda dapat mengatakan bahwa ada 6 jenis taruhan yang terdiri dari 2 baris, tetapi 6 poin dengan 2 peregangan, seperti taruhan jalanan. Misalnya, jika Anda memilih angka 7 hingga 12 dan 13 hingga 18, taruhan 50 adalah 5 kali dan kemudian dikalikan dengan 250 kemenangan. 6. Kolom Inner Bet: Jenis taruhan vertikal dengan 12 poin berturut-turut, seperti kolom numerik 1,4,7,10,13,19,22,25,25,28,22,24,34 atau kolom lainnya. Dan jika dia memenangkan kolom, 50 taruhan digandakan dan 100 taruhan. 7. Lusin : Jenis taruhan menempatkan 12 angka tetapi menempatkannya pada kotak berbentuk seperti contoh Kolom A dengan angka 1 sampai 12 dan odds dengan kolom lain untuk dipilih dengan memilih 1 kotak pertama untuk Kolom A. Kalikan dengan 2, 50 taruhan 100. 8. Zero part : Cara bertaruh 0.1,2,3 sama persis seperti di gambar, karena berdekatan dengan angka 0, anda hanya bisa bertaruh 0.1,2,3. Menempatkan taruhan ini mengalikannya dengan 50. hingga 8. 9. Zero Corner: Bertaruh pada angka 0.1,2 atau 0.2,3 adalah dua pilihan karena Anda hanya bertaruh mendekati angka nol. Jenis taruhan ini dikalikan 11 jika taruhan menang. 10. Two Dozen: Jenis taruhan dengan hanya dua pilihan: 1-18 atau 19-36. Jika taruhan Anda adalah 50, itu dikalikan dengan 1 hingga 50 jika Anda menang. 11. Merah atau Hitam: Masukkan taruhan Anda dengan memilih Merah atau Hitam sebagai warna angka yang muncul saat taruhan 50. 12. Genap/Ganjil: Pilih angka yang menghasilkan jumlah jenis taruhan ganjil. PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Oregon Treasury is calling off -- for now -- an effort to give public employees a choice in how a portion of their retirement savings is invested. The Oregonian/OregonLive reports the decision came after the agency determined that the legislation prompting the move could leave investment managers open to lawsuits if things don't go well. Last year, the Oregon Investment Council adopted a new target date investment strategy for members' individual accounts, which are funded by member contributions and provide a separate, supplementary benefit on top of the defined benefit pension program. The age-based approach automatically reinvests members' individual accounts, gradually adopting a more conservative mix of stock and bond index funds as they near retirement age. The Public Employee Retirement System and Treasury were able to implement that system at the beginning of this year. Public employee groups persuaded legislators to give members the ability to choose how their account balances were allocated, so they can customize their investments. The Treasury put a stop to that effort earlier this month, acting on a provision in the legislation that gave it discretion to pull the plug if it determined that the changes could cause legal or fiduciary problems. It's a glitch in the vBulletin software. I've noticed it happening periodically on all four forums I have over my years been active in.As to the why, way above my pay grade. MASON CITY, IA June 5th marks election day for primaries in Iowa. Perhaps the most competitive and high-profile race is the race for Governor of Iowa. On the Republican ballot, Gov. Kim Reynolds is seeking to complete her first full term as Governor. She entered the position after Gov. Terry Branstad was appointed to Ambassador to China. Its a crowded Democratic Ballot. On it: Fred Hubbell, Cathy Glasson, Andrea McGuire, John Norris, Ross Wilburn. Heres a quick rundown of the Democratic candidates: Fred Hubbell A successful business man whose family settled in Iowa back in the mid-1800s. Part of his business resume include Chairman of Younkers retail business and President of Equitable of Iowa, a life insurance company. Cathy Glasson A nurse in Iowa. Andrea McGuire raised in Waterloo, Iowa, McGuire is the former chair of Iowas Democratic Party from 2014-2016. Previously she was a doctor and a Chief Medical Officer. Ross Wilburn Wilburn is the Diversity Officer in Community and Economic Development for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. He is a former council member and Mayor of Iowa City. John Norris -Norris is the Co-Owner of a public policy firm. He as a resume in politics including working for former Iowa U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, Chair of Iowa Democratic Party, Chair of Iowa Utilities Board, Chief of Staff for Tom Vilsack. Nate Boultons name will also appear on the ballot despite suspending his campaign a few weeks ago after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. Democrats want to take back some control in the state during these midterm elections. Iowa currently has a Republican governor, and GOP -led state house and senate. The stakes are high, The Des Moines Register is reporting this gubernatorial race as one of the most expensive races in Iowas history. On the county level, voters in Cerro Gordo County are voting for party candidates for County Supervisor District 2, County Treasurer, County Recorder, and for County Attorney. Polls will be open from 7am-9pm with the new voter ID law in effect. To learn about what you need to have at the polls with the new voter ID law, click here. OSAGE, Iowa The cases of the final two defendants in a Mitchell County drug bust have come to an end. Victor Ivan Vargas Morales, 27 of Osage, pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana-1st offense and received a deferred judgment. Hes been ordered to spend six months on probation and pay a $250 civil penalty. If Vargas Morales meets the terms of his probation, this conviction will be removed from his record. Dalton Toupal Dalton Toupal A charge of possession of marijuana against Danelis Del Valle Aponte, 22 of Osage, has been dismissed by the Mitchell County Attorneys Office in the interest of justice. Those two were arrested with along with Dalton J. Toupal, 22 of Osage, after authorities made a probation check of Toupals apartment on October 18, 2017. Officers said they found pot and drug paraphernalia in the home. Toupal previously pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana and received one year of probation and a $250 civil penalty. He also got a deferred judgment and the conviction will be wiped from his record if he fulfills the terms of his probation. MASON CITY, Iowa A North Iowa man is now pleading guilty to killing his grandparents. Codie Matz, 25 of Mason City, is charged with two counts of 1st degree murder for the deaths of Kenneth Hackbart, 61, and Kathleen Hackbart, 62. Their bodies were found stabbed to death at their Mason City home on November 7, 2017. At a court hearing Tuesday, Matz officially changed his plea from not guilty to guilty, saying he wants to take accountability for what he did. In court he admitted to stabbing Kenneth and Kathleen Hackbart to death. Matz's attorney's explained they did have an expert wittness for an insanity defense which would evaluate Matz's for mental illness to see if he understands his actions as well as if he is capable of understanding right from wrong. Matz declined the evaluation. "Moral stand point," he said in court. "I did have mental issues but I shouldn't have been that violent. I should have had some recognition to not take things the way I did so I just want to admit my guilt." Matz is now scheduled to be sentenced on July 23 for the two murders. First degree muder holds a life sentence. Judge Gregg Rosenblandt explained Matz will likely be sentenced to serve both sentences concurrently. TNVolunteer73 said: Not really if he wins a malicious prosecution judgement. Click to expand... To win in court he'll have to file a case, which will require legal counsel if he is going to have any chance of prevailing, and based on the facts of the case, he'll probably have to pay in advance.How is it a malicious prosecution, the evidence was overwhelming, and he plead guilty. UPDATE: Officials say they've found the maroon 1999 Chevy Suburban Merwin Coleman was last seen driving. OLMSTED COUNTY, Minn. Authorities are searching for a wanted man in southern Minnesota who has a warrant out for first-degree burglary and third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Merwin Coleman is listed at 6-foot-6, 250 pounds and was last seen driving a maroon 1999 Chevy Suburban with Indiana license plate 228TLS. Authorities say Coleman was involved in an incident Sunday, June 3, in Stewartville, where he allegedly raped a woman after a party the previous night. Coleman picked up a man from the residence at 6:05 a.m. to take him to work, according to court documents, before returning to the home and crawling into bed with a woman before allegedly raping the woman. The man who received a ride to work said Mack (Coleman) wanted to stay at the victims home and chill with her despite it being 6:05 a.m., according to court documents. The defendant claimed he went to the victims home the previous night to party and that she began secretly sending him Snapchat messages to invite him to have sex with her. He claimed that he traded the victim high-dosage Xanax pills in exchange for sex. If you know the whereabouts of Coleman, call either 507-328-6800 or 507-328-6774. FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) A Minnesota woman accused of killing her husband and a Florida woman and leading authorities on a cross-country manhunt was indicted by a grand jury in Florida, officials said Wednesday. Officials in Lee County, Florida, said a grand jury indicted 56-year-old Lois Riess on first-degree murder with a firearm. The charge carries a mandatory life sentence in prison if she is convicted. Riess will be arraigned June 11. Lois Riess links Video of Lois Riess arrest Authorities react to arrest of Lois Riess Riess captured after nationwide manhunt ends Authorities: Details on murders, hours before and after For the death penalty to be sought, the State Attorney's Office would have to convene a death penalty review committee, Samantha Syoen, communications director for the State Attorney's Office, said. A spokeswoman for the state attorney's office said prosecutors won't discuss whether they'll seek death at this stage of the case. Court documents say 54-year-old David Riess was found dead at the couple's Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, home in March. Authorities say Riess went to Fort Myers and met 59-year-old Pamela Hutchinson. Investigators believe Riess killed Hutchinson to assume her identity. Riess was captured in Texas. Detectives say it's unclear how Hutchinson and Riess met, but investigators found surveillance video of the two women at a local restaurant near a Gulf of Mexico beach and at the Hutchinson's condo-hotel building in early April. Hutchinson's body wasn't found until April 9, when a hotel employee entered the unit. She was found dead in the bathroom, lying on a pillow and covered with a towel. She'd been shot twice, once in the heart and once in the side. Ten days later, Riess was arrested at a waterfront restaurant by two federal deputy marshals in South Padre Island, Texas, when an employee recognized her from surveillance video broadcast on television. She was drinking cocktails at the bar when she was taken into custody. Riess was extradited to Florida, where she was charged with one count of second degree murder, plus one count each of grand theft, grand theft of an automobile and criminal use of personal identification. Charges in Minnesota are pending. Riess has been assigned a public defender, and is scheduled for a court hearing in Lee County on Thursday. A woman answering the phone at the Lee County public defender's office said there is no comment on Riess' case. The Florida grand jury also indicted Riess on charges of grand theft of a motor vehicle, grand theft and criminal use of personal identification information of a deceased individual. MASON CITY, Iowa - Tuesday would mark former KIMT anchor Jodi Huisentruit's 50th birthday, and many gathered to remember her. Huisentruit disappeared while on her way to work in 1995. The group gathered in front of one of the four new billboards around Mason City that were installed this week with the goal to keep Jodi's case on the minds of those driving by these billboards. Like many others, retired journalist Caroline Lowe is hoping for a break in the case. "We wish Jodi was back in Minnesota celebrating her birthday with her family and friends. But we also hope ... the reason we're here is that we've struggled with something to remember her birthday and get the message out. We know the power of that kind of image, and we're hoping that power will help bring her home," Lowe says. Lowe was a longtime reporter at WCCO in the Twin Cities, and is now a member of the "Find Jodi" team that helped display the new billboards. She remembers that Huisentruit aspired to come back to her home news market. "Her sister said she hoped Jodi would be working with me someday, and I could easily imagine that Jodi would've been anchoring the morning news there, and I'd be out covering crime, which was my assignment there. She had all the ingredients, all the passion, to be an excellent reporter and anchor up there," Lowe adds. The billboards will remain on display throughout the month of June. MASON CITY, Iowa- The Mason City City Council got an update on where they currently stand with efforts to save the Mason City Canadian Depot on Tuesday. I would like to see it moved to a piece of city property on Pierce Avenue," said Jack Leaman of Mason City. Leaman is one of many who have an idea on what they would like to see the depot turned in to if the city can save it. For him, he would like to see it as part of a railroad city park. It has enough room that there could be some rail put in, some old passenger cars or rail cars, he said. Others have suggested turning it in to a restaurant or a museum, but doing so isnt going to be easy. It can be picked up, it can be moved to a new place, but without a really long-term idea of revenue and upkeep, I hate to say it, but theres no reason to go through all this, said Councilman John Lee. Tricia Sandahl is part of the city Planning and Zoning Division. She said the city has to go through a two-step process to save the building. First, they need to complete a feasibility study to determine if the building can be moved. They then need to find an area to temporarily move the building until they find an alternative use. Sandahl has been in contact with the Canadian Pacific Railroad Companys real estate division. She said they do understand the historical value of the building but want it moved off the property. I initially asked them for 90 days, Sandahl told the council. But he told me no. They dont want to give us an open ended amount of time and then get to the end of the processes and find out we have made no progress. Leahman said he understands the obsticals ahead of the community to save the building, but believes since weve done it once we can do it again. The city has picked up other houses from the flood zone as well as other buildings and moved them to try and preserve Mason City history, he said. The city will be holding a brain storming workshop on Thursday. Community members are encouraged to voice their ideas on where to move the building. Those locations will then be taken in to consideration and three of them will be evaluated for cost once they have a company willing to move the building. ROCHESTER, Minn. - The Rochester Police Civil Service Commission is affirming a decision to remove a police chief candidate from consideration for the job. The commission's 2-1 vote affirms the decision to remove Dallas Police Lt. Roy Alston as a candidate due to a discrepancy on his background check. Commissioners Bill Sires and Allan Johnson affirmed Alston's removal, while Jodi Grimm opposed the decision. To read more about the issue that led to the decision, click here. "At no time did I ever write something with the intent to deceive anyone," explained Alston at the hearing on Tuesday night at Fire Station 2. According to Alston, he co-authored the manual for police background checks in Texas. At his hearing, he pointed out instances in the candidate search and dismissal process that he felt were incorrect and unfair. There was an audible gasp from the crowd when the commission made their final decision, with some people visibly upset and even crying as they exited the room. "They not only disqualified him, but at the same time, they tried to assassinate his character," commented community member Jackie Booth. "They don't want a black man to be chief." Mayor Ardell Brede spoke with KIMT after the hearing. He says he has no say in the decision made, but he now has the power to choose between the remaining two police chief candidates. He says he thinks he has a good idea of who he is going to choose. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis arrived in Brussels on Wednesday seeking to mollify European allies, again finding himself in the familiar position of mending relationships frayed by President Donald Trumps policies. Trump infuriated European Union members, Canada and Mexico by imposing tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum, which experts say could bleed into U.S. security relationships, even among Americas closest allies. While the meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels is a routine affair, it will be watched closely in European capitals. On his debut trip to Brussels as secretary of defense last year after Trump questioned the need for NATO, Mattis told members that while they must honor military spending pledges, the alliance was the most successful and powerful military alliance in modern history. This ministerial is going to be overshadowed by the tariffs issue, said a U.S. defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Mattis is going to be looking to reassure allies, try to strengthen relationships and continue to press the need for them to live up to their 2 percent commitment, the official added. The United States has been pushing NATO countries to reach a target to spend 2 percent of economic output on defense every year by 2024. Speaking with reporters on the way to Brussels, Mattis suggested that while talks with NATO partners would be tough, he did not expect Trumps tariffs decision to have an impact on defense issues for now. Along the path going there, certainly itll be a little rocky, a little bumpy at times, but so far I do not anticipate any effect in the security domain, he said. Barry Pavel, a U.S. national security expert at the Atlantic Council think-tank, said while issues of national security are usually unaffected by politics, Trumps decision was far too provocative not to have an impact. I think it was such a shock and the reactions from several allies being so unprecedented and so emotional and insulted, that I think some of that will bleed into some of the discussions at the sort of geopolitical level, Pavel said. In response to Trumps decision to impose tariffs, the EU threatened tariffs on Harley Davidson motorcycles and bourbon, measures aimed at the political bases of U.S. Republican legislators. While in Brussels, Mattis will also meet his Turkish counterpart as Washington tries to balance Ankaras concerns about Kurdish fighters among U.S.-backed SDF forces trying to retake the Islamic States remaining territory in Syria. How do we take Turkeys legitimate security concerns and enhance their security... at the same time, the SDF was the only organization at the time that was able to throw ISIS off the track and defeat them in the field in very, very tough fighting and we will not simply cast that organization aside, Mattis said. Turkey and the United States on Monday endorsed a roadmap for the northern Syrian city of Manbij and underlined their mutual commitment to its implementation. WANING INFLUENCE? The informal portfolio of soothing traditional U.S. friends upset by Trumps often sharp comments and tweets on foreign policy is one that the retired Marine general is becoming used to. Less than a week ago in Asia, Mattis attempted to do much the same with allies Japan and South Korea, where some officials are concerned that Trump may put U.S. security interests ahead of theirs in pursuing a peace deal with North Korea. In recent months, however, there have been growing questions about whether Mattis voice in internal administration debates could increasingly be drowned out by those of other advisers and the president himself, who increasingly trusts his own instincts. In one notable instance, Mattis publicly suggested sticking with the Iran nuclear deal. Dismayed European allies also sought to salvage the Iran nuclear deal and preserve their Iranian trade after Trump withdrew the United States from the landmark accord and ordered sanctions reimposed on Tehran. (Kitco News) - Gold held by global exchange-traded funds increased by 15 tonnes in May, led by increased activity in Europe and Asia, according to the World Gold Council (WGC). Holdings stood at 2,484 tonnes at the end of the month, the organization said Wednesday. This was the third straight month of inflows, which followed Aprils impressive increase of 72.2 tonnes that marked the largest level of inflows in more than a year, the WGC added. Mays gains were driven by Europe and Asia, which added 25.6 tonnes and 20.8 tonnes, respectively. Political turmoil in Italy was largely responsible for encouraging European buyers interest, said WGC director of investment research Juan Carlos Artigas. In contrast, North American funds reversed their positive 2018 trend and posted a loss of 29.6 tonnes, the WGC report noted. [North American losses were] likely a result of the volatile prices in the gold market which left gold lower by 60bps (in dollar terms) on the month, the WGC said. After [a] strong early-year performance, gold has given back much of its gains, remaining largely flat on the year, despite the USD rallying over 4% in the second quarter. Looking at individual ETFs, European Xtrackers Physical Gold attracted the most interest last month, with its holdings rising by 23.2 tonnes. Asian demand was boosted by Chinas Bosera Gold ETF, with additional 19.6 tonnes of holdings added in May. The worlds largest gold-backed fund, SDPR Gold Shares (NYSE: GLD), was the main downward driver behind North American outflows, losing 24.2 tonnes, while iShares Gold Trust (NYSE: IAU) lost 2.4 tonnes. Gold ETFs usually trade similar to stocks, but they track the price of the commodity, with the physical metal placed safely into storage to back the ETF shares. ETF advocates say that this method provides exposure to the yellow metal without the hassle of assaying, insuring, and storing the metal. Roberta Rampton, David Ljunggren WASHINGTON/OTTAWA (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump is not backing down from the tough line he has taken on trade, the White Houses top economic adviser said on Wednesday, setting the stage for a showdown with top allies at this weeks G7 summit in Canada. The meeting on Friday and Saturday in Charlevoix, Quebec, will be the first chance G7 leaders have had to confront Trump in person since U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico and the European Union were imposed last week. That move unleashed fury in the Group of Seven (G7)industrialized nations and prompted quick retaliation from Canada and Mexico and a promise from the EU to do so as well, unnerving investors who fear a trade war that could derail the global economy. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the summit host, and British Prime Minister Theresa May, who will also attend, are among those to sharply criticize the U.S. tariffs as unjustified and punitive. There are disagreements. Hes sticking to his guns. And hes going to talk to them, Larry Kudlow, Trumps top economic adviser, told reporters in Washington. The lines are open, the negotiations are ongoing. Kudlow added that the United States and China had not yet reached a deal to resolve Trumps demand for a smaller U.S. trade deficit with China. Washington has demanded that Beijing take steps to open its markets further to U.S. goods. The U.S. trade deficit, however, fell to a seven-month low in April as exports rose to a record high, the U.S. Commerce Department reported on Wednesday. Trump, who has vowed to protect U.S. industry and workers from what he describes as unfair international competition as part of an America First agenda, is due to hold bilateral meetings with Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron during the summit, Kudlow said. The meeting with Trudeau could be particularly frosty, given Trumps recent sharp criticism of Canadas trade policies and the anger in Ottawa over Washingtons decision to justify its new tariffs on national security grounds. Ottawa is also frustrated with the slow-moving talks to update the North American Free Trade Agreement, the 1994 agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico. I know were going to have some very, very frank conversations quite clearly around the table, Trudeau told Global TV in an interview, adding he would convey Canadas displeasure over the metal tariffs personally when he met Trump in Quebec. LOW EXPECTATIONS Two sources in Ottawa said divisions between the United States and other G7 members were so great that senior officials in charge of each nations preparations planned to hold an unusual additional meeting the night before the summit in a bid to find consensus. Canada and Mexico already have retaliated against a range of U.S. exports that include pork, bourbon and steel, and the EU has promised to do so as well, raising the specter of a tit-for-tat escalation of protectionist measures. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, pressed about a Washington Post report that said the White House was considering additional economic penalties against Canada, told reporters that Ottawa was unaware of any such move. U.S. stocks, apart from those of steel and aluminum producers, have fallen sharply in response to Trumps recent tariff announcements and other actions against trading partners. U.S. stocks were trading higher on Wednesday. Expectations for a resolution of the trade row this week are low after finance leaders from the United States G7 partners butted heads with U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin at a meeting last week in the Canadian resort town of Whistler, British Columbia. Adding to the uncertainty is European anger over Trumps decision to pull the United States out of the international nuclear agreement with Iran. European allies have urged Trump to reconsider. Ministers from Germany, France and Britain have already written to U.S. officials urging them to shield European companies working in Iran from getting caught up in Washingtons new sanctions on Tehran. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she expects difficult discussions at the summit in Quebec. I will of course try to speak to the U.S. president about the current problems that we have overall, in particular on Iran and on trade tariffs, Merkel told the Bundestag lower house of parliament during a question-and-answer session with lawmakers. Despite the G7s efforts to coax the Trump administration away from a go-it-alone approach, some analysts now question whether Washington remains committed to basic policies that have upheld the post-World War Two international economic system. We do seem to be at a little bit of a Rubicon moment in terms of whether or not the United States is going to fundamentally turn its back on this economic order, said Thomas Wright of the Brookings Institution think tank in Washington. The G7 groups Canada, the United States, Japan, Britain, Italy, France and Germany. The EU also attends. Reporting by David Ljunggren in Ottawa and Roberta Rampton in Washington; Additional reporting by Jason Lange and Tim Ahmann in Washington and Paul Carrel and Madeline Chambers in Berlin; Writing by Paul Simao; Editing by Alistair Bell NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. money market fund assets increased by $34.65 billion to $2.832 trillion in the week ended June 5, the Money Fund Report said on Wednesday. Taxable money market fund assets increased by $35.04 billion to $2.692 trillion, while tax-free assets decreased by $389.80 million to $139.65 billion, according to the report, published by iMoneyNet. The iMoneyNet Money Fund Average 7-Day Simple Yield for All Taxable money-market funds increased to 1.42 percent from 1.40 percent the week before, while the iMoneyNet Money Fund Average 7-Day Simple Yield for All Tax-Free and Municipal money-market funds fell to 0.66 percent from 0.80 percent last week. By Dong Sun-hwa Korean actress Ham So-won, 43, disclosed Tuesday that she had about 15 eggs frozen six months before meeting her Chinese husband, a former idol trainee who is 18 years younger. The two registered to marry in January and the ceremony was held in April. Women's fertility begins to drop dramatically from the age of 37, so Ham planned so she and her husband would not waste any more precious time. Appearing on TV Chosun's new reality show "Flavor of Wife," she revealed her anxiety about her age. "I have always wanted to have a baby, even if I did not get married," the actress said. Meanwhile, Ham's husband, Jin Hua, a former idol trainee, is now running an apparel business in Guangzhou, China. His family owns a large farm that is three times the size of Seoul's financial district, Yeouido. By Jung Min-ho Artist Uliviero Ulivieri, who loves his hometown Florence, has an exhibition at fnartSpace in Seoul from June 5 to July 5. The 85-year-old will tell fun stories about the beautiful city through his imagination. Born in 1934, Ulivieri attended the Art Institute of Porta Romana and received further training under the guidance of Pietro Annigoni, who is known as the "Painter of Queens." At 17, Ulivieri was commissioned to do the oil painting "Christ" for the Savaiana Church of San Momme, which still has the artwork that mesmerizes many visitors. He is known for his "poetic style" that involves using many shadows and transparencies to create a lyrical mood. His energetic and artistic composition on canvas and progressive brush strokes create a burst of color depicting wit, animation and a lively mix of everyday life. He attained international fame at an early stage in his career, but has long refused to use his works for commercial purposes. Today, he is having the "best time of his life," interacting with people from all walks of life around the world. Ulivieri hopes to continue working in different corners of the world. Buddhist nun Wookwan / Courtesy of Wookwan By Yun Suh-young From a Westerner's perspective, Jeong Kwan would probably come to mind as the leading authority in temple food, as she featured in the Netflix series "Chef's Table." Within Korea, however, Buddhist nun Wookwan is even better known as a temple food guru. She has published two temple food cookbooks, and recently published her third -- her first in English -- "Wookwan's Korean Temple Food: The Road to the Taste of Enlightenment" which is the first of its kind by a Buddhist nun introducing Korean temple food in English. Wookwan, head of Mahayeon Temple Food Cultural Center and an expert member of temple food at Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism, graduated from Suwon Bongnyeongsa Sangha University, received her master's degree in Buddhist studies and completed her doctoral coursework at the University of Delhi in India. She has been invited to various global culinary events to introduce Korean temple food and has held numerous lectures and programs within Korea hosted by the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism under the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism since 2010. Her active overseas engagements had propelled her to write an English cookbook about temple food. Cover of Wookwan's cookbook "I have had many opportunities since 2010 to introduce Korean temple food in the U.S. or other countries. When I was in New York in 2010, I visited the Culinary Institute of America and noticed there weren't any Korean cookbooks in the library. That's when I thought it would be nice to write an introduction to temple food if I had the opportunity. Then later I was approached by a publisher in the U.S. run by a Korean who felt the need for this type of book. That's how this project started," Wookwan said in a phone interview with The Korea Times, Sunday. "Since it's an English book, I focused a lot on the outline, definition, characteristics and history of Korean temple food. I also added explanations about the jang (fermented sauce) culture in Korea and how temple food is not set apart from Korean food but how it all blends in with the fermentation culture." She selected some representative Korean temple food dishes and added recipes using foreign ingredients such as avocado, tomato and cauliflower to make it easier for foreigners. "If it only contains recipes with Korean ingredients, it's hard to follow. But with these types of foreign ingredients, non-Koreans can also easily make temple food using Korean jang." Some of the traditional temple foods introduced in the book include lotus leaf rice and steamed lotus root dish with soybean paste, porridge made with jujube and milk, stir-fried burdock, three-colored lotus root pancakes and noodles made with vegetables. Dried kelp with sticky rice dish / Courtesy of Wookwan "We use a lot of lotus in temple food. It's symbolic. Just like a lotus flower remains clean even if it grows in the mud, we believe the core nature of a human is always set apart from the masses even if we live together. We also like to eat noodles, probably because we need gluten that we don't get from eating meat," Wookwan said. Korean temple food is known to be eco-friendly and vegetarian, using only ingredients that are homegrown and naturally cultivated. It does not use meat or animal products except for some usage of dairy ingredients such as milk. Temple food is also known for its mild taste from avoidance of the five pungent herbs that distract the mind -- garlic, green onion, leek, chive, and onion. In the book, Wookwan starts with an introduction to Korean temple food, followed by the three principles in preparing temple food (clarity, flexibility, and compliance with the Buddha-Dharma), then goes on to the characteristics and history of temple food. The four-part cookbook covers 41 recipes including traditional recipes along with ones developed by Wookwan herself. "What I want to introduce through this book is the excellence of Korea's fermentation culture and fermented food, the simplicity of cooking and the philosophy behind the preparation of temple food," she said. "Eating is not just about filling the stomach. It's about what kind of mindset you have while eating. As preparers, we forage ingredients while communicating with nature, and cook and eat them with gratitude. We practice this with hope to brighten the world." Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday, hoping to make progress on economic cooperation on a group of islands that the countries have disputed over for decades. The meeting comes just two days after US President Donald Trump abruptly cancelled next month's summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore. In a speech at a business forum in St Petersburg on Friday, Abe stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation in the denuclearization of North Korea. Abe and Putin are expected to agree to speed up preparations for joint economic projects on the Russian-administered Kuril Islands, which Japan also claims and calls its Northern Territories. Little progress has been made since the two leaders agreed in December 2016 to begin discussing projects on the islands. By Kim Jae-kyoung SINGAPORE The historic summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is expected to stir up a media frenzy here. The meeting is scheduled to be held at the Capella Hotel on the resort island of Sentosa on June 12. In the lead-up to the summit, a significant number of journalists from all over the world, including South Korea, are coming to the city-state. "It has been hectic nowadays because of a flurry of media inquiries about the Trump-Kim summit," said an official from the South Korean embassy in Singapore. "We've got so many calls and request from media everyday and I think that things are likely to further heat up as the summit nears," he added. Major hotels, considered likely venues for the summit and accommodations, are also receiving a growing number of media inquiries and requests. "I am getting a lot of requests from Japan and Korea," said an executive from one of the five-star hotels in Singapore. "We are asked every day whether delegations from the U.S. and North Korea will stay at our hotel," she added. The Straits Times reported Tuesday that more than 3,000 journalists are expected to arrive in the city-state to cover the June 12 summit. Around 3,000 journalists flocked to Seoul for the inter-Korean summit on April 27. According to Singapore's leading English daily, NHK, Japan's national public broadcaster, is expected to send about 100 people, including correspondents from around the world, while the BBC is said to be sending about 80 journalists. It also reported that the White House press corps is said to be operating its own media center for journalists who travel with the president. It said that the White House press corps usually numbers between 50 and 100 for overseas trips. Most Korean newspapers and broadcasters, including Chosun Ilbo, Hankook Ilbo, KBS and MBC, are sending a team of journalists to cover the summit. They include those from the Blue House and Foreign Ministry. According to a Singapore-based Korean travel operator, KBS and MBC called to ask room rates for reserving more than 100 rooms each right after Trump first announced the summit in May. It is widely expected that hordes of foreign journalists will be staking out at the summit venue and major hotels designated as special event areas ahead of the historic event next week. The Singapore government has designated the areas surrounding Sentosa and Shangri-La Hotel as special event zones from June 10 to 14 for the summit. On Wednesday, following the announcement of the venue, the Singapore government declared the Trump-Kim summit an "Enhanced Security Special Event," under which it will enforce strict security measures at the venues and surrounding areas through spot checks and inspections. On concerns over excessive new coverage competition, the Singapore government has advised journalists to respect media guidelines. "In relation to the upcoming summit, there has been an increase in the number of journalists and cameramen on the premises and in the vicinities of some hotels and airports," said SG Press Center, a body in charge of the Singaporean government's public relations. "We would like to remind the media to respect the privacy and needs of other hotel guests, airport users and travelers, and to refrain from any action that may cause distress and inconvenience to others," it added. In the meantime, the international media center will be set up at F1 Pit Building on 1 Republic Boulevard from June 10 to 13. The United States is not paying for North Korean officials to stay in Singapore for next week's summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the State Department said Tuesday. Paying for accommodation is certain to be a strain for the impoverished nation, with Kim reportedly planning to stay at a luxurious hotel such as the Fullerton or the St. Regis. "The United States government is not paying for the North Korean delegation to stay," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said at a regular press briefing. "We're not paying for their expenses." The White House earlier announced that the first meeting will begin at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island at 9 a.m. next Tuesday. At the heart of the summit is whether, and in what detail, Trump and Kim will agree to dismantle the North's nuclear weapons program in exchange for security guarantees for the regime. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un disembarks from his aircraft, a modified IL-62M from the Soviet era, during his recent trip to Dalian for a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Kim is expected to use the same aircraft on his trip to Singapore for the June 12 summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. / Yonhap By Oh Young-jin The time is set, the place decided and the agenda fine-tuned. All appears ready to go for the June 12 North Korea-U.S. summit at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island, Singapore, in a potential first round of what's supposed to be a bilateral effort to denuclearize the North and ease its way out of isolation. But each of the North, the U.S. and South Korea, the three key stakeholders in this grand game, ends up seeking something that is not in its element, resembles wishful thinking and so is lacking in its sincerity. Trump The U.S. is not a saint and has made many deals with devil in its foreign policy detail. But it has more or less represented the better side of global affairs. Under businessman President Donald Trump, it is trying to cut a deal with the worst combination of terrorist, despot and existential threat to the world's peace. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ordered his elder half-brother poisoned by his agents in Malaysia. The dictator, 34, had his uncle, a potential pretender, killed by anti-aircraft guns. And he has purged his subordinates for just dozing off during meetings. Kim has inherited much of North Korea as one big gulag. Given the life spans of his father and grandfather, Kim Jong-un's rule will prove no less brutal than theirs. Until quite recently, Kim held the region and the rest of the world hostage with his growing arsenal of nuclear weapons and missiles, and threats of nuclear war. The U.S. is promising its adversary a lot security of its dynastic regime and prosperity like enabling North Koreans to eat meat under Kim's continued rule. The deal Washington is offering denies what the North stands for. The country has provided many foreign policy challenges for previous U.S. presidents and Trump has made a big deal of that. Besides the usual list of Trump's domestic problems, one cannot but wonder if the U.S. really means what it is telling the North or it is thinking of other possibilities. Trump's tweet plugs the June 12 summit with Kim Jong-un as the beginning of "something big." / Yonhap One such possibility is that the North, with its rigid dynasty and insulated economy, will not survive the onslaught of drastic changes that would be accompanied by an inevitable opening up of the country after a deal. If the North withstands the changes, it would be weakened, ending up with no nuclear weapons or significantly reduced numbers. If not, the U.S. would end up with one less eyesore. On both accounts, the U.S. could get a leg up on China, its rival, in their hegemonic contest. It remains to be seen how China will react to the process by which the North is denuclearized. But this will provide a clue to how the superpowers' fight will shape up. Kim Jong-un The North has more than once looked as if it depends on serendipity. First, the North was apparently taken aback when Trump took to its proposal of talks. Kim needed the talks to ease pressure from U.S.-led international sanctions, joined by the North's benefactor China, on which the country relied for much of its imports and exports. Then there were rumors of an imminent U.S. attack. So the young dictator rationalized this by saying that the North under his rule had become a nuclear weapons state and would focus on raising the standard of living for its people through economic development. Kim's goal was to keep the weapons and use them as leverage to gain nuclear power status and earn some economic benefits. But Kim's goal has been kept off track because Trump has pushed harder for more from the North than expected. U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to fly to Singapore for the U.S.-North Korea summit on Air Force One, a customized B747-200B. / Yonhap Zainichi Korean Kim Song-ran, right, poses at a Zainichi school reunion commemorating the 70th anniversary of Fukushima Korean School's foundation. / Courtesy of Kim Song-rang 'Chosen-seki' hate to be called South or North Koreans; they want unification By Park Ji-won As related countries move quickly toward the June 12 summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore with the aim of denuclearizing the North and possibly declaring an end to the 1950-53 Korean War, there is one group that for decades has hoped to see a unified Korean Peninsula. They are ethnic Koreans living in Japan, known as "Zainichi Koreans," especially those who choose to live without a passport, hoping to see the two Koreas reunite. The word Zainichi refers to the ethnic Korean community that arrived in Japan during the 1910-45 occupation of Korea and stayed on after Japan's defeat in World War II. As years passed and bilateral ties between Seoul and Tokyo were forged, the Zainichi largely split into two groups depending on their historical backgrounds: permanent residents with South Korean nationality and a South Korean passport, and "Chosen-seki" (Korean domicile) or those who have chosen not to have nationality. The latter can travel overseas by being issued temporary travel documents. Chosen-seki can be understood as being stateless or having an alternative nationality. Chosen is a way to read the Japanese romanization of Joseon. It was the name of the last existing kingdom of Korea which lasted five centuries until the beginning of the 1900s. But in 1947, Japan ordered the Korean people in Japan to list their nationality as "Chosen." Despite discrimination, Chosen-seki Zainichi in Japan said they stand solidly by their status. A family photo of Ryang Sun-hui, left, with her husband Song Gyong-sok, right, and her children. / Courtesy of Ryang Sun-hui "I won't change my stateless status if there is no big change in the current situation. If I decide to change it, it might only be for my children's future," said Ryang Sun-hui, 34, a fourth-generation ethnic Korean with Chosen-seki status, during a phone interview with The Korea Times. Ryang is married to a man of the same status, and their three children also have the same status. "I won't change my status until Korean unification," said 28-year-old Kim Song-rang, who works for an Osaka-based community group connected to the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), a pro-North Korea organization. "I never thought about changing my status, regardless of unification, as I can remain as evidence of the Chosen-seki," said 28-year-old Kim Yun-ok. She also works for a Chongryon community group in Hyogo. Their remarks may come across as strident, but unification has been one of their lifetime goals since around the time their communities were formed in Japan. As of June 2017, the Chosen-seki constituted a minority of 30,000 ethnic Korean residents in Japan while another 535,873 had South Korean nationality, according to Japan's justice ministry. Chongryon is known to have the highest number of Chosen-seki people while its pro-South counterpart, the Korean Residents Union (Mindan), has almost none. Kim Yun-ok, center, poses in traditional Korean clothes with her friends. / Courtesy of Kim Yun-ok As their numbers decrease, they face "inconveniences" or discrimination in their daily lives, the interviewees said. Born and raised in Japan, they are fluent in Japanese. Yet many of them have trouble going overseas, as they are automatically considered North Koreans, or suspicious persons with no nationality. "Whenever we, who are Chosen-seki, visit the airport to go overseas, we are summoned to a private room and forced to open our suitcases for searches," Ryang said. "We are obliged to sign a piece of paper in a small room that guarantees we are not involved with any nuclear weapons in order to go on trips," Kim Yun-ok said. They experience "unseen" discrimination on a daily basis, whether they're shopping online or trying to rent a home. "I heard my friend couldn't get a job as the company said it doesn't hire Chosen-seki. I heard that was one of the reasons some change their status to South Korean nationality. Also, there is difficulty in renting a home as Japanese owners require a Japanese guarantor or simply refuse Zainichi from the beginning," Kim Yun-ok said. "When Japanese people hear my Korean name, they ask me where I am from. It is hard for me to answer that I am Chosen," Ryang said. "The worst thing was being turned away at the blood donation center. I heard the center's officials say we don't need Zainichi blood. I was shocked to have heard that," Kim Song-rang said. Such discrimination has been proven in a survey. Almost 40 percent of foreign residents experienced discrimination in finding jobs and housing over the previous five years as of 2017, according to Japan's justice ministry. The survey was the first of its kind conducted by the government. "It is somewhat sad to say, but I have gotten used to such inconveniences. When I face discrimination, I just think it's happening again," Ryang said. Chosen-seki as identity Despite these obstacles, the Chosen-seki embrace their status as their "identity." "The early Zainichi generations faced a life-or-death situation. Seventy years ago, Japanese police rushed into our school and killed several people saying they had been ordered to get rid of Chosen schools. There is still ongoing discrimination against our schools by the Japanese government in a way by not giving subsidies for our children's education," Kim Yun-ok said. Under an education organization called "Chosun Hakkyo" (Chosen School) or "Urihakkyo" (Our School), Chosen-seki have been learning about the Korean ethnicity in their regular syllabus. Back during the colonial period, many were educating their children there as they were thinking about returning to Korea later. However, ironically, the Japanese government's pressure to remove the education facilities made people gather at the schools to fight and protect their children. Many Zainichi with South Korean nationality also choose Urihakkyo as they have little chance to receive education on their ethnic heritage in Japanese or South Korean schools. There are four South Korean government-funded schools in Japan, mainly in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Meanwhile, there are 64 Chosen schools categorized into elementary, middle and high schools and universities throughout Japan. Chosen schools have been playing a central role in unifying the Zainichi community ideologically and locally. They have been funded and receiving guidelines and textbooks from Chongryon from the beginning, and have more recently seen additional funding from South Korean nongovernmental organizations. Ryang Sun-hui, left, and actor and activist Kwon Hae-hyo, right, pose at a wedding ceremony for Ryang's friend. / Courtesy of Ryang Sun-hui Visitors to the Daegu Immigration Office fill out forms and wait their turn on June 4. The office usually sees a high volume of visitors but there is only a handful of officers to serve them, creating a bottleneck. / Courtesy of Maeil Ilbo By Ko Dong-hwan Daegu is regarded as one of South Korea's "international cities" with its airport offering overseas connections, and a rising population of foreign residents. But the city isn't living up to its reputation. Foreign residents in the North Gyeongsang Province city haven't been happy visiting the immigration offices because the seriously short-staffed authority is struggling to handle the rapidly growing expat population. The city recorded almost 39,000 foreign residents while the province had almost 75,000 at the end of 2015, according to the Dongbuk Regional Statistics Office. The city and province showed a 38 percent and 48 percent increase, respectively, on 2011 figures. That growth is continuing. But the city immigration office has reduced staff, from 49 in 2010 to 45 in 2017. As of this month, those handling civic complaints and requests numbered 12. Among them, only six attend to visa issues, where queues are the longest. They took care of over 100,000 cases in 2017 alone, or one officer for 400 cases a day. The Daegu Immigration Office in Dong-gu has a limited number of officers to look after over 110,000 foreign residents from the city and neighborhoods across North Gyeongsang Province. / Courtesy of Airportia The Ministry of Education to honor the decision made from the public opinion committee regarding 2022 college admissions reform. Graphics by Cho Sang-won By Kim Hyun-bin The 2022 college admissions reform is expected to be finalized by mid-June, which will impact current eighth graders when applying for colleges. Twenty-five people consisting of educational experts, public opinion committee members and related professionals are scheduled to hold a two day workshop on June 16 and 17 to come up with several reform models. The committee plans to pick four to five different plans for the public to decide on. "After the workshop the public opinion committee will review the selected plans for three days," said an official from the committee. Those reviewed by the committee will be revealed to the public June 20. Last week, the Presidential Committee on National Education (PCNE) decided to select the next reform of college admissions through public opinion. The decision was made after the college admissions reform special committee conducted public assessments for a month. Since late April, the special committee has gathered public opinion through national suggestions meetings. Each session allocated two hours for civic groups and individuals to voice their opinions or submit reform proposals. The special committee members also met separately with students, parents and teachers, as well as holding focus group interviews. In addition, six meetings with experts and people working in the education field were held, to get a better grasp on the problems at hand. "I would like to thank all the participants that took part in giving their experiences and opinions on the issue," said Kim Jin-kyung, chairman of the college admissions reform special committee. "The public opinion committee has worked hard to find a neutral procedure that can both gain public trust and a consensus." Same method as nuclear reactors In May, the PCNE announced it would adopt the same selection method that was used to decide whether to resume operations of nuclear power plants in the country. The decision was made by 471 people that were selected from a pool of 20,000 to vote on whether to resume construction on new reactors. At the end, the group voted 59.5 percent in favor to resume the work. However, the process is much more complex than deciding whether to build and operate nuclear reactors. "The decision on Shin Gori 5 and 6 was a two dimensional one as they had to be for or against the building of nuclear reactors. However, there are scores of scenarios and a combination of variables when selecting college admissions reform," said Kim Hak-lin, a member of the public opinion committee. Crisscross decision-making The committee will select 400 non-experts to take part in the group to discuss the selected reforms. After conducting several surveys and gathering opinions the results will be submitted to the PCNE. The group will take into consideration televised debates, public hearings and online and offline opinions before making a final decision. "The most important factor is the fairness aspect of the procedures, so we will try to make the process as transparent as possible," said an official from the opinion committee. After the PCNE reviews the final recommendation it will be submitted to the education ministry for final approval. Earlier this year, instead of the education ministry taking charge of the process it tossed its decision-making responsibility to the presidential committee, as any decision made on the reform is likely to meet a public backlash. The education ministry said it will honor the decision made by the committee. However, the PCNE established a public opinion committee in charge of gathering public opinion. So the latter will technically have the last call in selecting the final reform for the 2022 college admissions. The college admissions reform has scores of combinations, variables and models that need to be simplified. These include combining regular and non-scheduled admissions, and changing the evaluating method of the College Scholastic Ability Test. However, just the two alone have dozens of variables that need to be put into consideration. Also there is no guarantee a single reform will be more popular among other models. President Moon Jae-in attends the Memorial Day ceremony at the National Cemetery in Daejeon, Wednesday. / Yonhap President Moon Jae-in said Wednesday that he will push for the recovery of the remains of fallen soldiers in the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas in line with the improvement of ties with North Korea. In his address at the 63rd Memorial Day ceremony at the National Cemetery in Daejeon, he expressed hopes that the fresh detente will pave the way for inter-Korean efforts to account for the hundreds of thousands of service members still listed as missing in action from the 1950-53 Korean War. "We will continue efforts to recover the remains of military and police members who fell during the Korean War until we find the last remaining person," the commander in chief said. "When the South-North relations improve, we will push for the recovery of the remains in the Demilitarized Zone first of all. We will also be able to retrieve the remains of U.S. and other foreign soldiers who participated in the war." Troops from 16 countries fought for South Korea under the United Nations flag during the war. Before the ceremony, the president visited the graveyard of fallen solders without families. Accompanied by his wife and officials, he laid a wreath at the tomb of an Army sergeant who was killed on an eastern battlefield in May 1953. Soldiers, independence fighters, police officers, firefighters and government workers who sacrificed their lives for the country are buried at the cemetery in Daejeon, some 160 kilometers from Seoul. In his second Memorial Day address as president, Moon pledged to boost efforts to honor veterans and patriots and support their bereaved families. He noted the government budget for veterans affairs has surpassed 5 trillion won (US$4.7 billion) this year for the first time. The government has increased special allowances for living patriotic heroes by 50 percent and will open new nursing hospitals and rehabilitation facilities for them in major cities, he added. Moon also said the restoration of the command headquarters of Korean independence war troops will be completed by April 2019, the 100th year of the foundation of the Korean provisional government in exile during Japan's colonial rule from 1910-45. The facility is located in Chongqing, southwest China. On Tuesday, Moon hosted a lunch meeting with some 200 national heroes, war veterans and their families at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae. The meeting was also attended by the bereaved families of two school teachers killed in the tragic Sewol ferry sinking in April 2014. (Yonhap) President Moon Jae-in touches the tombstone of Park Kyung-soo, one of the 46 South Korean soldiers killed in North Korea's torpedo attack on the Navy frigate Cheonan in March 2010, after attending a ceremony for the 63rd Memorial Day at Daejeon National Cemetery, Wednesday. / Yonhap By Yi Whan-woo President Moon Jae-in said Wednesday he will push for a project to recover the remains of fallen soldiers inside the Demilitarized Zone if North Korea agrees. During a ceremony to mark the 63rd Memorial Day at Daejeon National Cemetery, he vowed to recover the remains of "every last" man who is still listed as missing in action from the 1950-53 Korean War. They include soldiers from the United States and other countries that fought under the U.N. coalition forces. "I first and foremost will push to recover the remains in the DMZ, when inter-Korean relations continue to improve," he said. "It will go on until the remains of every last soldier and police officer killed during the Korean War are recovered. We will also be able to recover the remains of those who joined the war from abroad, including from the U.S." The President's remarks came after high-level officials of the two Koreas agreed on June 1 to hold a series of talks aimed at expanding their cooperation later this month. The topics of the talks will vary from easing military tension to the reunion of separated families to joint preparations for the Asian Games in Indonesia, slated for Aug. 18 to Sept. 2. The talks will be a follow-up measure to agreements reached between Moon and North Korean leader Kim Jon-un during their two summits on April 27 and May 26. The reconciliatory mood on the peninsula is expected to deepen when Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump meet in Singapore on June 12 to discuss Pyongyang's denuclearization. Some diplomatic sources speculate the first-ever summit between the leaders of North Korea and the U.S. may be followed by a three-way dialogue involving Moon. Leaders of the three countries have never met together. Despite Cheong Wa Dae's denial, speculation about the three-way summit has not ceased since it was found that Moon will cast an early ballot for the local elections on June 8, not on the regular June 13 Election Day. Cheong Wa Dae has explained Moon will vote early to boost voter turnout, but sources say the measure is to join Kim and Trump at their June 12 summit. Government officials said this year's Memorial Day service took place at Daejeon National Cemetery to better highlight the Moon administration's efforts to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country. This was the first time since 1999 that a government-led Memorial Day service has taken place at Daejeon National Cemetery, not Seoul National Cemetery. The cemetery in Seoul mostly honors independence fighters and war veterans, while the one in Daejeon has graves for a wider range of patriots including firefighters and government workers. "The history of the Republic of Korea has been built on the everyday lives of our families and neighbors next door," Moon said. "They chanted for independence, went to battlegrounds to protect this country, worked hard for economic development and took to the streets when democracy was in jeopardy. And Daejeon National Cemetery belongs to them." The President promised to bolster efforts to better honor veterans and patriots and support their bereaved families. He pointed out the government budget for veterans' affairs has surpassed 5 trillion won ($4.7 billion) this year for the first time. He also said the government increased special allowances for living patriotic heroes by 50 percent and will open hospitals and rehabilitation facilities for them in major cities. The restoration of the command headquarters of Korean independence war troops will be completed by April 2019, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Korean provisional government in exile during 1910-45 Japanese colonial rule. The restoration is underway in Chongqing, southwest China, where the headquarters had been located. "French Spiderman" is about to be caught. / Yonhap / Yonhap World-renowned French climber Alain Robert was arrested for scaling a skyscraper in southern Seoul without permission Wednesday, police said. The 55-year-old known as the "French Spiderman" for his gravity-defying climbing skills was caught on the rooftop of the 125th floor of Lotte World Tower at about 11:35 a.m. Robert was specifically charged with obstruction of business for climbing to the 75th floor of the skyscraper without seeking any prior consent from Lotte Property and Development Co., the building's operator, according to the police. Upon reaching the floor about two hours after he began scaling the tower at about 7:50 a.m., he was transported to the top aboard a building management utility on standby by the company. "I had this event to celebrate the quickly improving ties between South and North Korea," the company quoted the man as saying. "Robert was not wearing proper safety gear," police said. "We'll decide how to handle him after investigating his motive for the crime and other details." The French climber rose to international fame when he scaled the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, in six hours in 2011. He has been arrested for climbing skyscrapers without permission in such big cities as Sydney, London, Sao Paulo, Chicago and Kuala Lumpur. (Yonhap) President Donald Trump needs to change his strategy if the U.S. tech industry is going to continue its global dominance. Tariffs or even threats of tariffs aren't the answer. Protecting patents and intellectual property are important. But by focusing on tariffs, the president continues to demonstrate a lack of understanding of the basic fundamentals that made Silicon Valley the innovation capital of the world. Namely investments in human capital and a culture of innovation. That means taking steps to open markets abroad, not close them. It means an immigration policy that encourages the brightest minds around the world to view the United States as the place where they and their innovative ideas will be welcomed and supported. It means greater investments in education aimed at producing the entrepreneurs of tomorrow who will build the businesses that employ our workforce. The president said he would proceed with his plan to impose tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese imports and place limits on Chinese investment in the U.S. tech industry. Trump wants to use the tariffs as leverage to pressure China to halt its unfair trade practices. It's a worthy goal, but a reckless approach. Should China call Trump's bluff, it risks a trade war that could have devastating impacts on the global economy. Trump continues to ignore the fact that it was U.S. protectionist policies in 1930 that threw the nation into the Great Depression. It was the fear of an uncontrollable trade war that led to the creation of the World Trade Organization's process for settling these kinds of disputes. This is where Trump should make his case, rather than substantially undermining the WTO's role in keeping the peace in global commerce. The fact that China is a bad actor is widely recognized. The independent, bipartisan Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property in March called China the "principal IP infringer" in the world. The commission estimates that the annual cost to the U.S. economy from the loss of intellectual property ranges from $225 billion to $600 billion. Our global allies would be happy to help the United States make its case and join in pressuring the WTO to impose appropriate sanctions. But these are the same allies Trump is alienating by imposing tariffs. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., points out another significant problem with Trump's strategy. Imposing tariffs on China will build a symbolic wall between the two countries. China has a long history as an insular nation. Closing down a major marketplace for U.S. technology companies will ultimately weaken our economy and remove one of the best tools available to export American democratic values. China is investing billions in its Made in China 2025 strategy to match or surpass a U.S. innovation economy, which in 2018 is expected to generate $350 billion in revenues roughly 8 percent of the U.S. economy and employ more than 7 million workers. The best way for Trump to maintain U.S. leadership in the tech industry over China isn't by starting a trade war. It's taking the fundamental steps to ensure the U.S. tech industry's growth. The above editorial appeared in the Mercury News (San Jose, Calif.). It was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Seoul needs to go all-out to minimize damage As the Donald Trump administration ratchets up trade pressure on its allies and rivals alike, export-dependent Korea is gripped with a grave sense of crisis. Beginning this month, Washington slapped tariffs of 25 percent on steel imports and 10 percent on aluminum imports from the EU, Canada and Mexico. Next Friday, the U.S. government will announce items included in the $50 billion worth of Chinese goods to be hit by 25 percent tariffs. The U.S. Department of Commerce, which had launched probes to impose hefty duties on foreign automobiles under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, seems set to target not just imported vehicles but those made in the U.S. by foreign companies. In the worst-case scenario, such a move is feared to affect Hyundai and Kia adversely, which are running assembly plants in the U.S. states of Alabama and Georgia, respectively. Major trade partners of America are not sitting idle. The three-day meeting of G7 finance ministers in Canada last week turned into an open stage for denouncing Washington. Bruno Le Maire, France's finance and economy minister, said, "It has been a tense and tough G7 _ I would say it's been far more a G6 plus one than a G7." The U.S. trade offensive against the rest of the world is unlikely to end up as a one-off event, however. President Trump, whose political support base is the Rust Belt of the U.S. Midwest which has long been declining from its past glory as a manufacturing center, will probably step up pressure as midterm elections near. Few countries will be hit harder by mounting protectionism than Korea, which relies on exports for more than 50 percent of its economic growth. Overseas shipments are the only pillar that props up the national economy here amid sluggish domestic demand. The government, along with export industries, should do all it can to head off the vicious circle of an export slump, slowing growth and rising unemployment. Trade officials should expand contacts with their U.S. counterparts, bring the U.S. to international trade tribunals and seek a joint front against Washington, along with countries in similar positions. Moon's pledge keeps triggering concerns over job cuts President Moon Jae-in's economic policies have triggered much controversy, particularly the hourly minimum wage. The Moon administration raised the minimum wage to 7,530 ($7) won per hour this year, a 16.4 percent hike from 6,470 won in 2017. President Moon has pledged to raise the minimum wage to at least 10,000 won by 2020. It is hard to contest the need to raise the minimum wage when considering the need to support low-income earners who are struggling with rising living costs. The business sector, however, has raised concerns on rising labor costs, which is feared to affect their hiring plans and hurt employment. Even a state-run think tank has raised the need to adjust the speed of the minimum wage hike under the Moon administration. The Korea Development Institute (KDI), a research institute under the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, warned against possible negative repercussions from raising the minimum wage at an excessive pace in a press conference Monday. The KDI's latest report said a yearly 15 percent hike in the minimum wage to achieve the President's pledge of 10,000 won by 2020 will result in considerable job losses. It estimated with 15 percent hikes to the minimum wage over the next two years, there will be 96,000 job cuts in 2019 and 144,000 in 2020. The problem is that the President and Cheong Wa Dae seem to have an overly optimistic view of the minimum wage hike. President Moon said recently during a Cabinet meeting that much of the working population had benefited from his so-called income-led growth initiative and the minimum wage increase. But there is a discrepancy in the President's view and what is actually happening. The latest Statistics Korea report showed the monthly average income of the bottom 20 percent income bracket had dropped 8 percent year-on-year to 1.28 million in the January to March period. Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom even blamed past governments for Korea's protracted economic slump, marked by falling national income and low economic growth. But blaming past governments only undermines the public's belief in the incumbent administration to deal with the job crisis and the widening income disparity. The KDI report should be a reminder for the Moon administration to check the feasibility of the President's minimum wage hike and make adjustments to deal with adverse effects. Defense intelligence unit hit for lack of discipline The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office recently arrested two commissioned officers of the Republic of Korea Defense Intelligence Command (KDIC) on suspicion of having sold classified military secrets, including a list of undercover agents active in foreign countries, to overseas' entities. The officers _ a former and present leader of a KDIC operations team _ committed treason, an act endangering national security and the safety of their fellow agents abroad. It is fortunate to hear that the KDIC immediately recalled the agents on the list to prevent any further damage. The KDIC is the intelligence unit of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Korea, an organization whose primary role is to swiftly collect information and situational intelligence about enemies. But the incident proves the KDIC's poor management of its operatives and a lack of discipline. It is surprising that an officer surnamed Hwang, the present chief of the operations team, has been committing the anti-state act since 2013 by taking pictures of 100 classified documents with his mobile phone and selling them to the former chief, surnamed Hong, who then handed them over to a foreign diplomat. The KDIC were made aware of their alleged criminal activities in April by the National Intelligence Service, the country's top spy agency. The intelligence command belatedly conducted its own investigation into the two and fired Hwang, before asking the prosecutors' office to investigate the pair. The foreign diplomat stationed here who bought the secrets from Hong has already returned home. This case is not the first of its kind. The KDIC discovered last September that an Army captain leaked military secrets related to North Korea to a policewoman in her 30s, whom he had been acquainted with for years, through SMS. The military must conduct an inspection of all military organizations, including the KDIC, to ensure its national security posture is secure. The KDIC should make every effort to prevent a recurrence of such an incident to restore public trust. Success of summit depends on full denuclearization With only six days to go before the historic summit between the U.S. and North Korea, attention is focused on whether the leaders of the two nations can narrow their differences and agree on how to denuclearize the North. On Wednesday, the White House announced the summit will be held at the Capella Hotel in Singapore, June 12. The meeting is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. (local time). The hotel is located at a luxury resort on Sentosa Island. The announcement of the venue and time shows that Washington and Pyongyang have made substantial progress on the summit agenda. Some experts speculate that both sides have almost finished drafting a joint statement to be issued at the end of the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. We hope the U.S. and the North make thorough preparations, including the logistics and protocols, to make the summit a success not just in tone but in substance. What's most important is that Kim should agree to the full denuclearization of the North. The success of any negotiations usually depends on dialogue and compromise. There is no doubt the same goes for the Trump-Kim summit. So it is important for the two leaders to have a flexible attitude about the summit agenda. They also need to exercise their deal-making skills to the best of their ability. But one thing that cannot and should not be compromised is the full-fledged dismantling of the North's nuclear weapons. Now, critics in Washington and Seoul raise some concerns that President Trump might make too many concessions to the Kim regime during the summit. These concerns are more evident after Trump met with Kim's right-hand man Kim Yong-chol at the White House last Friday. He delivered a letter from Kim Jong-un to Trump. After the meeting, Trump managed to put the summit back on track after briefly cancelling it due to Pyongyang's bellicose rhetoric about hawkish U.S. officials' demand for a "Libyan model" for denuclearization. Since then Trump has shown a remarkable change in his hard-line stance. First, the U.S. leader said he would not use "maximum pressure," an apparent move to appease the Kim regime. Trump has also taken a step back from his demand for "complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID." He appeared to lower his expectations for the North to dismantle its nuclear arsenal swiftly and completely. In addition, Trump said it was likely that more than a single meeting would be necessary to achieve his goal of denuclearizing North Korea. This has prompted fear that Trump might repeat the mistakes of previous U.S. administrations, which failed to force the North to abandon its nuclear weapons program over the last 25 years. To quell these worries, President Trump should try to work out a comprehensive agreement on full denuclearization of the North in return for security guarantees for the Kim regime. He needs to keep in mind that no deal is better than a bad deal. By Bernard Rowan This week, I'm writing about some of the animals on South Korea's endangered species list to consider how South Korea might further its excellence as an advanced nation around environmental development. I read the DMZ, a site of much recent interest (and long-standing), is itself an excellent habitat for endangered species. I want to say something about why animals matter more than humans think they do. So many of Korea's folk legends involve the tiger, an animal I love to read about and consider in this way. The bear features in the Tangun myth. Cranes feature in the wonderful films of Im Kwon-taek, also symbolically important. It's an irony. All of them are endangered! Many endangered and threatened species occupy remote stretches of the DMZ. Earth's Endangered Creatures website (www.earthsendangered.com) lists the Asiatic Black Bear, Chinese Water Deer, Japanese Crane and North Pacific Whale as among many endangered species of animals. Eighty-one different species of various kinds appear on Korea's list. When I search Korea's recorded legislation on endangered species, I find little. The most-often discussed subject encouraging animal rights concerns agriculture canines and dog meat. Dogs aren't on the endangered list! However, the 2007 Animal Protection Act lacks enough safeguards and funding. The World Animal Protection Society gives Korea a grade of D in a recent Animal Protection Index for recognizing animal protection. South Korea doesn't support the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare. It rates low on engaging the World Organization for Animal Health and related standards, and for national education on animal care and protection. Koreans value animals, but the question concerns the responsible means to express their regard today. We exist with animals through ecosystems that provide everything we need to survive and thrive. Caring about endangered animals also represents self-care in this sense. Either from altruism or self-interest, most nations of the world need to improve. And yet, the march of human progress hasn't benefited these endangered species. Progress kills many animal and other species. The only way that this story doesn't continue rests with action by governments and peoples to increase funding for conservancy. Animal habitats need protection and salvaging. Humanity shouldn't pollute water and food stocks and what animals need to survive. Sometimes, that means leaving valuable land alone, but in most cases it means development with reason. Reason includes valuing the animals and other species on which we depend. It includes interventions to address problems and to correct them. When Trump and Kim meet, just as when their ministers have met, the issue of the DMZ as a protected habitat doesn't see much discussion. Sadly, our people worry more about weapons than the animals who make possible human existence, which includes the flourishing habitats of animals. Few realize that this blindness grounds grand conflicts of war. Maybe more peace will occur when this failure subsides. Setting aside lands inside the DMZ now by both countries should frame a step to peace. Like returning prisoners, talking about denuclearization, and ending sanctions, it'd point the two Koreas toward peace. The two Koreas as societies and governments know the way. The way existed before partition, before Japanese colonization, and before Chinese suzerainties. In all these times, the tiger, bear, leopard and crane flourished. They make up the deep past on which all the present supposed grandeurs and tragicomedies stand. Here's hoping our leaders don't forget the animals as we desperately struggle to distinguish ourselves, only to find we haven't done so at all. I think the two Koreas need to renew the effort to set aside part of the DMZ as a natural habitat for the many species that live in them. As amply documented on the web, this includes some endangered species. This is a small step for ending the Korean War. We can build momentum for other matters through respecting endangered animals. Bernard Rowan ( browan10@yahoo.com ) is associate provost for contract administration and professor of political science at Chicago State University. He is a past fellow of the Korea Foundation and former visiting professor at Hanyang University. Employees of Samsung Electronics, who will start their own startups with the support of the company, pose for a photo. The tech giant said Wednesday that the three in-house venture teams have been selected as the beneficiaries of its annual Creative Lab spinoff program. / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics By Jun Ji-hye Samsung Electronics will support its employees' foundation for startups through its Creative Lab (C-Lab) program designed to encourage a creative corporate culture, the firm said Wednesday. The C-Lab spinoff program, run by the tech giant's in-house incubator, was first introduced in August 2015 to nurture innovative ideas from its employees. The program selects extraordinary venture teams, comprised of Samsung employees, every year and helps them start their own businesses. Through the program, the firm has produced 34 startups so far. This year, three venture teams were selected to receive support. "The company will offer initial costs required to establish startups," a Samsung official said. The three teams are AGWART, CATCH FLOW and FOR MAKERS. AGWART has developed a "plant box" powered by internet of things (IoT) technology, enabling people to grow vegetables easily at home. Members of the team used the experience and knowledge they have accumulated while working at a department in charge of household appliances of the company. The plant box resembles a mini refrigerator. When users put seeds in the box, it automatically controls light, temperature, humidity and air quality to create the most optimal environment. Users can monitor the whole cultivation process using an app. The CATCH FLOW team has developed a subminiature portable directional speaker, "S-Ray," enabling only a user who is in front of the speaker to listen to the sound. The sound is not heard by other people around the speaker, the firm said, noting that the team has successfully miniaturized the speaker without sound quality degradation. The FOR MAKERS team has developed a data-based research platform, "AppBee," that helps survey companies find the most appropriate interviewees. Samsung said survey firms have had to spend much time and money to find suitable interviewees, noting that the platform will simplify the process and improve the reliability of the results of surveys. "Those who leave Samsung to found the startups can return to Samsung at any time if they want to," the official said. The company added the startups produced through the C-Lab spin-off program have consistently achieved good results. "Since the beginning of the program, about 130 Samsung employees have participated in the program and have founded 34 startups," said Lee Jai-il, chief of Samsung Electronics' Creativity & Innovation Center. "The number of employees recruited by such startups afterword has reached 170. We will continue to contribute to creating jobs by consistently encouraging our employees' startup businesses." By Jun Ji-hye KT has proposed a project to turn the Philippines' beach resort island of Boracay into a safer and more convenient location using the firm's ICT infrastructure during a meeting with Philippine government officials, the company said Wednesday. KT Chairman Hwang Chang-gyu proposed the "Smart Boracay" project while discussing measures to develop the Southeast Asian country's ICT infrastructure with its acting Information and Communications Technology Minister Eliseo Mijares Rio Jr, incoming ICT Minister Gregorio Honasan and Vice Environment Minister Jonas R. Leones. The meeting took place at KT's headquarters in central Seoul, Tuesday. Introducing KT's innovative smart energy and security systems, Hwang said the Smart Boracay project could be connected to the Philippine government's ongoing project to restore the island. In April, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the closure of the island of Boracay for up to six months for environmental purification. Since then, the country has been working to remove illegal buildings, and improve water supply and sewage systems as well as communication and electricity installations. Korea's biggest fixed-line internet operator and second-largest mobile carrier, suggested installing public Wi-Fi zones and intelligent closed-circuit televisions (CCTV) at port areas so that tourists can use the mobile internet more conveniently and enjoy safer travel. The company also proposed applying its smart energy management platform, KT-MEG. The firm noted that it has been in talks with officials from the Philippine government and private firms of the country to become a major partner in developing the country's ICT industry at a time when President Duterte is pushing for economic revival. "KT is actively pushing into the global market based on its innovative technologies in communication networks as well as smart energy and security," Chairman Hwang said. "If the Smart Boracay project is accepted by the Philippine government, it will be a great opportunity to promote Korea's advanced ICT to about 2 million tourists around the world every year." The China-made 2019 Volvo S90 sedan / Courtesy of Volvo Car Korea Volvo Car Korea CEO Lee Yoon-mo By Park Jae-hyuk LVMH Cosmetics' Korean affiliate has been ordered to stop selling and recall Dior Nail Glow, which is alleged to contain harmful substances, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said Tuesday. The ministry urged consumers, who bought the cosmetics product, to take the defective item back to the seller. LVMH Cosmetics is a perfume and cosmetics unit of LVMH, a French multinational luxury goods conglomerate which owns Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Dior, Fendi, TAG Heuer and Marc Jacobs. In Korea, LMVH Cosmetics is better known as an importer of luxury cosmetics brands, including Guerlain, Dior, Givenchy, Benefit, Make Up For Ever and Fresh. Dior Nail Glow has been popular with Korean consumers, who want to make their nails look brighter and "younger." The local affiliate has imported the product from the French-based manufacturer, Parfums Christian Dior. According to the authorities, the problematic products were found to contain fluorescent brightener 367. Commonly known as white dye, the chemical compound absorbs light in the ultraviolet and violet region of the electromagnetic spectrum, and re-emits light in the blue region by fluorescence. The additive is often used to enhance the appearance of the color of fabric and paper, causing a whitening effect. However, some brighteners can cause allergic reactions when in contact with skin, depending on the individual. Since concerns over the safety of the compound grew here in 2008, the Korean government has recommended manufacturers not to add the substance to products that can be absorbed into skin. "Although the United States and Europe have yet to prohibit manufacturers from adding fluorescent brightener to cosmetics, Korea has banned cosmetics manufacturers from using it, as a preemptive measure," an official of the ministry said. Some scientists categorize some types of fluorescent brightener as carcinogens, according to industry officials. In 2016, Lotte Mart voluntarily recalled its private labeled detergent for fruits and vegetables, after finding out the product containing fluorescent brightener. Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin By Jhoo Dong-chan Concerns are mounting over Lotte Group, which has been plagued with a leadership vacuum since February when its Chairman Shin Dong-bin was jailed for offering bribes to former President Park Geun-hye. Korea's fifth-largest business group needs to do its utmost to make inroads into foreign markets to overcome the worsening domestic sales in its confectionary and retail businesses, but major overseas investment plans have been suspended without its captain. Lotte Group anchors its hopes on the appeal hearing scheduled for October, but Shin's four-month absence has already piled up too much work in the pending tray. And another four months of the leadership void before the second trial could be fatal to the group's competitiveness, industry insiders say. "The group announced its plan to invest 3 trillion won ($2.8 billion) in its online business last month to overcome its stalled offline retail sales, but it has yet to execute the plan," said a Lotte Group official. Lotte Group also managed to completely withdraw its retail operation from China this year after sustaining heavy losses due to the Chinese government's economic retaliation against Seoul's deployment of a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in March last year, but has yet to come up with a follow-up plan to replace the Chinese market. The official said Shin's presence is crucial to the group's advance into other overseas markets. "Shin had met foreign government and business officials to push ahead with the group's major overseas projects, mainly in Southeast Asia, by himself. Without him, it's difficult for Lotte Group to see a decisive outcome." Shin's absence could also wage the second round of the family bout between Shin and his older brother Dong-joo for control of the nation's fifth-largest conglomerate. Dong-joo said he will take a vote on his plan to dismiss Dong-bin from the group's chairman post during Lotte Holding's upcoming general shareholder meeting this month. The older brother owns 33.3 percent of the voting rights. The official said it is "unlikely for Dong-joo to return to the group's management," but if Dong-bin receives a long jail sentence in the appeal trial, it will give renewed impetus to the feud between the brothers for control of the group. "It is not healthy anymore for a conglomerate to depend heavily on its head's presence," said an industry observer. "It should improve its management system based on board members' decision-making processes instead of its head's unilateral management." Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte / AFP Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has defended his kiss on the lips of a married Filipino woman in South Korea, and said he will resign if enough women are offended and sign a petition calling for him to step down. Duterte has described Sunday's kiss as "pure showbiz" intended to entertain a crowd of Filipino expatriates. Feminists called it his "perverted way" of taunting female critics who are angered by frequent derogatory comments, some of a sexual nature. "If there are enough women to ... Well I think if all women here would sign a petition for me to resign, I will resign," Duterte told a media briefing around midnight on Tuesday upon his return from an official visit to South Korea. Social media was abuzz with photos and videos of Duterte on stage asking an unidentified woman from an audience of Filipinos to kiss him in exchange for a book he was handing out. The woman, who appeared excited to see Duterte in person, agreed. Duterte enjoys a rock star status among Filipinos and has a cult-like following among those living overseas. He said kissing women was his "style" during his 22 years as a mayor in Davao City prior to becoming president. Mourners and relatives participate in the funeral of Juan Fernando Galindo, member of the National Coordinator for Disasters Reduction, in Alotenango, Guatemala, Tuesday (local time). / Reuters A rescue worker carries his search dog to another site near the Volcan de Fuego, or "Volcano of Fire," in the El Rodeo hamlet of Escuintla, Guatemala, Tuesday (local time). / AP Dead cows lie scattered amid volcanic ash in the disaster zone near the Volcan de Fuego, or "Volcano of Fire," in the El Rodeo hamlet of Escuintla, Guatemala, Tuesday (loca time). / AP Lilian Hernandez wept as she spoke the names of aunts, uncles, cousins, her grandmother and two great-grandchildren 36 family members in all missing and presumed dead in the explosion of Guatemala's Volcano of Fire. ''My cousins Ingrid, Yomira, Paola, Jennifer, Michael, Andrea and Silvia, who was just 2-years-old,'' the distraught woman said a litany that brought into sharp relief the scope of a disaster for which the final death toll is far from clear. What was once a collection of verdant canyons, hillsides and farms resembled a moonscape of ash, rock and debris on Tuesday in the aftermath of the fast-moving avalanche of super-heated muck that roared into the tightly knit villages on the mountain's flanks, devastating entire families. Two days after the eruption, the terrain was still too hot in many places for rescue crews to search for bodies or increasingly unlikely with each passing day survivors. By afternoon a new column of smoke was rising from the mountain and Guatemala's disaster agency said volcanic material was descending its south side, prompting an evacuation order and the closure of a nearby national highway. Rescuers, police and journalists hurried to leave the area as a siren wailed and loudspeakers blared, ''Evacuate!'' The new evacuation order set off a panic even in areas that were not under it. Dozens of people could be seen walking down roadsides carrying children or a few belongings beside paralyzed traffic in parts of Escuintla township south of the volcano. A lucky few, like retiree Pantaleon Garcia, was able to load his grandchildren into the back of a pickup with a jug of water and some food, to go to stay with relatives in another town. ''You have to be prepared, for the children,'' he said. Even in more distant central Escuintla, which hosts most of the shelters for those evacuated from other areas, businesses were closed as people left. On Sunday, when the volcano exploded in a massive cloud of ash and molten rock, Hernandez said her brother and sister ran to check on their 70-year-old grandmother on the family's plot of land in the village of San Miguel Los Lotes. ''She said that it was God's will, she was not going to flee,'' Hernandez said. ''She was unable to walk. It was hard for her to get around.'' Her brother and sister made it to safety, but their grandmother has not been seen again. Hernandez and her husband, Francisco Ortiz, survived because they moved out of Los Lotes just two months ago to begin a new life on a small plot of land. The couple has been staying at a Mormon church in the nearby city of Escuintla and going to a morgue there to await news. So far only the body of one relative, her 28-year-old cousin, Cesar Gudiel Escalante, has been recovered and identified. ''The people ended up buried in nearly 3 meters of lava,'' Ortiz said. ''Nobody is left there.'' Other families experienced similar tragedies. As President Jimmy Morales toured the area and met with survivors on Monday, a woman begged him to help her loved ones in Los Lotes. ''Mr. President, my family is missing. Send a helicopter to throw water over them because they are burning,'' she said. ''I have three children, a grandchild, and all my brothers, my mother, all my family are there. ... More than 20 have disappeared.'' The fast-moving flows with temperatures as high as 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit (700 Celsius) and hot ash and volcanic gases that can cause rapid asphyxiation caught many off guard. On Tuesday, it was clear that the official death toll was sure to climb and fears spread that anyone still stuck in the buried houses was dead and would remain entombed there. Guatemala's National Institute of Forensic Sciences raised the death toll Tuesday evening to 75. The institute said that 23 of those recovered bodies had been identified. Sergio Cabanas, director of the disaster agency, said Tuesday night at a news conference that 192 people were listed as missing. He said it was not immediately clear if some of those could be among the unidentified bodies. Officials are crossing-checking census data with aerial photos of homes, registers of people in shelters and lists of the missing and injured, Cabanas said. The only thing they did not yet have was information on the unidentified bodies, but would be adding that as it became available, he said. At a roadblock, Joel Gonzalez complained that police wouldn't let him through to see his family's house in the village of San Juan Alotenango, where his 76-year-old father lay buried in ash along with four other relatives. ''They say they are going to leave them buried there, and we are not going to know if it's really them,'' the 39-year-old farmer said. ''They are taking away our opportunity to say goodbye.'' A spokesman for Guatemala's firefighters said that once it reaches 72 hours after the eruption, there will be little chance of finding anyone alive. ''We don't rule out the possibility of some person alive, but the condition in which the homes are makes that possibility pretty unlikely,'' said the spokesman, Julio Sanchez, adding that some of the ash was still at temperatures between 750 and 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit (400 and 700 degrees Celsius). In the devastated town of El Rodeo, gray soot coated trees and homes and an ash-covered deer lay dead in the debris. Rescuers wearing hard hats, masks and goggles used shovels to dig through homes, unearthing at least one body burned beyond recognition. Amid the destruction, there was one glimmer of hope: The rescue of a black-and-white dog found alive in a home where four people lay dead. ''He is called Rambo,'' said volunteer firefighter Sergio Vazquez, who carried the dog on his shoulders to safety. ''It may be that this dog no longer has a family.'' Vazquez had no explanation for how the dog survived while the people died. Sanchez, the Conred spokesman, said many dogs and cats had been rescued with burns on their paws from the mud and ash, some blinded from the volcanic gases. ''Animals have a different sort of resistance ... and different behavior when it comes to finding refuge,'' Sanchez said. Only 17 of the bodies recovered so far have been identified due to the extreme heat that charred their features and burned off fingerprints, and authorities hope other means such as DNA testing can help. Authorities say at least 46 people were injured in the eruption, and 12 shelters were housing 1,877 people. The Guatemalan military said a U.S. Air Force plane was flying in Tuesday to take about a half-dozen children who suffered burns for treatment in Galveston, Texas. Lacking electricity in the hardest hit areas, emergency crews were carrying out rescue efforts during daylight hours and calling them off for safety reasons when darkness fell. As dawn broke Tuesday, the volcano continued to rattle with what Guatemala's Volcanology Institute said were eight to 10 moderate eruptions per hour _ vastly less intense than Sunday's big blasts. (AP) Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Thunderstorms early, overcast overnight with occasional rain. Low 58F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall may reach one inch.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, overcast overnight with occasional rain. Low 58F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall may reach one inch. Auburn, IN (46706) Today Isolated thunderstorms this evening. Cloudy with rain arriving overnight. Low 58F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall may reach one inch.. Tonight Isolated thunderstorms this evening. Cloudy with rain arriving overnight. Low 58F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall may reach one inch. "This is a weblog that is truly welcome in blogtopia a new blog doesn't seem to be frantically trying to score points for any party. That does NOT mean it's afraid to take a stand or be critical....You really can't predict exactly where The Debate Link will come down on all issues. It's not chanting anyone's mantra." -- The Moderate Voice "[A]n emerging genius in legal scholarship and commentary." -- Jim Chen "It's on my 1st cup of coffee rss feed." -- Hanno Kaiser "I heart this blog.... he referenced Wittgenstein, and it was entirely appropriate and non-pretentious." -- kath.A.rine "[F]unny, thoughtful, acclaimed ...." -- The Core Providence Imaging Center's Mobile Mammogram unit offers digital screening mammograms across Alaska, connecting women to cancer screening on and off the road system. Jodi Izykowski says she has been behind the wheel of the life-saving Mobile Mammogram van for about eight years. The unit travels to towns across Alaska from Talkeetna to the Kenai Peninsula, and along Alaskas Marine Highway Ferry System including Valdez and Cordova. Dr. Heather Tauschek, Providence Imaging Center Medical Director says 1 in 8 women will have breast cancer in their lifetime. Dr. Tauschek says women should start breast cancer screening between the ages of 40 and 45. The Mobile Mammography unit has state-of-the-art technology. "This is the best you can get. It is tomosynthesis. It is a 3D exam and provides slices of the tissues," said Izykowski. Izykowski says the 3D imaging provides a clear image to detect cancer quicker and easier. Three men will do at least 2 years in prison after pleading guilty to a string of armed robberies that happened in Anchorage in March of 2017. Anchorage prosecutors say Delander Owens was sentenced to two years and his brother Detallion Owens will do seven years. A third man, King Dunlap, who was a minor at the time the crimes were committed, was charged and tried as an adult, and was also sentenced to spend seven years behind bars. The crimes, which occurred from late January 2017 to mid-February 2017, included a home invasion robbery at gunpoint on Karluk Street, stealing the car of a pizza delivery man, robbing a UAA student at gunpoint in his mother's home, stealing that student's car, and then carjacking another man. Anchorage Assistant District Attorney Kevin Bergt told KTUU the three men didnt have criminal records but they were given the maximum sentences for their crimes given that they were the most severe they could be. Both of the Owens brothers and Dunlap pleaded guilty to their charges. How does RA President Armen Sarkissian evaluate protests in Stepanakert? The developments around the incident show that people of Karabakh are showing high political and civil consciousness In order to understand Armen Sarkissian's view on the Artsakh events, 168.am asked a question to the Public Relations Department of the RA Presidential Staff. The question and answer are presented below. Question: How does the RA President Armen Sarkissian evaluate the protests in Stepanakert? Answer: The President of Armenia welcomes the arrangements made with Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan, and the discontinuing of the protests in Stepanakertand based on the appeal by the Prime Minister of Armenia.President Sarkissian is in touch with the President of Artsakh and also consults with the former leadership and prominent people of Artsakh. The President expressed satisfaction that the Artsakh authorities quickly responded to the tragic incident, it was convicted, qualified as unacceptable and received a legal assessment. An Investigative Committee was set up in the National Assembly of Artsakh for comprehensive discussion of the situation. The developments around the incident show that the people of Karabakh are showing high political and civil consciousness. The President shares the assessment that internal stability, the unshakable foundations of the state, consistent enhancement of countrys security and defense capability are exclusive values for Artsakh, which can be achieved through the solution of socio-economic issues to ensure the peaceful conditions of life and the living conditions of Artsakh residents. S&P Improved the Outlook on Ameriabank to Positive Ararat Mirzoyan to visit to Minsk Foreign Minister of India visits the Memorial of Armenian Genocide 1217 new cases Google Ad Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group At UCOM only: Tv sets at 10% discount + 1 month free UMIX package + 4k tv channel Ameriabanks Special Offer for New Clients of Hrazdan Branch "Fall forward": Gurgen Khachatryan, the Co-Founder of the Galaxy Group of Companies, addressed a message to young people in Armenia UCOM hosted interns of Russian CBOSS corporation for a month The 20-episode Bloody bet thriller to be broadcast on Ucom's Armenia Premium TV channel Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group UCOM offers affordable gadgets at bigger discount Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan will pay a working visit to New York Governments preventing publication of Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper during state of emergency UCOM prolongs the unlimited internet offer for the level up 4700 and level up 5500 subscribers Google Ad Ucom employees received recognition for their services to the homeland Karen Vardanyan has allocated 105 million AMD to rescue the Yerevan Botanical Garden. "The Power of One Dram" to overcome childhood cancer Generation A 13 your chance to be the change President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan met with Russian Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Khovayev "uDays" special offer at Ucom: discounts for all smartphones and accessories for 2 days only For more than 3 hours, 50 or more Azerbaijani servicemen have blocked the interstate road Call on the international community for an adequate response against azerbaijani aggresssion Transformation and trust are important for success in modern banking. Artak Hanesyan UCOMS LEVEL UP 1700 REGIONAL TARIFF PLAN USERS TO RECEIVE MORE THAN THOSE IN YEREVAN Joint statement Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group Covid-19: 163 new cases in Armenia Sasna Tsrer brought to court room (video) Satisfying prosecutor of Sasna Tsrer group Mushegh Shushanyan's mediation, defendants were brought to the courtroom, a sanction was imposed on them, according to which they could not attend sessions for 10 hours. Varuzhan Avetisyan and Pavlik Manukyan, members of Sasna Tsrer group, made speeches by noting that the proceedings should be conducted in a constructive environment. Judge Mesrop Makyan stressed that throughout the whole course the court tried to provide such an environment. Defender Mushegh Shoushanyan had another petition and suggested changing his client Areg Kyureghyan's precautionary measure. The deputies of the Yelk (Way out) faction have guaranteed that the defendant will appear in court and will not tolerate the proceedings. Judge Mesrop Makyan mentioned that in such cases there is a special procedure, after which they can discuss that. Now a break is announced. Its no secret the FBI is headquartered at the J. Edgar Hoover building in Washington, DC. What few realize, however, is that, every summer from 1953 through 1971, it was headquartered in La Jolla for two weeks and sometimes longer. During the Del Mar Racetrack season, J. Edgar himself stayed here, at the storied Hotel Del Charro, once located on four acres near the intersection of La Jolla Canyon (now Torrey Pines Road) and the part of Ardath Road that is now La Jolla Parkway. Other regulars who could afford the resorts $100-per-night bill in 1960 included movie stars (John Wayne and Elizabeth Taylor), TV stars (Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz), future presidents (Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon) and billionaires (Howard Hughes and Del Webb). Hoagy Carmichael once played Stardust on the piano by the kidney-shaped pool. But Hoover managed to outshine them all. He and FBI associate director Clyde Tolson typically held court with high-profile friends at their perpetually reserved poolside table a short walk from their perpetually reserved Bungalow A. (There were seven private cabins.) Ditto when they dined in the Jacaranda Room, built around a giant jacaranda tree, on culinary masterpieces made to order by Chef Karl M. Thaler. Vice President Richard Nixon, from left, U.S. Congressman Bob Wilson and J. Edgar Hoover chat poolside at the Hotel Del Charro in 1956. SAN DIEGO HISTORY CENTER Hoover and his partner were always perfectly dressed individuals suit and tie, said Steve Alkazin, who worked as a Del Charro valet from 1958 to 1963, parking fancy new Lincolns, Cadillacs and Jaguars across Torrey Pines Road on the vacant lot that has since become Fire Station 9. Hoover would always say good evening when he walked by, Alkazin said. Then (Hollywood gossip reporter) Walter Winchell would come up later and ask me if I had seen Hoover. Hotel history The hotel was opened in 1948 by owner J.R. Marechal as the Rancho Del Charro (Cowboy Ranch), incorporating the 1931 structure and riding facilities of its predecessor on the property, the La Jolla Riding Stables. Hoover and Tolson became permanent summer fixtures after Hoovers friend, Texas oil tycoon Clint Murchison, took over in 1953, greatly expanding and rebranding it the Hotel Del Charro, crafting bungalows out of its stables. According to author Anthony Summers, writing in 1993s Official and Confidential: The Secret Life of J. Edgar Hoover, former FBI agent Harry Whidbee was in charge of meeting Hoovers requirements for Bungalow A each summer, which included a direct phone line to Washington for him to conduct FBI business every day. Inside the bungalow which sported three bedrooms, two baths, a living room, kitchen and two patios Hoover and Tolson reportedly also took secret meetings with people like Arthur Samish, a Sacramento lobbyist strongly rumored to have mafia ties, and other shadowy leaders of legal and illegal industry. As syndicated columnist Jack Anderson reported in 1970, Hoover stayed at the Hotel Del Charro at the same time some of the nations most notorious gamblers and rackateers have been registered there. Writing in his 1993 autobiography, In Historys Shadow: An American Odyssey, Del Charro regular John Connally who went on to become the governor of Texas and take one of the bullets meant to kill President John F. Kennedy in Dallas observed that Hoover tried to avoid the mobsters who also enjoyed their afternoons of horse racing, but a few of them he got along with quite well. One day in 1961 or 1962, Don Dewhurst recalls being asked to take a paid gig in Hoovers posse up at the racetrack. Back then, the chairman of Dewhurst & Associates construction company was a 19-year-old University of Redlands student, working on summer breaks at the valet-parking gig that Alkazin, his fellow 1959 La Jolla High School graduate, recommended him for. Don Dewhurst was a Del Charro parking valet when he was 19. COREY LEVITAN Art Forbes, who was the general manager, was asked by Hoover to find half a dozen guys to go up to the races with him, Dewhurst said. He had his bodyguards, but he wanted a little bigger contingent of people for the box he had up there. Dewhurst said he was overjoyed by the prospect of such an historic assignment, much more so than his parents were. They put their foot down when their son told him he would need to buy a gun because everybody he was with had guns. Dewhurst added: I dont think they wanted me hanging out at the racetrack all day, either. Not all the criminals at the Del Charro were invited guests, according to Dewhurst. Two robberies, in fact, occurred at the hotel while Hoover was in residence. My understanding is somebody came in, held up the hotel clerk and took money out of the cash register, Dewhurst said. And then, in another case, there was a cabana around the back and some gal was staying there and had all these jewels in there. Someone broke in and took all that stuff. Last resort It was Anderson, writing in that same 1970 column, who broke the news that Hoover and Tolson never paid a single Del Charro room bill; that all were comped by Murchison over the years, to the tune of $15,000. Author Curt Gentry writing in the 1991 book J. Edgar Hoover: The Man and The Secrets speculated that this special treatment bought Murchison advance warning about oil regulations and other federal actions. (Author Summers went so far as to suggest that two FBI agents paid a visit to Al Hart, owner of the Del Mar Racetracks seasonal lease, after Hart refused to sell the lease to Murchison and his business partner, Sid Richardson, and that Hart ended up changing his mind.) Only the name remains to remind people of the internationally famous resort that once stood on the site of this condo complex. COREY LEVITAN Hoover returned for one final Del Charro summer in 1971. Murchison had died two years earlier, and the hotel began declining in the hands of a new owner. In 1973, it met its end the year after Hoover did. Its buildings were demolished and replaced by the cookie-cutter complex of 70 condos that stands there today: Del Charro Woods. Some trees were all that were salvaged, thanks to pressure at the time from the La Jolla Town Council, but the famous Jacaranda Room showpiece wasnt even among them. It was sad, said Alkazin, who now lives in rural Washington State. It was an important part of my experience as a young guy. But Alkazin said he understood the inevitability. It was a seasonal operation, he said. Racetrack time, it was packed to the gills with the rich and famous. Wintertime, it was a ghost town. La Valencia was smack in the middle of town, but not much was around the Del Charro. It made a ton of money for three months out of the year, then there was nobody there. Coincidentally, Dewhurst found himself back on the site in 1985 or 1986, in his current occupation as a contractor. He was hired to perform maintenance work that he could barely keep his mind on due to the rush of memories. We went in and put in all new drainage and landscaping and steps, the whole shebang, Dewhurst said. I was thinking, OK, the pool was over here and the cabanas were back here. The former Nautilus Professional Building at 6902 La Jolla Blvd. which was built in 1964 and has traditionally housed dental and other medical offices will reopen in early 2019 as a mixed-use luxury apartment complex with 15 one- and two-bedroom rentals, all with ocean views, and street-level retail space. The 18,330-square-foot property also known as 470 Nautilus St. was sold last November by Lsref4 Dual LLC, a privately held Dallas, Texas company, to a San Diego concern called Hillcrest Veritas L.P. for $9.15 million along with the adjacent commercial building at 6980 La Jolla Blvd. Hillcrest Veritas, the Light has learned, is the real-estate investment subsidiary of the Murfey Company, the contractor that began the buildings multimillion-dollar renovation in April. We specialize in development, investment and construction, said president Russ Murfey, who co-owns the company with his brother, Scott. We build, own and operate multi-home properties. Murfey, who grew up with his brother in Bird Rock, described the former Nautilus Professional Building as a blight for well over 20 years.Ive probably driven by this building a couple hundred thousand times, he said. The previous owners essentially did nothing. Just making a positive visual impact in the neighborhood and creating a new vibe in the area I think is important. Murfey said that parking spaces for the new residential tenants would be in the back. I dont know the exact count right now, but more than one space per unit, he said. The Murfey Company is not only performing the conversion of the former offices at 6902 La Jolla Blvd. to apartments; its the buildings new owner. Former office tenants whose leases were not renewed include dentists Drs. Tiffany Phi and Gerald Miyamoto, who relocated their joint practice to Carlsbad, and Dr. Nick Pavlov, who relocated his to Vista. The Light couldnt reach them for their opinion about the conversion. However, it did reach another former tenant who described herself as very happy about it. I think its great for the community, said Sara Sas, who operated the Holistic Traditions acupuncture clinic out of the Nautilus Professional Building from 2002-2010. Sas, a WindanSea resident, said she moved her business to her current location (7759 Herschel Ave., Suite B) because the Nautilus Professional Building was disgusting and because rats and trash were piling up. Honestly, years ago, I had a gentleman say, Oh, youre in the building that needs to be torn down, Sas added. Murfey said that 6980 La Jolla Blvd., which has housed the Liquor Box for years, will get some sprucing up, but not a heavy renovation, and a representative for the Liquor Box confirmed that the local institution would remain there for the foreseeable future. (That building was built in 1970 with 6,758 square feet of space and, according to Murfey, was always owned together with its next-door neighbor.) Ground-floor retail space at the former Nautilus Professional Building previously occupied by retail tenants including Elegance Nails & Spa and La Jolla Cleaners will return to retail or some sort of commercial use, Murfey said, adding that its 5,000 square feet can go either to one big store or several small ones. Our goal is to find a cool, creative, neighborhood-serving use that people are going to be proud of and something they can frequent as part of the community, Murfey said, adding that Flocke & Avoyer Commercial Real Estate is currently seeking takers. Murfey said he has no name for the renovated building yet, but is thinking of something centered on Nautilus or the local beach community. He said hes open to suggestions. The La Jolla Beach Travelodge is hitting the road. The good news is that the motel operating since 1958 at 6750 La Jolla Blvd. wont be replaced by another McMansion. It will be upgraded to a luxury boutique hotel, called The Shoal, with no major exterior modifications. (The Travelodge was last renovated in 2000.) Last year, Travelodge owner the Smith Family Trust sold the hotel to Kamla, a small chain of 15 California hotels headquartered in Cerritos. (Kamlas other San Diego properties include the Pacific View Inn and La Quinta Sea World.) The iconic La Jolla Travelodge sign enjoys its last days. COREY LEVITAN Terms of the sale were not disclosed by either party. But Kamla, which took over in April, says the conversion to The Shoal will be complete by this fall. (All Kamla boutique hotels are individually named, and a shoal is a school of fish swimming together.) When we saw the hotel, we immediately had a vision for what it could be, and we knew we had to make it something great, Kamla chairman/CEO Dev Patel wrote in an email to the Light. Patel said he and his team spent considerable time diving into the La Jolla area and lucked into finding this amazing location with a wonderful team of La Jolla locals. (A Kamla rep indicated that all motel staff would be retained by The Shoal.) Workers install new plumbing into the stripped-bare walls of Room 203 in what will soon be The Shoal. COREY LEVITAN Although many of its 44 rooms are now being gutted to their bones as the Light witnessed on a recent tour the transitioning property remains open, renting out a mix of new and old rooms. (The new rooms all have super-high-end fixtures and amenities.) The exterior will receive only a facelift, including new wood and paint. We are so thrilled to watch the hotel transform into a modern, eco-friendly, boutique destination, Patel wrote. The Shoal was a passion project for our whole team. This rendering of how the hotel's renovated rooms will look was provided by The Shoal. COURTESY Travelodge began as a budget motel chain (originally spelled TraveLodge) in San Diego in 1940. It was acquired in 1996 by a company (HFS) that later merged into another company (Cendant) and spun off the brand as part of Wyndham Worldwide in 2006. The Shoal conversion is viewed as a big positive for La Jolla by resident and activist Mike Costello. Its actually a nice thing to see, Costello said, taking an existing building and modernizing and making it a nicer visiting experience. And its nice that theyre not tearing the whole thing down and putting the community through the ordeal of a demolition. Of course, you cant please everyone. The Travelodge averaged about $200 a weekend night, while The Shoals website (www.theshoallajolla.com) is currently charging $289 (with a discount of $20 for Wyndham rewards members). It hurts my heart to realize we probably wont get to go there again because we wont be able to afford it, said Mike Hawes, a retired facilities manager from Tucson who has stayed at the La Jolla Beach Travelodge with his wife, Sharon, twice a year since they got married in 1980. S&P Improved the Outlook on Ameriabank to Positive Ararat Mirzoyan to visit to Minsk Foreign Minister of India visits the Memorial of Armenian Genocide 1217 new cases Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group At UCOM only: Tv sets at 10% discount + 1 month free UMIX package + 4k tv channel Ameriabanks Special Offer for New Clients of Hrazdan Branch "Fall forward": Gurgen Khachatryan, the Co-Founder of the Galaxy Group of Companies, addressed a message to young people in Armenia UCOM hosted interns of Russian CBOSS corporation for a month The 20-episode Bloody bet thriller to be broadcast on Ucom's Armenia Premium TV channel Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group UCOM offers affordable gadgets at bigger discount Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan will pay a working visit to New York Governments preventing publication of Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper during state of emergency UCOM prolongs the unlimited internet offer for the level up 4700 and level up 5500 subscribers Google Ad Ucom employees received recognition for their services to the homeland Karen Vardanyan has allocated 105 million AMD to rescue the Yerevan Botanical Garden. "The Power of One Dram" to overcome childhood cancer Generation A 13 your chance to be the change President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan met with Russian Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Khovayev "uDays" special offer at Ucom: discounts for all smartphones and accessories for 2 days only For more than 3 hours, 50 or more Azerbaijani servicemen have blocked the interstate road Call on the international community for an adequate response against azerbaijani aggresssion Transformation and trust are important for success in modern banking. Artak Hanesyan UCOMS LEVEL UP 1700 REGIONAL TARIFF PLAN USERS TO RECEIVE MORE THAN THOSE IN YEREVAN Joint statement Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group Covid-19: 163 new cases in Armenia Oprah Winfrey has selected Anthony Ray Hintons prison memoir The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row as the latest pick for her popular book club. Winfrey revealed her newest choice on CBS This Morning on Tuesday, with Hinton in attendance. I hope every person who can hear our voice today buys this book, Winfrey said. Its a true story of this mans anguish and the fact that he was mistreated and misjudged. Hinton was convicted in Alabama of the 1985 murders of two restaurant employees and sentenced to death. In 2014, after years of appeals, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered that he be retried, ruling that Hintons defense attorney had selected an unqualified ballistics expert witness. The following year, prosecutors dismissed the charges against him. After his release, he told reporters, The sun does shine. I want you to know there is a God. He sits high, but he looks low. He will destroy, but yet he will defend, and he defended me. Advertisement The Sun Does Shine, co-written with Lara Love Hardin, quickly shot up the bestseller charts at Amazon. As of Wednesday morning, it was ranked at No. 2 among all books at the online retailer. Winfrey discussed The Sun Does Shine in a video on her book club website, noting that she usually picks novels and not memoirs. This story reads like an epic novel, she said. He is a remarkable storyteller, and when you read it, you will be swept away into this unbelievable, dramatic true story. Anthony Ray Hinton, center, when he was released from prison in 2015. (Bob Farley / EPA ) In an interview with Winfrey, Hinton said he started a book club while on death row. Most of the guys I was in with had dropped out of school in seventh or eighth grade, Hinton said. I knew books would open their minds. I convinced the warden to let me do it. For the first, I chose Go Tell It on the Mountain. The Sun Does Shine is the second Oprah book club pick in a row to tell the story of a man convicted of a crime he didnt commit. Her last choice, Tayari Jones novel An American Marriage, dealt with a couple torn apart after the man is wrongfully imprisoned for a sexual assault. The Federal Trade Commission will require Northrop Grumman Corp. to erect a firewall between the solid rocket motor business it gets by acquiring Orbital ATK Inc. and the rest of its operations to address concerns that the acquisition would be anti-competitive. That is part of a proposed settlement, released Tuesday, of an FTC complaint alleging that the acquisition would reduce competition for U.S. government missile systems contracts. The FTC said the companies have agreed to the conditions in the proposed settlement. The conditions were part of the FTCs clearance of the acquisition, Northrop Grumman said. The acquisition closed Wednesday, and Orbital ATK is now Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems. It will be led by Blake Larson, who previously served as Orbitals chief operating officer. Advertisement Northrop Grumman is one of four companies capable of providing missile systems, while Orbital is one of two U.S. manufacturers of the solid-rocket motors used to power missiles and rockets, according to the complaint. The other manufacturer is Aerojet Rocketdyne. Northrop Grumman, based in Falls Church, Va., must also sell solid-rocket motors to all competitors for missile contracts on a non-discriminatory basis. Its adherence to the settlement will be monitored by a compliance officer appointed by the Defense Department, according to an FTC statement. The proposed settlement will be subject to public comment until July 5, after which the FTC will choose whether to modify or withdraw it. The order will remain in place for 20 years. The aerospace giant announced last year that it would buy Dulles, Va.-based Orbital for $7.8 billion. The European Commission approved the acquisition in February. samantha.masunaga@latimes.com Twitter: @smasunaga UPDATES: June 6, 2:20 p.m.: This article was updated with details of the acquisitions close. This article was originally published on June 5. Employees of Google parent Alphabet Inc. are teaming with investors in a push to tie executive pay to progress on workplace diversity. Irene Knapp, a software engineer for the web-search giant, will present a proposal at Wednesdays annual shareholder meeting in Mountain View, Calif., on behalf of Zevin Asset Management, which submitted the measure. Theyre requesting Alphabet consider related metrics in incentive plans, with a focus on diversity and inclusion in the workforce. Criticism has grown internally that executives arent doing enough to address workplace harassment, said Liz Fong-Jones, a longtime employee who has backed a petition to create better policies and procedures, including cracking down on malicious leaks that have targeted individuals. Those concerns came to the fore after another engineer, James Damore, wrote a 3,000-word memo assailing the companys affirmative action policies and suggesting that women are biologically less qualified than men for tech jobs. He was fired, and he sued Alphabet for wrongful termination. In a separate lawsuit last year, the company was accused of paying women less than their male peers. Advertisement Executives can be motivated by money, Fong-Jones said. There needs to be a clear signal from the shareholders that they value inclusion. Google promotes lively internal communication, letting staffers complain about anything from the quality of the snacks in the micro-kitchens to workplace sexual harassment, sexism, bigotry or racism. However, it has been rare for employees to speak out publicly against the company. This is changing as Google has grown and become entwined in increasingly controversial matters. More than 4,000 employees recently demanded that the companys artificial intelligence technology not be used for military purposes. Several staffers resigned, Google said it would let a Pentagon artificial intelligence contract expire next year, and Chief Executive Sundar Pichai is preparing an ethical charter for Googles artificial intelligence this week, in part to appease staff concerns. Speaking out during Alphabets annual shareholder meeting is also highly unusual for Google workers. Both episodes highlight the growing power of the companys employees. Google relies on talented engineers and spends a lot of time and money keeping them. That gives workers more leverage. Alphabet investors dont necessarily have that much clout with the company. At shareholder meetings, they typically bring proposals on a wide variety of issues, including pay, environmentalism and the firms political positions. Executives hear them out, then reject the proposals, showing that the company is still firmly controlled by its founders. Although executives this year are more attuned to grievances, particularly those from employees, Zevins proposal has little chance of passing, given that Googles billionaire co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin have more than half the voting power. In opposing the plan, the company said in a filing that it wouldnt enhance Alphabets existing commitment to corporate sustainability, noting that Page collects a salary of just $1 a year. A spokeswoman said the firm had no comment beyond the statement in the filing. Proxy advisors Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. and Glass Lewis & Co. are split on the proposal. ISS supports it while opposing the nominations of compensation committee members L. John Doerr and K. Ram Shriram due to poor stewardship and a lack of performance-conditioned compensation. Glass Lewis said it believes the company already considers such initiatives in its business decisions. Alphabets other top executives get salaries and perks and participate in the companys incentive plans. Over the last three years, Pichai and Chief Financial Officer Ruth Porat have received reported pay of $302 million and $70.8 million, respectively, most of it from stock grants, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Those awards dont factor in performance metrics. Tech companies are hardly leaders in this area, but some are more committed than others. Microsoft Corp. has about 17% of annual bonuses linked to culture and organization leadership goals, which include promoting diversity. Intel Corp.s annual cash bonuses are tied in part to diversity-based hiring and retention goals. Qualcomm Inc. and IBM Corp. mention inclusion considerations in their qualitative assessments of executives pay. Investors care about environmental, social and governance issues, said Andy Jack, a partner at Covington & Burling in Washington, where he co-chairs the law firms Clean Energy and Climate industry group. Boards and compensation committees would be well advised to review their companys published ESG [environmental, social and governance] targets, understand how the targets relate to the companys overall business strategy and reflect on whether compensation programs should incorporate any specific incentives to promote achievement of the ESG goals, Jack said. Ritcey and Barr write for Bloomberg. An investor groups deal to buy former Tronc Chairman Michael Ferros entire stake in the newspaper chain has fallen through. In April, Ferro struck the deal to sell his 25.6% stake in Tronc which owns the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune and other newspapers for $208.6 million to McCormick Media. Ferro owned the shares personally and through his Merrick Media and Merrick Venture Management entities. That purchase agreement priced Ferros more than 9 million shares of Tronc at $23 each. Ferro had the option to terminate the deal and receive a $1-million fee if it didnt close by May 15 or five days after federal antitrust regulators signed off on the transaction. In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday, Ferro said he terminated the purchase agreement because of a breach of its obligations by the buyer, McCormick Media. Advertisement A source familiar with the proposed transaction said Tuesday that McCormick Media was unable to fully finance the transaction. The deal fell apart as Troncs $500-million sale of the Los Angeles Times and San Diego Union-Tribune to Los Angeles biotech billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong, announced in February, has yet to close. McCormick Media is headed by Sargent McCormick, a distant relative of the family that built the Tribune media empire nearly a century ago. Last month, McCormick legally changed his last name from Collier. Other named investors in McCormick Media include John Lynch, former chief executive of the San Diego Union-Tribune, and Clancy Woods, a longtime radio executive who once ran the Sporting News Radio Network. Despite the challenges, we are continuing to work with partners on ways to complete the acquisition, McCormick said in an emailed statement to the Tribune after the SEC filing. Shares of Tronc have been trading less than $18 for nearly a month. They closed Tuesday at $17.01, up 1.6%. Tronc spokeswoman Marisa Kollias said Tuesday that the agreement between Ferro and McCormick Media was a private transaction not involving the company and declined further comment. A technology entrepreneur who previously owned the Chicago Sun-Times, Ferro became the largest shareholder and nonexecutive chairman of Tribune Publishing in February 2016. Ferro stepped down from the board of Tronc in late March, just hours before Fortune published a story online that reported allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior toward two women while in his previous role as head of a Chicago investment firm. Channick writes for the Chicago Tribune RELATED Tronc buys Virginian-Pilot newspaper in Norfolk Tronc recognizes Chicago Tribune newsroom union Tronc still weeks away from LA Times sale, executives say The Trump administration is putting the finishing touches on a deal with ZTE Corp. that would allow the Chinese telecom equipment maker to resume purchases from its American suppliers, according to two people familiar with the matter. U.S. and Chinese officials are still finalizing the details and any deal could still fall apart, according to one of the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. Reuters earlier on Tuesday reported that ZTE had signed an agreement in principle that would allow the crippled company to resume operations. A U.S. Commerce Department spokesman said no definitive deal has been signed by the two parties. The U.S. blocked ZTEs access to U.S. suppliers in April, saying the company violated a 2017 sanctions settlement related to trading with Iran and North Korea and then lied about the violations. The company announced it was shutting down just weeks after the ban was announced. Advertisement President Trump reversed course last month, saying that as a personal favor to Chinese President Xi Jinping he was reconsidering penalties on ZTE. Trump later said his administration would allow the company to stay in business after paying a $1.3-billion fine, changing its management and board and providing high-level security guarantees. Trump has said U.S. technology companies have been hurt by the sanctions. ZTE depends on U.S. components, including Qualcomm Inc. chips, to build its smartphones and networking equipment. Trumps softening drew immediate resistance from both Republican and Democratic members of Congress, who are pressing for stiffer restrictions on ZTE and even considering action to block Trump from reversing the sales ban. Republican Sen. Marco Rubio was among the most vocal critics, calling the firm a security risk for the U.S. The news on Tuesday that a deal was close sparked a renewed outcry from lawmakers. If the reports are true, Trump has put China, not the United States, first, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Twitter. By letting ZTE off the hook, the president who roared like a lion is governing like a lamb when it comes to China. Congress should move in a bipartisan fashion to block this deal right away. The U.S. is in the midst of trade talks with China to avoid a tariff dispute from escalating into a full-blown trade war. While the Trump administration has said the ZTE situation is a separate issue from the trade row, China made easing the ZTE sanctions a precondition to engaging on U.S. demands last month as the trade talks got started. Composer Michael Hersch, who battled cancer in 2007 at age 36, was composing an elegy to a close friend who died of ovarian cancer at 45 when he got the news: His wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was such a surreal experience, Hersch said. There are a lot of collisions that are hard to explain. This is not a normal situation. Were talking about people getting cancer in their 30s and 40s. Herschs elegy to his friend, titled I hope we get a chance to visit soon, premieres Friday night at the Ojai Music Festival. The composer said that while he was writing the music, his wifes daily life as a patient began mirroring the email correspondence from his friend, historian Mary OReilly. Her messages, from the onset of her cancer in 2003 until her death in 2009, serve as the primary text of the libretto. I hope we get a chance to visit soon also uses poetry by astronomer and writer Rebecca Elson, who died in 1999 at age 39 of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Hersch also takes fragments from the poetry of the late Christopher Middleton. Advertisement Through words, Middleton was doing what I wish to accomplish in music, Hersch said. Theres something about the concision. Herschs I hope we get a chance to visit soon employs two sopranos (the Ojai premiere features Ah Young Hong and Kiera Duffy) and nine members of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra led by Tito Munoz. In his 2012 monodrama, On the Threshold of Winter, Hersch also dealt with serious illness and death, conflating his and OReillys two concurrent experiences, while also adapting texts from The Bridge by the late Romanian poet Marin Sorescu, who died of liver cancer. Winter is a far more abstract piece, Hersch said. Theres a fantastical element to a lot of Sorescus texts. If you look away for a moment, you may not realize that the libretto is about illness and the effects of that illness. By contrast, Hersch said the immediacy of the texts from OReilly, and from Elsons poems, in I hope we get a chance to visit soon, confront mortality head on. You cant remove yourself from the circumstances that these two women are going through, Hersch said. You cant escape the narrative, colored by my own experience of surgeries and radiation treatments 10 years ago, of two extraordinary women cut down in their prime. For Patricia Kopatchinskaja, music director of the Ojai festival this year, Herschs uncompromising music offers only unconditional surrender. Thats what makes it compelling, terrifying and necessary, Kopatchinskaja said by email. Working with him is like fighting for the same bloody and only one truth. Hearing how he plays his music on piano, you understand immediately what he wants a complete and absolute devotion, on the edge between life and death. For Hersch, I hope we get a chance to visit soon allows him to use his art to connect to others who have found themselves in inconceivable circumstances. When theyve lost someone they care deeply about, most people understand the omnipresence of this emptiness, Hersch said. You feel a lack, and theres no emotional or psychological position you can take that mitigates that sensation. Herschs wife, Karen Klaiber Hersch, a classics professor at Temple University, completed treatment in February as Hersch was finishing the score. Wife and husband are now both cancer-free. I simply believed Mary would beat it, Hersch said. I go with my feelings, and the fact is I miss this person a great deal. . See all of our latest arts news and reviews at latimes.com/arts. When the time came to cast the 4-year-old titular character for A Kid Like Jake, director Silas Howard made a proclamation: Id love to have an actor who loves dresses and beautiful things, he said. Id love Jake to be a princess-loving boy [in real life]. Given that the film, opening in Los Angeles on June 8, deals with how the parents of a gender nonconforming child cope with societys thoughts about their kid, it seemed to Howard a necessary, if unusual, choice. They found 5-year-old Leo James Davis, a child actor who likes to play with dolls, has an occasional affinity for ball gowns and dresses and whose favorite color is pink. I think that realness is important for us to know what were protecting on the set, Howard said. Advertisement If we can just give everyone a little more space to just be, we would have so many more innovators and artists and incredible societies... Danielle Super Adapted by Daniel Pearle from his own critically acclaimed play (in which the titular child did not appear on stage), A Kid Like Jake, stars Jim Parsons and Claire Danes as a Brooklyn couple who have always known their son loved things more associated with girls. But when Jakes preschool director, played by Octavia Spencer, points out that his gender transgressive play may be more than a phase, the couple rethinks their parenting skills and relationship. When Pearles script first came to Parsons, the Big Bang star and his husband, Todd Spiewak, were looking for a small film to help launch their production company, Thats Wonderful Productions. They were attracted to how Pearle wrote dialogue. I love the way Daniel has people talk to each other, said Parsons, who also serves as producer. The more heated arguments feel so organic and so honest. I wanted to play those words and to be part of those conversations. They were also intrigued by how the elephant in the room was not the biggest thing in the script. Despite the title, the film does not focus on Jake. Instead, its about how the parents and their community responds and in turn, as Howard said, protecting the ambiguity around gender expression. It was counter intuitive for me to have a gender-expansive character that was not featured prominently on the screen, said Howard, whose work often centers on transgender and gender nonconforming narratives. But because of the age of Jake, I felt very committed to not putting the camera on Jake. At that age, its about the worlds impression of Jake and the anxieties society has that doesnt make it easy navigating it with a small child. Producer and star Jim Parsons, back right, and director Silas Howard stand behind Leo James Davis and his parents, Danielle Super-Davis and Mike Davis. (Jennifer S. Altman / For The Times ) Howard didnt want to allow the audience to decide and think about the childs gender, choosing instead to point the camera on what I saw the problem to be, he said. The problem in the script became more real when they cast Leo as Jake and discovered the battle that his parents, Danielle Super-Davis and Michael Davis, faced as they enrolled him in kindergarten. School officials believed that Leo might be facing sexual abuse at home and the Administration for Childrens Services showed up at the familys house one night with the police. After a two-month investigation, the allegations were determined by New York State to be unfounded. The very binary way that public school keeps order and sorts kids boys over here and girls over there its crushing to anybody who does not conform to what they need to keep order, Super-Davis said. Unfortunately, kids freedom of expression was so frightening to them that they called complaints on us. Last August, the family filed a lawsuit with the New York City Commission on Human Rights, alleging that the school created a hostile environment for their son based on stereotypes about gender expression and sexual abuse. When you are a parent of a child who will be crushed by that system, if you dont stand up for them, you are complicit in their crushing, Super-Davis continued. By virtue of the fact that we werent willing to let them crush him, it was a very negative situation for our family. Our goal all along the way, as we watched Leo emerge , was to support him and get out of the way, added Davis, to give him what he needs, love him and get out of the way. But sometimes broader society, and its gendered expectations, prevents that. And as the film explores, parents can come into conflict over allowing their children to express themselves, especially when there are concerns about society not accepting those expressions. One potential lesson from A Kid Like Jake, Howard said, is that this is still an ongoing occurrence and we need to model for parents how to do it, how to protect their kids, better. Parsons added: When you stop theorizing about something and bring it down to the other human being next to you all of this has more and more gravity and weight to it. Thats good. As for the Davis couple, whose real-life experiences far surpass that of the fictional parents in the film, their hope is that audiences will walk away with an understanding, albeit surface-level, of what true support and protection looks like. The shame and the fear gets thrust upon us, Super-Davis said. If we can just give everyone a little more space to just be, we would have so many more innovators and artists and incredible societies... Davis interrupted: And people who dont come up outwardly or inwardly hating. Get your life! Follow me on Twitter (@TrevellAnderson) or email me: trevell.anderson@latimes.com. Sydney Pollacks 1975 film Three Days of the Condor, adapted from author James Gradys 1974 conspiracy thriller Six Days of the Condor, has now become a miniseries, simply titled Condor. Like a game of telephone each has something to do with the previous version, while turning into something quite different. At their shared core is the story of a more or less regular guy who has discovered something or a fraction of something that has him running for his life, while antagonistically tied to a woman he must convince of his innocence. (Alfred Hitchcock built a few films on this armature.) Certain other key incidents, and some stray lines of dialogue, make the cut into this largely enjoyable new iteration on Audience Network via DirecTV and AT&T U-verse, but I will leave them vague in case this territory is all new to you. At the same time, knowledge of earlier Condor properties is not a reliable guide to exactly where this one, which adds volumes of new material, is headed. The regular person is Joe Turner (Max Irons, in a part previously occupied by Robert Redford), a CIA analyst who reports an intriguing pattern to his superiors, kicking off a chain of calamitous events. (Condor was Turners code name in the original; unless I missed it, the word has no context here.) The woman is Kathy Hale (Katherine Cunningham, succeeding Faye Dunaway), a bystander who becomes his unwilling host and hostage after things go south. If the new stars lack the widescreen glamour of their predecessors, they fill as much of the screen as they need to, and play well together. Max Irons and Katherine Cunningham in Condor. (AT&T Audience Network ) Advertisement Much is elaborated upon; new characters, including the habitually understated William Hurt as Joes uncle-mentor, have been created and formerly minor figures blown up to major ones: the assassin played by Max von Sydow in Three Days of the Condor gets a gender swap into the person of Leem Lubany. Some get families, some of whose members get threads of their own. As the plot lines stretch this way and that and back into the past, the main thread there is one can get a little lost. Still, the parts themselves make sense, even when you cant recall how they fit together. The Pollack film, which arrived a year after the Nixon resignation and a year before Redford appeared in All the Presidents Men, is a classic of 1970s funky naturalism. Rendered in Teflon shades of gray and blue, on sets that seem not to have been dressed so much as scrubbed of character, Condor is its tonal opposite. But it does makes throwaway references to other films from the 1970s: A brief scene involving a contract killer seems meant to recall Martin Sheens mirror-breaking existential crisis at the start of Apocalypse Now, while fans of Robert Altmans The Long Goodbye will happily note a reference to Curry brand cat food. The new version adds contemporary touches to the narrative: the surveillance state, hacktivism, post-9/11 sociopolitical psychology and, of course, Tinder. There are cellphones where there once were phone booths, and laptops where there was once the the encyclopedia. (The main quality of the Three Days Joe, besides being as handsome as Robert Redford, was that he read a lot and remembered everything.) Fathers and their children, particularly sons, figure into it repeatedly, but whether this is the writers exercising a theme or just in a rut I cant say. Bob Balaban and William Hurt play CIA bigwigs who dont always see eye to eye in the Audience Network series Condor. (AT&T Audience Network ) Created by Todd Katzberg, Jason Smilovic and Ken Robinson, Condor is also more intellectually aggressive than the Pollack film, which crammed most of its thoughts about the way of the world into one climactic confrontation; characters here endlessly argue politics and philosophy and human nature, at work and at home, at fancy dinner parties and poolside bull sessions. (Always funny listening to the white man explain how the world works, a Native American character says early in the series, something to remember through the rest of it.) Each episode begins with an epigram, from sources including George Eliot (What loneliness is more lonely than distrust), Joseph Stalin (Death is the solution to all problems. No man, no problem) and James Baldwin (People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them). Bob Balabans CIA deputy director reads to his dying wife from War & Peace, and not the romantic bits but a passage on great events, human will and divine intervention. This can seem a little tedious not to discourage ambition, but Condor is, in the main, the most rewarding at its most thoughtless but there is more action than talk, ample suspense and vivid characterizations. Not the least of the series pleasures is its contribution to the continuing return to the screen of Brendan Fraser and Mira Sorvino. Sorvino is a CIA officer who has old business with Hurt (they trade some weird sexual insults), while Fraser plays an oddly sweet tempered, sad sack of a villain, whom we meet as Condor begins, semi-comically burying prairie dogs far out in the desert. Anyone remotely familiar with this genre knows that they did not die from target practice. I will say no more. Condor Where: Audience Network, DirecTV and AT&T U-verse When: 7 p.m. Wednesday robert.lloyd@latimes.com Follow Robert Lloyd on Twitter @LATimesTVLloyd ALSO Bad people do bad things in not particularly interesting ways in McMafia With West Wing help, All the Presidents Men gets a stirring, all-too-relevant revival Conspiracy thriller Mr. Robot is back, and it looks and feels like nothing else on TV American Odyssey a clever and exciting conspiracy thriller Sydney Pollack, 73; Oscar-winning director and producer Just 129 votes separate the two Democrats vying to take on Rep. Dana Rohrabacher Democrat Hans Keirstead, shown in 2017, is running to unseat Rep. Dana Rohrabacher. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) Its pretty much certain that a Democrat will make it on the November ballot to challenge GOP Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, but as of Friday we still dont know who. In the latest tallies released by Orange County elections officials Thursday, stem cell scientist Hans Keirstead was just 129 votes ahead of fellow Democrat and real estate investor Harley Rouda. Thats an increase in the lead for Keirstead, who had been ahead by just 45 votes the day before. While national Democrats cheered the fact that their candidates appear to have advanced through Californias top-two primary in all of the key House districts they hope to flip, it would be something of a strategic failure for them if Keirstead makes it onto the November ballot. Thats because the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the national partys arm to help candidates win House races, stepped in at the last minute to explicitly back Rouda, dropping $400,000 on joint TV and cable ads with Roudas campaign. It was a clear indication that they believe Rouda, a former Republican with endorsements from a dozen House members including Nancy Pelosi, to be better positioned to take on Rohrabacher in the fall. The committee also spent more than $1.7 million attacking Republican challenger Scott Baugh, who threatened to keep both Keirstead and Rouda out of the the November contest by snagging the second-place spot on Tuesday. That investment seems to have paid off: As of Thursday, Baugh was trailing both by more than 1,200 votes and has already conceded and endorsed Rohrabacher for the fall. It may be days before the final winner of the second ballot spot becomes clear. As of Thursday, Orange County officials still had more than 168,000 ballots left to count and voters in the 48th District make up about a quarter of registered voters there. On Tuesday, the Rouda campaign made a statement declaring victory, but by Thursday afternoon was asking his donors to contribute to a Harley Rouda Recount Fund. Rouda campaign manager Mike McLaughlin said the fund was the legally responsible thing to do as the vote canvass continues and that the campaign is using the funds to pay several attorneys who are observing the countys vote-counting process. Well retain every right to pursue all options here to make sure that everything happens legally, McLaughlin said. We fully intend to be ahead on the count by the end of this. In a statement provided by his campaign, Keirstead said hes committed to protecting the integrity of the vote, but that regardless of the outcome, a Democrat gets to face Dana in the fall. DCCC spokesman Andrew Godinich also pointed out another bright spot for Democrats: Rohrabacher received just 30% of the primary election vote, the lowest share of any congressional incumbent in California. Keirstead and Rouda both had about 17%. As they poured millions of dollars into district attorney campaigns, New York billionaire George Soros and other liberal donors seemed poised for victory in California. They enjoyed the political momentum, having helped elect more than a dozen prosecutors from Florida to Texas. They had experience with the states voters, who overwhelmingly approved ballot measures in recent years to reduce the number of people behind bars. And the prosecutor races were in counties that solidly backed Hillary Clinton for president less than two years ago. Advertisement But voters in three closely watched district attorney elections in California appeared to deliver a sharp defeat this week to the national network of wealthy donors and activist groups that is attempting to reshape the criminal justice system by electing liberal prosecutors. Incumbent district attorneys in Sacramento, San Diego and Alameda counties were well ahead of Soros-backed challengers in unofficial results posted Wednesday. In the only race where Soros backed an incumbent, the results were too close to determine whether the Contra Costa County district attorney managed to avoid a runoff in the November general election. The results suggest the campaigns failed to energize like-minded voters to turn out against entrenched incumbents backed by police unions in a midterm primary election, in which conservatives historically are more likely to vote. And they appeared to underestimate the deeply rooted support that law enforcement enjoys in a state as politically blue as California. The networks past victories in Chicago and other parts of the country often relied on tapping voter anger over police shootings of African Americans or other hot-button issues. In Sacramento, the strategy didnt work for a Soros-backed candidate who attempted to ride a wave of public outrage over the recent killing of Stephon Clark, an unarmed black man shot by officers searching for a burglary suspect. People were angry enough, but it did not last to the polls, said the Rev. Shane Harris, founder of the National Action Networks San Diego chapter, who said he was speaking on his own behalf and not for the organization. Harris faulted a reliance on television ads bought by Soros political action committee in San Diego, noting that the ads were pulled in the final week before the election. Soros, if youre going to put money into something, put it into people and activists and groups and leaders who can really mobilize and get people to the polls, Harris said. You can pay for all the ads in the world, but if people dont go to the polls, it really doesnt matter. The campaign spent a significant effort to engage people who dont normally vote, giving grants to the American Civil Liberties Union to craft and hone messaging. But in Sacramento, roughly 113,000 voters cast ballots for a district attorney candidate, compared with more than 183,000 four years ago, according to preliminary voting figures, though approximately 220,000 ballots remain uncounted. Whitney Tymas, the strategist who directed Soros efforts in the campaigns, said she believed the final count in San Diego and other counties will show a higher level of engagement in the district attorney race there than four years ago. California reminds us that this is hard work, Tymas said in a statement to The Times. Across jurisdictions, prosecutor candidates are no longer competing to be toughest on crime, but smartest on crime. The work continues. The elections, typically local affairs, garnered national attention this year after a consortium of liberal donors, headlined by Soros, pumped money into the races. Many of the players joined forces in California four years ago to pass Proposition 47, which turned drug use and most theft convictions from felonies to misdemeanors. Targeting district attorney elections highlighted the enormous influence elected prosecutors wield within local criminal justice systems, deciding what charges to prioritize for prosecution and when to seek rehabilitation or lengthy incarceration. By supporting the election of like-minded district attorneys, the consortium hoped to secure many of the sentencing and bail policies they have struggled to realize through laws or ballot initiatives. Soros-backed candidates pledged to reduce incarceration, crack down on police misconduct and revamp a bail system they contend unfairly imprisons poor people before trial. The proposals alarmed some law enforcement officials who expressed relief Wednesday but said it was unclear what the results mean going forward. You expect incumbents to win absent some scandal, said Michele Hanisee, head of the union that represents L.A. County prosecutors. Its hard to say if this is a rejection of Soros candidates or if this is just par for the course, but I think a larger policy issue needs to be asked. Do we want big outside donors funding elections? Since 2014, Soros has spent more than $17 million in 18 races outside California, winning in all but a handful. Private foundations and donors provided another $11 million in largely unreported grants to nonprofit advocacy groups. In California, Soros spent nearly $3 million. His heavy bet on California races drew money from other wealthy donors. The spouses of executives at Netflix, Instagram and Facebook rallied around the same candidates, joined by Steve Jobs widow, Laurene Powell Jobs. On the other side, police unions, businesses and prosecutors spent to defend incumbents. Campaign finance reports show the states prison guard union also rallied to their defense. A former owner of the San Diego Padres, Jennifer Moores, put up $300,000 to back the countys district attorney. Tuesdays results marked the consortiums most significant loss in the national campaign for prosecutor races. In Sacramento County, Anne Marie Schubert, a prominent conservative voice in statewide politics, had won 63% of counted ballots as of Wednesday evening, compared with 36% for Noah Phillips, a career prosecutor in the same office. Phillips has not conceded, citing the large number of uncounted ballots. In San Diego County, incumbent Summer Stephan prevailed by a similarly wide margin over Genevieve Jones-Wright, a deputy public defender. Unofficial results showed Alameda County Dist. Atty. Nancy OMalley comfortably avoiding a runoff with nearly 60% of the vote. And in Contra Costa County, the Soros-backed incumbent, Dist. Atty. Diana Becton, had 49.6%. A candidate must win more than 50% to avoid a runoff. Its unclear how many ballots remain to be counted. Experts on political and district attorney campaigns noted the difficulty in taking on incumbents who have the support of powerful police groups. So much of the California criminal justice system is dominated by law enforcement, and its hard to get their support, and yet they have a very strong voice, said Loyola Law School professor Laurie Levenson. Money alone wont do. Anne Irwin, a former San Francisco public defender who started a nonprofit advocacy organization that helped a network of donors identify candidates to support, said the election results werent a reason to despair. She pointed to San Bernardino County, where defense lawyer Jason Anderson ousted Mike Ramos, a longtime district attorney, as a sign of hope. Anderson, a moderate Republican, did not receive Soros backing, but Irwins organization endorsed him, citing his support for bail reform and sentencing alternatives to incarceration. Irwin said she plans to visit San Bernardino as part of an election postmortem, and she remained adamant that California voters will support liberal district attorneys. The 2018 campaigns were just the beginning, she said. abbie@themarshallproject.org | Twitter: @AbbieVanSickle paige.stjohn@latimes.com | Twitter: @paigestjohn This story was published in partnership with the Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system. Sign up for their newsletter, or follow the Marshall Project on Facebook or Twitter. The Marshall Project receives funding from the George Soros-funded Open Society Foundations and other organizations that support efforts to reform the states criminal justice system. Under terms of its funding, the Marshall Project has sole editorial control of its news reporting. UPDATES: 9:55 p.m.: This article was updated with additional comments from experts, campaign strategists and others as well as background about the election campaigns. This article was originally published at 12:35 p.m. Sure, its just a primary. And the general election is five months away. But is that reason enough, in a state that has screamed its political resistance loud and clear, to sleep through an election? The answer, my fellow Californians, is yes. Advertisement Andrew Hernandez, 30, told me he had not voted but he had the materials at home and might still cast a ballot, though hes registered in Sacramento and not Los Angeles. I asked who was running for governor. He thought for a moment, as if the answer might bubble up, but there was no fizz. I couldnt tell you, he said. U.S. senator? Hernandez shook his head. LIVE RESULTS: Election results from the California primary About a third of the people I spoke to did vote, or intended to, and did know what was what. So my random and unscientific sampling, of about 20 people, matched some expert predictions that roughly 2 out of 3 registered voters would take a voting vacation Tuesday. Early numbers indicate that in-person voter turnout, not including mail-in ballots, was nearly 13% in Los Angeles County. In Orange County, the turnout was 13%, a figure that includes mail-in ballots reported by Tuesday evening. Voter apathy is nothing new in California. L.A. has picked a mayor with 4 out of 5 eligible voters blowing off the election. School board elections have drawn even fewer voters. But this is the era of President Trump and the California resistance. We are in the middle of a national shouting match about the direction of the country, and there are no good excuses for making excuses about not voting. No offense, a 63-year-old man told me, but I never vote. And why is that? I dont believe in the system, he said, refusing to give me his name. I like Trump, he said, but let me tell you something: Americas never going to be great again. We have a little bit of everything in California, dont we? A young woman named Nina said she intended to vote, and thought she had registered, but discovered on election day that shes not eligible yet. Could she name a candidate for governor? No. For U.S. Senate? Negative. Actually, I was thinking about voting, said Kia Zomorrodi, 25. But I didnt do the research, and it would probably be better if I didnt vote uninformed. He may be right. Zomorrodi couldnt name any candidates on the ballot. Nor could his friend, who said he was registered but did not intend to vote, saying that California leans too far to the left for him. Fair enough, but I saw quite a few Republicans on my ballot, and several U.S. congressional seats were contested, with Republicans trying to fend off Democrats and maintain control of the U.S. House. And on ballot measures, a vote by a Republican counts just as much as a vote by a Democrat, last I checked. Look, I can understand why Californians were not expected to rush to their polling places in droves. The wording of ballot measures can leave you in a fog, mouth open, eyes glazed. Then youve got all the candidates for judge. Dozens of people you never heard of and hope to never meet want to administer justice. And choosing who among them are best qualified is left to laypeople whose only qualification is having seen a few episodes of Law & Order. But let me remind you of the stakes in 2018 and beyond. Two years ago, a candidate who insisted the first black president was African, mocked women for their looks, boasted about grabbing their privates, belittled his adversaries and was incapable of telling the truth got elected president of the United States. Whether you love Trump or cant believe your eyes and ears, why arent you voting early and often at every opportunity? California is home not just to the anti-Trump revolution but also to a growing Latino population at a time when race and immigration are at the center of state and national policy debates. And yet Kevin de Leon, who has shaken a fist at Trump, doesnt appear to have rallied the troops against incumbent U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Meanwhile, former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has gone from shooting for first place in his run for governor to hoping he isnt humiliated by a third-place finish behind Democrat Gavin Newsom and Republican John Cox. What happened to the emerging Latino vote? The angry and energized youth vote? To a top-two primary system that was supposed to jazz candidates and voters from all political parties? And to the hand-over-heart sense of civic duty? Was the weather just too nice Tuesday for anyone to be bothered? Generally speaking, people are not paying as much attention during primaries, and theres less media attention during primaries, said Mindy Romero, director of the UC Davis Civic Engagement Project. Romero, who predicted a fairly normal turnout for this primary, said theres been more political engagement because of the last presidential election and riveting issues such as mass shootings. LIVE RESULTS: Election results from the California primary But she said that doesnt necessarily translate into more voters, especially in a warm-up election with lots of candidates on the ballot. Its potentially hard to cut through all of that clutter, Romero said. And on top of that, knowing its not the final decision makes it less motivating for voters. Romero said a lot of young people who got politically engaged through social media campaigns after mass shootings arent necessarily inclined to transfer all that passion into participation in a distrusted electoral process. Even habitual voters have trouble seeing the impact of their vote, Romero said. To me, that isnt apathy. I think people care. They care about their communities and their kids lives, and they want good elected officials making good choices. But they feel disconnected from the political process and dont believe the system is there for them. Andrew Hernandez, the young man who told me he had his voting materials at home but hadnt reviewed them, made that same point. Im not uneducated, he said, nor is he disinterested in politics. But he is turned off by televised campaign ads that exaggerate and distort or that prey on peoples fears. Hes also a little disillusioned after voting for Hillary Clinton and watching Trump drive her to defeat. It goes back to feeling let down and to see a guy in office who doesnt give a [rhymes with wit] and isnt a diplomat, said Hernandez, who expects to be more politically engaged once he gets over his malaise. I think a lot of kids my age are angry. I can go out and protest, and kids are still going to get shot in schools. I understand, but are those reasons to walk away or to storm the gates? The polls are open for 13 hours on election day, and if its too much trouble to squeeze half an hour out of your busy schedule, you can always mail in a ballot. I just voted, Sutton Dewey, 29, told me. He said he had made a statement against the two-party system by voting for third-party candidates. I asked why he bothered to take the time. I felt I wouldnt have the right to complain if I didnt vote, Dewey said. Thats the spirit. A middle-aged woman from West Hollywood told me she had already voted and wouldnt have missed this election. I voted for Republicans, she said, and she hoped Newsom doesnt become the next governor. I dont want to live in a sanctuary state. Adam Fratto of South Pasadena told me he understands the lament that it can be hard to make a difference with a single vote. He quoted a Chinese proverb: Heaven is high and the emperor is far away. Meaning what? There are so many layers between us and the people who make the decisions, Fratto said. But he voted, and he put a lot of thought into it. He wants Newsom to win, so he voted for Villaraigosa. What? If two Democrats make it to the general, Fratto said, Republicans might be less inclined to go to the polls in November. California, love it or leave it. But as long as youre here, quit making excuses and vote. [Update: With more than 97% of the precincts reporting, less than 21% of registered voters had cast ballots.] Complete coverage of the California primary Get more of Steve Lopezs work and follow him on Twitter @LATstevelopez UPDATES: 8:30 a.m.: This column was updated with more turnout figures. 8:55 p.m.: This column was updated with early voter turnout figures. This column was originally published at 7:55 p.m. Despite adopting new policies to reduce police shootings, use of deadly force by Los Angeles police increased slightly in 2017 from the previous year, but the number of fatal shootings continued a downward trend, according to a report released Tuesday. The number of shootings by LAPD officers increased to 44 from 40 in 2016, according to the report presented to the Police Commission. Of the 44 incidents, 31 people were hit by gunfire. The 17 people who were killed by police represented a slight decrease from 19 in 2016. Officers killed 21 people in 2015, according to the department. Last year, Latinos represented 58% of those shot by police and whites 29%. In a positive trend, African Americans represented 13% of those shot, a significant drop from 2016 when nearly a third of police shooting victims were black. Nearly half of those shot by police last year 48% were armed. Advertisement The report comes as the Police Commission, the civilian panel that oversees the department, has adopted a series of changes in recent years that require officers to attempt to defuse potentially deadly encounters before firing their guns and posed questions about how those changes are affecting the level of force used on the streets of Los Angeles. It shows were in the right direction, said the commissions president, Steve Soboroff. Community policing is demanding more in 2018, 2019 than it ever has. One revised policy tells officers they must try to de-escalate a situation whenever it is safe and reasonable to do so, by taking more time to let the incident unfold, or by talking to individuals and calling in other resources. The civilian board has also been pushing the department to provide officers with less-lethal weapons and more training that emphasizes avoiding force whenever possible. The new policy allows commissioners to consider whether an officer tried to defuse a confrontation when they decide whether a shooting was justified. Law enforcement agencies around the country, including the LAPD, have come under intense scrutiny in recent years after controversial shootings of black men, and many have adopted new training approaches and policies. The Seattle Police Department requires officers to attempt de-escalation strategies, such as trying to calm someone down verbally or calling a mental health unit. Santa Monica police have similar rules in place, telling officers to try to slow down, reduce the intensity or stabilize the situation to minimize the need to use force. The number of incidents in which less-lethal force was used by LAPD officers was up 10% last year compared with 2016. Incidents in which a bean bag gun was used were up 31%, according to the report. Officers are required to be equipped with a bean bag shotgun when responding to a call of a person armed with a sharp object, said Capt. John McMahon, whose office compiled the 400-page analysis. Soboroff said there should be a demand for more ways to use less-lethal force. However, the LAPD leads the nation in fatal police shootings, according to the report. More people were killed by police in the city last year than in Chicago, Houston, New York and Philadelphia. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department tied with the Chicago Police Department, with eight fatal shootings. The New York Police Department came in second, with 10. McMahon stressed that encounters where force is used 2,195 incidents represent a very small fraction of the 1.6 million contacts that police had with the public last year. Attacks on officers were up 26% in 2017 from the previous year, according to the report. Commissioner Cynthia McClain-Hill said the report showed an extraordinary level of transparency. Some members of the public were skeptical. Its a PR tool, Melina Abdullah, a leader of the local Black Lives Matter movement, told commissioners Tuesday, adding that the report is a tool of propaganda. Valerie Rivera, whose son, Eric Rivera, was one of the 17 people killed by police last year, questioned the reports use of the word suspect to refer to people killed by police. Eric Rivera was holding a toy water gun on June 6, 2017, in Wilmington when officers fired 11 rounds, striking Rivera in the head, chest and legs. A patrol car then rolled over him. In April, the commission cleared the officers involved in the shooting, ruling that they were justified in using deadly force. On Tuesday, Rivera stood in front of the commission in a white T-shirt featuring her sons photograph. My son was not a suspect, he was a victim, she said. nicole.santacruz@latimes.com For more crime news, follow @nicolesantacruz on Twitter. California voters made history Tuesday, recalling a judge for the first time since 1932. Santa Clara County Judge Aaron Persky was tossed from office, the latest legacy from the Brock Turner case. Turner was a Stanford University swimmer convicted of sexual assault. Perskys sentencing of Brock stirred national outrage, and the recall effort. For the record: An earlier version of this article said Persky sentenced Turner to six years in prison. The sentence was for six months. Q: What was the Turner case about? Turner attacked an unconscious woman behind a garbage bin on the Palo Alto universitys campus in January 2015. Advertisement At his sentencing, the Ohio native faced up to 14 years in prison. Prosecutors sought a six-year prison term. Persky sentenced Turner to six months in jail and three years of probation. At the time, he said a lengthier penalty would have a severe impact on Turner. Public criticism of the sentence escalated when the unidentified victims 12-page, single-spaced letter that she read aloud in court went viral after it was published by the media. She excoriated the judge for giving Turner a soft time-out, a mockery of the [seriousness] of the assaults. The seriousness of rape has to be communicated clearly, we should not create a culture that suggests we learn that rape is wrong through trial and error, she wrote. The consequences of sexual assault needs to be severe enough that people feel enough fear to exercise good judgment even if they are drunk, severe enough to be preventative. Amid uproar, Persky, who was appointed to the bench by Gov. Gray Davis in 2003, later voluntarily moved to civil court. Q: How were battle lines divided in the recall? The legal community has largely opposed the recall, calling it a threat to judicial independence. More than 90 California law professors, including 20 from Stanfords law school, have signed a statement opposing it. They say it will encourage judges to give tougher sentences and perpetuate mass incarceration. Stanford law professor Michele Landis Dauber, who is a family friend of the victim in the Turner case, was the public face of the recall. Recall proponents accuse Persky of being easy on criminals who come from privileged backgrounds in sexual assault and domestic violence cases. Instead of seeing Turner as a calculated, lying, unrepentant sex predator, Dauber said, Persky, refracted through the lens of privilege, sees a good kid who made a mistake. Persky said in an interview with The Times that he was concerned about the chilling effect a successful recall would have. I think it is critical to prevail because if the recall wins, it is sort of a blueprint for judicial recalls in the future, Persky said. Q: What is the legacy of Turner case? The Turner case sparked much discussion and some legal changes on how courts deal with sexual assault. In 2016, Gov. Jerry Brown signed bill broadened the power of judges to treat sex crimes as rape at sentencing and agreed that the crimes punishment must include time in state prison. Backers said the harsher consequences for sex crimes help strengthen a criminal justice system that often fails and places blame on victims. But some crime victim advocates and associations said the new laws will disproportionately affect poor and minority defendants who receive little or no legal representation. A federal jury decided this week to award $45 million to a company hired by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to modernize a Playa del Rey power plant, according to attorneys on both sides of the dispute. The company, Kiewit Power Constructors Co., sued the department claiming it had incurred extra costs because of delays caused by the DWP and one of its contractors. But the jury also awarded $1 million to the DWP, which had filed a counterclaim arguing that Kiewit had fallen short of its obligations under its contract to revamp the Scattergood Generating Station, according to attorneys. Kiewit spokesman Bob Kula said the company was very pleased with the jury decision, which validates our claims regarding payment for additional work our company performed. Advertisement This work was to overcome significant delays in the delivery of crucial equipment provided by LADWP and deliver the Scattergood Project on time, Kula said in a written statement. DWP spokesman Joseph Ramallo said Tuesday, We are disappointed with the decision reached in this case and will evaluate our legal options in the coming days. However, Ramallo added that the utility was encouraged by the fact that the jury found Kiewit unfairly interfered with DWPs rights to receive the benefits of the contract and awarded damages to DWP as well. The federal judge overseeing the case in U.S. District Court has yet to enter a written judgment, which is not expected for at least a month, Ramallo said. Kiewit sued the DWP two years ago, charging that the utility had refused to pay the company for the costs of delays and additional work under its $440-million contract for construction and design work at the generating station in Playa del Rey. Some of the equipment needed for the project was damaged when a storm struck a cargo ship on its way from Korea. The company claimed in its suit that the damage required Kiewit to do repairs and led to further delays as some equipment was refabricated in Korea. Later deliveries were also delayed, and Kiewit had to accelerate its work to meet a deadline set by the DWP, the company said in the lawsuit. Kiewit estimated it had incurred roughly $49 million in damages. The DWP denied the allegations and lodged a countersuit against the company, asserting that it had failed to meet deadlines under its contract and was making unfounded excuses for its lateness. The problems Kiewit had cited such as the damaged equipment either did not actually delay its work or reasonably should not have resulted in any such delays, the DWP argued in its suit. In a legal brief, the utility claimed that Kiewit was already behind schedule before the equipment was damaged at sea and had suffered cost overruns of its own making, calling the power plant that Kiewit had delivered a lemon. The department said its damages may have exceeded $150 million, according to a court filing. The DWP also sued another contractor involved in the project, General Electric, claiming that the equipment was destroyed or damaged at sea due to that companys breach of contract and negligence. In its lawsuit, the DWP said that although it denied the claims from Kiewit, if it was found liable in the case, General Electric is solely responsible for those damages. Ramallo said that the utility had successfully recovered $19 million from General Electric under a settlement agreement, which would help offset any payment to Kiewit. Any amount ultimately due from this case is within the project contingency amount and will not impact ratepayers, Ramallo said in a written statement. emily.alpert@latimes.com Twitter: @AlpertReyes After decades in the Los Angeles Police Departments top echelons, Michel Moore knows the agency better than almost anyone. Still, on Tuesday, a day after Mayor Eric Garcetti tapped him to be the next police chief, Moore said he will listen to rank-and-file officers, command staff, community leaders and other Angelenos before fleshing out a game plan that reflects their ideas for policing a city with such disparate landscapes, lifestyles and languages. Moores listening tour began Monday evening, soon after a press conference announcing his appointment, with calls to police union leaders, power brokers in South Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley and others he hopes to enlist as allies as he works to reduce police shootings and combat the citys homelessness crisis. The engagement of police with our communities is a continued reform, instead of looking at enforcement, enforcement, enforcement, Moore said in an interview with The Times Tuesday morning. Advertisement After a lunch at Eastside Market Italian Deli in Chinatown, Moore arrived in Echo Park with Garcetti on Tuesday, in his first major public appearance as police chief-select. The choice of locale hearkened back to the mens first meeting two decades ago, when Garcetti was a young councilman representing the area and Moore was a captain assigned to remake a Rampart Division tarnished by scandal. In a city that is nearly 50% Latino, the locale was also rich with symbolism, as some Latino leaders professed their disappointment that Garcetti had not made history by appointing Los Angeles first Latino police chief. At the El Centro del Pueblo community center, whose longtime head is Police Commissioner Sandra Figueroa-Villa, Moore greeted students in a parenting skills class after Garcetti introduced him in Spanish. When a woman spoke to Moore in Spanish, he begged off with a No hablo Espanol, prompting laughter and a joke that Garcetti should give the new chief language lessons. LAPD veteran Michel Moore, center, jokes with the other LAPD officers before speaking at a press conference in Echo Park. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times ) Continuing his introduction in Spanish, Garcetti described Moores history in the area as the former leader of Rampart, noting that Moore had implemented immigrant-friendly policies such as allowing some unlicensed drivers to avoid having their vehicles impounded. One of the three finalists for chief, Robert Arcos, is a third-generation Mexican American and LAPD veteran who also is not fluent in Spanish. But Arcos supporters, who included City Councilman Gil Cedillo and former councilman Richard Alatorre, promoted him as the best face of the LAPD at a time when President Trumps hard-line immigration policies have struck fear among Latino residents. Another finalist, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott, who is African American, served 27 years in the LAPD and developed deep ties in South L.A. Moores father was Basque, and he is listed as Hispanic on department rosters. He says he identifies as the son of an immigrant and one of billions of human beings on the planet. At Echo Park Lake, Moore pulled Arcos aside for a private conversation before telling other police officers that he wants to highlight the positive interactions they have with residents. With the lakes landmark fountain behind him, Garcetti reiterated that he had been aiming to select the best police chief for Los Angeles, rather than achieving a historic milestone. That chief, no matter his or her ethnicity, would be an advocate for immigrants, Garcetti said. I would never have appointed a chief that I didnt feel would be an absolute champion, in these dark days, for immigrants, and someone who could represent African Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, the native community and, of course, whites and blacks, said Garcetti, who is considering a run for president. Moore said he became familiar with the area around the lake in 1988, as a homicide detective investigating the murder of a gang member. The young man died in North Hollywood but lived across the street from the lake. In those days, Moore said, a youth who got in trouble with the law was considered a problem, not as someone who had likely experienced adversity and could be educated and reformed. Our way of fixing that was to enforce it, to arrest him, to arrest anyone else who was involved in it, Moore said. We didnt do anything to stop the means by which people became involved in a gang lifestyle. Mayor Garcetti and LAPD chief-select Michel Moore greet people at El Centro del Pueblo in Echo Park, (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times ) Similarly, Moore said, the LAPD should treat homeless people with compassion, helping them to find a way out of their situations instead of arresting them for minor transgressions. Later in the day, Moore planned to address police officers at a roll call in Newton Division in the Central-Alameda area before they headed out to patrol the streets. He started his LAPD career at Newton after graduating from the police academy in 1981. Moores appointment must be confirmed by the City Council. In a statement on Monday, Cedillo indicated that he would engage in a rigorous vetting process before the councils vote. Councilman Joe Buscaino, a former LAPD officer, said in a phone interview that all three finalists would have been stellar chiefs. With Moores experience heading all branches of the department, obtaining the fourth star worn by the LAPD chief would be a natural next step, Buscaino said. Buscaino echoed what many LAPD insiders have said: Moore is a leader who is well-versed in every detail of the departments operations and expects the same from his subordinates. If you work with Michel Moore, you had better bring your A game, Buscaino said. Times staff writer David Zahniser contributed to this report. The ballot box recall of a judge who gave a light sentence in a high-profile sexual assault case will discourage other judges from being lenient in the future, legal analysts said Wednesday. Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky, who sentenced former Stanford University student Brock Turner to six months in jail for the digital penetration of an intoxicated, unconscious woman, was thrown off the bench Tuesday in a 60% to 40% vote. Stanford Law professor Michele Dauber, who led the recall effort, said the vote sent a message that sexual violence, including campus sexual violence, must be taken seriously by our elected officials and by the justice system. UC Berkeley Law School Dean Erwin Chemerinsky said the recall also sent another message that would have a real impact on judges decision making. Advertisement Judges around the state were closely following this, and I think the message they are going to take is that if they hand down a sentence that is too lenient, they could face what Persky did, Chemerinsky said. The last recall of a judge in California occurred more than 80 years ago. In 1986, voters decided to boot the late Chief Justice Rose Bird and two colleagues from the state Supreme Court in a regular retention election, not a recall, after a campaign that attacked them for not enforcing the death penalty. Persky, 56, was unavailable for comment. He said in an interview prior to the election that he had made no plans about a different career should voters oust him. He served on the bench for 15 years. He will be replaced by Santa Clara County prosecutor Cindy Hendrickson, who supported the recall. She defeated another lawyer who ran as a recall opponent. Former Santa Clara Superior Court Judge LaDoris Cordell, one of four women who led an effort to defeat the recall, said Wednesday that the anti-judge campaign spewed lies for two years that the judge could not correct because by law he was prohibited from discussing pending cases. Cordell and others banded together in February to fight the recall, but she said Wednesday that they had too little time to change perceptions. They ran a very effective, emotional campaign, Cordell said of the recall supporters, and took advantage of the fact that the electorate was very uninformed of how the criminal justice system works. Both Dauber and Persky received threats during the campaign, anti-recall signs were vandalized and a lawyer for Dauber notified Cordell that she would be sued for defamation. Cordell in turn retained a lawyer, who called the threat of legal action baseless. Dauber holds a doctorate in sociology and has long been an advocate for victims of sexual assault. She graduated from law school but has never been licensed to practice law. Turner, who was 19 at the time of the assault, served three months of his six-month sentence. Both he and the victim were intoxicated during the assault, and a female probation officer had recommended that he receive a lenient sentence. Prosecutors had sought a six-year term. Persky also sentenced Turner to three years of probation, and under the law Turner must register for life as a sex offender. He dropped out of Stanford and returned to his native Ohio after leaving jail. Cordell said she would work to change Californias recall law so judges cannot be ousted for making a lawful judgment call. Loyola Law professor Laurie Levenson called the plan a good idea but wondered if voters would grasp its significance. The recall became a rallying cry because this case happened in the shadow of the #MeToo movement, Levenson said. I think it is much harder to get something passed when it deals with an abstract concept. Levenson expressed concern that judges will now be looking over their shoulders when they make tough decisions. Generally judges run gun-shy on doing things that may be criticized for being soft on crime, said Levenson, a former prosecutor who founded an innocence program at Loyola. It wouldnt take much for judges to basically be as tough as they can be. That is the real problem with what happened here. Dauber said she had greater faith in the integrity of judges than Judge Persky and his campaign do. One outcome of this historic victory is that we have demonstrated that violence against women is a voting issue alongside reproductive freedom, gun control, and the other issues that progressive Democratic women care about, Dauber said in a written statement. If candidates want the votes of progressive Democratic women, they will have to take this issue seriously. If they do not, they will hear from women at the polls. maura.dolan@latimes.com Twitter: @mauradolan Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell is headed toward a runoff against retired sheriffs Lt. Alex Villanueva in his bid to secure a second term as top cop of the nations largest sheriffs department. While McDonnell finished Tuesdays primary with the most votes, he fell short of securing the more than 50% needed to win outright, according to initial election results. He will face off in November with Villanueva, a department veteran who received 33% of the vote despite being heavily outspent. I dont think they saw that coming, Villanueva said Wednesday. The results mark a setback for McDonnell, who faced two challengers in a race where incumbent sheriffs can typically count on being reelected to the job, which has no term limits. A campaign spokesman said Wednesday that the results look very promising for November. Advertisement McDonnell was elected four years ago on a platform to reform a corrupt organization reeling from a federal jail abuse probe that would ultimately lead to the conviction of numerous officials, including his predecessor, Lee Baca. Several watchdogs, including those with records of criticizing department policies, have said McDonnell has been a stabilizing presence and has improved jail conditions. But his challengers argued that crime is up, that deputy morale is dangerously low amid a staffing shortage, and that McDonnell, an outsider who previously headed the Long Beach Police Department, has mismanaged the sheriffs department. Villanueva touted his 17 years as a street cop in his bid to unseat McDonnell. He said Wednesday the results were a validation that we have the right message. Our message was simple from the beginning, all about reforming the Sheriffs Department, Villanueva said. My motto was reform, rebuild and restore, and thats what were sticking to, and thats whats going to propel us to victory in November. Villanueva, who received the support of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, has said he would reorganize the department, including assigning civilians to more jobs, and would add thousands more officers for street duty. Retired Sheriffs Cmdr. Bob Lindsey trailed Tuesday, getting only 19% of the vote despite having significant financial backing. Lindsey raised about $330,000 and an independent group supporting him collected $410,000, putting him well past McDonnells intake of $586,000. Lindsey, who most recently oversaw security for the Los Angeles County Superior Court, had said he would win outright Tuesday. Villanueva, meanwhile, raised just $27,000. In the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors races, two incumbents were headed toward reelection to the five-person board. Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, whose 3rd District includes many coastal areas, far outpaced her two little-known opponents. Supervisor Hilda Solis, meanwhile, ran unopposed to represent the 1st District, which covers the countys eastern stretches. Both supervisors, along with McDonnell, were first elected in 2014. In the last four years as county supervisor, I am proud of what we have accomplished to lift people up, improve their lives, and ensure their success, Solis said in a statement. As we continue to create a county that prioritizes jobs over incarceration, health over inequity, and a home for every resident, I believe our collective future is bright. The results in the Board of Supervisors races were unsurprising. Its been almost 40 years since an incumbent on the Board of Supervisors lost a seat in 1980, two Republican politicians unseated Democratic members of the board. Everything you need to know about the June 5 primary Times staff writers Maya Lau and Nina Agrawal contributed to this report. alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com Twitter: @AleneTchek UPDATES: June 6, 11:25 a.m.: This article was updated with the results and statements from the candidates. This article was originally published on June 5 at 10:40 p.m. State and county leaders demanded answers Wednesday from the Los Angeles County elections chief after more than 118,000 people were left off voter rosters on election day, a major blunder that fueled anger and confusion at the polls. California Secretary of State Alex Padilla said he was gravely concerned and asked the county registrar to provide him with a detailed report on the cause of the debacle. The county Board of Supervisors also called for an investigation Wednesday at a hastily called hearing. We fell short in meeting the more than reasonable expectations of the voters and poll workers, Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean C. Logan said at the board meeting. Its an issue that I take seriously, I understand the gravity of it, especially in an environment where there is so much discussion about the security and integrity of our voting process. The faulty rosters, which election officials attributed Tuesday to a printing error, affected roughly 2.3% of the registered voters across the county and 35% of voting locations, according to county figures. Logan said Wednesday that the foul-up involved the names printed on the rosters for polling places and had nothing to do with voter eligibility. Advertisement It was a data issue and it is a system issue that absolutely needs to be resolved, Logan told the county board, without elaborating on exactly what went wrong. In a letter to Logan, Padilla sought more details on what happened, including which precincts were affected. He urged Logan to inform any voters who had been affected that they were, in fact, registered to vote in California and tell them whether their provisional ballots are counted. He also suggested that the county office seek help from an independent expert to prevent the same sort of problems in the future. Supervisor Hilda Solis, whose district stretches from downtown Los Angeles to South Gate and east to Pomona, said that she was concerned that some voters in her district left their polling places very upset after learning their names werent listed. In a written statement, she added that many of those left off rosters were individuals of color. Supervisor Sheila Kuehl said that at her polling station, a worker told her that voters on the 2400 block of several streets in Santa Monica were missing from the roster. The bottom line is that we are requesting a real investigation and as soon as possible, Kuehl said. Glendale resident Bernadette DeMesme-Anders said she went Tuesday to the same fire station where she had voted for decades, only to discover that her name was not on the rolls. We were told it must have been our fault, we must have sent them a mail-in ballot request, DeMesme-Anders said. I assured them it wasnt the case. The retired school psychologist ultimately turned in a provisional ballot, but the process left her unnerved. Why, all of a sudden, after all of these decades, would this glitch suddenly appear? she said. It made me very frightened for our democracy. Logan said he had gotten reports Tuesday morning that some people were not listed on rosters, which isnt unusual. But by noon, the scope of the problem became clearer, he said. Poll workers were instructed to give out provisional ballots to people whose names did not appear on rosters, according to his office. Such ballots are counted after they are verified as being from registered voters. Historically, 85% to 90% of provisional ballots have been deemed valid and ultimately counted, according to county officials. Logan told the Board of Supervisors he was confident that poll workers handed out provisional ballots to those who werent listed on the rosters. We have a mantra that voting never stops and nobody leaves without voting, he said. Now, if there were voters who were frustrated by being offered a provisional ballot and chose not to do that, Im not saying that that didnt happen. Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, said that having over 100,000 people left off the roster is not something you just shrug your shoulders over. Election officials need to address whether the errors disproportionately affected any group of voters, such as Democrats or Republicans, or people living in particular areas, Levinson said. Even if people were offered the chance to vote with a provisional ballot, she said, some may have decided not to bother. Its a herculean effort to get anybody in L.A. to the polls, she said. To get them to the polls, and then get them through a conversation about why theyre not on the rolls, even though they should be, and then talk through provisional voting its less than ideal. Patricia Sanders, 34, said that poll workers seemed unsure what to do when her name was missing from rosters at her polling place on Mulholland Drive. It took them a while to decide to give me the provisional ballot, she said. The whole experience was just an awkward interaction. My concern was, Was this done correctly? Did it go where its supposed to go? I didnt leave feeling very confident that my vote was handled correctly, Sanders said. Kuehl recounted that one of her aides tried to vote in Sylmar but was told that her name wasnt on the list. Poll workers told the woman to try voting at another precinct, but the aide insisted on getting a provisional ballot. The woman had to ask five times for a provisional ballot before one was given to her, Kuehl said. L.A. County Democratic Party Chairman Mark Gonzalez said it is an inevitability that many will have seen their names not on the voter roll and be turned off from voting entirely. Logan told supervisors that his office is speeding up the process of counting the provisional ballots that were cast by people who werent listed on the rosters. His office tentatively plans to certify the election results June 29. The missing names also troubled politicians who were vying for votes this week. Antonio Villaraigosa, who conceded in the race for governor Tuesday night, had called on election officials to extend voting until Friday because of the errors and urged Padilla to investigate. You would expect that in the United States of America, in the county of Los Angeles, they would be able to conduct an election without there being problems of this magnitude, Villaraigosa told reporters at his election night party in downtown Los Angeles. Eric Jaye, a senior advisor to the Villaraigosa campaign, said the snafu would not affect the results in this race, but it affects all of us. Congressional candidate John Briscoe, a Republican who is campaigning against U.S. Rep. Alan Lowenthal to represent a district centered in Long Beach, said he wasnt worried about the problem affecting the results in his race. Briscoe came in second to Lowenthal according to preliminary results, and another Republican candidate who finished behind him, David Clifford, had not conceded as of Wednesday afternoon. But Briscoe said he was deeply concerned about the reduction of faith in the voting system. This isnt about Russian hacking, Briscoe said. This is just very poor administration. Times staff writers Sarah D. Wire and Seema Mehta contributed to this report. emily.alpert@latimes.com Twitter: @AlpertReyes dakota.smith@latimes.com Twitter: @dakotacdsmith UPDATES: 6:20 p.m.: This article was updated with a statement from the secretary of states office and additional reaction. 1:15 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from the Board of Supervisors hearing and additional reaction. This article was originally published at 11:35 a.m. Even though the Scottsdale, Ariz., office where they worked was small, the two mental health experts didnt know each other well. Karen Kolbe, a licensed professional counselor, ran her own practice, and she leased out space to Marshall Levine, a psychiatrist who specialized in hypnotherapy. Therapy work tends to happen behind closed doors, so the pair mostly saw each other between sessions. Kolbe liked Levines laid-back attitude. On Friday, before leaving work, Kolbe thought: Levines the perfect tenant. Such a sweet guy. Only hours later, around 3 a.m., police arrived at Kolbes house: Levines body had been found at the office, an officer told her. He had been shot. Advertisement The killer, police later said, was Dwight Lamon Jones, 56, who was in the middle of a four-day rampage in which he shot and killed six people across the Phoenix area. Jones shot and killed himself early Monday as police surrounded his Scottsdale hotel room, officials said. As the violence was unfolding, investigators struggled to find a pattern connecting the victims apart from the gun that had been used. But the moment she first heard police consider Jones as a suspect, on Sunday, the dots connected immediately, Kolbe said in a phone interview Tuesday. Levine, her slain tenant, didnt have anything to do with Jones, she said. I was his target, Kolbe said. Jones, police said, appeared to be carrying out a long-held vendetta against mental health and legal professionals involved in his divorce case nearly a decade ago a group that included Kolbe. Jones then-wife filed for divorce in 2009 after he threatened to kill her, in front of their son, in an incident that ended with his arrest, according to court records. She also obtained a protective order against Jones, who was also institutionalized for a psychiatric evaluation. Jones first victim, Steven Pitt, killed Thursday, was a nationally renowned psychiatrist who had testified in the proceedings that Jones likely had anxiety disorder, mood disorder and features of antisocial, narcissistic and paranoid personality disorder. Without psychiatric help, Jones is going to continue to unravel, Pitt said, according to a 2010 court document from Jones divorce. He will become increasingly paranoid, likely psychotic, and pose an even greater risk for perpetrating violence. Jones ended up losing custody of his son when a judge finalized the divorce. Jones ex-wife hired Kolbe at some point during the proceedings to give their son professional counseling, because he had been traumatized by his parents relationship, the counselor said. Kolbe never met Jones, but she remembered speaking to him once, by phone or text, she said. He was sort of demanding that he get an appointment with me, Kolbe said. It was more, You have to talk to me, and that felt very threatening, and there was no way I was going to do that. Jones had behaved well during monitored sessions with his son, and he had taken 36 weeks of domestic violence classes while on probation, according to a 2011 court filing. Criminal case records involving Jones could not be immediately located by The Times in Maricopa County Superior Court. A representative for the Scottsdale police records department confirmed having four arrest reports under Jones name, but declined to say what the arrests were for. As of 2011, Jones apparently hadnt received mental health treatment; he told court officials that no therapist was willing to work with him. Its unclear whether he ever received treatment. Kolbe said therapists are often reluctant to take on cases that involve what she described as a volatile parent, which can lead to subpoenas and court cases or worse. More and more therapists are like, I dont need that in my life, she said. Jones ex-wife had warned her that Jones was dangerous, Kolbe said. She was trying to tell everybody, Please take me seriously, Kolbe said, adding, I knew it would haunt me to get entangled with a family battle involving Jones. The way I describe it to people is, everybody who does any mental health work or attorneys we all have those couple of cases in our mind: Whats the worst, scariest thing youve ever worked on? Kolbe said. This was it. The ex-wife, Connie Jones, and her son were unharmed in the violence of the last several days. He was a very emotionally disturbed person, as the court records will confirm, she said in a statement Monday. Personally, I have feared for my safety for the past nine years. Two of Jones other victims, slain Friday, were paralegals named Veleria Sharp and Laura Anderson, who worked at the same law firm as a family-law attorney named Elizabeth Feldman. When Kolbe heard about those deaths, she wondered: Elizabeth Feldman where do I know that name from? After police identified Jones, it clicked. She was the moms attorney, Kolbe realized. Feldmans firm said in a statement on its website that it was deeply saddened by the paralegals deaths. Andersons intellect, passion and friendship has meant more to us than we can even begin to convey, and Sharp brought joy, calmness, warmth and compassion to all that she did. Scottsdale police, who took the lead on the multi-agency investigation into the killings, said Tuesday that they were investigating the relationship between Jones and his final two victims, Mary Simmons and Bryon Thomas of Fountain Hills, who appear to have been killed Sunday. Investigators have not released any information about the gun used in the slayings or whether Jones had it legally. That is still part of the investigation, Scottsdale police spokesman Ben Hoster said in an email. Kolbe said she was absolutely appalled at the state of gun availability in Arizona. This guy was not a mystery, and I think thats an important piece here, Kolbe said. How much more information do you need about somebody to know theyre a threat? matt.pearce@latimes.com Matt Pearce is a national reporter for The Times. Follow him on Twitter at @mattdpearce. More national headlines No state will play a more significant role in the fight for control of Congress than California. But seven other states also held primaries Tuesday, helping set the political battlefield for the first midterm election of Donald Trumps presidency. In New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill, a former federal prosecutor and Navy pilot and now the Democratic establishment favorite, bested a field of party rivals in the race to replace retiring Republican Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen. Shell take on GOP Assemblyman Jay Webber in one of several races Democrats view as prime opportunities in their effort to retake the House. For the record: This article states that Kay Ivey is the first female governor of Alabama. That distinction belongs to Lurleen Wallace, who was elected in 1966 and died of cancer in 1968 after serving for 16 months. Mississippi Republican Sen. Roger Wicker won his primary contest, as did New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez, a Democrat who faced federal bribery charges last year. The jury deadlocked, but Republicans hope to use Menendezs legal troubles to tar Democrats like Sherrill across the state. Much of the days drama focused on women, who fought to make history in some cases and to avoid disaster in others. Advertisement In Alabama, four-term Republican Rep. Martha Roby was forced into a runoff election next month after failing to win 50% of her partys vote. She will face former Democratic Rep. Bobby Bright in Alabamas conservative 2nd District where loyalty to Trump has been a central issue. Roby was the first member of Congress to withdraw her endorsement of the Republican president in 2016 after he was caught on video bragging about grabbing womens genitals. In New Mexico, Democratic Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham won her partys nomination in the race to succeed outgoing Republican Gov. Susana Martinez. If Grisham wins, shed be the states second Latina state executive. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, the states first female governor, fended off three GOP challengers, while South Dakota Rep. Kristi Noem became the first female nominee for governor in her state. In Iowa, 28-year-old Democratic state Rep. Abby Finkenauer was trying to become the youngest woman to serve in Congress. And in New Mexico, former state Democratic Party Chairwoman Debra Haaland, a tribal member of Laguna Pueblo, was making a bid to become the first Native American woman in Congress. Haaland said in her primary victory statement: Donald Trump and the billionaire class should consider this victory a warning shot: the blue wave is coming. With the possibility of a Democratic wave on the horizon, the election is a test of voter enthusiasm, candidate quality and President Trumps influence as each party picks its nominees to face off in November. In Montclair, N.J., voter Lynnette Joy Baskinger, a psychotherapist, said shes fed up with the GOP. I still consider myself an independent, but I just wont vote Republican because of whats going on, she said. It was a different story in Mississippi, where 66-year-old Gladys Cruz wasnt sure which Republican she would support in the states Senate primary, but she wants whoever wins to firmly support Trump. The president touches my heart, she said. Democrats must wrest at least 23 seats from Republican hands to claim the House majority this fall. Because GOP retirements in the last year have made such a changeover more likely, Trump has urged Republicans to support the partys congressional candidates. Keep our country out of the hands of High Tax, High Crime Nancy Pelosi, Trump tweeted, referring to House Minority Leader Pelosi of San Francisco. Significant developments played out across the country. In New Jersey, Menendez earned the Democratic Partys nomination for a third term despite being tainted by his recent federal bribery trial. Businessman Bob Hugin claimed the Republican nomination Tuesday and will face Menendez this fall. In Montana, Republicans will pick a candidate to take on Democratic Sen. Jon Tester, who is among the most vulnerable Democratic senators in the nation. The GOP struggled to recruit top-tier candidates, leaving state Auditor Matt Rosendale and retired Judge Russ Fagg as the most likely nominees. Democrats have aimed their most aggressive attacks at Rosendale, seizing on his background in Maryland and questions about his experience as a rancher. UPDATES: 10:15 p.m.: This article has been updated with primary results from several states. This article was originally published at 8:50 p.m. A federal judge has ruled in favor of Philadelphia in its lawsuit against the federal government for withholding grant funding in response to how the city deals with immigrants in the country illegally. U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson issued a 93-page memo Wednesday, saying the conditions placed on the city by the federal government in order to receive the funding are unconstitutional, arbitrary and capricious. He also wrote that Philadelphias policies are reasonable and appropriate. Philadelphia has said as a sanctuary city it will turn over immigrants to Immigration and Customs Enforcement only if they have a warrant signed by a judge. The city was fighting federal efforts to block funding as a result of the policy. A federal appeals court in April sided with Chicago in a similar dispute. Its the day after Californias primary election, and although dawn broke on clear winners in some races most notably the gubernatorial race, where Democrat Gavin Newsom and Republican John Cox prevailed others are still up in the air and may remain so for days. Among the cliffhangers: Will Democratic state Sen. Kevin de Leon maintain his small edge over Republican James Bradley and face a fellow Democrat, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, in November? Will Democrats do well enough in congressional races to make flipping the U.S. House a real possibility? In a few congressional races, its not even certain a Democrat will make the cut for the general election. Will a Republican squeak into the runoff for lieutenant governor, or will it be two Democrats competing? The fact that some races are still too close to call is, at least in part, a function of new rules that allow mail-in ballots to arrive at the registrars office up to three days after the election and still be counted. And voting by mail has become increasingly common. This year, about 11.8 million ballots were sent out to voters, and as of Tuesday fewer than 3 million had been returned. That leaves a lot of room for uncertainty. Theres another thing at play here: unusually competitive races. For that, we can thank two forces: Donald Trump, whose election in 2016 inspired many first-time candidates to seek elective office in order to foil his agenda, and Californias top-two primary system. Advertisement The former is a one-time event (at least, we hope it is). The latter, adopted eight years ago, allows voting across party lines in primaries and sends the two highest vote-getters, regardless of party, to duke it out in the November general election. The would-be power brokers who run our political parties dont like top-two because it diminishes their ability to influence the general election. Instead of closed primaries in which only members of that party can vote and where candidates anointed by the party establishment have a considerable advantage the top-two primaries allow any registered voter to vote for any candidate on the ballot regardless of the party affiliation. Meanwhile, Greens, Libertarians and members of other third parties hate it because their candidates rarely win spots in the runoff elections. The Los Angeles Times supported the top-two system when Proposition 14 was on the ballot in 2010, saying that it was unlikely to be either a miracle cure for political gridlock or the end of democracy as we know it, but a modest step toward getting rid of the worst partisanship. We hoped it would encourage lawmakers to compromise more because successful candidates would have to hold positions that appealed not just to their most fervent party stalwarts, but to voters from a range of parties and ideologies. Opponents of Proposition 14 worried that it would end up protecting incumbents. This year, at least, it appears to be having the opposite effect. Would de Leon, a former president pro tem of the state Senate, have launched a challenge to a sitting U.S. senator if he knew hed have little chance to advance past the primary to the general election? Would Feinstein have taken more liberal views on recreational marijuana and the death penalty if she didnt have a challenger on the left? Feinstein said it has nothing to do with the race, but we are not so sure. If there were no top-two primary to threaten incumbent Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa), would former Orange County GOP Chairman Scott Baugh and other Republicans have decided to enter the race? Were not saying its good or bad, only that it couldnt have happened under the old primary system. (And it didnt appear to work unofficial returns have Rohrabacher facing a Democrat in November, not a fellow Republican.) In the end, the vast majority of the races in this primary produced the same outcome as the pre-top-two system: one Democrat and one Republican heading to the general election, albeit without potential third-party spoilers. Nevertheless, after the dust from this election has settled, it would be appropriate to take a closer look at how top-two has fared in its first eight years, particularly as this was the first test of it in an open gubernatorial race. Proposition 14 was passed the same year Jerry Brown was elected for the third time as governor. Will top-two continue to deliver competitive races? Will these produce better candidates? Will partisan gridlock return to the California Legislature? Will a Green candidate ever have a shot at the general election? These are questions worth asking, not just now but after every election. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook It takes a special kind of evil to declare war against children and teenagers, but thats our current presidential administration. U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions vows to split kids from parents when they cross the border illegally together, harrumphing to no one in particular in a news conference last month, If you dont like that, then dont smuggle children over our border. The Office of Refugee Resettlement faces outrage from activists for admitting it couldnt locate more than 1,400 minors whod been placed with adult sponsors after arriving unaccompanied at the border. And about those migrant children? President Trump said of them, They look so innocent. Theyre not innocent. This is where I should mention that the youngsters the Trump administration loathes so much are overwhelmingly Latino. And that Americans have feared jovenes like them for decades whether theyre Dreamers, actual or imagined gang members, pregnant high schoolers, college radicals, or teens who blast sierreno and Drake from the stereo in their dads GMC Yukon. Young Latinos are considered a seditious, existential threat to the United States solely because of their heritage. Its an unfair stereotype. Advertisement And this all dates back to the Zoot Suit Riots. The days-long attacks by white military servicemen against Mexican Americans in East Los Angeles and downtown happened 75 years ago this week. The events have been interpreted for film, stage and song. Nearly a dozen scholarly books have documented the riots of 1943 from different angles, from the women who dressed the pachuca part to I kid you not how the comic strip Lil Abner set the stage for Mexicans to get a beatdown. Activists and academics universally depict the Zoot Suit Riots as a miscarriage of justice, which they absolutely were. But to remember them as a singular event masks the riots most disturbing legacy: how the Los Angeles press, including this newspaper, created a hate template used against young Latinos ever since including by the Trump administration today. The United States, of course, has vilified Latin Americans as violent people for more than a century, pointing to whatever bad guy was convenient: Pancho Villa, Fidel Castro, Pablo Escobar and now MS-13. But young Latinos werent the focus of this nastiness before the Zoot Suit Riots. Scholars did publish papers about why so many Mexican American students seemed to underachieve (segregated schools, maybe?), but talk of them as a danger to society was limited. Southern California newspapers competed to see which could slime young Latinos the worst. That changed with the Zoot Suit Riots. First came the Sleepy Lagoon case in 1942, in which 22 young Mexican American men were put on trial related to the death of a young farmworker, Jose Diaz. (Five were acquitted, and the other convictions were eventually reversed.) Throughout the sensational mass trial, Southern California newspapers competed to see which could slime young Latinos the worst. They printed, unquestioned, a Los Angeles Sheriffs Department workers testimony that young Mexicans had an eternal desire to kill, or at least let blood because of their Aztec roots. The Santa Ana Register described teens who loitered at an arcade as vicious young Mexicans, and deemed a group of preteens a juvenile gang because they took 40 cents from a Pacific Electric cash box. Dailies even alleged, with no proof whatsoever, some sort of conspiracy with the Axis powers, calling the zooters the type of exuberant youth that Hitler found useful. Such outrageous articles and incendiary headlines during wartime led to a logical conclusion: five days of riots during which uniformed soldiers, sailors and Marines roamed the region looking for young Latinos and other people of color so they could tear off their zoot suits and beat them. The police looked on and then arrested mostly Latino victims. The demonization continued afterward; The Times said sailors taught pachucos a moral lesson and blamed immigrant parents for a lack of control over their offspring. Then and now, complaints about criminal Latino youngsters were largely overblown; youth violence rose dramatically across the United States during World War II for all ethnicities. But the Zoot Suit Riots hate template lived on: From West Side Story to Boulevard Nights and beyond, popular culture cemented the image of young Latinos as violence-plagued and a world apart from their white peers. The news media never turned back: As tens of thousands of unaccompanied Central American youth came to the United States in the last decade, conservative outlets have depicted them as an invading army instead of the refugees that they are. Such hate takes a toll. A 2017 study by researchers at Penn State showed that among Latinos, millennials born in the U.S. reported feeling the most discrimination. What ends up happening to [them] is that they have higher expectations for inclusion than other Latino groups and greater awareness of unfair treatment and blocked opportunities, the researchers said in a news release. Latino elders have laboriously tried to combat the damage and self-doubt this discrimination causes with ethnic studies classes, youth empowerment summer camps and more. But the words and actions of Trump and other politicians undercut such efforts. And that they gleefully target an age group thats increasingly our nations future is a disturbing trend. And it all started in Los Angeles. mexicanwithglasses@gmail.com @gustavoArellano To the editor: During World War II, Operation Pied Piper was implemented in Great Britain, mostly to spare children the trauma of the blitzkrieg bombings. Many children were relocated out of London, but it meant they were separated from their parents, who remained in the city to work. Many parents refused this program and went with their children below ground, where they endured the bombings together. On Dec. 6, 1941, Anna Freud, the daughter of Sigmund Freud, reported the results of a 12-month study she authored. Its conclusion: Separation from their parents was a worse shock for children than a bombing. A large body of research proves that even brief forced separations are harmful to the health and mental well-being of children and their parents. They can cause long-lasting trauma and lead to serious mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Advertisement Taking children from their caregivers is a cruel and inhumane policy. It is also contrary to our American values. Lee Jaffe, La Jolla The writer, a psychoanalyst, is president-elect of the American Psychoanalytic Assn. .. To the editor: From time to time I read charges that government agents are jackbooted thugs. I always dismissed these claims as delusions of the paranoid right until now. Wrenching children from desperate mothers is as thuggish as it gets. The U.S. attorney generals stated rationale that this is to deter illegal immigration is at best misguided, and surely inhumane. We were supposed to have given up the idea that children should suffer for the sins of their parents at the end of the Dark Ages. This administration is the worst of the worst. People who have any concern for their fellow humans or adhere to their religious teachings should demand that the government puts a stop to this horrible behavior. Remember to go to the polls this year and vote every enabler of these policies out of office. Roger Bourke, Alta, Utah Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook To the editor: Lets take a step back from the panic and posturing over President Trumps assertion that he has the absolute right to pardon himself. Trumps pronouncement is rendered moot by the U.S. Constitution, which expressly prohibits the president from using the pardon power in the case of impeachment. Thats a constitutional and legislative check on the president. It may be open to debate whether or not a president could pardon himself, but even if he were to do so for any of the findings of special counsel Robert S. Mueller IIIs investigation or any other crime, he could still be impeached and removed from office by Congress for, ironically and among other things, the act of pardoning himself. Also, if an indictment were held back pending his removal from office, Trump would no longer have the power to pardon himself or anyone else. The law would thus prevail. Advertisement Michael Solomon, Canoga Park .. To the editor: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) states that the president having the absolute right to pardon himself would make the United States virtually a monarchy. It is important to note that absolute monarchies are rare today. The last English monarch who attempted to govern absolutely was King Charles I. He believed in his divine right to rule, dissolving Parliament when it suited him. He was put on trial for treason in 1649 and, not recognizing the legitimacy of the court, refused to enter a plea. He was judged guilty and subsequently executed enshrining forever the principle that no one, not even a king, is above the law. Cabell Smith, Pacific Palisades .. To the editor: To assert that the president is above the law by saying he could shoot someone without getting prosecuted is dangerous. Millions of people in this country believe Trump is being unfairly targeted by the government. The rest of us believe that he is attempting to become a dictator or at least trying to do whatever he wants without consequence, and Congress seems unwilling to stop him. This is truly a tale of two countries. I know that some political pundits have suggested that truth will prevail and all will be well, which seems to be a timid response to a truly horrifying situation. Others are frightened at the lack of action by anyone other than Mueller. I may seem to be an alarmist, but you tell me: Do you feel comfortable? Rosemary Watson, Los Angeles Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook To the editor: As a gay American, I am proud that the U.S. Supreme Court has rightly ruled in favor of religious freedom and the right of association in the case involving a Colorado baker who did not want to create a cake celebrating a same-sex couples marriage. Uncomfortable as it may be for some people to accept, the right to associate with whom one wishes also includes the right of disassociation. Neither I nor any other gay American is harmed by a company refusing my business. I can start my own company, or I can take my money where it is wanted. Freedom in this country can often mean that our fellow citizens may make choices that we may not agree with that is the price we pay to have freedom. I, for one, am happy to pay it. Ray Shelton, Glendale Advertisement .. To the editor: Our Supreme Court once again demonstrates its moral cowardice in deciding in favor of the Colorado cake maker. The justices ruled on a small facet of the case and avoided the major impetus, which is whether a business owner has the right to discriminate against customers based on the customers sexual orientation. I fail to comprehend how writing a few names on a cake violates the bakers religious beliefs. He doesnt have to write the names himself he could farm out the task and still retain the profit. When obtaining a business license, people agree to serve anyone who walks through the door, excluding only customers who are disruptive to the business. This baker violated that agreement and should have had his business license rescinded. Patrick Sullivan, Reseda .. To the editor: What would happen if a gay couple who had a bakery refused to create a wedding cake for a heterosexual Christian couple? Alison Rood, Sacramento Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Hello everyone! I'm Christina Bellantoni, the assistant managing editor for politics at the Los Angeles Times. We're all super excited about California's primary election. Polls close tonight at 8 p.m., and we'll be chatting with readers here throughout the evening with our observations of what we're seeing and what that might portend for the November election. I'll be joined this evening by Sacramento bureau chief John Myers and national political writer Mark Z. Barabak, bylines that will be familiar to Times readers. We'll also hear from reporters Christine Mai-Duc and Sarah Wire, who are covering the races for U.S. House and U.S. Senate. Stormy Daniels sued her former lawyer Keith Davidson on Wednesday, saying he went behind her back to advance President Trumps interests in the scandal over their alleged affair. Daniels called Davidson a puppet of the president and his attorney Michael Cohen, who paid her $130,000 to keep quiet about what she says was a one-night stand with Trump in 2006. Citing text messages between Davidson and Cohen, she accused her lawyer of colluding with Trumps attorney to her detriment. Davidson, whose law office is in Beverly Hills, denied any impropriety. He said he welcomed the lawsuit, because it would free him to defend himself publicly against false allegations made by Daniels current attorney, Michael Avenatti. It in effect waives the attorney-client confidentiality that has kept him muzzled as Avenatti attacks him, Davidson said. Advertisement This outrageously frivolous lawsuit is yet another desperate attempt by Michael Avenatti to continue his publicity tour, as well as divert attention from the recent allegations against him relating to bankruptcy proceedings and the failure to withhold millions of federal employee taxes, Davidson said, alluding to the bankruptcy and tax delinquency of the Eagan Avenatti law firm in Newport Beach. A New York federal judge admonished Avenatti last week for denigrating Cohen in frequent television appearances that she dismissed as a publicity tour. The judge, Kimba Wood, was presiding in a court dispute over FBI raids on Cohens office, home and hotel room. Her comments led Avenatti to drop his request to participate in the case. Mr. Davidson is a liar and a scum bag, Avenatti said by email. He is now trying to distract away from his own unethical lapses by telling lies about things wholly unrelated to this case. He also clearly doesnt know the law as it relates to the attorney-client privilege. Daniels complaint in state Superior Court in Santa Monica is the third suit she has filed involving her alleged sexual encounter with Trump in the early years of his marriage to Melania Trump. In March, she sued the president to void the nondisclosure agreement that bars her from speaking publicly about it. In April, Daniels sued Trump for defamation over a tweet saying her story about being threatened in 2011 if she revealed the affair was a total con job. Daniels latest lawsuit also names Cohen as a defendant. It says Cohen knew that Davidson had a professional obligation not to collude with him to benefit Trump. But Cohen made a conscious decision to participate in the wrongful conduct, the complaint says. In the weeks before the November 2016 presidential election, Davidson and Cohen negotiated the deal to pay Daniels the hush money. Cohen attorney Brent Blakely did not return a call seeking comment.Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, says in the new lawsuit that when In Touch magazine began publishing details of her encounter with Trump in January, Davidson worked with Cohen to manipulate Ms. Clifford in a manner designed to benefit Mr. Cohen and Mr. Trump. Michael Cohen in Washington in September 2017. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP ) The complaint includes text messages between Davidson and Cohen arranging for Daniels to deny the affair in an appearance, which never occurred, on Sean Hannitys show on Fox News. The suit accuses Davidson of secretly tipping off Cohen to Daniels plan to talk publicly about having sex with Trump and sue the president to void her confidentiality pact. As a result, she claims, Cohen met with First Lady Melania Trump in order to get out in front of the approaching lawsuit and publicity, and convince her that Ms. Clifford was a liar and not to be trusted. When Davidson texted Cohen on March 2 to see if he was going to call him, the complaint says, Cohen responded with an acronym for first lady of the United States: With flotus. Give me a minute. By disclosing to Cohen information about Daniels plans, the suit says, Davidson breached his obligation to keep her activities confidential. Cohen recorded phone conversations with Davidson discussing Daniels, but has refused to give them to her, according to the lawsuit. The complaint also accuses Davidson of not turning over to Daniels her entire client file and some of his text messages concerning her. Davidsons failure to provide everything she requested has hampered her ability to cooperate with government inquiries regarding Trump, Cohen and Davidson, the lawsuit says. The FBI raided Cohens office, home and hotel room in New York in April for an investigation of possible bank fraud and campaign finance violations. Under court-approved search warrants, federal prosecutors were seeking records on, among other things, Cohens negotiation of the confidentiality pact with Daniels. michael.finnegan@latimes.com Twitter: @finneganLAT UPDATES: 6:15 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details about the Michael Cohen investigation. This article was originally published at 3:30 p.m. As more than a million Americans face losing food stamps under President Trumps vision for reauthorizing the farm bill, his vow to wean families off dependence doesnt apply to thousands of others who have been relying much of their adult lives on payments from the governments sprawling agriculture program. And many of those farmers have been getting aid for far longer than the average 10 months that a food stamp recipient gets help. In fact, 27,930 farmers have been collecting for 32 years, a report released Wednesday shows. The assistance is supposed to keep their farming operations afloat, but it flows in good years and bad. It is well known that the farm bill long ago strayed from its Dust Bowl roots, when the temporary subsidies were established to help farming operations survive brutal drought and other such catastrophic events. But the new data compiled by the advocacy organization Environmental Working Group are setting off fresh charges that food stamps are not the only form of welfare bankrolled under the bill. Advertisement We are struggling to understand how some of these operations manage to get paid every single year, said Scott Faber, vice president of government affairs at the group. It is remarkable that 28,000 people have managed to get a check every year for 32 years. Not all of the recipients live and work on hardscrabble farms. Some are managing operations that are quite lucrative, according to the report. At least 245 of them appear to live far from where the cotton, corn, wheat and other subsidy-eligible commodities are grown; they are in urban locations such as Santa Monica and the Napa Valleys St. Helena. While most of the recipients are in the Midwest and Texas, there are 87 Californians who have been collecting farm bill checks since the mid-1980s. Their operations span the entire state, and range from big, industrial farms to the hobby farms of wealthy individuals. The Newton Bros. cotton farming operation in Stratford, Calif., has collected the most of the subsidies in the state, totaling more than $5.7 million over the 32 years, according to the group. Messages left there and at several other of the California farms that received the payments were not immediately returned. Such long-running payments are coming under scrutiny at a time when the White House and many congressional Republicans are aiming to substantially cut food stamps, which are also authorized by the farm bill. A House measure that narrowly failed last month would cut benefits provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, by $9 billion over the next 10 years. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that would result in 1.2 million people losing access to food stamps. The bill failed after Democrats refused to support the food stamp cuts and several in the GOP also defected, some because they objected to the farming subsidies. Taking away money from taxpayers to inflate the price of their own groceries was never a good idea, said Northern California Republican Rep. Tom McClintock, who wants to cut all the subsidies, including those for food stamps. The White House is continuing to push for the food stamp cuts as the farm bill discussion moves over to the Senate. Under the plan favored by Republicans, new work requirements would kick in, mandating at least 20 hours of work per week or participation in a job training program for most adults in the program, including those caring for children over the age of 6. The California State Assn. of Counties and the County Welfare Directors Assn. of California warned in a letter to Congress that the proposal would have exactly the opposite of the intended effect, by imposing punitive penalties that undercut efforts already underway to help food stamp recipients find and keep jobs. Instead of reducing food insecurity, the policies will increase it for many families, their letter said. Most SNAP households can and do work. The basic premise underlying the punitive work requirement supports the false narrative that households dont work because they would rather have a relatively small benefit. The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to oppose the cuts, which it warned would devastate disadvantaged communities. One in 10 Californians uses food stamps. Some 85,000 would immediately lose their benefits under the House GOP plan, which eliminates a provision allowing states to provide food stamps to families with incomes slightly above the federal eligibility limit. None of the proposals supported by congressional leadership target the payments going to the nearly 28,000 farming families who have been collecting for decades. Farming industry groups say those subsidies are not wasteful government handouts, but essential assistance to keep an industry thriving and the world fed. The issue with agriculture is [that] Mother Nature is your business partner, said John Newton, director of market intelligence for the American Farm Bureau Federation. It is incredibly risky. When you take out these incredibly large loans to buy the seed, the fertilizer, to put crops in the ground, you dont know what you will get at end of the harvest. You dont know if there will be rain or flood or drought. Many farmers take out millions of dollars a year every single year to put a crop in the ground. They have a lot of risk. Newton said many of the payments go to subsidize crop insurance, which mitigates the risk farmers could lose everything if the weather does not cooperate. They also go to payments to farmers when the price of their crops falls so low as to threaten the viability of their businesses. Critics question why any farm would need such bailouts for 32 years straight. There is a bunch of nonsense being claimed, said Vincent Smith, director of agriculture studies at the American Enterprise Institute. This claim that absent these subsidies there will be a farming crisis and lots of farms will go bankrupt is implausible. These are not the Joads getting this money, he said, referring to the fictional family impoverished by the Dust Bowl in the novel The Grapes of Wrath. In some cases, it is members of Congress. While lawmakers do not appear to be among those who have been getting payments for 32 years straight, several have collected handsome amounts of subsidies thanks to the farm bill some while serving in Congress, the report found. Among them is Rep. Vicky Hartzler, a Missouri Republican who champions the tougher food stamp rules, vowing that they would move impoverished Americans into self-sufficiency. Hartzler, according to the Environmental Working Group, is also the recipient of nearly $1 million in farm subsidies. The latest from Washington More stories from Evan Halper evan.halper@latimes.com Follow me: @evanhalper President Trump on Wednesday commuted the sentence of Alice Johnson, a woman serving a life sentence for a nonviolent drug offense whose cause was championed last week by Kim Kardashian West during a visit to the Oval Office. Johnson, 63, was convicted and sentenced to life without parole in 1996 for her role in a cocaine-trafficking operation in Tennessee. Ms. Johnson has accepted responsibility for her past behavior and has been a model prisoner over the past two decades, the White House said in a statement. While this Administration will always be very tough on crime, it believes that those who have paid their debt to society and worked hard to better themselves while in prison deserve a second chance. Advertisement The commutation, which was also supported by White House senior advisor Jared Kushner, is the second act of clemency Trump has issued in the last six days, and more may be in the offing, White House officials say. On Thursday, Trump pardoned the conservative writer Dinesh DSouza, whod pleaded guilty to a campaign finance violation, and told reporters that he was mulling pardoning or commuting the sentences of several others, including former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Martha Stewart. Blagojevichs attorneys filed an official request on Wednesday asking Trump to commute his 14-year sentence on corruption charges. The latest from Washington Last month, Trump posthumously pardoned the first black heavyweight champion, Jack Johnson, who was convicted more than 100 years ago on a charge unique to the Jim Crow era, stemming from his relationship with a white woman. Many legal analysts believe the sudden focus on pardons is, in part, a signal from Trump to former associates entangled in the investigation headed by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III into possible collusion by Trump campaign officials with Russia. Earlier this week, the wife of George Papadopoulos, the former campaign aide who pleaded guilty last year of lying to the FBI about his contacts with the Russian government, took to Fox News to explicitly ask the president to pardon her husband. Simona Mangiante Papadopoulos told host Tucker Carlson that her husband had been a dedicated and committed campaign aide and done an excellent job for Trump. estokols@gmail.com @EliStokols UPDATES: 11:15 a.m.: This article was updated with a White House statement. This article was originally published at 10:05 a.m. Californias most wide-open primary in two decades ended Tuesday with contests including for governor and the U.S. House that seemed focused, even fixated at times, on the race for second place. The rules of the top-two primary in which a cluster of candidates gets whittled down to two finalists seemed almost to eclipse everything else about the campaigns being waged this year. Gamesmanship was everywhere. Could a feared opponent be shut out of a spot on the fall ballot? Might a political partys leaders convince some hopefuls in crowded races to step aside and thus avoid splitting the vote? In the end either because of those efforts or in spite of them the playing field looked very much like a traditional primary. In unofficial returns, only two statewide races will see a same-party showdown in November. And in both cases huge outside money in the overlooked race for lieutenant governor and the lack of any Republican presence in the U.S. Senate contest there were other factors at play. Set those aside and what becomes clear is that in the overwhelming majority of Californias races, the two-party system seems to have survived. Advertisement That kind of predictability has implications far beyond California. With seven U.S. House seats occupied by Republicans in districts that voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016, the state could have a crucial role in which party controls the House and whether President Trump faces additional scrutiny from Democrats, should they take control. Tuesdays results could have stacked the deck for either major party in these congressional races. Instead, the fight will move on to November. The candidates who succeeded Tuesday were largely staunch defenders of either liberal or conservative principles moderation was not the big winner in California on election night. And yet backers of the top-two primary, who in 2010 took a wrecking ball to the idea that spots on the November ballot should be reserved by political party, seemed to envision consensus-building candidates who could bridge the partisan divide. This primary would certainly cast some doubt on that idea, said Eric McGhee, a researcher at the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California. Detailed election results No candidate needed those moderate-minded voters more than Antonio Villaraigosa. The former Los Angeles mayor labored mightily but unsuccessfully to find some sort of coalition in the governors race that would get him into a one-on-one showdown with Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. But party labels survived. And a $22.7-million boost for Villaraigosa from an independent political action committee couldnt match the power of two tweets from Trump in endorsing Republican John Cox. That may have helped wavering GOP voters stick with the San Diego businessman rather than split their votes among other candidates the kind of split that could have allowed Villaraigosa to leapfrog into second place. This is why parties are useful, McGhee said. Parties and their leaders provide information for voters, a shortcut that allows them to simplify their decision. Evidence of a partys imprint in a crowded field of candidates in this case, its absence also was clear in the U.S. Senate race. The silence of GOP leaders gave the partys voters no clear sign on what to do with a long list of unknown prospects. That may help explain why, in early returns, there were almost 200,000 fewer votes cast in the race than in the contest for governor. Two Democrats, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and state Sen. Kevin de Leon, will now face off against each other in November as a result. Its Newsom vs. Cox in November as Villaraigosa tumbles in governors race Republican voters may lament being shut out of the Senate race, as they were in 2016, but its a casualty the party seemed willing to accept. Other tasks, including a protection of vulnerable congressional districts, seemed more pressing. Here again, the top-two primary failed to produce real surprises. That may explain why, in an election season where their place in Californias pecking order fell below that of unaffiliated voters, GOP leaders celebrated their relatively strong showing Tuesday. Not that the primary results suggest the road ahead is easy. Cox begins the final round in the race for governor as a decided underdog, probably at the level of Neel Kashkari, the GOP challenger in 2014 to Gov. Jerry Brown. Even then, Kashkari offered a pragmatic Republican stance on issues like poverty and education. (He lost to Brown, 60% to 40%.) By contrast, Cox has suggested that little, if any, daylight exists between himself and Trump on hot-button issues such as illegal immigration. If Democrats dominate in November, the 2018 primary will have done little to change the perception that California is solidly blue on the political map. Grumblings about the rules of the top-two system will probably fade, at least until 2020 rolls around. And ultimately, the major political parties will be faced with the same dilemma that kept them from trying to scrap the rules in 2018: If they want voters to revamp the rules, what are they willing to give in return? After all, a recent USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll found strong support for a system that allows more than just the narrow choices that were once offered by traditional primaries. A ballot full of names may be confusing, but the idea of fewer choices could be seen by Californians as a non-starter. john.myers@latimes.com Follow @johnmyers on Twitter, sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter and listen to the weekly California Politics Podcast UPDATES: 2:45 p.m.: This article was updated with additional context. 1:15 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details from late election returns. This article was originally published at 3 a.m. Welcome to the general election. Gavin Newsom and John Cox used their victory speeches to draw clear contrasts and begin sketching national themes ahead of their face-off in the race to be Californias next governor this fall. In simpler times, I might write that the race is over. But this is the Trump era, and anything is possible. A few things are likely: President Trump will crow about his endorsement of Cox as the thing that sent him over the top. (And history may prove him right.) Democrats will say they are united behind Newsom, the lieutenant governor who has had his eye on this prize for years. (Antonio Villaraigosa, at least 400,000 votes behind Cox with nearly 60% of precincts reporting results, made that point when endorsing Newsom swiftly Tuesday night.) Republicans, fueled by a victory in removing a state senator from office as punishment for his vote for higher gas taxes, surely are relieved they will have a GOP standard-bearer at the top of the ticket this fall when crucial U.S. House races are decided. Sign up for the free Essential Politics email newsletter Advertisement Whats less clear is if the race for governor will captivate Californians, and which of the Democrats still all bunched up and fighting for second place in congressional races would fare best against Republican incumbents. The one thing I can predict for certain is that the Los Angeles Times will be here for you every step of the way in the 153 days until the general election. STILL COUNTING Track live election results as they come in over the next few days. Well be posting about important races on our special primary news feed capturing everything that happens related to the primary. Catch up with our detailed running analysis on the results. Make sure to sign up for breaking news alerts so you dont miss a moment. ABOUT LAST NIGHT Heres a quick round of primary election headlines from Tuesday. Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom secured the top spot in Tuesdays primary election for California governor and faces a November showdown with John Cox, a multimillionaire Republican hitched to the far-right policies of President Trump. The night brought a stunning defeat to former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who embodied the growing power of the Latino electorate when he was elected mayor in 2005. In his victory speech Tuesday night, Newsom accused Cox of being a Trump foot soldier in his war against California. Cox, in turn, tried to yoke Newsom and the Democratic Party with the ills facing Californians, including the high poverty rate and the lack of affordable housing. According to L.A. County Registrar Dean C. Logan, 118,522 voters were accidentally left off Los Angeles polling place rosters. Villaraigosa called foul and asked for the polls to remain open. Newsom spent his final public appearance before the polls closed Tuesday at an upscale Oakland food court taking well-wishes and the occasional tough policy question. On Tuesday morning, Trump urged Californians to turn out to vote Tuesday morning and block Democrats from retaking the House. State Sen. Josh Newman was headed for ouster because of voter ire over the higher gas tax. Miso Kwak of Diamond Bar is nearly blind and still came out to vote but L.A. County voting machines designed to help blind voters repeatedly failed to work at one polling station after another. Californians rejected one of the five statewide propositions, which dealt with how future climate change funds are spent. Here is a rundown of the four measures that did win on the ballot. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, as expected, prevailed. It appears that state Sen. Kevin de Leon will join her in November. Democrats seem poised to avoid lockouts of the most competitive congressional races. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher secured the top spot in his race Tuesday, but its still unclear who will take on the 15-term Republican incumbent this fall. Republican Rep. David Valadao advanced to the general election along with his sole opponent, Democrat TJ Cox. Rep. Jeff Denham advanced to the general election in the 10th Congressional District. California Republicans in most tough House races didnt stick around for results. Most vulnerable incumbents watched primary election returns from Washington. Californias competitive, crowded House races are getting pricey, and more than $108 million has been spent so far this cycle to help elect candidates to Congress. Two Democrats rushed to an early lead Tuesday to fill an open state Assembly seat in northern San Diego County previously held by Republican Rocky Chavez. Democrats Tasha Boerner Horvath and Elizabeth Warren each held 25% of the vote, while six Republicans split the remainder of the ballots, with 35% of precincts reporting. Santa Clara County Judge Aaron Persky became the first California judge recalled from office since 1932. In Huntington Beach, voters were scattered in their support for candidates on the primary ballot. Steve Lopez sums up voter apathy in California. LEGISLATIVE CONTESTS WERE FIRST TESTS OF #METOO AT THE BALLOT BOX Roughly six months after a tide of sexual misconduct allegations and resignations swept through Sacramento as the #MeToo movement began to rock institutions of power across the nation, Los Angeles County voters cast their judgment on the accused at the ballot box Tuesday. Democrat Tony Mendoza, who resigned from his state Senate seat amid misconduct charges earlier this year, did not succeed in his quest to win back the seat for the remainder of the current term, placing third in a field of 11 candidates, with 26% of precincts reporting Tuesday night. In a separate vote, Mendoza was in fifth place in a field of 10 candidates in the primary election to win the next four-year term starting in 2019 representing the same swath of Southeast Los Angeles County with 26% of precincts reporting Tuesday night. 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? 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. With the threat of primary shutouts seemingly behind them, California congressional candidates from both parties must pivot as Democrats seek to unseat established GOP incumbents and capture two open seats in the fall. Many of the matchups look to be quite competitive a good situation for Democrats who are counting on winning some GOP-held districts in California in order to retake control of the House. Heres what you can expect in each race as the general election campaigns begin. Results from the California primary 4th District The matchup: Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Elk Grove), a former state legislator first elected to Congress in 2008, and Democrat Jessica Morse, a former U.S. State Department analyst. Advertisement The money: Both candidates have raked in more than $1 million. McClintock was out-raised by Morse and other Democrats much of last year and as of May 16 had about the same amount of money in the bank as she did, a sign of danger for an established incumbent. The bottom line: Morse has momentum on her side but will probably face a tight race in November. Despite increased enthusiasm among activists, McClintock had 52% of votes in the latest count, and President Trump won his district with 54% of the vote. Election prognosticators have rated his seat likely Republican. 10th District The matchup: Its still not entirely clear whom Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) will be facing. At the latest count, the farmer and businessman seemed poised to face Democrat Josh Harder, a venture capitalist with deep ties in the district. That could potentially change, as Republican veterinarian Ted Howze was only 850 votes behind. The money: Harder has proved a prolific fundraiser, raking in nearly $1.5 million as of mid-May. But Denham, a four-term incumbent, has raised $3 million. The bottom line: Denham has long overcome challengers by focusing on local issues important to constituents. Even if Harder can consolidate support that went to other Democratic candidates Tuesday, his success may hinge on his ability to woo some moderate Republicans to his side. 21st District The matchup: Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford), a rancher first elected in 2012, will face Democratic engineer and businessman TJ Cox. The money: Cox, who jumped into the race late, had $442,000 in the bank as of mid-May, as opposed to Valadaos nearly $1.3 million. The bottom line: On paper, this district looks like one that could be a pickup opportunity for Democrats, but it has consistently eluded them. Valadao has so far collected a whopping 64% of the primary vote, leading election handicapper Cook Political Report to upgrade his district to likely Republican. 22nd District The matchup: Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), an eight-term incumbent who gained national attention over the House investigation into Russian election meddling, will face Democrat and Fresno County prosecutor Andrew Janz. The money: Both candidates have parlayed Nunes fame into campaign dollars. Janz had collected nearly $1.9 million as of mid-May, much of it from across the country. But as chair of the powerful House Intelligence Committee, Nunes has dwarfed Janz in fundraising, bringing in nearly $3.5 million in the same time period. The congressman reported having more than $5 million in the bank, more than eight times what Janz had socked away. The bottom line: Nunes has formidable resources, but his opponent has also demonstrated a keen ability to raise money. In 2016, Nunes won with roughly 68% of the vote and outran Trump by 16 percentage points. National prognosticators have moved the district from safe to likely Republican. 25th District The matchup: Democrat Katie Hill, who most recently ran a homelessness nonprofit, will take on Rep. Steve Knight (R-Palmdale), a former Los Angeles police officer who served in the state Legislature before being elected to Congress in 2014. The money: Hill has been neck and neck with Knight on fundraising, even out-raising him in several reporting periods. But she had to burn a lot of cash to make it through a tough primary, leaving her with just over $300,000 in the bank by mid-May compared with Knight, who had more than $1 million stashed away. The bottom line: Hill has deep roots in the area and was one of two Emilys List-endorsed candidates to make it through competitive primaries in a year in which female candidates seem to be getting a boost from voters. But Knight had a strong showing Tuesday, receiving 53% of the vote so far, and Hill will need to move forward from a bitter contest with fellow Democrat Bryan Caforio to have a chance in this swing district. 39th District The matchup: Republican Young Kim, a businesswoman and former state legislator, and Gil Cisneros, a Democrat and Navy-veteran-turned-millionaire, will duke it out over this seat. Its been left open by retiring Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton). The money: Cisneros had raised and spent a whopping $4 million, the vast majority of it his own money, as of mid-May. Kim, who joined the race much later, had raised more than $900,000 by that point. The bottom line: Cisneros had received support from establishment Democrats even before the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee backed him, and he has demonstrated a willingness to drop massive amounts of his own money to win. But Kim, a longtime Royce district staffer who has his endorsement, will have the weight of the GOP establishment in her favor. Minority voters in this diverse, rapidly changing district could be key: Cisneros has long had connections to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Kim, if victorious, would become the first Korean American woman elected to Congress. 45th District The matchup: Democrat Katie Porter, a UC Irvine law professor, will challenge Rep. Mimi Walters (R-Irvine), a former state legislator first elected to the House in 2014. The money: Unlike some of her GOP colleagues, Walters has taken fundraising seriously, raising nearly $2.6 million to Porters impressive $1.1 million. But Porter had to spend most of it in a primary battle against fellow Democrat Dave Min and has just a sixth of what Walters has in the bank. The bottom line: Porter, endorsed by U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Emilys List, cast herself as a progressive, which could make it tough for her to flip this district without a massive Democratic turnout this fall. 48th District The matchup: It appears that a Democrat will compete to unseat 15-term Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa) this fall, but its still not clear which one. With the latest round of ballots Wednesday, a mere 45 votes separated real estate investor Harley Rouda and stem cell scientist Hans Keirstead for the second spot. The money: Rohrabacher has lagged behind his challengers but had still raised $1.6 million by mid-May more than he ever has. But Keirstead and Rouda, both successful businessmen, have boosted their coffers with personal money and raised $1.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively. The bottom line: Rohrabacher has seen his support among local Republican activists eroding in recent months and received just 30% of votes so far. If Keirstead or Rouda can find a way to unite their supporters, Democrats have a good shot at unseating him. 49th District The matchup: Diane Harkey, the Republican chairwoman of the state tax board, will face Democratic attorney Mike Levin in the race to replace Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista). The money: Harkey, who joined the race after Issa announced his retirement, had raised just $474,000 as of mid-May, while Levin had raised $1.7 million. The bottom line: Levin doesnt have the name recognition or political experience Harkey boasts, and the primary was bruising for Democrats. But many Democratic activists here, who have been hyper-engaged since Trumps election, have emphasized the need to come together after the primary. 50th District The matchup: Ammar Campa-Najjar, a Democratic public affairs consultant, will take on embattled Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine). The money: Hunters fundraising has been anemic as he has faced a federal criminal investigation of his campaign spending. But his opponent hasnt done much better: Hunter has $315,000 in the bank compared with Campa-Najjars $180,000. The bottom line: Hunter is in a safe Republican district, and is potentially even safer now that Democrats have nominated a fairly progressive candidate who supports single-payer healthcare and tighter gun laws. Unless Hunter is indicted while running for reelection, he seems a likely bet to hold this seat come November. Times staff writer Sarah D. Wire contributed to this report. christine.maiduc@latimes.com Twitter: @cmaiduc UPDATES: June 7, 8:45 p.m.: This article was updated to add that Levin will advance to the general election. June 6, 7:15 p.m.: This article was updated with additional election information and analysis This article was originally posted on June 6 at 4:30 a.m. Four statewide ballot propositions were passing in California on Tuesday, while an effort to control spending of funds collected through the states climate change program appeared headed toward a defeat. Proposition 70 would have required both houses of the Legislature, six years from now, to approve spending of cash collected from the cap-and-trade program, in which industries pay for greenhouse gas emissions above the state-imposed cap. With fewer than 15% of precincts reporting, 61% had voted against the measure and 39% had voted for it. Assembly Republicans demanded the proposition during 2017 negotiations over a bipartisan deal to extend the climate law. Advertisement The spending plan would have to be approved by a supermajority of both houses. And it would presumably force a day of reckoning for one of the biggest line items in spending of cap-and-trade cash: Californias high-speed rail program. Assemblyman Chad Mayes (R-Yucca Valley) led Assembly Republicans in the push for Proposition 70. California Republicans are different than national Republicans, Mayes said last July. Many of us believe that climate change is real, and that its a responsibility we have to work to address. Here is a rundown of the other measures on the ballot, all of which were showing clear majorities of support Tuesday night. Proposition 68 Formally known as the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access For All Act, this proposition would allow the state to borrow $4 billion in bonds for state and local parks and other environmental protection and restoration projects. In the closest race any proposition faced on the ballot, voters were approving the measure as of late Tuesday, with 55% voting yes and 45% voting no. The money would be used to restore parks in lower-income communities, protecting wildlife habitats and rivers or coastal areas, and improving flood protection and groundwater systems. A legislative analysis suggests once the bonds are paid off, the total cost would be more than $6 billion. State Sen. Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) wrote the initiative. Seven different groups contributed a total of $6 million to support the proposition, according to campaign finance tracking website Cal-Access. Proposition 69 The state Senate approved a measure in April that would prohibit lawmakers from borrowing transportation-related revenue for unrelated programs. Voters approved the proposition, with 77% voting yes and 23% voting no. This proposition would ban the use of any of the new vehicle fees and diesel taxes, totaling around $2 billion a year, for nontransportation purposes. Supporters of the measure include the California Alliance for Jobs - Rebuild California Committee, Members Voice of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, and United Contractors. Even if the proposition is approved, its potential impact is unclear. There is an effort underway to repeal the gas tax increases on the November ballot. Your guide to the 5 propositions on Californias primary ballot Proposition 71 According to the California Constitution, statewide ballot measures that are winning by the end of election day immediately become law even if all votes havent been counted. This proposition would mandate that all ballots be counted before a measure becomes law. Allowing initiatives and referenda to go into effect immediately after an election may lead to some confusion, Assemblyman Kevin Mullin (D-South San Francisco) said during a legislative hearing. In some instances, elections are too close to call for some time after the polls close. The proposition succeeded on the ballot, with 78% of voters approving the measure and 22% disapproving. Proposition 72 If approved, Proposition 72 will allow homeowners to add rainwater-capture systems without having their properties reassessed or their property taxes raised. The proposition could be an incentive for homeowners to reduce consumption from public water supplies in case of drought. Californians overwhelmingly approved the proposition, 84% to 16%, amounting to more than 1.7 million yes votes. Sign up for the Essential Politics newsletter michael.livingston@latimes.com @Livingston_LAT UPDATES: 10:35 p.m.: This article was updated with later results. 9:20 p.m.: This article was updated with early results after polls closed. This article was originally published at 6:15 p.m. A new study by a scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has found that over the past seven decades, tropical cyclones have slowed down near coastlines around the world. The findings published in the journal Nature describe a clear link between global warming and the behavior of these severe storms with potentially devastating consequences for the people that live near them. According to overwhelming scientific consensus, the climbing average global temperature over the past century has been fueled largely by human activities that have released heat-trapping greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Among its negative effects, that rising heat has been linked to the melting of glaciers, the creeping rise of oceans, the bleaching of corals, the spread of human diseases and the worsening of drought. Scientists have also been trying to understand the link between global warming and the behavior of extreme weather events, such as the hurricanes that pound Atlantic coastlines during the summer and fall. Advertisement Certainly theres one clear physical link, said Christina Patricola, an atmospheric scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory who was not involved in the study. For every 1 degree Celsius rise in temperature, the atmosphere is able to hold 7% more moisture. That means that when it finally does rain, theres a lot more water coming down which could raise the risk of flooding. The relationship of global warming to other aspects of such storms, such as frequency and intensity, has been more difficult to pin down, said study author James Kossin, a climate scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Madison, Wis. Thats partly because its hard to compare older data to the information thats been gathered in recent decades with more sophisticated instruments. And of course, in the pre-satellite era (before the 1960s), a lot of storms that lived and died over the open ocean would have gone unnoticed, which could potentially make them seem less frequent in the past than they really were. But one of the hallmarks of Hurricane Harvey, which ravaged the Texas coastline in 2017, was how it slowly it moved across the Houston region, dumping roughly 50 inches of rain in some areas. A lot of the initial research has been focused largely on numbers of tropical cyclones and then of course on intensity because thats the way that we feel the impacts, Patricola said. But when events like Hurricane Harvey hit, she added, its a reminder that we need to consider the other characteristics of tropical cyclones. Kossin wanted to see if, on average, the traveling speed of such tropical cyclones was slowing down. To find out, he used data from the U.S. National Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center to study the position of such storms centers every six hours. From those, he was able to calculate the moving speed of these coastal storms between 1949 and 2016. Kossin found that, on average globally, the speed at which these tropical cyclones moved had fallen by about 10% with just 0.5 degrees Celsius of warming. In certain regions, that slowdown was even more extreme: about 30% over land affected by tropical cyclones from the western North Pacific and 20% over land affected by tropical cyclones from the North Atlantic. I was surprised at how strong a signal it was and how large a signal it was, Kossin said. Ten percent over 70 years is really quite a lot. Still, the finding fits with what is known about global warming and the dynamics of the atmosphere, he said. Tropical cyclones are largely carried along by atmospheric circulation and that has been slowing down, as the temperature gradient between the poles and the tropics begins to shrink (because the poles are warming faster than the tropics are). A storm that lingers longer over inhabited coastlines is a more dangerous storm, Kossin said, because it allows more rain to fall in a local area, raising the risk of flooding and storm surge. It may even increase the damage from hurricane winds, simply by battering the same structures over a longer period. These tropical cyclones arrive carrying many, many hazards with them none of them good and the longer its in your area, the worse its going to be, Kossin said. You dont want them to move slowly. Kossin was quick to point out that his results only show what had happened over the 68-year period, not what may happen in the future. Patricola, who called the findings quite convincing, said study opened new questions that need answering. For example: How has tropical cyclone rainfall changed in the recent historical record, and how did the moving speed of these storms affect those regional rainfall totals? Scientists will also need to look more closely at the moving speeds of stalled tropical cyclones the subset of these storms that are moving extremely slowly, and are much rarer, she said. Its a little bit harder to understand how theyre changing because weve observed fewer of them, she said. But the good news is that we can tackle that question with a combination of observations and climate models to try to get that kind of understanding. amina.khan@latimes.com Follow @aminawrite on Twitter for more science news and like Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook. MORE IN SCIENCE A 27-year-old man was arrested late last month for allegedly getting into an altercation with Burbank police officers after walking into the departments lobby shirtless and drunk. Burbank Police Sgt. Derek Green said officers first spotted the man staggering around the departments parking lot around 7:40 p.m. on May 27. He then entered the lobby, where an officer soon approached him. The subject was determined to be intoxicated and under the influence of alcohol to an extent that he was unable to safely care for himself, Green said. As he was being placed under arrest, Green said the man spat on one officer and tried to spit on another. He was eventually taken into custody. The man was identified as Kevin Castillo, a Burbank resident. The city attorneys office charged him with one count each of resisting arrest, battery on a peace officer, assault and public drunkenness. andy.nguyen@latimes.com Twitter: @Andy_Truc A Los Angeles man was arrested last month after police said he allegedly robbed a person in Burbank at knife point, taking the victims money and adult-sized tricycle. Joe Rodriguez, 18, was arrested on suspicion of robbery and contributing to the delinquency of minors. The robbery reportedly took place on May 27 around 11:25 p.m. in the 2700 block of West Olive Avenue, according to Burbank Police Sgt. Derek Green. He said a man with a tricycle was in an alley when he was approached by a trio of males, one of whom allegedly had a knife and was believed to be Rodriguez. The man with a knife held it up to the victim and asked for money, Green said. The victim backed up and fell to the ground, at which time the suspects fled with the mans tricycle. The victim found his tricycle a few minutes later, seemingly abandoned by the robbers. Officers responding to the scene detained three suspects, identified as Rodriguez and two minors. Green said the victim was unable to positively identify the three as the people who robbed him. A knife believed to have been discarded by the robbers was found nearby when police arrived. Based on the totality of circumstances and the investigation, all three suspects were placed under arrest for robbery, Green said. Rodriguez is currently out on $50,000 bail, and charges are pending. andy.nguyen@latimes.com Twitter: @Andy_Truc In the most closely watched local race of Tuesdays primary election, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa) clinched a spot in the November general election as he led a hefty field of challengers trying to oust him from his 48th Congressional District seat. But with more than 181,000 ballots left to count around Orange County, its still unclear who will take on the 15-term incumbent in the fall. The race for the second spot on the November ballot is very close, with Hans Keirstead edging in front of fellow Laguna Beach Democrat Harley Rouda in revised vote totals late Wednesday afternoon. Rouda had been narrowly ahead of Keirstead. Rohrabacher had 30% of the votes with all precincts reporting, and after the revision, Keirstead was 45 votes ahead of Rouda (both at 17%). Republican Scott Baugh was behind them at 16%. Previously, Rouda had a 73-vote lead on Keirstead. The county registrar of voters office said Wednesday that voters likely will have to wait until at least mid-June before the results are official. Under Californias jungle primary system, the top two vote-getters advance to the fall general election, regardless of their party affiliation. Registrar officials cautioned that with a large number of ballots left to count, its too early to make a definitive call on who will advance. Officials still have to process 50,000 mail-in ballots, 82,220 vote-by-mail ballots dropped off at polling places, 45,500 provisional ballots and 3,590 election day paper ballots, according to the registrars office. An estimate of the number of vote-by-mail ballots received after election day was unavailable. Rohrabachers seat has been in the Democratic Partys crosshairs throughout this election cycle, particularly since Hillary Clinton narrowly won the 48th District in the 2016 presidential election. Rohrabacher said Tuesday night that his showing in the primary proves the Democrats hoped-for blue wave didnt hit. How many times do we have to hear there is a blue wave? he said. The tide is turning against these left-wing fanatics. He added that the primary returns were not a victory for me; this was a victory for America. Rouda had a different view Wednesday. He said in a statement that voters sent a truly resounding statement that theyre ready to say goodbye to divisive and hateful politics of our failed incumbent congressman and [President] Donald Trump. We have truly built a movement for change here in the 48th Congressional District, and I look forward to defeating Dana Rohrabacher and restoring honesty and integrity to this office, he said. Keirstead said on his campaign Facebook page Wednesday that we still need to make sure every lawful vote is counted ... but heres what we know so far: Dana Rohrabacher is on the ropes, hell finally be held accountable for decades of failed leadership [and] this is thanks to you, the activists who are working tirelessly to flip the 48th. Baugh said Wednesday that he plans to cast his ballot for Rohrabacher in November and hopes the rest of the 48th District will join him. Looking ahead, its vital to prevent the Democrats from taking the House, he said. In the California governors race, state Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach) ran fourth, with 10% of the vote, as Democrat Gavin Newsom, the lieutenant governor, and Republican John Cox, a businessman whom Trump endorsed, advanced to the general election. Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa, a former Los Angeles mayor, was third. In the race to replace Allen in the 72nd Assembly District, Democrat Josh Lowenthal, a conference call company executive from Huntington Beach (37%), and Republican Tyler Diep, the Westminster vice mayor (30%), had a clear advantage over Republican Greg Haskin (20%). Meanwhile, Assemblyman Matthew Harper, another Huntington Beach Republican, and Democrat Cottie Petrie-Norris of Laguna Beach advanced to the general election for Harpers 74th Assembly District seat. Harper collected 41% of the vote; Petrie-Norris 28%. Democrat Karina Onofre, whom Harper defeated in the 2016 general election, was third, just ahead of Republican Katherine Daigle. Rohrabacher is facing a major political fight to secure a 16th term in Congress. Fifteen hopefuls threw their hats in the ring to try to replace Rohrabacher as the representative of the 48th District, which includes Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. Four of those candidates Democrats Michael Kotick, Laura Oatman and Rachel Payne and Republican Stelian Onufrei dropped out of the race, though their names still appeared on the ballot. Of the 11 challengers remaining, five were Democrats: Rouda, an attorney and businessman; Keirstead, a scientist and stem cell researcher; Deanie Schaarsmith, a Laguna Niguel resident who owns a DUI counseling program; Omar Siddiqui, a Costa Mesa trial lawyer who also has served as an advisor to the FBI and CIA; and Tony Zarkades, a Marine Corps veteran and commercial pilot from Huntington Beach. The race received an extra jolt of intrigue with the entry of Republican heavyweight Baugh of Huntington Beach, a former state assemblyman who chaired the Orange County Republican Party for more than a decade. Also on the ballot Tuesday for voters in Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach was a decision on whom to elect to the Orange County Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Michelle Steel, a Republican who lives in Surfside, won 63% of the votes in her bid for another term as the representative of the Second District on the five-member panel. That was enough to avoid a November runoff against Democrat Brendon Perkins of Huntington Beach, who finished second with 24%, or Michael Mahony of Cypress, who was third with 13%. The choice was simpler in the Fifth District, which includes Laguna Beach, as incumbent Lisa Bartlett ran unopposed. Staff writer Luke Money, Times Community News contributor Daniel Langhorne and the Los Angeles Times contributed to this report. hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @HannahFryTCN UPDATES: 5:10 p.m.: This article was updated with new vote tallies for . 2:45 p.m.: This article was updated with Scott Baughs comments. This article was originally published at 12:40 p.m. A brush fire that temporarily displaced thousands of Laguna Beach and Aliso Viejo residents over the weekend has burned 175 acres and was 85% contained as of Tuesday night, fire officials said. All Laguna Beach residents who were evacuated Saturday because of the blaze were permitted to return to their homes Sunday evening. Initially, 1,500 residents were evacuated from the Top of the World and Old Top of the World neighborhoods. The Aliso fire, which broke out at about 1:15 p.m. Saturday below Top of the World and behind Soka University in Aliso Viejo, also forced the evacuation of more than 2,000 homes in Aliso Viejo. However, that order was lifted at 9 p.m. Saturday after authorities determined the fire was no longer a threat to those homes. Favorable weather conditions in the past several days have given firefighters an edge in getting the blaze under control, fire officials said. Firefighters are digging up and extinguishing hot spots under the surface, but there are no active flames, Orange County Fire Authority Battalion Chief Mike Summers said Tuesday. About 450 firefighters from several agencies were on the scene Tuesday. Summers said crews will remain at least through Friday and possibly until Sunday. The nature of the root systems means they smolder for days at a time, he said. We want to make sure the hot spots are truly out. At one point Saturday, the fire was reported to have burned 250 acres, but that was downgraded to 120 at around 8:40 p.m. after an aerial survey of the burn area gave firefighters a more accurate count, officials said. The figure was increased to 200 in a Fire Authority tweet at 12:05 a.m. Sunday, but it changed again to 150 later Sunday morning. By late Monday, the fire had burned 175 acres. Summers said investigators trying to determine what sparked the blaze are reviewing video from law enforcement and the public showing the area just as the fire got underway. So far, the cause is unclear. Four firefighters have suffered non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said. The OCFA said one of them was rescued by helicopter Sunday. No structural damage has been reported, officials said. Many Top of the World residents, many of whom remember the devastating wildfire that burned 16,000 acres and damaged hundreds of homes in Laguna Beach in 1993, quickly packed up and left their homes Saturday afternoon as word of the fire spread through the community. The Laguna Beach Community & Susi Q Center was established as an evacuation shelter. Some people climbed to hilltops Saturday to watch as flames whipped through thick brush that hadnt burned in more than 100 years. Paul Jones, a 50-year Laguna Beach resident who lives about a mile from Top of the World, said he was leaving his house Saturday afternoon when he looked up and saw an unbelievable amount of black smoke. Jones, who was one of many Laguna residents who lost their homes in the 1993 fire, trekked up the hill to get a closer look. The flames were tremendously high, probably 30 or 40 feet, he said. The fire was raging. Jones said Saturdays scene was not nearly as chaotic as the one residents faced 25 years ago. He recalled that in 1993, rows of cars filled with residents who were told to evacuate at the same time sat in traffic trying to flee as flames chewed through brush toward neighborhoods. I think if they did have a real crisis, the city didnt want to have a big traffic jam this time around, he said of the speed in which people were told to evacuate. As firefighting conditions improved during the weekend, Laguna residents on the west side of Alta Laguna Boulevard were permitted to return to their homes Sunday morning. The rest of the evacuation order was lifted at 6 p.m., officials said. Fire Authority Capt. Tony Bommarito said fire crews got a break Saturday night as erratic winds that had helped spread the flames died down. Bommarito said firefighters used that to their advantage overnight as hand crews cut about a mile of fire line in an effort to contain the blaze. Whenever we dont have any wind, its going to be in our favor, he said Sunday. We try to get as much done as we can during those times. Hundreds of firefighters from cities across Southern California, including Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, have assisted. Eleven air tankers and eight helicopters were at the scene over the weekend at the height of the fire, officials said. The blaze caused Top of the World Elementary School to be closed Monday, and Costa Mesa High Schools prom scheduled for Saturday night at Soka University was postponed. The elementary school reopened Tuesday, and Costa Mesa Highs prom has been rescheduled for Saturday at Soka. Investigators ask that anyone with information about the cause of the fire call (800) 222-TIPS (8477). Aliso Fire: Extreme Fire behavior with erratic canyon winds. pic.twitter.com/GZqx4XCxIY OCFA PIO (@OCFA_PIO) June 2, 2018 hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @HannahFryTCN UPDATES: 9:10 p.m.: This article was updated with the fires containment at 85%. This article was originally published at 3:20 p.m. Another Newport Beach resident has filed a lawsuit demanding that a court-appointed special prosecutor look into allegations of impropriety in Newport City Hall, this time over the impending departure of City Manager Dave Kiff. Chuck Groux filed a complaint last week in Orange County Superior Court alleging that four members of the City Council Scott Peotter, Kevin Muldoon, Mayor Marshall Duffy Duffield and Mayor Pro Tem Will ONeill violated the state open-meeting law by secretly conspiring to oust Kiff. The complaint filed May 30 on Grouxs behalf by attorney Phil Greer also claims City Atty. Aaron Harp was either complicit or derelict in allowing the alleged private meetings to occur. But, the complaint argues, Harp cannot cross the four council members who form a majority of the seven-member council if he wants to keep his job, creating a conflict that must be solved by a court-appointed prosecutor. For evidence, the complaint repeats much of what Councilwoman Diane Dixon said from the dais at the April 10 council meeting when she echoed accusations by some Kiff supporters that a majority of the council had plotted to oust the city manager months ahead of his scheduled contract expiration in April 2019. Kiff now plans to leave at the end of August this year. Dixon said in April that Kiff told her that others told him that Duffield told several people in the community in 2015 that the council wanted to get rid of Kiff. She said Duffield affirmed that sentiment in 2016 as relayed by a mutual friend of the mayor and Kiff during yacht club chatter, and that Duffield and Peotter had done so with another council member who was quoted about it in a newspaper column. Duffield and Peotter didnt deny making the statements, the complaint states. The four council members have publicly denied plotting to oust Kiff. The complaint also claims the city publicly admitted that it violated the open-meeting law ahead of a unanimous council vote April 10 to amend Kiffs contract to allow it to end in August with an exit package worth more than $100,000. The city issued a formal commitment letter in May promising not to violate the law but also emphasized that such surreptitious meetings never took place. Harp said Tuesday that Grouxs lawsuit is wholly without merit. The city intends to notify counsel for plaintiff that if this frivolous action is not immediately dismissed, the city will be forced to seek to recover attorneys fees and costs associated with defending this case, Harp said. I am not sure why this lawsuit was filed; however, it is fundamentally unfair to ask the taxpayers to expend limited city resources defending against these type of meritless cases. The call for a special prosecutor uses arguments about Harp that are similar to those in another complaint Greer filed in April. Thats when Newport Beach resident Martha Peyton claimed that Peotter broke several state and local campaign finance rules by accepting noncash donations from Duffield and others in his bid for reelection this year that either pushed the donors over the contribution limit or were misreported, if they were reported at all. Peotter has denied wrongdoing. Patrick Bobko, an outside lawyer for the city, called the Peyton complaint improper, premature and [an attempt] to insert the court into the political interworking of the Newport Beach City Council. He said Harp lacks statutory authority to pursue the alleged violations and that a simultaneous complaint from Peyton was pending with the California Fair Political Practices Commission. Bobko also said the constitutional separation of powers bars direct judicial interference with the City Council, a legislative body. The city filed a motion to have Greer dismissed from that case after Councilman Jeff Herdman sent him two emails between himself and Harp about the matter. A hearing on that motion is set for June 28. hillary.davis@latimes.com Twitter: @Daily_PilotHD Good morning. Its Wednesday, June 6. Heres whats been happening around O.C. Top story 69% of O.C. teens experience some form of dating violence, study finds More than two-thirds of Orange County teenagers experience some kind of dating abuse, according to a recent study by Chapman University researchers. The study was completed for Lauras House, a Ladera Ranch-based nonprofit that provides domestic violence-related services. Jennifer Ponce, prevention education manager of Lauras House, said the groups employees noticed that teen dating violence appeared at least anecdotally to be pervasive. TimesOC Around the county Design unveiled for future home of O.C. Museum of Art The Orange County Museum of Art has unveiled plans for its future home, a Thom Mayne-designed building at Costa Mesas Segerstrom Center for the Arts that represents a move 10 years in the making. Los Angeles Times Sanders speaks at rally to call for higher wages for Disneyland workers At a rally attended by hundreds of Disneyland Resort workers, Sen. Bernie Sanders spoke out against wealthy corporations that fail to pay their workers a living wage. Los Angeles Times Student on track to graduate with perfect K-12 attendance record Huntington Beach High School senior Kylie Cochran is getting closer to graduating June 13 with a perfect school attendance record since her first day of kindergarten at Hope View Elementary. Daily Pilot Courts Newport man sues, saying hes banned from South Coast Plaza A Newport Beach man who says he was banned from South Coast Plaza until 2022 for window shopping is suing the Costa Mesa luxury shopping mall in an effort to regain access. Dale Phillips, a former homeless man who now works for ride services, wrote in his April lawsuit that he was a frequent visitor to South Coast Plaza from 2015 to 2017. Daily Pilot Food Roma DItalia in Old Town Tustin is still the pride of the Corea family Family-run Roma DItalia has become an integral part of Old Town Tustin since it opened in 1961. TimesOC Life & arts Irvine Barclays 2018-19 Contemporary Dance Series adds an international spark The Irvine Barclay Theatre is looking to shake things up and add an international flair with its 2018-19 Contemporary Dance Series. TimesOC Opinion In defense of O.C.s NIMBY stance on homelessness Orange County isnt an exclusive club where only the wealthy can live, county Supervisor Todd Spitzer writes in an op-ed. Were 3 million people who have problems just like everyone else in California. Los Angeles Times Please let us know what we can do to make this newsletter more useful to you. Send comments, complaints and ideas to dailypilot@latimes.com. Glendales city elections may be moved from the first Tuesday in April of odd-numbered years to coincide with state primaries in March 2020 and 2022, according to initial results from an election Tuesday. With all precincts reporting, 12,584, or about 82%, of voters supported Measure P, which would amend the citys charter to comply with the California Voter Participation Rights Act. The act prohibits local governments from holding municipal elections on a date other than a statewide election day if the voter turnout for the previous four local elections is at least 25% less than the average voter turnout for the previous four statewide elections. For the record: This story has been updated with the latest election results. Roughly 2,800 people voted against the measure. Measure P would also change the language of the citys charter to exclude references to the Glendale Unified School District, which would clarify that district elections, such as those for school board, dont have to coincide with municipal elections. Council members Vartan Gharpetian, Paula Devine, Vrej Agajanian, Zareh Sinanyan and Ara Najarian will serve another 11 months due to the election-date change. The City Council first proposed to put Measure P on the ballot in November 2017 because of the rising costs of holding elections in April with consistently low voter turnout. Glendale voter turnout has fluctuated between 20% and 25% in the past several elections. Los Angeles County estimates that moving the election will reduce Glendales costs to about $250,000. If Glendale were to continue holding elections in April, the cost would be $1.3 million to $2.3 million, according to a city staff report. The rising costs of elections is partly due to the fact that other cities have been complying with the California Voter Participation Rights Act, City Clerk Ardy Kassakhian has said in the past. Cities share the fixed cost of a county-run election, so with fewer cities holding elections in odd-numbered years, the cost for each increases. The L.A. County Registrar said Tuesday that 118,522 voters were left off the roster at polling places accidentally. At a City Council meeting on Tuesday night, Mayor Zareh Sinanyan reassured Glendale voters they could still submit provisional ballots. However, he added that the mistake made him worry about future Glendale elections. This does worry me giving up our rights of conducting our own elections to the county, Sinanyan said about an hour and a half before polls closed. This doesnt give me any confidence toward the way they conduct the elections, but lets see what happens. alejandra.reyesvelarde@latimes.com Twitter: @r_valejandra Hamilton: An American Musical opens next week at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. A museum show dedicated to Alexander Hamiltons life of service to America serves as a good companion piece. Alexander Hamilton: Soldier, Secretary, Icon recently opened at the Smithsonians National Postal Museum, which is opposite Union Station. The pistols used in the 1804 duel with Aaron Burr that ended Hamiltons life at the age of 49 are displayed until June 24. Burr issued the challenge because he blamed Hamilton for his losses in the U.S. presidential race in 1800 and the 1804 New York governors race. Advertisement Its the first time the pistols, on loan from JPMorgan Chase & Co., have been on display in the D.C. area. By the way, Burr earlier created the Manhattan Co., a firm thats the banks earliest predecessor. As part of his Treasury duties, Hamilton oversaw the Post Office Department. Of course, there are stamps featured in this exhibit, including a 30-cent stamp featuring a bust of Hamilton, printed from 1870 to 1890; and a $5 stamp with his likeness that appeared in 1956. Visitors also can see Hamiltons signature on official correspondence between 1789 and 1794. As Treasury secretary, he could send governmental letters and documents by signing his name. The pistols remain on display until June 24; the rest of the show continues through March 3. Check for additional information plus a schedule of talks and tours about Hamilton at the museums website. ALSO The Margarita Mile and other must-see places in Dallas Long Beach celebrates Aquarium of the Pacifics 20th birthday, plus new features at Queen Mary and Terrace Plaza The case of the disappearing points: Do you know where your frequent-flier miles are? travel@latimes.com @latimestravel The recent eruption of the Volcano of Fire in Guatemala was the biggest since at least 1974 and especially deadly, having caught many living near it by surprise. More than 3,000 people have been displaced. Hundreds were injured and dozens more remained missing, according to a Guatemala disaster agency. It said the eruption has affected a total of 1.7 million people. More visual journalism Rescue workers run for cover as the Fuego Volcano blows more clouds of ash in the village of El Rodeo in Escuintla, Guatemala. (Rodrigo Abd / Associated Press) Aerial view of El Rodeo, one of the villages in the disaster area near the Fuego Volcano in Escuintla, Guatemala. (Rodrigo Abd / Associated Press) (Rodrigo Abd / Associated Press) Left, rescue workers run for cover as the volcano blows more clouds of ash in the village of El Rodeo in Escuintla, Guatemala. Right, aerial view of El Rodeo, one of the villages in the disaster area. (Maria Del Rocio Lazo / AFP / Getty Images) Guatemala's Volcano of Fire during an eruption as seen from Alotenango, Guatemala It all happened in an instant. Not minutes, but seconds. The lava came down and swept everything away. Eufemia Garcia, El Rodeo resident who was not home at the time of the eruption Police officers carry a wounded man after the eruption of the Fuego Volcano in El Rodeo village, Guatemala. (Noe Perez / AFP / Getty Images) People flee El Rodeo village after the eruption of the Fuego Volcano. (Noe Perez / AFP / Getty Images) A police officer carries a baby after the eruption of the Fuego Volcano in El Rodeo village. (Noe Perez / AFP / Getty Images) People flee El Rodeo village after the eruption of the Fuego Volcano. (Noe Perez / AFP / Getty Images) (Noe Perez / AFP / Getty Images) People flee El Rodeo and police transport the wounded after the eruption. Access to the villages is very difficult. We have to enter through the roofs. Francis Vasquez, rescue worker (Rodrigo Abd / Associated Press) Firefighters remove a body buried in volcanic ash in the village of El Rodeo. Residents carry the coffins of seven people who died following the eruption of the Fuego volcano along the streets of Alotenango, Guatemala. (Johan Ordonez / AFP / Getty Images) Family and friends mourn at the wake for seven people who died following the eruption of the Fuego volcano. (Esteban Biba / EPA / Shutterstock) Volunteer firefighters carry the coffins with the remains of two children, who died following the eruption of the Fuego volcano in Guatemala. (Orlando Estrada / AFP / Getty Images) Over a hundred people attended the funeral ceremony for Juan Fernando Galindo who died in the volcanic eruption. (Santiago Billy / EPA / Shutterstock) (AFP / Getty Images / EPA / Shutterstock) Clockwise from top left, residents carry the coffins of seven people who died in the eruption along the streets of Alotenango, Guatemala; family and friends mourn at the wake for seven people; some of the 100 people to attend the funeral for Juan Fernando Galindo, who died in the volcanic eruption; and volunteer firefighters carry the coffins of two children. The whole crop was ruined. What are we are going to do to feed our children? Sofio Morales, a coffee farmer The front door of a home blanketed in volcanic ash carries a hand written help sign in the village of El Rodeo. (Rodrigo Abd / Associated Press) Coffee plants covered in ash in Las Lajas, Guatemala. (Santiago Billy / EPA / Shutterstock) (Rodrigo Abd / Associated Press; Santiago Billy / EPA / Shutterstock) Left, a plea for help is left at a home blanketed in volcanic ash in the village of El Rodeo. Right, coffee plants covered in ash in Las Lajas, Guatemala. (Oliver de Ros / Associated Press) United Nations agencies signed an agreement with Myanmar on Wednesday to support the return of Rohingya Muslim refugees, calling it a first step toward encouraging 700,000 people who fled government massacres last year to come back to their home country. The U.N. agencies said the agreement was aimed at creating conducive conditions for the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of refugees from Bangladesh, where they are crowded in makeshift, flood-prone camps. The government of Myanmar, also known as Burma, said it would allow U.N. agencies access to parts of northern Rakhine state for the first time since August, when the army launched a bloody crackdown against Rohingya villages that the U.S. has described as ethnic cleansing. While U.N. officials say it is too early for large numbers of Rohingya to return now, the U.N. refugee agency, one of the parties to the agreement, said it planned to assess conditions in Rakhine state and report back to refugees on whether it was safe for them to return to their places of origin. Advertisement The access, if granted, would potentially meet a demand of some refugees who insist they will not return to Rakhine without international bodies there to help ensure their safety. Many Rohingya who escaped to Bangladesh said Myanmar soldiers killed and raped their family members and burned their houses to the ground. Advocacy groups said there was still far too much uncertainty in the agreement to persuade many Rohingya to return. If this agreement can help the U.N. access restricted areas, thats good, but this doesnt represent any fundamental change on the ground, said Matthew Smith of Fortify Rights, an advocacy group. Rohingya know better. They arent lining up to return to where they just fled genocidal attacks. Among the concerns is that the Myanmar government led by Aung San Suu Kyi has consistently denied credible allegations of widespread atrocities collected by the U.N. and international human rights groups. Smith said the agreement with the U.N. was an attempt to distract the world from mass atrocities committed by the army. Myanmar authorities have also failed to reassure Rohingya Muslims that they would restore their citizenship, which was stripped in a 1982 law that excluded the group from a list of 135 national races recognized by the predominantly Buddhist country. The Rohingya, whose population was estimated at 1.1 million before the attacks, have long been denied freedom of movement and forced to live under an apartheid system, with many confined to internment camps and subjected to curfews. The two-page memorandum the Myanmar government released Wednesday does not use the word Rohingya, instead referring to displaced persons from Rakhine state. In the refugee camps in Bangladesh, Rohingya leaders say that many of those who remain in Rakhine including some 120,000 confined to internment camps have been forced to accept national verification cards, a government ID that omits their ethnicity and confers fewer rights. Those who are left are worried and they are being told they must accept the cards, Rashid Alam, a village leader from northern Maungdaw district, said in an interview last month. Kyaw Win, executive director of the London-based Burma Human Rights Network, questioned whether the government has any sincerity to find a sustainable solution. There are 120,000 Rohingya refugees still in [displacement] camps and living in an appalling condition, he said. Why doesnt the Burmese government first return them to their homes and grant them their basic human rights including education, healthcare and freedom to move? Myanmar has promised and then withdrawn access to the U.N. before, most recently in December, when the government banned a top human rights official from visiting the country. The government has also been criticized for dragging its feet after reaching an agreement in November with Bangladesh to begin voluntary repatriation of refugees within two months. In April, Myanmar announced that five members of a Rohingya family had returned to Rakhine but Bangladesh said it had no information about the returnees and dismissed the move as a publicity stunt. Many Rohingya say it is not enough that Myanmar allows them to return. They argue that the government must provide justice for the armys victims including untold numbers of women who were raped and present a plan to restore damaged villages and rehabilitate survivors. We watched our people killed, my property looted and shop burned down. We have nothing left waiting for us, said Katayatullah, a 43-year-old clothes seller from Bolibazar in Maungdaw district, who has only one name. I will go back if security forces do not kill us, and if our losses are compensated. shashank.bengali@latimes.com Shashank Bengali is South Asia correspondent for The Times. Follow him on Twitter at @SBengali Individuals are encouraged to wear purple on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15, to bring awareness, as well as attend a special fair at the Lehigh Senior Center to learn more of how they can help a few days prior. Lehigh Acres Senior Center Manager Melissa Berry said they are holding a Mini Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, June 8. The center is located at 219 Plaza Drive. The health fair will feature such businesses as Frans Eye Care providing free eye exams, Lehigh Acres Place, Legal Shield and Fountain Crest Retirement Community. Sherry Young, AAASWFL Elder Abuse Prevention Coordinator, said they are still recruiting people for the fair, which will also include vision screening, hearing tests and a neurological group that focuses on Alzheimers. A lot of it will be geared around the seniors and elder abuse prevention, Berry said. With it being World Elder Abuse Day, the whole purpose is to bring a mini health fair to teach about what their health is and learn how to prevent elder abuse. There are so many different ways seniors are being abused physically, emotionally and financially. There will be different places and groups here in order to be able to look at the different ways to be able to prevent it. During the first hour of the mini health fair, individuals will have the opportunity to partake in a line dance class. I am excited about this. The vendors that are coming in, they get to interact with the people in the line dancing class. Its a huge class, Berry said. Other classes taking place during the fair will include Spanish and stain glass classes. Young said World Elder Abuse Awareness Day began to recognize the different types of abuse that occur, as well as making individuals aware, so folks will not only prevent abuse from taking place, but also report neglect, self-neglect and financial exploitation. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15, began in 2006 to recognize the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. We have seven counties that we serve in Southwest Florida for our agency, Young said. I try to take a week and a half in the middle of June to do events all over. In the state of Florida we are mandatory reporters. We let people know under Florida Statue. We are mandated to report any suspected cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation, Young said. You never have to have proof. Its up to adult protection services to handle when they do their investigation. In terms of awareness, Young said there are many warning signs one can look for when abuse is taking place, such as bruising, cuts and injuries that cannot be easily explained. Furthermore one can look for such signs as an elder suddenly becoming withdrawn, depressed and very isolated. Thats usually because the abuser is trying to keep them isolated, Young said. As far as neglect, such signs as dehydration, malnutrition, soiled bedding and clothing, as well as the lack of utilities and water. Young said individuals should pay attention to any changes in someones behavior and demeanor when in the presence of the person abusing them. She said the person can become very withdrawn and quiet, non-responsive, afraid to talk openly, confused, disoriented, agitated and fearful. The problem of elder abuse occurs everywhere, but unfortunately Young said we see it more because so many people retire to Florida. She said there are a lot of older folks that live alone after moving to Florida with their spouse who has since passed away. An older adult living alone becomes more fragile and it puts them at risk and makes them more vulnerable, Young said, adding that they might not have someone checking on them on a regular basis. Abuse, she said, can go undetected for quite some time in this scenario. Self-neglect is among the highest cases of abuse reported. Although it is hard to determine an active number, Young said one out of 14 cases is reported because the victim is afraid to report the abuse due to fear of the repercussions. During 2016-2017, Young said there was just under 58,000 cases of abuse, neglect and exploitation. She said with only one out of 14 acts of abuse being reported, you can only imagine how many more cases there would be. Ninety-percent of the time the abusers are the family members. There is a little over 6 million adults over the age of 60 living in Florida, Young said. That number keeps growing because people are living longer, more people retiring. Berry said they have more than 800 members at the Lehigh Acres Senior Center and more than 200 volunteers. When it comes to the Senior Center itself, I have a lot of people trying to be active and keep their minds active, she said. We have a lot of people come in and that is what their life is, coming to the Senior Center. Its a family here. Berry said it was a no-brainer when Young asked her to hold an event because she wants to get the word out that there is help if needed. We have a lot of seniors that are being neglected. Families taking advantage of them financially. Biggest neglect is self neglect, she said. When you know what to look for you are able to protect kids. Same for seniors. When you know what to look for you can help those seniors. Young said it is important for people to call 800-96 ABUSE, which can be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Once they talk to the counselor on the phone to give their report it goes to an investigator within 24 hours. Callers should provide as much detail as possible to help the investigation. They dont have to have absolute proof that there is abuse, Young said. The caller remains anonymous. She said it is also important to call 911 if the individual believes the elder is in immediate danger, or harm. They are still going to want to make that report to the abuse hotline, but services can be put into place to help the victim. They will get those steps in motion and make it safe for the victim, Young said. A Nitschmann Middle School secretary accused an upset mother of saying "He's a piece of s--t" after leaving the school resource officer's office. The Bethlehem school resource officer said the mother called an assistant principal a gay slur and asked the principal, "Who the f--k are you?" The mom said an assistant principal called her a "fat pig." She had her smartphone recording video when the principal told her "You f-----g piece of s--t. Get the f--k out of here." Judith Thomas leaves the courtroom of District Judge Wayne Maura on June 5, 2018. She was found not guilty of disorderly conduct. Behind her is her attorney, David S. Smith. (Rudy Miller | For lehighvalleylive.com) Hearing all the testimony, District Judge Wayne Maura asked everyone to take a deep breath in his courtroom Tuesday. He dismissed charges against Jenny Rodriguez, the mother, and Judith Thomas, who is Rodriguez's mother. But he didn't excuse their behavior. "You're not going to be guilty of anything today, but I heard enough to know that as an adult you did not conduct yourself the way you should have that day," he said to Rodriguez. The Bethlehem mother and grandmother were charged with disorderly conduct for a fracas at the middle school on April 25, 2018. School resource officer Sean Conley accused Rodriguez, 32, and Thomas, 54, of refusing the leave the school and using profanity. The ladies said they wanted to leave but were stunned by the bad behavior of assistant principal Michael Wagner. The mother and grandmother came to the school to discuss a fight involving Rodriguez's 12-year-old daughter. Rodriguez testified the girl had been bullied and stayed home from school for two days because she was afraid to return. She wanted the school to help her daughter, she said. Conley was skeptical the 12-year-old acted in self-defense so he cited both girls in the fight with disorderly conduct. He said the mother and grandmother blew up when he told them the girl would be charged. According to Conley, the grandmother told him, "You're not doing your job. You need to start doing your job." Secretary Suzanne Scott testified she overheard Rodriguez say, "He's a piece of s--t" when she left Conley's office. Bethlehem police officer Sean Conley. He's a resource officer at Nitschmann Middle School. Conley said he asked them to leave a dozen times but they refused. He said he saw the grandmother follow the 12-year-old into the school, an area secured from the public. He said he grabbed her arm and she defiantly asked him, "What are you going to do?" In the ladies' version, Conley is the one who lost his cool when they told him they would hire a lawyer to contest the charge against their daughter. He told them, "Get out," and pointed out of his office, according to Rodriguez. Rodriguez's attorney, George Heitczman, suggested the ladies were upset and wanted to speak with the school principal before they left. Both the mother and grandmother said they were eager to leave the school but were shaken up by the argument, didn't know where the exits were and felt the need to defend themselves against Wagner. When Wagner says "Get the f--k out of here" on Rodriguez's video, you can hear her say, "I'm trying. I'm trying." The video was played in court. Each side denied some of the foul language allegations. In the end, the judge said Conley didn't prove that the ladies posed a threat to anyone or disobeyed his orders. No witness testified to hearing Thomas use foul language, as was alleged in her citation. But Maura told the mother and grandmother they should have listened to Conley. It wasn't appropriate for them to try to resolve the dispute in the school. Once they heard a criminal charge had been filed against their daughter and once the situation escalated, they should have left immediately, he said. He acknowledged that Conley agreed to drop the charge against the 12-year-old on Tuesday at a hearing immediately prior to the hearing for the mother and grandmother. He said they'd want the officer to assert his authority during a school emergency, so they should have respected his wishes. "I'm not going to scold this officer for asserting his authority," he said. Wagner did not testify at the hearing. His employment status with the district is unclear. When it was said that Wagner told Rodriguez "get off my f-----g property," Heitczman asked, "That's why he got fired, isn't it?" Bethlehem Area School District solicitor Avery Smith had no comment on Wagner's employment status. She observed the hearing but didn't participate. Maura encouraged the mother and grandmother to try harder to work with the police and the school officials for the benefit of the 12-year-old. "You're the adult. Set the example," he told Rodriguez. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley won't renew funding for the Easton Area Community Center's after-school program. A United Way leader says other educational programs better suit the organization's needs. Annual funding for Easton nonprofits will go up $170,000 for fiscal year 2018-19, said Marc Rittle, the United Way's vice president of impact. But Easton's mayor said cutting the program is a mistake. "I don't think the move away from after-school programs is smart on their part," said Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. United Way spokeswoman Laura McHugh said her organization will support other after-school programs in Easton. Community center board secretary Kathy Presto said the 1,000 children in Easton's West Ward desperately need after-school programming, summer learning, food access and a safe haven. "No one or two organizations can really fulfill that need," she said. Despite the funding setback, the Easton Area Community Center remains committed to its mission of helping children, Presto said. "The Easton Area Community Center is Easton," she said. "We have provided these vital services for the youths and families that count on us for over 67 years. We are committed to continuing these services." The region's United Way is coming off a record-breaking 2017-18 fundraising campaign. Rittle said there was strong competition for limited funds and other programs better aligned with the United Way goal of increasing the number of third-grade students reading on grade level by 50 percent by 2022. "This really was a difficult decision," Rittle said. He said the community center's grant request for $73,000 called for one after-school program in the coming four-year cycle rather than two in the previous cycle. The United Way selected educational programs specifically targeting fourth- through eighth-graders, Rittle said. He said agencies learned 18 months ago that the grants would be issued through a competitive process. He said contributions specifically earmarked by donors through the United Way for the Easton Area Community Center went up from $7,800 to $15,400 this year. He said the community center can remain a part of the United Way's Lehigh Valley Reads network, which makes it eligible for in-kind donations through the United Way. "We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the Easton Area Community Center," Rittle said. Presto said the community center will met with the United Way in mid-June. "We are very hopeful we can move forward with the United Way," she said. Panto said the community center at 901 Washington St. in Easton provides a safe haven after school for children of single-parent families or those where both parents work. The children learn to how to study and get help with homework through the program. "It's valuable to underprivileged kids. They're not getting that kind of attention at home," Panto said. Presto said 70 percent of West Ward children live in single-parent homes. Rittle said the Boys and Girls Club of Easton received increased funding this year for a new summer learning program. Other agencies involved with the summer learning program are the Da Vinci Science Center, Easton Area School District and Greater Valley YMCA, the report says. The United Way is funding a full-time behavioral health specialist to split time between Cheston and Paxinosa elementary schools in Easton, Rittle said. The Boys and Girls Club and Easton Area Neighborhood Center are starting a new nutrition program, Rittle said. And the United Way will fund the Shanthi Project's "mindfulness" education program for Easton schools, he said. "There is a groundswell of support across all the nonprofits to ensure that all kids receive the support they need," Rittle said. "We really do believe that students of Easton are being served through this plan." Other new beneficiaries of the United Way are the Kellyn Foundation, which will get healthy food to city residents. The United Way will fund a 211 phone number residents can call to find out the closest place to get a free meal. The United Way also added a $20,000 grant for the Safe Harbor shelter. This year's $13.5 million in grants across the Lehigh Valley is the most grant money awarded in the history of the local United Way. It's a $1.7 million increase from last year, according to United Way spokeswoman Laura McHugh. Check here for a complete list of grant beneficiaries. Below is a statement from the president of the Easton Area Community Center board, Maurice S. Luker III: "The Easton Area Community Center is an independent, grass-roots organization that has served our community for nearly seven decades. The extraordinary commitment from our staff, volunteers and supporters to the more than 1,000 children from Easton's West Ward neighborhood as well as adult residents--such as those participating in our new Silver Connections program for seniors--is undiminished. While many know about our athletics teams, our kitchen serves more than 50,000 hot, healthy meals each year and we are proud to be the home to Easton's Cops 'n' Kids Reading Room. "The center's education and recreation programs provided throughout the summer and the school year focus on the 'whole child' who is prepared in body, mind and character to thrive at school and in an ever-changing and challenging world. Our more than 45,000 community center 'alumni' can attest to that success. We are grateful for the past support from the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley as well as our many other partners and look forward to working with them to continue to offer a safe, welcoming place and much-needed, high-quality programs to the Easton community well into the future." Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. Crayola's newest crayons aren't intended for coloring books. This month, the Forks Township-based company debuted a new 58-piece makeup collection that includes "face crayons." Yes, these crayons are meant to add splashes of playful colors to your cheeks, eyes and lips. The line is available only through Asos, an online fashion and beauty retailer. Featuring 95 shades including pine green, periwinkle, turquoise and many more, the collection is inspired by Crayola's "spirit of self-expression and personal creativity," Asos said in a statement. Yes, this is a crayon for your face -- all over your face! Crayola beauty, exclusive to ASOS https://bit.ly/2M0itd5 Posted by Crayola on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 Along with the face crayons, the collection includes color-change lipsticks, eye and lip palettes, highlighters, mascara and a brush kit. It appears that the recently retired color Dandelion has made a return appearance for this collection: Face crayons are available in the departed shade. This isn't Crayola's first foray into the beauty world. Last year, the company teamed up with Clinique to release a line of "Chubby Stick" lipsticks. The pieces in the new collection, though, look more faithfully like classic Crayola crayons. Some of the products, like three-packs of the face crayons, even come in Crayola's iconic yellow and green boxes. Andrew Doerfler may be reached at adoerfler@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @adoerfler or on Facebook. Matt Smith | For lehighvalleylive.com Andrew Doerfler | For lehighvalleylive.com Warm weather means al fresco dining. And in the Lehigh Valley, there are plenty of options to choose from. Patios, decks and verandas are opening at restaurants across the region. Whether you're looking for a relaxing spot to take in a pleasant summer night or a lively hangout with live music, the local dining scene has you covered. Below, find 33 of the best destinations with outside seating in the Lehigh Valley. Be sure to let us know what we missed in the comments. Don't Edit Stephen Flood | lehighvalleylive.com file photo Blue Grillhouse 4431 Easton Ave., Bethlehem Township Blue Grillhouse's 1500-square foot covered patio keeps you comfortable, with ceiling fans, ceiling heaters and a fire pit. About 90 people can fit in the space, which features its own bar. Don't Edit The best patio in the Valley...if we do say so ourselves! Come out and enjoy it before winter returns! #PatioWeather #THK Posted by The Hamilton Kitchen & Bar on Saturday, April 14, 2018 Hamilton Kitchen & Bar 645 West Hamilton St., Allentown Take in the buzz of Downtown Allentown while enjoying Hamilton Kitchen's outdoor bar. The spacious patio, conveniently located across from the PPL Center, seats about 70 people and maintains the hip, modern vibe of the restaurant. Don't Edit Courtesy photo Tavern at the Sun Inn 564 Main St., Bethlehem The Tavern at the Sun Inn set a new standard for al fresco dining in Downtown Bethlehem when it opened its 60-seat, off-street patio last year. The tavern recently launched an acoustic music series on the patio to go with Colonial-inspired food and Pennsylvania-brewed beer. Don't Edit Limeport Inn 1505 Limeport Pike, Limeport The 175-year-old Limeport Inn's outdoor patio seats about 60 people amid string lighting and fountains handcrafted by the owner. The serene setting is the perfect place to enjoy the inn's hearty food and selection of Belgian and German beers. Don't Edit Don't Edit Perfect weather for a smoke, beer and dinner on the patio! Stop in for $6 craft flights 5-7pm! Posted by The Wooden Match on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 The Wooden Match 61 West Lehigh St., Bethlehem Sitting along train tracks, guests light up cigars and chow down on bar food at this North Side Bethlehem hangout near the Lehigh Canal. The 140-year-old former train station makes for a charmingly old-fashioned scene, and live music is a staple here. Don't Edit Andrew Doerfler | for lehighvalleylive.com SoMa Downtown Grill 62 South Main St., Phillipsburg SoMa Downtown Grill tripled its outdoor seating when the South Main Street restaurant and bar expanded its deck last year, adding about 40 seats. The deck overlooks the Delaware River, and is ideally situated for sunset-watching. Don't Edit The View at Morgan Hill 100 Clubhouse Drive, Williams Township Expanded last year, the vast deck at this golf course restaurant can accommodate about 120 people and boast amenities like a comfy lounge area and a full service wet bar. All summer long, seasonal Tito's cocktails will be rotating on draft. The motorized pergola opens and closes, allowing guests to enjoy the deck even if the weather is less than perfect. Don't Edit Matt Smith | for lehighvalleylive.com McCarthy's Red Stag Pub 534 Main St., Bethlehem The patio at McCarthy's Red Stag Pub open in 2016. It's just one piece of a constant, years-long process of improvement the Downtown Bethlehem Irish Pub has gone through since transition from a tea room in 2013. Without a location just off Main Street, diners can enjoy the activity of Downtown Bethlehem without being bothered by too many passersby. Don't Edit Bell Hall 612 Hamilton St, Allentown Downtown Allentown's modern burger joint has the plaza next to the Liberty Bell Museum at its disposal, and its makes good use of the space with games like corn hole and can jam. Don't Edit Don't Edit Matt Smith | for lehighvalleylive.com Joey B's 638 Delaware Ave., Palmerton The back terrace at Joey B's is an experience unto itself at Joey B's. With even more seating than the indoor dining room, the patio has its own bar, a wood-fired pizza, a roaring fire place, television and hanging paper star lanterns. The 30-year-old neighborhood pub added the outdoor space about eight years ago, when it transitioned from a shot-and-beer bar to a full-service restaurant. Don't Edit Centro 530 Hamilton St., Allentown Hamilton Street's rustic-yet-contemporary Italian spot boasts an inviting courtyard area that seats about 45 people. It's the perfect spot to sip wine and dig into pasta on a warm evening. Don't Edit Matt Smith | For lehighvalleylive.com Three Mugs Pub 1853 Northampton St., Wilson The regulars at this neighborhood bar love the eight-table patio, where they sip fish bowl cocktails, eat affordable fresh-made pub fare, and take in live music during the warmer months. Don't Edit It's perfect weather to join us at Grille 3501. Come for our happy hour specials from 3:30-6pm or enjoy open air dining for dinner in The Loft! Posted by Grille 3501 on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 Grille 3501 3501 Broadway, South Whitehall Township Grille 3501 introduced an open-air space called The Loft in 2014, adding lots of new seating and a brand new dimension to the South Whitehall favorite. Don't Edit Can we all agree, we all needed a little break from work for some time to do some r&r?! Were here and have a cold one or three waiting for you. We have BC Combo in the house tomorrow! #mdw #mdw2018 #allentown Posted by Queen City BBQ on Saturday, May 26, 2018 Queen City BBQ 27 N. 7th St., Allentown Queen City BBQ is situated right along Allentown's ArtsWalk, and the restaurant will often make use of the location with games like corn hole and super-sized Jenga among its scattered outdoor bistro tables. Don't Edit Don't Edit House and Barn 1449 Chestnut St., Emmaus Both of the restaurants at this bucolic property feature outdoor seating, each overlooking a peaceful field. The Barn, the more rustic option, offers small wood-topped tables on a stone gravel area. The House, the more upscale of the two, has larger, metal-topped tables on a paved patio. Each seats at least 30 people. Don't Edit Melt 2880 Center Valley Pkwy, Suite 624 (Promenade Shops), Upper Saucon Township The covered outdoor patio at the luxe Italian grill Melt fits up to 32 people. The wall along the patio can open up to give indoor diners an outdoor vibe. Don't Edit Matt Smtih | for lehighvalleylive.com 3rd & Ferry Fish Market 56 S. 3rd St, Easton 3rd & Ferry might not have the biggest outdoor dining space around. But with its stylish pergola, hanging greenery and outdoor heaters, the front patio is an attractive spot for a warm-weather meal in Downtown Easton. Don't Edit Ringer's Roost 1801 Liberty St., Allentown When Ringer's Roost, the Allentown tavern celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, finished a massive renovation in 2016, one of the biggest updates was the brand new covered patio. The outdoor area seats about 30 people and features lighting, fans and hanging flower baskets. Don't Edit Rudy Miller | lehighvalleylive.com Mesa Modern Mexican 42 S. 3rd St., Easton Vibrant garden troughs surround the front patio at Downtown Easton's spot for updated takes on tacos, guacamole and other Mexican fare. It's the perfect place to enjoy a margarita on a summer day. Don't Edit Don't Edit Due to the unseasonably warm weather, the deck is open today with new chair cushions Posted by Detzi's Tavern Inc. on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 Detzi's Tavern 570 N. Lehigh Ave., Wind Gap A nearly 60-year-old Slate Belt institution, Detzi's Tavern isn't content to rest on its laurels. The bar debuted its deck a few years ago, adding a chill outdoor spot to enjoy Detzi's classic fare. Don't Edit Rudy Miller | lehighvalleylive.com file photo Maxim's 22 322 Northampton St., Easton Maxim's 22's outdoor area, bordered by funky wood fencing, wraps around the building into the Bank Street Alley, where festive string lighting hangs overhead. Don't Edit Copperhead Grille 1731 Airport Road, Hanover Township, Lehigh County An ideal spot to take in the nice weather and catch the game all at once, Copperhead Grille's veranda features four televisions, a fire pit plus radiant heat from the overhead cover, and live music Friday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. The restaurant's other location, at 5737 Route 378 in Upper Saucon Township, hopes to open a patio of its own in the future. Don't Edit Soak up this beautiful day and spend it on our deck! We open at 4pm! Posted by Ashley's Signature Restaurant on Saturday, April 14, 2018 Ashley's Signature Restaurant 229 N. 11th St, Easton This West Ward staple added a new deck last year, accommodating about 30 people. It has its own bar and heat lamps. The deck closes at 10 p.m., earlier than the rest of the restaurant. Don't Edit The Bayou Easton 64 Centre Square, Easton Valenca, the previous occupant of 64 Centre Square, was well-loved for providing al fresco dining right on Center Square, and the new location of The Bayou has kept that tradition going. The southern-inspired restaurant's large barroom windows open to allow the indoor and outdoor atmospheres to blend. Don't Edit Don't Edit Hops Fogelsville Hotel 7921 Main St., Fogelsville The fenced patio at Hops Fogelsville Hotel seats about 42 people, and you'll find live music on Sunday afternoons in the summer. Don't Edit Tocci's Tailgaters 1313 Center St., Bethlehem Tocci's makes ample use of its compact patio, hosting frequent live music. Trivia players shouldn't be afraid to enjoy the outdoors you can still play from the patio. Don't Edit Matt Decker/Courtesy photo Edge Restaurant 74 W. Broad St., Bethlehem Edge's appealing patio draws diners looking for a refined meal while enjoying the atmosphere of Downtown Bethlehem. The "garden-esque" space in tucked off the street for a more secluded feel than some other downtown spots. Fitting up to 70 people, the patio feature lights hanging from the overhead awning and live music on Tuesday. If the patio is full, Edge's front breezeway also makes for a nice outdoor meal. Don't Edit Riverside Barr & Grill 5801 South Delaware Drive, Lower Mt. Bethel Township With a picture-perfect view of the Delaware, Riverside Barr & Grill's expansive deck where you'll find a tiki bar, a stage for live music and shady tents overhead fits about 120 people. But that's not all: There's even more seating off-deck at picnic tables in a dog-friendly area. Don't Edit Alburtis Tavern and Lodge 106 S. Main St., Alburtis Opened in 2013 at the former location of the Iron Horse Inn, the Alburtis Tavern boasts a back deck with about 65 seats. Just a few yards from the train tracks running Alburtis, the bar pays tribute to the location with railroad signs decorating the space. Don't Edit Don't Edit 1774 Grille & Tap 605 Main St., Hellertown Take in Downtown Hellertown while sampling from 1774's eclectic menu on the restaurant's deck, which is lined with two-person tables and accented by greenery. Don't Edit Al fresco dining is here. . . #molinarimangia #savetheairfare #positivelysouthside Posted by Molinari's on Monday, May 7, 2018 Molinari's 322 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem Surrounded by stone planters full of vivid flowers, Molinari's front terrace is great spot for a date night in South Bethlehem. The restaurant has an impressive wine list, so be sure to grab a glass to make your al fresco experience complete. Don't Edit Lynn Olanoff | lehighvalleylive.com file photo Sotto Santi 10 W. Fourth St., Bethlehem Sotto Santi's front patio, lined with about 20 seats, is suited for a late-night bite. The covered outdoor space stays open even as the bar starts to shut down. Don't Edit Saed Hindash | lehighvalleylive.com file photo Sette Luna 219 Ferry St., Easton Sette Luna doesn't have the most elaborate outdoor seating just a few bistro tables and some heating lamps taking up most of a stretch of Ferry Street sidewalk. But the vibe is part and parcel with the authentic trattoria experience. The side-street locale offers a more secluded feel than the nearby restaurants right along 3rd Street. Don't Edit Read more about the Lehigh Valley dining scene You can now get Indian food in Downtown Easton 6 new craft breweries tapping into the Lehigh Valley beer scene Beloved Italian restaurant shuts down after 28 years in Fountain Hill Check out the 13 wild new foods at Coca-Cola Park this year Don't Edit Don't Edit Andrew Doerfler may be reached at adoerfler@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @adoerfler or on Facebook. Stock Market News IAG revenues increase as BA and Aer Lingus add new North American routes 06-06-2018 15:17 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk Stock Market News Labour split over single market amendment plan 06-06-2018 11:09 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk Stock Market News Tricorn profits soar on contract wins and strong Chinese performance 06-06-2018 08:23 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk Stock Market News US foreign trade deficit narrows in April, despite drop in aircraft sales 06-06-2018 13:30 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk Stock Market News Wednesday broker round-up 06-06-2018 12:56 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk Stock Market News Wednesday newspaper round-up: Labour, Brexit, Tesla, emissions, Kate Spade, Sky 06-06-2018 07:25 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk To access our in-house intelligence please request a trial here. Read this article and more for a 30 day period. Are you already an Managing IP subscriber? Login here Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power is studying the possibility of building a 100-megawatt modular nuclear reactor at Cagayan Economic Zone Authority in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, the Energy Department said Wednesday. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, Undersecretary Donato Marcos and assistant secretary Gerard Erguiza Jr. met with KHNP president and chief executive Chung Jae Hoon and other executives in Korea Tuesday. During the discussions, DOE and KHNP explored energy cooperation endeavors, including the possibility of conducting a feasibility study on the establishment of a small, 100-MW modular reactor in the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, the department said in a statement. Cusi is pushing for nuclear energy as a part of the countrys power mix. He also advocated for the use of small-scale nuclear capacity. The department already submitted the proposed nuclear policy to Malacanang. The Philippines mothballed its only nuclear power plant, the 620-MW Bataan nuclear power plant, in 1986 on safety concerns. Cusi, who joined Duterte in his state visit to Korea, said he also received letters of intent from several Korean companies for possible investments in the countrys energy sector during the Philippines-Korea Business Forum and Luncheon hosted by the Korean Business Community for Duterte.The letters of intent included those from Korean firms SK Engineering & Construction, Sy Enc Co. Ltd., BKS Energy Industry Ltd. and SK E&S. SK Engineering & Construction submitted a proposal for a coal-fired power plant, while Sy Enc Co., a renewable energy firm, submitted a proposal for wind power generation and BKS Energy. submitted a proposal for solar power generation. SK E&S proposed a liquefied natural gas terminal hub in the Philippines. State-run Korea Electric Power Corp. is one of the biggest Korean investors in the Philippine energy sector. It operates the 1,200-MW Ilijan natural gas power plant in Batangas and owns a majority stake in a 200-MW coal-fired power plant in Cebu. With the likes of Open Farm Community quickly becoming a dining hot spot in the city, its needless to say that farm-to-table dining is a growing food trend in Singapore. Which is perhaps timely that this July, Singapore will welcome SPROUT, its largest farm-to-table festival yet. Its essentially the ultimate farmers market for farm-to-table enthusiasts, bringing together over 50 names in our local sustainable agriculture community and dining scene. These include local farmers like Citizen Farm to esteemed Singaporean chefs like Violet Oon, who will be sharing delightful recipes via a live cooking demo. The inaugural festival, which will happen between 7 to 8 July at Singapore Suntec Convention Centre, will feature over 50 specially curated local exhibitors, which include farm growers, urban farmers, artisanal and specialty food, pop-up restaurants, and more. Farm-to-table dining (alternatively known as farm-to-fork) refers to the restaurant practice of sourcing all its foods directly from a specific farm, rather than going through a store, market or distributor. More often than not, these restaurants have established relationships with the farms itself, and purchase the quality and fresh produce from them. The festival, which is organised by Suntec itself, hopes to bridge the gap between food producers and consumers through a fresh and fun way. Sustainable dining and farm-to-table concepts might seem like a niche idea here, so if youre passionate about honest ingredient sourcing and sustainable farming initiatives, SPROUT is no doubt the festival to be. For more information on SPROUT and a complete list of the festivals exhibitors, visit their website. Sarah Khan Photo: SPROUT Read More: 5 Raw food restaurants in Singapore you have to check out 10 Art deco-themed restaurants and bars in Singapore to fall in love with Nutritious Eats: The best healthy food deliveries in Singapore When the Iraqis went to the polls to elect a new parliament on 12 May 2018, the establishment was confident that they had the whole situation under control. All the factions were basing themselves on the presumption that the central government, having defeated IS was enjoying large scale support from the population. The final result shocked all bourgeois commentators revealing the exact opposite of what they had been expecting. Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi, who was the media favourite to come out as a winner, based the whole campaign of his Victory Alliance on his credentials of having defeated the Islamic State (IS). The second favourite, the Iranian puppet Hadi Al-Amiri and his Conquest Alliance composed of the bulk of the Shia Popular Mobilisation Units (PMU) similarly based themselves on the PMUs role in the fight against IS. The third favourite was The State of Law Coalition, the party of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Maliki, supported by Iran, had split away from Abadis wing as a measure to weaken him. The clear winner, was the Alliance Towards Reforms list led by the Shia cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr. His list, which also included sections of the Iraqi Communist Party, won 54 seats and is now the largest group in the 329 seat parliament. Hadi al Ameris list came in second, whereas the incumbent Abadi was relegated to third place just ahead of Nouri Al-Maleki. At the same time, the participation rate at 44.52 percent, was the lowest since the 2003 US invasion of Iraq. In Baghdad only 33% participated and only 40% in Basra. This was not a sign of political apathy, but one of deep distrust and hatred that the Iraqi masses harbour towards the whole political system and everything it stands for. The masses are disillusioned with the establishment and their ethnic sectarian politics which has brought Iraq to its current situation: a country ruined and divided by years of internecine wars, with massive unemployment, declining industry and an infrastructure in a state of collapse. All of this is taking place while different gangsters, connected to different regional and international powers, are profiting from the misery of the millions. It is a well known fact that elections and politics in general in Iraq are nothing but personal competitions over who gets to loot the state coffers in the next period. There are no significant principled differences between the various political forces. In fact, with the exception of Muqtada al-Sadr, all the leaders of all the main parties, Ameri, Abadi, Maliki and Ammar al-Hakim (whose list finished 7th) were all until recently formerly members of the same party which has been in power since 2005. Both Ameri and Hakim even announced prior to the elections that although they would be running in the election with separate lists, they are open to coming back together in a coalition after the elections. It sends a clear message to the masses that it doesnt really matter who you vote for, well get back together after the election to divide up the cake between us! All the parties also had similar slogans: against sectarianism, against foreign meddling, and against corruption. It was hard, however, to believe this coming from Abadi who had held office for four years during which the anti-corruption movement of 2015 broke out and all he did was make some hollow promises of reshufflings in the offices (which was never realized) to quieten down the movement. It is even harder to believe that Ameri, the leader of the Badr Army with open financial, military and organizational ties with Iran, can stop the foreign meddling in Iraq. Ammar al Hakim in Iraqi parliamentary election 2018 Both Abadi and Ameri thought that they could capitalize on having headed the defeat of IS. The preservation of national unity and security was the achievement that Abadi was trying to rally support around. In the same way Ameri was trying to rely on the role that the PMU (Popular Mobilization Units) played in defeating ISIS to gain votes. The election revealed that this was a miscalculation. The truth is the exact opposite. The war had actually deepened the anger of the masses further, as thousands of youth died and those who had participated felt abandoned after many of them became permanently disabled with no support from the government. They have been used as a cannon fodder. In fact, the establishment is seen by the masses as the main drivers of the sectarianism which eventually led to the rise of IS. With the threat of IS removed, the masses became more emboldened and began demanding their rights. The Iraqi corrupt elite could no longer use the threat of IS to silence the masses and pose as the saviours of the people from ISIS. Sadr on the other hand, although he was involved in sectarian wars in the earlier years of the US occupation, upon return to Iraq from a three year voluntary exile in Iran, rebranded himself as an anti-sectarian. More than showing the change in his personal outlook and ideas, this rebranding is a reflection of the change in the objective situation, in the outlook and views of millions of Iraqis. They are sick and tired of the sectarian politics that are being pursued in Iraq. For several years an increasing number of ordinary people have been calling for the removal of the quota system introduced by the US invasion, which reserves public seats and positions according to national and sectarian background. Al-Sadr demagogically incorporated this demand into his election promises. This mood first surfaced in the 2015-16 movement when hundreds of thousands of youth occupied the streets of Baghdad and other cities of Iraq to protest against the mismanagement and corruption of the political elite. As we reported at the onset of the movement one of its main slogans was Secularism, secularism, no to Sunni, no to Shia. Another demand coming out of the movement, revealing the hatred towards the Iraqi political caste, was that of a technocratic government. Under the pressure of the movement, Abadi promised some reforms including reshuffling of the ministers to non-partisan technocrats, a move that was backed by Sadr. In fact, three out of 14 proposed new ministers were Sadrist who later withdrew after the reform collapsed. Nevertheless, the movement continued to bubble away ever since then with regular mass protests and occupations around Baghdads Green Zone, where the Iraqi parliament is located and where the corrupt elite live in their villas away from the daily misery of the rest of the population. Given the lack of a working class party, Sadrs movement was able to step in and partially fill the vacuum of organisation and leadership in the movement. Demagogically, Sadr has been attempting to ride the movement and use it as a battering ram against the rest of the establishment where he had been marginalised for a number of years. But this doesnt mean to say that Sadr has full control over the movement. In April 2016, for instance, the masses stormed the Iraqi parliament and occupied it for a day. Sadr did not call for the storming of parliament but called on his supporters to leave the parliament a day after the occupation. Thus, by demagogically appealing to the movement Al-Sadr has been able to maintain a popular base while all the other political formations have seen theirs melt away. A look at the 2014 election results shows that the Sadrists had the smallest loss of votes in these elections compared to other candidates. Among some of the poorest layers, al-Sadr is seen as a pair of clean hands. Al-Sadr has never been in power and his massive network of activists is made up of ordinary lower middle class and poor elements. His strongest base of support is in one of the poorest districts of Baghdad currently known as Sadr city. The area was once a stronghold of the Communist Party resistance and the Baathist-led coup of 1963 was also strong there. The Communist Party of Iraq lost that support to reactionary clerical figures like Sadr (and his father) after a series of mistakes and betrayals - the latest of which is their recent entering into an alliance with Sadr. The fact remains that Sadr cannot solve any of the problems the Iraqi people are facing. He tries to portray himself as an anti-sectarian, but he used to head the Shia Mahdi army which fought against the US occupation. He claims that he is not corrupt, but until last year his movement had six ministries in which it carried out the same corrupt practices as all the other parties. He also claims to oppose foreign powers, but he has made it clear that he will not oppose the presence of US and Iranian forces in Iraq. Immediately after the elections, Sadr also hosted a meeting with the ambassadors of Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Kuwait, deliberately excluding Iranian officials. Of course, before that, Sadr had worked for many years with the Iranian regime and even spent three years in Iran. In the final analysis, Sadr is an Iraqi bourgeois who wants to balance between the powers in the region to carve out a level of independence and concessions for himself. The interests of the Iraqi masses are not a part of these calculations, but in order to achieve this he is leaning on the anger from below and thus, in a distorted manner, reflecting the revolutionary ferment which is brewing in the depths of society. For a time he may be able to hide behind the fact the Iraqi political system is paralysed by the rot which reaches every pore. This allows al-Sadr to blame other factions for the bankruptcy of the whole political system, just like Abadi has been trying to portray himself as an honest guy surrounded with corrupt elements. But in the end Sadr is wedded to the same rotten Iraqi capitalism which is unable to improve the desperate situation of the masses. Iraqi Communist Party symbolThe Communist Partys alliance with Sadr is yet another reflection of the bankruptcy of the Stalinists. Instead of basing itself on an independent class position, it swings from one bourgeois camp to another. From collaboration with the US occupation, the Stalinists are now falling into the other extreme of collaborating with a reactionary religious demagogue. In the long run this will only undermine the position of the party. The Communist Party is playing the parliamentary game, but what is decisive is not what takes place in parliament or in the Green Zone. While the politicians there are busy making different alliances and deals on how best to loot the state coffers, the living conditions of the masses are in a free fall. Millions of Iraqis dont have access to clean water or reliable power supplies. The country's infrastructure is falling apart and corruption runs deep within the political system. The situation is increasingly unbearable for many Iraqis. Sooner or later, this will lead to a social explosion which will send shockwaves throughout the region. This will be the real test for al-Sadr, when the interests of the tops of the movement will come into conflict with the aspirations of the middle classes and working class poor, who make up the bulk of its activists and supporters. On Monday June 4, the Prime Minister of Jordan, Hani al-Mulki, was forced to resign. This came as a result of a growing mass movement, which has shaken the country to its core. The movement began last Wednesday after the government announced plans to raise income taxes across the board, as well as introducing them for the first time for low income earners. This proposal comes in a situation where the workers and poor, as well as the middle layers, are already struggling with big price hikes. Just to name a few, after the scrapping of subsidies, bread prices doubled earlier this year and fuel prices increased significantly. Also, electricity prices were raised multiple times and now, just as the summer heat is approaching, they stand 55% higher than at the beginning of the year! This dire situation has radicalised layers of the population that had previously been pillars of stability. Thousands responded to the call of the countrys unions to strike, including government employees, doctors, journalists, teachers, lawyers, pharmacists, engineers, but also small traders and others. This was one of the biggest protests since 2011. Significantly, the participants were not mainly activists, but thousands of people who had been apolitical until now and who have been brought out onto the streets by the unbearable conditions of life. The main slogan was I strike today to live tomorrow, but there were also slogans that echoed the Arab Revolution of 2011, such as the people want the fall of the government. Amazingly, the reaction of the government to the movement was to announce new cuts on subsidies a clear provocation. On Thursday, they announced price hikes for electricity of 18% and fuel of 5.5% to go into effect the following day! That was the straw that broke the camels back. Thousands of workers came out on strike again and took to the streets joined by students. The movement spread from the capital Amman to the whole country. There were demonstrations in all the big urban centres, including Salt, Tafila, Ma'an and Zarqa. In Irbid, in the country's north, as well as in Aljun, protesters burned tyres to block the main roads. This is an unprecedented situation and the first time that a mass movement has gripped all the big cities and towns around the country. There were also clashes with the police when around 2000 people in Amman tried to march on the prime ministers office when the police attacked demonstrators with tear gas and baton charges. Clearly the situation was heating up. Protesters also chanted folklore songs after injecting them with political messages like this one that depicted the government as "a bunch of thieves": " " . #_ pic.twitter.com/5BxOBsDaP7 7iber | (@7iber) 30 May 2018 This forced the king, Abdullah II, to intervene. He ordered the cancellation of the planned cuts on subsidies. But this did not stop the movement. On the contrary, the movement gained a sense of its own strength and only grew bolder. So on Monday, in a desperate attempt to stop it, the king also fired the hated prime minister. For the moment, many of the people that have been thrown into the struggle for the first time are in a cheerful mood with some illusions in the role of the monarchy. The Crown Prince tried to strengthen these illusions by coming out onto the streets and calling on the police to protect demonstrators and preserve their right to express themselves. But it is clear that this is nothing more than a manoeuvre whose aim is to give certain cosmetic concessions, such as the sacrificing of some heads, in order to preserve the whole regime. But this will not be easy. As the new government has called on the unions for dialogue, the radicalised masses have smelt blood. In an Interview with Middle East Eye, this sentiment was clearly expressed by the young protester Deema Kharabsheh: People brought down the government. It didnt resign voluntarily. Changing people doesnt solve a problem. We will stay in the street until we can accomplish our goals of changing the economic policy which has resulted in citizens being unable to pay for the basic needs for life Room for the new government to give concessions is very narrow. The new income tax law, as well as the constant attacks on the subsidies of essential goods, can only be understood as part of the effort by the government to cut public debt, which stands at around 90% of the countrys GDP. This is a key condition for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to provide loans for the cash-strapped Jordanian state. "We could not fight poverty, so we will fight poor people." The country is struggling economically and is suffering particularly from low levels of foreign investment, to the point where there are rumours that the government provoked the protests in order to get the Gulf States and their corrupt ruling monarchs to throw money at the economy, out of fear of revolts in their own countries! If that were true, the Jordanian ruling class is not only very desperate, but also very stupid. One thing is very clear, however: on the basis of capitalism and its crisis there is no other policy for the rich and powerful. The new prime minister, Omar al Razzaz, is a former World Bank economist. Also for him there is no other policy than to relentlessly attack the working class, the poor and even the middle class layers, which in the past had been relatively privileged. All this comes in a situation where in the whole region, after years of reaction and the spectre of civil war, the masses have begun to return to mass struggle. The sectarian wars in Syria and Iraq were used for years to discourage the masses from fighting for a better life. But now, in country after country, from Iraq and Iran, to Egypt and Palestine, and now Jordan, this argument is starting to lose its power and the revolutionary traditions and methods of the masses are slowly being rediscovered. This shows the way forward. In the end, the problems of the oppressed workers, youth and poor people in the Middle East can only be solved through mass revolutionary struggle to bring down the corrupt ruling class and capitalism as a whole! The following are new translations of excerpts from Trois points cest tout by Fred Zeller (1912-2003). Zeller, who, at the time, was the secretary of the Seine (Paris) Young Socialists and a sympathiser of the Trotskyist movement in the mid-1930s, visited Trotsky in Norway at the end of October 1935. This was at the time when the Socialist Party leaders were expelling the left from the Young Socialists as well as dissolving the Bolshevik Leninist tendency, whose members had joined the SFIO in late 1934. Following these discussions with Trotsky, Zeller was won over from the centrist wing, led by Marceau Pivert, to the Bolshevik Leninists. He initially played a leading role but later left the movement. The text provides an important insight into Trotskys approach and thoughts about a number of issues, including the organisational problems that were faced by the Trotskyists. It was around October 1935 that David Rousset sent me an invitation to visit comrade Trotsky in Norway. I had not yet joined the ranks of the Fourth International. During this period, the name of the Old Man was being dragged through the mud every day. They reproached him for living like a pasha in a castle, surrounded by servants and a host of secretaries. I did not mind the invitation to come and see the truth. In fact, having had experience of the leaders of the SFIO and the Socialist International, I was extremely pleased by the prospect of finally meeting an authentic great revolutionary leader Comrade Van organised my journey to perfection and, at the end of October, I left Paris. I stopped in Cologne and Hamburg in Germany, where Hitler had just taken power. I witnessed, between arriving and catching my next train, parades of the SA, SS and Hitler Youth, pounding the pavement with the heel of their boots and uttering guttural refrains, amidst a population that seemed stunned and, above all, absolutely terrified. I scrutinized these Fascist faces topped with helmets rounded with a chin strap. They breathed neither intelligence nor goodness, and appeared to doubt neither themselves nor their leaders. I disembarked from the ferry at Trelleborg, in Sweden. After four days and three nights in trains and stations a Norwegian comrade met me at Oslo in order to guide me for the rest of the journey. The next morning, a slow train drove me through the snowy slopes, fir trees trembling with frost and shining fjords, until I arrived at Hoenefoss, a town of several thousand inhabitants. At the station, other Norwegian comrades were waiting for me. A rickety old car took us up the mountain, to Weksal, a small village of wooden chalets scattered in the snow. The Old Man and Old Woman lived there. The Norwegian Socialist MP, Konrad Knudsen was sub-letting two rooms to them: a bedroom and a study with a couch. The dining room was communal. The Knudsens took their meals there an hour before Trotsky and Nathalia who had a bedroom and a small bathroom with a bathtub on the first floor. The large bay windows of the cottage offered superb views of the lakes, in the absolute and soothing calm of nature. I arrived there during the last days of October 1935. My visit to the military organiser of the Russian Revolution a few days later, on the 7th November, was to coincide with the eighteenth anniversary of the greatest social upheaval the world had ever known. It is not without emotion that forty years later I recall these times They will remain unforgettable for as long as I live. Walter Held, who was once Trotskys secretary, opened the folding door separating the dining room and the study. I heard him say in German: Comrade Fred Zeller has arrived. The Old Man, who was working, got up and embraced me warmly as Russians do. He was bigger than I had imagined, strong with broad shoulders, very lively, very nimble, smiling, happy, fraternal. He wore a heavy woollen shirt collar closed by a cravat, a sweater, a blue linen jacket and grey trousers. He made me sit beside him on the couch and inquired of my trip. He immediately wanted news of the French comrades. How are they? What's going on? ... And no, do not answer me yet: I want my Nathalia to be there to hear you too. He got up and, on the stairs, told Natalia in Russian that I had just arrived. Trotsky in Norway - 1936I watched the Old Man. He seemed very young to me (he was fifty-five then) and very gay. I studied his face, admirable with its broad brow covered with silver grey hair. What struck me the most were his steely grey eyes, dominant and changing, where tenacious will, self-confidence, interrogation, astonishment, deception and hope were reflected immediately. His mouth was extremely mobile, framed by his legendary moustache and goatee, articulated to perfection. I did not notice in him that which is almost always visible in those who have had to battle and suffer other men: that vertical fold of bitterness that marks the corner of the lips from a certain age. Everything about him exuded serenity. He looked to me to be in good standing with his conscience. Perhaps one might add, as pointed out by Andre Breton, that there remained buried in the depths of his nature, a whiff of childhood preserved him in spite of the hardships. Nathalia had entered on tiptoe. Little, frail, with a delicate face framed by ash blonde hair, she had a soft and sad look. Now, said the Old Man, give us some brief news of our friends and their health. You will then take a cup of tea and we will leave you to rest on the couch until lunch. This afternoon, we shall discuss things more seriously. And then he asked, amusing himself, questions about all and sundry, passing from Jean Rous weight to the dynamism of Molinier, from the caprices of comrade Naville to Yvan Craipeaus crises of faith, worrying about the material situation of Van whom he loved very much and the health of his son, Leon Sedov. His eyes stared, sized, gauged and then became distant. Attentive, friendly, he sought to place you in time and place you more specifically amongst the men engaged in the great conflicts of the time. Will he hold on? Will he let go? Will he grow? What will be his true role? So many silent questions, but it felt good. For the first few days, our conversation pertained naturally to the situation in France; the parties, their politics, the reactions of the masses The Old Man demanded from me a detailed report on the development of the crisis and the internal split within the Socialist Youth. He listened with sustained attention. He questioned, demanded details of the activists and particular trends. He attached great importance to the fact that a current of Socialist Youth, skipping Stalinism, was heading toward the Fourth International. "You in France have entered into the preparatory phase of revolution, he said. THE AXE PASSES TO YOU. You must follow the situation closely. You will soon experience grandiose events. You will play an important role, if you take time and stay firm on your position. Workers, gradually and as the struggle progresses, will find that they have been betrayed by those whom they trust today. They will look to you tomorrow." He thought we had lost too much time in idle talk with the SFIO bureaucracy, in whose interest it was to drag out the talks for a "readmission". This illusion best divided the militants and allowed them to rely on the clan of capitulators who are always ready to prostrate themselves when offered a few honorary and profitable positions. Likewise, the Old Man thought, you were wrong to hold on to the coattails of Piverts centrists for so long and, especially, to help them form the revolutionary left. These comrades will turn against you. They will channel away some of your own activists who, finding your slogans in their mouths will think it wiser and certainly less risky to remain in the fold of the SFIO than to follow you independently. According to him, the possibility for those expelled from Lille to be readmitted was an illusion: Your expulsions are political. The leadership of the SFIO is preparing a Popular Front government with the Radical leaders behind the scenes. They cannot tolerate the presence of honest and independent revolutionaries among them. They are also encouraged by Cachin and Thorez who obey Stalin perinde ac cadaver. Your only chance of success and the only way to avoid the nibbling away and demoralisation of your best activists is to activate the transition to an independent organisation. You must speak for the Marxist programme. It is necessary to arm your comrades politically. Otherwise, they will decompose quickly under the appalling pressure of the reformist and Stalinist bureaucracies. You should, I believe, initiate a discussion in your movement, through the press, through internal bulletins, through information meetings and by organising an extraordinary congress, for joining the programme and flag of the Fourth International. Then we can consider a merger between your comrades and the Bolshevik-Leninists. And he added with a smile: The day when I can read in Revolution (which was the newspaper of the left of the Socialist Youth) that you have pronounced publicly for the Fourth, a decisive step will be taken. I will raise a red flag right here on the roof of the chalet! One day over lunch, he asked me: What decisive factor convinced you to get closer to the organisation of the Bolshevik-Leninists? I told him how Pierre Dreyfus had invited me to attend the last conference of Bolshevik Leninist Group, in the famous cafe, Auge rue des Archives, where I was impressed by the way all the political discussion had been conducted after outstanding detailed reports, specifically those of Pierre Naville, John Rous, David Rousset and Bardin on behalf of the Central Committee. This was a change from the fairs and the blah blah blah of national meetings of the SFIO where everyone is involved above all in relation to their electoral support. I was also amazed to learn, during the voting and verification of mandates, that the Bolshevik-Leninists were only four hundred strong across the whole country. With all the noise they made and the daily attacks to which they were subjected, I had imagined they were thousands ... Trotsky was very amused by this. I thought this young revolutionary political organisation, counting so few members but emitting such influence and causing so much fear in its opponents, was one of the forces of the future. And that this organisation had to be supported at all costs, whatever happened Trotsky often insisted on discussing organisational questions and rightly attached a great importance to this subject. If you do not train good, serious administrators at every level of the movement, even if you are right a thousand times over, you will not win. What the Bolshevik-Leninists have always lacked, particularly in France, are organisers, good treasurers, accurate accounts, and legible and well edited publications The most serious difference, if I dare say so, that I had with Trotsky related to democratic centralism, the implacable authoritarian conception which seemed to me to be as dangerous as the Social-Democratic method, which never allowed the rank-and-file branch members to influence the direction of the party in a decisive way. The application of centralism by Lenins Political Bureau enabled the taking of power. Under Stalin, it led to revolutionary defeats and the degeneration of the so-called Communist Parties. Trotsky, strongly emphasising the fact that Lenins Political Bureau applied a democratic centralism whilst that of Stalin applied a bureaucratic centralism, admitted to having struggled with this problem at the Second Congress [of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party in 1903], which separated him from Lenin for a number of years. However, he added, once again Lenin was right. Without a strongly centralised party, we would never have taken power. Centralism means focusing the organisation to the greatest possible extent towards its goal. It is the only means of leading millions of people in struggle with the possessing classes. If you admit, along with Lenin, that we are in the stage of Imperialism, the highest stage of Capitalism, it is necessary to have a revolutionary organisation that is sufficiently flexible to respond to the demands of clandestine struggle as well as those of the taking power. Hence the need for a strongly centralised party, capable of orienting and leading the masses and supporting the gigantic struggle from which they must emerge victorious. Hence also the need to make collectively, at every step, a loyal self-criticism. He added that the application of centralism must not be schematic, but must evolve out of the political situation. He gave the example of the Russian Communist Party in 1921, passing from the ultra-centralised and military form imposed by the Civil War to an organisation based on the cells of workplaces taking part in the reconstruction of the economy: Between congresses, it was the Central Committee and its Political Bureau that led the Party and ensured the rigorous application, at all levels, of the policy decided by the majority. It was not permissible to return at every instant to questions of orientation and in so doing distort the application of the policy that had been defined by the Party. He often came back to one of the greatest dangers facing the vanguard of the working class: Sectarianism, which exhausts, withers, demoralises and isolates: This is what threatened the French section. It was one of the main reasons why we urged our comrades to enter into the S.F.I.O [the French Socialist Party] as a tendency. Experience has proved this correct because it allowed them to work amongst the masses, to check the correctness of their perspectives, to extend their influence and to strengthen themselves organisationally. All of his life Lenin fought against sectarian deviations which would cut off, and did cut off, revolutionaries from mass movements and from the understanding of a situation. On many occasions, he had to struggle against the Old Bolsheviks barely able in his absence to match the sacred texts with reality. Trotsky recalled what happened in 1905; the Bolsheviks then playing only a minor role because of the sectarian position they adopted in the absence of Lenin towards the Petrograd Soviet: Theoretical routine, this absence of political and tactical creativity, cannot replace the need for insight, the ability to surmise things at a glance, the flair for feeling a situation, while unravelling the main threads and developing an overall strategy. It is in a revolutionary period, and especially an insurrectionary one that these qualities become decisive. Listening to him, I thought of Rosa Luxemburg who wrote in the summer of 1918, shortly before she was murdered: The revolutionary movement must be a foaming and limitless torrent of life in order to find the millions of new forms, improvisations, creative forces and healthy criticism it needs to correct and ultimately move beyond all of its mistakes. Trotsky regularly returned to the need to strengthen fraternal bonds between comrades in struggle: It is necessary to preserve them, encourage them, watch over them, he would repeat. An experienced militant worker represents an incalculable asset for the organisation. It takes years to make a good leader. One must therefore do everything to save a member. Don't break him if he weakens, but help him to overcome his weakness, to get over his moment of doubt. Do not lose sight of those who fall on the wayside: Facilitate their return to the organisation if you have nothing irremediable to reproach them for in terms of revolutionary morality. When we walked along the mountainside in the evening, it would occur to him to discuss the physical health of the comrades; his or her shape as we say nowadays. He was very concerned about this point. He thought about the concern towards those who had become exhausted, the need to preserve the energies of the weakest: Lenin was always preoccupied with the health of his collaborators. One must go as far as possible in the struggle and the way is long he used to say. The internal atmosphere of the organisation made him anxious. In the small vanguard movements, which fight against the stream, internal disputes are sometimes the most severe and heated. After their exclusion from the SFIO, the Bolshevik-Leninist Group divided itself into several hostile factions: If the comrades look beyond this and focus their efforts outward and practical work, the crisis will subside, said Trotsky. But it is necessary to always watch that the atmosphere always emerges healthy and acceptable for all. Each must work with all their heart and with the maximum of confidence. The building of the revolutionary party demands patience and hard work. At any price, you must not discourage the best, and you must show yourself to be able to work with anyone. Each is a lever to be used as much as possible to strengthen the Party. Lenin knew the art of this. After the liveliest discussions, the bitterest polemics, he knew to find the words and gestures which mitigated unfortunate or offensive words. For Trotsky, the essential task of the period ahead consisted in forming and consolidating an organisational apparatus. Without an apparatus, there is no possibility of applying a policy: everything limits itself to chatter without real significance. The difficulty of grand human constructions is choosing judiciously which personality is best suited for such and such a role. The art of the organiser consists in accustoming individuals to working together so that each becomes the complement of the other. An 'apparatus' is an orchestra where each instrument expresses itself individually only to blend and fade into the harmony created. Avoid placing members of equal value and temperament on a work committee. They will nullify each other without obtaining the intended results. Knowing how to choose a comrade for a given task; patiently explaining what is expected from them; acting with subtlety and tact, this is what true leadership means. Leave the maximum amount of initiative to the comrade responsible for the work. In case of mistakes, correct them by explaining amicably how they are prejudicial to the interests of the Party. Only impose sanctions in the most serious of cases. The general rule must be to permit each to progress, to develop and improve. Do not lose yourself in secondary details which mask the totality of the situation. Only do what you can with the forces you have. Never more, except admittedly in decisive situations. The Old Man added that one must not strain the comrades nerves indefinitely. After each effort, we must catch our breath, get ones bearings, and renew ones energies. At the level of organisation, one must be methodical and precise, leaving nothing to chance: Whatever you do, set yourself an objective, even a very modest one, but strive to achieve it. Then elaborate a short- or long-term plan and apply it without weakening, with an iron hand. It is the only way to advance and for the whole organisation to make progress. One morning, the courier brought leaflets and an internal bulletin of the French Bolshevik-Leninists. While reading them, Trotsky showed impatient and annoyance. Armed with a red pencil, he crossed out and underlined non-stop, before saying brusquely: Your mimeographed publications are very bad. They are very unpleasant to read. Like your newspapers and other publications. With modern machines, I wonder how you manage to bring out texts which are perhaps good politically but illegible. You need to consult specialists about this. I assure you that no worker will make the effort to read a badly printed leaflet. I remember my first proclamations in our circle in Odessa. I hand wrote them in purple ink in block capitals. They were then applied to a sheet of gelatine and made into dozens of copies. We were using primitive methods, but our leaflets were very readable and they made their way! His harshest criticism was directed at our newspapers: A revolutionary paper addresses itself first and foremost to the workers. Your way of producing and editing La Verite (which at that time was the paper of the Bolshevik-Leninists) makes it more of a theoretical journal than a newspaper. It interests the intellectual, but not the worker. On the other hand, you have produced good issues of Revolution. But what is unacceptable and scandalous is to publish papers with so many spelling and typographical errors, which leave an impression of an intolerable and criminally lackadaisical attitude. The paper is the face of the party. It is by the paper that to a large degree a worker will judge the party. Those whom it addresses arent necessarily your comrades or sympathisers. You must not alienate anyone by using too highbrow vocabulary. Your occasional reader must not think: These people are too much for me, because he will never buy it again. Your paper should be well presented, simple and clear, with slogans that are always understandable. A worker does not have the time to read long theoretical articles. He needs quick reports in a concise style. Lenin said: It is necessary to write with your heart in order to have a good paper. Stop thinking that you are writing for yourself or your members. That is what theoretical reviews and bulletins are for. The workers paper must be lively and witty. A worker loves it when you ridicule and expose the powers-that-be. Also oblige the worker comrades in your organisation to write for the paper. Help them in a friendly way. You will see that soon, a short and simple article of a worker, on a precise instance of capitalist exploitation, is far superior to an article which sees itself as academic and erudite. Take for example Lenins articles in Pravda. They are simple, lively and readable, as much for the worker of Putilov as for the university student. The Old Man referred constantly to Lenin, who had made such an impact on his whole life and whom he admired enormously. As I was telling him about our financial worries, problems arising from the regular publication of La Verite or Revolution, and everything concerning workplace papers, leaflets and personnel changes, the Old Man told me: Miss Florence Diner, a historic diner in Western Massachusetts, is under new management. The eatery was purchased by Georgianna Brunton, a native of Southwick who recently moved to Florence. Brunton told the Daily Hampshire Gazette that she inquired about purchasing the diner after seeing on Facebook that it was listed for sale by the Zantouliadis family, who owned and operated the business for 15 years. Miss Florence Diner opened in the 1960s on Main Street in the Florence section of Northampton. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Brunton told the Gazette that customers shouldn't expect major changes to Miss Florence, from the menu to the staff. AMHERST - Eric Carle will dedicate Bobbie's Meadow, a tribute to his late wife Barbara Carle at the museum they founded together here, June 23 at 10 a.m. An educator and environmentalist, Barbara "Bobbie" Carle died Sept. 7, 2015 at the age of 76 after a brief illness at the couple's home in North Carolina. The space created in her memory includes a new wildlife habitat and runs through the apple orchard of the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. She and her famous illustrator-author husband opened the museum on her 64th birthday, Nov. 22, 2002, and she served as the museum's first board chair. The outdoor space initiated in her memory by the board is being dedicated two days before Eric Carle's 89th birthday. In a statement about the dedication Carle said he thought his late wife "would be honored by the meadow being created in her memory." "She loved flowers and nature, and she loved the museum which was a dream she and I had shared," Carle said. "Bobbie was devoted to its development and played a central role in the early days of the Museum's life. The tiny seed she planted has grown and will continue to grow here." Carle is the author and illustrator of more than 70 books, including the 1969 classic, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." He credited his North Carolina-born wife, at the museum's founding, with wanting "to give back" for his success. The couple married in 1973 and moved from New York to the Pioneer Valley. Carle, who had taught and also worked as an adoption caseworker in New York, earned a master's degree in special education from the University of Massachusetts, and co-founded a pre-school that mainstreamed children with special needs. The couple, who retired to North Carolina and Florida in 2004, had a home and studio for many years in Northampton, as well as a summer home in Hawley. They were said to be inspired by travels to Japan and that country's picture book museums to open this country's first museum devoted to picture book art. The museum houses more than 13,000 objects, including 6,600 permanent collection illustrations. Since opening, the 43,000-square foot facility has served more than 750,000 visitors, including 50,000 schoolchildren. Bobbie's Meadow was designed by Mantle Landscape Architecture of Berkeley, California and Klopfer Martin Design Group of Boston and built by Wright Builders, Inc. of Northampton. It features a wheelchair- and stroller-accessible walking path, walls with outdoor seating, and a small outdoor library. It is seeded with 21 native perennials. In her statement, Alexandra Kennedy, executive director, referred to the "re-imagined" space as a "vital extension of the museum" - upcoming summer programs in it include outdoor yoga for kids, creative movement and Reading Buddies with Bright Spot Therapy Dogs. Mantle landscape architect Ramsey Silberberg said she hoped "that everyone who walks through Bobbie's Meadow will feel welcomed, embraced, and inspired to discover - the way one felt in Bobbie's presence." "The orchard has been an important setting for The Carle since day one and we wanted to create 'a room' within it that would extend the Museum's programming and integrate it with the outside," her statement said. "I am excited to see the many ways the team at The Carle will use it to engage their visitors. The best part of designing the space is yet to come - watching it come to life." Dedication day events, which conclude at 3 p.m., are free with museum admission. Activities include an outdoor scavenger hunt for large illustrated bugs from the upcoming book, "What's Your Favorite Bug?" by Eric Carle and Friends. Naturalist Ted Watt will also engage guests in activities, and Caldecott award-winning artist Brendan Wenzel will read his new book "Hello Hello." The Center Dance Studio will perform a narrative dance inspired by Carle's picture book, "Little Cloud." Guests can also join local artists creating art in Bobbie's Meadow, and play with large blocks, musical instruments, and a "little outdoor library" modeled after the museum. The Bobbie's Meadow dedication day schedule June 23 is below: AMHERST -- The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce has hired a new executive director, the first full-time director in nearly a year. Claudia Pazmany, who lives in town, was chosen from a handful of candidates the chamber's board interviewed. Chamber President Peter Vickery said the search was done by word of mouth. Chamber members were looking for the right person for the job, he said, and Pazmany was just that person. Pazmany is the director of development and marketing for Providence Ministries in Holyoke and has a master's degree from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts. She is a former director of development at the Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts and a board member at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County. "She has deep roots in the community," Vickery said. "She knows Amherst and the surrounding areas." The chamber membership includes businesses in Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Shutesbury, Sunderland and Pelham. Vickery said the board wanted an executive director with sales and development experience. The chamber is hoping to add new members and bring back any that have left. "She knows how to meet people and listen to what they have to say," he said of Pazmany. "I think Claudia is the perfect fit for the Chamber -- a familiar face with a real understanding of the Amherst Area and the needs of our members," said former acting Director Jerry Guidera, who took the helm of the organization after Tim O'Brien left last year. At that time, Guidera said it was important when hiring a new director that the chamber define its vision and find the right director to implement it. In an email, Guidera wrote: "The Amherst Area -- and especially the Town of Amherst -- needs local business leadership now more than ever. There are a lot of challenges to growing business locally, from technological and demographic changes to regulatory and political changes. That's why it's really important that the Amherst Area business community have a strong, local advocacy -- I'm convinced Claudia can do that for us." Comments on Facebook about the hiring have been positive. Cinda Jones wrote: "What an excellent choice. ... You're going to rock this." Jones, president of W.D. Cowls Inc., is a past president of the chamber. CHICOPEE - After protracted union negotiations about 240 city employees have ratified contracts will give administrators, Department of Public Works employees, clerks and other city workers a 4 percent raise over two years. The agreement with the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1459 will only last from April, when employees ratified the agreement, until June 2019. It will grant employees a 2 percent raise from April to June 30 end of this fiscal year and a 2 percent raise for the next fiscal year which begins on July 1, said Dean Ethier, vice president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1459. Employees will also receive a $350 one-time signing bonus, he said. The increases will mean the lowest-paid hourly workers will earn $12.89 and the highest paid at $23.99 an hour in the first year. Starting July 1 the lowest-paid employee will earn $13.15 an hour and the highest-paid hourly employee will earn $24.47, according to the contract. The contract covers city hall clerks, librarians, some administrators, laborers for the Department of Public Works, the Water Department and the Wastewater Department and others, Ethier said. "It ratified quite easily. Workers were happy to put it behind them for now," Ethier said. Representatives for Local 1459 will return to negotiations around December. By then a long-awaited wage study for the Department of Public Works employees should be completed, he said. The city's Professional Municipal Employees Association also approved a separate but similar contract that will give employees a 2 percent raise for the remainder of this fiscal year and a 2 percent raise for the next fiscal year. One of the provisions also increases the work week from the existing 35 hours to 40 hours for some employees, which was requested by the union, Mayor Richard J. Kos said. Chicopee has some of the lowest-paid municipal employees in Western Massachusetts. Even the mayor and City Council agreed the salaries for the Department of Public Works were not competitive with surrounding communities making it difficult to find and keep employees. Because of that they agreed to spend $75,000 to have the Collins Center at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, do a wage study which was supposed to be completed in four months but has taken more than a year. Employees have been working under expired contracts since July. Negotiations between Mayor Richard J. Kos, who is the only one who can settle a contract, and employees came to a head in April when several hundred employees from different unions joined forces and picketed outside the City Council meeting in the pouring rain protesting the impasse in talks. Several of those unions still have not agreed on terms of a new contract, including firefighters, Ethier said. The Chicopee Education Association, which includes about 1,100 teachers, clerks, vice principals and teaching assistants, rejected a one-year offer in May that would have reduced out-of-classroom duties and awarded a one-time bonus that would have been equal to about .08 percent of their salaries. The pact would have expired at the end of the fiscal year on June 30 so there would be no break before union officials returned to the bargaining table. The City Council, which is not involved in negotiations, still had to approve the funding for the raises for this fiscal year. Tuesday night members took a total of nine votes to allocate the money for the contracts. Every vote passed 13-0. The Council approved a total of $127,353 from a special account set aside for employee raises, $20,930 from the sewer surplus account and $19,844 from the water surplus account. Funds came from different accounts because wastewater employees and water employees are paid by money raised through fees paid by residents. "The next year's wages will be worked into the budget," City Councilor James K. Tillotson said. The contracts mostly give 2 percent raises to employees. There are also a few "tweaks" to some of the language and provisions for employees in different departments, Tillotson said. Councilor Stanley Walczak said he is concerned that the increase to the 40-hour work week was not across the board for all employees, adding some supervisors continue to work 35 hours a week while overseeing employees who are working longer days. "I'm very pleased the contract is resolved," Councilor Joel McAuliffe said. "I appreciate the patience of our workers." SPRINGFIELD -- Fire heavily damaged the top floors of a multifamily home in Old Hill late Tuesday afternoon, forcing out all 11 inhabitants. Everyone at 95-97 Lebanon St. escaped the fire with no injuries, said Dennis Leger, aide to Springfield Fire Commissioner Bernard Calvi. Firefighters responded to the 5:10 p.m. alarm to find heavy flames covering the eastern side of the building and smoke coming from the upper floors as the fire rose into the third floor and attic. Firefighters battled the flames in the roof, finally knocking down the fire about an hour after arriving on scene. Leger said fire investigators determined an automobile fire in a Jeep CJ parked in a driveway close to the eastern side of the home spread to the building. He estimated the fire damage to be about $100,000. The residents of the building are being assisted by the American Red Cross. SPRINGFIELD -- When a judge declared a mistrial in Jahmal Brangan's bank robbery trial three years ago, probably no one would have predicted his name would go on to be repeated countless times in courthouses throughout the state. In fact, when Hampden Superior Court Judge David Ricciardone took Brangan's guilty plea Tuesday for the 2014 armed robbery of United Bank in Springfield, he said it was interesting to see the actual person that was "Brangan." Ricciardone told the defendant he has "heard your name so often with respect to how we set bail." After the mistrial, the charges against Brangan remained pending and bail was set at $50,000 cash. His lawyers appealed, arguing bail should be set in an amount Brangan could afford. Eventually the case made its way to the state Supreme Judicial Court, which rendered a decision in August. The case titled "Brangan v. Commonwealth" had implications for criminal defendants across Massachusetts because the high court ruled judges must consider defendants' financial resources when setting bail. "A bail that is set without any regard to whether a defendant is a pauper or a plutocrat runs the risk of being excessive and unfair," now-retired Supreme Judicial Court Judge Geraldine S. Hines wrote. In an oft-quoted paragraph, Hines also wrote: "A $250 cash bail will have little impact on the well-to-do, for whom it is less than the cost of a night's stay in a downtown Boston hotel, but it will probably result in detention for a homeless person whose entire earthly belongings can be carried in a cart." The ruling precipitated numerous new bail hearings for defendants, referred to informally as "Brangan hearings." After the SJC's August ruling, Brangan's case was returned to Hampden Superior Court for a new bail hearing. On Sept. 12 he was released without having to pay any cash bail and placed on house arrest with GPS monitoring. On Tuesday, Ricciardone took Brangan's guilty plea to armed robbery and sentenced the 45-year-old Springfield resident to 1,334 days in state prison. Brangan served that amount of time in jail while waiting for his case to wend its way through several courts, so his sentence is now over. Ricciardone told Brangan that, with his long criminal record, the next time he is arrested he is looking at serious prison time. "You've got to do whatever it takes to amend your behavior," Ricciardone told Brangan, who has been represented in Hampden Superior Court by Jared Olanoff. During the bank robbery, Brangan handed a teller a note claiming he had a gun. That person was in the courtroom Tuesday as Assistant District Attorney Karen J. Bell read her victim impact statement to Ricciardone. "It scared me beyond belief," the former teller wrote. She said she tried to continue working in banks, but she would panic whenever someone came in with a hat or sunglasses or gloves. As part of Brangan's plea agreement the "masked" portion of the charge was dropped, removing a five-year minimum mandatory sentence requirement. "No one really wants to testify again," Bell said. In early 2015 a jury convicted Brangan of armed robbery while masked for the robbery of the United Bank branch at 1077 St. James Ave. on Jan. 17, 2014. But Olanoff requested a mistrial, citing what he said were improper parts of Bell's closing argument. Hampden Superior Court Judge Mark D. Mason declared a mistrial. The prosecution appealed, beginning years of legal wrangling. Bell, in reviewing the history of the case Tuesday for Ricciardone, said the Hampden district attorney's office did not agree there was prosecutorial misconduct in the closing argument. Ricciardone asked if she was the prosecutor, and she said she was. A mother and her newborn are resting after an emergency birth in a parking lot. The expecting parents from Malden called 911 Tuesday evening from their car upon realizing they would not make it to the hospital before the baby arrived. They were directed to the parking lot of the Massachusetts State Police Boston barracks off Leverett Circle where troopers were waiting for the vehicle. Trooper Stephen Kavol, with troopers Anthony Wosny and Robert Foley, assisted the couple in the delivery of a baby girl. The couple and their newborn were transported to Massachusetts General Hospital. NEW YORK (AP) -- Harvey Weinstein pleaded not guilty to rape and criminal sex act charges on Tuesday before a judge in New York, and his lawyer vowed afterward to try to beat the case even before it goes to trial. Weinstein limped from an SUV and was escorted past a big crowd of journalists before spending a few minutes answering a series of yes and no questions from the judge asking if he understood his rights. A pair of court officers stood directly behind him throughout the brief hearing. The former movie mogul didn't stop to speak with journalists or respond to shouted questions and was back in his waiting SUV in just 40 minutes. His attorney, Ben Brafman, told reporters the case was "eminently defensible" based on what they have learned about the evidence. "I think today is the first day of this process. We begin our fight now," he said, adding his defense would include trying to force prosecutors to drop the case. "If we are successful, there may not be a trial." A grand jury indicted Weinstein last week on charges involving two women. One of the alleged victims in the criminal case, who has not been identified publicly, told investigators that Weinstein cornered her in a hotel room and raped her. The other accuser, former actress Lucia Evans, has gone public with her account of Weinstein forcing her to perform oral sex at his office in 2004. The Associated Press does not identify alleged victims of sexual assaults unless they come forward publicly. The 66-year-old Weinstein has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex. Brafman has challenged the credibility of his alleged victims. The lawyer has said the unidentified woman who accused Weinstein of rape had a decade-long, consensual sexual relationship that continued after the alleged 2013 attack. "As terrible as the crime of rape is, it is equally reprehensible to be falsely accused," Brafman said. Prosecutors from the Manhattan district attorney's office reportedly met privately with a third woman on Monday after she and two other plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against Weinstein. According to the suit, Melissa Thompson had a 2011 business meeting that ended with Weinstein holding her down and raping her in a Manhattan hotel room. Through her law firm, Thompson said she was comfortable with being named publicly. In court, Brafman seized on the report about the meeting as further proof that his client was the victim of a series of unfair and damaging leaks by authorities. Prosecutor Joan Illuzzi told the judge that the information came from her office. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. has said it was predictable that Weinstein's camp would attack the integrity of the women and the legal system. Vance, a Democrat, came under public pressure from women's groups to prosecute Weinstein after declining to do so in 2015, when an Italian model went to police to say Weinstein had groped her during a meeting. Police set up a sting in which the woman recorded herself confronting Weinstein and him apologizing for his conduct. But Vance decided there was not enough evidence to bring charges. Weinstein is out on $1 million bail. A judge ordered the two sides back in court in late September. ___ Associated Press writer Larry Neumeister contributed to this report. ___ This item has been corrected to fix Brafman's quote to "eminently defensible," instead of "imminently defensible." HATFIELD -- Northampton Democrat Chelsea Kline said if voters send her to Beacon Hill, she will work for ordinary people who are struggling to survive and succeed. "I'm running for state Senate to be a strong, progressive voice for Western Massachusetts," she said. "I'm running to be a champion for working families, for local businesses, and vulnerable people." Kline delivered remarks at her campaign launch Tuesday at the Black Birch Vineyard in Hatfield as around 100 people mixed, mingled, and sipped local wine. "Women have been told for generations to behave. To wait our turn. To not speak up. To wait in line. To play nice. To not bother anybody," she said. "Well I'm happy to say that tonight, that's not how the world works anymore." Kline told her story, from being raised poor -- "my dad left us when I was seven. And my mom held it all together for us" -- to having a baby at 19, working numerous jobs, attending Greenfield Community College, graduating from Smith College, and earning a master's degree from Harvard Divinity School. "Mentors emerged for me from unlikely places," said Kline, who is now an educational administrator at Bay Path College, where she oversees academic programs and works with non-traditional college students. Kline, 40, is one of five candidates running for the seat formerly held by Stan Rosenberg, D-Amherst, who stepped down as Senate president in late 2017, and in May left the State House entirely following a scathing ethics report. Kline filed papers in March, so is the only candidate whose name will appear on the November ballot. Her competitors waited until Rosenberg resigned. Since Rosenberg resigned one day after the deadline to file nomination papers, the four who waited must wage write-in campaigns. Kline said she would be knocking on doors and running a strong grassroots campaign nonetheless. June 5 2018 Black Birch Vineyard Several local Democratic activists spoke on Kline's behalf, and Vermont Law School professor Jennifer Taub said it's time for women to take at least half the seats in the Massachusetts Senate. "No man who calls himself a progressive should be running against any qualified woman for Senate seats in Massachusetts, period," said Taub. Taub took a swipe at the "arrogance" of an unnamed write-in candidate who reportedly said that it would have been "disrespectful" to pull papers while Rosenberg was still in office. "She was the only person who had the courage to put her name on the ballot," said Taub of Kline. Rosenberg resigned amidst an ethics scandal involving his husband, Bryon Hefner, who has been indicted on counts of indecent assault and battery, open and gross lewdness, and distribution of an image of nude or partially nude person. Hefner has pleaded not guilty in Suffolk Superior Court. Kline in May said Rosenberg made the right decision in stepping down. Kline, a commissioner on the Hampshire-Franklin Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, is married to her husband Greg and has three children, ages 4, 10, and 21. J Mascis plays an acoustic set at Black Birch Vineyard in Hatfield on June 6, 2018. Four Democrats have launched write-in campaigns for the Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester District seat. They are Central Hampshire Veterans' Services director Steven Connor, Northampton City Council president Ryan O'Donnell, Dave Murphy of Amherst, and Jo Comerford, former campaign director at the national progressive group MoveOn. Tuesday's event featured an acoustic set by musician J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. fame. Vertical farming startup AeroFarms grows crops indoors, where it can control light, temperature, and humidity. It doesnt use soil or 95 percent of the water usually required to produce greens; instead, AeroFarms plants its kale and arugula in a proprietary cloth material and sprays their roots with a nutrient-rich mist. The cloth was invented by Cornell professor Ed Harwood, who joined forces with David Rosenberg and Marc Oshima to co-found the Newark, New Jersey-based company in 2011. By Kevin J. Ryan https://www.inc.com/magazine/201806/kevin-j-ryan/aerofarms-vertical-farming.html?cid=hmsub2 Photo for illustration (Source: vietnamtourism.gov.vn) Diverse activities will be held during the event such as the opening ceremony, Hoi An - Japan cultural exchange 2018, Vietnam - Japan gastronomy and cultural exchange and exhibition, meeting with Japanese investors, workshop on building and building smart city associated with environmental protection, congress of Vietnam - Japan Friendship Association in Quang Nam. The event aims to mark the 45th founding anniversary of Vietnam - Japan diplomatic ties (September 21st); promote exchange and cooperation on culture, tourism, training and trade between Quang Nam province and Japanese partners. Hoi An ancient city was one of the busiest trading ports of Southeast Asia in the 17th and 18th centuries. Since its inception in the 16th century, many traders, especially those from Japan, came the city for trade, building cultural works and unique architectures. This is a beautiful symbol of cultural intercourse and the long-term relationship between the two countries. Maintaining the organization of the annual Hoi An - Japan cultural exchange is a testament for the strong relationship in all fields between Vietnam and Japan./. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Vice Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Vojtech Filip (Source: VNA) PM Phuc lauded the guests proposal to boost ties in aviation technology, pilot training, use of lightweight cargo aircraft and technological transfer, saying they are a new space of cooperation needed to study and carry out in the coming time. He pledged to direct units concerned to offer easier visa procedures to Czech citizens. He asked for further efforts to extend bilateral economic-trade-investment ties, especially in fields suggested by the guest. Vietnam will create favourable conditions for cooperation projects with the Czech Republic, he said, highlighting the cooperation potential in aviation with countries worldwide, including the Czech Republic, as Vietnam sees the increasing number of airlines. The leader said Vietnam hails partnership with the Czech Republic in auto manufacturing which is in high demand in the country. Welcoming the outcomes of the sixth Vietnam Czech Republic Inter-Governmental Committee meeting on economic cooperation, the PM said the Vietnamese government will work closely with the Czech government to launch cooperation agreements, contributing to carrying forward bilateral relations in fields of Vietnams demand and the Czech Republics strengths such as energy, mining, infrastructure, environment protection, and food safety. He asked the Czech Republic to support Vietnams run for non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure, adding that Vietnam wants the Czech Republic to continue promoting Vietnam EU comprehensive cooperative partnership and the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Vietnam is ready to help the Czech Republic reinforce ties with ASEAN and its member states, he said. As the Czech Republic is lacking workforce, the PM proposed that it would simplify visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens coming for the purpose of tourism and labour. The host heralded the sharing of experience in legislation and supervision between the Vietnamese and Czech legislatures, believing that both sides will make important contributions to Vietnam Czech Republic ties in the near future. Filip, who is also Chairman of the Communist Party of the Czech Republic-Moravia, said his visit aims to further bolster traditional friendship between the two nations. The European country always strives to offer favourable visa policy to Vietnamese citizens wishing to come for leisure, study or work, he said. According to him, the Czech Republic has established several vocational training establishments to improve Vietnamese workers skills in the fields of mechanical engineering, automobile industry to supplement skilled workforce in the country. He said his country backs Vietnams run for non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure, adding that the Czech parliament expects early signing of the EVFTA. The guest suggested that the Vietnamese government supports the launch of a direct flight between the two nations to boost bilateral trade and cultural exchange as the Vietnamese community is the third largest foreign one and has become an inseparable part of the socio-economic and cultural life in the Czech Republic. He said the Czech Republic is stepping up a project on labour export with the northern province of Quang Ninh and another on automobile manufacturing with the hope of bring more cooperation opportunities to the two countries./. Vietnamese Minister of National Defence Ngo Xuan Lich (R) welcomes his Canadian counterpart Harjit Singh Sajjan in Hanoi on June 5th (Photo: VNA) At the talks, the two sides exchanged views on world and regional issues of shared concern, reviewed bilateral defence cooperation over the past years, and discussed orientations and measures to bolster defence ties in the time ahead. They focused on some potential cooperation fields like training, participation in United Nations peacekeeping activities, marine security, defence industry, and military medicine. The Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence welcomes Canadas continued support for the Southeast Asian nation in training and engaging in UN peacekeeping activities, Lich said. At the end of the talks, the two ministers witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the Military Training and Cooperation Programme of Canada. This memorandum is expected to help Vietnamese officers to have more chances to take part in diverse training courses in Canada. It is considered an important development in bilateral defence relations, creating favourable conditions for both sides to promote other potential cooperation areas. Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan is paying an official visit to Vietnam from June 4th to 6th. The trip is significant to the friendship between the Governments, armies and people of the two countries, as well as the growth of their defence ties in line with the newly established Vietnam-Canada comprehensive partnership. It is also a practical contribution to the 45th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations (August 21st, 1973)./. Two Reuters journalists awarded the 2017 James Foley Medill Medal for Courage Award winners Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were arrested while reconstructing the killings of Rohingya men June 6, 2018 Reuters journalists Wa Lone (top center) and Kyaw Soe Oo (bottom center). Photo courtesy of REUTERS/Ann Wang. Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo are the recipients of the 2017 James Foley Medill Medal for Courage in Journalism. The Burmese journalists have been held by Myanmar officials since December 12, 2017, pending a hearing on whether to bring charges against them under the Official Secrets Act. [Update: On September 3, 2018, a Myanmar judge found Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo guilty of breaching a law on state secrets and jailed them for seven years.] [Update: On May 7, 2019, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were released after more than 500 days in jail.] Before their arrest, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were painstakingly reconstructing the killings of 10 Rohingya men last September, following their path from a beach in the Rakhine state, where government troops and Buddhist villagers plucked them from among a crowd of villagers seeking refuge, to their mass grave nearby. The two reporters told each of the mens stories, shining a light on their lives as well as on their deaths. The coverage was riveting and horrifying, said award co-judge and Medill Professor Donna Leff (BSJ70, MSJ71). The reporting was meticulous and the story-telling was heroic. The reporters led a Reuters team in Myanmar and Bangladesh who have chronicled the violence against this Muslim minority, the widespread burning and looting of Rohingya villages and the rape and killings of Rohingya children, women and men. The violence has resulted in 600,000 people fleeing their homes in what has been described by the United Nations as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing. What was also remarkable about this entry was that it not only demonstrates individual courage but also exemplifies institutional courage, said Medill co-judge and Chicago Tribune investigative reporter David Jackson. If they had pulled their reporters, the world would never know this story. Instead, Reuters chose to double down on its coverage. Working in the Myanmar conflict zones and the refugee camps in Bangladesh, the team reported the armys campaign against the Rohingya in northern Rakhine and provided an in-depth look at the early strategy and recruitment tactics of an insurgent Rohingya group whose attacks resulted in a violent military counter-offensive. The reporting included a series of powerful interactive multimedia presentations that showed the full extent of the refugee problem and the conflict, including the widespread burning of Rohingya villages. This years runner up also won high praise from the judges. Death in Al Ghayil: Women and Children in Yemeni Village Recall Horror of Trumps Highly Successful SEAL Raid by Iona Craig was published in The Intercept in March 2017. In the article, Craig recounts her more than 1,000-mile undercover journey by road into al Qaeda and Islamic State active areas to reach the remote village on the frontlines of Yemens civil war where the raid took place. This years winners and runner-up mark only the second time we have awarded the prize to non-U.S. journalists, and its important to recognize the perils these international journalists face, said co-judge and Medill Board of Advisers member Dick Stolley (BSJ52, MSJ53). Craigs investigation also set a new standard for the James Foley Medill Medal for Courage by recognizing an online-only submission as the runner up, expanding our vision for this award. The testimonies Craig collected from eye-witnesses and survivors did not match the version of events put out by American officials and U.S. Central Command. The day the story was published by The Intercept, U.S. Central Command head Gen. Joseph Votel told the Senate Armed Services Committee that no bad decisions had been made and no further investigations into the January mission were necessary. Commenting on the quality of the submissions, Leff said, We stand in deep admiration for the journalism in all the medal entries. At a time when our profession is under financial and political siege, we are gratified by the fearless reporters in all corners of the world telling painful stories we need to hear. Public Event on Oct. 26 Reuters Myanmar Bureau Chief Antoni Slodkowski will accept the award on behalf of Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo on Oct. 26. The event is at 12 p.m. on the Evanston campus, MFC, 1870 Campus Drive. The event will also be available via live stream. Watch event via live stream About the James Foley Medill Medal for Courage in Journalism The 2017 medal is given for work published during the 2017 calendar year to an individual or team of journalists, working for a U.S.-based media outlet, who best displayed moral, physical, ethical, financial or political courage in the pursuit of a story or series of stories. The selection committee included Medill Board of Advisers member Dick Stolley, former senior editorial adviser for Time Inc.; Chicago Tribune reporter and 2011 James Foley Medill Medal for Courage in Journalism recipient David Jackson; and Medill Professor Donna Leff, who has been a member of the faculty and an associate of Northwesterns Institute for Policy Research since 1980. The 2016 award was given to then-Associated Press reporter Hannah Dreier for her coverage of the recurring turmoil in Venezuela. President Tran Dai Quang (right) and Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan during their meeting in Hanoi on June 5th. (Photo: VNA) President Quang warmly welcomed the Canadian Defence Minister, saying his visit to Vietnam takes place at a time when the two countries are implementing agreements to foster the Comprehensive Partnership, which was set up in 2017, and celebrating the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic ties (August 21st, 1973). Vietnam is keen on developing the Comprehensive Partnership with Canada, he reiterated, adding that the two nations have maintained a good relations and together made efforts to promote common goals and economic growth and increase trade exchange. The president also cited the fact that Vietnam is now Canadas biggest trade partner in ASEAN while Canada is among Vietnams large investors. The Canadian Defence Minister, for his part, informed his host on outcomes of the talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Ngo Xuan Lich during which the two sides agreed to step up partnership in areas of mutual interest, including defence industry, personnel training, UN peacekeeping missions, marine security and military medicine. The ministers also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the Military Training and Cooperation Programme of Canada, allowing Vietnamese officers to take part in diverse training courses in Canada. Sajjan spoke highly of the Vietnamese community in Canada, saying some 14,000 Vietnamese students who are studying in Canada would play a significant part in consolidating and developing the two countries relations. Furthermore, he emphasised that as an Asian-Pacific nation who looks to promote cooperation to maintain the regional stability, Canada supports the rule of law and observance of international law in the settlement of territorial disputes, particularly in the East Sea. President Tran Dai Quang highly valued the outcomes of the talks between the two ministers. He asked the two defence ministries to closely work together to effectively implement the agreements in a bid to make the defence ties a pillar of the two nations relationship. The Vietnamese top leaders also appreciated Canadas stance in the East Sea issues and thanked the Government and people of Canada for facilitating Vietnamese citizens, including 14,000 students, to live and study there, saying they are bridges for strengthening the bilateral ties. Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan is paying an official visit to Vietnam from June 4th to 6th at the invitation of Minister of National Defence Ngo Xuan Lich./. SYDNEY, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Australia's wildlife authorities are warning tourists about a rising number of crocodiles seen at popular swimming spots in the north of Australia's Queensland state, fueling concerns about the public threat posed by the reptiles, local media reported on Wednesday. A saltwater crocodile was spotted just last week "swimming and sunning" itself at Babinda Creek, south of tourist hub Cairns, adding to reports about crocodile sightings at the Big Sands spot west of scenic area Kuranda, environment officials told local reporters. The creek's clear waters alone are known to attract thousands of tourists to the area. "There have been several instances where residents have taken matters into their own hands," the ABC News channel quoted a state environment department spokesman as saying, in a response to claims that government crocodile management plans were "not working." Earlier this year, a Queensland court fined a farmer 500 Australian dollars (382 U.S. dollars) for trapping a 3-meter-long crocodile at his property south of Cairns. Crocodiles in the far north of Queensland have killed at least three people in the past two years, according to local reports. Crocodiles are a protected species in the state and those found killing the reptiles can be fined more than 28,000 Australian dollars (21,375 U.S. dollars). [ Editor: WPY ] HAIKOU, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Liu Daye, 53, spent 11 years cutting down trees in the Jianfeng Ranges, home to China's largest virgin tropical rainforest. But he has now spent even more time preventing humans from harming the woods. "What I am doing now is making up for what I did in the past," Liu said. More than 3,000 plant species and over 4,700 animal species inhabit the rainforest in the western part of the island province of Hainan. For at least 22 days of each month, Liu patrols over 100 km through the woods, searching for traces of poachers or fire hazards, and monitoring the environment. From 1981 to 1992, Liu worked for a logging company, which had seven forest farms and nearly 6,000 employees in its heyday. "The country's construction boom at the time required a lot of quality wood," Liu recalled. "But the way to fell trees was destructive." Lumberjacks preferred the best and biggest trees, leaving the forest in a bad state, he said. Liu and his fellow workers dropped their axes and saws after rising awareness of environmental protection led to the end of logging in the forest in 1993. In 1998, a conservation campaign was launched to restore the forest. Two years later, some former lumberjacks, including Liu, were hired as rangers. He earns some 4,000 yuan (623 U.S. dollars) a month as a ranger. The most dangerous part of the job is dealing with poachers. In late 2010, two poachers riding through the forest on a motorcycle encountered Liu who was on duty. Liu grabbed a shotgun from the hand of one of the pair and inserted it into a wheel of their motorcycle. The poachers fled, Liu said. "But at least I took their weapon," he demonstrated the twisted barrel of the gun. The rangers' work also includes raising the awareness of villagers in wildlife protection and assisting biologists with their research. Once, Liu and his colleagues saved a boa constrictor that had entered a village and was caught by villagers. The villagers planned to kill it until Liu told them that it was under state protection. "It is not an easy job, but I'm so glad to see what we have changed," he said. According to statistics from the forestry bureau in the Jianfeng Ranges, the area of the rainforest has increased by nearly 60,000 mu (4,000 hectares) during the past 20 years. [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] The event, which is held by the Private Economic Development Research Board (IV Board) under the Governments Advisory Council for Administrative Procedure Reform, is the opening activity of a series of symposia under the framework of the Vietnam Economic Forum (ViEF). The symposium discussed the main challenges to Vietnamese agricultural products, including the expansion of markets, the application of high-technology to meet market demands, the enhancement of transparency during the production process, and the traceability of agricultural products. Addressing the event, Minister and Chairman of the Government Office, Mai Tien Dung, said that the private sector has made significant contributions to the growth and development of Vietnamese agriculture. Besides its achievements, the Vietnamese agriculture sector has revealed unsolved shortcomings including the lack of linkage with the value chain, and inadequacies in input materials, the quality of agricultural products, the application of science and technology in agriculture, and in brand building, Minister Dung noted. He also asked relevant ministries and sectors to continue to promote administrative reforms related to agriculture and market development to facilitate investors and firms in this area. Solutions proposed at the symposium will be submitted to the Prime Minister at the plenary session of the ViEF 2018 scheduled for December 2018, under which the PM will hold a direct dialogue with the private sector and stakeholders. At the talks, the two sides exchanged their views on global and regional issues of shared concern, reviewed their bilateral defence cooperation over the past years, and discussed the orientations and measures to bolster their defence ties in the future. They focused on various potential cooperation fields such as training, participation in United Nations peacekeeping activities, marine security, defence industry, and military medicine. The Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence welcomes Canadas continued support for the Southeast Asian nation in training and engaging in UN peacekeeping activities, Minister Lich said. At the end of the talks, the two ministers witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the Military Training and Cooperation Programme of Canada. This memorandum is expected to help Vietnamese officers to have more chances to take part in diverse training courses in Canada. It is considered an important development in the bilateral defence relations, creating favourable conditions for both sides to promote other potential cooperation areas. Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan is paying an official visit to Vietnam from June 4 to 6. The trip is significant in terms of the friendship between the Governments, armies and people of the two countries, as well as the growth of their defence ties in line with the newly established Vietnam-Canada comprehensive partnership. It is also a practical contribution to the 45th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations (August 21, 1973). President Quang warmly welcomed the Canadian Defence Minister, saying his visit to Vietnam takes place at a time when the two countries are implementing agreements to foster the Comprehensive Partnership, which was set up in 2017, and celebrating the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic ties (August 21, 1973). Vietnam is keen on developing the Comprehensive Partnership with Canada, he reiterated, adding that the two nations have maintained a good relations and together made efforts to promote common goals and economic growth and increase trade exchange. The president also cited the fact that Vietnam is now Canadas biggest trade partner in ASEAN while Canada is among Vietnams large investors. The Canadian Defence Minister, for his part, informed his host on outcomes of the talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Ngo Xuan Lich during which the two sides agreed to step up partnership in areas of mutual interest, including defence industry, personnel training, UN peacekeeping missions, marine security and military medicine. The ministers also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the Military Training and Cooperation Programme of Canada, allowing Vietnamese officers to take part in diverse training courses in Canada. Sajjan spoke highly of the Vietnamese community in Canada, saying some 14,000 Vietnamese students who are studying in Canada would play a significant part in consolidating and developing the two countries relations. Furthermore, he emphasised that as an Asian-Pacific nation who looks to promote cooperation to maintain the regional stability, Canada supports the rule of law and observance of international law in the settlement of territorial disputes, particularly in the East Sea. President Tran Dai Quang highly valued the outcomes of the talks between the two ministers. He asked the two defence ministries to closely work together to effectively implement the agreements in a bid to make the defence ties a pillar of the two nations relationship. The Vietnamese top leaders also appreciated Canadas stance in the East Sea issues and thanked the Government and people of Canada for facilitating Vietnamese citizens, including 14,000 students, to live and study there, saying they are bridges for strengthening the bilateral ties. Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan is paying an official visit to Vietnam from June 4 to 6 at the invitation of Minister of National Defence Ngo Xuan Lich. Deputy FM Dung joined foreign officials of the 10 ASEAN countries at the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) in Singapore on June 5, which focused on cooperation between the association and partners as well as preparations for the upcoming events, including the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in August 2018. The ASEAN SOM is the opening event for a string of meetings within the ASEAN, ASEAN Plus 3, East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) that run from June 5-7. Participants recognised the outcomes of the implementation of key and prioritised works, including the realization of an initiative to form an ASEAN Smart City Network, the implementation of ASEAN Law Academy training programme with an aim to enhance regional countries capacity and harmonise their legal systems, as well as coping with challenges such as terrorism, violence and extremism. Alongside, ASEAN will continue implementing UN Sustainable Development Goals and integrate the goals with the associations development programmes and plans. At the same time, with a hope to strengthen communications and improve peoples awareness, participants proposed the implementation of regulations in consular support for ASEAN citizens in a third country and set up an award to honour individuals and collectives with outstanding contributions to ASEAN growth. On the occasion, they also considered proposals of some countries to join the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in East Asia (TAC). They agreed on the need to continue fostering affiliation with partners, as well as ensure the effectiveness of existing action plans and programmes, taking advantages of contributions for peace, stability in the region and supports to the ASEAN Community building, together with measures to improve cooperation process and forms. In the coming time, the countries will continue applying renovation in high-level meetings and the Foreign Ministers Meeting with partners this year, thus optimizing the time and effectiveness of the events. Participants also discussed the possibility of organising a high-level meeting between ASEAN and partners, including commemorative summits. They also considered the proposal of some countries outside the region on establishing partnership with ASEAN, as well as initiatives to reinforce the EAS. On the table was the preparations for the 24th ASEAN-China Senior Officials Meeting scheduled for June 8 and the 15th ASEAN-China Senior Officials Meeting on the implementation of Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (SOM-DOC) slated for June 27 in Hunan province, China. The involved parties affirmed ASEANs reached principles on the East Sea issue, in which the ASEAN and China must make efforts to fully and effectively carry out the DOC, and will soon finalise a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). Speaking at the conference, Deputy FM Nguyen Quoc Dung lauded the cooperative achievements within the ASEAN bloc and between the ASEAN and its partners from the outset of the year. He noticed recent developments in the East Sea, saying these violated the DOC and affected the progress of COC, and calling on ASEAN countries to enhance solidarity and contribute to maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea. The nations should be consistent in realising the agreed principles, including demilitarisation, and joining hands with China to implement the DOC and build a comprehensive COC in line with international regulations. On the sidelines of the conference, Deputy FM Dung had bilateral meetings with deputy foreign ministers of the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand, discussing issues of mutual interests. The ASEAN Plus Three Senior Officials Meeting and the East Asia Summit will be organised on June 6. Q: Prime Minister Trudeau has invited you to attend the G7 Summit in Canada this June, one of the themes of which is climate change, oceans and clean energy. Since the international investment community sees Vietnam as one of the best growth areas in terms of renewables, could you please tell us how Vietnam aims to enable and support the development of and investment in clean energy and renewables? For example, Vietnam has large rare earth reserves. Could those be used to manufacture batteries that would back up solar energy production in Vietnam, and does Vietnam therefore have a plan to explore and extract these rare earth reserves? A: Vietnam is blessed with immense potential for clean renewable energy development. The potential capacity of Vietnams wind energy is estimated at 500 1000 kWh/m2 per year, and its annual average hours of sunshine ranges from 2500 3000, at an average temperature above 21 degrees Celsius. The report released by the German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation (GIZ) in June 2017 estimated the technical potential for wind and solar energy in Vietnam at 215,000 MW and 340,000MW, respectively. Furthermore, as a major producer of agricultural products, Vietnam is also rich in biomass. With such immense potential, Vietnam is well positioned to strongly develop renewable energy and gradually reduce the use of fossil fuels. Vietnam has been implementing the Strategy of Renewable Energy Development to 2030, with a vision until 2050. Accordingly, Vietnam engages all of its social resources for investment in renewable energy development, encourages the development and use of renewable energy, and strives to raise the share of renewable energy in the national energy sector. A number of concrete objectives in this Strategy are as follows: (i) reduce GHG emissions, as pledged under the Paris COP21 Agreement, by 5% by 2020 and, with international assistance and support, by 25% by 2030; (ii) further reduce the use of coal and petroleum products by 40 million tonnes and 3.7 million tonnes, respectively, by 2030; (iii) increase the electricity output produced by renewable sources from approximately 58 billion kWh in 2015 to 101 billion kWh by 2020, and 186 billion kWh by 2030; (iv) increase the rate of households owning solar energy equipment from 4.3% in 2015 to approximately 12% and 26% by 2020 and 2030, respectively; (v) increase the biofuel output to meet roughly 13% of the transportation demand by 2030. To this end, the Vietnamese Government has put in place incentive mechanisms and policies with regards to land, taxation, pricing, guarantees and public-private partnerships (PPP) in order to promote investment from both within and outside the country into the development of renewable energy, including solar power projects. According to decisions by the Government, solar power projects (i) are eligible for import duty waivers for a number of items constituting the project's fixed assets; (ii) may be considered for exemption or reduction of land use fees, land rent, and water surface rent (ii) electricity tariffs can be adjusted with fluctuations of the VND/USD exchange rate. The Government is considering the possibility of adjusting the tariff for electricity produced from wind energy in order to encourage investment in the years ahead. In addition to renewable sources, Vietnam is also blessed with mineral wealth, including rare earth. Vietnam ranks among the top three in the world with estimated reserves of more than 20 million tonnes of rare earth. We wish to cooperate in the research, development and transfer of advanced technologies in the mining and in-depth processing of rare earth in order to create high value-added and environment-friendly products. It is important that we do not pursue economic growth at the expense of the environment. Q: On the subject of clean energy, how could strategic investment in renewables help Vietnam to both offset its falling oil and gas reserves and develop cleaner energy projection? And is Vietnam looking to therefore attract more investment from G7 countries, either in renewable energy or more generally? If so, how is Vietnam planning to do this? A: The Vietnamese government has put in place mechanisms and policies to encourage investors from both within and outside of the country to invest and do business in renewable energy on the basis of harmonising the interests of the state, the investors and the community. Vietnam is enjoying effective cooperation with many countries, including the G7 members, in the field of renewable energy development. In fact, the G7 countries are implementing major renewable energy projects in Vietnam. I can cite a few examples: the Mui Dinh wind power plant (total output 37.6 MW) worth VND 1,272 billion, developed by Germany's EAB; Tuy Phong wind power plant (output 30 MW) using German technologies; Phu Lac wind power plant (output 24 MW), using German and Danish technologies and finance. We stand ready to cooperate with and facilitate all partners in this regard. I trust that the renewable energy market in Vietnam may offer immense opportunities for G7 investors, who have a strong financial position, and technological know-how and experience, to become strategic partners on the journey. This document is a prerequisite for the two ministries to promote relations in order to enhance technical cooperation on environmental protection and management, land and marine management, and climate change response. At the signing ceremony, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Le Cong Thanh, highly appreciated the environmental protection management of the MEPLS as well as the results of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in recent years. The MONRE wished to cooperate and learn from Italy's experiences in the field of climate change response, he noted. The Deputy Minister also proposed that Italy consider supporting Vietnam in developing a policy on assessing the impacts of climate change and natural disasters on the community and the efficacy of response measures, while coordinating with the MONRE to effectively implement the MoU in the area of climate change, and build and train resources in the use of the geographic information system (GIS) for strategic environmental assessments and other specialised areas. For his part, Francesco La Camera, Director General for Sustainable Development, Energy and Climate under the MEPLS said that Italy is ready to cooperate with the MONRE in the fields of climate change response, waste management, hydro-meteorology, and others. The talk brought together diplomats from the embassies of Angola, Cuba, Iran, Mozambique, Palestine, Russia, East Timor and representatives from the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committees Commission for External Relations and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Speaking at the event, President of the Vietnam-Venezuela Friendship Association Nguyen Viet Thao said the talk aims to provide attendees information about the situation in Venezuela, particularly after the presidential election which took place last month, and at the same time, share opinions and visions of the Bolivarian Revolution led by late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez as well as the future of the country. President of the Vietnam-Venezuela Friendship Association Thao reiterated the Vietnamese peoples respect for Venezuela and its people and extended his congratulations to newly re-elected Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. He also mentioned difficulties the Venezuelan people have suffered in recent years and expressed his belief in the victory of the Bolivarian Revolution. Venezuelan Ambassador Jorge Rondon Uzcategui, for his part, updated the attendees on the results of the vote, saying Nicolas Maduro won the presidential election for the second term with 68 percent of the votes, making him the most voted president since 1958. The ambassador stressed that the relations between Vietnam and Venezuela would grow further in the future with a focus on energy, mining and agriculture. He also noted that experiences learned from Vietnams Doi Moi (reform) period will be a motivation for the new stage of the Bolivarian Revolution. ANN ARBOR, MI - Construction is expected to start later this year on a $44 million apartment building on Ann Arbor's west side. The City Council voted unanimously Monday night, June 4, to approve the development plans for 2050 Commerce Blvd., between Maple Road and Stadium Boulevard. A Chicago-based developer operating under the name 2050 Commerce LLC is planning to build a 327,399-square-foot building containing 267 market-rate apartments. The approved plans include 29 studios, 170 one-bedroom apartments and 68 two-bedroom apartments, for a total of 335 bedrooms. Documents submitted to the city last year indicated the apartments would range in size from just under 400 square feet to nearly 1,400 square feet, with monthly rents ranging from $800 to $1,800. It's described as a four-story apartment building with a private interior courtyard and a maximum building height of 55 feet. Due to ground elevation changes, there actually are six different partial levels plus basement-level parking shown in the drawings. "We've designed the building so that it steps up the hill, so the building is tiered," project architect Brad Moore previously explained. Moore said there will be a rooftop terrace offering tenants and guests amazing views of the Ann Arbor skyline. Some of the other building amenities include a health club, social lounges and business center. It's also expected to be pet-friendly. Moore previously said the development is geared toward working professionals, not University of Michigan students. According to a report submitted to the city by the development team, the project is designed in a way that meets LEED standards but the developers do not intend to pursue actual certification. The 3.8-acre site is the former location of the corporate office for Select Ride. A 12,000-square-foot office building on the site is vacant and is to be demolished. The new apartment building will be surrounded by new parking areas and driveways, new site lighting, new underground utilities and underground stormwater detention, new landscaping and new solid waste management facilities. There will be a total of 365 automobile parking spaces below and above ground, 31 of which are being deferred. A total of 267 parking spaces are required by the city, or one per apartment. There will be 298 interior parking spaces, 67 exterior spaces (31 of those deferred to be added later if needed), and a drop-off area on Commerce Boulevard. There also will be 171 bicycle parking spaces, including 151 interior Class-A spaces in a four-level parking garage included in the building plan, with a mix of bicycle rack types. New internal sidewalk connections leading from the drive entrances to the building entrances and 20 bicycle hoop parking spaces are planned near the main building entrance and the secondary entrance off Commerce Drive. There will be 14 motorcycle/scooter spaces in the parking garage. There also will be six electric-vehicle charging stations. The development company, 2050 Commerce LLC, is affiliated with and shares an address with Chicago-based JDI Realty LLC, which describes itself as a well-capitalized, opportunistic, private-equity real estate firm with more than $2 billion invested since 1988. Midwestern Consulting is the civil engineer for the project. The architects are Moore of J Bradley Moore and Associates in Ann Arbor and Bob Lamkin of HLR Architects in Dallas. The project was approved without discussion Monday night. Ann Arbor City Council on Monday, June 4 approved an agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for a nearly $2.5-million investment toward resurfacing less than one mile of Scio Church Road. Between South Seventh and South Main Streets, Scio Church Road will undergo construction from early July through Saturday, Sept. 1, potentially causing temporary closures. Update: an earlier version of this story indicated construction will begin June 15, according to a city council memo. The date was moved to July. Travel lanes will be narrowed and the current center-turn-lane will be shortened to reduce existing stormwater impacts, according to a city council memo. Infiltration trenches will be installed along the south side of the road. Sidewalk gaps on the north and south side will be filled as well. The city also placed an agreement with Ann Arbor Public Schools to cover the sidewalk construction cost at Pioneer High School, according to the memo. Ann Arbor's breakdown of the project revenues: Federal Surface Transportation Funds" $900,000 Street, Bridge, Sidewalk Millage: $1,159,892 Storm Water Funds: $245,550 IT Contribution (for conduit installation): $116,349 Ann Arbor Public Schools agreement: $62,000 "An official traffic control notice will go out approximately one week before construction starts, but the plan is to maintain traffic in the westbound direction during construction," said Nick Hutchinson, city engineer. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Ticks with the potential to spread Lyme disease have been found throughout Washtenaw County, health officials say. Deer ticks, also known as blacklegged ticks, were recently spotted across the county, the health department announced on Tuesday, June 6. "We have a number of emerging deer tick populations locally," said Laura Bauman, epidemiology manager at the Wayne County Health Department. "It's time all residents learn the best ways to prevent tick bites, make tick checks part of their summer routines, and submit ticks for testing." Transmission season for Lyme disease in Michigan is at its peak in June. The health department recorded 10 cases of Lyme disease in 2017, two of which were likely contracted within the county. The health department recommends the following precautions to prevent exposure to Lyme disease: Avoid direct contact with ticks: Walk in the center of trails and avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Tuck your pant legs into your socks. Repel ticks with DEET or Permethrin repellent: Use the Environmental Protection Agency insect repellent search tool to find the repellent that's right for you. Conduct tick checks: Examine your entire body, children, pets and gear for ticks immediately after returning indoors. Be sure to check under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist and in the hair. Quick removal of ticks can prevent Lyme disease infection. Remove ticks: To remove a tick, use tweezers and grip the body firmly and pull straight out of the skin. Do not twist the tick. After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands. Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat for an hour to kill any ticks you missed. Submit ticks for identification and testing: Not all ticks or tick species carry disease. You can now submit a photo of a tick to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for identification. You can also send in a live tick for identification and testing by the State. Or, stop by either of the department's locations in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor. Officials believe deer ticks could be present in all Washtenaw County cities and townships, according to health department spokesperson Susan Cerniglia. However, not all blacklegged ticks carry the disease, she said. ANN ARBOR, MI - Gerald Kariem did not intend to stab and kill his brother-in-law during a heated argument about a car, but it happened, he said. "He was not my enemy," Kariem said of Marcus Coney. "My intentions were not malicious; however, my actions were reckless and for that I take responsibility." Washtenaw County Trial Judge Archie Brown sentenced Kariem on Wednesday, June 6 to serve 24 to 50 years in prison for Coney's death, with credit for 400 days already served. Kariem, 40, stabbed Coney during an argument over a vehicle April 29, 2017 in the basement of Coney's Ypsilanti Township home in the 1400 block of Jeff Avenue, police said. Coney was later pronounced dead at an area hospital and Kariem was arrested May 2 in Oak Park, Illinois. Fighting back tears, Kariem apologized to family members in the courtroom, asking them to forgive him in time. "I want the family to know the truth," he said. "I don't want them to think I did this intentionally. We collided and it all happened so fast." Kariem, originally charged with open murder, pleaded no contest to second-degree murder April 16. During sentencing, the court found that Kariem's remorse appeared genuine and that there was a reasonable belief that he did not intend to kill Coney. "If (Kariem) could do something to fix this, he would, but all he could do was take a plea and not put the family through a trial," said his attorney Michael Maddaloni. "This was a family crime of passion. His suffering is at his own hands." Coney's relatives called Kariem a coward, noting they are the second family to lose a loved one to Kariem's actions. Kariem previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 2001 shooting death of James Davis in Saginaw and was sentenced to six to 15 years in prison. A witness to that homicide testified in court that Kariem and Davis were arguing over drugs at a home on Randolph Street in Saginaw when, during a struggle, Kariem pulled out a gun and then fell over a couch, according to a Saginaw News article published June 1, 2001. Davis then took the gun and attempted to fire it twice without success, the witness testified. After another struggle, Kariem regained control of the gun and Davis ran out of the house. Another witness testified that he heard Davis ask "You're gonna play me like this?" followed by a single gunshot. Kariem surrendered to police two hours later. Kaiem was released on parole in 2009 and discharged from state supervision in 2011. DETROIT - The guys from Amazon's "The Grand Tour" were spotted driving around Detroit on Monday, shooting scenes for an upcoming episode of the show's third season. Engines roared and tires squealed June 4 along Grand Boulevard in front of the historic Packard Automotive Plant as local muscle cars were tested, according to Motor1.com. Video taken by the Detroit-based automotive news site shows a Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, a Chevrolet Hennessey Exorcist Camaro and a Ford Mustang RTR, which all originate from Detroit. "The Grand Tour" was created and is produced by former British broadcasters and journalists Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, who also star in the show. The three started the program following their departures from the BBC Series "Top Gear" in 2016. The show is based around the three traveling the globe and testing out classic and custom cars. In addition, two local celebrities join the show each week and race head-to-head. It appeared in the video the guys had special supervision from local police and fire, and the street was blocked off to the public. Clarkson posted photos to his Instagram account of his Exorcist Camaro and views around the downtown area where they were filming. Clarkson also posted photos joking about Detroit's sudden revival. Amazon Prime members can watch the weekly videos. It was unclear exactly when the episode will air or what details it will entail. ANN ARBOR, MI - A University of Michigan student has filed a federal lawsuit claiming violations of due process rights as the school investigates whether he violated the university's sexual misconduct policy. The lawsuit, filed by a male student Monday, June 4 in U.S. District Court, alleges a female student raised a complaint with UM's Office of Institutional Equity on March 12, 2018 - four months after she alleges the male student had sex with her in his residence hall room without consent. The male student, who is identified as "John Doe" in the lawsuit, claims the sex was consensual, that no drugs or alcohol were involved and that she later told her roommate that she had sex, but did not say it was without consent. There were no witnesses to the encounter. John Doe, the lawsuit states, claims the two continued to communicate following the encounter via Snapchat, ate together after running into each other in a campus dining hall and that she later texted him suggesting the two have sex again in his residence hall. The male student declined, later telling the female student "all he could offer was friendship," according to the lawsuit. After the female student filed the complaint, which included a no contact directive against the male student, she alleged the male student was in violation of the directive when he did not leave a dining hall after spotting the female student, according to the lawsuit. The male student was able to prove through his electronic swipe card used for entry that he was not in the dining hall throughout the entire day in question, the lawsuit claims. The lawsuit, filed on the male student's behalf by Bloomfield Hills-based Deborah Gordon Law, alleges the university has put a hold on his official transcript and degree, despite no findings being made against him. The university will have 21 days upon being served to respond to the complaint in court. The suit relies on an opinion from the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled last year in a case involving the University of Cincinnati: "The Due Process Clause guarantees fundamental state university students facing long-term exclusion from the educational process. Here, the university's disciplinary committee necessarily made a credibility determination in finding John Doe responsible for sexually assaulting Jane Roe given the exclusively 'he said/she said' nature of the case. Defendants' failure to provide any form of confrontation of the accuser made the proceeding against John Doe fundamentally unfair." The lawsuit alleges UM refuses to provide the male student with any form of hearing or cross examination, claiming that it provides those protections to students facing all other forms of discipline. Because the male student had no notice of the allegations against him when he was interviewed by the Office of Institutional Equity investigator during his only interview on April 3, he was not able to respond to key issues presented by the female claimant, the lawsuit states. As a result, the male student was unable to respond to the "falsity" of the allegations the female student alleged. UM Spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said the university did not have any comment at this time, because it had not yet been served with the complaint. The lawsuit alleges the complaint against the male student and UM's policies with regards to sexual misconduct "have created an environment in which decision-makers at the University are explicitly and implicitly biased against males accused of sexual assault." BAY CITY, MI -- An area contractor with a lengthy criminal record who hasn't held a valid license in 20 years is facing another felony for allegedly swindling a Bay City woman out of several thousand dollars. Police began investigating David A. Perry, 56, on April 16, when a woman filed a complaint against him. The woman told police that on Oct. 28, she had entered into a contract with Perry for him to install new siding and windows on her property in the 1700 block of South Chilson Street. The woman said she wrote Perry a check for $5,800 for materials, with the total contracted price being $8,750. She said a friend recommended Perry for the job. Shortly thereafter, though, Perry began making excuses for not getting to work on the project, the woman told police. On Jan. 23, Perry filled out a new contract, stating the job would be completed by April 15, according to police reports contained in court files. Still, though, Perry kept giving the woman excuses, such as he had been recently injured and that his girlfriend was in jail. He also said his subordinates could not work on the endeavor without him present, the woman told police. The woman asked Perry for receipts for the purchased materials and he gave her quotes from two area companies. The woman in turn called the companies, who said they had given Perry quotes, but he hadn't purchased the items. Then, on April 8, Perry came to the woman's house with a trailer and tools, but no materials. He came back the next day and sat around for a few hours waiting for another man to show up, then they put wood trim around the windows of the woman's house and left. At that time, Perry mentioned to the woman that he was having money issues, court records state. The woman asked Perry to drop off the materials she had paid for, but he did not. Police subsequently did a search through the state's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and learned Perry's construction license had been revoked in Midland County with numerous sanctions in 1997, and that it expired the following year. A detective also wrote in his report that Perry "has an extensive history of contractor fraud, larceny by conversion, and conducting criminal enterprises." The detective also checked bank statements, which indicated Perry cashed the woman's check on Oct. 30. They later checked with a Saginaw Township building supply business. Management told police that Perry purchased $1,235.22 in materials. The detective spoke with Perry over the phone on April 30. In that conversation, Perry agreed that he had been contracted by the woman and had received a check from her for $5,800. He said he didn't do the work because he had injured his back, adding he would return the materials he had bought, court records show. Authorities issued a warrant for Perry on May 23. On June 1, he appeared in Bay County District Court for arraignment on one count of larceny by conversion between $1,000 and $20,000, which is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of $10,000 or three times the value of what was stolen. The arraigning judge set Perry's bond at $35,000 cash-surety, which a bonding agency posted on his behalf. Perry's rap sheet is quite extensive, with at least 12 felony convictions dating back to 1995. His convictions include fraudulent use of a building contractor fund, conducting a criminal enterprise, larceny, and embezzlement by an agent or trustee of $20,000 or more. The crimes occurred across Bay, Midland, Genesee, and Isabella counties. Perry served several prison stints for his crimes, with the Michigan Department of Corrections having discharged him from parole on Dec. 21. He appears for a preliminary examination at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19. MONITOR TOWNSHIP, MI -- Bay County's Fabiano Brothers Inc. expanded its territory to Southeast Michigan in December, with the acquisition of beverage distribution companies in Detroit and Pontiac. Fabiano, the largest beer wholesaler in Michigan, purchased the distribution rights of Great Lakes Beverage in Detroit from the Howard Wolpin family, and will continue to operate its Detroit warehouse. Fabiano also purchased the distribution rights of Hubert Distributing in Pontiac from the Tom Vella Family, according to company officials. "The Fabiano team is dedicated to top-quality customer service and community involvement, and we are excited to bring that winning formula to the Metro Detroit area," said president James C. Fabiano II, the fourth generation of his family, along with his brother Joe, to lead the company. Fabiano said the expansion won't create new jobs. Some employees from the Pontiac location were moved and divided between the Bay City and Detroit facility. The family-owned company currently employs more than 500 people. Fabiano said the company is always looking to hire more people for administration, sales and warehouse positions. In 2011, Fabiano acquired Flint-based Tom Ryan Distributing Co. That acquisition increased the company's volume by 60 percent, from 5.7 million cases to 9 million cases per year. Since then, Fabiano has continued to grow. Today, it distributes more than 14 million cases of beer annually. Fabiano operates distribution facilities in Bay County, Petoskey and Wausau, Wisconsin. It distributes beer and non-alcoholic beverages to 25 counties in Michigan and Wisconsin. BAY CITY, MI -- A Clare man is facing two felonies for reportedly driving with his girlfriend's kids while he was highly intoxicated, all while the kids' sober mother was riding shotgun. About 8:10 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, Bay County Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a drunken driver in a blue 2004 Toyota Camry at the Taco Bell at 4111 E. Wilder Road in Bangor Township. As they neared, they saw the Toyota exit the restaurant's parking lot and head west on East Wilder. Deputies watched as the car repeatedly crossed the center lane and nearly hit a curb, they wrote in their reports, contained in court files. Deputies stopped the car on Castle Drive and made contact with the driver, 37-year-old Adam J. Chapman. In the passenger seat was Chapman's 33-year-old girlfriend. In the backseat were her 13- and 7-year-old daughters. Chapman smelled of booze, had glassy eyes, and slurred his speech, deputies wrote. When they asked him how much he'd had to drink, he replied, "a couple." More specifically, Chapman told deputies he had been drinking Bell's Two Hearted Ale. Chapman could not perform the deputies' requested sobriety tests and began crying. "I shouldn't be driving," he said at one point, according to deputies' reports. Deputies administered a preliminary breath test to Chapman, which yielded a result of a 0.23 blood alcohol level. In Michigan, a person is legally intoxicated when his or her blood alcohol level hits 0.08; a person is considered super drunk when that level reaches 0.17. Deputies arrested Chapman. His girlfriend said she had not been drinking and also submitted to a breath test, which indicated she had no alcohol in her system. Taken to the jail, Chapman submitted to a Datamaster alcohol test, indicating his blood alcohol level was at 0.19, court records show. Chapman posted bond the day after his arrest, but appeared in Bay County District Court on Friday, June 1, for arraignment on two counts of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated with an occupant younger than 16. Normally a one-year misdemeanor, the maximum potential penalty is increased to five years as this is Chapman's second such offense. Chapman is free on bond, but is to have no contact with his girlfriend's daughters. He is also court-ordered to continue substance abuse counseling. Chapman is to appear for a preliminary examination at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19. DETROIT -- After two years of property acquisition efforts, the state has acquired 222 residential properties and 387 commercial parcels in Detroit's Delray neighborhood as it looks to make room for a new Detroit-Windsor bridge, according the Michigan Department of Transportation. Two residential properties remain. One appears close to being sold to the state. And the last remaining holdout homeowner doesn't intend to leave without a fight. The $2.1-billion Gordie Howe International Bridge project has led to the relocation of about 230 residents who were living in the area where the Detroit end of the bridge is slated to be built. Nathaniel Brent, 48, expects he'll eventually move, too. But he doesn't believe he's yet been offered a fair price for his property. Brent, who lives in the South Livernois Avenue home with his wife and children, purchased the house in 1989 and bought two adjoining vacant properties in 2004. The family fenced in all three parcels and has long been using it as a single property. "I own my house and the vacant lots next to it and they wanted to separate it into individual pieces of property instead of considering it as a whole," Brent said. "It's a lot cheaper if you pay $500 for a lot than paying for a quarter of an acre of land." He and his wife Sherrie Brent have filed multiple lawsuits in state and federal court, claiming violation of their Fifth Amendment protection from the seizure of private property for public use without just compensation. Court filings in the federal case show the Michigan Department of Transportation in April 2017 offered the family $44,673 for their home, and $1,100 for two adjoining parcels. Brent says the state eventually upped the total relocation package to around $60,000 -- still not fair market value, he claims. The state points out in its court response that there are procedures for challenging value assessments under the state's Uniform Condemnation Procedures Act. A federal judge denied the Brents' request for a preliminary injunction that would have halted condemnation proceedings against the home. And an appeals court panel upheld that decision. But Brent plans to continue holding out. "I was hoping I could just settle with them, because they're going to build the bridge one way or another, whether it's legal or not. Too much money is involved ... the best I can do is try and get the most money I can," Brent added. Some commercial property owners within the bridge footprint are also holding out for more money. The state is still working to obtain title to 25 commercial properties in Detroit's Delray area, according to MDOT spokesperson Jeff Cranson. Of those, 20 belong to Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel "Matty" Moroun, who has long fought plans for construction of a publicly-owned bridge that will compete with his own. "MDOT is in the final acquisition stages of all but the Moroun parcels, which remain in litigation," Cranson said. The governor's office says the state has been "bending over backwards" to ensure that residents, jobs and businesses in the area are successfully relocated and preserved. "The law imposes certain restrictions on what we can pay property owners," said Andy Doctoroff, senior special projects adviser to Gov. Rick Snyder. "We're always looking for ways to satisfy everyone's interests and successfully relocate and preserve jobs. A lot will depend on whether certain offers are accepted." Birmingham-based Steinhardt Pesick & Cohen, which specializes in eminent domain, is representing 14 clients who say they don't want to hold up bridge construction, but "just want to be paid fairly." "Some of those acquisitions are what we call partial takings, meaning that businesses will continue doing business there, but with less property than before," said attorney Adam Cohen. "Some are total takings, meaning businesses are forced to discontinue operations. "Many of these are family businesses, which have been operating for many years. Certainly, they are not trying to stop construction of the Gordie Howe Bridge, but what they do want is to receive just compensation and fair compensation." The business he represents include a truck repair service, a truck driving school, a towing and salvage yard, two gas stations, a large warehouse and distribution facility for a commercial kitchen supplier, a restaurant-bar and an office building. Some of the partial-takings include the parking area for the bar and office building, which is currently maxed out, Cohen said. Each client recieved offer packages ranging from roughly $20,000 to $750,000. But Cohen said the offers are not adequate, and that the alternative sites offered for relocation needed extensive work. "They included no funds for these owners to reestablish themselves at new locations," Cohen said. He said his team is currently in discussions with MDOT to "achieve more fairness." Doctoroff said that the majority of businesses in the new bridge footprint are successfully being transferred or relocated. "I strongly believe that (MDOT) is bending over backwards to do what the law is allowing us to do," Doctoroff said. "I know firsthand that these folks... are operating not only in good faith, but doing everything they can to make sure relocations occur and jobs are preserved." View MDOT's rights and benefits information package for transportation project displacements here. Canada plans to cover the cost of building the Gordie Howe International Bridge, along with a $250 million customs plaza on the U.S. side. Michigan's share of the cost is to be repaid in the form of toll feeds collected over about 50 years. Construction is expected to begin later this year. FLINT, MI -- Nearly 150 artists will gather at the Flint Art Fair this weekend to present their work to the Flint community. The fair is in its 51st year, and will likely attract between 2,000 and 5,000 visitors, said Chene Koppitz, communications and marketing coordinator at the Flint Institute of Arts. In addition to art, live music and food vendors will be on site. "The art fair began at a time where there was no Etsy or Facebook, and it was one of the few places for artists to sell their work," Koppitz said. Approximately 70 percent of the featured artists are from Mid-Michigan and other areas in the state, said Koppitz. "(But) Flint Art Fair artists hail from across the country," Koppitz said. These artists specialize in a variety of disciplines and will showcase talents such as photography, ceramics, metals and henna. Genesee County resident and henna artist Modesrah Ahmed will be a first-time exhibitor at the art festival. "This was the first year that I had an opening and as a local small business, I feel very honored and excited to finally have the opportunity to share my passion for henna art with my local arts community," Ahmed said. Henna is an ancient body art tradition that leaves a reddish-brown stain on the body for anywhere between days and weeks, said Ahmed. "This body adornment art form is a rich tradition of many cultures and as someone who was born into a culture of henna art, it has always been an artistic symbol of celebration for me since childhood," Ahmed said. "I have always had an artistic inclination, but my henna is part self-taught and part great henna instructors at conferences who helped me hone my henna art skills." The Flint Institute of Art will be open for visitors to tour during the festival, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., attendees can watch glass blowing demonstrations, both at no additional cost. "Visitors can make a weekend of it," Koppitz said. The Flint Art Fair commences on June 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on June 10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a $5 admission fee that benefits the Flint Institute of Arts. MENOMINEE COUNTY, MI -- Tribal officials are "disappointed" Michigan regulators gave final approval to a proposed open pit mine they argue endangers burial grounds, wetlands and the health of the Menominee River in the Upper Peninsula. "Our Tribe maintains our stance against this open pit mine project, and we made our objection throughout the permitting process," Menominee Indian Tribal Chairman Douglas Cox said in a statement. "We are not surprised by the issuance of the wetlands permit by Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, but we are surprised that many of the concerns raised by the public, tribes, and EPA were not addressed. Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has made minimal efforts to communicate with the Tribe on our concerns of tremendous impact to our cultural resources." On Monday, June 4, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality issued a conditional, final permit for the proposed Back Forty mine about 28 miles southeast of Iron Mountain. The controversial gold, zinc and copper mine owned by Toronto-based Aquila Resources would tap the mineral-rich Penokean Volcanic Belt. Conventional drilling and blasting would extract sulfide ore from rock. Metals would be extracted from the ore through a process that generates acidic leachate. The tribe's statement didn't specify what concerns went unaddressed. Cox and tribe officials could not be reached for further comment. During a public comment period which closed earlier this year, DEQ received 3,420 written comments and heard from 88 people in person about the proposed mine. Some comments raised concerns that burial grounds, ceremonial sites and ancient agricultural sites significant to the tribe are located within the Back Forty site and could be jeopardized or disturbed by mining operations. The DEQ seemingly agrees, according to a statement included in the final permit which grants Aquila the ability to dig up and build on wetlands. "Cultural, historical, and/or archaeological artifacts are known to occur in or near regulated areas of the project authorized by this permit and may be impacted by the permittee's activities," DEQ stated. Aquila says tribal burial mounds, while on company land, aren't where the pit would be. Before the Canadian company begins work, they're required to submit a plan to deal with any unanticipated discoveries of cultural and historical artifacts, including human remains. Any discoveries must be reported to Michigan's state archaeologist. Environmentalists and tribal members have also critiqued the project as a potential polluter of neighboring Menominee River. Wastewater, including product laced with cyanide, will be treated on-site before being discharged into the Menominee River, according to Aquila's website. In issuing the final permit, the DEQ required Aquila to plan safeguards and responses to any contamination spill. "Aquila will also be required to develop state-of-the-art controls aimed at spill prevention and response to potential pollution releases from the mining operations, including chemicals used and stored on site, and the storage and disposal of mine tailings," the DEQ stated. Aquila expects to pull 532,000 ounces of gold, 721 million pounds of zinc, 74 millions pounds of copper, 4.6 million ounces of silver and 21 million pounds of lead from the Back Forty site at a construction cost of $261 million. Constructions for the operation include a 700-foot deep, 83-acre open pit mine, about five miles of roads, and surface buildings for fuel storage, equipment washing, water supply and distribution, wastewater treatment and power supply. The operation involves excavating 980,820 cubic yards of ground within 5.31 acres of wetland and placing 803,453 cubic yards of fill within 5.91 acres of wetland, according to the DEQ permit. About 17 acres of wetland will be impacted from reduced surface waters, DEQ estimates. Aquila must mitigate the loss of at least 28.4 acres of wetland. Aquila plans to close the mine after seven years of operation. DEQ ordered the company produce a closure plan which eliminates any contamination to surface and ground water from returning waste rock to the pit. LANSING, MI - The House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday approved a new version of the Medicaid work requirement bill, requiring able-bodied recipients to work an average of 20 hours per week. That's a decrease from what the Senate passed, which would have required able-bodied Medicaid recipients to work 29 hours per week. The committee approved the bill 17-10 with one representative passing, a vote that sends it to the full House for consideration as soon as Wednesday afternoon. The version pending in the House would require Healthy Michigan Plan Medicaid recipients to work 80 hours per month, which bill sponsor Mike Shirkey, R-Clark Lake, said was "to provide some flexibility for people who, they may not be able to work exactly the same number of hours each week." While the bill generally requires recipients to work it provides exceptions for people including pregnant mothers, people with disabilities, caretakers of disabled dependents, caretakers of children under age 6 and individuals who have a medical condition that results in a work limitation. Other changes to Senate Bill 897 included: - narrowing its scope from all Medicaid recipients to only the roughly 670,000 Healthy Michigan Plan enrollees - changing the applicability to apply to those up to 62 instead of 64 years old - changing the implementation date from in 2019 to January 1, 2020 - eliminating an exemption letting people in counties with high unemployment skip the work requirements - allowing a recipient to have three months of non-compliance in a 12-month period - requiring people with income from 100 to 133 percent of poverty level who are on Medicaid to undergo a health risk assessment and pay a premium of 5 percent after being on Healthy Michigan Plan for 48 months That last piece requires a waiver from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to implement. The bill requires the state Department of Health and Human Services to submit that waiver and creates triggers to end the Healthy Michigan Plan if the waiver is not approved. Shirkey said the goal of the bill was to help businesses struggling for workers across the state. Committee member Rep. Tom Cochran, D-Mason, expressed reservations. "This whole thing smells of social engineering to me," he said. He's concerned, he said, that the state might be spending a lot of money to track down a relatively small amount of fraud. According to a House Fiscal Agency analysis of the proposal, the bill would have a "nominal amount" of one-time, start-up administrative costs, $1 million of general fund in information technology upgrades and ongoing administrative costs. However, the agency expects the net impact of the bill to be $7 to $22 million per year in savings, due mainly to people who lose coverage. The panel rejected a series of amendments proposed by Democrats, including one from Rep. Yousef Rabhi, D-Ann Arbor, that would have taken the required work hours for Healthy Michigan recipients from 80 hours per month to zero. "I don't think that there should be a work requirement at all," he said. While he got some support from Democrats, it failed along with other Democratic amendments. With committee approval, the bill moves now to the House floor, where it's on the agenda for consideration Wednesday afternoon. It would need to pass the House and Senate in identical form and be signed by Gov. Rick Snyder to become law. LANSING, MI - The House of Representatives on Wednesday voted 62-47, along party lines, to require recipients of the Healthy Michigan Medicaid plan to work 80 hours per month, with Democrats opposing the measure. Senate Bill 897 requires able-bodied recipients of the Healthy Michigan Medicaid plan, roughly 670,000 Michiganders, to work 80 hours per month. It provides exemptions for people including pregnant mothers, people with disabilities, caretakers of disabled dependents, caretakers of children under age 6 and individuals who have a medical condition that results in a work limitation. Rep. Abdullah Hammoud, D-Dearborn, said his family grew up on Medicaid. It was a tool that let his family succeed by focusing on work and knowing children had health coverage. "My mother, who was a high school drop out some 20 years ago, has since obtained a GED and several certificates and is now a small business owner in the city of Dearborn," Hammoud said. He said Republicans, by requiring people to work, could hinder that kind of achievement. Not everybody, he said, can be forced to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. "The only difficulty, Mr. Speaker, is many families start out with no boots at all," Hammoud said. His speech was one of the last to make it on the floor before Republicans moved to cut off debate and hold a vote. Six more Democrats were slated to speak on the work requirements, according to House Democratic spokesperson Samantha Hart. One was Rep. Yousef Rabhi, D-Ann Arbor, who did not get a chance to speak on the floor. "It makes me feel like it's more of a dictatorship in the House than a democracy," Rabhi said. Democrats objected to the move to cut off speeches and refused to vote, saying the vote had not been properly called. Republican leadership cleared the board to consider a challenge to the chair's ruling, but Democrats, a minority in the chamber, didn't have enough votes to prevail. When Senate Bill 897 went up on the board again Democrats, along with Rep. Martin Howrylak, R-Troy, voted against it. Republican leadership gaveled through a voice vote on immediate effect. Immediate effect requires a two-thirds vote, which means some Democrats would need to support it. But by avoiding putting votes on the board and gaveling through a voice vote, Republicans have been able to skirt that requirement and give bills immediate effect. The version the House passed represented a compromise and was different than what came through the Senate. Bill Sponsor Mike Shirkey, R-Clark Lake, said he was happy with where the bill ended up. "This is all about trying to find more workers, because if you notice in the news today for the first time in recorded history of tracking unemployment we have actually more openings than we do have people applying for jobs across the nation, and that applies to Michigan as well," Shirkey said. He said the state had an obligation to review policies that may inadvertently be keeping people from working. The bill goes back to the Senate now. After the Senate passes it in identical form to the House it will go to Gov. Rick Snyder, who must sign it for it to become law. Changes in the House version included: - Narrowing its scope from all Medicaid recipients to only the roughly 670,000 Healthy Michigan Plan enrollees - Changing the applicability to apply to those up to 62 instead of 64 years old - Changing the implementation date from 2019 to January 1, 2020 - Eliminating an exemption letting people in counties with high unemployment skip the work requirements - Allowing a recipient to have three months of non-compliance in a 12-month period - Requiring people with income from 100 to 133 percent of poverty level who are on Medicaid to undergo a health risk assessment and pay a premium of 5 percent after being on Healthy Michigan Plan for 48 months SOUTHFIELD, MI - A Detroit-area woman says she was falsely accused of stealing a bikini while in a Target store, handcuffed by security, then forced to pull down her pants and lift up her shirt in front of employees. Store security workers later determined Ashanae Davis, 20, of the Detroit area, had a swimsuit with tags in a bag that had been purchased elsewhere, according to her lawyer, the Associated Press said. Attorney Jasmine Rand said the incident occurred at a Target store in Southfield on May 22. Davis was shopping in the store when one security guard grabbed her by the arm. A second guard handcuffed her and she was walked into a room with three store employees: a white man, a black man and white female manager, her attorney said. Davis, who is black, was made to lift up her shirt and pull down her pants to show them she was not concealing merchandise, her lawyer said. The first security guard who stopped Davis in the store has since been fired, Target said. Davis' attorney said other black women have contacted her firm, complaining of similar problems with the Minneapolis-based retailer. LANSING, MI - The Michigan House joined the Senate in voting to repeal prevailing wage Wednesday afternoon, officially unraveling a law that had guaranteed union-level wages on public construction sites for half a century. It's an idea forwarded by Protect Michigan Taxpayers, a group funded largely by the Associated Builders and Contractors. They circulated a petition for the initiative and, having obtained enough signatures, sent it to the legislature for consideration. The legislature could have let the issue go to the ballot, but chose to take it up and approve it on Wednesday. Shortly after the Senate passed it 23-14, the House passed the measure 56-53. In both chambers Democrats and a handful of Republicans voted against it. With the legislative initiative process Gov. Rick Snyder, who supports the prevailing wage law, does not have to sign the measure. Instead, by meeting a signature threshold and being approved by both chambers, it becomes law immediately. Rep. Lee Chatfield, R-Levering, said the measure eliminates a carve-out. "The success of the United States of America was not made by a government mandate of a prevailing wage. The success of our state did not occur because we had a government mandate and a government carve-out," he said. Rep. Vanessa Guerra, D-Saginaw, said everybody in the chamber supported skilled trades, and approving the measure would harm them. "Today is an opportunity for all of us to prove our commitment to the working families in Michigan and to prove that we support the skilled trades like we all say that we do," Guerra said. Rep. Sam Singh, D-East Lansing, urged the chamber to send the measure to the ballot instead of making it law on Wednesday. "I'm not asking you to be supportive of unions or not unions, I'm just asking you to let the voters make the decision on something like this that is so important to our state and to our economy," Singh said. But the chamber voted on the measure, ushering in a new policy without the approval of the governor. The chambers need a two-thirds vote to give a bill immediate effect, meaning it would need support from some Democrats. However, Republican leadership followed their policy of gaveling it through without a record roll call vote on immediate effect, prompting protests from Democrats. "Read your constitution, Mr. Speaker," yelled Rep. Yousef Rabhi, D-Ann Arbor. Other Democratic representatives shouted "shame" as Republicans moved through the agenda. The passage and the procedural move was met with an outcry from workers who had gathered in the gallery to watch the action. "Thanks for screwing my family," one yelled on his way out. "Go to hell, Speaker of the House, go to hell," another added. BROOKLYN, MI - It could be a wet one this weekend at Michigan International Speedway, but sunny skies are projected for Sunday's main event. Friday and Saturday have a 50-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service. Sunday's chance of showers is expected to dissipate after 9 a.m. - well before the 2 p.m. green flag for the FireKeepers Casino 400. A low-pressure system is expected to push into Michigan from northern Ohio, per the NWS. A high-pressure system should push into Michigan Sunday morning, causing clear skies and dry weather. Models vary on timing, but the highest rainfall chances could occur late Friday into Friday night, with average rainfall of half an inch or more, an NWS Detroit update says. Cars are scheduled to be on the track all day Friday and Saturday - including the Cup Series qualifying at 4:10 p.m. Friday, the ARCA Racing Series Zomongo 200 at 5:30 p.m. Friday and the Xfinity Series LTi Printing 200 at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Temperatures will peak in the high 70s throughout the weekend. At night, low temperatures are projected in the high 50s and low 60s. GALESBURG, MI -- The city of Galesburg is giving the clerk's family hardware store a cut of revenue from the sale of former police firearms. In April, the City Council voted unanimously to sell six weapons held by its recently dissolved police department to the clerk's son, a federally licensed firearms dealer. The department folded after Chief Jeff Heppler was terminated and the city signed a police protection agreement with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office. According to documents obtained by MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette through a Freedom of Information Act request, the city and sheriff signed a letter of understanding on April 17 documenting the transport of six firearms to Galesburg Hardware Inc. The business, located at 10 Michigan Ave., is owned by Galesburg Clerk Karen Bresson's son, Scott Bresson. Scott's brother in Bill Bresson, the city's public works supervisor. Scott said his city-employee brother is not involved in the hardware business. He said the deal had nothing to do with his mother's or brother's roles as public officials. "No," he said, when asked if he thought the deal was unethical. "I really don't." Galesburg Hardware Inc., is registered to Scott Bresson, son of the Galesburg City Clerk. The business is a few blocks away from the city's municipal offices. (Malachi Barrett | MLive.com) The firearms include two Remington 870 shotguns, two Plainfield Arms M-1 Rifles and two Colt Mark IV .380 caliber pistols. Two weapons have already been sold: a pistol and a rifle. Scott declined to provide sales prices for the weapons. Federal law prevents him from disclosing the identity of buyers, who undergo background checks. Scott said he was asked to present an offer to the city by detective Russ Richards, who briefly acted as police chief after Heppler was fired. Scott renewed his federal firearms license on April 23, three weeks after the council voted to transfer the weapons. While the city decided to accepts bids for those interested in purchasing the former police department's Ford Crown Victoria police cruiser, it did not solicit bids for the department's firearms. The city clerk said there is nothing ethically wrong with the deal. Bresson said former Mayor Carl Newton, who died April 24, wanted to sell the weapons in Galesburg instead of seeking offers from outside the city. "I don't think there was anything fishy about it," Bresson said. The Ethics Handbook for Michigan Municipalities provides a guide for business transactions where public servants have a personal interest. Galesburg is a member the Michigan Municipal League, which created the handbook. "The existence of a private business relationship between a public official and the municipality presents the opportunity for real or perceived abuse of public office," the handbook states. "To protect the interests of all, the relationship should either be avoided, or should be fully and publicly disclosed." Lisa McGraw, public affairs manager for the Michigan Press Association, said at the very least there is a perception issue. Responsible public servants should be transparent, honest and open about conflicts of interest from the beginning, she said. "It might be that there were no nefarious ideas behind what they did, but if they had done it in a much more open way and put it out for bid like they did the (police cruiser), it would have looked better," McGraw said. "Everything looks better when you are more transparent when dealing with community invested taxpayer dollars." Interim Mayor Keith Diller refused to say who the weapons were sold to when asked by MLive. Diller said the city will receive 80 percent of the sale revenue, and 20 will go to the hardware store. Minutes and agendas for January to May council meetings and other documents related to the firearms were released to MLive through a Freedom of Information Act request. They were not publicly available on the city's website until after the FOIA was processed. Meeting minutes created by Bresson do not mention Galesburg Hardware Inc. or disclose the relationship between the firearms dealer and the clerk until the final vote at an April 17 special meeting. Bresson said her connection to the hardware store was discussed at public meetings. "Most of the people in town definitely know I am affiliated," Bresson said. "It's been (owned by my family) since 1987." Newton clarified at the April 17 meeting that the clerk and public works supervisor "either work at or own the hardware store," according to meeting minutes. "We do not see this as a conflict and they have a federal firearms license, and will operate in the best interest of the city on selling the guns," the minutes read. The only record of the agreement are records of council meetings and the letter of understanding from Newton to Sheriff Rick Fuller and Undersheriff James VanDyken. A formal contract does not exist. The letter, obtained through FOIA, documents the transport of six firearms on the orders of Newton. It states that the weapons will go to Galesburg Hardware, Inc., owned by Scott, so they can be sold by the city. The clerk said the letter was her idea. "I suggested the letter stating what they were agreeing to and putting it in the minutes because they were going to say just take them to the hardware (store)," Bresson said. "I instigated what got done with the letter." Minutes show a motion to approve a letter to the sheriff's department to bring the six weapons to Galesburg Hardware Inc. to sell for the city. Minutes also show the 80/20 split in proceeds between the city and hardware store. Each firearm, including four Sig Sauer .40 caliber pistols that will not be sold, were inspected and held by the sheriff's office. All revenue will be used for general police expenses. KALAMAZOO, MI -- Developers can now apply for a 12-year tax abatement in an area south of downtown Kalamazoo. Monday, the City Commission created a "neighborhood enterprise zone" in a two-block area south of City Hall. Developments in the zone are eligible to have their taxes halved for nine years and reduced by 10 percent, 5 percent and 2.5 percent for another three years. The area is between South Park and Burdick streets and West Lovell and Cedar streets in the Vine neighborhood. Two developments are already planned: A $24.2 million mixed-use office and apartment building and another mixed-use project at a former public safety training facility. Local leaders hope the abatement will encourage new affordable housing projects to alleviate what city officials say is a 3,000 to 5,000 unit shortage. Commissioners acknowledged that private developers need incentives and tax cuts to afford offering lower rents for low-income residents. Mayor Bobby Hopewell said developers who buy public property are obligated to be conscious of the city's affordable housing shortage. "We need to not just fulfill the wants and needs of our developers, but we have to make sure they are connected to our community and understanding what we need," Hopewell said. On May 17, the city's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority agreed to sell 15 W. Lovell St. and 418 S. Rose St. for $1.1 million. In its place, The Hinman Company and AVB Inc. plans to build a $24.2 million mixed-use development. The deal, which will be finalized by the City Commission on June 18, is contingent on approval of the enterprise zone. The city agreed to cooperate with developers in obtaining a 12-year tax abatement, according to a draft sale agreement. A total of 135 apartment units are planned. The sales agreement guarantees 14 units, 10 percent of the total, are affordable for people making 80 to 120 percent of the area median income. It's based on workforce housing rates published by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Commissioner Jack Urban said those rental rates aren't low enough for people in need of affordable housing, generally defined as those making 30 percent of median family income for the area. "I think it's a good attempt to meet part of the need, but let's not think it meets the whole need," Urban said. "We need other projects for lower income (people) that are safe and affordable." Commissioner Shannon Sykes Nehring agreed. She expressed concern that future developments could cause gentrification and displace residents. Greg Dobson, AVB's chief operating officer, said the increase of units will decrease the price of housing around the downtown, unless demand increases. Studies performed by the city show a high demand for housing in downtown Kalamazoo. Commercial tenants can occupy 8,400-square-feet on the corner of Lovell and Rose streets. Sykes Nehring said developers should consider "culturally relevant" businesses in the ground-level commercial space to match the Vine neighborhood. Dobson said the developers are trying to make the building match the neighborhood. The neighborhood enterprise zone is used in places where little new construction is occurring and existing housing is in need of repair. It was created by the state of Michigan in 1992. Once a zone is established, there are different types of applications available to property owners. The first is for the rehabilitation of an existing owner-occupied structure and seven additional units. There are almost 40 of these already approved in the Vine neighborhood. New owner-occupied facilities or new rental housing with a ground-floor commercial use are also eligible. There are 11 current property owners in the proposed tax break zone. MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI - A man convicted of breaking into a woman's home and sexually assaulting her has been sentenced to a minimum of nearly four years in prison. Austin Keith-Eugene Nowell, 23, pleaded guilty to third-degree home invasion, second-degree criminal sexual conduct and two firearm counts. He was sentenced by Muskegon County Circuit Judge William Marietti as a four-time habitual offender. It was alleged that he broke into the home of his former girlfriend and sexually assaulted her on April 23, 2017. It also was alleged that Nowell was seen with a gun shortly after the assault. Nowell originally was charged with first-degree CSC and second-degree home invasion - charges that were dropped by the prosecutor in exchange for his plea. Marietti sentenced Nowell to between 625 days and 12 years in prison for the home invasion and CSC, which will be served consecutive to a mandatory two-year sentence for the felony firearm charge. Nowell's habitual offender status is due to felony convictions for fleeing and eluding in 2014, possession of a controlled substance, cocaine, in 2015 and being a felon in possession of a firearm in 2015. Trump, Kim to meet at Capella Hotel on Singapore's Sentosa Island: White House WASHINGTON, June 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump and top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un will meet at the Capella Hotel on Singapore's Sentosa Island, the White House said on Tuesday. "The venue for the Singapore summit between @POTUS and Leader Kim Jong Un will be the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island," White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders tweeted. "We thank our great Singaporean hosts for their hospitality," she added. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump said that his planned meeting with Kim will "hopefully be the start of something big." The White House said Monday that the meeting is tentatively scheduled for 9:00 a.m. (0100 GMT) on June 12 in Singapore. After recent twists and turns, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last week met with Kim Yong Chol, vice chairman of the Central Committee of the DPRK's ruling Workers' Party of Korea, in New York. On Friday, Trump too talked with Kim Yong Chol who delivered a personal letter from Kim Jong Un in a meeting that lasted almost two hours. Subsequently, Trump said he would meet with the top DPRK leader on June 12 in Singapore as originally scheduled. SAGINAW, MI -- An interim administrator will lead Saginaw schools until board members decide how they will move forward with hiring a new superintendent. During a special meeting, Saginaw Public School District Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Assistant Superintendent Ramont Roberts as interim superintendent. Roberts will start on June 18 and is replacing current Superintendent Nathaniel McClain, whose last day is June 30. In March, board members voted to not renew McClain's contract and rescind a one-year extension they granted him in 2016. With the promotion, Roberts would receive the same salary and benefits as McClain. "We still have to hire a superintendent," President Rudy Patterson said. Patterson said that Roberts sent a memo expressing interest in the interim and superintendent jobs. Roberts has a doctorate's degree in K-12 administration with a focus on urban education. He was formerly the principal of Daniels Middle School and Saginaw High School. He has worked in the district for 15 years. "If he puts his name in the hat he can be interviewed like anybody else," Patterson said. "He knows the district better than anyone, so he may have an advantage." The Michigan Association of School Boards have made presentations to the board about the process of hiring a new superintendent, Patterson said. Roberts said that he was humbled and honored for being appointed to the position. West Michigan native and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos raised eyebrows in Washington and beyond Tuesday when she said her federal school safety commission won't look at the role of guns in school violence. Her comments came during testimony to a Senate subcommittee on education spending. As chair of the school safety study, she was asked whether guns would be looked at, as far as how that relates to school safety, according to the Associated Press "That is not part of the commission's charge per se," DeVos told the the subcommittee overseeing education spending. "We are actually studying school safety and how we can ensure our students are safe at school." The question had been asked by Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont, who then followed up with: "So you are studying gun violence, but not considering the role of guns." Clips of DeVos' testimony show her using the phrase "per se" at least twice, and wearing a wide smile as she answered the senators' questions. The federal school safety committee was set up by President Donald Trump in March, weeks after 17 people died when a student opened fire inside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. Under DeVos' guidance, a report outlining best practices for school safety is expected to be ready by December, the AP said. Little other information has been released about the panel's activities. DeVos said the panel will look at 27 issues related to school safety, but did not say what those will be. Liz Hill, DeVos' spokeswoman, sent out a statement clarifying DeVos' testimony later Tuesday, saying the panel will look at all the issues Trump has asked it to study. "It's important to note that the commission cannot create or amend current gun laws - that is the Congress' job," she said. The Holland native, married to Amway heir Dick DeVos, has been involved in politics and education for decades. DeVos last week had high praise for Grand Rapids Public Schools' Museum School, where she dropped by for a visit. Betsy DeVos: School safety commission won't focus on guns "That is not part of the commission's charge, per se": Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said Tuesday that looking at the role of guns in school safety was not a focus of the federal school safety commission. https://cnn.it/2JjrJXY Posted by CNN on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 < NASA says that the Expedition 56 crew on its way to the International Space Station has safely made it to orbit after launching Wednesday morning, June 6 from Kazakhstan. The three astronauts that makeup Expedition 56 are Sergey Prokopyev of Roscosmos, Serena Aunon-Chancellor of NASA and Alexander Gerst of the European Space Agency. They launched to the International Space Station at 7:12 a.m. Wednesday, and are scheduled to dock at the orbiting laboratory at around 8:15 a.m. Friday. LIFTOFF! Shooting into the sky at 7:12am ET, the Soyuz rocket carrying @AstroSerena, @Astro_Alex and Sergey Prokopyev leaves Earth on a 2-day journey to the International @Space_Station. Watch: https://t.co/z3e7SW3l7z pic.twitter.com/JIlZ5fHJjC NASA (@NASA) June 6, 2018 NASA will broadcast the docking and the opening of the hatches between the spacecraft and space station live on its website, social media channels and on NASA TV. Expedition 56 joins commander Andrew Feustel, of Lake Orion, Michigan, and flight engineers Ricky Arnold and Russia's Oleg Artemyev on the ISS. "This crew continues the long-term increase in crew size on the U.S. segment from three to four, allowing NASA to maximize time dedicated to research on the space station," the space agency reports. "Highlights of upcoming investigations include a new facility to study ultra-cold quantum gases, the first commercial European facility to conduct microgravity research, and a system that uses surface forces to accomplish liquid-liquid separation." We have liftoff! #Exp56 crew Sergey Prokopyev, @AstroSerena and @Astro_Alex are on their way to @Space_Station ! Check out the first photos of their launch: https://t.co/MfscDs5Dym pic.twitter.com/f5YuNrcLEh NASA HQ PHOTO (@nasahqphoto) June 6, 2018 Feustel, Arnold and Artemyev will remain on the orbiting laboratory until October of this year, while the crew that launched Wednesday is scheduled to return home in December. This launch marked Aunon-Chancellor's first space flight, which just happened to make her the 61st woman to ever fly in space. "For more than 17 years, humans have lived and worked continuously aboard the station, advancing scientific knowledge and demonstrating new technologies, making research breakthroughs not possible on Earth that will enable long-duration human and robotic exploration into deep space," NASA says of the International Space Station. "A global endeavor, more than 230 people from 18 countries have visited the unique microgravity laboratory that has hosted more than 2,400 research investigations from researchers in more than 103 countries." -- See below for an amazing photo of Wednesday morning's launch from up close and personal: NASA is making it easy for stargazers and fans of space travel to watch the Wednesday morning, June 6 launch of three astronauts heading to the International Space Station from Kazakhstan. The U.S. space agency will launch Expedition 56 aboard a Soyuz MS-08 rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. This crew will be comprised of Sergey Prokopyev of Roscosmos, Serena Aunon-Chancellor of NASA and Alexander Gerst of the European Space Agency. The journey from Kazakhstan to the orbiting laboratory is expected to take two days with the trio set to make it by Friday morning. Once aboard the ISS, Expedition 56 (and 57) will "work on hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, physical science and Earth science." NASA will broadcast the launch of the crew on its website, social media channels and on NASA Television. See below for the rest of the week's broadcast schedule: Wednesday, June 6: 6:15 a.m. - Soyuz MS-09 launch coverage (launch at 7:12 a.m.) Friday, June 8: 8:15 a.m. - Docking coverage (docking scheduled for 9:07 a.m.) 10:30 a.m. - Hatch opening and welcome coverage NASA's live feed: -- This launch comes on the heels of the safe return to Earth of Expedition 55, which was made up of NASA astronaut Scott Tingle, Japan's Norishige Kanai and mission commander Anton Shkaplerov of the Russian Space Agency. This trio's mission spanned 168 days, 2,688 orbits of the Earth and traveled 71.2 million miles. A fun fact for Michiganders is that with Expedition 55 leaving the space station, Anton Shkaplerov of Roscosmos handed control of the space station over to NASA astronaut, and Michigan native, Andrew J. Feustel. Cecil Fielder's 1990 season is unforgettable for Detroit Tigers fans - the unexpected arrival of "Big Daddy," runner-up MVP whose 51 home runs included some of the longest moon shots ever hit at Tiger Stadium. It was a season from a previously under-performing slugger who had only one productive season to show at the time, and that came in Japan. Before that, he had four frustrating seasons trying to break in on a Toronto Blue Jays team filled with promising young players. When the Blue Jays sold his contract to Japan after 1988, his reaction was, "Thank you, Jesus." "I wanted to get out of there and if it took going to Japan to do, well, then let's do it," he said. "It was the best thing that could have happened." But how did he end up in Detroit? After all, he wasn't from Michigan and the most he knew about the Tigers was that he hit them pretty good, especially at Tiger Stadium. Fielder, who will appear at the West Michigan Whitecaps game at Fifth Third Ballpark on Wednesday, backed up the question one step before answering. He said it started with a one-year contract with Hanshin Tigers in the Japanese League. After 38 home runs in 384 at bats took care of proof, the next step came compliments of his contract with Hanshin. "My agent worked it so there was an out so that if I had an opportunity to come home I could," Fielder said. "All I had to do was give my Japanese team written notice. That was perfect right there." Fielder opted out, but it didn't set off a bidding frenzy like it probably would today. His agent told him there really were just two interested parties - the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers. The Red Sox were eight games over .500 the previous year while the Tigers floundered at 59-103. "I knew I wasn't going to be comfortable playing in Boston; it's kind of hard to play in Boston," Fielder said. "Detroit, they were coming off a rough year even though I really didn't know that being in Japan that year. But (Former GM) Joe Klein and (GM) Bill Lajoie were all over it, and they were promising me regular playing time and that was crucial. That's what I wanted." The hesitation came from Fielder's weight. He was listed at 6-foot-3 and from 230 to 250 pounds, depending on the program, but the eye test suggested otherwise. The Tigers needed proof. "I was in Texas at the time and Joe Klein and Bill Lajoie came to my house, looked at me and in five minutes they called back to Detroit and said, 'Yeah, let's sign him,'" Fielder said with a chuckle. "They wanted to see what I looked like." Fielder signed an incentive-laden contract for $1.2 million and knew he would extract every penny. "Oh, I was ready," he said "It wasn't like I was 45-years-old. I was 26. I knew I could hit. The only thing about hitting is you have to get consistent at bats to get a chance to show what you can do. I knew once I got those at bats and learn those pitchers that I'd run away with it, and I did. I said if I can get 500 at bats, I'll be at the top of the heap." Fielder had never hit more than 14 home runs in four limited seasons with the Blue Jays, but he surpassed that with 17 home runs by the end of May. For comparison, the Tigers in 1989 hit 119 home runs as a team. Fielder arrived and hit 51, the second-most in franchise history and the first MLB player to top 50 in more than a decade. He also drove in 132 runs, batted .277, slugged a league-high .592 and scored 104 runs as the Tigers improved to 79-83. It turned out to be the best of Fielder's 13 major league seasons that featured 319 home runs with five teams. The Tigers and 1990 proved to be the second-best thing that happened. "Oh, it was great," he said. "Did some real damage that season and it was fun because there were some consummate professional cats on that team," he said, noting Lou Whitaker and Alan Trammell (both in their early 30s), Chet Lemon and Dave Bergman. "It was good for me to be around them and be able to rap with those cats." Fielder, after six and a half seasons, was traded by the Tigers to the New York Yankees at the trade deadline in July 1996. He hit 245 home runs with the Tigers, sixth all-time. Nowadays, Fielder said his relationship with the Tigers is frayed. Except for a couple minor functions, he said he's never been asked back formally. He said he has been to Comerica Park as a fan to watch his son, Prince, when he was playing. He also threw out the first pitch during a spring training game in Lakeland, Fla, near his current home in Tampa. His mother and brother still live in Michigan. "Detroit's asked me to come in for a couple things, but it wasn't, wasn't, it just wasn't ...," he said, his voice trailing off. "So, Willie (Horton, former Tigers great and team ambassador) just told me one time, 'Don't come here then. They ain't ready for you yet." I mean, I did a little something over there at that stadium over the years. I put in a little work there. "But it will come around at some point," he added. "Willie's working on it. I mean, man, we had some good times there." Good luck figuring out when to mow that lawn, because we're in the dreaded territory of off and on showers/thunderstorms in the forecast for the next several days. As for Wednesday, June 6, current forecasts are calling for West Michigan to have the greatest chance of showers and thunderstorms popping up in the state. The rest of lower Michigan could see some isolated showers Wednesday night, but outside of West Michigan, the next solid threat of showers/thunderstorms is overnight Thursday and overnight Friday. The National Weather Service reports that the band of showers and thunderstorms will move across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Lake Michigan Wednesday, and "try to make there way into Lower Michigan this evening." While thunderstorms are possible, they are not expected to be severe with the main threat being the 30 mph wind gusts. With the risk of showers, though, comes warmer weather as Wednesday is still stuck in that cold front with temperatures struggle to reach 70 degrees. -- Most of lower Michigan is looking at high-temperature marks in the range of 65 to 73 degrees with overnight lows in the 40s, and even in the mid- to low-30s the further north you go. That's Wednesday, because Thursday's forecasts are calling for weather much more in tune with what we're used too for June. See below for Wednesday's overnight low-temperature projections, and let's enjoy the fact that this should be the last time we see those shades of blue for some time: Low temperatures for Wednesday, June 6: -- With the warm front moving in, high-temperature marks in Michigan will reach the 80s throughout southern lower Michigan from Grand Rapids to Detroit with marks cooling off the more north you go. "A dry period is expected from Thursday into Thursday evening before a warm front lifts back our direction from the south and increases chances for rain again," the NWS reports. "Showers and storms return to the forecast for overnight Thursday and during the day on Friday. "High temperatures the next few days will be seasonable in the mid 70s to around 80 degrees." -- Moderating temperatures late this week with rain chances returning Friday. #miwx pic.twitter.com/95g3rISpJB NWS Detroit (@NWSDetroit) June 6, 2018 Increasing clouds expected today. A shower or storm possible towards evening. Highs 71 to 76. #wmiwx pic.twitter.com/Kh6Kk3tUkp NWS Grand Rapids (@NWSGrandRapids) June 6, 2018 TEHRAN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Iran's atomic chief said here Tuesday that the Islamic republic is preparing the infrastructure for building advanced centrifuges, Press TV reported. The work has begun at Iran's Natanz enrichment facility, observing the country's commitments to 2015 nuclear deal, Ali Akbar Salehi, head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) said. "Yesterday, we took the first step and submitted a letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the start of certain activities. We started to take necessary practical measures today," Salehi was quoted as saying. "If conditions are ripe, I may explain tomorrow night at Natanz one of the projects we have in mind, which is a center for the production of new centrifuges," he said. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday ordered the AEOI to prepare for the enrichment of uranium up to a level of 190,000 SWU (separative work units). Khamenei issued the order in a televised speech at the ceremony held at the Imam Khomeini Mausoleum in southern Tehran to commemorate the 29th anniversary of the passing away of Imam Khomeini, founder of the Islamic republic. SWU is the standard measure of the effort required to separate isotopes of uranium during an enrichment process. 1SWU is equivalent to 1 kilogram of separative work. Developing such infrastructure would move along quickly, Salehi said Tuesday, adding that "If we were progressing normally, it would have taken six or seven years, but this will now be ready within weeks and months." None of the measures Tehran is taking will violate the terms of the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), he said. "Iran's nuclear activities will be peaceful," Salehi was quoted as saying by official IRNA news agency. AEOI is pursuing two major goals supplying nuclear electricity and fuel for nuclear power plants, he added. Iran is negotiating with the European countries on preserving the JCPOA, after the U.S. withdrawal in May. On Monday, Khamenei said that it seems "some European governments expect the Iranian nation to both put up with sanctions and give up its nuclear activities." The Iranian leader said Iran would not tolerate sanctions nor undergo "nuclear austerity." He ordered the AEOI to immediately prepare the ground for the uranium enrichment "up to a level of 190,000 SWU for the time being within the framework of the nuclear deal." Based on the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran can enrich uranium up to the level of 3.5 percent, which represents low-enriched uranium. The spokesperson for the AEOI Behrouz Kamalvandi said the organization is starting a process to boost the country's capacity to enrich uranium following an order by Khamenei, according to Tasnim news agency on Tuesday. Iran will inform the IAEA of the start of the process to increase the capacity to produce uranium hexafluoride (UF6), a chemical compound which serves as feedstock for centrifuges, he was quoted as saying. Kamalvandi said that under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran was supposed to achieve an enrichment capacity of at least 190,000 SWU by the end of the 15th year since the nuclear deal took effect in January 2016. Achieving the 190,000-SWU enrichment capacity means increasing efforts to set up workshops and factories and providing the infrastructure and other arrangements necessary for moving forward at a high speed and capacity, the spokesperson added. Tehran has threatened that, in case other parties to the nuclear deal could not safeguard Iran's interests under the accord, Iran will move out of it and resume its nuclear activities at full speed. A massive explosion tore apart a truck carrying explosives at a construction site for an iron ore project in Benxi in northeast China's Liaoning Province on Tuesday afternoon. Rescue efforts are underway at the mine site in Benxi, Liaoning Province, on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. [Photo: CCTV] According to a CCTV report, 11 people were killed and nine others injured. The injured are all being treated in hospital. There are 25 people trapped underground at the mine site. Rescuers have made contact with some of the trapped miners, and rescue efforts are underway. Man sentenced to life, plus 9 to 18 years, for depraved killing of ex-girlfriend in Whitemarsh Letter to editor: Congress can get this right June 06, 2018 Yemen - The Attack On Hodeidah Is A Prelude To Genocide Yemen is on the verge of another catastrophic event. The Saudi and United Arab Emirates plan to take the Red Sea port Hodeidah through which most of the food supplies to Yemen's come in. The port is already under blockade and all ships are strictly controlled. Saudi 'inspections' of ships already taking so long that some food rots before it can reach land. The UN is complaining that there is too little food is coming through: Yemen is the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, according to the United Nations, with some 8.4 million people severely short of food and at risk of starvation. ... I am particularly concerned about the recent decline of commercial food imports through the Red Sea ports, Mark Lowcock, U.N. emergency relief coordinator, said in a statement read out to a Geneva briefing on Friday. ... If conditions do not improve, a further 10 million people will fall into this category by the end of the year, he said. Eighteen out of twenty-six million Yemenis may soon die of hunger. If that happens it will be a genocide. The UN has warned that any fighting over the port will have extreme consequences. Eighteen million people will probably starve if the port is blocked or the roads from the port into the hinterland get destroyed due to fighting. For three years the Saudi and UAE forces have tried to dislodge the Houthi movement from the Yemeni heartland and the capital Sanaa. The Saudis managed to take the flat desert areas in the east and the UAE took the southern coast but all their attempts to move into the mountainous western core of Yemen have failed. The Saudi and UAE forces on the ground are by now mostly local mercenaries from the south reinforced by a few tank and artillery troops from the UAE. The cities and towns in the north where the Houthi originally lived were all destroyed by Saudi air attacks. They have no where to go and nothing left to loose. They will not give up. The attack on Hodeidah comes after months of fighting from south Yemen along the southeastern coast and the Emirate supported troops (blue arrow) are now only 20 kilometers away from Hodeidah. Over the weekend the UN envoy Martin Griffiths tried to convince the Houthi to hand over Hodeidah port to the United Nations. But how would the UN run the port? Who would rule the city? How would supplies from Hodeidah port cross the front lines to reach the capital Sanaa? The Saudi and Emirates aim is simply to starve Yemen into submission. They do not care how many people will die. They do not care what the UN says: Gulf government officials familiar with UAE and Saudi thinking have said capturing the coast would block Houthi supply lines and push the group to the negotiating table. Riyadh says the Houthis use Hodeidah to smuggle Iranian-made arms into Yemen, accusations denied by the group and Tehran. The United Nations has beefed up its inspections of ships bringing humanitarian aid to ensure that no military items are being smuggled and to speed delivery of desperately-needed relief supplies. All talk about Iran in Yemen or of Iranian supplies is nonsense. The Saudis and Emirates control the borders. The ports are under Saudi blockade and tightly controlled. Only a trickle of supplies is smuggled from Oman through their lines. Most of the weapons and ammunition the Houthi use are captured through raids on Saudi troops. The UAE asked the U.S. to support its operation against Hodeidah with boots on the ground. The U.S. is already coordinating the intelligence for the Saudi/UAE Yemen operation and is providing the ammunition as well as the aerial refueling for the daily bombing runs. Officially the U.S. will not take part in the operations. Officially the UAE will not attack the city. But that is just obfuscation. The Yemen mercenaries the UAE has hired will take the lead but the UAE and U.S. will be right behind them: Emirati ground forces are about nine miles from Hodeida, and the UAE government told U.S. officials that they will not move forward. At the same time, however, the UAE says it has no control over the Yemeni government forces that it has trained and assisted. Today Saudi planes dropped leaflets on the city inciting against the Houthi and asking the population to leave. Hodeidah normally has 600,000 inhabitants. But due to the three years of war many people fled from the rural areas which were bombed and lacked food supplies and moved into the cities. Hodeidah is believed to host more than a million people now who have nowhere else to go. Today the Houthi managed to delay the operation against Hodeidah. They attacked the thin supply line of the attackers and managed to breach it. It is doubtful that the Houthi can hold that point or even destroy those enemy troops they cut off from their supplies. Saudi air attacks will soon dislodge them again and the attack on Hodeidah will proceed. The consequences will be terrible for the people of Yemen. None of the usually 'concerned' entities seems to be willing or able to prevent that. Posted by b on June 6, 2018 at 18:28 UTC | Permalink Comments Local residents and public agencies have until July 30 to comment on the first-draft environmental impact report (EIR) for the Cordoba Center mosque and community center proposed in San Martin. Singled out in the document summary as a significant and unavoidable impact are the proposals project-generated greenhouse gas emissions. These are associated with both the construction and ongoing operation of the Cordoba Center, according to the EIR. The document proposes a number of mitigation measures for this impact, as well as all potential effects of the project on the environment and its surroundings. A May 30 public notice from the Santa Clara County Department of Planning and Development welcomes your comments regarding the significant environmental effects of this project and the adequacy of the draft EIR. Comments can be submitted in writing by mail or email, or by telephone. The county has scheduled a public meeting to receive verbal comment on the EIR draft for July 12 at 7 p.m. at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road. The Cordoba Center is proposed by the South Valley Islamic Community on a vacant 15.8-acre parcel at Monterey Road and California Avenue in San Martin. The 230-page draft EIR, commissioned by the county as a required step in the ongoing project approval process, lists all the potential impacts of the proposal on the local environment and public facilitiesincluding impacts on groundwater, carbon emissions, vehicle traffic, visual surroundings, cultural resources and noise. The Cordoba Center is proposed as a multi-use religious and cultural center to serve the Muslim community of south Santa Clara County, according to a letter from county staff introducing the draft EIR. Proposed structures include a two-story mosque (about 9,000 square feet), a two-story community building (about 14,500 square feet), outdoor community plaza (about 15,000 square feet), cemetery located on 3.55 acres on the western side of the property, maintenance building, caretakers dwelling, youth camp, playfield/playground, orchard and associated site infrastructure including a bioretention swale and connected retention pond. After the public comment period on the draft EIR ends July 30 at 5 p.m, county staff will spend the next several weeks responding to each comment submitted by the public and the applicant. After that, the project will be filtered through the San Martin Advisory Committee and the county planning commission before the board of supervisors votes on the centers site plan. County staff have said the public hearings before these bodies could begin this fall. If the county approves the project, SVIC can begin to seek permits. The applicant estimates it can complete the Cordoba Centers construction by 2021. The draft EIR includes photos of the current state of the property as well as simulated images of how the Cordoba Center would look at the San Martin site. It also includes drawings and elevations for the project, as submitted by SVIC. SVIC spokesman Hamdy Abbass said he has thumbed through the draft EIR, which was released to the public May 30. He said so far through his reading of the document, nothing stands out as unexpected other than the potential greenhouse gas impact. Overall, he calls the draft environmental assessment positive for the SVIC and the community of San Martin. Were not seeking any variance from anybody. We never did and never will. Well follow the advice and guidelines of the county, to do what is right for all of us, Abbass said. The SVIC represents about 400 residents of South County. Members currently pray and worship in a renovated barn in San Martin. To comment on the draft EIR for the Cordoba Center proposal in San Martin, write, email or fax Chris Hoem, Santa Clara County Planning Office, County Government Center, 70 W. Hedding St., seventh floor, East Wing, San Jose, CA 95110; [email protected]; 408-288-9198 (fax). Comments can also be submitted at a public meeting on the EIR scheduled for July 12 at 7 p.m. at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road. The public comment period on the draft EIR ends July 30 at 5 p.m. Attorneys for the city of Morgan Hill argued before the California Supreme Court last week in a case that pits the peoples ability to challenge local elected bodies decisions against private property development rights. The case, City of Morgan Hill vs. Bushey, plunges deeply into the technical nuances of how the California Constitution allows cities and other government entities to apply land use designations when faced with public pressure through the established, uncontested ballot referendum process. The legal battle, which has reached the states highest court after more than three years, started when the Morgan Hill City Council in March 2015 rezoned a 3.39-acre parcel on the southeast corner of Madrone Parkway and Lightpost Way from industrial to general commercial. Riverpark Hospitality requested the rezoning, and planned to build a 149-room hotel on the site. The council later rejected a petitionfiled by the Morgan Hill Hotel Coalition and signed by more than 4,000 votersto repeal the new zoning or put the question to the voters in a general election. In January 2016, the MHHC sued the city for violating the state elections code by rejecting the certified, voter-initiated petition. In February 2016, then-interim City Attorney Gary Baum revisited the councils original rejection of the petition. He recommended the council approve a ballot measure asking the voters if they wanted the Riverpark property to retain its original industrial zoning, but at the same time challenge the measure in court by filing litigation against Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters Shannon Bushey. Santa Clara County Superior Court sided with the city in a March 2016 ruling. The MHHC appealed that decision, which was overturned in the coalitions favor May 30, 2017, by the California Sixth Appellate District Court. The city appealed that decision, and on May 30 attorneys for the city, Riverpark Hospitality and MHHC posed their arguments before the states six Supreme Court justices, who followed up with a number of incisive questions of the three parties. The hearing took place at the Earl Warren building in San Francisco. The Supreme Court will issue its decision within 90 days of last months hearing. Riverpark Hospitality is listed as real party in interest/appellant, and the MHHC is listed as real party in interest/respondent in the case. The case has been closely watched by some California land use attorneys, who are eager to see how the outcome could impact their municipal and private development clients. The City Council hired the firm Leone & Alberts to represent the council in the litigation and to present arguments in court. City Attorney Don Larkin commented on the significance of the case. The court is reviewing a rule thats been in place for more than 30 years, Larkin said. For the first time (in 30 years), theyre looking at weighing the rights of the voters against the property interests of property ownerstwo significant competing constitutional issues theyre looking at. The city has consistently argued that if the council had approved the Riverpark zoning referendum and the voters decided to keep the property zoned industrial, that would create an illegal inconsistency between the zoning ordinance (industrial) and the citys general plan (commercial). However, the MHHC has argued the city could rezone the Madrone/Lightpost property as one of 12 commercial classifications permitted in Morgan Hills zoning codeeven if these other zones do not allow hotel use. MHHC, which represents a number of local hotel owners, also argued against the initial rezoning request, citing fears of the proposed hotels impact on the existing market. Attorney Asit Panwala, whose parents own the Comfort Inn in Morgan Hill, argued before the Supreme Court on behalf of the MHHC. Experts offer thoughts Megan Cesare-Eastman, a former deputy city attorney for the City and County of San Francisco, watched the May 30 arguments on the Supreme Courts live webcast. She said the courts challenge is to strike that balance between cities ability to enact zoning that is consistent with the general plan (and) the peoples right to referendum, to shoot down different types of ordinances they disagree with. Cesare-Eastman, who now works for the San Francisco-based firm Conrad and Metlitzky, added, The peoples referendum power is a constitutional right that provides the people with a means of checking legislation before it goes into effect. Historically, the Supreme Court has been reluctant to curb this right, she added. I think the court has routinely shot down any sort of challenges to sweeping powers of referendum and initiative, Cesare-Eastman said. I find it unlikely that the court would restrict the right of referendum in this context. Bryan Wentera Walnut Creek land use attorney who represents developers, property owners and public agenciesnoted that in the Morgan Hill case, the Supreme Court could upend a 1985 ruling that established a clear bright line rule that has created certainty for developers for more than three decades. Wenter, who also watched the May 30 hearing online, predicts the justices will rule in favor of the MHHC, based on their questions in court. This will lead to more referenda, more litigation, said Wenter, who works for the Miller Starr Regalia firm and writes a blog on land use law. Citizens could run forward with a referendum every time a public agency tries to create consistent zoning. What would happen to public agencies if the public is able to referend every decision? He added, It has the potential to make it harder to accomplish development. If you have a sufficiently motivated community that doesnt like a certain project, that is a tool that is going to be used to prevent, repeatedly, the democratically elected governing body from moving forward with the project they chose to support, Wenter said. Larkin noted that the Supreme Court, unlike the lower courts, gets to determine the law and therefore does not have to rely on established case law to make its ruling. Our hope is they give us some clear guidance for the future, regardless of where they come out, Larkin said. Early returns from the four counties in the sprawling 30th Assembly district left no doubt about the front-runner, San Benito County Supervisor Robert Rivas. He will likely face first-time Republican candidate Neil Kitchens in a November runoff, as fellow Democrat and Gilroy City Councilman Peter Leroe-Munoz trailed late Tuesday. With 54 percent of partial returns from mostly rural precincts at 11:15pm, the California Secretary of State reported Rivas leading balloting with 44 percent, with Kitchens at 32 percent and Leroe-Munoz at just 11 percent. Im elated, and Im grateful to the voters of Assembly District 30, Rivas said election night. Im ready to continue in November, to talk about the issues important to the voters in this district and California. The Rivas campaign, accompanied by mariachi music, food, drinks and a generally festive mood, exuded confidence in the early results. With the Democratic vote split, Kitchens, a national delegate for the Republican National Committee, emerged as the likely foe for Rivas on the runoff ballot. Kitchens has listed his jobs as a professional forester, rancher, lawyer, criminologist, real estate investor and residential property manager. District 30 includes San Benito County and parts of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, including the cities of Morgan Hill, Gilroy and Hollister, with about a half million residents. The district is currently represented by Anna Caballero, who is running for state senate in the 12th District. Leroe-Munoz, is a former San Benito County deputy district attorney who works in San Jose for the tech industrys Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and ran on a public safety and economic development platform. Two-term Supervisor Rivas was a leader in the successful anti-fracking measure in San Benito County who ran a primary campaign emphasizing diversity and his rural roots, which has been heavy on endorsements, including Caballero, civil rights leader Dolores Huerta, and the political arms of the state teachers, nurses and public employee unions. File photo: Miss Texas Margana Wood reacts after advancing from the swimsuit component of the Miss America competition in Atlantic City, New Jersey, US, Sept 10, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. The Miss America pageant is dropping the swimsuit competition, saying it will no longer judge contestants on their appearance. The competition began nearly 100 years ago in Atlantic City, New Jersey, as a bathing beauty contest designed to keep tourists coming to the seaside resort the weekend after Labor Day. But it has run into resistance to the swimsuit, and to a lesser extent, evening gown competitions, that had come by some to be seen as outdated. An email scandal last December in which former Miss America officials denigrated the intelligence, appearance and sex lives of former title winners led to a shake-up at the top, and the group's top three leadership positions are now held by women. "We're not going to judge you on your appearance because we are interested in what makes you you," Gretchen Carlson, a former Miss America who is head of the organization's board of trustees, said while making the announcement Tuesday on "Good Morning America."Carlson, whose sexual harassment lawsuit against Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes led to his departure, said the board has heard from potential contestants saying, "We don't want to be out there in high heels and swimsuits.""Guess what?" she said. "You don't have to anymore."In place of the swimsuit competition, contestants will participate in an interactive session with the judges "where she will highlight her achievements and goals in life and how she will use her talents, passion, and ambition to perform the job of Miss America," the organization said in a statement. One Chinese was killed and 34 others wounded in a traffic accident in eastern Ontario, Canada around Monday afternoon. The accident occurred when a tourist bus carrying 35 Chinese people from the United States crashed on the 401 highway. All 37 people on board were injured. Apart from the bus driver and a tour guide, all 34 tourists and a team leader are Chinese nationals. One Chinese citizen passed away in the early hours of Tuesday. The injured were rushed to hospitals near the site of the accident. The bus belongs to travel company LLTOURTU, which is registered in the United States. The tourists set out from Shanghai on May 19 for a tour of the United States and Canada, which was expected to end on Saturday. The Chinese Embassy is working with the Ontario Police Department and the tourism company back in the United States. Yang Yundong, spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Canada, said the embassy will closely follow up the investigation. A high-speed train runs on the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) after departing from Shenzhen North Railway Station in Shenzhen city, South China's Guangdong province, May 11, 2018. [Photo/IC] East China's Zhejiang Province has granted permission for the country's first high-speed railway project undertaken by private company, said the provincial economic planner Tuesday. The railway, 226.56 kilometers long and designed for a maximum speed of 350 kmh, is an intra-provincial route connecting Shaoxing and Taizhou. The project is jointly invested by private capital led by Fosun Group, state-owned China Railway, and Zhejiang Communications Investment Group Co. Ltd, as well as the local government. The investment totaled 44.9 billion yuan (7.01 billion US dollars), with private capital led by Fosun Group holding 51 percent of the shares. Fosun Group signed the agreement with the Zhejiang provincial government in September. The railway is expected to be completed in 2021 and will operate for 30 years. Companies that engage in financial transactions, data management, and marketplace activity are seemingly at risk, as blockchain technology can potentially lower transaction costs as well as the costs of recordkeeping. However, weve identified some narrow- and wide-moat companies that should be less vulnerable to the blockchain threat. These companies provide value-added services along with simpler transaction processing and recordkeeping functions. For our previous articles in this series, see "Blockchain: Disruption by Decentralization?" and "How Is Blockchain Used?" Decentralization via blockchain offers several potential benefits to customers. For example, bitcoin offers more privacy, greater transparency, more security, and lower costs (at least in theory) than centralized methods of payment processing. More or Less? In the 1990s, 401(k) plans hit early adulthood and faced a life decision. They could continue to gain complexity, by giving employees additional investment options such as specialized funds and open brokerage platforms. Or, they could reverse their recent course and simplify. Perhaps less would be best. I made my call. Late in the decade, I submitted a guest column for a 401(k) trade website, stating that expansion was inevitable. As 401(k) balances grew, and employees became more financially sophisticated, they would no longer be satisfied with the basics. Rather, they would demand full investment freedom: The ability to invest where they wished. The history of the mutual fund industry was the history of doing more. The 401(k) business would be no exception. Carrier in Straits may provoke Chinese mainland response The US sending a warship through the Taiwan Straits will do nothing to improve Taiwan's declining situation and may provoke more actions from Beijing, said Chinese mainland observers. The US should prudently handle the Taiwan question so as to avoid harming bilateral ties and peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits region, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Tuesday. "The Taiwan question is the most important and sensitive core issue in the China-US relations," Hua said. Her remarks came after Reuters reported that the US was considering sending a warship through the Taiwan Straits. The US already examined plans for passage of an aircraft carrier but did not pursue them, presumably out of concern about upsetting China, Reuters quoted a US official as saying. The last time a US aircraft carrier transited the Taiwan Straits was in 2007. "The US feels the urge to give Taiwan a hand right now, when the region is facing mounting pressure from Beijing and more countries are cutting their 'diplomatic relations with Taiwan,'" Wu Xinbo, director of Fudan University's Center for American Studies, told the Global Times on Tuesday. Burkina Faso on May 24 declared it would break off "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan, the second country to do so within a month. But the US action will do little to help Taiwan, as the island is just a card for them to intimidate China, Wu said, warning that it may invite responses from Beijing. "The Taiwan question is the bottom line that cannot be touched or challenged," said Lieutenant-General He Lei, deputy head of the Academy of Military Sciences of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) at this year's Shangri-La Dialogue, in response to remarks by US Defense Secretary James Mattis. He stressed "the PLA has the determination, confidence and capability to safeguard China's sovereignty, unity and developmental interests." The defense ministry warned in November that it would hold frequent military exercises in the area including flying aircraft around the island and sending its carrier through the Straits. Taiwan's pro-independence power has no choice but to seek help from the US, Japan or even India, Wu Yaming, a Beijing-based expert on cross-Straits relations, told the Global Times. He noted the US and China should end the growing antagonism over the Taiwan question as Taiwan will be reunified sooner or later and it's not for the US to decide. NAIROBI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- A light aircraft with ten people onboard, which was flying from Kitale town in western Kenya to Nairobi, went missing on Tuesday, the country's aviation authorities have confirmed. Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Director General Gilbert Kibe said the Cessna C208 flight was last seen on radar at 2:02 p.m. Sources within the aviation industry said the aircraft is suspected to have crashed at round 5 p.m., about 40 km after taking off from Kitale to Nairobi. A search and rescue team has been dispatched but sources said the operation has been hampered by poor visibility in the area, which was not disclosed. Kibe said a search and rescue mission was launched Tuesday evening following reports it had gone missing. Preliminary reports showed the plane had ten people on board -- eight passengers and two crew. The identities of the passengers were not made public. Industry sources said the aircraft had earlier flown to Homa Bay in Western Kenya and Maasai Mara in southwest Kenya and was making last journey from Kitale to the city when it went missing. Emergency service providers at Wilson Airport and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport said "we're mobilized to help tracing the missing caravan." Vous etes confrontes a une infestation par la puce, la punaise de lit ? Voici plusieurs actions qui sont a mettre en uvre pour faire [] U.S. President Donald Trump said early Tuesday that his planned meeting with Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), will hopefully start "something big". (Photo/Xinhua) "Meeting in Singapore with North Korea will hopefully be the start of something big... we will soon see!" he tweeted, referring to the DPRK by an unofficial name. The White House said Monday that the meeting is tentatively scheduled at 9:00 a.m. (0200 GMT) on June 12 in Singapore. White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders said in a press briefing that a U.S. advanced team is in Singapore, finalizing logistical preparations. The team will remain in Singapore until the summit begins. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last week met with Kim Yong Chol, vice chairman of the Central Committee of the DPRK's ruling Workers' Party of Korea, in New York. On Friday Trump too met with Kim Yong Chol and the meeting lasted almost two hours. Subsequently, he said he would meet with Kim Jong Un in Singapore on June 12 as originally scheduled. As the world largest international organizations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has nearly 3 billion populations, accounting for one-third world population, and its total GDP exceeded $16 trillion after its first expansion in 2017. The SCO Summit 2018 is scheduled to be held from June 9 to 10, attracting worldwide expectation about Chinas role in the world as well as the future of world. Peoples Daily offered you a guide to understand SCO with interviews with leading international relations experts who believe the SCO summit will promote a more impartial and open world. file pic The Shanghai Spirit adheres to the non-aligned, non-confrontational principle that are not targeted at any third parties. Compared to the Cold War mentality, the Shanghai Spirit promotes the new security concept, which has been embraced by member states in SCO and other countries beyond the organization, the active accession of India and Pakistan could illustrate the increasing approval and cohesion of SCO, said Deng Hao, secretary general of China Center for Shanghai Cooperation Organization Studies, in an exclusive interview with Peoples Daily. Deng also pointed out the importance of SCO could be further demonstrated in current international situation, as it offers a platform for countries to deal with conflicts and construct mutual trust, hence resolving challenges in the context of prevalent anti-globalization and unilateralism trend. One of the highlights in SCO Summit 2018 could be Chinas proposal in global cooperation. It is believed that China could propose solutions to controversial issues, such as Syria crisis as well as territorial disputes, and enhance mutual trust to further confront instability in international society through cooperative treaties and projects, Deng noted. Chinese online matchmaking platforms are using big data to help users to find the right person more efficiently. However, the feedback given by users is not always positive. An investigation on big data dating has found that 80 percent of the young single respondents regard platforms supported by big data as an efficient tool for blind dating, according to thepaper.cn. App designer Yan Bei is a positive example of people who want to find love with the help of big data. Yan said such apps backed up by big data arrange more suitable blind dates for her according to her views, character and habits. Yan attributes 30 to 40 percent of her dating success to this type of app, but she thinks data isn't everything and is unable to influence her final decision. Other factors that cannot be quantified, such as personality, can only be learnt through face to face interactions. There are also concerns about big data, such as suspicion around information authenticity and worries about personal information disclosure. Li Miaomiao (not her real name) in Shenzhen expressed negative opinions towards big data dating. She once unknowingly dated a married man because the platform failed to identify that the guy in question had faked his age and marital status. Some users also worry about their data security, because having their private details used for analysis could easily make them transparent online. 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> Students participate in pep-up gathering for gaokao in Boluo Secondary School, Huizhou, Guangdong Province on June 6, 2018. [Photo: Lin Jiefeng] 17 hours and 16 minutes. That is all. And six hours must be allocated for sleep. For the first time in her life, Zhang Lijuan grows such an extreme parsimony that shed calculate every single second to make sure there is enough time for her hasty cramming. Tomorrow morning, Zhang, along with 9.75 million teenagers all over China, will face the challenge of the gaokao, a national examination that can decisively change their life direction. For the past three years, Zhang had been studying 14 hours a day, with only three days off every month. Her desk has been covered with countless textbooks and references, her teenage life filled only with study. Even on the final day before gaokao, she still reviews notes during her lunch break, memorizing as many facts and formulas as possible. Ive been focusing on one thing and one thing only: getting accepted into one of China's top universities. This is a battle I cannot afford to lose, said Zhang. An annual occurrence, gaokao is the sole determinant for admission to Chinese universities. The test result will decide what universities an examinee can attend, and consequently, determine whether he or she will find a well-paid job in the future. About three in five students will make the cut in this silent battle, while only one out of 20 can access the top universities in China. As ruthless as it sounds, gaokao is now close at hand. Over the next two days, peoples conventional perception of China being a boisterous and vivifying country will be totally shattered. The whole nation will be immersed in tranquility, expectation and anxiety, with anxiety dominating, only for this solemn examination. The roulette of fate Family members of candidates for the national college entrance exam wait outside the exam site at the Lhasa Middle School in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet autonomous region, on June 7, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua] Driving south from Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the earth takes on a brownish hue. Zhang, alone with her parents and two siblings, lives in Xihaigu, an arid region that is elusive on a map, but stands as a colloquial term for poverty and barrenness. Declared uninhabitable for humans by the United Nations in 1982, the worlds least fertile land is where Zhangs dreams grow. With an annual income of less than 30,000 RMB ($4690), Zhangs family are unable to support all of their children in dreams of going to university. Her two sisters quit their studies after middle school, leaving the only hope of seeing the outside world to the familys youngest member. I have never been outside of Ningxiamy life is made up of cave houses and barren lands. I want to see the world outside, and the only way to fulfil my dream is to pass gaokao and get a good job in a bigger city, said Zhang. From 1977 to 2016, 120 million Chinese students enrolled in universities. The roulette of fate has fundamentally changed poor students lives, and Zhang wishes to be one of them. In my hometown, many girls would drop out of school at a very young age and then be a peasant their whole life. I dont want my life to be like that, Zhang added. Agreeing with Zhang, Cui Shuang, a secondary school teacher from Huizhou, Guangdong Province, noted that for teenagers like Zhang, gaokao is their life savior. As an English teacher in a small town, I believe gaokao is the fairest and one of the only possible ways to a better life for students from poor families or even ordinary ones in small cities, despite its score-oriented nature and the fierce competition, Cui Shuang added. The desire to be a master of one's own fate has led to exorbitant self-discipline. In Zhangs class, where all 40 students are from rural areas, many have been taking extreme measures to beat the odds. One of Zhangs classmates has even resorted to scalding her own arms with burning incense, so that she can stay awake for longer to do more exercises. And the exam does not discriminate due to family background. In mega cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, many teenagers have participated in extracurricular cram schools to optimize their scores. Most of my classmates have signed up for Olympic Math Training courses, which our parents believe can help us get bonuses in the gaokao. I have to do the same, though I am not interested, said Chen Lin, a Shanghai-based high school student. He also noted that his parents have bought him tonics and oxygen generators, in hopes of improving his concentration. Gaokao is the first social selection of elites that happens in our life, of course no one wants to be labeled as a failure, Chen added. New alternatives Beijing students take the restored gaokao in 1977. [Photo/Xinhua] China may be changing at mind-blowing speed, but worship of the gaokao remains as immutable as when it was first initiated in 1952. As an ancient Chinese saying goes: scholarship pursuing surmounts all other occupation, and such traditional perception still holds true in the new era. But in recent years, the academic ritual has been gradually losing its glamor due to its overemphasis on grades and cramming methods. Chinese authorities have already initiated plans to reform the gaokao and its enrollment system by 2020, providing more places in universities for students from rural areas, as well as building more vocational schools as alternatives to the nations higher education. Attending vocational schools used to be discriminated, but the situation is changing gradually. For poor students who cannot get into universities, vocational schools have provided them a chance to get out of poverty, said Ma Jinming, a vocational school student from Xihaigu region. A gaokao banner signed by students. [Photo: Yu Yonghua] Meanwhile, overseas study has also become a new way to avoid the gaokao. According to Xinhua, nearly 610,000 Chinese students attended schools and colleges overseas in 2017, an increase of 11.7 percent compared to that in 2016. In Chens school, prep classes are provided for students who wish to get their bachelors degree abroad, but the cost is extreme. Such curricula are based on the U.S. education system, while the students may take trips to the U.S. annually. At one time, gaokao was regarded as an authority to select students, but now we can have the freedom to choose it or forsake it, to some extent, this is a great progress, said Chen. The Watch Photo Awards were launched on 1st May 2018. Its the first annual international watch photography competition open to amateur watch lovers and photographers, as well as professionals. This year will feature six monthly competitions: one for every month from May to October, each on a different theme. The first round, which took place in May, has just ended. The theme was Blue. In accordance with the rules of the Watch Photo Awards, the jury (comprising Pierre-Andre Montjovet, Denis Hayoun, Marie de Pimondan-Bugnon, Edouard Haegi and Brice Lechevalier) met to pick out the ten best photos for the month. Each member of the jury chose two, based on the criteria of creativity, relevance to the theme and technical proficiency. The 10 photos selected by the jury The jury has selected the photos below. You can now vote for your favourite photos by clicking on the "Like" button. Please note that you will have to confirm your choice once you have liked the photo. Having trouble voting ? Head over to the Watch Photo Awards Facebook page. The photo that receives the most likes will win its photographer a two-night stay for two people, breakfast included, at the Grand Hotel Kempinski in Geneva. Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and just minutes from the old town and the shopping district, the Grand Hotel Kempinski***** has 412 rooms and majestic views across the lake to the famous water fountain and beyond it the Mont Blanc. Creativity and technical proficiency Jury member and photographer Edouard Haegi concedes that, for him, first impressions played an important role in his decision. But his choice was also about finding a balance between creativity and technical quality. The originality of the photo and its composition are crucial. You have to be able to sense the idea behind the photo. As a professional photographer, I can tell immediately if someone has taken time over the photo. But the competition is open to all, amateurs and professionals alike, and amateurs shouldnt be penalised because of the quality of the photographic equipment they use. Thats why I focus on creativity. And you dont have to be a distinguished photographer to turn this to your advantage. There are some simple techniques that anyone can use, such as good preparation, and taking a picture from a variety of angles to ensure the best possible image. Im often disappointed to realise that it wouldnt take much to increase the quality of a photo. Sometimes its just a matter of taking a bit more care with the background, notes Edouard Haegi. And follow the guidelines! Several of the many photos submitted by participants were rejected because they failed to comply with the competition rules. Edouard Haegi highlights the three most important points: The photographed watches must be mechanical automatic or manual unless they are ladies watches, which can be quartz. Failing to comply with this requirement was the main reason photos were rejected. Next, the photographer must be the owner of the photographed watch. And finally, failure to comply with the theme was the kiss of death for several shots, which had no blue in them at all. Edouard Haegis tips for successful photos Sport! The Watch Photo Awards continue in June, on the theme of sport. So get your cameras, watches, trainers, bats and balls ready. Participate! Good luck! Berlin Reporter Proposed city budget includes $2.69 tax increase by Jody Houle BERLIN At a public hearing last Monday, May 23, the city council presented the proposed fiscal year 2019 budget which includes a $2.69 tax increase which would make the tax rate $41.88. Mayor Paul Grenier opened up the meeting and welcomed everyone. He said that the budget is "a working document." The mayor noted that city positions are not affected by the proposed budget, but that schools budget is. Retirees positions have not been filled. The departments combined originally requested $17,162,255. The City Manager, James Wheeler, reduced that figure to $13,302,438. The original SAU 3 school budget request was $19,089,345 and it was reduced to $18,190,437. The county tax was reduced to $1,760,000. Wheeler said that in order to keep the tax rate level, the presented budget needs to be reduced by $800,000. Grenier noted that there is six weeks left until the final budget is voted on, and that "surplus and revenues may be available." In the line items, last year's budget for the mayor and council was $66,382. The proposed FY2019 budget increase is $71,658. The increase is due to the cost of the city audit. The city is required to audit the state retirement and liability accounts. Administration is reduced from $1,032,253 to $1,023,959. The two elections scheduled for this year will cause an increase in the elections budget from $9,831 to $16,386. The budget for City Hall and other buildings is up from $51,240 to $52,847 due to an increase in heating costs. Property/liability insurance is down from $90,157 to $79,605. Central services remains the same at $25,000. Personnel benefits are down from $353,205 to $349,262. Contingency (emergencies or special funding requests) is the same at $9600. Outside agencies is down from $69,397 to $62,619. Cemetery is the same at $17,961 for maintenance of all city owned cemeteries. The IT department is down from $150,950 to $147,900. General government is down from $1,876,252 to $1,857,072. There is currently a proposed decrease of $19,000. The Police Department is up from $3,203,000 to $3,229,510. The Fire Department is up from $2,180,658 to $2,272,544. Two employees had been funded by the SAFER grant but this is no longer the case as the city pays for the employees now. Street lighting is down from $156,200 to $109,000. The city will be upgrading to LED lights which is expected to lower electricity costs. Ambulance service is up from $335,000 to $341,000. A study will be conducted to study the feasibility of the fire department taking on some EMS duties. Berlin resident Rod Bengston asked what the ambulance money covers. Mayor Grenier responded that the ambulance operates within a budget and uses the money to subsidize operations. Bengston stated that he heard residents get charged a fee for ambulance services and he is concerned for the tax payers. Grenier replied that is a reason for the feasibility study. Nicole Plourde asked when the study is taking place. Completion of the study is expected by mid-October. Special Public Safety is up from $163,600 to $164,700. Total public safety is up from $6,038.457 to$6,116,754. Housing is down from $138,300 to $62,380. Bengston asked why that budget is cut in half. Finance Director Patty Chase explained that the code enforcement budget, which had been included in the Housing line, has now been separated out due to the decision to hire a full-time code enforcement officer. Consequently, there is now a new figure for Code enforcement, $118,716. The money is for a code enforcement officer and a part time secretary. Public Works is up from $1,924,929 to $2,041,056. Higher fuel costs and road salt lines have resulted in the increase. Solid waste is up from $829,875 to $860,742. Total public works is up from $2,754,804 to $2,901,789. Health Department is from $1,901 to $0. Welfare is down from $152,474 to $115,990. The decrease is due to half of the office clerk payroll in the City Clerk line. The position is shared. Parks is down from $274,843 to $267,279. Recreation is up from $150,086 to $154,601 due to an increase in fuel costs. Library is up from $198,020 to $200,293. Total community service is down from $777,324 to $738,162. Debt service is up from $762,491 to $765,770. Capital improvements is up from $203,996 to $553,410. Bengston expressed that money should be used to repair the streets. Total general fund is up from $12,551,624 to $13,072,061. The school budget is the same, at $18,143,437. Grenier noted that the proposed budget "is set to be level funded." Bengston asked why the school's budget is $5 million more than the city's municipal budget, given the fact that local schools only serve a student population of 1,100 for 200 days out of the year, compared to the city's population of 9,000 which requires services year-round. Superintendent of Schools Corrine Cascadden replied that it costs $100,000 per student, per year with special needs and that "k-12 education per capita costs are the second lowest in the state." School capital improvements are the same at $47,000. Grenier noted that the city has lost $465,000 in state education aid. County tax is up from $1,556,553 to $1,760,000. Grenier noted that this number will change depending on property values and reductions from the state. Total general fund is down from $32,298,615 to $32,075,860. The total bottom line figure for the budget is $40,758,466. Mike Caron of Caron Building Center expressed that a $2.69 tax increase "would be hard on the city and residents." He also noted that it is becoming "hard to get people [to move] here." BERLIN At a public hearing last Monday, May 23, the city council presented the proposed fiscal year 2019 budget which includes a $2.69 tax increase which would make the tax rate $41.88.Mayor Paul Grenier opened up the meeting and welcomed everyone. He said that the budget is "a working document."The mayor noted that city positions are not affected by the proposed budget, but that schools budget is. Retirees positions have not been filled.The departments combined originally requested $17,162,255. The City Manager, James Wheeler, reduced that figure to $13,302,438.The original SAU 3 school budget request was $19,089,345 and it was reduced to $18,190,437.The county tax was reduced to $1,760,000.Wheeler said that in order to keep the tax rate level, the presented budget needs to be reduced by $800,000.Grenier noted that there is six weeks left until the final budget is voted on, and that "surplus and revenues may be available."In the line items, last year's budget for the mayor and council was $66,382. The proposed FY2019 budget increase is $71,658. The increase is due to the cost of the city audit. The city is required to audit the state retirement and liability accounts.Administration is reduced from $1,032,253 to $1,023,959.The two elections scheduled for this year will cause an increase in the elections budget from $9,831 to $16,386.The budget for City Hall and other buildings is up from $51,240 to $52,847 due to an increase in heating costs.Property/liability insurance is down from $90,157 to $79,605.Central services remains the same at $25,000.Personnel benefits are down from $353,205 to $349,262.Contingency (emergencies or special funding requests) is the same at $9600.Outside agencies is down from $69,397 to $62,619.Cemetery is the same at $17,961 for maintenance of all city owned cemeteries.The IT department is down from $150,950 to $147,900.General government is down from $1,876,252 to $1,857,072. There is currently a proposed decrease of $19,000.The Police Department is up from $3,203,000 to $3,229,510.The Fire Department is up from $2,180,658 to $2,272,544. Two employees had been funded by the SAFER grant but this is no longer the case as the city pays for the employees now.Street lighting is down from $156,200 to $109,000. The city will be upgrading to LED lights which is expected to lower electricity costs.Ambulance service is up from $335,000 to $341,000. A study will be conducted to study the feasibility of the fire department taking on some EMS duties.Berlin resident Rod Bengston asked what the ambulance money covers. Mayor Grenier responded that the ambulance operates within a budget and uses the money to subsidize operations. Bengston stated that he heard residents get charged a fee for ambulance services and he is concerned for the tax payers. Grenier replied that is a reason for the feasibility study.Nicole Plourde asked when the study is taking place. Completion of the study is expected by mid-October.Special Public Safety is up from $163,600 to $164,700. Total public safety is up from $6,038.457 to$6,116,754.Housing is down from $138,300 to $62,380. Bengston asked why that budget is cut in half. Finance Director Patty Chase explained that the code enforcement budget, which had been included in the Housing line, has now been separated out due to the decision to hire a full-time code enforcement officer. Consequently, there is now a new figure for Code enforcement, $118,716. The money is for a code enforcement officer and a part time secretary.Public Works is up from $1,924,929 to $2,041,056. Higher fuel costs and road salt lines have resulted in the increase.Solid waste is up from $829,875 to $860,742.Total public works is up from $2,754,804 to $2,901,789.Health Department is from $1,901 to $0.Welfare is down from $152,474 to $115,990. The decrease is due to half of the office clerk payroll in the City Clerk line. The position is shared.Parks is down from $274,843 to $267,279.Recreation is up from $150,086 to $154,601 due to an increase in fuel costs.Library is up from $198,020 to $200,293.Total community service is down from $777,324 to $738,162.Debt service is up from $762,491 to $765,770.Capital improvements is up from $203,996 to $553,410.Bengston expressed that money should be used to repair the streets.Total general fund is up from $12,551,624 to $13,072,061.The school budget is the same, at $18,143,437. Grenier noted that the proposed budget "is set to be level funded."Bengston asked why the school's budget is $5 million more than the city's municipal budget, given the fact that local schools only serve a student population of 1,100 for 200 days out of the year, compared to the city's population of 9,000 which requires services year-round. Superintendent of Schools Corrine Cascadden replied that it costs $100,000 per student, per year with special needs and that "k-12 education per capita costs are the second lowest in the state."School capital improvements are the same at $47,000. Grenier noted that the city has lost $465,000 in state education aid.County tax is up from $1,556,553 to $1,760,000. Grenier noted that this number will change depending on property values and reductions from the state.Total general fund is down from $32,298,615 to $32,075,860.The total bottom line figure for the budget is $40,758,466.Mike Caron of Caron Building Center expressed that a $2.69 tax increase "would be hard on the city and residents." He also noted that it is becoming "hard to get people [to move] here." Berlin Reporter Berlin boys shut out Lakers in Meredith City Council examines taking over portion of Route 110 COVID cases surge, officials urge community first approach Recent Jody Houle State funding cuts force closure of Brown School 2019-Jan-23 Grenier testifies in support of House Bill aimed at overturning education cuts 2019-Jan-23 Film made in Berlin now available for purchase 2019-Jan-17 School board continues to discuss reorganization of grades 2019-Jan-17 AVH hosting forum on addiction treatment services 2019-Jan-09 Police apprehend armed man following standoff 2019-Jan-09 More... Thanks for visiting SalmonPress.com Berlin Reporter County-wide drug sweep results in more than 20 arrests by Jody Houle A major county-wide drug sweep resulted in a number of arrests, mostly for drugs and some for other crimes. (Courtesy Photos) (click for larger version) REGION A major drug sweep, Operation Northern Alliance, conducted by several agencies and law enforcement departments, resulted in the arrest of at least 21 people in the region. Fifteen of those arrested are from the Berlin, Gorham, or Milan. Most arrests were drug related. The arrests occurred on Thursday, May 24. Involved in the operation and investigation in a collaborative effort were the Berlin Police Department, Gorham Police Department, Groveton Police Department, Lancaster Police Department, Whitefield Police Department, Colebrook Police Department, Coos County Sheriff's Office, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, Attorney General's Drug Task Force, and the New Hampshire State Police (comprised of members from the Mobile Enforcement Team (MET), Narcotics Investigations Unit (NIU), and Troop F and Troop G). "The goal of this operation was to investigate and arrest individuals in New Hampshire distributing heroin, fentanyl and opioid-based narcotics along with other illicit drugs," a press release stated. Those arrested during the operation were: Scott J. Towle of 594 Cheshire St., Berlin for Felony- possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute. Amanda Labonville of 20 Pine St., Gorham, for a Misdemeanor- receiving stolen property. Orlando Valle of 138 East Milan Rd., Berlin, who was charged with being a fugitive from justice, a felony. Skyla Placey, of 295 School St., Berlin: Felony- possession of a controlled substance; misdemeanor- transporting drugs in a motor vehicle. Allegra Dyer of 205 State St., Berlin: Felony- possession of controlled drug (two counts); electronic bench warrant for DUI impairment (non-appearance at court). David Levchuk of 13 Memory Lane, Gorham: Felony- burglary. David Mulinski of 555 First Ave., Berlin: Misdemeanor- simple Assault, attempted simple assault, disorderly conduct, and operating after suspension or revocation. Johnathan Bailey of 64 Pershing Ave., Berlin: Felony - possession of controlled drug (two counts); theft by deception Donald Guerin of 3 Exchange St., Gorham: Conduct after an accident. Ronda Deltufo of 799 Second Ave., Berlin: Felony possession of controlled drug (two counts). Zachary Gagne of 256 West Milan Rd., Milan: Felony - possession of controlled Drug (three counts); Transporting drugs in motor vehicle. Samantha Labbe, of 533 Goebel St., Berlin: Two electronic bench warrants (town ordinance and controlled drug act). Chantal Lesperance of 1408 Napert St., Berlin: Electronic bench warrant (driving after revocation or suspension, non-payment of fine; acts prohibited). Brian Miller of 509 Champlain St., Berlin: Electronic bench warrant (theft by deception). Cody Curtis of 19 State St., Groveton: Misdemeanor- conduct after an accident, taking without owners consent, and operating after suspension or revocation; Felony- sales of a controlled drug heroin or fentanyl. Joshua Warren of Brown Road, Groveton: Misdemeanor- criminal mischief, OHRV violation, wetlands violation. Kimberly Savoie of Second Street, Groveton: Electronic bench warrant (theft by deception). Benjamin Boutin of Second Street, Groveton: Felony- possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute. Daniel Roy of State Street, Groveton: Misdemeanor- transporting drugs in a motor vehicle. Shawn Mclain of Brooklyn Street, Groveton: Electronic bench warrant (theft). Kelly Murray of 238 Collins St., Berlin: Misdemeanor- willful concealment. The investigation is on-going and more arrests are anticipated. "Further joint efforts are planned between Federal, State, Local, and County Law enforcement agencies in Northern New Hampshire," the press release stated. REGION A major drug sweep, Operation Northern Alliance, conducted by several agencies and law enforcement departments, resulted in the arrest of at least 21 people in the region. Fifteen of those arrested are from the Berlin, Gorham, or Milan. Most arrests were drug related.The arrests occurred on Thursday, May 24.Involved in the operation and investigation in a collaborative effort were the Berlin Police Department, Gorham Police Department, Groveton Police Department, Lancaster Police Department, Whitefield Police Department, Colebrook Police Department, Coos County Sheriff's Office, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, Attorney General's Drug Task Force, and the New Hampshire State Police (comprised of members from the Mobile Enforcement Team (MET), Narcotics Investigations Unit (NIU), and Troop F and Troop G)."The goal of this operation was to investigate and arrest individuals in New Hampshire distributing heroin, fentanyl and opioid-based narcotics along with other illicit drugs," a press release stated.Those arrested during the operation were:Scott J. Towle of 594 Cheshire St., Berlin for Felony- possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute.Amanda Labonville of 20 Pine St., Gorham, for a Misdemeanor- receiving stolen property.Orlando Valle of 138 East Milan Rd., Berlin, who was charged with being a fugitive from justice, a felony.Skyla Placey, of 295 School St., Berlin: Felony- possession of a controlled substance; misdemeanor- transporting drugs in a motor vehicle.Allegra Dyer of 205 State St., Berlin: Felony- possession of controlled drug (two counts); electronic bench warrant for DUI impairment (non-appearance at court).David Levchuk of 13 Memory Lane, Gorham: Felony- burglary.David Mulinski of 555 First Ave., Berlin: Misdemeanor- simple Assault, attempted simple assault, disorderly conduct, and operating after suspension or revocation.Johnathan Bailey of 64 Pershing Ave., Berlin: Felony - possession of controlled drug (two counts); theft by deceptionDonald Guerin of 3 Exchange St., Gorham: Conduct after an accident.Ronda Deltufo of 799 Second Ave., Berlin: Felony possession of controlled drug (two counts).Zachary Gagne of 256 West Milan Rd., Milan: Felony - possession of controlled Drug (three counts); Transporting drugs in motor vehicle.Samantha Labbe, of 533 Goebel St., Berlin: Two electronic bench warrants (town ordinance and controlled drug act).Chantal Lesperance of 1408 Napert St., Berlin: Electronic bench warrant (driving after revocation or suspension, non-payment of fine; acts prohibited).Brian Miller of 509 Champlain St., Berlin: Electronic bench warrant (theft by deception).Cody Curtis of 19 State St., Groveton: Misdemeanor- conduct after an accident, taking without owners consent, and operating after suspension or revocation; Felony- sales of a controlled drug heroin or fentanyl.Joshua Warren of Brown Road, Groveton: Misdemeanor- criminal mischief, OHRV violation, wetlands violation.Kimberly Savoie of Second Street, Groveton: Electronic bench warrant (theft by deception).Benjamin Boutin of Second Street, Groveton: Felony- possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute.Daniel Roy of State Street, Groveton: Misdemeanor- transporting drugs in a motor vehicle.Shawn Mclain of Brooklyn Street, Groveton: Electronic bench warrant (theft).Kelly Murray of 238 Collins St., Berlin: Misdemeanor- willful concealment.The investigation is on-going and more arrests are anticipated."Further joint efforts are planned between Federal, State, Local, and County Law enforcement agencies in Northern New Hampshire," the press release stated. Carroll County Independent Wakefield selectmen adopt public meeting participation policy by Thomas Beeler Editor of The Granite State News Editor of The Granite State News write the author WAKEFIELD At their May 23 meeting, Wakefield selectmen adopted a written policy covering public participation at their meetings. The policy was created as a result of public comments made at board meetings earlier this year about certain town employees that board members felt were inappropriate. Selectmen Chair Lino Avellani responded to the comments at the time to offer guidelines while making it clear that public comments at meetings were welcome. The adopted guidelines state that "The purpose of the policy is to provide the Board with the opportunity to hear from residents and taxpayers directly, while keeping the discussions civil and orderly and protecting the rights of others." There are to opportunities at every meeting for audience members to comments on and ask questions about issues. In the first public comment opportunity, held after any appointments on the agenda, is limited to comments and questions on issues and topics printed on the agenda. The second opportunity, after a review of any correspondence received, is open to any topic. Residents can also request an appointment with the board: a form to do so is posted on the town Web site ( The meeting policy itself is also posted on the town website on the Board of Selectmen page. Click on "BOS Meeting Procedures 2018" to read the complete text. Invasive species The board held the required public hearing on distributing the funds from the town's Invasive Species Fund established to help prevent and eradicate milfoil from the town's seven lakes. A total of $32,125 was approved by voters in March to be added to the fund. Linda Schier, Executive Director of Acton Wakefield Watershed Alliance (AWWA) presented a request for $14,625, unchanged from last year, to help support the Lake Host program at lakes not yet infested with milfoil. The Lake Host program inspects boats for any attached milfoil before they are launched on the lakes. More than 1,000 inspections are done each year, and the lakes associations pay 50 percent of the cost. Victor Vinagro spoke for the Belleau Lake Association (and also serves as a diver for the milfoil control association). Because the lake was man-made from five lakes without proper permits and has no public access, it is not eligible for state funding. The association has its own Diver-Assisted Suction Harvester (DASH) boat for hand-pulling and removing milfoil. The association requested $10,000 for 2018. The total cost of chemical treatment of 100 acres will be $58,000. Don Pearson, past president of the Balch Lake Improvement Association, requested $7,500 toward the cost of treating 30 acres in 2018. He facetiously thanked Belleau Lake for providing the milfoil being treated. He said that diving to pull milfoil had begun on May 16 and chemical treatment will be done in the fall. Last year 15,000 pounds of milfoil were removed from the lake. Other business The town received two bids to pump the Wastewater Treatment Facility's septic tanks from D.H. Cameron and Lakes Region Septic Service. Chairman Avellani opened them. Lakes Region Septic Service of Brookfield bid 17.5 cents a gallon plus the cost of required analysis of the septage while Cameron bid 20 cents per gallon with no mention of lab analysis included. The town bid documents had requested bids that included lab analysis. Avellani asked Town Administrator Kelley Collins to find out if the Cameron bid included lab analysis; if not, the pumping needs to be re-bid. Selectman Vin Wallace made a motion to award the bid to Lakes Region Septic as a local company. Selectman Connie Twombley seconded the motion for discussion, but after Avellani proposed re-bidding, she withdrew it. The board accepted with regret the written resignation from the Conservation Commission by Dave Mankus. Selectmen approved a request from Collins to write off eight ambulance bills for a total of $7,300 and send a report of unpaid debt on three others worth $1,038.91 to Experian. Total past due ambulance bills are now $16,000. Collins reported that the town's Emergency Operations Plan expires in 2018. Without an approved plan the town will not be able to accept grants. However, there is a 50-50 grant available to produce a current plan that will not require a cash outlay by the town. The Strafford Regional Planning Commission is willing to help but an independent consultant who can fast-track the revision can do the work for $500 less. The board approved Collins' fast-track proposal. Brookfield Treasurer Marilou MacLean requested the town to waive the estimated cost of $16 for disposing outdated computer monitors at the transfer station. Avellani said he did not want to set a precedent and the board declined to approve the request. Collins reported that she has reviewed the minutes of the Greater Wakefield Resource Center and plans to attend the next GWRC board meeting on June 8. The agenda includes a review of the Meals on Wheels program. The Center also needs a motorized door opener for handicap access to the back door to comply with the building code; currently those who park in back need to walk to the front to enter. There is no money in the budget for this, Collins reported. There is also a need to get rid of poison ivy and bittersweet. She said that a Public Works crew can handle this as well as repairing gutters. There is also a need to repair the sidewalk, she reported. The board signed state form MS-535, the approved budget for 2018. Collins reported that the unassigned fund balance stood at $1.781 million and included funds returned from the renovation of the Public Safety Building project, which came in under budget. Collins received approval to pursue a contract with a new payroll company. The current vendor, Checkmate, has created problems for the town, including two late filings with the IRS. Collins said she has in the past used other payroll service providers, including ADP and Paychex, and feels the proposed new vendor, who is looking for its first New Hampshire town, will provide better service for $3,000 less than the town is paying now. Avellani proposed sending a letter of appreciation to Cindy DeBow, who's restaurant was named Business of the Year at Pride Day and the board approved. All meetings of the Wakefield Board of Selectmen can be view live on ClearView Community TV or online at governmentoversite.com. The next meeting of the board will be on Wednesday, June 13 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall conference room. WAKEFIELD At their May 23 meeting, Wakefield selectmen adopted a written policy covering public participation at their meetings.The policy was created as a result of public comments made at board meetings earlier this year about certain town employees that board members felt were inappropriate. Selectmen Chair Lino Avellani responded to the comments at the time to offer guidelines while making it clear that public comments at meetings were welcome.The adopted guidelines state that "The purpose of the policy is to provide the Board with the opportunity to hear from residents and taxpayers directly, while keeping the discussions civil and orderly and protecting the rights of others."There are to opportunities at every meeting for audience members to comments on and ask questions about issues. In the first public comment opportunity, held after any appointments on the agenda, is limited to comments and questions on issues and topics printed on the agenda. The second opportunity, after a review of any correspondence received, is open to any topic. Residents can also request an appointment with the board: a form to do so is posted on the town Web site ( www.wakefieldnh.com ) on the Board of Selectmen page.The meeting policy itself is also posted on the town website on the Board of Selectmen page. Click on "BOS Meeting Procedures 2018" to read the complete text.Invasive speciesThe board held the required public hearing on distributing the funds from the town's Invasive Species Fund established to help prevent and eradicate milfoil from the town's seven lakes. A total of $32,125 was approved by voters in March to be added to the fund.Linda Schier, Executive Director of Acton Wakefield Watershed Alliance (AWWA) presented a request for $14,625, unchanged from last year, to help support the Lake Host program at lakes not yet infested with milfoil. The Lake Host program inspects boats for any attached milfoil before they are launched on the lakes. More than 1,000 inspections are done each year, and the lakes associations pay 50 percent of the cost.Victor Vinagro spoke for the Belleau Lake Association (and also serves as a diver for the milfoil control association). Because the lake was man-made from five lakes without proper permits and has no public access, it is not eligible for state funding. The association has its own Diver-Assisted Suction Harvester (DASH) boat for hand-pulling and removing milfoil. The association requested $10,000 for 2018. The total cost of chemical treatment of 100 acres will be $58,000.Don Pearson, past president of the Balch Lake Improvement Association, requested $7,500 toward the cost of treating 30 acres in 2018. He facetiously thanked Belleau Lake for providing the milfoil being treated. He said that diving to pull milfoil had begun on May 16 and chemical treatment will be done in the fall. Last year 15,000 pounds of milfoil were removed from the lake.Other businessThe town received two bids to pump the Wastewater Treatment Facility's septic tanks from D.H. Cameron and Lakes Region Septic Service. Chairman Avellani opened them. Lakes Region Septic Service of Brookfield bid 17.5 cents a gallon plus the cost of required analysis of the septage while Cameron bid 20 cents per gallon with no mention of lab analysis included. The town bid documents had requested bids that included lab analysis. Avellani asked Town Administrator Kelley Collins to find out if the Cameron bid included lab analysis; if not, the pumping needs to be re-bid.Selectman Vin Wallace made a motion to award the bid to Lakes Region Septic as a local company. Selectman Connie Twombley seconded the motion for discussion, but after Avellani proposed re-bidding, she withdrew it.The board accepted with regret the written resignation from the Conservation Commission by Dave Mankus.Selectmen approved a request from Collins to write off eight ambulance bills for a total of $7,300 and send a report of unpaid debt on three others worth $1,038.91 to Experian. Total past due ambulance bills are now $16,000.Collins reported that the town's Emergency Operations Plan expires in 2018. Without an approved plan the town will not be able to accept grants. However, there is a 50-50 grant available to produce a current plan that will not require a cash outlay by the town. The Strafford Regional Planning Commission is willing to help but an independent consultant who can fast-track the revision can do the work for $500 less. The board approved Collins' fast-track proposal.Brookfield Treasurer Marilou MacLean requested the town to waive the estimated cost of $16 for disposing outdated computer monitors at the transfer station. Avellani said he did not want to set a precedent and the board declined to approve the request.Collins reported that she has reviewed the minutes of the Greater Wakefield Resource Center and plans to attend the next GWRC board meeting on June 8. The agenda includes a review of the Meals on Wheels program. The Center also needs a motorized door opener for handicap access to the back door to comply with the building code; currently those who park in back need to walk to the front to enter. There is no money in the budget for this, Collins reported. There is also a need to get rid of poison ivy and bittersweet. She said that a Public Works crew can handle this as well as repairing gutters. There is also a need to repair the sidewalk, she reported.The board signed state form MS-535, the approved budget for 2018. Collins reported that the unassigned fund balance stood at $1.781 million and included funds returned from the renovation of the Public Safety Building project, which came in under budget.Collins received approval to pursue a contract with a new payroll company. The current vendor, Checkmate, has created problems for the town, including two late filings with the IRS. Collins said she has in the past used other payroll service providers, including ADP and Paychex, and feels the proposed new vendor, who is looking for its first New Hampshire town, will provide better service for $3,000 less than the town is paying now.Avellani proposed sending a letter of appreciation to Cindy DeBow, who's restaurant was named Business of the Year at Pride Day and the board approved.All meetings of the Wakefield Board of Selectmen can be view live on ClearView Community TV or online at governmentoversite.com.The next meeting of the board will be on Wednesday, June 13 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall conference room. Carroll County Independent Knight girls battle to hard-fought win over Kennett Eagle girls second, boys third at Kennett Invitational School officials detail ESSER grant expenditures Recent Thomas Beeler Brookfield to hold public hearing next week on proposed zoning change 2019-Jan-09 American Legion holds Veterans Day ceremony at the Wright Museum 2018-Nov-14 Democratic reps win majority in Carroll County 2018-Nov-14 Brookfield planners hold work session on Master Plan survey results 2018-Nov-07 East Wakefield Fall Festival celebrates community this Saturday 2018-Oct-10 Denny Miller joins Wakefield Board of Selectmen 2018-Oct-03 More... Thanks for visiting SalmonPress.com Gilford Steamer GHS Interact donation supports Rwandan students by Erin Plummer Aria Stephan, president of Gilford High School's Interact Club, presents a check to Joan and Alan Graustein to benefit the Rwanda Children's Education Foundation. (Photo by Erin Plummer) (click for larger version) A fundraiser by a group of Gilford High School students will allow two children in Rwanda to go to school. Last Thursday, Interact Club president Aria Stephan presented a check for more than $300 to Joan and Alan Graustein of the Rwanda Children's Education Foundation during Interact's end of the year ceremony. Interact raised the money during a benefit yard sale weeks following a presentation on Rwanda and the Rwanda Children's Education Foundation. The Rwanda Children's Education Foundation supports school and family expenses for impoverished Rwandan children. Education is free in Rwanda, but students are responsible for paying for school uniforms, supplies, and other expenses. The foundation will cover these expenses as well as living expenses for the students' families. In April, the organization's founder, Jeanine Mukarbega, with translation by her son, gave a presentation to GHS about the Rwandan Genocide and the work of her organization. Stephan said they learned of the foundation after they had worked with Interact at Inter-Lakes. Stephan said Mukarbega presentation was really moving. "I think we'd like to continue to do everything we can," Stephan said. Interact held a yard sale to raise money for the Rwanda Children's Education Foundation. The amount raised was doubled by its parent organization, Gilford Rotary. That will be enough to send two children to school and provide money for their families. In the beginning the organization assisted the families of refugees, sponsoring 10 students. Since then the scope of the organization has expanded. The Grausteins said they visited some of the students in Rwanda and saw their impoverished living conditions. He also told the story of a group of students who sacrificed themselves to protect their classmates in 1994 during the Rwandan Genocide. A group of killers came into the classroom and demanded the students tell them who in the class was Tutsi. None of the students identified their Tutsi classmates and all of them were killed. "That touched my heart," Alan Graustein said. He said the country is still in the process of rebuilding. The Graustein's said the organization is next looking to offer microloans to small businesses in Rwanda to help them grow. They applied for a grant from the Rotary for microfinancing. "We are very grateful; just really appreciate the dedication and commitment of these high school students," Alan Graustein said. Joan Graustein said Interact teaches the students to give, a lesson they carry with them through their lives. "It's not just school; it's changing their entire lives," Stephan said. She said when kids in Rwanda go to school, they get higher paying jobs and better lives. A fundraiser by a group of Gilford High School students will allow two children in Rwanda to go to school.Last Thursday, Interact Club president Aria Stephan presented a check for more than $300 to Joan and Alan Graustein of the Rwanda Children's Education Foundation during Interact's end of the year ceremony. Interact raised the money during a benefit yard sale weeks following a presentation on Rwanda and the Rwanda Children's Education Foundation.The Rwanda Children's Education Foundation supports school and family expenses for impoverished Rwandan children. Education is free in Rwanda, but students are responsible for paying for school uniforms, supplies, and other expenses. The foundation will cover these expenses as well as living expenses for the students' families.In April, the organization's founder, Jeanine Mukarbega, with translation by her son, gave a presentation to GHS about the Rwandan Genocide and the work of her organization.Stephan said they learned of the foundation after they had worked with Interact at Inter-Lakes. Stephan said Mukarbega presentation was really moving."I think we'd like to continue to do everything we can," Stephan said.Interact held a yard sale to raise money for the Rwanda Children's Education Foundation. The amount raised was doubled by its parent organization, Gilford Rotary.That will be enough to send two children to school and provide money for their families.In the beginning the organization assisted the families of refugees, sponsoring 10 students. Since then the scope of the organization has expanded.The Grausteins said they visited some of the students in Rwanda and saw their impoverished living conditions.He also told the story of a group of students who sacrificed themselves to protect their classmates in 1994 during the Rwandan Genocide. A group of killers came into the classroom and demanded the students tell them who in the class was Tutsi. None of the students identified their Tutsi classmates and all of them were killed."That touched my heart," Alan Graustein said.He said the country is still in the process of rebuilding.The Graustein's said the organization is next looking to offer microloans to small businesses in Rwanda to help them grow. They applied for a grant from the Rotary for microfinancing."We are very grateful; just really appreciate the dedication and commitment of these high school students," Alan Graustein said.Joan Graustein said Interact teaches the students to give, a lesson they carry with them through their lives."It's not just school; it's changing their entire lives," Stephan said.She said when kids in Rwanda go to school, they get higher paying jobs and better lives. Gilford Steamer McDonald's brings police and public together Volleyball Golden Eagles power past Plymouth Registration open for GYC Turkey Trot Thanks for visiting SalmonPress.com Plymouth Record Enterprise Plymouth's Class of 2018 challenged to keep their goals in sight by Donna Rhodes write the author It was all thumbs up for members of Plymouth Regional High School's Class of 2018 as they waited to walk into the All Well North Center at Plymouth State University for their gradation ceremony last Saturday. (Photo by Donna Rhodes) (click for larger version) PLYMOUTH On Saturday, June 2, the 152 members of Plymouth Regional High School's Class of 2018 were lauded for their accomplishments and challenged to go out into the world with new goals and to strive to achieve them. "I can't help but wonder what this class will achieve," said Class Vice President Abigail Sutcliffe as she asked he fellow students to "strip away the training wheels" and head off into the world. Liam Crowley of Ashland was awarded Third Honors at this year's graduation, and recognized the efforts that parents, teachers and administrators put forth to facilitate their accomplishments in high school while adding that, like high school, "the next years will pass us by before too long but the efforts we now put forth will be worth it." The rewards of the future, he concluded, won't be handed out, though; they will have to be earned. Crowley will be headed to Tufts University in the fall where he will major in biology. Salutatorian Eleanor Knight of Waterville Valley will be off to Chapman University in Orange, Calif.., next year, where she will major in Film Production. As she finished out her final hour at PRHS however, she emphasized the fact that the Class of 2018 made it through high school by sticking together. "Together, we built a community that worked together together, we will walk off the stage today to begin the next chapter of our lives together, we have set goals and will work for them," she said. "Maybe you haven't found your passion yet, but try something different every day until you do." She encouraged her fellow classmates to set a goal that day and work toward it. As the Valedictorian of the Class of 2018, Benjamin Fort, who among his many scholastic accomplishments also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, also spoke of achievements and goals for the future. He began his speech with light hearted comments about the trials and tribulations of his freshman year at PRHS when he couldn't open his locker and got lost heading off to his first class, but went on to say now is the time to leave those troubles behind. "Challenge yourselves. Set your goals high but realize they may need some tweaking along the way," said Fort. "This is your journey; you design it. Graduation is not your end goal. It is the first start on your journey." Fort will now begin his journey as a student of chemistry at Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut in September. This year's Commencement Address was presented by Ross Deachman, who is not only a noted local attorney, but one of the founding members of Pemi-Baker School District, a nearly 30-year member of the school board, and a past participant in the state education system. Deachman told the class that graduation day was a "watershed moment" in their lives and encouraged them to remember the teachers, administrators and all who helped move them forward in their education. As adults, he also urged them to keep those people in mind as they become a part of the towns they will live in by being responsible voters and community partners, supporting schools their children, nieces and nephews will one day attend. "You are graduates of an outstanding school and staff. Pay it back by finding more like them," said Deachman. Principal Bruce Parsons told parents that it had truly been a pleasure to watch their children grow to become young adults. He thanked the graduates for their enthusiasm, spirit kindness, and for being such wonderful models for the rest of the school community. Musical presentations for the commencement ceremony were led by band and choral director William Gunn. "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" was the choral selection with senior Margaret Gocha as the featured soloist. The concert band also performed "Pirates of the Caribbean" before diplomas were presented and the journey into the future began for the graduates from Ashland, Campton, Dorchester, Holderness, Ellsworth, Plymouth, Rumney, Thornton, Waterville Valley and Wentworth. PLYMOUTH On Saturday, June 2, the 152 members of Plymouth Regional High School's Class of 2018 were lauded for their accomplishments and challenged to go out into the world with new goals and to strive to achieve them."I can't help but wonder what this class will achieve," said Class Vice President Abigail Sutcliffe as she asked he fellow students to "strip away the training wheels" and head off into the world.Liam Crowley of Ashland was awarded Third Honors at this year's graduation, and recognized the efforts that parents, teachers and administrators put forth to facilitate their accomplishments in high school while adding that, like high school, "the next years will pass us by before too long but the efforts we now put forth will be worth it." The rewards of the future, he concluded, won't be handed out, though; they will have to be earned. Crowley will be headed to Tufts University in the fall where he will major in biology.Salutatorian Eleanor Knight of Waterville Valley will be off to Chapman University in Orange, Calif.., next year, where she will major in Film Production. As she finished out her final hour at PRHS however, she emphasized the fact that the Class of 2018 made it through high school by sticking together."Together, we built a community that worked together together, we will walk off the stage today to begin the next chapter of our lives together, we have set goals and will work for them," she said. "Maybe you haven't found your passion yet, but try something different every day until you do."She encouraged her fellow classmates to set a goal that day and work toward it.As the Valedictorian of the Class of 2018, Benjamin Fort, who among his many scholastic accomplishments also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, also spoke of achievements and goals for the future. He began his speech with light hearted comments about the trials and tribulations of his freshman year at PRHS when he couldn't open his locker and got lost heading off to his first class, but went on to say now is the time to leave those troubles behind."Challenge yourselves. Set your goals high but realize they may need some tweaking along the way," said Fort. "This is your journey; you design it. Graduation is not your end goal. It is the first start on your journey."Fort will now begin his journey as a student of chemistry at Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut in September.This year's Commencement Address was presented by Ross Deachman, who is not only a noted local attorney, but one of the founding members of Pemi-Baker School District, a nearly 30-year member of the school board, and a past participant in the state education system.Deachman told the class that graduation day was a "watershed moment" in their lives and encouraged them to remember the teachers, administrators and all who helped move them forward in their education. As adults, he also urged them to keep those people in mind as they become a part of the towns they will live in by being responsible voters and community partners, supporting schools their children, nieces and nephews will one day attend."You are graduates of an outstanding school and staff. Pay it back by finding more like them," said Deachman.Principal Bruce Parsons told parents that it had truly been a pleasure to watch their children grow to become young adults. He thanked the graduates for their enthusiasm, spirit kindness, and for being such wonderful models for the rest of the school community.Musical presentations for the commencement ceremony were led by band and choral director William Gunn. "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" was the choral selection with senior Margaret Gocha as the featured soloist. The concert band also performed "Pirates of the Caribbean" before diplomas were presented and the journey into the future began for the graduates from Ashland, Campton, Dorchester, Holderness, Ellsworth, Plymouth, Rumney, Thornton, Waterville Valley and Wentworth. By ANI WASHINGTON: Woody Allen's adopted daughter Dylan Farrow has lashed out at the Hollywood director for his recent comments on being the poster boy for the #MeToo movement. Farrow took to Twitter to blast Allen, writing, "All Woody Allen's recent antics demonstrate his desperation to salvage a now faltering career. His true feelings on [Harvey] Weinstein and the #MeToo movement were made evident in his initial reaction and defense." "Everything he says now is nothing more than a PR strategy in an attempt to undermine the credibility of the allegations against him. We are all wiser to that now and know the lengths powerful men will go to in order to demean and silence their victims," she continued. My statement on Woody Allens latest remarks: pic.twitter.com/U0E5SK4TyG Dylan Farrow (@RealDylanFarrow) June 5, 2018 The 82-year-old, who recently appeared on an Argentinian news program, had said he should be the "poster boy" for #MeToo - the ongoing movement against sexual harassment of women. "But you know I, I should be the poster boy for the Me Too movement, because I have worked in the movies for 50 years. I've worked with hundreds of actresses and not a single one-big ones, famous ones, ones starting out-has ever ever suggested any kind of impropriety at all. I've always had a wonderful record with them," he had said. Meanwhile, in 2014, Allen's estranged daughter, Dylan Farrow, renewed molestation allegations against him, claiming that the filmmaker had sexually assaulted her after he and actress Mia Farrow adopted her when she was seven. Allen, who vehemently denied the claims, was investigated, but never prosecuted. By PTI NEW DELHI: A day before Pranab Mukherjee addresses an RSS event in Nagpur, the former president's daughter and Congress leader Sharmistha Mukherjee today disapproved of his decision, saying he was giving the BJP and the Sangh a handle to plant false stories, as his "speech will be forgotten" but the "visuals will remain". Taking to Twitter, she hoped the former president would realise how the BJP's "dirty tricks department" works and said that with his visit, he was giving the BJP and RSS "full handle to plant false stories". She also warned her father of the consequences of attending such a meet. Her outburst came soon after rumours about her joining the BJP cropped up ahead of Mukherjee's visit to Nagpur tomorrow. She dismissed such "rumours" of her joining the BJP as "false" and alleged they were the handiwork of BJP's "dirty tricks department". ALSO READ | Any attempt to define India through religion, intolerance will dilute its existence: Pranab Mukherjee at RSS event in Nagpur She said she would rather leave politics than quit the Congress. "Hope @CitiznMukherjee now realises from todays' incident, how BJP dirty tricks dept operates. Even RSS wouldn't believe that u r going 2 endorse its views in ur speech. But the speech will be forgotten, visuals will remain & those will be circulated with fake statements. "@CitiznMukherjee By going 2 Nagpur, u r giving BJP/RSS full handle 2 plant false stories, spread falls rumours as 2day & making it somewhat believable. And this is just d beginning!" she said on Twitter. Hope @CitiznMukherjee now realises from todays incident, how BJP dirty tricks dept operates. Even RSS wouldnt believe that u r going 2 endorse its views in ur speech. But the speech will be forgotten, visuals will remain & those will be circulated with fake statements. 1/2 Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) June 6, 2018 The former president's official Twitter handle is @CitiznMukherjee. Mukherjee would be visiting the RSS headquarters tomorrow and would address a function there. .@CitiznMukherjee By going 2 Nagpur, u r giving BJP/RSS full handle 2 plant false stories, spread falls rumours as 2day & making it somewhat believable. And this is just d beginning! 2/2 Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) June 6, 2018 The visit has already given rise to a lot of speculation and a host of Congress leaders have urged the former president to review his decision for the sake of secularism. Sharmistha Mukherjee, who is out of the city on a holiday, took to Twitter to swiftly deny the rumours, which appeared amid a row over her father accepting an invite to address the RSS event. Rubbishing the rumours, she said on Twitter: "In the mountains enjoying a beautiful sunset, and suddenly this news that I'm supposedly joining BJP hits like a torpedo! Can't there be some peace and sanity in this world? I joined politics because I believe in Congress. Would rather leave politics than leave Congress," she tweeted. Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken also rejected such suggestions, saying Sharmistha Mukherjee is a "devoted" Congress person. "In reply to certain rumors-Just spoke to @Sharmistha_GK , who is out of Delhi- She is a devoted Congress Person and firmly believes in the ideology of @INCIndia. She told me, that she is in politics, just because of her firm faith in the ideology of the Congress Party," he wrote on Twitter. Sharmistha Mukherjee, who is president of Mahila Congress as well as in-charge of the communication department of Delhi unit, had joined the party in 2014. She had also contested Delhi Assembly elections from Greater Kailash seat in 2015 and lost to AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj. By ANI DURBAN: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said India is neither imperialist nor expansionist, adding that "India does not need even an inch of land or a drop of water from anyone." During her visit to the Ramakrishna Center of Phoenix in Durban, Swaraj talked of protectionism as she said that it stands for "I am superiors and everything is for me" which as per her contradicts with the Indian tradition. She said, "The Indian tradition is all about 'we'. We talk in sutra which stands for our work must for good and benefit for all." Swaraj expressed her gratitude for opening the Ramakrishna Mission center which as per her "will not help to serve the cause of Ramakrishna but also of the entire humanity." Amongst those who lived with the message of Mahatma for centuries! EAM @SushmaSwaraj interacted with Swami Saradaprabhananda, President, Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa (Phoenix) and Indian Diaspora and emphasized on importance of following Bapus value. pic.twitter.com/PwYQSczOWS Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 6, 2018 She said that the center would help to realize "that the Indian tradition and civilisation has the ability to solve issues including terrorism." The root of terrorism is that my faith is superior to yours. Either follow my belief or I will uproot yours as well" Swaraj added. While quoting a Sanskrit verse "sarve bhavantu sukhine" (May all see happiness), "sarve santu niramahya" (May All be Healthy (Free from Illness)), and Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu ( May All See what is Auspicious), Swaraj said that such a nation could never stand for protectionism. '' Swaraj then highlighted the significance of Ramakrishna in the modern lives. She reiterated the words of Mahatma Gandhi that, "Nature has an abundance to fulfill your need but not your greed. Only take that much what you need. If you become selfish and start destroying the nature, then nature will destroy you." On this note, Swaraj gave an example of the natural calamities including hurricanes, cyclones, earthquake which is a form of nature's attack on humans. While talking of another virtue associated with Mahatma Gandhi, Swaraj said that "There is only one truth but the people worship it in different forms. Some call it Christ, some Allah, Guru or Ishwar. We believe what is the truth. We believe truth is one and then there is no dispute at all." Mahatma Gandhi who is called as the Father of Nation due to his contribution towards helping India achieve independence had gained his Law degree from South Africa and had spent a large amount of time there fighting apartheid. Kumar Vikram By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The newly appointed secretary at the ministry of information and broadcasting has asked for purpose behind setting up of social media hub. Earlier, the ministry planned to set up a social media hub and recruit social media executives in districts across the country for various activities including spreading positive news of the government and to monitor the activities on social media. The idea of the social media hub was floated when Smriti Irani was the minister of information of broadcasting and sources claimed that it was actually the ministers plan to set up a centralized hub. However, in a recent rejig in the cabinet, Irani was moved from the ministry and minister of state (independent charge) Rajyavardhan Rathore was given the full charge. In the meantime, new secretary Amit Khare also took charge recently. Khare is known for exposing fodder scam. A source with the ministry claimed that in a recent meeting, the secretary asked the concerned official about the purpose behind setting up of social media hub. READ | I&B Ministrys social media hub to unleash publicity drive for BJP government's schemes He asked about proper and elaborate action plan on the initiative. He also asked how the project would be a value for money as it involves recruiting a large number of professionals across the country. The official has been asked to come with all these details for further discussion, added the source. Meanwhile, the ministry has extended the deadline of submitting the proposals for setting up the social media up till June 18 and it is third extension of the deadline. Officials said that some proposals have come, but, the ministry wanted more proposals to reach on conclusion. As per the proposal, the project is meant to strengthen the social media division and recruit social media managers to be deployed in 712 districts of the country. Each district will have one social media manager who will be entrusted with the tasks of keeping a close eye on the regional and local media, collecting data of regional media and of local events, providing content for social media and supporting media units at the regional level for social media publicity. ALSO READ | Social media hub: Congress accuses Centre of trying to snoop on citizens These social media managers will also monitor local editions of newspapers, local cable channels, local audio channels (FM) and key local social media handles for important local developments. They will make a daily analysis report incorporating local sentiments to be sent to region head in the PIB as well as the media hub (command centre). Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited, a PSU under the I&B Ministry, has been given the mandate for the social media hub. As per a Request for Proposals issued by it, the platform needs to support Facebook, Twitter, Google, Linkedin, Play Store, email, news, blogs, forums and complaint websites. Issac James Manayath By Express News Service CHENNAI: On Sunday, just days before the historic Trump-Kim summit, North Koreas state-controlled media announced that Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad would fly to Pyongyang and meet the North Korean leader. Kim Jong-Un is yet to host a foreign leader in Pyongyang. So, if Assad lands in the Korean capital, it would be a first. But, why would Kim want to meet Assad now, just days before a much-anticipated summit with the US President? According to a Washington Post report, Assad made comments about a possible trip to Pyongyang while receiving credentials from the newly appointed North Korean ambassador to Syria, last week. The same report called it Assads outreach to North Korea and not vice-versa. So, it appears it was the Syrian strongman who had sought a meeting with Kim, who then okayed it. Im going to DPRK to meet His Excellence Kim Jong-Un, the Korean Central News Agency quoted Assad as saying. Since 2011, the Syrian leader, battling a civil war at home, has made just one foreign trip, which was to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is his closest international ally. Thus, Assads sudden eagerness to fly to North Korea is worth analysing. Although not well covered by the international media, Syria and North Korea have enjoyed close ties for decades. Pyongyang has stood steadfast behind Assad as he weathered international opprobrium over Syrias seven-year-old civil war. On top of that, North Korea has extended considerable material support to Assads military, engaged in a bitter tussle with Sunni extremists. So, should the Syrian President be worried as Kim prepares to meet Trump. Good old allies Ties between North Korea and Syria dates back to 1960s when the two were Soviet clients. At that time, Pyongyang provided military aid to Syria, then fighting Israel. During the 1967 and 1973 wars with Israel, North Korean weapons and dozens of instructors and fighter pilots landed in Syria. Fully aware of North Koreas usefulness to Syria, Bashar Al-Assad, after he took over the reigns of power from his father in 2000, made it a priority to cultivate closer ties with the North Korea leadership. Back then, Assad was also interested in expanding Syrias civilian nuclear program and one of the few countries that could help him was North Korea. During the Cold War, the North had collaborated closely with the Soviet Union in the nuclear energy front, and thus, gained expertise. In 2000, Pyongyang was desperate for economic assistance. Soviet Union, which had been a key donor to the North, had ceased to exist nine years back. Assad knew very well that the cash-strapped Koreans wouldnt hesitate to share nuclear and ballistic missile technology, in return for money. And he was not wrong. In 2001, less than a year after Assad took power, a group of North Korean nuclear scientists landed in Damascus to help Syria assemble its first nuclear reactor. Its components are believed to have been manufactured in North Korea. The reactor, however, was subsequently blown to smithereens by Israel, in a 2007 air raid. Nonetheless, the close cooperation between the two continued and their ties reached new heights in 2011 with the outbreak of a civil war in Syria. Assad had reportedly sought and received Korean aid. According to the US-Korea institute, a Washington-based think tank focusing on Korean affairs, Assad and Kim were constantly in touch with each other during the wars initial years. They had reportedly exchanged over ten personal letters in 2013 alone. Coincidentally, it was a time when the Syrian regime was rapidly losing ground to a motley crew of extremists backed by the US and Sunni Arab countries. And for Assad, Kim proved to be a friend in need. In July of that year, a team of Syrian delegates touched down in Pyongyang and was given an audience with the Korean leader. They reportedly discussed ways in which the North can help Assad battle his enemies. Soon, dozens of North Korean advisors were in Damascus. Weapons that were flown to Damascus from Pyongyang included, anti-tank missiles, portable air defense systems and rifles. Crucially, there are reports that Syria had received Korean assistance in expanding its chemical weapons program. According to a leaked UN report, between 2012 and 2017, there were 40 illegal shipments from North Korea to Syria -- illegal because they violated UN sanctions. A panel of experts from the world organisation, who authored the report, claims the consignments included materials that could help the Syrian regime develop a chemical arsenal. They also asserted that North Korean advisors were manning Syrias chemical weapons manufacturing and storage facilities. Of course! One could question the veracity of the report or outrightly dismiss it as western propaganda. Yet, the fact that Assad, a man who rarely travels abroad, has decided fly to the Korean capital for a meeting with Kim, shows the level of priority Damascus attaches to its relations with Pyongyang. Should Assad be worried? If North Korea, a long-term ally of Syria has decided to extend an olive branch to the United States -- their mutual foe -- it is only natural for the Syrian President to feel the heat. If Trump and Kim get along well and reach a mutually acceptable deal (a big if), it could open the doors to a future US-North Korea partnership, which would be of benefit to the Kim regime as it would likely bring the much needed economic relief. So, in a tradeoff with the US, would Kim ditch Assad? Afterall, North Koreas ties with Syria have been grounded in Pyongyangs need for cash and the enemy of my enemy is my friend principle. If ties with the US improve, and as a result, Koreas economic situation betters, would it be rational for Kim to continue to support Assad the way he does now? Also, Washington is aware of North Koreas dealings with Syria. It remains to be seen if, in return for economic assistance and security guarantees, Trump would pressure Kim into ending his support for Syria. For Assad, North Korea has been among a handful of useful allies. Maintaining this alliance would be of interest to him. So, if he meets Kim, Assad would want to elicit a commitment from the North Korean leader of continued assistance to Syria. Then there is the question of military secrets. Having trained the Syrian regime forces and its ally -- Hezbollah, North Koreans are aware of the strengths and weaknesses of Assad's fighting force. Moreover, if North Koreans have indeed been manning Syrias chemical weapons facilities, Pyongyang would be in possession of vital intelligence on the extent and nature of its chemical weapons program. Although North Korea has made attempts to reach out to the US in the past, Assad would not have imagined that a North Korean leader would make overtures to a POTUS. Now that Kim is about to meet Trump, Assad would want to ensure that intelligence about Syrias WMD arsenal or other military secrets would not be passed onto the US. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Rain likely. Low 59F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a half an inch.. Tonight Rain likely. Low 59F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Who Gets Long COVID? More Than You May Think, Scientists Say (Newser) Even if you ignore that annoying robocall, the person behind it might still be making money off the call. It has to do with caller ID services, as the Wall Street Journal explains in a look at the problem. When a call is made, phone companies query caller ID databases in an attempt to identify the person calling; the companies pay small fees (typically between $0.0025 and $0.005) when a match is made and a name is displayed. Some caller-ID databases then pass along some of those fees to the company that controls a caller's phone number or the company making the call. Scammers can purchase blocks of unused phone numbers, submit fake names and addresses for those numbers to caller-ID databases, and watch the pennies trickle in. With millions of robocalls made per day, those pennies add up. See the Journal for more, including what carriers are doing about the issue. (Read more robocalls stories.) Prince Williams/WireImageKanye West and Kid Cudi have unveiled the cover art for their collabo album, Kids See Ghosts. The rappers posted the image, painted by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, on their Twitter pages. Murakami also created the cover for Kanyes 2007 Graduation album. The pastel-colored painting features a white ghostly figure riding atop a larger, sharp-toothed ghostly creature that appears to be floating through a forest. A smaller, white-colored figure watches them while standing on a limb of a nearby pine tree. West and Cudi will host a Los Angeles listening party for Kids See Ghosts Friday, the day of its release. Cudis manager, Dennis Cummings, announced the event on Twitter. Kanye hosted the listening party for his new solo album, ye, last week at the Diamond Cross Ranch in Wyoming, which was attended by several stars including Chris Rock, John Legend, Nicki Minaj, Charlie Wilson and Nas. However, neighbors complained about the deafening noise, and owner Jane Golliher says she wont host any more rap events because of it, according to The Blast. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved (Newser) The family of late comedian and film star Chris Farley has filed a federal lawsuit against Trek Bicycle for naming its fat-tired bikes "Farley," saying the Wisconsin-based bike company misappropriated Farley's name and traded on his "fat guy" brand of comedy, the AP reports. Farley, who starred on Saturday Night Live and in hit films including Tommy Boy and Black Sheep, weighed about 400 pounds, per the lawsuit, and "spent his entire career building, then capitalizing on, his unique brand of 'fat guy' humor and acting style." The suit says Farley "carefully guarded and policed his brand," rejecting overtures from firms he felt didn't warrant it, and even feared losing weight would jeopardize his brand as a comedian. The complaint alleges Trek chose the name Farley "to immediately associate defendant Trek's fat bikes with one of their favorite 'fat' and 'loud' comedians." story continues below Chris Farley was born and raised in Madison, Wis., about 30 miles from Trek's home base in Waterloo. He graduated from Milwaukee's Marquette University. The Wisconsin State Journal reported Tuesday the suit originated in California last year, but a judge on Friday ordered it be heard instead in federal court in Madison because it's closer to all involved parties. Trek has responded that much of the case rests on whether Farley was a resident of California when he died, making his name and image subject to a state law that governs deceased celebrities' right of publicity. Trek's lawyers argue Farley was an Illinois resident when he died in 1997 in Chicago from a drug overdose. Make Him Smile, a company founded and run by Farley's family to protect his publicity and property rights, said damages could exceed $10 million. Trek said any damages sought were purely speculative. (Read more Chris Farley stories.) (Newser) A lawyer for a black Detroit-area woman says Target employees falsely accused her of stealing a bikini and forced her to expose parts of her body, the AP reports. Attorney Jasmine Rand said Monday 20-year-old Ashanae Davis was shopping at a Target May 22 in Southfield. A security worker grabbed her arm, another handcuffed her and she was walked to a room, where she was told to lift her shirt and pull down her pants. Rand says employees in the room were a white man, black man, and white female manager. Minneapolis-based Target says the woman was originally stopped because she had a swimsuit with tags in her bag that was later determined to have been purchased elsewhere. Target says the first security guard who confronted the woman has been fired. Rand says that's not enough and that other black women with similar complaints have contacted her firm. (Read more Target stories.) (Newser) The White House communications aide who made a flippant remark about Sen. John McCain's terminal illness is no longer part of the administration. Spokesman Raj Shah confirmed Tuesday that Kelly Sadlerwho allegedly said McCain's rejection of CIA nominee Gina Haspel didn't matter because "he's dying anyway"is "no longer employed within the executive office of the president," the Hill reports. The White House declined to apologize for Sadler's remark last month. Sources tell Politico that Sadler's departure is part of a wider "housecleaning" of the White House communications team that will see people leaving in ones and twos instead of in a "mass exodus." story continues below Meghan McCain, who described people making light of her father's illness as "nothing burgers," says she never received the apology Sadler promised in a phone call last month. "I was promised an apology, Kelly Sadler, publicly to my family. I did not receive that," McCain says. "This is not an administration that's capable of apologizing." Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci tells CNN that while Sadler's remark was "unforgivable," the fact that it was reported after a closed-door meeting shows somebody had it in for her. "When you're sitting inside the inner sanctum and somebody says something like that, to run outside the sanctum and rat on that personI think that's a terrible thing to do to the person," Scaramucci says. (Read more John McCain stories.) (Newser) Before he was arrested Tuesday, but less than two hours after he's alleged to have killed his former boss with a hatchet in Tennessee, Domenic Micheli visited an urgent-care facility, where he tried to buy a suture kit. The 36-year-old suspectwho police say was limping from a left leg injury in Gallatin, 35 miles northeast of the crime scene in the Nashville suburb of Belle Meadeasked for a suture kit but "was not willing to wait or provide any personal information," per the Tennessean. The Virginian-Pilot reports he was told there were no suture kits and left empty-handed within five minutes. Micheli was spotted an hour later buying medical supplies from a Gallatin drugstore, according to police. He was arrested by Kentucky State Police a day later while driving a Toyota Prius near Bowling Green, 80 miles northeast of Nashville. story continues below He's now to face charges in what police call "a senseless, brutal, violent attack" on 46-year-old Joel Paavola. A father of five who fired Micheli from the Balance Training fitness facility 14 months ago, Paavola was assisting clients when Micheli attacked early Monday with a hatchet and a second "cutting instrument," police say. Prior to that incident, Micheli's only contact with police was related to an April arrest near the White House, per CBS News. Last month, a clinical psychologist with DC's behavioral health department found Micheli was competent to stand trial in that case, describing him as "alert, cooperative, and very pleasant," despite him presenting some "information that could potentially be interpreted as irrational." The document notes "issues that may have been present around the time of his arrest may have abated." (Read more hatchet stories.) (Newser) Tuesday was a big day for primaries, with votes held in eight states, but one of the day's biggest results involved a judge, not a lawmaker. Voters in California have ousted Aaron Persky, the judge who sentenced former Stanford student Brock Turner to six months for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman, the Guardian reports. Persky, whom activists accused of showing a "pattern of bias," is the first judge recalled by US voters since 1977, and the first in California since 1932. In other races: Trump loyalty. The AP reports that in a GOP primary in Alabama, where loyalty to President Trump is a major issue, Rep. Martha Roby has been forced into a July runoff vote. She criticized Trump in 2016 after the infamous Access Hollywood tape surfaced. Challenger Bobby Bright used footage of her remarks in campaign ads. story continues below Too close to call in California. In California, where the "top two" system could complicate Democratic efforts to win back the House in November, key races were still too close to call early Wednesday. After fears of being "locked out," Democratic candidates were on course to win slots in key battleground districts, though determining the final outcome could take days, Politico reports. In California, where the "top two" system could complicate Democratic efforts to win back the House in November, key races were still too close to call early Wednesday. After fears of being "locked out," Democratic candidates were on course to win slots in key battleground districts, though determining the final outcome could take days, Politico reports. Brown's successor. In California, Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom will take on Republican John Cox in the battle to succeed Gov. Jerry Brown, the Washington Post reports. "We're engaged in an epic battle, and it looks like voters will have a real choice this November between a governor who's going to stand up to Donald Trump and a foot soldier in his war on California," Newsom said. In California, Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom will take on Republican John Cox in the battle to succeed Gov. Jerry Brown, the Washington Post reports. "We're engaged in an epic battle, and it looks like voters will have a real choice this November between a governor who's going to stand up to Donald Trump and a foot soldier in his war on California," Newsom said. Making history in New Mexico. Deb Haaland has won the Democratic primary in New Mexico's 1st Congressional District, putting her on course to become the first Native American woman in Congress, CNN reports. Senate battle in Montana. In Montana, State Auditor Matt Rosendale won the GOP primary and will challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester in a race that could determine control of the Senate, the Washington Post reports. In Montana, State Auditor Matt Rosendale won the GOP primary and will challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester in a race that could determine control of the Senate, the Washington Post reports. Sanders pick loses in Iowa. In Iowa, Cindy Axne won the Democratic primary in the 3rd district and will face GOP Rep. David Young in November, the Des Moines Register reports. Axne defeated former Bernie Sanders campaign aide Pete D'Alessandro. In Iowa, Cindy Axne won the Democratic primary in the 3rd district and will face GOP Rep. David Young in November, the Des Moines Register reports. Axne defeated former Bernie Sanders campaign aide Pete D'Alessandro. Big win for Menendez. Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez defeated publisher Lisa McCormick in New Jersey, the AP reports. Menendez, whose federal bribery trial ended in a mistrial in November, faces a tough challenge from Republican candidate Bob Hugin. (Read more Election 2018 stories.) (Newser) China is willing to buy up nearly $70 billion in US products like soybeans, corn, natural gas, crude oil, and coal in the first year of a deal if the Trump administration forgets about its threatened trade tariffs. Extending what Business Insider calls "a massive olive branch," Chinese negotiators presented Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross with the option over the weekend on the condition that the administration dump threatened tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese products, to go into effect after June 15, officials briefed on the negotiations tell the Wall Street Journal. President Trump previously suggested this might be done if a $375 billion US trade deficit with China is reduced by $200 billion annually. The offerrepresenting "a 50% increase in US exports from 2017 levels," economist Chad Bown tells the Washington Postcould make a dent. story continues below However, US officials argue there would be little impact on the trade deficit as energy exports would have to be diverted to China from other destinations. There are also concerns about the ability to ramp up agricultural production to meet China's needs. On top of that, the deal "would not address the underlying, long-run concerns the United States has with China," including its foreign investment restrictions and requirement that US cloud-computing firms share their technology with Chinese partners, Bown says. Still, China appears optimistic, with a negotiator claiming the two sides "have made positive and concrete progress." Per the New York Times, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Tuesday "we're in the negotiation process" and "our focus is to make sure we get good deals." (Read more China stories.) (Newser) Some 80 people set to be baptized at a lake in southern Ethiopia instead watched as their pastor was killed by a crocodile Sunday. Pastor Docho Eshete had baptized one person on the shores of Lake Abaya near Arba Minch and was about to perform the religious rite for a second when "all of a sudden, a crocodile jumped out of the lake and grabbed [him]," a witness tells the BBC. Police say residents and fishermen tried unsuccessfully to save the 45-year-old Protestant pastor, who suffered bites to his legs, back, and hands, though they were able to retrieve his dead body before the animal escaped, reports the Telegraph. story continues below Lonely Planet warns Lake Abaya has many crocodiles "said to be aggressive towards people and animals because the lake has few fish, their preferred food." The "reddish brown" water also makes it hard to spot crocodiles in the vicinity, per the Telegraph. The one that attacked Docho was likely a Nile crocodile, a species blamed for more than 300 attacks on humans in Africa each year, reports the Independent. Humans are "less powerful and slower in water than any similar-sized wild mammal and therefore easy prey" for the "opportunist ambush predator," according to a UN report. (This grateful couple married days after a crocodile attacked them.) (Newser) The head of Qatar Airways is backpedaling after saying it takes a man to do his job. Akbar Al Baker attended Tuesday's annual meeting of the International Air Transport Association in Sydney, Australia, where he was named as the organization's new chairman. But it was his response to a question about gender imbalance in the industry, a key topic of the meeting, that drew the most notice. Qatar Airways "has to be led by a man because it is a very challenging position," Al Baker said. A day later, he issued "heartfelt apologies for any offense caused," though he said his comment was "sensationalized by the media," per the BBC. "Qatar Airways is made stronger by its female employees" and "the dedication, drive, and skill they bring to their jobs tells me that no role is too tough for them," he added. story continues below Al Baker clarified that includes the role of CEO. (Females currently lead just six of IATA's 280 airline members.) Majority shareholder Air Italy "has shortlisted women to be the CEO and as a minority shareholder, we are actively encouraging that," he said, adding "it would be my pleasure if I could help develop a female candidate to be the next CEO of Qatar Airways." Al Baker also stressed that he's "known in the media for some lightheartedness at press conferences," per CNN. The BBC agrees the CEO "has a reputation for making blunt and often humorous comments, but they can also backfire." Just last year, Al Baker apologized after he was accused of ageism for referring to US flight attendants as "grandmothers." The average age of his airline's flight attendants at the time was 26, per CBS News. (Read more Qatar Airways stories.) (Newser) President Trump and Kim Jong Un's summit will take place on the "island behind death"a former pirate haunt that once went by that fearsome name ("Pulau Blakang Mati") but is now a luxurious tourist destination, reports the BBC. Sentosa is one of the 63 islands composing Singapore, and White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders tweeted Tuesday that the summit would be held at the five-star Capella Hotel on it. It's set to begin at 9am on June 12 (Singapore is 12 hours ahead of East Coast time). As for why Sentosa, the BBC explains: "Access to the island can easily be controlled there is just a cable car, a monorail, a pedestrian causeway and a vehicle tunnel." story continues below The resort's 112 rooms range from roughly $500 to $7,500 a night and have hosted the likes of Madonna and Lady Gaga, per the AFP, but Trump and Kim apparently won't occupy any of them: Sentosa is just a quarter-mile from Singapore's main island, where the two are planning to stay, Trump likely at the Shangri-La Hotel and Kim, it is believed, at the St. Regis Singapore. The AP reports the preparation is apparently underway, with workers seen putting a new coat of paint of the building's facade Tuesday night and extra security present. The AFP notes the hotel "has been booked out" between now and the start of the summit. (Read more President Trump stories.) (Newser) Lava from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano destroyed hundreds more homes, overtaking two oceanfront communities where residents were advised to evacuate last week, officials said Tuesday. No injuries were reported as most residents had left. The lost homes were in addition to at least 117 others destroyed since lava began spilling last month from cracks in the ground in a mostly rural district of the Big Island. "We don't have an estimate yet, but safe to say that hundreds of homes were lost in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland last night," a Hawaii County rep said. A morning overflight confirmed that lava had completely filled Kapoho Bay, inundated most of Vacationland, and covered all but the northern part of Kapoho Beach Lots, the USGS' Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said. story continues below Lava claimed Harry Pomerleau's home in Vacationland. "It's a necessary evil. It's not our land. It belongs to Pele," he said, referring to the Hawaiian volcano goddess. "I have to imagine she knows what she's doing." County Managing Director Wil Okabe added, "For us it's more of a vacation area, but for those who live there permanently, they're trying to figure out where they're going to be living." One shelter was full Tuesday. Gov. David Ige signed a second emergency proclamation Tuesday that gives the county more options for shelters and sets criminal penalties for violating emergency rules. Kapoho resident Mark Johnson was coming to terms with the possibility of losing his home and 5-acre citrus farm. "I'm really kind of at peace," he said. "I've had 28 years of wonderful experience down there." (Read more Kilauea volcano stories.) (Newser) Days after the New York Times came out with a report alleging that Facebook improperly let other companies have access to users' personal information comes a follow-up from the Times that reports the group included four Chinese companiesone of which US intelligence has identified as a possible national security threat. That company is smartphone maker Huawei; the others are Lenovo, Oppo, and TCL, and the deals they have with Facebook date to 2010 and are still active, though the Huawei one won't be by week's end. Facebook itself was the source for this latest Times' story, and it explains that the companies' deal was akin to BlackBerry's, meaning they had access to information on a user's friends without their consent. That data allowed Huawei to power an app that rounded up social media and other messages in one location. story continues below Facebook says the data was stored on the device, not on Chinese servers. A rep for Huawei tells the AP the company "worked with Facebook" but "has never collected or stored any Facebook user data." Per Axios, lawmakers are wringing their hands over the report, and Mike Allen explains what DC and Facebook just don't "get": Politicians don't understand these partnerships "were pretty standard at the time ... nor were they a secret." But Facebook doesn't seem to comprehend just how low its credibility is in DC, especially regarding data privacy: "Throw Huawei's name in the mix and things go from toxic to radioactive." The Washington Post reports Huawei allegedly has ties to the Chinese government, stoking fears China could access communications via the devices; the Pentagon now bars the sale of the company's smartphones on US military bases. (Read more Facebook stories.) (Newser) A Long Island man is suing CVS after, he says, the drugstore alerted his wife to his Viagra prescription, according to a lawsuit filed in Nassau County Supreme Court. Michael Feinberg brought a prescription for eight of the little blue pills with five refills to CVS and asked that his insurance company not be billed for the purchase, explaining that he preferred to pay himself, reports the New York Post. His lawsuit alleges that when his wife called a few days later to inquire about one of her own prescriptions, a CVS employee identified as Aurula mentioned the Viagra prescription, pointing out that it was not being covered by insurance. story continues below The disclosure, according to Feinberg, has caused severe mental anguish, pain and suffering," per Patch, as well as damage to his marriage, although court documents dont explain what exactly happened between the couple. Feinbergs suit accuses the pharmacy chain of violating his privacy rights under HIPAA, a federal law that prohibits disclosure of confidential health care information without the patients permission. He is seeking unspecified damages for emotional harm. In a statement to the Huffington Post, a CVS rep says the company places "the highest priority on protecting the privacy of those we serve." (Hiding Viagra prescriptions from spouses isn't a problem for Brits.) (Newser) The UN Human Rights Office has urged the White House to halt its zero-tolerance policy of separating parents from their children at the US-Mexico border, reports Newsweek. The practice has caused asylum-seekers and others in vulnerable situations to be subjected to criminal prosecution and having their childrenincluding extremely young childrentaken away from them as a result, a spokesperson said in a statement released Tuesday. She said that several hundred children, including toddlers, had been separated from their families since October. In April, the New York Times estimated that more than 700 children had been taken from parents or guardians in the prior six months, and NBC News estimates that there are currently 550 children in custody at the border. The US was quick to respond, with UN ambassador Nikki Haley accusing the UN of hypocrisy by focusing on migrant children while ignoring the reprehensible human rights records of several members of its own Human Rights Council," she said. story continues below The zero-tolerance policy is an attempt to reduce the thousands of Central Americans, primarily from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, who cross the US-Mexico border each week asking for asylum from violence in their own countries, according to the Guardian. President Trump sought to distance himself from the policy in a tweet Tuesday that blamed the problem on bad legislation passed by the Democrats. Border Security laws should be changed but the Dems cant get their act together! Started the Wall, he added. But there is no law requiring that parents be separated from their children, per Politifact, and the policy was announced by the attorney general and implemented by the White House. The US is the only UN member state that has not ratified the UN convention on childrens rights, but since it has ratified similar conventions, it has a legal obligation to every child in "its care," the UN spokesperson says, calling the separations "arbitrary and unlawful." (Read more illegal immigrant stories.) (Newser) Just one week after Kim Kardashian met with President Trump to argue the case of a great-grandmother sentenced to life in prison over a first-time drug conviction, the POTUS took action. He granted clemency to Alice Marie Johnson Wednesday, commuting the life sentence of the 63-year-old Tennessee woman who was found guilty of cocaine conspiracy and money laundering charges. She has been in federal prison for more than two decades, NPR reports, during which time supporters have argued for her release, pointing out the non-violent nature of her offense and the fact that she's been a model prisoner. story continues below "BEST NEWS EVER!!!!" Kardashian tweeted Wednesday alongside a link to the news. "So grateful to @realDonaldTrump, Jared Kushner & to everyone who has showed compassion & contributed countless hours to this important moment for Ms. Alice Marie Johnson. Her commutation is inspirational & gives hope to so many others who are also deserving of a second chance," she added. In a statement, the White House said Johnson "has accepted responsibility for her past behavior." "While this administration will always be very tough on crime, it believes that those who have paid their debt to society and worked hard to better themselves while in prison deserve a second chance," the statement says. Prior to Johnson, Trump had issued five pardons and one commutation; he's considering others. (Read more President Trump stories.) (Newser) After striking an elusive nuclear deal with Iran, the Obama administration found itself in a quandary in early 2016: Iran had been promised access to its long-frozen overseas reserves, including $5.7 billion stuck in an Omani bank. To spend it, Iran wanted to convert the money into US dollars and then euros, but top US officials had repeatedly promised Congress that Iran would never gain access to America's financial system, reports the AP. Those assurances notwithstanding, the Obama administration secretly issued a license to let Iran sidestep US sanctions for the brief moment required to convert the funds through an American bank, an investigation by Senate Republicans released Wednesday showed. The plan failed when two US banks refused to participate. Yet two years later, the revelation is re-igniting the bitter debate over the nuclear deal and whether Obama was too eager to grant concessions to Tehran. story continues below "The Obama administration misled the American people and Congress because they were desperate to get a deal with Iran," said Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, who chairs the Senate panel that conducted the investigation. And Republican Rep. Ed Royce, the House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman, accused Obama of trying to "hide a secret push to give the ayatollah access to the US dollar." Not so, former Obama administration officials said, arguing the decision to grant the license adhered to the spirit of the deal, which included allowing Iran to regain access to foreign reserves that had been off-limits because of US sanctions. They said the public assurances that Iran would be kept out were intended to dispel incorrect reports about nonexistent proposals that would have gone much farther by letting Iran actually buy or sell things in dollars. The AP has much more on the report. (Read more Iran stories.) New Delhi: In a major relief to superstar Rajinikanth, the Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stall the release of his highly-anticipated movie Kaala which will hit theatres on Thursday. A petitioner named KS Rajashekaran had approached the apex court, seeking an injunction against the release of Rajinikanth-starrer Kaala. However, a vacation bench comprising Justices AK Goel and Ashok Bhushan rejected the Rajashekaran plea, seeking an injunction against the release of the movie. You want an injunction against the release of the movie. Everybody is waiting for the film to be released, the bench told the lawyer appearing for the petitioner. The petitioner has approached the apex court against the May 16 order of the Madras High Court which has posted his plea against the release of the movie for hearing on June 16. Petitioner Rajashekaran claimed that the producers of the Kaala used his copyright-protected work in the movie without taking his prior permission. What the trailer of Kaala below: (With inputs from agencies) New Delhi: On the day when BJP chief Amit Shah is scheduled to meet Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray to mend ties with the disgruntled ally, an article published in Senas mouthpiece Saamana has mocked the saffron partys outreach program ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls. BJP is reaching out to NDA allies under the Sampark for Samarthan outreach program to seek their support ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. During the meeting with Thackeray, Shah will look to bridge the trust gap between the allies. However, an editorial published in Saamana mocked BJPs campaign and said that the ruling party has launched a global outreach programme and as per the programme, Modi is undertaking a world tour and Shah a domestic one. Putting a question mark on Shahs meeting with the Shiv Sena chief after recent bypoll drubbings, Senas mouthpiece declared that the party will go alone in 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Shiv Sena showed its strength during Palghar bypoll. In such a condition, 2019 Lok Sabha polls can be one reason behind BJP chiefs Sampark Abhiyan, the article read. Taking a dig at the BJP for contesting every election on Modis name, the article stated that Shiv Sena is a party which fights elections on the basis of public connection and it doesnt need poster boys to win. The ties between the BJP and the Shiv Sena, which is the saffron partys oldest ally in NDA, have been strained for some time. The Sena even fought the recent Palghar bypoll on its own. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Former Gujarat DIG of Police DG Vanzara on Tuesday told a special court that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) wanted to arrest then state chief minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah in Ishrat Jahan fake encounter case. Appearing for Vanzara, his lawyer VD Gajjar told special judge J K Pandya that the "intention of the investigating agency was to implicate" Modi and Shah in the case but fortunately it didnt happen. In 2014, the CBI gave a clean chit to Shah, now BJP president, citing no prosecutable evidence against him. In June 2004, 19-year-old Ishrat Jahan, her friend Javed with two other persons were killed by a team of Vanzara in an encounter on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. Questions were raised on the encounter and the case was handed over to the CBI. In its probe, the central investigation agency concluded that the encounter was fake. Arguing for Vanzaras discharge from the case, Gajjar said that the charge sheet filed by the CBI against the former DIG was "concocted" and there were no prosecutable evidence against his client. In the first charge sheet filed by the CBI in 2013, seven Gujarat police officers were named as accused, including IPS officers P P Pandey, Vanzara and G L Singhal. They faced charges of kidnapping, murder and criminal conspiracy. Vanzara was last year discharged in the 2005 Sohrabuddin Sheikh and Tulsiram alleged fake encounter cases along with Rajasthan IPS officer Dinesh M N. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Hitting back at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his attack on the Modi government in his speech in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arun Jaitley said, 'How much does he know? When will he know?'. "Every time I listen to the view of Rahul Gandhi, both inside and outside Parliament, I ask myself the same question, how much does he know? When will he know," Jaitley, who is recuperating from a kidney transplant surgery, said in a Facebook post. Earlier in the day, Gandhi had addressed a rally at Pipliya Mandi in Mandsaur district to mark the first anniversary of police firing during an agitation in which six farmers were killed. In his speech, Gandhi took at dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying loans were given to industrialists and not to farmers. "Listening to his speech delivered in Madhya Pradesh today reaffirms my curiosity about the answer. Is he being inadequately briefed or is he being a little too liberal with his facts," Jaitley wrote. The BJP leader also refuted Gandhi's accusation that Modi has waived the loans of Rs 2.5 lakh crore of 15 top industrialists in the country. The government, he said has not waived a single rupee due from any industrialist. The facts are wrong, he said. "Those who owed money to the banks and other creditors have been declared insolvent and removed from their companies by IBC enacted by Prime Minister Modi's government. These loans were given largely during the UPA Government," Jaitley said. Jaitley also said that Gandhi's comment that Modi had given Rs 35,000 crore each to two diamond jewellers who have now escaped out of country is factually false. The banking fraud started since 2011 when the UPA II was in power and it was only detected during the NDA period, he said. Gandhi was, perhaps, referring to absconding diamond jeweller Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi who have allegedly defrauded Punjab National Bank of over Rs 13,000 crore through fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs). Jaitley then said the bulk of today's NPA or bad loans were given by the banking system during the period 2008-14. "From 2014, we have been systematically taking one step after the other to recover these monies back" the post said. And, on Gandhi's charge that jobs are not being created, Jaitley cited the latest GDP data. "There is a double digit growth in construction, expansion in manufacturing, an increased capital formation which indicates investment increase, large investment in physical infrastructure and increased investment in rural India. All these are job creating sectors," he said. Jaitley then mocked at Gandhis assertion that a Congress government in Madhya Pradesh will connect farms and villages to the cities. "His impression is of the Digvijay Singh era in Madhya Pradesh," he retorted. Jaitley also mentioned that poor quality roads was one key reason for ousting the Congress in MP in 2003. "Thanks to Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh) and Prime Minister Modi who during the NDA Government, has tripled the investment in rural roads, in comparison to what the UPA spent, there is a revolution in the Gram Sadak Yojana," he added. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: After weeks of stalemate between the Congress and JD-S over portfolio sharing arrangement, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy will hold his first cabinet expansion on Wednesday. At least 12 lawmakers from the Congress, including DK Shivakumar, KJ George, Priyank Kharge and nine from the JD-S will take oath as ministers, according to ANI.A The oath-taking ceremony of new Karnataka ministers will take place at 2:12 pm in Raj Bhavan, Bengaluru. The Congress and the JD-S had stitched a post-poll alliance in a bid to keep the BJP out of power after the saffron party fell short of majority in the recent Karnataka Assembly elections. However, the alliance could not reach consensus on the cabinet sharing arrangement. After days of bargaining, the parties resolved the power-sharing issues last week after Congress president Rahul Gandhias intervention. According to the new power-sharing arrangement, the Congress will have a lionas share in the Karnataka cabinet with a total of 22 ministers while the JD-S will haveA 12A ministerial berths, including the chief minister. LIVE Updates: # 03:30 PM:A Kumaraswamy ministry expanded, 25 new members inducted #03:10 PM:A Former agriculture minister Krishna Byregowda and former minister for city development K J George from the Congress also took oath as ministers. #03:00 PM:A JD(S)a S R Srinivas and D C Thamanna were also sworn-in as ministers. Both the leaders are first time ministers. #02:50 PM:A Congress leaders N H Shivashankar Reddy, who is the former deputy speaker, and Ramesh Jharkiholi were also inducted in the Cabinet. #02:45 PM:A JD(S)a G T Devegowda, who defeated former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Chamundeshwari, also took the oath. #02:40 PM:A Bandappa Kashampur from JD(S) and Congress MLA R V Deshpande took the oath of office. #02:35 PM: Priyank Kharge, son of Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, and former food and civil supplies minister U T Abdul Khader also took the oath as ministers. #02:33 PM:A Bengaluru: Congress' DK Shivakumar takes oath as minister in the Karnataka Cabinet Bengaluru: Congress' DK Shivakumar takes oath as minister in the #Karnataka Cabinet pic.twitter.com/fxGsZRJvmD a ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2018 #02:30 PM:A H D Revanna, brother of chief minister Kumaraswamy, was the first one to take oath as minister. #02:25 PM: What comes in JD-S' share:A A The JD-S' portfolios include Finance, Excise, Information, Intelligence, Public Works, Department, Power, Cooperation, Tourism, EducationA andA Transport. # 02:20 PM: Who get what - a tentative cabinet portfolio (Congress):A A Going by the power-sharing arrangement, Congress will get the portfolios of Home, Irrigation, Bangalore City Development, Industry and Sugar Industry, Health, Revenue, Urban Development, Rural Development, Agriculture, Law andA Parliamentary Affairs and IT/BT, among others. #02:15 PM: Hello and welcome to the News Nation live updates: The first cabinetA expansion in Karnataka will be held today, a fortnight after Kumaraswamy took oath as the chief minister of the southernA state. According to the new power-sharing arrangement, the Congress will have a lionas share in the Karnataka cabinet with a total of 22 ministers while the JD-S will haveA 12A ministerial berths, including the chief minister. The new ministers will be inducted today after their swearing in at Raj Bhawan. Watch this space for more updates.A For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Former president Pranab Mukherjee will address Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) cadre on Thursday even as his daughter Sharmistha reminded him of repercussions of attendingA the Sangh's event. Sharmistha took to Twitter to remind her father that by attending the RSS event, he will give a full hand to the BJP/RSS to plant false propaganda stories. "Hope @CitiznMukherjee now realises from todayas incident, how BJP dirty tricks department operates. Even RSS wouldnat believe that you are going to endorse its views in your speech. But the speech will be forgotten, visuals will remain and those will be circulated with fake statements," she tweeted. Earlier, a group of RSS workers, who were seen handing bouquets, welcomed the former president soon after he landed in Nagpur. He is the chief guest at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sanghas (RSS) valedictory function on Thursday. Mukherjee, who had always been a strong critic of RSS, on Thursday will address the concluding ceremony of the RSS's third-year officers' training camp in Reshimbagh. Around 800 RSS workers will attend the final year of aSangh Shiksha Varga training course.O On Sunday, trouble found former president Pranab Mukherjee, one of the biggest Congress leaders of post-Indira Gandhi era, after he accepted an invitation from the RSS a a Hindutva group. Mukherjee, however, remained unperturbed despite allegations and controversies and said "Whatever I have to say, I will say in Nagpur. I have received several letters, requests, and phone calls, but I havenat responded to anyone yet," Anandabazar Patrika reported. #WATCH RSS members welcome Former President of India Dr. Pranab Mukherjee on his arrival at Nagpur airport. He is the chief guest at a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) program tomorrow (Earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/vmLg23M7ni a ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2018 Reacting to the development, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh urged the former president not to attend the RSS event while former finance minister P Chidambaram requested him to point out RSS's wrong political ideologies during his speech. On the other hand, Kerala Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala dashed a letter to Mukherjee saying that his decision had come as a "rude shock" to "secular minds" in the country. Congress leader and lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, however, defended Mukherjee regarding his participation at the RSS event in Nagpur. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: After byelection defeats in the prestigious Gorakhpur and Phulpur Assembly contests and recently the Kairana Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi Adityanath government faced another acute embarrassment with Patanjali Ayurved announcing on Tuesday that it is pulling out and re-locating its proposed Rs 6,000 crore mega food processing project out of the state. That the Patanjali managing director Acharya Balakrishna minced no words when he charged the UP government with noncooperation despite the phenomenally successful Patanjali and its founder Baba Ramdev being on the right side of the BJP is a dubious signal. Balakrishnas terse comment that farmers belonging to the land of Lord Ram and Krishna wont be able to prosper due to the negative approach of the Uttar Pradesh government, spoke of his extreme frustration and pique. The Haridwar-based Patanjali Ayurved had proposed to set up a plant in 425 acres of land to cater to the domestic and export markets through its step-down firm Patanjali Food and Herbal Park. The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority could not until now get the required clearances for transfer of land from the state government. Read | Baba Ramdev to review decision over Patanjali food park project following assurances from Adityanath Although UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath spoke to Swami Ramdev over the phone on Tuesday night and was assured that the project was on the cards and minor issues would be cleared soon, doubts have arisen whether the BJP top brass is contemplating a change of guard in UP. Only a day prior, BJP president Amit Shah met Ramdev at his ashram. Adityanath had been handpicked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi out of the blue and it was believed that he would ensure a steamroller win for the BJP in UP in the 2019 general elections. The byelection reverses have set the party top brass thinking whether he measures up to the job in hand. The Modi government needs a huge win in UP to be assured of a second term. Patanjali had already got support from the financial institutions for the project, Balkrishna claimed. "We got extensions twice from the Food Processing Industries Ministry and now it (time) is lapsing as we could not get the required clearances from the state government," he said. Earlier, Patanjali had said that its Yamuna Expressway-based plant would produce goods worth Rs 25,000 crore annually if it runs to its full capacity. It would create 10,000 direct jobs, Patanjali had said. Read | Mandsaur Killings Anniversary: PM Modi cheated farmers, says Rahul Gandhi The company which has given a consumer goods conglomerate like Hindustan Unilever (HUL) a run for its money, is at present investing in mega food park projects, including Nagpur (Madhya Pradesh) and Tejpur (Assam). Since 2011, market shares of brands owned by HUL, Indias largest consumer packaged goods firm, have fallen by 0.4-0.5 per cent. This is the steepest fall in share by value among the top 20 brands in Indias personal care marketone where brand loyalty ensures market shares remain staticdata from Euromonitor shows. Japan's tourism gross domestic product grew 2 trillion yen between 2012 and 2016, contributing to the country's economic expansion, a government white paper said Tuesday. According to the 2018 white paper on tourism, adopted at a cabinet meeting, tourism GDP, or the sum of the value added of industry sectors with direct interactions with tourists, increased from 8.5 trillion yen in 2012 to 10.5 trillion yen in 2016. Pointing out that the nation's nominal GDP expanded around 43 trillion yen during the four-year period, the annual report said tourism GDP contributed about 4.5 pct to the increase in the total goods and services produced in Japan. The Japanese government aims to attract 40 million foreign visitors in 2020. The suspicious death of a wealthy but troubled Japanese man dubbed "Don Juan" has brought into focus the personal life of the 77-year-old self-proclaimed womanizer who married a 21-year-old earlier this year. Kosuke Nozaki, president of a liquor sales company and a real estate business in Tanabe in the western Japan prefecture of Wakayama, also known as the Kishu area, was found collapsed at his home on the evening of May 24 and was later pronounced dead. Traces of illegal narcotics were found in his system but no needle mark was on his body, prompting police to investigate the case as a possible murder. Nozaki published his first autobiography titled "Don Juan of Kishu: The Man Who Gave 3 Billion Yen to 4,000 Beautiful Women" in December 2016, likening himself to the mythical Spanish playboy, after getting into trouble with a woman over money. Three billion yen is worth around $27 million. According to Gendai Business, an online media managed by Kodansha Ltd., the publisher of the autobiography and its sequel released in April this year, he decided to write the first book after a 27-year-old woman he met at a dating club was arrested in February 2016 for stealing cash and jewelry worth 60 million yen from his home. The case attracted media attention and made him famous after he said in interviews with media outlets, "To me, 60 million yen is waste paper. The theft gave me a good life experience," the website says. - Kyodo The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday said it had arrested three of its officers, posted near a commercial bank in Opebi area of the... The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday said it had arrested three of its officers, posted near a commercial bank in Opebi area of the state, for allegedly gambling while on duty.SP Chike Oti, the Commands spokesman in a statement, said that the officers were arrested following a viral online media report that exposed them.The attention of the Lagos State Police Command has been drawn to the news making the rounds on a social media platform called Instablog9ja that policemen stationed near Zenith Bank, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, were seen counting bribes received and smoking.Based on the allegation, the CP Lagos ordered for their arrest, detention and trial.Meanwhile, preliminary investigation into the case revealed that the men werent counting bribes received as alleged but coupons they collected from a game of gambling they played.The men are currently facing disciplinary action that could lead to reduction in rank or dismissal. It is wrong to engage in such distracting activity while on duty, Oti said.The police spokesman said that the Police Commissioner, Mr Edgal Imohimi, urged members of the public to always expose indiscipline and unprofessional policemen. (NAN) There is trouble for Nigerians seeking asylum in Germany as the German government is set to deport close to 30,000 of them. There is trouble for Nigerians seeking asylum in Germany as the German government is set to deport close to 30,000 of them.The Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs, Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa disclosed this at a programme; Developing a mixed migration strategy for UNHCR Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday.Germany said it has about 25,000 to 30,000 Nigerians seeking asylum and they cant guarantee they will get it. So, there is every possibilities that they will be returned to Nigeria, she said.According to her, the reasons for asylum by the Nigerians were not genuine as some who are from the East and West are saying they are running away from Boko Haram while some others say they are gays and were having challenges expressing themselves in Nigeria.The SSA to the President said a date has not yet been set for the deportation of the asylum seeking Nigerians.Germany has set up a team working with the ministry of foreign affairs to see how the whole process [of deportation] can be made easier, she added.While noting that Germany is offering more scholarships and easier process of regular migration for Nigerians, she appealed to young Nigerians to watch out for those opportunities and take advantage of them.We are looking at the option of reverse migration also where you can actually stay in your country and enjoy everything you are migrating abroad to get, Hon. Dabiri Erewa added.She noted that irregular migration was no longer working as the foreign countries were also having their own challenges now.She said the government was already doing much to tackle the issues that are encouraging irregular migration, adding that we are fighting corruption, insecurity and trying to revive the economy.Earlier, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Antonio Jose Canhandula told the stakeholders to suggest better ways of tackling irregular migration, adding that European countries were already closing their doors against migrants.On her part, the South West Zonal Director of National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) Margret Ukegbu lamented that Nigerians have started migrating to unpopular countries like Morocco, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Mali.She noted that importance should be placed on education, stressing that the Nigerian society has been encouraging irregular migration. The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna on Wednesday granted bail to former governor of Kaduna State, Ramalan Yero and three others stan... The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna on Wednesday granted bail to former governor of Kaduna State, Ramalan Yero and three others standing trial over alleged money laundering.Yero was arraigned alongside a former minister, Nuhu Wya, ex-PDP chairman in the state, Abubakar Gaya-Haruna and former secretary to the state government, Hamza Ishaq.They were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a four-count charge bordering on laundering over N700 million in 2015.When the case came up on May 30, all the four defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charges.The court had remanded them in prison custody and fixed today to consider their application for bail.At the resumed sitting on Wednesday, counsel to the defendants, Yunus Ustaz (SAN) asked the court to grant his clients bail, saying they would not interfere in any way to thwart the trial.The defendants were early in 2016 invited by EFCC and at no time were they found wanting when they were granted administrative bail as they did not default.If granted bail, the defendants would not jump bail nor commit any offence and would not tamper with EFCC investigation.The prosecution counsel, Joshua Saidi, however opposed the application for bail, saying that the defendants may use their influence to tamper with investigation and prayed the court to remand the defendants.The Judge, Justice Mohammed Shuaibu after listening to the arguments of both sides granted the defendants bail in the sum of N1 million each with two reliable sureties each in like sum.He said that the sureties should have landed property within the jurisdiction of the court.The judge also ordered that the defendants should surrender their International passport to the Registrar of the court.The case has been adjourned till Sept. 26, for hearing.Meanwhile, one of the lawyers for Yero has said that the former governor would sue the EFCC for releasing his mugshot on the social media. There was a mild drama on the Banana Island Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos State, on Saturday after residents waylaid the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, who had allegedly visited the estate to inaugurate a project.Buratai, our correspondent learnt, had been invited by the Nigerian Army Properties Limited to commission an estate, Apple Island, inside Banana Island, when the residents mobilised against the inauguration.The Chief of Army Staff, who was taken aback by the blockage, appealed to the protesters, who alleged militarisation of the estate and destruction of their jetty by soldiers.I was actually supposed to come here yesterday (Friday) and I put it off for certain reasons. I decided to come here to see what the position is. I came here to see the general area first of all.But now, nothing is going to happen without following the due process to consult you for your view. Rest assured, we are here for your interest and the interest of the country, Buratai said in a video of the incident.The Chief of Army Staff was said to have left without cutting the tape, just as he allegedly ordered that the project board earlier put up for the occasion be removed.A resident, Tokunbo Wahab, told our correspondent that a battalion of soldiers had created panic last Monday when they stormed the estate.He claimed that the armed men destroyed the estate jetty fence and signboard on the premise that it was part of the Apple Island.He said, On Monday, May 28, the eve of Democracy Day, some armed military men came to destroy our jetty and everything we had there. They came in through the estate gate and stationed themselves there till Friday. They claimed to be acting on the orders of the Nigerian Army Property Limited. Despite our protest, they wanted to go ahead with the inauguration.On Friday, some of us challenged the illegality of militarising the estate and we asked them to leave. Around 4pm, the soldiers were withdrawn.However, on Saturday, we saw armed policemen and we decided to mobilise as residents when we got the information that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, was on his way to inaugurate the said Apple Island.We decided to form a human shield as he was coming down from his car. We expressed our anger at the militarisation of a civilian estate and the destruction of our property. We told him that we had approval to have a jetty on the estate which they claimed was the take-off point of their Apple Island. We also said they could not use an existing estate as an access to another estate.Wahab, who showed our correspondent a video clip of the encounter, said the COAS appeased them by saying he had only visited to see the site.He added that the military boss promised that the damage would be repaired and nothing would be done without the consent of the residents.We do not have a problem with Apple Estate. However, our concerns are that they want to use Banana Island access road by destroying the play area, the recreation area and the jetty area. They want to use them as access to their own Island. We do not agree because they will be disrupting the master plan of our estate and killing peoples investments. Banana Island is what it is because some people invested their money, resources and time, he said.Another resident, Wale Oladapo, claimed that the estate had approvals to use the site for a jetty.He showed our correspondent a document dated July 2017 and reportedly issued by one M.J. Sambo of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWAL) which approved the jetty construction.Another document, said to have been issued by the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, approved another part of the estate for recreational purposes.We called NIWAL and other agencies that issue approval to ask if they were aware of these people, but the agencies denied them, including the Lagos State Government. We asked them to show one approval, but they could not. However, we have our approvals from the Federal Government.Everybody is in panic because the Saturday experience was horrible. The army took control of everywhere. Nobody could move or do anything. This is a family estate, not a war zone, he added.The Vice Chairman of the Banana Island Property Owners and Residents Association, Mr Biodun Jegede, said the residents were worried for their security and safety if Banana Island Estate was used as access to the proposed new estate.There is no study to show the environmental impact assessment of the proposed island on this estate because we know these things need to be thoroughly thought about. This estate is a closed unit. If you decide to cut through it to open another estate, you are opening us up to danger.It is also high time we stemmed the occurrence of illegality in this country. If a land has been allocated for a purpose, and it is to be reversed, it should be done the right way. Not by somebody coming up and proposing something that was not there in the first place. You dont need to kill something good to create another good item, he added.The Managing Director of the Nigerian Army Properties Limited, Gen. Umaru Mohammed (rtd), did not pick his calls and had yet to respond to a text message sent to him on Tuesday.An official of the company, who spoke to our correspondent, referred PUNCH Metro to the project developer, Mr. Jide Ayoade, of Taurauf International Limited.Ayoade, however, said the access road was constructed by the Federal Government.He said, Go to the area in question and take a picture of it and the road, then go to the Federal Ministry of Lands, Works and Housing in Lagos and look at the survey. That road was established for over 30 years now and was done by the government. So, if government leaves a project and comes back to it, I dont think there is anything wrong with it.When they say they have a recreational centre; ask them where the land that was originally earmarked for recreation was. They sold it among themselves.The estate is owned by the Federal Ministry of Works, Land and Housing. Check the layout of the estate. It is the ministry that owns it; they (Banana Island Estate residents) dont even give them (ministry of works, land and housing) access to their own estate. The Federal Government constructed the road and gave it to the estate to manage. The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has declared that Governor Ayo Fayose will ... Fayemi declared that the coming fire will consume Fayose up to the root as the progressives are determined to take over power to give Ekiti people governance.He made the declaration on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti when he visited the leaders and members of the Prince Adedayo Adeyeye Movement (PAAM) who have just left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC.The PAAM group led by former Minister of State for Works and ex-PDP national spokesman, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, reiterated readiness to work for Fayemis victory at the poll.Adeyeye described Fayose as a cancer that must be removed from the body of Ekiti for the state to enjoy a new lease of life.Addressing the crowd of PAAM members that came from all the 16 local government areas, Fayemi said they are welcomed in the APC as they will not be treated as newcomers but bona fide party members who will enjoy full privileges.He described Adeyeyes joining of the APC as homecoming recalling that the former minister served as the National Publicity Secretary of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and Afenifere.The APC flag bearer stressed that the task to rescue Ekiti from impunity and bad governance is a collective one adding that all hands must be on deck to defeat Fayose and his protege, Prof. Kolapo Olusola.Fayemi said: You know when the heat is turned on our friend, you know how he reacts. The coming fire will consume Fayose up to the root.Now, Ekiti people have become butt of jokes as people use to ask Ekiti people that how did we get this mad dog and fraudster as the governor?The coming battle is about Ekiti liberation; let us chase this mad dog away first. What I have seen here today shows that God is ready to set Ekiti free from bondage.We will give everything it will take us and everything needed to achieve it, God will give us.We will not use power but we will only use logistics; we dont need power, we only need logistics and those logistics will make the election to be free, fair, credible and transparent.Although he boasts in the open, Fayose is a coward; I only pity the innocent man who will be dumped at the end but we shall accommodate him back at his lecturing job in Ife after the election.Fayemi also used the forum to allay the fears of teachers and civil servants that he was coming back for revenge. He promised better welfare package for all categories of workers if elected again.Adeyeye declared that Fayose will be politically buried on July 14 declaring the readiness of his political structure to work harder to achieve victory at the poll.He disclosed that members of his political family resolved to work with Fayemi rather than moving to another party because they saw APC as a realistic structure to rescue Ekiti from the suffering and hardship allegedly inflicted on the people by Fayose regime.Adeyeye said further: We are serious with this election more than our people already in APC before we came and we are even more serious about this election than JKF.Fayose will be buried politically in Ekiti State on July 14, we must uproot Fayose completely because we have been cutting is branches gradually all this while.Fayose is a cancer in Ekiti State, we must remove him. Fayose dont behave like a true Ekiti son because we are not thieves, we are not fraudsters and we are not extortioners.Over twelve political parties came to me offering me their governorship tickets but I said this is not a small battle, we decided to join a strong platform to chase away the bull in the chinas shop and that was how we arrived at the choice of APC.Fayemi is a man of integrity, he is well educated to the highest level, he is an illustrious son of Ekiti, he is urbane and approachable and we believe we can work with him.He is reliable and he is a man we can work with, we decided to work with Fayemi because we believe he will perform well. We have discussed and we believe PAAM members will be treated well in APC.In 2014, Fayose came here and begged and said he had changed. If you said Fayose was bad at that time, he is now worse and has become incorrigible.But Fayemi is learned, civilized and belongs to the right place. In the coming election, it will be 16-0 against Fayose.A patron of PAAM and former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Afolabi Ojuawo, urged party faithful to go back to their wards and local government areas to work for an APC victory.Ojuawo said Fayemi and Adeyeye are forming a formidable team for victory saying continuity agenda of Fayose is not in the interest of Ekiti. The federal government has increased maternity leave from three to four months. The federal government has increased maternity leave from three to four months. Chris Ngige, minister for labour and employment, disclosed this at the ongoing international labour congress (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland. He said employers of labour, both private and public sectors, have been barred from sacking women from work either due to their marital or maternity status. Employers of labour in Nigeria are, by regulation, requested to provide workplace creches for nursing mothers for ease at workplace, he said. In the public service, government recently increased the period for maternity leave from 12 to 16 weeks, to allow enough recuperation for both baby and mother, especially in the area of breastfeeding. In addition, all disciplinary proceedings against any female staff, which might have been taken during the period of her maternity leave shall be put in abeyance till the expiration of the leave. Employers of labour are barred from removal of women from work due to their marital or maternity status. He said illegal labour migration, contract staffing and labour casualisation, which affect most women, are being reformed through policies and regulations at national, bilateral and multilateral levels. are conscious efforts to ensure that more women enjoy maternity protection in the country, he said. The ratification, domestication and implementation of the maternity protection convention No. 186are conscious efforts to ensure that more women enjoy maternity protection in the country, he said. The minister added that a lot needs to be done in terms of putting in place appropriate legislation, policies and practices to deal with the gender gaps that inhibit greater participation of women in the labour force. Ngige said the most effective method of eliminating gender inequality in the workplace lies in vigorous opposition to employers discriminatory conducts, policies and harassment. Women who fall victim to these abuses are encouraged to oppose such through legal actions and reporting to labour inspectors, he said. Abdulmumin Jibrin, lawmaker representing Bebeji/Kiru constituency in Kano state, could be suspended from the house of representatives if f... Abdulmumin Jibrin, lawmaker representing Bebeji/Kiru constituency in Kano state, could be suspended from the house of representatives if found guilty of the fresh allegations against him. The lawmaker has been accused of misrepresenting the lower legislative chamber regarding the ongoing rift between the national assembly and the executive arm of government. A joint executive session of both chambers of the assembly met on Tuesday and urged the president to address some issues or face the invocation of the powers of the legislature. Reacting to the resolutions passed, a group of lawmakers parliamentary support group led by Jibrin said the decisions reached at the end of the session were not endorsed by all the lawmakers. Almost all the members and senators that spoke at the executive session are of the PDP while members of the APC declined joining the discussion to avoid a rowdy confrontation as the entire session could easily pass for a PDP executive session, the group had said in a statement signed by Jibrin. At plenary on Wednesday, Sunday Karimi from Kogi state called the attention of the house to Jibrins statement, saying there is need for him to be called to order because he is trying to turn the chambers upside down. Jibrin said all our meeting yesterday was a PDP affair and members that spoke in that meeting were all PDP members. If you will speak to the press, you must say the truth, Karimi said. I want this matter to be referred to the ethics committee for him to explain himself. Jibrin was not present at the plenary when the matter was raised. Responding, Dogara decried a situation where lawmakers would not be present and get a clear picture of what is happening. That sitting was for all of us. Anyone that said it is for PDP should have come to raise a voice. I saw them sneaking it and out of here during the meeting, he said. It is right to always reflect the truth and mislead the public. It is very unfortunate. He subsequently referred the matter to committee on ethics and privileges to investigate and report back to the house. Jibrin risks getting suspended if found guilty by the committee. He had just returned from suspension which he was handed in 2017 for 180 legislative days after he raised an alarm of the alleged padding of the 2016 budget. A Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, heard on Tuesday how suspected serial fraudster, Fred Ajudua, defrauded a German car d... A Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, heard on Tuesday how suspected serial fraudster, Fred Ajudua, defrauded a German car dealer, Mr. Michael Kramer, of $550,000 about 25 years ago.Ajudua and his accomplice, Joseph Ochunor, are facing a 12- count charge of fraud and conspiracy before Justice Mojisola Dada.Kramer, 67, a resident of Schlusta, Germany, who is the first prosecution witness, told the court how he was allegedly swindled of $550,000 by Ajudua.According to him, he lost his house and business while his wife divorced him when he could no longer provide for her and their children.The witness, who spoke through an interpreter, Ms Damilola Adewale, a staff of the German Consulate, told the court that Ziad Abu Zalaf was a customer to his company where he once sold exotic cars.Led in evidence by the lead prosecuting Counsel of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) , Seidu Atteh, the German said he met Zalaf sometimes in 1980 when he came to buy car from him.Kramer added that after the transaction, Zalaf bought cars from him regularly and the development strengthened their business relationship. The Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, has reacted to the claim by President Muhammadu Buhari where he was quoted as saying that Nigerian A... The Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, has reacted to the claim by President Muhammadu Buhari where he was quoted as saying that Nigerian Army was soft on Biafra during the 1966 Civil War. President Buhari had during a meeting with the Red Cross Society at the presidential villa said that the Nigerian Army was soft on Biafrans during the Civil War. IPOB said the Presidents statement was not only lies and strange but full of contradictions in the face of quantum evidence to the contrary chronicled by independent observers of the war time atrocities committed by the Nigerian forces against innocent Biafran civilians. IPOBs statement was entitled Civil War: Why Nigerian Army wasnt hard on Biafrans. A Rejoinder, by the IPOB Central Command of the Directorate of States, signed and made available to reporters on Tuesday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful . The statement added, President Buharis comment was not only full of false and strange, but contradictory in the face of quantum evidence to the contrary, chronicled by independent observers of the war time atrocities committed by the Nigerian armed forces against innocent Biafran civilians. It is also a self-contradictory statement from what he had told National Youth Corp members in his house in Daura, Katsina State. According to the pro-Biafra group, to better understand the Nigerian Army atrocities during the war against Biafrans, one needs to trace back to 1945 and then 1953 when the Hausa-Fulani political leadership in Northern Nigeria planned and executed two premeditated pogroms on Biafran immigrant populations in Jos and Kano in an unpatriotic and envy-driven opposition to the leading role Biafrans played in the struggle for Nigerias independence from Britain. IPOB recalled that vast numbers of Easterners, not just Igbos, were murdered on those occasions and their properties looted or destroyed, adding that neither in Kano nor Jos did the colonial regime apprehend or prosecute anyone for these massacres and destruction. It added that The perpetrators, who subsequently seized power in 1966 on the blood of their fellow officers of Eastern extraction, continued their bloodletting that directly led to the war. And when the war came, Gowon deceptively labelled it a police action, but what went on underneath was a genocide of epic proportions. There were extensive coverage of the genocide in the international media throughout its duration. According to accounts, Buhari committed grave genocidal atrocities of his own in the theatres where he participated or commanded, namely the battles for Nsukka, Abagana and Nkpor Junction, where he had held command positions. This is subject of an ongoing suit filed at the ICC by IPOB. IPOB further stated that, during the battles for these sectors, Buharis officers and men torched entire villages and massacred the civilians that could not be evacuated before the enemy arrived. These included children, the sick, infirm and elderly. At the conclusion of the massacres, the soldiers began their macabre dance of jubilation and Buhari was said to have told them that Nnewi is next. Yes-next -as in the next massacre. It was on the heels and ashes of these genocide that the General Gowon had, during the war, boasted publicly that his men had killed three million Biafrans. But given that the numerical strength of the entire Biafran armed forces hovered around 50,000 men, one can only concluded that the three million slaughtered were hapless Biafran civilians. Such atrocities are the reason why history of the Nigerian Biafra war was hurriedlremoved from school curriculum. Apart from Buhari, there were other self-confessed butchers of Biafrans. One is Benjamin Adekunle, described then as a notoriously gruesome commander of Nigerian forces who had no qualms in boasting about the goal of his horrendous mission to exterminate Biafrans. He stated during his August 1968 press conference, attended by journalists including those from the international media that, We shoot at everything that moves, and when our forces march into the center of Igbo territory, we shoot at everything, even at things that do not move. True to his e and type, Adekunle duly carried through his threat with clinical precision both on his everything that moves- targeting, especially Southern Igboland where his forces slaughtered hundreds of thousands, and on the things that do not move-assault category. Adekunles infamous destruction of the famed Biafran economic and social infrastructure was indescribably barbaric. In July 1968, the British mission in Nigeria estimated that 200-300 Biafrans were dying every day. However, these estimates were based on numbers reported by the Nigerian government, as the British did not have access to the Biafran enclaves. Two months later, during the height of the crisis, the International Committee of the Red Cross, which traversed Biafra during the war estimated 8,000 and 10,000 deaths per day. It obtained these figures based on random samples of death rates in villages, refugee camps and hospitals across Biafra, and it cautioned that the estimates were likely to be conservative. According to credible reports, Nigerian troops entered Asaba and began ransacking houses and killing civilians, claiming they were Biafran sympathizers. Reports demonstrates and have it that several hundreds were killed individually and in groups at various locations in the town. Later, community leaders summoned the townspeople to assemble on the morning of October 7, 1967 hoping to end the violence through a show of support for One Nigeria. Hundreds of men, women, and children, many wearing the ceremonial Akwa ocha (white cloth) attire paraded along the main street, singing, dancing, and chanting One Nigeria. At a junction, men and teenage boys were separated from women and young children, and gathered in an open square at Ogbe-Osowa village. Then Nigerian troops, under the command of Murtala Mohammed and Ibrahim Taiwo, gave orders to machine gun everybody. It was reliably estimated that more than 700 men and boys were killed, some as young as 12 years old, in addition to many more killed in the preceding days. Bodies of some victims were retrieved by family members and buried at home. But most were buried in mass graves without appropriate ceremony. The Nigeria Police on Wednesday said that two more suspects in the Offa Bank robbery saga have indicted Senate President, Bukola Saraki. ... The Nigeria Police on Wednesday said that two more suspects in the Offa Bank robbery saga have indicted Senate President, Bukola Saraki. According to the police, Saraki was still under investigation after the suspects indicted him in their confessional statements. Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, addressing journalists, in Abuja, on Wednesday, said the two suspects were arrested in connection with the robbery and their confessional statements indicted Saraki. The Police claimed that the arrested suspects had confessed to being political thugs for the Senate President and that they accompanied him to the palace of the traditional ruler of Offa, Olofa of Offa on a condolence visit after the robbery. This comes after Saraki was earlier indicted by five of the Offa bank robbery suspects who confessed to the crime on Sunday, Channels tv reports. The five gang leaders claimed that they were political thugs of the Senate President and the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed. Offa Descendants Union (ODU), an umbrella association of indigenes of Offa ancient town in Kwara state, has charged the Nigeria police to ... Offa Descendants Union (ODU), an umbrella association of indigenes of Offa ancient town in Kwara state, has charged the Nigeria police to be thorough in its investigation of the Offa bank robbery incident to ensure equity and justice. The ODU president, Alhaji Najeem Yasin, and the secretary-general, Hadjia (Chief) Wosilat Tinuke Macarthy, made the call in reaction to the implication of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, in the case. The Nigeria Police had on Sunday, invited Saraki for questioning over his alleged involvement in the Offa bank robbery attack in Kwara State. However, Yasin, in a statement, noted that Saraki had always considered Offa as a second home, while calling on media outfits to validate reports being disseminated to the public. The suspects arrested in the Offa robbery operation have direct connection with Senate President Bukola Saraki, according to the police. ... The suspects arrested in the Offa robbery operation have direct connection with Senate President Bukola Saraki, according to the police. The robbery, which took place on April 5, led to the death of 33 persons, including pregnant women and 12 police officers. In a statement on Wednesday, the police said three gang leaders in the robbery incident accompanied Saraki on the condolence he paid the community after the attack. Jimoh Moshood, force spokesman, named the gang leaders who accompanied Saraki on the condolence visit to the traditional ruler of the community to include Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibukunle Ogunleye and Adeola Abraham. New revelations from further investigation into the matter show that all the five (5) gang leaders namely; Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibukunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salawudeen Azeez, Niyi Ogundiran have direct connection to the Senate President Bukola Saraki as new pictures of one of the five (5) gang leaders when paraded by the police early in the week was in Aso Ebi (trouser) used during the Senate President daughters wedding, Moshood said. The five (5) gang leaders further admitted that they attended the Senate President daughters wedding held recently. The force said Saraki who has been asked to respond to the allegations in writing remains under investigation and that it would not be cowed or succumb to intimidation from any quarter in carrying out a thorough and discreet investigation into the case. Below is the full statement from Moshood: UPDATE OF POLICE INVESTIGATION INTO THE INDICTMENT OF SENATE PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, SEN. BUKOLA SARAKI FROM CONFESSIONS OF FIVE (5) GANG LEADERS ARRESTED FOR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE OFFA BANKS ROBBERY AND GRUESOME KILLING OF MORE THAN THIRTY THREE (33) INNOCENT PERSONS INCLUDING PREGNANT WOMEN AND NINE (9) POLICE OFFICERS ON 5th APRIL, 2018, IN OFFA, KWARA STATE. Nigeria Police Force have arrested two (2) out of the three (3) suspects mentioned by the Overall Gang Leader of Offa Bank Robbery Ayoade Akinnibosun a.k.a AY during parade of suspects on 3/6/2018 Senate President, Sen. Bukola saraki is still under investigation in connection with the Offa Bank Robbery It will be recalled that on 3rd June, 2018, I paraded before the Media and the Public Fifteen (15) suspects, (Five 5 Gang Leaders and Ten 10 principal Suspects) who admitted, confessed and volunteered statements to the Police Investigation Team on the active criminal roles they played in the Bank Robbery of Six (6) Commercial Banks, attack on Divisional Police Headquarters, Offa and the killing of Thirty Three (33) innocent persons. 2. These five (5) gang leaders confessed to the Police as follows: i. Ayoade Akinnibosun a.k.a AY M 37Yrs Gang Leader From Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State. Confessed to have coordinated the Bank Robbery and the killing of Thirty Three (33) innocent persons during the bank robbery. ii. Ibukunle Ogunleye M 36Yrs Gang Leader from Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State, confessed to have killed Two (2) Persons during the bank robbery. iii. Adeola Abraham M 35Yrs Gang Leader from Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State. Confessed to have killed Five (5) Persons during the bank robbery. iv. Salawudeen Azeez M 49Yrs Gang Leader from Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State. Confessed to have killed Two (2) Persons during the bank robbery. v. Niyi Ogundiran M 37Yrs Gang Leader from Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State. Confessed to have killed Two (2) Persons during the bank robbery. 3. The other Seventeen (17) suspects volunteered confessional statements admitting their active participation in the Offa bank robbery; they also corroborated the confessions of the five (5) principal suspects mentioned in paragraph two (2) above. 4. During the parade, the main gang leader, Ayoade Akinnibosun a.k.a AY M 37Yrs, mentioned three (3) other suspected vicious and notorious political thugs and in possession of Firearms, ammunition and other dangerous weapons working according to him for the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki in the Kwara central Senatorial District, namely Alhaji Kehinde Gobiri aka Captain, Alhaji Oba Shuaib Olododo aka Jawando and Alhaji Dona. 5. Two (2) of these suspects namely Alhaji Kehinde Gobiri aka Captain 47yrs Native of Ilorin East LGA Kwara State and Alhaji Oba Shuaib Olododo aka Jawando 53yrs Native of Ilorin South, Kwara State are now in Police custody and have admitted to various crimes and criminalities they have committed in Kwara Central Senatorial District under the guise of political thuggery for the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki. They are currently under investigation and will be charged to court on completion of investigation. 6. Consequent upon all the above and the confessions of the Five (5) gang leaders namely; Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibukunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salawudeen Azeez, Niyi Ogundiran and some of the other Seventeen (17) suspects arrested for direct involvement and active participation in the Offa Bank Robbery and the gruesome killing of THIRTY THREE (33) innocent persons admitted and volunteered statements that they were political thugs of the Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Bukola Saraki and the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Alh. Abdulfatah Ahmed. The Five (5) gang leaders further confessed during investigation that they are political thugs under the name Youth Liberation Movement a.k.a Good Boys admitted and confessed to have been sponsored with firearms, money and operational vehicles by the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki and the Governor of Kwara State, Alh. Abdulfatah Ahmed. These confessions were made before the media and the public on the 3rd of June, 2018. It is therefore, evidently clear that the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki has case to answer. 7. It was also discovered during further investigations that three (3) gang leaders who participated actively in the Offa Bank Robbery (i) Ayoade Akinnibosun aka AY (ii) Ibukunle Ogunleye aka Arrow and (iii) Adeola Abraham followed the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki to Oloffas Palace when the Senate President paid a condolence visit to Offa after the Bank Robbery. 8. New revelations from further investigation into the matter show that all the five (5) gang leaders namely; Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibukunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salawudeen Azeez, Niyi Ogundiran have direct connection to the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki as new pictures of one of the five (5) gang leaders when paraded by the Police early in the week was in Aso Ebi (trouser) used during the Senate President daughters wedding. The Five (5) gang leaders further admitted that they attended the Senate President daughters wedding held recently. 9. The Nigeria Police Force will not be cowed or succumb to intimidation from any quarter in carrying out a thorough and discreet investigation into the Offa Bank Robbery where significant successes have been recorded. The ongoing investigation will be driven to a logical conclusion. The Senate has begun an investigation of the allegations of rape and human rights abuses against the Nigerian military in a report by the Amnesty International.An ad hoc investigative panel was set up to probe into the claims made by the global human rights body.The probe was based on a point of order raised by Senator Shehu Sani (Kaduna-Central) at the plenary on Wednesday, urging the Senate to verify the content of the report, a copy of which he laid before the chamber.He stated that it was not enough for the Presidency and the military to dismiss the report, stressing that the claims by Amnesty International must be verified.Sani said, The report by Amnesty International is a report that carries details and empirical evidence of torture, rape and starvation of women detained in the northeastern part of Nigeria.Many of these women are women that have survived or escaped Boko Haram attacks and invasions.As a democracy we have a twin obligation to prosecute the war against terror and in every possible way protect and defend the fundamental rights of Nigerians.It is a concern that this report impinges on the integrity, image and reputation of not only the security forces of Nigeria but Nigeria as a country. We have seen reports like this by credible international organisations being discussed globally.As a part of this country that has been overrun by Boko Haram and a hub of humanitarian activities, this damning report has the capacity and ability of denting the war against terror in Nigeria.The Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Bala Ibn NaAllah, however expressed mixed feelings about carrying out the investigation.He noted that while it was necessary to investigate the allegations, the lawmakers should carry out the probe with caution.He said, I sympathise with the position of Senator Shehu Sani on this report. Intricate as the report looks like, I accept the fact that this report by an international organisation shows that a little bit of responsibility exists to carefully look at that report.However, I also want the Senate to understand the intricate nature of this war.Happily enough, Senator Shehu Sani has accepted the fact that members of the armed forces and security agencies have paid the supreme price in this intricate war.The nature and character of what we have in the country makes it almost practically impossible not to have the kind of report that Amnesty is reporting about Nigeria.We must recognise the fact that we are not fighting the war against a defined enemy.In his ruling, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, said, Deputy Leader, I could see you struggling on both ways. I can see many people raising their hands,Amnesty but I think the Deputy Leader raised a point; whatever your contributions are going to be will rather be speculative in the sense that you have not seen the report.His prayer is for us to investigate the report; make the report available to members and investigate it. Then we can take an informed position before we contribute.Saraki named members of the panel as including Senators David Umaru (Chairman), Babajide Omoworare, Abubakar Kyari, Jeremiah Useni, Binta Masi Garba, Stella Oduah and Ben Murray-Bruce. The 20-year-old woman who was punched in the head and wrestled to the ground by Wildwood police during a Memorial Day weekend arrest isn't offering any apologies and says she suffered neck, back and emotional injuries. The interview came a day after a prosecutor announced officers involved in the violent confrontation would not be charged. "I've been real anxious over it, kind of upset (by) the negative things people say about me," Emily Weinman told Good Morning America. "They see one video, one situation and they're like saying all this negative stuff. One situation doesn't define someone. I'm not a bad person." Weinman was accompanied by her attorney, Stephen Dicht, who said his client was charged only with misdemeanors at first but that cops "piled on" more charges after a beachgoer's video of the incident went viral. "She didn't go out that Saturday looking for trouble," Dicht said on GMA. "She went to have a fun time on the beach with her daughter." Weinman made similar comments in an interview recorded Tuesday night that aired Wednesday morning on "CBS This Morning." "In my eyes I'm not a criminal, I'm not a bad person," she said. She added that she has no intention of telling the officers involved that she's sorry. "Honestly, no," she said when asked if she plans to apologize "I'm sorry it happened but I don't owe them an apology at all." Weinman added she wasn't looking for trouble when the officers approached her. "I was nice and calm -- a little attitude," she said with a half-smile. Police approached Weinman May 26 for having unopened alcohol on the beach before the encounter devolved into a clash that was captured in a bystander's video viewed millions of times. The footage shows one officer pummel Weinman twice in the head as she's down on the beach after she kicks her legs in the air. "One situation doesn't define a person... I'm not this person that they're out here trying to make me seem like." Mom punched in the head during violent beach arrest speaks out: pic.twitter.com/M0pCfJjWs5 Good Morning America (@GMA) June 6, 2018 Body camera footage released by authorities showed an officer argue with Weinman, who said in a now-deleted social media post that she was visiting the beach with her daughter and boyfriend, about alcoholic iced tea drinks allegedly in her possession. The incident escalated after she refused to give police her name. "You don't need my last name," Weinman said as she begins to walk away from an officer. "Alright, that's it. I'm done with you," the officer responded. When the officer asked a colleague for handcuffs, Weinman responded, "Don't (expletive) touch me." "You're about to get dropped," the officer told Weinman, who continued walking away from police and shouting. A struggle erupts as police try to arrest Weinman. Once handcuffed, she spits toward the arresting officer before being taken away, the police footage revealed. Wildwood police charged the Philadelphia resident with a range of offenses, including two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and being a minor in possession of alcohol. Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland said Tuesday the actions of the officers did not meet the evidentiary standards to warrant criminal charges. "As County Prosecutor, I recognize that the video footage has raised a lot of questions regarding the officers' actions," Sutherland said in a statement. "A decision such as this is not based on emotion; it is based upon applying the proper laws, policies and directives that govern law enforcement." Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano, Jr. has voiced his support for the officers and said Weinman "refused to comply," with their orders. For her part, Weinman was disappointed by the prosecutor's decision and working to fight the charges against her, attorney Stephen Dicht told NJ Advance Media in an earlier interview. "I think it's terrible. It ignores the plain evidence," Dicht said. "You look at that video, you see three people, maybe four people. One of them's getting beaten on her head, and she's the one who got charged." The officers involved in the arrest - Thomas Cannon, John Hillman and Robert Jordan - are part-time seasonal members of the force, known as Class II special law enforcement officers. It remains unclear which of the three officers struck Weinman. Though they are part-time, Class II special officers receive the same basic training as their full time colleagues and can exercise similar police authority. Wildwood police have also launched an internal affairs review of the incident, which the prosecutor's office is monitoring. Weinman faces a June 15 court date in Cape May County. Tony Attrino and Jeff Goldman contributed to this report. Rutgers University is investigating whether a white professor who took to social media to condemn "little Caucasian a--holes" broke university policies for discrimination and harassment. The history professor, James Livingston, ranted on Facebook on Thursday night after getting a burger to-go at Harlem Shake in New York, according to a screen shot published by The Daily Caller, a conservative website. "OK, officially, I now hate white people," Livingston began his post. He continued to say the burger shop was "overrun with little Caucasian a--holes who know their parents will approve of anything they do." "Do what you want, nobody here is going to restrict your right to be white," Livingston wrote. He then added: "I hereby resign from my race. F--- these people." Livingston's post was later removed by Facebook, he said in a subsequent post. "I just don't want little Caucasians overrunning my life, as they did last night," he wrote in a post the following morning. "Please God, remand them to the suburbs, where they and their parents can colonize every restaurant, all the while pretending that the idiotic indulgence of their privilege signifies cosmopolitan--you know, as in sophisticated 'European'--commitments." University officials are reviewing the Facebook rant, according to statement from Rutgers. "There is no place for racial intolerance at Rutgers," the statement said. Livingston could not immediately be reached for comment. Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook The 72nd annual Tony Awards will score some time with The Boss this weekend. Broadway's biggest night announced Wednesday that Bruce Springsteen will perform Sunday night in New York, as he is set to accept a Special Tony Award for his acclaimed "Springsteen on Broadway" show. Since the announcement last month that Springsteen would accept an award, it was expected that he would be tapped to perform, drawing a rock-loving audience to a program that has suffered tumbling ratings in recent years. The Tonys kick off 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS. While we don't know which song Bruce will sing, it's almost guaranteed that it will be something from his one-man show at the Walter Kerr Theatre. The set list, which has remained identical for each show, is listed below. Springsteen is not considered for any other Tonys on Sunday night, as the show did not apply for Tonys eligibility and has yet to invite Tony voters to a performance. "Springsteen on Broadway" premiered in October 2017 and after several extensions will see its final curtain Dec. 15. The "Springsteen on Broadway" set list "Growin' Up" "My Hometown" "My Father's House" "The Wish" "Thunder Road" "The Promised Land" "Born in the U.S.A." "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" "Tougher Than the Rest" "Brilliant Disguise" "The Rising" "Long Walk Home" "Dancing in the Dark" "Land of Hope and Dreams" "Born to Run" Bobby Olivier may be reached at bolivier@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobbyOlivier and Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook. The unofficial checklist for how to become a freeholder in Essex County has always been pretty simple -- have experience as an elected official and get the support of the Essex County Democratic Committee, a powerful party organization in the heavily blue county. Now, you can add an unexpected criteria: Be named in an FBI investigation into alleged fraud and money laundering. Tyshammie Cooper, who works as the mayor's chief of staff in Orange and is an elected councilwoman in East Orange, ran unopposed Tuesday in the Democratic primary for the remainder of an unexpired term on the county's freeholder board. No Republican candidates ran, so Cooper is expected to coast to an easy victory in November. She was named in at least two FBI search warrants served in Orange over the past two years in a wide-ranging probe investigating alleged misuse of government funds, among other things. Federal officials have not yet made public the results of the probe, and Cooper has not been charged with any crimes in relation to the investigation. In a phone interview Tuesday, Cooper acknowledged the city has in recent months received additional subpoenas in relation to the ongoing federal investigation, but said that they were "looking for documents" and it "didn't involve me at all." Though she said she has not had much to do recently with the investigation -- which began in 2016 with an FBI raid of the city library and continued with a raid of City Hall in 2017 -- Cooper called the probe a "very lengthy" process that has been handled "very professionally" by both city officials and FBI agents. "They are experienced people doing their due diligence," she said of the agents. Cooper said she did not think the investigation should hamper her ambitions to become a district freeholder representing parts of Newark, South Orange, East Orange and Orange. She said both her role as an East Orange councilwoman and the "professionalism of my day-to-day work" in Orange made her an ideal candidate for the role. Cooper has not filed her campaign finance report with the state as a freeholder candidate in the non-contested race, but ran on the Essex County Democratic Committee ticket -- the party that supports six-term County Executive and New Jersey power broker Joseph DiVincenzo, as well as most every other major politician in the county. "Until there is some sort of continuation of (the FBI probe), she should be able to live her life ... and (take on) any political opportunities that present themselves," Committee Chair Leroy Jones said in an interview Tuesday. According to Jones, Cooper expressed interest in the freeholder role -- vacated when Britnee Timberlake took now-Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver's state assembly seat in January. The committee "vetted" a number of possible candidates before choosing Cooper, Jones said, while noting that the pool of interested candidates "wasn't that competitive." When pressed about Cooper's role in the Orange investigation, Jones defended the committee's choice to back her. "This is still America," he said. "Under our rules of law, people are still innocent until proven guilty." Timberlake did not immediately respond to a message requesting comment. A spokesman for DiVincenzo referred comment on Cooper to Jones. When asked about who would fill Cooper's seat on the East Orange Council, a spokeswoman for East Orange also referred to Jones. Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook. HARRISON Mayor James Fife withstood a spirited challenge from Councilman Anselmo Millan on Tuesday, winning the Democratic nomination for mayor and ending Millan's council career in the process. Fife, 77, a retired Harrison High School principal, won 57 percent of the vote to Millan's 43 percent, while Fife's four-person council slate also won by healthy margins, preliminary results show. Fife's team celebrated at the Elks lodge on Harrison Avenue, where supporters chanted "Fife for life." "It has been a brutal campaign," said Fourth Ward Councilman James Doran, who won the Democratic nomination Tuesday. "The goodness of the Harrisonians always prevails." The mayor and his four council members are expected to win easily in November in this largely Democratic town. Fife is seeking his second full term. No Republicans filed to run in Tuesday's primary. "New fireman, new policemen, lower taxes, no more Distressed City," Fife said in a speech to dozens of supporters at the Elks club. "All those are big important things that we've accomplished in the last four years." The mayor and Doran slammed Millan for running a "dirty" campaign, saying the councilman tried to stir up racial resentment in this town where 45 percent of the population is of Hispanic origin. "The fact that he tried to make this Spanish people against other people ... I was mortified at that," Doran said. "I was embarrassed that somebody from my town, as diverse as we are, and we get along, would possibly say that, that we would not do something for someone because of their race, or that Spanish people need to get together and take the town over because we're ruining it. That's what hurt me. There's not a prejudiced bone in any of us" Fife said he'd give Millan "five Pinocchios." Millan did not answer his phone on Tuesday night and declined to speak in person at his campaign headquarters, around the corner from where Fife's team were celebrating. His son-in-law, Michael Fernandez, the owner of Harrison hot spot Spanish Pavillion, said he hopes the Fife administration "changes its focus from the f***ing boys' club," his term for the men who control the town. "This town has an opportunity to be better than Hoboken," Fernandez said. Fife's council team included Councilman Jesus Huaranga in the First Ward, noewcomer Ellen Mendoza in the Second Ward, Councilman Laurence M. Bennett in the Third Ward and Doran. If Mendoza wins as expected in November, she would replace Millan on the eight-member council. Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. School 38 in Jersey City celebrated the 10th anniversary of its drama club with a set of rousing hour-long performances. Club producer/director Stephanie Laros-Glykis and a team of teachers, under the leadership of Principal Sandra Jones Legay, directed the May 31, June 1 and 2 shows that featured a cast of 125 students, ranging from 8 to 13 years old. The show, "Once on This Island Jr.," is the story of a young girl who finds love in a world of prejudice while learning about the island's history. The production was based on the book and lyrics of American writer Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty; and was based on the novel, "My Love, My Love," by American writer Rosa Guy. Check out the photo gallery of the talented students. The city of Hoboken marked the start of June as Pride Month by raising the LGBTQ flag outside City Hall on Monday, June 4. The ceremony included remarks from Hudson Pride Center CEO Michael Billy, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and transgender veteran Jennifer Marie Long, who retired with the rank of sergeant major. "I am very honored to commemorate my first Pride Month as mayor of the city of Hoboken," Bhalla said. Long, who currently serves as the Hudson County District Commander of the New Jersey VFW, helped raise the flag. "I retired at the rank of sergeant major, that's the highest of enlisted ranks, I have served my country with honor and distinction," Long said. "I am a transgendered veteran." For the first time ever, the county of Hudson will designate August as Pride Month, Billy said at the event. "Now more than ever, in the United States and our local communities, is it extremely important for us to step up in the local level to make sure that our communities love and support our community members," he said. The county flag-raising to celebrate Pride Month will take place on Aug. 1 while Hoboken will host a pride week Aug. 5-11. JERSEY CITY -- The state rested this afternoon in the murder trial of a West New York man charged with stabbing a man in the heart outside the Rumba Cubana restaurant in Guttenberg in 2017. Reidel Carrasco, 23, could face up to life in prison if convicted of murdering Antonio Bouza, 28, on July 28, 2017, in Guttenberg over what prosecutors suggest was a beef about a woman both had date. The defense will begin presenting a case for self-defense tomorrow and the woman will be the first witness. The defense expects to rest by tomorrow afternoon. It is not yet clear if Carrasco will take the stand in his own defense. On the night he died, Bouza was in the restaurant with his friend Luis Ricardo Gomez and Carrasco happened to be there with a date and the woman's son. Bouza and Carrasco had had confrontation with Carrasco in the past. At one point, Carrasco took the boy to the restroom and grabbed a steak knife from the table. The defense argues he did so because he feared the pair would attack him. The prosecution has argued that it was Carrasco who instigated the violence with text messaged and phone calls that night. When Carrasco left the restaurant he appears to have waved back at the pair. Ricardo Gomez said Carrasco was calling him out. The pair got up and followed Carrasco outside where Ricardo Gomez struck him in the face, as did Bouza. Carrasco then fatally stabbed Bouza. During his cross-examination of Ricardo Gomez today, defense attorney Raoul Bustillo worked to show that the Spanish texts sent by his client could be interpreted in a much more innocuous way than Ricardo Gomez had. Bustillo also worked to show that his client had good reason to fear he was about to be attacked by the pair that night. Finally, he caught Ricardo Gomez making statements which contradicted what he told police after Bouza was pronounced dead at the scene. The trial will resume at 9 a.m. tomorrow before Hudson County Superior Court Judge Mirtha Ospina in the Hudson County Administration Building in Jersey City. The defense has requested a bench trial. That means there is no jury and Ospina will decide if Carrasco is guilty or not guilty. JERSEY CITY -- The best friend of a West New York man stabbed to death outside a Guttenberg restaurant broke down on the witness stand today as he told of events that night. Luis Ricardo Gomez held tissues to his face to dry his tears this morning at the murder trial of Reidel Carrasco, 23, of West New York, when shown security video of events leading to the death of Antonio Bouza, 28, on July 28, 2017. Ricardo Gomez testified for the state that he and Bouza were like brothers. Gomez described Carrasco as an acquaintance and he spoke of several confrontations he had with the defendant in person and online. No violence had occurred between them, but they had threatened to fight each other on at least one occasion. It never happened, Ricardo Gomez said. He said on the night of the stabbing, he was at Rumba Cubana on Boulevard East with family members, his girlfriend and Bouza. When he walked in he saw Carrasco and smiled at him because Carrasco hadn't backed up his fighting words. Ricardo Gomez said "He was saying he was going to jump me and I thought, 'The world too small.' We met up right here." Events that night were captured by the establishment's numerous security cameras. The witness said neither he or Bouza approached Carrasco and they said nothing to him that night. But Ricardo Gomez said Carrasco began calling and texting him and things began to get heated. He said the first text read "The face that you just gave me, why don't you come outside." In one text Ricardo Gomez told Carrasco that if he wanted, he would leave the restaurant after his family had gone. He said he meant they could settle things then. The witness said Bouza asked him if he wanted to do something and he told him he did not, because his family and children were present. Carrasco was at the restaurant with his girlfriend and her young son. The prosecution said Carrasco and Bouza had both dated the same woman previously, girlfriend, including at the same time, and suggested there was bad blood between them. The defense says that at some point Carrasco took the woman's son to the bathroom and grabbed a steak knife from the table because he feared Bouza and Ricardo Gomez would attack him while he was with the child. Carrasco then called his father and asked him to pick him up. Defense attorney Raoul Bustillo said his client did so because he didn't want any trouble. But as Carrasco left, he turned and waved. Ricardo Gomez said Carrasco was calling him out. He went outside and Bouza followed. Ricardo Gomez said he slapped Carrasco outside the restaurant and was knocked out as he saw Carrasco retrieving something from his waist. The security video also shows Bouza striking Carrasco. The prosecution says Carrasco then stabbed him, although it is not clear on the video. Bouza is seen collapsing twice before re-entering the scuffle. Finally, he falls to the sidewalk and a large stain is visible on his shirt. A forensic pathologist testified today that he died of a stab wound that penetrated his heart. Carrasco's father then arrived at Rumba Cubana and they drove to the Guttenberg police station, the video showed. Ricardo Gomez said he remained with Bouza at the scene. "They were trying to give him CPR and I was telling that person... 'Do something. Do something.' and he called to the police and they said 'get away.' " Ricardo Gomez said he learned at police station that Bouza had died. Bustillo has argued that Carrasco was being attacked by two men and his action were nothing but self-defense. Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Raquel Rivera finished questioning Ricardo Gomez by asking, "That evening, while you followed the defendant out of Rumba Cubana, were you armed?" "No," Ricardo Gomez answered. She asked the same question regarding Bouza and the witness again said "No." Bustillo will cross examine Ricardo Gomez this afternoon. Everyone who knew Earl Morgan knows he loved storytelling. Morgan, the longtime Jersey Journal writer who died Tuesday at the age of 75, especially loved telling stories of Jersey City's history. Thanks to Stan Eason, who once worked at this newspaper with Morgan, we have some recent video footage of Morgan discussing a memorable moment from March 27, 1968, when Martin Luther King Jr. visited the Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church eight days before he was gunned down by an assassin. In the video, which Eason took last year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of King's visit, Morgan said he was at Metropolitan A.M.E. that day covering King's speech for the Newark City Journal newspaper. "I came to the church, got lucky, came early and got a seat," Morgan says. "Because at some point there was no getting in the building. I mean, people were all over the place, across Bergen Avenue." King's visit, which attracted about 2,000 people to the church, electrified the crowd. "It sounded as if a rock star was on his way out," according to Morgan. "He made quite an impression on the people. The energy that he projected seem to go out with him and you could feel it ... there was a joyful sort of ambience in the crowd." Morgan, who was a reporter and columnist at The Jersey Journal for four decades, confesses in the video that he couldn't remember one iota of King's speech even though he wrote about it. "Reporters live a strange life," he says. "You write something and you forget about it because all editors want to know, what have you done for me lately? ... they want to know what's new today." Funeral arrangements for Morgan have not yet been announced. Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. Decorated Jersey City Police K-9 Astro died suddenly Sunday after serving the city for about eight years, leaving a hole in the heart of his partner, Officer George Crispina, and the officer's family. "He was the absolutely best K-9 anyone could ask for -- that's for sure," Crispina, 37, said Monday. "He was kind. He was funny and just always happy. There was never a dull moment at work with him, and he made it so much better. He loved kids. People all over the city knew him." Crispina said Astro, who was 9, lost consciousness at work Sunday and was rushed to an animal hospital, where they learned he had a tumor in his spleen that had spread. It was not treatable. Crispina, a 15-year veteran of the department, said there had been no prior symptoms, and it was the type of illness that "You find it when it's too late." Crispina and his family got to spend some time with Astro before he was euthanized at 2 p.m. He said his 12-year-old son Isaiah cried. His 4-year-old daughter Victoria said, "I'm sad, Daddy." When he asked her why, she said, "Because Astro is going to heaven, and I won't be able to play with him." During Astro's career, the JCPD awarded the explosives and patrol dog a commendation and an excellent police service award. He was also cited by the Union City Police Department for recovery of a gun and the arrest of two people wanted on carjacking charges. The German shepherd, who was born in Hungary on July 28, 2008, had his paw in several arrests that made newspaper headlines and made it into Crispina's scrap book. Crispina said the bond between a police officer and his K-9 partner is extremely close, and he could tell by Astro's mannerisms when danger was around the corner. "When he went to work he knew what his job was, but when he got home and you took that collar off, he was a friend," Crispina said. "I'm in the house, and it's quiet. The house is empty without him. You can say your career started when you graduate from the academy, but my career started when I got him." Crispina said Police Chief Michael Kelly went to the animal hospital Sunday to support Astro. The North District officer said the support he has received "is truly humbling to say the least, and nothing I have ever experience in my life." The Mercer County Prosecutor's Office announced Wednesday it will be dropping most of the remaining drug and related charges against Edward "NJ Weedman" stemming from a 2016 raid on his Trenton restaurant. What is not dismissed will be downgraded to municipal court, where jail time is unlikely. But Forchion's not seeing this as all good news. Late last month, Forchion was found not guilty by a jury on third-degree witness tampering charges - a case that also grew from the drug raid. The marijuana activist spent about 15 months detained in the Mercer County jail during two trials, and was set free hours after he was acquitted. The prosecutor's office said the decision to not move forward in prosecuting Forchion came after considering the shift in climate of marijuana legislation in New Jersey. "They're about 10 years too late," Forchion said of a change in public opinion of marijuana. The office also considered the changes in law regarding the state's bail reform - an issue Forchion railed against during his time in jail. "I'm half-way happy and half-way mad," he said Wednesday night. "Now the state just drops the charges, and I've already spent 16 months in jail. I had 42 charges against me total. It was a campaign of terror by the police department." "These factors call for an adjustment in the way the office most appropriately uses its resources and assistance from other law enforcement agencies in order to prioritize detention cases such as murders, attempted murders and violent crime," the prosecutor's statement said. "The fact that the defendant has served more than a year in prison while these cases were pending was also taken into consideration," it continued. In all, Forchion had been indicted in 2016 and 2017 and was facing 11 charges related to narcotics dealings and cyber harassment. The prosecutor's office has dismissed most of the charges, and downgraded five to "disorderly persons offenses," all of which will be tried in Trenton Municipal Court. The state is currently wrestling with ideas of how to deal with the hundreds of thousands of people who have been charged with marijuana crimes. Some legislators are considering expunging low-level convictions, but aren't yet sure of the logistics. "After a review of the defendant's pending cases," the prosecutor's office said in its statement, "We feel the downgrade and dismissal of the charges is an appropriate resolution." Paige Gross may be reached at pgross@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @By_paigegross. Find NJ.com on Facebook. The mother of an Asbury Park elementary school student is suing the district for damages she says her son suffered when he was restrained so tightly by a security guard that he lost consciousness. The incident occurred three years ago, on April 28, 2015, when the boy was a 7-year-old first grader at Barack Obama School, according to a lawsuit filed this past April in state Superior Court by his mother, Karen McMillan. The suit names the Asbury Park Board of Education and the security guard, Barry Gramenty, as defendants, seeking damages for the boy's physical and emotional suffering, as well as legal fees. "The plaintiff was held so tightly by the defendant, Barry Gramenty, that the plaintiff, N.J., was going to throw up," the suit states. "The minor plaintiff, N.J., was eventually caused to lose consciousness." The suit further alleges that the school board "was reckless, careless, and/or negligent in that they failed to properly hire, screen, and/or train their security guard." The suits states that the boy, who had a learning disability, "sustained severe painful bodily injuries, loss of consciousness and severe emotional damages." The suit does not state why the security guard physically restrained the boy, or what conduct or events precipitated the incident. The boy's lawyer, Nathaniel Davis, did not respond to phone or email requests to elaborate on the assertions in the suit. A May 2015 Asbury Park Press story quoted district officials as saying that the boy was restrained after throwing a temper tantrum, though his mother was quoted as saying he had never suffered such a "meltdown" and questioned the need to place him in a "choke hold." A spokeswoman for the district, Chanta Jackson, confirmed statements attributed to her in the 2015 story that all policies and procedures had been followed at the time of the incident, and that the matter had been referred to law enforcement authorities. Jackson told the Asbury Park Press at the time that Gramenty had been placed on paid leave. However, Jackson declined to comment any further this week. Asbury Park Police did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesman for the Monmouth County Prosecutor's office, Charles Webster, said his office had no record of the case, including any criminal charges against the security guard. A lawyer for the school board, Adam Weiss of the Busch Law Group in Metuchen, declined to say whether Gramenty still worked for the district. "I can tell you that he school district takes these allegations extremely seriously and will rely on our insurance counsel to mount a vigorous defense," Weiss said, referring to a separate law firm that is defending against the suit. On Tuesday, the district's insurance counsel filed papers seeking to move the suit from state Superior Court to U.S. District Court, asserting that a federal judge should hear the case because of the allegation that the the security guard and district had violated federal law. The suit asserts that the boy suffers from a learning disability, and that federal law known as Section 504 is intended to "protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education." The insurance lawyer, Brent Davis -- no relation to the boy's lawyer -- declined to comment on the substance of the suit's allegations. CLARIFICATION: The story was updated to clarify the nature of the response by Asbury Park Public Schools spokeswoman Chanta Jackson to inquiries by NJ Advance Media. A comment received Wednesday from Adam S. Weiss, a lawyer with the district's regular law firm, the Busch Group, was also added. Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveStrunsky. Find NJ.com on Facebook Authorities have charged a man with dumping the body of a woman on a street in Wall Township last month. Edward Ramirez, 51, of Brick, is charged with disturbing human remains, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said. Police found the body of Jamie Leis, 35, of Toms River, wrapped in a tarp on Brighton Avenue near Rockefeller Drive at about 10:30 a.m. May 17. Investigators didn't find any visible injuries on Leis, and authorities said they are waiting for the results of an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. Authorities urged anyone with information to call prosecutor's Detective Kevin Condon at 800-533-7443, or Wall police Detective Anthony Lacher at 732-449-4500 ext. 1186. Anyone who wants to remain anonymous, authorities said, can contact the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers. Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Hours after 20-year-old Emily Weinman made an appearance on Good Morning America to discuss her arrest on a Wildwood beach Memorial Day weekend, her lawyer said it's unlikely she'll meet with internal affairs investigators. Wildwood police issued a Wednesday evening statement saying their internal affairs probe into the arrest is ongoing, and Weinman will be given an opportunity to participate in that process. "I don't know what benefit would come from that. Is she going to come in and change their minds? I doubt it," lawyer Stephen Dicht said. On Tuesday, the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office announced the officers who were seen on video - one who punched Weinman in the head - would not face criminal charges. Wildwood police, in their Wednesday statement, also said they will not be commenting on the incident anymore until the review is complete "I guess it's a smart that they're going to stop talking," Dicht responded. And he added, "If they thought the way I did, the officers would have been disciplined and terminated. All they've wanted to do is make it harder for her." "One situation doesn't define a person... I'm not this person that they're out here trying to make me seem like." Mom punched in the head during violent beach arrest speaks out: pic.twitter.com/M0pCfJjWs5 Good Morning America (@GMA) June 6, 2018 Video of the arrest showed police approached the 20-year-old Weinman on May 26 for having unopened alcohol on the beach before the encounter devolved into a clash that was captured in a bystander's video viewed millions of times. On Good Morning America, Dicht, who sext next to his client, she she was charged only with misdemeanors at first but that cops "piled on" more charges after a beachgoer's video of the incident went viral. "She didn't go out that Saturday looking for trouble," Dicht said on the show. Weinman now faces charges for aggravated assault on a police officer, aggravated assault by spitting on an officer, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and being a minor in possession of alcohol. Weinman herself said she wasn't looking for trouble when the officers approached her. "I was nice and calm -- a little attitude," she said with a half-smile. And she has no intention of telling the officers involved that she's sorry, she said in the interview. "I'm sorry it happened but I don't owe them an apology at all." She also said, "One situation doesn't define someone. I'm not a bad person." Taylor Tiamoyo Harris may be reached at tharris@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ladytiamoyo. Find NJ.com on Facebook Oyster Creek, the oldest of New Jersey's four nuclear power plants, will shut down Sept. 17, but some of its main buildings will remain standing for nearly six decades at the Ocean County site. That's all new information contained in a report on the plant's decommissioning filed by Oyster Creek's owner, Exelon, with the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The company also said it had chosen a method that will span 60 years to complete the dismantling of the plant, versus beginning immediately. Exelon had originally planned to shutter Oyster Creek in 2019 then, this past February, moved the date up to this October. That's now going to be mid-September at the end of the station's current fuel cycle, according to Suzanne D'Ambrosio, spokeswoman for Oyster Creek said Tuesday. According to the report Exelon filed with the NRC, it has chosen to put the plant into long-term storage -- a method known as SAFSTOR -- and take advantage of the NRC's rules on decommissioning plants which allow a company up to 60 years to raze a facility. "The SAFSTOR option is the most economical and radiologically safe plan for decommissioning," D'Ambrosio said. "It allows for normal radioactive decay, produces less waste and exposes our workers to lower levels of radiation." Once it stops producing electricity Sept. 17, the process of moving the radioactive fuel from the reactor core to a spent fuel storage pool begins, something Exelon says should be done by Sept. 30. In the coming years work will begin to remove some smaller buildings at the site, according to the report. The radioactive spent fuel rods will eventually be removed from the fuel pool and be placed in dry storage casks, a task Exelon says will be done by 2024. The site will be maintained for 50-plus years until Exelon begins removing the larger components at the site beginning in June 2075 and wrapping up by December 2077, according to its report. Some of the larger sections of the plant may actually be barged from near the site, according to the report. The decommissioning is expected to cost the utility about $1.4 billion, Exelon says. Environmentalists who have long been critical of the 620-megawatt plant, said they are glad to see it close. "Oyster Creek has been a safety threat to Ocean County, polluting Barnegat Bay, and killing thousands of fish over the years," said Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. "Shutting down the Oyster Creek plant will reduce the algae blooms, improve fish populations and help restore the overall ecosystem of the Barnegat Bay." Claiming Oyster Creek was damaging the environment because it draws millions of gallons of water into the plant each day for cooling purposes, groups like the Sierra Club have long called for its closure. Exelon Generation Announces Timeline for Retirement of Oyster Creek Generating Station https://t.co/jZUVYgRoQW pic.twitter.com/UYbf42HAAq Exelon Generation (@ExelonGen) February 2, 2018 The plant had been granted a 20-year license extension by the NRC, but Exelon agreed to close the facility 10 years earlier if it would be allowed to operate without building cooling towers at the site. "Since it doesn't have cooling towers, the plant has also been a major source of thermal pollution for the bay with their super-heated water causing severe algal blooms. When it comes to closing this plant we say, the sooner the better," Tittel said. Tittel says the Sierra Club also takes exception with the decommissioning route Exelon has chosen for Oyster Creek. "We believe that 60 years is way too long of a time to close the plant, especially given the increasing sea levels and storm surges. The plant could be hit by a storm worse than Sandy ..." said Tittel. "The plant was only operating for 50 years and it doesn't make sense why it needs 60 years to take apart." The Oyster Creek Generating Station in Ocean County is seen in this file photo. The plant will cease producing electricity on Sept. 17, its owner says. (File Photo) Of the 24 nuclear power that have closed in the U.S., the operators of nine are opting for the extended SAFSTOR method while the 15 others have begun or plan to begin dismantling immediately, according to the NRC. The NRC will hold a public meeting in the area of the plant in July on the report, according to Neil Sheehan, spokesman for the NRC. The plant had employed about 500 workers. Recently, it was announced that 84 would be leaving through the fall. "Approximately 400 Oyster Creek employees will remain onsite to shut down the facility," D'Ambrosio said. "Once the unit is shut down, a smaller workforce will remain at the site during decommissioning. The number of individuals needed at the site depends on the decommissioning milestones." The plant which has operated since 1969, has an impact on the local community through both employment and other other economic spinoff. According to D'Ambrosio, Oyster Creek pays $2.5 million in property taxes and donates more than $250,000 in community donations through the United Way of Ocean County. Oyster Creek is one of our nuclear plants in New Jersey. The other three, operated by PSEG Nuclear, are located at its Artificial Island generating complex in Lower Alloways Creek along the Delaware River. Each of those three plants produce enough electricity to power about 1 million homes. Oyster Creek's electric output was enough to power about 600,000 homes, according to the company. Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips A New Jersey State Trooper stops hundreds of cars yearly. But what are the chances that you'll pull over the guy who helped give you life? Well, it happened to a trooper a few days ago. On Friday, Trooper Michael Patterson pulled over Matthew Bailly in Kingwood Township for tinted windows. (Right to left) State Trooper Michael Patterson and Matthew Bailly, a former police officer. They started talking and Bailly said he was a retired Piscataway police officer. Patterson, a Piscataway native, told the retired cop he was from the same town. Interest piqued, Bailly asked the trooper where he grew up. Poe Place, Patterson said. That was a familiar street to the longtime cop. When he was a rookie, he got called to a house on that street 27 years ago and helped to deliver a baby. After Bailly told his story, Patterson reintroduced himself. "My name is Michael Patterson, sir," he told him. "Thank you for delivering me." On Oct. 5, 1991, Patterson's mother, Karen, had rushed home from shopping and found that she was in labor. Her husband, Bobby, took her into the house and called police and their doctor. Bailly responded, and the Patterson's doctor talked him through the delivery. Trooper Stops Retired Police Officer Who Delivered Him 27 Years Ago Were not sure what the odds are of this... Posted by New Jersey State Police on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 After that revelation about their connection, Patterson delivered Bailly a first-class handshake instead of a summons. And later, Trooper Patterson and his mom visited Bailly and his wife to revisit a key moment in the law enforcement officers' lives. Taylor Tiamoyo Harris may be reached at tharris@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ladytiamoyo. Find NJ.com on Facebook Democratic voters on Tuesday staged a revolt against the party establishment by giving nearly 40 percent of their vote to Lisa McCormick, an unknown challenger against Sen. Robert Menendez. The party bosses gave Menendez 100 percent of their vote, endorsing him in all 21 counties. They have no ethical standards when it comes to the boys on the team. If you're not in jail, you're fine. Menendez barely cleared that bar. After a jury couldn't reach a verdict in his corruption trial, prosecutors dropped charges in February. So, he squeaked by, but not until the world heard all about his free private jets to the Caribbean, his free weekends in Paris, and his concierge work on behalf of the friend who paid those bills. That was enough to earn a "severe admonishment" from a unanimous and bipartisan Senate Ethics Committee. Republicans, though, came to the rescue by nominating someone voters may find even more distasteful, the former pharmaceutical CEO, Bob Hugin. Hugin's is an enthusiastic supporter of the child president who would be king. He was a delegate for Donald Trump at the 2016 party convention and has donated more than $200,000 to his cause. He's trying to create some distance on safe issues, like Sandy aid and drilling for oil off Jersey's coast. But, please, a win by Hugin would undeniably strengthen Donald Trump's hand as he tries to dismantle our democracy and divide us into warring tribes. Hugin has ethical baggage, too. His company, Celgene, is among the worst actors on drug pricing. And it settled a lawsuit for a whopping $400 million after one its top salespeople accused the company of hiding what it knew about potentially fatal side effects of its cancer drugs. This race will be painful. Both men will go negative, since both present such ripe targets. Whatever you decide, get ready to hold your nose on Election Day. More: Tom Moran columns Tom Moran may be reached at tmoran@starledger.com or call (973) 836-4909. Follow him on Twitter @tomamoran. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. Here are the unofficial results of New Jersey primary elections held on Tuesday, June 5, including the Democratic and Republican contests for U.S. Senate bids and battles for nominations in several congressional districts that are being closely watched during this key mid-term election year. At least four of New Jersey's five Republican-held House seats will be in play this fall, aided by strong Democratic recruitment and the unpopularity of GOP President Donald Trump. Nationwide, the Democrats need to win 23 Republican-held seats to take control of the House of Representatives. Tuesday's primary elections will determine whether the Democrats get the House candidates they want, and which Republicans will be pitted against them in the November general election. The results below, compiled by the Associated Press, will be updated throughout the night, so please check back later or refresh the page to see the latest tallies. (i) denotes incumbents U.S. SENATE ELECTION RESULTS UPDATE: Menendez hit with protest votes from some Democrats as he and Hugin win primaries N.J. CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION RESULTS N.J. ASSEMBLY ELECTION RESULTS Several state legislative districts had primary elections for Assembly nominations on Tuesday, but all of these races were uncontested. On the ballot -- and guaranteed a spot in the November general election -- were: Democrat Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Republican Tracy Sinatra in the 15th District, Democrat Pedro Mejia in the 32nd District, Democrat Britnee Timberlake in the 34th District and Democrat Clinton Calabrese in the 36th District. MORE ELECTION COVERAGE The Associated Press and NJ Advance Media staff writer Jonathan S. Salant contributed to this report. Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @LensReality or like him on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Lisa McCormick's surprisingly strong showing against U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez in Tuesday's Democratic primary begs the question: What about Bob? McCormick, a virtual unknown who did not report spending any money on the race, received the support of almost 4 in 10 Democratic voters. While Menendez, D-N.J., was never seriously threatened with losing his party's nomination for another Senate term, his performance wasn't a good sign coming on the heels of his Senate Ethics Committee admonishment and a criminal corruption trial that ended in a hung jury before the charges were dropped. "This is closer than we expected, but only because we expect huge margins for candidates with as much party and institutional support as Senator Menendez has," said Matthew Hale, a political science professor at Seton Hall University. "In most places, a 60/40 win is considered a drubbing." Not in this place. "Bob Menendez performed terribly against a totally unknown challenger," Republican National Committee spokesman Michael Ahrens said. "Even a significant number of New Jersey Democrats made it clear they don't want him re-elected." Former Celgene Corp. executive Bob Hugin won the Republican primary, 75 percent to 25 percent, over construction company owner Brian Goldberg. Menendez was expected to compile a similar margin against McCormick, a community newspaper publisher. "I thought maybe she'd get 25 percent of the vote as a protest vote against Menendez," said Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute. "That's not unusual. Forty percent is what you'd expect to see in a contested primary." One solace for Menendez is that almost 200,000 more Democrats than Republicans went to the polls. In fact, McCormick's 157,000 votes were just 10,000 shy of Hugin's total. "Bob Hugin just spent millions of dollars on attack ads against Senator Menendez, yet tonight, tens of thousands of more Democrats than Republicans came out to vote for Senator Menendez than for Bob Hugin," Menendez campaign chairman Mike Soliman said. "We haven't spent on TV yet because every dollar saved during a primary will go much farther during the general election, and we can't allow Bob Hugin to go to Congress and cast a vote for Donald Trump against New Jersey values." Political analysts said McCormick's candidacy allowed progressive Democrats to cast protest votes in the primary, where it will not jeopardize a Democratic Senate seat but will make their voices heard. Because of an energized Democratic base, people voting now used to sit home in off-year elections. That meant Menendez faced a different electorate than the one he was used to, Democratic consultant Glenn Totten said. "This is a genuine mood for new blood and no one is immune from that tidal wave," Totten said. "There is an urgency to Democratic voters. Part of that urgency is a Democratic Party that is responsive to their concerns." Menendez's ethical problems played a role, Hale said. The Senate Ethics Committee "severely admonished" him in April for intervening with federal agencies on behalf of Dr. Salomon Melgen while accepting gifts and trips from his friend and campaign donor. "All of the news about Menendez was bad," Hale said. "The ethics committee's decision was right in the middle of the race, so I think all of those things combined to make it a lot closer than we expected." In the end, not too many McCormick voters will cross party lines, said Nathan Gonzales, editor and publisher of Inside Elections, which rates Menendez as a strong favorite for re-election. "I'm not convinced too many Democrats are so upset or disappointed with Menendez that they'll vote for a Republican in November," Gonzales said. Staff writer Matt Arco contributed to this report. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. A German shepherd started a fire Wednesday morning in an Alpha home, Warren county's fire marshal said. There were flammable items on the counter near the electric stove at 813 Lee Ave. and the dog apparently got up on its hind legs about 10 a.m., hit a knob on the front turning on the rear burner and pushed the debris onto the stove, Joe Lake explained. The dog was likely looking for food, the fire marshal added. A ceiling fan was on low and it lifted burning items onto a nearby foam dog bed, which ignited and filled the first floor with dark smoke, Lake said. Pohatcong Township fire Chief Pete Pursell, who works for the borough and was the first firefighter to the scene, said he found light gray smoke pouring from the home's windows. Three Phillipsburg police officers in the backyard got the attention of Pursell, who is 47 and has been on the Huntington volunteer company for nearly 30 years. As he headed in that direction, he saw the flames through a kitchen window, he said. A window was partially open, he removed the screen, leaned in with a dry powder extinguisher and put out the fire on the bed, which was just to the right of the window, he said. Police got the rear door open -- allowing two dogs to rush out -- and a small fire was visible on the stove, which Pursell said he extinguished. Not wanting to bring too much attention to himself, Pursell would allow, "It could have been a lot worse." He said it was just fortunate he could be there and help. "I work for the town and the town allows me to answer fire calls," he said. "Thank God I was in town." There was no water damage, because none was used, and the smoke's impact was all on the surface, Lake said. The residents will be able to return soon to the home, he said. Utilities were not cut, he added. The property has been owned for the past year by Joseph Capolunghi and Kara Townsend, records show. No humans were home when the fire stated, Lake said. The German shepherd and a puppy escaped the fire unharmed, he added. No first responders were injured, he added. Borough fire Chief Sean McDyer said he's heard of a dog starting a fire but never one to which he's responded. "It is possible," he said. It was a first for Pursell as well, but, he added, "anything's possible" and the dog explanation is "the most logical thing." The fire was ruled accidental and the investigation is over, Lake said. In addition to the Alpha Volunteer Fire Co., Pohatcong firefighters, Phillipsburg police and the Phillipsburg Emergency Squad responded. Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. The Tim Lincecum comeback tour hit a pothole Tuesday, when he was released by the Texas Rangers. The two-time Cy Young Award winner signed with Texas in February. He just finished a stint on the disabled list, recovering from a blister he suffered in spring training. According to ESPN, after completing his rehab, the Rangers had a choice: activate Lincecum, keep him on the DL, send him to the minors, or release him. Per ESPN: "Despite best intentions and a lot of hard work, we just didn't feel that it was the right move to bring him up right now,'' Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "He was throwing OK, still kind of inconsistent with this command. We just were not of the mindset that it was going to be an upgrade on our relievers who are here. Our bullpen's been very, very good here." Lincecum last pitched in the majors for the Angels in 2016, compiling an unsightly 9.16 ERA in nine starts. So now the question is: will he get another shot to continue his comeback? The 33-year-old right-hander was a four-time All-Star and three-time World Series champion with the Giants. Surely, he could be had on the cheap. And plenty of teams are looking for starting pitching, including the Yankees, who just lost Jordan Montgomery to Tommy John surgery. But here's why the Yankees should pass on Lincecum. According to NBC Sports' Hardball Talk, Lincecum made 10 relief appearances for Triple-A Round Rock prior to his release. He gave up 12 runs (eight of which were earned) on 14 hits and nine walks in 12.2 innings of work. That's a 5.68 ERA. In Triple-A. Although if a team is desperate enough, it could focus on the fact that Lincecum did strike out 10 batters during those appearances. Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook. New Orleans police are searching for a pair of teens in connection with an early Tuesday (June 5) armed robbery in the Little Woods area of New Orleans East. According to a preliminary NOPD report, a 31-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman told police they bought someone a cigar at a store shortly before 4:30 a.m., and that person followed them back to the 7300 block of Fieldston Road. There, two teen boys pulled up in a white, older-model Chevrolet Impala and parked next to the victims' vehicle, police said. The teens, both armed with handguns with extended magazines, demanded both victims turn over their property, according to the preliminary report. After the victims gave up their belongings, the teens drove away. The Impala is described as having a dark tint and no license plate. The robbery was one of nine reported in less than 24 hours in New Orleans, according to police. Anyone with information on the identity or whereabouts of the people pictured above is asked to call NOPD 7th District detectives at 504-658-6070 or submit an anonymous tip to Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 877-903-7867. NOLA.com|The Times-Picayune's Marie Simoneaux contributed to this report. Police are searching for a man accused of taking a motorist's car at gunpoint Monday afternoon (June 4) in the 7th Ward, the NOPD reported. According to police, the carjacking occurred about 2:18 p.m., shortly after a 66-year-old man parked his gray Cadillac in the 1900 block of Agriculture Street. The 66-year-old was still in the car when a man approached, opened the driver's door and demanded the motorist out of the vehicle at gunpoint. The armed man, who carried a black revolver, then drove off in the victim's Cadillac, heading eastbound on Florida Avenue toward Elysian Fields Avenue. The stolen vehicle is a 2005 Cadillac with Louisiana license plate 773AYR, police said. The carjacker is believed to be in his early to mid-20s and has tattoos on his arms. The carjacking was one of nine robberies reported in less than 24 hours Monday and early Tuesday in New Orleans, according to the NOPD. Anyone with information on the carjacking or the identity of the wanted man is asked to call NOPD 5th District Detective Melvin Wiltz or any 5th District detective at 504-658-6050. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 877-903-7867. A judge declared a mistrial in a 2013 murder case Tuesday (June 5) after the defendant -- who initially elected to represent himself at trial -- said he wanted an attorney during opening statements. Nytilex Jones, 36, is charged with fatally shooting Samuel Kelly seven times in St. Roch near North Derbigny and Mandeville streets on July 27, 2013. Jones, who has pleaded not guilty, told prospective jurors Tuesday the state's evidence included "reconstructed" and "Photoshopped" videos. "That's why I don't have a public defender or a lawyer," he said. "I feel all of them (are) working together. I'm afraid for my freedom ... my rights." Court records show since his Nov. 4, 2013, arraignment, at least eight lawyers -- six from the Orleans Public Defenders -- have represented Jones at various times throughout court proceedings. His case has been before Criminal District Judge Arthur Hunter since September of 2016. That month, Jones filed a motion asking the judge who previously was overseeing his case -- Criminal District Judge Benedict Willard -- to recuse himself. Court records show Willard did so that month. Jones said in November he planned to represent himself, and online court records show Hunter found him competent to stand trial at a mental status hearing in December. Jones was in his orange jail jumpsuit during jury selection Tuesday, unlike most other jailed defendants, who wear suits or other civilian clothing when they're getting ready for trial. The shackles around Jones' ankles jangled as he walked from a bench near the front of the courtroom to a podium where he addressed potential jurors. He did not ask questions as lawyers generally do during voir dire, and instead told them, "there's two sides to a story." "Who was the witness?" he asked. "You're going to believe them, the detectives? Who was there? It's my understanding in a murder case you need a witness." Assistant District Attorney Kevin Guillory told potential jurors Jones had a right to waive counsel, and that jurors could not hold that decision against Jones or against the state. Several jurors said during questioning they could not be fair and impartial knowing Jones did not have an attorney advising him of his rights. "There's no way I can find him guilty," one prospective juror said. "He's been incarcerated since 2013. That's five years already. He's tired. He's just simply throwing in the towel." Dane Ciolino, an attorney and law professor at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, said it's fairly unusual for a defendant facing such a serious charge to choose self-representation. But, he said, the court has to respect that demand from a competent defendant. 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 If convicted of murder, Jones faces an automatic life sentence and will not be eligible for parole. "In these types of cases, it is ill advised for a defendant to try to represent himself," Ciolino, who has no connection to the Jones case, said. There are some situations where it's a good strategy, he said, because through argument, a defendant can get in what otherwise would be inadmissible testimony. And that would not be subject to cross examination. "It essentially gives the defendant an opportunity to be a de facto witness without the state being able to cross examine him," Ciolino said. Otherwise, he said, it's generally a bad idea. A 13-member jury - 12 jurors and one alternate - was seated Tuesday afternoon in Jones' trial, and Guillory laid out the state's case in opening statements. When Hunter asked Jones if he wanted to make an opening statement, Jones said, "Is it really lawful to take me to trial without representation?" Hunter declared a mistrial, and said he was "not going to force the defendant to go tor trial if he wants a lawyer." Several people in the courtroom who were there for the victim appeared visibly upset once Hunter canceled the proceedings. The district attorney's office said it does not intend to seek a writ on the judge's ruling. Hunter told Jones he must have an attorney when he returns to court July 2 for a determination of counsel hearing. "It is up to you to find yourself an attorney," Hunter said. "At this next date, I hope you have someone. I also hope to not hear you don't want anyone to represent you." A New Orleans man has been identified as a suspect in a series of burglaries and robberies spanning Orleans and Jefferson parishes, mostly targeting fast-food restaurants, according to authorities. The NOPD on Tuesday (June 5) said Andre Addison, 55, is accused in a late Friday attempted robbery at a Wendy's restaurant in the 3100 block of South Carrollton, the NOPD said. Investigators have tied Addison to similar crimes in New Orleans, but specifics on which crimes were not available Tuesday night, said NOPD spokeswoman Ambria Washington. In the robbery attempt at Wendy's, a man in a dark-colored Chevrolet Malibu drove into the restaurant's parking lot about 9:48 p.m. He got out of the car, entered the restaurant and began trying to remove a cash register drawer while pulling a handgun from his pants' waistband, police said. However, he was unable to remove the drawer and fled, heading westbound on Oleander Street. The Chevy had an "unknown" temporary tag, according to the NOPD. Just hours before the attempted robbery at Wendy's Friday, Jefferson Parish authorities identified Addison as a suspect in a number of business robberies and burglaries in Metairie, Old Jefferson and Harahan. According to JPSO, Addison has been linked to at least six Subway burglaries, as well as a robbery at a Shell station in Harahan. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The Sheriff's Office and the Harahan Police Department are investigating the crimes, which occurred between March 14 and May 20, Lt. Jason Rivarde, a spokesman for JPSO. Addison has at least 10 warrants out for his arrest in Jefferson Parish, including eight secured by investigators with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Burglary Section and two obtained by the Harahan Police Department on charges of robbery and burglary. In each of the Subway burglaries and attempted burglaries, the man smashed a window or door and then entered the sandwich shop -- or tried to enter the shop --to steal either the entire cash register or a register drawer, authorities said. In several of the crimes, Addison was seen driving a dark gray 2016 Chevrolet Impala, bearing Tennessee license plate 3J01N9, according to JPSO. Addison does not appear to have any prior felony convictions in Orleans or Jefferson parishes, court records show. Anyone with information on the location of Andre Addison is asked to call NOPD's 2nd District Investigative Unit at 504-658-6020, JPSO Detective Darrin Parent at 504-364-5300 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111. Up to 150,000 households who otherwise wouldnt qualify including some with six-figure salaries are expected to apply for food stamps as qualifications are relaxed to help in the recovery from Hurricane Ida. The Big Backpack Event is returning for the 19th year at the end of the month at a new location, providing more parking for attendees. Im grateful we can empower so many children to start the school year off right with the tools they need for success, said Leonardo Garcia, executive director of the Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida, in a prepared statement. Our committee, sponsors, vendors and volunteers show tremendous commitment each year to generosity and building greater cultural understanding. This year the event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 29, at North Fort Myers High School, 5000 Orange Grove Blvd. Supplies will be provided to the first 2,000 students ages 5-12 accompanied by a parent or guardian. With Harborside Event Center being under construction, the event moved to a new location, North Fort Myers High School, which provides more parking and puts the event in the middle of a community where there are more students enrolled in free and reduced lunches. The supplies include a free backpack, notebook paper, pocket folders, glue, 24-pack of Crayola crayons, pens and pencils. Sometimes, depending on donations, the students also receive rulers and composition books. In addition to the backpack and school supplies, Connie Ramos-Williams, Multicultural Centre Of Southwest Florida Big Backpack Event media chair, said they also have vendors at the event, providing face painting and free eye exams. She said the most popular vendors are those providing free haircuts. We have about 50 haircutting stations, haircutters from all over Lee County donating their time, Ramos-Williams said, adding that they typically provide 500 kids with a free haircut. The Sheriffs Office usually attends the event to provide fingerprinting as well. The generosity of the sponsors, donors and people that come out as vendors is tremendous, she added. The Multicultural Center of Southwest Florida committee goes out and purchases the supplies every year. With such stores as Walmart providing at cost prices for the goods, they are able to spend $10 on each student providing them with a backpack and school supplies. Our budget for fundraising is $20,000, she said, so they can assist 2,000 students. Ramos-Williams said Leonardo Garcia and Jim White, cofounders of the Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida, wanted to come up with a way to celebrate diversity in the community, while giving back to families most in need, which initially started a back to school festival at St. Michaels Parish Hall. That first event, 19 years ago, provided free backpacks to 50 children. It was a beautiful event. It was serving a good part of the market, Ramos-Williams said. Following that event, Garcia asked Ramos-Williams, who had just moved to Southwest Florida from the Miami area, what they could do to improve the event, to serve more families. The following year they grew the event and helped 500 students, followed by 1,000 students the next year. That number increased by another thousand over the last 10 years. The yearly attendance typically equates to how the economy is fairing. Ramos-Williams said with the economy more in a recovery stage with a 3 percent unemployment rate, they do not expect the serious degree of help they have provided in previous years. At the height of the recession in 2007 and 2008 there were lines that were 20 people wide at Harborside, she said, adding that those years the demographics of those seeking help had changed. Those years, she said, they had blue collar workers and people making six figure incomes out of work, seeking help during the Big Backpack Event. Those years attracted 15,000 people, where now about 5,000 to 7,500 people attend the event. Thats still a lot of individuals and folks that need help, but thankfully not the numbers we had at the very worst of our economy, Ramos-Williams said. Since the events inception, the Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida has provided new backpacks and supplies to more than 35,000 students. Ramos-Williams said they are accepting sponsors and donors for this years event. For every $10, the donor is able to Adopt-A-Student. No donor can give too little, or too much. Every $10 made out to the Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida Adopts-A-Student for back to school, she said. Those interested can make a donation online at www.multicultural-centre.org, email info@multicultural-centre.org, or call (239) 333-5547. A check can also be sent to the Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida, P.O. Box 61713, Fort Myers, FL, 33906. Its a feel good event for the students and families that get the help they need for back to school. The volunteers get a lot out of it as well. There is nothing that makes us happier than seeing a child smile. The first day of school should be exciting for everybody, Ramos-Williams said. My family and I moved to Lee County from upstate New York about six years ago. We moved for several reasons. Our property values were decreasing while our property taxes were increasing, and the public school system was failing our children. We wanted to find a place with good schools, low taxes, and a conservative constituency so that our children would learn to contribute to their community, rather than expect government to answer all of the ills of society. Basically, we voted with our feet. I had been reading the newspapers in several communities in the years before we moved. From the articles, I got a sense that Lee County was a community of people who shared our values. When I looked into the schools, I was encouraged. I learned that ones ZIP code did not dictate the quality of education. I also learned about the programs available International Baccalaureate, Career Academies, Arts and Cambridge and determined they would surely meet the needs of my own children in the years to come. Another reason we found Lee County attractive was the fact that the School District had never in its history exercised an option for a discretionary tax. I am a conservative who wants to raise my family in a conservative community. This, at its very core, means low taxes. It also means local control. Public education is perhaps, the arena of government that best exemplifies the need for local control. Policy coming out of Tallahassee or Washington, D.C. cannot possibly meet the unique needs of our community. For these reasons it might seem ironic that I am asking the voters of Lee County to vote yes on this referendum, but I have learned a lot about the funding of our schools in the past six years. Over the past decade, the state removed our ability to charge .5 mill in property taxes, resulting in a $200 million dollar decrease per year in capital funding for our schools. In addition, Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) dollars have been all but eliminated. The funding decreases began during the recession. We, like every other local government, cut spending. We found efficiencies even when there did not seem to be any to find. We should thank the state for getting us to the point we find ourselves in today we are lean and our students are accomplishing academic success at record levels in Lee County. But, we have been forced to tighten our belt to such an extent that we now face a capital funding crisis. There are only six counties in the entire state that are growing the way we are growing. We have between 1,500 and 2,000 new students per year moving to Lee County. Our schools are at capacity. We have no place to educate these new students. If we do not act locally to generate revenue to build new schools, we will fail our students and our entire community. The other five growing counties all have a surtax. We need to step up to the plate for our children and provide funding for schools. Conservatism does not mean no taxes. Conservatism mean low taxes spent efficiently. The School District is spending your tax dollars efficiently. While the District is generating some revenue through innovative programs, we cannot bake sale our way out of a $478 million dollar need. Chris Patricca represents District 3 on the School Board of Lee County. To the editor: Two non-Florida residents visiting Sanibel wrote in a letter to the editor in another paper that the Civil War is over, get over it. They are thinking about becoming residents. Their reference is to the statue of Robert E. Lee and his portrait present in the Lee County Commission Chambers (and the concerns expressed). Let me reassure everyone, the Civil War is not over. Many citizens in this United States are still fighting it, especially those who are struggling to maintain white supremacy. Marginalized whites are specially threatened. If anyone thinks there was an absence of symbols of the Confederacy, racism, and white supremacy (unseen, not present) on Sanibel and the culture supporting (same), you should open your eyes. Plenty of symbols exist. In fact, they start at the tollbooth. Like snow on the mountain top, money covers many flaws. Lewis Robinson Fort Myers Chinese and Ghanaian military forces at a welcome ceremony for their first engagement Source: ghanaweb.com With the arrival of the 28th Escort Task Group (ETG 546) of the Chinese Navy, Ghanas Navy is expected to engage in bilateral military activities with their counterpart visiting Chinese navy. At the welcome ceremony of the visit of the ETG 546, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Shi Ting Wang said this first engagement of the Chinese Naval ETG 546 will open a new chapter in history of the friendly exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese and Ghanaian military forces. The ETG 546 will from June 4th to June 8th, 2018 engage in series of exchange activities including high-level meetings, mutual military facilities tours, and joint military exercise at sea, among others. This is to promote Ghana-China relations to a higher level, Wang said. Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Obed B. Akwa noted that the long standing economic ties has been expanded to include defence cooperation. Some military project engaged by the Chinese government includes the construction of the Ministry of Defence office complex as well as the Ghana Armed Forces Barrack, known as the Beijing Barracks. Last year, the Chinese government donated four boats to the Ghana Navy, which has enhanced the operational capability in the countrys littoral waters. Citing some recent incidents of attacks in Ghanaian waters, the Minister said, the ever complex nature of maritime security has brought to the fore the need to cooperate, to train and build capacity to deal with these threats. He indicated that Ghana is one of the few countries chosen to be visited by the fleet, which shows a new frontier in Sino-Ghanaian relationship. Nitiwul said the two navies would embark on some training activities to learn from each other. Maj Gen Zhang Yingli and Defence Minister, Gen. James Kabarebe A Chinese Military Delegation led by Maj Gen Zhang Yingli yesterday visited Rwanda Ministry of Defence in a call that was aimed at promoting exchange and cooperation between the military of both countries. The Chinese delegation was welcomed by the Minister of Defence, Gen. James Kabarebe and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba among other Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) senior commanders. The bilateral discussions reviewed the progress of the ongoing excellent military relation between the two countries and expressed the willingness to enhance and take it further. In the discussions, Kabarebe emphasized that both countries have had good relations. Rwanda and China have always had good relations, so this visit is aimed at discussing ways of strengthening the existing cooperation, he said. The forces of the two countries maintain good levels of cooperation in terms of training and logistics. The Chinese Head of Delegation, Zhang commended Rwanda for its efforts to advance peace and security in Africa through peacekeeping engagements. This is clearly a common interest for China and Rwanda alike, Zhang said. For its part, China has recently embraced multinational peacekeeping efforts by sending military and civilian personnel on peacekeeping missions in Africa. An air defense missile blasts off from a missile launching truck during the PLA Air Force's "Blue Shield-18" joint air defense exercise involving multi-military services on June 5, 2018. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Liu Chuan) BEIJING, June 6 (ChinaMil) -- A ground joint air defense exercise codenamed "Blue Shield-18" and organized by the PLA Air Force with participation of air defense units from the PLA Army, Navy, Air Force and Rocket Force kicked off at a mission area in north China on the morning of June 5. According to Xiang Chaoming, head of the exercise's directing group and deputy chief of the Ground Air Defense Directorate of the Air Force Staff Headquarters, this year's Blue Shield exercise highlights realistic combat training with coordination of air defense troops of multiple military services, aiming to enhance the inter-service coordinated combat capability and the commanding capability of air defense base. The joint exercise consists of drills of 10 subjects such as force projection, combat planning, and air-ground confrontations. Coordinated and joint operation is the key to success in the future battlefield. The air defense base is the main entity in future air defense operation, said Meng Lin, chief director of the exercise and head of an air force training base. Going forward, more efforts will be made to promote the normalization, standardization and institutionalization of the joint air defense training exercise, so as to boost the IT-based joint air defense capabilities of the PLA, Meng added. WELLINGTON, June 6 (Xinhua) -- An Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft from China will land at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base in Auckland on Saturday to take part in Exercise Skytrain18, with the New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF), the Chinese embassy said here on Wednesday. The IL-76, from the People's Liberation Army Air Force, is to take part in training with a detachment from 40 Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force in humanitarian aid and disaster relief support and in search and rescue operations, a statement from the Chinese embassy said. The Ilyushin IL-76 is a Russian-made, medium range, multi-purpose military transport aircraft powered by four jet engines. Exercise of this kind has been conducted when the NZDF was involved in the search for the missing airliner MH370 in the Indian Ocean, of which the Chinese air force was also involved, said the statement. A photo of Chinese PLA navy fleet taken in April, 2018. [Photo/VCG] It would be wrong for Washington to consider Chinas tolerance of its provocations as a sign of weakness. This would be dangerous. Washington should know by now that China will never give an inch when it comes to its territory. As Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Wednesday, China will not be intimidated no matter how many warships or bombers the United States sends to the South China Sea. She was speaking on Wednesday after the US air force confirmed that two B52 bombers conducted exercises near Chinas Nansha Islands, and Washington is reportedly considering sending an aircraft carrier battle group through the Taiwan Straits. These are just the latest provocative moves of the US. They join a long list, including the so-called freedom of navigation operations by its warships in the vicinity of or even within Chinas territorial waters in the South China Sea, its sales of weapons to Taiwan, its new Taiwan Travel Act, and its officials or military officers rhetoric about a China threat. It is all reminiscent of its past gun boat diplomacy. However, as Hua said, if someone keeps displaying their muscles on your doorstep and peering through your windows, would you ignore it or would you take action? The reiterations by Chinese leaders on numerous occasions that the countrys rise is peaceful and it has no intention to subvert the current international order seems never enough to alleviate the suspicions of Washington that China is a threat to US supremacy. China knows how important its relations with the US are, not only to the interests of both countries but also to the peace and development of the world. And because of this, it tries as much as it can to keep the differences and even disputes with the US under control. It always puts the large picture of China-US relations as well as the world situation before its grievances on specific matters. But that does not mean it will concede ground to Washingtons strong-arm tactics. It has its bottom line. Should the US send an aircraft carrier battle group through the Taiwan Straits, it would quite likely send the wrong signal to the secessionists on the island. And any move by the island to declare independence would be consequential. The US should think carefully before rocking the boat in that way. No one should underestimate Chinas resolve to defend its territorial integrity. It will never compromise on this. After more than three weeks out of sight, Melania Trump at last has teed up an appearance at a White House event. The first lady served as co-host with the president at a reception Monday to honor the families of those killed during military service. But the event was closed to the news media out of respect for the families -- meaning the first lady still was only seen in the flesh by those in attendance. Others will have to wait for photos and video to hit social media. It's the second year the Trumps have opened the White House to Gold Star families. The first lady said in a written statement after last June's event that these families "are a unique and distinct category of individuals who should be cherished." Melania Trump has not been seen in public since the overnight hours of May 10 when she and President Donald Trump traveled to a military base in Maryland to welcome home three Americans who had been released from captivity in North Korea. Four days later, the White House announced that she had been hospitalized to treat a benign kidney condition. The closest first lady parallel to Trump's time out of the public spotlight is Bess Truman, who did few events as first lady because of discomfort around the media, said Anita McBride, a veteran of three Republican administrations who last served as chief of staff to first lady Laura Bush. Truman also spent a lot of time in Missouri with her mother. Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the venue of the highly anticipated summit on Twitter Tuesday, adding that "We thank our great Singaporean hosts for their hospitality." The White House says next week's summit in Singapore between President Donald Trump and North Korean Kim Jong-un will be held at the Capella hotel on Sentosa Island. Earlier, Trump expressed hope the June 12 talks in Singapore will be "the start of something big... we will soon see!" U.S. and North Korean officials are continuing to lay the groundwork ahead of the summit. Trump met last week at the White House with Kim Jong-un's top deputy, Kim Yong-chol, who delivered a letter from the North Korean leader. The U.S. leader has in the past called for a quick denuclearization process but after his talks with the top North Korean official on Friday he said "Take your time." "We're not going to go in and sign something on June 12th and we never were. We're going to start a process," Trump said. He made clear, however, that sanctions on North Korea will not be lifted until the country agrees to give up its nuclear arsenal. In the nine months that Cara Mund has been Miss America, not once has she ever had to don a swimsuit as part of her duties. The reigning Miss America told The Associated Press on Tuesday night she supports the decision of the Miss America Organization to drop the swimsuit competition, starting this September. The former Miss North Dakota said Miss America is all about scholarship opportunities for young women, adding they shouldn't have to display their bodies in swimwear in order to get college assistance. "Swimsuits should never equal scholarships," she said. "I believe that a woman's lifestyle and fitness can be showcased in a way that does not display her in a swimsuit. The Miss America Organization is a scholarship program. No woman should ever feel like her physical appearance limits her from seeking out these scholarship opportunities." Mund will be the last Miss America to have worn a swimsuit onstage during the nationally televised competition. Peirre Guislain, the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) vice president, private sector infrastructure and industrialization, has called for improved capitalisation of the Uganda Development Bank upon learning of governments input. The AfDB chief said this last week after meeting several stakeholders in the banking sector, including ministry of Finance officials as well as the private sector players. AfDB vice president Peirre Guislain UDB is state-owned and was incorporated in 1972. In 2000, however, it became a limited liability company. In the financial year 2017/2018, the bank was allocated Shs 50bn, which, according to Guislan, is not enough and thus the need for capitalisation. There is clearly significant need and demand for lending here and that came out very clearly in my meetings with the private sector. There is significant need for local currency funds and there is a bit of a gap in the market; so, that is something all of us need to look out for and see how we can address it, he said. We also need to look into the availability of local currency funds at competitive rates. He says AfDB are considering capitalising UDB through its affiliate, the East African Development Bank (EADB). As you may know, the EADB is the regional development financial institution and we, as a shareholder in EADB, have a close relationship and I want to meet the management team and discuss a partnership and see how we can strengthen that even further, he added. He further pointed out that AfDB will continue to provide development finance lending and related services in the East African region. We will also offer loans to medium and large-scale enterprises in various sectors, including manufacturing, agro-processing, tourism and construction as well as start-ups in Uganda, he said. Half a year ago, Igara West MP Raphael Magyezi introduced a bill in parliament that called for the lifting of the presidential age limit. The bill was met with instant hostility from the opposition MPs, who dubbed their unsuccessful efforts to block it -- even with mass backing from the public -- Kogikwatako (Should you dare touch it). Many NRM legislators, who voted for it, were dubbed the Gikwateko MPs. Betty Muzanira (L) with Kizza Besigye Some are feeling the heat for their action, which granted President Museveni an opportunity to rule for life. First in the firing line was Nathan Igeme Nabeta, who lost his Jinja Municipality East by-election to Paul Mwiru. Last week it was the turn of another Gikwateko MP, Winnie Matsiko, in Rukungiri. As early as 8am residents had queued up in a resolve to have their voice heard in a vote for a new district Woman MP. Indeed, a caller into the local Boona FM intimated that he was in a queue at Bikurungu cell in Rukungiri. Turi hanu, turenda kuteera akaruuru, kwonka abateezi tibakaizire, he said, meaning We are here in the queue, waiting to cast our vote but the polling assistants have not yet come. The ballot featured Winfred Komuhangi Matsiko (NRM), Fabith Kukundakwe (Peoples Progressive Party), Betty Bamukwatsa Muzanira (FDC) and Prisca Seezi Mbaguta (Independent). The poll had been preceded by one of the most heated campaigns for a parliamentary contest. Rukungiri is the home district of Forum for Democratic Change strongman, Dr Kizza Besigye. He took this campaign very seriously. After nominations, Besigye led Muzanira on a whistle stop tour of the district, holding large rallies at every village trading centre. By the time the NRM campaign team, led by Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde, realised what they were up against, it was too late. They invited the president to Rukungiri, where he held two rallies in the municipality and donated money, milling machines, several minibuses and motorcycles to would-be NRM supporters. As has happened elsewhere before, the NRM supporters then passed on the money to Muzaniras campaign at subsequent rallies, where they argued that it was time to send someone who would listen to their views. Winnie tukamugambira ngu atagikwataho yaayanga, said many at a rally in Buyanja to mean, We asked her not to touch it (vote for the Magyezi bill) and she refused. A week after the presidents visit, Besigyes team was joined by several opposition notables including Kyaddondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi, Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu, FDC leader Patrick Oboi Amuriat, Mwiru, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and FDC Womens league honcho Ingrid Turinawe. The team braved very poor roads to reach voters in the remotest parts of the district. By the time the president returned for two final rallies in Nyakishenyi and Buyanja sub- counties last week, Besigye was making a third run through the district. At one such rally at Ndago village in Nyarushanje sub-county on May 29, Besigye blasted the NRM for repeatedly bribing voters. He asked his audience to study how much value the NRM attached to their votes. A bunch of matoke costs Shs 20,000 but they are giving you between Shs 5,000 and Shs 10,000 cant they at least equate you to a bunch of matooke? he said. That same day Museveni was at Nyakisoroza grounds in Nyakishenyi, where he blamed the opposition for the poverty in the area. Every time we have a plan of action to end poverty, they oppose it and cause me trouble, but I have found a solution, he said. Despite the presidents incessant pleas for Matsiko, the locals routinely complained about the poor public services, particularly the terrible roads and hopeless health facilities. The president shifted the blame for this on the area chief administrative officer. He then promised to implement the NRM manifesto and fix the roads and other facilities. Matsikos team had former area MPs; Jim Muhwezi and Medard Bitekyerezo (who was ironically born in Nyakishenyi) as well what some called a reluctant Rubabo MP Paula Turyahikayo. Turyahikayo and Matsiko have had their spats in the past, particularly after Muhwezi fell out with the former in favour of the latter, in the run-up to the 2015 NRM primaries. Observers noted the intensity of the two-horse race, which typically drew an extensive deployment of police and military ahead of polling on May 31. Electoral Commission spokesperson Jotham Taremwa remarked that it was necessitated given their assessment of the political temperature. We identified areas that were likely to see violence and deployed accordingly, including even with the seniority of officials in charge of the poll, he said. Things were so intense the EC drafted in new manpower. Umar Kiyimba was brought in as a replacement district returning officer. After a tense night of vote tallying, Kiyimba declared Muzanira the winner with 50,611 votes to Mastikos 46,379. Mbaguta polled 993 while Kukundakwe returned 183. Observers have commended the polls body for its general handling of things, especially when the district returning officer elected to cancel the votes of Burora cell in Nyarushanje after the declaration of results form presented at the district tally centre in Rukungiri was found to be different from the one signed by candidates agents. Rukungiri NRM officials are now privately grumbling that they were saddled with an impossible candidate to sell to the public. This age limit thing is really a rock on our necks, the only way to get around it is to get another candidate, one official, who declined to speak on the record, remarked. In future, the grassroot structures should be consulted before a candidate is imposed on us. mtalemwa@observer.ug President Yoweri Museveni has said a political decision he undertook together with the 6th parliament to focus investment in road construction and power generation has spurred economic growth of the country to admirable levels. According to Museveni, in the coming financial year 2018/2019, Ugandas growth will be at 5.8% and this will rise even further to 7% per annum in financial year 2019/2020. President Museveni Delivering his State of the Nation Address at the International Conference Centre at Kampala Serena hotel, Museveni said hes not surprised just as Harvard University of USA predicted that the countrys economic growth will be among the fastest in the world by 2026. What surprised him, Museveni said, was was that Uganda would be the first or the second fastest growing economy in the whole world. Museveni said that that growth is all because of the decision taken in 2001 to invest more in roads and electricity. Tarmacked roads, he said are not a luxury but a necessity for farmers to transport their produce to markets just as electricity is important for industries. He boasted that almost all roads to all corners of Uganda are tarmacked. Many people do not know how the economy grows although many pass themselves out as experts. These investments in the roads and in electricity along the earlier decision of strengthening the army are beginning to result in the resumption of our usual high growth rates which had been interfered with by the shortage of electricity and more recently by the drought, Museveni said. He said, though the agriculture sector is growing slowly, efforts are underway to boost it through irrigation hence a number of irrigation schemes are to be worked on in the coming financial year which commences July 1. Museveni however supported encroachment on wetlands by constructing more factories on grounds that such factories create job opportunities to youths compared to the farming of yams or cassava in those wetlands. Yes they are building in swamps, that is a problem but a factory in the swamp is better than cassava. I totally agree that [the environment] should be conserved. It shouldnt have happened but Katonda [God] gyali [is there], Museveni added. Contradicting himself immediately on the same issue, Museveni said These factories and service companies employ 600,000 people for factories and 1.2m [people] for the service companies. Indeed as you drive on Gulu road as I did recently and Jinja road you will see quite a number of these new factories that have been built recently, Museveni said. CORRUPTION MONITORING UNIT Museveni said he will set up an Inspection Unit under State House and it will be responsible for monitoring implementation of government programmes. The unit he said will be comprised of James Tweheyo, Martha Asiimwe and Sister Akiror. And since the Inspector General of Government seems not be working, Museveni urged Ugandans to report corruption cases to this unit. "What happened to the IGG? Why dont the victims of corruption report those incidents to the office of the IGG? That was the purpose of that office; to protect the public from corrupt officials; to protect the investors against corrupt officials. The IGG should reflect on this. Are her staff credible? Why does the public not trust that institution? We need answers." said Museveni. As she invited the president to deliver his speech, speaker of parliament Rebecca Kadaga expressed dismay that parliament did not perform as expected in its second year, which affected the business which the legislators were supposed to dispose of. She attributed the unfinished business to the prolonged consultation period by the MPs on the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 2 famously known as age limit bill which lifted the presidential age limits. The consultation on the age limit bill stretched from September 2017 when the motion was tabled to December 20th when the bill was passed into law. Among other reasons that contributed to the poor performance according to Kadaga, was lack of cooperation amongst the MPs on their respective committees and the absenteeism of the ministers from the parliament sittings that have always seen the proceedings extended due to lack of answers from responsible ministers. Kadaga however warned that her office was in the process of naming and shaming legislators and ministers that keep dodging parliament work for which they were elected (legislators) and appointed (ministers) into those positions. Parliament is not just an address; it is a place [where] the work of people must be handled effectively. Since the first and second session, a number of ministers and members have been warned but effective this season- the third session the process of naming and shaming is about to commence and that is the last resort, Kadaga said. namuloki16@gmail.com To the casual observer, the thousands of bent trees scattered throughout the North American continent look like mere freaks of nature, deformed by the elements of disease, but a more careful analysis reveals that these trees bend sharply into right angles, parallel the earth, which suggests that they were intentionally shaped long ago, for an unknown purpose. Bent, splintered or otherwise deformed trees are not exactly uncommon, but the so called trail trees still growing in many US states have a very specific shape. At about four or five feet above the ground, their trunks bend sharply forming right angles, parallel the earth, and then sharply bend upwards once again. Various accidents can cause this shape to occur naturally, but another distinctive trait of these mysterious trees is that they feature no scars in their bent areas. While scientists have yet to agree that this is proof that the trees were purposely bent by humans centuries ago, there are many who believe that the bent trees were once used as markers by hunters and gatherers to help them find their way around the vast wilderness. Photo: Knowandtell/Wikimedia Commons Growing up, artist Dennis Downes heard stories about the native tribes that once lived around the Great Lakes, how they used bent trees as markers to find hidden trails that granted safe passage through the forests. It made sense; the horizontal bend several feet above ground was sharp enough to be visible from great distances, even in snow, but he couldnt find any real evidence of the trees purpose anymore. So he started digging deeper. During his investigation, Downes came across the writings of Raymond E. Janssen, a geologist who worked in Illinois during the 1930s and 1940s. Like him, Janssen was fascinated by the deformed trees he had spotted in the woods, and had traveled to 13 states trying to learn more about them. He concluded that these trees could not all have acquired their distinct shape simply by accident and described them as cultivated artifacts. Photo: Dennis Downes/Wikipedia Among the many crooked trees encountered, only a few are Indian trail markers. The casual observer often experiences difficulty in distinguishing between accidentally deformed trees and those purposely bent by the Indians. Deformities may occur in many ways. A large tree may fall upon a sapling, pinning it down for a sufficient length of time to establish a permanent bend, Janssen stated in one of the four articles he wrote about the trees. Lightning may split a trunk, causing a portion to fall or lean in such a way as to resemble an Indian marker. Wind, sleet snow or depredations by animals may cause accidental deformities in trees. However, such injuries leave scars which are apparent to the careful observer, and these may serve in distinguishing such trees from Indian trail markers. Photo: Dennis Downes/Wikipedia Downes, a sculptor and a painter, started traveling through the US himself, hoping to unravel the mystery of the bent trees. He found plaques where marker trees had once stood, old photos and slides of them, and tribal elders who told him stories about how their ancestors once used the trees to find their way around. Earl Otchingwanigan, a professor emeritus and Smithsonian consultant, showed Dennis Downes a tree that had been bent in 1933 by two 70-year-old native men who had learned the practice from their ancestors. It was anecdotal evidence like this that convinced the artist that at least some of the trail trees had been bent on purpose a long time ago. Photo: Wikipedia Many in the academic community still doubt that the trees were bent by natives to serve as markers, but Downes and other amateur researchers are convinced that this network of trail trees were indeed purposely shaped this way. There are still skeptics out there, mostly in the academic community. Ive talked to enough elders, that I know what the truth is. I just ignore them, said Don Wells, whose Mountain Stewards group has been finding trail trees in Georgia since 2003. I will not say every bent tree in the forest is a trail marker tree. If there are only a few hundred of these unique living artifacts left, thats enough, Downes told Atlas Obscura. The problem is that the number of trail trees has been dwindling over the last few decades. Most of them have been cut down to make room for growing cities, towns or for roads, while others have been damaged by the elements or surrendered to old age. And with no one left to bend new saplings, their number is only going to go down as time goes by. Luckily, some have been given landmark status by local or native communities, so at least they wont be chopped down anytime soon. That still doesnt protect them from disease and the passing of time, though. Sachs Media Group has been engaged by the Florida Chamber Foundation, a solutions development and research organization working in partnership with state business leaders, as public relations agency for its FLORIDA 2030 report. The agency will promote earned media coverage and thought leadership around the reports overarching principles of global competitiveness, high-paying jobs, and vibrant communities, leveraging six statewide summits, each focusing on a pillar of Floridas economic future. The effort will culminate with the formal rollout of the Florida 2030 report and vision at the Florida Chamber Foundations Future of Florida Forum in Orlando September 26 and 27. Kwittken has been selected as the PR agency of record for Flyp, an FDA-cleared portable nebulizer from Convexity Scientific. Kwittken will be responsible for driving positive brand awareness and establishing credibility in the nebulizer market through a variety of initiatives, including a highly targeted media relations campaign, participation in consumer health events, partnerships with key opinion leaders in the respiratory health space, and powerful storytelling around patient success stories. The campaign will be geared toward patients who suffer from respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD as well as healthcare professionals who treat those patients. RMD Advertising, a specialist in challenger food brands, has added Better Than Coffee to its client roster. RMD will help Better Than Coffee expand awareness and reach of the brands natural energizing bars. The product line will rely on RMDs tactical counsel through an increased focus on brand strategy and public relations. Better Than Coffees products contain no chemicals and very little sugar as well as being non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, certified kosher and vegan. The addition of Better Than Coffee to our portfolio of challenger food brands is exciting. Its a unique product that deserves its share of the limelight, said Sue Reninger, managing partner, client brand strategy, RMD Advertising. Cyma Zarghami Cyma Zarghami is stepping down as president of Nickelodeon Group. Zarghami, who joined Nickelodeon in 1985, has served as president since 2006. With her departure, the leadership of every Viacom cable network has changed hands since Bob Bakish became Viacom president and CEO in December 2016. Debra Lee, chairman and CEO of BET Networks, exited last week. While Viacom conducts a search for a successor to lead Nickelodeon, Sarah Levy, COO of Viacom Media Networks, will lead the network on an interim basis. Levy has had oversight of both Nickelodeon and BET since February. Viacom is currently in contentious merger negotiations with CBS. Gerard Baker Gerard Baker is leaving his post as editor-in-chief of the Wall Street Journal. Baker, who worked for the BBC, Financial Times and Times of London before coming to the Journal in 2009, is to remain with the paper as editor-at-large, with duties that will include writing a weekend column and hosting a Journal-themed show on the Fox Business Network. Baker will be replaced as editor-in-chief by Matt Murray, who has been with the Journal since 1994, most recently serving as executive editor. While Baker oversaw an upswing in readership at the Journal, he also came under fire from staffers for being soft on President Trump. There has also been a steady stream of reporters who have left the Journal to work for other papers, with 10 of them heading to the Washington Post. Bob Brody, a senior VP and media strategist at Powell Tate, has a new book out, in time for Fathers Day, that talks about mothers, fathers, parenting, work and growing up. Playing Catch with Strangers: A Family Guy (Reluctantly) Comes of Age expands on essays that Brody has written for the New York Times, Washington Post and Atlantic, among other publications. It describes his experiences of being raised by deaf parents, starting his own family and leaving the freelance world behind to enter the full-time workforce, finally resembling an adult. The book has been excerpted in Readers Digest, and is available on Amazon. Rudy Giuliani Qatar, which has faced an economic blockade for the past year, signs a $1.2M pact with Blueprint Advisors, a firm that has close ties with president Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani. Blueprint is to rebut claims by blockade leaders Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates that Qatar's cozy ties with Iran foster terrorism and hinder peace in the Gulf region. The firm's founder Chris Henek, who signed the Qatar contract, was a senior advisor to the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee. He also did a four-year stint as business consultant to Giuliani Partners, where he identified domestic and business opportunities and set up speaking engagements for Giuliani. Blueprint co-chairman Tony Carbonetti served as NYC Mayor Giuliani's chief of staff, presidential political advisor and co-founder of Giuliani Partners. He leads the Qatar engagement. The firm will assist Qatars attorney general Ali Al-Marri to keep American decision-makers informed of his countrys anti-terrorism and pro-peace policies. It also will work for economic development. On June 4, Qatar's foreign minister dismissed threats of military action from Saudi Arabia over its plan to buy a Russian-made air defense system. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, according to Qatar-based Al Jazeera, said the decision is a "sovereign" one. China-CEEC expo to enjoy a taste of Latvia From:Shine | 2018-06-05 19:29 The 4th China-CEEC Investment and Trade Expo will be held between June 8 and 11 in Ningbo to boost the trade between China and 16 Central and Eastern European countries. Rusks and beer from Latvia ran smoothly through Ningbo Customs ahead of the 4th China-CEEC Investment and Trade Expo. Latvia is the guest of honor at the four-day event, between June 8 and 11, and the Baltic states specialties will be exhibited at the opening ceremony with the Magnetic Latvia theme, as well as other tourism promotion activities. Ningbo airport customs has launched a green channel for Latvia and other exhibitors from Central and Eastern European countries to enjoy a fast-track approval process. Officials are on duty at the scene for customs declaration with respect to the CEEC Expo. The annual event is jointly hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and Zhejiang Province. More than 30,000 business people, as well as government officials from 16 countries, will be present. Ningbo is set to become the first choice for commodities from Central and Eastern European countries to enter the Chinese market, said Gang Yong, deputy director of Ningbo Commission of Commerce. Trade between the coastal city and 16 Central and Eastern European countries reached nearly 20 billion yuan (US$3.13 billion) last year, a year-on-year increase of 26.8 percent. Export from Ningbo to the 16 countries amounted to 17.25 billion yuan last year, up 21.6 percent from a year earlier, and the import during the same period reached 2.54 billion yuan, a growth of 78.4 percent from a year earlier, said Gang. Ningbo also reported more than 7 billion yuan of trade to 16 countries in the first four months of the year, up 35.2 percent from the same period last year. The import in the period jumped 76.8 percent from a year ago. Ti Gong Exhibitors from Ukraine demonstrated their products during the China-CEEC Investment and Trade Expo last year. The 16 Central and Eastern European countries are key members of the Belt and Road Initiative, said Yan Weiguo, deputy director of the organizing committee and deputy secretary-general of the Ningbo government. The exhibition area for businesses from the 16 countries is estimated to be around 2,150 square meters. By the end of last November, Ningbo enterprises had established 42 subsidiaries in Central and Eastern European countries, which involved a total investment of US$190 million. During the same period, businesses in Central and Eastern European countries invested US$250 million in 78 Ningbo-based projects. Apart from the direct investment, cooperation between the two sides in fields of science and technology, culture and tourism and people-to-people connectivity are being promoted. More than 200 travel groups from Ningbo have toured around Central and Eastern Europe. Ningbo also knotted ties with 20 cities from the 16 Central and Eastern European countries. Both sides have signed over 30 agreements in education cooperation, jointly set up scholarships, established language and cultural centers as well as overseas campuses. The number of students from the Central and Eastern European countries to study in Ningbo has increased in recent years. And the number of people from the 16 countries to work in Ningbo hit a historical high last year and beyond the total number in the past 20 years. We are glad to see that the CEEC Expo held in Ningbo has become a major part of the annual 16+1 activities, said Czech Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Eduard Muricky during a Sino-CEEC investment cooperation fair last year. Vladimir Tudjarov, secretary general of Bulgaria Ministry of Economy, Frano Matusic, state secretary of Croatia Ministry of Tourism, and deputy state secretary for Foreign Economic Affairs of Hungary Petra Pana all gave a thumbs up for the role Ningbo plays in the 16+1 cooperation. They all hope to jointly expand exchange and further cooperation in the future. Ti Gong Latvia, the guest of honor at this years China-CEEC Expo, launches the Magnetic Latvia program to promote its food and drink recently as a warm-up for the exhibition. As early as 2014, Ningbo became the first choice for CEEC products to enter the Chinese market. It has also become the first choice for a two-way investment between China and Central and Eastern European countries, as well as the first choice of a cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity between the two sides. When everything has taken shape, the big dream is set to sail. Ningbo authority mapped out a plan to build a comprehensive pilot zone for China-CEEC investment and trade in early 2016. But it wasnt until last November that all the parties agreed to the Budapest Outline to support Ningbo and other Chinese cities to establish the 16+1 economic and trade cooperation demonstration zones. As stipulated in the outline, the 3rd China-CEEC Ministerial Meeting on Promoting Trade and Economic Cooperation will be held in Ningbo this year. Three years ago the first CEEC Special Products Exhibition was held in Ningbo. After that, Ningbo hosted three China-CEEC Investment and Trade Expos and two China-CEEC Ministerial Meetings on Promoting Trade and Economic Cooperation. The city was also given the green light to build a state inspection and quarantine pilot zone for China-CEEC trade facilitation and issue a Maritime Silk Road Trade Index. A series of international economic and trade activities have accelerated the agglomeration of human resources, products, investment and information in Ningbo an intersection of domestic and CEEC resources and markets. Led by the Belt and Road Initiative, Ningbo and its friends from Central and Eastern Europe are developing in a golden age of joint development. Nicole Caravella Nicole Caravella, former press secretary to Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, has joined Solomon McCown & Company as an account supervisor. Caravella served as Mayor Walshs press secretary for two years, beginning in 2016, where she oversaw communications for all city departments and agencies, as well as the rollout of new policies, initiatives and legislation. She was previously press secretary to Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-MA) and served as a political advisor to former SecState John Kerry in his Senate office as well as press assistant to Paul Hodes (D-NH) during his 2010 Senate candidacy. At Solomon McCown, Caravella will focus on the Boston-based agencys real estate and nonprofit clients as well as public policy. Solomon McCown, which specializes in healthcare, public affairs and crisis management, maintains an additional office in New York. We have been fighting for justice, but we have not accessed justice, said Anastacia Nambo an environmental human rights activist from Kenya. It has forced us to live like refugees. We do not sleep in our houses because of the threats to our lives. And yet still we are sick. In May, Nambo, who is a member of the Center for Justice Governance and Environmental Action (CJGEA) was attacked, her eyes sprayed with a caustic substance, which caused them to swell and go red. She is still dealing with the effects. Nambo, along with several other environmental human rights campaigners, were attacked because of their on-going court case against a local smelter accused of polluting the small urban community of Owino Uhuru, in Mombasa, with lead. The smelter extracted lead from used car batteries. In the process, it emitted fumes laden with lead and spewed untreated acid wastewater into streams where people bathed. Lead is a potent neurotoxin. It damages the development of children, targeting the brain and nervous system. Lead is still in the soil, still in the water, in the trees, leaves, the vegetables that people plant are less, said Phyllis Omido, executive director of CJGEA. There has been no access to remediation for the community, treatment for children. The issue is not over. We have no choice. We have to keep going until something is done. For nearly a decade Omido and other community activists have fought the presence and effects of lead in the community. CJGEA was founded as a way to better organize to fight this and other environmental causes, she said. The group staged protests, wrote letters and handed complaints -- written and verbal -- to environmental officials of the local and national government, all in an effort to shut down the plant and to obtain remedy for those who have been affected by the lead. In 2014, the plant eventually ended operations, but the damage, in high levels of lead recorded in the community, remained. Yet, for their efforts, Omido and other activists have been regularly targeted with violence and intimidation. Homes of activists have been broken into, activists have been attacked. Omido herself was jailed, accused of inciting violence. The child of one activist was kidnapped and held for three days. So far, no one has been held responsible for any of the attacks. As a result, many in the community have fled their homes, Omido said. She no longer lives in Mombasa, and knows of others who move homes regularly to avoid harassment. We have not seen justice, Omido said. Even though we stopped the source of the pollution, the community as a whole is still polluted because lead has a long shelf life. Kenya does have the laws to support environmental rights. The Kenyan Constitution does recognize the right to a clean and healthy environment. Last year, the Government banned the use of plastic bags. The Government is also at the forefront in efforts to develop an action plan on policy on business and human rights, which should address some of the concerns raised by environmental human rights defenders, said UN Human Rights Officer Marcella Favretto. The pollution suffered by the small urban community of Owino Uhuru and the attacks against environmental activists seeking justice for environmental pollution in their community is a reminder that Kenya needs to redouble its efforts to ensure the full realisation of environmental rights in the country, she said. The Government can count on the continuous support of OHCHR. For Omido and others, the support of the UN Human Rights Office and experts has been key to their continued ability to fight. The group has worked with the UN Human Rights Office and UN experts on the issue. A meeting with UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment John Knox, lead to the expert championing their cause, she said. For example, when Nambo and other activists were attacked in May, Knox, along with two other UN human rights experts, issued a statement urging the Kenyan government to better protect the human rights defenders. It is unacceptable that they are repeatedly threatened, harassed, intimidated and assaulted and no one has been held accountable, the statement read. Omido said the power of statements such as this from the UN Human Rights Office cannot be underestimated. I am alive and (the child) not killed by kidnappers because of OHCHR, Omido said. Ever since (meeting with John Knox) when we experience an attack, OHCHR engaged with government or released a statement, urging the government to investigate. We know this might see like just statements, but we know the impact because we have felt them immediately. As soon as a statement comes from OHCHR, the government contacts us. Omido, along with other environmental human rights defenders are taking part in a workshop organized by the UN Human Rights Office in Kenya. The meetings provide a chance for activists to learn more about national and international human rights mechanisms and how they use them in the pursuit of justice. Omido said the meeting has been a great chance to meet with and learn from other environmental human rights defenders and more about the UN and how it can help their cause. But its not enough. We still have not seen justice, she said. We are still very much in need of more efforts in protecting environmental human rights defenders and the issues we are raising. This is a good beginning, but not yet where we want to go. 6 June 2018 Kathmandu, June 6 As the Narayangadh-Muglin road expansion nears its end, the government is preparing to expand the Naubise-Muglin section to manage traffic along the Prithvi Highway. The road till Naubise will be expanded with support from the World Bank, officials said. The road section was earlier constructed with support from the Japanese government. The detailed design of the project has already been prepared. The expansion work will start after an agreement is inked with the World Bank. Nine-metre-wide roads will be constructed in the hills and the width will reach 11 metres in plain areas, informed Sanjay Kumar Shrestha from Department of Road Management. A two-lane road from Bishaltar to Fistling will also be constructed from the area behind Trishuli, he added. Austrian leading business representatives from different sectors including banking and finance, health, IT technology and food industry had paid a visit to Mongolia during May 24-25 pursuing potential business opportunities with private and government entities.In line with this visit Golomt Bank hosted Mongolia - Austria business meeting on May 24th, 2018 at the World Finance Museum to support our two countries business clients whom have mutual interests introducing long term financing opportunities.During the event Golomt Bank representatives had presented economic updates and general outlook on overall Mongolian economy as well as short, medium and long term financing opportunities and import financing advantages had been introduced to the participants. Furthermore AME International GMHH and VAMED Engineering GMBH representatives from Austrian health industry had introduced about their business operation and expressed their interests on mutually beneficial cooperation with Mongolian entities.Golomt Bank offers wide ranges of banking services including but not limited to trade finance, project finance, treasury, account services, consulting and agent banking etc. for its clients and partner banks and financial institutions.We believe this visit had added substantial value to further development and enhancement of cooperation between two countries. A Portland woman faces DUII charges after police say her car rolled into a TriMet bus while she was furiously dancing in the middle of a Beaverton street Tuesday night. Della M. Still told police she had mixed marijuana with prescription medication before hopping out of her Ford Explorer on Northwest Cedar Hills Boulevard near Leahy Road to dance, Officer Jeremy Shaw, a Beaverton police spokesman, told The Oregonian/OregonLive. As she boogied, her black SUV began to slowly roll backward -- and right into a No. 50 TriMet bus, damaging both vehicles, Shaw said. The 35-year-old was still dancing when officers arrived around 10:45 p.m., police said. The officers also said they learned Still had managed to board the TriMet bus during the routine and throw herself onto the floor. "Her behavior was pretty bizarre and erratic," Shaw said. "At one point, she was screaming at the top of her lungs." Officers took Still to Providence St. Vincent Medical Center for an evaluation. She was later cited on suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants and released without being booked in jail. "Clearly, we were concerned for her welfare," Shaw said. -- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh skavanaugh@oregonian.com 503-294-7632 II @shanedkavanaugh A weekly collection of new hires, transitions, promotions and award winners in Oregon and southwest Washington: MOVES/HIRES: Susan Jeffords, currently the chief academic officer at the University of Washington Bothell, has been chosen as Portland State University's new provost. She will begin her new position in August. Jeffords has been UW Bothell's vice chancellor for academic affairs since 2007. Prior to UW Bothell, Jeffords was vice provost for global affairs for UW in Seattle. She also was an English professor at UW before becoming chair of the women studies department. She went on to become divisional dean for the social sciences. Silicon Valley Bank, operating in Oregon since 1992 and working with hundreds of local startups, has announced the hiring of technology executive Jane Ullman as managing director. Ullman will lead the banking team. Her experience includes her positions as former CFOs at Rulespace, Shiftwise and The Clymb. Specht Properties, Inc. has hired Michele Schiffer as vice president of property management. Schiffer will oversee the property management firm's portfolio of commercial office and industrial property located throughout the Portland metro and Southwest Washington region. Schiffer comes to Specht with more than 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, having recently served as property manager at Urban Renaissance Group where she managed the Moda Tower in Portland's central business district. Laura Robison, will be joining SAIF, the state-chartered workers' compensation insurance company, in September as chief actuarial officer. Robison currently serves as the chief financial officer at Oregon Health Authority, and previously served as the insurance commissioner, chief actuary, and administrator within the Division of Financial Regulation in the State of Oregon's Department of Consumer and Business Services. Joseph Hughes Construction of Portland has promoted three employees. They are: Tom Rue Joe Rotta Patrick McCarthy eBay in Portland has named Gail Frederick general manager of the Portland office. The Portland innovation hub specifically targets the mobile development and eBay for Charity teams. Christen White, a founding partner of Portland real estate law firm Radler White Parks and Alexander LLP, has been named a Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers. AWARDS: University of Haifa, a public university in Haifa, Israel, announced it has received a $10 million donation from well-known American philanthropist and Portland native, Lorry I. Lokey, for the construction of a new campus. The work will include at least four buildings located throughout the Port of Haifa and the city's downtown area. OPENINGS: Nadeau - Furniture with a Soul is opening a second permanent retail location in the Portland area. Located on Southwest Hall Boulevard near Beaverton/Tigard and across from Washington Square Mall, the 4,800-square-foot store features an evolving inventory of affordable, handcrafted, solid wood and metal furniture and accessories from around the globe. Have a new hire, promotion or business award to share? Email us at business@oregonian.com, and put Attention: Business Movers in the subject line. Tom Werner It's been just two months since SolarWorld agreed to sell its Hillsboro factory to a rival from Silicon Valley, but the solar landscape has already shifted considerably. Solar panel prices are falling again amid dramatic changes this week in the Chinese market. That puts more pressure on SunPower, the California company buying the Hillsboro plant, to make the deal pay. SunPower chief executive Tom Werner made his first visit to Oregon this week since agreeing to buy the SolarWorld factory in April. He said the plant must upgrade and expand production to stand out. "We need to accelerate the pace of innovation so we can increase the competitiveness of this facility in a rapidly changing market," Werner said. The deal won't close until midsummer, but once it does Werner said SunPower will move rapidly. He said the company will spend up to $15 million this year installing new equipment, and it plans to start making a higher class of more efficient solar panels in Hillsboro by the end of 2018. After a series of layoffs and setbacks at SolarWorld's German parent company, the Hillsboro facility is operating at 50 percent of its capacity. Werner said it needs more from the plant, in terms of volume, efficiency and technology, to compete. "It's not going to succeed at 50 percent," he said. "Even at 100 percent capacity this is a very small factory by world standards." SolarWorld's 480,000-square-foot Hillsboro factory opened in 2008 after the plant's German parent spent $440 million equipping it boosted by $100 million in Oregon tax credits and property tax breaks. The facility never thrived, though, undercut by a flood of cheap solar panels from China. SolarWorld's German parent company filed for insolvency last year, and SolarWorld laid off 360 Hillsboro employees, roughly half its work force. In April, SunPower stepped in and paid an undisclosed sum to rescue the Hillsboro factory. SunPower, which makes its own panels in Malaysia and the Philippines, was looking for a way around new tariffs the Trump administration had slapped on imported solar products. The industry expected those tariffs would trigger a rise in solar panel prices and create an incentive to move product back to the U.S. Last week, though, China ordered its utilities to stop construction of new solar farms and slashed government subsidies to the industry. That could leave Chinese manufacturers with tremendous oversupply, prompting them to slash their own prices. Falling prices, in turn, could offset the impact of the American tariffs and renew price pressure on domestic manufacturing and on SunPower's decision to buy the Hillsboro factory. "I hope they have a future," said Paula Mints, principal analyst with SPV Market Research. "The competitive stars are not aligning." SunPower will ultimately have to spend far more than the $15 million budgeted to make competitive products, Mints said, but that's an expensive proposition given the industry's pricing structure. "The competitive pressures are brutal," she said. SunPower is seeking to ease that pressure by seeking a tariff exemption for its products made in the Philippines and Malaysia, outside the subsidized Chinese market the Trump administration is targeting. Werner said the tariffs will cost his company $1.5 million to $2 million a week, money he said could otherwise be spent upgrading capacity in Hillsboro. But Mints said the Trump administration, focused on reviving America's foundering coal industry, has no interest in cutting a solar manufacturer a break. "The odds of getting an exemption are less than zero," she said. The situation is fluid, Werner said, and SunPower is weighing tradeoffs around pricing, tariffs and technology as it plans its future in Hillsboro. He said his company has to be prepared to redo its plans every six months. "To succeed in the solar industry," Werner said, "you have to evolve quickly." -- Mike Rogoway | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699 The Rose Festival Fleet pulls into the port at Portland's Tom McCall Waterfront Park beginning around 3 p.m. Wednesday (times are approximate) and again around 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon. Commuters who use several of Portland's Willamette River bridges will experience delays as many of them will need to rise for ships to pass under. To avoid the lifts, use the Marquam (I-5), Fremont (I-405), Ross Island or Hawthorne bridges. Bikes and pedestrians can also use the Tilikum Crossing Bridge. MAX lines will experience delays for Steel Bridge lifts. TriMet bus lines traveling across the Broadway, Steel and Burnside bridges will also be delayed. Consider using a bus line that crosses the river using the Hawthorne or Ross Island bridges to minimize delays. Expect similar disruptions on Thursday as the remainder of the fleet arrives Thursday afternoon. *** BANFIELD 8:51 a.m.; Crash in the middle lane and right emergency lane partially blocking the right lane on I-84 westbound near 67th Avenue. Update 9:02 a.m. Right lane now blocked by responders. *** GRESHAM 8:22 a.m.; Crash in Gresham at Northeast 181st Avenue and San Rafael Street near Wilkes Elementary. *** SELLWOOD BRIDGE 7:54 a.m.; Possible crash on the Sellwood Bridge is backing up traffic on Southeast Tacoma Street. *** HARMONY 7:40 a.m.; Watch for a crash on Southeast 82nd Avenee near Sunnybrook Boulevard at Clackamas Prominade. *** SOUTHEAST PORTLAND 7:20 a.m.; Crash on I-205 northbound near the Washington Street exit. Update 8:33 a.m.; Cleared. *** BANFIELD 7:06 a.m.; Stall or crash is blocking lanes on I-84 westbound near 57th Avenue. *** Junior Rose Festival Parade is on Wednesday, June 6. Also Wednesday the Junior Rose Festival Parade winds through the Hollywood District from 1-2 p.m. Expect delays and detours if traveling Northeast Sandy Boulevard from 52nd-40th avenues. Two U.S. Navy ships along with three U.S. Coast Guard vessels and two ships from the Royal Canadian Navy, will be in the city through June 10 offering public tours and participating in the annual festivities. U.S. Navy ships will be open for public tours 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., June 8-10. All visitors will be required to present government-issued photo identification and pass through an airport-style security screening checkpoint prior to boarding the ships. Get more information here: Fleet Week. Expect lengthy delays on McLoughlin Boulevard in Oregon City south of Railroad Avenue tunnel for construction that starts Wednesday. By JoNel Aleccia, Kaiser Health News Dozens of terminally ill patients in California who counted on using the state's medical aid-in-dying law may be in limbo for a month after a court ruling that suspended the 2016 measure. A judge who ruled in May that the law was improperly enacted refused to vacate that decision at the request of advocates last week. Riverside County Superior Court Judge Daniel Ottolia set a hearing for June 29, however, to consider a separate motion by state Attorney General Xavier Becerra to reverse the decision. Opponents cheered what they hope will be the end of a law they've fought from the day it was passed. Compassion & Choices, an advocacy group that promotes aid-in-dying, filed a notice of appeal late Friday and asked Becerra to uphold the group's legal opinion that their appeal would trigger a stay of Ottolia's judgment. Such a stay would reinstate the law pending further court action. Becerra did not immediately respond to the group, or to requests for comment. For an estimated 200 patients who had already started the process of hastening their deaths, the decision has sparked confusion and fear, said Kat West, Compassion & Choices' national policy director. As of May 30, doctors had stopped writing prescriptions for the lethal medications and pharmacists had stopped filling them, leaving patients uncertain how to proceed, she said. Dr. Lonny Shavelson, a Berkeley, Calif., physician whose practice focuses on aid-in-dying, said more than a dozen of his patients have been directly affected by the suspension. "These are patients who are in various stages of the process, all the way from a first verbal request to those about to get the medication," he said. They include Debbie Gatzek Kratter, 69, a lawyer from Half Moon Bay, Calif., diagnosed last year with terminal pancreatic cancer, who has planned to take the drugs when her suffering becomes too great. Knowing she had the choice has helped her tolerate the disease, but the suspension has made her "very uncomfortable," she said. Kratter said she is considering moving to Washington state, where medical aid-in-dying remains legal, or flying to Switzerland, where physician-assisted death is allowed. Others may choose grimmer options, she said. "This has the feeling to me of the coat-hanger abortion," she said. "People are going to try to take things into their own hands in bad ways." But opponents of what's sometimes called assisted suicide said the suspension "now opens the door to a discussion about how to better care for people at the end of their lives." "Halting the law likewise has the benefit of protecting a great many vulnerable people against deadly harm through mistakes, abuse and coercion risks that go hand in hand with this type of dangerous public policy," Matt Valliere, executive director of the group Patients Rights Action Fund, said in a statement. California's End of Life Option Act took effect nearly two years ago. It allowed terminally ill adults to request lethal medications from their doctors through a process that requires verbal and written requests at least 15 days apart. The practice is also permitted in six other states and Washington, D.C. More than 100 people used California's law in the first six months after it was enacted, according to state health officials. Hundreds more are estimated to have used it since then, though no official reports have been issued. Shavelson said he has received more than 600 requests and attended 87 deaths since the law took effect. Several groups, including the Life Legal Defense Foundation and the American Academy of Medical Ethics, challenged the law, saying it failed to protect elderly, infirm and vulnerable patients. In mid-May, Ottolia upheld the groups' motion that the law was unconstitutional because legislators improperly passed it during a special session limited to health care issues. "Even the strongest proponents of assisted suicide should be gravely concerned about the lack of safeguards and protection in the law that was found to be unconstitutionally enacted by the Legislature," Stephen Larson, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said in an email. Compassion & Choices challenged that decision May 30 on behalf of two terminally ill patients and a treating physician, but Ottolia rejected their motion. However, Ottolia granted a request from Becerra to consider a separate motion on the same matter June 29. That leaves patients and doctors without clear answers for at least a month, Shavelson said. Among the questions: If Shavelson accepts a patient's first verbal request now, will it count toward the waiting period? Will patients who used previously obtained medications have their deaths classified as suicides, rather than as a result of their underlying illness, as required by the law? Would doctors who provide the lethal drugs be legally liable? For actively dying patients, even a temporary pause in the law could have a profound and permanent effect, Shavelson added. "They are sick, home on oxygen, at home on hospice, in pain, wondering how they're going to die," he said. "I have to tell them, 'We don't know.'" -- Kaiser Health News Certain Salem residents are again being advised not to drink the tap water, after city officials said Wednesday they found low levels of cyanotoxins. The advisory applies to children younger than 6; people on dialysis or with compromised immune systems; pregnant or nursing women; the elderly; and pets. It also affects Salem, Turner, the Suburban East Salem Water District and Orchard Heights Water Association. The advisory is a return of one that caused statewide concern and local panic last week. The previous advisory lasted for nearly five days, during which time Gov. Kate Brown issued a state of emergency so she could direct the Oregon National Guard to set up round-the-clock water distribution sites and empower the Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum to investigate reports of price gouging. It was lifted Saturday. The city requires two days of clean test results before it can lift an advisory, meaning the current one won't be lifted before Friday. The cyanotoxins are released by blue-green algae blooms in Detroit Lake, the source of much of Salem's drinking water. Lacey Goeres-Priest, the city's water quality supervisor, warned residents last week that her staff had seen another blue-green algae bloom forming, so even though the first advisory might be over, it could come back. Algae blooms have become more common in Detroit Lake in the past decade. It is a relatively new problem to the Pacific Northwest, so officials have been sending samples by rush order from four water monitoring sites to a laboratory in Ohio. The toxin is more often found in the Midwest. The city took considerable heat last week because officials waited four days before notifying the public of the cyanotoxins, and officials said they regret that. But they also said it wasn't a tactic to hide information or stall a backlash. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that vulnerable people can drink the affected water for 10 days before any symptoms are likely to show. As long as a city issues the advisory within that window, they are acting responsibly, according to the federal guidelines. However, City Manager Steve Powers said last week that he would move more quickly to alert the public to any potential threats. The city set up eight water distribution sites: Wallace Marine Park, 200 Glen Creek Rd. NW, Salem Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St. NE, Salem Bush's Pasture Park, Mission St. entrance, 600 Mission St. SE, Salem Woodmansee Park, 4629 Sunnyside Rd. SE, Salem Chemeketa Community College, Brown Parking Lot, 4000 Lancaster Drive NE, Salem East Salem Suburban Water District, 3805 La Branch St. SE, Salem City of Keizer Civic Center, 930 Chemawa Rd NE, Keizer Former Chevrolet Dealership, 5325 Denver Street, Turner All sites except East Salem Suburban Water District (open until 8 p.m.) will operate around the clock, officials said. All bulk water distribution locations are pull-through, residents must bring their own containers, and there is a 5-gallon limit per family. Residents in need of assistance are advised to call the Public Works Department at 503-588-6311. For medical information, call 211. The city also now posts water sampling information publicly. That can be found on its website or Facebook page. -- Molly Harbarger mharbarger@oregonian.com 503-294-5923 @MollyHarbarger BY JEFF HAWTHORNE As interim executive director of the Regional Arts & Culture Council, I appreciated the Portland auditor's recent report to City Council and The Oregonian/OregonLive's coverage. There's no question that the arts council and the city should work closely together to develop clear goals and strategies for arts and culture. Fortunately, our nonprofit is well-positioned for this work, having provided smart leadership, valuable services and transparent financial accounting throughout its 23-year existence. The arts council has a good track record of creating and executing strategic cultural plans. Our last plan, "Act for Art," guided our work from 2009-2012 and addressed the city's paucity of art and music teachers and Portland's woefully underfunded arts community by teeing up the city's voter-approved arts tax and ramping up our arts education services. We stand ready to help the city articulate new goals for arts and culture and will launch a comprehensive strategic plan to achieve these goals. We remain committed to recruiting a new executive director of the highest caliber to lead this work. Meanwhile, our staff is developing strategic frameworks for our grants, public art, arts education and advocacy programs. New and creative strategies will indeed be needed to address the fact that, despite its reputation as a center for creativity, Portland still lags behind other cities' investments in the arts, at $9.38 per capita compared to $12 in Austin and $14 in Seattle, according to data from the United States Urban Arts Federation. Portland is changing, and we are dedicated to making sure that every Portland resident has access to publicly funded arts and culture activities. We have been collaborating with underserved communities to understand barriers, diversify our decision-making bodies, and distribute our resources more equitably. Today 43 percent of the arts council board and 35 percent of staff identify as people of color, as well as 58 percent of our grant review panelists and 37 percent of our grant recipients in the last round of project grants. That's progress, but there is still more work to do. It is true, and shouldn't be a surprise, that most of the arts council's support comes from the city of Portland. A 2017 economic impact study that we conducted with the Americans for the Arts revealed that 91 percent of nonprofit arts and culture activity in the metro region is based in Portland and Multnomah County. Portland funding makes up only 70 percent of our budget, and we leverage that investment with contributions from other sources. We will continue to engage elected officials and community members in all three counties to foster more collaboration and strengthen arts participation across the region. We believe Portland should continue investing in its nonprofit arts community regardless of what other regional partners do. Yet there is greater efficiency to a regional approach, and we are stronger together - the combined economic impact of nonprofit arts organizations in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties is $330 million, supporting 11,505 full-time jobs and returning more than $27 million in revenue to state and local coffers every year, according to our 2017 study. Total arts attendance across the region last year was 3.9 million, and many residents cross county borders and visit other cities to participate in arts and culture experiences. We also have shown the value of an independent, nimble and entrepreneurial arts services organization. With a separate, volunteer board of directors, we have been able to pursue opportunities beyond the city's purview, and successfully raised more than $15 million from the private sector over the last 10 years--something we simply could not do as a city bureau. As an independent 501(c)(3) organization, the arts council can align itself with the city's strategies for growth, equity and livability, while freeing us from politics to allow arts and culture to flourish. As The Oregonian pointed out, city residents must be assured that their tax dollars are accounted for and well-spent. We couldn't agree more. In fact, the auditor found our nonprofit to be transparent and accountable for every city dollar, with strong financial controls and thorough records. Our administrative spending is also consistent with best nonprofit practices. An independent financial audit confirms that 15 percent of the total budget is spent on management, overhead and fundraising expenses, allowing 85 percent to be spent on programs and services. There's no question we have more work to do to resolve a number of challenges, including the dearth of affordable space for artists and arts organizations, the inequitable distribution of resources in the past, and the ongoing need to excite and engage the public in the arts. We will continue serving hundreds of artists, 150 nonprofit organizations and 29,000 students every year while we redouble our efforts to collaborate with city leaders to support culture, creativity and the arts in our community. Jeff Hawthorne is the interim executive director of the Regional Arts & Culture Council. I would like to thank both Hillary Borrud ("In Oregon, lawyers for foster children don't even have to show up," April 28) and Jamie Troy ("Foster kids' attorneys aren't the problem," June 1) for their pieces pointing out some of the problems with Oregon's foster care system. While both writers have very valid points, I think Troy's is more spot-on regarding the lack of funding available and challenges it creates for the whole system. As a court-appointed special advocate, I am appalled by what I see on a regular basis. There are not enough foster care providers, and children are housed in locked unit shelters. Children who have done nothing wrong face punishments at these shelters, such as being denied the freedom to simply walk around outside. The caseworkers are incredibly overloaded and seem to spend much of their time putting out fires versus being proactive promoting situations that could benefit the children and families. I have talked to foster care providers who have to pay fees that should be covered by the Department of Human Services and who feel generally unsupported when they need help to care for these children in challenging positions. Our Legislature must step up and do more to assure the Department of Human Services is committed to properly caring for our children and families, both financially and administratively. Excuses are no longer acceptable. Barbara Solomon, Gresham Last week's vague text warning of a "civil emergency" with directions to "prepare for action" understandably rattled Oregonians in the five counties where it was erroneously issued. Oregon's Office of Emergency Management sent out the lame message, which was supposed to caution children, pregnant and nursing mothers, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems from drinking tap water in the Salem area. Within half an hour, the agency sent out a somewhat clearer message. One that at least mentioned "water emergency." Ever since, the original alert has provided endless fodder for zombie apocalypse memes and #SoLame Salem jokes on social media. But really, it's not very funny. For the state's emergency management agency to stumble with a such a simple warning about water in one, relatively small area underscores the potential for total pandemonium in the event of a larger scale, state-wide disaster. Like, say, a massive earthquake or tsunami. Agency director Andrew Phelps did post an explanation and an apology on Facebook and Twitter. He earnestly promised a "forensic analysis" - as if because it's "forensic," they can "CSI" their way out of this mess. The explanation and apology were smart moves. First, for attempting to clear up the misinformation. But also on the public relations front, considering the scale of this communication breakdown and its potential to further undermine the agency's credibility. Yes, further. The Oregon Office of Emergency Management faced an extensive audit earlier this year, outlining a number of areas where the agency is ill-equipped for a major disaster. The problems ranged from unfinished preparedness plans to the fact that the building where officials are slated to gather and strategize likely would be leveled in a major earthquake. Then there was a federal audit that found past leaders misspent funds. More specifically, Oregon officials held a regional earthquake and tsunami drill exactly two years ago. The four-day exercise, dubbed Cascadia Rising, uncovered numerous areas where state and local leaders needed to get better prepared. Among them: Communications. Throughout the drill, messages sent to the public didn't provide clear directions and failed to evolve as more information became available. Instead, participants were alerted to "Drop, cover and hold on" several days into the drill when it was more important for them to receive directions on how to survive the aftermath. Sound a little familiar? After the "civil emergency-prepare for action" text, emergency management officials took to Twitter with two more tweets describing why they'd screwed up. Those were interesting, but they didn't provide information about what was actually happening with the water situation in the Salem area and what people should do. They also didn't make it clear that only children and vulnerable adults were warned against drinking tap water. Agency officials probably thought they had that covered by directing Oregonians to the City of Salem's website. However, the city's website had crashed and was down at the very time people were being directed to it. That was too bad because the city had actually done a good job of providing clear explanations in both English and Spanish of what was wrong and who was affected. That wasn't the case with the state's water warnings, which only came in English. Again, that was an issue noted in the "lessons learned" after the Cascadia Rising earthquake drill. Two years ago. So who is learning the lessons? It's unclear. Only a few jurisdictions offer to notify residents of emergencies in various languages. Or, for that matter, notify them in any language. While Multnomah County residents can sign up for alerts in nine languages, all links to register for Clackamas County's emergency notification system go to a blank page. Registration pages for other nearby county systems, including Marion, are only in English. And while these issues are important, they of course don't even touch on the communication challenges to be faced if we can't receive messages on our phones or access government websites. That's why it's so important we get these basic problems addressed now. It's clear state and city leaders have much work ahead. Citizens also need to pick up some slack. If you haven't signed up to receive alerts - and you speak English and don't live in Clackamas County - you should (PublicAlerts.org/signup). You should also check your phone's "notifications," to be sure the government alerts options is activated -- cell phone carriers should be able to direct users on how to find that setting. Also, get water. At least two week's worth. Not convinced? Go back and look at all the pictures on social media of panicked Salem residents raiding their local grocery stores. One restaurant that dared to "joke" about having bought a bunch of bottled water resulted in a social media snark storm accusing the owners of hoarding. Don't be #SoLame, get ready. -- Laura Gunderson Lgunderson@oregonian.com; 503-221-8378 Blaine Cooper, one of the first to plead guilty to federal conspiracy in the armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and who later testified for the government, is expected to be sentenced next week to time served. Cooper was described as a recruiter, calling men to come to the Oregon refuge with guns and to Bunkerville, Nevada, in April 2014 during a standoff with federal agents outside the ranch of cattleman Cliven Bundy. In addition to time served, prosecutors will recommend three years of supervised release for Cooper and that he pay $7,000 in restitution, according to court documents. He's already served more than 15 months in custody, according to prosecutors. The government will ask that Cooper, 38, participate in a mental health program as a condition of his release, but Cooper's lawyer objects to that requirement. Cooper pleaded guilty in the Oregon case in July 2016 and became a government witness at a trial against refuge occupiers Jason Patrick, Darryl Thorn and two other co-defendants in 2017. He has been on pretrial release since October 2017. "During that time he participated in a mental health assessment, and it was determined that he was not in need of any further treatment,'' his attorney, Krista Shipsey, wrote in a sentencing memo. Cooper has acknowledged that he agreed to cooperate with the government in the hope of reducing an earlier recommended sentence of six years in prison. He's also pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy in the Nevada case. U.S. marshals have been directed to help pay for Cooper's transportation from Prescott, Arizona, to Oregon for his sentencing next Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Anna J. Brown in Portland. In a Facebook video posted this week, Cooper asked for "lots of prayers for mercy,'' as well as lodging assistance, saying the trip would hurt him financially because he'll have to miss four days of work. Cooper spent nearly four hours on the stand last year, testifying that Ammon Bundy had called a clandestine meeting in the dining room of their host's home in Burns on Dec. 29, 2015, and directed six other men there to leave their cellphones and laptops in a separate room. It was then that Bundy discussed his idea of taking over the refuge, Cooper said. Cooper's testimony about the sit-down marked the first time anyone in court had referenced the late December meeting before the Jan. 2, 2016, occupation. Days before the Dec. 29 meeting, Cooper also appeared on an internet "call out'' video with co-defendants Jason Patrick and Jon Ritzheimer, urging "like-minded'' people to come to Burns on Jan. 2, 2016, to protest the return to prison of Harney County ranchers Dwight Hammond and Steven Hammond, who were convicted of setting fire to public land. During cross-examination, defense lawyers sought to impeach Cooper's testimony by citing contradictory statements Cooper made on jail phone calls, including one to his wife on April 5, 2016, saying "I didn't know they were going in there'' in reference to the refuge. They also played inflammatory videos that Cooper made, including one when he tore out pages of the Koran, wrapped them in bacon, threw them into an outdoor fire pit and then shot arrows at the Koran. They pointed out that Cooper, despite being a convicted felon, was seen with an AR-15 rifle at the Bundy ranch in 2014 in Nevada. And they elicited testimony that Cooper had spent time in institutions because of behavioral and mental health problems earlier in his life. Cooper was in the first convoy of vehicles to take over the refuge. He left the refuge on Jan. 27, 2016, a day after other leaders were arrested, and was taken into custody on Feb. 11, 2016. -- Maxine Bernstein mbernstein@oregonian.com 503-221-8212 @maxoregonian Updated: Homeless person punched by deputy says 'the whole thing shouldn't have happened' A Marion County deputy has been temporarily pulled from a county sheriff's patrol unit after repeatedly punching a man during a Salem-area arrest Monday. The Marion County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday that Deputy Jake Thompson has been reassigned to another position within the agency's enforcement division while an internal investigation of the arrest continues. The position won't involve patrolling. Thompson has been a deputy with the sheriff's office since 2011, state records show, and received an award from the police agency in 2014 for performing CPR on an unconscious woman while on duty until paramedics arrived. The arrest and punches were caught on camera by KGW. The footage shows Thompson punching 28-year-old Kevin Straw in the head at least 14 times after Thompson and other deputies took Straw to the ground near a post office in Detroit. The sheriff's office said Straw was taken into custody because he kept yelling while emergency responders were coordinating a search for two missing fishermen and refused to stay away when told to leave at least twice by deputies. The fishermen, Josh Cox and Corbin Cox, were found safe later that day. Also involved in the arrest were Deputies Derrick Ramseyer, an 11-year sheriff's office veteran; Dave Zahn, a Marion County deputy for 19 years; Ethan Griffith, a nine-year veteran; and Mark Ferron, who has been with Marion County for 11 years. Griffith is a community resource deputy, and the other three are patrol deputies, the sheriff's office said. Straw was taken into custody around 10:30 a.m. by deputies who were called off the search effort to apprehend him, the police agency said. A large knife was taken from Straw. The sheriff's office said it is reviewing the video footage as part of its internal investigation. The case will also be reviewed by the county district attorney's office and another law enforcement agency. The American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon on Tuesday said the footage of Straw's arrest showed excessive force that wasn't stopped by any of the other deputies involved. "This kind of behavior which is more and more frequently caught on video degrades community trust in law enforcement," David Rogers, Oregon ACLU executive director, said in a statement. "There was simply no justification for repeated blows to the head." The use of force occurred while Straw was physically resisting the deputies arresting him, the sheriff's office said. As he is being hit, the video shows Straw screaming for help, for the strikes to stop and that he isn't resisting. At one point, he tells the deputies he was there to warn them about cougars. Straw was cited for interfering with a police officer and resisting arrest, then he was released, said Lt. Chris Baldridge, a sheriff's office spokesman. The sheriff's office said Monday that he was also taken to the Psychiatric Crisis Center in Salem for a mental health evaluation. Straw had been yelling at strangers in Detroit about cougars and military special forces two days earlier. He refused to go with members of a county mental health crisis team but wasn't arrested, the sheriff's office said. Straw's last known address is in Scio, about 18 miles east of Albany, the sheriff's office said. He'd been in the Detroit area for several weeks before the arrest. According to Oregon court records, he reported in 2016 being diagnosed with depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and being on the autism spectrum. There was no immediate response to a message left at a phone number listed for Straw in court records. Rogers, the Oregon ACLU executive director, said if criminal charges aren't brought in this case, there should be "a sufficient and honest explanation as to why." The matriarch of the Hammond ranching family said Wednesday she hasn't heard if President Donald Trump is considering pardons for her husband and son, whose imprisonment led to the 2016 armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. But Susie Hammond said, "I have a sense that things are moving forward and I have faith in our president. If anyone is going to help them, he'd be the one." Hammond said she's getting a lot of questions about it. "Something must have just broke loose because I have three phones ringing," she said. A Washington Post reporter contacted her Tuesday and said he understood that the White House was considering the pardons and wanted to learn what she knew. "I didn't know anything,'' she told The Oregonian/OregonLive from Harney County. The Oregon Cattlemen's Association and Oregon Farm Bureau have lobbied for her husband and son, she said. But their lawyers have told her nothing official, she said. Dwight Hammond Jr., 76, and son Steven Hammond, 49, were convicted of arson in 2012 for setting fires on federal land where they had grazing rights for their cattle. The two were convicted of setting a fire in 2001, and Steven Hammond also was convicted of setting a second fire in 2006. A federal judge sentenced the father to three months and the son to one year in prison after they successfully argued that the five-year mandatory minimum sentence was unconstitutional. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals later reversed the decision, and a federal judge in 2015 sentenced them both to serve their remaining prison time. Their prosecution attracted around 300 people to march through Burns in the days before they were to report to a California prison. A group of supporters later took over the wildlife refuge and remained there for 41 days. After the resentencing, the Hammonds' attorneys sought clemency in the hopes then-President Barack Obama would reduce the ranchers' federal sentences. Steven Hammond's lawyer, Larry Matasar, also said he hadn't heard anything official, and was reading the news reports like everyone else. Susie Hammond said she hasn't visited her husband since her first time traveling to California to see him, but continues to talk to her husband and son by phone. -- Maxine Bernstein mbernstein@oregonian.com 503-221-8212 @maxoregonian Of all the ideas being kicked around for the next phase of the Wapato Jail, one stands out as novel: an actual jail. Clark County has contacted Wapato's new owner, Jordan Schnitzer, about leasing the Portland facility to alleviate chronic overcrowding at its jail, Chairman Marc Boldt confirmed Tuesday. The Washington jail was built in 1984 with 300 beds but actually houses anywhere from 400 to 711 prisoners a day, according to The Columbian. Wapato was built in 2004 to accommodate 500 minimum-security inmates but never used a $58 million boondoggle that cost Multnomah County $300,000 a year to maintain. Since then, it's been bandied about as a possible homeless center, treatment facility or distribution complex. Clark County anticipates needing 1,260 inmate beds by 2036. Commissioners have been discussing how to finance a new jail or upgrade the existing one -- either option could cost as much as $300 million, The Columbian reported earlier this year. This is not the first time Clark County has looked at Wapato. In 2006, officials held preliminary conversations with Multnomah County commissioners about leasing the 155,400-square-foot facility. The county successfully lobbied the Washington State Legislature to pass a law that would allow the county to house inmates over state lines. But Multnomah County insisted on running the jail with their staff, which made the price tag too high for Clark County. Eventually, they abandoned talks and Multnomah County officials tried to shop it out to Clackamas County and the state, to no avail. The conversation was revived in an unlikely place. Right-wing radio host Lars Larson reached out to both Schnitzer and Boldt with the idea. He brought Boldt on his show last week to discuss the idea. Boldt is optimistic that leasing from a private owner and using Clark County employees could make it feasible now. "It's real similar to the jail that we want to build," Boldt said Tuesday. Clark County commissioner plan to tour the facility Friday. Boldt said he will also have the county's jail commissioner and sheriff review it before moving forward. Schnitzer, president of Portland-based Harsch Investment Properties, confirmed the discussion Tuesday. He bought the building from Marty Kehoe, a developer who paid Multnomah County $5 million to take the property off government rolls. Schnitzer now has autonomy to decide what to do with the facility. He then offered the space to Homer Williams, a friend and fellow developer who had floated the idea of turning Wapato into a homeless shelter with money from the private sector. Schnitzer has since been hosting tours of the facility to nonprofits, architects and commercial clients. Schnitzer said he continues to prioritize the possibility of a homeless shelter or mental health and addiction treatment facility. But he says he is open to any idea that serves a "public purpose," of which a jail fits. He also maintains that, in the end, it might become warehouse space, which would fit in with the neighbors of the far-flung North Portland location. "Any of the solutions cost a lot of money," Schnitzer said. "It's like everyone recognizes the problem but no one wants to pay for it." -- Molly Harbarger mharbarger@oregonian.com 503-294-5923 @MollyHarbarger Oregon regulators in December granted a childcare license to a woman prohibited in 2005 from caring for children in California and cited in 2017 for running an illegal day care in Portland. Oregon's Office of Child Care shut down Sunnyside Sprouts Playschool just five months later, after receiving photographic evidence that a one-year-old at the day care had been tied tightly in a blanket inside a crib. The state's suspension order also says Sunnyside Sprouts and its owner, Melinda Hagen, are accused of unsafe sleep practices and corporal punishment. The case raises significant questions about Oregon's oversight system for day care operators who move from out of state. Hagen, 39, had her childcare license revoked by California regulators in 2005 after compiling a long list of safety violations. Records and interviews suggest Hagen cared for kids in Oregon for years before being caught without a license late last year. Hagen's case comes after state officials in 2017 pledged to improve safety standards in the wake of reporting by The Oregonian/OregonLive. The stories revealed widespread gaps in the oversight of day cares. In the case of Sunnyside Sprouts, regulators did not identify Hagen's past problems in California, did not share details of the day care's illegal operation with parents, and did not fine Hagen for flouting licensing requirements. Parents who sent their kids to the boutique Portland day care say they are horrified by the allegations against Hagen and believe Oregon regulators failed them. "I don't understand why the state is even bothering to do their job if this is the level of scrutiny that they're going to give," said Dan Holmes, whose child attended the day care for nearly 18 months. "This is like knowing that someone loves to play with matches and giving them a blowtorch," he added. State officials substantiated allegations that a child was bound inappropriately and that workers were not always within sight or sound of kids. The state continues to investigate all of the other allegations. Hagen, through family and legal representatives, declined to comment. From the outside, Sunnyside Sprouts appeared idyllic. Operating inside a craftsman home at 4115 S.E. Yamhill St., the day care offered organic food, boasted online about offering yoga and sign language for kids, and even provided after-hours care so parents could occasionally go out for date nights. It wasn't cheap. Monthly rates ran up to $1,740, according to the day care's website. Many of the patrons were first-time parents who found the day care through friends' recommendations. Parents say the day care had about 10 children, all younger than 3. On May 8, the Office of Child Care suspended the day care's license. The day care was accused of placing infants and toddlers in cribs as punishment, withholding food for discipline purposes and, on one occasion, force-feeding a child solid food, according to the suspension order. State officials were told children were left unsupervised in a basement for a nap time that stretched from 12:15 p.m. to 4 p.m., the suspension order says. Children also wore sleep garments that restricted movement and were placed on stomachs during nap time, according to allegations cited in the suspension order. If true, such positioning would represent a violation of the state's safe sleep rules and create a "severe threat of harm," according to the state's suspension order. Remarkably, regulators were also provided with photographic evidence. An image shows a 1-year-old child whose "arms were bound and tied to their body with a blanket covering" the child, according to state records. Authorities were told the child was tied up after being heard crying, the document says. An employee later found the child in distress, authorities wrote, citing information provided in May. It took the employee about two minutes to untie the child, the suspension order said. The employee had worked at Sunnyside Sprouts for only a few days and shared the photo with a mentor, according to parents interviewed by The Oregonian/OregonLive. Either the worker or mentor subsequently contacted the state with concerns, the parents said. On May 17, the Office of Child Care substantiated the allegation about a child being tied up based on the photo. "This type of binding is not compatible with caring for children and is inappropriate," regulators wrote. The Office of Child Care also determined that day care workers were not within sight or sound of the children. The Department of Human Services is investigating whether children were abused or neglected. An investigator recently showed the photo of the tied-up child to one of the child's parents. The child was inside a star-shaped sleeping garment, according to a parent of the child, who requested anonymity to ensure the child isn't publicly identified. It appeared that someone had bent the child's arms at the elbow and pinned them to the stomach, the parent said. Then a swaddling blanket was wrapped around the sleeping garment at chest level and tied with a knot to keep the arms in place. "Just seeing my little innocent baby in that position was horrifying and confusing and sad," the parent told The Oregonian/OregonLive. Hagen's history in Oregon goes back at least as far as 2012. That's when she filed paperwork with Oregon's Secretary of State registering the name of her day care. The Office of Child Care investigated whether Hagen was providing illegal care in March 2012 but was unable to substantiate the allegation, spokeswoman Betty Bernt said Tuesday. State licensing, required for day cares that serve more than three children, would have triggered annual inspections for safety issues. In November 2017 regulators received another complaint alleging that Hagen ran an unlicensed day care, records show. When a state licensing specialist visited the location, the person at the door wouldn't let the official inside, according to state documents. A month later, on Dec. 7, the licensing specialist returned. Hagen acknowledged watching eight children but said it was temporary care for the holiday, according to a state violation notice. The Office of Child Care cited Hagen for operating without a license. But officials did not issue a fine. Nor did the agency notify parents, who had no idea Hagen's day care was operating illegally. "To not provide any sort of notification seems like a huge lack of judgment," said Holmes, who subsequently filed a public records request with the state to learn more about the day care that his child attended. Holmes said he's not sure if he would have pulled his child over the lack of a licensing, had he been notified. "It would have been a huge question mark and a big red flag for us," he said. State officials are reviewing whether they should do more to notify parents whose kids attend unlicensed day cares, said Bernt, the state spokeswoman, in response to written questions. Hagen applied for an Oregon childcare license in December, just weeks after being cited, records show. The Office of Child Care licensed Hagen and Sunnyside Sprouts on Dec. 30. State officials allowed Hagen's day care to watch up to 12 children. Hagen's license application shows she told Oregon authorities about her childcare business in California. But her application said she faced no legal issues related to that business. State officials don't check to see if the information they receive is accurate, Bernt said. "Unfortunately, in this case the applicant was untruthful in her application," Bernt said. "If she had been forthcoming, she likely would not have been granted a license in Oregon." However, records show that Oregon licensing officials had more information available than what Hagen supplied them. Among the records in the state's possession was a report dated Dec. 18, the same day Hagen's application was filed, listing dates that match the period her San Diego childcare was in operation. The document states that the daycare was closed under state agency initiative. California's Department of Social Services on Tuesday told The Oregonian/OregonLive that Hagen's childcare license was revoked in April 2005. The revocation followed a complaint from San Diego police alleging a lack of care and supervision, according to Michael Weston, a state spokesman. California authorities found that in 2004, Hagen left three young children unattended while she napped with her boyfriend, records show. State officials also found that authorities had not cleared the boyfriend to be around children. Separately, regulators in California listed four instances where Hagen failed to ensure proper staffing. At one point, the day care was found watching nine children, four of them infants, without enough staff, California records say. Bernt, the Oregon spokeswoman, said officials will evaluate whether the state needs to do more when vetting childcare owners. "We have committed to child safety first and continuous improvement," she said. "Moving forward, we will look at the feasibility of verifying information about previous licenses in other states, and improve communication with families about providers' licensing status." Now, Hagen may be on the move again. State regulators in May suspended the license of Melinda Hagen and Sunnyside Sprouts Playschool. Now, Hagen is packing up and the home where she ran her day care is listed for rent. On Monday, Hagen's father was seen hauling boxes from her house into a moving trailer attached to a vehicle with California license plates. The Portland house, which the Hagen family owns, is now listed for rent at $3,895 a month. Hagen's father told a reporter that his daughter did not want to talk about her day care. He referred inquiries to an attorney, Elizabeth Levi, who declined to comment Tuesday. Parents say they are worried Hagen might open a day care elsewhere. "She circumvented the system in Portland," Holmes said. "She can do it again." -- Brad Schmidt 503-294-7628 @_brad_schmidt Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson has been diagnosed with brain cancer and is undergoing treatment for the disease, he announced Wednesday. Richardson, 68, wrote in a newsletter to constituents that "a small cancerous brain tumor" was found in May and that he is "optimistic" about its treatment. "We caught it early. I have a treatment plan in place, and I have an exceptional support system here at work and at home," Richardson wrote. Richardson's chief of staff, Debra Royal, declined to answer questions about what type of cancer Richardson has been diagnosed with, the location of the tumor in the brain or details of his treatment plan. Royal said Richardson would to take questions via his Facebook page, but when he appeared by video, he spoke for less than three minutes and took no questions. "I'm on the job. I'm going to continue," Richardson said in the video, which was filmed in his office in the Capitol. "I absolutely will fulfill my responsibilities." He promised to keep the public updated on his prognosis. Gov. Kate Brown said in a statement Wednesday that her thoughts are with Richardson, his family and staff. "I'm heartened by his reputation for perseverance and know he will tackle cancer with the same determination he brings to his work," said Brown, a Democrat whose office has at times clashed with Richardson's. Richardson has long been a prominent figure in Oregon politics. He served as a Republican state representative from the small southwestern Oregon town of Central Point for six terms, rising to a powerful position as head the budget committee. He secured the Republican nomination for governor in 2014 but ultimately lost to former Gov. John Kitzhaber, a Democrat. Undeterred, Richardson ran for secretary of state in 2016 and bested Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian after a hard-fought campaign during which Richardson cast himself as a champion of government transparency and fiscal accountability. Now, as secretary of state, Richardson is first in line to the governor and the highest-ranking Republican officeholder in Oregon. He runs an agency of more than 200 people who audit state government programs, oversee Oregon's elections, preserve state archives and keep business registration records. As for his cancer diagnosis, Richardson said he will take on the disease assertively, drawing on his experience as a combat helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. "I've considered my options, set my goal, developed my plan, and failure is not an option," he said. -- Gordon R. Friedman 503-221-8209 WASHINGTON -- Former Trump presidential campaign chairman Paul Manafort plans to fight prosecutors' claims that he tried to tamper with a witness -- an accusation that could get him sent to jail before he goes on trial this summer on conspiracy and money laundering charges. U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson of the District of Columbia set a June 15 hearing to weigh prosecutors' demand that she revoke or tighten the terms of Manafort's release while he is awaiting trial. Manafort, 69, has been on home detention. The judge gave Manafort's lawyers until Friday to present a written rebuttal to accusations by prosecutors that he and a longtime associate repeatedly contacted two executives at a public relations firm in hopes of persuading them to provide false testimony about secret lobbying they did at Manafort's behest in 2013. "Mr. Manafort is innocent, and nothing about this latest allegation changes our defense," Manafort spokesman Jason Maloni said in a statement. "We will do our talking in court." In a Monday night filing, prosecutors with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's office asked the judge to revoke or revise the conditions of Manafort's bail because they had found probable cause to believe he sought to tamper with witnesses. In their filing, prosecutors said that Manafort and a longtime associate reached out to two unidentified potential witnesses in February, shortly after new charges were filed accusing Manafort of failing to register as a foreign agent while lobbying on behalf of a foreign government. Those two people, prosecutors said, had worked with Manafort on that lobbying in 2012 and 2013. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, said Manafort would only risk a witness-tampering charge if he's been promised he will be protected. "This certainly raises questions about whether he'd been promised by the president that he'll never face justice," Wyden told CNN host Wolf Blitzer. "This is just about as brazen as you can get." Wyden has been amping up his criticism of the President. On Monday, he vowed to continue to block Congressional approval of a Trump nominee to the Treasury Department until the department hands over certain documents related to the Russia investigation to the Senate Finance Committee, of which Wyden is ranking Democrat. Wyden is still waiting months later. "Conducting oversight of the administration is every senator's constitutional duty, not a resistance tactic," Wyden said. "There's no legitimate reason for this administration to go to such lengths to conceal this information. Secretary Mnuchin and Donald Trump must be awfully afraid of what is in these documents." Speculation has run high that Trump will pardon those caught up in the Russia probe, including, possibly, himself. on Monday night to plead for a pardon of her husband. George Papadopoulos, a former Trump campaign adviser, pleaded guilty in October 2017 to lying to federal agents in the Russia investigation. The fact that Manafort feels free to engage in witness tampering, while being watched by federal authorities, raises questions about whether @realDonaldTrump promised Manafort he would never face justice. pic.twitter.com/vWxvTPKrSC Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) June 5, 2018 Prosecutors say Manafort called and texted one of those people repeatedly over a four-day period, according to phone and data storage records reviewed by the FBI. Prosecutors say it appears Manafort and his longtime associate -- identified by people close to the case as Konstantin Kilimnik -- were seeking to get the two people to say, if investigators asked, that their past work together was focused on European officials and did not involve lobbying U.S. officials. "We should talk," Manafort allegedly texted in February to a person identified only as "D1" in court papers. "I have made clear that they worked in Europe." Days later, court papers say the person identified as Kilimnik texted the other individual, writing, "Basically P wants to give him a quick summary that he says to everybody (which is true) that our friends never lobbied in the US, and the purpose of the program was EU." Prosecutors say the "P" was Paul Manafort. Kilimnik did not respond to messages seeking comment. The FBI said one of the public relations firm's executives, who also is not named in the filing, told the government they "understood Manafort's outreach to be an effort to 'suborn perjury' " by encouraging others to lie to federal investigators by concealing the firm's U.S. work. If a judge agrees, Manafort could have his bail revoked and be forced to await trial in jail. He goes on tax and bank fraud charges in July in Alexandria, Virginia; the trial in the District of Columbia on the lobbying charges is to begin in September. Sending Manafort to jail before trial could intensify pressure on him to reach a plea deal with prosecutors. Patrick Cotter, a former federal prosecutor who is now in private practice in Chicago, said that if the government's claims against Manafort are true, he is in fresh trouble. "What's unusual, what leaps out at me, is the degree of specificity in the allegation. Add the fact that the intended recipients of the message have stated that they believed they were being asked to lie in matters directly related to the investigation, and it suggests this is a very serious allegation against Mr. Manafort," Cotter said. The court filing indicates that some of the suspicious messages were recovered from cloud storage of Manafort's phone, while others were retrieved from the phones of the two individuals, who have spoken to investigators about the contacts. At issue is a collection of former senior European officials, informally referred to as "the Hapsburg group," who were secretly retained in 2012 by Manafort as part of his lobbying work for Ukraine, according to prosecutors. Manafort and PR executives steered those former European officials to meetings with U.S. politicians, trying to sway the Americans to be more favorable toward the Ukrainian government, according to prosecutors. The work preceded Manafort's role with the Trump campaign from March to August of 2016. The government filings comes at a key time in Manafort's case, amid a window for any potential, last-minute plea negotiations before he is to face trials. The filing also comes amid new signs of pressure on Manafort's financial situation. Unnamed supporters last week announced the creation of a new legal defense fund for him. The fund's website was initially registered in December by Bruce Baldinger, a New Jersey real estate lawyer who has worked for years with Manafort, according to a person familiar with the situation. Jeff Manning of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this report. -- The Washington Post The family of Quanice Hayes, the 17-year-old shot and killed by Portland police more than a year ago, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit Tuesday against the city and the officer involved, contending Hayes wasn't a threat when he was killed but was on his knees and unarmed. It contends police acted with excessive force when Officer Andrew Hearst shot Hayes three times with an AR-15 rifle on Feb. 9, 2017, as police confronted Hayes outside a Northeast Portland home. Officers discovered Hayes, a suspect in an armed robbery earlier that morning, in an alcove in front of the home and ordered him to keep his hands up but crawl toward officers on the driveway and then lie down with his hands to his side, according to grand jury testimony. When Hayes appeared to reach toward his waistband, Hearst fired, killing Hayes, police said. Hayes died at the scene from one gunshot above his forehead on the right side of his head, one near the bottom of his left rib cage and one to his torso, according to an autopsy. Document: Lawsuit The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Portland, argues that Hearst and fellow Officer Robert Wullbrandt were shouting contradictory commands at Hayes. "He obeyed the commands of Officer Robert Wullbrandt, and crawled on his hands and knees as ordered, coming to a stop when ordered to do so,'' the suit says. "Defendant Hearst, while Officer Wulbrandt was ordering Quanice to crawl on his hands and knees, was ordering Quanice to crawl on his knees with his hands in the air. Quanice bent forward to comply with Officer Wullbrandt's command and Defendant Hearst shot him.'' Hearst testified that he never saw Hayes with a gun, but believed Hayes was the suspect in the earlier holdup of a man in his car. The man described his assailant as holding a tan pistol. Officers found a black and tan air soft pistol in a flower bed about 2 feet from Hayes' body, they said. City Attorney Tracy Reeve declined to comment on the suit Tuesday. Hayes' death increased tensions between police and members of the African American community after the grand jury found no criminal wrongdoing by officers. The lawsuit follows a crowdfunding campaign that has raised $23,000 so far from 277 contributors. The total cost of the lawsuit is estimated at least $150,000, and the campaign is expected to continue. "The Hayes family demands answers for Quanice's death," said Jesse Merrithew, an attorney representing Hayes' estate. "The family is determined to ensure that no other family has to endure what they have endured." The suit also alleges that the city has failed to train officers to develop a plan to take a suspect into custody as safely as possible and has a "history of discriminatory policing'' with officers wrongly perceiving that young African American men and boys pose a greater threat of violence. The suit seeks unspecified economic and non-economic damages for the loss of companionship and suffering by Quanice Hayes' mother Venus Hayes, loss of Hayes' future earning capacity and the cost of memorial and burial services. Hayes' uncle Steven Hayes was appointed to represent the teenager's estate to pursue the claim. -- Maxine Bernstein mbernstein@oregonian.com 503-221-8212 @maxoregonian A jury Tuesday found a Portland man guilty of murdering his 1-year-old daughter, who was found with broken ribs and methadone and methamphetamine in her system. Prosecutors argued during the three-week trial that 25-year-old Darian Lee McWoods caused his daughter's death through reckless and dangerous parental choices that included plugging her nose and holding her down until she fell asleep. Prosecutors Amity Girt and Amanda Nadell also said it's possible that the toddler could have downed a Capri Sun that her father had laced with a mix of drugs. They said McWoods was a known drug user who liked to combine drugs with the type of fruity drinks a child could be tempted to drink. A medical examiner at first concluded that the girl, Kamaya Flores, died of a methadone overdose. But the medical examiner later changed that determination to death by "compression asphyxiation," meaning the toddler was crushed until she could no longer breathe. The jury found McWoods guilty of murder by abuse as well as manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, criminal mistreatment and tampering with a witness, his mother. Multnomah County Circuit Judge Christopher Marshall presided over the trial. Prosecutors contended that although its not know precisely what happened in the hours leading up to Kamayas death on Dec. 17, 2013, McWoods was responsible because he had been alone with the girl the night before and on the day of her death. McWoods first called his mother instead of 911. Prosecutors contended that was part of a cover-up. He also lied to police, claiming he hadnt been home alone with his daughter. McWoods testified that he lied only because he had been convicted a few years earlier of bruising an older son's arm and knew it was a violation of his probation to be alone with a child. Defense attorney Josephine Townsend told jurors she was shocked that prosecutors pursued a case against her client. There was no conclusive evidence that he was responsible for Kamayas death, Townsend said. Townsend said no evidence proved Kamaya got the drugs from her dad, opposed to other relatives in her life. Townsend also contended Kamayas rib fractures were caused by CPR that McWoods gave her after discovering Kamaya in distress, face down, wedged between a futon and a wall in the home he shared with his mother on Southeast 85th Avenue. Although medical experts said broken ribs from CPR on a child so young would be very rare, they couldn't rule it out as a possibility, Townsend said. "I was scared that I pressed too hard on her," McWoods told jurors. The girl had been taking a nap before he found her, he testified. "I remember just holding her, just kissing her, telling her, 'Everything is going to be OK,'" McWoods said. Townsend also said McWoods' younger sister, Diamond Lynn McWoods, had performed chest compressions on the toddler. That's despite Diamond McWoods' later statements that she lied about that. Just before trial began, Diamond McWoods, 23, pleaded guilty to perjury and false swearing -- and agreed to a sentence of three years of probation. Diamond McWoods admitted that she lied to grand jurors by testifying she had been at the home when her brother discovered Kamaya unconscious and that she had performed CPR on the girl. Darian McWoods is scheduled to be sentenced in July. Under Oregon law, he will receive a prison term of life with possibility of release after 25 years. -- Aimee Green 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. Electronic producer SOPHIE has pioneered her own brand of pristine, futuristic pop that critiques capitalism and embraces vulnerability. She has long been associated with the PC Music collective (though she's not officially part of the crew), and has produced for pop culture mainstays like Madonna, Charli XCX and Vince Staples, as well as underground artists like Le1f, Let's Eat Grandma and LIZ. Today, SOPHIE announced that her debut album, OIL OF EVERY PEARL'S UN-INSIDES, will come out on June 15th. The album follows her 2015 PRODUCT EP and will contain sonically diverse singles "It's Okay to Cry," "Ponyboy," and "Faceshopping." "It's Okay to Cry" was a dreamy self-love anthem that revealed SOPHIE's face to the world for the first time, whereas "Faceshopping" was an industrial, jarring look at photoshop and body modification. SOPHIE has also released her upcoming tour dates, which begin on June 9th in Milan and end on September 29th in Montreal. Check out the tour dates below: Jun. 9 - Milan, Italy - Radar Festival Jun. 15 - Barcelona, Spain - Sonar by Day Jun. 22 - Brooklyn, NY - LadyLand Jun. 23 - Mexico City, MX - Traicion Jul. 7 - Trencin, Slovakia - Pohoda Festival Jul. 12 - Lisbon, Portugal - NOS Alive Jul. 13 - Bilbao, Spain - Bilbao BBK Live Aug. 17 - Hasselt, Belgium - Pukkelpop Festival Sep. 14 - Los Angeles, CA - 1720 Sep. 15 - San Francisco, CA - August Hall Sep. 16 - Vancouver, BC - Westward Music Festival Sep. 26 - Toronto, ON - The Mod Club Sep. 27-29 - Montreal, QC - POP Montreal Photo Courtesy of Charlotte Wales Though she had to take a break from touring because of her injured vocal chords, SZA recently visited her high school, Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey, and triumphantly performed "The Weekend," a song off her 2017 debut album Ctrl. She was being inducted into the school's hall of fame ten years after she graduated in 2008. In addition to performing, she also gave a speech about her time at Columbia High School, encouraging students to embrace day dreaming, trust themselves even if other people say they are too young to know what's best, and to be ok with failure. She said, "In high school, I thought that failing defined what was going to happen to me. I got nominated for 5 Grammys and I didn't win. But I want to tell you something. It's not about not winning. We cracked a billion streams. We sold more albums than people who did win." Related | Chris Habana: the Designer Behind SZA's Heavenly Met Gala Halo SZA is not the only famous graduate of Columbia High School. Lauryn Hill, who is touring this summer to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, also attended the school. She graduated in 1993. Watch a clip from SZA's performance below: Photo via BFA Whoopi Goldberg is an EGOT winner, which is Hollywood's most coveted title, and one that only 12 entertainers in history can boast. But the four-part achievement fails to recognize her status as an unexpected style icon, having always championed rising designers, from Vetements to Gypsy Sport. Most notably, she's supported Christian Siriano since the beginning of his fashion career, tapping the Project Runway alum for some of her most high profile appearances. Related | Nicola Formichetti on Gigi Gorgeous' CFDA Awards Dress Last night, Goldberg worked with Siriano yet again for the 2018 CFDA Awards, and wore an instantly iconic magenta pantsuit with puff sleeves, slouchy legs and a matching wide-brimmed hat. The loud '80s-leaning outfit was accessorized with black sunglasses, chunky platforms and her chest tattoo peeking out the perfect balance of Goldberg's own bold, risk-taking style with Siriano's queer, colorful elegance. And remember, if something's labeled "worst dressed," it's almost always the best. PAPER called up Siriano after fashion's big night to talk about designing Goldberg's look and taking on the CFDAs with one of Hollywood's most beloved actresses. How are you feeling after the big night? I'm so tired, but I had a fitting at like 9 AM. That's the life! How did you and Whoopi pair up? I've been friends with Whoopi forever. She was actually one of my first major red carpet [subjects]. I dressed her for the Tonys 11 years ago when she was hosting, and then we became friends. I just dressed her again for the Oscars recently. We have a blast together, and I always try to push her and have fun. But she loves fashion and I think it was her first CFDA Awards also, so we wanted to play with it. She doesn't take anything too seriously, which is good. Related | Top 10 Takeaways From the 2018 CFDA Awards What were the conversations that led to this look? What's so funny is, literally I was just like, "Hey, you wanna wear a fuchsia pink suit and a big hat?" And she wrote me back and was like, "Yes I'll see you there." That was it! [Laughs] It was so funny, but that's how she rolls. It's super casual, it's not like you do 10 fittings that's not the vibe. She's very go with the flow, which is amazing. This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions On Monday we posted a report titled "New York Times Exposes Facebook's agreement to share deep well of user data with more than 60 device makers including Apple." The New York Times reported that "As Facebook sought to become the world's dominant social media service, it struck agreements allowing phone and other device makers access to vast amounts of its users' personal information." Today we're learning more about who was receiving user data and it's disturbing. Late yesterday Facebook said it had data sharing partnerships with at least four Chinese companies including Huawei, the world's third largest smartphone maker, which has come under scrutiny from U.S. intelligence agencies on security concerns. More specifically, Francisco Varela, vice president of mobile partnerships for Facebook, said in a statement: "Facebook's integrations with Huawei, Lenovo, OPPO and TCL were controlled from the get-go and we approved the Facebook experiences these companies built." Chinese telecommunications companies have come under scrutiny from U.S. intelligence officials who argue they provide an opportunity for foreign espionage and threaten critical U.S. infrastructure, something the Chinese have consistently denied. Senator Mark Warner, vice chairman of the Intelligence Committee, who asked Facebook if Huawei was among the companies that received user data, said in a statement that the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee had raised concerns about Huawei dating back in 2012. "The news that Facebook provided privileged access to Facebook's API to Chinese device makers like Huawei and TCL raises legitimate concerns, and I look forward to learning more about how Facebook ensured that information about their users was not sent to Chinese servers." Source: Reuters About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Those using abusive language or negative behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus. It can be difficult to determine, as a writer, how much good ones words are accomplishing in this world. The pen is mighty. Words are powerful. And writers are fallible. Not everything Ive ever said in public has been helpful, Im sure. Or even true. Sometimes I read my old blogs and I realize I dont even agree with myself! My opinions changed, or maybe my writing improved enough to say something better or more accurate. Then there are the times where readers have either come to me in person or by private message or even publicly to tell me Ive screwed up big time. I was dead wrong to write what I did, they say. Or prideful. Insensitive. Arrogant. Stupid. And other unmentionables. There are also the compliments, the atta girls, and the thanks for speaking out when it seems everyone else is afraid to. At times, I dont know whether to continue with this gig, press on, bow out a while and go to college (or whatever might make me feel and sound smarter haha), or shut it down and go bake cakes or something. Of course, as you know, baking cakes or rather, not baking cakes can also welcome a seemingly infinite amount of trials and tribulations. This week, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Colorado baker who refused, due to personal religious convictions, to bake a cake for a homosexual couples wedding. The bakers refusal to accommodate the request of the couple resulted in many a day in court and undoubtedly cost him thousands upon thousands of dollars in court and lawyer fees. I cant imagine. For all of the lifestyles and secular opinions Ive spoken out against here on Patheos and elsewhere, and for all the backlash Ive ever received, nothing Ive ever been through compares to the Colorado cake bakers ordeal. I never imagined Id see such vitriol in America. As kids, we made fun of just about every type of person there is. Including ourselves. Theres an overabundance of hillbilly jokes out there . Yet, nobody got offended. Not even us, the hillbillies. It was fun to make fun of ourselves and others, as long as it was lighthearted, done with tact, and void of hate. But words are weighty. I know this because growing up with two older brothers and a slew of boy cousins taught me so. Im still self-conscious about my nose. Ive finally done away with my uni-brow, but before I learned to pluck, I was always so ashamed of my eyebrows. I mean eyebrow. It wasnt my fault I was the daughter of an ape-ish man whose friends dubbed him Hair Bag. I was born with more hair than a woman should be allowed to be born with, but thankfully, I missed out on the chest hair. I attribute this to avoiding coffee, as Dad drilled into my head that the black, bitter drink was to blame for his own hairy chest and warned against the same result for me. Anyway. Im not suggesting we live life belittling or making fun of others. But I am suggesting its okay to laugh at one another and ourselves. We used to sing Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me. We lied. Words do hurt. On the other hand, developing a layer or two of rhino (tough, thick) skin is a worthy endeavor. Must we be offended at everything? Could our levels of sensitivity be higher than they should be? The answer is a no-brainer. In todays political climate, offending someone takes nothing more than a dropped hat. Say one wrong or insensitive word, as determined by left wingers, or refuse service because of your religious convictions, and you could have your life severely altered due to mounding lawyer fees and business interruption. Not to mention a heavy load of emotional stress the court process must put on a family. Whatever happened to we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone? While we cant deny our words have weight, that we should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and that whatever proceeds out of our mouth should be wholesome, we also cant deny that we should be slow to anger. Gracious. Patient. The way Christians live their lives (or should) is that they do what they can to spread the Gospel, without being arrogant and insistent that other join their ranks. Sure, they have some power. They can refuse service. And we all, Christian or non-Christian, have access to the voting booth, a shot at running for Congressman or even POTUS. But on a lower, more practical and day to day level, we also are capable of tactfully engaging in difficult conversations with people we view as un-like us. Sometimes, the outcome goes the way a Christian desires. Sometimes it doesnt like when the White House was lit up in rainbow colors. Christians viewed such boldness as not only a flip of the bird toward God, but a heretical act that took Gods message of I will never destroy the earth with water again to mean that neither would He would destroy a replica of Sodom and Gomorrah. No such promise exists, but the POTUS and Supreme Court acted as though it did. So yes, Christians were offended at a multi-colored White House, and still are. But that doesnt mean we have license to sue, or hate, or in any way force others to believe what we believe or even approve of the lifestyle we live. It simply means we keep praying, speaking out about what we believe, and voting, while continuing to read Gods Word so as not to forget our beliefs and where our ultimate loyalty lies. We pledge allegiance to the United States of America, but that allegiance only goes so far. If America ever tries to force us to serve another god, or deny the one, true God, thats where our allegiance ends. Because first and foremost, we pledge allegiance to Jesus Christ. Do I trust myself to go so far as some martyrs have been called to go throughout church history? To be burned and the stake or boiled in oil or crucified upside down for my faith? No! That makes a day in the Supreme Court look like a piece of cake (pun intended)! But neither have I been called to become a martyr thus far. If the day comes when I am called to give up my life because of my faith by gruesome, torturous means (or even by humane means), Im confident God will give me dying grace. Until then, Ill continue to do what I can: speak the truth, speak it in love, and work at being impossible to offend. One has to wonder if the case of the Colorado cake baker could have been kept out of court. What if the homosexual couple and Christian baker met once a week to try and iron out their differences? Perhaps they could have come to understand one another better, if nothing else. The meetings may or may not have led to an agreement on services, but my guess is that the more people get to know each other, the more people hesitate to take one another all the way to the Supreme Court. The lessons we can learn from this Supreme Court case are: Be careful what you say. Know what your convictions are and exactly how far youre willing to take them, while giving thorough thought as to how your actions might affect others perhaps an entire nation. And wear your rhino skin, always. Congratulations to Jack Phillips, but also every American. For this is a victory for all. *Photo by Tom The Photographer on Unsplash France's PSA again reverses on Iran deal in deference to US 06/06/18 Source: Press TV PSA, the maker of Peugeot and Citroen cars, has become the latest French company to suspend its joint venture activities in Iran, despite promising to stand its ground in the face of sanctions. A statement attributed to the carmaker said PSA "began the process of suspending the activities of its JVs, in order to comply with US law by August 6, 2018" when the sanctions are about to snap-back into place. An old Citroen in Tehran (photo by ISNA) PSA has signed production deals worth 700 million euros with Iran. PSA and its French rival Renault were among the first European companies which rushed to Iran to tap into a pent-up demand for new automobiles after sanctions were lifted on the country in 2016. PSA has signed production deals worth 700 million euros with Iran, while Renault has announced a new plant investment to increase its production capacity in Iran to 350,000 vehicles a year. Since the lifting of sanctions, French automakers have piled into Iran's resurgent market, helping turn around a period of slipping sales which occurred when they left the country in 2012. PSA reportedly sold 445,000 cars in Iran last year, mainly the supermini Peugeot 206 and the 405 family car. To put it into perspective, the company sold 3.63 million vehicles in total last year. Data released by Renault also showed year-on-year growth of 54% in sales to Iran where the automaker sold 144,862 cars in the year up to November 2017. Both Renault and Peugeot withdrew from Iran in 2012 when the country came under intensified Western sanctions. Iran's automotive industry officials had promised that the French companies would face a rough ride for their return to the country and that they would not be allowed to leave without retribution. "After the sanctions were imposed, Peugeot left the Iranian market in an unwise and ungracious move, leading to the layoff of more than 8,000 workers only in France," Iran Khodro CEO Hashem Yekke-Zare said in July 2015. "Hence, Peugeot must know that it has to account for its past behavior," he added. Whether the company was held to account when it returned to Iran is not clear, but PSA's announcement on Monday to suspend its JV activities shows the two sides are back to square one again. Even before Trump withdrew the US from the nuclear deal in May, the French company dragged its feet on starting production of the Peugeot 2008 in Iran. The automaker announced a joint venture worth 400 million euros ($450 million) with Iran Khodro in May 2017 for the production of 200,000 cars per year in Tehran, but the plan never started. PSA's retreat, even though it doesn't have a significant presence in the US, follows similar moves by French energy companies Total and Engie in response to Trump's decision. They have pulled back despite pledges by European governments, including in Paris, to compensate the companies that might be facing US sanctions. PSA said it was asking the US for a waiver, with the support of the French government. Total CEO Patrick Pouyanne, however, said last week that the chances of winning exemptions to the US sanctions were "very slim". Delhi Public School International (DPSI-Ghana) has launched its charity wing dubbed: DPSI Care Foundation. It has also introduced its magazine named Splash. Both the magazine and foundation were launched on Friday, June 1, this year at the school's Tema-based campus where it also celebrated Mother's Day. The foundation seeks to streamline and boost DPSI's social responsibilities initiatives while the magazine is to serve as the official mouthpiece of the school. DPSI has since its inception, engaged itself in key charitable projects such as medical outreaches and the award of scholarships to brilliant but needy children. Speaking at the launch of the Foundation and the magazine, Director of DPSI Ghana, who doubles as the Chairman of B5 Plus Steel and Iron Company Limited, Mukesh Thakwani, indicated that the students should manage the DPSI Care Foundation. According to him, the aim of establishing the Foundation was to inculcate into DPSI students the culture of giving back to society. He said they should undertake several charitable initiatives through the Foundation, intimating that it was the hope of the school that its children will grow to become responsible and caring men and women in society. On the purpose of the Mother's Day celebration, Mr Thakwani, an accomplished Indian businessman and philanthropist, observed that "we wanted to make our children realise the importance of mothers in our lives." He indicated that mothers all over the world played extraordinary roles in the lives of their families and societies and therefore deserve to be celebrated. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video An Islamic Cleric, Mallam Sham Una Ustarz Jibril has predicted that three West African Islamic leaders and a former West African President will say good bye to the world soon. Sham Una Ustarz Jibril who is known for his accurate predictions and prophesies across the globe told Peacefmonline.com that - The Islamic leaders are from the following West Africa countries: Ghana-Accra, Nigeria-Kaduna State, and Burkina Faso-Ouagadougou respectively. As for the former President, it will not be disclosed clearly, but he is in one of the four British West African colonies that is Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and the Gambia, he added. The soothsayer however noted that we are fasting with them [the West African Islamic leaders & president] in this very 2018 but I don't think we will fast with them next year or they will not witness the presidential elections of their respective countries. Whether they belong to the Tijania, Shi'a, or Sunnis is not the focus of attention. To him, doom awaits America American will also witness a nationwide funeral, one American musician will pass away and a political figure. The Rest is in the hands of Allah. Allah Knows Best. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Ambrose_wash Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A Protestant pastor who was baptising followers near a lake in northern Ethiopia has been killed by a crocodile, police and residents have told BBC Amharic. About 80 people were being baptised when Pastor Docho Eshete lost his life on Sunday morning, at the lake in Arba Minch town's Merkeb Tabya district. "He baptized the first person and he passed on to another one. All of a sudden, a crocodile jumped out of the lake and grabbed the pastor pushing aside the person he was baptizing," local resident Ketema Kairo told the BBC. Residents and fishermen made a huge effort to save Pastor Docho but were unsuccessful, policeman Eiwnetu Kanko said. "They only managed to get his dead body... They were unable to save him," Eiwnetu added. 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 The Private Medical Professionals Association has thrown its weight behind Dr. Dominic Obeng-Andoh, the Director of Obengfo Hospital, who has been remanded into custody for the death of Stacy Offei-Darko, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Entrepreneurship Innovative Programme (NEIP). The group deny claims Dr. Obeng-Andoh of public assertion that the Doctor, who has been charged with the offence of operating without licence is a quack. Speaking to Accra-based Atinka FM, Dr. Isaac Morrison, President of the Association, stated that Dr. Obeng-Andoh is a product of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Medical School and has been practicing for the past 20 years as a doctor in the country. He revealed that the Obengfo Hospital boss was put on the permanent register of medical practitioners by the Medical and Dental Council in 2000 after completing his house job. He, therefore, rejected the public claims that seemed to suggest the Dr. Obeng-Andoh is a quack medical practitioner. He pointed out that the association is in no way defending Dr. Obeng-Andoh but that they are seeking to vouch for his integrity and qualification. He indicated that the fact that a patient lost his or her life does not mean the doctor is a bad one or quack. Meanwhile, records at the Obengfo Hospital indicate that, that was not the first time the late Stacy Offei-Darko had visited the facility. According to the records, she has been frequenting the Advanced Body Sculpt Centre since 2014 for regular check-ups in preparation for her first liposuction surgery which was done in 2017. The records cast doubt on her mothers assertion that Ms. Offei-Darko went to the hospital for malaria treatment. The record also showed that the deceased on May 27, 2017 did several liposuction surgeries at Obengfo Hospital which were successful. Per the records, areas for the surgery included Upper back, mid back, lower back, waist, upper abdomen, lower abdomen and love handles. It also showed that the deceased consented to all the surgical procedures undertaken by Dr. Obeng-Andoh which were witnessed by one Debora. This was contained in the hospitals Patients Consent and Release statement. Background The medical doctor has already been remanded into custody by an Accra Magistrate Court for allegedly causing the death of Stacy Offei-Darko. The deceased, according to police, went to the hospital for a liposuction and fat transfer surgery but died on May 21, 2018 at about 4pm while on admission after the surgery. NOTE: further checks by peacefmonline on the MDC website require All medical and dental practitioners to be registered with the Medical and Dental Council and be in Good Standing to practice in Ghana. It is against the law to practice in Ghana without being registered with the Medical and Dental Council Ghana, it is also unlawful to employ and engage the services of a practitioner who is not registered with the council. 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 A Deputy National Democratic Congress [NDC] General Secretary Koku Anyidoho has stated emphatically that the June 4 anniversary celebration would be considered by his party when they return to power in 2020. According to him, the NDC still remembers the impact of June 4, in the countrys history and will pay homage to the day annually with their partys founder, John Jerry Rawlings. Anybody who believes in the NDC cannot turn their back on June 4. Its part of our history, not only in the history of the NDC but the history of this country, Ghana, he said in an interview on NEAT FMs morning show dubbed Ghana Montie. Rawlings to mark 39th June 4 anniversary at Madina Founder of the NDC and leader of the June 4 uprising, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, will deliver the keynote address at a durbar of cadres and activists to climax activities marking the 39th anniversary of the uprising. According to a statement issued by the anniversary planning committee, the durbar will take place at the Madina Social Welfare School Park on Monday from 8am. This years celebration is under the theme, Re-organising towards the core values. Other speakers at the event will include NDC party chairman, Kofi Portuphy, Dan Abodakpi, Fritz Baffour, Samuel Nuamah Donkor, Ebi Bright and Lawrence Lamptey. Flashback: June 4 1979 Thirty-nine years ago on June 4, 1979 Accra was at a standstill, the Daily Graphic reported. Below is how the Daily Graphic reported the June 4 incident The nation was yesterday ushered into its morning life with an announcement at 6 a.m. on Radio Ghana of a change of government. The voice which made the announcement later at 7.30 a.m. identified itself as that of Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings who was expected yesterday morning to appear before a court martial at the Burma Camp. He declared that he and some other ranks had taken over the Government and asked officers and men to report to Nicholson Stadium inside Burma Camp where election of officers would take place. He invited all officers who knew they had nothing to fear to attend the meeting. Barely an hour and half later, Major- General N. A. Nartey-Wellington, Army Commander, announced on the air that an uprising which occurred in the early hours had been quelled. He therefore ordered officers and men of the Armed Forces to return to their respective units while steps were being taken to return the Armed Forces to normalcy. He then invited Flt. Lt. Rawlings and his supporters to meet him at the First Infantry Brigade headquarters at Kpeahie Ridge and promised there would be no arrests and victimization. The lull which followed this announcement was, however, broken at 3.32 p.m. when a special Radio Ghana announcement said that Flight-Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings and his men had taken over control of the country. The announcer accused the leaders of the various military regimes which have been in control of the country for the past seven years of hypocrisy and corruption. He ordered that all those who had held office as members of the National Redemption Council and the Supreme Military Council since 1972 to report at the Airforce Station or the nearest police station for their own safety. He assured the nation that the electioneering campaign and procedure would continue as scheduled and pledged that the elections would he held as scheduled. He said there was no cause for alarm and called on the civilian population not to panic. The announcer later asked some civilians and army personnel to report at the Airforce Station. They included His Grace John Kodwo Amissah, Archbishop of Cape Coast, the Right Reverend Peter Akwasi , Bishop of Kumasi, Father Hillary Senoo of the Catholic Secretariat, the President the National House of Chiefs and President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS). Others were Mr Adumoa Bossman, Mr Mike Atadika, Mr Kojo Smith and Mr Mama Alhassan . Later on the Chief of Defence Stadd, Lt-General Joshua l Hamidu also confirmed that the new Revolutionary Council had taken over the reins of government. In a broadcast over Radio Ghana, General Hamidu asked troops loyal to S.M.C. to lay down their arms to avoid further bloodshed. Cpl Mends from the Airforce Stateion announced this morning (3:00am) that Major-General Odartey-Wellington had been killed. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Ambrose_wash Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says the government is keeping faith with Ghanaians and delivering on every promise made in the run up to the last general election. He said its performance in 17 months should be enough to convince everybody and prove sceptics, who doubted the capability of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to achieve its ambitious promises, wrong. The Vice President was addressing a durbar of chiefs and people at Asante Mampong. He cited the free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which their political opponents described as unrealistic. The implementation of the policy within the first year of the Nana Akufo-Addo Administration together with the restoration of teachers and nurses allowance was an indication that the government was up to the task. He gave the assurance that their other flagship programmes including the one district one factory (1D1F) and the one village one dam were going to make a dream come true. Vice President Dr. Bawumia was in the Mampong municipality as part of his tour of selected Muslim communities in the Ashanti Region to commemorate this years Ramadan. He visited Zongo communities in Offinso, Mampong and Effiduase where he presented assorted food items and cash to aid the Muslims in their fasting. The Vice President also paid courtesy calls on the Paramount Chief of Offinso, Nana Wiafe Akenten III, and Daasebre Osei Bonsu, Paramount Chief of Asante Mampong. He said they inherited a weak economy but through sound and prudent policies, it was on the path of recovery. The government remained unswerving in its determination to transform and expand the economy to bring prosperity to the people and he called for all to give it their strong backing. Daasebre Osei Bonsu applauded the Vice President and government for the numerous interventions rolled out. He asked that bad roads in the municipality should be fixed to boost economic activities there. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Seasoned journalist, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako has torn the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bernard Antwi Bosiako into shreds for accusing investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas. Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly called Wontumi reportedly accused Anas of doctoring interviews he has with people. He stated on Adom TV that he once pulled a gun on Anas due to his dubious modus operandi. To him, Anas shouldn't be hailed to be a "Saviour", saying he knows "Anas to be a Mahama Boy. He works for the NDC. He is a very corrupt guy and very soon I will come out. I once pulled a gun on him If you take his tapes to the lab, you can detect they have been cut and some taken out; that is what will make you know he is a liar". But addressing the claims by Wontumi, Kweku Baako called his bluff asserting that he (Wontumi) has a low level of intelligence on the Anas' issue. He stated categorically that there's no instance of Anas duping Wontumi nor has he ever done anything that amounts to corruption as the NPP Regional Chairman claims. According to him, Anas' case is too big for Wontumi's comprehension, adding he has nothing to expose about the investigative Journalist. In fact, Kweku Baako dared Wontumi saying "he should talk. He knows nothing. Im sure hes also been recruited. NPP is such a formidable political party and to have their strongest hold Chairman to mud himself is unfortunate. Anas has met Wontumi only once in his life. Theyve never met again. Wontumi doesnt know Anas 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 President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has relieved the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Gifty Klenam, of her duties, Peacefmonline.com can confirm. The former Member of Parliament (MP) for Lower West Akyem was sacked along with her two deputies. Whiles it is not too clear the reasons for their dismissals, earlier last week, the media including Peacefmonline, reported that the embattled CEO and one of her deputies, Eric Amoako Twum, are allegedly involved in massive mismanagement of funds belonging to the authority. According to the publication, Madam Klenam and her deputy have collected $132,000 or GH580,800 for house rent, covering a period of two years in gross violation of state procurement laws. Meanwhile, Peacefmonline.com sources at the Presidency say the Managing Director of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transport Company, Alfred Obeng Boateng, has also been sacked. A letter signed by the Executive Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante said Mr Obeng has until Friday, June 8, to hand over to one George Mensah Okley. Mr. Obeng Boatengs reign as BOST Managing Director has been dogged by one controversy and another relating to the sale of contaminated fuel to some private organisations. He was, however, cleared by Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), according to Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko who had set up a committee to investigate the sale. Mr. Obengs dismissal was part of some major announcements made Wednesday by the Presidency following the termination of the appointment of Managing Director of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Paul Asare Ansah and the CEO of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Felix Anyah. Peacefmonline is also reliable informed that another shakeup is likely to hit the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) within a few hours. Sources say the radical reorganisation is part of efforts by President Nana Akufo-Addo to restructure the public sector. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video What is the most searched for company in Pennsylvania when it comes to credit reports? It's Comcast, according to Creditsafe, which provides online business credit reports. The company says it analyzed millions of searches over a 12 month period on its website and revealed its list for the most searched for companies in each state. Comcast is of course based in Philadelphia. Many of the companies that are the most searched for company in a certain state are based in that state. There's Comcast In Pennsylvania, General Motors in Michigan, Home Depot in Georgia, Amazon in Washington and Nike in Oregon just to name a few. The top 10 most searched for companies in the country, according to the study are: Apple Incorporated Google Inc. General Electric Company Walmart Stores Inc. Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited Amazon Com Incorporated Beats Electronics LLC Pepsi Incorporated Omnicom Group Inc. Paramount Group Inc. Creditsafe is based in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County near Allentown. Editor's Note: This post has been updated to correct an error. This is far more than bringing in a shiny, red apple for the teacher. According to NBC-10 in Philadelphia, a high school teacher there has been fired for allegedly accepting what school officials are calling "bribes" from students in return for better grades. The accused teacher is identified as Amanda Richardson with Philadelphia's LINC High School on W. Erie Ave. A spokesperson for the Philadelphia School District told NBC-10 there was an ongoing investigation into the allegations. However, the school district has yet to specify what the alleged student bribes to the teacher were. Here is the Philadelphia School District statement to NBC-10: "We are aware of the situation and once it was brought to our attention, we acted immediately. The teacher was promptly removed from the school and both the Inspector General and Philadelphia Police have been notified. The School District of Philadelphia is fully cooperating with the investigation." On June 6 in 1944 during World War II, soldiers swarmed the beaches of Normandy, France, to begin the liberation of German-occupied western Europe. On D-Day, more than 160,000 Allied troops landed on 50 miles of beaches in Normandy, France, to fight Nazi Germany. From history.com: "The invasion was one of the largest amphibious military assaults in history and required extensive planning. Prior to D-Day, the Allies conducted a large-scale deception campaign designed to mislead the Germans about the intended invasion target. By late August 1944, all of northern France had been liberated, and by the following spring the Allies had defeated the Germans. The Normandy landings have been called the beginning of the end of war in Europe." The death toll was tremendous - more than 9,000 soldiers were killed or wounded, "but their sacrifice allowed more than 100,000 soldiers to begin the slow, hard slog across Europe, to defeat Adolf Hitler's crack troops," according to www.army.mil/d-day/. The United Press reported, "American, British and Canadian invasion forces landed in Northwestern France today, established beachheads in Normandy, and by evening had 'gotten over the first five or six hurdles' in the greatest amphibious assault of all time." Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower's order of the day: "Soldiers, sailors and airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force. You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave allies and brothers-in-arms on other fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe and security for ourselves in a free world. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely. But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumph of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our home fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to victory. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory. Good luck. And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking." The headline on The Evening News on Tuesday, June 6, 1944, in large, bold capitalized letters read: "NAZI DEFENSE OVERCOME IN INVASION SUCCESSES" In smaller, bold, capitalized letters - "ROOSEVELT ASKS U.S. TO JOIN IN PRAYER" The message to the left of the masthead - "GOOD EVENING, Herr Hitler: The Yanks are coming!" WILLIAMSPORT -- A federal appeals court panel has revived the suit of a registered nurse who claims she was fired from a Centre County hospital for refusing to be vaccinated for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. The panel Tuesday ruled "although the issue is close," the allegations of Aleka Ruggiero are sufficient to survive a motion to dismiss. It remanded the case to U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann who last June had dismissed the Americans with Disabilities Act claims against Mount Nittany Medical Center. Ruggiero's issues with the hospital outside State College began on April 22, 2015, when she was advised all clinical employees were required to be immunized by that May 15. Ruggiero, who suffers from a chronic immune system disease, obtained a note from a doctor stating she was medically exempt from receiving the immunization due to potential side effects. Because the doctor did not identify which of the warnings listed by the vaccine manufacturer applied to Ruggiero, Mount Nittany gave her a new deadline to receive the shot. She did not receive the vaccine, was removed from work on July 22, 2015, and terminated nine days later. At some point prior to being terminated she suggested wearing a mask as an alternative to being immunized. Ruggiero's suit accused the medical center of failing to reasonably accommodate her, discriminating against her because of a disability and retaliating against her for requesting an accommodation. Brann dismissed the suit, finding Ruggiero failed to show Mount Nittany was on notice of her disability. He also found the medical center satisfied its good faith obligations when it told her she would be exempt her from the vaccination upon showing she suffered from any of the warnings or precautions identified by the manufacturer. Brann wrote in his order granting the defense motion to dismiss but allowing Ruggiero, who had worked at Mount Nittany since 2008, to file an amended complaint, which she did not do: "I consider her claim tenuous at best and I will not hesitate to summarily dismiss the amended complaint if deficiencies...are not rectified." In reviving the case, the appeals court panel rejected Mount Nittany's argument that Ruggiero failed to allege an actual disability and found it failed to properly engage in an interactive process by rejecting her request for exemption or to wear a mask. Brann prematurely dismissed the discrimination claim because Ruggiero alleged other employees who were not vaccinated remained employed, the opinion states. He also erred in dismissing the retaliation claim because of the proximity between the time she asked to wear a mask and her termination, the panel ruled. Twenty-two of the 26 Central Pennsylvania dairy farmers faced with the loss of livelihood and land earlier this year have found new buyers for their milk that will enable them to stay in business. Four others have made intentional decisions to exit the dairy business, but hope to move to other types of farming. That's the "pretty good" result of a regional crisis triggered in February when dairy processer Dean Foods terminated contracts effective May 31 with the farmers in Lebanon and Lancaster counties because of cuts in its own sales. But with more potential storm clouds on the horizon for East Coast dairy farmers, a member of one of the exiting families cautioned this week against any kind of "happy ending" feeling. "It shouldn't be a rosy picture, that everyone's doing fine," argued the woman who, in order to speak frankly about the situation, asked not to be identified by name. "It's terrible that anybody had to get out of the business if they didn't want to. Your readers shouldn't be happy about this. They should be outraged." That said, the region has avoided the worst-case scenario of a mass exodus of farmers that could have - in the longer run - left a permanent gash in the case for a viable agricultural sector in South Central Pennsylvania. "I think we fared very well in Pennsylvania," said Jayne Sebright, executive director of the Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence, which had served as a resource clearinghouse for the farmers at risk this spring. "In other states, it's not looking as good." The storm broke here in February when Dean, a major national dairy processor, announced that due to cutbacks in its own sales, it was ending contracts with scores of farms across the country effective May 31. Part of that disruption was occasioned by Wal-Mart's plan to open a bottling plant in Fort Wayne, Ind. that will supply milk starting later this year to about 600 Wal-Mart and Sam's Club's stores in the Midwest. Little has changed in the slumping dairy markets nationally since then. But most of the region's affected farmers were able to land contracts with five other commercial dairies or cooperatives - thanks in part to Pennsylvania's proximity to major East Coast markets. Nine each were picked by Harrisburg Dairies and United Ag, with four other producers scattered among the Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative (2), the Dairy Farmers of America Cooperative and Mount Joy Farmers Cooperative Association (1 each). "This is probably the best possible outcome we could have had," said Alisha Risser of South Lebanon Township, whose family-owned farm was one of those to go with Harrisburg Dairies. "We're very happy with Harrisburg Dairies and working with them, and payment-wise, it's pretty close to what we were getting before from Dean," Risser said. For now, it also appears the four farmers exiting the dairy business are still going to try to stay in agriculture, too. Typical is Glenn Shank, who decided with his brother to sell their Lancaster County-based herd after new milk contracts they were offered came in at significantly lower prices. The Shanks will spend this summer tending to the crops they'd already planted as feed, which they will sell, and making decisions about what to do from here. Their options include: expanding their existing, but small, presence in beef cattle; re-invigorating an old equine facility on one of their properties; and retooling their crop farming to maximize sales potential. One way or another, teh 56-year-old Glenn Shank said he expects to keep the farm operating at least to retirement. "I've seen photos of when my grandfather had orchards and chickens here," Shank said, noting the farm has changed course before. "Then we had dairy, and now it'll be another change coming." Others of the exiting farms are considering transitioning into the burgeoning chicken business, which at least one other of the former dairymen already has one foot in; sheep farming or other types of crop production. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania farmers and state agricultural leaders have begun going on the offensive to try to boost demand for milk and dairy products. Pointing up the need for that, it appears that only eight of 16 Dean farmers that received cancellations in Western Pennsylvania this winter were able to find a new market, with Pittsburgh-based Schneider's Dairy. The Center for Dairy Excellence has just launched a "Choose PA Dairy" campaign aimed at convincing the public-at-large of the nutritional and economic benefits of buying local milk. The state has also started discussions aimed at trying to entice one or two producers into the development of new specialty cheese plants, to help grow the long-term market for dairy products here. A 2017 state-funded study of Pennsylvania's competitive posture in the dairy business suggested development of specialty cheese plants in both the Reading and State College areas could provide a net gain of about $35 million annually for the state's dairy producers. Gov. Wolf's Agriculture Secretary, Russell Redding, is talking to processors about collaborating on such a project, while the state Department of Community and Economic Development has begun inventorying potential sites. "I'm glad this worked out the way it did," said Nelson Troutman, a western Berks County farmer who helped spearhead the effort to save the Lancaster / Lebanon farms this winter. "But the war (to improve the market for dairy farmers) is not over," Troutman conceded. "Far from it." An insurer doesn't have to provide coverage to a woman who grabbed the steering wheel from her lover during an argument and crashed their car into an oncoming police cruiser, a state appeals court has concluded. Erin Dooner's actions most certainly fell outside the bounds of her auto insurance policy with State Farm, President Judge Emeritus John Bender found in the Superior Court panel's opinion. The coverage dispute was a key issue in lawsuits being pursued against Dooner by her former paramour, Jean A. Fonte, and state Trooper Jeffrey Kowalski, who were seriously injured in the May 2014 crash in Monroe County. According to court filings, Fonte was driving her own car after picking Dooner up from the county DUI Center, where Dooner had been booked on a drunken driving charge. The women began arguing, Dooner grabbed the bottom of the steering wheel and yanked and the crash ensued. A year later, Dooner, now 35, of Effort, pleaded no contest to charges including DUI, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. She was sentenced to 2 to 6 years in prison. The issue of State Farm's coverage is important to the civil lawsuits against Dooner because Fonte and Kowalski want the insurer to pay any damages a jury might award due to Dooner's actions. Fonte appealed to Bender's court after county Judge David J. Williamson ruled State Farm has no obligation to pay for Dooner's defense against the suits or for any damage awards. Bender agreed with Williamson's conclusion that State Farm should be freed from the case because Dooner wasn't in "lawful possession" of Fonte's car when she caused the crash, so her auto insurance policy doesn't apply. "Dooner's action of grabbing the steering wheel did not constitute possession of the car, but rather interfered with (Fonte's) operation of the vehicle," Bender wrote. A Pennsylvania judge says the lawsuit brought by the widow of a slain state trooper against the parents of the man who killed him can move forward. On June 1, Lackawanna County Judge Terrence R. Nealon allowed the suit by Tiffany Dickson, the dead trooper's widow, to continue. She is suing Frein's father and mother, Eugene and Deborah Frein of Canadensis, Pennsylvania. Eric Frein opened fire on a state police barracks in Pike County, on Sept. 12, 2014, killing Cpl. Bryon Dickson II and wounding Trooper Alex Douglass. Lawyers for the Freins had asked the judge to dismiss the entire suit. Nealon did throw out a part of the suit that claimed Eugene Frein was liable for the criminal acts of his son. According to the judge's ruling, the defendants have 20 days to respond to what the judge issued. The wrongful death complaint, filed in Lackawanna County Common Pleas Court in September, alleges the parents not only missed warnings signs about their son's troubles but fueled the anti-government beliefs driving Frein to violence. Nealon's 38-page ruling states in part: "In cases involving firearms that are owned or controlled by parents and located on their property, Pennsylvania law recognizes a parental duty to exercise reasonable care in controlling or restricting access to those firearms by a minor child or an adult child who suffers from mental illness or a cognitive disability, such that the child's use of a firearm may create an unreasonable risk to others." Tiffany Dickson is being represented by Munley Law, of Scranton. Lawyers for the firm argued that "the Freins recklessly gave their son access to dozens of unsecured guns, including the .308-caliber rifle used to murder Cpl. Dickson. The Freins negligently ignored evidence that their son wasn't fit to possess dangerous items like firearms," according to a news release. A major clash of cultures peppers the rape case against Foday F. Kanu. That conflict between the laws of America and Sierra Leone - where rape isn't considered a crime - played a large part in a ruling a state Superior Court panel issued Wednesday voiding a Chester County judge's December 2016 decision to grant Kanu a new trial. The Superior Court ruling, set in an opinion by President Judge Emeritus Kate Ford Elliott, reinstates the 16- to 32-year prison sentence the native of that West African nation received after a jury convicted him of rape, aggravated assault, sexual assault, false imprisonment and witness intimidation in 2009. Foday, now 44, was found guilty of repeatedly raping, brutalizing and terrifying a fellow native of Sierra Leone he met when the two worked at a personal care home in West Chester. The case had a difficult birth, Elliott noted, since Foday's kin, the victim's own family and an elder from her home village pressured the woman not to pursue the criminal charges, but to marry Foday instead. Also, Elliot cited findings by county Senior Judge Ronald C. Nagle that the woman's mother told her "voodoo and black magic would be used against her and her family" if she didn't drop the case. The victim didn't press charges when Foday first raped her during an argument over money in 2006, investigators said, because he threatened to harm her. Also, as Nagle noted, "In Sierra Leone there is no concept of rape. A woman is subservient to the man in all matters. It is customary to have the man marry the woman who is allegedly raped." It was only when Kanu continued to beat and rape her that the woman filed a complaint with West Chester police in March 2008. Fear caused her to withdraw that complaint, however, Nagle wrote. The sexual violence continued and the woman finally lodged and proceeded with the rape case the following year. A police detective testified that, when he confronted Kanu about the rape accusations, Kanu shouted, "I am her boyfriend. I can do what I want." In granting Kanu a new trial, Nagle found Kanu's defense attorney was ineffective for not calling three character witnesses on Kanu's behalf, including one who supposedly would have said Kanu and the woman had a consensual romantic relationship. Elliott rejected the county judge's conclusion. One of the witnesses wasn't even available during Kanu's trial, she noted. Also, Elliott cited the defense attorney's assertion that he didn't call the contested witnesses because their statements would have permitted the prosecution to introduce expert testimony regarding the conflicting views of sex crimes between the U.S. and Sierra Leone. That was a reasonable strategy, Elliott found, because "any expert testimony on the sexual cultural differences between the United States and Sierra Leone would have been devastatingly prejudicial" to Kanu's chances for acquittal. The Superior Court took on the case after the county district attorney's office appealed Nagle's order granting Kanu a new trial. The rape conviction isn't the only thing keeping Kanu in prison. In May 2011 he was sentenced to another 5 to 10 years behind bars after pleading guilty to a solicitation to murder charge for trying to hire a fellow prison inmate to kill the rape victim. A Mount Joy Township woman who accumulated more than $92,000 in unpaid tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike has paid some restitution. Lori Yearick, 45, has paid over $10,000 of those unpaid tolls and late fees, LancasterOnline reports. Yearick still faces a court date next month on theft of services charge, which carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine. Michael Sprow, Dauphin County's first assistant district attorney, told the news agency Monday that a negotiated guilty plea to avoid a trial is still possible. Sprow also said the turnpike commission accepted the lesser amount of just over $10,000 in restitution based on Yearick's trips between Harrisburg East and Mechanicsburg. Yearick is accused of using the E-Z Pass-only lane without a transponder for 1,645 trips between the Harrisburg East and Mechanicsburg interchanges between January 2012 and March 2017, according to LancasterOnline. At the time of her arrest, Yearick accumulated more than $92,000 in tolls and fees based off of calculations between the Harrisburg East interchange and Ohio. Turnpike officials claim she is one of a bloc of habitual offenders who have been dodging tolls on the highway. When it comes to the commitment the commonwealth makes to all its students, the language in the Pennsylvania Constitution is as unambiguous as it gets: "The General Assembly shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the needs of the Commonwealth," Section 14 of the state's foundational document reads. But for some Pennsylvania students attending the commonwealth's 14 state-owned universities, its community colleges and state-related universities, that promise of a thorough and efficient education remains frustratingly out of reach - even if their tax dollars are being used to fund them. A trio of Philadelphia lawmakers stepped forward this week with a plan that they hope will help narrow the breach by providing a free, or nearly free, college education to tens of thousands of students across Pennsylvania. The "PAPromise" would: Cover up to four years of tuition and fees for any recent high school graduate with a family income less than or equal to $110,000 per year at one of the 14 universities in Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education or a state-related university. Cover room and board for any recent high school graduate with a family income less than or equal to $48,000 per year at a community college, state-owned or state-related institution. Provide additional funding to increase access to adults seeking in-demand skills and industry-recognized credentials, as well as college credit. Provide additional funding to increase access to apprenticeship programs. Finally, provide additional funding to supplement federal work study money. The need is indeed real. Despite receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer support, the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University topped a list of the nation's most expensive public universities. It's no surprise, then, to find that, at $34,798, Pennsylvania students have the nation's second-highest student debt in the country, according to a 2017 rankings list by the financial literacy site WalletHub. The state ranked third for the percentage of students with college loans (71 percent). That debt devoured 41 percent of their income. "I had to rely on my friends to help feed me," Annie Reynolds, a senior at Penn State-Harrisburg, said during a Capitol news conference formally unveiling the companion House and Senate bills behind the plan. The lawmakers sponsoring the bills, Democratic Reps. James Roebuck and Jordan Harris along with Sen. Vincent J. Hughes, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, acknowledged Wednesday that they had yet to find a funding source for their ambitious, $800 million proposal. So it's tempting to dismiss these bills as a bit of election year posturing from a minority party looking to maximize its gains in November. And while a community college education should be free, the $110,000 threshold for the state schools seems optimistically high. Even so, as Roebuck observed, it is on the state to make sure it turns out workers who have the skills and education that will attract high-end employers to Pennsylvania. And if those graduates aren't saddled with crushing debt, all the better. "Graduates should be able to concentrate on getting good jobs and starting families, not be concerned with drowning in debt for years to come," Roebuck, the ranking Democrat on the House Education Committee, said. And as Hughes correctly noted, the General Assembly often manages to find the cash for favored programs when the need is real and urgent enough. Harris, a Millersville University graduate, who obtained a master's degree and is now pursuing a doctoral degree, added that the bill "would make getting a quality education a reality and the economic possibilities for our state endless. The Pennsylvania Promise is just one of many steps we need to take in order to build an inclusive and equal society." In a Republican-controlled Legislature that is nearly pathologically averse to raising spending or taxes, getting this plan ushered into law is a heavy lift on the best of days. But as Hughes, Roebuck and Harris correctly noted, their bills are at least a starting point for an important discussion. Pennsylvania lawmakers often talk a big game about producing an educated and skilled workforce. But as is so often the case, there aren't the through lines between the talk and the actual policy. These bills give lawmakers a chance to walk their talk. They should take it. By Ross Baker There is something about middle children, especially in large families. They often struggle to define themselves. Ross Baker (The Conversation, photo) Robert Francis Kennedy was the ultimate middle child. Until shortly before his untimely death 50 years ago, he was still embarked on that struggle of self-determination. Kennedy's early career included working as a Senate staff member for the right-wing demagogue Sen. Joseph McCarthy. It would have been reasonable to conclude that as a young conservative he could only move farther right as he aged. Kennedy turned the tables on the conventional wisdom by moving -- both by circumstance and by calculation -- in a more liberal direction. But it was a distinctive liberalism that was shaped by his origins in a family that, despite their enormous wealth, were regarded as outsiders. I'm a political scientist who studies American government and U.S. legislative politics and I've worked as an adviser to Democrats in the Senate and House. It is clear to me that Robert, much more than his older brother John, was shaped by the tribalism of Massachusetts politics in the 1950s. From tribalism via religion to liberalism For all of their money and efforts to cultivate the outward signs of WASP affluence, the Kennedys were scorned by the first families of Massachusetts the way any group with long-established wealth regards parvenues. And it wasn't just their Irish heritage that placed them at the margins of elite Bay State society, it was their Catholicism. Of all of the four Kennedy brothers, Robert was the most emphatically Catholic. The Kennedy family in 1931. Robert is on the left in a dark sweater. Richard Sears, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum via Wikimedia Commons Struggling to distinguish himself in his sprawling family - all clamoring for attention from their father, Joseph P. Kennedy - Robert sought out his mother, Rose, who took her religion seriously. Competitiveness within the family also bred in him a combativeness that could verge on harshness that he struggled, sometimes unsuccessfully, to control. He made an early enemy of Senate Democratic leader Lyndon B. Johnson, while as a junior staff member, by publicly rebuking Johnson. As a former staffer myself, I remain astonished at such boldness, even from a Kennedy. Robert worked tirelessly to promote the political fortunes of his brother Jack, first in his campaign for the House and then, in 1952, when he challenged Henry Cabot Lodge for the U.S. Senate. It was this campaign in which Joe McCarthy intervened to boost Jack's candidacy. McCarthy, a Kennedy family friend, prevailed on the Republican Senate Campaign Committee to go easy on Jack and do as little as possible to help fellow Republican Lodge. Bobby's role as a staff member on McCarthy's Senate subcommittee on investigations would have caused the casual observer to mark him as a rising right-winger. Added to that was his service as counsel to Sen. John McClellan's investigation of corruption in American labor unions, and his conservative credentials were cemented. The transformation The change in Kennedy came with his controversial appointment as attorney general in the administration of his brother at a time of great tumult in race relations. The criticism was that the appointment smacked of nepotism and that Kennedy was unqualified for the position; President Kennedy's flip response was "I can't see that it's wrong to give him a little legal experience before he goes out to practice law." It was the era of the Freedom Riders, the mostly African-American young people who boarded buses to the South to challenge segregation. Their confrontation with local authorities often led to violence. Kennedy's initial reaction was that disorder made the United States and his brother the president look bad in the eyes of the world: hardly the reaction of a bred-in-the-bone liberal. Also, his first dealings with Martin Luther King Jr. were tense. Kennedy authorized FBI surveillance of King, saying "He's not a serious person. If the country knew what we know about King's goings-on, he'd be finished." King, for his part, resented having to ask Kennedy for help. But ultimately, Kennedy's experience dealing with the resistance of Southern governors to racial integration caused him to sympathize with the struggle for equality. He also recognized the importance to the Democratic Party of the black vote in the North, especially in presidential elections. After his brother John's assassination, Robert Kennedy left the Justice Department and ran for senator in New York. He won, and during this period, his embrace of the plight of minorities broadened to include Mexican farm workers in their struggle to unionize. Kennedy embraced civil rights late in his career; here he meets with civil rights leaders at the White House in 1963. Abbie Rowe, National Parks Service/JFK Presidential Library and Museum In 1968, embattled Democratic President Lyndon Johnson declined to seek re-election in the wake of almost losing the New Hampshire primary to challenger Eugene McCarthy, the liberal anti-war Minnesota senator. Kennedy then joined the race, belatedly and reluctantly. "I run to seek new policies," said Kennedy at his announcement. "Policies to end the bloodshed in Vietnam and in our cities. Policies to close the gaps that now exist between black and white, between rich and poor, between young and old, in this country and around the rest of the world." While he shared McCarthy's opposition to the Vietnam War, Kennedy emphasized the need to combat racial injustice and economic inequality. His appeal to minority voters broadened, especially after his eloquent impromptu eulogy to Dr. King in Indianapolis endowed Kennedy with an exalted status even among the most alienated African-Americans. Kennedy's own death - assassinated right after he won the California Democratic primary just a few months after King's - was a crushing blow to Americans who sought to right the wrongs of the nation both domestically and in the larger world. Americans hopeful for change were leaderless. Many rejected conventional politics and sought solutions in radical movements, in drugs, and in the panaceas of false prophets. The Conversation For those who stayed in the fight, Kennedy's belated embrace of social justice was readily forgiven. Ross Baker is a Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Rutgers University. He wrote this piece for The Conversation, where it first appeared. In this Monday, June 4, 2018, photo, Glen Wood, a Canadian who has lived in Japan for 30 years, plays with his son at a Tokyo park. Wood is fighting a courtroom battle in Japan over what he alleges is paternity harassment. He says major brokerage Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley demoted him and then dismissed him after he took time off to be with his prematurely born newborn son. Although Japan guarantees up to 12 months of paid parental leave, only 3 percent of men exercise that right. (AP Photo/Yuri Kageyama) Efrain Suarez walks through a barren terrain near the Volcan de Fuego, or "Volcano of Fire," in San Miguel Los Lotes, Guatemala, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. "Nobody is going to be able to get them out or say how many are buried here," said Suarez. "The bodies are already charred," the 59-year-old truck driver said. "And if heavy machinery comes in they will be torn apart." (AP Photo/Moises Castillo) In this May 10, 2018 photo, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., meets with reporters during his weekly news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. Ryan is agreeing with another senior House Republican who says thereAos no evidence that the FBI planted a "spy" on President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign. The comments contradict Trump, who has insisted the agency planted a "spy for political reasons and to help Crooked Hillary win." (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Perryville takes down Saxony in possible district preview It was a game that Saxony Lutheran boys soccer coach Chris Crawford said had a postseason feel to it.If that was how a possible district tournament matchup between Perryville and Saxony Lancers goal line stand downs Indians Two yards or six feet. Either way you look at it, that was all that was standing between St. Vincent and certain victory.However, St. Pius had other plans. The Lancers held off the Indians on the Brent rises one percent Wednesday amid Venezuela oil export concerns By Florence Tan and Osamu Tsukimori SINGAPORE/TOKYO Petroleumworld 06 06 2018 Brent crude futures rose more than 1 percent on Wednesday after Venezuela raised the prospect of halting some crude oil exports, according to people familiar with the matter, but gains were capped amid reports the U.S. government had asked Saudi Arabia and some other OPEC producers to increase output. Falling production from Venezuela has contributed to a rally in global oil price Brent to nearly $80 a barrel. State firm PDVSA is considering declaring force majeure on some exports, three sources told Reuters, amid plummeting output from its oil fields and tanker bottlenecks at ports. Brent crude LCOc1 rose 78 cents to $76.16 a barrel by 0645 GMT after dropping to its lowest since May 8 on Tuesday. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures CLc1 were up 33 cents at $65.85 a barrel, having touched a near two-month low on Tuesday. It's a tug of war between the loss of supply from Venezuela and Iran and the potential output increase from OPEC and U.S. shale, said Tony Nunan, a risk manager at Mitsubishi Corp. $80 is a temporary ceiling for oil until we hear from OPEC. The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia will meet on June 22-23 to decide how much production they will increase as global inventories have tightened while Venezuela's production has dropped more than expected. U.S. sanctions on Iran are also threatening to reduce oil exports from the OPEC producer. The United States government has weighed in on the decision by putting in unofficial requests to Saudi Arabia and some other OPEC producers to increase output, sources said on Tuesday. At the moment, the oil price is being driven by OPEC and views on how much and how quickly OPEC plus will raise output, Energy Aspects analyst Virendra Chauhan said. Reuters reported on May 25 that the producers were considering a supply increase of 1 million barrels per day, with a final decision to be made at the June meeting in Vienna. WTI's discount to Brent CL-LCO1=R widened 42 cents to $10.34 a barrel as the global benchmark rose more than U.S. crude futures. American Petroleum Institute data showed late on Tuesday that U.S. crude inventories fell by 2 million barrels, compared with analyst expectations for a decrease of 1.8 million barrels. [API/S] Investors are waiting for the official inventories report to be issued by the U.S. Energy Department's Energy Information Administration at 1430 GMT. ___________________ Twitter: @petroleumworld1 Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us ExxonMobil refused to provide Guyana's Opposition Leader with info By Kaieter News GEORGETOWN Petroleumworld 06 06 2018 Yesterday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo finally broke his silence on his engagements with oil giant, ExxonMobil. The politician revealed that ExxonMobil has been reluctant to provide him with information whenever he raised questions that had to do with the nation's patrimony. Months ago, when the media questioned Jagdeo about his engagements with ExxonMobil, he opted not to state that this was the problem he was receiving. However, yesterday, the Ministry of Natural Resources released a statement refuting comments by Jagdeo to the effect that the Government is not informing the Guyanese public of developments in the oil and gas sector. The Ministry said that Nothing could be further from the truth. Further, the Ministry opted to note that at the request of the Minister of Natural Resources, ExxonMobil has been providing updates and briefings to the Leader of the Opposition at his office. Jagdeo then replied in a press statement saying, The Ministry's comment regarding briefings provided by ExxonMobil creates the impression that there have been regular briefings provided to the Parliamentary Opposition, when there have been three, at most, in the last three years. During these briefings, often times, when questions are asked, ExxonMobil indicates that it cannot release the information and redirects the Parliamentary Opposition to the Government. The facts are clear. Guyanese have been kept in the dark. No amount of obfuscation will detract from this. To support its claim of transparency, the Natural Resources Ministry noted the fact that all petroleum production contracts are now available for public scrutiny online. The Ministry said, This is the first time that these contracts would have been shared with the public despite them being signed before this administration came into office. In January 2018, Minister of Natural Resources Hon. Raphael Trotman committed to releasing the contracts. That commitment has been honoured. Further, efforts are now underway to release major mining contracts. Further, the Ministry said that it conducted public outreaches throughout Guyana to inform residents of developments in the oil and gas and natural resources sector and these are ongoing. The Ministry also pointed out that, Minister Trotman and Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Hon. Simona Brooms, have appeared before the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources on several occasions, and most recently, on May 18, where Minister Trotman delivered a full and frank presentation that addressed at length, developments in the oil and gas sector. However, Jagdeo thinks that more can and should be done. He said, What is concerning is that Minister Trotman and his colleague Ministers may actually believe that they are keeping Guyanese updated and aware of developments in the sector. The mere listing of a few examples of what has happened in the last two years suffices to expose this notion as a fallacy. Jagdeo pointed to the fact that calls for the release of the ExxonMobil contract were met with several excuses; first Guyanese were told about national security considerations and then that the former PPP/C government changed the law to prevent disclosure. These were exposed as lies and public pressure saw the release of the contract, finally. Jagdeo continued, To hide their underhand dealings with the remaining oil blocks, the Government first claimed that there was nothing left because Jagdeo have given out all the remaining blocks'. This lie persisted for several months, but was finally exposed. Further, Jagdeo said, the Government claimed that it never requested, nor received a signing bonus. This was the lie they told Guyanese people for over a year. This lie was exposed and only then did the government admit that it received a US$18M signing bonus, which it hid in an account outside of the Consolidated Fund and outside of the reach of the Auditor General. The Opposition Leader also noted that Guyanese are still unaware about what the final drafts of the Sovereign Wealth Fund and local content policy these documents will look like and when they will be ready. Jagdeo also said, Guyanese were told another lie in December 2016, when Minister Trotman announced a US$500M onshore supply base that was supposed to be erected at Crab Island, in the Berbice River, in 2017. This deadline has passed and nothing has happened at Crab Island. Until now, the Government has failed to brief the Guyanese people about what took place during the Texas trip, where five ministers were present. What did they discuss? Was it related to the renegotiated contract? The Government has failed to say who was involved in finalizing the renegotiated ExxonMobil contract. Was there a Cabinet-approved negotiating brief? Why was the IDB-funded Advisor, Dr Mangal, not included in the renegotiation? (Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell) ________________________ Twitter: @petroleumworld1 Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Biz Day UTC succeeds in challenging investment climate in Trinidad & Tobago By Sasha Harrinanan PORT SPAIN Petroleumworld 06 06 2018 The Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) may have faced a challenging investment climate in 2017, but outgoing executive director Ian Chinapoo credits prudent investments for higher net returns on four of its seven funds. "The entire economy was depressed, there wasn't as much people coming in, doing business. So, the companies we have shares in would not have had as good a year. That means they would not have had the share price appreciation or distributions (of) prior years but we were very prudent in our investments. "We kept the amount we invested going and the balances kept growing. We are very conservative investors, so the companies we invested in, although they did not do as well as before, they still did okay. They didn't incur losses." Chinapoo was speaking with the media following UTC's 36th annual general meeting (AGM) at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, Port of Spain on May 23. UTC's total revenue for the financial year ended December 31, 2017 was $1.1 billion. Its flagship Growth and Income Fund generated a net return of 5.4 per cent, more than double the return of 2016, while the Universal Retirement Fund saw a net return of 6.2 per cent, up from 2.2 per cent in 2016. The UTC also reported a 1.5 per cent increase in funds under management to $21.9 billion. Retained earnings the corporation's accumulated savings grew by 4.7 per cent to $1.4 billion. In addition, its customer base grew by 1.1 per cent from about 603,000 unit holders to 609,000 unit holders in 2017. "Total assets increased $197.6 million to $21.9 billion, while retained income attributable to unit holders increased seven per cent to $283.4 million We will continue to explore opportunities that will improve returns on your investments and leverage our longevity as the county's leading mutual fund company." Citing independent market research, Chinapoo also told unit holders "We take great care in managing our brand and we have maintained our dominance in the market...You should be proud of the fact that the home-grown UTC is among the top four in brand awareness in the financial services sector and number one in corporate image." Asked to what he credited a larger customer base in the midst of hard times, Chinapoo said the UTC always puts customers first. "Other companies have had a challenge in keeping the focus on the customer (but) we are still very welcoming. We create convenience with technology but we are still very, very focused on allowing people to do business with us as best as they can. So, from that standpoint, I don't think it was all about just the economic situation. I think people love working with the corporation." UTC also increased its footprint with the opening of three new agencies Heartland Plaza in Chaguanas, C3 Centre in San Fernando and Canaan, Tobago. Unit holders also heard from UTC chairman Justice Rolston Nelson, who said "despite vigorous competition, the UTC continues to hold a market share of 46.8 per cent as at December 31, 2017. "We are constantly reviewing the way we do business and assessing our business opportunities, risks and operating environment to deliver the appropriate mix of products and services that add value to your financial well-being." Nelson noted, however, if the UTC is to sustain growth and remain competitive, further amendments must be made to the Unit Trust Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Act (1981). "We need to revisit the legal framework governing the corporation, because the investing landscape has changed significantly and we need to capitalise on opportunities as they arise. Legislative changes are necessary if the corporation is to optimise its investments in a competitive environment. It is our intention to work towards reforming the Act, allowing us to continue to adapt as an independent financial institution that plays a critical role in the financial sector." When Chinapoo was asked about Rolston's statement, he said "things like derivatives and options did not even exist" when the Act was proclaimed, so it needs updating. "Also, our Act does not allow us to do certain things. For example, in financial landscapes now, you can actually buy products that would mitigate your risk. Say a stock price is falling, you can buy a product that says if it reaches a certain price, it will automatically be sold. "Amending the Act will allow for greater flexibility we will be able to do things other financial institutions are already doing. This is modernising, doing things that others are already doing globally. Unit Trust is now an entity that invests globally, so these are practical improvements we're looking to do," Chinapoo assured. The process began a few years ago but with Chinapoo's last day in office being today (May 31), the push for further amendments will be led by Nigel Edwards. Having joined the UTC in 2013 as CFO, Edwards officially assumes the role of ED tomorrow, June 1. Chinapoo would take up the role of chief financial officer (CFO) at Massy Holdings Ltd. "We have been working on it for some time, so we do have draft Act amendments. They are being reviewed by our regulators the TT Securities and Exchange Commission, the Central Bank as well as the Chief Parliamentary Counsel because we are governed by an Act of Parliament and of course, the Ministry of Finance. So yes, (Edwards) will continue to champion that, along with members of the board, as we seek to improve the legislative framework Unit Trust operates with." Earlier, while addressing unit holders, Chinapoo said "it has been a privilege to be a part of this prestigious institution for the past five years and work among a team of professionals who are passionate about service and value creation and who are committed to meeting your needs." Reflecting on his biggest accomplishment as ED, Chinapoo told reporters he could cite strengthening the financials and improving customer service, which were a major focus of his tenure but most important to him were his co-workers. "Building such a high-performing team. Across the organisation, we pioneered something. I don't know if this is a real word but we call say de-siloisation. We brought the staff together as one team, so we are able to see the customer across the corporation as one team. In business terms, the silo mentality occurs when departments or management groups do not share information, goals, tools, priorities and processes with other departments. The silo mentality is believed to impact operations, reduce employee morale and may contribute to the overall failure of a company or its products and culture. Chinapoo said of de-siloisation: "That would be my greatest accomplishment. It involved an element of culture change, change management but it was also about giving people the freedom to fail and to be innovative. Innovation for us was a process, it wasn't a by-the-way thing. "Our innovation unit, our team members' engagement, our level of engagement is close to 70 per cent we don't even call them staff, we say team members. I'm sure this will be something that continues very strongly," Chinapoo said with a smile. ________________________ Twitter: @petroleumworld1 Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Emirates Airline sees oil, dollar 'double whammy', but demand strong By Tim Hepher and Victoria Bryan SYDNEY Petroleumworld 06 06 2018 The president of Emirates airline said the rare combination of higher oil and a stronger dollar, which usually move in opposite directions, represented a double whammy in terms of their impact on costs but that passenger demand remained strong. We have very strong summer bookings at higher prices, Tim Clark told reporters at an airlines summit in Sydney, adding Emirates was monitoring those trends for any sign higher ticket prices were hurting demand. Global airlines body IATA on Monday downgraded its profit forecast for the industry, citing higher oil and labour costs, but also said yields, a proxy for air fares, were expected to rise 3.2 percent this year. IATA has cautioned that rising fares as airlines seek to make up for higher costs could temper growth in demand. Clark, however, said he had not seen any sign of this yet and that the airline had managed to raise prices for the summer without hurting bookings. The velocity of growth (in bookings) exceeds what we had seen last year, he added. Some analysts warn that price-sensitive passengers who upped their spending when fares were down amid lower oil prices, would quickly evaporate when prices moved higher. If airlines have to start putting prices up you can actually see a very quick fall in that growth rate, said analyst Peter Harbison, chairman of CAPA-Centre for Aviation. To combat higher oil prices, airlines are locking in fuel hedges, lowering capacity, raising fares and retiring older jets, industry executives at the annual meeting of the International Air Transport Association said. U.S. BUSINESS, FIFTH FREEDOM Clark also said Emirates' U.S. business had returned to growth after being hit by curbs on carrying large electronic devices in passenger jet cabins last year. However, Emirates said it had no current plans to expand the so-called fifth freedom flights to the United States, services which have irked some U.S. airlines critical of the Dubai-based airline's growth. Fifth freedom flights are ones where an airline from one country operates between two different countries. For example, Emirates operates two such flights between Milan and New York and between Athens and Newark. The United States last month agreed a deal with the United Arab Emirates and in January with Qatar to resolve claims from the three largest U.S. carriers that Gulf airlines had received unfair government subsidies. UAE, as Qatar did in January, told the United States that the two UAE airlines have no current plans to add additional fifth freedom flights. Some in the United States have suggested the deal stops the Gulf carriers from adding fifth freedom flights, but Clark said the agreement does not rule out such flights. Fifth Freedom routes are not central to Emirates' business, he added. PILOT, PLANE AVAILABILITY Clark downplayed talk of a global pilot shortage, saying availability was back to normal. As for aircraft availability, Boeing is on schedule to deliver the first upgraded 777X in June 2020, he said. The world's largest twin-engined passenger jet, which features folding wingtips to allow it to park in existing airport stands, has been hit by engine snags but Boeing has reorganised testing to try to keep it on track. Clark also said he expected to make a decision soon on engines for the carrier's latest order of Airbus A380 superjumbos. The planes are due for delivery from 2020. The General Electric and Pratt & Whitney Engine Alliance venture powers most Emirates A380s, but it lost out to competitor Rolls-Royce on the latest deliveries. Clark said the Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines on its A380s has shown good performance on maintenance since being introduced to the Emirates fleet 14-15 months ago. However, Emirates has delayed some A380 deliveries to allow Rolls-Royce to fix a fan blade problem. Emirates, which recently announced the launch of premium economy services in a challenge to rivals, plans to install up to 56 of the seats on the double-decker A380s using a bespoke seat design to be sub-contracted out to seat makers, Clark said. _________________________ Twitter: @petroleumworld1 Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Air traffic strikes is bigger threat than fuel prices in 2018 - British Airways-owner IAG's CEO By Reuters SYDNEY Petroleumworld 06 06 2018 Air traffic control strikes are more of a threat to European airlines this year than a rise in fuel prices, the chief executive of British Airways-owner IAG said on Tuesday. Global airlines have slashed their forecast for industry profits in 2018 due to a spike in fuel costs, but in Europe, there is an additional threat to profits from the cost of flight cancellations associated with air traffic control (ATC) strikes. From a European context, the thing most impacting is ATC strikes and the ongoing ATC environment which is a mess, IAG CEO Willie Walsh told the CAPA-Centre for aviation summit in Sydney. It's destroying traffic through Europe. European airline industry body A4E has estimated the economic cost of ATC strikes in the European Union was 13.4 billion euros ($15.7 billion) between 2010 and 2017. Ryanair, a rival European airline, said earlier on Tuesday that ATC strikes and shortages caused it to cancel 1,100 flights in May compared with 43 in the same month last year. It's really a significant issue. We thought it would get better in 2018 but it's getting worse, Walsh said. France has been a particular problem area for airlines, where public sector workers have staged a series of protests over the government's economic reforms. IAG'S airlines, which also include Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling, are having to spend more on fuel to travel via alternative routes to bypass French airspace, Walsh said. We end up paying compensation to customers. It's completely outside our control, he added, saying millions of passengers were affected and it cost airlines tens of millions of pounds. Walsh said that because IAG was hedged for this year, he wasn't as concerned about fuel prices for 2018, but the higher prices would be a challenge for 2019. It's much higher than we expected it to be, he said. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said rising fuel costs will hurt industry profits, cutting forecasts by 12 percent. IATA expects an average oil price of $70 a barrel this year, up from $54.90 last year and its previous prediction of $60. _________________________ Twitter: @petroleumworld1 Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Israel-Lebanon oil and gas dispute with new proposal on table By Ari Rabinovitch JERUSALEM Petroleumworld 06 06 2018 New ideas proposed in U.S. back-channel mediation of an Israeli-Lebanese maritime dispute over oil and gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean raise the prospect of a partial deal this year, Israel's energy minister said. Israel kicked off a gas bonanza in the eastern Mediterranean almost a decade ago with the discovery of two huge gas fields. Others were found in Egypt and Cyprus, and companies are now exploring Lebanese waters as well. One of the Lebanese blocks being explored, Block 9, borders Israel's maritime zone and contains waters claimed by both countries. The disputed border also touches two other not-yet-licensed Lebanese blocks. This has led to years of brinkmanship with officials on both sides promising to protect their resources and warning about encroachment. There are some new ideas on the table. More than that I cannot discuss, Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz, said in a Reuters interview. He oversees energy exploration in Israel and is the pointman in indirect negotiations with Lebanon. David Satterfield, the acting U.S. assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs, has shuttled between the countries in recent months as a mediator. Steinitz said that President Donald Trump's Middle East peace negotiator Jason Greenblatt has also been involved. There is room for cautious optimism. But not beyond cautious, Steinitz said. I hope that in the coming months, or by the end of the year, we will manage to reach a solution or at least a partial solution to the dispute. But he added: Nothing has been settled yet. Even a partial agreement would be a major diplomatic achievement, as well as timely, since both Lebanon and Israel are planning new rounds of tenders for offshore exploration. A spokeswoman for Lebanon's Energy and Water Minister Cesar Abi Khalil declined to comment on the negotiations between Lebanon and Israel or the specific points raised by Steinitz. Israel recently warned energy companies in Lebanon not to drill close to its border, and the consortium set to explore Block 9 - made up of France's Total, Italy's Eni and Russia's Novatek - has said it would stay away from the disputed area. NEW LICENCES Steinitz also said he expected Israel to begin a new round of tenders for offshore blocks sometime between September and November. The new offshore exploration licences will be modified to make them more attractive to energy groups, after a previous auction got a tepid response, Steinitz said. Israel launched a bidding round in November 2016 after a number of the fields were found in Israeli waters. It accepted the only two bids it received - from Greece's Energean and a consortium of Indian firms including ONGC Videsh , Bharat PetroResources, Indian Oil Corp and Oil India. Steinitz said there were lessons to be learned. We will change the method in a way that it will be more accessible and attractive, he said, without elaborating. Additionally, I think there were two developments that will make the exploration more attractive. He said companies were put off by concerns that they might not find a buyer for gas they discovered since Israel has a gas surplus and export options at the time were limited. But he said that had changed referring to the opening of two markets over the past year. Progress has been made in plans for an Israeli-European subsea gas pipeline and a $15 billion export deal to Egypt was signed. _________________________ Twitter: @petroleumworld1 Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Brazil's regulator ANP seeks comment on fuel price change frequency By Reuters RIO DE JANEIRO Petroleumworld 06 06 2018 Brazilian oil regulator ANP said on Tuesday it would seek public comment over a period of several weeks on a potential rule that could set limits on how often fuel prices change in the country. The comment period, which will take place from June 11 to July 2, follows a nationwide trucker strike over diesel price hikes last month that paralyzed much of Latin America's biggest economy. In an emailed statement, ANP said the process was aimed at soliciting suggestions about a rule that would create a minimum period for changing fuel prices. It was not clear whether the regulator had the power to restrict the frequency of fuel price changes by state-controlled oil producer Petroleo Brasileiro SA, known as Petrobras. The company had adopted a policy of nearly daily adjustments under its former chief executive, pricing changes in alignment with international markets. In a statement to Reuters, Petrobras said it would join the discussions by the regulator. The company said price formation based on market prices and more predictability may increase competition. Suggestions about a new fuel pricing policy may be sent by consumers, oil companies and state entities, ANP said. President Michel Temer ended the trucker protest by agreeing to cut diesel prices and change the frequency of price adjustments, wiping out a third of the market cap of Petrobras over fears of growing political interference. Public anger has also been building over gasoline prices, which have also recently risen and were not addressed by the agreement with the truckers. _________________________ Twitter: @petroleumworld1 Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us U.S. ask OPEC to increase oil output by 1 million barrel a day Akos Stiller/Bloomberg President Trump criticized OPEC for raising prices too high. Saudis, Russia have proposed gradual increase in second half - Play Video - " U.S. Said to Ask OPEC for 1 Million Barrel a Day Output Hike" By Jennifer Jacobs , Javier Blas , and Grant Smith WASHINGTON/LONDON Petroleumworld 06 06 2018 The U.S. government has quietly asked Saudi Arabia and some other OPEC producers to increase oil production by about 1 million barrels a day, according to people familiar with the matter. The rare request came after U.S. retail gasoline prices surged to their highest in more than three years and President Donald Trump publicly complained about OPEC policy and rising oil prices on Twitter. It also follows Washington's decision to reimpose sanctions on Iran's crude exports that had previously displaced about 1 million barrels a day, or just over 1 percent of global production. While U.S. lawmakers have habitually criticized the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries at times of high oil prices, and the government has on occasion encouraged the cartel to pump more , it's unusual for Washington to ask for a specific output hike, the same people said, asking not to be named discussing private conversations. It's not clear precisely how the request was communicated. Raising production was discussed at a meeting of some Arab oil ministers over the weekend in Kuwait City. A statement published after the talks pledged to ensure stable oil supplies are made available in a timely manner to meet growing demand and offset declines in some parts of the world. Saudi Arabia and Russia last month proposed a gradual production increase, although other members of the group have yet to agree. Benchmark Brent oil futures dropped as much as 2 percent to $73.81 a barrel in London trading after the U.S. request was reported. To read a story on Saudi oil policy and Donald Trump, click here. "Looks like OPEC is at it again," Trump wrote in mid-April in a post on Twitter. "Oil prices are artificially Very High! No good and will not be accepted!" The White House declined to comment on specific conversations, but a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council said access to affordable and reliable energy underpins global economic growth and the nation's security. "We welcome any market-based action that increases energy access and fosters a healthy global economy," the spokesperson said. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin last month disclosed Washington had "various conversations with various parties about different parties that would be willing to increase oil supply to offset" the impact of U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil output. Although Mnuchin declined to provide specifics, only four countries among OPEC and its allies hold enough spare production capacity to offset that impact: Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. OPEC and a group of non-OPEC countries including Russia, Mexico and Kazakhstan agreed in late 2016 to cut oil output by a combined 1.8 million barrels a day in an effort to boost oil prices. Brent crude, the global benchmark, has risen from less than $45 a barrel before the deal was signed to more than $80 a barrel last month. Consumer Anxiety The OPEC deal removed more crude than originally intended from the market because of the collapse of the Venezuelan energy industry. With oil inventories in developed countries back to their five-year average and fuel prices approaching painful levels for consumers, Saudi Arabia and Russia have started talking about boosting output again, prompting Brent to slide back toward $75. OPEC and its allies will discuss their production policy for the second half of the year in meetings scheduled on June 22 and 23 in Vienna. Saudi Oil Minister Khalid Al-Falih last month said the kingdom shared the "anxiety" of consuming nations about high oil prices and added that OPEC and its allies were "likely" to boost output. The most recent comments by Trump and the request for extra oil are among the most forceful U.S. intervention in OPEC affairs since Bill Richardson, the energy secretary during the second administration of Bill Clinton, phoned the Saudi minister in the middle of an OPEC meeting in 2000 asking for a production increase. The intervention enraged other members of the cartel, exacerbating a schism between Saudi Arabia and Iran. ________________________ Twitter: @petroleumworld1 Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us PDVSA could declare force majeure on oil exports Notifalcon PDVSA notify all its customers that it will no longer receive new tankers for loading at Jose or Paraguana, its main export terminals, until ships already in line are served. There were more than 70 tankers off the coast of Venezuela on Tuesday, according to Thomson Reuters vessel tracking data. By Marianna Parraga and Deisy Buitrago HOUSTON/CARACAS Petroleumworld 06 06 2018 OPEC member Venezuela has raised the prospect of declaring force majeure on contracts with major crude buyers amid plummeting output from its oil fields and tanker bottlenecks at ports, according to three sources familiar with the matter. Falling production from Venezuela has contributed to a rally in global oil prices to a near four-year high, and other OPEC members may boost output at a meeting later this month to compensate for the shortfall and other risks to global supplies. Oil is the financial lifeline for the embattled socialist government of President Nicolas Maduro, but his cash-strapped administration has failed to invest enough in the industry to prevent its decline. Venezuela's state-owned oil firm PDVSA has told some customers that they must send vessels equipped to accept ship-to-ship oil transfers rather than load at its ports. If they do not accept the terms, PDVSA is considering force majeure, in essence declaring its contracts incapable of being fulfilled, the sources familiar with the matter said. It has separately begun notifying all its customers that it will no longer receive new tankers for loading at Jose or Paraguana, its main export terminals, until ships already in line are served. TANKER CONGESTION Most customers have so far refused the ship-to-ship transfer request due to the lack of a third party supervising the operations, according to shippers and traders. Additional costs for completing the transfer also contributed to the refusals. PDVSA has been using sanctions imposed on the company by U.S. President Donald Trump as a rationale for the change, according to one of the sources. Venezuela's export terminals have grown overcrowded since U.S. oil firm ConocoPhillips last month won court orders freezing PDVSA's key Caribbean operations, where the Venezuelan company used to ship large cargoes to Asian destinations. There were more than 70 tankers off the coast of Venezuela on Tuesday, according to Thomson Reuters vessel tracking data. We are going to try the ship-to-ship idea first, the source familiar with the matter said. Many customers are going to prefer this than continuing to accumulate demurrage, the source added, referring to fees charged for long waiting times. One of PDVSA's Indian customers confirmed it had received a request to load its cargoes via ship-to-ship transfers. The buyer so far has refused to accept the new terms, said an employee who was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity. Traders and shippers were skeptical that the transfers would succeed in easing the bottlenecks. PDVSA will still have to load vessels at its Jose port for transporting the crude to its proposed offshore loading facility, and production declines are not expected to reverse. Very large vessels that typically do not approach Venezuela's western coast are now visible from Paraguana Refining Center (CRP), according to a worker from the facility. PDVSA did not reply to a request for comment. MISSING LOWERED TARGETS PDVSA knew it would fall short of contracted deliveries this year because of declining output and set a goal to limit the gap, according to internal company documents reviewed by Reuters. But the firm missed even that lowered target. There's an average deficit of 422,000 barrels per day (bpd) between real and planned production so far this year, according to one of the documents. In April, the company shipped 1.49 million bpd of crude and fuels to its customers - 665,000 bpd below the 2.15 million bpd contracted, the documents show. The firm shorted deliveries to 12 of 14 major customers with long-term crude supply contracts, the records show. The shortfall, which has not been previously reported, shed new light on the depth of the company's problems extracting and refining crude - despite repeated promises by Maduro and PDVSA President Manuel Quevedo to grow 2018 production by 1 million bpd. The state-owned firm in April had so little oil it failed to deliver almost all of the crude it promised to its U.S. refining unit, Citgo Petroleum, under a 273,000-bpd contract, the documents show. Venezuela's exports of crude declined 28 percent in the first four months of 2018 to 1.19 million bpd compared with 1.65 million bpd in the same period last year, according to Reuters trade flows data. In January-April, crude output fell to 1.62 million bpd, the lowest annual average in over three decades Aggravating its export problems, Conoco last month started seizing PDVSA's terminals, oil inventories and cargoes in the Caribbean to enforce a $2 billion arbitration award in a dispute over the socialist government's nationalization of the U.S. oil producer's Venezuela assets. ________________________ Twitter: @petroleumworld1 Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Gbolahan Olabode (pictured here) was killed in January 2012 by rivals in a Delaware County pill mill operation. Anthony Vetri, the drug dealer convicted of plotting the slaying, was sentenced to life in federal prison on Tuesday. Read more An Essington man was sentenced to life in federal prison Tuesday for having a drug rival murdered to edge out competition in the region's lucrative opioid market. But neither the defendant, Anthony Vetri, nor his victim, Gbolahan "Bo" Olabode, were typical players in a routine drug world drama. Both were self-made men and successful entrepreneurs Vetri as a licensed electrician and house flipper, Olabode as a Nigerian immigrant who paid his way through Temple University to become a partner in a chain of local pharmacies. Both came from loving, relatively well-off suburban families. But more than a decade after both became embroiled in an upscale pill mill operation run by a corrupt pharmacist, both have now lost their lives to drugs. Their case highlights the predatory and profitable opportunities fueling the region's opioid epidemic and the stiff competition to cash in. And as U.S. District Judge Gerald Pappert said in imposing Vetri's sentence Tuesday, it was the life advantages and business acumen that both men could have put to more legitimate use that made their fatal encounter so tragic. Vetri's "greed and his lust for money took over, and that led him to endanger the lives of people who bought what he was selling [and] to direct the brutal murder of another human being," the judge said. A federal jury convicted Vetri, 32, in December of plotting Olabode's death in hope of muscling in on his colleague's share of the hundreds of thousands of dollars both men were making selling oxycodone on the streets of Delaware County, beginning in 2008. Both men secured their supplies from the same source Mitesh Patel, a licensed pharmacist and Olabode's business partner, who doled out the prescription opioids to them and other illicit street dealers by the crate. Olabode, as an investor in Patel's Dawa Pharmacy chain with storefronts in Lansdowne, Philadelphia, and Upper Darby, arguably held more of a claim on the pharmacist's supply. But when drug companies became suspicious of the number of pills Patel was ordering each month and limited their shipments to him, Vetri and Olabode became competitors for the available supply. In late 2011, Vetri drew up plans to eliminate his rival. He stalked Olabode, 45, for weeks gathering information on where he lived, what car he drove, and his exercise schedule at the gym where he trained as a competitive body builder. He recruited a group of lower-level dealers, including his codefendant, Michael Vandergrift, to carry out the hit. And after those men gunned down Olabode on Jan. 4, 2012, hitting him 27 times outside his home on Owen Drive in Lansdowne, Vetri celebrated with the assassins, meeting up to share hugs, some of them testified at his trial Even well after the murder, Vetri's behavior was marked by a striking lack of remorse. At his trial, prosecutors played a cellphone video he shot of him asking his 3-year-old daughter, "What did the gangsters do to Bo?" and laughing as she replied, "Boom, boom, boom." And in court Tuesday, Vetri, who was indicted last year, maintained his innocence while saying that the trial only gave a small glimpse of who he was. He laughed quietly to himself and smirked as Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan B. Ortiz described him as "heartless, remorseless and violent." "This case was horrible. What he did was horrible," Ortiz said. "He is and remains an unapologetic drug dealer and murderer who deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison." Still, Vetri's family members pleaded with Pappert on Tuesday to see the man that they know one who after dropping out of school in the ninth grade went on to become one of the youngest licensed electricians in the state and who quickly became financially independent from his family while caring for his aging grandparents. They urged the judge to give Vetri a chance at a life after prison and consider that he, too, had become addicted to prescription painkillers after a motorcycle accident in his 20s. "I think a big part of the problem was addiction. Drugs change people," his lawyer, Angela Halim, said. "It is grossly ironic that Mr. Vetri is a victim of the opioid epidemic and a perpetrator of the opioid epidemic." Their appeals seemed to affect the judge, who at points seemed to struggle with his decision. At one point, Pappert asked Vetri's mother how he could reconcile her view of her son with the calculating killer he was shown to be at trial. In the end, the judge cited Vetri's own lack of remorse for Olabode and the hundreds of addicts his drug sales created in imposing the life term. In addition to the prison sentence, Pappert ordered Vetri to pay a $20,000 fine. He is expected to sentence Vetri's codefendants, including Patel and Vandergrift, in the coming months. Drug distributor AmerisourceBergen said Wednesday that it is planning a new headquarters in Conshohocken, Montgomery County, and will move 1,500 bosses and staff from its former Chesterbrook headquarters and a smaller Conshohocken office into a new, 12-story, 427,000-square-foot tower. Besides keeping current jobs in the state, AmerisourceBergen will "create more than 550" new jobs in information technology, accounting, and other central functions in Conshohocken by 2023, according to a statement from Gov. Wolf. Construction is scheduled to start this year and finish in 2020, the company said. Glazer called the project a "mixed-use town square" to link new construction along the Schuylkill to Conshohocken's store and office district. It will be called Sora West, for a bird that migrates up and down the nearby Schuylkill. Broker David Binswanger represented AmerisourceBergen. Before choosing Conshohocken, AmerisourceBergen was also courted by New Jersey, which has offered multi-million dollar tax breaks to companies willing to move to former heavy-industry sites on the Delaware River waterfront in Camden, and Delaware, where developers and state officials were plugging former chemical and steel factory properties as office locations. To sweeten the deal, the Wolf administration has approved $8 million in state-matching funds from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program "to assist with facility development and construction costs," plus $1.7 million in Job Creation Tax Credits when the company adds the promised new jobs. The package was assembled by the Governor's Action Team and staff at the Department of Community and Economic Development. AmerisourceBergen employs about 21,000 people worldwide, including more than 1,000 in its Philadelphia-area offices and its Gloucester County distribution center. By growing in Pennsylvania, AmerisourceBergen will give a "significant boost to the regional economy," Wolf said, adding that such opportunities have been "rare" in the corporate sector. The Philadelphia area's largest employers are mostly hospitals and colleges. Merck, Vanguard Group, and Comcast are among the few locally based companies with 10,000 or more area workers. The state said AmerisourceBergen has pledged to invest an additional $29.5 million or more in the new headquarters, one of several office projects that has transformed Conshohocken from a decaying industrial borough to a congested corporate headquarters, where streets of brick rowhouses now end in blocks of new riverside apartments popular with young working people. The borough is also accessible to Center City by SEPTA trains and the Schuylkill Expressway, and to Philadelphia International Airport, King of Prussia, and other locations off I-476. AmerisourceBergen earned $364 million in profits in its last fiscal year, on revenues totaling $153 billion, most of which the company passed along to makers of drugs that the company sent to hospital pharmacies and other retailers. Along with rivals such as Cardinal Health and McKesson, AmerisourceBergen depends on government and employer health insurance drug coverage, including the expansion of Medicaid and individual insurance under the Affordable Care Acts in recent years. AmerisourceBergen shares have risen and fallen with investors' perceptions of drug markets and medical payments, including the Trump administration's health-care policies, along with merger rumors. The company's largest owner is Walgreens Boots Alliance, which operates the drugstore chain. The stock has traded recently at about $85 a share, down from more than $100 in January. Like other drug companies, AmerisourceBergen is a frequent target of government and private litigation alleging improper drug sales. The company and its rivals and suppliers have been sued by states and cities around the U.S., and is currently being investigated by federal and state officials including Pennsylvania Attorney General (and former Montgomery County commissioners' chairman) Josh Shapiro, for its role in the rapid rise in opioid painkillers, leading, as it has in the past, to abuse and deaths, killing more Americans last year than gunfire and car crashes combined. AmerisourceBergen CEO Steven Collis has said in the past that patients and their doctors bear primary responsibility for painkiller decisions; the company has also donated to antidrug abuse groups. Besides the Conshohocken project, Keystone owns suburban office parks in Montgomery and Delaware counties and has been adding apartments and retail space to the former Rohm and Haas and Curtis Publishing Co. headquarters buildings on Independence Mall in Center City. "I love his cooking," Christina Sterner says about her husband, Steve Poses. "I never cook, and he enjoys it all." The couple also takes advantage of the South Philadelphia restaurant scene. Read more When Steve Poses, creator of legendary Philadelphia restaurants the Frog and the Commissary, moved from Rittenhouse Square to South Philadelphia with his wife, Christina Sterner, several friends asked, "Why?" Sterner explained that she looked at more than 100 possible condominium buildings and various neighborhoods before settling on the 2,400-square-foot penthouse in a former Curtis Publishing Co. warehouse on Washington Avenue, far from fashionable Rittenhouse Square. "I feel this area is more lively than Rittenhouse Square, and there are more ethnic restaurants and more diversity in the neighborhood," said Poses, who has spent 47 years in Philadelphia restaurant leadership. He now directs and Sterner manages the Frog Commissary in the Franklin Institute. Their condo is one of eight two-story penthouses built above the former warehouse, which now houses 78 residential units. "We like the fact that the building is only 10 stories tall, and you don't have the feeling you are living in a high-rise," Sterner said. After they bought the unit, they brought in Philadelphia architect Anthony Miksitz to turn the kitchen into a laboratory for cooking innovation and the dining area into an auditorium. It is no secret that Poses and Sterner "like to eat," Poses said. The kitchen had to be an asset in Poses' culinary creative process, Miksitz was told. The architect was asked to make over the first floor, which was largely unchanged from when the warehouse was converted to a residential building 10 years ago. "There was no defined entry," Miksitz said. "You saw the kitchen when you came in from the hall. The entry hall had a series of small rooms for utilities, a broom closet, another closet, and the stairway to the bedrooms upstairs took up space in the hall." Miksitz's design gutted the first floor and removed and replaced several walls to create an entry foyer, important to the couple, who have a ritual of insisting that friends and family remove their shoes. "Now you are not immediately dumped into the kitchen space," Miksitz said. "There is a sense of drama as you arrive. You enter into the foyer, which has a lower ceiling and gives a confined feeling, and you then proceed to the hall with the coat cabinet, which begins to open up with a higher ceiling and angled wall before you enter the living room, which is the climax with a broad view of South Philly." Now the 500-square-foot kitchen, white with glowing cylinder lights above, can be entered from the foyer. A marble island, where the couple like to eat when they have no company, faces the cooking equipment, sinks, and various faucets for carbonated and tap water. A restaurant-like pass-through between the cooking area and the island helps define the chef's space. "I love his cooking," Sterner said. "I never cook, and he enjoys doing it all. The pass-through was designed to separate the diners from the cook and inhibit them from talking to himhe doesn't like to talk while he is cooking. He is very sociable before and after, but we don't talk to him while he cooks." On the walls of the kitchen and dining room are shelves that Miksitz helped design. Some are lined with Sterner's collection of graceful champagne glasses. In the dining area, against the wall of windows looking out toward Center City, an unvarnished maple table is surrounded with eight chairs and contrasts with Epi flooring underneath. The living room, on the other side of the staircase, has a light-gray leather seating arrangement of two sofas with golden pillows accenting the rug and wood floor. Outside the windows is a 2,500-foot terrace that surrounds the penthouse. Poses and Sterner have planted some Pennsylvania grasses and flowers in wooden boxes. A large wooden table and comfortable seating area can be heated so the couple can entertain outdoors until late December. "We are very happy here," Poses said. "We are across from Vietnamese, Italian, and Indonesian restaurants, and we eat out several nights a week. The passion for food is with us and this is a good place to be." Usually placid Silicon Valley shareholder meetings have become targets for protesters this year, the latest example of a backlash against the technology industry's growing power. On Wednesday morning, a plane was due to fly over the annual meeting of Google parent Alphabet Inc. with the sign "Searching for abortion care? Google lies." The protest was organized by women's advocacy group UltraViolet, which complained about Google Search and Map results when people search for abortion care. Another group, Silicon Valley Rising, gathered outside the meeting to complain about Google's plans to build a large campus in San Jose, Calif., about 14 miles south of the company's Mountain View headquarters. "Hopefully, we won't have to remove anyone for violating the rules," Alphabet chief legal officer David Drummond said as the meeting got underway. Google employees criticized the company's executive pay in a highly unusual move. One investor accused Google of liberal groupthink, and another asked the company to do better managing extreme content on its YouTube online video service. "These companies have become so powerful and their reach is so wide that people are realizing they need to be scrutinized much more," said Jeffrey Buchanan, director of public policy at Working Partnerships USA, which supports working families in Silicon Valley. "They've shown they care about a lot of these issues, so when you protest at these events you actually have a chance of changing things." The group attended the meeting to protest Google's San Jose development plans and to push the company to provide better working conditions for contract workers. Just a couple of years ago, tech company annual meetings were sleepy affairs, where the most controversial topic may have been the quality of the free bagels provided. Although the companies were successful, they had yet to become so integral to the daily lives of most people. If you needed health care, you picked up the phone making Google search results less important. Now, the world is watching when Google gives controversial answers. A politician who wanted to reach potential voters could go on TV or speak with the local newspaper. Now, Facebook is a must for campaigns. The growth of Google and other tech companies in Silicon Valley has been a boon to the economy. But it's also raised rents and other costs of living, exacerbating homelessness in the area. Some San Jose residents worry that Google's new development will lead to more evictions and displacement. The technology sector has emerged from its Silicon Valley engineering cocoon in recent years to become a global force influencing whole industries, economies, and elections. As the wider world wakes up to this, some are questioning the companies' power over the digital information that fuels much of modern life. Amazon.com is blamed for retailer bankruptcies, store closings, and Main Street job losses, while President Trump tweets about antitrust violations by the world's largest e-commerce company. Google has been criticized for spreading misinformation and extremist content, while Facebook was used by Russians trying to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Both Google and Facebook have been scrutinized for their dominance of digital advertising and their control of detailed user data needed to target ads. Kent Walker, Google's general counsel, said the company is developing housing initiatives that will address various effects from its development in San Jose. "We want this to be positive for all people involved," Walker said. When pressed, he didn't commit to specific requests from an activist at the meeting, but said that Google is actively engaged with city officials and already has plans to help reduce congestion in the area. During other recent shareholder meetings, protesters flew planes overhead with banners displaying grievances. The plane zipping over Facebook's meeting last week pulled a banner that read "You broke democracy," an advertisement from Freedom From Facebook, a group of privacy and antimonopoly activists that is pressing the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to break up the company. Some investors brought up long lists of Facebook issues to complain about, including data privacy and taxes, and the company had to kick one woman out of the meeting for repeated interruptions. The Amazon plane said "#Bezos needs a boss #Union SumOfUs." That was organized by SumOfUs, a group that says it's committed to curbing the growing power of corporations. It submitted a proposal at the shareholder meeting last week to create an independent chairman to stop letting chief executive officer Jeff Bezos "treat Amazon like his personal sandbox." Bezos said all large institutions, including corporations, should invite scrutiny. "Don't take it personally, because if you do take it personally you start doing things that are counterproductive," Bezos said. "We have to conduct ourselves in a way that when we are scrutinized, we pass with flying colors." Unequal Technologies of Glen Mills gave bullet proof backpack shields like this to eighth graders at St. Cornelius School in Chadds Ford, Read more Eighth graders at St Cornelius School in Chadds Ford have been given bullet proof shields for their backpacks as graduating gifts before heading off to high school. Rob Vito, president of Glen Mills-based Unequal Technologies, the firm that developed the 10-by-12-inch plates, donated the shields. His daughters attend the school. "Handguns are useless against a product like this. Shotguns are useless against a product like this," said Vito, according to news reports. The 15 students received the unusual gift on Monday. The donation follows a spate of high school shootings around the country that have claimed at least 29 lives since Jan. 1, including 17 people at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., and 10 people at the Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas. "I never thought I'd need this," graduating eighth grader Jacob Nicosia told Fox29. "We can't say 'It won't happen here' anymore. It happens in big cities and in little towns," principal Barbara Orsini told the Chester County Press. "But this product, I believe, is something that could help our children be safer." Vito also donated 25 of the shields, which retail for $150, to staff at the school. Come 6 o'clock in the evening, you'll find Steve Yates doing a jig in the corner. Sometimes that's the only way to satisfy the inexplicable and infuriating urge to move that sets in every night before bed, making sleep impossible. Yates' restless leg syndrome has gotten worse since he was a teenager. So when his sleep doctor recommended another sleep study his last was a decade ago to check for additional causes of his restlessness, he agreed. Yates, 60, didn't learn anything from his night at the sleep center in February, except to always inquire about cost and alternatives before agreeing to any medical procedure. He'll be paying off the $3,984 sleep study in monthly installments for the rest of the year. "I'm kicking myself," said Yates, who lives in Perkasie in northern Bucks County. A lot of people are spending that much and more in search of the elusive good night's sleep. More than a third of Americans don't get the recommended seven hours of shut-eye and as many as 70 million people have a chronic sleep disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Center on Sleep Disorder Research. Sleep studies, the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders, are such big business that the number of accredited sleep centers across the nation has soared from 500 in 2000 to 2,600 today. Independence Blue Cross, the largest private insurer in the Philadelphia region, has seen a 28 percent increase in the number of sleep studies it has been billed for over the last five years, with about 32,390 studies in 2017 alone. And that's just to get the diagnosis. Treatment from breathing machines for sleep apnea to special pillows and mattresses for those without a specific disorder looking for a little more comfort balloons this most natural human function into a $40 billion-a-year business. Sleep studies often the gateway to this big business vary in cost significantly, from a little more than $100 for an at-home test to the thousands that Yates spent for an overnight lab stay. Only people with a suspected sleep disorder such as restless leg, or sleep apnea, in which the airway becomes blocked during sleep need to be studied. But after decades of ignoring sleep problems and a rise in medical conditions such as obesity associated with sleep disorders, demand is steep. "This problem or this series of problems are so common and we haven't been paying attention to them for so long," said Karl Doghramji, medical director of the Jefferson Sleep Disorders Center. "The recognition of these disorders and the impact on body function is increasing, and with increasing recognition, doctors are now paying more attention to the possibility of these problems when they interview patients." A badge people wore Not so long ago, hard-charging Americans were bragging about how little sleep they needed. "It was almost a badge people wore I'm working harder, I'm losing sleep over it," said Ilene Rosen, a professor of clinical medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and immediate past president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. "Now people are realizing how sleep is one of the pillars of health." Consider: Insufficient sleep makes people more likely to develop diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and obesity, among other chronic conditions. Drowsiness causes hundreds of fatal car accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and costs $411 billion in lost productivity annually, according to a Rand Corp. study. Chronic sleep deficiency has even been associated with premature death. In response to these eye-opening statistics, the sleep medicine business has boomed. >> READ MORE: 5 heart problems caused by sleep apnea Not only are more consumers seeking out sleep specialists, other doctors also are referring their patients to these in-demand practitioners. Bruce Kramer, of West Chester, was so worried about his memory that he went to a neurologist to find out whether something was wrong with his brain. The doctor determined Kramer, 56, was fine in that department. But he thought perhaps an undiagnosed sleep disorder was contributing to Kramer's difficulties, and referred him to a sleep specialist. Kramer hadn't taken his snoring seriously until he was diagnosed with sleep apnea and began sleeping with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Suddenly, he felt better and his memory improved a little. "I knew I snored," he said, "I just didn't know how much it impacted me." Sleep apnea has dangerous implications for heart and lung health, and, aware of these risks, doctors have pushed patients to get tests. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine now estimates that 12 percent of adults have sleep apnea. High cost for decent sleep Mention "sleep study," and most people think of sleeping in a lab, head studded with electrodes. But at-home sleep studies are fueling much of the testing increase. Primarily used to diagnose sleep apnea, home tests cost $150 to $500. At-home tests explain why there was a 9 percent increase in sleep studies among Medicare beneficiaries between 2010 and 2014, yet a decrease in spending, to $189 million in 2014. At-home tests accounted for 12 percent of all sleep studies in these patients in 2014, compared with less than 1 percent in 2010. Sleep tests performed in a lab use advanced electrodes and sensors to measure more than a dozen different metrics in addition to breathing, such as brain waves, leg and eye movement, and oxygen levels. At-home tests focus on breathing and chest movements, using bands across the patient's chest and abdomen, and an air tube under the nose. They're adequate for diagnosing sleep apnea. But more complex problems such as narcolepsy or seizures during sleep require lab testing, said Doghramji, the Jefferson sleep doctor. Suspected sleep apnea sufferers with heart failure, lung disease, brain abnormalities, or other medical conditions also aren't good candidates for an at-home test. The cash price for a lab test, not including a doctor's fee, ranges from $577 to just under $4,200 in the Philadelphia area, according to Philly Price Check, the Inquirer's searchable database. (Please help us improve the database by going to philly.com/healthcosts to contribute your own billing information, or email it to us at healthcosts@philly.com.) Medicare pays $702 for an in-lab study. Sleep studies are often covered, at least in part, by insurance plans, but that coverage varies significantly. Yates, for example, has a health plan with a $7,500 deductible that he hadn't yet met when he had his sleep study, which is how he wound up with the entire $3,984 bill. Prices also differ depending on how many variables are being tracked. So why not avoid a potentially big bill and just use a FitBit or similar device to track your sleep? Doctors and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine say they like that activity trackers which can monitor not only exercise but how much of your time in bed is spent slumbering have gotten people more interested in their sleeping habits. But the data they produce are not standard across devices and have not been validated in medical settings. "The issue is they have not yet crossed the barrier from consumer products to medical products," Doghramji said. "They're not ready for primetime from a medical standpoint." Gadgets to help you sleep For people seeking an answer to such a frustrating problem as sleeplessness, a sleep study may be an enticing option. But many other issues, such as depression, anxiety, or simply less-than-ideal sleeping conditions could be at the root of your problem. If that's the case, a sleep study likely won't produce a diagnosis. But that doesn't mean you can't participate in the booming business of sleep. Activity trackers which claim to tell users how many hours they slept, how often they awoke, and how long they were in deep sleep are getting popular among fitness fanatics who know sleep is important to their health, as well as among people who have no intention of being active. "We can expect a lot more innovation and competition in this space because not everyone goes to the gym, but everyone needs to sleep," said Steve Koenig, vice president of research for the Consumer Technology Association. There are sensors that fit under mattresses and alarm clocks that wake you at the optimal point in your sleep cycle on the theory that lying in bed awake is counterproductive to good sleep and that waking from deep sleep can leave you feeling especially groggy. The Sleep Number 360 smart bed adjusts its firmness in response to body movement at night. Prices for a queen size mattress start at $1,700. At the Brookstone store in the King of Prussia Mall, a $70 pillow that stays cool all night and a $99 programmable sound machine are top sellers among customers seeking sleep help. "It can be a woman whose husband snores and wants to drown him out, or a man who gets warm at night and wants a solution," said Ginni Fay, the store's manager. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine cautions that such direct-to-consumer technology can't claim to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. The Consumer Technology Association is drafting standards for how activity trackers measure sleep, which would help validate the technology and accelerate new development, perhaps some day giving tracking devices a place in medicine. Rosen, the professor of clinical medicine, said it's clear that in sleep, as in the rest of medicine, the role of technology will continue to grow. "Our field is still a nascent field," she said. "There's a lot of science yet in sleep we don't know." Share your own experience and what you paid at Philly Price Check or by emailing healthcosts@philly.com. Or leave a voicemail message at 215-854-2500 describing the billing issue you would like to share. Abortion rights activists, from left, Ravina Daphtary of Philadelphia, Morgan Hopkins of Boston, and Alison Turkos of New York City, rejoice in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, Monday, June 27, 2016, as the justices struck down the strict Texas anti-abortion restriction law known as HB2. Read more Mayor Kenney has joined a bipartisan group of 80 mayors nationwide in decrying the Trump administration's proposed changes to the $260 million Title X family planning program. "The changes would have a devastating effect on our city and cities across the nation," Kenney said at a Wednesday news conference, sounding a theme of a letter the mayors sent Tuesday to President Trump's health secretary, Alex Azar. The proposed rules would deny funding to clinics that provide abortion or even tell women about it. In addition, clinics that perform abortions would have to be physically and financially separate from providers of other Title X services such as gynecological care, STD testing, and cancer screening. Title X providers give priority to low-income families, who receive care free or on a sliding scale. Federal funds are already prohibited by law from being used for abortion. The proposed requirements are similar to those that were put in place but never enforced under President Ronald Reagan. Opponents challenged the Reagan rules all the way to the Supreme Court, which upheld them. The policy was rescinded under President Bill Clinton, and a new provision was added that women must receive "nondirective" counseling about options including abortion. Unlike the Reagan regulations, the Trump proposal carves out a narrow situation in which a patient could be given an abortion referral: when she explicitly says she has already decided to have an abortion. She could then be given a list of clinics that includes some abortion providers. The Trump administration proposal, published Friday in the Federal Register for public comment, would hit Planned Parenthood particularly hard, potentially costing the organization millions of dollars. It is by far the biggest Title X recipient, getting more than $50 million a year. >> READ MORE: Dispute questions anti-abortion group's use of taxpayer dollars About 30,000 Philadelphia-area residents get Title X-funded services from the eight health centers run by Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania, according to CEO and president Dayle Steinberg. Steinberg spoke at the Wednesday press conference at City Hall, deriding what she called "a dangerous domestic gag rule" that would "remove the guarantee of receiving full, honest, complete information." Medical groups and public health organizations have echoed the mayors' fears that changing Title X would hurt women and low-income families. The mayors' letter says it "would be an attack on the well-being and economic security of those who already face barriers to access health care and need it most." Among the 19 Pennsylvania mayors who signed the letter were the leaders of Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Ambler. Anthony Wright gets a hug from Steve Waddell, left, at a family celebration at a South Street pizzeria in Philadelphia just hours after Wright was released in August 2016. Read more Anthony Wright, the Philadelphia man who served nearly 25 years of a life-without-parole sentence for a 1991 rape and murder that DNA evidence decades later proved he did not commit, on Wednesday received a nearly $10 million settlement from the city, the largest wrongful-conviction payout in Philadelphia history. The $9.85 million payment to Wright, 46, is more than double the largest previous payout by the city, of $4.4 million made in January 2017 to college student and food deliveryman Philippe Holland. He was shot multiple times by two plainclothes police officers after he had dropped off a cheeseburger at a West Philadelphia home in 2014. Last month, Philadelphia Police Officer Ryan Waltman was found liable for $10 million in the 2011 arrest of a city man he accused of pointing a gun at him and who spent three years in jail before being found not guilty by a jury. Because that verdict was not against the city, the eventual payout to the victim, Khanefah Boozer, is expected to be significantly smaller. Wright's case underscores how important DNA evidence is in criminal prosecutions. Statistics from the Innocence Project, whose lawyers were on Wright's legal team, show that since 1989, DNA evidence has led to exoneration of 356 people serving prison terms in the United States. In August 2016, with the DNA evidence on his side, Wright was retried in Common Pleas Court and was found not guilty by a jury whose members later expressed disgust with the District Attorney's Office for retrying the case in the face of evidence that proved Wright was not guilty of raping and killing Louise Talley inside her Nicetown home. DNA tests showed that sperm found inside Talley's body belonged to Ronnie Byrd, a former Nicetown crack addict who died in a South Carolina prison at age 62. The testing also proved that only Talley's DNA was inside clothing that homicide detectives say Wright told them he wore and that was found inside his bedroom in his mother's Nicetown house. The settlement is a fair resolution to a "tragic case," Mayor Kenney said in a statement Wednesday. "Mr. Wright has shown great dignity throughout this process, and I hope this resolution assists him and his family after what they have been through." Wright expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the case. "Although I will never get over the 25 years I spent in prison for crimes I did not commit, or missing time with my mother before she died or with my son the whole time he was growing up, I am relieved that I can now get on with my life," he said in a statement. "For the sake of my young grandchildren, I am encouraged that the City of Philadelphia will continue to take steps to make sure that what happened to me never happens to my grandchildren or any other child." A spokesman for District Attorney Larry Krasner, who took office in January, said the DA believes the decision to retry Wright "was unacceptable." "It is not a case that the current office would have retried," Ben Waxman said. "The city's decision to be accountable for law enforcement misconduct while protecting public funds is commendable." Peter Neufeld, one of Wright's attorneys and a founder of the Innocence Project, said: "Tony Wright, an innocent man, wrongfully charged and convicted, narrowly escaped execution when a divided jury declined to impose the death penalty. Mr. Wright maintained his innocence for 25 years and fought in the courts to win the right to DNA testing. His steadfastness, his grace under fire, inspire us all." The settlement does not include an admission of liability and will be paid over time: $4 million by June 30; $3 million by Aug. 30; and $2.85 million by Aug. 30, 2019. After the 2016 retrial ended in a not guilty verdict, jurors said they were disappointed that city prosecutors had decided in 2014 to retry the case. "I'm angry," Grace Greco, the jury forewoman, said after leaving the courtroom then. "The evidence was there that he did not commit this crime. The city should never have brought this case." In the more than a quarter-century since Wright was imprisoned, the city Police Department "has seen tremendous reforms," Police Commissioner Richard Ross said in a statement. He noted that advancements have been made in the area of forensic science and in investigative and interrogation procedures, including the videotaping of interrogations. Manuel Santiago and Martin Devlin, the now-retired homicide detectives who interrogated Wright and got him to sign a confession, have denied wrongdoing in their handling of the investigation. Wright, who testified at both trials, denied confessing to the rape and murder. The seventh-grade dropout said he was berated by the detectives for about four hours before he signed the statement without reading it. In addition to Wright's alleged confession, city prosecutors relied on statements by five witnesses, four of whom testified at the original 1993 trial. Two of the witnesses had died by the 2016 retrial their testimony was read to the new jury and the remaining three recanted their statements that they had seen Wright going into Talley's house. John Dougherty, business manager of the city trades council, said the union would support an elimination of the 10-year tax abatement in a letter sent to Council members. Read more In an attempt to squash a tax on new construction to fund affordable housing, the building trades union sent a fiery letter to City Council members today saying it would support "radically altering or eliminating" the city's ten-year tax abatement over the new levy. Council's finance committee is expected to vote later Wednesday afternoon on advancing the one-percent tax on new construction. The letter, written by John "Johnny Doc" Dougherty, head of the city's electrician's union, circulated hours before the vote and pledged that the union would pay for an audit, going back five years, of "every abated property in the city and every contractor operating in the city to check their licenses, permits, the number of minority workers they've hired." Dougherty also took the opportunity to defend the trades' hiring of minority workers, a major concern that council has raised in recent years and to go on the attack on the issue. "What we find ironic is that the Building Trade receives very few hiring recommendations for kids of color from members of City Council. In fact, the requests from Council members for us to host fund-raisers for them or make campaign contributions to them outnumber recommendations of qualified minority kids by a margin of 50 to 1. Conversely, the Trades constantly recruits kids of color into our unions." Council President Darrell L. Clarke did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the letter. A Council official said the letter would not affect Council's decision on the tax. "It'll help secure votes," the source said, "We had a couple of people that were iffy but don't like to be bullied." Dougherty said the tax, which has the support of the Building Industry Association, could deter Amazon and other businesses from coming to Philadelphia. "We also take issue with the terrible timing of this antibusiness tax proposal, given that the city, with significant assistance from the Trades, is on the short-list for Amazon's second national headquarters," Dougherty said. "This onerous tax proposal at this crucial time essentially tells Amazon that we're not interested in their business. Dumb." Proponents of the bill have projected that the one percent tax, which would be levied on all new construction, excluding not-for-profit developers, could raise more than $20 million a year for affordable housing. As the city experiences one of its biggest development booms in history, affordable housing has started disappearing. The money would go into a trust fund that developers non profit or private could use to build housing or rental units for people making up to $105,000 per year (120 percent of the area median income for the region). The money could also fund down payments and closing costs. The tax is the product of about a year of negotiations among politicians, housing advocates and developers. On Wednesday about 100 members of the Philadelphia Coalition for Affordable Communities protested against the bill outside City Hall, arguing it won't help the city's neediest because families making up to $105,000 could benefit from the funds. The hearing is scheduled for later this afternoon. If passed, Council will vote on the bill later this month. In a word, Darnell L. Moore's compelling memoir No Ashes in the Fire is vulnerable. An activist and journalist, Moore takes readers through the glorious and traumatic experiences of his self-discovery as a young queer man growing up in Camden and Philadelphia. "I wanted to write a book that would be in the hands of a young person," Moore, 42, says, "a younger version of me, someone who needs the words now that I needed when I was growing up and didn't have access to." He brings his book to Philadelphia this week with three appearances: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 7, at the People's Sanctuary, 5507 Germantown Ave.; 6 p.m., Friday, June 8, at the Penn Book Center, 130 S. 34th St.; and a noon appearance Saturday at St. Paul's Baptist Church, 1000 Wallace St. When did you feel the need to write this book? I had an idea for a book for maybe the last three or four years, and the book that's printed now wasn't the book that I intended to write. I knew I wanted to write a book about the lives of LGBTQ youth of color, but I thought it would be more shaped like a social science book, more theoretical. I'm happy how it turned out. You take readers through your family history, dating back to 1877. You write, "Stumbling through the present unaware of the people and circumstances from which I came was like walking in the dark." What was the process of uncovering your past? I did a lot of research. I talked to family members. I combed the internet looking for birth certificates and death certificates and voter registration cards and military registration cards. I come from a family where histories are passed orally, but we also don't talk a lot about our past. I have a great-grandmother that pretty much taught herself to read while working overwhelming hours in dire conditions. So the light came by understanding who my people were and the strength they called upon to create a life that I can live and be here today. You bring up the Inquirer's coverage of Camden, with headlines such as "Violence, delinquency flare among E. Camden students," and articles such as one on Horacio Jimenez, who was described as "a big man, especially for a Puerto Rican." Do you think anything has changed in the way the media cover these communities? I've been very vocal as a media-maker and as a journalist regarding the way that, even to this day, when it comes to reporting on black people's lives our lived experiences, issues that we are impacted by we still see biased coverage. From the headlines to the [types of stories] we choose to cover, whether that's the spectacular nature of black trauma or our refusal to cover the everyday sparks of resiliency and brilliance in our community. Now, do we have more voices that are pushing against that? Yes. But when you think about [the lack of] black senior editors or above in their organization, we have a lot of work to do. When I would read the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Courier-Post, what was reported about Camden often read as a deficit analysis. Black and Latinx folks were portrayed as the people responsible for the shaping of Camden, as if there wasn't a long history of political neglect, political malfeasance, white flight, racial supremacy, and so much else. You have come close to death repeatedly. In your book, you describe being nearly set on fire, having a heart attack, and attempting suicide. How have those moments changed you? I've been shaped by my trauma. I didn't want to spectacularize that, but I wanted to point out how common those types of incidents can be in the lives of those who exist on the edge of the margin. I've also been reshaped by the love that was present in those moments, too. You write that queerness is a "way of life people fear because in it they might find freedom." Why do people fear that way of life? There's something about becoming comfortable in the cages that have been built for us, whether that's a rigid understanding of masculinity/manhood, or a rigid understanding of sexuality. For many of us, those socially constructed ideas are also cages. You know what happens when we spend a long time in those cages? We get comfortable. There's a fear of what can happen once you leave the cage and defy the norm. There's a fear of what's on the other side when you decide to embrace your whole self. Whom do you trust? I trust my mom and my family. I trust black people. I believe that black people are so easily disposed of in this country, [especially] those of us that do wrong. I believe to love radically is to figure out how we [prevent doing] to each other what the system has done to us, and I put my faith in that. Mary Jane Fonder, center, is escorted by a Pennsylvania State Trooper to her arraignment hearing in 2008. Fonder, 79, died Monday in prison. Read more The newly revived investigation into the disappearance of Edward Fonder III was complicated Monday by the death of his daughter the last person to see him alive 25 years ago. Mary Jane Fonder, 75, was pronounced dead of cardiac arrest at the state correctional facility in Muncy, according to the Bucks County District Attorney's Office. Fonder had been incarcerated at the prison since 2008, when she was convicted of killing Rhonda Smith in a bizarre murder that drew national media to her quiet corner of upper Bucks County. Fonder's name was thrust back into the headlines in May, when investigators from the District Attorney's Office began to look more closely into her father's disappearance. Their renewed focus came after John Brunner, a longtime neighbor of the Fonder family who purchased their long-empty home on Winding Road in Springfield Township, gave detectives "unfettered access," according to District Attorney Matthew Weintraub. During a visit to the property on May 22, investigators were unable to find any definitive sign of the elder Fonder by using ground-penetrating radar. Weintraub promised that the probe would continue, a point he echoed Tuesday, saying in a statement that his office "is still concerned about returning the remains to the family for closure and a proper burial." After being granted access to the Fonder house, investigators approached Mary Jane Fonder anew, but she declined to speak with them. Neighbors and sources close to the case recalled her recently as a polite if eccentric woman who kept to herself and had a knack for sculpting and painting, often making gifts of her artwork for friends. She moved in with her parents in Springfield Township in 1987 to help care for them after losing her job as a bookkeeper in Philadelphia, she told the Inquirer in 1994. Over the years, her relationship with her father grew especially strained. And when he walked out of his home for the last time in 1993, she bristled at what she called "harassment of the highest order" by police probing his still-unresolved disappearance. A decade later, she left rambling, often incoherent voicemails for Gregory Shreaves, the Lutheran preacher she believed Smith was having an affair with. Fonder later told investigators she had "very sexual [and] warm feelings about" him. After Smith's slaying, Fonder threw herself at the younger woman's family, baking them pies and writing heartfelt letters of condolence. The gestures seemed especially strange when, months later, detectives cracked the case after recovering a pistol registered to Fonder in nearby Lake Nockamixon, a pistol with ballistics that matched the fatal wounds dealt to Smith. Even after her conviction, Fonder maintained her innocence. "I'm sorry, so very sorry this poor woman was murdered," she said at the end of her jury trial in 2008. "But in the name of God I did not kill Rhonda Smith." Theres hummus among us Hummus has long had a place at the table. Over the last few years, some tasty, fast options have sprung up in Center City. This week, we visit a terrific new ramen/sushi specialist in Old City, a quirky brunch spot-slash-pizzeria in Fishtown, and a homespun taqueria in Norristown. Craig LaBan is here to discuss an oddity regarding "hot" restaurant neighborhoods. And oh, yes. Today is the launch of Center City Sips, the Center City District's seasonal Wednesday happy hour. If you need food news, click here and follow me on Twitter and Instagram. Email tips, suggestions, and questions here. READ MORE: sign up here Michael Klein Were crazy for chickpeas, gonzo for garbanzo beans around here. This week, L.A.-based Hummus Republic joined the hometown hummus happenings with a tiny franchised shop at 115 S. 18th St., most recently Konditori coffee. HR is an assembly-line, build-your-own situation pita ($8.75), bowl, salad ($9.95). Huge variety: Four kinds of hummus, a feta dip, tzatziki. Add a protein (such as braised vegetables, chicken shawarma, lemon chicken, falafel, vegan "beef," pasture-raised steak strips), choose unlimited toppings (pomegranate kale salad, tabbouleh, kalamata olives, etc.), and add dressings (tahini, hot sauce, lemon/olive oil, etc.). There's also a vegan burger ($8.95, served with waffle-cut sweet potato fries), and assorted flavors of lemonade with comp refills. Initial thoughts: Outstanding value. Control freaks will enjoy the options, and the line moves fairly briskly considering the newness. Vegans now have another destination up the street from HipCityVeg and not far from such competitors as Dizengoff, Goldie, Hey Hummus, Mama's Vegetarian, Noon Mediterranean, and Naf Naf Grill. I found HR's chicken shawarma lacked signature smokiness; then I saw it came from a heat-up bag pulled from a box. (Obviously little prep space.) Signature hummus is thick and kind of bland, unlike the creamy hummus-tahini jawns at, say, Dizengoff, Hey Hummus, Mama's, and Hummusology across town. Tip: Ask for tahini on the side, and mix your own. There are a few seats in the window, but overall HR is meant for takeout. Where were enjoying happy hour Veda, 1920 Chestnut St. 5-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 6-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday The bar at this modern Indian bistro is tucked behind glass off the entrance, giving you looks at Chestnut Street while sparing patrons in the dining room. Happy hour brings tasty specials all year. During Center City Sips, starting today, the margaritas (that most Indian of cocktails) come down to just $6. Where were eating: Tomo Sushi & Ramen Bar, Medusa, Ricos Tacos Old City north of Market has become quite the Japanese destination, what with stalwart Kisso and the sleek new Tuna Bar. Now comes Tomo, where Andy Kho who made maki at Kisso for a decade before, he says, he was fired turns out sushi and ramen in a tranquil storefront at 228 Arch St., next to dessert gem ICI Macarons. The look is vaguely Doma in Logan Square meets Fat Salmon (where Kho worked during Tomo's year of development). Hours are in flux, but include weekday lunch (specials abound on the sushi bar) and daily dinner. It's BYO; phone is 267-519-0209. Is it Medusa Pizzeria or Green Eggs Cafe? Both. Since Green Eggs took over the fam-friendly Neapolitan pizzeria at York and Gaul Streets in Fishtown last month, you get brunch grub till 4 p.m. At 5 p.m., an expanded Italian menu kicks in with reasonably priced pastas and solid apps, including shrimp scampi, seared scallops, wood-fired ribs, and these lemon-rosemary wings, dusted with sea salt and served with grilled lemon and blistered tomatoes. It's BYOB, cash-only (ATM on premises). Second-floor deck is the way to go; on a clear day. you can see I-95. There's nothing fancy about the Mexican food scene in Norristown just outstanding hole-in-wall taquerias. Ricos Tacos (239 E Main St., 610-275-1313) has the tipico favorites, including barbacoa, carne asada, chorizo, and chicken, but also cabeza and lingua all for $2.83 each ($3, including tax). On weekends, the kitchen turns out tamales with chicken and cheese ($2.50 each), plus the spicy Jalisco stew known as birria ($13), a feast. Atmosphere? Not much. The dining room is the back of a bodega. It's cash-only and closed Tuesdays (so no taco Tuesday, obvi). Dining Notes Center City Sips starts today with higher prices, as organizers try to bougie it up. Our coverage starts here. And the official site is here. Saturday, June 9: Fishtown FestivAle will run along five blocks of Frankford Avenue, from Girard Avenue to Oxford Street, with a full slate of food and drink and three stages featuring live DJs from noon to 8 p.m. Info is here. Sunday, June 10: The eighth annual Burger Brawl, postponed from last week, is to be tried again outside Xfinity Live with dozens of burger, taco, and cocktail samplings, benefiting the School District of Philadelphia, from 3 to 6 p.m. Info is here. This weeks openings Frankie Ann's Grill | Fairmount Rembrandt's gets new life. Jerry Blavat will host the grand opening party starting at 3 p.m. June 7. Hummus Republic | Rittenhouse Mediterranean fast-casual, mostly takeout. It's Nutts on the Canal | Lambertville The crew from the casual It's Nutt's in Titusville, N.J., has taken over the long-running Lilly's at 2 Canal St. with a similarly situated bruncherie. (Early word suggests service goofs.) Koreana | Rittenhouse Fast-casual Korean bowls and dumplings just opened at 37 S. 19th St., the long-ago Matyson. Tomo | Old City A veteran sushi chef presents sushi and ramen in a peaceful storefront. Wander Inn | South Philadelphia Corner bar (Third and Porter) reclaims the name of a South Philly landmark. Easy menu, six beers on tap. This weeks closings Blue Duck on Broad | Avenue of the Arts The yearling pub next to the Bellevue's parking garage ran out of steam; supposedly a new tenant is waiting in the wings. Danlu | University City This two-story Taiwanese street-fooder, open only six months. will be closed all summer for an undisclosed reboot. Shoo-Fry | Rittenhouse The subterranean poutine specialist never got off the ground. Smoke's Poutinerie | Queen Village The Canada-based poutine franchise has served its last spud. Craig LaBan answers your dining questions Reader: Your review of Cadence sounds terrific, but how do South Kensington and Fishtown get so many interesting eats and the Graduate Hospital/Fitler Square area so few? Not fair! The small three-story house with no parking around the corner from us on Bainbridge just sold for $900,000. Perhaps they'll have no money left for dinner, but I'm guessing not. Craig LaBan: You've touched on an ongoing mystery to me, as well: Why, of all the fast-evolving neighborhoods, has the Graduate Hospital/Fitler zone accumulated so many underwhelming, unadventurous places? The most forward-cooking fine-dining kitchen there is still Pumpkin, the tiny BYOB that is already 14 years old (but aging gracefully). The answer considers both demographics and real estate. The right mix of residents just hasn't been quite been there to support a cutting-edge restaurant. There are a lot of Penn students and that's resulted in a vague college-town vibe to the many casual new places that have popped up around South Street West. There are well-to-do residents in the sprawling Naval Square development, but its origin as a gated community did not foster much spillover to a thriving restaurant scene beyond its walls. Lovely Fitler Square, just north, meanwhile, is filled with older empty-nesters who still pine for the mushroom soup of the old Friday Saturday Sunday. (Just kidding! I liked that soup, too!) Actually, the new edition of Fri Sat Sun is definitely in Cadence's league in terms of culinary thrills, but it's officially in the Rittenhouse neighborhood, which is a well-established dining destination. In the neighborhoods we're talking about just south and west, Pub & Kitchen has always overachieved on the plate for a gastropub. Rex 1516 has its moments for southern inspirations, too, beyond its excellent burgers. And I like Trattoria Carina on 22nd Street just fine, as well, but it only exists because the more ambitious Fitler Dining Room struggled to win lasting support from a neighborhood that just didn't warm to that kind of upscale dining. But it really also comes down to real estate. In Fishtown and Kenzo, as well as East Passyunk, you have both the millennial demographic of hungry, adventurous young professionals living there and the reasonable retail rents (at least for now) where start-up entrepreneurs can take chances, invest $120,000 or less to get up and running (as Cadence did), and still keep menu prices within reach. More tellingly, many of these emerging neighborhoods are also close to where many restaurant industry staffers live. So, when chef Michael Fry passed by the corner storefront at Girard Avenue and Hancock Street and saw Modo Mio was suddenly up for rent, which started the ball rolling for Cadence, he and partners Jon Nodler and Samantha Kincaid decided to open their dream restaurant not in Center City where they'd worked together at Fork and High Street on Market, but in South Kensington close to home. For those living in G-Ho and Fitler Square, the blocks in Point Breeze just south of Washington Avenue are ripe for similar pioneering bistro action, though to date mostly gastropubs (i.e. American Sardine Bar) and Mexican spots have thrived. But it's important to also let each neighborhood find its own unique voice, and the recent news that Dock Street Brewing Co. plans to open a large production space and taproom in a former tile warehouse at 2118 Washington Ave. is especially intriguing. This longtime industrial corridor feels poised for a major transformation into a thriving commercial strip. Will it bring fine-dining thrills, too? Who knows. But as with so much in Philly these days, if the craft beer starts flowing, good things are likely to follow. Email Craig here. A cross-section of Philadelphia's criminal justice community spoke out Wednesday against deploying an algorithm to influence how people convicted of crimes in Pennsylvania are sentenced, saying the proposal by a state agency could cement racial inequities and perpetuate other flaws in a criminal justice system in need of reform. Dozens of speakers, including community activists, defense attorneys, and officials from the District Attorney's Office said the tool proposed by the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing was defective, mislabeled, and even dangerous, a faulty metric that could improperly influence judges or lead to overly harsh sentences, especially against people of color. Mark Houldin, policy director for the Defender Association of Philadelphia, said the algorithm which would weigh a number of variables to assess the chances someone might reoffend in the future would "perpetuate incarceration." Troy Wilson, a Philadelphia defense attorney, said it could be "tantamount to sentencing someone based on mere chance." Jondhi Harrell, founder of the Center for Returning Citizens, an advocacy group, said, "We would ask that the basic humanity of our people not be reduced to a number." Their remarks came during a public hearing on the issue at the Criminal Justice Center in Center City, one of three listening sessions across the state that the Sentencing Commission is holding before voting on whether to approve the risk assessment metric. Risk assessment tools in the criminal justice system are not new: Philadelphia's Adult Probation and Parole Department uses data to help manage its supervision program, and other jurisdictions use them to help inform decisions about bail, sentencing, and parole. But the topic is controversial, with proponents saying such programs can provide an unbiased, objective method for evaluating cases, and critics saying they simply reinforce or enhance a system's existing flaws. The development of Pennsylvania's sentencing risk-assessment tool was mandated by a 2010 state Senate bill that enacted reforms to try to stem a swelling prison population. The idea behind the sentencing risk assessment was to provide a measurement on how likely a person would be to reoffend, in hope that those viewed as "low risk" could be diverted from prison or given a shorter sentence. The Sentencing Commission has spent eight years developing its potential rubric. As currently constructed, the risk assessment would assign someone convicted of a crime a risk level of reoffending based on different "risk scales" and "outcome measures," according to the Sentencing Commission. Factors would include age, gender, and the number and types of prior convictions. The committee said the assessment alone should not be used as a factor to add or subtract prison time, but should help judges determine whether to seek more information before imposing a sentence. But Houldin, of the Defender Association, said that even with that caveat, the tool seemed likely to influence judges and lead them to hand out stiffer sentences to people labeled "high risk" based on flawed metrics. Charles M. Gibbs, an attorney and president of the Barristers' Association of Philadelphia, an organization of black lawyers, called the program "junk science." "This tool backs racial discrimination into the case," Gibbs said. "Garbage in, garbage out." Mike Lee, interim director of legislation and government affairs for District Attorney Larry Krasner, said, "We do have concerns about this instrument, and we look forward to helping develop the most useful instrument possible to improve public safety and end mass incarceration." Not one speaker during the three-hour hearing voiced support for the tool, which the Sentencing Commission is scheduled to vote on next week. It will become law unless the legislature takes action to stop it, something State Sen. Sharif Street (D., Phila.) a member of the sentencing commission and an opponent of the tool said he would consider. A federal judge ruled in the favor of the administration of Mayor Jim Kenney, here at the beginning of the dedication of LOVE Park in May. Read more A federal judge has ruled for Philadelphia in its highly contentious "sanctuary city" case against the Trump administration, saying the city's refusal to help enforce immigration laws is based on policies that are reasonable, rational, and equitable. U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson issued his decision Wednesday afternoon, following a four-day trial this spring and nearly a year of litigation, ruling that the Trump administration's attempt to withhold about $1.5 million in federal law-enforcement grant money "violates statutory and constitutional law." The money comes under what is called an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. "The city is entitled to prompt payment of the JAG funds," the judge said. The Trump administration wanted to withhold the funds unless the city agreed to actively assist federal authorities in identifying and turning over undocumented immigrants. The city sued in the summer of 2017, saying the Police Department is not an arm of immigration enforcement, and that making it one would damage community relations. After the ruling became public, Mayor Kenney was captured on video as he broke into what looked like a Snoopy "happy dance," slapping a high five with chief of staff Jane Slusser as he sang out, "A sanctuary city, yeah!" Meeting later with reporters, the Irish American mayor joked that he usually doesn't dance unless he's had "a couple of wines," then choked up as he spoke of earlier trials of Irish, Italian, Jewish and Japanese immigrants. "Philadelphia has always been and will always be a welcoming city," he said. "Philadelphia needs its immigrant community." The mayor, long at war with President Trump, said the decision "prevents a White House run by a bully from bullying Philadelphia into changing its policies." Efforts to contact U.S. Justice Department senior trial counsel Daniel Schwei, who battled the city in court, were unsuccessful. Justice Department spokesman Devin O'Malley called the judge's ruling "a victory for criminal aliens in Philadelphia, who can continue to commit crimes in the city knowing that its leadership will protect them from federal immigration officers whose job it is to hold them accountable and remove them from the country." The Justice Department continues to maintain that it exercised authority given by Congress to attach conditions "designed to keep Americans safe" to public-safety grants, he said. The department will continue to fight to keep its "commitment to the rule of law, protecting public safety, and keeping criminal aliens off the streets." The city challenged three specific conditions of the grant: First, that it must provide U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE, with access to city prisons to conduct interviews with inmates. Second, that when ICE asks, the city must provide advance notice of when undocumented people are being released from prison. And third, that the city must comply with a law that, according to the federal government, requires local officials to share information about the citizenship or immigration status of any person. Baylson, who was appointed by President George W. Bush in 2002, shot those down. "The public statements of President Trump and Attorney General [Jeff] Sessions, asserting that immigrants commit more crimes than native-born citizens, are inaccurate as applied to Philadelphia, and do not justify the imposition of these three conditions," he wrote. In his ruling, Baylson said that given that 11 million undocumented people live in the United States, "most of them living peacefully with families, children and good jobs," the complexity of the Philadelphia case demonstrates "the sheer impossibility, as well as great expense, of relying on a policy of 'removal' (deportation)." At the heart of the case was a relatively small amount of money somewhat more than $1.5 million in a grant to a city with a $4.4 billion budget but a big principle: whether the Trump administration can hold back money unless the city agrees to make its Police Department help federal agents identify and arrest people who immigrated without appropriate documents. A key issue was the city's refusal to honor ICE detainers for people who were being released from custody, viewing those papers as administrative requests, not binding. City officials say they will respond to a detainer only if that paperwork is accompanied by a signed warrant from a judge. The administration argued that city policies allow dangerous criminals to be released into the community when they should be deported to their homelands. It wanted the city to hold people on detainer until ICE agents can get there. The Justice Department statement included a list of seven foreign nationals, convicted of crimes including aggravatged assault and delivering cocaine, who the department said were released because the city did not honor an ICE detainer. Broadly defined, a sanctuary city limits its cooperation with federal authorities who enforce immigration laws. Those cities' leaders aim to ease fears of deportation among undocumented residents, believing that members of immigrant communities will then be more willing to report crime. Across the U.S., dozens of states, cities, counties and other jurisdictions have declared themselves or been tagged as "sanctuary cities." Federal courts in Illinois and California, like in Philadelphia, have moved to restrict how the administration may act to compel local governments to help enforce immigration law. "This decision is binding on Philadelphia, but some legal principles could be used as persuasive authority in other courts," Philadelphia City Solicitor Marcel Pratt said on Wednesday. Philadelphia officials reject the title of "sanctuary city," saying they simply enforce city policies that provide equal treatment for people who come into contact with the criminal-justice system, regardless of immigration status. Immigrants who commit crimes are arrested and charged just like anyone else, city officials said. "This [ruling] should reaffirm to our immigrant communities that we are glad you are here, we want you here, we will always fight to ensure that Philadelphia remains a welcoming city to all," said Miriam Enriquez, head of the city Office of Immigrant Affairs. In earlier opinions and writings on the case, the judge summoned tales from Greek mythology, German folklore and the New Testament. This decision was no different, quoting Act 4, Scene 7, from Hamlet: "No place indeed should murder sanctuarize." Baylson compared Philadelphia officials to the sailors in Homer's Odyssey, seeking to avoid the mythical sea monsters Scylla and Charybdis as they travel to the island of Thrinacia. "To Philadelphia, Scylla represents compliance with a federal statute requiring that the city issue no guidance restricting its police and other officials from sharing information about the immigration status of city residents, while Charybdis represents $1.6 million that Philadelphia would use to provide vital resources to bolster its local criminal justice prerogatives." The city, he wrote, "can steer safely to Thrinacia, accepting the $1.6 million without compromising its local objectives." Ben Simmons gives a shout-out to Fuji Mountain restaurant to Bon Appetit. Read more For its first-ever roundup of America's Favorite Neighborhood Restaurants, the food publication Bon Appetit asked 80 people in various walks of life, including writers, actors, athletes, and chefs, to share the local spots they love the most. The mag sought neighborhood restaurants that "feel specifically customized for you, and all the other regulars that return for that specific feeling of comfort you can never quite explain," a rep said. "The imperfections are part of the charm; the everydayness is precisely the allure." Ben Simmons of the Sixers pays tribute to the long-running Fuji Mountain Japanese Restaurant at 2030 Chestnut St.: "I can never pass up a shrimp tempura sushi roll with a side of edamame," he said. "Plus, I love the low-key vibe upstairs at night." (We're not quite sure these days with whom Ben is low-key vibing with upstairs at night.) Also mentioned in the feature: The Atlantic City landmark Tony's Baltimore Grill, of which BA social-media manager Emily Schultz says: "When I think of Tony's, I think of red. Red-rimmed plates, red plastic baskets filled with crunchy-on-the-outside, pillowy-soft-on-the-inside Italian bread, and most importantly, the red sauce." Cathedral Village, in the Upper Roxborough section of Philadelphia, is where Herbert R. McMaster Sr., the father of former national security adviser H.R. McMaster Jr., die on April 13. Read more A call from the White House to the Philadelphia Police Department kicked off a criminal investigation into the April 13 death of Herbert R. McMaster Sr. at Cathedral Village, according to testimony Tuesday at the preliminary hearing for Christann S. Gainey, a licensed practical nurse who was charged in McMaster's death. Albert Chu, deputy chief medical examiner, testified that Lt. Philip Riehl called him April 16 and told him the White House had called the homicide department regarding the death of McMaster, the 84-year-old father of former national security adviser H.R. McMaster Jr. "I don't know when the White House contacted Lt. Riehl," Chu said during cross-examination by Gainey's lawyer, Sharon Piper. He said there was no attempt to influence his autopsy report, which concluded that McMaster died from the "blunt-force trauma" of hitting his head when he fell late on April 12. The internal bleeding was significant "enough to distort the surface of the brain," Chu said. A homicide detective was assigned to the case on April 19. Christopher Jason, a deputy in the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General who is prosecuting the case against Gainey along with Nathan Guinta, said in court that he had not previously known about the call from the White House. It was documented in a supplement to Chu's autopsy report. H.R. McMaster Jr. was fired in March and replaced in April. The state Attorney General's Office on May 10 charged Gainey, 30, who was employed by a Plymouth Meeting temp agency, with neglect of a care-dependent person, involuntary manslaughter, and falsification of records, alleging that Gainey did not perform any of the required neurological checks on McMaster after his fall. Tuesday's preliminary hearing before Municipal Court Judge Karen Y. Simmons provided some additional details on conditions at Cathedral Village during the last night of McMaster's stay. The retirement community in the Upper Roxborough section of Philadelphia includes a nursing home that is open to nonresidents. McMaster went there for care following a stroke. One of three nursing assistants scheduled to work the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift that started on April 12 was two hours late for work and then took a two-hour nap during the shift, Piper alleged, limiting the amount of care available for the 39 patients on the first floor of Cathedral Village's rehabilitation wing. Because McMaster had four falls between 9:45 p.m. on April 9 and 1:55 a.m. on April 12, he was supposed to have one-on-one care, testified Syreeta Carter, who was Cathedral Village's assistant director of nursing at the time. Yet, McMaster's fall late on April 12, that allegedly led to his death, was not witnessed. Equipment that could have been used to automatically track McMaster's vital signs was not working. Two recent Pennsylvania Department of Health inspections, including one following McMaster's death, found significant problems with the care at the facility, which has been owned by the nonprofit Presbyterian Senior Living since 2015. In a report on McMaster's death, the state department found that Cathedral Village did not properly investigate the four earlier falls, did not complete all the required neurological checks, and failed to develop plans to prevent additional falls. In an earlier report, the health department said Cathedral Village provided lax oversight of temporary staff. A Philadelphia police spokesman declined to comment. Vanessa Morrone, White House director of regional communications, said Tuesday evening that she was still trying to gather information on the phone call. The preliminary hearing will be continued July 9. Simmons must decide whether there is enough evidence against Gainey, who attended Tuesday's hearing, for the case to go to trial. President Donald Trump sings the National Anthem during a "Celebration of America" event at the White House, Tuesday, June 5, 2018, in Washington, in lieu of a Super Bowl celebration for the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles that he canceled. Read more Why did a group of Pennsylvania small-business owners celebrate Tuesday with President Trump at a White House ceremony where the Philadelphia Eagles weren't welcome? Tax cuts and less red tape were two main reasons. "For members, this was a chance to thank the Trump administration for the work they have done to reduce regulations," said Kevin Shivers, the executive state director for National Federation of Independent Businesses in Pennsylvania. Shivers organized a delegation of Eagles fans and group members to attend a celebration of the team's Super Bowl victory after the White House reached out to invite the group, which has strongly backed the president. On Monday evening, Shivers received a call saying that the champions would not be there. Trump canceled the team's visit amid reports that fewer than 10 players would show up. The visit was a high-profile case for the NFIB, a small-business advocacy group located in all 50 state capitals as well as Washington. The group sends members to present "the small-business perspective" to branches of federal and state governments. Pennsylvania has about 14,000 NFIB members, Shivers said. He said the 24 members who visited the White House represented many different industries construction, manufacturing, and retail, among them reflecting its membership. Shivers said his priority to ensure their success in the state is more attainable in today's economy than it has been in decades, which he attributes to Trump. His administration, by decreasing the number of regulations, eliminates some of the more "overwhelming" aspects of owning a small company. The group's Small Business Optimism Index also reached record highs in April, the NFIB site reported. And the U.S. unemployment rate was 3.8 percent in May, the government reported. Ryan Sweet, director of real-time economics at Moody's Analytics, said crediting Trump for the current economy can be overstated. "Presidents typically inherit economies. So for the first year of Trump's administration, that was the Obama economy," Sweet said, while Trump is responsible for the economy in the second year of his administration and beyond. Decreased regulations generally help small businesses, Sweet noted. But he said increased tariffs that the president imposed on steel and aluminum last month could hurt small businesses in the future. Shivers acknowledged NFIB members may have "individualized concerns" about these tariffs, but said the group is not focused on the issue. Jack London, CEO of London Financial Group and an NFIB advisory board member from Chester County, noted that "no Eagle has ever taken a knee" during the national anthem in a game during the regular season or postseason, but said he was disappointed with the players who were planning to skip the celebration and thinks it was a "mistake on their part to protest" in this instance. "You may not like the president, and I get that, but I respect the office," London said. "We're talking about the office of the president, we're not talking about the president himself." THE PARENTS: Jennifer Ellis, 33, and Mike Ellis, 37, of Flourtown THE KIDS: Emily Nicole, 3; Abigail Nicole, born April 1, 2018 HOW JENN KNEW THIS WAS THE KEEPER RELATIONSHIP: "When we had our first argument and I felt like I wanted to work it out." The way Mike remembers it, the birth of their second child was progressing evenly toward their hoped-for VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarian). Jenn's water had broken at home; now they were laboring at Einstein Medical Center Montgomery. The midwives checked: Nine centimeters. Game time. Mike readied his camera. But with each push, the baby's heart rate sank. Suddenly, an OB was ordering an emergency C-section, and Jenn was whisked to the operating room. Their daughter emerged, the umbilical cord coiled twice around her neck. Mike watched as a neonatal team pressed on the baby's tiny chest, then inserted a ventilator tube to help her breathe. "What's going on?" Jenn asked groggily from the table. "They're working on her," was all Mike could say. And then a doctor was talking to him, softly but firmly, explaining about oxygen deprivation and possible brain injury and a preventive treatment that involved cooling the baby's body to 92 degrees for three days. "The whole thing was the most surreal time," Mike says. "Things were going so well; then all of a sudden, you're in the middle of this nightmare." What the doctor was outlining a treatment for birth asphyxia, also called hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) "seemed like the logical thing to do. Maybe it's the engineer in me. I thought: This makes sense." Mike met the ambulance at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and spent the next three days shuttling from his daughter's incubator to his wife's bedside at Einstein. "It was horrible. I didn't get to hold her until she was six days old," Jenn says. "I thought: What's going to ultimately happen? Will she be able to breathe on her own? Eat on her own? There I was in this lonely hospital room, recovering, pumping milk for a baby who wasn't even there." The cooling procedure worked: Abigail's brain MRI looked normal. "We cried tears of joy when they told us we could bring her home," Jenn says. The experience made their first daughter's birth, in retrospect, seem like a cakewalk. That time, it had taken nearly a year to conceive, an agonizing wait for two inveterate planners. "I felt hopeless. I wanted to be a parent so badly. It was a dark time for me," Jenn says. When she did become pregnant, she was too ecstatic to share the news with Mike the way she'd planned, by slipping a spoon that read, "You're going to be a dad!" into his morning coffee. Instead, she just shouted from the bathroom. By 20 weeks, they'd assembled a crib, set up the nursery, and folded stacks of infant clothes in gender-neutral green and yellow. At 41 weeks, the night before a scheduled induction, Jenn woke at 2 a.m. with contractions that quickly ramped from decisive to excruciating. At the hospital, after an epidural, Jenn's labor stalled. "Once we started getting to the 24-hour mark, they said, 'We're recommending a C-section because of failure to progress,' " Mike says. "We were pretty upset about that. It was not our birth plan." "But we were exhausted," Jenn says. "So we did it." Following the birth, Jenn developed postpartum preeclampsia and needed a 24-hour magnesium drip, which felt like fire licking her veins. They brought Emily home the moment doctors gave them clearance to leave never mind that it was 9 p.m. "We came home in the dark, not rested. I was recovering from surgery. And we had a newborn. I thought: What did we just do?" Jenn says. "We tried to go to sleep," Mike says. "But babies aren't quiet. Every sound, you think she's dying." Jenn's hypervigilance didn't ease; she struggled with breastfeeding and lay awake at night, worrying that something awful would happen to the baby. Mike didn't know how to gauge his wife's distress: Was this a typical case of "baby blues" or a more profound mood shift that called for professional help? Now Jenn recognizes her struggle as postpartum depression and anxiety. Back then, she knew only that parenthood felt like an 18-month tunnel. "One day, I woke up and it was like a cloud was lifted," she says. "She got older. I got more sure of myself." A second child seemed like a possibility. They gave both girls their mother's middle name. "We wanted something to tie us all together," Jenn says. She and Mike had felt meant-to-be nearly from the start, a random meeting at the Wissahickon train station in 2008. After seeing each other several times amid the gaggle of commuters, Mike grabbed a free Metro newspaper, offered it to Jenn, and teased, "Now you owe me 75 cents." He played on that incident when he proposed, with a faux-Metro he'd Photoshopped to feature a picture of the couple, headlined, "Young man plans to propose. What will she say?" She said yes. They married the official time at a Starbucks in Ardmore, a perfunctory paper-signing with a reverend, then with 15 relatives and friends in Riviera Maya, Mexico. They traveled. They bought a house with a yard. Now, their daughters' births have rearranged their perspective. After Abigail was born, Jenn felt gratitude instead of anxiety. They've learned that a bout of infant tears isn't the end of the world. Friends rushed to help, giving them meal vouchers and dropping off hot dinners. Others brought gifts for Emily. During the uncertain hours in the NICU at CHOP, Jenn and Mike wondered what they'd ever found to argue about. Even now, when Emily erupts in a tantrum or Abigail refuses to sleep, those stresses pale against the backdrop of the might-have-been. "I've never felt so blessed and lucky in my life," Jenn says. "Every once in a while, we stop and think: It could have taken a different turn. We're so lucky that our house is full of life." An Tso Sun, 18, has been charged with threatening to "shoot up" a Delaware County school. Read more An Tso Sun, the foreign exchange student who pleaded guilty in Delaware County Court this week to threatening to "shoot up" a Catholic high school, was back in court Wednesday, this time to face a new federal charge in Philadelphia. Sun was calm as he was arraigned for possessing more than 1,600 rounds of ammunition while on a nonimmigrant visa. His green prison jumpsuit appeared to swallow the frail teenager, who looked around the courtroom wide-eyed. He spoke quietly with his attorney but did not address the judge. The federal case is based primarily on the allegations that led to his arrest in Delaware County this spring. In March, authorities said Sun warned a classmate at Bonner and Prendergast Catholic High School not to come to the Drexel Hill school on May 1 because Sun planned to go on a shooting spree that day. Upper Darby police arrested Sun, 18, who is from Taiwan and was staying with a host family in Lansdowne, and charged him with making terroristic threats. Sun told police then he was "just joking" about the planned shooting. Authorities said their search warrants had uncovered something more sinister. "When you add it all together, we believe that he was planning something horrible," Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood said at the time of Sun's arrest. In Sun's bedroom, authorities found a military-style ballistic vest, a crossbow with a scope and light, 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a military ski mask, an ammunition clip loader, and a strangulation apparatus called a garrote. On a school-issued iPad, authorities said, they uncovered internet searches about how to obtain parts to make an AK-47 or an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle. Police later discovered a 9mm Glock handgun and 1,600 rounds of ammunition. Attorneys have said Sun's parents are in the United States to support their son, but the couple did not appear in court or at the news conference on Wednesday. They have been identified by various news outlets, including the Associated Press, as the Taiwanese actor Peng Sun and opera singer Ying Di. According to the Taiwan News, they have apologized for their son's behavior, insisting any threat must have been unintentional or the result of a language barrier. "We as parents feel remorseful and guilty," Peng Sun told the News. "We firmly believe that our child's actions were unintentional, but we will accompany our child as he faces the American legal process." His mother said some of the items found in Sun's room were intended to be part of a Halloween costume, according to the news outlet. Authorities said Sun's host mother, whom they have not identified, had removed the gun and ammunition from his room after Bonner-Prendergast contacted her about the threat and before authorities searched Sun's room. McSwain skirted questions on Wednesday about whether the host mother could face charges as a consequence. But he did offer a stern warning to parents. "Wake up and do your job," McSwain said. "Law enforcement is not the first line of defense in these matters. You are." Enrique A. Latoison, a lawyer who at one time represented Sun's host family, said in March that Sun had the equipment because he was interested in a career in law enforcement. Latoison added that Sun, who had only been in the U.S. for about five months at the time, did not understand the implications of making such a statement, even as a "joke," in a time when school shootings happen with regularity. Caroline Goldner Cinquanto, Sun's attorney in the federal case, declined to comment Wednesday on whether Sun planned to plead guilty. He did not enter a plea at the arraignment. His attorney in the state case could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon. Sun is being held on a detainer lodged by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and will be held in federal custody until his next court date. If convicted of the federal charge, Sun would be deported and permanently barred from reentering the U.S. "Americans should be safe from such terror no matter who or where they are," McSwain said. "One more mass shooting is one too many." Doretha Crosby (center, left) the mother of David Jones, joins friends and family in a protest outside headquarters of the 15th Police District on June 19, 2017. Jones was fatally shot June 8, 2017, by Philadelphia Police Officer Ryan Pownall, a 12-year veteran assigned to the 15th District. With bullhorn is Asa Khalif with Black Lives Matter Pennsylvania. Read more Friday will mark a year since the violent North Philadelphia street-corner confrontation between Philadelphia Police Officer Ryan Pownall and dirt-bike rider David Jones, 30, which ended when Jones dropped a gun and ran with his hands in the air, and Pownall fatally shot him in the back. The killing, captured on a nearby store's surveillance video, sent a jolt through the city, much like the national outcry over the similar 2015 fatal shooting of Walter Scott by South Carolina police officer Michael Slager. But although Slager was quickly arrested after cellphone video surfaced of him shooting Scott in the back as he ran off, no decision has been made about whether Pownall will be charged. And while Slager is serving a 20-year prison sentence, Jones' relatives and their supporters are wondering whether Pownall, a 12-year veteran who was fired in September and who allegedly shot another man eight years ago will face justice. "Truthfully, they're taking too long, like they're trying to stall," said Jones' father, Thomas. "I know they got a lot of cases and things take time, it's not an overnight process. I respect everything they're doing, but I still don't feel good about the whole thing. We haven't gotten justice. I'm still hurting, I'm still grieving." The last time an on-duty Philadelphia police officer was charged with a fatal shooting was in 1999. Thomas Jones and others who want Pownall charged are focusing their attention on District Attorney Larry Krasner, who took office in January pledging to change the city's traditional approach by arresting officers in fatal shootings if the evidence supports it. "If we have facts and we have the law, if we follow the evidence instead of following anybody's politics, and we have a case in Philadelphia County, we are bringing a case in Philadelphia County," Krasner said during a January forum at the Central Library of the Free Library that drew an audience heavy with lawyers, judges, and community activists. Thomas Jones is growing impatient, though. "I just hope that he keeps to his word and does what he said he's going to do," he said of Krasner. "I'm just holding tight, and we will wait for the outcome." Others are deeply troubled by the length of the investigation. "This is murder; it don't get no clearer than this," said Robertus Duncan, a community activist for criminal justice reform. "There's a policy in place by the Police Department: If a man is not a threat to you, you're not supposed to shoot him. How is he a threat to him with his back to him and his hands up?" "I may not be a rocket scientist, but when you see a man run and get shot in the back by an officer with a history of shooting people, what is taking so long?" asked Asa Khalif, a local Black Lives Matter leader. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross, in announcing his intention to fire Pownall in September, said the officer had committed a host of departmental violations and displayed "poor judgment" when he shot Jones in the 4200 block of Whitaker Avenue in North Philadelphia. Jones had been riding a dirt bike, which is illegal, and had an illegal gun when Pownall pulled him over. It was not the first time Pownall had allegedly shot someone in the back. In 2010, Carnell Williams-Carney was paralyzed when he was shot in the back while running from police in Frankford. In Williams-Carney's 2013 federal lawsuit against the city, Pownall testified that he believed he was the shooter. But it is impossible to determine with certainty because the bullet is lodged in Williams-Carney's body, and the jury ruled in Pownall's favor. John McNesby, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, said that Pownall's actions in Jones' shooting were justified under the circumstances and that the union is "looking forward" to helping him get his job back through arbitration. "When you're out on the street the man had a loaded gun, there was a struggle things happen," McNesby said when asked about Jones' having been shot in the back. Ben Waxman, spokesman for the District Attorney's Office, emphasized that although the shooting happened a year ago, Krasner has had the case only since taking office in January. Previously the probe was being handled by the state Attorney General's Office due to a conflict of interest involving Krasner's predecessor, Kelley B. Hodge. Waxman declined to discuss the status of the case or to estimate when Krasner's investigation would be completed. Slim odds The odds of officers being criminally charged for on-duty slayings are slim, studies show. Although the Washington Post found that police in the United States fatally shot 987 people in 2017; 963 in 2016, and 995 in 2015, just a tiny fraction of those officers will be arrested, said Philip Stinson, an associate professor of criminal justice at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Data compiled by Stinson show that since 2005, just 85 non-federal officers police, deputy sheriffs, state troopers, etc. have been arrested for murder or manslaughter resulting from an on-duty shooting. Of those 85, 32 have been convicted, and the cases of 12 are pending. Cases against police officers are difficult to win, Stinson said, because a cop's version of events often is accepted as truth, and it can be difficult for prosecutors to get other police officers who have witnessed shootings to cooperate. And laws allow police to use deadly force in certain circumstances, he said. Therefore, charging officers is "a tough decision for prosecutors to decide and wrestle with," said Stinson, a former Philadelphia defense attorney and former New Hampshire police officer. "When you get to trial, no matter what the prosecutor does putting experts on the stand, putting other officers on the stand as soon as the defendant officer gets on the stand and says, 'I feared for my life,' all bets are off, and they are not convicted." David Jones' survivors hope Krasner will conclude that Pownall should be the next officer to face justice. The loss of Jones, 30, a truck driver who was the oldest of 11 siblings, was so crushing to his family that his dad, stepmom, and six youngest siblings left Philadelphia in early May to start over in a suburb of Atlanta. "My younger children couldn't stomach that they didn't feel safe walking to the store. They were afraid," Thomas Jones said. "It was kind of crazy, in a way. My wife was saying, 'Let's leave, there's nothing here. Philly killed your son.' I was like, 'I can make it work.' But she pushed the issue." Although they have moved away to a clean, green community where neighbors are friendly, Jones said, foremost on his mind and on the minds of his family members is the status of the investigation into his son's death. But they have heard nothing from the District Attorney's Office or the Police Department, Jones said. "I've got the same number, but no one has called me about anything," the father said. "That's a hurtful thing." A triple shooting Tuesday afternoon in North Philadelphia left a 21-year-old woman in critical condition, police said. The shooting occurred outdoors about 2:10 p.m. at 15th and Clearfield Streets. The woman, who was shot once in the chest, was rushed by police to Temple University Hospital. A 28-year-old man was taken by police to Temple with a gunshot wound to his right leg. He was listed in stable condition. A 26-year-old man was shot in the left foot. He was taken by private vehicle to Temple and was listed in stable condition. Police reported no arrests or motive. Miss New Jersey Kaitlyn Schoeffel (third from right) reacts as she is chosen as one of the finalists in the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City on Sept. 10, 2017. The organization is now eliminating its swimsuit competition. Read more The Miss America Organization announced Tuesday that it would end its famed bathing suit competition, a decision that prompted a range of reactions from contestants, comedians and spectators. Gretchen Carlson, the chair of the organization's board of trustees, announced the move and other changes in a live interview on ABC's Good Morning America. "We are no longer a pageant, we are a competition," she said. "We will no longer judge our candidates on their outward physical appearance." Carlson said the organization would shift its focus to competitors' initiatives and work toward inclusivity, a move away from the event's roots. The pageant began in Atlantic City in 1921 as "The Most Beautiful Bathing Girl" competition. The winner, Margaret Gorman, became known as Miss America. By 1923, the event had more than 70 contestants and 300,000 spectators, according to the pageant's website. >> READ MORE: Gretchen Carlson was 'the smart Miss America,' but her swimsuit decision is really dumb | Opinion Since the announcement, current and former contestants have been both commending and criticizing the organization's new direction. Heather Kendrick, who held the title of Miss Michigan 2017, praised the shift in an interview with MLive Media. With the move, Kendrick said, "we are taking the focus off of physical appearance and on to what's in our brains and what's in our hearts, and that's really what Miss America is and stands for." A'Leah Burrell, who will be competing in the Miss Georgia pageant next week, posted a tearful Facebook video that detailed her own struggles with body image. In the video, Burrell said she was "excited" to see more variation in the physical appearances of future contestants. >> READ MORE: Former Miss America contestant: Girls like me don't belong anymore Not everyone affiliated with Miss America is embracing the change, however. Carly Mathis, who held the Miss Georgia title in 2013, took to Instagram to express her disappointment. "Not going to lie, I'm not happy about Miss America getting rid of swimsuit," Mathis wrote to accompany a photo of herself participating in the competition. "But if I'm going to make my mark on history at least I did it looking like this." Miss Massachusetts 2016 Alissa Musto echoed Mathis' dissatisfaction with the change. "Some women find it empowering to go out there and compete in a bathing suit. A woman should be able to walk out on stage, on TV, in everyday life wearing whatever she wants," she said in a statement to NBC Boston. Other responses, meanwhile, centered on President Trump, who owned the Miss Universe Organization a separate pageant organization from 1996 until 2015. Despite Trump's lack of affiliation with Miss America, many Twitter users took the opportunity to make jokes referencing the president. Comedian Chelsea Handler made a veiled reference to accusations that Trump would enter contestants' dressing rooms when he owned Miss Universe. The organization's new structure will be first implemented in the Sept. 9 Miss America competition, which determines who will wear the sash and crown in 2019. >> READ MORE: Miss America sets next pageant date Shortly after the School District of Philadelphia learned of alarming levels of asbestos fibers on the floor of a highly traveled hallway inside Olney Elementary School, officials said, they sent an environmental team to fix the problem. But four months later, the hazard is not gone. In fact, it's worse. Tests there revealed 10.7 million asbestos fibers per square centimeter, up from 8.5 million. That latest result is more than 100 times higher than the level that health experts say is cause for alarm. This recent finding is part of an Inquirer and Daily News investigation, "Toxic City: Sick Schools," in which reporters enlisted staffers at 19 of the district's more run-down elementary schools to collect samples of suspected asbestos fibers, lead dust, mold spores, and water from drinking fountains. An accredited laboratory, International Asbestos Testing Laboratories in South Jersey, analyzed the materials. When reporters learned of the sky-high asbestos result at Olney on June 1, they quickly alerted district officials. A district spokesman, Lee Whack, would not reply to questions about what steps, if any, the district took or will take in response to the high test result. In an email to reporters Tuesday night, Whack said that the district would look "at the areas at Olney Elementary that have been mentioned." "The health and safety of students and staff will always be our top priority," Whack said. "No single test can ever fully reflect the needs of our school communities." Arthur Steinberg, head of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers Health and Welfare Fund, said he was highly disturbed that Olney's asbestos problem persists. "They say it's safe. No one knows whether that's true or not," Steinberg said. "They need to have effective oversight so we can feel secure sending kids into these buildings." Crumbling fibers Asbestos, which can cause cancer and other lung diseases when inhaled over time, can be found wrapped around steam pipes, sprayed on walls and ceilings, and woven into floor tiles in schools across the country. Asbestos is not dangerous if kept in good condition, but years of wear and tear can cause it to crumble and release microscopic fibers that can be sent airborne and stay aloft for hours and days. Of the 19 elementary schools where the newspapers did independent testing, staffers at 11 collected dust samples to test for asbestos fibers. In all, reporters obtained scientific results from 84 different surfaces. Nine of the 11 schools had concerning amounts of asbestos fibers in student-accessible areas, including gyms, classrooms and hallways. The newspapers' investigation also found that damaged asbestos has gone unrepaired in schools for up to two years, even when inspectors flagged the repairs as "high priority." In his email, Whack criticized how the newspapers tested for asbestos contamination, saying it was "unscientific" and the staffers who collected samples are "not certified, trained professionals and their testing does not meet established industry standards." District officials have said that air testing, not relying on surface wipes, is a more accurate way to assess asbestos peril and remains the only testing method required by federal law. "Across our nearly 300 buildings, we remain focused on addressing and prioritizing environmental issues that truly need attention because they have been evaluated according to proven methods," Whack said. Outside experts say dust wipe samples are an investigative tool that can help identify potential hot spots in the district's aging schools. Asbestos fibers can be found in nearly all the pre-1980 district schools. Any result of 100,000 fibers per square centimeter or higher in surface dust should be immediately addressed, public- and occupational-health experts say. The district uses contractors and its own staff of certified asbestos workers to remove or repair asbestos more than 200 times a year on average, Health Department records show. The district is projected to spend $5 million in this fiscal school year on major asbestos jobs. Experts such as physician Marilyn Howarth at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania disagree with the School District's lack of urgency when made aware of asbestos hot spots. Rather than criticizing the reporters' testing results, the district should take them as a warning and move quickly to conduct its own testing, they said. There is no safe level of asbestos, which can cause mesothelioma, a rare, aggressive cancer that develops in the lungs, abdomen or heart, even 50 years after exposure, said Howarth, director of community outreach and engagement at Penn's Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology. "My feeling about the wipes is, they are a way to determine if fibers are present," Howarth said. "The finding of many, many fibers in a place that children are is of concern because children [are] walking around schools, sometimes sitting on the floor, sometimes dropping things on the floor and then picking them up. Children often don't wash their hands as often as they should. There may be many opportunities to mobilize those asbestos fibers into the breathing zone, and we know that it doesn't take very many asbestos fibers to increase one's risk for mesothelioma and cancer." District officials say they don't have enough money to immediately repair or remove asbestos from all its buildings. But Howarth said that defense is "not appropriate" when routinely using vacuums with HEPA [high efficiency particulate air] filters and wet mopping could help prevent exposure to the cancer-causing fibers. "The cleaning strategy it is really the next best step that can be done right now," she said. The district recently said it purchased 155 HEPA vacuums for its 214 schools. The recent history of attempted asbestos abatement at Olney illustrates the hazards facing students and teachers and staff across the district in its dilapidated buildings. In January 2016, an inspector hired by the School District for its survey of asbestos hazards, conducted every three years, identified damaged asbestos at six locations at Olney, including inside a women's staff restroom. At the time, the bathroom repair was termed "high priority" but not an "imminent hazard," records show. In September 2017, the district dispatched its "A Team," or asbestos team, a group of trained staffers, to repair or abate the problems at Olney. Collecting dust In January, as part of the "Toxic City" investigation, an Olney staffer collected surface dust from five areas in the school, including the floor of this women's restroom, and a few feet away on the floor near a pipe in a hallway outside Room 311, and provided the samples to a reporter. The South Jersey lab analyzed the samples. On Jan. 25, test results showed the women's restroom had 46,300 asbestos fibers per square centimeter in settled dust; the hallway outside Room 311 measured 8.5 million. A reporter alerted the school district later that day to the alarming findings. On Feb. 2, the district dispatched the A Team to address the pipe in the hallway. The district also hired Vertex, an Aston-based environmental firm, to oversee the work and take air samples during and after the job. It is unclear who did what. According to a Vertex asbestos air-monitoring report, dated Feb. 12, pipe insulation was removed, using precautions required by law to contain asbestos fibers. But in a March interview, Francine Locke, the district's environmental director, told reporters that the metal jacket shielding the pipe's asbestos coating was simply tightened. "We tightened up a pipe so it couldn't be moved. It was very loose," she said. "If you tighten it up, it's still considered abatement." After the job was complete, Vertex deemed the air safe for students and staffers to return. The Vertex inspector did not return two phone calls seeking an explanation of the discrepancy between its records and Locke's account. After the work was completed, an Olney staffer said the pipe in the hallway looked the same and worried that the microscopic, cancer-causing fibers had not been cleaned up. Late last month, an Olney staffer, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution from the School District, retested the same spot on the floor beneath the pipe just outside Room 311. At the same time, the staffer collected dust wipe samples of other areas. A retest of the women's bathroom came back with 4.7 million asbestos fibers per square centimeter and a bathroom floor in an "autistic support" classroom came back at 1.6 million. The classroom, tested for lead dust, returned a sample from a chair in the bathroom that measured at 1,700 micrograms of lead per square foot more than 42 times higher than the federal hazard level for residential floors. Other schools and colleges in the region have taken vastly different steps when faced with concerns about asbestos. In March, an elementary school in Woodbridge, N.J. was closed after asbestos fibers turned up in at least three classrooms and a media center, according to NJ.com. Last summer, after Temple University workers discovered asbestos floor tiles during a remodel, it closed the fifth floor of its Center City campus building and relocated students and staff during the first week of classes. The university told the Temple News at the time that the closure was precautionary. Before classes could return, Temple had two asbestos firms separately test the air. Rebecca Bunting, who was popular in the urban exploration community, takes photos in an abandoned amusement park. Read more In South Philly, Rebecca Bunting was a popular, tatted-up, 30-year-old bartender. But around the world, she was known as @_bword, for the persona she used to interact online with the global urban exploration community made up of photographers and thrill-seekers who trespass in abandoned spaces: Some enter these "bandos" for the sake of great photography, others do it for pure, unadulterated adrenaline. And Bunting was one of the greats. "She was the bando queen," Carly Weiss, a friend and fellow urban explorer, said. "There's no doubt about it." While shooting photos with her boyfriend from inside a storm drain near Roosevelt Boulevard Saturday night, Bunting was swept away by Pennypack Creek's raging waters during a flash flood, becoming the creek's sixth victim in eight years. Police found her body Sunday morning near the Frankford Avenue Bridge. After her death, members of the "urbex" community from across the world posted memories on Instagram, where Bunting, who often went by "Becca," had more than 10,000 followers. A photographer from Houston wrote: "Those days exploring with you in Philadelphia were honestly the most memorable moments of my trip." An explorer from Ontario wrote, "You have been such a strong influence in the community, and such a big inspiration to so many fellow explorers." Another urbex account posted a photo of Bunting holding a camera, writing: "Dark clouds gathered above our community." Bunting's Instagram account and a blog she contributed to are full of her sweeping photos showing scenes from explorations across the country: peeling walls in an abandoned jail in the Midwest. Gurneys and wheelchairs inside a decrepit hospital in Texas. A rusted piano in a left-behind middle school. Last summer, she posted a photo with the caption: "My camera is my tool. Through it I give reason to everything around me. " Bunting's closest friends and family had no idea the Shady Side, Md., native had inspired other photographers, from California to Greece. But they weren't surprised, either she was all-in with most things, whether it was beauty pageants as a toddler, softball as a preteen, or weightlifting in her 20s. Tina Fluharty, Bunting's mother, said her daughter picked up a professional-grade camera just 2 years ago. She became obsessed, and on more than one occasion ran into the house at dinner time to grab her camera to capture "golden hour," the time of day just after sunrise or before sunset when outdoor lighting is ideal. Fluharty said her daughter had an unquenchable curiosity about abandoned places, "a knack for the unusual," and a gift for, well, breaking into buildings. "If you examine Rebecca's life, it would be clear," she said, "she would inspire people to live a fearless life." Christine Carbone of Long Island knew Bunting through the urban exploration community and said that while Bunting was one of the most talented photographers she knew, the woman's greatest gift was tracking down and navigating abandoned spaces. She remembered a time when she met Bunting with two other women in Philadelphia to go exploring, and when Bunting confidently walked 20 feet ahead of the group, everyone naturally followed. "She was somebody I could totally trust in that situation," Carbone said during a phone interview while sitting atop an abandoned psychiatric hospital near her home. Most of the locations that attract urban explorers are kept secret. Those in the urbex community say this is to keep two groups away: the police and the explorers who find abandoned places solely to trash them. The Divine Lorraine Hotel on North Broad Street, before it was redeveloped into apartments, was long a destination for urban explorers. So was Graffiti Pier, a former coal-loading pier near Port Richmond that police shut down last month, citing safety concerns. Urban exploration is a calculated risk. Those who do it frequently break into restricted spaces by climbing through a window, cracking open a door, or jimmying a lock. And there are clear safety concerns that can lead to injury or death. Other urban explorers have died doing this work, including a New Jersey photographer who fell from the roof of the 52-story Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown Manhattan in 2015. Carrying photography equipment and moving around in places that aren't up to code brings with it other hazards, too, ranging from electrical zaps to collapsing ceilings. Matthew Christopher, an urban explorer who lives in Manayunk and has published two books of his work (he didn't personally know Bunting), said he's on several occasions stepped through floors or on top of a nail, admitting that he's entered buildings well-traveled by urban explorers that were "objectively stupid" to be inside. Still, each explorer, he said, finds his or her own justification. "Nobody is doing enough to really document these spaces and share them with other people," he said, "and allow for a public eulogy and an acknowledgment of their significance." He said he's attracted to the preservation aspect of exploration of paying homage to a place lost to time. Others have different reasons. Roberto Augustin, a 52-year-old explorer from Brooklyn who once met Bunting inside an abandoned church in the Bronx, said he uses exploration as a means of connecting with the past. "This is perhaps our way of coping," he said, "with the uncertainty of our time right now." Bradley L. Garrett, a cultural geographer based at the University of Sydney, has studied urban exploration and hypothesizes that urban explorers foray into architecture that's typically off-limits as a means of "reacting to increased surveillance and control over urban space" in search of "unregulated areas where they can build personal relationships to places." Whatever Bunting's reason, her friends said she lived for photographing spaces others might overlook while connecting with like-minded explorers. And her family said those connections were made easier by a personality they described as "electric." "Everything about her was this positive energy," Fluharty said. Her photos are in some ways now giving her friends and family solace. "We're always going to have Becca's photos and the photos we took of her," Weiss said. "Becca is going to live forever because of this." Weiss said Bunting's greatest gift was her ability to find elegance in decay to show strength in something others might see as broken. Perhaps, her friends said, maybe she even could find beauty in death. Four days before she died, Bunting posted a photo of a sun setting between grand, amber archways. "If there is life after death," she wrote, "I want to come back as a sunset. Ain't much else more beautiful than that." Editor's note: This story was revised to correct the day Bunting died. President Donald Trump has accepted an offer of a summit from the North Korean leader and will meet with Kim Jong Un by May, a top South Korean official said Thursday, March 8, 2018, in a remarkable turnaround in relations between two historic adversaries. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Wong Maye-E, File) Read more The Singapore summit between President Trump and Kim Jong Un will be the most riveting reality show of the Trump presidency. It's not just the optics of two leaders who are consummate showmen with daunting hairdos trying to upstage each other in front of a zillion cameras. And it's not just the unpredictability as the secretive but shrewd North Korean faces a U.S. leader who hates briefings and loves to deviate from his script. This is about real stuff, about whether a North Korea that is a full-blown nuclear power with intercontinental ballistic missiles that can reach the U.S. mainland is really ready to shed its nuclear weapons. And about whether Trump has a realistic strategy or, in the glamour of the moment, will be played by Kim. >> READ MORE: Your catch-up guide to the North Korea summit As we approach the Tuesday moment, here's what to watch for to help you assess the summit state of play. Check out the optics, because they matter Too much Trump bonhomie, hugs, or public flattery will only bolster Kim's astonishingly swift rise from "little rocket man" to a global leader wooed by Beijing, Moscow, and Seoul, and now sitting across from the U.S. president So watch to see if the summit produces more than another Trump bromance a "get-to-know-you situation," as Trump put it. Will a detailed framework and timetable for denuclearization emerge? Does the summit deliver a big bang or the beginning of a long negotiating process? Will Trump accept the latter? When the summit talk first started, the White House insisted its goal was the complete, verifiable, and irreversible destruction of North Korea's nuclear weapons, or CVID. Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, cited the Libyan model, in which Muammar Gaddafi's minimal program with no nukes was dismantled in three months. "CVID is a pipe dream," says Joel Wit, a former U.S. diplomat involved in past negotiations with North Korea, who is now a senior fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington. "The issue for us is, how far can we get in that direction? A freeze [of nuclear and missile testing], rolling back, and dismantling is not something that happens overnight." Indeed, CVID is a distant, probably unachievable goal given Pyongyang's cache of over 60 nukes and its enormous program. The president, on a steep learning curve, has started backpedaling on a big bang and talking about process, and Bolton has been curbed (for now). But a long process would make the negotiations look more like those of the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations, which blocked Pyongyang's nuclear progress for years, but ultimately failed. >> READ MORE: Will Trump's deal-making backfire and embroil U.S. in new wars? | Trudy Rubin "There's nothing Trump can say at the summit that will convince Kim [to completely end his program] but he could set the tone for serious talks while testing Kim along the way,"says Suzanne DiMaggio, a senior fellow at the New America Foundation and director of a U.S.-North Korea dialogue that included several visits to North Korea, Will Trump have the patience for the long haul? Will the summit produce peace in our time (between North and South Korea)? There are rumors that there will be some sort of announcement of an end to the war between North and South Korea, attended by South Korean President Moon Jai-in (the 1953 war ended with a U.N. armistice). This would provide high drama, but would make it much harder for Trump to re-exert any military pressure on North Korea if arms talks went nowhere. This is why previous U.S. presidents have opposed pursuit of a formal North-South peace accord before the nuclear issues are addressed. Whos the better deal-maker, Trump or Kim? "Kim has proven himself to be a really savvy negotiator," says DiMaggio. Very true. The summit will provide Kim with the recognition he and his father sought in vain from previous U.S. presidents, and Trump has delivered it before any progress on divesting North Korean nukes. Moreover, Kim has used the prospect of talks to undercut the sanctions regime that helped get him to the table. Beijing is already informally loosening sanctions while Russia has called for their lifting and invited Kim to Moscow. Meantime, South Korea's President Moon the prime mover behind the summit is moving ahead with peace efforts, with or without Trump. >> READ MORE: Hold the Trump Nobel! Korea talks will be a long haul | Trudy Rubin In other words, Kim is wooing the regional leaders whom Trump will need to exert future leverage on Pyongyang. "This administration is focused on bilateral talks but there is no evidence it has the skills and capacity to do multilateral diplomacy," says DiMaggio. Indeed, Trump canceled the Singapore summit without notifying South Korea, and has treated Seoul cavalierly on trade. Will Trump give away the store? In the countdown to the summit, many Korea experts wonder whether Trump might fall prey to Kim's demands that he reduce U.S. troops on the Korean peninsula before denuclearization, worrying Asian allies that America no longer has their back. "He could get caught up in a moment of personal glory where he could give up the whole store," muses DiMaggio. "He's got to be ready to resist his instincts to make a bad deal." The reality of Trump's deal-making talents will be on full display in Singapore. U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, who survived a federal corruption trial last year after jurors deadlocked on bribery charges against him, won the Democratic nomination Tuesday to seek a third term on Capitol Hill. Menendez, 64, thanked the state's voters when the race was called for him shortly before 9:30 p.m. He defeated Lisa McCormick of Rahway, 49, publisher of a community news website. She said she ran to give voters "more and better choices" and attacked Menendez for having "disgraced" New Jersey. Already, Menendez and the likely Republican nominee, millionaire former pharmaceutical executive Bob Hugin have been battling each in general-election mode for several weeks. The vote came just five weeks after the Senate Ethics Committee "severely admonished" Menendez for accepting valuable gifts from, Salomon Melgen, a Florida eye doctor, and then using his position to advance Melgen's interests. Menendez, who maintains his innocence, was tried on bribery charges stemming from lavish gifts, flights on private jets and campaign support he received from Melgen, his friend and co-defendant. After the jury failed to reach a verdict, federal prosecutors dismissed the charges. A Rutgers-Eagleton poll released in mid May found that just a third of those surveyed approved of the job Menendez is doing, with 37 percent disapproving. Fewer than a quarter of participants had a positive view of the senator, with 35 percent having a negative impression of him. Some polls, however, have suggested the incumbent begins with a double-digit lead over Hugin, and analysts say that Menendez is slightly favored to win in November. He benefits in part because he is a Democrat in a blue state, where there is an intense wave of opposition to President Trump. New Jersey has not elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate since 1972, when Clifford Case was reelected. Six years later, a conservative primary challenger defeated Case, one of a now-extinct breed of liberal Republicans. State Senator Jeff Van Drew arrives to greet supporters as he makes his acceptance speech as the Democratic primary winner in New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District, at the Lobster Loft in Sea Isle City June 5, 2018. Read more SEA ISLE CITY, N.J. Jeff Van Drew, a conservative state senator from Cape May County, won the Democratic primary Tuesday in deep South Jersey's Second Congressional District, besting three progressive candidates and setting up what is predicted to be a one-sided race against Republican Seth Grossman in the November general election to replace retiring Republican U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo. Van Drew is seen by national Democrats as having a relatively clear path to election to the House in one of several districts in New Jersey that might combine to help Democrats take control of Congress. Speaking to a crowd of supporters at the Lobster Loft in Sea Isle City, Van Drew claimed victory at 9:49 p.m., walking in to Bruce Springsteen's song, "We Take Care of Our Own," and saying he was "humbled and honored." Washington is "broken," he said. "People don't talk to each other, they don't work with each other, and we know in our hearts as Americans that we can and we will do better." With the support of the local and national Democratic Party machine and money, and a history of winning elections in Republican territory, Van Drew is well-positioned to flip the sprawling congressional district from Republican to Democrat, albeit as a Democrat whose positions on guns, gay marriage, and other issues have rankled progressives. Van Drew will face Grossman, 69, an attorney and the winner of a four-way Republican contest, who upset front-runner Hirsh Singh, 33, an engineer and businessman from Linwood. Both men previously ran unsuccessful campaigns for governor. Grossman, a former Atlantic City councilman and Atlantic County freeholder, ran on a platform of "Support Trump," blanketing the district with "Make America Great Again" lawn signs. Van Drew, 62, a dentist who practices in a bright blue house on a residential street in Pleasantville and a volunteer firefighter, will likely appeal to moderate Republicans in the district, some of whom already were sporting Van Drew lawn signs outside their homes before the primary. The district, which includes the cities of Atlantic City, Vineland, Bridgeton, all of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem Counties, and parts of Gloucester, Burlington, Camden and Ocean Counties, voted twice for Barack Obama, but narrowly went for President Trump in 2016. It sent the moderate Republican LoBiondo back to Washington 12 times. "I hope that I can be a force that works together with both sides," said Van Drew, who in his political career has been a small-town mayor, county freeholder, and state assemblyman and senator. "It's what I've always done. We're just too divided, and I think we can do better." Van Drew, with support of all eight county party committees giving him coveted ballot position, appeared headed to a nearly 60 percent share of the Democratic vote. Tanzie Youngblood, 62, a retired teacher and Blue Star mother, entered the race first, when LoBiondo had not yet announced he was retiring, but was abandoned by the state and national Democratic Parties after Van Drew entered the race. Youngblood won the support of women's groups and the Black Congressional Caucus campaign committee, the endorsement of U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, and a contribution from Rosie O'Donnell. She was pictured on the cover of Time as an "avenger," a first-time female candidate inspired to run after the Women's March. Late Tuesday, Youngblood said, "I fought as hard as I possibly could. "Hopefully I educated and empowered a lot of people," she said. "Women, come out and run don't be afraid." Along with Tamara Harris, a candidate in the 11th District who faced a tough battle against former Navy pilot Mikie Sherrill, Youngblood was featured in a documentary called Grabbing Back. But she struggled to raise significant money, was unable to win the support of the powerful EMILY's List, and relied mostly on relentless social media, Jersey diner canvassing, and door-knocking. Will Cunningham, 32, a former staffer for U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, portrayed himself as the voice of the future, a millennial who struggled economically as a child and still ended up in the Ivy League. He said he would have been the first openly gay black man elected to Congress, a journey he described as "from homeless to the House." Cunningham also struggled with fundraising, though he was able to launch a direct-mail campaign and won over liberal pockets of the district. The third candidate, Nate Kleinman, an activist farmer, entered the race last and threw $90,000 of his own money at commercials portraying him as a true progressive. On the Republican side, Grossman defeated the conservative Singh, 33, who initially portrayed himself as someone with the personal resources to bankroll a campaign, but financial-disclosure forms showed a much more limited piggy bank. The other Republican candidates were Robert Turkavage, a retired FBI agent who was a moderate, and Sam Fiocchi, a former state assemblyman. Van Drew's entry into the race kept stronger Republican opponents out, according to party leaders. As of May 16, Van Drew had raised more than $650,000 and had about $412,000 on hand. Campaign literature mailed to voters was paid for by a Democratic Political Action Committee, the Patriot Majority PAC. In his victory speech, Van Drew mentioned opposing offshore drilling and supporting veterans' health care and the South Jersey economy. He did not mention gun reform, the issue that brought him the most friction in the primary. Bob Hugin, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, casts his vote in his hometown of Summit Tuesday. Read more Bob Hugin, a millionaire former pharmaceutical CEO, won Tuesday's Republican primary for U.S. Senate in New Jersey, giving what party leaders believe is a fighting chance in a deep blue state. Hugin, who was head of drugmaker Celgene, will face incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez in what is expected to a particularly brutish general-election campaign. Already, the challenger has taken aim at the incumbent's federal corruption trial last year, airing a flood of TV ads calling Menendez a "disgrace." In that trial, jurors deadlocked on charges that Menendez accepted lavish gifts from a friend and campaign donor, Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen, and then used his position as a senator to advance Melgen's interests. Federal prosecutors declined to retry Menendez and dismissed the charges. Hugin has his own baggage: his former firm settled a case for $280 million over allegations that it promoted cancer drugs that had not been approved by the FDA. As is customary in such settlements, the company admitted no wrongdoing. Menendez, however, has attacked Hugin as a "greedy" CEO. Hugin defeated Brian Goldberg, an IT engineer and construction executive who casts himself as a Trump acolyte. Creating a school-violence hotline. Pumping more money into prevention programs. Even arming teachers. The national spate of school shootings and the outcry by thousands of students in their wake has spurred a flurry of school-safety legislation in Pennsylvania's Capitol. Over a half-dozen bills have been introduced in the last year alone. It is unclear how many bills will ultimately be signed into law. The legislature is gearing up for budget talks this month and election battles this fall. It also seems unlikely that the Republican-controlled legislature would sanction stricter gun-control provisions. "Remember, this is, in many respects, the most conservative legislature in modern Pennsylvania history," said G. Terry Madonna, a political analyst and pollster at Franklin and Marshall College. But on Wednesday, the state Senate approved a measure that would establish an anonymous reporting system for potential threats, modeled after the Safe2Tell hotline that was created after the Columbine High School massacre of 1999. And the House could soon vote on a bill to require school districts to conduct security drills. In that measure, a one-word change from "may" to "shall" would make the drills mandatory. It passed a House committee unanimously this week. There are also several bills that would boost funding for the state's Safe Schools Initiative, which allows districts to apply for grants for anti-violence programs, such as counseling services or conflict resolution. A bill by Sen. Thomas J. McGarrigle (R., Delaware), for instance, would increase funding for the Safe Schools Initiative from $8.5 million to $50 million; another measure, pushed by Rep. William C. Kortz (D., Allegheny), proposes increasing the personal income tax from 3.07 percent to 3.077 percent, to raise about $30 million for safe schools. But the measure that has received perhaps the most attention is one sponsored by Sen. Don White, a Republican from Indiana County. His bill would allow school districts to decide whether school employees who receive training should be permitted to carry guns on school property. It has drawn both fierce support and rabid opposition. Gov. Wolf, a Democrat, opposes arming school workers. The governor has formed a safe schools task force of administrators, teachers, students, mental-health professionals, and first responders to make recommendations. The Washington Post, which has tracked school shootings dating to the mass shooting at Columbine, reported that at least 141 children, educators, and other people have been killed and 287 have been injured in school shootings or assaults. In all, more than 215,000 people have been exposed to gun violence at the 217 schools that were targets of school shootings since Columbine. That includes five girls who were killed and five others wounded when a man opened fire at an Amish school house in Lancaster County in 2006. February's shooting at a high school in Parkland, Fla., reignited national debate over gun control and inspired a student-led #NeverAgain movement to end school shootings. Legislators across the country have taken notice. In Pennsylvania last week, with educators and law enforcement at their side and elementary-school children walking the marble floors for a tour, Sen. Mike Regan (R., Cumberland) and U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, a Republican from Hazleton, held a news conference on the state and federal efforts on the matter. With a graphic displaying how much money Congress spends to protect itself, Barletta, who is running for the U.S. Senate, called on Congress to act immediately to protect children and teachers. Congress spends $426.5 million on its own protection, a $33.2 million increase from fiscal year 2017, according to the graphic. Barletta asked for support for his Protecting Our Kids Act, which would require the Departments of Education and Homeland Security to create guidelines for school security. Regan said he favored a measure, now in a state Senate committee, that would allow government agencies to have "closed-door sessions" on matters of security and emergency preparedness. However, school safety advocates and others say improving school safety extends beyond funding bills. "Gun violence is obviously one component of it," said Sarah Galbally, Wolf's policy secretary. "I think there are other aspects that lead to gun violence, like lack of mental health-care coverage in communities and accessibility to that mental health-care coverage." Galbally said that through Wolf's task force, the administration continues to hear about the need for mental health support. "A lot of communities feel as though these services are not connected to schools, and they are hard to find and to navigate," she said. "Where can we, as a state either through funding for mental-health care or through creating better connections through school districts and health-care communities bridge that divide?" Andrew Barnes, a deputy policy secretary in the Wolf administration, noted the challenge of creating community involvement before a crisis occurs. To overcome this, he said, he envisions community counselors and activists willing and able to recognize a call for help. And though Pennsylvania is a strong gun-rights state, Galbally said there is a need to deeply examine laws to keep guns out of the hands of individuals who shouldn't have them while protecting individual rights. After last week's news conference in the Capitol, Fred S. Withum, the superintendent of the Cumberland Valley School District near Harrisburg, suggested a multi-prong approach with mental health services for students and adults, tightened security, and educational programs as well as removing guns from those who shouldn't have them and doing so quickly. "I would echo the words of the kids that we're hearing across the country," Withum said. "We're not exactly sure what the answer is, but you have to do something. These are some of the issues that people are divided over; we have to find the middle ground, and we have to take action." Contact Lasherica Thornton at lthornto@go.olemiss.edu. The walkways were lined with American flags on Monday as more than 100 people arrived at the Greater Pine Island Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4353 for the annual Memorial Day ceremony. Pine Island VFW Commander Austin White hosted the event. Today is a day we need to put aside our disagreements and take time to remember those who are often out of sight but never out of our hearts and minds, Commander Austin White said. White added a special touch to this years Memorial Day by adding a ceremony about the 13 folds of the U.S. flag. The flag-folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. As the honor guard slowly folded the flag, White recited the symbolic meaning of each of the 13 folds. We are reminded of each of our heroes every time we see the American flag, White said. We also honor our fallen by placing an American flag on their casket. When a flag is removed from a casket each of the 13 folds has a profound meaning. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life; the second fold signifies our belief in eternal life; the third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks; the fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; the fifth fold is an acknowledgment to our country; the sixth fold is for where our hearts lie; the seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces; the eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death; the ninth fold is an honor to womanhood; the 10th fold is a tribute to father; the 11th fold, represents the seal of King David and King Solomon; the 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost. The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, In God We Trust.' I wanted to remind people what Memorial Day is all about, White said. We have troops coming home in flag draped coffins and I wanted people to be reminded of the meaning behind the 13 folds of a U.S. flag draped over a service persons casket. Memorial Day is a federal holiday for remembering the men and women who died while serving in the countrys armed forces. The first Memorial Day, then called Decoration Day, was held on May 30, 1868. Our client is a leading Global hygiene and health company that develops, produces and sells Personal Care, Consumer Tissue and Professional Hygiene products and solutions across over 150 countries. Ashfield Engage is looking to place a National Sales Manager profile in a direct hire by our client. Located in Madrid. Your Tasks: Plan, direct, ... KAMPALA. Jane Goodall has arrived in the country ahead of tomorrows 20th Anniversary Celebrations of Ngamba Island and Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Goodall was named UN peace messenger in 2002 and UN put up 13th July as world chimpanzee day because of her. So the first celebrations will be this year. This is the Britishs Primatologists second visit to Uganda and she will be the Chief Guest alongside First Lady, Janet Museveni at Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuarys 20th Anniversary Celebrations due to take place at Speke Resort Munyonyo. Jane is an extraordinary individual and her inspiration, dedication and significant contribution to Chimpanzee Conservation advanced the establishment of Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Africa. Honoured to have her for the 20th Anniversary. Lilly Ajarova, ED Chimpanzee Trust commented upon welcoming Jane Goodall at Entebbe Airport. Lying on Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island which lies on 100 acres of land was founded in 1998 and is home to 49 Orphaned Chimpanzee who were rescued from countries like Congo, Rwanda and also within the country. They are first taken through rehabilitation and later given a forever home at the beautiful Ngamba Island. Related Big Talent CEO Edrisa Musuuza commonly known as Eddy Kenzo has been battling an unknown illness for close to two weeks now as confirmed by a source close to the record label. News of Kenzos illness first broke out last week when his management apologised to fans in London for their artists absence at the One Africa music Festival that was slated for Saturday 2nd June, 2018 at Wembley Stadium in London. Ugandas Tourism Ambassador is said to have been hospitalised at Case Clinic for close to two weeks but it was kept a secret as only close friends were allowed access to see him. Some say the award winning star is fatigued since he has not rested in months. He has apparently been doing a series of shows internationally without a break. However the father of two was discharged last evening but is still on medication. Related KAMPALA. A month after Makerere University announced that it would start giving government students Shs4, 500 per day for the meals, Kyambogo University has also revealed that its also unable to prepare meals for government students. Addressing journalists last week, Prof Elly Katunguka, the Kyambogo Vice Chancellor, said they are currently constrained to continue shouldering the burden of preparing meals for government students. Just like Makerere, we also made a resolution to start giving money to all government students instead of providing for them meals. The money which government currently gives, isnt enough and we shall give out this very money to them, he said The arrangement, Prof Katunguka said, will start next semester in August. Before scrap the meal policy, Makerere University Council said they carried out a survey which revealed that over 50 percent of students recommended that the university gives them money to buy themselves food. Government has been providing Shs4, 000 per day to each student for meals. However, the university says the money is insufficient to provide the meals required by the students. Dr. Deus Muhwezi Kamunyu, the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) chairperson, welcomed the move, arguing that if well managed, it would allow the university management to concentrate on decisions that are only related to studies. Related MAKERERE: Makerere University administration has issued an ultimatum day for lecturers to submit students results before Friday 8, June 2018 to enable issuance of transcripts programme before graduation day effective. In a letter dated June 1, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, the University Vice chancellor, directed all University college principals to comply and receive and display full results for the just concluded semester two by Friday 8th June 2018. In 161st senate conference meeting held on Wednesday 9th may, it was agreed that full results be released, displayed and approved by 8th June 2018 to facilitate production and issuance of transcripts and 9th graduation list, Prof Nawangwe said in a statement and that the top management will be scheduled thereafter to resolve any related issues arising out of this exercise. Adding that; This is therefore, to request you to comply and receive progress and approve and display full semester 11 2017/2018 academic year results by Friday 8th June 2018. He further said that funds were being disbursed to all university colleges for centralizing the marking process. In a statement released few weeks ago, the university council approved issuance of original and certified copies of the transcripts to students before their graduation dates. Prof Nawangwe insists that giving graduates their original transcripts before graduation day is what the institution ought to do as a world class university. Management has decided that in future students will be issued with original and certified copies of transcripts at the same time upon graduation to avoid inconveniences to students, Prof Nawangwe said. Issuance of transcripts at Makerere is done after students have cleared to all the necessary offices at the university including that of the university bursar. However, up to now, a number of students are still on campus with pending assignments including research and final projects despite the university being on a long break. The university council also approved that students will have to contribute some money to facilitate this process. Related KIRYANDONGO: Two people died on spot after a trailer knocked an elephant at Diima Village, Kiryandongo District on the Gulu-Kampala high way on Tuesday afternoon. The casualties are the driver and his turn boy The Area traffic police was not immediately available to explain how the accident happened. The highway has become a deathtrap in recent weeks. Last month, 23 people perished in a road accident involving a bus, a truck and tractor. On Monday, Northern Uganda Youth MP Oscar Omwony was involved in an accident after his car collided head-on with a double cabin pickup truck belonging to UNRA. Last week, Erute North MP Charles Gutmoi was critically injured in an accident on the same highway. Related KAMPALA: Inspector General of Government Irene Mulyagonja has said they have made significant progress in the investigations into source of wealth owned by Ms Justine Bagyenda, the former Bank of Uganda director for supervision. Ms Mulyagonja insisted that there is no intention of deliberately frustrating the investigation as alleged by some quarters, adding that soon a report will be issued to that effect. She, however, refused to divulge further details, adding that such investigations are not discussed in the media. The IGG was responding to a petition by a youth advocacy group, Youth Crusaders, who claimed that the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) and the government Ombudsman were delaying the investigation. We have information that Ms Bagyenda has been reinstated to BoU as an adviser to the governor, which unfair to the youth who lost their jobs in the closure of the banks. This decision is likely to jeopardize investigations since she is the principal figure in the mess, the petition signed by the group, Ms Fatinah Nakazibwe, read in part. When these banks were closed, over 6000 young men and women lost their jobs across the country. But the two investigations bodies seem not bothered about anything even after getting a letter from the president directing them to audit BOU, added Mr Bashir Kazibwe, the spokesperson of the youth group. However, the IGG urged the group to be patient as they investigate the matter. Last week, another youth advocacy group petitioned Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda over what it perceives as failure by FIA to investigate Bagyendas source of wealth. Describing itself as Youth Power Research Uganda (YoPRU) with an about 3,000 members, the group claims that since a whistleblower alerted FIA to investigate Bagyendas source of wealth in March, nothing has been done. FIA is the government agency mandated to monitor and investigate money laundering activities in the country. Following March reports that Bagyenda had Shs19 billion on three different accounts, which sparked a public debate on how she accumulated such amount of money within six years, a whistle blower petitioned FIA, demanding that Bagyenda be investigated. Whereas FIA executive director Sydney Asubo in March told journalists that the authority had opened inquiries into the matter, it has emerged that this has not yet happened. However, Mr Asubo has since said the investigation is underway, explaining that such investigations take time. Bagyenda has been a subject of public debate in the last two months after she was axed as head of the powerful supervision docket at the Central Bank and sent into early retirement amid leaks of her questionable bank transactions. She rejected early retirement and has been appointed advisor to the Governor. In March, IGG Irene Mulyagonja quizzed Bagyenda over her alleged wealth which it is reported, she accumulated in the last six years, as director in charge of supervision. Already, former Public Accounts Committee Chairman and Budadri West Member of Parliament Nathan Nandala Mafabi has called for investigation of Barclays Bank and DTB the banks that harboured the controversial transactions, over money laundering. Calling for the arrest of Ms Bagyenda, Mafabi says the banks have been working with her to launder money on her accounts. Barclays Bank Uganda and Diamond Trust Bank also apologized to Bagyenda for exposing her accounts details in the media. According to leaked documents, Ms Bagyenda owns account number 5106903903 in Diamond Trust Bank described as low start savings account which as of December 01, 2017, had a total of Shs11.4 billion. Going by that figure, Ms Bagyenda is richer than her former boss Dr Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile, who is the highest paid salary earner in Uganda. Dr Mutebile, the central bank governor earns Shs53.3 million per month. According to statements available, Bagyenda has been banking Shs66.6m per week, making it Shs266m per month between 2013 and 2018 Related KAMPALA: Court has sent to Luzira the two youth activists who were arrested on Monday at Parliament in Kampala where they had carried a coffin protesting the rampant cases of kidnaps and killings that target women in Uganda. Ferdinand Luta, a Boda-boda rider from Bundibugyo District and Rebecca Achom, a language interpreter, residing at Mbuya zone in Nakawa Division-Kampala, appeared before Buganda Road Grade One Magistrate Robert Mukanza and denied the charges of inciting violence. The resident State Attorney Ms Janet Kitimbo informed court that inquiries into this case are still on-going and that they need more time for police to conclude with the investigations. Prosecution states that on June 4, 2018 at Parliament Avenue in Kampala, without lawful excuse, the accused persons and others still at large, did an act calculated to lead to destruction or damage of property. They have been remanded to Luzira Prison until June 20 for a ruling on whether to grant them bail or not. The group had accused the Members of Parliament of doing nothing to safeguard the lives of the girls and women who have recently been victims of kidnaps and murder. However police rushed to apprehend them for holding a demonstration in disregard of the Public Order Management Law. Related Axon today announced the winners of the 2018 Axon RISE Awards, seven members of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. (Photo: Leslie Pfeiffer) Axon today announced the winners of the 2018 Axon RISE Awards. The RISE Awards seek to honor professionals in the public safety industry who save lives, lead by example, and find innovative solutions to problems facing law enforcement today. In today's RISE award ceremony at the Accelerate user conference, Axon recognized seven members of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) for the valor they exemplified during the October 1, 2017 Mandalay Bay shooting which resulted in 58 deaths and more than 850 people injured. Axon also presented honorees with a donation of $10,000 to Nevada's Injured Police Officer's Fund in memory of LVMPD Officer Charleston Hartfield who lost his life that night while off-duty. The honorees are as follows: Officer Josh Haynes Officer Steve Hutchason Officer Andrew Krnjeu Officer Ashley Lif Dispatcher Sheri Matlock Special Events Coordinator Cecilia Rodriquez Officer Sam Wittwer Each honoree, along with hundreds of other LVMPD officers, played a significant role on the night of October 1, 2017 when a gunman opened fire on concert-goers from a window in the Las Vegas Mandalay Bay Hotel. This incident is the deadliest mass shooting by an individual in recent US history. The honorees are recognized for their specific acts of valor that night which included escorting concert goers to safety, calmly fielding hundreds of dispatch calls, and taking fire to protect others. "We can think of no better group of people to recognize for the RISE Award for Valor," says Axon CEO and founder, Rick Smith. "It's impossible to even imagine being in the shoes of law enforcement when their work day consists of putting their own lives at stake in order to save members of the community. We are honored to be able to recognize these tremendous members of Las Vegas Metro PD in person and offer a donation in memory of Officer Hartfield." The family of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student-turned-activist David Hogg was "swatted" Tuesday morning, prompting deputies to respond to their Parkland, FL, home. A student who became an activist after teh Parkland school shooting was the victim of a swatting prank. Photo: local10.com screenshot A call came into the Coral Springs (FL) Police Department claiming a hostage situation at the home. When a Broward Sheriff's Office SWAT team arrived at the scene, they found no hostage situation and determined the call was a prank. Hogg was not home at the time of the incident and is currently in Washington with his mother to accept the RFK Human Rights award. "I think it's really a distraction from what we're trying to fix here, which is the massive gun-violence epidemic in this country," Hogg told Local 10 News via phone. Hogg said he found out about the swatting incident through a phone call from a friend. He said the incident is "evidence of the fact of how many people are trying to stop us from what we're trying to do, which is stop these kids from dying." CHICAGO DeeDee Cayetano didnt meet Jason Morris parents or siblings until a month after she married him so her relationship with her in-laws was strained from the start. The couple quickly married after a year of dating when Cayetano, a nanny, discovered that Morris was still living with an ex-girlfriend and demanded that he prove his love to her. So they didnt have time to make family introductions. But her relationship with her in-laws has not gotten better since their wedding three years ago. "They say one thing in front of you, and they say another thing behind your back," Cayetano said. I used to cry because Im a family-oriented person, and I would get upset because he didnt confront them." Now, Cayetano said, shes still trying to have a relationship with her in-laws, but shes getting tired of proving to them that shes worthy. Its a common situation: The in-laws dont approve of a partner, putting a strain on all sides of the relationship. In some cases, the in-laws point out perceived flaws, ultimately leading to a split in the family. When it comes to choosing a partner, should parents or siblings have an opinion? And if they do, should they share it? "Proceed with caution," warned Wyatt Fisher, a licensed psychologist and marriage counselor. While you dont want to completely ignore your feelings about your family members new partner by saying nothing, you also dont want to alienate the family member by rejecting the partner altogether. "You can speak your concerns to your family member from a loving, concerned place, and then respect their ultimate decision in the relationship," Fisher said. Its also a good idea to ask your family member if he even wants your opinion about his partner, said Tracy Ross, a licensed clinical social worker, specializing in couples and family therapy. "If the answer is no, they have to watch the relationship unfold and hope that the values they hold dear have been instilled in their adult child, and they will reach their own conclusions," Ross said. If you continue showing resistance to the relationship, it usually backfires, she said. "If family expresses distaste for the partner, theyre setting the stage for conflict at best, estrangement at worst," said Tina Gilbertson, psychotherapist author of "The Guide for Parents of Estranged Adult Children." Sometimes, however, the conflict between the partner and the in-laws rises to the surface, and theres no way to avoid it. In that case, the in-laws will have to make more of an effort if they want to save their relationship with their child. Gilbertson recommends that in-laws ask their relative if theres anything they can do to make the partner feel more comfortable. "I would invite the couple to spend time with my family and encourage efforts to forge a more positive relationship with the partner during those times," she said. "Any other approach would likely make things worse." Fran Walfish, a family and relationship psychotherapist and author of "The Self-Aware Parent," says a couple should figure out how to act if a family member confronts them or isnt nice to one of them. Should your partner speak up for you? Should you leave as soon as something is mentioned? How will you handle an explosive moment? "If your parents sense a split between you and your partner, they will triangulate, meaning they will put themselves in the middle and place a wedge between you and your partner," Walfish said. In Cayetanos case, she would get upset because her husband didnt confront his family, as she thought he should do. After each incident, hed call family members and explain to his family why she was hurt, and theyd apologize through him. "But then it would start over again," Cayetano said, explaining why she still doesnt get along with her in-laws. In a scenario in which a partner continually feels she is not liked or accepted, its up to her significant other to have that difficult conversation with his family members about the importance of his partner in their life. "Let their family know that they will be in the picture in the future," said Anna Marcolin, a psychotherapist in private practice in Highland Park. "If the family doesnt like it, then thats too bad." Thats what happened with Lori and Aisha Ellis, who live just outside Chicago. Lori Ellis family didnt accept Aisha because she is a woman and the same-sex relationship went against the familys religious beliefs. "I wanted him to know about our relationship because I didnt want him thinking we were just going to go away," Lori Ellis said, explaining why she told her father about Aisha. Her father stopped talking to her after hearing the news. The couple soon got married and had their first child without her fathers blessing. The father met the child when the baby was 3 months old. Lori Ellis said her father came to the realization that the relationship wasnt going to dissolve and that he had to accept it or lose his daughter and his grandson. "I think that when he realized that this wasnt going away, that this was something serious, he started to accept (Aisha), but hed still prefer a son-in-law," Lori Ellis said. In some relationships, family members might have good reason to dislike a partner, but its better to see if the situation resolves itself, says Ross. "If the family has remained respectful, their family member may begin to question the choice on their own," Ross said. "If they break it off to please the family, not only will there be resentment, but they will likely choose another partner with similar characteristics." As the school year draws to a close (finally!), I cant help but reflect on my junior year of high school. Now more than ever in my life, I appreciate and understand the importance of teachers. During the next three months of summer, most students (and I) will empty our minds of everything we learned the last nine months. Come fall and probably throughout life, I wont be able to recite trigonometric identities or quickly calculate the force a satellite has on Earth. However, the life skills and lessons that my teachers have incorporated into their classrooms will remain with me for life. Teachers have a profound impact on our lives because of the large amount of time we spend with them during our impressible early development. The most effective teachers are those who take time to build relationships with their students. The teachers who have the most impact are not the teachers who teach the most material, how to take the test, or give best grade (although it does help). Instead, the teachers who have had the most impact are those who connect with their students on a higher level. These are the teachers you come back to visit later on in life, or think about frequently when you are an adult. Teachers do more than teach. They inspire young minds and instill a passion of learning in their students. They motivate students to become better people by putting their faith in them and showing respect and kindness. I only hope that I am as passionate about my eventual career as my teachers are about theirs. Rather than remembering countless formulas and dates, we most remember how our teachers taught us how to learn. They teach us how to apply our knowledge and be responsible with deadlines. Teachers are essential to students of all ages as they encourage our abilities and give us the confidence to pursue our dreams. My teachers prove to me that learning is both rewarding and enjoyable. Teachers are amazing people. They can be your best friend or your worst enemy, the highlight or lowlight of your day. A teacher can make or break a students love for a subject and profoundly impact their career choice. Im happy to say that in my 11 years of education, I have had the privilege of having wonderful teachers. Ive dressed as my teachers for teacher day at school, Ive made grilled cheese in class, Ive flown kites with my teacher, and Ive even attended a yoga class that one of my teachers taught. These moments and these teachers personalities and passion for their jobs are what I will carry with me through my life, even if I do forget everything theyve taught me over the summer. Last year, I wrote about how the Rockefeller Brothers Fund (RBF) is a substantial contributor to the boycott Israel movement. Since 2013, RBF has contributed at least $880,000 to groups working to advance a boycott of Israel. Now the Jerusalem Post reports that, in addition, RBF contributes to Palestinian organizations with close ties to terrorist groups. Moreover, it continued to do so after being told that the NGOs it is funding have those terrorist ties. RBF funds Defense for Children International-Palestine (DCI-P). According to the Jerusalem Post, many of DCI-Ps officials and board members are linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Indeed, DCI-P is the product of the PFLPs recognition of the benefit of having their own NGO network under the banner of human rights, says NGO Monitor president Prof. Gerald Steinberg. PFLP is designated as a terrorist organization in the U.S., the EU, and Canada. It is responsible for hijacking an Air France plane to Uganda in 1976, which led to the famous IDF raid on Entebbe; attacking a preschool on Kibbutz Misgav Am in 1980, killing two-and-a-half-year-old Eyal Gluska; and for massacring Jewish worshipers in a Jerusalem synagogue in 2014, among many other terrorist attacks. Sometimes the mask comes off of DCI-P, revealing its strong connections with PFLP. This happened when a DCI-P employee, Hashem Abu Maria, was killed by the IDF during a violent confrontation in 2014. Abu Maria was hailed as a leader of the PFLP. Indeed, when DCI-P director Rifat Odeh Kassis spoke at Abu Marias memorial service, he was surrounded by PFLP flags and posters. The PFLP wrote on its website that Abu Maria was in the ranks of the national liberation struggle and the PFLP from an early age. . . Similarly, DCI-P general assembly president Nasser Ibrahim is a former editor of the PFLPs weekly publication. He can be seen in a 2015 video claiming Palestinians have a right of resistance, including the right to raise the gun. He also co-wrote The Palestinian Intifada: Cry Freedom, a 2002 book in which he said, Every checkpoint, every soldier and every settler are legitimate targets in the struggle for freedom everything becomes a target: Jerusalem, Haifa, Hadera, Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, the settlements. The Swiss and Danish governments were recently provided with evidence of links between DCI-P and PFLP. According to the Jerusalem Post, they cut funding to the DCI-P. But when Dani Dayan, Israels Consul General in New York, met with RBF president Stephen Heintz in early 2017 to inform him of these connections, Heintz was unmoved. RBFs support of DCI-P continues. There is a parallel here to RBFs decision to support Israel boycott groups. Nicholas Burns, the respected U.S. diplomat who has long been involved in the Israeli-Palestinian quagmire, was a RBF trustee. During a trustee meeting in 2015, Burns urged RBF to stop funding pro-BDS organizations. When RBF rejected his plea, Burns resigned. RBF isnt being duped into backing virulently anti-Israel outfits, including some with strong links to terrorism. It is doing so with its eyes wide open. It has no problem with this. The BDS movement has gushed that support from RBF gives it credibility with the philanthropic community and beyond. Perhaps. But with RBF now exposed as backing terrorists, perhaps not. In this series I follow up on Jeff Baillons intensely reported FOX 9 story Millions of dollars fly out of MSP in suitcases, but why? I gave my own twist to Baillons story in the City Journal column Mogadishu, Minnesota (my title: Assimilation, Minnesota style). In part 1 I noted the media backlash to Baillons story at the Pioneer Press, at MPR, and, of course, at the Star Tribune. The media, however, have not followed up on Baillons findings regarding rampant daycare fraud. In this post I want to provide some relevant background while noting the findings that remain undisputed supplemented by my own reporting and research. Minnesotas Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is a joint state-federal program (50-50) administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). It pays benefits to daycare providers providing services to qualifying parents as explained in information that can be accessed on the DHS site here. The program is limited to the budget set by the legislature. There is a waiting list for parents seeking the programs benefits. Any provider who steals from the program is stealing from needy applicants as well as from taxpayers. Fraud is rampant in the program. Thirteen daycare providers have been closed for fraud and six felony convictions have resulted in $4.6 million in court-ordered restitution. Ten more daycare providers are under active investigation. See Laura Yuen, Fox 9 reporting on day care fraud called into question (MPR, May 14, 2018). So far as I can tell, the cases of reported fraud go back five years and derive almost entirely from Somali daycare providers. See, e.g., Rochelle Olson, Hennepin County raids day-care centers as part of fraud investigation; 4 arrested (Star Tribune, September 30, 2015). In one case, the provider paid kickbacks to parents to keep the lid on. See, e.g., Chris Serres, Minneapolis daycare charged with overbilling state $103,500 (Star Tribune, April 8, 2016). Baillon adds this poignant detail: Sources in the Somali community told Fox 9 it is an open secret that starting a daycare center is a license to make money. The fraud is so widespread they said, that people buy shares of daycare businesses to get a cut of the huge public subsidies that are pouring in. In 2017 CCAP was budgeted at $248 million. Baillon reported that the fraud involved in the program may approach $100 million. That seems too high, but how long has this been going on? Minnesotas Office of Legislative Auditor is undertaking an investigation of the Child Care Assistance. When I spoke with Deputy Legislative Auditor Chris Buse last week he was just assembling his team. DHS referred me to the page on the CCAP program linked above in response to my request for information. I called and wrote DHS last week with a question based on my research: CCAP seems to be a program that is relatively easy to defraud. How else to account for a case like Fozia Alis and the multiplicity of similar cases? Will you please respond/comment? I received this response from DHS (my emphasis): Any amount of fraud is too much. DHS created the Office of the Inspector General in 2011 to address fraud, waste and abuse in public programs. DHS has added resources and made recommendations to the Legislature to increase our ability to ensure public funds are used for those who need them. Oh, yeah, also this preface to the message quoted above (emphasis mine): If you reference the following in your reporting, please attribute the information to the department and not to me personally. Baillon presented the case of Fozia Ali as illustrative of the issues he raised. I will turn to her case briefly in part 3. Reader Patti Kruse wrote us a few years ago to persist in our annual remembrance of the D-Day landings on the Normandy beaches. My dad landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, she told us. He was one of the fortunate ones, as he was never physically injured and managed to survive from D-Day all the way through the Battle of the Bulge and V-E Day. He rarely spoke about his experience except to say how much he loved America and was grateful to have served (he had immigrated from Ireland as a very young man). She added: Ive attached a picture of my dad (Pat Nichols, at right in the photo above) taken somewhere in Belgium December 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge. I asked him once about the picture and he said they were told, Only Yanks would be crazy enough to take their picture during the Battle of the Bulge. He loved being called a Yank, especially as he used to be teased about his magnificent Irish brogue. Here is our annual post in observation of the anniversary of D-Day, with a salute once again to Pattis dad as representative of all the brave Americans who did their duty that day: Seventy-four years ago today our fellow Americans and their allies stormed the beaches of Normandy to vanquish the Nazis supposed thousand-year regime. In his D-Day message to the troops, General Eisenhower declared: We accept nothing less than full victory! The landing was necessary if the war was to be won. In 1984 President Reagan called it a giant undertaking unparalleled in human history. Yet success was far from inevitable. Eisenhower tucked a second message away to use in case of failure: Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that Bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone. We seek to remember the fallen and honor all those living and dead who did their duty that day. They performed fearsome tasks with awe-inspiring fortitude. In his 2004 Wall Street Journal column Too much, too late, Professor David Gelernter expressed his revulsion over the tidal wave of phoniness that he detected in the celebration of the greatest generation by the boomer crowd. That particular tidal wave may have receded, but his remedy abides. As a remedy for the phoniness he detected, Professor Gelernter prescribed teaching to our children the major battles of the war, the bestiality of the Japanese, the attitude of the intellectuals, and the memoirs and recollections of the veterans. Complying with Professor Gelernters prescription, I have worked my way through Rick Atkinsons brilliant Liberation Trilogy. In recent years I read the late Dartmouth English Professor Harold Bonds moving Return to Cassino. E.B. Sledges With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa (now with an outstanding introduction by Victor Davis Hanson) is the classic memoir of combat in the Pacific theater that should be on everyones list. Professor Gelernter failed to assign a paper topic for his proposed course. I would assign an essay on the subject of sacrifice. Do we deserve the sacrifice made on our behalf? What we can do to make ourselves worthy of it? The battle of Omaha Beach of course represents only a small part of Operation Overlord and the other battles that occurred on the Normandy beaches. The story of Omaha Beach is nevertheless deserving of special recognition. S.L.A. Marshall was commissioned to serve as a combat historian with the Army in World War II. By 1960, he was already concerned that the passing of the years and the retelling of the story have softened the horror of Omaha Beach on D Day. That year the Atlantic Monthly published Marshalls essay on Omaha Beach based on the field notes he had compiled during his service as combat historian. The essay First wave at Omaha Beach is available online. Marshalls essay was the original source for some of the telling details that Stephen Ambrose lifted for his account of Omaha Beach in his book on D-Day. Please read it. Then print it out and save it for your kids as part of the required reading for the course Professor Gelernter has prescribed. (First posted in 2004, slightly revised and updated in 2013, 2014 & 2017.) The Miss America pageant has announced that it is doing away with its swimsuit competition. Further, the Miss America contest will no longer judge contestants based on their looks. Who doesnt want to be empowered, learn leadership skills and pay for college and be able to show the world who you are as a person from the inside of your soul, [Gretchen Carlson, chairwoman of the Miss America Organization] said. Thats what were judging them on now. It should make for riveting television. Actually, this announcement is not a surprise. The Miss America pageant has been going downhill ever since it started taking itself seriously as a scholarship contest. There is nothing wrong with a scholarship competition, of course, but the National Merit people dont expect an audience to tune in and watch. The Miss America people confirmed that the last nail is in the coffin by saying that their event is no longer a pageant. Miss America follows in the footsteps of Miss World. In 2013, the Miss World finale was held in Bali, Indonesia. In response to terrorist threats, the pageant canceled the swimsuit portion of the competition. To the astonishment of many, the Miss World people decided to make the swimsuit ban permanent the following year. I dont think Miss World has been heard of since. Where can fans of pageantry go? There are still a number of traditional pageants around the world, but by far the biggest is Miss Universe, the American version of which is Miss USA. As is happens, the Miss USA finale was just a couple of weeks ago. Sarah Rose Summers, Miss Nebraska, won: Who kept the flame of pulchritude alive at Miss Universe and Miss USA while political correctness was raging all around? Thats right: Donald J. Trump. He had to sell his interest in the pageants as the presidential campaign heated up in 2015, but still deserves credit for his stewardship. Beauty pageants: just one more traditional industry saved by Donald Trump! STEVE adds: Personally, the great Miss America Swimsuit Coverup scandal wont affect me, as Ive always followed the swimsuit portion of Miss America on radio to preserve my objectivity while were objectifying. . . But if they require women to cover up burka-like at the gun range . . . MUMBAI, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Aavishkaar-Intellecap Group, a pioneer in building scalable businesses that are impactful, announced the induction of former SEBI Chairman UK Sinha as an Independent Director to its Board. The Aavishkaar-Intellecap Group believes it would benefit from Mr. Sinha's vast knowledge and experience as it plans to deepen its presence in India and prepare to expand its presence in Africa. The Group works across various verticals that include equity, debt, advisory, financial technology and microfinance. Commenting on his induction, UK Sinha, said, "Business has to consider inclusion as a critical theme to build more equitable society and I am glad that in this group I could find that balance of harnessing entrepreneurial spirit while building scalable business and achieving inclusive economic development. I see potential in this young team and would like to contribute to its success and guide its leadership. I look forward to working with the organization keeping in mind our common goals: empowering innovation-based approaches and solving critical social challenges." Welcoming UK Sinha to the group, Vineet Rai, Founder, Aavishkaar-Intellecap Group, says, "We are very fortunate to have UK Sinha join us at the board. His illustrious career as an administrator and his exceptional leadership in bringing about forward-looking changes as a regulator made him our ideal choice as we were exploring expansion of the board. His acceptance to join our board is humbling and we look forward to his guidance as we embark on the audacious journey of serving the other 3 billion economically marginalized with our business initiatives." Known as one of the most progressive regulator, Mr Sinha brings exceptional administrative, financial and regulatory background along with his varied experience as an administrator, an asset manager and finally a regulator. Prior to serving SEBI as its Chairman, he was the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Unit Trust of India Asset Management Company (UTIAMC), commonly referred to as UTI Mutual Fund. During his stint at UTI Mutual Fund, he created Ascent Fund Manager as a joint venture between Private Individuals and UTI AMC. Mr Sinha is also a member of the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), belonging to the Bihar cadre. About Aavishkaar-Intellecap Group: The Aavishkaar-Intellecap Group are global pioneers in taking an entrepreneurship-based approach towards development. Driven by a vision to Build Business with/for the other 3 billion economically underserved, the Group focus is on developing the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem in the continent of Asia and Africa. Founded in 2002 with just US$ 100, the Group now manages assets of over USD 650 million, with 3,500+ employees present in India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Kenya and USA. The Aavishkaar and Intellecap Group financial ecosystem include equity funds, venture debt vehicle, microfinance and advisory business including Investment banking. Media Contact: Farooque Shaikh [email protected] +91(0)9594777764 Client Operation Lead II Practice Strategic Communications India Pvt. Ltd. SOURCE Aavishkaar-Intellecap Group MUMBAI, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Partners with Faithlane PC to create India's most focused retail advisory firm India's leading independent real estate services firm, ANAROCK Property Consultants, today announced the official launch of ANAROCK Retail, a new firm dedicated to tapping into India's $700 bn. retail market via its expert retail consultancy services. The new firm is the result of a partnership between ANAROCK and Faithlane Property Consultants, headed by retail realty veteran Anuj Kejriwal who joins as CEO & MD - ANAROCK Retail. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/701435/ANAROCK_Logo.jpg ) "ANAROCK's entry into the retail real estate domain was really only a matter of time," says Anuj Puri, Chairman - ANAROCK Property Consultants. Mr. Puri is himself an acknowledged retail real estate expert who, in addition to his previous role as Chairman of a leading IPC in India, was also Chairman of its Global Retail Leasing Board. "We have a deep market reach in this domain, and the launch of ANAROCK Retail is aptly-timed. Despite the multitude of firms active in the retail real estate arena, the disconnect between retailers and the spaces they need has never been wider. Many mall owners have been unable to align their products and strategies to the new retail environment. With its team of highly knowledgeable market experts, Anuj Kejriwal's Faithlane had successfully bridged the retail gap. By joining its resources to ANAROCK's highly tech-enabled property consultancy services, we have created the 'perfect match'." "2017 in itself witnessed large-scale mall closures and nearly 5 million sq. ft. of retail space was wiped out. These malls can technically be considered 'dead' and the developers are now looking at opportunities to convert the retail spaces into offices, mixed-use, hospitals, etc.," says Puri. "In most cases, developers did not invest in strategic research of the tenanting equation, adequate leasing expertise and the right mall management partners. It is, in fact, possible to revive a mall if a professional firm like ANAROCK reworks the equation at the DNA level. In other cases, the available space can still be turned profitable via focused mixed-use tenanting, 'reverse modeling' or a complete revamp of the business model." Prior to launching Faithlane in and its subsequent absorption into the avant-garde ANAROCK Group, Anuj Kejriwal was National Director for Retail Services at a prominent IPC. In this capacity, he set the strategic direction for its retail division and drove revenue growth for the West India market. Simultaneously, he oversaw the retail business in Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata, and was key relationship manager for several of India's largest and leading retail chains and retail real estate owners. With a professional career spanning 13 years, Kejriwal also has deep expertise and experience in Retail Capital Markets, including strategic divestment of retail real estate assets to institutional buyers and HNIs. As CEO & Managing Director for ANAROCK Retail, Kejriwal heads a team of 30+ retail real estate professionals and aims to ramp up the headcount to 100 over the next 12 months. "The speed of evolution in Indian retail has been so fast that the majority of mall developers and retailers have been unable to keep pace with the rapid change in trends," says Anuj Kejriwal. "ANAROCK Retail's services will have several highly positive market impacts, resulting in fewer 'dead' malls and more thriving ones. We ensure that specialized retailers get the exact spaces they require along with scalability options, that organized mall spaces are tenanted for optimal efficiency, and that the best facilities and event management firms are driving customer satisfaction and footfalls." The ANAROCK Retail team has extensive collective experience in achieving such targets for the most prominent domestic and global retailers and mall owners, and several leading brands are already on board as clients. ANAROCK Retail has aligned the new business with the Firm's first-in-industry business models to dovetail with the overall operations and consequently deliver a unique bouquet of services to its retail clients. The new retail division will be active across ANAROCK's 10 Indian city offices and internationally in Dubai and will grow in tandem with the Firm's expansion into new territories. About ANAROCK: ANAROCK is India's leading independent real estate services company that offers a broad range of complementary businesses. Anuj Puri, Chairman of ANAROCK Group is a highly respected industry authority and thought leader with 30 years' experience in leveraging Indian and global real estate opportunities. He leads a dynamic senior team that has a deep understanding of clients' requirements and a strong commitment to the company. ANAROCK serves the needs of investors, developers, occupiers, financiers and the public sector. Our key strategic business units are Residential Transactions & Advisory, Retail Transactions & Advisory, Capital Markets covering debt, equity and mezzanine funding, Investment Management managing proprietary funds and Research & Consulting. ANAROCK is headquartered in Mumbai with a staff complement of over 1,500 qualified and experienced professionals. With offices in all major markets in the country and dedicated services in Dubai, ANAROCK also has a global footprint with over 80,000 preferred channel partners. Every facet of ANAROCK reflects the core promise and vision to its clients and partners - Values over Value. Visit: http://www.anarock.com Media Contact: Arun Chitnis [email protected] +91-9657129999 Head - Media Relations ANAROCK Property Consultants SOURCE ANAROCK Property Consultants MUMBAI, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Brainwonders conducting DMIT at Campion School The 'Paradox of Choice' says that being presented with a large number of choices increases anxiety in people. In today's world, the pressure of this paradox weighs down more heavily on kids and young adults than it does on any other age group, thanks to the availability of so many academic and career options. Rising concerns by understandably worried parents have given rise to several 'career counselling centre', peddling tests and assessments that supposedly shine the light towards the right direction. However, so many of these 'centre' use unscientific methods that, at best, aren't of any use at all and, at worst, can totally misguide students into a career path that is just not right for them. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/702092/Brainwonders_DMIT.jpg ) Realising this problem, Campion, an ICSE School in Fort, Mumbai, decided to help its students get the right head start to their careers. After a thorough analysis of many aptitude and psychometric tests, Campion selected DMIT as its tool of choice to help parents and pupils gain much-needed clarity in selecting the right career path. Dermatoglyphics Multiple Intelligence Test (DMIT), is based on a branch of science in the study of the patterns of skin (dermal) ridges present on the fingers. It reveals the congenital links between our fingers and our intrinsic qualities and talents. While DMIT is useful for all age groups, it is particularly beneficial for parents and teachers to understand a child's innate strengths as well as areas that need molding. Armed with this information that is obtained purely from the child's biometric, DMIT assessments give crisp actionable insights and appropriate career recommendations. Thus, from December 2017 - March 2018, Campion ICSE School collaborated with Brainwonders to conduct a fingerprint DMIT for the students of Standard 8th and 9th. For the last 75 years, Campion ICSE School has been imparting knowledge to its students. They recently celebrated the release of their platinum jubilee logo and special cover on 1st December, 2017. With numerous extracurricular activities planned for the year 2018, taking up DMIT provided by Brainwonders was another step by this school towards making their students better leaders. Brainwonders is the only certified company of the patented DMIT assessment which has an international collaboration with Wellgene Science Lab headed by Prof. Lin. As the results of the DMIT assessment unfolded for Campion students, parents across the board were amazed at the accuracy of the observations. "Students find it difficult to sit for a long period and write various tests. This is one of the reasons we opted for biometric analysis provided by Brainwonders," remarked Mr. Paul Machado, the Principal of Campion School. Pleased with the evaluation, he further stated, "This biometric analysis will assist the students to know more about their personality and choose a career that matches their aptitude. In fact, some parents even wanted their younger ones to undergo the test." PTA secretary, Capt. Sheriff D'costa said, "One issue that touches upon students and their parents is the choice of career after school. There is confusion and students often take their decisions under pressure." He further added, "This is where Brainwonders DMIT comes into the picture. With the help of the DMIT, students could understand their areas of intelligence and make the right career decisions." When asked about the accuracy of this test, Capt. D'costa mentioned, "The DMIT report presented was 100% true of what he believed his child to be." In fact, the PTA member decided to do the test for himself and his two younger boys as well. He confirmed that the results were 100% accurate. Lastly, he added, "the report clearly defines the strength and weakness of an individual and strongly recommends Brainwonders DMIT to all." Mr. Manish Naidu, the founder of Brainwonders, said, "We had a great experience providing career guidance using the inborn genetic traits. The U.S. Patented DMIT chosen by Campion is our widely sought scientific and reliable method for personal and professional assessment." Further, he added," It was impressive to see the enthusiasm of the school and parents when the parents too took DMIT to understand their own traits and parenting styles. We thank Mr. Paul Machado for taking the scientific path to develop their student's potential. The testimonials of the school principals, teachers and students across India for the new technology have been very impressive adding further fuel to the fact that genetic analysis is the future." About Brainwonders: Brainwonders was established under the concept of Research and Development from Dermatoglyphic theory and the application(DMIT) from the latest technology. With the DMIT analysis, our analysts are able to discover the inborn intelligence of each child and the best way to learn. Moreover, professional advices and suggestions will also be given to help solve problems in both short and long term. 101-A, Suchita Enclave, Chandavarkar road, Jai Maharashtra Nagar, Borivali West, Mumbai. Media Contact: Tejal Patil [email protected] +91-22-4016-3399 Brainwonders SOURCE Brainwonders Innovation MUMBAI, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Diageo Reserve is here with the India edition of the industry's acclaimed bartending competition - Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS 2018, with well-articulated themes of Signature Concept and Resourceful Bartender for this year's competition. In the last few months, over 250 bartenders from India participated in the competition and underwent gruelling modules involving creativity, ingenuity, speed, agility and battled it out at the Regional Finals last week across Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/702097/Diageo_Reserve_World_Class_Top_12_Finalist.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/702098/World_Class_Finalist_Akhilesh_Perch_New_Delhi.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/702099/World_Class_Finalist_Feruzan_Bilimoria_Mumbai.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/702100/Zachary_Abbott_Jamie_Walker_Brandon_Toborg.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/702101/World_Class_Finalist_Rohan_Matmary_Bangalore.jpg ) Diageo Reserve World Class 2018 is proud to announce the top 12 finalists, who will compete at the National Finals in New Delhi on 25th & 26th June, 2018. The winner of WORLD CLASS 2018 in India will represent the country at the World Class Global Finals in Berlin this October. Top 12 Finalists for World Class 2018 - India: Akhilesh, Perch, New Delhi Gaurav Dhyani , Whisky Bar, Gurugram Lopsang Galchen Lama, Speakeasy Bar, Gurugram Param Veer, Perch, New Delhi Subham Gupta , PCO, New Delhi Devi Singh Bhati , Peep Kitchen, Goa Feruzan Bilimoria, London Taxi, Mumbai Jitender Singh Rana , Arth, Mumbai Rohan Rege , Paasha at JW Marriott, Pune Rahul Sandilya Tiwari , The Oberoi, Kolkata Rohan Matmary, Byg Brewski, Bangalore Vedant Mehra , Bootlegger, Bangalore A training and advocacy program as well as a competition, Diageo Reserve World Class has educated and inspired over 300,000 bartenders in 60 countries all over the world since its inception in 2009. Pioneering the quaint culture of fine drinking around the world, the contest presents an exclusive global platform, intending to encourage and further magnify the talent of local bartenders. This year the modules selected for the competition are Signature Concepts and the Resourceful Bartender. Signature Concepts is designed to help bartenders create a unique experience for their venue using mapping techniques and incorporating all the five senses and make a drink that represents their unique creativity. The Resourceful Bartender module focuses on sustainability in bartending by reducing waste and energy consumption and applying a zero waste attitude to bartending and participants were encouraged to make minor changes that will help reduce carbon-footprint. The 12 apt contenders have been hand-picked by a team of accomplished judges comprising of Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassadors - Jamie Walker, Andrew Young, Brandon Toborg and Zachary Abbott. The contenders were effectively scored on their knowledge, bartending technique, creativity and the ability to deal with pressured situations. Coming in from various parts of the country, right from Delhi to Bangalore, the finalists exhibited cutting-edge novel innovations in their cocktail recipes and displayed exquisite skill in the craft. Commenting on this competition, Shweta Jain - Vice President Luxury Commercial & Key Accounts, Diageo India said, "Diageo Reserve World Class is the industry's biggest and most prestigious bartending competition. With Resourceful Bartending as our core theme for World Class 2018, we want our participants to understand the importance of the three things people most people don't expect in cocktail culture - the environment, the service and most importantly the quality of the drinks. We are very excited to represent the best bartender in Berlin for the World Class Global finals 2018." All the cocktails made through the competition were made using premium brands like Talisker 10YO, Johnnie Walker 18YO, Tanqueray No. 10 and Ketel One from Diageo's Reserve portfolio. 'Drink Responsibly' About WORLD CLASS WORLD CLASS is on a mission to inspire people to drink better and create unforgettable experiences in the process. Whether at home or in a bar, WORLD CLASS encourages consumers to think and care about fine drinking in the same way they care about fine dining. WORLD CLASS has supported, trained and inspired over 300,000 bartenders across the globe over the past nine years, while partnering them with the world's finest spirits - the Diageo Reserve collection. WORLD CLASS is also the authority on the drinks industry that consumers look to for the information on the latest drinks, trends, cocktail recipes and industry insight. WORLD CLASS hosted the 'WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year' - the world's biggest bartending competition. After local competition around the globe, 55 of the world's finest bartenders have arrived in Berlin to compete to be crowned the world's best bartender. About Diageo Reserve Created in 2004, Diageo's Reserve division focuses on the global luxury opportunity, bringing together brands built on strong heritage, craftsmanship and authenticity. This luxury portfolio consists of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Ciroc, Don Julio, Tanqueray No. TEN, Ketel One Vodka, Zacapa, Bulleit and a fine collection of Single Malts. The Reserve portfolio accounts for 16% of Diageo's total sales and has grown by 7% this financial year. About Diageo Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan's and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff and Ciroc vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, http://www.DRINKIQ.com for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere For further information please contact: Diageo India: Prerana Sitaraman +91-9916970010 [email protected] Genesis Burson-Marstellar Reema Shah +91-8879057785 [email protected] Hina Thadani +91-9773818904 [email protected] SOURCE Diageo Reserve PUNE, India, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Double Sided Tape Market by Resin Type (Acrylic, Rubber, Silicone), Technology (Solvent, Water, and Hot Melt), Backing Material (Foam, Film, Paper), End-Use (Automotive, Building & Construction, Paper & Print), and Region - Global Forecast to 2023", published by MarketsandMarkets, the market is projected to reach USD 13.15 Billion by 2023 at a CAGR of 6.93% from 2018 to 2023. The Double Sided Tape Market is estimated at USD 9.41 Billion in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 13.15 Billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 6.93% between 2018 and 2023. Double sided tapes are pressure-sensitive tapes that are coated with adhesive on both sides. These tapes are created by applying a thin adhesive layer to each side of a substrate material. Double sided tapes are designed to stick two surfaces together, and these tapes are widely used by industries such as automotive, building & construction, and electrical & electronics for bonding, holding, mounting, splicing, and other purposes. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg ) Browse 163 market data Tables and 49 Figures spread through 183 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Double Sided Tape Market" https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/double-sided-tape-market-24592600.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report Based on resin type, the silicone segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The silicone segment is projected to grow at a higher rate than the other resin types because of its better adhesion properties. Silicone-based double sided tapes maintain adhesion over a larger temperature range and possess the ability to adhere to difficult surfaces. These factors are expected to drive the market for silicone resin-based double sided tapes during the forecast period. Get PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=24592600 Based on technology, the hot-melt segment of the Double Sided Tape Market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The hot-melt technology segment is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. Hot-melt double sided tapes is the fastest-growing class of double sided tapes in healthcare, aerospace, and wind and solar energy applications. These double sided tapes have an extreme rate of bond formation, which can translate into high production rates. In the US, the hot-melt technology is widely used in tape production by key players, such as 3M Company (US) and Intertape Polymer Group, Inc. (Canada). Based on backing substrate, the paper/tissue segment of the Double Sided Tape Market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The paper segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2018 to 2023 as it is cheaper and recyclable. Smooth or crepe paper with different elongation degrees and tensile strengths are used as a backing material for double sided tapes. The demand for double sided tapes in the paper & printing, electrical & electronics, healthcare, and packaging industries is expected to drive the demand for paper/tissue backing material. The Double Sided Tape Market in the Asia Pacific region is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The Double Sided Tape Market in the Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, due to the rising demand for double sided tapes from emerging economies, such as India, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Singapore. China is leading the market for double sided tapes in the Asia Pacific region. The growth of various end-use industries, such as automotive, electrical & electronics, and paper & printing, is projected to drive the demand for double sided tapes in China. 3M Company (US), Nitto Denko Corporation (Japan), Tesa SE (Germany), Lintec Corporation (Japan), Intertape Polymer Group, Inc. (Canada), Avery Dennison Corporation (US), Shurtape Technologies, LLC (US), and Scapa Group Plc (UK) are some of the key players operating in the Double Sided Tape Market. Know more about Double Sided Tape Market: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/double-sided-tape-market-24592600.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 7500 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 BENGALURU, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- India's leading online pharmacy Medlife International Pvt. Ltd., has launched its new TVC series 'Lafaddu Lal' today, with well-known actors - Boman Irani and Varun Sharma. 'Lafaddu Lal' has been created as a euphemism for people who are too casual and lazy about their health and medication. Boman plays the father who is exasperated with his son's lazy and casual attitude about life and health. The campaign features a series of hilarious real-life situations between the father and son duo, where the father tries to exhort his son to be more responsible. Medlife is Obsessed with Health and believes that being in control of one's health is everyone's responsibility. Medlife has various innovative offerings (like monthly medical subscription, e-consultation with doctors), topped off with best-in-market discounts that make it very convenient to take care of one's own health and thereby eliminating any excuse for being 'lazy' about health. The campaign has been conceived by 'Soho Square Advertising and Marketing Communications Pvt. Ltd.', and the films have been directed by a budding B-town director, Shlok Sharma. Mr. Tushar Kumar, CEO, Medlife International Pvt. Ltd., expressing his excitement about the collaboration, said, "Both Boman and Varun bring in a dash of freshness to the brand and stand for everything that clearly defines the attributes of Medlife viz. new-age, energetic, cheerful, aspirational, innovative and consistent. We are really kicked up about this association and hope the journey ahead is going to be furthermore exciting." Sumanto Chattopadhyay, Chairman & Chief Creative Officer, Soho Square, has summarized the series of films as: "A chuckle-inducing campaign featuring a slightly sarcastic father and his bumbling son, help us deliver Medlife's message in a memorable way." Naveen Raman, Sr Vice President & Brand Head, Bengaluru, Soho Square and Bates India, delved on the strategy behind the campaign, saying, "Medlife is among the top few players who are pioneering the online medicine category in India. Earlier this year, we launched a campaign to create brand awareness. Now, the objective is to be more specific and talk about the unique benefits that Medlife offers to its consumers.The consumer looks for availability, price and convenience and that's what our film communicates in a light-hearted manner. Sarcasm and carelessness between a father and son is a very relatable behavior in the Indian context. 'Lafaddu Lal' is the creative idea that binds the relationship. And, who better than Boman and Varun to play the characters." The new ad campaign will be launched on the digital platform at the onset, followed by a strategic media plan for television, outdoor and print, to get the desired impact. Watch TVC Here: 1) Apps for all - 10 Secs - https://youtu.be/tXZniSYuw0A (Download Medlife App - Discount Offer on All Medicines) 2) Monthly Refill - 10 Secs - https://youtu.be/H_fP6luTcME (Month End? Don't Worry with Medlife's Medicine Subscription) 3) Bhoolna - Medlife - 30 Secs - https://youtu.be/9ulzyV2ZkHc (Don't forget Medlife Medicine Subscription) 4) Mehnati - 30 Secs - https://youtu.be/nTQZ4hH7Nhk (Don't Strive When its Easy with Medlife) About Medlife International Private Limited: Founded by Mr. Tushar Kumar and Mr. Prashant Singh in 2014, today Medlife has emerged as the frontrunner in enabling better access to healthcare by offering an array of app-based features such as e-consultation, e-pharmacy and health related services across India. The company has created a unique platform in the fastest growing pharmaceutical & health services market in the world, and this platform can be the foundation of India's leading healthcare services business in the times to come. Website - https://m.medlife.com Credits: Creative: Sumanto Chattopadhyay, Mayur Varma, Rwitayan Mukherjee Account Management: Naveen Raman, Supreeth Murthy, Vishakha Priya Director: Shlok Sharma Production house: Absolute Productions Media Contact: Neha Misri [email protected] +91-9284726602 PR Manager Euklid Brand Solutions SOURCE Medlife NEW DELHI, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ISGF Gears up for India Smart Utility Week (ISUW) 2019 from 12th to 16th March in New Delhi Government of India recently announced the completion of 100 percent village electrification. This massive accomplishment of bringing electricity to 5,97,464 villages along with introduction of Saubhagya Scheme to provide free electricity connections to about 40 million homes and smart grid projects in urban areas, government of India is making all efforts to provide 24 X 7 reliable power supply for all citizens. However, to achieve this target, adequate measures need to be taken in terms of AT&C loss reduction, smart metering, efficient transmission planning, business transformation of utilities to adopt technology transition etc. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/643762/India_Smart_Grid_Forum_Logo.jpg ) India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) has been conducting India Smart Grid Week (ISGW) since 2015, which is today considered to be one of the top five events on Smart Grids and Smart Cities in the world. With launching of 100 Smart City projects by the Government of India, water and city gas distribution utilities will also need to equip themselves with latest technologies for improved operational efficiency and successful integration into the smart city systems. However, lack of effective policy and regulations both at the central and state level along with inadequate safety guidelines, standards, business models act as barriers for its growth. In order to address all the challenges and to discuss future technologies and opportunities, ISGF will be organising India Smart Utility Week (ISUW) 2019. It will be an International Conference and Exhibition focused on smart energy, gas and water for smarter cities and will take place in Delhi from 12-16 March 2019 and will include plenaries, interactive workshops, keynotes, and technical sessions. ISUW 2019 will bring together India's leading electricity, gas and water utilities, policy makers, regulators, investors and world's top-notch smart energy experts and researchers to discuss trends, share best practices and showcase next generation technologies and products in smart energy and smart cities domains. Experts from more than 75 countries and 200 utilities are expected to converge at the event to discuss on the latest developments, trends and technologies related to Grid Modernization, Clean Transportation, Smart and Sustainable Cities, Energy Storage, Smart Water, Smart Microgrids and Renewable Energy, Smart City Gas Distribution, Artificial Intelligence, Advance Analytics and Blockchain and will share their experiences and best practices followed globally in these emerging areas. The conference will also witness bilateral workshops with representatives from European Union, Sweden, USA and France. The event will also have utility specific roundtable discussions by eminent experts on Blockchain for Utilities, AI and Robotics for Utilities, Augmented Reality for Utilities etc. About India Smart Grid Forum ISGF is a public-private partnership initiative of Govt. of India with the mandate of accelerating smart grid deployments across the country. With 170+ members comprising of ministries, utilities, technology providers, academia and research, ISGF has evolved as a think-tank of global repute on Smart Energy and Smart Cities. The mandate of ISGF is to advise government on policies and programs for promotion of Smart Grids in India, work with national and international agencies in standards development and to help utilities, regulators and the industry in technology selection, training and capacity building. ISGF works closely with government institutions such as CEA, CPRI, CERC, NSGM and NCIIPC; ministries such as MNRE, DoT, MoUD, MoHI, etc. and other stakeholders like state governments, electric utilities and electricity regulatory commissions. Media Contact: Sneha Tibrewal [email protected] +91-11-41030398 India Smart Grid Forum SOURCE India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) BANGALORE, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- SmartOwner, Asia's leading marketplace for property investors, has announced the launch of a series of exclusive international hospitality portfolios. Tapping into the fast-growing short-term-rental sector, this series allows discerning investors to own a stake in a global, diversified portfolio of luxury properties situated in the world's tourist hotspots. The first portfolio, STR-APX-ONE, is focused on the high-growth Asia-Pacific region, and will launch in Dubai, the world's #1 tourist destination in terms of dollars spent. The short-term rental market has transformed the hospitality industry, with online marketplaces like Airbnb creating a fluid, transparent market where travellers can choose from a vast array of options when choosing where to stay. * $31 Billion: Valuation of Airbnb (30% higher than Hilton) * 112%: Growth of Airbnb (compared to Marriot 8%) * 6 Million+: STR listings globally in over 65,000 cities STR offers qualified investors an effortless opportunity to add this rapidly expanding sector to their portfolios. Participants in STR will enjoy superior quarterly returns based on rental yields and will be able to resell their appreciated stake in the portfolio through SmartOwner's convenient platform. Returns will be maximized through professional property management, best-in-class services, and algorithmic revenue optimization. STR-APX-ONE is an extremely limited offering and is expected to sell out rapidly. For more information on SmartOwner, visit http://www.smartowner.com. About SmartOwner SmartOwner is one of Asia's largest marketplaces for investors, offering opportunities not available on the general market. The firm was ranked by the Financial Times as the fastest growing FinTech firm in South Asia, and among the top 100 fastest-growing companies in Asia-Pacific. Founded by Silicon Valley veterans, SmartOwner specializes in giving the savvy investor access to high-value opportunities, which are normally the domain of large financial institutions. Media Contact: Christabel Singh-Samuel, [email protected], +91-80-4667-9500, SmartOwner Services India Pvt Ltd SOURCE SmartOwner Services India Pvt. Ltd JAIPUR and HYDERABAD, India, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On World Environment day, TATA Projects Limited has launched its nationwide 'Green Thumb' initiative from the banks of Dravyavati River at Jaipur. In this initiative, 137 project sites of TATA Projects, across the country will undertake simultaneous tree plantation drive. About 65,000 trees shall be planted under the Green Thumb initiative this year. The unique feature of the initiative is that the trees planted are attributed to 'clicks' that the 'Green Thumb' website receives for the cause of protecting the environment. Thus, one needs to log on to http://www.tplgreenthumb.com to participate in this initiative. When one clicks on the 'Green Thumb' banner on http://www.tplgreenthumb.com it shall be attributed to a tree that shall be planted. Clicks, exceeding 65,000 number, will be attributed to the cause of protecting the environment. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/702140/TATA_Projects_Lalit_Sharma.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/702141/TATA_Projects_Green_Thumb.jpg ) Dravyavati River is 47.5 km long rain-fed river, in the heart of Jaipur city, which had deteriorated into sewerage (Nallah). Jaipur Development Authority, along with TATA Projects, is rejuvenating this river by recharging it with treated sewerage water and has landscaped slopes on both its banks, along with parks and social spaces. This river has a special significance, as citizens and the authorities have come forward to jointly plant 18,000 trees on its banks. About TATA Projects TATA Projects is one of India's fastest growing and most admired infrastructure companies. It has expertise in executing large and complex industrial and urban infrastructure projects. The company operates through its business units - EPC, Transmission & Distribution, Transportation, Construction & Environment, Urban Infrastructure and Quality & Water services. The Company provides turnkey end-to-end solutions to set up power generation plants, power transmission & distribution systems, fully integrated rail & metro systems, commercial buildings & airports, chemical process plants, water and waste water management solutions, complete mining and metal purification systems. Engineering excellence, supply chain expertise and construction management are its key strengths. The company is driven to deliver projects `On-Time' using world class project management techniques and has uncompromising standards of safety and sustainability. Media Contact: [email protected] TATA Projects Limited SOURCE TATA Projects TIRUPPUR, India, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- - After catering to the textile and knitwear cluster for over a decade, the lab has been expanded with the addition of chemical testing to make it an all-inclusive facility equipped to cater to testing, inspection and auditing needs in Tiruppur and neighbouring regions like Karur, Erode and Salem - The laboratory specialises in providing technical solutions that identify performance problems as early as possible in the product lifecycle, mitigate losses and facilitate growth of the textile eco-system by minimising risks and aiding faster turn-around TUV SUD, a globally acclaimed German safety and quality expert, today announced the expansion of its textile testing laboratory in Tiruppur. With this expansion, the world class laboratory - distinguished for its physical testing and technical solutions - will now offer chemical testing services for all kinds of textile businesses in Tiruppur as well as neighbouring regions including Karur, Salem and Erode. The holistic capabilities of the laboratory will cater to manufacturers and exporters carving a niche for Indian knitwear products in global and domestic markets. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/568955/TUV_SUD_South_Asia_Logo.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/702086/TUV_SUD_Chemical_Lab_Tiruppur.jpg ) The facility is fully equipped to provide comprehensive textile, apparel and home furnishing testing services. For businesses that partner with TUV SUD, the benefits are manifold; TUV SUD will be able to assist manufacturers in improving production processes, optimising costs and reducing risks and defects by ensuring their products' compliance with the guidelines. Manufacturers can avail complete guidance on Restricted Substance List (RSL) and Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) and other similar safety regulations. The new chemical testing laboratory will be equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, including UPLC-MS, GC-MS, UV-VIS spectroscopy, FTIR and ICP-OES. These instruments will be essential in testing for key parameters such as pH levels as well as banned amines, phthalates, formaldehyde and heavy metals. To reduce product rejections in global markets and identify production threats at grassroots level, TUV SUD is able to deliver failure and root cause analysis that will support manufacturers in minimising risks at preliminary stages. The expanded facility offers all testing services available under one roof, for which extra floor space was added to the existing laboratory in 106/2 A, Nehru Street, 15 - Velampalayam, Tiruppur. Announcing this expansion, Mr. Niranjan Nadkarni, CEO of South & South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa Region said, "Tiruppur is one of the biggest hubs for India's textile and knitwear industry. The sector is highly promising with respect to its contribution to the country's GDP and the government is also taking decisive steps towards unlocking its full potential. Our aim is to understand the pulse of the sector and respond to its business needs in real time. Keeping that in mind, we have strategically invested in building a facility close to the manufacturing hub and have augmented our range of testing services aligned with manufacturers' evolving business needs. Globally, we have a network of laboratories and multidisciplinary experts collaborating with exporters and importers to help minimise production risks and mitigate economic losses. Owing to our global heritage of superior services and expertise, we are equipped to support clusters like Tiruppur and its neighbouring regions with the required technical know-how to meet rapidly changing requirements." With its wide network of labs and experts across key markets including South Asia, European Union, ASEAN, the US and UK, TUV SUD has in-depth familiarity with compliance in exporting and importing nations. Across the globe, TUV SUD works with leading international brands of repute to help them focus on quality and consistency. The company's state-of-the-art consumer testing laboratories ensure that manufacturers, exporters and importers can smoothly adapt to ever-evolving regulations and helps to minimise economic losses in trade. Further information is available at http://www.tuv-sud.in About TUV SUD TUV SUD is a leading international service organisation catering to the strategic business segments industry, mobility and certification. Headquartered in Munich, Germany and founded in 1866, it has over 24,000 employees representing more than 1000+ locations throughout the world. Optimising technology, systems and know-how, the interdisciplinary specialist teams act as process partners to strengthen their customers' competitiveness. About TUV SUD South Asia TUV SUD South Asia is the leading consulting, testing, inspection and certification (TIC) company with presence across India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. With more than 1400 employees, TUV SUD South Asia has serviced over 10,000 clients to date through the past two decades. It is present at 32 locations including 19 labs across the three countries. Today, TUV SUD South Asia is internationally competent to provide TIC solutions cutting across a wide range of sectors that include management systems, conventional and renewable energy, water, sanitation, environmental technology, infrastructure, transit systems, real estate, food, supply chain, agriculture, toys, consumer electronics, textiles, leather and related products, automobile and components, and technical as well as soft-skills training. For further details visit http://www.tuv-sud.in/ Media Contact: Sharwari Paranjape [email protected] +91-7506642862 Edelman India SOURCE TUV SUD South Asia Pvt. Ltd. BANGKOK, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Wuxi Suntech Power Co., Ltd. ("Suntech") announces today that it attends the Renewable Energy 2018 (the 14th South East Asia's Renewable Energy Technology Exhibition and Conference) which is held at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre. More than 350 enterprises from 16 countries and regions attend this Exhibition, which attracts over 20,000 audiences. This Exhibition gets the support from the Energy Department and Industrial Department of Thailand and is highly recognized by professionals in the energy industry. After the development of 13 years, this Exhibition has become the largest professional energy exhibition and the benchmark of the industry in Thailand. Suntech attends the Renewable Energy 2018 with several high-efficiency modules. Therein, high-efficiency polycrystalline half-cell modules are highly appreciated on this Exhibition. Compared to standard modules, the half-cell module has significant advantages in system applications. First of all, with half-cell technology, the module power can be up to 10W higher than traditional design, and this can reduce the system cost with higher module efficiency. Secondly, unit solar cell current reduces by 50% with half-cell technology and the cell temperature during operation will drop by 20~25-degree Celsius compared to the standard design, which alleviates the hot spot effect using the hybrid mode with series-connected after parallel-connected. In addition, the size of half-cell is smaller than that of the conventional cell, which means that the damaged area also will be smaller for half-cell if cracks occur under the influence of external force. At the same time, the traditional complex circuit is optimized by using the distributed junction box design, and the power loss can be further reduced in a cross layout of installation. As the emerging market of new energy, Thailand shows an excellent market performance. Thailand Government implements Feed-in-Tariff (FIT), subsidy or refunding, public investment loan, tax relief, electricity price settlement and other policies, to support the development of photovoltaic power generation. It's reported that the renewable energy installed capacity of Thailand will reach to 19GW in 2036, and the ratio of renewable energy power generation will increase to 20% from 8%. As the first Chinese PV enterprise that enters into Thailand's market, Wuxi Suntech is not only highly praised by local customers, but also has made contribution to public good. We will spread hope, deliver green energy, and light every corner of the world by sunshine. The Renewable Energy 2018 will end on June 9. Welcome to Suntech's booth at L25 of Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre. SOURCE Wuxi Suntech Power Co., Ltd. JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, June 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, for the first time in its four-decade history, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) unveils a new brand identity that reflects its modern values, strategic direction and relationship with its 57-member countries. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/700112/Islamic_Development_Bank_Logo.jpg ) The Islamic Development Bank, one of the world's largest Multilateral Development Banks, has been undergoing significant strategic reform in the last year, led by the Bank's new President, H.E. Dr Bandar Hajjar, formerly KSA Minister of Hajj. As development enters a new era, Dr. Bandar is reimagining the traditional role of a development bank, making the organisation more globally facing, placing partnerships, technology and innovation, and global engagement at the heart of his modernising programme. The new brand identity maintains the core elements of the IsDB's heritage while signalling modernity, independence and transparency, future proofing the bank's identity and evolving it for an international audience. H.E. Dr Bandar Hajjar, President of the Islamic Development Bank explained the momentous decision: "The Islamic Development Bank has been a symbol of trust, credibility, strength and stability for over 44 years, with a proud heritage of providing resources, fighting poverty and restoring dignity in our member countries. As we build on the successes of the past, we must also look to the future. I believe that this new brand identity is one of a world class institution - tackling the challenges of today's modern world." The IsDB's mission, as it enters its next stage of growth, includes equipping people to drive their own economic and social progress at scale; putting the necessary infrastructure in place to enable them to fulfil their potential; building collaborative partnerships between public and private sectors; and championing the latest science, technology and innovation led solutions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Dr Hayat Sindi, Chief Scientific Advisor to the President and General Supervisor of Communications and External Relations for the Islamic Development Bank, added: "This is a significant moment in our organisation's history. It is a new identity for the next generation of the IsDB, putting our vision at the heart of our brand, harnessing the achievements of our past, as we build towards the future." The Islamic Development Bank have also today launched a new website to coincide with their new brand identify and future vision. Please visit http://www.isdb.org Notes to Editors: A new brand identity for the Islamic Development Bank The new logo is a dynamic evolution of the IsDB's original logo. The globe at the heart of the logo demonstrates the network of 57-member nations, across four continents that the IsDB represent. It reflects the IsDB's global outlook and status as a world leading international organisation. The dots within the globe represent the IsDB's new operating model, becoming a bank of development and developers, whose role is to connect organisations together, acting as a catalyst and facilitator. The dots also represent the symbology of infrastructure and science, technology and innovation, which are at the heart the IsDB's strategic direction, as they are crucial for the economic evolution of our member nations. The semi-circle, inspired by the dome of a Qubba, is a reference to the Islamic identity of our member nations. It also represents the sun rising, and a new dawn for the Bank. The unfinished nature of symbol represents dynamism and progression, as it builds upon the achievements of the last 44 years, and looks to the future, with new partners, new members, new ideas, as it adds pieces of the puzzle. The rich green to blue colour represents sustainability, progression, growth and our planet, as well as the Bank's Islamic heritage. The IsDB abbreviation can be used alone, or alongside the full name of the Bank, adaptable for use in all three languages - Arabic, English and French. Download the new brand identity including images and video here. Abou t the Islamic Development Bank The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is a multilateral development bank that has been working for over 40 years to improve the lives of the communities it serves by delivering impact at scale. We bring together 57-member countries across four continents, touching the lives of 1 in 5 of the world's population. We are one of the world's largest multilateral development banks, with an annual volume of operations above $10 billion and subscribed capital of $33 billion. The IsDB is headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with major hubs in Morocco, Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Senegal, and gateway of offices in Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Nigeria. Our mission is to equip people to drive their own economic and social progress at scale, putting the infrastructure in place to enable them to fulfil their potential. We build collaborative partnerships between communities and nations, and work towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, by harnessing the power of science, technology and innovation and fostering ethical and sustainable solutions to the world's greatest development challenges. The Islamic Development Bank Group The IDB Group has evolved from a single entity into a group comprising of five entities: Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI), Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export (ICIEC), and International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC). SOURCE Islamic Development Bank AHCA, NCAL Elect Boards and Directors at Annual Convention

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) have elected AHCAs Board of Governors and NCALs Board of Directors for the 2021/2022 term. Phil Fogg of Oregon was elected AHCA Chair, and Gerald Hamilton of New Mexico was elected NCAL Chair.

We are thrilled to have Phil and Gerald as the chairs of our Boards, said AHCA/NCAL President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Parkinson. They are incredible, influential leaders dedicated to seeing the industry through this challenging time, so we come out stronger, as well as providing the highest quality of care to our residents. I am confident they will do an amazing job leading our sector this next year.

Fogg is the president and CEO of Marquis Companies in Milwaukie, Ore. As the fourth generation of a family of long term care providers, it was inevitable that Fogg would devote his life to serving seniors. His great-grandmother was one of Oregons pioneers in the profession, and by the age of 13, he was already working in his fathers facilitiesdoing laundry, washing dishes, making beds, or whatever else was needed. He previously served as Vice Chair on AHCAs Board of Governors.

The remaining members of AHCAs 2021-2022 board include:

Phil Scalo of Bartley Healthcare (N.J.), Vice Chair
Chris Wright of iCare Health Network (Conn.), Secretary/Treasurer
Debbie Meade of Health Management (Ga.), Immediate Past Chair
Derek Prince of HMG Healthcare (Texas), At-large Representative
Sarah Schumann of Brookside Inn (Colo.), At-large Representative
Tina Sandri of Forest Hills (D.C.), At-large Representative
Reginald Hartsfield of Advantage Living Centers (Mich.), At-large Representative
Julianne Williams of Elevate Health Care (Calif.), At-large Representative
Alex Terentev of Lilac Health Group (Fla.), At-large Representative
Steve Flatt of National Healthcare Corp. (Tenn.), Multifacility Representative
Randy Bury of The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society (S.D.), Not-for-profit Representative
Mark Traylor of Traylor Porter Healthcare (Ala.), Independent Owner Representative
Ted LeNeave of Accura Healthcare (Iowa), Regional Multifacility Representative
Gerald Hamilton of BeeHive Homes of Albuquerque (N.M.), NCAL Representative
Jesse Samples of the Tennessee Health Care Association, ASHCAE Representative
Betsy Rust of Plante Moran, Associate Business Member Representative

NCAL also elected its Board of Directors today, including Hamilton as its new chair. He is the co-owner of BeeHive Homes and has 35 years of experience in health care management as an assisted living facility owner/operator, licensed nursing home administrator, regional manager of multiple nursing homes, and consultant. After a successful career in nursing home administration in California, New Mexico, and Colorado, he started his own business to construct and operate assisted living communities.

The remaining members of NCALs Board of Directors include:

Mark Maxfield of The Cottages (Idaho), Vice Chair
Sarah Silva of Avamere Health Services (Ore.), Secretary/Treasurer
Helen Crunk of Pemberly Place (Neb.), Immediate Past Chair,
John Bolduc of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Home of Maine (Maine), At-large Representative
Rod Burkett of Gardant Management Solutions (Ill.), At-large Representative
Megan Campbell of IntegraCare Corp. (Pa.), At-large Representative
Sue Coppola of Sunrise Senior Living (Va.), At-large Representative
Ana de la Cerda of Aegis Living (Wash.), At-large Representative
Todd Dockerty of Dockerty Health Care Services (Mich.), At-large Representative
Darryl Fisher of Mission Senior Living (Nev.), At-large Representative
Stacy Hejda of Assisted Living Partners (Iowa), At-large Representative
Esmerelda Lee of Century Park Associates (Tenn.), At-large Representative
Barbara Mitchell of Magnolia Manor (Ga.), At-large Representative
Gail Sheridan of Lifespark, formerly Tealwood Senior Living (Minn.), At-large Representative
Elizabeth Wheatley of Benchmark Senior Living (Mass.), At-large Representative
Kristopher Woolley of Avista Senior Living (Ariz.), At-large Representative
Phil Scalo of Bartley Healthcare (N.J.), AHCA Vice Chair
Phil Fogg of Marquis Companies (Ore.), AHCA Chair
Peter Corless of OnShift, Associate Business Member Representative
Doug Farmer of Colorado Health Care Association, State Affiliate Representative
David Voepel of Arizona Health Care Association, ASHCAE Vice President

We are incredibly fortunate for this years Board members, and their time and contribution to assisted living, said NCAL Executive Director LaShuan Bethea. Now more than ever, we need their leadership to guide us during these challenging years ahead, and looking at this group of individuals I am truly excited about all they will accomplish for our profession.

Members of the AHCA Board of Governors are elected by the associations governing body, the Council of States. The NCAL Board of Directors is elected by current members of the NCAL Board and by the NCAL State Leaders. Both boards hold annual elections at the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo.

2021-10-13T04:00:00Z Management Associations elect annual Board line-ups during final hours of AHCA/NCAL 72nd Convention & Expo. Bethea Shares a Passion For Advocacy as New Head of National Center for Assisted Living

Much has changed during the last 18 months. Theres the political dynamics on Capitol Hill, bringing new challenges to leaders in health care. On the frontlines, assisted living providers continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, saving lives and protecting residents from the virus latest iterationthe Delta variant. In Washington, there is a new face in assisted living leadership.

Being the first woman and first person of color to hold the title of executive director of the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), LaShuan Bethea is a force, bringing 25 years of experience as a nurse and fierce advocacy from the front lines of long term care. She most recently served as vice president of legislative affairs and reimbursement for Genesis HealthCare.

In an interview with Provider, Bethea shares her message to Washington and assisted living providers across the country, along with a sneak peak of what providers can look forward to at this years NCAL Day at the 72nd American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living Convention & Expo.
Provider: Youve just recently come on as NCALs new executive director, congratulations! What made you take this position? What challenges do you want to tackle?

Bethea: Ive been a nurse for over 25 years. I have a range of experience in a variety of different long term care settings. One of the things Ive developed a passion about is advocacy. Ive focused on legislation, regulation, and quality care for excellent outcomes. Having 25 years experience, I see this as an opportunity to expand my role for quality and great outcomes in the assisted living care setting.

Provider: How can assisted living providers be successful with the Phase 4 application process with the Provider Relief Fund?

Bethea: Were thankful to the Biden administration for making these funds available to all providers and prioritizing the needs of those we care for in our assisted living communities. The application is open until Oct. 26, and there are webcasts that will help providers with applying. I encourage providers to complete their applications sooner rather than later so that they have enough time to get their applications in.

Provider: How do you balance the needs for assisted living providers to get federal COVID relief while at the same time maintaining that assisted living remain a state-regulated area of long term care?

Bethea: I think it is important that the federal government as well as state governments understand the wide variety of individuals who are providing assisted living care. We have some assisted living providers that have a social or hospitality model, and we have other assisted living providers who provide more of a medical modelthey collaborate with hospitals or SNF [skilled nursing facility] settings.

Assisted living, no matter what range of the spectrum it falls in, we are not a true medical model, and we do need additional resources to make sure that we can be competitive in terms of wages and hiring caregivers to work in our settings, as well as having access to personal protective equipment, testing, and vaccines.

Its important for the state and federal government to recognize that the governments role in assisting providers during the pandemic should not be setting-agnostic; they should be providing assistance to those who need assistance in providing care to a vulnerable populationwhether thats in a skilled setting, a hospital, or an assisted living setting.

Provider: Are there any current discussions on Capitol Hill about increased regulation or scrutiny of assisted living communities?

Bethea: There is nothing specific that Im aware of, but its definitely something that were keeping our eye on. Right now there is definitely an opportunity for Congress to continue to prioritize assisted living, including the individuals who choose to call assisted living their home as well as their caregivers. And they can do that through the Human Infrastructure Act. They can make sure that funds are allocated to cover wages.

Workforce is one of our most significant challenges. Another bill in Congress, the Care for our Seniors Act, also addresses our ongoing workforce challenge. It uses a multitiered approach to help providers not only recruit new caregivers but retain them by providing services that support them, such as affordable housing, child care, tax credits, and loan forgiveness for any new graduate who chooses to work in a care setting.

So while there is no regulation thats looking to increase scrutiny, I think that Congress is focusing where they should be focusing right now, which is making sure that seniors and individuals living in a senior living community have the resources that they need to successfully get through this pandemic.

Provider: There seems to be some movement to make assisted living care more affordable. What do you think are the prospects for more development in this area? To enhance access to assisted living for those with middle to low incomes?

Bethea: With the use of home- and community-based services waivers and the funding thats been allocated for them, I think that we should absolutely make sure that assisted living is a part of what is considered when those resources are distributed. It is a way to make sure that not only those individuals who have sufficient financial resources can afford to make assisted living their home but also individuals with a moderate or low income can use Medicaid reimbursement to select assisted living as their home.

Provider: Will the vaccine mandate for health care workers cause any type of staff exodus from member facilities in the assisted living world?

Bethea: There is definitely some vaccine hesitancy. One of the ways we can deal with that is while we are fully supportive of health care providers being vaccinated, I think that in order to help us deal with the vaccine hesitancy it will be important for the Biden administration to provide some type of guidance to help us manage or deal with giving additional time to unvaccinated workers.

In addition, when the mandate goes into effect, if we lose some individuals who are choosing not to get vaccinated, we believe that the administration can also assist us by providing some supplemental staffing or other resources to help us fill that gap that we may have so our staffing challenges dont continue to get worse.

Provider: Considering the post-COVID push to have elders and people with disabilities cared for more at home, how will that affect business? And will you see more of your members go into the home care space?

Bethea: Assisted living is a perfect option for individuals to choose. I wouldnt say that one is better than the other. Whether more people will stay at home or more in a facility, I think that is to be determined. Assisted living is absolutely an option for individuals whether they are people looking for a more social or hospitality environment, or whether they have additional medical needs, assisted living is an environment that has something for all those individuals.

Provider: At Genesis, you were chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. As you know, more than half of the frontline workers in long term care are people of color. This is way over the national average for a workforce in any industry, but the ranks of owners, administrators, and other key leadership spots are not diversified. How is NCAL planning to support the growth in the number of people of color into management and executive positions in long term and post-acute care?

Bethea: One of the ways any organization has the ability to support diversity in executive positions is making sure that when they have open positions, they interview individuals from a diverse candidate pool, and that at least one of the candidates be a diverse candidate.

I think the other option, because we know that more than 50 percent of our workforce are persons of color, is succession planning. Succession planning is another way to look at individuals in the workforce and give people a chance to move up within an organization and within a trade association.
Its important to share those potential options with members and let them know what paths they can take to expand diversity within their organization, either through mentoring, succession planning, and/or ensuring diverse candidate pools with hiring and with promotion. Its also about looking at representation within their leadership but also within their board.

Great ideas and options for opportunities come when you have diverse representation in committees and boards that are making decisions about how policy is being structured within an organization.

Provider: This month is the largest gathering of your members of the year, and the first since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. What can your members expect from NCAL Day?

Bethea: Im extremely excited about our fifth annual NCAL Day on Oct. 10. Its a great opportunity where like-minded assisted living providers can join together to enjoy thought-provoking education that is tailored to the assisted living sector.

We have lots of great educational opportunities, including one provided by the Ritz Carlton leadership center. They will conduct a presentation that is going to walk through how to foster a culture of personalized service in genuine care. Attendees will hear a national update from NCAL leadership, they will hear more about how the federal government will potentially impact the assisted living profession, and how NCAL is working on their behalf.

One of the other benefits, especially after 18 months of working remotely and having video conference calls, is that this is an opportunity to safely network, meet new people, share ideas, and innovate with your fellow assisted living professionals as well as discuss some best practices and some of the experiences that individuals have had within the last 18 months.

2021-10-08T04:00:00Z Management Right now Congress has an opportunity to continue to prioritize assisted living along with skilled nursing. Mark Parkinson Talks Relief Funds, Vaccine Mandate, Politics

In the midst of the second fall season in the COVID-19 pandemic, much is on table for skilled nursing providers and the residents and patients they care for. With the Delta variant top of mind and providers working harder than ever to save lives, opportunities with the latest round of provider relief funds are at hand, mixed with new staffing challenges and occupancy ebbs and flows.

In an interview with Provider, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Parkinson outlines the current political dynamics in Washington, D.C., how vaccine mandates are affecting long term care, what providers should focus on with relief funds, and what attendees can expect at the 72nd AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo.

Provider: This month your members are coming together at the 2021 AHCA/NCAL National Convention & Expo. Its the first time since the start of COVID that youve held this event at a physical site. What can attendees expect?

Parkinson: We are really thrilled to be able to get back together in person with everyone. Our hope is the conference will be a time where people can refresh, get reinvigorated, share experiences, and prepare for the recovery of the future. The conference will be focused on really educating people, but also the theme of inspiring people will run through the conference. There will be a lot of inspirational sessions.

Provider: How can nursing homes be successful in applying for the latest round of provider relief funds? Is it enough aid for the sector?

Parkinson: The most important thing at this point is that people get applications in well before the deadline on Oct. 26, 2021. We dont believe that CMS [Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services] will grant an extension for applications on this phase. Everyone should have everything filed at least a week before the deadline. HRSA [Health Resources & Services Administration] has had some webinars on how to properly apply, and we encourage everyone to review those webinars, as well as additional materials were putting out.

Unfortunately, even with this additional funding, it wont be enough. The Delta variant has caused a pause in the financial recovery of the sector. Combined with increasing staffing costs that we were already experiencing, were going to need continued help from both the federal and state governments.

Provider: Workforce is the current major issue it seems. Is there any legislation that you would like to see passed in Congress to help make it easier to find and retain workers for long term care?

Parkinson: There are two things the federal government can do right now to help us with our workforce shortage. First is to test incentives for workers to stay in our workforce in the reconciliation bill. We are advocating for some funding increases to SNFs [skilled nursing facilities] that would be passed through in the form of wage increases. Thats the first thing that Congress can do.

The second thing is that the administration can do some things to make immigration easier. We dont expect a broad immigration bill to pass on the Hill, but there are some administrative changes that the Biden administration can make that would increase the ability for nurses to come to the United States, and thats what wed like to see happen.
Provider: What are the current political dynamics in Washington, and how does long term care fit in?

Parkinson: Washington continues to be very partisan and quite divided, and as long as that remains the case, its difficult for bills to pass Congress. What that means for long term care is that, for us to achieve our objectives, a lot of work has to be done with the administration on actions that do not require Congressional approval.

The good news for the sector is that, because of the hard work of providers, we have broad support from both partiesRepublicans and Democrats, leadership and rank and file membersfrom the efforts that providers have undertaken, particularly the work that theyve done during the pandemic.

After the pandemic occurred, I was concerned that the attitude on the Hill and in the general public would be to blame nursing homes for what happened. Initially there was a lot of blame out there. But as time has passed, politicians and the general public have really begun to understand that this pandemic was a once in a hundred-year event, and the virus was so contagious that there was nothing that long term care providers could do. The work that was done saved tens of thousands of lives in the buildings.

So the overall attitude about long term care on the Hill is positive, but they still have a hard time helping us because they cant pass any bills. They are that divided.

Provider: What will be the effect of the administrations vaccine mandate for health care workers on skilled nursing and assisted living staff?

Parkinson: Its too early to tell right now because the administration has announced the vaccine mandate, but they have not enacted the mandate yet. Until we get to the point where either workers have to be vaccinated or they will be terminated, were not going to know what the impact of the mandate is.

Its very clear to me that there are parts of the country where there is so much vaccine hesitancy, that if there isnt some alternative to the vaccine, assisted living centers and skilled nursing facilities are going to lose a lot of employees. We encourage the administration to provide some exceptions or alternatives in those cases or we believe they are going to exacerbate the already challenging staffing situation.

Provider: Do you see further specialization by providers to diversify their care settings? For example, are memory care and non-skilled settings still booming?

Parkinson: Successful providers are branching off into all sorts of different areas beyond the core work of long term care. We have seen great success of providers going into memory care but also the ancillary businesses, like creating their own pharmacies, their own hospices, their own rehab companies, their own institutional special needs plans.

The financial lessons of the last 10 to 15 years has been that if all you have is the core business of long term care, youre going to have a hard time surviving financially, particularly in the vast majority of states that underpay for Medicaid. And so the successful providers now and into the future will be those that take part in ancillary businesses that surround the basic long term care work that we do.

Provider: Considering the post-COVID push to have elders and people with disabilities cared for more at home, how will that affect business? And will you see more of your members go into the home care space?

Parkinson: The major misunderstanding of many home care advocates is their belief that there are many residents who can be taken care of at home. And that simply is not true. The average resident of a SNF or assisted living building is typically in their 80s and needs help with multiple activities of daily living. Its just not possible for these people to be taken care of at home. Many states that have attempted to provide home care services and move people from nursing homes into home residences have found it doesnt work out.

There are some people who are at home who do need additional home care services, and thats why we support the efforts of the administration to expand home- and community-based services for those people. Those are important services for those people, but it will not dimmish the number of people who still do need skilled nursing and assisted living care.
Because of the caregiving work that all skilled nursing and assisted living providers perform, many of them also provide home care services. If that funding is expanded, as the Biden administration would like to have happen, I think youll see more long term care operators expand into home care as well.

Provider: On occupancy, did we bottom out months ago as some expected, or have we still not hit the bottom? What are the prospects in the coming months and in 2022?

Parkinson: I think we hit the bottom in January. We had a huge wave of COVID in November and December in the U.S., and the country-wide occupancy hit a low of 67 percent. We are now at 72 percent. We were at 80 percent before the pandemic. Weve had a pause in the census recovery during the time of the Delta variant, but as the variant recedes, our hope is the pause turns into a slow and steady increase in occupancy through the end of the year, and then we can fully recover in 2022.

Provider: Youve been at this for a number of years. Do you still find the challenges exhilarating? What have you learned from heading AHCA/NCAL?

Parkinson: The last two years have been the most important work that Ive been able to do at any point in my career. Our mission statement at AHCA/NCAL is to improve lives by delivering solutions for quality care. We feel like the work that weve been able to do both at AHCA and more importantly for our members in their buildings hasnt been just to improve lives but to actually save lives. And I believe that our work and our members work have saved tens of thousands of lives over the past 10 years. And so yes, thats been exhilarating.

On the other hand, all of us at AHCA/NCAL have been working hard every day for the past year and a half, and we havent been working as hard as our members have. Its been tiring at times, and its been exhilarating at times, but its been the most important part of my career.

2021-10-07T04:00:00Z Management Successful providers are branching off into all sorts of different areas beyond the core work of long term care. AHCA Partners With Exponent, MatrixCare on New Effort to Track COVID-19 and Future Threats to Nursing Homes

The American Health Care Association (AHCA) has partnered with Exponent Inc. and MatrixCare on a new effort that will enable comprehensive tracking of COVID-19 and future public health threats facing nursing homes.

The Long Term Care Data Cooperative, funded by the National Institute on Aging, will use nursing home residents electronic medical records and associated data to create comprehensive resident electronic health records to help providers monitor their residents needs and outcomes. Additionally, the health records system will support public health reporting as well as allow researchers to generate real-world evidence on different treatments and care practices for the elderly and individuals with disabilities in nursing homes.

We are thrilled to have these partners join us for this important new initiative, said Mark Parkinson, AHCA president and chief executive officer (CEO). While we know more about COVID than a year ago, there is still so much more we need to learn. This innovative system will help improve and save lives now and in the future.

Together with Brown University, a pioneer of research studies using integrated data on residents that have helped the long term care community, Exponent, an interdisciplinary and scientific consulting company, and electronic health records (EHR) software firm MatrixCare, the AHCA-led effort will assemble the largest and most comprehensive health records database from geographically and structurally diverse nursing homes and residents.

Thirty-years ago, the minimum data set made it possible to characterize the needs of nursing home residents and to document the impact of new treatments and policies, said Vincent Mor, PhD, professor of health services, policy, and practice at Brown Universitys School of Public Health. This initiative transforms this effort by linking real-time clinical data, including lab results and orders, in ways that can transform the delivery of care to the increasingly vulnerable population of nursing home residents.

In addition to curating and normalizing diverse data sources and maintaining the health records system, Exponent will leverage its expertise to develop insights from the data to support providers delivery of care.

This project brings more than curated electronic health records to the long term care industry as they navigate the continuously evolving pandemic, said David Dore, PharmD, PhD, a principal scientist at Exponent. This public-private partnership brings together a holistic, multidisciplinary team of experts who can translate the data and deliver tailored information to stakeholders to advance delivery of care in skilled nursing facilities.

We are proud to be one of the first EHRs to join the Long Term Care Data Cooperative to combat the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and pave the way for innovation and improvement in a post-pandemic world, said MatrixCare President and CEO Steve Pacicco. At MatrixCare, we are deeply committed to using data to improve the quality of patient and resident care, while optimizing organizational efficiencies. This collaboration underscores the power of data-driven intelligence and interoperability to change the lives of hundreds of thousands of seniors and empower those who care for them.

This multi-year initiative will continue to characterize and monitor the immediate and long-term effects of COVID-19 and its vaccines among residents and to be better prepared for future public health threats.

Over time, the cooperative will serve three broad functions:
Assist providers with health care operations, including care coordination for residents who transfer between skilled nursing facilities.
Provide public health monitoring for medical conditions and infections, including COVID-19, to be securely shared with relevant health authorities.
Identify research opportunities for National Institute of Health-funded academic institutions and commercial companies.

2021-10-04T04:00:00Z COVID-19 The cooperative will use electronic health records to help providers monitor their residents' needs and outcomes. AHCA, NCAL Issue Statement in Support of the SKILLS Act

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) have released the following statement in support of the Strengthening Knowledge, Improving Learning, and Livelihoods (SKILLS) Act, introduced by Congressman Fred Keller (R-Pa.).

The following statement is attributable to Mark Parkinson, AHCA/NCAL president and chief executive officer:

We thank Congressman Keller for introducing this important legislation. Today, nearly every nursing home and assisted living community is facing a workforce crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A new survey of our members found that 86 percent of nursing homes and 77 percent of assisted living providers say their workforce situation has gotten worse over the last three months. Providers nationwide are struggling to fill vacant roles, and a lack of qualified candidates is one of the biggest obstacles in hiring workers.

The SKILLS Act will help create a pipeline of essential workers for the long term care sector. Strengthening our workforce is critical to providing quality care for the millions of seniors in our nursing homes and assisted living communities, but we need federal resources to accomplish this.

We appreciate Congressman Keller making the long term care workforce a priority, and we look forward to working with him to help pass this bill.

2021-09-24T04:00:00Z Workforce A lack of qualified candidates is one of the biggest obstacles in hiring workers, association says. Most Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Communities Face a Workforce Crisis

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) have released a survey of nursing home and assisted living providers across the United States. Results from the survey highlight an urgent need for Congress to address the labor shortage facing the long term care industry.

Key findings include:

Eighty-six percent of nursing homes and 77 percent of assisted living providers said their workforce situation has gotten worse over the past three months.

Nearly every nursing home (99 percent) and assisted living facility (96 percent) in the United States is facing a staffing shortage. Fifty-nine percent of nursing homes and nearly one-third of assisted living providers are experiencing a high level of staffing shortages.

More than 7 out of 10 nursing homes and assisted living communities said a lack of qualified candidates and unemployment benefits have been the biggest obstacles in hiring new staff.

Due to these shortages, nearly every nursing home and assisted living community is asking staff to work overtime or extra shifts. Nearly 70 percent of nursing homes are having to hire expensive agency staff. Fifty-eight percent of nursing homes are limiting new admissions.

Seventy-eight percent of nursing homes and 71 percent of assisted living facilities are concerned workforce challenges might force them to close. More than one-third of nursing homes are very concerned about having to shut down their facility(ies).

The survey demonstrates the severe workforce challenges long term care providers are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Too many facilities are struggling to hire and retain staff that are needed to serve millions of vulnerable residents, said Mark Parkinson, AHCA/NCAL president and chief executive officer.

Lawmakers across the country must prioritize long term care, and that begins with providing resources to address workforce challenges. When facilities have the means to offer competitive wages and training programs, workers will follow, he said. We have laid out key proposals in our Care for Our Seniors Act that will allow us to boost our workforce, but without the help from Congress and state legislators, this will not be possible.

Parkinson said the reconciliation package currently under construction is an appropriate vehicle for Congress to fund a long-term solution to address chronic staffing shortages in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.

Congress has the opportunity right now, through budget reconciliation, to include meaningful investments in long term care, which will help address key staffing challenges, he said.

Our caregivers are the backbone of long term care, and they deserve the full support of our lawmakers. We cannot allow facilities to close because of these challenges, which will directly impact residents and their families, especially when lawmakers have the means to help solve this dire situation.

Survey results can be found HERE.

2021-09-22T04:00:00Z Workforce Fifty-eight percent of nursing homes are limiting new admissions due to worker shortages. Marvellous Airon Pte Ltd Very prompt response from Miss Tan via WhatsApp when requested for normal servicing for the next day (public holiday - labour day). Was glad that she was able to arrange for the timing that I have requested. The servicing personnel also arrived on the stipulated time and completed the job profession With more than 10 years of experience under its belt, Marvellous Aircon is currently Singapores largest air conditioning maintenance provider which covers the area of repairing, installation and maintenance consultation. Over the years, this company has gathered a large customer base due to its reliability and efficiency as the best aircon servicing provider. Using nothing but only the latest high-tech equipment, its team of stand-by engineers are quick to spot if there is any problem with their customers air conditioning unit - be it only minimal or even the most serious of fault. Marvellous Aircon prides itself as being an edge above others in the air conditioning service industry. There are three main features that sets Marvellous apart from its competitors out there - competitive servicing rates, 24/7 on demand aircon service and broad aircon expertise. First, Marvellous Aircon provides its customer with a value-for-money rate for every aircon servicing. Need to service a couple of units, but worry about the price? Fret not, as Marvellous Aircon allows you to service your first unit at $40 and any subsequent unit for just $15. Second, you can contact Marvellous Aircon be it day or night whenever you have an emergency aircon woe as the company is staffed with a 24/7 help desk team to assist you. Third, Marvellous Aircon has the right expertise to deal with various air conditioning brands and service requests. Among the range of aircon services offered by Marvellous Aircon includes normal servicing, chemical wash, troubleshooting, chemical overhaul and gas topping. Regardless of the aircon servicing complexity, be rest assured that the team will still do its best to fully restore the unit to its optimum functioning. For starters, even the most normal of aircon servicing will not burn a hole in your pocket as all the rates are priced affordably. For example, costs for the first unit are only $40, and $15 for any subsequent unit(until 5) and $19/FCU for 6 units and above. As a bonus, the company has got everything covered for its valued customers; from cleaning the air filter to checking the compressor suction and vacuuming the drainage system. From the official Marvellous Aircon website, customers can read more about the companys aircon services and charges. For online booking, all one have to do is by simply filling up the featured form and submitting it with their details where representatives from Marvellous Aircon will get back to him or her soonest. Otherwise, you can contact the company for further enquiries also by filling up the form below. You can go to Marvellous Aircon Pte Ltd website at http://www.marvellous.sg or contact them by office phone at 6428 6288 or by mobile phone at 9094 9039. Visit their office at : Block 25 Woodlands Industrial Park E1 04-02 757743 Singapore. #light aircraft carrier Navy to press ahead with aircraft carrier project despite skepticism South Korea's chief of naval operations vowed Thursday to press ahead with a project to build the country's first light aircraft carrier by 2033 despite persistent doubts over its ... #murder suspect court Suspect in brutal murder says ready to accept death penalty A murder suspect, who stunned the nation in August for killing one woman before cutting off his electronic ankle monitor and another afterward, admitted to his charges in his first... American Fence Co. Begins New Chapter in Florida American Fence Company is proud to announce a new location in Orlando, Florida offering rental fence and temporary fence panels. American Fence Company operates seventeen branches in nine states and Orlando is the first office in Florida. Daniel Van Denburgh, President of American Fence, acknowledged, American Fence Company is very proud of its long corporate history, and we are excited to expand our service area into Florida. We look forward to introducing ourselves to the market place, and earning the business and trust of new customers. American Fence has the best team in the fence industry, and our commitment to quality and service sets us apart from the competition. While most competitors buy fence materials from overseas suppliers or third-party fence wholesalers, American Fence operates their own tube and pipe mill and chain link weaving machines. American Rent-A-Fence panels are manufactured in the United States and are available in heights of 6 feet and 8 feet. American Fence Company is currently accepting invitations to bid and is quoting temporary fence installation beginning on July 5th. The office will be located at 1100 Central Florida Parkway in Orlando. American Fence Company services much of Florida including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Spring Hill, Lakeland, Kissimmee, Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Sarasota, and Vero Beach. About American Fence - Established in 1948 and based in Phoenix, AZ, American Fence is a nationally recognized industry leader that has been professionally installing fence for seventy years. Providing the highest level of products and service, American Fence Company provides all your fencing needs including temporary fence rental, commercial and industrial installation, and materials for the do-it-yourselfer and fencing contractors. Additionally the High Security Perimeter Fencing division provides crash rated bollards, gates, and fences for military installations, data centers, and other sensitive corporate projects. For more information, please visit the website at http://www.americanfence.com or contact: Mr. Robert D. White Director of Marketing and Business Development American Fence Company, Inc. Oce: 602-734-0537 Email: Robert.White(at)AmericanFence.com Were proud of this TeleChoice Award because of what it means for our clients, said WordSouths CEO and founder Stephen V. Smith. For the fourth time in five years, one of WordSouths Regional Telco Magazine editions was honored with a TeleChoice Award at the annual PR & Marketing Conference for NTCAThe Rural Broadband Association. The WCTEL Connection, produced by WordSouth and published by WCTEL, received the distinction as Best Customer Newsletter in its category. Winners were announced during a ceremony April 30 in Nashville. Were proud of this TeleChoice Award because of what it means for our clients, said WordSouths CEO and founder Stephen V. Smith. The Regional Telco Magazine is a powerful tool for them to engage with their customers, and it has become the industrys preeminent tool for helping them tell their story. According to NTCA, entries were judged on innovative strategies, design, writing, creativity and other elements specific to each category. The awards program is open to each of the more than 800 telcos who are members of NTCA and honors excellence in independent telco public relations and marketing. The marketing efforts of NTCA member companies continue to play a critical role in educating and raising awareness of communications technologies, services, initiatives and issues that impact the vitality of rural communities and our nation, said NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield. WordSouths clients have received awards for their magazines before. The member magazine WordSouth produces for WCTEL in Abbeville, South Carolina, won the TeleChoice Award for Best Customer Newsletter in 2017 and 2015. In 2015, WordSouths magazine for Ardmore Telephone Company (Ardmore, Alabama) won the award in its category, coming on the heels of Mountain Rural Telephone Cooperative (West Liberty, Kentucky) winning the award in 2014 for another magazine WordSouth produced. Past winners have also included Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative (Rainsville, Alabama) and New Hope Telephone Cooperative (New Hope, Alabama). WordSouth work also earned a TeleChoice Award for WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative (Mayfield, Kentucky) for Single-Target Print Publication in 2017. A video telling the story of a revitalized affordable housing development produced by 5:00 Films in conjunction with not-for-profit affordable housing organization, The NHP Foundation, has been awarded a 2018 Bronze Telly Award for "General-Public Service & Activism for Social Video. The video demonstrates how The NHP Foundation, via a combination of private and public funding and government support, helped refurbish the 284-unit Cleme Manor Apts in Houston, and in so doing, helped the community realize goals such as reducing crime in the area and providing increased services. Via the 5:00 Films collaboration, The NHP Foundation is the only affordable housing entity recognized for an outstanding video in any Telly category. The Telly Awards honor groundbreaking video work across all screens. Thought-provoking, compelling video is helping tell the NHPF story in new ways to new audiences, said Thom Vaccaro, NHPF SVP, External Affairs, who worked closely to produce the video, And we thank 5:00 Films for going above and beyond in creating this award-winning piece. Contact: Marijane Funess mfuness@nhpfoundation.org 646.336.4927 About The Telly Awards The Telly Awards is the premier award honoring video and television across all screens. Established in 1979, The Telly Awards receives over 12,000 entries from all 50 states and 5 continents. Entrants are judged by The Telly Awards Judging Councilan industry body of over 200 leading experts including advertising agencies, production companies, and major television networks, reflective of the multiscreen industry The Telly Awards celebrates. Partners of The Telly Awards include NAB, StudioDaily, Stash Magazine, and Digiday. About 5:00 Films Founded in 2004 as a boutique video production company, we have since grown into a full-service creative agency helping nonprofits, associations, and other mission-driven organizations connect with and engage supporters through the power of storytelling and visual imagery. We see our role as strategic and creative advisors as being equally importantif not more importantthan being just a company that knows how to produce video (even if we do that really well, if we do say so ourselves). So while video is our core capability and weve got the portfolio, client testimonials and awards to prove it, were much more than just a video production company. Were an eclectic team of top-notch creative professionals who are grounded and guided by three core principles in all that we do: We do the right thing. We deliver the right solution. We focus on the relationship. About The NHP Foundation Headquartered in New York City with offices in Washington, DC, and Chicago, IL, The NHP Foundation (NHPF) was launched on January 30, 1989, as a publicly supported 501(c)(3) not-for-profit real estate corporation. NHPF is dedicated to preserving and creating sustainable, service-enriched multifamily housing that is both affordable to low and moderate income families and seniors, and beneficial to their communities. NHPF also provides a robust resident services program to nearly 28,000 community residents. Through partnerships with major financial institutions, the public sector, faith-based initiatives, and other not-for-profit organizations, NHPF has preserved 81 properties, totaling 14,259 units in 18 states and the District of Columbia. Today, NHPFs portfolio includes 41properties totaling nearly 7,000 apartment units in 16 states and the District of Columbia. For more information please visit http://www.nhpfoundation.org. StreetLight Data, Inc., the mobility analytics company that brings real-world travel patterns to light, today officially launched its Multimodal Measurement Initiative (M2Initiative) to measure the way all modes of travel interact. This includes trips made by personal vehicles, public transit, walking, biking, commercial trucks, and even gig economy trips made by on-demand rideshare and delivery drivers. As part of the M2Initiative, StreetLight Data is building a working group to collaborate on the issue of multimodal travel interactions. The company is already engaged with select early-adopter partners and clients to deliver analytics for new modes. The M2Initiative partners include providers of mode-specific data sets, public agencies who want to lead in measuring new modes, academic institutions and private transportation firms who are exploring new business models. Several projects are already underway. StreetLight Data is accepting a limited number of additional partners and is actively seeking organizations that can contribute calibration or validation data. Organizations can request to join on the companys website: http://www.streetlightdata.com/multimodal-measurement-initiative StreetLight Data has long led the industry with in-depth analytics that describe the mobility patterns of all modes of personal travel as well as commercial trucks. In the first iteration of the M2Initiative, StreetLight Data focused on bicycle, pedestrian, bus, train, and gig economy driving (which covers ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft, plus delivery applications like GrubHub and Postmates). It has already delivered several editions of these analytics to pilot clients. StreetLight is now accelerating the development of new analytics that describe the mobility behavior of each of these transportation modes individually. Importantly, the company is also prioritizing the creation of new tools that describe how these modes interact. Interaction is what we all truly care about, said StreetLight Data CEO Laura Schewel. As a timely example, not many people care about electric scooters in the abstract. We care if they have a positive or negative impact on driving, pedestrian activity, or transit ridership. As we move forward into a world where you might expect to take six modes of transportation in a single day, and where new modes, including autonomous vehicles and aerial urban travel are on the horizon, we must measure all of these new variables separately and together, in order to effectively manage them. Schewel continued, On the same road we will have pedestrians, autonomous shuttles, ride-hailing rides, someone driving their car to drop off a lunch delivery then transforming back into a citizen on their way home from work, as well as gas-powered SUVs. Measuring the interaction of these factors is critical. We must ensure that we maximize the social and environmental gains that can come from all of these modes, but not fall prey to the potential dangers dangers that can be exacerbated if we treat modes as unrelated. About StreetLight Data, Inc. StreetLight Data is San Francisco-based technology firm that transforms the massive amount of geospatial data produced by mobile devices into useful transportation behavior information. Smart city leaders, transportation experts, and urban planners can access StreetLight Datas Metrics in minutes via an easy-to-use online platform, StreetLight InSight. To learn more visit http://www.streetlightdata.com. Youve Got Maids is pleased to announce that we have opened a new house cleaning franchise in the Jacksonville area. Youve Got Maids was founded in Orlando in 2005, and has been awarding franchise locations since 2010. Currently the brand extends from sea to shining sea, operating in over twenty states, and many locations throughout Florida including Orlando, Boca Raton, Lakeland, Tampa, and Sarasota. Youve Got Maids of South Jacksonville is owned and operated by our new franchisee, Edward Nostrates. Edward has joined our brand following a successful career with Publix, and is excited to begin his adventure with Youve Got Maids. Edward has an understanding for building teams, maintaining quality, and is committed to the success of his people and his business. Edward is a family man, as well a veteran of the United States Military. Edward has a strong interest in community and has already begun doing good in the Jacksonville area. Edward has partnered with Cleaning For A Reason, a charity that matches cancer patients with cleaning services who are willing to offer free cleaning in that time of need. Mr. Nostrates and his team of trained maids have performed a few house cleanings through the organization and are committed to continuing to do so. Youve Got Maids has been partnering with Cleaning For A Reason for years, and has donated well over a hundred thousand dollars in charitable cleanings thus far. Along with Edward, Youve Got Maids has to increase our commitment to this great cause. Edward recently completed a comprehensive training program at Youve Got Maids corporate headquarters in Charleston, S.C with Founders Frank & Cynthia Berger. Youve Got Maids of South Jacksonville has begun operations cleaning in Jacksonville and Saint Johns. Youve Got Maids provides high quality service, and makes each home a happier, cleaner, and healthier place. We use the only vacuum endorsed by the American Lung Association, which removes nearly all the dust, dirt, allergens, bacteria, pet dander, and other pollutants from the air in your home; our customers literally breathe better air! For people suffering from allergies, this technology makes their life better! Youve Got Maids is also the only maid service to use the methodical and detailed 52-Point Spring Cleaning system. Combined with the most innovative, environmentally friendly products, Youve Got Maids provides an unbeatable house cleaning service. Youve Got Maids works in teams to provide world class service to retain customer happiness and we also promote efficiency to give our customer the best price. We bring all the cleaning supplies and equipment our service requires. Youve Got Maids works with an onsite team leader who supervises the process to ensure quality. All employees are trained, uniformed, and have passed criminal background checks and drug screens. Youve Got Maids is a licensed, bonded, and insured company. Call Edward today to improve your lifestyle, to get back those hours you spend cleaning with our weekly or biweekly home cleanings! Occasional, or one time service, is also an option to you. Youve Got Maids proudly offers 100% Satisfaction Guarantee with every single cleaning! From coast to coast, Youve Got Maids is growing one exhilarated customer at a time, and much of our business comes through referrals. For more information about Youve Got Maids, call 904.891.0037, or visit southjax.youvegotmaids.com. Inbox Health Corp., an innovative leader in helping medical billing companies interface directly with patients, announced today that James Foy will be appointed to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. The appointment will increase the size of the Inbox Health Board of Directors to five members. We are very pleased to have James join our Board of Directors, stated Blake Walker, co-founder and CEO of Inbox Health. He brings strong operational and strategic experience in the software space to the Company. James he will be a valuable resource for the Company as we continue to focus on executing our growth strategy. "I am delighted to serve on the Inbox Health Board of Directors," said Mr. Foy. "Inbox Health is transforming the way we communicate and transact as patients. They have created truly innovative technology that changes how billing companies engage with patients who have a balance, improving the patient experience, while also improving financial outcomes for the medical practices and billing companies. That is a powerful combination." Mr. Foy, 71, most recently served as Board member and CEO of Tangoe, a publicly traded software company that was sold to a private equity company. Before Tangoe, Jim was the Executive Chairman and CEO of privately held Talend, Inc., a provider of data, application, and process integration products and services. Previously, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of privately held Aspect Software, Inc. and two predecessor companies (Concerto Software, Inc. and Davox Corporation) from 2001 to 2004. In 1991, he founded Constellation Software, Inc., and served as its President and Chief Executive Officer for three years. In 1994, Constellation was acquired by VMark Software, Inc., a predecessor company of Ardent Software, which was subsequently acquired by Informix Corp. Mr. Foy remained with the surviving companies in various senior executive positions, including President of Informix, until IBM acquired Informix in 2001. Earlier in his career, he was with Prime Computer, Inc. and International Computers Limited (ICL). About Inbox Health Inbox Healths patient revenue platform helps patients understand their insurance coverage and costs before their visit and helps them pay for their care seamlessly through multiple channels. The platform uses text messages, emails, and voice calls, to supplement paper statements, communicating with the patient on their preferred platform and streamlining the entire patient billing processes. Inbox Health works with healthcare providers across the United States. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in New Haven, Connecticut. Learn more at http://www.inboxhealth.com. Contacts Media and Investors: Inbox Health, Corp team@inboxhealth.com Allisons gripping story of personal struggle with Gods existence takes the reader on a journey of discovery that overcomes prejudice, radiates hope and transforms generational legacy Within the pages of Because of Whose I Am: A Nazi's Daughter ($28.99, hardcover, 9781545624920; $18.99, paperback, 9781545624913; $9.99, e-book, 9781545627891), Helga Lades Allison recalls her father's emphatic denial of God's existence during Hitler's reign in Nazi Germany. This is a book intimately recounting my World War II experiences and immigration to the United States," says the author, who survived a fatal disease and bombings. The author further states, "...we have a hope and future no matter the circumstances we face." Allisons gripping story of personal struggle with Gods existence takes the reader on a journey of discovery that overcomes prejudice, radiates hope and transforms generational legacy. The book is co-written by Kathleen Jones. This intriguing story of the life of Helga Lades Allison will inspire you to greater faith, historically enlighten you, and will demonstrate how the hand of God is always at work in our lives, says Bruce Terry, Pastor of Liberty Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Duffy Morrison, Community Bible Study Core Leader in Columbiana, Alabama, adds: What a powerful and engaging story. The attention given to historical detail puts the reader in touch with what was happening in Helgas world. It is a beautiful story of faith and endurance. Helga Lades Allison is a German-born naturalized citizen of the United States who came to this country in 1954 after marrying Ralph, an American soldier. She and her husband, who are both in their 80s, celebrated 65 years of marriage in 2018. They are longtime active members of their church in Alabama, where they serve by helping prepare weekly church dinners. Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the worlds largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 12,000 titles published to date. Retailers may order Because of Whose I Am: A Nazi's Daughter through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors. The book is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com. AIM, a leading global manufacturer of solder assembly materials, will highlight their full range of specialty joining materials at the International Microwave Symposium, scheduled to take place June 12-14, 2018 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. AIM will be located in booth #1057. AIMs full range of specialty joining materials includes indium and gold/tin solders for assembly and a wide variety of indium alloys for various applications. AIMs Specialty Division offers solders for fiber to ferrule soldering, laser die attach, hermetic packaging and sealing, thermal management, and numerous other applications. We are looking forward to participating at this years IMS event, said Brian ONeill, AIMs Specialty Materials Manager. We are anticipating a great show and countless opportunities to connect and provide support to prospective and current AIM customers in the area. To discover all of the products AIMs Specialty Division offers, including indium and lead-free solders, visit the company at booth #1057, June 12-14. To learn more about AIM Specialty Division, visit http://www.aimspecialty.com. About AIM Specialty Division AIM manufactures and supplies solder and braze materials for the electronic, microwave, semiconductor, LED, and photonic industries. Our innovative products and technical support helps our customers to achieve the highest quality and yields in their production processes. For more information about AIM Specialty Materials, please visit http://www.aimspecialty.com. Linzee Werkmeister, Director & Public Relations & Franchise Support We strongly believe in promoting from within and Linzee has done such a tremendous job over the last year and a half that we have not only put her in charge of the communications department, but also brought her into the franchise business and support side of our operations. Engel & Volkers Florida is pleased to announce the promotion of Linzee Werkmeister, who will now serve as Director of Public Relations & Franchise Support, working from the newly-relocated corporate headquarters in Naples, FL. In her new role, Werkmeister will strategically lead the communications efforts on behalf of the company as well as offering support and training to the regional franchise network. Linzee is a versatile professional who wears many hats, which has made her an incredibly important part of our team, said Oliver Tonn, Co-Owner of Engel & Volkers Florida. We strongly believe in promoting from within and Linzee has done such a tremendous job over the last year and a half that we have not only put her in charge of the communications department, but also brought her into the franchise business and support side of our operations, said Timo Khammash, Managing Partner of Engel & Volkers Florida. I firmly believe that the team we have in place will continue to push boundaries and surpass our goals. Werkmeister joined the communications team at Engel & Volkers Florida in 2017 and quickly advanced to the role of Public Relations & Marketing Coordinator. Since then, she has strategically strengthened their media relations with a diverse range of publications across the state, in the markets where their franchise shops are located, as well as nationally and internationally. The team dynamic and internal energy at Engel & Volkers Florida makes it easy to be excited to step up into this new role, said Werkmeister. I look forward to working with our executive team in this new capacity to better serve our franchise network and drive growth for our company. Werkmeister earned a bachelors degree in Communication, with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing, from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is an active member of the Florida Public Relations Association and alumnae of Alpha Chi Omega. ### About Engel & Volkers Florida Engel & Volkers Florida is continuing to strengthen and expand its presence in premium real estate markets across the state of Florida. There are several franchise locations currently operating in Florida, including: 30A Beaches, Belleair, Boca Raton, Bonita Springs-Estero, Cape Coral, Clermont, Delray Beach, Destin, Fort Lauderdale-Las Olas, Jacksonville Beach, Jupiter, Madeira Beach, Marco Island, Melbourne, Miami-Coral Gables, Naples, Orlando-Winter Park, Palm Beach, South Tampa, Stuart, Wellington, and Windermere. If you would like to know more about the Engel & Volkers brand or being a part of its global network, which is known for demonstrating competence, exclusivity and passion, feel free to stop into any local shop or call our corporate office, located at 633 Tamiami Trl N, Suite 201, Naples, FL 34102 USA. Tel: +1 239-348-9000. About Engel & Volkers Since its beginning in 1977 as a specialty boutique providing exclusive, high-end real estate services in Hamburg, Germany, Engel & Volkers has become one of the worlds leading companies specializing in the sale and lease of premium residential and commercial property, yachts and private aviation. Engel & Volkers currently operates a global network of over 10,000 real estate advisors in more than 30 countries, offering both private and institutional clients a professionally tailored range of luxury services. Committed to exceptional service, Engel & Volkers supports its advisors with an array of premium quality business services; marketing programs and tools; multiple platforms for mobile, social and web; as well as access to its global network of real estate professionals, property listings and market data. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated. For more information about Engel & Volkers Florida, please visit http://florida.evusa.com For media inquiry, please contact: Linzee Werkmeister, Director of Public Relations & Franchise Support Tel: (239) 348-9000 Email: Linzee.Werkmeister(at)EVUSA(dot)com Kayaking at Land Between the Lakes Exploring the Valley by water is easier than ever The Tennessee River and its seventy plus tributaries are widely known for the quality of paddling experiences and for the diversity of the shorelines, from vibrant cityscapes to densely tree canopied streambeds. The water of six rivers, Chattooga, Pigeon, Ocoee, Toccoa, Nolichucky, and Wild and Scenic Obed are known for adrenalin pumping adventures, where the roar of water and swirling eddies add to the experience. Whitewater season begins in early spring continues through early fall. The quality of water is dependent on seasonal rainfall and winter precipitation. This year, the waterways are quite are full and present challenges for novice paddlers. Check with local outfitters for conditions before venturing out on the water or schedule a group trip with a guide service familiar with the rivers. Equally fun are the stretches of flat water rivers or the impounded waters behind the dams, which provide miles of waterways to kayak, canoe, and SUP. Three recommended scenic paddling trails to explore are the Elk River, Duck River, and Bear Creek Scenic Floatways. Visitors will experience a mix of paddling and floating through scenic canyons, woodlands, waterfalls and bluffs on some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in North America. Each weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Tennessee Valley Authority schedules recreational water releases to keep the floatways navigable. Organized paddling events are another great way to learn about the rivers and biodiversity of the waterways. Six upcoming events are sure bets to provide fun for novice to experienced paddlers: Youth Olympic Games- June 9 Huntsville, AL- Youth kayaking completion sponsored by Alabama Scenic River Trails. Land Between the Lakes- June 9- Sunset Cruise- 6-8:30PM Rental kayaks available. For more information 270-924-2020 Full moon paddle Monthly Hambrick Bat Cave- Guntersville Lake, AL 256-270-3080 SUP Regatta-September 8- Norris Dam Paddle Challenge- Paddle board and Kayak categories with planned10 mile and 6 miles courses. Holston River Weekend Paddle Trip- September 14-16 Cherokee Lake, TN Ocoee River Race- Oct 13- Chattanooga, TN Exploring the Valley by water is easier than ever. Three excellent planning guides to help you navigate your trip are the TN Water Trails, Alabama Scenic River Trails, and, of course, the Tennessee River Valley Mapguide. With the Tennessee River Valley Geotourism MapGuide, you can identify places to explore and share in their stories. With our interactive map, you can save trip ideas and build your own trip plans to see places around the region. It's time for you to share your stories and start some new ones! O-Cedar, a category leader in innovative floor care, has named June 6th National Roommate Appreciation Day and will be celebrating the incredibly common, yet underappreciated, relationship all month long. With more adults living with roommates than ever before , the brand wants to make living together more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone. O-Cedar surveyed millennials and found that 47 percent say cleanliness is the most important factor when choosing a roommate, said Mike Esposito, Director of Marketing at O-Cedar Freudenberg Household Products. As a cleaning brand, we felt we could support this by not only providing them with cleaning tools, but also resources like a simple roommate agreement to help make roommates lives easier. The O-Cedar Makes Your Life Easier Roommate Agreement offers roomies a way to set expectations and responsibilities for their homes, and avoid potentially uncomfortable conversations about whos supposed to take the trash out, or what times are acceptable to blast your favorite Spotify playlist. Once roommates have the rules established, they can also enter the O-Cedar Ultimate Roommate Appreciation Sweepstakes. The sweeps will award one lucky winner $5,000 worth of prizes, including $2,000 to help cover rent or other housing expenses, gift cards for TV streaming, laundry or dry cleaning, and meal delivery services, a $1,500 Amazon gift card and an O-Cedar cleaning product bundle featuring the new ProMist MAX Microfiber Spray Mop. We introduced the ProMist MAX Spray Mop to help people tackle quick clean-ups like spills or muddy footprints, but designed it so its easy to store, making it a great tool for roommates living in apartments or smaller spaces, said Esposito. The product also has a reusable mop head and the ability to use your own solution, as we found millennials consider eco-friendliness one of their most important factors when buying cleaning products." To participate in the Roommate Appreciation Day celebrations, download the Agreement and enter the Sweepstakes at http://www.promistmax.com/roommate. The Sweepstakes runs now through June 30th, and each entrant will receive a coupon for $5 off the new O-Cedar ProMist MAX Spray Mop immediately upon entry. No purchase is required to enter or win the Sweepstakes. For more information on O-Cedar, visit http://www.ocedar.com, or find them on their social channels, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. About O-Cedar O-Cedar, a category leader in traditional floor care, is part of Freudenberg Household Products, a division of the Freudenberg Group headquartered in Weinheim, Germany. For more information visit http://www.ocedar.com/. About Freudenberg Household Products FHP is a division of the Freudenberg Group headquartered in Weinheim, Germany. The company's Household Products Division is a leading international manufacturer of branded goods including household cloths, cleaning products and laundry care products, and is the leader in virtually all markets in which it competes. The Freudenberg Household Products division employs about 2,300 employees globally and is best known in America for its O-Cedar brand and signature tagline "O-Cedar Makes Your Life Easier!" CellMax Life, a leading cancer detection and management company with clinically proven, affordable and non-invasive early cancer detection blood tests, announced today that its proprietary CMx circulating tumor cell (CTC) platform has won the 2018 MedTech Breakthrough Award for Best New Technology Solution in Cancer Management. CellMax Life was chosen from over 3,000 nominations, placing it among the organizations previous winners that include leading medical technology companies such as 23andMe, WebMD, Samsung, Stryker, Apple, IBM Watson, Humana and Zocdoc. We are honored to win this award and receive this respected recognition for our CMx platform, said Atul Sharan, CEO of CellMax Life. Our CMx platform gives patients and physicians the ease, accuracy and affordability that an early cancer detection test should have, and we are hopeful that adoption of this proven technology will substantially improve cancer survival rates in the country. Adoption of screening dramatically impacts mortality rates from cancer. The best example of this is probably cervical cancer, which was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. However, since the onset of widespread PAP screening the cervical cancer death rate has dropped by 60% Colorectal cancer is among the most preventable cancers, with greater than 90% survival rates when detected early. Yet it is the second leading cancer killer in the United States. Screening tests such as colonoscopies and stool-based tests for colorectal cancer are either invasive or inconvenient and serve as a deterrent for routine screenings, with statistics demonstrating that one in three eligible Americans have never been screened for colorectal cancer. As a result, most colorectal cancer is diagnosed when the cancer is already advanced. Survival rates for colorectal cancer that has spread to other organs are only 14%. Blood tests may offer a solution. Published surveys suggest that patients who are reluctant to undergo colonoscopy screenings are very receptive to blood tests. In fact, over 83 percent of those surveyed preferred a blood test over a stool test. Circulating tumor cells or CTCs are cells that shed from a tumor and circulate into the bloodstream very early in cancer development. However, they are very rare in early stage cancer, presenting in fewer than five cells in a background of one billion cells, and until now have been virtually impossible to detect with high accuracy. The globally affordable CellMax Life blood test aims to transform early cancer detection and management with a platform that isolates these rare CTCs with a single blood sample. The CMx platform provides an accessible and affordable alternative for the 85 million individuals who are eligible for routine cancer screenings. The CMx platform has eight patents for its proprietary technology that contains a microfluidic chip with lipid coating mimicking the human epithelium, proprietary antibodies, gentle air-foam based cell release, and advanced imaging, capturing CTCs in up to 90 percent of early stage cancer patients across cancers such as colorectal, prostate and lung. A study announced by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) showed that the accuracy of the test ranged from 84 to 88 percent for the detection of early stage colorectal cancer and pre-cancer. Additionally, the platforms successful detection of prostate cancer could help reduce unnecessary invasive biopsies by up to 90 percent in patients receiving indeterminate results following a PSA screen by clarifying what patients need the procedure. An affordable test with keen sensitivity for early cancer detection like the CTC blood test has the potential to transform cancer diagnostics," said Dr. David Gandara, oncologist and director of the Thoracic Oncology Program at University of California, Davis. "The potential applications can go well beyond early detection to guiding treatment selection for patients diagnosed with cancer. This CTC test can detect the expression of PD-L1 a key protein involved in suppressing the immune system. Patients who express this protein have better response rates to immunotherapy treatment that those who do not express this protein. About CellMax Life CellMax Life is a leading cancer diagnostics company whose mission is to transform how cancer is diagnosed and managed with globally affordable non-invasive tests for early cancer detection and management. CellMax Lifes unique expertise in circulating tumor cells (CTC) and next generation sequencing (NGS) of DNA, as well as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has enabled it to offer highly effective precision medicine solutions for healthy people, as well as patients diagnosed with cancer. CellMax Lifes tests include CellMax-DNA Hereditary Cancer Risk Test, CellMax-CRC Colorectal Cancer Screening Test, CellMax-Prostate Cancer Test, CellMax-LBx Liquid Biopsy for immunotherapy and targeted therapy selection and CellMax-PanCa Monitoring Test. All clinical testing is performed at CLIA and CAP accredited laboratories in Sunnyvale, California and Taipei, Taiwan. For additional information, please visit http://www.cellmaxlife.com. About MedTech Breakthrough The MedTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in medical and health related technology companies, products and people. The MedTech Breakthrough Awards provide a platform for public recognition around the achievements of breakthrough MedTech companies and products in categories including Patient Engagement, mHealth, Health & Fitness, Clinical Administration, Healthcare IoT, Medical Data, Healthcare Cybersecurity and more. For more information visit http://www.MedTechBreakthrough.com. Antenna Group Michael Simmons (Media Contact) CellMaxLife(at)antennagroup.com 201-465-8030 Jeff Riley, CEO of Retail Management Hero, Inc. SMB retailers face tremendous opportunities as well as challenges in using technology to advance their businesses. At Retail Management Hero, we are building a product and a partner-based delivery system that is tailored specifically with these needs in mind," Jeff Riley, CEO. Retail Management Hero, Inc. announces they have signed multiple geographic distribution agreements that are rapidly expanding the point-of-sale (POS) software development company worldwide. As part of their aggressive growth strategy, Retail Management Hero has hired Jeff Riley, a former senior executive at Microsoft and Dinerware, to spearhead the companys global brand initiatives and drive expansion. The companys flagship product, Retail Management Hero (RMH) point-of-sale, was launched early 2016 to give small-to-medium retailers a seamless next-generation replacement solution for the end-of-life Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS). With already a strong presence in North America, the companys latest RMH distribution agreements will bring the software solution and the reseller network into new territories, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Philippines, Guam, and Latin America. Retail Management Hero has appointed Jeff Riley as CEO to lead the executive team and oversee the companys operational strategies and plans, positioning them for the next stage of domestic and international growth. In his role, Riley will focus on customer success and channel development in order to build a solid foundation for the companys growth. Riley brings more than 25 years of experience in developing small-to-large companies in the global technology industry and is a recognized expert and advisor in the areas of enterprise software, IT services, growth strategies and partner alliances. Riley was formerly the CEO of Dinerware, a small restaurant software startup that, under his leadership, earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 List four years in a row as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States. He then led the successful sale of the company to Heartland Payment Systems (later acquired by Global Payments). Previously, Riley worked as a senior executive at Microsoft and launched the companys first secure commerce website in 1997, managed Microsoft Business Solutions SMB sales and marketing, and served as integration lead for the Great Plains acquisition before being promoted to GM of Retail Business Solutions within Dynamics. SMB retailers face tremendous opportunities as well as challenges in using technology to advance their businesses. At Retail Management Hero, we are building a product and a partner-based delivery system that is tailored specifically with these needs in mind, said Riley. Joining Retail Management Hero reunites me with many of my former customers and partners from my time at Microsoft, and I am really excited to help lead the journey from here. Retail Management Hero is gearing up for its upcoming launch of RMH Central, the headquarters component of RMH, which will give retailers central visibility and management of their stores. The solution will be showcased at this years Retail Realm Partner & User Conference in Las Vegas, and then later at the NRF 2019 Retails BIG Show in New York. For company information, visit RMHpos.com. For partnership and distribution opportunities, contact sales@rmhpos.com. ### About: Founded in 2014, Retail Management Hero, Inc. is a privately-owned software development company focused on continually innovating retail in ways that empower retailers with intuitive point-of-sale (POS) solutions that simplify and streamline store management. The company's flagship product, Retail Management Hero (RMH), was launched early 2016 to give small-to-medium retailers a seamless next-generation replacement solution for the sunsetted Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS). http://www.RMHpos.com sales@rmhpos.com Clients have entrusted the ACCESS family to provide creativity, innovation and consistency for decades. That same level of commitment is behind our expansion into Tennessee. ACCESS Destination Services is excited to announce its expansion into Nashville, Tennessee one of the fastest growing meeting destinations in the world. The ACCESS office will serve both the Memphis and Nashville metropolitan areas. With Nashville named a top destination for 2018 and beyond, industry veterans and current ACCESS Partners Danielle Phippen and Heidi Brown are enthusiastic about leading the brands efforts. Weve built strong roots in the greater Nashville area, and given our clients interest -- and our focus to be where our customers want and need us most -- this is the perfect time to bring the ACCESS brand to this vibrant, growing market. said Phippen. Clients have entrusted the ACCESS family to provide creativity, innovation and consistency for decades, said Jennifer Miller, ACCESS CEO. That same level of commitment is behind our expansion into Tennessee. And as the industry evolves and consolidates, ACCESS will continue to focus on the twin pillars of best-in-class customer service and second-to-none quality inherent to our brand. With a national presence, and partnerships worldwide, ACCESS not only serves all meeting markets, but also creates unparalleled experiences in virtually any destination you seek. ### About ACCESS Founded in 1969, ACCESS sets the standard for excellence in award-winning, experience-based destination management services and event production throughout North America and across the world. With global reach and local expertise, ACCESS meets client objectives and exceeds expectations for corporate, incentive and association groups. Americas oldest manufacturer of security systems has locked in a new agency of record. Las Vegas-based Cole Kepro International selected Brooklyn-based independent advertising agency Positive Brand as agency of record for Cole Kepros portfolio company, American Locker, following a brand workshop lead by Positive Brand in early March. Cole Kepro recently hired Tara Munro as Director of Marketing to lead the advertising and marketing efforts for American Locker. Her first step was to reassess the American Locker brand position before formulating her marketing plan. To begin the process, she invited Positive Brand to conduct their Brand Workshop at the companys Coppell, Texas office. The Positive Brand Workshop involved all of the brands primary stakeholders in an interactive process, examining the companys market, customers and competition. The collaborative workshop was completed with Positive Brand presenting recommendations on a new brand strategy as well as the framework for American Lockers marketing plan. American Locker began as the manufacturer of voting machines. Based in part on the inventions of Thomas Edison, U.S. Voting Machine Co. was founded in 1895. Over the next five decades, U.S. Voting Machine Co. continued to launch ground breaking products for a wide number of industries including automotive, air conditioning, and furniture. Then, in 1958, after inventing the first coin-operated lockers, American Locker was officially incorporated. Over the years, American Locker would become the sole surviving corporate entity of the original U.S. Voting Machine Co. In 2014, American Locker was acquired by Cole Kepro International, a U.S. based manufacturer and state-of-the-art sheet metal design and fabrication company. Our company has a storied past with its roots in creating innovative security products, explains Munro. American Locker has built a reputation for leading this industry with ground breaking solutions. A lot of companies talk about being innovative but American Locker has the proven track record. Munro has tasked Positive Brand to help her tell the American Locker story. We love a good story about genuine American ingenuity, says Mike Heronime, creative director for Positive Brand. Stories that feature Americans as bold, inventive, independent, and pioneering people are always an inspiration. Thats exactly the kind of story were crafting into a campaign to use at tradeshows, on their website, in online advertising, and in all of their sales collateral. Positive Brands first work for American Locker was seen in the form of tradeshow collateral that was handed out at the SkyZone 2018 Global Partner Convention from May 1st - 4th, 2018 in Chicago, IL. About American Locker American Locker is a U.S. based manufacturer of locker solutions. American Locker provides customized locker solutions for a wide variety of industries including Postal/Delivery, Corporate, Military and Government, Law Enforcement, Amusement Parks, Water Parks, Apartment/Multi-family Units, Universities/Education, Telecommunications, Ski Resorts, Exhibitions and Conferences, and Transportation. American Locker is the originator of the coin-operated locker and is widely known for their lockers with orange-capped keys. For over 120 years, American Locker has been setting the standard for U.S. manufacturing and innovation. You can learn more about American Locker at americanlocker.com. About Positive Brand Positive Brand is a creativity and marketing consultancy building brands for companies from the Fortune 500 to fledgling startups. Since 2004 Positive Brand has provided clients with full service integrated marketing solutions. Their services include brand workshops, brand design and strategies, advertising campaign development, online marketing, media planning and buying, and website design and development. Positive Brand is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York and serves clients in New York, Dallas, Orlando, Denver, and Los Angeles. ### If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Mike Heronime at 929-441-8178 or email at mike(at)psotivebrand(dot)com. The SimpleTrials CTMS has just the right features for sponsors, CROs and sites, with excellent support and plans that are scalable to fit study teams of all sizes, which makes it a great fit for the global and diverse audience at DIA Trial By Fire Solutions, an industry leader in web-based clinical trial management solutions, will be exhibiting SimpleTrials to a global audience at the 2018 annual meeting of the Drug Industry Association (DIA). The international event takes place at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center beginning on June 25th, 2018. SimpleTrials is the first fully-featured Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS) built as an on-demand subscription based model with plans starting at $99/month. With SimpleTrials' significant customer growth in Europe and Asia in the past 12 months, the DIA annual meeting provides an excellent environment to demonstrate SimpleTrials to a global audience, meet with existing customers, and collaborate with other clinical providers. "The SimpleTrials CTMS has just the right features for sponsors, CROs and sites, with excellent support and plans that are scalable to fit study teams of all sizes, which makes it a great fit for the global and diverse audience at DIA," said Jon Cecchettini, Co-Founder and CTO at Trial By Fire Solutions. "Meeting our commitment to transparency, CTMS pricing plans and legal contracts are all available directly on the SimpleTrials website with no long-term commitments required." Last year, SimpleTrials was chosen to participate in the DIA Innovators Forum, an area set up to showcase select, cutting edge eclinical startups. SimpleTrials was selected by the DIA from a global pool of applicants and based on its innovative approach to CTMS. This year, you can find SimpleTrials and the Trial By Fire Solutions team in Booth 1740. About Trial By Fire Solutions Trial By Fire Solutions is a global leader in web-based clinical trial management solutions focused on innovative applications to improve planning, execution and tracking of clinical studies. With its SimpleCTMS and SimpleTrials products, along with an experienced clinical technology team, Trial By Fire Solutions provides affordable eClinical solutions to teams of all sizes. For more information, visit https://www.simpletrials.com. The Wilshire Group, a leading healthcare consulting firm, has added Andrew Wade to its team as a Senior Revenue Cycle Consultant. In this role, Andrew will focus on engagements with healthcare organizations with a goal of increasing efficiency and ease of use within the revenue cycle. In todays highly-complex, integrated healthcare organization it is vital to have a perspective that considers the entire scope of revenue cycle activity, not just a single function or workflow, said Hank Smither, Managing Partner of The Wilshire Group. Andrew brings his experience in Patient Access, Hospital Billing and Charge Capture to each project utilizing a project management discipline. This ensures our clients continue to receive the high-level, hands-on support and value they expect from The Wilshire Group team. Previously, Andrew was on the Client Services team at Phreesia where his role was implementing Phreesias integrated patient intake solution which included payment processing, eligibility querying, and mobile registration. Andrew worked with clients on a variety of EHRs to increase front-desk efficiencies and improve payment collections. Some key areas of focus for Andrew were spearheading the implementation of registration kiosks and designing new integrations for existing EHRs. Prior to joining Phreesia, Andrew worked at Epic for 5 years on the hospital billing implementation team. Andrew worked with many large academic hospitals implementing hospital billing, charging, and research while serving as a customer revenue cycle lead. Andrew also served as a charging application success owner where he worked with customer implementation teams to ensure a successful end to end charging implementation and internally developing tools to improve the implementation process. Andrew received his BBA in Management and Marketing from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He currently has his PMP certification through PMI, and he now resides in Denver, Colorado. ABOUT THE WILSHIRE GROUP The Wilshire Group is a healthcare consulting company that helps hospitals and health systems transform their health information and financial operations, with a focus on Revenue Cycle Management. Wilshires consulting services and operational solutions cover the full spectrum of the revenue cycle from patient access to claim denials, as well as all aspects of health information management and clinical documentation integrity. Wilshires team members average over 18 years of healthcare experience and over 9 years with Epic build and re-design. The company also provides best practice strategic design, project management, training, mentoring, application and workflow optimization, claim audits and net reimbursement improvements. For more information, visit http://www.thewilshiregroup.net. Blockchain allows us to define all the data points that make Wyoming beef special, and this means cattle producers can grab a premium for their product. Finally, we have a verifiable way of showing-off these data points. The goal of the pilot made by Wyoming Certified Beef, LLC and Germany-based traceability solution provider TE-FOOD International is to showcase the premium living conditions of the cattle (grass-fed on an open range throughout their entire lives) thereby producing much higher quality cuts of beef to lucrative foreign markets. The verified ranch-to-table traceability of the cattle through RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) ear tags and anchored by blockchain technology has never been done before. Proof of Quality Because of the way our cattle is raised, the beef is a much higher quality, said Ogden Driskill, a Wyoming State Senator and owner of the Campstool Ranch. The problem in the past has been communicating to buyers the difference between our cattle and the cattle raised in feedlots. This technology gives potential buyers the verified tracking ability to know exactly how each cow was raised. Rob Jennings, CEO of Wyoming Certified Beef, LLC and Beefchain.io the blockchain traceability platform that Wyoming Certified Beef is using said the technology is opening up a new conversation in the state about how to best market Wyoming beef. Blockchain allows us to define all the data points that make Wyoming beef special, he said. And this means cattle producers can grab a premium for their product. Finally, we have a verifiable way of showing-off these data points. New Legislation Allows for Innovative Use of Blockchain Tony Rose, CTO of Beefchain.io and Silicon Valley entrepreneur, said groundbreaking blockchain legislation passed in Wyoming earlier this year paved the way for the blockchain branding. The United States has created a very unfriendly environment for crypto-entrepreneurs, Rose said. But Wyoming through the passage of these five blockchain bills has created a sandbox where we can innovate on blockchain technology without having unnecessary regulatory oversight that the SEC has created. Tyler Lindholm, the primary sponsor of blockchain legislation (along with Sen. Driskill) that passed in Wyoming earlier this year, appeared on CNBC recently to discuss the legislation. One of the best aspects of the legislation is none of them cost anything to the taxpayers of Wyoming, he said. All were really doing is opening up a regulatory gate to provide a sandbox for these developers to play in. Radical change Lee Stein, an entrepreneur who co-patented the worlds first Internet-banking (payment) system, was on hand for the event and compared the branding to the Internet revolution in the early 1990s. What they are doing here today is as dramatic and radical as what happened to the Internet with my company in 1993, he said. Ogden and the Driskill family are capturing magic in a bottle here. Kurt James, former VP of Supply Chain for McDonalds of Japan, who attended the branding said the blockchain technology will help tell the story that Wyoming cattle producers need to tell. The more you know about where the food started, the better, James said. Wyoming needs to brand their beef better because buyers want to know this information. Its called farm-to-fork and in Australia its called paddock-to-plate. This information provides value back to the producers. This is just the beginning Jennings said the tagging at Campstool ranch was just the beginning. Two additional herds will be added from Pumpkin Buttes Ranch and Persson Ranch in early June, he said. This high quality Wyoming beef is expected to be exported to Asia starting in Q1 of 2019. Wyoming Certified Beef, LLC is a for profit company focused on providing solutions for Wyoming stockgrowers through its proprietary BeefChain platform. BeefChain is a blockchain traceability project being led by Wyoming Blockchain Coalition founder Rob Jennings, ranchers Ogden Driskill and Tyler Lindholm, and entrepreneur and blockchain developer Tony Rose. Advisers to the project include the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Business Council, Tru-Test scanners, and Wyoming based company WY-Tex. Wyoming Certified Beef http://beefchain.io/ TE-FOOD International https://www.te-food.com Bob Lu I am very pleased to be able to devote myself to this cause and become a member of this outstanding team, to jointly create and embrace the tokenised economy with unlimited potential. TrustNote today announced the appointment of Bob Lu, former Qihoo 360 International Business Development Director. Located in Sydney, Mr Lu will head up TrustNotes Australia team and lead its global business development and global user community development. Mr Lus addition to TrustNote will bolster the projects Internet expertise and capabilities. He will focus on rapidly expanding the project in partnership with world-renowned Internet companies and renowned university and research institutions, as well as rapidly growing the user base of both investor and developer communities ensuring TrustNote becomes the worlds leading high-performance distributed ledger for the tokenised economy. Bob Lu holds an Executive MBA degree from the University of Birmingham and a Masters degree in computer science from Huazhong University of Science and Technology. He is considered an expert in the Internet industry with the rare combination of experience in senior technology research and development and marketing and business development. A pioneer in the globalisation of Chinese high-tech companies, he has also worked in the UK for many years, during which time he worked for Motorola UK, leading an international R&D team and made outstanding contributions to the success of several smart phones such as the Rizr Z8 and Z10. After returning home to Australia, Bob co-founded the mobile Internet company, Zoomi Technology, as a founding partner and project director. The project was later acquired by Qihoo 360 and became the core of Qihoo 360s mobile browser. During this time, Bob joined Qihoo and moved from senior R&D manager and senior business development manager to International Business Development Director. Bob was responsible for Qihoo 360s tens of millions of dollars investment in Brazil, leading Qihoo 360s Brazilian investment to grow rapidly. During his time as 360s International Business Development Director, Bob led the international team to help 360 succeed in investing in the Brazilian security startup PSafe. In just two years, PSafe achieved rapid growth from zero to 20 million monthly active users, with more than 40 million daily views, and firmly occupy the first position in Latin Americas market. In the later period, PSafe, as the leading Internet company in Brazil, further successfully expanded into the U.S. market. Currently, more than half of its revenue comes from the United States. TrustNote founder Jeff Zhou today said, we are very honoured and warmly welcome Bob to officially join TrustNote. Bob not only has rich Internet entrepreneurial experience, outstanding technology market insight and excellent team leadership, he is highly recognised and passionate about TrustNotes business and philosophy. He joins us as someone who has not only served as partner in the TrustNote community, he also brings with him significant experience. At TrustNote, we value experience and like-minded people who are able to assist to jointly build the TrustNote global ecosystem. Trustnote is a real open source software project and Bobs appointment will ensure TrustNote has a high degree of recognition in the community internationally, helping TrustNote to establish a global leading position in the new economy, and become a proud world-class public blockchain project. Since becoming a consultant for TrustNote a few months ago, I have become more aware of TrustNotes ingenious combination of directed acyclic graph technology and proof of work and world class innovation. This not only solves the blockchain performance problem, but also does not undermine the decentralised attributes of distributed ledger technology, which is the underlying blockchain technology that is needed for future tokenised innovations, Bob Lu said today. At the same time, the TrustNote team upholds the spirit of open source software, which is what I personally like. TrustNote has a dynamic and efficient entrepreneurial team and with Jeff leading, I know we are in good hands and well prepared to break through technological challenges. I am very pleased to be able to devote myself to this cause and become a member of this outstanding team, to jointly create and embrace the tokenised economy with unlimited potential. About TrustNote TrustNote is a distributed ledger technology and its development platform for the tokenised economy. TrustNote combines the Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) ledger structure and Proof of Work (POW) together to build a more scalable and more secured distributed ledger system. TrustNote supports mining and Internet of Things. TrustNotes main chain was launched since 18th January 2018. Believing in the key to freedom of innovation in the digital age is decentralisation and being frustrated with todays blockchains who have not embraced true decentralisation, prohibiting the innovators and future thinkers from creating the change they want to see, TrustNote is designed to make development easy, fast and scalable, and bring trust to an untrusting environment for everyone on every device at a low cost. In contrast to many public ledgers in the industry who doing lots of marketing without actually offering an already launched (working) main chain, TrustNote insists on not doing marketing until the launch of the main chain and the wallet. TrustNote adheres to Satoshi Nakamoto styled, truly decentralised security concept, and insists on proof of work as the most reliable consensus algorithm available today. TrustNotes aim is to create a truly fast, scalable, and developer friendly blockchain. To build the new tokenised economy is one of TrustNotes strategic objectives, based on verifiable, declarative smart contracts and TrustNotes underlying technology, the iToken.top token platform and the TRC20 protocol specification, allowing users to create and publish tokens freely and simple without having to write complex smart contract codes. TrustNote has a scalable wallet that provides security and rich application interfaces for tokenised applications, blockchain games and social applications. On TrustNote, everyone can participate, all things can be tokenized, and transactions can be conducted on a truly decentralised network. In this way, everyone can have their own digital assets and gain corresponding rewards through value exchange, allowing new innovative ideas to run smoothly and flourish on the blockchain, making the use of blockchain a lifestyle. TrustNote believes that to complete a great mission must have a healthy and energetic talent environment. TrustNote has always been committed to building the home of the best talents, warmly welcomes the best talents to actively participate, and jointly promote the development of the TrustNote open source community, and build a new world of the tokenised economy! www.QipWorks.com IP strategy plays an integral role in the success of any technology company," said Paul Carpenter, Partner at QipWorks. QipWorks, Inc., an intellectual property strategic advisory firm for companies, innovators and investors, today announced an expansion of its executive management team with the addition of Paul Carpenter as Partner. Carpenter joined QipWorks earlier this year from Blackberry, where he most recently served as Head of Technology, IP Development and Standards, which managed a patent portfolio of 39,000 assets that was ranked 4th globally in the IEEE Patent Power survey in its sector. Carpenter served as a vital link between Blackberrys C-suite professionals and technical experts on all matters related to IP, leading him to be recognized as a Top Intellectual Property Strategist by Intellectual Asset Management group and named to their 2017 IAM300 list. Carpenters experience ranged from strengthening licensing opportunities and representing Blackberry in international standards development to innovating and creating new technologies that resulted in more than 30 patents granted in the U.S. and nine declared as standard essential for wireless cellular technologies. I am very pleased to create this partnership with Paul at QipWorks. His extensive experience across the lifecycle of patent portfolio development fits perfectly with our mission to help executive management teams align their IP and business strategies and realize the real value and competitive advantages of their technology innovations, said Johanna Dwyer, founder and Chief Executive Officer of QipWorks. Carpenter received an MBA (with academic distinction) in engineering management from Bradford University School of Management and a Master of Science in Management of Intellectual Property from Queen Mary University of London. He also holds an MSc in engineering in Radio Communications and High Frequency Engineering as well as a BEng (with honors) in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, both from the University of Leeds. IP strategy plays an integral role in the success of any technology company, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to help inventors as well as senior managers identify and realize the true commercial potential of their intellectual assets with QipWorks, said Carpenter. Carpenter has established a beachhead for QipWorks European operations in the U.K., expanding the companys business from its Cambridge, Massachusetts headquarters. He will be speaking on a panel at IAMs IPBC Global Conference in San Francisco on Monday, June 11. The panel, entitled This house believes that patent quality is a distraction all that really matters is patent eligibility, will examine what constitutes a quality patent, eligibility and the importance of predictability. Joining Carpenter on the panel, which takes place at 2:30 pm PST, is Bruce Berman, CEO of Brody Berman Associates, Inc.; Joshua Landau, Patent Counsel for the Computer & Communications Industry Association; and John Pilarski, Director, IP, for Johnson Controls International plc. Carpenter, and his colleagues Johanna Dwyer and Daniela Sanchez, recently had an article published in IAM Magazines July/August issue entitled, Building an effective, business-focused patent portfolio. To read the article, visit http://www.iam-media.com/Magazine/Issue/90. To learn more about QipWorks, visit http://www.QipWorks.com. About QipWorks QipWorks is a full-service IP strategic advisory firm that partners with technology companies, innovators and investors to build, manage and utilize IP portfolios. The company helps senior management teams align their IP strategy with business strategy so that each patent has a clear, well understood purpose. QipWorks provides extensive expertise in patent portfolio development and an intimate understanding of the rigor required at all stages of the innovation and patent lifecycle. For more information, visit http://www.QipWorks.com. Consumers need to know that if the price of the item they are considering buying seems too good to be true, it probably is, said INTA President Tish Berard. On World Anti-Counterfeiting Day, June 6, 2018, the International Trademark Association (INTA) encourages all consumers to learn more about their consumer rights in an effort to make smart purchasing decisions in a global marketplace where the sale of counterfeit goods is on the rise. The necessary first step is understanding the impact of counterfeiting. Counterfeiting is defined as the manufacture, distribution, import, export, or sale of goods with a false trademark that is identical to, or substantially indistinguishable from, a registered trademark, and which is likely to confuse or deceive consumers. Fake goods pose a direct threat to the health and safety of consumers everywhere and directly hurt local economies in the form of job loss. The impact of counterfeiting is growing exponentially. It is estimated that by 2022, the global total value of both counterfeit and pirated goods, including digital piracy, could reach US $2.8 trillion, according to a 2017 impact study, The Economic Impacts of Counterfeiting and Piracy, released by Frontier Economics and commissioned by INTA and the International Chamber of Commerces Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy. This compares to US $923 billion to US $1.13 trillion in 2013. Online sales of counterfeit goods are contributing to this trend. In order to minimize the risk of purchasing counterfeit goods, INTA urges consumers to go straight to the source by shopping directly at authorized retail distributors both online and in stores. When shopping online, consumers should look for verifiable contact details for retailers, such as a mailing address and telephone number, and the availability of real-time customer service. Counterfeiters are becoming so adept at producing and selling counterfeit goods that it is frequently difficult for shoppers to distinguish real versus fake, said INTA President Tish Berard. Consumers need to know that if the price of the item they are considering buying seems too good to be true, it probably is. INTA is committed to increasing awareness among consumers of all ages in all parts of the world about the dangers to health and safety posed by counterfeit goods. Among the Associations myriad efforts to alert the public about counterfeits, INTA is reaching the next generation of consumers through its Unreal Campaign which educates students ages 1418 about the importance of trademarks and the dangers of counterfeit goods. To date, INTA has reached more than 11,000 students in 33 countries since the campaign began in 2012. In addition, INTAs Unreal Campaign was selected as an exhibitor for the 2018 National Trademark Exposition, to be held on July 27-28 at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution. Sponsored by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the Expo will feature exhibits designed for families with school-age children, legal professionals, business owners, and government officials with an interest in learning more about trademarks. Since the fall, INTA has been hosting an exhibit, The Power of Trademarks, at the National Inventors Hall of Fame at the USPTO, Madison Building in Alexandria, Virginia. From interesting facts to interactive games that encourage visitors to put their shopping skills to the test to identify real versus fake products, the exhibit shines light on why trademarks are important to companies, consumers, and communities worldwide and offers visitors an opportunity learn how to make quick, safe, and smart purchasing decisions. The display runs through April 2019; the Hall of Fame is free and open to the public. On World Anti-Counterfeiting Day and year round, it is important for consumers to recognize the value of purchasing real goods as an essential way to protect public safety, said INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo. From cosmetics to car parts to vitamins, almost every product you can think of can be counterfeited, creating large-scale implications for society at large. In another effort to protect consumers, INTA is encouraging trademark owners and Internet-related companies worldwide to review the Associations voluntary best practices on how to address the proliferation of online sales of counterfeit products. The recommendations are contained in INTAs recently released guide Addressing the Sale of Counterfeits on the Internet. For more information on the National Inventors Hall of Fame The Power of Trademarks exhibit, visit invent.org/honor/hall-of-fame-museum. For more information on the Unreal Campaign, visit http://www.unrealcampaign.com. About the International Trademark Association (INTA) The International Trademark Association (INTA) is a global association of brand owners and professionals dedicated to supporting trademarks and related intellectual property (IP) to foster consumer trust, economic growth, and innovation. Members include more than 7,200 trademark owners, professionals, and academics from 191 countries, who benefit from the Associations global trademark resources, policy development, education and training, and international network. Founded in 1878, INTA is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Brussels, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, and Washington, D.C., and representatives in Geneva and New Delhi. For more information, please visit http://www.inta.org. DRE Medical a leading provider of new and refurbished medical equipment is pleased to announce it will be attending ExpoMED 2018 June 6-8 in Mexico City. Visit DRE equipment experts Kary VanArsdale and Francisco Cano will be in booth #1407 to see the companys latest selection of premium surgical equipment. DRE will be showcasing top products, including the DRE Waveline EZ, a lightweight, portable patient monitor with multi-parameter monitoring capabilities. The DRE Waveline EZ weighs six pounds and comes equipped with ECG, respiration, SpO2, NIBP and temperature. The DRE Waveline EZ also features a user-friendly, eight-inch color touchscreen. EtCO2 monitoring and an onboard printer are available as additional options. Visit VanArsdale and Cano in Mexico City at ExpoMED 2018 to learn more about the DRE Waveline EZ Portable Patient Monitor, as well as these other customer favorites: Refurbished - Drager Fabius GS Anesthesia Machine DRE Torino EXL Surgical Table Refurbished - ValleyLab Force FX Electrosurgical Unit Refurbished - Puritan Bennett 840 Respiratory Ventilator For information on more upcoming meetings and trade shows, visit the DRE Medical Trade Show and Conventions Calendar a continually-updating, free resource. About DRE Medical DRE Medical is a leading surgical and medical equipment supplier that provides a combination of new and professionally refurbished equipment to professionals around the globe. The company specializes in complete suites of anesthesia machines, monitors, lighting, respiratory ventilators, electrosurgical units, microscopes, defibrillators, and more. DRE is an Avante Health Solutions company and is located in Louisville, Ky. ProHCM, a Boston based company, and Miami-based Centro HCM, are proud to announce the successful completion of their merger. The combined company will operate under the name Centro Group with headquarters in Miami; additional offices in the Boston and St. Louis areas. Centro Group is a full service, wholesale group benefits, human capital, and technology service consulting firm committed to positioning their clients for future growth. "The opportunity for employers to substantially improve HR is greater than ever," says Chris Green, Centro Group's CEO. "The opportunity today exists due to the same influencers that changed the telecom, television, and telephone industries in the early 2000's government legislation, innovative technology, and increasing pressures to focus on core elements of everyone's business are outpacing most employers' ability to take advantage of the opportunity, leaving organizations lagging behind. Our operation was built to get employers to the next level and beyond, quickly, and cost effectively, by leveraging market leading technology with a 'white glove' service model." Joe Markland, President of Centro Group, commented, "What really drew me towards Centro was our shared vision of where the HR Tech and HR industries are going. We see new technologies like artificial intelligence, employee engagement tools, machine learning, and blockchain, as technology and tools that can substantially change HR. Our combined organization can make this a reality for employers." Centro Group will leverage local office presence across 150 markets in the domestic United States, while providing them with large company resources equal to or greater than the largest players in the industry. The 2018 plan is to focus on strengthening their technology and HR service platforms for their existing partners, while strategically adding new members. "In a competitive marketplace, we have created tools for benefits brokers to defend their book of business and retain their clients through our disruptive offering," said Dan McAlone, President of Business Development for Centro Group. "Our combination of HR and human capital management offerings ensure that their clients do not need to look anywhere else. We work to set them apart from any other benefits broker on the market." "Our approach to human resources sets itself apart in the way that we offer HR technology, group benefIts and leading-edge HR all within the same company," said Nadine Rastelli, President of Strategic HR. "Our expert group of seasoned professionals is ready to partner with our clients to tackle the HR issues that are keeping them up at night through high-touch, on-demand, tailored services to build and strengthen their companies." About Centro Group Centro Group combines market-leading technology platforms, and centralized human capital management services from experts, delivered through local HR and benefits consulting partners. Centro Group finds our clients the right solutions to streamline their human capital management processes, repair solutions that they may already have, and either implement and/or manage the solutions to ensure adoption and success. Press Contacts Chris Quinn 508-520-9800 cquinn(at)centro-group(dot)com Indecomm Global Services, a leading provider of business process as a service (BPaaS), software as a service (SaaS) technology, and learning solutions for the mortgage industry, announces the lead instructors for its Business Builder: Loan Origination Sales Tactics Webinar Training Series. Industry veterans Sue Woodard, Chief Customer Officer for Total Expert, and Joy K. Gilpin, Vice President of Compliance & Mortgage Learning for Indecomm. Loan officers will not want to miss the opportunity to learn new sales strategies from the dynamic pairing of Sue Woodard and Joy Gilpin, said Rajan Nair, CEO, Financial Services, Indecomm Global Services. Sue and Joy will bring their energy and expertise to this collaborative training series, sharing marketing and social media tactics to grow your origination business, how mortgage compliance impacts those activities, and how to navigate through the challenges and pitfalls that may arise along the way. Sue Woodard brings over 25 years of mortgage industry experience, strategic vision and leadership to her role as Chief Customer Officer at Total Expert. Her focus is on helping lenders achieve greater productivity and long-term success. Sue started her career as a processor, became a top originator, then leveraged her knowledge to become a highly acclaimed industry speaker, subject matter expert and technology executive. Joy K. Gilpin brings to the table a keen understanding of the lending process, regulatory oversight, and risk mitigation in her role as Vice President of Mortgage Compliance & Learning for Indecomm. Prior to joining Indecomm, Joy was Director of Business Writing and Education for Ellie Mae, supporting the AllRegs product offering. With nearly 20 years of professional expertise in the lending space, she provides great insight and understanding of the challenges lenders today face today and brings a tremendous energy and enthusiasm to the table, making her a highly effective educator and leader. Each monthly Loan Origination Sales Tactics Training Webinar session consists of four, 90-minute webinar classes focused on tools and strategies to generate new mortgage loan origination business, better navigate social media, and build business relationships for referrals. The first webinar session begins on June 5 8, 2018, meeting daily at 1:00 pm ET to 2:30 pm ET. The Loan Origination Sales Tactics Webinar Series is designed for new and sophomore mortgage loan originators who want to build their business and learn about the critical components that impact that growth strategy. Seasoned mortgage loan originators are also encouraged to attend and learn new strategies and ideas to add to their existing toolkit. The following 2018 sessions are open for online registration: June 2018 Session - Meets daily on June 5, 6, 7, & 8 at 1:00 pm ET August 2018 Session - Meets weekly on August 2, 9, 16, & 23 at 1:00 pm ET September 2018 Session - Meets daily on September 17, 18, 19, & 20 at 2:00 pm ET October 2018 Session - Meets weekly on October 3, 10, 17, & 24 at 2:00 pm ET November 2018 Session - Meets daily on November 6, 7, 8, & 9 at 2:00 pm ET Registration is $299 per person and includes four 90-minute webinar classes per session, interactive Q/A with the instructor, and online access to session recordings and materials. As a value-add, all Loan Origination Sales Tactics Webinar Series registrants will receive a complimentary registration to Indecomm Mortgage Learnings TRID for Loan Officers eLearning course, a $49 value. Designed for loan originators, this online course explains the general requirements for TRID, the law that combined multiple disclosures into two separate forms the Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure. The course also details the communications between the operations staff and the loan originator required for compliance with the TILA RESPA Integrated Disclosure Rule. To register for the Loan Origination Sales Tactics Webinar Series, visit http://mortgage.indecomm.net/loan-origination-sales-tactics-training-webinar To learn more about Indecomm Mortgage Learning, visit http://mortgage.indecomm.net or email marketing(at)indecomm(dot)net. About Indecomm Global Services Indecomm was founded in 2003 as a technology-enabled services company focused on high-speed document imaging technologies and automated data capture from structured and unstructured forms, with an innate ability to apply these technologies meaningfully to improve operational efficiency and client experience. We have been consistently ranked among the Global Top 100 IT and ITeS providers. With over 3,800 associates in 21 locations, Indecomm services its clients from global delivery centers and offices in the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, the United Kingdom, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Mauritius, and the Cayman Islands. We have active business engagements with over 300 global clients, including 20+ Fortune 500 companies. Visit http://www.indecomm.net or call (732) 404-0081 to learn more. About Indecomm Mortgage Services Indecomm Mortgage Services is a leading provider of business services and technology for the US mortgage industry. With solutions for every stage of the mortgage lifecycle, Indecomm Mortgage Services provides outsourcing services, software as a service (SaaS) technology, and learning solutions to support the various needs of mortgage industry clients. With a proven track record of over 25 years in the mortgage industry, Indecomm partners with large and mid-sized lenders, servicers, and title companies as a trusted partner with a singular focus - helping them grow. Visit http://mortgage.indecomm.net or call (732) 404-0081 to learn more. Gilbane was honored with distinguished awards for the iconic Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons Project Gilbane Building Company was presented with three prestigious awards for the recently completed Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons project in downtown Milwaukee. The project was honored with the Project of the Year award at the Milwaukee Business Journal Real Estate Awards event, the Community Impact Award at the Milwaukee Business Journals Diversity in Business Awards and Top Project of 2017 by Daily Reporter. Gilbane led the general contractor team in the construction of a 32-story, 550-foot-tall high-rise office building and two-block-long, four-story space known as the Commons in downtown Milwaukee. At 1.1 million SF of space, it will be the largest office space under one roof in Wisconsin. With a construction value of $461 million, the owner, program manager and general contractor team pursued significant contracting opportunities for Milwaukees small business enterprises and Milwaukee residents. In an unprecedented partnership with the Milwaukee Building Trades Council, a project labor agreement (PLA) was implemented with provisions for small business participation and prevailing wage and benefits for the local workforce. Gilbane is committed to building more than buildings every day in our local communities. To be honored with these prestigious awards is further representation of our teams commitment to our core values and their mission to leave a lasting impression on local communities where we live and work. Adam Jelen, Gilbane Building Company Senior Vice President Gilbane worked closely with the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership (WRTPBIG STEP), Milwaukees Office of Small Business Development (OSBD), affinity groups including the ethnic chambers of commerce, and other key stakeholders who support and engage local and small construction firms and related services. Gilbane and its contracting partner dedicated full resources to support the owners commitment to the City of Milwaukees SBE requirements and resident preference program (RPP). Local Small Business Enterprises were awarded $127.1 million in contracts or 31.4 percent of the total value of applicable construction and professional services contracts. Milwaukee residents eligible under the Residents Preference Program (RPP) performed 43.5 percent of the construction hours on the project. About Gilbane Building Company Gilbane provides a full slate of construction and facilities-related services from pre-construction planning and integrated consulting capabilities to comprehensive construction management, general contracting, design-build and facility management services for clients across various markets. Founded in 1873 and still a privately held, family-owned company, Gilbane has 46 office locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.gilbaneco.com. For more than 30 years, Gilbanes Milwaukee office has served a wide variety of market sectors and clients throughout Wisconsin including Northwestern Mutual, Waukesha County Health and Human Services, Medical College of Wisconsin, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Schlitz Park and Schreiber Foods. Since 1954, Conway has provided the worlds most comprehensive offering of services related to domestic and cross-border corporate investment. 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, said Adam Jones-Kelly, President, Conway, Inc. The NSW Government in Sydney, NSW, Australia, has been awarded by Conway Inc. as the host for the 16th annual World Forum for Foreign Direct Investment. The event will be held on 17-19 June 2019 and will attract hundreds of senior leaders from around the world. Were thrilled to announce that the World Forum for FDI is going to Sydney, NSW! 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 three-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. The NSW Government is proud to sponsor the world's leading event dedicated to cross-border investment, said the Hon. Niall Blair, New South Wales Minister for Trade and Industry. The NSW Government works hard to attract foreign investment that drives business expansion and generates jobs across the state. Hosting the 2019 World Forum for Foreign Direct Investment in Sydney will be yet another great opportunity to boost these efforts and ensure continued growth in the sector." Prior to the World Forum for FDI, 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. Theres also much to see and do in New South Wales. Leading up to the World Forum for FDI, delegates can attend Vivid Sydney, a spectacular multi-award-winning festival of light, music and ideas. About Conway, Inc. 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. Conway is the publisher of Site Selection Magazine and management firm for the Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC). Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Conway has offices and representation in 21 cities around the world. Artist rendering This new facility will transform the curriculum for medical education and how medical and health sciences students are educated- Marc B. Hahn, DO, president and CEO of KCU. Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (KCU), one of the top 10 educators of physicians in the U.S., broke ground on a new state-of-the-art Center for Medical Education Innovation (CMEI) June 4, 2018, on the campus of KCU. The 56,000-square-foot facility will provide the latest in virtual reality, haptic technology and simulated clinical experiences for educating the next generation of physicians and health sciences professionals. The $33 million facility will be built on four levels and will feature multifunctional future-proof space that will allow for changes and emerging technologies in the coming years. It will also serve as a resource for students and health care professionals throughout the region, offering opportunities for continuing medical education, inter-professional education and active research in academic collaboration. The building will feature standardized patient rooms (where trained actors play the role of patients), high-fidelity simulation rooms (where medical robots display a variety of disease processes), a skills simulation deck that utilizes the latest in virtual reality and haptic technologies, and a simulation command center. It will also include nearly 13,000 square feet of classroom space and an advanced physical diagnosis and Osteopathic Manipulation Medicine. The CMEI will be much more than a building. This new facility will transform the curriculum for medical education and how medical and health sciences students are educated," commented Marc B. Hahn, DO, president and CEO of KCU. Our students will have the opportunity to practice over and over in virtual scenarios until they are confident and prepared when it comes time to treat actual patients, thus reducing medical errors and improving health outcomes for the communities we serve. The CMEI is the latest of several innovative initiatives the University has embarked upon noted John P. Smith, DO, Chairman of the KCU Board of Trustees. In just the past year, weve opened a new medical school campus in Joplin, Missouri, to meet the primary care and rural health needs in the region; weve started a new doctoral program in Clinical Psychology to address the growing need for behavioral health professionals throughout the country, Smith said. We are now beginning construction on a leading edge facility that will make a positive impact on our students and the health of our communities through innovation in medical simulation. JE Dunn will serve as the general contractor for construction. Design of the facility was led by the team of Helix Architecture and Design and CO Architects. Click here for a virtual tour of the facility. The construction of the Center for Medical Education Innovation is possible in part because of a $1 million challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, a $1 million grant from William T. Kemper Foundation, and lead gifts from Sunderland Foundation, J. E. Dunn Construction Company, Victor E. Speas Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, and Jack and Glenna Wylie Foundation. About Kansas City University Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, founded in 1916, is a fully accredited, private health sciences university, with a College of Biosciences and a College of Osteopathic Medicine. The College of Osteopathic Medicine is the oldest medical school in Kansas City, Missouri, and the largest in the state. It is the second-leading provider of physicians within the states of Missouri and Kansas. KCU opened a second medical school in Joplin, Missouri, in 2017 to help address the growing need for primary care physicians in the regions rural communities. The university also added a doctoral program in clinical psychology in 2017 to meet the growing demand for behavioral health providers in the region. Greenback Expat Tax Services Our annual US Expat Opinion survey found that expats want better representation in the US government, but that they still feel strongly about American political issues and are planning to vote in the upcoming November election. Nine million US expats live and work abroad, but since they retain US citizenship, they also retain their federal tax reporting requirements. Each year, Greenback Expat Tax Services conducts a survey to better understand the attitudes of this remote population. From late March to May 2018, Greenback Expat Tax Services received input from over 3,800+ US expats. Overall, expats feel that the taxation requirements should be simplified or lifted altogether, and are frustrated that the government supported by the taxes they pay does not take their issues seriously. Citizenship renunciation remains a major consideration for expats. Of the 3,800+ expats surveyed, 4.3% are planning to renounce their citizenship, nearly equivalent to 2/3 of the state of Wyoming. A further 17.5% are seriously considering renouncing their US citizenship or, for comparison, the entire state of New Hampshire. Of those who are contemplating giving up their citizenship, 38.0% are doing it because of the tax burden imposed on US citizens. 17.9% said it was because they are disappointed in the direction of the US government. Foreign Bank Account Reporting (FBAR) is familiar to 19 out of 20 expats. If this sounds reassuring, its not. Assuming our survey data is representative, that could mean over half a million expats are at risk of prosecution for failing to comply with requirements of which they were not aware. This includes facing civil monetary penalties of up to $12,459 per violation judged to be non-willful. And for willful violations, the penalty may be $124,588 or 50 percent of the balance in the account whichever is higher. A massive 86.3% of expats believe that they are not fairly represented by the US government. Despite this high percentage, 63.7% of expats plan to vote in the November mid-term elections. In what is expected to be the tightest election in recent memory, these votes could play an important role. In addition to tax-related issues, this year expats were surveyed on broader issues being debated in the public sphere, like gun control, immigration, and healthcare. The issue that most expats want to see immediately addressed is gun control, followed by healthcare and then immigration reform. Expats made their opinion on gun control quite clear: 96.0% of those who were most interested in gun control want more regulations. Of the expats who felt most strongly about healthcare, 87.8% either agreed or strongly agreed that the US government should guarantee healthcare for its citizens. Of the expats who felt most strongly about immigration reform, 50.7% either agreed or strongly agreed that the government should do more to limit illegal immigration. For the third year in a row, the survey data suggests that the vast majority of US expats do not feel that their interests are represented fairly by the US government. The fact that expats still have to file Federal Tax Returns each year feels like an unsolvable problem to some. Many wish they could vote as a bloc to ensure their interests are heard and not diluted amongst the others in the state from which they moved. This years data has proven that, though no longer in the country, expats care very deeply about their home country and the values by which the US government abides. More About Greenback US Expat Tax Services Greenback Expat Tax Services makes life better for Americans living abroad by taking away the anxiety and hassle surrounding US expat taxes. Greenback understands that filing US taxes while overseas can be daunting, but Greenback was founded on the belief that it doesn't have to be that way. Greenback's expat-expert CPAs and IRS Enrolled Agents help expats navigate a complex system in a way that makes sense for their individual situation. Contact us at info(at)greenbacktaxservices(dot)com. You can also visit us at http://www.greenbacktaxservices.com. PeaceTech Accelerator Neuralys is honored to be among the selected companies included in the 4th cohort of PeaceTech Accelerator said Martin Sajon, Co-founder and CEO of Neuralys. We look forward to explore each and every possibility of C5s renowned network of investors and mentors to continue to scale our company C5 Accelerate (C5A), the Cloud Innovation Centre for best-of-breed startups, cyber security and big data analytics, announced that Neuralys have entered its PeaceTech Accelerator, housed at the iconic United States Institute of Peace building on the National Mall. C5 is the lead investor and supported by partners Amazon Web Services (AWS), SAP NS2 and PeaceTech Lab. Neuralys is honored to be among the selected companies included in the 4th cohort of PeaceTech Accelerator said Martin Sajon, Co-founder and CEO of Neuralys. We look forward to explore each and every possibility of C5s renowned network of investors and mentors to continue to scale our company As penetration testers, we know how bad actors try to commit theft and fraud, and how to defend the companies from them. Neuralys was created from the ground-up with the idea of helping enterprises and governments to mitigate risks faster and avoid damage from adversaries. If you are not able to mitigate risks faster than new ones are discovered, you are losing the race against adversaries and increasing your possibilities to get breached, said Diego Spahn, Co-founder, and CTO of Neuralys. We ultimately aim to innovate in security to create a safer world for everyone. Mike Ravenscroft, Program Director at C5 Accelerate stated Neuralys was selected for the PeaceTech Accelerator program based on their innovative cyber security technology for small and medium business and enterprises which would otherwise be highly vulnerable to cyber threats. About C5 Accelerate Part of the C5 Capital Group, C5 Accelerate has launched two Accelerator programs alongside Amazon Web Services in Bahrain and Washington, D.C. Its mission is to accelerate and invest in best-of-breed startups to meet the growth opportunity being created by the geographic expansion of AWS, the worlds leading cloud computing platform. About Neuralys Neuralys is the first Risk Management and Mitigation Enforcement Platform that allows businesses to enforce accountability on the mitigation of risks, by closing the gap between detection and remediation, helping to guarantee an effective reduction in risk exposure. Neuralys Platform empowers teams to manage cybersecurity effortlessly. The primary objective at Neuralys is to help people to mitigate risks faster, and better. For more information, please visit https://www.neuralys.io Press Contact: press(at)neuralys(dot)io Verification is often cited as demanding a large proportion of effort for any new design," said Chris Browy, SVP of WW Sales & Marketing at Avery. Mobiveil, Inc. today announced that it is partnering with Avery Design Systems to deliver a complete PCIe 5.0 IP solution for SoC designers needing a fully verified and compliant PCIe 5.0 interface solution for their designs. Mobiveil will provide root complex, endpoint, and switch configurations of controller IP with SRIOV and ARI Support. Avery Design Systems will provide its comprehensive PCI-Xactor Verification IP solution portfolio. About PCIe 5.0 Specification PCIe 5.0 technology is the next generation in the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express standard defined by the PCI-SIG (PCI Special Interest Group). Its 32GT/s (Giga transfers per second) bandwidth will set the standard for speed targeting high performance applications such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, gaming, visual computing, storage and networking. The specification is slated for completion in 2019. PCIe 5.0 interface technology is expected to enable NVMe SSDs for enterprise and data centers to leverage the scalability of PCIe architecture both in higher bandwidth and lower latency "Verification is often cited as demanding a large proportion of effort for any new design," said Chris Browy, SVP of WW Sales & Marketing at Avery. Our PCIe VIP implements a complete set of root complex, endpoint, switch, and SR-IOV models, protocol checkers, and compliance test suites utilizing a truly flexible and open architecture based on a 100 percent native System Verilog and UVM implementation to ensure an SoC designers PCIe 5.0 interface meets specification." By this collaboration between PCIe controller Design IP and Verification IP providers, SoC designers can have a total plug and play solution for adding PCIe 5.0 interface to their SoC designs, thus significantly reducing their time to market, said Ravi Thummarukudy, Mobiveil CEO. Leveraging the intellectual property provided by these companies with specification compliant IP, designers can be assured of first-time success for the PCIe 5.0 interface in their designs. About Mobiveil, Inc. Mobiveil is a fastgrowing technology company that specializes in the development of Silicon Intellectual Property (SIP), platforms and solutions for Storage, IoT and Communications markets. It leverages decades of experience in delivering highquality, productionproven, high-speed serial interconnect SIP cores, and custom and standard form factor hardware boards to leading semiconductor companies worldwide. For the PCI Express-based Flash Storage market, Mobiveil developed NVMStor, a subsystem comprised of GPEX, the PCI Express Controller, NVM Express Controller (UNEX), Universal Memory Controller (UMMC) and a Flash Memory Controller. Mobiveil is headquartered in Milpitas, Calif., with engineering development centers located in Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad, India, and sales offices and representatives located in U.S., Europe, Israel, Japan, Taiwan and China. About Avery Design Systems Founded in 1999, Avery Design Systems, Inc. enables system and SOC design teams to achieve dramatic functional verification productivity improvements through the use of formal analysis applications for gate-level X-pessimism verification and real X root cause and sequential backtracing; and robust core-through-chip-level Verification IP for PCI Express, CCIX, Gen-Z, USB, AMBA, UFS, MIPI CSI/DSI, I3C, DDR/LPDDR, HBM, ONFI/Toggle, NVM Express, SATA, AHCI, SAS, eMMC, SD/SDIO, DP/eDP, HDMI, CAN FD, and FlexRay standards. The company has established numerous Avery Design VIP partner program affiliations with leading IP suppliers. More information about the company may be found at http://www.avery-design.com. Engage with Mobiveil at: Website: http://www.mobiveil.com Twitter: @Mobiveil LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/2725746/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mobiveil Bielat Santore & Company has just sold another liquor license as reported by Richard R. Santore of Bielat Santore & Company, Allenhurst, New Jersey the broker for the sale. The Allenhurst, New Jersey firm has sold hundreds of liquor licenses within the State of New Jersey. This liquor license was a Type 32 license; a Plenary Retail Consumption License w/ Broad Package Privilege. This license authorizes the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the licensed premises by the glass or other open receptacle and also allows the sale of alcoholic beverages in original containers for consumption off the licensed premises. The sale of package goods is not restricted to the public barroom thus the license can be used to operate a package goods store if desired. Seaside Heights is a borough in Ocean County, New Jersey. As a resort community, the beach, an amusement-oriented boardwalk, and numerous clubs and bars make it a popular vacation destination. Seaside Heights calls itself, "Your Home for Family Fun Since 1913!" The beach season runs from March to October, with the peak months being July and August when the summer population explodes to 30,000 to 65,000. About Bielat Santore & Company Bielat Santore & Company is an established commercial real estate firm. The companys expertise lies chiefly within the restaurant and hospitality industry, specializing in the sale of restaurants and other food and beverage real estate businesses. Since 1978, the principals of Bielat Santore & Company, Barry Bielat and Richard Santore, have sold more restaurants and similar type properties in New Jersey than any other real estate company. Furthermore, the firm has secured in excess of $500,000,000 in financing to facilitate these transactions. Visit the companys website, http://www.123bsc.com for the latest in new listings, property searches, available land, market data, financing trends, RSS feeds, press releases and more. The combination of higher payout and lower advisory costs can yield cost savings of $150,000 to $200,000. Jon Henschens June 2 ThinkAdvisor article, Advisors Have Much to Gain With Broker-Dealer Arbitrage, explores how advisors can change their broker dealer to take advantage of pricing and payout inefficiencies in the marketplace that are profitable enough to make a change worth the effort. Henschen opens his discussion by noting that the expression, Out of sight out of mind applies to the topic of advisory administration fees, as does I dont know what I dont know. He comments that, When I interview advisors regarding the expenses they currently pay, the answers tend to fall into two categories: they are either not aware of what they pay, or they know but have no idea of what pricing competition offers them in the marketplace. According to Henschen, advisors are aware of what they are paying for errors and omissions insurance, monthly expenses and miscellaneous expenses such as SIPC & FINRA assessment fees. However, when asked about what advisory administration fees they pay or how much markup on third-party money managers is being imposed on them or their clients, Henschen states, a pregnant pause of bewilderment is more common than not. With the advisory space getting crowded as others flood into the same investment style, price compression is an increasing reality, making advisory cost savings increasingly important. Henschen advises that cutting back dramatically on advisory expenses can make advisors much more competitive in a crowded space. He then offers several ways advisors can net more to benefit themselves and/or their clients. First, Henschen reviews advisor-managed advisory platforms, of which there are two types. With the unbundled platform, advisors pay an administration fee for billing and client statements, with ticket charges paid separately. With an all-inclusive fee account, a single administration fee covers both administration fees and ticket charges. He then outlines common pricing structures for each platform and alternative pricing that can net advisors much more. The second category is institutionally managed platforms, which are suitable if advisors choose to have others managing their clients assets. In this category, there are two ways to achieve substantial savings: by avoiding markup on third-party managers, and with value-priced Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs). Regarding markup, Henschen counsels advisors that if they are not sure whether they are paying a markup on their third-party manager, they should ask their broker dealer. If the BD is not willing to disclose the information, advisors can call outside advisory companies and ask them what the management fee is for a particular third-party manager. In terms of value SMAs, typical pricing for programs where the advisor chooses an investment model and the assets are managed by others ranges from 30 bps to 100 bps (which reflects a combination of management and administration fees). The marketplace can offer a tactically managed platform using very low-cost mutual funds and ETFs, with the advisor choosing the model and institutionally managed for 20 bps. total expenses. When evaluating cost-saving options, Henschen notes that the greatest benefits are achieved by higher-end producers and producer groups because their scale often will bring them payout advantages their current firm doesnt offer, such as payouts up to 96% on all investments for advisors doing $1 million or more in year fees and commissions. Pointing to numerous $1 million producers and groups that his firm has consulted with, Henschen says the combination of higher payout and lower advisory costs can yield cost savings of $150,000 to $200,000. These savings may come primarily to the advisor in the form of payout increases, or go to the client or advisor depending on who is paying the administration fees and ticket charges. According to Henschen, Either way, its a win-win scenario. The sad side of this picture is advisors making the inquiry, getting excited about the cost savings and dreaming about what they will do with the additional revenue, but never making a move because they dont want to repaper or simply because they dont want to step out of their comfort zone. According to Henschen, Delaying a $150,000 savings for four years puts you at a $600,000 deficit, and thats not taking into account the growth your practice could have experience by investing that savings back into business. Jon Henschen is President of Henschen & Associates, an independent broker-dealer recruiting firm located in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Jon is a staunch advocate for independent financial advisors, and is widely sought after by both reps and broker dealers for his expertise and advice on independent broker dealer topics. He is frequently published and quoted in a variety of industry publications, including ThinkAdvisor, Investment Advisor Magazine, Wealth Management Magazine, Financial Advisor IQ, Financial Advisor Magazine, Investment News and others. Teddy and Russell Berman, of The Berman Law Group (http://www.thebermanlawgroup.com) are pleased to announce the launch of The Alumni Challenge to help make our nations schools safer by encouraging successful and charitable alumni to donate walk-thru metal detectors and wands to their schools. The Challenge will start Tuesday June 5, 2018, last throughout the summer, and end when kids are going back to school. The Berman team is challenging all persons who have achieved a level of success after their public-school education and attendance to help make schools safer by donating metal-detectors and wands. Please visit @alumnichallenge on Instagram and @thealumnichallenge on Facebook to commit to the challenge and hashtag #thealumnichallenge so more people are encouraged to participate. Unfortunately, the wheels of legislation turn, but they turn slow. This will be a quicker and more impactful action plan so there is less talk and more action before another tragedy can strike, said Russell Berman, partner at the Berman Law Group. Aside from having kids, we grew up in the Parkland area and the recent mass shooting has really hit home for us. Every school has to have alumni who went on to achieve a level of success where they can make this donation to their alma maters. The Berman Team has issued a letter to both the Principal of JP Taravella High School in Coral Springs, Fl and to the Broward County School Board imploring them to accept a donated Metal Detector machine from them and to initiate a clear backpack policy in all Broward Schools, a policy that already exists at major event venues. Interested participants should do the following: 1) Accept the challenge by sending us a message on social media so we can connect. 2) Send the two letters that we provide you to the school board and school of your choice. 3) Buy the metal detector and snap of photo upon delivery! 4) Post the pic and be sure to hashtag #thealumnichallenge 5) Spread the word! For additional information, The Berman Law Group will be hosting a press conference: WHO: The Berman Law Group with Marjorie Stoneman Douglas student survivors. WHAT: The Alumni Challenge WHEN: Tuesday, June 5 at 10:30 a.m. WHERE: 3351 NW Boca Raton Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33431 WHY: Create Safer Schools CONTACT: Lynn Aronberg 305-401-9343 lynn@lynnaronberg.com According to experts, of the 10 deadliest school shootings in the U.S., all but one took place in a town with fewer than 75,000 residents and the vast majority of them were in cities with fewer than 50,000 people. These are seemingly idyllic places to grow up: low crime rates, good schools and a sense of community. And its exactly these attributes, that are why small rural and suburban towns are a breeding ground for the next school shooting. ABOUT US: Teddy and Russell Berman are the principal partners at The Berman Law Group, which specializes in personal injury and serves the entire state of Florida with main offices in Boca Raton, Gainesville, Miami, Stuart and satellite offices in Jacksonville, Orlando, St Petersburg, Pensacola, Tampa, Sunrise and Sarasota. The lawyers at The Berman Law Group strive to be one of the very best law firms in all of Florida. The Bermans give to many causes and are Committed to the Community. Chris Collins Chris Collins, the best-selling author of Gamification: Playing For Profits and founder of Syndicate X, a "Secret Society for Entrepreneurs and Leaders, speaks out against Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's mea culpa European tour before various heads of European political parties. Feels like Zuckerberg is the CEO of Occupy Wall Street, not Facebook, Collins contends. We really need him to stop and explain what business Facebook is in. Since revelations about the Cambridge Analytica scandal emerged, Facebook has said it estimates 87 million Facebook users' data was possibly misused by the political ad targeting firm, including as many as 2.7 million Europeans. Facebook has no clear vision or outcome. They are in the data business like it or not. They control and track us, Collins continues. Facebook has one of the largest face recognition databases in the world. Do we trust that info to a CEO who doesnt know what business hes in? "Whether its fake news, foreign interference in elections or developers misusing peoples information, we didnt take a broad enough view of our responsibilities," Zuckerberg said in his opening remarks at EU headquarters. "That was a mistake, and Im sorry for it." We, as society, have seen this play enough times, Collins argues. VW wasnt the only car company cheating on diesels. They were just the only ones who kept lying about it after being given the chance to correct diabolical overuse of power. BMW and Mercedes changed. Although Zuckerberg's appearance was shorter than his appearances last month in Congress, he faced more challenging questions because the European Union enacts the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which restricts what kind of data companies can use and store on EU citizens and what they can do with the data. Facebook hasnt changed. They have just started a PR campaign. In the end, changing their ways is more important, Collins concludes. Aprio, LLP, a full-service CPA-led business advisory firm, has entered into an agreement to acquire HPC, a technology-driven, cloud-based accounting firm with a global footprint. To meet the growing demand by global clients for anytime, anywhere access to financial information to make better and faster business decisions, Aprio, LLP, a full-service CPA-led business advisory firm, has entered into an agreement to acquire HPC, a technology-driven, cloud-based accounting firm with a global footprint. The closing of the transaction is subject to certain contingencies. When completed, the acquisition of HPC, with its strong technology processes and experienced cloud team, will allow Aprio to eliminate time-consuming data entry, which can now be done through automation and machine learning, and significantly enhance its ability to provide clients actionable insights. We need to meet our clients where they are and serve them the way they want to work, said Richard Kopelman, CEO and managing partner of Aprio. Once we add the experienced staff and technology stack that HPC provides, Aprio will be able to further service our clients at the speed of now. After HPC is on board, we will be prepared to deliver the next generation of client service fueled by the transformation of machine learning and artificial intelligence. We will be able to leverage a myriad of technologies and create the best cloud-based accounting practice for our global small to mid-size clients. Clients want to collaborate with us and engage with their business data to gain real-time insights that will drive growth and take them to their next. HPC has been using Xero since its entry into the U.S. market in 2011, was an early adopter of the technology in 2012 and has achieved the status of U.S. Platinum partner. HPC has provided proven custom solutions for businesses across industry verticals, including professional services, technology and SaaS, e-commerce, and retail, making them a strong strategic fit for Aprio. Once completed, the acquisition of HPC will complement Aprios existing outsourced accounting services practice that was established in 2016, giving clients the ability to have a cloud accounting solution using best of breed products and processes. Bruce Phillips, CEO and founder of HPC, is expected to lead the practice as president and partner in charge. After completion of the transaction, Aprio will be able to offer a robust suite of technology solutions to meet each clients specific needs, from Xero to NetSuite, and provide integration with products such as Bill.com, Gusto, Expensify, Karbon, Hubdoc and Receipt Bank. We are excited to have signed our agreement to join Aprio because, like us, Aprio is continuously changing and adapting to whats next. Once closed, Aprio will provide our clients a breadth of new services like sophisticated international tax planning and structuring, and tax credits and incentives, including the R&D tax credit, which is so critical for technology companies, said Bruce Phillips, CEO and founder of HPC. Once we become part of Aprio, we will continue our tremendous growth and further increase our capabilities, so we can advise and partner with our clients to help them be ready for the future. Since 2007, Aprio has combined with seven strategically chosen firms as part of their initiative focusing on targeted expansion. At Aprio, the most important part of the process is choosing the right firm for an acquisition based on cultural fit. Specifically, Aprio evaluates whether or not the firm would be able to implement The Aprio Way, the firms signature client experience, with their partners, staff and clients. This focus on culture has led to streamlined integrations of the firms and incredible revenue growth. HPC will be a great cultural fit for Aprio, which is the most important thing we look for in a firm, for example, both of us conduct regular client satisfaction surveys using a Net Promoter Score, continued Kopelman. Like Aprio, HPCs focus is on innovation and providing clients with the insights they need to better perform in todays market and in the future. It is not just about giving clients the best accounting advice but is instead about becoming a full-service business advisory partner to all our clients. For more information about Aprio, visit http://www.aprio.com. About Aprio Aprio is a premier full-service, CPA-led business advisory firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, that advises clients and associates on how to achieve whats next. Aprios associates work as integrated teams across advisory, assurance, tax and private client services, bringing the best thinking and personal commitment to each client. Across practices, Aprio brings together proven expertise, deep understanding and strategic foresight for industries including Manufacturing and Distribution; Non-Profit and Education; Professional Services; Real Estate and Construction; Retail, Franchise and Hospitality; and Technology and Biosciences. In 65 years, Aprio has grown to 400 employees. To serve clients wherever life or business may take them, Aprios teams speak more than 30 languages and work with clients in over 40 countries. In addition to its Atlanta headquarters, Aprio also operates in New York; Birmingham, Ala.; Indianapolis, Ind.; and Sarasota, Fla. For more, visit https://www.aprio.com. Media Contact: Elizabeth Sedlock, esedlock@sedlockpartners.com, (636) 699-9554 Scalr Hybrid Cloud Management Platform shows costs by cloud service Scalr is the only solution that bakes cost control into overall hybrid cloud management, maps policies to an organizations hierarchy and logically groups applications into projects that are associated with budgets. This lets users consume cloud via self-service without risking budgets or security. Scalr, a global pioneer in complex hybrid cloud management, announced it is extending its Hybrid Cloud Management Platform with advanced visibility and budgeting for infrastructure and services not under Scalr management. With these enhancements and the companys unique organization-level policy enforcement, Scalr Hybrid Cloud Management Platform becomes the only CMP that provides a unified view, actionable and automated rightsizing, and cost predictability for entire multi-cloud environments at enterprise scale. Business users can safely consume cloud workloads at self-service without putting budgets, security or compliance at risk, while the channel community gains more advanced tools for supporting customers in their cloud transformation journeys. As multi-cloud proliferates, its becoming increasingly hard to manage costs. The methods commonly used in smaller-scale environments, like approaching cost control as an isolated challenge and relying on tagging and application-level policies, cant work in large enterprises where applications move from cloud to cloud and the people responsible for them change, said Sebastian Stadil, Scalrs CEO and Founder. Instead, Scalr bakes cost control into overall hybrid cloud management, maps policies to an organizations hierarchy and logically groups applications into projects that are associated with budgets. This gives business units, departments and teams the freedom to be productive while assuring central IT that cost, security and compliance are taken care of. In working with enterprise finance departments, Scalr found that companies who dont tie cost control into overall cloud management and who use tagging as the basis for cost control, have considerable problems enforcing budgets and policies. Thus, its not surprising that, according to Gartner, 80% of organizations will overshoot their cloud IaaS budgets through 2020 due to a lack of cost optimization approaches.1 Tagging can only be successful if IT ensures all tags are perfect, all of the time. This is nearly impossible as resources span multiple private and public cloud platforms and dispersed groups. By using project-based cost allocation and reporting, Scalr eliminates the need to rely on tags and gives finance teams flexibility when creating, assigning and moving budgets around, enabling them to adapt to changes without losing context. Scalr Hybrid Cloud Management Platform is the only CMP that enforces preventative and reactive policies at the organization level, not the application level. This means IT and Finance can give business units and departments the freedom to establish their own guardrails, while ensuring theyre always operating within corporate policies and budgetary parameters. This unique approach to cloud management bridges the gap between central IT and business units that was created when developers outside of central IT went rouge with public cloud. According to Gartner, As an organization grows in its use of public cloud infrastructure as a service (IaaS), its ability to monitor, manage and optimize those resources in a cost-effective manner often fails to keep pace. Although cloud invoices can be millions of lines long and most organizations leverage multiple clouds, business leaders must track cloud-related spending transparently and accurately to achieve optimal business value from a minimum spend.2 Large enterprises have been using Scalr to reduce cloud costs, ensure bills are predictable, and gain financial visibility for years. With the new capabilities, Scalr is expanding these cost management capabilities even further: 360-Degree Visibility - Single pane of glass over all objects and services, including those that are, and are not, provisioned by Scalr CMP. Reserved Instance (RI) Management and Recommendations Reserved instances can offer significant cost savings over standard instance types. Scalr provides RI recommendations based on usage trends, and in the context of customers organization and applications, for more effective decision-making. Rightsizing Recommendations and Execution Scalr goes beyond just making suggestions to enable users to easily rightsize any and all workloads from within the CMP. Remediation can be automated or IT can choose to be alerted to recommendations that they can approve before enacting. Cloud Inventory Goal-oriented reports about cloud usage for identifying trends and tracking how the organization is using multi-cloud. Channel Advantages These significantly expanded cost management capabilities have been highly anticipated not only by Scalrs enterprise customers, but also by its growing group of channel partners. The channel community is urgently looking for smart ways to help businesses transition to, and succeed in, the cloud. Were excited to offer a range of new cost-related capabilities to our partners so they can further support customers with cloud transformation projects, said Brett Johnson, VP Sales, Scalr. Our partners can use Scalr software to easily deliver straightforward cloud assessments for their customers, with a breakdown of current spend and opportunities for savings, and then leverage the full Scalr CMP to provide end-to-end cloud management. About Scalr Scalr provides unparalleled flexibility and control in complex multi-cloud environments, making it easy for enterprises to achieve cost-effective, automated and standardized application deployments. Scalr Hybrid Cloud Management Platform uses a unique organization-level, top-down approach to policy enforcement that empowers administrators to balance the needs of finance, security, IT and development teams. Leading global organizations, including Samsung, Expedia, NASA JPL, Gannett and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, rely on Scalr to accelerate and protect their cloud-based operations. http://www.scalr.com Follow us @scalr 1, 2 How to Identify Solutions for Managing Costs in Public Cloud IaaS, Gartner, January 22, 2018 Shriners Hospitals is uniquely prepared to respond to a tragedy of this proportion, having specialized pediatric burn hospitals across the country, said John McCabe, executive vice president of Shriners Hospitals for Children Shriners Hospitals for Children is expected to admit several children in critical condition with burn injuries suffered in Sundays volcanic eruption in Guatemala. The children will be transported to the Galveston Shriners Hospital pediatric burn center. Within 24 hours of the disaster, Shriners Hospitals deployed an emergency medical team from the Galveston Shriners Hospital to Guatemala to provide onsite evaluation and care. The team worked with Guatemalan and U.S. officials to secure approval to transfer those who required further treatment at Shriners Hospitals in the United States. A second team from the Boston Shriners Hospital is on stand-by to travel to Guatemala and provide additional support. Shriners Hospitals for Children stands ready to help other Guatemalan children if needed. Shriners Hospitals has established medical go teams from our hospitals to be available any time there is a disaster or need for emergency care for children anywhere in the world. Shriners Hospitals is uniquely prepared to respond to a tragedy of this proportion, having specialized pediatric burn hospitals across the country, said John McCabe, executive vice president of Shriners Hospitals for Children. We have a deep history of mobilizing to respond to tragedies across the globe and have committed to help these children. We view ourselves as a global force for children and each and every day we bring love to the rescue to children around the world. The children are expected to be transported by the United States military today or late tonight, Tuesday June 5. Critically burned patients are typically placed in pediatric intensive care units due to the severity of their injuries. Multidisciplinary teams will provide all aspects of burn care, which could include surgery, treatment, rehabilitation and psychological support. Due to patient confidentiality, we cannot share any more information regarding the children or their medical conditions. We will update the public when more information can be made available. Shriners Hospitals will continue to work closely with Guatemalan and U.S. officials to coordinate their care in the United States. Since entering the field in the 1960s, Shriners Hospitals for Children has contributed to most of the significant advancements in acute and reconstructive pediatric burn care. Shriners Hospitals is often sought out for complex domestic and international cases. Since 1922, Shriners Hospitals for Children has provided pediatric specialty care to children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. Shriners Hospitals has treated more than 1.3 million children from more than 180 countries over the last 95 years. For more information on the care provided by the Galveston Shriners Hospital, go to shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Galveston. About Shriners Hospitals for Children Shriners Hospitals for Children is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. Our 22 locations in the United States, Canada and Mexico, provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. All care is provided regardless of the families ability to pay. Learn more at shrinershospitalsforchildren.org. Shriners Hospitals for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity of donors. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. # # # Monster Tree Service, the nations first and fastest-growing tree service franchise, is expanding to Salem, Oregon. Recently featured by SUCCESS Magazine, Thrive Global, and Franchise Times, the Monster Tree Service franchise continues to build on its rapid, three-year franchise system growth. Husband-and-wife team Preston and Ginger Miller have purchased the rights to a new Monster Tree Service territory in the Salem, Oregon, area. The Millers were awarded the territory in March and will be launching in the month of June. Both Preston and Ginger are Oregon natives and look forward to bringing quality tree care to their community. Im excited to be on board with Monster Tree Service. Ive spent years working in the corporate world, and Im looking forward to this new chapter as a small-business owner, says Preston. Monster Tree is the perfect fit for us. We love to spend time outside, and through the nature of this investment, we will be able to spend more time away from a desk while still pursuing our entrepreneurial dream. The business model has proven to be profitable, and the franchise system is full of hard-working, genuine people. We cant wait to get started. Josh Skolnick, CEO and Founder of Monster Tree Service, is confident the Millers will be a tremendous asset to the Monster Tree Service franchise. Preston and Ginger are ideal Monster Tree Service franchisees, says Skolnick. They know the area incredibly well, and both have a knack for understanding the needs of their community. I am confident they will thrive as the newest Monster Tree Service franchise partners. We are thrilled to have them both in the Monster Tree Service family. Monster Tree Service is the only franchise tree company capitalizing on the under-served $17 billion tree service industry. Monster Tree Service has achieved consistent year-over-year, 5 percent growth since 2009, resulting in a $10+ million business. Because its a high-upside opportunity, and a recession-proof business, Monster Tree Service expects to achieve $100 million in sales by 2021. Im looking forward to giving back to our community through our wide array of services, including tree and limb removal, plant healthcare, tree maintenance and more, says Ginger. The Monster Tree Service team has been phenomenal, and we are incredibly motivated to uphold the Monster Tree reputation for quality service. We will do what it takes to provide top-notch services that will keep our customers happy and safe. For more information about Monster Tree Service, please visit http://www.whymonster.com/. For more information about Monster Tree Service franchise opportunities, please visit http://www.monsterfranchising.com/. To learn more about CEO Josh Skolnicks vision for Monster Tree Service, please visit https://www.monsterfranchising.com/vision-story. About Monster Tree Service Founded in 2008 in Fort Washington, PA by Founder and CEO Josh Skolnick, Monster Tree Service is the first and only national franchise brand serving the $17 billion tree care industry. Over the past decade, Skolnick has aggressively built Monster Tree Service into a thriving national franchise system working day and night to build the company into a $10+ million business with 26 franchise partners in 17 states operating 58 active territories (with dozens of others in development) throughout the country. Each Monster Tree Service franchised outlet offers full-scale tree pruning and removal services, including: tree pruning and trimming, tree removal, stump grinding, shrub maintenance, emergency services, plant healthcare, and various secondary services. In stark contrast to various mom and pop style tree service companies, all Monster Tree Service franchise owners are dedicated to Making the world a more beautiful place, one tree at a time by providing homeowners with unparalleled service completed by certified professionals. Monster Tree Service is committed to educating all customers on the natural conditions, diseases and infestations that impact the health of their plants/trees and treating all issues with an environmentally friendly, Do Not Harm approach. Its all part of the Monster Tree Service vision to partner with homeowners across the country to make their trees healthy, strong, and vital. For more information about Monster Tree Service, please visit http://www.whymonster.com/. For more information about Monster Tree Service franchise opportunities, please visit http://www.monsterfranchising.com/. Forbes Top Ten Franchise Researchers narrowed the selection to 60 brands that demonstrated satisfactory longevity, activity, and scale. MaidPro named #6 Best Franchise to Own by Forbes for 2018. MaidPro has landed as a top ten franchise by Forbes in 2015, 2016, and 2018 (list not produced in 2017.) MaidPro is one of only two residential cleaning companies and one of a mere 60 brands nationwide to make the list. The best (and the worst) franchises in overall health and appeal were determined based on metrics spanning a five-year period (2012-2016) from FRANdata who analyzed over 3,300 franchises across America. The rankings were then determined by system sustainability, system demand, franchisor support, franchisor stability, and value for the investment. Forbes stated, Researchers narrowed the selection to 60 brands that demonstrated satisfactory longevity, activity, and scale. To view the MaidPro in full ranking, visit https://www.forbes.com/best-worst-franchises-to-buy/#11ad60952699 Chuck Lynch, VP of Planning and Development, noted, Weve worked very hard over the past 25 years to make sure all our employees, franchisees, and clients are getting the most out of MaidPro. Having Forbes support us is a dream come true. Earlier this year MaidPro was also honored by Franchisee Business Review and Entrepreneur for their success in the franchising space. MaidPro is actively seeking new, qualified owners looking to join the growing franchise. To get a free estimate for housecleaning services from MaidPro please visit http://www.maidpro.com. ABOUT MAIDPRO MaidPro is a Boston-based franchisor of house cleaning services with over 255 locations in 38 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1997, takes pride in its strong owner community, cutting-edge technology, and creative marketing. It has been honored with the Franchise Business Reviews Four-Star Rating and Franchise 50 awards every year from 2006 to 2018 for owner satisfaction. MaidPro was named one of the Top 50 Franchises for Minorities by USA Todays Franchising Today. MaidPro is also a proud member of the International Franchise Association, Canadian Franchise Association, and the New England Franchise Association. The company can be found online at http://www.maidprofranchise.com. EDITORIAL CONTACT Madeleine Park (617) 778-0374 x7040 mpark(at)maidpro(dot)com Retired United Methodist Bishop Ken Carder (left) wrote the resource to aid churches in helping persons living with forms of dementia based on his own experience caring for his wife, Linda (right). There is hope in the form of the church's response to these diseases. How can churches help people living with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia, and their caregivers? Answering that question is the topic of a new, free resource now available from The United Methodist Church. The five-part study, titled Alzheimers/Dementia: Ministry with the Forgotten includes downloadable videos and a leaders guide. The Rev. Ken Carder, a retired bishop of The United Methodist Church, wrote the resource based on his experiences caring for his wife, Linda, who was diagnosed in 2009 with frontal temporal dementia. (The resource) was created to start conversations and to generate action around caring for people who have Alzheimers and the people who care for them, said Carder, who currently serves as chaplain at Bethany Memory Care Center at the Heritage of Lowman, the retirement center near Columbia, S.C., where he and Linda live. The aim, Carder said, is that the new offering can help older adult ministry leaders and pastors, family and caregivers of those living with dementia, as well as persons in early stages of dementia. Topics covered in the study, designed to be used in a small group setting, include impact and challenges of Alzheimers and other forms of dementia; practical and specific ways local congregations can be involved in caring for those with dementia and their caregivers; and ways individuals can communicate, interact and worship with people who have Alzheimers and dementia. The release of Alzheimers/Dementia: Ministry with the Forgotten coincides with Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month. According to the Alzheimers Association, someone in the United States develops Alzheimers every 65 seconds, with one in three seniors dying with Alzheimers or another form of dementia (more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined). When it comes to caregivers, more than 15 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimers/dementia, with those caregivers saying they have substantial emotional, financial and physical difficulties at double the rate of those who care for people without dementia. Despite the bleak statistics, Carder says there is hope. There is hope in the form of the churchs response to these diseases, Carder said. The church has the unique opportunity even responsibility to minister to the needs of people who are suffering from neurological cognitive disorders, as well as the families and medical professionals who care for them. The Golden Cross Foundation for the Adult/Older Adult Ministries of the Tennessee Conference of The United Methodist Church produced Alzheimers/Dementia: Ministry with the Forgotten. To download the leaders guide, click here. To download the videos, visit this page. Donations to help underwrite the resource can be made at GoldenCrossFoundation.org. About the Golden Cross Foundation The Golden Cross Foundation of The Tennessee Conference of The United Methodist Church was created to serve as an extension ministry of the conference. The non-profits goal is to provide funding assistance for new and ongoing ministries and services with older adults in the Tennessee Conference; and to provide expertise and strategic planning to the Tennessee Conference for the expansion of innovative and effective ministries with older adults. Late last month in Alexandria, Virginia, Silverado opened a new memory care community designed specifically to maximize quality of life for as many as 66 people with dementia, Alzheimers disease, and other memory-impairing conditions. This new state-of-the-art memory care community was built by Cambridge Healthcare under a management agreement with Silverado. Already in high demand, Silverado Alexandria located at 2807 King Street, near Old Town is now fully open and accepting new residents under the expert leadership of Kathryn Hilburn M.S., Administrator. The three-story community with underground parking features indoor space specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the memory impaired, as well as outside space purposefully built to give residents freedom to enjoy the outdoors. The overall design serves to bring the Silverado experience to residents and their families, providing individuals with dignity, respect and the best quality of life possible. Our new Alexandria community marks a milestone in that Silverado has now brought its services to the East Coast, something that we have been asked to do for many years, says Silverado President, CEO and Chairman Loren Shook. Our entire team is energized by the opportunity to bring the Silverado quality of life for the memory impaired in Alexandria, a care model that has resulted in the best clinical outcomes across our industry and truly changes lives. Each Silverado community combines world-class clinical care supported by around-the-clock licensed nurses, a 1:1 staff to resident ratio, and a designated physician medical director, in a welcoming and engaging social model environment with industry-leading programs. Recently the company developed Nexus, a program for individuals with early-stage memory loss, based on research showing that there may be ways to enhance the functional level of those with dementia and to slow the progression of the disease process. Already, Nexus has transformed lives. Graham Adelman, Chief Executive Officer of Cambridge, states, Initially, when Cambridge conceived the community on King Street, our intention was to manage its operation ourselves. After visiting Silverado communities, evaluating their model of care, and watching Silverados staff interact with residents and their families, we changed our mind. Silverados accomplishments in caring for those with Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia are remarkable, recognized by academicians and physicians internationally, and well documented. Cambridge is pleased and excited that Silverado chose Alexandria for the location of its first community on the East Coast. We look forward to working with Silverado to increase awareness in Northern Virginia of what is truly possible for those with cognitive decline. Cambridge will remain the operator of Alexandrias Woodbine Rehabilitation & Healthcare and will be the licensed operator of the memory care community, which Silverado will be managing. The development teams worked with many local suppliers and businesses to create the new community, contributing to dozens of construction jobs and local spending, while creating more than 65 new healthcare jobs once at full capacity. Families, healthcare professionals and members of the local community are welcome to drop by for a visit or call to learn more. A grand opening celebration will take place on Wednesday, July 25 from 4pm-7pm. For more information, please call (703) 215-9110. Visit silverado.com/Alexandria for a visual representation of the community from development to completion, and experience resident success stories at silverado.com/stories. About Silverado Silverado was founded in 1996 with the goal of enriching the lives of those with memory loss by changing how the world cares for people with cognitive decline. Establishing this mindset as the foundation allows Silverado and its associates to leave behind previous misconceptions and operate in a way that provides clients, residents and patients with utmost dignity, freedom, respect and quality of life. Silverado has grown to become a nationally recognized provider of home care, memory care assisted living and palliative and hospice services. With 57 locations across Arizona, California, Illinois, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Utah and Wisconsin the company strives to deliver world-class care and unmatched service. To learn more, visit silverado.com or call (866) 522-8125. MEDIA CONTACT: Cheryl Spence (949) 240-1781 cspence(at)silverado(dot)com State of the Art SHIELD Systems There is a good reason why Peco InspX is the X-Ray system of choice, particularly for customers located in remote areas as our real-time monitoring capabilities allow us to proactively fix issues before they become production impacting Peco InspX, the worlds leading authority on high performance X-Ray inspection equipment for the food and beverage industries is pleased to announce its presence at Propack Asia in Bangkok (June 13 June 16). Peco InspX will be featured in the booth (BE 30 in Hall 101) of its distributor in South East Asia Henko. Through its relationship with Henko, Peco InspX will be exhibiting its high speed side-view and top-down X-Ray inspection systems. Both machines feature world class imaging capability and analysis software designed in our Silicon Valley headquarters. The machines also feature high capacity cooling systems that allow trouble free operation in hot and muggy environments that approach 50C. Continued improvements in the side-view systems allow Peco InspX X-Ray systems to flawlessly operate in the most demanding environments at inspection speeds up to 1500 cpm for glass and 3000 cpm for metal and composite containers. No other commercially available X-Ray inspection system can run reliably at these speeds. Furthermore, Peco InspX has developed X-Ray inspection systems that require no spacing between adjacent containers, making them extremely easy to operate. Peco InspX also has the broadest range of top-down inspection systems in the marketplace with belt widths of 510 mm up to 900 mm. Finally, Peco InspX is constantly working to enhance its world-renown remote diagnostic support platform that allows the company to seamlessly support customers in more remote locations that might lack immediate access to a service technician. There is a good reason why Peco InspX is the X-Ray system of choice, particularly for customers located in remote areas as our real-time monitoring capabilities allow us to proactively fix issues before they become production impacting, remarked Peco InspX CEO Rich Cisek. Furthermore, an extremely sophisticated supply chain network ensures the world-wide immediate availability of all spare parts. For more information on Peco InspXs advanced X-Ray inspection systems, please visit http://www.peco-inspx.com/solutions/x-ray-inspection/ For more information on Henko, please see: http://henko.com/ About Peco InspX Peco InspX Corporation is a leading provider of advanced technology inspection solutions for the food and beverage industries. With headquarters in Silicon Valley (San Carlos), CA and European headquarters in Nuneaton, UK, the company serves customers around the world and inspects over 120 million food and beverage containers daily. The company specializes in accurate high speed package inspection in machines that are easy to use with a low cost of ownership. "Upgrading our iDirect network provides a powerful efficiency boost and gives us the confidence to meet end-user expectations. This is absolutely critical to win business in the African market," said Kazeem Kolawole Raji, Executive Director, Engineering Services, NigComSat VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of Vision Technologies Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), today announced that Nigerian Communications Satellite (NigComSat), a leading satellite operator and service provider based in Nigeria, has upgraded its iDirect network to the latest Evolution 4.1 software to achieve significant gains in bandwidth efficiency and enhance customer experience. With the upgrade of its extensive C-band and Ku-band networks, NigComSat, which manages iDirect hubs in Lagos and Abuja, will be able to expand further into key markets such as government, defense, maritime, education, enterprise and cellular backhaul. Evolution 4.1 enables service providers to launch DVB-S2X networks and increase the performance and efficiency of DVB-S2 networks, unlocking High Throughput Satellite (HTS) capacity to maximize throughput and offer cost-effective services. As part of the second phase of the upgrade to DVB-S2X, NigComSat will install iDirects high-performance Universal Line Cards and Intelligent Gateway (iGW) virtualization appliance to improve hub density and network processing. Our customers demand a greater amount of bandwidth at more economic service plans, said Kazeem Kolawole Raji, Executive Director, Engineering Services, NigComSat. While satellite connectivity has unique advantages, satellite service providers must compete with terrestrial and cellular networks on speed and value. Upgrading our iDirect network provides a powerful efficiency boost and gives us the confidence to meet end-user expectations. This is absolutely critical to win business in the African market. NigComSat is in the forefront in bringing the latest innovations to market to meet escalating customer expectations, said John Arnold, Senior Vice President of Global Sales, VT iDirect. Our DVB-S2X offering will enable NigComSat to make their services more competitive and deliver the value of satellite connectivity to more businesses and organizations in West Africa, driving broad economic and social development. ***** VT iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is a global leader in IP-based satellite communications providing technology and solutions that enable our partners worldwide to optimize their networks, differentiate their services and profitably expand their businesses. For more than 20 years, the VT iDirect organization has focused on meeting the economic and technology challenges across the satellite industry. Today, the product portfolio, branded under the name iDirect, sets new standards in performance and efficiency, making it possible to deliver voice, video and data connectivity anywhere in the world. VT iDirect is the worlds largest TDMA enterprise VSAT manufacturer and is the leader in key industries including mobility, military/government and cellular backhaul. In 2007, iDirect Government was formed to better serve the U.S. government and defense communities. For more information please visit http://www.iDirect.net. VT Systems is an engineering company providing integrated solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. VT Systems innovative solutions, products and services include aircraft maintenance, repair and modification; software solutions in training and simulation; satellite-based IP communications technology; network solutions that integrate data, voice and video; rugged computers and computer peripheral equipment; specialized truck bodies and trailers; weapons and munitions systems; road construction equipment; and ship design and shipbuilding. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., VT Systems operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Engineering. Please visit http://www.vt-systems.com. Media contacts: Julie Bettinger Vice President, Corporate Marketing VT iDirect Phone: (1) 703 648 8155 Email: jbettinger@idirect.net Kimberly Miles Manager, Corporate Communications VT Systems Phone: (1) 703 739 2610 Email: kmiles@vt-systems.com GameStops Kevin FitzPatrick (left) and Brierleys Sandra Rivera take home trophies at the 2018 Loyalty360 Customer Loyalty Awards in Orlando GameStop, the worlds largest video retailer and Brierley+Partners, the global loyalty and CRM leader, were among the winners that were announced at the 2018 Loyalty360 Customer Loyalty Awards in Orlando. The 2018 Loyalty360 Customer Loyalty Awards recognizes brands that build lasting and loyal relationships with their customers across a spectrum of industries. According to Loyalty360, the award process included more than 150 submissions from over 100 unique brands. GameStop now in its third consecutive year of taking home awards at the expo continues to shine as industry leaders in customer loyalty and employee engagement. The company took home awards for Top Ten Best Program, Top Best Marketing Team and placed Gold in the Employee Engagement category. Brierley was also recognized and awarded bronze for their partnership with GameStop in the 360-Degree Award the Best Vendor/Supplier category. This category recognizes solution providers whose clients had the best combined performance across all categories. "We are so proud of the successful relationship that we have had with our GameStop partner for the past eight years. GameStop continues to evolve and innovate for their consumers while leading their ever-changing industry. We are so thrilled that they continue to be recognized as trailblazers in customer loyalty with their best-in-class PowerUp Rewards Program, said Nicole Fleiner, Senior Managing Director, Chief Customer Officer. About Brierley+Partners Brierley+Partners are global loyalty and CRM innovators. Brierley brings industry-leading thought leadership, incomparable experience and advanced technologies to help brands build lifetime loyalty with their customers. Brierley runs some of the best loyalty and customer relationship programs for clients across the globe. Brierley offers a complete suite of loyalty services: program design, loyalty/CRM technology, marketing strategy, research, analytics, omnichannel communications, account management, interactive/print production and fulfillment. The industry-leading Brierley LoyaltyonDemand technology platform is uniquely robust, modular, flexible and quick-to-market. All services and technology focus on a single mission: making clients' customer relationships dramatically more profitable. Brierley is U.S.-based and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nomura Research Institute, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. To learn more about Brierley+Partners, visit http://www.brierley.com Blockchain Relations Logo Charging forward with a robust roadmap for 2018, SmartCash is a crypto to keep an eye on. Blockchain Relations, the first media networking brand established to connect mainstream audiences around the world with crypto, today announces the publication of an article titled The Most Revolutionary Aspects of SmartCash ($SMART), which provides an overview of the many features SmartCash has introduced to accomplish its main goal of achieving mainstream adoption around the world. To view the full publication, visit: http://smartcash.blockchainnewssource.com/the-most-revolutionary-aspects-of-smartcash/ The article notes the real-world results and constant innovation provided by SmartCashs unique model that puts the community first. Its universal send-to-email feature enables anyone with a simple email address to receive SMART, username-based wallet addresses and tipbots enable easy donations and tipping, the SmartNode network allows for unparalleled scaling and advanced functionality, and SmartRewards help reduce price volatility by reducing the amount of coins constantly traded. With SmartCard, the SmartCash team of developers aim to dramatically improve upon conventional payment methods that are currently used by businesses of all sizes. For example, debit and credit cards offered by companies like American Express and Citigroup Inc. often come with transaction fees of over 3%, which over the course of a year can take away hundreds of thousands of dollars from a companys profits. Plus, the traditional card method requires both buyers and sellers to have access to the services of major banks, which is extremely difficult and sometimes impossible in certain parts of the world. While some cryptos have already improved upon some of the main issues of current mainstream payment options, they still fail to be practical for lots of everyday applications. However, with their new SmartCard feature, SmartCash will offer a truly viable crypto alternative to the debit/credit card. Not only will payments be instantly confirmed, but the transactions fees are practically non-existent, at just fractions of a cent. Furthermore, only the business is responsible for having a live connection to the internet, so the consumer can take funds anywhere without worrying about a dead battery or lack of signal in remote areas. In a way, the purchases made with SmartCard combine the best of cash, card, and crypto payments. Charging forward with a robust roadmap for 2018, SmartCash is a crypto to keep an eye on. About SmartCash SmartCash (Crypto: SMART) is a blockchain-based crypto that sets itself apart with community governance, a self-funded community treasury, and mining accessibility to standard PCs. With emphasis on community involvement and merchant adoption, SmartCash aims to create the most nimble and fastest-growing crypto. For more information via the SmartCash website, visit: https://smartcash.cc/ To view an interactive flipbook and learn how to engage with the community, visit http://smartcash.blockchainnewssource.com/flipbook/ About Blockchain Relations Blockchain Relations was launched as a division of The Global Precision Group (est. 2010) to help crypto-assets and blockchain projects achieve greater visibility through media connections and proven branding strategies. The core team leverages a unique blend of experience spanning media relations, investor relations, syndicated communications, marketing, crypto markets and community-building initiatives. To learn more about Blockchain Relations, visit http://www.blockchainrelations.io To learn more about the Blockchain Relations Brand Network and its growing number of blockchain-focused brands, visit http://www.blockchainrelationsbrandnetwork.com Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the Blockchain Relations website applicable to all content provided by Blockchain Relations, wherever published or re-published: http://www.blockchainrelations.io/disclaimer Anne Hathaway carries Jill Milan to "Ocean's 8" premiere in New York, June 5, 2018 (Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images) We were delighted Ms. Hathaway carried Jill Milan's Holland Park clutch to the Oceans 8 premiere, said Jill Fraser, co-founder and CEO of Jill Milan. Jill Milan, a designer of luxury vegan fashion and accessories, announced Anne Hathaway carried a Jill Milan clutch on the red carpet at the world premiere of her latest film, Oceans 8, in New York. Ms. Hathway, winner of the Academy Award in the Actress in a Supporting Role category for her role in Les Miserables, carried the Holland Park Clutch for the red-carpet appearance. We were delighted Ms. Hathaway carried Jill Milan's Holland Park clutch to the Oceans 8 premiere, said Jill Fraser, co-founder and CEO of Jill Milan. The clutch paired beautifully with the John Paul Gaultier dress she wore. Ms. Hathaway is styled by Law Roach. All Jill Milan products are free of animal-based materials such as leather, fur and wool. Ms. Fraser, a longtime vegan and supporter of animal-welfare initiatives, was inspired to found Jill Milan because she was unable to find high-quality, luxury handbags that were not made of leather or other animal-based materials. Jill Milan was named Vegan Business of the Year by Vegans Are Cool. Ms. Hathaway has carried Jill Milan on multiple prior occasions, including to premieres for her films The Dark Knight Rises and Les Miserables. Jill Milan appears frequently on the red carpets of Hollywood, New York and Europe. Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence is one of the many celebrities who carry Jill Milan to high-profile events. Other celebrities carrying Jill Milan for red-carpet appearances include: Singing duo Maddie and Tae Maddie Marlow and Tae Dye carried Jill Milan to the Country Music Association Awards where their debut video for Girl in a Country Song was recognized as Music Video of the Year. Amy Poehler carried the Art Deco Clutch when she was both nominee and presenter for the Emmy Awards. Singer Miranda Lambert carried Jill Milan to the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington D.C. in December and previously carried the brand to American Country Music Awards. Academy Award nominee Hailee Steinfeld carried the Disc Clutch to the MTV Video Music Awards and the Holland Park Clutch to Vanity Fairs Oscar Party. Kerry Washington of televisions Scandal carried Jill Milans Holland Park clutch to the White House Correspondents Dinner and has carried Jill Milan to a number of her film premieres. Katie Lowes, Ms. Washingtons Scandal co-star, carried Jill Milan clutches to the Golden Globes and the Emmy Awards. Actress Margot Bingham carried the Holland Park Clutch to the SAG Awards. Joanne Frogatt of Downton Abbey carried the 450 Sutter Clutch to the Golden Globes. Actress Ginnifer Goodwin carried the New Canaan Clutch to the Peoples Choice Awards. Sarah Hyland of the ABC series Modern Family carried the Art Deco Clutch to the Peoples Choice Awards and to a Golden Globes party. Laila Ali carried the Laurel Canyon Clutch to the Soul Train Music Awards. Actress Jena Malone carried the Art Deco Clutch to the premiere of her film Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1. Felicity Jones of The Theory of Everything carried the Laurel Canyon Clutch to the Hollywood Film Awards. Jane Fonda carried the Holland Park Clutch to the premiere of her film This is Where I Leave You at the Toronto International Film Festival. Actress Jessica Lucas carried Jill Milan to the screening of her show Gracepoint. Actress Katharine McPhee carried the 450 Sutter Clutch to Entertainment Weeklys pre-Emmys Party. Rashida Jones of the NBC series Parks and Recreation and Bryce Dallas Howard of the film The Help carried Jill Milan clutches to the Golden Globes. Actress Fiona Gubelmann of televisions The Good Doctor carried Jill Milan as a presenter at The Genesis Awards and to numerous premieres. Jordana Brewster, star of televisoins Dallas and the The Fast and the Furious film franchise, has carried the New Canaan Clutch. Actress Hilary Duff carried the Holland Park Clutch to the iHeart Radio Awards. Nicole Anderson of ABC Familys Ravenswood carried Jill Milan to a SAG Awards pre-party. Singer Carrie Underwood carried the Jill Milan Holland Park Clutch to the CMT Artists of the Year awards and attended the American Music Awards carrying the 450 Sutter Clutch. Actress Celina Jade carried the Nob Hill Bag to the premiere of American Dreams at the Toronto International Film Festival. Actress Stana Katic of televisions Castle carried Jill Milan to the Game of Thrones premiere and to the Film Independent Spirit Awards. Jaime King, who as a model appeared in such fashion magazines as Vogue and Mademoiselle, and as an actress appeared in films including Pearl Harbor and Sin City, carried the Octagon Clutch to the Critics Choice Awards. Countess Michelle Czernin von Chudenitz is seen frequently in red carpet appearances carrying Jill Milan evening clutches. Actress Kristanna Loken, whose films include Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and who has appeared on televisions Burn Notice and The L Word, carried Jill Milan to the FilmBall in Vienna, Austria. Jill Milan handbags have drawn growing attention from influential fashion media. W Magazine has covered Jill Milan in multiple issues, recognizing the Octagon Clutch and Art Deco Clutch in its Most Wanted feature, and The Zoe Report recognized the Newbury Street Portfolio for its ability to go from the office to cocktail hour. About Jill Milan Jill Milan is a luxury provider of cruelty-free handbags, apparel and fashion accessories. Jill Milan handbags are crafted in Italy by artisans who have created handbags and accessories for some of Europes best known fashion houses. All Jill Milan products are free of animal-derived materials, and the company contributes to animal-welfare organizations. Jill Milan, founded by Jill Fraser and Milan Lazich, is the only luxury handbag line entirely free of animal-derived materials which regularly appears on Hollywoods red carpets. Visit Jill Milan on the Web and follow Jill Milan on Facebook and on Instagram. Jill Milan and the Jill Milan logo are registered trademarks of Jill Milan LLC, and are protected by trademark laws of the United States and other countries. Emmy is a trademark of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Academy Award is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. By enabling voice capabilities, Workgrid provides the user experience that employees have come to expect as consumers across web, desktop, mobile, and now voice-enabled technologies, said Brett Caldon, Head of Business Operations, Workgrid Software. Workgrid Software to Debut Voice Support for its Digital Assistant at the 2018 Digital Workplace Experience Event Workgrid Software, a provider of intelligent workplace software solutions and a subsidiary of Liberty Mutual Group, today announced its plan to preview voice capabilities for its digital assistant solution at the upcoming Digital Workplace Experience Summit 2018, taking place June 18-20 at the Radisson Blu Aqua in Chicago, IL. With voice-based AI technology becoming one of the trends shaping the future of the digital workplace, Workgrid is looking to gather feedback from digital workplace leaders across the country attending the event to prepare for its upcoming release of voice support. During the event, Workgrid will demonstrate live previews of what the role of voice could look like for the digital workplace and how voice has the opportunity to improve efficiencies and create more satisfying work experiences. Adding voice support to the Workgrid Assistant will allow employees to voice queries and commands through voice-driven technologies such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to connect to the Workgrid Assistant which orchestrates across all the disparate systems, data and content to perform task, answer questions, look up information and other common workplace tasks based on each employees personal needs, defined by role, department, and location. For example, employees can ask Alexa to connect to Workgrid to submit a helpdesk ticket, determine whats on their calendar for the day, reschedule a meeting, or check their time off balance. By enabling voice capabilities, Workgrid provides the user experience that employees have come to expect as consumers across web, desktop, mobile, and now voice-enabled technologies, said Brett Caldon, Head of Business Operations, Workgrid Software. Best of all, employees no longer need to think about all the underlying systems to complete tasks or spend countless minutes searching through the intranet. Instead, everything will be brought together through conversation creating a bidirectional AI experience, where information, content or services are pushed to the user proactively and actions are performed automatically, on the users behalf. If youre interested in seeing what opportunities voice user interfaces will bring to the enterprise and the role it will play in the digital workplace, stop by Workgrids booth or see Workgrids Innovation Spotlight session on Tuesday, June 19 at 9:45 a.m. CDT. You can also learn more about the Workgrid Assistant by visiting https://www.workgrid.com About Workgrid Workgrid Software, LLC a company wholly-owned by Liberty Mutual Group creates and sells intelligent workplace software solutions that are purpose-built for an enterpriseby an enterprise. Workgrid Softwares initial product the Workgrid Assistant empowers employees with a modern interface and integrated chatbot serving as their digital assistant telling them what they need to know, when they need to know it, so they can get more work done, faster. The Workgrid Assistant makes work simpler and more efficient for employees by automating administrative requests and surfacing personalized daily tasks, information, and reminders through a single, intuitive interface. You can learn more about Workgrid by visiting http://www.workgrid.com About Liberty Mutual Insurance Liberty Mutuals purpose is to help people embrace today and confidently pursue tomorrow. Keeping this promise means we are there when our policyholders throughout the world need us most. In business since 1912, and headquartered in Boston, Mass., today we are a leading global insurer with operations in 30 countries and economies around the world. We are the third largest property and casualty insurer in the U.S. based on 2017 direct written premium data as reported by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. We also rank 68th on the Fortune 100 list of largest corporations in the U.S. based on 2017 revenue. As of December 31, 2017, we had $39.4 billion in annual consolidated revenue. We employ more than 50,000 people in over 800 offices throughout the world. We offer a wide range of insurance products and services, including personal automobile, homeowners, commercial multi-peril, property, general liability, commercial automobile, surety, workers compensation, specialty lines, and reinsurance. You can learn more about us by visiting http://www.libertymutualinsurance.com. By donating some of our wines we want to support such issues and highlight the importance of events like Taste of Hope in the battle against cancer. Carmen Stirn, Public Relations Officer at Sartori On May 10th, 2018, Vinitaly International celebrated a nine year collaboration with the American Cancer Society at Taste of Hope, one of New Yorks most popular fundraising events. Held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City, Taste of Hope is the signature culinary, wine and spirit tasting event organized by the American Cancer Society. Since its inception, the event has raised over $1.8 million to support the Societys mission and goal of eliminating cancer as a major health problem. The 2018 edition of Taste of Hope featured award-winning restaurateur, artisanal baker, and cookbook author Sarabeth Levine as its Culinary Honoree and Chef Antonio Prontelli, Executive Chef at Patina Restaurant Groups Rockefeller Center Complex, as Survivor Honoree. The culinary creations showcased during the gala were paired also with Italian wines from leading producers thanks to Vinitaly Internationals coordinating efforts. During the past 9 years, Vinitaly International supported Taste of Hope through the donation of an impressive number of labels coming from top Italian wineries. This year, guests enjoyed a walk-around tasting sampling trademark dishes while sipping quality Italian wines kindly donated by several wineries willing to contribute to the fight against cancer. The Italian wine list featured the following producers and wines: La Marca with Prosecco DOC and Prosecco DOCG Zonin with Zonin Prosecco Castello Banfi with San Angelo Pinot Grigio Toscana IGT and Poggio Alle Mura Rosso di Montalcino Sartori with Ferdi Bianco Veronese IGT and Regolo Rosso Veronese IGT Frescobaldi with Frescobaldi Alie and Nipozzano Riserva Allegrini with Valpolicella and Palazzo dellaTorre Castello di Albola with Chianti Classico On their participation to the event, Carmen Stirn, Public Relations Officer at Sartori commented: We believe it is important to spread awareness around major health issues like cancer. By donating some of our wines we want to support such issues and highlight the importance of events like Taste of Hope in the battle against cancer. For over 100 years, the American Cancer Society has worked relentlessly to save lives and create a world with less cancer. Every year Taste of Hope welcomes around 1,000 philanthropists and features some of the most popular restaurants, chefs, and beverage vendors in the Big Apple. In standing side by side with the American Cancer Society, Vinitaly International aims at playing its part in the battle against cancer. On this partnership, vice president of the American Cancer Societys Northeast Region Kris Kim commented We're so grateful to Vinitaly and all the Italian producers for their continued support of our mission and being a "must see" participant at Taste of Hope. Additional information: https://www.tasteofhopenyc.org/. About The grand Vinitaly 2019 will be held from April 7th to the 10th. Every year, Vinitaly counts more than 4,000 exhibitors on a 100,000+ square meter area and 130,000 visitors from over 140 different countries with more than 30,000 top international buyers. The premier event to Vinitaly, OperaWine (https://www.vinitalyinternational.com/?page_id=646) Finest Italian Wines: 100 Great Producers, which will be held on the 6th of April, one day prior to Vinitaly will unite international wine professionals in the heart of Verona, offering them the unique opportunity to discover and taste the wines of the 100 Best Italian Producers, as selected by Wine Spectator. Since 1998 Vinitaly International travels to several countries such as Russia, China, USA and Hong Kong thanks to its strategic arm abroad, Vinitaly International. In February 2014 Vinitaly International launched an educational project, the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) with the aim of divulging and broadcasting the excellence and diversity of Italian wine around the globe. VIA this year held the ninth edition of its Certification Course and today counts 151 Italian Wine Ambassadors and 11 Italian Wine Experts. Custom Shuffleboard Table Formaspace Office will unveil a custom Shuffleboard Table, complete with an onsite competition with two iPhone X's as a prize. Formaspace Office will attend the 50th-anniversary edition of the NeoCon contract furniture show in Chicago this June. Held every year since 1969 at the Chicago Merchandise Mart, NeoCon is the largest commercial interiors show in North America. They will unveil new additions to their Weldmarx office furniture line as well as custom pieces. Formaspace Office will also have a full network of independent reps across the USA on hand, available for introductions. Here are the custom products Formaspace Office will be showcasing at NeoCon: Weldmarx I a height adjustable desk that raises, lowers, and moves as one independent piece of furniture. Formaspace Office has entered this piece in the Best of NeoCon competition. Weldmarx VII a tilting top training table, which allows users to inhabit and repurpose multi-functioning training rooms, conference spaces, or common areas. Weldmarx MI a mobile communication board, with standard options of dry-erase or cork work surfaces, plus further surface options available for custom projects. Weldmarx XII a stylish executive credenza with customizable drawer and cabinet configurations. The NeoCon showpiece will feature a live edge surface. This will be paired with the Weldmarx XV, a customized high back organizer also topped with live edge shelves for NeoCon. A new Weldmarx C-Table an ancillary piece that complements the other office lounge furniture. These end tables are typically used with soft seating arrangements like sofas or lounge chairs. Hackable Gallery Panels a custom set of hot-swappable steel panels, which Formaspace Office has entered into the Best of NeoCon competition. And finally, Formaspace Office will unveil a custom Shuffleboard Table, complete with an onsite competition with two iPhone X's as a prize. For more info on the contest, visit the Formaspace Office website. One of the industry trends in recent years has been a move toward easy-to-use online furniture designing web applications, even for custom products. Formaspace Office has introduced a new, free 3D Virtual Furniture Designer, which allows dealers, commercial interior designers, and manufacturer reps to build their custom workbench orders online. To set up a meeting with Formaspace Office at NeoCon, indicate your preferred date and time on their online meeting calendar. CEA is proud to join forces with the American Red Cross to help more Californians prepare to survive and recover from Californias next big earthquake, said CEA CEO Glenn Pomeroy. It could happen today, and were working together to help more people get ready. The seventh annual Get Prepared, California! Auctionsponsored by the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) and coordinated by iHeartMediahas raised $175,978. Over the years, the auctions have raised a total of approximately $1,230,000 for disaster-preparedness and relief efforts in California. Open for bidding April 2 through April 30, the 2018 Get Prepared, California! Auction featured many remarkable experiences, including: Meet-and-greets with Maroon 5, Mario Lopez and The Weeknd. Unique fan experiences at Los Angeles Dodgers, Clippers and Chargers games. A ride on the Goodyear Blimp. A new Kia Optima, which was delivered by radio, film and TV personality Big Boy. CEA is proud to join forces with the American Red Cross to help more Californians prepare to survive and recover from Californias next big earthquake, said CEA CEO Glenn Pomeroy. It could happen today, and were working together to help more people get ready. The 2018 Get Prepared, California! Auction was promoted statewide on 58 iHeartMedia radio stations, and the total proceeds were announced through a check presentation to the American Red Cross on stage during iHeartMedias KIIS FM Wango Tango by AT&T concert in Los Angeles on June 2. The Red Cross is extremely grateful and values the partnership we have with CEA and iHeartMedia and for all their efforts to put this auction together to raise donations for disaster relief, said Jarrett Barrios, CEO Red Cross Los Angeles Region. These funds will go a long way in providing valuable resources and support disasters throughout California. Since 2012, auction proceeds have helped to support 32 American Red Cross chapters throughout California. Funding so far has been enough to distribute 200,000 blankets at emergency shelters, 100,000 hot meals in communities, or 400,000 comfort kits that provide toiletries and personal items people may need after a disaster. Most Californians live within 30 miles of an active fault. Scientists say there is more than a 99 percent chance that a magnitude-6.7 or greater quake will strike California within the next 30 years. To learn more about the auction and steps Californians can take to get prepared for the next damaging earthquake, visit http://www.GetPreparedCalifornia.org. About CEA The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) is a not-for-profit, privately funded, publicly managed organization that provides residential earthquake insurance and encourages Californians to reduce their risk of earthquake loss. Learn more at http://www.EarthquakeAuthority.com. About the American Red Cross The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nations blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The American Red Cross is a charitable organization, not a government agency, and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit http://www.RedCross.org or contact your local chapter. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Home Regional News East Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2018 7:02 am It's an admittedly unorthodox complaint to make of a film, but Sebastian Lelio's adaptation of Naomi Alderman's novel Disobedience takes such care to render its characters and their culture clash with such respect that its resolution almost seems bereft of any opinion of its own. British-born Jewish actress Rachel Weisz clearly found her passion play when she chose to co-produce this film adaptation, in which she plays Ronit Krushka, a British-born Jewish photographer who's called home to the Orthodox Jewish community of London by the death of her father, an elderly rabbi of great esteem. The greatest strength of the narrative is how organically it all unfolds, since even characters such as Ronit, who have spent years away from the community, are still family who grew up among these people. As much as Lelio believes that subtext is for cowards, by opening and closing the film with heartfelt speeches by rabbis about how humans are set apart from both the angels and the animals by our free will and ability to make moral choices of our own, he settles us into the rhythms of this close-knit community with conversations that can't help but feel familiar to any family, regardless of religion. Ronit was the ambitious one who moved to New York City to make her mark, and yet, in spite of her successful career, the few glimpses we see of her life before she returns to London don't seem very fulfilling. By contrast, her childhood friends Esti (Rachel McAdams) and Dovid Kuperman (Alessandro Nivola) are genuinely engaged by their work in educating the bright Jewish youths of their community, and seem at first to be content in their marriage to one another, until Ronit's unexpected return. While we see how Dovid has stepped up to become the son that Ronit's father never had the elder rabbi's obituary states he died childless, and he left his house and all its contents to the synagogue, much to his daughter's chagrin it doesn't take long to figure out that Esti is unfulfilled, because she's never been sexually attracted to any man, and has never had any lovers other than Dovid and, during their younger years, Ronit. Aside from a brief but extremely explicit covert liaison between Esti and Ronit, this is a film whose emotional shades of expression are as deliberately limited as the black, gray, brown and blue palette of its wardrobe and cinematography. A single kiss, witnessed after dark in a relatively secluded public place, becomes a hushed scandal, and the one reflex that all the characters seem to share in common, as their preferred course of action, is to withdraw from involvements that threaten to become too heated. The film's approach to the Orthodox Jewish community couldn't help but remind me of Peter Weir's Witness, in which Harrison Ford temporarily settled among the Amish, since both portrayals treated their respective religions as valid choices for those who chose them. And I suppose one could argue that Ronit and Esti, like Ford's big city cop and Kelly McGillis' Amish widow in Witness, are simply too much inhabitants of their respective cultures to make an entirely new life for themselves, either in New York or London. And yet, it felt to me like each woman was ultimately settling for half of a life, either materially well-off and feeling empty inside, or else part of a supportive community, but unable to express her full, true identity. If nothing else, between the pillars of Weisz, McAdams and Nivola, it's impeccably well-acted, and one of its few laughs comes from a deliberately on-the-nose use of The Cure's Lovesong. Posted Tuesday, June 5, 2018 8:00 pm As pilots, we don't seek out the limelight, said Capt. Eric vonBrandenfels, president of the Puget Sound Pilots. A lot of professions leave behind monuments, but we work hard not to leave any trace. VonBrandenfels offered this as an explanation for why he was so nonplussed to emcee the official celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Washington's Pilotage Act, May 30 at the Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend. VonBrandenfels was joined not only by Port Townsend Mayor Deborah Stinson and state Board of Pilotage Commissioners Chair Sheri Tonn, but also by state Sen. Kevin Van De Wege (D-24), state Rep. Gael Tarleton (D-36), and U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA). Washington's Pilotage Act established two pilotage districts, in Puget Sound and Grays Harbor, to protect against the loss of lives, as well as the loss or damage to vessels or property, and to protect the marine environment, by requiring certain ships to take on a state-licensed marine pilot. Cantwell touted the success of the state program by citing the Puget Sound Pilots' unparalleled safety record, reporting that its pilots have completed more than 200,000 sailings between Port Angeles and Puget Sound over the past 25 years, with no major incidents, since 1989. We rely on these pilots for the safe passage of $8 billion worth of goods that travel through Puget Sound every year, Cantwell said. That's millions of cargo containers, more than 100,000 vehicles, and more than 200,000 tons of bulk cargo. We thank them for that unbelievable work and stewardship of our waters. Since pilots are required for all large vessels in Puget Sound and Grays Harbor, Cantwell noted that dozens of highly skilled and trained pilots are required to keep the vitally important Puget Sound waterway working. As such, Cantwell pointed out that those pilots can encounter any type of vessel, weather condition or traffic conditions. Puget Sound is one of the busiest, most complex waterways in the world, Cantwell said. There are 100 nautical miles between Neah Bay and Cherry Point, often plagued with driving rain and reduced visibility. Murray praised the incredible legacy of Puget Sound's marine pilots as a testament to the foresight of our state's early leaders, for recognizing how important Washington's waterways would be to its economy and culture. Puget Sound Pilots do the work, day in and day out, to keep their passengers and waterways safe, Murray said. The fact that we find it so easy to take this for granted is itself a testament to their capabilities. Murray expressed the hope that, in the next 150 years, she and colleagues such as Cantwell could help increase awareness of the maritime job field, to aid the industry in turn in diversifying its work force. Less than 3 percent of this work force is currently female, said Murray, who recalled how rare female Senators were when she was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992. If the Senate can do it, you can do it. To that end, Murray called out the Port Townsend High School students in attendance, as she acknowledged that this is a highly specific and skilled profession, that can take decades to reach the top of the field. Van De Wege presented vonBrandenfels with a Senate Proclamation commemorating the 150th anniversary, describing the pilots as integral to the safety, economy and environment of the state. Since the days of the tribes on the Salish Sea, the people of this region have made their living from trading with people people, Tarleton said. To this day, our state's economy is dependent on trade, and Puget Sound Pilots are the reason Puget Sound waters are still some of the safest waterways in the world. Tarleton asserted the importance of maintaining the network of roughly 200,000 jobs that directly and indirectly depend on the ships sailing to and from Puget Sound's ports, while Stinson voiced her gratitude for the pilots' leadership and support of the Northwest Maritime Center. We take pride in our history as a maritime town, that's remained a home to maritime tradesmen and women, Stinson said, as she also expressed her support for a maritime discovery curriculum in Port Townsend and other school districts. We should encourage these points of entry into the industry for young people. Like the maritime center, they can ignite the imaginations of all who pass through them. Some patients who spoke to Ghana News Agency attributed the spread of the disease partly to the stigmatisation of some of the women living with the disease. "Because we take our drugs regularly, we look very nice and attractive. Nothing will tell you that some of us live with the disease, and so we are warning the general public to desist from stigmatising us," a patient said. Some clergy, church leaders and health workers were also faulted for spreading patients HIV status. Report form the Ghana Aids Commission shows that the disease is very high and fast spreading in the country's Sunyani Municipality. This is the fourth edition of the 2018 FORBES AFRICA Under 30 list. Forbes Africa says it put in months of rigorous research, sifting through over 600 nominations, vetting them for weeks, verifying and investigating them. The financial publisher also favoured entrepreneurs with fresh ideas and took into account their business size, revenue, location, potential, struggles, social impact and resilience. Meet the Ghanaians who made it. Kofi Genfi & Nii Osae Osae Dade, 24, Ghana This duo founded CYST, a software innovation company that specializes in artificial intelligence to create technology solutions in 2013. CYST has a research arm called CYST Research Institute, which focuses on artificial intelligence-based research and development such as natural language processing. In partnership with the telecommunications companies, CYST has access to over 15 million subscribers through its platforms. They count MTN Ghana, Vodafone Ghana, AirtelTigo Ghana, Unity Link and Data Protection Commission among their affiliates. It means over 15 million subscribers through its platforms. CYSTs flagship product, Mazzuma, is a mobile money payment system that utilizes distributed secure infrastructure and cryptocurrency to enable seamless payments. The Mazzuma token, referred to as MAZ, is a key payment medium in the Mazzuma ecosystem. Transactions made on the Mazzuma platform are instantaneous. Abraham Omani Quaye, 28, Ghana Founder: Farmart After completing his undergraduate degree in agricultural sciences, he decided to go into farming. During his search for land, he came across farmers who complained about their produce going to waste because of low fresh sales. To avoid this, theyll have to sell their produce off cheaply to the middlemen to avoid getting nothing out of their hard work. I also discovered in Ghana, farmers suffer over 30% post-harvest losses which is really unfortunate, he says. Quaye was motivated to not just be a farmer but a digital farmer and help other farmers have access to a ready market, reduce post-harvest losses and increase their return on investments. He founded Farmart, an online farmers market that links farmers to households and businesses. When an order is placed on their website, they source fresh produce from farmers and deliver to the client. They deliver produce and groceries in Accra, Tema and Kasoa. When we started the business, we didnt have enough bikes to make deliveries which made us lose some deliveries and we quickly partnered with logistics firms who now support us when theres a spike in orders. We also faced lots of challenges with lack of some produce and we decided to start Farmart. This years Ghana Meets Naija is as exciting as the events eight year run. From when the lineup was announced, it has stoked conversation, bringing to the fore the clout of the West African acts assembled for next Saturdays event. Wizkid, makes a grand return to the prestigious stage, after his momentous 2013 appearance. Mama hitmaker, Mayorkun, and Mr Eazi constitute the continent representing the green -white- green. Ghanaian acts include Stonebwoy, who is famed for his outstanding live performances, new kings KiDi, Kuami Eugene, King Promise, Patapaa, and Fancy Gadam, as well as Uptown Energy frontman Yaa Pono. Other acts have since joined the lineup. Regularly looked forward to, it has constantly served as the ultimate platform for the West African countries to execute their longstanding sibling rivalry in the area of music. Ghana and Nigeria have a lot in common musically, and constantly collaborate on projects.The Ghana Meets Naija Concert has since its institution, provided opportunity for both countries to celebrate the diverse sounds which unify us at the same time. Empire Ghana, organizers have announced that tickets are out at major physical outlets, and are selling for 120, 200 and 300 cedis. Tickets are available at LIVE FM, STARR FM (located in the Meridian House, Ring Road), opposite Ecobank, and close to Nima Junction. Other outlets include Accra Mall, Achimota Mall and West Hills Mall, as well as Empire Ghana offices (located at Ridge, Accra, close to Alisa Hotel). Patrons can also download the flexipay app on Playstore and Appstore, and make their purchase. Platinum tickets/ tables can be reserved on 050 564 6657 and 0558434907. The 8th Ghana Meets Naija at the spacious FANTASY DOME, Trade Fair, La, Accra, is an answer to the call for a bigger event venue. The facility boasts state-of-the-art facilities and has already hosted a number of high-profile events. The annual event has constantly proven a sought-after platform. It is therefore no wonder that, soon after the launch, rapper Yaa Pono, who is billed to represent the Ghana side of matters, started the ceremonial big talk. Via Twitter weeks ago, the Obiaa Wo Ne Master man Ponobiom sought to question the readiness of his Nigerian counterparts at the event tweeting: Dear Nigerian artist performing at #GhanaMeetsNaija are you sure you are ready for me on 9th June 2018 @ fantasy dome? Usually overbooked, the concert has previously been mounted by Shatta Wale, Sarkodie, Falz, Tiwa Savage, Davido, Naeto C, R2Bees and a host of others. Over 5000 people are expected to attend the event. Dubbed the Rescue Mission, this years sponsors include Kasapreko Alomo Gold and Storm Energy Drink, Allied Oil, Somoco Ghana Ltd, Nasco Mobile, Kirusa, Point and Play, Rova Surveillance, Dame lashes, Pernod Ricard, Tang Palace, Fix Consult, EIB Network (Starr FM, Live FM, Gh One TV, Kasapa FM, Empire FM, Ultimate FM, Abusua FM), Graphic Showbiz, Y FM, Aftown Music, Muse Africa, Ghana Music.com, West Hills Mall, Achimota Retail Centre, Accra Mall, and Timepiece Gh. According to Joy news reasons for Mr Ansahs removal are not readily known. However, reports suggest that the dismissal was caused by a recent misunderstanding between workers' union of the Ports Authority and Board Chair, Peter Mac Manu. But the Board Chairman denied all the allegations and asked his lawyers to write to the leaders of the union demanding a retraction and apology, failure to which will make him sue them. Reports suggest that Mr Ansah was present at the press conference by the workers' union where the allegations against Mr Mac Manu were detailed, pitching him firmly against the Board Chairman who is a former Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP). About Michael Achagwe Luguje Mr. Luguje joined the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) in Tema (Ghana) in January 1999 and has over 15 years' experience in the maritime transport industry. Malam Mohammed Garba, the Rescue and Rehabilitation Officer of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Gombe. Garba explained that the IDPs relocated from Guyuk Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa to Balanga LGA in Gombe State, adding that their rejection by the host communities compelled them to return to their ancestral home to begin life afresh. He said on receiving information of their arrival in Balanga LGA, some officials of the agency went and discovered that the Displaced Persons were living in two blocks of four class rooms, while some were being accommodated in the host communities. We went there and made an assessment; we are now waiting for approval for intervention from the government, he said, We have not captured the 5,200 on our data bank yet, by the time we capture them, the number will be higher, he said. Hajiya Amina Ahman, the states coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also confirmed the relocation of the IDPs, saying the agency had already visited Balanga to assess their living condition. Though reasons for his removal was not stated, Dr Anyah has 48hours to pack out of his office and hand over any Korle-Bu assets in his possession back. Allegations Dr Anyah has been accused of masterminding the removal of deputy Chiefs of Staff, Francis Asenso-Boakye and Samuel Abu Jinapor. According to outspoken New Patriotic Party (NPP) Brong Ahafo Regional Youth Organizer, Kwame Baffoe, the Korle-Bu CEO, Dr Felix Anyah is using his "errand boy" controversial musician Kwame Asare Obeng popularly known as A-Plus to execute that agenda. The two deputy Chiefs of Staff have an albatross around their necks after A-Plus accused them of being corrupt. But after an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department, the Police described as baseless the allegations levelled at the two. In October 2017, MP for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo Markin, also waded into the A-Plus corruption allegation saga, suggesting that he was only being used as a tool by the Dr. Felix Anyah. In a post on Facebook, the MP said Dr. Anyah was using Kwame Asare Obeng, also known as A-Plus, in a "cowardly attempt" to besmirch the two presidential staffers, Francis Asenso-Boakye and Abu Jinapor, who were accused, and later cleared of corruption allegations. In a further warning to the two, Mr. Afenyo-Markin said: "A-Plus and Dr. Anyah of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital should know that they are walking on a slippery ice." The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital managements decision to terminate a contract it had with UniBank for onsite banking services was followed by some intervention from the two staffers after a petition from UniBank. But the small scale miners said they have been rendered jobless by government's refusal to lift the ban. READ MORE: 4 Chinese galamsey operators busted After one year of the ban, a group calling itself Concerned Small Scale Miners Association have threatened a demonstration dubbed "Ku Me Preko" to voice out their grievances on the effect of the ban. According to the group, the ban has led to a great negative impact on the families of those affected, which included broken homes affected health and poverty on the rise as well as increase of debt. President of the Association, Richard Kojo Peprah, said the demonstration will see hundreds of affected members gather at Kumasi on June 26 for the demonstration. Speaking at a news conference at Akwatia in the Eastern region, Peprah stated that the Association can no longer bear the the effect of the ban. He said,"We cannot endure any longer, idling away precious manpower while our equipment gather dust and rust. Our concessions are being taken over by reptiles and illegal miners. Our bank accounts hitting red, our members going impotent and bankrupt, our homes breaking, and we becoming objects of public ridicule." He added: "We will not hesitate to speak the only language government understands and we forewarn that this time no amount of pressure, humiliation, intimidation can cow us from venting our frustrations on the street to make our case of our legal chosen business." READ MORE: 3 soldiers detained for taking money from illegal miners Mr Peprah earlier speaking on the ban said the government's measures to fight the illegal mining has yielded no results because it failed to adopt the right methods. Accra-based Citi FM reports that the two were writing for Bright Nkrumah and George Opoku respectively, who are both Junior High School (JHS) students of St. James Academy at Mame Krobo in the Donkokrom Tease District of the Eastern Region. Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Regional Police Command, DSP Ebenezer Tetteh, said they were caught by a supervisor who later handed the to the Police. He explained that upon confrontation, the impersonators admitted their crime, adding that they will soon be arraigned before court with a charge of impersonation. Around 11:10 am today Mr. Ntumy Ernest who is the Ghana Education Service officer in charge of WAEC at Donkokrom together with one Mr. Addo who is the assistant exams supervisor arrested and brought to the police station two young men who are alleged to be writing the exams for some Junior high students, DSP Tetteh said. According to them the two suspects Owusu James aged 20 years and Attah Kay 19 years old were spotted by the examiners at the Presbyterian examination centre at Tease Mame Krobo writing the General Science paper for Bright Nkrumah and George Opoku who are Junior high school students of St. James Academy at Mame Krobo. He added: Upon confrontation and interrogation the two admitted to not being students of the school and were later handed over to the police. The two will be arraigned and it is likely we will charge them for impersonation. He further cautioned both teachers and students who are in the habit of writing exams for people to desist from such criminal activities because when the law catches up on you, you will not be spared. The former NDC Womens Organiser has been ridiculed and trolled on social media after Jerry John Rawlings suggested she is bleaching her skin. During the 39th anniversary of the June 4th uprising ceremony held in Accra on Monday, Madam Desoso knelt before Mr. Rawlings to beg him on behalf of all NDC members who have wronged him. As touching as her gesture was, the former president gave her a rather cheeky response, claiming Madam Desoso has altered her skin colour. According to him, the 58-year-old has been using certain soaps which have made her too fair. "She is getting too fair. Let us stop using that soap because it is bad. She said I am his father and so let me tell her what I want to say, the former president stated, as the audience burst into laughter. However, responding to the subject, Madam Desoso has denied bleaching her skin or using any soap in that regard. She joked that Rawlings may have been influenced by the Holy Ghost to see her skin in such a special way. ..maybe it was due to the Holy Ghost anointing working at that place that made the founder to see me so special, she told Accra-based Okay FM. She was confident that the former president, nevertheless, accepted her apology despite him appearing to look away when she knelt before him. Anas latest expose titled Number 12 is set to be premiered on June 6 and 7 at the Accra International Conference Center. However, ahead of the public viewing of the video, the undercover journalist has seen his method of operation questioned by certain quarters, with Kennedy Agyapong leading the charge. The outspoken lawmaker has been a strong critic of Anas and his work, insisting the Tiger Eye PI leader entraps his victims and also exonerates those who pay him off. His constant accusations against Anas prompted the Majority leader to wage into the matter, with Mensah-Bonsu pointing out that his party colleague is on his own in this fight against Anas. According to the Majoiry Leader, Ken Agyapong has been advised several times to desist from making unpalatable comments about Anas and rather prove with facts if he has anything against him. However, in a sharp riposte, Mr. Agyapong has lashed out at the Majority Leader, saying he would be mad to support Anas when he hasnt even seen the evidence that he (Agyapong) has. If Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu follows Anas, then he will be disgraced when I bring the evidence. Do you know what I have? So if Kyei Mensah saying he is better than the judges? Are you out of your mind? Parliament has become cheap, because Im not a small boy, the maverick legislator told Oman FM. Kyei Mensah might be older than me but he does not have much experience in life like me. I only respect him, but if he jokes I will sink down with him. I fear nobody, and Parliament doesnt feed me. What will GHc11,000 do for me? How much is my hop money? He further stated that he criticizes Anas work because the undercover journalist engages in selective justice, adding that Anas even has an expose on Parliament but he has refused to show it to the world. I dare Kyei Mensah, he should bring the investigations that Anas once did abot Parliament. Anas said he would do an investigation on Parliament so why hasnt he premiered that one? Is Parliament more than the judiciary? So why has he shown the judiciary scandal but has refused to show that of Parliament?" he said. I will fight for justice for every person in this country. And all Im doing is that justice for all, and not justice for only the strongest. "I climbed about 75 stories and then after that, it was a bit like cat and mouse," Robert told AFP. "Finally, I decided to surrender." He was taken to the rooftop on a maintenance cradle and arrested. As he awaited processing by police he told AFP his climb was to celebrate the recent peace-making efforts between the two Koreas and he hoped the authorities would take that into account. "I may get a hefty fine ... but I did it because of what is happening now between South Korea and North Korea," Robert said. "That is my way of saying thank you to Kim Jong Un and Moon Jae-in." In the last two months the leader of nuclear-armed North Korea has twice met the South's president, the two men exchanging smiles and hugs after years of heightened tensions. Robert has scaled more than 100 structures without ropes or other safety equipment, setting a record for "most buildings climbed unassisted" according to Guinness World Records. His successes include many of the world's tallest skyscrapers and iconic buildings, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai -- where he used suction devices and a safety rope as it has no hand or footholds. Several fire trucks and police were sent to the Seoul building after a security guard spotted the French climber. "It's regrettable," said You In-sik, a spokesman for the Lotte World Tower. "He climbed without permission. It's dangerous." At least one member of Angela Merkel's coalition government has accused the envoy of interfering in Germany's internal affairs, and figures on the left have called for him to be sent back to Washington. But State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert stood by the ambassador, insisting the United States has good relations with Germany and that Grenell had a right to make his views known. "Ambassadors have a right to express their opinion," Nauert told reporters who asked whether Grenell had been expressing the views of President Donald Trump's administration. "They're representatives of the White House, whether it's this administration or other administrations, and we hear them voicing their opinions," she said. "And they're sometimes opinions that people may or may not like. And there is the right to free speech as well." In an interview with news website Breitbart over the weekend, Grenell said he had seen a wave of support in Europe for conservative causes "because of the failed policies of the left." "I absolutely want to empower other conservatives throughout Europe, other leaders," he said. "There's no question about that and it's an exciting time for me." Grenell does not criticize Merkel's government, but dubs himself a "big fan" of neighboring Austria's "rock star" chancellor Sebastian Kurz, leader of a coalition of conservative and right-wing parties. In a tweet sent from his personal account after controversy erupted, Grenell denied that he had been as US ambassador endorsing any European candidates or parties. But he added: "I stand by my comments that we are experiencing an awakening from the silent majority -- those who reject the elites and their bubble. Led by Trump." In 2017, 16 African banks performed better in terms of profitability and efficiency use of shareholders' fund in the year 2017 across Africa. Out of the 16 banks in Africa, five of them were Nigerian. The banks led their peers in term of Return on Equity (ROE) last year, according to Business Day research. ROE measures a corporation's profitability by revealing how much profit a company generates with the money shareholders invested. It is usually calculated as the amount of net income returned as a percentage of shareholders equity. Nigeria's tier-1 Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and Stanbic bank beat other financial institutions to post return of 30% and 29% on equity respectively for the year 2017. In the full year 2017 financial reports, GTB posted a market cap of N1.1 trillion ($3 billion) with the highest ROE of 30.17% compared to 28.8% recorded in 2016. Mckinsey, the global consulting firm, in its 2018 report titled: Roaring to Life - Growth and Innovation in African retail banking, said GTBank has had great success in Nigerias affluent segment, based on high service levels. It has been rated best in class in terms of customer satisfaction, a measure of client experience. Mckinsey said African customers have a strong need for affordable financial solutions, which points directly to the second winning practise in African retail banking: targeting the right segments with compelling offers of which Nigeria GTBank is a good example. Here is how the Africa banks performed in 2017: 1. Guaranty Trust Bank A market cap of N1.1 trillion ($3 billion) ROE of 30.17% 2. Nigerias Stanbic bank Market cap of N463.2 billion ($1.28 billion) ROE of 29.6% in 2017 3. South Africas Capitec Bank Market cap of $8 Billion ROE of 27% in 2017 4. Nigerias Zenith Bank Market cap of N800.6 billion ($2.2 billion) ROE of 23.3% 5. Firstrand of South Africa A market cap of $27 billion ROE of 22.5% 6. Kenyas Equity Group Holdings A market cap of $1.78billion ROE at 21.6% 7. Barclays Bank of Africa A market cap $11 billion ROE of 20.1% 8. Kenya Commercial Bank A market cap $1.38billion ROE of 19.5% 9. South Africas NEDbank A market cap $10.82 billion ROEs of 18.1% 10. Standard Bank Group A market cap $26.5 billion ROE 17% 11. Co-operative Bank of Kenya A market capitalisation of $976.4 million ROE of 17% 12. Nigerias UBA A market cap of N369.3 billion ($1 billion) ROE of 16.78% 13. Barclays Bank of Kenya Limited A market cap of $639.2 million ROE of 16.02% 14. Kenyas Diamond Trust Bank A market cap of $523.09 million ROE of 14.2% 15. Nigerias Access bank A market cap of N300 .8 billion ($830 million) ROE of 12.7% 16. South Africas Absa bank A market cap of $27 billion ROE of 11.8% in the full year of 2017. Ogunmodede says this while addressing new students on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, during their matriculation ceremony. The VC congratulates the new students saying they are lucky to be admitted by the institution. Ogunmodede also advises the students to avoid fights, cultism and all forms of anti-social behaviour as these could get them Self-management and strategies must be applied and you should have the ideas and must be creative to move the varsity forward. This varsity is known for learning and culture so anyone caught fighting will be expelled. The school has zero tolerance for cultism, exam malpractice, sexual harassment, anti-social behaviour amongst other ills of the society as the school would not condone any of us this from any student. Cautioning them against their choice of campus friends, the Vice Chancellor urges the students to beware of friends that will lure them into bad behaviour and any form of anti-social. He emphasises that such behaviours could their academic session in the university. The actor was born in Lagos, Nigeria, where he spent his early years before his family re-located to London, England. Currently in Lagos, the actor is working on a new comedy series which would be available on DSTV. "The whole idea is also for me to come back and see what I can give back in terms of creativity and in terms of trying to move the industry in Nigeria, and just step up," he told Pulse Nigeria during an exclusive chat. For the project, he is working with mostly Nigerians with limited experience. "It was nice to kind of focus them into doing this job properly. It was great to see that the change from day one to when we finished was phenomenal, and that's what makes me so passionate about Nigeria; just that energy. When we are focused, we can do anything." Starting his acting career in theatre Kae-Kazim's interest in acting started with school plays. He trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and after he graduated in 1987, he was offered a spot with The Royal Shakespeare Company, where he continued his training. He considers his background in theatre really important. According to him, theatre is a wonderful space for an actor to work his craft. It also provides great grounding and an opportunity to get into depth, he adds. But would he advise every actor to go into theater first before film or TV? Not necessarily. "I think film is a very different way of working. It has a very different technique, and I think if you concentrate your technique in any one aspect and it's great..." Getting his big break on "Hotel Rwanda" A game-changer, his role as Georges Rutaganda in the Oscar-nominated British-Italian-South African historical drama film, "Hotel Rwanda," brought him international attention. After the "Hotel Rwanda," Kae-Kazim was in South Africa when an American producer, who had seen and loved him in the movie, asked him to give America a try. At the time, he didn't know how popular the film was. "When I went to America, the buzz around the movie was such that anybody who had seen or even heard about the film was talking about it." It was great for him, opening certain doors and making it a bit easier for him to step into the industry. Before the movie, the actor had been living in South Africa, a country that had just gone through its own revolution. "And I was there during the euphoria of that, so when I saw the script for "Hotel Rwanda," I was actually sort of shocked and disappointed at myself for not having known more about what was happening literally on South Africa's doorstep." After he read the script, he researched and got more information about the background story of the Rwandan genocide. For Kae-Kazim, working on the film was great because he got to understand the extent of what happened, and meet and have deep conversations with survivors of the killings. Working with big Hollywood stars As an actor, Kae-Kazim has worked with Hollywood stars such as Ryan Reynolds, Johnny Depp, Hugh Jackman and Donald Cheadle. He recalls a lovely experience with Cheadle, who he met while shooting "Hotel Rwanda." "I remember being on set with him and saying, 'oh, I would love to go to America one day.' And he goes, 'if you ever come to America, look me up.' I am like, 'okay, great.' Cheadle gave him a phone number and a year later, Kae-Kazim is in Los Angeles, contemplating on making the call. He eventually made the call, asking if they could meet for coffee. Cheadle declines the offer as he had hurt his feet, but invited him over to his house. "It was lovely. I didn't know him as a person, but he was gracious enough to invite me to his house to talk to me about what it was going to be for me as a black man coming into America. He even saw my showreel which must have been so painful. He was deeply gracious." Cheadle probably doesn't even remember the story, but for Kae-Kazim, it's one he would never forget. It can be very intimidating working with A-list actors, so having somebody be very welcoming and down to earth was a great experience for the actor. Kae-Kazim's latest projects on Netflix Currently, Kae-Kazim has some of his works showing on Netflix. There's "24 Hours to Live," a science fiction thriller, "Troy; Fall of a City," a mini-series about the 10 year siege of Troy by the Greeks, and in 2017, he joined the cast of a modern-day take on the 1980s classic, "Dynasty," as Cesil Colby, a patriarch of the wealthy Colby clan. For the actor, "Dynasty" has been a lovely experience because it offered him the opportunity to bring some of his Nigerian roots to it. On the show, his son Jeff Colby is played by a Nigerian-American actor called Sam Adegoke, and when they found out they were both Nigerians, they decided to ask the writers if they could bring some of their Nigerian roots into the show. "We end up speaking a bit of Yoruba. I don't know if it's the first time we have had a Yoruba family on national TV in America, but it was great fun to do and it was nice of the writers to let us do that, and to give a different feel to the idea of an African-American family." It was important to the actor to pass the message that, not every African-American family comes from a history of slavery. The first time Kae-Kazim spoke Yoruba on the show, the scene went viral. The actor has succeeded, to an extent, in bringing the Yoruba culture into a wider setting. Kae-Kazim is passionate about telling African stories A huge fan of "Black Panther," who also hopes to play the main antagonist in an upcoming sequel, Kae-Kazim thinks it's important that Nigerian actors, producers and directors, tell African stories from African perspective. While applauding films like "Half of a Yellow Sun" and "Black Panther," the actor points out that these films still have western input in them. According to him, "Black Panther" should have come out of Nigeria. "It should have come out of the space that is Nigeria, we should have been creating that space. We should have been the ones putting that type of image out there." He doesn't think Nollywood should copy whatever Hollywood does, but rather, be honest to the African voice, but with the professionalism and the technique seen in the Western film industry. "Nollywood has its own unique voice, it's just that technically, we are not in our space. So it's to marry those two. I am a very big fan of that." He says the industry needs more films like Akin Omotoso's "Man on Ground" and "God is African," which are perfect examples of African films that tell African stories. Favourite Nollywood filmmakers Having featured in Nigerian films such as "Last Flight to Abuja" and "Black November," Kae-Kazim is no stranger to Nollywood. He is a huge fan of Kunle Afolayan (October 1, Figurine, Phone Swap, The Bridge) and has seen most of his works. "I admire him as an artist because he is trying to tell the African story in his own distinct way. I love what he is trying to do and there is a very distinct Afrocentric style to it." He is also a big fan of Andrew Dosunmu (Mother of George), a Nigerian filmmaker working in America. He has got an Afro style to his work, Kae-Kazim comments. He admires Omotoso - a Nigerian filmmaker tipped to win the country her first Oscarwhose works include the first African silent film, "A Hotel Called Memory," and the anticipated "The Ghost in the House of Truth." "These are really interesting African filmmakers. Our Nigerian filmmakers who are trying to tell the African story but with a massive western technique and an afrocentric voice. Characters he can't wait to tackle There are lots of characters the actor can't wait to tackle, but currently, he is trying to put together a project in Nigeria, which is also his directorial debut. It's an adaptation of a William Shakespeare play set in Nigeria and interpreted in pidgin English. For the upcoming project, he is using an all Nigerian cast and crew. A huge fan of Wizkid and Davido, the actor can't wait for the Nigerian film industry to up its game just as the music industry has. So they can compete anywhere in the world. The viral clip is a scene from the web series about a fictional superhero neighborhood vigilante who has dedicated his life to fighting crime and saving lives. In the fight scene that unfolds in mostly slow motion, the superhero arrives at a hideout where two robbers have their loot. What follows is a choreography of blows rarely seen in a Nollywood film. The series is directed and edited by Spotlyt, an OAP who works with Cool FM Kano. "I'm a very creative person who looked at the industry and figured, 'oh! everyone is doing almost the same thing. So I thought, how about we put some action out there, and boom that was it," he tells Pulse. So he decided to start off something with some of his friends who were also professional dancers, and with some practice, they were ready to create something worth putting out for public consumption. To perfect the routine, they trained three hours per day for three weeks. There were swollen shoulders and broken ankles, but those weren't the only difficulty they had, and still have to deal with. "The major challenge is having to do everything: play Castigator, director, editor and financer. Take for instance, every time the camera guy doesn't get a shot, we stop shooting and then I have to show him what angles to take, and then run back to the fight scene." "The other major challenge is budget. It was personally funded. Now, imagine if it was a sponsored project." Currently in its second episode, the series, especially the viral clip of Castigator fighting two robbers near a building under construction, has been praised as the best Nollywood fight scene ever. However, Spotlyt doesn't consider "The Castigator" a Nollywood project. "It's a short film in series. To be frank I have never worked with anyone from Nollywood, so I can say I'm not even part of the industry yet." A musician and professional music video editor, Spotlyt describes himself as a creative who is passionate about doing new unusual things, and getting better at it. In an interview with BBC, Falz opened up on the inspiration behind the viral video, 'This is Nigeria' and how he feels his critics have missed the point of the video by shooting the messenger while ignoring the message. ''The video has been very well received, even initially when I was releasing it, I didn't sort of anticipate the magnitude of reaction... I thought there will be some form of reaction and conversation but I didn't know how largely it will be received''. he says On his reasons for deciding to shoot the video, Falz admits, ''It was important, first of all I was inspired by the original,'This is America' by , I thought it was a very artistic and creative way to tell the American story and I thought it will be amazing to tell the Nigerian story in a similar fashion... It was very important to stir up a heightened level of political and social consciousness out here...'' Responding to the criticisms and backlash that have trailed the video, the rapper states; ''Majority of what I have been facing, in terms of backlash is just a matter of people that are trying to shoot the messenger so that they miss the message, but at the end of the day, the message is really clear and everyone knows that the message is the truth. Reactions to Falz's ''This is Nigeria'' video The release of the video has been met with mixed reactions, while some Nigerians celebrated his courage and described the visuals as a mirror of happenings in our society, with American rap mogul, Diddy, others criticised it for reasons varying from poor execution to tribal stereotyping. The video was the number one trending video on YouTube the weekend it was released, and currently has over 3.9million views and counting. Muslim group asks Falz to withdraw 'This is Nigeria' video However, the biggest reaction surfaced on Tuesday, June 5 in the form of the Muslims Right Concern (MURIC), a religious body who issued a seven day ultimatum to the rapper to take down the video and apologise for what they tagged a ''hate video''. Rapper Ordered to Take Down 'This is Nigeria'! Perhaps, this created an embarrassing moment for army chief, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai who was prevented from entering the Ikoyi estate during a visit on Saturday, June 2, 2018. Punch News gathered Buratai had just arrived to commission a new settlement, Apple Island located in the rural seat. This was in response to a request by the Nigerian Army Properties Limited who wanted him over for an inauguration which unfortunately failed to happen. I was actually supposed to come here yesterday (Friday) and I put it off for certain reasons. I decided to come here to see what the position is. "I came here to see the general area first of all. But now, nothing is going to happen without following the due process to consult you for your view. Rest assured, we are here for your interest and the interest of the country, Buratai says calmly while addressing a crowd of Banana Island protesters. His gentle speech ended but also ensured an early departure of the army chief who was not able to formally commission the project due to a barricade created by a crowd. ALSO READ: Loved ones to hold Banana Island rally in memory of late singer Alizee Punch News confirmed from a resident Tokunbo Wahab the full detail of the protest. On Monday, May 28, the eve of Democracy Day, some armed military men came to destroy our jetty and everything we had there. They came in through the estate gate and stationed themselves there till Friday. "They claimed to be acting on the orders of the Nigerian Army Property Limited. Despite our protest, they wanted to go ahead with the inauguration. On Friday, some of us challenged the illegality of militarising the estate and we asked them to leave. Around 4pm, the soldiers were withdrawn. However, on Saturday, we saw armed policemen and we decided to mobilise as residents when we got the information that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, was on his way to inaugurate the said Apple Island. We decided to form a human shield as he was coming down from his car. We expressed our anger at the militarisation of a civilian estate and the destruction of our property. "We told him that we had approval to have a jetty on the estate which they claimed was the take-off point of their Apple Island. We also said they could not use an existing estate as an access to another estate," Tokunbo Wahab explains. The Nation reports that the deceased met his untimely death at about 12 pm while on his way to clock-in for mid-day as is required by civil service in the state. ALSO READ: Workers protest death of colleague, shutdown operation Mr David's death comes barely weeks after he lamented over the difficulties he faces in meeting up with family obligations. According to a colleague of his, David resorted to begging from neighbours to feed his family. Like many of us, he was last paid in February 2018, with half salary. That could not pay the backlog of debt he incurred before the payment of the 50% salary, the source said. May his soul rest in peace. Workers protest as colleague slumps, dies Following the death of a long-serving staff of United Parcel Service, UPS, other members of staff have begun to protest their work conditions and payments. The victim identified as Mr Anthony Ojo reportedly slumped and died on Friday, November 11, Daily Post reports. According to another staff of the company, the late Ojo had given dedicated service for 23 years. This is a sad day for those of us who know him. Mr Ojo worked tirelessly. He is a father of 5, including a set of twins. He usually worked till late and resumed early every morning just to clear pending tasks. His death while on duty is generating anger from most staff. Honestly, UPS does not really treat its staff well; you can ask others. Management owes us bonuses, no staff bus, despite the stress, while other benefits are delayed. Contract staff suffer and dispatch riders suffer most. A non-permanent staff take home N60,000. Riders dont earn up to N50,000. A whole UPS! The source who pleaded anonymity told Daily Post that the deceased suddenly complained that he was unable to move while on duty. Those that were still at work rushed to assist him. Within minutes, he slumped and died before getting to the hospital. He resumed from sick leave on Wednesday. Im sure he couldnt afford to stay at home longer for fear of losing his job or salary cut, he said. While admitting that the deceased may have died of what seems to be natural causes, another source complained that the company did little to cater for its staff. I heard our late colleague was hypertensive. Perhaps, he could have managed it well if the remuneration or HMO package for staff was better. For instance, earlier in the year, UPS management told us that there was no productivity bonus for 2015, only for them to pay same in October 2016 after evidences showed we made profit. This is a multinational company where a staffs wife was sick and admitted in a hospital. His insurance covered N100,000 but he needed about N100,000 as loan more to clear the bill. The Managing Director, Ralph Ozuode turned it down!" ALSO READ: KEDCO workers protest at Deputy Speaker's house for unpaid bills The UPS Human Resource Manager, Seyi Fasanya, when contacted on the issue by Daily Post, claimed that the company was handling the complaints. On the death, I was called last (Friday) night from the office and directed that arrangements be made to take him to the hospital. Unfortunately he didnt make it. On our HMO, the staff complained about the initial company. We then changed to another but it appears the complaints wont stop." He added, We are aware that staff have concerns and usually meet with them. There are issues we disagree on but we hope to rectify. LIB reports that the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against him. ALSO READ: Man bags 14 years in prison for impersonation One of the counts read in part: "That you , Peter Toluwabori, on or about the 10th day of April, 2018 in Lagos within the Ikeja Judicial Division, knowing that your Android powered phone and MTN Sim card otherwise known as (Subscriber Identification Module) No. 08100994395 and Glo Sim card (otherwise known as Subscriber Identification Module) No. 08073175280 may be used in evidence in a Judicial proceeding willfully destroyed the phone and the Sim cards with intent to prevent them from being used in evidence." The prosecution counsel, Zainab Ettu, asked the court for a trial date while urging it to remand the defendant in prison until the trial date arrives. However, the defendant's lawyer, O.D. Adelabu, prayed the court to grant his client bail. Justice Dada subsequently remanded the suspect in prison and adjourned the case to June 26, 2018, for the commencement of trial. Anti-graft arraigns man for fraud in Abuja The accused, who was arraigned on Tuesday, July 7, 2015, before Justice Jude Okeke of the FCT High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on a 13-count charge bordering on forgery, impersonation and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N5,540,000 (Five Million, Five Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira), Vanguard reports. Solomon, a former employee of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, obtained the money from some unsuspecting persons, claiming that he would help them acquire some pieces of land being sold by the PHCN. Count one of the charges reads: That you, Solomon Yakubu Ndam, on or about the 18th day of May, 2012 at Abuja in the Abuja Judicial Division of the High court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, with intent to defraud did make a forged document titled RE: APPLICATION FOR PLOT ALLOCATION, REF: 273/ADMIN/20/165/2012, purportedly signed by A.O. Obadofin and issued by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria Plc, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company acknowledging receipt of payment of the sum of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) from you for land allocation with the intention of causing it to be believed as genuine and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Cap 532, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990." The accused pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him. In view of his plea, counsel to the accused, J.D Ndam, moved an oral application for bail. However, prosecution counsel, Samuel Okeleke, opposed the bail application and prayed the court to remand the accused person in prison. ALSO READ: EFCC arraigns man before court over fraud and criminal conspiracy After listening to both counsels, Justice Okeke, refused the oral application for bail sought by the defence counsel and ordered him to file a written bail application. There, they lived as slaves, working in terrible conditions to build the economy in countries like the United States. The legacy of this phase of human history remains even now, in the heritage of African-Americans, in conversations about racism and the underdevelopment of the African continent. Relics of that era remain to be seen, in Badagry, which was a major hub in the 18th century, in books and in documentaries which cover a very touchy subject, yet there is still some salient, yet little-known facts about the Atlantic Slave Trade. Here are some of them: (1) The trans-atlantic slave trade was a purely economic pursuit. Starting in the 15th century, the Europeans had first explored Africa's hinterland, and then set up trading posts. The first group of explorers and traders were the Portuguese, as evidenced in the name of Nigeria's commercial capital, Lagos, then the British and the French. ALSO READ: Celebrate the history of Badagry The Europeans first traded in food and rarities. With time, they came to see slaves as valuable cargo, and created an industry around raids, kidnappings and the sale of captives imto slavery in the Americas. (2) Because the hinterland was largely unknown and unmapped, the Europeans could not get slaves themselves. They bought them from rulers, kidnapping rings and warrior clans in the West of Africa. At the height of the empire's strength in the 1800s, it began to sell slaves to the Portuguese, British and French. The trade helped many kings and "traders" become wealthy. However, it was also an uneasy enterprise. The traders were often under pressure, often to the extent of physical threat or war. Most of them, especially local individuals, often kept their involvement private, as the society did not view them in a good light. (3) The locals who were involved in the slave trade did not create this complex system until much later. In fact, until the 18th century, only prisoners of war or displaced persons were sold into slavery. ALSO READ: How girls were sold to shrines as sex slaves in Ghana As the demand for slaves grew and the Triangle industry was created, slave raids were organised to gather free people from small, unguarded villages, and kings instigated wars to displace entire empires, gradually. (4) After being captured, slaves entered the infamous Middle Passage. This was the period where they were stacked aboard ships and transported to the fields. Around 2.2 million Africans died during these voyages. They were packed into tight, unsanitary spaces on ships for months at a time. Their deaths were the result of brutal treatment and poor care from the time of their capture and throughout their voyage. To reduce the mortality rate, slaves were forced to dance as exercise and those who went on hunger strike, forced to eat. The conditions on board also resulted in the spread of fatal diseases. (5) Slavery existed in Africa before the Europeans came. But there were key differences, slavery in Africa was not heritable that is, the children of slaves were free while in the Americas, children of slave mothers were considered born into slavery. Also, slavery in West Africa was not reserved for racial or religious minorities, as it was in European colonies, although the case was otherwise in some part of North and East Africa. The treatment of slaves was also very varied across Africa. In some societies, they had no agency, and they were essential property. In others, they could start families and own communities. Scottish explorer Mungo Park wrote: "The slaves in Africa, I suppose, are nearly in the proportion of three to one to the freemen. They claim no reward for their services except food and clothing, and are treated with kindness or severity, according to the good or bad disposition of their masters" With her signature single braids, cascading down her back, Lisa Folawiyo is effortless with her quirky, high-end style. The lauded designer who has achieved so much in her design career has also developed a personal style that is so unique and mind-blowing that she has attracted fans from all over the globe who flock to her Instagram for their style fix. When the Dad trainer trend launched, many balked but not Lisa. Folawiyo grabbed herself a pair and showed us all the ways we could wear the tricky trend. That's why Lisa is so special, she has that innate knack of being able to tackle any trend and truly make it her own. Lisa Folawiyo Fashion designer Lisa Folawiyo is known for her creative use of ankara and traditional African fabrics which she successfully fuses with modern tailoring and beaded embellishments to create a unique and beautiful aesthetic. Since starting her label in 2005 which was then known as 'Jewel by Lisa', Lisa has been an important leader for the Nigerian fashion industry and inspired a whole host of Nigerian designers. Lisa regularly shows at global fashion weeks and has broken down the barriers for Nigerian designers to showcase their work on an international platform. As well as achieving international recognition for her work, Lisa has successfully elevated traditional African prints, through her intricate beading and signature embellishment, making them relevant for a global audience. She has showrooms in both Nigeria and New York and her collections are stocked worldwide. 1. The Juju of Arochukwu The shrine of Ibini Ukpabi is located deep inside the forest in Abia state. The difficult conditions set by the keepers of the shrine have made it difficult for people to visit the site. The journey requires crossing a river and passing a point of no return. It also includes sacrifices to be performed. The Oracle of Ibin Ukpabi and the chamber presence of Chukwu have remained the best-kept secret of the people of Arochukwu. It is believed that the shrine has been lost in time as no one knows where or how to find the shrine. 2. Evil Forests ALSO READ: Most famous religious sites in Nigeria No matter what a forest looks like, if locals tell you it is an evil forest, it is advisable not to step in there. The experts who spoke at the 7 edition of The Facilities Management (FM) Roundtable organized by Alpha Mead Facilities a Strategic Business Unit of the Alpha Mead Group, to commemorate the World Facilities Management Day; unanimously agreed that PPPs offer Nigeria a more reliable and sustainable funding option, increased accountability systems and faster delivery of critical infrastructure for the country. The FM Roundtable is an annual Business-to-Business, high-calibre event organized for FM service providers, customers, C-Suite and senior management executives in Nigeria and Ghana to network, share knowledge, and to discuss industry trends, challenges and opportunities. This year, the roundtable which held simultaneously in Nigeria and Ghana provided FM professionals a platform to discuss; how to enable positive experience and the role of PPP as a sustainable model for provision and management of public infrastructure. Speaking at the forum in Lagos, Engr. Femi Akintunde, Group Managing Director, Alpha Mead, explained that given the important role of infrastructure in the growth of the Real Estate and FM industry, and its apparent perennial shortage in every sector of the economy; the government must become innovative in its approach to infrastructure provision and maintenance, if the economy must live up to expectations. The current state of our economic and social infrastructure compare with our aspiration as Nigerians is a clarion call for sustainable Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to bridge the gap between where we are as a country and where we want to be in terms of productivity, development and national prosperity, Engr. Akintunde said. Engr. Chidi Izuwah, Acting Director General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) while presenting his paper; Enabling Positive Experience by using the PPP model for the Provision and Management of Public Infrastructure and Quality Assets agrees with Akintunde, stating that PPPs have become recognized globally as an effective option for implementing public infrastructure and providing services a trend Nigeria should emulate. Izuwah however noted that while PPP is not a panacea to all infrastructure requirements, the concept has proven to deliver critical infrastructure in emerging markets like Nigeria; citing some of the current PPP projects in the country include; the provision of Hydro power plant in Jebba and Shiroro; the construction of Deepwater Port, Lekki; the revamping of the Kiri Kiri Terminals I and II and the Lilypond Terminal Conversion to Agro Processing and Export etc. However, despite these achievements, Engr. Akintunde believes there is an enormous room for improvement if government demonstrates its commitment in providing an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive. In his words; quite frankly, we have seen some commitment by the government to leverage on PPP to bridge our infrastructure gap and enhance the lives of Nigerians in recent time, however, only few of these projects are performing optimally. Some of them have even be truncated, he noted. Akintunde furthered that some of the reasons for these setbacks include; Lack of trust among the PPP stakeholders, inadequate knowledge of the technicalities of the specific projects on the part of Public and Private Sector PPP Parties, policy inconsistencies on the part of government and lack of maintainability and sustainability views of the projects by all parties, including the public. He noted that for the infrastructure sector to benefit from PPP as it is in other developed climes, these issues must be addressed. The FM Roundtable also presented FMs with a platform to discuss other trends defining the retail, residential, corporate and industrial segment of the Real Estate sector The proposals come from more than 800 people representing a cross-section of society in Bamenda, capital of the Northwest anglophone region. The commission, set up by President Paul Biya, said in a statement it had consulted traditional, religious, administrative and political figures as well as a "sample representing the population". Biya, who has been in power for 35 years, has long rejected demands for greater autonomy. Resentment festered from perceived marginalisation in education, the judiciary and the economy at the hands of the French-speaking majority But tasked with listening to the local population, the commission to promote bilingualism and a multi-party structure said it had drawn up a list of 18 proposals from English speakers to end the crisis. Since trouble broke out in 2016, the government has refused to open a debate on the make up of the State. However, while some English speakers want a federal system, the more radical seek a separate anglophone country. Almost all those arrested are held under 2014 anti-terrorism legislation which includes capital punishment. The proposals call for "clarification of the terms 'terrorists' and 'separatists'", that are used against many anglophones. The amnesty should cover those who have been forced into exile as well as those arrested. -- Corruption, tribalism, nepotism -- English speakers say they feel "unloved by the French-speaking brothers" who maintain "a superiority complex", the commission notes. The proposals also detail grievances over youth unemployment, corruption, tribalism, nepotism and the "total absence of industry" in the Northwest. The authorities are accused of "arrogance in the management of the crisis". The crisis escalated last October after the declaration of the self-described "Republic of Ambazonia" in the Northwest and Southwest Regions, causing scores of deaths and prompting tens of thousands to flee their homes. Human-rights watchdogs point to a range of abuses, including abductions and targeted killings. The linguistic divide dates back to colonial times. Cameroon was once a German colony and was split between Britain and France after World War I. In 1960, the French part gained independence and the following year, British-ruled Southern Cameroons was amalgamated into the new Cameroon, becoming the Northwest and Southwest regions. According to the International Crisis Group think-tank, at least 120 civilians and 43 security forces have been killed since the end of 2016. They reaffirmed resolution of vote of no confidence on Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris. The lawmakers also resolved that President Muhammadu Buhari must be ready to sanction any of his appointees whose action negates constitutional provisions. Senate President Bukola Saraki read the resolutions at the end of the joint session. Read the resolutions below: 1. The Security Agencies must be given marching orders to curtail the sustained killings of Nigerians across the country and protect life and properties of Nigerians as this is the primary duty of any responsible Government. 2. The systematic harassment and humiliation by the Executive of perceived political opponents, people with contrary opinions including Legislators and Judiciary by the police and other security agencies must stop. 3. There must be strict adherence to the Rule of Law and protection for all citizens by the President and his appointees. 4. The President must be held accountable for the actions of his appointees and must be ready to sanction those that carry out any act which will ridicule or endanger our country and democracy. 5. The Government should show sincerity in the fight against corruption by not being selective also prosecute current appointees that have cases pending against them. 6. The sanctity of the National Assembly should protect and preserve the Federal Government of Nigeria by not interfering in its business and prosecuting those who invaded the Senate to seize the mace. 7a. National Assembly should liaise with International Communities through the IPU, APU, ECOWAS, CPA, Parliament, Pan African Parliament, EU, UN, US congress and UK Parliament to secure our democracy. 7b. Democratic elections must be competitive and inclusive by removing the present reign of fear and intimidation particularly as we approach the forthcoming 2019 elections. 8. The National Assembly will work closely with Civil Society Organisations, Trade Unions and NGOs to further deepen and protect our democracy. 9. The President must take immediate steps to contain the growing level of unemployment and poverty in Nigeria especially now that we have advantage of the oil price having risen to $80 per barrel. ALSO READ: 9 Reasons why National Assembly will impeach Buhari 10. Both chambers of the National Assembly hereby pass a vote of confidence on the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the entire leadership of the National Assembly. 11. We reaffirm our earlier resolution of vote of no confidence on the Inspector General of Police who does nothing other than preside over the killing of innocent Nigerians and consistent framing up of perceived political opponents of the President and outright disregard for constitutional authority, both executive and legislative. He, however, said Nigerians should tolerate the President till 2019 when they should vote him out. "We should allow him go peacefully in 2019. We have just little time between now and the next election. Trying to impeach him now is not ideal. All everybody should do now is to ensure that we have a credible election and allow him go peacefully," the Independent newspaper quoted the elder statesman as saying. The National Assembly had on Tuesday, June 5, held an emergency joint session where they agreed at a 12-point condition that Buhari must meet as failure to address the issues raised in the resolution would lead to his impeachment. It is believed that the move by the two Chambers is in reaction to the current police investigation of the Senate President Bukola Saraki after a criminal gang implicated him. The suspects behind the Offa robbery in Kwara State had allegedly named Saraki and the state Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed as their sponsors. The police had invited Saraki to appear for questioning but later asked him to respond to the allegation in writing. Others arraigned along with the deputy governor were Alhaji Ahmed Dandija, former Secretary to Bauchi State Government; Alhaji Aminu Hamayo, former Commissioner for Land and Survey, and Dahiru Madaki. Also standing trial are the former Special Adviser to former governor Isa Yuguda on Pilgrims Affairs, Sanusi Sarkin-Aska and former member Bauchi State House of Assembly, Aliyu Jallam. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Gamawa, who is the current National Deputy Chairman of PDP, and his co-defendants were brought before the court by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Abubakar Aliyu, Counsel to the Commission, had urged the court to commence trial of the five out of the six accused persons since the sixth accused Alhaji Ahmed Dandija was not in court after being served court processes alongside others. Aliyu suggested that the court in the alternative expunge the name of Dandija from the list and the five others should be arraigned. He said that Dandija, who is said to be on medical trip abroad, would be arraigned on his return. The counsel urged the court to issue a bench warrant on Dandija so that he could be brought to court for arraignment after being served with notice on motion by his counsel. Mr Nasiru Malam, Counsel to Dandija, on his part, urged the court not exclude his client from the list because they were jointly arraigned for the same offence. Malam further urged the court not to arraign his client in absentia as he had travelled out of the country for medical treatment and, moreover, his client was yet to be served. He said that the court processes for his client was just served on him in court and urged it to delay the arraignment of his client to enable him appear in person to take his plea as the charge was criminal in nature. Justice Mohammed Shittu, while ruling on the case, said that the court could not arraign the accused persons because the sixth defendant was not in court. Shittu said that the case before him was criminal in nature, therefore, the defendant must be served in person to enable him appear before the court to take his plea. He equally refused to issue bench warrant on Dandaji, saying that it is in our practice that until a defendant refuses to accept a summon he cannot be issued warrant of arrest. The judge ordered that Dandija should be properly served before the adjourned date and released the five other defendants on administrative bail. Yero is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly laundering the money from the coffers of the PDP campaign. Bail conditions The presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Shuaibu on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 granted Yero bail in the sum of N1million bail and two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must own a landed property in Kaduna. ChannelsTV reports that a former Minister of state for power, Nuhu Wya, former Kaduna state PDP chairman, Haruna Gaya and the former Secretary to the Kaduna state government, Hamza Ishaq, were also granted bail in the sum of N1 million and two sureties in like sum. Yero had been remanded in prison custody following the order of the judge, who later fixed Wednesday, June 6th, 2018 for hearing of the application for bail filed by defense attorney, Yunus Ustaz. Jumping bail During todays sitting, the prosecution counsel expressed fear that the defendants are likely to jump bail if the judge granted them one. After an intense debate involving both counsels, the presiding judge granted the accused persons bail and ordered them to deposit their international passports with the court registrar. Former Kaduna Governor Yero has been under investigation by the anti-graft agency for his alleged involvement in the personal disbursement of N750m used by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2015 election campaign. The vice president said that the six innovative centres would be spread among the six geopolitical zones in the country. He said that the hubs would be used to foster creative local solutions that could tackle humanitarian issues within their locations. Osinbajo said that the centres would provide opportunities for youths to think and innovate technologies that could address the problems affecting immediate communities. He said the administration would build the six innovation hubs and connect them with six universities beginning with University of Lagos. He announced that the launching of a climate change hub in the University of Lagos would come in couples of weeks. He also said that the government would also introduce a Creativity and Technology Advisory Council. According to him, the council will harness technologies and turn technical ideas developed by individuals into industrial products. He declared that technology and innovation were critical for national development for a prosperous country. He said that the process of rebuilding the North East was one of the major priorities of the present administration. Earlier, Dr Buba Bindir, Secretary to the Yola State Government called on the Federal Government to connect all the six states of the North East with a single dual carriageway. Bindir said that the dual carriageway would connect from Bauchi to Maiduguri, Damaturu, Yola, Taraba, Gombe back to Bauchi. He also called for a declaration of a state of emergency in infrastructural development in the North East. Acting Chairman of the commission, Mr Musa Abubakar, represented by the ICPC Commissioner on Administration, Mr Nathan Bako, said Akanbis story could never be completely told. As the pioneer chairman of the ICPC, he demonstrated uncommon skills and competence in institution building, having started the commission from nothing. He also demonstrated that skill in his capacity and ability to manage a board of strange fellows, and he also established the foundation for integrity that ICPC is known for today. Majority of us pioneer staff of the commission that came in 2005 didnt know anybody, but Justice Akanbi blocked out all nepotism and corruption in the selection process of staff. In fact, there was something he told us: he said some of his relatives that participated in the recruitment process and excelled, that he knew that he would never be able to convince anybody that he did not influence their appointment, he turned them down. That is his level of integrity. Abubakar said Akanbi was an incorruptible stickler of due process and a defender of the staff against the abuses of the commissions board members then. He stated that that late chairman was a follower and defender of the ICPC even after he left office, and remained the greatest thing to have happened to the commission both in life and death. In her tributes, Mrs Christiana Onuogu, the pioneer Head of the commissions Legal Department, said the late Akanbi was a dogged defender of the oppressed. Onuogu recalled how he fought for the reinstatement of a civil servant who was sacked after he blew whistle on corruption in his office. Somebody came to my office and complained that he was laid off because he reported corruption, and this man had been at home for five years. He reported some people in his office because they wanted to embezzle funds in foreign currency. He narrated the story to me, and I took him straight to my chairman and I narrated it to him. Do you know that Hon. Justice Akanbi took up this matter. He made sure this man was reinstated after five years. When this man resumed, some of those who were persecuting him were still there, and they refused to pay his entitlement. He came back to me, and I went back to Hon. Justice Akanbi, he took it up again and made sure that every entitlement of the man was paid. You can now clap. Hon. Justice Akanbi has fought a good fight. On her part, spokesperson of the Commission, Mrs Rasheedat Okoduwa, described the deceased as an elephant, a fearless fighter for justice and a man of legendary integrity. For us, Hon. Justice Akanbi was an elephant, a colossus who bestrode life majestically, a fearless fighter for all things just and right, a man whose personality was discussed with great awe yet he remained a study in humility, a man of honour and unblemished character in all the years he spent in the slippery slope of the Nigerian public service. ALSO READ: Kwara Governor Ahmed mourns Mustapha Akanbi He a man who, according to the story that was told, emerged as the pioneer chairman of ICPC because his was the only name left after a long list of names was subjected to stages of elimination, the standard for elimination being consistent integrity and impeccable character. Hon. Justice Akanbi was the last man standing. Others who spoke, including Mr Abbia Udofia, the Commissioner in charge of Corruption Monitoring and Evaluation, urged staff of the commission to jealously guard the legacy of hardwork and integrity left by him. A statement posted on INEC online newspaper on Tuesday in Abuja, quoted the commissions Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as making the pledge when he received the newly elected Executives of the Advertising Practitioners Association, Abuja Chapter (APAAC). Yakubu said that the commission would partner with the professionals to promote sound political advertising as the countdown to the 2019 general elections continued. Prof. Yakubu, who was represented by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Prince Adedeji Soyebi, welcomed the support of the Association towards improving the electoral process. He said that working with professional bodies such as APAAC would bring about sanity in the practice, especially with regard to electoral advertisings. The INEC Chairman said the Commission was willing to work with every organisation that could add value to the 2019 general elections. Yakubu urged APAAC to work closely with the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in order to sanitise political advertising. Earlier, the Chairman of APAAC, Mr Ibrahim Aliyu commended the current leadership of the Commission for its focus and determination to ensure free, fair and credible elections regardless of daunting challenges. Despite the huge challenges, INEC has been performing creditably well. Political contests in Nigeria have always been characterized historically by violence, misgivings, fake news and propaganda, but in spite of these, INEC has remained on the path of providing Nigerians with credible elections. ALSO READ: He said that APAAC, as a patriotic organisation, was prepared to assist INEC in sensitizing political parties on ethical advertising. He said the association would also assist on how campaigns should be run, in order to avert a repeat of what happened in 2015 when hate speech and foul languages were prevalent. A member of the delegation and Zonal Head, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Alhaji Adamu Yelwa, pledged the Councils commitment to cooperate with INEC. At an emergency joint session on Tuesday, June 6, the National Assembly had issued a 12-point resolution to President Muhammadu Buhari threatening to invocate the powers of the legislature if he fails to address the issues raised in the resolutions. The resolutions came after the Senate President Bukola Saraki was allegedly implicated by a criminal gang that carried out the infamous Offa robbery in Kwara State months back. The Police said the suspects in the robbery named Saraki and the state Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed as their sponsors. The Force subsequently invited the Senate President for questioning but later made a U-turn and asked him to respond to the allegations in writing. Jibrin's 'sin' However, Jibrin, who leads a group of lawmakers - Parliamentary Support Group - released a statement on Tuesday, faulting the resolutions of the National Assembly. He said not all the lawmakers present at the joint session endorsed the resolutions. Jibrin also told some of his colleagues who have personal scores to settle with the police to do so individually and not drag the entire National Assembly into it. "Almost all the members and senators that spoke at the executive session are of the PDP while members of the APC declined joining the discussion to avoid a rowdy confrontation as the entire session could easily pass for a PDP executive session," the group had said. In the light of this, Jibrin was called out at the plenary on Wednesday, June 6, by Sunday Karimi from Kogi state. He said "there is need for him (Jibrin) to be called to order because he is trying to turn the chambers upside down." Karami added, "Jibrin said all our meeting yesterday was a PDP affair and members that spoke in that meeting were all PDP members. If you will speak to the press, you must say the truth," Karimi said. "I want this matter to be referred to the ethics committee for him to explain himself." Jibrin was said to be absent at the plenary when the matter was raised. In response, Dogara faulted a situation where lawmakers "would not be present and get a clear picture of what is happening". "That sitting was for all of us. Anyone that said it is for PDP should have come to raise a voice. I saw them sneaking in and out of here during the meeting. "It is right to always reflect the truth and mislead the public. It is very unfortunate." The Speaker later handed Jibrin's matter over to the committee on ethics and privileges to investigate and report back to the house. Jibrin, who represents Bebeji/Kiru constituency in Kano state may be suspended if found guilty by the committee. The lawmaker is not new to suspension. He had just returned from a suspension 180 legislative days. Igini told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Uyo that INEC was making efforts to secure his freedom. We are aware of the incident and are making efforts for his release. The most important thing now is his safety, Igini said. Similarly, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Macdon Odiko, told NAN that the Police had received a report on the kidnap and was acting on the matter. Odiko said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, had visited the area, following series of killings and the recent abduction of two female students of Obong University, a private institution in the area. NAN learned that the Ukpong, who hails from Iwukem village in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, was kidnapped near Government Primary School, Uruk Ata2, on the Ukanfun-Azumini Expressway. According to the distressed brother, Mr Mbetobong Ukpong, the victim was kidnapped at Uruk Ata2, on Tuesday while on his way to distribute Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to the electorate in line with the RECs directive. Ukpong said that the hoodlums blocked the victim at the volatile area of Uruk Ata2, where militants had been laying siege in the recent times. He said the militants had opened contact with the family, demanding N10 million. The lawmakers under the aegis of Parliamentary Support Group who are loyal to the President Muhammadu Buhariadministration stated this in reaction to the impeachment threat the National Assembly issued the President. At an emergency joint session, the two chambers had given Buhari conditions that would save him from impeachment. This comes after the police invited Senate President Bukola Saraki for questioning in a case involving the detained suspects in the bloody Offa robbery. The suspects allegedly confirmed that they were being sponsored by Saraki and the Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed. Senator representing Kogi west senatorial district, Dino Melaye is among the lawmakers who currently have cases with the police. "Almost all the members and senators that spoke at the executive session are of the PDP while members of the APC declined joining the discussion to avoid a rowdy confrontation as the entire session could easily pass for a PDP executive session," a statement issued on Tuesday, June 5, on behalf of the group by Abdulmumin Jibrin, a member of the house of representatives, said. ALSO READ: 12 things Buahri must do to escape impeachment The group said the views expressed at the end of the session were not endorsed by all the lawmakers. The support group also urged the two legislative chambers to "look inward and address the issue of suffocating senators and members with dissenting or contrary opinion through coercion or extra-legal means". Read the full statement below: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PARLIAMENTARY SUPPORT GROUP NASS JOINT EXECUTIVE SESSION: OUR POSITION The Parliamentary Support Group of the Senate and House of Representatives is aware of the joint Executive session of the National Assembly held today and wish to state as follows: That almost all the members and senators that spoke at the Executive session are of the PDP while members of the APC declined joining the discussion to avoid a rowdy confrontation as the entire session could easily pass for a PDP Executive session That it is commendable that the Speaker tactically refused to make any comment at the session even after the Senate President took time to explain the issues which are mostly personal That it is disturbing and raised many questions of pre-determined intentions that a known ally of the Senate President from Kwara State Hon Rasak Atunwa drafted what was adopted as the resolution and without voting against standard parliamentary practice That most of the issues raised concerning the fight against corruption, insecurity and the rule of law has been severally discussed in the Senate and the House and various resolutions passed That we commend the efforts of Mr President in the fight against corruption, tackling of the insecurity challenges and respect for rule of law and democratic institutions. Mr President is known for his non interference policy. That every Senator or Member of House who has corruption or criminal allegation against him or her should clear his or her name without dragging the entire institution of the National Assembly into the matter That the National Assembly should as well look inward and address the issue of suffocating Senators and members with dissenting or contrary opinion through coercion or extra legal means That the PDP should recall how it members in the 7th Assembly sat comfortably in the chamber and watched a sitting Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal locked out of the National Assembly and all his security personnel withdrawn while APC members had to scale the fence to gain entrance into the National Assembly That we must exercise caution at this delicate period not to over heat the polity with statements that are capable of dividing the country, embarrassing us before the watching world and creating friction between the legislature, Executive and specifically Mr President. Misoprostol goes by the brand name Cytotec. According to the BBC, data of countries who search for abortion pills the most, was sourced from Google. Google data shows how often exact phrases are searched about a topic. "Abortion pills" is a top search phrase on abortion in all the countries analysed by the BBC. "How to abort" is the most commonly asked question in more than two-thirds of countries. "How to use Misoprostol", "Misoprostol price", "buy Misoprostol" and "Misoprostol dosage" are among the most common searches around abortion. Of the 25 countries with highest search interest in Misoprostol, 11 are in Africa and 14 in are in Latin America. All but two of the countries--Zambia and Mozambique, either ban abortions altogether or permit them only to save a woman's life or health. Countries with stricter abortion laws do the most The BBC findings also suggest that countries with stricter abortion laws have greater search interest in abortion pills. By buying pills online and sharing medical advice through WhatsApp groups, women are increasingly turning to technology to sidestep legal barriers to abortion. Whatsapp groups on abortion pills have become the modern face of the so-called "DIY abortion", the BBC writes. Countries with the strictest laws, where abortion is allowed only to save a woman's life or banned altogether, have over 10 times higher search interest in abortion pill Misoprostol compared to countries with no restrictions, BBC analysis shows. Abortion is legal in Ghana only in cases of rape, incest, foetal impairment or to preserve a woman's mental health. Nigerias abortion laws are stricter. Abortion is only allowed in Nigeria in situations where a woman's life is in danger. Abortion is induced medically or surgically. 'Least safe' The BBC reports that about 14 percent of all abortions were "least safe", which means they were provided by untrained persons using dangerous methods, such as the introduction of foreign objects and use of herbal concoctions. When an abortion is incomplete, medical professionals may either advise further medication, or a surgical option, depending on the situation. Nine police officers and 24 others lost their lives when a group of at least 30 armed robbers attacked Union Bank, Eco Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, First Bank, Zenith Bank and Ibolo Micro Finance Bank,as well as the Owode Police Station in Offa on April 5, 2018. 22 suspects have since been arrested and 15 of them were first paraded in public on Sunday, June 3, by Force Public Relations Officer, ACPJimoh Moshood, who named the leaders of the robbery gang as Ayodele Akinnibosun (aka, AY), Ibikunle Ogunleye (aka Arrow), Adeola Abraham, Salawudeen Azeez, and Niyi Ogundiran, all indigenes of Oro, Irepodun local government area of Kwara. On Sunday, Akinnibosun, who confessed to being the mastermind of the operation, said he has been making 'political arrangement' for Saraki and Kwara governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed for years. His confession had led the police to extend an invitation to Saraki for questioning but the senate president later disclosed that he'd been asked to instead respond to the allegations in writing within 48 hours. This further led to a joint parliamentary session of the National Assembly on Tuesday, June 5, where lawmakers reaffirmed a vote of no confidence passed on the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris. On Wednesday, ACP Moshood announced at another press briefing that new revelations mean Saraki still has a case to answer and is still under investigation in connection to the Offa bank robbery. ALSO READ: Read confessions of Offa robbery gang leaders Read the full statement below: UPDATE OF POLICE INVESTIGATION INTO THE INDICTMENT OF SENATE PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, SEN. BUKOLA SARAKI FROM CONFESSIONS OF FIVE (5) GANG LEADERS ARRESTED FOR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE OFFA BANKS ROBBERY AND GRUESOME KILLING OF MORE THAN THIRTY THREE (33) INNOCENT PERSONS INCLUDING PREGNANT WOMEN AND NINE (9) POLICE OFFICERS ON 5th APRIL, 2018, IN OFFA, KWARA STATE. Nigeria Police Force have arrested two (2) out of the three (3) suspects mentioned by the Overall Gang Leader of Offa Bank Robbery Ayoade Akinnibosun a.k.a AY during parade of suspects on 3/6/2018. Senate President, Sen. Bukola saraki is still under investigation in connection with the Offa bank robbery. It will be recalled that on 3rd June, 2018, I paraded before the media and the public fifteen (15) suspects, (five '5' gang leaders and ten '10' principal suspects) who admitted, confessed and volunteered statements to the Police Investigation Team on the active criminal roles they played in the bank robbery of six (6) commercial banks, attack on Divisional Police Headquarters, Offa and the killing of thirty three (33) innocent persons. 2. These five (5) gang leaders confessed to the Police as follows: i. Ayoade Akinnibosun a.k.a AY 'M' 37 years - Gang Leader From Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State. Confessed to have coordinated the bank robbery and the killing of thirty three (33) innocent persons during the bank robbery. ii. Ibukunle Ogunleye 'M' 36 years - Gang Leader from Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State. Confessed to have killed two (2) persons during the bank robbery. iii. Adeola Abraham 'M' 35 years - Gang Leader from Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State. Confessed to have killed five (5) persons during the bank robbery. iv. Salawudeen Azeez 'M' 49 years Gang Leader from Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State. Confessed to have killed two (2) Persons during the bank robbery. v. Niyi Ogundiran 'M' 37 years Gang Leader from Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State. Confessed to have killed two (2) persons during the bank robbery. 3. The other seventeen (17) suspects volunteered confessional statements admitting their active participation in the Offa bank robbery; they also corroborated the confessions of the five (5) principal suspects mentioned in paragraph two (2) above. 4. During the parade, the main gang leader, Ayoade Akinnibosun a.k.a AY 'M' 37 years, mentioned three (3) other suspected vicious and notorious political thugs and in possession of Firearms, ammunition and other dangerous weapons working according to him for the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki in the Kwara Central senatorial district, namely Alhaji Kehinde Gobiri aka Captain, Alhaji Oba Shuaib Olododo aka Jawando and Alhaji Dona. 5. Two (2) of these suspects namely Alhaji Kehinde Gobiri aka Captain '47 years' Native of Ilorin East LGA Kwara State and Alhaji Oba Shuaib Olododo aka Jawando '53 years' Native of Ilorin South, Kwara State are now in Police custody and have admitted to various crimes and criminalities they have committed in Kwara Central senatorial district under the guise of political thuggery for the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki. They are currently under investigation and will be charged to court on completion of investigation. 6. Consequent upon all the above and the confessions of the five (5) gang leaders namely; Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibukunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salawudeen Azeez, Niyi Ogundiran and some of the other seventeen (17) suspects arrested for direct involvement and active participation in the Offa Bank Robbery and the gruesome killing of THIRTY THREE (33) innocent persons admitted and volunteered statements that they were political thugs of the Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Bukola Saraki and the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Alh. Abdulfatah Ahmed. The five (5) gang leaders further confessed during investigation that they are political thugs under the name Youth Liberation Movement a.k.a "Good Boys" admitted and confessed to have been sponsored with firearms, money and operational vehicles by the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki and the Governor of Kwara State, Alh. Abdulfatah Ahmed. These confessions were made before the media and the public on the 3rd of June, 2018. It is therefore, evidently clear that the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki has case to answer. 7. It was also discovered during further investigations that three (3) gang leaders who participated actively in the Offa Bank Robbery (i) Ayoade Akinnibosun aka AY (ii) Ibukunle Ogunleye aka Arrow and (iii) Adeola Abraham followed the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki to Oloffa's palace when the Senate President paid a condolence visit to Offa after the bank robbery. 8. New revelations from further investigation into the matter show that all the five (5) gang leaders namely; Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibukunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salawudeen Azeez, Niyi Ogundiran have direct connection to the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki as new pictures of one of the five (5) gang leaders when paraded by the Police early in the week was in 'Aso Ebi' (trouser) used during the Senate President daughter's wedding. The five (5) gang leaders further admitted that they attended the Senate President daughter's wedding held recently. 9. The Nigeria Police Force will not be cowed or succumb to intimidation from any quarter in carrying out a thorough and discreet investigation into the Offa Bank Robbery where significant successes have been recorded. The ongoing investigation will be driven to a logical conclusion. The confirmation followed the report presented by Sen. Suleiman Nazif, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission, at the plenary. Nazif had in his reports, recommended the rejection of the nominee, maintaining that he hails from Sokoto State and not Zamfara as he claimed. Objecting to the rejection, Sen. Kabiru Marafa (APC-Zamfara), alleged that Nazif had compromised to reject the nomination of Mahmud. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Senate first rejected Mahmuds nomination on Nov. 23 on the ground that he is not an indigene of Zamfara. The Senate later agreed to re-visit the rejection after Sen. Marafa raised a Point-of-Order and sought the leave of the Upper Chamber to re-consider the rejection. Mahmuds nomination was also rejected on Nov. 29 and it was referred to the committee for further legislative action. Also on Wednesday, the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly confirmed the nominations of Mr Monday Udo Tom from Akwa Ibom and Attahiru Madami from Niger as Resident Electoral Commissioners. The President announced this in a statement issued via his Twitter handle on Wednesday, June 6, 2018. He also awarded Abiola the highest honour in the nation - Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR). No more May 29 With Buhari's declaration, June 12 will now replace May 29 as Democracy Day. He said June 12 is a more symbolic day. He said, "Dear Nigerians, I am delighted to announce that, after due consultations, the Federal Government has decided that henceforth, June 12 will be celebrated as Democracy Day. "We have also decided to award posthumously the highest Honour in the land, GCFR, to the late Chief MKO Abiola. "In the view of Nigerians, as shared by this Administration, June 12, 1993, was and is far more symbolic of Democracy in the Nigerian context than May 29, or even October 1". The President also conferred a national honour on Baba Gana Kingibe and recognised the role of late Gani Fawehinmi in the actualisation of June 12 elections. "Chief Abiolas running mate, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, is also to be awarded a GCON. "Furthermore, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, a tireless fighter for human rights and democracy, and for the actualisation of the June 12, 1993 elections, will be posthumously awarded a GCON," he added. ALSO READ: How IBB stole Nigeria's freest and fairest election from MKO Abiola Buhari also acknowledged that the June 12, 1993 election was the freest, fairest and most peaceful election Nigeria ever conducted since Independence. "June 12, 1993, was the day millions of Nigerians expressed their Democratic will in the freest, fairest and most peaceful elections since our Independence. That the outcome of that election was not upheld by the then military Govt does not detract from its democratic credentials," he said. Let me tell you today that if Baba (Buhari) says he is going to contest in 2019, I swear to Allah, I will go before him and kneel and tell him that Baba I am grateful for the opportunity you gave me to serve your government as a minister but Baba just like you know I will support only Atiku because he is my godfather, if Atiku says he is going to contest, Mama Taraba had said. Looking Atiku straight in the eye, Mama Taraba declared: "Your excellency, our father, the next president come 2019, God willing. Like everyone now knows, Buhari has announced a second term bid and Mama Taraba couldn't talk him out of it. Worse, she's still a minister in the Buhari cabinet. This week, the same Mama Taraba declared that the APC will rule Nigeria forever. I will make sure that in my zone, I follow up and by Gods grace, Gombe and Taraba will be taken over in 2019. And dont even talk about Nigeria because its already APC and it will continue to be APC forever, Mama Taraba said. Essentially, Mama Taraba has gone from backing Atiku who has now defected to the PDP, to declaring that her political party, the APC, will rule Nigeria forever--all in the space of nine months. There was a time when everyone thought that for openly backing Atiku, Buhari was going to sack Mama Taraba from his cabinet. But she has stayed on in the cabinetand in the APC. At the time, Mama Taraba even dared Buhari to sack her from his team. If because of what I said, I am sacked, it will not bother me because I believe in Allah, that my time has elapsed that is why", she said. She has also announced that shell launch another governorship bid in her home State of Taraba. I will re-contest the election again in 2019 if God keeps me alive and well, she said. It is God that gives power to whoever he desires, I won the election in 2015, but God did not give me power. I will keep trusting in him and the grassroots people of Taraba and God willing, I will win the election", she added. Is Mama Taraba going to be backing Atikus presidential bid and turning her back against the presidential run of Buhari who is a member of her own political party? Is Mama Taraba still going to be supporting Atikus presidency in the PDP while seeking to become governor from the platform of the APC? In the final analysis, Mama Taraba has just proven that she is like every other politician out there; complete with the double-speak and Janus face. She has also shown that politics is essentially a game of interests. Buharis women affairs minister understands that in politics, you pitch tent where you think your bread is most likely to be buttered. And right now, Mama Taraba thinks her interests would be best served on the APC platform. At the end of their deliberations, the legislators resolved to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari if their concerns arent addressed. And if nothing is done, the National Assembly will not hesitate to invoke its powers against the Executive, the lawmakers declared. The word Powers above refers to the instrument of impeachment, of course. The Punch newspaper quotes an unnamed lawmaker as saying: It means impeachment. We have given the president ample opportunity to improve on security and all the issues listed in our resolutions. At the executive session, senators and members were on the same page on the position that if the president does not improve on his style and the security situation in the country in the weeks ahead, impeachment proceedings will become the option. Of course Buhari needs to improve on his handling of the economy, his style of governance and securing a badly traumatized nation. The executive arm of government has been unable to stop the killings in every part of the country and unemployment numbers continue to soar. However, to understand why the lawmakers are waving the impeachment card, look no further than recent criminal cases involving Senate President Bukola Saraki, Senators Dino Melaye and Shehu Sani. A couple of other senators who served as governors also have dates to keep with the anti-graft agencies and the police. So, when the national assembly reaffirms its earlier resolution of vote of no confidence on the Inspector General of Police who does nothing other than preside over the killing of innocent Nigerians and consistent framing up of perceived political opponents of the president and outright disregard for constitutional authority, both executive and legislative, you should know where the lawmakers are coming from. Reports say Dino Melaye was the most vocal of the lawmakersduring their closed-door executive session. The senator is still battling a slew of charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, gun running and attempted suicidecharges slapped on him by the police. Senate President Saraki has been named as a person of interest in the Offa robbery investigation and has been asked to submit a written statement to the police. Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris has thrice shunned senate summons and has been declared "an enemy of democracy and unfit for public office anywhere in the world", by the senate. Police boss Idris is probably the most hated man in the senate at the moment. According to House of Reps member Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin, the resolutions from the executive session emerged without rigorous debates because lawmakers loyal to President Buhari or who belong to the APC, werent allowed the opportunity to present dissenting views. Jibrin wrote that; Almost all the members and senators that spoke at the executive session are of the PDP while members of the APC declined joining the discussion to avoid a rowdy confrontation as the entire session could easily pass for a PDP executive session. It is commendable that the Speaker tactically refused to make any comment at the session even after the Senate President took time to explain the issues which are mostly personal. It is disturbing and raised many questions of pre-determined intentions that a known ally of the Senate President from Kwara State, , drafted what was adopted as the resolution and without voting against standard parliamentary practice Most of the issues raised concerning the fight against corruption, insecurity and the rule of law have been severally discussed in the Senate and the House and various resolutions passed. The latest impeachment threat against Buhari should therefore be seen as an avenue by lawmakers to settle personal scores with the executive and to arm twist Buhari into asking IGP Idris to back off and bury some criminal files bearing the names of top senators. All of the other reasons cited by the lawmakers for the impeachment threat are but smokescreens. This is essentially lawmakers looking after themselves like they have always done and eagerly passing a vote of confidence on themselves. Both chambers of the National Assembly hereby pass a vote of confidence on the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the entire leadership of the National Assembly, Saraki read. Nothing could have been more childish. The national assembly shouldnt be used to settle personal scores like the 8th national assembly often does. Legislators shouldnt resort to deploying impeachment as a tool of blackmail like we often saw during the Obasanjo era. These lawmakers hurriedly called for an executive session as soon as Saraki was linked to the Offa robbery They never move this fast on matters of urgent national importance. For these guys, this is all a game of some sort. Yes, Buhari has to do more because he keeps getting the simplest things wrong. Hes turned governance into some rocket science and an excuse churning factory. The president needs to take a long, hard look in the mirror and ask himself if hes fulfilled a fraction of his campaign promises. IGP Idris has looked increasingly clueless as rampaging herdsmen hold an entire nation to ransom. She disclosed this while speaking at the APC's national secretariat on Monday, June 4, 2018 when newly-elected APC state chairpersons were sworn in. Alhassan, popularly called Mama Taraba, finished second (275,984 votes) to current Taraba governor, Darius Ishaku (369,318 votes), in the 2015 contest, but she remains undeterred and trusts God and the people of Taraba to give grant her victory in 2019. She said, "I won the 2015 election; everyone knows that, including the People's Democratic Party (PDP), and I will re-contest in the election in 2019 if God keeps me alive and well. "It is God that gives power to whoever he desires. I won the election in 2015, but God did not give me power. "I will keep trusting in Him and the grassroots people of Taraba, and God willing, I will win the election this time." Court battle in 2015 Alhassan came close to becoming Nigeria's first democratically-elected female governor after a tribunal court briefly nullified Ishaku's victory at the 2015 polls. The court reached the judgement based on Alhassan's argument that Ishaku could not have been eligible for the election since he allegedly did not partake in any primary election by the party. Alhassan's hopes were cut short when the Court of Appeal in Abuja overruled the tribunal's judgement, ruling that it's a gross misdirection in law. The five-man panel unanimously ruled that Alhassan and the APC had no right or capacity to question the decision of the PDP who decided to field Ishaku to the satisfaction of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a statement signed by the governor's spokesperson, Sam Onwuemeodo, on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, he accused the party chairman of violating court orders after he swore in Hilary Eke as Imo APC chairman despite the fact that there is a case in court over his eligibility. Okorocha said Oyegun went ahead with Eke's inauguration to spite him because he opposed the elongation of his tenure as the party's national chairman. The governor further disclosed that his lawyers will subsequently press for Oyegun's imprisonment along with that of other 'strange elements' involved. The statement read, "The way Chief Oyegun pursued the issue of tenure elongation also showed how selfish and greedy he is. He is not interested in the well-being or future of the party, but only interested in staying put as the national chairman of the party. That is why he is after anybody who opposed the tenure elongation. "The worst thing that would have happened to APC is to allow Chief Oyegun to continue as the national chairman of the party. Chief Akande never tried to destroy the party when he was leaving as the pioneer chairman but Oyegun wants to destroy the party because he is leaving. He is not patriotic. "In the case of Imo, he disobeyed two court orders with regard to the congresses in Imo and the inauguration of strange elements as state officials of the party just to get at Governor Okorocha because of the issue of elongation. "And we have no option now than to ask our lawyers to press for his imprisonment and that of Osita Izunaso and all those who were involved in the lawlessness. "The only thing Chief Oyegun has achieved in his anger against Governor Okorocha is encouraging elements with no electoral value like Osita Okechukwu and those from Imo to be insulting the governor. And these are people who cannot win their booths in an election." Oyegun oversees inauguration of 35 state chairpersons In an inauguration that was conducted at the party's national secretariat in Abuja on Monday, June 4, 35 state chairpersons from across the country were sworn in. This came after division spread through the party's ranks in its recent state congresses with several parallel congresses electing their own executives. Okorocha's faction in the state had been in open opposition to Eke, a candidate of the Imo Restoration Coalition, but he was one of those inaugurated on Monday over Chris Oguoma who is the governor's choice. Jibrin, through the Parliamentary Support Group, had accused the leaders of the National Assembly of using the legislature to pursue some selfish interests. He claimed members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) tactically avoided airing their views. However, Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara are both APC lawmakers. But speaking at plenary on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, Kogi lawmaker, Sunday Karimi, said Jibrins statement amounted to a breach of the privileges of the House. Karimi noted that there was need to call Jibrin to order because he had turned the House upside down. He also accused Jibrin of attempting to divide the House. ALSO READ: 9 Reasons why National Assembly will impeach President In his remarks, Speaker Dogara condemned the action of Jibrin while describing him as always absent but always the first to run to the press. I have a problem with members who dont come for sitting and immediately approaching the press when a decision is taken, the Speaker said. We shouldnt mislead the public, it is very unfortunate, he added. The matter was referred to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges to investigate statements by Jibrin on the joint session of the National Assembly on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. Jibrin was suspended for accusing Speaker Dogara and other principal officers of the House of padding the 2016 budget. The National Assembly had on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, vowed to evoke its Constitutional powers if President Buhari fails to address the unemployment, stop killings in the country, the prosecution of opponents, take responsibility for the actions of his appointees, amongst others. But addressing journalists at the National Assembly, Kazaure distanced himself from the impeachment threat to President Buhari. The Jigawa state lawmaker vowed to oppose any move to remove President Buhari from office. Nobody will impeach the president as far as we are alive in this house that day, it will be a war, Kazaure declared. I am sure the president will take serious action and the whole thing will stop. You are aware that in 2015, we didnt have money, we didnt have power and we never intimidated anybody, he said. God gave us this power; so, there is no need for this government to intimidate anybody because of re-election matter or any other reason. By now, we should try and be good to people; this is what we should concentrate on. ALSO READ: 9 Reasons why National Assembly will impeach President He advised the federal government to focus on improving the welfare of Nigerians with increase in oil price. The people are complaining not only about security but poverty, hunger; even in my constituency, the people are complaining about this. Kazaure said he was not in support of Buhari allowing some people to create problems for him by frustrating those who had helped the party to win the 2015 elections. These people have assisted us; we dont want them to go; we want them to come together and assist the president again, he said. So, the president must call those people to order because we will lose many votes if this crisis continues. That is why we have to call the attention of the president into this crisis because it is degenerating This is why I decided to convene this press conference because if the executive, legislature and the judiciary work together, we will succeed. He said it was disheartening that the people who had worked with the president from 2003 till date have been sidelined. The lawmaker, however, called on the president as the leader of the APC, to reconcile all the differences among the politicians. Women in governance Kazaure recently advised that women should not be allowed too much political power so as to prevent them from misbehaving. Organisers had hoped for over twice that number. "We invite our neighbours, who are ignorant of history, to come to (our) museums and archaeological sites and discover that Macedonia is Greek," Halkidona mayor Ioannis Tsouknidas told the crowd. "I think the government will be pressured by the protests and will not proceed to an agreement," said Katerina Karamouza, a 60-year-old wearing traditional folk garb to the demonstration. The protests, organised by a committee backed by Greek diaspora, clerics and local mayors associations, were likewise held in over a dozen cities in the northern Greek region of Macedonia. "(Zoran) Zaev, you can only be born Macedonian. You cannot become one," read a protester banner addressed to the Macedonian prime minister. Smaller gatherings were also held in central Greece, and on the islands of Crete, Rhodes, Corfu and Kos. "We estimate 500-1,000 people in each city," a police source said. Athens objects to the neighbouring state's constitutional name, Republic of , because Greece fears it may imply territorial ambitions. Ancient Macedonia was the cradle of Alexander the Great's empire, a point of pride to Greeks today. But under the Romans, the province of Macedonia was expanded to include territory in modern-day Greece, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Albania. The name dispute dates back to 1991, when Skopje declared independence from war-torn Yugoslavia. Athens objects to its neighbour's constitutional name, Republic of Macedonia -- but it is close to a compromise name that will almost certainly contain the term "Macedonia". After months of renewed discussion, the list of names has narrowed down to "New Macedonia", "Northern Macedonia" and "Upper Macedonia". "These are three names acceptable to us," Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias told state TV ERT on Monday. Greece has prepared a 20-page draft agreement and the issue is now being handled directly by Zaev and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, Kotzias said. Zaev last week said the negotiations were in "the final stages". Greece wants the name change to be backed with a constitutional amendment and for it to be applied on the "erga omnes" ("towards all") legal principle, meaning universal use inside and outside Macedonia. The dispute has slowed Macedonia's hopes of joining the European Union and NATO, as Greece can veto its membership bids. Dozens of countries including the United States and Russia have already recognised the country as "Macedonia". Several protests have been held in Greece and Macedonia in recent months against a compromise solution. On Saturday, thousands of supporters of Macedonia's rightwing opposition VMRO-DPMNE party took to the streets of the capital Skopje to protest against plans to change their country's name. Greece estimates that protest at under 20,000 people, Kotzias said. "The Security Council welcomes the commitment of these parties, as set out in the Paris declaration, to work constructively with the UN to organize credible and peaceful parliamentary and Presidential elections, and to respect the results of these elections," said the text adopted by the UN body. It said, too, that it "welcomes the momentum generated by the international conference on Libya hosted in Paris by President Emmanuel Macron on May 29, 2018" under the auspices of the United Nations. That meeting brought together for the first time Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, head of the UN-backed unity government in Tripoli, and 75-year-old military strongman Khalifa Haftar, whose rival Libyan National Army dominates the country's east. Also present were Aguila Saleh Issa, the parliament speaker based in the eastern city of Tobruk, and Khalid Al-Mishri, the newly-elected head of the High Council of State. The four main Libyan leaders had agreed in Paris to hold elections on December 10 in a bid to lead the country out of years of chaos and fighting that began with a popular uprising in 2011 to overthrow late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi, Diplomatic sources said that in negotiating the exact working of the Security Council text, some countries had opposed "explicitly" mentioning December 10 as the election date. They wanted approval by all the parties for a constitution and a clear electoral law before settling on a precise date for polls, the same sources said. In its statement, the Security Council also noted the importance of "a constitutional basis for elections," as outlined in the Paris declaration. UN envoy Ghassan Salame has long been urging all the parties to agree on a constitution and a timetable for its adoption. In Paris, the four Libyan leaders had promised to find a "constitutional base" for elections by September 16, without specifying if such a deal would be put to a referendum. That date was not mentioned in the UN statement either. At the opening of the 48th annual meeting of the group, the United States was joined by Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico and Peru in proposing a resolution to reject the result of last month's "unconstitutional" election in Venezuela. The motion is expected to come up for a vote later Monday or on Tuesday. If it passes as expected, it would set in motion moves that could lead to Venezuela being symbolically suspended from the regional body -- although Caracas has already announced its own intent to pull out. In May, Maduro was returned to power in a vote that was largely boycotted by the opposition and denounced as an unconstitutional assault on democracy by Washington and most of Venezuela's neighbors. Maduro's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza was present as the OAS meeting opened to defend his government and to hear Pompeo reiterate the US call for Venezuela's suspension. Suspending the South American country, which sits on the world's biggest proven oil reserves, "would show that the OAS backs up its words with action and it sends a powerful signal to the Maduro regime, only real elections will allow your government to be included in the family of nations," Pompeo said. The top American diplomat accused Maduro of "dismantling democracy," and urged more Latin American states to join the US in imposing increased economic and diplomatic sanctions on his administration. The Venezuelan leader later hit back, accusing the United States of developing a "blackmail campaign" and threatening the governments of Latin America into compliance. "Every time an OAS General Assembly approaches, we see the same movie," Maduro said during a function in Caracas. Applause from delegates "We call on all OAS nations to do this today -- regarding Venezuela -- and in the future wherever necessary for the good of the region and the world," Pompeo said, to applause from some delegates. Arreaza protested that the situation in Venezuela was a domestic one, placed on the agenda of an international meeting "in a spurious manner" -- but other senior officials from across the Americas disagreed. "We must have a continent free of dictatorships," OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro, a stern critic of Maduro, said as he inaugurated the 48th annual meeting of the organization in Washington. The draft resolution, seen by AFP, calls on members to reject the results of last month's "unconstitutional" Venezuelan election. It further urges the body to use "the mechanisms for the preservation and defense of representative democracy" contained in the Inter-American Democratic Charter -- a first step toward suspension. jpegMpeg4-1280x720Under Article 21 of this charter, an extraordinary general assembly of OAS member states can suspend a country from the body, the main forum for Western Hemisphere countries to develop shared democratic norms. The political crisis in Venezuela dominated the opening exchanges of the annual meeting in Washington, although Nicaragua also came under fire for its own harsh crackdown on opposition protesters. The fishermen were arrested on Saturday by Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) officers attached to the Kenya Navy for engaging in illegal fishing within Kenya's territorial waters in Shimoni area. Lunga Lunga Deputy County Commissioner Josphat Biwott confirmed the arrest, adding that the fishermen were apprehended after they were found violating territorial limits of the country. They were were later arraigned in court on Monday before being held in remand after they were unable to raise a cash bail of Sh20,000 each. The incident adds on to a list of numerous diplomatic rows that have in the past one year affected relations between Kenya and Tanzania. In November last year, Foreign Affairs Political and Diplomatic Secretary Tom Amollo castigated Tanzanian officials after they burnt 6,400 chicks belonging to a Kenyan trader. Days later, Tanzania's President John Magufuli ordered the auctioning of 1,305 heads of cattle belonging to Kenyan Maasai herders who had crossed over to Tanzania. Mr Waititu, who now doubts the academic credentials of his deputy, further demanded him (Mr Nyoro) to lay bare his Doctorate Degree papers and told him off, urging him to stop undermining him. The bitter words by Waititu is a move to quell what looks like a supremacy battle between the two Kiambu leaders, following a Monday declaration by his Deputy that he [Waititu] wanted him to leave office. Mr Waititu, who spoke late Tuesday, said that he will not be cowed by his deputy, adding that would not lay low to his deputys demands. People have been lying but I will tell the truth. Let them show their doctorate degrees if they have studied that far, Mr Waititu said. He further refuted claims that he has been running a county in a one-man-show fashion, faulting his deputy for sequential absentia from office, after his deputy was in the US and later in Turkey. People should not say that I am running the county alone. The deputy governor returned from the United States on Wednesday where he had been for two weeks, Mr Waititu said. Before that, he was in Turkey. If people went to his office for services, they did not wait for him. Earlier, Mr Nyoro had decried of poor working relationship with his governor adding that he had been operating from a corridor because the governors supporters poured water in his office, claims the governor dismissed. 'Dictator Governor' On Monday, Mr Nyoro accused Waititu of being a dictator, adding that the governor has been taking issues including critical decision in the running of the county in his hands, without involving key executive committee members, him included in particular. Making reference to the recent controversial Alcohol Bill, Mr Nyoro added that there was no single consultation on the matter, resulting in a bitter exchange. ALSO READ: Why Waititu might not defend his seat in 2022 What has been happening in Kiambu is a one man show. There has not been any consultation between the governor and the county executive members and particularly the Deputy Governor. Pumpkin Month At Queens Farm! October is Pumpkin Month at Queens Farm and there were pumpkins as far as the eye could see at the Queens County Farm Museums Pumpkin... Olympians Presented With Keys To Queens Two beloved daughters of Queens took their rightful place in the pantheon of iconic borough residents on October 1, as Queens Borough President Donovan Richards,... 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! SWITZERLAND: The first of 11 electric multiple-units which Stadler is to supply to Sudostbahn for Voralpen-Express services was unveiled in Erlen on June 6. Part of the Flirt family, the six eight-car and five four-car 160 km/h units will feature a new motor bogie design and lightweight trailer bogies ... Two Crimean energy companies declared bankrupt on request of London VTB subsidiary RIA Novosti 10:41 06/06/2018 MOSCOW, June 6 (RAPSI) The Crimean Commercial Court has declared bankrupt two energy producers Alpha Solar and Beta Solar owned by the Cypriot Ournia Commercial Ltd, the court rulings read. In December 2017, the court initiated a monitoring procedure against Alpha Solar, Beta Solar, Gamma Solar and Zeta Solar companies on the request of VTB Capital Plc, Londons subsidiary of VTB Group. In late 2016, the court granted an application filed by Russias Sberbank and recognized another four Simferopol companies, Delta Solar, Omao Solar, Osprey Solar and Oul Solar owned by the Austrian Black Sea Renewable Energies GmbH, as bankrupt. Earlier, the Crimean Commercial Court returned bankruptcy claims against 12 Crimean energy companies owned by Black Sea Renewable Energies GmbH to the Fund for the Protection of Depositors Rights. The court held that the applicant had not furnished proofs of the fund representatives powers to sign the application on behalf of the creditor bank. According to the court, the claimant is Ukraines state bank Oschadbank; however, the bankruptcy petition was signed by the Fund for the Protection of Depositors Rights. Examination confirms emergency officials guilt in Kemerovo fire case investigators / 13:59 06/06/2018 MOSCOW, June 6 (RAPSI) Legal examination has confirmed the guilt of the Emergency Ministrys officials detained in a case over tragic fire in Kemerovos Zimnyaya Vishnya (Winter Cherry) mall that left 60 people dead, the Investigative Committees press service reports. Chief of the ministrys directorate for Kemerovo Grigory Terentyev and ex-director of the ministrys department for Kemerovo Region Alexander Mamontov have pleaded not guilty with the reference to intradepartmental regulations, the statement reads. However, the examination confirmed that the defendants had committed acts of negligence during execution of intradepartmental regulations governing the procedure and timing of fire safety inspections, investigators stated. On May 28, Mamontov and Terentyev were put in detention for two months. Depending on their alleged actions they were charged with criminal negligence and embezzlement. Investigators claim that Mamontov and Terentyev have not organized safety inspection in the mall since 2017 despite knowing that one should have been completed before March 18. In addition, Mamontov used his position to embezzle 1.8 million rubles ($29,200) from the Ministry and used it for benefit of other persons. The blaze in the mall occurred on March 25. According to investigators, 60 people including dozens of children were killed by fire. Initially it was reported that 64 people died. A criminal case has been launched over involuntary manslaughter, violation of fire safety regulations that left more than two persons dead and provisions of services that dont meet safety requirements. Eight other persons were also charged and detained in the case. They are: Yulia Bogdanova, CEO of the Kemerovsky Confectionary Combine, a company owning the mall, Tanziliya Komkova, chief of the regions State Construction Inspection, a formal head of the malls owner company Georgy Sobolev; the malls manager Nadezhda Suddenok; CEO of the company System Integrator that developed the fire safety system Igor Polozinenko; an employee of the company, who personally installed the fire alarm Alexander Nikitin, a guard who allegedly turned off the emergency notification system when he received a fire signal Sergey Antyushin and fire team commander Sergey Genin, who was charged with negligence. Investigators to seek detention for Dagestan police colonel suspected of corruption RIA Novosti, Yevgeny Odinokov 16:57 06/06/2018 MOSCOW, June 6 (RAPSI) Investigators will motion to detain the head of the Interior Ministrys operative department for the Dagestan Republic, colonel Magomed Khizriyev suspected of corruption, according to the statement published on Twitter account of Russias Investigative Committee. The motion will be lodged with court on June 7, the statement reads. On Wednesday, five alleged accomplices of Khizriyev were arrested. According to investigators, in 2017, Khizriyev transferred his accomplices $2 million as part of a bribe. The alleged accomplices said that money was designated for their help with his appointment for a higher position in one of the Interior Ministrys regional departments. Overall, the value of the bribe reached $6 million. It was noted that the suspect was apprehended with the assistance of the Federal Security Services (FSB) officers. 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 Photos by RCP Photography Few wars in American military history produced more memorable leaders with distinct personalities than World War II. The global, sinister nature of this particular conflict gave rise to some of the greatest and most controversial flag rank officers that the U.S. military has ever produced. No small measure among them is General George S. Patton, most famed for his command of the Third Army in France and Germany after the D-Day invasions at Normandy. However, he was also at the helm of operations in Casablanca and Sicily. Less often discussed by most major history texts are his tours of duty in World War I and the Pancho Villa Expedition of 1916 (sometimes referred to as the Punitive Expedition). Throughout all three of these campaigns, Pattons participation was inextricably linked to armored combat. The Punitive Expedition was the U.S. Armys first campaign to include motorized vehicles. In World War I, he was one of the first tank commanders in our new armored divisions. He even taught at Americas tank school in France. Between the two World Wars, he remained an integral part of Americas fledgling armored corps providing key input on training and doctrine development. For decades, Fort Knox, Kentucky, was the home of Americas tank force. Our senior editor is personally a two-time alumni of Fort Knox first for the Armor Officers Basic Course, then for the Army Reconnaissance Course. So when he heard that RECOIL was planning to go behind the scenes at the Patton Museum, he volunteered as tribute. While the current Armor School is now located at Fort Benning, Georgia, any old-school tanker or cavalry scout will tell you that Knox will always be the spiritual home of Americas armored force. By no coincidence, the Patton Museum is still located in the Bluegrass State, adjacent to Americas most famous gold depository. The structure of the museum itself is interesting. Not entirely chronological, the exhibits are set up to be viewed as a leadership museum an unconventional yet poignant approach, particularly for the roughly 30,000 ROTC cadets who train at Fort Knox every summer. Different sections of the museum feature handpicked items from the collection, arranged alongside placards describing episodes from General Pattons life that highlight the various army leadership values. For those who didnt have the pleasure of army values being beaten into them the old-fashioned way, they are: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. And yes, as an acronym, they do indeed spell LDRSHIP. Admission to the museum is free, but it runs entirely off of visitors donations so, if you do make the trip, please consider making a small contribution to their efforts. The experience is completely self-guided, and the staff recommends you budget about an hour-and-a-half to walk the entire place. If youre a true Patton fan or general military history aficionado, we suggest you allot a little more time than that. We spent the suggested 90 minutes just on the first exhibit alone. That very first exhibit is Pattons 38 Cadillac staff car the very vehicle he was riding in when he died in 1945. In a practically immeasurable gesture of generosity, we were allowed to get up close and personal with the interior of the car that Patton was in when he suffered an eventually fatal injury in a car wreck. On December 8, 1945, the staff car collided with a large military truck, throwing Patton head first into the glass partition between the front and rear cabins. This resulted in both a compression fracture and dislocation of his C3 and 4 vertebrae, as well as a broken neck and cervical spinal cord injury. He spent 12 days in a hospital in Heidelberg before dying at the age of 60 and being buried in Hamm, Luxembourg, alongside fellow war casualties from his former Third Army this was per his request to be buried with his men. Unbeknownst to us until this particular visit, a multitude of conspiracy theories surround Pattons death, including that he was assassinated by either the Soviet NKVD (predecessor to the KGB) or our own OSS (predecessor to the CIA). Theories speculate that he was poisoned, shot, or that the truck hit his car deliberately. Extensive discussion with the museum staff assure us that the truth is far more mundane and, in that normalcy, even more tragic. Almost every individual exhibit in the Patton Museum has a similarly rich, intensely personal story behind it. From his childhood toys that he labeled and dated himself to the 66 individual weapons he collected or was gifted throughout his service, including the machine gun that wounded him in World War I which he recovered from the enemy machine gun nest and had shipped home. In an interesting and uniquely Kentucky twist on the life and times of this larger-than-life war hero, our visit to the Patton Museum was followed immediately by a trip to the unique family owned Boundary Oak Distillery in nearby Radcliff, Kentucky. While not officially connected to the Patton Museum, they share a unique overlap via a particularly obscure piece of the Generals legacy. One of the items on display at the museum is a footlocker General Patton had converted to a portable bar. He was known for mixing a cocktail of his own recipe that he named Armored Diesel. It was allegedly served to all of his staff during meetings. The recipe commonly cited by the museum is simply bourbon, shaved ice, sugar, and lemon juice. Having said that, the actual contents of Armored Diesel as poured by Patton himself couldve contained a mixture of just about anything including whiskey, scotch, white wine, and even cherry juice. Fellow veterans may remember similar concoctions under the catchall banner of Grog, served most often at unit-level dining functions. Boundary Oak produces a somewhat more palatable version of Armored Diesel theyre tight lipped about the exact ingredients and process. But wed have been remiss not to give it a taste for ourselves. While its definitely far more palatable than a marriage of scotch and wine, its wholly unique, even in the heart of bourbon country. You wont forget youre drinking it. Its available by the bottle and in several variations of a collectable presentation box, with historical notes about both the drink and the man. There are few great leaders who dont also breed controversy. General George S. Patton was no exception. But his legacy as a consummate professional soldier and intensely skilled battlefield commander are matched by only a handful across the annals of military history. At time of writing, the Patton Museum at Fort Knox had recently shut down for several months of intensive renovations. The projected re-open date is June 1, 2018. We hope to return for ourselves and take a look at all the improvements currently being implemented. Its a uniquely personal lens through which to view both World War history and the balancing act of effective combat command. General George Patton Museum Address 4554 Fayette Ave., Fort Knox, KY 40121 Hours Tuesday Friday 10:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Saturdays & Federal Holidays 10:00 a.m. 5:30 p.m. Admission Free Phone (502) 624-3391 URL www.generalpatton.org Boundary Oak Distillery Address 2000 Boundary Oak Drive, Radcliff, KY 40160 Phone (270) 351-2013 URL boundaryoakdistillery.com Locals are ready to cast their votes in the California Primary Election Tuesday, June 5, at the First Baptist Church on G Street. Market experts say that of the total 600,000 villages in India, under two per cent or around 10,000 villages contribute to about half of the rural consumption in the country. Targeting these villages and ensuring that penetration is strong is key for most consumer goods companies. Market experts say that of the total 600,000 villages in India, under two per cent or around 10,000 villages contribute to about half of the rural consumption in the country. Picture: Devanampattinam village, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. Photograph: Jagadeesh NV/Reuters. Reaching the rural consumer may not be as easy as it seems. While a revival in rural demand has raised sales prospects for consumer goods companies, optimising rural distribution networks is increasingly becoming a challenge. A key reason for this is the limited direct distribution reach of companies in villages. Most majors typically have to depend on indirect distribution or the wholesale channel for pushing product penetration into rural areas. Britannia, among the countrys key biscuit makers, is no exception to the rule. The wholesale channel remains an important route-to-market in the countryside for the company. But the firm, whose rural sales contribute only 22 per cent to overall revenue, lower than the industry average of 33 per cent, is now turning to new-age tech and devices to complement its core distribution strategy in rural markets. The company, for instance, is engaging with small, local start-ups in areas such as geo-spatial analytics, census mapping and retail point-of-sales solutions to push penetration of key brands in the villages. The strategy here is simple: Use the latest technology to get actionable insights into purchasing behaviour of consumers and figure out the trends emerging thereof. Optimising rural distribution networks is increasingly becoming a challenge. The key reason for this is the limited direct distribution reach of companies in villages. Picture: Hargaon, Uttar Pradesh. Photograph: Pawan Kumar/Reuters. The result, says Gunjan Shah, Britannias vice president, sales, is that the companys existing distribution network can be optimised well. And if further investments are required, that can be done too, he reasons. While Shah isnt getting into the success or failure of the effort -- the initiative has been kicked off recently -- he says the push came after watching rural consumers closely and carefully. Penetration of mobile phones and other electronic products, says Shah, is growing in rural areas. That exposes them to the lifestyle and aspirations of their urban counterparts. These consumers therefore wants better products across the board -- from staples to discretionary, including biscuits. It becomes important for Britannia then to understand where these pockets exist and target these consumers appropriately, Shah says. Experts continue to debate on the merits of a micro-approach to distribution to villages. Picture: Litan village, Manipur. Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhuri/Reuters. Market experts say that of the total 600,000 villages in India, under two per cent or around 10,000 villages contribute to about half of the rural consumption in the country. Targeting these villages and ensuring that penetration is strong is key for most consumer goods companies. But while firms such as Britannia have focused their attention on these villages in recent years, the Bengaluru-based major is also going the extra mile to understand pockets that are weak -- villages where sales are not strong and work on corrective action in these areas. Britannia has recently collaborated with a Lucknow-based census agency, that works on facilitating government rural programmes in Uttar Pradesh, the largest state in the country and also a large consumer goods market. The agency has developed a basic framework consisting of census data, demographics of people and profile of retail stores, which Britannia is tapping into to channelise resources into under-leveraged markets in UP. The agency has helped us move from a pure population-driven distribution model to one that helps us identify consumption and market-place clusters thereby improving the result to effort ratio. This bettered our business extraction and competitive position in erstwhile blind spots, Shah says. Way forward Britannia is currently evaluating a couple of proposals from start-ups to scale up its new tech effort in distribution. Rural stock points have increased in the last few months, from 7,000 to 18,000 due to the extra push coming from the initiative. Shah says that the company has only just scraped the surface with geo-spatial analytics, census mapping and retail point-of-sale solutions. Indias largest consumer goods company, Hindustan Unilever has identified 14 different geographical clusters as part of its Winning in Many Indias strategy. Picture: Hargaon, Uttar Pradesh. Photograph: Pawan Kumar/Reuters. But some retail experts believe that granular information can come with its own set of challenges. How much can one target is dependent on the resources at ones disposal, says Harminder Sahni, founder and managing director of consulting firm Wazir Advisors. Every village or cluster could exhibit different characteristics, what do you address and what do you not is key, he adds. While experts continue to debate on the merits of a micro-approach to distribution, companies say they will put their money where the potential is. The countrys largest consumer goods company, Hindustan Unilever, for instance, has identified 14 different geographical clusters as part of its Winning in Many Indias strategy. In addition, HUL has also set up country category business teams to empower managers to take decisions quickly. The initiative has seen HUL dive down and focus on regional markets more closely, tapping into consumer insights efficiently. The effort has seen HUL buck the consumer slowdown in recent quarters and report healthy sales numbers. Home buyers would be able to invoke Section 7 of the IBC against errant developers. Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com Home buyers will now be recognised as financial creditors under the insolvency law bringing "significant relief" to people facing hardships on account of delayed residential projects, with the government promulgating an ordinance. Coming out with the second ordinance this year to amend the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), the government on Wednesday said micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) would get a special dispensation under this law wherein certain disqualification requirements have been relaxed. A slew of other changes, including permitting withdrawal of cases and reducing voting threshold for approvals, have been made in the Code. President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to promulgate the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018, according to an official release. The ordinance was approved by the Cabinet on May 23. "The ordinance provides significant relief to home buyers by recognising their status as financial creditors. This would give them due representation in the Committee of Creditors (CoC) and make them an integral part of the decision-making process," the release said. Further, home buyers would be able to invoke Section 7 of the IBC against errant developers. Section 7 allows financial creditors to file application seeking insolvency resolution process. The move assumes significance amid hundreds of home buyer facing difficulties due to delayed and incomplete real estate projects while quite a number of realty firms coming under insolvency proceedings. About home buyers, corporate affairs secretary Injeti Srinivas said the ministry has totally relied on RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) Act. "Home buyers issues are not being addressed for perpetuity. It is being addressed for pre-RERA people who are suffering today," he noted. According to him, there would be a "mechanism for representation of home buyers in the CoC". Citing an example, he said that in accounting standard, if the real estate developer has recognised revenue based on percentage completion means he has passed on control to the extent of recognition to the home buyer concerned. So it is a secured financial creditor, he added. With respect to MSMEs, the government said a promoter of such an entity would not be disqualified from bidding under the insolvency law provided it is not a wilful defaulter and does not attract other disqualifications not related to default. Financial Services Secretary Rajiv Kumar said the ordinance would allow MSME promoters to bid for their own unit as an exception to related party under Section 29 (A), which pertains to disqualifications of bidders. The ordinance also lays down a strict procedure for withdrawal of a case by an applicant after admission under the Code. "Such withdrawal would be permissible only with the approval of the CoC with 90 per cent of the voting share. Furthermore, such withdrawal will only be permissible before publication of notice inviting Expressions of Interest (EoI)," the release said. In efforts to encourage resolution rather than liquidation, the voting threshold for approval has been reduced to 66 per cent from 75 per cent for all major decisions such as approval of resolution plan and extension of CIRP period, among others. To facilitate the corporate debtor to continue as a going concern during CIRP, the voting threshold for routine decisions has been reduced to 51 per cent. Besides, the ordinance provides for a mechanism to allow participation of security holders, deposit holders and all other classes of financial creditors beyond a certain number to attend the CoC meetings through authorised representations. "Taking into account the wide range of disqualifications contained in Section 29(A) of the Code, the ordinance provides that the resolution applicant shall submit an affidavit certifying its eligibility to bid. This places the primary onus on the resolution applicant to certify its eligibility," the release said. With the amendments, pure play financial entities would be exempt under the provision from being disqualified on account of non-performing assets (NPAs). "Similarly, a resolution applicant holding an NPA by virtue of acquiring it in the past under the IBC, 2016, has been provided with a three-year cooling-off period, from the date of such acquisition. In other words, such NPA shall not disqualify the resolution application during...the three-year grace period," it added. Among others, the successful resolution applicant would have at least one-year grace period to fulfill various statutory obligations required under different laws. The government has also introduced a schedule in the code where different Acts that would be relevant for disqualification of a bidder are mentioned. After a conviction, the entity concerned would have to undergo a two-year cooling-off period before becoming eligible for bidding under the insolvency law. Other changes in the Code include non-applicability of moratorium period to enforcement of guarantee and liberalising conditions of interim finance for corporate debtor during resolution period. Further, the requirement of special resolution for corporate debtors to trigger insolvency resolution on their own has been introduced, as per the release. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) would have a specific development role along with powers to levy fee in respect of services rendered, the release said. 'There is too much pressure on being perfect, so I like the fact that I have an incomplete painting in my home.' 'That represents the chaos of Mumbai and also represents the fact that I am also a work-in-progress, far from being completed.' All Photographs and Video: Hitesh Harisinghani/ Rediff.com Yari Road, north west Mumbai, is home to Bollywood's brat pack. Tillotama Shome, who moved to Mumbai in 2011 to revive her acting career -- which began with Mira Nair's Monsoon Wedding in 2001, where she played a charming maid named Alice -- chose the crowded avenue by the sea to set up home. After moving a couple of times, she finally settled down in her present home six years ago, which she shares with her businessman husband Kunal Ross, whose mother, by the way, is Jaya Bachchan's sister. Tillotama made her debut at Cannes last month, promoting her films, Rohena Gera's Sir, where she plays the female lead, and Nandita Das's Manto. Rediff.com's Patcy N and Hitesh Harisinghani shoot the breeze with Tillotama at her charming (an adjective that gets used a lot around her) home. Tillotama lives in a "clutter-free" home, beautifully decorated with vintage furniture which belonged to her grandfather. "Two pieces of furniture have been in our house for a long time. They are made of Burma teak," Tillotama says, referring to a chest of drawers and a study table. "When I moved to Mumbai, I didn't know anybody here. So I asked my mother if she would send me these things to give me a sense of home." A painting created by Neha Roy, Tillotama's sister-in-law, from the time she lived with Kunal and Tillotama. "It's her experience of Mumbai," Tillotama says. "She got Vivek Gomber, my co-star in Sir, to sit for this painting, as she needed the form of a man. After some time, Vivek said, 'I can't sit any more', so that part of the painting remained incomplete. I like the painting the way it is." "There is too much pressure on being perfect, so I like the fact that I have an incomplete painting in my home. That represents the chaos of Mumbai and also represents the fact that I am also a work-in-progress, far from being completed." "My husband's coffee machine came in this box, and we made it into a makeshift table!" she exclaims. "It can be opened from all sides. You can turn it upside down and it will still function." "I met Kunal at my cousin's house. I saw honesty in his eyes. He was really funny. After that, he left for Dubai, since he was based there." "Within six months, he left Dubai and came back here. We have been together for eight years. Kunal was in advertising before. Now, he has started a coffee business, IndianBean.com." "My life as an actor is so uncertain and unpredictable, my work is so unscheduled... But with Kunal, I found someone extremely independent and secure." "With him, I can really be myself. I am a very serious and intense girl while Kunal is a laugh-a-minute person," she adds. "I didn't know Kunal was related to the Bachchans. His friends told me and when I asked him about it, he said he didn't think it was important to mention it. He's very unique," she says, with that charming Tillotama smile. "I met them later. I really admire Mrs Jaya Bachchan. She has been wonderfully supportive even though we never discuss work." "When I was nominated for the Filmfare Awards for the first time (in the Supporting Actress category for her work in A Death In The Gunj), she called all the female nominees for a meal at her home. It was such a wonderful gesture!" "There were actors like Seema Pahwa -- I had worked with her in Chintu Ka Birthday -- Konkona Sen Sharma, Swara Bhasker, Vidya Balan and Meher Vij. It was wonderful that she brought all of us together so that we could celebrate our unique journey." 'Why has the rhetoric gone down on the Indian side, Durrani wondered aloud.' 'I said because almost total normalcy and peace had returned on the ground in Kashmir,' recalls Shekhar Gupta. 'The general gave me that career spook's laser look. And he said: "That situation on the ground can change in no time".' 'This was precisely when the Pakistanis began their first incursions into Kargil.' 'Durrani had been retired for five years.' 'But once the ISI boss, you are always in the know.' Illustration: Rediff.com/Uttam Ghosh It is a much spoken truism that there is honour among thieves. But is there honour among spies too? The history of espionage is filled with evidence that such things can and do happen more often than we would think, even during the Cold War. Rival antagonists meet, talk, develop mutual respect and do sometimes display personal affection as well. The reason we explore this unusual area is that of late the Indian and Pakistani media have been abuzz over revelations in a commendable joint effort by former spy chiefs of the two sides, former Research and Analysis Wing chief A S Dulat and former Inter-Services Intelligence boss Asad Durrani, who served in different periods. The anchor of these remarkable conversations is journalist Aditya Sinha. It is known that the spy chiefs (or national security advisors) of the two countries at various points meet secretly at distant places (Thailand is convenient). In this book (The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace) there is the touching story of how RAW helped Asad Durrani's son caught by the Bombay police at the airport for a visa violation and they never even let it be known that he was a former ISI chief's son. Durrani had long retired by then. But he had his 'goodwill' with Dulat, who spoke to then RAW chief Rajinder Khanna. There were secret conversations even while some of our spy chiefs were in service. Not long before he passed away, Anand Verma, director of RAW under Rajiv Gandhi, made stunning revelations in an op-ed in The Hindu of his secret negotiations with the notorious Lieutenant General Hamid Gul, then ISI chief. In negotiations, mostly conducted overseas, and later on public phone lines using code words and signals, he said they came close to settling the Siachen dispute and also de-escalating Kashmir. He also revealed that to build confidence, Gul handed over to India, in a covert operation, four soldiers of Sikh units who had deserted in the mutinies following Operation Blue Star in 1984 and defected to Pakistan. The process, he wrote, was initiated by Pakistan and had the blessing of Rajiv Gandhi and General Zia-ul Haq. He wrote that for the first meeting Rajiv sought the good offices of then crown prince Hassan of Jordan. He was a personal friend of Rajiv's (remember the controversy then of India allowing traffic rights to Royal Jordanian Airlines and the prince gifting Rajiv a fancy car). Hassan had great goodwill in Pakistan too (his wife was of Pakistani origin). This stopped because Zia was assassinated. Verma suspected his assassination may have had something to do with his own army commanders' disapproval of his peacemaking. And the only civilian at the other end, then former foreign secretary Niaz Naik (we had known him well as Pakistan's high commissioner to New Delhi), was also found dead in mysterious circumstances in the course of time. It all adds up to a neat conspiracy theory. Certainly, Verma, a very cautious and understated spook as most Indians of the pre-Dulat/Raman generation were, waited nearly three decades to make this revelation. He was also evidently provoked by Gul's death then. I do believe Verma to have been truthful in his recollections. I attended a series of such Track-II meetings. One of these, called the Balusa Group, also had one round hosted by Prince Hassan in Amman. It included one former Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal S K Kaul, his brother and former Cabinet secretary and India's ambassador to the US P K Kaul, occasionally Lieutenant General Satish Nambiar, former Pakistani army vice-chief General K M Arif, and top industrialist Babar Ali (he hosted one session in Lahore at Pakistan's finest management institute, LUMS, that he had helped set up). Of course, one of the most sincere members of the group was retired Major General Mahmud Durrani (no relation of Asad), by far the most sensible, pacifist and soldier-like Pakistani general you've ever met. No surprise that commando-comic Pakistani commentators gave him the pejorative 'General Shanti'. Later, in 2008, as Pakistan's national security advisor, he showed the moral courage and honesty to admit that Ajmal Kasab was a Pakistani and there was no point denying that fact. He paid for it with his job. That he was a Pakistani patriot, and a tough soldier, nobody could doubt. He fought India as a young tank commander in defence of the Sialkot sector, particularly the viciously contested battles of Philora and Chawinda where India's strike corps, led by 1 Armoured Division, advanced. At one of the Balusa meetings at Lake Bellagio in Italy on a long evening walk, he recounted to us his story of 1965. It was a mindless slugfest, he said, as generals on both sides lacked tactical dash or initiative. Except in one case. He said the only truly brilliant and audacious tactical move from "your side" was made by Lieutenant Colonel A B Tarapore, who led his regiment in assault, but was killed in artillery shelling. Colonel Tarapore was awarded one of the two Param Vir Chakras of that war. Mahmud Durrani had found Tarapore's body and still held him in fellow cavalry man's respect. There was much talk then of India having escaped a 'near thing' not once but twice in 1987-1988. Except that the first was a war, during Brasstacks in 1987, and the second, peace in 1988. It was 'common knowledge', though never officially stated or confirmed by any of the players, that a Siachen deal was almost clinched -- again mostly through these behind-the-scenes, 'spooky' contacts. This is why this mood had turned so dramatically from war to peace and then the status quo. I do agree with the suggestion Verma made then that the Pakistani Deep State got rid of Zia because he was seen becoming soft. But I also believe that rather than a peacenik-come-lately, Gul was more likely part of that plot. A president and military dictator was killed under Gul's watch as ISI chief and he continued in that job for a year afterwards, removed by Benazir Bhutto. Not fired, just moved to command a vital corps in Multan. Later he became a lifelong freelance jihadi. MUST READ: The day Zia died Postscript: I first met Lieutenant General Asad Durrani at a Track-2 type India-Pakistan conference organised in the Maldives' Kurumba Village Resort (near Male) by the reputed, London-based International Institute of Strategic Studies. It was the winter of 1998 and it seemed as if some calm had returned to India-Pakistan relations under Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Nawaz Sharif. Why has the rhetoric gone down so dramatically on the Indian side, Durrani wondered aloud. I said, because almost total normalcy and peace had returned on the ground in Kashmir. I saw the general look up, forehead creased, and give me that career spook's laser look. And he said: "That situation on the ground can change in no time." This was precisely when the Pakistanis began their first incursions into Kargil. Six months later, and exactly 19 years to date, the two armies were fighting there. Durrani had been retired for five years. But once the ISI boss, you are always in the know. By Special Arrangement with The Print 'The army cannot restrict civilians arbitrarily. It is not dadagiri.' Disquiet has been brewing in military circles over the defence ministry's decision to permit civilian access to closed roads in military cantonment areas across the country. The decision followed a meeting Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held on May 4 with members of Parliament and officials of the 62 cantonment boards in the country. Present at the meeting were senior defence ministry officials and those from army headquarters and the directorate general of defence estates. Several MPs had represented to Sitharaman that the general public was being greatly inconvenienced by the lack of access to the roads in cantonment areas. Following the meeting, Sitharaman ordered that all closed roads across the country be reopened immediately, except in four cantonments -- Badami Bagh in Srinagar, Satwari road in Jammu, and in Kannur and Delhi. Subsequently, on May 21, army headquarters ordered that 'all barriers, check-posts and roadblocks will be removed, and vehicles will not be stopped or checked.' But the move has met with stiff opposition and anger from many serving and retired military personnel. The wives of army officers too joined the fray, pointing out that the move posed a huge security risk to defence families living in the cantonment areas. They have launched a signature campaign against the decision. On Tuesday, June 5, Sitharaman asserted that army chief General Bipin Rawat and other senior officers had been consulted before the government allowed civilian access to roads in military cantonments across the country. The minister, PTI reported, was speaking against the backdrop of a country-wide signature campaign against the government decision launched by wives of army officers. Sitharaman said a total of 850 roads were closed in various cantonments, out of which 119 were blocked without following laid down procedures and now some of them have been opened. "119 roads were blocked without following laid down procedure. Out of them 80 roads have been opened while 24 are remaining closed. We have partially opened 15 roads," she said. "I met the wives of the armed forces personnel and heard their concerns which were largely about the security. I fully appreciate that," the minister said. "The order by the ministry of defence addresses traffic-related issues. Places where unit lines exist or where families of our servicemen are living, we are cautious about its security," Sitharaman said, adding, "If you (the army) decide to close roads based on intelligence input, you are welcome to do so. But follow due procedure." Vivek Tankha, the Congress from Jabalpur, has been in the forefront of the campaign to open roads in cantonment areas. "The army is ruining the life of civilians by not letting them use those roads," Tankha tells Rediff.com/Syed Firdaus Ashraf. Why did you demand civilian access to cantonment areas? Not to the entire cantonment area, only to civilian areas of the cantonment. There are civilians staying in those areas and these are public roads. We are not talking about army campuses as they can have their own security and that is not an issue. In Jabalapur, there is a Ridge Road which is very famous. It is a broad road in my town, which has been open to the public from time immemorial. There are civilian homes, a telecom training centre and other civilian establishments. There, the army put up a gate and started checking people's movement suddenly because somewhere down the road there is the GoC-in-C's (General Officer Commanding-in-Chief) residence. It is foolish. When did the army put up this gate? Three or four years ago. People went to the high court. The high court intervened and said it is a public road, which even the judges use. There are instances when one GoC-in-C comes in and decides to closes the road. The army cannot do this, this is democracy. There is no security issue on this road. Security concerns are only with the army campus, which are totally different areas. But the GoC may feel insecure. Terrorists could enter the location if the road is open to the public, isn't it? The GoC's residence is 500 metres inside (the cantonment). There are 'N' number of gates to cross before you reach his house. It is foolish to feel insecure, believe me. Except arrogance, this is nothing else. Why is the army saying if these roads are opened to civilians, it will lead to traffic jams? An army cantonment has two parts. First, there is the army estate and army area, which is their area. Second, there is a civilian extension area. In a civilian area, the army cannot restrict civilians arbitrarily. It is not dadagiri. The message going out is that politicians want access to army cantonment areas. You go and check. There are civilian areas in cantonments. We are not talking about the army campus. No one wants to touch that. That is a gated property. Now even civilians have gated property. I feel it is an exaggerated protest. From the army? From some people, as the army does not do such things officially. The army wives association says they will feel insecure if civilians are given access to army areas. The particular reasons for which they feel insecure should be addressed. This cannot be a general rule. Army areas can have restrictions, but not where you have civilians living. Those are civilian roads, in fact. What if, god forbid, something like the Kaluchak or Pathankot terror attacks happens? In Pathankot, terrorists entered the campus. They entered the fortified gate. It had nothing to do with the roads. Is there a demand from the public that they need access to these army roads or are you saying all this by yourself? Everywhere (in India) there is a demand. Lakhs of people are demanding to open the roads. The army is ruining the life of civilians by not letting them use those roads. How many such roads are there in India? I am talking of my city, Jabalpur. Please go and see Ridge Road. From my childhood, I have been travelling on that road. Now they are telling us that the GoC will be attacked. Till date, no GoC has been attacked. There are hundreds of (army) officers all over Jabalpur. Will all of them be attacked or what? This is nonsense. What did you do when the army closed the Ridge Road in Jabalpur? Did you meet the GoC? They said nothing. Even the high court told them to open the road. They assured that they will keep the road open, but they stop and check every car that passes. It is a public road and hundreds of cars pass. It is a normal road which goes to Jabalpur University. It is a (daily) nuisance when the fact is that there is no (army) installations. Voices on social media claim that the politicians want to grab army roads. Is it so? I feel at some places they (the army) may be right, but I am talking of my city, Jabalpur. Many MPs objected to army roads obstructing civilian life. Around 40 MPs objected. Everybody was saying the same thing about their cities. Is it true that as cities grow larger, the respective city governments want access to army roads as they are unable to handle the pressure of large population movement? In 1958, around 20,000 civilians lived in the Jabalpur cantonment area. Today more than 1.5 lakh civilians live there. What can the army do if the population of cities is increasing? That is why the entire cantonment area cannot be designated as an army area. There would be a portion which will be a civilian area. This problem can be solved by discussions and talking to the authorities. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said earlier this year that Indian Navy officers will not get 'even an inch for housing' in south Mumbai. There is no hard and fast rule on this. It all depends on necessity. he naval dockyard has to be in Mumbai. Naval presence will be there in Mumbai. One cannot say the Indian Navy should be out of Mumbai. The message that goes out is that politicians are being harsh on the army while soldiers keep India secure. They should have been selective in their approach. Each road should be judged on its merit. If I was the authority, I would say if there is no threat, let us open the road to everybody. I agree there are security issues in places like Nagrota (Jammu and Kashmir) and in the border areas, but you cannot say there is a security issue on Mumbai's Marine Drive and close it. Kindly note that the image has been posted only for representational purposes. The Pune Police on Wednesday arrested five people allegedly having close Maoist links, including prominent Dalit activist Sudhir Dhawale, from Mumbai, Nagpur and Delhi in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence on January 1. According to sources in the Pune Police, Dhawale was arrested from his house in Mumbai, lawyer Surendra Gadling, activist Mahesh Raut and Shoma Sen were picked up from Nagpur and Rona Wilson was arrested from his flat in Munirka in Delhi in simultaneous raids on Wednesday morning. Dhawale was one of the organisers of Elgar Parishad, organised to commemorate 200 years of the Koregaon Bhima battle on December 31 at Shaniwarwada. Kabir Kala Manch activists had allegedly made provocative speeches leading to violence at Koregaon Bhima in the district, according to an FIR registered at Vishrambaug police station after the event. Sudhir Dhawale is a Dalit activist and editor of Marathi magazine Vidrohi while Surendra Gadling, a Nagpur based lawyer, also known as a Dalit and tribal activist, provides legal aids to those who arrested for Maoist links, police said. Shoma Sen is a professor at Nagpur University and her husband Tushar Kranti Bhattacharya was arrested from Nagpur station for his alleged Naxal links in 2010. Mahesh Raut is a former Prime Minister Rural Development fellow and said to have close Maoist links. Rona Wilson, 47, a native of Kerala, is currently based in Delhi and associated with for Committee for Release of Political Prisoners. "We have arrested five people in connection with Bhima Koregaon violence. All five have close Maoist links and prima facie, their involvement is being seen in the matter. It is to be investigated whether they instigated the violence," joint commissioner of police, Pune Police, Ravindra Kadam, said. He said there were possibilities of additional arrests in the case. "We are also evoking relevant sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act," he said. He said the latest developments took place after the detailed investigation of the case registered at Vishrambaug police station. The event (Elgar Parishad) was attended by Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani, Jawaharlal Nehru Univeristy student leader Umar Khalid, Rohit Vemula's mother Radhika Vemula, and Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh president Prakash Ambedkar. Shaniwarwada, a historical fortification in the city, had remained the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha empire until 1818. The complaint against the KKM members was lodged by one Tushar Damgude. The FIR was registered against Sudhir Dhawale, Sagar Gorkhe, Harshali Potdar, Ramesh Gaychor, Deepak Dengle and Jyoti Jagtap, a police official said. The complainant had alleged that the "provocative" speeches and presentations made during the entire programme "promoted" enmity between two groups. The complaint also had stated that the "inciting speeches and presentations" led to the violence. One person was killed in the caste violence between two groups near Sanaswadi, adjacent to Koregaon Bhima. The violence led to the statewide Dalit agitation. The mobs had damaged and torched several vehicles and shops on New Year's day and the houses of local residents were also ransacked. The Pune Police had registered a case against Hindutwa leader Milind Ekbote and another right-wing leader Sambhaji Bhide. Ekbote had already been arrested in the case. Bhide and Ekbote are accused of orchestrating the violence. A case against the members of the Kabir Kala Manch was registered under sections 153(a), 505(1)(b) and 117 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. IMAGE: Former finance minister P Chidambaram arrives for questioning in the Aircel-Maxix case at CBI headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo Former finance minister P Chidambaram was questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation for nearly four hours on Wednesday in connection with alleged irregularities in clearances to foreign investments in INX media during his tenure. The agency has alleged irregularities in the clearance of foreign investment in INX media, a venture promoted by former media baron Peter Mukerjea and his wife Indrani, both probed by the CBI in connection with the murder of their daughter Sheena Bora, sources said. After coming out of CBI headquarters in New Delhi, Chidambaram said he had appeared before the CBI and the first information report did not contain any allegations against him. 'Questions and answers were based on the files of FIPB. Hence there was little to add to the record,' the Congress leader said on Twitter. Sources said he was questioned as a suspect. The sources said Chidambaram was asked to appear under Section 41(A) of the Code of Criminal Procedure wherein a police officer can call a person, whose arrest is not required, and against whom a reasonable complaint has been made, or credible information has been received, or a reasonable suspicion exists that he has committed a cognizable offence, to appear before him or at such other place as may be specified in the notice. Chidambaram's alleged role has come under the scanner of investigating agencies in connection with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance of Rs 305 crore given to INX media. The CBI had registered an FIR on May 15 last year for alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the finance minister during the UPA-I government. Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram was also arrested in the case for allegedly receiving funds to the tune of Rs 10 lakh. The other accused in the case include then INX media director Indrani Mukerjea and the then INX news director, Peter Mukerjea, both in jail in the murder case of 24-year-old Sheena Bora, who was Indrani's daughter from previous marriage. In another development, the Madras high court on Wednesday stayed the Income Tax Department's notices issued to Chidambaram seeking reopening of assessment of his I-T returns for 2011-12 as it suspected that his income chargeable to tax had escaped assessment. Hearing a petition by Chidambaram, Justice T S Sivagnanam granted the interim stay on the proceedings pursuant to the notices dated March 27, 2018 and May 23, 2018 issued by the Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax, Chennai, for re-opening the assessment. Directing the I-T authorities to file their counter within six weeks, the Judge posted the matter to July 16 for further hearing. The judge had quashed similar I-T notices issued to Chidambaram pertaining to the assessment years 2009-10 and 2010-11 in November last year and January this year. When the current petition came up for hearing, Justice Sivagnanam noted that the factual issue was identical to that of the earlier assessment years. On the issue of reopening of assessment for 2009-10 and 2010-11, the court was convinced that it was not justified and had quashed the notices allowing the Congress leader's plea. The judge on Wednesday noted that though the I-T department had filed appeals against the orders quashing the notices, they had not yet been stayed by the division bench hearing them. "Therefore this court is of the view that the present impugned proceedings shall remain stayed till the department obtained orders from the first bench, hearing the appeals," Justice Sivagnanam said. Chidambaram in his petition submitted that he had been selling raw coffee grown in his estate in Karnataka without curing and has been claiming exemption of the sale proceeds as agricultural income. Accordingly, for the assessment year 2011-12, he had claimed exemption of Rs 43.37 lakh as agricultural income under section 10(1) of Income Tax Act. However, the I-T department issued a notice dated March 27, 2018 under section 148 of the Income Tax Act stating that it had reason to believe that income chargeable to tax for the AY 2011-12 had escaped assessment. After a communication by his Charted Accountant, the department by a letter dated May 23 last gave the reasons for the reassessment, he said. Contending that the reassessment notice was illegal and without jurisdiction, Chidambaram prayed the court to quash it. The army on Wednesday foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Macchil sector of Jammu and Kashmir, killing three terrorists. Troops noticed suspicious movement along the LoC in Macchil sector in Kupwara district and challenged the infiltrators, an army official said. Three insurgents were killed in the ensuing gunfight, he said, adding search operations were on in the area. On Tuesday, terrorists hurled grenades at an army camp adjacent to the Hajjan police station in north Kashmir's Bandipora district. The terrorists lobbed the grenades using underbarrel grenade launchers at the camp of the 30 Rashtriya Rifles of the Army around 8.30 pm, they said. Four to six came from two sides of the camp of 13 Rashtriya Rifles and Hajin police station and fired around 8 UBGls towards army and police, news agency ANI reported. Photograph: ANI IMAGE: Former president Pranab Mukherjee arrives at Nagpur Airport, in Maharashtra on Wednesday. Photograph: PTI Photo Former President Pranab Mukherjee arrived in Nagpur on Wednesday to attend on Thursday a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh event which has generated a lot of interest and controversy over the last few days. Mukherjee, who had been in the Congress for most of his political career and had been slamming the RSS, will attend the valedictory function of the 'Sangh Shiksha Varg' in Nagpur, the headquarters of the Sangh fountainhead. Mukherjee accepting the invite from the RSS has generated a lot of interest as well as controversy, with Congress leaders urging him not to attend the event in the 'interest of secularism'. Despite the reservations expressed by the Congress leaders, Mukherjee is going ahead to attend the event. Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has said that since Mukherjee has accepted the invitation, he should go and tell the RSS 'what is wrong' in their ideology. Ramesh Chennithala, a senior Congress leader from Kerala, last week sent a letter to Mukherjee, requesting him to refrain from attending the event. Chennithala, also leader of the opposition in Kerala assembly, had said Mukherjee's decision had come as a 'rude shock' to the secular minds of the country. On Wednesday, the former president's daughter and Congress leader Sharmistha Mukherjee disapproved of his decision, saying he was giving the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Sangh a handle to plant false stories, as his 'speech will be forgotten' but the 'visuals will remain'. Taking to Twitter, she hoped the former president would realise how the BJP's 'dirty tricks department' works and said that with his visit, he was giving the BJP and RSS 'full handle to plant false stories'. She also warned her father of the consequences of attending such a meet. Her outburst came soon after rumours about her joining the BJP cropped up ahead of Mukherjee's visit to Nagpur. She dismissed such 'rumours' of her joining the BJP as 'false' and alleged they were the handiwork of BJP's 'dirty tricks department'. She said she would rather leave politics than quit the Congress. 'Hope @CitiznMukherjee now realises from todays' incident, how BJP dirty tricks dept operates. Even RSS wouldn't believe that u r going 2 endorse its views in ur speech. But the speech will be forgotten, visuals will remain & those will be circulated with fake statements. '@CitiznMukherjee By going 2 Nagpur, u r giving BJP/RSS full handle 2 plant false stories, spread falls rumours as 2day & making it somewhat believable. And this is just d beginning (sic)!' she said on Twitter. The former president's official Twitter handle is @CitiznMukherjee. Mukherjee would be visiting the RSS headquarters on Thursday and would address a function there. McFarland, WI -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/06/2018 --Whether it is in a residential setup or a commercial one, it cannot be denied that windows play a distinctive role in the structural integrity of the property as well as enhancing its beauty too. It is true that without doors and windows a house will appear quite incomplete. There are instances, however, when the loveable window turns a problem. The solution then will not be to remove the window but opt for window tinting in Fitchburg and Janesville Wisconsin. Window tinting is a great option to let the window be in place while enjoying the beautiful outdoors and also maintain one's privacy. Kool View is one company that sells and installs Llumar window film for residential and commercial window applications. They carry out the installations with care and maintain professionalism. The LLumar window film greatly enhances the energy efficiency, look, and functionality of the windows. This results in lower utility bills, improved comfort, added privacy, and greater protection against the unexpected. Kool View has maintained a good track record of installing high-quality window tinting throughout homes and commercial properties. They score over the standard specialty glass that does not help in bringing down the energy costs in any way. LLumar window film is available in a range of finishes, patterns, and colors offering stylish, effective privacy without sacrificing natural light or on the budget. The window tinting also helps in keeping the harmful UV rays of the sun from streaming in and ruining the antiques, works of art and fabrics. As far as cost is concerned, Etched glass is costly to install and difficult to maintain. LLumar decorative window films replicate the look and feel of etched glass at a fraction of the cost, and can be wiped clean with conventional glass cleaners. The company is also the best place to source replacement windows in Janesville and Madison Wisconsin. Call the local number at 608-222-7777 for more details. About Kool View Kool View is a well known company offering a wide range of solutions in replacement windows, basements, Sunrooms, pergolas, awnings and more. They also excel in offering window tinting in Fitchburg and Janesville Wisconsin. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Image credit: JCK Thirty eight Indian gem and jewellery exporters participated under India Pavilion organized by The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) for the 15th consecutive year at the jewellery event in JCK Las Vegas.The event held from 1st to 4th June 2018, at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV, also combined networking events and complimentary education sessions and also display of Indian industrys finished jewelry, gems, and timepieces.Pramod Agrawal, Chairman, GJEPC, said, JCK Las Vegas is a significant platform for India to further strengthen its network and improve its exports to the USA. It is also an opportunity for Indian exporters to understand the trends in the market which helps them to come back every year with a wide variety of products for the buyers here. With top manufacturers participating at India Pavilion, I am sure buyers will get to see products of the highest quality including loose diamonds, loose coloured gemstones, plain gold jewellery as well as diamond and coloured stone studded jewellery.The India Pavilion was spread across 63 booths, strategically located at the Diamond Plaza and the Passport Location. The top Indian manufacturers & retailers exhibited a scintillating array of diamonds, gems & jewellery developed especially for the visitors of the JCK LV show. Zim drops requirement for foreign mines to list locally report 06 june 2018 News Zimbabwe's Parliament has passed amendments to the mining bill, which dropped clauses that forced foreign mining companies to list locally, according to Reuters citing an official record of Parliament's debates. New mines minister Winston Chitando had last month promised to get rid of the requirements, which he said caused anxiety among foreign mining firms. The amendments to the mining bill paved way for the mines minister, after consulting with the president, to designate any mineral as strategic if "it would be in the interests of the development of the mining industry." Designating a mineral as strategic would grant the government greater control over mining of that mineral, according to Reuters. The mining bill will also officially recognise small-scale miners, who produce more than 40 percent of Zimbabwe's gold output. Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished Suzanne Silverman has joined the New York City office of Denver-based Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell LLP as a partner. She will be part of the firms Rail, Transit, Highways, and Infrastructure practice group, working with Adam Giuliano, an attorney involved in leading the KK&Rs public-private partnership (P3) and alternative project delivery practice group. Silverman, an accomplished attorney in the public transportation and infrastructure field, was from 2011 through 2018 a Senior Director in New Jersey Transit Corp.s Capital Planning and Programs department. She represented NJT as a New Jersey Deputy Attorney General from 1993 through 2011. During her time with NJT, she worked on the Gateway Program, the Access to the Regions Core (ARC) Tunnel Project, the Hudson Bergen Light Rail Transit System, the Newark Interational Airport Station Project, and other matters related to the Northeast Corridor. At KK&R, Silverman focuses on resolving transactional and regulatory issues related to railroad, transit and other infrastructure projects. She also brings substantial expertise in real estate, joint development projects, and railroad negotiations. Silverman has experience negotiating all aspects of railroad and light rail projects and assembling right-of-way for new commuter and light rail service expansions, as well as new stations and related facilities. Her expertise includes negotiating and drafting joint development, utility relocation, operating, design, construction, force account, cost and risk allocation, jurisdictional and shared-use agreements. Silverman is experienced with the procurement of major transit projects using a variety of models, including design-build, as well as with FTA funding applications, KK&R noted. She also has extensive experience negotiating and addressing daily interactions between transit systems and the railroads who own or share corridors with fixed-guideway transit systems. Her work brings her into frequent contact with federal regulators and grant-making agencies, including the FTA and the FRA, along with other significant public agencies such as the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. We are delighted to add Suzannes breadth and depth of knowledge and experience in dealing with every aspect of the major projects and negotiations that lie at the core of every transit agencys daily operations and interactions with operating partners and regulators, said KK&R Managing Partner John Putnam. Her wealth of experience and her comprehensive understanding of the inner workings of the types of public agencies we are privileged to serve will provide a valuable asset to meet our public sector agency clients needs. Giuliano established KK&Rs New York location in January 2017. Attorney and civil engineer Emily Eads. joined him on the New York office in late 2017. KK&Rs practice involves the development and operation of some of the largest and most sophisticated infrastructure projects around the country, including highways, urban transit systems, railroad, airports, public facilities, energy generation,and urban development. The 27-attorney firmheadquartered in Denveralso has offices in Boston and Washington, DC. CTDOT A bridge project that will support work performed as part of the Walk Bridge Program in Connecticut will begin in mid-June. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will start the first half of the Ann Street Railroad Bridge superstructure replacement during the weekends of June 8-10 and June 15-17. The bridge hosts Metro-North New Haven Line trains. The Ann Street Bridge currently carries two railroad tracks. The renewed bridge will carry a third track to provide train storage. Officials explain that during the first phase of the bridge replacement, crews will install a temporary support of excavation. Once the support of excavation is in place, crews will remove four existing steel girders on the eastern half of the bridge. Metro-North and CTDOT say that once the superstructure is replaced, operations along the New Haven Line will improve. The replacement of the Ann Street Railroad Bridge supports the Danbury Branch Dockyard Project, which will enhance operations on the New Haven Line by providing a midline yard location where trains are stored and staged when not in use on the mainline. While the Danbury Branch Dockyard Project is independent of the Walk Bridge Replacement Project, it will improve dependability of operations on the mainline as well as minimize impacts to commuter rail services during construction of the new Walk Bridge. The Walk Railroad Bridge in Norwalk, Conn., is a 122-year-old bridge carrying Metro-North trains over the Norwalk River. That bridge is being replaced under the Walk Bridge Program, starting in 2019. Metro-North plans to take advantage of the work windows during the two June weekends by scheduling to weld track and cut brush along the Danbury Branch of the New Haven Line. Canadian stocks rose Tuesday along with crude oil prices which rebounded from 2-month lows. The TSX Composite Index was up 70 points to 16,122.25. Restaurant Brands (QSR.TO) Tim Horton is pulling back its US expansion after problems with franchises. Hudson's Bay Company (HBC.TO) says "every option is on the table" after the company reported disappointing first-quarter results. Rue La La has acquired Gilt Groupe from Hudson's Bay to create Rue Gilt Groupe. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. WTI light sweet crude oil was up 74 cents at $65.49 a barrel. Pipeline operator Enbridge (ENB.TO) scrapped new rules related to oil delivery. Activity in the U.S. service sector grew at a faster than expected rate in the month of May, according to a report released by the Institute for Supply Management on Tuesday. The ISM said its non-manufacturing index climbed to 58.6 in May from 56.8 in April, with a reading above 50 indicating growth in the service sector. Economists had expected the index to rise to 57.5. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis UnderArmour and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's signature shoe The Rock's Project Rock 1 shoes, which was launched on May 28, hit stores on Monday and sold out in 30 minutes. According to the company, the red, white and blue color scheme of the shoe is in honor of the nation's service men and women. The shoe is priced at $120. Under Armour will restock the shoes on June 28, which will be the global launch. "We like to think of Dwayne as our motivator of the masses," said Adrienne Lofton, senior vice president of global brand management at Under Armour. UnderArmour said Johnson took part in nearly every step of the 18-month process while the shoe was being developed. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Uniper SE announced that, despite the expected absence of some earnings streams, adverse currency-translation effects, and the late arrival of cold temperatures, after the first quarter all of the company's key figures are in line with its outlook. Uniper proposed to the Annual Shareholders Meeting that the company pay out a dividend of 271 million euros for the 2017 financial year, which corresponds to 0.74 euros per share. Also, Uniper Supervisory Board recommended rejection of special audit request. The Chairman, Bernhard Reutersberg, said: "In our view, there is no reason to support the request for a special audit. I am very satisfied with the work of our Management Board and have no reason to doubt the integrity of its actions. The Management Board has developed Uniper very successfully." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The Police in the Indian city of Thane, near Mumbai, have busted a multi-million cryptocurrency scam this week. The promoters of Money Trade Coin Ltd, which was floated last year, launched their own cyrptocurrency called the "Money Trade Coin (MTC)" and promised high returns, real estate, and foreign passports to investors. Around 5000 million rupees ($74 million) was raised through various schemes, but the company did not pay the promised sum to the investors, reports quoting the police said. At least 25,000 people are believed to have invested in the schemes, and cheated, Thane City Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh said at a press conference. Money Trade Coin on its website offers "a safer, more secure and superior alternative of storing wealth in the form of digital currency, to investors as well as commoners". But police say it is an international fraud, misleading investors with promises of high returns. It claims to be "an intellectual property jointly owned by Dubai based firm Bitcoin Global FZE, UAE, and Money Trade Coin Ltd, UK. Amit M. Lakhanpal is said to be the Director of Money Trade Coin Ltd, which is "one of the key members of Bitcoin Global FZE and MD of Flintstone Group, India." The police raided the company's premises in Thane and another office in Mumbai suburb of Vikhroli based on a complaint by a New Delhi-based businessman that he and his colleagues were not able to get a response from the company about their invested funds. Police say one person has been arrested in connection with the scam on Monday, while Lakhanpal may have fled India. Singh said that Lakhanpal's office showcased photos of him posing with leading political personalities, and that he may have invested in a Bollywood film featuring a super star. "Pal and his associates promised investors a 20-times return on investment within six months. But once the deadline passed, the company made several excused to not release the money," he told reporters. Money Trade Coin website says that all claims and legal claims are subject to UK adjudication, and will be challenged in the court of law in UK only, but police registered a case against the accused under various Indian Penal Code sections. Although not banned by law, cryptocurrency trading is under tight scrutiny and restrictions in India. The Reserve Bank of India has banned commercial banks from providing services to investors in digital currencies. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. Amnesty International has accused the US-led military coalition of committing war crimes and violating international humanitarian law by killing hundreds of civilians in indiscriminate bombing in their campaign to eliminate the Islamic State (IS) from the Syrian city of Raqqa last year. There is strong evidence that Coalition air and artillery strikes From 6 June to 17 October 2017 killed and injured thousands of civilians, including in disproportionate or indiscriminate attacks that violated international humanitarian law and are potential war crimes, the London-based human rights watchdog said in a new report released on the eve of the offensive's first anniversary. The attacks destroyed much of the city, Amnesty International said. The report was prepared after its researchers visited 42 Coalition air strike sites across the ruined city and interviewed 112 civilian residents who had survived the carnage and lost loved ones. The accounts detailed in the report, "War of annihilation": Devastating Toll on Civilians, Raqqa - Syria, leave gaping holes in the Coalition's insistence that their forces did enough to minimize civilian harm, according to Amnesty. "On the ground in Raqqa we witnessed a level of destruction comparable to anything we've seen in decades of covering the impact of wars, "said Donatella Rovera, Senior Crisis Response Adviser at Amnesty International. "What levelled the city and killed and injured so many civilians was the US-led Coalition's repeated use of explosive weapons in populated areas where they knew civilians were trapped, she added. US, British and French Coalition forces carried out tens of thousands of air strikes and US forces admitted to firing 30,000 artillery rounds during the offensive on Raqqa, Amnesty says. It blamed US forces for more than 90 percent of the air strikes. "Raqqa's civilians are returning home to ruins, pulling loved ones out of rubble, and facing death or injury from mines, IEDs and unexploded ordnance. The Coalition's refusal to acknowledge its role in creating this catastrophic situation adds insult to injury," said Benjamin Walsby, Middle East Researcher at Amnesty International. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority has asked Volkswagen AG's (VKW.L,VLKAF.PK, VOW.BE) Audi to recall 60,000 diesel-engined cars worldwide over the alleged use of an illicit emissions-control device. The authority, known as KBA, said Wednesday that it asked Audi to recall the affected vehicles--A6 and A7 models with 3.0-liter Euro 6 diesel engines--after finding a so-called "defeat device" that controls nitrogen-oxide emissions. KBA said it is coordinating its course of action with authorities in Luxembourg, where the affected vehicles had received their type approval. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News A White House communications aide, who evoked widespread criticism over a derisive comment she made about Senator John McCain's cancer diagnosis during an internal meeting, has quit. "Kelly Sadler is no longer employed within the Executive Office of the President," White House spokesman Raj Shah said in a statement on Tuesday. At a closed-door White House meeting of about two-dozen communications staffers last month regarding Gina Haspel's confirmation by the Senate as CIA director, White House Special Assistant Kelly Sadler reportedly said, "It doesn't matter, he's dying anyway." Sadler was referring to McCain's opposition to President Donald Trump's nominee for CIA director. McCain had urged the Senate to reject the nomination, citing Gina's refusal in testimony before Senate Intelligence Committee to acknowledge "torture's immorality." CNN had quoted a White House official as saying that Sadler meant the comment as a joke but that it flopped. Gina, who is currently CIA Director, struggled at her confirmation hearing to clarify what she would do if the president ordered her to reintroduce the water-boarding of terrorist suspects. Apparently hurt by the White House official's comment, McCain's wife Cindy took to Twitter addressing Sadler: "May I remind you my husband has a family, 7 children and 5 grandchildren." Sadler reportedly called the senior Republican Senator's daughter, Meghan McCain, to apologize. A conservative commentator on ABC's popular morning talk show "The View," Meghan said that the White House aide should lose her job. McCain was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a very aggressive brain cancer, in July last year. Doctors say he is responding positively to ongoing treatment, but the Arizona lawmaker has been conspicuously absent from the Senate. McCain, who was re-elected to his sixth term in the Senate in 2016, served as an aviator in the US navy before entering . The 81-year-old Vietnam War veteran was almost killed in the 1967 USS Forrestal fire. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News The European traded in positive territory for much of Wednesday's session, but pared their gains in the afternoon. The early struggles on Wall Street played a role in the late weakness, as well as concerns that big spending plans and other changes proposed by the new coalition government in Italy will increase the country's debt burden. The European Central Bank will also reportedly begin discussing winding down its bond-buying program when it meets next week in Latvia. The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index weakened by 0.80 percent. The Euro Stoxx 50 index of eurozone blue chip stocks increased 0.11 percent, while the Stoxx Europe 50 index, which includes some major U.K. companies, lost 1.10 percent. The DAX of Germany climbed 0.34 percent, but the CAC of France fell 0.06 percent. The FTSE 100 of the U.K. gained 0.33 percent and the SMI of Switzerland finished higher by 0.08 percent. In Frankfurt, Deutsche Lufthansa gained 0.13 percent. The airline has offered its shareholders the option of receiving their dividend of 0.80 euros per share in the form of new shares in the company. Shares of Duerr AG jumped 1.85 percent. The company announced that it is taking over the industrial environmental of US Company Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. In Paris, Thales slid 0.28 percent. The defense electronics group said it expects organic sales growth of 3 percent to 5 percent on average over the 2018-2021 period, with each operating segment expected to outperform its market. In London, Smurfit Kappa Group rallied 0.55 percent. The company said it remains excited about the Group's prospects in the short, medium and long-term after International Paper confirmed that it will not make a bid for the Irish company. WH Smith jumped 7.49 percent after it reported that, in the 13 week period from 1 March to 2 June 2018, total Group sales were up 4% with like-for-like sales up 1% compared to last year. Packaging group RPC Group sank 11.91 percent after reporting full-year results. Germany's construction sector activity expanded at the fastest pace in four months in May, survey data from IHS Markit showed Wednesday. The construction Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 53.9 in May from 50.9 in April. Any reading above 50 indicates expansion in the sector. Amid ongoing concerns about a global trade war, the Commerce Department released a report on Wednesday showing the U.S. trade deficit unexpectedly narrowed in the month of April. The Commerce Department said the trade deficit narrowed to $46.2 billion in April from a revised $47.2 billion in March. Economists had expected the deficit to come in unchanged compared to the $49.0 billion originally reported for the previous month. Labor productivity in the U.S. increased by less than previously estimated in the first quarter, according to a report released by the Labor Department on Wednesday. The report said labor productivity rose by 0.4 percent in the first quarter compared to the previously estimated 0.7 percent growth. Economists had expected the increase in productivity to be downwardly revised to 0.6 percent. Meanwhile, the rate of growth in unit labor costs in the first quarter was upwardly revised to 2.9 percent from 2.7 percent. The increase in costs had been expected to be revised to 2.8 percent. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Report: Yemeni army achieves great victories in battlefronts over 24 hours [06/June/2018] SANAA, June 6 (Saba) The Yemen army and popular have achieved great victories in the battlefronts against Saudi-led collation aggression soldiers and their mercenaries and destroyed 14 military vehicles over 24 hours, according to military reports combined by Saba News Agency on Wednesday. In Najran border province, an offensive operation was waged on Saudi-paid mercenaries in Moftah site in Talaa, killing and wounding dozens. Also in Najran, Katyusha rockets were fired toward gatherings of Saudi soldiers and mercenaries in Selh site, killing and wounding many. In Ajasher desert of Najran, the army and committees carried out an unique operation, killing and wounded dozens of the mercenaries and a military vehicle, loaded with mercenaries, was bombed by an explosive device. In Waawa mount of Najran, gatherings of Saudi soldiers and their mercenaries were shelled by artillery and a Saudi soldier was shot dead. In Yemens Jawf province, the army and committees repelled six of mercenaries advances toward Sabrain, Khalifain and Mahamisha areas in Khub-washaaf district. During repelling the militias advances in Khub-washaf district, dozens of the mercenaries were killed and wounded and ten military vehicles were destroyed. The army and committees targeted a military vehicle, killing all its crew in Utema front of Khub-washaf. Also in Jawf, a caliber-23 weapon of the mercenaries was destroyed and killed all its crew in Utema, while a large-scale offensive operation was carried out on mercenaries sites in Mazwia front of Mutun district, killing 14 of them, including leaders, and injuring dozens. Also in Mazwia district of Jawf, the army controlled of Ariq-Mazwia and Bit-Mahashm areas, and surrounded Al-Ubaid village during the large operation in the front of Mazwia. In Hajjah province, engineering unit of the army and committees destroyed two military vehicles, loaded with mercenaries, with explosive devices in the north of Medi desert, killing and wounding many of the mercenaries. In lahj province, artillery and missile forces of the army and popular committees shelled gatherings of Saudi-paid mercenaries in Huwaimi front in Karsh district. The army and committees repelled an infiltration of the militias in Shuraija area in Karsh, killing and wounding dozens. Written by Sameera Hassn Saba By SA Commercial Prop News Ari Jacobson: co-founder and CEO of Vividend Income Fund Limited. Property loan stock company Vividend Income Fund CEO Ari Jacobson said on Thursday the main focus of the fund, over the coming months, would be to garner more efficient processes for recovering council and common-area charges. Vividend, which listed almost two years ago, last week reported a 146% increase in distributions for the six months ended February, to 24,5c, compared with 9,96c in its previous interim period. The fund is forecasting a full-year distribution of 50,5c per share and Mr Jacobson said the target was comfortable, given the benefits associated with the larger Vusani portfolio, which would come on stream from this month. Garnering more efficient processes for recovering council and common-area charges would hopefully add to the bottom line in the next reporting period, Mr Jacobson said. He said issues surrounding the fixing of debt funding and the transfer of the newly acquired R790m Vusani portfolio were now almost resolved and the end result was a positive outlook for the fund. "Given the progress associated with the transfer of the Vusani portfolio into its name and the current indicative costs associated with the funding facility secured by the company, the board is confident Vividend would achieve its forecasted unitholder distribution of 50,5c for the financial year ended August." The company said it had secured a debt funding facility of R500m prior to the end of February at an interest cost of Johannesburg Interbank Acceptance Rate plus 215 basis points. The funding facility would be introduced into the portfolio at a loan-to-value of 30% and would facilitate the acquisition of the Vusani Portfolio from Vusani Property Investments for R790m and future expansion of the property portfolio, either through refurbishment or acquisition. The revaluation of the property portfolio at the end of February resulted in an upward revision of R8,2m, to R531m, mainly due to an increase in the future contractual rental applicable to the properties. The vacancy rate was at 4,2% of the portfolio at end-February. Mr Jacobson said the fund continued investigating a consistent stream of opportunities falling within its primary scope of targeting value- and yield-enhancing assets within the retail, commercial and industrial property sectors of SA. Although Vividend was operating in a challenging economic environment, the fund said considerable progress had been made in creating a high-quality, stable and well- diversified portfolio that was well- positioned to take advantage of leveraged acquisition opportunities that may present themselves. "We are also very hands-on in terms of leasing and general management it is so much easier if you have only 19 properties." Mr Jacobson said this form of management, with its close-to-the-ground approach, may be the distinguishing characteristic in a market that was becoming overcrowded with smaller players. CBI questions Chidambaram (File Photo) Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram was on Wednesday questioned by the CBI in connection with its ongoing probe into the INX Media corruption case. According to the agency, Chidambaram appeared at the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) headquarters around 11 a.m. A special CBI Economic Offences Wing team started questioning Chidambaram about his role in granting Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval to INX Media in 2007. The team has prepared a set of questions for Chidambaram's clarifications. The senior Congress leader's statement would be recorded, according to a probe agency official. Besides his clarification on FIPB clearance, Chidambaram would also be quizzed on Indrani Mukherjea's allegations and other aspects linked to the INX Media case. The questioning is part of the CBI's investigation into a money laundering case registered in 2017 against Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis case. The CBI first issued the summons to Chidambaram in the case on June 1 asking him to appear the next day, but the Congress leader skipped the notice after the Delhi High Court granted him interim protection from arrest. The court on May 31 granted interim protection to the Congress leader from arrest till July 3 in the INX Media case. Earlier, the court had allowed interim protection to his son Karti Chidambaram till July 10. The CBI had on May 15, 2017, filed an FIR in the case accusing Chidambaram, his son Karti and others of involvement in irregularities committed in giving INX Media the clearance to receive Rs 305 crore in foreign investment. The CBI had on February 28 arrested Karti in the case, accusing him of taking money to facilitate the FIPB clearance to INX Media in 2007 when his father was the Finance Minister during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Later, he was granted bail. The CBI initially alleged that Karti had received Rs 10 lakh as bribe for facilitating the FIPB clearance. The figure was, however, revised later to about $1 million or Rs 6.5 crore at the current exchange rate. The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate are probing the case. On Tuesday, the former Finance Minister was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials for over five hours in the Rs 3,500 crore Aircel-Maxis deal case. Lets see. This country has been politically independent for 56 years now. Throughout that time, although there have been a few skirmishes here and there, weve been largely blessed to have been able to enjoy an environment of peace and mutual respect driven by our culture, Christian values and protected by the rule of law. It goes without saying that laws created and passed by Parliament exist as peoples management instruments. They are meant to provide the mechanisms by which societies can manage people, and bring control on the activities on what can and cannot be done. Without laws, it is reasonable to believe that anarchy and chaos would prevail. Which is what we have seen in some parts of the world. Here in Samoa, peace and freedom exists on the back of the fact law and order in most cases is respected. It is why its been made mandatory that both the Police and the Judiciary are not interfered with in the carrying out of their duties. Indeed, they have to be assisted by members of the public where ever and when ever they can. In light of the disturbing developments in Savaii last week, there is reason to believe that law and order is under threat from within. The threat has everything to do with the Police being threatened and being interfered with in the performance of their duties. Two Mondays ago, a video showing out of control men from Salelologa ransacking and vandalising the Savalalo market surfaced online. It was heartbreaking to see women being harassed, their products scattered all over the place while these men armed with pieces of stick and one with a gun helped themselves to whatever they could get their hands on. But it wasnt just women who were victimised. Peter Mariner, a businessman from Salelavalu lives to tell of the horror. Its like what you see in the movies, he said. I couldnt believe this is happening in Samoa. I couldnt believe that this is what young people in Samoa are capable of doing today. They broke into pieces my marble pool tables, they cost about $6,000 each. Then they vandalized my barber shop. They threw rocks inside, smashing the place and then they took the hair clippers. Not only they shattered the doors and mirrors inside the barber shop; they also took scissors and hair clippers. This is the kind of lawlessness and anarchy we are talking about when the rule of law is ignored. Its a threat to this community and everyone else who lives here. But it got worse. From what weve been told, a delegation of Police officers then made their way to Salelologa where they arrested two of the men responsible for the attack. It was while they were on their way to the Tuasivi Police station when the Police were stopped and surrounded at Salelologa. Under threat and outnumbered by men from Salelologa, they were told to release the two men. This was done and today, those men who openly broke the law at the Salelologa market are still walking around freely. The Police in the meantime have confirmed, according to a report on Radio New Zealand, they have given up hope that the Salelologa village will hand over the suspects. Now thats pretty disturbing stuff no matter how its interpreted. Which means this act of intimidation can become a stumbling block in the way law and order is administered in this country, and a serious threat in the pursuit for justice. Indeed, the idea that the Police were stopped, surrounded and threatened has raised grave concern among members of the public. What message does this send to the rest of Samoa? What stops the next group of people from going all out and carrying out their threats on the Police officers? And if this act of intimidation and interference is allowed to go unpunished, what hope is there for anyone else to allow the Police to carry out there work? We accept that this is a very sensitive issue. Its not as straight forward as it seems. The need to find the delegate balance between the use of force and the faasamoa way of mutual respect doesnt help either because it demands that we ease off on the use of force but rather encourage dialogue and good relations. But how do the Police negotiate with criminals who should be charged? Why should they even bother to try and negotiate when the law gives them the power to arrest and charge? And then there is the question about the protection of Police officers. Do our laws protect the Police in the performance of their duties? In cases like the ones in question today, is this not where the Police need to be armed to allow them to perform their role while at the same time maintain the integrity of their work? Now that the Police have been threatened for obviously doing their work in dealing with people who break the law, how is society to function where lawlessness is allowed to prevail? The point that is we shouldnt ignore what happened at Salelologa last week. It can happen again. We need to ensure that the Police is allowed to do their jobs without being interfered with and threatened. Have a safe Wednesday Samoa, God bless! Re: A false statement Christianity has only been a part of Samoan society for 100 years or so and this is also the time period when the greatest decline in Samoan society has taken place. Absolutely correct. There is a clear, undeniable link between Institutionalized Religion and colonialism. The decline can be attributed to many a factor, but making Churches meet their taxation duties is one big step towards modernising Samoa and stopping the decline. An education free from those dreadful religious scammers would be another one. Bronwyn An employee of Ah Liki Construction who was working at Tokelau died last week Wednesday. According to a source who spoke to the Samoa Observer on the condition of anonymity, the deceased is one of the four workers who were building the Atafu Wharf in Tokelau. He drowned because a boat sunk, said the source. An employee of Ah Liki Construction confirmed the matter. The boys that were in Tokelau will be back to work next week, said the employee. At the moment we were told our worker drowned when a boat sunk but we dont know if thats the truth." We are waiting for the other boys that were with him to start back so we can get what really happened in Tokelau." But that is all we can say at the moment in regards to this matter. Samoa Observer contacted Police Spokesperson; Auapaau Logoitino Filipo in regards to the matter he confirmed the matter. At the moment the body of the deceased has been brought back to our shores, he said. But the Government of Tokelau as well as the police are investigating the matter so they will let us and the family know of what really happen. Asked why they arent investigating the matter Auapaau said they cannot. We cant investigate because the man did not die in our shores he passed away in a different country therefore the government of that country have to investigate, he said. All we have to do is to wait on their investigation to be completed. The deceased is over 30 years old and he is not married. Taimalelagi Ramona Tugaga has been appointed as an executive board member of the Pacific Islands Regional Multi-Country Coordinating Mechanism (P.I.R.M.C.C.M.) in Fiji last week. Taimalelagi, who is the General Secretary of Y.W.C.A. Samoa, is the youngest member and sole Samoan to be elected to the new P.I.R.M.C.C.M. Executive Board that will run for the next two years. She takes on the role of a Constituency Representative and Alternate Member for women's organisations representing the concerns of women and issues relating to the topic of Gender to P.I.R.M.C.C.M. Upon receiving news of Taimalelagis new role, former Chair of P.I.R.M.C.C.M. and current A.C.E.O. of the Ministry of Health in Samoa, Gaualofa Matalavea Sa'aga stated: Taimalelagi has made us so proud and she looked ready to take on the new role as an executive committee member representing our country. P.I.R.M.C.C.M. was first established in September 2002 to curb A.I.D.S., tuberculosis and malaria worldwide under the Global Fund and their grant oversight requirements. P.I.R.M.C.C.M. is composed of 25 representatives of 12 Pacific Island Countries and Territories (P.I.C.T.s) that have applied to at least one of the three regional grants funded by the Global Fund including 11 participating countries, three development partners and 11 civil society sectors. Returning to Samoa, Taimalelagi will be able to give us a regional perspective of the work by Tamaita'i Talavou Kerisiano for the improvement and the status of women in Samoa. In 2017, Y.W.C.A. Samoa has reached out to more than 200 young women from both Upolu and Savaii islands through its Rise UP! training program. These young women have been trained and educated on leadership, sexual reproductive and health rights, economic empowerment, human rights, womens rights, gender, violence against women, peace and H.I.V./A.I.D's. Taimalelagi is the sixth child of the late Papali'i Natuitasina and Laeimau Peru Tugaga, who is from the villages of Vaivase Tai, Safune and Sapapalii. She is a matai, an active Pacific Climate Change Warrior in Samoa, young entrepreneur, youth leader and Sunday school teacher at her E.F.K.S. Church at Vaivase Tai. Bringing together loved ones to share food, culture and unique travel experiences is a birthday wish Clem Wetzell got to fulfill last weekend. The son of Samoa from Asau and Safune celebrated his 70th birthday on the beautiful grounds of Sinalei Beach Resort surrounded by his loved ones, which included a group of 124 guests he brought over with the sole intentions of having a great time and introducing them to Samoa. According to his daughter, New Zealand T.V presenter Pippa Wetzell, her father is someone who takes any opportunity to show off Samoa and give back to his birth country. Inviting a group of the most wealthiest and influential people of New Zealand to your birthday party in Samoa while boosting her economy is one way of doing it. I love Samoa, darling, I love it to bits, Clem said to the Samoa Observer. Ive always loved Samoa. I love the people of Samoa and anything I can do to assist the economy I will do my utmost to help. Most of my friends who have come here have been here before when I brought them over for my 60th birthday and some of them have since returned on their own to holiday here. But its not just the experience of coming over to Samoa, its about having a great experience with the people and the food. Everyone is raving about the food. According to Pippa, her father is the ultimate social butterfly who loves to hold social events and bring people together. Asked what are the unique qualities that people love about her father and Pippa replied: Because hes Samoan, she smiles. In all seriousness, its all about family and caring for people and he loves the social events and here I think families take that for granted that they would sit down and have a big meal together. Back in New Zealand, you lose that a bit and he really encourages that with his friends and with his family, its big gatherings and its sharing food and time together. And people love that about him. Pippa shared that her father is going the extra mile in looking for ways to contribute to his country. It is why in place of presents; Clem requested that his guests instead donate to a collection box he had organized to benefit the Women in Business Development Inc. (W.I.B.D.I). Dad thought that hes got all these people showing up and he didnt want any presents so he thought that this would be another way to support. People can come and enjoy Samoa and they contribute as well. According to Pippa, her father has a strong affinity to the values of W.I.B.D.I. having been raised and surrounded by strong Samoan women in his life. At the birthday party, Clem credits his strength and success to his grandmother, Katie Wetzell who raised him. I was brought up by my grandmother who was a real strong Samoan woman and thats the beginning and the end of it, said Clem. All my strength has come from her, she is a fantastic woman. And my daughters are all the same, they respect that. Pippa agreed and added: My dad has really instilled in us that love and pride for Samoa and its really special for me to pass that on to my daughters. The Sinalei Beach Resort has been booked out for part of the six-day birthday bash and which includes two side events organized by inbound tour operator Sheree Stanley of TravelEazi. Not including accommodation, the expected contribution to our economy by this Clems entourage in less than a week is estimated to be more than half a million, not including accommodation. Following the six-day birthday extravaganza, Clem and his family will stay on to attend the Wetzell Family Reunion. Saint Marys Primary School hosted their annual Science Fair last week at Savalalo. The Fair was divided into four categories comprising of junior one (class one and two) and two (class three and four), intermediate (class five and six) and senior (class seven and eight). Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (S.P.R.E.P.) representative, Phillip Marsden, Scientific Research Organization of Samoa (S.R.O.S.) representative Auomanu Alofa Uili, National University of Samoa (N.U.S.), Dean of Education faculty, Tofilau Dr. Faguele Suaalii and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E.) representative, Roland Setu were the judges faced with critiquing the best projects. The event aims to help students investigate, put together a certain project of their choice and make it work. Another objective is for the further development of the science subject. The surprising result of this years competition was a Year 7 competitor, Sinera Lamora Tafiti, who took the overall senior division with a perfect score. The Year 7 student from Vailoa, Faleata claimed dominance with her winning project called life in the sea. I used fish, crab, shrimp, sand, sea water, plants and everything that I can use for my project. I chose this because the sea is very important to us, its where we get food but also there is so much life in it. It was easy for me to get the materials because I live not far from the sea. As we can see through my materials, we can witness how life in the sea looks like. Life in the sea is beautiful, so we should all work together to endure and protect it but most importantly keep it alive for the sake of the living things in the ocean and future generations, she said. Mr. Marsden, who is a technical scientist at S.P.R.E.P., said with this competition, it is evident that there are a great number of future scientists in this school. With the results of this years competition, we see also a great number of promising girls for the future of Samoa. They should all be proud of the work and effort they put in each individual project. A further improvement is for the students to please speak up so we can hear and understand clearly what they are trying to explain, he said. Head of the Science Department for Saint Marys Primary School, Theresa Leone Anitelea said shes very impressed with this years results. The judges advised us that the negative side or improvements that should be made for the future is for some of the students who are very shy and get nervous in front of the judges. But overall this experience for the students is very beneficial for them to learn new things but especially build up their confidence in front of others, she said. Due to the divisions being from all classes, it took up the whole day from eight in the morning until two in the afternoon. The event was sponsored through S.P.R.E.P., Samoa Water Authority, Samoa Life Assurance Corporation (S.L.A.C.), M.N.R.E., Digicel, S.S.A.B. Megastore, Business Systems Limited, Le Well, Central Bank of Samoa, Dornees Finance, Ministry of Finance, Chan Mow, Samoa Commercial Bank, Apia Business Machines, Maris Bake house, Bank of the South Pacific, S.R.O.S, and Samoa Finance. U.N.E.S.C.O. and the government of China hosted an international youth forum for the belt and road initiative last week. More than 40 young people from around the world gathered in Changsha and Nanjing to preserve or promote creativity and heritage in the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. Among them were Xavier Muao Breed and Fale Lesa grew up in Auckland and were the only ones attending from the Pacific region. Xavier is a Masters of Dance Studies student at the University of Auckland, writing a thesis on How might creative process/choreography empower cultural understanding and change within cross cultural contexts and is a practicing freelance choreographer with a focus on Pacific contemporary dance which captured the attention of the organisers. Fale was a returning alumni invited back to speak at Nanjing University, one of the oldest universities in the world. As a diplomat, he has visited over 100 countries. Chinas one belt one road scheme is seven times bigger than the Marshall Plan by the United States. New Zealand was the first developed country to join the project and Samoa is considered a model for the Pacific. Coincidentally, Polynesian migration began in southern China thousands of years ago. Xavier and Fale enjoyed seeing evidence of indigenous Chinese people with Polynesian features. They were able to share the Samoan language, dance, costume, and song with a global audience. The music and dancing is used the same way in China, as it is in Samoa, to share stories and pass them onto the next generation, Xavier said. Fale on the other hand said said: As the geopolitical ground changes, China is increasingly visible. I credit U.N.E.S.C.O. for building bridges rather than walls. Both young men vow to continue their efforts in heritage and thank Samoans everywhere for preserving our strong culture and identity. Xavier hails from the villages of Falelatai and Lotofaga, Aleipata. Fale is from Saanapu, Sapapalii, and Salesatele Falealili. Two long time family friends from Christchurch, New Zealand, are in Samoa to experience a different culture. The group of eight also came to Samoa to relax and escape the cold weather back at home. Where we live, we are used to a lot more technology, here it is more basic, John Gray said. Rick Irvine and his family have been to Fiji, Bali, Thailand, New Caledonia and this is their first time in Samoa. We saw these other islands and thought we are going to give it a try, he said. The differences in the various destinations are significant for Rick. I find the people here a lot quieter, but I think there is good and bad for that as well. In Fiji for example, the people are loud and joyous people, whereas here, everyone keeps to themselves. I think Fiji is got a wave in tourism and here I dont think you can call that a wave yet, which is really good. You go to Rarotonga or Fiji, everything is commercialized and there are a lot of tourists. It is rustier here, which is quite nice. Here you have to go a little deeper to find where to go, Rick said. There are a lot of secret spots, which you have to explore in a couple of days. That is actually quite nice, it is up to you to find them, John added. John and his wife Julie Gray have been to Fiji and Rarotonga. I think Samoa is still not as commercialized as the other islands, Julie said. I cant really see a big difference between the islands, John added. They have been going to the cave pools, different waterfalls and have passed by villages. We havent stopped at the villages; it is a little hard to get into. They also noted the difference in conversations. It is kind of easy to reach the people, but I think in other islands they would make the first contact, here it is up to us to make the first contact. Everyone is really friendly and polite. We havent had any bad experiences, Rick said. The only issue John highlighted was people approaching him to sell him stuff. It is just uncomfortable to have that pressure on you and when you come for a holiday you dont really want that. Especially the pressure on the kids as well, that is not a good thing, when they just come for a holiday to enjoy, John explained. The whole family caught a fish, which was great. The snorkeling was amazing, Julie added. Probably the fishing, I would say, Keegan Gray said. Rick said in general, it has been a good, laid back holiday. I loved the fishing. It is a good place to involve kids. We can all go snorkeling and fishing together. It is a good family destination. They are leaving on Saturday and thinking already of their return to Samoa. Now that we know how it is, we could plan a week, Rick said What we do next time is instead of staying in one resort; we would go around seeing much more of the island. It is definitely a plan to come back. It was good to go with another family too. Three former top executives at Qualcomm, including ex-Chairman and Chief Executive Paul Jacobs, have launched a new company to pursue advanced wireless technologies. Jacobs is joining former Qualcomm President Derek Aberle and ex-Chief Technology Officer Matt Grob in the startup called XCOM. It is based in San Diego. We have a set of ideas for future wireless technologies that we are going to innovate and drive forward, said Grob, who left Qualcomm in May after 27 years. We already have some level of interest in that, and expect more as we become more public. The startup venture is launching as Jacobs continues to investigate the visibility of acquiring Qualcomm, which Wall Street analysts say is a longshot. Advertisement Paul and I have been exploring the possibility of a larger bid to take Qualcomm private, said Aberle. But this is a complementary and different effort that we are moving forward on. It doesnt mean we have stopped pursuing the other plan. Jacobs the son of company founder Irwin Jacobs was ousted from Qualcomms board of directors in March after he informed fellow board members of his efforts to raise funds to take the cellular technology giant private. Jacobs was unavailable for comment. In a Twitter post Wednesday, Jacobs wrote that he was excited to launch XCOM to invent and invest in wireless technology with the worlds most creative engineers and business people. Aberle, former head of Qualcomm embattled technology licensing division, stepped down in December after 17 years with the company. Grob left a few weeks after Qualcomm laid off 1,500 workers in California including 1,231 in San Diego. The layoffs stemmed from Qualcomms pledge to shareholders to shave $1 billion in annual costs as part of its efforts to fend off a hostile takeover from Broadcom. XCOM aims to assemble the top minds in wireless for research and development work that takes a little time to develop and prove out, said Grob. One of the charters here is to keep the innovation flame of wireless going strong, including in San Diego, he continued. It is tougher for Qualcomm now given the times that we are in and they are in. XCOM is being funded by its founders, said Aberle. He declined to reveal the amount. He expects additional capital will be raised either directly from investors or through partners who contract for research and development. Grob said the initial focus of XCOMs research will be new approaches to security, as well as fast, low latency, high reliability wireless systems in which devices can perform their own computing out in the field rather than relying on powerful servers elsewhere to handle processing. Our intention is to influence the mainstream course of wireless technology in both the licensed and unlicensed space, said Grob. We are talking to some partners, but we are going to have our own team. We are looking to have a lab in the UTC area. We are posting some openings and getting started. Business mike.freeman@sduniontribune.com; Twitter:@TechDiego 760-529-4973 CARLSBAD Carlsbad Triathlon seeking volunteers The city of Carlsbad needs volunteers to help with the upcoming Carlsbad Triathlon on Sunday. Volunteers are needed for these shifts: Athlete check-in, 5 to 7 a.m.; run course monitor at Carlsbad Boulevard, 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; transition zone, 5:30 to 10:30 a.m.; bike course monitor: 6 to 11 a.m.; finish line: 6 to 11 a.m.; run course monitor at seawall staircases: 6 to 11 a.m.; tear-down crew, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Carlsbad Triathlon is one of the worlds top five longest-running triathlons and attracts beginner to elite competitors. To volunteer, contact Natalie Alegre, natalie.alegre@carlsbadca.gov. Visit www.carlsbadtriathlon.com. DEL MAR Advertisement Library hosts African safari travel talk The Del Mar Library will host a talk about budget safari travel to southern Africa, presented by Solana Beach resident Ian Hirschsohn, at 6 p.m. Thursday as a part of the Affordable African Travel groups monthly meeting. Hirschsohn was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and recently returned from a two-month safari through Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. He will show his travel photos and discuss topics including airfares, lodging, vehicle rental and guided drives. The library is at 1309 Camino Del Mar. Call (858) 755-1666; visit sdcl.org.CQ ENCINITAS Mobile blood drive slated for Friday The city of Encinitas will host a mobile blood drive with the San Diego Blood Bank from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday in the parking lot at 505 S. Vulcan Ave. Donors must be age 17 and older (age 16 requires parental consent), weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in good health. Photo ID required. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. For an appointment, call (619) 469-7322 or visit www.SanDiegoBloodBank.org. ESCONDIDO Gem and mineral show this weekend The Palomar Gem and Mineral Clubs 64th annual Gem, Mineral, and Jewelry Show will be from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Mineral specimens, cut gems, fossils and jewelry made from gems and minerals will be for sale. Club members will demonstrate faceting, silversmithing and more. Gem identification will also be available. Kids can enjoy a rock treasure dig. Grand prizes this year are an amethyst cathedral, and an amethyst necklace faceted and designed by club members. Admission is $5; children 12 and younger free. Visit www.palomargem.org. Plays in the Park preview Saturday MAGEC (Museums & Arts Growing Escondido Culture) and Patio Playhouse Plays in the Park present the MAGEC in the Park Family Event and Preview Show from 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday at the Kit Carson Park Amphitheater. The free festival invited students in grades 1-12 to participate in an art contest, which will be judged by audience applause and local arts leaders. Prizes will go to three teams, and all participants will win two tickets to their choice of any Patio Plays in the Park performance this summer. All entries will be exhibited afterward at the Escondido Arts Partnership, 262 E. Grand Ave. The festival will also feature a picnic area, raffle, refreshments, face painting, photo booth and more. For more about MAGEC, see VisitEscondido.com. Visit www.patioplayhouse.com. OCEANSIDE Speakers discuss CCC Band, Blue Tech LIFE Lectures at MiraCosta College hosts two speakers starting at 1 p.m. Friday at the colleges Oceanside campus, 1 Barnard Drive, Bldg. 1000. The topics are the Coastal Community Concert Band presented by Judy Pisciotta, CCC Band Member, and Promoting Blue Tech and Blue Jobs, presented by Bryan Bjorndal, CEO of Assure Controls and a board member of The Maritime Alliance. Buy a $1 parking permit at the machine in Lot 1A, and park in this lot. Visit miracosta.edu/life or call (760) 757-2121, ext. 6972. RANCHO BERNARDO Travel club to discuss Australia The RB Travelers will meet at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Seven Oaks Community Center, 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive. Sandy and Cleve Hardaker will present their recent three-month trip all around Australia. Guests over 18 are invited. Call (858) 943-1309. SAN MARCOS Lake San Marcos Democratic Club meets San Marcos City Councilman Chris Orlando, a candidate for San Marcos mayor in November, is the guest of the Lake San Marcos Democratic Club at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Discovery Elementary School, 730 Applewilde Drive. Orlando has represented the city on the San Diego Association of Governments board since 2014. He was chairman of the North County Transit Districts board of directors from 2010 to 2012. He holds an MBA from George Washington University and a bachelors degree from UC Santa Barbara. Call (760) 290-2077. VISTA Free summer day camp for military dependents The Boys & Girls Club of Vista is accepting applications for their summer day camp program, which starts Friday and runs through Aug. 10. The club will be offering one week of camp free to North Countys active military dependents ages 5-18. Register at bgcvista.org or (760) 724-6606. LINDA MCINTOSH & LAURA GROCH -- U-T If your nonprofit would like to submit calendar listings for events, or photos of events that have happened recently, please email northcounty@sduniontribune.com. Include the name of the group, date and time of event, address, cost and contact information for readers. Photos must be sent in jpeg form, with the names of those in the photo from left to right. laura.groch@sduniontribune.com School of Rock: When: Opens June 13. 7 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday; 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 6 p.m. Sunday. Through June 17. Where: San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. Tickets: About $55-$135. Phone: (619/858/760) 570-1100. Advertisement Online: broadwaysd.com Not so fast, summer vacation: At the Civic Theatre, school is just getting started. Next week, Broadway super-composer Andrew Lloyd Webbers School of Rock a four-time Tony Award nominee in 2016 makes its first touring visit to San Diego. The musical, based on the 2003 movie starring Jack Black, deploys a cast of talented kid musician-actors as it tells the story of an unconventional (and kind of accidental) music teacher named Dewey Finn, who enlists his students for an epic Battle of the Bands. Rob Colletti, whose credits include The Book of Mormon on Broadway, stars as Dewey in the touring production. The show is directed by Laurence Connor, who is Lloyd Webbers go-to helmer these days; he also directed the road production of Les Miserables that just played the Civic, as well as the touring The Phantom of the Opera that arrives here in August. jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @jimhebert Tijuanas local news scene saw an abrupt changing of the guard this week, with the sale of the independent cable channel Sintesis and new leadership at its helm. After 33 years, owner and founder Carolina Aubanel Riedel announced her resignation Monday on the channels 7 p.m. newscast, saying Ive made one of the most difficult decisions of my life. She took with her some of the best-known faces of television news in the city of some 1.8 million residentslongtime anchor Fernando Martinez, anchor, news director and reporter Jose Ibarra, and reporter Rocio Galvan. It was 33 years of fighting against all odds, said Galvan, who like other staff members only learned Monday of Aubanels resignation. I think it was very painful for her to have to leave. Advertisement The station recently began transmitting in San Diego through KSDY Channel 50.4. Through the years, Sintesis has seen several generations of talented reporters pass through its ranks. Galvan said Sintesis had been struggling financially, leading to layoffs of several journalists in recent years. But Aubanel also told us she was very tired, Galvan said. Sintesis occupied a very important place, under Aubanels leadership, said Rafael Liceaga, whose three-minute commentary about public participation has been a regular feature of the Monday newscast. It was one of the few places that did not have a bias, Liceaga said of Sintesis. In his 15 years collaborating with Sintesis, he added, I was never, ever told what to say. On Tuesday, the new owners identity was made public. It is businessman and ex-mayor Carlos Bustamante, who is Aubanels former husband. The stations new general manager is their youngest child, Arturo Bustamante, a 33-year-old communications graduate of the Universidad Iberoamericana. Carlos Bustamante said the new ownership signals a generational change for Sintesis, and will bring in some new voices. The new format will have a little bit more politics, and a little bit more opinion, though the news programming will remain impartial, he said sandra.dibble@sduniontribune.com @sandradibble A fire caused by a malfunction in a solar panel array caused $25,000 in damage at an Amazon fulfillment center in Redlands on Tuesday night, officials said. The fire broke out around 9 p.m. at the 800,000-square-foot facility in the 2100 block of San Bernardino Avenue, according to Carl Baker, a spokesman for the Redlands Fire Department. The fire was largely contained to the roof. No one was injured, and employees inside the building had evacuated before firefighters arrived, Baker said. Advertisement Investigators believe the blaze was sparked by faulty components in the complexs solar energy panels. james.queally@latimes.com Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California. A woman who works at a Mission Bay resort and an Imperial Beach restaurant is facing human smuggling charges after two Chinese women were found locked in the hot trunk of her abandoned Mercedes in a San Ysidro neighborhood, according to a search warrant filed this week. Cindy Lenette Gutierrez, 27, was arrested on May 7 about three weeks after the women were rescued from the trunk by police. She has pleaded not guilty. Someone called 911 shortly before 9 a.m. on April 13 reporting hearing noises coming from the trunk of a black 2000 Mercedes C230, according to court records. The car was parked on Via de la Melodia, a residential street a couple miles from the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Advertisement San Diego police officers arrived within 20 minutes and knocked on the trunk. Someone inside knocked back. After some effort, the trunk was opened and two women emerged. In interviews with investigators, the women said they made separate arrangements to be smuggled into the U.S. one agreeing to pay $15,000 and had flown to Tijuana to start the journey. Their handler took them separately to a stash house in Tijuana first, and then sometime in the early morning hours they were told to get in the trunk, according to court records. They estimate they were in the trunk for several hours. The vehicle made many stops, and at one point an unknown man opened the trunk. One of the women tried to get out to urinate, but the man told her to get back inside and shut the trunk on her hand, the court records say. The women also said they heard a womans voice from inside the vehicle, apparently on the phone. Once the car stopped for good, it became increasingly hot inside, the women said. A meteorologist expert told authorities that an idle car can reach internal temperatures of up to 115 degrees on a sunny, 70-degree day similar weather to that morning, the search warrant affidavit says. A search of the vehicle turned up a set of keys hidden under the drivers side floor mat. The car is registered to Gutierrez, authorities say. Records show that she crossed from Tijuana into the U.S. at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry at 12:09 a.m. on April 13, and again at 2:38 a.m. She crossed with a valid U.S. passport. Gutierrez was arrested on May 7 as she tried to enter the U.S. at Otay Mesa in a different car. She told investigators that she left her Tijuana apartment early on April 13 for her restaurant cleaning shift. She said she parked her car at a Chula Vista McDonalds, locked the car and went for a walk to a nearby Target and bank. She said when she returned, her car was gone, the affidavit states. She said she had phone charging issues and did not report the car as stolen then, instead taking public transportation to her job. Authorities said they have been unable to find evidence of Gutierrez in the shopping areas at the times she stated. The Chinese women are being held in the U.S. as material witnesses to testify in the case. They remain in custody, unable to pay bond. kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @kristinadavis A woman identified only by the initials R.C. thought she had found someone to smuggle her from Mexico into the United States. Instead, on Aug. 3, 2015, she was driven to a stash house in Tijuana, where she was bound, strip searched and held captive, according to a federal indictment recently unsealed in San Diego. The court records describe the terror that followed. The next day, her captors called her boyfriend in California and while someone held a gun to her stomach ordered him to deposit $7,000 in ransom money into a U.S. bank account. She was then raped, gun to her head, by a man who went by the nickname Jefe, or Boss. Advertisement She was finally released after three days and after an additional $10,000 ransom payment was fulfilled in a remote part of Mexico. Five suspected operators of the kidnapping ring are facing charges in the U.S. in connection with 16 similar accounts of kidnapping and cross-border extortion. Four of the men were arrested in Tijuana by Mexican authorities just weeks after R.C. was set free. The fifth, Luis F. Murillo Morfin, was arrested in San Diego on May 19 at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. The 33-year-old is Mexican national with a green card living in San Ysidro, prosecutors said. The U.S. case is being prosecuted in Los Angeles federal court. The grand jury indictment is still sealed there, but it was unsealed in San Diego upon Murillos arrest. Murillo is accused of being the money man in the scheme, opening U.S. bank accounts in his name and then crossing from Mexico into San Diego to withdraw ransom payments, according to the indictment. The money came from victims friends and family across the U.S. from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles to Mississippi to Idaho. While the indictment details 17 kidnappings that occurred in just one month August 2015 Mexican officials told local news outlets that the ring is responsible for at least 70. According to the indictment, the operatives would recruit people throughout Mexico who wanted to be smuggled into the U.S. for an agreed-upon fee. In the August 2015 cases, Alberto Jimenez Jefe Bautista and Luis Perez Martinez would pick up the victims and drop them at the stash house in Tijuana, the indictment states. There, the victims would be strip-searched and bound. Manuel Roman The Caller Velazquez and Bautista would then call the victims family and friends in the U.S. and demand ransom payment, along with instructions to either deposit the funds into U.S. banks or to wire the money to Mexico, the indictment states. Jesus Antonio The Cook Rivera Gaxiola would assist with forcibly detaining the victims, the charges say. The August kidnappings happened in two batches, Aug. 3 and Aug. 27. In the latter batch, all eight victims being held hostage were physically assaulted, according to the indictment. In some cases, after ransom money was received, the captors would make a second demand for more money, as in R.C.s case, investigators said. Murillo crossed the border twice in early August 2015 to retrieve ransom payments deposited at a Wells Fargo bank branch in San Ysidro, withdrawing $62,000 in two days, according to the indictment. The ring was busted when a victims family member notified authorities in Oaxaca, Mexico, of the extortion phone calls on Aug. 30, 2105, according to Mexican news outlets briefed by the Baja California Attorney Generals Office. Investigators located the stash house in the well-to-do Lomas Hipodromo Camino Real neighborhood and rescued nine victims being held. Rivera Gaxiola and Velazquez were armed with rifles, state prosecutors told Mexican reporters at the time. Investigators said the ring had operated mainly out of Mexicali but that it had moved to Tijuana in the weeks before the arrests. Bautista and Martinez were also arrested. All four were to face Mexican charges. The status of the Mexican prosecution was not available Tuesday, although they are believed to still be in custody there. Murillo is expected to be transferred from San Diego to Los Angeles to face charges there. kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @kristinadavis UPDATES: 2:55 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details. This article was originally published at 6 a.m. Civil rights legend and US Congressman John Lewis has withdrawn as the main speaker for UC San Diegos June 16th commencement ceremony to support a job action by unionized workers in the University of California system. Lewis, a Georgia Democrat, will be replaced at the podium by UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep Khosla. The event, expected to draw about 25,000 people, will be held at Rimac Field near the northwest end of campus. Due to a UC-wide speaker boycott called by AFSCME Local 3299, Rep. John Lewis has withdrawn as UC San Diegos commencement speaker, the university said late Tuesday in a statement. Advertisement Commencement is a very special milestone for our students, who have worked very hard to reach graduation and their achievement deserves to be recognized and celebrated appropriately. The announcement comes about a month after US Senator Kamala Harris (D-California) cancelled as the graduation speaker at UC Berkeley. Lewis has stood by what is right throughout his career, including his decision to stand by UC workers and withdraw from commencement, said Mohamed Al Elew, editor-in-chief of the UC San Diego Triton newspaper. Khosla could not be reached Tuesday for comment. Star surgeon replaced as head of transplantation team at UC San Diego Two-term Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Ernest Dronenburg Jr. won an easy re-election victory on Tuesday, capturing almost two-thirds of the vote in his campaign against San Diego attorney Matthew Strabone. Dronenberg, a career tax professional who was first elected to the assessor-recorder-county clerks office in 2010, said he was proud of the innovations he brought to the office over the past eight years and pledged to continue doing his best to serve the people of San Diego County over the next four years. The assessor-recorder-county clerk is a largely administrative post that collects and maintains property records, vital statistics such as birth and death records, and also sets the value of real estate for tax purposes. Dronenburg, who is 74, drew 63.5 percent of the vote, with all precincts counted and the results still unofficial as of Wednesday morning. He campaigned on a promise to implement more improvements to the county record-keeping and assessment systems. Strabone said he wanted to serve in order to make tax credits more widely available. Advertisement County Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister ran unopposed and will serve four more years. Watchdog Videos On Now Sexual misconduct accusers worry deputy is being protected 6:16 On Now City funded $2-million waterfront bathroom 1:26 On Now Public water district charges customer for legal work, response to records request On Now Video: Tiny homes won't be reused amid housing, homeless crisis On Now Attorney General seeks documentation for Miss Middle East On Now Rep. Hunter probe covers possible fraud On Now Video: SDG&E delaying solar credit for some low-income housing tenants On Now Video: Former San Diego Junior Theatre teacher sentenced for sex with teen girl 0:24 On Now Video: Shelter volunteers believe they were fired for finding a dog a home 0:49 On Now McKamey Manor is leaving San Diego 3:35 jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald Democracy in action is the way San Diego scoutmaster Paul Longworth described the visit he and six of his Boy Scout troop members made to Election Central Tuesday night. Admittedly, it was still early in the evening, so there was only a light crowd awaiting the first set of election results that would be posted on large screens at the back of the hall. Some of the scouts seemed to be more focused on all of the TV and radio station news sets lining the perimeter of the room than taking in the democracy in action. Ethan Guernsey, 15, admitted to being a little jaded, having last been at Election Central for the November 2016 presidential election. Advertisement Im just kind of showing the younger scouts around and all the news stations here, said Guernsey, a member of Troop 15 for the last couple of years. Its cool for me because every morning I wake up and watch the news and now I can say, dude, theyre real persons here. A few feet away, a couple of his fellow troop members were absorbed by the video showing on a flat screen in front of the KUSI news set. It was a Jack in the Box ad. Guernsey, the oldest of the scouts here Tuesday night, took it upon himself to chaperone the younger kids and make sure they didnt mistakenly blurt out any political opinions. As it turns out, the scout members, who had their regular troop meeting before coming to Golden Hall, were supposed to get a first-aid presentation but the person who was going to be leading the session didnt show up, Guernsey said. Election Central was the back-up plan. So whats more important, he was asked, learning politics or first aid? He hesitated and like an astute politician, he said, Thats hard to say. Probably first aid. At the U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego, many Republicans gathered, including Bonnie Dumanis, Summer Stephan, Chris Cate and Mayor Kevin Faulconer. Shortly before the first votes came in, several of those whose names were on the ballot Tuesday gave short speeches of thanks, their tones ranging from optimistically hopeful to completely confident about wins for the GOP. Attendees spilled into the lobby for cooler air and squeezed into the Palm Court Room for speeches and access to the bar. The Negroni was the drink of choice, according to one of the bartenders. Ten-year-old Lauren Meehl, sign in hand, came with her mother to support Stephans campaign for district attorney. Shes the best, Lauren said as she stood at the bar to order a Shirley Temple. Shes always honest, and shes really nice. Lauren said shed met Stephan a few times. Eric Lund, a candidate for San Diego County Board of Education in District 3, was there with his wife to see the results of his first campaign for public office. He felt excitement and anticipation more than nerves, he said. Overall, the campaign was a positive experience with a lot of learning. The mood at the San Diego Democratic Election Party at the Westin Hotel downtown was hopeful as the polls closed Tuesday night, with party leaders expressing cautious optimism that a tiny lead in early ballot returns was the first sign of a much-hoped-for blue wave building on the horizon. Francine Maxwell, of Encanto, said she was excited for Omar Passons, the candidate she was backing for the District 4 county supervisors race. Even if he loses the election, hell still find a way to keep serving his community just as he always has and always will. This man is rooted in the community, Maxwell said. Whether something comes or not, hell still be there. Incumbent school board trustee Kevin Beiser, who is running unopposed in his district, said he was feeling good and looking forward to the general election and another chance to talk about what hes been accomplishing for schools. Early attendees gathered around a big screen, snacking on raw vegetables and cured meats as they watched the results register on colored bars next to candidates names. The podium stood empty at the front of the room, flanked by bouquets of red, white and blue star-shaped balloons. Business lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-2251 Twitter: @loriweisberg San Diego County voters choosing their next representatives on the Board of Supervisors turned to familiar faces on Tuesday, appearing to promote the best-known candidates in two open races to a November runoff election. In District 4, which includes much of the city of San Diego, two well-known politicians were leading in unofficial results early Wednesday morning. With 100 percent of the precincts reporting, longtime District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and former two-term state legislator Nathan Fletcher will face off in the general election to succeed termed-out Supervisor Ron Roberts. Fletcher drew 28.8 percent, while Dumanis drew 27.5 pecent In the 5th District contest to succeed Supervisor Bill Horn, San Marcos Mayor Jim Desmond was a clear leader, although his 45 percent draw did not immediately surpass the 50 percent-plus threshold required to avoid a November runoff. Democrat Michelle Gomez looks to have secured a spot as his challenger on the fall ballot, with 22 percent of the vote. Oceanside Councilman Jerry Kern, a Republican, was close behind, with 20 percent. Jacqueline Arsivaud of Elfin Forest was trailing with 12 percent. Advertisement The results are unofficial. Dumanis and Fletcher, who both competed unsuccessfully in the 2012 race to succeed former San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, were neck and neck in votes late Tuesday but well ahead of three other candidates in the race for 4th District supervisor. The only Republican among five candidates, Dumanis would not disclose where she watched the election returns. But she turned up at Golden Hall after the polls closed to celebrate her performance and to speak to supporters. I think weve got a long way to go but Im cautiously optimistic, she said. Im looking forward to the next phase. Bring it on. Asked what she makes of the closeness of the race, she said: Because my opponent spent a lot of money, from his wife and the party. Fletcher watched returns at labor union headquarters in Mission Valley. He focused his campaign on opposing President Donald Trump and bringing a Democrat to the county Board of Supervisors This is amazing, he said to huge cheers as he walked into the lobby of the United Labor Center. Its a powerful message that voters are ready to tackle the Trump agenda. ... If these early results hold, voters are going to have a clear and stark choice in November between two different visions. Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, the San Diego assemblywoman who married Fletcher last year, was in tears following the early results. She also was easily winning her re-election campaign in early returns. Im confident this is going to be a good year, and it will be great to work together, Gonzalez Fletcher said. What a partner to have at the county Board of Supervisors when he gets there, she said. The third-highest vote-getter in early returns was former legislator Lori Saldana, who received hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign support from the conservative Lincoln Club of San Diego County. In the final days of the campaign, Fletcher accused Republicans of working to divide Democrats in the race. Omar Passons, a San Diego lawyer and health policy expert, was in fourth place, just ahead of retired San Diego fire captain Ken Malbrough. Both Passons and Malbrough lacked the name-recognition that benefited other candidates. Desmond, the Republican mayor of San Marcos, missed securing the nomination outright Tuesday, but said he confident of the eventual outcome. Its a very good showing, said Desmond, who received key endorsements from the countys Republican Party and Deputy Sheriffs Association.. I wish the numbers were over 50 percent. Theyre not, but theyre pretty darn close. I think well be able to pull it off in November. The largely conservative district stretches across nearly 1,800 square miles of North County from the ocean to Imperial County. The top issues in the race ranged from balancing the need for new housing with conservation to fighting homelessness to addressing traffic issues. The Board of Supervisors has long been dominated by conservatives with all five seats currently being controlled by Republicans. Tuesdays preliminary results mean Democrats have a chance to flip both of those seats being vacated due to term limits imposed by voters in 2010 if Gomez beats Kern for the runner-up spot on the November ballot.. The other three seats were elected in 2016. They are held by Greg Cox from District 1, Dianne Jacob from District 2 and Kristin Gaspar from District 3. Staff Writer Lori Weisberg contributed to this report. Watchdog Videos On Now Sexual misconduct accusers worry deputy is being protected 6:16 On Now City funded $2-million waterfront bathroom 1:26 On Now Public water district charges customer for legal work, response to records request On Now Video: Tiny homes won't be reused amid housing, homeless crisis On Now Attorney General seeks documentation for Miss Middle East On Now Rep. Hunter probe covers possible fraud On Now Video: SDG&E delaying solar credit for some low-income housing tenants On Now Video: Former San Diego Junior Theatre teacher sentenced for sex with teen girl 0:24 On Now Video: Shelter volunteers believe they were fired for finding a dog a home 0:49 On Now McKamey Manor is leaving San Diego 3:35 jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald Voter turnout Tuesday was expected to be 38 percent to 43 percent one of the highest for a gubernatorial primary based on registration in the county reaching an all-time high of nearly 1.7 million registered voters. Despite the brief evacuation of a Montgomery Field polling place that turned out to be a fake grenade in a trash can, San Diego Registrar of Voters Michael Vu said the day went smoothly. More than 300 field support representatives were assigned to troubleshoot any issues that arose, he said. Many showed up to cast votes in the brief window before their workday started, while others stopped in throughout the day. Poll traffic was slow and steady at many stations, but voters who came said they felt obligated to weigh in on key races. I just want to make a difference in my state and make sure we pick the right people, said Lance Vannalom, who cast his vote at the Meadows Community Center in North Escondido, before heading to his job at Sony. Advertisement There, the parking lot was full and voters streamed in steadily, but the process moved swiftly, with no lines for voting booths. Vu had predicted turnout of 40 percent to 45 percent Tuesday, but revised that downward slightly to 38 percent to 43 percent around midday. About 1.1 million ballots were sent out to registered voters and 277,845 ballots had already been returned as of Sunday. For those who preferred to visit the ballot booth and sport an I Voted sticker on election day, 1,264 polling stations staffed by 6,300 poll workers opened throughout the county at community centers, public buildings, private residences and even a mortuary in Escondido. Wade Barbour, 34, who cast his votes Tuesday morning at the Lake Murray Villa condominium/apartment complex, said he has never missed an election. He said hes particularly interested in the results of the primary races for governor and Senate. I want it to be as much as possible in the direction I want it to go, Barbour said. I am not too happy with the direction we are going right now in this country. At least California has been a major Democratic state, and I would like to keep it that way. Keith Koble, a staunch Republican, hoped to hold back the blue tide. He said there was no way he would miss voting in the primary at the Prospect Avenue Baptist Church near his home in Santee. Im a conservative and I think that we are too far left in California and Im doing my part in swinging us to the other side, Koble, 61, said after voting. Im concerned about one party not making it onto the ballot and I want to make sure both parties are properly represented. Mark Luhm, who voted in North Escondido, said he would like to see improvements to roads and other infrastructure. Describing himself as a fiscal conservative who is also interested in environmental protection, he and said hes concerned about the deeply partisan political climate. Its a divided country, he said. Youre on one side or the other. Tuesdays expected turnout of 38 percent to 43 percent could be higher than other mid-term and primaries in recent years, even the 2012 Presidential primary, if Vus voting forecasts hold true. According to the County Registrar of Voters, the number of registered voters who turned out in elections since 2010 are as follows: June 7, 2016 Presidential Primary 51 percent June 3, 2014 Gubernatorial Primary 27 percent June 5, 2012 Presidential Primary 37 percent June 8, 2010 Gubernatorial Primary 38 percent Staff writer Karen Pearlman contributed to this report Theres one day of the year when judges may stand to be judged Election Day. Most Superior Court judges never face re-election challengers during their careers, but two judges in San Diego County were fighting off opponents Tuesday in races with political undertones. Both took early leads, with Judge Herbert Exarhos, 75, then scoring a decisive victory over challenger Vicki Rothman, 57, a certified family law specialist. With unofficial results and all precincts reporting, Exarhos carried 65 percent of the vote for his seat, Office 28, to Rothmans 34 percent. Advertisement Exarhos, 75, has been on the bench since 1983 and hears criminal cases in El Cajon. Rothman has been an attorney since 2004. Judge Gary Kreep, 67, on the bench since his election in 2012, held a narrow lead with 31.6 percent of the vote for his seat, Office 37. It appeared he would face a runoff with Deputy District Attorney Matt Brower, who was coming in with 26 percent of the vote. Deputy District Attorney Matt Brower (Courtesy photo ) Kreep hears unlawful detainer (eviction) cases in the downtown Hall of Justice. His other challengers were retired Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Miller, 56, carrying 17.5 percent of the vote;. Victor Torres, 59, criminal/civil defense attorney, with 13.8 percent of the vote, and Tim Nader, 60, state deputy attorney general, with 10.6 percent. I couldnt be happier, Brower said Tuesday night when he appeared to be coming in second after Kreep. Brower had the county Democratic Party endorsement. I want to thank my supporters in law enforcement, the Democratic Party, labor, and in particular the extremely supportive veterans community all throughout the county, he added. I will work tirelessly through November to show the people of San Diego that I will be a fair and professional judge for all people in San Diego County. If a candidate for judge wins more than half the vote in the primary, he or she wins outright. If no one wins a majority, the top two vote-getters face off in November. Kreep, who in his 37 years in private practice, was known for litigating conservative socio-political causes, most notably birther lawsuits claiming President Barack Obama was not U.S-born. Rothman worked for a time for the United States Justice Foundation, a legal advocacy group headed by Kreep. Rothman has said she did not work on any birther lawsuits. The five attorneys challenging Kreep question his fitness to remain on the bench after the state Commission on Judicial Performance last year issued a severe public censure of the judge on grounds of 29 specific acts of misconduct. The only penalty more severe for a judge is removal from the bench. Among the acts of misconduct found by the commission were Kreeps courtroom comments about attorneys looks or accents, making up nicknames viewed as demeaning and, as a 2012 judicial candidate, improperly sending political letters opposing President Barack Obamas re-election. In an interview, Kreep said he believes he was targeted then, and now, because of his outspoken Christian beliefs as well as his conservative politics. Rothman has criticized Exarhos on several points, including the District Attorneys Office blanket-challenge in 2016 that prevented him from hearing felony cases for eight or nine months. In that time, he heard misdemeanor cases. Rothman also has said Exarhos carries a light court calendar and is often absent from the bench. Exarhos said in an interview that he hears as many cases as other judges. pauline.repard@sduniontribune Twitter: @pdrepard When the last ballots were counted, Nathan Fletcher topped Bonnie Dumanis for the 4th District seat on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, and a political newcomer will challenge the San Marcos mayor for the open 5th District seat. In unofficial returns, Fletcher bested Dumanis by just over 1,000 votes, good for almost 29 percent of the 75,000 or so ballots cast. Dumanis recorded 27.5 percent of the votes. The two candidates will square off in the November runoff for a chance to replace outgoing Supervisor Ron Roberts. Jim Desmond, the San Marcos mayor who received over 45 percent support from North County voters, will face legislative analyst Michelle Gomez on the general-election ballot this fall, hoping to replace outgoing Supervisor Bill Horn. Gomez beat Oceanside Councilman Jerry Kern for the runner-up spot, 22 percent to 20 percent. Advertisement In general, voters determining the next members of the Board of Supervisors embraced politicians they know over upstarts with little or no political track record. Experts say that is not unusual, given their name recognition and years of public service. San Diego has tended to have a somewhat shallow bench for some of these races, which is why we keep seeing the same names over and over again, said Carl Luna, Mesa College political science professor. Some of our politicians treat elections like slot machines; they keep pulling the handle until they get a payoff, he added. On the upside, it gives established politicians the opportunity to present themselves to voters and lets the voters decide. Between them, the two races for county supervisors attracted nine separate candidates, with the majority of votes going to long-serving politicians. Dumanis was district attorney for 15 years and Fletcher previously served two terms in the state Assembly. In the 4th District, which represents most of central San Diego, former state lawmaker Lori Saldana missed the runoff by about 6 percentage points. Political novice Omar Passons received more than 17 percent of the vote and retired San Diego fire captain Ken Malbrough collected 4.5 percent. The North County campaign saw Jacqueline Arsivaud of Elfin Forest collect almost 10,000 votes, good for just over 12 percent of the turnout. Desmond is seen as the frontrunner going into the North County runoff. He has a dozen years of mayoral service under his belt and received close to 50 percent support in the primary. But Gomez is likely to put in a good showing, with early support from the Democratic Party, unions and the Sierra Club. Even though the county board is technically non-partisan, the Fletcher-Dumanis race is sure to revolve around powerful political interests the Republican Party and its business-friendly support groups against the Democratic Party and its labor leaders and unions. Fletcher, a former Republican state lawmaker who turned independent and then converted to Democrat, last year married influential Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher. Gonzalez Fletcher donated more than $165,000 of her own campaign funds to the San Diego County Democratic Party, election records show. Local Democrats spent at least $210,000 on campaign mailers and other election materials to support Fletchers campaign for county supervisor. Both candidates cited homelessness as a top priority for the county government. Dumanis pointed to increased mental health services and public safety, while Fletcher cited opposition to President Trump and increased access to job-training and vocational education as his priorities. The 4th District race is likely attract hundreds of thousands of dollars, or even $1 million-plus, in political fund-raising and spending. Luna, the Mesa College political science professor, said that while campaigns tend to get expensive and divisive, the business of governing is less hyperbolic once the dust settles and the work begins. The gaps between Republicans and Democrats for politics seem severe, with the huge polarization we have, he said. But in practice they agree on a lot more than they want the public to recognize. Partisanship is easier to sell than bipartisanship, he said. Second, if you dont really have good answers to solve problems, blame the other guy. Watchdog Videos On Now Sexual misconduct accusers worry deputy is being protected 6:16 On Now City funded $2-million waterfront bathroom 1:26 On Now Public water district charges customer for legal work, response to records request On Now Video: Tiny homes won't be reused amid housing, homeless crisis On Now Attorney General seeks documentation for Miss Middle East On Now Rep. Hunter probe covers possible fraud On Now Video: SDG&E delaying solar credit for some low-income housing tenants On Now Video: Former San Diego Junior Theatre teacher sentenced for sex with teen girl 0:24 On Now Video: Shelter volunteers believe they were fired for finding a dog a home 0:49 On Now McKamey Manor is leaving San Diego 3:35 jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald No incumbent has lost a San Diego City Council race since 1992, but Council President Myrtle Cole barely edged challenger Monica Montgomery in Tuesdays District 4 primary and appears headed for a stiff test in the November runoff. Montgomery, a civil rights lawyer challenging Cole from the left in the southeastern San Diego district, got just under 38 percent of the vote on Tuesday only 150 votes behind Cole at 39 percent. Both are Democrats. The narrow margin was the biggest surprise of Tuesdays San Diego council primaries, mainly because Cole is an incumbent who was endorsed by the county Democratic Party and led significantly in campaign contributions. We surprised everybody so far and we are feeling really confident the community will have a voice at City Hall come November, Montgomery said. Advertisement A shift from Cole to Montgomery could solidify the 5-4 majority Democrats have on the council because Cole is the most moderate of the five, sometimes breaking party ranks to side with Republican Mayor Kevin Faulconer. A key factor in the primary results may have been Coles comments last year condoning some forms of racial profiling, saying blacks frequently shoot blacks. The comments, which Cole later apologized for, prompted Montgomery to leave her job on Coles staff and mount a challenge to the incumbent that appears to be more serious than many expected. Myrtle needs to start talking to the community, said Rev. Shane Harris, an influential community and civil rights leader. Right now Monica is doing a very fine job talking to her community and thats why you saw the results you saw Tuesday night. Harris last year criticized Cole for her racial profiling comments and for appointing several Republicans to key committee posts at City Hall. He later softened his opposition, crediting Cole for progress on infrastructure and economic development. He said Wednesday that a key factor in the race could be Coles pivotal council president post, which would almost certainly go to someone other than Montgomery if she wins because she would be a freshman legislator. If Myrtle loses, we in District 4 will lose the council presidency, Harris said. Cole campaign consultant Jennifer Tierney said Tuesdays razor thin margin wasnt a big surprise. I think we knew all along this was a fight, she said. A lot of people on the outside didnt know what was going on. Tierney called Montgomery a legitimate challenger, but also expressed confidence Cole would fare better in November when voter turnout is typically much higher. Its easier for someone like Monica to move the needle with so few voters, said Tierney, adding that Coles superior fundraising would also matter more when there are more voters to reach. While 39 percent is the least percentage of votes a San Diego council incumbent has received in a primary since at least 2000, Tierney noted that incumbent Democrat Sherri Lightner finished second in the 2012 primary but won the November runoff that year. The other San Diego council runoffs will be: Incumbent Republican Lorie Zapf against Democratic challenger Dr. Jennifer Campbell in District 2, which includes the citys beaches and a slice of western Clairemont; Incumbent Republican Chris Cate against Democrat Tommy Hough in District 6, which includes Mira Mesa, Kearny Mesa and eastern Clairemont; and Democrat Vivian Moreno against Democrat Antonio Martinez for the South Bay seat held since 2010 by Democrat David Alvarez, who cant seek re-election this year because of term limits. david.garrick@sduniontribune.com (619) 269-8906 Twitter:@UTDavidGarrick Even before the polls closed Tuesday, Rancho Santa Fes John Cox professed himself cautiously optimistic. He soon had no reason to be cautious and more reasons to be optimistic. By 9:40 p.m., less than two hours after voting ended, he was projected to finish second to Democratic Lt. Gavin Newsom in the race for governor. If no candidate wins 50 percent plus one in Californias jungle primary a virtual certainty on Tuesday, with its slate of 27 gubernatorial candidates the top two finishers were to advance to Novembers general election. Were going to have a debate a civil debate about the direction of this state, he said, arriving at the Republican Party gathering in San Diegos U.S. Grant Hotel. Which is sorely needed, since we are 50 out of 50 in quality of life Gavin Newsom and the Democrats are going to have to take responsibility for what theyve done to this state. Advertisement Political pundits had expected a bruising battle between two prominent Democrats: Newsom, whose resume includes two terms as San Francisco mayor, and Antonio Villaraigosa, a former Los Angeles mayor and speaker of the assembly. While Newsom maintained a wide lead throughout the campaign season, Cox led Villaraigosa in recent polls. That trend continued throughout Tuesday night, prompting cheers from the crowd gathered in the Grants Palm Court room. This is only the first step to turning around this state and taking back California for all Californians, he told his audience. The Associated Press calls the governors race, confirming John Coxs place in the general election with Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. Cox has never held public office before, unlike several in the crowded field of gubernatorial hopefuls. Besides Newsom and Villaraigosa, the roster included a Republican assemblyman, Travis Allen, and Democrats John Chiang, the state treasurer, and Delaine Eastin, former assemblywoman and state superintendent of public instruction. Now Cox faces a daunting challenge: winning in a state that hasnt elected a Republican to statewide office since 2006. That year, voters returned Arnold Schwarzenneger to the governors mansion and tapped Steve Poizner as insurance commissioner. He trails his upcoming Democratic opponent in campaign spending as well. While Newsom has raised nearly $36 million for his war chest, Cox took in $6.6 million, with almost $5 million coming from his own pocket. But Novembers election, predicted Tony Krvaric, chair of the Republican Party of San Diego County, will be fought on issues that favor the GOP: sanctuary cities and the newly-imposed gas tax. Thats a great playing field for Republicans to be playing on, he said. This is Coxs first try for elected office in California, but the 62-year-old lawyer and certified public accountant is not a political rookie. In his native Illinois, the lawyer and certified public accountant launched several unsuccessful campaigns for Congress and the presidency. In 2003, as the GOPs nominee to represent Illinois in the U.S. Senate, he lost to a little-known state legislator: Barack Obama. If you had told me then that the relatively obscure state senator I debated that day would soon be elected to the most powerful position in the world, he wrote in a 2012 essay for the Union-Tribune, I would have thought it would be more likely that the Cubs would have won the World Series by now. After moving to Rancho Santa Fe in 2011, Cox entered California politics by championing two statewide initiatives. One would have created a 12,000-person legislature, which Cox argued would be a more responsive, less corrupt government. The other would have required state legislators to wear stickers or badges identifying their top 10 donors. Both failed to qualify for the ballot, but these campaigns arguably raised Coxs profile among voters. This year, he received a boost from Washington. While Cox supported Libertarian Gary Johnson for president in 2016, he has since become a Donald Trump supporter and vice versa. In High Tax, High Crime California, be sure to get out and vote for Republican John Cox for Governor, the president tweeted Tuesday morning. He will make a BIG difference! Inside the Grant, festive Republicans crowded the bar. The best-selling drinks? Negronis, vodka tonics and Stone IPA. Being 11, Kara Patnoe didnt have anything to drink. But the student council president at Vista Grande Elementary in Tierrasanta, attending with her father, caught the spirit of the proceedings. Its kind of crowded, she said, but kind of exciting. Lynette Williams, a Chicago native who serves on the San Diego Republican party central committee, was also excited. John Cox is going to turn the state of California around like he did Jays Potato Chips, she said, referring to a company that Cox is credited with saving from bankruptcy. Were looking for a much better life with John Cox as governor. In this room, Cox was the popular but not unanimous choice. Among the dissenters was John Renison, one of the Republicans running for Congress in the 51st district. I think we need a guy like Travis Allen, Renison said. Hes the only guy who could destroy Gavin Newsom on the debate stage. But jungle primaries, like politics, creates strange bedfellows. Jan Goldsmith, a former judge and ex-San Diego city attorney, said a Newsom-Cox race would please one candidate and one party. Newsom wants Cox as his opponent as opposed to Villaraigosa, Goldsmith said. And the Republican Party gets what they want someone at the top of the ticket to stir up their voters. In the race for district attorney, Summer Stephan produced a convincing win over her challenger, Genevieve Jones-Wright, in a contest that featured candidates that were polar opposites and that was awash in spending by outside groups. With 100 percent of the vote in, Stephan held a commanding lead with nearly 66 percent of the vote to 34 percent for Jones-Wright. The results, as of early Wednesday morning, are unofficial. A beaming Stephan entered election central at Golden Hall to a rousing round of applause from supporters. She said the early returns indicate voters decided they wanted experience versus an experiment, a reference to her lengthy career as a prosecutor in San Diego, and her opponents shorter career as a defense attorney. They appreciate my three decades of dedication and they appreciate our team that has done so much work for our community, she said. Advertisement Eva Posner, the campaign consultant for Jones-Wright, said the campaign was not deterred by the early vote count. Sheriff Bill Gore won re-election and District Attorney Summer Stephan swept into office with a commanding win over her opponent Tuesday night. This is very, very early, she said. Not a lot of ballots have been counted. We think this is going to be a long night, and we are ready for it. The race was between two, first-time candidates, both women who worked for public agencies on the criminal side of the Superior Court. But thats where the similarities between Stephan and Jones-Wright ended. Stephan is a career prosecutor who has worked for the District Attorneys Office her entire 28-year career. Jones-Wright has been a deputy public defender with the county for 12 years. Stephan drew wide support from a traditional array of groups such as law enforcement labor organizations and victims rights groups. Jones-Wright ran as an outsider who would bring needed change to the office based on a criminal justice reform platform. She drew support locally from progressive groups on the left who supported her platform advocating changes to the bail system and how low-level offenders are charged and other measures. Jones-Wright hammered Stephan as an establishment candidate who would continue the policies of her predecessor, Bonnie Dumanis, who hand-picked Stephan to be her successor. She criticized how Stephan got the job she was appointed by the Board of Supervisors last year to fill Dumaniss unexpired term by saying the county needed an elected DA, not a selected DA. In turn Stephan ripped Jones-Wrights lack of management experience, and the fact that while she had never prosecuted a case and spent her career defending people, she now said she wanted to be the countys top law enforcement official. The policy differences in the race however were essentially overshadowed by the unprecedented amount of money poured into the race most, but not all, of it for Jones-Wright. On May 4, billionaire financier and criminal justice reform advocate George Soros contributed $1.5 million to a statewide PAC supporting Jones-Wright and three other reform-minded DA candidates in the state. The PAC immediately spent more than $400,000 in mostly television advertising for Jones-Wright, kicking off a weeks-long heavy ad campaign and a ferocious response from Stephan. Her campaign consultant Jason Cable Roe had been predicting for months that Soros who has supported reform-minded prosecutor candidates around the country the past several years would come in strongly for Jones-Wright. Soon a website dubbed ThreatToSanDiego.com, featuring a sinister photo of Soros superimposed on a background of street protesters, launched. As the Soros money continued to pour in the online news site inewssource in San Diego calculated the Soros-PAC contributed $2.2 million supporting Jones-Wright Stephan stepped up her attacks. She said Jones-Wright was an anti-prosecutor whose reform agenda endangered public safety and was propped up by money from Soros, who was routinely vilified as an outsider trying to buy the office. One news release referred to Soros as a Hungarian billionaire, though he has lived in the U.S. since 1956, and is a naturalized U.S. citizen. The last week of the race the saturation television campaign funded by the PAC halted when organizers pulled all of their advertising spots, perhaps a tacit acknowledgement the race was out of reach. Two polls in the race showed Stephan well ahead. The second, released the day after The San Diego Union-Tribune reported the ad cancellation, showed her with a 20-point lead. Twitter: @gregmoran greg.moran@sduniontribune.com A hiker reported to be in distress at Three Sisters Falls died before she could be rescued Tuesday afternoon, authorities said. The call for assistance from the East County trail came into the Sheriffs Department around 5:50 p.m., a sheriffs lieutenant said. Cal Fire San Diego sent out a tweet just after 6:25 p.m that it was at the scene, and a helicopter equipped to lift the hiker was in the area. Sheriffs Lt. James Cady said the hiker died before crews could help. Advertisement No further information was immediately available. The San Diego County Medical Examiners office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death and notify the victims family. @CALFIRESANDIEGO is at scene of a hiker in distress at Three Sisters Falls. A hoist ship is in the area.#SistersIC pic.twitter.com/KNfBFoYDxl CAL FIRE/SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) June 6, 2018 teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT A polling station at Montgomery Field Airport was briefly evacuated Tuesday after a suspicious device was found, officials said. The device reported by some media outlets to be a training grenade was found in a trash can. The report came in shortly after 5:30 p.m., and authorities gave the all-clear by 6:45 p.m., a San Diego police officer said. Five people were in the polling place at the time, and all were evacuated. But all were able to cast their ballot because a poll worker had grabbed the ballot box as they left the polling station, according to Assistant Registrar of Voters Cynthia Paes. She said the voters finished up their selections outside and dropped the ballots in the box. Paes said 15 people showed up to vote during the hour or so that the station was closed. Those voters were redirected to a nearby polling site. Advertisement Paes noted that there are 1,444 polling sites across the county, and on occasion over the years, sites have had to be evacuated or relocated at the last minute. Things do happen, Paes said. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT The Supreme Court resolved the case of a Christian baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple by ruling the government may not show hostility to religion. As Justice Anthony M. Kennedy put it: The Free Exercise Clause (of the 1st Amendment) bars even subtle departures from neutrality on matters of religion. He cited the comments of one member of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission who had lectured baker Jack Phillips about the role religion has played throughout history to justify bigotry, slavery and the Holocaust. Such words suggested that religious beliefs and persons are less than fully welcome in Colorados business community, Kennedy wrote, adding the state had violated its duty under the 1st Amendment not to base laws or regulations on hostility to a religion or a religious viewpoint. But the majoritys condemnation of what it saw as the commissions lack of respect for Phillips Christian beliefs raises questions about another big pending case: Is President Trumps travel ban based largely on hostility toward Muslims? Advertisement Lawyers who closely follow the court were quick to say that Kennedys insistence on strict neutrality toward religion should spell trouble for the president and his legal team in defending entry restrictions imposed on citizens of several Muslim-majority countries. If the court is serious about what it said, it should rule the entry ban violates the 1st Amendment because the process that resulted in the ban was infected by the presidents expressed animus and hostility toward Muslims, said Leah Litman, a law professor at UC Irvine and a former law clerk for Justice Kennedy. In recent years, two entirely separate claims of religious discrimination have moved through the courts. On the right, social conservatives have sued and sought religious exemptions from laws that call for equal treatment for gays and lesbians or require the dispensing of contraceptives. Their lawyers contended traditional beliefs were under attack, and those concerns have been echoed by some of the conservative justices. When the court upheld same-sex marriages three years ago, Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. said he feared the ruling will be used to vilify Americans who are unwilling to assent to the new orthodoxy. ... They will risk being labeled as bigots and treated as such by governments, employers and schools. Meanwhile, on the left, liberals have voiced concern over bias against Muslims and other minorities. Those worries grew with the rise of Donald Trumps presidential campaign. In December 2015, he called for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States and said later, I think Islam hates us. In his first week in the White House, he issued the first of three proclamations to block visitors and travelers from several Muslim-majority nations. The Supreme Court this term was asked to resolve religious bias claims from both sides. The case of the Christian cake maker was brought by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a social conservative group based in Arizona. Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union and immigrants rights advocates won rulings on the West Coast and the East Coast that declared Trumps travel ban unconstitutional because it discriminated based on religion. The court heard the administrations appeal in April and will rule by the end of this month on Trump vs. Hawaii. Neal K. Katyal, the Washington lawyer who argued for those challenging the travel ban, told the court that the 1st Amendment forbids the government from enacting policies that denigrate or exclude members of a particular faith. Yet any reasonable observer who heard the presidents campaign promises [or] read his thinly justified orders would see they were targeted at Muslims. Until Monday, it was expected that the bakers case would be decided on free speech grounds, not religion. His lawyers had argued he was a cake artist, and as such, should not be forced to express a message to celebrate a same-sex marriage that conflicted with his religious beliefs. By a 7-2 vote, the court opted for a narrow ruling that held the Colorado civil rights commissioners had displayed hostility to religion in some of their comments. The ACLUs legal director, David Cole, said the courts opinion should lead to a ruling striking down the travel ban. If the justices express this level of concern about a few, offhand comments by a member of a low-level state commission, then they should have a much greater concern about a president who made much more explicitly anti-religious statements. And he put them into practice, precisely what he promised he would do, Cole said. I dont how they could reconcile that the Masterpiece [cake maker] case is about religious intolerance, but the Muslim ban is not. But Stanford law professor Michael McConnell, an expert on religion and the 1st Amendment, applauded Mondays ruling. In these days of intense culture conflict, the 7-2 majority demonstrates that concern about hostility and intolerance toward religious views is not a right-wing distraction, as some people say, but a broadly held and fundamental part of our constitutional values. He added, however, that the cake makers case differed fundamentally from a dispute over campaign statements about Muslims. Courts and commissions have a special obligation of neutrality to the parties, he said. During the oral argument in April, the courts conservatives showed little interest in whether the travel ban reflected bias. U.S. Solicitor Gen. Noel Francisco defended the presidents order and argued it could not be fairly described as a Muslim ban. It applied to only five Muslim nations Iran, Yemen, Libya, Syria and Sudan and they were targeted because of national security concerns, he said. He also urged the court to toss out the underlying suits on the grounds that aliens abroad have no legal right to seek entry to the United States. Litman agreed there are various ways the court or particular justices could try to wrangle out of it, including deference to the president with respect to immigration or national security. But the principle the court articulated [on Monday] and its mode of analysis should lead it to invalidate the entry ban on 1st Amendment grounds. The latest from Washington More stories from David G. Savage david.savage@latimes.com Twitter: DavidGSavage Two of Scott Pruitts most trusted aides have given notice that they are leaving, as the Environmental Protection Agency chief faces growing scrutiny over his spending and management decisions, according to current and former agency officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss personnel moves. Sarah Greenwalt, a senior counsel at the EPA who also worked with Pruitt when he was Oklahoma attorney general, had garnered attention for the 52% raise she received earlier this year, before the EPA reversed the decision. The other departure, initially reported Wednesday by the Atlantic, is that of Millan Hupp, Pruitts top scheduling and advance official. She also worked with Pruitt in Oklahoma, helping with fund-raising under his political action committees. Hupp, who at the EPA served as a gatekeeper, travel planner and confidante of the administrator, had drawn the attention of lawmakers on Capitol Hill recently for the personal tasks she also performed for Pruitt. Those included helping with his Washington housing hunt, booking his personal travel and even contacting the Trump hotel in search of a used mattress on his behalf. Advertisement The departures are the latest and possibly most significant in a line of political appointees who have left the agency. Top communications official Elizabeth Bowen left recently, as did former top advisor Samantha Dravis. The EPA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An unusually high number of candidates seeking seats on college boards was narrowed down in Tuesdays primary election, and a San Diego City Council member appeared poised to change jobs. The top two candidates in the primary election in both races will move on to the November general election. As of Wednesday morning, with all precincts counted, San Diego City Councilman David Alvarez had a strong lead of 47.7 percent in a race to represent District E in the San Diego Community College District. The results are unofficial. Advertisement Alvarez, who is terming out of his City Council seat, was the highest-profile candidate running in the race to replace Trustee Peter Zschiesche, who is retiring after representing District E since 2002. The race for second place was tighter, with Cuyamaca College professor Rafael Perez capturing 20.6 percent of the votes and nonprofit policy director Sean Elo netting 20 percent. Entrepreneur Allan Candelore was in fourth place with 11 percent of the votes. Alvarez had said he was considering running for a seat on the County Board of Supervisors in 2020 but on election night said he was undecided. I dont know whether Ill be running in two years, he said. I havent done anything with that campaign since summer of last year. Alvarez said serving on the community college board rather than the City Council would allow him time to start his own business, which he said would focus on the bi-national economy and investments in the border region. Well see where that leads me, he said, adding that his life also is focused on his children and caring for his 85-year-old father, who lives with him. Alvarez said hes enthused about the possibility of joining the community college district, which he said had helped his own family. In 1986, when the federal government approved the last immigration reform act, my parents became legal residents and part of the requirement was that they had to learn English and U.S. history, he said. They did that through the continuing education campus of the community college district. Also leading in the community college race was 28-year incumbent Maria Nieto Senour, who has represented District A since 1990 and is the only trustee seeking re-election. As of Wednesday with all precincts counted but the results unofficial, Senour had 43.5 percent of the votes. Diane Hickman, a retired Army first sergeant, educator and healthcare professional was in second with about 35.7 percent of the votes. She had been endorsed by San Diego City Council member Lorie Zapf. UC San Diego adjunct professor Janette Williams was in third with 20.4 percent. In District C, community college professor Craig Milgrim lead the pack of four candidates trying to fill the seat held since 2002 by retiring board member Rich Grosch. Milgrim had a clear lead with 45.2 percent of the votes. Second place saw adjunct professor Loren Casuto capturing 19.2 percent of the votes and technologist and researcher John Watson close behind with about 18.6 percent. Teacher Aviva Angel was in fourth place with 16.2 percent. Senour said that despite having served on the board 28 years, she still had more to do for the district. I really dont feel like Im done, she said. Ive got important things to do still. Among those things on her to-do list, Senour said she wants to have classes offered to inmates in jail and she wants to help protect immigrant students who are not documented. She also said she was glad to see challengers on the ballot so voters can have a choice. Three seats also were up in the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Board of Trustees, and Wednesdays unofficial results showed incumbent Edwin Hiel at risk of losing his seat. Elections in the district in recent years had not seen challengers to incumbents, but this year saw two incumbents face two challengers each and another incumbent not seeking re-election. The current boards support of a controversial 2015 union-friendly construction drew more attention to the race. With all precincts counted in Area One, incumbent Edwin Hiel in third place with about 16.3 percent of the votes. Leading the field was teacher Linda Cartwright with 51.3 percent followed by local business owner John Olsen with 32.2 percent. Carter was endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers, which had endorsed Hiel in his first campaign in 2010. Hiel has said he lost the AFT support after speaking in support of the project labor agreement. With all precincts counted in Area Two, incumbent Debbie Justeson, who was endorsed by the AFT, had a strong lead with 60.4 percent of the votes. Continuing education instructor Bill Exeter had 28 percent of the votes, and educator and author Jonathan Bowman was in third with 11.3 percent. No incumbent was running in Area Five, which since 2006 has been represented by Greg Barr. With all precincts counted in the race for Barrs replacement, retired Cuyamaca College professor Brad Monroe was leading with 41.1 percent of the votes. Monroe had been endorsed by the San Diego County Democratic Party. Medical credentialing specialist Teresa Rosiak, who had been endorsed by the Republican Party of San Diego County, was in second with 33 percent of the votes and Wesley Thomas, a retired school superintendent from Gorman and former Kern County school board trustee, was third with 25.4 percent. 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 A top State Department spokesperson referenced the D-Day invasion during World War II as an example of the United States strong ties to Germany. The department has been under fire since U.S. Ambassador to Germany Rick Grenell told Breitbart News he wants to help empower far-right groups in Europe, sparking anger from the U.S. ally. We have a very strong relationship with the government of Germany, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said during a briefing Tuesday. Looking back in the history books, today is the 71st anniversary of the speech that announced the Marshall Plan. Tomorrow is the anniversary of the D-Day invasion. Wednesday is the 74th anniversary of the allied invasion of northern France during World War II, a bloody day in which thousands of U.S. and British soldierswere killed while fighting German troops. The massive attack was considered a turning point in the allied effort to push back Nazi forces in Europe. Advertisement We obviously have a very long history with the government of Germany, Nauert continued. And we have a strong relationship with the government of Germany. Nauert used the D-Day invasion of German-occupied France as an example of the strong ties to Berlin. (AP ) Nauert was defending Grenells statements to Breitbart that he supports conservative groups in Europe, which the Trump appointee said are experiencing an awakening from the silent majority. Ambassadors have a right to express their opinion, Nauert responded to questions about whether diplomats can support certain parties overseas. Theyre representatives of the White House, whether its this administration or other administrations. Grenells comments sparked outrage among German politicians, many of whom were already at odds with the Trump administration. Chancellor Angela Merkel had already signaled a desire to reduce reliance on Washington after President Trump backed out of the Paris climate accord and the Iran nuclear deal. Grenell, in a tweet after the Breitbart interview was published last weekend, defended his remarks but clarified he wasnt throwing his full support to a particular individual or group. What Ambassador Grenell was doing was merely highlighting that there are some parties and candidates in Europe who are doing well right now, Nauert said. With News Wire Services A man was busted after taking a massive armored military vehicle for a joy ride and leading dozens of police on a bizarre chase through Virginia highways and towns Tuesday night, authorities said. The vehicle left the Virginia National Guard-operated Fort Pickett near Blackstone at around 8 p.m., never speeding beyond 40 mph during a trek to the state capital, according to Virginia State Police officials. Video of the runaway vehicle was shared to social media and showed a helicopter shining a spotlight from above and several law enforcement vehicles following him, lights flashing and sirens blasting. After driving more than 50 miles, the man behind the wheel stopped on a roadway medium in downtown Richmond and surrendered to state police around 9:40 p.m., officials said. Advertisement State police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said the unidentified driver was then stunned with a Taser after he refused to comply with a troopers repeated demands. He was taken to a hospital a block away out of precaution. Geller dashed social media speculation that the runaway vehicle was a tank. She said the vehicle is not equipped with any weaponry. A spokesperson for the Virginia National Guard said the incident is under investigation and declined to offer additional details. Charges are pending against the driver. Trump will not need to pardon himself Re Trump says he can pardon himself (June 5): Can we please just get one day of reprieve from the daily onslaught of Trump bashing from the media. I read an article in my local newspaper from the Associated Press that makes a big brouhaha about President Trump claiming he can pardon himself. Legally, per the Constitution, he is correct but it is really irrelevant. It is a hypothetical situation and not based on any reality. Why? Because, per the Department of Justices own policy, you cannot indict a sitting president so if he cannot be indicted, the whole issue of pardoning himself becomes moot. You people need to sit back, relax and take a chill pill for once. The American people have grown weary of this nonsense. I keep hearing this no one is above the law chant coming from the talking heads on CNN and MSNBC. Where were these same people when Hillary Clinton walked after the mishandling of classified material. Advertisement Larry Kovalchik Murrieta Why Trumps beliefs about pardons matter The presidents recent assertion that he can pardon himself for any crime suggests a political belief system right out of the Middle Ages: The Devine Right of Kings. We should have seen it coming when he asserted during his campaign that he could stand in the middle of the street and shoot someone, and no one would care. In the unlikely event hes re-elected, we can dispense with an inauguration and just hold a coronation. Richard Hicks Cardiff Talk of pardons may be legal gamesmanship Re Manafort accused of witness tampering (June 5) may be a message to Donald Trump. Just as Trump has started pardoning people to send a message to Michael Cohen, Paul Manafort and others, Robert Mueller may be sending a message to Trump. Pardoning a potential witness to a crime is equivalent to witness tampering. Ronald Harris Scripps Ranch Letters and commentary policy The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below. Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook. Returning to San Diego for a second year of eye-popping exhibits and interactive art, LA-based Wonderspaces unveils its new show With Creative License, and a brand-new location by the waterfront. With more than 60,000 visitors to the 2017 exhibition, this years show will display 15 artists from around the world, and a tantalizing feast for the eyes and senses in a variety of artistic mediums. Speaking on the return to San Diego, Jason Shin, co-founder and president said, We dont want to live in the special event category. We are talking about something fundamental in peoples lives, spending time with friends, family, and sharing in new experiences. These artists around the world are creating wondrous spaces that can fill that role. Formerly hosted in Mission Valleys Civita community, the interactive exhibition, which launches June 8, will move to the B Street Pier along the waterfront. Sumbergence at Wonderspaces by artist Squidsoup. (Paul Blakemore) Advertisement Part of the Wonderspaces ethos is that the exhibition isnt just seen as another art show for a certain crowd. Shin continued, The people in San Diego, whether they identify with art or not, can gather here with the people they care about and because of that, everything about the show, from the location to the price and the artwork itself, is designed to be accessible. Curating the show and gathering the artists from around the globe is Wonderspaces Creative Director Kendall Warson. Her enthusiasm is apparent by the intrinsic energy of the exhibition from start to finish. We try to make it a dynamic show and showcase artists with different concepts, approaches and backgrounds, she said. We have filmmakers, photographers, and engineers with such an array of experiences. The variety is what makes the show unique. There is no theme, except that they are all exceptional and unique, and we hope people can immerse themselves. In a serene and magical world of paper, German artist Carolin Wanitzek created The Border, which explores the landscape between dreams and reality. Inspired by 10 years of creation, and taking a full 10 days to install, the work represents a personal journey of passion, and as the artist noted, it is like waking up in a forest. Comprised entirely of photographic paper, the wooded scene full of trees, insects and flowers, takes viewers to their childhood and the reverie of memories. Wanitzek sends the invitation, You can be in your own blue tree world. British artist Memo Akten utilizes fluid and particle simulation in Body Paint to provide viewers the chance to create their own living art through computer code. For Akten, The purpose is to give people a taste of the joy of creation and to be creative. As an avid musician, he said of his artwork: The analogy I think about is a musical instrument. Playing is not necessarily about creating something at the end, but at the moment its a beautiful sensation. The things that happen in music dont happen as much in the visual domain. That is something I am trying challenge. I am poking at that boundary that musicians get when they play musical instruments. Brussels-based duo Arnaud Eeckhout and Mauro Vitturini of Void create a complex sensation of vibrating inanimate objects with their experience of sound and movement entitled Magnetic Field. Utilizing more than 120 motors and 2,000 magnets hidden behind the wall, they breathe life into everyday materials such as steel scrubbing sponges. Mauro noted, We like the idea of working with invisible forces and energies. Through sound, we try to create artwork using sound as a medium the same way a painter uses a brush or color. Its like a landscape, its breathing and spreading like a disease over the wall, Arnaud added. Black Baloons at Wonderspaces by artist Tadao Cern. (Courtesy photo) Wonderspaces: With Creative License When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (last entrance at 8:30 p.m.), starting June 8 and running through at least mid August Where: B Street Pier, 1140 N. Harbor Dr., Embarcadero Waterfront Cost: $14-24 Info: wonderspaces.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. As we commemorate D-Day, Ben Railton recognizes the bravery of the lesser-known heroes of World War II: The Navajo, African American, and Japanese American troops who also served our country. Weekly Newsletter The best of The Saturday Evening Post in your inbox! Join This column by American studies professor Ben Railton explores the connections between Americas past and present. The June 6, 1944, Allied landing on Frances Normandy Beachthe operation that came to be known as D-Daywas one of the most ambitious military operations ever undertaken, and featured countless stories of striking bravery and heroism. To cite just one example from my home state, Virginias state highway 29 has been officially designated the 29th Infantry Division Memorial Highway, in honor of a unit based out of the states Fort Belvoir that served in the vanguard at Normandy, suffered tremendous casualties as a result, and then helped lead the subsequent advance through France and into Germany that produced the final Allied victory over the Nazis. No doubt because of such remarkable stories, as well as the invasions central importance to the war effort, D-Day has figured prominently in our national collective memories of the war. From early cultural portrayals like the blockbuster films D-Day: The Sixth of June (1956) and The Longest Day (1962) to more recent ones such as the bravura opening sequence of Steven Spielbergs Saving Private Ryan (1998) and the acclaimed HBO miniseries Band of Brothers (2001), popular culture has returned to the histories of D-Day and its aftermath time and again. Subscribe and get unlimited access to our online magazine archive. Subscribe Today Those histories, and most especially all those Allied servicemen who took part in them, are certainly well worth commemorating, and the operations anniversary provides an opportunity to do so once more. Yet there are many other World War II feats of heroism that extend beyond the Normandy invasion, including a number featuring soldiers of color who (because of the militarys segregated status) were not allowed to take part in the D-Day operation. Adding them to our commemorations deepens our perspective on what every American community contributed to the cause. Thanks to director John Woos historical film Windtalkers (2002), the stories of the World War II Navajo code talkers stories that were classified until 1968 and largely unremembered until at least the 1980s have perhaps begun to enter our collective memories, but nonetheless deserve a far fuller presence in our histories of the war. Recruited in 1941 and 1942 by Philip Johnston, a World War I veteran who had grown up on a Navajo reservation and spoke the language, these Navajo soldiers some as young as 15 or 16 years old proved vital to the Allied efforts, especially in the wars Pacific Theater. Major Howard Connor, a signal officer who served with the 5th Marine Division at the crucial 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima, later argued that, Were it not for the Navajos, the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima. African American servicemen likewise contributed mightily to the Allied efforts. Despite their absence from combat roles in and thus most cultural representations of the Normandy invasion, African American soldiers such as those in the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion did indeed take part in the D-Day operation. And both before and after June , 1944, African American units played vital roles in combat operations throughout the war. The Tuskegee Airmen, also known as the Red Tails (the title of a 2012 historical film about the unit that deserves wider viewership), flew tens of thousands of missions in North Africa, Italy, and beyond. The 761st Tank Battalion, also known as the Black Panthers, saw extensive combat under General George Patton in the post-Normandy Battle of the Bulge, among many other European operations, and have been called one of the most effective tank battalions in World War II. Native Americans and African Americans have played significant roles in every American military conflict from the Revolution on, and these World War II servicemen extended and amplified those profoundly impressive histories. But perhaps the most inspiring and heroic World War II American servicemen of color were the Japanese American soldiers who quite literally volunteered from within the exclusionary internment camps and helped change the course of the war. In early 1943, roughly a year after President Franklin D. Roosevelts Executive Order 9066 had created the internment policy, the administration reversed its concurrent policy prohibiting Japanese Americans from serving in the armed forces. The move was both a practical and a cynical one, both a response to wartime needs and an attempt to counter Japanese propaganda about the camps, and it would have been understandable if Japanese Americans had refused to serve the nation that had defined them as alien enemies. But their response was instead literally and figuratively overwhelming: in Hawaii, an initial call for 1500 volunteers led 10,000 Japanese Americans to recruiting offices; while more than 2000 volunteered in that initial surge from within internment camps. By the wars end, more than 33,000 Japanese Americans had served in two segregated units, the 442nd Infantry Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Infantry Battalion. The 100th, the first unit to see combat in 1943 (initially in Italy and then throughout Europe), came to be known as the Purple Heart Battalion, as it took nearly 10,000 casualties by wars end. And Commanding General George Marshall said of the 442nd, who fought under his command throughout the pivotal post-Normandy campaigns in 1944, that They were superb! They showed rare courage and tremendous fighting spirit. Everybody wanted them. D-Day was a crucial wartime operation, but it has become a great deal more than that. It rightly serves as an occasion through which to remember the service, bravery, and heroism of American World War II servicemen and veterans. Adding the stories of the Navajo code talkers, the wars African American units, and the Japanese American soldiers of the 442nd and 100th to our national collective memories not only amplifies those commemorations of heroism, but makes clear how much every American community share Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/05/2018 -- Antimony trioxide is the one of the major compounds of antimony. Antimony oxide is mainly produced by two ways either by oxidation of antimony or by the process of re-volatilizing of crude antimony trioxide. The method of production is mainly dependent on the composition of ores. Antimony trioxide has the ability to react both as acid as well as base making it suitable in various end user applications. Antimony trioxide reacts with mineral acids to give the corresponding salts. The major applications of antimony trioxide include flame retardants, polymerization catalyst in manufacturing of PET, as an additive in brake linings of automobiles and to certain extent as a coating for certain grades in titanium dioxide pigments. The flame retardant application of antimony trioxide is expected to dominate the market for antimony trioxide. Countries such as China, Russia, South Africa and Kyrgyzstan are the major producers for antimony trioxide. The major consumers for antimony trioxide are developed regions especially Europe and the U.S. With growth in flame retardant market across the globe the market for antimony trioxide also expects a positive trend in next few years. View Report Preview: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/antimony-trioxide-market.html The antimony trioxide has limited self fire-retardant properties. However antimony trioxide acts as an effective synergist for halogenated compounds or polymers containing halogens. The other major application for antimony trioxide is flame retardant in plastics and rubber. These flame retardant plastics are chiefly used in electronics applications. As the processing of antimony trioxide with plastics do not require any specialized treatment, majority of electronic companies prefer such treated plastics for electronic end products. The growth of electronic sector especially in personal computers, LCD monitors, printers or house hold television sets will act as a major boost for antimony trioxide market. Moreover, the market for cables and insulations will aid the market for antimony trioxide further growth. The flame retardant rubber is used in coal mines area where there is a high probability of fire exposure. The antimony trioxide is also used in flame retardant textiles, which are used in protective clothing, mats and curtains. The other applications include opacifying agent for glass and in manufacturing of complex organic pigments. However, due to availability for better products in these applications it limits the scope for antimony trioxide for these sectors. Antimony trioxide is also used as a catalyst in manufacturing polyethylene terephthalate (PET). As the demand of antimony trioxide is based on its flame retardant application, the growth in flame retardant market will advance the need for antimony trioxide. The increase in electronics industry in developing and developed nations is anticipated to be the greatest end user industry for antimony trioxide. The developing nations across Asia Pacific and RoW are expected to be the fastest growing market for antimony trioxide in the next six years. Moreover, due to the rapid economic development of these countries and increased disposable income of the citizens of these countries has led to further magnification of the total customer base in these countries for applications in electronic consumables and house hold electronic products. The augmentation of electronic sector especially in personal computers, LCD monitors, and other electronic equipments in developed regions will help the market of antimony trioxide to flourish further. As antimony trioxide is used as a catalyst in PET manufacturing, the demand for PET in bottles and containers across globe will aid the market for antimony trioxide to certain extent. Request to view Sample Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=3485 Some of the key players in the antimony trioxide market include Sherwin-Williams Company, Almatis GmbH, Minmetals and Great Lakes Chemical Corporation among others. Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/06/2018 -- Barite is a mineral that is rich in barium. Barite commonly occurs in the large number of depositional environment and it is found in the zinc-lead veins in limestone, in the hot spring deposits and in the hematite ore. Barite is also found alongside meteorites. Barite is relatively inert and also exhibits a physical property of high density. Barite is widely used as a weighting agent in the drilling muds. Barite also finds other applications in the electrical and electronics, rubber, ceramics, paints radiation shielding, medical and glass industry among others. China, India, Morocco and U.S. are expected to be the largest producers of barite. The total barite resources across the globe in all categories are around 2 billion tons, however, only 740 million tons is considered among the identified resources. A sample of this report is available upon request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-150 Most of the barite manufactured is used as a weighting agent in the drilling fluids that are used in the oil and gas exploration. Barites are mainly used to suppress the high formation fluids and also to prevent blowouts. The quantity of barite used is mainly dependent on the depth of the hole that has to be bored. The deeper the hole, more the barite is required. Barite is non-magnetic in nature and hence, it does not interfere with the magnetic measurements that are taken during boring the hole making barite an ideal choice for the drilling fluids. Barite is widely used in the manufacturing of paints and coatings. Thus, the growing automobile industry is expected to boost the overall growth of the paints and coatings industry which in turn is expected to drive the growth of the overall barite market. The global barite market is expected to grow owing to its increasing demand in other applications such as textiles, paper and paints among others. Though, there are alternatives to barite such as ilmenite, celestite, iron ore and synthetic hematite, none of these substitutes had a major impact on the barite drilling mud industry. Barites offer several benefits such as good stability, strong inertia, moderate rigidity, acid and alkali proof and high specific gravity. Due to such advantages, barite is widely used in applications including engineering plastic, middle and high-grade paint, medicine compounding, rubber, pottery, paper-making and cosmetics among others. The main types of barites are ground barite, finely ground barite and bleached barite. Ground barite is used as filler in the production of oil cloth, linoleum, paper, textile, plastics and rubber. Finely ground barite finds use in making thixotropic mud for sealing oil wells in drilling applications and bleached barite is used as a pigment in white paint. Considering the rapidly growing oil and gas drilling industry, the demand for barite is expected to record a strong growth in the coming years. India and China hold a dominant position in the barite supply and have increased prices significantly in the recent times. Owing to this, there is an increased focus on discovering and developing new barite resources across the world. While India and China are anticipated to dominate the barite production and export, mining projects in several stages of development are ongoing in countries such as Liberia, Kazakhstan, Mexico, and Zimbabwe. To view TOC of this report is available upon request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-150 Some of the key participants of the barite market include Desku Group Inc., SMIMTAF, Shijiazhuang Oushun Minerals Products Co. Ltd., Shanghai Titanos Industry Co., Ltd., CMS Industries and V&P Corporation among others. About Future Market Insights Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India. FMI's research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customised and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers. Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/06/2018 -- 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. Get Sample PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @ https://www.mrrse.com/sample/4778 Global Smart Elevators and Escalators Market: Trends and Opportunities There 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: Segmentations Based 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 Aspects A 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. Explore Full Report Description with TOC @https://www.mrrse.com/smart-elevators-escalators-market Global Smart Elevators and Escalators Market: Competitive Landscape Key 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 Type Elevator 450 kg - 1,150 kg 1,150kg-1,500kg 1,500kg-2,000kg Escalator Moving Walkway Escalators Moving Stairs Global Smart Elevator and Escalator Market: By Application Type Commercial Hotels Retail Residential Transportation Hospital Parking Building Global Smart Elevator and Escalator Market: By Geography North America S. Canada Mexico Europe K. Germany France Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific India China Japan Rest of Asia Pacific Rest of the World (RoW) Middle East Latin America Africa About Market Research Reports Search Engine Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords. MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSE's 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 Us State Tower 90, State Street Suite 700 Albany, NY 12207(United State) United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559(CANADA) Email: sales@mrrse.com Website: https://www.mrrse.com/ Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/05/2018 -- The global hepatitis E diagnostic tests market is characterized by an intense level of competition. The strongholds of the leading players coupled with the strategic efforts of the emerging players have been the key reasons behind the cutthroat competition. Furthermore, a major share of the market was held by Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy in 2015, and the company is expected to stay ahead of other players over the forthcoming years. The market players that follow Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy in terms of market share are also expected to resort to innovative business strategies to retain their streak of excellence. Strategic alliances are projected to be amongst the key highlights of the global market as several players aim to thrive by partnering with other market vendors. Moreover, the local and regional players are anticipated to concentrate on strengthening their reigns in their respective regions. In order to penetrate into the regional market, the international players are expected to resort to mergers and acquisitions. Besides this, pricing strategy has been a decisive element of the competitive landscape and is expected to keep influencing the dynamics of the market over the coming years. Some of the leading players in the global market for hepatitis E diagnostic tests are Primerdesign Ltd., Fortress Diagnostics Ltd., MP Biomedicals LLC, and Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Request a Sample of the Report @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=16859 A report published by Transparency Market Research (TMR) deconstructs the elements of the global market for hepatitis E diagnostic tests. The global market is expected to cumulate a revenue of US$60.4 mn by 2024 escalating from a value of US$43.7 mn in 2015. Furthermore, the CAGR of the global hepatitis E diagnostic market is expected to settle at 3.80% over the period between 2016 and 2024. Based on the type of test, ELISA HEV IgM tests have emerged as the most popular category of tests for the detection of Hepatitis E. Medical Awareness Campaigns to Drive Demand Until a decade back, a large number of third-world countries were deprived of several vaccinations, treatments, and medical tests. However, in recent times, due to the efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other healthcare bodies, the people within these countries now have access to better healthcare facilities. This has underhandedly contributed to the growth of the global market for hepatitis E and has created growth spaces for market players. Furthermore, the high incidence of hepatitis E across countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and Morocco has persuaded international bodies to institute better treatment facilities. Despite the affluent growth of the global market for hepatitis E treatment, the high incidence of asymptomatic diseases that cannot be easily diagnosed has hampered market growth. Request a Brochure of the Report @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=16859 Asia Pacific to Emerge as Leading Regional Segment The endemicity of hepatitis E across countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Bhutan, Thailand, and Vietnam has given potency to the market for hepatitis E across Asia Pacific. Moreover, the efforts of the governments across these countries to offer better healthcare facilities have also fortified the growth of the global market. Furthermore, the market for hepatitis E in North America and Europe has also treaded a positive growth path over the past years. Enquiry for discount on this report @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=16859 Sarasota, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/05/2018 -- Global Hydraulic Turbine Market: Overview With the increasing demand for the fossil fuels for fulfilling rising energy needs, there has been a gradual move towards renewable power sources. Industries across the world are heavily inclined towards several sources such as water, solar, and wind. Hydraulic turbines basically convert kinetic power into mechanical power to produce electricity. A water turbine is a renewable source that offers energy with less ecological impact. Water turbines are majorly utilized for energy generation from household application to manufacturing applications. Owing to healthy financial expansion and expected development in the standards of living, emerging countries are projected to see a robust augment in power requirement. Global Hydraulic Turbine Market: Growth Factors Adaptableness of water generated energy is increasing due to its clean energy source. One of the most important reasons behind increasing demand and requirement of a hydropower plant is basically the renewability of water sources. Several initiatives by the government for power production by renewable energy sources make a less regulated environment in the market which is expected to drive the demand and requirement for hydraulic turbines. The price is also expected to play a significant role in fuelling the global market development. The electrical energy generation/production price by hydraulic turbines is comparatively less as compared to other traditional methods. Hydraulic turbines are majorly censured for affecting lives of underwater creatures as well as for affecting the water quality after the set-up of the plant. On the other hand, these aspects restrain the market development. In addition, hydraulic turbine plants may cause very low dissolved oxygen altitude in the water; this concern is likely to be extremely deleterious to the environment. These complications related to the water turbines are likely to obstruct the global hydraulic turbine market development. Request Free Sample Research Report @ https://goo.gl/LQYNDc Global Hydraulic Turbine Market: Segmentation The global hydraulic turbine market can be classified in terms of application and design. In terms of design, the global water turbine market can be divided into impulse turbine and reaction turbine. In terms of impulse turbine, it is fragmented into Archimedes screw, Jonval turbine, Turgo, Waterwheel, and Pelton wheel. In terms of reaction turbine, the global hydraulic turbine is categorized into Gorglow turbine, Tyson turbine, Francis turbine, and Karplan turbine. In terms of application, the global hydraulic turbine market is divided into aeronautics, power storage, power generation, and marine. Global Hydraulic Turbine Market: Regional Analysis The global hydraulic turbine market in the Asia Pacific is anticipated to expand in the coming future, due to the fact that majority of the provinces such as Bangladesh and India are mainly agriculture-driven. India and China are most important economies which are projected to drive the global hydraulic turbine market in the years to come. North America is expected to show a stable demand and requirement as well, owing to the better incentives presented by the government for the usage of these systems. The increasing requirement for renewable sources of energy is projected to fuel the market in Europe as well. On the other hand, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are anticipated to see a comparatively slow development rate. Request For Customization @ https://goo.gl/omueyQ Global Hydraulic Turbine Market: Competitive Players Some of the most important market players in the global hydraulic turbine market are International Aero Engines AG., GE Energy, Vestas Wind Systems A/S, Urban Green Energy, Siemens Wind Power, Suzlon Energy Limited, and Enercon GmbH, among others. Global Hydraulic Turbine Market: Regional Segment Analysis North America The U.S. Europe The UK France Germany The Asia Pacific China Japan India Latin America Brazil The Middle East and Africa Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @ https://goo.gl/PAcWtT What Reports Provides Full in-depth analysis of the parent market Important changes in market dynamics Segmentation details of the market Former, on-going, and projected market analysis in terms of volume and value Assessment of niche industry developments Market share analysis Key strategies of major players Emerging segments and regional markets Testimonials to companies in order to fortify their foothold in the market. Woodland Hills, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/06/2018 -- "Collaborative process has earned its place at the table with other methods of dispute resolution and is here for the foreseeable future. Counsel and the public at large become familiar with all methods of dispute resolution before making a decision on how to proceed. Local 5.26 defines and expands how the collaborative process would operate." said Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Thomas Trent Lewis. Judge Lewis is Supervising Judge for all Family Law Courts in Los Angeles County and is supportive of the collaborative process. "Effective July 1, 2018, Amended Rule 5.26 will be implemented throughout the County of LA. Thanks to the hard work of the LA County Bar Association, Family Law Executive Committee and the Board of LACFLA, this new rule is a reality," said Judge Lewis. Joe Spirito, Chair Family Law Section Los Angeles County Bar Association weighed in: "It is such a privilege to be part of the establishment of the most comprehensive collaborative law local rule in the State of California. Already, several collaborative leaders throughout the State are looking to adopt this pioneering rule. With the cooperation of a Supervising Family Law Judge as forward thinking as Judge Lewis, we are optimistic other Counties will follow LA's lead." "The expanded rule creates a higher level of definition for collaborative cases which will benefit parties, attorneys and other professionals who participate in the collaborative process. It will also assist the court by creating structure and uniformity regarding collaborative cases. This definition, structure and uniformity was much needed and we hope that our rule will serve as a model for other counties throughout the State of California," said Jeffery S. Jacobson. According to Leon F Bennett, President of LACFLA (Los Angeles Collaborative Family Law Association) who is credited with bridging the gap between bench and bar regarding the Collaborative Process in Los Angeles, "For in excess of the past 10 years, the collaborative law community has worked hard to gain recognition as a viable process in which people can resolve domestic disputes without the emotional and financial cost of litigation," said Mr. Bennett. "Courts have recognized the collaborative community's hard work and the benefits of the collaborative process in family law matters." Collaborative Family Law is an alternative to a traditional litigated divorce. Each party has their own attorney, a neutral financial to assist with understanding and analyzing financial issues, and a mental health professional to assist with co-parenting issues, clarification of needs and wants, stress management and effective communication and decision making. The Collaborative Law Process is a respectful way to obtain a divorce which fosters the families restructuring in a manner so as to preserve relationships and things the family built together, especially where children are involved. The process is private, confidential, non-adversarial and frequently far less expensive both financially and emotionally. About Family Divorce Solutions of San Fernando Valley Divorce isn't something most people want to think about but if you find yourself needing the guidance of an experienced team of attorneys, look no further than Family Divorce Solutions of San Fernando Valley. It is our ultimate goal to get both parties together so a solution can be worked out as quickly as possible. Family Divorce Solutions of San Fernando Valley was born in 2011 with the idea that divorce doesn't always have to be ugly. The collaborative process will address the emotional needs of the whole family without allowing the negativity to impact children and other family members. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us at 818-933-4504. We hate that you are going through this but we are glad to help in any way we can. Media Contact: Warren Sacks Family Divorce Solutions of San Fernando Valley 21900 Burbank Blvd Woodland Hills CA 91367 818-933-4504 https://www.familydivorcesolutions.com Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/06/2018 -- Xylenes are petrochemicals produced by catalytic reforming and coal carbonization in the manufacture of coke fuel. They are used in various industries and medical technology as a solvent. It occurs naturally in coal, wood tar and coal among others. Xylenes are mainly produced as a part of the BTX aromatics. They are derived from various sources within a refinery including pyrolysis gasoline, toluene disproportionation and reformate among others. Reformate accounts for over three fourths of mixed xylenes market. There are three types of xylenes, viz., ortho-xylene, meta xylene and para xylene. Ortho-xylene is a commercial isomer of xylene. It is a hydrocarbon based on benzene with two methyl substituents bonded to the aromatic ring. It is liquid at room temperature. It is used extensively for producing phthalic anhydride (PAN)-primarily dio-octyl phthalate for PVC. The major use for PAN is for producing plasticizers which are largely used in automobile and construction industry. In addition, it is used in solvent based paints. It is extracted by means of distillation from xylene stream in a plant designed for para-xylene production. It is a constitutional isomer of m-xylene and p-xylene. Moreover, it is produced with its isomers paraxylene, metaxylene and ethylbenzene. Friedel Craft's alkylation of toluene yields a mixture of ortho-xylene .This reaction gives a pure form of o-xylene. Furthermore, it is used in alkyd resins having wide applications in the coating industry. It has a large demand in the petrochemical industry. A sample of this report is available upon request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-157 The growing construction industry coupled with burgeoning development in the automobile industry is expected to drive the demand for ortho-xylene within the forecast period. Additionally, the growing paints and adhesive industry is expected to fuel the demand for ortho-xylene further over the next few years. However, acute inhalation or exposure to ortho-xylene in humans results in irritation of eyes and neurological effects. Furthermore, chronic exposure of ortho-xylenes results in central nervous system effects, cardio-vascular and kidney effects. It reacts violently with oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard. Thus, stringent regulations on use of ethylene are expected to hamper the ortho-xylene market in near future. In Asia, prices of xylene are anticipated to weaken due to weak downstream conditions in the purified terephthalic acid and paraxylene sectors. Global manufacturing coupled with supply chain and access to feedstock are the key strengths of the companies involved in the ortho-xylene market. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing regional market within the forecast period on account of the growing chemical industry and in turn, rapid industrialization. China dominated the otho-xylene production in 2011 and this trend is expected to continue within the forecast period. In India, Reliance Industries is a manufacturer of ortho-xylene with a capacity of 150 KTA. Consumption of ortho-xylene in Eastern Europe and Russia is expected to be strong on account of the thriving construction industry. To view TOC of this report is available upon request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-157 The major players in the ortho-xylene market are Creasyn Finechem (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., Doe & Ingalls of North Carolina Inc., DynaChem Inc, Minda Petrochemicals Ltd, Shell Chemicals, Sonoco Chemicals, U.S. Petrochemical Industries Ltd. and Puritan Products, Inc. among others. Ortho-xylene projects by major companies are planned in China, Taiwan and Singapore within the forecast period. About Future Market Insights Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India. FMI's research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customised and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers. Terence Patrick / CBS Broadcasting, Inc.The Late Late Show is officially The Late Late Shawn -- or that's what Shawn Mendes thinks. On the second night of his week-long residency at The Late Late Show, Mendes attempted to deliver the opening monologue before James Corden stormed on the stage, accusing him of trying to take over the show. "I'm thrilled to have you here all week, but the monologue is mine," Corden said. Mendes goes on to explain that he wants to do a "Shawn-ologue" instead. When Corden refuses, Mendes changes the sign that reads "The Late Late Show" to "The Late Late Shawn." After the monologue, Mendes joined guests Mandy Patinkin and Lucy Liu on the couch to talk about his new album and how it straddles multiple genres. "In the studio, I wanted to make a rock song and then I wanted to make an R&B song," Mendes said. "I realized if you truly love what you make and the conviction is there, it all sounds cohesive." Corden teased him for naming his album after himself and even offered him alternative titles like Be-shawn-cey,and It's Raining Men-des. The late-night host didn't stop teasing him there. He goes on to explain that Mendes went through puberty in the public eye. To prove it, Corden cut together a highlight video of times Mendes' voice cracked on stage. "Puberty," the musician laughed. "It's a weird thing." Mendes closed out the show, singing "Lost in Japan" off his new album -- and his voice didn't crack once! Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Under the Translux agreement, GACs global network of offices and approved agents will support operations, which will be overseen by GAC LNG Services in Houston. Translux is organized under the Dubai International Financial Centre. GAC Group vp for Americas Bob Bandos said: We are excited for the new opportunities an exclusive contract with Translux will provide for GAC LNG Services. As we continue to grow in the LNG market, it becomes increasingly apparent that there is a strong need for the voyage management provided by GAC LNG Services every step of the way. Read More: GAC inks global agency deal with BG Group GAC LNG Services, officially formed in 2016, provides a full-service solution for the sector, covering charterers vessel operations, as well as technical and commercial information. Translux has been an active supplier and distributor of various energy commodities across the Middle East for more than 13 years. Due to its current business activities the firm has expanded into natural gas to support its existing customers in the Middle East as well as Europe and Asia. According to Transluxs website, the company is also involved in the development of energy terminals, maritime oil bunkering, mining and industrial projects and arranging the financing and funding of these activities. Translux md of LNG Marcellus Catalano said: The development of a global LNG capability is a natural expansion for Translux Limited. GAC LNG Services provides the perfect support to meet our LNG shipping needs and facilitate our transition from a regional to global commodities firm. Montana families and visitors are invited to participate in an outdoor contest this summer intended to connect more people with Montana's State Park system. The Montana State Parks Adventure Challenge is a new partnership between the Montana State Parks Foundation and Montana State Parks intended to encourage the public to explore Montana's state parks and share their positive experiences through photography. The public is invited to participate by completing one or more of eight unique photo-based challenges found at myadventurechallenge.com June 2 Sept. 2. Montana State Parks Administrator Beth Shumate said the Montana State Parks Adventure Challenge is designed to reflect the large variety of ways that visitors can use and enjoy state parks across Montana this summer. "In Montana, we're extremely fortunate to have incredible parks that offer world class recreational opportunities to connect with Montana's outdoors. Whether you like to hike, fish, camp, boat or explore Montana's rich cultural and historic heritage, we have an Adventure Challenge for you," said Shumate. "The Montana State Parks Adventure Challenge encourages the public to experience all 55 of Montana's wonderful and diverse state parks this summer by participating in one or all of the adventure challenges." The Montana State Parks Adventure Challenge features prizes donated by Montana organizations and businesses supportive of Montana State Parks. Sponsors of individual challenges include Simms Fishing Products, the Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation, Voices for Montana Tourism, the Montana Wilderness Association, Oboz Footwear, the Montana Trails Coalition, several businesses that provide Native American interpretive tours, Business for Montana Outdoors and the Basecamp. Coby Gierke, Executive Director of the Montana State Parks Foundation, said in addition to providing a fun way to explore Montana's state Parks this summer, he thinks the Adventure Challenge will give people a chance to get involved in and support their parks. "Every review ever conducted of Montana's state park system has concluded that we need to build stronger partnerships and more state parks supporters," he said. "The Adventure Challenge is a fun way to help us build much-needed public support for Montana's state parks." Press Release June 6, 2018 June 7 is Migrant Workers' Day SHOW RECOGNITION FOR OFWS' CONTRIBUTION BY CARING FOR THEIR FAMILIES BACK HOME -ANGARA To show recognition for the valuable contribution of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Senator Sonny Angara has urged the government to strengthen its programs and services for OFW families here in the country. "Habang malayo ang ating mga OFW sa kanilang pamilya, tungkulin ng gobyerno na alagaan ang mga anak, asawa, magulang, kapatid na naiwan nila dito sa bansa. Dapat ay tumbasan ng karampatang tulong ng gobyerno ang sakripisyo at hirap na dinaranas ng ating mga kababayan abroad," said Angara, as the country celebrates Migrant Workers' Day on June 7. Angara, who sponsored the law strengthening the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) or Republic Act 10801 that mandates government funding for OFW welfare programs, has stressed that OWWA should ensure that OFW families really benefit from the scholarships and skills training programs of the government. Among the OWWA programs for OFW families is the OFW Dependent Scholarship that comes in the form of an educational financial assistance of P20,000 a year for the college education of legal dependents of overseas workers. To qualify, the OFW should be an active OWWA member whose monthly salary is US$400, roughly P20,000, or below. Every year, a total of 1,250 scholarship slots are allocated-200 of which should come from the 10 poorest provinces in the country. "Habang nagbabanat sila ng buto sa ibang bansa para masiguro na may maipadalang pera pang-tuition, dapat ay napakikinabangan din, lalo na ng mga OFW na maliit lang ang kita abroad, ang dagdag tulong-pinansyal para sa pagpapaaral ng kanilang mga anak," the vice chairman of labor and education committees said. Another program is the skills-for-employment scholarship for OFW dependents wherein OWWA shoulders the cost of their training in vocational/technical courses accredited by TESDA and other government institutions. Moreover, Angara pointed out that qualified dependents of OFW members of PhilHealth are entitled to the same benefits as the OFW principal members even if they are working overseas. PhilHealth should cover over 4,000 medical and surgical procedures including cancer cases, dialysis, and other dreaded diseases that cause hospitalization for OFW members and their dependents. "Hindi na dapat mangamba ang ating mga OFW kung may pera ba panggamot o pambayad sa ospital ang pamilya nila sa Pilipinas dahil sagot ng ito ng PhilHealth. Tulungan natin na mapagaan ang kalooban ng ating mga OFW sa pamamagitan ng pagkalinga sa kanilang mga naiwang pamilya," Angara said. OFW members and their dependents, along with indigents and sponsored members, are also entitled to primary care benefits that include free check-ups, laboratory tests and medicines. Angara is pushing for these preventive health services such as free check-ups, laboratory tests and medicines to be available to all Filipinos. "By ensuring that these scholarships, skills trainings and health services are enjoyed by their families back home is the least that the government can do to show our gratitude for the immense contributions of our modern day heroes to the national economy," the lawmaker said. Every year on June 7, the Philippines marks "Migrants Workers' Day" to celebrate the signing of Republic Act 8042 or the Migrant Workers Act of 1995. Press Release June 6, 2018 Sen. Leila M. de Lima on the alleged diversion of PhilHealth funds, a despicable blame-game The PhilHealth Board and DOH Sec. Francisco Duque have put themselves up to the big task of proving that 10.6 billion pesos was diverted from PhilHealth funds to the DOH. It is a big task because it appears that the diversion is non-existent; it never happened. To establish that funds were diverted, they must show that the budgetary item was made specific for the expenditure of PhilHealth Senior Citizens Fund and that, instead, this was used for the construction of rural health units. The DBM can easily confirm whether or not indeed the charges filed by the PhilHealth Board have any basis by clarifying that no such diversion was made during the term of Sec. Janette Garin and Atty. Alex Padilla as DOH Secretary and PhilHealth CEO, respectively, at that time. In fact, the DBM certification used by the PhilHealth Board and Sec. Duque to pin down Garin and Padilla shows that the money used for the construction of rural health units for the DOH did not come from any PhilHealth funds reserved exclusively for senior citizens, but from savings from the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund (MPBF). This is buttressed by the fact that both the PhilHealth Board and Sec. Duque have nothing to prove their allegation but a letter-request signed by Garin and Padilla. In said letter, Garin and Padilla referred to unprogrammed funds, and not to any specific item in the GAA reserved for the PhilHealth Senior Citizens Fund. To prove diversion, the PhilHealth Board must show that the 10.6 billion unprogrammed funds should specifically refer to expenditure earmarked for the Senior Citizens Fund. According to Garin, the unprogrammed funds subject of the letter-request were not exclusive to PhilHealth but for health expenditures made available both to the DOH and PhilHealth. Yet again, going back to the DBM certification, what were used for the construction of rural health units were not the unprogrammed funds referred to in Garin's and Padilla's letter-request, but savings from the MPBF. In no way can MPBF savings be considered for the exclusive use of PhilHealth's Senior Citizens Fund. This brings us to the motivation behind PhilHealth's charges against Garin and Padilla. PhilHealth Exec. Vice Pres. and CEO Ruben Basa is blaming PhilHealth's bad financial shape on the alleged diversion of the 10.6B fund. The alleged diversion of said funds which, in the first place, have neither been earmarked specifically for the PhilHealth nor even released to it, serves as a convenient scapegoat for the poor performance of the present crop of PhilHealth managers. Up to 2016, PhilHealth was operating on an even keel, spending well within what it was collecting. If the agency is now in a dire financial situation, it is the present PhilHealth Board that has a lot of explaining to do, because the problem only arose during this administration. Blaming the Aquino Administration for the incompetence and inefficiency of its own officials is by now already a discredited excuse of the Duterte Administration in denying its own accountability. Add to this the regular witch hunts against Aquino officials conducted by Duterte's congressional allies, what we have is a convenient escape hatch for incompetent Duterte appointees. This blame-game feeds itself on the constructed myth of so-called "dilawan" corruption that was maliciously propagated since the 2016 presidential campaign. This Administration has only to look in the mirror to see where all the corruption is coming from. We see it every day, from the musical chairs of appointed and fired officials caught by the public with their hands in the cookie jar. Two years into the Duterte Administration, the people are already fed up with Duterte officials blaming the past administration. By now, it is already clear who are enriching themselves at the expense of the taxpayers' money. Weren't we promised the best and the brightest? Press Release June 6, 2018 PhilHealth funds' alleged diversion another blame game by Duterte admin - De Lima Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has chided the officials of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) for using the alleged diversion of its funds to the Department of Health (DOH) during the past administration as a "convenient scapegoat" to cover up for their own inefficiency and incompetency. De Lima said the PhilHealth Board, along with DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III, have put themselves up to the "big task" of proving that PhP10.6 billion was actually diverted from PhilHealth funds to the DOH. "It is a big task because it appears that the diversion is non-existent; it never happened," she said in her latest Dispatch from Crame No. 320. "The alleged diversion of said funds which, in the first place, have neither been earmarked specifically for the PhilHealth nor even released to it, serves as a convenient scapegoat for the poor performance of the present crop of PhilHealth managers," she added. At last week's joint congressional review, PhilHealth officials alleged that in 2015, then Health Secretary Janette Garin and then PhilHealth President Alex Padilla wrote to the Department of Budget and Management requesting that the P10.6 billion initially intended for senior citizens be used instead for the construction of rural health units. Duque, on his part, claimed the letter signed by his predecessor and the Philhealth executive is "evidence by itself" that the P10.6 billion funds for the expanded Senior Citizens Act was diverted from its original use. Yet, according to Garin, the unprogrammed funds subject of the letter-request were not exclusive to PhilHealth but for health expenditures made available both to the DOH and PhilHealth. De Lima explained that "what were used for the construction of rural health units were not the unprogrammed funds referred to in Garin's and Padilla's letter-request, but savings from the [Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund]. In no way can MPBF savings be considered for the exclusive use of PhilHealth's Senior Citizens Fund." The Senator from Bicol criticized PhilHealth Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Ruben Basa for blaming PhilHealth's bad financial shape on the alleged diversion of the PhP10.6-B fund. "Up to 2016, PhilHealth was operating on an even keel, spending well within what it was collecting. If the agency is now in a dire financial situation, it is the present PhilHealth Board that has a lot of explaining to do, because the problem only arose during this administration," she said. De Lima maintained that blaming the Aquino administration for the inefficiency of its own officials is already "a discredited excuse of the Duterte administration in denying its own accountability." "Two years into the Duterte administration, the people are already fed up with Duterte officials blaming the past administration. By now, it is already clear who are enriching themselves at the expense of the taxpayers' money," she said. "This blame-game feeds itself on the constructed myth of so-called 'dilawan' corruption that was maliciously propagated since the 2016 presidential campaign," she added. The district encompasses Albuquerque and is solidly blue it's rated D+7 by the Cook Partisan Voter Index so Haaland is all but certain to win in November when she takes on the lone GOP candidate in the race, Janice Arnold-Jones. The House seat is open because its current occupant, Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), is running for governor. "Tonight many, many voters voted against the culture of impunity for high-status perpetrators of sexual assault or domestic violence," Michele Dauber, a Stanford University professor and chair of the Recall Judge Aaron Persky Campaign, told The Washington Post. "This election expresses clearly that sexual assault, sexual violence is serious and it has to be taken seriously by elected officials. It's a historical moment when women across all sectors of society are standing up saying, 'Enough is enough.'" Persky could not immediately reached for comment. Alabama, California, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota had primary races yesterday. Here's a thread to talk about any and all of the results that you found exciting or disappointing.Two quick things I want to highlight:Deb Haaland won her Democratic primary in New Mexico's congressional race, which, as Jennifer Bendery reports at HuffPo, means that the United States is very likely to get its first Native American congresswoman in November!Good luck to both Haaland and Grisham later this year![Content Note: Sexual violence] And in California, voters in Santa Clara County voted to remove Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky from the bench, Meagan Flynn reports at the WaPo . Persky is the shitbird who sentenced Stanford University swimmer Brock Turner to six months in jail after he was convicted for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman.Buh-bye!Did you vote yesterday? Did your candidates win? Tell all in comments. Kiwi Property Group reiterated its dividend guidance at its annual general meeting and said its current projects are on track. The company said its annual dividend payment for the year to March 31, 2019 will be 6.95 cents per share, up from 6.85 cents in the year to March 2018. In his last AGM as chief executive Chris Gudgeon said this year the company will complete the No.1 Sylvia Park office building and central carpark building, while advancing the Galleria project. The $80 million No. 1 Sylvia Park office building includes nine levels of office accommodation and is slated to be complete in July, he said. Anchor tenants include ANZ Bank - which will occupy five floors - and IAG insurance. IAGs starts in July this year and ANZ will be moving in stages during 2019. Work will also continue on the new $36 million carpark that will provide 600 additional parking spaces for our customers. The project is on-budget and on-time to complete in November 2018, ahead of the busy Christmas period, said Gudgeon. The $223 million Galleria project will be completed in mid-2020 and will add an additional 18,000 square metres of new retail space. The development is being carried out under a fixed-price contract. At Drury it will be progressing the structure planning process with Auckland Council. According to Kiwi Property, it has control over 50 hectares of land that is destined, over time, to become a town centre. "We are making good progress on an Auckland Council-led structure plan for the wider area that will inform future land uses and enable appropriate zoning changes to be achieved," Gudgeon said. It will also settle the North City sale in July and complete Langdons Quarter at Northlands in Christchurch. The project features a new dining precinct with 13 food operators, beneath a newly refurbished HOYTS cinema offer, together with seismic strengthening in that area. The project is on-time for completion in November 2018 and on-budget, he said. Leasing is progressing well. In the office portfolio, the focus will be on new leasing with the aim of taking both the Vero Centre, and the portfolio as a whole, towards full occupancy. Kiwi Property's portfolio is now valued at $3.1 billion, $82.6 million higher than last year and it finished the 2018 financial year with an overall occupancy of 99.6 percent. Gudgeon announced he would be leaving in September after 10 years with the company and chairman Mark Ford said today that "the board should be in a position to announce Chriss successor in the very near future." The shares slipped 0.7 percent to $1.365 and have declined 2.1 percent so far this year. (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: Arvida Group Limited (NZX: ARV) to Acquire Arena Living Retirement Living Portfolio My Food Bag Group Limited (NZX: MFB) Market Update and HY Results Announcement Date Harmoney Corp Limited (NZX: HMY) Delivers Record September Quarter Vital Healthcare Property Trust (NZX: VHP) Announces Successful Completion of $115m Placement 14th October 2021 Morning Report General Capital Limited (NZX: GEN) Completes Greenfern Listing LISTING AND QUOTATION NOTICE: NZX MAIN BOARD - GREENFERN INDUSTRIES LIMITED 13th October 2021 Morning Report Hotel Montreal: Patterson Family Buys Christchurch's Hotel Montreal Ports of Auckland: Two New Directors for Ports of Auckland Board New Zealand shares rose, pushing the S&P/NZX 50 Index to a record, as Fisher & Paykel Healthcare extended its gains and investors picked up stocks that are carrying a dividend payment including Ryman Healthcare, Mainfreight and Arvida Group. The NZX 50 rose 56.41 points, or 0.6 percent, to 8,813.45. Within the index, 24 stocks rose, 19 fell and seven were unchanged. Turnover was $165 million. F&P Healthcare rose 3.5 percent to $14.40, bringing its gains the past week to about 10 percent. On May 28 the company posted a record profit of 190.2 million and said it would beat that in the current year even while planning increased capital expenditure. The company sheds its final dividend of 12.5 cents a share on June 21. "There was some scepticism about (Healthcare's) growth prospects and expenditure but investors have got their heads around the fact that it is investing for growth," said Peter McIntyre, an investment adviser at Craigs Investment Partners. "It's an easily understood, long-term story. A quality company." Ryman, which pays a 10.9 cent final dividend tomorrow, rose 2.1 percent to $11.94. Among the other retirement village operators, Metlifecare gained 3.2 percent to $6.22. Arvida, which goes ex-dividend for a 1.56 cent final payment on June 12, rose 1.6 percent to $1.30. Mainfreight fell 1.2 percent to $27.38. The transport company sheds its final dividend of 26 cents on July 12. "There's a lot of stock gainers today that are carrying dividends - investors are seeking to secure that income," McIntyre said. "Upbeat flows from offshore" were also helping lift the market, he said. Benchmark indexes are stronger today in Japan, Hong Kong and Australia. The retirement village sector was also underpinned by a very strong outlook, he said. A2 Milk fell 0.9 percent to $10.90, having been among the leading gainers yesterday. The milk marketer has fallen from a peak of $14.62 in late February on concern about increased rivalry in the Chinese market and on disappointment margins haven't grown as fast as sales. McIntyre said the company's recent guidance, while it was for growth, "was not quite where the market had expected." He said A2 "is a growth story but there's more competition coming through" and the stock was also popular to short, which is a bet on the price falling, as it tended to be volatile. Synlait Milk fell 2.2 percent to $10.90. Kathmandu declined 1.7 percent to $2.38. Fletcher Building rose 1.7 percent to $6.69 and McIntyre said it has been performing well "considering where the company has been in the past 3-4 months" and bearing in mind it raised new capital at $4.80 a share. "It is still reasonable value as a turn around story." NZX fell 0.9 percent to $1.12 after the market operator's monthly metrics showed share trading continued to rise in May. Year-to-date the total number of trades is up 79 percent to 1.3 million and the total value traded is up 5.3 percent to $17 billion, NZX said today. Outside the benchmark index, New Zealand King Salmon Investments rose 0.9 percent to $2.25 after saying full-year earnings are likely to be "at the upper end or slightly above" guidance, although a hot summer has curbed expectations for volumes available for sale in both 2018 and 2019. (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: Arvida Group Limited (NZX: ARV) to Acquire Arena Living Retirement Living Portfolio My Food Bag Group Limited (NZX: MFB) Market Update and HY Results Announcement Date Harmoney Corp Limited (NZX: HMY) Delivers Record September Quarter Vital Healthcare Property Trust (NZX: VHP) Announces Successful Completion of $115m Placement 14th October 2021 Morning Report General Capital Limited (NZX: GEN) Completes Greenfern Listing LISTING AND QUOTATION NOTICE: NZX MAIN BOARD - GREENFERN INDUSTRIES LIMITED 13th October 2021 Morning Report Hotel Montreal: Patterson Family Buys Christchurch's Hotel Montreal Ports of Auckland: Two New Directors for Ports of Auckland Board Environment Minister David Parker has unveiled the all-but-final version of a template to make local governments' planning documents far easier to understand - a process that has so far taken a decade and will have seven years to go before being fully implemented, if the Draft National Planning Standards go ahead as proposed. At a function in the office of Wellington mayor Justin Lester, Parker admitted he'd first discussed the need for such reform a decade ago when he served briefly in the environment portfolio under Prime Minister Helen Clark. He thanked his predecessor from the previous government, Nick Smith, for developing the draft standards in the meantime. They first emerged for public discussion in May last year, to an initially hostile reaction. Many local government bureaucrats feared the impact of major changes to planning documents developed on the hoof over the 27 years since the Resource Management Act 1991 first transferred responsibility for plan-making from central to local government. As the draft notes: "This resulted in hundreds of plans that reflect local drafting styles and local interpretation of national direction. This unnecessary plan variation impacts the planning system by making plans difficult to interpret and understand and onerous to prepare, resulting in undue time and cost pressures for both councils and plan users." Parker said the standardised documents should help every user of local government planning documents, right down to "the person wanting to put in a fence or build a deck". However, to prevent major cost and disruption for councils that have just completed their 10-year planning cycles or are coming up to them, the draft proposes allowing councils between five and seven years to adopt the new documents. Standardising will also assist consistent implementation of the increasing number of central government-directed National Policy Statements being issued by governments under the RMA, and which local councils are obliged to insert into their plans. NPSs were rarely used for the first two decades of the RMA's life, but the desire to make definitive calls on complex, nationally significant environmental issues saw the previous minister, Nick Smith, and now Parker more willing to issue NPSs and their similarly directive National Environmental Standards. Submissions on the draft documents are due by Aug. 17 and the government intends they will come into effect from April 2019. (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: Arvida Group Limited (NZX: ARV) to Acquire Arena Living Retirement Living Portfolio My Food Bag Group Limited (NZX: MFB) Market Update and HY Results Announcement Date Harmoney Corp Limited (NZX: HMY) Delivers Record September Quarter Vital Healthcare Property Trust (NZX: VHP) Announces Successful Completion of $115m Placement 14th October 2021 Morning Report General Capital Limited (NZX: GEN) Completes Greenfern Listing LISTING AND QUOTATION NOTICE: NZX MAIN BOARD - GREENFERN INDUSTRIES LIMITED 13th October 2021 Morning Report Hotel Montreal: Patterson Family Buys Christchurch's Hotel Montreal Ports of Auckland: Two New Directors for Ports of Auckland Board Independent Liquor NZ, which owns alcohol brands such as Woodstock Bourbon and Boundary Road beer, increased sales in 2017 while keeping its margins intact, resulting in a 53 percent gain in net profit. Profit attributable to the owner rose to $23.4 million in calendar 2017 from $15.3 million a year earlier, according to the Papakura-based company's financial statements. Sales rose to $408.6 million from $352 million in 2016. Cost of sales remained steady at around 70 percent. Japan's Asahi Group acquired Independent Liquor in 2011 for $1.5 billion from shareholders including buyout firms Pacific Equity Partners, Unitas Capital and Michael Erceg's widow. It later fought the vendors in court over the terms of the deal and wrote down the value of its assets in 2015. The country's largest maker of ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages now has a full suite of products in the adult drinks market - wines and beers, both local and international brands such as Penfolds and Asahi Super Dry, ciders, and RTDs such as Vodka Cruiser and Woodstock Bourbon and Cola. Independent Liquor spent more on sales and marketing in 2017 at $34 million from $29 million in 2016, but it managed to trim manufacturing overheads to $13.8 million from $15.8 million while administration costs fell to $16 million from $18.7 million. Inventories stood at $40.8 million, up from about $35 million a year earlier. Asahi also owns Better Drinks Co, the Auckland-based company that has Charlie's brand juices and fruit drinks, Phoenix soft drinks and iced teas. Better Drinks had revenue of $31 million in 2017, up from $29 million in 2016. It recorded a loss of $4.1 million, little changed from a year earlier. The company annually assesses the carrying values of its brands, having fully impaired goodwill in previous years. In 2017, the impairment loss recognised against its brands was $3.6 million, versus $3.7 million a year earlier. (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: Arvida Group Limited (NZX: ARV) to Acquire Arena Living Retirement Living Portfolio My Food Bag Group Limited (NZX: MFB) Market Update and HY Results Announcement Date Harmoney Corp Limited (NZX: HMY) Delivers Record September Quarter Vital Healthcare Property Trust (NZX: VHP) Announces Successful Completion of $115m Placement 14th October 2021 Morning Report General Capital Limited (NZX: GEN) Completes Greenfern Listing LISTING AND QUOTATION NOTICE: NZX MAIN BOARD - GREENFERN INDUSTRIES LIMITED 13th October 2021 Morning Report Hotel Montreal: Patterson Family Buys Christchurch's Hotel Montreal Ports of Auckland: Two New Directors for Ports of Auckland Board Earthquake Commission Minister Megan Woods has called on the EQC to take immediate steps to speed up the resolution of outstanding claims relating to the Canterbury earthquakes after a report outlined the need for a wide range of reforms. The report reveals sizeable issues with staffing levels, data quality, record keeping and organisational culture and structure that are holding back resolution of claims," said Woods. The report was prepared by Christine Stevenson, acting chief executive of New Zealand Customs. According to the report, most claims have been settled, but as at Feb. 28, approximately 2,600 claims with unresolved issues remain open with EQC. There are a number of additional claims which sit with private insurers. It noted that around 770,000 individual residential building, land, and contents claims were opened, for damage to around 168,000 residential buildings after the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes. The recommendations fall into several broad categories: those EQC will have the responsibility for implementing, those Treasury and MBIE need to work with EQC on, and those that are more future-facing and need a whole-of-system approach, said Woods. In the short-term she has called on interim board chair Annette King to hire more staff to reduce the caseloads for case managers, to set up a Claimant Reference Group and to make any claimants EQC file available to them on request. She also called on her to ensure a team of experienced EQC staff pull out all of the physical claims files relating to the remaining claims, and have the team sort, review, confirm and capture the key data to ensure it is correct and increase government monitoring to improve accountability. Woods said there are also broader recommendations including looking to allow EQC more flexibility to make cash settlements above the EQC cap, which would then be recovered from the private insurers. Another recommendation we are beginning work to implement will be to significantly scale up the Residential Advisory Service which provides independent help to claimants. This service has helped resolve over 4000 outstanding claims and we want to make it even better," she said. (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: Arvida Group Limited (NZX: ARV) to Acquire Arena Living Retirement Living Portfolio My Food Bag Group Limited (NZX: MFB) Market Update and HY Results Announcement Date Harmoney Corp Limited (NZX: HMY) Delivers Record September Quarter Vital Healthcare Property Trust (NZX: VHP) Announces Successful Completion of $115m Placement 14th October 2021 Morning Report General Capital Limited (NZX: GEN) Completes Greenfern Listing LISTING AND QUOTATION NOTICE: NZX MAIN BOARD - GREENFERN INDUSTRIES LIMITED 13th October 2021 Morning Report Hotel Montreal: Patterson Family Buys Christchurch's Hotel Montreal Ports of Auckland: Two New Directors for Ports of Auckland Board The Auckland High has set aside three days beginning July 30 to hear the Reserve Banks application to liquidate CBL Insurance, currently in interim liquidation, the central bank said in a release. The High Court ordered CBL Insurance be placed into interim liquidation on an application by the Reserve Bank as the insurer's prudential supervisor, in late February. The central bank alleged that CBL Insurance breached solvency margins and statutory directions. CBL Insurance is a unit of NZX-listed company, CBL Corp, which is in voluntary administration. Yesterday the Reserve Bank withdrew from a scheduled liquidation hearing involving CBL Insurance slated to take place this week and requested that the interim liquidation continue. "Parties opposing the liquidation recently asked the Reserve Bank to give consideration to some additional options for dealing with CBL Insurance. The hearing was deferred at the request of the Reserve Bank to allow any stakeholders the opportunity to present such options and for the Reserve Bank and the interim liquidators to consider those options properly," the central bank said in a statement. The application for liquidation is being opposed by CBL Insurance, led by Harris and Alistair Hutchison, as well as KordaMentha, the voluntary administrators of CBL Corp and Elite Insurance, CBL Insurance's largest creditor. Harris and Hutchison have proposed an initial restructuring plan that has been circulated to the voluntary administrators with the objective that all CBL Corp creditors get paid in full, NZ insurance policyholders all get paid, and shareholders retain shares in the future business to give them some future value to their shares. The plan would seek to avoid liquidation of CBLC and CBLI. (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: Arvida Group Limited (NZX: ARV) to Acquire Arena Living Retirement Living Portfolio My Food Bag Group Limited (NZX: MFB) Market Update and HY Results Announcement Date Harmoney Corp Limited (NZX: HMY) Delivers Record September Quarter Vital Healthcare Property Trust (NZX: VHP) Announces Successful Completion of $115m Placement 14th October 2021 Morning Report General Capital Limited (NZX: GEN) Completes Greenfern Listing LISTING AND QUOTATION NOTICE: NZX MAIN BOARD - GREENFERN INDUSTRIES LIMITED 13th October 2021 Morning Report Hotel Montreal: Patterson Family Buys Christchurch's Hotel Montreal Ports of Auckland: Two New Directors for Ports of Auckland Board The Commerce Commission's lawyers began their defence today against a second appeal by NZME and Stuff over the regulator's refusal of their attempted merger, arguing that an informed society was worth the $200 million price tag the media companies have put on the rejected deal. Last May, the Commerce Commission declined to clear or authorise the merger between New Zealand's two dominant newspaper publishers, arguing it would concentrate too much media influence in one entity. The subsequent appeal by NZME and Stuff, heard in the High Court in October 2017, was unsuccessful when Justice Robert Dobson and lay member Professor Martin Richardson found that the regulator was entitled to place significant weight on the loss of media plurality if the merger went ahead. NZX-listed NZME and Stuff, the New Zealand arm of ASX-listed Fairfax Media, applied to amalgamate in 2015, arguing the merged entity would be more able to survive the global competition for local advertising dollars from online search and social media giants such as Google and Facebook. In March, the publishers said they will renegotiate the terms of the merger if they successfully appeal due to business changes, with Stuff having agreed to close or sell a third of its New Zealand mastheads in the elapsed time. This afternoon, the Commission's lawyer James Farmer QC defended the regulator's decision, saying its reasoning had not been plucked out of thin air but was a considered judgement following a year-long consideration. This followed criticism from the media companies' lawyers that the Commission did not quantify nor establish the likelihood of the potential downsides, including plurality, if the merger were approved. Farmer said the potential cost savings from the merger, which the media companies have estimated to be between $133 million and $209 million over five years, "are cost savings that are the result of a substantial lessening in competition, which is why they didn't get a clearance in the first place. They're only regarded as a public benefit if they're not outweighed by public detriments." "What does the loss of plurality to each one of us mean if we end up living in a country that's less informed, where there's less discussion, less debate?" Farmer said. Justice Stephen Kos, who is president of the appeal court and is on the bench for this case, asked whether a premium should be applied to qualitative benefits which apply to all New Zealanders. "A small boy walking down the street in Otara gains from the fact that there has been a debate in the newspaper which his parents talked about, which he then talks about to his mates," Justice Kos said, and asked whether the cost savings could be equated to $40 per head by splitting $200 million over a population of roughly 5 million New Zealanders. "Do you value proper working democracy to be worth more than $40?" Farmer asked, before backtracking somewhat to clarify that he wasn't saying the merger would result in the total destruction of democracy. "I tried to qualify that as I was saying it - a diminution in the degree to which we have our views formed as a result of a loss of dissemination of quality news, and the flow-on impact that would have on our ability to be properly informed. What value do you put on that, is that worth more than $40?" Farmer began making the Commission's case late in the afternoon, and will continue tomorrow. David Goddard QC, the media companies' lawyer, earlier said he had two tasks in order to get the court to authorise the merger, as he is seeking, rather than for the case to be referred back to the Commerce Commission. He has to persuade the court that something significant went wrong in the regulator's decision-making, and he has to give the court enough information to authorise the merger itself. Justice Kos said this was a "steep gradient" for Goddard to climb, made harder by his criticism of the material presented by the Commerce Commission and the evaluations it made. (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: Arvida Group Limited (NZX: ARV) to Acquire Arena Living Retirement Living Portfolio My Food Bag Group Limited (NZX: MFB) Market Update and HY Results Announcement Date Harmoney Corp Limited (NZX: HMY) Delivers Record September Quarter Vital Healthcare Property Trust (NZX: VHP) Announces Successful Completion of $115m Placement 14th October 2021 Morning Report General Capital Limited (NZX: GEN) Completes Greenfern Listing LISTING AND QUOTATION NOTICE: NZX MAIN BOARD - GREENFERN INDUSTRIES LIMITED 13th October 2021 Morning Report Hotel Montreal: Patterson Family Buys Christchurch's Hotel Montreal Ports of Auckland: Two New Directors for Ports of Auckland Board The Jefferson County Christian Homeschool Co-ops American Girl Class has learned a thing or two about courage during its past two years with teacher Samantha Spitzer. The class, which celebrated the school years ending last week with a powwow inspired by American Girl character Kayaatonmy, has not only read about courage in the American Girl books, but has also seen courage acted out in real life. The original American Girl books didnt mince things. People died, people lived. For Felicity, it was her grandfather, and for Josefina, her mother died, Spitzer, a mother of three girls ages 9, 12 and 17, said. This fall, the class studied the life and culture of Josefina. Spitzer said the death of Josefinas mother struck a deep chord with her personally. Spitzer, who started the class in the 2016 to 2017 school year, had to hand the class over that November to assistant teachers Kristi Horner and Terry Knoll after she was diagnosed with stage 3 high grade sarcoma. I thought I had pulled a muscle in my thigh, and in reality, I basically had, because the tumor was stretching my muscle out, and it grew very largeit was an over seven pound mass, Spitzer said. It was a really bad cancer, very rare. I had a tumor in my thigh that I named Ethel, even before we knew it was cancer, Spitzer said, adding that Ethel was surgically removed in March 2017. Johns Hopkins became my second home for six months last year. Spitzer recalled returning to the hospital for scans after chemo with her husband, Frank. I was really nervous, because it had been almost two months after I had been to the hospital, Spitzer said. Frank and I had pulled up beside the Weinberg Center, and I remember saying, I hate this place, and Frank said, I love this place.' Now, Spitzer says she no longer hates the hospital. It was an amazing place to be, she said. Thank God (that) Johns Hopkins was in my backyard. On May 19, Spitzer, her husband and their three daughters will celebrate Spitzers one-year anniversary of being cancer-free. But being cancer free doesnt mean life has gone back to normal for Spitzer. I think my biggest struggle is trying to take better care of myself and slowing down. Im wanting to just make up for the lost time from last year. I have to catch myself and say, I need to take it easy and lay down and put my foot up,' Spitzer said. I still have some trouble with my leg. It has a blood clot, but if you saw me walking, you wouldnt know. Spitzer said teaching the class this year has been her way of thanking her friends in the co-op for their support. It was absolutely incredible what a blessing it was, to know the class was being taken care of last year, because I was always in Johns Hopkins, Spitzer said. She said the class will study Mollys and Kits lives during World War I and II for the 2018 to 2019 school year. The Christian co-op meets Tuesdays at Covenant Church. For more information, visit jcchwv.org/. Managing Director of Patanjali Ayurved Limited and co-founder of Patanjali Yogpeeth, Acharya Balkrishna said due to Uttar Pradesh government's disappointing attitude, Patanjali was to shift its planned food park from the state. : Yoga guru Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved has threatened to scrap plans to set up a mega food park along the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh. His statement comes after the Uttar Pradesh government denied permission to Patanjali for its planned mega food park. "Patanjali to shift its planned food park from Uttar Pradesh due to state government's disappointing attitude," Balkrishna told ANI. "Mega Food Park was coming up to make lives of farmers better. We had also asked for permission from central government. There are paper works for which we requested state government. But due to their disappointing attitude, it couldn't be done," he added. Yesterday, Balkrishna took to his Twitter handle and informed that they have to shift the food park due to state government's disappointing attitude. According to reports, around 455 acres of land was allocated for the Patanjali Food and Herbal Park in Greater Noida. In 2016, former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav had laid the foundation of this park. Rescuers save 23 workers trapped in China mine, 11 others dead Beijing, June 6 (AFP) Jun 06, 2018 Rescuers pulled 23 workers out of a mine in northeast China on Wednesday, hours after they were trapped underground by an explosion that killed 11 and left two others missing, state media reported. Nine other workers were injured in Tuesday's blast at the iron ore mine owned by Huamei Group, a subsidiary of China National Coal Group Co, in Benxi, Liaoning province. The blast took place when miners were dropping explosives down the one-kilometre (3,280-feet) -deep mine shaft, destroying the pit's hoisting system, according to Xinhua. State broadcaster CCTV had earlier reported that a truck carrying explosives had blown up near the mine's entrance as workers were drilling a mining shaft. Six miners were lifted out of the shaft at 5:20 am on Wednesday and 17 others were pulled up about two hours later, according to Xinhua. All were in good condition. Authorities were still searching for the two missing miners. The mine's electricity, ventilation systems and hoisting system were brought back online, Xinhua said. Deadly mining accidents are common in China, where the industry has a poor safety record. A gas leak killed at least 18 people working in a coal mine in central Hunan province in May last year. In December 2016, explosions in two separate coal mines in the Inner Mongolia region and in Heilongjiang killed at least 59 people. Earlier that year, 33 miners were killed in a colliery explosion in October in the southwestern municipality of Chongqing, and in September at least 18 were killed in a mine blast in the northwestern Ningxia region. In another incident that captivated the country's attention, four miners were rescued in January 2016 after they spent 36 days trapped in a collapsed gypsum mine in eastern Shandong province. The incident drew comparisons to a 2010 mining accident in Chile, which saw 33 miners trapped underground for 69 days before their rescue. Record US exports shrink April trade gap as China imports fall Washington, June 6 (AFP) Jun 06, 2018 Record exports sent the US trade deficit to its lowest level in seven months in April while Americans imported fewer goods from China, government data showed Wednesday. The falling trade gap comes as the major world economies gird for all-out trade war after President Donald Trump last week imposed punishing tariffs on US imports of steel and aluminum. His trade battles with China, Europe, Mexico and others are an effort to make those countries buy more US goods and force down the deficit, which Trump sees as a job killer and threat to the American industrial base. So he might see the latest data as vindication his policies are working even though the figures can vary month to month. Markets and major corporations, however, see the trade conflict as a threat to expanding cross-border trade and GDP growth. The all-time high amount of US exports in April was driven upwards by growing orders for American corn and soybeans, a product that China has threatened with retaliatory tariffs, as well as fuel oil and other petroleum products. The total US trade deficit fell 2.1 percent for the month to $46.2 billion after a downward revision for March. The result was better than analysts expected, since a consensus forecast called for a 3.4 percent increase. Despite the April dip, the trade deficit is still on track to reach a 10-year high in 2018. Exports of goods and services rose 0.3 percent to $211.2 billion, the highest on record. Exports of goods ($141.2 billion) and services ($70 billion) each were at all-time highs. Meanwhile, imports fell 0.2 percent to $257.4 billion. The deficit with China in goods only, the principal driver of the overall US trade gap, fell 9.8 percent for the month as US imports from the industrial giant fell $4.7 billion to $41.9 billion. - Battle in the G7 - Year-to-date, however, the US trade gap with China was still up 10.4 percent, matching a the general trend of the last nine years Deficits also narrowed with Canada and Mexico in the latest month. The drop in the total trade gap suggested trade could be less of a drag than expected on GDP growth in the second quarter. But despite the declines in March and April, the deficit for the first four months of 2018 was still nearly 12 percent higher than the same period last year. Americans imported fewer mobile telephones and consumer goods as well as passenger cars. Trump's multi-front trade confrontation was due to spill over into this week's Group of Seven summit in Quebec, Canada. Other members of the G7 leading industrialized nations have unanimously denounced Trump's protectionist trade policies and vowed to retaliate against the tariffs. The European Union on Wednesday said a package of counter-measures on US goods would be ready by July. RDQ Economics said the trade gap is likely to continue rising as US consumers run out of American-made goods to buy. "We firmly believe that the growth in aggregate demand in the US is outstripping supply and expect the trade gap to widen later in the year but for now we appear on track for trade to add to second-quarter growth, which would push real GDP growth in the quarter above four percent," the said in a research note. "We fail to understand the strategy of risking a trade war with Europe, Canada and Mexico particularly at a time when the US appears to be expanding strongly in these markets." System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28: 29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fcdeadfe8)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fcde2cf60)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fcdeadfe8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fcde2cf60)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fcddc9610)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fcde2cf60)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fcde2cf60)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fcd4e68f8)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fcddfb008)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fcddfb008)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 Sikhs in Canada say they are alarmed that the Narendra Modi government is aggressively seeking to promote nationalism and combat "adversaries" globally in the lead-up to national elections in India. Indias government is looking for a company to analyze social media posts to help boost nationalism and neutralize any "media blitzkrieg by Indias adversaries." "The Indian government has come under sharp criticism for its human rights record, particularly in relation to minorities and to women and girls. Rather than trying to improve the situation, it has moved to shut its critics down, characterizing any vocal supporters of human rights at home or abroad as 'extremists.' Said the group Sikhs on Media. "Worryingly, India has become more divided on sectarian lines since Narendra Modi's election as Prime Minister in 2014. Tactics like the ones revealed will only serve to harden those divisions and make sectarian violence worse. Further, they foster tensions abroad between communities that are drawn into these issues and narratives. "However, we are not surprised. The Indian government regularly uses similar methods against Canada's Sikh community for political reasons. Recent examples include issues raised during the Canadian Prime Minister's visit to India earlier this year and, cynically, a statement in response to the restaurant bombing in Mississauga last week. "Given these troubling developments, media should carefully consider the source of the information and the political agenda behind it when reporting on Canada's Sikh community." Sikhs on Media is a group of Canadians dedicated to helping the media and public better understand Sikhs and Sikh issues. We're here to help reporters get the full story on the challenges that affect us and to promote fair and accurate reporting about our community, it said. In a lengthy tender posted online, Indias Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said it wants a company to provide analytical software and a team of at least 20 professionals to "power a real time New Media Command Room, Bloomberg reported. They should monitor Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Internet forums and even email in order to analyze sentiment, identify "fake news," disseminate information on behalf of the government and inject news and social media posts with a "positive slant for India," the tender said. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modis administration, Indias ministries and cabinet ministers have been active on social media, tweeting new policies and interacting with citizens. But this tender suggests Modis government now wants more powerful social media tools to shape a positive narrative about India and encourage nationalism among its citizens in the lead up to state and national elections. "Essentially, the hub will be a mass surveillance tool," said Nikita Sud, an associate professor of international development at Oxford University. "Nationalism seems to be equated with agreement with the government of the day, or even with the party in power. There are grave implications here for Indias democracy, and for the fundamental rights to free speech and expression guaranteed by the Indian constitution." A spokesman in the prime ministers office did not immediately respond to a call or text. Calls to a spokesman for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting were not answered. India is just the latest Asian country looking more closely at "fake news" and social media. In the run up to a closely-fought election in Malaysia, the government of former prime minister Najib Razak introduced a fake news law that was used to probe his chief opponent Mahathir Mohamad, who won the election and has reportedly proposed to repeal the law. In Singapore, a parliamentary select committee recently held public hearings over the issue of imposing new restrictions on "fake news." In Indias tender, the government seeks the ability to track trends, topics and Twitter hashtags relevant to government activities. But it also seeks the ability to drill down and monitor individual social media accounts, create historical archives of conversations and help shape a positive narrative about India. It suggests the social media tool should use "predictive modeling" and "data mining" to "make predictions about the future or unknown events," including the impact of headlines in international publications such as the New York Times, the Economist and Time magazine. What "would be the global public perception due to such headlines and breaking news, how could the public perception be molded in positive manner for the country, how could nationalistic feelings be inculcated in the masses," it continues. How "could the media blitzkrieg of Indias adversaries be predicted and replied/neutralized, how could the social media and internet news/discussions be given a positive slant for India," the document reads. "This tender contains a worrying emphasis on isolating and countering individual views," said Saksham Khosla, a research analyst at Carnegie Endowment for International Peaces India office. "Will it collect other personal data? The line between surveillance and responsiveness is blurry, and without rigorous privacy safeguards and oversight, the potential for misuse and overreach is high." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is still unknown to three-quarters of Canadians, just as he was in 2014, says a new survey by the Angus Reid Institute. Modi, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and Brazilian President Michel Temer are the three leadersunknown to most Canadians, said the survey, that was released as leaders of the G7 nations meet in Charlevoix, Quebec this week. United States President Donald Trump provokes the most negative views widely described as corrupt, arrogant, and a liar others, such as British Prime Minister Teresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and French President Emmanuel Macron figure much more positively in the Canadian consciousness. Trump is joined in the Canadian public opinion dog house by another major world leader, Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin, kicked out of what used to be the G8 in 2014, is most commonly described as corrupt. At home, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau garners a mix of positive and negative descriptors from the Canadian public that elected him. He is seen as charismatic and compassionate, but also weak, arrogant, and bumbling. Key Findings: Those leaders who were in power in 2014 including Merkel, Putin, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping tend to be described in the same terms today as they were then Trudeaus mix of positive and negative terms is a slightly better overall assessment than then Prime Minister Stephen Harper received in 2014. Canadians saw Harper as secretive, arrogant, dishonest, strategic and boring More than half of Canadians are unfamiliar with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (64% say they dont know who this is), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (75%), or Brazilian President Michel Temer (90%). By Victor Ing Special to The Post Canadas government firmly believes that immigration plays a vital role in our society and its economy. In the past few years, Canada has made clear that we want to grow our immigration levels to offset our aging population and has introduced new program initiatives to attract more skilled talent from across the globe. With unprecedented levels of immigration inevitably come growing pains. How will Canada deal with the increased workload to process new immigration applications in the coming years? The answer, according to recent news reporting, may involve Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canadas (IRCC) use of artificial intelligence (AI) to help its officers manage the flow of new applications and assist in the decision-making process. However, the prospect of computer-assisted decision-making needs to be carefully considered because of the very complex nature of immigration applications. Deciding the outcome of an immigration application is not a straightforward exercise. Every application that arrives on an immigration officers desk is different from the last. Each applicant has a different set of motivations, expectations and a unique personal background. No two applicants are the same. It is also complex to determine whether an applicant meets the eligibility criteria to be granted the immigrant visa requested. Unlike Canadas Express Entry system, which operates on a formulaic points system to determine whether someone should be invited to apply for permanent residence, most other immigration applications require an immigration officer to consider many different but interrelated factors to come to a decision. Will someone likely face danger to their life or personal safety if they are deported back to their home country? Does someone deserve to be granted permanent residence because they have shown compelling circumstances based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds to remain in Canada? Will someone voluntarily leave Canada once the period of their authorized stay is over? These are important and commonly raised questions that must be determined with a full appreciation of the nuances of each case. These are not decisions that are capable of being decided based on a formula, and we must never forget the serious consequences that a refusal can have on an applicant and any accompanying dependents. Moreover, utilizing technology in the decision-making process can further reduce the transparency in the overall immigration process. When immigration applicants receive a refusal they often face serious challenges to understand what happened in order for them to make informed decisions about what to do next. Refusal letters usually offer little to no explanation about why the immigration application was refused. This is exactly why our courts have consistently ruled that immigration officers decisions can be brief, but they must explain exactly how the decision was arrived at. What sort of transparency can be offered when immigration decisions are at least partly based on computer data and algorithms, which would likely not be made available to the general public? Would it be fair to make a decision based on information that is not made available to applicants? On the other hand, if the data and algorithms are public knowledge, what use would IRCC have for them if applicants know exactly how the underlying system works? These sorts of issues in transparency can quickly undermine the publics confidence in the integrity of our immigration programs. IRCC should be encouraged to continue to research innovative ways to make the immigration decision-making process faster and more efficient. IRCC has already successfully integrated many new innovations in the past several years, including improvements to the online application system, particularly with the use of the Express Entry system. However, speed and efficiency can never replace thorough and nuanced decision-making. Immigration applications are complex by nature and incapable of being fully automated. IRCC needs to carefully consider what the benefits and drawbacks of utilizing AI will be and the types of applications where its use would be most suitable. There will need to be significant advanced testing and transparency in the process for the public to maintain confidence in the administration of our immigration program. Victor Ing is a lawyer of Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre. He provides a full range of immigration services. For more information go to canadian-visa-lawyer.com or email [email protected]. Facebook announces first original news shows, with partners San Francisco, June 6 (AFP) Jun 06, 2018 Facebook on Wednesday announced its first original news shows for the social network, joining other online platforms producing video to compete with television. The news shows will be produced for Facebook by a variety of partners including CNN, Fox News, ABC News and Univision. The programs are producing the social network's on-demand video service called Facebook Watch, which is part of an effort to compete with platforms such as Google-owned YouTube, and potentially develop a wider following. Facebook said the launch of news shows was also aimed at offering its members "trusted" content following concerns that the platform was used to spread misinformation. "Earlier this year we made a commitment to show news that is trustworthy, informative, and local on Facebook," said a statement from Facebook news partnerships chief Campbell Brown. "As a part of that commitment, we are creating a dedicated section within Watch for news shows produced exclusively for Facebook by news publishers. With this effort, we are testing a destination for high quality and timely news content on the platform." The first programs include ABC's "On Location" featuring contribution from the network's journalists from around the globe; CNN's "Anderson Cooper Full Circle" featuring the popular CNN host; and "Fox News Update" hosted by chief news anchor Shepard Smith. Facebook last week said it was getting rid of a "trending" topics feature as it tests ways for publishers to deliver reliable breaking news. The Trending feature introduced four years ago listed stories buzzing on Facebook at any given time. "We're exploring new ways to help people stay informed about timely, breaking news that matters to them, while making sure the news they see on Facebook is from trustworthy and quality sources," Alex Hardiman, Facebook's head of news products, said in a blog post. Facebook and other social media platforms have been criticized for their role in allowing disinformation to spread during the 2016 US election, in many cases with the help of automated "bots" or disguised Russian-based accounts. Trending was only available in a handful of countries, and accounted for a paltry fraction of clicks through to news publishers, according to Hardiman. Facebook said it is working with 80 publishers in Australia, Europe, India, and the Americas on a "Breaking News" label to adorn posts in News Feed. The California-based social network is also testing a "Today" section dedicated to "breaking and important news" from local publishers, officials and organizations, according to Hardiman. Facebook Watch zone for online video viewing will get a news section complete with live coverage, daily briefings, and "deep dives," he added. Flying car startup backed by Google founder offers test flights San Francisco, June 6 (AFP) Jun 06, 2018 A flying car project backed by Google co-founder Larry Page was closer to take-off on Wednesday, with a model for test flights by aspiring buyers. Kitty Hawk, funded by Page, unveiled a "Flyer" model it described as "an exciting first step to sharing the freedom of flight." The company was created last year in Google's home town of Mountain View, California, and has been testing a prototype in New Zealand. Images and details were available at a freshly launched website at flyer.aero, and CNN posted coverage of a reporter taking to the air in a Flyer over a lake at a test site near Las Vegas. Kitty Hawk chief executive Sebastian Thrun, who founded the Google X lab devoted to "moonshots" such as self-driving cars and internet-synched eyewear, was quoted by CNN as saying piloting Flyer was as easy playing the video game "Minecraft." "Making Flyer accessible, which is what we do at our Lake Las Vegas training facility, helps more people experience the freedom and possibilities of vehicles of the future," a Kitty Hawk spokeswoman told AFP. "Our immediate priority is to invite small groups of people -- customers, influencers, media and community members - to experience the freedom of flight here in our newly opened training facility." People interested in buying Flyers were invited at the website to apply for an invitation to do so, with no price specified. An early version of Flyer was shown off last year. The electric aircraft had 10 small lift rotors on its wings, making it capable of vertical take-off and landing like a helicopter. Kitty Hawk said that at 15 meters (50 feet) away, it sounded about as lound as a lawn mower, while from 250 feet away the volume was on par with a loud conversation. Test flights by first-timers were over water, with the top speed limited to 32 kilometers per hour (20 mph) and the altitude to no more than three meters. The uncovered cockpit appeared big enough for one person, with their head poking out as it might from a go-kart. "Flyer is designed to be easy to fly and flown for recreational purposes over water and uncongested areas," the website said. "Flyer is Kitty Hawk's first personal flying vehicle and the first step to make flying part of everyday life." The new flying machine is one of several concept vehicles being testing, with Uber and others in the mix. Page and Sergey Brin founded Google in 1998, starting out in a Silicon Valley garage and transforming into one of the world's largest companies. He remains chief executive of Google-parent Alphabet but the Kitty Hawk project is a personal pursuit, not part of the tech giant's operations. gc/rl China urges respect for nuclear deal after Iran uranium plan Beijing, June 6 (AFP) Jun 06, 2018 China urged all parties to the Iran nuclear deal to uphold the pact on Wednesday after Tehran unveiled plans to boost uranium enrichment capacity following Washington's pullout from the agreement. Iran said Tuesday that it would boost its capacity by opening a centre for production of new centrifuges, possibly as early as Wednesday, at the Natanz plant. Under the 2015 nuclear agreement that Iran signed with world powers, it has the right to build and test certain centrifuges, though detailed restrictions exist for the first 10 years on the types and quantities of the machines. "Under the current situation, we hope that all parties concerned can proceed with the long-term and overall interests in mind and continue to sustain and implement the agreement," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing. "A comprehensive agreement and a thorough and balanced implementation of its obligations will help maintain the international system to ensure nuclear non-proliferation and help maintain peace and stability in the Middle East," she said. The move comes a month after President Donald Trump announced the US decision to withdraw from the deal and reinstate sanctions. The remaining parties -- China, Britain, France, Germany and Russia -- have vowed to stay in the accord. Many Western companies have already started to wind down Iranian operations, but Beijing, which is Iran's top trade partner and one of the biggest buyers of its oil, has signalled that it intends to keep working with the Islamic regime. Iran's president, Hassan Rouhani, will meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a regional security group, in the eastern city of Qingdao this weekend. Russian President Vladimir Putin will also attend the conference. EU-US trade row looms over NATO defence meet Brussels, June 6 (AFP) Jun 06, 2018 NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday he was battling to stop the increasingly bitter row between Europe and the US spilling over into the alliance, warning of "serious disagreements" among member countries. European countries are at loggerheads with Washington over punishing new US tariffs on steel and aluminium as well as President Donald Trump's decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal and Paris climate accord. NATO defence ministers will meet in Brussels on Thursday to approve plans to beef up the alliance's ability to mobilise forces quickly in the event of a crisis, as concern about the threat from Russia shows no sign of abating. They will also sign off on two new command centres -- one to protect Atlantic shipping lanes, based in Norfolk, Virginia, and another to coordinate troop movements around Europe, located in the southern German city of Ulm. But the meeting, just five weeks out from a full summit of NATO leaders, looks set to be overshadowed by the spat between European countries and their longtime ally across the Atlantic. "There are now serious disagreements with NATO allies on serious issues," Stoltenberg told reporters, saying he was working hard to minimise the fallout for the alliance. "As long as they're not solved I have to be focused on how to reduce, limit the negative consequences for NATO." Stoltenberg insisted the "transatlantic bond" remained strong and pointed to the way NATO survived major differences among members over the Iraq war in 2003 and the Suez crisis of 1956. "What we have seen again and again is that we have been able to unite around NATO's core task, to protect and defend each other despite those differences," he said. The leaders of all 29 NATO members will meet in Brussels for the summit in July when all eyes will be on Trump, who has repeatedly attacked European countries for not pulling their weight in the alliance. Germany, Europe's largest economy, has suffered the worst of Trump's wrath for its failure to live up to a pledge by all NATO countries to try to spend at least two percent of gross domestic product on defence. Sweden marks national day with major military exercise Stockholm, June 6 (AFP) Jun 06, 2018 Marking national day on Wednesday, Sweden called up 22,000 reservists for an exercise of a scale not seen in 40 years as tensions simmer between the West and Russia. A total of 40 battalions are carrying out nationwide snap drill manoeuvres to ramp up military security at a time when once cordial post-Cold War relations with Moscow have cooled. The army hopes at least half of Sweden's reservists will respond to the first mass call-up since 1975 for primarily land-based surveillance, defence and logistics tasks. "Our mission is to strengthen Sweden's military defence and improve our operational capabilities," said Sweden's Supreme Commander Micael Byden. "We are testing the chain of mobilisation for around half our organisation, something we have not done since 1975," Byden said in a statement. He described the reservists as "crucial to allow the remainder of the armed forces to defend Sweden" and concentrate on frontline duties. The Swedish government last month issued an emergency pamphlet to prepare citizens in the event of war, natural disaster or cyber attack. Titled "If Crisis or War Comes", the brochure -- Sweden's first since 1961 -- contains advice on how to take shelter, what foods to store and what information to trust amid heightened concern about Moscow's military ambitions and intentions. Russia does not share a border with non-NATO member Sweden, but it has a naval base just across the Baltic Sea in the Kaliningrad region. Sweden, which has not seen armed conflict on its territory for two centuries, slashed military spending at the end of the Cold War, but was rattled by Moscow's annexation of Crimea. Stockholm expelled a Russian diplomat in March in line with an international response to the nerve agent poisoning of Russian former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England, which the British government blamed on Moscow. This week Swedish leaders warned of possible Russian interference ahead of September parliamentary elections. Stockholm announced last year it would reintroduce compulsory military service as early as this summer, seven years after it was abolished. The nation also recently resumed military activities on Gotland, an island in the Baltic. Algerian ex-defence chief can face war crime charges: Swiss court Geneva, June 6 (AFP) Jun 06, 2018 A Swiss court on Wednesday cleared the way for former Algerian defence minister Khaled Nezzar to face war crimes charges, the latest twist in a winding legal saga. Nezzar, in office from 1990 to 1994 while Algeria was battling Islamists in a brutal civil war, has been accused of torture and arbitrary arrests by a group of alleged victims. Last year, the Swiss attorney general's office said it could not move forward with the case as there was no conclusive evidence of a "conflict" in Algeria during the period in question, leaving a key condition for prosecution unfulfilled. In a May 30 ruling, made public on Wednesday, Switzerland's Federal Tribunal overturned that decision following an appeal by the plaintiffs. The attorney general now has to re-examine the case, although it is not yet clear if Nezzar will face trial. He was arrested in Switzerland in October 2011 following a complaint filed by rights groups TRIAL International over his alleged role in violations committed from 1992 to 1994. TRIAL invoked special Swiss legislation adopted in 2011 that allows the country's justice system to try people suspected of war crimes committed anywhere in the world. Nezzar was freed shortly after his arrest on condition that he continue to cooperate with Swiss justice and the case has been subject to multiple arguments and appeals since. The attorney general's office told AFP on Wednesday that it would study the court's ruling before deciding on its next steps. TRIAL insists there is evidence that Nezzar "authorised and incited the military and public function agents to exercise acts of tortures, to commit murders, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and other acts constituting grave violations of international humanitarian law." Europe under pressure as Iran 'nears nuclear red line' Paris, June 6 (AFP) Jun 06, 2018 French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian warned Iran on Wednesday that its plan to increase its uranium enrichment capacity took it close to a "red line", as Europe sought to protect its companies from a nuclear standoff between the US and Tehran. Iran confirmed Wednesday that it was in "preparatory works" to restart nuclear activities in the event that a 2015 accord with world powers on limiting its atomic programme falls apart. In such a scenario, Iran could "restart its activities without any limits," Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency Reza Najafi told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of the IAEA's board in Vienna. The announcement piled pressure on France, Britain and Germany, who are scrambling to save the deal after the US sensationally pulled out a month ago. Le Drian called Iran's announcement that plans to boost its enrichment capacity "inopportune". "It is always dangerous to flirt with red lines," he said, while emphasising that these plans did not constitute a breach of the accord. The deal, which offers sanctions relief in return for guarantees that Tehran would not be able to build an atomic bomb, is hanging by a thread after the US announced plans to restore sanctions, diminishing the incentive for Iran to remain on board. Tehran has put the ball in Europe's camp, demanding it come up with an economic package to offset the effects of the US withdrawal. "The bottom line is that unless Tehran sees some benefits, it is unsustainable to continue limiting its nuclear programme, which is civilian in their eyes," Ellie Geranmayeh, Iran analyst for the European Council on Foreign Relations in London, told AFP. "In practice it will revert back to the sanctions years when it had no restrictions." Le Drian warned Tehran that Europe would not be able to stand idly by if Iran takes its nuclear programme "to the next level". "The Iranians must realise that if they violate the accord they will face new sanctions," he told Europe 1 radio. A spokesman for the German foreign ministry also described the plan as "not helpful at this time" saying it did not "contribute to the building of trust, in which Iran should also have an interest." - Protecting European investments - Apart from the risk of a nuclear-armed Iran, Paris, Berlin and London also fear the fallout of the showdown for European companies which invested in the country since 2015. The US has threatened them with reprisals if they remain in Iran after it re-imposes sanctions on the country. France, Britain, Germany and the EU on Wednesday sent the US a joint official request "to exempt European businesses doing legitimate trade in Iran from all extraterritorial American sanctions". In the letter to US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo they warned that "secondary sanctions" by the US on European companies could jeopardise Europe's ability to uphold its end of the deal. Several multinationals, including French oil giant Total and Danish shipping group Maersk, have already announced they will pull out of Iran once the sanctions are fully reimposed, unless they receive explicit exemptions from Washington. French automaker PSA also said it would pull out of two joint ventures to sell its cars in Iran to avoid the risk of punishing US fines. The European Commission said Wednesday it had updated a rarely-tested legal mechanism intended to provide legal cover to European companies in the face of US sanctions. Officials acknowledged however that the mechanism known as the blocking statute may prove ineffective, especially for multinationals with a significant presence in the US. Analysts point to the $9-billion fine handed to French bank BNP Paribas in the US in 2015 for sanctions-busting in Sudan, Cuba and Iran as an example of what could await European companies. er-cb/kjl/pvh GROUPE PSA A.P. MOELLER-MAERSK Sudan defence firms scrap North Korea deals Khartoum, June 6 (AFP) Jun 06, 2018 Sudan said Wednesday its defence manufacturers have "cancelled all contracts" with North Korea, acknowledging for the first time that Khartoum had entered into such deals with Pyongyang. Khartoum has also set up a committee to implement UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea, the foreign ministry said in a statement. "Sudan's defence manufacturers have cancelled all contracts signed with North Korea and also ended their relations, direct or through third parties, with North Korea," the ministry said. "Sudan has also set up a committee to prepare a report on how to implement the international sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council on North Korea." Washington has been stepping up pressure on Khartoum to terminate all its ties with Pyongyang, even though the East African country has had no diplomatic relations with North Korea. Although Khartoum insisted it had no such ties, it acknowledged Wednesday having signed defence contracts with North Korea. In October, Washington lifted its decades-old sanctions imposed on Khartoum but kept Sudan on its list of "state sponsors of terrorism" along with North Korea, Iran and Syria. Sudanese officials have been pushing to remove Sudan from the blacklist, but Washington insists Khartoum must first provide a complete assurance it has all cut relations with nuclear-armed Pyongyang. North Korea last year rattled the international community with a flurry of nuclear and missile tests. US President Donald Trump is due to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12 in Singapore, with Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal topping the agenda. EU-US trade row looms over NATO defence meet Brussels, June 6 (AFP) Jun 06, 2018 NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday he was battling to stop the increasingly bitter row between Europe and the US spilling over into the alliance, warning of "serious disagreements" among member countries. European countries are at loggerheads with Washington over punishing new US tariffs on steel and aluminium as well as President Donald Trump's decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate accord. NATO defence ministers will meet in Brussels on Thursday to approve plans to beef up the alliance's ability to mobilise forces quickly in the event of a crisis, as concern about the threat from Russia shows no sign of abating. They will also sign off on two new command centres -- one to protect Atlantic shipping lanes, based in Norfolk, Virginia, and another to coordinate troop movements around Europe, located in the southern German city of Ulm. But the meeting, just five weeks out from a full summit of NATO leaders, looks set to be overshadowed by the spat between European countries and their longtime ally across the Atlantic. "There are now serious disagreements with NATO allies on serious issues," Stoltenberg told reporters, saying he was working hard to minimise the fallout for the alliance. "As long as they're not solved I have to be focused on how to reduce, limit the negative consequences for NATO." - 'Strong together' - Stoltenberg, who held talks with Trump in Washington last month, insisted the "transatlantic bond" remained strong and pointed to the way NATO survived major differences among members over the Iraq war in 2003 and the Suez crisis of 1956. "What we have seen again and again is that we have been able to unite around NATO's core task, to protect and defend each other despite those differences," he said. US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters that it was too early to start talking about a trade war -- "you know, there is always give and take on these things." "What we are looking for is fair and reciprocal trade," Mattis said en route to Brussels, adding: "I don't anticipate any effect on the security arena." He said he was going to Brussels "to listen to them, to take notes, to work these things forward and to find a common ground to work at." The leaders of all 29 NATO members will meet in Brussels for the summit in July when all eyes will be on Trump, who has repeatedly attacked European countries for not pulling their weight in the alliance. Germany, Europe's largest economy, has suffered the worst of Trump's wrath for its failure to live up to a pledge by all NATO countries to try to spend at least two percent of gross domestic product on defence. - 'Four 30s' plan - NATO is modernising its command structure and beefing up its defences in response to growing fears about Russia, following Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Thousands of NATO troops are already stationed on standby in the Baltic states and Poland as deterrent and on Thursday defence ministers will give the go-ahead to a new US initiative called "30-30-30-30" or "four 30s". Under the plan, by 2020 NATO will have 30 batallions, 30 air squadrons and 30 warships ready to be used within 30 days to back up existing rapid response forces. "This is about establishing a culture of readiness and we need that because we have a more unpredictable security environment, we have to be prepared for the unforeseen," Stoltenberg said. EU-US trade row looms over NATO defence meet Brussels, June 6 (AFP) Jun 06, 2018 NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday he was battling to stop the increasingly bitter row between Europe and the US spilling over into the alliance, warning of "serious disagreements" among member countries. European countries are at loggerheads with Washington over punishing new US tariffs on steel and aluminium as well as President Donald Trump's decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate accord. NATO defence ministers will meet in Brussels on Thursday to approve plans to beef up the alliance's ability to mobilise forces quickly in the event of a crisis, as concern about the threat from Russia shows no sign of abating. They will also sign off on two new command centres -- one to protect Atlantic shipping lanes, based in Norfolk, Virginia, and another to coordinate troop movements around Europe, located in the southern German city of Ulm. But the meeting, just five weeks out from a full summit of NATO leaders, looks set to be overshadowed by the spat between European countries and their longtime ally across the Atlantic. "There are now serious disagreements with NATO allies on serious issues," Stoltenberg told reporters, saying he was working hard to minimise the fallout for the alliance. "As long as they're not solved I have to be focused on how to reduce, limit the negative consequences for NATO." - 'Strong together' - Stoltenberg, who held talks with Trump in Washington last month, insisted the "transatlantic bond" remained strong and pointed to the way NATO survived major differences among members over the Iraq war in 2003 and the Suez crisis of 1956. "What we have seen again and again is that we have been able to unite around NATO's core task, to protect and defend each other despite those differences," he said. US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters that it was too early to start talking about a trade war -- "you know, there is always give and take on these things." "What we are looking for is fair and reciprocal trade," Mattis said en route to Brussels, adding: "I don't anticipate any effect on the security arena." He said he was going to Brussels "to listen to them, to take notes, to work these things forward and to find a common ground to work at." The leaders of all 29 NATO members will meet in Brussels for the summit in July when all eyes will be on Trump, who has repeatedly attacked European countries for not pulling their weight in the alliance. Germany, Europe's largest economy, has suffered the worst of Trump's wrath for its failure to live up to a pledge by all NATO countries to try to spend at least two percent of gross domestic product on defence. US neighbour Canada is also upset at being included on the tariff list and has rejected a US proposal to go further and slap steep tariffs on car imports over American national security concerns. "I will be very vocal" about the trade fight, said Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan. "To consider Canada as a national security risk as a result of steel is beyond ridiculous." - 'Four 30s' plan - NATO is modernising its command structure and beefing up its defences in response to growing fears about Russia, following Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Thousands of NATO troops are already stationed on standby in the Baltic states and Poland as deterrent and on Thursday defence ministers will give the go-ahead to a new US initiative called "30-30-30-30" or "four 30s". Under the plan, by 2020 NATO will have 30 battalions, 30 air squadrons and 30 warships ready to be used within 30 days to back up existing rapid response forces. "This is about establishing a culture of readiness and we need that because we have a more unpredictable security environment, we have to be prepared for the unforeseen," Stoltenberg said. A Vicious Cycle Berlin Worried about Losing Trump's Trade War The U.S. has followed through with its threat to impose punitive tariffs on European steel and aluminum and the signs are pointing to a global trade war. The German government is doing what it can to prevent harm to its automobile industry. By DER SPIEGEL Staff Fixing the Euro The Time to Act Is Now Italy can only manage its current crisis with German help. And Germany needs Italy to keep Europe stable. While there is no simple solution, a new form of assistance could help. Von Henrik Enderlein Pretoria (South Africa), June 05, 2018 (SPS) - The presidents of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), Brahim Ghali, and of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, reiterated today in a joint comunique their satisfaction at the level of mutual cooperation, solidarity and bilateral relations between the SADR and South Africa. The joint statement following the official visit of the Saharawi President to South Africa, underlines that during their discussions, the two Heads of State reviewed matters of mutual bilateral, continental and international interest. The two Presidents further expressed satisfaction at the level of cooperation, solidarity and friendship that stems from the historical, political and fraternal bonds that bind the two countries. The two Heads of State expressed their full support and confidence in the efforts undertaken by the United Nations Secretary General Personal Envoy for Western Sahara H.E. Horst Kohler, to bring the parties together and mobilise the international community to implement all United Nations Resolutions on Western Sahara. The two Heads of State expressed their full support and confidence in the efforts undertaken by the African Union (AU) Special Envoy for Western Sahara, His Excellency former President Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique and their commitment for a speedy implementation of the 30th Summit of the African Union (Assembly/AU/Dec. 677 (XXX) calling on the two member states to engage without preconditions in direct and serious talks to put an end to their conflict. The two Presidents emphasised that, with her admission into the African Union, the Kingdom of Morocco has an obligation to adhere to the principles and goals enshrined in the African Union Constitutive Act, especially the need to respect colonial borders as they existed at the time of independence. President Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africas continued support for the inalienable rights of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination and independence and noted with concern the continued reports of human rights abuses in the occupied territories as well as the continued illegal exploitation of the natural resources in the occupied territories. For his part, President Gali welcomed the decision of the SADC Heads of State and Government to hold a Solidarity Conference on the Western Sahara, with the aim of mobilising international support for the plight of the Saharawi People as the last Colony on the African Continent. In this regard, President Ramaphosa reiterated South Africas commitment to the decision taken by SADC in August 2017 to convene the SADC Solidarity Conference on Western Sahara. Ramaphosa claimed that the triumph of the South African people against apartheid showed that no system, no matter how oppressive, can deny forever the desire of a people to be free. "We are sure that the Sahrawis will soon be free," said the President, adding that the African liberation will not be complete without the independence of Western Sahara. SPS 125/090/TRA Whether its through precision kit, the latest variety choice on the market or using expert advice to tailor a more efficient business strategy, there is plenty on offer to help farmers boost profits at this years Cereals Event. Bringing together exhibitors from across the arable industry, just over a week remains before the 41st event gets under way in Cambridgeshire. Visiting Cereals gives arable farmers the opportunity to see what they should do, what they could do and what they would like to do, explains Jon Day, event organiser at Comexposium. Weve seen visitors return year after year to compare kit, get the latest technical information or simply for the networking opportunity. With all the changes in place ahead of this years event, were certain that Cereals 2018 will deliver exactly what both farmers and exhibitors are looking for. Stretching over 45ha on a working farm and attracting more than 24,000 visitors every year, Cereals is a hub for everything arable. The launch of an exciting new app available to download from both the Apple app store and Google play for android will help visitors to this years event by providing mapping, seminar notifications and the ability to sign up to new curated guided tours. With so much on offer, here are just five key reasons why visitors wont want to miss Cereals 2018. 1. Working demonstrations For those who prefer to see kit in action before making a purchase decision, visitors to this years event will once again benefit from 5ha of working demonstrations where the power, productivity and performance of tractors, cultivators, drills and subsoilers will be put to the test. New for 2018, this years event will also feature a cover crop drilling demonstration area. Exhibitors including Claydon Drills, Cousins of Emneth, Dale Drills, Ryetech Industrial Equipment and Sim-Tec Aitchison will demonstrate different direct drilling equipment on an 8ha area sown with a mix of cover crops provided by Kings. Demonstrations will take place twice-daily with exhibitors putting their latest drills through their paces as an expert explains the unique features and benefits of each machine. Cereals will also play host to the only live demonstration in the country of Harper Adams Hands Free Hectare outside the university. This year we will be providing live demonstrations of our Hands Free Hectare project, that tended and harvested a crop using only autonomous vehicles and drones, says Dr David Llewellyn, vice-chancellor of HAU. As the leading technical event for the arable farming industry, Cereals has always been an extremely important date on Harper Adams Universitys show calendar. 2. Cereals Conversation & Cereals Controversial If you want to keep up with the latest industry research and thinking, this years new-look seminars will cover a breadth of topics with speakers including MP George Eustice. ZETOR INDIA Private Limited, subsidiary of ZETOR TRACTORS a.s., in cooperation with its partner Automobile Warehouse, Ltd., presented the market in Kenya with tractors of MAJOR, PROXIMA, and FORTERRA model ranges, with the power of 80, 100, 120, 135, and 150 hp. PROXIMA 100 turned out to be the most popular which matches the needs of the farmers in Kenya in respect of power and price. Owners of large farms were also interested in FORTERRA 135. Farming is the key area to create economic growth in Kenya; it is essential to reduce poverty and hunger. The numbers of farming machinery are growing in the country as well as the demand for the machinery. This also develops the market with high-quality tractors and farming machines. The offer of tractors we presented in Kenya matches the needs, which has been proved by the great interest of both farmers and bankers who are concerned about the support of loans for farmers, says Lukas Krejcir, Finance and Sales Director, ZETOR TRACTORS a.s., commenting on the presentation of ZETOR tractors in Kenya. Farming sector is the backbone of the economy in Kenya. It contributes to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Kenya with 25% and it is the source of living for the majority of rural inhabitants. The numbers of farming machinery in the country is growing just like the opportunities for commercial farming. TO VIEW MORE NEWS STORY, PLEASE CLICK ON NEWS TAB ON MAIN MENU BAR Blog Archive Apr 2010 (22) May 2010 (25) Jun 2010 (8) Jul 2010 (12) Aug 2010 (18) Sep 2010 (19) Oct 2010 (29) Nov 2010 (30) Dec 2010 (18) Jan 2011 (13) Feb 2011 (21) Mar 2011 (23) Apr 2011 (19) May 2011 (31) Jun 2011 (36) Jul 2011 (46) Aug 2011 (26) Sep 2011 (12) Oct 2011 (15) Nov 2011 (17) Dec 2011 (7) Jan 2012 (18) Feb 2012 (4) Mar 2012 (12) Apr 2012 (18) May 2012 (10) Jun 2012 (21) Jul 2012 (8) Aug 2012 (15) Sep 2012 (7) Oct 2012 (17) Nov 2012 (20) Dec 2012 (10) Jan 2013 (58) Feb 2013 (59) Mar 2013 (60) Apr 2013 (98) May 2013 (135) Jun 2013 (204) Jul 2013 (293) Aug 2013 (351) Sep 2013 (363) Oct 2013 (348) Nov 2013 (374) Dec 2013 (442) Jan 2014 (547) Feb 2014 (476) Mar 2014 (526) Apr 2014 (527) May 2014 (469) Jun 2014 (408) Jul 2014 (472) Aug 2014 (522) Sep 2014 (443) Oct 2014 (472) Nov 2014 (497) Dec 2014 (536) Jan 2015 (539) Feb 2015 (520) Mar 2015 (582) Apr 2015 (658) May 2015 (679) Jun 2015 (673) Jul 2015 (728) Aug 2015 (803) Sep 2015 (923) Oct 2015 (924) Nov 2015 (802) Dec 2015 (791) Jan 2016 (782) Feb 2016 (835) Mar 2016 (929) Apr 2016 (866) May 2016 (947) Jun 2016 (1044) Jul 2016 (882) Aug 2016 (1035) Sep 2016 (967) Oct 2016 (918) Nov 2016 (854) Dec 2016 (885) Jan 2017 (879) Feb 2017 (777) Mar 2017 (896) Apr 2017 (872) May 2017 (850) Jun 2017 (851) Jul 2017 (971) Aug 2017 (1040) Sep 2017 (998) Oct 2017 (1144) Nov 2017 (1046) Dec 2017 (838) Jan 2018 (873) Feb 2018 (769) Mar 2018 (885) Apr 2018 (809) May 2018 (827) Jun 2018 (820) Jul 2018 (840) Aug 2018 (854) Sep 2018 (844) Oct 2018 (851) Nov 2018 (870) Dec 2018 (912) Jan 2019 (919) Feb 2019 (827) Mar 2019 (957) Apr 2019 (913) May 2019 (1007) Jun 2019 (935) Jul 2019 (950) Aug 2019 (936) Sep 2019 (910) Oct 2019 (920) Nov 2019 (874) Dec 2019 (908) Jan 2020 (941) Feb 2020 (849) Mar 2020 (898) Apr 2020 (848) May 2020 (822) Jun 2020 (789) Jul 2020 (819) Aug 2020 (858) Sep 2020 (841) Oct 2020 (873) Nov 2020 (812) Dec 2020 (780) Jan 2021 (765) Feb 2021 (716) Mar 2021 (819) Apr 2021 (805) May 2021 (815) Jun 2021 (824) Jul 2021 (830) Aug 2021 (832) Sep 2021 (791) Oct 2021 (362) The putsch in Italy editor29 May 2018SpikedThere has been a putsch in Italy. A bloodless putsch, with no guns or jackboots, but a putsch nonetheless. The presidents vetoing of the finance minister put forward by the populist parties that won a huge number of votes in the General Election in March represents a grave assault on the democratic will. It is a technocratic coup, an EU-influenced, big-business-pleasing attempt to isolate and weaken the popular anti-Brussels sentiment that has swept Italy. Indeed, it has brought about the collapse of the talks to form a new populist government and made it necessary to hold fresh elections. Lets be honest about what has happened here: Marchs democratic election has essentially been voided by technocrats who care more about Euro financiers than they do about the ordinary people of Italy.Italy has been plunged into political crisis by establishment figures who are repulsed by the Euroscepticism spreading through the nation. In the election in March, the mainstream parties the Democratic Party and Forza Italia were decimated by voters. They suffered an historic blow at the ballot box, the Democratic Party getting 18.7 per cent of the vote, and Forza Italia an even sadder 14 per cent. Meanwhile, populist parties, in particular the Five Star Movement (M5S) and the League (formerly the Northern League), soared to the forefront of political life. M5S won 32.7 per cent of the vote, and the League won 17.4 per cent a huge rise on the four per cent it got in the election in 2013.These parties won on a ticket of tackling austerity, easing peoples tax burdens, standing up to Euro institutions in particular over Italys debt to the European Central Bank and clamping down on illegal immigration. Their storming ahead of the two parties that had run Italy for decades was one of the clearest expressions yet of a popular disgruntlement with the aloof politics of the past that so many people across Europe now feel. But its a disgruntlement the establishment is increasingly unwilling to tolerate. And so in Italy it is effectively being done in, with the old elite insisting that the peoples will is too disruptive and must be diluted by those who know better.So as part of the drawn-out, often tortured efforts of M5S and the League to form a majority government, which went on for nearly three months, EU officials put pressure on Italys new leaders to water down certain policies and ditch certain people. Largely through Sergio Mattarella, the president (an only semi-democratic position in Italian political life), Brussels and other influential European players have made it clear that certain ideas and individuals would be unacceptable in Italys new government. From the new coalitions proposals to increase public spending and borrowing in defiance of Eurozone stability rules, to their insistence that immigration into Italy must be more tightly policed, to their opposition to European sanctions on Russia, various policies held by these popular parties were openly criticised by EU officials and, under pressure from Mattarella, they were softened as the coalition sought to forge a government. At one point, Matteo Salvini, leader of the League, felt provoked to say: From Europe, we have the umpteenth unacceptable interference by unelected officials.Not content with meddling in the policymaking of Italys popular parties, the old elite then instructed them onthey could include in their government. President Mattarella blocked their nomination of Paolo Savona, the 82-year-old Italian economist, for the position of finance minister. Why? Because Savona is a Eurosceptic, and a frequently stinging one. He has described the Eurozone as a German cage. He has said Italy might have to get out of the Euro if the alternative is to end up like Greece. Savonas views make him unacceptable for public office, it seems, and so President Mattarella vetoed him, on the basis that his Euroscepticism would make Euro financiers nervous and threaten the Italian economy. This caused M5S and the Leagues chosen interim prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, to resign, and now there will be new elections.Some have pointed out that Italian presidents have vetoed ministers in the past. This is true, but its a very rare thing for the president to do. And more importantly theres theSavona was vetoed. In the words of Henry Newman in the, normally a proposed minister is vetoed because of concern over competence, nepotism, or a conflict of interests; Savona, in contrast, was vetoed on the basis of his views. Consider the political magnitude of this veto: the Italian public expresses a mass feeling of Euroscepticism and yet an old-establishment figure prevents a Eurosceptic from taking office. It is really clear now that what the people want and what the old political class wants are very different things and apparently, and alarmingly, it is the latter that must win out.The usurping of the popular will is best summed up in who has been promoted by Mattarella to replace Conte as the interim prime minister: Carlo Cottarelli, a former senior official in the International Monetary Fund who is referred to as Mr Scissors for his insistence on cuts to public spending. So even though millions of Italians voted for populist parties that said they would reverse spending cuts and challenge Eurozone stability rules, now they find themselves ruled, for the time being, by a technocrat who takes an entirely different view. They have ended up with. This is the putsch; this is the technocratic coup; this is the thwarting of the democratic outlook by an establishment that thinks it knows better than ordinary people how their lives should be run.This is how life in the Eurozone, and in the EU more broadly, works now. The people and the parties they vote for are written off by the expert class and technocrats and the forces of big business as irrational or prejudiced or dangerous, and the popular will is overriden in the name of maintaining the status quo. We saw this in the EU fury that greeted the French, Dutch and Irish revolts against the EU Constitution a decade ago; in the enforcement of spending cuts in Greece and Ireland that the people in those countries did not want; and we see it in the ongoing efforts by Brussels and its useful idiots in Britain to weaken or even kill off our mass vote for Brexit.Remainers, behold the truth of the institution you are fighting to defend: not the happy-clappy union of European peoples of your deluded dreams, but rather a vast oligarchical machine that laughs in the face of national sovereignty, views the democratic will as a pesky fly to be swatted away, and looks upon ordinary people as too pig-ignorant to make big political decisions. We need more rebellions against this elitist Euro-hatred for the views of ordinary people, and an all-out defence of the hard-won European principle of democracy.is editor of. Find him on Instagram: @burntoakboy Massive blaze engulfs Mandarin Oriental in London's Knightsbridge as 20 fire engines and 120 firefighters rush to luxury five-star hotel less than a week after finishing multi-million pound revamp By DARREN BOYLE and LARA KEAY and KATIE FRENCH and ROD ARDEHALI FOR MAILONLINE6 June 2018Fire crews are battling an enormous fire at the luxury Mandarin Oriental hotel in central London this afternoon.Thick black smoke was seen billowing across the capital's skyline from the hotel in William Street, Knightsbridge, where rooms start from 600-a-night.London Fire Brigade said 20 fire engines and 120 fire fighters have been scrambled to the scene.The hotel has just finished the most extensive and costly refurbishment in its 115-year history, with rooms only re-opening to the public on May 29.A spokesman for the exclusive Hong Kong-based hotel chain told MailOnline: 'We are aware of a situation at the hotel and London Fire Brigade are at the scene.'It is not known if anyone has been injured in the fire.'A fire brigade spokesman added: 'The brigade's 999 control officers have taken more than 35 calls to the fire, which is producing a lot of smoke.'The brigade was called at 15.55. Fire crews from Chelsea, Kensington, Hammersmith, Battersea and other surrounding fire stations are at the scene.'The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.'Roads between Scotch Corner and Hyde Park Corner have been closed while emergency services deal with the fire.The Met Police told MailOnline it was coming from a hotel in Knightsbridge and officers were at the scene.Jack, 19, a student told MailOnline: 'I came out of Knightbridge Station when I saw a huge amount of black smoke.'The fire brigade have corned off the street and the customers from the surrounding shops have been evacuated.'There's quite a lot of debris on the street. I can still see a little hue of red from the roof.'I didn't see anyone seem to be in too much distress - it's under control now, I hope.'The fire comes just weeks after the luxurious hotel was back open for full business after an extensive and costly refurbishment.The 115-year old establishment was modernised as part of a multi-million pound restoration, as its 118 rooms with views across London's Hyde Park were transformed. A 51-year old woman in Brisbane, Australia was recently arrested for riding her horse to the drive-thru of a bottle shop (liquor store) while more than four times the legal driving limit. Police said after refusing to leave the premise she produced a blood-alcohol reading of 0.226, or more than enough to think she actually flew to the store with her newfound superpowers. The horse was led back to Logan Central Police Station, where police were helped by council workers who walked it back to a property in Marsden while the woman was processed. The woman was charged with being in charge of a horse while under the influence of liquor, and will appear at Beenleigh Magistrates Court on June 26. Police said drink-driving was not limited to a vehicle, and could include a horse. Man, she already had a blood-alcohol level of 0.226 and was GOING BACK TO THE STORE FOR MORE LIQUOR. No word if the woman is single, but a man can dream. "Of what?" Getting her the help she so clearly needs. I'm thinking roller skates so instead of riding she can just be towed. Also, is it really drunk driving if your horse knows the way? Keep going for a brief police video posted to Twitter. A woman has been charged after allegedly riding a horse to a Logan bottle shop while more than four times the legal alcohol limit last night. https://t.co/0WJhgjQKZn pic.twitter.com/RZWFG0QUFa Queensland Police (@QldPolice) June 5, 2018 Thanks to JP, who agrees agrees you should also be allowed to walk through a drive-thru. Wentworth Resources Limited : Mozambique Update - License Extension Granted PRESS RELEASE 6 June 2018 WENTWORTH RESOURCES LIMITED ("Wentworth" or the "Company") Mozambique update: License Extension granted Wentworth, the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE: WRL) and AIM (AIM: WRL) listed independent, East Africa-focused oil & gas company, is pleased to announce an update to the Company's Onshore Rovuma asset in Mozambique ("Appraisal License"). Further to the update at the time of the 2017 Annual Financial Statements in March regarding the Company's formal request of a one-year extension of the Appraisal License, the Company has received confirmation from Instituto Nacional de Petroleo ("INP") that the extension has been granted. The extension will take effect from 16 June 2018 and enables Wentworth, along with its partner Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos ("ENH"), to continue to progress pre-drilling activities in the Tembo block. The extension request was in part related to the above ground security situation in and around the Macimboa da Praia and Palma regions, adjacent to the Tembo block, which remain challenging. This has prevented safe access to the area for Wentworth staff and contractors. The Company continues to monitor the situation closely. Bob McBean, Executive Chairman, said: "We would like to thank the Minister, INP and our partner ENH for their support in securing this extension to the Tembo licence, which gives us the time and flexibility to progress our operational activities on the block. We remain focused on securing an additional partner to share risk in unlocking the onshore potential of the Rovuma basin". -Ends- Enquiries: Wentworth Bob McBean Executive Chairman rpm@wentworthresources.com Katherine Roe Chief Financial Officer katherine.roe@wentworthresources.com +44 7841 087 230 Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited AIM Nominated Adviser and Broker (UK) Callum Stewart Ashton Clanfield +44 (0) 20 7710 7600 GMP FirstEnergy Broker (UK) Hugh Sanderson David van Erp +44 (0) 20 7448 0200 Peel Hunt LLP Broker (UK) Richard Crichton Ross Allister +44 (0) 20 7418 8900 FTI Consulting Investor Relations Adviser (UK) Edward Westropp Kim Camilleri wentworth@fticonsulting.com +44 (0) 20 3727 1000 About Wentworth Resources Wentworth Resources is a publicly traded (OSE: WRL, AIM: WRL), independent oil & gas company with: natural gas production; exploration and appraisal opportunities; and large-scale gas monetisation initiatives, all in the Rovuma Delta Basin of coastal southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique. Inside Information The information contained within this announcement is deemed by Wentworth to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) no. 596/2014 ("MAR"). On the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service ("RIS"), this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements This press release may contain certain forward-looking information. The words "expect", "anticipate", believe", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "forecast", "plan", and similar expressions are used to identify forward looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made in light of management's experience, current conditions and expected future development in the areas in which Wentworth is currently active and other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Wentworth undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predicted outcome will not occur, including some of which are beyond Wentworth's control. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to: the risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general such as operational risks in exploration, development and production, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures, the imprecision of resource and reserve estimates, assumptions regarding the timing and costs relating to production and development as well as the availability and price of labour and equipment, volatility of and assumptions regarding commodity prices and exchange rates, marketing and transportation risks, environmental risks, competition, the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources and changes in applicable law. Additionally, there are economic, political, social and other risks inherent in carrying on business in Tanzania and Mozambique. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could vary or differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. See Wentworth's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2017, available on Wentworth's website, for further description of the risks and uncertainties associated with Wentworth's business. Notice Neither the Oslo Stock Exchange nor the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange has reviewed this press release and neither accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. 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: Wentworth Resources Limited via Globenewswire Blasiak and centre researchers Jean-Baptiste Jouffray, Emma Sundstrom, and Henrik Osterblom, along with University of British Columbia colleague Colette Wabnitz, published a study in Science Advances which examines who owns what in terms of marine genetic resources (MGR). As Jouffray explains, We investigate how many and what types of marine species are being included in patent claims, by whom, and when. We suggest that identifying the key actors registering patents involving MGRs is a critical step toward ensuring more equitable ocean stewardship, whether through regulation, voluntary industry action, or other mechanisms. Link to article Request publication Who owns what? To determine who owns what in terms of marine genetic diversity, the authors created a database, which identified 862 marine species, with a total of 12 998 genetic sequences that were patented under the Patent Cooperation Treaty. "The species being patented range from sperm whales to microscopic archaea," Emma Sundstrom explains. Most patents registered are linked to microscopic (73%) organisms, with fish (16%), deep sea hydrothermal organisms (11%), and mollusks (3%) making up the majority of the rest of the patents. The authors found that 84% of the patents were registered by 221 companies, 12% were registered by universities, and the remaining 4% were registered government bodies or non-profit research institutes. However, German company BASF has registered 47% of all marine patent sequences, more than all of the other companies combined. As a keystone actor in MGRs, it is important to note that large corporations are known to acquire smaller companies for the primary purpose of claiming ownership of their patent portfolios, while also taking advantage of branches located in countries with weaker institutions and limited monitoring or enforcement capacity. Equity and owning ocean biodiversity In 2010, the Nagoya Protocol came into effect, and as Henrik Osterblom explains Within national jurisdiction, the Nagoya Protocol protects countries from exploitative bioprospecting, and is meant to foster greater equity. But theres a huge missing piece, because two-thirds of the ocean exists beyond national jurisdiction. The authors found that only 10 countries make up 98% of where the patents are registered, and the Nagoya Protocol does not apply retroactively, meaning that if another actor has already patented in a countrys jurisdiction, there will be few ways to ensure retroactive benefit sharing. However, in the other two-thirds of the ocean, known as areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), other challenges are still being addressed. Some countries are advocating for benefit sharing schemes for MGR, while others believe that MGRs should be managed under the principle of freedom of the high seas, suggesting no legal obligations to share benefits of their resource extraction. Some countries, including small island nations, have faced substantial challenges in participating in the ongoing negotiations related to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). To address this, Jean-Baptiste Jouffray suggests, States need to increase their commitments to capacity building, including scientific training and collaboration, and make greater use of mechanisms, like a voluntary fund that was established to support participation of delegates during the initial talks on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). Negotiations on a new treaty on BBNJ will commence in September 2018. Cooperation for the oceans future To ensure that MGRs are used and shared equitably and sustainably, the authors highlight that direct engagement is needed with keystone actors, such as BASF. For instance, voluntary environmental programmes, like the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, could create industry norms that encourage companies like BASF to commit to more transparency than what is currently required by government regulation. Furthermore, the authors suggest that sustainable business practices and standards should be set up to encourage equitable and sustainable use. For instance, advocacy campaigns, changes in consumer and employee interest, engagement with the science community, and shareholder activism. As a final point, lead author Robert Blasiak explains that Constructive cooperation among scientists, policymakers, and industry actors is needed to develop appropriate access and benefit-sharing mechanisms for MGRs that serve the triple purpose of encouraging innovation, fostering greater equity, and promoting better ocean stewardship. This is a video posted by the Ohio Department Of Transportation of an SUV that "wasn't running properly" so the motorist behind the wheel decides to reverse it off a highway onramp, down a major street, down a side street, and into a Kroger parking lot. Admittedly, those were some pretty fine reverse skills. I don't think I could have done that. And I'm not just saying that because I tried backing out of my driveway once a few weeks ago, but traffic is still at a standstill in both directions. Keep going for the video, complete with the Benny Hill chase theme that makes videos like this even that much better. Pro tip, if your vehicle isn't running properly, pull safely to the side of the road and call for assistance. Thankfully, no one was injured in this incident. pic.twitter.com/Fm85Kx0UVT Ohio Dept of Transportation (@ODOT_Statewide) June 5, 2018 Thanks to Randi and K Diddie, who agree when in doubt, close your eyes and throw it in reverse. Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. Germany openly called for Iran to withdraw its forces from Syria. This rare criticism of Iran was caused by Israel pointing out that the presence of Iranian forces in Syria is a major cause of Syrians fleeing their country and heading for Germany where it is easy to get asylum. It is generally accepted (and Syria even admits it) that Iran does have thousands of trainers, advisors, technicians and other support specialists to make the Syrian Army and their Iranian allies (mainly Shia mercenaries recruited by Iran and controlled by Iranian trainers and advisors) a formidable force. The chatter from Iran (Internet postings or street talk) confirms that and the number of these Iranians killed. Most of the dead belong to the Quds Force (similar to the U.S. Special Forces, but which specializes in supporting Islamic terrorists not fighting them). Over a hundred IRGC officers have been killed in Syria and Iraq since 2012. But a growing number of non-Quds personnel are dying as Israel attacks Iranian bases in Syria. Quds supervised the creation of the huge (over 50,000) mercenary force in Syria. Quds recruits these foreign Shia (mainly Afghans and Lebanese), trains, arms, equips, supplies and pays them (including death benefits) and usually has Quds (or IRGC) officers leading the mercenary units. Iranian advisors are also embedded with most Syrian Army units. These Quds, IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps) and Iranian army personnel have rotated in and out of Syria since 2012 and when they get home they talk about their experiences and that (usually via friends or kin) gets posted on social media or emailed to friends and kin overseas (usually via encrypted apps like Telegram). All this is great for intel agencies and journalists with contacts in the overseas Iranian community and a knowledge of Farsi (the major Iranian language). As a result, we know that morale in the Syrian army is really bad because the troops are recruited from the minority (no more than 15 percent of the pre-war population) that supports Assad (usually because they are not Sunni Arabs, who comprised 75 percent of Syrians in 2012). These Syrians often go to great lengths to avoid getting conscripted and if they do end up in uniform few are eager to see combat. Thus the Iranian mercenaries are the key to whatever combat capabilities the Assad forces have. This is why the Assads also want Iran to withdraw its forces once all the rebel forces are destroyed, disarmed or otherwise neutralized. Otherwise, the Iranian led mercenaries will be the real power in Syria. Until there is peace in Syria more Syrians will flee and those that can afford it will head for Germany, which is one of the few European nations accepting Syrian refugees. Russian Friends Russia has made it clear that it sides with Israel when it comes to Syria and a long-term peace deal. Russia backed this up by openly accepting Israeli use of Jerusalem as their capital and moving functions normally held in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This angers many Moslems, and especially Iran. This support for Israel is one of the few things the United States and Russia agree on these days. But the alliance with Russia is unwritten. Yet it is real as Israel has not attacked any Russian targets with its growing air offensive against Iranian forces. During May the Russian president met separately with the Israeli and Syrian leaders and apparently worked out terms of a peace deal that Israel and the Assads can live with. Turkey is willing to follow as long as Turkish border security measures (a security zone on the Syrian side of the border patrolled by Turk supported Syrian militias) are left alone. In the northeast, the Syrian Kurds could have their autonomy as long as they kept the peace. Basically, the Russian proposal is that all foreign troops leave Syria. That will include the Americans but not those that now have treaty rights (Russia has an airbase and part of a port). The Americans have no interest in a permanent presence they just want to deal with some Islamic terrorists and then leave. Israel insists that Iran has no treaty rights and should get out completely, along with their local affiliate Hezbollah. Russia has specifically called on Iran get its foreign mercenaries (including Hezbollah) out of Daraa province, which borders Israel. The Russians did this by referring to all foreign forces in Daraa and those are all Iranian. Russia knows that Iran has already made a big deal about being near the border and attacking Israel. But so far attempts to attack have only resulted in heavier Iranian losses from Israeli air and missile attacks. To achieve such a deal the remaining rebel groups have to be destroyed. These holdouts are mainly Islamic terrorist groups aligned with al Qaeda or ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant). The Kurds and Americans, with some help from Iraqi forces, are going after the remaining ISIL personnel in eastern and northeastern Syria. The Assads, with the help of Iranian mercenaries and Hezbollah, are clearing areas along the northern and southern borders of remaining rebels. The only problem with this plan is that Iran refuses to leave and keeps repeating that refusal in its mass media. The Russians are unwilling to completely abandon their Iranian ally but at the same time, they do not want Iran dominating Syria like it does Lebanon (via Hezbollah). Meanwhile, Russia does not use its aircraft or air defense missile systems to interfere with Israel trying their best to destroy all Iranian bases in Syria. This Russian policy, while not perfect, is having a noticeable impact on Iran. Despite the deal with Russia Syria still has a lot of second-rate (compared to the S-300 and S-400 systems Russia has in Syria) anti-aircraft weapons as does Iran. This is a real threat to Israel which is keen to avoid any aircraft losses. To assist with that Israel has already developed longer range guided rockets (like the American GMLRS). They have a 150 kilometers range rocket similar to GMLRS and a larger (1.8 ton) Dora missile with a range of 400 kilometers. Dora uses GPS and a terminal guidance system to achieve high accuracy (a few meters) Then there is Delilah is one of several loitering cruise missiles Israel has developed. There is also a ground launched Delilah with a range of 250 kilometers. Spike NLOS is another ground based loitering missile in wide use. These can search for a target, with a human controller approving a target via a data link, which also provides video of hits on targets, which Israel sometimes releases to the media. This was the case with the latest airstrikes, which destroyed many Syrian air defense systems (S-200 and Pantsir). Russia explained away the Pantsir loss by asserting that the vehicle was resting. For a while (before making deals with Israel) Russia tried to dissuade Israel and its Western allies from attacking more Syrian targets, especially those that put its high tech weapons to the test because so far these electronic and anti-aircraft systems have proved ineffective against Israeli attacks and probably wont do much better against the Americans. This is bad for business, as Russia has been touting the combat experience in Syria to get more sales for their new stuff. It would also be disastrous for Russian diplomacy which has portrayed Russia as a powerful and technically advanced ally for Syria, Iran and Turkey. Although Russia talks tough against Israel and the Americans it does not want to take that any further, nor does it want to appear like Russia is backing off. Russia is in an embarrassing situation and not getting much sympathy from anyone, not even Russians back in Russia. Arabs And The Iranian Threat The Arabs tend to emphasize the many threats Iran represents. Saudi Arabia recently announced that if Iran resumes its work on nuclear weapons Saudi Arabia will do so as well. Most Arab nations, as well as Israel, backed the American May 8th decision to abandon the 2015 treaty that lifted many sanctions on Iran. One thing all the Semitic (Israel and Arab) nations can agree on is that Iran is a threat to all of them. That said the Arabs see Iran concentrating their fury on Israel as a bonus because the Israelis are the most militarily experienced and powerful of the Semitic nations and most able to defeat Iran. Besides Israel is also the only Semitic nation with nukes. If Iran takes a beating in Syria that would make it easier for the Arab Coalition to end the Shia rebellion in Yemen and eliminate the Iranian influence there. Meanwhile, the Saudis are quietly getting American special operations and intelligence assistance to find Iranian ballistic missile facilities in rebel-held Yemen. This indirectly involves the Israelis as the American and Israelis have been jointly developing these special operations and intelligence techniques since the 1990s when the ballistic missile threat from Iran and Iraq became a reality in the wake of the 1980s Iran-Iraq war. Iranians And The Iranian Threat Iranians are angry with their government over how foreign affairs have been mismanaged, especially in Syria. The major complaint is how much the government has been spending on the war in Syria since 2012. Long before Israeli agents made off with details of the Iranian nuclear program earlier in 2018 there were Iranians collecting data on what the Syria war was costing Iran. The government downplayed the cost and declared the Iranian presence in Syria as a religious duty and a crucial step in the effort to destroy Israel. But now most Iranians understand that Syria was costing Iran $10-20 billion a year, which is about twice what the government spends to help the poorest Iranians (which happens to include a majority of Iranians). Irans religious leaders know this is why the late 2017 nationwide demonstrations included many groups that had long supported the religious dictatorship but were not in opposition because their leaders were making it clear that the welfare of the Iranian people, including those who long supported the clerics, was less important than propping up a murderous dictator in Syria who happened to be Shia. Then there was the issue of blaming all misfortunes on Israel or the Americans. The United States has always been a popular place for most Iranians and many still would move to America if they could get out of Iran. The Internet makes it easy for the Iranian-Americans to let the folks back in the old country what the U.S. (the Great Satan according to the Iranian clerics) is really like. There is still mandatory death to America demonstrations in Iran but all concerned have noted that most Iranians just go through the motions and would rather go to America than stand around shouting Death to America. To compound the Syria problems the Iranian leaders are saying that the May 9th Iranian rocket attack on Israeli military targets in the Golan Heights was a great success. But it wasnt. Of the 32 rockets, Iran claims to have fired the Israelis can only account for twenty of them and none of those hit anything of note. Some of the Iranian rockets, the ones Iron Dome deduced were headed for populated areas or military bases were shot down. There were no pictures of damage Iran claims their rocket attack caused. Yet ever since that attack, Israel has made a growing number of attacks against Iranian targets in Syria and there have been plenty of pictures of the damage. Plus there are the growing number of Iranian bodies shipped back to Iran for burial. In Syria Iranian ally Russia has refused to use its jet fighters or SAM (Surface to Air Missile) systems to defend Iranian bases from Israeli attack. Syria did try to use its SAMs (over a hundred of them) but to no effect. The Israeli attacks keep coming and the Iranian people are told Iran is winning. Desperate Hamas Since March 30, when weekly demonstrations in Gaza near the security fence began, over 120 Palestinians have been killed. Hamas has confirmed that most of the dead are Hamas members, often armed so that they can kill or capture an Israeli soldier. Many demonstrators who get in and are arrested admit that Hamas encouraged unarmed civilians to join the demonstrations and mass charges at the border fence. Israel will use non-lethal means (rubber bullets, tear gas) while the crows are still in Gaza but once some of them breach the fence and are headed for Israeli territory, real bullets are used. Most Gaza civilians halt before getting in the shoot to stop zone but many are swept along. Moreover, the bullets that miss the Hamas men often hit civilians further back. This is fine with Hamas, and many Gazans know it and loathe it because these civilians deaths create fodder for the foreign media. The demonstrations are all about the Palestinian demand that all Arabs who fled Israel in 1948 (as Arab troops from several countries sought to prevent the creation of Israel) and their descendants be allowed to return to Israel. Those returnees would outnumber the Jews and destroy Israel. The demonstrations also about getting sympathetic media attention for this right of return and trying to make Israel look bad. This campaign was supposed to end on May 15th but continued with diminished energy after that. The plan was for Hamas to declare a victory after May 15th and switch to another plan for destroying Israel. The demonstrations are actually a diversion for multiple Hamas attempts to get terrorists into Israel or inflict casualties on Israeli forces. That does not appear to have succeeded because the Israelis do not take personnel from other parts of the Gaza border to deal with the demonstrations but instead call up reservists and order all Gaza border guards to be alert for Hamas crossing attempts. Earlier in 2018 Hamas quietly approached Israel about a long-term truce. Hamas has proposed this before but the problem remains that Hamas is not united and no one can guarantee there wont be organized and persistent efforts in Gaza to carry out terrorist operations in Israel if the blockade is lifted (as part of a new truce deal). At the moment Hamas cannot even agree to restore cooperation with Fatah (which runs the West Bank) and establish a united Palestinian government. Israel is not going to try and make peace with a group that is not in control of its own territory and membership. Hamas continues to feud with Fatah, the Palestinian group that runs the West Bank and is a bit less open about its desire to destroy Israel rather than make peace. Meanwhile, one of the oldest and most powerful Palestinian backers, Saudi Arabia, has told the Palestinians to make peace, taking whatever they can get. Fatah might go for this but current Hamas leaders would not. Worse, Hamas is running out of options. Sending terrorists into Israel didnt work (the high-tech security fence ended that). The mass rocket attacks didnt work (Israelis would shoot back and send in troops). The occasional rocket attacks didnt work (Iron Dome and firing back). The tunnels into Israel didnt work (Israel extended their security fence and sensors deep underground). Offering financial incentives to get large crowds of demonstrators to border crossings is nothing new. Doing it for six weeks straight didnt succeed either. What next? Well now the main sponsor Hamas sponsor is Iran and the Iranians have lots of new ideas, especially when it is Arabs who are going to do most of the dying. Most of the current Hamas leadership is opposed to backing an Iranian attack on Israel, but a minority faction of Hamas is all for any offensive operations against Israel. Peaceful and Prosperous Egypt In Egypt, the Islamic terrorist violence is way down and economic growth is up. While still critical of Israel (mainly for existing) Egypt has been more critical of Hamas and Palestinians in general. Then there are the Islamic terrorists still very active in Sinai. Many of these killers are from Gaza. The counter-terror operations continue in Sinai but mostly result in arrests of people in homes or businesses found to contain ISIL documents or weapons and explosives. That has led to finding over a hundred hidden locations where ISIL has stored weapons or explosives. In many cases, these were roadside bombs emplaced and waiting for an opportunity to use them against a suitable target. The current counter-terror activities in Sinai actually began in February and have continued at a reduced pace as the number of Islamic terrorists declines. So far over 200 Islamic terrorists and about 40 soldiers and police have been killed. Over 500 suspects have been arrested and enormous quantities of weapons, ammo, explosives and equipment have been seized. This includes over a hundred vehicles and even more motorcycles. Fifteen smuggling tunnels from Gaza were also destroyed. In addition, the families of those killed or captured committing terrorist acts are punished by having their homes and businesses destroyed. This has led to over 3,000 buildings destroyed. This sort of collective punishment has long practiced in the Middle East and while condemned in the West it does work in many parts of the world. Egypt also takes credit for keeping in touch with Hamas leadership, and despite the divisions within Hamas, persuaded Hamas to accept an unofficial truce with Israel by the end of May. The ceasefire is not total because of the splintered Hamas leadership and many smaller Islamic terror groups in Gaza still eager to fire a rocket or mortar shell into Egypt. On the western border (Libya) the situation is also rather quiet. Egypt has allies on the other side of the border and cooperates with them to increase security along the border. There are still tensions between Sudan and Ethiopia over who controls how much of the Nile water. All sides are still talking rather than shooting. June 4, 2018: In the south two Palestinians, one armed with an axe tried to enter Israel from Gaza. They were spotted, refused to surrender and were fired on. The man with the axe was killed while his companion was wounded and fled back to Gaza. June 3, 2018: In the south, there were more Israeli airstrikes against five Hamas targets in Gaza. These early morning attacks were in response to four more rockets fired from Gaza late on the 2nd. Three of those rockets were intercepted by Iron Dome while the fourth landed in an unpopulated area. June 2, 2018: In the south Islamic terrorists fired two rockets and four mortar shells. In response, Israel launched ten airstrikes against Hamas facilities. Elsewhere along the Gaza border firefighters are seeking to contain three brush fires covering nearly 300 hectares (740 acres). These blazes were started over the last few days by three or more incendiary kites to launch against Israel from Gaza when the wind is right. These kites have caused property damage but, so far, no injuries. Hamas organized the construction and release of these kites and about 300 have been launched since early May. In addition, some balloons are also being used. So far the fires have caused over $1.5 million in damage to 1,800 hectares (4,500 acres) in forests and crops near the Gaza border. In the West, Bank soldier shot dead a Palestinian man who sought to run them over with the tractor he was driving. June 1, 2018: In the south, several thousand Palestinians tried to force their way through the security fence at five locations. One of the Palestinians was shot dead and 40 were wounded. One explosive device was found planted near the fence. The next day two more Palestinians were fired on when they were spotted trying to get through the fence. May 31, 2018: In Syria, there were more Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah ammunition storage areas outside Damascus. Iran has long flown in long range rockets and other advanced weapons. The Damascus airport and airbases near the city were used and the equipment was usually stored in warehouses and bunkers near the city before the stuff was moved to Lebanon or some combat zone in Syria. In Russia, the defense ministers of Israel and Russia met. After that, there were rumors that Russia had agreed to not interfere with any Israeli attacks on Iranian targets in Syria and continue pressuring Iran to withdraw its mercenaries from the Israeli border. Israel and Russia later stated that there was no Russian blanket pledge to not interfere. There was, however, no change in the existing policy of Russian forces not confronting Israeli attacks on Iranian targets. The Russians consider this a case-by-case decision. The Russians clearly do not want to fight the Israelis, especially when the Russians have growing evidence that Russian military equipment would not do well if there were a fight. At the same time, senior officials back in Israel let it be known that Israel would not object to Syrian troops at their border, especially if there were no Iranian forces in Syria. May 30, 2018: Hamas and Islamic Jihad announced that they had reached a ceasefire agreement but Israel denied that there was any formal agreement and said negotiations, via Egypt, continue. May 29, 2018: In the south Hamas and other Islamic terrorist groups at least a hundred rockets and mortar shells across the border. One of the mortar shells landed in a school play area shortly before the young students were to arrive. Another Hamas rocket hit an electricity transmission facility that brought power in from Israel. The damage caused power outages for over 20,000 Palestinians in southern Gaza. Israel responded with airstrikes on more than 80 targets, including many it had avoided in the past. The damage to Hamas and other Islamic terror groups was extensive. The attacks continued into the next day. As Israelis cleaned up the debris from the shells and rockets, most of which landed in uninhabited areas or intercepted by Iron Dome, some of the rockets were found to have been made in Iran. Egypt stopped supplying electricity to Gaza over a year ago, mainly because Hamas refused to pay for it. Israel also revealed that they had detected and destroyed a second Hamas tunnel near the Kerem Shalom Crossing, where most foreign aid for Gaza enters. This crossing is where the Gaza, Egyptian and Israeli borders meet and the Hamas tunnel was apparently mainly for getting people and goods in and out of Egypt. But Hamas could easily create an exit in Israel and attempt to use that for a raid. Israel destroyed this tunnel and noted that this was the 10th such Hamas tunnel into Israel that had been detected and destroyed since late 2017. May 28, 2018: In western Syria (Homs province) Israeli airstrikes hit a Hezbollah base near the Lebanon border. Among the Hezbollah losses was one of their senior leaders. Across the border, two Israeli F-16s encountered two Russian Su-34s near Tripoli. There were reports that the Russian jets were confronting the Israelis but Russia and Israel later denied that and said it was simply a chance encounter. May 27, 2018: Syria has apparently banned Iranian backed forces from using hangers and others buildings on Syrian bases. The Iranians must stay in a separate area and use structures they have built. This is in an effort to limit Syrian losses when Israeli airstrikes go after Iranian forces sharing Syrian bases. The Syrians apparently believe the Israeli aerial reconnaissance and information from informants on the ground is accurate enough to sort verify this new policy. May 24, 2018: In western Syria (Homs province) Israel used six missiles to destroy a Hezbollah ammunition storage facility at a Syrian airbase. May 23, 2018: Israel publicly warned Syria that any Syrian air defense system that fired on Israeli aircraft would be destroyed. Those that did not fire would be left alone. Syria has fired over a hundred of its large surface-to-air missiles and only managed to damage one F-16 (which crashed in Israel while trying to land). That loss was attributed to the pilot not following the correct procedure for avoiding these missiles. The Israelis are telling the Syrians, Use it and lose it. May 22, 2018: The Israeli Air Force released photos showing one of their F-35 stealth fighters flying over Beirut, Lebanon. Actually, the photo was shown during a closed conference but quickly made its way to the mass media. The Israelis admitted F-35s had been used in Syria but would not provide any details. May 21, 2018: Egyptian, Tunisian and Algerian officials met in Algeria in a continuing effort to work out a common policy on Libya. At the moment Libya is in the midst of forming a national government for the first time since 2011. Neighboring countries want to ensure that none of them support disruptive factions inside Libya. Algeria and Egypt have had their differences about who to support in Libya but now appear to have resolved that problem and want to keep it that way. May 18, 2018: As a peace gesture Egypt opened its main Gaza crossing for limited use during the entire month of Ramadan. This is the longest the Rafah Crossing has been open in nearly a decade. Normally Rafah is open only a few days a year. Not everyone can use the crossing on these special open days. Only people with business outside Gaza (like students at foreign universities, the elderly or those very ill) can pass and the wait to leave is often as long as eight hours. Egypt is still on bad terms with Hamas because of the anti-Egypt Islamic terror groups that have found sanctuary in Gaza. Egypt also openly criticizes Hamas for the way it has organized its massive demonstrations at the Israeli border. The Egyptians are particularly critical of Hamas encouraging unarmed Gaza civilians, including children, the joined the armed Hamas men who lead the efforts to breach the border fence. May 15, 2018: An Israeli airstrike in Syria apparently killed a senior Hezbollah commander. May 11, 2018: A Russian official quietly let it be known that Russia was not going to deliver S-300 Air Defense systems to anyone in Syria. Israel has been publicly and privately urging Russia to institute such a ban and now the ban is official. Israel has apparently made it clear, during the recent exchange of fire with Iranian forces in Syria, that the Israelis have the upper hand in terms of tech and military capabilities. Russia needed that demonstration so they could maintain their good relationship with Iran while also refusing to deliver S-300 systems to the Assads. This was something the Iranians wanted and were willing to pay for. But the Russians were not willing to lose the good relationship they had long (actually since the beginning in 1948) had with Israel. Nor were the Russians willing to risk having the S-300 defeated by Israeli SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) tactics and equipment. The Iranians may be willing to underestimate the Israelis, but the Russians prefer to be more realistic. May 10, 2018: In Syria, IRGC commanders have gone on the offensive against Israel and early today launched at least twenty rockets at Israeli targets in the Golan Heights. The Iron Dome batteries there apparently handled this attack. In response, Israeli air and missile strikes against Iranian targets in Syria began and will continue until the Iranian threat in Syria is eliminated. That may take a while as the IRGC and Quds Force have established a presence in many parts of Assad controlled Syria as well as in southern Lebanon. One of the Israeli attacks against an Iranian base outside Damascus killed at least eight Iranians as even more non-Iranians. These losses (which are reported in Iran as martyrs and celebrated as defenders of Iran against American and Israeli aggression) dont always create the desired effect in Iran. More and more Iranians see the IRGC and Quds Force as a bunch of thugs who are looking out for themselves and not the Iranian people. The Israelis appear well aware of this attitude and seem to have gone after all (at least fifty) the IRGC/Quds targets them have identified in Syria. This is just the first day. Israel also announced that it would go after (kill) Basher Assad himself if any Iranian missile attacks hit Tel Aviv (the administrative capital of Israel as opposed to Jerusalem, the official capital and home of many Moslems and Islamic holy places and thus not the best target for an Iranian missile attack). The Iranian internal tensions have been growing for years and are now becoming more public. The nationwide late 2017 Iranian anti-government demonstrations came as a shock to many government officials but was no surprise to ordinary Iranians. The increased tensions over the 2015 sanctions treaty, the nuclear program and the failure of the Iranian government to deliver on anything (the economy, the destruction of Israel and the United States or anything else). The IRGC casualties in Syria will not necessarily cause Iranians to back their government. Israel believes all these attacks on IRGC facilities in Syria will destroy months of IRGC efforts to build an Iranian military presence in Syria. Replacing all these losses will be expensive and that cost will not be popular with most Iranians either. By attacking so many targets on the first day Israel is also seeking to intimidate the IRGC, who thought they were hiding their presence in many of these locations. In early May Jerry Chun Shing Lee, a former CIA case officer, was indicted for selling Chinese intelligence officials classified information on CIA operations in China. Lee had been with the CIA from 1994 to 2007 and spent most of his time as a case officer in China, where he recruited and managed local informants. Lee was a naturalized U.S. citizen who had served in the army during the 1980s and that helped him get into the CIA. Lee had links to Hong Kong (he was raised there as Zhen Cheng Li) and had some success establishing informant networks in southern China. But Lee felt he would not rise much farther in the CIA and left to start a private security company in Hong Kong. He never did well with that and in 2010 Chinese intelligence, which keeps files on all CIA employees it can identify, approached Lee and offered to solve his immediate financial problems and any future ones. All the Chinese needed was some help in identifying Chinese acting as paid or unpaid informants for foreign nations. Lee agreed and within a year his sudden financial recovery attracted the attention of the CIA, which had learned its lesson and monitored the activities of former employees who had information about ongoing operations. In 2012 the CIA discovered that Lee was keeping classified information, or at least what could be considered classified. Many of the informants Lee had recruited for the CIA before 2007 were people he still kept in touch with on a social basis and those contacts were one of the reasons he sought to establish a private security business in Hong Kong. But the CIA eventually put together a case showing how Lee had supplied Chinese intelligence with information that eventually led to the dismantling of CIA informant networks in China. About twenty of the CIA informants were killed, jailed or simply disappeared. Lee was arrested in January 2018 as he arrived in the United States from Hong Kong. In his possession were found incriminating documents. After months of interrogations, further investigations and negotiations took place. If convicted of espionage Lee, who is now 53, could be sentenced to life in prison. As Russia got more involved in the Syria fighting and supplied more military supplies and ammunition for the Assad forces an old problem became an issue once more. Russia still cannot manufacture ammunition that is as reliable as what is generally available in the West. Russian ammo may be the cheapest around, nearly as cheap is the Chinese stuff and it is usually of higher quality. Since China adopted Western manufacturing standards during the last three decades their ammo quality has improved a great deal. Russian munitions manufacturers were able, or willing, to adopt Western manufacturing methods. This would have involved a large investment in new equipment and training the workforce how to use and maintain quality control. So Russia kept producing the usual stuff that was the cheapest and still least reliable stuff available. Experienced users of Russian ammo knew what to look for before loading the cartridges. Poorly attached primer meant the cartridge was tossed aside. Obviously malformed cartridges cases were also rejected. That eliminated a lot of problems, especially for pistol ammo. A lot of the foreign buyers knew how to check Russian ammo and enough of that knowledge spread to new customers to make the cheap Russian ammo selling. Russian machine-gun, rifle and pistol ammunition is still produced in large quantities but it does cause problems for new users, especially if they are headed for a combat zone. During peacetime, the lower quality and higher failure rates of Russian ammo is not a major problem. But in wartime when a lot of it is being used it can become an issue. During training a jammed or exploding rifle or machine-gun is something that can be dismissed as a rare event. Jammed rounds provide a teaching moment and work for unit armorers. Exploding rifles, often because a bullet got jammed in the barrel and the next one causes a lot more damage, sometimes including parts of the weapon getting loose and hitting the shooter or anyone nearby. In combat these malfunctions can be disastrous and, at the very least are bad for morale. Other quality problems, like cartridge cases not built to specifications and failing to load or extract were not fatal in themselves. But jams like this in a firefight could be fatal for other reasons. Another problem with the low quality ammo is that it is not consistent when fired. That means much less effective for snipers and any troops who depend on accurate single shots. That was why automatic weapons for the infantry were so popular in Russia. During World War II Russia manufactured millions of sub-machineguns (like PPSh) firing 7.62mm pistol ammo. Ammo quality was not an issue because weapons were used by many troops at once and one or two out of several weapons failing in a battle was not a major issue. This led to the AK-47 after World War II. But even there, the ammo quality eventually became an issue because the AK-47 used a shortened rifle cartridge that was more powerful and being used in a weapon often fired on full automatic. These problems became obvious to the West after 2001 when Iraqi and Afghan troops eventually became eager to switch from AK-47s to M-16s because of problems with ammunition quality. AK-47 ammo has long had quality issues, at least to a greater degree than M-16 5.56mm stuff. As new Iraqi and Afghan security forces were recruited, trained and sent into action, there was a huge increase in demand for AK-47 ammo. This led to a lot of older stuff coming onto the market. In many nations that use the AK-47, including China, not a lot of ammo is used. Put simply, the troops don't get a lot of practice firing their weapons. But large stocks of ammo are stockpiled in case there is a war. With the increased demand from Iraq and Afghanistan, many nations with these stockpiles saw an opportunity to unload their older (often 40 years or more) stuff. This elderly ammunition was not only suffering from the usual aging problems of old ammo (the chemicals in the propellants breaks down and makes the bullets move a lot slower, and less effectively), but often showed the effects of poor storage (corrosion). All that, plus the ease with which one can bribe Iraqi or Afghan supply officials to accept the bad stuff, led to many Iraqi and Afghan troops going into battle with very defective ammo. These problems largely go away with M-16 ammo, which is made to higher standards in the first place, and rarely lies around for a long time. M-16 users let their troops practice more often. There is some crap 5.56mm ammo out there, but to a much lesser degree than is the case with the AK-47 stuff. Iraqi and Afghan troops figured out that their chances of surviving in combat improved considerably if they were using M-16 type weapons, even if these rifles required more frequent cleaning. While it was useful to have everyone one on the same side using the same assault rifles (AK-47s and M-16s sound quite different in combat) there was another solution available. As surplus AK-47s and SKS (semiauto rifle using AK-47 ammo) weapons became widely available in the West after the Cold War ended the market for Western quality AK-47 ammo grew. The military was also a major customer because SOCOM (Special Operations Command) often used AK-47s on missions or had to supply American made ammo to allies who did. The Russian weapons could also be built, to higher quality standards, by Western manufacturers but that was not as important as getting higher quality ammo. The AK-47 ammunition built to Western standards had far fewer failures (not firing at all or jamming the barrel with stuck bullet) and user injuries (low quality shell casings that allow the propellant to vent some of the high-pressure air back against the bolt). The Western style stuff left less crud in the barrel and was more consistent in performance. This encouraged more users to use single shots, not bursts of fire (spray and pray). There were many benefits to better quality ammunition in general. Not only was the weapon instantly more accurate and consistent, it was also less prone to failure but it also required less frequent and thorough cleaning. Even AK-47s lasted longer when using quality ammo. In Syria American allies, especially the Kurds, benefitted from getting quality ammo. That made the Russian weapons many Kurds used more effective and that was also great for morale. Troops still supplied with Russian ammo, including thousands of Russians and civilian contractors complained about the poor quality of Russian ammo. Russian snipers were often supplied with Western made ammo otherwise the accuracy and effectiveness of these snipers declined quite a bit. That was one reason why Islamic terrorist groups, who often had some decent snipers, were never as effective as they could have been. It should also not underestimate how useful it was for Western troops to have their opponents using the bad ammo that would often be a lifesaver for the Western troops. The organizers of the G5 counter-terrorism force are trying to persuade donor countries to make a long-term commitment to paying for the G5 force. Donors and supporters have earlier responded to calls for money to get G5 going. The G5 force now has over half a billion dollars in aid pledges but few long term aid commitments. The reason for that is donors want to see how well the G5 force does in the long term. This is particularly true of the Mali contingent. The G5 troops are supposed to be among the best each nation has but African nations vary quite a lot in the quality of the soldiers they have. A lot of this has to do with corruption and Mali is worse than the other G5 nations in that respect, especially in the military. It was corruption in the military that triggered the separatists and Islamic terrorist violence in the north and the attempted coup by the military when Mali lost control of the north in 2012. A small force of French troops was sufficient to regain control but it took peacekeepers (troops from other African nations) to maintain control. Mali troops are still considered poorly trained and led by inadequate (and often corrupt) officers. Mali leaders say they can fix this but they have been saying that about the military and the government in general since 2012 and there has not been a lot of progress. The regional G5 Sahel Joint Force was seen as a better peacekeeping solution because it consists of the best troops from Sahel nations (Mali, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad) and this capable of dealing with Islamic terrorism throughout the Sahel. G5 just began operations in early 2018 but so far G5 has demonstrated the ability to get organized and into action. Donors and supporters have responded but only for the short term. The idea for the G5 force has been around since 2015 but it was only by the end of 2016 that the countries involved agreed on the details. This included who would provide what in terms of the 5,000 soldiers and police needed and where they would be based. The G5 force will be stationed in three operational areas along with troops familiar with local conditions. Thus Sahel East would consist of troops from Chad and Niger. Sahel Central would be staffed by troops from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso while Sahel West would mainly use troops from Mali and Mauritania. Some of the G5 force was operational by the end of 2017 and by early 2018 the G5 force has already taken part in several counter-terror operations, one of them in the area where the borders of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso meet. A successful G5 Force would enable France to shrink and eventually disband the force of 4,000 French troops it has deployed in the Sahel since 2013 and reduce the 13,000 strong UN peacekeeper force in Mali. The recent appearance of ISIL in the area and the October 2017 attack on American Special Forces troops in Niger was related to building the G5 Force. The peacekeepers in Mali are mainly African and mainly stationed in the north and, increasingly central Mali where there is more Islamic terror group activity, not all of it violent. One reason for backing the G5 force is to reduce the casualties the UN peacekeepers are suffering. Mali is the most dangerous peacekeeping operation the UN operates. So far 170 peacekeepers have died in Mali since 2013. The 5,000 personnel of the G5 force would go after the armed groups that have caused most of the peacekeeper casualties. Mali has become known as a rough neighborhood, especially for peacekeepers. For the fourth year in a row, Mali has been the most dangerous peacekeeping mission in the world. During 2017 Mali saw 21 peacekeepers and seven civilian support staff killed. That was 39 percent of UN peacekeeper deaths in 2017 for a force that accounts for less than 12 percent of all UN peacekeepers. The Mali peacekeepers (currently 13,000 strong) have suffered more fatalities because in north Mali, where most of these deaths occur, there was l0ts of violence since (and before) the peacekeepers arrived in early 2013. The peacekeepers are mainly African and in the last year the combined forces suffered a death rate of about 215 per 100,000 per year (a standard measure of such things.) Compare that to Afghanistan, where in 2013 the rate (200 per 100,000) was lower for all foreign troops there. That was down from the peak 587 in 2010, which was about what it was during the peak years in Iraq (2004-7). The action in Mali is less intense than in pre-2014 Afghanistan or pre-2011 Iraq but is more than double the rate for peacekeepers worldwide. Total Mali peacekeeper casualties since mid-2013 are over 400 dead and wounded and losses but have been much heavier among the Islamic terrorists. The local pro-government militias also suffer heavier casualties as do the Mali security forces (army and police.) Tribal Tensions In central Mali the increasing violence between Fulani herders and Dogon farmers has led both groups to organize armed militias for protection against raids. The Fulani have long been the aggressors but the Dogon have been fighting back and raiding Fulani settlements. In addition to trying to seize Dogon land, the Fulani are also active in most Islamic terrorist groups operating in Mali. June 5, 2018: In the northeast (outside Menaka) local Tuareg militiamen clashed with ISGS (Islamic State in the Greater Sahara) gunmen several times over the last three days. The Tauregs lost three men and another three were wounded. At least six ISGS men were killed and many more wounded or captured. One of those captives was a known senior ISGS commander. The ISGS are considered a major threat for the local Taureg because ISGS, in an effort to intimidate the Taureg into cooperating (or at least not interfering) with the Islamic terrorists have killed dozens of unarmed Taureg in the last few months. This is all about survival for ISGS. 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 ISGS, the local branch of ISIL operates. As a result the violence is escalating there. This ISIL franchise is frequently encountered in northeastern Mali on both sides of the Niger border. The ISGS personnel frequently clash with pro-government Tuareg militias and usually lose. Its not that these ISGS 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. June 2, 2018: In the south police used violence to break up a demonstration in the capital by those opposed to the current president (Ibrahim Boubakar Keita) running for election again. At least 25 demonstrators were treated at hospitals and there were accusations that some were shot. The government denied the police opened fire as they tried to enforce the ban on such demonstrations. The ban is seen as an effort to curb widespread opposition to the current president, who is 73 and called the old man. President Keita has banned opposition parties from campaigning as a security measure but this is seen as a blatant attempt to suppress the opposition and ensure Keita wins the July 29th election. Keita is unpopular because of the continued corruption and bad government and the efforts to suppress political opponents is seen as another example of what is wrong with Mali. May 31, 2018: In the north, across the border in Algeria, an army patrol found another hidden shipment of weapons and ammo brought across the border from Mali. The weapons were apparently meant for some of the few Islamic terrorists still active in Algeria. Most of the smuggling from Mali into Algeria consists of drugs and high-value commercial goods. May 29, 2018: Algeria has decided to deport 105 Mali Islamic terrorists it has imprisoned. Most of these men belong to Ansar Dine, an al Qaeda affiliated Islamic terror group. Many Ansar Dine members fled Mali after the French led an 2012 operation to clear Islamic terrorists out of northern Mali and have continued to hunt down Ansar Dine and other Islamic terrorists in Mali and neighboring countries. Algeria was a convenient escape route but the Mali Islamic terrorists found that they were easy to spot and the generally hostile (to illegal migrants and Islamic terrorists) Algerians were quick to report the strangers. May 19, 2018: In the north (Boulikessi) a man shot a soldier in a marketplace. Other soldiers opened fire towards the attacker and apparently killed over a dozen civilians. It is unclear if the attacker was among the dead. The Mali soldiers involved are assigned to the new G5 force and the incident took place near the Burkina Faso border. May 18, 2018: In the east, security forces along the Niger border were on alert because of reports that there was another attack on a Fulani village just across the border in Niger. The attackers were on motorcycles and believed to be Tuaregs from Mali. The attack left 17 civilians dead and even more wounded. The Mali Tuareg militias have attacked Fulani villages across the border in Niger frequently. 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. Fulani living in central Mali were founding members of a local al Qaeda group (FLM) and have belonged to other al Qaeda affiliated Islamic terror groups active in Mali and neighboring countries. May 9, 2018: In the northeast (outside Menaka) ISGS gunmen killed five people who were riding in a vehicle. The killers then went to a nearby village and killed three more Tuareg civilians. Amy Draper during rehearsals for Day of the Living. Director Amy Draper tells Gill Sutherland about Day of the Living, which is on at The Other Place as part of the RSCs Mischief Festival. The play is inspired by the events in Iguala, Mexico, 2014, when 43 students were forcibly taken and disappeared. First of all is there any kind of update on what might have happened to the 43 male students? Theres been no update on the official government account which came 17 months after the case: that the students had been taken by a cartel and the bodies burned in a dump. That story has been proven by various human rights organisations to be false. So its just sort of drifted, and remains in limbo with the government insisting that thats the truth. Its still very much unfinished business. A lot of parents have taken the matters into their own hands and have been digging in the hills near Iguala looking for the students remains; horrifically they have discovered other mass graves, which are not their sons. So its opened a lid on the situation; people are still protesting and fighting, but its far from solved. How have you put your story together? Weve used a book called I Couldnt Even Imagine That They Would Kill Us, which includes testimony mainly from students from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers College [where the 43 were studying], who survived to tell their stories. The book was compiled by John Gibler, whos been our main contact. He lives in Mexico City and meets protestors and families every month; the case is still very active but sadly it's not the only case. What was it about the chain of events in Iguala that put it on the global stage? Its a good question because I have done lots of research and come across many cases of people in Mexico that have disappeared en masse. There were a couple of aspects about this case that made it particularly compelling. Firstly there were 43 of them, so a large number, and they were students mainly from poor rural families that had gone to Ayotzinapa College to learn and go back to their communities to be teachers, so they were doing a good worthy thing; the injustice of that was felt quite keenly. Secondly the technology meant a lot of what happened that night was filmed on phones, and spread on social media. How does the retelling of those events work as a drama? Its a devised piece which means we are still working it out! There are six ensemble cast members. We use verbatim testimony from the book and some accounts are voice recordings; and that charts who the students are, what they study. The drama tells what happens from when the students commandeer buses [to get to an annual protest in Iguala that mark the 1968 massacre of students] and to what happened and the aftermath. What is really striking reading that book of testimony is that theres lots of conflicting accounts even people who were there on the same side say different things. So a lot of the piece is about whats true and whats not true. We examine what might have happened, but clearly there are so many versions, so what the piece cant do is supply answers, it just sets out that story. Running alongside this we have a fictionalised story from a fictional family a grandfather, mother and ten-year-old girl, and there is an older brother who is one of the disappeared students; so it follows them in the aftermath. You use masks and music in the play, tell us about that. The family are fully masked characters so they are incredibly expressive and poignant, sometimes hilarious they cant speak, they are deliberately voiceless characters. Then there are a lot of characters with half-masks, and they are quite satirical and political. Mask is a huge thing in Mexico such as the wrestling masks so our premiss is that every character who is not a storyteller from the ensemble is masked in some way. You never see anyones true colours as it were, and thats quite deliberate because the piece is about corruption and cover up. Theres lots of music too, about 11 songs, so its really a musical. Its inspired by lots of Mexican music but also our own style. What will the audience make of the production? We have some Mexican cast members, and theres a real flavour of the country its colourful and bright. The play is 70 minutes, so its quick and economic and bold. Im not a big fan of the word educate, it sounds so dry; but what we hope to impart is what is happening in Mexico right now, and this story. Its a cerebral and emotional journey. We cant provide answers so its important we draw the tragedy, but explore the sense of community and hope in Mexico too. Thinking of the meaning for the audience, what are the ramifications of the story for a UK audience? From a theatrical point of view, its important to have that emotional connection with the characters: what if it was me or my family? How that affects you individually, but then theres a more global aspect too. We start with Ayotzinapa, which is small, a microcosm of the story, then we turn our heads to Mexico entirely, then at the very end theres a very gentle turning out to the global implications. Because a lot of it is to do with the drugs trade, and the cartels, which is in turn linked to the States, where the demand for drugs comes from and then of course the wall [Trumps proposal to build a wall along the Mexico border] All that stuff, and the Western world is very implicated. We are linked politically and socially and of course the drugs trade is here as well. We are trying to get across that it is all interlinked. We hope that it makes you turn a gentle eye to what is happening in Britain. How many steps do you have to get to where cycles of violence are imbedded in a culture? The play is empathetic. If people leave the theatre and know a little bit more than they did before; or they then go and Goggle it, or do some research thats a positive thing. What can people do? I believe in the power of theatre to change minds and therefore change the world, thats why I do it. Im not expecting anyone to go to Mexico City and start marching, although great if they did I think its more about being globally and politically aware personally. Well be giving out information on where people can find out more. I see it as a springboard its about going this is a thing that needs talking about and in short its about having that conversation. When and where: The Mischief Festival brings two powerful political dramas to The Other Place and runs to 23rd June. The plays are seen together with an interval. As well as Day of the Living, there is #WeAreArrested which tells the story of Turkish journalist Can Dundars stance against corruption in his country (see our interview with Sophie Ivatts in next week's Herald). For tickets go to www.rsc.or.uk or call 01789 403493. ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB:KBLB) (Company), the leading developer of spider silk based fibers announces today that it is continuing its efforts to commercialize its spider silk based technologies. The Company has been proud to share information relating to the recent approvals for its Vietnamese subsidiary, Prodigy Textiles. The Company has been and will continue to be active in its investment relations program to ensure that our shareholders and the public are keep up to date with our accomplishments and plans for the immediate future. At the request of OTC Markets Group, the Company has reviewed its investor relations (IR) program and the most recent publications to ensure that it is holding its IR program and all vendors to our strict guidelines and expectations. While the Company did not have editorial control over the recent publication by Stellar Media Group, LLC, the documents that we have reviewed, in our opinion, are truthful and factual. The publication by Stellar Media Group, LLC was paid for by ACN, LLC, who was engaged as part of the Companys IR program, and was compensated as part of Companys ongoing IR efforts. The Company reviewed the publication as soon as we were aware of it on May 25, 2018. Our policy has been that our IR providers make full and complete disclosure of any compensation they receive and that all information is factual, or if an honestly held opinion, is stated as an opinion. We have always held ourselves and our vendors to these standards as is well known to our shareholders. Kraig Labs has long standing and productive working relationships with Hansel Capital and Karolus Maximus Kapital going back 5 or more years. These two firms provide the Company with support for shareholder inquiries and investor relations services. The Company has hired and directed these two supporting firms to create and provide shareholders and the public with updates and news on the Companys progress. As a reporting Company, with fully audited financial statements, compensation in the form of stock to Karolus Maximus Kapital and Hansel Capital for their IR services has been fully disclosed and reported in the Companys SEC filings going back to 2011. The Company issued approximately 30,000,000 shares of stock in 2017 for IR services and there has been no issuance of stock to date in 2018 for IR services. These public filings can be found on the Companys website or through the SEC EDGAR system. In addition, we require all IR vendors or subcontractors to disclose their compensation in every IR document that is viewed by the public or our shareholders. Based upon the documents we have reviewed, both of these firms remain in compliance with our strict policies and the documents contained only factual statements about the Company or clearly stated and honestly held opinions. The Company appreciates the great work our IR support team has done. We are very much aware of the added burden our strict compliance policies place on them and we thank them for their work and efforts. As a publicly traded company with audited and publicized financials we are, and our vendors are, open to public criticism in everything that we do. Knowing that we are under a microscope, we have always endeavored to set a standard in transparency. All purchases or sales of Company securities by officers, directors, or control persons in the last 90 days have been done through a 10B5-1 trading plan and were property disclosed. We believe that our independent IR team has done an excellent job of helping to share the exciting progress the Company is making. Our shareholders can expect to see us continue to work diligently to improve our fundamentals and to share the Companys progress through all available and appropriate channels. Our recent announcement of our business licenses for our subsidiary in Vietnam are a major milestone for the Company and represent a strong shift to scaled production that we have been working diligently towards. The Company believes that the improvements in our fundamentals and spreading of the word of these positive changes, including the approvals from Vietnam and the creation of our subsidiary; through our website, press release, and investor relations providers have had a significant positive impact on our market dynamics. This is an exciting time for Kraig Labs and we believe there is a bright future for the Company and recombinant spider silk. To view the most recent edition of Kraigs Spider Sense quarterly newsletter and/or to sign up for Company alerts, please go to www.KraigLabs.com/newsletter About Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (www.KraigLabs.com), a reporting biotechnology company is the leading developer of genetically engineered spider silk based fiber technologies. The Company has achieved a series of scientific breakthroughs in the area of spider silk technology with implications for the global textile industry. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information Statements in this press release about the Companys future and expectations other than historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are made on the basis of managements current views and assumptions. As a result, there can be no assurance that managements expectations will necessarily come to pass. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as believes, plans, expects, anticipates, foresees, estimated, hopes, if, develops, researching, research, pilot, potential, could or other words or phrases of similar import. Forward looking statements include descriptions of the Companys business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions and goals. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Ben Hansel, Hansel Capital, LLC (720) 288-8495 ir@KraigLabs.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES CROP Infrastructure Corp. (CSE:CROP) (Crop or the Company) announces that it is accelerating the expiry date of the share purchase warrants (the Warrants) that were issued in connection with the March 2018 fundamental change transaction between Fortify Resources Corp. and DV Infrastructure Corp. (DVI). The Warrants were initially issued by DVI in connection with a private placement of units, with those shares and warrants becoming free trading on July 6, and with each whole share purchase warrant being exercisable into one additional common share at a price of $0.20 per share. The Warrants were subject to the right of the Company to accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants if the Company's common shares close at or above $0.40 per share for a period of five (5) consecutive trading days. The Company is entitled to accelerate the expiry of the Warrants to that date that is not less than 20 days from the date of issuance of a news release announcing the exercise of the acceleration right. The news release is issued today, June 5, 2018. The expiry date of the Warrants has now been accelerated to June 26, 2018. This news release constitutes notice to Warrant holders of the new expiry date. In order to exercise your Warrants, you are required to complete and submit the Warrant Exercise Form attached to your respective warrant certificate on or before 5:00 pm (PST) on June 26, 2018. For detailed exercise requirements, please refer to your Warrant Certificate. After 5:00 p.m. (PST) on June 26, 2018, no Warrants may be exercised and all unexercised Warrants will be void and of no effect. Incentive Program The Company announces a warrant exercise incentive program (the Program) in connection with the acceleration of the Warrants to encourage the exercise of the Warrants. Pursuant to the Program, the Company is offering an inducement to each warrant holder that exercises their Warrants on or before June 26, 2018 (the Acceleration Exercise Period), consisting of an additional one-half of one transferable share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant (the Incentive Warrant) entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share for a period of two (2) years from the date of issuance of such Incentive Warrant at a price of $0.75 per common share. The Incentive Warrants, and any shares issued upon exercise thereof, will be subject to a four-month hold period. About CROP Infrastructure Corp. CROP Infrastructure is engaged in the business of investing, constructing, owning, optimizing and branding light supplemented greenhouse projects for lease to cannabis producers and processors offering best-in-class operations. The Companys main focus is currently California and Washington. For further information, please contact: Michael Yorke CEO & Director info@cropcorp.com 604-484-4206 This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein in the United States. The securities described herein have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any state securities law and may not be offered or sold in the United States, as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. The securities of the Company are considered highly speculative due to the nature of the Companys business. The Company is indirectly involved through its business in both the medical and recreational cannabis industry in the United State where local state law permits such activities. As a result of the conflicting views between state legislatures and the federal government regarding cannabis, investments in cannabis businesses in the United States are subject to inconsistent legislation and regulation and therefore there are risks of federal government enforcement. Marijuana-related practices or activities, including the cultivation, possession or distribution of marijuana, are illegal under U.S. federal law. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking information or statements (collectively, forward-looking statements), including those identified by the expressions anticipate, believe, plan, estimate, expect, intend, may, should and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its management. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect current expectations regarding future results or events. This press release contains forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and various estimates, factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Statements about the Companys business, plans and other statements, are all forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, anticipated costs and the ability to achieve goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that the U.S. federal government will not prosecute people and companies who are involved directly or indirectly in the legal state cannabis industry, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, and that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Companys business will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, failure to obtain regulatory approvals, increase in construction and operating costs, government regulations, changes in laws and the enforcement of such laws, in particular the laws of the Unites States, lack of tenants at the Companys joint-venture facilities, loss of key employees and consultants, the continued availability of capital and financing, general economic conditions, competition, litigation, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, among other things, including, but not limited to: regulatory and political risks, in particular those of the United States; change in laws, regulations and guidelines; limited operating history; competition; risks inherit ant in an agricultural business; vulnerability to rising energy costs; environmental and employee health and safety regulations; lack of demand of the Companys services; dependence on suppliers and skilled labour; reliance on key inputs; operating risk and lack of initial insurance coverage; unfavourable publicity or consumer perception; operation permits and authorizations; risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with loaned money; financial projections may prove materially inaccurate or incorrect; management of growth; difficulty implementing business strategy; costs of maintaining a public listing; conflicts of interest; litigation; share price fluctuations; limited market for securities; lack of dividends; environmental laws and regulations; economic environment; global economy risk; going-concern risk; and financial risk exposures. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. Readers should not place undue reliance on the Companys forward-looking statements. Neither the CSE nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above. The company will present preclinical data on the otoprotective capacity of SENS-401 which may benefit cochlear implant patients MONTPELLIER, France, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sensorion (FR0012596468 ALSEN), a biotech company specializing in the treatment of inner ear diseases, will present at the International Conference on Cochlear Implants and Other Implantable Auditory Technologies (Ci2018), at the Flanders Meeting & Convention Center Antwerp, Belgium from June 27th to 30th, 2018. Sensorion will present preclinical data on SENS-401s potential to prevent sensory hair cell damage. This could improve the hearing loss outcomes for patients undergoing cochlear implant surgery. The details of the oral presentation are as follows: Session: Next-Generation Electrodes: Pharmacological Structure Preservation Abstract Title: Potential for Pharmacological Protection Against Loss of Residual Hearing After Cochlear Implant Surgery Using the Clinical-Stage Oral Otoprotectant SENS-401 Date & Time: Thursday, June 28th from 2:40 PM 3:30 PM CEST Location: Gorilla 3 Room About Ci2018 The International Conferences on Cochlear Implants and other Implantable Auditory Technologies are the most comprehensive, innovative and inclusive events of their kind with more than 2000 otologists, audiologists and speech pathologists, scientists, educators and industrial partners. This 15th edition of the conference aims to realize a next step forwards in the field, based on evidence based experience and fueled by cutting-edge technologies and the latest scientific developments. About SENS-401 SENS-401, R-azasetron besylate, is a drug candidate that aims to protect and preserve inner ear tissue when lesions are present that can cause progressive or sequelae hearing impediments. A small molecule that can be taken orally or via an injection, SENS-401 has received Orphan Drug Designation in Europe for the treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and Orphan Drug Designation from the US FDA for the prevention of platinum-induced ototoxicity in pediatric population. About Sensorion Sensorion is a biotech company pioneering novel treatments of inner ear diseases such as severe vertigo, tinnitus or hearing loss. Two products are currently in the clinical development stage: SENS-111, in phase 2 in acute unilateral vestibulopathy (vestibular neuritis), and SENS-401, which has completed a phase 1 trial. The company was founded by Inserm (the French Institute of Health and Medical Research) and is utilizing its pharmaceutical R&D experience and comprehensive technology platform to develop first-in-class easy-to-administer, notably orally active, drugs for treating and preventing hearing loss and the symptoms of bouts of vertigo and tinnitus. Based in Montpellier, Southern France, Sensorion has received financial support from Bpifrance, through the InnoBio fund, and Inserm Transfert Initiative. Sensorion has been listed on the Euronext Growth Paris exchange since April 2015. www.sensorion-pharma.com Contacts Sensorion Nawal Ouzren CEO contact@sensorion-pharma.com Tel : +33(0) 467 207 730 Investor Relations LifeSci Advisors LLC Chris Maggos chris@lifesciadvisors.com Tel. : +41 79 367 6254 Label : SENSORION ISIN : FR0012596468 Mnemonic : ALSEN Press Alize RP Caroline Carmagnol & Wendy Rigal sensorion@alizerp.com Disclaimer This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Sensorion and its business. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Sensorion considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will be verified, which statements are subject to numerous risks, including the risks set forth in the Document de reference registration document filed with the Autorite des marches financiers (AMF- French Financial Market Authority) on July 28, 2016 under nR.16-069 and to the development of economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Sensorion operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Sensorion or not currently considered material by Sensorion. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause actual results, financial conditions, performance or achievements of Sensorion to be materially different from such forward-looking statements. This press release and the information that it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe for, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for, Sensorion shares in any country. The communication of this press release in certain countries may constitute a violation of local laws and regulations. Any recipient of this press release must inform oneself of any such local restrictions and comply therewith. 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 ... The information contained in this document may be modified without prior notice. This information includes forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. These statements are based on current expectations or beliefs of the management of Nicox S.A. and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Nicox S.A. and its affiliates, directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents, do not undertake, nor do they have any obligation, to provide updates or to revise any forward-looking statements. Risks factors which are likely to have a material effect on Nicox's business are presented in the 4th chapter of the 'Document de reference, rapport financier annuel et rapport de gestion 2016' filed with the French Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF) on March 29, 2017, and in the updated and additional risk factors as of August 14, 2017, which are available on Nicox's website (www.nicox.com). Latvian English Corrections: Report from the Banks (Groups) Senior Management, Income statement and The Banks performance ratios as well as message text were changed. In the first quarter of 2018 Baltic International Bank continued to implement the responsible investment-based strategy being approved in the autumn 2016. The Bank had implemented de-risking activities during entire 2017, and basing on the recent events in the Latvian banking sector, we paid special attention to de-risking and diversification of clients. The business model of the Bank is based on wealth management and investment services, and the Banks goal is to increase business volumes in the area, simultaneously implementing de-risking activities according to legislation requirements. We are pleased that our efforts have positive results - in 1Q 2018, the total of customer funds reached EUR 432 million. By the end of 1Q 2018, the assets under management reached EUR 63.37 million. The volume of financial instruments in brokerage service has also showed a positive dynamics - by the end of 1Q 2018, the volume reached EUR 132.09 million, a 9.4-percent increase from the end of 2017. By the end of 1Q 2018, the operating income totalled EUR 2.59 million, nevertheless due to transition to the new business model and de-risking activities, the losses of the Bank at the end of Q1 amounted to EUR 727 thousand. The structure of the Banks operating income was heavily dominated by the net fee and commission income totalling 46.2 percent. In 1Q 2018, the percentage of the net fee and commission income increased by 16.6 percent compared to the same period last year. The net interest income totalled 26.3 percent. Administrative expenses reached EUR 3.54 million. The assets of Baltic International Bank reached EUR 279.91 million at the end of first quarter of 2018. The Banks high-quality liquid assets (assets carrying investment-grade credit rating and balances due from the Bank of Latvia) totalled EUR 145.29 million or 51.9 percent of the total assets. Investments in government bonds totalled EUR 16.7 million or 5.97 percent of the total assets. The Bank maintains a well-diversified structure of liquid assets represented by bonds (16 percent), due from credit institutions (12 percent), due from the Bank of Latvia (71 percent) and cash (1 percent). The liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) totalled 245.42 percent (245.47 percent). The liquidity ratio reached 80.86%. The net stable funding ratio (NSFR), characterizing the availability of a stable funding profile in relation to the composition of assets and off-balance sheet activities, reached 135.76 percent. As of 31 March 2018, the Banks own funds totalled EUR 25.73 million. The Banks Tier I capital ratio (CETI) was 9.78 percent. The total SREP ratio (TSCR ratio) reached 13.06 percent. While actively supporting the strategy implemented by Baltic International Bank, the switch-over to the new business model and diversification of target markets, in the beginning of 2018 the Banks shareholders decided to increase the Banks share capital by EUR 6 million. In 1Q 2018, Baltic International Bank continued to support the projects of national significance specifically embracing Latvias literature, culture and arts. The Bank sponsored the publication of the book Ka gut panakumus Latvija (How to Prosper in Latvia) whose authors are Karlis Ozols and Laura Vanaga Mickevica. The book tells the readers about 14 outstanding Latvians who have accomplished great things in their life and their success stories. Baltic International Bank also supported the presentation of the Annual Latvian Literary Award (LALIGABA) arranged to honour the most outstanding Latvian litterateurs. Instead being lumped in with others who are accused of sexual misconduct, Woody Allen argues he should be the poster boy of the MeToo movement. In an interview with Periodismo Para Todos in Argentina, the director has denied yet again accusations that he sexually abused Dylan Farrow, his daughter, when she was only seven years old. Such allegations have hounded Allen for years, and he has consistently denied them. "This is something that has been thoroughly looked at 25 years ago by all the authorities and everybody came to the conclusion that it was untrue," said Allen. "For it to come back now, it's a terrible thing to accuse a person of. I'm a man with a family and my own children." Woody Allen Sexual Abuse Allegations Farrow talked openly about her sexual assault via Vanity Fair in 2013 and in an open letter published in The New York Times the following year. In a guest column for The Hollywood Reporter in 2016, Farrow's brother Ronan who recently won a Pulitzer Prize for his reporting on Harvey Weinstein's numerous sexual improprieties expressed support for his sister, saying he believed Farrow's claims against their father. "I believe my sister. This was always true as a brother who trusted her, and, even at 5 years old, was troubled by our father's strange behavior around her: climbing into her bed in the middle of the night, forcing her to suck his thumb behavior that had prompted him to enter into therapy focused on his inappropriate conduct with children prior to the allegations." The MeToo Movement Further in the Periodismo Para Todos interview, Allen talked about the MeToo movement, spurred by nearly every woman in Hollywood who has had enough of men in power and position who sexually abuse them. Allen said it's a good thing that people are bringing "these terrible harassers" to light, but that he's bothered he gets linked with them. Ronan's reporting was key to the MeToo movement and another one called TimesUp. Once he blew the lid off Weinstein's various alleged sex crimes, many women slowly opened up about their own experiences. An outpouring of stories followed shortly thereafter, revealing a toxic and nasty underside to Hollywood's shiny and glamourous facade. Allen says he's an advocate of MeToo, and he takes pride in the fact that he hasn't been accused of sexual misconduct by women he's worked with over the years. Photo: Global Panorama | Flickr 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Qualcomm unveils the Snapdragon 850, a new processor dedicated for Windows 10 Always Connected PCs, at the Computex 2018 in Taipei. Qualcomm Announces Snapdragon 850 For Always Connected PCs The Snapdragon 850 is a follow-up to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835, which was used in the first Always Connected PCs that Microsoft and Qualcomm announced last year. It also promises improved performance, better connectivity, and extended battery life among other features. Always Connected PCs are essentially Arm-based mobile devices that offer extended battery life, instant-on responsiveness, and constant cellular connectivity. However, these devices have been plagued with performance issues, which Qualcomm aims to address with the Snapdragon 850 processor. Qualcomm said that the new processor is optimized for PCs and will not cater to smartphones like the Snapdragon 845, which arrived earlier this year. Improved Performance, Connectivity, And Battery Life The company claims that the new chip improves performance by 30 percent and extends battery life by 20 percent. For example, the battery of a first-generation Asus NovaGo ACPC, which uses the Snapdragon 835, runs for an incredible 17 hours and 22 minutes. However, with the Snapdragon 850, the battery life could be extended to about 21 hours. The processor features an X20 LTE modem, which, according to Qualcomm, allows devices to achieve transfer speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps and deliver 20 percent faster LTE speeds when compared to Snapdragon 835. Snapdragon 850 also boasts of advanced graphics performance, as well as high-quality audio. The Snapdragon 850 is powered by a Kryo 385 CPU and has a clock speed of 2.95GHz. As the Snapdragon 850 is intended for use with larger devices than smartphones such as laptops and tablets, it has the ability to run at higher clock speeds without the risk of overheating. The chip is also equipped with support for HDR displays and 4K video capture. Although it seems illogical to shoot 4K videos using a laptop or tablet's camera, it could certainly prove to be useful to those who like to record high-quality training or tutorial videos, such as the vloggers. When Will Snapdragon 850-Powered Devices Arrive? Although the first batch of Always Connected PCs with Snapdragon 835 just arrived in stores this spring, Qualcomm promises that its partners will release devices powered by the Snapdragon 850 processor just in time for the holiday season this year. The company added that it will partner up with more Original Equipment Manufacturers than before. An upcoming device from Samsung will come equipped with the Snapdragon 850 processor. The Snapdragon 835 powered devices from Asus, HP, and Lenovo. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A new study found that men who do not disclose their sexual preference could be in danger of catching an HIV infection. The New Study Health journal The Lancelet published a study produced by a University of Edinburgh research team. The team found that nondisclosed men who had sex with other men were severely underestimating the risk of catching HIV. The team noted that this group of men could exclusively acquire the sexually transmitted disease from each other. The team shared that this group felt uncomfortable disclosing their sexuality because they were at risk of being ostracized by their community. Due to their fear of rejection, the men are unlikely to socialize at the same venues that openly gay counterparts attend. Another finding that the team found was that the closeted men would be less receptive to view HIV prevention advertisements and to seek medical care. Looking For Patterns The team focused on looking at HIV transmission patterns in the United Kingdom. They used a national database called the UK HIV Drug Resistance Database. It identified HIV positive people living in the country. The team looked carefully at 60,000 samples and found that the HIV genetic code rapidly changed. Scientists began to determine how the infections spread. They found that 6 percent of undisclosed men who pretended to be heterosexual at the time they were diagnosed with the sexually transmitted disease had sex with other men. Researchers also discovered that there was no evidence that the nondisclosed men would spread the HIV infection to either female partners or openly gay men. The study also mentioned that the nondisclosed men probably had fewer sex partners. The Study's Author Speaks Out Dr. Manon Ragonnet, the study's lead author, corresponded with Tech Times. She noted that they were surprised to discover that the number of men who have sex with men (MSM) to self-reported heterosexual men then women was minimal. Ragonnet added that they would also advise health practitioners to start conversations with the nondisclosed men in hopes to prevent them from catching HIV. "They need to make their patients feel safe to discuss their sexual behaviors and develop trusting relationships with them," wrote Ragonnet. HIV In The News Bill Gates had to tell President Donald Trump on multiple occasions the most significant difference between HIV and HPV. The Microsoft co-founder revealed at a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation meeting that he met President Trump twice in December 2016 and March 2017. At both of their encounters, Gates claimed that President Trump wanted clarification on the difference between HIV and HPV. He also mentioned that the President asked him about vaccines and wanted his opinion on starting a commission to investigate the adverse effects of vaccines. Daryll Rowe, 27, was found guilty of deliberately trying to infect his partners with HIV. Rowe reportedly damaged the condoms he used and had sex with his partners. He would tease them that he affected them with the sexually transmitted disease. Half of his partners contracted HIV. Rowe was the first man in England to be charged with the crime. Tech Times contacted one of the study's authors, Professor Andrew Leigh Brown, for a comment on this story. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The future of the International Space Station is in peril, but it seems that plans are underway to privatize it after funding for it runs dry. The Head Of NASA Is Talking To Private Companies In an interview with the Washington Post, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine confirmed that the agency is speaking to several international companies about taking over the operation of the ISS. The Trump administration previously stated it wants to cut funding of the Space Station by 2025, which would pave the way to privatization. "We're in a position now where there are people out there that can do commercial management of the International Space Station," said Bridenstine. "I've talked to many large corporations that are interested in getting involved in that through a consortium, if you will." Before funding to the International Space Station runs out, Bridenstine said that he is working on a transition plan for a private company to take it over and run it as a commercial space laboratory. Bridenstine did not reveal which companies he was speaking to because he said that those companies could find it "hard to close the business case." "We have forced the conversation," he said. Only two companies are currently building private space stations, Bigelow AeroSpace and NanoRacks. Boeing hasn't built a private space station yet, but it has worked with NASA, and it is tracking the news. "Really what we're looking at is all of the entire commercial situation: The needs of both the station and the market," Boeing's ISS spokesman, Steven Siceloff, told CNBC. The Complications Of Privatizing The International Space Station Privatizing the International Space Station won't be an easy task. In addition to the United States, other countries, such as Russia, Canada, Japan, and the European Union, participate in the International Space Station. "It will be very hard to turn ISS into a truly commercial outpost because of the international agreements that the United States is involved in," said Frank Slazer, the vice president of space systems for the Aerospace Industries Association. The reason the Trump administration wants to privatize the International Space Station is to save money. NASA spends roughly $3 to $4 billion a year on the International Space Station. Paul Martin, NASA's inspector general, says that privatizing won't save that much money because NASA would still send astronauts and cargo to it, which can be expensive. "Any assumption that ending direct federal funding frees up $3 to $4 billion beginning in 2025... is wishful thinking," Martin told congress. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The New Horizons probe has captured images of numerous planets in our solar system, and now it will embark on a mission to a new place. The New Horizons Probe Wakes Up On June 5, New Horizons woke up after six months of electronic hibernation. NASA ordered the probe to go to sleep on Dec. 21. "It saves wear and tear on the system, and it frees up personnel to do flyby planning," said mission principal investigator Alan Stern of the Southwest Research Institute about the hibernation. The hibernation period also conserved energy. During the hibernation, New Horizons sends a beacon back to Earth on a weekly basis as a way to know that it is still functional. Upon waking up, New Horizons phoned NASA via radio signals to let it know that it was operational. It is currently 3.8 billion miles from Earth. "It was very nice to have everything run so smoothly," said mission operations manager Alice Bowman. "We didn't have to do any reboots, any reconfigurations of the ground systems or anything like that. It went very smooth, and we were very happy." The Next Flyby Mission For New Horizons As New Horizons heads towards the edge of the solar system, NASA plans a flyby to a distant rock called MU69, or Ultima Thule. It will occur more than six months from now on New Year's Eve 2018. Ultima Thule is a remnant of the solar system's birth. Due to its extreme distance from the sun, it is in a frozen state. Researchers hope that the frozen record on Ultima Thule will provide some context about the formation of the solar system. New Horizons is 162 million miles away from Ultima Thule. It will travel there at roughly 760,000 miles each day. To prohibit communication mishaps, New Horizons will spin at slow speeds. "It allows us to load software, burn flash, update ephemerides (navigation files), do comm checks with our instruments," said Bowman. "Basically do all the housekeeping to get ready for the encounter." NASA even developed two flyby scenarios. The intent is to travel 2,100 miles away. However, if there is any concern, NASA can then easily move the probe further out of harm's way with a distance of 6,200 miles. New Horizons launched in 2006. Over the years, some of the missions have taken the probe to Jupiter and Pluto. After the Ultima Thule mission, NASA does not have any known missions planned for New Horizons. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. France has begun construction of an "Alzheimer's village" to serve as an open-structure facility that offers alternative therapies. It is slated to welcome approximately 120 patients upon completion by the end of 2019. The village, located near the city center of Dax, is part of an experimental treatment for Alzheimer's patients, and the first of its kind in the country. It's inspired by a similar experiment conducted in the Netherlands. The village will feature a number of amenities, including shops, a gym, a restaurant, and even a small farm. It aims to give patients an opportunity to lead normal lives despite their condition. "There won't be any white coats in the village," former Dax mayor Gabriel Bellocq told French publication Le Parisien. "We wanted the patients to feel at home in an environment that could remind them of life in the good old days." Alzheimer's Villlage In France The village aims to mimic life outside hospital walls for Alzheimer's patients, most of whom are often confined to hospital-like living quarters. So instead of wearing uniforms, caregivers and staff will wear their normal, civilian clothes. Also, the village will look like a traditional medieval "bastide," or a fortified town common in the local Landes area. The goal is for patients to maintain a sense of normalcy and to encourage patients to socialize. Ultimately, though, the whole experiment aims to remove them from the hospital atmosphere, which is typical of nursing homes. The village will be divided into four parts distributed around a central square. There will be trained dogs present to help patients escape their psychological isolation. It will reportedly cost $28 million to finish, largely paid for by the regional government. The researchers plan to work side-by-side the facility to determine whether this kind of settlement gives Alzheimer's patients better treatment and lifestyle. Local residents will be prioritized to enter the facility. Officials say the village's fees will closely match existing nursing home fees. Some form of government assistance will also be made available so as not to exclude poorer Alzheimer's patients from participating in the experiment. Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's disease remains a massive enigma. Its cause is unclear. Trying to diagnose it early is a tall order. Worst of all, there is no known cure. Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia, an illness that causes a decline of the brain's basic functions, including memory, reasoning, and many others, according to the NHS. Though the exact cause isn't fully understood yet, there are a number of things believed to increase one's risk of the condition, including increasing age; a family history of the condition; untreated depression, although depression can also be one of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease; lifestyle factors and conditions associated with cardiovascular disease. It is estimated that 15 million people in the United States will have Alzheimer's by 2060. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A new study has revealed a surprising link between people who are considered to be "heavy drinkers" and those who have abstained from alcohol. Abstaining from alcohol apparently causes missed work days. This was compared to people who claim they drink moderately or on occasion. The Boozy Study The team of researchers from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health conducted the study to find the "U-shaped" relationship between absenteeism and alcohol consumption. The results were published in the journal, Addiction. The participants of the experiment filled out a survey given by the researchers of the study. Over 40,000 people from Finland, the United Kingdom, and France stated how much alcohol they consumed and how many days they took off from work for the past 4-7 years. The survey was taken at two different points in time. The researchers classified people into five categories that ranged from people who did not drink, the ones that claim they drank moderately, and those who were heavy drinkers in either the first, second, or both surveys. Women who were classified as heavy drinkers consumed more than 11 servings of alcohol, while men who were considered to be heavy drinkers consumed at least 34 servings of alcohol. For moderate drinkers, women who were classified under this category consumed 1-11 servings of alcohol per week. Men who classified as moderate drinkers drank 1-34 servings of alcohol per week. The amount of alcohol was based on European sizes. The Surprising Results Non-drinkers and heavy drinkers were more likely to call out of work due to mental disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, diseases of the digestive system, and diseases of the respiratory system. Information regarding absences was obtained from the national and employer registry reports. "Drinking in moderation seems not to be associated with sickness absence," lead author, Dr.JenniErvasti, of the study, stated. Ervasti continued that results of the study were "surprising" due to the various reasons why most non-drinkers and heavy drinkers missed work. The results showed that people who were classified as non-drinkers came from a poorer background which could relate to more sickness and less work. The researchers of the study did state that the findings were limited since it was conducted in Europe where the drinking and lifestyle habits are different from other places in the world. Ervasti did state that these results may help employers intervene if an employee is taking too much time off due to poisoning or injury. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. AGAATA delivers clinical reports in the fields of Reproductive Health, Oncology and Inherited Diseases. Amsterdam, The Netherlands -6th June 2018 AGAATA innovates a fully integrated and certified CE-IVD Diagnostic System with machine learning capabilities. AGAATA for clinical laboratories is designed to run in-house sensitive genetic tests delivering the fastest and accurate results. Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence in the field of computer programming that uses statistical techniques and acquisition of new information. AGAATA has the ability to learn and progressively improve performance on specificity and sensitivity. The product will be introduced at the World Congress in Fetal Medicine which takes place this month in Athens. AGAATA is a unique system for multiple diagnoses. It runs and monitors various genetic tests in connection with the different standard Next-Generation Sequencing equipment of clinical laboratories. Elaborated interfaces assist the qualified decision maker with extensive information about each sample and machine learning tools accelerate the diagnosis. A large portfolio of innovative tests based on DNA analysis for karyotyping, cancer predisposition, reproductive health and inherited diseases is accessible, benefiting of a robust, accurate, automated workflow comprising instruments and analysis software. The scope includes all types of DNA, (Somatic and Germ Line from cfDNA, ctDNA and Genomic DNA) for karyotyping, Breast and Ovarian cancers, Colorectal cancers, Uterine, Gastric, Pancreatic, Melanoma, Prostate, Kidney and Bladder cancers as well as Cystic Fibrosis & B-Thalassemia and any other Gene panel. The exclusive multi-layer operating AGAATA diagnostic system offers traceability, and standard laboratory equipment. AGAATA provides powerful and automatized bioinformatics analysis to deliver comprehensive clinical reports, fully automated, with a short turnaround time. Therefore, this cutting edge turnkey solution accelerates any genetic laboratory, the only CE-IVD system with such a range of CE-IVD genetic tests. Frederic Amar, CEO states: AGAATA is the next generation integrated smart system that offers most accurate and comprehensive analysis of the genome to empower laboratories, doctors and patients with most timely and relevant actionable genetic information contributing to a precise and personalized approach to patient care for both prevention and treatment. Installed in 30 minutes, AGAATA gives an immediate access to a large panel of genetic tests after a simple training session on the method in our research centre in Geneva. With AGAATA clinical laboratories can optimize their genetic platform and steer the whole process until results. About CE-IVD The CE-mark (CE-IVD) indicates that an IVD device complies with the European In Vitro Diagnostics Directive (98/79/EC), and that the device may be legally commercialized and distributed within the European Economic Area (EEA), which comprises the 27 European Union (EU) member states and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland as members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). The aim of the Directive is to ensure that IVDs consistently meet the performance levels specified by the manufacturer and do not compromise the health and safety of patients, users or third parties. About ESPERITE ESPERITE is a diversified biotech global group leader in regenerative and precision medicine. Established in 2000, the holding group is headquartered in the Netherlands, listed at Euronext Amsterdam and Paris and operational in almost 40 countries with a network of 6'000 clinics worldwide. ESPERITE transforms the power of state-of-the-art technologies and scientific advancements into high quality products that bring the future of medicine to customers today at an affordable price. To learn more about the ESPERITE Group, or to book an interview with CEO Mr. Frederic Amar: +31 575 548 998 - ir@esperite.com or visit the websites at www.esperite.com *** This press release contains inside information as referred to in article 7 paragraph 1 of Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (Market Abuse Regulation). FORM 8.5 (EPT/RI) PUBLIC DEALING DISCLOSURE BY AN EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER WITH RECOGNISED INTERMEDIARY STATUS DEALING IN A CLIENT-SERVING CAPACITY 1. KEY INFORMATION (a) Name of exempt principal trader: Investec Bank plc (b) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree Hogg Robinson Group plc (c) Name of the party to the offer with which exempt principal trader is connected: Investec are Joint Broker to Hogg Robinson Group plc d) Date dealing undertaken: 5th June 2018 (e) Has the EPT previously disclosed, or is it today disclosing, in respect of any other party to this offer? Yes 2. DEALINGS BY THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER (a) Purchases and sales Class of relevant security Purchases/ sales Total number of securities Highest price per unit paid/received (pence) Lowest price per unit paid/received (pence) Ordinary Shares Purchases 50,000 119.5 119.5 Ordinary Shares Sale 50,000 119.5 119.5 (b) Derivatives transactions (other than options) Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit (c) Options transactions in respect of existing securities (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit (ii) Exercising Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Number of securities Exercise price per unit (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities) Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable) The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated. Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 2(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in. 3. OTHER INFORMATION (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state none None (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state none None Sellbyville, Delaware, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AI in Education Market is expected to exceed USD 6 billion by 2024; according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc. AI in education market is driven by the integration of the Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) in the learning process. ITS is one of the advanced applications of AI aimed at providing immediate and personalized feedback and instructions to learners without the intervention of a human tutor. The numerous benefits offered by the system is major factor augmenting its demand. It assists students in improving their learning styles, offering personalized tutoring and high-quality education by gauging their pre-existing knowledge and learning. The platform collects data points and employs machine learning and predictive models to determine individual knowledge and skill levels and analyze the performance. It also provides students immediate feedback for improvement. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/2639 However, the high cost of deployment and lack of skilled workforce are the factors hindering the AI in education market growth. These systems are expensive to develop and implement and the timeframe required for the development of these systems is large limiting their implementation in the real world. Moreover, the risk of data leakage and security also restrain the market growth. AI assists in improving the quality of education by addressing the learning challenges faced in the past including planning, reasoning, language processing, and cognitive modeling. Various benefits offered by the acceptance of AI in education sector include tutoring grading, immediate feedback on course quality, personalization in education, and instant feedback to students. The aim of AI is to be a virtual facilitator for the learning domain and to create virtual human-like qualities, who can think, react, act, and interact in a natural way using verbal and non-verbal communication. The domain model in AI in education market is estimated to grow at a substantial rate with over 50% CAGR during the forecast period. The domain model represents the knowledge of the subject, expertise, and the relationship between different parts of the subject matter. It assists in improving the domain-specific knowledge, especially in areas of science, technology, math, and engineering. The AI in education systems usually gathers a huge amount of student data, which is computed to enhance the domain model. This helps in offering more personalized and efficient support while refining and testing their understanding of the process of learning and teaching. Browse key industry insights spread across 270 pages with 258 market data tables & 44 figures & charts from this 2018 report Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Market in detail along with the table of contents: https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/artificial-intelligence-ai-in-education-market The deep learning model for AI in education market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 52% during the forecast timespan. The technology helps in protecting the teaching profession with tasks such as developing soft skills amongst students, cultivating pupils, and assisting them to train students and motivate them for better education. They offer collaborative learning methodology between teachers, students, and a wider environment with strong social and team-related skills. The advent of technology has hindered deep learning in schools. Asia Pacific is estimated to be the most lucrative region for AI in education market. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 51%. The digitalization and supportive government initiatives in the region have a noteworthy impact on the growth of the market. For instance, in 2015, the Japanese government launched Japan Revitalization Strategy, which focuses on the development of advanced robots equipped with AI and machine learning technology. Similarly, the Indian government is also promoting the use of technology education in schools and universities, shaping students into foremost innovators of the AI revolution. The finance ministry of India invested USD 474 million in their Digital India initiative to improve the digital literacy rate in various technologies, such as AI, and providing the internet to rural India. The key players in the AI in education market are IBM, AWS, Microsoft, Google, Nuance, Century Tech, Blackboard, Pearson, Cognii, Volley.com, Blippar, Knewton, Jenzabar, Content Technologies, PLEIQ, Luilishuo, Pixatel System, and Quantum Adaptive Learning. Make an Inquiry for purchasing this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/2639 Browse Related Reports: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Retail Market Size By Component (Solution [Chatbot, Customer Behavior Tracking, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Inventory Management, Price Optimization, Recommendation Engine, Supply Chain Management, Visual Search], Service [Professional Service, Managed Service]), By Technology (Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Computer Vision), By Application (Automated Merchandising, Programmatic Advertising, Market Forecasting, In-Store AI & Location Optimization, Data Science), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Mexico, UAE, Israel, South Africa), Growth Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2018 2024 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/artificial-intelligence-ai-retail-market Artificial Intelligence (AI) in BFSI Market Size By Component (Solution [Chatbot, Customer Behavior Analytics, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Data Analytics & Visualization, Fraud Detection], Service [Professional Service, Managed Service]), By Technology (Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Computer Vision), By Application (Back Office/Operation, Customer Service, Financial Advisory, Risk Management, Compliance & Security), By End-Use (Bank, Insurance, Wealth Management), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Mexico, UAE, Israel, South Africa), Growth Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2018 2024 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/artificial-intelligence-ai-in-bfsi-market About Global Market Insights Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology. English Estonian On 6th of June, 2018, the Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders of AS Ekspress Grupp was held in Tallinn, Parda 6. Out of 29 796 841 votes 25 364 385 votes were represented at the Meeting, i.e. 85,17% of the votes. The General Meeting of the Shareholders of AS Ekspress Grupp adopted the following resolutions. 1. The approval of the Annual Report for the financial year 1st of January 2017 31st of December 2017 By 25 363 385 votes in favour (0 votes against, 1000 votes abstained), to approve the Annual Report for the financial year 1st of January 2017 31st of December 2017 of AS Ekspress Grupp. 2. The approval of the 2017 profit distribution proposal By 25 364 385 votes in favour (0 votes against, 0 votes abstained), to approve the profit distribution proposal for 2017. To distribute total 3.14 million euros as follows: to increase statutory reserve by 157 000 euros; to pay dividends 7 (seven) euro cents per share in total amount of 2.086 million euros; the remaining 897 000 euros to be allocated to the retained earnings. The right to participate in distribution of profit applied to shareholders who have been registered in the list of AS Ekspress Grupp shareholders on 20th of June, 2018 at the end of the working day of the settlement system. The ex-date is 19th of June, 2018. From that date the new owner of the shares is not entitled to dividends for the year 2017. Dividends will be paid out on shareholders bank account on July 3, 2018. 3. Recall of members of the Supervisory Board By 25 364 385 votes in favour (0 votes against, 0 votes abstained), to recall Marek Kiisa (personal code number 36811160335) from the Supervisory Board. Additional information Mari-Liis Ruutsalu Chairman of the Management Board GSM: +372 512 2591 e-mail: mariliis.ryytsalu@egrupp.ee Folsom, CA, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sierra Pacific Mortgage Company, Inc. proud to announce that the company raised over $3,600 dollars in support of Red Nose Day. Red Nose Day is a day of fundraising to help children living in poverty in the United States and around the world. Sierra Pacific Mortgage recognizes the impact that Red Nose Day makes for the next generation. In support of the cause, the company purchased a red nose for each of their employees. Additionally, a fundraising page was set up for employees who wanted to make a personal monetary donation to the cause. About participating in Red Nose Day, Executive Vice President, Chuck Iverson said, The company proudly supports Red Nose Day. Its important to us to take care of our children and make sure their future is bright, so one day they too can become homeowners. Sierra Pacific Mortgage employees enjoyed wearing their red noses in support of the day and doing their part to bring awareness to the cause. With more than 30 years in business, Sierra Pacific Mortgage is dedicated the communities they serve and providing homeownership opportunities to people across the country. For more information about Sierra Pacific Mortgage, visit: www.sierrapacificmortgage.com Attachments GONZALES A homeowners association and three Ascension Parish residents known collectively as Concerned Citizens of Prairieville have asked a state district judge to halt the final step necessary to approve the 172-home Jamestown Crossing subdivision. In a lawsuit, the plaintiffs accuse the Ascension Parish Planning Commission of violating a parish prohibition on building new subdivisions that empty onto roads narrower than 18 feet wide when commissioners approved the Prairieville-area subdivision May 9 amid strong neighborhood opposition. A slender 4-3 majority on the seven-member Planning Commission backed the neighborhood that would be split in half by La. 930, a narrow state highway that residents at the time complained doesn't have enough width for vehicles to easily pass one another. Can't see video below? Click here. One of the projects two phases would empty directly onto La. 930, just south of La. 42. The other phase would have its entrance on nearby Parker Road, which is around the corner from La. 930, but the plaintiffs contend the exit would still result in heavy use of La. 930. The plaintiffs want the court to block the commission from approving its minutes when it meets on June 13, a legal formality that would clear the way for the subdivision to move forward. Filed late Tuesday afternoon in 23rd Judicial District Court, the suit also launches another salvo in Ascension's battle over growth and infrastructure, even as parish consultants held public hearings this week to revise the parish's comprehensive land use plan, essentially an outline about how the parish should grow over the next few decades. Since 2009, Ascension was the third-fastest growing parish in Louisiana, adding nearly 18,000 people, and the fastest growing outside the New Orleans area, census estimates show. Projections shared by the master plan consultants this week suggest the parish could add 65,000 more people and 25,000 new houses over the next 25 years. Jamestown Crossing is one of several new housing developments earmarked for a section of Prairieville where other new neighborhoods have run into strong opposition in recent years but also where La. 42, a key east-west corridor, is being widened by the state. Even before the lawsuit, the subdivision already contributed to some political turmoil in Ascension. Jamestown Crossing would be built on land owned by Parish Councilwoman Teri Casso and her family members, including former parish official Beth James. Casso has said she has stayed out of the subdivision review and approval to avoid any ethics conflict and let family members decide what to do with their collectively inherited property, farm and pasture land just south of La. 42. But when Councilman Daniel "Doc" Satterlee shared a video from a website intimating wrongdoing in the project, Casso and fellow Councilman Aaron Lawler, both of whom have sparred with Satterlee over other matters, resigned from his Strategic Planning Committee last month. Casso accused Satterlee of "cyber bullying" by sharing the video. Satterlee, chairman of the committee, has defended sharing the video on his Facebook page and said he was "a bit offended" by the mischaracterization of what he did. He said he will move forward with his committee. 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 At the same time, Commissioner Wade Schexnaydre said Tuesday the suit could finally bring to a head an ongoing philosophical dispute about the commissions power to block projects over concerns about insufficient infrastructure. While other projects in the same area as Jamestown Crossing have initially been denied by the commission though they were later approved through internal parish appeals those denials focused on insufficiencies some commissioners saw in those projects drainage and traffic impact analyses. Ascension Council upholds denial of Hudson Cove subdivision over drainage worries GONZALES Having recently given itself the final say in Ascension Parish's development disputes, the Parish Council on Thursday upheld the pr In the case of Jamestown Crossing, the plaintiffs allege the commission violated parish ordinance. "My stance is that it is unfortunate that a suit had to be filed, but the fortunate aspect is we are going to find out what our traffic and drainage rules really are, what the commissions power actually is and where we stand, Schexnaydre said Tuesday. Schexnaydre, who said he was not critiquing his fellow commissioners decision to back the subdivision and who had opposed Jamestown Crossing last month, was not named in the suit. Before approval last month, parish engineers measured the width of La. 930 and found it averaged 17.3 feet around Jamestown Crossing, well below the 18-foot-wide threshold in the parish ordinance. In some places, the state highway is less than 17 feet wide. In others, the state highway is slightly wider than 18 feet, parish officials told commissioners in the May 9 hearing. A central thrust of the argument from the plaintiffs is that big new subdivisions on substandard roads are all too common in Ascension and so aren't the special circumstance that would serve as the necessary grounds for the variance the commission granted to allow Jamestown Crossing. "Granting of a variance must show unique circumstances," the lawsuit says. "Plaintiffs submit that a subdivision exiting onto a substandard road in Ascension Parish is not a unique circumstance that warrants granting of a variance." That claim also turns on its head the argument last month of Commission Chairman Matt Pryor, who supported the variance for Jamestown Crossing. He argued the parish has approved other subdivisions on La. 930 in the past and so, by precedent, they were bound to approve Jamestown Crossing or risk a lawsuit from the developer. But, in supporting the variance, the commission majority also directed the developer to widen narrow sections of La. 930 to 18 feet. The suit names as defendants the Planning Commission collectively and, individually, the four volunteer commissioners in the majority, Pryor, Julio Dumas, Morrie Bishop and Ken Firmin. The suit also names as a defendant Councilman Bill Dawson, the Parish Council chairman. The plaintiffs are the Quail Creek Homeowners Association, and parish residents Caroline Watson, Kimberly Christy and Jeff Pettit. Kyle Gautreau, a parish government spokesman, declined to comment on pending litigation. Ross Bruce, one of the principals in Dantin Bruce Development, the developer of Jamestown Crossing, also declined to comment Tuesday, saying he had not yet see the lawsuit. The developer has not been named in the lawsuit. Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission In certain parts of Americas largest cities, the vast majority of homicides go unsolved, without any arrests ever made in connection to the killings, according to an in-depth data analysis by the Washington Post. In these areas, murder is common but arrests are rare, according to the Washington Post analysis, which was published online Wednesday. The Post analyzed up to a decade of data from 50 of Americas largest cities, including Baton Rouge and New Orleans. New Orleans, the Post found, has 14 areas across the city with a high concentration of homicides but a low arrest rate. These areas include parts of Central City, Mid-City, New Orleans East, the 7th Ward, the Lower 9th Ward and Algiers. New Orleans has no areas with both a high concentration of killings and a high arrest rate, according to the Post analysis. Of the 50 cities analyzed, New Orleans has the second-lowest arrest rate for homicides at just 35 percent over the last eight years, the Post found. Only Chicago, which has a 26 percent arrest rate over the past 10 years, was lower. The combined average arrest rate for the 50 cities analyzed by the Post is 49 percent. +6 New Orleans' year in crime: Killings fall in 2017, but city still marked by violence Rayshawn Boullts aunt felt so much grief about his death that she could hardly bring herself to visit his grave on Dec. 12, which would have Both the number of homicides and the arrest rate have decreased in New Orleans in the past eight years, according to the Post analysis. Like most of the other cities, a homicide involving a white victim is more likely to be solved than a homicide with a black victim, the Post analysis found. In New Orleans, the arrest rate for homicides with minority victims is about 39 percent, compared to more than 50 percent for homicides with white victims. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up In Baton Rouge, the Post found two regions, both in north Baton Rouge, where a high number of homicides occur but where less than one in three of those killings is solved. Another area in north Baton Rouge, however, showed that a high number of homicides occurred there, but the majority were solved. +6 Spike in BR killings renews concern about outpacing 2017s historic homicide rate After three separate killings in about seven hours during a bloody Sunday in Baton Rouge, residents and law enforcement leaders are hoping to Over the last seven years, the homicide rate in Baton Rouge has continued to increase, while the arrest rate has dropped, according to the Post analysis. To see the data for each of the 50 cities analyzed, click here. For the full Washington Post story, click here. Gov. John Bel Edwards announced late Tuesday that he vetoed a bill sponsored by state Rep. Lance Harris, R-Alexandria, that would have given gas stations, like the ones Harris owns, an easier path to sue other gas stations that sell gas more cheaply. In his veto explanation, Edwards wrote that he vetoed the bill, which was passed in the Legislature's regular session, because "this bill would likely result in higher fuel prices for Louisiana drivers." Harris could not be reached for comment. The bill was one of two pieces of legislation Harris proposed in the regular session that would have impacted his own business. Harris and his wife own a small gas station and convenience store chain in the Alexandria area called Leebo's. +7 Louisiana lawmakers are pushing bills that benefit their own businesses. And its perfectly legal. Louisiana state Rep. Lance Harris, one of the Legislature's most powerful Republicans, has cast himself as a purist when it comes to conflicts One of his bills, which did not pass the Legislature, would have prevented larger retailers who receive a federal subsidy for blending ethanol into their gas from passing the savings on to consumers, a practice he believes is already illegal under state law. That bill was tabled in a Senate committee after gas stations and renewable fuel producers raised objections that the bill would raise the price of gas by at least 4 cents a gallon. The bill that passed, House Bill 845, was a companion bill that would have allowed the smaller gas stations to sue other stations they believed were illegally lowering prices below what state law allows. Opponents of HB845 also said it could raise the price of gas because the cost of frivolous lawsuits would be included in the price of gasoline. 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 The Advocate, in partnership with ProPublica, highlighted the bills on Wednesday as examples of legislators who were openly promoting legislation that benefits their financial interests. Harris previously told The Advocate that he was within his legal right to advocate for bills that affect him. State law allows legislators to advocate for and sponsor bills that affect their business interests, as long as others in the industry are similarly affected. Harris also presented a bill in the regular session that sought to eliminate conflicts of interest in Edwards' cabinet. That bill died in the House. Harris, who chairs the conservative House Republican Delegation, has positioned himself as a key opponent and critic of Edwards, a Democrat. During a special session that ended at midnight Monday in a chaotic frenzy in the House, Harris was a main objector to the governor's plan to extend half of an expiring 1 cent sales tax hike. Harris instead sponsored and advocated for extending a third. The difference, which for taxpayers would be 17 cents on a $100 purchase, became a key sticking point that fueled the House's rejection of any sales tax extension to plug the $650 million budget gap the state faces when temporary tax measures expire June 30. The Legislature will return for another special session later this month to try again on addressing the fiscal cliff. Acadiana lost $26.6 million in proposed construction projects with the stroke of Gov. John Bel Edwards veto pen Wednesday. Twenty-nine projects were part of the 40 items struck from the states annual construction budget by Edwards using his line-item veto authority. Most of the Republican House members of the Acadiana delegation steadfastly oppose Edwards efforts to raise revenues through taxes to cover the costs of promised government services. A second special session collapsed on Monday after legislators passed a budget but balked at retaining part of a sales tax penny set to expire in three weeks. Edwards now is in the position of having to dramatically cut services to balance the budget before July 1 or calling lawmakers back for another go at raising revenues. The bulk of rejected spending authorizations in House Bill 2, called capital outlay, were for projects in Iberia, Lafayette and St. Martin parishes, represented by House Speaker Taylor Barras, R-New Iberia; and from Vermilion Parish, represented mostly Republican Rep. Blake Miguez, of Erath. A frequent and ardent critic of Edwards initiatives to balance the state budget using increased revenues, Miguez says government needs to be smaller and the budget can be balanced by reducing state spending. He says his constituents are paying the price for his opposing the governor. I know hes playing politics, Miguez said of Edwards line-item vetoes. There are other ways to get the message across than telling people that none of the money they sent to Baton Rouge is coming back to their parish for needed improvements, roads and bridges. Edwards cut authorization for $2.19 million from eight projects in Vermilion Parish, including drainage improvements and bridge repairs. Our fiscal challenges are holding us back from the strategic investments that we need to be making in critical infrastructure projects around the state, Edwards said in his statement. He noted that major infrastructure improvements have been approved for every region of the state. I promised to reform the way we manage our capital outlay program so that it is fair, realistic and strategic in nature, Edwards said. Edwards scratched $1.8 million for 11 projects in Iberia Parish, almost all of them in Barras district. Barras did not return a call and a text seeking comment. Sen. Fred Mills, R-Parks, however, noted that Edwards left the most important projects to Iberia Parish dredging in the Port of Iberia and improved access to the airport in the capital outlay bill. 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 I would hope it was not a shot across the bow or retribution for having a different philosophy on government that would be juvenile, said House GOP Majority Leader Lance Harris, of Alexandria. But all line vetoes arent necessarily political, he said. For instance, Edwards also struck $5.3 million for drainage improvements on the LSU Alexandria campus in Harris district. Harris said the governor had found federal grant money for the project, so the veto was more about tidying up HB2. Democratic Rep. Terry Landry, a supporter of the governors saw one of the projects in his district removed by the governor drainage improvements on Charles, Ann and Dale Streets in New Iberia. Landry said the amount of money the state can borrow to pay for these projects is linked to the state budget, which many representatives want to see balanced through cuts. The people who think we dont have a revenue problem and want to cut government, shouldnt be surprised when the governor cuts projects, including theirs, Landry said. Louisiana Senate OKs construction budget: highest priority projects likely to make cut Louisiana senators approved Wednesday morning legislation that should theoretically be able to fund the vast majority, if not all, of the high House Bill 2 annually funds millions of dollars in construction projects across the state, from event center upgrades to road improvements in legislators' home districts. Edwards deleted authorization for $12 million to extend Apollo Road from Scott, a town of 10,000 near Interstate 10, to the southern parts of Lafayette. Another $6.5 million for the planning and construction of a long-considered loop around Lafayette also was axed. A municipal complex in Parks, a recreational aquatic facility in Arnaudville, and a boat launch in Leonville all were removed. Elizabeth Crisp of The Advocate Capitol news bureau contributed to this report Louisiana state Rep. Lance Harris, one of the Legislature's most powerful Republicans, has cast himself as a purist when it comes to conflicts of interest among state leaders. In April, he introduced a bill that would have prohibited the heads of state agencies from taking side jobs that overlap with their government roles arrangements he said could put them in a precarious situation. The conflict that you get in is, lets say youre over the industry itself, Harris said that month when presenting the bill in a House committee, you may promulgate some rules or make some decisions that would be advantageous to that particular company or to that particular industry. Thats what it gets at. Its just a good-government bill. Yet, within weeks of introducing that bill, Harris proposed two separate bills that would have benefitted Leebos, a chain of convenience stores and gas stations that he owns, by making it more difficult for larger retailers to sell gas more cheaply than he does. One bill, critics said, would have raised the price of gas by at least 4 cents a gallon at those large retailers. Gov. John Bel Edwards vetoes gas station bill that would benefit Rep. Lance Harris Gov. John Bel Edwards announced late Tuesday that he vetoed a bill sponsored by state Rep. Lance Harris, R-Alexandria, that would have given g In an interview, Harris said he saw no irony in his assiduous policing of executive-branch conflicts while also pushing for legislation that would benefit his business interests. Its not a conflict of interest, and we know its not because the House rules make it clear and so does the Louisiana state law, he said. Harris is right that hes not breaking a rule. Louisianas ethics laws, written by the Legislature, allow lawmakers to author, advocate for and cast votes on bills that would enrich themselves, their relatives and their clients, as long as others in the same affected industry would benefit similarly. Regardless of the law, political watchdogs say, such advocacy is troubling. If someone has a financial interest in legislation before them, we just cant imagine that person to be a neutral judge, said Pearson Cross, a political science professor and an associate dean at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Would you want someone on a jury who will gain financially depending on the outcome of a particular decision? It just shows the craziness of our system. This year, The Advocate and ProPublica are investigating conflicts of interest in the Louisiana Legislature. A story in April showed how easy it is for Louisianas lawmakers to avoid disclosing income they receive from public sources. The same ethics laws allow lawmakers to openly advocate for their own financial interests. +5 Louisiana legislators earn big money from government agencies but some kept secret When the Louisiana Legislature isnt in session in Baton Rouge, state Sen. Danny Martiny spends his days in his small law office 80 miles away defending law enforcement agencies. Even if theyve recused themselves from voting, legislators can still participate and influence legislation under Louisianas ethics laws. And if a lawmaker steps over the line while pushing a bill to benefit himself or herself, complaints can only be brought forward by other members of the Legislature, not the public at large. Since February, a Louisiana House member who owns a timber company sponsored a measure exempting timber from the state sales tax. Another attorney lawmaker proposed a bill sought by a client, a doctor who lost his license, to revamp the way doctors are investigated and disciplined. A state senator backed a bill that would have helped his brothers truck stop casino, and legislators who have ownership stakes in nursing homes repeatedly weighed in on bills that would significantly impact their own businesses. Some of the bills have passed the Legislature; some have not. And some are hanging in the balance, poised to come back in future sessions. In many cases, the lawmakers industry ties have been well known among legislators as theyve debated the proposed laws, often unfazed by the financial benefits their colleagues stood to reap. The system operates the way it does in part because Louisiana has a part-time, citizen Legislature in which lawmakers receive modest salaries and often have other full-time careers. Its expected that they will draw on their professional experience to help inform laws and regulations. The same is true in many other states. But some say it goes too far. Cross said hes seen legislators look past egregious conflicts of interest over the years, adding that Louisianans should expect more from their elected officials. The idea that someone should recuse themselves during matters of their own interest is a fundamental part of governance in the United States, Cross said. The fact that we dont is just scary. Conflicts OK for some, not for others The way Harris, the Alexandria-based leader of the House Republican caucus, sees it, mom-and-pop convenience stores and gas stations are getting squeezed by national retailers that are undercutting their prices. Thats why he said he proposed a pair of bills to change that. In my home market right now, this past weekend, there were two or three national box chains that were selling gasoline for 17 cents a gallon less than his business could get it for, he told a Senate committee in April. One of Harris bills would have prevented larger retailers who receive a federal subsidy for blending ethanol into their gas from passing the savings on to consumers, a practice he believes is already illegal under state law. The bill sailed through the House, but Harris tabled it before a vote after pushback from the Senate committee. Lawmakers were unfazed by the idea that Harris bill could be self-serving, but concerned about the effect the bill might have on their own constituents. I dont want to be saying this, I helped my buddy Lance, but I cost everybody in my state more dollars, said state Sen. Francis Thompson, a Delhi Democrat. The bill was opposed by national gas retailers and ethanol and renewable-fuel producers, who argued Harris did not understand the consequences of his bill. They said the cost savings generated from the ethanol blending is already factored into gas prices and impossible to separate out. I can assure you this, there will be a 4-cent increase in our stores if this bill becomes law, said Kevin Ainsworth, a lobbyist for RaceTrac, which has 69 locations in the state. Louisiana citizens will pay more at the pump. Harris second bill, which would make it easier for businesses to sue retailers who illegally undercut their gas prices, passed both chambers. Though Harris openly drew on his own experience while testifying about his failed bill, in a recent interview, he downplayed the legislations potential effect on him. My locations arent that close to the big boxes, he said. Elliott Stonecipher, a Shreveport-based political watchdog and pollster, doesnt buy it. No matter what the representative says, he is hard at work for his own financial benefit, Stonecipher said. The fact remains that taxpayers those who voted for him, those who refused to, and the massive majority who do not even know who he is are paying him a salary, and not insignificant expenses, to significantly profit himself. Members of the Legislature earn between $30,000 and $40,000 a year for their hours in the state Capitol. While he was pushing for passage of his gasoline pricing bills, Harris was also advocating for legislation to ban the conflicts of interest of state department heads who work for Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat and a key foe. Proposed work requirements for Louisiana agency heads defeated after some say it targeted health secretary Efforts to dictate state agency heads work hours failed in the House Tuesday after lawmakers intimated the author targeted Louisiana Departme Harris didnt name names when he presented his bill, which ultimately failed, but he said the stakes were too high to test the publics confidence when it comes to people running the states agencies. Due to the public trust of being a public servant, its very important that you put in 100 percent time and work full-time and you dont have any perceived or otherwise enhanced conflicts of interest, he said in the April committee hearing. Harris said its routine for lawmakers to sponsor legislation that favors whatever industry they work in. The governor, who is a lawyer, did the same thing in 2012 when, as a legislator, he sponsored a bill that would have increased the cap on damages people could have collected in medical malpractice lawsuits from $500,000 to $750,000, Harris said. The bill did not pass. That would benefit the trial attorney industry, but there were no questions asked when he did that and no articles were written, Harris said. Richard Carbo, Edwards deputy chief of staff, said Harris comparison is off the mark. As a lawyer, Gov. Edwards never been involved with a medical malpractice case. But Lance Harris sells gas every single day. At the very least, he could have been upfront with the Legislature that his business is directly impacted by the legislation he was proposing, Carbo said. Rep. Harris shouldnt be taking money from the people he represents just to pad his own pockets. Overhaul of ethics laws does little In 2008, at the urging of then-Gov. Bobby Jindal, legislators passed an overhaul of ethics laws, tweaking rules about how and when legislators must recuse themselves. Before, elected officials could still vote on matters even when they had a conflict as defined by Louisiana law, as long as they disclosed it. Now, they arent allowed to vote if a bill would treat them differently than others in similar situations. For instance, if Harris proposed legislation that would only benefit his gas stations, he wouldnt be able to vote on it. But since his bills affect the entire industry, the law doesnt view them as a conflict of interest. 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 Louisiana legislators file more than 1,200 bills a year. But since 2004, only four lawmakers per year, on average, have recused themselves from votes because of personal conflicts, according to a review of legislative activity by The Advocate and ProPublica. That number peaked in 2009, when eight lawmakers recused themselves from votes shortly after the Legislature passed its ethics law. In 2015 and 2017, there were no recusals for legislative votes. Over time, loopholes in the 2008 law have become clear. First, while lawmakers are not allowed to vote if they have a prohibited conflict of interest, they are still allowed to participate in the debate. Second, if someone outside of the Legislature identifies a violation, it can only be considered if another member of the Legislature decides to take it up. Alfred Butch Speer, the longtime clerk of the Louisiana House who provides legislators guidance on this issue, said in his 40 years on the job, no representative has been censured over a conflict. Brenda Hodge, a spokeswoman for the Senate, said she likewise knows of no censures in the Senate. Speer calls conflicts of interest a thorny issue. Because lawmakers salaries are relatively low, conflicts tend to be embraced rather than avoided. Speer said its important that lawmakers who are educators weigh in on education bills, and that lawyers in the Legislature weigh in on proposed changes to the legal system. Likewise, farmers should debate agriculture policy and business owners should help shape regulatory policy. Firsthand knowledge is what fuels a citizen legislature, he said. You dont want people who have never had the benefit of life experience being the only one to weigh on laws, he said. Thats the antithesis of a citizen legislature. Julie Quinn, a former Republican senator from Metairie, said she believes the law is written too loosely. At a minimum, she said, people who are financially impacted by bills in some distinct way should have to disclose that orally or in writing during floor debates and votes. If my law firm represents State Farm and this insurance legislation impacts State Farms business, you should articulate your financial interest, Quinn said. Those things never happened, and it should happen. That was the spirit of ethics reform, but the law is so specific that its highly unusual that anyone would ever have to recuse themselves. Theres a line we do not want to cross Earlier this year, lawmakers were called into a special session to figure out how to close a budget gap of hundreds of millions of dollars that still threatens to shutter a range of state services. The prevailing idea was to retain some expiring state sales taxes. Amid that debate, state Rep. Jack McFarland, a Jonesboro Republican, proposed an amendment that exempted the sales tax for loggers, paper and wood manufacturers. The exemption would have peeled off about $3 million in state revenue. The break would have benefited his own business, McFarland Timber. But McFarland noted that timber is the largest industry in his district and one of the most important agricultural industries in the state, so he is a natural advocate. I appreciate how it can be perceived, I can. And I think about that. Other members have asked me, Are you being self-serving? he said in an interview. And theres a line we do not want to cross. McFarlands amendment was approved but, ultimately, the sales-tax bill was rejected by a vote of the House. During the second special session, which ended Monday, when another sales tax renewal was considered, the exemption for timber was included in the original bill so McFarland didnt have to pursue an amendment. He voted for the bill, but it stalled in the Legislature. McFarland said he expressed support to the bill sponsor about including the exemption. I said I obviously want it in there, McFarland said. Its the largest industry in my district, so its imperative that its in there. A third special session will take place this month and the issue could come up again. Lawmakers who own nursing homes When the Legislature debates bills affecting nursing homes, a highly regulated industry, legislators conflicts of interest are often thrown into high relief. This year, for example, nursing home administrator and state Rep. Bob Hensgens, R-Abbeville, sponsored a bill that would have extended a long-standing moratorium against assisted living facilities that offer nursing care would-be competitors of nursing homes that offer the elderly more autonomy and privacy. Sharla Aloisio, executive director of the Louisiana Assisted Living Association, took issue with Hensgens advocacy, saying the proposed law would limit free market and consumer choice. Why is the nursing home industry so anxious to pass such legislation? she said. In an interview, Hensgens said he doesnt know if the assisted living facilities would be able to compete meaningfully with nursing homes, because there are so few in the state. But he said he proposed the bill only out of concern that the Louisiana Department of Health did not have the staffing to oversee new assisted-living facilities. The bill did not get a hearing in the Legislature, and Hensgens said he opted not to pursue it. But last year, the same measure was proposed as an amendment on an unrelated bill with a week left in the regular session. The sponsor of the amendment then was state Sen. Fred Mills, who has a 10 percent stake in a nursing home. Mills is also a bank president and owns a pharmacy. When the bill went to a conference committee to negotiate the final product, two out of the three Senate conferees had financial ties to nursing homes. In negotiations, the proposed five-year moratorium was cut back to a single year. And this year, after Hensgens abandoned his moratorium bill, Mills for the second year in a row amended an unrelated bill to impose the moratorium for another five years. After pushback from assisted living facility owners, he withdrew the amendment. Terry Crochet, an assisted living facility owner, said their association sent hundreds of emails to legislators asking them to oppose Hensgens bill and Mills amendment. He said when the moratorium expires this year, he plans to get a license. When Fred Mills tacked on that amendment again, we just came unglued again, Crochet said. These people should at least recuse themselves and not directly vote on things that affect their pocketbooks. Andrew Muhl, an AARP lobbyist who has backed bills opposed by nursing home owners, said its frustrating to have lawmakers who may be motivated by business ties have outsized control over debates that affect the elderly. Last year, The Advocate reported extensively on the influence of the nursing home industry over the Louisiana Legislature and how it has successfully lobbied for financial protections while blocking seniors from getting home-based services they would prefer. Unfortunately, we often see legislators with financial interests fight for a bill or kill a bill that impacts their bottom line or is in their best interest financially, Muhl said. But is it in the best interest of taxpayers and families? This year, Mills, chairman of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, also presided over meetings where two controversial bills opposed by the nursing home industry were heard and debated. As chair, Mills didnt have to vote, but he did weigh in on the debates and asked questions. One of the bills would have expanded home health services, and presumably drawn business away from nursing homes, by shifting elderly Medicaid enrollees into managed-care plans. That bill was rejected. The other bill would require nursing homes to allow residents to keep surveillance cameras in their rooms so their families can keep an eye on them. It has since been signed into law. Mills said in an interview that when he first joined the Legislature in 2007, amid the push for ethics reform, he was more cautious about conflicts. In 2011, for instance, because the pharmacy and nursing home he partially owns provides care to Medicaid patients, he recused himself from a far-reaching bill that sought to redirect money from the state tobacco settlement to pay for scholarships instead of a fund where it was used for health care. But Mills said he hews much more closely to the letter of the law now, openly using his business expertise to inform his decision-making in the Legislature. He noted that he has voted against the wishes of the nursing home lobby before, including this year when he voted for a nursing home camera bill that the industry opposed. I struggled with it at first, but then I realized that all of us represent some sort of business interest, he said. ProPublica is teaming up with The Advocate to explore conflicts of interest in the Louisiana Legislature this year. What should we investigate? Email rallen@theadvocate.com. HONG KONG, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novoheart (Novoheart or the Company) (TSXV:NVH) (FWB:3NH), a global stem cell biotechnology company, is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Novoheart Limited, has been awarded a non-dilutional government grant of C$400,000 from the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of Hong Kong. The grant has been awarded to Novoheart to further enhance the drug screening capabilities of its proprietary human ventricular cardiac tissue strip, as part of its unique MyHeartTM Platform of bioengineered human heart tissues. Novohearts human ventricular cardiac tissue strip is a powerful tool for assessing human heart contractility outside of the body. The ITC award will support the development of the next generation of cardiac tissue strip assays, with enhanced efficiency, accuracy and sensitivity in screening drugs for toxic or beneficial effects on the hearts pumping strength, thereby helping drug developers to select candidates most likely to succeed in clinical trials. Including this latest grant, Novoheart has received close to C$2.2 million R&D funding from the ITC. Our team is delighted by the continuing support that ITC has provided, says Novoheart CSO, Dr. Kevin Costa. The upgrades to our platform will further strengthen our technical capability to facilitate successful drug development and heighten our commercial competitiveness. About Novoheart: Novoheart is a global stem cell biotechnology company pioneering an array of next-generation human heart tissue prototypes. It is the first company in the world to have engineered miniature living human heart pumps that can revolutionize drug discovery, helping to save time and money for developing new therapeutics. Also known as 'human heart-in-a-jar', Novohearts bio-artificial human heart constructs are created using state-of-the-art and proprietary stem cell and bioengineering approaches and are utilized by drug developers for accurate preclinical testing as to the effectiveness and safety of new drugs, maximizing the successes in drug discovery whilst minimizing costs and harm caused to patients. For further information, please contact: Ronald Li, CEO info@novoheart.com Babak Pedram, Investor Relations Virtus Advisory Group Tel: 416-995-8651 bpedram@virtusadvisory.com For media enquiries or interviews, please contact: Josh Stanbury, Media Relations Tel. 416-628-7441 media@novoheart.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation; statements about the Companys future plans, its goals and expectations, and the potential applications of its MyHeartTM platform are forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the risks identified in the management discussion and analysis section of Novoheart Holdings Inc.s interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the respective companies undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. Louisiana lawmakers are heading into yet another special session, but as the dust settled from a chaotic end to the most recent one, several questions remain. Gov. John Bel Edwards has not yet formally issued a call for a special session, though he has confirmed he intends to before the new budget year begins July 1. "It will be a short, concentrated special session," Edwards said early Tuesday morning, without providing many details. "It will be called in a way that it will end several days before the next fiscal year. Obviously, I am going to do everything I can to work, so we can continue the momentum." By law, he's required to give seven days notice, so another session cannot begin before next week. Can't see video below? Click here. Until Edwards makes the official proclamation, which he is expected to do in the coming days after meeting with legislators, the exact scope of the session also remains unknown. Special sessions cost taxpayers about $60,000 a day. The next one will be the seventh since Edwards took office in January 2016 all to address structural issues in the state's budget. Louisiana currently faces about a $650 million fiscal cliff when more than $1 billion in temporary tax measures expire June 30. Lawmakers have repeatedly tried, and rejected, attempts to plug part of that hole with a partial extension of a sales tax hike that would otherwise expire. Without any major revenue-raising measures, a budget approved Monday in the final 30 minutes of the most recent special session would require deep cuts to higher education, public safety and other state services. Health care, which has been among Edwards' priorities, would be protected from cuts in the current budget. But the popular Taylor Opportunity Program for Students scholarships would be slashed by 30 percent and college and university campuses would be cut by nearly 25 percent. Funding for the state's inmate housing program, human services, efforts to implement the "Raise the Age" initiative juvenile justice initiative, salaries for district attorneys and victims rights coordinators, and more also would face deep cuts. "We have to do better, because this is not going to be the budget that carries us into next year," Edwards said of the budget that the Legislature passed in the special session. "It is unworthy of the people of Louisiana." Edwards vetoed a similar budget that was passed during the regular session, calling it "catastrophic" to state services. It's unclear whether he will veto the latest version as well. This HB1 that passed Monday requires that additional revenue be distributed on a "pro rata" basis, meaning that legislators may not be able to plug in funding only for pet priorities, like TOPS, without addressing other cuts if HB1 remains in place. +2 House GOP Caucus on next special session: 'Our commitment to the taxpayers will not waver' Just hours after the second special session of the year ended, the Louisiana House Republican Caucus has vowed that it "will not waver" as the 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 Officials were still examining Tuesday the across-the-board nature of how any leftover cuts would be addressed. The Legislature agreed in the most recent session to tap some smaller pots of revenue, including the continued suspension of an income tax break, which could generate about $34 million next year, and redirecting about $53 million from the Louisiana's settlement from the 2010 BP oil spill. But even that remains in question, as state officials review several factors that could lower the amount available to plug in the holes. "It's just hard to know," Patrick Goldsmith, director of the House Fiscal Division, said. "There are a lot of moving parts." Senate President John Alario, R-Westwego, said he remains hopeful that the Legislature will agree to pay for the state's priorities, including fully-funding TOPS and higher education. "I'd like to see us come to some agreement about how much revenue we can raise," he said Tuesday. He said he hopes that the break from the State Capitol will give lawmakers a chance to think about what matters most to the state. "I'm hoping cooler minds will prevail," he said. Just hours after the second special session of the year ended, the Louisiana House Republican Caucus released a defiant statement. "Since the first day of this legislative session and throughout the special session, the Louisiana House Republican Delegation has been crystal clear in its opposition to growing the size of government," the GOP Caucus leaders said. "We will enter into the upcoming special session laser-focused on reducing state spending and meeting the critical needs of the state. Our commitment to the taxpayers will not waver." House Republican leaders had backed extending one-third of the expiring sales tax and temporarily suspend some sales tax breaks, which would mean that the state's sales tax rate would go from 5 percent to 4.33 percent on July 1 to raise about $370 million toward the fiscal cliff. The Senate, with support from Edwards, advanced a proposal to keep one-half of the expiring tax hike, setting the new state sales tax rate at 4.5 percent and generate more than $500 million. Louisiana House member will donate pay for next special session, says all legislators should do so State Rep. Malinda White said Tuesday she wont accept pay when the Democrat returns from Bogalusa to Baton Rouge for the next special session. Both proposals ultimately were rejected in the House in the final moments of the special session, while the Senate had agreed to multiple avenues. For taxpayers, the difference between the two competing proposals would be about 17 cents on a $100 purchase. Alario suggested that perhaps a compromise could be brokered ahead of the next session between the one-third and one-half proposals, say at a .45 percent extension, rather than .33 percent or .5 percent. But he noted that there was more support for the half-penny than the one-third proposal. The House voted 63-41 in favor of half, and 38-66 in favor of one-third. "That's some indication that the House would like to see the budget fully funded," Alario said. State Sen. John Milkovich, D-Shreveport, prepares Wednesday, May 16, 2018, to present his legislation that would restrict abortions to 15 weeks after conception. Gov. John Bel Edwards told a news conference in the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 5, 2018, that he would call another special session after the Louisiana Legislature adjourned without approving any major revenue-raising measures. In today's politically divided nation, it's good to see that Republicans and Democrats can still respond to what many ordinary consumers see a Former Vice President Joe Biden came to New Orleans to talk about his new book, not his future. Technically, anyway. Members of the large, affectionate crowd that paid good money to hear journalist Cokie Roberts interview him at the Saenger Theatre Tuesday night lapped up Bidens reminiscences from his long public life, his adventures as former President Barack Obama's most-trusted surrogate and the deep friendship the two men came to share. They listened intently as he talked of the death from cancer of his oldest son Beau, whose plea that his father would be all right inspired the books title, Promise Me, Dad. And of course, they smiled at his regular-guy one-liners. After decades in Washington, Biden, 75, still talks like the scrappy kid from Scranton, which is clearly a big part of his appeal. When he told Roberts he never wanted to be vice president, she suggested that was because he wanted to be president. Well, yeah, he conceded, but I got shellacked by Barack. Obama gave Biden, a former chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, broad foreign policy authority, and he traveled some 1.3 million miles while in the office. In what came off as an indirect rebuke to President Donald Trump, Biden talked of meeting with Vladimir Putin and sussing out his negotiating style and agenda. The former vice president was more direct in discussing Trumps attempt to get North Korea to denuclearize. He said he hopes for the best but is deeply concerned that Trump conducts foreign policy the way he would negotiate to buy a plot of land, treats allies like subcontractors, has turned the State Department into a hollow institution and doesnt formulate clear strategic objectives. The idea that you can negotiate on the back of an envelope is really frightening, he said. Having served in the Senate for nearly four decades, Biden was also a valuable emissary to a Capitol Hill culture that Obama, a one-termer who apparently referred to himself as a drive-by senator, never really got. Why do they need so much attention? he said Obama would ask. +2 Gambit: Joe Biden's New Orleans appearance has hints of 2020 presidential run Joe Biden told a friendly New Orleans crowd Tuesday that he hasnt ruled out a presidential run in 2020, saying that he would need to make a But it was when Roberts put all that aside, noted that she had to keep her journalist credentials intact and tried to break news that at least some members of the crowd got what they came for. What about 2020, she asked? Biden offered up a definite maybe, but that was enough to elicit cheers and cries of we need you! He explained how hed planned to run in 2016 before Beaus illness, not to beat Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders but because I thought I was best prepared to finish the job we had started. He recounted how Beau had urged him to run, because he thought it would give the family purpose. He said, Dad, Bidens do best under pressure," Joe Biden said. He said he thinks the issues facing the country now are sort of in my wheelhouse, and said he plans to decide one way or the other by the end of the year. And he vowed that, even if hes not a candidate, hell be around. Whoever the Democrats choose to take on Trump, he said, Ill break my neck to elect them. La Provence, the landmark French restaurant in Lacombe, has closed after nearly half a century in business. The restaurant had its last regular service in April. In messages to customers, management then explained it was undergoing repairs. On Wednesday, however, chef and co-owner Eric Hunter confirmed that La Provence is permanently closed. Unfortunately, we just couldnt get the business to make it work, he said. The chef and his wife, Jennifer Pittman Hunter, bought La Provence just over a year ago from chef John Besh, who had in turn taken it over from its founder, the late chef Chris Kerageorgiou. The Hunters continue to run the farm that surrounds the restaurant. Hunter said, however, that he plans to put that property up for sale soon. Set in a rural stretch of U.S. 190 between Mandeville and Slidell, La Provence has been an institution for fine dining on the north shore. It became one of the regions most respected restaurants and inspired road trips from New Orleans and elsewhere for dinner under its roof. A fireplace glowed warmly on winter nights, and little pots of chicken liver pate with buttery toasts always started a meal, set on the table like bread and butter. The restaurant was the personal creation of Kerageorgiou, a chef from a Greek family who grew up near Marseilles in France. In 1972, he took over what had been a small hotel and cafe on a rural highway. Eventually, he turned it into an evocative homage to the culinary traditions of his homeland, with the ambiance of a French country inn. People would go across the lake from New Orleans in droves just to eat there, said Gene Bourg, who covered La Provence during his years as restaurant critic for The Times-Picayune. It had a warmth, and the food was just like what youd get in France. Besh, who grew up nearby in Slidell, worked at La Provence early in his own career. He bought the restaurant from his mentor in 2007 as Kerageorgiou faced declining health. The older chef died a short while later at age 79. In the years that followed, the grounds around the restaurant sprouted more farm beds and livestock pens, producing staples for the La Provence kitchen and creating a showcase for farm-to-table food. In May 2017, Besh sold the restaurant to the Hunters, describing the transition at the time as passing the torch to the next generation. 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 The Hunters had previously run a restaurant in the Fort Worth, Texas, area and relocated to Lacombe to take on La Provence. It marked a homecoming for Eric Hunter, who spent much of his youth in Mandeville. The couple took up residence in an apartment within the restaurant and began slowly making it their own. Associations with its past owners, however, proved resilient, Hunter said. Last fall, Besh was accused of sexual harassment. While he was by then no longer involved in the Lacombe restaurant, Hunter believes the scandal still hurt his business. And although the restaurant's menu had been evolving for years, Hunter believes some of its regulars were still pining for the restaurant they remembered from Kerageorgiou's days. We fell in love with the restaurant, and we assumed everyone loved it for what it was and could be, he said. But I think people are still so attached to what chef Chris did here, they dont want to see any change. With the restaurants closing, all of its employees were laid off, Hunter confirmed. Its a bad situation. We had to let people go who had worked here for decades, he said. Hunter is still selling eggs from the farm and jams, sauces and pate from the La Provence kitchen at the Covington Farmers Market. He also has started a mobile barbecue business, B Hunters Backdoor BBQ, which sells plate lunches at the Bayou Adventure swamp tour operation in Lacombe. Ian McNulty: To measure Ella Brennan's impact on New Orleans, you'll have to stick around a while Its one thing to say that a place has culture. Its another to witness how the people of that place share a culture, how they use it, how it Domenica has a new chef, and she's no stranger to this high-profile Italian restaurant Can a new start also trace a full circle? Ask Rita Bernhardt. Uptown po-boy shop marks its farewell quietly and well dressed, while new plans emerge Magazine Po-Boy & Sandwich Shop had a timeless feel, something held between the terrazzo floor and the hand-painted menu board of po-boys French Quarter oyster bar Felixs is heading to the lake, buys waterfront eatery One of the famous restaurant names of the French Quarter will soon have a new perch on the New Orleans lakefront. New Orleans' cuisine holds up across the nation, and apparently outside of it. The city's food offerings was given star treatment on two top 10 lists put out by Trip Advisor, including an appearance on a list of the best food cities in the world. New Orleans came in at No. 5 on the list, beating out the only other U.S. offering, New York City, by one spot. 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 The list, which was built using a TripAdvisor algorithm that takes into account booking and traveler reviews -- among other data -- also detailed each city's top food experience. New Orleans' was listed as a food walking tour of the French Quarter. Rome earned the list's top spot, followed by Florence, Paris and Barcelona, respectively. New Orleans also earned top honors in TripAdvisor's ranking of the top "foodie vacations" in America. TripAdvisor's review: "Walk through New Orleans and youll catch whiffs of the culinary scene long before you see it. Follow your nose to New Orleans classics like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets, or stroll through the French Quarter on a food walking tour to learn the surprising history behind top eats like po boys and muffulettas. A mix of high-end restaurants that put luxury twists on Big Easy dishes and unexpectedly amazing hole-in-the-wall eateries leave you satisfied after every meal, making New Orleans one of the best foodie vacations you can take." New York City again was ranked just behind New Orleans, followed by Miami, Savannah and San Francisco. A home in the Treme neighborhood is at the center of controversy for being listed as a short-term rental on Airbnb despite being built using grants for affordable housing in New Orleans. New Orleans hits 'pause' on short-term rental licenses: A look at impacts, what's next The New Orleans City Council decided Thursday to hit pause on the growing prevalence of short-term rentals in the city, imposing a moratoriu An investigative report from The Lens revealed a home at 1601 Dumaine Street was originally one of the historic homes former Mayor Mitch Landrieu approved of preserving and moving from the site of where the new Veterans Administration hospital would be built in 2010. While the house was moved, The Lens' report says the home sat for 30 months while its owner, Providence Community Housing, struggled to come up with money to renovate it. Eventually, it was torn down despite the owners never getting permission from the city do so. The owners then received $120,000 in HOME funds to build the current three-bedroom, two-bathroom shoutgun-style home that sits on the corner of Dumaine and North Robertson streets. The house was then sold in 2015 as a low-income home, part of the HOME program's requirements, for $180,000 before landing back on the market in 2018. In May, the home sold for $290,000. Days after the sale, The Lens reports the home's new owner, Ben Harwood, applied for a short-term rental licence, allowing the home to be rented for up to 90 days a year. It's being marketed as a "Charming Creole Victorian," encouraging renters to "live like a local" accompanied by a photo of a group of men eating crawfish at a picnic table in the home's side yard. The listing is fetching between $399 to $900 a night, depending on the time of the year. Is that why the community fought so hard to save those houses, and why the city earmarked funds to make it an affordable homeownership opportunity? Breonne DeDecker, of the Jane Place Neighborhood Sustainability Initiative, asked to the Lens. The city needs to ask itself if the best outcome for a historic house that was saved from the VA Hospital footprint is to be a tourist party pad on the weekend, owned by a real-estate investor who has 14 total short term rentals in the 7th Ward and Treme. Read The Lens' full story, including comments from the home's owner, Ben Harwood, here. Dublin, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Defibrillator Market Global Forecast, by Product, by End Users, by Regions and Companies" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global Defibrillator Market is anticipated to exceed US$ 14 Billion, experiencing a significant growth over the forecast period A defibrillator is known as an electronic device which delivers a therapeutic dose of electrical energy to re-establish a normal heart rhythm. Global Defibrillator market is expected to witness substantial growth due to the High incidences of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) & cardiovascular diseases and rapidly growing geriatric population with an elevated risk of targeted diseases demand the industry over the forecast period. By End Users - Hospital Defibrillator and Public Access Market have Bright Future: It is believed that in near future; Hospital Defibrillator Market will certainly rule the Defibrillator Market. The report provides a detailed competitive landscaping Market for Hospitals, Pre-Hospitals, Public Access Market, Alternate Care Market and Home Healthcare. By Region - North America and Europe will drive the Defibrillator Market: North America and Europe tend to have the considerable market in the Defibrillator Market. In addition; the report also provides the complete geographical analysis of Latin America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East/Africa Defibrillator Market. Companies Analysis: Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Philips Healthcare, St. Jude Medical, Nihon Kohden Corporation and ZOLL Medical Corporation (acquired by Asahi Kasei Corporation) are some of the top companies operating in the global Defibrillator; which has been studied thoroughly in the report. Global Defibrillator Market By Product Covered in the Report: Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: Transvenous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (T-ICDs) Single-chamber ICDs Dual-chamber ICDs Biventricular ICDs/Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Defibrillators (CRT-Ds) Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (S-ICDs) Automated External Defibrillators Advanced Life Support Defibrillators Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillators Global Defibrillator Market By End Users Covered in the Report: Hospitals Pre-Hospitals Public Access Market Alternate Care Market Home Healthcare Regional Market Covered in the Report: North America Latin America Europe Asia-Pacific Middle East/Africa (MEA) Key Companies Covered in the Report: Medtronic Boston Scientific Philips Healthcare St. Jude Medical LLC Nihon Kohden Corporation ZOLL Medical Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Global Defibrillator Market 3. Market Share - Global Defibrillator (2011 - 2024) 4. By Product - Global Defibrillator Market (2011 - 2024) 5. By End User - Global Defibrillator Market (2011 - 2024) 6. By Region - Global Defibrillator Market (2011 - 2024) 7. Company Analysis 8. Growth Drivers 9. Key Challenges For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/hp2tbz/global?w=12 Internal investigators found evidence to support a raft of workplace harassment allegations against a New Orleans Police Department lieutenant who was removed as the commander of homicide detectives last year, officials have confirmed. Lt. Jimmie Turner faces a possible suspension, demotion or even dismissal, depending on whether Police Superintendent Michael Harrison deems his behavior to have been egregious, according to the departments disciplinary policy. The investigation began in December when homicide Sgt. Peter Hansche, who is white, filed a complaint accusing Turner, who is black, of a pattern of unwelcome touching of subordinates and of racially and sexually charged comments directed toward detectives. Investigators with the NOPDs Public Integrity Bureau found evidence of six violations of the agencys policy prohibiting inappropriate conduct and another two violations of the policy against discrimination, department spokeswoman Ambria Washington said in a statement. The fact that investigators decided to classify the allegations as "sustained" suggests they found witnesses to corroborate the claims. Typically, internal investigations reject administrative charges in similar cases when they involve only one persons word against another's. On Tuesday, Turners attorney, Frank DeSalvo, denied any wrongdoing by his client and said he was caught on the wrong end of a clique. This is not going to be a normal case. This is going to be a war, said DeSalvo, who didnt elaborate. The findings of the internal investigation into Turner's conduct aren't the final word on the matter. Harrison will ultimately determine whether Turner committed any violations and what discipline he may face. DeSalvo and Turner will have the opportunity to defend the lieutenant at a series of meetings in coming weeks. He can also appeal any discipline he eventually receives to the citys Civil Service Commission and later to the state 4th Circuit Court of Appeal, a process that could take years. Hansches complaint capped off a difficult year for the homicide unit. A steady drumbeat of killings overwhelmed the homicide section with new cases during the first half of 2017, causing the units rate of "clearing" cases to plummet further after declines in previous years. The groups performance improved as the pace of killings eased in the second half of the year. But, meanwhile, a feud between Turner and District Attorney Leon Cannizzaros office boiled over into public view. One top prosecutor wrote to Harrison that Turner was wrecking cooperation and collaboration between the two agencies. Some rank-and-file investigators complained to the media that the homicide units morale was low and its leadership was lacking. Harrison initially left Turner in place. But the complaint from Hansche, who is also a board member at the Police Association of New Orleans, led to Turner's ouster from the unit. He was initially transferred to the 7th District, which covers New Orleans East, but was then moved to the 2nd District, encompassing Uptown. Turner has been a member of the NOPD since 1991, according to an agency yearbook. His duties leading the homicide unit at first fell to his boss, NOPD Criminal Investigations Division Cmdr. Doug Eckert. But, in March, Lt. Ryan Lubrano took over leadership of the homicide unit after previously overseeing street-gang activity investigators and helping command 7th District officers. The Hansche complaint is not the first time DeSalvo has defended Turner from allegations of misconduct. In 1993, Turner and another policeman were jailed on allegations that Turner raped a woman they both had arrested, but prosecutors ultimately declined to pursue charges. DeSalvo at the time said the charges against his clients were dropped because tests failed to back up claims that the woman had been raped or had even engaged in sexual activity. Prosecutors didn't comment on DeSalvo's statements. More details were revealed Tuesday about allegations of sexual abuse by 26-year-old Kenner gymnastics teacher Jonathan West, including numerous accounts of sexual interactions with six young boys over the last two years. Some of those alleged interactions included masturbating in front of the victims, showing pornography to a 10-year-old boy and asking for a photo of a 13-year-old boys genitals through an Instagram message. Much of the abuse took place during car rides West offered the boys as he took them to Flipnastics gym in Luling, where he taught four of them gymnastics. West was arrested Thursday by the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office on 10 counts of sexual battery and two counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile after one of the boys came forward with accusations a day earlier. He was booked on two additional counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile on Tuesday. The new details of Wests alleged abuse emerged at a hearing Tuesday where his bail was set at $190,000 and he was ordered to stay away from the alleged victims, one of whom claimed that instances of abuse took place 20 times over a three-month period. Records show this is far from the first time West has faced allegations of sexual misconduct. West and another man were arrested in February 2011 and accused of aggravated rape after a woman said they assaulted her inside a car near Willow and Dante streets in Uptown New Orleans. At the time, West was 19. The case, which was investigated by New Orleans Police Detective Merrell Merricks, never led to an indictment, as the Orleans Parish District Attorneys Office chose not to prosecute West, citing a lack of evidence. 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 In 2016, Merricks was one of five NOPD officers reprimanded after an Inspector Generals Office report said they had failed to properly report or document numerous sexual assault cases. Wests case was not one of those mentioned in a follow-up NOPD Public Integrity Bureau report that documented cases the department's sex crimes unit had mishandled. However, West was back in custody one year later on another accusation of sexual abuse, this time in Kenner. He was accused of sexually abusing a 3-year-old boy, but once again, he did not face indictment because of what authorities said was a lack of evidence. In light of the new allegations, Kenner Police Department spokesman Lt. Brian McGregor said that case will be reviewed. On Monday, West faced yet another accusation, as a 10-year-old boy in Kenner came forward saying he had been sexually abused by West. The boy was also involved with West through gymnastics, according to McGregor, though he did not confirm whether he also attended Flipnastics for lessons. State records show the Luling facilitys owner is Rhea Dufrene, who declined to comment. West remains in custody at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center. Should he post bail, Magistrate Commissioner Paul Schneider said, he should be placed on house arrest. WWL-TV reporter Duke Carter contributed to this report. A man who worked briefly at the New Orleans charter school KIPP Believe College Prep has been accused of making sexual advances toward two 14-year-old girls enrolled there, according to court records. Brandon Bolds, 33, was jailed Tuesday on five counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile and one count of attempted sexual battery after the girls told forensic interviewers at the Childrens Advocacy Center that he had made sexual comments to them. Officials at the school, which includes grades 5 to 8, said Bolds began working as a data manager in January but left his position in early April when the allegations came up. It said it notified New Orleans police upon learning of the allegations. Bolds attorney, Jay Daniels, said his client is denying all of the allegations against him. Ive known Brandon since he was 12. Hes a good young man whos dedicated much of his life to serving his community, said Daniels, who added that Bolds was arrested without police giving him the chance to provide his version of events. Hes looking forward to a resolution in this matter, and were confident he will be vindicated in the end. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The warrant to arrest Bolds says one of the girls alleged that he would write out text messages specifying sexual acts he wanted to perform with her. He then would erase the messages after showing them to her. He also allegedly said he wanted to marry her and called her Mrs. Bolds. The other girl said Bolds told her that he wanted to have sex with her and tried to fondle her over her clothes before she pushed his hand away, among other claims. Criminal District Court Magistrate Commissioner Albert Thibodeaux set Bolds bail at $6,000. He was no longer in custody as of late Wednesday afternoon. Bolds could face years in prison if convicted of the counts on which he was booked. He is due back in court next month. Seven armed robberies, a simple robbery and a carjacking occurred in New Orleans between late Monday morning and early Tuesday morning, victimizing at least 18 people, according to New Orleans police. The rash of hold-ups comes on the heels of a weekend that saw roughly a dozen people victimized between Saturday and early Monday. The armed robberies beginning late Monday morning occurred at the following locations and times: 2400 block of Benefit St. (St. Roch neighborhood), 10:37 a.m. Monday; 31-year-old man robbed at gunpoint and had money stolen. 4900 block of Chef Menteur Hwy. (New Orleans East), 1:06 p.m. Monday; 33-year-old man robbed at gunpoint and had bookbag stolen. 1900 block of Agriculture St. (St. Roch/7th Ward), 2:21 p.m. Monday; 66-year-old man carjacked. 1200 block of Esplanade Ave. (Treme/Lafitte/7th Ward), 8:31 p.m. Monday; 26-year-old man had cellphone and credit card stolen by man and woman. 4600 block of Old Gentilly Rd. (Desire), 10:46 p.m. Monday; three women, ages 23-57, and a 39-year-old man robbed at gunpoint at Waffle House. Money from register and a victim's purse stolen. 3100 block of N. Villere St. (St. Claude), 12:01 a.m. Tuesday; five men, ages 33-36 and a 37-year-old woman robbed at gunpoint and had cash and gold Rolex watch stolen. 7300 block of Fieldston Rd. (New Orleans East), 4:25 a.m. Tuesday; two men, ages 21 and 31, robbed at gunpoint and had cash and wallets stolen. 700 block of N. Rampart St. (French Quarter), 4:48 a.m. Tuesday; 56-year-old man mugged and had wallet and cellphone stolen. Intersection of Manchester Street and Martin Dr. (New Orleans East), 4:52 a.m. Tuesday; 43-year-old woman robbed at gunpoint and had cigarettes stolen. 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 It was not immediately clear whether any of the hold-ups beginning Monday morning had resulted in arrests, though the police department had released surveillance camera photos of suspects in the Fieldston and Agriculture incidents. In other matters recently handled by local authorities: New Orleans police on Tuesday released more information about a shooting that occurred the previous day in a neighborhood near the old St. Bernard public housing complex. A 42-year-old man walking near the corner of Harrison and St. Bernard avenues about 4:50 p.m. was shot after an unknown car pulled up to him and someone in the vehicle fired a gun, police said. The victim had been shot multiple times and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. About 2:50 p.m. Monday in the 7000 block of Salem Drive in New Orleans East, a woman reported that she was raped by a man she knew, police said. A man wanted in connection with several burglaries in Jefferson Parish is also accused of trying to steal a cash register at gunpoint from a Wendy's restaurant in New Orleans' Carrollton area on Friday night, police said. Andre Addison, 55, was linked to the attempted hold-up in the 3100 block of South Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans police said. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office has previously said the 6-foot-1, 200-pound Addison is suspected of several break-ins there, including in the city of Harahan. He allegedly drives a Chevrolet Impala with a Tennessee license plate reading 3J01N9. Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111. St. John the Baptist Parish sheriff's investigators on Monday arrested a second suspect in a May 20 shooting death in LaPlace. Sade Cherrell Lee, 31, of Reserve, faces counts of obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact to second-degree murder following the slaying of Corey Anderson, 25. Anderson was shot dead in the the 1300 block of Yorktowne Drive. Investigators had previously booked DeQuan Donnell Brown, 23, of Reserve, with second-degree murder in the case. if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi... A new report from The Reunion Project on HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day (#HLTSAD) calls for a national coalition of survivors of HIV to advance the needs of survivors in four key areas: research, programs, community building, and advocacy. The Reunion Project, a grassroots initiative started in 2015, honors the history and future of survivors of HIV. With the advent of effective combination antiretroviral therapy, more people living with HIV are surviving and thriving than ever before. In fact the majority of people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. today are over 50 years old, and in two years it is estimated that 70% will be over age 50. For the first time, The Reunion Project held the National Roundtable Forum, a community-led, diverse coalition of advocates who are survivors of HIV from across the U.S. in March 30-31, 2018 at the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences in Rancho Mirage, California. Over the course of one-and-a-half days more than 50 advocates convened to develop a national HIV survivorship advocacy agenda. The main objective of the Roundtable Forum was to come to a consensus regarding a coalition of survivorship, and to begin a process to build a sustainable and powerful movement. The report states that, "The needs and priorities of survivors of HIV are many and varied, but there is strength in diversity and in coming together to share our stories. Woven through these heroic stories of survival is a common thread of pain, trauma, healing, and overcoming challenges and obstacles while working toward a common goal. A strong coalition of survivors with a single voice and clear message is desperately needed to advance the needs of survivors, as we continue to battle the long-term effects of medications, isolation, post-traumatic stress disorder, stigma, aging, and co-morbidities, to name a few." The Reunion Project National Steering Committee includes Chris Bartlett, Philadelphia; Jeff Berry, Chicago; Gregg Cassin, San Francisco; Waheedah Shabazz- El, Philadelphia; Matt Sharp, Berkeley, CA; Louis Spraggins, Chicago; and Jeff Taylor, Palm Springs, CA. The Reunion Project National Roundtable was made possible by support from Gilead Sciences, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck, Walgreens, TPAN, and Eisenhower Health, and was hosted by HIV + Aging Research Project-PS (HARP-PS). For more information and to download the report, go to www.tpan.com/reunion-project. [Note from TheBody: This press release was originally published by The Reunion Project on June 5, 2018. We have cross-posted it with their permission.] ProVen VCT plc Net Asset Value 6 June 2018 The Board of ProVen VCT plc (the "Company") is pleased to announce that Richemont Holdings UK, a subsidiary of the Swiss luxury group Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA, has agreed to acquire 100% of the share capital of portfolio company Watchfinder, subject to legal and regulatory approval. Based on the expected completion proceeds, less a discount to reflect the risk of non-completion, the unaudited net asset value of the Company at 6 June 2018 is 110.0p per share. This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014. Beringea LLP Company Secretary Telephone 0207 845 7820 - End Father Cesar cheats on his wife and hits a downward slide into booze. Mother Adriana looks away until she can no longer afford to do so, responding to her personal and familial trauma with strength and dignity. Son Enrique is gay, out and proud, and on PrEP. Daughter Christina learns to keep moving forward after a bad relationship. Grandmother Esther is shy about meeting the handsome stranger showing up at bingo. Her best friend Dora plays matchmaker -- as well as STI counselor. So, which one of them is vulnerable to HIV? That's one of the many questions raised by the bilingual telenovela webseries Sin Verguenza ("without shame"). New relationships. Old relationships. Relationships in flux. Sex, love, money, companionship. Babies. All based on real people living with HIV, and their loved ones. Or sometimes, their oppressors. Sin Verguenza is based on real people and their stories, woven together in composite form, as seen at Los Angeles AltaMed clinics by the show's creators, Natalie Sanchez, M.P.H., Clinic Administrator of the health organization's HIV department, and Hilda Sandoval, Ph.D., a licensed family and marriage therapist, who serves as Mental Health Manager. AltaMed produces the show. The two providers, with a fair share of working on outreach campaigns, said they wanted to create something beyond the typical educational effort that so often loses its audience by failing to hold people's attention. With decades of dedication to HIV prevention and care between them, they decided to focus in particular on stemming the stigma driving the epidemic. They wanted something that told the stories of people living with HIV and others affected, and hit on the telenovela as a dramatic device well known to their largely Latino clientele. For those not familiar with a telenovela, it's like a Spanish-language soap opera, but with even greater melodrama and over-the-top acting (if you can imagine that). Sin Verguenza eschews these devices while maintaining fast-paced drama and suspense, along with warmth and humor. The series has grown since its 2012 debut, addressing such topics as the HIV prevention pill (Truvada for PrEP) and transphobia, in addition to continuing to support HIV testing, treatment, and disclosure. Although the Salazar family remains the series' focus, universal themes emerge: earning a living, dealing with family secrets, overcoming life's obstacles. "We know from having been in this for so long that just because you teach people information doesn't mean that it resonates or makes it available to them," said Natalie Sanchez, who holds a master's in public health. "We wanted something familiar to the audience, and also to approach it from a storytelling perspective. So we needed something that was familiar and relatable." "Being Latinos, we grew up with telenovelas and being able to connect with the characters on the screen," said Dr. Sandoval. "We found that this was a great tool to have folks engaged. Material that's heavy on education could lose community members quickly, so what we were able to do with this telenovela is really speak to the common themes that I continue to hear in the clinical setting, and that Natalie heard in the scope of the care that we were providing to all of our patients. We saw that the family was a fundamental part of the patients that we serve. And so we used that as the basis for the Salazar family, and then we allowed it to seek its own evolution and really start telling the story of multiple individuals at any given moment who can in fact be at risk for becoming HIV infected." Natalie Sanchez said they most wanted to address shame and stigma around HIV because of the void in addressing it. The two producers see the effect on prevention as people avoid testing, and then struggle with having unknowingly infected a partner, and on health care, as people struggled to be adherent to their antiviral medications. Access to care may be less of a problem than a readiness to deal with vulnerability to HIV or to come face to face with a diagnosis, she said. Questions and answers on potential risk of neural tube defects in infants born to women who were taking dolutegravir (DTG) at the time of conception. 1. What Are the New Findings? A preliminary analysis of an independent observational study in Botswana has identified a potential safety issue with dolutegravir (DTG) -- a commonly used antiretroviral (ARV) drug for HIV. The preliminary findings identified 4 cases of neural tube defects out of 426 women who became pregnant while taking DTG. This rate of 0.9% compares to a rate of 0.05% seen among women treated with EFV-based ARV and 0.09% among HIV- negative women. These findings are statistically significant. However, given that this is an interim analysis of an observational study from only a single country, these findings will need to be followed with a complete analysis as well as other studies. The manufacturer, regulatory authorities and WHO are taking this potential risk seriously. WHO is working with all stakeholders to gather information about women who have become pregnant while taking DTG worldwide to determine if this risk is confirmed. 2. Given These Observations, What Is WHO's Advice? Until we have more evidence, WHO advises that: Women who are already taking DTG should not stop their ARV therapy and should speak with their health provider for additional guidance. (Note: The same observational study found no neural tube defects among women who had started DTG after conception.) Women who plan to get pregnant (or who are not using consistent contraception) should avoid the use of DTG. ARV therapy for women and adolescents of childbearing age, including those who are pregnant, should be based on drugs for which adequate efficacy and safety data are available; an efavirenz (EFV)-based regimen is a safe and effective first-line regimen. If other first-line ARVs cannot be used in women and adolescents of childbearing age, for example due to drug resistance to EFV, DTG may be considered in cases where consistent contraception can be assured. Women who take DTG should be fully informed about the potential risk of NTDs so that they can make the decision with their health care provider. Programmes should continue strengthening pharmacovigilance including monitoring of birth outcomes. 3. What Are the Benefits of DTG for Treatment of HIV? Dolutegravir (DTG) has established efficacy, tolerability and a high genetic barrier to resistance. It is an effective first- and possibly second-line HIV treatment. It is now available as a fixed dose combination of tenofovir (TDF) + lamivudine (3TC) + dolutegravir (DTG), known as TLD. 4. What Is a Neural Tube Defect? The neural tube is the foundation of the spinal cord, brain and the bone and tissues that surround it. Neural tube defects occur when the neural tube fails to completely form; this formation takes place between 0 and 28 days after conception, i.e. before most women have received confirmation that they are pregnant. Neural tube defects may be related to folate deficiency, other medications or family history. WHO recommends that women take daily supplements of folic acid before conception and during pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects, but it is It is not clear whether taking folic acid while taking DTG will reduce the risk of neural tube defects. 5. When Does WHO Issue Safety Statements and Why Was A Statement Issued in This Case? WHO issues alerts about quality and safety of products when it receives reports of suspected substandard and falsified products, when there are new important safety signals or when products are withdrawn from the market. These alerts are generally issued after collaboration and consultation with regulatory authorities as appropriate. All the alerts are listed on this page: Full List of WHO Medical Product Alerts In this case, the alert was issued because of the potential safety signal and public health importance of the information. The manufacturer also will be sending out a "dear doctor" letter to alert doctors worldwide about the matter. 6. Have Similar Observations Been Made in Other Countries? Current post-market reporting systems have not identified the same signal of potential risk of neural tube defect in other countries. The strength of the Botswana study was that the team established a prospective surveillance system with trained health care workers in the maternity services. It is possible that the absence of such observations in other countries could be due to smaller numbers (as fewer pregnancies have occurred among women taking DTG than other ARVs), cases not being reported, or because the safety signal seen in Botswana is a chance finding. 7. When Are We Going to Have More Information on the Potential Risk? The ongoing observational study shared preliminary findings of 4 cases of NTD out of 426 births from women taking DTG prior to pregnancy. There are approximately 600 more pregnant women who started DTG prior to conception who are being followed in a well-established surveillance programme. WHO has also been working with many stakeholders worldwide to follow all pregnant women with DTG exposure prior to pregnancy. We believe we will know within the next 9-12 months if this observation is confirmed or if it is a chance finding. It may take longer to be absolutely certain, given the low rate of occurrence of neural tube defects in the background population. 8. When Will the New WHO Guidance Be Published? WHO convened an expert guideline development group meeting on 16-18 May 2018 to review all available data on the efficacy and safety data of ARVs, including the recent findings on DTG, and will release updated guidance on the role of DTG in first- and second-line HIV treatment in July 2018. 9. Should Countries Change Their Policies Now? Or Wait for More Information? WHO advises national HIV programme managers to become familiar with all the information being shared about this signal of potential risk. They should inform their stakeholders and share the same information in an effort to be as transparent as possible. Many countries have started to transition to DTG-based regimens and will have to review their policies based on this new information. Though each country may decide on its own approach, the most conservative approach would be to avoid using DTG in women of childbearing age. 10. What Are PEPFAR and Other Partners Views on the New Finding? PEPFAR is a major funder of antiretroviral therapy in many countries and a key player in the rollout of DTG-based ARV. It has been actively promoting the transition to TLD (the fixed dose combination of tenofovir + lamivudine + dolutegravir). At this time, PEPFAR encourages countries to continue with their transition to DTG through the implementation of its 2018 Country Operational Plans. PEPFAR has agreed with WHO that HIV-infected women who desire to become pregnant should take EFV-based regimens as a safe and effective first-line regimen, until further data become available. WHO country staff should continue to closely monitor the situation with in-country UNAIDS, PEPFAR, CDC, USAID, Global Fund and implementing partner colleagues to support discussions around policies. UNAIDS also supports the advice in this Q&A document. 11. How Will This Affect Procurement for Both DTG- and EFV-Based Regimens? Large donors and the Global ARV Procurement Working Group (APWG) have already begun to discuss these new findings to address potential shifts in procurements to meet the needs of all low- and middle-income countries. Currently there is enough stock and availability for both DTG-based and EFV-based first-line treatments. More work will be needed over the next weeks to understand each countrys drug stocks and procurement plans for these medications. Since many countries have already started to transition to greater use of DTG, the situation in each country with regard to procurement and stock will need to be taken into account before decisions are made. [Note from TheBody: This article was originally published by World Health Organization on May 23, 2018. We have cross-posted it with their permission.] WALTHAM, Mass., June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Winslow Technology Group, a leading provider of IT Solutions and Consulting Services announced today that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Winslow Technology Group to its 2018 Solution Provider 500 list. The Solution Provider 500 is CRNs annual ranking of the largest technology integrators, solution providers and IT consultants in North America by revenue. The Solution Provider 500 is CRNs predominant channel partner award list, serving as the industry standard for recognition of the most successful solution provider companies in the channel since 1995. The complete list will be published on CRN.com, making it readily available to vendors seeking out top solution providers to partner with. CRN has also released its 2018 Solution Provider 500: Newcomers list, recognizing 26 companies making their debut in the Solution Provider 500 ranking this year. "We are proud to be recognized by CRN as one of the Top Solution Providers in the IT Industry. This award is possible because of the ongoing support of our loyal customers, our hard working and customer focused team, and the great partners that we represent in the marketplace, said Winslow Technology Group President Scott Winslow. CRNs Solution Provider 500 list spotlights the North American IT channel partner organizations that have earned the highest revenue over the past year, providing a valuable resource to vendors looking for top solution providers to partner with, said Bob Skelley, CEO of The Channel Company. The companies on this years list represent an incredible, combined revenue of $320 billion, a sum that attests to their success in staying ahead of rapidly changing market demands. We extend our sincerest congratulations to each of these top-performing solution providers and look forward to their future pursuits and successes. The complete 2018 Solution Provider 500 list will be available online at www.crn.com/sp500 and a sample from the list will be featured in the June issue of CRN Magazine. About Winslow Technology Group Winslow Technology Group, LLC (WTG) is a leading provider of IT Solutions and Consulting Services dedicated to providing better IT solutions for our customers. The company has been named to Inc. Magazines Fastest Growing Private Companies, CRN Fast Growth, BBJs Fastest Growing Private Companies, and a four-time Dell Partner of the Year. WTG enables our clients to innovate and transform their businesses by realizing the benefits of hyper-converged, software-defined, and hybrid cloud infrastructure frameworks. We provide expertise in the areas of server, storage, networking, security, virtualization, hyper-convergence, and data protection technologies. WTG serves the IT needs of clients ranging from medium sized organizations to Fortune 100 companies that operate in a variety of industries including finance, healthcare, education, manufacturing, technology, legal, and more. We deliver proven solutions that are easy-to-use, feature rich, and affordable. Our core principles are to select the right technology partner, provide unparalleled technical expertise, deliver exceptional service, and demonstrate an unyielding commitment to customer satisfaction. www.winslowtg.com About the Channel Company The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelco.com Lori Wilkins Winslow Technology Group Senior Marketing Manager lori@winslowtg.com NEWPORT BEACH, CA, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DPW Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: DPW) ("DPW" or the "Company"), a diversified holding company, announced today that Milton Todd Ault, III, the CEO and Chairman of DPW Holdings, Inc. will be presenting as well as meeting with investors at the 8th Annual LD Micro Invitational conference today at 11:30 A.M.(PDT). The Company encourages all shareholders, investors and all parties interested in the Company to participate and read the corporate presentation which provides a new overview of the Company, new financial guidance for the Company for 2018 and the next 10 years and discusses the Companys perspective and strategies for growth. Internet access to the conference call and presentation materials will be available by using this link, http://wsw.com/webcast/ldmicro14/dpw/, or the link on the Companys website at www.DPWHoldings.com, by selecting Investor Relations and then Upcoming and Past Events. A webcast replay will be accessible contingent on the conference host after the webcast on the Companys website at www.DPWHoldings.com. The Company encourages all shareholders, investors and interested parties to review the Form 8-K it has filed with the SEC today disclosing its participation at this event and the corporate presentation to be distributed to attendees. ABOUT DPW HOLDINGS, INC. Headquartered in Newport Beach, CA, DPW Holdings, Inc. (www.DPWHoldings.com), is a diversified holding company with a growth strategy of acquiring undervalued assets, disruptive technologies, sustainable solutions, and exciting ventures for incubation and development to their full potential for long-term growth and investor returns. DPW, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Coolisys Technologies, Inc., is dedicated to providing world-class technology-based solutions for critical applications and lifesaving services, in which innovation is the main driver. Coolisys serves the defense, aerospace, naval, homeland security, medical, telecom, datacom, and industrial markets. Its growth strategy targets core markets that are characterized by high barriers to entry and that require specialized products and services that are not likely to be commoditized. Through its portfolio companies, Coolisys develops and manufactures cutting-edge switching power products and power solutions utilizing its customized digital power management and resonant topology to achieve the highest efficiency and highest density power converters and inverters; specialized complex airborne high-frequency, radio frequency (RF), and microwave detector-log video amplifiers (DLVA); very high-frequency filters; and naval power conversion and distribution equipment. Coolisys provides its technology and services through its three primary groups: the Power Solutions Group (PSG); the Defense and Aerospace Solutions Group (DSG); and the Advanced Service Industries (ASI) Group. Coolisys manages five divisions, including Digital Power Corporation, www.DigiPwr.com, a leading provider of power electronics technology based in Northern California; Digital Power Limited dba Gresham Power Ltd., www.GreshamPower.com, a designer and manufacturer of power distribution systems primarily for Naval use based in Salisbury, UK; Microphase Corporation, www.MicroPhase.com , a designer and manufacturer of microwave electronics technology based in Shelton, CT; Power-Plus Technical Distributors, www.Power-Plus.com, a value-added distributor based in Sonora, CA; and Enertec Systems, a developer and manufacturer of specialized advanced electronic systems for the defense and aerospace sectors based in Karmiel, Israel. Digital Power Lending, LLC, www.DigitalPowerLending.com, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is based in Fremont, CA, and is a California private lending company operating under Financial Lenders License ##60DBO-77905 dedicated to strategically providing capital to small and middle size businesses for an equity interest in addition to loan fees and interest. Super Crypto Mining, Inc. www.SuperCryptoMining.com is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is based in Fremont CA that leverages its engineering expertise and existing locations to create crypto currency mining facilities across the globe. Super Crypto Mining, Inc. operates the branded division, Super Crypto Power, www.SuperCryptoPower.com. Excelo, LLC, www.Excelo.com, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is a national search firm specializing in fulfilling strategic executive, professional and hi-tech placements for businesses delivering world-class services. DPW Holdings, Inc.s headquarters is located at 201 Shipyard Way, Suite E, CA 92663; www.DPWHoldings.com. For Investor inquiries: IR@DPWHoldings.com or 1-888-753-2235. Forward-Looking Statements The foregoing 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, including statements regarding the acquisition and the ability to consummate the acquisition. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as believes, plans, anticipates, projects, estimates, expects, intends, strategy, future, opportunity, may, will, should, could, potential, or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Companys business and financial results are included in the Companys filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Companys Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Companys website at www.DPWHoldings.com. ### LAKE FOREST, Calif., June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- InMode Aesthetic Solutions, the leader in cutting edge aesthetic medicine and technology solutions introduces EmbraceRF, a new facial contouring technique that address a treatment gap in current modalities offered to patients. EmbraceRF targets the neck and face through a powerful combination of InModes proprietary technologies: FaceTite and Morpheus8. Not only does EmbraceRFs new protocol allow plastic surgeons to treat patients that are in the treatment gap category (i.e. not having bad enough skin for a facelift and not good enough skin elasticity for liposuction); but most importantly, introduces a whole new solution to the space. The concept of subdermal adipose-remodeling of the face. What is adipose-remodeling? The EmbraceRF FaceTite procedure generates heat to mold the fat of the lower face in strategic positions in order to contour the jaw line and rejuvenate the neck. The combination of fat being left strategically behind to contour the lower face and neck is further augmented by InModes newly cleared FDA Subdermal Adipose Remodeling Device (SARD): the Morpheus8. The Morpheus8 is applied externally and is the first and only device to mold the fat subdermally in order to morph the aging facial features into a more youthful appearance. This new concept of facial rejuvenation is unique to EmbraceRF and can only be performed consistently and safely using the synergistic combination FaceTite and Morpheus8. By strategic fat remodeling of the face, a patient can retain the fullness necessary to maintain youthfulness and at the same time tighten skin in the neck and jowl for an optimal result. The EmbraceRF now provides physicians and patients with the possibility to achieve impressive results in a 45 minute procedure under local anesthesia in the office. With only a down time of 48 hours, or a long weekend, patients can return to their daily activities in short time. EmbraceRF is one more breakthrough minimally invasive procedure in the tradition of InModes benchmark radio-frequency technology. This is a new, one-time procedure, with minimal downtime, and permanent results. Top physicians Dr. Bruce Katz, Dr. Spero Theodorou and Dr. Christopher Khorsandi will host a panel to unveil the new EmbraceRF procedure and share scientific advances and techniques at the 14th annual Vegas Cosmetic Surgery Conference. Physicians can visit InMode at booth #423 for more information. InMode has set the gold standard for the next generation of contouring devices with unparalleled efficiency resulting in higher revenue for physicians with less time spent in the operating room. As InMode continues to expand its reach across the United States and internationally, the company has developed a close network of world-renowned physicians who have adopted the new state-of-the-art aesthetic solution into their practices. About InMode: InModes technological advancements have become the new standard for aesthetic medicine, specifically in the radio-frequency aesthetic market. For more than three decades our R&D team was critical in developing state-of-the-art light, laser and radio-frequency devices, thereby launching and shaping the industry. Our technology continues that legacy in providing superior satisfaction for both the patient and the practice. Learn more about InMode technologies by visiting www.inmodemd.com. Press Contact: Nermene Fakhr / Behrman Communications nfakhr@behrmanpr.com / 212.986.7000 Contrary to media reports, KJ Apa has not fallen prey to a nude photo leak this week, says a representative. KJ was alleged to be the person in two images published online recently - one reportedly a close-up of a man's man bits. According to reports, one photo was taken from an Instagram private message and the other from Snapchat, with "baby, look what's waiting for you" written on it. However, a spokesperson for Apa told NZME the raunchy pics were "clearly photoshopped" and added that he was not a Snapchat user. The 20-year-old is New Zealand's most popular Instagram celebrity, with 5.4 million followers. Many among his huge online fanbase had earlier taken to social media to express just how thrilled with they were thinking the nude photos were actually him. French English MONTREAL, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mason Graphite Inc. (Mason Graphite or the Company) (TSX-V:LLG) (OTCQX:MGPHF) is pleased to announce that it has received the governmental authorization, via the issuance of Decree 608-2018 by the Quebec Government, for its Lac Gueret Graphite project. Under the Quebec Environment Quality Act, this governmental authorization is the main permit required prior to commencing construction activities for both the Lac Gueret and Baie-Comeau sites and it governs the other governmental permits required to proceed with the construction and operations of the project. Mason Graphite has recently raised a portion of its construction financing, which allows the Company to proceed with the first construction activities. The remaining of the financing is expected to be completed in due course with the Companys current financial partners and may take form of equity, debt and other non-dilutive alternatives. Ressources Quebec retains a Right of First Refusal on any type of financing. Benoit Gascon, President and CEO of Mason Graphite commented: The Certificate of Authorization is a milestone of the utmost importance for our project and I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has been involved in the process. The obtention of the Certificate of Authorization is another telling sign of its social acceptance by the local communities and the Innus of Pessamit. Right from the planning and design stage of the project, Mason Graphite has been constantly taking into account the concerns and expectations of the communities and stakeholders in order to maximize its social and economic benefits and minimize its environmental impact. The Lac Gueret project being located within a territory designated as the Manicouagan-Uapishka Biosphere Reserve, this approach was highlighted by an exemplary mention made by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO external review committee about Mason Graphites contribution to sustainable development. It is also evidenced by the strength of the ongoing collaboration Mason Graphite has with local organizations. The Company will continue to build on these partnerships to reach the highest sustainable development standards in the upcoming stages of the project. Qualified Persons consent Jean L'Heureux, Eng., M. Eng., Executive Vice-President, Process Development for Mason Graphite, and a Qualified Person, as defined by NI 43-101, was responsible for verifying the technical data herein and has read and approved this press release. About Mason Graphite and the Lac Gueret Project Mason Graphite is a Canadian mining and processing company focused on the development of its 100% owned Lac Gueret natural graphite deposit located in northeastern Quebec. The Company is led by a highly experienced team that has over five decades of experience in graphite production, sales, and research and development. For more information, visit www.masongraphite.com. Mason Graphite Inc. On Behalf of the Board Benoit Gascon, CPA, CA, President & Chief Executive Officer For more Information: Simon Marcotte, CFA, Director Corporate Development at +1 (647) 801-7273 and at info@masongraphite.com For more information relating to local communities: Luc Veilleux, CPA, CA, Executive Vice-President and CFO at +1 (514) 289-3582 and at info@masongraphite.com Head Office: 3030, boulevard Le Carrefour, bureau 600, Laval, Quebec, H7T 2P5 Cautionary Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Generally, such forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: (i) volatile stock price; (ii) the general global markets and economic conditions; (iii) the possibility of write-downs and impairments; (iv) the risk associated with exploration, development and operations of mineral deposits; (v) the risk associated with establishing title to mineral properties and assets; (vi) the risks associated with entering into joint ventures; (vii) fluctuations in commodity prices; (viii) the risks associated with uninsurable risks arising during the course of exploration, development and production; (ix) competition faced by the resulting issuer in securing experienced personnel and financing; (x) access to adequate infrastructure to support mining, processing, development and exploration activities; (xi) the risks associated with changes in the mining regulatory regime governing the resulting issuer; (xii) the risks associated with the various environmental regulations the resulting issuer is subject to; (xiii) risks related to regulatory and permitting delays; (xiv) risks related to potential conflicts of interest; (xv) the reliance on key personnel; (xvi) liquidity risks; (xvii) the risk of potential dilution through the issue of common shares; (xviii) the Company does not anticipate declaring dividends in the near term; (xix) the risk of litigation; and (xx) risk management. Forward-looking information is based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made, including but not limited to, continued exploration activities, no material adverse change in metal prices, exploration and development plans proceeding in accordance with plans and such plans achieving their stated expected outcomes, receipt of required regulatory approvals, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information has been provided for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's business, operations and exploration plans and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update such forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. 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. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Editorial Board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 6, 2018 08:01 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7c82cc 4 Editorial #Editorial,Indonesian-Military,TNI,terrorism,counterterrorism,Southeast-Asia,Islamic-State,ISIS,Terrorism-Law Free The fight against terrorism is complex and needs the support of all sections of society as well as assistance from friendly countries, both near and far. Having suffered numerous terror attacks, Indonesia has taken several steps, at home and regionally, to improve its capabilities to tackle the various threats from terrorism. Most recently, the House of Representatives passed the amended Terrorism Law, which gives the Indonesian Military (TNI) greater leeway in combating terrorism, albeit with the National Police still being the lead antiterrorist agency. Despite concerns expressed by human rights activists, those calling for the TNIs role to be expanded have cited police limitations and weaknesses in dealing with terrorism, ranging from arbitrary arrests and shootings to the recent takeover by inmates of a prison housing hundreds of suspected militants in Depok, south of Jakarta. However, the police have also scored notable successes in preventing terror attacks. At the regional level, Indonesia has also promoted and initiated the use of military assets to fight terrorism. The initiative was taken after Islamist militants, many of whom had returned from the Middle East after the defeat there of the Islamic State (IS) movement, attacked and held siege the town of Marawi in the southern Philippines. To prevent the movement of the militants from the southern Philippines to Malaysia and especially Indonesia, Defense Minister Ryamizad Ryacudu initiated a trilateral mechanism including air and maritime patrols of the three ASEAN nations. During the recent Shangri-La Dialogue on security in Singapore, Ryamizard announced that a border patrol would also be included in the trilateral mechanism. Training and exercises focusing on antiterrorist and urban guerilla warfare with special emphasis on countering enemy snipers will precede the land patrols. Another Indonesian proposal is the Our Eyes initiative, which includes Brunei Darussalam, Singapore and Thailand in addition to the aforementioned three countries. Regional partners, such as Australia, Japan and the United States, have also expressed their support for the initiative. The minister said more assistance was needed in acquiring the technology to track terrorists and to deploy an early-warning system, especially when they return home. Indonesia has also proposed a joint exercise between its special forces and those from friendly countries to exchange experience and best practices in dealing with terrorism. Another important form of international cooperation is in tracking and stopping the funding of various terror groups and their sympathizers, which cannot be done unilaterally. However, the real battle is within minds; as it is important to rectify the skewed mindset indoctrinated by terrorist ideologues into their recruits. A stronger sense of nationalism and better national character building are also important factors in defeating the evil of terrorism. Access to 4G services continues to spread across Indonesia, according to a study conducted by OpenSignal, a company that specializes in wireless coverage mapping. The study, conducted from Feb 1 to May 1, showed that four of five operators in Indonesia had improved their 4G availability, resulting in mobile phone users having better access to 4G connections. The company said in a report that the availability of 4G had improved compared with the previous report, which was compiled six months ago. During the study, OpenSignal examined a total of 11.7 billion measurements from 1,235,257 mobile devices. The study examined the 3G and 4G services offered by Indonesias five major operators, namely Hutchison's 3 (Tri Indonesia), Indosat Ooredoo, Smartfren, Telkomsel and XL Axiata. Read also: How 5G will juice up your phone and your fridge The study discovered that 3's 4G availability had jumped more than 4 percentage points to 83.66%, making it the operator with the biggest growth in the category. Meanwhile, Indonesias biggest operator Telkomsel did not show any improvement in LTE reach, as 4G availability was steady at just under 70 percent. Although Telkomsel did not improve its 4G availability, the operator managed to dominate other categories in the study, particularly download and upload speeds. Its average tested download speed of 12.9 Mbps was more than 20% faster than its nearest rival, said the company in the report. At the same time, Smartfren showed an improvement in 4G speed, with an average LTE download of 9.8 Mbps, allowing the operator to surpass XL and secure second place. In 4G download speed, Smartfren beat Telkomsel in our Surabaya tests, and the two operators drew for the 4G speed award in Sulawesi's largest city Makassar. Meanwhile in our 4G upload speed metric, XL and Telkomsel tied in first place in Makassar, the report stated. (jes/wng) Facebook users will be able to lip-sync live to their favorite tunes as the social media behemoth on Tuesday unveiled its first personalized features as part of licensing deals with music labels. Under the new lip-sync function, Facebook users will be able to select hit songs to share on their live streams. As the music plays, those tuning in will see their friends sing, dance or do whatever else the music inspires them to do. Users can also post descriptions of their lip-sync performances. The live feed will clearly state the song and the artist and give viewers a chance to click and follow the musician on Facebook. Dubbed Lip Sync Live, the feature looks set to be a competitor to Musical.ly, the popular karaoke-inspired app that originated in China. Facebook also said it would allow users to incorporate licensed music to accompany video posts, initially in select markets and eventually around the world. Read also: Facebook discloses it shared data with Chinese device makers Announcing the new music projects in a blog post, Facebook -- which also owns Instagram -- said that it planned more options in the future. "We're looking forward to continuing to work with the music industry to create new ways for people to connect and express themselves through music across our family of apps," a Facebook statement said. The new features come several months after the company sealed licensing agreements with the three major music label conglomerates. Despite reaching two billion people, Facebook historically has been relatively inactive on music as rivals such as Apple and Google invest heavily in the fast-growing streaming sector. While music including homemade videos is omnipresent on Facebook, the company regularly takes down embedded content that is copyrighted. The licensing agreements will help Facebook users include music more seamlessly. Jakarta-based BBX Coin is combining the trendy-yet-risky cryptocurrency investment with the oldie but goldie, well, gold. The product, called BBX Coin Gold, boasts of being the first in the world of cryptocurrency to allow users to have both virtual and real investment. A BBX Coin Gold token comes with five grams of fine gold. On its official website, BBX Coin sees the hybrid product as a step toward transforming the general perception of cryptocurrency from negative to positive. Despite having its believers, cryptocurrency is often met with skepticism and hesitation in Indonesia. Earlier this year, Bank Indonesia cautioned against transactions of digital tokens in the country, describing cryptocurrency as very risky and inherently speculative. Read also: Cryptocurrencies decided as future trading commodity Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology is considered a more secure and decentralized finance system, aiming to democratize finance away from governments and banks to the common people. However, the lack of physical backing makes cryptocurrency very risky and volatile -- as is the case with Bitcoin. Interested investors can own BBX Coin Gold by purchasing the digital-only BBX Coin at a higher price or redeeming 800 certificates from BBX Coin purchases for one BBX Coin Gold. Pre-ICO sale is until June 29 via its official website. BBX Coin will be listed on July 2 on rekeningku.com. BBX Coin promises returns, boasting that the product is profitable, secure and trustworthy. The company's CEO Ronald Kumalaputra has more than 16 years' experience in finance and owns several businesses in the IT, media and retail industries. (dev/kes) Highlights First-ever modern surface exploration results from the Monclova project, a composite intrusive complex flanked by several artisanal mining districts. A total of 311 channel samples were taken from outcrops and surface workings. Two key types of mineralization are present: Ag-Pb-Zn carbonate replacement (CRD) / skarn mineralization and Cu-Au skarn mineralization. Real Viejo (RV) is the key Ag-Pb-Zn target, returning strong and consistent geochemical results. Mineralization at RV is predominantly contained in breccia veins and mantos; the average grade of all breccia veins and mantos at RV, representing 69 samples, was 148 g/t Ag and 5.5% Zn+Pb (454 g/t AgEq or 7.5% ZnEq). Several Cu-Au skarn targets showed potential and warrant follow-up work, e.g. at the Soledad area, results from the ten best channel samples averaged 1.5 g/t Au and 1.5% Cu, with high values of 7.9 g/t Au and 6.9% Cu. TORONTO, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Discovery Metals Corp. (TSX-V:DSV) ("Discovery" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received assay results for 311 channel samples from its Monclova project (the Project) in Coahuila State, Mexico. Taj Singh, P.Eng, President and CEO stated, First assay results from our Monclova sampling program were outstanding and they illustrate the strong potential of several target areas on the Project. Real Viejo in particular shows impressive grades and continuity over a large prospective area. For the next two months we will continue to systematically explore and test Monclova through mapping, sampling and geophysics, and plan for drilling in Q3. About the Monclova project The Monclova project covers a large and highly prospective composite stock located 25km southwest of the city of Monclova in central Coahuila state, Mexico. The Monclova intrusive complex has numerous mineral prospects within and surrounding the 12km-sq composite intrusive stock. Local miners have historically mined Ag-Pb-Zn and Cu-Au-Fe which are hosted primarily in mantos, veins and skarns. Discovery is carrying out the first significant modern exploration program on the Project. For a location map of the Monclova project, please see References section below for link. Real Viejo The Real Viejo (RV) area, approximately 2km-sq in size, is located on the southern contact of the Monclova intrusive complex in an area of permeable, Lower Aurora Formation impure limestones, that form a series of mineralized, skarn-altered embayments. Past workings in several locations have exploited Ag-Pb-Zn mineralization. At RV, the southern contact of the intrusion is cut by a strong northeast-southwest-oriented series of Ag-Pb-Zn mineralized structures. Mineralization occurs primarily as very fine grains of sulphides (sphalerite, galena and possibly argentite) mixed with oxides of zinc (hydrozincite and smithsonite) and lead (cerrusite and plumbojarosite). Mineralization is located both at the intrusive-limestone contact and in limestone away from the contact, as breccia veins and mantos. The results from the 15 best channel samples from the RV area are shown below: Sample Width (m) Ag g/t Pb % Zn % Zn+Pb % ZnEq %* AgEq g/t* Minz. type 223659 1.2 240 1.4 11.4 12.8 16.3 987 breccia 223660 1.5 611 1.9 6.1 8.0 17.5 1056 breccia 223661 1.5 747 0.8 9.0 9.7 21.9 1321 breccia 223666 1.2 962 7.2 16.2 23.3 36.9 2229 breccia 223675 1.4 211 6.9 8.9 15.8 17.0 1027 breccia 223688 1.0 280 1.9 16.8 18.7 22.7 1371 breccia 223689 0.9 493 2.4 6.0 8.4 15.8 952 breccia 223690 0.7 363 1.6 8.6 10.3 15.8 951 breccia 223696 1.0 322 1.0 23.7 24.7 29.7 1795 breccia 223697 1.0 151 1.6 15.0 16.6 18.6 1121 breccia 223725 0.8 151 5.2 8.8 14.0 14.8 893 manto 223727 0.8 72 1.2 13.3 14.4 15.2 920 manto 223809 1.2 561 1.0 9.7 10.7 19.7 1190 breccia 223810 0.3 69 0.7 40.2 40.9 41.9 2532 manto 223812 0.4 276 3.4 6.2 9.6 13.1 790 manto Notes: all numbers are rounded; assays are uncut, undiluted; *ZnEq and AgEq are based on US$17/oz Ag, $1.50/lb Zn, $1.00/lb Pb and do not consider metallurgical recovery. RV showed consistently strong and high-grade mineralization across the target area. Of the total 110 channel samples taken at RV, 69 were from breccia vein and manto type mineralization. The average grade of all 69 samples of breccia veins and mantos at RV was 148 g/t Ag and 5.5% Zn+Pb (454 g/t AgEq or 7.5% ZnEq). For a complete set of sample data and maps, refer to the References section of this news release. Cu-Au skarn areas Several past-producing Cu-Au magnetite skarn workings were sampled in the current program. The areas sampled (with respective number of samples with results in parentheses) include: Soledad (98), Romulo (18), Marco (46), Teodulo (31), and Ponciano (8). Samples from the Romulo and Corrales areas are still pending. Mineralization on the Cu-Au skarn areas of the Project is located along the intrusive contact with bleached and recrystallized limestone. Copper occurs dominantly as copper carbonates and locally as chalcanthite and chalcopyrite, with magnetite, wollastonite, garnet, pyroxene and epidote. The Soledad area (Soledad) is located in the northeastern part of the Project. Small to large pits were developed for exploring and exploiting magnetite skarn formed at the northwest-trending contact of the intrusive and limestone. Results from the ten best channel samples, of 98 taken, averaged 1.5 g/t Au and 1.5% Cu. The highest value channel sample at Soledad returned 7.9 g/t Au and 6.9% Cu over 1.5m. The Romulo area (Romulo) is located in the east-central part of the Project. Open cuts were developed along an east-trending contact between limestone and the intrusion. Shallow underground workings exploited a north-trending structure that cuts the contact. The best five of 18 channel samples returned to date average 0.5 g/t Au and 0.7% Cu, with a high of 1.0 g/t Au and 1.5% Cu over 1.0m. Massive andradite garnet is abundant near the contact and within an 800m-long, east-west trending skarn body. Sample results for 45 samples from Romulo are still pending and are expected in the coming weeks. The Marco area lies in the southern part of the Project, immediately west of the RV area. Past workings exploited iron skarn, and the mineralization occurs at a structural intersection within limestones near the intrusive contact. The best channel sample at Marco graded 0.1 g/t Au and 0.7% Cu over 1.2m. For a complete set of sample data and maps, refer to the References section of this news release. In addition to the pending results from the Romulo area as noted above, results for 18 samples are also pending for the Corrales area, which lies east of RV. Findings and Interpretations Based on the work to date, the following key findings and interpretations are noted on the Project: The presence of multiple, high-grade mineralized areas, historic workings, and numerous prospects at surface demonstrate the strong mineral potential of the Monclova project; Two general types of mineralization are observed on the Project: (1) Cu-Au skarn developed primarily at the contact of intrusive rocks with limestone or along structural zones; (2) silica-rich polymetallic vein and replacement mineralization developed at the intrusive-limestone contact or in limestone; The highest priority target is RV, where robust Ag-Pb-Zn values are seen over a large prospective area that remains open in all directions and at depth. Mineralization at RV consists of silicified breccia veins and mantos. Geochemical results, coupled with mapping indicate a major zone of skarn-, manto- and breccia-hosted Ag-Pb-Zn mineralization at RV; and Several Cu-Au skarn targets exist on the property and warrant follow-up work, particularly the Romulo and Soledad areas. Discovery is in the process of obtaining detailed hyperspectral imagery for the Project. IP-resistivity and ground magnetic surveys are planned for Q2 with an initial drilling program planned for Q3. References For a full table of results, maps and graphics related to this news release, please refer to: https://www.dsvmetals.com/site/assets/files/5032/monclova_nr_-_final_appendix.pdf Technical Information Sample analysis and QA/QC Program: The chip channel samples presented herein were taken perpendicular to mineralization, with variable length (across width of mineralization, typically 0.5-2m) and a minimum channel thickness of 60mm and minimum channel depth of 30mm. The entire volume of each chip or channel sample was transported from site by ALS and prepared at the ALS lab facilities in Zacatecas and Chihuahua facilities, with splits of pulps shipped to the ALS lab in Vancouver, Canada for analysis. Samples were analyzed for: (1) gold, using a standard fire assay with a 30-gram pulp and Atomic Absorption (AA) finish for gold; and (2) Thirty-element inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Over-limit sample values were re-assayed for: (1) values of zinc > 10%, values of lead > 10%, and values of silver > 100 g/t; samples were re-assayed using the ME- OG62 (high-grade material ICP-AES) analytical package; (2) for values of zinc or lead greater than 30%, samples were re-assayed using the Zn-VOL50 or Pb-VOL50 (potentiometric titration) analytical methods, respectively; (3) for values of silver greater than 1,500 g/t, samples were re- assayed using the Ag-CON01 analytical method, a standard fire assay with 30g pulp and gravimetric finish. Certified standards and blanks were routinely inserted into all sample shipments to ensure integrity of the assay process. Qualified Person: Taj Singh, M.Eng, P.Eng, President and CEO, Discovery Metals Corp., is the Company's designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), and has reviewed and validated that the information contained in the release is accurate. ABOUT DISCOVERY METALS Discovery Metals is focused on discovering and advancing high grade polymetallic deposits in a recently assembled land package of approximately 300,000 hectares over a large and historic mining district in northern Coahuila State, Mexico. The portfolio of seven key properties, all with shallow high-grade Ag-Zn-Pb mineralization, is situated in a world class carbonate replacement belt that stretches from southeast Arizona to central Mexico. The land holdings contain numerous historical direct-ship ore workings with approximately 4km of underground development. No modern exploration or exploration drill testing has been carried out on the properties prior to Discovery Metals involvement. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Taj Singh Taj Singh, M.Eng, P.Eng, CPA President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director For further information contact: #701 - 55 University Ave Toronto, ON Canada, M5J 2H7 info@dsvmetals.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements within this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements include fluctuations in market prices, including metal prices, continued availability of capital and financing, delays in receipt of required permits, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable laws. The first Sulawesi bear cuscus to have been born in captivity is thriving at a zoo in Poland, but staff said they only realised the rare tiny marsupial had arrived when its mother's pouch began to move. "It must have been a couple of weeks, or even months, after it was born that we noticed something moving inside the female's pouch and then, a tail popped out!" Radoslaw Ratajszczak, director of the Wroclaw Zoo in south-eastern Poland, told AFP on Tuesday via telephone. "It's the first time the species has been born in captivity," he said of the animal whose survival is threatened by hunting and deforestation in its natural habitat on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The baby was most likely born the size of a "small bean" six months ago, according to Ratajszczak, who said the youngster is now much larger and often ventures out of mother's pouch. But zoo staff have not yet had the chance to have a really close look. "We haven't named it yet, because we don't know the sex yet," he said. Very little is known about the species, which is vaguely reminiscent of the Koala and lives in Sulawesi's dwindling forests where it has nearly been hunted to death by locals. Read also: Conservation project announced for Javan hawk-eagle - 'Vulnerable' - "We know next to nothing about this species, it's breeding habits or its numbers in the wild because it has never been studied in the wild," said the zoo director, who has spent time on the island, trying to discover more about the species. Also known as Ailurops ursinus, its Latin name, and the Sulawesi bear phalanger, the IUCN Red List of threatened species lists it as "vulnerable". The population is projected to decline by more than 30 percent over the next decade due to the high rate of deforestation and hunting. A biologist who has authored several books in Poland about rare species, says that the diurnal nature of the cuscus makes it an easy target for hunters. "They are leaf eaters, staying exposed on large branches during the day and locals seem to find them tasty," he said, adding that his zoo intends to sponsor field research on Sulawesi by a local scientist. There are six members of the species in Europe, according to Ratajszczak, including the three at the Wroclaw Zoo, another potential breeding pair at the Usti nad Labem Zoo in the Czech Republic and one at a zoo in Belgium. Scientists must speak the same language as the public if they are to spur action that will help the world recover from the worsening impacts of climate change, experts said on Wednesday. With hurricanes, floods and other impacts of climate change becoming increasingly destructive, scientists say countries urgently need to step up their ambitions to cut emissions to keep global warming within safe limits. But weather experts at the International Weather and Climate Forum in Paris said efforts to adapt to climate change would fall on deaf ears unless scientists did a better job of explaining climate issues. It can be hard to get the public to care about (the) climate, said Helga van Leur, a Dutch weather presenter and TV personality. They see it as complicated, distant, and just not at the top of their list of priorities. One way to remedy this is to make use of the huge reach and knowledge of TV weather presenters to make technical information easy to understand, said Jill Peeters, a Belgian weather presenter and meteorologist. Read also: Southeast Asia closes island beaches to recover from climate change and tourism Last year she set up Climate Without Borders, a network of over 140 weather presenters from 110 countries, who exchange information on a daily basis on a WhatsApp group about world weather and climate. Weather presenters arent just handsome and popular, they can have a voice on climate as the public trusts them, Peeters told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Through data and training, she aims to equip them with a backpack of tools so they can better communicate to the public about climate and weather issues. Clare Nullis, spokeswoman for the U.N.s World Meteorological Organization (WMO), said weather agencies should move from predicting what the weather will be to what (damage) it will do to help authorities prepare for disasters. In Puerto Rico, for example, the official death toll of Hurricane Maria was relatively limited, but it had a significant cascading effect people didnt have electricity, homes were destroyed. Weather scientists, the public and authorities that issue warnings like public health bodies should speak the same language ... or disasters will be more expensive and difficult to manage, she added. Samsung Electronics Indonesia has announced that it donated 3,000 solar-powered lanterns to East Kutai regency in East Kalimantan and East Flores regency in East Nusa Tenggara. Both regencies lack access to electricity, and on this years Earth Day (April 22), the company distributed 1,500 solar lanterns to each regency. The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry has set a target to achieve equal access to electricity across the country this year, and has made a number of efforts to provide electricity to Indonesias rural areas. In January 2017, Energy and Mineral Resources Deputy Minister Arcandra Tahar signed a ministerial decree aimed at expediting electricity development in 2,500 remote villages across the nation. In September, the government expanded its electrification program to 1,008 more villages. A total of 73,149 villages have received electricity under the initiative. In December, President Joko Jokowi Widodo said his government would electrify villages across Papua and West Papua provinces in 2018. The President said that currently, some 3,000 villages across the country had not received electricity, 2,000 of which were in Papua. Read also: Five must-visit spots in Maumere, East Nusa Tenggara Following the donation, East Flores Regent Antonius Gege Hajon said, It is just what we need. With these lanterns, children can study in the evening and women are able to finish their woven fabric orders faster. A boy studies beside a solar-powered lantern. (Samsung/-) The woven fabric of Solor Island in East Flores has become increasingly popular, with orders coming from abroad. It will also be used for official Asian Games merchandise products. Weaving is mostly done by women in the evening, as they work in the fields during the day, while the majority of men work as migrant workers. The solar-powered lanterns are easy to use. They dont need electricity nor complicated maintenance, said Kanghyun Lee, vice president of Samsung Electronics Indonesia. Meanwhile, East Kutai Regent H. Ismunandar said, There is electricity in our regency, but it is still the bare minimum. It is not uncommon to experience blackouts in the evening, said. The solar-powered lanterns were chosen as an environmentally friendly source of light. To emit 12 hours of light, the lanterns need to be exposed to 10 hours of direct sunlight. They have three lighting modes: bright, very bright and flashing. The lanterns are also portable, making them easy to carry during the night. (wng) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 6, 2018 08:35 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7ca20a 1 City water-privatization,judicial-review,coalition,finance-ministry Free A group opposed to the privatization of Jakartas piped water supply has submitted to the Central Jakarta District Court a counter-memorandum to the judicial review on the water privatization case filed by the Finance Ministry. The Coalition of Jakarta Residents Opposed to Water Privatization (KMMSAJ) has won a Supreme Court ruling instructing the Jakarta administration to put an end to the privatization and return the authority for water treatment and distribution to city-owned water company PT PAM Jaya. The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the civil society. Were very disappointed that the Finance Ministry still cannot accept it, the plaintiffs representative, Nurhidayah, said on Tuesday, as quoted by kompas.com. Through the judicial review, the Finance Ministry attempts to challenge the Supreme Courts decision. The coalitions counter-memorandum, meanwhile, contained 13 points aimed at strengthening the plaintiffs stance against the ministry, Nurhidayah said, adding that it pointed out the ministry had failed to present new arguments and kept holding on to a policy that was causing state losses On April 10 last year, the Supreme Court granted the cessation petition of KMSSAJ and decreed that PAM Jayas cooperation with PT Lyonnaise Jaya (Palyja) and PT Aetra Air Jakarta since 1997 was illegal, because it gave water treatment authority to private entities. The verdict states that the privatization had not improved the water supply to residents in terms of either quality, quantity or continuity. (vla) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 6, 2018 06:02 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7c4c5e 2 National Islamic-university,UIII,Jokowi,Lukman-Hakim-Saifuddin,international-education,Al-Azhar-University,Mohamad-Nasir,Religious-Affairs-Ministry,Depok,Islam-Nusantara Free President Joko Jokowi Widodo laid the first stone for the construction of a new state university that carries his administrations high ambition to make Indonesia the center of Islamic civilization in the world and to promote Indonesias Islam, which is plural, tolerant and open. The international university, Indonesia International Islamic University (UIII) in Depok, West Java, is to follow up Presidential Regulation No. 57/2016, which was signed by Jokowi two years ago. We hope UIII will really become the center of study and research on Islamic civilization in Indonesia, he said during the groundbreaking ceremony, according to a release from the presidential press bureau. As the most populous Muslim country, Jokowi said, it was appropriate that Indonesia became the global reference for progress in Islamic civilization in the world. This will be the place, he said. Jokowi said the university would have a futuristic design. The government had allocated Rp 700 billion (US$50.4 million) for the construction on 142 hectares of land. The university is expected to be completed in four years. However, Jokowi hoped that students could start using parts of the building next year. Several ministers and local officials attended the ceremony, including Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, Research, Technology and Higher Education Minister Mohamad Nasir, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung and West Java Governor Ahmad Heryawan. The university will have graduate and postgraduate programs, but no undergraduate courses. It will have seven departments: Islamic studies, social science and humanities, education science, Islamic economy, natural sciences and technology, as well as architecture and arts. Besides teaching facilities, it will have an Islamic arts and culture museum, which will act as a reserve for Islam Nusantara manuscripts, Minister Lukman said in his speech. Islam Nusantara is the concept of a Muslim-majority nation with moderate views and one that embraces religious tolerance. The university is expected to be of international quality, and talks about cooperating with the famous Al-Azhar University in Egypt have been ongoing. In April, Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister Puan Maharani visited Egypt and met with Al-Azhars grand imam, Ahmed Muhammad Ahmed el-Tayeb. The grand imam, Puan said, agreed to send lecturers to teach at UIII, to give UIII a competitive edge. Minister Lukman said on Tuesday that he was aware of questions about making a brand new university instead of improving the many existing Islamic universities. He said the government wanted UIII to focus not only on domestic needs but also on global demand in Islamic higher education. We want to cement Indonesias position as the leader in the international Islamic world, he went on. When the international community talks about Islamic civilization, he said, it talks about Islam in the Arab world, Persia or Turkey. Indonesia has always been off the radar. UIII is expected to change that situation and promote to the world Indonesias Islam, which is tolerant and plural, Lukman said. (evi) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Devina Heriyanto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 6, 2018 06:10 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7c6288 1 National bomb-hoax,airplane-security,aviation-security,bomb-joke,Lion-Air,Garuda,Batik-Air,surabaya-church-bombings,Riau-Police-attack,mako-brimob,#PostScript Free Please be careful, said a passenger to a flight attendant who was helping her to put her bag in the overhead locker. Im carrying a bomb there, she said. The passenger, identified as Henny Adiaksi, and her belongings were taken from the plane. A security check was performed, and an X-ray examination found no explosives, as reported by detik.com. She later admitted that it was only a joke. The incident happened on June 2 on a Garuda Indonesia airplane heading to Singapore from Jakarta. It was not an isolated case. In May alone, there were 10 airplane bomb jokes across Indonesia. The term itself has been rejected by the Indonesian Ombudsman. The situation could not be more serious following a string of terrorist incidents in May that rocked Indonesia, starting with the riot in a detention center in the National Polices Mobile Brigade headquarters in Depok, West Java, on May 8, suicide bombings by families in East Java on May 13 and May 14 and another such attack against the Riau Police headquarters on May 16. As long as we use the term joke, we will continue to treat it as such, Ombudsman member Alvin Lie told kompas.com on Friday. The institution has advised treating bomb jokes as actual terrorist threats. As stipulated in Article 437 of Law No. 1/2009 on national flight safety, anyone who makes a false statement that could endanger flight safety faces up to one year in prison. If the false statement causes losses or an accident, the violator could face up to eight years in prison. If the false statement causes a fatality, the violator could face up to 15 years in prison. The following are 10 cases that were reported in May: May 2: A passenger, identified only as FW, on a Lion Air aircraft due to take off from Jakarta bound for Belitung, warned there was a bomb on the aircraft. All passengers were ordered to leave the plane by the crew and the plane was searched. The flight was delayed for two hours, according to kompas.com. May 5: Another Lion Air passenger, identified only as ST, said that there was a bomb inside her bag as a flight attendant helped her put her bag in the overhead locker, as reported by Antara. The plane was at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, Makassar in South Sulawesi, heading to Juanda International Airport, Surabaya, East Java. ST was questioned by security staff of the Makassar office of airport operator PT Angkasa Pura I. May 12: A Lion Air passenger in Jakarta, identified only as ZN, reportedly uttered the word bomb to a flight attendant upon boarding flight JT 618 flight bound for Pangkalpinang, Bangka, as quoted by kompas.com. The flight was delayed, while all 148 passengers with their luggage had to be rechecked for security reasons. Lion Air offloaded ZN and four persons traveling with him, including 10 pieces of luggage, from the plane. ZN then faced multiple investigations by the airlines security staff, airport security and the police. May 16: A Lion Air passenger, identified only as DB, claimed to be a terrorist carrying a bomb in his bag while boarding a plane ready for takeoff at Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport, Pekanbaru, Riau, heading to Jakartas Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The flight was delayed for more than two hours for security examination. DB was detained by security staff, according to kompas.com. On the same day, two separate Batik Air flights faced bomb threats, according to kompas.com. On flight ID 6659, a passenger, identified only as ET, was forced to leave the plane after claiming to be to carrying a bomb. A ground-handling officer at Lombok International Airport repeatedly asked ET about his luggage, the shape of which appeared suspicious. On flight ID 6140 from Jakarta to Ternate, a passenger identified only as RA, was forced to leave the plane after muttering the word bomb in front of a flight attendant while boarding. An examination of the passengers and cargo found no explosives. May 18: A Lion Air passenger, identified only as EF, told cabin crew on flight JT 261 that he had brought a bomb onto the aircraft. EF was removed from the plane and questioned by airport security officials. May 23: Two Garuda Indonesia passengers were questioned by security officers at Banyuwangi Airport in East Java for joking that one of them was carrying a bomb inside his bag. The two were revealed to be members of Banyuwangi Legislative Council (DPRD), Basuki Rachmad from Hanura and Nauval Badri from Gerindra. Nauval had insisted that a lighter and perfume were explosives, as reported by kompas.com. May 27: Lion Air removed a passenger, identified only as YS, from a flight departing from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport bound for Kuala Lumpur International Airport after the passenger joked about the presence of a bomb on board. YS was later taken into police custody. The flight was scheduled to depart from Soekarno-Hatta at 11:40 a.m. but was forced to delay its departure until 2:15. p.m. May 28: Lion Air removed a passenger, identified only as FS, from a flight that was due to depart from Supadio International Airport, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, bound for Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. FS allegedly said there was a bomb in his luggage because he was angry that one of the attendants had treated the luggage roughly. Passengers opened an emergency door in panic and jumped from the planes wing, at least 10 people were injured in the incident. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam Wed, June 6, 2018 07:24 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7c7f5b 1 National sexual-abuse,Islamic-boarding-schools,Bintan Free The East Bintan Police in Riau Islands have arrested a 24-year-old ustaz (Islamic teacher), identified only as SH, for allegedly sexually abusing his students at a number of pesantren (Islamic boarding school) where he teaches. Two of the three students who fell victim to his alleged misconduct came forward and reported the teacher to the police. East Bintan Police chief Det. Second Insp. Anjar Pratama Putra said on Tuesday the investigation began following a report that the teacher was beaten up by angry residents on Friday. The police detained [SH] and launched an investigation, only to find out that he had sexual harassed his own students, Anjar told The Jakarta Post. The angry residents allegedly first learned about the teachers misconduct after a student told her mother about the abuse in May. It was reported that she admitted to having been raped by the teacher. Her mother was said to have later shared the revelation with neighbors. After we pursued the case, we found there were other victims from different pesantren, Anjar said. He teaches in different pesantren. He seduced his targets just like the way people seduce their romantic partner, he said. According to the preliminary physical examinations, the victims reportedly showed signs of sexual abuse. The teacher is expected to be charged under the Child Protection Law, potentially facing an extended maximum sentence given the number of victims. We expect this dossier will be finished soon and the trial may start after the Idul Fitri holiday, he said. (stu/swd) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 6, 2018 10:19 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7cdf16 1 City pak-ogah,traffic-attendant,West-Jakarta,arrest Free Kebon Jeruk Police in West Jakarta have arrested four unofficial traffic attendants, known locally as Pak Ogah, for allegedly charging illegal fees at the Permata Hijau intersection in West Jakarta. We arrested the suspects believed to be involved in criminality. They upset local residents because they threatened any passing motorists if they did not give them money, Kebon Jeruk Police chief Comr. Marbun said on Tuesday as reported by kompas.com. The suspects come from Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, and Kebon Jeruk. Marbun said the suspects were arrested during a police operation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday. Previously, the residents had reported the Pak Ogah to the police, he added. The term Pak Ogah refers to a character in the popular 1990s puppet show Si Unyil, in which Pak Ogah was an unemployed person who asked for small change from the people he met. We detained them and after we surveyed their data we brought them to Kedoya Social Shelter for rehabilitation, he said. Previously, the police arrested up to eight people who had been allegedly collecting illegal parking fees from drivers in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, for about one year. (ami) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ock Hyun-ju (The Korea Herald/Asia News Network) Seoul, South Korea Wed, June 6, 2018 09:21 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7ccb59 2 World #USA,#NorthKorea,#NorthKoreaNuclear,#summit,#denuclearization,#PeaceTalks,#trump,#Donald-Trump,#KimJongUn Free As North Korea and the US finalize preparations for their historic summit, expectations are rising that the June 12 meeting is on course, with the leaders of the two countries reaffirming their shared goal of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. But with only days to go before the meeting, analysts say there are issues remaining that could still derail the on-again, off-again summit or lead to the leaders walking away during their talks on June 12 in Singapore. The most significant challenge appears to be closing gaps on the timeline and process of North Koreas denuclearization before the summit. The biggest variable would be whether North Korea agrees to ship parts of its nuclear warheads, nuclear material and intercontinental ballistic missiles out of the country, and to allow unconditional, random inspections of the countrys nuclear facilities, said Shin Beom-chul, a senior researcher at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Five rounds of working-level talks between the US and North Korean delegations have been held at the border village of Panmunjeom since May 27. It was not confirmed whether the officials met again Tuesday. The two sides appear to agree that Pyongyang denuclearizes in return for a security guarantee from the US in a short period of time, possibly by 2020. But they seem to be at odds over what should be front-loaded in the denuclearization process at the working-level talks. Analysts say the US wants North Korea to agree to transfer some of its nuclear weapons and missiles out of the country within months. North Korea is thought to want the US to lift sanctions against it and begin taking steps to open diplomatic relations with the communist state. Another issue that could complicate the high-stakes diplomatic game could be China, Shin said. If China wants to play a role and join South Korea, North Korea and the US in declaring an end to the Korean War, it could arrange a meeting with North Korea before North Korea-US summit to pressure the isolated country to include China in the process, he said. In return, China could promise sanctions relief. Declaring an end to the Korean War is thought to be a precursor to ending hostilities and establishing a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula -- the first step to guaranteeing the North Korean regimes survival. China has signaled its growing unease at being sidelined in discussions over a declaration of the end to the Korean War through its state-run media. As China is one of the signatories of the armistice, its participation in formulating and signing a declaration to end the war is essential to ensure its legal and historical status, Chinas state-run English-language news outlet Global Times wrote in an editorial published Monday. Seouls presidential office has said that China could be left out of the process of declaring an end to the Korean War, but added its role is essential in signing a peace treaty with the North. China appears to be struggling to retain influence over issues concerning the Korean Peninsula -- key leverage over the US. North Koreas human rights situation could be another challenge in US-North Korea negotiations. With Trump expected to focus on getting a nuclear deal, concerns are lingering that North Koreas human rights will be overlooked at the summit. White House officials are reported to have said that the plight of the North Korean people, who live under one of the worlds most repressive governments, is not a priority at the summit. But Trump said Friday he probably would bring up human rights when he meets with the North Korean leader and maybe in great detail. As North Korea will react angrily if the US brings up the issue of North Koreas human rights, Trump will likely not raise the issue during the summit. Even if he does, I think that Trump would just lightly touch on it, said Kim Hyun-wook, a professor at National Korea Diplomatic Academy. I dont think it will be a major variable this time. But to give the level of protection North Korea wants -- such as sanctions relief, normalization of relations with the US and the signing of a peace treaty -- any deal coming out of the summit needs to be approved by the US Congress. Mindful of North Koreas security concerns, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo testified that he hopes any deal reached during the summit is sent to Congress to be approved as a treaty -- a formal and written agreement between sovereign states. Treaties must be approved by a two-thirds vote in the Senate before the President can ratify it. However, experts say prospects of the deal brokered at the Singapore summit getting approval from US Senate appear to be dim, unless the deal touches on North Koreas human rights -- which the reclusive regime considers a threat to its regime and authority. The biggest variable to watch out for is ... whether the US can guarantee the level of protection North Korea desires. Unless North Korea makes concessions significant enough to persuade the US Congress, it will be tricky for the US to promise a security guarantee North Korean wants, said Park Won-gon, a professor at Handong Global University. Senate Democrats on Monday released a letter to the Trump administration outlining the parameters of what they believe constitutes a satisfactory agreement. Their demands include dismantling and removing the Norths nuclear, chemical and biological programs, a suspension of ballistic tests, and robust inspections. Topics : This article appeared on The Korea Herald newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Maksum Nur Fauzan (The Jakarta Post) Solo, Central Java Wed, June 6 2018 Still and steady: A man sits solemnly during the removal of his tattoo. People are willing to do anything to return to the religious path, known as hijrah, in Islam. One way to improve ones piety is the removal of bodily tattoos to attain hijrah perfection. PHOENIX, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Uptick Newswire recently welcomed David Lifschultz, the CEO of Genoil Inc (OTCQB:GNOLF) (Genoil, the Company) back onto the Stock Day podcast. The interview covered multiple topics, including a 50 billion dollar project proposal to Saudi Aramco to upgrade and desulfurize their heavy oil to a better quality oil than WTI and Brent. The proposal covers a plan to convert 3.5 million barrels per day of oil, which is a larger quantity of oil coming from the ground than Exxon produces even after operating for 136 years. Genoil has presented to the Saudi Arabian crown prince, Mohammad bin Salman, an initial letter of intent from the Chinese Development Bank for 5 billion dollars that will cover the initial 500,000 barrels per day of the project. The crown princes interest in the project is connected to the Saudi Aramco I.P.O.; he is particularly interested in the fact that China will purchase the entire 3.5 million barrels per day of the offtake at an agreed upon price in relation to the spot. The offtake can be used to repay the entire 50 billion dollar loan to finance the project. These proposals are presently on the desk of Mohammad bin Salman for review. Genoil recently put out a press release detailing the companys move to Curacao. Corporations Canada has approved the move of Genoil to Curacao. This move will grant company shareholders in Canada the ability to trade stock in the United States. The opportunities here are two-fold; Curacao is the home of one of the largest oil service companies in the world, and the legal system in Curacao has been designed to allow oil service companies maximum flexibility. Genoil has also offered to Russia 50 billion dollars for oil development projects. Currently, the company is working on two projects in Russia, one in Yakutia and the other in Astrakan, for about 40 billion dollars in cost. The goal is to develop 3.5 million barrels per day of new oil production in Russia to be piped via pipeline to China. In addition, Genoil is working with Pemex in Mexico on potentially 1 million barrels per day of heavy oil to be converted into light oil. At the present time, Pemex uses light oil to blend with the heavy oil to make it saleable. In contrast, Genoil processes the heavy oil and converts it to light oil, rendering the use of an expensive diluent unnecessary. The company is currently operating on a royalty basis of 3 dollars per barrel for its upgrading service. Engineers from Pemex will be scheduled to travel to Russia for tests in the next 30 days. Lifschultz is confident about the direction in which the company is going, and believes that their current international projects will create tremendous value above the present stock price. In one fell stroke with this project, we would be producing more oil than Exxon. The value of the company in relation to projects this size is grotesquely undervalued, and gives the opportunity to your listeners to benefit from that low price. Since January, the company has seen an 11% increase in their stock price. The companys current market cap is almost $50 million fully diluted. Uptick Newswire agrees that the stock is extremely undervalued, trading at 5 cents per share. To listen to the full interview, please click the link below. In the audio, David Lifschultz goes into more depth about Genoils technology and other projects. https://upticknewswire.com/interview-ceo-david-lifschultz-of-genoil-inc-otcqb-gnolf-2/ About Genoil Inc. Genoil is a provider of world leading hydroconversion fixed bed technology for upstream and downstream oil and gas industry. The company is also working with a top Chinese policy bank and Chinese companies to provide, project financing, drilling, production, and processing services to the oil and gas industry. Through these partnerships and strong financial backing, Genoil is looking to supply the oil industry with a full range of products and services, from exploration through production, solutions for hydrocarbon development and recovery, upgrading and environmental protections services. About the Genoil Hydroconversion Upgrader The Genoil Hydroconversion Upgrader (GHU), is an advanced upgrading and desulfurization technology, which converts heavy or sour crude oil into much more valuable light low sulphur oil for a very low cost. The GHU achieves 96% pitch conversion and 95% desulfurization with an operating cost of up to 75% less than the competition. For Conoco Canada Ltd, Genoil converted their bitumen of 6-8.5 API and converted it to 24.5 API. We also removed 92% of the sulphur reducing the amount from 5.14 % to below 0.24%. These results were taken by Conoco Canada Ltd, who had them analysed by Core Laboratories, one of the largest service providers of core and fluid analysis in the petroleum industry. Contact David Lifschultz CEO, Genoil Inc. 212-688-8868 dklifschultz@genoil.com Safe Harbor Act This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ from expectations, estimates, and projections and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as expect, estimate, project, budget, forecast, anticipate, intend, plan, may, will, could, should, believes, predicts, potential, continue, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements, involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expected results. About Uptick Newswire and the Stock Day Podcast Uptick Newswire is a private company reaching out to the masses to keep investors and shareholders involved and up to date on company news, and bringing transparency to under-valued, undersold micro-cap stocks of the market, and is the sole producer of the Uptick Network Stock Day Podcast. The Uptick Network Stock Day Podcast is an extension of Uptick Newswire and has recently launched the Video Interview Studio located in Phoenix, Arizona. Investors Hangout is a proud sponsor of Stock Day, and Uptick Newswire encourages listeners to visit the companys message board at https://investorshangout.com/ Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang Wed, June 6, 2018 21:55 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7f4251 2 National Ahmad-Yani-International-Airport,new-terminal,Semarang,Central-Java Free Departing passengers and people picking up arrivals encountered confusion of the first day of operations at the new terminal at Ahmad Yani Airport, Semarang, on Wednesday, when they mistakenly went to the old terminal instead. "I just tried to pick up Kiko at the old airport. At the gate, I pushed the button for parking ticket, but it didnt work. Luckily there was an officer there who showed me showed the way here, Ali Imran said, who finally found his child waiting at the new terminal. A husband and wife, who were returning to Pontianak, West Kalimantan, after picking up their child from an Islamic boarding school in Magelang.. "There had been no announcement that there new terminal was now in use. We got lost at the old terminal, and had to rush here. We were lucky that we werent late for the flight. If we had been late, who would have been responsible? Jamal said. Otherwise, the relocation of operations from the old terminal to the new facility, carried out from midday Tuesday noon to early dawn on Wednesday, went methodically and smoothly. The construction of the new terminal, with a budget of Rp. 2.2 trillion began in 2014, and is part of an ongoing process to return the original land and structures to the Indonesian Military. The existing terminal was opened for public use in 1966, and its operations taken over in by state-owned PT Angkasa Pura in 1995. In 2004, the existing runaways were lengthened to accommodate international flights. As of Wednesday, the old terminal, which covered only 6,708 square meters, has returned to its original status of military installation. Have a pleasant trip: Passengers wait their aircraft at the boarding room of Ahmad Yani International Airport in Semarang, Central Java, on June 6. (JP/Suherdjoko) The new 58,652 square-meter terminal, which was built on a former swamp, is almost nine times larger and has been designed and landscaped in such as way as to retain the impression of floating above a marsh. The terminal features pools filled with water and aquatic plants. The facilities include waiting area seats, a lounge, cafes, toilets, check-in counters, an immigration point-of-entry counter, and baggage claim. The new terminal, the core element of the airport expansion that is expected to reach completion in November this year, is now open to accommodate the explosion of holiday traveler for Idul Fitri in mid June. The new terminal can accommodate 19,000 each day, a vast increase over 2,200 per day that could be handled at the old terminal. The runway has also been expanded once again from 2,560 meters to 3,000 meters. The apron of the new terminal is 61.334 square meters with a 72.552-square-metre taxiway that can accommodate thirteen narrow-body aircraft or a configuration of ten narrow-body aircraft and two wide-body aircraft. We have ensured that the Operasi Boyong relocation did not disturb operational activities at the former terminal because the focus of the move was at night, near closing time. The finish of the relocation marks the readiness for operations at the new terminal of Ahmad Yani Internasional Airport in Semarang, which will become an icon for Semarang and Central Java residents, Faik Fahmi, AP I director, said. Semarang residents Irfan Kurniawan and Ari Wibowo, who were using the new terminal to fly respectively to Surabaya and Padang on Wednesday, were impressed with the facilities. "It is clean, big, comfy. Im proud to be flying out to Surabaya on the first day of opening, Irfan said. Ari Wibowo commented that This airport is the second-grandest airport after Medan, which is owned by the province. Thats my opinion. There are several insufficiencies, such as lack of signs and others here. But I can understand that. This is the first day. Overall, the service is excellent. (stu) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Bambang Nurbianto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 6, 2018 12:15 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7d3463 4 Business bank-indonesia,capital-inflows,Seven-Day-Reverse-Repo-Rate,increase Free Bank Indonesia has recorded Rp 13 trillion (US$937.30 million) in capital inflow after having increased its seven-day reverse repo rate, indicating a return of market players confidence in the country's economy. Based on our monitoring since May 24, there had been capital inflow, particularly through the purchase of government debt papers. The inflow had reached Rp 13 trillion, Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo said while attending a hearing at the House of Representatives in Jakarta on Tuesday. Bank Indonesia increased its rate by 25 basis points (bps) on May 17 to 4.5 percent under the leadership of then-BI governor Agus Martowardojo. The policy was made to help the rupiah, the exchange rate of which persistently weakened to over Rp 14,000 against the US dollar following economic growth in the United States. Days after his inauguration as the central bank chief, Perry increased on May 30 the reference rate by another 25 bps when he saw that the first increase could not help the rupiah to avoid external pressure. Perry said that the capital inflow was supported by an auction of government debt papers by the Finance Ministry's Financial Risk Management Directorate General. He said that the inflow indicated that market players were gradually beginning to show confidence in the Indonesian economy amid global economic uncertainties. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Karen Freifeld (Reuters) Washington, United States Wed, June 6, 2018 16:47 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7e7510 2 Business #USA,#China,#Trade,#ZTE,#ban Free ZTE Corp has signed an agreement in principle that would lift a US Commerce Department ban on buying from US suppliers, allowing Chinas No. 2 telecommunications equipment maker to get back into business, according to sources familiar with the matter. ZTE ceased major operations since the seven-year ban was imposed on the company in April for breaking a 2017 agreement reached after it was caught illegally shipping goods to Iran and North Korea. A Commerce Department spokesman said on Tuesday that no definitive agreement has been signed by both parties. ZTE did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The preliminary deal includes a US$1 billion fine against ZTE plus $400 million in escrow to cover any future violations, sources said, adding that the terms were in line with Reuters reporting on the US demands on Friday. The sources requested anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter. The Commerce Department plans to amend its 2017 settlement agreement and count the $361 million ZTE paid as a part of that, allowing the United States to claim a total penalty of as much as $1.7 billion, the sources said. Over the weekend, ZTE signed the agreement drawn up by the United States, the sources said, but the amended settlement has not been signed. ZTEs survival has been a topic of discussion in high-level US-China trade talks. US President Donald Trump planned to meet with his trade advisers on Tuesday to discuss Chinas offer to import an extra $70 billion of American goods over a year as a way to defuse a potential trade war between the worlds two largest economies. Trump tweeted last month that he told Commerce officials to find a way for ZTE to resume operations, later suggesting penalties of a $1.3 billion fine and changes to its board and top management. As part of the deal, sources said, ZTE promised to replace its board and executive team in 30 days. It would also allow unfettered site visits to verify that US components are being used as claimed by the company, and post calculations of US parts in its products on a public website, they added. ZTE meets resistance in Congress ZTEs resuscitation with US help has met strong resistance in Congress, where both Democrats and Trumps fellow Republicans have accused him of bowing to pressure from Beijing to help a company that has been labeled a threat to US national security. By letting ZTE off the hook, the president who roared like a lion is governing like a lamb when it comes to China, US Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement in response to Reuters report of the preliminary agreement. Congress should move in a bipartisan fashion to block this deal right away. US companies provide an estimated 25 to 30 percent of components in ZTEs equipment, which includes smartphones and gear to build telecommunications networks. The ban was imposed after ZTE failed to comply with an agreement with the Commerce Department in 2017, when it pleaded guilty in federal court in Texas to conspiring to evade US embargoes by illegally shipping US goods and technology to Iran. Shenzhen-based ZTE has a subsidiary in Richardson, Texas. ZTE had agreed to dismiss four senior employees and discipline 35 others either by reducing their bonuses or reprimanding them, according to senior Commerce Department officials. But the company admitted that while it had fired the four senior employees, it had made false statements about the others, the officials said. Origins of US probe The US government launched an investigation into ZTE after Reuters reported in 2012 the company had signed contracts to ship hardware and software worth millions of dollars to Iran from some of the best-known US technology companies. The probe found that ZTE had conspired to evade US embargoes by buying US components, incorporating them into ZTE equipment and illegally shipping them to Iran. ZTE, which devised elaborate schemes to hide the illegal activity, agreed to plead guilty after the Commerce Department threatened to cut off its global supply chain. The company was allowed continued access to the US market under the 2017 agreement. As part of a new agreement, the sources said, ZTE will retain another compliance contractor in addition to the three-year court-appointed monitor imposed by the plea agreement. The sources said ZTE also agreed to allow US representatives to make site visits without coordinating with Chinese government officials, as required by a non-public agreement between the countries. Last year, ZTE paid over $2.3 billion to US suppliers, a senior ZTE official told Reuters last month. The suppliers include Qualcomm Inc, Broadcom Inc and Intel Corp, as well as smaller optical component makers Acacia Communications Inc and Oclaro Inc. Shares of Acacia and Oclaro extended their gains on Tuesday in heavy trading after news of the preliminary deal, ending up 1.7 percent and 1.8 percent, respectively. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 6, 2018 12:42 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7d3e88 1 Politics Criminal-Code,KPK,corruption,corruption-case,graft,house-of-representatives,YasonnaLaoly,Law-and-Human-Rights-Ministry Free Authorities of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will not be damaged by the government and House of Representatives' deliberations of the Criminal Code (KUHP), a minister has said. Through a statement received by The Jakarta Post, Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Hamonangan Laoly said on Wednesday that the KPK did not need to worry because corruption-related articles that had been included in the KUHP bill were not designed to extenuate the punishment for graft perpetrators. Laws that regulate corruption crimes are exempted from the Criminal Code; hence these laws are categorized as lex specialis [special laws]. It means articles [related to corruption investigations] in the 2001 Corruption Law will not be repealed, Yasonna said. As previously reported, the Houses KUHP bill working committee (Panja), along with the government, has decided to include some corruption-related articles in the bill. All this time, the KPK has been using the 2001 Corruption Law to conduct antigraft investigations. This decision has triggered KPK protests as the antigraft body considers it may hinder the progress of its work in solving corruption cases. Yasonna further said the KPK still had the authority to conduct investigations over graft cases as stipulated both in the existing Corruption Law and the KUHP bill. Articles for corruption crimes have also been included in a chapter on special crimes in the bill, he said. (dpk/ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 6 2018 The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested Purbalingga Regent Tasdi in a sting on Monday afternoon over his suspected involvement in a graft case related to construction projects in Purbalingga, Central Java. KPK spokesman Febri Diansyah said he was not able to provide detailed information on the projects. The money reportedly accepted was part of commitment fees that had been discussed before, he said, as quoted by tempo.co in Jakarta on Tuesday. In the regents arrest, the KPK seized money as evidence. Several rooms have been sealed, while a car was also seized for further investigation. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 6, 2018 13:54 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7d9890 1 City JIExpo-Kemayoran,Jakarta-fair,fire Free Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has assured citizens that the 2018 Jakarta Fair, held at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) in Kemayoran, part of which was hit by a fire on Tuesday night, is safe for visitors. I think it is safe already at JIExpo, Anies said on Wednesday as reported by kompas.com. The fire broke out at the Niaga Building, the media reported on Tuesday, quoting officials. PT JIExpo marketing director Ralph Scheunemann clarified on Wednesday that the area at the convention center that was hit by the fire was a construction site next to the Niaga Building. [The convention center building] is not the venue of the Jakarta Fair, he said. An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire. Anies said he had advised PT JIExpo, the complexs caretaker, to be more careful to prevent possible fires from breaking out at buildings in the complex. (ami) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Tim Kelly and Linda Sieg (Reuters) Tokyo Wed, June 6, 2018 13:14 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7d5a4f 2 World Japan,UnitedStates,North-Korea,Shinzo-Abe,Donald-Trump,kim-jong-un,security-ties,Trump-Kim-summit,denuclearization Free Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, seeking to draw on his close ties with United States President Donald Trump in talks on Thursday, will urge the US leader not to forget Tokyo's security concerns in his drive for a historic deal with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Abe has spoken to Trump 30 times since he became president, including eight face-to-face meetings, and officials say Washington is well-aware of Tokyo's stance towards Pyongyang. "Japan has repeatedly made clear that Japan is seeking complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all the weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges, and Japan's position has not yet changed," a foreign ministry official told reporters on condition of anonymity. "We think the US of course understands Japan's position." Still, concerns have simmered in Tokyo that Trump, his eye on November congressional elections, could cut a deal that would allow him to boast of protecting US cities from nuclear attack but leave Japan vulnerable to shorter range missiles. Japan also fears Trump could eventually agree to reduce US military forces in South Korea, leaving Japan as a frontline state against a Korean peninsula under heavy Chinese influence. That would mean "Japan's constitution, diplomatic policies and national security policies all will have to be totally reviewed for the completely new situation," Katsuyuki Kawai, a special advisor on foreign affairs to Abe, told Reuters. "It would be a nightmare for Japan and also for the United States," he said. Trump suggested on Friday that the most tangible outcome of the June 12 summit could be the signing of a document to end the technical state of hostilities - 65 years after the Korean conflict ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. Trump also said he wanted to drop the term "maximum pressure" that his administration -- and Japan -- had used to describe an approach that combined tough economic sanctions with diplomacy and military threats from the US president. The White House said on Monday that the US policy had not changed, while the Japanese foreign ministry official sidestepped the question of whether "maximum pressure" was still Japan's stance. "Japan's position is to expect the upcoming US-North Korea summit will be an opportunity to advance the issues of nuclear, missiles and - most importantly - abductees," the official said. Japan has made clear that it will not provide economic assistance for North Korea until all three issues are resolved, including the emotive matter of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents decades ago. Abe, who has made resolving the abductees issue a keystone of his political career, will also likely seek reassurance that Trump will keep that on his agenda with Kim Jong-un, after the president said he had not discussed human rights with North Korean envoy Kim Yong-chol at the White House last week. "I think what Mr. Abe expects is [that Trump] will at least raise this issue with Kim Jong-un when they meet," said Tetsuo Kotani, a senior fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs. Japan could seek its own summit with the North Korean leader, depending on the outcome of his meeting with Trump. Abe's close ties with Trump have so far done little to insulate Japan from Washington's "America First" stance on trade. Trump is pressing Tokyo for a bilateral free trade agreement while Japan insists multilateral deals work best. Japanese officials declined to speculate on whether trade would join North Korea on the agenda at Thursday's talks, but White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters that "trade issues and other matters" were expected to come up. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 6, 2018 09:19 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7cc72c 1 National Jokowi,Joko-Widodo,Babinsa,Babinsa-personnel,TNI,Polri,National-Police Free President Joko Jokowi Widodo announced on Tuesday the governments decision to increase the wages of the Indonesian Militarys (TNI) village supervisory non-commissioned officers (Babinsa) by up to 771 percent across the country. Starting from July, Babinsa personnel with the lowest income of Rp 310,000 (US$22.3) per month will reportedly get Rp 2.7 million per month, an increase of 771 percent. Meanwhile, personnel with the highest income of Rp 1.3 million will get their salaries increased to Rp 3.6 million per month, Jokowi said. I suppose all Babinsa personnel, especially those in remote areas, will be very happy upon hearing this announcement," Jokowi said during a breaking-of-the-fast gathering at the TNI headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Tuesday. The President said Babinsa personnel were stationed in remote areas across Indonesia where they were directly in touch with the local residents; therefore, they needed to get more allowance. We hope they [Babinsa] will show better and concrete performance, he added. During the event, President Jokowi also announced that the performance allowances for members of TNI and the National Police would be increased by 70 percent in July. Meanwhile, TNI commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto expected that the Babinsa personnel would improve their performance, including to intensify their activities to secure public order. These include ensuring that guests visiting a village for more than 24 hours file a report with the respective neighborhood unit (RT). (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 6, 2018 16:20 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7e5fb0 1 Politics 2018-regional-election,regional-elections,Law-and-Human-Rights-Ministry,YasonnaLaoly,elections,graft-convict,corruption Free Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly has asserted that the General Elections Commission's (KPU) plan to ban former graft convicts from running in legislative elections was both discriminatory and against the law. Yasonna acknowledged that the KPUs intentions were honorable in issuing the regulation, but it must be pursued through a mechanism that did not contradict prevailing laws. "Everyone agrees that candidates running for legislative positions should be honest and accountable people, but the law states that former [graft] convicts can run [in legislative elections] after serving their sentence and declaring their status publicly," Yasonna said on Wednesday. Law No. 7/2017 on general elections stipulates that former corruption convicts who have served a sentence for more than five years can participate in legislative elections as long as they publicly declare their status. Yasonna said the KPUs planned regulation was also discriminatory in nature because former terrorist convicts were not included in the list of people who did not qualify as candidates. Besides, he said, it also contradicted the Constitutional Courts ruling. The minister instead suggested that former convicts who ran in legislative elections must have their conviction status written beside their name and ballot number at polling stations. "It is better for the KPU to regulate technical details instead of curtailing [peoples] rights," Yasonna said. "The KPU does not have the authority to eliminate such rights." (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Berlin, Germany Wed, June 6, 2018 20:48 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7f19e8 2 World AngelaMerkel,trump,summit,G7 Free German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday she expected "contentious discussions" at a G7 summit this week, given differences with US President Donald Trump on trade, climate and security. Speaking two days before the Canada meeting of the club of major industrialised democracies, Merkel also said the leaders may not necessarily manage to agree on a final joint statement. "I think everyone knows there will be difficult discussions there, because G7 summits deal with the global economy, trade, climate protection, development- and foreign policy," she told German parliament. Trump's decisions to quit the Paris climate and Iran nuclear deals and impose sweeping steel and aluminium tariffs showed that "we have a serious problem with multilateral agreements, and that's why there will be contentious discussions", she said. Given the stark differences between the US and many of its partners, she argued that the meeting should not insist on hammering out a joint communique that would spell a "watering down" of previous joint commitments. Merkel vowed to enter the talks "in good faith" but stressed that there must be "no compromise for its own sake" and that a final statement by the host Canada, rather than a joint communique, "may be the more honest way". Speaking in a new parliamentary question time format, the veteran European leader also reiterated that, amid the simmering trans-Atlantic tensions, Europe will increasingly have to find its own way in the world. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TriMetals Mining Inc. (TSX:TMI) (OTCQX:TMIAF) (the Company or TMI) has launched its new website and invites its shareholders and investors to peruse www.trimetalsmining.com. The new website provides a Company overview and investment highlights as well as snapshots of the Companys flagship, near-surface, gold-silver Gold Springs Project located in Nevada and Utah and the Escalones copper-gold porphyry-skarn project in Chile. Eric Edwards, President and CEO of TMI, said, We are excited to roll out our new website to further our communications and marketing efforts to build recognition for our Company and our advancement of the district-scale Gold Springs Project in the Western United States. Mr. Edwards recently returned from meeting institutional shareholders and investors in Europe and the presentation he used is available on the website. With improved functionality and mobile-friendly platform, the Companys website also offers timely news updates through its Email Alert subscription from which a user may unsubscribe at any time. In other matters, TMIs Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) is scheduled for June 12, 2018 and the Company encourages its shareholders to submit their Form of Proxy, if they have not done so. AGM materials are available on the website. About TriMetals Mining Inc. TriMetals Mining Inc. (TSX:TMI) (OTCQX:TMIAF) is a growth-focused mineral exploration company creating value through the exploration and development of the near-surface Gold Springs gold-silver project in mining-friendly Nevada and Utah, U.S.A. The Companys Class B shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under TMI.B. Note that the Class B shares have no interest in the properties or assets of the Company other than a collective entitlement to 85% of the net cash after expenses, if any, received by TMI from award or settlement in relation to the Companys subsidiarys arbitration proceeding against Bolivia. TriMetals Mining Inc. Contact: Eric Edwards President & CEO eedwards@trimetalsmining.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 6, 2018 21:26 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7f2e3c 1 National Nila-Moeloek,health-minister,Health-Minister-Nila-Moeloek,health-ministry,Idul-Fitri,IdulFitri,Idul-Fitri-2018,idul-fitri-exodus,#IdulFitri,#IdulFitriExodus Free Health Minister Nila F. Moeloek has said Idul Fitri holiday travelers need to prepare so that their mudik (homebound trips) are fun, safe and smooth. I call on all elements of society to join with the government to support the smoothness of mudik this year by paying attention to their health and safety, said the minister during a breaking-of-the-fast event attended by bus drivers at Kampung Rambutan Terminal in East Jakarta on Tuesday afternoon. Nila said it was better for people not to use motorcycles for mudik. If there was no other choice for going home, she said, they must limit the items they carried on their motorcycles and make regular rest stops during their trips. Take a 15-minute rest after driving a car for four hours. For motorcyclists, take a rest every two hours, she said. Dont forget to check your blood pressure. Do stretching exercises so that the blood pressure increases and you feel fresh again. My message to the owners of buses, cars and motorcycles [is that] they must first check [their vehicles], Nila said. For this years holiday exodus, the Health Ministry has prepared 3,910 health care facilities comprising 923 health posts, 2,231 community health centers, 375 hospitals, 207 port health offices and 174 public safety centers. They will be available 10 days before and after Idul Fitri, Tempo reported. In 2016, a least 12 people died from exhaustion at the Brebes tollgate. (stu/ebf) Travel tips: - Do not speed, especially on damaged roads or during bad weather - Wear a mask to avoid inhaling pollutants - Do not accept food or drink from strangers - Wash your hands with soap before eating - Consume only healthy food and drinks - Dispose of trash properly - If you start to feel ill, go to the nearest health post. (Source: Health Ministry) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam, Riau Islands Wed, June 6, 2018 08:54 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7cae20 1 National Navy,TNI-AL,TNI,terrorism,terrorists Free Following a string of terror acts in Indonesia recently, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) has focused on strengthening security in the countrys "vulnerable" waters. According to TNI AL, terrorist groups use sea lanes to distribute weapons and explosives to members of their networks. Rear Admiral S. Irawan, the security assistant of Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Siwi Sukma Adji, said that via Indonesian Military commander Air Chief Marshall Hadi Tjahjanto, TNI AL had received an order from President Joko Jokowi Widodo to prepare for possible terror attacks in the countrys waters. Right now, we who serve in TNI AL are on alert and have prepared all of our resources to detect any potential terror [activity], said Irawan at the Naval Maintenance and Repair Facility in Mentigi, Tanjung Uban, Bintan, Riau Islands. Irawan said there were indications that the radical groups had used sea lanes to distribute guns and explosive supplies. We continue to guard against it, especially the distribution of weapons and explosives through sea lanes," he said. Irawan said authorities needed to pay special attention to maritime security due to the fact that Riau Islands and Batam were categorized as "susceptible" to terror threats because they were located in the Malacca Strait, a busy international route. Intelligence operations are considered more important in conditions like this. There are all sorts of potential security or defense risks." (stu/ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 6, 2018 20:03 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7ef5af 1 City radicalism,mosques,preachers,jakarta Free The Jakarta administration has urged the Mosque Welfare Council (DKM) in the city to be selective in inviting preachers to deliver sermons amid fear of radicalism being taught at houses of worship. "We urge the DKM to present preachers that promote peace and are able to maintain a conducive environment," Bureau of Mental and Spiritual Education (Dikmental) head, Hendra Hidayat, said at City Hall on Wednesday. The concern was expressed following a report that radicalism had infiltrated at least 40 mosques in the capital. Deputy Governor Sandiaga Uno said on Tuesday that he had obtained the names of the 40 mosques in question. He said the administration would take steps to prevent radicalism from growing by empowering their economy. "One of the problems that leads to radicalism is injustice and [the lack of] understanding, which the younger generation are continuously being indoctrinated with, causing them to take a shortcut. There is no other way than education and giving them an opportunity to become successful entrepreneurs through the OK OCE program," he said on Tuesday as quoted by kompas.com. He was referring to an entrepreneurial program he introduced during the election campaign. During the election, political observers believed that mosques had been utilized to discourage voters from supporting then-governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, who was seeking reelection. Some mosques reportedly erected banners stating that they would refuse to be used as a place to perform rites for supporters of a blasphemer, referring to Ahok, who was accused of committing blasphemy against Islam. (fac) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 6, 2018 16:01 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7e28af 1 Business PLN,global-bonds-issuance,Linklaters Free Singapore law firm Linklaters acted as international counsel for PLN in establishing a new global medium-term note (MTN) program for raising US$5 billion, according to a press release The Jakarta Post received from Linklaters on Wednesday. Shortly after the program was established, PLN issued two series of US dollar-denominated notes in a US$2 billion drawdown to international investors. The proceeds from this note issuance were used as cash to repurchase certain notes that PLN had issued in three concurrent tender offers, according to the press release. The release said the MTN program gave the issuer the flexibility to issue notes with a wide range of terms, including Indonesian rupiah-denominated, US dollar-settled bonds, known as Komodo bonds. Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), Standard Chartered Bank, Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Limited and Mandiri Securities Pte. Ltd. have been appointed as arrangers of the MTN program. Along with the above five banking and securities companies, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited and BNP Paribas have been appointed the MTN dealers. According to the release, the first drawdown of the program is to include the following managers: Citigroup Global Markets, HSBC, Mandiri Securities, Standard Chartered Bank, PT Bahana Sekuritas, PT BNI Sekuritas and PT Danareksa Sekuritas. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 6, 2018 17:32 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7eab63 1 City Tanah-Abang,road-closure,Jakarta-administration,Jakarta-police,claims Free The Jakarta Police have denied the city administrations claim that the police had agreed to keeping Jl. Jatibaru Raya in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, closed until the construction of a sky bridge that will connect the train station with Tanah Abang Market. The head of the Jakarta Transportation Agency, Andri Yansyah, said previously that the agency had met with the police to talk about the plan to build the sky bridge. Andri claimed the police had agreed to the city administrations plan to maintain the closure of the street for cars in the morning and afternoon until the sky bridge was finished and ready to accommodate street vendors. Jakarta Police traffic unit director Sr. Comr. Yusuf confirmed that the city administration had talked to the police about the planned sky bridge. However, the police, he said, did not see the construction project as a reason to close the street. Its not a problem if the city administration wants to build a sky bridge, but the street shall be used in accordance with its function, Yusuf said on Wednesday, as quoted by kompas.com. Previously, the police said they would give the Jakarta administration a warning if it failed to heed the polices recommendation to review the decision to keep the road closed after the Idul Fitri holiday. Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan closed Jl. Jatibaru Raya for motorists from morning until the afternoon on Dec. 22. No cars can pass the area, which is filled with street vendors, at that time. The Transjakarta Tanah Abang Explorer, meanwhile, is allowed to operate. In January, the Jakarta police urged the administration to review the policy. (cal) A Russian citizen has been arrested for allegedly selling drugs in Seminyak, Bali. Vladimir Aleksandrovich Rybnokov, 44, was apparently arrested on April 27 in possession of five packages of cocaine weighing a total of 4 grams. Kuta Police chief Comr. I Nyoman Wirajaya told a press conference on Wednesday that Rybnokov was a suspected drug dealer. "The suspect admitted that he was selling the drugs to foreigners, especially Russian citizens who live in Seminyak," Wirajaya said. Wirajaya said Rybnokov had been arrested after police had received information from Russian citizens in Seminyak, who said a foreigner was selling drugs in the area. "Based on that information, our team investigated for a couple of days, focusing on the Seminyak area. Our investigation found him to be the suspected dealer. When we arrested him, we found drugs on him. Rybnokov was arrested while sitting on his motorbike parked at the side of a road in Seminyak. He was busy talking on the phone. The police found three small packages of cocaine in his pocket. Police then searched his apartment, where they reportedly found two more small packages of cocaine hidden in a book. Wirajaya said the suspect had been selling drugs for quite a long time. However, he only admitted to selling drugs recently. "He has been living in Bali for six years and has overstayed his visa. So, we suspect that he has been selling drugs for quite a long time. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Cecilia Yap and Clarissa Batino (Bloomberg) Manila Wed, June 6, 2018 15:43 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7e1d4c 2 Business #Philippine,#Philippines,#Tycoons,#debt,#loan-shark,#unbankable Free Billionaire John Gokongwei, owner of the Philippines largest snack maker and budget airline, and a Skype Inc. founder, will invest as much as US$200 million over three years to lend to millions of unbanked Filipinos. The venture, set up last year by Gokongweis JG Summit Holdings Inc. and financial-technology startup Oriente, seeks to give credit through a digital platform to Filipinos who often resort to loan sharks because they lack access to formal banking services. Its expansion comes as the central bank encourages emerging technologies to spur financial inclusion in a country where more than 70 percent of adults have no bank accounts. The big picture here is how do we liberate and enable under-served Filipinos to have access to funds, JG Summit President Lance Gokongwei, son of John, said in an interview in Manila on Wednesday. The platform with Oriente, which was established by a co-founder of Skype and Chinese financial-technology startup LU.com, rivals a venture of Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.-led Globe Telecom Inc. and Jack Mas Ant Financial as well as Manila-based PLDT Inc., which is in talks with a possible foreign partner. The venture is hiring 1,000 people this year mostly to handle verification, loan processing and collection for a targeted half a million borrowers by the end of 2018, said Hamilton Angluben, general manager of the platform, which is called Cashalo. There are only 41.5 million deposit accounts in the Philippines, even though there are more mobile phones than the 110 million population, and almost 50 million people use Facebook in the country. The technological savviness of Filipinos is off the charts, said Geoffrey Prentice, Oriente co-founder and chief strategy officer. The service will also be attractive because so few people have credit cards, he added. Bank branches arent available in a third of towns and cities in the Philippines, while pawnbrokers and microfinance providers have a wider presence, according to central bank data. Cashalo users can apply for loans entirely online and those without bank accounts can receive the money in designated convenience stores, pawnshops, and bill payment centers within 24 hours. The service allows customers to borrow as much as 5,000 pesos ($95) for up to 45 days at 2.95 percent plus a 4 percent processing fee. That compares with the 20 percent monthly interest charged by many loan sharks. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 7 2018 Idul Fitri mudik (exodus) travelers are now able to monitor real-time traffic conditions through a website developed by the Transportation Ministry. Called the Road Transport and Traffic Management Center (RTTMC), the site can be accessed at rttmc.dephub.go.id. It will take its real-time traffic information from CCTV cameras installed along 40 major routes across Java, such as the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road, the Kanci toll gateway and Nagreg ring road. Presidential Chief of Staff Gen. (ret.) Moeldoko said travelers needed to watch out for traffic congestion on major routes, such as Javas northern and southern coastal highway (Pantura and Pansela), Kali Kuto curve bridge in Batang regency, Central Java, as well as a number of toll roads that will provide both operational and functional services. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Karen Lema (Reuters) Manila Wed, June 6, 2018 13:26 1226 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7d7903 2 SE Asia Philippines,Rodrigo-Duterte,kiss,Duterte-style,sexism Free Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has defended his kiss on the lips of a married Filipino woman in South Korea, and said he will resign if enough women are offended and sign a petition calling for him to step down. Duterte has described Sunday's kiss as "pure showbiz" intended to entertain a crowd of Filipino expatriates. Feminists called it his "perverted way" of taunting female critics who are angered by frequent derogatory comments, some of a sexual nature. "If there are enough women to ... Well I think if all women here would sign a petition for me to resign, I will resign," Duterte told a media briefing around midnight on Tuesday upon his return from an official visit to South Korea. Social media was abuzz with photos and videos of Duterte on stage asking an unidentified woman from an audience of Filipinos to kiss him in exchange for a book he was handing out. The woman, who appeared excited to see Duterte in person, agreed. Duterte enjoys a rock star status among Filipinos and has a cult-like following among those living overseas. He said kissing women was his "style" during his 22 years as a mayor in Davao City prior to becoming president. "During the campaign in my mayorship days, I kiss every woman there, lips to lips", the 73-year old Duterte said. "The problem is you don't know me." Duterte's controversial remarks about women include several public jokes about rape. But none have dented his domestic support and many Filipinos view his politically incorrect, earthy language as part of his appeal. Women's rights advocates in the Philippines recently launched an online #BabaeAko (I Am A Woman) campaign to send a message that they were not taking Duterte's "sexist" statements sitting down. Presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo on Wednesday said the kiss showed Duterte's caring, fatherly character, and the recipient in Seoul enjoyed the moment. "She did it willingly and excitedly, she was tickled pink," he told news channel ANC. The 51st Jakarta Fair officially kicked off on May 23 and is slated to run until July 1. Located at the JIExpo Kemayoran in Central Jakarta, the annual exhibition is part of the capital's series of events to celebrate its 491st anniversary. Each year, the Jakarta Fair returns with a plethora of activities and promotions, making it a must-visit event for residents as well as visitors to Jakarta. The Jakarta Fair opens daily and the tickets cost Rp 25,000 (US$1.76) per person on Monday to Thursday, Rp 30,000 on Friday, and Rp 35,000 on Saturday and Sunday. Those who want to know about this years fair should have a look at the list below. How to get there It is relatively easy to reach the Jakarta Fair as there is a TransJakarta Busway stop near JIExpo. Those coming from South Jakarta should hop on the Blok M Terminal to Kota route and continue from Harmoni to JIExpo. Alternatively, those who want to visit the exhibition can also use ride-hailing apps, such as Go-Jek and Grab. What to do As with previous years, the Jakarta Fair offers various promotions, making shopping among the recommended activities. While you are busy spending your Idul Fitri bonus, your children can play at the playgrounds at Hall E or Hall B3-C3. An outdoor playground is located in front of Hall E. (JP/Jessicha Valentina) The former is an outdoor playground featuring various childrens rides, such as a canoe, swings, carousel and Ferris wheel. On certain dates, the Jakarta Fair also hosts carnival parades, featuring popular characters like Disney princesses, DC heroes and Marvel heroes. Read also: Jakpost guide to Jl. Wahid Hasyim What to see The Jakarta Fair hosts music performances on the Main Stage. On June 6, indie music lovers can check out local bands Lightcraft and Elephant Kind. Meanwhile, those loving heavy metal should visit the fair on June 28 as there will be performances from Burgerkill and Fear Crisis. Furthermore, Sheila on 7 is set to perform on July 1 during the closing ceremony. What to buy The Jakarta Fair offers almost everything under the sun, including snacks, vehicles, home appliances and clothing. Those looking for a drone can check the DJI counter and get an unmanned aerial vehicle at a price starting from Rp 5.9 million. Guess and VNC counter at the 2018 Jakarta Fair. (JP/Jessicha Valentina) Those entering the fair from JIExpo entrance will find various brands in the hall, varying from Guess, VNC and The Body Shop, as well as small and medium enterprises products. Here you can get VNC shoes starting from Rp 150,000. In the outdoor area, visitors will see various consumer-goods packages, such as coffee, snacks, sausages and more. These exhibitors have prepared special offers with prices starting from Rp 10,000 per package. In Hall B, visitors can check the automotive exhibition featuring various brands such as Honda, Daihatsu and Mitsubishi. What to eat This year, the Jakarta Fair presents a Balinese food festival. Located next to Hall D2, Wisata Kuliner Bali offers a plethora of Balinese food staples, such as nasi campur (mixed rice) and ayam betutu (Balinese spiced chicken). A seller cooks 'kerak telor' at the 2018 Jakarta Fair. (JP/Jessicha Valentina) Throughout the exhibition, visitors can also try Betawi dishes, such as kerak telor (spicy omelet) and dodol (traditional sticky candy), or popular franchise eateries, including Bakso Afung, Shihlin and Chatime. Tips: - Do not throw away your ticket as you can get special promotions by showing it. - Come at 4 p.m. as it is less crowded. - Bring cash. Although ATM machines are accessible, the queues are frequently quite long. (kes) Virginia Beach, Virginia, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lincoln Military Housing (LMH) announced the opening of a new dog park to the residents of the Lincoln Military Housing Wadsworth Shores community. The new park was made possible through a partnership with Dogs on Deployment (DoD), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a central network for service members to find volunteers willing to board their pets while they are deployed or are engaging in other service commitments. "After receiving many requests for a dog park within the community we are very excited to have it become a reality for our residents at Wadsworth Shores, said Jim Cox, CMDCM, USN (Ret), Director of Military Affairs for Lincoln Military Housing. The dog park is something Lincoln and Dogs on Deployment have been working on for a while, and we have received nothing but positive feedback from our residents. Dogs on Deployment through its partnership with Lincoln Military Housing worked hard to provide a dog park for military families. The park hosted its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, May 5th and was attended by dozens of members of the Wadsworth Shore Community, representatives from DoD, LMH and more than 30 happy dogs. About Lincoln Military Housing Lincoln Military Housing (LMH) was formed in 2001 through a Department of Defense (DOD) contract with parent company Lincoln Property Company. The goal has always been to increase the quality of military housing for our nation's servicemen and women. Since its inception more than a decade years ago, Lincoln Military Housing now provides more than 36,000 family homes for military members across the US. Lincoln is much more than a property management company. LMH acts as a support system for military families and offers community-building activities and 24-hour maintenance assistance programs, free, to all of their residents. Services are available for members of all branches of service - Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force, United States Coast Guard, and National Guard. For more information about LMH and our services, please visit: www.LincolnMilitary.com. Attachments Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, who said his job was too difficult for a woman, has offered his heartfelt apologies for the comments and defended his record of promoting women. The airline boss caused a firestorm Tuesday when he said Qatar Airways had to be run by a man because of the challenges the job involved. But later he said his initial comment had been a joke. Al Baker is the new chairman of the International Air Transport Associations board of governors, one of the worlds biggest boys clubs. I would like to offer my heartfelt apologies for any offense caused by my comment yesterday, which runs counter to my track record of expanding the role of women in leadership throughout the Qatar Airways Group, Al Baker said in an emailed statement. At a conference organized by CAPA Centre for Aviation in Sydney, Al Baker was asked again to explain himself. It was just a joke, he said. Everybody laughed. I thought that was the end of the story. Few people laughed at a press conference on Tuesday when Al Baker told reporters that Qatar Airways has to be led by a man, because it is a very challenging position. The controversy started when Al Baker was asked what could be done about the woeful representation of women in the aviation industry in the Middle East. Thats not true for Qatar Airways, Al Baker told the reporter. Read also: In China's booming tech scene, women battle sexism and conservative values Increasing representation His comments contrast with efforts by some industry rivals to increase female representation at the upper echelons. Qantas Airways Ltd.s senior management is 40 percent female, including the heads of the international and frequent-flier loyalty businesses, CEO Alan Joyce said. SkyTeam appointed Delta Air Lines Inc. executive Kristin Colvile as chief executive of the airline alliance earlier this month. Not only is diversity a competitive advantage, Joyce said, Its the right business thing to do and its the right moral thing to do. Earlier in the week, IATA members from airlines across the world had listened to a panel discussing ways to address gender imbalances in the industry. When the IATA board posed for a group photo last week, there was one woman among 26 airline chiefs -- Christine Ourmieres-Widener, CEO of U.K. regional carrier Flybe Group Plc. Read also: Scandal, women power and bans as Cannes festival opens Boys club on parade as women struggle for top airline jobs What disturbs me when I look at the aviation industry is that were not succeeding in encouraging girls to consider aviation as a career, IAG SA CEO Willie Walsh said at the CAPA event. Its important that people look at our industry as an industry that they can aspire to join. Al Baker clarified his position Tuesday in an interview with Bloomberg Televisions Haidi Lun after his press conference. I was only referring to one individual, he said. I was not referring to the staff in general. The company followed up with a statement later, reaffirming its commitment to gender equality. While I am known in the media for some lightheartedness at press conferences, it is crucial that I emphasize the facts as I did today and the importance of women representatives in the airline industry, the statement read. The comment has been sensationalized by the media, he said. Qatar Airways staff is more than 44 percent female, the company said. The carrier has female pilots and female senior vice presidents, he said. Theres no gender inequality at Qatar Airways, Al Baker said in the interview. Asked whether hed welcome a female executive as CEO, Al Baker said: It will be my pleasure to have a female CEO candidate I could then develop to become CEO after me. Israel has already been credited with making the desert bloom. Now it hopes to make it boom -- with tourists. Seeking to bolster tourism to its vast and largely undeveloped Negev desert region, Israel is promoting luxury camping trips, Bedouin hospitality and challenging outdoor activities like dune surfing. In addition, a new international airport is rising from the desert floor 18 kilometres (11 miles) from the Israeli Red Sea resort of Eilat and the neighbouring Jordanian port of Aqaba. Tourism in Israel is big business, bringing in $5.8 billion in 2017. Arrivals to the country of about eight million citizens hit a record 3.6 million last year, the Israeli tourism ministry said. The United States, Russia, France, Germany and Britain accounted for most of the visitors. The ministry says that it now seeks to grow the Negev's share of total Israeli tourist revenue from the present five percent to 20 percent within two to three years. It also aims to increase the number of Negev hotel rooms from 2,000 to about 5,000 within six to seven years. Desert on your doorstep Israel is marketing the desert as a unique destination on Europe's doorstep. "When it's very cold in Europe, let's say in December, January and February, we have very mild temperatures in the Negev," the tourism ministry's Uri Sharon told journalists on a tour of the sparsely populated region. Activities include hiking, biking, rock climbing, abseiling and dune surfing -- akin to snowboarding on sand. The Negev is also home to a geological marvel: the Ramon Crater, the world's largest erosion crater. Salaam El Wadj has opened up the encampment where he lives with his wife, children and goats to visitors, who can stay in one of the tents and listen to his stories of Bedouin life. Read also: Indonesian tourists named biggest daily spender during trip to Israel "I was born here in the Negev hills," he tells his visitors over strong, sweet tea. Wadj relates how the arrival a century ago of British and French administrators and, in 1948, officials of the new state of Israel, brought a drive for modernisation that disrupted and threatened the nomadic Bedouin way of life. Hosting tourists, he said, enables him to preserve his heritage. "They don't want to just sleep in a Bedouin camp but also to learn," he said. Hikers can walk along part of the Negev Highland Trail, covering about 12 km a day between Bedouin camps while their luggage is transported by vehicle. Wines in the wilderness Near Wadj's site, Hannah and Eyal Izrael have planted vineyards on terraces where Nabatean farmers cultivated vines 2,000 years ago. Their Carmey Avdat winery produces just 5,000 bottles a year of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and other wines. Eyal supplements his income by offering tourist accommodation in cabins and group tours to surrounding sites of interest rather than industrialising his winemaking. Visitors can help run the production line and bottle, cork and label their choice of wine personally. "All the time there are tourists from all over the world coming to the Israeli desert to explore, trek, taste our wine, go to other farms to taste goat cheese," he said. "The Negev is a very safe and accessible desert and it's warm here." The vines grow in a natural basin, watered in winter by runoff from the surrounding hills and augmented with a modern irrigation system fed by desalinated sea water piped from the Mediterranean coast. Not far from Carmey Avdat is the town of Mitzpe Ramon, which stands at the edge of the Ramon Crater. There, travellers after tranquility with a luxurious twist can go "glamping" -- glamour camping -- in luxury tents with hot showers and a personal chef. When inky night falls over the crater's floor, there is the option of gazing through high-powered telescopes at the stars shining brightly in the unpolluted sky. Read also: Local Jewish community unfazed by Israel travel ban Getting there The Negev's heart is only about a two-hour drive from Israel's main international airport near Tel Aviv. The new Ramon Airport will bring jumbo jets from around the globe to the desert itself. Its website says that it will be able to initially handle up to two million passengers annually, but will be able to expand to a capacity of 4.2 million by 2030. Low-cost and charter airlines currently flying to Ovda airport, about 60 km away from Eilat, will move to Ramon, it says. They include Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, SAS, Finnair and Ural Airlines. Construction began in May 2013. Israeli media say that the airport is expected to start operations this autumn, in time for the November-May winter tourist season, but the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) is making no official forecasts. The IAA says the original specifications for the project were revised in light of lessons learned during the 2014 Gaza war. After a rocket fired by Hamas militants in Gaza hit near the perimeter of Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport, international carriers suspended flights. IAA spokesman Ofer Lefler told AFP that the revised plans for the Ramon airport will allow it to serve as a backup in addition to boosting tourism. "In an emergency, not only will Israel's entire passenger air fleet be able to land and park there, but also additional aircraft," he said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) The Hague, Netherlands Wed, June 6, 2018 05:06 1227 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e7c3eb9 2 News Netherlands,language,English,Education,university,student Free Dutch education officials said Monday they aim to rein in the spread of courses taught in English in the country's universities and slow the flood of foreign students. The move comes amid a growing outcry at the infiltration of English language courses in Dutch higher education institutions, with many warning that Dutch students are being disadvantaged and the language is under threat. Even if "the internationalisation of higher education brings added value... there must always be a place for Dutch students" at the country's 14 universities, the education ministry insisted. The report comes after the largest lecturers' union, known as BON, warned of the looming "linguicide" of the Dutch language if the trend continues. Even though about 65 percent of bachelor's degrees are taught in Dutch, only about 15 percent of master's degrees are. And almost a quarter of students obtaining a master's are foreigners. Britain's exit from the European Union next year has only accelerated the phenomenon, with international students flocking to the Netherlands drawn by the large number of English-taught degree courses. "The clauses in the law pertaining to the choice of language in higher and vocational education must be revised," the ministry said. Read also: Shakespeare in trouble: Dutch fret about English on campus Greater accent must be placed on "accessibility to education for Dutch students". BON has launched a lawsuit accusing Twente University and the University of Maastricht of killing the Dutch language through the "Anglicisation" of courses as they both offer two master's degree courses in psychology exclusively in English. They termed the offers by the two universities as an "impoverishment" and a "dangerous abandonment" of the Dutch language. But Education Minister Ingrid van Engelshoven also cautioned against becoming too inward-looking. "I represent an open Dutch society in which we dare to look beyond the borders," she said, quoted in the statement. "We must not let ourselves be scared by stories in which internationalisation is something negative which is swamping us," she added. As you may have noticed, theres a lot of hoopla surrounding the 20th anniversary of Sex and the City. This is one reason Patricia Field, the hit HBO shows costume designer, is making headlines lately. But theres another reason. She just opened a new shop on the Lower East Side. Field closed her legendary store on the Bowery in 2015, after decades as a fashion trailblazer. [She still keeps very busy; Field is working on the Murphy Brown reboot, among many other projects.] Earlier this month, she debuted Patricia Field ArtFashion at 200 East Broadway, in a commercial space owned by the Seward Park Cooperative (Field lives in the co-op). Some time ago, she sent a special invitation to the neighbors. Its perfect for me to be living and working in Seward Park. I am very pleased with my new gallery and invite you all to drop by. Jezebel filed this dispatch from the launch party: Last week, with the rose flowing and a phalanx of tiny pups trotting around, she opened ARTFASHIONs first storefronta gallery, shes calling itinside a residential building on the Lower East Side. (I love this little gallery of mine, said Field, because its in an area thats under the trees and its not so commercial.) Heres more about ArtFashion from Patricia Fields website: As the fashion landscape has become increasingly homogenized in recent years, a resurgence in creative self expression has simultaneously taken hold. Having grown weary and uninspired by the era of fast-fashion and mass production, style connoisseurs are bucking the trend by seeking out one-of-a-kind, artistically-driven designs. As a native New Yorker, boutique owner and style innovator, Patricia Field has worked closely for years with a whose-who of creative visionaries. From iconic artists of decades past like Keith Haring and Basquiat (who sold painted t-shirts in her famous 8th Street shop) to burgeoning talents of today like Jody Morlock and Scooter LaForge, art has always played an integral role in her world. So, who better to lead a new generation of artists through the emerging wear-able art movement than Patricia Field The ARTFASHION Gallery is comprised entirely of original made-to-order, hand crafted pieces by a select group of artists, curated by Field and sold exclusively at www.patriciafield.com. The shop is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and weekends by appointment. The address is 200 East Broadway, Suite 3D. The Annual General Meeting of Awilco Drilling PLC (Ticker: AWDR) was held Wednesday 6 June 2018 at 12:00 p.m. (UK time), at the Company's offices, 2 Kingshill Park, Venture Drive, Arnhall Business Park, Westhill, Aberdeen AB32 6FL, UK. Each of the resolutions set out in the Meeting Notice were duly passed. The signed minutes of meeting are attached hereto. The Meeting Notice and Appendices are available on our website www.awilcodrilling.com, under 'Investor Relations/General Meetings'. Aberdeen, 6 June 2018 For further information please contact: Jon Oliver Bryce, CEO Phone: +44 1224 737900 Cathrine Haavind, IR Manager Phone: +47 9342 8464 This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Cleveland, OH, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), consumers plan to spend a near-record $15.3 billion to celebrate Fathers Day this year. The NRFs annual Fathers Day survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, names greeting cards, clothing and music as some of the most popular types of gifts so why not present the best-of-the-best with something that covers all the bases? Worlds Greatest Wishes, the newest greeting card invention from American Greetings, honors dad with a musical award he can wear! This awesome new line of cards features wearable, musical medals that sing high praises to the worthy recipient. Simply press the medallion to trigger audio and complete the accolade. With themed ribbons, unique medals, and light-hearted sentiments, Worlds Greatest Wishes is sure to make them feel like a champion. Designs in this collection include a Best Dad Ever medal for your #1 fan, a Stinkin Awesome medal for the most fart-tastic father you know, and a Worlds Best Grandpa for the champ of gramps. The Worlds Greatest Wishes collection brings a whole new meaning to recognizing dads on Fathers Day, said Carol Miller, vice president of corporate innovation at American Greetings. The removable medal leaves no doubt that hes in the winners circle, and the fun and funny messages will keep him smiling all year long. This year marks the 10th anniversary of American Greetings Pipeline of Innovation! As the industry leader in greeting card inventions, we have proudly introduced 180 new greeting card formats under the Inventions brand, offering the ultimate selection of exciting, new-to-the-world ways to celebrate birthdays and other happy occasions. Incorporating brand-new twists on technology in cards with carefully written copy and celebratory artwork, the combined effect is the perfect selection of greeting cards that are sure to surprise and delight any recipient. Continue the fun and spread the wow factor of our dynamic greeting card innovations by sharing your pictures, videos and messages on social platforms with the hashtag #BestCardEver. Consumers can find Worlds Greatest Wishes cards, in addition to a great selection of inspiring cards from American Greetings, at participating drug chains, grocery stores and mass retailers nationwide, as well as in American Greetings and Carlton Cards retail stores. Those who enjoy sending ecards can share American Greetings cards online from www.americangreetings.com. For more information on American Greetings, visit www.corporate.americangreetings.com. You can also follow American Greetings on Twitter, Facebook, American Greetings blog, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google+ and Instagram. About American Greetings As the leader in meaningful connections, American Greetings is committed to making the world a more thoughtful and caring place. Founded in 1906, the creator and manufacturer of innovative social expression products offers paper cards, digital greetings, gift wrap, party goods and more to help consumers honor the people and moments in life that really matter. The Company's major greeting card brands are American Greetings, Carlton Cards, Gibson, Recycled Paper Greetings and PAPYRUS. AmericanGreetings.com is a go-to destination for connecting, shopping and celebrating with its offering of paper cards, ecards, printables, party supplies and gift wrap along with inspirational content, gift guides, DIY tutorials, a What to Write series, and party planning tips. The 112 year-old Company is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and its products can be found in retail outlets worldwide. For more information, please visit www.corporate.americangreetings.com. Attachment There's absolutely no denying that sustainability is the future of fashion - and Graduate Fashion Week (GFW) is a great platform for trailblazing young designers to showcase incredible creative collections that have been made in a sustainable way. After living for years in a culture of 'throw-away' and fast fashion, where clothes would be worn once or twice and then tossed aside in favour of the next new hottest thing, the industry is finally changing. Predictably, change starts with the younger generation of the fashion world, with eco-conscious graduates filling the catwalks at GFW. As well as showcasing talent, GFW awards students for their sustainability. Three awards are up for grabs for the graduates: The Considered Design Award, The Vivienne Westwood Sustainable and Ethical Award, and the Swarovski Sustainable Accessories Competition. A post shared by Sarah Mower (@sarahmower_) on Jun 3, 2018 at 8:41am PDT One of the finalists of the Vivienne Westwood Sustainable and Ethical Award is Morag Seaton, a graduate of Glasgow School of Art's class of 2018. Morag's collection is completely sustainable, and she aims to create zero waste in her collection by finding solutions for fabric waste within her production process. Another one of the finalists is Aurelie Fontan from Edinburgh College of Art. Her collection consists of creative laser cut designs, which are made entirely of recycled and upcycled fabrics and materials. A post shared by Aurelie Fontan (@aureliefontan.design) on Jun 3, 2018 at 2:05am PDT These are just two of dozens of nominees who are taking GFW by storm with their ethically sourced ideas. But it does not stop there. Other fashion students are also changing the way we think about design itself. We spoke to Sidnie Brennan from Portsmouth University about her design and production process. She told us: I try to be sustainable in the way that I created the shapes I used old garments, cut them up and sort of deconstructed them to create new garments and then use those to create unusual patterns. And she does not stop there, revealing that in developing her Portuguese tile-inspired garments she learnt to be clever with pattern cutting and not (to) waste any paper either. In a sign of changing times, this years event is sponsored by TencelTM, a sustainable fabric developed by the Lenzing Group, an Australian group with 80 years of experience in the field. Their stand at GFW gives them the chance to discuss the use of their different fibres with students from all over the world. If GFW is anything to go by then, we should expect even more designers to be taking a leaf out of the graduates' books - and be seeing more sustainable fabrics, materials, design and production processes in the coming collections. In 2018, is there really any excuse for big corporations to still be creating their garments and accessories with environmentally damaging materials, and creating even more waste than we cant cope with? We dont think so, and neither do those showing their collections at GFW this week. Graduate Fashion Week 2018 is taking place at the Old Truman Brewery between 3rd and 6th June. The National Student will be reporting from the event daily - see all our coverage here. Lush store windows have been plastered in a mock crime-scene tape that says Police Have Crossed The Line and 'Paid to Lie.'Staff have allegedly been seen handing out 'Spied Upon for Taking a Stand?' badges. The campaign began after the Metropolitan Police apologised to eight women who were unknowingly involved in relationships with undercover police officers. Lush is in a partnership with 'Police Spies Out Of Our Lives,' supporting victims and campaigning for the end of psychological and sexual abuse by undercover police officers. They are using their stores as a vehicle for raising awareness. On their website, Lush say that #SpyCops aims to 'disclose the cover names of the officers, the names of the groups they spied on, and RELEASE the personal files of the victims.' This is in response to the anonymity granted to undercover cops by the Undercover Police Inquiry which was launched in 2015. People have been encouraged to sign a petition urging the new Home Secretary Sajid Javid to carry out the Inquiry without secrecy and corruption.In defence, Lush say that their campaign is not anti-police, but aims to pressure the governments ongoing Public Inquiry into undercover Policing. In some cases, undercover police have had relationships with children or activists. The campaign has recently been backed by former undercover Policeman Francis, who praised the accuracy of 'Paid To Lie', including being tasked with finding 'dirt' on Stephen Lawrence's family to discredit them. However, many have boycotted Lush, including those who support the police or are in the police force. One off-duty police officer successfully encouraged a branch in Peterborough to remove their window display. Lush have been overwhelmingly criticised, particularly by Javid, for furthering the stereotypes that the whole of the police force is corrupt and using their influential power as a brand to undermine public confidence in the services. Another critique of the brands hypocrisy suggests that they wont hesitate to seek police assistance if they are victims of crime. Many others suggest that the campaign had good intentions but has been poorly executed. Furthermore, their rating on Facebook has gone down to 1.1 and the hashtag #FlushLush has been trending on Twitter. The negative reception to Lushs endorsement of the Campaign has caused a lot of controversy around the brand and the use of their public influence. If you're looking to travel to an exotic location and learn about the oceans inhabitants, we've found your calling. The Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF), a charity that strives to save threatened marine life, has announced new scuba diving expeditions to Mozambique alongside their ocean experts. The expeditions are open to the public, meaning anyone with an interest in diving and the ocean can join MMFs co-founder Andrea Marshall and her team of scientists in their conservation research off the coast of East Africa. whale sharks While visiting Mozambique, guests will be able to experience the marine life inhabiting the area - including, humpback whales, and manta rays. Not only will the guests have the opportunity to dive and interact with these animals, but they will also learn valuable information about their lives and habitats. Guests will learn how to interact with whale sharks and manta rays without disrupting their natural behavior, to identify the maturity of an individual animal, to distinguish between males and females, to recognise different types of manta/shark/whale behavior, to take identification photos, and to identify different individuals using their unique spot patterns. The team of scientists will also give research presentations to guests, giving insight into the biology, ecology, and behavior of these animals as well as outlining global threats to them and revealing all about current conservation efforts around the world. The expedition will take off in a few months, between 23rd and 31st August 2018. The price is $3,280.00 per person (around 2445), not including flights (so if this sounds tempting you'd better start saving!) Alongside various dives and educational experiences, the itinerary also includes visits to Tofo Beach and Vilanculos , including deep dives, a possible sighting of the Mobula Cleaning station at one of Mozambique's in-shore reefs, an o cean safari (the perfect opportunity to see humpback whales breaching), and the chance to dive with MMF founder Andrea Marshall, "Queen of the Mantas", in Bazaruto. In Tofo, travellers can dive the sites where Marshall started her research on manta rays. Double dives will be scheduled but guests also have the option of substituting one for land work with MMFs marine research team if they are interested. Tofo and the surrounding areas offer lots of deep dive site, which makes for a great opportunity to see big stuff, sincluding whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and turtles. Anna Flam, MMFs Manta Researcher, says: This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime trip; not only for the world-class diving but also for the exclusive access youll have to our scientists. "Were looking forward to welcoming our first group of divers to our beautiful home here in Mozambique! But so many of these tales have become lost in time. So, today seems a good a day as any to tell a few of them.Born on the 31January 1893 in Paris, Freya Stark was the young prodigy of Flora, a Polish/German artist, and Robert, an English painter from Devon. Much of her early life was spent reading about the Middle East, teaching herself Latin and relishing in French literature. As she grew up, she decided to venture where very few Europeans, particularly women, had ever been before. A champion of travel and literature, Stark found herself in remote areas of Turkey, destitute regions of Baghdad and the wilderness of Iran, documenting her journeys as she went. She moved by car, on camels, and by foot, but eventually settled down to her Grandmothers hometown of Asolo and passed away a few months after her 100birthday. On her passing, she had been honoured as Dame Freya Stark and had authored more than 24 extraordinary travel books, containing some of the most accurate maps of the Middle East at the current time.Just two years before her famous counterpart Amelia Earhart broke onto the scene, a young woman named Bessie Coleman became the first black female pilot in the world. After facing swathes of gender and racial discrimination in 1920s America, Coleman taught herself French and travelled from the States to attend piloting school in France. In 1921, Coleman got her licence and took to the skies; refusing to take part in any segregated events, she flew all across Europe and America, performing aerial stunts and teaching to raise funds for the African-American flying school. Her life as a flying traveller was tragically cut short when she died during a practice run for an upcoming air show at the age of 34. A woman of many firsts, Gertrude Bell let her expertise and sheer determination get her to the top of her profession, but also to the top of the world.Gertrude was the first woman to achieve a first-class degree in Modern History at Oxford University. She was also the very first woman to bring vital research and feedback to archaeology, architecture and foreign languages. Oh, and she was the first woman to achieve seniority in the British military and diplomatic services. An acclaimed archaeologist, linguist, and mountaineer, Gertrude shared her in-depth knowledge and numerous contacts from her long treks through the highs and lows of (then) Greater Syria, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor and Arabia, to truly help shape British policy making and contribute to scientific and linguistic research.Starting at the ripe old age of 14, Zora Neale Hurston began exploring with her travelling drama troupe. At this stage, travelling was a way to explore and soak up new aspects of our grand world. Not long into her mid-teens, she became infatuated with literature and anthropology, which sparked a deep passion for black folklore. In the mid-1920s, Zora moved to a permanent base in New York City and began travelling through the Caribbean collecting black music, poetry, and literature. She documented the literary culture of countries like the Bahamas, Jamaica, Honduras, and Haiti, where she later penned her novelRiding solo in a mans world, American journalist Nellie Bly raced across the world in just 72 days, beating the fictional record set by Phileas Fogg in Jules VernesWith only the clothes on her back, Nellie refused a male companion despite her editors persistent requests, and came back absolutely victorious. Not only did she prove a woman could travel the world alone, but that she could produce insightful and integral investigative reports on issues across the globe. In 1887, Nellie feigned insanity to be committed to the Womens Lunatic Asylum on Blackwells Island (now known as Roosevelt Island). Here, she produced a series of investigative articles which exposed the brutality and neglect women faced within its walls. The pieces were later put together for Nellies novelNever one to back out of a bet, Annie "Londonderry" (a young mother of three), stood before an expectant crowd of 500 friends, family, suffragettes, and curious onlookers and declared she would circle the globe alone. In front of the Massachusetts State House, she clambered onto a 42 Columbia bike and peddled into the distance. Months before, Annie had decided to settle a wager between two rich Boston businessmen, who bet her to ride around the world in 15 months, and earn some serious dollar while doing it. Not only did it test the limits of Annies physical and mental capabilities, but at the time, it was also a huge test of female strength in a patriarchal society. Annie abandoned the role of wife and mother to flip archetypal Victorian stereotypes completely on their head. She rode in a mans bicycle suit, sold photographs of herself to pay her way and turned herself into a mobile tourist attraction. She mastered self-promotion and public relations to carve a space in the history books as one of the most daring globetrotters and adventurers the world has ever seen. 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 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:CEM) ("Constantine" or the "Company") is pleased to announce commencement of a 10,000 meter drill program with two rigs at the Palmer Copper-Zinc-Silver-Gold Joint Venture Project (Palmer or the Project), in Southeast Alaska. Objectives of the drill program are: Systematically define and expand the South Wall & RW Zone mineral resources Expand the AG Zone, a new silver-gold-zinc rich discovery made last year Test other, never before drilled prospects across the district scale Project area South Wall Mineral Resource Drilling South Wall Zone drilling will target extensions of the known deposit. The focus will be on areas west of strong 2017 drill results from the western edge of the mineral resource, and also at depth, targeting the fault-displaced offset of the zone. The western expansion targets include step-outs to holes CMR17-82, which intersected 45.4 meters grading 2.5% copper and 7.4% zinc, and CMR17-97, which intersected 14.5 meters grading 1.9% copper and 7.5% zinc, and 10.5 meters grading 0.5% copper and 8.5% zinc (see Company news releases dated October 2, 2017 and August 17, 2017). Both target areas have potential to significantly expand the extent of mineralization beyond the bounds of the current resource. AG Zone Drilling AG Zone is a new area of silver-gold-zinc rich mineralization discovered during last years drill program approximately 3.0 km from the South Wall Zone. The 2017 drilling defined AG Zone mineralization over a strike length of 225 meters and a vertical dip length of 275 meters, with the zone open along strike in both directions and at depth. Testing for extensions to the mineralization in each of these directions will be the focus of this years AG Zone drill plan. AG Zone has yielded the best precious metal drill intersections on the Project, including 10.3 meters grading 461 g/t (14.7 opt) silver and 0.9 g/t gold, and 9.2 meters grading 312 g/t (9.1 opt) silver and 0.9 g/t gold. The zone also hosts significant zinc mineralization, including highlighted drill intersections of 17.8 meters grading 11.3% zinc and 20.4 meters grading 9.9% zinc (see Company news releases dated July 27, 2017 and August 17, 2017). New Prospects Drilling Drilling will also test new exploration targets which coincide with areas of VMS style mineralization and hydrothermal alteration exposed at surface that have been prioritized by the 2017 airborne electromagnetic survey. Two high priority targets are the Boundary and HG Prospects, neither of which have ever before been drilled. The Boundary Prospect hosts numerous samples of high-grade mineralization. This includes footwall-style stringer mineralization in outcrop grading up to 6.6% copper, float boulders of massive pyrite-chalcopyrite grading up to 13.6% copper and massive barite-sphalerite boulders grading up to 19.7% zinc. The mineralization at Boundary is spatially associated with a thick, strongly altered rhyolite sequence that is overlain by argillite and unaltered basalt a classic VMS setting. The interpreted source of the massive sulphide-barite float boulders is located under surficial cover and coincides with one of the most pronounced EM target anomalies identified in the favourable mineralized stratigraphy in the survey area. The HG Prospect, like Boundary, is defined by a large-scale alteration zone associated with massive sulphide-barite mineralization exposed at surface, with grab samples grading up to 14.1% zinc, 0.36% copper, 2.3% lead and 198.9 g/t silver. A distinct airborne EM geophysical response is located immediately on strike of the 600-meter-long alteration zone. About the Palmer Project Palmer is a high-grade volcanogenic massive sulphide-sulphate (VMS) project, with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 8.1 million tonnes grading 1.41% copper, 5.25% zinc, 0.32 g/t gold and 31.7 g/t silver*. The resource was last estimated in May, 2015 and a new resource estimate is currently underway that will include drilling completed from 2015 to 2017. The Project is being advanced as a joint venture between Constantine (51%) and Dowa Metals & Mining Co Ltd. (49%), with Constantine as operator. The Project is located in a very accessible part of coastal Southeast Alaska, with road access to the edge of the property and within 60 kilometers of the year-round deep-sea port of Haines. Mineralization at Palmer occurs within the same belt of rocks that is host to the Greens Creek mine, one of the worlds richest VMS deposits. VMS deposits are known to occur in clusters and with at least 25 separate base metal and/or barite occurrences and prospects on the Project, there is abundant potential for discovery of multiple deposits at Palmer. Constantine Appoints New Director Mr. Stuart Harshaw has been appointed to the Companys Board of Directors effective June 4, 2018. Mr. Harshaw is a seasoned professional with a distinguished 27-year career in the mining industry, mostly with Vale SA and Inco Ltd, where, among other things, he was in charge of operating six underground mines, a portfolio of processing and refining facilities, as well as marketing and sales of a broad range of concentrates worldwide. He is a member of the Board of Directors of International Tower Hill Mines and Laurentian University of Sudbury, Canada. Mr. Harshaw earned a BSc. in Metallurgical Engineering from Queens University and an MBA from Laurentian University. Mr. Harshaw was appointed to the Company's Board of Directors pursuant to the Company's investment agreement with Electrum Strategic Opportunities Fund II L.P. ("Electrum"). Upon closing of the second tranche of the private placement, Electrum will have the right to name one additional director to be appointed to the Board of Directors (for a total of two). Stock Options Issued The Company announces the issuance of 150,000 stock options with an exercise price of $0.68 cents per share, expiring June 5, 2023. The stock options are being issued to an officer and to a director of the Company and are subject to approval by regulatory authorities. About the Company Constantine is a mineral exploration company led by a proven technical team with a focus on premier North American mining environments. In addition to the Companys flagship copper-zinc-silver-gold Palmer VMS Project, Constantine also controls a portfolio of high-quality, 100% owned, gold projects in the Timmins camp, Ontario. This includes the large, well located Golden Mile Property in Timmins and the Munro Croesus Gold Property that is renowned for its exceptionally high-grade past production. Management is committed to providing shareholder value through discovery, meaningful community engagement, environmental stewardship, and responsible mineral exploration and development activities that support local jobs and businesses. Please visit the Companys website (www.constantinemetals.com) for more detailed company and project information. On Behalf of Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. Garfield MacVeigh President For further information please contact: Garfield MacVeigh, President or Darwin Green, VP Exploration Phone: 604-629-2348. Email: info@constantinemetals.com * 8.125 million tonne inferred resource grading 1.41% copper, 5.25% zinc, 0.32 g/t gold and 31.7 g/t silver. See the Company's news release date May 11, 2015 and available on www.sedar.com. Resource estimate utilizes an NSR cut-off of US$75/t with assumed metal prices of US$1200/oz for gold, US$18/oz for silver, US$2.75/lb for copper, and US$1.00/lb for zinc. Estimated metal recoveries are 89.6% for copper, 84.9% for zinc, 75% for gold (61.5% to the Cu concentrate and 13.5% to the Zn concentrate) and 89.7% for silver (73.7% to the Cu concentrate and 16% to the Zn concentrate) as determined from metallurgical locked cycle flotation tests. An Inferred Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality can be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and grade continuity. Confidence in the estimate is insufficient to allow the meaningful application of technical and economic parameters or to enable an evaluation of economic viability worthy of public disclosure. Darwin Green, VP Exploration for Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. and a qualified person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. Notes: Forward looking statements: This news release includes certain forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward looking statements"). Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as seek, anticipate, believe, plan, estimate, "forecast", expect, "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", budget" and intend and statements that an event or result may, will, should, could or might occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the 2018 summer drilling program. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Companys expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and accordingly readers are cautioned not to 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 release. TORONTO, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- North American Palladium Ltd. ("NAP") (TSX:PDL) (OTC PINK:PALDF) today announced it had signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek, also known as the Gull Bay First Nation (KZA-GBFN). The LOI, dated June 5, 2018, sets out an agreement in principle regarding certain outstanding matters between the parties that will be further defined in a more detailed participation agreement, which is to be negotiated in the near future. As a result of the collaborative discussions with KZA-GBFN and following the signing of the LOI, KZA-GBFN members agreed to end their gathering at the primary access road to Lac des Iles Mine (LDI) on June 5, 2018. During this period of discussion, secondary access to LDI was maintained by mutual agreement and there were no safety issues or any impact on mine production. We would like to recognize Chief Wilfred N. King and the Gull Bay Council for the efficient and peaceful discussions. We look forward to continuing our discussions to advance our relationship. We would also like to thank the Ontario Provincial Police liaison unit for their excellent mediation of the event, said Jim Gallagher, President and CEO of North American Palladium. NAP would also like to recognize the constructive response from the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines for their assistance in resolving certain outstanding territory issues with KZA-GBFN. Operations at LDI continue as normal. About North American Palladium Ltd. North American Palladium Ltd. (TSX:PDL) (OTC PINK:PALDF) is a Canadian company with over 25 years of production at Lac des Iles mine, located northwest of Thunder Bay, Ontario. North American Palladium is the only pure play palladium producer in the world. With over 600 employees, Lac des Iles mine features a unique world class ore body, modern infrastructure, including both an underground mine and an open pit mine, and a world class exploration portfolio. SOURCE: North American Palladium Ltd. For Further Information North American Palladium Ltd. Investor Relations Telephone: 416-360-7374 Email: IR@nap.com On the basis of the approval by the Annual General Meeting of June 6th 2017, to authorize the Board to issue 150 000 new shares to management under a long-term incentive program, the Board has now resolved to issue options to management of the Company. A total of 150 000 options for shares of the Company were distributed amongst the management and key employees. Each option, when exercised, will give the right to acquire one share in the Company. The options are granted without consideration. Pursuant to the vesting schedule, all of the options will vest 24 months after the day of grant (as long as the option holder is still employed). The exercise price is equal NOK 9,40 per share. The options that have not been exercised will lapse 3 years after the date of grant. Primary insiders in Navamedic ASA have received the following options grants, according to the terms described above: Chief Executive Officer, Tom Ronnlund has been granted 60.000 share options. Following the grant, he holds 40 000 shares and 60.000 options in the Company. Chief Financial Officer, Toril Marie As has been granted 22.500 share options. Following the grant, she holds 22.500 options in the Company. Marketing Director, Mattias von Haartman has been granted 22.500 share options. Following the grant, he holds 22.500 options in the Company. Chief Scientific Officer, Per-Anders Elvertr has been granted 15.000 share options. Following the grant, he holds 30 000 shares and 15.000 options in the Company. For further information please contact: Navamedic ASA Toril As Chief Financial Officer E-mail: toril.as@navamedic.com This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Marcelo Frusin is joining Niles on art. Source: Press Release When Mark Millar sold Millarworld to Netflix last year, there was one minor caveat, namely he couldn't write his old comics anymore, so he got his favorite comic book writer to take over. "when we sauld millarworld tae netflix, th' a body an' only downside wisnae bein' able tae write mair kick-ass wi' mah new executife role, an' sae Ah did th' next best thingi got mah favoorite writer tae continue patience lee's adventures" said Millar. Turns out Millar's favorite writer is Steve Niles. "steve niles is withit question mah favoorite writer in comics, an' Ah renk 30 days ay nicht as mah favoorite graphic novel ay th' lest 20 years. i'm honoored he's taken th' time tae dae thes an' slightly in awe 'at, loch jeff lemire oan hit-girl, he's awreddy ootclassed me oan thes book. Ah finally gie tae enjoy kick-ass as a reader!" Starting with Kick-Ass #7, Niles will be joined by artist Marcelo Frusin, which is set to release September 19, 2018. SEATTLE, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CFN Media Group (CFN Media), the leading agency and financial media network dedicated to the North American cannabis industry, today announced publication of an article covering Canntab Therapeutics Ltd. (CSE:PILL) (CNSX:PILL) (PILL.CN) and its Canntab XR cannabinoid tablets that offer pharmaceutical-grade formulation to help doctors and patients control their dosing, as well as help researchers better study the drug in clinical trials. The company is pioneering this work in a new Australian joint venture that investors may want to note when looking for investment opportunities in the medical space. Many countries are starting to recognize the medical benefits of cannabis. In Australia, Ireland, Germany, and the Philippines, major legislation and fast tracking policies have been introduced that could open up the market. The problem is that the industry has struggled to introduce products that the Australian medical industry or other governments can approve or endorse since theyre not formulated or studied like typical pharmaceutical drugs. Australias Market Australia has one of the highest cannabis prevalence rates in the world with about one-third of citizens over the age of 22 having tried the drug. While prohibition has been in place for several decades, much like the rest of the developed world, the government has long avoided the punitive drug policies enacted by the United States and its Asian neighbors. Legislation has also been recently introduced that supports the cannabis movement. On February 24, 2016, the country legalized medical cannabis at the federal level, which put it closer to Canada in terms of being a pioneer in the space. The Office of Drug Control in the Federal Department of Health issued its very first cannabis research license about a year later under the medicinal cannabis provisions of the Narcotics Drugs Act of 1967. The move paves the way to make the country a key researcher of cannabinoid-based drugs. The country also became the fourth country in the world to allow the export of cannabis-based therapies in January of 2018. The move allows the country to produce oils, lozenges, sprays, and pills that can be sold overseas into lucrative Asian and European markets. Some of the most promising end markets include South America, Spain, Canada, and Germany. This could make the country one of the largest cannabis exporters in the world. Canntabs Tablets Canntab Therapeutics proprietary Canntab XR extended release tablets make it easier for physicians and patients to manage dosage and ensure a consistent experience. In addition, the tablets are easier to administer in any environment, eliminate the social stigma of cannabis, and do not have the adverse side effects associated with inhaled cannabis. The extended release nature of the product also enables patients to experience a relief over a long period of time. In dissolution studies, the tablets demonstrated a 12 to 18 hour duration of action from a single dose. These time periods cannot be achieved using other delivery mechanisms, such as inhalation (smoking or vaping) or edibles. The tablets are available in many different unique formulations that target various medical conditions with 2.5mg, 5mg, and 10mg doses, enabling patients to effectively titrate with full knowledge and awareness of their intake. The tablets are ideal for youth and elderly patients given their ease of portability and storage compared to other forms of medical cannabis. In addition, they are designed to specifically regulate the percentages of cannabinoids and terpenes depending on the needs of the patient. For example, patients that require high CBD concentrations or chemotherapy appetite restoration patients that require high THC will have consistent options. Joint Venture Canntab Therapeutics recently announced a joint venture with Queensland Bauxite Limited subsidiary Medical Cannabis Limited (VitaCann). Under the terms of the joint venture, VitaCann will be responsible for the first $1 million in costs with the remaining expenses being split 50/50. All profit will be split equally between the two partners and the JV will attempt to distribute the products both in Australia and throughout Asia. While there is a lot of anecdotal research supporting medical cannabis, the missing link has always been the ability to conduct legitimate trials using a lawful source of whole plant extract rather than a single natural cannabinoid or synthetic analogue. The joint venture will seek to complete the missing link by collaborating on preclinical formulations, development, regulatory approval, and commercialization of prescription cannabis drugs in Australia. Most new drugs take five to ten years to reach the market at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars, but the Australian government has already started to fast-track imports, develop new policies, and make public announcements related to cannabis exports. These are positive developments that could pave the way for faster and cheaper clinical trials, especially given the anecdotal safety and efficacy of the drug across a wide patient demographic. Looking Ahead Canntab Therapeutics Ltd.s (CSE:PILL) partnership with Queensland Bauxite Limited subsidiary Medical Cannabis Limited (VitaCann) represents a strong move into the Australian and Asian markets that investors may want to note. Were excited about the new Australian export laws and our collaboration with VitaCann and MCL in Australia, said Canntab Therapeutics Ltd. CEO Jeff Renwick. It is a testament to the forward thinking of MCL and the medicinal delivery technology developed by our team at Canntab. Canntabs patent-pending extended release formulation, for the first time, lets doctors understand the actual products and establish the appropriate dosage for their patients. For more information, visit the companys website at www.canntab.ca. Please follow the link to read the full article: http://www.cannabisfn.com/canntab-advancing-cannabinoid-research-australia/ About CFN Media CFN Media (CannabisFN) is the leading agency and financial media network dedicated to the global cannabis industry, helps companies operating in the space attract investors, capital, and publicity. Since 2013, private and public cannabis companies in the US and Canada have relied on CFN Media to grow and succeed. Learn how to become a CFN Media client company, brand or entrepreneur: http://www.cannabisfn.com/featuredcompany Download the CFN Media iOS mobile app to access the world of cannabis from the palm of your hand: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cannabisfn/id988009247?ls=1&mt=8 Or visit our homepage and enter your mobile number under the Apple App Store logo to receive a download link text on your iPhone: http://www.cannabisfn.com Disclaimer CannabisFN.com is not an independent financial investment advisor or broker-dealer. You should always consult with your own independent legal, tax, and/or investment professionals before making any investment decisions. The information provided on http://www.cannabisfn.com (the Site) is either original financial news or paid advertisements drafted by our in-house team or provided by an affiliate. CannabisFN.com, a financial news media and marketing firm enters into media buys or service agreements with the companies that are the subject of the articles posted on the Site or other editorials for advertising such companies. We are not an independent news media provider. We make no warranty or representation about the information including its completeness, accuracy, truthfulness or reliability and we disclaim, expressly and implicitly, all warranties of any kind, including whether the Information is complete, accurate, truthful, or reliable. As such, your use of the information is at your own risk. Nor do we undertake any obligation to update the items posted. CannabisFN.com received compensation for producing and presenting high quality and sophisticated content on CannabisFN.com along with financial and corporate news. The above article is sponsored content. Emerging Growth LLC, which owns CannabisFN.com and CFN Media, has been hired to create awareness. Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/ Frank Lane 206-369-7050 Flane@cannabisfn.com Deadly threats from the Dark Multiverse attack the DCU on two fronts, Source: Comics Continuum Continued from Wonder Woman #47, Diana is brought to Zamaron to aid the Star Sapphires against the Dark Universe God of Love. At nearly the same time Scott Snyder's relaunch of Justice League sees the revamped JL team battle another larger mysterious threat from the Dark Multiverse. Both issues hit the stands on June 6. Wonder Woman Annual #2 "Star Light." An enormous, divine threat has the Star Sapphires in its sights -- and only Wonder Woman can protect them! She's wielded their ring before, but the Corps has changed since then...is even their combined power enough to stop a god? Written by: James Robinson Art by: Marc Laming, Frazier Irving, Stephen Segovia, Jim Calafiore Colors by: Allan Passalaqua, David Baron Cover by: Yasmine Putri 48 pages $4.99 (US) Justice League #1 "The Totality" part one! A brand-new era begins here! Snyder and Cheung launch the Justice League into a cosmos-shaking mystery that will draw out their most terrible foes...in ways our heroes couldn't possibly imagine! In this debut issue, Martian Manhunter struggles to protect the team from an incoming threat that will shatter the world as they know it, while a familiar face strikes out on a dark path. Written by: Scott Snyder Art by: Jim Cheung, Mark Morales Colors by: Tomeu Morey Covers by: Jim Cheung, Jim Lee and Scott Williams Retailer Incentive Variant Covers: Ben Oliver, Kael Ngu, Jock, Tyler Kirkham, Stanley Louw 32 pages $3.99 (US) Tony Blair On May 30, 2018, another adviser to former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Minister of Great Britain, Mr. Tony Blair, joined President George Weah government supposedly to help him increase jobs, etc. Mr. Blair had worked with President Sirleaf from 2010 and continues to work with six other African countries, including Sierra Leone. The question is, will advisers such as Mr. Blair, Mr. Emmanuel Shaw, Charles Bright, etc. help Liberia create jobs or use their advisory role to increase their own wealth? In the case of Mr. Blair, Telegraph, a British paper, stated that the former Prime Minister now owns between $50M and $80M since he left the Prime Minister position and established his philanthropic organization. The Telegraph also reported that the Mongolian government paid millions of dollar for Mr. Blairs work as an adviser, and his Africa Governance Initiative (AGI) won a $3.3M contract based on a three-year deal with USAID. Further, he (Mr. Blair) is involved in securing business deals for wealthy clients in an African country that he also advised, Telegraph stated. Unlike critics such as Telegraph, President Weah sees his adviser (Mr. Blair) trustworthy. After the government and Mr. Blair signed the Memorandum Understanding on May 30, 2018, President Weah said Mr. Blair has been a strong partner to Liberia in many ways that the AGI capacity building and technical support initiative will provide an opportunity for the government to develop plans in the interest of the people of Liberia. Even if the advisers are honest, what measures are they going to employ and add values to Liberias primary products such as rubber, forestry, iron ore, Coffee, cocoa, oil palm etc. as President Weahs Finance Minister, Mr. Samuel Tweh stated in the United States? Adding value does not only increase government revenue, it creates jobs especially for many former combatants, Mr. Tweh indicated. Okay, who should add values, investors or government? On the one hand, smuggling diamonds and gold outside of the country or importing rice generates more profits for investors than producing rice, for example. On the other hand, government, as we know, is not a shareholder in the gold, diamond or farming industry; therefore, it cannot dictate to investors how, where or when they should employ their investment. And as long as profiteers remain the only shareholders, they will always protect their profits, even at the expense of society. More so, investors, wishing to make profits, have and continue to propagate the view that government should not play any role in the economy because bureaucrats are incompetent and corrupt. It is true that government bureaucrats are corrupt, however, private investors also are not only corrupt, but their activity has and continues to increase income inequality. For instance, Mr. Emmanuel Shaws former boss, Mr. Stephen Tolbert, (brother of the late President William R. Tolbert) in the 1970s, accumulated wealth in excess of $50 million. Mr. Tolbert maintained residences in Washington, D.C., NYC, London, in Spain, etc. He chaired the Mesurado group of companies, which held ownership in hotels, a rubber plantation, poultry, and meat processing plants, agriculture feed, mining gold and diamond, and a fleet of fishing vessels. The accumulation of wealth by a few privileged investors has continued in our country even after Liberia changed its economic advisers and punished former leaders. For example, on April 12, 1980, military men killed President Tolbert and thirteen former government officials; rebel leader Charles Taylor took over as President in 2003, and former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf managed Liberias economy from 2006 until 2017. Did the limit of governments role in the economy encourage investors to create jobs? NO. Government receiving minuscule revenue and decline in employment, primarily due to governments limited role in the economy, is not limited to Liberia. Just as in Liberia, in Mr. Blairs country, Great Britain, the government is not an investor; therefore, private investors manufacture goods outside of the country for higher profits. Consequently, with limited revenue, Great Britain is compelled to institute austerity measures such as turning assets into cash closed public swimming poolsPolice Stations have been shuttered17 parks sold to developers, according to Mr. Peter S. Goodman. Governments minuscule revenue and a higher rate of unemployment are not the only casualties of a country when governments role in the economy is limited as Mr. Paul Krugman and David Brooks explained by the April 3, 2018, NY Times. Mr. Krugman stated that political polarization as well economic polarization has increased in the US because the government continues to institute austerity measures in order to make up the shortfalls in revenue. Additionally, Mr. Brooks stated that the trickle-down economic system has changed the mentality of Americans. They now believe in and practice the theory, which states; if you privatized property correctly, the law and order and social cohesion would take care of themselves. Or to put it another way, he stated that Americans put faith in the idea that people know best how to run their own lives and that these individual choices can be woven into a common fabric. But at the same time, Mr. Brooks added, people are, as Machiavelli put it, ungrateful and deceitful, timid of danger and avid for profit. The rivalry is inevitable. Everything is partisan. Anybody or any institution that claims to be objective and above the fray is a liar. Does Mr. Brooks characterization of Americans mirror Liberias? Forget about getting more revenue or increasing employment if government plays a role in the economy. Are Liberians not deceitful, ungrateful, shortsighted, etc.? Are Liberians honoring their Constitution, Laws enacted to minimize conflict of interest or our traditional values? Is everything not seen through partisan or ethnic lenses? Is money not the yard stake family members or friends use to judge someone? So, the government should become a shareholder, not only to add values to our natural resources but also for bureaucrats to reduce the influence of money. We don't have faith in the collective of membership of the Liberian legislature. The whole legislature is a facade. Apart from the specious filibustering and boring antic, the legislature has always been subservient and played second fiddle to every Liberian leader. A rubber stamp institution it is, thus making it anachronistic in the context of check and balance. In true, check and balance, in the context of Liberia, is only on the paper. The reality is different. The legislature is just burden taxpayers have to shoulder to make Liberia appears like it has a democracy with three separate but equal branches. All thanks to the legislature at long last the ill-fated Eton Finance PTE Limited-GOL loan agreement has been ratified by the body, against the advice of avowed Liberian nationalists with envied knowledge about the economic conundrum said transaction poses to the country in the not too distant future. Interestingly, it all happened today after the requested 10% percent of the legislature was made available by President George Weah, continuing the vicious cycle of bribery and inducement, while the masses of the people rot in grinding poverty. Of course, President Weah is a good copycat. He is of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf varietythe duo are unanimous in bribing the legislature to get their favored deal ratified with ease like the speed of light. Like Weah, like Ellensame tactic different characters. The Government of Liberia justifies this shady loan deal in light of the fact that the country is cash-strapped and in dire need of road to connect the country, thus bolstering economic activities and ensure free movement of the people. In all its likelihood economic output has little to do with this action. Instead, it is a pretext to put an economic and humanitarian aureole around a classic case of money laundering. However, so not astonishingly, the ruling clique and their favored media mercenaries are now signing hosanna and nursery rhyme for the passage of the shady loan deal. With the odor of money laundering smelling all over the deal, similarly, the second proposed loan agreement between the GOL and EBOMAF Group in the tone of US$ 426 million is touted as bombarding the people with development and connecting the countryand each further creating a potential debt crisis which will plague the country. This doesnt mean that we are against the Weah government from succeeding on its promises to the peoplethat is if it made one to the people. But it is important to put this issue into the context so as to ascertain the long-term effect this loan will have on Liberias national purse. Thus, we ask the following questions: What is Liberias debt to budget or GDP ratio? Where is the financial analysis on the future revenue projections that will be accrued as a result of the project? Is there mean for the creditor to fully assess the capability of the borrower to pay the loan? Sadly, to these and many inquiries, we have been branded as angry losers and individuals suffering from post-election trauma. What one expects from an assembly which is inundated with pliant stooges and lousy carpetbaggers of the first order? Those greedy elements in the legislature are the reflection of the lousy value system in our country. And this lousy value system is manifested in the outrageous appetite for wealth, making implacable greed the new normal in Liberia. As a result, the nation will continue to bleed profusely. This is why we told people Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is not a savvy politician as they would want us to believe. She got along with what she wanted because she bribed the Legislature. She has given the script to President George Weah. He seems to be a fast learner in bribing the Legislature. His wishes will be accepted without any preconditions. With those spineless echo chambers at the Legislature, any person who is president of Liberia will continue to get his/her will done. This is why we dont believe in the illusion in the least that transformation in Liberia can happen from the top. For Liberia, the top to bottom transformation of our society is at best a weird dream. The whole system is being choreographed into just accepting what a president says. But such is the normal in most backward countries where the ruling class is the office boy of foreign capital-- expect it to be against the interest of the people. That is why we say in a bourgeois society the state is not a neutral body above society. It is an instrument of the rule of the dominant class. In the case of Liberia, this class is the unproductive, rotten Liberian ruling class which cannot develop the means of production like the European bourgeoisie did due to its (Liberian ruling class) late emergence on the scene of history. Consequently, it feasts on the national purse. Franz Fanon from his careful analysis of theory rightfully calls it the false bourgeoisie. Kiadii studies Political Science with an emphasis in Public Administration at the University of Liberia. He is the Secretary-General of the Movement for Social Democratic Alternative (MOSODA). You can reach him through Cell#: +233552176627, or bokiadii@gmail.com. The three-year project will expand health care services in these two counties by increasing access and assistance for opioid use disorder. English French MONTREAL, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MOBI724 Global Solutions Inc. (MOBI724 or the Company) (TSX-V:MOS) (OTCQB:MOBIF), a global Fintech company, offering a fully integrated suite of multiple Payment Card-linked, Digital Marketing and Business Intelligence Solutions announces that it has retained First Canadian Capital Corp. (First Canadian) to provide investor relations and financial communication services. First Canadian will assist MOBI724 in raising awareness of the Company within the investor and financial community. Under the terms of the agreement with First Canadian (the "Agreement"), MOBI724 will pay First Canadian $6,000 per month for a minimum period of six (6) months (for an anticipated total cost of $36,000). MOBI724 will also issue as compensation to First Canadian an option to purchase 750,000 common shares at an exercise price of $0.35 per share and be effective for a period of 30 days after the expiration of the Agreement. The options granted will vest in accordance with provisions of the Company's stock option plan and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. "First Canadian is very pleased to be working with the entire Mobi724 management team, said George Aizpurua, Vice President at First Canadian. Mr. Aizpura added: Mobi724 is a company where the trajectory looks more and more promising each quarter. The team is coming off record results in 2017, and have a VISA partnership that has already started commercialization in late 2017 and will see greater results going forward. We look forward to adding value to the companys development and involving our network in support of the global expansion in 2018 and beyond. ProConsul Capital Ltd., which has been carrying out investor relations for MOBI724 since Q4 2017, will continue to assist MOBI724. The appointment of First Canadian will serve as a complement to ProConsul Capital Ltd.s efforts in raising awareness of the Companys activities within the investor and financial community. About Mobi724 Global Solutions Inc. We enable smart transactions anywhere MOBI724, a global Fintech company, offers a fully integrated suite of multiple Payment Card-linked, Digital Marketing and Business Intelligence Solutions, which work with any payment card, on any mobile device and at any Point of Sale; and a mobile EMV compliant payment platform. MOBI724 provides turn-key solutions for card associations, card issuers, banks, retailers, manufacturers, offer providers, to create, manage, deliver and track and measure incentive campaigns worldwide in real time. The company captures value from big data to deliver seamless and personalized user experiences for the benefits of all parties in the ecosystem. MOBI724 headquarters are in Montreal, Canada, and the company presently has operations in North and Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia Pacific. About First Canadian Capital Corp. Based in Toronto and celebrating its 20th year, First Canadian develops strategic platforms for North American corporations that are utilized to gain exposure and recognition to the capital markets. First Canadian's core competencies are found in identifying quality assets and undervalued companies with high growth potential. Legal Disclaimer Certain statements in this document, including those which express managements expectations or estimations with regard to the Companys future performance, constitute forward-looking statements as understood by applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are, of necessity, based on a certain number of estimates and hypotheses; while management considers these to be accurate at the time they are expressed, they are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and risks on the commercial, economic and competitive levels. We advise readers that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other known and unknown factors that 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 in these forward-looking statements. Investors are advised to not rely unduly on the forward-looking statements. This advisory applies to all forward-looking statements, whether expressed orally or in writing, attributed to the Company or to any individual expressing them in the name of the Company. Unless required by law, the Company is under no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events, or other circumstances. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell any securities in the United States. For further information, please visit www.MOBI724.com or contact: Investor Relations: Mr. George Aizpurua, Vice-President, Communications First Canadian Capital Corp. T: 647-500-2389/416-742-5600; E: gaizpurua@firstcanadiancapital.com Mr. Andreas Curkovic Proconsul Capital Ltd. T: 416-577-9927; E: andreascurkovic@sympatico.ca Mr. Derek Lindsay MOBI724 Global Solutions Inc. Chief Financial Officer T: 514-394-5200; E: derek.lindsay@mobi724.com Over 23 years, with nine illustrious albums, the Foo Fighters have cemented themselves in rock history. Notably, across those nine albums - they've never strayed far from the classic arena-rock sound, which some haters have criticized the band for. Grohl told British Airways High Life Magazine; Ive never felt the need to chase something else, And we get cursed for it: Oh God, its another Foo Fighters record. Well, yeah! I dont wanna make a reggae record. If you ever change your mind though Grohl, shit would we jam a Foo Fighters reggae album. In the same interview, The Foos fearless leader also delved into the bands longevity: You just have to steer the ship. As time passes it goes from being a dingy to a yacht. "We are like brothers," Grohl quipped. It sounds trite but its true. Imagine being on a family trip for 20 years. Thats what its like being in the Foo Fighters. Almsot three years to the day after Dave Grohl fell offstage and broke his leg in Gothenburg, Sweden, the Foo Fighters returned to the same stage for the first time. And Dave Grohl commemorated the occassion with a classic gag - a man dressed as Grohl appeared at the start of the set and tumbled striaght off the stage before the real Grohl arrived and launched into their first song. Classic stitch up. Not this time Gothenburg. ATLANTA, Georgia, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Instant Financial, the worlds only instant pay platform, announced that it has appointed Alaa Pasha as Chief Revenue Officer. Pasha will lead global sales for the company, including enterprise sales, channel sales, partner programs, and Customer success. Instant continues to differentiate itself in the market by providing service industry employees real-time access to their pay, says Steve Barha, CEO of Instant Financial. Alaas extensive background of successfully providing technology solutions to the service industry makes him an invaluable addition to the leadership team at Instant. Pasha brings over 25 years of experience leading and building high-performance sales operations to maximize revenue, growth and market penetration. He joins Instant from Vivonet, where he held the role of President & CEO. Vivonet is a leading provider of cloud-based technology solutions for the hospitality industry. He has an extensive background in the technology, hospitality and retail industries, including senior leadership roles with HotSchedules, MacromatiX and NCR. Instant Financial has an amazing opportunity ahead of itself and I am looking forward to contributing to the teams growth, said Alaa Pasha, Instant Financials newly appointed Chief Revenue Officer. Instants industry-leading platform is truly changing lives and Im excited to be a part of it. For more information, visit instant.co. -30- About Instant Financial Instant Financial is the worlds only instant pay platform that is changing the way millions of Americans get paid. Instant empowers employers to improve employee retention & engagement by giving their employees real-time access to their earned pay. Instant has been designed as a vital employee benefit for the hospitality, retail, manufacturing, construction and healthcare industries. For more information visit www.instant.co. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES MONTREAL, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Goldstar Minerals Inc. (Goldstar or the Company) (TSX-V:GDM) is pleased to announce that its second phase diamond drill program began with the mobilization of equipment and personnel on June 4, 2018. Goldstar is focused on developing deposits for gold as well as for technology metals, such as tungsten and tin, in leading mining jurisdictions in Canada. The Company has awarded the drilling contract to Orbit Garant from Dieppe, New Brunswick. The objective is to drill a minimum of 2,500 metres, consisting of at least 10 to 12 holes. Goldstar is currently completing the wood cutting for drilling access and site preparation. Following this preparation, the contractor will begin drilling and the Company expects to receive its first core very shortly. Next steps The Company expects to release its first drilling results in August 2018. Benoit Moreau, President and CEO of Goldstar comments: The Company is very pleased to finally start this important drilling program after acquiring new geophysical data and completing detailed prospecting as well as trenching. Detailed field work and recent data acquisition have yielded very important new information, allowing the determination of promising targets for gold in the Coyote Fault and the Waterloo Lake Fault Zones. New areas that have never been tested in the past will be targeted, including the large gravity anomaly that was recently outlined. Goldstar has also put up a strong and experienced geological team to oversee all aspects of this drilling program in order to optimize results for all our shareholders. Disclosure The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Benoit Moreau, P.Eng., CEO and director of the company. Mr. Moreau is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. For more information, please contact: Benoit Moreau President and CEO 514-591-8058 bmoreau@goldstarminerals.com Francois Perron Vice-President of Corporate Development 416-312-4811 fperron@goldstarminerals.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. Montreal, CA (H4T1V6) Today Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low 20C. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low 15C. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%. CHICAGO, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Internet Retailer Conference + Expo Magento Commerce, the worldwide leader in cloud digital commerce innovation, was named the leading commerce solution in Internet Retailers annual Top 1000 and 500 ranking of top-selling online retailers. The companys open, cloud-based platform is the number one provider to the Top 500 most successful brands in North America, enabling them to create exceptional digital experiences. Combined with the human ingenuity of its global ecosystem, Magento Commerce provides merchants with unmatched flexibility and scalability, allowing them to expand business operations, and deliver unrivaled experiences at a superior total cost of ownership. Growth and innovation are top of mind for merchants as they strive to keep pace with the demands of consumers. The retailers ranked in the 2018 Internet Retailer Top 500 accounted for roughly 72 percent of last years online sales in North America. Magento serves more Internet Retailer-ranked brands (including Zumiez, Rural King, and Focus Camera) in the annual reports than any other commerce solution provider. Leading brands depend on our platforms unique flexibility, which allows them to access different channels of distribution and adapt to the changing commerce landscape, said Mark Lavelle, CEO of Magento Commerce. As a result, Magento has enabled merchants to stay ahead of the curve, remain competitive and achieve their strategic business objectives. Our position as the top platform for the sixth consecutive year underscores the successes of Magento customers, as well as our commitment to pave the way for the future of commerce. Magento has been instrumental in our ability to rapidly scale our digital presence and deliver an exceptional omnichannel experience for our customers across the globe, said Israel Ausfresser, IT Manager at Focus Camera. The enterprise performance, security, and flexibility baked into the Magento platform, coupled with a global ecosystem of top commerce experts and innovators, has allowed us to consistently deliver highly personalized experiences at a much lower TCO than other solutions. Magento Commerce made the announcement at the 2018 Internet Retailer Conference and Exhibition, taking place June 5-8 at McCormick Place West in Chicago. For more information, visit booth #729. About Magento Commerce Magento Commerce is the leading provider of cloud commerce innovation to merchants and brands across B2C and B2B industries, with more than $155 billion in gross merchandise volume transacted on the platform annually. In addition to its flagship digital commerce platform, Magento Commerce boasts a strong portfolio of cloud-based omnichannel solutions that empower merchants to successfully integrate digital and physical shopping experiences. Magento Commerce is the #1 provider to the Internet Retailer Top 1000, the B2B 300 and the Top 500 Guides for Europe and Latin America. Magento Commerce is supported by a vast global network of solution and technology partners, a highly active global developer community and the largest eCommerce marketplace for extensions available for download on the Magento Marketplace. More information can be found at http://www.magento.com. Contact Cat McCormack magento [at] launchsquad [dot] com 415.625.8555 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. Washington, DC, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gen. Mark A. Milley honors Senior Vice President Philip Tobey, FAIA, FACHA, ASHE with the Outstanding Civilian Service Award during the Salute from the Chief. The Salute from the Chief is an event that allows the Chief of Staff, on behalf of the U.S. Army, to honor civilians that give back to the military. Tobey is being honored for his efforts to the Wounded Warriors in the design of the Center for the Intrepid at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, the National Intrepid Center of Excellence in Bethesda, Maryland, as well as his ongoing work for the National Intrepid Center of Excellence satellite campuses on bases across the country. Tobey served as principal-in-charge and senior planner for the Center for the Intrepid (CFI), the worlds most highly advanced rehabilitation center for soldiers recovering from severe injuries, burns, and amputations. The CFI, which opened in 2007, provides state-of-the-art rehabilitation combined with sophisticated translational research in prosthetics, robotics, virtual reality, and biomechanics. This unique facility also houses first-of-its-kind technology, such as a 300-degree virtual reality immersion environment and an advanced gait analysis laboratory, developed specifically for the CFI. Tobey subsequently served as principal-in-charge on the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE), which opened in 2010. The new global center of excellence advances the research, diagnosis, and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI)a complex injury that results in a broad range of cognitive, physical and psychological disabilities, which has become the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The NICoE is designed around a new operational model in rehabilitation medicine that focuses care around the patient, using a multidisciplinary concept that seamlessly integrates next-generation clinical and research technologies, as well as deeper family involvement. Both the CFI and the NICoE are entirely new models of care and are breaking new ground in the successful diagnosis, treatment and research of these devastating injuries. The NICoE model is now being replicated in nine satellite TBI facilities distributed nationwide; to date, seven are completed and two are currently in design. Tobey began his career as a captain and military architect at Headquarters, U.S. Air Force Office of the Surgeon General, with review responsibility for medical projects worldwide. He was awarded the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal for his contributions in developing new programming and planning criteria for Army, Navy and Air Force medical facilities, and served as architect on special assignment to the White House for all executive branch medical facilities. Tobey has continued to focus much of his career on military health, planning and designing millions of square feet of healthcare space on five continents and twenty countries for all branches of the military and Veterans Affairs. In recognition of his expertise, the Assistant Secretary of Defense appointed Tobey to the United States Defense Health Board. In 2013, he was appointed to the Congressionally-mandated Independent Review Panel on Military Medical Construction Standards to provide independent advice to the secretary on the military health system. Recently, he was recipient of the Urbahn Medal of the Society of American Military Engineers, awarded to one person annually for excellence in design. Tobey earned his masters degree in architecture from Harvard University and a bachelors degree in Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design. He has been named a fellow of the American Institute of Architects and is a fellow and founding member of the American College of Healthcare Architects. The Salute from the Chief will be held at 7PM EDT on Whipple Field, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Arlington, Virginia, and will be livestreamed on the Chief of Staff of the Armys Facebook page. SmithGroupJJR (www.smithgroupjjr.com) is one of the worlds preeminent integrated design firms. Working across a network of 12 offices in the U.S. and China, a team of 1,300 experts is committed to excellence in strategy, design and delivery. The scale of the firms thinking and organization produces partnerships with forward-looking clients that maximize opportunities, minimize risk and solve their most complex problems. SmithGroupJJR creates exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology organizations, higher education and cultural institutions, urban environments, diverse workplaces, mixed-use and waterfront developments, and parks and open spaces. Attachments Need inspiration about where to go this summer? Egypt and Tunisia are back promising to be great value hotspots for 2018 while Sri Lanka, Havana and Ethiopia are becoming the hottest new picks. Just make sure you book soon before the crowds get there. Cairo, Egypt Why an emerging destination: Egypt has experienced several challenging years in tourism due to the 2011 uprising and multiple terrorist attacks in the years since. Despite the troubles, most of the popular tourist spots have remained largely undisturbed and Cairo is deemed a safe destination to travel to by the FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office). Thankfully, 2017 saw an increase in visitor numbers to Egypt, with tourists eager to experience Egypts unique culture and fascinating ancient history. Highlights of Cairo: Cairo is most famous for its proximity to the Pyramids of Giza, the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. There is also the Egyptian National Museum of Antiquities, which contains more than 120,000 ancient Egyptian artefacts, including The Gold Mask of Tutankhamun, composed of 11kg of solid gold. The dramatically named City of the Dead is an Islamic necropolis and cemetery below the Mokattam Hills in southeastern Cairo. This dense grid of tomb and mausoleum structures provides a place for local people to live and work amongst the dead. This includes the ancient craft of leatherworking, where local craftspeople creating commercially viable products from locally tanned hides. Book a tour: Urban Adventures are offering a guided Treasures and Tut tour where you can unleash your inner archaeologist. The tour starts at the Egyptian National Museum of Antiquities where you can explore the world of Tutankhamun and his royal counterparts. Learn about the political landscape of modern-day Cairo as you stroll through the graffiti covered Tahir Square. After a hearty lunch of koshari, the nations favourite street-food, youll finish off the tour with a relaxing boat ride along the Nile in a traditional wooden sailing boat known as a felucca. Price per adult is $53. Book the Treasures and Tut tour Havana, Cuba Why an emerging destination: Cubas Cold War with its neighbour has thawed in recent years making travel a viable option with easy-to-get visas. And anyone venturing through the newly opened tourist doors of this Caribbean country will find that Cubans are a warm and welcoming people eager to chat to visitors and to embrace change without diminishing their clutch on Socialism and their love their heroes Fidel Casto and Che Guevara can be seen on billboards, buildings and T-shirts everywhere. Highlights of Havana: The streets of Havana (La Habana in Spanish) are adorned with bold coloured classic cars that are mostly used as taxis. Youll find eons of history oozing from its sometimes ramshackled buildings and pretty colonial style streets. Salsa is heard blaring out of bars and windows while street entertainers bang it out on their guitars. Probably the most endearing quality is the lack of easily available Wi-Fi. That means in bars and streets, everyone is actually present and in the moment remember those days? Get there now before the crowds get there. Top Tip: The most popular bar for tourists is El Floridita bar. It was made famous by American novelist Ernest Hemingway. He used to drink daiquiri and of course this cocktailhas become best selling cocktail in the city. Drink it here and feel the vibe as live Cuban music is played in the background. Stay: The best base in town is the colonial styled Iberostar Parque Central located, as its name suggests, in the most central location in town right opposite Parque Central and walking distance from all the main sights Tunis, Tunisia Why an emerging destination: Tunisia suffered a similar fate to Egypt following a terrorist attack at Sousse beach in 2015. The massacre resulted in the death of 38 people and there was a swift drop in visitor numbers to the whole country. The hotel where the massacre took place re-opened in 2017, which seemed to signal a change in fortunes for the country. The number of foreign tourists to visit Tunisia in 2017 increased by 23% compared to the previous year. Tunisia is back on the map, and what better to experience its rich culture and history than by visiting the capital, Tunis. Highlights of Tunis: Tunisias capital is just inland from the Mediterranean Seas Gulf of Tunis. Explore the medina (old town), which is full of old, crumbling buildings and winding alleyways. Embrace getting lost in the chaos and take in the aromas of shisha, leather and spices. The medina is also home to the Zitouna Mosque, which contains a magnificent prayer hall (only open to Muslims) supported by a forest of columns and capitals. Tourists can walk though the tranquil courtyard and admire the beautiful tilework of the minaret. For your history fix, head to the ancient ruins of Carthage just outside the city, which is set against the deep blue sea. According to legend, Carthage was founded by the Phoenician Queen, Elissa (better known as Dido), around 800BC and was destroyed by the Romans some six centuries later. Stay: The opulent 5* Palais Bayram is built inside the Medina of Tunis and is just a few steps from the Zitouna Mosque. The 18th century palace has been restored to its former glory and is decorated with vibrantly coloured tiles. Prices start from just 97 per night for a traditional suite. Unawatuna, Sri Lanka Why an emerging destination: After almost 30 years of civil war and a catastrophic tsunami that ravaged the coast of Sri Lanka in 2004, the pearl of the Indian Ocean has experienced a renaissance. Sri Lankas rich cultural heritage and lush, green landscape are attracting tourists from every corner of the globe. If youre living in the UK, you can hop on a direct flight from London to the capital city of Colombo, and drive two hours to the beautiful coastal town of Unawatuna. Located in the countrys Galle district, Unawatuna is becoming increasingly popular with travellers thanks to its gorgeous beaches and interesting wildlife. Highlights of Unawatuna: the main beach at Unawatuna can get a little crowded, so you might prefer the secluded Jungle beach, which can be reached by either boat or tuk-tuk. The sheltered bay of this hidden gem is ideal for snorkeling, and its also in walking distance to the Japanese Peace Pagoda. The glittering white pagoda was built by Japanese Buddhist monks of the Mahayana sect in 2005, in order to encourage peace during the civil war. A highlight for many tourists at Unwatuna is to take part in conservation efforts at the sea turtle farm and hatchery in Habaraduwa (about 3km from south of the town). The not-for-profit organisation has released over half a million sea turtles into the ocean since it was established in 1986. Stay: Cantaloupe Levels is a luxury boutique hotel in Rumassala, near Galle, situated on top of a hill near to Jungle Beach. If walking to the beach feels too much like hard work, you can spend the afternoon sipping cocktails on one of the day beds by the hotels tricoloured pool. The Sanetti Plateau, Ethiopia Why an emerging destination: Ethiopia was once synonymous with drought and famine, providing the inspiration of Bob Geldofs Band Aid (and later Live Aid) to raise funds to fight poverty. Fortunately things have improved greatly in the last three decades and tourism here has boomed. As one of Africas landlocked countries, Ethiopias vast landscape is dominated by mountains, gorges and forests, which form the Great Rift Valley that runs the length of the country. Many are familiar with the Semien Mountains, but now you can be one of the first to experience the very best of Ethiopias incredible scenery while trekking through the Sanetti Plateau, which forms part of the Bale Mountains. Highlights of the Sanetti Plateau: as the highest plateau on the African continent (at 4000m), the Sanetti Plateau is a haven for flora and fauna. There are numerous species that are endemic to the area, such as the endangered yet glorious Ethiopian Wolf. You will also see Columbus monkeys, baboons and several other animals. Plus some breathtaking landscapes, from vast pinelands to dramatic waterfalls especially the Finch Abera Waterfall, where the Web and Wolla Rivers join. The Sanetti Plateau is also home to nomadic herders who graze their flocks on the highlands who seem to pop up out of nowhere. Book a tour: YellowWood Adventures offer an 8-day tour of the Sanetti Plateau, which is ideal for beginner and intermediate trekkers. The next tour date is November 17-25, 2018. Disclaimer: this article is sponsored by Urban Adventures Gettysburg, PA, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OPEN MINDS has announced William Lopez, M.D., CPE, Senior Medical Director-Behavioral Health, Cigna Behavioral Health and Debra Smyers, Senior Vice President, Health Services, Sunshine Health as the keynote speakers for The 2018 OPEN MINDS Executive Leadership Retreat. Dr. Lopez will commence the first day of the Retreat with his keynote address, Key Issues Shaping The Market: What Executives Need To Know To Succeed. Ms. Smyers will open the second day of the Retreat with her keynote address, Next Generation Models For Health Plan Behavioral Health Services. Dr. William Lopez is a Lead Medical Director for Cigna Behavioral Health and manages a team of doctors responsible for medical necessity reviews, case management and claims activities. He also oversees the revision of CBHs Medical Necessity Criteria, has a leading role in the integration of behavioral health services into Cignas collaborative accountable care programs, and represents behavioral health on a companywide task force that is currently implementing a national tele-health strategy. Ms. Debra Smyers is the Senior Vice President of Health Services, Sunshine Health and serves as the executive clinical leader for the utilization management, care management, quality and pharmacy programs. In this role, she works to improve the cost and quality of care for multiple populations, including Medicaid, Child Welfare and Special Needs products. Ms. Smyers uses a population management strategy based on integration of physical and behavioral health needs in a holistic manner with measurable outcomes. The Executive Leadership Retreat will return to historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, from September 17-21, 2018, focusing on building a leadership team for a performance-focused world. The Executive Leadership Retreat will feature over 30 executive sessions, including: A didactic educational session Panel discussions with industry thought leaders Case model learning sessions featuring innovative organizations and programs Historic case study presentations focused on the leadership lessons from the Battle of Gettysburg The Executive Leadership Retreat will also feature two executive seminars: After the Retreat, on September 21, 2018, OPEN MINDS and Centerstone will host an intensive one-day summit on Mergers, Acquisitions, & Affiliations: Best Practices For Non-Profit Health& Human Service Organizations. Registration for The 2018 OPEN MINDS Executive Leadership Retreat is now available. Early registration is encouraged as the Retreat is limited to only 300 executives. Register today at https://leadership.openminds.com/register. For additional questions and inquiries, please contact Sarah C. Threnhauser, Executive Vice President, OPEN MINDS at 717-334-1329 or sthrenhauser@openminds.com. ABOUT OPEN MINDS OPEN MINDS is a national market intelligence and strategic advisory firm focused on the sectors of the health and human service field serving consumers with chronic conditions and complex support needs. Founded in 1987 and based in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the 175+ associates provide market insights and innovative management solutions designed to improve operational and strategic performance. Learn more at www.openminds.com. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and French President Emmanuel Macron held a joint news conference Tuesday, yet stuck to their opposing views on Iran and the 2015 deal that curbed its nuclear program. Talking to reporters in Paris after meeting the French leader at the Elysee Palace, Netanyahu said his main focus now was how to push Iranian forces out of Syria. Netanyahu also called Tehran having nuclear weapons the greatest threat to the world. The nuclear archive that we uncovered recently proves that Iran lied to the world about its nuclear weapons program. And I believe now is the time to apply maximum pressure on Iran, make sure that their nuclear program doesnt go anywhere, he said. Macron said France will continue to work with the existing deal, which it considers the best way to control Irans nuclear activity. The French president said he doesnt see how exiting the nuclear deal would help improve regional stability. How can one think that a total absence of controls and commitments is better than the 2015 framework? he asked. Netanyahu was a staunch opponent of the deal, and welcomed the Trump administrations decision last month to withdraw from it. Germany, Britain, France, Russia and China, which also signed the Iran nuclear agreement along with the United States, have said they want to preserve it. Iran informed the U.N. nuclear watchdog on Tuesday that it will increase its nuclear enrichment capacity within the limits set by the 2015 agreement. Macron on Tuesday also raised the issue of the Palestinian territories, expressing his condemnation of any form of violence toward civilians and in particular, these past few weeks in Gaza. Both leaders then headed to the nearby Grand Palais to inaugurate an exhibit on Israeli innovations, as part of a series of events commemorating the 70th anniversary of Israels founding. Mr. Netanyahu and his wife Sara also met with leaders of the French Jewish community, where he delivered the following remarks: I am pleased to see all of you. This is a happy moment, 72 years of ties between Israel and France. These ties were critical in the first years of the state when our existence was not self-evident. It is never self-evident but always borders on the miraculous. We must act to ensure the miracle and Frances assistance in the first years of a young Israel in terms of weapons, planes and additional cooperation will be forever etched in the chronicles of the nation. Shimon Peres spoke very often with me about those years and it was a great honor for both him and France. PM Netanyahu meets with leaders of the French Jewish community This link is also a deep cultural link. And it is also a human link, thanks to the glorious Jewish community here, which has contributed greatly to both France and Israel. I am very moved by the fact that we have 180,000 immigrants from France. We are doing everything, not enough, to allow them, first of all, to reduce this awful bureaucracy, about drivers licenses and professional certificates. We have already done this for doctors and afterwards with pharmacists, and now we are working with nurses. But it must be in all professional fields that are recognized in France; they need to be recognized in Israel. There is no logic. This is not a question. It is a policy of fighting excessive bureaucracy and legalism. We are doing this step by step out of genuine love and admiration. But, beyond this, there is also a different phenomenon that is disturbing to us, and this is anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitism in Europe in general and France in particular, these attacks, have ancient roots even though their expressions are new. Against this there needs to be one thing: Fight it. Fight, fight and fight. This is the policy, not just of this government and of this president, but also of previous presidents and governments and his is important. The main thing that must be understood is that it never ends with the Jews. Jew-hatred always spreads to a greater problem; therefore, it is possible to recruit others, for both moral reasons and the future of society. I know that this will come up in my talks today [with President Macron]. Netanyahu also released a Hebrew message to the media in which he said, The day before yesterday Ayatollah Khamenei, the ruler of Iran, declared his intention to destroy the State of Israel. The day before yesterday Ayatollah Khamenei, the ruler of Iran, declared his intention to destroy the State of Israel. Yesterday he explained how he would do this with the unrestricted enrichment of uranium in order to produce an arsenal of nuclear bombs. Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) June 5, 2018 We are not surprised. We will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons. Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) June 5, 2018 Yesterday he explained how he would do this with the unrestricted enrichment of uranium in order to produce an arsenal of nuclear bombs. We are not surprised. We will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem / AP) The U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday overwhelmingly elected Ecuadors Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces as its next president, and only the fourth woman to lead the 193-member world body in its 73-year history. She defeated another woman Honduras U.N. Ambassador Mary Elizabeth Flores Flake by 128-62 with two abstentions in the secret-ballot vote. The current council president, Miroslav Lajcak of Slovakia, announced the results to loud applause, saying, Frankly, 4 out of 73 is not a record to be proud of, but Im glad we are getting ourselves on track. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who defeated several female candidates and continues the male domination of the U.N.s top post, echoed Lajcak, saying, We can and we must do better. Espinosa Garces expressed hope that gender parity continues to make progress and dedicated her election to all the women in the world who participate in politics today and who face political and media attacks marked by machismo and discrimination. I would like to pay a special tribute to the women who struggle every day to access jobs on equal terms, to women and girls who are victims of violence, to girls and adolescents who demand access to quality information and education, she said. My commitment will always be to them. While the presidency of the General Assembly is largely ceremonial, it is also prestigious. The world body controls the U.N. budget, adopts treaties, addresses global issues from poverty to climate change, and passes numerous resolutions that while not legally binding almost always reflect global opinion. It is also the U.N. organ where countries large and small can speak and the scene of the annual gathering of world leaders in September. The selection of the assembly president follows an unwritten system of regional rotation, and it was the turn of Latin America and the Caribbean to preside over the next year-long session which starts just before Septembers global gathering. By tradition, the U.N.s regional groups nominate a single candidate who is then rubber-stamped by the assembly. But this year the election was contested for the first time since 1991, according to the U.N., because Latin American countries couldnt agree on a nominee. Espinosa Garces noted after her victory that she will also be the first woman from Latin America and the Caribbean to preside over the assembly starting in September. I offered an open door presidency and I will hold to that promise, she said. I am a poet as well as a politician, Espinosa Garces said. As such, I am fully aware that no view is useful if we do not see, and no word has any value if we do not listen. I will be ready to listen to you all and to work for you and with you. For the first time this year, assembly president Lajcak decided to follow a new practice that was also used to choose secretary-general Guterres. He invited both candidates to appear before assembly members for two hours May 4 to present their vision for the presidency and answer questions from diplomats and civil society representatives. The issues raised ranged from conflict prevention and financing U.N. goals for 2030 to ending poverty and sustaining the planet to transparency in the presidents office, U.N. reforms, and gender equality. Espinosa Garces said then that she would focus on delivery, implementation and accountability to bring the U.N.s work closer to people everywhere and convince them that what the United Nations does touches upon their daily lives. After Tuesdays election, she stressed that strengthening multilateralism is not an option, its an obligation. Therefore, Espinosa Garces said, its urgent that the United Nations responds to major global challenges and does more to bring the organization closer to all citizens of the world. Diplomats said before the vote that the views of the governments of Ecuador and Honduras would likely play a significant role in Tuesdays voting. One issue they pointed to that could have an impact was Decembers General Assembly resolution condemning the United States for recognizing Jerusalem as Israels capital, which was adopted overwhelmingly. Ecuador supported it. Honduras was one of only nine countries that supported the United States and voted against the resolution, a decision that angered the Palestinians many supporters. Espinosa Garces will join the short list of female assembly presidents that began in 1953 with Indian diplomat Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, the sister of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and aunt of later Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. She was followed by Angie Elisabeth Brooks of Liberia in 1969, and Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa of Bahrain in 2006. Secretary-General Guterres, who is from Portugal, said that having only two women presidents in the past half-century must change. No woman from my own continent, both Western or Eastern Europe, has ever held the job, he noted. (AP) Philadelphia officials have helped save the day for a Pennsylvania couple who lost an heirloom wedding ring in a sewer grate. Steve Brown was in the city with his wife, Erin, Friday night when the ring slipped off his finger and rolled into the grate. He says the ring was originally his grandfathers, and it was engraved with his grandparents initials. The couple tried using duct tape and clothes hangers to recover the ring Saturday with no success. Steve Brown says a Philadelphia police officer eventually walked by and made a call to the Pennsylvania utility company PECO. A worker for the company opened the grate, and after nearly an hour of searching, grabbed the ring. Erin Brown calls the PECO worker their knight in shining armor. (AP) Britain is failing to produce global tech giants because bosses are too greedy and lack ambition, a fund manager has claimed. Attacking corporate culture, James Anderson, manager of Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust, said while the UK had pioneered major scientific breakthroughs, firms were unfit for purpose and deserve to fail. Anderson, who is one of the most successful tech investors in the world and looks after 7billion of savers money, labelled boards short-term greedy and long-term stupid and said bosses had shunned riskier but spectacular possibilities that had catapulted rival Silicon Valley companies such as Amazon, Tesla and Google to success. My prevailing belief is that new British companies fail to compete at scale because they deserve to fail, not because they are doomed to do so, he wrote in a blog post. To put it more bluntly: they are unsuccessful because they (and we) are unambitious indeed, unfit for purpose. A series of British tech firms have been sold off to foreign investors in recent years, including payments giant Worldpay and flight booking service Skyscanner. And Anderson pointed to Cambridge-based chip maker ARM Holdings as a key example. He said it was Britains sole serious shot at building a global tech giant before it was sold to Japans Softbank for 24billion two years ago. Masayoshi Son, Softbanks founder, later bragged that ARM could become as valuable as Googles 595billion parent company, Alphabet. Anderson wrote his blog post from a cafe in Menlo Park, the area in California where Facebook has moved. He had just visited Grail, a company attempting to develop blood tests for early-stage cancers using genetic data. Grail was spun out of US biotechnology giant Illumina, which bought Cambridge-based Solexa in 2006 for around 315million. Solexa started by Cambridge University scientists pioneered the revolutionary technology which is the foundation of Illuminas gene sequencing business. Illumina is today worth 31billion. Anderson said: Next generation genomic sequencing was literally invented in a pub in Cambridge. This could should have been a British success story based not in Menlo Park but in Cambridge. The fund manager said Elon Musk, the South African founder of Tesla, had relocated to Americas West Coast for the same reasons as Amazons Jeff Bezos and Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg: Hes clear its because people like him can dream there. Britain doesnt understand that outliers matter. Anderson declared: We fail at every level. I see nothing on the horizon to change this terrible record. Its very sad. Anderson is one of Britains most successful fund managers, turning 10,000 into almost 32,000 over the past five years. Today Money Mail raises serious concerns around how easily banks have allowed fraudsters to set up accounts used to rob people of their life savings. We have obtained the details of 82 bank accounts opened by a criminal gang using fake IDs and counterfeit utility bills. The list, which was compiled by police as part of an investigation into online fraud, shows that the crooks managed to trick nine major High Street banks into letting them run accounts to carry out scams. Almost half of the accounts were opened at HSBC, which has previously been fined almost $2 billion in the U.S. for allowing Mexican drug kingpins to launder money. We have obtained the details of 82 bank accounts opened by a criminal gang using fake IDs and counterfeit utility bills Nationwide allowed 13 accounts to be opened using fake IDs, while NatWest opened 12. Barclays and Santander each had five accounts on the list, Metro Bank was responsible for three and Halifax two. Lloyds and TSB each opened one. The Metropolitan Police list shows that the fraudsters repeatedly used the same names to open accounts with different banks, suggesting that the same fake ID were being used multiple times. Money Mail understands that the criminals were using the 82 accounts, among others, to scam shoppers on websites such as eBay. It is feared that this is just the tip of the iceberg. A police investigation into gangs operating similar scams to the one linked to the accounts has uncovered more than 5,000 victims with losses up to 15 million. Typically, the fraudsters listed non-existent items such as cars or tractors at attractive prices. They would then lure customers into making a payment but never deliver any goods. With this type of scam, buyers are often told to send the money directly by making a bank transfer. Then, as soon as the money arrives in the crook's account, it is moved on through a series of other accounts so it cannot be traced. This typically means buyers are not covered by the money-back guarantees offered by websites. And, unlike fraud cases where a debit or credit card is used, banks also typically refuse to cover the losses. As a result, it is unlikely that much of the 15 million has been returned to victims. A police investigation into gangs operating similar scams to the one linked to the accounts has uncovered more than 5,000 victims with losses up to 15 million The nine banks implicated in the police list obtained by Money Mail refuse to say how much cash they have reimbursed. However, they say only in rare cases were they able to freeze some of the funds that remained in the fraudulent accounts. This money has been returned to its rightful owners, they say. Nearly all the accounts are now understood to have been shut down. Last year, 43,875 people lost an average of 2,784 each to online bank transfer scams. But just 1 in every 4 was returned to customers. Money Mail's Pay Back Fraud Victims campaign has called on banks either to track down stolen funds or to cover the losses themselves. Experts say where banks are found to have allowed crooks to open accounts using fake IDs, they should be forced to take responsibility for any losses suffered by customers. Money Mail has handed the list of 82 accounts to the City watchdog the Financial Conduct Authority, which says it will contact all the banks involved. Arun Chauhan, director of Tenet Compliance & Litigation, a law firm that provides advice on financial crime compliance, says: 'These banks have allowed organised criminal gangs to abuse their systems and steal from thousands of victims. 'There are more than 80 accounts on this list and half of them are HSBC, which is extremely worrying.' Almost half of the accounts were opened at HSBC, which has previously been fined almost $2 billion in the U.S. for allowing Mexican drug kingpins to launder money Banks are supposed to follow strict rules when opening a new account for a customer. Under money laundering regulations, they must carry out so-called customer due diligence. According to the rules, this includes verifying a customer's identity using documents, data or information obtained from a reliable and independent source. This is why your bank usually asks you to provide photo ID and proof of address before it will open any account. However, fraudsters are routinely getting around these checks. The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation called Operation Arad to track down fraudsters who go on to scam online shoppers. The 82 accounts on the list obtained by Money Mail were uncovered as part of this operation. All were found to have been opened using fake IDs and documents. The police are understood to have charged 62 people linked to the wider investigation and more accounts are expected to come under scrutiny. Eight people connected to the 82 accounts have already been jailed for their part in the scam. Money Mail asked all nine banks how criminals were able to use counterfeit documents to get past their security. We also asked whether they would take responsibility for the losses that victims suffered as a result. None admit responsibility for allowing fraudsters to open and operate accounts. HSBC refuses to say how many payments the criminals received, how much they stole, if there was any money left, whether victims were reimbursed, or if the fraudulent accounts had been closed. A spokesman says the bank 'worked hard' to 'identify and address the ever-changing techniques used by fraudsters' and continually reviews its checks and processes. Nationwide says it followed industry guidelines and staff are trained to spot ID documents that are obviously fake. But it admits it's harder to identify the most sophisticated counterfeits. The other banks refused to answer specific questions about the accounts but claimed they followed 'strict' industry regulations and were confident that their security systems were robust. They all said they take fraud extremely seriously. Barclays says it could not identify one of the accounts on the list. It says there was no indication that the accounts would be used for fraud either. Metro Bank and Nat West declined to comment on the accounts in question and say they are doing all they can to combat increasingly sophisticated scams. Santander would not comment on the accounts in question, but says it invests 'heavily in sophisticated technology' to prevent fraud. TSB says it was able to spot its one fraudulent account and close it 'very quickly'. A spokesman for Lloyds and its sister bank Halifax says the banks always abide by 'strict regulations when opening an account for a new customer'. 'Buster Jack', a former financial adviser in his 60s who uses an alias because he runs a business assisting scam victims by catching out crooks, says: 'The banks accepted false documents and opened the accounts, surely that's a breach of regulations? 'The police are focusing on catching criminals, but who's investigating the banks?' UK Finance, the industry trade body, says that banks work closely with the Government and police to identify fraudulent documents and it is developing new ID guidelines which will be published next year. amelia.murray@dailymail.co.uk Softbank's boss Masayoshi Son is selling a 51% interest in ARM Technology China to financial investors for 587.2m The greatest single act of industrial sabotage in Britain in recent times was the panicky sale of our world leading smart-chip company ARM to Japan's Softbank for 24.3billion. In the Government's desperation to show the UK was still open for business post-Brexit, the deal was rushed through with virtually no political scrutiny and barely a squawk from the nation's short-termist fund managers. Now we learn that Softbank is selling a 51 per cent interest in ARM Technology China to financial investors for 587.2million. The wisdom of allowing Beijing unfettered access to valuable smart technology must be questioned. Britain's failure to back the brilliant innovation emerging from our world class universities is castigated by fund manager James Anderson of the Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust (SMIT), a top-of-the-class tech investor, in a just released blog. He argues ARM was the 'sole serious shot' at building a UK-based global technology platform capable of taking on Silicon Valley. Yet Softbank was able to cruise in and buy with scarcely a voice of opposition. Anderson's own trust was the only active fund to oppose a deal, which this paper also condemned. Softbank's mercurial boss Masayoshi Son rejoiced and there was no shareholder quorum to block the deal. The same insouciance was shown towards the world-leading travel site Skyscanner when it was sold to Chinese investors. The truth was, ARM benefited from not being an American company in the same way Spotify is beating Apple and Amazon in music downloads in spite of being Swedish. In Anderson's view, British companies fail to make the grade as technology champions because they are unambitious and 'unfit for purpose'. He notes that spin-off companies from the work done in Cambridge on the genome migrated to the US and one of these, Illumina, is valued at 28billion. If he had wanted to, the investment trust boss could also have looked at the fintech firms such as Worldpay, merged with smaller US rival Vantiv without a murmur even though the Bank of England, among others, views Britain's lead in financial services as the UK's cutting edge after Brexit. When it comes to technology Britain and the fund managers who sell are as 'short-term greedy' and as 'long-term stupid' in their mentalities as Donald Trump. What is indisputable is that Anderson knows his technology and has delivered handsomely. What is the point in an Industrial Strategy if government, financiers and shareholders fail to back innovation for the long term and cede advantage to the US, China and all-comers? Fraser retreat There is no better illustration of the power of technology to disrupt than the defenestration of the High Street. Amazon, which pays minimal corporation tax in Britain and virtually no business rates but has invested in unbeatable technology and distribution, is destroying goods shopping in Britain as we know it. Not only does it offer reliable next day delivery and the glare of price transparency, it also dominates data storage through the cloud. The latest victim of its market power will be House of Fraser which under new, mysterious Chinese backing looks set to abandon the High Street closing 29 of its 59 stores, mainly preserving those in shopping centres such as Westfield where footfall guarantees customers. It is not just traditional department stores suffering. New wave retailers such as white goods specialists AO also are slumping, reporting a 13.4million loss. The cause of its difficulty is price transparency which means it constantly has to cut margins to keep up with competitors. The right thing for big-battalion investors in AO World to do at this stage would be to stick with the project and not retreat at the first smell of cordite. After all, keeping faith with Ocado after some ropey years is paying off handsomely. Pester skewered Financial Conduct Authority chief Andrew Bailey has finally bared his teeth. His letter to the Treasury Select Committee over the failings of TSB to tell the truth about its IT meltdown could not be more explicit. The company's chief executive Paul Pester was far too optimistic, he failed to share vital intelligence on IBM's findings with MPs, it was not open about the scale of meltdown and communications were poor. Pester cannot be allowed to survive such an onslaught and should leave immediately without compensation. Some of Tony's fund managers have been beaten by robot-controlled competitors Since we started creating our shopping list using Amazon's Alexa voice assistant, my supermarket trips have become a far more trepidatious affair. What precisely were the 'wooden picks' Mrs H had requested this week? I opted for cocktail sticks, but on arriving home was greeted with a puzzled frown and told that, of course, I should have realised she wanted wooden clothes pegs. Ploughing through my investment funds earlier this year was a similar experience, as I stared at some and wondered if I could ever have really intended to buy them. Over the years I'd accumulated a hotch-potch of around 35 funds in both my Isa and Self Invested Personal Pension (Sipp), some of which were in favour when I was Money Mail editor but have since fallen from grace. There were trackers following various indices, which I have kept, but the actively managed funds supposedly run by experts needed judicious pruning. The good news was that a number of core investments had continued to plug away year in, year out, pushing my portfolio forward with little input from me. Some had positively sparkled. Chief among these was Old Mutual Smaller Companies Focus, a fund I picked up several years ago. This does what it says on the box, investing primarily in a limited number of small UK companies. It was the best-performing UK investment fund last year, turning every 1,000 invested into 1,507, according to figures covering all funds published in the specialist magazine Money Management. Not surprisingly, from humble beginnings, it has become one of my larger holdings. Like all managed funds it has its shaky periods. But analysis website FE Trustnet still shows it has doubled my money over three years and increased it by a whopping 180 per cent in five years turning 1,000 into 2,800. It should have been renamed the Modest Ideas fund But then there was the same fund manager's Global Best Ideas fund which might be better renamed Modest Ideas. FE Trustnet figures show it has provided a return of around 48 per cent over five years. Compared with what I might have got in a savings account that's a terrific return. But weighing it against the Investment Association's Global index, which tells us how a typical basket of shares in major companies around the world might have grown over that period, tells a different story. Just tracking this I would have made 62 per cent. The obvious question was why am I paying a fund manager when a robot has done a better job and more cheaply? So I sold it. Old Mutual Smaller Companies Focus was the best-performing UK investment fund last year, turning every 1,000 invested into 1,507 I stared at the name Man GLG Balanced Managed. What was this and how had it crept into my portfolio? Had Amazon Alexa been playing tricks on me again? A quick chat with Mark Dampier, a funds guru at investment firm Hargreaves Lansdown, sparked illumination. GLG had run a technology fund which had been buried into this. Might I have bought that? Well, yes. What I couldn't explain was why a fund manager would think technology investors would want to head into a stodgy balanced managed fund. Here's a lesson for all of us. When we get letters telling us of fund mergers we really must act on them. Clearly, my attention was elsewhere at the time when I was informed. Another one bites the dust. More to the point, it had delivered me practically no profits over the past five years More needed to go. I'd plumped for a fund called Jupiter New Europe (Offshore), several years ago in a fit of excitement about the prospects for emerging East Europe markets. But the fund is dominated by investments in Russia (around 50 per cent of its holdings) with Turkey around 15 per cent. At one time that may have been fine, but I am no longer comfortable with it. More to the point, it had delivered me practically no profits over the past five years. I sold it at a tad above the price at which I bought it. What of Jupiter Absolute Return a fund that for me has delivered an absolutely ghastly return? This fund gave the manager freedom to do more or less what he wanted, and it looked as though he proceeded to do nothing at all after the 2008 banking crisis. There's been a change of manager but it remains very defensive, returning just 16 per cent in five years. Absolutely no point in keeping it, so I sold. Threadneedle UK Equity Alpha also bit the dust. The previous manager, who had done a great job, retired. The new incumbent's performance is so-so. My mission to clear out funds that have disappointed or are no longer appropriate is well underway. So far I have sold 11. But I also want to construct a more rewarding portfolio going ahead. If you are going to invest your money in active funds then you need to be active in monitoring changes and developments Mark Dampier Ringing in my ears is a message from Mr Dampier that all investors in active funds should heed: 'If you are going to invest your money in active funds then you need to be active in monitoring changes and developments. You also need to be patient, because there will be periods of underperformance.' Otherwise you may be better off with a tracker. t.hazell@dailymail.co.uk House of Fraser is preparing to shut half its stores largely those on the High Street in a drastic attempt to save the business. As many as 29 of its 59 shops are earmarked for closure with many of its famous stores to shut, insiders claim. Those being kept open under the restructuring plan, which is set to be announced by the firms Chinese owners today, will be mostly in more modern, large-scale shopping centres. As many as 29 of House of Fraser's 59 shops are earmarked for closure with many of its famous stores to shut, insiders claim. It means its famous department store Frasers in Glasgow, where the business was founded 169 years ago, and the site in Oxford Street could both close. And it underlines the crisis which is currently engulfing the High Street. It is predicted more than 10,000 shops will disappear this year the most in a decade. Toys R Us and Maplin have collapsed into administration and Marks & Spencer, Mothercare, Carpetright and New Look are all closing shops. Analysts warned the crisis will likely continue. House of Fraser is racing to agree a rescue plan with landlords and other creditors, which is expected to be announced today. It is trying to push through a controversial restructuring process called a company voluntary arrangement, which will allow it to close stores and get rent reductions on others. By the numbers 1849 House of Fraser opened in Glasgow as Arthur and Fraser House of Fraser opened in Glasgow as Arthur and Fraser 17,000 employees at its 59 stores and concessions employees at its 59 stores and concessions 44m loss last year from a profit of 1.5m ayear earlier loss last year from a profit of 1.5m ayear earlier 480m what Chinese firm Sanpower paid for House of Fraser in 2014 However, landlords are not thought to be supportive of the plan and have called it highly insensitive. Landlord groups have accused retailers of abusing company voluntary arrangements and using them solely to reduce rental liabilities. House of Fraser needs 70 per cent of its creditors including landlords to back its plan. The department store chain needs to seal the deal so it can access 70million in funding pledged by a new investor. The Chinese owner of Hamleys, C. Banner, has made access to the funds conditional on a restructuring deal being done. Failure could see House of Fraser plunged into administration, putting the jobs of 17,000 staff at risk. Even if a deal is approved, C. Banner is expected to wait two months to see how the pared back group fares until granting House of Fraser the cash. A spokesman for House of Fraser said: As we highlighted over the weekend we are on track with our plans to propose a CVA. INDIANAPOLIS, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Employees at Oak Street Funding (www.oakstreetfunding.com), a First Financial Bank company, have completed their second year of participation in TutorMate, a national online volunteer tutoring program that helps thousands of first graders in under-resourced communities learn to read. Paired with students at Phalen Leadership Academy, and IPS Innovation Network School, a team of Oak Street Funding employees took part in weekly one-on-one online tutoring sessions featuring stories, flashcards and games to make reading fun and to improve student literacy throughout the school year. "The tutor group from Oak Street Funding is a dream corporate partner. Tutors call every week and share feedback with the teacher so that the student is the focus and develops strong reading skills, stated Christy Chappell, Indianapolis TutorMate Program Ambassador. Oak Street Funding tutors make attending the twice yearly, in-person meetings a priority and make the entire class not just those being tutored - feel special. I know the dynamic combination of teacher Mrs. Dianne Flanagan and the tutor group from Oak Street Funding will continue to make an impact on literacy for years to come." New this year, a school in each city was recognized as a TutorMate School of the Year for their achievement in exemplary classroom fidelity and commitment to excellence in the TutorMate program. This year the Phalen Leadership Academy was the award recipient. Working with my student and seeing his reading improve throughout the school year is very rewarding, explained Aidreen Hart, Oak Street Funding tutor. TutorMate has not only made an impact on my student but also on me. It feels amazing to be able to play a role in helping a child learn to read. About Oak Street Funding Indianapolis-based Oak Street Funding (www.oakstreetfunding.com), a First Financial Bank company, provides commercial financing for financial service businesses, restaurant franchises through the First Franchise Capital (firstfranchisecapital.com) brand and third-party loan servicing for financial institutions. Oak Street Funding and First Franchise Capital utilize industry knowledge, proprietary technology and passion to deliver top-quality service and capital products to finance services professionals and franchise owners nationwide. About Innovations for Learning Innovations for Learning is a 501c3 nonprofit organization committed to improving literacy outcomes of primary grade students in under-resourced schools. Their flagship program, TutorMate, offers a unique opportunity for local volunteers to help students practice reading through weekly, online reading sessions. The consistent connection with a nurturing and friendly tutor not only helps students reach grade-level literacy, but also fosters self-esteem, confidence, and a joy for reading. TutorMate is changing the literacy landscape in 26 major metropolitan school districts in the United States and, as of 2018, in London, UK. To get your company involved or to learn more about becoming a volunteer tutor, visit us at https://www.innovationsforlearning.org. Media Contact: Sharon Robbins, 317-428-3804 Sharon.robbins@oakstreetfunding.com Coffee king: Howard Schultz, grew Starbucks from 11 cafes to a 58bn coffee empire Howard Schultz, the man who grew Starbucks from 11 cafes to a 58billion coffee empire is leaving amid rumours of a potential run for the White House. Schultz, 64, who is considered one of the most respected bosses on Wall Street, will step down as chairman on June 26 26 years to the day that he took the chain public on the New York Stock Exchange. The married father of two has been credited with growing the Seattle coffee chain into a multinational powerhouse that raked in 4.3billion in sales last year. Shares fell 2.4 per cent following the announcement to $55.68 as analysts described the departure as 'the loss of a powerful mind'. Schultz claimed he had been trying to leave the business for more than a year, but his resignation had been delayed by an incident which saw Starbucks staff call police to report two black customers waiting for a friend who were subsequently arrested for trespassing. David Palmer, analyst at RBC Capital Markets, said: 'It is reasonable for shareholders to worry about the retirement of a legendary leader from the brand, especially one who defines the culture as Howard does.' Robert Passikoff, president of consultancy Brand Keys, added: 'Howard was the not only the guy who started the company but he was the one who maintained brand vision. He walked away once and the company suffered immensely.' Schultz, who is worth more than 2billion, was chief executive from 1986 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2017. Last year he was promoted to executive chairman. He started out at Starbucks in 1981 as director of operations and marketing following a stint as a general manager for a Swedish drip coffee manufacturer. During his time heading up the business, Schultz transformed Starbucks from a small chain of 11 outlets to a brand with more than 27,000 cafes worldwide. It has recently stepped up its expansion into China where it is opening a cafe every 15 hours. Schultz is renowned for spouting corporate jargon but is adored by many employees who attend the company's annual meeting every year. In recent years, though, he has pursued philanthropic interests and been outspoken on corporate America sparking rumours he would bid to become the Democratic presidential candidate. In an interview with CNBC, Schultz refused to talk specifically about speculation he would run for president against Donald Trump in the 2020 election. 'There's a lot of things I can do as a private citizen other than run for the presidency of the United States,' he said. 'Let's just see what happens.' Santiago, June 5, 2018 - LATAM Airlines Groups informs the impact of the recent strike carried out by truck drivers in Brazil, who blocked several accesses to its domestic territory, causing an aviation fuel shortage in the majority of the country's airports. Despite it being an issue unrelated to the Company, LATAM Airlines Brazil had to cancel a total of 151 domestic flights between May 25 and 30, of a total of 3,422 scheduled flights, as well as not being able to carry roughly 1,500 tons of cargo. The Company estimates that the impact of this contingency amounted to US$13 million, including all the measures carried out to minimize the disruption to its passengers. LATAM apologizes for the resulting inconveniences to its passengers, and assures that it worked the whole time with a team dedicated exclusively to insure the continuity of its operations. MBABANE Mining companies have been called upon to declare at least 10 per cent of mining royalties to the communities where they extract minerals. This was one of the major recommendations from the Mining Indaba convened by the Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organisations (CANGO) at Sibane Hotel yesterday. Publish What You Pay Consortium member from Zambia, Charles Mulila, advised that the Kingdom of Eswatini ought to take a leaf from the kingdoms ally through incorporating a clause that would allow for 10 per cent mining royalties specifically for the people who are inhabitants at the areas where mines are located. Generally, royalties are paid by the owner or the operator of a mine to compensate for natural resources that are extracted. At least 10 per cent mining royalties apart from what the companies pay to government for licences and as taxes. This should be done to cushion effects of mining processes which greatly affect the people either residing or employed around the areas where the mines are located, said Mulila much to the applause of the nearly 100 delegates who crammed the auditorium. He stated that it would be prudent to allow the people directly affected by operations of the mine because they suffered consequences of evictions and medical complications emanating from mining operations. According to the CANGO scoping mission to generate knowledge of the extractive industry in the country, the Kingdom of Eswatini is endowed with limited natural wealth in the form of iron ore at Ngwenya, coal at Maloma and Mpaka, diamonds at Dvokolwako, asbestos at Havelock/ Bulembu and forestry in Bhunya, Piggs Peak and Nhlangano to mention a few. WHEN the budget is in deficit, government must borrow by selling securities to individuals, corporations, financial institutions and/or other governments to finance that deficit. If a deficit spirals out of control, it can threaten the financial stability of an economy and can be a huge drain on the amount of money that is available for investments for Gross Domestic Product formation and for the creation of jobs. A fiscal deficit indicates that government spending is in excess of current revenue and public borrowing. It means governments expenses are greater than the income and grants it receives. Really, there are two simple avenues that can put a handle on fiscal deficits: (1) government can either earn more money; or (2) it can make do with the money it gets by spending less. Unfortunately, making ends meet with the money government gets seems to be an impossible challenge for most governments. Governments simply cannot get enough money! People and businesses are always there to be taxed so that government can keep earning to spend more money. When the local economy has been taxed through the roof, domestic borrowing becomes the next best option available for government to fund its unlimited spending. Domestic borrowing in a small economy like Eswatini takes the limited amount of money available through the private sector to fund unlimited and non-priority public spending instead of funding real economic activities that can contribute to an increase in national output. When the local individuals, corporations and financial institutions have no money to lend to government, external borrowing from other governments and international entities like the World Bank are there to keep a constant stream of cash-flow for government coffers. The problem is that government always has options to acquire more money to spend, and so has no serious incentive to cut excessive spending, especially on useless and non-priority expenditures. In the past seven years the true surplus that the country incurred was in 2013 recording a healthy E1.467 billion. From there onwards, government has been on an expansionary fiscal policy wrecking up spending to a high of E21.779 billion in 2016/17 with an excess spending (deficit) of E6.842 billion (12.3 per cent of GDP). Net domestic financing in the same period has increased to E5.633 billion in 2016/17 and total external debt to E5.454 billion in 2017/18. With increasing deficits, government has no choice but to increase borrowing and taxes on the local economy. At the same time, every month government has to set aside a significant amount of money (E526 million or half a billion Emalangeni) just for repayments on interests of the debts it acquires. The money it pays on interest could pay more than half of the wage bill on a monthly basis. The opportunity forgone by acquiring all this debt is that government is using deficit financing for paying back the domestic and foreign loans just so it can continue with unsustainable spending instead of creating value for money in using public funds to finance public and private investments that could increase economic growth. Even though the government securities issued by the Central Bank of Swaziland (CBS) are considered a safe investment for most of the individuals and corporations that buy these bonds, they actually do nothing to increase output, employment creation, and growth in the economy. Essentially what is happening is that the private sector is taking money and handing it over to government so that it can shell out more money on expanding civil servants and the huge wage bill among all the other unsustainable expenditures that must be cut within government. Instead, the economy would benefit a lot more if the money would be directed to real investments in the economy that would lead to the production of goods and services and creation of jobs to expand the economy. With these bonds issued by the CBS, people and businesses are actually pledging their hard-earned money to fund non-priority government expenditures for a meagre guaranteed 7 per cent annual return on their money. The economy is so dead that entrepreneurs and corporates now see government securities as the best option to invest their money instead of taking a chance on the real economy to invest real and new enterprises that can create more value for money. The reality is that government does not produce goods and services that people need for consumption to make the economy tick. In the same vein, we cannot expect government to create jobs and solve the unemployment challenges that the country faces. If the private sector happily gives away money to government, the private sector is also happily putting a stamp on the ballooning wage-bill as well as happily giving government the signal that it should continue wrecking up public spending because the private sector will be there to bail it out. MBABANE Jail will be a second home to Bekezeli Gama if she fails to compensate desperate job seekers whom she conned money amounting to E143 130, in an employment and scholarship deal. Gama (30) of Mafutseni, was yesterday sentenced to 112 years imprisonment with the option to compensate the victims. When passing the judgement, Mbabane Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi told Gama the court would suspend each of the sentences which were made to run consecutively, if she could reimburse the complainants. Nhlabatsi said the court had found it proper that Gama serve a sentence that was equivalent to the money she stole from the victims by false pretence. Gamas sentencing comes after she was rearrested at the Mbabane Swazi Plaza, after she was spotted by one of the complainants near Jet Stores a fortnight ago. The con artist was at large since the court released her on her own recognisance, after she made an undertaking to pay back the complainants when she pleaded guilty to the charges last year. When her Defence Counsel, Justice Mzizi made the undertaking on behalf of Gama last year; he informed the court that Gamas parents were willing to pay back the money. However, none of the victims were compensated, something which left the Crown with the view that Gama had no source of income. Prosecutor Mbutfo Mbingo further implored the court to sentence Gama, as opposed to compelling her to pay back the money. An application for compensation applies if the Crown is convinced that the offender had a source of income to pay back the money. The Crown will not allow a situation where Peter has to steal from John to pay Amos. It is clear that Gama had no source of income. Worse is that the lawyer who made the undertaking on Gamas behalf had since dumped her in the matter, said Mbingo. He informed the court that the complainants had accepted that there was no way Gama could compensate them. However, he told the court that he gathered from the complainants that they had no problem with Gamas fate, as long as they would not see her outside. MABHUNWINI Amid the growing outcry of abducted children, some of whom are found dead, more children are being kidnapped by unknown people. The Mliba Police Station has recorded two cases of abduction which occurred last week. One case, that of a 15-year-old boy, who was allegedly kidnapped while he was entering his familys kitchen (lidladla) at 6am last Thursday. The other case related to a 14-year-old girl, who was whisked by two men and bundled into a sedan while she was coming from the shops near the police station. Last Thursday, at about 6am, a Manana family woke up to screams from some residents who had just seen two men, grabbing their 15- year-old boy and bundling him inside a blue sedan which immediately sped off. He was entering the kitchen to get some water so that he could take a bath and go to school when the two men immediately pounced and grabbed him out of the hut. They lifted him out of the homestead and down the forests where they had parked their vehicle. He told us that when they got to the vehicle, which had both of its doors opened, they bundled him inside and drove off, unfortunately some of the residents had seen them, the boys grandmother, Norah Manana, said yesterday. She added that while driving off, the two men had to stop their vehicle and open a wooden gate leading to the other forests nearby, however when one of them jumped out to open it, the boy, Sihle* managed to alight and jumped off. Sihle, a Sidvokodvo Primary School pupil is alleged to have run through the forests and escaped the clutches of the alleged kidnappers. While we were trying to contact the police and search for his whereabouts, he returned home, crying hysterically. This is a very traumatic incident and we are cannot get over it. When I checked inside the kitchen, everything was upside down, including water containers, tins and most of the utensils. It was clear that before they snatched him, there was a struggle inside the kitchen, Manana said. MPOLONJENI What was meant to be their place of comfort and happiness turned into a holding cell for two children and their mother. This is the story of a Burundian family, which was allegedly locked-in for about six days in their rented three-room flat by a messenger of the court after defaulting rent payment last month. According to Jean Bosco, the head of the family, his two children, aged one and four years, were locked inside their house allegedly by a messenger of the court on May 29 after he could not pay rent. Bosco narrated the alleged degrading and inhumane treatment his family went through as they had to use buckets to relieve themselves in the house. The toilets within the compound are outside the house. He also narrated how he had to bring food for his family daily and give it to them allegedly through the window. According to Bosco, his family was eventually rescued after close to a week by police officers, who worked with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Narrating the ordeal, Bosco alleged that his rented flat was locked after he failed to settle his rent, which was slightly under E2 000. He alleged that their agreement with his landlord was that should he fail to pay the rent on time, he had to pay an extra 10 per cent interest. He failed to understand why such extreme measures had to be taken this time around as it had never been a challenge before. Bosco alleged that his family was locked in the flat while he was away attending training in Ezulwini. He stated that after he learnt that his family was locked in the rented flat, he reported the matter to the police, but was told to first ascertain whether his family was really locked in or not. He stated that he went to the rented flat to inspect if the reports were true, and he found that they were true. He said he also learnt that this was allegedly done by a messenger of the court, who was armed with a court order. NEW YORK, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Contently, the content marketing solution of choice for the worlds most valuable brands, is pleased to announce the appointment of marketing veteran Giuseppe Caltabiano as Head of Content Strategy for EMEA and APAC. Caltabiano brings more than 20 years of experience as a global marketing and writing expert, which he will utilize as he leads the content strategy service offering that is provided to Contently clients in EMEA. At Contently, we are committed to helping marketers create engaging and accountable content that allows them to strategically meet and exceed their marketing objectives, said Joe Coleman, co-founder and CEO of Contently. As we continue to expand our client base and expand our offerings, we know that adding Giuseppe to our leadership team will only further move the needle for our business. His extensive experience leading content marketing strategy in global enterprises is incredibly valuable for advising top global brands across the financial, technology, industrial, and consumer sectors to produce world-class content and digital marketing strategies. Were pleased that our clients can now benefit from his years leading global marketing strategy programs in B2B and B2C enterprises. Caltabiano is based out of Contentlys London office and will report to SVP of Sales, Marc Schraer. In a marketplace oversaturated with content, Contently is the original thought leader and has remained a true pioneer, said Caltabiano. The company is globally recognized for its expertise in creating breakthrough content programs for the worlds best brands. I look forward to applying my experience to the next frontier of content marketing with Contently's unified approach that integrates strategy throughout the ContentlyOne solution. Before joining Contently, Caltabiano was Chief Strategist at Scorch Agency, a leading B2B enterprise content marketing agency. He also held executive roles at NewsCred and Schneider Electric. Amongst his accolades, Caltabiano was named to the Top 25 Masters of Multichannel Marketing, in 2017 and voted the Most Influential B2B Marketers by software company, Traackr, in 2016. About Contently Contently helps global enterprises create engaging and accountable content for a superior customer experience. By integrating an end-to-end content marketing platform, on-demand talent network, and strategic services into one unified approach for achieving content mastery, ContentlyOne has become the content marketing solution of choice for the worlds most valuable brands. Headquartered in New York City, Contently is trusted by industry leaders such as American Express, Bayer, Dell, JP Morgan Chase, Marriott, and Walmart. Contently is the recipient of numerous awards, including Digidays Best Content Marketing Platform, and has been recognized by AdAge, Crains, Fortune, and Inc. as a Best Place to Work. For more information, visit www.contently.com or read our award-winning blog, The Content Strategist. Contact: Alexis Roberts Blast PR for Contently alexisr@blastpr.com 805.886.8511 FORM 8.3 PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code") 1. KEY INFORMATION (a) Full name of discloser: Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named. (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree Sky plc (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 05 June, 2018 (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state "N/A" 2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security. (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any) Class of relevant security: 50p ordinary Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: (2) Cash-settled derivatives: 22,127,654 1.2872 (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell: TOTAL: 22,127,654 1.2872 All interests and all short positions should be disclosed. Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions). (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options) Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages: 3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in. The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated. (a) Purchases and sales Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit 50p ordinary CFD Decreased a long position 500,000 13.5850 GBP 50p ordinary CFD Decreased a long position 200,000 13.5700 GBP (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options) (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit (ii) Exercise Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities) Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable) 4. OTHER INFORMATION (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none" NONE (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none" NONE (c) Attachments Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO Date of disclosure: 06 June, 2018 Contact name: James Gange Telephone number: 212-446-4029 Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service. The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129. The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk. MIAMI, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- World Technology Corp. (OTC:WCOR) (World Technology or the Company), a technology company that leverages its proprietary Life Sensing Technology to promote wellness worldwide using its Helo branded wearable devices, has secured, through its supplier, a high performance, low power Toshiba Processor as one of the main components of Extense - a companion device that allows Helo LX and Helo LX+ wearers worldwide to monitor their sugar trends on demand and on a non-invasive basis. Sean McVeigh, Chief Executive Officer of World Technology, commented, Following the launch of Helo LX+ and the demonstration of our non-invasive Sugar Trend monitoring technology at CES 2018 in Las Vegas, we have dedicated substantial resources toward the development of Helo Extense. After careful consideration and extensive planning, we have selected and secured Toshibas TZ1200 Processor for use in our non-invasive Sugar Trend monitoring device, Helo Extense. Mr. McVeigh continued, We are excited about fast-tracking the production of Helo Extense starting mid-2018 and the related momentum that we expect it will bring to our business in the second half of the year. He also confirmed that Helo Extense will only be available for sale in the wellness sector from WCORs exclusive distributor, World Global Network. About World Technology Corp. We are a technology, design and data company. Our Life Sensing Technology is embedded into innovative, connected, wearable devices that we design and we are a Big Data global provider that has developed software capable of aggregating our wearer data into actionable data. Our database contains extensive multi-ethnic, biometric and vital signs data, which not only informs our in-house development, but is also available on an anonymized basis to corporate partners and third-party app developers. We continuously gather data from our wearers in an effort to build a leading database which may enable our partners to determine new insights and identify new trends generated from our wearer data. For further information, see www.worldcorp.com and for sales in the wellness sector, please see www.worldgn.com. Forward Looking Statement This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this press release are forward-looking statements and involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company and the industry in which the Company operates, but involve a number of unknown risks and uncertainties, Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's filings with the OTC Markets. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. You are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained herein and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. A video accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ffdb7c2d-07f6-40be-b6d3-33334a0189bd A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/35aa83d4-ac3c-4859-adf6-9c88f441727c Suspect steals man's truck, then runs over him That man was rushed to an area hospital in serious condition. Cowtown violence escalates during the Summer. This week's tragic highlight and testament to harsh times: KANSAS CITY, Mo. - For the better part of his adult life, Brandon Howell has lived behind bars. The now 38-year-old is currently at the Jackson County Jail charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Lorene and Darrel Hurst, George and Ann Taylor and Susan Choucroun. Woman in custody after allegedly trying to set fires in Kauffman Stadium Posted: Wednesday, June 6, 2018 8:31 AM EDT Updated: Wednesday, June 6, 2018 8:31 AM EDT KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - Police say a woman is in custody after attempting to set fires inside Kauffman Stadium on Wednesday morning. Kansas City police responded around 5 a.m. The home team is struggling but this bit of local confrontation reveals the life & times of the home team are growing increasingly strange. Take a look: Auditor: Missouri's SNAP Wasting Millions on Incarcerated, Out-of-State Recipients State Auditor Nicole Galloway says Missouri appears to be wasting millions of dollars through misuse of its food assistance program. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, was formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. It helps low-income Missourians get food at grocery stores by using a state-funded electronic card. Many futurist believe thatwill solve the social problems of the future OR at least make the transfer to drug money more efficient given that the current gimmes for po'folk aren't really working. Take a look: LOCALS LOVE TO GRUMBLE ABOUT JACKSON COUNTY BUT DO THEY HAVE THE COURAGE TO ADDRESS COMPLAINTS DIRECTLY TO THE NEW SHERIFF??? Greetings from Sheriff Forte I would like to extend an invitation to meet with you one-on-one Saturday, June 9th from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., at the Jackson County Sheriffs Office. The Sheriffs Office is located at 4001 NE Lakewood Court Lees Summit, MO 64064. This meeting is your opportunity to explain the issues in your community and how your Sheriffs Office can be of service to you. The meeting will be 10 minutes and there are 21 spots available. An important part of community outreach for the public . . .Also, it's just a really good opportunity to talk and get to know the new guy in charge as he continues his community outreach efforts.Thanks to our blog community, here's notice that was hidden in a low-rent public forum but better served by posting the highlighted version on TKC.Take a look:Greetings Jackson County! My name is Sheriff Darryl Forte, and I am honored to serve as your Sheriff of Jackson County, MO.Allow me to briefly introduce myself: prior to becoming your Sheriff, I served with the Kansas City Police Department for 31 years. My personal missions include giving 100% in all I do, and cultivating great relationships with those I am privileged to serve.Building trust and legitimacy, maintaining positive relationships/partnerships, and providing several lines of communication for the public to converse with law enforcement are essential elements for the success of our agency, and together, we will establish and maintain such.If the slots fill up, fret not, I will continue to hold one-on-one meetings in an effort to provide as many people as possible with an opportunity to voice his or her concerns.To secure a time slot, please follow the link:. Click signup next to the time you would like and complete the required information. Once you are finished, be sure to select agree and sign up at the bottom to secure your time.I look forward to talking with many of you soon!######## INCUMBENT POLITICO AND #METOO ACTIVIST CRYSTAL WILLIAMS WAS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND!!! If Crystal Williams is a leading local advocate for women then why is she missing meetings regarding repeated RAPE at the jail and why has she been mostly silent now that the controversy continues to endanger women with no resolution in sight??? Recently a woman was allegedly attacked in the Jackson County Jail and brutally raped.Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker sent. Elected officials discussed their options and the directive in the weekly Legislative meeting.However . . .. Here's our highlight:Obviously, scheduling conflicts are inevitable and there might be a reasonable excuse. Sadly, neither the newspaper nor any other outlet has bothered to ask:We'll wait for her answer . . . The Little Drummer Girl was shot in Athens, Elefsina, Kinetta, the Acropolis as well as the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio Filming for the new British miniseries "The Little Drummer Girl," which is based on a new adaptation of the John Le Carre spy thriller, wrapped up in Greece after 24 days of shooting, the Greek Film Center (GFC) announced on Wednesday. "It has been an incredible experience to film The Little Drummer Girl in the very locations described in John le Carre's book. The immense privilege of shooting at such historically and culturally important places such as the Acropolis or Temple of Poseidon cannot be understated," director Park Chan-wook told (GFC), describing his experience of filming in the country. "Greece, as the birthplace of Western drama, offers filmmakers a canvas of unique resonance and, for me, it is the perfect place to tell the story of Charlie (Pugh)", he noted. Executive producer and The Ink Factory co-CEO Simon Cornwell said the variety and scope of filming locations made it the ideal place to bring the story to life. "We were able to shoot not only extraordinary scenes set in Greece, but scenes set in the Lebanon, Israel, Yugoslavia (as it then was) and Rome as well. The stunning locations we were able to choose would have justified coming to Greece under almost any circumstances, but on top of that, the generous support of numerous arms of government, and the highly-talented crew and support team at our wonderful partners Faliro House, has made the shoot one to remember and repeat, he pointed out. The Little Drummer Girl was shot in Athens, Elefsina, Kinetta, the Acropolis as well as the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio. The crew while filming in Greece consisted of 165 Greek crew members as well as 98 from the UK. Read more at ekathimerini.com RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Nicholas Hartmann License: CC-BY-SA Saudi Aramco, a global petroleum and natural gas company, has signed 16 contracts with seven companies to operate and maintain facilities in its community over the next 10 years. The contracts signing took place during a ceremony in Dhahran where Saudi Aramco signed the contracts with Al Yamama Company for Trading and Contracting; Arabian Fal Holding Company; Abdulwahab Mansour Al-Moallam Sons Company; Rezayat Company; Al Tamimi Global Company for Services and Maintenance; Sraco Company; and Nesma and Partners Contracting Company. The contracts are in line with Saudi Aramcos continuous efforts to develop its community facilities and increase their efficiency while maintaining the highest safety standards, said Mohammed Al Shammary, Saudi Aramco vice president for community services. In addition, the contracts will create job opportunities for Saudi graduates of the National Training Center for Facilities & Hospitality Management (FHM) that was co-established by Saudi Aramco, Al Shammary added. FHM was established by Saudi Aramco jointly with the Technical & Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage in 2017. The centre aims at capturing opportunities in the hospitality and facilities management industry to create jobs for Saudi youth by equipping them with the required education and skills via offering internally-accredited training courses. These contracts are the beginning in fulfilling their commitment in providing best in class services, Al Shammary noted. - TradeArabia News Service ABB Turbocharging, a leading provider of turbocharging systems, and Cyprus-based Multimarine Services (MMS) have agreed to open an ABB Turbocharging Service Point at the MMS shipyard facility at Limassol Port to better serve customers. ABB Turbocharging and MMS signed the agreement yesterday (June 5) at Posidonia, an international shipping exhibition, being held in Athens, Greece. The deal confirms the creation of the first turbocharging service point in Limassol to be located at a shipyard, after proactive discussions between ABB Turbocharging Greece & Cyprus and MMS to relocate ABBs local service facilities, said a statement from the company. The relocation will support a closer physical pick up point for marine customers, providing convenience and faster access to customised servicing for optimal uptime and fleet productivity, it said. John Smyrneos, manager, ABB Turbocharging Greece & Cyprus, said: This is a positive agreement for our company and will enable us to better serve our customers by offering reliable, timely servicing directly from Limassol Port. While located on third-party premises, the ABB Service Point is non-exclusive. It is open to all ABB Turbocharging customers across industries including marine, oil and gas, power generation, earthmoving and mining, it added. Rolf Bosma, head of service sales for ABB Turbocharging, said the facility will add an extra touchpoint for customers across an expansive service network that includes over 100 Service Stations in more than 50 countries. He said: This service point will be a valuable addition to our overall service network when it opens in the third quarter of 2018. Alex Antippas, director, business development, Multimarine Services, said: The ABB Turbocharging Service Point is a welcome addition to our shipyard facility. It is a highly valuable service offering and we are confident in the capabilities offered by ABB Turbocharging to deliver quality and sustainable services to our local and international clients, he said. ABB Turbochargings service philosophy is about enhancing original performance, with customised solutions enabling maximum possible output and highest engine fuel efficiency for lowest total cost of ownership in the long term.-TradeArabia News Service LAGOS, Nigeria, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company strongly disputes the claim made by the Commander of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman on or about June 1, 2018 citing the company and its Chief Executive Benedict Peters as the masterminds behind the serious allegations levied against him by the people of the oil-rich Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. To put the factual matrix in perspective, it appears that on June 1, 2018, hundreds of youths connected to the Niger-Delta region organised a World Press Conference at Abuja within which one of the central themes was to draw attention to the activities of Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman in his role as the OPDS, also known as Joint Task Force (JTF), Supremo. OPDS which comprises of members of the Nigerian Navy, Army, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Custom Service personnel was designed to ensure the safety of lives and property in the Niger-Delta but with the continued unabated illegal oil bunkering activities which have translated into the loss of lives and attendant revenue to the tune of billions of dollars, allegations were made against him, accusing him of complicity in the growing menace of illegal bunkering and oil thefts and calling for his immediate removal from office. For the avoidance of any doubt whatsoever, any attempt by the embattled Admiral Suleiman to suggest Aiteos (www.AiteoGroup.com) involvement in the activities of those who undertook the event or indeed any other related activity is a distraction designed to fail. It does not, in any way, detract from the weight of allegations with which Admiral Suleiman has been publicly confronted nor the overwhelming need for him to engage in a process that will allow him deal with the substantive issues that flow from that event. Aiteo has enormous responsibilities in the oil industry requiring focused intensity and attention in the execution of our quite considerable commercial obligations. With a daily production in the region of 90,000kbp, the NNPC/Aiteo JV is now directly responsible for producing 5% of the countrys daily oil production. In doing so, the group employs over several hundred direct staff and thousands of others indirectly through contractors and service suppliers. This sense of responsibility is the bedrock on which our commercial and other activities are founded. Sadly, these oil thefts have meant that we are the one of the biggest victims of oil theft in the country. As the opportunity regretfully presents, we consider it apt to clarify a number of matters arising from the Admirals unfortunate comments: As a result of recurrent thefts along the NCTL pipeline route resulting in significant pressure reductions on the trunk line, theft points identification as well as illegal refineries, and corroborated by several Joint Investigative visits constituted by various regulatory bodies and the applicable host community, Nigeria has experienced loss of production and revenue that should have accrued to the country. In Dec 2016 alone, 45.46% of the total net crude injected into the NCTL was lost on this basis which implies that the country lost revenues that could have been accumulated in the countrys treasury from crude sales. Third party interference with the line has often resulted in oil leaks which ultimately culminate in shutting down the NCTL to undertake emergency repairs. This in itself has resulted in the NCTL being shut down for about 145 days and an approximate deferment of 50.386 million barrels of Crude Oil (Net) for the 6 injectors into the NCTL since Aiteo took over the operatorship of the trunk line in September 2015. As recently as May 1, 2018 there were a total of 24 illegal bunkering points identified along the NCTL. Aiteo has successfully repaired 9 of these illegal bunkering points during May 2018 at a huge cost to the company. These illegal bunkering points also contribute to the huge losses on the volumes injected across the NCTL by the six OMLs and the volumes actually received at Bonny Terminal. Due to the continued vandalisation of the NCTL and resulting oil theft, Aiteo has written to the Federal Government, through the Chief of Army Staff, General TY Buratai on two occasions (April 17 and 23, 2018), requesting the involvement of the Armed Forces in reinforcing existing security arrangements to the pipeline as the incessant security breaches were resulting in losses amounting to billions of Naira for the country. We have made similar efforts to various other arms of the security apparatus of the country. Aiteo is very concerned, not just about the effect of these disruptions on its bottom-line, but the health and livelihood of people living in these areas. This tragic trajectory is not only condemnable, but inimical to human existence, in the long term. Some of these issues are captured in recurring questions that may even have been articulated by those communities complaining about the OPDSs role as follows: (a) Why has large-scale illegal oil bunkering and refining assumed unprecedented dimensions in recent times? (b) Is it correct that the security forces are now offering protection/escort services to those allegedly responsible for oil thefts? (c) How is it that vessel movement of the oil thieves occurs unnoticed in the region despite heightened activity in large scale illegal bunkering? (a) Why has large-scale illegal oil bunkering and refining assumed unprecedented dimensions in recent times? (b) Is it correct that the security forces are now offering protection/escort services to those allegedly responsible for oil thefts? (c) How is it that vessel movement of the oil thieves occurs unnoticed in the region despite heightened activity in large scale illegal bunkering? Nigeria cannot afford to remain passive as our sovereign wealth is being aggressively pilfered, aided by indifference on the part of relevant stakeholders. These activities are highly injurious to the economy of a country vacillating between recession and the fringes of economic stability. As a major indigenous producer, Aiteo identifies with issues about which the communities rightly complain. Although and again we make this abundantly clear - we have NOT instigated them to participate in any protest, we believe the object of their complaint about the persistence of illegal bunkering remains germane. All hands must be on deck to diminish and extinguish the theft of oil across the NCTL and other such national facilities and its attendant implications. As a socially responsible organisation, Aiteo understands that the community bears the brunt of illegal bunkering and refining activities. Indigenes of these communities remain morally and legally free to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed civic rights to peacefully protest against ills in their community till their voices are heard and desired remedial or corrective actions are taken. Aiteo utilizes this opportunity to reiterate its long-standing commitment to due process and international best practices in the discharge of every aspect of its statutory mandate. Signed: Management, Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aiteo Group. Media Contact Ndiana Matthew Senior Manager, Corporate Communications Aiteo Group Mobile: +234-815-314-7539 Email: Ndiana.Matthew@Aiteong.com URL: www.AiteoGroup.com Canon Middle East (CME) has signed an agreement with Ali Zaid Al Quraishi & Brothers (Azaq) to formally establish Canon Saudi Arabia, which will become the largest regional direct presence for CME. Canon Saudi Arabia will operate from Riyadh and with an additional two branches in Jeddah and Khobar will be become the companys largest entity in the region. With over 300 employees by 2020, Canon Saudi Arabia will directly contribute to the Kingdoms economy and industry diversification strategy as outlined by Vision 2030. Anurag Agrawal, managing director, Canon Middle East, said: Establishing Canon Saudi Arabia is an integral part of our strategy of becoming closer to our customers through direct presence in key markets. Saudi Arabia is witnessing a transformation into a more diversified economy with several industries developing and establishing a presence in the regions largest market. Through our products and business solutions, Canon Saudi Arabia aims to help customers address these opportunities and establish thriving businesses. Faisal Al Quraishi, chairman, Ali Zaid Al Quraishi & Brother, said: The joint venture between CME and Azaq comes as a result of a long business relationship between Canon and Al Quraishi Group that is 50 years in the making; and this development comes as natural progression of our successful business ties. Azaq sees this joint venture as a contribution to the countrys 2030 vision whereby Canon, a global brand, contributes to the Kingdoms transformation through its innovative technologies and solutions. Furthermore, the partnership will be highly committed to train young Saudi nationals as well as advance technology in private and government sectors alike. The new company in Saudi Arabia will report into Canon Middle East, which will continue in its role as a Regional Sales Organisation for the Middle East region. Following the successful development of Canon Emirates, Canon Middle Easts direct operation in the UAE, this strategic step allows Canon to further expand its offerings across the Saudi market where there is a growing need for digital and other technology-based imaging services. As the government, and other large entities, seek to implement the latest digital business solutions to become more agile, competitive, efficient, reduce operational costs and to adapt to todays changing business environment, Canons suite of products and services address challenges and allow for streamlining of processes to achieve growth through organisation-wide digital transformation. Establishing a long-term presence in KSA adds value to Saudi economy by contributing to the development of a sophisticated digital infrastructure mandated by Vision 2030; which will ultimately attract investors and enhance the competitiveness of the Saudi economy, said Agrawal. The IMF is forecasting KSA economy to expand by 1.7 percent in 2018, with predictions of a 1.9 percent growth in 2019, all of which are good indicators of the transformation and growth the Kingdom is witnessing. Historically through our direct operations, we have aided governments and organisations differentiate their business by providing simple and effective solutions and outcomes. We are confident that with Al Quraishi as our local partner, this is a further step towards becoming leaders in imaging solutions across the Middle East, he added. In addition to supporting business achieve their goals, Canon Saudi Arabia has the objective of investing in its employees by enhancing the skills and professionalism of Saudi nationals through extensive learning and development programmes, embracing and enhancing the talent of Saudi youth, and empowering women to further support the countrys Saudisation programme.- TradeArabia News Service The interior design and styling of the luxury residences at Langham Place Downtown Dubai have finally been revealed by local developer Omniyat. Part of The Langham Downtown Dubai hotel, Langham Place Residences will offer a luxury lifestyle befitting of the famous hospitality name and will be the iconic brands first presence in the Middle East. Omniyat has revealed the images as part of its announcement that all apartments will come fully-furnished. Buyers will have the option of taking a serviced unit that comes with 24 per cent guaranteed return on investment, or a non-serviced unit that comes with a six-year payment plan. The first look images of the Langham Place Residences Downtown Dubai showroom apartment reveal a soft colour palette of cremes, browns and blues. Predominant use of wood has been made for the flooring, walls and doors, while discreet ceiling spotlights work in unison with low-hanging feature lighting. In the master bedroom, an abstract work of art doubles as the lengthy headboard with modern bedside lamps hovering from the ceiling. Blackout curtains and sheers are electronically operated from a wall switch. One side of the large walk-in wardrobe doubles as a make-up area, before leading into the splendid marble-walled ensuite bathroom. Mark Phoenix, managing director at Omniyat, said: Its been fantastic to work so closely with the Langhams design team in perfecting the Langham Place Residences. These high-end homes will be completely unique in the region and offer buyers the chance to invest in a legendary brand, complete with the little touch points that make the narrative of The Langham so strong. In the UAE and also in GCC markets such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, The Langham brand is recognised for its history, prestige and quality, so it really means something special to people. The Langham brand is synonymous with a legendary 150-year old heritage, dating back to 1865 with the opening of The Langham in London, Europes original grand hotel. It has remained a favourite of royalty and A-list celebrities for over 100 years. The Langham Downtown Dubai and Langham Place Residences will be situated in the heart of the Marasi development on the banks of Dubai Canal, with stunning views of the new marina on one side and Burj Khalifa on the other. It will be a 167-room hotel with 239 fully-serviced five-star residences, ranging from one, two and three bedroom suites to duplex penthouses. It is expected to finish late in the third quarter of 2020. The Langham Hotel London was frequented by many of historys most famous names, including Sir Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle, Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, Napoleon III, Princess Diana and Wallis Simpson. Established in 2005, Omniyat has a strong track record in delivering high quality projects, with a development portfolio of over $6.2 billion. - TradeArabia News Service National carrier Oman Air has announced the graduation of the first batch of MPL cadets as the trainees completed all phases of the Boeing 737 Type Rating Training. Oman Air earlier announced its adoption of a multi-crew pilot license, which is the first license of its kind in the sultanate in close coordination with the Public Authority for Civil Aviation. It should be noted that the programme was designed to suit the needs of Oman Air training in accordance with international regulations and the regulations of the Public Authority for Civil Aviation related to the approved pilot training curriculums. "We are very pleased to have the first batch of the MPL graduated. The programme has proven its concept, by demonstrating its competence and quality after receiving the required approvals, from the Public Authority for Civil Aviation, for this unique programme and the first of its kind in the history of aviation in Oman," said Engineer Abdul Aziz Al-Raisi, chief executive officer of Oman Air." Captain Ali Sulaiman, executive vice president and chief operations officer, said: "The graduation of the first batch of MPL cadets is an important step in the evolution of the programme to match the requirements of the global aviation environment. It is worth noting that the readiness of the cadets during the programme has contributed to the acceleration of the development of their skills during the various stages" Captain Khalid Al-Hashmi, senior manager - crew training, said: "The graduation of the first MPL batch in a competitive period is an important step towards the programme's evolution which is periodically evaluated to maintain the highest levels of training and safety. The second group of the MPL cadets is now stating the in-house practical training modules on the Boeing 737 fleet." Oman Air continues its rapid expansion, especially in the field of air training for pilots and crew. In this endeavour, Oman Air continues to expand its Flight Training Centre in line with the operations and objectives of the national carrier, which pays particular attention to the safety of all its guests and crew. - TradeArabia News Service ISEF Finalists from Brevard High School (left to right) front row: Nicole Rideout, John Nguyen, Emily Trusler; back row: teacher Jennifer Williams, Matthew Bailey, Fritz Ruppert, and Chase Bishop. Throughout the 2017-18 school year, millions of students worldwide competed in local and school-sponsored science fairs. The winners of these events advanced to participate in regional and state fairs from which the best won the opportunity to attend Intel ISEF. Intel ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair) united these top young scientific minds, showcasing their talents on an international stage, where doctoral level scientists reviewed and judged their work. This year, approximately 1,800 high school students from 81 countries, regions and territories were awarded the... Books are stacked and ready to be boxed for transport to Brevard College. The book sale begins June 16. "We are so proud of the fact that our annual book sale is truly a community affair," said this year's book sale chair Pinkie Byrd. Nothing exemplifies that community spirit more than local attorney Margaret Hunt who donates her office window each year to advertise AAUW's annual book sale. "We depend on our community to donate their used books each year," said Byrd. Each year the organization starts from zero and incredibly, for the last several years, Brevard AAUW has started their sale with more than 30,000 books. Most of these books are collected in the iconic yellow boxes that... The waterfall safety press event that was postponed because of last weeks flooding has been rescheduled for 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 13, in Pisgah National Forest at Cove Creek Group Campground. This event is sponsored by the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), which promotes tourism to the area through its Land of Waterfalls brand. In addition to remarks by park, forest and emergency management leaders, a team from the Transylvania County Emergency Management and Transylvania County Rescue Squad will perform a staged waterfall rescue. We thought it wou... President AIHT Sandeep Marwah With Chef No 1 Daniel Humm, Sandeep Marwah President of Asian Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (TRAVPR.COM) INDIA - June 6th, 2018 - At Eleven Madison Parkranked No 1 on the worlds 50 best restaurants list in 2017simplicity and minimalism are driving a culinary revolution. Bringing to India a taste of his New York based restaurant, co-owner and chef Daniel Humm was in India recently who was invited by Sandeep Marwah to Asian Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Noida. The World Series by American Express hosted two dinners with Humm in Mumbai and Delhi at The St Regis Mumbai and The Leela Palace New Delhi respectively. We catch up with the chef ahead of the dinners to understand what it takes for him to be on top. Growing up in Switzerland, chef Humm developed an appreciation for fresh, local ingredients early on. He has vivid childhood memories of going to the farms with his mother to buy produce and watch her cook whatever was in season. Great ingredients are the starting point of a great dish. But its what you do with those ingredients that really makes them shine, he says. Today, Humms biggest inspirations are New Yorks cultural history and agricultural bounty, which can be seen in the smallest details at his restaurant. Humm sums up his food philosophy quite simply. I want to really connect with the guests; give them something theyve had before, but give it to them in a reinvented way. AIHT wants to produce some extra ordinary chefs for national and international market, our target is that good food always attract customers from all the regions, said Sandeep Marwah President of AIHT. ### SAN JOSE, Calif., June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tech CU (Technology Credit Union) announced today that Guy Hadnot has joined the company as its new senior vice president of marketing, where he will be responsible for the strategic direction of branding, marketing communications and member engagement. A marketing industry veteran, Hadnot is skilled in marketing communications, brand management, partnership marketing, branding, B2B/B2C marketing and digital marketing. His experience is diverse encompassing a variety of industry sectors including retail financial products, healthcare/insurance and auto insurance. Guy is a highly accomplished marketing professional with demonstrated expertise in strategic planning and tactical execution of integrated, national and community-based programs delivering continuous business performance improvements, said Todd Harris, CEO of Tech CU. His background makes him a unique and perfect fit to lead Tech CUs marketing department. He understands the wide range of financial products we offer including direct, relevant experience marketing them. Prior to joining Tech CU, Hadnot was the director of marketing and consumer experience at Health Net Insurance. He has also held senior leadership positions with AAA Insurance Exchange, Bank of the West, Kaiser Permanente, Visa and JP Morgan Chase. Im excited to join the Tech CU family and help communicate its story and brand value as effectively as possible in order to drive growth, engagement and awareness, said Hadnot. Hadnot graduated from the University of California Irvine with a bachelors degree in philosophy. He later received an MBA in marketing and finance from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Anderson School of Management. About Tech CU Tech CU (Technology Credit Union) is a $2.5 billion credit union, making it one of the 20 largest credit unions in California. It serves more than 100,000 members throughout the San Francisco Bay Area including employees of such companies as Tesla, eBay, Applied Materials, Nvidia and Facebook. As a federally insured not-for-profit organization, instead of maximizing profits to pay company stockholders, we invest our resources to deliver lower rates, outstanding service and member benefits. Founded in 1960 by the innovative employees of Fairchild Semiconductor, today we continue to be an industry leader, providing convenient and easy-to-use financial products for all stages of our members lives, including personal banking, wealth management, private banking, commercial lending and business banking. In 2018, Tech CU was named the best performing credit union in CA, and third top-performing credit union in the U.S. among 538 credit unions by S&P Global Market Intelligence. To learn more, please visit: www.techcu.com. Contact: Linden Kohtz Public Relations, Tech CU lkohtz@techcu.com MUNICH and SAN JOSE, Calif., June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OneSpin Solutions, provider of innovative formal verification solutions for highly reliable, digital integrated circuits (ICs), will host the second annual Verified, a celebration of the verification ecosystem Monday, June 25, during the Design Automation Conference (DAC). Verified will be held at the Golden Gate Tap Room, second floor, 449 Powell Street in San Francisco from 8 p.m. until midnight, and will feature live music and dancing, vintage arcade and table games, snacks and drinks. The invitation-only event brings together the verification community for networking and fun with co-hosts Agnisys, AMIQ EDA, Austemper Design Systems, Avery Design Systems, Blue Pearl Software , Breker Verification Systems, Concept Engineering, Dassault Systemes, EDACafe, Electronic System Design Alliance, Metrics, MunEDA, Semifore and Verific Design Automation . We couldnt ask for a better location for Verified than the Golden Gate Tap Room, says McKenzie Ross, OneSpins marketing communications manager, and organizer of Verified. Located just off San Franciscos legendary Union Square, it is one of the citys most popular gathering places. Opportunities for fun abound in this laid-back, retro venue featuring a staggering list of 100+ beers, an abundant wine selection and tasty pub fare. Although Verified is invitation-only, a limited number of tickets are available from OneSpin or its co-hosts: https://www.onespin.com/verified/ . OneSpin also will sponsor this years Heart of Technology (HOT) 55 Party now combined with the DAC opening reception Sunday from 6 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. on Moscone Center Wests third-floor mezzanine. Ross is an organizer of this event as well. OneSpin will demonstrate its comprehensive formal verification solutions at DAC Booth #2611 Monday-Wednesday, June 25-27, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. About OneSpin Solutions OneSpin Solutions has emerged as a leader in formal verification through a range of advanced electronic design automation (EDA) solutions for digital integrated circuits. Headquartered in Munich, Germany, OneSpin is passionate about enabling users to address design challenges in areas where reliability really counts: safety-critical verification, SystemC/C++ high-level synthesis (HLS) code analysis and FPGA equivalence checking. OneSpins advanced formal verification platform and dedication to getting it right the first time have fueled dramatic growth over the past five years as the company forges partnerships with leading electronics suppliers to pursue design perfection. OneSpin: Making Electronics Reliable. Engage with OneSpin at: Website: www.OneSpin.com Twitter: @OneSpinSolution LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onespin-solutions Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneSpinSolutions OneSpin, OneSpin Solutions and the OneSpin logo are trademarks of OneSpin Solutions GmbH. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information, contact: Nanette Collins Public Relations for OneSpin (617) 437-1822 nanette@nvc.com WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, Mont., June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sandfire Resources America Inc. (Sandfire America or the Company) is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Scargill as Vice President Project Development and as a Director of Sandfire America. Mr. Scargill is an internationally experienced mining engineer responsible for the development and operation of a number of underground mines. Most recently, Mr. Scargill was the Chief Executive Officer of LeadFX Inc., a Canadian based company with projects in Western Australia and Utah. Mr. Scargill holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honors) Degree from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, and a Graduate Diploma of Management from the University of Central Queensland, Australia. Rob will be responsible for the development of a Bankable Feasibility Study for the Black Butte Copper Project and full development of the portal and decline once all regulatory approvals are in place. The Company is also pleased to provide an update on permitting of the Black Butte Copper Project in Central Montana. The Company was recently issued a draft Air Quality permit and has received notification that its MPDES (Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit has been deemed Complete & Compliant by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. The draft Air Quality permit is subject to a 30 day comment period ending July 5th and a draft MPDES permit is expected to be included in the draft EIS which will be released in the coming months. The Black Butte Projects Mine Operating Permit Application (MOP) was deemed Complete and Compliant on August 14, 2017 and the Company received a Draft Mine Operating Permit on September 19, 2017. The proposed underground mine is designed to provide economic opportunity to Central Montana while fully protecting the surrounding environment along Sheep Creek. A summary of the MOP can be found on our website www.sandfireamerica.com in the transparency library along with a 3D animation of the planned project showing what the site will look like before development, during mining operations, and being returned to agricultural use after reclamation. John Shanahan, CEO stated, We welcome Rob as a valued member of the management team and as a director to our board. We continue to move this extraordinary project forward and remain fully committed to operating in a safe and environmentally sound way that will protect our pristine environment while providing new economic opportunities for Meagher County and the state of Montana. Contact Information: Sandfire Resources America Inc. Nancy Schlepp, VP of Communications Mobile: 406-224-8180 Office: 406-547-3466 Email: nschlepp@sandfireamerica.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain disclosures in this document constitute forward looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the Companys proposed name change and plans for advancing the Black Butte Copper Project, and expected outcomes. In making these forward-looking statements, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable, including that the Company will receive required regulatory approvals for the proposed name change, that the Company will continue to be able to access sufficient funding to execute its plans, that the Companys plans for tailings and water management will be implemented as expected and will have the intended benefits and that the results of exploration and development activities are consistent with managements expectations. However, the forward-looking statements in this document are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors, including factors relating to the Companys operation as a mineral exploration and development company and the Black Butte Copper Project, that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements, including that the Company will not receive required regulatory approvals for the proposed name change when expected or at all, that results of exploration and development activities will not be consistent with managements expectations, delays in obtaining or inability to obtain required government or other regulatory approvals or financing, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, the risk of accidents, labor disputes, inclement or hazardous weather conditions, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, ground control problems, earthquakes, flooding and all of the other risks generally associated with the development of mining facilities and the operation of a producing mine. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by 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. monicakchauhan@gmail.com Sydney, June 6 Qatar Airways will soon move an application to launch a full-service airline in India for domestic operations, according to its chief Akbar Al Baker. He said the proposed airline would be fully financed by Qatar's sovereign fund. It would have Indians heading the board and as most of its members. Baker, who has been Qatar Airways' Group Chief Executive for over two decades, was elected as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Tuesday. We will move the application soon. I don't know really by when because it (the process) takes time, he told PTI on the sidelines of the IATA Annual General Meeting here when asked by when the application for a licence would be moved. Noting that the process is on track, he said the proposed carrier in India would be a full-service one and the investment would be done from the sovereign fund of Qatar's official investment arm. Qatar Investment Authority manages the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar. It was set up in 2005 to manage the oil and natural gas surpluses and its assets under management are estimated at USD 335 billion, a lot of which have been invested overseas for a variety of purposes. It was in March 2017 that Baker first mentioned about its plans for a carrier in India. In February this year, he had said it plans to launch an airline in India with at least 100 planes. I will not tell you what types of aeroplanes we will deploy in India but as you may remember we said that we will launch an airline in India which will have a fleet of at least 100 aircraft," he had said. Last December, the airline had said it would like to add more flights to India in the future as the country is an economic superpower and an important destination for it. India has permitted foreign investors, barring foreign airlines, from owning up to 100 per cent stake in local carriers. While a foreign airline can hold up to 49 per cent stake, foreign investment arms can own the remaining part. Currently, there are three full service carriers in India -- Air India, Jet Airways and Vistara Airlines. Al Baker became Qatar Airways' Group Chief Executive in 1997. Qatar Airways operates more than 200 aircraft and flies to over 150 destinations across six continents, as per the airline's website. PTI ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Mohit Khanna Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 6 In a classic case of indifferent attitude of government medical institutes towards the plight of the poor, a man has been made to shuttle from one hospital to another for the treatment of his 13-year-old son, a dog-bite victim. The condition of the boy, Amit, a resident of Vikas Nagar in Daria village, is stated to be serious. Today, the family rushed him to the Civil Hospital, Kasauli, but he was denied admission to the hospital. Narrating the incident, Chandan Kumar (37), father of the dog-bite victim, said his son was bitten on the right leg by a pet dog of his neighbour for the second time on May 31. On June 4, froth started coming out of Amits mouth while he was sleeping. We rushed him to the Mani Majra hospital. Doctors there administered him an anti-rabies injection and told us to take Amit to the PGI. We spent a night at the PGI Emergency, but the institute refused to admit the child. We then took Amit to the Civil Hospital in Phase VI, Mohali. I had a terrible experience there. A male employee at the hospital told me that my so is going to die. No doctor came for the treatment of my son. We again went back to the PGI, said Chandan Kumar. The PGI authorities told him that dog-bite cases were treated at Government Multi-Specialty Hospital in Sector 16. The ordeal of the family did not end here. On reaching the GMSH, Chandan was asked to take Amit to the GMCH, Sector 32. We got exasperated and took Amit back home instead of the GMCH. Today, somebody told us that dog-bite cases were treated at the Civil Hospital in Kasauli, but my son was denied admission there too, said Chandan Kumar. Amits mother Rinku Devi is inconsolable. She said Amit was the eldest among their children. Attacked twice in 10 days Chandan Kumar said his son was bitten twice in 10 days by the same dog. First, he was bitten by the dog on May 21 and again on May 31. The boy was administered three injections on May 23, 25 and 27 at the Civil Hospital, Mani Majra. Dog owner booked Chandan Kumar said his neighbours pet dog had bitten his son twice in 10 days. On Tuesday, a team had taken samples of the dog to verify whether it was suffering form rabies and asked its owner not to let the dog go out in the open till the report arrives. The Mauli Jagran police have registered a case under Section 289 of the IPC for negligent conduct with respect to an animal against the dog owner, Sandeep Saini. While Chandan says the condition of his son is serious, there is no one to corroborate his claims as hospitals have denied admission to the victim. Despite repeated attempts, Dr Vijay Bhagat, SMO, Civil Hospital, Mohali, was not available for comments. What doctors say Normally, a dog-bite patient is sent back home after administering vaccine. However, no patient has been denied admission. The matter is being verified Dr Vandana Gupta, MS, GMSH-16 I cannot state anything off-hand. Without verifying the facts, it will not be appropriate to comment. Bring the record, only then I will be able to comment on it Dr Savita Kumari, HoD, Internal Medicine, PGI ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 6 A 55-year-old Class IV employee of the Municipal Corporation was found dead under mysterious circumstances at Sector 2 today. The police have ruled out any foul play in the incident. According to the police, information about a man lying at the Sectors 2/11 turn with injuries was received following which a police team was sent to the spot. The victim was taken to Government Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 16, where doctors declared him brought dead. The victim has been identified as Shiv Charan, a resident of Janta Colony, Nayagaon. The victim was working as a safai karamchari and was deputed in Sector 2. The police said the autopsy was conducted and the body handed over to the victims kin. Inquest proceedings have been initiated at the Sector 3 police station. KC Singh KC Singh Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent eastern foray was shrewdly constructed around his keynote address at the Shangri-la Dialogue, held jointly by the Singapore government and the British think-tank, IISS, since 2002. It is now a premier forum for defence ministers to cogitate on geo-strategic developments in East Asia, the Pacific, etc. Perhaps not coincidently, the US renamed its Pacific Command one of the 10 global unified commands the Indo-Pacific Command. The phrase had already crept into US and Indian diplomatic parlance. The speech, significantly, articulates Indias Asia vision, as the simultaneous rise of China and India and the creeping US withdrawal are spelling uncertainty. But equally important was to engage a democratic and most populous Muslim country, Indonesia, and Malaysia, where veteran leader Mahathir is the surprise winner and is restoring democratic norms. Singapore meeting took place as the US and the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) prepare to meet in Singapore on June 12. The future of the Korean peninsula hung in balance as Modi completed his tour. Modis speech was reasoned and non-rhetorical. India seeks, he said, a multi-polar global order resting on a new Asian security order that is open, rules-based and fair. He allayed the concern of the 10 ASEAN members that their centrality to the evolving structure would be displaced. For instance, the premier security dialogue Asean Regional Forum (ARF) has 10 members of the organisation plus China, Republic of Korea and Japan, besides Australia, India and New Zealand, US, Russia, etc. He captured in one speech Indias rebalancing over the past few months with informal summits with leaders of Russia and China. Russian President Vladimir Putin too seeks a multi-polar world, Modi said, adding that talks with President Xi Jinping were cementing an understanding that stable Sino-Indian relations were essential for global peace and progress. In reality, while on free and fair global trade as well as climate change, India and China are on the same page, but on Indias demand for a rules-based approach to global commons the Chinese will scowl. But he immediately added that India was also nursing assiduously a global strategic partnership with the US. This is the new template of what is being called multi-alignment or neo-nonalignment. A large part of the address emphasises maritime linkages and India as bridging the Indian and Pacific oceans, from the US to Africa. This is ambitious, but then, visions cannot be self-constrained. They will get shaped by national endeavour interacting with geopolitics; at the core of that has to be a blue-water navy. The US rise as a predominant global power was anticipated by Theodore Roosevelt (President from 1901-1909), who created a strong navy and the Panama Canal, allowing US ships manoeuvrability between the Atlantic and the Pacific, well before the two great wars. Globalisation was argued as a positive force. However, that axiom is no longer universally accepted in the West, where it has led to de-industrialisation as China created cheaper supply lines for the broadest range of consumer products at competitive rates. India needs access to the services sector, but more than that, it must move up the supply chain of software business. China is way ahead as a cyber power, going by its network size and broadband penetration, enhanced capabilities in operating systems and central processing units, e-commerce and online markets, etc. This has happened because personal liberty issues do not constrain the development of algorithm-based solutions and data mining in China. Thus, even where artificial-intelligence capability is concerned, China is the main competitor to the US. The Economist bemoans that even in the West with plentiful data privacy rules designed for the landline phone, post-box and filing cabinet urgently need to be strengthened for the age of smartphone, e-mail and cloud computing. In India, the Supreme Court has yet to lay the redlines in the Aadhaar case. The inadvertent confession by a senior executive of Paytm that data was shared at the behest of the Prime Ministers Office shows lax data protection. Two interesting points stand out in Modis lecture. One, that when nations stand on the side of principles they earn global respect. The target was clearly China. Two, when they embrace diversity at home, they seek an inclusive world outside. While the target again could have been China or Myanmar, or even Thailand, run now by a military junta, even India could benefit by his advice. To start with, he needs to unfollow on Twitter those bhakts who routinely deride Indian secularism and diversity. He needs to speak up against bigotry and jingoism or when a group thrashes someone who cannot name Indias Prime Minister. Since when was ignorance a crime? This gap between what Modi preaches and practices was brought to the fore at Singapores Nanyang Technological University where he was apparently in a freewheeling question and answer session. Rendering an answer into English, the interpreter apparently kept reading material about a question not yet asked. If the aim was to show PM as a scholar-statesman, the result was the opposite. The moral is that Modi is most effective when he is himself. As his popularity flags, as would of any leader in the fifth year in power, theatre becomes counterproductive. India wants questions answered honestly. Kairana electoral loss and the farmers boycott of cities signals rural distress no longer ignorable as mere road-kill to economic growth. Karnataka cannot be drowned in tears like a kindergarten child whose toffee was snatched. Tuticorin cannot be absolved by shutting down belatedly Vedantas plant. Even The Economist, votary of free enterprise, bemoans the companys stand that fake activists are targeting it. It sharply concludes that the owner having refined and reprocessed metals for so long, he will now have to do a similar job on his companys reputation. PM Modis outreach to Indonesia and Malaysia signals that democracies of Asia are converging to defend against Chinas predatory territorial aggression. Without abandoning an embrace with the US, Modi has rebalanced relations with Russia, and to some extent China. There were no hugs and none were required. Geopolitics and diplomacy is best conducted by calibrated public acts and intensive private preparation. The writer is a former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs vinaymishra188@gmail.com BJP president Amit Shah is busy making pilgrimages to places he had rarely bothered to visit while his party logged a steady record of victories in state elections. His first port of call was Matoshree, home to Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to be followed by a closed-door meeting with the Badals in Chandigarh. His boss, PM Modi is on a pacifying and reconciliation mission too: an olive branch to party veteran LK Advani after studiously ignoring him all these years and there is talk of rapprochement with other estranged party elders as well. A walk-back in politics, as in war, is an accepted tactic to cut the losses and recoup energy. The message from the high-value losses in UP and Karnataka seems to be that the BJPs brand of ethno-religious political activism and the Modi charisma may not be adequate in a bipolar competition in 2019. It is also a realisation that the NDA needs to again summon the spirit of 2014 but with a slight twist in the arrangement: it is no longer the rising tide of Modis populism and antipathy to the Congress that unconditionally brought allies to the BJPs fold. The Congress readiness to take the backseat in Karnataka and play the understudy to the BSP and SP in UP have also brought a matching pressure on the BJP to be accommodative to its allies as well. However, power brings in its own complications. The BJP has a much harder task on hand in trying to separately renegotiate the terms of alliance with its partners. For its allies of UP and Bihar, the BJP needs to allay their fears of abandonment and emasculation; with Akali Dal and Shiv Sena, conciliation is easier on the back of decades of association but the ball game in the South is different: the BJP may have invested in the wrong AIADMK faction in Tamil Nadu, is without a partner in Karnataka and divorced but not separated with the TDP in Andhra. J&K also requires a greater flexibility of alignment. A helping hand from the sidelined elders could make this arduous task easier. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Precipitate Gold Corp. (the Company or Precipitate) (TSXV:PRG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Lon Shaver to the Company's Board of Directors. Mr. Shaver has over 25 years of capital markets and corporate finance experience, mostly focused on the Canadian mining sector. He spent a combined 13 years in investment banking roles with Merrill Lynch and Raymond James where he guided corporate clients through hundreds of closed financing and M&A advisory transactions, and successfully negotiated and executed diverse partnership, product licensing, and professional services engagements within a growth-oriented technology company. Previously, Mr. Shaver was a research associate and mining analyst with an institutional sell-side firm. Mr. Shavers corporate experience includes CFO roles with a publicly-listed mining company and a private technology company. He is currently a principal of Brighton Corporate Advisors, providing corporate development and capital markets support to companies in the resource sector, and is on the boards of several public companies. Mr. Shaver has a B.Comm. degree from Concordia University and is a CFA charterholder. Jeffrey Wilson, Precipitate President & CEO, states, "We are very pleased to have Lon join the Companys Board. His knowledge of capital markets and his investment banking background will round out the expertise of the Companys Board. Mr. Shavers network and experience will assist Precipitate in advancing current mandates and pursuing potential new opportunities to increase shareholder value. Having worked directly with Lon in the past, I am cognizant of his work ethic and strategic acumen. He is a welcome addition to the Precipitate Board." In connection with the appointment of Mr. Shaver, the Company also announces the resignation from the Board of Mr. Darryl Cardey. Mr. Cardey is a founding director of the Company and has been a valuable member of the Precipitate team since its inception. The Company thanks Mr. Cardey for his years of loyal service and wishes him the best in his future endeavours. About Precipitate Gold: Precipitate Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on exploring and advancing its mineral property interests in the Tireo Gold Trend of the Dominican Republic. The Company also maintains assets in southeast Yukon Territory, specifically the Companys Reef property located immediately adjacent to Golden Predators 3 Aces Project in the Upper Hyland River area. The Company has entered into an Option to Purchase Agreement with Golden Predator whereby Golden Predator can earn a 100% interest in the Reef claims by making certain staged payments in cash and shares and warrants. Precipitate is also actively evaluating additional high-impact property acquisitions with the potential to expand the Company's portfolio and increase shareholder value. Additional information can be viewed at the Companys website www.precipitategold.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Precipitate Gold Corp., Jeffrey Wilson President & CEO For further information, please contact: Tel: 604-558-0335 Toll Free: 855-558-0335 investor@precipitategold.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Precipitate Gold Corp.s (Precipitate or the Company) current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Company and on assumptions it believes are reasonable. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Precipitate to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the exploration concessions may not be granted on terms acceptable to the Company, or at all; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the concessions acquired by the Company may not have attributes similar to those of surrounding properties; delay or failure to receive governmental or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation affecting mining; timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. Although Precipitate has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Precipitate does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. editorial@tribune.com Sonepat, June 6 Activists of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ambawata) on Wednesday organised a protest march against Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh for making objectionable remark against the farmers. Protesters led by state president of the union Shamsher Singh Dahiya took out a protest march from Badhkhalsa to Beeswan Meel crossing along the NH-1. They also raised slogans against the minister and burnt his effigy. Later, in support of the 10-day agitation of the different organisations, activists gave vegetables free of cost to commuters on the NH-1. OC gspannu7@gmail.com Parveen Arora Tribune News Service Karnal, June 6 Depressed over an alleged sexual assault by a teacher of physical education in a private school in Nissing, a 20-year-old ex-student of the school tried to commit suicide last evening by jumping in a canal near Nissing. Luckily, she was rescued by some of the passersby and was admitted to a hospital in Nissing. Her health is said to be normal now. After gaining consciousness, she blamed the school principal of supporting the accused. She has passed her higher secondary from the school this year. However, the police have registered a case against the accused, Manoj Kumar, and also arrested him. The victim, a native of Nissing, said she was a Class 12 student of SD Model School, Shiv Mandir, Nissing, and was harassed sexually by teacher Manoj Kumar between January and March this year several times. I was even threatened of dire consequences, but I want action against the teacher, she said. I have approached the principal, but she did not help me and asked me to stay silent to save the reputation of the school. I also shared my ordeal with my friends, but with the pressure of teacher and principal they are not coming forward for giving statement to police in my favour, she alleged. She alleged that the Nissing police did not cooperate with her and also misbehaved with her and her family members. I was forced to take this step due to police inaction. No FIR was registered against the principal, she alleged. When she jumped in the canal, some of the passersby noticed and rescued her. However, DSP Gharaunda Virender Kumar refuted the allegations and said the girl has filed a complaint of sexual harassment by the physical education teacher and he has been arrested. Before recording her statement under 164 in the court, we got her statement recorded in front of child welfare committee (CWC). She is changing her statements. In her complaint she had only blamed the teacher, but later she made different statements, said the DSP. We have registered a case against Manoj under section 354, 354-D and 506 in Nissing police station and he has been arrested by the police, he added. The investigation was underway and fresh allegations of the girl were being inquired, he maintained. Despite several attempts, principal Kavita Choudhary could not be contacted. Roshan Lal, president of the school, also refused to comment on the issue. uttara@tribuneindia.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 6 Punjab and Haryana High Court has said that the juvenile suspected of murdering a 7-year-old child in a Gurugram school could not be released on bail even if investigators did not submit their final investigation report wiithin one month as law requires. A Vacation Bench of Daya Chaudhary court on Wednesday heard the 16-year-old suspects arguments that the Central Bureau of Investigation did not turn in their final investigation report within two months as the law requires when suspected offenders are under age. The underage suspect had appealed an order passed by Gurgaon Sessions court rejecting his bail application. He argues that his age requires provisions for juveniles offenders to be applied to himincluding a default bail provision in case investigators fail to produce a final investigation report within two months. The agency however wants provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code to be applied, since a Juvenile Justice Board has already decided that the suspect should be tried as an adult. The CrPC mandates investigators to submit their final charges within 90 days of a suspects arrest, failing which the person would be automatically released of bail. The underage suspect has also appealed the fine of Rs 21,000 that the lower court had imposed on him. A 7-year-old child dubbed "Prince" was found murdered in the bathroom of a Gurugram school in September 8, 2017. Within hours, police made their first controversial arresta bus conductor called Ashok Kumarand booked the man for murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, provisions of the Arms Act and the POCSO Act. A local court acquitted Kumar of the charges in February this year. Meanwhile, as allegations of botched investigations piled on Gurugram Police, the CBI took over the case, and arrested the juvenilea student of Class 11on November 8, 2017. The Juvenile Justice Board refused to release the underage suspect on bail on November 15, 2017, and in December declared that he should be treated as an adult. A district court dismissed his appeal on January 8. The CBI named the juvenile suspect as a prime suspect in the case in its first charge sheet in the case in February. gspannu7@gmail.com Sumedha Sharma Tribune News Service Gurugram, June 5 In yet another example of sheer backwardness of Mewat, a 30-year-old mother of three died on Tuesday while being treated by a local 'witch doctor' for allegedly being under the influence of spirits. The woman, identified as Prameena, was buried till neck in a five-feet-deep pit by another woman Sahida known in the area for treating paranormal patients. Onlookers claim that she was screaming for help for almost two hours even as hundreds of people stood watching as she eventually died. Following which the panicked accused, Sahida, asked the family to take her back to their village saying spirit killed her. However when her husband resisted, a joint panchayat was called to settle the matter. Local police although aware of the matter had not filed an FIR till filing of the report. Sources claimed that cops were waiting for panchayat to conclude to decide on further action. According to victims husband Sakir, a resident of Palwals Bhootpur Udawar village, his wife was behaving peculiarly since many days. He reportedly took her to many doctors but it was of no use. The villagers told me that she was being haunted by a spirit and only Sahida of Shah Chaukha village could cure her. I took my wife to her and she promised successful treatment. She buried her neck deep in a pit in her yard. Prameena screamed for two hours saying she was feeling suffocated and I insisted on her being removed but Sahida and her husband scared me away saying it was spirits trying to lure me and disrupt the treatment. It was when her eyes shut and she was quiet that they pulled her out. They knew she was dead but told me it was trance after escaping clutches of the spirit and asked us to go back to our village. I soon realised I had lost her and returned with her body along with my village panchayat, Sakir said. Ironically, while the body was driven around between two villages, local police which was well aware of the incident was waiting for a formal complaint to file the case. The panchayat was still on till filing of the report and the post-mortem too had not been started. amansharma@tribunemail.com Shiv Kumar Sharma Tribune News Service Yamunanagar, June 6 The district police on Wednesday unearthed a horrific incident of sexual abuse and murder of six-year-old girl by arresting a co-worker of her father. The accused has been identified as Devi Singh of Bhaisala village, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. He was arrested by a team of Detective Staff, Yamunanagar, led by sub-inspector Jaipal from a stud farm of former minister and Congress leader Nirmal Singh. Yamunanagar Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kalia said the father of the deceased was working at the stud farm as labourer for past six years. He had gone for fishing in the mining zone on Saturday. When his daughter came to know that he had gone for fishing, she left home to go with him, police said. On her way, she was allgedly lured by the accused, who took her to an isolated place outside the farm house about 12 noon. "The accused was working as a helper to the veterinary doctor of the stud farm. He administered the girl some sedative drug used for horses. When she lost conscious, he sexually abused her," SP Kalia said. Devi Singh who was under the influence of liquor left the unconscious girl there and returned to his room at stud farm. "He drank at his room and again sexually abused the unconscious girl at 3 pm before returning to his room," the SP said. "The accused went to the girl third time at about 8 pm. This time he carried a knife with him. The girl was now under semi-conscious condition. He sexually assaulted her again and slit her throat as she had identified him," the SP said. He added that the needle and the syringe used to sedate the girl were recovered by the police. Sources said the accused had been living in the stud farm for the past 12 years. The SP added that the accused got himself admitted to a private hospital in nearby Nathanpur village to divert the attention of investigating agencies from him. The accused will be produced in the court tomorrow. The six-year-old victim had gone missing from stud farm of the Congress leader on Saturday. With throat slit, her blood-soaked body was found from a pit in nearby mining zone the next day. Hailing from Jharkhand, the father of the victim, has been living with his wife and children at the stud farm for the past six years. editorial@tribune.com Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 6 Preliminary investigations into the outbreak of Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus in the state have shown that the two infected children from Solan district have had no immediate history of travel or migration from a JE endemic area. Speaking to The Tribune on Wednesday, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry, Vikas Sheel said the confounding factor in the preliminary studies had been the absence of recent travel history of these children to a JE affected state. The incubation period of the virus is three weeks and it is learnt that the JE infected children from Solan or their families do not have any recent travel or migration history. It is now to be seen whether anyone from a JE affected area or the state visited the place where the infected children live, the ministry official said. If the travel history angle is not established and corroborated, the current outbreak in Himachal would have to be notified as endemic or indigenous which means the carriers of the virus at the local level pigs and wild birds which host the JE virus and vector for the virus the mosquito which carries it would have to be found and a link to JE outbreak established. Both children who tested positive for the virus are still in the IGMC, Shimla. While the condition of a three-year-old boy is critically, that of a six-year-old boy is stable. Dr Janak Raj, Senior Medical Superintendent, IGMC, Shimla, said, The condition of one boy is critical and he is still on ventilator support. The other child is stable. Five other children who had JE-like symptoms were discharged earlier. Health Ministry officials said they were in touch with the expert team comprising entomologists and epidemiologists from central research organisations and are expecting preliminary reports in two to three days. The experts are in Solan for field studies to rule out epidemic situation by assessing if the infection is present in the larger community there. About the virus JE virus is represented by the onset of fever and a change in mental status (confusion, disorientation, coma or inability to talk). The disease has a high case fatality rate in children under 15. Even those who survive have residual disability impacting long-term quality of life. High toll due to the virus led the Centre to launch a JE vaccination programme in 2006, which in 2014 became part of the National Immunisation Programme. editorial@tribune.com Our Correspondent Kullu, June 6 Notwithstanding the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban on the plying of 10-year-old vehicles, there is no check on the movement of such vehicles on the Manali-Rohtang Pass route. An accident on the Manali-Leh highway on June 4 that left one Israeli national dead had exposed irregularities in the permits being issued for visiting the Rohtang Pass. The green tribunal had directed that 10-year-old vehicles plying on the Manali-Rohtang route would not be allowed to cross the Gulaba barrier. It had also put a cap on the number of vehicles (800 petrol and 400 diesel vehicles per day) visiting Rohtang. However, the vehicle that met with the accident was 14 years old and not in accordance with the NGT orders. This has raised a question mark on the provision of the permits being issued to the vehicles plying on the Manali-Rohtang route. The vehicle bearing number JK-10-3183 had reportedly come to Manali from Leh and had picked up passengers and was going back towards Leh after crossing the Rohtang Pass when it met with an accident near Keylong. The incident has raised a question mark even for the online permits being issued for going towards Rohtang Pass as there was reportedly no cross check between the actual date of registration of vehicle and the date entered as registration date during seeking the online permit. While online details were available regarding the date of registration of vehicles, it was still not clear as to how a permit was issued to a vehicle which was more than 10 years old. Permit could be tampered with: DC Kullu Deputy Commissioner Yunus Khan said vehicles older than 10 years were not allowed to ply on the Manali-Rohtang route and there was a provision in the software to check the same. He said an applicant could put a wrong registration date and tamper with the permit. He further said to issue permits beyond Rohtang Pass, a photocopy of the RC of the vehicle was kept in records to cross verify. editorial@tribune.com Lalit Mohan Tribune News Service Dharamsala, June 6 The Ministry for Home Affairs has issued an advisory to the Kangra police to restrict meeting of people having unverified identity with the Dalai Lama. A letter has been written to local police in the recent past. SP Kangra, Santosh Patial, when contacted, admitted that they had received such an advisory from the Ministry of Home Affairs and it has been forwarded to the contingent of the Himachal police guarding the Dalai Lama. Sources here said the advisory was issued after some monks from Tibet came to meet the Dalai Lama recently. Nine such monks from Tibet had come to Dharamsala during the Thank You India event organised by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in the month of March. The advisory pertains mainly to people coming from Tibet through Nepal to seek audience with the Dalai Lama. The step has been taken in view of the security of the Dalai Lama, the sources here said. The General Procedure The general procedure was that any foreign national who came to seek audience with the Dalai Lama had to first register with the Himachal police in Kangra district. They have to submit their identity proofs and are allowed audience with the Dalai Lama after proper verification by the Himachal police that has been entrusted the security of the Dalai Lama However, the nomads, monks and other Tibetans come from Tibet to meet the Dalai Lama through Nepal. These people from Tibet do not have proper identity proofs such as passports. They sneak into Nepal and then India to meet the Dalai Lama the spiritual head of Tibet. Such immigrants from Tibet visit the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) office in Nepal that issues them permission to come to India and have audience with the Dalai Lama. These Tibetans then go back to Tibet through Nepal only. Impact of advisory The police sources here said that now the Tibetans coming through Nepal who do not have proper identification proofs would not be allowed to meet the Dalai Lama. We have already issued directions that people with unverified identity cannot be allowed to meet the Dalai Lama in view of security concerns SP Kangra said. The sources here said that the CTA authorities were taking up the matter with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs to allow the Tibetan monks to come and meet the Dalai Lama. However, till some other direction comes from Government of India, the access to the Dalai Lama for those coming from Tibet with unverified antecedents would remain restricted. TORONTO, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alopex Gold Inc. (the "Corporation" or "Alopex") (TSXV:AEX) is pleased to announce that it has filed Articles of Amendment to change its name to AEX Gold Inc. The Corporation's shareholders approved a special resolution to change the name of the Corporation at the Corporation's annual general and special meeting of shareholders held on May 24, 2018. The name change is effective June 6, 2018 and is subject to acceptance from the TSX Venture Exchange. Effective at the start of trading on or about June 8, 2018, the Company will commence trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the new name and the existing stock symbol "AEX". No further action is required by existing shareholders with respect to the name change and certificates representing common shares of Alopex Gold Inc. will not need to be exchanged. About Alopex Alopex's principal business objectives are the identification, acquisition, exploration and development of gold properties in Greenland. The Corporation's principal asset is a 100% interest in the Nalunaq Project, an advanced exploration stage property with an exploitation licence including the previously operating Nalunaq gold mine. Alopex is incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act and wholly owns Nalunaq A/S, incorporated under the Greenland Public Companies Act. CONTACT INFORMATION George Fowlie Director of Corporate Development 1-416-587-9801 gfowlie@grfcapital.com Forward-Looking Information This press release includes certain "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, including without limitation statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Corporation, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to pursuing successful production and exploration programs, and other information that is based on forecasts of future operational or financial results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "estimates" or "intends" or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward- looking statements. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Corporation's expectations include, among others, risks related to the ability to raise additional capital proposed expenditure for exploration work and general and administrative expenses, international operations, the actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined as well as future prices of gold and other precious and non-precious metals. Although the Corporation 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. Any forward-looking information included in this press release is based only on information currently available to the Corporation and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Corporation assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect new circumstances or events. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release. Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. editorial@tribune.com Dinesh Manhotra & Amir Karim Tantray Tribune News Service Jammu, June 6 Ahead of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singhs visit to the state on Thursday, border dwellers have reminded him of the unfulfilled promises he had made with them during his visit to the state in September last year. During his two-day visit, Rajnath will review the unilateral Ramzan ceasefire in Srinagar and meet border residents affected by shelling in the Jammu region. Although an eerie silence prevails on the borders after Sundays shelling in the Pargwal and Kanachak sectors of Jammu district, fear-stricken residents have demanded solution of their problems once and for all. During his visit to the Nowshera area in September 2017, Rajnath had hailed the border dwellers as strategic assets. He had said: Whatever is possible, I will do to resolve the problems of the border dwellers. You are facing unnecessary problems. Ex-sarpanch of Changia panchayat Raghubir Singh said their patience was running out. Our patience is running out. Death and destruction has become a routine and our houses are being shelled, said the Changia resident, the worst-affected border belt in the recent firing in the Arnia sector. Mohammad Shoukat of Pukhani village said the government should take some effective steps to ensure sustainable and lasting peace. To visit RS Pura Home Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to visit the border town of RS Pura on Friday to take stock of the situation along the International Border. We are finalising the Home Ministers programmes in Jammu, said Jammu DC Rajiv Ranjan editorial@tribune.com Majid Jahangir Tribune News Service Srinagar, June 6 Since the announcement of the Ramzan ceasefire by the Union Government, the Kashmir valley has witnessed 43 incidents of violence, including 18 grenade attacks and 22 killings. In the first three weeks of the holy month of Ramzan, which started on May 17, only three days have passed when militants did not initiate any action. The militants made their intentions clear on the very first day of Ramzan when they struck in the heart of the city and stole three rifles from a police post near the venue where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was to attend a function two days later. During this period of "halting of operations", 16 militants, two security men and four civilians have been killed. While all 16 militants, including two locals, have been killed near the Line of Control (LoC), militants have carried out at least six attacks on the Army in north and south Kashmir districts. In these attacks, one soldier was killed and three others were injured. Grenades have emerged as the weapon of choice of ultras during the unilateral ceasefire period, which is still underway. Eighteen grenade attacks took place since May 17 that left over 46 persons, including 29 civilians injured. Police blame Azhar Masood-led Jaish-e-Mohammed for most of these attacks. However, terrorists are not a party to Non Initiation of Combat Operations (NICO)! This was to be expected, former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, Lt Gen (retired) HS Panag said. Last year, in the first three weeks of Ramzan, when anti-militancy operations were at the peak, 22 militants, 11 security men and four civilians were killed in violence. Out of 22 slain militants, at least 10 were killed in anti-militancy operations in the Valley and rest were killed in counter-infiltration operations. Militants had carried out a deadly attack during the last Ramzan in south Kashmir's Anantnag district which left six policemen, including a Station House Officer, dead. During this Ramzan, the civilian casualties have reduced and it has had an impact on the ground situation. At least 30 civilians were killed in forces' action either near the encounter sites or clashes this year before the Union Government announced to halt the anti-militancy operations. In the first three weeks of Ramzan, two civilians were killed, one in cross-firing in Pulwama and another was crushed to death during clashes at the old city. Two civilians were killed by suspected militants in the Hajin area of Bandipora district. The civilian killings in forces' action was a major concern for the government as these have been triggering a fresh wave of protests. There was one incident during Ramzan in which four girls were also injured allegedly in the Army firing at Shopian in south Kashmir. The other concern for the forces has been the recruitment of the local youth by militants, which has not stopped even during Ramzan. Police sources said at least seven youths had joined militant ranks in the first three weeks, taking the total number of new recruits to nearly 65 this year. There has also been a reduction in the stone-throwing incidents in the Kashmir valley. Since May 17, there have been around 50 such incidents. Last year during Ramzan, there were over 200 such incidents. Timeline May 16: Home Minister announces halting of anti-militancy operations during Ramzan May 17: Three key separatists term ceasefire a joke. Militant groups reject truce May 18: Five militants killed close to Line of Control in Handwara forest May 19: In Srinagar, Prime Minister says only solution to conflict is development May 23: 10 civilians injured in a grenade attack in the Bijbehara area of Anantnag May 25: A man was killed after militants slit his throat in Hajin, Bandipora May 27: A soldier and a civilian killed in Pulwama after militants attack Army June 2: A special police officer, shot at by militants in Pulwama, succumbs June 2: Militants carry out a series of grenade attacks in Srinagar, injuring seven June 4: Militants lob grenades in Shopian and Pulwama, leaving 23 injured June 5: Militants attack an Army camp in Hajin, Bandipora June 6: Three militants killed in Machil, Kupwara Violence during Ramzan Militant-initiated actions 43 Grenade attacks 18 Militants killed 16 Forces casualties 2 Civilians killed in action by forces 2 Civilians killed by militants 2 Civilians hurt in grenade attacks 29 Security men hurt in grenade attacks 17 Civilians hurt in firing by forces 4 IED attacks 2 Rifles looted 5 Stone-throwing incidents 48 Last year, first three weeks saw more forces casualties, stone-throwing Grenade attacks 7 Militants killed 22 Casualties to forces 11 Civilian casualties in action by forces 4 Security men injured in militant attacks 28 Stone-throwing incidents Nearly 150 uttara@tribuneindia.com Ishrat S Banwait Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 6 A special court on Wednesday sentenced five convictstwo high-ranking police officers among themto 10 years imprisonment for raping a minor in a 12-year-old case from Jammu & Kashmir. KC Padhi, a former deputy inspector general of the Border Security Force, and Mohammad Ashraf Mir, former deputy superintendent of police, were among those who were found guilty in a case that dated back to 2006. The case, known as the J&K sex scandal, made news headlines when police came across CDs of two minor girls sexually exploited in 2006. When questioned, the victims lead investigators to the rackets kingpin Sabeena, who died when she was still being tried. A prosecutrix in the case claimed she approached Sabeena for financial help, and the latter gave her a sedative-laced drink and forced her to indulge in sexual acts, a charge sheet in the case said. The victim was given Rs 500 the first time. Investigations led police to 56 people, some of them high profile men of power, such as ministers and policemen. Supreme Court transferred the case to Chandigarh later in 2006. Former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah resigned from his position in July 2009 when his name came up during investigations. The Central Bureau of Investigation however later cleared him of the charges. Several suspects were acquitted as trial progressed for lack of evidence and witnesses turning hostile. TIMELINE April 2006: Case comes to light as video CD surfaces May 2006: Case transferred to CBI September 2006: Case transferred to Chandigarh April 2007: Examination of witnesses begins July 2009: Omar Abdullah quits as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir May 30, 2018: Five held guilty, two acquitted June 6, 2018: All five get 10-year jail editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Srinagar/New Delhi, June 6 Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will arrive in Srinagar on Thursday to take stock of the security situation against the backdrop of the Centres unilateral ceasefire which began with Ramzan. A tour of forward areas and attending an iftar to be hosted by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti are on his itinerary. The extension of ceasefire beyond Ramzan is also expected to be taken up by the Home Minister, who arrives here three weeks after the ceasefire was announced by the Central government on May 16. Sources said the extension of ceasefire was also being looked into in view of the Amarnath yatra which begins on June 28. Rajnaths two-day state visit comes ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr that marks the end of Ramzan. Since the Ramzan ceasefire, this will be the second high-level visit to the state after Prime Minister Narendra Modis on May 19. Senior officials in the Ministry of Home Affairs, who are involved in finalising Rajnaths engagements during his J&K visit, said the Home Minister was scheduled to hold a meeting to review the overall situation in view of the ongoing unilateral ceasefire and the situation along the International Border in the Jammu region following the recent ceasefire violations by Pakistan. It goes without saying that the Home Minister will make a detailed review of the situation since May 16 when the Centre unilaterally announced suspension of anti-terror operations during Ramzan, an official said, adding that the need for such an exercise was to assess and understand the impact of the move on the life of people and also whether to extend it. Rajnath will hold meetings with Governor NN Vohra and the Chief Minister. He will be taking stock of the security situation with the senior officers of the civil administration, police and other security forces. He is also scheduled to address a press conference on Thursday evening. He will be visiting Jammu on Friday. The Home Ministers visit comes amid an offer for talks to the Hurriyat Conference. Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir, who is likely to accompany Rajnath, said the Centre was ready to talk to anybody in the Valley, but that would be done only within the framework of the Constitution. The separatist amalgam has, however, made it clear that it was ready for a dialogue only if there was clarity on the initiative. The Home Minister will also review the situation along the Indo-Pak border, where cross-border firing has led to the death of at least 20 persons and evacuation of thousands this year. The ongoing development projects, announced as part of the Rs 80,000-crore package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will also be reviewed in the meeting, another official said. During his stay in Kashmir, Rajnath will travel to the frontier district of Kupwara where he will review some projects being undertaken under the Border Area Development Programme. The Home Minister had a detailed four-day visit of the state from September 9 to 12 last year. He had then said the Centre was working towards a permanent solution to issues in Jammu and Kashmir. The solution, he had summed up, would be based on five Cs compassion, communication, coexistence, confidence building and consistency. Militants out to sabotage ceasefire: CM Srinagar: A day after militants attacked an Army camp in the Hajin area of north Kashmir, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said militants were desperately trying to sabotage the Ramzan ceasefire in the state announced by the Union Government. The cessation of anti-militant operations was bringing great relief to people of J&K, she said and added that the militants were continuing with their violent activities, she wrote in her tweet. The CM hoped that the militants realise the futility of their actions soon. Even as we see the ceasefire bringing great relief to the people of J&K, militants seem to be continuing their violent activities and desperately trying to sabotage the process. I only hope that they realise the futility of their actions soon, Mehbooba tweeted. tns On the agenda editorial@tribune.com Ludhiana: The Division No 4 police nabbed a drug peddler and recovered 40-kg poppy husk from his possession. The peddler was identified as Jaswinder Singh, a resident of Bootgarh village, Nawanshahr. The police conducted a raid near Ved Temple Chowk from where the accused was nabbed. After the search of his belonging the narcotics were recovered. The police said further probe was on. Woman held The Police Division No 8 nabbed a woman peddler and recovered 1-kg poppy husk from her possession. The peddler was identified as Mukhtyaro, a resident of Deep Nagar. The police said during a routine patrolling near Gol market, the peddler was stopped for checking. During the search of her poly bag narcotics were recovered. TNS Hoarding LPG The Division No 6 police nabbed three persons for hoarding and black marketing the LPG cylinders. The accused have been identified as Manoj Kumar, Madan Lal and Munish Kumar, all residents of Kabir Nagar. The police said acting on the tip-off, a raid was conducted at Kabir Nagar from the accused were heldTNS rchopra@tribunemail.com Smita Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 6 In what could add to the existing tensions between India and the Maldives, a member of parliament of the Yameen government in Male was sent back from the Chennai immigration. The Tribune has learnt that MP Ahmed Nihan, majority leader and parliamentary group leader of the ruling party in the island nation, flew to Chennai via Colombo on June 4 at around 10 pm. Maldivian sources claim Nihan has been travelling to India twice every year for medical check-up for the past two years. It is for the first time that the Majlis member was denied entry with no official reasons cited. It is very unfortunate that this has happened. We have not been provided any reasons by the authorities, said Maldivian Ambassador Ahmed Mohamed speaking to the Tribune. According to sources, the Maldivian embassy tried reaching out to the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday night after the immigration authorities refused entry to Nihan despite his credentials. The matter has also been raised by the Maldivian Foreign Ministry with Indian High Commissioner Akhilesh Mishra and a response is awaited. Back in Male, Nihan posted the matter on his official twitter handle @ahmed_nihan in Dhivehi, asking journalists enquiring about it to meet him for details later in the evening. The relations between India and the Maldives soured earlier this year when President Yameen clamped down an emergency citing internal security concerns. The Maldives had stayed away from the regional naval exercise as well as the Defence Expo earlier citing the emergency situation. However, the two countries resumed and concluded the monthly joint exclusive economic zone (EEZ) patrolling last month. The Maldives is hoping that in return for the two Indian Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) whose agreement has expired and which will be returned this month, New Delhi will provide a surveillance Dornier aircraft to Male by year-end. amansharma@tribunemail.com Smita Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 6 Snake lines, tense faces, murmurs and whispers as Indian applicants hoping for a US education visa waited at the embassy in Delhi since early morning. Representatives from Education USA and American Library and recent US graduates counselled them and shared personal insights about studying in American institutes. On the fourth annual Student Visa Day, more than 4,000 indian students applying for admission to US educational institutes lined up for visa interviews at the embassy in Delhi and Consulates General in Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai. In 2017, more than 1.86 lakh Indian students enrolled in US institutions of higher education, a 12 per cent increase from 2016. With 17 per cent of the total international student population, India is the second leading place of origin for students coming to the United States despite the uncertainty following Donald Trumps Presidential actions on visas and immigration issues. The number of students has doubled in the course of last 10 years. International educational exchange plays a central role in the US-India relationship. Student exchanges between our two countries help strengthen the foundation upon which our strategic partnership is built, remarked US DCM (Deputy Chief Of Mission) MaryKay-Carlson. US allays fears on H1B, H4 Visas Meanwhile, asked about pending reforms on H1B visas and H4 visas granted to their spouses, that could impact several thousand Indian skilled professionals in US, Carlson played down the fears. There have been no big changes in the H1B program and nothing new on H4 at this time. Certainly employment visas and worked permits for India, US or for every country in the world is a sovereign decision where every country works at what makes sense for their citizens and for that particular sovereign economy , Carlson told The Tribune. She added, They are not standing on thin ice at all rather on a solid bedrock of very exceptional education system and people to people ties between US and India . India has been in talks with the US Congress on proposed reforms to these visas. Earlier speaking to The Tribune, Dr Mukesh Aghi , CEO and President of USISPF (US-India Strategic Partnership Forum), also allayed concerns. There is no strong bill on Capitol Hill at this stage. There is a strong compliance enforcement which is fine because everyone needs to comply with local laws, said Dr Aghi. He also underlined that New Delhi needs to be vigilant to make sure H1B visas continue but reminded that that it is a legislative issued that cannot be annulled forcibly.There is a sense of uncertainty in india but no panic on the ground in US, Dr Aghi added. monicakchauhan@gmail.com Shiv Kumar Tribune News Service Mumbai, June 5 Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah will call on Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at the latter's residence on Wednesday evening, Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut told reporters here. Raut, editor of party mouthpiece Saamna, said Shah had sought an appointment with the Shiv Sena chief. Read: Amit Shah to meet Badals in Chandigarh on June 7 "Everyone is welcome at Matoshree. There is no hidden agenda from the Shiv Sena's end for this meeting," Raut said. Leaders of the BJP and the Sena said, Thackeray would meet Shah at Matoshree, the Thackerays residence, at 6 pm on Wednesday. Shah had sought an appointment with the Shiv Sena leader as part of the BJP's ongoing outreach programme to improve ties with its allies, BJP leaders said. They added that Shah was scheduled to meet Akali Dal leaders Prakash Singh Badal and his son Sukhbir on Thursday. On Sunday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had requested the top leadership of the BJP to help reach out to the Thackerays. Fadnavis admitted to reporters that both the BJP and the Shiv Sena would find the going tough in the 2019 Lok Sabha and assembly elections if they were to contest alone. After the BJP won the by-election to the Palghar Lok Sabha seat by the defeating the Shiv Sena candidate, Thackeray had called the national party its main enemy that needed to be defeated. The Shiv Sena chief also accused the BJP of influencing the Election Commission to facilitate tampering of voters lists and Electronic Voting Machines to win the poll. vinaymishra188@gmail.com New Delhi, June 6 A contempt petition has been filed in the Supreme Court against the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for charging Rs 1,200 per subject from students to provide evaluated answersheets of Class XII board examination. Petitioners Kumar Shanu and Paras Jain co-founders of Whistle for Public Interest (WHIP) contended that an answersheet was information under Section 2(f) of the Right to Information Act 2005 and, therefore, it was wrong on the part of the CBSE to charge such a huge amount from students. The petitioners have challenged a recent CBSE notification prescribing a fee of Rs 1,000 for Class X students and Rs 1,200 for Class XII students for providing copies of their evaluated answersheets. The Right to Information (Regulation of Fee and Cost) Rules 2005 prescribed a Rs 10 application fee, along with Rs 2 for each page of information sought by an RTI applicant, they pointed out. The petitioners accused the CBSE of violating the mandate of the Supreme Courts verdict in the CBSE versus Aditya Bandhopadhyay in which it was ruled that an answersheet fell within the ambit of information as defined under the RTI Act and students had a right to access it. The top court had said, When a candidate participates in an examination and writes his answers in an answer-book and submits it to the examining body for evaluation and declaration of the result, the answer-book is a document or record. TNS gspannu7@gmail.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 6 A week after paving the way for declaration of results of the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2018, the Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stay the counselling process for admissions to 19 national law universities. Around 54,000 candidates had undertaken the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2018 conducted by National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi on May 13 with the help of M/s Sify Technologies Ltd for admission to LL.B. courses. While refusing to stall the counselling and admission process, a Vacation Bench headed by Justice AK Goel, however, made it clear that seat allotment for admissions shall be subject to the final outcome of the petitions challenging CLAT-2018. As advocates representing the petitioners requested the Bench to stop the counselling process, the Bench said: We cannot stop it. The petitioners alleged technical glitches and gross mismanagement in the test held on May 13. Meanwhile, a grievance redressal committee set up by NUALS to examine complaints filed by candidates, submitted its report to the Bench, which directed that copies of the report be given to the parties concerned and posted the matter for further hearing on June 11. The Supreme Court had on May 30 rejected a plea for cancellation of CLAT-2018, paving the way for declaration of results that would form basis for admission to 19 top law colleges in India. As many as 29 law aspirants had earlier moved the top court seeking cancellation of CLAT-2018, alleging gross mismanagement and technical glitches. Contending that CLAT was a merit-based competitive examination, the petitioners had submitted that their rank would drastically vary even based on a score gap of one or two marks. In such a test with a limited time frame of 120 minutes, loss of time due to technical issues may render the entire effort of the petitioners futile. The petitioners alleged that some candidates were given extra time on account of technical glitches, which amounted to violation of their right to equality and vitiated the idea of merit. But the top court on May 30 rejected their demand to cancel CLAT 2018 and hold a re-test after senior Counsel V Giri, representing NUALS, had produced a report of the grievance redressal committee headed by Kerala High Court former judge Hariharan Nair regarding 162 representations made by candidates adversely affected by technical glitches and gross mismanagement. CLAT-2018 has been hitting headlines since May 13 with several petitions being filed against it in various high courts and the top court seeking its cancellation. Primary insiders in Data Respons ASA have subscribed to new shares in Data Respons ASA (DAT) as part of the company's employee share saving scheme for 2018. The share saving scheme is directed at all employees in Data Respons Norge AS, Data Respons AB, Data Respons A/S, Microdoc Computersysteme GmbH, EPOS CAT GmbH and Data Respons ASA, where each employee may subscribe to a number of shares limited to a subscription amount of NOK 40 000, corresponding to 2 095 shares at a subscription price of NOK 19.09 per share. The subscription price per share, is equal to the weighted average traded price of the Data Respons share on the Oslo Stock Exchange of the five trading days after Annual General Meeting held in April (from April 20, 2018 to April 26, 2018), of NOK 23.86 per share, less a 20 % discount. In addition to the program for all employees described above, Data Respons has a share savings program for the senior management in the company. This program offer senior management personnel to subscribe an additional 5 000 shares at the same terms as the program offered to all employees. The following primary insiders have subscribed to new shares in DAT: Number of shares subscribed / New holdings (including related parties): - Kenneth Ragnvaldsen, CEO: 7 095 / 289 095 - Rune Wahl, CFO: 7 095 / 88 095 - Jrn Erik Toppe, COO: 2 095 / 167 032 - Asa Grubb-Weinberg, employee elected board member: 2 000 / 10 000 - Henrik Kai Eriksen, employee elected board member: 1 000 / 2 000 - Bendik Justad, Group Controller: 5 762 / 12 762 - Eirik Arn, Director Strategy & Growth: 7 095 / 7095 For further information: Kenneth Ragnvaldsen, CEO, Data Respons ASA, tel. +47 913 90 918. Rune Wahl, CFO, Data Respons ASA, tel. + 47 950 36 046 About Data Respons Data Respons is a full-service, independent technology company and a leading player in the IoT, Industrial digitalisation and the embedded solutions market. We provide R&D services and embedded solutions to OEM companies, system integrators and vertical product suppliers in a range of market segments such as Transport & Automotive, Industrial Automation, Telecom & Media, Space, Defense & Security, Medtech, Energy & Maritime, and Finance & Public Sector. Data Respons ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (Ticker: DAT), and is part of the information technology index. The company has offices in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Taiwan. www.datarespons.com This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. uttara@tribuneindia.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 6 On the eve of former President Pranab Mukherkee's visit to Nagpur to address RSS cadre, his daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee went public with her disapproval of the move and warning Mukherjee of the consequences of his presence at RSS headquarters on Thursday. "By going to Nagpur, you are giving BJP/RSS full handle to plant false stories, spread falls rumours as today and making it somewhat believable. And this is just d beginning!" said a visibly perturbed Mukherjee amid speculation that she may get a BJP ticket to contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Bengal. She tweeted: "Hope @CitiznMukherjee now realises from todays (sic) incident, how BJP dirty tricks department operates. Even RSS wouldnt believe that you are going to endorse its views in your speech. But the speech will be forgotten, visuals will remain and those will be circulated with fake statements." Hope @CitiznMukherjee now realises from todays incident, how BJP dirty tricks dept operates. Even RSS wouldnt believe that u r going 2 endorse its views in ur speech. But the speech will be forgotten, visuals will remain & those will be circulated with fake statements. 1/2 Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) June 6, 2018 .@CitiznMukherjee By going 2 Nagpur, u r giving BJP/RSS full handle 2 plant false stories, spread falls rumours as 2day & making it somewhat believable. And this is just d beginning! 2/2 Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) June 6, 2018 Earlier on Wednesday, Sharmistha had said she would rather leave politics than quit Congress. In the mountains enjoying a beautiful sunset, & suddenly this news that Im supposedly joining BJP hits like a torpedo! Cant there be some peace & sanity in this world? I joined politics because I believe in @INCIndia Wud rather leave politics than leave Congress Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) June 6, 2018 Sharmistha Mukherjee is currently president of the Delhi Mahila Congress and a national media panellist for Congress. Earlier, a host of Congress leaders had urged Pranab Mukherjee not to go to Nagpur. These leaders included Jairam Ramesh, CK Jaffer Sharief, Hanumantha Rao and Adhir Ranjan Choudhry. monicakchauhan@gmail.com Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 6 A ballistic Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday pitched the Congress as the only pro-farmer, pro-poor and pro-worker force in the country saying if elected to power his party will waive farm loans in 10 days and asked if indebted rich people had ever killed themselves. The Congress chief was speaking in context to both the upcoming Madhya Pradesh and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. We wont take an 11th day. I wish to assure farmers across India we will waive all their loans if elected to power, Gandhi said to thunderous applause in Madhya Pradeshs Mandsaur where he was addressing a rally to mark the first anniversary of killings of six farmers in state police action last year. The Congress president tore into Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying theres no space for farmers in the hearts of BJP. They can waive off Rs 2.50 lakh crore worth of loans of corporates but when it comes to farmers they say we dont have time...They allow industrialists like Vijay Mallaya, Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi to run away with big money but have no time for farmers, Gandhi said reminding the Congress-led UPA days to farmers when the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had waived off farm loans worth Rs 70,000 crore. Gandhi while referring to 1,200 farmer suicides in MP this year, asked, Has any rich man suffering bad loans ever committed suicide. No. Modiji helps them. The Congress chief made a strong pitch for return of Congress in 2019, saying when a delegation of farmers came to UPA for help the UPA soared their loans within 10 days. Gandhi questioned PMs promises to the farmers and the youth asking, Forget Rs 15 lakh which the BJP has promised to give each one of you. Did Mr Modi give you even Rs 5? Can any youth in this gathering today say Mr Modi has given him a job. The watch Modiji wears is Made in China. He cannot fulfil the Make in India dream. My dream is when I come here next, I should see posters saying Made in Mandsaur, Gandhi said to receptive crowds comprising mainly farmers. The Congress chief literally sounded the poll bugle seeking a mandate in favour of the Congress and saying a Congress government in MP will complete the Mandsaur killings inquiry in 10 days and give justice to grieving families. Gandhi earlier met the families of six farmers who were killed during protests here last year. MP elections are due this year end. gspannu7@gmail.com Kochi, June 6 In yet another incident of police apathy in Kerala, a 38-year-old man was allegedly thrashed by a group of police men following a minor accident in Edathala near Aluva, police said on Wednesday. While relatives of Usman allege that he was taken to Edathala police station after the incident yesterday and 'physically tortured' in custody, the police have denied the charges. The incident occurred when the police personnel, in mufti dress, were reportedly returning to the police station in a car, after nabbing an accused in a POCSO case, they said. Usman was allegedly attacked by the police personnel when he protested after his motor bike was hit by their car near a government school in Edathala. An altercation occurred following the incident and Usman was forcefully taken to the Edathala police station in their car. Usman, who suffered a broken cheek bone in the attack, has been admitted to a private hospital near here, police said. Usman's relatives alleged that he was brutally tortured in the custody too. He was taken to hospital after the people in large number reached the police station last evening protesting against the incident. Four personnel have been booked in connection with the incident, they said. They have been charged under IPC Section 325 (Punishment for voluntarily causing grievous hurt). The incident occurred at a time when the police was facing allegations of laxity in its investigation in various cases relating to Dalits and women. The opposition has alleged that the "laxity and lapse" on the part of the local police was the reason for the alleged incident of honour killing of a Dalit Christian man in Kottayam last month. On April 9, a 26-year-old man had died of alleged torture in police custody in nearby Varappuzha. PTI. vinaymishra188@gmail.com Washington, June 6 The then US President Barack Obama used his African-American card to win over Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the last phase of negotiations at the Paris summit in late 2015, where India was the last holdout as its officials were the toughest negotiators, says a book on his presidency. When we got to Paris, the main holdout was India, Obamas then top foreign policy and national security aide for eight years Ben Rhodes writes in his book The World at It Is: A Memoir of the Obama White House. The book will hit stands today. Rhodes writes that at one point of time in Paris Obama himself entered into a personal conversation with two Indian officials to convince them of the need for India to be part of the deal, but failed to cut ice with them. Then he spent nearly an hour with Modi in Paris. Nothing appeared to work till the time Obama played the African-American card, according to the book. For nearly an hour, Modi kept underscoring the fact that he had three hundred million people with no electricity, and coal was the cheapest way to grow the Indian economy; he cared about the environment, but he had to worry about a lot of people mired in poverty. Obama went through arguments about a solar initiative we were building, the market shifts that would lower the price of clean energy, writes Rhodes in his book. But he still hadnt addressed a lingering sense of unfairness, the fact that nations like the US had developed with coal, and were now demanding that India avoid doing the same thing. Look, Obama finally said, I get that its unfair. Im African-American. Modi smiled knowingly and looked down at his hands. He looked genuinely pained, he writes. I know what its like to be in a system thats unfair, he went on. I know what its like to start behind and to be asked to do more, to act like the injustice didnt happen. But I cant let that shape my choices, and neither should you. Id never heard him talk to another leader in quite that way. Modi seemed to appreciate it. He looked up and nodded, he writes, describing how Obama used his African-American card to convince Modi. Modi, who had ambitions to be a transformative leader of India, and a person of global stature, was torn. This is one reason why we had done the deal with China; if India was alone, it was going to be hard for Modi to stay out, Rhodes writes. PTI amansharma@tribunemail.com Mumbai, June 6 BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday met Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray here for a meeting which is seen with much significance since the two allies have been bickering for quite some time. Shah, accompanied by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, met Thackeray at the latter's residence Matoshree. The BJP has said the meeting is in connection with its Sampark for Samarthan (contact for support) campaign being led by Shah in the run up to next year's Lok Sabha polls. However, the meeting is being seen with much significance as the BJP and the Shiv Sena have been bickering despite being allies at the central and state level. The two allies contested the May 28 bypolls to Palghar Lok Sabha constituency of Maharashtra separately and engaged in a bitter campaign against each other. The Shiv Sena has particularly been upset with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has repeatedly attacked him. After facing defeat in the Palghar bypolls at the hands of the BJP, the Shiv Sena labelled the ally party as its "biggest political enemy". Even yesterday, the Sena questioned the "need" for the meeting between Shah and Thackeray "after a gap of four years" (since the Modi government was formed). The Shiv Sena has also already declared that it will go alone in the 2019 general elections. The two parties were allies for over two-and-half decades before they severed ties ahead of the 2014 Maharashtra Assembly polls, only to join hands later later to form government under the leadership of Fadnavis in the state. In today's editorial in party mouthpiece "Saamna", Shiv Sena questioned the BJP's outreach programme after suffering defeat in bypolls in various states. The editorial maintained that the Sena will fight all the upcoming elections alone. "The prime minister is touring the world and BJP chief Amit Shah is going around the country as part of their 'sampark' programme. Shah will be meeting NDA allies. However, what exactly will he do? Why is he meeting at this juncture when the BJP has suffered defeat in bypolls," the Sena asked in an editorial. - PTI vinaymishra188@gmail.com Bijay Sankar Bora Tribune News Service Shillong, June 6 The National Commission for Minorities today deputed one of its members to visit Punjabi Lane here, a prime locality in curfew-bound Shillongs Bara Bazar business hub that saw violence between local Khasi people and Sikh community members over an eve-teasing incident nearly a week ago. Following the visit, the NCM member, Manjit Singh Rai, suggested against relocating the vulnerable Punjabi Lane residents, as was being demanded by local tribal groups. The Sikh population has been living in the area for more than 100 years and relocating them is not feasible, he said. Rai heard the grievances of the residents in the wake of recent developments, including formation of a high-powered committee by the Meghalaya Government to look into the long-standing demand of some local groups for relocating the Punjabi Lane residents. Expected to submit his report to the commission tomorrow, Rai said a minor altercation had taken place between the two community members, who even reached a compromise within no time. But mischievous elements, he claimed, circulated rumours in the social media and incited violence due to vested interests. The NCM member called on Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and discussed with him the prevailing situation as well as the relocation issue. The Chief Minister has assured me of protection to all, he said. Rai later met Chief Secretary Yeshi Tsering, Principal Secretary (Home) MS Rao and Director General of Police SB Singh and enquired about the security arrangements. The Meghalaya Congress unit has, meanwhile, asked the state government to initiate a judicial inquiry into the violence as well as to peruse the demand for relocation. A judicial inquiry will provide a clear picture about what is happening and what should be done. There will be terms of reference when the inquiry is instituted. The government, thus, will have the privilege to have an insight into all the information and act upon that, said Dr Mukul Sangma of the Congress, also the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly. Curfew relaxed for seven hours The curfew in Shillong and other vulnerable areas was relaxed for seven hours on Wednesday as the situation improved, an official said, nearly a week after violent clashes rocked the area. The tourist footfall has also increased in Shillong, called Scotland of the East. The curfew in 14 vulnerable areas was lifted for seven hours from 5 am to 12 noon in view of the improved situation, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner PS Dkhar said. PTI Rashtriya Sikh Sangat demands action New Delhi: RSS-affiliate Rashtriya Sikh Sangat on Wednesday demanded action against those behind the violence against the Sikh community in Shillong. Following a meeting of its top functionaries, the sangat attributed it to "mischief" on the part of Opposition parties and other vested interests in the state. The meeting was presided over by unit president Gurcharan Singh Gill. A delegation led by Gill had also visited the violence-affected Punjab Lane in Shillong. TNS rchopra@tribunemail.com Shiv Kumar Tribune News Service Mumbai, June 6 The Shiv Sena has again called for the scrapping of the West Coast refinery proposed to be built at Nanar in Ratnagiri district, about 450 km from here. The party, whose leaders have been in the forefront of protests against the project, has submitted a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis warning that the protests might get out of hand if the refinery is not dropped. Our ministers in the cabinet submitted a letter to the Chief Minister asking for the refinery to be scrapped in order to avoid any untoward incident like the violence in Tuticorin which claimed 13 lives, the Shiv Sena said in a statement here. The partys mouthpiece Saamna reported that the government had stopped acquisition of land after Industries Minister Subash Desai of the Sena dramatically announced the withdrawal of a notification to acquire land for the project at a rally in April. Chief Minister Fadnavis, however, contradicted his minister later and said the Industries department could not issue a notification to cancel what was a cabinet decision to acquire land for the project. The Shiv Sena, which has a strong support base in the Konkan, is facing tough questions from villagers affected by the project. Local people fear that the refinery would hurt the production of the famed Alphonso mangoes from the region. At the April rally, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray was greeted by jeers by villagers who demanded immediate scrapping of the project. A consortium of public sector oil companies and Saudi Arabias Aramco are to build the refinery at an estimated cost of Rs 3 lakh crore. rchopra@tribunemail.com Lucknow, June 6 Buoyed by opposition victory in key Lok Sabha bypolls in Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday dared the BJP government at the Centre to hold simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls in the state in 2019. We have no problem if the voters list is linked with Aadhaar number. We have no problems with one nation one election. I ask them (BJP) to implement one nation one election from 2019 itself and hold the UP Assembly polls with the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he told a press conference at the SP headquarters here. The 44-year-old SP chief virtually threw down the gauntlet at the BJP after the saffron partys defeat in the prestigious Lok Sabha by-elections to Gorakhpur and Phulpur and its recent drubbing in Kairana and Phoolpur Assembly bypoll. While Gorakhpur is the home turf of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Phulpur was held by his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya. Even Kairana was held by a BJP MP, whose death necessitated the bypoll in which his daughter lost to the RLD, whose candidate was supported by all opposition parties. An Uttar Pradesh panel has recommended simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, echoing a suggestion by the Law Commission of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modis own view on the issue. Akhilesh, however, rued, No suggestion was taken from us on this issue. A report in this regard was submitted on Tuesday by UP Health Minister Sidharth Nath Singh, who headed the seven-member committee constituted by Yogi Adityanath. UP is the first state to push the PMs idea of national debate on holding all elections up to the panchayat together. We have examined it and it is possible, Singh had said after handing over the report titled, One nation, one election & common electoral rolls. Adityanath had later said, We are forwarding the report to the Centre, and it will be good in the larger public interest. To keep the electoral rolls clean, Aadhaar numbers should be linked with the names of voters to eliminate chances of duplication, as suggested by the committee. PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com Girja Kaura Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 6 The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the construction of a six-lane bridge on the Ganga near Allahabad. Around Rs 2,000 crore will be spent on its construction The Cabinet also decided to create 30 lakh tonne of buffer stock of sugar. Mills will store surplus sugar and the government will compensate mills for storing sugar. The government will give Rs 1,175 crore in compensation. The government also revised the salaries of rural postmen. Those getting Rs 2,295 per month at present will get Rs 10,000 and those getting Rs 4,115 will get Rs 14,000. A minimum of 56% raise has been given to them. Postmen will also get the difficult posting allowance. They will get arrears from January 2016. The Union cabinet also allocated Rs 4,338.20 crore for advancement in space technology. vinaymishra188@gmail.com Anup Dutta Bhopal, June 6 Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday promised farm loan waiver in Madhya Pradesh within 10 days, if his party was voted to power in the Assembly poll. The state is slated to go to the polls along with Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh in October-November this year. If the Congress comes to power here (Madhya Pradesh), your (farmers) loans will be waived in just 10 days. The governments first duty should be to take care of the countrys farmers, he said while addressing a rally at Pipliya Mandi in Mandsaur district. The rally was held to mark the first anniversary of police firing on farmers during an agitation in which six persons were killed. Addressing farmers, he said: Modiji had promised you the right price for your produce. But how much do you get for your garlic and soya produce? Leave aside the Rs 15 lakh that he promised, has the PM given you even Rs 5? Dubbing the BJP government in the state as anti-farmer, Rahul Gandhi alleged that instead of working for the welfare of farmers, the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government fired bullets on kisans. Rahul Gandhi alleged the Chouhan government was duping farmers by not handing the money to those who sell their farm produce at mandis. When you (farmers) go to the mandi, you get a cheque and then you go to the bank to deposit it. If the Congress comes to power, you will get the money directly in your hands at the mandi itself, he said. Rahul invited farmers and the common man to share their problems with party leaders. We dont want to tell you our mann ki baat, we want to hear your mann ki baat, he told the gathering. Earlier, Rahul met family members of three out of six persons who were killed in police firing during an agitation in Mandsaur last year. Accusing the BJP-led government at the Centre of corruption, he said the NDA government was helping rich businessmen and friends. The government gives only to the rich and takes away from the poor. Modiji calls Mehul Choksi Mehulbhai and Nirav Modi, Niravbhai, Rahul said. The party had also made loan-waiver announcements ahead of Punjab and Karnataka elections. It stormed to power in Punjab, while in Karnataka it formed the government with the support of JD(S). The party believes that loan-waiver announcement will help it grab power in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgrah. The party aims to cash in on public anger against the BJP government to win assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh where it has been out of power for 14 years. In Rajasthan, the party was thrown out of power in 2013. Farm-loan waiver has always been a poll gimmick in India. Ahead of elections, political parties announce lucrative loan-waiver schemes to attract farmers. In March this year, the Congress adopted a resolution on Agriculture, employment and poverty alleviation at its 84th plenary session. The resolution at the plenary session was moved by Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh. San Francisco, CA, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SAN FRANCISCO, CA, June 6, 2018 - Deem, a leading mobile and cloud technology provider for the business travel industry, announced today the appointment of Neil Markey as Senior Vice President, Products and Chief Information Officer and Todd Kaiser as Senior Vice President, Business Development and Strategy. "Weve built an impressive team, John F. Rizzo, CEO, President and Chief Operating Officer, Deem. That team is focused on building solutions to help corporations control costs and support travelers who are booking and managing their travel. We know our uptime consistently beats the competition, our user experience is loved by travelers everywhere and our strategic partnerships offer better integrated travel and expense solutions than any other single vendor in the market, he said. Neil Markey is replacing Chethan Visweswar, former Senior Vice President of Software, as Senior Vice President, Products and Chief Information Officer for Deem. Markey is a technology leader with experience in fast paced, high growth software and e-commerce companies. His previous roles include Chief Information Officer at Stella and Dot, a social selling platform. He also held Chief Technology Officer roles at Kazaana, a social platform for children and PlayFirst, a gaming company, and a series of engineering leadership roles with Hewlett Packard focused almost entirely on at-scale e-commerce platforms. Serving our customers means building technologically advanced products and solutions, said Markey. Our customers know we have the expertise, product innovation and security structure to support their corporate mission and to help employees be more efficient when theyre planning and booking travel. Visweswar will continue to consult on engineering and technology projects with Deem for the remainder of 2018. Todd Kaiser has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Business Development and Strategy. Kaisers extensive technology and travel industry experience give him a unique perspective on strategic partnerships and innovations. He leads the Fource Alliance program, an ecosystem that allows strategic solution providers to integrate with the Deem technology. Recent additions to the Fource Alliance program include Infor and ChromeRiver, with additional partnerships being announced in upcoming weeks. Were building great momentum with the Fource Alliance program, said Kaiser. Were partnering with technology providers to bring our customers best-in-breed options for their travel and expense platforms. This means theyre not forced into using substandard products at any level of their organization. Millions of travelers using the Deem Work Fource platform can book and manage end-to-end travel itineraries that align with their preferences and corporate spending policies. Deem serves complete search results from Google, Sabre, Travelport and offers real-time connection to Southwest airlines for free, automatic 24-hour check-in in advance. With advanced Intelligent Attach technology, the software automatically recommends hotel and car service options matched to travelers preferences, behavior and corporate policies, dynamically links to calendars and offers hassle free travel management and seamless cost control for finance departments. We set the bar for ourselves higher than anyone in the industry, and we will continue to strive to meet our goals and more importantly, those set by our customers, said Rizzo. Our Work Fource travel and Ground Work ground platforms rival consumer online booking tools, all while providing comprehensive and in-policy travel itineraries. About DEEM | https://www.workfource.deem.com The most difficult part of any business trip is too often the trip itself. It shouldnt be. Deem makes it painless for the traveler to get down to business without distraction, simpler for the travel manager and management company to keep track of all the moving parts, and easier for partners to get the information they need to stay competitive. The Deem Work Fource platform is designed for the entire business travel ecosystem using machine learning, AI and predictive analytics. Deems suite of tools range from a dynamic traveler booking platform, travel manager cost controls, travel agency service technology and supplier revenue opportunities, including the worlds largest car service affiliate network and operator solutions. Deems Work Fource Platform services more than 50,000 corporate customers in 61 countries, speaking 15+ languages - including the worlds largest travel management companies. The company, headquartered in San Francisco, CA, with offices in Bangalore, India, is backed by leading venture capital funds, as well as corporate and private equity investors. editorial@tribune.com Vishav Bharti Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 6 The British had banned Gandhi caps and black turbans inside jails. When Baba Kharak Singh, who was lodged in the Dera Ghazi Khan jail (in North West Frontier) was asked to remove his turban, he threw away all his clothes, saying: I will not wear these till the government lifts the ban. The chill could have killed the man, who was in his mid-fifties. To cajole him, jail officials lifted the ban on black turban and top Congress leadership requested him to put on his clothes, but Baba Kharak Singh refused to do so. After five-and-a-half years on June 4, 1927, he walked out of the jail in kachera (shorts). Kharak Singh was a top Congress leader who after Lala Lajpat Rais arrest became the president of the Punjab Provincial Congress Committee in 1922. However, the Congress government didnt feel the need to celebrate his 150th birthday on Wednesday. Akalis, on the other hand, did try to make up for it by giving advertisements in newspapers as he was one of the founders of the SGPC too and had served as its president in 1922. Present day rulers may have completely forgotten him, but Prof Mohinder Singh, a historian, known for his seminal work on the Akali Movement, recalls that Nehru valued him so much that on his birthday, he would visit Baba jis house in Delhi with a bouquet and sweets. He says: During one of the visits, Baba ji was taking bath. Nehru didnt leave the flowers and sweets with the family but preferred to wait till he came out. He calls it unfortunate that such a landmark day went unnoticed. I dont think Congress and Akali leaders today have even heard his name. When contacted by The Tribune, president, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, Sunil Jakhar sounded unfamiliar with the name of the great freedom fighter. The party has the highest regard for each and every former president. If there is some lapse on our part, it will be taken care of in future, he said. His contemporaries often hailed him for bringing the Sikh community into the national fold and strengthening the bond between the Sikhs and the Congress. Not only the Congress, being one of the founders of the SGPC, he remained at the centre of Akali politics too till 1935, when he was replaced by Master Tara Singh. Following his arrest during the Non-Cooperation Movement, Babas defiance in the Dera Ghazi Khan jail became a part of Punjabs folklore. Prof Mohinder Singh recounted those times in a monograph Baba Kharak Singh and Indias Freedom Struggle. Since the ban on wearing Gandhi cap was not lifted by the government, Kharak Singh came out of the jail without a turban and clothes. He was taken in a huge procession on the streets of Amritsar. In Lahore, thousands of people thronged the streets to have his glance, he wrote. Abdul Ghaffar Khan, who was lodged with Kharak Singh in the jail recounts those days in his autobiography, The Frontier Gandhi: Kharak Singh was a powerful man, firm and immoveable like a mountain. Nobody could order him. In spite of all the suffering, he never lost his courage and determination. Interestingly, Baba Kharak Singh always questioned traitors within the Sikh community. Following the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in 1919, he was instrumental in the revolt against Chief Khalsa Diwans pro-British politics and formed the Central Sikh League to lead struggle against colonial rule. He famously announced: In the fight for Indias freedom if you find a bullet in my back, do not cremate my body according the Sikh rites. In 1921, he launched the Chabian da morcha against the government for the return of keys of Toshakhana of Golden Temple. It was the victory of this struggle following which Mahatma Gandhi sent him a congratulatory telegram saying: First decisive battle of Indias freedom won. Here, we had a man who could never be manipulated. If he wanted, he could have become anything, says Prof Mohinder Singh. The man and his life June 6, 1868: Born in Sialkot 1889: Graduates from newly established Panjab University; he was in the first batch 1919: Forms the Central Sikh League 1920: Elected president of SGPC 1922: Becomes president of Punjab Provincial Congress Committee 1932: Arrested and remained in jail for 19 months 1947: Travels across Punjab to oppose the Partition 1953: Presented Abhinandan Granth by the then President Dr Rajendra Prasad October 6, 1963: Passes away editorial@tribune.com Rachna Khaira Tribune News Service Jalandhar, June 6 Taking cognisance of alleged negligence towards their duty, the Permanent Lok Adalat (PLA) in Kapurthala on Wednesday slapped a fine of Rs 10,000 each on Health Minister Brahm Mohindra; Principal Secretary, Health, Satish Chandra; Director, Health Services, Dr Jaspal Kaur; and Kapurthala Deputy Commissioner Mohhamad Tayyab for not appearing in the court despite repeated summons issued to them in the last six months. The minister and officials were summoned in a case filed by Suket Gupta, president, Human Rights Press Club, alleging harassment of patients and doctors due to lack of infrastructure at Civil Hospital, Kapurthala. Taking cognisance of concerns raised by the medical fraternity in Kapurthala, PLA chairperson Manju Rana had, on November 3 last year, issued summons to the minister and officers, besides Kapurthala Civil Surgeon Dr HS Kahlon. Following this, Dr Bhalla appeared in the court on behalf of the government and the minister. He had assured the court of speedy recruitment of specialists in the hospital under the National Health Mission (NHM). He also gave an undertaking to fill vacant posts of staff nurse. Dr Bhalla had also promised that Jan Aushadi Kendra would be opened. Dr Rajiv Prashar, president PCMS specialists, Civil Hospital, Kapurthala, in his undertaking to the court, had claimed that only 21 doctors were working against the sanctioned posts of 33 and there was no gynaecologist and radiologist in the hospital. Mohindra said: I am not aware of any such summons. monicakchauhan@gmail.com GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 6 Amidst heavy security arrangements by the SGPC, civil administration and the police, there were a few tense moments at the 34th Bluestar anniversary at Golden Temple when three unidentified youth attempted to create ruckus. However, the prayer ceremony passed off peacefully. They were reportedly caught and beaten up by SGPC task force and later police detained them for further investigation. Contrary to the expectation, the parallel acting jathedar Dhyan Singh Mand and his supporters were conspicuous by their absence, though they had earlier issued statement to deliver customary address from the ground floor of the Akal Takht. Terming the Army attack on Golden Temple and highest Sikh Temporal seat as callous attitude of the erstwhile Indian government, Jathedar compared it with Mughal and British-era atrocities on Sikh community. He demanded from the Union government that all the documentation related to 1984 Operation Bluestar should be made public, which was done by the British government after lapse of three decades span. He reiterated that it was important to know the forces and countries that were behind designing the attack on Akal Takht and Golden Temple. He also appealed Sikh community to get unite and adopt one village, one gurdwara concept of the SGPC. Another exception was that Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singhs address was attentively listened by the SAD (Amritsar) group. This was appreciated by Jathedar later on and hinted that there was every possibility if all the disgruntled Sikh groups could unite on one platform at Akal Takht and resolve their differences. Amidst pro-Khalistan slogans, the Khalistan Flag was furled at the Akal Takht for at least one hour. Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh too did not take any exception to it. It was part of their programme to unfurl the flag and they were not intercepted as they were not creating any trouble. I am pleased to find that all the Sikh organisations maintained tranquility and didnt vitiate the peaceful atmosphere of the Golden Temple complex, he said. Amritsar observe shutdown City residents observed the shutdown call given by the Dal Khalsa in a religious manner. The call was to pay homage to those who laid down their lives during Operation Bluestar in 1984. Barring medical services, the entire city wore the deserted look. Even the street vendors refrained from setting up their makeshift businesses. editorial@tribune.com Ravi Dhaliwal Tribune News Service Gurdaspur, June 6 Water Resources and River Development Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Wednesday said the Central government was in the process of drafting a long-term policy to safeguard river waters in the country. Meghwal, along with officials of the Gurdaspur administration and the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), visited Chadha Sugar Mills. The mill was in the eye of the storm when molasses, a byproduct of the sugar manufacturing process, spilled into the Beas on May 16, disturbing the ecological balance of the river. Raman Kochhar, who has been given the additional charge of the SDM, Batala, too accompanied the minister. Meghwal refused to comment on what action the Central Pollution Board would be taking against the mill. Gurdaspur Deputy Commissioner Gurlovleen Singh Sidhu had instructed Batala SDM Rohit Gupta, who is on leave till June 8, to conduct a magisterial inquiry after the spillage was first noticed on May 16. The minister also paid a visit to the storage tank from where the molasses had entered the Kahnuwan drain flowing nearby. It later made its way to the Beas, contaminating the waters, a development which led to the death of thousands of fish. Meghwal asked officials if the disaster could be averted. To which, the latter replied that if proper cooling and recirculation facilities existed in the storage tank, the catastrophe would not have occurred. However, the contentious issue of the district administration pressuring the mill management into crushing sugarcane beyond its existing capacity did not crop up. Senior mill officials, including unit head Munesh Pal, apprised the minister of the incident. Meanwhile, farmer unions urged the government not to shut down the mill. If the mill is closed, thousands of households will be affected in the sugarcane rich belt. It will be difficult for farmers to get their produce crushed, said Santokh Singh of Badayia village. laxmi@tribune.com Tribune News Service Dehradun, June 6 Ahead of June 9 passing-out parade, it was a day of presentation of medal and trophies for the passing out courses at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. Gentlemen cadets (GCs) were awarded for their excellence in various sphere of training. Presenting the medals and awards for 142 Regular, 125th Technical Graduate Course and 25th University Entry Scheme courses held at the Khetrapal Auditorium, Indian Military Academys Commandant Lt Gen SK Jha said that it was important for an officer to maintain a competitive streak within the parameters of sportsmanship and fair play at all times. He asserted that the urge to win and excel as a team should always be there. In the profession of arms, it is always a collective and a team effort that is important and there are no runners up in war, Commandant IMA pointed out. He said Gentlemen Cadets were also encouraged to achieve excellence at individual level and contribute constructively in team effort to infuse a sense of comradeship amongst them. Accordingly, medals and rolling trophies have been instituted at the IMA, which mark the highest standards achieved at the Individual and Company levels, he observed. Among those awarded included Lalit Kumar, who was awarded Parachute Regiment Medal after being adjudged best Gentleman Cadet in endurance and physical toughness. Kuldeep Nanasaheb Pawar was awarded with 9 GR Medal for standing first in military studies. Sachin Kumar Chahar was presented with Haripal Kaushik Sikh Regt Medal after being adjudged best sportsman. Among foreign Gentlemen Cadets, Abidzazai from Afghanistan, Bukhori Saydulloev from Tajikistan, Khafila Habibu Juma from Tanzania and Kupeshov Temirbek from Kyrgyzstan were awarded with diploma certificates. As of trophies, Bubnesh Sharma was awarded with Grenadiers Trophy after being adjudged best shot in INSAS Rifle of the Passing Out Course. Birendra Singh Adhikari was awarded with Motivation Trophy after adjudged Most Motivated Gentleman cadet. Abhimanyu Thakur was adjudged best cadet in weapons training and awarded with Maj Shaitan Singh PVC (Posthumous) Trophy. laxmi@tribune.com Dehradun, June 6 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on Wednesday inaugurated a five-day workshop here on filmmaking. Being organised by the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, and the Uttarakhand Film Development Council at Suchna Bhawan from June 6 to 10, the event will educate participants about the minute aspects of filmmaking. As part of the workshop, experts from the Film and Television Institute of India would deliver lectures on filmmaking, an official release said. Rawat highlighted the steps taken by the state government to promote the hill state as a prime destination for shooting films. He said filmmakers shooting in the state were being given fee exemptions. Similar workshops would be held in Almora and Tehri districts, he added. PTI laxmi@tribune.com Islamabad, June 6 Pakistans anti-corruption watchdog on Wednesday approved an inquiry against former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi over alleged misuse of power in awarding a contract for a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) took the decision at its executive board meeting in Islamabad which was headed by its chairman Javed Iqbal. Abbasi was the petroleum minister in the Sharif cabinet when their government awarded a 15-year contract for LNG terminal in Karachi. The NAB decided to launch the probe after complaints that the rules were violated to award the contract, officials said. Earlier, the NAB had closed a probe against Abbasi in December 2016 after 17 months when it failed to find any irregularity in awarding a Rs 220-billion LNG contract in 2013. PTI laxmi@tribune.com Smita Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 6 In what could add to the existing tension between India and the Maldives, a member of parliament of the Abdulla Yameen government in Male was sent back from the Chennai immigration. The Tribune has learnt that MP Ahmed Nihan, majority leader and parliamentary group leader of the ruling party in the island nation, flew to Chennai via Colombo on June 4 around 10 pm. Maldivian sources claim Nihan has been traveling to India twice every year for medical check-up for two years. It is for the first time that the Majlis member was denied entry with no official reasons cited. It is unfortunate that this has happened. We have not been provided any reasons by the authorities, Maldivian Ambassador Ahmed Mohamed told The Tribune. Sources said the Maldivian embassy tried reaching out to the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday night after the immigration authorities denied entry to Nihan, despite his credentials. The matter has also been raised by the Maldivian Foreign Ministry with Indian High Commissioner Akhilesh Mishra and a response is awaited. Back in Male, Nihan posted the matter on his official Twitter handle, asking journalists enquiring about it to meet him for details. The relations between India and the Maldives soured earlier this year when President Abdulla Yameen declared Emergency citing internal security concerns. The Maldives had stayed away from the regional naval exercise as well as the Defence Expo earlier citing the emergency situation. However, the two countries resumed and concluded the monthly joint exclusive economic zone (EEZ) patrolling last month. The Maldives is hoping that in return for the two Indian Advanced Light Helicopters, whose agreement has expired and which will be returned this month, New Delhi will provide a surveillance Dornier aircraft to Male by the year-end. laxmi@tribune.com Lahore/Islamabad, June 6 A Pakistani journalist and rights activist who openly criticised the military and its alleged meddling in politics was freed early on Wednesday, several hours after being abducted. The journalist, Gul Bukhari, who is a dual Pakistani-British national, has been a vocal critic of Pakistans powerful military on social media and in her articles in the run-up to a July 25 general election. She has also defended ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who clashed with the military before the Supreme Court forced him from office last year over an undeclared source of income. Bukhari was on her way to record a television programme late on Tuesday for the Waqt news programme in the city of Lahore when her vehicle was intercepted and she was taken away by unidentified men, her husband and media colleagues said. After her release, she said in a statement posted on Twitter by a family member that she was well, and she asked for privacy. I would like to express my deep gratitude and love to my friends, family, colleagues & supporters in civil society, journalism and politics across the board, for coming together in solidarity in concern for my wellbeing last night, she said. Rights groups have denounced the kidnappings of several social media activists over the past year as attempts to intimidate and silence critics of Pakistans security establishment. Last year, five bloggers went missing for several weeks before four of them were released. All four fled abroad and at least two afterwards told media that they were tortured by a state intelligence agency during their disappearance. The military has staunchly denied playing a role in any enforced disappearances, as has the civilian government. The military did not respond to a request for comment on Bukharis case. The British High Commission in Islamabad said in a message on Twitter it was offering Bukhari consular assistance. We are very concerned at reports of Gul Bukharis abduction last night, it said. The abduction drew widespread outrage on social media with many activists swiftly pointing the finger at the military, calling it part of efforts to stifle dissent. Reuters gspannu7@gmail.com Lahore/Islamabad, Pakistan, June 6 A Pakistani journalist and rights activist who openly criticised the military and its alleged meddling in politics was freed early on Wednesday, several hours after being abducted. The journalist, Gul Bukhari, who is a dual Pakistani-British national, has been a vocal critic of Pakistans powerful military on social media and in her articles in the run-up to a July 25 general election. She has also defended ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who clashed with the military before the Supreme Court forced him from office last year over an undeclared source of income. Bukhari was on her way to record a television programme late on Tuesday for the Waqt news programme in the city of Lahore when her vehicle was intercepted and she was taken away by unidentified men, her husband and media colleagues said. After her release, she said in a statement posted on Twitter by a family member that she was well, and she asked for privacy. I would like to express my deep gratitude and love to my friends, family, colleagues & supporters in civil society, journalism and politics across the board, for coming together in solidarity in concern for my wellbeing last night, she said. Rights groups have denounced the kidnappings of several social media activists over the past year as attempts to intimidate and silence critics of Pakistans security establishment. Last year, five bloggers went missing for several weeks before four of them were released. All four fled abroad and at least two afterwards told media that they were tortured by a state intelligence agency during their disappearance. The military has staunchly denied playing a role in any enforced disappearances, as has the civilian government. The military did not respond to a request for comment on Bukharis case. The British High Commission in Islamabad said in a message on Twitter it was offering Bukhari consular assistance. We are very concerned at reports of Gul Bukharis abduction last night, it said. Earlier, Muhammad Gulsher, a producer for the Waqt news programme where Bukhari appears as a guest, told Reuters that she had been abducted when a group of pick-up trucks stopped her vehicle and men in plain clothes dragged her away while other men in army uniforms stood guard. They put a black mask on her face and took her, he said, adding that he was basing his information on an account from Bukharis driver. The abduction drew widespread outrage on social media with many activists swiftly pointing the finger at the military, calling it part of efforts to stifle dissent. If true, this would be a most audacious attempt to silence a known critic. Is this Pakistan or Kims North Korea or Sisis Egypt? tweeted Syed Talat Hussain, a prominent journalist. Media organisations have complained of growing censorship by the military establishment in the run-up to the July election. Reuters MIDWAY CITY, Calif., June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Family Housing (AFH) a nonprofit organization that provides housing and related services to low income and homeless households is proud to announce that one of its tenants, William Odell, has joined AFHs Board of Directors. Odell was homeless for eight years before he connected with AFH. Odell now lives in an apartment that is owned and managed by AFH in the City of Westminster. Odell said he became homeless after he struggled with mental health issues, especially after his wife passed away. He was a teacher prior to becoming homeless. Im amazed I held on for so long, Odell said. For eight years while he was homeless, Odell moved around constantly, staying off the radar. He would spend half of the night riding the bus around town, and then the other half of the night at a fitness center where he had a membership so he could shower, swim and exercise. He slept during the daytime, heading over to Huntington Beach where he would sleep by the beach. This organization gave me a calm place to set my things down and regain peace of mind after years without, Odell said. I was surprised and honored to be asked to join the Board. Milo Peinemann, Chief Executive Officer, said the agency takes very seriously the importance of involving community members in making decisions about how AFH invests its time and limited resources. As a tenant who was homeless for nearly a decade and who has lived that journey, William is a consumer of our services. He has life experience that is relevant to every conversation that the board has, Peinemann said. And now hes one of my bosses. AFH's Board Chair Tom Burnham, who is Chief Human Resource Officer of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, welcomed Odell to his first Board meeting May 23. If our organization were a boat, Milo would be steering the boat, Burnham said. William joins myself and the rest of the Board where its our role to provide foresight, oversight and insight. In that same boat analogy, we might be thought of as being up in the crow's nest, scanning the horizon for whats ahead. The Board directs American Family Housing, a 501 (c)3 nonprofit public benefit corporation, towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, and by making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission. It sets policies that ensure prudent use of all assets, including facilities, people, and good will; it makes decisions in the best interest of the nonprofit corporation and assures that our activities advance our nonprofit mission; and it recognizes and discloses conflicts of interest. For more information, visit www.afhusa.org. With media inquiries, please call Leslie Licano at 949-733-8679 ext. 101 or email Leslie@beyondfifteen.com. ABOUT AMERICAN FAMILY HOUSING: Founded in 1985, American Family Housing (AFH) is a nonprofit organization that provides a continuum of housing and a broad spectrum of services to vulnerable populations facing barriers to achieving housing stability, including war veterans and adults with disabilities and mental illness. Operating 63 housing sites, with 282 units that serve more than 1,000 adults and children each year in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties, AFH is committed to permanently ending the cycle of homelessness, helping low-income families and adults achieve a self-sustaining way of life and become active members of their communities. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ad03438b-7884-45f4-93b4-45f1c6aa78b0 SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hitachi Vantara, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd. (TSE:6501), today announced powerful hardware and software enhancements across the Hitachi Unified Compute Platform (UCP) family of converged, hyperconverged and rack-scale systems, including NVMe SSD caching and GPU processor-based server options. New certified applications ecosystem solutions optimized for mission-critical environments include SAP HANA, Oracle databases, VMware and big data analytics frameworks. By offering a complete family of UCP converged systems and integrated application solutions, Hitachi Vantara is able to address any workload, at any scale, in multicloud environments. Hitachi UCP systems provide customers with simplified, standard platforms that are fast to deploy and easy to manage, with less risk by minimizing human error. They enable the agile infrastructure needed to modernize data centers, allowing customers to rapidly respond to evolving business needs while efficiently managing, governing, mobilizing, protecting and analyzing data to gain richer insights and drive better business outcomes. Enhanced Hitachi UCP Family Offerings Hitachi UCP systems use modular building blocks of infrastructure that are pretested and validated to meet specific needs and fast-changing business requirements. They allow customers to start small and grow systems with increments of cost-effective compute, network and storage components to optimize performance. Hitachi Unified Compute Platform Advisor (UCP Advisor), the IT management and orchestration software for the Hitachi UCP family, supports full automation over server, network and storage components. UCP Advisor with customized workflows lets IT staff move applications and workloads between clouds and UCP systems in a smart and automated way to rapidly deliver new IT services. The latest release of UCP Advisor continues to enhance automation, including policy-based provisioning to speed initial deployment with less risk. Built on a modular converged architecture, Hitachi Unified Compute Platform CI (UCP CI) systems provide a flexible, low-risk path to modern data center infrastructure. UCP CI systems with a UCP Advisor-powered management and automation toolset, enable the operational efficiencies of virtualization and increase the performance of mission-critical applications. The systems simplify the control of both virtual and physical infrastructure to support a wide range of enterprise and cloud workloads, at any scale. Enhancements to Hitachi UCP CI systems include support for the recently launched all-flash and hybrid Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) systems. Compared to prior models, the new VSP systems provide faster, more efficient performance, containers support and cross-platform AI-powered analytics and IT automation software. New Intel Skylake-based Hitachi Advanced Server DS220 and DS240 servers deliver expanded scale-up and scale-out computational options to handle the most demanding, high performance requirements for virtualization, SAP and Oracle environments. Hitachi Unified Compute Platform HC (UCP HC) systems are a scalable, easy-to-deploy hyperconverged infrastructure appliance. Available as an all-inclusive solution, UCP HC leverages VMware vSAN, the industry-leading software powering hyperconverged infrastructure, for simplicity, agility and fully-orchestrated installation, management and upgrades. The new Hitachi Advanced Server DS225 with NVIDIA Tesla GPU support addresses opportunities requiring advanced graphics capabilities such as VDI, CAD/CAE and collaborative workplaces, along with advanced analytics solutions. New Intel Optane NVMe SSD caching in the DS120 server provides high performance and low latency transaction processing for critical applications and analytics environments. The higher capacity storage in the new DS220 server addresses use cases such as test and development, branch office support, content repositories and file services. Hitachi Unified Compute Platform RS (UCP RS) is a rack-scale system designed to simplify the deployment of an agile data infrastructure at scale. When combined with the latest version of VMwares integrated hybrid cloud platform, VMware Cloud Foundation, the integrated system enables customers to deploy a hybrid cloud with a fast time to market and pay-as-you-go economics. Key new components and enhancements to Hitachi UCP RS include the use of Intel Skylake all-flash servers for improved performance and efficiency, and support for VMware vSAN. This lowers the cost for smaller deployments, bringing a simple, secure and agile cloud infrastructure to a new class of customers. We are partnering with Hitachi Vantara to speed the adoption of hyper-converged infrastructure powered by VMware vSAN to larger enterprises, said Lee Caswell, vice president of Product, Storage and Availability Business Unit, VMware. Hitachi Vantara offers unique integration with VMware solutions, including VMware vSAN and VMware Cloud Foundation, to deliver a digital foundation for traditional and cloud native applications as enterprises look for developer-ready infrastructure with a sleek new operations model. Expanded Applications Ecosystem Solutions Applications ecosystem solutions, powered by the UCP family of systems, deliver pre-integrated, optimized and certified infrastructure solutions and reference architectures, combined with application-centric professional services. The new Hitachi Solution for the SAP HANA Platform simplifies the analysis of SAP HANA data as well as big data from multiple sources in real-time to drive fast and more informed business decisions. New SAP HANA solution options include tailored data center integration (TDI) certifications with leading density and efficiency, scaling to 64 nodes per frame and featuring new Hitachi VSP flash storage systems to run the most demanding SAP applications. New appliance certifications scale up to 8 CPUs and 12TB and are ideally suited for SAP Business Suite 4 HANA (SAP S/4 HANA) to drive financials, enterprise resource planning, supply chain management and other mission-critical enterprise operations. In addition, Hitachi has added resource forecasting analytics and threshold alerts to Hitachi Server and Storage Adapters for the SAP HANA Cockpit centralized management console. A Hitachi Solution for Databases with Oracle Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW) optimization offloads warm and cold data to a data lake consisting of a certified MongoDB cluster running on Hitachi UCP RS systems. This can reduce the cost of software licensing, scale-out capability and hardware acquisitions while supporting analytics on Oracle EDW and MongoDB. Hitachis Pentaho Data Integration allows access to both existing EDW and secondary big data environments from a single tool. Pretested, prevalidated infrastructure featuring certified Cloudera Enterprise Data Hub and MongoDB Enterprise compute clusters, complement Pentaho Data Integration for key use cases like cybersecurity. New reference architectures with certified infrastructure for Cloudera and MongoDB provide customers with tested systems, consistent expertise and best practices learned through years of experience in data management. It is critical that enterprise customers get the most value from all their data to grow their top line, connect their products and services, and protect their business. Together, Hitachi Vantara and Cloudera can help, said Philippe Marinier, vice president, Business Development at Cloudera. The new reference architecture from Hitachi Vantara with certified infrastructure on Cloudera's modern platform for machine learning and analytics optimized for the cloud can empower our joint customers to transform complex data into actionable insights to drive their digital transformation. Hitachi UCP systems allow customers to respond quicker to business needs with a simplified, standard platform that is fast to deploy and easy to manage, with less risk, said Bob Madaio, vice president, Infrastructure Solutions Marketing at Hitachi Vantara. Together with enhanced, pretested application solutions, Hitachis converged infrastructure systems are helping customers ensure maximum ROI on the infrastructure running their most critical applications and analytics environments. Product Availability and Information All new Hitachi UCP systems and applications ecosystem solutions are either available globally today or are expected to be available in August. Contact a local Hitachi Vantara representative for specific availability timeframes. For more information on the Hitachi Unified Compute Platform family, visit: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/products/converged-systems.html. About Hitachi Vantara Hitachi Vantara, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., helps data-driven leaders find and use the value in their data to innovate intelligently and reach outcomes that matter for business and society. We combine technology, intellectual property and industry knowledge to deliver data-managing solutions that help enterprises improve their customers' experiences, develop new revenue streams, and lower the costs of business. Only Hitachi Vantara elevates your innovation advantage by combining deep information technology (IT), operational technology (OT) and domain expertise. We work with organizations everywhere to drive data to meaningful outcomes. Visit us at www.hitachivantara.com. Connect with Hitachi Vantara About Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers innovations that answer societys challenges, combining its operational technology, information technology, and products/systems. The companys consolidated revenues for fiscal 2017 (ended March 31, 2018) totaled 9,368.6 billion yen ($88.4 billion). The Hitachi Group is an innovation partner for the IoT era, and it has approximately 307,000 employees worldwide. Through collaborative creation with customers, Hitachi is deploying Social Innovation Business using digital technologies in a broad range of sectors, including Power/Energy, Industry/Distribution/Water, Urban Development, and Finance/Social Infrastructure/Healthcare. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com. HITACHI is a trademark or registered trademark of Hitachi, Ltd. VMware, vSAN, and Cloud Foundation are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other trademarks, service marks, and company names are properties of their respective owners. PRESS CONTACT Brian Garabedian Hitachi Vantara brian.garabedian@hitachivantara.com +1-408-970-7572 Lauren Harrington Abel, (B.S. 05) is dedicated to helping special needs children unlock their potential. She is founder and director for the Institute for Special Needs Children and The Next Step Academy, a nonprofit day treatment program for children with autism spectrum disorders. Since graduating summa cum laude from UH in 2005 and establishing her Next Step Academy that same year, Able has grown the academy to two facilities and 41 employees who provide therapeutic education to more than 30 clients. John Boerstler (M.P.A. 13) is a Marine Corps veteran who helps other military veterans transition to successful careers. He is founder and director at Combined Arms Inc. and executive director of NextOp, a nonprofit that recruits, trains and places high-performing, middle-enlisted military leaders into industry careers. In 2009 Boerstler founded the Lone Star Veterans Association (LSVA), which provides services to the post-9/11 generation of service members and families. As a sergeant in the Marines, he served in Iraq, Kuwait, Syria, Jordan, Djibouti and Kenya. He earned a Masters of Public Administration from UH in 2013. Brian Busby (M.B.A. 14) has had a truly remarkable career with Houston Independent School District, climbing the ladder from custodian to chief operating officer of the nations seventh largest school district. Two years after high school, Busby joined the district and has progressively taken on more responsibility with each promotion through various operational areas. Today, Busby administers an annual budget of over $260 million and oversees critical business operations including facilities, construction, transportation and food services. Busby earned his M.B.A. from the UH C.T. Bauer College of Business in 2014. Ashley Fields (M.S.W. 10) is committed to finding supportive adoptive families for youth who are at risk of leaving the child welfare system with no stable or safe place to go. She is co-founder and director at The Way Home Adoption Inc. The Graduate College of Social Work alumnas organization finds loving families for children in foster care, regardless of age, after tradition recruitment efforts have failed. Fields earned her Masters of Social Work from UH in 2010 and received her bachelors degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Robert Hilliker (B.S. 06, M.S.W. 09) is a licensed social worker/therapist and chemical dependency counselor. He is co-founder and managing partner of The Lovett Center, which brings specialized therapists together into a centrally located space. Hilliker also works with patients in private practice and serves as the clinical director for Pathos The Lovett Centers intensive outpatient aftercare program for people struggling with addiction and mental health issues. Hilliker received his Masters of Social Work from the UH Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) in 2009. He has completed several prestigious fellowships and worked with UH GCSW professor Brene Brown as the chief clinical officer at The Daring Way LLC. Tanya Makany-Rivera (B.S. 2005, M.B.A. 13) keeps Houstonians informed about city business as deputy press secretary at the city of Houston. She is responsible for external strategic communications, including media relations and social media. She works closely with the Mayor Sylvester Turner to develop speeches, statements and talking points for the mayor. In addition, Makany-Rivera coordinates on messaging with other elected officials at the federal, state and local levels. Maliha Mian (B.B.A. 2002) has had quite a journey since graduating from UH in 2002. She earned a law degree and started her own practice, Mian & Associates Law Firm PLLC, representing clients on issues related to immigration, business, procurement and family matters. Mian was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2015. Since then, she has developed Got Boobs?, an innovative social media networking platform that provides a comprehensive solution to the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies a breast cancer diagnosis. The platform will launch this summer. Mian is founder and CEO of the company. Alexander Obregon (B.S. 2009; M.B.A. 14 ) is the Houston deputy city controller, a position he has held since 2016. He is responsible for the management of the departments operations and technical services and provides leadership on policy issues pertaining to the citys financial health. Prior to joining the city, Obregon was a consultant for Deloitte & Touche LLP, the largest professional services firm in the world. Obregon earned undergraduate and masters degrees from UH. He was a Global Energy Management Institute scholar while earning his M.B. A. at the C.T. Bauer College of Business. AURORA, Ill., June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BERNINA of America, the premier manufacturer of sewing, embroidery and quilting machines, is celebrating National Sewing Machine Day with a giant sewing machine statue set on display in Chicago at 401 N. Michigan Avenue on June 13. Dedicated to the manufacturing of Swiss precision sewing machines for 125 years, BERNINA is marking this day by showcasing a larger-than-life sewing machine replica as a tribute to the influence the sewing machine has had on our culture since its invention in 1790. The invention of the sewing machine made a significant impact not only on clothing and textile production but also in households across the globe. In 1932, the household sewing machines that left the Steckborn, Switzerland factory were the first to don the BERNINA name and in 1945 the first portable zigzag sewing machine made its debut. By 1963 BERNINA had produced more than one million sewing machines and in 1986 BERNINA created the first computerized sewing machine that had fully automatic one-step buttonholing and stitch pattern memory. Today, BERNINA remains the world market leader in innovation, producing sewing and embroidery machines that have a Jumbo Bobbin with 70 percent more thread capacity to sew longer with fewer interruptions. The BERNINA Hook sews high-precision stitches up to 9 mm in width with sewing speeds up to 1,000 stitches per minute. Embroidery features such as PinPoint Placement, and Enhanced Editing Functions provide the capability to create embroidered masterpieces on these innovative machines. The technology of todays sewing machines really underscores how far weve come as an industry and BERNINA is proud to share this milestone with everyone on National Sewing Machine Day, said Paul Ashworth, President, BERNINA of America. We strive to continue to innovate and make machines that inspire our next generation to create their own impact on the future of sewing. BERNINA will unveil the 7 ft. by 12 ft. Sewing Machine statue in Chicago on June 13, National Sewing Machine Day. Made from polystyrene, hand-carved foam, the statue is a replica of the soon to be released BERNINA 880 Plus Anniversary Edition sewing machine which will be introduced at BERNINAs upcoming annual dealer convention, BERNINA University. Representatives from BERNINA will be onsite to pass out tote bags and invite people to get up close to the machine. Visitors and Instagram users can also take pictures of themselves in front of the statue or in front of their own sewing machine and share on social media (must follow @berninausa and tag #BERNINA125 #sweepstakes) for a chance to win a BERNINA 530 Limited Edition Gold sewing machine. The machine will be on display near Pioneer Court on Michigan Avenue from 6:00am 7:00pm during National Sewing Machine Day, June 13. About BERNINA Founded in Switzerland more than 100 years ago, BERNINA is the worlds premier manufacturer with a proven reputation for offering quality state-of-the-art sewing, quilting and embroidery machines, overlockers, and embroidery software. BERNINAs leadership is marked by an impressive number of ambassadors, industry leaders, influencers and bloggers, who chose to partner with the company. BERNINA products are sold in the United States through a network of over 400 fully trained independent dealerships that also offer support and education. Select BERNINA and bernette machines, and BERNINA software can also be purchased online. BERNINA products are designed for beginning to advanced sewists and priced to meet a variety of budgets, with new products being introduced every year. You can follow BERNINA on Facebook: www.facebook.com/berninausa, Instagram: @BERNINAUSA, and Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/WeAllSew, and read BERNINAs WeAllSew blog at www.weallsew.com. To learn more about BERNINA and to find a Dealer, visit www.bernina.com or call (630)978-2500. Media Contacts for BERNINA of America, Inc.: Natalie Boscia nboscia@twoxfour.com, 773.317.1088 New York - UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner welcomed the announcement today of the Secretary-Generals appointment of the following four individuals to his senior leadership team. Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa of Nigeria will lead the Regional Bureau for Africa; Ms. Ulrika Modeer of Sweden will lead the Bureau for External Relations and Advocacy; Ms. Asako Okai of Japan will lead the Crisis Response Unit; and Mr. Luis Felipe Lopez-Calva of Mexico will lead the Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean. The four new appointees were selected from among the worlds leading development experts in sustainable development, resource mobilization, financing for development, and resilience and crisis recovery. All four Bureau Directors will hold the rank of Assistant Secretary-General. We set the bar very high and I am pleased that our recruitment yielded such top talent, said Achim Steiner. My leadership team now represents 10 countries, from each region UNDP serves, and is 50:50 gender balanced, reflecting my commitment to bring together world class talent that is reflective of gender and geographical diversity, and possesses a set of perspectives and expertise needed to achieve our mandate on sustainable human development. I welcome all four warmly to the UNDP family. Bios of Appointees: Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa has many years of distinguished service with the United Nations, most recently as UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Ethiopia since 2015. Before that, she served as Resident Coordinator in Uganda and Lesotho, and held several posts with the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as Chief of the Africa Section in New York and in a number of field duty stations (Liberia, Sierra Leone). She also worked for the UN Departments of Peacekeeping Operations and Public Information in New York. Before joining the United Nations, Ms. Eziakonwa held a series of senior positions with civil society organisations in Africa. Ms. Eziakonwa holds a Masters degree in international affairs from Columbia Universitys School of International and Public Affairs, with a focus on Economic and Political Development, as well as a Bachelors of Education degree, English and Literary Studies from the University of Benin, Nigeria. Born in Nigeria, Ms. Eziakonwa is married and has a daughter. Ms. Ulrika Modeer currently serves as State Secretary for International Development Cooperation and Climate and has been instrumental in reshaping Swedens international development cooperation to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. During her tenure as State Secretary, Ms. Modeer has contributed to global policy on issues of relevance to UNDP, including on gender equality, UN reform, financing of the multilateral system, climate and environment, conflict prevention and the humanitarian-development nexus. Ms. Modeer combines a strong policy background with experience from parliamentary work as well as from civil society, and has had several assignments in Latin America (Bolivia, Guatemala) and Africa (Mozambique/southern Africa). Born in 1969, Ms.Modeer holds a BA in International Relations from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. She is fluent in Swedish, English and Spanish. She is married, with three children. Ms. Asako Okai has over 30 years of distinguished experience in the Japanese foreign service and in the United Nations, most recently serving as Consul-General of Japan in Vancouver, Canada. She possesses an extensive track record in development, humanitarian response, disaster management and peace building work, at both the strategic and operational levels. Throughout her career, she has closely engaged in the evolution of international cooperation frameworks in different capacities, including the forging of historic institutional reforms of the international cooperation apparatus in Japan, and implementing innovative financial mechanisms to support reliable humanitarian funding model as Japans Director of Humanitarian Assistance. Ms. Okai has held several diplomatic senior positions worldwide and closely worked with the United Nations Headquarters, both in the Permanent Mission of Japan to the UN and as a Senior Member of the Office of the President of the 66th UN General Assembly. Ms. Okai holds a Masters of Arts in History of Art, Emmanuel College, Cambridge University and a Bachelors degree in Law, Hitotsubashi University, Japan. Born in 1966, she is married. Mr. Luis Lopez-Calva is currently the Practice Manager of the Poverty and Equity Global Practice (Europe and Central Asia) at the World Bank. He was the co-director and lead author of the World Development Report 2017 on Governance and the Law. He was previously Lead Economist and Regional Poverty Advisor in the Banks Europe and Central Asia Region, and Lead Economist at the Poverty, Equity and Gender Unit in the Latin America and Caribbean PREM Directorate, also at The World Bank. From 2007-2010, he served as Chief Economist for Latin America and the Caribbean at UNDP in New York. Mr. Lopez-Calva has been Associate Editor of the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities and he is Fellow of the Human Development and Capabilities Association. He has also been President of the Network on Inequality and Poverty in the Latin America and Caribbean Economic Association. His research interests focus on labor markets, poverty and inequality, institutions and microeconomics of development. He has presented his research at top institutions including: Harvard University, Stanford University, University of California-Berkeley, University of California-San Diego, and the OECD Development Center. He holds a Masters Degree in Economics from Boston University, as well as a Masters and a PhD in Economics from Cornell University. As prepared for delivery. Mr. President, Members of the Executive Board, Colleagues and friends I am pleased to be addressing you this morning at my first Annual Session of the Executive Board. But first, I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and significant damage caused by the El Fuego volcano, which erupted Sunday in Guatemala. I extend my sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Guatemala. The United Nations Development Programme stands in solidarity with Guatemala and is currently supporting the national rescue and relief efforts, together with all the rest of UN entities on the ground. We meet at a moment in time characterized by both huge changes in the world around us, as well as some of the most significant changes in how the UN works possibly in the last 70 years. Both present challenges, and opportunities. As I look back over my first year of leading UNDP, I am excited to share with you some of the key areas of work that we have progressed in 12 short months that I believe are moving us onto a promising and future focused trajectory. I would also like to draw your attention to the our new illustrated annual report which highlights many of the transformational results that UNDP has achieved in 2017. But let me begin by briefly outlining some of key challenges faced: Fourth industrial revolution. We are in the early years of a fourth industrial revolution, which is already impacting societies and will continue to do so in ways that we do not fully grasp. The truth is we still do not know what a mature information economy looks like and it will be some time before we do. In the meantime countries will need to make choices to prepare for the transformative impact of automation, artificial intelligence and the new digital economies of tomorrow Inequality has soared. It is not just an economic problem; it drags on social mobility and tears at the social fabric. Nor is it an inevitable result of capitalism, or one kind of capitalism or other economic system versus another. There is no invisible hand guiding us toward a just world or to an unjust one. Markets are structured by laws and norms at different levels of society, from the local to the global. If we accept that markets are ultimately governed by social choices we must evolve our governance frameworks and incentives accordingly. Poverty. Despite impressive poverty reductions over recent decades, it remains a persistent challenge globally, not least of which in middle-income countries. Going forward, we must understand two basic features of poverty. First, some have argued that the poor today are much farther away from the poverty line, suggesting that the last mile really will be the most difficult. Second, people fall in and out of poverty. We must take steps to lift people out of poverty and keep them out of it for example, through effective social protection and insurance systems. Ill health is a major factor pushing people into poverty. That makes universal health coverage a health issue and a development challenge, and thats why I am very pleased with UNDPs new MoU with WHO and its ongoing partnership with the Global Fund the latter enabling us to put some 2 million people across 22 countries on life-saving antiretroviral treatment over the last three years. Climate change. With the landmark Paris agreement, the world embarked on a journey toward a low-carbon future and to limit global warming. The two transitions at play here one the one hand, moving to a low-carbon society and on the other, adapting to an inevitably warmer and more stressed world will unfold over the coming decades. UNDPs $3 billion-plus portfolio supporting 140 countries anticipates these uncertainties and will help countries to mitigate and adapt to climate change and other environmental challenges representing a major contribution to both national and global efforts to address the risks of climate change. Conflict, fragility and displacement. The nature of conflict over recent years has laid bare the development dimensions of conflict and fragility. Thats why around 40% of our programming takes place in conflict-affected and fragile settings. It is also why Mark Lowcock and I visited the Horn of Africa earlier this year to bring together humanitarian and development efforts towards more collective outcomes and the operationalization of the New Way of Working. And it is why UNDP and UNHCR signed a global agreement to reinforce our efforts at finding durable solutions to protracted displacement. This is the context in which UNDP must succeed and operate and, indeed, we are already on the frontlines of these challenges, present in 170 countries and working in concert with partners within and outside the UN. Like so many others, we look to Agenda 2030 and the SDGs to guide us in navigating this complex terrain. The SDGs frame the key tasks ahead in a way that is understandable and pegged to benchmarks that are mobilizing action -- and not only by governments, but increasingly also by firms, private investors, municipalities and citizens who want to align their work to the sustainable future envisioned in the 2030 Agenda. UNDPs role is to work with countries and partners, to enable them to map the pathways that will move economies and societies simultaneously across different dimensions, towards sustainability and leaving no-one behind. It speaks to the centrality of UNDPs advisory and capacity building work in the domain of governance and poverty eradication. The precise focus may vary depending on the development context and setting of the countries we serve including our work in fragile and crisis contexts. UNDPs work, I believe, is mission critical to the SDGs and has different dimensions, from supporting countries to design institutions and public policies that take a systemic approach that is called for by the 2030 Agenda, to bringing the SDGs down to local authorities and people thereby enabling them to make more effective and inclusive choices. Leaving no one behind has many implications such as gender equality which continues to be progressively mainstreamed in all our work. 44% of our projects had gender equality as a significant objective in 2017, a significant increase from 29% in 2014. UNDP builds on this experience and will further strengthen gender mainstreaming in the coming years. UNDPs work is guided by our new Strategic Plan . In approving the 2018-2021 UNDP Strategic Plan, you gave us our license to operate and innovate. Our signature solutions build on the demand of countries and our established competencies in which UNDP has by now accumulated decades of experience. I think we all share a conviction that this was also a singular opportunity to refocus our work in terms of delivering as One UN. As part of this, and in close partnership with UNICEF, UNFPA and UN Women, UNDP is committed to implementing the common chapter of our strategic plans. UNDPs new Strategic Plan builds on its strong performance in 2017, when we: delivered $4.5 billion a $500 million jump from the year before and our highest delivery on record alongside improvements in management efficiency; ended the year without a deficit in our institutional budget for the first time in 6 years; received an unqualified audit for the 12th year in a row; retained our top-ranking in the Aid Transparency index as of 2016; and saw the independent Aid Data survey of 125 low and middle income countries rank UNDP first among development partners in 2017 in value for money terms - punching above our financial weight in attracting users of our data or analysis. Nevertheless, our core funding remains perilously low with 2017 core contributions of $612 million slightly below 2016. The significant core/non-core imbalances continue, with 13% core to 87% non-core. This is not sustainable and has real implications for accountability in terms of our mandate, capacity to deliver integrated responses, and organizational sustainability. Multi-year core commitments are, therefore, especially welcome as they enhance our ability to plan for the future with greater confidence. In this regard, I am grateful to Canada, Denmark, Belgium, Australia, and New Zealand who have multi-year agreements in place today, and I welcome Sweden joining this list next week. We also look forward to renewing earlier multi-year agreements with Turkey, Netherlands and Switzerland over the course of this year. I would also like to thank our programme countries for their GLOC - the contributions towards our local offices at country level which support our operations. While UNDPs performance in 2017 was impressive on many key performance indicators there is little room for complacency. We must be an organization on the move which is why we have used the past 6 months to implement a number of initiatives and reviews to align our programme and business model with the strategic objectives of the Strategic Plan. Already this year we have: Made real progress with our ongoing business model review which is looking at how we can improve our business processes through simplification, more consistent methods for costing services, streamlining administrative and fiduciary processes to enable faster response to innovations, and most importantly investing in a culture of innovation and client orientation. The business models work is also closely tied to two major reviews of corporate functions (which are almost complete) that will drive a step change in performance across the organization, from policy and program to management services and operations including looking at how we can realign our policy support with the needs of the countries we serve and supply our country offices with the necessary critical mass of expertise to deliver. We are building a global policy network to enhance and deepen our SDG expertise at country level with cutting edge knowledge, practice and innovation. Now and in the future, our policy function must better capture the knowledge, innovation and best practice from country, regional and global experience, helping UNDP to achieve global excellence as well as being a thought leader that draws from a truly global network of internal and external expertise. Revised our project management guidelines, achieving an estimated time saving of 33 days per year per programming staff that can now be applied to more productive engagement. Introduced monthly innovation calls with UNDP teams across the world to learn lessons from the field and position UNDP at the frontlines of development innovation in the context of SDG implementation. Established a new Country Investment Facility which provides seed money for our country offices to fast track and invest in innovative ideas, diversify partnerships and catalyze scaling up of our programme support. This Facility builds on and mainstreams lessons from the Danish funded Innovation Facility at UNDP and is an additional source of funding for UNDPs support to countries. Launched a new initiative called 'Project Catalyst' enabling UNDP to have the capacity to scan tomorrows world in terms of development choices and policies which countries must address today. Embarked on drawing up a new private sector strategy for UNDP reflecting on our experience and best practices while at the same time exploring new financial legal instruments that will allow for new ways of working with partners. The potential for private sector partnerships is significant and growing, but we need to upgrade our approach and tools. Our work together with the World Bank and the insurance industry through the Insurance Development Forum is but one example of how we engage to reduce risks of the poor by promoting micro insurance policies and markets. Launched a new start-up initiative 'Project T' to help test a new UNDP flagship offering to assist governments in mobilizing significant financing by working with investors in order to leverage private capital for the SDGs, building on the excellent experience of our UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). I see great potential for UNDP to draw on and leverage UNCDF expertise on financial inclusion and local development finance. This is equally relevant to middle-income countries with deep inequalities. Launched a Global Islamic Finance Impact Investment Platform in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank. It forms an integral part of our rapidly growing IFI partnerships around the world, including a significant increase in funding from the World Bank through UNDP, and an array of joined-up initiatives with a variety of IFIs to leverage climate finance. South-South collaboration will continue to be vital to SDG achievement and increasingly drives and underpins our work in UNDP. In 2017, nearly all country offices reported engagement in aspects of south-south and triangular cooperation. There is a distinct upward trend in the level of engagement with national governments as well as cooperation with non-State actors such as the private sector, civil society organizations, academic and research institutions in the South. UNDP has worked with partners to establish an SSMart for SDGs solution exchange to help bridge knowledge gaps and scale up access to south-south knowledge. In the leadup to the Buenos Aires Plan of Action (PABA + 40 Conference) in March 2019, UNDP and UNOSSC are working together to facilitate a Global Coalition of Think Tank Networks for South-South Cooperation to collect, analyze and disseminate data and knowledge about patterns, trends, flows, composition and impact of south-south and triangular cooperation. UNDP is proud to host UNOSSC as the focal point for South-South and triangular cooperation on a global and UN system-wide basis. The new Strategic Framework for UNOSSC aims to further position the Office to support the efforts of Member States in implementing the 2030 Agenda through demand-driven South-South alliances and partnerships. UNDP also recognizes the important role of volunteerism in advancing peace and development, and in sustainably promoting national capacities. In 2017, nearly one third of the onsite UN Volunteers were supporting the delivery of UNDP projects and programmes. We greatly value this collaboration with UNV. NAY PYI TAW/GENEVA/NEW YORK (06 Jun 2018) UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and UNDP, the UN Development Programme, signed today in Nay Pyi Taw a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. This MoU is a first and necessary step to establish a framework for cooperation between the UN and the Government aimed at creating conducive conditions for the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of refugees from Bangladesh and for helping to create improved and resilient livelihoods for all communities living in Rakhine State. For more information on this topic, please contact: For UNHCR: In Yangon, Paul Vrieze, [email protected] , +95 944 803 4427 , +95 944 803 4427 In Bangkok, Keane Shum, [email protected] , +66 92 275 2585 , +66 92 275 2585 In Geneva, Andrej Mahecic, [email protected] , +41 79 642 9709 For UNDP: MONTREAL, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new partnership between CIUSSS West-Central Montreal and the Welcome Hall Mission puts an end to chronic homelessness among men by offering community mental health services in this shelter located in the western part of Montreal. Men experiencing chronic homelessness combined with mental health issues can now benefit from the Program to Re-integrate homeless Individuals Seeking Mental Health (PRISM) that enables them to reintegrate into the community after a few months of care and support. The media are invited to hear the inspiring success stories and meet the experts involved in this program: Thursday, June 7 at 11 a.m. Welcome Hall Mission 1490 St-Antoine Street West, Montreal "Men who use the Welcome Hall Mission can now receive local care from mental health experts. We now go to them, not the reverse", says Dr. Vincent Laliberte, psychiatrist at CIUSSS West-Central Montreal and head of the program. "PRISM offers them personalized guidance as well as the tools they need to reintegrate living in an apartment and ultimately regain a quality of life in just a few months." PRISM was initiated by CIUSSS West-Central Montreal in close collaboration with the Welcome Hall Mission, who provides shelter to users. "PRISM not only provides a more effective way to fight chronic homelessness but improves management of financial resources by leveraging the existing local expertise," said Samuel Watts, Executive Director/CEO of the Welcome Hall Mission. Welcome Hall Mission, now the fourth site on the Island of Montreal offering PRISM, gives access to more effective local care to the men it shelters. About Welcome Hall Mission Founded in 1892, Welcome Hall Mission is now the largest doorway to help Montrealers in need. A wide variety of programs are offered to support the homeless, young at-risk mothers, families and youth. Welcome Hall Mission aims to restore their hope through concrete actions and effective solutions that help them improve their lives and reintegrate into society. Follow Welcome Hall Mission: Website: MissionBonAccueil.com Facebook: facebook.com/MissionBonAccueil YouTube: youtube.com/user/whmba Media Relations: Emmanuelle Paciullo | epaciullo@jgh.mcgill.ca | 514 340-8222, ext. 24120 | Emergency after hours and weekends: 514-618-5430 CIUSSS West-Central Montreal: Serving a population of nearly 345,000, with more than 9,000 employees, including 700 doctors: Click here Pole Mountain Trail Project Wins National Award Wyoming Conservation Corps member Viktor Stromberg works on a trail improvement project in the Pole Mountain unit of the Medicine Bow National Forest in 2017. The Pole Mountain trail project has received national recognition from the Coalition for Recreational Trails. (UW Photo) A cooperative effort to build and maintain trails in the Pole Mountain unit of the Medicine Bow National Forest has received national recognition from the Coalition for Recreational Trails. The University of Wyoming-based Wyoming Conservation Corps (WCC), the Wyoming Pathways organization and the U.S. Forest Services Laramie Ranger District are partners in the Pole Mountain project, for which volunteers contributed more than 3,000 hours of work on nearly 19 miles of non-motorized trails in 2017. Phase 2 of the project will take place this summer. This project was supported by a variety of organizations and community members, which led to the development of rich partnerships that will allow this project to grow well beyond year one and into a long-term, sustainable trail program, says WCC Program Director Patrick Harrington, who received the award on behalf of the partnership Tuesday at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The Coalition for Recreational Trails is a federation of national and regional trail-related organizations. It works to build awareness and understanding of the national Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which returns federal gasoline taxes paid by off-highway recreationists to states for trail development and maintenance. Wyoming Pathways received a $46,000 RTP grant for the first phase of the Pole Mountain trail project, matched by $26,000 from Wyoming Pathways and other local support. This weeks award from the Coalition for Recreational Trails is the Annual Achievement Award for outstanding use of RTP funds in the youth conservation/service corps and community outreach category. Wyoming Pathways mission includes assisting local communities with high-priority projects like Pole Mountain, which is the closest public land to Laramie and the state capital, Cheyenne, says Tim Young, executive director of the organization. With the assistance of the WCC crews, we were able to start key maintenance work on an ambitious plan to greatly enhance Pole Mountain trails to better serve forest visitors and protect resources. The Pole Mountain area contains some trails that are planned and are part of the National Forest System network, and others that have been worn in by decades of human use. They are used by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians in summer and by Nordic skiers, snowshoers and fat-tire bikers in the winter. Pole Mountains year-round trail use is increasing because of its proximity to population centers on Colorados Front Range, proximity to Cheyenne and Laramie, and the growth of outdoor recreation in Wyoming. The increased use has led to degradation in the area, and the project aims to build and maintain sustainable trails that will hold up under increasing use. The project, a culmination of years of groundwork laid by local advocates and organizations, has taken shape through collaborative planning involving Wyoming Pathways, the Forest Service and UW entities. Four WCC crews were engaged for a total of 40 days last summer to begin the work on the ground, and over 50 community volunteers contributed labor as well. The community volunteer work was supported with trail construction courses offered by UWs Outdoor Program; volunteer generation by UWs Service, Leadership and Community Engagement office; oversight by local Forest Service officials and Wyoming Pathways; and tools provided by Wyoming State Parks. Administered by Residence Life and Dining Services in UWs Division of Student Affairs, WCC is a grant-supported AmeriCorps program that engages members in conservation-based projects throughout the state. Founded in 2006, the WCC continues the civil service tradition of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s and Youth Conservation Corps of the 1970s. Hundreds of students have completed projects relating to energy, wildlife, recreation, grazing, timber management, public lands restoration and maintenance, and water and air quality. Earlier this year, Wyoming Pathways announced receipt of a $50,000 grant from the Wyoming Recreational Trails Program for Phase 2 of the Pole Mountain project this summer. Once again, the work will be done by WCC crews and volunteers. Additionally, in February, the U.S. Department of Agriculture designated Wyoming Forest Gateway Communities, of which the Pole Mountain unit is part, as one of 15 national trail priority areas where work will be done to address a $300 million trail maintenance backlog nationwide. The cooperative, community effort already underway on Pole Mountain meshes perfectly with the USDA priority designation, says Laramie District Ranger Frank Romero. This project highlights the on-the-ground impact that can happen when we reach out to our community to pool resources and gain support for the public lands that we all enjoy, Romero says. National recognition of the community efforts on Pole Mountain is well deserved. OXFORD, Miss., June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Graphene Association, the main organization and body in the US advocating and promoting the commercialization of graphene, is pleased to announce the addition of an Industry Council member and Corporate Partner, Versarien PLC. Versarien joins as the inaugural member of the NGAs Industry Council. The Industry Council is a select number of prominent graphene companies leading NGA committees on policy, standards, and business development. Industry council members possess a long-term view that the success of the graphene industry in the US requires sound, strategic direction from companies engaged in the market. Council members work directly with NGA and international organizations to advance the commercialization of graphene and provide guidance in the development of standard and best practices for graphene. Council members will also advise NGA on public policy and assist in developing strategic initiatives that will increase US leadership in the graphene industry. Neill Ricketts, CEO of Versarien and an advisory board member of the NGA, said I am delighted that Versarien has become the inaugural member of the NGAs Industry Council. The NGA is at the forefront of promoting the commercialization of graphene and we look forward to working closely with the NGA and its other members. One of the roles of the council members is to determine and advise on strategic moves such as standardization and policy development that will facilitate the commercialization of graphene globally. The graphene sector needs an active industry council that will take leadership, pave the path and guide the industry forward. With Versariens success and prominence in the field, Versarien is the ideal member to join the Industry Council, said Dr. Zina Jarrahi Cinker, Executive Director of the NGA. The National Graphene Association will be hosting its 2nd annual conference, the Graphene Global Expo in Austin, Texas, October 15-17. For more details visit: www.nationalgrapheneassociation.com To register for the Global Graphene Expo, click HERE. To learn more about NGA and to join, go to NationalGrapheneAssociation.com. To reach Dr. Zina Jarrahi Cinker, Executive Director, email HERE. Media Contact: Yssa McKaig yssamc@nationalgrapheneassociation.com cell: (615) 840-3917 June 6th, 2018 Mi Store - Xiaomi's official online shopping website in Vietnam With the price of VND5-10 million ($220-440) as well as eye-catching marketing strategies, Chinese smartphones have quickly gained foothold in the Vietnamese market by targeting young people who want to experience new technologies, take photos, and surf social networksand are on a budget. Latest data released by market research company IDC shows that Samsung still leads the Vietnamese smartphone market with 32 per cent, followed by China-based Oppo with 24 per cent. Tenderfoot Xiaomi and giant Apple rank at the third position, each with 7 per cent. After entering Vietnam over one year ago, Xiaomis strategy of flogging phones at reasonable prices has paid off as it now occupies the same market share as Apple. ictnews.vn quoted Michelle Xu, director of China-based mobile brand Coolpad, as saying that a firm needs to sell about 30,000 smart phones a month to break into the top five, and 50,000 to get into the top three. Lei June, CEO of Xiaomi, assessed that Vietnams development potential remains huge because nearly half of the companys target customers are using mobile phones with basic features. We will open a new competition by offering premium configurations at reasonable prices, June added. According to Tony Phung, an expert in assessing technology products, Chinese smartphones are popular because their reasonable prices fit the wallets of the majority of Vietnamese consumers. Chinese mobile brands offer good smart phones for VND5-8 million ($220-352), while Apple completely ignores the segment and Samsung has not been paying it enough love either. Two years ago, in May 2016, the third and fourth ranks were held by domestic Mobiistar (5.8 per cent) and Microsoft (4.7 per cent), while the runners-up were Sony (4.6 per cent), and Taiwan-based HTC and Asus 2 per cent each. However, by now all of these brands have been replaced by Chinese mobile manufacturers, and some brands like Sony and Microsoft even withdrew from Vietnam. Lately, China-based Huawei, the worlds second largest mobile phone manufacturer that sold 153 million mobile phones in 2017, also announced plans to become the second best selling mobile phone brand in Vietnam in 2020. Huawei will also focus on the mid-end segment, promoting its main product Huawei Nova 3E. 68 per cent of Vietnamese technology users are young people who want to experience new technologies as reasonable prices, said Herry Liu, director of Huawei Vietnams Business and Consumer Department. Employee motorcycles are parked outside of the headquarters of iconic American motorcycle builder Harley-Davidson on Jun 1, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images/AFP) EU members have given broad support to a European Commission plan to set duties on 2.8 billion (US$3.3 billion) of US exports in response to what is sees as illegal action by Washington. The European Commission, which handles trade matters for the 28-country bloc, "expects to conclude the relevant procedure in coordination with member states before the end of June," said European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic at a news briefing. This would allow "that the new duties start applying in July," he added. "It is a measured and proportionate response to the unilateral and illegal decision taken by the US to impose tariffs on the European steel and aluminium exports which we regret," said the former Slovak prime minister. From blue jeans to motorbikes and whiskey, the EU's hit-list of products targeted for tariffs with the US reads like a catalogue of emblematic American exports. The European Union originally drew up the list in March but pledged not activate it unless US President Donald Trump followed through on his threat to impose 25 per cent tariffs on steel imports and 10 per cent on aluminium. The Trump tariffs came into effect on Jun 1 and the EU now joins Mexico and Canada and other close allies that have announced their own wave of counter-duties against Washington. The EU commission must now take their proposal to be signed off by the bloc's member states amid divisions over what path to take against Trump's unpredictable policies. France and the Netherlands back a tough line against the US, while export powerhouse Germany has urged caution towards Trump's "America First" policies. Minister of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) Dao Ngoc Dzung. - VNA/VNS Photo The minister answered NA deputies questions about the situation of the labour market, job creation and training, child care and child abuse prevention. The main reason for the low quality of human resources is that training has not caught up with the economic restructuring process, he said. At present, agricultural production accounts for 15.34 per cent of the countrys GDP while industrial production is over 33.34 per cent. But by April this year, agricultural labourers accounted for 38.6 per cent of the labour structure, Dzung said. Besides, job training is inadequate to ensure labourers basic needs of salary, safety and social benefits. In the coming time, the ministry will make job training a top priority to meet the Industrial Revolution 4.0, Dzung said. The model of school-to-business co-operation in job training has been successful in many countries such as Germany, Singapore and Japan. This year, the ministry will choose 10 schools to pilot the co-operation model. This will allow us to launch a new direction in job training, he said. Restructuring job training institutions will be essential. Answering a question about solutions to prevent Vietnamese workers from travelling to neighbouring countries without proper permits, as well as measures to protect the labourers, Minister Dz ung admitted the issue of illegal labourers was becoming more common. The MoLISA and Ministry of Public Security were asked to deal with the issue. At present, about 140,000 people are travelling across borders to work. But the labourers do not have work permits in host countries. Vietnam has not had a legal framework to manage the labourers, Dzung said. MOLISA was asked to support seven northern border provinces to sign memoranda of understanding with neighbouring Chinese provinces to manage the Vietnamese guest workers. In terms of protecting employees rights and benefits as well as preventing the dismissal of employees over age 35 in foreign direct investment (FDI) businesses, Dzung told the meeting that the FDI businesses had made big contributions to job creation and economic growth. In general, the FDI businesses had paid fair benefits to their employees. Some cases of wrongdoing happened in small-scale businesses, he said. At present, the average salary in the large-scale FDI businesses is about VND5.5 million (US$250). Referring to the news that 80 per cent of FDI enterprises had fired employees aged 30 to 35, the minister said that was false information. The MOLISA and the NA Committee of Social Affairs had inspected some businesses in HCM City and the provinces of Binh Duong, Dong Nai and Bac Ninh. The inspection found that only 11 per cent of employees, including workers aged 30 to 35, quit the jobs for personal reasons. The minister said the Prime Minister agreed with the ministrys plan for training and re-training unemployed workers in case the FDI businesses shifted their production structure. Child care and protection Many deputies also raised questions about child care and child abuse. Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam and Public Security Minister To Lam also joined to explain the situation. According to Minister To Lam, violence against children was very serious. Sexual assaults account for 84 per cent of violence against children. Not only girls were child abuse victims but also boys. And the perpetrators included foreigners in Vietnam, said Lam. Investigations are stymied because the victims and their families often do not report to the police, as they consider the crime shameful, said the minister. The minister recommended measures to increase child care and protection awareness among the people. The police will set up hot lines to receive tips on criminal acts as well as suggest a special process for investigating and judging the crimes against child sexual assaults, he said. MOLISA Minister Dzung admitted that many cases relating to child abuse were not judged strictly. Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam said the issue deserves more attention. At present, Vietnam has 17 organisations in charge of child care and protection. The chairmen of commune-level peoples committees have been held accountable for offences occuring in their jurisdictions, said the deputy PM. He called on society to make child care and protection a top priority. The Ministry of Finance officially proposed to halt imports of bitcoin mining machines.- Photo cafebitcoin.vn According to the ministrys report to the Government on cryptocurrency management, the bitcoin mining machine has not been mentioned in the list of forbidden imported goods, which has made it easy for businesses to import the machine. However, the ministry said the use of bitcoin mining machines has shown complications in management, with the potential to be used illegally as a currency or in other non-cash payment methods. Cryptocurrency is considered an illegal non-cash payment method in Viet Nam. The use of virtual money as a means of payment is prohibited and will be handled according to the countrys legal regulations. MoF cited the example of a case in HCM City to prove shortcomings in virtual money management. An organisation based in the city, Modern Tech, reportedly duped 32,000 individuals in an investment of approximately VND15 trillion (US$666 million) in two fraudulent digital currency projects. This forced State management agencies to have strict solutions in place on the import of bitcoin mining machines, MoF said. So far, the country has imported some 15,600 bitcoin mining machines. These were mainly imported into three major cities HCM City, Ha Noi and Da Nang. Last year alone, more than 9,300 machines were imported, including 2,300 into Ha Noi, some 7,000 into HCM City and the remaining into Da Nang. In the first four months of the year, the country imported more than 6,300 bitcoin mining machines, including 4,300 machines into Ha Noi and 2,009 machines into HCM City. Earlier, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc asked the State Bank of Viet Nam (SVB), financial institutions and other organisations providing payment brokerage services to intensify inspections and promptly report suspicious cryptocurrency transactions. Phuc issued Directive No 10/CT-TTg on the matter, following repeated warnings from relevant agencies on risks associated with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, along with the threat that cryptocurrencies can be used to finance crimes, such as money laundering, terrorism, tax evasion and fraud. Meanwhile, cryptocurrency trading and investment are on the rise, posing a threat to the stability of the financial market as well as social order and safety due to the high risks involved. Phuc instructed the Ministry of Public Security to join hands with the SBV and relevant ministries to detect and handle any case of cryptocurrency being used for illegal payment, any activity connected to money laundering and any terrorism-related activity sponsored via cryptocurrency. The MoF has been asked to study the global experience to recommend solutions to counter initial coin offering. In addition to this, the ministry should work to reduce the import of bitcoin mining machines. The Ministry of Industry and Trade must channel efforts to address illegal activities related to the use of bitcoin to make payment on e-commerce websites or applications. The Ministry of Justice is responsible for completing a legal framework on the management and settlement of cryptocurrency or crypto assets. Tourists snap a photo with a coracle with painting on beach of Da Nang. The dance will start at 5.30pm on June 16 before a parade of 12 trucks decorated with flowers will wind along the main streets of the city from 8.30 to 9pm. The department said a series of performances, street music, food courts, a coracle installation, beer festival and paragliding will be held from June 16-26. A giant squid-shaped kite flies on the beach of Da Nang. DJ Lucy and DJ Hoaprox will play at Fun Beach in front of Holiday Beach resort and hotel on Vo Nguyen Giap Street on June 17. The resort also offers free outdoor film screening on beach from 6pm to 11pm on June 18 featuring, Owl and the Sparrow, Baywatch and others. Tourists snap a photo with a coracle with painting on beach of Da Nang. A yoga festival will be held on My Khe beach from 5.30am to 8.30am, while paragliders will fly from Ban Co Mount, at 673m above sea level to land on the beach of Da Nang on June 16-18. Kite fliers from HCM City, Vung Tau, Quang Nam Province and locals will demonstrate their kites on the beach in the afternoon on June 16-18. A woman practices yoga on a surfboard in My Khe beach. - VNS Photos Cong Thanh A coracle paddling contest will be also held on My Khe beach along with a photo exhibition, cuisine and souvenir shops at East Sea Park. A new smoke column billows from the lower part of the Fuego Volcano forcing rescue operations to be suspended and the evacuation of everyone in the village of San Miguel Los Lotes, in Escuintla Department, about 35km southwest of Guatemala City. (Johan ORDONEZ/AFP) Seven communities in already devastated areas were evacuated as the volcano's activity increased, with rescue operations halted. In the city of Escuintla, near the summit, panicked locals rushed to their cars to escape, causing chaotic traffic. An AFP photographer witnessed a large plume of ash rise into the sky, prompting an evacuation of everyone authorities could find before the police, the military and rescuers were stood down. And a total of 192 people remain missing since the weekend eruptions, disaster relief agency chief Sergio Cabanas told reporters. The search for bodies in mountain villages destroyed by the eruption was progressing slowly, officials said earlier, given the nature of the terrain and the way the volcano released large amounts of boiling mud, rock and ash down the mountain. "We will continue until we find the last victim, though we do not know how many there are. We will probe the area as many times as necessary," Cabanas told AFP. However, the prospects of finding any more survivors was poor, he said. "If you are trapped in a pyroclastic flow, it's hard to come out of it alive," he said, adding that people who may have been caught in the flow may never be found. The latest of the 73 victims was a 42-year-old woman who died in hospital having lost both legs and an arm in the eruption. The previous toll was given as 72. Some 46 people were injured, around half of whom are in serious condition, it said. The 3,763-meter (12,346-foot) volcano erupted early Sunday, spewing out towering plumes of ash and a hail of fiery rock fragments with scalding mud. Authorities said more than 1.7 million people had been affected by the disaster, including more than 3,000 ordered evacuated, many living in shelters in Escuintla, Sacatepequez and Chimaltenango since Sunday's eruption. The speed of the eruption took locals by surprise, and could be explained by it producing pyroclastic flows, sudden emissions of gas and rock fragments, rather than lava, said volcanologist David Rothery of Britain's Open University. President Jimmy Morales, who has declared three days of national mourning, has visited the disaster zone. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was deeply saddened by the "tragic loss of life and the significant damage caused by the eruption," and said the UN was ready to assist national rescue and relief efforts. Falls Church, Virginia, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Azzad Asset Management, a socially responsible, faith-based registered investment advisor, announced today that its Muslim clients are expected to donate approximately $5.6 million to charity during the holy month of Ramadan. The figure is the highest since Azzad began providing this calculation in 2005. In a statement, Azzad said: "We are once again proud to help our clients fulfill their religious obligations and are gratified to facilitate the donation of more than $5.6 million to those in need. Charity is essential to the proper practice of Islamic investing, and we hold ourselves to the highest standard when it comes to calculating accurate zakah and purification amounts for our clients." The third pillar of Islam, zakah--sometimes spelled zakat--is an obligation that practicing Muslims pay on assets they have owned for at least one full lunar year. The company calculates that its clients will give approximately $4.7 million in zakah and an additional $900,000 in purification dues, bringing the total to $5.6 million. Azzad reports the amounts to its Muslim clients in annual statements issued during the month of Ramadan. Many Muslims choose to pay zakah during Ramadan--a month of fasting, worship, and giving--which began this year on May 15. The firm regularly educates the American Muslim community on the sometimes complex issues of Islamic investing, including zakah and purification. See: Calculating Zakah on Modern Financial Assets (Azzad Funds website) Islam mandates paying zakah on accumulated wealth in order to help those in need and to avoid a concentration of resources among the very few. Zakah is not a tax on income, but on wealth and savings. In addition to the obligatory zakah, Muslims are strongly encouraged to give additional charity, if they are able. Azzad follows best practices and guidelines issued by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). AAOIFI is a consortium of Muslim scholars who convene to issue guidelines on halal investing and other financial matters. AAOIFI Standard Number 35, which outlines specific guidance on zakah and purification calculation, is considered the authority for Islamic financial services firms. About Azzad Asset Management Since 1997, Azzad Asset Management has provided investment services designed to help clients enjoy optimum performance without compromising their values. Azzad is a member of the Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment and the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility. The firm is a registered investment advisor based in Falls Church, Virginia. Green energy was a smart move for Vietnam in response to climate change as the country had solar and wind power potential.-Photo talkvietnam.org Nguy Thi Khanh, executive director of the Green Innovation and Development Centre (GreenID), said the design was the result of a GreenID study on development scenarios for electricity sources in Vietnam. With the criteria focusing on health benefits, feasible costs and national energy security, the research showed that Vietnam might not need to build coal-fired thermal power plants but still achieve energy security at affordable prices. Nghiem Vu Khai, vice chairman of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations, said green energy was a smart move for Vietnam in response to climate change as the country had solar and wind power potential. Dao Trong Tu, deputy head of the Centre for Sustainable Development of Water Resources and Climate Change Adaptation, highlighted many benefits of the design. According to him, the design will help ensure energy security in the country by reducing coal imports and avoiding the construction of some 25 coal-fired thermal power plants by 2030, thus cutting the pressure of mobilising US$60 billion for the construction. This will prevent the country from burning approximately 70 million tonnes of coal per year, which means Vietnam will save some US$7 billion every year by cutting down coal imports. The volume of CO2 emissions will drop by some 116 million tonnes annually, while the countrys air and water will become less polluted. The design is estimated to help prevent 7,600 early deaths per year by 2030. Participants at the conference approved of the design, saying that the study put forth a safe and suitable option in meeting Vietnams future demand for energy. The design presents the country with adequate energy, protecting the environment and human health, said Nguyen Trong An, deputy director of the Research and Training Centre for Community Development. PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Photo: VGP The potential capacity of Vietnams wind energy is estimated at 500 1000 kWh/m2 per year, and its annual average hours of sunshine ranges from 2500 3000 at the average temperature above 21 Celsius degree. According to the report released by the German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation (GIZ) in June 2017, technical potentials for wind and solar energy in Vietnam are estimated at 215,000 MW and 340,000MW, respectively. Furthermore, as a major producer of agricultural products, Vietnam is also rich in biomass. PM Phuc said Vietnam has been implementing the Strategy of Renewable Energy Development to 2030 with vision until 2050. Accordingly, the country engages all social resources for investment in renewable energy development, encourages the development and use of renewable energy, and strives to raise the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix. Under the Strategy, Vietnam aims to reduce GHG emissions, as pledged under the Paris COP21 Agreement, by 5pc by 2020 and, with international assistance and support, by 25pc by 2030. The Government plans to further reduce the use of coal and petroleum products by 40 million tons and 3.7 million tons, respectively, by 2030. Meanwhile, the country targets to increase the electricity output produced from renewable sources from approximately 58 billion kWh in 2015 to 101 billion kWh by 2020, and 186 billion kWh by 2030. PM Phuc said the Vietnamese Government has put in place incentive mechanisms and policies with regards to land, taxation, pricing, guarantee and public-private partnership so as to promote investment from within and outside the country into the development of renewable energy, including solar power projects. According to decisions by the Government, solar power projects are eligible for import duty waiver for a number of items constituting the project's fixed assets. They may be considered for exemption or reduction of land use fees, land rent, water surface rent and electricity tariff can be adjusted with fluctuations of the VND/USD exchange rate. The Government is considering the possibility of adjusting the tariff for electricity produced from wind energy in order to encourage investment in the years ahead, he said. In addition to renewable sources, Vietnam is also blessed with minerals wealth, including rare earth, ranking among the top three in the world with estimated reserve of more than 20 million tons of rare earth. We wish to cooperate in research and development and transfer of advanced technologies in mining and in-depth processing of rare earth in order to create high value-added and environment-friendly products. The Government chief affirmed it is important that we will not pursue economic growth at the expense of the environment. Viet Nam is enjoying effective cooperation with many countries, including G7 members, in the field of renewable energy development. In fact, G7 countries are implementing major renewable energy projects in Vietnam, including the Mui Dinh wind power plant (total output 37.6 MW) worth VND 1,272 billion, developed by Germany's EAB, Tuy Phong wind power plant (output 30 MW) using German technologies, and Phu Lac wind power plant (output 24 MW), using German and Danish technologies and finance. PM Phuc asserted "We stand ready to cooperate with and facilitate all partners in this regard. I trust that the renewable energy market in Vietnam may offer immense opportunities for G7 investors, who have strong financial position, technological know-hows and experience, to become strategic partners in the journey." SALT LAKE CITY, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Microsoft Gold Partner JourneyTEAM, an award-winning business technology consulting firm, has merged with Soren Innovations, a SharePoint and Office 365 leader. This corporate merger transforms two top consulting firms in Utah into the undisputed leader in Microsoft SharePoint and Office 365. Businesses and organizations in Utah, (and the western United States), now have a huge advantage with custom design, development, and implementation of Microsoft technologies. SharePoint is the foundational content platform for Office 365, with capabilities for creating, sharing, protecting, and reusing information. Going far beyond merely storing documents, SharePoint hosts pages, videos, images, and designson any device, for any user, at any location. Exciting times! JourneyTeam has such a great reputation in the SharePoint market said Kipp Sorensen, CEO of Soren Innovations. We are excited to join forces and bring together our expertise in knowledge management, information architecture, and SharePoint to provide a more well-rounded service to our clients. JourneyTEAM has been Microsofts go-to partner for SharePoint, Office 365, Dynamics AX, GP, NAV, Business Central, CRM, Power BI Business Analytics, and more. Consultants dive deep into the dynamics of an organization and solve complex issues that improve a companys sales, marketing, productivity, collaboration, accounting, and security. Combining forces with Soren Innovations will allow JourneyTEAM to provide increased expertise related to SharePoint and Office 365 both to our local clients in Wasatch Front as well as internationally, said Brian Tenney, CEO of JourneyTEAM. Soren Innovations will move operations to the main JourneyTEAM corporate headquarters in South Jordan, UT. To learn more about JourneyTEAM and the Soren Innovations merger please visit www.journeyteam.com or call (800).439.6456. About JourneyTEAM: Founded in 1993, JourneyTEAM has grown from a small software development shop into an award-winning, business technology consulting firm. They are a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and serve technology needs of large public and private organizations, including many of the worlds best-known brands. JourneyTEAMs expert level consultants dive deep into the dynamics of an organization and solve complex issues that improve a companys sales, marketing, productivity, collaboration, accounting, and security. The company provides consulting and implementation services specifically for Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Office 365 solutions, including Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Dynamics Financials, Dynamics GP, Microsofts Enterprise Mobility and Security Suite, SharePoint, Okta and more. For more information or to schedule a software demo, please visit journeyteam.com. Media Contact: Dave Bollard | 801.436.6636 dave.bollard@journeyteam.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b420569c-94e9-49ad-a2e8-b8022d3b87f9 CALGARY, Alberta, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CLS Training Inc., a learning and engagement company, has launched the Cannabis Learning Series (CLS), a turn-key solution that helps resolve employer concerns over the impending legalization of recreational marijuana in Canada. As Bill C-45 is due for a final Senate vote tomorrow, legalization could happen within eight to 12 weeks afterward. The resulting workplace implications are numerous, and employers need to act as soon as possible to effectively navigate this new legislation. According to the National Cannabis Survey by Statistics Canada, 4.2 million Canadians between the ages of 25 and 34 reported that they have used marijuana in the past three months. Additionally, a study conducted by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) in January 2018 found that 71% of workplaces are not prepared for the impact of cannabis legalization. This Senate vote could affect a significant segment of the workforce, and employers who commit to preparing in advance will be in a better position to keep employees safe, not to mention limiting their exposure to liability. This is not something Canadian companies can ignore. Implementing updated policies, educating employees and training your workforce is a must, states Jeff Bradshaw, President and CEO of CLS. Companies need to address this issue immediately and were providing a turn-key solution that can be implemented within a few weeks. The Cannabis Learning Series is a complete training solution for employers that include comprehensive eLearning courses and educational videos for all employees including supervisors, managers and executive teams. The package also includes presentation slide decks and ghost written articles to supplement overall policy development and communications, as well as a prevention and awareness campaign, all of which companies can seamlessly integrate into their existing policy framework within a matter of weeks. Updating your current drug and alcohol policy is the first step, but then you need to actively train your supervisors and front line employees, explains Bradshaw. In addition to training, we encourage companies to implement a Fit For Duty prevention and awareness campaign which is also included in the package. The Cannabis Learning Series offers a cost-effective solution that is focused on reducing workplace incidents. With a scalable rate structure, it meets the needs of both small and large organizations from anywhere between 50 to 5,000+ employees. This solution provides everything that human resource departments need in order to effectively and efficiently prepare their company for the upcoming changes in Canadian laws. Please visit www.cls.work for more information. About Cannabis Learning Series: CLS Training Inc. is a learning and engagement company that specializes in timely cannabis and workplace safety education. The Cannabis Learning Series was launched in response to the growing workplace safety concerns regarding recreational marijuana legalization in Canada. It provides the easiest and most cost-effective solution on the market for employers to promote workplace safety and limit their exposure to liability. CLS is made up of an experienced team of learning and engagement production professionals with offices in Calgary, AB and Saint John, NB. Contact us at www.cls.work. For more information, contact: Jeff Bradshaw, President & CEO Cannabis Learning Series O - 403-718-2200 C - 403-861-4365 j.bradshaw@cls.work Shelby Wong, Marketing / PR Assistant Cannabis Learning Series O 403-718-2224 s.wong@cls.work A video accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ff7cdc51-1023-4cd3-95a0-0b064cf6fe39 Exposes former CEO Eric Owens flawed drilling thesis and results Turns the page for investors with new corporate direction, including non-dilutive financings, re-focussing on core assets and new management team TORONTO, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following the results announced today regarding the 2017 drilling plan at Alexandria Minerals Corporations (TSX-V:AZX) (OTCQB:ALXDF) (Frankfurt:A9D) (AZX or the Company) Orenada project undertaken under the direction of former CEO, Eric Owens, who was terminated for cause, the Company is announcing a new corporate direction to build value for all shareholders. While the Company remains confident in its high-quality assets in some of the worlds most prolific mining districts, the Management Committee (the Management Committee) of the Board of Directors (the Board) has recently learned that Mr. Owens 2017 drilling program, aimed at evidencing a higher grade of gold than disclosed in the original 2009 NI 43-101 resource estimate, was flawed, and did not increase Alexandrias resource estimates as Mr. Owens predicted. Mr. Owens previously communicated to the market that the original resource could contain a medium to high-grade deposit. The results of the 2017 drilling program do not support this conclusion. The results of further drilling confirmed the previous grade estimates in the 2009 results. Actual resources fell due to changes in resource calculation parameters occurring since 2009. In a press release dated August 2, 2017, Mr. Owens stated as follows: These latest high-grade gold assays continue to confirm our belief in the enormous exploration upside at our flagship property in this highly prolific mining region We are very confident that our summer drill program will deliver further growth, contributing to a new resource estimate by the end of the year. Our expectation is that our new resource estimate will be more than double our existing resource estimate from 2009. Mr. Owens' stated expectation was not borne out by the results of the 2017 drilling program. The Board has learned that Mr. Owens drilling program was focused on identifying the presence of high-grade veins, rather than determining the overall grade of a potential low-grade bulk deposit already identified during the 2009 NI 43-101 resource estimate. As is common, the Board expected accurate information from management and, after engaging in robust discussions and queries, relied on the information provided under Mr. Owens leadership. However, as the 2017 drilling results became available and management continued to focus on high grades of narrow veins, rather than the characteristics of the average grades on the envelopes surrounding the high-grade veins, the Board began to question Mr. Owens' thesis and request more information. Prior to and following his termination as the Companys CEO, Mr. Owens maintained that the results of the drilling program were in line with his expectations. When InnovExplo, the external NI 43-101 advisor, indicated preliminary results of the new NI 43-101 at a Board meeting on March 21, 2018, Mr. Owens asked that InnovExplo revise their geological model to assess the potential of the deposit as a bulk tonnage underground instead of an open pit operation. The Board agreed to Mr. Owens request that additional work be undertaken, despite the considerable additional costs and time required to change the models. After preliminary work, InnovExplo reported to Alexandria that the resources identified by revising the model as requested by Mr. Owens were not materially different than the original March results based on an open pit operation. During the 2017 and 2018 fiscal years, after spending approximately $9.2 million on the ill-designed 2017 drill program and depleting Company resources, Mr. Owens proposed and began to carry out, without the Boards authorization, a financing of over $20 million with massive dilution for existing long-term shareholders. Mr. Owens signed two agency agreements to raise funds, without the Boards authorization, and accepted investors funds into his personal lawyers trust account. The proposed financing was solicited based on anticipated results of the 2017 drilling program that were not borne out. Mr. Owens attempted to move forward with his ill-conceived and highly dilutive financing that was offered to friends of management and family members, rather than the current shareholders. According to the financial advisors to the Boards Special Committee (the Special Committee), this financing, had it been implemented, would have diluted current shareholders by 55%. As described in Alexandrias February 22, 2018 press release, Mr. Owens was terminated for cause following an investigation into his conduct revealed he had pursued financing efforts after being directed to cease such activities, and after Mr. Owens failed to cooperate with the investigation authorized by the Board. Mr. Owens conduct prior to and following his termination for cause has been disruptive to Alexandria and has impaired efforts to recruit new management and otherwise move forward for the benefit of all shareholders. The Management Committee has concluded that, despite the results of the latest NI 43-101, the long-term value which Alexandria represents has not changed. The Company has a large land package in a promising area and Alexandria remains confident in the opportunities available to it. A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH The Companys asset base, in addition to the Orenada deposits, consists of a very large continuous land base along the Cadillac Break in the Val Dor area and adjacent to and contiguous with the Sigma-Lamaque-Triangle assets of Eldorado (Formerly Integra Gold). The Cadillac Break is one of Canadas most prolific and well-known gold producing areas. There are a number of active targets on the Companys land adjacent to areas on which other gold companies, specifically, Eldorado Gold Corporation and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited are working systematically on. The ground also contains a number of targets with significant historical drill intercepts that have not been followed up, along with known major structural splays and corridors related to the Cadillac Break and the major gold deposits located in the Sigma-Lamaque area. AZX has assets of significant value. Its core asset is the 35 km long land holding straddling the Cadillac Break running west to the airport of Val d`Or. It also has many non-core mineral assets in Ontario and Manitoba. In terms of potential liquidity, it has approximately 115 million of warrants. OUR PATH FORWARD Our corporate direction, moving forward, is threefold: Fund the Company through available, non-dilutive measures: This would include selling non-core assets and commencing an accelerated warrant exercise program. The Special Committee, appointed in January 2018 to review strategic opportunities, has been selecting and reviewing the possibilities to monetize non-core assets on a favourable basis. It has now received many expressions of interest to acquire some of these assets and is actively negotiating their terms of sale. Hire New Management: Hire management with experience, proven expertise and skills to leverage the many opportunities available to the Company with focus on its core asset. This is already underway and once clarity is achieved at the upcoming shareholder's meeting on July 24, 2018 we expect further progress. Priorities and Focus: Focus on AZXs core asset straddling the Cadillac Break. This would include reviewing all of the targets within AZXs ground and prioritizing those targets demonstrated to have the size and grade potential to host significant mineralization. The recently completed resource update at Orenada has enabled the Company to have a much better understanding of the styles and potential of ground within the belt and to know how to drill out, model and build resources more efficiently. A number of targets with significant historical drill results as well as known mineralized structures have not been followed up with recent drilling but have shown the ability to host the required widths and grade to host potentially significant mineralization. Additionally some zones previously targeted for drilling are known not to have the gold tenor required to warrant further drilling. These will be eliminated. The Company intends to file and disseminate an information circular in due course. Shareholders are urged not to vote any proxy until they have received and reviewed materials from the Company. Advisors Kingsdale Advisors is acting as strategic shareholder and communications advisor and Bennett Jones LLP is acting as legal advisor to AZX. Sprott Capital Partners is acting as financial advisor to the Board and Scotiabank is acting as the financial advisor to the Special Committee of AZX. Further information about the Company is available on the Companys website, www.azx.ca, or our social media sites listed below: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexandriaMinerals Twitter: https://twitter.com/azxmineralscorp YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/AlexandriaMinerals Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/alexandriaminerals/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/alexandriaminerals About Alexandria Minerals Corporation Alexandria Minerals Corporation is a Toronto-based junior gold exploration and development company with strategic properties located in the world-class mining districts of Val dOr, Quebec, Red Lake, Ontario and Snow Lake-Flin Flon, Manitoba. Alexandrias focus is on its flagship property, the large Cadillac Break Property package in Val dOr, which hosts important, near-surface, gold resources along the prolific, gold-producing Cadillac Break, all of which have significant growth potential. WARNING: This News Release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Alexandria Minerals Corporation relies upon litigation protection for 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 release. For More Information: Ian Robertson Executive Vice President, Communication Strategy Kingsdale Advisors Direct: 416-867-2333 Cell: 647-621-2646 Email: irobertson@kingsdaleadvisors.com Brexit Joint Ministerial Council Meets in London The seventh meeting of the Joint Ministerial Council between the United Kingdom and Gibraltar Governments took place in London at the Cabinet Office this morning. The Chief Minister Fabian Picardo led the Gibraltar team which included the Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia, the Attorney General Michael Llamas, the Financial Secretary Albert Mena and UK Representative Dominique Searle. The meeting was chaired by Under Secretary of State at the Department for Exiting the EU Robin Walker MP and included Minister for Europe Sir Alan Duncan MP. A number of different UK Government Departments reported back on the activities of the working groups. This included the Department for EU Exit, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Treasury, BEIS, Transport, Education, Department of Culture, Media and Sport, DEFRA and Health. This reflects the close working relationship between the United Kingdom and Gibraltar Governments and the high degree of interaction between the two. Mr Picardo and Dr Garcia then had the opportunity to meet separately with the Minister for Europe Sir Alan Duncan and will have more meetings before returning to Gibraltar tomorrow Wednesday. As the patriarch of Yellowstone Ranch, John Dutton will stop at seemingly nothing to protect his land and livestock near Bozeman, Montana. Family Above All John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner, is the patriarch of a ranching family and owner of the largest ranch in the U.S. Duttons Yellowstone Ranch borders the national park of the same name, a Native American reservation called Broken Rock, and Bozeman, where real estate developments threaten his ranch land. John Dutton is determined to preserve the land and the way of life that has sustained his family for generations, and by any means necessary. While Dutton is fighting to defend his land, hes also struggling to unite his four children after the death of their mother. Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly), the volatile daughter with a self-destructive streak, is a cutthroat player at one of Montanas most powerful banks, and she doesnt flinch at the prospect of a hostile takeover to keep the states energy companies in line. Jaime Dutton (Wes Bentley), a.k.a. the responsible one uses his attorney credentials to fend off legal threats to the ranch despite his subtle resentment for feeling overlooked compared to his siblings. Lee Dutton (Dave Annable), never left the family ranch or business, content to follow in his fathers footsteps. Kayce Dutton, the fiercely independent fourth child, is torn between past and present family ties, having moved from the ranch to the Broken Rock Reservation. And finally, though not a member of the Dutton clan, ferociously loyal hired hand Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) oversees the ranch and has a soft spot for Beth. Beth Dutton sees life as a series of obstacles begging to be destroyed. Although she never cared about ranching, shell crush anyone who messes with her familys legacy. Family Above All John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner, is the patriarch of a ranching family and owner of the largest ranch in the U.S. Duttons Yellowstone Ranch borders the national park of the same name, a Native American reservation called Broken Rock, and Bozeman, where real estate developments threaten his ranch land. John Dutton is determined to preserve the land and the way of life that has sustained his family for generations, and by any means necessary. While Dutton is fighting to defend his land, hes also struggling to unite his four children after the death of their mother. Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly), the volatile daughter with a self-destructive streak, is a cutthroat player at one of Montanas most powerful banks, and she doesnt flinch at the prospect of a hostile takeover to keep the states energy companies in line. Jaime Dutton (Wes Bentley), a.k.a. the responsible one uses his attorney credentials to fend off legal threats to the ranch despite his subtle resentment for feeling overlooked compared to his siblings. Lee Dutton (Dave Annable), never left the family ranch or business, content to follow in his fathers footsteps. Kayce Dutton, the fiercely independent fourth child, is torn between past and present family ties, having moved from the ranch to the Broken Rock Reservation. And finally, though not a member of the Dutton clan, ferociously loyal hired hand Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) oversees the ranch and has a soft spot for Beth. The straightlaced Dutton brother doubles as the familys lawyer. He might not shine on the ranch like his siblings, but none of them can work a courtroom like he can. Family Above All John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner, is the patriarch of a ranching family and owner of the largest ranch in the U.S. Duttons Yellowstone Ranch borders the national park of the same name, a Native American reservation called Broken Rock, and Bozeman, where real estate developments threaten his ranch land. John Dutton is determined to preserve the land and the way of life that has sustained his family for generations, and by any means necessary. While Dutton is fighting to defend his land, hes also struggling to unite his four children after the death of their mother. Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly), the volatile daughter with a self-destructive streak, is a cutthroat player at one of Montanas most powerful banks, and she doesnt flinch at the prospect of a hostile takeover to keep the states energy companies in line. Jaime Dutton (Wes Bentley), a.k.a. the responsible one uses his attorney credentials to fend off legal threats to the ranch despite his subtle resentment for feeling overlooked compared to his siblings. Lee Dutton (Dave Annable), never left the family ranch or business, content to follow in his fathers footsteps. Kayce Dutton, the fiercely independent fourth child, is torn between past and present family ties, having moved from the ranch to the Broken Rock Reservation. And finally, though not a member of the Dutton clan, ferociously loyal hired hand Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) oversees the ranch and has a soft spot for Beth. When his siblings left Yellowstone Ranch, Lee Dutton stayed and became their fathers right-hand man. Hes the idealistic one, and its made him less savvy than the rest. Family Above All John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner, is the patriarch of a ranching family and owner of the largest ranch in the U.S. Duttons Yellowstone Ranch borders the national park of the same name, a Native American reservation called Broken Rock, and Bozeman, where real estate developments threaten his ranch land. John Dutton is determined to preserve the land and the way of life that has sustained his family for generations, and by any means necessary. While Dutton is fighting to defend his land, hes also struggling to unite his four children after the death of their mother. Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly), the volatile daughter with a self-destructive streak, is a cutthroat player at one of Montanas most powerful banks, and she doesnt flinch at the prospect of a hostile takeover to keep the states energy companies in line. Jaime Dutton (Wes Bentley), a.k.a. the responsible one uses his attorney credentials to fend off legal threats to the ranch despite his subtle resentment for feeling overlooked compared to his siblings. Lee Dutton (Dave Annable), never left the family ranch or business, content to follow in his fathers footsteps. Kayce Dutton, the fiercely independent fourth child, is torn between past and present family ties, having moved from the ranch to the Broken Rock Reservation. And finally, though not a member of the Dutton clan, ferociously loyal hired hand Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) oversees the ranch and has a soft spot for Beth. Younger #LizaToo Season 5 Episode 1 Editors Rating 3 stars * * * Previous Next Photo: Zach Dilgard/TVLand Many consider Memorial Day the unofficial start to the summer, but Younger fans know the return of our favorite TV rom-com is what truly ushers in the sunny season. Sure, our Younger crew is sporting winter coats very unsettling, no? but their adventures remain as flirty and fun and DRAMATIC as ever. Man, it feels good to be back. Liza has returned from that horrid trip to Ireland and is ready to get back to work. To her credit, when Kelsey gets all up in her business about why she didnt stop Josh and Clares wedding, Liza does not start yelling about how it made zero sense for Liza to go and it was Kelsey, Joshs roommate and dear friend, who shouldve been there to put an end to the ill-advised affair. Liza is a stronger person than I. She also forgets to mention the pre-wedding makeout session she and Josh engaged in, which is most definitely not an old Irish wedding tradition (that I know of). Regardless, all of the Josh/Clare/Ireland drama will have to wait to be unpacked because there are some major goings-on at Empirical Press. Charles needs to see Liza in his office ASAP and sadly it is not so that he can swipe everything off his desk and promptly smash faces with her. Charles has been taking a look at everything thats gone on at the Empirical offices over the past year and has realized Liza may have been put in a compromising position he wants to know if Liza has ever felt like the victim of inappropriate behavior. Liza assumes Charles is talking about their situation and she launches into this whole speech about how everything that has happened in his office has been incredible and she has real feelings for Charles, but she wont stand in the way of him reconciling with his wife, if thats what he wants. Well, this is awkward. Charles is actually talking about Edward L.L. Moore, skeezy author of the Crown of Kings series, being inappropriate toward Liza. Honestly, Charles could not have been more misleading if he tried. Empirical is getting ready to announce a Crown of Kings prequel series, The Pam Pam Chronicles, which would bail the company out of its current (and infinite, it seems) financial woes. There is a major problem, though: There have been a few accusations of sexual harassment directed at Moore. Charles wants to know if Liza, who had to don a Princess Pam Pam fur bikini and deal with the ogling of Moore not too long ago, feels the same way. Bless you, Younger, for making Peter Hermann deliver those incredibly awkward lines in cronish. Bless you for so many things. Liza tells Charles, Zane, and Diana that Moore is simply a flirty old man. They should go forward with the launch of the new series. Still, Empirical will have an HR seminar on appropriate workplace behavior for good measure. The meeting features a surprise appearance from Charless lawyer Bob, who also happens to be the father of Caitlins college roommate and knows exactly who Liza really is. Her worlds are colliding. Thank goodness then that Bob apparently suffers from some sort of temporary blindness and he doesnt see Liza sitting directly in front of him at the table or notice as she crawls out of the room to escape discovery. Seriously, that conference room is small! How does Lizas commotion not disrupt things? I am happy to believe everyone on this show believes a 40-year-old is a 26-year-old, but I have to draw the line somewhere! The line is here! In this conference room! Open your eyes, Bob. Diana notices, and she follows her millennial assistant into the bathroom to make sure she hasnt been triggered by the discussion in the conference room. Miriam Shor and Sutton Foster are separated by a bathroom stall door for this entire scene, yet still their comedic chemistry is perfection. I missed it so! Diana tries to chat with Liza about sexual harassment in the workplace, or, as they used to call it in her day, business as usual, and Liza futilely attempts to get Diana to leave. The real kicker comes with Charles shows up, worried that Liza got upset over something having to do with their relationship. Liza is forced to walk out of the bathroom and announce she simply had a bad case of diarrhea. Lizas had to do some terrible things to keep her secret intact, but this one might win an award. The Empirical HR seminar seems to have absolutely zero effect on Zane, who is continuing to torture Kelsey as Empiricals newest editor. Zane has always walked the line between smarmy and charming, but he is most definitely the former throughout #LizaToo. Kelsey is extra angry at Zane today. When Pauline swings by to open the first copies of Marriage Vacation, Kelsey discovers theyve been printed under Empirical Press, rather than Millennial Print. Charles and Zane explain that Marriage Vacation will have a much bigger launch on Empirical thanks to the new Pam Pam series. Later, Zane takes his gloating to a new level and shows Kelsey a huge Times Square billboard bought to advertise Pam Pam and basically just bask in the glow that is his awesomeness. He also makes some pretty inappropriate comments about her legs and length of her skirt. He obviously learned nothing today. At the very least, its nice to see Kelsey can give it back. Is this still flirting? Its pretty terrible. All of this brings us to the big Comic-Con launch of The Pam Pam Chronicles. Liza is geared up in her fur bikini once again and Moore is there, as creepy as ever. The whole situation makes Liza reconsider her hes just a flirty old man stance and she has a little gather-round with all the other former Pam Pams in attendance. Each one has a story about a lewd remark Moore has made. She tells Charles, who knows exactly what he has to do in front of a live, rabid audience of Crown of Kings superfans. Unfortunately Moore is lowered down from the ceiling in dramatic fashion just as Charles is announcing that they will not be publishing Pam Pam due to harassment allegations. The whole thing is a fiasco. Back at Empirical, the team is scrambling to do damage control. The company is going to lose a lot of money over the Moore allegations. Not to mention theres that Chronicles of Pam Pam billboard looming over Times Square for the foreseeable future. At least Liza can help fix the billboard issue. She gathers the gang, including Pauline, in Times Square and shows them her big idea: She had the billboard changed from Pam Pam to Marriage Vacation (now a Millennial Print book, thank you very much). Thats some huge press for their little book. Before Charles can celebrate by having a conversation with Liza about those feelings she spoke of in his office, he gets a call from Moore. The disgraced author wants to meet with Charles ASAP. He has some interesting news for the guy. Moore has files on most of his accusers and thinks he is able to discredit several of them. One of those files belongs to an accuser who Moore believes has zero credibility. She has been parading herself around as a 26-year-old, when in fact, he has the birth and marriage certificates to prove that the woman is actually a 40-something divorcee from New Jersey. Moore has a file on Liza and he hands it over to a visibly distraught Charles. Holy hell, you guys: Charles knows. Its Trout Season Miriam Shors delicious line reading of Do you want to say something, Liza? It could destroy the whole company, but well support you, was the perfect way to bring Diana Trout back. Diana learns about appropriate workplace touching use the back of the hand in the HR seminar and demonstrates on Charles. Its a truly magic moment. Rising skills, falling breasts, amirite? FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Metis Nation of Alberta, Region 1, five Metis locals and Teck Resources Limited (Teck) today announced the signing of participation agreements for Tecks proposed Frontier oil sands project. The agreements include the following Metis Nation of Alberta, Region 1 locals located in the area of the proposed Frontier Project: Metis Local #1949 Owl River Metis Local #780 Willow Lake (Anzac) Metis Local #2002 Buffalo Lake Metis Local #2010 Athabasca Landing Metis Local #193 Conklin The agreements create opportunities for ongoing, meaningful engagement, timely communication and identify a number of economic benefits for the five Metis Locals as well as enhancing resources for Region 1 to support programming and administrative capacity. It also sets out a framework for items such as traditional land use and environmental stewardship related to the project. The agreements also provide funding to support training and education for participating Metis Local members. "Through these agreements, our members rights and interests are protected and recognized, and they will have an active role on environmental oversight in relation to the Frontier Project," said Diane Scoville, President, Metis Nation of Alberta, Region 1. "Teck has stepped forward with the most comprehensive engagement with Metis Nation of Alberta, Region 1 to date by a resource company with agreements now in place with all nine Metis Locals in our region. We look forward to working cooperatively together to further strengthen our communities." "These agreements will help to advance the Frontier Project in a responsible, sustainable manner while creating important benefits for Metis Locals in the project area," said Kieron McFadyen, Senior Vice President, Energy, Teck. "Tecks commitment to meaningful engagement is based on a fundamental respect for the Metis whose heritage, culture, and traditions are deeply connected to this region." The agreements will be implemented through a joint Cooperative Implementation Committee, which will work collaboratively to support and implement: Economic benefits to support the communitys Metis interests and rights Contracting opportunities for Metis Local businesses Education, training and employment opportunities, including scholarship opportunities Consideration of traditional knowledge and traditional land use Environmental stewardship planning and implementation Teck has now signed agreements with 10 Indigenous groups within the Frontier Project area. The Frontier Project is a proposed oil sands mine located about 110 kilometres north of Fort McMurray in northeastern Alberta. Frontier is currently moving through the joint provincial-federal regulatory review process. For more information, go to www.frontieroilsands.com. About Metis Nation of Alberta, Region 1 Metis Nation of Alberta Region 1 covers an area from Highway 28 north to the Northwest Territories Border and from Athabasca to the Saskatchewan Border, and is part of the Metis Nation of Alberta governance structure which is divided into six regional areas. Each designated region has a regional council consisting of a President and Vice-President and representation of Metis locals from within the region. About Teck Teck is a diversified resource company committed to responsible mining and mineral development with major business units focused on copper, steelmaking coal, zinc and energy. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, its shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TECK.A and TECK.B and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TECK. Learn more about Teck at www.teck.com or follow @TeckResources. Metis Nation of Alberta, Region 1 Media Contact: Diane Scoville President 780.623.3039 dscoville@metis.org Teck Media Contact: Chris Stannell Senior Communications Specialist, Teck 604.699.4368 chris.stannell@teck.com Four people are facing numerous charges after police said they caught them breaking into a home overnight. Police said they received a call from someone at a home on South Spurr Street near Woodard Avenue around 11:30 p.m. Monday. Police responded to the alley behind the home and said they found a suspicious vehicle with four people inside. According to police, some of the people had gone into the home and taken some items. Items from the home were found with the suspects, police said, and they were taken into custody. Police charged John Baskins, 39, of Florence, with second-degree burglary, fourth-degree theft and drug paraphernalia possession. Tara Jones, 24, of Leighton, was charged with drug possession, marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia possession. Blair Davis, 30, was charged with second-degree burglary, fourth-degree theft, drug possession, and drug paraphernalia possession. William Fuqua, 34, was charged with second-degree burglary, fourth-degree theft, and drug paraphernalia possession. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said he had no regrets about his unsuccessful run for governor. Speaking Tuesday night at the EarlyWorks museum in downtown Huntsville, Battle thanked his supporters and told them he was thankful for all the people he met who want to make Alabama a better state. Poll numbers showed Battle came in second place to Gov. Kay Ivey on the GOP gubernatorial ticket. Ivey will face Tuscaloosa Democrat Walt Maddox in November's general election. Battle said he is proud so many of his voters want clean, honest government. And he said despite the loss, he wouldn't change a thing. "This has been a great experience for me," he said. "We have met great people from across this state everywhere in this state. If I knew a year ago this would be the end result and I knew all the work that we'd put into it, I would still do it because of the chance to meet everyone in this room and every one of the people we have met across this state." Many of Battle's supporters said they're at least glad he will remain a great mayor for Huntsville. Tuesday was the day the new electronic poll books made their debut in voting precincts across north Alabama. WAAY 31 talked with voters and poll workers about the new electronic system and learned how it impacted their voting experience. It was a snap! I didnt have to wait on somebody to shuffle papers when I went in," said voter, Peggy Bilbro. Thats the experience Bilbro had when she went to cast her vote on Tuesday--with the debut of electronic poll books. The state has done a good job of putting that system together, and it makes things easier for the voter and for the poll workers both," said poll worker, Bob White. "And it makes the lines move quicker. White says he believes the new poll books have made the voting process more convenient for everyone. And thats not all. Itll prevent cross-over voting, he said. However, not everyone is completely sold on the new electronic method. Im not quite sure how this new process is going to be any different from what we were doing before," said voter, Mary Marsh. "Im sure its a little bit more costly. But even with her doubts, Marsh says she can see how the electronic poll books may be more efficient at certain polling locations. Maybe for some of the other larger polling areas, that may be beneficial to them," she said. And while voters appreciate the quickness of the new electronic method, theyre still worried about potential hacking. My only concern is the security of it," said Bilbro. I think any electronic system is vulnerable to hacking. I have no idea if this will be more secure than the paper lists. But officials say the system is secure and will actually help to eliminate voter fraud, which is something many voters say theyre excited to hear. Thats probably a very pro item for that system," Marsh said. The new electronic system will also keep track of which party you voted for in the primary as the new Alabama law states you must vote for the same party if there is a run-off. Right now, the electronic poll books are being used in Madison, Morgan, and Jackson counties, but officials say theyre hoping the poll books are mandatory statewide by the year 2022. People in Franklin County told WAAY 31 they want a dangerous intersection fixed after multiple wrecks recently. Franklin County officials said they have had multiple wrecks at the intersection of Highway 77 and 24 in the last month. Brenda Hopson said two of her grandkids were in a wreck at the intersection just a few weeks ago. "It is by the grace of god that they are alive," said Hopson. Hopson's grandson, Cody Hopson, her great granddaughter, Ali Sanchez, and a family friend named, Brittany Wade, were all rushed to the hospital after they crashed with another car as they were turning onto Highway 24 off of 77. Cody Hopson was released but the two girls are still recovering from their injuries in Birmingham. "It has put fear on me when I come to that intersection. I think about the wreck," said Hopson. Hopson said she wants a traffic light installed on Highway 24 to warn drivers. "I want to see a traffic light. If we can't do a traffic light, at least a caution light," said Hopson. The Alabama Department of Transportation told WAAY 31 they have added larger stop signs at the intersection and added flashing lights on top of the signs. "That is not going to help if we do not get a traffic light," said Hopson. ALDOT said since they made the upgrades, they will monitor the situation. And see if that lowers the crash rate. According to ALDOT, in order for a traffic light to be put up they would need to do a study to see if it's needed. Hopson said shes not going to stop fighting until there is a traffic light installed. Authorities say a man who escaped work release Tuesday in Decatur is back in custody. Jared Kendrick Jones, 23, escaped from the North Alabama Community Based Facility around 1 a.m., according to the Alabama Department of Corrections. Officials said Tuesday night Jones surrendered to authorities in Florence just before 6:30 p.m. Jones is serving a 20-year sentence for second-degree robbery out of Etowah County. In retaliation for the Trump administration announcing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Mexico and much of the rest of the world, Mexico Tuesday imposed a series of tariffs against US exports to its market valued at $3 billion. They'll hike the price of products including pork, apples, potatoes, bourbon as well as different types of cheese. The tariffs range between 15% and 25%, and could raise the price of US goods by that amount, cutting deeply into US exports to its neighbor. "It is necessary and urgent to impose measures equivalent to the measures implemented by" the US, said the statement issued by the Mexican government. Mexico had signaled last week that it intended to retaliate against the US steel and aluminum tariffs. In addition to the agricultural products and bourbon, Mexico imposed tariffs on a variety of US steel products exports. While Mexico exports more goods and services to the US than it buys, it is also the second largest market for US exports, buying $277 billion worth of US goods and services last year, according to the Commerce Department. That put it behind only Canada in terms of the value of US exports. The tariffs imposed Tuesday will affect just more than 1% of US exports to Mexico. But they'll have a significant impact on the targeted US industries. For example Mexico is the largest market for US pork exports according to the National Pork Producers Council, an industry trade group. It says that 25% of US pork exports last year went to Mexico. "A 20% tariff eliminates our ability to compete effectively in Mexico," said Jim Heimerl, the trade group's president and a pork producer from Johnstown, Ohio. "This is devastating to my family and pork producing families across the United States." The group says that there are 110,000 US jobs directly tied to US pork exports to Mexico as well as to other countries. NAFTA, the three nation trade pact, generally prevents the US, Mexico and Canada from imposing tariffs on imports from one another. But President Donald Trump has been a fierce critic of NAFTA, and the three countries are holding negotiations on possible changes to the free trade deal. The Trump administration said it needs to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports because overcapacity in those industries globally is hurting US steel mills and aluminum smelters by driving down the prices of their products, forcing many out of business. The US Commerce Department says that constitutes a threat to US national security. Canada has also announced plans to retaliate with tariffs of up to 25% on nearly $13 billion of US products, set to take effect on July 1. Those products include US steel and aluminum as well as food an other agricultural products. But Canada, which is a country that buys more US goods and services than it exports here, also will put tariffs on a wide variety of consumer products, ranging from ballpoint pens and dishwasher detergent to toilet paper and playing cards. And it will put tariffs on some larger ticket items such as sailboats, washing machines, dish washers and lawn mowers. The EU also has announced a series of retaliatory tariffs of 25% on roughly 200 American products, including orange juice, that are set to take effect in July. US denim, bourbon, motorcycles, peanut butter, motor boats and cigarettes will cost more in Europe as a result. The US Chamber of Commerce says that 2.6 million jobs are threatened by the Trump administration's hardline stance on imports, citing the possibility of retaliatory tariffs by US trading partners. According to a survey of US CEOs, many are scaling back their hiring and spending plans due to fears of a trade war. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, chair of President Donald Trump's Federal Commission on School Safety, said Tuesday the group would not look at the role of guns in their examination of school safety. That is not part of the commissions charge per se, DeVos said at a hearing on education funding. "So you're studying gun violence, but not considering the roles of guns," Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont responded. "We're actually studying school safety and we can ensure our students are safe at school," DeVos said. "The Secretary and the commission continue to look at all issues the President asked the committee to study and are focused on making recommendations that the agencies, states and local communities can implement," U.S. Department of Education Press Secretary Liz Hill told ABC News. "Its important to note that the commission cannot create or amend current gun lawsthat is the Congress job." President Trump established the group of four cabinet secretaries Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Homeland Security Secretary Kristen Nielsen, and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar on March 12 to "recommend policy and funding proposals for school violence prevention." The commission held its first "field visit" on May 31 at a Maryland elementary school. Three of the four secretaries who make up the school safety commission, Nielsen, Azar and Sessions, did not go and sent surrogates to the meeting. School Safety Commission's first field visit focuses on fostering community in schools School safety panel hears about discipline alternatives The Department of Education declined to comment on the secretaries' absences. Other departments did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment. Earlier this month, Sessions, Nielsen and Azar all opted out of another planned meeting due to "unforeseen scheduling conflicts" and DeVos met with stakeholders, including officials who have dealt with the fallout from the shootings at Columbine and Virginia Tech, as well as parents of victims from Columbine, Sandy Hook, and Parkland, alone. The full commission last met as a full group in March where they discussed logistics, staffing, timeline, and scope, according to an Education Department readout. DeVos says she hopes to have an interim report before a "year's end" findings are released. ABC's Erin Dooley contributed to this report. About one hundred soldiers are back in the Tennessee Valley after being away from home for about a year. The soldiers are a part of the Alabama National Guard and the 115th Expeditionary Signal Battalion. The homecoming took place at Signature Flight Support at Huntsville International Airport. The soldiers spent nine months in 10 different countries in the Middle East. During their time overseas, they set up satellite systems and computer networks. The majority of the Battalion's soldiers are from Decatur, Florence, Huntsville and Haleyville. Their families eagerly awaited to see them come home. "I've never been away from one of my kids for a year, but we also get to talk and we get to Face-time. It's very emotional," said Susan Beard's whose son was deployed. Beard's son, Matt Jones, told me he spotted his family not long after he got off the plane. "I saw their signs from over there. It's hard to miss "Welcome Home Matt,'" he said. The family told me they're just happy their soldier made it home safe. "I'm enormously proud. We are a proud military family. I'm just looking forward to spending time with him now," Beard said. All 332 soldiers in the Battalion made it back to the United States safely. The Lieutenant Colonel told us the soldiers should be home for at least the next 5 years if not for good. Wednesday morning around 11 a.m. the rest of the Battalion is scheduled to land at Signature Flight Support at Huntsville International Airport. Tanner High School is now looking for a new principal. The district fired Louis Gordon more than two months after putting him on leave over complaints about the culture and climate at the school. The Limestone County Board of Education called the firing a personnel matter, so members talked about Gordons future behind closed doors. Members of the Tanner High School community said their last goodbyes and hugged Gordon after the school board voted to fire him Tuesday night. "Of course I'm disappointed in the outcome of tonight's meeting. It's been decided that I will move on," said Louis Gordon. Even though he spent the past two and a half months on leave, Gordon told WAAY 31 he didnt expect to be fired. Gordon also told me hes a little confused because nobody ever gave him a reason for being put on leave and eventually fired. "I would have liked to have conversations with them to discuss whatever concerns they had. I would have liked to have gone through the normal grieving process," Gordon said. Board members said they're allowed to terminate a principal after a year on the job -- with or without cause -- because that first year is a probationary period. Gordon said he did everything Superintendent Tom Sisk asked of him. "The grades are increased. The structure is there. The safety is there. But somehow the climate seemed to not be okay," Gordon said. The NAACP thinks race played a role in Gordons firing. Members told me they plan on investigating if the school board violated any open meeting laws by only talking about Gordon behind closed doors. "There were white teachers who and white staff members who still have their jobs, who threatened his life. Who made remarks about Mr. Gordon and they still have their jobs," said Alabama State Conference of The NAACP Bernard Simelton. "We are calling on this entire community. To rise up and stand with us. Time out. No more. Enough is enough," said Diane Steele with the Limestone County NAACP. Louis Gordon also said he planned to spend the 15 years serving as the Principal of Tanner High School. He plans to continue working with kids wherever he receives the opportunity. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Police say the suspect in a Tennessee hatchet was arrested near Bowling Green, Kentucky Tuesday night. Metro Nashville police said they had detectives headed to Kentucky after Kentucky State Police arrested Domenic Micheli, 36. Thanks to Kentucky State Police Sergeant Tucker Carmichael & Troopers Courtney Milam & Bartley Weaver for their work in arresting Micheli on the interstate tonight. Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) June 6, 2018 They say Micheli attacked and killed his former boss, 46-year-old Joel Paavola, early Monday with a hatchet and another bladed instrument at The Balance Training center in the Belle Meade community while Paavola was assisting clients with a workout. Micheli was found competent last month to stand trial for a U.S. Secret Service arrest near the White House in April. According to a Washington federal court document, a psychologist found Micheli "alert, cooperative, and very pleasant," saying issues possibly present when he was arrested in April "may have abated." It says Micheli provided "information that could potentially be interpreted as irrational," but didn't significantly interfere with his understanding of court proceedings. Police say the Secret Service arrested Micheli for driving to a White House-complex checkpoint and refusing to move. A May 18 docket entry said Micheli remained in pretrial halfway house bond status. (Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) 6/5/2018 12:28:18 PM (GMT -5:00) Santa Rosa, CA, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County announced today the launch of The Sonoma Wildfire Cottage Initiative, a pilot program of temporary cottages designed to test and learn from the construction industrys most innovative building technologies. In partnership with renowned Katrina Cottage developer and designer Marianne Cusato of Cypress Community Development Corporation, the program will showcase the work of three different building technologies through the construction of state-of-the art cottages on the Medtronic Fountaingrove campus. Medtronic is donating use of the land to Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County, which will build between 8 and 10 temporary cottages for families who lost their homes directly or indirectly due to the October 2017 wildfires. The cottages to be built on Medtronics land will be designed as efficient, cost effective, timely, and volunteer-friendly solutions for long-term affordable and workforce housing in Sonoma County. In addition to donating use of the land, the Medtronic Foundation has donated $100,000 to further Habitat for Humanitys relief efforts in Sonoma County. Founded by Senses Wines, Rebuild Wine Country is a charitable effort managed by volunteer wine industry professionals from both Napa and Sonoma counties. The team has raised $1 million thus far, with a goal of raising $5 million for the Sonoma Wildfire Cottage Initiative and additional rebuild efforts by other local Habitat for Humanity organizations in the North Bay. Prior to the wildfires our affiliate had already begun exploring modern approaches to reduce affordable housing costs while increasing production due to Sonoma County being one of the least affordable counties in the nation, said John Kennedy, interim CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County and Chairman of the board. The devasting October wildfires destroyed over 5,200 homes in Sonoma County, which made our housing crisis dramatically worse. This pilot project helps us quickly evaluate a variety of technologies while simultaneously helping families in dire need of stable temporary housing. We are delighted with the multiple partners who have stepped forward to make this project a success. The three companies chosen to participate in the program are Connect-Homes, GigaCrete/Presidio Realty Advisors, and West Coast SIPs. Cypress Community Development Corporation, which specializes in disaster recovery housing programs, will oversee the building and development process with input from the affected communities and stakeholders. Opticos Design, of Berkley, CA is designing the master plan for the development. Chris Strieter, executive director of Rebuild Wine Country, said: Its heartwarming to see the outpouring of support. Many believe Sonoma and Napa Counties are affluent and therefore dont need charitable dollars; nothing could be further from the truth. The high concentration of wealth dramatically affects the area median income resulting in astronomically high housing costs, so if we dont mobilize to build housing that our workers can afford, the wine and tourism-based economic foundation will remain in peril and potentially crumble. We are excited to partner with Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County and Rebuild Wine County to showcase an unprecedented range of prefabricated building solutions, said Marianne Cusato of Cypress Community Development Corp. With the labor shortage in the building industry, coupled with rising material costs, it is nearly impossible to meet the demand for affordable workforce housing, not just in Sonoma County, but across the nation. This project is a laboratory for the future of residential home building nationwide. Construction on the cottages is expected to begin this summer and the anticipated date for occupancy late fall and early winter of this year. Additional funding in the form of a grant of $150,000 was provided by Redwood Credit Union Community Fund, Inc., in partnership with The Press Democrat and the Office of Senator Mike McGuire. Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County will hold a press conference and community event on Wednesday, June 6th at 4:00 p.m. at the Medtronic site, 3593 Round Barn Blvd., Santa Rosa, CA 95403, to unveil the designs/building technologies used and give members of the community and the media the opportunity to see first-hand the plans and ask questions of the partners. About Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County has been bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope since 1984. Our affiliate, one of over 1000 in the United States, is in rapid transition to greatly expand the number of homes and families we build and serve. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and purchase them with an affordable mortgage. Habitat homes remain affordable as long as the need exists for affordable homes. Building on our 2021 Strategic Plan and in response to the October 2017 wildfires, Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County will serve more people than ever before through decent and affordable housing. Find more information at www.habitatsoco.org. About Rebuild Wine Country Founded by Senses Wines, Rebuild Wine Country is a group of volunteer wine industry professionals working with Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County to raise $5 million to rebuild owned and rented homes lost in Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Mendocino and Lake county wildfires. Find more information at www.rebuildwinecountry.org. About Cypress Community Development Corporation & Marianne Cusato Cypress Community Development Corp, a not for profit housing development division of the DC based strategic advisory and advocacy firm The Cypress Group, specializes in developing innovative housing solutions for disaster rebuilding and workforce housing. Together with Marianne Cusato, Cypress Community Development Corporation built 450 Katrina Cottages in Louisiana through FEMA funding and affordable housing sources and is currently constructing homes in the Florida Keys rebuilding following Hurricane Irma. Find more information at www.CypressGroupDC.com and www.MarianneCusato.com. # # # Attachment TORONTO, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SBD Capital Corp. (the Company) (CSE:SBD) is pleased to announce that it has completed a non-brokered private placement through the issuance of 1,000,000 units (Units) at a price of $0.32 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $320,000 (the Offering). Each Unit is comprised of one common share (a Common Share) of the Company and one Common Share purchase warrant (Warrant). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share for a period of one (1) year from the closing of the Offering at a price of $0.50 per Common Share. All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation. Proceeds of the Offering will be used for general working capital purposes. In addition, the Company announces that it has granted 2,400,000 stock options to certain officers, directors and consultants at a exercise price of $0.32 for a term of 3 years. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: SBD Capital Corp. Brian Murray Director & Chief Executive Officer Tel: (416) 985-7810 Fax: (647) 438-6246 This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as plan, expect, project, intend, believe, anticipate, estimate, may, will, would, potential, proposed and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions may or will occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Companys Managements Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or managements estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. OTTAWA, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RED PINE CAMP INC. (Red Pine Camp or the Corporation) would like to announce that the independent auditors report dated March 24, 2018 (the Initial Audit Report) which accompanied the Corporations financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 and contained a modified audit opinion has been reissued by the Corporations auditor with an unmodified audit opinion. The Initial Audit Report included a modified audit opinion due to a scope limitation related to the auditors inability to verify the completeness of certain of the Corporations donation revenue. Subsequent to the release of the Initial Audit Report the Corporations auditor was able to perform additional audit procedures which have enabled it to accumulate sufficient and appropriate audit evidence related to the completeness of the donation revenue. As a result of these additional procedures the Corporations auditor has issued a revised audit report with an unmodified audit opinion on the December 31, 2017 financial statements of the Corporation. A copy of the financial statements of the Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2017 with the revised audit report containing an unmodified audit opinion can be accessed through SEDAR at: https://www.sedar.com. The refiling of the Corporation's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 is the result of a review of the Corporations continuous disclosure by OSC staff and a subsequent request from OSC staff that the Corporation's disclosure be corrected in accordance with applicable securities laws. As a result of the filing of this disclosure the Corporation will be placed on the public list of Refiling and Errors in accordance with OSC Staff Notice 51-711 (Revised) (https://www.osc.gov.on.ca/documents/en/Securities-Category5/sn_20180308_51-711_revised-refilings-corrections.pdf). For further information contact: AUSTIN, Texas, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OPTIZMO Technologies, the industry leader in email suppression list management, announced that Executive Director of Marketing, Tom Wozniak has been accepted into the Forbes Communications Council, an invitation-only community for executives in marketing, communications and public relations. Wozniak joins other Forbes Communications Council members, who are hand-selected, to become part of a curated network of successful peers and gain access to exclusive benefits and resources, including the opportunity to submit thought-leadership articles for publication on Forbes.com. The Forbes Council initiative combines an innovative, high-touch approach to community management with the extensive resources and global reach of Forbes. As a result, Council members get access to people, benefits and expertise to grow their businesses and a dedicated member concierge who acts as an extension of their own team, providing personalized support. I am excited to join the Forbes Communication Council and have the opportunity to contribute content to Forbes.com, said Wozniak. Forbes is a world-class platform for thought leadership content and I look forward to writing articles that will enhance OPTIZMOs position as a leader in the email marketing and compliance arenas. Scott Gerber, founder of Forbes Councils, says, We are honored to welcome Mr. Wozniak into the community. Our mission with Forbes Councils is to curate successful professionals from every industry, creating a vetted, social capital-driven network that helps every member make an even greater impact on the business world. Wozniak has had content published in a number of industry publications, including FeedFront and Adotas. He has also provided content for several industry blogs and websites, generally focused on email marketing, suppression list management, and digital marketing. About OPTIZMO OPTIZMO Technologies is the recognized thought-leader in the email and online marketing space for email suppression list management, email campaign management, data management, and risk mitigation services relative to email compliance. With an expert staff in pursuit of unrivaled efficiency, innovative technology and an insatiable desire to problem-solve, clients find a customer-centric business model that not only enhances the way OPTIZMO clients do business, but drives the company forward. The company is headquartered in Austin, TX, and has offices and team members in Charleston, Denver, and Brisbane, Australia. Media Contact: Tom Wozniak Executive Director, Marketing tom@optizmo.com SAN MATEO, Calif., June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aryaka announced today that Cloud Computing Magazine has named its global SD-WAN as-a-Service 2018 Product of the Year. The Cloud Computing Product of the Year Award honors vendors with the most innovative, useful, and beneficial cloud products and services that have been available to deploy within the past year. Aryakas global SD-WAN as-a-Service was selected because it empowers global enterprises in their digital transformations and enables their cloud strategies. It delivers global multi-cloud connectivity coupled with application acceleration for distributed enterprises. The solution acts as a catalyst for effective cloud and SaaS migration. This award reaffirms our market position as the only SD-WAN for global digital and cloud transformation, said Gary Sevounts, Chief Marketing Officer at Aryaka. Our global SD-WAN solution enables seamless collaboration among application users, increases application adoption, and accelerates the journey towards being a digital- or cloud-native global enterprise. As businesses increasingly adopt cloud computing strategies, we found Aryaka excellent and cost-effective in ensuring a consistent customer and employee experience globally, said Alan Crawford, CIO of City & Guilds Group, an Aryaka global SD-WAN customer. Aryakas solution enables City & Guilds Group to achieve faster Office 365 application response times leading to an increase in productivity and better collaboration between users in Europe and Asia-Pacific. It reduces time for global users to open SharePoint files from 10 to 0.05 seconds and improves Outlook performance by 9x worldwide. Congratulations to Aryaka for being honored with a Cloud Computing Product of the Year Award, said Rich Tehrani, CEO, TMC. Aryakas Global SD-WAN as-a-Service is truly an innovative product and is amongst the best solutions available within the past twelve months that facilitates business-transforming cloud computing and communications. I look forward to continued excellence from Aryaka in 2018 and beyond. Aryaka is the leading and fastest-growing global SD-WAN provider in the market today. For more information about Aryakas award-winning global SD-WAN as-a-Service, visit www.aryaka.com. About Aryaka Aryaka is transforming how global enterprises connect sites and users worldwide and use mission-critical applications to support modern business execution demands. Aryakas Global SD-WAN combines a purpose-built private network, SD-WAN, optimization and acceleration techniques, connectivity to cloud platforms, and network visibility into a single solution that is delivered as a service. To learn more, visit www.aryaka.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. About Cloud Computing Magazine Cloud Computing magazine is the industry's definitive source for all things cloud - from public, community, hybrid and private cloud to security and business continuity, and everything in between. This quarterly magazine published by TMC assesses the most important developments in cloud computing not only as they relate to IT, but to the business landscape as a whole. Aryaka Contact: Shehzad Karkhanawala Director of Marketing 408-273-8420 pr@aryaka.com TMC Contact: Stephanie Thompson Manager 203-852-6800, ext. 139 sthompson@tmcnet.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ad4a27d1-fa3c-457c-a1ee-e2fce0b2b477 SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Timothy Quinn, executive director of the statewide Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), issued the following statement today in response to California voters approval of Proposition 68, the California Clean Water and Safe Parks Act. Passage of this water bond will have positive impacts on Californians throughout the state, said Quinn. Securing Californias water future has become increasingly challenging and bonds help ensure that we have adequate funding to invest in answering critical needs, such as safe water, sustainable groundwater and drought preparedness. Answering these challenges is more important now than ever before. Prop. 68 provides $1.6 billion for water-related projects intended to provide safe drinking water to disadvantaged communities, improve water supply reliability, help implement the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and restore Californias critical watersheds. ACWAs Board of Directors unanimously supported both Prop. 68 and the Water Supply and Water Quality Act of 2018, which will appear on the November ballot. That complementary measure will provide $8.9 billion for safe drinking water, repairs to major infrastructure, SGMA implementation and additional drought solutions. ACWA is a statewide association of public agencies whose more than 440 members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more information, visit www.acwa.com Contact: Heather Engel, Director of Communications | (916) 441-4545 | C (760) 217-0627 Grand Junction, Colorado, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At todays Western Colorado Economic Summit, bicycle rack systems and security specialist, RockyMounts, Inc. announced plans to relocate the companys headquarters to Riverfront at Las Colonias Park, a new business and recreational development on the banks of the Colorado River in Grand Junction, Colorado. The relocation of RockyMounts to the Grand Junction business community represents a move that further bolsters the area as a destination for the outdoor industry, which already includes companies such as Bonsai Design, DT Swiss, MRP and many others. I started the business in Boulder (Colorado) in the mid 90s; it flourished here and I will always be grateful to Boulder for the opportunity. said RockyMounts president Bobby Noyes. Meeting with the GJEP earlier this year, there was a dynamic energy that was reminiscent of my early years launching this business. I saw an opportunity to be a part of a growing and vibrant community here in Grand Junction, build the headquarters I had always dreamed of, and to contribute to the improved quality of life for myself, my employees, and the like-minded souls that call the Western Slope home. We are seeing more and more interest from businesses like RockyMounts, added Robin Brown, GJEP executive director. Companies are growing tired of metropolitan areas and their long commutes, high real estate costs and congested neighborhoods. They want good business conditions without compromising on quality of life. We believe we can offer that here in Colorados Grand Valley. Both the City of Grand Junction and RockyMounts are striving to create a dynamic environment at Riverfront at Las Colonias Park that focuses on community building, business development and outdoor recreation. With combined synergistic talents, energy and expertise, all involved parties hope to facilitate developments that welcome new businesses and visitors to the area. We are thrilled to welcome RockyMounts to Grand Junction and Riverfront at Las Colonias Park, said Mayor Barbara Traylor Smith, City of Grand Junction. This is exactly the type of business that we are working to attract to the business park innovative, passionate about the outdoors and engaged in our community. Additionally, RockyMounts plans to allocate $30,000 towards the benefit of Riverfront at Las Colonias Park to construct a park amenity that will serve as a shared recreation opportunity for the community, park users and staffs of local businesses. A RockyMounts grand opening event is planned for the Fall of 2019 to gather the local community, outdoor industry and media to unveil the newly constructed headquarters and represent Grand Junction with pride. ### About RockyMounts: RockyMounts, Inc. was started in 1993, and is a locally owned and operated Boulder, Colorado based company. RockyMounts designs innovative, fuel-efficient rack systems and security solutions. We engineer our rack systems and security solutions to securely carry your most prized possessions to and from your next epic adventure. For more information visit, www.rockymounts.com. About Grand Junction Economic Partnership: The Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) works to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in Colorados Grand Valley by supporting high-impact capital investment and job creation. Operating as a private non-profit, GJEP administers incentive programs and offers free services to organizations interested in relocation or expansion in the cities of Grand Junction and Fruita, the town of Palisade and surrounding communities of Mesa County. Visit www.gjep.org for more information. About Riverfront at Las Colonias Park: Riverfront at Las Colonias Park offers an immersive experience geared toward wellness, community and an unparalleled outdoor lifestyle for outdoor industry focused companies. The 15-acre business park is located within a 140-acre city park along the Colorado River in Grand Junction, Colorado. It offers shovel-ready sites, build-to-suit, office space, warehousing and more. Visit www.RiverfrontColorado.com for details. Attachment Under the auspices of the WCO-WACAM Project financed by Sweden, a technical assistance session was held from 28 May to 01 June 2018 at the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) Headquarters in Banjul to work on the design of a Strategic Dashboard for GRA. Under the guidance of the WCO experts and the Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB), the four-day intensive working session served to identify the target audience, the dashboard type, and key indicators as basis for the design of the tool. As a result, the Strategic Dashboard Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were identified and grouped thematically (revenue collection, trade facilitation and compliance management, enforcement, reform and modernization, HRM and practices). The data source for each KPI has been identified as well. In the forthcoming weeks, and as a follow-up to the working session, GRA will develop monitoring mechanisms to measure indicators where electronic systems are missing, as well as analytical and operational dashboards which will feed into the Strategic Dashboard. The establishment of a Strategic Dashboard by the GRA should provide the executive team with a high-level overview of the GRA performance. Commissioner General Mr. Yankuba Darboe informed the group that the Strategic Dashboard will help GRA top management in effectively steering the organization to maximize on opportunities and addressing operational and organizational challenges. For more information on this activity or on the WCO-WACAM Project, please contact the WCO-Sweden Programme Director (Richard.Chopra@wcoomd.org ) Singapore Customs and Australian Border Force (ABF) signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes on 31 May 2018. Through this arrangement, Singapore companies certified as having lower risks will enjoy faster Customs clearance with reduced documentary and cargo inspections with respect to their goods exported to Australia. Likewise, Australian companies that are certified by Australian Border Force will enjoy similar facilitation for their goods exported to Singapore. Singapore is the first ASEAN country to sign an MRA with Australia. The Australia-Singapore MRA recognises the compatibility of the supply chain security measures implemented by companies certified under Singapore Customs Secure Trade Partnership (STP) programme and the trusted companies of the ABFs Australian Trusted Trader programme, which are based on the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards. As an initiative under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a pact signed by Singapore and Australia in 2015 to deepen existing areas of cooperation and catalyse new ones, the MRA is set to foster closer Customs collaboration and elevate bilateral trade ties. The signing of this MRA reinforces the commitment of both our Customs administrations to maintain the security of regional and global supply chains, and to facilitate legitimate trade undertaken by Authorised Economic Operators in both countries, said Singapores Director-General of Customs, Mr Ho Chee Pong. As major trading partners, I am confident that this new MRA of our respective Authorised Economic Operator programmes will bring about much benefit to our businesses and boost bilateral trade, he added. The signing of the Authorised Economic Operator-MRA will further strengthen our close cooperation at the borders and smoothen the passage of goods between our two countries of trusted traders, said Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Michael Outram. He further said : It will also help us facilitate and support these companies that do the right thing, and help us focus our resources on finding and dealing with companies and people who do not do the right thing. Singapore companies which trade actively with Australian companies welcomed the signing of the MRA. To date, Singapore has signed MRAs with eight Customs administrations: Australia, Canada, Republic of Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong China, Chinese Taipei, and the United States. Australia has MRAs with six Customs administrations: Singapore, China, Hong Kong China, Korea, Canada and New Zealand. The World Customs Organization (WCO), within the framework of the newly signed agreement between the WCO and Bahamas Customs and Excise Department (BCED) and funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), organized a National Workshop on the development of an advance ruling system for the classification of goods under the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS). This Workshop, conducted in Nassau from 22 to 25 May 2018, was attended by 25 Customs officers and facilitated by two classification experts from the WCO Secretariat. The workshop focused on advance rulings for classification since they will play a vital role in promoting trade facilitation, as required by the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation, which entered into force on 22 February 2017. During the workshop, several presentations with respect to advance rulings, as well as tools and instruments developed under the Revenue Package, were delivered. At the discussion session, participants gave presentations on the current situation within BCED with regard to tariff classification infrastructure as well as potential paths forward in relation to advance rulings in that area. At the end of the workshop, the participants presented the results of the practical application of the Diagnostic Tool on Tariff Classification, Valuation and Origin Work and Related Infrastructure, including an action plan with proposals and solutions related to the modernization of classification work and to the implementation of an advance ruling system for classification. The Comptroller of Customs, Dr. Geannine MOSS, noted that in 2012, the transformation of the BCED began with funding assistance from the IDB. This funding would allow BCED to modernize and enhance overall operations. She recognized the importance of advance rulings in resolving disputes prior to importation, promoting the development of trade and encouraging investment. She pledged to continue to build the knowledge base of Customs officers. English Icelandic The number of passenger on international flights was 367 thousand in May and increased by 10% compared to May last year. The capacity increased by 15% and the passenger load factor was 77.7% compared to 81.2% in May last year. The number of passengers on domestic and regional flights were around 27 thousand, decreasing by 7% compared to May last year. Flights to Belfast, Aberdeen and between Keflavik and Akureyri stopped mid of May, explaining the reduction in the number of passengers. The passenger load factor was 62.0%. Sold block hours in charter flights increased significantly, or by 40% between years, as a result of new long-term assignments. Freight increased by 11%. The number of available room nights at the Companys Hotels was up by 6% from last year, mainly due to the opening of Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel in the center of Reykjavik in March. The room occupancy was 72.8% compared to 77.0% in May 2017. INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS MAY 18 MAY 17 CHG (%) YTD 18 YTD 17 CHG (%) Number of Passengers 367,530 333,090 10% 1,295,385 1,262,927 3% Load Factor 77.7% 81.2% -3.6 ppt 77.0% 79.5% -2.5 ppt Available Seat KM (ASK000,000) 1,491.1 1,292.0 15% 5,246.5 4,863.5 8% Revenue Passenger KM (RPK000,000) 1,158.5 1,049.7 10% 4,037.6 3,865.9 4% Stage length (KM) 3,200 3,086 4% 3,117 3,031 3% DOMESTIC AND REGIONAL FLIGHTS MAY 18 MAY 17 CHG (%) YTD 18 YTD 17 CHG (%) Number of Passengers 27,434 29,470 -7% 127,468 127,383 0% Load Factor 62.0% 67.9% -5.9 ppt 60.5% 64.9% -4.3 ppt Available Seat KM (ASK000,000) 15.4 15.4 0% 77.1 69.4 11% CHARTER FLIGHTS MAY 18 MAY 17 CHG (%) YTD 18 YTD 17 CHG (%) Fleet Utilisation 100.0% 100.0% 0.0 ppt 100.0% 95.5% 4.5 ppt Sold Block Hours 2,863 2,046 40% 14,692 10,186 44% CARGO MAY 18 MAY 17 CHG (%) YTD 18 YTD 17 CHG (%) Freight Tonne KM (FTK000) 10,663 9,632 11% 50,563 43,317 17% HOTELS MAY 18 MAY 17 CHG (%) YTD 18 YTD 17 CHG (%) Available Hotel Room Nights 30,149 28,567 6% 138,294 136,207 2% Sold Hotel Room Nights 21,954 21,994 0% 103,725 106,259 -2% Occupancy of Hotel Rooms 72.8% 77.0% -4.2 ppt 75.0% 78.0% -3.0 ppt For further information please contact: Bogi Nils Bogason, CFO, Icelandair Group tel: + 354 665-8801 Iris Hulda orisdottir, Director Investor Relations, Icelandair Group tel: + 354 840-7010 OVERLAND PARK, Kan., June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TSANet (Technical Support Alliance Network), the industrys largest vendor neutral support alliance, has appointed Michelle Huenink, Senior Program Manager of Customer Service & Support at Microsoft, to the TSANet Board of Directors. TSANet focuses on the most important thing the customer by being a critical enabler of cross-vendor partnerships. I am honored to be a part of this global support alliance that changes the way we work together, said Michelle. Microsoft has a long history of leadership in the TSANet organization. Michelle brings some much-needed skill sets to the Board of Directors and Im looking forward to working with her, said Dennis Smeltzer, TSANet President. Michelle Huenink is a passionate leader in the global Customer Support and Services organization (CSS) at Microsoft, reporting to Aileen Allkins, CVP. Michelle is a Senior Program Manager responsible for driving Microsofts customer recovery strategies. Michelle partners with leaders across the company to implement effective programs that drive improvements to the overall customer experience. Most recently, she launched a global employee empowerment program focused on driving a customer advocate culture across Microsoft which has been recognized as a best practice and adopted worldwide. Michelle has been with Microsoft for 15 years, all in roles that anchor around the customer. With 20 years in the technology field, Michelle has extensive experience in strategy, customer experience, business engagement, sales and marketing. Michelle joins the existing board members: Rene Karel (VMware), Doug Jones (NetApp), Jim West (Citrix Systems), Jim Rubish (IBM), Richard Long (Actian Corporation), Charlotte Post (Cisco Systems), Kenny Loo (Dell EMC), Uwe Schaefer (Hewlett-Packard Enterprise), Deepak Chawla (Nutanix) and Sandra Falzarano (Red Hat). About TSANet Founded in 1993, TSANet (Technical Support Alliance Network) is a worldwide, multi vendor alliance that offers an industry-wide forum to facilitate servicing multi vendor customers while providing an infrastructure for more efficient multi vendor problem solving. Membership consists of more than five hundred software and hardware companies. TSANet can be reached at (913) 345-9311 or at www.tsanet.org. Company and product names mentioned may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES TORONTO, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acerus Pharmaceuticals Corporation (the Company) (TSX:ASP) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Mackie Research Capital Corporation (the Underwriter), whereby the Underwriter has agreed to purchase, on a bought-deal basis, 16,667,000 units (Units) of the Company at a price of $0.30 per Unit (the Offering). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share (a "Common Share") of the Company and one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant") of the Company. Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to purchase one additional Common Share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.40 at any time up to 24 months following closing of the Offering (the Closing). The Company has granted the Underwriter an over-allotment option (the Underwriters Option) to purchase up to an additional 15% of the total number of Units to be issued under the Offering, at any time up to 30 days after Closing. The Units will be offered by way of a short form prospectus to be filed in those provinces of Canada, other than Quebec, as the Underwriter may designate pursuant to National Instrument 44-101 Short Form Prospectus Distributions and may be offered in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to an appropriate exemption from the registration requirements under applicable U.S. law. The Corporation intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering, including net proceeds received from the exercise of the Over-Allotment Option, if any, (i) to pay approximately US$1.75 million to Mattern Pharma AG in connection with its agreement with Mattern Pharma AG to buy out the Corporations obligations under the amended and restated intellectual property rights and product development agreement dated December 21, 2013, as amended, (ii) to pay a portion of the remaining amount due under the promissory note payable to an affiliate of Endo International plc, unless a waiver is obtained, and (iii) for general corporate purposes, including working capital to support ongoing and new commercial and research and development activities. The Closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about the week of June 25, 2018 and is subject to the Company receiving all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange. The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Acerus Pharmaceuticals Corporation Acerus Pharmaceuticals Corporation is a Canadian-based specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacture, marketing and distribution of innovative, branded products that improve patient experience, with a primary focus in the field of mens and womens health. The Company commercializes its products via its own salesforce in Canada, and through a global network of licensed distributors in the U.S. and other territories. Forward-Looking Information Information in this press release that is not current or historical factual information may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws. Implicit in this information are assumptions regarding our future operational results. These assumptions, although considered reasonable by the company at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect. Readers are cautioned that actual performance of the company is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and could differ materially from what is currently expected as set out above. For more exhaustive information on these risks and uncertainties you should refer to our annual information form dated March 20, 2018 that is available at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on our current estimates, expectations and projections, which we believe are reasonable as of the current date. You should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While we may elect to, we are under no obligation and do not undertake to update this information at any particular time, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Contact Information Edward Gudaitis President and CEO egudaitis@aceruspharma.com (289) 242-9105 Detectives Arrest Four on Drug Charges Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 05, 2018 | PADUCAH, KY By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 05, 2018 | 06:52 PM | PADUCAH, KY A drug investigation Monday led to the arrests of four people. The McCracken County Sheriff's Department detectives worked with the Marshall County Sheriff's Department, and executed a search warrant at a home on Beyer Lane, where 44-year-old William "Phil" Neihoff was arrested after detectives say they found methamphetamine and several types of ammunition. Neihoff is under a domestic violence order and is a convicted felon, so he not able to possess a gun or ammo. He faces charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, and for violation of a domestic violence order. Detectives say Neihoff is out on bond from an October 2017 arrest for methamphetamine trafficking. While detectives were still at the home, three people in a vehicle stopped in the area. When detectives spoke to them, it appeared they were under the influence of meth, and were on their way to Neihoff's home. A narcotics-sniffing dog alerted on the vehicle and a search led to discovery of 93 grams of suspected meth, marijuana, scales, syringes and baggies. The meth has a street value around $9,300. Detectives arrested 45-year-old Eric Andes, 31-year-old Calina S. Whagie, and Emmet Hayes on trafficking charges. Andes and Hayes were also charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. All four people were taken to McCracken County Jail. 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. Two Face Meth Charges after Man Drives Into Yard Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 06, 2018 | PADUCAH, KY By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 06, 2018 | 06:39 AM | PADUCAH, KY Two people were arrested Wednesday morning on drug charges in McCracken County. The McCracken County Sheriff's Office says deputies saw a vehicle run off the road and into the yard of a home shortly after 1 a.m. They identified the driver as 48-year-old John Gorostiza of Wickliffe. Deputies said Gorostiza told them he was lost and that he must have made a wrong turn at some point while driving back to Wickliffe from Paducah. They determined that Gorostiza was under the influence and arrested him. The front seat passenger, 28-year-old Stevie Gray of Wickliffe, reportedly admitted to hiding two baggies of meth in her clothing during the stop. They also found more meth, hydrocodone pills and several paraphernalia items during a search of the vehicle. Gorostiza and Gray were both arrested and booked into the McCracken County Regional Jail. Gorostiza is charged with DUI, possession of meth, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with evidence, driving without a license, careless driving, and having an open alcohol container in a vehicle. Gray is charged with possession of meth and drug paraphernalia, and tampering with physical evidence. By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 06, 2018 | 05:24 PM | MARSHALL COUNTY, KY A joint investigation Tuesday led to drug and other charges for three people According to the Marshall County Sheriff's Office, detectives responded to Calvert City Circle Tuesday afternoon in reference to a drug investigation. The investigation was a joint effort with Kentucky Social Services. During the investigation, detectives seized methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a handgun. Madison Lawrence, of Kuttawa, and Javarro Keith Reed, Jr., of Paducah, were arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Lawrence was additionally charged with possession of marijuana and tampering with physical evidence. Both were lodged in the Marshall County Detention Center. William B. Jones, of Calvert City, was cited and released on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Murray State Police Issue Campus Warning Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 05, 2018 | MURRAY, KY By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 05, 2018 | 10:22 PM | MURRAY, KY The Murray State Police Department sent out a campus warning on Tuesday. Murray State Police report that they received a copy of a court order from the Logan County, Kentucky Circuit Court regarding 50 year-old Lyle Scott Newsom, that was issued on May 31. They had an interaction with Newsom on May 29, which resulted in banning him from all Murray State property. Newsom stated several times during the incident that he would come back to the campus. Based on this information, the Murray State Police Department has determined that Newsom poses a threat to the campus. If anyone sees Newsom, contact the Murray State Police immediately at (270)-809-2222, or by using the LiveSafe app. They also are asking all campus departments to review their safety procedures and the security of their office areas. Lyle Scott Newsom is described as a white male, 5'10", approximately 300 pounds, brown hair, and brown eyes. He drives a red, Chevrolet HHR with Kentucky registration plate number 945WGP. Newsom currently resides in Mayfield, but has used a Murray address. By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 06, 2018 | 04:55 AM | FRANKFORT, KY The State Board of Elections on Tuesday certified vote totals from the May 22 primary election and issued certificates of nomination to candidates who received the highest number of votes in the election.Official results from the election are available at GoVoteKY.com. According to Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, more than 792,000 Kentuckians, approximately 23.5 percent of registered voters, cast ballots in the primary. Grimes had predicted 30 percent voter turnout in the week before the primary. Several county boards of elections recanvassed the results of two judicial races and a state House race last week, but the outcomes of those races were unchanged. The general election ballot on November 6 will include the offices of U.S. Representative, state Representative and state Senate in even-numbered districts, as well as local and county offices. Voters in the 3rd Kentucky Supreme Court district will choose between two candidates for a seat on the state's high court. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. WINNIPEG, Manitoba, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Exchange Income Corporation (TSX:EIF) (the Corporation) announced today that it has reached an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters co-led by National Bank Financial Inc., Laurentian Bank Securities Inc. and CIBC Capital Markets, and including Cormark Securities Inc., Raymond James Ltd., RBC Capital Markets, Scotiabank, TD Securities Inc., BMO Capital Markets, Canaccord Genuity Corp., and Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc. (the Underwriters), pursuant to which the Corporation will issue on a bought deal basis, subject to regulatory approval, $70,000,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible unsecured subordinated debentures (the Debentures) at a price of $1,000 per principal amount of Debentures (the Offering). The Corporation has granted to the Underwriters an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional $10,500,000 aggregate principal amount of Debentures at the same price, exercisable in whole or in part at any time for a period of up to 30 days following closing of the Offering, to cover over-allotments. The Corporation intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to fund the redemption of certain debentures as set forth below and to reduce indebtedness under the credit facility of the Corporation. The Debentures will bear interest from the date of closing at 5.35% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 31 each year commencing December 31, 2018. The Debentures will each have a maturity date of June 30, 2025 (the Maturity Date). The Debentures will be convertible at the holders option at any time prior to the close of business on the earlier of the Maturity Date and the business day immediately preceding the date specified by the Corporation for redemption of the Debentures into common shares of the Corporation (Common Shares) at a conversion price of approximately $49.00 per Common Share, being a conversion rate of 20.4082 Common Shares for each $1,000 principal amount of Debentures, subject to adjustment as provided in the indenture governing the Debentures. The Corporation also announced that it will issue a notice of redemption to the holders of its currently outstanding 7 year 5.35% convertible senior unsecured debentures maturing on March 31, 2020 (the "2013 Debentures"). The Corporation has had the right to redeem the 2013 Debentures since March 31, 2018, and subject to all necessary approvals, will redeem all issued and outstanding 2013 Debentures following the closing of the Offering on a date to be determined by the Corporation (the "Redemption Date"). Holders of the 2013 Debentures will have the option to convert the 2013 Debentures into Common Shares prior to the Redemption Date at a price of $41.60 per share. The 2013 Debentures are redeemable at a redemption price equal to their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon up to, but excluding, the Redemption Date. As of the close of business on June 5, 2018, there was approximately $65 million principal amount of 2013 Debentures issued and outstanding. The Corporation intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to fund the redemption of the 2013 Debentures, as required, and to repay indebtedness under its credit facility. The redemption of the 2013 Debentures is not conditional upon the completion of the Offering. Closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about June 26, 2018. The Offering is subject to normal regulatory approvals, including approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange of the listing of the Debentures and the Common Shares to be issued upon conversion of the Debentures. The Debentures will be offered in each of the provinces of Canada by way of a short form prospectus, and by way of private placement in the United States to Qualified Institutional Buyers pursuant to Rule 144A. About Exchange Income Corporation Exchange Income Corporation is a diversified acquisition-oriented company, focused in two sectors: aerospace & aviation services and equipment, and manufacturing. The Corporation uses a disciplined acquisition strategy to identify already profitable, well-established companies that have strong management teams, generate steady cash flow, operate in niche markets and have opportunities for organic growth. The Corporation currently operates two segments: Aerospace & Aviation and Manufacturing. The Aerospace & Aviation segment consists of the operations by Perimeter Aviation, Keewatin Air, Calm Air International, Bearskin Lake Air Service (operating as a division of Perimeter Aviation), Custom Helicopters, Regional One, Provincial Aerospace and Moncton Flight College, and an investment in Wasaya Group. The Manufacturing segment consists of the operations of Overlanders Manufacturing, Water Blast, Stainless Fabrication, WesTower Communications, Ben Machine and Quest Window Systems. For more information on the Corporation, please visit www.ExchangeIncomeCorp.ca. Additional information relating to the Corporation, including all public filings, is available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements The statements contained in this news release that are forward-looking are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks, and actual results may differ materially. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the dependence of Exchange Income Corporation on the operations and assets currently owned by it, the degree to which its subsidiaries are leveraged, the fact that cash distributions are not guaranteed and will fluctuate with the Corporations financial performance, dilution, restrictions on potential future growth, the risk of shareholder liability, competitive pressures (including price competition), changes in market activity, the cyclicality of the industries, seasonality of the businesses, poor weather conditions, and foreign currency fluctuations, legal proceedings, commodity prices and raw material exposure, dependence on key personnel, and environmental, health and safety and other regulatory requirements. Further information about these and other risks and uncertainties can be found in the disclosure documents filed by Exchange Income Corporation with the securities regulatory authorities, available at www.sedar.com. For further information, please contact: Mike Pyle Chief Executive Officer Exchange Income Corporation (204) 982-1850 MPyle@eig.ca Heidi Christensen Brown Investor Relations NATIONAL Equicom (416) 848-1389 hchristensenbrown@national.ca By The Associated Press Jun. 06, 2018 | 11:28 AM | FRANKFORT, KY Kentucky's chief justice will not remove a judge from a case involving the state's public pension system, setting up a potentially contentious court hearing Thursday about the legality of a law that prompted thousands of teachers to march on the Capitol and close dozens of school districts in protest. Republican Gov. Matt Bevin signed a bill into law earlier this year that made changes to Kentucky's woefully-underfunded public retirement systems. It requires all new teacher hires put into a hybrid pension system. It also changes how current teachers can use their sick days to calculate their retirement benefits. Many teachers opposed the bill, mostly because the legislature passed it on one of the final days of the legislative session without giving them a chance to read it first. Schools in more than 30 districts closed for one day in April while teachers came to Frankfort to protest. Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear sued to block the bill, one of the many lawsuits he has filed against Bevin. Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd has the case. Shepherd has ruled for and against Bevin in several of the Bevin-Beshear conflicts. But Shepherd angered Bevin in this case when he ruled Bevin's lawyers could not take deposition testimony from staff in the Attorney General's Office and the Kentucky Education Association, the state's largest teachers' union. Bevin went on talk radio and called Shepherd an "incompetent hack." Soon after, his lawyers sent Shepherd a letter asking him to recuse himself from the case. They argued he could not make a fair ruling because he is a member of one of Kentucky's retirement systems. When Shepherd refused to step aside, Bevin's lawyers asked Kentucky Chief Justice John Minton to remove him. The request threatened to delay legal arguments in the case scheduled for Thursday, which are expected to attract more teacher protests at the courthouse in Kentucky's capital city. But Minton denied Bevin's request Wednesday afternoon, clearing the way for the hearing to proceed. Steve Pitt, Bevin's chief attorney, cited a 1941 Kentucky Court of Appeals' decision where every member of the state's highest court recused themselves from a case relating to the retirement of judges. Pitt argued the case set the standard that "a judge with a public pension cannot sit in judgment of legislation that could affect that pension." Minton rejected that argument. He noted the reason the judges recused themselves in 1941 is because they were the ones who had filed it. That does not apply to Shepherd. Wednesday, Beshear accused Bevin of trying to delay the case. Portions of the pension bill are scheduled to take effect July 14. "If your legal arguments are strong, you're not afraid of getting a ruling," Beshear said. "I believe the actions of the General Assembly and the arguments of the governor are unconstitutional. And at some level they know it." Wednesday, during a background briefing with reporters, Bevin's legal team denied they were trying to delay the case. They noted the portion of the bill scheduled to take effect in July will not affect state workers who are contemplating retirement. TORONTO, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Firan Technology Group Corporation (TSX:FTG) announced today that it has been awarded new Long Term Agreements from Rockwell Collins for the supply of Printed Wiring Boards (PWBs). The award incorporates a variety of technologies for use on major airframe platforms across Business, Regional, Air Transport and Government Systems market applications and consists of multi-year awards up to five years. A large portion of the business award has been attributed to FTGs ability to offer global solutions. Through FTGs unitization of both its North American and Asian facilities, key objectives were met in securing the awards. FTG continues to work closely with Rockwell Collins in support of new technology qualifications ensuring long term support of Rockwell Collins PWB requirements. FTG appreciates the trust Rockwell Collins has in our ability to deliver quality product and adapt to the ever changing technologies and economic conditions, stated Ian Maknyik, Director of Business Development. We look forward to sharing future success and growth opportunities with Rockwell Collins for years to come. ABOUT FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION FTG is an aerospace and defense electronics product and subsystem supplier to customers around the globe. FTG has two operating units: FTG Circuits is a manufacturer of high technology, high reliability printed circuit boards. Our customers are leaders in the aviation, defense, and high technology industries. FTG Circuits has operations in Toronto, Ontario, Chatsworth, California and a joint venture in Tianjin, China. FTG Aerospace manufactures illuminated cockpit panels, keyboards and sub-assemblies for original equipment manufacturers of aerospace and defense equipment. FTG Aerospace has operations in Toronto, Ontario, Chatsworth, California, Fort Worth, Texas and Tianjin, China. The Corporation's shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol FTG. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are related to, but not limited to, FTGs operations, anticipated financial performance, business prospects and strategies. Forward-looking information typically contains words such as anticipate, believe, expect, plan or similar words suggesting future outcomes. Such statements are based on the current expectations of management of the Corporation and inherently involve numerous risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, including economic factors and the Corporations industry, generally. The preceding list is not exhaustive of all possible factors. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual events and results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made by the Corporation. The reader is cautioned to consider these and other factors carefully when making decisions with respect to the Corporation and not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Other than as may be required by law, FTG disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information please contact: Bradley C. Bourne, President and CEO Firan Technology Group Corporation Tel: (416) 299-4000 bradbourne@ftgcorp.com Melinda Diebel, Vice President and CFO Firan Technology Group Corporation Tel: (416) 299-4000 melindadiebel@ftgcorp.com Additional information can be found at the Corporations website www.ftgcorp.com By: Paige Cline Sometimes I am asked to reprint a column from the past. Here[Read More] VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cryptobloc Technologies Corp. (Cryptobloc or the Company) (CSE:CRYP) (OTCMKTS:CRYBF) (Frankfurt Stock Exchange:GR9) is pleased to report that it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement of units (each, a Unit) of the Company at $0.15 per Unit (the Private Placement), for gross proceeds of $4,500,000. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a Share) and one common share purchase warrant (a Warrant) of the Company, each Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional Share at a price of $0.25 per Share until June 6, 2020. The proceeds from the Private Placement are anticipated to be used for general working capital and towards new acquisitions. About Cryptobloc Technologies Corp. Based in Vancouver, BC - Cryptobloc Technologies Corp. is focused on developing and implementing blockchain, distributed ledger, closed loop, and cryptocurrency services for Government and commercial partners. Cryptobloc is committed to developing innovative and disruptive solutions that constantly improve active business practices for our partners. Cryptobloc Technologies Corp. is a public company, traded in Canada, U.S. and Germany under the symbols CSE:CRYP, OTCMKTS:CRYBF, and FRA:GR9. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Neil Stevenson-Moore, CEO Further information about the Company is available under its profile on the SEDAR website, www.sedar.com, on the CSE website, www.thecse.com, and on its website, www.cryptobloctech.com . Forward-Looking Information: This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. The forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the Company, including in regards to the use of proceeds from the Private Placement. Although the Companys management believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward- looking information because the Company cannot provide any assurance that it will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release. CALGARY, Alberta, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- XORTX Therapeutics Inc. ("XORTX" or the Company) (CSE:XRX) (OTCQB:XRTXF), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies to treat progressive kidney disease, is pleased to announce that the Companys shares have been approved to commence trading on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol XRTXF effective June 7, 2018. Trading in the Companys shares on the OTCQB will provide a dealer market for XORTX shares and easy access to continuous disclosure documents giving investors in the United States greater access to invest in the Companys shares. The OTCQB Market provides trading for 900 US and international companies through its SEC-registered OTC Link ATS, which features over 100 broker-dealers. Quotes for XORTXs US symbol are available directly at www.otcmarkets.com/stock/XRTXF/quote. The Companys shares will continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol XRX. Dr. Allen Davidoff, President and CEO stated, We are pleased to have been accepted for trading on the OTCQB Venture Market which we believe will increase XORTXs exposure to US retail and institutional investors, increasing liquidity for shareholders. We anticipate that upcoming milestones and the increased investor base will work synergistically to the benefit of all shareholders. About XORTX Therapeutics Inc. XORTX Therapeutics Inc. is a BioPharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies to treat progressive kidney disease. XORTX has lead programs to develop treatments for progressive kidney disease due to diabetes, diabetic nephropathy and polycystic kidney disease. Secondary programs focus on developing therapies for health consequences that accompany pre-diabetes, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Additional information on XORTX Therapeutics is available at www.xortx.com. For further information, please contact: Erik Matthews, Corporate Communications at +1-747-203-5240 or erik@xortx.com / ray@xortx.com The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Hamilton, Bermuda 6 June 2018 - Hoegh LNG Holdings Ltd. ("Hoegh LNG" or the "Company") advises that the 2018 Annual General Meeting of the Company was held on Wednesday 6 June 2018 at 18:30 hours (ADT) at Canon's Court, 22 Victoria Street, Hamilton HM12, Bermuda. The 2017 Annual Report, including the audited consolidated financial statements for the Company for the year ended 31 December 2017, was presented to the meeting. The following resolutions were adopted as proposed by the Board of Directors: 1. To re-appoint Ernst & Young AS of Oslo, Norway as auditors and to authorise the Directors to determine their remuneration. 2. To re-elect Leif O. Hegh as a Director of the Company. 3. To re-elect Andrew Jamieson as a Director of the Company. 4. To re-elect Jrgen Kildahl as a Director of the Company. 7. That the number of Directors of the Company shall be seven. 8. To approve the remuneration of the Company's Board of Directors of USD 35,000 in cash and USD 15,000 in shares for services in the period between the 2018 AGM and the 2019 AGM, to be paid after the 2019 AGM. 9. To approve payment of invoices issued for the provision of the services of the Bermuda resident Director, being Steven Rees Davies, and the Bermuda resident Alternate Directors, based on the services rendered in the period between the 2018 AGM and the 2019 AGM. 10. To approve that the chairmen of each of the Audit Committee and the Governance, Compliance and Compensation Committee each receive USD 10,000 for services in the period between the 2018 AGM and the 2019 AGM to be paid after the 2019 AGM. 11. To re-elect Stephen Knudtzon as chairman of the Nomination Committee 12. To re-elect Morten W. Hegh as member of the Nomination Committee 13. To re-elect William Homan-Russell as member of the Nomination Committee. 14. To approve that (i) Morten W. Hegh and William Homan-Russell are each paid a fee of USD 5,000 for services as members of the Nomination Committee in the period between the 2018 AGM and the 2019 AGM to be paid after the 2019 AGM and (ii) Stephen Knudtzon is paid based on his invoices for services as chairman of the Nomination Committee in the period between the 2018 AGM and the 2019 AGM. The minutes from the Annual General Meeting and the list of attendance are attached hereto and will also be available on Hoegh LNG's website, www.hoeghlng.com. * * * About Hoegh LNG: Hoegh LNG provides floating energy solutions and operates world-wide with a leading position as owner and operator of floating LNG import terminals; floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), and is one of the most experienced operators of LNG Carriers (LNGCs). Hoegh LNG's vision is to be the industry leader of floating LNG solutions and the strategy is to continue to focus its growth plans in the FSRU market, with the objective of securing long-term contracts with strong counterparties at attractive returns. Hoegh LNG is a Bermuda based company with established presence in Norway, Singapore, the UK, USA, South Korea, Indonesia, Lithuania, Egypt, Colombia, China and Turkey. The company employs approximately 125 office staff and 500 seafarers. Contacts: Sveinung J. S. Sthle, President and Chief Executive Officer, Telephone +47 975 57 402 Steffen Freid, Chief Financial Officer, Telephone +47 975 57 406 Erik Folkeson, Head of IR, Telephone +47 414 21 769 This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act or the Continuing Obligations of Oslo Brs. Attachment Hamilton, Bermuda, 6 June 2018 - Reference is made to the Annual General Meeting of Hoegh LNG Holdings Ltd. (the "Company) held 6 June 2018 and a subsequent Board Meeting approving the issuance of shares to each of the below listed directors (the "Directors") of the Company as part remuneration for services rendered by them for the period May 2017 to June 2018. Each Director will receive 2,639 shares and a total of 15,834 new shares will be issued. The shares constitute a total remuneration of USD 90,000 based on the closing price of NOK 46.00 of the Company's shares on 6 June 2018 and an exchange rate of NOK 8.0950 per US Dollar, which is the exchange rate quoted on the Norges Bank website at 6 June 2018. Upon issuance of the 15,834 shares, the new number of shares issued by the Company will be 77,260,580 and the new share capital will be USD 772,605.80. The following Directors will receive shares (the number of shares held by the respective Director after the share issue is included in parenthesis): Morten W. Hegh (2,639 shares which has been transferred at the issuance price to Leif Hoegh & Co. Ltd. (LHC) and will be delivered to LHC upon issuance of the shares. Please also see below). Leif O. Hegh (2,639 shares which has been transferred at the issuance price to LHC and will be delivered to LHC upon issuance of the shares. Please also see below). Andrew Jamieson (9,733 shares and 4,091 common units in HMLP). Ditlev Wedell-Wedellsborg (9,733 shares. In addition, Ditlev Wedell-Wedellsborg owns 15,242 shares in the Company through Niki Invest Aps. and 16,210 common units in Hoegh LNG Partners LP through DWW Landbrug Aps.) Chris Finlayson (5,377 shares). Jrgen Kildahl (4,924 shares). Disclosing regarding Morten W. Hegh and Leif O. Hegh Leif Hoegh & Co. Ltd., which is indirectly controlled by Leif O. Hegh and family trusts under which Morten W. Hegh and his immediate family are primary beneficiaries, will, following the above transactions, hold a total of 33,026,031 shares, representing 42.75% of the shares in the Company and 336,591 common units in HMLP. In addition, the below Brompton Cross entities, which are co-investment vehicles for management of Hoegh Capital Partners, indirectly controlled by Leif O. Hegh and by family trusts under which Morten W. Hegh and his immediate family are primary beneficiaries, hold the following ownership interest in the Company: Brompton Cross VIII Limited holds 28,500 shares, representing 0.04% of the shares in issue. Brompton Cross IX Limited holds 28,500 shares, representing 0.04% of the shares in issue. The percentage has been calculated based on a total of 77,260,580 shares in issue. * * * About Hoegh LNG: Hoegh LNG provides floating energy solutions and operates world-wide with a leading position as owner and operator of floating LNG import terminals; floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), and is one of the most experienced operators of LNG Carriers (LNGCs). Hoegh LNG's vision is to be the industry leader of floating LNG solutions and the strategy is to continue to focus its growth plans in the FSRU market, with the objective of securing long-term contracts with strong counterparties at attractive returns. Hoegh LNG is a Bermuda based company with established presence in Norway, Singapore, the UK, USA, South Korea, Indonesia, Lithuania, Egypt, Colombia, China and Turkey. The company employs approximately 125 office staff and 500 seafarers. Contacts: Sveinung J. S. Sthle, President and Chief Executive Officer, Telephone +47 975 57 402 Steffen Freid, Chief Financial Officer, Telephone +47 975 57 406 Erik Folkeson, Head of IR, Telephone +47 414 21 769 This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act or the Continuing Obligations of Oslo Brs. As protests continue to erupt in the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and across the world in outrage against the horrific shooting of Jacob Bla Read more 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! SEATTLE, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Syntonic, a mobile platform and services provider, today announced the commercial launch of its international Freeway Roaming Service for mobile carriers. Syntonics Freeway Roaming Service enables mobile carriers to capture new revenue streams from their international roaming subscribers by participating in the US$676 billion generated by online travel transactions. The Freeway Roaming Service is a white-labeled service that can be branded by mobile carriers and offers data-free access to travel services paid for by app affiliation fees and transaction commissions from consumer purchases. The service enables travel app providers to capture lost transactional opportunities from travelers who turn off their expensive cellular data connection when roaming internationally. Additionally, the Freeway Roaming Service provides a convenient way for travelers to purchase data roaming packages and micro-data plans to premium apps to further enhance carrier international roaming ARPU. With the Freeway Roaming Service, international travelers no longer need to turn-off mobile data, wait for uncertain Wi-Fi access, or inconveniently purchase a local SIM. This always-connected international subscriber translates into additional carrier ARPU through participation in the app economy. The first deployment of the Freeway Roaming Service is with Smart Communications, which will provide their 57.7 million subscribers, when travelling abroad, with sponsored access to mobile apps and content through the RoamFree by Smart international traveler application, available in the App Store and Google Play Store. The upcoming version of RoamFree, powered by the Freeway technology platform, provides Smarts international travelers with data-free access to essential and popular travel services such as Agoda, AirBnB, Grab, Uber, Klook, TripAdvisor, ATM Finder, Google Maps, and Groupon. This partnership and roaming service rollout with Smart represents an important milestone and the first announced deployment of our Freeway Roaming Service, said Syntonic founder and CEO Gary Greenbaum. Along with the revenue-advancing benefits, our technology platform enables mobile carriers to add more value for subscribers, reduce customer churn, and better monetize their roaming services. Alice Ramos, Vice President of International Roaming for Smart Communications, commented, We are proud to be working with Syntonic that shares our zeal in delivering enriching travel experiences for our subscribers. Smart customers already enjoy roaming plans that are simple, easy and affordable, with the power to track usage in real time, she added. Now, RoamFree democratizes roaming while allowing Smart to enhance in-trip experiences. With Syntonic, we are expanding our services from roaming access to travel content, further and faster than before. For more information, please contact info@syntonic.com. About Syntonic Syntonic Ltd (SYT.ASX) is a Seattle based software company which has developed two mobile technology services: Freeway by Syntonic, which allows consumers unlimited mobile access to content and applications, supported by paid subscription and sponsorship; and Syntonic DataFlex, which enables businesses to manage split billing expenses for employees when they use their personal mobile phones for work. Founded in 2013, Syntonic has developed worldwide strategic partnerships with leaders in the mobile ecosystem. For media enquiries, please contact: Paul Lonnegren Pulse8 PR plonnegren@pulse8pr.com (720) 470-7488 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a2baf39d-196c-41ad-ab3b-5d3e36876084 Why megaprojects to deliver houses in South Africa might not work In 2014, the South African government announced a new direction in housing policy. The aim was to phase out smaller low cost housing projects of a few hundred units and focus exclusively on megaprojects new settlements made of multitudes of housing units combined with a host of social amenities. Given the uneven access to housing that resulted from apartheid, housing delivery has been a major focus of since 1994. Governments 20 year review - 1994 to 2014 - reported that 3.7 million subsidised housing opportunities were created, undoubtedly a remarkable achievement. Nevertheless in 2014 the then Minister of Human Settlements, Lindiwe Sisulu, became extremely concerned that house production had been falling. And, a backlog of 2.3 million families remained. The Minister favoured megaprojects (also referred to as catalytic projects) as a way of getting delivery back on track. Large human settlement projects werent entirely new to South Africa. Several were already at an advanced stage of construction in 2014. What was new in this announcement was the idea that all housing would be delivered exclusively through the construction of megaprojects across the country. From 2014 to 2017, the Department of Human Settlements developed a list of 48 catalytic projects which was finalised last year. In a recently published academic paper we argue that the policy was underdeveloped. The megaprojects approach moved swiftly from announcement, to discussion documents and frameworks, to the creation of lists of large scale projects. Most of this process occurred behind closed doors, with little consultation. And there has been little space to examine the limitations of the megaprojects approach as well as the merits of alternatives, such as smaller urban infill projects. Nevertheless the paper attempts to account for the uptake of the megaprojects idea within the human settlements sector, and understand the motivations and agendas of those who promoted it. Rationales for megaprojects In a broad sense megaprojects are glamorous because they are much more visible and impressive than diffuse small-scale projects. As a result, politicians can brand their delivery more effectively. Megaprojects convey a sense of decisive action in which the state can flex its muscle in big hit interventions. More specifically, champions of the megaprojects approach believed that large scale projects could deliver more houses quicker. When announcing the policy in 2014, the then minister of human settlements, Lindiwe Sisulu, stated that megaprojects would help deliver 1.5 million units by 2019. Some advocates of the megaprojects approach, notably the Gauteng provincial government, were particularly attracted to the idea of creating whole new post-apartheid cities which could meet the live, work and play needs internally. Starting afresh with new settlements would be a way of designing urban spaces to avoid the inequalities and inefficiencies that beset existing cities. They would also bring major projects to poor areas that had little else to drive any significant economic growth. Megaprojects were also intended to solve a variety of governance problems. In particular, it was extremely difficult to manage the 11 000 human settlement projects that were at various stages across the country. Consolidating these into just a few dozen projects was a way of focusing governments attention and reducing administrative burdens and costs. The megaprojects approach also seemed to be a way of managing the division of work and some of the tensions between different spheres of government and various departments. With some local authorities having taken on more responsibility for housing projects, national and provincial government considered megaprojects to be a way of bringing housing under more centralised management. Concerns Some critics are less concerned about the scale of the projects than the fact that they could be poorly located. Thats largely because better located land is more expensive. In addition, there isnt a great deal of well-located land that is large enough to accommodate new settlements of this scale. The history of attempting to construct new towns shows how difficult it is to create new urban centres with enough jobs for the people who live there. There is a fear that megaprojects will be no different and once the construction jobs run out, residents would have to bear the cost of travelling long distances to jobs outside the settlement. Megaprojects on the urban periphery are also counter to the plans expressed in a wide variety of policy documents to curb urban sprawl and densify existing cities. Peripheral locations also have other challenges. If new projects are located far from sewage, water, electricity and roads then these would have to be laid out great financial and environmental costs. Other concerns have focused more directly on the huge scale of new projects. Big projects take many years to get off the ground, and so delivery can sometimes be suspended for a long time. Towards a balanced policy In a recent parliamentary address, the new Minister of Human Settlements Noma-Indiya Mfeketo stated that catalytic projects worth more than half a Trillion Rand had been initiated. Yet she also announced that the budget had suffered a massive cut as a result of the fiscal challenges facing the state. We believe that the moment should allow for some reflection on the now four year old megaprojects direction. This reflection should consider whether all housing should be delivered in megaprojects as originally intended by this policy, or whether a range of project sizes should be encouraged to facilitate, in particular, urban infill projects within existing urban areas. Planned megaprojects should be evaluated with respect to their location, total cost to the state and long term sustainability. While some are reasonably accessible, others are peripheral, with marginal economic opportunities at best. South Africa cannot afford to construct housing in spaces that have few economic prospects and limited benefits for urban residents and the country. Richard Ballard, Specialist Researcher: Gauteng City-Region Observatory, Wits University, University of the Witwatersrand and Margot Rubin, Senior Researcher: NRF South African Research Chair in Spatial Analysis and City Planning, University of the Witwatersrand. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. @ColbertLateShow/Twitter (NEW YORK) -- Former President Bill Clinton said his recent interview with NBC's Today Show addressing the Monica Lewinsky scandal wasn't his "finest hour" in a conversation with Stephen Colbert on Tuesday. Clinton was asked in the interview Monday if he would deliver a direct apology to Lewinsky, which he declined, saying he had publicly apologized in 1998. Clinton had an affair with then-White House intern Lewinsky while he was in office. "It wasn't my finest hour, but the important thing is, that was a very painful thing that happened 20 years ago, Clinton said on The Late Show Tuesday. I apologized to my family, to Monica Lewinsky and her family, to the American people. I meant it then. I meant it now. I've had to live with the consequences every day since and I still believe this #MeToo movement is long overdue, necessary, and should be supported, he added. Clinton faced harsh backlash from both sides of the political aisle on Monday when he appeared to defend his handling of the 1995 affair by comparing it to Donald Trump's history. "A lot of the facts have been conveniently omitted to make the story work, I think partly because they're frustrated that they got all these serious allegations against the current occupant of the Oval Office and his voters don't seem to care," Clinton said, referring to misconduct allegations against Trump, who has denied those claims. "I think I did the right thing. I defended the Constitution." He clarified those comments later, saying he had become hot under the collar during the interview because of how the questions were asked. The former president also spoke about the on-again, off-again meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. [Trump] can expect to meet a guy who is reluctant to give up his nuclear weapons, because they think when they give them up they're more likely to be overthrown. He wants to stay in power, Clinton said referring to Kim. We should all want President Trump to succeed here. ... You should want something that makes us safer, our neighbors, South Korea, safer, and them a little better off. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Sometimes the surest way to bring about change is to resist it. Such might be the case in Italy, whose elections recently brought to power two nationalist and euroskeptic parties known as the Five Star Movement and the League. Together, they won enough seats to form a coalition government, which they endeavored to do last week, and though both parties have moderated their anti-EU campaign rhetoric , they selected for finance minister a controversial figure who wants out of the eurozone. Then, in a move no one anticipated, the Italian president, normally a figurehead, vetoed the nominees appointment. The coalition collapsed. To add insult to injury, the president picked a former International Monetary Fund official to be the interim prime minister. He will lead a technocratic government that cannot undertake initiatives but can work within a designated framework that is, until new elections are held. In other words, the president circumvented the will of the people. He appointed an official of an organization loathed by the constituents of the winners of free and fair elections and gave him the power to continue the policies they essentially voted to undo. Notably, he also exposed how weak the coalition really was. Few of its members have experience in Italian high politics. Its supporters may wear this as a badge of honor, and its opponents may consider it a flaw, but neutral observers simply see it for what it is: The inevitable result of the transformation of Italian politics. The presidents tactics may well backfire. He is betting that by forcing a new election, a new outcome will emerge. That is possible. After all, in Italy, support for EU directives is relatively low, but a majority of Italians still support remaining within the eurozone. They just want to make the decision on their own. ( click to enlarge ) But its as likely as not that the anti-establishment forces that brought the League and Five Star to power will swell, especially if Italians believe their democracy is at risk. Over the next few months, Italian politics will be operatic, and it will resonate throughout Europe, especially in places such as Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic, which have all bucked Brussels authority. The EU will no doubt accept the Italian presidents decision to replace an elected coalition with a caretaker government that is at least less hostile to the EU. The argument will be that the Italian president operated within the rules of the Italian Constitution. This is true. But the fact is that he reversed the results of the election, and it will be seen as such. It will be seen as a trick used by the losers against the winners, an obstacle that prevents a popularly elected government from taking power. Not being an expert in Italian constitutional law, I hesitate to speculate that this was not the intent of the constitutional principles used. Still, the unwillingness of the EU to sanction Italy will be seen as support for moves to block, anti-democratically if constitutionally, the outcome of a fundamentally anti-EU election. The problem this poses to Italy is obvious. Crisis is a given. Italy is a major country and a founding member of the EU. Its citizens elected parties that formed an anti-European government. The president scuttled it. The problem this poses to the EU is no less pronounced. The Europeans will back the president on narrow constitutional grounds. They will be attacked on broader democratic grounds. But more revealing of the EUs fundamental weakness are the limited choices it has in responding. If it simply accepts the nullification of a free election, it will look desperate, anti-democratic and selectively moralistic. If it takes action against Italy something it is unlikely to do it will undermine the supporters the EU has left in Italy and elsewhere. Things are constantly getting rougher in Europe. The mayor of Clayville says several people have come to the rescue of the Nancy Sheppard Memorial Park after it was vandalized in recent months. Mayor Terry Dote says several people and organizations are donating thousands of dollars and offering their time to work on the park and do the necessary repairs. Donors include former Clayville resident Brian Revere, who now lives in Texas, as well as Sauquoit Valley Friends and Neighbors, and The Sauquoit Valley Foundation. On May 16, Dote announced that an estimated $7,500 worth of damage had been done to the park, including vandalism to playground equipment, picnic tables and trash cans. In terms of insurance, it would likely be considered a total loss, Dote said. It's unknown when exactly the vandalism occurred, but it's believed to have been done in April or May. RELATED: Clayville mayor seeks help finding vandals who damaged village park Dote also said at that time that the park was closed and would likely remain closed throughout the whole summer. Now, the mayor says hes touched by the outpouring of support that came out of a negative situation. A local family who grew up and still lives in this area, one of the brothers lives in Texas, and he's offered, on behalf of his family, $7500 as a personal donation to help make upgrades in the park, Dote said. And two young 10-year-old girls held a lemonade stand on Saturday. Each year they hold a lemonade stand to donate money to different causes, and this year, the village of Clayville park was the lucky recipient. The mayor says the repairs will be done at the park and theyre aiming for a July 4 re-opening. Authorities have not yet found those responsible for the vandalism. If you have any information, youre asked to call the Oneida County Sheriffs Office at 315-768-7804, or call Mayor Terry Dote at 315-839-6222. A local chiropractor is facing a list of felony charges after he allegedly faked exam reports to help employees at the Central New York Psychiatric Center with their fraudulent Workers Compensation claims. Eric Szatko, 47, of Sauquoit, was arrested Wednesday, according to New York State Workers Compensation Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott. Szatko, who formerly had a chiropractic office in Utica, is charged with the felonies of fourth-degree grand larceny, four counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, and three counts of the Workers Compensation crime of fraudulent practices. According to Leahy Scott, in early 2016 Szatko submitted fraudulent medical progress reports to the State Insurance Fund that said he examined and treated three employees at the CNY Psychiatric Center on several separate occasions, when those examinations and treatments never occurred. One of those former psych center employees, Ryan Haley, was convicted last March of faking a deliberate injury to get paid time off, according to Leahy Scott. In 2016, Szatko submitted a medical excuse for Haley to be out of work with pay for two days in February, and between March 21 and April 15, when Szatko never actually performed any examinations. While Haley was alleging that he was too injured to work, he was actually kayaking in Puerto Rico and vacationing with his girlfriend in California, according to Leahy Scott. For another psych center employee, Szatko is accused of providing a medical excuse for them to be out of work with pay for two weeks in Feb. 2016, when the employee was not injured and had not been examined by Szatko, according to Leahy Scott. The third employee reportedly received nearly three weeks of paid time off that same month under similar allegations. Szatko was arraigned in Utica City Court on Wednesday and released on his own recognizance. Hes scheduled to appear again in court on June 14. Leahy Scott says this arrest is part of her long-standing and ongoing investigation into Workers Compensation fraud in central New York. These charges allege a sham medical mill run by a practitioner whose brazen malpractice on New Yorks taxpayers enabled state employees to feign injuries and enjoy paid time off to which they were not entitled, said Inspector General Leahy Scott. The integrity of the Workers Compensation system is paramount to protect honest, hard-working New Yorkers, and this arrest emphasizes my commitment and that of my law enforcement partners to pursue any and all fraud to the fullest extent of the law. Congressional lawmakers are announcing that more than $7.5 million in federal funding has been secured for upgrades at Griffiss International Airport. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, Sen. Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand announced Tuesday that $7,575,000 is being allocated through the Federal Aviation Administrations Airport Improvement Program. The funds will be used to make key infrastructure improvements, including the construction of a runway and runway lighting. Receiving this federal grant will enable Griffiss International Airport to make improvements to its runway, including its surface and lighting, which will continue to make it an elite facility, said Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente in a news release. I would also like to commend our Aviation Commissioner Chad Lawrence for aggressively pursuing every grant opportunity that will benefit our airport. As an important regional asset, Griffiss International Airport has been a key contributor in helping to grow our local economy in the Utica-Rome area, Tenney said in a news release. The $7.5 million in federal grants I assisted in securing will allow Griffiss to continue to expand and upgrade outdated infrastructure to better serve the aviation needs of Mohawk Valley. I will continue my strong advocacy and continue to deliver the resources our region needs to repair and upgrade our outdated infrastructure." ROME Business owners in the city of Rome were honored Wednesday morning by the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce. The chamber held its 106th Anniversary Business Meeting at The Beeches, where Gary Philipson introduced the new owner who will carry on his familys legacy at outdoor retailer Herb Philipsons. Back in March, just two months after former company president Gary Philipson announced that the retailer was up for sale, longtime employee Guy Viti stepped up to purchase the company. Viti has been employed with Herb Philipsons for 37 years, most recently serving as president of Merchandising and Operations for the company. He now serves as president of the company. RELATED: Longtime employee purchases 'Herb' Philipson's, says 'best is yet to come' Customer service, a few tweaks to inventory, partnerships, and new ways to compete with online retailers are among the visions the new owner has for the future of Herb Philipsons. Were going to have to change our ideas and maybe find ways to get merchandise quicker to the consumer, Viti said. And were looking to extend and grow stores as we go. Were looking for better customer walk-in service from our people, just general retail business, and thats what were going to continue to do. At the chamber's meeting on Wednesday, companies honored for their outstanding achievements include the Rome Industrial Development Corporation, the Toccolana Club, Felice Moving & Storage, Honor America Day and Griffiss International Airport. WEBB, N.Y.-- The superintendent of the Town of Webb UFSD is proposing a change to the school building that would accommodate community programs. The proposal would relocate grades three, four and five to an upper floor in the K-12 building. The older elementary wing would then be fitted with thicker doors and alarms, and could become a space for college classes and senior citizen activities. According to superintendent Rex Germer, the Senior Health, Activities and Recreation Program (SHARP) has already expressed interest in holding their weekly meetings in the new space, and possibly increasing the number of meetings if the Board of Education approves the project. "This is all very preliminary at this point," Germer said. "If we do this, there will be a lot of things that have to be worked out." While Germer said the community wing would be secure, it wouldn't be entirely sealed off from the rest of the school. "Secure that hallway, lock it down in a sense, but still allow access when the teachers want access," Germer said. "Last week's [Adirondack] Express had an article about this potential community move, and on the next page, was pictures of our students interacting with SHARP at Niccolls Memorial. We're already doing those interactions, we're just having to go off-site to do that." The president of Webb's Health Center Fund, which sponsors SHARP, spoke at Tuesday night's Board of Education meeting about the benefits of seniors and children interacting during activities. "What we've heard time and time again when we talk about these kinds of facilities are the benefits of being multi-generational, of exposing young people to older people and older people to younger people," Don Kelly, president of the Health Center Fund said. "One of the most popular events at SHARP are those events where children come over to visit them." However, parents at the meeting countered with concerns about the childrens' safety. "I would anticipate struggling with having my small child around strangers, potentially mixing with strangers that I don't know," Meg Ulrich, a parent said. "I don't think we have enough information to make intelligent decisions. I don't think we have enough information being given to us," Stephanie Graham, another parent said. "Could we please see some of the case studies as to the benefits and or, I don't want to use the word negatives, to these types of programs within a school?" According to the BOE minutes from the April 18 meeting, the Adirondack Foundation has offered a $5,000 grant to the school if the project is approved. The president of the board said their goal is still to gather as much community input as possible before making a decision. "An idea that is subject to change, and I would hope that this group would give us the necessary feedback to make it better," Joseph Phaneuf, the board president said. VERONA New York State Police are looking for a man who is accused of vandalizing the New London Food Mart in Verona after being denied free cigarettes. Police say at 10:28 a.m. Tuesday, they were called to New London Food Mart, located at 4615 Rome New London Road in Verona, for a vandalism complaint. Police say the store owner reported that a man had purchased $7 worth of gas, which he paid for with cash. After pumping his gas he came back in the store and asked to borrow a pack of cigarettes. The store owner told police that the man said he was a regular and that he would pay her back another day, but she told him he couldnt borrow the cigarettes and would have to pay for them. Police say the man then got mad and swung the door open hard, causing it to shatter. The man is described by witnesses as being a white man in his late 20s or early 30s, about 6 feet tall, with dirty blonde hair. He was wearing a grey T-shirt and was seen leaving in a white Lincoln headed northbound on Rome New London Road. State police are asking anybody with information about the incident to call them at 315-366-6000. 10:35 P.M. UPDATE Route 233 is back open in both directions following an accident Tuesday involving a dump truck and a car. The New York State Department of Transportation said they reopened the roadway around 10:30 P.M. The Kirkland Town Police Department said Janelle Perry, 36, was pulling out of a driveway on Route 233 when the crash happened. They said she failed to yield the right-of-way to a dump truck driven by Timothy Hutchings, 55. Hutchings truck struck Perrys car on the driver side causing extensive damage to her vehicle. The dump truck then lost control and traveled off the shoulder of the roadway, destroying a guiderail and utility pole. Crews spent much of the day and evening Tuesday replacing and repairing the guiderail and utility pole. Kirkland Police said Perry was taken to a local hospital for what they considered to be non-life-threatening injuries. Perry was issued a ticket for failing to yield the right-of-way. (NBC News) Scot Peterson, the campus officer who stayed outside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School as 17 people were gunned down inside, is speaking publicly for the first time since the massacre. "I'm never going to get over this, you know. Those were my kids," Peterson in an exclusive "Today" interview. As the shots rang out inside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, surveillance video shows Peterson calmly stationed outside. Peterson said he thought the shots were coming from a sniper outside the building. "I never believed there was an active shooter inside," he said. Parents of the victims are speaking out as well, calling Peterson's answers "excuses." "I want to make sure when this guy refers to the kids as 'his kids' that is not true. Those are our kids and they are always going to be our kids," said Manuel Oliver, father of victim Joaquin Oliver. Peterson resigned and retired after public criticism a week after the deadly massacre and is now being sued by a parent of a student killed during the Parkland shooting. Read more: https://nbcnews.to/2sHyhIJ A Utica man is facing multiple felony charges following a child porn investigation, according to the Oneida County Sheriffs Offices Chief Deputy Joseph Lisi, director of the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center. Brian Kowalski, 34, is charged with felony possessing a sexual performance by a child and felony promoting a sexual performance by a child. Kowalski was arrested following a search warrant execution at 1215 Stark Street in Utica on Tuesday. Lisi says that during the search, several computer electronic devices were seized for further forensic examinations. Kowalski was arraigned in Utica City Court and sent to the Oneida County Jail on $10,000 bail. The New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the Utica Police Department Crime Scene Unit also assisted the Child Advocacy Center with the investigation. An immigrant delivery worker from Ecuador faces deportation after bringing pizza to the Fort Hamilton military base in Bay Ridge on Friday. After being let onto the base around noon using his NYC municipal ID, a soldier reportedly asked Pablo Villavicencio-Calderon, 35, for proof of citizenship, and detained him when he didn't provide it. El Diario reports (translation here) that the soldier then called ICE, which transported Villavicencio-Calderon to an immigration center in Manhattan. He was transferred to a base in New Jersey over the weekend, where he is in ICE custody pending removal. [UPDATE June 7th: Seven people were arrested at a march in Bay Ridge Wednesday night to protest Villavicencio-Calderon's pending deportation.] Villavicencio-Calderon had delivered pizza to this base previously, said Bay Ridge Councilman Justin Brannan at a press conference outside the base this morning. According to Sandra Chica, Villavicencio-Calderons wife, he applied for a Green Card in February, and it is currently pending. Chica and their two children are U.S. citizens, and Villavicencio-Calderon has been in the country for 10 years. "A lawyer told me that there is nothing he can do, that he is going to be deported," Chica said at the press conference. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams says the arrest of Pablo with a municipal ID is sending shockwaves throughout the immigrant community because immigrants were told they would not be harassed in New York, a sanctuary city, he says. Delivery to detention is unimaginable. pic.twitter.com/cttPLZscBn Cora Lewis (@cora) June 6, 2018 Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams was also on hand to call for Villavicencio-Calderon's release. "It was all right for them to take his pizza, but it was also alright for them to put him in prison," said Adams. "Not in America. Not in New York, and not in Brooklyn." Villavicencio-Calderon was the primary earner in the house and took care of his kids when his wife went to work, writes CUNY professor and advocate Angus Johnson. El Diaro reports that Chica doesn't have any family members to help take care of her family. "How is it possible that they want to separate the father of two babies... just because he didn't have a document?" Chica asked at today's rally. "The girls will not stop asking for their dad. We talked with him over the weekend. He was crying, and the girls noticed it, and we didnt know what to tell them. They are the most affected. They are suffering so much." Press conference at Fort Hamilton demanding the release of Pablo Villavicencio-Calderon https://t.co/Bg1nGzZ2Qq AJ Ross (@AJRossABC7) June 6, 2018 "It's unfortunate that the army base here in Bay Ridge, which is in a community that's vibrant with immigrants... is not reflecting its community values," said Murad Awawdeh, Vice President of Advocacy at the New York Immigration Coalition, at the press conference. "It's sad that the army has now deputized MPs to become part of the deportation machine." Alex Pellitteri, with Bay Ridge for Social Justice, announced there will be a march for Pablo Villavicencio-Calderon tonight at 6 p.m., starting at the base and proceeding along Fifth Avenue in Bay Ridge. And yes, the soldiers kept the pizza. Angus Johnston (@studentactivism) June 6, 2018 In a statement provided to BuzzFeed News, a Fort Hamilton spokesperson said Villavicencio-Calderon tried to "make a delivery without valid Department of Defense identification." When instructed to get a daily pass, the spokesperson said Villavicencio-Calderon signed "a waiver permitting a background check, Department of the Army Access Control standard for all visitors, an active Immigration and Customs Enforcement warrant was discovered on file" and he was detained. "Commanders are authorized to take reasonably necessary and lawful measures to maintain law and order and protect installation personnel and property." With Madeleine Crenshaw. TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - Purdue University maintains its innocence after settling in a lawsuit brought forth by two former police officers. Tenecia Waddell described the Purdue University Police Department as a hostile environment for black officers. In the suit, she claimed Purdue officers tried to intimidate her by burning her uniform and using her bulletproof vest for target practice after she was terminated. The complaint said supervisors were unfair by depriving her of training and opportunities, such as using certain guns she was qualified to carry. Waddell's boyfriend and now husband, former Purdue Sgt. Ryan Pyle, who is white, filed a similar lawsuit. Pyle claimed Purdue retaliated against him after he discovered someone had tampered with an African American officer's weapon. He said instead of investigating the tampering, Purdue looked into Pyle's off-duty romantic relationship with officer Waddell, resulting in their termination. In a statement, the university said, "Purdue denies any wrongdoing or liability, and ultimately resolved these two cases on favorable terms in court-required mediation after moving for summary judgment demonstrating no basis for the claims." Neither Waddell or Pyle would comment on the settlement. INDIANAPOLIS (AP/WTTV) A prosecutor said Tuesday that a 13-year-old student accused of shooting two people at a middle school in Noblesville last month will not be tried as an adult. Hamilton County Prosecutor Lee Buckingham says the teen will not be tried as an adult because of his age. According to Indiana law, someone as young as 12 can be waived to adult court for murder. For someone to be tried as an adult for attempted murder, they must be at least 14. In the case of the shooting at Noblesville West Middle School, the suspect is only 13. According to our CBS affiliate in Indianapolis, a petition was filed Tuesday that alleges the 13-year-old suspect in the Noblesville school shooting is a "delinquent child." Both the student and teacher he is accused of shooting survived. The suspect's name is not being released because he is not being tried as an adult. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. A trial date is expected to be set at that time. The family of 13-year-old Ella Whistler released a statement Monday saying she also suffered collapsed lungs and several broken bones, including in her jaw and back, during the May 25 attack at Noblesville West Middle School. TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) The Tippecanoe County Prosecutor's office is looking into a reported sex offense on a Shuttle service from Chicago. Purdue Police originally took the call, they said a shuttle driver reported the incident Saturday afternoon. According to police, the shuttle was coming to campus from O'Hare Airport. A female passenger told the shuttle driver that a male passenger inappropriately touched her. Purdue Police Chief John Cox said after investigating, they were able to identify a suspect. "We don't get many cases like this, every now and then we get an altercation on a local city bus or something like that but not typically this type of altercation," said Cox. The Tippecanoe County Prosecutor's office is handling the investigation because the alleged incident happened outside of the Purdue Police Department's jurisdiction. With less than 300 days until the dreaded L train shutdown, dozens of economic justice and environmental advocates rallied in Bushwick on Wednesday to call for a more equitable mitigation plan, with a greater focus on the needs of the low-income communities who will be most affected by the year-long service stoppage. Outside the Myrtle-Wyckoff station, a coalition of community organizationsincluding local groups like El Puente and Make the Roadalternated chants in English and Spanish from behind a makeshift countdown clock (299 days!), while competing with overhead noise from intermittent M trains. Their shutdown concerns largely mirrored those put forth in recent months by transit advocates and experts: Specifically, the lack of around-the-clock bus priority for 14th Street, the Williamsburg Bridge, and the Grand Street corridor, and the resulting potential for cascading, catastrophic gridlock. Environmental and transit advocates rallying at Myrtle-Wyckoff today to call for a more expansive L train mitigation plan, competing with above and below ground subway noise pic.twitter.com/nUbBQ3F8oV Jake Offenhartz (@jangelooff) June 6, 2018 "Low-income neighborhoods and communities of color face the pain of losing a vitally important transit connection, and the added injury of more traffic and increased air pollution," said Eddie Bautista, executive director of the NYC Environmental Justice Alliance. In addition to calling for dedicated busways, the group is urging the city to consider adding more electric buses to the plan, "to protect our communities' public health and quality of life." Beginning next April, 225,000 daily L train riders will lose their primary means of transportation, as L service between Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn and 8th Avenue in Manhattan is cut off for repair work necessitated by Hurricane Sandy. In place of that service, the MTA and DOT will be adding three new bus routes from Grand Street and Bedford Avenue to Lower Manhattan via the Williamsburg Bridge, several miles of new bike lanes, and increased service on the J/M/Z and G lines. There will not be a dedicated bus lane on the Williamsburg Bridge, as advocates have called for, but there will be HOV-3 lanes during still unspecified "rush hours." At a town hall last month, NYC Transit President Andy Byford admitted that only 15 of the 200 new MTA buses being added to the shutdown will be electric, and that the rest will be "clean diesel." A pilot program to purchase additional electric buses will be completed in 2021, meaning it's likely too late for changes to be made by next April's shutdown. While many have criticized the MTA's sluggishness in moving toward an electric fleet, others have pointed out that the "clean diesel" buses currently in use have seen a drastic reduction in emissions in recent years. Members of Make The Road and NY Renews call for legislation to curb greenhouse gas pollution (Gothamist) Council Member Rafael Espinal, who represents Bushwick, also called on the Department of Transportation to commit to expanding Citi Bike into Bushwick immediately, and took aim at what he sees as an unambitious contingency plan. "You're expecting thousands of people to transfer to the M and J, when the J train isn't working properly?" he asked. "People in the community are worried that no one is stepping up." Beyond the specific consequences visited on communities by the L shutdown, many in attendance Wednesday focused on the broader topic of climate change, and the failure of state leaders to champion sustainable environmental policies. "Right now, our state only gets four percent of its electricity from wind and solar, yet Cuomo claims to be a climate leader," Patrick Houston, an organizer with NY Communities For Change, told Gothamist. "How does that work?" The New York State Climate and Community Protection Act, which has been passed by the State Assembly for three years straight, would go a long way toward improving those outcomes, Houston noted. But the bill has languished in the State Senate, and the governor has not yet committed to supporting it. "We're here in part because of our collective addiction to fossil fuel, which is what causes megastorms like Hurricane Sandy, which then of course causes damage to the L train," echoed Alex Matthiessen, Campaign Director for Move NY. "[Politicians] are going to do what they need to do to get reelected. It's up to us, the people, to demand solutions." 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 EDF agrees to nuclear energy cooperation with Brazil 06 June 2018 Share French utility EDF has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Brazilian companies Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras (Eletrobras) and Eletrobras Termonuclear SA (Eletronuclear) to promote cooperation in nuclear energy. This could include participation in the completion of Angra 3 and possible follow-up projects. Angra 3 under construction, with 1 and 2 operating in the background (Image: Eletronuclear) Eletronuclear - a subsidiary of Eletrobras - announced the signing of the agreement yesterday. "According to the text, the three companies will study opportunities for EDF to collaborate with the resumption and conclusion of Angra 3 and the development of new nuclear power plants in Brazil," it said in a statement. "In addition, the French company will contribute with its expertise to the operation of the Angra 1 and 2 nuclear power plants in the prevention of the aging of materials, in the identification of the risk of equipment obsolescence, maintenance and training." The MoU is valid for three years and may be extended for up to a further five years. The cooperation activities to be carried out under the MoU will be made through specific contracts, which will be defined at a later date, Eletronuclear noted. In November 2017, Eletronuclear and Eletrobras signed a similar MoU with Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom to promote cooperation in nuclear power, including the possible construction of a new nuclear power plant in Brazil. Russia and Brazil signed an inter-governmental agreement on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy in September 1994. Two months earlier, Eletrobras and Eletronuclear signed an MoU to further promote cooperation in nuclear energy with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). That agreement also covered the completion of Angra unit 3 and possible follow-up projects. In 2015, Eletronuclear signed an MoU with CNNC and Eletrobras aimed at nuclear cooperation. In December 2016, Eletronuclear signed a bilateral MoU with CNNC to guide cooperation in the resumption of construction of Angra 3. Brazil has two nuclear reactors, Angra 1 and 2, which generate about 3% of its electricity, and a third under construction. Its first commercial nuclear power reactor began operating in 1982. Four more large reactors are proposed to come on line in the 2020s. Construction of Angra 3 originally started in 1984 on a PWR designed by German company KWU, but this faltered two years later. At that stage some 70% of the plant's equipment was said to have already been purchased and delivered to the site. A return to construction was approved in 2007, and an industrial agreement for the unit's completion was signed with Areva in December 2008. Two Brazilian consortia were awarded contracts, one for electro-mechanical assembly associated with the reactor's primary system, the other for secondary-side work. However, following a corruption probe in mid-2015, Eletrobras suspended both contracts. In March 2017, the government announced it planned to sell Angra 3 by 2018. The National Energy Policy Council in June last year reviewed ways to restart construction, but the government expects that it will take about five years and USD2.9 billion to complete the unit. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics ERA publishes closure plan for Ranger 06 June 2018 Share Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) has released its closure plan for the Ranger uranium mine in Australia's Northern Territory. Under the existing authority from traditional land owners, mining and processing activities at Ranger must cease in January 2021, with final rehabilitation to be completed by January 2026. The Ranger mining site, pictured in 2015 (Image: ERA) The Ranger Mine Closure Plan has been produced as part of ERA's obligations under the Mining Management Act. It describes ERA's mine closure strategy, including progress on closure criteria, as at the end of 2017. ERA said the strategy has been developed "following extensive scientific research, engineering design and stakeholder consultation over the past 30 years". "It represents the Ranger closure strategy to a prefeasibility study level and has undergone a rigorous assessment by the Rio Tinto Technical Evaluation Group," it said. The plan covers the Ranger Project Area, which specifically refers to the following areas and assets: the Ranger mine infrastructure, mine pit voids, the exploration decline and all associated utilities within the operational area of the Ranger site; land application areas, wetland filters and other infrastructure associated with the Ranger mine; and, Jabiru Airport and associated infrastructure and utilities situated within the project area. It does not include the town of Jabiru. ERA said the objective is to close and rehabilitate the entire Ranger Project Area "to form one final landform across the site which will blend with the surrounding landscape". The total area of disturbance in the project area to be rehabilitated is about 950 hectares. The plan includes a schedule of all closure tasks. The plan has been developed in accordance with the internal requirements for mine closure at Rio Tinto, which holds a 68.4% stake in ERA. The plan has also been compiled with reference to the Western Australian Mine Closure Plan Guidelines while the relevant Northern Territory guidelines are under development. It incorporates "numerous rounds of feedback following a rigorous 18-month stakeholder consultation process including discussions with the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation and the Northern Land Council, as representatives of the Mirarr Traditional Owners, and Northern Territory and federal government agencies". ERA said it will now submit the Mine Closure Plan to the supervising authority - the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Resources - as part of its obligations under the Ranger Authorisation and Mining Management Act. The closure plan will be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect any changes that have occurred, ERA noted. Open cut mining started at Ranger in 1980 and continued until 2012, with a total of three pits developed over that time. More than 125,000 tonnes of uranium oxide has been extracted from the mine, which is surrounded by the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. In October 2015, traditional owners of the land covered by the Ranger uranium project informed ERA that they do not support any extension of the authority to mine in the project area. Under the existing authority, mining and processing activities must cease in January 2021. However, ERA is to continue to supply uranium oxide from existing stockpiles at Ranger until late 2020. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics Many people are expressing their shock and outrage over the arrest of a man who worked at the Michigan State University. 51-year-old scientist Joseph Hattey was arrested over allegations that he raped a dog. Hattey, a Michigan State University health physicist, was charged with two counts of bestiality for committing a crime against nature when he sexually abused the animal. Ingham County Animal Control took custody of the Basset Hound while they and the police department are investigating Hattey. Michigan State University said that Hattey was placed on leave after learning about the criminal investigation. They assured the public that Hattey, who is a health physicist with the Environmental Health and Safety Unit, does not work with students, patients, or animals. The dog that was abused did not belong to the university. Security camera video obtained and published by the Intercept shows that four Montgomery County police officers broke into whistleblower Chelsea Mannings apartment in Bethesda, Maryland last month with guns drawn. Prepared as if responding to a high-stakes hostage crisis or a barricaded armed individual, the four officers were performing a routine procedure known as a wellness check, carried out when police receive a tip indicating someone may be experiencing a mental health crisis and is at risk of harming themselves or others. On May 27, Manning posted a number of since-deleted tweets which indicated to friends and followers that she was at risk of harming herself. Receiving a number of calls apparently warranting the entry into her home, a Montgomery County officer is seen using a master key to open the door and allow entry to four officers, three with hand guns drawn and one with a Taser. Manning was fortunately absent from her home that day. The officers, armed and ready to aid and abet a suicide-by-cop, posed a serious threat of murdering in cold blood the former political prisoner and one-time Army intelligence analyst who heroically leaked information of US war crimes to the public via WikiLeaks. In a comment given to the Intercept, Manning said of the video, This is what a police state looks like. Guns drawn during a wellness check. In a stroke of luck, Manning avoided execution at the hands of the police. However, thousands more are not nearly so fortunate and are slaughtered in the streets, in their homes, in their neighborhoods, with the pursuit of justice endlessly stonewalled for those who survive and the families of victims. According to an American Civil Liberties Union report issued by the organizations Disability Counsel Susan Mizner, police officers acting in their official capacity have shot and killed 64 people with mental health disabilities so far in 2018. The Washington Post, which maintains a database of police killings having taken place from 2015 onwards, reports that of the 987 people shot and killed by police in 2017, approximately one quarter were suffering from a mental illness at the time. A similar proportion of the victims of police killings in 2016 and 2015 were suffering from a mental illness. Research from the National Institute of Mental Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that 44.7 million American adults suffer from mental illness. Of this segment the population, however, only 41 percent receive any sort of treatment, among African Americans and Hispanics, this figure is only about 13.5 percent. With a mental illness incidence occurring in one in five among the population but one in four among police killing victims, those suffering from mental illness are overrepresented in police shooting victim tallies. Of course, these figures do not include the many surviving shooting victims such as University of Chicago student Charles Thomas, attacked by one of the largest private security forces in the country, the University of Chicago Police Department. Though the UCPD is one of the most egregious violators of civil liberties for mentally ill people and notorious on the South Side of Chicago for its racist policing practices, the phenomenon of police violence plagues working class communities across United States regardless of race or ethnicity. The response of organizations like the Fraternal Order of Police and other police unions to the routine murder of individuals suffering from mental illness could only be described as stubborn, petulant, and reactionary. In a 2016 joint statement by the FOP and International Association of Chiefs of Police, the IACP, they reject[ed] any call to require law enforcement to. .. establish use-of-force guidelines that exceed the. .. standard set forth by the set forth by the U.S. Supreme Court nearly 30 years ago. The incredibly reactionary stance of the police unions to maintain practices that have resulted in the needless deaths of thousands over many years reveals not only their bloodlust but their role in ruthlessly enforcing the interests of the ruling class. In Mannings case, the reaction of the police was no less ruthless in defending the armed response. When reached out to for comment, Montgomery County police Captain Paul Stark first alleged that the Intercept had been provided a video that is inaccurate. Backtracking, Stark said that the officers, once inside the residence. .. realized that the residence did not match the photo that was posted on Twitter. He also said that the decision to enter with guns drawn depends on the officer and did not indicate the existence of any specific policies detailing welfare check procedures, though he did add that the police department does have a special crisis intervention unit. While Mannings potentially tragic experience is reflective of the dangers posed to millions of mentally ill Americans, her status as an enemy of the state suggests parallels to the 1969 murder of the Black Panther Party organizer Fred Hampton, assassinated in cold blood by a team of police officers assembled by the Cook County States Attorney. While not apparently as deliberate in planning, there is no doubt that Manning is under constant surveillance from the state and that the American ruling class seeks to rid themselves of her and many others like her, including former NSA contractor Edward Snowden, living in exile in Russia, and WikiLeaks founder and publisher Julian Assange, currently being held incommunicado in the Ecuadorian embassy in London for publishing information leaked by Manning and others. This eight-part series first appeared on the World Socialist Web Site during MayJune 2008, on the 40th anniversary of the general strike in France. We are presenting it here unchanged, but with a new Introduction in light of intervening events. Part 1, posted May 29, deals with the development of the student revolt and the general strike up to its high point at the end of May. Part 2, posted May 30, examines how the Communist Party (PCF) and the union it controls, the CGT, enabled President Charles de Gaulle to regain control. Part 3, posted May 31, and Part 4, posted June 1, examine the role played by the Pabloites. The final four parts examine the role of Pierre Lamberts Organisation Communiste Internationaliste (OCI), including Part 5, posted June 2; Part 6, posted June 4; Part 7, posted June 5; and Part 8, posted below. The political background of Pierre Lambert As a result of the failure of the Socialist Labour League of Britain (SLL) to analyse the political degeneration of the OCI, this history remained in the dark for many years. Little was known about the OCIs political development, its internal party debates and the background of its leaders. However, over the past 15 years a large number of personal memoirs, historical works of varying quality and serious academic studies have appeared in France dealing with the history of the Trotskyist movement. A major reason for the growing interest was the election of Lionel Jospin, a former OCI member, as prime minister in 1997, and the considerable electoral successes of self-proclaimed Trotskyists such as Arlette Laguiller and Olivier Besancenot. In September 2006, Jean Hentzgen submitted his Masters thesis, a detailed treatment of the early history of the OCI, to the history faculty of the University of Paris, under the direction of Michel Dreyfus, author of Histoire de la CGT and a historian of modern French labour movements. [36] Based on extensive archival materials, interviews with contemporary witnesses and already existing works, the author gave an account of the history of the PCI [forerunner of the OCI] majority from 1952 to 1955. In 1952, Michel Pablo expelled the majority of the French section, the PCI, from the Fourth International because it opposed his policy of entrism sui generis, i.e., entry into the Communist Party based on the dissolution of the PCI as an independent organization. In 1953, the PCI majority was among the founding organisations of the International Committee of the Fourth International. From 1965, it called itself the OCI. Hentzgens work makes clear that there were two different currents within the PCI majority from the outset. One, led by Pierre Lambert, was characterised by a syndicalist outlook. It concentrated its work on the trade unions and, later, on the social democratic milieu. The other, led by Marcel Bleibtreu, emphasized the dispute with the Communist Party. The conflict between these two currents grew in intensity and bitterness. In March 1953, Lambert replaced Bleibtreu as leader of the PCI. Two years later, Bleibtreu and his closest comrades were expelled from the party, despite the protest of the International Committee. Both factions exhibited substantial political weaknesses, and many of the complex questions connected to the struggle against Pabloite revisionism were never really clarified in the French section. Bleibtreu, using the party name Favre, was the first to oppose Pablos revisionist theses at a meeting of the International Executive Committee of the Fourth International in November 1950. Under the title Where is Pablo Going? he submitted them to intensive political and theoretical criticism. [37] This document was published in June 1951 and contributed in a major way to the political orientation of the French majority. Bleibtreu, the tendencys most important leader, was born in 1918 and joined the French Trotskyists in 1934, as they were working inside the social democratic SFIO. After the war, he edited the party organ La verite and became political secretary of the PCI. He was a physician by occupation, and died in 2001. Pierre Lambert (19202008) joined the group of Raymond Molinier and Pierre Frank in 1937, which, due to its opportunist line, differed sharply with both Trotsky and the official French section at that time. During the war, Lambert was active in the illegal trade unions, and after the reunification of the French Trotskyists in 1944 he led their trade union work. He supported the anti-Pabloite majority after some initial hesitation. One of the most important reasons for his eventual support of the anti-Pabloite majority appears to be that the policy of entrism sui generis threatened to destroy the trade union work of the PCI. Within the context of this work, many younger comrades in the factories had courageously opposed the Stalinists. Many characteristics of Lamberts later policies were nascent before the split with the Pabloites. We have already pointed out that in 1947 he pushed through a resolution in the PCI insisting on the complete independence of the trade unions from political parties. From 1950 to 1952, Lambert participated in the publication of a trade union newspaper entitled LUnite (Unity), whose editorial board comprised trade unionists from different political orientations. Besides the Trotskyists of the PCI there were anarchists and reformists, including open anti-communists. Some of themlike the anarchist Alexandre Hebert, from 1947 to 1992 the secretary of the trade union Force Ouvriere in the Loire Atlantique regionretained a life-long loyalty to Lambert. In July 1952, the PCI held its Eighth Congress where, for the first time, the majority and the Pabloite minority met separately. At the centre of the majority congress was the struggle against the Pabloites, on which Bleibtreu and Lambert agreed. They also agreed that the PCI should not allow itself to be forced out of the Fourth International, but instead remain inside and fight for a change of course and for its re-admission. Tensions, however, developed around the focus of political work. Although Bleibtreu rejected Pablos policy of dissolving the entire section into the Communist Party, he considered it necessary to develop a secret faction of selected cadres within the Communist Party. For his part, Lambert was of the opinion that the organization was too weak for such work, and sought to concentrate all of the partys forces on the trade union work. These tensions intensified over the ensuing months. At a central committee meeting at the end of December, Bleibtreu gave the political report; Lambert reported on the trade union work. Hentzgen summarizes the opposing viewpoints as follows: According to Bleibtreu, the PCI should link the intervention of the independent party with the work of a secret faction and support for the formation of the left oppositionists [within the Community Party]. The revolutionary party will be developed on the basis of this left opposition. According to Lambert, the first task of revolutionaries consists of reconstructing the extremely weakened union organizations: first the CGT, but also the FO. The active trade union work will permit the Trotskyists to penetrate the masses and anchor themselves there. By the effectiveness of their slogans and by the actions they propose, the Trotskyists will succeed in mobilising the workers into action, gradually taking on the role of leadership. [38] Both viewpoints were ominously close to those of the Pabloites, who said that the revolutionary party would not emerge out of the existing cadre of the Fourth International, but from a left faction within the Stalinist or reformist organizations influenced by the Trotskyists. Bleibtreus hopes for the development of a left opposition within the French Communist Party (PCF) found their clearest expression in an alliance with Andre Marty. This Stalinist veteran, who owed his fame to a mutiny on a French warship near Odessa in 1919, was secretary of the Communist International from 1935 to 1943, and organised the international brigades in the Spanish civil war. He fell into disgrace in 1952 and was expelled from the PCF. Although Martys brutal actions against Left Oppositionists in Spain had earned him the name of the butcher of Albacete and there was little indication that he had made a serious reckoning with his Stalinist past, Bleibtreu regarded him as the leader of a left opposition. Bleibtreu met personally with Marty, who proclaimed an interest in collaboration, but who was also in contact with the Pabloites. The PCI majority conducted a campaign to defend Marty, and created the Comites de redressement communiste (Committees of Communist Reorganization) for the purpose, which were to form a left opposition against the Stalinist leadership. In January 1953, La Verite appealed to Marty: Go forward, and you will become first the leader and then the organiser of the revolutionary proletarians of this country! [39] Bleibtreu curried favour with Marty over approximately three years, encountering considerable opposition inside the PCI. Bleibtreu earned the reputation of advocating Pabloism without Pablo, which considerably undermined his authority. By March 1953, he was in a minority in the central committee and Lambert took over the leadership of the PCI. While Bleibtreu maintained contact with Andre Marty, Lambert had great expectations for another leading member of the French Communist Party, Benoit Frachon, the leader of the trade union federation, CGT. In 1951 and again in 1953, Frachon called for the unity in action of all trade unions and thus gained Lamberts full support. Although there were tensions between Frachon and other PCF leaders, these never took on a fundamental character. Rather, the turn of the CGT to unity in action was linked with the fact that the PCF was considering the possibility of joining the government and was therefore seeking rapprochement with the reformist parties. In 1954, the PCF did support a coalition government of the Socialists, Radical Socialists and left Gaullists under Pierre Mendes-France. Lambert, however, claimed that the apparatus of the CGTcontrary to that of the PCFwas tied to the masses. The demand for unity was at the centre of the PCIs trade union work. From 1953, it had called for the organization of Assizes for union unity in action to bring together representatives of different union organisations at the local and national level. PCI members in the trade unions were instructed to link all of the problems of trade union life with the slogan of the National assizes for union unity in action. The PCI maintained a largely uncritical position regarding the union leaders. In March 1954, it organized a national conference that expressly centred on democratic unity, and not the programme of the party. The appearance at this conference of Georges Frischmann, secretary-general of the post office union and a high-ranking CGT functionary, was celebrated as a great success. Afterwards the Standing Committee for the Assizes sent a delegation that included three Trotskyists to the various trade union headquarters, including the CGT. Finally, Lambert met personally with CGT leader Frachon and, on his insistence, was accepted again as a member of the union from which he had previously been expelled. Frachon believed that the PCIs campaign for trade union unity posed no threat to the bureaucracy. On November 16, 1953, the American Socialist Workers Party published the Open Letter, which called for a break with the Pabloites and for the establishment of the International Committee. This was greeted with enthusiasm by the PCI. Their international isolation had now come to an end. La Verite appeared with the headline Trotskyism will triumph, an appeal by the American Trotskyists against the liquidators of the Fourth [International]. On November 23, the PCI organized the first meeting of the International Committee in Paris. Although no longer party secretary, Bleibtreu represented the PCI at the International Committee and Gerard Bloch took on the role of its secretary. Despite this change, the disputes within the PCI continued undiminished. Further differences were added to those that already existed. After Stalins death and the suppression of the June 1953 uprising in East Germany, different estimations of the Stalinist parties developed. Bleibtreus tendency argued for critical support of ostensibly left-wing currents inside the bureaucracy, while the party majority around Lambert and Bloch rejected this position and called for a workers rebellionas had taken place in East Berlin. There were also differences regarding the national liberation movements. Here Lambertin a manner similar to the Pabloitescalled for unconditional support without any criticism, while Bleibtreus tendency said that support should be combined with fraternal criticism. From May 1952, the PCI maintained close political and personal relations with Messali Hadj, the leader of the Algerian liberation movement MTLD (Mouvement pour le Triomphe des Libertes Democratiques) and MNA (Mouvement national Algerien). When Hadj was expelled from France Algeria by the police, PCI members took care of his children. The MTLD was supported by many Algerian workers in France, some of whom had worked closely with the PCI inside the CGT trade union. However, Hadj was and remained a bourgeois nationalist. With the beginning of the Algerian war of liberation in 1954, support for the MNA, which for a time Lambert likened to a revolutionary proletarian party, moved more to the centre of the PCIs work. The PCI took on logistical tasks and participated in illegal work. The Bleibtreu tendency criticized this position and accused the leadership of displaying an attitude of servile opportunism towards the MTLD and its deficiencies. [40] In Algeria, the MNA was displaced by the National Liberation Front (FLN), which emerged from a split inside the MTLDs armed underground organization and had few roots in the working class. It owed its strength to the support of the Egyptian government under Gamal Abdel Nasser, which supplied it with weapons, as well as its own ruthless actions against its political rivals. Hadj reacted to his increasing isolation by moving to the right politically. In the summer of 1958, his supporters held negotiations with the French government and the PCI broke off relations with him. The factional tensions inside the PCI became increasingly bitter in the course of 1954. The International Committee, and above all its British section, strove in vain to lessen the tensions and induce positive cooperation between the two wings. Finally, Bleibtreu and two of his supportersMichel Lequenne and Lucien Fontanelwere expelled over a disciplinary matter: they had answered a police summons against the wishes of the political bureau. Once at the police station, they had refused to give statements, as demanded by existing party policy. But the political bureau had demanded they ignore the summons, which would have led to their arrest. In a statement dated May 21, 1955, the International Committee expressed its anger at the expulsion of Bleibtreu, Lequenne and Fontanel, demanding that they be readmitted into membership and be represented in all leading party committees. This, however, was to no avail. The PCI central committee rejected the demands of the International Committee. Lamberts tendency now dominated the PCI, which played only a small role in the work of the International Committee. In 1963, when the American SWP reunited with the Pabloites in the United Secretariat, the French section remained aligned with the International Committee. However, all the important documents against the reunification were written by the British section. In France, the PCI dedicated itself to work inside the factories, where it maintained a cosy division of labour with the opportunist Voix Ouvriere for many years. This came to an end only in 1966, following the conflict at the Third World Congress of the International Committee. From 1959, the two organizations had jointly produced and distributed flyers outside the factories. VO leader Hardy, who as a medical supplies salesman owned a car, often took Lambert on their joint travels. After their expulsion, Bleibtreu and Lequenne also moved further to the right. They joined the New Left, where they developed their own tendency and participated in the founding of the Partie socialiste unifie (PSU), a left-wing umbrella movement from which numerous government leaders and ministers would later emerge. In 1968, under the leadership of Michel Rocard, the PSU controlled the UNEF student federation. For some time, Bleibtreu was a member of the PSU political committee and even served as general secretary, until his departure in 1964. Afterward, he was active in numerous initiativesfor peace in Vietnam, against child poverty, and in the 1990s, against the Iraq embargo. Lequenne went to Algeria in 1963 to support the national regime, where he joined the Pabloites and became a member of the United Secretariat. From 1974 to 1995, he worked for the newspaper Liberation. Lequenne died in 2006. The centrism of the OCI that was clearly expressed in 1968 had a long pre-history. In the final analysis, it resulted from the French sections abandonment of the struggle against Pabloite revisionism. Concluded Notes: 36. Jean Hentzgen, Agir au sein de la classe. Les trotskystes francais majoritaires de 1952 a 1955, Universite de Paris I, Septembre 2006. 37. Where is Pablo Going? by Bleibtreu (Favre), June 1951 in Trotskyism versus Revisionism, vol. 1, London, 1974 38. Hentzgen, op. cit., p. 57 39. quoted in ibid. p. 60 40. quoted in ibid. p. 148 In Italy, the new government of the Lega (The League) and the Five Star Movement (M5S) is due to take power following a final vote of confidence in parliament on Wednesday. The government of change led by Giuseppe Conte is the most right-wing Italian government since Benito Mussolini. Despite all of the demagogic pledges made in the course of the recent election campaign, the cabinet which presented itself yesterday to the Senate and on Wednesday to the House of Representatives will attack the working class head-on and seek to divert social resistance by persecuting refugees. This is clear both from the ministers chosen as well as their first measures and statements. The council of ministers has 20 members: Prime Minister Conte, 53, the secretary of the cabinet and 18 ministers (including five women). Of the 20, eight are from M5S, six from the Lega and six are non-party, including the head of government. Although both coalition parties, the Lega and M5S, have put up a vice premier, it is obvious that the Lega is in the driving seat. Unlike M5S, the Lega is no newcomer to government. It was involved in government several times under Silvio Berlusconi. In addition, the leader of the Lega, Matteo Salvini, has elevated his confidant Giancarlo Giorgetti to the post of secretary of the council of ministers, where he can exercise direct influence on Conte. Giorgetti is a long-time Lega politician and was chairman of the parliamentary budget committee for five years. Salvini, 45, will undertake a right-wing, anti-refugee, pro-business course in his role as interior minister. The right-wing extremist Lega works inside the European Union with other far-right extremist parties such as the German Alternative for Germany (AfD), the Austrian Freedom Party (FPO) and the French Front National, and draws its support mainly from small-scale businesses and self-employed in northern Italy. Luigi Di Maio, 32, will be the new minister of labour and economic development. His party, M5S, has promised young people, the unemployed and the poor a kind of unconditional basic income known as reddito di cittadinanza (citizens income). In addition, the countrys despised pension reform is to be abolished again. Claiming to be neither left nor right, M5S has a broader electoral base than the Lega, particularly in the south of the country. The party has the largest number of deputies and essentially serves to give the government headed by the Lega a majority in parliament. Two ministers come from the military apparatus, and both are nominated by M5S: Defence Minister Elisabetta Trenta and Environment Minister Sergio Costa, 59, a Carabinieri general. Di Maio nominated Costa because he was involved in combating a mafia clan in connection with illegal waste dumps. Trenta, who takes over at the Ministry of Defence, most closely represents the imperialist interests of Italy. She is a professor of foreign and security policy and a captain in the reserve army. She served as a military adviser in Iraq and along the Lebanese coast. Most recently, she led the SudgestAid group, which received research contracts from the army and was said to have recruited mercenaries for Libya and the Middle East. Two particularly important ministers are the economic and foreign ministers; both are nonaligned technocrats. In plain language, this term means nothing else than that they are fully committed to the interests of the banks, the Italian and European authorities and the state apparatus. The appointment of Enzo Moavero Milanesi, 64, as secretary of state is obviously aimed at appeasing the money markets and the EU. The nonaligned Moavero Milanesi is considered to be in the pocket of Mario Monti, a long-time EU commissioner, who as Italian prime minister introduced a drastic austerity program from 2011 to 2013. Moavero Milanesi was Montis chief of staff in the EU competition agency. He was then appointed European minister, a post he retained in the subsequent government of Enrico Letta (Democratic Party, PD). Moavero Milanesi also completed a military career in the Guardia di Finanza. A special role is played by Giovanni Tria, 69, the minister of economy and finance. He replaces the controversial first nominee for this post, the eurosceptic Paolo Savona, 81. Savona has been made Ministry of European Affairs without portfolio, while Tria takes over his place as the one responsible for the budget of the heavily indebted country. This choice of personnel was able to immediately appease the financial markets somewhat. Tria is not an unknown figure; he was involved in implementing the economic program of Forza Italia led by Berlusconi. He is the dean in the faculty of economics at the University of Rome Tor Vergata and has worked for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the UNs International Labour Organization. He is also a member of the international think tank Teneo, which advises investment banks. Tria will have the primary responsibility for ensuring that the new government further reduces its debt burden and adheres to EU criteria. Tria published a harsh criticism of the coalitions plans on his website even before its controversial promises had become public. His appointment therefore is a clear signal of reconciliation to the European financial markets. In one critique, Tria wrote: With all due respect for the competent persons gathered around the political negotiating table ... Given the reality of the numbers, the visions generally appear smaller. He writes that it is unlikely that the EU will change its rules and that it is completely unclear where the money for the promised projects should come from. This applies above all to the suspension of the pension reform. He then ridicules the citizens income as unworkable, describing it as a system in which one part of the population produces and the other consumes. On the other hand, Tria is quite prepared to contemplate the introduction of a flat tax, which would make a much bigger hole in the Italian budget than the citizens income and the withdrawal of the pension reform together. Tria explains that such a minimum tax of 15 percent could be useful for businesses and wants to finance the measure by raising VAT (Value-Added Tax), hitting working-class pockets hardest through greatly increased prices. On Monday evening, a state secretary of the Ministry of Economics announced that from next year, the flat tax will be implemented for businesses, but not for families and individuals. Representatives of M5S immediately denied this statement in order not to jeopardize the vote of confidence in parliament. This already makes clear that the new government will work to further the interests of Italian and European big business and this has been understood by European heads of state. The major heads of government have already stated they were hoping for good cooperation with the Conte administration. German Chancellor Angela Merkel invited Conte to Berlin and said she was looking forward to meeting him soon in Canada. The British head of government, Theresa May, and French President Emmanuel Macron also congratulated Conte by telephone. European Commissioner for Economic and Financial affairs Pierre Moscovici said: The decisions are made in Rome, not in Paris or Brussels, adding that the EU was not the opponent of Italy. However, recent events show that the new government is wracked by conflict. Shortly before the election on March 4, Roberto Fico (M5S), the new president of the House of Representatives, loudly asserted: I guarantee we will never ally with the Lega. The Lega is genetically different from Five Star, he claimed. Now they sit together with the Lega in government to secure a parliamentary majority for a right-wing extremist cabinet. This also explains what lies behind the aggressive policy against refugees. The head of the Lega, Salvini, has viciously campaigned against refugees during the past few days calling for the immediate construction of internment camps in each region. When reports of dozens of people drowning in the Mediterranean appeared over the weekend, he provocatively claimed that Tunisia was exporting its convicts across the sea. The main reason for the assertion of nationalism, according to the motto The Italians first!, is obvious. The government is trying to divide and paralyze the working class. It realizes that the government of change could lose support very quickly. It will be unable to fulfil its populist projects of a citizens income, a reintroduction of pensions and low taxes for all. Instead, it will attack workers more brutally than ever, quickly provoking mass resistance. Antony Loewenstein Antony Loewenstein, a prominent independent Australian journalist, author and documentary filmmaker, issued the following endorsement of demonstrations and vigils demanding freedom for Julian Assange. The Socialist Equality Party has called a rally in defense of Assange on June 17 at Sydney Town Hall Square. On June 19, vigils are being held in London and in cities around the world. Loewenstein interviewed Assange in 2008 on the efforts that were already underway to silence WikiLeaks due to its publication of information that whistleblowers wanted known to the world. Since 2010, he has been prominent in defending Assange against the persecution he has faced for publishing leaks that exposed US war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with the anti-democratic intrigues of governments around the world. Loewensteins articles on WikiLeaks are available on his website. This year, Loewenstein released a documentary, Disaster Capitalism, which is a critical exposure of the global aid and investment industry . See here for information and screening locations. * * * After six years in detention, rightly fearing US retribution for daring to expose the dark reality of US empire, Julian Assange deserves a just resolution of his case and his voice restored. Its shameful how many governments and journalists have not just abandoned Assange to his fate, but failed to recognise his important role in releasing millions of documents that reveal how the world really works. I support heavy pressure being placed on the Australian, British and US governments to bring him freedom and justice, along with the many other whistleblowers and reporters languishing in prisons around the world. Antony Loewenstein, independent journalist, author and film-maker June 5, 2018 Canadas Justin Trudeau-led Liberal government is mounting a massive police-military security operation around the G7 Summit, which is to take place this Friday and Saturday in La Malbaie, a small municipality in Charlevoix County, 150 kilometers east of Quebec City. Hosting the summit of the leaders of the principal imperialist powers will cost the Canadian treasury more than C$600 million, the vast majority of which is going toward funding the security operation. An Integrated Security Unit (ISU) has been established that is comprised of 8,000 police and military personnel, which is equal to the entire population of La Malbaie. The ISU includes the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Surete du Quebec (the Quebec Provincial Police) and the municipal police of Quebec City. It is working in close collaboration with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the Canadian counterpart and partner of the US National Security Agency (NSA), the Communications Security Establishment (CSE). The G7 leaders are to meet and sleep at the luxurious Manoir Richelieu hotel, which sits atop a hill offering a panoramic view of the St. Lawrence River. Canadian authorities have transformed the Manoir Richelieu into a fortress for the event. The hotel is at the heart of a security red zone that is bounded by a 3.7-kilometer-long, 6-meter-high fence, sporting numerous surveillance cameras and anchored in concrete. Access to the red zone will be strictly controlled by the RCMP. The red zone is itself located within a 20-square-kilometer green zone. Some 1,000 La Malbaie residents whose homes fall in the green zone will be subject to rigorous surveillance and control during the summit, including having to show special accreditation when entering the zone. The green zone includes Route 362, the main road to La Malbaie, which will be partially fenced off. Motorists, therefore, will have to bypass the area to continue their journey. A maritime and air exclusion zone (with a radius of 20 kilometers) will also be imposed by the Canadian Armed Forces, which has requisitioned the nearby Charlevoix county airport. Vehicle movements around the Valcartier military base, near Quebec City, will also be restricted. Vehicles travelling in the area that do not bear a special government-issued sticker will be subject to police searches. Those who want to traverse the security gauntlet to go to La Malbaie and exercise their right to protest will be confined to a museum parking lot, which has been declared, in Orwellian style, a free expression zone. It is surrounded by a 1.5-kilometer fence. An operational center for offenders has been hastily constructed in the neighboring town of Clermont where demonstrators deemed to have violated these police-state measures can be formally charged and imprisoned. Adjustments have also made to the Orsainville prison in Quebec City, where the largest anti-G7 protests are expected to be held. Orsainville gained international notoriety when security forces used it in perpetrating numerous human rights violations of demonstrators arrested at the April 2001 Summit of the Americas in Quebec City. The Canadian government and state are using this years G7 summit to accustom the population to state repression and to refine the techniques of the police and military forces in countering social unrest. Since 2001, Liberal and Conservative federal governments have vastly increased the powers, budgets and reach of the national-security apparatus in the name of the war on terror. In 2015, the Liberals voted for the Harper Conservative governments draconian Bill C-51, while promising to amend it when they formed government. Predictably, the Liberals Bill C-59 left in place the most important authoritarian powers granted the security-intelligence agencies under Bill C-51. This includes virtually unlimited access to the governments personal information on Canadians and the right of the CSIS to violate almost any law when disrupting threats to public security. The G7 summit at La Malbaie is taking place amidst an international resurgence of working class struggle against everything that the G7 stands for: militarism, the assault on democratic rights, capitalist austerity and the rise of social inequality. In Canada, where workers are told, as elsewhere, that there is no money for good-paying jobs and quality public services, the number of billionaires has increased tenfold in the last 20 years. Their collective wealth now stands at C$150 billion. At the same time, international tensions are reaching an explosive level. In a measure that could trigger a 1930s-style trade war, the Trump administration has just slapped tariffs on aluminum and steel exports from Europe, Canada and Mexico. The security preparations for the La Malbaie/Charlevoix summit ominously recall the 2010 G20 Summit in Toronto, chaired by Canadas then Conservative prime minister, Stephen Harper. Ottawa budgeted more than C$1 billion for the massive police-military surveillance and control operation mounted during the Toronto G20 meeting and the G8 summit in Huntsville, Ontario, that preceded it. In what was a state-orchestrated provocation, police, despite their massive numbers, stood by, allowing a small number of anarchists to break away from the main protest against the Toronto G20, smash some windows and commit other acts of vandalism. Their actions then became the pretext for a violent police crackdown. Unsurprisingly, it subsequently emerged that police agents provocateurs had infiltrated anarchist groups and urged them to carry out acts of vandalism. Police kettled hundreds of people for hours on one of Torontos busiest streets, including bystanders, and took more than a thousand people into custody, reputedly the largest mass arrest in Canadian history. Those arrested were strip-searched and caged. Security officials denied most of them medical assistance, water, food, or access to toilets for hours. In an action that underscores the arbitrary character of the mass arrests, the authorities released the vast majority without charge. Similarly, many of those who were initially charged never faced trial due to the lack of any evidence that they had committed any offense. As for the cops who ran amuck bludgeoning, beating up and shooting plastic bullets at peaceful protesters, only a handful faced any disciplinary measures even though their violent actions were frequently caught on video. The author also recommends: Disciplinary hearing finds Toronto police officer culpable in G20 repression [29 August 2015] Canada: Police agent-provocateurs unmasked at Montebello summit protests [4 September 2007] Hundreds of students at University of Bristol in Englandone of the institutions of the prestigious Russell Grouprecently marched through the city centre to demand more funding and improvements to mental health services at the university. This followed a spate of sudden deaths, including suicides, among Bristol university students. Just this term, in the three-week revision period running up to end-of-year exams, three students died suddenly. A number of the 10 student deaths at the university in the last 18 months were confirmed as suicides. Many students have great difficulty getting access to counselling on campus, with long waiting times being standard. At Bristol, there is a six-week waiting list for treatment, according to the university. Such has been the demand that the university has had to provide an extra 1,800 hours of counselling to its students this term alone. Statistics compiled in recent years on the increase in mental health problems afflicting young people make for grim reading. Minding our Future, a report by Universities UK, the representative organisation for UK universities, is the latest study detailing the state of mental health among British youth. The report is focussed on universities and notes that 146 students killed themselves in 2016, an increase on 136 reported in 2015, which had been the highest total since 2006. It notes that 94 percent of universities had experienced a sharp increase in the number of students trying to access support services. At some institutions, there was a threefold increase in student demand for support services. Between 2007 and 2016, according to another study, the student suicide rate increased by 56 percent, taking it higher than the rate among the general population of their age group. Another sharp rise was recorded a few days later for the number of under-11s referred for mental health help. Numbers in 2017-2018 were a third higher than in 2014-2015. Moreover, as anyone who works in education knows, the number of referrals is likely an underrepresentation of the scale of the problem. The bar for referrals is set so high, due to lack of resources, that children with problems are left unreported because they have no hope of being seen. In many cases, there are simply not enough places for referral. Bringing together some overall numbers, as of 2017, one in four adults in the UK each year could expect to suffer some form of mental illness; three quarters of these begin before a person reaches his or her 18th birthday. One in 10 children had a diagnosable mental illness, with 75 percent of those not receiving treatment. Suicide was the biggest single killer of young people aged 20-34 in the UK. It is common in the media to see these issues presented as the result of isolated causes, or sometimes combinations of the same. The development of these various forms of mental ill health is the result of deeply rooted social trends. As Genevieve Leigh explained in her speech to the International Committee of the Fourth Internationals May Day 2018 rally on The role of the youth in the fight for socialism, This generation has been born into conditions created by 40 years of social counterrevolution against the working class and the effects have been devastating. Mental health problems are not a simple aggregate of single issues but a product of the general and worsening inability of capitalism to provide fulfilling, secure lives. The toll of daily life in some cases produces and in others intensifies mental health problems, which grinds down peoples mental and emotional resilience. Support networks are ripped apart, both personal and state-provided, as the result of relentless budget cutting of essential mental health services. A yearly Youth Index published by the Princes Trust gives important insights into this process. The 2018 reportbased on a representative survey of 16- to 25-year-olds carried out by YouGovrecorded the lowest Index score of happiness and confidence since the measure began in 2009. More significant were the reasons given for this situation. Twenty-eight percent of respondents explained they felt trapped in a cycle of jobs they do not want, and 44 percent thought there would be fewer job opportunities available in the next three years. Twenty-one percent felt their lives would amount to nothing. More broadly, 59 percent said the political climate made them anxious about the future, while 39 percent did not feel in control of their livesa one-third increase over last year. The 2017 report included the findings that 34 percent of young people felt they would have a worse standard of living than their parents and 42 percent thought that traditional life goals like a house or steady job were unrealistic. The aggregate figures somewhat obscure the even worse situation, specifically among working-class youth. A rough indication is given by the comparison of the overall 2018 Index scores for those in Education, Employment or Training and those not (70 percent vs. 59 percent), those with five or more GCSEs at A*-C level (academic qualifications) and those without (69 percent vs. 64 percent), and those not eligible for free school meals and those who were (70 percent vs. 64 percent). Statistics like these refute explanations that reduce the mental health crisis to the impact of new technologies, particularly social media. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt recently made use of this argument as the basis for a letter to leading tech companies, criticising them for turning a blind eye to their emotional and mental impacts on young users. He announced that his chief medical officer would produce a report on the impact of technology on youth mental health and recommendations for healthy screen time. The sham character of these measures was exposed just a few weeks later when a wholly inadequate government green paper on NHS mental health care was released. The relationship between new technologies and well-being is not a simple one. Some studies have demonstrated the emotionally supportive potential of online communities. On the other hand, there is undoubtedly serious research demonstrating the negative impact, in certain circumstances, of social media activity on young peoples self-esteem, meaningful sociability and stress levels. What this goes to show is that these issues cannot be separated from their social context. Only in a society where success, adequate leisure time and job security are rendered the scarce object of a zero-sum rat race do they become the cause of distress and even illness. To the extent that technological developments play a role in intensifying these social problems, this is an indictment not of the technology but of the use to which it put by a system run with concern for profit over human need. One never hears criticism in official circles of Facebook, Snapchat and Instagrams use of psychological tricks (developed at great cost) to grab and hold the attention of their users in an addictive fashion. Such talk would no doubt be dismissed as an unwarranted infringement on the profit-making prerogative of these multibillion-dollar companies. Serious change on dealing with mental health issues cannot be achieved within the framework of any one nation. This is an international issue, facing workers and young people across the globe. If, as has been reported, British youth have among the poorest mental well-being in the world, then this is above all due to the exceptional fall in living standards they have experienced over the past decade. The crisis of capitalism and worsening youth mental health are inseparable. Not only must the necessary resources historically denied to mental health care and research be made available, the social system which routinely produces psychological distress must be ended and replaced with a socialist system based on human need and not the accumulation of profit. The author also recommends: The role of the youth in the fight for socialism [10 May 2018] In a Sunday interview in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, German Chancellor Angela Merkel replied to proposals for European Union (EU) policy made by French President Emmanuel Macron in a speech last September at the Sorbonne in Paris. These proposals will be discussed in an EU summit in Brussels later this month. For a half year after that speech, Berlin did not reply, as Germanys main bourgeois parties fought over how to form a government. In the meantime, the crisis of the EU has intensified. Not only is Washington threatening China and the EU with a potentially catastrophic trade war and threatening all-out war across the Middle East by scrapping the Iran nuclear treaty, but the EUs disintegration is accelerating. Two years after Brexit, a far-right government that is hostile to the euro has taken office in Italy, the third-largest EU economy. At the same time, there are escalating protests and strikes across Europe, with mass protests against Macrons cuts in France, and strikes against wage austerity in airlines across Europe, as well as in the metalworking and automobile sectors threatened by US trade tariffs. Thus, via Merkels FAZ interview, the two largest EU powers were trying to coordinate a response to the prospect of the greatest combination of wars, economic shocks and class struggles since the EUs founding in 1992. But the EU is politically bankrupt. While Merkel endorsed Macrons calls for hundreds of billions of euros in new military spending and vindictive anti-immigrant policies, she did not resolve bitter conflicts that erupted inside the European ruling class a decade ago, after the 2008 Wall Street crash, in the Greek sovereign debt crisis. At the Sorbonne, Macron proposed a common EU military budget, an EU military intervention force, a common European Monetary Fund (EMF) for eurozone sovereign debt crises, and a common European investment fund worth hundreds of billions of euros. Merkel endorsed Macrons calls for a military build-up: I am in favor of President Macron's proposal for an intervention initiative. However, such an intervention force with a common military-strategic culture must fit into the structure of defense cooperation. She called for more European coordination on foreign policy, especially on decisions for war. Merkel signaled that this would mean Paris reorienting away from Washington and towards Berlin, however. Criticizing Frances decision to join the United States and Britain in going to war in Libya in 2011, which her government did not do, Merkel said: In the 2011 intervention in Libya and for a time during the strikes in Syria, the French preferred to deal with Britons and Americans rather than with more partners. That seems to be Frances culture on waging interventions. But if you want to work with more partners, you also have to decide together. Merkel endorsed the immigration policy of Macron, who passed a drastic asylum law effectively giving police veto powers over asylum proceedings, and called for a common EU refugee policy and migration authority. She said, We need a common asylum system and similar rules governing the decision as to who gets asylum and who does not. She called to reinforce the EUs Frontex border police, whose policies have left thousands of refugees to drown in the Mediterranean: The EU border protection agency Frontex must in the medium term become a true European border police with European-wide powers. That means that the European border police must have the right to independently operate at the EUs external borders. On Macrons financial demands, however, Merkel gave fairly little. She proposed a European investment fund controlling tens of billions of euros10 times less than Macron wanted. She endorsed calls for building an EMF as an alternative to the US-led IMF: To reach a successful economy, we must stabilize the euro. The current instruments we have do not suffice yet, so we need a banking union and a capital market union. We also want to make ourselves significantly more independent from the International Monetary Fund. She also indicated that the German parliament should retain its right to veto and impose further austerity measures in proposed EMF bank bailouts, as during the Greek debt crisis in 2009-2015. The EMF should be organized on an inter-state basis, with the corresponding rights for national parliaments, Merkel said. Merkels replies put paid to whatever illusions existed among Macrons supporters that his proposals would reshape the architecture of European capitalism. Ten years after the Wall Street crash and the eruption of the Greek debt crisis, it has nothing to propose but deeper austerity and attacks on democratic rights at home, and militarism abroad. From the standpoint of European workers, moreover, Macrons economic proposals are not an alternative to austerity dictated by Berlin. They amount to an attempt to use ultra-loose European monetary policy to finance investments that would build up favored start-ups in key sectors and try to make weaker EU economies more competitive with Germany. It is predicated on deep austerity. In France, Macron is slashing wage and staffing levels in the public sector and increasing the resort to temp work to boost profits. Beyond privatizing the railways and planning cuts to health care and pensions, the French press reported yesterday that the Macron government is preparing a further 30 billion in cuts to state budgets, overwhelmingly focused on social spending. The contrast between Macrons financial demands and Merkels more modest response occupied the press, which worried that if a new euro crisis erupts in Italy Merkels policy could harm the banks. While Germanys FAZ noted Merkels moderate answer and that Macron will now understand that he cannot expect too much from the Germans, Frances Le Monde wrote: Those who thought that the German chancellor waited so long to reply in order to deliver a response in line with the size of her French partners hopes have been rebuffed. There will be no revolution in Germany. It warned that the EMF as proposed by Merkel would slash the value of sovereign debt and private citizens bank deposits in bailed-out countries, a recipe to which France is opposed. In the Daily Telegraph, Ambrose Evans-Pritchard noted that this proposal frightens Paris, Rome and Madrid. Mrs. Merkel wants to enforce private sector haircuts and sovereign debt restructuring before any rescue. Former Italian finance minister Pier Carlo Paduan said such a plan would set off a self-fulfilling financial crisis. Financial Times columnist Wolfgang Munchau pointed to rising tensions between the German and southern European bourgeoisies. He proposed that Rome consider supporting the French president to impress upon the German chancellor the exorbitant costs of a German no. Pedro Sanchez, the Socialist Party leader who was sworn in on Saturday as Spains prime minister, might help strengthen such an alliance. TF1 commentator Jean-Marc Sylvestre wrote that Merkels intransigence with Macron means that potentially Berlin might ditch the southern European countries, take the initiative to leave the eurozone, and build around it a homogeneous bloc of pro-austerity northern European countries. Such conflicts point above all to the very advanced state of breakdown of European capitalism and the necessity, amid a new upsurge of the class struggle, to unify workers across Europe in struggle against all factions of the bankrupt European bourgeoisie. Fifty years ago, early in the morning of June 5, 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy was mortally wounded in the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, only hours after winning the Democratic presidential primary in California by a narrow margin over Senator Eugene McCarthy. Kennedy was shot three times, in the head, neck and abdomen, and the head wound, which scattered bullet fragments throughout his brain, proved fatal. He died nearly 26 hours later, at 1:44 a.m. on the morning of June 6. He was only 42 years old. The murder of Robert Kennedy was only one of a series of political upheavals that made the year 1968 the most explosive and event-filled since the end of the Second World War. The year began with the Tet Offensive in Vietnam, which staggered the Johnson administration and fueled antiwar sentiment in the United States; first Eugene McCarthy and then Kennedy entered the presidential race, challenging Johnson for re-nomination and leading to his announcement on March 31 that he would not run for reelection. Just four days later, on April 4, Martin Luther King Jr., the most prominent leader of the civil rights movement, was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, sparking rioting in major cities throughout the United States. Throughout this period, college campuses were convulsed by protests over Vietnam, racism and police violence. The year 1968 marked the most intense crisis of the American political system since the Great Depression, and it came as the culmination of major gains by the working class during the post-World War II period. Workers had fought through the great class battles of the 1930s, 1940s and into the 1950s to build industrial unions and increase their living standards. This was the driving force of a broader democratic development, particularly the civil rights struggles of the 1950s and 1960s and the demands for equal rights for women, an end to the persecution of gays, the 18-year-old vote and other progressive reforms. This period came to an end with the Vietnam War, in which millions of American youth, mainly from the working class, were drafted and sent to fight in the jungles of Southeast Asia against a popular national liberation movement. The American ruling class under Lyndon Johnson initially attempted to combine guns and butter, but when forced to choose, sought to defend its world position at the expense of the working class at home. The Democratic Party, which was the dominant of the two big business parties from the Depression through the heyday of the post-war boom, was ripped to pieces by the resulting conflicts. One of the most striking manifestations of this period of crisis was the series of assassinationsPresident John F. Kennedy in 1963, civil rights militant Malcolm X in 1965, then Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy only two months apart in 1968. The cumulative effect of these murders was immense. Millions were embittered and alienated from the entire official political system, viewing these tragic events, whatever the immediate circumstances, as part of an effort to cut off potentially progressive social reforms and strengthen the domination of conservative and right-wing forces. Robert Kennedys death in particular marked the end of the period, going back to Franklin Roosevelts New Deal, in which the Democratic Party presented itself as the party of quasi-social democratic reform, promoting economic measures that would improve the living standards of the working class as a whole, white, black and immigrant, while setting certain limits on the domination of big business. This periodbetween the inauguration of Roosevelt and the assassination of Robert Kennedywas only 35 years, far shorter than the 50 years that have transpired since. It is ironic that an individual who began his career as a Catholic anticommunist, the privileged son of a multi-millionaire sympathizer of the Nazis, should come to stand on the left wing of the Democratic Party and make an appeal to the working class. Robert Kennedy's career personified the contradictions of the Cold War liberalism of the Democratic Party, a fatal effort to marry a progressive liberal agenda with anti-communism and imperialist militarism. His political activity encompassed the anticommunist witch-hunt, where he worked side-by-side with Senator Joseph McCarthy, to his work as US attorney general in the early 1960s, where he both aided the civil rights movement and authorized FBI wiretapping of Dr. King, to his role as a US senator from New York, supporting the social reforms of the Johnson administration while increasingly coming into opposition with its war policies in Vietnam. There is little doubt that Kennedy was profoundly affected by his brothers killing and that he privately believed the assassination was carried out by elements in the national security apparatus that he himself had once served. But he was also a man of his class, acutely sensitive to the deep and potentially explosive social divisions in American society. His reformism, like that of Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy, was aimed not at overcoming capitalism, but saving it, even if that meant imposing modest sacrifices on the ruling elite for its own good. This reformist stage of American political development effectively ended with the second Kennedy assassination. That this was a significant turning point in history was reflected in the outpouring of mourning. While the killing of Robert Kennedy did not have as much of a shock effect as the assassination of his older brotherin the case of Robert Kennedy there was a greater element of despair and withdrawalmillions of people lined the route between New York City and Washington as a train brought his casket for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. Never again would a Democratic presidential candidate be able to make such a wide appeal to working class voters of all races. Subsequent nominees, even those posing as left such as George McGovern in 1972, did so on foreign policy or cultural grounds, not economics, and had little to offer the working class. When Edward Kennedy sought to reprise his brothers role in his 1980 challenge to the incumbent, Jimmy Carter, the effort fell flat. American capitalism, in the grips of the second global oil crisis in a decade, no longer had the resources, let alone the appetite, for any significant social reform. The ruling class was turning sharply to the right, towards Thatcher in Britain and Reagan in the United States, and the scrapping of what remained of the welfare state. Those Democrats who became president after Robert Kennedys deathCarter in 1976, Clinton in 1992 and Barack Obama in 2008were all cut from the same cloth: fiscally conservative, distant from the working class, pro-corporate, intent above all on demonstrating their bona fides to the military-intelligence apparatus and Wall Street. Every Democratic president since RFK has either scrapped even a pretense of domestic social reform or else, like Obama, offered counter-reforms that would actually reduce living standards and social benefits while seeking to disguise them as progressive (Obamacare, school reform, etc.) The perspective of liberal reform was viable only during the period in which American capitalism enjoyed a dominant and even unchallenged position in the world economy. That period has long ended. The defense of jobs, living standards and democratic rights, as well as what remains of the social conquests of the past such as Social Security and Medicare, requires the independent mobilization of the working class against the capitalist system, in complete opposition to all factions of capitalist politics, including the discredited remnants of Democratic Party liberalism. On Monday, President Donald Trump issued a series of tweets asserting that he is essentially above the law and not subject to oversight by the courts or the Justice Department. Trumps extraordinary claim to quasi-dictatorial powers comes as the political warfare in Washington between opposed factions of the ruling class and the state reaches a new point of intensity. The focus of this internecine struggle is the investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election and possible collusion by the Trump campaign with the Kremlin. That probe, now into its second year, is backed by large sections of the intelligence establishment, the Democratic Party and the bulk of the corporate media. Mueller is expected to complete one aspect of his investigation, concerning possible obstruction of justice by Trump and his associates, by September, in advance of the 2018 midterm elections. In early morning statements on Monday, Trump called the Mueller investigation completely unconstitutional and added, I have the absolute right to pardon myself. The previous day, Trumps lead attorney in dealings with the Mueller probe, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, told the Huffington Post that Trump could shoot James Comey, the former FBI director whom Trump fired in May 2017, without risking indictment as long as he remained in office. These assertions of autocratic power follow the June 2 publication by the New York Times of a 20-page legal memo delivered last January by two of Trumps lawyers at the time to Muellers office. The document asserts that Trump enjoys presidential immunity from indictment or subpoena demands by any agency of the executive branch of government, including the special counsel, the FBI and the Justice Department. The memo argues that the US Constitution grants the president total and unlimited power over the executive branch and that the chief executive is therefore not subject to prosecution or sanction for obstruction of justice or any other offense. Among the assertions in the memo are the following: * It remains our position that the presidents actions here by virtue of his position as the chief law enforcement officer could neither constitutionally nor legally constitute obstruction because that would amount to him obstructing himself. And that he could, if he wished, terminate the inquiry or even exercise his power to pardon if so desired. * The president has the power to order the termination of an investigation by the Justice Department or FBI at any time and for any reason. Such an action obviously has an impact on the investigation, but that is simply an effect of the Presidents lawful exercise of his constitutional power and cannot constitute obstruction of justice. The memo goes on to argue that Trump cannot be compelled to submit to an interview with Muellers investigators or appear before a grand jury convened by the special counsel. By implication, as the all-powerful head of the countrys police and intelligence agencies, Trump can also legally order the indictment and prosecution of any individuals or organizations he opposes. Trumps assertion of supreme power goes beyond anything claimed by Richard Nixon, who was forced to resign in August of 1974 after impeachment charges, including obstruction of justice in the Watergate affair, were approved by the House Judiciary Committee. It comes in the context of a massive and unprecedented assault on democratic rights by the entire political establishment, including both big business parties and all factions of the state. On Monday, the same day as Trumps tweets, the US Supreme Court issued two reactionary rulings striking down lower court decisions affirming the right of an undocumented immigrant to obtain an abortion and upholding the right of a baker to refuse to serve a gay couple. Democratic justices voted with their Republican counterparts, with the abortion ruling gaining unanimous support on the court and the anti-gay ruling winning the support of two Democratic appointees. The Trump administration is carrying out a savage war against immigrants with no serious opposition from the Democrats. The latter, for their part, are spearheading a campaign of Internet censorship on the fraudulent pretext of combatting fake news and are championing the #MeToo witch hunt, which is destroying careers and lives and attacking the principles of due process and the presumption of innocence in the guise of upholding womens rights. There is no genuinely democratic faction of the ruling class or political establishment. American society is being militarized in preparation for wars against regional and major powers such as Iran, Russia and China, and, potentially, European rivals such as Germany. This goes hand in hand with expanding the police powers of the state to confront growing social opposition in the working class driven by ever-increasing social inequality. While the pro-Trump faction in the ruling class seeks to entrench an imperial presidency, the Democratic-led opposition demands unlimited powers for the FBI, the CIA and the rest of the police agencies of the capitalist class. Just a week before the New York Times published the secret memo from Trumps lawyers, it ran a front-page lead article branding all criticism of the FBIs use of a long-time informant to spy on Trumps campaign in 2016 as the promotion of conspiracy theories. While endlessly repeating completely unsubstantiated charges of Russian interference in the election, the Democrats and allied media such as the Times defend efforts by the US political police and intelligence agencies to manipulate US elections and influence their outcome that eclipse by far anything Vladimir Putin could have attempted. The reactionary and anti-democratic content of the Democratic Partys opposition to Trump is underscored by the lawsuit filed in April by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) charging Russia, Trump campaign officials and Julian Assange and WikiLeaks of a criminal conspiracy to undermine the campaign of Hillary Clinton and elect Trump by publishing leaked DNC emails. Last week, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a sharp attack on the DNC lawsuit, calling it an unprecedented legal assault on the right of journalists to publish information leaked by others or obtained illegally by confidential sources. The CPJ statement quoted George Freeman, a former lawyer for the New York Times and executive director of the Media Law Resource Center, as saying, Im unhappy that there's even an allegation that you could be held liable for publishing leaked information that you didn't have anything to do with obtaining. James Goodale, a First Amendment lawyer who defended the New York Times in the 1971 Pentagon Papers case, told the CPJ that the suit appeared to be the first time WikiLeaks had been sued for a journalistic function. He added that the DNC had paid zero attention to the First Amendment ramifications of their suit. Workers at US package delivery company United Parcel Service (UPS) have voted overwhelmingly to grant strike authorization when their contract expires August 1. The Teamsters union reported a 93 percent vote in favor of a strike if a contract settlement is not reached in current negotiations, which cover some 230,000 workers in the US. While the vote expresses the determination of workers to fight, the Teamsters will do everything in its power to suppress and betray a genuine struggle against the package delivery giant. As in the recent case of contracts covering 50,000 hotel and casino workers in Las Vegas, the unions routinely ignore contract deadlines and strike authorization votes to impose sellout contracts. The vote by UPS drivers follows statewide walkouts by teachers in West Virginia, Oklahoma, Arizona and Kentucky in opposition to low pay and cuts to education. Meanwhile, some 200,000 postal workers, members of the American Postal Workers Union, face a September 20 contract expiration deadline. In the current negotiations, the Teamsters, headed by James Hoffa, son of former president Jimmy Hoffa, have operated in secret, attempting to impose huge concessions. A leak from the negotiating committee revealed that the union has proposed the creation of a hybrid driver position that would start at just $15 an hour and work regularly scheduled shifts on the weekend, avoiding overtime rates and weekend premium pay. The workers would split their time between delivering packages and working inside a hub. The company has also advanced a proposal for a mandatory six-day, 70-hour workweek during busy periods or whenever the company deems it necessary. The moves are a response to competition from online retailer Amazon, which currently offers regular Sunday delivery of packages through the US Postal Service. According to its website, Amazon is also hiring drivers on a per trip basis as independent contractors, like ride share service Uber, thus avoiding having to pay employment taxes and benefits. UPS is massively profitable, making $4.9 billion last year and shelling out $13.7 million in compensation to CEO David Abney. However, it is under pressure from Amazon, whose brutal regime sets the standard for efficiency in squeezing profits out of workers. Further, Amazon is planning to introduce later this year a package delivery service that would directly compete with UPS and rival FedEx. UPS employs a workforce that is 70 percent part-time, with some workers starting at just $10 an hour. Work is grueling, with injuries common and an astronomical turnover rate. As for the Teamsters, it has accommodated UPS demands for a flexible, highly exploited workforce, sanctioning multiple pay tiers and substandard pay and benefits for workers classified as part-time. The Teamsters for a Democratic Union (TDU), a faction of the Teamsters bureaucracy, called for yes on the strike authorization vote and has made critical noises about the conduct of contract negotiations. TDU members on the negotiating committee were expelled by Hoffa for leaking information to the membership about hybrid drivers. While opposing the hybrid driver position, the TDU has endorsed the Teamster wage demands, which include a derisory $15-$16 an hour starting rate for part-time skilled positions. That rate is no more than the minimum wage in some cities and would leave workers well below the poverty level in high-cost cities such as New York and Seattle. As one worker wrote on the UPS contract vote Facebook page, If the starting wage is over $18 for full timers, why isn't the same for part timers? We all work the same no matter how long we stay. A veteran UPS driver from New York told the Worl d Socialist Web Site, I voted yes to strike. A strike would be hard on me, I have two kids in college, but we have to do what we have to do. They gave their CEO a bonus, but they are just giving us crumbs. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. If they could, they would hire us for $1 an hour. He spoke about the exploitation of part-time workers. UPS is getting away with murder. It is a shame for them to work so hard and get no benefits. Now, they dont want to pay them overtime, he added referring to the proposal for hybrid drivers. He continued, We are all in one shoe no matter where we workUPS, Fedex, DHL or Airborne Express, stressing the need for the unity of all transport and delivery workers. In 1997, the TDU endorsed the sellout contract negotiated by then Teamster President Ron Carey who, in the midst of a powerful strike, accepted a sub-par wage increases and then sent workers back without a vote. Carey turned out to be no less corrupt than previous Teamster leaders. Following the strike, he faced federal indictment for routing some $1 million in Teamster funds into his own re-election campaign. The notorious corruption of the Teamsters is not an aberration but is one expression of the degeneration of the all the pro-capitalist and nationalist trade unions, in the US and internationally. These are not workers organizations but labor contractors, which promise to police a highly exploited workforce in exchange for the ability to collect union dues. The attempt to reform the Teamsters is a dead end. Workers should carefully examine the experience this year of US teachers, who went outside the unions to organize a series of strikes. The response of the unions was to isolate the strikes, betray them and shut them down without achieving any of the teachers demands. The unions claimed that teachers could win their demands by voting for the big business politicians of the Democratic Party, not by mobilizing their own independent strength. The role of organizations like TDU and is to keep the growing anger and militancy of workers within the framework of the unions and the Democratic Party. This is a recipe for betrayal and disaster. UPS workers should take the initiative by electing rank-and-file workplace committees independent of the Teamsters to take over the conduct of their struggle. These committees should press the fight for the elimination of part time work and multiple tiers, a substantial wage increase, full paid health care and full cost of living increases. For the success of their struggle, UPS workers must appeal to the broadest sections of the working class, including teachers, autoworkers, workers at FedEx and Amazon, and postal workers as part of a working class counteroffensive against the corporate onslaught on living standards and jobs. In this fight, American workers have powerful allies in workers across the world, who face similar attacks. The fight by UPS workers raises the question, in whose interest is society organized? Workers need a socialist strategy based on the understanding of the irreconcilable conflict between the corporate owners and the working class. The subordination of all aspects of social and economic life to the profit demands of big business is in direct opposition to the needs of workers for health care, education, decent wages and a secure retirement. There is no progressive answer to the continual lowering of living standards outside of the transformation of industry, communications and transportation monopolies into publicly owned utilities under the democratic control of the working class. The author also recommends: Support for strike action at UPS as Teamsters union prepares sell-out contract [29 May 2018] Kevin Zeese, a prominent US activist and lawyer, issued the following statement this week endorsing action in defense of Julian Assange, including the June 17 rally in Sydney and vigils in London and around the world on June 19. Zeese has spoken out against the escalating censorship of the Internet and the broader erosion of democratic rights. He is a co-director of the Popular Resistance organisation and is on the advisory board of the Courage Foundation which raises funds for the defence of persecuted journalists and whistleblowers. *** Statement of Kevin Zeese endorsing protests and vigils in defense of Julian Assange Kevin Zeese Credit: RT On Contact Julian Assange through his work as editor of WikiLeaks has made major strides toward democratizing the media by creating a vehicle for whistleblowers to share the truth and correct the misinformation of the mass corporate media. Assange and WikiLeaks have given people a precious toolaccess to the undeniable truth about what governments and big business are doing. This is a tool we can all use to educate each other about what is really going on around us. Assange is being persecuted because a democratized media threatens the monopoly over media control of the elites. A democratized media makes it more difficult for them to misinform, mislead and propagandize. Through WikiLeaks, Assange with whistleblowers like Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning have exposed war crimes, the truth about the Guantanamo Bay prison, the corporate domination of US policy and the actions of governments around the world and more. This has led to popular revolts around the world that have challenged those who abuse their power. Freedom of speech and freedom of the press is being defined by the treatment of Julian Assange. Everyone who cares about these freedoms should speak out and take action on his behalf by joining the demonstration in Sydney, Australia on June 17 and the vigils being held in London and around the world on June 19the anniversary of when Julian sought asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy six years ago. On June 19 at 11:00 a.m. we will be holding a protest in support of Julian Assange at the White House. Please join us to call for an end to his persecution. Kevin Zeese, co-director of Popular Resistance, member of the advisory board of the Courage Foundation TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Franklin Fennell is expected to report to federal prison in Illinois by Wednesday. Back on April 19th, a federal judge sentenced Fennell to two years in prison. That is after a jury convicted him on several charges related to a kickback scheme. COURT DOCUMENT | JUDGE GRANTS FRANKLIN FENNELL ONE MORE WEEK That scheme took thousands of dollars from the Vigo County School Corporation. Fennell appealed that sentence, also asking for his reporting date to be pushed back. The judge allowed Fennell to push his date back to June 6th, by 2:00 p.m. He will do his time at the federal prison in Pekin, Illinois. BROWNSBURG, Ind. (AP) A central Indiana teacher says a school district forced him to resign following a disagreement over a policy that calls for teachers to address transgender students by their preferred gender name rather than their birth name. The Indianapolis Star reports that former Brownsburg High School orchestra teacher John Kluge says the Brownsburg Community Schools policy goes against his religious beliefs and violates his First Amendment rights. LGBTQ community advocates say the practice is a sign of respect and isnt about religion or politics. A district representative says Kluge resigned before the end of the school year. Kluge says he submitted a tentative resignation letter because officials threatened to fire him. Kluge plans to appeal to the school board Monday to get his job back. VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - Governor Eric Holcomb officially signed the food and beverage tax for Vigo County. That means it's now up to the County Council to approve it. Its a 1% tax increase at restaurants, bar and hot bars in Vigo County. Let's say your family spends $20 at a restaurant. This new tax would add 20 cents to your bill. County leaders plan to use the money to build a new convention center in downtown Terre Haute. Plans are still in the early development phases. A location has not been set. News 10 spoke with Rachel Leslie, who owns the lobbying firm who worked on this bill with Senator Jon Ford. She says customers are already paying a similar tax in 28 counties in Indiana. Thats about a quarter of the state. She says the county is losing out of vital visitors because of the lack of venue. Leaders like President Dottie King at Saint-Mary-Of-The-Woods College are asked to host large events for some of their programs. But she says she can't host because there's not enough space or hotels. This is one example, according to Leslie, of how the economy could change with this new tax and in turn the new convention center. Senator Jon Ford expects this tax to generate about $2 million each year. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Another school year is in the books for math teacher, John Szabo. "Mathematics, especially, is very high stakes," said Szabo. Szabo teaches 7th grade math at North Clay Middle School in Brazil, Indiana. "Whether it's high school, college or just going out in the workforce, so many of the skills we teach in middle school math are foundational skills for almost anything they're planning on doing," he said. While it's a profession he enjoys, Szabo said he's noticed the shortage in middle school math teachers. For him, he believes pressures, like standardized testing, have turned interest away for some. "With the former ISTEP Test and the standardized testing that the state has us do, really math and english are the two that are most closely scrutinized," Szabo said, "Now we do take other tests, but math and english are the ones that are the foundation for our school letter grades that are handed out, for our teacher evaluations it's a big part of how the students do on that, and for some people I think that challenge is maybe a little too much." For Dr. Liz Brown, professor and chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, another factor to the shortage is the salary. "I think there is an issue with how we pay teachers in the state of Indiana, and not just here, but in other states as well," Brown said, "and a lot of people who have degrees in math or science can go and get jobs that pay significantly more. So I think it's really hard to keep people in the teaching profession." "I think most people when they hear middle school, they want to run screaming, and most people when they hear mathematics want to run screaming and you put the two together and you just have the perfect storm," she said, "but there are, in this world, people who love both." Recently, board members approved a Middle School Mathematics major at Indiana State University. The new major, Brown said, is designed to help address the shortage and will begin in the fall. The new major totals out to 69 credit hours, which is less than the 82 credits in the current Mathematics Teaching major at ISU. The goal, Brown said, is to help students, with a specific interest in teaching middle school math, gain their licensure through a shorter program. "It's really focused on the math that they're going to need for middle school, of course beyond as well," she said, "and then they take several classes that are geared specifically towards teaching middle school. So it's how do we help middle school kids, who are a unique population, learn mathematics." Educators, like Szabo, consider it as a step to help build not only young minds, but future educators. "The kids need it, schools need it," Szabo said, "and any time we can get more focused major programs, like middle school mathematics, I think it will have a benefit for all learning in Indiana." NEWTON, Ill. (WTHI) - On a sunny summer day, the weather can change fast for residents in Newton Illinois. That was the case last Thursday. Natalie Hopson with the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce says, "I didn't even know it was supposed to rain or storm even all that bad. But then all of a sudden the winds blew in." Natalie was setting up for the city's Summerfest when the storms moved in. But thanks to a new warning system, she and organizers were able to get to safety. Natalie says, "We were getting ready to setup up for the festival. And I got a couple of phone calls saying the storm was getting ready to hit. So it was nice to be warned." The calls came from the counties new alert system, Code Red. Doug Long with the Jasper County Emergency Management Agency says, "We don't have any warning systems for weather in the county. We used to have one siren but it, unfortunately, cannot reach a very far distance. So we decided to go to a telephone notification system." The new system calls residents in Jasper County for weather emergencies, as well as local and county emergencies. Long says it's important for residents to sign up. Long explains, "If we get people to subscribe to it and get their information in. We can map notifications out through the city and throughout the county where ever we need to." For Natalie, it's important to sign up so she can stay connected. "especially if like the utilities go out if there is a water main break or something like that. It's nice to get that phone call. That we were warned in case we don't get on facebook or don't get on the radio or something like that. It's nice" Natalie says. To sign up for Code Red alerts: Click Here. SULLIVAN COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - When we think of baby showers, normally we think of gifts for new mothers. On Tuesday, expecting mothers received a different kind of gift. Knowledge. Expecting moms attended a baby shower designed to teach moms how to combat infant mortality. Organizers say southwestern Indiana is the second worst infant mortality district in the world. Experts gave advice to help mom keep their children safe. Good Samaritan, Sullivan County Community, and Terre Haute Regional Hospitals all partnered to host the event. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - News 10 has uncovered new information on Franklin Fennell. The former Vigo County Schools employee was set to report to the federal prison in Pekin, Illinois by 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday. We spoke to the warden at that prison who told us Fennell's court order has him serving his time at a male camp, which is low security. LINK | JUDGE GRANTS FRANKLIN FENNELL ONE MORE WEEK BEFORE HE HAS TO REPORT TO PRISON Pekin's facility recently changed, and now is only a female camp. Until online records are updated, it will not be known where Fennell will serve his sentence. Fennell was sentenced to two years in federal prison after he was convicted in a kickback scheme. The jury convicted him of taking thousands of dollars from the Vigo County School Corporation. LINK | GOVERNMENT MOTION AGAINST FRANKLIN FENNELL According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Fennell must serve at least 85 percent of his time, and that is only if he is on good behavior. By our math, if Fennell is released early, he will be due to get out in February of 2020. US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley rebuked the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for "hypocrisy" in its call for an end to a Trump administration policy that could lead to the separation of families detained on the US southern border. "Once again, the United Nations shows its hypocrisy by calling out the United States while it ignores the reprehensible human rights records of several members of its own Human Rights Council," Haley said in a statement Tuesday. "While the High Commissioner's office ignorantly attacks the United States with words, the United States leads the world with its actions, like providing more humanitarian assistance to global conflicts than any other nation," she continued. "We will remain a generous country, but we are also a sovereign country, with laws that decide how best to control our borders and protect our people. Neither the United Nations nor anyone else will dictate how the United States upholds its borders." Haley's statement comes after the human rights office earlier Tuesday expressed "deep concern" for the US' "zero-tolerance policy" during a press briefing in Geneva, saying "the practice of separating families amounts to arbitrary and unlawful interference in family life, and is a serious violation of the rights of the child." "The use of immigration detention and family separation as a deterrent runs counter to human rights standards and principles," spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said. "The child's best interest should always come first, including over migration management objectives or other administrative concerns." "The US should immediately halt this practice of separating families and stop criminalizing what should at most be an administrative offense -- that of irregular entry or stay in the US," Shamdasani continued. "We call on the US authorities to adopt non-custodial alternatives that allow children to remain with their families and fulfill the best interests of the child, their right to liberty and their right to family life." The Trump administration began the policy for illegal border crossings in early May. Those caught unlawfully entering the country are referred for federal prosecution, meaning adults could be separated from their children as they await criminal proceedings. The policy does not apply to asylum seekers who come to an official port of entry to the US without paperwork. STARKVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) - Mississippi State will travel to Nashville for the NCAA Super Regional this weekend. The Bulldogs, winners for the Tallahassee Regional, will face off against Vanderbilt in a best of three series. The first game will be played at 7 p.m. Friday. Game two will be played at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and if needed, Game three will be played Sunday at 5 p.m. Other Super Regional Match ups: Tennessee Tech at Texas Minnesota at Oregon State Auburn at Florida Stetson at North Carolina Washington at Cal-State Fullerton Duke at Texas Tech South Carolina at Arkansas MORE: NCAA announces super regional times Tupelo Partly Cloudy 84 Hi: 84 Lo: 68 Feels Like: 87 More Weather Columbus Partly Cloudy 80 Hi: 83 Lo: 66 Feels Like: 84 More Weather Oxford Partly Cloudy 77 Hi: 81 Lo: 67 Feels Like: 79 More Weather Starkville Partly Cloudy 79 Hi: 84 Lo: 66 Feels Like: 82 More Weather High pressure will still continue to control our weather forecast on our Thursday. However, a cold front moving through our area on Friday evening will bring some showers and thunderstorms, along with much cooler temperatures. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - Saying current levels are unacceptable, healthcare and environmental activists are calling on the legislature to fix the amount of lead in Florida drinking water. Following earlier tests of water fountains at schools in Tallahassee that showed high levels of lead, a group calling themselves Get the Lead Out recently tested eight drinking fountains at the state capitol building. Four were found to have lead levels above one part per billion, an amount the American Academy of Pediatrics says creates health risks for children. One of the drinking fountains had lead levels 11 times higher than that. During a news conference in the capital city Tuesday, several doctors and water quality experts discussed the hazards of lead in drinking water, especially to young children. Lead exposure can cause low IQ, aggressive behavior, ADHD and stunted growth. Doctor Ron Saff says the lead issue that exists in and around the capitol is almost certainly happening across the state. The plumbing throughout Florida is largely the same, and we know that the lead is coming from the plumbing parts," said Saff. "Its not coming from the aquifer. According to the group, schools built before 1986 pose the highest risk for contamination, as pipes, brass fittings and the inner lining of galvanized pipes often include some lead. It is estimated that it would cost about $24 million to filter all water taps in school cafeterias and replace old drinking fountains in all Florida elementary and middle schools. GADSDEN COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - After several months of debate, the Gadsden County Commission voted to move forward with plans for Florida Highway Patrol to build a race track on 109 acres of land on U.S. 90. FHP will use the speed track to teach state troppers how to speed safely. It would be used by enforcement agencies statewide. Brenda Holt, chair of Gadsden County Commission, says there was discussion of building the facility in south Florida. She says she supports having the race track in Gadsden County because of the economic impact. "We were trying to maintain the economic impact of the Law Enforcement Academy as far as employment, residual incomes that were from that facility," said Brenda Holt, chair of the Gadsden County Commission. "That was the reason for keeping the facility in the area. Also to train good officers." Holt says the facility will bring transient funds from officers visiting for training. The FHP track will be located next to the Florida Public Safety Institute. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A judge granted a request to remove the Florida State hazing death case, involving three of the suspects, from the court docket. Attorneys for Anthony Petagine, Anthony Oppenheimer and Luke Kluttz all made the request after the judge granted the state's motion last month to pause until the First District Court of Appeals acts. That means the trial originally set to begin next Monday will be postponed. The three defendants along with six others are accused in the hazing death of Pi Kappa Phi Pledge Andrew Coffey last November. Five of the suspects accepted the state's plea deal and are serving jail time. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Voters will decide in November whether felons' voting rights should be automatically restored after they've been released. As WTXL ABC 27' s Valerie Mills shows us, a recent study shows voting 'yes' to "Amendment 4" could save taxpayers millions of dollars. "As a returning ex-felon, I am still without the privilege, the right of the opportunity to vote," said Pastor Gregory James of Life Church International Center. A new study shows allowing men and women who have served their time, like James, to vote will benefit Florida's economy. A study done by the Washington Economics Group says passing Amendment 4 would reduce court and prison costs. "Amendment 4 says, we no longer want men and women who are coming back from doing time, who have paid their debt to society, to go before a clemency board and be tried all over again," James said. As of 2018, Florida is one of four states where convicted felons do not regain the right to vote until a board restores the person's voting rights. In 2011, Gov. Rick Scott implemented a five-year waiting period for felons to apply for clemency. WEG states, before that move, only 12 percent of those who had their rights restored went back to prison. Since 2011, that number has jumped to 25 percent. "By every 10 thousand, 15, 20, 30 thousand prisoners we can lower, those are people that are not going to be in crime colleges, said Dominic M. Calabro, president of Florida TaxWatch. "These are ways that people learn how to commit crimes more seriously." If amendment 4 is passed, economists calculated saving $365 million across the state. Sixty percent of that comes from court and prison costs. The rest is projected earnings and economic activity from ex-felons who've gone straight. The study says, each year this amendment would support close to 3, 800 jobs, allowing ex-felons to earn an income and benefit Florida's economy. "Amendment 4 restores opportunity," James said. "Amendment 4 restores life to a man or woman who have dreamed of having all their rights restored." TIFTON, GA (WALB) - Tifton elementary school principal Tammy Corbin is accused of using a school district issued credit card to pay her personal bills. According to an investigation by the GBI, the 49-year old charged over $1,500 to the card between July 2017 and January of this year. Corbin the former principal of Charles Spencer Elementary School was arrested Tuesday. The school district responded with a statement, saying: "Allegations of the mishandling of funds at Charles Spencer Elementary School were brought to the attention of the school system earlier this year. School officials immediately began an investigation. Taxpayers trust us to responsibly handle all money and we take that responsibility very seriously. We had already begun termination proceedings when Tammy Corbin resigned in March." TIFTON, GA (WALB) - A principal of a Tifton elementary school was booked for theft Tuesday, June 5, 2018, according to a statement issued by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Principal Tammy Dill Corbin, 49, was arrested for felony theft by taking and booked into the Tift County Jail. An investigation started in February when the GBI was requested by the Tifton Police Department to look into misappropriation of funds at Charles Spencer Elementary School. An audit conducted by the Tift County School Board found suspicious purchases made on a credit card assigned to the elementary school. The investigation found that Principal Corbin had used the card to purchase personal items and pay personal bills. Corbin is said to have charged over $1,500 between July 2017 and January 2018. Copyright 2018 WALB. All rights reserved. BERLIN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Robotics and automation in Germany reached a record sales volume of 14.5 billion euros (16.9 billion U.S. dollars) in 2017 and China remained the largest market, the German mechanical engineering association VDMA announced on Tuesday. "2017 was a very strong year for our industry," says Norbert Stein chairman of VDMA Robotics and Automation. "The fact that our expectations have now once again been exceeded is a testimony to the extraordinary market dynamics in automation." According to VDMA Robotics and Automation, exports were the main growth driver in 2017. Sales to China grew by around 60 percent compared with 2016, significantly strengthening China's position as the most important market for German robotics and automation. Large investments by the electronics industry in automation have further strengthened China's strong demand. Exports to all other Asian countries also grew at an above-average rate of around 20 percent. VDMA Robotics and Automation forecasts an industry growth of 9 percent to 15.8 billion euros for 2018, slightly less than the record growth of 13 percent over the previous year. The worldwide trend towards automation and the digitization of production provide sustained growth impulses. Car manufacturers and suppliers alike are increasingly investing in electric and hybrid drives. The necessary components, especially batteries, require new production facilities. As a consequence, manual work in factories of the future will change. Instead of transferring processes that were done by labor force to machines, the new processes are rethought entirely in order to achieve better results. In so-called "fusion skills", robotics is used to strengthen and support while people develop, test and operate the automation processes. Speaking to Xinhua on Tuesday, labor expert Oliver Stettes from the German Economic Institute IW said that "in individual cases the robot may replace the worker. However, it is more likely that the worker will perform different tasks than before and man and machine will work side by side or together." Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 03:29:48|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte (5th R, rear) speaks ahead of the confidence vote in Senate in Rome, Italy, on June 5, 2018. The new Italian government led by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Tuesday won the confidence vote in Senate. (Xinhua/Alberto Lingria) by Eric J. Lyman ROME, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The new Italian government led by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Tuesday won the confidence vote in Senate. Nearly nine hours after debate started, Italy's Senate, the upper house of parliament, backed Conte's government by a vote of 171-117, mostly along party lines. A total of 25 senators abstained from voting. The outcome was widely expected. Conte, a 53-year-old political novice, who was formally installed as the head of Italy's government on June 1, would have had to resign if he lost the vote. Conte will face a similar confidence vote in the lower house of parliament, the Chamber of Deputies, on Wednesday. A positive outcome there is even more assured because of in that chamber the strength of the Five-Star Movement and the League, the two parties that support his government. Conte addressed senators for more than an hour ahead of a full day of statements, the prime minister's first formal audience in the Senate. Conte thanked Italians for the chance to serve as prime minister. He said he would take on the new job "with humility, with determination, with an awareness for (his) limits, but also with passion." In remarks from senators from opposition parties, Conte was repeatedly criticized. Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, now a senator, called Conte's plan for government "unbalanced, "unrealistic," and "damaging." Emma Bonino, a former Italian minister of foreign affairs, said the current political situation represented a "low point" in her parliamentary career that started in 1976. But in the end, Conte earned more than enough votes to keep the job he has held for just four days. In his remarks, Conte mostly stayed away from the most controversial issues backed by the Five-Star Movement's Luigi Di Maio and Matteo Salvini from the League, Conte's two deputy premiers who sat on either side of Conte as he spoke. Di Maio and Salvini campaigned against the European Union (EU) and Italy's obligations to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). But Conte called the EU "our home," and said Italy would remain a dedicated member of NATO, with the United States remaining "a privileged ally." Conte did call for Europe to become more egalitarian in order to "prevent its decline" and said governments should "rethink" sanctions against Russia. Conte did not discuss the controversial doubts the Five-Star Movement and the League have expressed about the euro currency, or about the 100-billion-euro (120-billion-U.S.-dollar) spending plan that is seen as deepening the debt for Italy's cash-strapped government. Instead, Conte said he wanted to reduce the country's 2.2 trillion euros (2.6 trillion U.S. dollars) in debt, though he wanted to pay it down "by growing wealth and not with austerity measures." Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 03:29:49|Editor: yan Video Player Close CAIRO, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail submitted his government's resignation to President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, the Egyptian presidential spokesman said Tuesday. The cabinet resignation came a few days after Sisi was sworn in at the parliament for a second four-year presidential term. "The president assigned the government to act as caretaker and continue performing its duties until a new government is formed," presidential spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement. The Egyptian cabinet resignation is a traditional move in Egypt following a president's swearing-in. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 04:35:10|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close Ou Qingping (L), Vice Minister of China's State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development (LGOP), addresses an ad-hoc workshop at the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) headquarters in Rome, Italy, on June 5, 2018. A robust partnership built on knowledge sharing would be crucial to eradicate poverty and hunger by 2030, representatives from governments and UN agencies said here on Tuesday during the ad-hoc workshop held at the International Fund for Agriculture Development headquarters. (Xinhua/Chen Zhanjie) by Alessandra Cardon ROME, June 5 (Xinhua) -- A robust partnership built on knowledge sharing would be crucial to eradicate poverty and hunger by 2030, representatives from governments and UN agencies said here on Tuesday during an ad-hoc workshop held at the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) headquarters. Attended by some 90 experts, the event was co-organized by International Poverty Reduction Center in China (IPRCC) and China Internet Information Center (CIIC), and by the three UN agencies based in Rome, namely World Food Programme (WFP), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and IFAD. High representatives from Ghana, Senegal, Kenya also joined the debate, which focused on how to improve ongoing strategies to achieve the first two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) -- eradicate hunger and poverty -- provided by the Agenda 2030. Different panels gave one major answer: build a multi-disciplinary integrated approach by learning from countries that have proved successful already and exchanging information and experiences as much as possible. This was what the organizers pledged to do. In a joint communique, the Chinese representatives along with FAO, IFAD, and WFP committed in fact to "explore opportunities to develop and strengthen their partnership" on several perspectives. A crucial one would be "to share research findings, successful experiences, and best practices...relating to poverty reduction, rural transformation, eradication of hunger, and improvement of food security," it said. They also agreed to organize two forums each year from now on -- one in Beijing and one in Rome -- to build a permanent framework for such a regular dialogue. With its good results in taking out millions of citizens from poverty in a relative short span, China represented both a global example and a major driver of the campaign towards poverty and hunger eradication, experts acknowledged. In the last five years, "China yielded decisive progress in the uphill anti-poverty campaign," Ou Qingping, Vice Minister of China's State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development (LGOP), told the audience. He explained China's impoverished population fell from 98.99 million in 2012 to 30.46 million in 2017, which meant some 13.7 million lifted out of poverty on average each year. "Poverty incidence rate dropped from 10.2 percent to 3.1 percent (in the same period)," Ou said. A crucial role in coordinating effective policies and directing anti-poverty investments was being played by the central government, according to the official. "Central and provincial fiscal input from 2013 to 2017 reached a total 464.7 billion yuan (72.55 billion U.S. dollars) as China's special poverty reduction fund," Ou said. Meanwhile, Beijing has been an active partner in poverty reduction cooperation with both multilateral organizations (such as the Rome-based UN agencies) and developing countries in Africa, Latina America and Southeast Asia. Despite the many achievements reached in the past decades, in fact, a UN official recalled the global situation still showed "daunting challenges". "Inequalities are still pervasive, and about 783 million people continue to live in extreme poverty," said economist Benjamin Davis, team leader of FAO Strategic Programme to Reduce Rural Poverty. Hunger was also on the rise, with some 815 million people considered chronically food-insecure in 2016 from 777 million in 2015, mainly due to conflicts and climate change. In such a context, the official stressed that progresses made by some countries towards the SDG1 and SDG2 -- no poverty and zero hunger, respectively -- indicated the path. "Countries that have developed successful policies -- as we have heard in the case of China -- serve as an example for others, and especially those with a similar context and social-economic background," Davis said. "Along this line, knowledge sharing through South-South and Triangular Cooperation is a very powerful tool to facilitate the exchange of lessons learnt and best practices." As part of their efforts in boosting knowledge sharing, parties at the workshop presented the "Global Solicitation and Challenge Prize on Best Poverty Reduction Practices," launched at a previous forum held in Beijing in late May. The initiative -- set up by the three Rome-based UN agencies, China's CIIC and IPRCC, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank -- aims at gathering 100 meaningful case studies on poverty reduction from organizations and individuals around the world. All of the case studies selected during the campaign from May 3 to Aug. 3 will be showcased in the Global Poverty Reduction Online Knowledge Sharing Database launched by China in 2017, officials at the event said. (1 U.S. dollar = 6.4 Chinese yuan) Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 04:35:12|Editor: yan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank on Tuesday kept its growth forecasts for the global economy unchanged for this year and next year, but warned of a combination of considerable downside risks including escalating trade protectionism. In its newly-released Global Economic Prospects report, the World Bank said the global economy would grow 3.1 percent in 2018 before slowing to 3 percent in 2019, unchanged from its previous forecasts in January. Growth in advanced economies is expected to moderate slightly to 2.2 percent in 2018 and further slow down to 2 percent next year, as central banks gradually remove monetary stimulus, according to the report. Growth in emerging market and developing economies is projected to strengthen to 4.5 percent in 2018 before reaching 4.7 percent in 2019, as "the recovery in commodity exporters matures and commodity prices level off following this year's increase." The World Bank upgraded its forecast for China's economic growth in 2018 to 6.5 percent, 0.1 percentage point higher than its January forecast. But the growth is estimated to edge down to 6.3 percent in 2019, as regulatory and macroprudential policies are expected to tighten and fiscal policy is anticipated to become less accommodative. BRUSSELS, June 5 (Xinhua) -- European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Tuesday that the future of the euro is the future of the European Union (EU) as a whole and one of the main challenges of the EU is to complete Economic and Monetary Union. As for Juncker, Europe now has two major challenges. "The first is to make sure that our recovery benefits everyone. This means that we must address the root causes of social despair, which were exacerbated over the last decade," Juncker said in his keynote speech at the Brussels Economic Forum. And the second major challenge is the need to complete Economic and Monetary Union. "The future of the European Union is the future of the euro, and the future of the euro is the future of the European Union as a whole," he said. Juncker said the euro is now the second most used reserve currency across the world. "I would like the euro area to speak more firmly and with one voice on the world scene," he said. The president also noted that Italy is at the heart of Europe and of the euro. "Italy -- yesterday as today -- deserves respect and trust," he said. His remark comes after the recent political crisis in Rome that rocked financial markets. BUJUMBURA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Citizens' contributions to Burundi's 2020 general elections are estimated at 17.2 billion Burundi francs (9.6 million U.S. dollars) by May 31, out of the needed 70 billion francs (39.2 million dollars), Burundian finance minister said Tuesday. The contributions came from the salary of civil servants, business people from the diaspora and civil society groups, Burundian finance minister Domitien Ndihokubwayo said at a press conference in Bujumbura, capital city of Burundi. "When we reach the required amount for the 2020 elections, we will immediately stop requesting contributions. We have also thought of other strategies to reach the needed amount," said the minister. In December 2017, the Burundian government presented a detailed project on contributions of citizens to the 2020 elections. The contributors of the elections were grouped into three categories -- farmers, civil servants of public administration, and the private sector and organizations willing to make the contribution. By Evan Duggan VANCOUVER, June 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum from Canada and other key allies are a "nonsensical" policy that could threaten global trade and economic stability, a Canadian trade expert said on Tuesday. "Any economist you talk to will say these measures are nonsensical," said Werner Antweiler, associate professor of trade policy at the University of British Columbia. "They are not benefiting the U.S. economy," he told Xinhua in an interview. "They will hurt the U.S. economy, and of course they are going to hurt the economies around the world too." Canada hit back at the Trump administration on Thursday by announcing retaliatory tariffs on up to 16.6 billion Canadian dollars (12.8 billion U.S. dollars) worth of U.S. steel, aluminum and a diverse list of other products. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland announced countermeasures after U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross confirmed Washington would slap tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico and the European Union, beginning on June 1. The Canadian government has released two lists of U.S. products, proposing a 25-percent tariff on the first list and 10 percent on the second. The countermeasures will take effect on July 1 and stay in place until the United States backs down. Canada is also planning to challenge the U.S. tariffs under the dispute mechanisms of the North American Free Trade Agreement and the World Trade Organization. Antweiler said the list of countermeasure items selected by Canada targets industries concentrated in U.S. states where Trump would feel the most economic and political pressure. "The purpose has been to focus on industries that are particularly relevant in states that are contested," he said. "Mr. Trump and his Republican allies would be feeling the pain if these measures start hurting the economy in those states." In addition to steel and aluminum, the list includes products such as toilet paper, playing cards, mattresses, sleeping bags, inflatable boats and whiskies. "If you look at table two, you find whisky distilleries, which are of course more prevalent in the southern part of the country where Trump and the Republicans have particularly strong support," he said. Antweiler said it is unclear -- but increasingly possible -- that Trump's trade attack against Canada could lead to an all-out trade war between the two allies. "The problem is that Mr. Trump is very unpredictable," he said. "He is not playing by the rules." "There is no way around the fact that when Trump imposes these trade measures, he is going to hurt American workers," he said. "In a trade war there are only losers and no winners." The next escalation, if a solution is not reached soon, could be an attack against the Canadian auto sector, Antweiler said. That would be a "nightmare" scenario that would create pain on both sides of the border in an industry highly integrated between the two countries, he said. "What has been initiated by the United States is against international treaties that we have negotiated for decades to help smooth international trade and to create prosperity in the world," Antweiler said. In his most striking comments yet regarding Trump, Trudeau has called the tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum "totally unacceptable." The anti-trade measures would harm workers and supply chains on both sides of the border and are "an affront to the Canadians who died" alongside Americans in battle, the prime minister said last week. Trump is set to meet with Trudeau and other fellow G7 leaders in the province of Quebec for an annual summit, which begins Friday. It would mark Trump's first visit to Canada since his presidential term began. FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump greets Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., October 11 2017. (Xinhua/REUTERS) By Evan Duggan VANCOUVER, June 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum from Canada and other key allies are a "nonsensical" policy that could threaten global trade and economic stability, a Canadian trade expert said on Tuesday. "Any economist you talk to will say these measures are nonsensical," said Werner Antweiler, associate professor of trade policy at the University of British Columbia. "They are not benefiting the U.S. economy," he told Xinhua in an interview. "They will hurt the U.S. economy, and of course they are going to hurt the economies around the world too." Canada hit back at the Trump administration on Thursday by announcing retaliatory tariffs on up to 16.6 billion Canadian dollars (12.8 billion U.S. dollars) worth of U.S. steel, aluminum and a diverse list of other products. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland announced countermeasures after U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross confirmed Washington would slap tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico and the European Union, beginning on June 1. The Canadian government has released two lists of U.S. products, proposing a 25-percent tariff on the first list and 10 percent on the second. The countermeasures will take effect on July 1 and stay in place until the United States backs down. Canada is also planning to challenge the U.S. tariffs under the dispute mechanisms of the North American Free Trade Agreement and the World Trade Organization. Antweiler said the list of countermeasure items selected by Canada targets industries concentrated in U.S. states where Trump would feel the most economic and political pressure. "The purpose has been to focus on industries that are particularly relevant in states that are contested," he said. "Mr. Trump and his Republican allies would be feeling the pain if these measures start hurting the economy in those states." In addition to steel and aluminum, the list includes products such as toilet paper, playing cards, mattresses, sleeping bags, inflatable boats and whiskies. "If you look at table two, you find whisky distilleries, which are of course more prevalent in the southern part of the country where Trump and the Republicans have particularly strong support," he said. Antweiler said it is unclear -- but increasingly possible -- that Trump's trade attack against Canada could lead to an all-out trade war between the two allies. "The problem is that Mr. Trump is very unpredictable," he said. "He is not playing by the rules." "There is no way around the fact that when Trump imposes these trade measures, he is going to hurt American workers," he said. "In a trade war there are only losers and no winners." The next escalation, if a solution is not reached soon, could be an attack against the Canadian auto sector, Antweiler said. That would be a "nightmare" scenario that would create pain on both sides of the border in an industry highly integrated between the two countries, he said. "What has been initiated by the United States is against international treaties that we have negotiated for decades to help smooth international trade and to create prosperity in the world," Antweiler said. In his most striking comments yet regarding Trump, Trudeau has called the tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum "totally unacceptable." The anti-trade measures would harm workers and supply chains on both sides of the border and are "an affront to the Canadians who died" alongside Americans in battle, the prime minister said last week. Trump is set to meet with Trudeau and other fellow G7 leaders in the province of Quebec for an annual summit, which begins Friday. It would mark Trump's first visit to Canada since his presidential term began. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 08:36:05|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The upcoming 18th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to be held in China is expected to see leaders discuss the implementation of the bloc's guiding "Shanghai Spirit" and the prospect of a community with a shared future that leads to the common prosperity of member countries. From June 9 to 10, leaders of SCO member states will gather in China's eastern seaport and tourist resort of Qingdao, Shandong Province, with the aim of enhancing political support, maintaining regional security and stability, strengthening economic cooperation, as well as expanding people-to-people exchanges. Established nearly 17 years ago with the initial goal of tackling regional security issues, the SCO, now grouping China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan, has evolved into a comprehensive organization with growing international influence. UPHOLDING THE SHANGHAI SPIRIT In today's world where profound changes are happening at a rapid pace and uncertainties are on the rise, the SCO has come to realize the urgent need for member countries to stick to the organization's guiding principles enshrined in what is known as the "Shanghai Spirit." The Shanghai Spirit features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity and the pursuit of common development. In a meeting with a group of foreign ministers from the SCO member countries in late April, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on member countries to remain true to their original aspirations, firmly advocate the Shanghai Spirit, fully unleash the SCO's potential after its expansion and forge ahead with all-round cooperation. The SCO welcomed its newest members during the 2017 summit in Astana, Kazakhstan by giving India and Pakistan full membership status. With eight full members, four observer countries and six dialogue partners, the organization now covers over 60 percent of the Eurasian landmass, nearly half of the world's population and more than 20 percent of global gross domestic product. China, Xi said, is ready to work with other member countries to continue to support each other politically, safeguard regional security and stability, gradually establish institutional arrangements of regional economic cooperation, and expand people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation. Also during the foreign ministers' meeting, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi called the Shanghai Spirit "the fundamental reason why the SCO can keep growing." He called for taking the upcoming summit as an opportunity to review the Shanghai Spirit, strengthen solidarity, mutual trust and all-round cooperation, and forge a closer community with a shared future. "The need for multilateral solutions (for world affairs) is absolutely evident, " said Anatoly Klimenko, a geopolitics expert at the Far East Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. "As they (the Chinese people) say, it takes two to tango," he said, stressing the importance of dialogue in solving complicated problems. "A unilateral attitude may result in confrontation," Klimenko said. Echoing Xi's call for institutionalizing regional economic cooperation within the SCO, the expert suggested that certain decision-making structures be created to enable the bloc to act in different sectors, including politics, economy, defense and humanitarian issues. "Initially, the SCO was perceived as a kind of a club for the discussion of certain problems," Klimenko said. That perception, he added, has led to a "scientific attitude" shared by Russian and Chinese scholars, one that focuses on restructuring the SCO so as to "give shape and implement the decisions that are taken." SAFEGUARDING SECURITY AND STABILITY Although the content of cooperation within the SCO has been enriched to include promoting economic development and fostering closer ties among ordinary citizens of the member countries, addressing regional security issues and enhancing defense collaboration remain an important pillar of the bloc's missions. Since its establishment, the SCO has made maintaining regional security and stability a priority, and its enlargement will inject more potential into the organization for security cooperation. At the same time, the SCO will also shoulder more responsibilities and bear greater expectations from people in the region as well as from around the world. Against the backdrop of continual threats posed by the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism and separatism, drug trafficking, as well as transnational organized crimes, Xi told a gathering of senior security officials of SCO member states in Beijing to "remain vigilant, think calmly, judge accurately and respond properly" in the face of contingencies. Between 2013 and 2017, the SCO member countries have collaboratively foiled over 600 cases of criminal activities bearing hallmarks of terrorism, destroyed more than 500 training bases for armed militants, arrested some 2,000 members of international terrorist organizations, and confiscated some 1,000 self-made explosive devices, more than 50 tons of explosive materials, over 10,000 guns as well as some 1 million bullets, said Yevgeniy Sysoev, director of the bloc's anti-terrorism committee. In an exclusive interview with Xinhua in early May, Sysoev also said that the SCO member countries have blocked over 100,000 websites between 2016 and 2017. Those websites, the official said, published over 4 million pieces of information advocating terrorism and extremism. With respect to the international anti-terrorism front, one of the pressing tasks facing the SCO is to continue fighting against militants of the Islamic State (IS) who, following the extremist group's defeat in Syria and Iraq, have returned to their native countries, some of which are SCO members or observers. The SCO, Klimenko said, "must be able to defend its participants, especially because the situation is getting more and more complicated." "We have Afghanistan at our side, to which IS militants are moving from the Middle East and are concentrating in the north of the country close to the SCO borders," he added. Afghanistan became an observer country of the SCO in 2012. Acknowledging the number of military exercises such as the biennial Pacific Mission drills that are held on a multilateral basis within the SCO, Klimenko said, "All military contingents are preparing themselves to defend the SCO space." ECONOMIC COOPERATION TO FACILITATE BRI Seventeen years into its existence, the SCO can be said to have now entered adolescence. This process of maturation is in part marked by the bloc's resolve to engage in economic cooperation and realize common prosperity, a consensus agreed on by all member states that has been growing stronger every year. To achieve that end, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has become a major potential platform for the economic dimension of the SCO. Proposed by China in 2013, the BRI is aimed at improving interconnectivity worldwide and promoting global trade links through infrastructure projects. The BRI's full name is the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which suggests that the framework has a land-based component that stretches along the Ancient Silk Road, as well as a sea route that connects the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Combined, the two parts are expected to connect Asia with Europe and Africa. Strengthening economic cooperation within the SCO on the BRI has special implications in the sense that all parties involved in the organization are located on the Eurasian continent, and that projects related to SCO member states carry particular significance in the BRI framework. Take the China-Belarus industrial park for example. The park is the largest foreign investment project in Belarus -- also an SCO observer country -- and an important cooperation project between China and Belarus under the BRI. Located at the junction between the Eurasian Customs Union and the European Union, Belarus views the industrial park as a strategic project that provides hope for the country's future economic development and is ready to forge a closer link between the two vigorous markets. When hosting Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan who visited Belarus on May 27-29, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said his country is ready to join forces with China to align their development strategies and turn the China-Belarus industrial park into a pearl on the Silk Road Economic Belt. The 34 enterprises based in the industrial park so far represent eight countries, namely China, Belarus, Russia, the United States, Germany, Austria, Lithuania and Israel, making the park a multinational business hub. The park is now planning to cooperate with Duisburger Hafen AG, the German company that runs the country's Duisburg port, to construct a railway directly linking the park with the China-Europe rail lines, which are providing freight services to meet the ever-increasing demands of both sides. MEXICO CITY, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Mexico's influential Business Coordination Council (CCE) on Tuesday rejected a possible U.S. move to make separate trade deals with Canada and Mexico to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Speaking at a conference of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Mexico City, CCE President Juan Pablo Castanon insisted that a trilateral agreement was the most desirable outcome. "We believe that (seeking) the synergies which can exist among the three countries is the best we can do for the region's competitiveness," the CCE leader said. Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested he would prefer to scrap NAFTA altogether and seek two bilateral agreements with Canada and Mexico separately. White House National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow said on Tuesday that Trump is seriously considering this possibility. In response, Castanon said that continuing with NAFTA would make the region "the most competitive in the world." "Due to this, we insist there must be a trilateral negotiation," he added. He also said that the recent tariffs between the United States and Mexico could severely harm NAFTA negotiations, especially as they are currently moving towards their closing stages. The United States, Mexico and Canada have been renegotiating NAFTA since August 2017, as Trump has slammed it for harming the U.S. economy. U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross announced Thursday that U.S. tariffs of 25 percent on steel imports and 10 percent on aluminum imports would be applied to the European Union, Canada and Mexico from June 1. Mexico responded with similar measures on Tuesday, targeting the American steel, aluminum and agricultural sectors, at an estimated economic cost of 3 billion U.S. dollars. SEOUL, June 6 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Wednesday that his country will push for the recovery of remains of the fallen soldiers during the 1950-53 Korean War in line with improved relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Moon made the remarks in his address to the Memorial Day ceremony at the National Cemetery in the country's central city of Daejeon. Moon said that if inter-Korean relations are enhanced, it will be pushed first for to retrieve the remains of the war dead in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a heavily armed border dividing the two countries. The president said the remains of other foreign soldiers will be able to be recovered together, noting that South Korea will continue to find the last remaining person among soldiers and policemen killed during the Korean War. Hundreds of thousands of service members remain listed as missing in action from the three-year fratricidal war. Moon's comment came amid the emerging detente on the Korean Peninsula. Moon and top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un held their surprised second summit on May 26, just a month after holding the third-ever inter-Korean summit on April 27. The DPRK leader and U.S. President Donald Trump are scheduled to hold the first-ever DPRK-U.S. summit on June 12 in Singapore. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 10:51:38|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close NAKURU, Kenya, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Singida United FC from Tanzania toppled Kenyan giants AFC Leopards 4-2 on penalties in the 2018 SportPesa Super Cup quarterfinal here on Tuesday. Singida, the losing Tanzania domestic Cup finalists, thus completed the semifinal lineup of the eight-team regional invitational tournament after their evenly contested encounter with Leopards ended in a barren stalemate in regulation time. They will play in the second semifinal of the tournament against title holders and Kenyan champions, Gor Mahia FC on Thursday. Kakamega Homeboyz FC (Kenya) will face Tanzanian league winners Simba FC in the first semifinal. Leopards midfielder, Whyvonne Isuza will rue his missed penalty in the second half that would have given Leopards the lead and had to see their team followed Yanga FC (Tanzania), Jeshi la Kujenga Uchumi (Zanzibar) and Kariobangi Sharks FC (Kenya) in crashing out of the competition. Both teams began the contest well, enjoying equal share of possession but Singida went close in the fifth minute when a Mundia Lubinda header was gathered by Ezekiel Owade in the Leopards goal having arrived to the box unmarked. Leopards' Brian Marita, who was looking lively in the opening quarter, then sent in a cross to the back post in the ninth minute but Simon Mburu's header went wide. Singida picked up the pace and went close again two minutes later when Kenny Ally unleashed a ferocious shot that was blocked by defender Salim Abdallah. Marvin Omondi skipped past two players in the 22nd but his low cross into the area went unconnected after nobody got to it for Leopards. The resultant corner ended up at Marita's feet on the edge of the box but he sent his right-footed shot just over the bar. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 11:06:40|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close PARIS, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Austria's Dominic Thiem is projected to meet Italian underdog Marco Cecchinato in men's semifinals, while Madison Keys and Sloane Stephens set up an all-American women's semifinal at the 2018 French Open on Tuesday. Thiem took revenge on German promising star Alexander Zverev, who won the ATP Madrid Masters final between the duo last month, 6-4, 6-2, 6-1. Zverev, who had already recorded his best Grand Slam performance after reaching the quarterfinals in Paris, suffered a left hamstring injury when returning the ball, thus being unable to stop in-from Thiem from moving forward. "I didn't want to pull out for the first time of my career in a Grand Slam quarterfinal," Zverev explained at the press conference. "I knew I'm not going to win the match. There was no way for me. I could barely move. I couldn't serve. I couldn't really do anything. "But I still wanted to finish the match and kind of give the credit to Dominic (Thiem) to end on a loss, not on a retirement," he added. It was the third straight year that Thiem positioned himself in the semifinals at Roland Garros. "This year I'm physically and mentally fresher than I have been the last two years. I know how to handle a Grand Slam now, how to handle to get that deep in such a tournament. Everything gets better with experience," said the Austrian. Cecchinato, placed 72nd at ATP Rankings, eliminated highly-ranked Pablo Carreno Busta and David Goffin en route to the quarterfinals. He took away the first two sets from the 2016 winner Novak Djokovic at 6-3, 7-6 (4) in a match well on track to the fifth set, after Djokovic won the third set 6-1 and led 5-2 in the fourth. However, the Italian regrouped himself to force a tiebreak, and managed to convert his fourth match point to triumph in a tough battle lasting three hours and 26 minutes, becoming the first Italian man to reach the semifinals at a Grand Slam in the past four decades. In women's category, two American players managed to move through the quarterfinals. No. 13 seed Keys eliminated Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan 7-6 (5), 6-4, while 10th-seeded Stephens breezed past Russia's Daria Kasatkina 6-3, 6-1. China's Yang Zhaoxuan and Chinese Taipei's Chan Hao-Ching secured their place in women's doubles semifinals following a 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 victory over Romanian duo of Irina Bara and Mihaela Buzarnescu. In junior division, second-seeded Wang Xinyu eased past Japanese teenager Uchijima Moyuka 6-2, 6-1. Fellow Chinese Zheng Qinwen joined Wang in girls' singles last 16 after beating Russia's Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-4, 6-4. China's Wang Xiyu and Colombian partner Maria Camila Osorio Serrano also found their way through the girls' doubles first round. WASHINGTON, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department said on Tuesday that the "maximum pressure campaign" against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will continue although President Donald Trump said last week he had not liked the term. In a press briefing, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said that "sanctions and the pressure campaign remain in place." After meeting Kim Yong Chol, vice chairman of the Central Committee of the DPRK's ruling Workers' Party of Korea, Trump told the media Friday that he had not liked the term "maximum pressure" as ties with the DPRK had been improving. Suggesting the media do not "get bogged in the details," Nauert said "our pressure campaign, whatever it is you want to call it, remains firmly in place." "We will not pull back that pressure campaign until North Korea (DPRK) follows through on its pledge to denuclearize. That is something we have been consistent upon in this administration," she added. Stressing that Washington remains committed to completely verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, Nuaert said U.S. talks with the DPRK in Panmunjom and Singapore "are ongoing." "If you want to call that a hawkish thing or a dovish thing, fine, so be it but our policy remains the same," she said. Trump's meeting with Kim was tentatively scheduled for 9:00 a.m. local time (0100 GMT) on June 12. White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders said earlier on Tuesday that the meeting would take place at the Capella Hotel on Singapore's Sentosa Island. LOS ANGELES, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The agriculture industry in the U.S. state of California worried that it will suffer a lot as the United States' steel and aluminum tariffs on the European Union (EU), Canada and Mexico have caused a strong backlash. Josh Rolph, federal policy manager for the California Farm Bureau Federation, was quoted by the news outlet Ag Alert as saying on Tuesday that four of the top five exporting destinations for Californian agriculture are at immediate risk, and that the disputes between the United States and these economies are worrisome. The weekly online magazine listed the retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports that the three economies had announced, as well as China's latest warning that it would reinstate import duties on U.S. goods if the Trump administration pushes forward potential tariffs on Chinese goods. The EU told the World Trade Organization last month it planned to enact tariffs on more than 3 billion U.S. dollars worth of U.S. goods, including agricultural products such as rice, corn, dry kidney beans, cranberries, tobacco and orange juice. Canada's retaliation list included food products such as ketchup and other tomato sauces, yogurt, strawberry jam, nut purees and pastes, berry and other fruit purees, orange juice, pickles, maple syrup, and prepared bovine meat and meal. Those items would be hit with a 10-percent duty. Mexico released an official list Tuesday, which included agricultural items such as cheeses, apples, potatoes, cranberries, and a number of ham, pork and sausage products. "The impact to California agriculture is not fully known," the report said. It cited the 2016 data showing dairy products exported to Mexico, rice sold to the EU, as well as processed-tomato exported to Canada from the state amounted to 421 million dollars, 35 million dollars and 295.6 million dollars respectively. Brian Kuehl, executive director for Farmers for Free Trade, told the magazine that the new tariffs from the EU, Canada and Mexico could "take many American farm operations to the breaking point." "Already, farmers are grappling with the impact of previous tariffs, which have caused falling commodity futures, higher equipment prices, and the markets they've fought to get into for decades to vanish overnight," he said. "The addition of new retaliatory tariffs on everything from bourbon, to rice, to orange juice and cranberries will only widen the pain to additional farmers across the country," Kuehl said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 12:01:51|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close XINING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of people in northwest China's Qinghai Province have saved around 40,000 fish stranded in the Three-River-Source National Park after nearly a week of rescue efforts. In late May, park rangers found the fish, many of which were migrating to lay eggs, stranded in a 7-km section of Karqu River in Qumalai County due to insufficient flow, said Chosang Dorje with the park administration. The local government and park administration sent workers to transport the fish by vehicle to different parts of the river kilometers away. Local rangers, volunteers and herders also joined the operation. Rescue efforts lasted for nearly a week, with most of the stranded fish saved. "Some of the stranded fish belong to endangered species found only in the Sanjiangyuan area," Dorje said. Sanjiangyuan, which means the "source of three rivers," is home to many rare wildlife species, including the snow leopard, Tibetan antelope, white-lipped deer and Tibetan wild donkeys. China is setting up a national park system and has piloted 10 national parks across the country, with the Three-River-Source National Park being the first, to protect the natural environment and endangered species. DENVER, the United States, June 5 (Xinhua) -- A wildfire burning in southwest Colorado is spreading on Tuesday, threatening many homes as the 2018 fire season just began, local media reported. As of Tuesday night, the wildfire had grown 8.9 square km to 11.8 square km in 48 hours and was only 10 percent contained. Mandatory evacuation orders remained in place for more than 800 homes, while another 700 homes were told to be ready to evacuate at any time, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette. More than 400 firefighters, supported by six helicopters and two air tankers, are fighting the fire, according to Inciweb, the Idaho-based Interagency Fire Agency. The blaze, dubbed the 416 fire, started north of the city of Durango on private land and in San Juan National Forest, some 20 km north of Durango, Colorado. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire spokesman Neal Kephart told CBS News that the fire burned down to four-lane Highway 550 Tuesday afternoon, but firefighters have so far prevented it from crossing the highway. In neighboring New Mexico, a fast-moving fire in Colfax County burned over 145.7 square km and part of the legendary Philmont Scout Ranch. But thanks to moisture over the weekend, crews had contained 25 percent of the blaze by Tuesday and about 450 people were still battling that fire. TRIPOLI, June 6 (Xinhua) -- A foreign air strike late on Tuesday killed four terror suspects on the outskirts of the Libyan city of Bani Walid, some 180 km southwest of the capital Tripoli, a security source told Xinhua. "An unidentified foreign air strike killed four terrorists suspected of belonging to Islamic State (IS), targeting one of their headquarters in Bgila area in the valley of Kamkum on the outskirts of Bani Walid," said an official source in the joint security chamber of Bani Walid. "The strike was carried out at 01:30 p.m. local time (2330 GMT)," the source said, adding that the air strike is likely to have been carried out by a U.S. drone aircraft, as the Libyan air force is unable to carry out a precise air strike in valleys. WASHINGTON, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department said on Tuesday that the "maximum pressure campaign" against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will continue although President Donald Trump said last week he had not liked the term. In a press briefing, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said that "sanctions and the pressure campaign remains in place." After meeting Kim Yong Chol, vice chairman of the Central Committee of the DPRK's ruling Workers' Party of Korea, Trump told the media Friday that he had not liked the term "maximum pressure" as ties with the DPRK had been improving. Suggesting the media not "get bogged in the details," Nauert said "our pressure campaign, whatever it is you want to call it, remains firmly in place." "We will not pull back that pressure campaign" until the DPRK "follows through on its pledge to denuclearize," she said, adding "That is something we have been consistent upon in this administration." Stressing that Washington remains committed to completely verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, Nuaert said U.S. talks with the DPRK in Panmunjom and Singapore "are ongoing." "If you want to call that a hawkish thing or a dovish thing, fine, so be it but our policy remains the same," she said. Nauert also said that the U.S. government will not pay for the DPRK delegation during Trump's meeting with the country's top leader, Kim Jong Un, in Singapore on June 12. "We're not paying for their expenses," she said, adding that the United States has not asked other countries to "pay for this." When asked about whether South Korea President Moon Jae-in will go to Singapore for a trilateral meeting with Trump and Kim for the signing of a possible peace treaty, Nauert said that to her knowledge, Moon's trip "has not come up" in the U.S. conversations with South Korea and Japan. The Blue House said recently that South Korea had yet to launch preparations for a three-party summit. Moon said recently that he had anticipation for the three-way summit to be held to declare an official end to the 1950-53 Korean War. The Korean Peninsula remains technically at war as the Korean War ended with an armistice. Speaking of the U.S. Congress' statements to weigh in the U.S.-DPRK talks, Nauert said the State Department will not "get bogged down by anything the Senate or the House" said. "They're certainly entitled to say that, but we're not going to get ahead of ourselves in that regard," she added. Trump's meeting with Kim was tentatively scheduled for 9:00 a.m. local time (0100 GMT) on June 12. White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders said earlier on Tuesday that the meeting would take place at the Capella Hotel on Singapore's Sentosa Island. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 12:41:59|Editor: Liu Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The Organization of American States (OAS) on Tuesday passed a resolution to call an extraordinary assembly to vote on suspension of Venezuela's membership. The resolution was passed as 19 member states of the OAS general assembly voted in favor, four against and 11 abstained. In response, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said Venezuela rejected the assembly's decision that would enable the United States to continue its "economic war" and "military intervention" against President Nicolas Maduro's socialist government. However, Venezuela said last year that it had started a two-year process to pull out of the OAS. Maduro was sworn in to a second term last month after winning the reelection by a wide margin. His term will conclude in 2025. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence last month urged the group's member states to suspend Venezuela from this body. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo repeated Pence's demand in his remarks at the general assembly earlier on Monday, and also urged the group "to apply additional pressure on the Maduro regime, including sanctions and further diplomatic isolation." After Maduro's re-election, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning a U.S. individual or an entity within the United States from purchasing any debt owed to the Venezuelan government. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 13:12:05|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Listed companies in China reported higher profits in the first half of 2018 on booming industry growth, the China Securities Journal reported. By June 5, 1,116 companies had released their interim result forecasts, 769 of which expected higher profits, the newspaper said, citing data from financial information provider Wind. Among them, 153 companies forecast profits more than double those in the first half of this year. In general, listed firms in the A-share market sustained relatively high profitability in the first half. The better performance was attributed to expansionary main businesses, price rises, and industry recovery and restructuring. The improvement in corporate profits came amid a solid economic expansion in the first three months, when the Chinese economy maintained its resilience of the last year with 6.8-percent year-on-year growth. In 2017, China's GDP logged 6.9-percent growth, picking up the pace for the first time in seven years. WASHINGTON, June 5 (Xinhua) -- In an effort to end a month-long drama involving an aide mocking an ill Republican senator, the White House Tuesday said the aide has been fired. "Kelly Sadler is no longer employed within the Executive Office of the president," Principal Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah said in a one-line statement. The move came as the White House is under increasing pressure to take disciplinary action against Sadler, who last month made a crude comment on John McCain, a senator from Arizona who has been diagnosed with brain cancer. In a meeting discussing Senate votes on then Central Intelligence Agency Director Gina Haspel, Sadler downplayed possible McCain opposition, saying "it doesn't matter, he's dying anyway." The remark was later leaked to the press, sparking fierce criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, who called for Sadler to be fired immediately. Shah later defended Sadler in a press briefing, saying that everyone should be able to speak their minds at work, adding that the press office had "addressed the issue internally" without elaborating. The White House did little to quell the anger against Sadler, especially after McCain's daughter accused Sadler of walking back on a promise to apologize in public for the comment. Sadler has called up McCain's family to make a private apology, according to the White House, but has remained silent publicly. The episode underscored the poisonous working environment that has shrouded the White House, where personal attacks and leaks have become a new norm. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 13:52:12|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close NEW DELHI, June 6 (Xinhua) -- As massive preparations are under way in India to celebrate the International Day of Yoga on June 21, the central government has asked the state-owned space agency to map the celebrations across the country using satellites. A top government official has said the country's yoga ministry has written to the state-owned space agency, seeking its help in mapping the event participation across India using satellites, local media reported Wednesday. "We have written to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief and asked him if he could help us in mapping the event participation across the country using their satellite," the ministry's special secretary Rajesh Kotecha was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times newspaper. "He has given us in principle approval," he added. International Day of Yoga is celebrated across the country every year since 2015, with main events being hosted in the national capital and the cities of Chandigarh and Lucknow. This year the main event is to be held in the hilly state of Uttarakhand's capital Dehradun. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is a huge yoga enthusiast and practices it daily, will lead the celebrations in Dehradun. It was he who had lobbied the United Nations to declare June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. PHNOM PENH, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen have called for the people to vote in the forthcoming national election, saying that it is the only chance to elect their leaders in every five years. The Southeast Asian nation is scheduled to hold a national election for the 125-seat National Assembly on July 29, 2018. "On this occasion, I would like to solemnly call for all eligible voters to cast their ballots in order to elect national leaders for development and glorious progress in all fields," Sihamoni said in a royal message released to the media late Tuesday. The monarch said the forthcoming election is a free, fair, and confidential election that goes with the liberal multi-party democracy, so the voters should not worry about any pressure or intimidation from anyone or any political party. "I urge all the compatriots to exercise your rights to vote in according to your own conscience and to freely elect any candidate, any political party that you trust," he said. During a get-together with some 22,000 garment factory workers in southeastern Kampong Cham province on Wednesday, Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen also appealed to the people to vote and urged them to vote for the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP). "To protect peace and development, it is easy: vote for the Cambodian People's Party so that I will continue to lead (the nation) in the capacity of the prime minister," he said. Twenty political parties will contest in the forthcoming election, which will see some 8.3 million people cast their ballots, according to the National Election Committee (NEC). The three-week election campaign will start from July 7 to 27. In the last election on July 28, 2013, eight political parties joined the race. As a result, the CPP won 68 seats against 55 seats for the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in the then-123-seat National Assembly. The CNRP was dissolved by the Supreme Court in November last year after its leader Kem Sokha was arrested in September last year and charged with treason for conspiring with a foreign power in an attempt to overthrow the government. LOS ANGELES, June 5 (Xinhua) -- A total of 118,522 voters' names were left off the rolls in Los Angeles County in Tuesday's primary vote for the 2018 mid-term election, the county's election authority confirmed. "We apologize for the inconvenience and concern this has caused," County Clerk Dean C. Logan said in a statement Tuesday evening. "Voters should be assured their vote will be counted," Logan added. The authority said these voters' names were accidentally left off the rosters because of a printing error, but those voters were still able to cast provisional ballots, though they won't be verified right away. Logan said that poll workers at those locations had been instructed to make sure that voters whose names did not appear on the roster would be issued provisional ballots. Since the process of verifying and counting massive provisional ballots could cost workers more time than prediction, the vote tally in local races, especially two battleground House seats -- California's 25th and 39th Districts -- could turn out days or even weeks after the voting day. Gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa, the former Democratic mayor of Los Angeles, told supporters at his election night party that his campaign asked the Los Angeles County registrar to keep polls open longer. Villaraigosa's staff complained to local media that some of his supporters were turned away by the poll workers and not offered provisional ballots. "I'm calling on @LACountyRRCC to keep the polls open longer because of the unprecedented number of voters left off the voter rolls. You have the right to vote. If you were turned away, return to your polling place & exercise your right to vote by requesting a provisional ballot," Villaraigosa tweeted Tuesday evening. Eight states in the country, including California, held primary votes for the 2018 mid-term election. Since Democrats must wrest at least 23 seats from Republican hands to seize the control of the House for the second half of Trump's first term, California is turned into a key battle field for the two parties as there are seven Republican seats in the state won by Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in 2016. Under California's primary system, all candidates appear on a single primary ballot, with the top two vote-getters, regardless of the party line, advancing to the mid-term election in November. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 14:12:20|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close SHANGHAI, June 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. car maker General Motors has inaugurated a battery assembly plant in Shanghai that will support the company's expanding electric vehicle production in China. The Shanghai Battery Assembly Plant, operated by SAIC-GM joint venture, is the second GM battery assembly plant. "We will continue to grow our electric vehicle portfolio in China with diverse solutions that encompass various electric ranges and body styles," Matt Tsien, president of GM China, said on Tuesday. GM has launched three new energy models for its popular Cadillac, Buick and Baojun series in the China market. Tsien said GM planned to deliver 10 new energy vehicle models in China between 2016 and 2020, and the number of new energy vehicles would be doubled by 2023, as China was playing "an essential role" in driving towards a zero emissions future. Global car makers including Telsa and BMW and Chinese firms Geely and BYD are vying for share in China's new energy vehicle market. Volkswagen has said it would launch 40 new energy vehicle models for the Chinese market by the end of 2025. China's annual production and sales of NEVs topped the world from 2015. By the end of 2017, cumulative sales of NEVs exceeded 1.8 million units, accounting for more than half of the world's total. China has vowed to cap its carbon emission by 2030, seeking a timetable for the elimination of vehicles using gasoline and diesel. SYDNEY, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Counter-terrorism authorities on Wednesday arrested two men in Australia's New South Wales state capital Sydney as part of a crackdown on money laundering, according to police. The duo, aged 27 and 28, were nabbed in Bankstown and Wiley Park areas under a "long-running investigation into alleged money laundering and foreign incursion offences", federal and state police said in a statement. The investigation has so far "resulted in three arrests in Sydney in October 2017 for proceeds of crime offences, and one arrest in December 2017 for a person allegedly travelling to a conflict zone". The Australian Federal Police's Assistant Commissioner Ian McCartney said the nature of the investigation has been complex and involved a range of varying charges. The suspects are set to be charged with dealing in proceeds of crime, which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment or a fine of 315,000 Australian dollars (241,420 U.S. dollars), or both. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 14:32:24|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close TALUQAN, Afghanistan, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Unknown armed men abducted a female candidate for district council elections in Darqad district of northern Takhar province on Tuesday, spokesman for provincial government Sunatullah Timuri said Wednesday. "Fazila, a female candidate for district council elections from Darqad district was going to provincial capital Taluqan city on Tuesday afternoon when anti-government militants intercepted her car and took away the candidate along with her brother to unknown location," Timuri told Xinhua. The official, however, blamed Taliban militants for the abduction, saying efforts are underway to ensure the safe release of the female candidate and her brother. Taliban militants who are in control of parts of Darqad district and adjoining areas are yet to make comment. The elections for Afghan Wolesi Jirga, or Lower House of parliament, and district councils are slated for Oct. 20 and since opening the voters' registration on April 14, over a dozen centers for voters' registrations have been attacked. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 14:37:26|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close TRIPOLI, June 6 (Xinhua) -- A foreign air strike late on Tuesday killed four terror suspects on the outskirts of the Libyan city of Bani Walid, some 180 km southwest of the capital Tripoli, a security source told Xinhua. "An unidentified foreign air strike killed four terrorists suspected of belonging to Islamic State (IS), targeting one of their headquarters in Bgila area in the valley of Kamkum on the outskirts of Bani Walid," said an official source in the joint security chamber of Bani Walid. "The strike was carried out at 01:30 p.m. local time (1130 GMT)," the source said, adding that the air strike is likely to have been carried out by a U.S. drone aircraft, as the Libyan air force is unable to carry out a precise air strike in valleys. The source also said that a security patrol moved to the scene with an ambulance, and a number of bodies that were left after the air strike have been recovered and sent to Bani Walid general hospital. The uninhabited Kamkum valley, located some 140 km south of Bani Walid,is one of the most important areas in which the remnants of terrorist groups take shelter and operate. The joint security chamber announced a maximum alert in the city after monitoring movements of IS affiliates in its suburbs in January 2018. A U.S. warplane carried out an air strike in March in southern Libya, targeting two senior al-Qaeda leaders in the Islamic Maghreb. TOKYO, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will leave Japan on Wednesday for the United States to hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump before moving on to Canada to attend a Group of Seven (G7) summit. Abe, during his six-day trip, is expected to reaffirm Japan's close cooperation with the U.S. during his talks with Trump at the White House on Thursday, government officials here said. The two sides will discuss policies regarding the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) ahead of a summit between Trump and DPRK top leader Kim Jong Un, slated to be held on June 12 in Singapore. Abe will, later on Thursday, attend a two-day G7 summit which will start on Friday in Charlevoix in Canada's Quebec Province. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 15:22:44|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close HEFEI, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Straw used to be a big problem for Liu Weiquan as he had to burn tonnes of straw for nothing after harvest in east China's Anhui Province every year. But now it would be like burning his money away if he continues to burn the straw, because it has become quite profitable for thousands of farmers like him. After harvesting almost 4 tonnes of wheat in June, Liu, a peasant living in Gaotai village of Funan County, is preparing for the coming maize sowing. Previously, straw-burning was a main source of pollution in rural China, "We could hardly breathe during the straw-burning season, it also damaged the environment," Liu recalled. But that is no longer a concern for locals as straw is now put to good use. "Now, about 500 kg of top quality straw from my land will be made into handicrafts, while the rest will be sent to feed mills," Liu said. The Yangtze-Huaihe River basin, where Liu's land is located, is China's main agricultural region. Traditionally, Chinese farmers tend to burn the straw after harvests to clear the land, which causes heavy pollution. In Funan alone, about 1.2 million tonnes of straw are produced every year, according to Qian Dajun, an official with the local agricultural department. "Besides corn and wheat straw, we also have straw from vegetables and soybeans," Qian said. Funan is famous for delicate wickerwork. The 500-year old craft was enlisted as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2011. Skilled craftsmen traditionally use local willow as the raw material, but now they have turned to straw. Xu Zhihe, manager of the Funan-based Sanhe crafts company, said about 5 percent of the company's products are now made from straw. Last year, Xu began using hot press technology to make children's furniture from crushed straw. "The straw furniture has no formaldehyde, which is perfect for kids," Xu said. The first 200 sets of tables and chairs received good market response, and Xu plans to store 20,000 tonnes of straws this year for further production. Liu Youwei, from a local agricultural technology company, is also running around, searching for straw. "Corn and wheat straw are rich in water and sugar, they are very good feed ingredients," he said. The first production line of Liu Youwei's company can process up to 150,000 tonnes of straw per annum. Next year, he will have another five production lines in operation. "Good-quality straw can be made into artifacts and furniture, while low-quality ones can be turned into manure and be put back to the field," Liu Youwei said. In addition, straw can also be used to generate power, cultivate mushrooms and extract cellulose. Funan now has six companies with an annual straw consumption of over 100,000 tonnes, which means more than 90 percent of straw is now recycled. The price of straw is rising year by year, reaching 350 yuan (about 55 U.S. dollars) per tonne, 10 percent higher than in previous years, which is far beyond Liu Weiquan's expectation. "In the past, we burned the straw because it was useless, but now burning it is like burning money. It has become our golden goose," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 16:22:56|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close Chen Feng, currently a senior simultaneous interpreter at the United Nations headquarters, is pictured inside the Security Council interpretation booth at the UN headquarters in New York, May 23, 2018. As a member of China's first generation of professionally-trained simultaneous interpreters, he has served as the last English interpreter for Deng Xiaoping, the late Chinese leader widely regarded as the "Chief Architect of China's reform and opening-up." "I'm very fortunate to have been a beneficiary, participant of and witness to China's reform and opening-up policy over the past four decades," said Chen Feng. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) by Xinhua writers Ma Jianguo, Joshua Vizer UNITED NATIONS, June 5 (Xinhua) -- "I'm very fortunate to have been a beneficiary, participant of and witness to China's reform and opening-up policy over the past four decades," said Chen Feng, currently a senior simultaneous interpreter at the United Nations (UN) headquarters. As a member of China's first generation of professionally-trained simultaneous interpreters, he has served as the last English interpreter for Deng Xiaoping, the late Chinese leader widely regarded as the "Chief Architect of China's reform and opening-up." "CROSSING THE RIVER BY GROPING FOR STONES" In a recent interview with Xinhua, Chen said he was an English lover though the language was not valued when China was closed to the foreign world. He read English novels during work breaks and tried to catch up with English lessons via a short-wave radio. His passion, coupled with professional training for simultaneous interpreters introduced by the United Nations to China in 1979, led him to an unexpected career. In 1981, he went to Beijing for a postgraduate course jointly organized by the United Nations and China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education. "To tell you the truth, even many of our teachers had not heard of simultaneous interpretation as a term" at that time, Chen said. Chen was in the second batch of students admitted to the United Nations Interpreters/Translators Training Course. His classmates included present Chinese Consul General in New York Zhang Qiyue and China's former permanent representative to the United Nations Liu Jieyi. After graduation, Chen, an educated Cantonese, served as an interpreter for Chinese ambassadors in London and later was chosen to work for Deng. Chen said that Deng spoke with a strong Sichuan accent using words or phrases that were very innovative and groundbreaking. He often put forward new ideas in idiomatic colloquial terms that were a challenge both for immediate comprehension and exact interpreting. Chen still remembers vividly the great pressure and awe an interpreter faced working with Deng -- every single word uttered by the leader was very important and could not be misunderstood by visiting foreign guests. It was a time when Deng's famous phrase describing reform and opening-up "crossing the river by groping for stones" became a famous quotation, among other impromptu remarks. At the beginning of the reform and opening-up period, many Western leaders had doubts about China's policies and wanted to verify them through Deng. Chen recalled Deng's meeting with then Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in July 1990, the last time he interpreted for Deng. Chen said that during the conversation in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Trudeau asked, "Has China considered relaxing its immigration policy?" Deng responded bluntly, "We can open it wide. I'll give you 10 million people. Would you take them?" Trudeau was stunned at this counter-question as the Canadian population then was only 30 million. PROUD OF CHINA'S GROWING INFLUENCE Having served in the United Nations for more than 27 years, Chen still remembers the first time when he went abroad. It was in 1983, 12 years after the Chinese government regained its legitimate seat in the International Labor Organization, that a delegation led by then Minister of Labor and Personnel Zhao Shouyi arrived in Geneva. Chen was among them, interning before graduation. The stipend per person per day was only two Swiss francs (about two U.S. dollars at that time), with which he could only buy some BIC ballpoint pens. The small exotic "modern" gifts pleased his fellow students and friends at home. Nowadays, most "foreign" gifts he plans for Chinese friends and relatives can be found in malls and supermarkets in China, or at least at airport duty free shops. Additionally, many are already made in China. He said the change over the past 40 years is a remarkable turnaround. Recalling the experience of taking his children to Europe 20 years ago and sitting on the Eurostar train, he said that it was a big surprise that after only 20 years, China could produce its own high-speed trains that are much better and faster than Eurostar. Chen, who lives in Queens, New York, often goes to work by subway, which usually cost him over 50 minutes from his residence to the United Nations. Commenting on the old trains, Chen shook his head and said, "It's incredible. In Guangzhou, Shanghai or Beijing, the same distance takes less than 20 minutes." Since the beginning of his work at the United Nations in 1991, Chen has witnessed tremendous changes relating to China within the organization. He said what impressed him most was the change in United Nations membership fees, which are based primarily on a country's share of the world's gross domestic product. In the 1990s, China's dues were about 0.79 percent of the total. Today, China's membership dues have risen to around 7.9 percent of the total UN budget, a 10-fold rise since 1991. China currently ranks third in membership contributions, behind the United States and Japan. Mentioning terms such as "a community of shared future for mankind," "the Belt and Road Initiative" and "green development" that originated in China's own development, Chen said some Chinese concepts and initiatives have been incorporated in UN documents and strategies and have already become popular concepts in global governance. What's more, the China-proposed concept of "common but differentiated responsibilities" between developed and developing countries is now one of the major UN principles for environmental issues, Chen said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 16:27:57|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close TEHRAN, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Two border guards were killed in the clashes between Iranian security forces and the rebel groups in western country, official IRNA news agency reported on Wednesday. The clashes erupted Tuesday night at Sardasht border post, the report said. West and northwest of Iran have seen sporadic clashes between the Iranian Kurdish militants and the country's security forces over the past years. YANGON, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's Labour, Immigration and Population Ministry, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to assist Myanmar government's repatriation process of displaced persons from Rakhine state. Under the agreement, the UNHCR will join hands with Myanmar government in implementation of voluntary repatriation, in conducting assessments at their potential pilot project sites and will work with UNDP in preparation for recovery and resilience-based development in potential area, a statement of the Ministry of State Counsellor's Office said. Also, the UNDP will cooperate with the government in undertaking the planning process for resilience-based recovery and development that will benefit all communities and will promote social cohesion among the communities as well as will support access to livelihoods. In 1993, Myanmar government and UNHCR signed a MoU to provide a framework of assistance and cooperation in voluntary repatriation program from Bangladesh and about 230,000 displaced persons were repatriated under the MoU, the press release added. Meanwhile, Myanmar has recently received first batch of 62 returnees through Nga Khu Ya reception camp in Rakhine state, who had fled to Bangladesh due to the Rakhine state conflict and they were being transferred to the Hla Pho Khaung transit camp in Maungtaw after proper verification. Myanmar and Bangladesh had reached an agreement on the arrangement concerning the return of displaced people from Rakhine state signed on Nov.23 last year. The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army extremist terrorists launched attacks on police outposts in Rakhine State on Aug. 23 last year, displacing a vast number of residents to areas bordering with Bangladesh. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 16:32:57|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close DOHA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- A Qatari official said all parties concerned in the ongoing Gulf diplomatic crisis may meet in the U.S. in September under the mediation of Kuwait, state-run Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported late Tuesday. The news was revealed by Lulwah Al Khater, official spokeswoman of Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the sidelines of a seminar held by Qatar University on Tuesday night. "But whether it will take place or not depends on the blockading countries, whose behavior was unfortunately unpredictable in the past," she said at the seminar titled "A Year into the Siege: the Reality and Aftermath." Qatar will also file a complaint to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on the social damage the diplomatic rift has caused to the Qatari people, Al Khater added. Qatar, however, has overcome the economic sanctions through diversifying sources of supply, the Qatari spokeswoman noted. It has been a year since the Arab quartet of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, severed diplomatic, trade and transport links to gas-rich Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and extremism, which Doha has repeatedly denied. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 17:08:05|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 5 (Xinhua) -- China has proposed buying U.S. agricultural and energy products worth nearly 70 billion U.S. dollars, but only if Washington abandons its threat to slap tariffs on Chinese imports, according to a Wall Street Journal report on Tuesday. The report cited sources as saying that Chinese trade negotiators last week presented a U.S. delegation in Beijing a package that includes Chinese companies buying more U.S. soybean, corn, natural gas, crude oil and coal. Chinese and U.S. officials estimated the value of the package to be nearly 70 billion dollars in the first year, the report added. It also said the Chinese side made it clear to the U.S. delegation that the planned purchases would not come into effect if the Trump administration continued with its plan to impose tariffs on 50 billion dollars worth of Chinese imports. The sources also said details of the outcome have yet to be confirmed by the two sides, and follow-up negotiations might be needed. "To implement the consensus reached in Washington, the two sides have had good communication in various areas such as agriculture and energy, and have made positive and concrete progress while relevant details are yet to be confirmed by both sides," the Chinese side said in a statement after the conclusion of the talks. To meet the people's ever-growing needs for a better life and the requirements of high-quality economic development, China is willing to increase imports from other countries, including the United States, which will benefit people of both countries and the rest of the world, the statement said. The outcome of the talks should be based on the prerequisite that the two parties meet each other halfway and will not engage in a trade war, it said. "All economic and trade outcomes of the talks will not take effect if the U.S. side imposes any trade sanctions including raising tariffs," the statement read. PYONGYANG, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The official media of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Wednesday called on the international community, in particular countries which share responsibility for peace on the Korean Peninsula, to back peace-building efforts there. The official Minju Joson daily said that the ceremony of dismantling the northern nuclear test ground held by the DPRK Nuclear Weapons Institute on May 24 "testified in practice, not in words, to the firm will of the DPRK to join the international efforts for the total ban on nuclear tests." "From the beginning of the year, the DPRK made clear its will to defend peace on the Korean Peninsula and make active contributions to world peace and security, took measures on its own initiative and thus made the atmosphere of detente envelop the Korean Peninsula," said the daily. Calling the DPRK's efforts this year to work for peace "a great achievement," the daily said a "dramatic turnaround of the situation has been brought to the Korean Peninsula that had been harassed by constant confrontation and rising tension for decades." "At this point, it is an important issue to build durable peace based on such an achievement," it said. The DPRK dismantled the Punggye-ri nuclear test site last month to show its will to gradually denuclearize the peninsula. DPRK top leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump are scheduled to meet on June 12 in Singapore, the first bilateral summit to be held since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. "The present situation urgently requires countries responsible for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula to take practical steps for peace on the peninsula from a responsible and serious stand and attitude," said the daily. "Invariable is the stand of the DPRK to ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and make active contributions to world peace and stability," it said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 17:08:07|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close KUNMING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Police in southwest China's Yunnan Province said Wednesday that they have seized over 40 kg of methamphetamine and detained two suspects in a cross-border drug trafficking case. The suspects agreed to drive a car from Myanmar to Kunming, the provincial capital, for 50,000 yuan (7,800 U.S. dollars) in May. The police intercepted the car on May 14, and found meth weighing 40 kg in the interlayer under the foot pedal of the front seat. Yunnan is a major front in China's battle against drug crime, as it borders the Golden Triangle known for drug production and trafficking. The amount of drugs seized in Yunnan accounts for 70 percent to 80 percent of all drugs seized across the country. During the first four months of 2018, Yunnan's border control authorities seized a record high of nearly 3.5 tonnes of drugs. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 17:28:25|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Education issued a circular Wednesday asking various authorities at all levels to create a sound environment for the national college entrance exam (the gaokao), scheduled to start Thursday. "Education departments and examining bodies at various levels should coordinate on noise control, as well as sanitary and epidemic prevention and heatstroke prevention to better serve students," the circular said. The ministry reminded students to arrange their schedules properly and abide by exam regulations. The ministry will work together with various departments to crack down on criminal activity related to the exam to ensure an open and fair gaokao. About 9.75 million students have registered for the gaokao this year, the highest in eight years. DAR ES SALAAM, June 6 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people died on the spot and 23 others were injured on Wednesday after a bus collided with a cargo train in Tanzania's western region of Kigoma, police said. Martin Otieno, the Kigoma regional commander, said the bus was thrown 100 metres away from the site of the collision, leaving many passengers trapped in the wreckage. "Rescuers are still pulling passengers trapped in the wreckage of the bus. We fear that the number of people killed in the grisly accident might rise," Otieno told an independent television station. "Some bodies of the victims were in pieces. It is the worst road accident to have occurred in Kigoma region in recent memory," said Otieno. He said the bus was travelling from Kigoma town, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the longest freshwater lake in the world, to Tabora region in central Tanzania. Otieno said the cargo train was moving from the east African country's commercial capital Dar es Salaam to Kigoma. "The bus left Kigoma town at 6 am when visibility was still poor. We suspect the driver of the bus could not see the oncoming train. But we are still conducting investigations to establish the cause of the accident," said the senior police officer. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 17:33:27|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close DENVER, the United States, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Researchers here said Tuesday that they seem to be getting closer to solving the binary star system Epsilon Aurigae's 200-year-old mystery. Researchers announced their findings at the 232nd meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) held in Denver, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The visually bright winter constellation star Epsilon Aurigae, near Capella (Alpha Aurigae), is the brightest member of a new class of disk-eclipsed binary stars. This puzzling system is noteworthy for its two-year-long eclipses that occur only every 27 years. The system historically had attracted the attention of astronomers and astrophysicists, who were eager to study it. It was first noted as a variable star in 1821 by Johann Fritsch of Germany. Since then, humanity has witnessed and documented only eight eclipse cycles of it. The last one ended in 2010 and the next one will start in 2036, according to a University of Denver press release. The nature of the star system was in dispute for many years -- described variously as a black-hole candidate or as the largest star in the universe. Thanks to interferometric imaging, a multi-telescope method of achieving super-resolution, achieved during the 2010 eclipse, the cause of the eclipse finally was proven to be a circumstellar disk transiting the bright greenish F-type supergiant member of the stellar pair. A circumstellar disk is a gas and dust short cylindrical structure surrounding some stars, either during star formation or as a result of mass transfer in a binary. New to the long-running research effort is the European Space Agency astrometry satellite Gaia, whose Data Release 2 (DR2) became available early this year. Gaia succeeded in measuring nearly a billion stars, and reported a tiny parallax for the Epsilon Aurigae system, according to the university's press release. At the AAS meeting, professor Robert Stencel of the University of Denver, Colorado, and his collaborators provided new insights based on extensive spectroscopic monitoring during the last eclipse. By using the Astrophysical Research Consortium (ARC) Echelle Spectrograph (ARCES) instrument at the 3.5-meter telescope at Apache Point Observatory, researchers got new data, which are complemented with new computer models using the Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics (MESA) code. The ARCES is a high-resolution, cross-dispersed visible light spectrograph. The ARCES result confirmed the existence of a mass-transfer stream feeding the accretion disk in the binary star system, indicating that mass transfer is still active and setting a strong constraint on the age and evolutionary status of the binary, according to researchers. Details of the mass transfer process have been debated for years, and researchers believe that MESA models like the one for Epsilon Aurigae provide a path-finding exploration of the physics and parameters in play. HARARE, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said the electoral playing field is now level following his signing of new electoral laws. He was reacting to the demonstration on the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and his city center offices by thousands of opposition activists making a raft of demands covering the current electoral environment. The Herald newspaper reported Wednesday that Mnangagwa told reporters at State House that the uninterrupted demonstration showed that the opposition was enjoying democracy after he instructed security agencies to let it go ahead. "They are enjoying democracy which exists in this country. I think they are so happy that there is an environment where they can express themselves right, left and centre. But of course in relation to the forthcoming harmonized elections, already less than two weeks ago, I signed into law the reforms relating to the Electoral Act, so the playing field is perfectly level," he said. Previous demonstrations had generally been met with heavy handedness from authorities during former President Robert Mugabe's time. Seven opposition parties under the banner of the MDC Alliance handed over a petition to ZEC and Mnangagwa demanding minimum conditions for the holding of "free, fair and credible elections". They said that the elections should be held in full compliance of the country's constitution, the Electoral Act, the SADC principles and guidelines on democratic elections and the African Union Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. The parties are also demanding that there be full and proper agreement by all stakeholders on the procurement, security, quality and movement of all ballot material - in particular, the ballot paper. Also among their demands is that ZEC should immediately retire any security personnel in its secretariat, whether currently or formerly employed by the security services, and that all military personnel allegedly deployed in rural areas should be withdrawn. Although international observers are already coming on pre-election assessments, the alliance also demanded that "all international observers and monitors should now be allowed immediate access to Zimbabwe to monitor the election. They also demanded equal access to and equal coverage of all political parties in the public media, in particular, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. "The holding of the 30th of July election is dependent on the conditions set above," they warned. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 17:58:36|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close ADEN, Yemen, June 6 (Xinhua) -- An officer of Yemen's intelligence agency was kidnapped in the country's southern port city of Aden on Wednesday, a police official told Xinhua. Yasser AlBujiri, an officer of the Political Security, was kidnapped by an unknown armed group while heading toward his house, the local police source said on condition of anonymity. Residents told Xinhua that masked gunmen intercepted AlBujiri's car in front of his house in Aden's neighborhood of Sheikh Othman, and managed to flee the scene with the officer. Passers-by tried to stop the kidnapping but failed as the gunmen claimed to be policemen and threatened to open fire, residents added. No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, but Islamist militant groups such as al-Qaida and the Islamic State (IS) used to kidnap foreigners and government officials in Yemen for ransom. Considered Yemen's temporary capital, Aden is where the Saudi-backed government has been based since 2015. The impoverished Arab country has been locked into a civil war since late 2014, when the Iranian-backed Shiite Houthi rebels overran much of the country and seized all northern provinces, including the capital Sanaa. Saudi Arabia is leading an Arab military coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after Houthi rebels forced him into exile. The United Nations has listed Yemen as the country of the world's most serious humanitarian crisis, where seven million Yemenis are on the brink of famine and cholera has caused more than 2,000 deaths. BERLIN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Richard Grenell, the new U.S. ambassador to Germany, was criticized sharply on Monday for breaking diplomatic protocol in an interview with the right-wing online portal Breitbart. The German government has demanded that Washington formally clarify how Grenell's comments are to be interpreted, a Foreign Office spokesperson told the press. In the interview published Sunday, the 51-year-old former communications consultant vowed to "support other conservatives throughout Europe". He also said the election of U.S. President Donald Trump had "empowered" citizens to rise up against undemocratic political elites on the continent and chastised Germany for failing to meet NATO spending goals in spite of its national wealth. Grenell, formally appointed as U.S. ambassador by Trump only in May, has already caused eyebrows to be raised repeatedly in his host country by publicly interfering in domestic politics. Earlier, he had asked German companies to "wind down their operations immediately" in Iran after Washington decided to withdraw from the nuclear agreement signed by the Middle Eastern nation, China, Russia, Germany, France, Britain and the United States in 2015, a move that has been widely condemned. Several German policymakers said on Monday that Grenell's latest comments had crossed the red line and called for Berlin to insist on his replacement by a more qualified candidate. European citizens will not allow themselves to be told by a vassal of Trump how they should cast their votes. A U.S. ambassador who interferes in democratic debates to this extent is not suited to his job, Thorsten Schaefer-Guembel, a Social Democratic Party member of Parliament, said in a tweet. Martin Schulz, former leader of the party and head of the European Parliament, said it was the duty of ambassadors to represent their countries as a whole, rather than specific political movements. Schulz likened Grenell's behavior to that of a "right-wing extreme colonial officer". Another deputy leader of the parliamentary faction of the party, Ralf Stegner, also expressed astonishment at Grenell's lack of tact. Drawing attention to the deterioration of relations between Berlin and Washington over several areas, Stegner said Trump's "anti-European views" were already "bad enough" without the U.S. ambassador adding fuel to the fire. Speaking to Die Welt daily, Elmar Brok, a senior Christian Democratic Union politician who is also a member of the European Parliament and foreign policy expert, warned that Grenell's political intervention could backfire. He said many of the European parties the ambassador had sympathized with favored closer relations with Russia. Even if Grenell's attempts proved futile, Sevim Dagdelen, leader of the Left Party's parliamentary faction, said Grenell had "outed himself" in the Breitbart interview as a "regime-change officer installed by the president". Dagdelen urged German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas to summon Grenell and push back against his political meddling. A Foreign Office spokesperson said Grenell was scheduled to have his inaugural meeting at the department on Wednesday and would have an opportunity to clarify his statements. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 17:58:40|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close HONG KONG, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The first typhoon that has landed in China this year is approaching Hong Kong, said the Hong Kong Observatory on Wednesday. Typhoon Ewiniar was about 400 km away from the region as of Wednesday afternoon, bringing about rainbands to Hong Kong, the agency said. Squally showers and thunderstorms are expected for the region in the next couple of days, according to the observatory. Ewiniar landed in Xuwen County of China's southern Guangdong province at 6 a.m. Wednesday morning and is expected to linger in the vicinity of Leizhou Peninsula, the southernmost part of Guangdong province. The chance to issue the Strong Wind Signal, the No. 3 will not be high on Wednesday, the Hong Kong Observatory said. Before Ewiniar's approaching, Hong Kong residents suffered intense heat for more than two weeks since May 18 with temperatures above 33 degrees Celsius. Hong Kong will get reprieve from scorching temperatures in next several days. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 18:03:42|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close HAIKOU, June 6 (Xinhua) -- China Southern Airlines will open a direct air route linking Sanya in south China's Hainan Province with London in July, local tourism bureau said Wednesday. This will be the first inter-continental route for the popular destination for beach lovers since Hainan expanded its visa-free policy to attract more tourists on May 1. An Airbus A330-200 will depart Sanya at 1:15 p.m. Beijing time every Thursday and Sunday. The return flight will leave London at 10:10 p.m. local time on the same days. The island has become a popular tropical resort for overseas tourists in recent years, with the number of overseas tourists exceeding 1.1 million in 2017, up nearly 50 percent year on year. Under the new policy released in May, group and individual tourists from countries including Britain, France, Germany, Russia and the United States, can visit Hainan visa-free and stay there for up to 30 days on condition that they book their tour through travel agencies. As of 2017, Hainan has 57 international air routes and it is expected to add 16 more this year. In April, China announced the decision to support Hainan in developing the whole island into a pilot free trade zone, and gradually exploring and steadily promoting the establishment of a free trade port with Chinese characteristics. European Commission endorses duties on U.S. products Source: Xinhua 2018-06-06 18:23:44 BRUSSELS, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission on Wednesday endorsed duties on a list of U.S. products as part of the EU's response to the U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum products. Editor: Yamei Related News Back to Top WELLINGTON, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Scientists from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) urged New Zealand farmers to plan for climate change so they can maximize their abilities to adapt and thrive as "significant change begins to take place." Sam Dean, NIWA's chief scientist of climate, said on Wednesday that while farmers are known for their resilience and ability to adapt to changing conditions, climate change will "almost certainly go beyond any previous experience." NIWA is focusing on assisting farmers to plan for a changing climate. Using highly detailed computer graphics, farmers will be able to find out what climate change might look like on their farm and explore the choices they face. "I want people to be informed to make decisions based on good science," Dean said in a statement, adding that it is important to understand how much climate change is likely to affect New Zealand in the years ahead. The scientist said that optimizing current farming practices is one of the most effective adaptation strategies, adding that farmers can expect climate change to affect a range of on-farm activities, including harvest times, crop choice, productivity, irrigation, groundwater recharge and pasture growth. Extreme weather could also put strain on water resources or lead to flooding and damage to infrastructure, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 18:38:47|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close WELLINGTON, June 6 (Xinhua) -- An Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft from China will land at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base in Auckland on Saturday to take part in Exercise Skytrain18, with the New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF), the Chinese embassy said here on Wednesday. The IL-76, from the People's Liberation Army Air Force, is to take part in training with a detachment from 40 Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force in humanitarian aid and disaster relief support and in search and rescue operations, a statement from the Chinese embassy said. The Ilyushin IL-76 is a Russian-made, medium range, multi-purpose military transport aircraft powered by four jet engines. Exercise of this kind has been conducted when the NZDF was involved in the search for the missing airliner MH370 in the Indian Ocean, of which the Chinese air force was also involved, said the statement. PARIS, June 6 (Xinhua) -- An explosion at a grain silo rocked the eastern French city of Strasbourg Wednesday morning, injuring four of the 11 people on the scene, the French television channel BFMTV reported, citing an anonymous source of the National Police of France. Three among the four injured are in critical condition, radio network France Bleu Alsace reported, adding that the cause of the blast has not been identified. Some 70 firefighters have rushed to the scene of the explosion, which caused a large plume of smoke and a fire, the radio network quoted local authorities as saying. The explosion probably took place in a warehouse for agricultural products of a company named Silostra Silorins, and access to roads leading to the affected area has been barred, a local traffic information association said. GARISSA, Kenya, June 6 (Xinhua) -- A roadside blast killed five Kenyan paramilitary police officers in Liboi town along the Kenya-Somalia border early Wednesday, officials said. Garissa County Commissioner Joshua Chepchieng confirmed the 8 a.m. incident, saying the officers were en route to Liboi border point when the vehicle in which they were traveling in stepped on a landmine. "It is true that we have lost our officers this morning in the unfortunate incident. We will provide more details later," Chepcheing said. No group has claimed responsibility for the latest incident in eastern Kenya. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 19:04:01|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close People watch dance performance in the Khan al-Wazir, or al-Wazir caravanserai, in the ancient part of Aleppo city, Syria, June 4, 2018. (Xinhua/Ammar Safarjalani) by Hummam Sheikh Ali ALEPPO, Syria, June 6 (Xinhua) -- With colorful lights shining on its ancient rocks and vibrant traditional tunes reverberating through the cracks of its walls, Khan al-Wazir, a centuries-old caravanserai in the old city of Aleppo, has started to come back to life after the thick dust of war hung over it for long years. At the gate of the time-honored khan, people were pouring in droves to enjoy their evening time during the holy month of Ramadan, to listen to melodic Aleppo tunes and browse through delicate hand-made products. Festooned traditional outfits, hand-made table clothes, as well as the famous Aleppo olive soap, were displayed in the shops surrounding the courtyard of the khan, while an oriental band was playing joyful music. Folklore also has its share of the music show. Dancers were performing several routines, mainly the traditional sword acts, in which they jump and do special moves with swords, while banging on drums. Other Ramadan traditions are also revived, such as the Hakawati, or the storyteller, who tells people stories in ancient coffee shops about the old love stories and heroism. The Mesaharati, another Ramadan tradition which apparently disappeared in Aleppo during and after the war, is also expected to return. It is a volunteer profession where a man roams the streets every Ramadan night to wake people up for the pre-dawn meal called al-Suhur. All these signs just send a message that Aleppo is rising from war and death to embrace life to the fullest, as the people in Aleppo are famous for their determination to work and live despite all difficulties. Shaher Naser, a salesman of Aleppo olive soap, told Xinhua that the soap industry in the city has developed as the manufacturers are combining modern techniques with traditional craftsmanship, while maintaining the same old spirit and quality of this industry. "We want to deliver a message that we are here alive and working despite the war, to deliver a beautiful image of us to the world about our heritage and old industries for which Aleppo is famous," Naser said. In another corner of the khan, Muhammad Silo was busy painting a picture of the ancient citadel of Aleppo, while double-checking the details from a photo on his mobile phone. "We want to rebuild our country and bring back peace and security after all the destruction and war. My message is the message of art as it doesn't need any linguistic interaction but a feeling," he told Xinhua. For Aleppo, a treasure box filled with history, Khan al-Wazir, one of the largest khans in Aleppo, is the cream of the Syrian old city. Built in 1093, the khan is located in the old city of Aleppo between the historic citadel and the Great Mosque, boasting a large central courtyard surrounded by a two-storey block of buildings. Unlike other parts of eastern Aleppo that were largely destroyed during the rebel presence in the city, the Khan al-Wazir sustained little damage. Hope, a key word that all people in the khan are talking about, has helped the Aleppo people throughout every hardship they faced in the past, especially during the time ahead of the defeat of rebels in late 2016. Meanwhile, the heritage of Aleppo is also reflected in the experiences of the young generation, who spent a large chunk of their lives in the war and has started to enjoy love of life after years of hardships. Lama, 17, was snapping a selfie with the duck face, while trying a traditional red hat called Tarbush with her friends in the khan. "We came here to see the legacy of our country after a long time in the war ... we will remain here and will revive our traditions," she said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 19:44:09|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close BISHKEK, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have upheld the "Shanghai Spirit," enjoyed all-round cooperation, and played a positive role in global and regional issues, Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov has said. The president made the remarks here in an interview with Xinhua ahead of the SCO summit in the eastern seaport of Qingdao, Shandong Province. Since its establishment 17 years ago, the SCO has become a paradigm of mutual respect and mutual trust among countries and peoples, and laid a solid foundation for peace, harmony and development in the region and beyond. The SCO members have adhered to the bloc's guiding "Shanghai Spirit," which features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity and the pursuit of common development, Jeenbekov said. They have conducted all-round cooperation in areas such as security, economy and trade, and people-to-people exchanges, and have played a positive, constructive role in global and regional issues, he said. The SCO has created favorable conditions for the economic cooperation and common development of its members, the president said, highlighting the importance of economic development within the bloc. "We believe that only by enhancing the SCO's overall economic strength, increasing employment opportunities, and improving the well-being of the people can we tackle all the problems and challenges on the way forward," he said. The Kyrgyz president expects state leaders at the Qingdao summit to jointly enact a new cooperation plan, which would bring better prospects for the common development of the SCO members in the new era. Speaking of Kyrgyzstan-China relations, Jeenbekov said bilateral relations, which have been developing in a steady manner, are at an all-time high. China is one of the most important trade and investment partners for Kyrgyzstan, and there is tremendous potential for bilateral cooperation in transportation, trade, tourism, energy and mining, among others, he said. "We plan to adopt active measures to boost the bilateral trade volume, constantly improve the trade structure, and promote the export of Kyrgyz agricultural products to China," Jeenbekov said. The president suggested that the two countries use their capital markets and encourage financial and commercial organizations to jointly participate in the establishment of a bilateral financial cooperation mechanism. Creating a good atmosphere for investors is the primary goal, since investment is one of the main sources of economic growth, he said. "We highly value the mutual trust of the two countries, and hope to enhance political dialogue, and deepen cooperation in areas of economy and trade, investment, transportation and people-to-people exchanges," said Jeenbekov, who is currently on a state visit to China. "I hope this visit can achieve new breakthroughs in promoting bilateral practical cooperation in various fields," he said. The Kyrgyz president said he supports the Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by China, and it is noteworthy that all the SCO member states and observer states are located along the Belt and Road. He pointed out that the SCO can help pair the China-proposed initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union, of which Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Kazakhstan are member states. The main idea of the SCO and the concept of the Belt and Road complement each other, the president said, highlighting the initiative's aim of achieving policy, infrastructure, trade, financial and people-to-people connectivity. The initiative has opened up new opportunities and paths for the development of the SCO, and has also expanded the cooperation area of the organization, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 20:32:13|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close Aerial photo taken on May 4, 2018 shows a container dock of Qingdao Port in east China's Shandong Province. The port of Qingdao and the port of St. Petersburg has established friendly relations. Under the guidance of the "Shanghai Spirit" of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and pursuit of common development, Shandong strengthened cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 20:24:18|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close QINGDAO, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Tsingtao Brewery is eyeing business expansion across members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Tsingtao Brewery is the iconic business of Qingdao, the host city of the SCO upcoming 18th summit. Chu Liangjing, vice president of Tsingtao Brewery's overseas sales department, said strengthening economic and trade ties between China and other SCO members were set to bring more business opportunities to Tsingtao beer and the city. Chu said the firm had set a sales growth target of 20 percent for 2018 in Kazakhstan. Last year, sales in the central Asian country surged 102 percent. Tsingtao beer now has more than 3,000 sales outlets in Kazakhstan after it entered the country in 2006. Tsingtao beer was the top selling Asian beer brand in many SCO member countries. Its sales in Russia soared 78 percent in 2017. Sales in the SCO observer Mongolia and SCO dialogue partner Nepal rose 49 percent and 46 percent, respectively. Overseas sales of Tsingtao beer rose 18 percent last year. It has entered 37 countries along the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Many foreign tourists in Qingdao told Xinhua that they drank Tsingtao before they came to know Qingdao, the eastern coastal city dubbed China's "beer capital." As the SCO summit approaches, beer vending machines have been installed in many hotels, and visitors can more easily get a taste of the draft Tsingtao beer. Barrels of draft beer are also on sale in department stores and restaurants in neighborhoods across the city as many local beer lovers buy a couple of liter and to bring home. The city holds an international beer festival in August each year, attracting 1,000 beer products from over 20 beer brands and millions of tourists from home and abroad. KAMPALA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has directed that the law that bans importation or manufacture of polythene bags be implemented after it was suspended three years ago. Museveni's directive came as the world commemorated World Environment Day on Tuesday. "The continued manufacture of banned products must stop," said Museveni in a statement read by Sam Cheptoris, minister for water and environment at celebrations held in the eastern district of Mbale. "Banning the manufacture, distribution, sale and use is encompassing of the different promoters of these products. This law has not been repealed and should be enforced," he said. The directive comes about three years after government, Uganda Manufactures Association and Kampala City Traders Association reached an agreement to suspend the ban on the manufacture and use of the environmentally hazardous product in April 2015. The manufacturers and traders argued that the ban, in the absence of alternatives, disadvantage shoppers, reduce jobs as industries scale down production and contract tax revenue. The parties agreed to carry out more research and find alternatives for over 40 companies manufacturing polythene bags in the country. There have been divided opinions in the country following the government's proposal to prohibit and impose a total ban on the manufacture and importation of plastic bags, second hand refrigerators and computers. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) said the "the economic, health and social costs of the continued use of polythene bags outweighs the economic benefits derived from the production of bags and its cost is reflected in the increasing cost of malaria, reduced agricultural productivity and infrastructure repairs." Approximately 39,600 tons of polythene waste is released into the environment and most of it accumulates in the soil each year in Uganda, according to NEMA. Government has advised manufacturers of plastic bags in the country to adopt new technologies of making biodegradable bags. DENVER, the United States, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The strangest star in the galaxy, KIC 8462852, also known as Tabby's Star or Boyajian's Star, remains a mystery. However, the mystery may soon be solved, thanks to the detective work of young astronomers. Teenagers' new research presented at the 232nd meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) in Denver in the U.S. state of Colorado on Tuesday suggests that not only is dust the most likely explanation, but that different types of dust are passing in front of the star. The team of students from the Thacher School, a private high school in Ojai, California, has been monitoring the brightness of KIC 8462852 for the past year through the observed wavelength of light at the school's newly renovated observatory. KIC 8462852 is an F-type main-sequence star located in the constellation Cygnus more than 1,400 light-years from Earth. The star has a tendency to dip randomly and erratically throughout the year. Stars tend to get dim when things like planets or even huge clouds of dust pass in front of them, but that kind of thing usually happens regularly, and only accounts for slight amounts of dimming. Unusual light fluctuations of the star, including up to a 22-percent dimming in brightness, were discovered by citizen scientists as part of the Planet Hunters project. Previous observations of the star dating back to the 19th century show that it has been behaving strangely for decades, if not centuries, and could rule out the leading natural explanation. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the star's large irregular changes in brightness as measured by its light curve, but none to date fully explain all aspects of the curve. A swarm of comets, large clouds of dust and even alien megastructures have been suggested as possible culprits for haphazardly blocking the star's light. Researchers suggest that the long timescale and short timescale phenomena observed around the star are due to dust that differs in either composition or size distribution. "Long-term dimming and short-term dimming may be caused by completely independent phenomena happening at the same time," Thacher School senior Yao Yin told reporters at AAS. Under the supervision of Thacher faculty member Jonathan Swift and as part of a large, international collaboration of professionals and citizen scientists directed by Tabetha Boyajian at Louisiana State University, Yin and Alejandro Wilcox, a student researcher at Thacher, have helped reveal a new insight into the nature of KIC 8462852. Arizona State University post-doctoral researcher Eva Bodman is part of the collaboration and presented her own findings alongside Yin and Wilcox. The research could mean that the obscuring material was produced in a fairly recent event in which the dust has not had time to become well mixed. Or the different events could be due to disparate and unrelated phenomena, according to a Thacher School press release. The young researchers said they will continue to monitor KIC 8462852 to characterize new events and perhaps observe larger events which may trigger, through international collaboration, spectroscopic observations of the obscuring material. NAIROBI, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Kenyans are pushing for the investigation and prosecution of more corruption scandals as the fight against graft emboldens citizens to speak about the vice. So far, the government has arrested and is prosecuting suspects involved in the 90 million U.S. dollars National Youth Service scandal. The over 40 suspects were on Tuesday denied bail, with the Judiciary promising the fast-tracking of the trial, which continued on Wednesday. However, investigations into other scandals at various government agencies are yet to pick up, with Kenyans calling for action. The corruption scandals include alleged theft at the National Cereals and Produce Board, Kenya Pipeline Company, Irrigation Board and Youth Fund. More graft scandals have been reported in county governments, with the Auditor-General flagging numerous suspicious payments. Over the years, Kenyans have been apathetic about the corruption, choosing to focus on other challenges mainly due to inaction from government. But President Uhuru Kenyatta's latest actions have psyched up citizens, with newspapers getting bolder in reporting about the vice. In the last two weeks, the Kenyan media has been awash with scandals in various government agencies, with information mainly coming from whistleblowers thanks to the ongoing war. "We must sustain this war on corruption to eliminate the vice. And it is us the public who will do it," Naomi Mukuria, an activist who took part in anti-graft protests last week in Nairobi, said on Wednesday. The protests organized through social media saw tens of people dressed in red pour out on Nairobi streets to call for action against the government. "I am looking for a job and I have sworn not to offer any bribe in any government office. If I am asked, I will shout about it. It is the only way to fight crime," said Calvin Osano. As the government takes stern action against corruption, Kenyans are fully behind it, urging Kenyatta not to relent. They have for instance supported the move to ask all accounting and procurement officers to step aside for fresh vetting that would be extended into their business associates and relatives. "The government should even ask all its officials in various ministries to step aside for vetting to get rid of corruption," said Mukuria. Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission chief executive Halake Waqo noted on Wednesday that one of the things that had hindered fight against graft was the low willingness by citizens to take part in corruption. "The citizens have been unwilling to come forth with information, instead participating in the vice. This has made our work a little difficult," he told a Senate committee in Nairobi. However, according to Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr, there has been apathy from public over the years because the anti-graft body has been slow in fighting graft. "Right now the cases are being investigated and prosecuted by the Director of Criminal Investigations and the Director of Public Prosecutions, a move that has restored confidence to the public. Kenyans are now ready and eager to fight graft like never before," he said. Henry Wandera, an economics lecturer in Nairobi, noted that Kenya's economy has been stifled by corruption over the years and citizens have been the biggest losers. "In 2013, Kenyans would arrest corruption suspects and take them to the police. But this enthusiasm stopped due to inaction from government. If the current drive continues, citizen arrest may come back and this would help end graft," he said. However, according to Wandera, more top officials involved in the vice should be prosecuted if the war against graft is to be won. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 20:44:25|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close SAN FRANCISCO, June 5 (Xinhua) -- More than 400 Chinese gathered here Tuesday to listen to a senior Chinese diplomat recount his experience during a massive evacuation of Chinese from war-battered Libya seven years ago. In his two-hour talk, Consul General in San Francisco Luo Linquan, who had served as the Chinese ambassador to Greece in 2011, disclosed many untold details about the Chinese Government's resolute move to evacuate over 13,500 Chinese stranded in Libya in 2011. Within four hours of receiving instructions from the government, the Chinese embassy in Greece met with Greek cabinet members and other high-ranking officials to arrange the evacuation via sea to Greece. Thanks to the help of overseas Chinese in Greece and various Greek institutions, the embassy quickly completed all necessary preparations, including boarding and border exit-entry procedures as well as renting three cruise ships and 100 buses. Within days, the embassy had helped about 13,580 Chinese retreat from restive Libya to Crete, the largest island in Greece, about 700 km away from Libyan capital Tripoli across the Mediterranean Sea. The massive evacuation also saved 1,100 foreign nationals from 11 countries, including Bangladesh, Vietnam, Greece, Thailand, Italy and Poland. Luo's touching account moved the audience, who said the endeavor showcased the Chinese Government's dedication to the welfare of its people. Chi Honghu, a consultant with China Overseas Exchange Association, said he was a frequent guest of the Chinese consulate general for three decades but "it's the first time today for me to hear such an emotional story". "I've seen the increasing protection the Chinese Government has been giving to overseas Chinese in the past 40 years since China opened up to the outside world," he said. "Luo's story will encourage me to carry forward the spirit of patriotism and continue to better serve the overseas Chinese and Chinese communities in the United States," he remarked. Florence Fang, a community leader in San Francisco, said the evacuation showcased the Chinese Government's responsibility toward its people, and the strength of China as an emerging, peaceful power. Lulu Angela, who works at a high-tech company in Silicon Valley, said Luo's story made her feel the government's warmth and care for overseas Chinese. "Wherever you may be, the powerful motherland always stands behind you,"she said. TOKYO, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Senior government officials will be required to attend sexual harassment awareness courses to address a recent blight of cases involving high-ranking bureaucrats, sources close to the matter said Wednesday. Those who had assumed director or higher ranking positions as senior government officials have thus far not been obliged to take the standard sexual harassment prevention course as it was only mandatory for newly-promoted senior officials to do so, Kyodo News citing a government source as saying. Along with a new channel to be created by the government so that citizens not working for the government can report cases of harassment by bureaucrats, the Cabinet Bureau of Personnel Affairs will also work towards making attending the course a prerequisite for officials before being promoted. Japan has been rocked by a series of government-related sexual harassment scandals, with the latest move by the government aimed at clamping down on such cases, particularly following Junichi Fukuda resigning as vice finance minister recently for sexually harassing a female reporter. Fukuda's high-profile resignation in April this year came less than a year after he took on the role as the ministry's top bureaucrat and at a time when the ministry had been under fire for a number of improprieties, including a cronyism scandal implicating Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Fukuda was alleged to have made remarks to female reporters while drinking that were overtly sexual in nature. In May, the Finance Ministry held seminars for its senior officials aimed at preventing sexual harassment following Fukuda's resignation. In an unprecedented move by the ministry, around 80 senior officials as well as the ministry's own consultants in charge of counseling for employees on sexual harassment, attended the seminars. Part of the training program included lectures by a female lawyer, Takako Sugaya, who is an expert on cases of sexual harassment. Sugaya made it known to the participants that the way the Japanese public currently feel about the Finance Ministry is far more disappointed and distrustful than expected. She urged those in attendance to have a sense of responsibility and ownership to prevent such cases from happening again. Among more recent cases of sexual harassment by government officials, the Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that Tadaatsu Mori had been suspended from work for nine months as director of the Russian division. Government sources said Mori is alleged to have sexually harassed a woman, although the ministry has yet to officially disclose the reason for suspending him. And on Monday, at a municipal level, Komae City Mayor Kunihiko Takahashi resigned after a lengthy period of sexual harassment allegations, including claims that first came to light in March this year by four city employees claiming he had harassed them. Of those harassed, one of the alleged victims said Takahashi had forced her to drink from a glass he had been drinking from, while another alleged he touched her buttocks while in an elevator. As cases of sexual harassment by government officials are becoming more prevalent in Japan, Seiko Noda, minister in charge of women's empowerment, has suggested the implementation of legislation to punish those responsible for such cases. GARISSA, Kenya, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Five Kenyan paramilitary police officers were killed and three others were seriously injured when their vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device (IED) near the Kenya-Somalia border early Wednesday. Garissa County Commissioner Joshua Chepchieng said the 8:30 a.m. incident happened as the officers were on enroute to Liboi in Garissa County, eastern Kenya. "It is true that we have lost our officers this morning in the unfortunate incident," Chepchieng told Xinhua in Garissa. He said the incident happened when the officers were carrying out normal border patrols aboard Landcruiser vehicle towards Liboi from their camp. Their vehicle is said to have rolled several times. The deaths were the latest and came after a long lull from terror related incidents that have been experienced in the area at large. Witnesses said the explosive badly damaged the vehicle killing the five. The three who survived were badly wounded. They were all from Harhar General Service Unit camp. North Eastern Regional Coordinator Mohamud Saleh confirmed the incident and added that more personnel had been sent to the area to pursue the attackers. "There was an IED that affected a police vehicle and we are still assessing the scene," Saleh said. Residents said there were indications of imminent attacks in the area after reporting to authorities of movements that indicated al-Shabab terror group was planning an attack. The latest incident came after the police had issued a security alert over possible attacks in the country by the Somalia based terror group during the Ramadan season. Improvised explosive devices are common in the northern and eastern Kenya targeting security officers and civilians especially after Kenyan soldiers crossed into southern Somalia in 2011 to pursue al-Shabab militants. Yesterday evening, First Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan met with protesters opposed to the Amulsar mine who had blocked the road leading to Amulsar for several days. The demonstrators urged Mirzoyan to carry out extensive checks at the mine site. Mirzoyan promised to discuss the issue with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the government in an attempt to find a quick solution to the matter. Mirzoyan told the demonstrators that hed need 25 days to organize the inspections. Though Armenian Chief of Police Valery Osipyan had earlier promised a meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in the end the meeting was held with Mirzoyan. Jermouk resident Vazgen Galstyan, who had participated in the meeting, told Hetq that a group of 14 demonstrators who attended the meeting consisted of inhabitants of Jermouk, as well as representatives of the Amulsar without Mine group and the Armenian Environmental Front. The demonstrators shared their concerns regarding the exploitation of Amulsar mine. Mirzoyan promised that the first inspection would be held in Amulsar. After the meeting, Jermouk residents decided to stop all protest actions. The demonstrators opened the road leading to the mine and mine workers returned to work. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 21:09:32|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close VINNYTSIA, Ukraine, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The international plein air art festival "The Best Artist," which kicked off here in central Ukraine on Tuesday, has its foundings inspired from one far away country: China. During the festival, 18 artists chosen from a global pool of 540 candidates will spend 10 days painting the architecture and the landscape of Vinnytsia, located in the historic region of Podillia. The art festival, now in its second year and hosted by the Ukrainian Culture Ministry, also features creative art workshops, experience sessions and seminars. About 30,000 people are expected to attend the festival. Volodymyr Koziuk, a prominent Ukrainian artist, who has organized the festival, said he decided to hold a plein air festival in Ukraine after participating in a similar one in northwest China's Gansu Province. "I was in Dunhuang two years ago and I was impressed," Koziuk told Xinhua. Dunhuang is where the world-renowned 1,600-year-old Mogao Grottoes are located. He said he hopes that the "The Best Artist" will bring a new format of art festivals to Ukraine and serve as a means for artists from around the world to engage with one another. "Our aim is to help them to better understand each other, to learn something from each other -- the behavior, the culture, the painting, and spread it in their countries," Koziuk said. Qi Shaoting, 29, who represents China, said she sees the festival as an opportunity to share her culture with Ukraine and the world. Qi, who moved to Ukraine together with her family in 1997, has established a school of Chinese art in the capital Kiev. "I will draw my pictures using Chinese techniques, which will also contain features from European art," Qi told Xinhua. The festival is also gathering world-famous art professionals. Wu Weishan, an outstanding Chinese sculptor and the director of the National Art Museum of China, is invited as a special guest judge of the competition. Zakir Sabirov, a Tajik artist who launched two new movements in international fine art, also participated in the festival. Sabirov told Xinhua the festival in Ukraine is a good chance for him not only to engage with younger colleagues but also visit his long-time friends, whom he met in China. "Four years ago I went to Qingdao, where my art movements were recognized and I was invited to Dunhuang. In Dunhuang, I met some Ukrainian friends, who invited me to Vinnytsia," Sabirov told Xinhua. Maxim Filanchuk, head of the cultural department at the Vinnytsia City Council, voiced his hope that the festival would promote cultural cooperation between Vinnytsia and its Chinese partners. "The artists and the patrons of art are coming here," Filanchuk told Xinhua. "This is a good step towards cooperation." Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 21:09:32|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close HARBIN, June 6 (Xinhua) -- It is a train that operates only once a year. It takes students from north China's Greater Hinggan Mountains to a town 130 km away. There, they face perhaps the greatest challenge of their lives so far -- gaokao. Gaokao, the national college entrance examination, takes place on June 7 and 8. About 9.75 million students have registered this year. Lu Guiyi, a student in Dayangshu Township No. 2 Middle School, boarded the train on Tuesday with her classmates. "The trip may be the last time we are all together," said Lu, a class monitor. Lu has watched the "gaokao train" depart on its two-and-half-hour journey many times as generations of her schoolmates left for the examination, fates in the balance. Dayangshu in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is located at the southern foot of the Greater Hinggan Mountains. With no exam venue there, students like Lu have to travel across the mountains to Alihe township for the exam. Every year, the "gaokao train" departs on June 5, with one-way ticket costing 12.5 yuan (2 U.S. dollars). Before the chartered train service began in 2003, students had to get up at 4 a.m. to catch a train to Jiagedaqi before taking a bus to Alihe, six hours of travail. Meng Li was one of the first batch of students who had enjoyed the service in 2003. She was thrilled to learn the opening of the "gaokao train" as she was worried that the bumpy journey would inevitably affect her performance. "It was the first time many of us had taken a train. Some of my classmates had never left town before," said Meng, now a teacher in Dayangshu. Since it began, the train has carried more than 30,000 students to their date with destiny. Of them more than 6,000 found places at university. Given rising living standards and improved roads, many parents now drive their children to the exam. The number of passengers, including students and parents, has declined from 1,300 at its peak to 500 this year, said Chen Ruqing, trainmaster of the Jiagedaqi section. This year, the rickety old green train has been replaced with a newer one with air conditioning, and photographer on board will preserve the memories of what is a very special day in the lives of those aboard. "Although we lose money by operating the train, we will keep running as long as it is needed," Chen said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 21:39:40|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close HANGZHOU, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Alibaba's delivery arm, Cainiao Network, announced Wednesday that it will lead a joint venture to build a new logistics center at Hong Kong International Airport to enhance its global logistics capabilities. Cainiao Network, China National Aviation Corp, and courier YTO Express will invest 1.53 billion U.S. dollars in the logistics center. The three companies will take a 51 percent, 35 percent, and 14 percent stake, respectively, in the joint venture, YTO Express said in a statement. The center, which will cover an estimated gross floor area of 380,000 square meters, is expected to handle tens of millions of cross-border e-commerce parcels after it opens in 2023. Cainiao said the Hong Kong hub will help achieve its goal of 72-hour global delivery. In May, Cainiao announced plans to open five logistics hubs in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East as part of its efforts to expand its global delivery network. KIGALI, June 6 (Xinhua) -- At least five local government officials of Rwanda have been arrested on charges of embezzlement of public funds, nepotism and misuse of property, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) said Wednesday. Among the arrested officials were the vice mayor in charge of economic affairs and development of Burera district in northern Rwanda, the executive secretary of Burera district as well as a former mayor and a former vice mayor of the district, the bureau said. All the officials are currently detained at the RIB's bureau in Burera. RIB appealed to the public to share information on public funds embezzlers. The spokesman of the bureau Modeste Mbabazi told local media that the suspects were arrested on Tuesday. KAMPALA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's ministry of water and environment on Wednesday started evicting over 600 families occupying a major wetland in the central part of the east African country. Collins Oloya, a commissioner in the ministry said the four-day eviction exercise comes after a four month grace period given to the families living in the Lubigi wetland in Wakiso district. "So all those officials who want to turn these operations political they should read the Constitution and seek for guidance and right now the operation will continue until all the wetland encroachers are evicted with all their things," said Oloya. Stella Nalumansi, the Wakiso district wetlands officer said those evicted from the wetlands will have to pay for what the ministry has spent to carry out the exercise. Environmentalists warn that there is need to protect the wetlands, noting that their destruction is costing the economy enormous amounts of money. According to the Uganda Wetlands Atlas, wetland destruction costs the country nearly 2 billion shillings (over 540,000 U.S. dollars) annually, and contamination of water resources, which is partly caused by reduced buffering capacity of wetlands near open water bodies, costs the country 38 billion shillings annually. ADDIS ABABA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Decision by Ethiopia's ruling party, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), to partially liberalize key sectors of the economy is in line with the government's development strategy, an Ethiopian official said on Wednesday. In a press statement, Ahmed Shide, Minister at Ethiopia Government Communications Affairs Office, said the decision will support more active participation of the private sector while keeping Ethiopia's fast economic growth. "The Ethiopia government has been involved in some sectors, including infrastructure and service sectors, where the private sector is reluctant to invest," he said adding that the decision will allow for a more proactive role of the private sector. On Tuesday, the EPRDF Executive Committee announced plans to allow mixed or outright full privatization of state owned enterprises such as railway projects, sugar development, industrial parks, hotels and other manufacturing industries. The Committee also decided to allow minority shares in Ethio-Telecom, Ethiopian Airlines, electric power generation projects and the Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise. Ethiopia until now has resisted liberalizing key sectors to foreign and local investors saying it needs to protect its economy from multinational firms and ensure domestic ownership of the economy is kept intact. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 22:04:53|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close DOHA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Qatar denied the claims that the country is banning its citizens from performing pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, state-run Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported Wednesday. It is Saudi Arabia that continues imposing measures that target only those living in Qatar, as road and air links to Jeddah from Doha are still unavailable, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs said in a statement. The ministry cited cases of Qatari citizens being prevented from performing Umrah in the past, as well as complaints about difficulties in communicating with certified Hajj and Umrah companies in Saudi Arabia. The Qatari ministry said Saudi Arabia should separate religious rights from political disputes. A day earlier, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah accused Qatar of banning its citizens and residents from performing Umrah, saying it welcomes Qatari people to perform Umrah rituals. The Qataris are allowed to fly to Jeddah via all airlines except Qatar Airways, it noted. In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic, trade and transport links to gas-rich Qatar, accusing the gas-rich Gulf state of supporting terrorism and establishing close ties with Iran against Arab interests, which Doha has repeatedly denied. ADDIS ABABA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday warned Ethiopia is facing an existential threat from the proliferation of corrupt activities. Ahmed made the remarks during the fourth national anti-corruption partnership conference currently being held in Addis Ababa, reported state media Ethiopia News Agency. "While Ethiopia is yet not considered among the top 10 African countries thought to have extreme levels of corruption, the lack of proactive media role in uncovering corrupt practices and ineffectiveness of government institutions to root out corrupt practices is endangering the country's political structure," he said. Ahmed also noted the impact of corruption on the East African country's economy, noting the fight against corruption would be his administration's top priority. Ahmed, who was endorsed by the Ethiopian House of People's Representatives as Ethiopia's Prime Minister on April 2, had previously vowed to ensure good governance and fight corruption in one of Africa's fastest growing economies. Ahmed's premiership of the East African country came after recurrent unrests and mass anti-government demonstrations in parts of the country in recent years, particularly in Ethiopia's largest Oromia regional state where Ahmed has strong support. File Photo: An opposition supporter takes part in a protest in Caracas, Venezuela, on April 26, 2017. Venezuela's Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez said that the country would leave the Organization of American States (OAS). Venezuela has been racked by a political and economic crisis, which has spiralled into clashes between government and opposition supporters in April, leaving at least 29 people dead. (Xinhua/Boris Vergara) WASHINGTON, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The Organization of American States (OAS) on Tuesday passed a resolution to call an extraordinary assembly to vote on suspension of Venezuela's membership. The resolution was passed as 19 member states of the OAS general assembly voted in favor, four against and 11 abstained. In response, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said Venezuela rejected the assembly's decision that would enable the United States to continue its "economic war" and "military intervention" against President Nicolas Maduro's socialist government. However, Venezuela said last year that it had started a two-year process to pull out of the OAS. Maduro was sworn in to a second term last month after winning the reelection by a wide margin. His term will conclude in 2025. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence last month urged the group's member states to suspend Venezuela from this body. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo repeated Pence's demand in his remarks at the general assembly earlier on Monday, and also urged the group "to apply additional pressure on the Maduro regime, including sanctions and further diplomatic isolation." After Maduro's re-election, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning U.S. individuals or entities within the United States from purchasing any debt owed to the Venezuelan government. Last year in Cancun, the General Assembly did not get enough votes to pass a proposal calling on the Venezuelan government to reconsider its call for an assembly to re-write the constitution and to respect the separation of powers. OAS members have expelled only two nations in its history. Cuba was forced out in 1962 and Honduras was suspended briefly following a 2009 military coup. The ban of Cuba was lifted in 2009, but the island country rejected rejoining the organization. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 22:35:06|Editor: yan Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) holds talks with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 6, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- China and Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership. The agreement was reached during the talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and visiting Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. "It is another landmark event in the history of bilateral ties that China and Kyrgyzstan will establish a comprehensive strategic partnership, which will inject new impetus into the development of bilateral ties," Xi told Jeenbekov. Standing at a new starting point, China is willing to work with Kyrgyzstan to carry forward the traditional friendship and conduct all-round cooperation so as to achieve national development and better benefit the two peoples, said Xi. Noting that Kyrgyzstan was one of the first countries to support and participate into the Belt and Road Initiative and related construction, Xi said China would like to make joint efforts with Kyrgyzstan to open minds and explore potentials to lift bilateral cooperation to a new level. He called on both sides to enhance synergy in development strategies and policy coordination, seek more converging interests and growth points, jointly plan key areas and major projects, expand trade and investment, and speed up construction of major projects. Both countries should expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges and local cooperation to boost neighborly friendship, said Xi, who also stressed the importance of improving security cooperation to fight the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism and separatism and organized crime across the border. Xi spoke highly of Kyrgyzstan's support for China since it has taken the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) last June, saying that China stands ready to work with Kyrgyzstan to promote the SCO so it can develop along a healthy and stable track. Jeenbekov, who is in China on a state visit and to attend the SCO Qingdao Summit scheduled to be held this weekend, said Kyrgyzstan admires China's social and economic achievements and appreciates China's long-term valuable assistance. The establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership unveils a new chapter in the bilateral relationship, he said. Jeenbekov said it has always been Kyrgyzstan's priority to develop ties with China and Kyrgyzstan has been and will continue to be a most reliable neighbor, partner, and friend of China. Kyrgyzstan will firmly adhere to the one-China policy, stand ready to advance pragmatic cooperation with China in the areas of economy and trade, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and jointly combat "three evil forces," as well as work together in safeguarding regional peace, stability and security, said Jeenbekov. Kyrgyzstan backs the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and believes the initiative will greatly promote common development in the region, said the Kyrgyz president, adding that Kyrgyzstan will maintain the continuity of all cooperative agreements with China. Jeenbekov said his country is confident that the SCO Qingdao Summit will be a success under the leadership of China. After the talks, the two presidents signed a joint statement regarding establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Kyrgyzstan and witnessed the signing of a series of cooperative agreements. Prior to the talks, Xi held a welcome ceremony for Jeenbekov outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, this is the first time the new state visit welcome ceremony has been conducted. JUBA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Humanitarian agencies on Wednesday called on warring parties in South Sudan to cease hostilities and grant more access in a bid to avert looming hunger in the lean season. Jan Egeland, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Secretary General, told journalists in Juba that more resources and increased humanitarian access are needed to avert looming food catastrophe in the country. "I very much would hope that the government can now take the initiative of declaring a humanitarian truce...it will be catastrophic unless there is a Cessation of Hostilities (COH) that is holding and the present one is not holding," Egeland said after visiting the worst affected areas of Mayom, Leer in the northern Unity region. This year's Famine Early Warning Systems Network disclosed that 7.1 million South Sudanese risk starvation due to the fact that 4.5 million have been displaced from their homes since outbreak of conflict in December 2013. Despite the government and rebels agreeing to the COH in December 2017, intermittent fighting continues across the country amid harassment, aid restrictions and killing of humanitarian workers. He said South Sudan is a potential bread basket of the region but conflict has forced the majority of farmers to flee for safety into refugee camps. Egeland urged international donors not to lower investments in relief services but to scale up humanitarian funding. Adnan Khan, the UN World Food Program (WFP) Country Director, said the humanitarian situation in the country continues to deteriorate. "The humanitarian situation in South Sudan continues to deteriorate and an unprecedented seven million people wait upon humanitarian assistance in 2018. This is first and foremost a protection crisis in which civilians continue to be killed and subjected to multiple displacements and violations including sexual violence," he said. South Sudan descended into civil war in late 2013, and the conflict has created one of the fastest growing refugee crises in the world. The UN estimates that about 4 million South Sudanese have been displaced internally and externally. BRATISLAVA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Three Slovaks face charges of smuggling of 34 foreigners of Vietnamese origin, local media reported on Wednesday. A first batch of 20 migrants, who illegally crossed the state border from Ukraine, were caught by the police close to the village of Podhorod in the Eastern Slovakia on May 31. "A man from Slovakia was expected to drive them to Austria for a financial reward. Police officers thwarted his plans, however, when a mobile police unit flagged down his car close to Sobranovce. After pulling over, the defendant jumped out of the vehicle and ran to Sobranovce, where the police captured and arrested him," said Denisa Baloghova, Slovak police spokesperson. A remaining group of 14 Vietnamese citizens was apprehended on June 1 close to the village of Koromla in the Eastern Slovakia and extradited back to Ukraine. "If the scheme had proven successful, the defendants would have collected an estimated profit of 17,000 euro (19,847 U.S. dollars)," added Baloghova. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 22:45:11|Editor: yan Video Player Close MACAO, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong and Macao should take advantage of the "one country, two systems" and participate in Belt and Road construction, said China's former foreign minister Li Zhaoxing on Wednesday. Li, now honorable president of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, made the remarks on the 2018 International Conference on Belt and Road and Macao's development. Li said in his speech that China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and Macao SAR have become important trade partners of the Chinese mainland and bridges of foreign trade thanks to their unique advantages, and have made special contribution to China's economic development. Meanwhile, China's fast and continuous development brings opportunity for Hong Kong and Macao, he added. Macao SAR Chief Executive Chui Sai On said in his speech that it is Macao's responsibility to play its part in Belt and Road construction. With its advantage of "one country, two systems," good location in the Maritime Silk Road, trade history and mixed culture between the East and the West, and a large number of returned overseas Chinese, Macao is confident to open its era in the initiative, he said. The two-day event gathered scholars, political and business leaders and returned overseas Chinese, discussing Macao's advantages and roles in the Belt and Road Initiative. NEW DELHI, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank has approved the Indian government's scheme "Atal Bhujal Yojana" worth 6,000 crore Indian Rupees (around 902 million U.S. dollars) in a bid to recharge and maintain groundwater level in some areas which are facing a severe water crisis in coming years. The scheme is to be implemented over a period of five years from 2018-19 to 2022-23. The "Atal Bhujal Yojana" has been formulated by India's Ministry of Water Resources to address the criticality of groundwater resources in a major part of the country. The scheme aims to improve groundwater management in priority areas through community participation. Implementation of the scheme is expected to benefit over 8,000 villages in over 70 districts in various states. Funds under the scheme will be provided to the states for strengthening the institutions responsible for groundwater governance, as well as for encouraging community involvement for improving groundwater management, to foster behavioral changes that promote conservation and efficient use of water. Groundwater in India provides for about 60 percent of the country's irrigation needs, 85 percent of rural drinking water requirements and 50 percent of urban water needs. As per 2013 data, 4 percent of groundwater assessment units in the country are in a critical state and 10 percent in a semi-critical state due to over-exploitation and contamination. PARIS, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Foreign affair and economy ministers from France, Germany and Britain urged U.S. officials to exempt European companies doing trade with Tehran after Washington menaced to impose tough sanction on the Islamic Republic and all countries doing businesses with it. In a June 4 letter released on Wednesday, the ministers wrote "as allies, we expect that the United States will refrain from taking actions that would harm Europe's security interests." "As close allies, we expect that the extraterritorial effects of U.S. secondary sanctions will not be enforced on EU entities and individuals, and the United States will thus respect our political decisions," they added. The ministers said expecting exemptions for EU firms dealing with pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy, automotive, civil aviation, infrastructure and banking. Advocate of 2015 nuclear deal, France, Germany and Britain told the U.S. Treasury Secretary and U.S. Secretary of State in a letter that they shared most of their concerns about the status of Iran's nuclear program after 2025, its development of ballistic missiles and "destabilizing actions" in the Middle East. However, they said preserving the 2015 nuclear deal was "the best basis on which to engage Iran and address those concerns." "Even though, the United States had decided to withdraw from (the deal), we are still convinced that (it) is still the best means through which we can prevent a nuclear armed Iran," they wrote. Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump announced U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, under which Iranians limited the country's nuclear activities in exchange for lifted sanctions. In the wake of Washington's decision, European firms doing business in Iran have up to six months to wind up investments and are also forbidden from signing any new contracts with the country. Otherwise, they risk huge fines. French leading automaker PSA announced on Tuesday, it would suspend its activities in Iran on risks of U.S. sanctions in order to comply with U.S. law by Aug. 6, 2018. File Photo taken April, 1974 shows Deng Xiaoping, then head of the Delegation of the People's Republic of China, addressing the Sixth Special Session of the UN General Assembly. (Xinhua/Qian Sijie) by Xinhua writers Ma Jianguo, Joshua Vizer UNITED NATIONS, June 5 (Xinhua) -- "I'm very fortunate to have been a beneficiary, participant of and witness to China's reform and opening-up policy over the past four decades," said Chen Feng, currently a senior simultaneous interpreter at the United Nations (UN) headquarters. As a member of China's first generation of professionally-trained simultaneous interpreters, he has served as the last English interpreter for Deng Xiaoping, the late Chinese leader widely regarded as the "Chief Architect of China's reform and opening-up." "CROSSING THE RIVER BY GROPING FOR STONES" In a recent interview with Xinhua, Chen said he was an English lover though the language was not valued when China was closed to the foreign world. He read English novels during work breaks and tried to catch up with English lessons via a short-wave radio. His passion, coupled with professional training for simultaneous interpreters introduced by the United Nations to China in 1979, led him to an unexpected career. In 1981, he went to Beijing for a postgraduate course jointly organized by the United Nations and China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education. "To tell you the truth, even many of our teachers had not heard of simultaneous interpretation as a term" at that time, Chen said. Chen was in the second batch of students admitted to the United Nations Interpreters/Translators Training Course. His classmates included present Chinese Consul General in New York Zhang Qiyue and China's former permanent representative to the United Nations Liu Jieyi. After graduation, Chen, an educated Cantonese, served as an interpreter for Chinese ambassadors in London and later was chosen to work for Deng. Chen said that Deng spoke with a strong Sichuan accent using words or phrases that were very innovative and groundbreaking. He often put forward new ideas in idiomatic colloquial terms that were a challenge both for immediate comprehension and exact interpreting. Chen still remembers vividly the great pressure and awe an interpreter faced working with Deng -- every single word uttered by the leader was very important and could not be misunderstood by visiting foreign guests. It was a time when Deng's famous phrase describing reform and opening-up "crossing the river by groping for stones" became a famous quotation, among other impromptu remarks. At the beginning of the reform and opening-up period, many Western leaders had doubts about China's policies and wanted to verify them through Deng. Chen recalled Deng's meeting with then Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in July 1990, the last time he interpreted for Deng. Chen said that during the conversation in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Trudeau asked, "Has China considered relaxing its immigration policy?" Deng responded bluntly, "We can open it wide. I'll give you 10 million people. Would you take them?" Trudeau was stunned at this counter-question as the Canadian population then was only 30 million. PROUD OF CHINA'S GROWING INFLUENCE Having served in the United Nations for more than 27 years, Chen still remembers the first time when he went abroad. It was in 1983, 12 years after the Chinese government regained its legitimate seat in the International Labor Organization, that a delegation led by then Minister of Labor and Personnel Zhao Shouyi arrived in Geneva. Chen was among them, interning before graduation. The stipend per person per day was only two Swiss francs (about two U.S. dollars at that time), with which he could only buy some BIC ballpoint pens. The small exotic "modern" gifts pleased his fellow students and friends at home. Nowadays, most "foreign" gifts he plans for Chinese friends and relatives can be found in malls and supermarkets in China, or at least at airport duty free shops. Additionally, many are already made in China. He said the change over the past 40 years is a remarkable turnaround. Recalling the experience of taking his children to Europe 20 years ago and sitting on the Eurostar train, he said that it was a big surprise that after only 20 years, China could produce its own high-speed trains that are much better and faster than Eurostar. Chen, who lives in Queens, New York, often goes to work by subway, which usually cost him over 50 minutes from his residence to the United Nations. Commenting on the old trains, Chen shook his head and said, "It's incredible. In Guangzhou, Shanghai or Beijing, the same distance takes less than 20 minutes." Since the beginning of his work at the United Nations in 1991, Chen has witnessed tremendous changes relating to China within the organization. He said what impressed him most was the change in United Nations membership fees, which are based primarily on a country's share of the world's gross domestic product. In the 1990s, China's dues were about 0.79 percent of the total. Today, China's membership dues have risen to around 7.9 percent of the total UN budget, a 10-fold rise since 1991. China currently ranks third in membership contributions, behind the United States and Japan. Mentioning terms such as "a community of shared future for mankind," "the Belt and Road Initiative" and "green development" that originated in China's own development, Chen said some Chinese concepts and initiatives have been incorporated in UN documents and strategies and have already become popular concepts in global governance. What's more, the China-proposed concept of "common but differentiated responsibilities" between developed and developing countries is now one of the major UN principles for environmental issues, Chen said. PARIS, June 6 (Xinhua) -- French Foreign Minister Jean Yves Le Drian warned Iran on Wednesday that its plan to increase uranium enrichment capacity in the case of the collapse of the nuclear deal with world powers would have dangerous consequences. Earlier this week, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei ordered preparations to raise uranium enrichment capacity if the 2015 nuclear agreement dissolves, after the United States pulled out from the deal last month. "This initiative is unwelcome. It shows a sort of irritation. It is always dangerous to flirt with red lines," Le Drian said. "If they go to a higher level then, yes, the agreement would be violated, but they need to realize that if they do then they will expose themselves to new sanctions and the Europeans will not remain passive," he warned. In an interview with local broadcaster Europe 1, Le Drian called for a "global negotiation framework" on the Iranian issue, at the same time maintaining the 2015 nuclear deal, which he called "a step forward" in preventing Iran from having access to nuclear weapons. "The Iranians must realize that if they break the agreement then they expose themselves to new sanctions. But, today the agreement is not broken and Iran fully respects its commitments," he said. U.S. President Donald Trump decided to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), claiming it did not address Iran's ballistic missile program, its nuclear activities beyond 2025, or its role in conflicts in Yemen and Syria. In response to Washington's decision, Tehran has threatened that in the event that other parties to the nuclear deal could not safeguard Iran's interests under the accord, Iran will move out of it and resume its nuclear activities at full speed. The 2015 deal eased sanctions on Iran in exchange for Tehran limiting its nuclear program. RIGA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- In two separate petitions that have been submitted to the Latvian parliament, opposition lawmakers are calling for a no-confidence motion against Justice Minister Dzintars Rasnacs, local media reported Wednesday. A draft resolution on a no-confidence motion against the justice minister, signed by 16 MPs from the opposition parties Harmony and For Latvia from the Heart, as well as several unaffiliated parliamentarians, was initiated on Tuesday by non-partisan MP Romans Mezeckis. Authors of the draft resolution blame Rasnacs for inability to ensure a proper oversight of the Insolvency Administration, the authority in charge of winding down failing businesses. Another petition, signed by 10 lawmakers and calling for the justice minister's resignation, has been filed by the Latvian Association of Regions (LRA). The LRA faction in parliament argues that Rasnacs should be held responsible for Latvia's seriously flawed insolvency laws, which have led to numerous violations and irregularities. LRA also says that for many years insolvency processes have only been providing gains to their state-appointed managers, whereas the state itself has seen little benefit. The calls for Rasnacs' resignation over a poor handling of the insolvency system come at a time when Latvia's law enforcement authorities are investigating the murder of Martins Bunkus, a lawyer who was involved as an administrator in several high-profile insolvency cases. Bunkus was shot dead in the morning of May 28 as he was driving in his SUV through a quiet suburb in Riga. Investigators are treating his murder as a contract killing. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 23:35:31|Editor: yan Video Player Close SHENZHEN, June 6 (Xinhua) -- South China's Shenzhen City on Wednesday launched a real-time air monitoring system as part of its campaign to improve air quality. Automatic monitoring takes data from 74 PM2.5 monitoring sites. All sites have been connected to a unified platform on May 31. The average density of PM2.5 in Shenzhen was 28 micrograms per cubic meter last year. The target set for 2018 is 26 micrograms. The real-time PM2.5 data can be monitored on mobile apps from July 1. ADDIS ABABA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia hopes for improved ties with bitter rival Eritrea after it made concession on a contested common border, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Wednesday. Ahmed said to ensure peace in the Horn of Africa region, his government is making moves to mend ties with Eritrea, reported state media Radio Fana. Ahmed further said he hopes Ethiopia's latest gesture will eventually resolve more than a decade of tension and hostility with Eritrea and allow his government to fully turn its attention to realizing Ethiopia's renaissance. On Tuesday, Ethiopia's ruling party said it was committed to an unconditional implementation of December 2000 Algiers peace agreement with Eritrea. The agreement ended a two-year border war that killed an estimated 70,000 people from both sides, but a tense armed standoff continued, with the two countries engaging in skirmishes occasionally. Ethiopia until now had declined to endorse the results of the peace agreement fully, including giving the symbolically important town of Badme, which Ethiopia still controls, to Eritrea. Eritrea for its part has insisted the border demarcation has to be done first before any talks on normalizing ties. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-06 23:45:37|Editor: ZD Video Player Close LONDON, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Britain Liu Xiaoming on Tuesday called on "young icebreakers" from the 48 Group Club to advocate open cooperation between China and Britain. "Young people are the future of a nation. You are also the future of China-UK relations. I hope the 'young icebreakers' will carry forward the 'icebreaking' spirit and advocate open cooperation between China and the UK, and indeed cooperation between all the countries in the world," Liu said when delivering a keynote speech. The "young icebreakers" is a network for young UK-China business leaders, continuing to reflect and enhance strong heritage from the 48 Group Club. The event was jointly held by China Chamber of Commerce in the UK (CCCUK) and the 48 Group Clubs, bringing together over 200 guests from the business, finance sectors from China and Britain to discuss the cooperation opportunities between both countries in the future. Although peace and development remain the main themes of the event, the world is far from being peaceful, Liu said, adding that trade protectionism is becoming a weapon to provoke trade dispute that put the global economy at risk, which is the "hard ice" that must be broken. The ambassador said China's solution to break "hard ice" is inclusive cooperation, mutual benefit and assuming the responsibility of a major stakeholder. "China is ready to embrace the world. We believe that a partnership forged with the right approach defies geographical distance," he said. Despite the geographical distance, cultural gap and political differences between China and Britain, Liu said the two countries have established diplomatic relations and elevated their ties to first comprehensive partnership, then comprehensive strategic partnership and now global comprehensive partnership for the 21st century. "I urge our young icebreakers to actively participate in the cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative and stay true to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefit. This will enable more countries to taste the fruit of China-UK cooperation. It will allow more people to share the benefit of economic globalization. This will be your contribution to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind," he said. Sun Yu, CCCUK's Chairman and CEO of Bank of China (UK) Limited, was awarded for his special contribution to financial and commercial relations between China and Britain. LAGOS, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Cholera cases in northeastern Nigeria's Adamawa state have risen above 1,000 with 18 deaths since the outbreak of the water-borne disease, heath authorities said on Wednesday. Mohammed Abubakar, state ministry of health spokesperson, told reporters in Yola, the state capital, that the cases has reached 1,078. He said 44 new cases were reported, out of which 11 were admitted for treatment, while 33 were stabilized and sent home. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has embarked on an intensive house-to-house search for new cases in Mubi town of the state. Incident Manager of the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) in Mubi, Kabiru Sadiq, said the search had assisted in early detection and had reduced the fatality rate of the outbreak from the initial 17 percent to 1.7 percent. Cholera is an extremely virulent disease characterized in its most severe form by sudden onset of acute watery diarrhea that can lead to death by severe dehydration. The outbreak is common in Nigeria due to the poor water supply systems, especially in densely populated areas. NEW DELHI, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The Indian government approved 1.5 billion U.S. dollars for the country's space program on Wednesday, in what is seen as a major step to reduce its dependence on foreign spaceports to launch heavier satellites. The approval was given by the Indian Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an official release said Wednesday. "With the Cabinet approval for 10 launches of 10 GSLV Mk III in the next four years, we will be able to launch heavier satellites weighing around 4 tonnes," junior Minister in Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh told the media. "This will be a big leap forward as we don't have to depend on foreign spaceports for launching heavier satellites," he added. According to the minister, the GSLV Mk III programme is an indigenous programme that will enable India's state-owned space agency to launch foreign satellites of over 4 tonnes of weight. Indian Space Research Organization's chief K. Sivan has termed the development as "the happiest moment for all of us" in the space agency. In February this year, India launched 31 satellites in a single mission from the southern spaceport of Sriharikota. A year earlier, it launched 104 satellites in a single mission. BANGKOK, June 6 (Xinhua) -- China's ICT giant Huawei announced an investment of 81 million U.S. dollars in Southeast Asia in three years on the 4th Annual Huawei Asia-Pacific Innovation Day held here on Wednesday. Huawei Technologies (Thailand) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency and National Innovation Agency, outlining a series of joint research and innovation objectives, including developing deeper technological insights to advance the Thailand 4.0 agenda, strengthening communications and coordination throughout the innovation and planning processes, and fostering a startup-friendly ecosystem in Thailand. Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and Huawei Rotating Chairman Guo Ping witnessed the signing of the MoU. Later on Wednesday, James Wu, president of Huawei's Southeast Asia Region, unveiled Huawei's Developer Enablement Plan for the region, which aims to support digital economy and ecosystem building. According to Wu, Huawei will invest 81 million U.S. dollars over the next three years in building OpenLabs, enabling cloud developers, and cultivating ICT talent in the Southeast Asia region. Huawei will also open an OpenLab in Delhi in August this year, which, along with the one in Bangkok, will serve as open innovation platforms where Huawei joins forces with local partners to develop industry solutions for the region. Nearly 300 attendees from government, industry, and academia gathered at the 4th Huawei Asia-Pacific Innovation Day to explore how digital infrastructure accelerates the growth of digital economy, enriches life, drives innovation, and helps cultivate an ecosystem of shared success. In his speech, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid spoke highly of Huawei's contribution to the kingdom's digital transformation in the past three years. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-07 00:05:45|Editor: yan Video Player Close CHENGDU, June 6 (Xinhua) -- A direct flight linking the city of Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, with London will be launched in July. The Air China flight, operated by an Airbus 330-300 aircraft, will begin on July 3. Flights will depart from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport at 3:45 p.m. and arrive at London's Gatwick Airport at 8:00 p.m. local time every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday. The return flights will take off at 10:00 p.m. local time the same day and arrive in Chengdu at 3:40 p.m. the following day. "The opening of this new route will provide us with a unique opportunity to further develop the UK's cooperation with Chengdu, Sichuan, and the rest of China's southwest," said Barbara Woodward, British Ambassador to China. "It will open a door from the UK to southwest China and we hope to see more tourists, more businesspeople, and more young people coming to Chengdu and Sichuan from the UK," she said. Statistics show that trade between Britain and Sichuan Province in goods reached almost 1 billion U.S. dollars in 2017, an increase of over 13 percent compared to 2016. By the end of 2017, the number of British visas issued to Chinese passport holders increased by 13 percent, and in Sichuan alone, more than 36,000 applicants applied for visas for the UK. British Airways opened a direct air route linking Chengdu and London in 2013, which was halted in January 2017. by Eric Laperozy and Holitian Randrianasolo ANTANANARIVO, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Christian Ntsay took office on Wednesday as Madagascar's new prime minister after a power transfer with his predecessor Olivier Mahafaly Solonandrasana. After leading the government for two years and two months, Solonandrasana resigned on Monday after the decision of the High Constitutional Court (HCC) to dissolve the government. Following the request of opposition parliament members to disqualify Madagascar's president Hery Rajaonarimampianina, the HCC decided on May 25 to create a new consensus government to resolve the political crisis in Madagascar. The power transfer was held at the prime minister's office in a ceremony attended by chiefs of military, government officials and diplomatic corps in function in the country. A former United Nations official, 57-year-old Ntsay replaced Solonandrasana, who had being the fourth prime minister of Rajaonarimampianina's government since March 2016. "My first priority is to organize an inclusive and transparent election that could be accepted by all," the incoming prime minister said. "After the appointment of government members which will be done soon, our second priority is the issue of the electoral date," Ntsay said. "Restoring security, fighting corruption, stabilizing business climate and developing the southern part of Madagascar will be among my priorities," Ntsay added. "I am a consensus prime minister and opened to all political parties," Ntsay said, concluding his speech by calling for the financial and technical partners of Madagascar to realize their commitments to the country. Ntsay is widely known since 2008 as the representative of the International Labor Organization (ILO) to Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles. As minister of tourism of Madagascar in 2002-2003, Ntsay has worked as an international consultant and expert for the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-07 00:05:46|Editor: yan Video Player Close BAGHDAD, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's filling of the massive Ilisu Dam on the Tigris River since June 1, is likely to create a water crisis in Iraq, warned an Iraqi expert. Millions of Iraqis, living in the Mesopotamia created by the two rivers Euphrates and Tigris, are facing shortage of water for drinking, agricultural irrigation, power generation and transportation. On the huge sedimentary plains, rain accounts for 30 percent of its water resources and the remaining 70 percent come from rivers and marshes shared with Turkey in the north and Iran in the east and Syria in the west. The largest Iraqi rivers are Tigris and Euphrates which flow from the Turkish highlands, where Turkey has been building massive irrigation and water-management project, known as Southeastern Anatolian Project (GAP). The projects have reduced the flow of the rivers, leading to fears among Iraqis over a crisis in drinking water, reduction in agricultural lands and increasing desertification, said Sabah al-Sheikh, an Iraqi political analyst. Turkey launched the GAP project as a massive hydroelectric and irrigation project consisting of 22 dams and 19 hydroelectric power plants on both the Tigris and the Euphrates Rivers close to the Syrian and Iraqi borders. Sheikh criticized the successive Iraqi governments, especially after 2003, for failing to adopt effective measures to prevent the anticipated water crisis or lessen its impacts. "Research centers and experts have long been urging the governments to build dams with massive reservoirs and smaller dams to prevent sending the water to the Gulf states without exploiting it," he added. Water level decreased sharply in Iraq's Mosul, Salahudin and Baghdad, after Turkey filled the dam on Friday, raising concerns among Iraqis that severe draught could hit their areas and farms. A video shared on social media showed people walking across the Tigris River in Baghdad, where the water is barely deeper than knee-level. On June 2, Iraqi Minister of Water Resources Hassan al-Janabi tried to play down fears of the Iraqi people amid lower level of water flow in Tigris River. In a press conference in Baghdad, Janabi told reporters despite the reduction of water flow, Iraq has enough drinking water, as well as enough water to irrigate hundreds of thousands of square km of summer corps farms and orchards. The Turkish ambassador to Baghdad confirmed on June 5, that Iraqi should not fear from the filling of the reservoir of the massive dam on Tigris River, saying the flow of water will be sufficient. "Filling the reservoir of Ilisu Dam will take nearly a year, and sufficient quantities of water would continue to flow to Iraq," Turkish Ambassador Fatih Yildiz told reporters in Baghdad. In fact, Iraq and Turkey have signed several treaties in the past decades aimed at regulating the use of water of the two great rivers. Iran's Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Reza Najafi waits for the start of a board of governors meeting at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria June 4, 2018. (Reuters photo) TEHRAN, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Iran will relaunch its nuclear activities if the Iranian 2015 nuclear deal fails, Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Wednesday. Iran has sent a letter to the IAEA on the start of certain nuclear activities, said the Iranian envoy Reza Najafi, according to Press TV. "These are the preparatory work for a possible scenario if in an unfortunate situation the JCPOA (nuclear deal) fails, then Iran can restart its activities without any limits that already (exist) under the JCPOA," he said in the Austrian capital Vienna. The first preparation is the restart of the Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF) in Iran's central province of Isfahan for the production of UF6, while another preparatory work concerns the infrastructure for the possible production of new centrifuges, Najafi said. The Iranian official stressed that Iran's measure does not violate the JCPOA. Iran's atomic chief said Tuesday that the Islamic republic is preparing the infrastructure for building advanced centrifuges. Iran is holding talks with European countries on preserving the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), after the U.S. pullout of the deal in May. Tehran has threatened in case other parties of the nuclear deal could not safeguard Iran's interests under the accord, Iran will quit and resume its nuclear activities even at full speed. BRUSSELS, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The man suspected of radicalizing the author behind the terrorist attacks in Liege in Belgium was arrested Wednesday by special intervention forces, according to the federal prosecutor. Fouad Bennane, an individual suspected of having radicalized Benjamin Herman while they both served sentences in prison, was arrested in Ensival (Verviers). The suspect was wanted by police for breaking the terms and conditions of his parole set on May 22 by not returning to prison as ordered by the court, said the federal prosecutor. Bennane, who has several convictions for acts of theft and violence, is one of 25 "radicalized" people in the municipality of Verviers in Liege. His name appears in the list of Ocam (Coordinating Unit for Threat Analysis) and on the recruitment list of ISIS, according to newspaper l'Avenir. Ongoing investigations aim to determine whether he is one of the people who radicalized Herman when he was behind bars. The intervention to seize the suspect went briefly out of hand after a police officer was shot by a firearm after an accidental shooting, the federal prosecutor's office said. Aged 39, Fouad Bennane has countless criminal offenses to his name and his past background spells a long history of violence. Having worked previously as a pastry chef, he was sentenced to six months in prison in 2002 and eight months in 2005, each time for assault and battery, reports the Belgian newspaper La Libre. CAPE TOWN, June 6 (Xinhua) -- South Africa and India will commemorate an incident 125 years ago when young Mahatma Gandhi was forcibly removed from a White-only carriage of a train in KwaZulu-Natal Province, it was announced on Wednesday. "The commemoration of the train incident allows the two countries to look back and reaffirm the need to eradicate racism, the scourge of which continues in our societies 125 years later," the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said. Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj will attend the commemoration on June 7 in Durban while the South African government will be represented by the premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Willies Mchunu, and Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Luwellyn Landers, said DIRCO spokesperson Ndivhuwo Mabaya. Gandhi arrived in South Africa as a young lawyer in 1893 and shortly after his arrival he booked a first class ticket on the train to Pretoria. He was forcibly removed by the rail authorities at Pietermaritzburg from the first class compartment and thrown off the train following a complaint from one of the passengers. He subsequently spent the night in the station's waiting room. This event is believed to have initiated his contemplations of racial discrimination and marked the beginning of his philosophy of Satyagraha (truth-force) and Ahimsa (pressure for social and political reform through passive resistance). The philosophy has influenced the civil rights movement in the United States and South Africa. The ties between South Africa and India are cemented by the foundation laid by the two icons: Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first black president, and Gandhi, Mabaya said. South Africa was central to forging Gandhi's identity as a political activist and his time here was an important prelude in developing his thinking prior to his return to India, said Mabaya. Both Mandela and Gandhi were visionary leaders who were ahead of their times, Mabaya said. "Modern day India, with its extra-ordinary economic growth and development, and South Africa have carved a niche as influential global players, as witnessed by our roles in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association), IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa) and the G20, as well as within the United Nations system," he said. South Africa and India enjoy a strategic partnership and the bilateral relations are anchored by a deep and shared history of friendship and solidarity, Mabaya said. This year witnesses the 25th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries. India is currently South Africa's second largest trading partner in Asia and ranks among South Africa's top 10 trade partners. In 2017 bilateral trade reached 107 billion rand (about 8.6 billion U.S. dollars). LONDON, June 6 (Xinhua) -- A massive blaze engulfs Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London's Knightsbridge as 15 fire engines and nearly 100 firefighters rushed to scene, local authorities confirmed Wednesday. London Fire Brigade said the firefighters are tackling a large fire at the hotel of 12 floors. It is not immediately known whether there are any casualties. Police near the site told media that they don't know if there are people trapped inside. Thick cloud of black smoke could be seen at the scene. "Ash is falling everywhere," an eyewitness at the scene told media. London traffic authorities confirmed that part of the road near Knightsbridge had been closed. Knightsbridge is an exclusive residential and retail district in West London. The fire came as the city commemorated the one year anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire which claimed 72 lives. The London Ambulance Service says it's sent multiple crews to the scene of the Knightsbridge fire, including a hazardous area response team. According to the Mandarin Oriental's official website, the London hotel has recently completed a multi-million pound renovation. It has altogether 181 guestrooms and suites. TUNIS, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed decided Wednesday to dismiss Minister of Interior Lotfi Brahem from his post, the source from Tunisian Government Presidency. The current Minister of Justice Ghazi Jeribi will take the interim. Tunisian Government Presidency has not revealed the reason for this decision. Some local analysts believed the decision was taken after the boat sinking of migrants last Saturday night off the southeastern coast of Tunisia, killing at least 63. Shortly before this decision, Lotfi Brahem had announced to dismiss ten senior security officials in Sfax province. However, some analysts believed this decision was linked to the expiry of a 48-hour-ultimatum granted by Youssef Chahed to Lotfi Brahem, in order to find the former Interior Minister Najem Gharsalli, who is on the run and pursued by Tunisian justice for involvement in affecting national security. JAKARTA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia highlighted the eastern region of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) province in its efforts to attract tourists from the Netherlands, an official at the tourism ministry said on Wednesday. Deputy Minister for International Marketing supervising European region Nia Niscaya said the option to highlight Lombok with its tourism zone of Mandalika was aimed at offering fresh destination for potential tourists. "The public in the Netherlands were enthusiastic to attend the tour sales mission held from Monday to Tuesday in Amsterdam and Eindhoven. The event also attracted buyers of 40 tour agents from various areas in that country," Nia said. She said that Mandalika offers luxury resorts, pristine beaches as well as natural sceneries, adding that Mandalika also has great potential for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) tourism. Indonesia has projected to host MotoGP in 2019 after it obtained license from MotoGP. Circuits have been planned in Mandalika and Palembang in South Sumatra province to host the event next year. Indonesia targeted to receive 225,000 tourists from the Netherlands this year after it saw 2.82 percent growth of the arrivals last year. Promotion on new destination would also be carried out in other markets, Indonesia Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said. "We are optimistic that the new promotion program would give us positive impacts with more arrival of foreign tourists, eventually help us to meet our targets," he added. Indonesia has set tourism as part of its leading industries with various reform in the sector. The nation has set a target of receiving 17 million foreign tourists this year and 20 million next year. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-07 00:45:53|Editor: yan Video Player Close JERUSALEM, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Israel launched a new pilot program this week aimed at promoting technological innovation by testing and implementing innovative technologies in government-owned companies, sources from the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) said Wednesday. The program, jointly launched by Israel's Government Companies Authority in the Ministry of Finance and the IIA, has obtained an investment of 10 million new shekels (2.8 million U.S. dollars) from Israeli government. The goal of the program is to develop and test technologies and innovative solutions in relevant government companies, or alternatively, to utilize data or information held by government companies, according to the sources. "The program offers one more incentive for government companies to enter the digital age. Together with existing innovation frameworks, this will enable governmental companies to improve performance and offer greater access and better service to the public," said Moshe Kahlon, Israeli Minister of Finance. The pilot program is intended for Israeli technology companies (non-governmental) to conduct their projects within the government-run companies. The companies will receive financial support of 20-50 percent of their approved R&D expenditure, which can even reach 60 percent if projects have the potential to significantly streamline the activities of a given governmental company. "Support for the establishment of pilot programs and their implementation in government companies will help develop new and growing innovative systems in areas... where access necessitates cooperation between private tech companies and government infrastructure," said Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Eli Cohen. He added that "this comes alongside a government decision to inject innovation into governmental companies and invest in new technologies in their core area, and to remove barriers faced by governmental companies when adopting these technologies." "Technology companies will be given access to large-scale pilots and government companies will be given an opportunity to upgrade their systems and, as a result, their entire performance through access to some of the most advanced technology in the world," said CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority, Aharon Aharon. "We are opening the door for technology companies to conduct experiments they could not otherwise undertake and are creating future opportunities for implementing new forms of innovative regulation for the entire Israeli economy," he added. SOFIA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Restart of the Belene nuclear plant project was one of the solutions which can ensure Bulgaria's energy security, the country's vice president Iliana Iotova said Wednesday. Iotova made her statement at a conference on Bulgaria's energy security and future, which called for the development of the country's nuclear energy sector. Iotova said the international energy market was becoming ever more complicated, and Bulgaria should hold a place in it. The Balkan country's nuclear power industry was also a guarantee for national and regional security, she said. The number of countries developing nuclear energy had increased since 2015. The period has seen the launch of 26 new nuclear reactors. The main question today was not whether to have nuclear plants but how to make them safer, she noted. Iotova said she hoped that this time the matter would be addressed pragmatically rather than becoming a cause for political clashes, and the Belene nuclear power plant would be finally constructed. On Thursday, Bulgarian lawmakers will begin discussing two draft resolutions on restarting the Belene project, which was ordered to cancel in 2012. Last month, Russian news agency Sputnik reported that the Bulgarian Energy Ministry should submit options to use equipment produced in Russia for the Belene nuclear power plant, including a relaunch of the project, by late June 2018. GENEVA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) requested dispute consultations with the United States at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to address the EU's claim that it and its member states have complied with the WTO ruling on subsidies to Airbus. The WTO said the request was circulated to members on Wednesday. The EU explained in a document submitted to the WTO that the request for consultations was made with respect to a "disagreement", under a dispute settlement understanding as to its "consistency with a covered agreement" of measures taken to comply with the recommendations and rulings" of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) between the two countries in their dispute over civil aircraft. The WTO lately upheld its decision that the European Union (EU) and four of its member states -- France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom -- failed to fully comply with an earlier WTO ruling, by maintaining illegal subsidies for aircraft maker Airbus. The United States has accused European governments of providing favorable loans to Airbus for its A380 superjumbo and the A350 long-range jet that compete with Boeing's 747 jumbo jet and 787 Dreamliner, respectively. The EU said in response that it has achieved "full compliance with the recommendations and rulings in the present dispute." The EU said the DSB's compliance panel report, as modified by the Appellate Body, has now been withdrawn and that the passage of time has also weakened the causal link between the subsidies mentioned in the dispute. Under WTO rules, the United States can now take steps to establish the level of sanctions it may impose on European exports. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-07 01:36:04|Editor: yan Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) holds talks with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 6, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- China and Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership. The agreement was reached during the talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and visiting Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. "It is another landmark event in the history of bilateral ties that China and Kyrgyzstan will establish a comprehensive strategic partnership, which will inject new impetus into the development of bilateral ties," Xi told Jeenbekov. Standing at a new starting point, China is willing to work with Kyrgyzstan to carry forward the traditional friendship and conduct all-round cooperation so as to achieve national development and better benefit the two peoples, said Xi. Noting that Kyrgyzstan was one of the first countries to support and participate into the Belt and Road Initiative and related construction, Xi said China would like to make joint efforts with Kyrgyzstan to open minds and explore potentials to lift bilateral cooperation to a new level. He called on both sides to enhance synergy in development strategies and policy coordination, seek more converging interests and growth points, jointly plan key areas and major projects, expand trade and investment, and speed up construction of major projects. Both countries should expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges and local cooperation to boost neighborly friendship, said Xi, who also stressed the importance of improving security cooperation to fight the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism and separatism and organized crime across the border. Xi spoke highly of Kyrgyzstan's support for China since it has taken the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) last June, saying that China stands ready to work with Kyrgyzstan to promote the SCO so it can develop along a healthy and stable track. Jeenbekov, who is in China on a state visit and to attend the SCO Qingdao Summit scheduled to be held this weekend, said Kyrgyzstan admires China's social and economic achievements and appreciates China's long-term valuable assistance. The establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership unveils a new chapter in the bilateral relationship, he said. Jeenbekov said it has always been Kyrgyzstan's priority to develop ties with China and Kyrgyzstan has been and will continue to be a most reliable neighbor, partner, and friend of China. Kyrgyzstan will firmly adhere to the one-China policy, stand ready to advance pragmatic cooperation with China in the areas of economy and trade, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and jointly combat "three evil forces," as well as work together in safeguarding regional peace, stability and security, said Jeenbekov. Kyrgyzstan backs the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and believes the initiative will greatly promote common development in the region, said the Kyrgyz president, adding that Kyrgyzstan will maintain the continuity of all cooperative agreements with China. Jeenbekov said his country is confident that the SCO Qingdao Summit will be a success under the leadership of China. After the talks, the two presidents signed a joint statement regarding establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Kyrgyzstan and witnessed the signing of a series of cooperative agreements. In the statement, both sides reiterated that they would not join any union or group that harms the other country's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity and would not sign such treaties with a third country. Both sides agreed not to allow a third country, organizations, groups or personnel to conduct activities jeopardizing the other country's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. In line with the principle of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation, both sides agreed to carry out the cooperation documents and programs that have been signed or agreed upon, and to promote bilateral, multilateral trade and economic cooperation projects, including highways and railways, energy, fiber-optic communication lines and mining industry to inject new contents into a sustainable cooperation between the two countries, the statement said. Both sides agreed that pragmatic cooperation is the material basis of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. They reiterated their opposition to all forms of protectionism and agreed to facilitate trade and mutual investment. While recognizing the importance of enhancing interconnectivity of regional transport infrastructure, both sides pledged to continue to work for building an efficient transport corridor connecting the two countries and linking to other nations in the region. To expand cooperation in law enforcement, strengthen exchanges between departments, enhance intelligence sharing and improve border security cooperation, both sides agreed to make joint efforts in fighting the "three evil forces" including the East Turkistan Islamic Movement, international terrorist organizations, money laundering, drug smuggling, and cyber crime, as well as all forms of organized crime across the border, to safeguard peace, security and stability of the two countries and the region. The two countries also agreed to enhance cooperation under the framework of the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia so as to exchange opinions on major international and regional issues in time, jointly rise to global and regional challenges, safeguard the common interests of the two countries, and continue to strengthen collaboration in initiatives that conform with common interests of the two sides, the statement said. Prior to the talks, Xi held a welcome ceremony for Jeenbekov outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, this is the first time the new state visit welcome ceremony has been conducted. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-07 01:46:07|Editor: yan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday called for credible and inclusive elections in Libya and welcomed the outcome of an international conference on Libya hosted in Paris by French President Emmanuel Macron on May 29. "The Security Council bears in mind that the current political and security situation in Libya is not sustainable and recalls the resounding call of all Libyans for credible, inclusive, and peaceful elections in order to achieve a united and stable Libya," said the council in a presidential statement. The Security Council called on all member states to urge all Libyans to work constructively to ensure that the required technical, legislative, political, and security conditions are in place for national elections, including a new round of voter registration, appropriate funding and security arrangements, and required electoral legislation, as well as to promote the meaningful and equal participation and representation of women in the political process, including in the election process, said the statement. The council called on all Libyans to improve the atmosphere for national elections by all means possible, including by working constructively toward the unification of Libya's military and economic institutions and unified and strengthened national security forces, under civilian government authority, it said. The Security Council welcomed the momentum generated by the Paris international conference hosted by French President Macron. The council welcomed the commitment of the parties to working constructively with the United Nations to organize credible and peaceful parliamentary and presidential elections, and to respect the results of these elections, said the statement. The Security Council also welcomed the recognition of those parties of the importance of developing a constitutional basis for elections and reaffirmed its support for the special representative of the UN secretary-general as he consults with the Libyan authorities on a proposal and timeline for adopting the constitution, said the statement. The council also noted the commitment of the participants to the Paris conference to organize an inclusive political conference to follow up on the implementation of the Paris declaration, it said. British Prime Minister Theresa May (R) poses for photographs with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu inside 10 Downing Street in London on June 6, 2018, at the beginning of their meeting. (AFP photo) JERUSALEM, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday told his British counterpart, Theresa May, that Hamas was responsible for violence in Gaza, during which Israeli forces killed at least 122 Palestinians since March. The meeting in London was the last stop of Netanyahu's tour in Europe, held as part of his efforts to pressure key allies to withdraw their support to the international nuclear deal with Iran. During statements at the start of their meeting, May raised Britain's worries about the death of protesters in the Gaza Strip. "We have been concerned about the loss of Palestinian lives," May said, adding that Britain supports Israel's right to defend itself. May told Netanyahu it is important to resume the peace talks, the last round of which was held in 2014. Netanyahu said that the problems in Gaza "are rooted in the fundamental goal of Hamas to destroy Israel." According to Netanyahu, the rallies near the fence between Israel and the besieged Palestinian enclave are not peaceful protests. "In addition to burning our fields, these people are being paid by Hamas to try to break into Israel's defenses, kill as many Israelis as they can, right next to our border, and kidnap our soldiers," he said. As for the nuclear deal, May said she and Netanyahu, a vocal opponent of the deal, have "differences." May said Britain will remain committed to the deal as long as Iran does so. Netanyahu is on a three-day tour in Europe. On Monday, he met German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin before he traveled to Paris to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron. Netanyahu said the tour aims at trying to persuade European leaders to cancel their support to the deal and to halt Iran's effort to establish a military foothold in the Middle East. ARUSHA, Tanzania, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania is striving to contain retaliatory killings in protected areas following reports of nine lions killed in Nyichoka village, close to the Serengeti National Park in the north, a senior official said Wednesday. Gaudence Milanzi, Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Natural Resources, said in an interview that apart from putting in place a national task force on anti-poaching, the government will also embark on educating the public on the importance of conserving the wildlife and its natural habitat. The East African nation's move came after the recent poisoning of nine lions at Nyichoka Village. Milanzi acknowledged that such killings that stem from human-wildlife conflicts were on the rise, calling for urgent interventions in rescuing the situation. "There is a need of raising more awareness against such killings as it is always the endangered species that become victims of such attacks," the official said, observing that curbing such conflicts was still a challenge as most of the incidents occurred in open areas. "They don't happen in national parks, they happen in open areas and this makes it difficult for the wildlife rangers to monitor the animals as they can not be everywhere at the same time," he said. He said it was equally important for the people living near the protected areas to acknowledge the importance of wildlife economically and ecologically. On Tuesday, Hamis Kigwangalla, Tanzania's Natural Resources and Tourism Minister, condemned the killings. It was reported that the lions were poisoned to death and some were found with their legs, tails severed by unknown people. This is not the first time such endangered species have fallen prey to retaliatory killings. In February , six lions and 74 vultures were found dead near Ruaha national park after they were poisoned to death. Officials with the ministry said the way the animals were killed suggested they had been poisoned by local herdsmen amid an escalating human-wildlife conflict in the country. Tanzania's tourism sector, which depends heavily on wildlife safari, is the biggest foreign exchange earner, but there are growing clashes between wildlife populations, farmers, and livestock keepers. BERLIN, June 6 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday said she expected difficult talks during the G7 summit in Canada later in the week. Merkel stood for the first time a question-and-answer session with German lawmakers. Like the debates with the prime ministers in the British House of Commons, Merkel answered around 30 questions within one hour. "I think everyone knows that there will be difficult discussions there," said the Chancellor, referring to the two-day G7 summit, which will start on Friday in Charlevoix in Canada's Quebec. The summit comes in as major Western industrialized economies conflicted with the United States on Washington's unilateral trade policies. "It turns out that we already have a serious problem here with multilateral agreements," said Merkel on U.S. action of imposing punitive tariffs upon aluminum and steel products, adding that it is important that Europeans act together and stand for fair and free trade and turn against protectionism. Ministers from Germany, France and Britain have written to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and finance secretary Steven Mnuchin, urging them to shield European companies operating in Iran from Washington's new sanctions. Merkel also noted that currently there is no possibility for Russia to return to the G8 group, but said she supported talks with Russia, saying dialogue is always important. Merkel was harshly attacked by a lawmaker from the right-wing populist Alternative fuer Deutschland (AfD) who accused her of the refugee policy that had "seriously damaged Germany", and urged Merkel to step down. Merkel countered the allegations, saying that in the "exceptional humanitarian situation" of 2015, Germany acted "very responsibly" by accepting refugees. The legality of the decisions at that time was confirmed by the European Court of Justice. Since then, the German government has made it clear that it was an exceptional situation, she said. In terms of European policy, Free Democratic Party leader Christian Lindner accused Merkel of having launched her Europe plans by media interviews, rather than in parliament. He accused Merkel of planning a laxer lending, for example with regard to Italy. In an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung on Sunday, Merkel presented for the first time in detail how she imagines the future of Europe and the Eurozone. She agreed on asylum and border protection, and in defense and financial policies Merkel made a significant step towards French President Emmanuel Macron's ideas. Merkel rejected Lindner's accusation, saying that the aid is only available on strict conditions, and the Euro rescue fund is to be converted into a European Monetary Fund in order to respond quickly to crises. KAMPALA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday said he has formed a new anti-corruption unit and encouraged the public to report corrupt officials. Museveni, while delivering his State of the Nation address, said the move is aimed at fighting rampant corruption and poor delivery of services. He said the unit will be based in his office. "The only enemy we need to fight is corruption and poor implementation of government programs. Report any corruption you come across to this unit," Museveni said in a nationwide televised address. "People expect money for every little task. We could not have liberated this country if we did not have a high degree of altruism. This attitude of altruism must come back." The president has put fighting corruption, infrastructure development, job creation and electricity as key priorities of his ruling party the National Resistance Movement. Anti-corruption activists argue that Uganda has good legal and policy frameworks to fight corruption but the challenge lies in the implementation. File Photo: Corn is seen in a field in Morocco, Indiana, U.S., Sept. 6, 2016. (Xinhua/REUTERS) LOS ANGELES, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The agriculture industry in the U.S. state of California worried that it will suffer a lot as the United States' steel and aluminum tariffs on the European Union (EU), Canada and Mexico have caused a strong backlash. Josh Rolph, federal policy manager for the California Farm Bureau Federation, was quoted by the news outlet Ag Alert as saying on Tuesday that four of the top five exporting destinations for Californian agriculture are at immediate risk, and that the disputes between the United States and these economies are worrisome. The weekly online magazine listed the retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports that the three economies had announced, as well as China's latest warning that it would reinstate import duties on U.S. goods if the Trump administration pushes forward potential tariffs on Chinese goods. The EU told the World Trade Organization last month it planned to enact tariffs on more than 3 billion U.S. dollars worth of U.S. goods, including agricultural products such as rice, corn, dry kidney beans, cranberries, tobacco and orange juice. Canada's retaliation list included food products such as ketchup and other tomato sauces, yogurt, strawberry jam, nut purees and pastes, berry and other fruit purees, orange juice, pickles, maple syrup, and prepared bovine meat and meal. Those items would be hit with a 10-percent duty. Mexico released an official list Tuesday, which included agricultural items such as cheeses, apples, potatoes, cranberries, and a number of ham, pork and sausage products. "The impact to California agriculture is not fully known," the report said. It cited the 2016 data showing dairy products exported to Mexico, rice sold to the EU, as well as processed-tomato exported to Canada from the state amounted to 421 million dollars, 35 million dollars and 295.6 million dollars respectively. Brian Kuehl, executive director for Farmers for Free Trade, told the magazine that the new tariffs from the EU, Canada and Mexico could "take many American farm operations to the breaking point." "Already, farmers are grappling with the impact of previous tariffs, which have caused falling commodity futures, higher equipment prices, and the markets they've fought to get into for decades to vanish overnight," he said. "The addition of new retaliatory tariffs on everything from bourbon, to rice, to orange juice and cranberries will only widen the pain to additional farmers across the country," Kuehl said. ADDIS ABABA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The UN migration agency, International Organization for Migration (IOM), announced on Wednesday that it had repatriated 233 Ethiopian migrants over the past week from war-torn Yemen. In a press statement, the IOM said the Ethiopians were evacuated on boats from the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah that is being fiercely contested by rival warring sides. The IOM said the migrants were first transferred across the Red Sea to Djibouti where they received humanitarian and medical support before being transported to Ethiopia. Every year, thousands of Ethiopians looking for better economic opportunities abroad are estimated to have trafficked through Somalia, Djibouti and the Red Sea to reach the Arabian Peninsula. Ethiopian migrants in Yemen reportedly face constant abuses by smugglers and other criminals, including arbitrary detention and forced labor. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-07 03:46:33|Editor: yan Video Player Close By Hassan Rouhvand TEHRAN, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Amidst controversies over the 2015 international nuclear deal, Iran's recent decision to prepare grounds for boosting enriched uranium capacity is likely to propel European vessel to the U.S. shore. On May 8, U.S. President Donald Trump decided to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), claiming it did not address Iran's ballistic missile program, its nuclear activities beyond 2025, or its alleged role in regional conflicts. Trump has called for the European hand in his defiance to the international deal, to pressure Iran for renegotiation of the deal seeking to address what he has called their "common concerns." Currently, Iran is negotiating with the European countries on preserving the JCPOA, after the U.S. withdrawal, aiming to salvage it interests. Despite the U.S. pressures, Britain, France, Germany plus the European Union, have, so far, reiterated their commitment to the Iran deal signed by six major global players with Tehran in July 2015. However, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday said that it seems "some European governments expect the Iranian nation to both put up with sanctions and give up its nuclear activities." The Iranian leader said Iran would not tolerate sanctions nor undergo "nuclear austerity." He ordered the head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) to immediately prepare the ground for the uranium enrichment "up to a level of 190,000 SWU (separative work units) for the time being within the framework of the nuclear deal." SWU is the standard measure of the effort required to separate isotopes of uranium during an enrichment process. 1 SWU is equivalent to 1 kilogram of separative work. Based on the nuclear deal, Iran can enrich uranium up to the level of 3.5 percent, which represents low-enriched uranium. Following Khameni's decree, Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the AEOI, said Tuesday that the preparation work began at Iran's Natanz enrichment facility, observing the country's commitments to 2015 nuclear deal. "Yesterday, we took the first step and submitted a letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the start of certain activities. We started to take necessary practical measures today," Salehi told reporters on Tuesday. Also, the spokesperson for the AEOI Behrouz Kamalvandi said Tuesday that the organization will inform the IAEA of the start of the process to increase the capacity to produce uranium hexafluoride (UF6), a chemical compound which serves as feedstock for centrifuges. Kamalvandi said that under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran was supposed to achieve an enrichment capacity of at least 190,000 SWU by the end of the 15th year since the nuclear deal took effect in January 2016. In a reaction, French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday warned of the risk of rising tensions due to the Iranian nuclear stand-off, urging "everyone to stabilize the situation and not give into this escalation which would lead to only one thing: conflict." Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean Yves Le Drian warned Iran on Wednesday that its plan to increase uranium enrichment capacity might have dangerous consequences. "This initiative (of Iran) is unwelcome. It shows a sort of irritation. It is always dangerous to flirt with red lines," Le Drian said. "If they go to a higher level then, yes, the agreement would be violated, but they need to realize that if they do then they will expose themselves to new sanctions and the Europeans will not remain passive," he warned. In an interview with local broadcaster Europe 1, Le Drian called for a "global negotiation framework" on the Iranian issue, at the same time maintaining the 2015 nuclear deal, which he called "a step forward" in preventing Iran from having access to nuclear weapons. "The Iranians must realize that if they break the agreement then they expose themselves to new sanctions. But, today the agreement is not broken and Iran fully respects its commitments," he said. Iran has cast doubts about the "positive results" of the country's ongoing negotiations with the European parties, seeking to preserve Tehran's economic interests subject to nuclear deal. "The prospect of the talks with the Europeans shows that the situation is not promising," Spokesperson of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Hossein Naqavi Hosseini said on Tuesday. Iran should not waste time waiting for required action from such governments, Naqavi Hosseini said. In response to Washington's decision, Tehran has threatened in the event that other parties to the nuclear deal could not safeguard Iran's interests under the accord, Iran will move out of it and resume its nuclear activities at full speed. The 2015 deal eased western and international sanctions on Iran in exchange for Tehran limiting its nuclear program. VINNYTSIA, Ukraine, June 6 (Xinhua) -- "I would like to share my culture with Ukrainian artists and art lovers and let them know more about China and its paintings," Qi Shaoting, an artist representing China, told Xinhua at the 2nd international plein air art festival "The Best Artist" in central Ukraine. Qi is one of 18 artists, who attended the festival in Vinnytsia city in the historic region of Podillia from seven countries. Early in the morning, when the sky is filled with colorful sunrise, the artists took to the streets of Vinnytsia to paint the city's landscape and architecture in the open air. The Chinese painter has found inspiration in the ancient Water Tower, the architectural landmark of the city, located in the central park. "I chose a very banal topic for my picture -- the tower. It is a symbol of Vinnitsa. But I want to develop this simple and ordinary theme through the Chinese colors, through the Chinese vision," Qi said. The 28-meter-tall Water Tower with a two-meter-diameter clock and narrow windows is a vivid example of Ukrainian classical urban architecture. On the sketch painted by Qi in the traditional Chinese painting (Guohua), the tower looks extremely unusual surrounded by bright red and pink flowers and elements of Chinese calligraphy. To create the masterpiece, Qi has combined Chinese and European art techniques, using standard synthetic brushes and the Chinese calligraphy brushes made of goat and rabbit hair. "Chinese brushes are very elastic. By using them, you can get thick lines and thin lines, intensive and light strokes," the painter explained. Despite the early hour, the passers-by encircled the stand of the Chinese artist, getting intrigued by the unusual picture. "I really like it, it's very beautiful, especially the flowers. I saw how the other artists paint, but I did not see the similar painting," Roman, who stopped near the picture while heading to his work at a bee farm, told Xinhua. Another Vinnytsia resident, Petro, who walked his dog in the park, said he was surprised that the foreign artist has managed so delicately feel the beauty of his native city and display it on canvas. "The foreign artist saw the heart of Vinnitsia. The picture is really beautiful. I have no words. It is very nice and tasteful," Petro told Xinhua. The artwork of the Chinese painter has not only won the applauses from Vinnitsia residents, but the artist also was interviewed by local media, with two film crews interviewing the artist. Trying to hide her embarrass, Qi said she was much surprised with all of the attention to her creative activities. "Of course, I was very pleased that so much attention is paid to the Chinese art and China in general," she said, voicing the hope that the 10-day festival will help promote cultural exchanges between China, Ukraine and other countries. HARARE, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of youths from Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party on Wednesday held a march in the capital Harare to support the call by President Emmerson Mnangagwa for a violence-free election. Zimbabwe will hold elections on July 30, the first without former president Robert Mugabe and his longtime rival Morgan Tsvangirai who died of cancer in February. Since assuming office in November last year following the resignation of Mugabe, Mnangagwa has been urging all political parties to ensure a violence-free election. Previous elections in Zimbabwe have been marred by violence perpetrated by both the ruling ZANU-PF and opposition parties. Mnangagwa has invited international observers for the July election, including those from the West that have been banned since 2002. Several election observer teams have also arrived in Zimbabwe for pre-election assessments. The march by the youths comes a day after the opposition MDC Alliance on Tuesday staged a demonstration in Harare to demand broader electoral reforms to ensure credible polls. In his address to the youths, ZANU-PF Youth League secretary Pupurai Togarepi reiterated the need for ZANU-PF supporters to observe peace and remain calm when provoked to ensure the country holds peaceful polls. "We have elements in this country who believe in chaos, anarchy and violence but our president Mnangagwa is saying no to that. We need a peaceful election," he said. He castigated the opposition for making several demands to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, saying the opposition failed to utilize the past five years when it was in parliament to push for electoral reforms. "The reason why they are making noise and criticizing ZEC is that they are afraid of losing the election. They have not adequately prepared for this election," Togarepi said. The opposition is demanding that at least 10 crucial reforms must be implemented before polls, including transparency in the printing of ballot papers, independent audit of the voters' roll, diaspora vote, removal of military personnel at ZEC and fair media coverage for all political parties. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-07 04:31:47|Editor: yan Video Player Close BAGHDAD, June 6 (Xinhua) -- At least a civilian was killed and six others were injured Wednesday in a car bombing attack in Eastern Baghdad, the Iraqi capital, an Interior Ministry source said. The blast occurred in the evening when a booby-trapped car was detonated in the Shiite bastion of Sadr City neighborhood, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Islamic State (IS) militant group, in most cases, is responsible for attacks targeting crowded areas, including markets, cafes and mosques across Iraq. Car bombing is rare in Baghdad, which has witnessed tangible improvement in security, as the Iraqi security forces defeated IS last year. On Dec. 9, 2017, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi officially declared full liberation of Iraq from IS militants after Iraqi forces recaptured all the areas once seized by the extremist group. Nevertheless, IS remnants are still capable of carrying out terror attacks from time to time. Chinese President Xi Jinping (3rd L), leaders of other Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states and prime ministers of India and Pakistan pose for a group photo during the 17th meeting of Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Kazakhstan, June 9, 2017. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng) BISHKEK, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have upheld the "Shanghai Spirit," enjoyed all-round cooperation, and played a positive role in global and regional issues, Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov has said. The president made the remarks here in an interview with Xinhua ahead of the SCO summit in the eastern seaport of Qingdao, Shandong Province. Since its establishment 17 years ago, the SCO has become a paradigm of mutual respect and mutual trust among countries and peoples, and laid a solid foundation for peace, harmony and development in the region and beyond. The SCO members have adhered to the bloc's guiding "Shanghai Spirit," which features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity and the pursuit of common development, Jeenbekov said. They have conducted all-round cooperation in areas such as security, economy and trade, and people-to-people exchanges, and have played a positive, constructive role in global and regional issues, he said. The SCO has created favorable conditions for the economic cooperation and common development of its members, the president said, highlighting the importance of economic development within the bloc. "We believe that only by enhancing the SCO's overall economic strength, increasing employment opportunities, and improving the well-being of the people can we tackle all the problems and challenges on the way forward," he said. The Kyrgyz president expects state leaders at the Qingdao summit to jointly enact a new cooperation plan, which would bring better prospects for the common development of the SCO members in the new era. Speaking of Kyrgyzstan-China relations, Jeenbekov said bilateral relations, which have been developing in a steady manner, are at an all-time high. China is one of the most important trade and investment partners for Kyrgyzstan, and there is tremendous potential for bilateral cooperation in transportation, trade, tourism, energy and mining, among others, he said. "We plan to adopt active measures to boost the bilateral trade volume, constantly improve the trade structure, and promote the export of Kyrgyz agricultural products to China," Jeenbekov said. The president suggested that the two countries use their capital markets and encourage financial and commercial organizations to jointly participate in the establishment of a bilateral financial cooperation mechanism. Creating a good atmosphere for investors is the primary goal, since investment is one of the main sources of economic growth, he said. "We highly value the mutual trust of the two countries, and hope to enhance political dialogue, and deepen cooperation in areas of economy and trade, investment, transportation and people-to-people exchanges," said Jeenbekov, who is currently on a state visit to China. "I hope this visit can achieve new breakthroughs in promoting bilateral practical cooperation in various fields," he said. The Kyrgyz president said he supports the Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by China, and it is noteworthy that all the SCO member states and observer states are located along the Belt and Road. He pointed out that the SCO can help pair the China-proposed initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union, of which Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Kazakhstan are member states. The main idea of the SCO and the concept of the Belt and Road complement each other, the president said, highlighting the initiative's aim of achieving policy, infrastructure, trade, financial and people-to-people connectivity. The initiative has opened up new opportunities and paths for the development of the SCO, and has also expanded the cooperation area of the organization, he said. This photo taken on June 6, 2018 shows Russian servicemen participating in the Seaborne Assault 2018 all-army competition in the Tver region, Russia. (Photo by Russian Defense Ministry) MOSCOW, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The second stage of the Seaborne Assault 2018 all-army competition started at the Khmelevka training ground of the Baltic Fleet in the Tver region in the west of Russia, the Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday. According to the rules of the all-army competition, marine units in full gear are set to cross a 3.5-km course equipped with 20 obstacles, when participants are required to hit targets by small arms and grenade launchers, cross simulated contaminated area in individual protection equipment and compete in medical training, a ministry statement said. The seven-day competition has brought together more than 200 marines and cadets representing the Baltic, Northern, Black Sea and Pacific fleets, as well as teams of Caspian Flotilla, Far Eastern Higher Command School, and Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School, according to the ministry. Within the three stages of the competition, participants will cross over 30 obstacles while demonstrating their skills in operating weapons of armored personnel carriers and individual small arms, the ministry said. The winners of the all-army competition will represent Russia at the Seaborne Assault international competition among marines within the framework of the International Army Games 2018 to be held in China, it said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-07 05:47:05|Editor: yan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, June 6 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday welcomed an agreement between Myanmar and UN agencies on the return of 670,000 Rohingya refugees, but he said conditions were not yet ripe for their returns. Rohingya people fled alleged murderous retaliation between government and civilian militia following deadly attacks Aug. 25 last year by rebels against security posts. They have been in make-shift refugee camps in hilly southernmost Bangladesh and now endure flooding from monsoon rains. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Myanmar and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) "to create conditions conducive to voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable Rohingya refugee returns from Bangladesh," chief UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. "As these conditions are not yet in place, he (Guterres) welcomes the agreement by the Government of Myanmar to take this first step to address the root causes of the conflict in Rakhine," the spokesman told reporters at a briefing in UN headquarters. Most of the Rohingya, an ethnic Muslim minority in overwhelmingly Buddhist Myanmar, lack citizenship or even proof of residence after fleeing burning villages. Guterres called "for an end to violence, accountability for perpetrators, redress for victims, humanitarian access to all areas in Rakhine State, and the implementation of the recommendations of the Rakhine advisory commission," Dujarric said, referring to the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State headed up by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The panel had several recommendations including citizenship verification, rights and equality before the law, documentation, the situation of the internally displaced and freedom of movement. Under the MoU, the UNHCR will join hands with the Myanmar government in implementing voluntary repatriation and conducting assessments at their potential pilot project sites, and will work with UNDP in preparation for recovery and resilience-based development in potential area, a statement of the Myanmar Ministry of State Counsellor's Office said. Also, it said the UNDP will cooperate with the government in undertaking the planning process for resilience-based recovery and development that will benefit all communities and promote social cohesion among the communities as well as support access to livelihoods. "Many Rohingya living in the camps in Bangladesh have said they will only return if their safety can be guaranteed, and if they can be provided with citizenship," Frontier Myanmar reported. "Myanmar has come under considerable international criticism for its handling of the crisis, but has consistently maintained that it is ready to accept returnees, despite many in the international community warning that the situation is not favorable for returns," the publication said online. Myanmar has recently received a first batch of 62 returnees through the Nga Khu Ya reception camp in Rakhine state, who had fled the Rakhine state conflict, and they were being transferred to the Hla Pho Khaung transit camp in Maungtaw after proper verification. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-07 05:57:09|Editor: yan Video Player Close ANKARA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Turkish army is advancing in northern Iraq's Qandil to fight Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants, Turkey's ruling party's spokesperson said on Wednesday. The move is part of an operation launched against the PKK militants in March, said Mahir Unal, spokesperson for the Justice and Development Party in southern Kahramanmaras province. Turkey turns to Iraq to clear terrorism after completing the Operation Euphrates Shield and Operation Olive Branch to fight Kurdish militants, Unal said. Local media on Monday reported that the Turkish army had pushed about 25 kilometers into northern Iraq towards Mount Qandil to clear PKK militants. Pictures on social media also showed the presence of Turkish special forces in villages close to the Qandil region. On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that counterterrorism operation in Syria's Afrin had been successfully carried out and "now it is time for Qandil." The Qandil Mountains, located 40 km southeast of the Turkish border in Iraq's Irbil province, are used as the headquarters of the PKK. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-07 06:07:11|Editor: yan Video Player Close HAVANA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Cuba continues to implement a "zero tolerance" policy on drugs, with only nine cases of international trafficking having been detected by local authorities so far in 2018, a top customs official said Wednesday. According to William Perez, deputy chief of Cuba's customs bureau (AGR), nine foreign citizens have been arrested after trying to bring drugs into the country, mostly cocaine. "In Cuba, there is no trafficking or regular use of illicit drugs. Our policy is to become a wall in confronting this scourge," Perez told local media. The Cuban official said that in 2017 the AGR intercepted 39 trafficking operations at airports, ports and other border crossings, with a total of 57 kg of narcotics being seized. Cases of local consumption amount to 25 so far in 2018 following a total of 57 in 2017, with those involved mainly receiving warnings or hefty fines. However, those found guilty of drug trafficking can face prison terms of up to 15 years in Cuba. Perez explained that drug trafficking in Cuba has changed in recent years, with smugglers seeking to bring the drugs into the country instead of using Cuba as a stopover to take the substances to a third nation. "The situation has changed and it's very complex to detect the new methods which traffickers use to conceal the drugs," said the official. "Based on the government's commitment against this scourge, we have modern detection equipment at airports, ports, marinas and postal customs controls, which join the traditional use of trained dogs," he added. Perez said that the AGR has scanners at airports and ports as well as specialized equipment able to detect small quantities of drugs regardless of how they are concealed. "Our priority is to confront drug trafficking and prevent the illicit substances from entering our nation. We do so in a complex global scenario, marked by the increase in the production of some drugs as well as the legalization of marijuana in several countries," he stated. According to Perez, drug consumption in the island is very low and reaches only 0.003 percent of the population due to a "successful" prevention strategy which has been implemented for more than half a century. "We have zero tolerance as a state policy," he said. Photo shows Chinese American writer Rebecca F. Kuang. (Xinhua/Qiu Jun Zhou) By Qiu Junzhou, Yang Shilong NEW YORK, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Not a single copy of The Poppy War was left, even for Rebecca F. Kuang herself, after a signing event at BookCon 2018 held in Javits Center over the weekend. A total of 300 plus copies were sold and signed in a single day. That was a pretty good record for the debut novelist, who just graduated from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. The historical fiction tells the story of 20th century China -- the opium wars, the Sino-Japanese war and the Nanjing Massacre -- in an alternate fantasy setting. The dark-skinned war orphan, Rin, strives to escape her fate by rising into the highest echelons of the finest military academy in the Nikara Empire. Tutored by the renegade Master Jiang, she leads the fight against the invading Mugenese. DRAWING ATTENTION TO CHINESE HISTORY FORGOTTEN IN THE WEST In an interview with Xinhua, Kuang said she wrote the book to draw attention to China's historical issues that "have not been traditionally represented either in Western fiction or in American classrooms." "People have forgotten the fact that China was one of the allied powers and fought on the allied side during WWII," said Kuang. "And related to that is the Rape of Nanjing, which has been referred to as the forgotten holocaust, because 300,000 people died, and we just don't teach that in the West." This painful episode in history is deeply tied to Kuang's family. The young author who moved with her parents to the United States from China at the age of five still pays visits to her father's hometown in Leiyang, Hunan province, from time to time. "When I visited my father's home village, you can see the bullet holes in the walls left by Japanese soldiers during the WWII, and they're still there, and that's a history that has stayed with them," Kuang said. "This sort of inter-generational trauma, and this suffering that hasn't really been given voice to." To this day, the Japanese government has repeatedly refused to apologize for war crimes, including the Nanjing Massacre, committed by the Imperial Japanese Army during the WWII. The Poppy War, she said, warns about the possible consequences of overlooking or denying this painful past for both Japan and China. "The only way that we can learn from this is to acknowledge and forgive," she said. "Acknowledge that it happened, and educate younger generations about what happened so that it doesn't happen again. But that doesn't mean forgetting, because that just runs the danger that it happens again." ADDRESSING MULTICULTURAL AUDIENCE Writing a book about China for an audience that is largely Western is a challenging job for Chinese American authors alike, Kuang said. "I have to straddle the line between just writing a book for a Chinese audience, and also explaining some things so that they can be swallowed by a Western audience," she said. "You have to use shortcuts to indicate what you mean so that they feel more familiar. Sometimes it's annoying because some of it feels like cultural reductionism. It really is a balancing act." In the process of adapting to a more multi-cultured audience, Kuang strives to represent authentic Chinese culture. "Good representation means complicated narrative that prove that not all Chinese characters are the same," she said. Kuang finds this is an uphill battle. Chinese American authors would be told by publishers that "Asian stories won't sell," or they don't need to publish another Asian author. "They think that all Asian stories are the same, and that's not true. Not even all Chinese stories are the same. But they just sort of categorize everything into one box, one diversity box, and that's not fair." Yet this battle has seen small victories, thanks to the previous hard work of authors of Chinese descent, Kuang said. "I'm lucky because I'm riding the coattails of people like Cindy Pan and Ken Liu who broke those barriers for the first time and proved that Chinese fantasy does sell," Kuang said. INSPIRATION FOR YOUNGER GENERATIONS Kuang's one-hour autographing event at BookCon on Saturday drew in the crowds. Lilian Chen, mother of two teens, was animated when she managed to get several signed books after a long queue. "My younger daughter is quite into it," said Chen. Kuang has been receiving encouraging letters from many young Asian Americans, thanking her for writing a book during which, for the first time, the main character looks like them. "That means a lot. It means that somebody found a book that I was looking for when I was 12, 13 years old and couldn't find a library shelf, and as long as that story is reaching out to other young Chinese Americans, then I feel like I've done my job." Kuang herself also went through a period of being self-conscious of her cultural heritage. "It took me a long time to get over that internalized self-hatred, and really embrace and accept my Chinese heritage, and so many Chinese American kids go through this." A few years ago, Kuang took a gap year from college to teach debate to high school students in Beijing. "I wanted to study the Chinese language, and understand more about my heritage and history," she said. Kuang believes that the creative process lets Asian Americans know that there are people like them, and that they are accepted, "this is the key to helping them appreciate their own culture." "There are so many talented and incredible Asian creators, authors, directors, actors, etc. and we've seen an explosion of Asian representation because of their hard work, so we should just support those people, go see their movies, buy their books, and support their careers," she said. "I think there's also a cultural side, where I think Chinese parents should be more open to letting their kids pursue careers in arts," Kuang added. LISBON, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Portugal will help Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau and Gambia with projects in the areas of migration management and economic development through EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, the government said in a statement on Wednesday. The "GESTDOC" project, with funding of 5 million euros, will be implemented in Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau, with a particular focus on the modernization and security of identity documents, contributing to the fight against trafficking in human beings. In addition to the close collaboration with the local authorities, Portugal will also count on the participation of the National Press and Casa da Moeda and the Faith and Cooperation Foundation in implementing the project. The "Building a Future -- Make it in Gambia" Project aims to improve the economic development and prospects of the young population of Gambia through the promotion of employment and opportunities for the reintegration for migrants. The project will have global funding of 23 million euros and will be implemented jointly by three EU member states -- Germany, Belgium and Portugal. The Instituto Marques Valle Flor (IMVF) headquartered in Lisbon will be responsible for the implementation of the component assigned to Portugal. The EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa was established in 2015 at the Valletta Summit on Migration to promote development, stability and to contribute to better management of migration in Africa. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-07 06:22:14|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (C, Front) and his ministers pose for a family photo in Madrid, Spain, June 8, 2018. Spain's Socialist new prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, prioritized Europe and Spain's unity in new government, whose ministers were unveiled on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Guo Qiuda) MADRID, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Spain's Socialist new prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, prioritized Europe and Spain's unity in new government, whose ministers were unveiled on Wednesday. Sanchez announced the name of his ministers in a press conference after an official meeting with King Felipe VI. His appointments show a commitment to Spain's unity, Europe as well as science and feminism. The new cabinet is made up of 17 ministries, four more than the previous government of the right-wing party, People's Party. The Socialist leader added the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, the Ministry of Ecological Transition, the Ministry of Public Function and the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. Sanchez's commitment to women can be seen in the large number of women in charge of ministries. The appointment of Nadia Calvino as Minister of Economy shows a clear commitment to the European Union since until now, she was the Director-General for Budget at the European Commission. Showing his commitment with expertise, Sanchez appointed Isabel Celaa as Minister of Education, who holds a degree in Philosophy, English Philology and Law and is an English language and literature professor. The appointment of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell shows Sanchez commitment with Europe and Spain's unity. Borrell has been clearly against Catalonia's separatist movement and in favor of the unity of Spain, and according to the local press, he has influence and projection in the European institutions. The appointment of the astronaut Pedro Duque as the new minister of science has created a lot of excitement among Spaniards, and he is thought to revert the Spanish situation in this area. Sanchez also showed his commitment with security and fight against terrorism, appointing president of the Criminal Chamber of the National High Court of Spain, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, as the Minister of Justice. Regarding culture, the journalist, writer and TV presenter Maxim Huerta, was appointed Minister of Culture. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-07 06:22:14|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close People gather at the scene of a huge explosion, in eastern Baghdad, Iraq, June 7, 2018. The death toll of a huge explosion in eastern Baghdad on Wednesday rose to 14, while more than 90 others were wounded, an Interior Ministry source said. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) BAGHDAD, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The death toll of a huge explosion in eastern Baghdad on Wednesday rose to 14, while more than 90 others were wounded, an Interior Ministry source said. "The latest report said that 14 people were killed and more than 90 others were wounded by the huge explosion of an explosive cache in eastern Baghdad," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. The blast occurred in the evening when an explosive cache at a house used as a warehouse went off near a Shiite mosque in the Shiite bastion of Sadr City neighborhood, a stronghold of nationalist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, whose party won the May 12 parliamentary election, the source said. The house was totally destroyed and five nearby houses were badly damaged, the source said, without giving further details about which militia owns the house. Earlier, the source put the toll at three civilian killed and 12 others injured by a car bomb explosion in the Sadr City neighborhood. Security authorities have opened an investigation into the explosion to determine if it was an accident or a terror attack. MEXICO CITY, June 6 (Xinhua) -- An explosion at a building used to store fireworks on Wednesday killed at least seven people and injured eight in the town of Tultepec, in the central State of Mexico, said local authorities. The state government announced the explosion took place at around 1 a.m. in the neighborhood of La Piedad, located in the northern part of the metropolitan area of Valley of Mexico, known for its fireworks industry. The statement said that seven people had died and eight more were being treated in hospital in the neighboring towns of Cuautitlan, Zumpango and Coacalco. One woman and two men died at the scene in the explosion, and two more women died of their wounds while receiving treatment in hospital. No details were given about the deaths of the final two victims, but the government said that four children, aged 7, 9, 15 and 16, were among the injured. The explosion, which sent a big column of smoke billowing into the sky, had damaged 23 neighboring houses, five of them severely, and destroyed 12 vehicles. "We are continuing efforts to attend to those affected, clean the area and search for ... more injured," read the statement. The governor of the State of Mexico, Alfredo del Mazo, wrote on Twitter that he had appointed a team to attend to the injured and help the families of the victims. This is the worst disaster seen in Tultepec since an explosion at a fireworks market killed 42 people in December 2016, which was kept closed for almost a year. The town manufactures about 25 tons of fireworks a year in around 500 authorized workshops. However, many locals also make and store fireworks illegally as authorities are launching campaigns to raise public awareness about the danger of this practice. LONDON, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Queen Elizabeth has agreed to rename one of Britain's greatest dock warehouse complexes as the Royal Albert Dock in recognition of the pivotal role it has played in the fortunes of Liverpool, it was announced Wednesday. The 172-year old brick complex on the banks of the River Mersey was given its original name in 1946 when it was opened by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. The iconic warehouse, located in Liverpool's UNESCO World Heritage Waterfront, is the largest group of Grade I listed buildings in Britain. The change of name from today highlights the numerous current and former sovereigns who have recognised the importance of the dock both for its historical and architectural significance and its place within Liverpool, said a spokesperson at the dock. Sue Grindrod, CEO of the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, described the new name as a game-changer for both the dock, and Liverpool. Grindrod said: "I cannot tell you how happy we are that The Queen has bestowed this honor on Albert Dock. It marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the dock's history, highlighting the important role heritage tourism can play within the city and city region context, and firmly repositioning the dock on the international stage." Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: "Albert Dock holds a special place in the heart of Liverpool and this Royal recognition solidifies the significance of the Dock in this country and around the world. The regal stamp of approval is a reflection of this city's heritage and cultural importance and I am thrilled at this news." The dock was designed by architect and dock engineer Jesse Hartley when Liverpool was one of the most important seaports in the world. The complex was given Grade I listed status in 1952, but was closed and abandoned 20 years later and at one time faced demolition. In the 1980s it was redeveloped and is now home to the Tate Liverpool gallery, the Merseyside Maritime Museum and the International Slave Gallery, as well as restaurants, shops and apartments. Over 300 new titles will appear at the 89th Book Week starting on Thursday, Katalin Gal, president of the book publishers association in Hungary (MKKE) told a press briefing. More than 180 exhibitors and publications from 76 Hungarian publishers and 16 from abroad will be on display at the book week. MKKE and the Hungarian Jewish Cultural Association will stage a joint remembrance at Kossuth Lajos utca 16 on June 15 to mark the anniversary of the destruction of the works of 120 Hungarian Jewish and 130 foreign authors on that day in 1944. From the organisers: Festive Book Week, the biggest celebration of contemporary Hungarian literature is being held for the 89th time this year between 7-11 June. The original dream of Geza Supka for publishers, writers and readers to meet and celebrate in an unceremonious fashion have turned into a five-day festival of book launches, discussions, book signings and concerts, with almost two hundred publishers offering their book to browse and buy. And this is only at Vorosmarty Square, Budapest, the main sites of the event. All over the country many cities are organizing their own events for the Book Week, and so does Kolozsvar, across the border. The ceremonial opening of the Book Week will take place at Vorosmarty Square on 7 June, Thursday, at 16.00. Writer Judit Berg will open the event. To signal the start of the festivities outside the capital, another ceremony will be held at Szekszard. Here on this site you will find details of the various events and book signings. More than 300 books are being timed to be launched for this occasion soon we will share the list of them. We hope to see you again this year at the Festive Book Week to celebrate together, as we should we are all readers, after all! Click here to visit Book Week's Official Site online The director of the Hungarian State Opera has rejected the accusation of promoting homosexuality. He was heavily criticised by a pro-government author for his decision to stage Billy Elliot, a musical about a motherless boy in a mining community who becomes a ballet dancer. Reacting to an attack in Magyar Idok in the same daily, Szilveszter Okovacs who was appointed by PM Orban 7 years ago as Director of the State Opera thinks that if Billy Elliot were to be banned for being frivolous, masterpieces by Mozart and Beethoven could hardly be performed. Last Friday, Zsofia N. Horvath criticised him for allowing the musical onto the stage of the Erkel Theatre, the State Operas second stage, describing it as a eulogy of homosexuality, according to which if a young man wants to be himself, he must be gay. She put the matter in the broader context of what she describes as the delayed regime change in the sphere of culture, as even newly appointed managers fail sometimes to emphasize conservative values. In his response, Okovacs writes that by staging something that is an undeniable part of life you do not necessarily propagate it. On the other hand, he continues, the issue has nothing to do with conservatism. One can very well be gay and conservative at the same time, Okovacs writes. This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher. Your opinions are welcome too - for editorial review before possible publication online. Click here to Share Your Story Education Lab is a Seattle Times project that spotlights promising approaches to some of the most persistent challenges in public education. It is produced in partnership with the Solutions Journalism Network, a New York-based nonprofit that works to spread the practice of solutions-oriented Read more Barronelle Stutzman, the owner of Arlenes Flowers in Richland, Wash., was found guilty of discrimination under Washington law after she refused to provide flowers for a gay couples wedding, citing her religious beliefs. Shes appealing the ruling. Her case is an example of the growing national clash between gay marriage and religious liberties. (BOB BRAWDY/Tri-City Herald) ENJOYING MONDAY lunch on the fly in the parking lot of the Ironwood Walmart are, from left, Hoai Linh Chu and Petro Ianitskyi. The current travelers are originally from Ukraine. By P.J. GLISSON [email protected] IRONWOOD - It isn't unusual to see travel trailers and recreational vehicles in the parking lot of Ironwood's Walmart. One of them, however, stood out from the crowd on Monday morning. It was a tiny teardrop trailer with the back flipped up to reveal an efficient cruising kitchen, complete with a pull-out stove and ice chest. Eating an early lunch there, as though standing by a street vendor, were Petro Ianitskyi and Hoai Linh Chu. Ianitskyi said it was their fourth day of travel after leaving Chicago, where they had lived and worked temporarily. "We... By RICHARD JENKINS [email protected] LANSING Gogebic and Ontonagon counties will receive a combined $310,300 for several projects as part of over $49 million in additional Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grants Gov. Rick Snyder approved Monday. The $310,300 will help fund one project in Gogebic County and two more in Ontonagon County. The projects total costs are estimated at $457,000. The remainder of the cost for the projects comes from local matching funds, according to a Senate Fiscal Agency analysis of the bill awarding the funds. The Gogebic County... 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... Mumbai: Actress-filmmaker Nandita Das' 'Manto', which stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Urdu writer Saadat Hasan Manto, will be screened at the Sydney Film Festival. The film will be screened on June 16-17 at the fest, which is held from June 6-17. "Manto" is a biographical historical period drama film about the writer who is known for his writings around the partition of India and Pakistan. It was the only Indian film in Un Certain Regard category at 71st Cannes Film Festival. "After an overwhelming response at Cannes, I am very happy to be going to the Sydney Film Festival with 'Manto'. The power of cinema is its ability to transcend countries and cultures," Nandita said in a statement to IANS. "It is still the beginning of my 'Manto' journey, so I am very curious to see how the audiences react in different parts of the world, before it finally releases in India later this year. While the context of the film is local, I feel the story will resonate universally. At the core, 'Manto' is about troubled times and one man trying to make sense of it all. And 'Manto' was relevant then and will continue to be relevant for a long time to come," she added. Nandita will be taking her son to the fest. "Going to Sydney will also be special for me as I am taking my son along, as he has his summer holidays. He has been on shoots, in the office, in my editing and song sessions, so why not for the festival screening. "As a working hands on mother, the juggling is is not easy but it is also a unique experience to share these moments with one's child. We both are looking forward to the Sydney experience,a said the actress-director, who had earlier helmed "Firaaq". Nawazuddin will not be going to the Afest as he is busy shooting for "Thackeray". The film also features Rasika Dugal and Tahir Raj Bhasin. It is co-produced by HP Studios, Filmstoc and Viacom 18 Motion Pictures. Ajit Andhare, Chief Operating Officer, Viacom18 Motion Pictures, said: "'Manto', the only film from the entire Indian subcontinent to make it as a selection at Cannes Film festival, had an impressive premiere at the Un Certain Regard. We are delighted that it now makes it way to Sydney Film Festival for screenings." Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Wednesday announced a relief of Rs 7 lakh to the family of the girl, who allegedly committed suicide after failing to clear NEET, and appealed to students not to resort to such "dangerous steps". He also expressed condolences and sympathy to the family of 19-year-old Prateebha from Villupuram district. Making a statement in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, he underlined the "Amma government's" commitment to students and assured it will stand by their progress. I appeal to students to not to resort to such dangerous steps," he said. To this, Leader of Opposition and DMK Working President MK Stalin sought to know if the government would provide job opportunity to a family member of the deceased, considering their "poor condition." Prateebha had allegedly committed suicide on June 4 by consuming poison, after she could not clear the National Entrance cum Eligibility test (NEET), although she had scored good marks in classes X and XII. Her death had resulted in a state-wide outrage, with the DMK-led opposition raising the matter in the Assembly. Last year, a Dalit girl, Anitha, from Ariyalur, had committed suicide after scoring low marks in NEET, resulting in widespread political outrage. A total of 13.36 lakh candidates had registered for this year's NEET exam. However, 12.69 lakh candidates appeared for the test, of whom 7.14 lakh cleared it. New Delhi: Bandhan Bank on Wednesday said its board has appointed H R Khan, a former RBI deputy governor, as non-executive chairman. The board of directors of the bank at its meeting held today appointed Harun Rasid Khan as the non-executive, part time chairman of the bank, Bandhan Bank said in a filing to BSE. Khan's appointment will be for a period of three years with effect from June 5, 2018 or till the expiry of his term as an independent director whichever is earlier, the bank said in a regulatory filing. Khan will be the independent director of the bank at a remuneration of Rs 24 lakh per annum subject to RBI and other approvals. In addition, Khan will be entitled for sitting fee, and other expenses such as expenses related to travelling, accommodation for attending company meetings. Khan retired as the deputy governor of RBI in July 2016 after nearly 38 years of service. Besides, the bank said that the Board of Directors at its meeting held today have appointed Pravir Kumar Vohra as an Additional Director (Category being Independent, Non - Executive) of the Bank for a period of three years with effect from June 5, 2018. New Delhi: A day after budget carrier GoAir announced a special monsoon sale for domestic travel, Vistara Airlines too followed suit. Vistara has announced 24 hour only Early Monsoon Flash Sale with all-inclusive one-way fares discounted as much as 75% all-in relative to normal fares. Under the sale the company is offering Economy class fares starting at Rs 1,599, Premium Economy fares starting at Rs 2,499 and Business Class fares starting at Rs 6,999 (all inclusive fare). Bookings are open from June 6 for travel between June 21 and September 27. The limited period sale requires 15 days advance purchas. Seats are limited and are available on first-come-first-serve basis. The fares are all-inclusive, with no surprise fuel surcharges or taxes in addition to the stated fare, Vistara wrote in its website. Travellers can choose to fly to destinations across the airlines network including Goa, Bengaluru, Kochi, Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Guwahati, Bagdogra, Chennai, and Lucknow, amongst the 22 destinations served, the company said. GoAir has announced special discounted fares as low as Rs 1,299 inclusive of all taxes for a one-way journey across its network under a limited period scheme. The bookings for the three-day 'Monsoon sale' has begun for travel between June 24 and September 30. The sale offers fares starting Rs 1,299 (taxes and fees included) and can be availed for travel across all the 23 sectors operated by GoAir. New Delhi: Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley on Wednesday hit back at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi over his Mandsaur speech, saying it was a case of inadequate knowledge. Rahul addressed a rally at Pipliya Mandi in Madhya Pradesh where six farmers were killed in police firing during an agitation on June 26, 2017, and slammed the Central and state government over the plight of the agriculturists. How Much Does He Know? https://t.co/sCwT77f5Pt Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) June 6, 2018 Mr. Rahul Gandhi should do homework before he speaks. Here is how Shri @arunjaitley has busted his lies to the farmers with facts and figures. https://t.co/Y5fENYp2BZ BJP (@BJP4India) June 6, 2018 Following is the full text of Jaitley's blog which he posted on Facebook titled - How much does he know: Every time I listen to the view of shri Rahul Gandhi, both inside and outside Parliament, I ask myself the same question - How much does he know? When will he know? Listening to his speech delivered in Madhya Pradesh today reaffirms my curiosity about the answer. Is he being inadequately briefed or is he being a little too liberal with his facts? I take into consideration the six basic points that he made in the speech today - 1) He accused Prime Minister Modi of waiving off the loans of Rs 2.5 lakh crores of the 15 top industrialists in the country - Factually this is completely false. The government has not waived of a single rupee due from any industrialist. The facts are to the contrary. Those who owed money to the banks and other creditors have been declared insolvent and removed from their companies by IBC enacted by PM Modis government. These loans were given largely during the UPA government. 2) Loans are not available to the kisans but only to the industrialists - Factually false. This was during the UPA government, particularly UPA II, when bulk of amount constitutes the NPAs today were given by the banking system during the period 2008-14. From 2014 we have been systematically taking one step after the other to recover these monies back. 3) Prime Minister has given Rs 35000 crores each to two diamond jewellers who have now escaped out of the country factually false. This banking fraud started in the year 2011 when the UPA II was in power. It was only detected during the NDA period. 4). If the Congress comes to power mobile phones, which are made in China, will now be manufactured in India - a case of inadequate knowledge. In the year 2014 when UPA went out of power, there were only two mobile phone manufacturing units in India. In 2018, with the result of our electronics policy and the incentives in a four year period, this has increased to 120 units with an investment of Rs 1,32,000 crores. 5) Jobs not being created in India. The latest GDP date has reemphasised India as the fastest growing economy in the world. There is a double-digit growth in construction, expansion in manufacturing, an increased capital formation which indicates investment increase, a large investment in physical infrastructure and increased investment in rural India. All these are job-creating sectors. 6) We will connect farms and villages to the cities - His impression is of the Digvijay Singh era in Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh had the worst set of roads in India when the Congress was voted out in 2003. Poor quality roads was one key reason for ousting the Congress. Thanks to shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Prime Minister Modi who during the NDA government, has tripled the investment in rural roads, in comparison to what the UPA spent, there is a revolution in the Gram Sadak Yojana. Here's what Rahul said: Congress president on Wednesday promised farmers' loan waiver in Madhya Pradesh within 10 days, if his party comes to power in the state. "Kamal Nath (MP Congress chief) and Jyotiraditya Scindia (the state poll campaign committee chairman) are sitting here. The day, the Congress comes to power in MP, count 10 days, I say with guarantee that farmers' loan will be waived within 10 days. It won't take even the eleventh day," he asserted. Virtually kicking off his party's campaign for the Assembly elections due towards the end of the year, Rahul said if the Congress comes to power in MP, those responsible for the death of the six farmers would face strict action within 10 days. "In the entire county, farmers are demanding their rights, yelling and committing suicides, but the Modi government and BJP government in the states have little space for them," he said, PTI reported. Rahul alleged that the central NDA government has waived Rs 2.5 lakh crore of 15 industrialists, but not even one rupee has been waived for the farmers by the union government or the BJP-led state governments. Contrasting this, he said the governments in Punjab and Karnataka, where the Congress is in power, have already waived the farmers' loan. Rahul claimed that the previous UPA government had waived farmers' loan to the tune of Rs 70,000 crore, "which is a record". Attacking the PM for his proximity with businessmen, he also alleged that the PM has no time for the farmers and common people. At the same time, Rahul called upon the Congressmen to go to streets, villages and meet the people. He said people of the country are his first priority, party workers come second and Congress leaders come third. "The one, who remains connected with the people will only be able to form the government," Rahul said. (With PTI inputs) MUMBAI: The Pune Police with the help of the Delhi Police Special Cell, arrested human rights activist Rona Jacob Wilson on Wednesday in connection with Bhima Koregaon violence in which one person was killed in January this year. Rona was produced before the Patiala House Court in Delhi which sent him to 2-day transit remand. He will be produced before a local court in Pune on 8 June. Delhi: Rana Jacob, arrested by #Pune Police, with the help of #Delhi Police Special Cell, produced before Patiala House Court. He has been arrested in connection with #BhimaKoregaon violence. pic.twitter.com/ZGnMeQM1O4 ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2018 Violence took place during an event to commemorate the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in January this year. Subsequent protests had disrupted normal life in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra. Properties worth Rs 300 crore were reportedly damaged and over 90 buses were gutted by protesters in Maharashtra and Gujarat. The Pune Police arrested four others too, including prominent Dalit activist Sudhir Dhawale reportedly from his house in Mumbai. Others included lawyer Surendra Gadling, activist Mahesh Raut and Shoma Sen who were picked up from Nagpur. Dhawale was one of the organisers of Elgar Parishad, organised to commemorate 200 years of the Koregaon Bhima battle on December 31 at Shaniwarwada. There Kabir Kala Manch activists had allegedly made provocative speeches leading to violence at Koregaon Bhima in the district, according to an FIR registered at Vishrambaug police station after the event. Dhawale is a Dalit activist and editor of Marathi magazine Vidrohi while Surendra Gadling, a Nagpur based lawyer, also known as a Dalit and tribal activist, provides legal aids to those who arrested for Maoist links, police said. Shoma Sen is a professor at Nagpur University and her husband Tushar Kranti Bhattacharya was arrested from Nagpur station for his alleged Naxal links in 2010. Mahesh Raut is a former Prime Minister Rural Development fellow and said to have close Maoist links. "We have arrested five people in connection with Bhima Koregaon violence. All five have close Maoist links and prima facie, their involvement is being seen in the matter. It is to be investigated whether they instigated the violence," Joint Commissioner of Police, Pune Police, Ravindra Kadam, said. He said there were possibilities of additional arrests in the case. "We are also evoking relevant sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act," he said. He said the latest developments took place after the detailed investigation of the case registered at Vishrambaug police station. The event (Elgar Parishad) was attended by Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani, JNU student leader Umar Khalid, Rohit Vemula's mother Radhika Vemula, and Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh president Prakash Ambedkar. Shaniwarwada, a historical fortification in the city, had remained the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha empire until 1818. The complaint against the KKM members was lodged by one Tushar Damgude. The FIR was registered against Sudhir Dhawale, Sagar Gorkhe, Harshali Potdar, Ramesh Gaychor, Deepak Dengle and Jyoti Jagtap, a police official said. The complainant had alleged that the "provocative" speeches and presentations made during the entire programme "promoted" enmity between two groups. The Pune Police had registered a case against Hindutwa leader Milind Ekbote and another right-wing leader Sambhaji Bhide. Ekbote had already been arrested in the case. Bhide and Ekbote are accused of orchestrating the violence. A case against the members of the Kabir Kala Manch was registered under sections 153(a), 505(1)(b) and 117 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. (With PTI inputs) Ahmedabad: Gujarat's former Deputy Inspector General of Police DG Vanzara on Tuesday told a special court that the CBI wanted to arrest then Chief Minister Narendra Modi and then Minister of State for Home Amit Shah in the Ishrat Jahan fake shootout case. Arguing for Vanzara in a discharge petition filed in the CBI court presided over by J.K. Pandya, his counsel VD Gajjar claimed that though the Central Bureau of Investigation intended to arrest Modi and Shah, "fortunately" it did not happen. While Modi is now the Prime Minister of India, Shah is the President of Bharatiya Janata Party. Vanzara, who is out on bail in the case, had earlier submitted in the same court that Modi was secretly questioned by the case Investigating Officer when he was the Chief Minister. The CBI had given a clean chit in 2014 to Shah on grounds of "insufficient evidence". In June 2004, Mumbai-based 19-year-old Ishrat Jahan, her friend Javed alias Pranesh, and Pakistani nationals Zeeshan Johar and Amzad Ali Rana were gunned down by a team of Vanzara's men in a gun battle on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. Ishrat Jahan and her friends were dubbed terrorists out on a mission to assassinate the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi. However, subsequent CBI investigation concluded that the shootout was fake. Vanzara's lawyer on Tuesday claimed that the charge-sheet against his client in the case was "concocted" and that there was no prosecutable evidence against the former police officer. He also said that the testimony of witnesses could not be believed as some were earlier among the accused in the case. The CBI opposed the discharge plea of Vanzara. Another co-accused and senior police official N.K. Amin too has filed a discharge plea in the same court and hearing on it concluded last month. In his final submission in the court, Amin, a retired SP and now a practicing lawyer, claimed that Satish Verma, the Gujarat cadre IPS official who assisted the CBI in the investigations, had "tampered with the evidence" and maintained that he had "never fired from his gun". Both former police officers had also sought parity with former in-charge DGP P.P. Pandey, a co-accused who was discharged by the court. The court posted the matter for next hearing on June 15. New Delhi: Amidst veiled criticism of the Modi government by two archbishops, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) today accused churches in India of conspiring with the Vatican as "contract killers to destabilise elected governments" and prop up the "puppet" ones. Weeks within his Delhi counterpart stirred up a debate, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman Father Filipe Neri Ferrao on Monday wrote a letter to churches saying that the Constitution is in danger and most people are living in insecurity. Reacting sharply to these letters, VHP Joint General Secretary Surendra Jain said it is now amply clear that the "churches in India are in collusion with the Vatican and is trying to create an atmosphere of distrust against the present government." "On the contrary, Constitution of India is in danger because of the attacking political stand of the church and its agenda of religious conversions," he alleged. "This is not the church's view-point, but a conspiracy to install governments which can run on the directions of the Vatican. Like the award-wapsi gang, the church too is acting like a contract killer to destabilise the elected governments," Jain claimed -- referring to a group of artists and academicians returning government awards in protest of perceived intolerance. He further said that the Vatican not only denigrates the Hindus all over the world but also India as a nation and the Indian churches are acting as puppets in their hands. "The same church remains a mute spectator when emergency was imposed in the country, Kashmiri Hindus were brutally killed in the valley and Sikhs were butchered in the 1984 riots. For the Church, these events do not put the Constitution in danger," Jain wondered. He also questioned why does the church behave in this fashion only when BJP-led government is in office. "A malicious campaign about attacks on churches was made by these people when Modi ji took over as Prime Minister. When their falsehood was exposed, they did not show the courtesy by apologising for the same," Jain added. In a controversial letter addressed to all the churches in the national capital, the Archbishop of Delhi had last month said that there was a "turbulent political atmosphere" in the country which "threatens" democracy and secularism. Archbishop Anil Couto, in his letter dated May 8, has also urged all the priests in Delhi to "pray for the country" ahead of the crucial 2019 Lok Sabha election, in which the BJP hopes to retain power. "We are witnessing a turbulent political atmosphere which poses a threat to the democratic principles enshrined in our constitution and the secular fabric of our nation," Archbishop Couto had said in his letter. The letter had triggered a sharp response from the ruling BJP. New Delhi: The Congress on Wednesday hit back at Union minister Arun Jaitley over his jibe at Rahul Gandhi, alleging that arrogance of the BJP has touched its zenith as it turned "blind" to farm distress. Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala accused the Modi government of writing off loans worth Rs 2.41 lakh crore of a handful of crony friends citing a reply given in Parliament by the finance ministry on April 3. "Loot and scoot had become a norm with scamsters fleeing the country after decamping with public money, he claimed in a statement. "How much does Arun Jaitley know? Has arrogance of power reached such a zenith where the BJP is blind to farmers' distress'? How are empty-worded blogs an answer to betrayal of farmers by the Modi government?" he asked. Attacking Gandhi for his speech in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, Jaitley wondered 'how much does he know? When will he know?' On the Congress chief's accusation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi waived the loans of 15 top industrialists, Jaitley said this was factually and completely false. The banking fraud started in 2011 when the UPA II was in power and it was only detected during the NDA period, he said in a Facebook post in response to Gandhi's speech in Mandsaur. In his statement, Surjewala reminded the Union minister of former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's words that "facts are facts, and will not disappear on account of your likes". He said contrary to Jaitley's "lies", the government was actually the 'NPA sarkar' and alleged that the gross non-performing assets have gone up from over Rs 2.51 lakh crore in March 2014 to more than Rs 8.31 lakh crore in December 2017, a whopping rise of 230 percent as per an April 6 reply in Parliament. "Fleece the banks and fly away to foreign lands are the facility for fraudsters under the Modi Government's watch. Perhaps, Arun Jaitley forgets the recent bank loot scams worth over Rs 61,036 crore," he alleged. The Congress leader said over 130 farmers organisations were protesting across India through an unprecedented rural bandh and rural distress, agricultural indebtedness, farmer suicides and distress sale of crops much below MSP was the new order. "Arun Jaitley, Union minister without portfolio, with zero knowledge of agriculture is giving 'gyan' (wisdom) to the nation again today, with his usual travesty of facts and trivialization of farmers' issues," he alleged. Surjewala also alleged that 'Make in India' has become an empty slogan of the government and the BJP and its 'minister without portfolio' forgot that industrial growth has declined from 7.4 percent in 2016 to 4.45 percent in 2018. He alleged that between 2014 and 2018, India's revenue from exports was zero. "Arun Jaitley waxes eloquent about jobs. The BJP promised two crore jobs per year, but the stark reality that it has only betrayed our youth. The Modi government created only 4.16 lakh jobs in 2016-17 and 77 percent of Indian workers will have vulnerable employment by 2019 as per ILO. "Let us not forget that there is 'lowest-ever' agriculture growth under the Modi government - 1.9 percent (2014-18) as compared to 4.2 percent under Congress (2004-14) "The prime minister's promise of MSP equal to cost plus 50 percent profit for farmers is a white lie. Rural wage growth has dipped from 38 percent in 2014 to zero percent in 2018 (RBI report). Tragically, 35 farmers are driven to suicide every 24 hours (NCRB data)," he said. He said sugarcane arrears surge to over Rs 20,000 crore as an "insensitive" government "floundered". The PM Fasal Bima Yojana benefited insurance companies, not farmers and companies earned a profit of Rs 14,828 crore but farmers got paid only Rs 5,650 crore, he claimed. The Congress leader alleged that there was 'double jeopardy' for farmers as agriculture exports declined by USD 9.4 billion and agriculture imports rose by USD 10.06 billion. A video of Dutch Prime Minister mopping the floor after he accidentally spilt coffee inside the country's Parliament has taken the internet by storm. In the video, Mark Rutte is seen cleaning up the mess he created without assuming the housekeeping staff would obviously attend to it. It has made many in India wonder about how an Indian politician would have reacted in a similar situation. Politicians, especially PMs, around the world are accustomed to making big decisions and being taken care of in return. For Rutte though, the second part may not be all that important as the Dutch PM quickly borrowed a mop from a cleaner nearby and began sweeping the floor after he spilt his cuppa. Even in The Netherlands, it is not very common to see an important political figure publicly take a mop to sweep a floor and Rutte's instinctive act earned him claps and cheers - especially from members of the cleaning staff. Bugun Mecliste kahvesi yere dokulen #Hollanda Basbakani Mark Rutte, meclisin temizlik gorevlilerinin alkislari esliginde yerleri kendisi temizledi. pic.twitter.com/fbCfAuya3B Cees Van Beek ???? ? (@ceesvanbeek) June 4, 2018 Through it all, there was a wide smile on Rutte's face and he received enormous praise for his humility from netizens around the world. Even Indians joined in to praise the Dutch PM but many of them wondered about what would have happened had a similar incident happened in the Parliament in New Delhi. Have a look at Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte and what he does when a tea cup accidently fell from his hands... And Imagine what would Indian Political leaders do in this situation? pic.twitter.com/owwtsayM5F Shruthi Shetty (@shruthishetty21) June 5, 2018 Mark Rutte, current Prime Minister of the Netherlands,accidentally drops his coffee cup.See his reaction AND action.Wish Indian politicians & business leaders could emulate this. How many of us even know the name of the janitor who daily cleans our office toilets? #PresenceOfMind pic.twitter.com/8RaLQNf3Ay Coach Vikram (@CoachVikram) June 6, 2018 And while many Indian politicians did wield brooms to promote Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, people at large appear weary from a very prevelant VIP culture here - a culture that apparantly exists in the US and the UK in almost equal measure. I know ours would blame Obama, then walk away leaving it for someone else to clean up Rick Asken (@rickasken) June 5, 2018 @realDonaldTrump would walk away expecting someone else to mop it up, then blame someone else for spilling if. Kim Romine (@rominek60) June 5, 2018 I would imagine Theresa May, Prime Minister of the UK, would probably expect one of her minions to clear up the mess! Patricia Malia (@QueeniPatricia) June 5, 2018 For now then, the Dutch PM has become a figure of political envy for people around the world. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Wednesday showered praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that he has brought laurels to the country, even as he dismissed any challenge from opposition parties who appear to be joining hands against the ruling saffron party. Speaking exclusively to Zee 24 Taas chief editor Vijay Kuvalekar, Amit Shah talked about the work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government in the last four years and also about challenges that remain ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Heres a look at what the BJP president said about different issues, including opposition unity: On Congress: Targeting the Congress party, Amit Shah said that in the last 70 years, the country just witnessed politics of appeasement and division of voters on the basis of caste. Shah further said that since Narendra Modi came to power in Centre, there has been end of casteism and politics of appeasement. Politics of performance is being certified by people across the country since Narendra Modi-led BJP government came to power in 2014. I strongly believe that people stand with politics of performance in future as well, said the BJP president. He, however, added that when attempts are made to divide people on basis of caste and appeasement, there has to be some impact on the ground. We want to counter it with politics of development, and I am sure we will do it, said Shah in an apparent reference to recent losses of the BJP in Lok Sabha and Assembly byelections. On statements by Archbishops: When asked about the recent remarks by Goa Archbishop about Constitution in danger and human rights being violated, the BJP president termed it as his personal opinion on which he would not like to comment. But he added that if they are making such statements, it shows that there is secularism and freedom of expression in the country. He said that the government strongly supports freedom of expression, but if its about desh ke tukde honge hazaar, then it is not freedom of expression, it is sedition and will be dealt with strongly. People who imposed Emergency in the country are saying that the environment today is not good. That is just a perception they are trying to form. How can they question us on freedom of expression? said the BJP chief. On farmers: Amit Shah asserted that the government had done a lot of work towards solving problems being faced by farmers, such as soil health card and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojana. In the last 70 years, no one gave farmers a minimum support price of 1.5 times the cost of the crop. Today Modi government is giving 1.5 times MSP on both Kharif and Rabi crops, he said. On Pranab Mukherjee attending RSS event: Responding to a question on objections being raised over former President Pranab Mukherjees scheduled visit to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur, the BJP president said that there should not be any controversy over the same. Pointing that even Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi met RSS representatives, Shah asked, What is the objection if Pranab Da goes to an RSS event? On losses in bypolls: Amit Shah said that its not like the BJP has lost in all byelections, adding that the party has in fact won seven bypolls. He further attacked the Congress party saying that they had no reason to be happy about. We snatched 11 state governments from Congress. Out of 16 states, they are left with just two, Shah added. On Opposition unity: According to Shah, the agenda of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to remove poverty, but the only agenda of other parties is to remove Modi. Dismissing any possible impact of the opposition unity in 2019 elections, the BJP chief said that these parties had already contested against the ruling party in 2014 elections and all were defeated. Referring to the recent show of strength by opposition parties during the swearing-in ceremony of HD Kumaraswamy as Karnataka Chief Minister, Shah said, you cant influence voters if you stand on a stage joining handsMamatas influence will remain confined in West Bengal while Sharad Pawars impact will be there only in Maharashtra. Similarly, Kumaraswamy cannot do anything outside Karnatakathere will be no effect of opposition unity in 2019 elections. On upcoming Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh: When asked about anti-incumbency on BJP-ruled states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, which are slated to go for Assembly polls later in 2018, Shah said that the same does not apply to all governments. Asserting that the BJP organisation was intact and strong in all three states, Shah said that the party was confident of winning in all of them. New Delhi: The Delhi High Court today dismissed a PIL by a lawyer seeking "detailed investigation" into alleged lapses by the Centre in saving 39 Indians, who were killed by terror outfit ISIS in Iraq in 2014, saying there was "no public interest" in the matter. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar said the plea reflected "extreme insensitivity" towards the kin of victims and the suffering they underwent and also does not take into account steps taken by the central government to save 39 Indians. Observing that such pleas deserve "condemnation" and "need to be discouraged", the court imposed Rs one lakh as costs on the petitioner-lawyer, Mehmood Pracha, who was asked to deposit the amount in favour of the advocates welfare fund within four weeks. Pracha, in his plea, had contended that the Centre was aware long back that the Indians had been killed by the terror outfit after their abduction from Mosul, but had chosen not to disclose it and kept taking the stand that they were alive. PATNA: Union Minister of State (MoS) for Human Resource and Development (HRD) Upendra Kushwaha on Monday launched a fresh tirade against the Supreme Court Collegium, calling the entire process of appoinment of a judge a 'blot on democracy'. According to the attitude of the judiciary, in the present time, judges don't appoint other judges. They actually appoint their successors. Why do they do that? Why was this made a system to choose successors, questioned Kushwaha at an event in Patna. Judges in the top court are appointed by the President of India on the basis of the recommendation of the SC collegium which consists of the Chief Justice of India, four senior most SC judges and the senior-most judge hailing from the high court of a prospective appointee. People oppose reservation, say it ignores merit but I think collegium ignores merit. A tea-seller can become PM, fisherman's child can become scientist and later President, but can a maid's child become judge? Collegium's a blot on our democracy, added the leader of the Bihar-based Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP), an ally of the BJP. Later taking to Twitter, Kushwaha wrote: Will you accept any system where the Chief Minister himself appoints the next chief minister, or the MP appoints the next MP and the District Magistrate the next District Magistrate? No, right. So why accept such arrangements in the appointment of judges, questioned Kushwaha. This is not the first time that the Union Minister has hit out on the system of SC collegium. Last month, the minister said the system of appointing judges in the top court lacks transparency and called for more representation of people belonging to backward and SC/ST communities. The gates are closed for ST/ST and Dalits and even meritorious students who are willing to become judges. We want the gates to be opened, he said. "There is no country in the world where Supreme Court judges chose their own brother judges," Kashyap said at the event. With agency inputs Beijing: India and China will work out their differences to ensure the two countries continue to progress and prosper together, India`s envoy Gautam Bambawale said on Wednesday. In an interview to the state-controlled China Central Television (CCTV), he added that India and China will not be 'apart' from each other on the path of development. Bambawale's remarks come ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Summit (SCO) this week. PM Modi will attend the SCO summit in the Chinese coastal city of Qingdao on June 9-10 and will have a one-on-one meet with Xi, over a month after his ice-breaking meeting with Chinese President in Wuhan. He further described the Wuhan meet as a "strategic communication" between the leaders. "I think the informal Wuhan summit between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi was an effort by the leaders of two large countries in the world, India and China, to talk to each other, to promote cooperation between the two countries," Bambawale said, as per IANS. "Most importantly, it was a strategic communication between the leaders of the two countries. As a result of their discussion in Wuhan, the two leaders have arrived at a certain consensus: the first and most important consensus is India and China are partners in progress and economic development: the second most important consensus is that there are many more commonalities between India and China than differences," he added. "We will work on these commonalities. Of course, there are certain differences between us, but we will also work at the differences to ensure the two countries continue to progress and prosper together. We are not going to be going away from each other or apart from each other. We are going to do this together," Bambawale said. Talking about the SCO, an eight-member security bloc which formally included India and Pakistan last year, he said he was confident that China will hold the summit successfully. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members in 2017. Bambawale pointed out that the spirit of the SCO summit stands for "multipolarity". "And we believe that the message which will come out of the Qingdao summit is that important big countries which are members of the Shanghai Cooperation (Organisation) can peacefully coexist despite differences in their systems and that they can work together. I think one of the others important points which will come out is unilateralism is not necessary in today's world. Multilateralism and learning to live together is the important message, which will come from Qingdao," he said. (With IANS inputs) Maharashtra Class 10 SSC Result 2018: The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) will declare SSC or Class 10 Result 2018 soon. A notice on the official website states. SSC Results March 2018 WILL BE DECLARED HERE SOON. While the exact date of results, but it's expected to be released by June 10. Candidates can check their results on mahresult.nic.in, results.maharashtraeducation.com, examresults.net/maharashtra, maharashtra.indiaresults.com. Steps to check Maharashtra Board Class 12 HSC 2018 exam results online Step 1: Visit official website one of the following websites: mahresult.nic.in results.maharashtraeducation.com examresults.net/maharashtra maharashtra.indiaresults.com Step 2: Click on the link which says Maharashtra Board Class 10 Results OR Maharashtra HSC Result 2018: 'SSC Results 2018' Step 3: Enter your roll/registration number and other required details and hit submit. Step 4: Results will be displayed on the screen. Candidates are advised to download the MSBSHSE Maharashtra HSC Class 10 Results 2018 and take a print out of the same. Over 14 lakh students appeared for the exams which was held in 9,486 junior colleges and 2,822 centres across the state of Maharashtra. A total of 5,80,820 students registered for Science, 4,79,863 students for Arts, 3,66,756 students for Commerce, and the 57,693 students for the vocational stream. Washington: The then US President Barack Obama used his African-American card to win over Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the last phase of negotiations at the Paris summit in late 2015, where India was the last holdout as its officials were the toughest negotiators, says a book on his presidency. "When we got to Paris, the main holdout was India," Obama's then top foreign policy and national security aide for eight years Ben Rhodes writes in his book 'The World at It Is: A Memoir of the Obama White House'. The book will hit stands today. Rhodes was Obama's Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications. Giving a blow-by-blow account of the last phase of US-India talks on climate change, Rhodes writes that at one point of time in Paris Obama himself entered into a personal conversation with two Indian officials to convince them of the need for India to be part of the deal. But he failed to cut ice with the two Indian negotiators, says the book. Then he spent nearly an hour with Modi in Paris. Nothing appeared to work till the time Obama played the African-American card, according to the book. ''For nearly an hour, Modi kept underscoring the fact that he had three hundred million people with no electricity, and coal was the cheapest way to grow the Indian economy; he cared about the environment, but he had to worry about a lot of people mired in poverty,'' the book claimed. Obama went through arguments about a solar initiative we were building, the market shifts that would lower the price of clean energy," writes Rhodes in his book. "But he still hadn't addressed a lingering sense of unfairness, the fact that nations like the United States had developed with coal, and were now demanding that India avoid doing the same thing. 'Look', Obama finally said, 'I get that it's unfair. I'm African-American'. Modi smiled knowingly and looked down at his hands. He looked genuinely pained," he writes. "I know what it's like to be in a system that's unfair," he went on. "I know what it's like to start behind and to be asked to do more, to act like the injustice didn't happen. But I can't let that shape my choices, and neither should you. I'd never heard him talk to another leader in quite that way. Modi seemed to appreciate it. He looked up and nodded," writes the former top White House official, while describing how Obama used his African-American card to convince Modi. But before it, Rhodes writes, Obama tried and could not succeed in convincing the Indian negotiators. "We were scheduled to meet with India's prime minister, Narendra Modi. Obama and a group of us waited outside the meeting room, when the Indian delegation showed up in advance of Modi. By all accounts, the Indian negotiators had been the most difficult," he writes. "Obama asked to talk to them, and for the next twenty minutes, he stood in a hallway having an animated argument with two Indian men. I stood off to the side, glancing at my BlackBerry, while he went on about solar power," says Rhodes. This was something unprecedented and not part of the protocol, he adds. "One guy from our climate team came over to me. 'I can't believe he's doing this,' he whispered. 'These guys are impossible'. 'Are you kidding?' I said. 'It's an argument about science. He loves this'. Modi came around the corner with a look of concern on his face, wondering what his negotiators were arguing with Obama about," writes Rhodes. "We moved into the meeting room, and a dynamic became clear. Modi's team, which represented the institutional perspective of the Indian government, did not want to do what is necessary to reach an agreement," he says. "Modi, who had ambitions to be a transformative leader of India, and a person of global stature, was torn. This is one reason why we had done the deal with China; if India was alone, it was going to be hard for Modi to stay out," Rhodes writes in the book. NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the young innovators and startup entrepreneurs, who have successfully turned out to be the "job creators" of the nation. PM Modi made these remarks during an interaction with thousands of young innovators who have made it big in the startup sector under the Modi Government's 'Startup India' initiative. Describing India as a "youthful nation", PM Modi said that his government is committed to "harnessing of the demographic dividend". Interacting with the young innovators through video conferencing on the NaMo App, the Prime Minister underlined that adequate capital, courage and connecting with people are required for excelling in the startup sector. "There was a time when startups meant only digital and tech innovation. Things are changing now. We are seeing startup entrepreneurs in different fields," he said. PM Modi added that startups were no longer confined to big cities only. "Smaller towns and villages are emerging as vibrant startup centres," he said. Start-ups are no longer only in big cities. Smaller towns and villages are emerging as vibrant start-up centres. India has distinguished itself in the global start-up eco-system: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/kneFZJQIH0 ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2018 He also hailed the young entrepreneurs for establishing India in the global startup eco-system and applauded them for their innovation and out-of-the-box thinking. "We in the government understand that youngsters may face shortage of funds for their startups. That is why a 'fund of funds' has been started by the government to facilitate more youngsters to innovate and ideate," Modi added. We in the Government understand that youngsters may face shortage of funds for their start-ups. That is why a 'fund of funds' has been started by the Government to facilitate more youngsters to innovate and ideate: PM Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/6iZRsBih4o ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2018 It was a very unique and a first-of-its-kind interaction between the Prime Minister and youngsters from the world of start-up and innovation. Prime Minister Modi had tweeted on Tuesday that he will be holding an interaction with young startup innovators and entrepreneurs on Wednesday. ''Tomorrow at 9:30 am, I will take part in an exciting interaction with youngsters from the world of start-ups and innovation. The interaction offers a wonderful opportunity to hear directly from pioneering young innovators who have excelled as start-up entrepreneurs," he had tweeted. Tomorrow at 9:30 AM, I will take part in an exciting interaction with youngsters from the world of start-ups & innovation. The interaction offers a wonderful opportunity to hear directly from pioneering young innovators who have excelled as start-up entrepreneurs. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2018 PM Modi also expressed his desire for the youth to join him in the interaction and participate in it. "I would particularly urge my young friends to join tomorrow`s interaction. It is a wonderful way to learn, grow and get inspired. You can join the interaction via the `Narendra Modi Mobile App` or @DDNewsLive. If you have any idea or suggestion, do share it on social media," PM Modi said on Twitter. (With Agency inputs) New Delhi: Former president Pranab Mukherjee's daughter and Congress leader Sharmistha Mukherjee on Wednesday disapproved of his decision to addresses a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) event in Nagpur. She tweeted saying that he was giving the BJP and the Sangh a handle to plant false stories, as his "speech will be forgotten" but the "visuals will remain". Sharmistha's outburst came soon after rumours about her joining the BJP cropped up ahead of Pranab Mukherjee's speech in Nagpur on Thursday. She dismissed such "rumours" of her joining the BJP as "false" and alleged they were the handiwork of BJP's "dirty tricks department". Sharmistha said she would rather leave politics than quit the Congress. In the mountains enjoying a beautiful sunset, & suddenly this news that Im supposedly joining BJP hits like a torpedo! Cant there be some peace & sanity in this world? I joined politics because I believe in @INCIndia Wud rather leave politics than leave Congress Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) June 6, 2018 Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken also rejected such suggestions, saying Sharmistha was a "devoted" Congress person. In reply to certain rumors-Just spoke to @Sharmistha_GK , who is out of Delhi- She is a devoted Congress Person and firmly believes in the ideology of @INCIndia . She told me, that she is in politics, just because of her firm faith in the ideology of the Congress Party. Ajay Maken (@ajaymaken) June 6, 2018 Sharmistha hoped that the former president would realise how the BJP's "dirty tricks department" works and said that with his visit, he was giving the BJP and the RSS "full handle to plant false stories". She also warned her father of the consequences of attending such a meet. "Even the RSS wouldn't believe that you are going to endorse its views in your speech. By going to Nagpur, you are giving BJP/RSS full handle to plant false stories, spread falls rumours as today and making it somewhat believable. And this is just the beginning," Sharmistha said. Hope @CitiznMukherjee now realises from todays incident, how BJP dirty tricks dept operates. Even RSS wouldnt believe that u r going 2 endorse its views in ur speech. But the speech will be forgotten, visuals will remain & those will be circulated with fake statements. 1/2 Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) June 6, 2018 .@CitiznMukherjee By going 2 Nagpur, u r giving BJP/RSS full handle 2 plant false stories, spread falls rumours as 2day & making it somewhat believable. And this is just d beginning! 2/2 Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) June 6, 2018 The former president's official Twitter handle is @CitiznMukherjee. Sharmistha, who is president of Mahila Congress as well as in-charge of the communication department of Delhi unit, had joined the party in 2014. She had also contested Delhi Assembly elections from Greater Kailash seat in 2015 and lost to AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj. Pranab Mukherjee arrived in Nagpur on Wednesday to attend Thursday's RSS event. He will attend the valedictory function of the 'Sangh Shiksha Varg' at the headquarters of the Sangh fountainhead. Former President of India Dr.Pranab Mukherjee arrives in Nagpur. He is the chief guest at a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS) program tomorrow pic.twitter.com/ueAqLyFHj8 ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2018 Mukherjee accepting the invite from the RSS has generated a lot of interest as well as controversy, with Congress leaders urging him not to attend the event in the "interest of secularism". Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said that since Pranab Mukherjee has accepted the invitation, he should go and tell the RSS "what is wrong" in their ideology. Ramesh Chennithala, a senior Congress leader from Kerala, sent a letter to the former president, requesting him to refrain from attending the event. Chennithala, also a leader of the opposition in Kerala assembly, had said that Pranab Mukherjee's decision had come as a "rude shock" to the secular minds of the country. West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Chowdhury and senior Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao too had urged Pranab Mukherjee not to attend the event. And, Hanumantha Rao, the AICC Secretary and former Rajya Sabha member, said that the former president should withdraw his decision" in the interest of secularism". Veteran Congressman CK Jaffer Sharief also wrote to Pranab Mukherjee, expressing surprise over the move and had said that he, like other secular people, was "stunned" to hear about his attending the RSS function. (With PTI inputs) Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh: Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday targetted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused him of not creating jobs in the country despite promising to promote 'Make in India'. Speaking primarily to a gathering of farmers here, the Congress President said that it is only his party that can now assure jobs for the youth and security for the agricultural sector. Blaming Shivraj Chauhan's BJP government in the state of Madhya Pradesh for not preventing farmer suicides, Rahul said that the top brass of BJP was too busy with rich industrialists and hobnobbing with China to work for the common man. "Where are the jobs that were promised to you by Prime Minister Modi? Where is the financial security that was assured to farmers? What about Make in India? If you see PM Modi's phone, even that says it is Made in China," he said, adding that phones will be made in Mandsaur if Congress is voted to power. Rahul then questioned PM Modi's silence during the Doklam crisis with China and pointed out that meeting Chinese Premier Xi Jinping does not mean much to the common man. "The common man is suffering while people like Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi are given a free hand to run away with millions. We will ensure that your money is yours alone," he said. Rahul also made a number of promises ahead of the state Assembly elections which are scheduled for later this month. "I guarantee we will waive off farmer loans in 10 days, not 11 but 10 days exactly if you vote for us in the MP elections. Jobs would be galore and security and dignity of people would be our priority," he said, adding that instead of PM Modi's Mann ki Baat, his party believes in people's mann ki baat. Appointment as Junior Associate (Customer Support and Sales) in clerical cadre: The State Bank of India (SBI) on Wednesday, June 6, released the admit cards for the preliminary examination for Junior Associates (customer support and sales). Applicants can download the details from the official website of the SBI - sbi.co.in/careers. The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts common written examinations for various vacant posts with their branches all across India. SBI PO and Clerical level posts are released every year in the month of May/June. This year, the SBI is conducting the exam for the post of SBI Clerk with 8301 vacancies. Only graduates can apply for the post of SBI Clerk 2018. Applicants can find complete details on the official website of the SBI - sbi.co.in/careers for updates regarding the Clerk Examination conducted by SBI. The SBI had revised the schedule of the SBI clerk online preliminary examination last month. As per the new schedule, the exam will be held on June 23, 24 and 30, 2018. How to download SBI call letter for Preliminary Examination - Log on to the official website: sbi.co.in/careers - Under the "Announcements" section, click on "Recruitment of Junior Associates" - Click on the link "Download Admit Card" - Enter registration number and date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format - Click on the Submit - Download your SBI Clerk prelims admit card 2018 Candidates need to qualify each section as well as the overall cut-off in the main exam to be eligible for the Final Selection. The Final result is declared on the basis of merit list in SBI Clerk Mains Exam. A penalty for every incorrect answer will be marked in the Objective Tests of both Preliminary and Mains exams. Every wrong answer will be penalized by deducting 0.25 of the marks assigned to that question. There will be no penalty for leaving a question blank, i.e. in case no answer is marked by the candidate. The SBI on its official websites has asked applicants to be way of fraudsters. There have been instances of fraudsters having hosted websites making them appear to be as those of State Bank of India (SBI). "Fake lists of selection for posts in SBI have been published on these websites, and reportedly fake appointment letters are also being issued in the name of SBI. It is clarified that SBI never publishes names of shortlisted/selected candidates on the website. Only roll numbers/registration numbers are published and shortlisted/selected candidates are informed individually through SMS/Email/Post. All details regarding recruitment e.g. notice, interview schedule, final result etc., are published only on sbi.co.in/careers and bank.sbi.careers," the SBI said. Several parts of Uttar Pradesh (UP) are likely to witness heavy rains, thunderstorm, and dust storm between Thursday, June 7, to Tuesday, June 12, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a release. According to a press bulletin released by IMD Lucknow, thunderstorm/dust storm is likely to occur in Bareilly, Moradabad, Meerut and Churk town in Sonbadra district. The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 29 degree Celsius and 26 degree Celsius, respectively. The thunderstorms and dust storms, a frequent in the state in May, has already claimed several lives. At least 15 persons died and nine others injured after a thunderstorm hit across Moradabad, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Amroha and Sambhal districts of the state last week. The thunderstorm disrupted several trees, electric poles, and hoardings, leaving the residents with commute issues. Earlier on Wednesday, the weatherman predicted rain and thunderstorms in the districts of Bareilly, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Moradabad, Rampur, Sambhal, Agra and adjoining areas before noon. Meanwhile, heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning lashed Maharashtra`s Mumbai city on Monday night, causing water-logging and disruption of local train services. Water-logging has been reported in several areas including Malabar Hill and Hindmata, Dharavi, Byculla, Dadar TT, Kabutarkhana at Dadar, King Circle, Nagpada, Santacruz (East) and Marol Maroshi. According to media reports, services of local trains have also been affected on the Central line running 15 to 20 minutes late and 20 to 25 minutes on Western line. Heavy rains were also reported from parts of Jammu and Kashmir and northeast states including Mizoram, where 10 people died in a landslide triggered by heavy rains. North Indian states of Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana continued to reel under heat wave conditions. Temperatures in Rajasthan's desert city Churu reached a whopping 48.5 degrees Celsius. Pre-monsoon showers continued to evade north India. The rains will hit these parts within a week, forecasted the weatherman. (With agency inputs) KOLKATA: The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) is all set to announce the Class 10 or Madhyamik results 2018 on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, on wbresults.nic.in or wbbse.org. The results was expected to be available at 9 am, however, they are yet to be uploaded. Students can collect their marksheets from their schools later in the day. Here's how to check West Bengal Madhyamik Pariksha Result 2018: Step 1. Go to the websites - wbresults.nic.in or wbbse.org Step 2. Click on 'West Bengal Class 10 Results 2018' Step 3. Give your Roll Number Step 4. Click on 'Submit' The students are suggested to download the result and save it. They can take a print out of the same for future reference. It is to be noted that the marksheets available on wbresults.nic.in or wbbse.org are not the original ones. The concerned school authorities will be distributing Madhyamik Result 2018 later. Here's how to check West Bengal Madhyamik Pariksha Result via SMS: Text WB10< space> roll number to either of these numbers 54242, 5676750, 58888 56263 About West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE): The Board of Secondary Education was established in 1951 under an Act of the State Legislature called the West Bengal Secondary Education Act of 1950. The operational ambit of the Board has increased manifold over the years. In 1951 the Board started its journey with 1270 high schools taken over from Calcutta University which increased to 2312 by the end of 1963 and to more than 8000 by the end of 1975 including some schools outside the territorial jurisdiction of the State. Presently the Board is handling around 10238 numbers of schools. With the increase in the number of recognised schools, the examinees appearing in the Secondary Examination (School Leaving Examination with a general syllabus) have increased. In 1952, the Board handled only 42000 examinees, which increased to more than five lakhs in 1976 and in 2006 this figure jumped to nearly 8 lakhs. Srinagar: The security forces on Wednesday foiled an infiltration bid from Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir's Machhil sector and killed at least three terrorists in a pre-drawn border shootout. According to ANI, a search operation is currently underway after the security forces killed three terrorists and foiled an infiltration bid in the Machhil sector. #JammuAndKashmir: Three terrorists killed as security forces foiled an infiltration bid in Machhil sector. Search operation underway. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/hZkOl4RJDd ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2018 The operation began after the security forces noticed suspicious movement from the Pakistani side of the Line of Control (LoC). ''It turned out to be a group of infiltrating terrorists from Pakistan's side of the border who were firmly challenged,'' an official was quoted as saying. The Army spokesperson further said that the terrorists opened fire, triggering a shootout that led to the death of the three terrorists. A massive search operation is currently underway around the shootout site on the LoC in north Kashmir, the spokesperson said. In a related development, a group of heavily-armed terrorists had attacked an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district on Tuesday after which a massive search operation was launched to nab them. The camp of 13 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) in Hajin area of Bandipora was targeted by the terrorists on Tuesday evening, triggering a heavy gunfight. Hajin police station was also attacked, some reports claimed. Army retaliated to the firing from the terrorists and the gunfight lasted for some time, a police officer was quoted as saying by IANS. The fire was retaliated "heavily and effectively", a senior police officer said, adding that it was not a suicide attack. According to news agency ANI, at least four to six terrorists had stormed the Army camp from two sides. The terrorists reportedly fired around eight rounds using Underbarrel Grenade Launcher towards army and police personnel. Following the attack, the entire area was cordoned off and combing operations were launched. (With IANS inputs) JAMMU: Several hours after a group of heavily-armed terrorists attacked an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district, a massive search operation has been launched to nab the attackers. The camp of 13 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) in Hajin area of Bandipora was targeted by the terrorists on Tuesday evening, sparking a heavy gunfight. Hajin police station was also attacked, some reports claimed. #JammuAndKashmir: Latest visuals from Bandipora's Hajin, where Terrorists attacked an Army post yesterday. 4-6 terrorists came from two sides of the camp of 13 Rashtriya Rifles & Hajin police station and fired around 8 UBGls towards Army & police. pic.twitter.com/0Uxli82y2B ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2018 Army retaliated to the firing from the terrorists and the gunfight lasted for some time, a police officer was quoted as saying by IANS. The fire was retaliated "heavily and effectively", the senior police officer said, adding that it was not a ''suicide attack.'' According to news agency ANI, at least four to six terrorists had stormed the Army camp from two sides. The terrorists reportedly fired around eight rounds using Underbarrel Grenade Launcher towards army and police personnel. Following the attack, the entire area was cordoned off and combing operations were launched. BENGALURU: Ahead of the Cabinet expansion in Karnataka on Wednesday, there seem to be fissures within the Congress over the allocation of berths. Supporters of Congress MLA Satish Jarkiholi on Wednesday staged a protest near Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru demanding a ministerial seat for him in the state cabinet. After a close contest, Satish Jarkiholi had won from the Gokak constituency in the recent elections. Despite claiming that he was widely popular and would be able to win by a margin of over 50,000 votes, Satish eventually won by a margin of 2,850 votes against BJP's Maruti Ashtagi. The protest comes ahead of the Cabinet expansion at 2 pm on Wednesday. While Chief Minister of Karnataka HD Kumaraswamy took oath two weeks back along with his Deputy G Parameshwara, other posts had been lying vacant. Over 12 Congress MLAs and nine Janata Dal Secular (JDS) MLAs are likely to take oath as ministers in the first expansion of the Kumaraswamy-led cabinet on Wednesday. There were reports of differences in the JDS also regarding the seat allocation. However, Kumaraswamy had rubbished the reports. Kumaraswamy had said party president HD Deve Gowda has been given total freedom on the next phase of cabinet expansion. "There are no differences at all among our MLAs (over cabinet berths and portfolio allocations). Actually, they have given total freedom to the national president to select the future cabinet," he said. The swearing-in of new ministers comes a day after the list of 12 Congress MLAs was reportedly finalised in a meeting between Rahul Gandhi and senior state Congress leaders. The Gandhi scion is believed to have given his nod to the list of around 12 ministers which also includes DK Shivakumar who is likely to get an important portfolio. ''Congress' DK Shivakumar, KJ George and Priyank Kharge will take oath as Karnataka ministers today, among others,'' according to ANI. Sources claim that the portfolio allocation finalised by Rahul Gandhi has been done with an aim to give equal representation to all sections and regions and keeping in mind the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Sources further claimed that some portfolios may remain vacant on both sides to douse any discord in the two parties. On June 1, the Congress-JD(S) alliance announced the allotment of portfolios among them. As per the allocation, the Congress got the charge of 22 ministries, including the Home, Irrigation, Health, Agriculture and Women Child Welfare Ministries. While 12 ministries, including Finance and Excise, Public Works Department, Education, Tourism and Transport Ministries was allocated to the JD(S). BENGALURU: Nearly two weeks after taking over as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, HD Kumaraswamy will expand his Cabinet on Wednesday. According to reports, over 12 Congress MLAs are likely to take oath as ministers in the first expansion of the Kumaraswamy-led cabinet. Apart from it, nine Janata Dal Secular (JDS) MLAs will also take the oath. The swearing-in ceremony of new ministers will be held at 2 pm at the Raj Bhavan in Karnataka's Bengaluru. The swearing-in of new ministers comes a day after the list of 12 Congress MLAs was reportedly finalised in a meeting between Rahul Gandhi and senior state Congress leaders. The Gandhi scion is believed to have given his nod to the list of around 12 ministers which also includes DK Shivakumar who is likely to get an important portfolio. ''Congress' DK Shivakumar, KJ George and Priyank Kharge will take oath as Karnataka ministers today, among others,'' according to ANI. Congress' DK Shivakumar, KJ George and Priyank Kharge to take oath as #Karnataka ministers today, among others. ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2018 Sources claim that the portfolio allocation finalised by Rahul Gandhi has been done with an aim to give equal representation to all sections and regions and keeping in mind the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Sources further claimed that some portfolios may remain vacant on both sides to douse any discord in the two parties The lone BSP legislator in Karnataka, N Mahesh, will be a part of the cabinet expansion and will be given a key portfolio, the sources said. Ahead of this, Karnataka deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara had told media that everything has been finalised and that they have submitted all the proposals, including portfolios to Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his approval. On June 1, the Congress-JD(S) alliance announced the allotment of portfolios among them. As per the allocation, the Congress got the charge of 22 ministries, including the Home, Irrigation, Health, Agriculture and Women Child Welfare Ministries. While 12 ministries, including Finance and Excise, Public Works Department, Education, Tourism and Transport Ministries was allocated to the JD(S). (With Agency inputs) BHOPAL: Congress chief Rahul Gandhi will address a rally of farmers in the Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday. Importantly, on this day last year, at least seven farmers were killed in a police firing, triggering a massive outcry. He will also meet the families of those farmers who were killed in police firing last year. ''Every day, about 35 farmers commit suicide in our country. To attract government's attention towards the agrarian crisis, farmers are forced to protest for 10 days. To stand with them in the fight for the rights of our 'Annadata' (food provider), I will address a farmer`s rally in Mandsaur on June 6," Rahul Gandhi had tweeted earlier. 35 10 6 pic.twitter.com/Bv4Hv72jE8 Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 2, 2018 Ahead of Rahul Gandhi's rally in Mandsaur, Congress had accused Narendra Modi government of being anti-farmer. The party also confirmed that the Congress chief will meet the families of the farmers killed in police firing last year. The party also hit out at the BJP government for putting national security at stake, saying the soldiers were now being asked to stitch their own uniform. Attacking the BJP dispensation at the Centre, Congress leader Mohan Prakash said, ''This government is anti-farmer, anti-poor and is also putting the security of the country at risk because of its wrong policies." "The farmers of the country are in distress. They are on strike for the past five days. They are disturbed for the past four years because prices of whatever items they need to buy have doubled. And, whatever they produce and sell, their prices have halved. But Modi government didn't get time to address these issues in the past four years," he added. Criticising PM Modi, Prakash said, ''while farmers were committing suicide, the Prime Minister was busy flying kites in Indonesia in order to facilitate the business interests of Adani Group.'' "On June 6, 2017, seven farmers in Mandsaur (of Madhya Pradesh) were killed in police firing. Tomorrow (Wednesday), all farmers will gather at that place and the Congress president will pay homage to the deceased and meet the families," Prakash said on Tuesday. He said the true face of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments was visible as still there were cases against 7,000 farmers. The Congress leader said in Maharashtra, 58 farmers died due to pesticides last year and more than 1,000 farmers were admitted in hospitals. "But even now Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have not been able to say what chemical or pesticide caused the death of farmers,'' he said. Prakash further said that 373 jawans had died on the borders while the Prime Minister preferred to visit Pakistan uninvited to have "biryani". "Now, there are media reports that soldiers are being asked to stitch their own uniforms. The country has gone into the hands of those who are working against its well-being,'' he added. (With Agency inputs) Mumbai: BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday met Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at his residence Matoshree. Shah was accompanied by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. However, as per Zee Media sources, no consensus could be arrived at between Shah and Uddhav on an alliance between the two political parties. The BJP chief reached Uddhav's residence at 7:45 pm and the meeting lasted for 2 hours and 20 minutes. The duo also held a closed-door meeting, wherein no one else was present. As per sources, Shah asked Uddhav for support and placed an offer of an alliance before him. In response, Uddhav put forward some issues before the BJP chief, which apparently included compliant against Fadnavis. Uddhav is said to have told Shah that Shiv Sena was being given a step-motherly treatment in Maharashtra and it was difficult to run the government in the state. Sources said that Shah assured Uddhav on these fronts. However, Uddhav did not give any commitment on the two parties contesting elections together and told Shah that it was difficult to take a decision at this juncture. According to sources, he told Shah that he would think about an alliance with the BJP if there are some changes and improvements in the future. Met Shri Uddhav Thackeray ji at Matoshree in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/enLthz8Ykg Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 6, 2018 The two allies have been bickering for quite some time. They contested the May 28 bypolls to Palghar Lok Sabha constituency of Maharashtra separately and engaged in a bitter campaign against each other. After facing defeat in the bypolls at the hands of the BJP, the Shiv Sena labelled the ally party as its "biggest political enemy". The Shiv Sena has also already declared that it will go alone in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. In Wednesday's editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamna', the Shiv Sena questioned the BJP's outreach programme after suffering defeat in bypolls in various states. The editorial maintained that the Sena will fight all the upcoming elections alone. The two parties were allies for over two-and-half decades before they severed ties ahead of the 2014 Maharashtra Assembly polls, only to join hands later to form the government under the leadership of Fadnavis in the state. (Reporting by Rakesh Trivedi) Anushka Sharma was at Alabama in the United States for the past one month where she was shooting for Aanand L Rai's film 'Zero' with Shah Rukh Khan. The lady returned to the city and was captured by the paparazzi at the Mumbai airport, looking an absolute delight. Anushka donned a grey top with black pant and white sneakers. She sported the look with minimal makeup. Check out her photos: (Photo courtesy: Yogen Shah) Though not much has been revealed about Anushka's character in the film, it is speculated that the actress will be essaying the role of a struggling scientist. The film also stars Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif in pivotal roles. While Shah Rukh will be portraying the role of a 'dwarf' in the film, Kaif's character is that of a diva, who is an alcoholic. This is Anushka, Shah Rukh and Katrina's second collaboration after 2012 released 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan'. However, if reports are to be believed, the trio do not have a single scene together in the film. In the meantime, Anushka has recently finished shooting for Sharat Katariya's 'Sui Dhaaga', also starring Varun Dhawan. The film is scheduled for release on 28 September. She will also be seen in a different avatar in Rajkumar Hirani's 'Sanju'. New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday gave his assent to the ordinance amending the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) 2018. The Ordinance provides significant relief to home buyers by recognizing their status as financial creditors. This would give them due representation in the Committee of Creditors and make them an integral part of the decision making process. It will also enable home buyers to invoke Section 7 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 against errant developers, a government release has said. Another major beneficiary would be Micro, Small and Medium Sector Enterprises (MSME). The Ordinance empowers the Government to provide them with a special dispensation under the Code. The immediate benefit it provides is that, it does not disqualify the promoter to bid for his enterprise undergoing Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) provided he is not a willful defaulter and does not attract other disqualifications not related to default. It also empowers the Central Government to allow further exemptions or modifications with respect to the MSME Sector, if required, in public interest. The Ordinance also provides for a mechanism to allow participation of security holders, deposit holders and all other classes of financial creditors that exceed a certain number, in meetings of the Committee of Creditors, through the authorized representation. New Delhi: The drive against the use of plastic is turning into a movement in India with politicians and spiritual leaders urging people to make the world a better place to live in. On World Environment Day (June 05), Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan and Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar asked people to take a pledge to give up the use of single-use plastic for the rest of their lives. "We want to ensure that by 2022 the whole country is single-use plastic free last 2-3 months we have been working not only on plastics, but in totality about environment protection and environmental conservation," Harsh Vardhan said at an event hosted by AOL on Tuesday. "World Environment Day is not a symbolic occasion for us. It is beginning of our war against plastic pollution," he added. Sri Sri said, "Great things are done by not one person, but by many people getting inspired and taking the initiative to do it Pollution is just not just man-made, its made by the mind. When you become aware of the dangers of some of the things that you use, like plastic, you immediately start cutting down those things so all should take a vow to cut down the use of plastic by less than half" Mahesh Sharma, MoS Environment, was also present on the occasion. He said, "Being friendly with mother nature has been our tradition for decades and centuries we are the only country who worship our rivers we worship plants, we worship animals that is the tradition of our country the growing civilization, the growing urbanisation has brought these devils to us we are committed to give back to the society, to humanity man is only recognised by what he gives back to the society what well be leaving for the next generation is important" On his part, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) executive director Erik Solheim pointed out that he had witnessed tremendous energy of individuals and the government towards environment protection. He said that India should move faster towards public transport system and electric mobility to tackle the problem of air pollution. New Delhi: Speaking on the controversy surrounding the release of `Kaala`, the 67-year-old Rajnikanth, main star of the film, said, "Producers are trying, the movie will definitely release. We ask you to cooperate". The comment came in the wake of a plea filed by K. Rajasekhara, seeking to defer the release of the film because of the Cauvery water sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Kamal Hassan, actor-turned-politician, said, "Vishwaroopam was also banned in Karnataka, the film chambers in respective states had to sort it out. There are many fans eagerly waiting for Rajni`s film to be released there. Just like the farmers issues need a conversation, so do films." Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court had refused to stay the release of the film. A vacation bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and also comprising Justice Ashok Bhushan, stated it did not find any merit in the application. The Top Court, while refusing to stay the film, had said, "Everybody is waiting for the film to be released. We don`t want to interfere with its release". New Delhi: Amazon India is celebrating its fifth anniversary in India. Company's Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos wrote a heartfelt letter and thanked the users for their patronage. "On our fifth anniversary in India, I want to say thank you for your support and for making Amazon.in the most visited shopping site in India for the last two years," Bezos wrote. Amazon is also offering cashback to online users on the occasion. To celebrate our five year anniversary and to say thank you for your support, we want to extend this offer: If you spend Rs 1,000 or more on Amazon.in today, using any digital payment method, you will recieve Rs 250 cashback as Amazon Pay balance, he wrote. "The progress is energising...We're five years into our journey but as we say here at Amazon, it's still Day 1, and I'm energised and humbled by the opportunities ahead," he further added. The company, which is competing with homegrown rival Flipkart in the Indian market, has pumped in substantial funding to expand its operations in the country and build delivery infrastructure. Bezos has committed an investment of USD 5 billion in the Indian market. The company is also investing significant money in marketing and promotions as it looks to bring more consumers to its online shopping platform. With PTI Inputs LUCKNOW: Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's idea of 'one nation one election'. ''We are ready for 'one nation one election'. Start preparations for 2019 polls. We are with you (BJP) on this,'' Akhilesh Yadav said. We are ready for one nation one election. 2019 se tayiaari kariye hum bhi aapke saath hain is mudde par: Akhilesh Yadav,SP on Yogi Govt backs PM Modi's 'one nation one election' proposal pic.twitter.com/tnhh4DockP ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 6, 2018 The SP leader also urged his party workers to start preparing for the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha polls by connecting with people at the grassroot level. It is to be noted that incumbent UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has earlier backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for 'one nation-one election'. The backing from Yogi Adityanath is significant since the state of Uttar Pradesh sends maximum members to the Lok Sabha. The state government has reportedly drafted a report that says simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections are possible. Though the Yogi Adityanath government has almost four years to go, the report indicates that the state is ready for elections in 2019. Seventeen of the 30 states can vote for their assemblies along with the mother of all battles, according to UP Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh, who authored the report. After submitting the report to the Chief Minister, Singh had made a strong sales pitch for the proposition. The BJP emerged as the single largest party but lost the opportunity to form government in Karnataka to Congress. It now faces serious anti-incumbency in the next round of elections due in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh later this year, a little ahead of the 2019 battle. Adityanath, under whose watch the BJP lost the Gorakhpur seat- which he had won several times - and two more, had constituted a seven-member committee to "probe the possibility of simultaneous polls". The Opposition, However, is sceptical of PM Modi pushing the idea of 'one nation one poll'. BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav is reported to have written a letter to CMs of the states ruled by the party and its allies to "build consensus on the issue". The Opposition fears that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, which rules 21 odd states, may pass state-level resolutions to build a "mood of the nation template" in favour of simultaneous polls much before a push for a legislation to amend the Constitution. Opposition parties are viewing this with suspicion also because of the current political situation. There is an attempt to unite the Opposition against the mighty BJP to stop the Modi juggernaut. If states vote along with Lok Sabha elections, most regional players will get trapped in their own states and wouldn't have the time to present shows of unity in other regions. California: A pilot and a passenger safely ejected before their single-engine turboprop crashed during a test flight in Southern California's Mojave Desert, a spokesman for the plane's developer said. Both occupants are OK after successfully deploying their parachutes before the GA10 aircraft crashed about 24 kilometers west of Edwards Air Force Base, according to Earle Boyter, a North American official of Australia's GippsAero. The 10-seat experimental utility plane was likely destroyed, Boyter said. It had taken off from Mojave Air and Space Port, about 85 miles (136 kilometers) north of downtown Los Angeles. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector was dispatched to the crash site, said agency spokesman Ian Gregor. The National Transportation Safety Board will also investigate. GippsAero manufactures single-engine utility aircraft. The firm based in Morwell, Australia, is owned by Indian conglomerate Mahindra Group. A Pakistani journalist and rights activist who openly criticised the military and its alleged meddling in politics was freed early on Wednesday, several hours after being abducted, her family and colleagues said. The journalist, Gul Bukhari, who is a dual Pakistani-British national, has been an unusually vocal critic of Pakistan`s powerful military on social media in the run-up to the July 25 general election. She has also defended Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party founder Nawaz Sharif, who has clashed with the military. Bukhari was on her way to record a TV programme on Tuesday evening on the late-night Waqt news show when her vehicle was intercepted in the cantonment area of the eastern city of Lahore and she was taken away, her husband and two media colleagues said. "She is back and she is fine" Ali Nadir, Bukhari`s husband, told Reuters. He declined to comment further. Earlier, Muhammad Gulsher, who is a producer on the Waqt news programme where Bukhari appears as a guest, raised alarm about her abduction. He told Reuters that Bukhari had been abducted when a group of pick-up trucks stopped her vehicle and men in plain clothes dragged her way while other men in "army uniforms" stood guard. "They put a black mask on her face and took her," he said, adding that he was basing his information on Bukhari`s driver, who witnessed the abduction. Pakistan`s military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Bukhari`s abduction drew widespread outrage on social media, becoming the main trending topic on Twitter in Pakistan. Many activists swiftly pointed the finger at the military, calling it part of efforts to stifle dissent. "If true, this would be a most audacious attempt to silence a known critic. Is this Pakistan or Kims North Korea or Sisis Egypt?" tweeted Syed Talat Hussain, a prominent journalist. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the daughter of PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif, called the abduction "disturbing." "This is just cruel & worst kind of oppression. Sad day. #BringBackGulBukhari," she tweeted earlier in the evening. Rights groups have denounced the kidnappings of several social media activists over the past year as attempts to intimidate and silence critics of Pakistans security establishment. Last year, five Pakistani bloggers went missing for several weeks before four of them were released. All four fled abroad and at least two afterwards told media that they were tortured by a state intelligence agency during their disappearance. The military has staunchly denied playing a role in any enforced disappearances, as has the civilian government. In the run-up to the polls, media houses have complained of growing censorship by the military establishment. In the past six months, Bukhari, who has 69,000 Twitter followers, has penned several critical articles for the Nation newspaper about Pakistan`s military and the judiciary, accusing them of overstepping their constitutional mandate and trying to interfere in the political process. Vienna: Russian President Vladimir Putin says Western sanctions against Russia haven't worked and both Moscow and the West would benefit from lifting them. Putin, speaking on a visit to Austria today, said the restrictions are "harmful for everyone - those who initiated them and those who are targeted by them." The United States, the European Union and other Western allies introduced a slew of sanctions against Moscow over its 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and for its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. Coupled with a drop in oil prices, the sanctions contributed to Russia's two-year recession. The Russian economy has rebounded, however, and Putin emphasized that lifting the sanctions would answer common interests. He said both Russia and the EU would benefit from resuming full-scale cooperation. Malaysia is not keen to blindly go ahead with projects offered by China under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the recently-elected Malaysian government has said. It also indicated that it would attempt to balance its relationship with Beijing and re-examine the projects that were earlier agreed to by the previous government. The need to avoid the Chinese debt trap was a topic that was repeatedly underscored in the run-up to the elections in Malaysia by the Pakatan Harapan alliance and its leader and current Prime Minister, the 92-year-old Mahatir Mohamad. "China comes with a lot of money and says you can borrow this money. But, you must think, 'How do I repay?' Some countries see only the project and not the payment part of it. That's how they lose large chunks of their country. We don't want that," Mohamad said, reported news agency ANI. Mohamad's newly formed government would take a look at the projects under the BRI that were agreed to by the previous government led by Najib Razak, Mohamad's former protege. Malaysia is not the first country in which projects funded or built by China have come under the scanner when the government changed after an election. The same thing happened in Sri Lanka in 2015, when the new Maithripala Sirisena government cancelled some of the Chinese-backed projects that had been signed by the previous government of Mahinda Rajapakse. The Sirisena dispensation, left to deal with the mounting debt because of the Chinese projects, found itself unable to repay the loans. In December 2017, the Sri Lankan government was forced to hand over control of the Hambantota Port to Chinese companies for a period 99 years. Concerns have also been rising in Pakistan, which has placed its already-precarious economy under further strain of Chinese loans to continue its projects along the troubled China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Mahatir Mohamad's concerns seem to stem from the spate of agreements that were signed by the Najib government under Chinese President Xi Jinping's pet Belt and Road Initiative. Among these was the $13.1 billion East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), which aims to link Malaysia's more industrialised east coast with its less-developed western coast and interior highlands. will run from Port Klang, Malaysia's main port near the capital Kuala Lumpur, to Tumpat on the border with Thailand, bisecting the peninsula's hilly interior. Other projects include a build-and-manage agreement for a deep-sea port and an industrial park near the city of Melaka, a port rebuilding project in the town of Kuantan, and a massive residential project close to the southern border with Singapore. China has already been accused by a number of countries of using the Belt and Road Initiative as a tool to further its expansionist goals by giving out loans for high-value projects of uncertain viability. Malaysia's geography would also provide an attractive strategic positioning for China, given its location along the Malacca Strait, through which a massive portion of China's energy supplies pass through. Read the original text at 112.ua. European Commission (EC) has taken a number of measures to limit the influence of Gazprom company, Russian gas monopolist. At the end of May, after a three-year investigation, the EC obliged Gazprom to comply with a number of mandatory provisions, thanks to which the price of gas for Central and Eastern Europe could fall by almost 20%. If Gazprom violates the regulations, it can be fined up to 10% of the turnover. Also, the EC is considering expanding the gas directive to pipelines from the third countries. ECs actions in terms of restraining Gazproms influence are positive for Ukraine, but they are still rather soft, experts say. April 2015, EC has sent to Gazprom the notification of the beginning of the antimonopoly investigation, on the basis of which the recommendations were adopted. Russian monopolist is the main supplier of gas to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, which until recently allowed it to sell gas to Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Bulgaria at higher prices than other EU countries. "To date, the prices for Russian gas for the countries mentioned in the decision were set through negotiations and were often biased. For example, they were higher than for gas sold to Germany. Overall, the prices were higher up to 20%," director of "Razumkov Center" energy program Volodymyr Omelchenko said to 112.ua. According to the expert, Gazprom managed to achieve such favorable conditions for itself due to the infrastructure peculiarities. For example, the Baltic countries and Bulgaria have no alternative to Gazprom supplies. Gazprom supplied gas to the other countries in Europe (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia), negotiating a price with each country separately, through negotiations. At the same time, the Russian monopolist limited the possibility of re-exporting its gas between the countries with the corresponding items in the contracts. According to the current decision of the EC, the Russian gas monopolist is obliged to eliminate from all contracts points prohibiting free circulation of gas between the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, it should also bring gas prices in line with benchmarks of liquid hubs (TTF in the Netherlands and NCG in Germany), in addition , it must allow the use of its gas pipelines to other companies. The decision of the EC as a whole is positive and really will help to partially reduce the appetite of the Russian company, experts say. "Now the price of gas in Central Europe and Baltic states will be less dependent on the political decisions and agreements and will be tied to the market. The Kremlin will have significantly less leverage of political influence in Central Europe through Gazprom," Omelchenko assumed. And Gazprom will be forced to comply with the requirements of the European Commission. The decision of the EC states that in case of non-compliance with the requirements, it might be might be fined up to 10% of the consolidated turnover. For instance, for violation of the binding requirements of the EC, in 2013, Microsoft was fined 561 million euros. If there is no compromise on the prices for the gas supplied by the Russian monopolist within 120 days, consumers can apply to arbitration, which must make a decision, proceeding from the fact that the prices should correspond to the current level for the EU (oriented to the level of liquid hubs). It is emphasized that such disputes can be considered exclusively in the courts of European jurisdiction. "The EU already knows at least fifty litigation disputes between countries and traders with Gazprom on the price of gas, some of them went to court, some ended in settlement agreements, and Gazprom's positions were often weaker than those of EU officials, and it was going to reduce the price," Omelchenko noted. Undoubtedly, the current solution would strengthen the position of European consumers. The EC decision is likely to have a significant effect at the price of gas in Ukraine (despite the fact that we do not buy gas from Gazprom, but import it from Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary): most of the gas supplied to our country comes from the companies that had normal price conditions when working with Gazprom, Omelchenko underlined. According to him, the effect can be achieved if we buy more gas from central European companies, as the result of the decision of the EC in these countries, the price may decrease. This would become possible when implementing some infrastructure solutions. In particular, in the case of building an interconnector with Poland. On the other hand, the issue of the prices decrease or the margin of the supplier companies will increase (given that prices in the Ukrainian market remain high) is still questionable. Experts also note that the current EC decision is rather mild. "It was expected that it would be tougher and Gazprom would at least be fined a large amount for the violations that it allowed all these years, but it did not happen," Omelchenko says. At the same time, he said, there is confidence that "the EU's offensive on the dominant position of Gazprom will continue." Recall, the EC also considers the possibility of extending the provision of the gas directive of the Third Energy Package to gas pipelines coming from third countries to the EU countries (and in the opposite direction). What does it mean for Nord Stream-2, a Russian gas pipeline that poses a serious threat to Ukraine and involves the supply of gas to the EU bypassing the Ukrainian gas transportation system? The approval of this initiative means the need for separate negotiations between Germany and Russia regarding conditions functioning of the gas pipeline, which in any case will postpone the date of its commissioning. In addition, the application of the stipulated anbandling directive may force Gazprom to sell its stake in the project. All these factors could lead to the Russian monopolist's refusal to implement the project, experts suggest. The weakening of Gazprom's positions in the EU, in any case, is beneficial to Ukraine and may become an additional trump card in negotiations with regard to the extension of the transit contract after 2019. As you know, now the Ukrainian Naftogaz and the Russian Gazprom are in a state of an open war. Ukrainian company began the process of collecting a debt of $ 2.6 billion from PJSC Gazprom in foreign courts in pursuance of the decision of the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce. As part of this process, interim measures have been imposed on the assets of Nord Stream AG (which manages the Nord Stream project) in Switzerland, and shares in the Nord Stream and Nord Stream-2 offshore gas pipeline project companies have also been frozen. Ukraine confiscated all the funds of the Russian Gazprom, which were on the territory of the country. After the decision of the Stockholm Arbitration, Gazprom in turn, not in its favor, announced the initiation of termination of contracts for the supply and transit of gas from the Naftogaz of Ukraine. Over the past 24 hours, three Ukrainian army servicemen sustained combat wounds in the war-torn Donbas. According to the HQ of the Joint Forces Operation, the most intense military action was observed in Donetsk region, where the enemy used mortars of various calibers to shell Opytne and Novotroitske. In Luhansk region, the Russian mercenaries attacked Prychepylivka, Krymske, and Novotoshkivske. Numerous skirmishes are reported in the area of Lebedynske and Shyrokyne, Donetsk region. Two enemy soldiers were killed and another four were wounded in action over the mentioned period, the Ukrainian side reports. On June 5, the radio-technical troops of the Joint Forces spotted and destroyed 'Orlan-10', the Russian-made UAV. On June 3, the situation in Donbas remained under control, with the most intense fights observed in Avdiivka, Novotroitske, Hnutove, and Lebedynske. Artillery shells and mines hit some of the mentioned areas. A tough artillery strike was reported in Talakivka, Donetsk region. No casualties among Ukrainian forces were observed. An enemy fighter lost his life in one of the attacks. The casualties in the enemys troops are being determined Open source The situation in Donbas conflict zone remained under control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine over the past 24 hours on June 6. The militants have opened fire at the Ukrainian positions seven times. No casualties among the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported. The Joint Forces Operation HQ reported this on Facebook. The enemy violated the ceasefire seven times, one of which using Minsk-banned weapons. Russian terrorist troops used prevocational attacks in Donets and Mariupol sectors, the message says. The battle actions were conducted near Krymske, Marinka, Hnutove, Pavlopil and Shyrokyne. The militants opened fire from 120- and 82-mm mortar launchers near Opytne. No casualties among the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported. The casualties in the enemys troops are being determined. Earlier, we reported that Petro Poroshenko, the President of Ukraine, had a telephone conversation with Justin Trudeau, the PM of Canada, and discussed the deployment of the UN peacekeeping mission in Donbas. Poroshenko has informed about the current state in Donbas and Moscows provocations to create tensions on the Sea of Azov. The interlocutors have coordinated the positions before the G7 summit. Read original article at 112.ua Open source Unresolved problems can return to you at the most unexpected moment and beat in the most sensitive places. Recently, the European Court of Human Rights acknowledged that the existing moratorium on the sale of agricultural land in Ukraine violates human rights. The problem was actualized by two pensioners: 71-year-old Sofia Zelenchuk from Ivano-Frankivsk and 79-year-old Viktor Tsytsyura from Ternopil. Both plaintiffs are owners of land shares, which they rented, and then they wanted to sell. In 2015, Zelenchuk and Tsytsyura appealed to the ECHR with a request to explain whether the existing moratorium violates their civil rights. The court's decision says that there is no total ban on the sale of land in member countries of the Council of Europe. There is no such restriction for countries with transitional economies. And consequently, from the point of view of European law, the plaintiffs can be recognized as victims of the policy pursued by Ukraine in this sphere. For this policy, we generally got a lot. The ECHR noted the "inconsistency of the Ukrainian authorities," which had long declared its intention to create a land market, but each time only prolonged the moratorium. Ukraine should adopt a set of legislative measures that would ensure an equitable balance in the interests of the society and individuals with farmland, the ECHR noted. At the same time, of course, the human rights court did not (and could not) insist that the moratorium is lifted, and the land market - immediately created. It was only about the responsibility of the state, which should balance between the needs of citizens and the nation as a whole. And the ECHR decided to pay compensation of 3,000 euros to the victims. Minister of Finance Olexander Daylyuk, who is now in acute opposition to the authorities, immediately commented on this decision. That is, this decision opens our eyes to the obvious thing: no state policy, in his opinion, will be effective if it is built on the violation of human rights. But is it really about human rights violations in this case? The Ukrainian specificity of managing everything has its own unique imprint, and that is why land issues are among those that often do not have an unambiguous answer. For example, in Denmark, agricultural land is sold solely on the condition of maintaining the status quo of this land. The buyer must prove that he plans to engage in farming and nothing else - in particular, the last eight years before buying, he must live in rural areas. There are other fuses: purchase of shares and bringing the land to a size of more than 150 hectares is prohibited by law when the acquired property reaches 30 hectares, the owner must confirm his professional qualifications and demonstrate the results of his work on this land. For legal entities in Denmark, agricultural land is not sold at all - only private owners have the right to purchase. And what about Ukraine? And in Ukraine, 71% of the territory (42.7 million hectares) belongs to agricultural land (of which a quarter belongs to the state), and at the same time, however, we have completely unregulated land legislation. 25 years ago the Verkhovna Rada adopted a resolution "On Land Reform", in which there were a number of gaps. It is thanks to them that the market of agricultural land has not yet been formed; a significant part of the rental market is in the shadow; several categories of lands do not have a clearly defined legal status. Since the de facto reform did not work, 11 years after its adoption, that is, in 2002, a moratorium on the sale of agricultural land was introduced. It was assumed that the moratorium will be in effect until 2005 and will end with the adoption of laws on the land market and on the state land cadastre. The first law does not exist today. The second was still adopted in 2011 with a deferral until January 1, 2013. But it did not come into force because of the extension of the moratorium until January 1, 2016, and subsequently - until the current year, 2018. If we talk about the pros and cons of lifting the moratorium, then all the advantages of selling land have been discussed for a long time. The lack of a free land market hampers healthy competition and the growth of the agricultural sector; inefficient land management deprives the motivation of farms; Ukraine as an agrarian state loses its attractiveness in the world market and the like. All that has been said is entirely just and fair, but the desire to establish order in this area should correlate with the assessments of all the risks that the lifting of the moratorium brings. We do not need Pyrrhic victories, and, if you think about it, the chance to enter the free market without significant losses at the moment is zero. Consequently, we consider all the disadvantages of introducing free land sales. Ukrainian peasants are not rich people, so they will almost certainly see the possibility of stabilizing their financial position in the right to sell their plots. The same applies to land that is in communal ownership - due to its sale, local budgets (still dependent on Kyiv, despite promises of decentralization) will gladly be replenished and expanded. So, the land will move from one source to another. But where? Here there are only two options: either the investor will be domestic or foreign. Our farmers (even large farms) will not buy much land - again, because of the limited financial resources. Therefore, most likely, shares will be owned by foreigners (or speculators, who will then resell the land abroad). What's wrong with foreigners? It's all right if they work for the Ukrainian economy. The legislative algorithm, which would limit the presence of foreign capital on the land market, is not available today. Someone predicts the arrival on this market of large transnational corporations that will buy out all that was left unsold by Ukrainian investors. This will largely change the profile of the domestic agribusiness, which will lead to a drop in the production and export of agricultural products during the redistribution of the market (and in the long term, to a reduction in jobs in this area). However, let us imagine that with the changes to the current legislation, the activity of foreign capital will be minimized or eliminated altogether. Is it possible to consider the problem solved in this case? No, because a lot of urgently needed first steps have been made for today. The cost of land (which varies depending on the quality of the "goods") and the cost of its lease is professionally not determined (this second value, in my deep conviction, should be at least 5 percent of the estimated land value per year). And this is in the first place. Secondly, the mechanism of control and responsibility for misuse or inadequate use of land is not legally established. A penalty (from administrative to criminal) for intentional damage of soils (when, for example, three consecutive years in the same area are planted crops that deplete the ground) must be established. The third point is that an institution (land exchange) should be created - it will control the flow of land from one property to another. Naturally, this institution should be completely independent both from the executive power and from private individuals. However, after the obvious failure of the mission of various "anti-corruption" structures, it is difficult to believe in the integrity of the land exchange. In addition, even before the launch of such a stock exchange, a complete cadastre of agricultural land has to be developed, a model of the land market to be imitated by Ukraine must be defined, and clarity with the use of mineral resources and water resources should also come about. All these nuances should be very clearly spelled out in the Ukrainian legislation. Without an appropriate code on hand (and it does not yet exist) to accept a waiver of a moratorium on the sale of land would be a real crime. In conclusion, I note the obvious: to exit from the crisis, such decisions (on the abolition of the moratorium) do not work. The way out of the crisis is changing the structure of capital, that is, the creation of new enterprises, the development of new markets or spheres of management, or the modernization of old ones. With the offering of land in the "free market" neither the first, nor the second, nor the third factor will not work. Because the sale of land is not a modernization of the market, it is only a change of its owner; moreover, it is extremely unprofitable and (given the absence of an appropriate legislative basis) is extremely untimely. One should think on this well before returning to this topic again. There is no ground to bring Ukraine to the responsibility for the crash of the MH17 in the sky over Donbas for the non-closure of the airspace The government of the Netherlands does not see any ground to bring Ukraine to the responsibility for the crash of the MH17 in the sky over Donbas for the non-closure of the airspace and officially informed the States General of the Netherlands about this. It is stated in the letter of Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok to the MPs of the lower chamber as Interfax-Ukraine reported. On the basis of the report of the Dutch Advisory Board for Security, results of the JIT criminal investigation, information from the open sources and our personal investigation of the issue, including juridical aspect, the government thinks that there is no juridical basis to bring Ukraine to the responsibility. The government thinks that the additional investigation is not needed at the moment, the message said. Also, Bloc emphasized the importance of the cooperation with Ukraine within JIT for the efficiency of the criminal investigation. Moreover, the Foreign Ministry reported that the plenary debates on the ratification of the Agreement between the Netherlands and Ukraine on international-legal cooperation toward the crimes connected with the MH17 crash will take place in the States General. As is known, Boeing 777 of Malaysian Airlines, flight MH17 was on its way from Amsterdam to Kuala-Lumpur, when it crashed in the militant-held area of Donetsk region in July 2014. The aircraft carried 298 people; no one survived. Experts found out that the passenger plane was shot down by a missile, fired from Buk, the Russia-made anti-aircraft missile launcher. The weapon was brought to Donbas by pro-Kremlin militants. Moscow has been denying any ties to the disaster. As we reported the investigators from the Netherlands found another confirmation that MH17 plane was shot down from Russian 'Buk' missile system. Particularly, they got fingerprints from the ammunition. Her predecessor Dmytro Vovk refused to continue working in this office after his authority expired The new head of the National Committee for Regulation of Energy and Municipal Services of Ukraine is Oksana Kryvenko. This was the decision of the Committee, which gathered for a session on Wednesday. According to the press service of the authority, Kryvenko previously served as the Deputy Director of the Committee's Department for Settling Relations in the Oil and Gas Area. She became the full-fledged member of the regulatory authority in May. Previously, President Petro Poroshenko fired Dmytro Vovk from the office of the head of the National Committee for Energy and Municipal Services of Ukraine. Vovk refused to continue working in this office after his authority expired; he also did not participate in the contest for this particular job. Earlier, German president Frank-Walther Steinmeier claimed that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is the private initiative. Answering the question on the threat to the European solidarity and security imposed by the German project of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, German president said that it is the private initiative, Polskie Radio reported. Petro Poroshenko, the President of Ukraine, had a telephone conversation with Justin Trudeau, the PM of Canada, and discussed the deployment of the UN peacekeeping mission in Donbas, as the press office of Ukraines President reported. The importance of the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces in Donbas to settle the situation was stressed. The parties have also noted the necessity of the further pressure on Russia to make it release the Ukrainian political prisoners illegally kept in Russia, the message says. Poroshenko has informed about the current state in Donbas and Moscows provocations to create tensions on the Sea of Azov. The interlocutors have coordinated the positions before the G7 summit. As it was reported earlier, Poroshenko in his speech at the Munich Security Conference stated that Russia had a chance to show its readiness to the compromise and agree to the peacekeepers on the entire territory of the occupied Donbas. Earlier, Kurt Volker, the U.S. Ambassador to NATO, said that Russias draft resolution, which provides bringing the peacekeepers to Donbas only along the confrontation line is unacceptable for the USA and the UN, as it will not ensure security, but only exacerbate the conflict. Earlier, Poland, Germany, Sweden, Portugal, Turkey and Finland stated that they were ready to bring the peacekeepers to Donbas. The Ukrainian political prisoner asks the bloc's leaders to assist in the release of all Ukrainian captives, illegally held in Russia Oleg Sentsov, the illegally convicted political prisoner, who continues the hunger strike in Russia, wrote the letter, addressed to the leaders of G7 member countries. Hromadske.org reports that, referring to the letter's copy. 'Respected lords! Thank you so much for what you and your countries do for Ukraine. There's a lot of things to be done - by ourselves and with your assistance. One of these things is to win in this hybrid war against our enemy. As for the Ukrainian political prisoners, I hope you can do something to seal their fate without focusing on one person - me, for example. You can help a lot of people. Good luck to you with this tough case! Glory to Ukraine!', he wrote. Oleg Sentsov announced hunger strike on May 14. He demands to release 64 Ukrainian political prisoners, illegally held in Russian colonies and detention centers. In August 2015, the Russian court sentenced him to 20 years behind the bars under the charges with preparing terrorist acts in Crimea. The movie director denies all charges. Iryna Gerashchenko urges the government to create such register to keep the record of the reporters who suffered during the military action The Ukrainian government should create the unified register of the deceased, injured and captured reporters - those who are on duty during the military actions. Iryna Gerashchenko, the deputy speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament, said that at the morning session of the Verkhovna Rada in Kyiv on Wednesday. The official congratulated the Ukrainian reporters on their professional day. 'First of all, I am grateful to the war journalists who are now documenting the modern history of Ukraine, the tragic and dramatic one; I urge all executive bodies to create the unified register of injuries, fatalities, and captures of Ukrainian journalists,' she said. On June 6, Ukrainian journalists celebrate their professional holiday. This is due to the tradition that dates back from 1992; on June 6, 1992, the country's National Union of Journalists joined the International Federation of Journalists in Brussels, as the Federation voted 'yes'. Issues of media freedom and the role of independent journalism in the society have been extensively discussed in Ukraine. Ukrainian reporters have been in the middle of key events in the modern history of Ukraine. Some journalists lost their lives while on duty. Roman Sushchenko, the Ukrainian reporter, is now the political prisoner in Russia. Earlier Ukraine urged Austria to raise the issue of release of political prisoner Oleg Sentsov at this meeting The sanctions and political solution of the Ukrainian issue were discussed during the meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in Vienna as the Austrian side reported on Twitter. We hope and expect that Russia will enable political solutions in Syria and the Ukraine. In this context we also hope for progress regarding the implementation of the Minsk agreements allowing for a step by step lifting of sanctions, the message said. Also, a few memorandums aiming to strengthen the economic relations between Austria and Russia were signed during the meeting. Earlier Ukraine's Embassy in Austria called the government to raise the issue of release of political prisoner Oleg Sentsov, as the Russian leader Vladimir Putin will visit Vienna for negotiations. Also, Russian president gave the interview to the Austrian TV channel. He excluded the return of occupied Crimea to Ukraine on any terms. Moreover, Putin called the events in February 2014 in Ukraine 'armed coup' one more time and explained the actions of the Russian army at the peninsula. Stoltenberg stressed that the dialogue with Russia is not easy, that is why it is so important Open source NATO does not intend to isolate Russia, but to apply a double approach - deterrence against aggression and political dialogue, as Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, said, the press office of the Alliance reports. When it comes to Russia, I think it is important to highlight that NATO has what we call a dual-track approach to Russia, which is about that we need strong deterrence and strong defence combined with political dialogue, because we are not aiming at isolating Russia. Russia is our neighbour, Russia is here to stay, and therefore I also welcome the strong support of Italy to the dialogue we are having with Russia, he said. Stoltenberg stressed that the dialogue with Russia is not easy, that is why it is so important. The economic sanctions I think the economic sanctions are important because they send a clear message that what Russia has done in Ukraine has to have consequences and Russia has to change behaviour before the sanctions should be lifted, the Secretary General stressed. It should be noted that the summit of Defence Minister of NATO member states takes place in Brussels (Belgium) on June 7-8. On May 31, Russian NATO Council had a meeting at the level of the Ambassadors in Brussels, where they discussed the situation in Ukraine, Russias military activities and upcoming training. Ukraine news on 112.international On June 6, 1992, the country's National Union of Journalists joined the International Federation of Journalists in Brussels Open source Today, on June 6, Ukrainian journalists celebrate their professional holiday. This is due to the tradition that dates back from 1992; on June 6, 1992, the country's National Union of Journalists joined the International Federation of Journalists in Brussels, as the Federation voted 'yes'. Issues of media freedom and the role of independent journalism in the society have been extensively discussed in Ukraine. Ukrainian reporters have been in the middle of key events in the modern history of Ukraine. Some journalists lost their lives while on duty. Roman Sushchenko, the Ukrainian reporter, is now a political prisoner in Russia. International Day of Solidarity of Journalists is celebrated On September 8. The day was chosen for a reason. The Nazis executed Julius Fucik, a Czechoslovak journalist and a literary critic, on September 8, 1943 in a Nazi concentration camp, where he managed to write his book Notes from the Gallows in prison. The International Peace Prize was awarded to him posthumously in 1950. The Appeal Court of Kyiv scheduled the consideration of the appeal against the arrest of Borys Herman suspected in the organization of the preparation to the murder of Russian journalist Arkadyi Babchenko on June 11 as the press service of the court reported. The consideration of the appeal filed by the defense against the decision of the investigating judge of the Shevchenkivsky District Court of Kyiv dated May 31, 2018 on the arrest of Herman B. scheduled on June 11, 2018, the message said. It is added that Viacheslav Dzyubyn appointed as reporting judge by the atomized system of the document management. On May 31, the suspected in the organization of Babchenko's murder was detained for two months without a right for the bail. On May 29 it was reported that Arkadiy Babchenko, a Russian journalist, was murdered in Kyiv. He was allegedly shot in his apartment. Ukraines police suggested that the murder of the journalist was connected with his professional activity. There were also reports on Russias connection. Vasyl Hrytsak, the Head of SBU, at the briefing stated that Arkadiy Babchenko is alive, but the murder of Russian journalist was ordered by Russian special forces. Ukrainian citizen was enlisted for that. Earlier President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko claimed that he knew about the staging of Babchenko's murder. At the same time, the OSCE has condemned the fact that Ukrainian institutions spread fake information on the murder of Arkadiy Babchenko, a Russian journalist. The text of the relevant document will be made public tomorrow, on June 7 Ukraines Constitutional Court recognized the bill presented by 158 MPs on the congressional immunity constitutional, as Ukrainian News report referring to its source in the court. According to the massage, the decision on the case was made today, on June 6 and the text of the document will be made public tomorrow, on June 7. The court conducted the session in camera. Nataliya Shaptala was reporting on the case. It should be noted that it is about a bill 6773 on amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine concerning the cancellation of the congressional immunity, which 158 MPs have presented in the Parliament last summer. This document suggests cancellation of some articles of the Constitution, which provides the MPs with the immunity. Besides, the articles provide for the impossibility of bringing the MP to the prosecution without Parliaments approval. It is remarkable that the Parliament can consider the bill after the Constitutional Court approves it according to the articles of the Constitution on the impossibility of the amendments in the Constitution at a war or emergency state. Besides, the proposed amendments cannot restrict the rights and freedoms of the citizens and used to violate the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Earlier, Ukraines Parliament asked the Constitutional court to estimate the constitutional validity of the bill on the cancellation of the congressional immunity presented by 158 MPs in autumn of 2017. Ukraine's Security Service opened a criminal case on revealing the names from the list of 47 A representative of the Security Service of Ukraine confirmed that the list published in Strana news agency is authentic to the list received within the special operation, as the SBU press office confirmed to BBC. The representatives of the SBU confirmed for BBC News that the document published on Strana.ru website comprises same surnames that the list seized during the special operation does, the message says. As we reported the list of the 47 Ukrainian and former Russian journalists and bloggers was published by the mass media on June 5. On June 1, the Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yury Lutsenko claimed that thank to the staging of the murder of Russian journalist Arkadiy Babchenko, the prosecution got the list of the famous Ukrainian and ex-Russian journalist who should be killed too. Totally, there are 47 people on the list. On May 29 it was reported that Arkadiy Babchenko, a Russian journalist, was murdered in Kyiv. He was allegedly shot in his apartment. Ukraines police suggested that the murder of the journalist was connected with his professional activity. There were also reports on Russias connection. Vasyl Hrytsak, the Head of SBU, at the briefing stated that Arkadiy Babchenko is alive, but the murder of Russian journalist was ordered by Russian special forces. Ukrainian citizen was enlisted for that. On May 31, the suspected in the organization of Babchenko's murder was detained for two months without a right for the bail. Earlier President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko claimed that he knew about the staging of Babchenko's murder. At the same time, the OSCE has condemned the fact that Ukrainian institutions spread fake information on the murder of Arkadiy Babchenko, a Russian journalist. Guzhva emphasized that the workers of his title cannot be brought to the criminal responsibility or to witness Open source The Security Service of Ukraine confirmed by its statement that earlier published list of 47 potential victims of the Russian special services is authentic. Ihor Guzhva, the chief editor of Strana.ua that was the first to publish this list found during the special operation with the staging of the murder of Russian journalist Arkadiy Babchenko in Kyiv commented the opening of the criminal case due to the publishing of the list. Guzhva congratulated the colleagues on the Journalist Day. The main gift was presented yesterday by the SBU when it opened the criminal case due to the publishing of the 47 list by Strana. He explained which criteria were taken into account by the editors office when it took the decision to publish the material the high societal value is among them. The societal value of the so-called 47 list is certainly high. Moreover, its value was given by the representatives of the authority, SBU and Prosecutor Generals Office announcing the information about it and disclosing the information about some people on the list. They did it in such way that the massive amount of the understatement was left and it was the origin of the different manipulations and doubts in the society, Guzhva explained. He also emphasized that the workers of his title cannot be brought to the criminal responsibility as they were not warned on the non-disclosure of the materials of the pre-trial investigation on this case. Also, they cannot be witnesses in this case. Guzhva also explained the outrage called by the publishing of the list. The composition of this list certainly shows the whole dubiousness of the story about the preparation of the mass murders in Kyiv at the order of the Russian special service propagated by the authorities. As we reported the list of the 47 Ukrainian and former Russian journalists and bloggers was published by the mass media on June 5. On June 1 Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yury Lutsenko claimed that thank to the staging of the murder of Russian journalist Arkadiy Babchenko, the prosecution got the list of the famous Ukrainian and ex-Russian journalist who should be killed too. Totally, there are 47 people on the list. Ukrainian political prisoner thinks that people have many other possibilities to change the Ukrainian political prisoners' situation. Oleg, as a prisoner, has only one way to influence the problem hunger strike Open source Ukrainian political prisoner Oleg Sentsov, illegally convicted in Russia, who announced a hunger strike on May 14, asked other people not to hunger to support him. Dmytro Dinze, Sentsovs lawyer reported this on his Facebook page. Oleg Sentsov asks people at liberty not to hunger to support him. This is not right, as they have many other possibilities to change the Ukrainian political prisoners situation. Oleg, as a prisoner, has only one way to influence the problem hunger strike, Dinze wrote. As it is known, Ukrainian movie director Oleg Sentsov and Crimean activist Oleksandr Kolchenko were detained by the Russian FSB in the annexed Crimea. Both were taken to Russia. Sentsov was charged with preparing a terrorist act in Crimea and sentenced to 20 years in the high-security penal colony. Kolchenko was sentenced to ten-years-long imprisonment. Ukrainian political prisoner Oleg Sentsov has announced a hunger strike on May 14. This way, he demands that all Ukrainians detained in Russia and annexed Crimea be released. Sentsov said he was ready to die if the requirements were not fulfilled. On May 31, another Ukrainian political prisoner Oleksandr Kolchenko joined Sentsov, announcing hunger strike as well. He demands to set Sentsov free. June 1-2, international campaign #SaveOlegSentsov was held in different cities around the world. Oleg Sentsov passed the examination in the civilian hospital. According to the defense Ukrainian political prisoner is stretched to the limit Open source The state of health of Ukrainian movie maker Oleg Sentsov illegally convicted in Russia deteriorating rapidly after three weeks of the termless hunger strike. Olga Dinze, the lawyer representing the interests of Sentsov in Russia claimed this as Unian reported. Sentsov continues the hunger strike that already lasts for three weeks. Dmytro Dinze who is his advocate in the criminal case is in Labytnangi (city in russia where Sentsov is imprisoned, - 112.international) now, she said. Sentsovs state of health leaves much to be desired at the moment. As Dmytro Dinze explained, he is stretched to the limit, he was taken to the civilian hospital that is so rare for the colony. He was examined and his state of health deteriorates due to the hunger strike, Dinze reported. According to defense, if Sentsovs health will continue to deteriorate, the doctors will make a decision about his forced feeding as they cannot allow him to die in the colony. As it is known, Ukrainian movie director Oleg Sentsov and Crimean activist Oleksandr Kolchenko were detained by the Russian FSB in the annexed Crimea. Both were taken to Russia. Sentsov was charged with preparing a terrorist act in Crimea and sentenced to 20 years in the high-security penal colony. Kolchenko was sentenced to ten-years-long imprisonment. Ukrainian political prisoner Oleg Sentsov has announced a hunger strike on May 14. This way, he demands that all Ukrainians detained in Russia and annexed Crimea be released. Sentsov said he was ready to die if the requirements were not fulfilled. The relatives of Sentsov note the deterioration of his health. According to the sister, he gets injections of glucose in the amount of one liter dayly. Russian movie maker Askold Kurov noted that the Ukrainian political prisoner feels good. June 1-2, international campaign #SaveOlegSentsov to be held in different cities around the world. The organizers say that these days they "will give a red card to the regime of Putin," who illegally keeps people behind the bars. Vice Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Iryna Gerashchenko claimed that Kyiv is ready to pass 23 Russians convicted in Ukraine for the exchange of Sentsov and other Ukrainians. The first flight should take place on June 6 from Boryspil Airport and arrive to the international airport Pearson in Toronto The first direct flight of the International Airlines of Ukraine from Kyiv to Toronto will be performed today, on June 6. The Ukrainian Embassy to Canada claimed this as European Truth reported. The flight will take place from Boryspil Airport at 11:20 and arrive at the international airport Pearson in Toronto at 14:35. Andry Shevchenko, Ukraines Ambassador to Canada and Roman Vashchuk, Canadas Ambassador to Ukraine will meet the plane at the airport. At the same time, the celebrations dedicated to the opening of the direct connection of Kyiv are planned in Toronto airport. The leaders of the airport, city, Ukrainian community will participate in them. It is expected that the representatives group of the Ukrainian tourist companies will arrive at the first flight. According to the International Airlines of Ukraine, three flights Kyiv Toronto will take place weekly in the summer, and two flights in the winter. The international airport Pearson in Toronto is the biggest airport of Canada with a capacity of 4 million passengers. As we reported, Canada will collect biometric data of all Ukrainian citizens who apply for a visa. At the same time, the biometric will be collected from each applicant only once every 10 years, regardless of the length of the issued visa. The sanctions were imposed due to the cooperation with an Iranian carrier Caspian Air Open source The U.S. included Dart Airlines, a Ukrainian company, in the sanction list, as it is reported on the website of The Federal Register. It was noted that the anti-Iranian sanctions were imposed on the Ukrainian airlines due to the cooperation with an Iranian carrier Caspian Air. For providing assistance, funding or providing financial, material, technologic support or financial or any other services to support Iranian Caspian Air, Office of Foreign Assets Control annotation says. Earlier, the U.S. extended anti-Iranian sanctions. Six representatives of The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and three connected with the companys Corps were included in the sanctions list. Later, Valiolaha Seifa, the Head of Irans Central Bank, was included in the list. He is accused of supporting terrorism. As it was reported, Donald Trump, the U.S. President, has officially declared that the state leaves the Iran Nuclear Deal. The EU informed about the intentions to keep to the Deal, despite the fact that the U.S. refused to participate any further. Here, a usual piece of information on the origin and traditions of this day is expected. Yet, the reality makes us approach this in a different way Open source Around 1,000 journalists were murdered in the world over the past ten years. UNESCO named the number 930 people in November of 2017, yet the time is running. The journalists are being killed. The Journalist Day, celebrated in Ukraine on June 5, is a day to emphasize the purity of the submission of the information, the struggle against fake data, the improvement of the professional standards and many other things. Besides, on this day we talk about the fact that the journalists are being murdered. The Journalist Day 2018 is the day when it is necessary to mention that. Journalists are being killed. How Georgiy Gongadze was murdered A Ukrainian journalist, the founder and first Chief Editor of Ukrainska Pravda news agency. His murder in 2000 caused an enormous resonance and lead to big political scandals and protests. 18 years passed, yet the assassin's paymaster has not been named. Though, there is a person convicted of the murder Oleksy Pukach, the former Head of Internal Ministry External Monitoring Department. It is suspected that he will not be imprisoned for life. And yes, the journalists are still being killed. How Ihor Oleksandrov was murdered Open source The Director of a private television company and radio station TOP in Sloviansk. Four unknown beat up Oleksandrov with batons in his own office in July 2001. The journalist died from the injuries received. Mass media suggested that Oleksandrovs death was connected with his investigations of corruption and organized crime. Rybaky brothers, the leaders of the local organized criminal group, were accused of this within the investigation. But, there is also information that the actual perpetrators were not found. And yes, the journalists are still being killed. How Vasyl Klimentyev was murdered Open source The body, though, was not found. Vasyl Klimentyev, the Chief Editor of Media Port news agency, went missing in August 2010. The law enforcers opened a criminal case under the article on intentional homicide. Andry Kozar, a former officer of the Organized Crime Unit, is suspected of the murder. According to mass media, he is on the run. And yes, the journalists are still being killed. How Vasyl Serhiyenko was murdered Open source An active participant of the Revolution of Dignity was beaten and kidnapped from his own yard in April of 2014. His body was found in a forest 15 km away from the city with his hands cuffed and his body tortured. In May of 2018, the court prolonged the sentence for four individuals accused of Serhiyenkos case for two months. Therefore, the judicial process is still underway. While the journalists are still being killed. Related: Ukraine marks Day of Journalist How Vyacheslav Veremiy was murdered Open source The Vesti correspondent was beaten with batons and shot in Kyiv center. Yury Krysin is being prosecuted on the case, yet the judicial process is far from its end (besides, it triggered an enormous resonance as many other cases did). While the journalists are still being killed. How Ihor Kostenko was murdered A sniper shot the reporter of Sportanalitic website on Maidan (the Independence Square) How Olha Moroz was murdered Open source The Chief Editor of Netishyn Vistnyk news agency was killed in her own house. The murderers were not found. It was reported, that before the murder Olha Moroz was preparing the material about an illegal forest clearance. How Pavlo Sheremet was murdered Open source His murderers are still not found, despite an active attention of the Ukrainian community. Do not want to make any pessimistic predictions, yet this list is just a part of the overall picture. The security of the journalists still requires changes. Though, it is, probably, a global tendency. One should remember the most important things on the Journalist Day Many colleagues have sacrificed their lives within the professional activity. We hope that those who are alive will protect themselves. Everyone has to remember about safety on this day. Because, as everyone was convinced, a journalist, to put it lightly, is not the safest profession in the world. Thank you, readers, for reading. And to all the journalists be safe. YEREVAN, JUNE 6, ARMENPRESS. The Public Relations department of the Armenian Presidential staff gave a comment to 168.am in regards to President Armen Sarkissians opinion on the Artsakh events. ARMENPRESS presents the question and answer: -How does President Armen Sarkissian assess the protests in Stepanakert? -The President of the Republic welcomes suspension of protests in Stepanakert based on the agreements reached with President of Artsakh Bako Sahakyan and call of Armenias Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. President Sarkissian is in contact with the President of Artsakh, consults with the former leadership and prominent people of Artsakh. The President expresses satisfaction that the Artsakh authorities quickly reacted to that painful incident, it was condemned, called unacceptable and received a legal assessment. An investigative committee has been established in the Artsakh parliament aimed at comprehensively discussing the current situation. The developments over this incident show that the people of Artsakh demonstrate high political and civic consciousness. The President shares the estimate that domestic stability, unshakable state grounds, consistent increase of the countrys security and defense capacity, which can be achieved by the work of the Artsakh people and ensuring peaceful conditions for life and solving socio-economic issues aimed at improving living standards, are unique values for Artsakh. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JUNE 6, ARMENPRESS. This year, the Armenian capital is celebrating its 2800th anniversary of foundation. Numerous events will be organized in Yerevan on this occasion in autumn. www.cityinfo.am is a great tool for navigating around Yerevan for both tourists and locals. The website features virtually everything the city has to offer, ranging from museums to cafes, from restaurants and nightclubs to clothing stores and other venues, including hotels. The only-English website can serve as your guide and navigator for any occasion. The team of www.cityinfo.am is doing its best to keep up with the pace of the vibrant city to update the information. You can even use the website to read about the history of the city and its modern-day structure, founder of the website Stepan Kocharyan told ARMENPRESS. Although the city is small, it is still a good idea to be informed when going out to explore it, so you can also use a map of Yerevan which is available at www.cityinfo.am. Kocharyan added that soon the mobile app of the website will be available. This is a unique city, a beautiful city. I think the slogan of our website is very appropriate: Yerevan - where ancient history meets a modern metropolis, Kocharyan said. YEREVAN, JUNE 6, ARMENPRESS. During the spring session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, it was highly appreciated that Armenia, being a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), continues deepening the relations with NATO, Koryun Nahapetyan head of Armenias delegation to the NATO PA, told reporters in Yerevan on June 6, Armenpress reports. A special importance was attached to Armenias participation in the NATO peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo. This has been specifically stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg who noted that Armenia remains a reliable partner for NATO, Koryun Nahapetyan said. The NATO chief also stated that they are ready to deepen the cooperation with Armenia. The spring session of the NATO PA was held in Warsaw, Poland from May 25 to 28. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JUNE 6, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of the Parliament of Armenia Ara Babloyan and the delegation led by him met with President of the Consultative Assembly (parliament) of Qatar Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Mahmud in Moscow on the sidelines of the visit to Russia, the Armenian Parliament told Armenpress. During the meeting the officials discussed issues relating to the inter-parliamentary ties, as well as the development of cooperation between the two countries in different spheres. Speaker Babloyan highlighted the necessity for such contacts and meetings in the context of expanding the inter-parliamentary relations. He stated that Armenia follows the ongoing events in Qatar. Ara Babloyan said the political and commercial ties of the two countries are expanding every year: additional efforts are needed for reaching them to a higher level. In terms of development of tourism and commercial ties, the Speaker of the Armenian Parliament attached importance to the existence of direct air communication between Armenia and Qatar. In his turn the Speaker of the Qatari parliament expressed readiness to develop and deepen the bilateral relations. Both officials invited each other to visit their countries. The Armenian delegation includes Vice-Speaker of the Parliament Mikayel Melkumyan. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JUNE 6, ARMENPRESS. Member of Parliament Samvel Alexanyan has quit the Republican Party (HHK) faction of the parliament. Alexanyan is still a HHK lawmaker. According to online reports, the lawmaker himself confirmed the news. Six other lawmakers had previously withdrawn from the Republican faction. Samvel Alexanyans family owns the major Yerevan City supermarket chain which was lately under the spotlight of law enforcement agencies for tax evasion accusations. ENGLISH: Editor/Translator - Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, JUNE 6, ARMENPRESS. Gevorg Kostanyan, member of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) faction, assures that he will not leave the faction in any case, reports Armenpress. Gevorg Kostanyan told reporters that even if one person remains in the faction, he will be the second. The lawmaker also stated that he is not concerned over the fact that the businessmen lawmakers are leaving the faction. At the same time he stated that if he made a decision to leave the faction, he would step down. Asked in what case he will leave the faction, Kostanyan said he will leave the faction only when he decides to step down as Member of Parliament. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JUNE 6, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on June 6 received Yulia Ustyugova, Resident Representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for Armenia, the government told Armenpress. During the meeting the PM attached importance to the close cooperation with the IMF and its constant assistance to economic reforms. PM Pashinyan said increasing the effectiveness of expenditures of ongoing programs and funds, as well as the disciplinary in the financial field are among the governments priorities. The IMF Resident Representative introduced the PM on the process of ongoing projects in Armenia and the future steps. Yulia Ustyugova expressed confidence that the IMF together with the new government will be able to effectively contribute to the reforms being carried out in Armenia. She highly appreciated the stability of Armenias financial system and added that Armenia can be considered as exemplary in this regard. The sides also exchanged views on a number of other issues relating to the expected reforms by the governments program in different fields, as well as the bilateral partnership agenda. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JUNE 6, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Aparan community will save large amount of money thanks to the launch of solar energy production system. 60 applications have already been submitted, the applicants have a desire to install solar power plants on the roofs of their houses, Hrayr Mkrtchyan Aparan deputy community head, told Armenpress. The number of solar days in Aparan is around 290. And we consider the use of solar technologies as a priority direction of our strategy. We will save large amount of money thanks to the solar energy production system. We want to install solar power plants on the community infrastructures. As a result of this we will have nearly 30 kW solar energy on our community infrastructures. We pay nearly 25-30 million drams annually for electricity. In order to provide the whole community with a solar energy, nearly 200 kW solar power plants are needed. This will contribute to save nearly 30 million drams. That money will be directed for other social programs, Hrayr Mkrtchyan said. Two versions on installing solar system in Aparan are being considered the community heads office or the building of culture. The construction of the system requires three years. Chairman of the Communities Association of Armenia Emin Yeritsyan said after installation of these systems a foundation will be established. It will enable to work with the local people, inform them about the positive sides of using solar energy. Quite a good and interesting experience is being formed in that community, he said. The solar energy production system will be constructed by the initiative of the Foundation to Save Energy and the Communities Association NGO and the EU funds within the frames of the EU4Energy program. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan STEPANAKERT, JUNE 6, ARMENPRESS. Artsakhs State Minister Arayik Harutyunyan presented the reasons for his resignation during an ongoing press conference today. He said that the society has a demand, a mood in terms of a new phase of reforms in the country. During the past several months, particularly after the latest events in Armenia, after the velvet revolution, the people of Artsakh too formed a demand on making changes, he said. At the same time, he said that Artsakh has recorded serious progress in terms of development of democratic values. Events led to the growth of the demand and the government, led by the president, must consider this, he said, adding that together with President Sahakyan theyve been discussing the next stage of reforms during the past one month. Harutyunyan resigned earlier today. ENGLISH: Editor/Translator - Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, JUNE 6, ARMENPRESS. Since January 2015, EU-Armenia relations have developed significantly. The negotiation and provisional application of a new bilateral partnership agreement, as well as the finalisation of Partnership Priorities in February this year have contributed to this success, a new EU report said, the EU Delegation to Armenia told Armenpress. Issued ahead of the first European Union - Armenia Partnership Council, which will be held on 21 June, today's report looks at developments in Armenia and in EU-Armenia relations over the past two-and-a-half years. "We have witnessed a very important period for EU-Armenia relations and for Armenia itself", said the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini. "A lot of hard work and determination has gone into our new bilateral agreement, which stands to bring visible benefits to our citizens, from strengthening transparency and accountability, to creating more opportunities for trade and investment, to environmental protection. Now is the time to implement the agreement, along with our Partnership Priorities, so as to turn the hard work on paper into concrete results." "In addition to the new agreement, which was ratified unanimously by the Armenian Parliament and is now being provisionally applied, we also have seen encouraging steps forward when it comes to bringing our citizens closer together, through initialling a common aviation agreement and extending the Trans-European Transport Network", said the Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn. "Armenia has also participated actively in our Eastern Partnership Summit in Brussels last November, when leaders endorsed the 20 deliverables for 2020, complementing the priorities of our bilateral agenda." In Armenia, peaceful protests in April and May 2018 brought about a change of government within the framework of the Armenian Constitution. The EU will continue to support reforms in Armenia that promote democracy, the rule of law and respect of human rights, as well as a resilient and prosperous social and economic system. Notable developments highlighted by the report include the adoption by a large majority in the Armenian Parliament of a new Law on the prevention of violence, protection of victims and restoration of cohesion within the family in December 2017. The EU considers the new law an important step towards the greater protection of human rights and gender equality. In the area of education, reforms have taken place in line with the Bologna process with the support of the Erasmus+ programme. Armenian universities have been able to modernise study programmes, moving towards a better match with labour market needs. 1,800 students and university professors have been involved in EU-Armenia academic exchange and mobility until the end of 2017. In 2016 Armenia became associated to the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon 2020, which opens up new opportunities for the country's research institutions and enterprises to enhance the transformation of scientific knowledge into commercial opportunities. The EU4Innovation initiative, launched in November 2016, aims at boosting innovation throughout the Eastern Partnership. An EU4Innovation Centre is about to be established in Yerevan to promote scientific education and close links between universities and businesses. Since 2014, the EU has provided close to 120 million of financial support to Armenia with a focus on private sector developments, governance and education. Furthermore Armenia has also benefited from funding for multi-country projects. Transport infrastructure development and energy efficiency has been supported under the Neighbourhood Investment Facility, while further EU support is aiming at delivering concrete results to citizens in areas such as judicial reform, access to finance and economic development, connectivity, education and mobility. Support to civil society, human rights, deepening democracy and strengthening citizen participation will continue to be a focus, as well as support to economic development. The EU has also continued to fully support the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe Minsk Group Co-Chairs and confidence/peace building and conflict prevention activities in relation to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The European Union firmly believes that the conflict needs an early political settlement in accordance with the principles and norms of international law. YEREVAN, JUNE 6, ARMENPRESS. Director of the National Security Service of Artsakh Arshavir Gharamyan and his deputy Garik Sargsyan have resigned, state minister Arayik Harutyunyan told a press conference shortly after his own resignation. Earlier on June 6, in addition to the state minister, the police chief of the country had resigned also. They are both legendary people, Harutyunyan said referring to the police chief and the national security service head. Arayik Harutyunyan stepped down as state minister today morning. ENGLISH: Editor/Translator - Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, JUNE 6, ARMENPRESS. This years hero of Aurora Hector Tomas Gonzalez Castillo has arrived in Armenia to participate in Aurora also for testifying about the work of his team, ARMENPRESS reports he said in a meeting with hundreds of people in Armenia. I have made a journey reaching Armenia. And in some sense this is the appreciation of our work. People who continue working in Mexico at La 72 shelter helping refugees feel that there are people that encourage them to continue their efforts. I have come here also to testify about the work done by our team. We have to try to do everything to relieve people and save lives, Gonzalez Castillo said. He recalled the victims of the persecution by the government of Nicaragua. People from the poorest regions where dominates inequality arrive at La 72 shelter. The hero says that its very difficult to live in those countries, which makes people to strive for North America. For my country they are animals, they are treated inhumanly. And the organization represented by me tries to accept those people and to treat them humanly, he said. Established in 2011, La 72 has provided shelter to over 50 thousand people. Today it gives shelter to 70-80 people daily from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. English translator/editor: Tigran Sirekanyan Explosions boomed from Guatemala's fearsome Fuego volcano Wednesday, unleashing fresh torrents of mud and ash down slopes, as the death toll from a previous eruption rose to at least 99. Fears of a new blowup of the 3,763-meter (12,346-foot) volcano have stalked rescue workers since Sunday's eruption buried entire villages on its southern flank. The National Forensic Sciences Agency said in a report Wednesday that morgues had received the remains of 99 people killed as a result of the eruption. Only 28 have been identified so far, it said. "We already have data with names and locations where there are missing persons and that number is 192," Sergio Cabanas, head of Guatemala's disaster management agency, told reporters earlier in the day. Experts warned Wednesday that heavy rains in the area could provoke avalanches due to the large flows of volcanic mud, known as lahars, since the eruption on Sunday. Volcanologists recorded the volcano exploding several times an hour Wednesday, which generated a fresh 4,700 meter (15,500 feet) high column of gray ash. "The explosions are generating moderate avalanches that have an approximate distance of 800 to 1,000 meters," the Volcanology Institute said. It said the lahars could sweep down the mountain laden with concrete, rocks up to a meter (yard) in diameter and tree trunks. "The activity continues and the possibility of new pyroclastic flows in the next hours or days cannot be ruled out, so it is recommended not to remain near the affected area," it said. Emergency workers had to temporarily suspend their search late Tuesday after a new eruption triggered a landslide. Hundreds of people were evacuated from seven communities in the Escuintla area near the summit, as panicked locals rushed to their cars to escape, causing chaotic traffic. An AFP photographer saw a large plume of ash rise into the sky, prompting an evacuation of everyone authorities could find before the police, the military and rescuers were ordered to stand down. - Ongoing search - Hundreds of rescue workers, including firefighters, police and the military, were battling adverse conditions to search for remains in the tangled morass of rubble, dust and earth left behind by the landslides. General Walter Sanchez, in charge of operations around the epicenter of the destruction near the village of El Rodeo, said the heat from the ash and hot sediment made rescue work difficult. Firefighters hosed down their smoking boots, which had sunk into molten volcanic material just below the ash surface. Everything in the search area was covered in a thick blanket of dust. In the murk created by the dust, police were using red ink to mark homes that had already been searched for bodies. More than 12,000 people have been evacuated from their homes, the disaster management agency said, with over 3,000 of them housed in temporary shelters. On the slopes Wednesday, local volunteers distributed food to rescue workers, and columns of cars handed out food, water, toilet paper, diapers and other necessities to residents. Some residents said they had organized themselves to prevent looting that they claimed occurred on the first night of the disaster. - Strongest in decades- The killer eruption was the Central American country's strongest in four decades. It sent huge clouds of ash barreling over the surrounding area, blanketing roads, cars and people in thick gray dust as a river of molten mud carved a path down the mountain, sweeping away entire villages. Officials said the speed and ferocity of the eruption took mountain communities by surprise, with many of the dead found in or around their homes. Despite offers of international help from the United States, Mexico and several Latin American neighbors, Guatemalan authorities have not made a request for foreign aid. The foreign ministry said disaster management agency CONRED would help determine any such request. "We are ready when CONRED, as the governing body of emergency management, authorize us to make an appeal," the ministry said in a statement. President Jimmy Morales has been criticized on social media for passively waiting to react to offers of international aid. The head of the International Red Cross Francesco Rocca is due to visit the country on Thursday, the Geneva-based agency said. Meanwhile, the US Air Force was to "transport six Guatemalan children injured by the recent eruption" for treatment in Texas on Wednesday, the American military said. A smoke column billows from the lower part of the Fuego volcano near Guatemala City on June 5, 2018 Police officers carry a victim in the ash-covered village of San Miguel Los Lotes, in Escuintla Department Factfile on the Guatemala volcano that has left scores dead Soldiers search for victims of the Fuego volcano eruption in the ash-covered village of San Miguel Los Lotes NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday he was battling to stop the increasingly bitter row between Europe and the US spilling over into the alliance, warning of "serious disagreements" among member countries. European countries are at loggerheads with Washington over punishing new US tariffs on steel and aluminium as well as President Donald Trump's decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal and Paris climate accord. NATO defence ministers will meet in Brussels on Thursday to approve plans to beef up the alliance's ability to mobilise forces quickly in the event of a crisis, as concern about the threat from Russia shows no sign of abating. They will also sign off on two new command centres -- one to protect Atlantic shipping lanes, based in Norfolk, Virginia, and another to coordinate troop movements around Europe, located in the southern German city of Ulm. But the meeting, just five weeks out from a full summit of NATO leaders, looks set to be overshadowed by the spat between European countries and their longtime ally across the Atlantic. "There are now serious disagreements with NATO allies on serious issues," Stoltenberg told reporters, saying he was working hard to minimise the fallout for the alliance. "As long as they're not solved I have to be focused on how to reduce, limit the negative consequences for NATO." Stoltenberg insisted the "transatlantic bond" remained strong and pointed to the way NATO survived major differences among members over the Iraq war in 2003 and the Suez crisis of 1956. "What we have seen again and again is that we have been able to unite around NATO's core task, to protect and defend each other despite those differences," he said. The leaders of all 29 NATO members will meet in Brussels for the summit in July when all eyes will be on Trump, who has repeatedly attacked European countries for not pulling their weight in the alliance. Germany, Europe's largest economy, has suffered the worst of Trump's wrath for its failure to live up to a pledge by all NATO countries to try to spend at least two percent of gross domestic product on defence. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg insists the "transatlantic bond" remains strong France, Britain, Germany and the EU on Wednesday sent the United States a joint official request for their companies to be exempt from punitive measures resulting from fresh US sanctions on Iran. "As allies, we expect that the United States will refrain from taking action to harm Europe's security interests," said the letter to US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said the three countries and the EU were asking the US "to exempt European businesses doing legitimate trade in Iran from all extraterritorial American sanctions". "Those businesses must be able to pursue their activities," he wrote on Twitter. The plea comes as European leaders scramble to save the hard-fought deal signed between Iran and world powers in 2015 under which Tehran agreed to limits on its nuclear capacities in exchange for relief from crippling economic sanctions. US President Donald Trump announced he was abandoning the deal last month -- which will mean new sanctions on the Islamic republic and punitive measures for those who trade with it. Analysts say European firms which have rushed to invest in Iran after the lifting of sanctions over the past three years have the most to lose from the renewed sanctions. Several major companies including France's Total and the Netherlands' Maersk have already said it will be impossible to stay in Iran once the sanctions are fully reimposed over the next six months, unless they receive explicit exemptions from Washington. French automaker PSA said Monday that it would pull out of two joint ventures to sell its cars in Iran to avoid the risk of punishing fines. French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said France, Britain, Germany and the EU were asking the US "to exempt European businesses doing legitimate trade in Iran from all extraterritorial American sanctions" At least 121 people have been killed in a wave of protests since April 18 against President Daniel Ortega's government, Nicaragua's main human rights group said Tuesday, calling it a "human tragedy." The Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (CENIDH) said another 1,300 people have been wounded in the protests, which have met with a violent crackdown from the government. "This is now a massacre, a human tragedy where the goal is to exterminate all those young people who think differently than or are critical of the government," the group's executive secretary, Marlin Sierra, told AFP. "It amounts to state terrorism." The latest toll includes a young boy killed by gunfire during clashes Tuesday in the resort city of Granada between anti-government protesters and riot police, the group said. A parish priest, Wilmer Perez, earlier told the 100% news channel that the boy was killed in a confrontation between demonstrators and government supporters trying to clear a barricade in the city, 45 kilometers (28 miles) south of the capital Managua. Town hall and the local office of the ruling Sandinista party in Granada were burned down by protesters, and several electrical appliance stores were looted and burned, a local businessman told AFP on condition he not be named. He said the police did not show up at any of these places. Ten people were also killed in running battles over the weekend in the flashpoint city of Masaya, near Managua, said the CENIDH. Masaya residents armed with homemade mortars and slingshots faced off in clashes with what they said were riot police and vigilante groups loyal to Ortega, who has dominated the Central American country's politics for four decades. Separately on Tuesday, the Organization of American States, which was holding its general assembly in Washington, issued a condemnation of the violence and appealed to the Nicaraguan government and other parties to "demonstrate commitment and engage constructively in peaceful negotiation." - On edge - The city braced for a new night of clashes Tuesday, after several nights of attacks that residents say were led by riot police. "Yesterday we buried one person, the day before we buried another. One was a 15-year-old boy. He begged for his life. He told the policewoman, 'Don't kill me, don't kill me.' But bam, bam, she shot him," said Ramona Garcia, 83. "We're sick and tired of it. We want that son of a bitch Ortega to go. The people want him to go, all Nicaragua wants him to go," she told AFP, speaking beside one of the myriad barricades residents have erected in the streets. Built with cobblestones, furniture, sheet metal and whatever else is at hand, the barricades are meant to keep out pro-Ortega gangs, whom residents accuse of pillaging the city of 100,000 people. The government blames criminals for the pillaging, and says it sent in riot police at the request of small-business owners. - Economic pressure - In Managua, there is a virtual curfew in place after dark, with motorcycle gangs terrorizing those who venture out, according to the CENIDH. Barricades set up on key highways have meanwhile ground transportation to a halt. Some parts of the country are beginning to run out of fuel and other essentials. The country's business elite, long close to Ortega, have broken with him over the crackdown. The Catholic Church, also once close to Ortega, initially tried to mediate the conflict. But it called off the talks after attacks on a march led by victims' mothers last Wednesday left 16 people dead. The crackdown on what started as relatively small protests against pension cuts has fueled demands for the ouster of Ortega and Murillo. Ortega blames the violence on right-wing opposition groups he says are conspiring to "terrorize" the country. The former guerrilla leader first came to power in 1979, at the head of a communist junta installed by the Sandinista rebels after they ousted dictator Anastasio Somoza. He lost power at the ballot box in 1990, then led the opposition until winning a 2006 election that again returned him to the presidency. He is now serving his third consecutive term, due to end in 2022. A demonstrator fires a homemade mortar against riot police during protests in Masaya near Managua on June 2, 2018 A riot police officer fires a weapon during clashes with students taking part in a protest in Managua on May 28, 2018 Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes (foreground) receives a coffin with the body of Nicaraguan Cardinal Miguel Obando for a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Managua on June 4, 2018 French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed support for "strong multilateralism" in Ottawa Wednesday before the G7 summit, where US President Donald Trump's aggressive trade policies are sure to raise hackles. Displaying a united front, the two leaders in their 40s said in a statement they "support a strong, responsible, transparent multilateralism to face the global challenges." The pair were scheduled to hold formal talks and a private dinner on Wednesday, followed by a joint news conference early Thursday. Those discussions are likely to focus on Trump's decision last week to impose punishing tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum from Washington's closest allies, including Canada, the European Union and Japan. In retaliation, all of them have either hit back with their own tariffs on US goods or threatened to do so, as well as challenging the US trade measure at the World Trade Organization. Both Trudeau and Macron had tried to persuade Trump not to impose the tariffs. "There will be frank and sometimes difficult discussions around the G7 table, particularly with the US president on tariffs," Trudeau told reporters. His private meeting with Macron, he said, "will be an opportunity to talk about the relations between Canada and France that are going very well, but also to highlight the challenges that we are going to have around the G7 table, and to make sure we are aligned." - Economic order 'under attack' - The EU and Canada were originally shielded from the aluminum and steel tariffs, but Trump ended that exemption last week. Since then, Trudeau, Macron and other European leaders have toughened their tone, lamenting what they see as rising US protectionism. "The world economic order is... under attack," Canada's Trade Minister Francois Philippe Champagne commented. Trump economic advisor Larry Kudlow, however, framed the trade spat as a "family quarrel" which he said would be "worked out," while adding that his administration "will do what is necessary to protect the United States, its businesses and its workforce." Macron -- who had formed an unlikely bond with Trump -- declined to characterize his last conversation with the US leader, but unnamed White House insiders told US media it was "terrible." Still, the French leader pledged to have a "productive and frank discussion with President Trump at the G7," the Group of Seven industrialized democracies. "It does not detract from the friendship we have for each other and the friendship between our two countries," he said. Trudeau, who has been cordial with Trump, said in March he had received assurances that Canada would be spared as they worked toward a revamp of a 1994 continental trade pact with the United States. But that all changed with the announcement of the US levies, and Trudeau retaliated with Can$16.6 billion (US$12.9 billion) in tariffs on US goods. The two sides are also deadlocked on negotiations over the future of their North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Mexico. Ottawa refuses to grant US demands for a clause that would end the trade deal after five years unless it is renewed by the parties. Canada has also rejected "for now" a proposal floated by the White House for new separate US trade deals with Canada and Mexico. The left-leaning Trudeau and Macron see each other as natural allies in a world increasingly shaped by right-wing nationalism. That bond should only grow deeper ahead of the G7 in Quebec. According to a statement, they settled on the creation of an international working group to advance research and best practices in artificial intelligence, as well as a new defense alliance. The French-Canadian Council for Defense Cooperation will meet by year's end and look at boosting cooperation between their respective armed forces, including conducting joint military operations and partnering on UN missions. - Focus on trade - The GSeven summit on Friday and Saturday in La Malbaie, a small town 140 kilometers (87 miles) from Quebec City, will bring together the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. Trudeau hoped to put the focus on jobs, security concerns, cleaning up the world's oceans and empowering women. But officials concede the agenda is likely to be overtaken by trade disputes. "I think it's fair to expect that any discussions on the global economy... in the current environment will quickly turn into a discussion about trade," a senior Canadian official said. The other six members of the G7 are holding out hope they can find common ground with Trump, but are prepared to stand up to US protectionism. "The challenge is to try to preserve a form of unity within the G7, but not hesitate to express firmly and strongly the interests of France and of Europe," Macron's office said. French President Emmanuel Macron (2nd-R) is greeted by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (2nd-L) in Ottawa, aiming for a united front ahead of the G7 summit likely to focus on US trade tariffs Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had hoped to put the G7 focus on jobs, security concerns, cleaning up the world's oceans and empowering women Flags fly over the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu hotel, the location for the G7 summit in La Malbaie, Quebec A baby buried under ash after a volcanic eruption has miraculously survived. Police officers rescued the baby girl from her home that was covered in ash after Guatemalas Fuego volcano erupted, leaving at least 75 dead. The death toll has risen from 69. Video released by police shows an officer climbing down a ladder and pulling the baby out from the ash. People praised the police officers on Twitter for the rescue. My respects to you heroes without cloak, one said. Others thanked them for their tireless work following the volcanic eruption and for risking their lives to save others. They are heroes, God take care of them, one said on Twitter. I have only good comments. In a situation of danger, I thank you. A baby miraculously survived after a house was covered in ash. Source: Twitter: PNCdeGuatemala Guatemalas seismology and vulcanology institute says activity is increasing at the Volcano of Fire, which erupted Sunday and sent deadly flows of super-hot material boiling down its slopes and into nearby villages. On Tuesday, strong explosions billowed ash up more than 5000 meters above sea level and the dust was blowing east and northeast. The institute said there was a moderate flow of dangerous volcanic material down the volcano, and warned of the possibility of a strong flow in some areas. Guatemalas disaster agency issued new evacuation orders for some nearby communities Tuesday afternoon, setting off a panicky flight by people that stalled traffic in some areas. Clouds of ash rise from the Volcan de Fuego, or Volcano of Fire, seen from the El Rodeo hamlet of Escuintla in Guatemala. Source: Ap/Rodrigo Abd Guatemalas National Institute of Forensic Sciences raised the death toll from Sundays eruption of the Volcano of Fire to 75. Authorities have not offered any estimate of how many people might still be missing. The institute says only 23 of the recovered bodies have been identified so far. The searing hot volcanic material that covered communities near the volcano left many of the bodies unrecognisable so DNA testing or other methods will be necessary for identification. Dozens of people have been seen walking along roads carrying children or a few belongings beside paralysed traffic in parts of the Escuintla township, south of the volcano. A familys birthday party at a Texas waterpark has turned ugly after they were left on the receiving end of a series of racial slurs. Angela Gomez said she and her family arrived at Six Flags early Saturday morning and reserved a section of tables. Later on in the day, a family of four approached the group and asked if they could eat at one of the tables a request that Ms Gomez said they were more than willing to. Upon completing their meal, one of the children sat on top of the table, prompting a member of the Gomez party to ask the family if they would mind moving the boy. The woman was filmed delivering the racial slur after the dispute. Source: Facebook / Angela Gomez As video captured by Ms Gomez alludes to, thats when things took a dark turn. Bystanders can be seen watching on as Ms Gomez and the other mother exchange words. Racism is alive and well, this lady had the audacity to call us wetbacks telling us to go back to Mexico because we asked her to have her kid to sit down please, and not put his butt where people eat at, Ms Gomez wrote in a Facebook post. I have video of her calling us wetbacks, Ms Gomez wrote. They got crazy when we asked them to have the kid sit on the table correctly. Wetback is a derogatory term used to refer to Mexicans who have crossed the border into the United States. Peru's congress suspended lawmaker Kenji Fujimori late Wednesday over corruption allegations but lacked a quorum to dismiss him as part of a fight with his sister for control of their father's political dynasty. After 11 hours of debate in a special plenary session, 61 lawmakers voted to suspend the youngest son of former president Alberto Fujimori. But many lawmakers then walked out and the speaker of the chamber, Luis Galarreta, suspended the session citing a lack of quorum -- 67 lawmakers -- before it could vote on a motion to dismiss Fujimori altogether as sought by the party of his sister and rival, Keiko Fujimori. "I say this to my sister: 'here, you have my head,'" Kenji Fujimori said after the vote. "We are victims of a parliamentary dictatorship." Fujimori, 38, is accused of attempting to buy votes to keep disgraced former president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski from being impeached. Kuczynski ended up resigning, in March. With Fujimori now out of congress and under investigation, the vote Wednesday night shapes up as a win, albeit a costly one, for his sister in their battle for control of their father Alberto's political legacy. But the younger Mr. Fujimori is not disqualified from politics altogether and he and his sister could even square off against each other in presidential voting in 2021. After the vote to suspend him, half of the lawmakers in the chamber walked out, leaving only supporters of his sister. That meant there was no quorum to vote on sacking Fujimori altogether. "If anyone believes that my political life ends here, they are totally wrong, because this is just a beginning," Fujimori said before the vote, shedding a few tears. - Breaking ranks- Many see Kenji, who polled more votes than any other candidate in Peru's last two legislative elections, as likely to run against his sister for the presidency in 2021. The drive to ban Fujimori from politics was in fact aimed at keeping him out of that presidential race, analyst Fernando Tuesta told AFP. Corruption-tainted Kuczynski survived an impeachment vote in Congress last December thanks to the abstentions of Kenji Fujimori and his supporters, who broke ranks with his sister's Fuerza Popular (Popular Force) party. In what was seen as a blatant quid pro quo, Alberto Fujimori was pardoned by Kuczynski just days later and released from prison, where he was serving a 25-year term for human rights abuses committed during his decade in power (1990-2000). The 79-year-old Kuczynski finally stepped down in March on the eve of a second impeachment vote. Two congressional allies of Kenji, Bienvenido Ramirez and Guillermo Bocangel, were accused of the same charges and were also suspended Wednesday night. - Court verdict - Since leaving prison in December, the ailing Fujimori has been unable to mend fences between his children. With timing worthy of a TV soap opera, Peruvian media reported Wednesday than the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which sits in Costa Rica, was to announce a verdict within hours on an appeal against his pardon. Keiko, 43, had opposed seeking a pardon for her father, saying that he was innocent and should be released without government mediation. Her critics say the real reason was that, once liberated, her father would threaten her control of the party that has come to define what Peruvians call Fujimorism. "Keiko could score a double triumph, if the court sends her father back to prison while she sends her brother onto the street," wrote analyst Rosa Maria Palacios in La Republica newspaper. Keiko seems to hold all the cards in her face-off with her brother. She heads her own party going into the presidential elections, and has the experience of two presidential campaigns behind her. But with the suspension rather than outright dismissal, her brother is still a force to be reckoned with. Peruvian lawmaker Kenji Fujimori, the youngest son of pardoned former president Alberto Fujimori, attends the debate in Congress on whether to dismiss him from office on corruption charges -- he could be banned from running for office General view of the plenary session in Peru's Congress in Lima during the debate on Kenji Fujimori's future as a lawmaker Some believe both Kenji Fujimori (L) and his sister Keiko are eyeing a run for Peru's presidency in 2021 Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte brushed off claims of misogyny Wednesday after he kissed a Filipina woman on the lips onstage in Seoul -- saying they had both "enjoyed it". The 73-year-old grandfather had offered a free book in exchange for a kiss during a trip to South Korea. He called a woman, Bea Kim, onto the platform during a speech on Sunday and pointed to his lips. She initially hesitated, saying she had a husband, but later offered no protest as Duterte kissed her on the lips while the mostly Filipino crowd cheered and shrieked in apparent approval. "We enjoyed it. It was a showbiz (thing) and everybody enjoyed it," Duterte told reporters upon his arrival back in Manila. "I do not do it in public if there is malice." Duterte even said he was willing to step down over the issue if complaints mounted. "I think if all women here would sign a petition for me to resign, I will resign." Since being elected in mid-2016, Duterte has caused uproar for his comments on women, including rape jokes, boasting about adultery, shaming female critics and inciting soldiers to shoot female guerillas in the vagina. Women's groups and opposition lawmakers accused Duterte of abusing his position and misogyny following the latest incident, as footage of the kiss spread on social media. The woman herself later told state-run Philippine media that there was "no malice" in the act, though Duterte critics said he had put her under pressure. A defiant Duterte said the incident was "natural". He said he had been kissing women on the lips in public for years, including when he was mayor of the southern city of Davao where he cast himself as a populist leader. "That is my style. Find your own style. There is nothing wrong in a simple kiss -- you cause an uproar. They are just jealous," he said. However the president, who has a daughter with his former wife and another with his current partner, said he expected them to confront him about the incident. "You women, it's better if you just help me explain to them that it was just natural," Duterte said. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte sparked outrage on a recent trip to South Korea by kissing a woman on the lips during an event More than a thousand people including schoolchildren protested against bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday after a 20-year-old woman was murdered in a police station by her abductor. Medical student Burulai Turdaaly Kyzy, 20, was stabbed to death in the north of the Central Asian country as she prepared to give evidence against her kidnapper. The 30-year-old killer then turned the knife on himself and ended up in hospital. The murder in May drew condemnation from the United Nations, rights groups and Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov. The UN says 13.8 percent of women in the ex-Soviet republic younger than 24 are forced into marriage with their abductors. Demonstrators in the capital Bishkek's main square held white balloons and posters bearing slogans such as, "We are against bride-stealing" and "Allow girls a chance to be happy". The authorities, who organised the event, put the turnout at 1,000-1,500 people. One student, who gave only her first name, Asel, called the murder "alarming". "We are all shocked that this happened inside a police station. I am 19 years old and I am also afraid of being stolen," she told AFP. Education Minister Gulmira Kudaiberdiyeva told AFP it was time "to radically change attitudes" towards the "shameful phenomenon" of bride kidnapping. "We need to stop giving away our girls against their will," she said at the demonstration. "There are already good laws, but we need to work with the parents of young people to change their consciousness." Reports of bride kidnapping have risen recently in part due to new legislation but many parents still refuse to report the crime when their daughters are stolen. Although bride kidnapping existed in Kyrgyzstan's nomadic past, many argue a surge in the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 was more closely linked to the economic depression than any cultural revival. Turdaaly Kyzy's tragic case has trained public attention on law enforcement after police apprehended the pair but allowed her to be kept with her kidnapper unattended inside the police station. Human Rights Watch condemned police for showing a "horrifying disregard for the danger that (the victim) faced" when they failed to separate her from her killer. The chief of police in the northern Chui region where the murder took place was sacked while over a dozen police are facing negligence charges in connection with the killing. Kyrgyz students release white balloons as they protest against bride kidnapping in Bishkek after a young woman was murdered in a police station by her kidnapper Qatar Airways' outspoken boss Akbar al-Baker on Wednesday issued "heartfelt apologies" for saying that a woman could not do his job because it was too challenging. Baker stirred negative headlines for the Gulf carrier with his sexist remark at the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) two-day annual meeting in Sydney. But on Wednesday a contrite Baker said sorry while also lashing out at the coverage, in a statement issued by the Doha-based airline. "I would like to offer my heartfelt apologies for any offence caused by my comment yesterday, which runs counter to my track record of expanding the role of women in leadership throughout the Qatar Airways Group and has been sensationalised by the media," he said. On Tuesday at the IATA meeting, asked why Qatar Airways was led by a man, he replied: "Of course it had to be led by a man because it is a very challenging position." His comments, which he also put down to his sense of humour, drew groans from assembled journalists, according to media reports. Baker was appointed chairman of IATA during the meeting, where gender parity was one of the major issues. He later defended Qatar Airways, saying it was the first Middle Eastern airline to have a female pilot and that other women were in senior roles. IATA currently has just two female CEOs on its 31-member board, and figures it released in March showed three percent of CEOs in the airline industry were female, compared with 12 percent in other sectors. Baker is well-known for being outspoken. In March 2015, he accused US rival airline Delta of flying "crap" planes. And he had to apologise last year for calling female American flight attendants "grandmothers". Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar al-Baker (L) and Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce (R) attend a press conference at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) annual meeting in Sydney At least 121 people have been killed in a wave of protests since April 18 against President Daniel Ortega's government, Nicaragua's main human rights group said Tuesday. The latest toll includes a young boy killed by gunfire during clashes Tuesday in the city of Granada between anti-government protesters and riot police, the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights said. It said 1,300 people had been wounded in the violence. A parish priest, Wilmer Perez, earlier told the 100% news channel that the boy was killed in a confrontation between demonstrators and pro-government supporters trying to clear a barricade in the city, 45 kilometers (28 miles) south of the capital Managua. Ten people were killed in running battles over the weekend in the flashpoint city of Masaya, the center said. Residents armed with homemade mortars and slingshots faced off in clashes with what they said were paramilitary forces and riot police loyal to Ortega, who has dominated the Central American country's politics for four decades. The Catholic Church initially tried to mediate the conflict, but called off the talks after a crackdown on a march led by victims' mothers on Wednesday left another 16 people dead. On Monday, Ortega's wife and vice president, Rosario Murillo -- a figure widely reviled by the protesters -- made an appeal to return to dialogue. "We all want peace, we want dialogue, we want to work together and listen to each other, discuss all issues, because there's a solution for everything," she told state media. "Let's not keep suffering losses, pain, mourning in our families." The Church has said talks are impossible as long as "the people continue to be repressed and killed" by "groups close to the government." A demonstrator fires a homemade mortar against riot police during protests in Masaya near Managua on June 2, 2018 A riot police officer fires a weapon during clashes with students taking part in a protest in Managua on May 28, 2018 Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes (foreground) receives a coffin with the body of Nicaraguan Cardinal Miguel Obando for a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Managua on June 4, 2018 The UN's top court on Wednesday partly threw out a case brought by Equatorial Guinea against France, amid a bitter row triggered after a French court convicted the African nation's vice president of embezzlement. In a complicated legal ruling at the International Court of Justice, judges found they lacked jurisdiction to decide whether France had broken international conventions by prosecuting Teodorin Obiang. In the long-running, corruption case, the 48-year-old son of Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang was tried in absentia by a Paris court and given a three-year suspended sentence in October for corruption. He was found to have embezzled 150 million euros ($180 million) to fund his lavish lifestyle, and was also given a suspended fine of 30 million euros for money laundering, corruption and abuse in the small central African state. Malabo had contended that under the Palermo Convention, Obiang had diplomatic immunity from any prosecution. But the ICJ judges agreed with objections raised by France that "the court lacks jurisdiction" in that matter under the UN's convention against transnational organised crime, presiding judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf said. However, the ICJ judges agreed they could rule on whether Obiang's six-storey mansion, on the upscale Avenue Foch in Paris, was a diplomatic mission. In 2012, French authorities seized the property, on one of the French capital's poshest streets, along with a fleet of luxury cars including two Bugatti Veyrons -- often dubbed the world's most expensive supercar -- and a Rolls-Royce Phantom. Police also carted away vanloads of valuables, including paintings, a $4.2-million clock, Michael Jackson memorabilia and fine wines worth thousands of euros per bottle. Malabo contends the mansion in the luxury 16th arrondissement, which boasts a cinema, spa and gold-leafed covered taps, acted as its embassy in Paris, and as such was off-limits to French raids under the Vienna Convention. - Diplomatic mission or home? - The ICJ judges threw out a preliminary objection from France, and unanimously agreed that they could hear the dispute over the luxury house. "The Vienna Convention provides for the regime of inviolability of buildings which have the status of diplomatic premises," said Yusuf. And he specified that it was not just the premises but also "their furnishings and other property thereon and the means of transport of the mission, that are immune from search, requisition, attachment or execution." France has maintained that the Avenue Foch address was never registered as the embassy by Equatorial Guinea, and was just Obiang's private home. New hearings will likely now be organised by the court in The Hague to hear arguments over the status of 42, Avenue Foch. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, 75, has ruled Equatorial Guinea with an iron fist since 1979, making him the world's longest-serving president of a country awash with oil, but mired in poverty and a reputation for corruption. He appointed his son as vice president in June 2016 -- two years after the first charges were first brought in France. The case sets a precedent for France which has long turned a blind eye to African dictators pouring their ill-gotten gains into Parisian real estate and luxury products. French judges have also been probing allegations of corruption against Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso, and Omar Bongo, the late president of Gabon. Teodorin Obiang Nguema (L), the son of Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema and the country's vice president, was found guilty by a French court of embezzling millions to fund his lavish lifestyle Paris police in 2012 on the Avenue Foch in Paris searched the home of Teodorin Obiang, the son of Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang, as part of a corruption probe. A road map agreed with Washington for the withdrawal of a US-backed Kurdish militia despised by Ankara from a flashpoint Syrian town will help rebuild trust between the two NATO allies, Turkey's foreign minister said Wednesday. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his Turkish counterpart Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu earlier this week reached a deal on the withdrawal of People's Protection Units (YPG) fighters from the town of Manbij which lies west of the River Euphrates close to the Turkish border. The YPG, which forms the backbone of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Kurdish-Arab alliance that has received extensive American backing, vowed Tuesday it would withdraw. Cavusoglu told Agence France-Presse in an interview that the move was a key part of rebuilding ties with Washington damaged by a string of rows including Syria and also issues such as American citizens detained in Turkey. "The US couldn't keep its promises in the past. But I think they also understood that it is a very critical issue, and this is why we agreed to work," Cavusoglu told AFP in his home southern region of Antalya where he is campaigning for Turkey's June 24 elections. "The implementation of this roadmap will help us actually to rebuild the mutual trust between two allies," he added. But he warned that the plan now had to be implemented on the ground. "If not, there will be a lack of trust," he said. Tensions between Washington and Ankara have so far scotched expectations of a strong alliance emerging between President Donald Trump and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. - 'Time to implement' - Cavusoglu expressed scepticism over the vow to withdraw by the YPG, who Turkey accuses of being the Syrian branch of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). "I'm not sure they are leaving," said Cavusoglu. "I have seen that in the press, but in the past also the US had told us that they had left and they didn't. For me, what the YPG is saying is no kind of truth. We have to make sure that they leave." He said the aim of the roadmap is to ensure that the YPG leaves Manbij and then have the US and Turkey work together to establish a local security structure and "decide together who is going to govern Manbij. "This is the aim, so now it is time to implement it," he said. He said the assurance of stability in the area would encourage the return home of Syrian refugees, some 3.5 million of whom live in Turkey. Turkish forces earlier this year ousted the YPG from the Afrin region of northern Syria in a military operation. But Cavusoglu indicated that he wanted similar agreements with the US to prise the YPG from towns it had seized from Islamic State (IS) jihadists with American backing close to the Turkey border. Turkey has repeatedly accused the YPG of unbalancing the pre-war ethnic balance of towns like the former IS de-facto capital of Raqa which were predominantly Arab. "Eventually they should also leave from other areas... because Raqa for instance is a 90 percent Arab city," said Cavusoglu. Ankara has long opposed the YPG controlling a continuous stretch of territory on its border up to Iraq, fearing the creation of an autonomous region or even independent entity that could embolden Turkey's own Kurds. "A terrorist should not rule any areas. We are not against Kurds but against PKK and YPG," said Cavusoglu. Ahead of the elections, top officials including Erdogan have increasingly evoked the possibility of a Turkish operation against the bases of the PKK's military leadership in the Qandil mountains of northern Iraq. Pressed on the possibility of such an operation, Cavusoglu said: "We will eliminate (them) wherever they are. The threat is there and we have to eliminate it." Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu (left) met US US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo earlier this week ahead of a deal for the withdrawal of a US-backed Kurdish militia from a flashpoint Syrian town Vehicles of US-backed coalition forces in the northern Syrian town of Manbij last month Twenty-two students from a prestigious Istanbul university went on trial Wednesday over a campus protest against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's military campaign in Syria, bitterly rejecting the charges they had spread "terror" propaganda. Fourteen of the students have been held in jail since their initial detention in March when police stormed students' dormitories at Bogazici University, in a case that has outraged activists. Dozens gathered outside the main Istanbul courthouse as the trial got underway, unfurling banners reading "Freedom for Bogazici" and "A right to education cannot be blocked". The accused face jail terms of up to five years if convicted on charges of propaganda for the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), Doguscan Aydin Aygun, lawyer for the students, told AFP. Turkey earlier this year successfully carried out a major incursion into the Afrin region of northern Syria with allied Syrian rebels. The offensive ousted the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia, which Ankara brands a terror group and branch of the PKK. A day after Afrin was taken, a group of students opened a stand on the campus handing out sweets they dubbed "Afrin delight" in memory of the Turkish soldiers killed in the operation. But another group unfurled a banner with the words "There's nothing sweet about occupation and massacre," in a show of protest. Erdogan then slammed the anti-war students as "terrorists". Turkish prosecutors accuse the students of seeking to discredit the army and the state by portraying them as an "occupier" and as an "illegitimate force that uses violence." - 'Taking her home' - Giving testimony in court, the students rejected the charges and argued shouting slogans against the government or in favour of promoting peace had nothing to do with the PKK. "I didn't praise violence or make terror propaganda," accused student Sukran Yaren Tuncer told the judge. "I shouted slogans like 'Shoulder to shoulder against fascism' and 'No war, peace now'. They are universal slogans and chanted in every demo." Another defendant, Sevde Ozturk, added: "Some slogans were shouted but they can only be seen as political criticism." "I reject being stigmatised as a terrorist just because I chanted peace slogans," she told the court. Some of the students also accused police of beating them in detention. Authorities detained hundreds of people during the Afrin operation on terror propaganda charges for criticising the operation, raising new concerns about freedom of speech in Turkey. Founded in the 19th century as Robert College, Bogazici University is considered a bastion of secular and Western-orientated education in Turkey. Parents of the students attending the trial said that their children were innocent and their education was being unfairly disrupted. Tevfik Tulay, father of arrested third-year engineering student Uzay, told AFP his son was "now deprived of all his rights to education". "There is no evidence, he was curious what was going and stayed there merely as a spectator." Ozgur, whose 18-year-old student Yaren has been held since March 25, said: "I am here to take her home." "She is innocent. She was taken just because she stood on the right or on the left of a banner," the mother said. People demonstrate outside the Caglayan courthouse in Istanbul with banners reading "Freedom for Bogazici" The UN rights chief on Wednesday condemned the recent killing of more than 100 alleged drug dealers in Bangladesh, insisting that extra-judicial killings cannot be justified in the fight against narcotics. Some 130 people have reportedly been shot dead by Bangladeshi security forces since May 15 and another 15,000 arrested in the Philippines-style crackdown aimed to halt the spread of methamphetamine and other illegal drugs. "I am gravely concerned that such a large number of people have been killed," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said in a statement. He also voiced concern about government reaction, which "has been to assure the public that none of these individuals were 'innocent'. "Such statements are dangerous and indicative of a total disregard for the rule of law," he said. "People do not lose their human rights because they use or sell drugs." Bangladesh has been struggling to contain a surging drug trade. Police have vowed to stamp out "yaba", a very popular street pill made of caffeine and methamphetamine. Authorities last year seized a record 40 million yaba tablets, but said an estimated 250-300 million others entered the market, due in part to large quantities coming across the border from major producer Myanmar. Nine million yaba tablets were seized in less than three months earlier this year, including nearly two million in a single haul. The rights commissioner stressed that "the presumption of innocence and the right to due process must be at the forefront of any efforts to tackle crime." "Given the large number of people arrested, there is a high likelihood that many people may have been arbitrarily detained, without due regard for their rights." Urging Bangladesh to investigate reports of extra-judicial killings and hold the perpetrators to account, he also voiced concern that already vulnerable slum communities were particular targets and that the crackdown appeared to be hampering drug users from accessing health services. The alleged dealers killed in Bangladesh mainly died in what authorities described as shootouts, but parallels have been drawn to the Philippines where police have been accused of executing suspects. "There is no doubt that the trafficking and sale of illegal narcotics leads to tremendous suffering," the rights chief added. "But extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrests and the stigmatisation of people who use drugs cannot be the answer." Bangladesh police conduct a drive against narcotics in Dhaka, June 5, 2018. UN rights chief Zeid Al Hussein has condemned the recent killing of more than 100 alleged drug dealers in Bangladesh The UN Security Council condemned on Wednesday "continuous violations of the ceasefire" in Ukraine's east and called for an immediate withdrawal of heavy weapons. Written by France with support from Germany, the resolution also sought expanded efforts to help affected civilians. The resolution, unanimously adopted by the Council, underlined "grave concern about the recent deterioration of the security situation in eastern Ukraine and its severe impact on the civilian population." It is the first public comment since January 2017 by the United Nations on the conflict between Ukraine and pro-Russian separatists. "It's been a long time since the Council adopted anything on Ukraine and we are very happy," Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told reporters. Berlin and Moscow, along with Paris, signed peace agreements in Minsk in 2015 that aimed to put an end to fighting between Russia-backed fighters and Ukrainian troops. More than 10,000 people have been killed since the conflict began in April 2014. The UN text is "very constructive, which confirms the validity and the sole validity of the Minsk Agreements" as the platform to reach a political solution, said Nebenzia, whose country this month holds the Council's rotating presidency. "It is especially important today when the Minsk Agreements are being sabotaged by some parties," he continued, in an implied reference to Kiev. The conflict in eastern Ukraine began after mass protests ousted a pro-Russian government in Kiev, pro-Russian forces in eastern Ukraine rebelled, and Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea region that same year. Kiev and Moscow-backed rebels have repeatedly accused each other of violating a number of truces. The European Union in March extended by a further six months sanctions against Russian and Ukrainian officials over their suspected involvement in the eastern Ukraine conflict. Evoking "the tragic humanitarian situation," the Security Council emphasized the need "for scaling up efforts to alleviate suffering of the civilian population affected by the conflict." France's UN Ambassador Francois Delattre told reporters this was the first time that language had been agreed to on the eastern Ukraine humanitarian situation. The text "sends a strong signal on putting into effect the Minsk agreements and underlines the unity of the members of the Security Council" to make gains, Delattre said. French, German, Russian and Ukrainian ministers are to meet Monday in Berlin to revive the stalled Ukrainian peace process. France has underlined that review of Europe's sanctions against Moscow depends on progress. People march on May 11, 2018, with Russian flags and flags of the Donetsk People's Republic on the fourth anniversary of the self-proclaimed republic, in the region where pro-Russian separatists and Ukraine are in conflict Tourists are being warned after massive crocodiles were spotted around popular swimming holes in Queensland. The Queensland Department of Environment said there had been a number of recent sightings in the Kuranda and Wonga Park areas near Cairns. The department said it was investigating reports of two three-metre crocodiles near Kuranda and the Wonga Park area late last week. The warning also comes after a photo emerged of a girl fishing in croc-infested waters in the NT. Last month Cairns local Vanessa Roy and her partner Dale were exploring the area around Babinda, south of Cairns, when they spotted a crocodile several metres away. We estimated it around 3.5 to four metres, she told Yahoo7. A large crocodile was spotted by Cairns local Vanessa Roy. Source: Supplied/Vanessa Roy She said they kept a safe distance away and it was exciting to see an animal of its size in its natural environment. We werent surprised to see the croc as it is a known habitat for crocs, she said. We were hoping to find one. When we spotted the croc it was on a sandbank in the middle of the river and there was no danger to us. The environment department confirmed any crocodiles displaying dangerous behaviour would be targeted for removal under the Queensland Crocodile Management plan. It said the crocodile at Kuranda was most likely a freshwater croc but it has not been confirmed. Kuranda is well within known croc country and people in the area are urged to exercise crocwise behaviour while in the area, the statement said. The crocodile was spotted at Babinda. Source: Supplied/Vanessa Roy The department said people should expect crocodiles to be in all northern Queensland waterways and said visitors to these areas should obey all warning signs. People are warned to be extra cautious around the water at night. Tourists are urged to stay away from croc traps and the department said visitors should also avoid using canoes and kayaks in the waterways. Those fishing should stand back from the waters edge and are warned not to wage in to retrieve a lure. Story continues Campers should also keep at least 50 metres back from the waters edge and it is advised they clean up food, fish scraps and bait near water, campsites and boat ramps. The department said nobody should provoke, harass of feed crocodiles and children should be supervised near the water and pets kept on leads. Crocodile sightings can be reported to the Department of Environment on 1300 130 372. "All that comes out of the tap right now is cockroaches," said Honorine Babalou, a 20-year-old textile worker. In Bouake, Ivory Coast's second city, the regular water supply trickled to a halt three months ago -- a shortage that officials blame on a drought inflicted by global warming. Like many other Bouake residents, Babalou balanced on her head a giant basin of fresh water drawn from a tanker truck which had trundled down sun-scorched clay tracks to make a delivery in a poor part of town. The city of about 800,000 people, as estimated by the mayor, has long depended on the nearby Loka dam for around three-quarters of its water supply. But the lake behind the dam has shrivelled to almost nothing. Hundreds of metres (yards) behind a sign that sternly declares "Fishing and Bathing Forbidden" lies a sad, muddy puddle. "This is climate change. It rains a lot less often, the sun has been stronger for several years," states Yeboue Ouffoue, 85, chief of the small village of Angoua-Yaokro, near the site where the dam was built in the late 1970s. "Here we live off agriculture, but with the water shortage we can no longer plant the way we want. Income has dropped, that's for sure," Ouffoue said, expressing concern for some 300 villagers in his charge. "Times are hard." "We've entered a time of water rationing in Bouake," said Mayor Nicolas Djibo, who also blames climate change, along with people who diverted waterways to exploit sand quarries in the region. - 'Greeted like the Messiah' - Located in the centre of Ivory Coast, Bouake is known as a centre for "white gold," referring to the once lucrative cotton industry, and now "grey gold", the thriving cashew nut business. The city formerly served as headquarters for rebels who helped bring President Alassane Ouattara to power in 2011 after a disputed election and a violent political crisis. Today, faced with an existential threat, the city is looking at a scheme to pipe in supplies from Lake Kossou, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) away. This operation would take two years and cost an estimated 45 million euros ($53 million), said Djibo, who hopes the World Bank will help finance it. At the Alassane Ouattara 2 University in Bouake, the lack of water has forced many students to leave their rooms on campus to return home, some geography students told AFP. Tanker trucks now provide emergency supplies, after attempts to drill into groundwater faltered. In a bid to ease the shortage, authorities sank wells in several parts of Bouake, but the water pumped fell far short of basic requirements. "We're greeted like the Messiah, or something like that," joked driver Mohamed Lamine Diakite, whose truck carries 10,000 litres (2,500 gallons) of water. He announces his arrival in a district by pumping his horn to bring local residents running. In the Sokoura district, women set out hundreds of basins and buckets on the ground, waiting for the water distribution under a broiling sun. There are few men around. Women carry away the heavy load for the family. - 'Water is like treasure' - "We cannot live like this," said Mariam Kone, a trading woman with three children who also cares for her sick mother. "You can go two or three days without washing yourself. Before this, we drank water straight from the tap. Today, we adults hold back but the children don't understand. We have to pay for mineral water. The price has risen by 400 (CFA francs) to 800 (1.20 euros, $1.40). We're spending more and more -- we'll go broke," Kone said. People in the 2 Bodjo district make similar protests. "This is too hard. This doesn't suit us. We have no water to wash or to drink. When the truck doesn't come, we have to take water from the well or swamps," said Chigata Soro, 30, who sells hot food at the roadside. "We need water. It's not too much to ask." Others are angry at officialdom, accusing it of mismanaging both the problem and the solution. "They tell us 'It's emergency measures' or 'Wait a couple of years' but the dam didn't go dry from one day to the next. The government, the authorities, the (water distribution company) SODECI -- somebody handled this really badly," one resident said. Awaiting her turn in line, Sabine Kone yelled at a neighbour: "Hands off my water!" Explaining her sharp words, the young student said: "Water is like treasure now. And what's more, she wanted to fill her dirty flask from my bowl. This water we get is drinking water. She was going to make it dirty. Water is life!" An Ivorian woman carries a heavy load after a distribution of safe drinking water in Bouake in early June Young Ivorian women carrying precious water in the city where the taps have run dry A supplier distributes water from a tanker truck to residents of Bouake at the start of July 2018 The Australian Federal Police will swoop in on welfare cheats in Sydneys west as part of the latest move in Operation Integrity. Mount Druitt and St Marys have been targeted during a two-day operation on Tuesday and Wednesday in a bid to recoup $100,000 of wrongful Centrelink payments funded by taxpayers. The action is the latest from a joint task force from the Department of Human Services and the AFP, targeting identified non-compliance hotspots. Taskforce Integrity identifies and targets geographic areas around Australia where data analysis points to a higher risk of non-compliance and suspected welfare fraud. Welfare cheats are being targeted in Sydneys west as part of Taskforce Integrity. Source: Getty Letters have been sent out to thousands of people prior to the latest operation urging them to update the Department of Human Services about any changes to their personal circumstances which could affect the amount they are receiving. Debts of up to $100,000 have been identified in the region before the Taskforce commenced ground operations. Minister for Human Services Michael Keenan issued a stern warning to those who are trying to cheat the system. The message to those that dont is that we will catch you, you will be made to repay the money and you may end up in prison, Minister Keenan said in a press release. Michael Keenan warned welfare cheats they will be found. Source: AAP Australia has a generous welfare safety net, but it is vital that we maintain its integrity to ensure it remains viable for those who rely on it for support. He called on local residents to dob-in people they know who could be rorting the system. Taskforce Integrity has been operating since 2015, and has helped raise almost $40 million in debts owed to the Department. A notable success from NSW for the Department involved a couple who failed to declare they were in a relationship for about six years. They were found to owe a combined debt of $200,000 after claiming Parenting Payment and Carers Payment at a single rate. AUBURN Democratic congressional candidate Juanita Perez Williams believes health care is a right. And that is why she is joining other Democrats, including her primary opponent Dana Balter, in supporting the establishment of a Medicare-for-all system. Medicare for all has long been supported by progressives as a way to separate from the private health insurance model and shift to a single-payer system. It would extend Medicare to every American, not just the seniors it covers today. Balter, D-Syracuse, announced her support of Medicare for all at her campaign launch in September. Perez Williams' position wasn't known until last week, when she held two events a house party in Skaneateles and a forum with seniors at the Boyle Center in Auburn and revealed where she stands on health care. At the house party, Perez Williams, D-Syracuse, said she supported "universal health care." The following day at the Auburn forum, she specifically called for the creation of a Medicare-for-all system. For Perez Williams, she has experience with a single-payer system. When she was in the U.S. Navy, she received health insurance coverage through TRICARE, a government-run program for military service members. "Everybody has access," she said in an interview after her event in Auburn. "It's not perfect, but it's a good model. Having that experience, I'd like to see us move toward a single-payer system. I would pay close attention to the details, of course, because I've lived it. But I believe it could work." Her support for Medicare for all is based on the premise that everyone has a right to health care. She hopes to advocate for such a system if she is elected to Congress. But her first priority will be to defend the Affordable Care Act, a 2010 health care law that is commonly referred to as "ObamaCare." Republicans in Congress and President Donald Trump have advocated for the law's repeal. An attempt to dismantle the Affordable Care Act in 2017 was unsuccessful. If she wins the congressional race, Perez Williams pledged to fight to protect the Affordable Care Act. "Clearly there are issues, but at the same time it's a great starting place and a lot of people have benefited from it," she said. That position puts her at odds with Congressman John Katko, the 24th district's representative. Katko, R-Camillus, believes the Affordable Care Act should be repealed and replaced. He supported a tax overhaul late last year that phases out the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate. The Affordable Care Act has other provisions that some Republicans support, such as allowing children to stay on their parents' health insurance plans until age 26 and preventing insurance companies from deny coverage to those with preexisting conditions. Some problems still exist. The main complaint about the health insurance system stems from the cost. New York regulators announced this week that insurers are seeking an average 24 percent increase in premium rates for individuals. "We need to stop being a system where only those who can afford health care get good health care," Perez Williams said. "I'd like to see us move in a direction where families don't have to worry about it, but everyone has an opportunity to access it." Balter and Perez Williams will face each other in the Democratic primary on June 26. The winner will have the Democratic line against Katko in the fall election. Love 3 Funny 4 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL Senior Hunter R. Duger has been named the 2018 recipient of the Ruth and Charles B. Goldman Memorial Scholarship. He will receive $1,000 toward his first year of college studies. Duger, son of Robin and Lane Duger, of Honeysuckle Road, plans to matriculate this fall at the University of Vermont to study biomedical engineering and premedical studies. He ranks fifth in his senior class of 278 students, and was recognized for his initiative in starting an online clothing business, Five20Five, with plans to donate proceeds to nonprofits that address drug abuse. The scholarship, now in its 11th year, is named in memory of two lifelong Auburnians who died a decade ago. It is for graduating Auburn seniors who have demonstrated significant interest in public affairs. It is funded by family members and friends of the Goldmans. BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY Erin Pine, of Auburn, graduated cum laude, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish language and literature, with a pre-law concentration. CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE Dean's list Sofia Darovskikh, of Auburn FINGER LAKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE Phi Theta Kappa inductees Alison Kinsella, of Auburn Michael Garafalo, of Seneca Falls Scott Wormuth, of Seneca Falls FINGER LAKES HEALTH COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCES The college graduated its ninth class with a pinning ceremony May 18 and commencement May 20: Michael Bonner, of Auburn, who also received the Patricia Schillaci Memorial Award in recognition of the ability to couple technology with caring, compassionate nurse's care. Kathleen Cook, of Auburn Casey Lupian, of Auburn Trista Mann, of Auburn Jessica Nocilly, of Auburn, who also received the Florence Nightingale Award for demonstrating a spirit to improve the health care environment. Marissa Wyskowski, of Auburn JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY Jaclyn Steele, of Auburn, graduated with a degree in management LOURDES UNIVERSITY Alyssa Long, of Auburn, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice. RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE Dean's list Shannon O'Neil, a chemistry major from Scipio Center ST. LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY Eloise E. Smith graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in economics. She is a graduate of Skaneateles High School. Honor listings can be sent to citizenfeatures@lee.net or The Citizen, 25 Dill St., Auburn, NY 13021. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Plans from the Jordan-Elbridge and Union Springs school districts were among 49 school investment proposals recently approved for state funding, Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office announced Tuesday. The Jordan-Elbridge district will receive $749,790 for school connectivity and $88,847 for high-tech security features at a total of $838,637. The Union Springs district will get $526,352 total, with $249,912 for school connectivity, $174,202 for classroom technology and $102,238 for high-tech security. All 49 plans given the green light Monday, at a total of $34 million, are the latest batch of approvals under the $2 billion Smarts School Bond Act, an initiative for upgraded technology equipment. State voters backed the bond act in a referendum during the general election in November 2014. "These critical investments in modern technology for classrooms across the state will expand educational opportunity, help ensure safety, increase student engagement, boost achievement, and close the digital divide," Cuomo said in the press release. "The Smart Schools program provides students with the necessary skills and technology to grow and thrive in today's economy." Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 If theres one thing most Americans can actually agree on, it is that Washington is broken, and theres little appetite in Congress to fix it. Compromise, far from being viewed as a virtue, is a too often dirty word in our nations polarized capital, and it is communities like ours that suffer for it. Sure, Congress can agree on a name for a post office, but when it comes to tackling difficult issues such as immigration reform or national security concerns, leadership is lacking. Now is the time for leaders who will place country over party. When the status quo doesnt serve anyone except the most extreme fringes that thrive on persistent polarization, that means the leaders we send to represent us at the federal level are instead beholden to this partisan minority. We are two Republicans from two different generations and walks of life; one of us, a former Secretary of the Army and U.S. Representative from Watertown; the other a small businessman and former U.S. Representative from Utica. But we share this conviction: The challenges facing our country are far greater than any one party can tackle alone, and it will take ideas from both to effect lasting change. We worked across the aisle on meaningful reforms when we served in Congress and are speaking out now to call on our fellow lawmakers to do the same. In that vein, two threats that every New York voter should demand Congress address are dark money and foreign disinformation campaigns in our elections. The lack of political will to take common-sense action on these issues is emblematic of everything wrong with our political system today. No less of an American hero than Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) recently sounded the alarm on the secretive and corrupting state of affairs where a few wealthy donors can bankroll politically-active groups in complete secrecy. This dark money system allows a few well-heeled individuals to have much larger sway over the direction of our country, leaving voters without the information they need to know who is trying to win their vote, and why. It also feeds extreme partisanship in Congress when politicians are worried that every vote they take will result in millions of dollars being spent against them most originating from outside their districts. Congress must tackle dark money in a way that protects voters right to a transparent electoral process while also safeguarding their sacred First Amendment right to free speech. As the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia said, Requiring people to stand up in public for their political acts fosters civic courage, without which democracy is doomed. For my part, I do not look forward to a society which, thanks to the Supreme Court, campaigns anonymously hidden from public scrutiny and protected from the accountability of criticism. This does not resemble the Home of the Brave. This domestic dysfunction is being matched by foreign powers who are also covertly dividing us and attempting to shape our electoral outcomes. We know it happened during the 2016 elections, and it is bound to happen again. This sorry state of affairs is especially dangerous, given that our midterm elections are only months away and Congress has yet to take action to secure them from foreign interference. The bipartisan Honest Ads Act, which is the best first step to begin addressing the loopholes that allowed foreign powers like Russia to inundate voters with propaganda on Facebook and Twitter, has yet to even receive a hearing. What is Congress waiting for? Its time for us all Republicans, Democrats and independents to say enough and demand our elected leaders come together on what truly matters before its too late. The members of Congress representing Central New York should be part of that conversation and part of the solution. With these monumental problems in mind, we, along with our former colleagues Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (R-Utica), Rep. Steve Israel (D-Long Island), Rep. Amory Houghton (R-Corning) and Rep Matthew McHugh (D-Ithaca) are talking with members of the community, business leaders and other former elected officials from Central New York in the weeks and months ahead as part of Issue One Actions national Fix Politics Now campaign about how to end the D.C. culture of hopeless gridlock. We hope to spark a conversation about how central New Yorkers can play a part in demanding bipartisan solutions to protect our most sacred democratic institutions and get our system working again. Public confidence in government has dropped to historic lows, for good reason. It is up to us all to restore trust in our system and get Congress back to doing its job: governing. Anything less is an abdication of our duty as patriots and Americans. Former Reps. John McHugh (R-NY) and Richard Hanna (R-NY) are working with the Fix Politics Now campaign, a project of Issue One Action. Love 6 Funny 3 Wow 1 Sad 2 Angry 4 AVN Hall of Famer Stormy Daniels filed a new lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court Wednesday, claiming that her previous attorney, Keith Davidson, conspired behind her back with Donald Trumps fixer Michael Cohen to force her to appear on the Fox News Hannity program, where she was supposed to deny that she had had sex with Trump in 2006. As an exhibit to the lawsuit filing, Daniels and her current lawyer, Michael Avenatti, attached a series of text messages between Cohen and Davidson. The lawsuit also states that Trump knew that Cohen and Davidson were communicating, according to a report by NBC News on Wednesday. Trump was aware that the pair were working together to quell the Daniels affair story, the lawsuit claims, but Daniels herself was never told about any of it. The messages, which may be read online at this link, reveal Cohen referring to Davidson, who was supposed to be representing Daniels interests at the time, as opposed to Trumps or Cohens, as pal, and at one point telling Davidson that he was with flotus, a reference to Melania Trump. According to NBC, Cohen and Melania Trump were both present at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 17, the date of the text message exchange. The lawsuit allegesthough without supporting documentationthat Cohen was there to warn the First Lady about the upcoming revelations concerning her husband and Daniels. The text message exchange included with the lawsuit is dated January 17 of this year. Two days later, InTouch Magazine, a weekly celebrity tabloid, published an interview it had conducted with Daniels in 2011 but never made public until years later, in which she goes into detail about her sexual encounter with Trump. In the January 17 text exchange, Cohen tells Davidson that he has tentatively booked Daniels to appear on Fox News host Sean Hannitys program that night, but Davidson responds that Daniels cant do it because she is flying to L.A., but could do the interview the following night. Cohen was apparently irritated by the schedule change, telling Davidson in a text, "By doing tomorrow you just create another news cycle instead of putting an end to this one. "These text messages show that the prior denials by Mr. Trump and Mr. Cohen relating to what Mr. Trump knew and about the honesty of my client were absolute lies," Avenatti said after filing the suit, according to NBC. "There was a significant cover-up here as part of an attempt to deceive the American people and Mrs. Trump and we intend on getting to the bottom of it." Also on Wednesday, Trumps current Russia investigation lawyer and public spokesperson, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, attacked Daniels during an interview at a conference in Tel Aviv, Israel, according to an account in the Daily Mail newspaper, saying that Daniels is untrustworthy because she sells...her body for money. A woman who sells her body for sexual exploitation I don't respect. Tell me what damage she suffered. Someone who sells his or her body for money has no good name, Giuliani said. I don't believe her. Sue me, but her credibility is like that of a lawyer who gets thrown off a case. As a lawyer, I also got cases that weren't real. The interviewer at the conference quickly admonished Giuliani, according to the Mail, interjecting, Mister, on this stage we respect women. When informed of Giuliani's comment, veteran adult actress Nina Hartley responded, "He demonstrates what I expect him to. It's a miserable, fact-free ad-hominem attack on Ms. Daniels, reeking of misogyny and sexism. It's a typical below-the-belt punch from a no-talent palooka who hopes to win by fighting dirty. "There are honest sex workers and corrupt political hacks," she continued. "Ms. Daniels is a exemplary symbol of the former, while Giuliani clearly falls into the latter category. What damage has she suffered? She has been targeted by Trump's legion of scummy, alt-right Nazi thugs, including the one who threatened her in front of her child. She's guilty of nothing but telling the truth. Giuliani is a crooked shyster who, sooner than he thinks, may need legal counsel of his own for his role in undermining our constitutional government. He's certainly not one to point fingers or throw stones. #NoPardonForRudy." APAC secretary Siouxsie Q also weighed in. "These comments about Ms. Daniels perfectly exemplify the stigma that keeps our community so vulnerable to violence and exploitation," Q noted. "When lawmakers see members of our community as worth less than other American workers, they perpetuate policies that put our community at greater risk of assault, sex trafficking, and murder. This stigma also impedes our community's access to justice, as well as necessities such as housing and healthcare. So long as consensual adult sex work is criminalized and adult industry workers are seen with such disdain by the people elected to serve this country, they will continue to be treated as second class citizens in the eyes of the law. "In March of this year, Congress passed a piece of legislation called SESTA/FOSTA, which aimed to combat sex trafficking, but in practice has only exacerbated the very problem it sought to address by driving sex workers into the streets where they are at far greater risk. Lawmakers need to understand that while sex workers may face deadly stigma in this country, we are still citizens, and we vote. When politicians make it clear that they do not stand with our community, we will be sure remember on election day." Avenatti also slammed Giuliani for his smear of Daniels, in a post to his Twitter account. Mr. Giuliani is a misogynist. His most recent comments regarding my client, who passed a lie detector test and who the American people believe, are disgusting and a disgrace, Avenatti wrote. His client Mr. Trump didnt seem to have any moral issues with her and others back in 2006 and beyond. The new Daniels lawsuit is the third that she has filed in the ongoing case. In March, she sued Trump and Cohen to be released from the hush agreement she signed in exhange for a $130,000 payoff to keep quiet about the sexual encounter with Trump. Then in April, she sued Trump for defamation after he slammed a forensic sketch of a man she says physically threatened her in Trumps name as a con job and called the alleged assailant non-existent. Photos by IowaPolitics.com/Gary/Wikimedia Commons Article updated 6/8/18. In May of last year, when it became clear that the newly-Republican-controlled Federal Communications Commission, chaired by Donald Trump appointee Ajit Pai, was determined to do away with Obama-era net neutrality rules, comedian John Oliver, host of the HBO program Last Week Tonight, asked his viewers to bombard the FCCs web site with positive comments about net neutrality. But rather than acknowledge the tidal wave of opposition to getting rid of the open internet rules, Pai and the FCC instead fabricated a story about a cyber attack to explain why the site crashed, according to reporting Tuesday by the technology news site Gizmodo. The public commenting process around the net neutrality repeal, which has been overwhelmingly in favor of retaining net neutrality, has been fraught with questions and scandal. Despite polls showing broad support for net neutrality from both Democrats and Republicans, the FCCs site received millions of comments in favor of doing away with the rules. But about 2 million comments posted on the FCC site were later found to be bogus, many posted by bots and activist organizations using the stolen identities of actual Americans, both living and deceased. Pai and the FCC have not offered any explanation about where the fake comments came from or who posted them, despite (as AVN.com reported) the fact that two United States Senators found that their own identities were used to post fake commentsand demanded an explanation for same from Pai last month. On May 7 of last year, during his HBO broadcast, Oliver made a passionate plea to his viewers to click over to the FCC site and post comments supporting net neutrality there. Olivers fans took his advice, posting so many comments in such a short space of time that the FCC site was knocked offline. It's unclear how many emails it took to accomplish that "feat," but the answer is likely in the hundreds of thousands if not millions. But rather than acknowledge the effectiveness of Olivers on-air request, or the swell of opposition to the pending net neutrality repeal, the FCC claimed that it had been the victim of a Distributed Denial of Service, or DDoS, attack, according to Gizmodos analysis of more than 1,000 FCC emails. The FCC has been unwilling or unable to produce any evidence an attack occurrednot to the reporters whove requested and even sued over it, and not to U.S. lawmakers whove demanded to see it, Gizmodo reported. Rather than simply acknowledge that Olivers campaign had worked, the FCC issued yet another phony cyberattack story, claiming that a crash of the site in 2014, when Democrat Tom Wheeler chaired the five-member board, was also caused by a cyberattackthus purportedly showing evidence of a pattern of hacking against the FCC site. There was an actual site crash in 2014, but that also came after an on-air appeal by Oliver for net neutrality comments. At that time, the Democrat-controlled FCC did not attribute the site crash to malicious hacking. An FCC official from the Obama era told Gizmodo that there was no credible evidence that an attack had occurred. Net neutrality refers to the set of regulations that prevent internet access providers such as AT&T, Verizon and other large corporations from granting traffic to and from some sites access to an internet fast lane while other sites get their data choked off or blocked. Net neutrality is especially important for the online porn industry, because porn sites are acutely vulnerable to censorship for political reasonsor because internet companies could see porn as a potential goldmine, blocking access to sites to anyone not willing to pay a premium fee over and above their regular monthly access subscription. Photos by Gage Skidmore/Steve Jennings/Wikimedia Commons AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDSVerotel has introduced Verotel has introduced Bitsafe , a new suite of affordable banking tools that allow adult merchants to handle their online business more securely, safer and discreet. The Amsterdam-based company rolled out the service during Money20/20, the largest global fin-tech conference held in the city. These tools include a unique IBAN, free talent and affiliate payments, a domain registration tool, a prepaid debit card and cash payouts. While adult merchants are more and more limited in running their business by regulators, domain registrars, banks, agencies and governments, Verotel believes in equal opportunity, respect and care for everyone independent of race, gender, religion or sexual identity. With its main headquarters in the liberal country of the Netherlands, Verotel has developed a suite of banking tools that will be released in addition to its current service offering this summer. We believe that that the internet should be a place to engage in financial transactions, free from privacy infringement, identity theft and governmental control," says Joost Zuurbier, CEO at Verotel . With the introduction of Bitsafe, we have found a new way for global merchants, adult talent, affiliates and alike to benefit from new upcoming European payment service regulations by providing them a Basic Payment Account that is fully compliant with European AML, PSD, PSD2 and GDPR regulations. From July 2, 2018 , all Verotel customers will automatically receive credentials to their new Bitsafe account. This summer, a lot of new features will be added to this account. An important change is that all processing settlements will be calculated daily instead of weekly. The outstanding balance will be available on demand enabling Verotel merchants to receive their payments every day. Merchants and affiliates, such as resellers and talent, will be able to open up a free Bitsafe account. These Bitsafe accounts are available to both individuals and businesses regardless of whether they are processing payments with Verotel or not. Every Bitsafe account is considered a Basic Payment Account that comes with a unique IBAN. A Bitsafe account with an IBAN allows account holders to participate in SEPA (Single European Payment Area) transactions. By the end of this year such transactions are processed within a few seconds (instant payments) across Europe. Bitsafe has acquired its own SWIFT BIC and according to the Dutch rules and regulations this BIC will show in each IBAN. An example IBAN that may be issued is NL04BITS0318300008. Transfers between Bitsafe accounts are free of charge. This allows adult merchants worldwide, using a simple API, to distribute payments to affiliates and talent instantly. Affordable fees are charged for SEPA transactions and SWIFT transfers. Onboarding of new accounts and authenticating payments from the Bitsafe accounts will be handled with a Bitsafe App. This app is available for Android and iOS and uses the mobile camera to verify identification documents and biometric information. With a fingerprint, blink of an eye or movement of the head, transactions can be authorized. Privacy is a key element for everyone working within the adult industry. With the introduction of the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in May 2018, Verotel and Bitsafe allow users to register or transfer their domains while protecting their identities online. Domain names can be registered with Bitsafe at cost price, making this service "the cheapest domain solution available," according to Verotel. Bitsafe also offers additional privacy protection for a nominal fee that further safeguards users' digital assets and ensures continuity. Combining the trust in payments and domains makes perfect sense," says Marcel Trik, managing director at Verotel. With Bitsafe we are not only protecting your money but also your digital assets in one single discreet account. We firmly believe that everyone should have the right to participate on the internet and conduct their business in a safe and secure environment. Also this summer, Verotel and Bitsafe will introduce two new payment products, allowing Bitsafe account holders to take their money out in cash. This is done by either using a prepaid debit card with PIN (accepted in most shops and ATMs worldwide) or receiving cash from a remittance agent. We are really excited to announce these new tools to an industry that is known to adopt new and innovative online technologies, Zuurbier continues. As a Fintech Scale-up we understand the world of finance, identity and privacy and we combine these elements in one single brand. While adult businesses, talent and affiliates are marginalized by various parties across the world, Verotel will continue to serve the global adult industry from our European headquarters in Amsterdamfree from prejudice. The Village Bakery is ramping up its presence in the burgeoning free-from market with the development of a new 12m gluten-free factory and the launch of its own brand. The business is converting a former wire factory in Wrexham into what it described as the most advanced gluten-free bakery in Europe. Due to be operational by the end of this year, the site has been re-clad and extended from 55,000sq ft to 75,000sq ft. It will make products including bread, rolls, morning goods, pancakes, pitta bread and naan bread, and plans cutting edge NPD for next year. The Village Bakery, which last year won the Bakery Innovation category in British Bakers Baking Industry Awards, currently produces gluten-free goods from a smaller factory on Wrexham Industrial Estate. Existing staff will be transferred to the new bakery when it opens and the company said it expected the expansion to eventually create more jobs. The business has made gluten-free products for 10 years and, until recently, supplied these to wholesale customers. It has now launched its own brand called Village Bakery Gluten Freedom, which is being supplied to shops in North Wales, Cheshire, Merseyside and Shropshire. Weve been all over Europe and weve sourced the best equipment to make these products, and also some new processes to make some different products that are new to the Village Bakery, said managing director Robin Jones The existing gluten-free bakery is becoming increasingly cramped, so we need the extra capacity. Thats why we decided as a family my father Alan, the company chairman, and my brother, Christien, the projects director to take this step. Jones added that the decision to launch its own brand was driven by continued growth in the market and demand from its customers. Our retail partners are excited because its so new and there are such radical ideas going in there, and were delighted to get the Village Bakery Gluten Freedom brand on our vans because weve had lots of requests over the years. He added that taste was key to the business, and that its products were set apart from those of its rivals by a long ferment. "We treat it like we would any other bakery product with the advantage of its free-from qualities, so you dont have to sacrifice taste at all. 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. Just when things were going so well. ...Since 2011, the Republican-led General Assembly has restrained the growth of government, brought spending in line with revenue, paid down debt, put more money in savings than ever, and restored voter approval for new debt.The results of smart fiscal management have resulted in record low employment, a strong and growing economy, and a confidence in conservative fiscal policies.But now comes the Build N.C. Bond Act of 2018. Introduced last week as Senate Bill 758 and House Bill 1010 , the proposal is for a 10-year, $3-billion bond for road construction across the state.Up to $300 million could be used each of the 10 years. The state treasurer would have to approve each round of debt, and two legislative committees would be consulted before each round of spending. Instead of a general obligation bond backed by the full faith and credit of the state - requiring voter approval - this proposed debt would come from transportation revenue, aka "special indebtedness," and can go into effect without a referendum. A special indebtedness bond is considered riskier than a general obligation bond and, therefore, more expensive.In this case, interest payments could be $80 million more for the whole debt package. In addition to the debt being non-voter approved and more expensive, it's not clear for which projects the money would be used.Non-highway and tolling projects are prohibited. N.C. Build projects are supposed to be under the Strategic Prioritization Funding Plan for Transportation Investments, but it's not clear which projects would qualify. The money would be divided between division needs and regional impact projects, but it's unclear what these projects are and how - and by whom - these priorities would be determined.State Treasurer Dale Folwell, keeper of the state's purse, has expressed concerns with the bond proposal, saying a debt affordability study is needed before the state incurs additional debt, and he wants more transparency on the projects to be funded.North Carolina already faces more than $50 billion in pension and state health insurance liabilities. No question, North Carolina has big, expensive long-term needs. Transportation and infrastructure needs have long been a concern.The General Assembly, along with Republican and Democratic governors, are to be commended for looking for ways to address the needs. Three years ago, the transfer of gas tax dollars from the Highway Fund finally stopped, putting hundreds of millions of dollars back into maintaining and expanding roads and bridges every year. The Highway Trust Fund was at $1.6 billion in April.Ending the gas-tax transfer was supposed to build a sustainable source for transportation needs. Not all roads lead to non-voter-approved, expensive debt. The Connect N.C. Bond of 2016 provided $2 billion for universities and community college facilities and infrastructure projects. Voters were provided a detailed list of all projects that would be funded and given the opportunity to decide whether they wanted to take on additional debt.That question was on the March 2016 primary ballot, and after nearly two-thirds of voters said yes, the debt was incurred. To date, only 10 percent of the bonds have been issued, calling into question how immediately all those projects were needed.After considering a statewide $1.9 billion K-12 school construction bond, this year's budget writers instead increased the percentage of lottery proceeds for the Needs-Based Public School Capital fund from 16.9 percent to 40 percent over a number of years. This will increase the money available for school capital projects from $30 million this fiscal year to $117.3 million in the coming fiscal year; $42.3 million was a from a direct appropriation in this year's budget. If 40 percent of lottery proceeds were directed to school construction when the lottery was enacted, billions of dollars would be available today.As budget writer Sen. Harry Brown said,Smart.The best way to solve the big-ticket, long-term needs of our state is first determine what projects are so critical they warrant funding outside the General Fund and how much it would cost to meet those needs. Then, decide if the best avenue is borrowing money, or are there better, more sustainable options? After careful analysis, consider how much you can afford to borrow and the costs of repayment. Submit that plan in detail to the folks who will be paying for it - the taxpayers.If you can convince them it's a good idea, then it probably is. If you have to go around them and don't have a solid, transparent plan, questions arise about the validity of any debt proposal and arouses suspicion.Good ideas subjected to sunshine are not only sustained, but they also grow even better. You can take that to the bank. And to the voters. Remarks by President Trump after Meeting with Vice Chairman Kim Yong Chol of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Press Release: THE PRESIDENT: The meeting went very well. We'll be meeting on June 12th in Singapore. It went very well. It's really a get-to-know-you kind of a situation. Mike has spent two days doing this. We've gotten to know their people very well. And we will - you people are going to have to travel because you'll be in Singapore on June 12th. And I think it'll be a process. It's not - I never said it goes in one meeting. I think it's going to be a process. But the relationships are building, and that's a very positive thing. Q Mr. President, what's your sense of what the North Koreans are willing to do on the issue of denuclearization? Are they looking at it all at once? THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think they want to do that. I know they want to do that. They want other things along the line. They want to develop as a country. That's going to happen. I have no doubt. Japan is involved, as you know. And South Korea is very much involved. We're involved in terms of getting everything. Everybody wants the United States. So we're going to help in the process very much. Without us, it wouldn't happen. But I think that you see a lot of very positive things, including with China. I think you see a lot of very positive things happening with President Xi, who has helped me quite a bit with this. So we'll see where it leads. But we're going to be - June 12th, we'll be in Singapore. It will be a beginning. I don't say and I've never said it happens in one meeting. You're talking about years of hostility; years of problems; years of, really, hatred between so many different nations. But I think you're going to have a very positive result in the end. Not from one meeting, but you're going to have a very positive - Q You appeared to question their sincerity in your letter to Kim Jong Un last week. Have they gone far enough now? Do you believe they're sincere? THE PRESIDENT: My letter was a response to their letter. The media forgot that. You know, the media said, "Oh, you had a meeting, then you cancelled." I didn't cancel the meeting. I cancelled it in response to a very tough statement. And I think we're over that - totally over that. And now we're going to deal, and we're going to really start a process. We're meeting with the Chairman on June 12th. And I think it's probably going to be a very successful - ultimately, a successful process. We'll see. Remember what I say: We will see what we will see. But I think it's going to be a process that we deserve to have. I mean, we really deserve - they want it. We think it's important. And I think we would be making a big mistake if we didn't have it. I think we're going to have a relationship, and it will start on June 12th. Q What can you get done in one meeting? What can you get done on June 12th? And why do you think they're open to denuclearization? THE PRESIDENT: Well, this was a very good meeting. Don't forget, this was a meeting where a letter was given to me by Kim Jong Un, and that letter was a very nice letter. Oh, would you like to see what was in that letter? Would you like it? Q Can you tell us? THE PRESIDENT: How much? How much? How much? Q Can you just give us a flavor of what the letter said? THE PRESIDENT: Ah, it was a very interesting letter. And at some point I may be - it may be appropriate, and maybe I'll be able to give it to you. Maybe you'll be able to see it, and maybe fairly soon. But really, this was a letter presentation that ended up being a two-hour conversation. Q Why did it end up going so long, sir? THE PRESIDENT: Because we found the whole subject matter very interesting. And because I really think they want to do something. And if it's possible, so do we. Q What did he ask you (inaudible)? THE PRESIDENT: I think all we're going to do is be there on June 12th, and we're going to see what happens. Mike has been dealing very well. They have a very good relationship with Mike Pompeo, our Secretary of State. It was actually very interesting because this was literally going to be the delivery of a letter, and it ended up being a two-hour conversation with the second most powerful man in North Korea. Q Did he ask you anything about troop levels in South Korea? THE PRESIDENT: We talked about almost everything. We talked about a lot. And we talked about sanctions. Q (Inaudible) with Kim Jong Un yet? THE PRESIDENT: I don't want to say that. Q Did they agree to CVID, sir? THE PRESIDENT: We talked about about a lot of things. We really did. But the big deal will be on June 12th. And again, it's a process. It doesn't go - we're not going to sign a - we're not going to go in and sign something on June 12th and we never were. We're going to start a process. And I told them today, "Take your time. We can go fast. We can go slowly." But I think they'd like to see something happen. And if we can work that out, that will be good. But the process will begin on June 12th in Singapore. Q Do you believe Kim is committed to denuclearization? THE PRESIDENT: Yeah, I do think so. He'd like to see it happen. He wants to be careful. He wants to be, you know - he's not going to run and do things. But I told him, to be honest with you, look, we have sanctions on; they're very powerful sanctions. We would not take sanctions off unless they did that. But the sanctions are very powerful. You've seen how powerful in other ways. You're going to see how powerful sanctions are when it comes to Iran. You see what that's doing to Iran. So we have sanctions on. And at a certain point, I'll tell you what, I look forward to the day when I can take the sanctions off of North Korea. Q Did you talk about human rights today? And do you expect to talk about it on - THE PRESIDENT: We did not talk about human rights, no. Q Do you expect to talk about it on June 12th? THE PRESIDENT: Could be. Yeah. Could be. I think we probably will, and maybe in great detail. We did not talk about human rights. Q Did you talk about sanctions? Did they ask you to make any changes? THE PRESIDENT: Yeah, we did. We talked about it. Yes, they asked about sanctions. Q Is maximum pressure over, sir? THE PRESIDENT: Excuse me? Q Is maximum pressure over, sir? THE PRESIDENT: It's going to remain what it is now. I don't even want to use the term "maximum pressure" anymore because I don't want to use that term because we're getting along. You see the relationship. We're getting along. So it's not a question of maximum pressure. It's staying essentially the way it is. At some point, hopefully, a deal - for the good of millions of people, a deal will be worked out. Q Mr. President, how would you describe the state of relations now between the United States and North Korea after your meetings today? THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think they're okay. I mean, I think they're good. Is it like the relationships we have with a couple of other countries? Probably not. Right? But I think the relationship we have right now with North Korea is as good as it's been in a long time. They had no relationship under the previous administration. There was nothing. It was nothing. They were explaining, it was just a "nothing." Nothing was done. Hey, folks, this should not be up to me. This should have been handled a long time ago. This got to a very critical point. This should have been handled many years ago - not only by President Obama, but by other Presidents that preceded me. This shouldn't be done now, this should have been done years ago. Q Do you plan to offer the North Koreans economic aid at the June 12th summit? THE PRESIDENT: Well, what's going to happen is South Korea will do that. No, I don't think the United States is going to have to spend. I think South Korea will do it. I think China - I think, frankly, China will help out. I think that Japan will help out. No, I don't see the United States spending a lot of money. You know, we have three hostages. How much money did I spend for the hostages? And, look, we're very far away. We are very far away. Those places are very close. It's their neighborhood. We're thousands - we're 6,000 miles away. So I've already told South Korea, I said, "You know, you're going to have to get ready." And Japan, also. And I think they really want to see something great happen. Japan does, South Korea does, and I think China does. But that's their neighborhood; it's not our neighborhood. Q Mr. President, yesterday you were concerned about the meeting that Lavrov was having with Kim Jong Un. THE PRESIDENT: Yeah, I didn't like it. Q Where are you on that today? THE PRESIDENT: I didn't like it, but it could be very positive, too. I didn't like the Russian meeting yesterday. I said, "What's the purpose of that?" But, it could be a positive meeting. If it's a positive meeting, I love it. If it's a negative meeting, I'm not happy. And it could very well be a positive meeting. Q Are you willing to end the South Korean War on June 12th, during the summit? THE PRESIDENT: Well, we could - that could happen. That could happen. We talked about it. Q Tell us more. THE PRESIDENT: We talked about ending the war. And you know, this war has been going on - it's got to be the longest war - almost 70 years, right? And there is a possibility of something like that. That's more of a signing of a document that it's very important in one way. Historically, it's very important. But we'll see. And we did discuss that - the ending of the Korean War. Can you believe that we're talking about the ending of the Korean War? You're talking about 70 years. Q Has that document been prepared? Or is it being prepared? THE PRESIDENT: Well, we're going to discuss it prior to the meeting. That's something that could come out of the meeting. I think, really, there's something that maybe could come out of the meeting. Q Where's China on that? THE PRESIDENT: I think China would like to see a very positive result. I have a lot of good relations with, as you know, Chairman Xi. He's a great - he's really a very wonderful guy. He's a man that loves China. However, he wants to do what's best for China. I think China and President Xi would love to see something happen here. Q When you say you're going to guarantee Kim's security, and the North Korean regime's security, how will you do that? How would the United States do that? THE PRESIDENT: Well, we're going to make sure it's secure. We're going to make sure when this is over, it's over. It's not going to be starting up again. And they have a potential to be a great country. And I think South Korea is going to help a lot. Japan is going to help a lot. I think China is going to help a lot. Q How do you envision that working, though? THE PRESIDENT: Well, that's a very complicated question, frankly, but you'll see that over a period of time. Q When you gave your speech in Seoul last November, you talked about the bright promise if North Korea should choose to join the company of nations. But if you leave Kim in place, can you really have a transformation like that? THE PRESIDENT: I really think you can. And I think it's going to be very successful. They're incredible people. I think it's going to be a very great success. So we'll see what happens. But we'll see you - we will see you on June 12th, but I'm sure we'll see you a little bit before that. In the meantime, how is Sarah doing? Okay? (Laughter.) Q Have you discussed dates for a second or a third summit? THE PRESIDENT: The - which one? Q Did you discuss dates for a second or a third meeting? THE PRESIDENT: I told them, I think that you're going to have, probably, others. Hey, wouldn't it be wonderful if we walked out and everything was settled all of a sudden from sitting down for a couple of hours? No, I don't see that happening. But I see over a period of time. And frankly, I said, "Take your time. Take your time. It's going to remain as is, but take your time." One thing I did do, and it was very important, we had hundreds of new sanctions ready to go on. And he did not - the director did not ask, but I said I'm not going to put them on until such time as the talks break down. We have very significant sanctions on now. But we had hundreds - we have hundreds that are ready to go. But I said, "I'm not going to." But why would I do that when we're talking so nicely? Q Is this first meeting more of a personal diplomacy, part of your "getting to know you" - THE PRESIDENT: I think it's a "getting to know you" meeting, plus. And that can be a very positive thing. Q Mr. President, what was your response to the letter? Did you send anything back? A Filipino immigrant kicked to death in Slovakia 5. 6. 2018 cas cteni 1 minuta ; Juraj Hossu (28) a Slovak citizen from the town of Dunajska Streda, kicked to death Henry John Serafica Acorda (36), a Filipino immigrant to Bratislava who had lived and worked in Slovakia as an IT expert. Acorda tried to defend his female colleagues whom Juraj Hossu sexually harassed. Acorda died of his injuries in hospital a few days later. Although the Bratislava police arrested the attacker, a local prosecutor released him from prison, because in his view, "it is unlikely that he would continue with his criminal activity". The release of the attacker has provoked anger of the Slovak public, so that the attacker was later re-arrested again and charged with manslaughter. The case has provoked strong passions in Slovakia. "Juraj Hussa seriously injured Mr. Henry, a Filipino, who has then died of his injuries. And it all happened because the attacker wanted to harass girls and the 'evil immigrant' stood up to defend them. Why are now Slovak extreme nationalists silent? Or do they think that brutal attacks perpetrated by Slovaks are OK?" said one Slovak citizen, quoted by the Slovak daily Pravda. "Only a human animal is able first to harass a woman and then to kill her defender by kicking him to death," said Erik Tomas, a former spokesperson of the Slovak ruling Smer party. He however added that his party cannot be blamed for anti-immigrant sentiments in Slovak society. The killing of Mr. Acorda will not change the negative attitude of the Slovak government to EU refugee quotas because they represent a security risk," he added. A rally will take place on a main square in Bratislava on Wednesday evening to commemorate the death of the murdered Filipino man. Source in Czech HERE Source in Slovak HERE 0 A security breach affected the MyHeritage website, and leaked the personal information of over 92 million users, the Israeli company said Tuesday. In a blog post today, MyHeritage publicly disclosed for the first time that a breach happened on October 26, 2017. The post also says that the exposed data consisted of email addresses and hashed passwords belonging to users who signed up to the MyHeritage website up to the date of the breach. MyHeritage claims to have over 35 million family trees on its website. The firm is headquartered in Or Yehuda, Israel, and has offices in Tel Aviv, Israel; Lehi, Utah (Mormon/LDS stronghold, and genealogy is important to this religion); Kiev, Ukraine; and Burbank, California. If your data is with MyHeritage, at the very least change your password. And tell your family members. Here is the company's security warning for users, in entirety. Today, June 4, 2018 at approximately 1pm EST, MyHeritage's Chief Information Security Officer received a message from a security researcher that he had found a file named myheritage containing email addresses and hashed passwords, on a private server outside of MyHeritage. Our Information Security Team received the file from the security researcher, reviewed it, and confirmed that its contents originated from MyHeritage and included all the email addresses of users who signed up to MyHeritage up to October 26, 2017, and their hashed passwords. Immediately upon receipt of the file, MyHeritage's Information Security Team analyzed the file and began an investigation to determine how its contents were obtained and to identify any potential exploitation of the MyHeritage system. We determined that the file was legitimate and included the email addresses and hashed passwords of 92,283,889 users who had signed up to MyHeritage up to and including Oct 26, 2017 which is the date of the breach. MyHeritage does not store user passwords, but rather a one-way hash of each password, in which the hash key differs for each customer. This means that anyone gaining access to the hashed passwords does not have the actual passwords. The security researcher reported that no other data related to MyHeritage was found on the private server. There has been no evidence that the data in the file was ever used by the perpetrators. Since Oct 26, 2017 (the date of the breach) and the present we have not seen any activity indicating that any MyHeritage accounts had been compromised. We believe the intrusion is limited to the user email addresses. We have no reason to believe that any other MyHeritage systems were compromised. As an example, credit card information is not stored on MyHeritage to begin with, but only on trusted third-party billing providers (e.g. BlueSnap, PayPal) utilized by MyHeritage. Other types of sensitive data such as family trees and DNA data are stored by MyHeritage on segregated systems, separate from those that store the email addresses, and they include added layers of security. We have no reason to believe those systems have been compromised. Steps We've Taken Immediately upon learning about the incident, we set up an Information Security Incident Response Team to investigate the incident. We are also taking immediate steps to engage a leading, independent cybersecurity firm to conduct comprehensive forensic reviews to determine the scope of the intrusion; and to conduct an assessment and provide recommendations on steps that can be taken to help prevent such an incident from occurring in the future. We are taking steps to inform relevant authorities including as per GDPR. We will be expediting our work on the upcoming two-factor authentication feature that we will make available to all MyHeritage users soon. This will allow users interested in taking advantage of it, to authenticate themselves using a mobile device in addition to a password, which will further harden their MyHeritage accounts against illegitimate access. We set up a 24/7 security customer support team to assist customers who have concerns or questions about the incident. What Our Users Should Do MyHeritage users who have questions or concerns about this incident can contact our security customer support team via email on privacy@myheritage.com or by phone via the toll-free number (USA) +1 888 672 2875, available 24/7. For all registered users of MyHeritage, we recommend that for maximum safety, they change their password on MyHeritage. The procedure for doing this is described in the MyHeritage FAQ article. Once MyHeritage releases the upcoming two-factor-authentication feature, we recommend to all our users to take advantage of it. For now, there are no other actions that MyHeritage users need to take as a result of this incident. However, we always recommend that you take the time to evaluate your security practices. Please, avoid using the same password for multiple services or websites. It's good practice to use stronger passwords and to change them often. Going Forward As always, your privacy and the security of your data are our highest priority. We continually assess our procedures and policies and seek new ways to improve our approach to security. We understand the importance of our role as custodians of your information and work every day to earn your trust. Thank you for your understanding. Contact Omer Deutsch Chief Information Security Officer, MyHeritage Email: dpo@myheritage.com Pretty logical place to hide, if you ask me. Secret Service agents grabbed Martese Maurice Edwards today when he showed up for work at the White House, where he worked as a private contractor for the WH National Security Council. A man by that same name is wanted for attempted first-degree murder in Prince George's County, Maryland. Mr. Edwards, who is 29, "was taken into custody just after noon at a checkpoint in the 1600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue NW," reports the Washington Post: A spokesman for the Prince George's County Sheriff's Office said their records show that warrant was taken out May 17. Details of the allegations could not be learned Tuesday evening. The Secret Service said in a statement that a member of its uniformed division ran Edwards's name through a criminal database when he arrived at the White House. That database provided information on an active warrant, officials said. Edwards was turned over to D.C. police for processing. He was charged in the District with being a fugitive from justice and could later be extradited to Maryland. The Secret Service said he worked as a private contractor, but his precise job or where he worked at the White House was not provided. The Secret Service told CBS News pretty much the same thing: "On June 4, 2018, the U.S. Secret Service was notified by the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) that Martese Edwards was the subject of a warrant issued out of Prince Georges County, MD. On June 5, 2018, Edwards was promptly arrested by Secret Service Uniformed Division Officers at a checkpoint outside of the White House complex when he was reporting to work as a contractor. Edwards was transported to MPD Second District for processing." Below, Paula Reid from CBS News reporting more. A government contractor was taken into custody at a Secret Service checkpoint when he showed up for work. He was wanted for attempted murder. @PaulaReidCBS reports from the White House. https://t.co/PH1cT6TNu1 pic.twitter.com/lrYKOk3Awo CBS News (@CBSNews) June 5, 2018 Techdirt is in the throes of a two-part revelation: 1. the US government's works are public domain and can be freely commercialized, and; 2. many of the weird things that spy agencies make can be turned into ironic, cool, and sometimes fun and/or beautiful objects of commerce. Since the Snowden revelations, there has been an aggressive campaign to pry loose the cultural artifacts of America's vast, secretive, paranoid spy agencies (euphemistically called the "intelligence community" by progressives who forgive these COINTELPRO-happy, unaccountable authoritarians so long as they're wrongfooting Donald Trump). And wherever a wonderful, weird artifact emerges from leaks of Freedom of Information Act requests, Techdirt is there to productize it. First came the stunningly successful crowdfunder to produce a playable commercial version of the CIA's training card-game, "Collect It All." Now, Techdirt has pounced on the hundred-plus weird, paranoid and wonderful NSA internal security posters that Government Attic secured and published last week, creating The NSA Collection, a line of 24 surveillance couture tees proudly emblazoned with a selection of the greatest of these posters. News / National by Simbarashe Sithole The son to late ZANU PF war veteran Edison Zvobgo, Munyaradzi scoffed at President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday during MDC Alliance march in Harare. Zvobgo said people attended the electoral reforms march voluntarily while Zanu-PF always bus people to their events.Addressing protesters at Africa Unity Square today Zvobgo who did not have any kind words for the Zimbabwean president said the mass will remove him if he does not agree to reforms."I feel pity for Mnangagwa if he tries to copy what President Chamisa has done because he will run out of cash from his bank account bussing people coming here, people come voluntarily not to be driven to the deep tank like cattle," bellowed Zvobgo.Zvobgo also denounced war veterans who support Mnangagwa the likes of his special advisor Chris Mutsvangwa and Victor Matemadanda who worked tirelessly in removing former president Robert Mugabe."The country is not for Matemadanda and Mutsvangwa the war veterans did not fight for Mnangagwa and Mutsvagwa, war veterans fought for the voice of the people.He further accused Mnangagwa of stealing the people's voice and threatened to remove him if reforms are not implemented."Mnangagwa stole the voice of the people hence l am going to say no one is going for elections if reforms are not implemented," he said.Zvobgo closed his remarks by chanting the MDC slogan and denouncing Mnangawa before thanking the nation."Ndatenda Zimbabwe Chisa mbama chisa pasi naMnangagwa!" News / National by Staff reporter Thousands of MDC Alliance supporters had turned up for the largest street demonstration since the massive one in November leading to Mugabe's departure.Speakers warned they would march again if President Mnangagwa, who took power with the military's help, "steals" the election.Addressing the marchers, Chamisa said; "Zimbabweans have spoken, we have already won the election and Mnangagwa knows that."Let me assure him that we will stop all processes until he gives us reforms. No one will be threatened. There will not be a repeat of previous elections and opposition has the support of everyone in this country."He continued; "We want to save Mnangagwa and (vice president) Constantine Chiwenga through free, fair and credible elections."Recently, I asked Mnangagwa to meet me, but he refused. He even declined a public debate with me. Now we are all coming to you in our numbers with a petition until we get the reforms we want."Zimbabweans, remember that 30 July is a survival day and not just an election day. It is a day to resolve Zimbabwe's problems."Also addressing the crowd, Alliance principal Tendai Biti said; "Today I brought my own scarf-let. There will not be elections to be contested, rigged or maneuvered and no election which is not free and fair."We want to breathe. We want transformation and prosperity for Zimbabwe as we dismantle the pillars of authoritarian imperialism. Please Mnangagwa, do the right thing for this country," begged Biti.Representatives of the fledgling National People's Front (NPF) who included Jim Kunaka, Jealousy Mawarire and Shadreck Mashayamombe also endorsed Chamisa at the protest."Chamisa must be voted into power. He will provide solutions to Zimbabwe's unemployment crisis, he will build hospitals, schools and roads once he is in power," said Mawarire said. News / National by Staff reporter PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa allowed Tuesday's massive opposition demonstration in Harare and blocked a planned counter march by his own Zanu-PF party, his spin doctor has claimed.NewZimbabwe.com reported that according to spokesman George Charamba, the Zanu-PF leader advised to security services to allow Tuesday's opposition march."His Excellency the President underlined to security structures that Section 59 of the Constitution which allows the right to demonstrate must be respected and that its provision in the supreme law of the country guarantees a right whose enjoyment cannot be optional except in terms provided for under the same Constitution," Charamba told the State-owned Herald newspaper."To that end, he impressed on the security structures that in the absence of any real good reasons that would justify abridgement of that right to demonstrate, the request by the opposition should be honoured."The ruling Zanu-PF party had also moved to stage a Mnangagwa solidarity on the same day as the opposition demonstration.However, the president apparently vetoed the plan."The President communicated to the leadership of the party that the party could not raise demonstrations on the same day and in the same space already secured by the opposition as to do that would raise the risk of inter-party clashes, thereby undermining the overarching goal of ensuring a peaceful, violence-free poll," explained Charamba."The President said if the party (Zanu-PF) wanted to mount a demonstration it had to do it either before the opposition one or after it in terms of the same section of the Constitution."He stressed the importance of peace, peace, peace. Order, order and respect for persons and property." News / National by Staff reporter The Parks & Wildlife Management Authority of Zimbabwe (Zimparks) have today dismissed a social media story about a stray male lion roaming the Christmas Pass mountains in Mutare as a hoax.Zimparks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo in an interview with The Manica Post assured the public that there was no such lion and if such may have been the case his office would have been notified."I wish to assure the public that there is no stray lion roaming Christmas Pass and Zimparks has not received any reports of such nature. The message being circulated on social media is just but a hoax causing unnecessary panic to the public," he said.He further explained it as impossible for a lion to have crossed over from Mozambique to the Pass as stated by the social media message noting that male lions are lazy and do not walk long distances.Mr Farawo advised the public to verify with Zimparks on any reports of stray wild animals before causing unnecessary panic on social media."I advise the public to verify any reports on stray dangerous wild animals with the ZimParks Public Relations Department before conveying messages. This will cause unnecessary panic and disruption of day to day business," he said.The hoax message circulating on social media states the sighting of a male lion along the Harare-Mutare highway just as one ascends the Pass from Harare. It is also accompanied by a photograph of the lion taken at night. News / National by Staff reporter Blessed Mhlanga, a NewsDay reporter has officially been charged on assault charges on Deputy Finance Minister Terrence Mukupe 12 days after a scuffle between the two.Mukupe filed the assault charges against the journalist in Harare.The scuffle between Mukupe and Mhlanga happened at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) SFM radio studio on the 24th of May.Both the minister and the scribe were invited to discuss a headline story in the NewsDay written by reporter quoting Mukupe saying the military wouldn't let Nelson Chamisa rule in the event that he won the forthcoming election.Information available said it was Mukupe who stood up during a live radio programme accusing the journalist of intimidating him and grabbed him by his shoulders whilst one of his aides tried to restrain the minister.It was during the scuffle that Mhlanga's wife, Florence, whipped out her mobile phone to record the wrestling.Mukupe then instructed his aides to seize the Samsung S7 phone from her and he (Mukupe) later pushed her into the corner.Florence and Blessed went to report the incident to the police and Mukupe has since bought a new mobile handset similar to the one he seized as replacement. Judge Aaron Persky, Known For Brock Turner Rape Case, Voted Off The Bench: Link Roundup Bye, Brock Turner's Judge California Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky, known for giving Brock Turner a lenient sentence after the Stanford student sexually assaulted an unconscious woman, was removed from office last night. The Washington Post reports that 59.6% of voters supported his removal. Women across all sectors of society are standing up saying, Enough is enough, Stanford professor and Recall Judge Aaron Persky Campaign Chairwoman Michele Dauber told the publication. Read the full story in The Washington Post. ADVERTISEMENT Rest in Peace, Kate Spade Yesterday, designer Kate Spade was found dead of an apparent suicide, and fans, designers, and celebrities alike are all speaking up about the need for more awareness and support relating to mental illness. Read more in the Los Angeles Times. South Dakota Lawmaker Believes Businesses Should Be Able To Turn Away Minorities Following the recent Supreme Court decision in favor of the Colorado baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, Republican South Dakota Representative Michael Clark made a Facebook post calling the ruling a win for freedom of speech. He added that he believes business owners should also have the right to turn away people of color. The post has been deleted following backlash, but you can read more on The Hill. Merkley Speaks Out About Migrant Processing Centers Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon spoke with press members about his experience visiting an immigrant detention facility in McAllen, TX. He described dog-kennel style inhumane conditions, and said, This is not mandated by lawthis is a decision that was made after extensive conversations within the administration. Check out the full story on CBS News. The Internet Calls Out Lack Of Diversity in Varietys Night In The Writers Room Variety has been promoting an upcoming event in Hollywood billed as A Night in The Writers Roombut of the twelve panelists, only one is a woman. There are no women of color on the panel. Many individuals, including Busy Philipps, called out Variety for its lack of diversity. Read more on Refinery29. Were Probably Getting Our First Native American Congresswoman! After winning the primary election yesterday, Deb Haaland of New Mexico is slated to become the first Native American woman in Congress. Haaland called her win a victory for working people, a victory for women and a victory for everyone who has been sidelined by the billionaire class. Read more on CNN. Prices Rise For Vaginal Health Drugs On Sunday, The New York Times published a report that vaginal health drugs including Vagifem, a product meant to aid a condition in which people with vaginas experience dryness, uncomfortable sex, and chronic UTIs, are raising costs to up to $3,000 a year. Writer Katie Thomas argued that because vaginal health conditions are considered taboo, people arent speaking up about the unfair price surges. Read the full New York Times piece here. Racked Introduces The Size Conversation Fashion site Racked has introduced a new series of essays and reports on plus-size inclusion within the fashion industry. Topics include I Love Fashion, But Fashion Doesnt Love Me Back and What Does Plus-Size Even Mean? Check it out here. Chelsea Peretti Will Play a 39-Year-Old Spinster Chelsea Peretti has officially signed on to star in director Andrea Dorfmans latest film, Spinster, about a woman who is dumped on her 39th birthday and worries shes fated to live alone forever. Read more on Deadline. This article was published on June 6, 2018 Top photo via Flickr Creative Commons / HarshLight More from BUST Brock Turner Is Out Of Jail After Three F**king Months - And We're Not The Only Ones Who Are Angry This Plus-Size Brand Has The Perfect Response To Those Terrible "Beach Body" Ads Brock Turner Is Trying To Appeal His Rape Conviction, Because Of Course He Is Lydia Wang is a writer, a Pisces, and one of BUST's digital editors. Find her on Twitter or say hi: lydiaw@bust.com. Photo credit: Car and Driver From Car and Driver In May 1984, entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin was in a bind. His venture, the importation of Pininfarina Spiders and Bertone X1/9s, was failing, and, facing bankruptcy, he had 120 days to find a more profitable car to sell here. So Bricklin scoured the world, traveling first to England, where he tried to land Jaguar, then to Serbia, a republic of what was then communist Yugoslavia. It was there, in the parking lot of Belgrades Hotel InterContinental, that he and former Fiat executive Tony Ciminera first examined a Fiat-based hatchback called the Yugo. Im looking at [the car] and I said, Ugh! This is really primitive! recalls Ciminera. But Bricklin was desperate. So the next day, he and Ciminera toured the Yugo factory, whose owner, the aptly named Crvena Zastava (or Red Flag) Works, also made machine guns. The building was dark, the floors greasy, and Ciminera was shocked to discover smoking workers stepping into cars with dirty shoes on and newly stamped fenders being thrown into bins. It was a disaster. But because the Yugo cost about $2000 wholesale, Bricklin figured he could cover the cars homologation and sell it stateside for just $3990, which he did in August 1985. Although it was a communist-made car sold in Reagans America, dealers had customers lining up 10 deep to buy one. Yugo America sold an astonishing 1050 cars in a single day. But what goes up must come down. There were serious quality issues. The car was slow, crawling to 60 mph in 14 seconds and topping out at 86 mph. Then came the reviews. C/Ds then technical director, Csaba Csere, wrote, Its obvious to me that the Yugo GV is inferior to every other car sold in America. The hits kept coming. The car performed poorly in crash tests, sales plummeted, and soon everyone was ripping on it: Saturday Night Live, Leno, Letterman, The Simpsons. Kids told jokes about it, and one dealer in Philadelphia offered a Toyugo sale, but most buyers refused the free Yugo that came with the purchase of their Toyota. The end came in 1992, when, during the Yugoslav civil war, Yugo America went bankrupt (for a second time), and the United Nations issued a trade embargo on Serbia that included Yugo parts. Story continues You Might Also Like The Dzawada'enuxw First Nation is taking legal action to stop the operation of open-pen fish farms on its traditional territory. The First Nation, based in the South Coast community of Kingcome Inlet, B.C., filed a claim of Aboriginal title in B.C. Supreme Court on Monday for the land and waters in and around the Broughton Archipelago northeast of Vancouver Island. The title claim affects 10 fish farms which have licences granted by the province as well as a few forest tenures. Jack Woodward, the lawyer representing the Dzawada'enuxw, said the land claim will allow the nation to seek an injunction to prevent fish farms from renewing their operating licences many of which expire on June 20. "This is really the ultimate remedy that they could seek," Woodward said. "This is their territory. They own it and they don't think that the fish farms have any right to be there." 'Infringing on our way of life' The Dzawada'enuxw First Nation has long fought fish farming in their territory, which they say poses a threat to wild fish populations. Last September, environmentalists and members of the Musgamagw Dzawada'enuxw and the Kwikwasutinuxw Haxwamis First Nations occupied two Marine Harvest Canada salmon farms in their territorial waters. Hereditary Chief Hawil'kwo'lal said the fish farm operations cannot continue. "The fish farming industry is infringing on our way of life, by breaking the natural circle of life that has sustained us since time immemorial," Hawil'kwo'lal said. In a statement to CBC News, Marine Harvest which operates some of the fish farms affected by the claim says it has sought to develop positive partnerships with First Nations. It said it has business agreements with 15 First Nations and is seeking agreements with 24 others whose territory it operates in. Marine Harvest did not comment on the title claim. Listen to lawyer Jack Woodward on All Points West: Story continues Aboriginal title claim The legal strategy of using title claim gained relevance after the historic 2014 Supreme Court decision that granted the Tsilhqot'in Nation Aboriginal title to 1,700 square kilometres of territory. The legal precedent recognized the land rights of Indigenous people with limits and opened up questions on how much power First Nations can exercise over projects and development on their traditional territories. Dzawada'enuxw First Nations Chief Okwilagame said his people have lived in these territories since time immemorial. "We have never ceded these territories to anyone, and have remained living within our ancestral lands throughout time and will continue to for generations to come," he said. Provincial response The province has not yet responded to the claim, but B.C.'s Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation sent a statement to CBC News. It said it respected the right of the Dzawada'enuxw First Nation to file this legal claim but hoped for resolution outside of the courts. "The province is intent on building a new relationship with First Nations based on respect and recognition, engaging in respectful and meaningful ways, so First Nations partners do not feel the only recourse to resolve concerns is through the courts." With files from All Points West By Ju-min Park SEOUL (Reuters) - China has launched a probe into Samsung Electronics Co Ltd <005930.KS>, SK Hynix Inc <000660.KS> and Micron Technology Inc , the three semiconductor makers who control the market for DRAM memory chips. Beijing is investigating price-fixing allegations as DRAM prices have risen sharply, the first such probe by China, said a source with knowledge of the matter. "The investigation has kicked off in earnest," the source said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. The move comes at a time when Seoul and Beijing have just gotten back on a more even footing after bilateral tensions last year, but analysts said the matter was separate from past spats as well as the current U.S.-China trade disputes. Rather the high cost of chips has hurt many electronics makers, with Chinese manufacturers among the hardest hit as they operate at lower margins than rivals. A senior South Korean government official said Samsung and SK Hynix contend that there has been no price-fixing. "It is a situation where strong demand is boosting prices and factories can't keep up with that level of demand even at full capacity," said Moon Sung-wook, the senior industry ministry official, told Reuters by telephone. South Korea's industry minister, who is visiting Beijing as part of efforts to boost his country's investment in China, asked his Chinese counterpart for fair treatment for South Korean companies involved in the probe, the ministry said in a statement. Chinese Commerce Minister Zhong Shan "promised to handle the matter fairly", the South Korean industry ministry added. All three firms said officials from China's State Administration for Market Regulation had visited their offices recently. A Samsung spokesman said the company was cooperating with the Chinese authorities, but did not provide more details. A SK Hynix spokesman also declined further comment. The crackdown on chipmakers was to ensure fair competition, said the Global Times, a state-backed Chinese tabloid run by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily. A DOUBLING IN PRICE Prices for DRAM chips, which help devices perform multiple tasks, have more than doubled in two years as servers, gaming PCs and cryptocurrency mining devices demand more firepower to process large amounts of streaming data. Although China is investing heavily to build up its still nascent chip industry, it is currently the largest importer of memory products, consuming 20 percent of the world's DRAM, according to research firm Trendforce. "The investigation not only reflects the current oligopoly in DRAM market, but also shows the cost pressures faced by Chinese OEMs due to high DRAM prices," said Avril Wu, senior research director of DRAMeXchange, a Trendforce division. A potential probe was first flagged late last year when Chinese state media reported that regulators approached South Korea's Samsung over rising prices. The DRAM sector has been a frequent target of regulatory probes globally over price-fixing allegations as the industry has seen a flurry of deals that left the two South Korean firms and their U.S. rival commanding 96 percent of the market. Samsung had 44.9 percent market share in the first quarter, while SK Hynix has 27.9 percent and Micron has 22.6 percent, according to Trendforce. In April, they were slapped with a class action lawsuit brought on behalf of U.S consumers over allegations that they conspired to inflate DRAM prices. Manufacturers have also joined a chorus of complaints with Lenovo Group Ltd <0992.HK>, the world's largest PC maker, saying last month its gross profit margin dropped by 0.4 percentage point mainly due to higher component costs, memory chips in particular. Research firm Gartner has forecast average selling prices for DRAM chips to climb 14.8 percent this year. But there may be some relief in sight, with Apple Inc's chief financial officer predicting in early May that DRAM prices may be "near the peak, possibly at the end of this year." Shares in the South Korean firms were little affected by the news. Samsung finished the day 0.4 percent higher and SK Hynix was up 1.4 percent. China's price-fixing fines have varied in recent years. In 2016, it fined a GM local joint venture $29 million and a local Medtronic unit $17.2 million for committing separate price fixing violations. In the previous year, regulators fined eight shipping companies from Korea, Japan and Europe a total of $65 million for coordinating bids and routes to keep prices high. (Reporting by Ju-min Park in Seoul; Additional reporting by Supantha Mukherjee and Laharee Chatterjee in Bengaluru, Brenda Goh in Shanghai, Jane Chung in Seoul, Miyoung Kim and Sayantani Ghosh in Singapore; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) An 18-year-old woman has been arrested after her mother was found stabbed in a Winnipeg home on May 28. Emergency workers found Christine Lynnette Barker, 36, in critical condition at a home on Beaumont Bay in Fort Garry. She had been stabbed. She was rushed to hospital, where she died. Police issued a Canada-wide warrant for her daughter, Hailey Barker, 18, but said at the time they did not think she had left the province. "We have no information to indicate she's left Winnipeg, but it's certainly a possibility whenever we see individuals who face charges of this nature," Const. Jay Murray said last week. "She's unofficially known to police," he said. "We've dealt with her a lot but she's never been criminally charged with anything." Hailey was found on June 4 and arrested, police said. She's charged with second-degree murder and is being held in custody. The fight to go braless: Montreal students push back against school's directive Students at Le Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie an all-girls private school in Outremont have launched a petition advocating for the freedom not to wear a bra at school. The petition had garnered more than 1,600 signatures by Tuesday morning. The movement grew out of an incident that happened at the school last week in which, according to the text of the petition, a student was asked to cover up because she wasn't wearing a bra under her T-shirt. "Since Sec. 1, we've been told that we will be taught to be citizens of the world and that being a woman doesn't limit us, but how do these conservative approaches fit in?" reads the petition. Eva Meloche, a 15-year-old student at the Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie who signed the petition, supports the cause. "I think we should have the choice if we want wear a bra or not," she told CBC. Meloche said she doesn't think the school is completely in the wrong but that the concern about the student's undergarment could have been handled differently. "To call in a student and ask them to cover themselves up makes them feel uncomfortable." Meloche said she spoke with her mother about the incident, and she agreed the petition was a good idea. Yanna Garnier, another 16-year-old student, signed the petition and said she'd be happy to see a more lenient stance from the school. "Women are not obligated to wear a bra even at school," she told CBC. "We [should] have the choice to decide whether we want to wear one or not." School responds According to a letter sent home to parents by the school's administration on Friday, the school's dress code doesn't include a formal rule about wearing a bra. "We remind you that the dress code aims above all else to establish certain guidelines," said the head of the school, Yves Petit, in the letter. "There is no mention of the wearing of undergarments. However, it's always a matter of judgment." Story continues Petit said that "the staff must intervene when an outfit is deemed indecent (while being aware that the question is subjective)." He wrote that the issue goes beyond what happened at the school, "that is to say, a societal debate on the equality of men and women, as it pertains to their bodies." In an interview with CBC News, Petit said that the school administration wants to encourage the girls to speak up and challenge ideas, but the school retains the right to exercise discretion, on a case by case basis. Petit said that the incident that sparked the response from students happened on Thursday at an out-of-uniform student life activity held outside. He said a female school administrator took the student aside to explain that the outfit wasn't appropriate. Despite the pushback, Petit said that staff will continue to intervene if they deem a student to be dressed inappropriately. Helene David, the minister responsible for the status of women, spoke outside the National Assembly Tuesday, calling the girls behind the petition "extraordinary." She said that they are asking "important questions." David said that as the MNA for Outremont, she is familiar with the school and its students and staff. "People were feeling a little bit uneasy, and they asked her to put something on," she said. "But the debate is about what we can wear, what we shouldn't wear. The important part is to have a dialogue." A growing movement This is not the first time Quebec students have raised the complaint of mandatory bra-wearing at school. In April, high school students at a dozen schools across the province were wearing yellow felt squares pinned to their jackets to protest dress codes. Students at Joseph-Francois-Perrault de Quebec school staged a braless protest this spring, and managed to convince the school to relax some of its policies. Students taking part in the yellow square movement told CBC that the fight was about more than just fashion choices. The students said they wanted to push the administration to look at its policies and ensure they were treating male and female students equally. They also wanted to address the hypersexualization of female students in an educational environment. By Axel Bugge LISBON (Reuters) - Portugal's OutSystems, a platform which allows users to build software applications with minimal coding, has raised $360 million from Goldman Sachs and U.S. investment firm KKR, valuing it at more than $1 billion and allowing it to beef up its leading position in this niche market. Goldman and KKR took a minority stake in OutSystems with the financing, which will allow the company to expand in key markets in the U.S., Britain, Germany, Japan and elsewhere, it said. The operation makes OutSystems the second Portuguese technology company to be valued above $1 billion, a big boost for Lisbon's ambitions to become a tech hub. The other is Farfetch, an online luxury clothing retailer which is considering an initial public offering. OutSystems' Chief Executive Paulo Rosado said the funding would allow the company to take advantage of rapid growth opportunities and maintain its leading position in the market. "We're seeing tremendous growth basically everywhere around the globe," Rosado told Reuters. "In general this funding, together with the financial situation of the company, allows us to support all the growth in all the regions." OutSystems runs a platform allowing software developers to build web and mobile applications without traditional coding. It has corporate customers in more than 50 countries and revenues of more than $100 million. Rosado said demand for OutSystems' products is growing rapidly as businesses go through digital transformation and need software solutions that can be developed and delivered quickly. Stephen Shanley, director at KKR, said this was the biggest investment in his company's growth equity fund because OutSystems has a "group of attributes that we rarely see together," including fast revenue growth, an efficient business model and global reach. "This is a true platform, there aren't many businesses that you look at and say, 'this could be a 5-10 billion dollar plus company'," Shanley said, adding that the investment is long-term and not intended as a quick flip." Asked about the company's long-term plans, Rosado said OutSystem was not thinking of an initial public offering now, adding though that "it's not off the table," for the future. OutSystems will expand its workforce to about 1,000 by the end of 2018 from around 700 currently, half of whom are in Portugal. (Reporting by Axel Bugge; editing by Andrei Khalip and Alexandra Hudson) An Ontario couple has been charged with failing to provide the necessities of life to their newborn daughter, who may have been delivered in a motel room in rural New Brunswick, say RCMP. Yuyang Guan, 26, appeared in Edmundston provincial court on Tuesday to face one count in relation to the baby, while her husband, Michael Bonnell, 30, was charged with two counts in relation to the baby, said Cpl. Jullie Rogers-Marsh. Guan and Bonnell remain remanded in custody until their next court appearance on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. Their daughter remains in hospital under the care of the Department of Social Development but appears to be in good health, said Rogers-Marsh. "We don't believe that there's anything life-threatening," she said, unable to provide more details. Guan was also examined at the hospital after her arrest but later released back into police custody. West District RCMP had requested the public's help in locating Guan and her newborn on Monday for a "well-being check." The request came after police received a report from staff at the Quality Inn Motel in Saint-Andre on Saturday, indicating they believed a woman had given birth in one of the rooms prior to May 25. No one had seen the woman or the baby and they were concerned, RCMP said. Guan had been staying in the room with Bonnell since April 15 and they were seen driving a 2013 white Ford Edge with Ontario licence plate BVLX 256. It's unclear why the couple was in New Brunswick or how long they had been in the province, but police believed they were heading to Peterborough, Ont., where Guan is from, said Rogers-Marsh. They were arrested without incident at a motel in Edmundston late Monday night after police received information from a member of the public who saw them. 2 dogs 'in poor health' The newborn was taken to the hospital for observation, where she remained Tuesday evening. Police also discovered two dogs "in poor health," said Rogers-Marsh. "It looks like they hadn't been fed, or they were quite hungry." The dogs were seized and turned over to animal care authorities, she said. Plenty of racism from man on dating site spurs woman to warn others A woman living in St. John's is warning others about a man she met through an online dating site and the onslaught of racist messages he sent her when she didn't answer his phone call. Lynn (CBC has agreed to only use her first name to protect her identity) immigrated to Newfoundland from Zimbabwe, and has been living in the capital city for four years. From small talk to racist tirade She recently met a man on dating site Plenty of Fish and eventually added him to Facebook Messenger, where they made small talk before not speaking for several weeks. Then Sunday night her phone rang and she saw his number pop up on her call display, followed by a text message. "I wasn't comfortable talking to him on the phone yet so I didn't answer," she told CBC's St. John's Morning Show. "Then I responded to the message and that's when it got all out of control. It was very, very racist and no one should have to experience that." Duty to warn other women At first she brushed off his sexually aggressive messages, but then he began using racist slurs, calling her the N-word and telling her "not to spread AIDS." She had no intentions of sharing his messages, but Lynn started to think about how there were likely other women this guy talked to, and that she had an opportunity to expose his behaviour. "After I asked him to stop and the messages kept coming in, I started getting really emotional," Lynn said. "To say such horrible words was what really got to me and I thought that people had to know the kind of person he really was." So she went ahead and shared screenshots of the conversation on Facebook, along with a photo of the man himself. The post got a lot of comments and shares, and Lynn said she's received overwhelming support. She said other women have started coming forward saying the same thing happened to them. Facebook has since removed the post after it was reported as violating its privacy policy. Story continues She also said she went to police with a formal complaint about the man, and in the meantime plans on steering clear of dating sites for a while. But she refuses to let the experience taint her impression of Newfoundland and Labrador. "There's still much love out there in the world and I would never try to say Newfoundland is a horrible place. I know Newfoundland is a great place. I've been here four years and I've really loved it," she said. "It's just so sad to see there are people out there who think little of a whole continent and other people and other races. I hope we all grow from this." Read more articles from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador A system set up to protect patients instead allowed a nurse to go on killing the frail and elderly in her care for almost a decade, a public inquiry into the province's long-term care system has heard. It was clear from the moment she began her career in 1995 that there were issues with nurse Elizabeth Wettlaufer, documents released as part of the inquiry reveal. In 1995, Wettlaufer was fired from the Geraldton, Ont., District Hospital, where she was a student nurse, after overdosing on narcotics she stole from the hospital during a shift. But Wettlaufer continued working at half a dozen other facilities in the next two decades, killing eight patients in her care by injecting them with insulin, and trying to kill or harm six others. Eventually, Wettlaufer confessed her killing spree to a social worker and psychiatrist, when she herself realized she shouldn't be trusted to administer insulin to children. She pleaded guilty in court to the murders and attempted murders and was sentenced June 26, 2017 to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years. "Why was she able to get away with this undetected?" asked Mark Zigler, the co-lead counsel for the public inquiry. - LONG READ | How did a mild-mannered nurse from small-town Ontario become one of Canada's worst serial killers? Although the inquiry won't be able to answer why Wettlaufer killed, it hopes to spell out to the public why she was able to keep killing, and how the system can change to prevent future killings, Zigler told Commissioner Eileen Gillese. "It is a total betrayal of trust when a caregiver does not prolong life, but instead terminates it," Zigler said. Tuesday was the first day of the public inquiry. Zigler detailed the ways in which Wettlaufer harmed or killed the elderly patients in her care, with family members of the victims once again having to hear how their loved ones died. "I want everyone accountable to be crucified," Arpad Horvath Jr. told reporters outside the inquiry on Tuesday. His father was killed by Wettlaufer in August 2014. Story continues Documents posted online reveal just how much, and how often, the system designed to protect patients failed those people. Those failures include: - After she was fired for stealing medication and overdosing in 1995, the Ontario Nurses Association intervened, and her firing was noted as a voluntary resignation. - From 2007 to 2014, Wettlaufer worked at Caressant Care in Woodstock, Ont., where she killed seven people. During that time, she was reprimanded nine times for numerous medical errors and incompetence until she was fired in 2014. - Her firing from Caressant Care was noted as a voluntary resignation after the Ontario Nurses Association again intervened. Wettlaufer got $2,000 as part of her union settlement and a letter of recommendation. - Wettlaufer began working at Meadow Park Long Term Care in London. Meadow Park administrators called police, because they suspected the nurse had stolen narcotics. No one called the College of Nurses of Ontario, the regulatory body that oversees the province's nurses. It's not clear what happened to the police investigation. - The Ontario Coroner's office was tipped off twice about problems with deaths at long-term care facilities where Wettlaufer worked. However, autopsies were not performed in those unexpected and suspicious deaths to determine their cause. In her opening remarks, Commissioner Eileen Gillese told the assembled family members and lawyers for 17 groups or organizations that having standing at the inquiry is an important part of public accountability. "In many ways, this inquiry is about healing healing our broken trust in the long-term care system," Gillese said. "I most sincerely hope that through these public hearings, the Ontario public begins to feel heard and therefore begins to heal." The inquiry is expected to last into September. The provincial government has announced the locations for two, 60-bed, long-term care facilties in central Newfoundland. In Grand Falls-Windsor, Scott Avenue between Valley Road and the site of the former Abitibi Consolidated mill will be home to the new building. In Gander, the facility will be built next next to the College of the North Atlantic campus, and accessible via Magee Road. "We have one of the oldest demographics anywhere in the country, and we are aging faster on average than other jurisdictions," said Premier Dwight Ball following a news conference on Tuesday. "We have the responsibility to make sure that we deliver those services as close to home as possible, in their own homes when possible but in some cases, they actually need infrastructure like long-term care sites." While the specific locations were unveiled on Tuesday, government's plan to build the facilities had been announced last year. Construction to start next year Close to 200 public service employees will be needed to staff the two centres, according to a media release issued by government Tuesday. Construction is expected to begin in 2019. The companies that will be involved in the designing, building and maintenance of the new facilities are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Health Minister John Haggie said the province's aging population and high rate of chronic diseases is posing a challenge to the health system that new long-term care beds can fix. "The problems with the acute sector, the fix for those, will come by looking into long-term care," he said Tuesday. "A lot of the problems in the acute sector with wait times are people are there because they can't get into places where they can get the care they need. Places like Botwood and the Hugh Twomey centre." Ball, Haggie, and other MHAs were in central Newfoundland Tuesday for several health-related announcements. Along with the unveiling of two long-term care sites, the provincial government also announced it has reached another step in the design of an extension to the protective care unit at the Dr. Hugh Twomey Centre in Botwood. That protective care unit is designed to safely treat patients with symptoms of dementia, and that type of space is in high demand in central Newfoundland, according to Haggie. Read more articles from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador FILE PHOTO: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg listens while testifying before a joint Senate Judiciary and Commerce Committees hearing regarding the companys use and protection of user data, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., April 10, 2018. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo By David Shepardson and David Ingram WASHINGTON/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Facebook Inc faced criticism on Wednesday from Republican and Democratic U.S. lawmakers who demanded that the social media company be more forthcoming about data it has shared with four Chinese firms. The bipartisan criticism reflected rising frustration in Congress about how Facebook protects the privacy of the more than 2 billion people who use its services worldwide. The leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee accused Facebook Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg of failing to disclose the company's agreements with the Chinese firms when he appeared before them in April and testified about Facebook's sharing of users' personal information with third parties. "Clearly, the company's partnerships with Chinese technology companies and others should have been disclosed before Congress and the American people," the panel's Republican chairman, Greg Walden, and top Democrat Frank Pallone said in a statement. "We strongly encourage full transparency from Facebook and the entire tech community," they wrote. Facebook responded that Zuckerberg spent more than 10 hours responding to lawmakers' questions. "The arrangements in question had been highly visible for years - with many manufacturers advertising these features. But with fewer and fewer people relying on them, we proactively announced this spring we'd begin winding them down," the company said in a statement. Facebook has said that the contracts with smartphone maker Huawei Technologies Co Ltd [HWT.UL] and other Chinese firms were standard industry practice and necessary to ensure that people who bought electronic devices had ready access to Facebook services. Facebook said it had control over the data sharing all along and that other tech firms struck similar arrangements with U.S. and Chinese companies in the early days of smartphones. Story continues Facebook shares closed down nearly 1 percent in New York. On Tuesday, Facebook said Huawei, computer maker Lenovo Group and smartphone makers OPPO and TCL Corp were among about 60 companies worldwide that received access to some user data after they signed contracts to re-create Facebook-like experiences for their users. Huawei, the world's third-largest smartphone maker, has come under scrutiny from U.S. intelligence agencies that have said that Chinese telecommunications companies provide an opportunity for foreign espionage and threaten critical U.S. infrastructure, something the Chinese have denied. Huawei said in a statement, "Like all leading smartphone providers, Huawei worked with Facebook to make Facebook's service more convenient for users. Huawei has never collected or stored any Facebook user data." Francisco Varela, Facebook's vice president of mobile partnerships, said on Tuesday the user data in question was stored on people's devices, not on Huawei's company servers. Senator Ed Markey, a Democrat, wrote on Twitter, "Mark Zuckerberg needs to return to Congress and testify why @facebook shared Americans' private information with questionable Chinese companies." Republican Senator Marco Rubio asked on Twitter, "why didn't @facebook just reveal this data sharing deal with #Huawei months ago? And don't compare this to deals with other telecomms. S.Korea govt doesnt control or use @Samsung the way China controls & uses Huawei." A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman had no comment. Lawmakers expressed concern after The New York Times reported that the data of users' friends could have been accessed without their explicit consent. Facebook denied that, and said the data access was to allow its users to access account features on mobile devices. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission, which reached a settlement with Facebook in 2011 over its information-sharing practices, declined comment. In a separate letter on Tuesday, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee pressed Facebook for more information, while the Senate Intelligence Committee's top Democrat urged Facebook to release further details. Facebook said it would address the commerce panel's questions. Congressional aides have said Facebook has not answered hundreds of questions from lawmakers after Zuckerberg's April testimony before two committees. Several aides said lawmakers were waiting for Facebook's answers before deciding on whether to hold additional hearings. Facebook has said that other companies that have used its data sharing include Amazon.com Inc, Apple Inc, HTC Corp, Microsoft Corp and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd. Several countries are scrutinizing Facebook after it failed to protect the data of some 87 million users that was shared with now-defunct political data firm Cambridge Analytica. (Reporting by David Shepardson and David Ingram; Additional reporting by Diane Bartz; Editing by Will Dunham and Leslie Adler) A sign at a downtown city park informs people the area is a no drone zone in San Diego, California, U.S., May 17, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration urged Congress on Wednesday to give it new powers to disable or destroy threatening drones, according to testimony viewed by Reuters. David Glawe, undersecretary for intelligence and analysis at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Hayley Chang, DHS' deputy general counsel, told the Senate committee that oversees the department that it needs new authority. "Terrorist groups overseas use drones to conduct attacks on the battlefield and continue to plot to use them in terrorist attacks elsewhere. This is a very serious, looming threat that we are currently unprepared to confront," the officials' written testimony said. A bipartisan group of senators including Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Ron Johnson, a Republican, and the committee's top Democrat, Claire McCaskill, last month introduced legislation to give DHS and the Justice Department authority to "to protect buildings and assets when there is an unacceptable security risk to public safety posed by an unmanned aircraft." Johnson noted a bipartisan group of senators backs the legislation. "The federal government does not have the legal authorities it needs to protect the American public from these kinds of threats. The threats posed by malicious drones are too great to ignore," Johnson said. Johnson said the number of drone flights over sensitive areas or suspicious activities has jumped from eight incidents in 2013 to an estimated 1,752 incidents in 2016, citing federal statistics. The American Civil Liberties Union said in a letter to the committee that it opposes the bill, which "amounts to an enormous unchecked grant of authority to the government to forcefully remove drones form the sky in nebulous security circumstances." FBI deputy assistant director Scott Brunner told the committee the agency is "concerned that criminals and terrorists will exploit (drones) in ways that pose a serious threat to the safety of the American people." Story continues Threats could include surveillance, chemical, biological or radiological attacks or attacks "on large open air venues" like concerts and sporting events and attacks against government facilities, he said. The DHS testimony noted a number of recent incidents involving drones. In March, a Coast Guard helicopter in California was forced to take evasive action to avoid a drone. A drone recently landed on the deck of the Coast Guard Cutter Sea Lion in San Diego harbor. DHS said despite upgraded security efforts in U.S. capital area, "we are still experiencing (drone) incidents ... that require an appropriate response - even if they are nuisance or non-compliant operators who disregard the rules." In 2017, a small civilian drone struck a U.S. Army helicopter near New York City damaging a rotor blade. Since 2017, federal officials have banned drones over U.S. military bases, national landmarks, nuclear sites and other sensitive areas. The Federal Aviation Administration said in January that more than 1 million drones have been registered. In May, the U.S. Department of Transportation picked 10 pilot projects allowing drone use at night, out of sight operations and over populated areas. (Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Michael Perry and G Crosse) It was an unfair fight. The people of the Kingdom of Judah were hopelessly outmatched. This was the biggest battle their King had ever faced. 2 Chronicles chapter 14 gives the account of King Asa. Asa, were told, did what was good and right in the sight of the Lord (verse 2; New Revised Standard Version). He removed foreign altars and idols and commanded Judah to seek God and keep His commandments (verse 4). The Kingdom experienced a period of peace under the Kings rule. Asa built cities and surrounded those cities with walls, towers, gates and bars to fortify them. Because of his leadership, Judah went through a period of prosperity. Asas army had 300,000 fighters, armed with large shields and spears. His army, described as mighty also had 280,000 troops from Benjamin who had shields and bows. But one day, Zerah, the Ethiopian, decided to attack Asas Kingdom. The trouble was Zerahs army had 1,000,000 men! King Asa and his army went out to fight Zerah. The battlefield was a valley called Zephathah. King Asa knew his army was outnumbered. Greatly so. What was his response? Attempt a peaceful negotiation with Zerah? Run and try to rally the troops to ambush the Ethiopians on another day? Call on allies from other nations to join the fight? Surrender? None of the above options. He prayed, saying (verse 11): O Lord, there is no difference for you between helping the mighty and the weak. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O Lord, you are our God; let no mortal prevail against you. The next verse (verse 12) has a powerful beginning: So God defeated the Ethiopian army before Asa and before Judah and the Ethiopians fled. King Asa went in pursuit and the Ethiopians fell until no one remained alive; for they were broken before the Lord and his army (verse 13). The people of Judah went on to plunder the cities and went back to Jerusalem with livestock in abundance. There are lessons in this great battle. Let God fight for you I thought it was interesting that the Bible didnt say Asa and his army beat the Ethiopians. It was God and Gods army who did so. Yes, many Christians know the numerous scriptures about letting the Lord fight for you but when we face the cancer diagnosis, the challenge at work or in our marriage or the medical report about a sick family member, we quiver and quake. It doesnt make sense. Psychologists refer to this concept as cognitive dissonance. Its the state of simultaneously holding two beliefs that contradict each other. You may say: I know God is capable of saving me, but I dont believe He actually will. Why would He bother with me? Excuses may range from: I havent been reading my Bible latelyI missed one month of tithing; I only prayed for 5 minutes this morning. I swore when another driver cut me off in traffic. This problem is a mess of my own making. God is too busy. He has the universe to control. God doesnt care about this. At the heart of it: I am undeserving of rescue or God doesnt care enough about me. Im not favoured. Delivery by God is reserved for special, super-Christians, the chosen few. You are special Yes, your mum, your favourite teacher and your best friend may have told you while you were growing up that you were remarkable, one-of-a-kind. As you got older you may have felt less special because of the way others have treated, or rather, mistreated you. A question you may have as a result of their behaviour is: am I really that special to God? The psalmist had this to say in Psalm chapter 116, verses 1-2: 1 I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. 2 Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. The image conveyed here is God drawing near to us when we pray for His deliverance and God actually listening. The psalmist was confident he would be heard. The psalmists references to calling on the name of the Lord treat prayer as an act of worship and thanksgiving to God (see verses 13 and 17). He speaks about it as if calling on God is something God is pleased when we do. We know that God wants us to live rightly so that sin doesnt block our prayers but a repentant heart crying out to God in earnest is a call God doesnt ignore. I know its hard. We see examples around us where prayers dont appear to have been answered or we have been through difficult situations in the past that didnt end the way we wanted them to. But can we allow God to be God? Can we pray and give the problem to Him totally, to answer as He sees fit? Can we truly be okay with the answer, even if its not what we wanted to hear? Rough stuff, I know. But mature faith enables us to accept Gods response, whatever it is. At the end of the day, the fight is rigged for Christians. Even if we die, we have eternity with God. Someone sent me a meme this week that says I never lose, I either win or I learn. Trust God for victory in the small battles too Later in life, King Asa developed a foot disease. 2 Chronicles chapter 16 verse 12 says that as his sickness got more severe, instead of calling on God, Asa relied on doctors. He died 2 years later. Medical technology is great. We need good doctors, nurses and hospitals. Nevertheless, God is the primary source of healing. He heals using various means. It boggles my mind that Asa who saw with his own eyes Gods delivery of his people from an all-consuming army wouldnt have asked God to cure a case of athletes foot! God cares about the big and small things in our lives. I urge you to learn from King Asa. Whether you are mighty or weak, God saves. Rely on Him. Nothing will prevail against you. Sharma Taylor is a corporate attorney with a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Law from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. This year, she is committed to believing for bigger things. Sharma Taylor previous articles may be viewed at: www.pressserviceinternational.org/sharma-taylor.html Our Divisions Copyright 2021-22 DB Corp ltd., All Rights Reserved This website follows the DNPA Code of Ethics. Bangladesh: Shrimp industry refutes Indias claim of AHPND outbreak June 06,2018 | Source: Undercurrents News Bangladesh's black tiger shrimp farmers have refuted the Indian government's claims of an outbreak of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) -- more commonly known as early mortality syndrome (EMS) -- in their country. When asked whether Bangladesh has been affected by AHPND/EMS, industry players told Undercurrent News they were not aware of any such outbreak. India's fisheries department had sent a letter (dated Feb. 27) to a number of its shrimp-producing states, warning them about reports of AHPND just over the border, in Bangladesh. However, Moin Uddin Ahmed -- who works as a team leader at the Sustainable and Inclusive Shrimp Business Promotion project by international network organization Solidaridad -- assured that there has been no outbreak. "I don't know where they (India) got this information from," he told Undercurrent. He suggested India's move may have been "propaganda", as a lot of buyers are shifting to Bangladesh for black tiger. Ahmed added that he has worked with both the countries in this sector and thus has an understanding of the scenarios of both Bangladesh and India. "The risk of disease outbreak is lower in Bangladesh when compared to India," he said. Two black tiger suppliers from Bangladesh also refuted the Indian claims. The letter claimed that "reports have been received" about the occurrence of AHPND in Satkhira, Khulna, and Bagerhat in Bangladesh. It also said that Satkhira shares border with India's West Bengal, and the latter is 'so far free from this disease'. India aims to reach a production level of 1 million metric tons of shrimp by the year 2020. The country has seen stable growth throughout the past decade. However, whether the target is realistic or not has been questioned by many industry insiders, and not everyone agrees that it is achievable. Most of India's shrimp production now consists of vannamei. Vannamei is more popular with farmers as it is a high-yield, lower-priced shrimp when compared to black tiger. Although shrimp-producing nations like India now tend to focus more on vannamei, Bangladesh specializes in black tiger production. The country is a major producer and exporter of this kind of shrimp, with European countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and France being some of the biggest buyers. Bangladesh is currently sticking to black tiger because vannamei production requires an intensive farming method, while the country is still mostly using an extensive approach, and also because the risk of disease outbreak is believed to be lower in black tiger than in vannamei. According to Bangladeshi government figures, 68,217 metric tons of black tiger were produced in 2015-2016. Sri Lanka : Five persons apprehended by Navy for illegal acts June 06,2018 | Source: Sri Lanka Navy Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 5 (five) persons engaged in illegal activities at various places in the island during the past week. They were held for engaging in illegal fishing and illegal possession of narcotic drugs. Accordingly, on information received to the Northern Naval Command, troops recovered a suspicious parcel which had been grounded at Urumunei beach area in Delft Island on 28th May. By observing the parcel, it was found 4.6 g of Kerala Cannabis inside and it was handed over to Delft Police for further action. On information received by the Navy, naval personnel attached to an Inshore Patrol Craft on routine patrol in the North Western Naval Command, apprehended four (04) persons who were engaging in illegal fishing at Kibul Bokka in Urumalai sea area on 28th May. Four banned nets, 3 Kg of caught fish and two dinghies were also taken into naval custody. The suspects along with their fishing gears and dinghies were handed over to the Assistant Director of Fisheries, Puttalam for onward legal action. Further, following information received by North Central Naval Command, troops nabbed a suspect along with 2.6 Cannabis hidden near a Palmyra shrub in Srithoppu area on 29th May. The person with the nabbed Cannabis was handed over to Pesale Police for legal action. Myanmar: Network created to stop fishing abuse by Phak Seangly June 06,2018 | Source: The Phnom Penh Post A newly created independent network was launched on Wednesday in Thailand to combat the abuse and exploitation of fishermen, most of whom are Cambodian and Myanmar migrants. The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), which launched the Fishers Rights Network (FRN), said that it had the support of 37 unions and federations in the region, the US, the UK and Australia. An announcement obtained by The Post said the FRN is building its organisation capacity and alliances with industry stakeholders across the country and around the world. FRN has vowed to campaign until the fundamental labour rights of all fishermen in Thailand, including the right to form, join and be active in their union, are respected, the announcement read. It added that the FRN will fight to improve wages, conditions, and ensure the rights of all fishermen in the industry are respected. Johnny Hansen, chair of the ITF Fisheries Section, said in a press release that the FRNs launching showed fishermen are beginning to stand up for their labour and human rights. ITF said it had been working on the ground with hundreds of migrant fishermen from Cambodia and Myanmar. It found a pervasive use of trafficked, forced and bonded labour in the Thai fishing industry, and dangerous working conditions, long hours and a lack of legal protection for them. These, it said, had been well reported and publicised, with many in the international community condemning the fishermens treatment. However, the conditions have slightly improved due to global pressure and Thai labour law reforms. This exploitation has been exposed for years. The EU and US governments have both denounced and penalised the Thai government for its repeated failure to stamp out illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, the ITF said. Hansen said that the widespread exploitation of fishermen and the conditions they are forced to endure are inhumane compared to international labour standards. Thailands government received a yellow card from the European Union (EU) for abusing the rights of fishermen and workers in the seafood industry. If it fails to sufficiently improve the industry, the country will receive a red card, resulting in the prohibition of seafood exports to the EU. The FRN is demanding an increase in wages and improvements to the working conditions of all fishermen in the Thai fishing industry. It is also seeking the elimination of passport, pink card, work permit, agent, broker and recruitment fees. The president of the Building and Wood Workers Trade Union Federation of Cambodia (BWTUC), Sok Kin, who supports the FRN, said it already has a network and will make reports for intervention when fishermen experience abuse and exploitation by employers. The employers do not respect their rights and also restrict the freedom of expression of fishermen by not allowing them to make a complaint to the authorities. FRN will help with legal support, including the provision of lawyers, he said. Luke Menzies, manager of media and communications for ITF Asia Pacific, said there are approximately 600,000 fishermen in Thailand, with the migrants predominantly from Cambodia and Myanmar. Kota Kinabalu: Two brothers were sentenced to death by the High Court here for trafficking 293.04gm of syabu. Judge Datuk Nurchaya Hj Arshad held that from the testimony of the investigating officer, it was apparent that Section 39B(2A)(d) of the Dangerous Drugs Act did not qualify and therefore both Tan Chun Cheng and Tan Choon Hui were sentenced to death. On April 6, Chun Cheng, 41, and Choon Hui, 39, were found guilty of committing the offence at 7.25pm on Dec 19, 2016 at the Towering Industrial Centre in Penampang. The investigating officer was re-called to give his statement whether the brothers have provided information that led police to foil a drug trafficking activity. The matter arose pertaining to the sentencing as the amended law relating to Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 comes in effect on March 15, this year. Under the new amendment, any person who is found guilty of trafficking dangerous drugs can be punished with either the death penalty or life in prison and whipping with a minimum of 15 strokes. Prior to the amendment, the offence carries the death penalty upon conviction. They were found guilty as charged under Section 39B (1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act. Deputy Public Prosecutor Gan Peng Kun prosecuted while the brothers were represented by counsel PJ Perira. Meanwhile, in the Magistrate's Court, a contractor was fined RM25 or one month's jail for behaving indecently in public by cursing a church pastor in Inanam. Raymond Masuli, 28, admitted before Magistrate Afiq Agoes to committing the offence to one Bios Solingkin at 3pm on May 28 at SIB church at Metro Minintod. He had committed an offence under Section 15 of the Minor Offences Ordinance, which provides for a fine of RM25 or jail on conviction. | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! "One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde The fate of a Missouri death row inmate whose execution was halted last year after DNA evidence raised questions about his case is on hold as a result of former Gov. Eric Greitens' resignation. Marcellus Williams, 49, was hours away from being put to death in August when Greitens halted the execution. Williams was convicted of fatally stabbing former St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter Lisha Gayle during a 1998 burglary at her suburban St. Louis home, but DNA evidence found on the murder weapon matched another unknown person. Greitens, a Republican, appointed a board of inquiry made up of five retired judges to look into the case. The board was scheduled to meet Tuesday in the governor's office but canceled, citing confusion about whether its authority continues after Greitens resigned last week. Greitens left office after months of investigations related to a 2015 extramarital affair and his alleged use of a charity donor list for political purposes. He was replaced by Republican Lt. Gov. Mike Parson. It's unclear whether Parson will keep the inquiry board intact. The board has suspended its work pending guidance from Parson, the governor's spokeswoman, Kelli Jones, said. Nimrod Chapel, president of the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP and a supporter of Williams', urged the governor to allow the panel to continue its work. "Gov. Greitens' issues are their own, but one thing he got right was ensuring that we are going to be dead certain that we are executing the right person for the right crime. I think that's a piece of leadership we need to hold onto in Missouri, and one that we need to continue," Chapel said. Despite the DNA claim, St. Louis County prosecutor Bob McCulloch said last year that there was "zero possibility" Williams was innocent, citing ample amounts of other evidence. Prosecutors said Williams broke a window pane to get inside Gayle's home on Aug. 11, 1998, heard water running in the shower, and found a large butcher knife. When Gayle came downstairs, she was stabbed 43 times. Her purse and her husband's laptop were stolen. Authorities said Williams stole a jacket to conceal blood on his shirt. Williams' girlfriend later asked him why he would wear a jacket on such a hot day. The girlfriend said she later saw the laptop in the car and that Williams sold it a day or 2 later. Prosecutors also cited testimony from Henry Cole, who shared a cell with Williams in 1999 while Williams was jailed in St. Louis on unrelated charges. Cole told prosecutors that Williams confessed to the killing and offered details about it. Williams' attorneys responded that the girlfriend and Cole were both convicted felons who were out for a $10,000 reward. Gayle, 42, was a reporter at the Post-Dispatch from 1981 to 1992. She left journalism to do social work. NAACP, local advocates host rally to free Marcellus Williams Around 25 people gathered Tuesday at the steps of the Missouri Supreme Court to rally for the exoneration of Marcellus Williams, a death-row inmate they say is innocent. The rally, hosted by the NAACP and Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, sought not only to bring attention to the case of Williams, but also the need for criminal justice reform in Missouri. Williams' only son, Marcellus Williams II, and a coalition of local advocates - including at least 2 Missourians who were exonerated after spending decades in prison - attended. "We're here to support justice, equality and fairness in the state of Missouri," said Nimrod Chapel, Jr., president of the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP. "Today is a day for Marcellus Williams, a man who needs justice now more than ever." Williams was convicted in 2001 for the murder of St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter Lisha Gayle. In 2015, the Missouri Supreme Court stayed his initial execution date to test the DNA evidence from the scene for the first time. In response to public outcry maintaining Williams' innocence, former Gov. Eric Greitens stayed Williams' 2nd execution date in August 2017, just hours before he was set to be put to death. Greitens commissioned a 5-person board of inquiry to review Williams' case. The board was scheduled to meet early Tuesday, but the meeting was canceled after Greitens resigned last week. In Greitens' final day in office, he issued 5 pardons - none included Williams. Current Gov. Mike Parson has not commented publicly on the case, Chapel said. Williams always has maintained his innocence. Rita Linhardt, senior staff associate at Missouri Catholic Conference, brought up multiple issues with Williams' case. "Truth lies in the forensic evidence, none of which ties Mr. Williams to the crime," Linhardt said. "Neither the hairs on the victim, the fingernail clippings nor the bloody footprints tie Mr. Williams to the crime." DNA tests conducted on the murder weapon did not incriminate Williams, Linhardt said. The primary evidence against Williams came from 2 witnesses who were paid for their testimony. One admitted later that she "set up" Williams to get the money, according to a news release for the event. Linhardt said that attendees seek justice not only for Williams, but also for Gayle, whose death was "senseless." "Justice demands truth - the truth of what really happened that day to Ms. Gayle," Linhardt said. Missouri Catholic Conference submits clemency applications to the governor for death-row inmates like Williams. They've submitted 87 so far - 2 of those for Williams, Linhardt said. Williams' son attended Parson's swearing-in ceremony Friday, hoping to find out how Parson would respond to his dad's case, and to discuss prison reform. Williams II was 9 years old when his dad was convicted. He's 27 now, but he said he still remembers the photos of Gayle's body - she was stabbed repeatedly - presented as evidence in court. When he saw them, he had to leave the room. "It was really hard for me. I was a kid; it was painful," Williams II said. "I couldn't believe, and still don't, that my father was able to do something like this to this woman." Williams II is now a professional fighter, but he said his battles happen daily, outside the ring. "I've been fighting my whole life - that's just how it is, especially when you're a black man in America," Williams II said. "And people say that's the race card. But man, that's the 'real life' card. That's the world we live in. You've got to fight to be equal." | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! "One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde : Associated Press, June 6, 2018myleaderpaper.org, June 6, 2018 BROWNSVILLE A jury on Tuesday decided Gustavo Tijerina Sandoval deserves the death penalty for the 2014 murder of a U.S. Border Patrol agent. Tijerina Sandoval, 34, was convicted last week in the death of Javier Vega Jr., the border agent who was shot to death while fishing with family in a rural area near Harlingen. On Aug. 3, 2014, Tijerina Sandoval and another man attempted to rob the Vega family at gunpoint, when Vega Jr., a veteran of the Marine Corps., pulled out his weapon. After a brief exchange of gunfire Vega Jr. was shot in the chest and died on the way to the hospital. In addition to receiving the death penalty, Tijerina Sandoval was sentenced to life for attempted capital murder regarding the others in the Vega party. The Border Patrol agents father, Javier Vega Sr., was shot in the back during the firefight. Ismael Hernandez Vallejo, accused of being the second man in the robbery attempt, also is charged with capital murder and attempted capital murder. He will be tried later this year and also faces the death penalty. Both Tijerina Sandoval and Hernandez Vallejo are Mexican citizens who were in the United States illegally at the time of the attack on the Vega family. Vega's widow, Andrea Brown Vega, and two of their three sons, as well as his mother and father, were all present and testified during Tijerina Sandovals trial, held in the courtroom of 197th state District Judge Migdalia Lopez. Early in the proceedings, the judge issued a gag order prohibiting anyone connected to the trial from talking to the media. That order was still in place Tuesday, pending the formal handing down of the sentence. Before the trial began and before the judge issued the gag order, the family declined comment but a Border Patrol union spokesman issued a statement. It is a very difficult time for the entire Vega family, Chris Cabrera, a spokesman for the National Border Patrol Council, said Feb. 13 as jury selection started. We, like the family, just want justice to be served. Vegas father and mother, Marie Vega, mounted a lengthy fight to have their sons death considered as having occurred in the line of duty, enlisting the help of several Texas congressmen and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. In September 2016, a U.S. Border Patrol committee determined that Vega died in the line of duty. Late last year the South Texas immigration checkpoint in Sarita, where Vega was stationed, was renamed in his honor. | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! "One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde After more than three decades on death row, a Houston man convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend and her 2-year-old son was resentenced to life following a federal appeal over flawed jury instructions that failed to consider mitigating evidence. Michael Wayne Norris last week became the fourth Harris County killer taken off death row under the tenure of District Attorney Kim Ogg. With a new plea deal in place, the 60-year-old will serve two back-to-back life sentences - one for each victim. "We decided that justice could be served by making sure he never saw the light of day," said Tom Berg, the county's first assistant district attorney. The complications of decades-old evidence, the uncertainty of going before a jury again, questions about Norris's future dangerousness, and the survivors' consent all factored in the decision not to seek death again. "This is how this case should have resolved," said Norris's attorney, Allen Isbell. "It's taken three decades to get here, but I'm just glad that eventually it did." The former truck driver had already served one prison term for murder when he was originally sentenced to die for the 1987 killing of Georgia Rollins and her infant son. After years of appeals, his case was ultimately bounced back to a lower court in 2015 after Houston attorney Patrick McCann won him relief as one of the so-called "Penry cases" named for Johnny Paul Penry. Penry - a former Texas death row inmate now serving multiple life sentences - was spared the ultimate punishment after his case twice went to the U.S. Supreme Court, netting a pair of decisions that touched on flawed jury instructions. During the punishment phase of a capital trial, the courts said, juries needed to be specifically instructed on the role of mitigating evidence. "It's not enough that a defendant be permitted to present evidence that could spare his life," said Robert Dunham of the Death Penalty Information Center. "The jury has to know what it can do with that evidence." As with the other Penry cases, Norris won a new punishment phase. Since life without parole wasn't an option when he was first sent to death row, he wasn't eligible for it the second time around. Instead, prosecutors stacked two life sentences, then added in three 20-year sentences for aggravated assault. "From the very first, Mr. Norris wanted something that would enable him to stay in prison but not be on death row," Isbell said. "He owes Pat McCann his life." The killings came hours after Rollins incurred her ex's wrath by telling him he couldn't take care of the child during church, according to court records. Norris stormed home angrily, then began calling Rollins repeatedly. When she hung up on him time and again, Norris headed over to her apartment with a high-powered deer rifle. Family members who were home at the time later testified that Norris appeared outside the victim's window, broke the glass and fired a shot into the woman's bedroom before climbing inside and firing again. "I hate to do this Georgia, but I told you. I told you you couldn't mess me over," he reportedly said. "I told you you couldn't leave me." Norris then opened fire at his ex, left and went to another room, then came back and continued shooting, according to court records. Four shots - including the first one from outside the window - hit the child, though Norris later said he never intended to kill the boy. Afterward, he came back to his mother's house in tears, then called his pastor before phoning police to turn himself in. At the time of his original trial, a jury found him to be a future danger - one of the requirements for a death sentence in Texas. Since then, he hasn't caused problems in prison, the assistant district attorney said. "If the guy has been in prison 30 years and behaved himself that's a pretty compelling argument against future dangerousness," Berg said. In deciding not to seek death again, prosecutors also considered the wishes of the surviving family members, who didn't necessarily want to deal with the stress of another long trial and subsequent appeals. "What is essentially life without parole means closure," Berg said. Since Ogg took office in 2017, she's seen four men removed from death row. First, in June 2017, Robert Campbell was given a life sentence after courts decided he was too intellectually disabled to execute. Then in October, Duane Buck was resentenced to life in prison after a Supreme Court decision reversed his punishment in light of allegations of racist expert testimony The following month, Calvin Hunter was spared as well, over claims of false expert testimony. "The whole climate in which we manage our capital cases and in which we evaluate our capital cases has changed," Berg said. "Cases in which might have thought death 30 years ago we might not today." | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! "One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde Authorities are not clear how Jugraj Bheel, now 25, from Rampuria village strayed into Pakistani territory. (Representational Image) Jaipur: A man missing from his home in Rajasthan's Bundi district for five years has been traced to a jail in Pakistan, an official said on Tuesday. This is the second such case in Rajasthan in about a fortnight. In May, the family of a Jaipur man, untraceable for 36 years, learnt that he is lodged in a jail in Pakistan. In the recent case, authorities are not clear how Jugraj Bheel, now 25, from Rampuria village strayed into Pakistani territory. We received an inquiry to verify Jugraj Bheel's nationality, Bundi district superintendent of police Yogesh Yadav said. The youth is in a Pakistani jail. We have found his family members in Rampuria village, falling in Dabi police station area, he added. Police said the villager's 60-year-old father Bhairon Bheel has confirmed his identity. His family members have said that Jugraj was mentally disturbed but they do not know how he strayed into Pakistan, Yadav said. Yadav said he received a report from the state police headquarter in May seeking information about Jugraj Bheel. A fortnight ago, an inquiry into the case of 68-year-old Gajanand Sharma had also revealed that he was lodged in Pakistan jail. He had gone missing 36 years ago from his home in the Jaipur's Brahampuri area. A police investigation confirmed his nationality and traced his family members. BJP in-charge for party affairs in Rajasthan, Avinash Rai Khanna, and Jaipur MP Ramcharan Bohra met Sharma's family on June 2 and assured all possible help for his safe return from Pakistan. They BJP leaders told the family that the party has written to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj seeking her intervention to secure Sharma's release from the Pakistani jail. Nationwide farmland assessment data to be available on Ukraine's single geoportal Activating a separate function is also being considered for the normative and monetary assessment of project areas. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Delegates of the Republic of Vietnam visited Ukraine in April 2018. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam has passed a resolution to resume wheat imports from Ukraine. The document was adopted on June 5, 2018, the Ukrainian Grain Association (UGA) has said. It not only authorizes the resumption of shipments of Ukrainian wheat but also introduces strict biosecurity control over grain imported from Ukraine. In 2015, Vietnam temporarily stopped buying wheat from Ukraine over contamination with grain weevils. The infected grain was supplied with fake phytosanitary certificates. Read alsoUkrainian farmers export almost 36.5 mln tonnes of grain since July 1 Vietnam decided to resume imports of Ukrainian grain after Ukrainian-Vietnamese talks, UGA said. In particular, delegates of the Republic of Vietnam visited Ukraine in April 2018 to learn about Ukraine's biosecurity procedures for wheat shipped abroad. As UNIAN reported, wheat exports from Ukraine from the beginning of the 2017-2018 marketing year have totaled 16.1 million tonnes. Ukraine's Finance Minister describes scenario in case of termination of cooperation with IMF The adoption of the law on the anti-corruption court is the key condition under the cooperation program. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Ukraine's Supreme Court blocks gas production near Russian-occupied Crimea Plast has not met its obligations under the agreement. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter General Electric, KRCBW agree on partial localization of diesel locomotives production in Ukraine In late 2018, Ukraine will have received the first batch of environmentally safe locomotives, adapted to the countrys climatic conditions and economical in terms of their maintenance. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Rada's Budget Committee backs dismissal of finance minister The minister was invited to the meeting, but none of the representatives of the Ministry of Finance came. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter The International Religious Freedom Report was released May 29 and is the annual assessment of the state of religious freedom in the world. The goal of the United States is to protect the freedom of conscience for all people, irrespective of their particular religion or beliefs. For example, that means protecting a Muslim, Buddhist, Falun Gong practitioner, or Christian in China and their ability to pray and live out their lives. We all have a stake in this fight, said Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback. The United States seeks to accomplish these goals by working with federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, Congress, and with other governments in order to advocate for those who need it most. And through State Departments first ever Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom in July, like-minded nations will gather together to develop concrete actions for promoting religious freedom globally. There are a number of troubling religious freedom cases around the world. The United States continues to work to secure the release of American pastor Andrew Brunson from Turkey who has been falsely accused of espionage and committing crimes on behalf of armed terror organizations. The references in the indictment to his religious activity is particularly troubling. Ambassador Brownback expressed concern over reported instances of killings, deaths in prison, and imprisonment of individuals including members of minority religious groups in Eritrea. He also noted that in Tajikistan minors are prohibited from participating in any religious activities. Saudi Arabia does not recognize the right of non-Muslims to practice their religion in public and imprisons, lashes, and fines individuals for apostasy, blasphemy, and insulting the states interpretation of Islam. In Turkmenistan, individuals who gather for worship without registering with the government face arrest, detention, and harassment. The U.S. also remains very concerned about the situation in Pakistan, where some 50 individuals are imprisoned for blasphemy, according to civil society reports. At least seventeen are awaiting execution. And in Russia, authorities target peaceful religious groups, including Jehovahs Witnesses, equating them with extremists or terrorists. The United States looks forward to working with other governments, religious communities, and civil society partners to advance religious freedom around the world. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are preparing to meet in a historic summit June 12 in Singapore. The proposed summit offers a historic opening for President Trump and Chairman Kim to boldly lead the United States and the DPRK into a new era of peace, prosperity, and security, said Secretary Pompeo. Our two countries face a pivotal moment in our relationship in which it could be nothing short of tragic to let this opportunity go to waste. In his conversations with Chairman Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang and with Vice Chairman Kim Yong-chol, Secretary Pompeo clearly stated the United States objective is very consistent and well known: the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. President Trump has made clear that if Kim Jong-un denuclearizes, there is a brighter path for North Korea. We envision a strong, connected, and secure, prosperous North Korea that maintains its cultural heritage but is integrated into the community of nations, said Secretary Pompeo. There is an opportunity for the people of the United States and North Korea to create a future defined by friendship and collaboration, not by mistrust, fear, and threats, said Mr. Pompeo. We sincerely hope that Chairman Kim Jong-un shares this positive vision for the future. We expect both leaders to enter the summit in Singapore with their eyes wide open and with a clear understanding of the possibilities for the future. If these talks are to be successful, it will take bold leadership from Chairman Kim Jong-un to seize this opportunity to change the course for his nation. Chairman Kim has the chance to make those kinds of decisions. In the coming weeks and months, said Secretary Pompeo, we will have the opportunity to test whether or not he willing to do so. In a further sign of the United States determination to help the nations of Africa combat terrorism, millions of dollars in rewards are being offered for information on three more leaders of the al Qaeda-linked, Somalia-based terrorist organization, Harakat Shabaab al-Mujahidin, or al-Shabaab. The men are Yasin Kilwe, Abdikadir Mohamed Abdikadir -- also known as Ikrima -- and Jafar, also known as Amar. The group, listed as a Foreign Terrorist Organization since 2008, has control of large areas of southern and central Somalia, and is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Somali civilians, peace activists, international aid workers, journalists, and civilians, as well as African Union peacekeepers who are helping to restore stability and prosperity to the region. Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes amid the fighting. Since 2006, al-Shabaab has engaged in a campaign of violence, including bombings and suicide attacks, which has killed thousands. In July 2010, it planned and executed a bomb attack in Kampala, Uganda, that killed more than 70 people, including an American citizen. Yasin Kilwe is al-Shabaab's leader in the Puntland region of Somalia. He pledged his allegiance to al-Qaida in February 2012. Abdikadir, 34 years old, was born in Kenya of Somali parents. He has coordinated recruitment of Kenyan youth into al-Shabaab and commanded a force of Kenyan fighters operating in Somalia. He reportedly has medium-length hair, a thick mustache and is missing three fingers on his left hand. Jafar has served as Abdikadir's deputy and reportedly is missing one eye. If you have information on any of these men, contact the Regional Security Office at the nearest U.S. Embassy, submit a tip through the RFJ website at www.rewardsforjustice.net, or e-mail information to info@rewardsforjustice.net. The United States guarantees that all credible reports will be investigated and the identity of all informants will be kept confidential. If appropriate, the United States is prepared to protect informants by relocating them. Oksana Kryvenko has been elected head of the National Commission for Energy, Housing and Utilities Services Regulation (NCER), according to a posting on the website of the regulator. The decision was made by the commission members at a closed-door meeting in Kyiv on Wednesday. Kryvenko earlier was deputy director of the commission's department for regulating relations in the oil and gas sphere. After a tender, the Ukrainian president appointed her a member of the regulator from May 29, 2018. Kryvenko was born in Sverdlovsk, Luhansk region. She graduated from Kyiv State Economic University in 1996 and Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas in 2010. The NCER is engaged in state regulation of subjects of natural monopolies in electric power industry, heat supply, the oil and gas sector, centralized water supply and sewage, processing and burial of solid domestic waste. It also pursues price and tariff policy in the said areas. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman has said that he signed a request to the Verkhovna Rada on the dismissal of Oleksandr Danyliuk from the post of Finance Minister. "I've signed the motion to the Verkhovna Rada for dismissal Oleksandr Danyliuk from the post of Minister of Finance. After the conflict provoked by him at a government meeting he allowed himself actions that, in my opinion, are incompatible with the further stay in office of a member of the Cabinet," Groysman wrote on his Facebook page on Wednesday. As reported, Danyliuk unsuccessfully tried at a Cabinet meeting on May 23 to get his adviser Yana (Jana) Bugrimova appointed deputy minister. The public broadcast of the meeting was terminated, but those who were present there told Interfax-Ukraine that after a short squabble with Groysman, the minister's request was rejected. In the course of the exchange of views, Danyliuk even announced his resignation letter would be drawn up. Danyliuk sent a letter to the G7 ambassadors to prevent possible misunderstanding or manipulation with information about his dispute with Groysman. The Ukrainian economic news outlet Ekonomichna Pravda published the letter on May 31. The letter was written before Groysman's visit to Brussels on May 25. Danyliuk said that he insists on the right to form his team himself without agreeing it with the prime minister or the president, who wanted the appointment of persons lobbied by MP Ihor Kononenko or head of the parliamentary committee on tax and customs policy Nina Yuzhanina to that post. Groysman believes that the letter of Danyliuk to G7 ambassadors about a conflict with the prime minister is unacceptable. The Nicosia District Court has ruled in favor of the financial and industrial group of Ukraine, System Capital Management (SCM), one of the leading groups in Ukraine, in a dispute with Raga Establishment regarding the status of Ukrtelecom, having canceled the ruling of the Cypriot court dated December 27, 2017 on alienation ("freezing") of certain assets of SCM Group. "SCM assets have been unfrozen," the SCM press service has said. SCM Director for International and Investor Relations Jock Mendoza-Wilson said the matter concerns removing all restrictions on management of SCM's assets, which were imposed according to the December court ruling. "In its decision, the court noted that in December 2017 Raga company illegally obtained an injunction, for which there were no real grounds. This clearly demonstrates the behavior of Raga in the dispute and the true nature of its lawsuits against SCM Group in the territory of Cyprus," the expert said. He said that SCM will continue to actively defend itself against Raga Establishment's claims and defend its positions in Cyprus and other jurisdictions. As reported, in late 2017 as a result of a legal dispute between SCM and Raga Establishment about the status of Ukrtelecom, the Nicosia District Court imposed a temporary arrest of up to $820 million on a number of SCM companies located in Cyprus. Ukrainian finance minister says call for him to be fired is 'political corruption' Ukrainian Finance Minister Oleksandr Danyliuk, whose dismissal Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman formally recommended on Wednesday, said he is being subjected to "colossal" pressure to support the program "Subventions on socioeconomic development of regions." "Translated into human language, this means the distribution of money in favor of projects by majority parliamentarians. This is political corruption; the people call it 'buckwheat.' Today is the culmination. I've been confronted with the choice: either I go or become an accomplice," Danyliuk wrote on Facebook on Wednesday. "I don't sell my country out," he wrote. Danyliuk demanded that established procedures be strictly observed and that he have the chance to speak in parliament before the vote. Groysman wrote on Facebook earlier on Wednesday that he had signed a document recommending that the Verkhovna Rada dismiss Danyliuk as finance minister and asked deputies for support. Medics begin examining Ukrainian citizen Kolchenko, who went on hunger strike in solidarity with Sentsov A special commission was created in the correctional facility No.6 in the city of Kopeysk, Chelyabinsk region, for a health survey of Crimean resident Oleksandr Kolchenko, who had gone on a hunger strike in support of Ukrainian filmmaker Oleh Sentsov, also on a hunger strike, about a week ago, the press service for Chelyabinsk Regional Human Rights Commissioner Margarita Pavlova said. "A medical commission was created regarding Kolchenko's health on June 5. He is being examined daily. The convict has not complained about his incarceration conditions," the press service cited Pavlova, who had met with Kolchenko on Tuesday, as saying. According to the convict, he learned about Sentsov's hunger strike from his lawyers, she said. In turn, Vasily Katane, the chair of the Federal Penitentiary Service's public monitoring commission, who had visited the infirmary of the penal colony, where Kolchenko is being held, said in a press release that the convict has not refused water. "Employees of the colony bring a food tray to the ward every time during meals, and it is being left on the bedside table for a half an hour," Katane said. He also said that Kolchenko denied in written form information circulating in the media that he is allegedly being forced to become a Russian citizen. "During my stay in the colony, no one has forced me physically or by persuasion to acquire the Russian Federation's citizenship. And, therefore, I have not acquired it," the press release cited Kolchenko's written statement. As reported, in August 2015, the North Caucasus District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Ukrainian filmmaker Sentsov, who had been detained in Crimea in 2014, to 20 years in a maximum-security penal colony for an attempt to create a terrorist community in Crimea. Kolchenko was given ten years of imprisonment in the same case. On May 14, 2018, Sentsov went on a hunger strike demanding the release of all Ukrainian citizens in custody in Russia. On May 31, Kolchenko also went on a hunger strike demanding Sentsov's release. Over the past day, June 5, Russian proxy forces in eastern Ukraine violated the ceasefire regime 31 times with three Ukrainian soldiers reported as wounded in action (WIA) in enemy attacks, the press service of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) has reported. "The situation remained tense in the vicinity of Prichepylivka, Krymske, and Novotoshkivske in the Luhansk sector, as well as Opytne and Novotroyitske in the Donetsk sector, where Russian-occupation troops employed 120mm and 82mm mortars 11 times, proscribed by the Minsk accords," the press service of the Joint Forces Operation HQ said in its update on Facebook as of 07:00 of Wednesday morning. According to Ukrainian intelligence, two militants were killed and four wounded. Ongoing hostilities involving automatic weapons are reported outside Lebedynske and Shyrokyne near the strategic port town of Mariupol. Also, the JFO reported on the shooting down of an enemy drone. The Swiss Confederation will provide humanitarian assistance to the east of Ukraine through the humanitarian aid section of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) on June 4-12, the press service of the Ministry for Temporary Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons of Ukraine has reported. "The total humanitarian aid budget is about 2.2 million Swiss francs, which consists of approximately 1,700 tonnes of chemical reagents for water purification (aluminum sulphate, lime, etc.) to be used at the water treatment plant of the 'Water of Donbas' (Voda Donbasu) Utilities Company, and also equipment for the production of sodium hypochlorite," the press service of the ministry said on Wednesday. In addition, according to the information, the most necessary medical equipment and spare parts will be delivered to meet the needs of health facilities in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. "The receipt of cargo will be carried out in different settlements of Donetsk and Luhansk regions throughout the specified period. The approximate total number of trucks will be about 65 vehicles," it said. Currently, the humanitarian cargo in the form of medical equipment has been transferred to the Public institution 'Mariupol Territorial Medical Association for the Health of a Child and a Woman' and to the public health care facility Volnovakhsky Central District Hospital. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a telephone conversation discussed further consolidation of Ukraine's support at the G7 level and also agreed on positions ahead of the G7 summit, the presidential press service has reported. The sides coordinated their positions ahead of the G7 summit, which will be held in Charlevoix, Canada, on June 8-9. "They discussed further consolidation of Ukraine's support at the G7 level both in the issue of restoring its territorial integrity and strengthening the sanctions policy due to ongoing Russian aggression, and in support of the reform efforts of the Ukrainian president," the report says. Poroshenko informed Trudeau about the development of the situation in Donbas and continuing violations of the Minsk agreements by Russia, as well as Moscow's provoking tension in the Azov Sea. In addition, the sides emphasized the importance of deploying a UN-mandated peacekeeping force to Donbas, as well as the need to exert further pressure on Russia to ensure the release of all illegally held Ukrainian political prisoners. The leaders of the two countries welcomed the launch a direct flights between Kyiv and Toronto from June 6. Iryna Gerashchenko, the first deputy speaker of the Verkhovna Rada and Ukraine's envoy to the humanitarian subgroup of the Trilateral Contact Group, said she has sent Russian representatives to the subgroups a letter with a list of 23 Russian citizens' surnames and the request to give Kyiv a response regarding the possibility of swapping them for Ukrainians being held in Russia. "Today, I once again officially sent Russian representatives in the Minsk groups a letter with surnames, with a request to give Ukraine an official response on the possibility of handing over 23 Russians in exchange for the Kremlin's Ukrainian political prisoners," she wrote on Facebook on Wednesday. She also said she requested that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry officially send a duplicate letter to the Russian Foreign Ministry. According to Gerashchenko, Russian representatives said at a meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk that the fate of 23 convicted Russians is not a subject for the Minsk format. Danyliuk says he expects parliament decision on his dismissal Ukrainian Finance Minister Oleksandr Danyliuk does not change his working schedule and expects tomorrow's decision of the Verkhovna Rada on his dismissal initiated by Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman. "Tomorrow you will hear everything in the Verkhovna Rada," the minister said, while answering questions from participants in a macroeconomic panel discussion organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine. Danyliuk noted that he had tried to settle this issue. "We need to move as one team," he said, noting the complexity of the tasks facing the country. Danyliuk said that he had not changed his schedule and was waiting for the decision of the Verkhovna Rada on his dismissal scheduled for June 7. He specified that in case of his dismissal, the finance minister's duties would be fulfilled by his first deputy, Oksana Markarova. The exclusive interview of Regis Brillat the Special Advisor to Council of Europe's Secretary General for Ukraine for Interfax Ukraine 1. How do you assess the progress of the judicial reform in Ukraine? Ukraine has seen meaningful changes to the countrys judiciary since the Maidan Revolution. This includes amendments to the Constitution, adoption of the Law on the Judiciary and the Status of Judges, changes to Ukraines key procedure laws such as the Code of Civil Procedure, the Code of Commercial Procedure, and the Code of Administrative Procedure, the election of a new Supreme Court, appointment judges to the Constitutional Court, as well as the introduction of the right of individual constitutional complaint and the adoption of Rules of procedure by the Constitutional Court. As a result, Ukraine has simplified its court system and substantially widened the authority of the Supreme and Constitutional courts. These developments are illustrative both of how change can be carried out if the necessary political will is there. The short-term indicators of the progress made are the increase of the number of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights executed by Ukraine, as well as the decrease of applications to the European Court of Human Rights against Ukraine. The long-term indicator is the trust of the population in its Judiciary, which should result from the reform process. 2. How do you assess the process of renewal of the judiciary in Ukraine? How efficient the activity of the HQCJU is? The High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine played a decisive role in the reform the judicial system of Ukraine. I am impressed by the work done by the HQCJ over the last two years. s experience during the selection of the Supreme Court judges is truly unique to the European countries. All eyes inside and outside Ukraine during this process were on the Commission, which checked, investigated where warranted, and examined the candidatures to the Supreme Court. It applied a thorough procedure, according to the Law, with a view to selecting judges to the Supreme Court of the highest level of professional competence and personal integrity. Following closely the work of the newly formed Supreme Court, I believe that HQCJ performed this task efficiently and with success. The current challenges of the HQCJ are now the evaluation of all judges of Ukraine, the competition for judges of the IP, the second competition to the Supreme Court and the transfer judges to the newly created courts in accordance with the Presidential Decree of Ukraine dated December 29, 2017 No. 449/2017 "On the Elimination and Creation of Local General Courts". This represents a considerable challenge and I am convinced that the Commission will continue to accomplish its very demanding mandate in a professional and efficient manner. 3. How do you assess the civil society representatives participation in the evaluation of the judiciary? How do you assess the activity of the Public Council of Integrity (PIC)? How to ensure the balance if the opinions of the HQCJ and PIC differ? What qualities should be preferred professionalism or personal qualities of the candidate? Ukraine introduced an innovative approach for the participation of the civil society in the process of selection of judges. This was provided by the Law on the Judiciary and the Status of Judges through the creation of the Public Integrity Council, a body of the NGOs representatives, practicing lawyers and journalists, to provide advice to the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine in the process of the qualification assessment of judges. The Public Integrity Council made a great contribution to the selection process of the new Supreme Court judges. It provided an additional guarantee to the transparency of the procedure. This is essential in order to overcome the traditional lack of public trust in the Judiciary. I understand that at the end of the selection of the judges to the new Supreme Court, several civil society representatives, including PIC members, view the process with a high degree of suspicion and scepticism. I encourage the HQCJ and PIC to restore dialogue, fully respecting the provisions of the Law, since their common goal, also shared by the Council of Europe and other international Organisations, is to ensure the highest possible professionalism and integrity among the Judiciary. Diverging opinions and dialogue are part of a democratic process. The This should be oriented towards finding constructive solutions in order to achieve the expected result. Thus, the HQCJ and PIC will play a decisive role in order to increase the level of public confidence in the Judiciary. I would like to refer to the European Charter on the statute for judges of July 1998, when answering the question about what qualities should be preferred for the candidate for the post of judge. This document indicates : . that during selection process the main aim must be to evaluate the candidates ability to assess independently cases heard by judges, which implies independent thinking. The ability to show impartiality in the exercise of judicial functions is also an essential element. The ability to apply the law refers both to knowledge of the law and the capacity to put it into practice, which are two different things. The selection body must also ensure that the candidates conduct as a judge will be based on respect for human dignity, which is vital in encounters between persons in positions of power and the litigants, who are often people in great difficulties. Lastly, selection must not be based on discriminatory criteria relating to gender, ethnic or social origin, philosophical or political opinions or religious convictions. 4. From your point of view, to what extent to create the Anticorruption Court is essential for Ukraine? Whether the Ukrainian society is prepared for it? How effectively to establish the composition of the Anticorruption Court panel of judges? What role might play the civil society in the establishment of the composition of Anticorruption Court? The fight against corruption should be considered as a high-level priority in every democracy. The Ukrainian society, as well as the international community, have high expectations to combat this phenomenon in the country without further delay. Ukraine has undertaken to establish a High Anti-Corruption Court. The 2016 Law On the Judicial System and the Status of Judges (LJSJ) provided for the establishment of such a Court. Despite the establishment in 2016 of specialised law-enforcement bodies competent for significant corruption cases (NABU, SAPO), there are so far no convictions in such cases. The setting up of High Anti-Corruption Court will represent a major step in this respect provided that it is established in full compliance of the Venice Commissions recommendations. Concerning the composition of the Anticorruption Court panel of judges, I will quote the Venice Commission Opinion of October 2017 on the initial draft Law on HACC. It is recalled that according to GRECO it is of utmost importance that specialised judges for high-level corruption cases be selected in a transparent process based on objective criteria. It is also critical that such judges are adequately protected from undue external e.g. political influence and from any possible attack on their independence and safety. 5. How do you assess the effectiveness of the new Supreme Court? The new Supreme Court has already taken important decisions. I would like to mention one example: the decision concerning pensions to Internally displaced persons (https://supreme.court.gov.ua/supreme/pro_sud/zrazkova-sprava/zrazkova_9901_20_18), which is a principal decision and may impact the lives of many Ukrainian citizens. This is a promising start and I trust that the Court will continue its important work of the consolidation of the rule of law and the respect of human rights in Ukraine. 6. How do you assess the Ukrainian activity towards the protection of its interests in the international courts, in particular, as to the assets, which remained on the ungoverned territories in the Eastern regions and in Crimea? Ukraine, like every sovereign State, protects its interests through the various mechanisms provided by international law. In this regard, the Council of Europe position is expressed by the PACE Resolutions and Recommendations and by the Committee of Ministers decisions. KYIV. June 6 (Interfax-Ukraine) Ukraine may lose its only independent mechanism to prevent torture the National Preventive Mechanism, which has operated in Ukraine since 2012 in the ombudsman+ format. The executive director of the Expert Center for Human Rights, former head of the department of the national preventive mechanism in the office of the Verkhovna Rada human rights commissioner, Yuriy Bilousov, said at a press conference at the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Wednesday that within the framework of this format, Ombudsman office representatives and community activists monitored compliance previously. "In 2012, in the structure of the Ombudsman's office, a separate unit was created. We studied the experience of many European countries. For six years we visited about 6,000 institutions that a person cannot leave at will - prisons, child's homes, psycho-neurological boarding schools and mental hospitals During this time, we carried out about 1,500 monitoring visits and reported annually to the public," he said. Bilousov noted that thanks to the National Preventive Mechanism, the society learned about the problems that exist in such places. "But now there is a risk that about 1 million people will remain alone with the heads of such institutions," he said. "This year, after the election of a new ombudsman, Denisova, we had several meetings with her during the first days, during which we were informed about our work, goals, methodology." She assured us that there would be no attempts to break down the work of the department. The situation changed over the last month, the department was completely reorganized and about 30% of employees left. Participation of public organizations in monitoring visits was completely blocked," Bilousov said. According to him, for today organizations that were involved in the introduction of the NPM in Ukraine have decided to unite in a coalition, and intend to work out alternative approaches to monitoring places of lack of freedom. "If the ombudsman's office wants to cooperate with us, we will be open to cooperation, both with public organizations and state bodies. If not, we will work in our direction. But I want to emphasize that people who are in places of lack of freedom, should not depend on the decision of one person," Bilousov said. LONDON, June 6 (Reuters) European refiners are winding down oil purchases from Iran, closing the door on a fifth of the OPEC member's crude exports after the United States imposed sanctions on Tehran, company and trading sources said. The drop in crude purchases from the Islamic republic could complicate efforts by European governments to salvage the Iranian nuclear deal disavowed by U.S. President Donald Trump last month. Although European governments have not followed Washington by creating new sanctions, banks, insurers and shippers are gradually severing ties with Iran under pressure from the U.S. restrictions, making trade with Tehran complicated and risky. Trump on May 4 announced his decision to quit the landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers and reimposed sanctions on Tehran. The restrictions on Iran's oil sector take effect after a 180-day "wind-down period" ending on Nov. 4. Ministers from Germany, France and Britain have urged U.S. officials to shield European companies from the sanctions, but refiners are not taking any chances. "We cannot defy the United States," said a senior source at Italy's Saras, which operates the 300,000-barrels-per-day (bpd) Sarroch refinery in Sardinia. Saras is determining how best to halt its purchasing of Iranian oil within the permitted 180 days, the source said, adding: "It is not clear yet what the U.S. administration can do but in practice we can get into trouble." Refiners including France's Total, Italy's Eni and Saras, Spain's Repsol and Cepsa as well as Greece's Hellenic Petroleum are preparing to halt purchases of Iranian oil once sanctions bite, the sources said. These refiners account for most of Europe's purchases of Iranian crude, which represent around a fifth of the country's oil exports. Iran's crude sales to foreign buyers averaged around 2.5 million bpd in recent months, according to data collected by Reuters and EU statistics office Eurostat. The bulk of the exports go to Asia. The companies, most of which have long-term contracts with Iran's national oil company, will continue to purchase cargoes until the sanctions take effect, the sources said. Total, Europe's largest refiner, does not intend to request a waiver to continue crude oil trading with Iran after Nov. 4, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter. That effectively means it will be unable to keep purchasing crude. Eni said it had an oil supply contract outstanding for the purchase of 2 million barrels per month, expiring at the end of the year. Repsol and Hellenic Petroleum declined to comment. "Our trading activity (remains) business as usual ... We continue to strictly conform with European Union and international laws and regulations," a Cepsa spokesman said. Iranian crude can be substituted by Russian Ural grades, whose prices have risen following the U.S. announcement, as well as crude from Saudi Arabia, trading sources said. WAIVER Some of the refiners, including Cepsa, are considering whether to request a waiver from U.S. authorities to continue buying beyond the November deadline in order to complete their term agreements. "With a longer-term contract in place, we're hoping to get a six-month waiver," an industry source close to Cepsa said. "From November, we don't know if any cuts will have to be partial or total." Crude trade between Iran and Europe has risen sharply since the lifting of tough sanctions on Tehran in 2015. But banks, shipping firms and insurance companies are now distancing themselves from the Islamic republic, leaving Europe's refiners few options but to stop oil purchases. "It's a matter of finding a tanker and an insurer that will cover it. It's definitely not easy right now," a source at Repsol said. Hellenic had to stop imports because the Swiss bank that it used was no longer processing payments to Iran, an industry source familiar with the situation said. Asian buyers are also expected to reduce their purchases. India's Reliance Industries Ltd, owner of the world's biggest refining complex, plans to halt oil imports from Iran, two sources familiar with the matter said last week. (Additional reporting by Ron Bousso, Shadia Nasralla, Ahmad Ghaddar in London, Stephen Jewkes in Milan and Angeliki Koutantou in Athens; Editing by Dale Hudson) In an open letter addressed to President Hassan Rouhani, the sister of an imprisoned environmentalist says her family has been cautioned by authorities to keep quiet about their relatives detention, lest he be executed. In a letter published on June 06 by the Campaign for the Defense of Civil and Political Prisoners Katayoun Rajabi, sister of Sam Rajabi, wrote that it is not yet clear who is behind her brothers arrest. Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) agents stormed Sam Rajabis residence on the evening of January 25 and arrested him. He has been held incommunicado ever since, and his relatives say their efforts to discover his whereabouts and the status of the case against him have been met with threats and intimidation. Seven other environmentalists and members of the renowned Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation, including its 63-year-old founder Iranian-Canadian Professor Kavous Seyed-Emami, were arrested the same day as Rajabi. Two weeks later Seyed-Emami died in police custody, with police claiming he committed suicide, an explanation rejected by his family, lawyers, and two MPs. The other environmentalists arrested are Ms. Niloufar Bayani, Hooman Jowkar, Ms. Sepideh Kashani, her husband Taher Qadirian, Amir Hossain Khaleqi, and Iranian-American businessmn Morad Tahbaz. They stand accused of espionage against the regime along with scores of other environmentalists who have been arrested across the country in recent months. Intererstingly, Irans Intelligence Ministry has stated publicly that there is no evidence linking the environmentalists to espionage. Sima Rajabi says that while her brother has not yet even had a trial and no evidence against him has been presented, state-run TV has attacked him in its broadcasts and accused him of espionage. Referring to Rouhanis constitutional right to supervise other powers of the state as the President of the Islamic Republic, Sima Rajabi asked, Is it not against the countrys constitution to interrogate a suspect deprived of having access to legal counsel? adding, Mr. President, based on your own Citizens Rights Charter, who is responsible for these blatant violations of the law? Earlier, Sam Rajabis mother had also called upon the authorities to review her sons case. My son was not a spy, Rajabis mother, Lili Houshmand Afshar, told the New York based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) February 11. She said she went in person twice to Irans notorious Even Prison, where the family suspect he is being held, and asked after her son, but was turned away. He had the opportunity to live abroad, but he preferred to stay and serve his own country, she said. My son is instinctively honorable. Hes not a spy. Paris, June 6, 2018 (AFP) - France, Britain, Germany and the EU on Wednesday sent the United States a joint official request for their companies to be exempt from punitive measures resulting from fresh US sanctions on Iran. "As allies, we expect that the United States will refrain from taking action to harm Europe's security interests," said the letter to US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said the three countries and the EU were asking the US "to exempt European businesses doing legitimate trade in Iran from all extraterritorial American sanctions". "Those businesses must be able to pursue their activities," he wrote on Twitter. The plea comes as European leaders scramble to save the hard-fought deal signed between Iran and world powers in 2015 under which Tehran agreed to limits on its nuclear capacities in exchange for relief from crippling economic sanctions. US President Donald Trump announced he was abandoning the deal last month -- which will mean new sanctions on the Islamic republic and punitive measures for those who trade with it. Analysts say European firms which have rushed to invest in Iran after the lifting of sanctions over the past three years have the most to lose from the renewed sanctions. Several major companies including France's Total and the Netherlands' Maersk have already said it will be impossible to stay in Iran once the sanctions are fully reimposed over the next six months, unless they receive explicit exemptions from Washington. French automaker PSA said Monday that it would pull out of two joint ventures to sell its cars in Iran to avoid the risk of punishing fines. A Vienna-based Iranian nuclear scientist says Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis recent statements about boosting the countrys enrichment capacity were made to please domestic audiences. Former IAEA consultant Behrouz Bayat said in an interview with Radio Farda on May 5 that Khameneis remarks about a dramatic increase in Irans enrichment capability within the framework of JCPOA were made in order to boost morale among his supporters. Khamenei wanted to pretend he was standing firm against international pressures, Bayat told Radio Fardas Azadeh Assadi. Khamenei tells domestic audiences that he is resisting what he always calls the enemy, but he makes it clear to foreign audiences that he wants the enrichment to be limited to the framework of JCPOA, he said. This means Khamenei hasnt decided yet whether to pull out of JCPOA, he added. Bayat stressed that there was nothing new in Khameneis remarks, although it appeared he was threatening to withdraw from the nuclear deal. Khamenei said repeatedly that he wanted the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization (IAEO) to work within the framework of JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). On Monday, Khamenei ordered the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization (IAEO) to start enriching uranium at a 190,000 SWU level starting June 15, within the framework of JCPOA, Irans nuclear deal with the West. A separative work unit, abbreviated as SWU, is the standard measure of the effort required to separate isotopes of uranium (U235 and U238) during the enrichment process at nuclear facilities. 1 SWU is equivalent to 1 kg of separation work. Bayat told Radio Farda that there was nothing new in the figure. This is what Iran is allowed to do based on JCPOA, but it is not currently feasible because, in order to do this, Iran needs 190,000 centrifuges, while it cannot have more than 5,060 centrifuges based on JCPOA, he said, adding that Iran could move toward that target after 15 years. He added that 190,000 SWU can provide fuel for Irans only nuclear power plant. Meanwhile, Irans Atomic Energy Organization Chief Ali Akbar Salehi said on Tuesday that it takes Iran up to two years to reach uranium enrichment at the 190,000 SWU level called for by Khamenei. Salehi added on June 5 that a letter was handed to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna to inform it of the decision. But he also said Iran will continue adhering to the 2015 nuclear deal, and that the country's nuclear activities will remain within the limits set by the accord. Salehi also said that in the meantime, work will continue in Natanz to develop infrastructure for new centrifuges, adding, We have plans, but they are not against JCPOA. He said the infrastructure includes a centrifuge assembly line, which takes two months to be built. However, Salehi added cautiously, this does not mean the mass production of centrifuges. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 Trend: A regular meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States was held in the city of Kyzyl, the Republic of Tuva of Russia, on June 6, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said. Azerbaijan's Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov attended the meeting. Before the meeting, the CIS defense ministers came to Victory Square and laid a wreath at the monument erected in memory of the victims of the Great Patriotic War. Then, the guests got acquainted with the educational base of the Kyzyl presidential cadet school, planted trees and visited the ethno-cultural complex Aldyn-Bulak. Current military cooperation and other forthcoming issues were discussed during the meeting. Previously, the defense ministers participating in the meeting visited the Aldan Maadyr National Museum and the sculptural and architectural complex "Center of Asia", where they got acquainted with various expositions. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 Trend: Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 95 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said June 6. Armenias armed forces were using large-caliber machine guns. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 By Samir Ali - Trend: Documents and video footage of tortures by Armenians against Shahbaz Guliyev and Dilgam Asgarov, who were taken hostage while visiting their native lands in Azerbaijans occupied Kalbajar district, have been submitted to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Chairman of the Azerbaijan Bar Association Anar Bagirov told Trend on June 6. Dilgam Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev must be released, Bagirov said. Their rights for free movement in the territory of their country were violated, and the ECHR must recognize their rights. We hope that in the coming months we will witness positive decisions in the ECHR. He noted that the Azerbaijani side will also express its attitude to the documents received earlier. During an operation in July 2014 in Shaplar village of Azerbaijani Kalbajar district occupied by Armenia, the Armenian special forces killed an Azerbaijani, Hasan Hasanov, and took hostage two other Azerbaijanis, Shahbaz Guliyev and Dilgam Asgarov. A "criminal case" was initiated against them. Afterwards, a "court" sentenced Asgarov to life imprisonment and Guliyev to 22 years in prison. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 Trend: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will discuss the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in Moscow with Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, said Artem Kozhin, deputy director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry. "An exchange of views on the issues of the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement will take place," Kozhin said. Kozhin noted that bilateral relations will also be discussed during the meeting. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: Azerbaijan is becoming an increasingly important hub for international transport and tourism, and of even greater significance is its growing role in the energy sector, Jan Zahradil, Vice Chairman of the European Parliaments Committee on International Trade (INTA) and President of the Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe (ACRE), told EUROACTIV. It stands at a fault line of a major competition for resources between East and West; it is the starting point for the critical East-West energy corridor and its oil and gas pipelines supply neighboring countries and other further-reaching nations via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum routes, he added. Zahradil noted that furthermore, the geopolitically crucial Southern Gas Corridor project will open up another source of energy for Europe and will help diversify its energy supply, especially for Central and Eastern Europe. In simple terms, the strategic geopolitical importance of securing Azerbaijan as a reliable and stable partner is one that the EU cannot ignore. It should be paid due attention and given due support. Short-sighted, one-sided, one-issue resolutions must be replaced with more long-term strategic partnerships based on proper analysis of the geopolitical context and priorities. I have no doubt that Azerbaijan is ready for this, and I believe and hope that Europe is ready as well, he added. The Southern Gas Corridor, which costs more than $40 billion, is one of the priority projects for the EU and provides for the transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian region through Georgia and Turkey to Europe. At the initial stage, the gas produced within the second phase of development of the Azerbaijani gas condensate field Shah Deniz is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. The gas in the second stage of the field development will be exported to Turkey and European markets through the expansion of the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of the TANAP and TAP pipelines. --- Follow the author on Twitter:@Lyaman_Zeyn Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 Trend: Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Serbia to Azerbaijan Nebojsa Rodic on the occasion of completion of his diplomatic mission, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend. During the meeting, the sides expressed satisfaction with the current level of development of cooperation and high-level political dialogue between Azerbaijan and Serbia. Mammadyarov highly appreciated Nebojsa Rodics efforts for the development of friendly and strategic partnership relations between the two countries and highlighted intensive visits of Serbian state and government officials, other officials and parliamentary delegations to Azerbaijan during his tenure as ambassador. Rodic thanked for the support during his diplomatic activity and stressed that he spared no efforts for the development of partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia. Mammadyarov wished Rodic success in his future activity. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 Trend: The Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade Committee of the Senate of Australia (the Upper House of the Australian Parliament) held hearings on the foreign and defense policy of Canberra, the Senate said in a statement released June 6. During the hearings, a number of issues were discussed, including Australia's position on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. During the hearings, Senator Lee Rhiannon, a member of the Green Party, was asked about the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The senator, referring to the statement of the Minister of International Development and the Pacific Concetta Fierravanti-Wells that "Australia strongly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, including Azerbaijan's position on Nagorno-Karabakh", asked, whether this complies with the fundamental principles of the OSCE Minsk Process. Answering the question, Catherine Raper, Head of Europe and Latin America Engagement at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, once again confirmed that support for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, as well as the non-recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent state is a long-term policy of the Australian Government. She also noted that Canberra supports the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group. The statement of the Senate of Australia on this issue led to serious discontent of the Armenian National Committee of Australia. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 Trend: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order on measures to reconstruct the Mashtaga-Nardaran road in the Sabunchu district of Baku. Under the decree, 9.5 million manats will be allocated from the funds provided for construction and reconstruction of highways in the 2018 state budget to the State Agency of Highways to rebuild the Mashtaga-Nardaran road, which connects three settlements with a population of 63,000 people. The Finance Ministry is instructed to provide financing in the amount indicated in the order, while the Cabinet of Ministers is tasked to resolve issues arising from the order. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 Trend: Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade has hosted an iftar ceremony on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan at his residence. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the iftar ceremony. The event kicked off with the recitation of verses from the Quran and a Ramadan prayer. Addressing the ceremony, Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade expressed his gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and guests for accepting his invitation to attend the iftar ceremony on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. Other speakers at the event included Archbishop of Baku and Azerbaijan Eparchy of the Russian Orthodox Church Alexander, head of the Mountain Jews Community in Azerbaijan Milikh Yevdayev and bishop of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan Vladimir Fekete. The head of state addressed the event. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 Trend: US Charge d'Affaires William Gill hosted an Iftar dinner in Masalli for local women entrepreneurs and other community members, the US Embassy in Baku said in a press release. Aybaniz Gafarova, Deputy Head of the Masalli Executive Committee, Gamar Javadli, Deputy Head of the Caucasus Muslim Board, and representatives of the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations, as well as UNDP representatives, also attended. In his remarks, Charge dAffaires Gill mentioned this years holy month of Ramadan coincides with the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), which was the first Muslim parliamentary republic and the first Muslim state to establish gender equality in the law by granting women the right to vote. He pointed out the ADRs rich legacy and how it lives on through the accomplishments of women and their vital roles in society. The US Embassy is pleased that many of the women attending the Iftar have benefited from support from USAID and UNDP programs, which helped them build small businesses and create new opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities. Ramadan has been observed in the United States for over 200 years, beginning with President Thomas Jeffersons Iftar dinner in honor of Tunisian ambassador to the United States Sidi Soliman Mellimelli. Today, more than 3 million American Muslim come together during Ramadan to reflect on our common values of peace, charity and forgiveness. The World Environment Day on 5 June was marked by a tree-planting campaign held by the Indian Embassy in Baku in collaboration with the Azerbaijani students, the Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Down Syndrome and the Dendrology Park of National Academy of Sciences in Mardakan settlement. Director of Dendrology Institute, Tofig Mammadov joined the action with the staff of the Institute. World Environment Day is the United Nations' most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment. Since it began in 1974, it has grown to become a global platform for public outreach. It is "people's day" for doing something to take care of the Earth. India is hosting the World Environment Day 2018 and the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi said in a major tree panting event held in India on this occasion that let us ensure together that our future generations live in a clean and green planet, in harmony with nature. Ambassador of India Sanjay Rana informed that the theme for the World Environment Day 2018 was chosen as "Beat Plastic Pollution". The theme invites everyone to consider how they can make changes in their everyday lives to reduce the heavy burden of plastic pollution on our natural places, our wildlife and our own health. While plastic has many valuable uses, we have become over-reliant on single-use or disposable plastic with severe environmental consequences. We need to work together to reduce the use of plastic, he said. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 By Anvar Mammadov - Trend: Azerbaijan can reduce import duties on some types of goods, Chairman of the State Customs Committee (SCC) of the country Safar Mehdiyev told reporters. "Customs duties on some imported goods can be reduced. This issue can be considered during the discussion of the package of changes and proposals for the next year," Mehdiyev said. The Chairman of the SCC noted that the received proposals are mainly related to the reduction of duties on imported raw materials, which are further used in production. "The government will consider all the proposals from entrepreneurs and, if necessary, will make the appropriate decision," Mehdiyev added. A new system of customs duties came into force in Azerbaijan from January 1, 2018. The new duties are regulated by the "Nomenclature of goods of foreign economic activity, customs rates for import and export". The new system, which came into force this year, is a three-tier system. Since 2001, there have been seven rates in Azerbaijan - "0", "0,5", "1", "3", "5", "10" and "15" percent. Now, from this year, there are only three rates - "0", "5" and "15" percent. A large part of industrial goods (raw materials and equipment) including even those, which previously were charged a customs duty of 0.5 percent, is taxed at a zero rate this year. This applies to those types of commodity groups (in particular, groups 84 and 85), which are already subject to VAT at a zero rate based on the order of the Cabinet of Ministers. Semi-finished products are subject to a customs rate of five percent. As regards the finished products, the relevant rate has increased to 15 percent. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Anvar_Mammadov Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Azad Hasanli Trend: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) expects to strengthen cooperation with Azerbaijan, the bank told Trend on June 1. "At AIIB, we are open to consider both sovereign backed and non-sovereign backed projects. As such, we can and will maintain dialog with both the government of Azerbaijan and the investors in its private sector," the bank said. According to AIIB, the TANAP project has kicked-started the bank's cooperation with Azerbaijan. "We look forward to deepening our knowledge and strengthening cooperation in the country," the bank said. AIIB noted genuine interest in financing quality infrastructure projects and mobilize capital for large scale projects. "AIIB would be ready to cooperate with Azerbaijan in areas that are in compliance with the sector policies of the Bank, prioritized by the government, or contributing to the capacity building in the infrastructure and other productive sectors," the bank said. Asked about the possibility of opening an office in Azerbaijan, the bank said it will focus on capacity building in relation to its operation in the early years before opening offices in member countries. AIIB was founded in June 2015. Azerbaijan is one of the founding members of the Beijing-based bank. Today, the only project that AIIB financed in Azerbaijan is TANAP construction, which is part of the Southern Gas Corridor. The bank allocated $600 million for this project. -- Follow the author on Twitter: @AzadHasanli Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 By Ilaha Mammadli - Trend: Chair of the World Trade Organization (WTO) working party on the accession of Azerbaijan, Ambassador Walter Werner (Germany) will arrive in Baku in the first half of June to discuss the progress of Azerbaijans preparations for joining the WTO, Azerbaijans Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammad-Guliyev told Trend. After that, the date of the next round of negotiations between Azerbaijan and the WTO member states may be defined, he said. But before that, the Azerbaijani side will need to be seriously prepared. Mammad-Guliyev outlined four main directions of negotiations held by Azerbaijan - goods (tariffs for agricultural and industrial products), trade in services, improvement of legislation (bringing it in accordance with WTO requirements) and support for agriculture (subsidization). He noted that Azerbaijan should first achieve good results in diversifying its economy. Until 2020, we expect preliminary results from economic reforms carried out in Azerbaijan, economic diversification and development of the non-oil sector, he said. Only then it will be possible to speak about the intensification of the talks and the completion of the process of Azerbaijans accession to the WTO in about 2-3 years. Azerbaijan expects to join the WTO as a developing country, and this has its advantages, he added. In any case, everything depends on the negotiations, he noted. Azerbaijan launched negotiations with the WTO member states in 2004. Azerbaijan submitted to the organization 400 documents, including 300 legislative acts, and also answered more than 2,000 questions of WTO member countries. As of today, the country has completed negotiations and signed protocols with Turkey, Oman, the UAE, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan. Azerbaijan is at the stage of signing protocols with China and Moldova. Presently, the country is in talks with 13 countries. Azerbaijan has had an observer status at the WTO since 1997. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 By Ali Mustafayev Trend: Kazakhstan's refusal to import gasoline from Russia will not last long for a number of reasons, including the growing domestic fuel market, Chief Researcher of the Institute of Economics of Kazakhstan, Consultant of the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan,expert Oleg Yegorov told Trend. "Kazakhstan buys about one million tons of gasoline per year from Russia to meet the domestic market demand. The ban on the import of gasoline from Russia can not last long, at least for the reason that the oil refineries of Kazakhstan do not receive sufficient volumes of Kazakh oil for the production of gasoline. The share of KazMunayGas (KMG) national company, which supplies crude oil to the oil refineries, accounts for only 28 percent of the total oil produced in the country," Yegorov said. He also noted that one of the three largest oil refineries in Kazakhstan - Pavlodar Oil and Chemistry Refinery (POCR) - is fully provided only with Russian oil. Speaking about alternatives of gasoline imports, Yegorov emphasized that it is also disadvantageous for Kazakhstan to buy petroleum products in Europe because of the large distance. "In the long term, the domestic fuel market of Kazakhstan will expand, and the construction of the fourth oil refinery may be delayed, which makes the import of gasoline from Russia one of the most attractive options in this situation, even despite the jump in prices for Russian fuel," Yegorov said. The authorities of Kazakhstan proposed to ban the import of gasoline from Russia by rail for three months. The order of the Minister of Energy Kanat Bozumbayev was published on the portal of e-government of Kazakhstan. In April, Bozumbayev also spoke about the likely cheapening of gasoline in the country due to the excess fuel. Follow the author on Twitter: @Ali_Mustafayev_ Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: From the beginning of operations on May 16, 2008 until today, the Black Sea oil terminal of the Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR in Georgia's Kulevi port has transshipped 23 million tons of crude oil and oil products, SOCAR told Trend June 6. The company stated that currently there are four linear overpasses at the terminal for unloading operations, which allow simultaneous servicing of 168 railway tanks. "Since the beginning of the work, the terminal has transshipped more than 23 million tons of crude oil and oil products and will continue to increase the volume of transshipment," the company stated. The terminal is used for shipment of crude oil, fuel oil, diesel fuel, gas oil, methanol, aviation fuel, propylene, liquid pyrolysis resin, naphtha, isopropyl alcohol, diesel fuel with ultra-low sulfur content, industrial oil, and condensate. The terminal in the Kulevi port was put into operation in May 2008, and the transshipment of oil products was launched in June. The total capacity of the terminal is 10 million tons of liquid bulk oil cargo per year, including three million tons of oil, three million tons of diesel fuel, and four million tons of fuel oil. The total capacity of the tank farm of the terminal is 402,000 cubic meters. The terminal shipped 139 tankers in 2017. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MTsurkovTrend Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 By Ali Mustafayev Trend: Kazakhstans KazPetrol group of companies, engaged in development of oil fields and oil production, will increase the volume of recoverable oil reserves in the countrys Kyzylorda region to 2.5 million tons, commercial director of KazPetrol Batyrzhan Daulet told Trend. "We work on implementation of innovative methods of process management, reduction of production costs, achieving accelerated commissioning of explored oil and gas deposits," Daulet said. He stressed that the company plans to increase the amount of recoverable oil reserves from the Khairkeldy, Yugo-Zapadny, Zholtai and Taur fields, at which KazPetrol completed exploration and evaluation procedures, adding that an increase in production volumes would allow the company to increase the geography of oil exports. "Presently, we also work to diversify oil export routes. In addition to the existing directions, we plan to export crude to the southeast regions of Kazakhstan, as well as to the countries of Central Asia," Daulet said. KazPetrol is engaged in exploration, development of oil and gas fields, as well as production with the sale of commercial oil in the domestic and external markets. The company is part of the international Kusto Group Holding, founded in the late 90s by Kazakh specialists in the field of direct investments, project and corporate financing. The company started its activities in the mining industry, expanding its scope of activities and covering projects in the energy industry, production of construction materials and agriculture. Currently, Kusto Group implements projects in Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Vietnam, China, Turkey and Israel. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Ali_Mustafayev Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 By Ali Mustafayev Trend: The National Bank of Kazakhstan announced a tender for provision of technical support services for updating the licensed Eviews Enterprise Edition software. Applications will be accepted until June 11, 2018. Services are provided in accordance with the terms of the contract. The full list of purchased services, their number and details should be specified in the bidding documents. For more information, please call: 8 (727) 270-45-32, 270-45-58, 259-68-28 --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Ali_Mustafayev Tehran, Iran, June 6 By Kamyar Eghbalnejad - Trend: Iran Air Managing Director Farzaneh Sharafbafi called on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to support Iran in the face of impending US sanctions. "In order to increase its cooperation with the IATA in the area of flight safety and security, the Airline of the Islamic Republic of Iran should not be targeted by the new US sanctions," Sharafbafi said during a recent meeting with the head of IATA in Sydney, IRNA news agency reports on June 6. She was in the Australian capital to attend the 74th IATA Annual General Meeting. The summit brought some 1,000 delegates and media to Sydney on June 3-5. Sharafbafi further voiced criticism against US President Donald Trumps efforts to re-impose sanctions against Iran, and called on the trade association of the worlds airlines to find ways out of the sanctions. On May 8, Trump announced that Washington was leaving the nuclear agreement, which was reached in 2015 between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - the US, Britain, France, Russia and China - plus Germany. Trump also said he would reinstate US nuclear sanctions on Iran and impose "the highest level" of economic bans on the Islamic Republic. The US sanctions have a 180-day period during which buyers should wind down purchases. The managing director of Iran Air also held talks with the CEO of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker, who sits on the board of the Heathrow Airport and is the new head of industry body of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The sides explored ways to reroute Qatari flights over Iranian airspace after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt launched a blockade on June 5 last year to pressure Qatar to change its policies. Saudi Arabia sealed shut Qatar's only land border and the UAE blocked shipments from its ports to Qatar, but the government in Doha quickly moved to reroute supplies through ports in Oman and India. Rather than rely on imports from its Arab neighbors, Qatar looked to Iran and Turkey to plug the gaps. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 Trend: Iranian Minister of Labor and Social Welfare Ali Rabiei underlined cooperation with Dublin in sending skilled work force to Ireland. Rabiei made the remarks in a meeting with Pat Breen, Irish Minister of Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, on the sidelines of the 107th session of the international labor conference underway in the Swiss city of Geneva, Mehr news agency reported June 6. The annual conference, taking place from May 28 to June 8 brings together the tripartite delegations from the organizations 187 member states to consider a series of topics related to the world of work, placed on its agenda by the Governing Body of the International Labor Organization (ILO). The two ministers underlined mutual cooperation in the fields of technical and vocational training and deployment of skilled labor force, in particular chefs to Ireland. Rabiei expressed his ministrys readiness for cooperation with Ireland in various areas, including export of dairy products, medical equipment and chemicals. Back in 2016, Iran announced that it signed an MoU with the European country to send work force skilled in hospitality and culinary to Ireland. Based on Irans fourth and fifth Five-Year National Development Plans (2005-2015) it was planned to send 100,000 workers abroad. However, due to sanctions problems only 4,000 workers were sent overseas. Tehran, Iran, June 6 By Kamyar Eghbalnejad- Trend: An official with Irans Seafood Exporters Union said the government is mulling plans to directly export shrimp to China. "We are in talks with relevant authorities to export potted shrimp to China and we plan to do this directly," Hassan Ahmadi Jazani, the deputy head of Irans Seafood Exporters Union, told the Trend news agency on June 4. He added, "China was a major importer of Iranian shrimps as it used to purchase 70 percent of the countrys shrimp". In the past, the Chinese imported the Iranian shrimps via ports of Vietnam, Ahmadi Jazani said, noting that Tehran is now seeking to deliver the small sea creatures to China directly as they can no longer use Vietnamese borders. Iran produced some 20,000 tons of shrimps last year and this is expected to reach 30,000 in the current Iranian year (started March 21), he added. "Once, Europe was a destination for Iranian shrimps, but it was later replaced with the UAE due to (banking) problems." The deputy head of Irans Seafood Exporters Union added that Iran is also experiencing the same problem with Dubai and that this can be settled if Europe helps facilitate banking and trade transactions under new circumstances. Elsewhere in the interview, Ahmadi Jazani pointed to Russias market and said, "The problem with Russians is that they are interested in the wholesale trade and we cannot do wholesale under our normal exporting circumstances". He further said Iran and Russia need to open a letter of credit to boost their business transactions. More than 82,450 tons of different kinds of seafood worth $283 million were exported from Iran in the nine months to Dec. 21, 2017, registering a 23 percent and 37 percent growth in weight and value respectively compared with the similar period of last year. Shrimp culture in Iran is mainly practiced in the provinces of Khuzestan, Hormozgan, Sistan-Baluchestan, Bushehr in the south and Golestan in the north. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 Trend: The Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will hold a meeting at expert level in Tehran. The meeting is scheduled to be held in Tehran on June 7, Irans state-run IRINN TV reported. Expert delegations from Iran and P4+1, including Germany, UK, France, Russia and China will take part in the session. The former round of the meeting was held in Vienna May 25, following the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal, reached between Tehran and the six world powers in 2015. The three European countries are trying to save the JCPOA under which Iran curbed its nuclear program in return for a lifting of international sanctions. However, they have warned Iran that if it were not to abide by the terms of the deal, then they would also be forced to pull out and reimpose sanctions as Washington has done. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 Trend: At least two Iranian border guards have been killed in an armed clash along the countrys northwestern borders with Iraq. Lieutenant Yousef Piraneh and warrant officer Mahboub Ghorbani were killed in the armed clash with some members of terrorist groups last night, IRNA news agency reported June 6. Reportedly, the clash took place at 23:00 local time in Sardash Border Regiment, West Azerbaijan province. No further details were reported about the incident. Irans northwest has repeatedly witnessed attacks by terrorist groups, including members of PJAK, an offshoot of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Tehran, Iran, June 6 By Kamyar Eghbalnejad - Trend: Iranian security forces, in cooperation with the countrys customs authority, have so far arrested 50 suspects involved in smuggling of goods and vehicles into and out of the country, a lawmaker said on Wednesday. As part of an investigation into goods smuggling rings across the country, the Iranian security forces identified and arrested 50 members of the rings last year and the operation goes on, Amir Khojasteh told the Tasnim news agency on June 6. "According to the latest information, the arrests continue," he said. Fortunately, the countrys attorney general has entered the issue and is looking into its file, Khojasteh said. The suspects used to smuggle foreign luxury cars like Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Toyota out of the country overnight via the Salafchegan district, he further said. Apparel, foodstuff, mobile phones, gold ingots and household appliances top the list of commodities smuggled into Iran. Fuel is the main item smuggled out of Iran due to its cheap price compared to that in neighboring countries like Turkey and Pakistan. According to the Headquarters to Combat Smuggling of Goods and Foreign Exchange, per capita consumption of contraband in Iran stood at $197 last year. Contraband comprises 83 percent of the mobile phone market, 47 percent of toy market, 27 percent of the apparel market, and 21 percent of the household appliances market. Tehran, Iran, June 6 By Kamyar Eghbalnejad - Trend: The Croatian minister of labor said the relations between Tehran and Zagreb are expanding. Croatia and the European Union will remain committed to the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, Marko Pavic said during a recent meeting with Iranian Minister of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare Ali Rabiei, IRNA news agency reported on June 6. The two ministers met on the sidelines of the 107th session of the international labor conference underway in the Swiss city of Geneva. The annual conference, taking place from May 28 to June 8, brings together the delegations from the organizations 187 member states to consider a series of topics related to the world of work, placed on its agenda by the Governing Body of the International Labor Organization. Stressing that Croatia continues to support the deal, also known as JCPOA, Pavic said, Bilateral ties between the two countries are on the track of progress. He added that Croatian locomotive and wagon manufacturers have announced their readiness to cooperate with Iranian railway industries and repair their wagons. They have agreed to allocate $10 million to increase their cooperation, he said. The minister noted that banking problems caused by Washingtons withdrawal from the deal have slowed down the pace of relations between Tehran and Zagreb. He further expressed hope the two nations can also increase their cooperation in the areas of oil, gas, petrochemistry and shipbuilding. Rabiei, for his turn, called for enhanced ties between the two nations and said Croatia can finance manufacture and repair of passenger wagons. Nuts, carpets, furniture, textile products, potato, tomato paste, motor oil, petrochemical products and ceramics are major commodities Iran exports to the European country. Britain has officially applied to join the World Trade Organizations government procurement agreement, a legal step it needs to take to maintain trading relationships after it leaves the European Union on March 29, 2019, Reuters reports. Staying in the WTO is potentially important so that British companies can still bid for government work in the United States, European Union and Japan. Britain is a member of the agreement now only by virtue of its EU membership. In letters published by the WTO on Tuesday, the EU and British ambassadors said Britain would make an offer on the degree to which it was willing to open its own procurement markets in return for continued membership. The 46 countries in the agreement have liberalised access to each others markets, with an estimated $1.7 trillion annual spend. China is hoping to join, which could add a further incentive for membership. British officials have previously said that rolling over membership of the agreement should be relatively easy, since there was an incentive for other members to retain their access to Britains procurement market, too. But any negotiation in the WTO can be an opportunity to make new demands. A British trade official told Reuters in March that a draft offer had already been circulated, part of a strategy of trying to minimise the disruption of Brexit at the WTO. The Geneva-based WTO is already in crisis because of a potential global trade war and a U.S. block on new judicial appointments. WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo said last year that Brexit was going to be a bumpy road, but just how bumpy would depend on many things, including negotiations with the EU. British hopes for a smooth transition at the WTO have already been dashed by disagreement in agriculture, where major suppliers are unhappy with losing the flexibility they have enjoyed with the EU as one market of 28 countries. European Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom told Reuters in Geneva on Monday that the agriculture question was still unresolved. There is no progress on agreeing the terms of Brexit (at the WTO), she said. Low-cost carrier Wizz Air CEO Josef Varadi has said that the Israeli government is thwarting the Hungarian airline's plans to expand operations in Israel by preventing the establishment of a base at Ben Gurion Airport, Globes with reference to the "Yediot Ahronot" reports. Speaking at a ceremony to receive the fast-growing carrier's 100th passenger plane, Varadi said, "We've already been holding talks for a long time with the government but we are not really moving forward." Varadi said that Israel's Open Skies revolution was not complete and he blamed pressure on the government from Israeli airlines as well as security issues. Wizz Air, founded in 2003, operates 600 routes with 141 destinations in 44 countries. The company operates 19 routes between Israel and 10 European countries, making the foreign carrier flying to the largest number of destinations from Israel. Its flights land and depart from Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv and Ovda Airport in southern Israel. "Israel is a big and very important market for us," said Varadi, "but the logistics are very problematic. The flights come from Central European destinations, which is very far for our sort of operations and so we need to open a base in Tel Aviv." The largest office tower in Israel has been approved. The Tel Aviv District Planning and Building Commission in the Planning Administration today rejected the objections and gave final approval to a plan for building the 100-storey Bein Arim Tower. The Tel Aviv municipality-owned site is located in the heart of the metropolitan business district between Shefa Tal Street in Givatayim, Jabotinsky Street in Ramat Gan, and the exit ramp from the Ayalon Highway (Arlosorov Interchange), near the Savidor Railway Station and the Tel Aviv light railway Red Line, Globes reports. The plant includes 120,000 square meters of main space for offices, hotels, commerce, and public space. In addition to the tower, two six-storey public buildings will be constructed nearby. The Tel Aviv municipality will set uses for these two buildings in the future. It is believed that the Tel Aviv municipality will soon issue a tender to market the land to developers. Due to the scope of the project and the fact that most of its uses are for offices and hotels, large companies oriented towards offices such as Azrieli Group Ltd.(TASE: AZRG), Amot Investments Ltd.(TASE:AMOT), and Nitsba Holdings Ltd. (TASE: NTBA) are expected to take an interest in the tender, as well as cooperation between income-producing real estate companies and players in the hotel industry. Residents of existing buildings and purchasers of apartments in towers under construction in Ramat Gan and Givatayim filed objections to the plan. Other objections were submitted by Tel Aviv city engineer Oded Gvuli and by Ayalon Highways Co. The District Planning and Building Commission heard the objections and approved the plan, subject to a number of changes, including doubling the space for public buildings from 5,000 square meters to 10,000 square meters without increasing the amount of space for construction. This public space can be used for educational and religious services, sports, municipal offices, leisure, and community, welfare, and health services at the discretion of the Tel Aviv municipality, and can also be used by the nearby Nahalat Yitzhak neighborhood. The District Planning and Building Commission also decided to require construction of a pedestrian bridge connecting the proposed tower to the neighboring tower on the south in Givatayim and construction of a pedestrian bridge on the northern side above Jabotinsky Street in Ramat Gan. These two bridges were marked as a future option in the appendices in the deposited plan. The plan, designed by Amnon Schwartz Architects and architect Guy Miloslavsky, emphasizes development of the public space between the buildings and pedestrian traffic to and from the site on the various street levels, including the municipal boulevard level around the Ayalon area slated for roofing. District Planning and Building Commission chairperson Daniela Posek said, "The plan emphasizes the public space, and as a result includes an array of pedestrian bridges. Its construction will connect the meeting point of Givatayim, Ramat Gan, and Tel Aviv to the central public transportation area of the country and the metropolis." A blast was heard in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Wednesday night. It was not immediately clear what the cause was and a military spokesman said he had no information about it, according to Reuters. Local media reported two explosions in Baghdads Sadr City district, a stronghold of the nationalist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, whose political bloc won a May 12 parliamentary election. A total of 46 migrants had drowned in the early hours of Wednesday trying to cross from the Horn of Africa to find employment in Yemen and the Gulf, the Geneva-based UN migration agency IOM said Wednesday, Xinhua reported. In a statement issued Wednesday evening, IOM said that its staff were on the scene providing assistance to the traumatized survivors. IOM staff reported that among the dead, 37 were men and nine were women. A further 16 remain missing, presumed dead. According to the IOM, at least 100 migrants crammed onto a smuggler's boat that left the port of Bossaso, Somalia on June 5. After travelling through the night across the short but treacherous Gulf of Aden, their boat approached the shore at 5 a.m. Wednesday and then they were pitched headlong into the rough seas by high waves. Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu called on the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) on Wednesday to take part in restoring a peaceful life in the war-torn Syria, TASS reports. "Today a major part of the countrys territory has been liberated from militants, and talks are underway with other terrorists on laying down arms. The plans of setting up a pseudo-caliphate have been frustrated. All conditions have been created for a political settlement and Syrias resurgence as one and undivided state," Shoigu said opening the CIS Defense Ministers Councils meeting. Shoigu called on his counterparts to take part in restoring peaceful life in Syria. "Today a broad spectrum of our practical cooperation on Syria is possible. This is clearing the territory of mines, joint patrolling of control in the de-escalation zones, providing humanitarian assistance and restoring the infrastructure. We expect to have your support, which would show our unity in the war on global terror and ensuring common security," he stressed. The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) brings together nine former Soviet countries - Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 Trend: The five Caspian countries are considering the issue of adopting a convention on legal status of the Caspian Sea, which will resolve many controversial issues, including the resource development, at a summit scheduled for August, Russia's State Secretary and Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said at the State Duma of Russia on June 6, TASS reported. "Presently, the 'Caspian five' is conducting an intensive work, an ad hoc working group has been set up to draft a convention on legal status of the Caspian Sea, which will resolve many controversial and unclear issues, such as what is the Caspian, how in the future the Caspian states will approach resource development, separation of water areas, and so on," Karasin said, adding that there are a lot of questions. "A summit of the heads of the Caspian states is planned to be held in August, most likely in Kazakhstan. We are seriously preparing together with our partners to ensure that this convention is signed at the upcoming summit," he said. Earlier, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev tasked to prepare for the summit of the heads of the Caspian states, to be held in Aktau. Earlier, the meeting was planned to be held in Astana. The US exit from the Iran deal strips Washington of all its rights under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Russias Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov said on Wednesday. The Russian envoy made this statement at a session of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The text of his speech was posted on the website of Russias Foreign Ministry on Wednesday. "We proceed from the fact that the US decision to tear up the 2015 comprehensive accords actually deprives the American side of all the rights under the JCPOA and UN Security Council Resolution 2231," the Russian diplomat said. "We express the hope that the comprehensive accords on the Iranian nuclear program will still work for the benefit of peace and stability. The Russian side will contribute to this in every possible way," the diplomat stressed. According to Ulyanov, Russia regrets that Washingtons course towards undermining its international commitments adversely affects the prestige of and trust for the system of the IAEAs guarantees. "We deeply regret that the US ill-thought-out and unsubstantiated policy line on the JCPOA undermines trust for the international system of the IAEAs guarantees and casts a shadow on the agencys conclusions and prestige in the area of inspections. In total, all these factors unravel the nuclear weapons non-proliferation regime based on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, against which Washington has dealt a serious blow, without giving any thought about it or considering its implications," the Russian envoy emphasized. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: The Turkish servicemen advanced 73 kilometers into Iraqi territory as part of the operation against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terrorist group in northern Iraq, Turkish media reported June 6, citing military sources. The Turkish Armed Forces have established full control over 28 kilometers of territory in northern Iraq. Earlier, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that Turkey has 11 military bases in northern Iraq, and this greatly facilitates the fight against the PKK. The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has continued for more than 30 years and has claimed more than 40,000 lives. The UN and the European Union list the PKK as a terrorist organization. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: NATO welcomes the agreement between the US and Turkey on the Syrian Manbij, Alliance Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said, Turkish media reported June 6. "Reaching an agreement between Turkey and the United States is also very important for Washington," Stoltenberg said. The Secretary General noted that Turkey is an important partner of NATO and a country actively engaged in the fight against terrorism. The US and Turkey approved a road map to stabilize situation in the Syrian Manbij, says the joint statement of the two countries following the talks in Washington between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. The sides considered the recommendations of the Turkey-US working group on Syria regarding the bilateral cooperation in Syria and issues of mutual interest, including provision of security and stability in Manbij, the statement said. "They approved the road map on this issue and stressed mutual commitment to its implementation, which reflects our common agreement on the necessity of closely monitoring the situation on the ground." Relations between Ankara and Washington are in crisis because of the support provided by the US to the terrorist movement YPG in Syria. Washington explains its actions as the fight against the terrorist group "Islamic State" (IS). Earlier, Turkey has repeatedly accused the United States that Washington has not kept its promises about the withdrawal of YPG militants from Manbij after the Kurds cleared the city of the IS in June 2016. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, June 6 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: Turkish armed forces are advancing in northern Iraq establishing control over the positions of the PKK terrorist organization, the spokesman and deputy chairman of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of Turkey, Mahir Unal said, Turkish media reported June 6. Unal said the Turkish authorities have repeatedly stated that military operations against the PKK militants in northern Iraq may begin at any moment. Earlier, it was reported that as part of the operation against the PKK in northern Iraq, the Turkish military moved 73 kilometers deep into Iraqi territory. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Turkey has 11 military bases in the north of Iraq, which greatly facilitates the fight against the PKK. The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has lasted more than 25 years claiming more than 40,000 lives. The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by the UN and the EU. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu The summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will be on Singapores southern island of Sentosa, the White House said as preparations accelerated for next weeks event, Reuters reports. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said in a Twitter post that the venue would be the Capella Hotel on Sentosa and thanked Singaporeans for their hospitality. The summit is scheduled to start on the morning of June 12. Trump told reporters at an Oval Office event that plans for what will be the first meeting between a serving U.S. president and a North Korean leader, were moving along very well. A lot of relationships being built, a lot of negotiations going on before the trip, he said. Well see what happens. But its very important itll be a very important couple of days. Trump, who is seeking to persuade Kim to shut down a nuclear missile program that now threatens the United States, said on Friday the summit he had canceled the previous week was back on after he received the North Korean delegation bearing a letter from Kim. Trump said last week he expected an eventual very positive result with North Korea but dampened expectations for a breakthrough in Singapore, saying it could take several meetings to reach an agreement. Trump said one thing that could come out of the summit is an agreement formally ending the 1950-53 Korean War, which was concluded only with a truce, not a peace treaty. Former U.S. officials and analysts say that if the meeting produces a peace declaration, this could give Trump a big headline-grabbing, made-for-TV moment on the world stage. But they say the public relations value of such a historic event could quickly fade if Trump fails, in return, to wring any significant concessions from Kim toward the dismantling of North Koreas nuclear arsenal. North Korea defends its nuclear and missile programs as a deterrent against what it sees as U.S. aggression. The United States stations 28,500 troops in South Korea, a legacy of the Korean War. On Monday, Singapore declared a central region that is home to its foreign ministry, the U.S. embassy and several hotels, as a special zone from June 10 to 14. In its online gazette, the government amended the area to include Sentosa and an area of the sea stretching more than 1 km (0.6 mile) off its southwestern shore. The Singapore government has said police would make stricter checks of people and personal belongings and items such as public address systems and remotely piloted aircraft system would be prohibited in the area. Two key U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday rebuked Facebook Inc for not being more transparent over its data sharing practices after the social media company said it had collaborated with at least four Chinese companies, including a smartphone maker that has raised U.S. security concerns, Reuters reports. The top Republican and Democrat on the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee said Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg should have disclosed those data-sharing partnerships when he testified before Congress in April. Clearly, the companys partnerships with Chinese technology companies and others should have been disclosed before Congress and the American people, the panels Republican chairman Greg Walden and ranking Democrat Frank Pallone said in a statement. We strongly encourage full transparency from Facebook and the entire tech community, they wrote. On Tuesday, Facebook said Huawei, computer maker Lenovo Group, and smartphone makers OPPO and TCL Corp were among about 60 companies worldwide that received access to some user data after they signed contracts to re-create Facebook-like experiences for their users. Huawei, the worlds third largest smartphone maker, has come under scrutiny from U.S. intelligence agencies who argue that Chinese telecommunications companies provide an opportunity for foreign espionage and threaten critical U.S. infrastructure, something the Chinese have consistently denied. Facebook on Tuesday said it would end the Huawei pact this week and was ending the other three Chinese partnerships as well, adding that more than half of the partnerships had already wound down. A Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman had no comment on the companies agreements. Members of Congress have expressed concern after The New York Times reported that the data of users friends could have been accessed without their explicit consent. Facebook denied that and said the data access was to allow its users to access account features on mobile devices. In a separate letter on Tuesday, the Senate Commerce Committee also pressed Facebook for more information, while the Senate Intelligence Committees top Democrat urged Facebook to release further details. Facebook said it would address the Commerce Committees questions. Congressional staff have said the company still has not answered hundreds of questions from lawmakers after Zuckerbergs testimony before two committees in April. Other companies that have used Facebook data sharing include Amazon.com Inc, Apple Inc, HTC Corp, Microsoft Corp and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, Facebook has said. Several countries are scrutinizing the social network after it failed to protect the data of some 87 million users that was shared with now-defunct political data firm Cambridge Analytica. KYODO NEWS - Jun 6, 2018 - 19:39 | All, Feature Japan's Prince Akishino and his wife Princess Kiko spent the second day of their visit to Hawaii on Tuesday learning about the culture and history of Japanese immigrants to the islands, including visiting a cultural center for them. The couple, making their first official visit to the United States, saw local children playing wadaiko, Japanese drum, and kendo at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii. The facility promotes knowledge of the history and culture of Japanese-Americans, including a section devoted to those who were placed in internment camps during World War II. The prince, the younger son of Emperor Akihito, and the princess also met current and former students of the University of Hawaii who have received scholarships from the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation at the hotel where they were staying. The scholarship was established in 1959 by a Japanese-American businessman as a wedding gift to then Crown Prince Akihito and Crown Princess Michiko, according to the foundation. Prince Akishino and his wife attended a banquet hosted by Hawaii Governor David Ige, a third-generation Japanese American. "I hope this bond of friendship and goodwill between Japan and Hawaii will deepen and last long," the prince said in a speech. He also expressed his sympathy for those people affected by the eruption of the Kilauea volcano, which has forced many residents to evacuate since May. The couple's visit to Hawaii until Friday is to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Japanese immigration to the islands. They will return to Japan on Saturday. KYODO NEWS - Jun 6, 2018 - 18:40 | All, World Prime Minister Shinzo Abe left Tokyo on Wednesday on a six-day trip to the United States for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and to Canada for a summit of the Group of Seven industrialized nations. Abe will meet with Trump ahead of the U.S. president's historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12 in Singapore which is expected to focus on denuclearization. "I would like to take a lead in discussions on North Korea (at the G-7 summit) along with President Trump," Abe told reporters at his office before heading to Tokyo's Haneda airport, adding he hopes the G-7 "will send the message that it is supporting the president in the run-up to the historic U.S.-North Korean summit." On the economic front, "I will insist that the G-7, which has developed free and fair economic order, has to play its role for stability of the world economy," Abe said. During his seventh meeting with Trump, at the White House on Thursday, Abe will seek to coordinate their policies towards North Korea and confirm close cooperation between the two allies, Japanese officials said. Abe aims to remind Trump to bring up the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by the North in the 1970s and 1980s, which he views as one of the most important political issues for his administration, during the U.S. leader's summit with Kim, according to the officials. After once having canceled the plan to meet Kim, Trump on Friday reinstated their summit. The decision came after a meeting in the White House with the North Korean leader's close aide Kim Yong Chol. While economic sanctions will stay in place, Trump has said he does not want to use the term "maximum pressure" on the North. Abe aims to confirm Trump's true intention over the shift in rhetoric. Amid a recent mood for dialogue between the United States and North Korea, Abe is expected to warn Trump, with whom he has established a rapport, not to ease the hardline stance against the North. Later Thursday, Abe will travel into Canada to attend a two-day G-7 gathering in Charlevoix, Quebec, beginning Friday, which will bring together the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy and the United States. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who will chair the meeting, hopes to discuss topics such as gender equality, women's empowerment, clean energy and climate change. But this year's G-7 summit is likely to be overshadowed by an intensifying trade dispute between the United States and the six other nations over Washington's 25 percent steel and 10 percent aluminum tariffs imposed on major trading partners as part of Trump's "America First" policy. In a gathering last week, G-7 finance ministers lashed out at Washington's fresh tariffs, with French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire saying the meeting has devolved into a "G-6 plus one." The seven nations are also divided over Trump's withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, in which Britain, France and Germany are signatories. On the security front, North Korea is likely to be high on the agenda in the run-up to the upcoming Trump-Kim summit. On Saturday, the final day, the G-7 leaders will hold an outreach session involving leaders of such countries as Argentina, Bangladesh, Kenya, Norway and Vietnam as well as the heads of international organizations including the United Nations and the World Bank. By William Hollingworth, KYODO NEWS - Jun 6, 2018 - 07:20 | All, World Japan's response to the Gulf War in 1990 was "too little, too late" and made the economic superpower look like a "political pygmy", according to a critical assessment by Britain's ambassador to Japan in recently declassified files. Writing in March 1991, John Whitehead said Tokyo's reaction was hampered by "weak political leadership, a cautious bureaucracy" and an inability to respond to fast-moving situations. In a letter to his bosses in London dated March 18, 1991, Whitehead wrote, "The general perception must be that Japan has not come well out of the Gulf crisis." "Japan agonised and shilly-shallied but found it horribly hard to act. Hamlet writ large," he wrote, in an apparent reference to Hamlet's hesitation to avenge his father's murder in Shakespeare's eponymous play. The international community was frustrated by Japan's failure to contribute troops or hardware to the multinational coalition. Japanese politicians and the public were divided on how to respond and the indecision slowed the flow of funds from Tokyo to the military coalition. Because of constitutional constraints that prohibited dispatching troops, Japan ultimately donated a total of $13 billion to the multinational coalition but was stung by criticism it received from the international community for not doing enough. Whitehead wrote that Japan was suffering a "fundamental crisis of identity." (Former British Ambassador to Japan John Whitehead at an event in London in September 2000) On the one side were those who favored a more muscular response in line with its economic position and close ties to the United States. On the other were those with pacifist tendencies who argued the Constitution prohibited dispatching troops overseas, and felt the country should focus on economic prosperity, the ambassador noted in the files opened to the public in April. According to the Japanese government, of the additional 1.24 trillion yen in funding approved after the start of the war in January 1991, 1.15 trillion yen was donated to the United States, while Britain was allocated just 39 billion yen. The files reveal British ministers' disappointment with Japan's financial contribution toward its own Gulf War costs, despite pleas by Prime Minister John Major to his Japanese counterpart Toshiki Kaifu. A cable from the embassy in Tokyo points out that the figure amounted to about 3 percent of the total, "and falls significantly below our target of 8 percent to reflect our relative contribution to the military effort." Malcolm Sinclair, minister of state at the Foreign Office, commented in a response that the "contribution is scant reward for the stand we took and for our special position for them in Europe." Britain, which provided more than 53,000 troops to the allied force of 670,000 soldiers, felt it had been treated unfairly when compared to the size of the financial contribution made to the United States, which was by far the largest contributor to the multinational coalition. Japan also put strings on the money offered, stipulating it could only be spent on logistics/transportation and not on weapons and ammunition. Japan finding it no easy job to play bigger role in U.N. mission Whitehead commented that as a result of the crisis Japan would not send combat troops overseas for the foreseeable future but might dispatch soldiers on U.N. peacekeeping operations. But in defense of Japan, he noted that Tokyo had backed the multinational coalition and made "far from negligible" contributions to the multinational coalition aiming to retake Kuwait. In response to his letter, John Coles, a senior official at the Foreign Office, wrote that he understood the pressures Japan was under and London should work with Tokyo in trying to craft a more suitable response in the future. The Gulf War was triggered by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on Aug. 2, 1990. The multinational coalition against Iraq's leader Saddam Hussein comprised 39 countries. The military operation began in January 1991 with a massive air campaign followed by a ground offensive. By the end of February, a ceasefire had been declared and Kuwait was retaken by the allies. KYODO NEWS - Jun 6, 2018 - 11:18 | Feature, All, Japan A resort town in a mountainous area of central Japan is using a rare breed of dog to chase bears away from areas where people live, in an effort to promote coexistence. Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture had struggled since 2000 with bears entering the town to scavenge for food, when Picchio, a nonprofit organization devoted to conserving bears, introduced "bear dogs" there in 2004. [Photo courtesy of Picchio] The Karelian Bear Dog is specifically trained to bark and chase back into the forest bears that enter residential areas, thereby eliminating the need to either catch or kill the bears for the sake of ensuring public safety. Though the dogs have been used in the United States since 1996 to protect residential areas with nearby bear populations, Karuizawa, a popular resort town just 170 kilometers northwest of Tokyo, is the only place in Japan to use the Karelian Bear Dog to provide protection. Following the introduction of the bear dogs and other preventive steps, the number of bear incidents in Karuizawa plummeted from 255 in 2006 to just 4 in 2017. "Forests represent the abundance of animals and plants," said Shinya Kuwata, 50, the leader of Picchio. "It is important not to kill bears but separate them from humans, and bear dogs can be a big force in realizing such a future." The dogs' handler Jumpei Tanaka, 44, said the dog breed originated along the Finland-Russia border. The dogs are known for their highly independent nature, which must be tempered, he said, through development of a relationship of trust with a handler. For Tanaka, that meant staying with the dogs "24 hours a day to be accepted" by the animals at the outset of training upon arrival from the United States, he said. (Jumpei Tanaka holds a Karelian Bear Dog puppy) Following the death of the first-generation bear dogs, Tanaka has been working with a second-generation bear dog, Tama, a female, in the town. However, Karuizawa is far from the only town in Japan to have bear problems. Throughout Japan, there were over 12,000 instances of people encountering bears over the past year through March -- and about 100 people were attacked. A number of municipalities facing with such problems have contacted Picchio, but the organization has been hamstrung in providing help because of the difficulties faced in increasing the number of bear dogs. Due to a quarantine policy, Picchio could only import dogs at least 10 months old from the United States. Thus the organization had to rely on U.S. organizations to raise and initially train the dogs, with the Japanese side paying the related expenses. But Picchio has now begun to breed the dogs domestically, with that effort producing its first success when Tama gave birth to six puppies in April after mating with a male dog imported from the United States. The organization is hoping to raise more bear dogs if its breeding efforts continue to be successful. KYODO NEWS - Jun 6, 2018 - 22:23 | World, All Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan will make a two-day official visit to Pyongyang from Thursday, ahead of next week's summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump. Singapore's Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that Balakrishnan will meet with Kim Yong Nam, president of the country's parliament, long serving as its ceremonial head of state, and his counterpart Ri Yong Ho. His visit at the invitation of North Korea follows his trip to Washington and comes as Singapore is gearing up preparations to host the historic summit on Tuesday, well representing the city-state's pivotal role as a broker for both countries. (Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan) The local Straits Times newspaper quoted the foreign minister as saying the United States had first approached Singapore, then North Korea, and an important prerequisite for both sides was security, followed by a suitable venue and an environment conducive to sending meaningful messages to the rest of the world. Hosting the summit is expected to strengthen Singapore's already close relations with the United States and improve its ties with North Korea, which has been under strain after Singapore introduced some severe measures against Pyongyang. In November, at a time when North Korea still clung to its defiant pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, Singapore suspended trade ties with North Korea in line with toughened sanctions imposed by the U.N. Security Council. Singapore also revoked all work permits held by North Korean citizens in March. A yellow alert has been issued for Friday in Kannur, Kasaragod, Thrissur, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts. Australian Foreign Minister Bishop addresses the 72nd United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop addresses the 72nd United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., September 22, 2017. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson By Colin Packham SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on Tuesday criticised China for pressuring Qantas Airways Ltd (QAN.AX) to change its website to refer to Taiwan as a Chinese territory, in comments likely to ramp up tensions between the two countries. Qantas said on Monday it had decided to comply with a request from Beijing to remove references on their websites or in other material that suggest Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau are part of countries independent from China. Australia's government already adheres to the one-China policy, which means it does not recognise Taiwan as a country. However, Bishop said in an emailed statement that how Qantas structured its website was a matter for the company. "Private companies should be free to conduct their usual business operations free from political pressure of governments," she said. Her comments were later echoed by Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and Defence Minister Marise Payne, who said businesses should make their own decisions. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she had noted Bishop's comments but that she was not sure what Bishop was trying to say. "Because there is only one China in the world. Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau have always been part of China this is an objective fact and a matter of international consensus," Hua told a daily news briefing. "When it comes to a matter like this it is not a procedural or technical issue but a major political issue," she said. Self-ruled and democratic Taiwan is claimed by Beijing as a Chinese territory, and has become one of China's most sensitive issues and a potential military flashpoint. Hong Kong and Macau are former European colonies that are now part of China but run largely autonomously. Sino-Australian relations have soured in recent months, just two years into a free trade pact after Canberra accused Beijing of interfering in its domestic affairs. Story continues Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull referenced "disturbing reports of Chinese meddling" when he announced plans in late 2017 to introduce tough new legislation to limit foreign influence, including a ban on offshore political donations. China denied the allegations, and lodged a formal diplomatic protest. Despite sustained Australian lobbying, the row intensified last month when Australia's Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (TWE.AX), the world's biggest listed winemaker, said it faced delays at Chinese customs and Canberra said "four or five" other wine exporters had since experienced similar problems. Before the latest comments, analysts had suggested Australia may be forced into offering a concession to Beijing, such as allowing Huawei Technologies Co Ltd to bid to build the country's 5G telecommunications network. Such a move would mark a significant about-turn after Canberra banned the Chinese company from bidding to build Australia's broadband network in 2012, citing concerns over Huawei's rumoured close ties to China's government. Australia has yet to rule Huawei out of the running, and the Chinese firm has ramped up public lobbying. "Companies like Huawei are privately owned, not owned by any committee or any government, and should be looked at and put into a competitive tendering," John Lord, chairman of Huawei's Australia unit, told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio on Monday. (Reporting by Colin Packham; Additional reporting by Philip Wen in Beijing; Editing by Sam Holmes, Richard Pullin and Michael Perry) One of the most difficult industry to value is capital markets, given that they adhere to different rules compared to other companies. Asset managers, for example, must hold certain levels of capital in order to maintain a safe cash cushion. Looking at factors such as book values, as well as the return and cost of equity, may be practical for determining BKs value. Below Ill determine how to value BK in a reasonably accurate and easy way. See our latest analysis for Bank of New York Mellon Why Excess Return Model? There are two facets to consider: regulation and type of assets. Financial firms operating in United States face strict financial regulation. In addition, capital markets tend to not hold substantial amounts of tangible assets on their balance sheet. So the Excess Returns model is suitable for determining the intrinsic value of BK rather than the traditional discounted cash flow model, which places emphasis on factors such as depreciation and capex. NYSE:BK Intrinsic Value Jun 6th 18 Deriving BKs True Value The main assumption for Excess Returns is, the value of the company is how much money it can generate from its current level of equity capital, in excess of the cost of that capital. The returns above the cost of equity is known as excess returns: Excess Return Per Share = (Stable Return On Equity Cost Of Equity) (Book Value Of Equity Per Share) = (11.24% 11.11%) * $40.8 = $0.05 We use this value to calculate the terminal value of the company, which is how much we expect the company to continue to earn every year, forever. This is a common component of discounted cash flow models: Terminal Value Per Share = Excess Return Per Share / (Cost of Equity Expected Growth Rate) = $0.05 / (11.11% 2.95%) = $0.64 These factors are combined to calculate the true value of BKs stock: Value Per Share = Book Value of Equity Per Share + Terminal Value Per Share = $40.8 + $0.64 = $41.43 Relative to todays price of $55.77, BK is currently priced higher than its intrinsic value. Therefore, theres no benefit to buying BK today. Pricing is only one aspect when youre looking at whether to buy or sell BK. Fundamental factors are key to determining if BK fits with the rest of your portfolio holdings. Story continues Next Steps: For capital markets, there are three key aspects you should look at: Financial health: Does it have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free bank analysis with six simple checks on things like leverage and risk. Future earnings: What does the market think of BK going forward? Our analyst growth expectation chart helps visualize BKs growth potential over the upcoming years. Dividends: Most people buy financial stocks for their healthy and stable dividends. Check out whether BK is a dividend Rockstar with our historical and future dividend analysis. For more details and sources, take a look at our full calculation on BK here. To help readers see pass the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price sensitive company announcements. The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. According to a recent report by Reuters, ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) has held talks with investment banks about helping the company unload its stake in Cenovus Energy (NYSE: CVE). That sale could net the oil giant more than $2 billion in cash, which would bolster its already sizable cash war chest and give it more money to allocate in creating value for investors. Thinking about cashing out ConocoPhillips initially acquired its stake in Cenovus Energy last year, when it sold several oil and gas properties to the Canadian company for $13.3 billion in cash and stock. Overall, ConocoPhillips received $10.6 billion in cash and 208 million shares of Cenovus stock, which was worth about $2.7 billion at that time. ConocoPhillips used the initial cash infusion to repay debt and buy back billions of dollars in its stock. Those moves helped drive its share price up nearly 50% since it announced the deal. A man in a suit counting cash. Image source: Getty Images. Cenovus' stock, on the other hand, has headed in the opposite direction since the deal's announcement due to concerns about the amount of debt it took on to complete the transaction. While Cenovus has tried to ease those fears by selling other assets, shares are still down about 30%, though that is a significant improvement from the bottom. Because shares haven't fully recovered, ConocoPhillips' stake in Cenovus is worth around $2 billion based on the recent share price. However, the company would likely need to sell shares at a discount to the current price to find enough takers for what would be one of the biggest stock sales in Canada this year. While ConocoPhillips could make more money if it waited longer, or sold shares in phases, the company has made it clear in the past that it has no intention of being a long-term investor in Cenovus. Because of that, now is a decent time to consider cashing out since shares have bounced from the bottom. What might ConocoPhillips do with the money? Story continues ConocoPhillips ended the first quarter with $5 billion of cash on its balance sheet after paying off another $2.7 billion in debt during the quarter. While the company announced plans to use some of that money to pay off another $1.75 billion in debt, and it just closed a $400 million acquisition in Alaska, it has more cash coming. Not only is it generating excess cash from operations, but the oil giant recently received the final installment of an arbitration award from Ecuador as well as the first distribution from its investment in APLNG. Meanwhile, the company is also working to collect a $2 billion arbitration award from Venezuela. With all of the money it has on the balance sheet and coming into its coffers, ConocoPhillips faces an interesting dilemma if it does decide to sell its stake in Cenovus. The company has few options for that excess cash since it has repeatedly stated it has no plans to boost capital spending above the current level, and it will soon hit its long-term debt reduction goal. As a result, the company's only remaining options are to let the money sit on its balance sheet, use it to make acquisitions, or return it to investors. Unless the company finds another unbeatable deal like its Alaskan purchase, the most likely option of the three is to send this money back to investors. It would probably do that by further expanding its share repurchase program beyond the $2 billion it already plans to spend this year, which is already $500 million higher than its initial guidance. A nice problem to have Even though ConocoPhillips doesn't need the money, it looks as though the oil giant is getting ready to unload its shares in Cenovus Energy. Given the company's financial discipline and strong balance sheet, it doesn't have much use for that money, which increases the likelihood that it will send the money back to investors by repurchasing more of its undervalued stock. That incremental buyback could help push shares up even higher, which is why it still looks like a compelling oil stock to consider buying. 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. Asbury Automotive (ABG) shares have started gaining and might continue moving higher in the near term, as indicated by solid earnings estimate revisions. Consumer staple companies came under pressure on Jun 5, after Mexico announced retaliatory tariffs on goods imported from the United States. The heat was primarily felt by packaged foods companies, as fears of a trade war fail to subside. Consumer staples have been suffering for a long time now with changing tastes and preferences of consumers and increased competition from online retail giants like Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN. In fact, the consumer staples sector fell for the fourth consecutive month in May, registering its worst performance since 1990. Trade war fears have added to the sectors woes, as consumer staples continue to take a beating with retaliatory tariffs being imposed by the United States trade allies. That said, it needs to be seen how consumer staple companies fight back in the days to come. Mexico Tariffs Hit Consumer Staple Stocks The United States decision to impose 25% and 10% tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum followed by tariffs of another $60 billion saw China come up with retaliatory tariffs on a wide range of U.S. products that primarily hit the consumer staples sector. Moreover, the United States last week imposed tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from the European Union (EU), Mexico and Canada. On Jun 5, Mexico announced that it will impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products including pork, bourbon and some types of cheeses. This saw consumer staples stocks, in particular packaged food companies, taking a hit. Shares of Kellogg Company K and General Mills, Inc. GIS slid 2% and 1.8%, respectively. Also, shares of Campbell Soup Company CPB and Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. DPS declined 0.1% each. Understandably, packaged food companies have reasons to worry with Mexico, one of United States biggest trade allies, now imposing retaliatory tariffs. Consumer Staples Suffer Longest Decline Consumer staples stocks have been suffering for quite some time now, with the sector entering the longest monthly losing streak since November 2016. The S&P 500 Consumer Staples index declined 1.7% in May, registering its straight monthly fall. On a year-to-date basis, the S&P 500 Consumer Staples index has declined 13.3%. Story continues Moreover, of the 11 major S&P 500 sectors, the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR (XLP) was the second-worst performer in first-quarter 2018. The consumer staples sector didnt have a good start to 2018, after having registered gains of more than 130% over a period of nine years. The sector has been under pressure owing to rising competition from online retailers and at the same time has been affected by rising commodity prices and transportation costs, and declining brand value. Packaged Food, Beverage, Tobacco Companies Suffer Changing customer preference and inclination toward healthier options have seen a number of beverage, packaged foods and tobacco companies suffer. Year to date, shares of PepsiCo, Inc. PEP and The Coca-Cola Company KO have declined 15.1% and 5.3%, respectively. Similarly, shares of B&G Foods, Inc. BGS and The Procter & Gamble Company PG have declined 20.3% and 18.4%, respectively, over the same time period. Tobacco companies too have been suffering with slower-than-expected adoption of alternate tobacco products in some markets and at the same time health-conscious people looking for healthier options. Shares of tobacco giants like Turning Point Brands, Inc. TPB and Philip Morris International Inc. PM have declined 0.6% and 25.8%, respectively. Turning Point Brands carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Bottom Line Consumer staples stocks have been considered a defensive bet, mainly because of its predictable growth rate and high dividends. However, a number of factors including changing consumer preference, declining brand value and stiff competition from online retailers are acting as tailwinds. Moreover, trade war fears have added to the woes, with countries like Mexico and China imposing tariffs on imported goods from the United States. Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +21.9% in 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +115.0%, +109.3%, +104.9%, +98.6%, and +67.1%. And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 19X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation. See Them Free>> 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 Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Coca-Cola Company (The) (KO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc (DPS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Pepsico, Inc. (PEP) : Free Stock Analysis Report General Mills, Inc. (GIS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Campbell Soup Company (CPB) : Free Stock Analysis Report B&G Foods, Inc. (BGS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Kellogg Company (K) : Free Stock Analysis Report Procter & Gamble Company (The) (PG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Turning Point Brands, Inc. (TPB) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Several major publishers have reportedly passed on a planned book by Donald Trump Jr., citing concern that he may face legal charges related to the Mueller investigation of Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election. Trump Jr. has been pitching a book that would cast a favorable light on his father, President Trump, and his approach to politics, according to a report on Fox Business. But top publishers have given the proposal a chilly reception. Someones going to publish this thing and it will probably sell, but he is getting some pushback from major publishers, Charles Gasparino, a Fox Business senior correspondent, said on the network. Theyre questioning him about the Mueller probe. Theyre worried that he might be charged. Put all that together and people are backing off this thing. Gasparino said that publishers have been asking about Trump Jr.s role in a 2016 meeting in Trump Tower, when he met with a Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer who had claimed to have information damaging to his fathers opponent, Hillary Clinton. One publisher told Gasparino, There was basically no interest in a book thats basically a defense of daddy book when youre under federal investigation yourself. Despite those qualms, one publisher estimated such a book by Trump Jr. could sell as many as 500,000 copies, strong enough to repay an advance as high as $1 million. The book was to follow on the heels of several best sellers that were critical of the president, including Michael Wolffs Fire and Fury and Michael Isikoff and David Corns Russian Roulette. Last month, Trump Jr. told the Senate Judiciary Committee that he couldnt recall discussing the June 2016 meeting with his father. According to the New York Times, a memo that President Trumps lawyers sent to Special Counsel Robert Mueller acknowledged that the President had dictated a statement about the meeting in Trump Tower that had been released under Trump Jr.s name. Eni SpA E stated that its operations in Iran will not be affected by sanctions announced by the Trump administration as it has limited operations in the country. The Italian company has recovered all outstanding payments due from earlier investments in Irans upstream sector. However, the company has not received a payment due from a oil supply contract for the purchase of 2 million barrels of oil per month. This contract is expected to terminate by the end of 2018. Per Enis evaluations, its limited activities in Iran will not be subjected to specific waivers as the activities are in accordance to the sanctions. Subsequent to the withdrawal from a nuclear deal with Tehran, the United States has threatened to inflict secondary sanctions on European companies operating in Iran. At a point, the European Union was Irans biggest oil importer. The union is looking for methods to save the nuclear accord and protect investments made by European companies. However, the danger of losing access to the U.S. financial system and risking the sanctions has compelled many companies to re-evaluate their plans. Among the companies impacted by these sanctions is Total SA TOT, which intends to withdraw its investment from Irans South Pars gas field if it did not get a waiver from the government. Price Performance In the past three months, Enis shares have gained 8.8% compared with the industrys 9.9% rise. Zacks Rank & Key Picks Eni currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A few better-ranked players in the same sector are Anadarko Petroleum Corp APC and CVR Refining, LP CVRR. These stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Anadarko Petroleum is one of the world's largest independent oil and gas exploration and production companies. It pulled off an average positive earnings surprise of 89.24% in the last four quarters. Sugar Land, TX-based CVR Refining is an independent downstream energy partnership with refining and associated logistics properties in the Midcontinent United States. The company delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 7.05% in the last four quarters. Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +21.9% in 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +115.0%, +109.3%, +104.9%, +98.6%, and +67.1%. And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 19X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation. See Them Free>> 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 CVR Refining, LP (CVRR) : Free Stock Analysis Report China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (SNP) : Free Stock Analysis Report TOTAL S.A. (TOT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Eni SpA (E) : Free Stock Analysis Report Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (APC) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research [caption id="attachment_20471" align="alignnone" width="621"] Pictured, from left, are City Solicitor Marcel Pratt and Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. Photo: P.J. D'Annunzio.[/caption] The U.S. government cannot withhold funding from Philadelphia based on the city's immigration policies, a federal judge ruled in a decision that rebuked the hard-line stance of President Donald Trump's administration as "unconstitutional." On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania held in a 93-page-ruling that U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions could not impose requirements that the city assist in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) roundups of undocumented immigrants as a condition of receiving a million-and-a-half dollars in federal grant money for local law enforcement. The three requirementsthat a city must provide ICE access to prisons to interview suspects, notice when undocumented immigrants are to be released from prison, and that the city is restricted from withholding a person's citizenship statusformed the basis of Philadelphia's lawsuit. The city sued last summer, saying the police department is not an arm of immigration enforcement, and that making it one would damage community relations. In his ruling, Baylson said the Trump administration's view that undocumented immigrants are significant contributors to an allegedly rising crime rate in the city was simply false. "The public statements of President Trump and Attorney General Sessions, asserting that immigrants commit more crimes than native-born citizens, are inaccurate as applied to Philadelphia, and do not justify the imposition of these three conditions," Baylson wrote. Further, Baylson called the conditions "arbitrary and capricious." In November, Baylson issued a preliminary injunction against the Justice Department, temporarily barring it from cutting off funding from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. Principles of federalism allow a city to deal with local issues as it sees best. The supremacy clause of the Constitution gives the federal government the final sayif, as, and when there is a conflict, Baylson wrote in his Nov. 15 opinion. In this case, given Philadelphias unique approach to meshing the legitimate needs of the federal government to remove criminal aliens with the citys promotion of health and safety, there is no conflict of any significance." At a press conference in City Hall, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney praised Baylson's ruling, proclaiming, "Philadelphia needs its immigrants." Baylson's ruling "prevents a White House run by a bully from bullying Philadelphia into changing its policies," Kenney said. "It is a ruling that should make clear to Attorney General Sessions that federal grant dollars cannot be used for a political shakedown. It is, most of all, a ruling that reminds everyone of why this city and this country existto give safe haven, and hope, to all those who flee tyranny, oppression and poverty in other parts of the worldto be a welcoming nation." Kenney was also quick to reiterate that the federal effort to block Philadelphia's access to the money came from Washington, D.C., and said the city remains an affable partner with the DOJ offices in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Law Department, under former City Solicitor Sozi Pedro Tulante initiated the case and worked closely with attorneys from Dechert and Hogan Lovells. The Justice Department's response to the ruling struck a very different tone from Kenney's remarks. Todays opinion from the district court in Philadelphia is a victory for criminal aliens in Philadelphia, who can continue to commit crimes in the city knowing that its leadership will protect them from federal immigration officers whose job it is to hold them accountable and remove them from the country," U.S. Department of Justice spokesman Devin O'Malley said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon, which included a list of seven undocumented immigrants in Philadelphia accused of crimes. "The Justice Department continues to maintain that we exercised our authority, given by Congress, to attach conditionsdesigned to keep Americans safeto public safety grants, and we will continue to fight to carry out the departments commitment to the rule of law, protecting public safety, and keeping criminal aliens off the streets," the statement continued. The department did not indicate whether it plans to pursue an appeal. Huobi Major cryptocurrency exchange Huobi has unveiled plans to launch a public blockchain that it hopes will serve as the foundation for a next generation financial protocol. Announced on Wednesday, Huobi Chain aims to fulfill the dream of the blockchain-based decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) by enabling the Singapore-based exchange operator to gradually migrate its operations to a decentralized platform and automate them using smart contracts. Huobi Chain product director Gordon Chen told CCN that the initiative is an extension of Huobis experiment in community decision making. Consequently, governance is one of the first processes that the company intends to migrate onto its new blockchain. The future will need a new type of financial system, he said, but going forward, were going to do things gradually. Chen said that Huobi hopes to pursue community-driven governance, including decisions about the development of the blockchain itself. This will gradually replace the companys current corporate governance structure by necessity as the company formerly based in Beijing expands its global reach. Later on, Huobi hopes to build a decentralized cryptocurrency exchange (DEX) around its blockchain, which will enable users to trade cryptocurrencies without holding their coins in an exchange-controlled wallet, which presents an attractive attack vector for hackers. At present, Huobis centralized trading platform ranks as the worlds third-largest exchange with a daily volume of approximately $1.1 billion. The company will fund the initiative with an initial investment of $100 million worth of Huobi tokens (HT) as it seeks to attract technical talent to help develop the new platform. As CCN reported, Huobi is not the first major cryptocurrency exchange to explore moving its operations onto a blockchain. Binance the highest-volume exchange announced in March that it was building a public blockchain to serve as the foundation for a DEX. About that same time, OKEx, the second-largest exchange, unveiled similar plans. All three of these exchanges have launched Ethereum-based utility tokens that will ultimately be transferred to their new blockchains to serve as their native assets. Story continues Additionally, US-based exchange Coinbase recently acquired a DEX, though it has not announced plans to move any of the companys core operations to a blockchain. Featured Image from Shutterstock The post Huobi Unveils Plan to Launch Public Blockchain, Develop Next Generation Financial Protocol appeared first on CCN. Illinois Tool Works Inc (NYSE:ITW) delivered an ROE of 43.31% over the past 12 months, which is an impressive feat relative to its industry average of 11.58% during the same period. Superficially, this looks great since we know that ITW has generated big profits with little equity capital; however, ROE doesnt tell us how much ITW has borrowed in debt. Well take a closer look today at factors like financial leverage to determine whether ITWs ROE is actually sustainable. See our latest analysis for Illinois Tool Works What you must know about ROE Return on Equity (ROE) is a measure of Illinois Tool Workss profit relative to its shareholders equity. For example, if the company invests $1 in the form of equity, it will generate $0.43 in earnings from this. While a higher ROE is preferred in most cases, there are several other factors we should consider before drawing any conclusions. Return on Equity = Net Profit Shareholders Equity Returns are usually compared to costs to measure the efficiency of capital. Illinois Tool Workss cost of equity is 9.74%. This means Illinois Tool Works returns enough to cover its own cost of equity, with a buffer of 33.57%. This sustainable practice implies that the company pays less for its capital than what it generates in return. ROE can be dissected into three distinct ratios: net profit margin, asset turnover, and financial leverage. This is called the Dupont Formula: Dupont Formula ROE = profit margin asset turnover financial leverage ROE = (annual net profit sales) (sales assets) (assets shareholders equity) ROE = annual net profit shareholders equity NYSE:ITW Last Perf Jun 6th 18 Basically, profit margin measures how much of revenue trickles down into earnings which illustrates how efficient the business is with its cost management. Asset turnover shows how much revenue Illinois Tool Works can generate with its current asset base. The most interesting ratio, and reflective of sustainability of its ROE, is financial leverage. Since ROE can be artificially increased through excessive borrowing, we should check Illinois Tool Workss historic debt-to-equity ratio. The debt-to-equity ratio currently stands at a high 181.34%, meaning the above-average ratio is a result of a large amount of debt. Story continues NYSE:ITW Historical Debt Jun 6th 18 Next Steps: While ROE is a relatively simple calculation, it can be broken down into different ratios, each telling a different story about the strengths and weaknesses of a company. Illinois Tool Workss above-industry ROE is encouraging, and is also in excess of its cost of equity. With debt capital in excess of equity, ROE may be inflated by the use of debt funding, raising questions over the sustainability of the companys returns. Although ROE can be a useful metric, it is only a small part of diligent research. For Illinois Tool Works, there are three fundamental aspects you should look at: Financial Health: Does it have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Valuation: What is Illinois Tool Works worth today? Is the stock undervalued, even when its growth outlook is factored into its intrinsic value? The intrinsic value infographic in our free research report helps visualize whether Illinois Tool Works is currently mispriced by the market. Other High-Growth Alternatives : Are there other high-growth stocks you could be holding instead of Illinois Tool Works? Explore our interactive list of stocks with large growth potential to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! To help readers see pass the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price sensitive company announcements. The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. ImToken, one of the biggest Ethereum wallet is planning on moving its headquarters to Singapore as part of its plans to expand its services on a global scale. The Chinese startup created one of the first digital currency wallet apps for the Ethereum (ETH)blockchain. The firm has been planning on scaling up this year to achieve a global market although 70 percent of its clientele comes from China. The ImToken app currently has around 4 million users but the firm hopes to reach the 10 million mark before the end of 2018. Half of that figure is expected to come from outside its home country. Singapores critical role in the cryptocurrency market imToken CEO Ben He stated that having the new headquarters in Singapore will allow the company to reach out and expand its services to more countries. He also revealed that they chose Singapore because the country has been welcoming to Bitcoin. The country has become a safe haven for Chinese startups in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry especially after Beijing turned aggressive after ICOs and cryptocurrencies in 2017. Cryptocurrency mining giantBitmainalso launched its regional headquarters in Singapore a few months ago while the Huobi cryptocurrency exchange also has its operations in Singapore. ImToken has always been eager to be on top of trends and it claims that this characteristic has allowed it to gain cryptocurrency assets worth more than $35 billion over the past 12 months. This means it is now roughly the same size as a medium-sized Chinese commercial bank. The IDG Capital funding ImToken has revealed its plans for Singapore just days after it announced that it managed to raise roughly $10 million through a Series A funding from IDG Capital. The latter also participated in raising $75 million for Coinbasethrough a Series C funding round and a $50 million funding round for Circle. The new funding round for ImToken makes it the latest entry into IDG Capitals investment portfolio. The Chinese Ethereum wallet startup plans to invest the money towards the development of new features for the ImToken wallet including the addition of support for other blockchains including that of Bitcoin (BTC) and Eos (EOS). Story continues The raised capital will also be used to study Singapore regulations and also facilitate the launch of ImToken 2.0 in new international markets. The expansion will initially focus on the South East Asia market before expanding into other Asian markets. Ben HE also pointed out that the company has to do its due diligence especially because of the rapidly changing regulations as well as strictness from governments.ImToken also plans to double down on African countries where it has already developed a user base. It also plans to expand its services in the U.S at around the same time as its international expansion. The number of new startups focusing on cryptocurrency wallets have also been on the rise, meaning ImToken should expect heavy competition. It is therefore important for the startup to make sure that it takes measures aimed at keeping the competition at bay and helping it to stay ahead. This article was originally posted on FX Empire More From FXEMPIRE: FILE PHOTO - A bottle of Jack Daniel's Tennessee whiskey is seen on a shelf at the Vin Place wine and liquors store in Beijing, China April 10, 2018. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj By Uday Sampath Kumar and Aishwarya Venugopal (Reuters) - Jack Daniel's maker Brown-Forman Corp (BFb.N) (BFa.N) warned on Wednesday of trouble ahead from tariffs being slapped on U.S. bourbon and said it had been working in recent months to mitigate the potential impact by shipping more liquor overseas. The spirit and wine maker was thrust into the spotlight last week when Mexico placed a 25 percent tariff on bourbon imports in response to President Trump's imposition of import duties on metals. The European Union has said it will also respond with levies and the company, while promising it was on top of the situation, said the issue made it hard for it to give a precise full-year outlook. "It's a tough, tricky situation that we've been watching now for months. It seems like every day we wake up and it takes a little bit of a twist and turn," Brown-Forman Chief Executive Paul Varga told a conference call on fourth-quarter results. Brown-Forman earns only half of its revenue from the United States, with Europe accounting for a quarter and Mexico and Canada contributing around 5 percent and 1 percent of net sales, respectively. Shares of the Kentucky-based company were on course for their worst day in nearly seven years, falling 6.5 percent in afternoon trade as the company also warned of gross margin declines due to higher wood, agave and freight costs. Varga said the company has gained more flexibility in managing trade risks by moving shipments to markets where it has its own distribution, rather than depending on third-party distributors. Excluding the impact of any potential tariffs, the company expected earnings per share of $1.75 to $1.85 in fiscal year 2019, with the midpoint of the range coming in below the analysts' forecast of $1.82 per share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Net income for the company fell to $110 million, or 23 cents per share, in the quarter ended April 30, from $144 million, or 30 cents per share, a year earlier. Net sales rose 5.6 percent to $733 million. Analysts had expected the company to earn 22 cents per share on revenue of $755.4 million in the quarter. (Reporting by Nivedita Balu and Uday Sampath in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur and Patrick Graham) Mexico is fighting back against President Trumps tariffs on steel and aluminum. American Petroleum Institute CEO Jack Gerard told FOX Business, the duties pose a significant threat to the energy market. The retaliatory measures include a 25% import tariff on steel products, 20% on pork products, 20% to 25% duties on cheeses and a 25% duty on bourbon. We understand what the president is trying to do in terms of the broader discussions, he told Maria Bartiromo on Mornings with Maria on Wednesday. We would hope they would think clearly and significantly about energy and what this means for energy as the president is trying to accomplish his broader purposes. Mexico has been a valuable trade partner, as it has become a significant source of U.S. imported crude oil. But Gerard said Trumps policy creates uncertainty for U.S. oil companies. We are very concerned that we have now entered into could disrupt the balance weve achieved in energy trade, he added. Related Articles Texas Capital (TCBI) Down 9.8% Since Last Earnings Report: Can It Rebound? Texas Capital (TCBI) reported earnings 30 days ago. What's next for the stock? We take a look at earnings estimates for some clues. Have you been paying attention to shares of Occidental Petroleum OXY? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 9.4% over the past month. OXY hit a new 52-week high of $87.17 in the previous session. Occidental Petroleum has gained 16.1% since the start of the year compared to the 6.2% move for the Oils-Energy sector and the 17.3% year-to-date return for its peer group. What's Driving the Outperformance? The stock has a great record of positive earnings surprises, having beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on May 8, 2018, Occidental Petroleum reported EPS of $0.92 versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.71 while it beat the consensus revenue estimate by 2.14%. For the current fiscal year, Occidental Petroleum is expected to post earnings of $4.1 per share on $16.56 billion in revenues. This represents a 360.67% change in EPS on a 24.73% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $4.39 per share on $17.85 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 7% and 7.79%, respectively. Valuation Metrics Occidental Petroleum may be at a 52-week high right now, but what might the future hold for OXY? A key aspect of this question is taking a look at valuation metrics in order to determine if the company has run ahead of itself. On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as they provide investors with an additional way to sort through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). These styles are represented by grades running from A to F in the categories of Value, Growth, and Momentum, while there is a combined VGM Score as well. The idea behind the style scores is to help investors pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style. Occidental Petroleum has a Value Score of F. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are A and A, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of B. Story continues In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 20.8X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 14X versus its peer group's average of 10.2X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 3.21. This isn't enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective. Occidental Petroleum Corporation Price and Consensus Occidental Petroleum Corporation Price and Consensus | Occidental Petroleum Corporation Quote Zacks Rank We also need to look at the Zacks Rank for the stock, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, Occidental Petroleum currently has a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy) thanks to favorable earnings estimate revisions from covering analysts. Since we recommend that investors select stocks carrying Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if Occidental Petroleum fits the bill. Thus, it seems as though OXY shares could still be poised for more gains ahead. How Does Occidental Petroleum Stack Up to the Competition? Shares of Occidental Petroleum have been soaring, and the company still appears to be a decent choice, but what about the rest of the industry? Some of its industry peers are also solid potential picks, including Sasol SSL, China Petroleum & Chemical SNP, and CNOOC CEO, all of which currently have a Zacks Rank of at least #2 and a VGM Score of at least B, making them well-rounded choices. The Zacks Industry Rank is in the top 22% of all the industries we have in our universe, so it looks like there are some nice tailwinds for OXY, even beyond its own solid fundamental situation. 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 Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) : Free Stock Analysis Report China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (SNP) : Free Stock Analysis Report CNOOC Limited (CEO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Sasol Ltd. (SSL) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Oil ticks higher ahead Of U.S. supply report Investing.com - Crude prices inched higher in early action on Wednesday, as investors looked ahead to fresh weekly data on U.S. commercial crude inventories to gauge the strength of demand in the worlds largest oil consumer and how fast output levels will continue to rise. The U.S. Energy Information Administration will release its official weekly oil supplies report for the week ended June 1 at 10:30AM ET (1430GMT), amid forecasts for an oil-stock drop of 1.8 million barrels. Analysts also forecast a gain of 587,000 barrels for gasoline stockpiles, while distillate inventories are expected to rise by 784,000 barrels. After markets closed Tuesday, the American Petroleum Institute said that U.S. oil inventories fell by 2 million barrels last week. The API data also showed a rise of nearly 3.8 million barrels in gasoline stockpiles, while inventories of distillates declined by 871,000 barrels. There are often sharp divergences between the API estimates and the official figures from EIA. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up 17 cents, or around 0.3%, at $65.69 a barrel at 3:55AM ET (0755GMT). It touched a near two-month low of $64.22 on Tuesday, before turning higher to settle up 77 cents. Elsewhere, Brent crude futures were up 53 cents, or 0.7%, at $75.91 a barrel. The contract went as low as $73.81, the weakest since May 8, the previous day after a report that the U.S. government had asked Saudi Arabia and other major exporters to increase oil output. Prices in recent sessions have declined on concerns that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and non-OPEC members led by Russia would decide to lift output by up to 1 million barrels a day as early as this month in reaction to lost supplies out of Venezuela and Iran. OPEC is scheduled to hold its next meeting in Vienna on June 22. Meanwhile, Brent's premium over WTI futures remained near three-year highs above $10 a barrel. The premium has doubled in less than a month, as a lack of pipeline capacity in the United States has trapped a lot of output inland. Story continues Related Articles U.S. Oil Prices Edge Up Amid Decline in Local Crude Inventories Oil prices rise amid Venezuela export concerns Gold Prices Drop Despite Softer Dollar An old Alcoa plant in Upstate New York is going to be converted into one of the world's largest bitcoin mining centers Despite bitcoin's price drop this year, crypto mining company Coinmint is moving ahead with plans to revamp Alcoa's 1,300 acre plot once used for aluminum smelting. Coinmint said Tuesday it would invest up to $700 million in its new location on the Canadian border, creating an estimated 150 jobs over the next 18 months. The company signed a lease with Alcoa on December 1 of last year when bitcoin was near $11,000 since then it has dropped about 30 percent. Despite bitcoin's price decline this year, a cryptocurrency "mining" company is moving ahead with plans to repurpose a 1,300 acre plot once used by Alcoa for aluminum smelting. Coinmint said Tuesday it would invest up to $700 million in the upstate New York location, which it expects to be the biggest bitcoin mining center in the world. The project will create an estimated 150 jobs over the next 18 months. After Alcoa shuttered its aluminum smelting operation there four years ago, the company was looking for a tenant. Following some back and forth and a few months of discussions, Coinmint said it signed a 10 year lease with options to renew. Since they penned a deal, bitcoin prices have dropped about 30 percent and are down nearly 50 percent this year, according to data from CoinDesk. "As long as bitcoin network exists we anticipate mining to be profitable," said Coinmint's Chief Technology Office Prieur Leary. "We've developed a process to get an edge in the market." Part of that process was the move to Massena New York, just south of the Canadian border. The town has access to clean and cheaper power alternatives like hydroelectric and wind. Leary pointed out that each computer used to "mine" generates 1400 watts the same as one hairdryer. With hundreds of thousands of these hot machines operating at once, upstate New York's climate is ideal for reducing air-conditioning costs. Cryptocurrency "mining" is essentially math done by high-powered computers. In order to trade bitcoin, transactions need to be verified through complex math equations, then and added to what's known as a "distributed ledger." In return for solving equations "miners" receive bitcoin. Story continues Operations are already underway at the former Alcoa East Facility complex, and are projected to be at full capacity within a year. The 435 Megawatt mining center is expected to be the world's largest digital currency data processor, based on capacity, Coinmint said. Most of Coinmint's competitors are overseas. Bitmain is the leader in the industry, and raked in record profits as bitcoin skyrocketed to almost $20,000 last year. The Chinese company likely made as much $3 billion to $4 billion in operating profit in 2017, as much as chipmaker Nvidia did last year, according to Bernstein analysts estimates. Coinmint is looking to hire around-the-clock staff, and plans to tap the local community to hire staff from security personnel to electricians, to highly- trained IT staff. "We in Massena, would like to welcome Coinmint to our town," Steve O'Shaughnessy, Massena Town Supervisor said in a statement Tuesday. "The thought of 150 jobs and revitalization of the Alcoa East Facility is exciting and what we have been working for. We are ready to provide any assistance we can to move this project to its full potential." WATCH: Cost to mine a single bitcoin around the world More From CNBC VIENNA (Reuters) - Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Tuesday that oil demand should determine how OPEC and non-OPEC countries should adjust a current deal on oil output curbs. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil producers led by Russia will convene in Vienna on June 22-23 to decide on a possible adjustment of the current oil output cuts deal, which is valid until the end of the year. With oil recently reaching $80 a barrel, the highest since 2014, producers are now discussing easing some of the cuts. "We have to look into the situation which has panned out on the market today, from the point of view of the volume cuts, inventories decline, shortages on the market, and to adjust the figures," Novak told reporters. "And to look into the possibility of the adjustment of the cuts by taking into account demand," he added. Novak is a part of the Russian delegation headed by President Vladimir Putin in Austria. Earlier on Tuesday he met OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo in Vienna. After the meeting he said that OPEC and Russia share a common view on the oil market. (Reporting by Darya Korsunskaya; writing by Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by Adrian Croft) By Tim Hepher SYDNEY (Reuters) - A German investment company said on Tuesday it would strip two unwanted Airbus A380 superjumbo passenger jets for parts after failing to find an airline willing to keep them flying following a decision by Singapore Airlines not to keep them in service. The decision by Dortmund-based Dr Peters Group deals a fresh blow to the planemaker's efforts to maintain market interest in the double-decker, barely 10 years after it went into service hailed by heads of state as a symbol of European ambition. "Psychologically it is not good for Airbus, but this is a very large aircraft with a very small second-hand market," said UK-based aerospace analyst Howard Wheeldon. Despite strong reviews for its quiet and spacious cabin, demand for the 544-seater has fallen as many airlines drop the industry's largest four-engined aircraft in favour of smaller twin-engined ones that are more efficient, and easier to fill. "It's too big. There was a battle for airline fashions and it lost out," Wheeldon said. Airbus says the iconic jet will eventually prove itself as travel demand saturates airport capacity at major cities. "We cant comment on the decision by Dr Peters, which is the owner of the aircraft," an Airbus spokesman said. "We remain confident in the secondary market for the A380 and the potential to extend the operator base." Singapore Airlines launched A380 services amid fanfare in December 2007, but returned the first two aircraft to their German financiers when leases expired some 10 years later. Story continues The two discarded aircraft were repainted and flown to Tarbes in the French Pyrenees to be stored, and since then their fate has been uncertain as their owner looked for other takers. "After extensive as well as intensive negotiations with various airlines such as British Airways, HiFly and IranAir, Dr Peters Group has decided to sell the aircraft components and will recommend this approach to its investors," the company said in a statement emailed to Reuters. Airbus has been working for months to try to stimulate a second-hand market for the A380 to encourage new airlines to take the risk of investing in the plane, knowing the asset would be worth the right amount when they decide to sell it on. When it was launched, the A380 boasted highly customised interiors to help airlines promote a luxury feel, but the cost of replacing such bespoke fittings is now seen as a handicap. "The problem is the cost of reconfiguration. It is $40 million or more per plane," a senior industry source said. PARTS RAID The planes will not be scrapped entirely, but their huge frames will be combed for valuable components such as landing gears and electronics, a Dr Peters official told Reuters. Their engines have already been removed and leased back to manufacturer Rolls-Royce for use as spares. U.S.-based VAS Aero Services will be responsible for extracting and selling parts. Dr Peters said the deal would yield a positive return for investors in funds used to finance the jets. It operates a number of boutique funds targeted at wealthy individuals and has two more A380s in Singapore that could face the same fate. While dismantling the first two passenger-carrying A380s will embarrass Airbus and dismay the plane's 3,800 workers, later examples of the flagship jet may not be as vulnerable. Early copies of a new plane tend to be less efficient and Singapore Airlines recently ordered some new A380s. However, overall demand is thinner than Airbus expected, forcing it to slow production to a trickle while looking for more business. Still, Emirates, the largest A380 customer, is keeping faith with the jet which brings millions of passengers a year through its Dubai hub and is associated with the airline's global brand. Throwing the loss-making programme a lifeline for a decade, Emirates recently ordered up to 36 more A380s and set out plans on Tuesday to install 56 Premium Economy seats. (Reporting by Tim Hepher; editing by Mark Potter and Jason Neely) The flimsy justification of national security doesnt excuse the steel and aluminum tariffs placed on Canada, Mexico, and the EU, and Americans should be incensed at this treatment of their allies. The U.S. produces nearly 70% of the steel we consume, and not in my lifetime has our primary supplier, Canada, nor any NATO member, been considered a national security risk. Rather, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphatically pointed out, these countries have come to our side, and fought beside our soldiers in battle. Its unfortunate that rather than raising critical economic issues with Europe, we antagonize them and our northern and southern neighbors over trivial amounts of steel and aluminum. Yet not once has President Trump publicly raised the EUs continuous economic attacks on the crown jewels of our economygreat American companies such as Apple AAPL , Facebook FB , and Google GOOG . From using ambiguous antitrust laws, to extorting billions in tax payments using new legal interpretations, to creating a privacy law with unprecedented reach primarily aimed at American companies, the EU has targeted these U.S.-based global innovatorsand President Trump has chosen to be silent, and instead seek to resurrect an iconic smokestack industry with tariffs. Even union advocate Paul Krugman says the decision to move forward with steel and aluminum tariffs is based on obviously fraudulent rationale, adding, this trade war will actually be a job-killer, not a job-creator. By redirecting our national agenda to fair economic competition, President Trump can regain both rational and economic high ground. Europe has great potential, but powerhouse Germany is starting to falter. Brexit is causing the EU to stumble, and only Francethanks to the progressive leadership of President Emmanuel Macronand the Netherlands appear to have momentum. Still, the EU is our friend, and ill-guided and protectionist tariffs are an unhealthy tactic. While the EU and a few countries have recently announced various artificial intelligence strategies, most of the technology world sees the leadership contest as between the U.S. and China. Story continues President Trump has approached China tariffs with a sounder economic argument. He advocates for American businesses and correctly says China treats them unfairly. China says it will loosen restrictions on companies partnering to do business in China. Its arbitrary legal system remains a risk for any American company achieving success. More, China continues to produce many successful large Internet companies. Its 2025 strategy is to focus on artificial intelligence and other significant technologies. For the first time since the 1800s, Chinas technological leadership may surpass ours. That is significant. Match this fact with Chinas Belt and Road strategy of buying soft influence around the developing world with infrastructure, loans, and assistance, and we are at an inflection point. Tariffs are Trumps worst choice. They dont make us great. Instead, they lead to retaliation. And as the rest of the world moves forward with tariff-busting trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership and other bilateral agreements, we will become further isolated as foreign markets shrink for our goods. Since Trump became president, intraday trading swings of at least 2% in the S&P 500 has been tied to news about Trump heading closer to or acting on tariffs. When Trump won the election in 2016, I predicted a terrific economic boom and a rising stock market as I believed Trump likes measurements, and the stock market would be his favorite measurement. I was right until I was wrong. Even Trump credited the stock markets upswing as a direct result of his presidency, saying, The reason our stock market is so successful is because of me. Every recent president who has threatened to raise tariffs has reversed course. Lets hope Trump does the same, so American businesses can continue to hire workers and we can all enjoy a return to economic prosperity. Gary Shapiro is president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the U.S. trade association representing more than 2,200 consumer technology companies, and author of the New York Times best-selling books, Ninja Innovation: The Ten Killer Strategies of the Worlds Most Successful Businesses and The Comeback: How Innovation Will Restore the American Dream. His views are his own. Connect with him on Twitter: @GaryShapiro [caption id="attachment_31154" align="alignnone" width="620"] President Donald Trump. Photo: Bloomberg[/caption] Lawyers for President Donald Trump argued in court Tuesday that a former "Apprentice" contestant should not be able to obtain information on his campaign's discussions of other women who have also accused him of sexual misconduct. The court hearing was the first since a Manhattan judge turned down Trump's bid to dismiss Summer Zervos' defamation lawsuit or delay it until after his presidency. Zervos has sued the president for saying her sexual misconduct claims were lies. "It's a defamation case," Trump lawyer Marc Kasowitz told Manhattan state Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Schecter. As for information about other women who aren't part of the case, "those claims, that evidence ... is irrelevant," he said. Mariann Wang, the lawyer representing Zervos, said outside court that the other women's accusations were indeed relevant: "It's a defamation case, so we are required to prove the falsity of the statements, and his statements include statements about other women." Trump also faces lawsuits by Stephanie Clifford, a porn actress known professionally as Stormy Daniels, for defamation and release from her nondisclosure agreement on her alleged relationship with him. Zervos' lawyers have issued subpoenas seeking a range of information about Trump's behavior toward women, including any "Apprentice" material that features Zervos or Trump talking about her or discussing other female contestants in a sexual or inappropriate way. They also have requested any Trump campaign records concerning Zervos, any other woman who has accused Trump of inappropriate touching or the 2016 emergence of a 2005 "Access Hollywood" recording of Trump talking about aggressively groping women. In addition, Zervos' lawyers have subpoenaed security video, records of Trump's stays and some other information from the Beverly Hills Hotel, where Zervos says Trump made some of his unwelcome advances toward her. Trump's lawyers are seeking a court order to keep documents and information private; the details are yet to be worked out. It's not uncommon for the opposing sides in a lawsuit to enter into such confidentiality agreements in order to facilitate the exchange of information, but Wang said Trump's lawyers initially signaled they wanted something that would seal a swath of filings in the case. Kasowitz said they would work out something narrower but were mindful of media interest and might seek additional protections "if such interest, as a matter of course, intrudes on the interests and rights of the litigants or looks like it would impair the ability to have a fair trial." The court hearing lasted less than an hour and mostly dealt with procedural issues such as deadlines and scheduling. While Trump's lawyers emphasized that they are continuing to ask appeals courts to toss out or postpone the case, the judge set deadlines for a number of information-gathering stepsincluding depositions of both Trump and Zervos by Jan. 29. Kasowitz noted, however, that Trump might potentially need extensions on deadlines because of the "significant attendant duties" of the presidency. Zervos, a California restaurateur, appeared in 2006 on Trump's former reality show, "The Apprentice." She says he subjected her to unwanted kissing and groping when she sought career advice in 2007. She was among more than a dozen women who came forward late in the 2016 presidential campaign to say that Trump had sexually harassed or assaulted them. The Republican denied all of the claims, saying they were "100 percent fabricated" and "totally false" and his accusers were "liars." He specifically contested Zervos' allegations in a statement and retweeted a message that included her photo and described her claims as a "hoax." Zervos says his words hurt her reputation, harmed her business and led to threats against her. She is seeking a retraction, an apology and compensatory and punitive damages. Trump's attorneys have said his statements were true, and also that his remarks were "non-defamatory opinions" that came amid the heated public debate of a national political campaign. They also argue that a sitting president cannot be sued in a state court. By Karen Freifeld and David Lawder NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with his trade advisers on Tuesday to discuss an offer by China to import an extra $70 billion of American goods over a year as Beijing tries to defuse a potential trade war between the world's two largest economies. Two sources with direct knowledge of the talks told Reuters there have been no discussions on what Washington would have to do in return. They said the Chinese offer included increased imports of agricultural and energy commodities as well as some manufactured goods. U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross met with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He at the weekend and a statement issued after the talks made no mention of specific offer or numbers. It was not clear whether Washington would accept the offer and whether it would be enough to avert a trade war. Trump was briefed on the offer and discussions were underway on how to proceed, one of the sources said. Both sources spoke on condition of anonymity. China has complained that it should not have to negotiate measures to reduce its $375 billion goods trade surplus with America under the threat of tariffs on up to $150 billion of its exports to the U.S as part of a separate dispute over intellectual property (IP) protections. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin had said the IP tariffs were on hold after China signalled its willingness to reduce its trade surplus with the United States. The administration has said that a final list of goods to be tariffed would be issued next week and that Treasury plans to limit Chinese investment in the United States were also under way. Ross's talks in China were focused solely on increasing exports, one of the sources said. Structural issues like joint venture rules, market access and policies that result in technology transfers were not covered. (Reporting by Karen Freifeld and David Lawder; Writing by David Chance; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Grant McCool) At the April 27 summit between the two Koreas, some observers commented on the unusual sight of members of North Koreas top military brass saluting South Korean president Moon Jae-in. Now, just days ahead of the much-anticipated summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US president Donald Trump, the men who made that striking gesture are no longer in their jobs. Defense chief Pak YS gave Moon military salute at the inter-Korean summit on April 27. To his right is JCoS chair Ri MS. These KPA titles are only roughly equivalent to what they may seem under SK or US military hierarchies. But the order is GPB head; JCoS chair; defense minister pic.twitter.com/xij5kN0ICY Noon in Korea (@NoonInKorea) June 3, 2018 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reshuffled his top military leadership, replacing defense minister Pak Yong Sik and army chief of staff Ri Myong Su, according to reports from Japanese and South Korean media over the weekend. Given the countrys opacity, its difficult to know exactly whats behind the changesor if they had anything to do with that salute, which was not reciprocated by South Korean military officials. (Kim got a handshake and a nod instead.) Analysts have speculated that the changes represent a move by Kim to install more moderate voices in the military, possibly to pave the way for concessions over the countrys nuclear program that may come out of the summit with Trump. Meanwhile, the Washington Post had earlier reported that North Korea had expressed concerns over a possible coup back in Pyongyang while Kim travels to Singaporeand some saw the moves as intended to consolidate Kim loyalists at the top of the military. Michael Madden, of the North Korea Leadership Watch blog, called the newly promoted men top Kim Jong Un guys. Story continues Writing for Reuters, Wellesley College political science professor Katharine Moon noted that the April salute signaled the military supported Kims diplomatic thaw with South Korea and the US. The message from the optics was clear: Kims DMZ-crossing and diplomatic engagement with arch-enemies have the full backing of the armed forces, she wrote. But, she added, it was also possible that new chiefs simply are politically more savvy and technically more competent to assist in the summit diplomacy and the upcoming high-level negotiations with the South Korean military. Here are the key new members of the top brass: No Kwang Chol is the new defense minister. No is in his late thirties, making him only a few years older than Kim Jong Un himself. He replaces Pak Yong Sik, whos in his late sixties and was appointed in 2015. No earlier headed the Workers Partys Second Economic Committee, which oversees defense production, including in military and nuclear programs. He joined the ruling partys central committee two years ago. In 2014, he accompanied a top Kim aide to Russia. Ri Yong Gil , chief of general staff of the Korea Peoples Army (KPA), replaces Ri Myong Su, who had been a military aide to Kims father. This appears to be Ri Yong Gils second stint in the position leading the armed services, after an earlier appointment in 2013. A South Korean official in early 2016 said that Ri Yong Gil had been executed, but Ri later turned up at a party congress that year. Ri is about 20 years younger than the man he replaced, who was in his eighties and had lived through the Korean War. Those two appointments came after the promotion of Kim Su Gil (shown in the photo above, with Kim Jong Un). A four-star general aged 68 or 69, he replaced Kim Jong Gak as head of the KPAs General Political Bureau (GPB) in late May. His predecessor had been in charge of the GPB, which manages military personnel and maintains party control over the army, for just four months. Kim Su Gil reportedly accompanied Kim Jong Un on a May visit to China to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, and has helped him consolidate his power since early in his rule. Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. More stories from Quartz: U.S. President Donald Trump participates in the U.S. Coast Guard Change-of-Command ceremony at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, U.S., June 1, 2018. REUTERS/Leah Millis By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department said on Monday it would appeal against a federal judge's ruling that President Donald Trump may not legally block Twitter users from his account on the social media platform based on their political views, according to a court filing. Jameel Jaffer, a lawyer for the seven plaintiffs who sued, said the @realDonaldTrump account had unblocked the seven plaintiffs on Monday. "We're pleased that the White House unblocked our clients from the President's Twitter account but disappointed that the government intends to appeal the district court's thoughtful and well-supported ruling," Jaffer said in an email. The White House did not comment immediately. A Justice Department spokeswoman confirmed the plaintiffs had been unblocked. Trump has made his Twitter account - with more than 52 million followers - an integral and controversial part of his presidency, using it to promote his agenda, announce policy and attack critics. He has blocked many critics from his account, which prevents them from directly responding to his tweets. U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald in Manhattan ruled on May 23 that comments on the presidents account, and those of other government officials, were public forums and that blocking Twitter users for their views violated their right to free speech under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Buchwalds ruling was in response to a First Amendment lawsuit filed against Trump in July 2017 by the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University and several Twitter users. The plaintiffs include Philip Cohen, a sociology professor at the University of Maryland, and Brandon Neely, a Texas police officer. Story continues Cohen, who was blocked from Trump's account a year ago, wrote on Twitter late Monday: "We whined. We complained. We sued. We won our First Amendment lawsuit in federal court. And now @realDonaldTrump has unblocked me. Wow!" Neely tweeted at Trump after he was unblocked late Monday: "@realDonaldTrump 368 days and a win in court and now I AM BACK!!!" Novelists Stephen King and Anne Rice, comedian Rosie ODonnell, model Chrissy Teigen, actress Marina Sirtis and the military veterans political action committee VoteVets.org are among others who have said on Twitter that Trump blocked them. Buchwald rejected the argument by Justice Department lawyers that Trumps own First Amendment rights allowed him to block people with whom he did not wish to interact. Trump could "mute" users, meaning he would not see their tweets while they could still respond to his, she said, without violating their free speech rights. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Sandra Maler, Leslie Adler and Paul Tait) This story is reprinted with permission from FC&S Legal, the industrys only comprehensive digital resource designed for insurance coverage law professionals. Visit the website to subscribe. A federal district court in New Jersey has ruled that a science reporter for the Washington Post with chronic fatigue syndrome was entitled to both short-term and long-term disability benefits. The Case In the summer of 2012, Brian Vastag, a science reporter for the Washington Post, was feeling ill. Blood tests showed elevated titers for Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) and Lyme disease. In October, with continued symptoms of malaise and fatigue both physically and cognitively Mr. Vastag saw a neurologist and had an MRI of his cervical spine, which showed an ill-defined area consistent with post viral myelitis. He returned to the hospital in December and March 2013 with continued symptoms. Then, in August 2013, Mr. Vastag saw an allergist-immunologist specialist who found that his pulmonary functioning test showed restricted breathing and his blood work tested positive for several viruses, including EBV and Coxsackie. On September 17, 2013, Mr. Vastag went to yet another physician, who found that his blood showed elevated indicators for EBV, cytomegalovirus, mycoplasma pneumonia, and Coxsackie virus. By January 2014, Mr. Vastag felt unable to keep up with the pace of work. He stopped working at the Washington Post and applied for, and was granted, short-term disability (STD) benefits by the insurance carrier then making employee benefits decisions. By letter dated March 7, 2014, Prudential Insurance Company of America notified Mr. Vastag that as of March 1, it had taken over management of disability benefits. In the letter, Prudential asked Mr. Vastag to authorize release of his medical information so Prudential could review his disability claim. In January 2014, Mr. Vastag consulted with a physician, Susan Levine, who was an expert in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ("CFS") Dr. Levine diagnosed Mr. Vastag with CFS on January 15, 2014. She saw him again in February and found he was experiencing continuing symptoms of trigger points, post exertional malaise, weakness, sore throat, and fatigue. On April 7, 2014, Dr. Levine diagnosed Mr. Vastag with fibromyalgia. That same week, Dr. Levine sent Prudential an attending physician statement in which she advised that Mr. Vastag was unable to work. One week later, she submitted a capacity questionnaire indicating that Mr. Vastag could not work even part-time because "he should not perform any type of sustained walking, sitting, or interacting with others over the phone for more than 20 minutes without a break." On May 9, 2014, Dr. Levine submitted another capacity questionnaire, adding that Mr. Vastag was "incapable of any sustained physical or mental exertion." Prudential hired Denise LeClerc, R.N., to review Mr. Vastags file on May 20, 2014. She disagreed with Dr. Levines conclusions and stated that Mr. Vastag should see other specialists for his sleep and cognitive complaints. According to Ms. LeClerc, there were "no exam findings or diagnostic findings" to explain his "claims of chronic weakness, fatigue and exhaustion." Prudential denied Mr. Vastags claim for STD benefits on June 12, 2014, based in part on Nurse LeClercs review. On August 8, 2014, Mr. Vastag appealed, supplementing his claim with more medical records. With the appeal, he also applied for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. In October, Prudential upheld its denial of STD benefits and denied LTD benefits. It based its decision in part on the report of a rheumatologist whom Prudential had hired to review Mr. Vastags medical records. He described the bloodwork that indicated the presence of infections as "borderline abnormal or non-diagnostic in regards to the claimants subjective symptoms of fatigue and cognitive decline." He acknowledged in his report that tests performed on Mr. Vastag had come back positive for viral infections, fevers, post-viral myelitis according to the MRI, restricted pulmonary functioning, and central vestibular dysfunction. He concluded, however, that Mr. Vastag was not disabled because objective medical evidence of total disability attributable to CFS was lacking. He wrote that the absence of referrals for neuropsychological testing and a physical examination was "glaring." In response, Mr. Vastag sought out neuropsychological and physical testing. After various tests, one physician issued a report stating that Mr. Vastag could not work above a sedentary level of exertion and that he demonstrated poor function and symptom exacerbation post-exertion; this will severely limit his ability to engage in normal activities of daily living and preclude[d] full-time work of even a sedentary/stationary nature." Another physician concluded that Mr. Vastag was "severely impaired and could not handle the cognitive demands of work in any occupation on a consistent and predictable basis, and should be considered completely disabled from any work for which he has reasonable training or experience, now and for the foreseeable future." Mr. Vastag filed another appeal to Prudential, which hired two more outside medical professionals to review Mr. Vastags records. Thereafter, Prudential again denied benefits to Mr. Vastag. Mr. Vastag sued Prudential under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 U.S.C. 1132 ("ERISA"). He sought a ruling that he was disabled under the terms of the plan and that Prudential had to pay him STD and LTD benefits retroactive to the denial date and going forward. The parties moved for summary judgment. Prudential argued that the district court had to give deference to its final denial decision under an arbitrary and capricious standard based on language appearing in plan documents, including particularly the summary plan description (SPD). Mr. Vastag contended that the court should review Prudentials denial of his claims de novo and find that he was entitled to the benefits he sought. The Plan The plan defined disability as: Story continues You are disabled when Prudential determines that: you are unable to perform the material and substantial duties of your regular occupation due to your sickness or injury; you are under the regular care of a doctor; you have 20% or more loss in your monthly earnings due to that sickness or injury. After 24 months of payment, you are disabled when Prudential determines that due to the same sickness or injury: you are unable to perform the duties of any gainful occupation for which you are reasonably fitted by education, training, or experience; and you are under the regular care of a doctor. The District Courts Decision The district court granted Mr. Vastags motion. In its decision, the district court first ruled that it would review Prudentials denial decisions using a de novo standard. It pointed out that the SPD specifically stated that it was not a contract and not part of the plan. Because the SPD was not part of the plan, the district court disregarded its provisions and looked at the two documents that made up the plan and found that neither of them conferred discretion on Prudential sufficient to require that the district court review Prudentials decisions under the arbitrary and capricious standard. The district court then found that Mr. Vastags diagnosis of CFS prevented him from performing his work. It noted that Mr. Vastag had presented Prudential with a robust medical file. Mr. Vastags transformation from a prolific and fully engaged reporter to a test subject for research stood in sharp contrast to Prudentials conclusion in its final denial letter that precipitated Mr. Vastags lawsuit: While we continue to acknowledge Mr. Vastags self-reported symptoms and limitations related to cognitive impairments, fatigue, parathesias and tingling in the arms and legs, weakness in the upper and lower extremities, headaches, blurred vision, and post exertional malaise (PEM resulting from Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease), and fibromyalgia, we maintain that the medical data does not indicate any impairment which would translate into medically supported restrictions and/or limitations in Mr. Vastags functionality. On this record, the district court concluded, Prudentials conclusion that the medical data failed to indicate "any impairment which would translate into medically supported restrictions and/or limitations in Mr. Vastags functionality," and that Mr. Vastag could work full bore as a reporter, was perplexing. Adding that none of the reviewers that Prudential principally relied on had demonstrated any expertise in CFS, the district court found that the record contained objective medical evidence that Mr. Vastag suffered from a seriously debilitating disease. In determining that he was able to perform the material duties of a reporter for the Washington Post, Prudential was in error, the district court ruled. It then directed Prudential to pay all retroactively owed STD and LTD benefits due Mr. Vastag under the terms of the plan. The case is Vastag v. Prudential Ins. Co. of America, No. 15-6197 (KSH) (CLW) (D.N.J. May 31, 2018). Attorneys involved include: For BRIAN VASTAG, Plaintiff: MATTHEW THOMAS SCHRIEKS, LEAD ATTORNEY, THE LAW OFFICE OF BARBARA COMERFORD, PARAMUS, NJ; SARA ELIZABETH KAPLAN, LEAD ATTORNEY, LAW OFFICE OF BARBARA B. COMEFORD PA, PARAMUS, NJ; BARBARA B. COMERFORD, PARAMUS, NJ. For PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA, Defendant: ALNISA S. BELL, LEAD ATTORNEY, SEYFARTH SHAW LLP, NEW YORK, NY. Steven A. Meyerowitz, Esq., is the Director of FC&S Legal, the Editor-in-Chief of the Insurance Coverage Law Report, and the Founder and President of Meyerowitz Communications Inc. As FC&S Legal Director, Mr. Meyerowitz, a member of the team that conceptualized FC&S Legal, provides daily analysis and commentary on the most significant insurance coverage law decisions from courts across the country and news regarding legislative and regulatory developments. A graduate of Harvard Law School, Mr. Meyerowitz was an attorney at a prominent Wall Street law firm before founding Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. seniors staying in the workforce Across America seniors are putting off retirement and staying in the workforce longer. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the percent of Americans age 65 and over who are still in the labor force has nearly doubled in the past two decades. In 1996, only 12% of Americans 65 and over were still in the workforce, while in 2016 that number rose to over 19%. In order to shed more light on this issue, SmartAsset analyzed local data to find the places in America where seniors are staying in the work force. We looked at the 2012 labor force participation rate for residents aged 65 or over and compared it to the 2016 labor force participation rate for residents aged 65 or over. Check out our data and methodology section below to see where we got our data and how we put it together. Key Findings Across the country seniors are staying in the workforce In the cities with the largest senior populations, seniors have tended to stay in the workforce longer. Of the 100 cities we analyzed only 11 saw the percentage of 65 or older residents in the workforce drop. Meanwhile in 84 cities the labor force participation rate for seniors increased and in five cities it remains unchanged. You may not retire at 65 Many people think of 65 as a good age to retire. But depending on where you live retiring at 65 perhaps more atypical than you imagine. The average labor force participation rate for seniors across the 100 cities we analyzed is 17.7%. seniors are staying in the workforce 1. Minneapolis, Minnesota Minneapolis takes the top spot. Census Bureau data shows that Minneapolis seniors have increased their participation in the labor force by 4.6 percentage points. In 2012, 17.5% of residents over the age of 65 were employed or looking to work but in 2016 that number climbed to 22%. Why seniors in Minneapolis have decided to stay in the workforce is unclear. However one potential explanation for why seniors here feel the need to keep working is the tax burden. According to our analysis, Minnesota is one of the least-friendly states for retirees. Story continues 2. Yonkers, New York Seniors in Yonkers have decided to stay in the workforce rather than retire, according to our analysis. In 2012 under 16% of residents over the age of 65 were in the workforce. By 2016, that number had climbed to nearly 20% for a percentage point increase of 4%. The good news for seniors here is that income for seniors is fairly high. The median household income for 65 or over households is $47,200 3. Akron, Ohio In 2012, Akron had a senior labor force participation rate under 14%, the lowest in our top 10. By 2016 that number had jumped up considerably to nearly 17%. In total the labor force participation rate for seniors in Akron grew by 3.1%. Overall the economic conditions in the city are quite poor, with the civilian population over the age of 16 experiencing an unemployment rate of over 8%. Fortunately, seniors do better. Residents over 65 in the labor force have an unemployment rate under 6% here. 4. Seattle, Washington Unlike Akron, Seattle is booming. Seattle is one of the top destinations for millennials and rent costs in Seattle are soaring. Even in 2012, it was common to see a senior in the workforce. This city had the third-highest 2012 senior force participation rate in our top 10 at 18.2%. As of 2016 that number sat at 21.2% for an increase of 3 percentage points. That means over one in every 5 seniors in Seattle is still working or looking for work. 5. St. Paul, Minnesota Both of the Twin Cities rank in this top 10. Seniors in St. Paul increased their labor force participation rate by 2.9 percentage points from 2012 to 2016. In both of those years the senior labor force participation rate in St. Paul was lower than in Minneapolis. Once again Minnesota is fairly tough on retirees when it comes to paying taxes, so maybe that is encouraging seniors here to work as long as they are able. 6. New Orleans, Louisiana Despite being nicknamed The Big Easy, seniors here have decided to take the tough road and stay in the workforce. Seniors in this city tended to stay in the workforce as of 2012 but their participation in the workforce has grown as the years rolled along. From 2012 to 2016, the senior labor force participation rate in New Orleans increased from 16.6% to 19.4%. 7. (tie) Denver, Colorado Many seniors in Denver chose work over retirement in 2012. Data from the Census shows that only 82.5% of seniors in Denver were not in the labor force. By 2016 that number had grown to 79.8%, meaning an additional 2.7 percentage points worth of retirees decided to stay in the workforce. 7. (tie) Long Beach, California Overall Long Beach has the lowest 2016 senior labor force participation in our top 10. In 2012 around 15% of seniors were in the labor force here and by 2016 that number had grown to 17.7% for an increase of 2.7%. That gives Long Beach the eighth-highest increase in our study. Like in other cities, unemployment here is fairly low for seniors. Only 3.5% of seniors here in the labor force are unemployed. 9. Lincoln, Nebraska If we were just ranking overall labor force participation rate for seniors, Lincoln would rank higher than ninth. According to data from 2016, nearly 22% of seniors in Lincoln were working or looking to work. That is a 2.6 percentage point increase from 2012 when 19.1% of seniors were in the workforce. One reason seniors here may be encouraged to keep working is the robust labor market. According to Census Bureau estimates, only 3.6% of residents are unemployed and only 1.7% of seniors are unemployed. 10. (tie) Dallas, Texas Dallas takes comes in tied for the final spot. Seniors in Dallas have typically stayed in the workforce. In 2012, nearly 20% of residents over the age of 65 were working or looking for work. That figure increased by 2.5 percentage points to 22.3%. Seniors in Texas have the benefit of working in a retirement-friendly state both in terms of taxes and cost of living. 10. (tie) San Diego, California The last city on this list is San Diego. San Diego would probably be a nice place to retire with its sunny weather and coastal life style. However its not a cheap place to live. In general seniors here have decided to spend a few more years in the workforce before calling it quits on their careers. From 2012 to 2016, the labor force participation rate for seniors increased from 15.9% to 18.4%. Where Seniors Are Staying in the Workforce Data and Methodology In order to rank the cities where seniors are staying in the workforce, we looked at the 100 cities with the largest senior population. Specifically we looked at the following two factors: 2012 senior labor force participation rate. This is the labor force participation rate for residents aged 65 or over. 2016 senior labor force participation rate. This is the labor force participation rate for residents aged 65 or over. In order to rank the cities, we calculated the difference between the 2016 and 2012 senior labor force participation rate. We ranked the cities with the largest different first and smallest difference last. Data comes from the Census Bureaus 2012 and 2016 1-year American Community Survey. Tips for Saving for Retirement Never too early to start saving The earlier you start saving for retirement the better shape youll be in when it comes time to retire. For example, lets say you saved and invested $5,000 at age 35. Even if you contributed nothing else to that $5,000 it would be worth $28,700 after 30 years when you are ready to retire (assuming 6% annual returns). If you saved that $5,000 at age 55 and decided to retire at 65, your savings would only be worth roughly $9,000. By saving 20 years earlier you earned yourself an extra $19,700. Max out your employer matching While any kind of saving is good, there are smarter ways to save. One of the most efficient saving mechanisms is employer matched 401(k) contributions. Every employer matching program will have different specifics, but generally speaking in an employer matching program your employer will match your 401(k) contributions up to some percentage of your gross salary. By maxing out that contribution you are functionally saving while giving yourself a raise. Make a plan Every retirement plan is different. Maybe you want to spend your retirement traveling the world or would like to retire in paradise. Regardless a financial advisor can help you to make sure your investment are perfectly lined up in order to achieve your retirement dreams. Our financial advisor matching tool can match you with a local advisor who fits your specific retirement and financial needs. The SmartAdvisor tool asks you a series of questions about your needs, goals and location to find up to three potential matches. You can then read advisor profiles, speak to them on the phone and choose the right person for you. This cuts out a lot of research while still putting the ultimate decision in your hands. Questions about the study? Contact us at press@smartasset.com Photo credit: iStock.com/skynesher The post Where Seniors Are Staying in the Workforce appeared first on SmartAsset Blog. Related Articles: It commonly happens in stock investing that investors miss the chance of buying winning stocks that they knew would stand out. Before they take the plunge, others get to know the hidden potential and enter into these stocks, pushing them out of reach. So, instead of repenting, spotting the off-the-radar potential winners and immediately investing in them could be a smart decision. One such company that looks well positioned for a solid gain, but has been overlooked by investors lately, is Canadian Solar Inc. CSIQ. This Solar stock has actually seen estimates rise over the past month for the current fiscal year by about 32.9%. But that is not yet reflected in its price, as the stock lost 14.2% over the same time frame. Canadian Solar Inc. Price and Consensus Canadian Solar Inc. Price and Consensus | Canadian Solar Inc. Quote You should not be concerned about the price remaining muted going forward. This years expected earnings growth over the prior year is 21.9%, which should ultimately translate into price appreciation. And if this isnt enough, CSIQ currently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong buy) which further underscores the potential for its outperformance (See the performance of Zacks' portfolios and strategies here: About Zacks Performance). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. So if you are looking for a stock flying under-the-radar that is well-equipped to bounce down the road, make sure to consider Canadian Solar. Solid estimate revisions and an impressive Zacks Rank suggest that better days may be ahead for CSIQ and that now might be an interesting buying opportunity. Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +21.9% in 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +115.0%, +109.3%, +104.9%, +98.6%, and +67.1%. And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 19X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation. See Them Free>> 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 Canadian Solar Inc. (CSIQ) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Over the past 10 years China Telecom Corporation Limited (SEHK:728) has returned an average of 2.00% per year from dividend payouts. The company currently pays out a dividend yield of 3.04% to shareholders, making it a relatively attractive dividend stock. Lets dig deeper into whether China Telecom should have a place in your portfolio. View our latest analysis for China Telecom 5 checks you should use to assess a dividend stock When assessing a stock as a potential addition to my dividend Portfolio, I look at these five areas: Does it pay an annual yield higher than 75% of dividend payers? Does it consistently pay out dividends without missing a payment or significantly cutting payout? Has it increased its dividend per share amount over the past? Does earnings amply cover its dividend payments? Will the company be able to keep paying dividend based on the future earnings growth? SEHK:728 Historical Dividend Yield Jun 6th 18 How does China Telecom fare? China Telecom has a trailing twelve-month payout ratio of 41.63%, meaning the dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. In the near future, analysts are predicting a payout ratio of 41.05%, leading to a dividend yield of around 3.62%. Moreover, EPS should increase to CN0.25. If there is one thing that you want to be reliable in your life, its dividend stocks and their constant income stream. In the case of 728 it has increased its DPS from CN0.09 to CN0.11 in the past 10 years. During this period it has not missed a payment, as one would expect for a company increasing its dividend. These are all positive signs of a great, reliable dividend stock. In terms of its peers, China Telecom produces a yield of 3.04%, which is high for Telecom stocks but still below the markets top dividend payers. Next Steps: With these dividend metrics in mind, I definitely rank China Telecom as a strong income stock, and is worth further research for anyone who considers dividends an important part of their portfolio strategy. Given that this is purely a dividend analysis, I urge potential investors to try and get a good understanding of the underlying business and its fundamentals before deciding on an investment. Below, Ive compiled three important factors you should look at: Future Outlook: What are well-informed industry analysts predicting for 728s future growth? Take a look at our free research report of analyst consensus for 728s outlook. Valuation: What is 728 worth today? Even if the stock is a cash cow, its not worth an infinite price. The intrinsic value infographic in our free research report helps visualize whether 728 is currently mispriced by the market. Other Dividend Rockstars: Are there better dividend payers with stronger fundamentals out there? Check out our free list of these great stocks here. To help readers see pass the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price sensitive company announcements. The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. ethereum Given the impact Ethereum has had on blockchain development since its founding in 2015, its hard to imagine what blockchain and cryptocurrency would be like today without it. Ethereum Has Appeared in 110 Million Google Searches ConsenSys, a blockchain venture production studio building decentralized applications on Ethereum, offered a census of the cryptocurrencys contributions to blockchain in a recent blog. Heres a brief rundown. The word Ethereum has been referenced in more than 110 million Google searches in the last two years, the blog noted. On average, #ethereum gets tweeted 20,000 times daily. The ETH network has processed about 240 million transactions. On Jan. 4, it set a record of 1.3 million transactions in a 24-hour period. ethereum transactions Nearly 17,000 nodes operating the Ethereum blockchain on six continents make it the most decentralized blockchain platform, one sign of this being 35 million unique addresses. The number of active addresses on Jan. 4 for the first time exceeded 1 million and created a record of more than 350,000 new addresses in 24 hours. It is also the platform most involved with smart contracts, which are arguably one of the most dynamic tools in technology today. Ninety-four percent of the top 100 tokens based on market cap are built on Ethereum, as are 87% of the top 800 tokens. The tokens built on ETH are largely responsible for the $5.5 billion raised in 2017 token sales and $6.5 billion raised in the present years first quarter. The Largest Blockchain Developer Community Ethereums estimated 250,000 developers also represent the largest blockchain developer community. Truffle, an ETH development framework, exceeded 200,000 downloads in October of 2017. Github cites 220,000 Ethereum commits and 14,000 repositories. The MetaMask browser extension that permits users to operate Ethereum DApps without operating a full Ethereum node has exceeded 1 million users. Foundations, organizations, businesses and startups have joined alliances to benefit from the Ethereum ecosystem, the most visible being The Ethereum Enterprise Alliance has expanded to more than 500 members in one year. Story continues Governments worldwide looking to utilize blockchain technology have largely used Ethereum. Brazil this year decided to place petitions on the coins network. Canada is testing Ethereum to enable citizens to have access to information about the use of government grants to address concerns about corruption. Zug, Switzerland has offered digital IDs registered on Ethereum, and Chile tracks energy grid data using it. Dubai is working to become a fully blockchain powered city by 2020, while Estonia became a digital republic using Ethereum. Also read: More than 1,000 DApps have launched since 2017 1,552 dApps To Date DApps are the blockchains main selling point, allowing developers to create smart contracts. A total of 1,552 dApps have been created with more in development. Numerous scalability projects, meanwhile, are looking to provide layer 2 solutions, also known as inter-blockchain protocols. A permissionless network for developers called Cosmos enables interoperability and scaling of the blockchain. Loom Network has launched a layer 2 platform on Ethereum that allows social and gaming dApps to scale. CryptoZombies is an app allowing anyone to be able to code smart contracts. OmiseGO enables the sending of fast transactions across borders with plasma. So what does this data mean for the future of cryptocurrency and decentralized networks in general? According to ConsenSys, it means that Ethereum will play an important role in the development of the next stage of the internet Web 3.0. Featured Image from Shutterstock The post The Word Ethereum Has Been Googled More Than 110 Million Times appeared first on CCN. The worlds most valuable banknote is barely worth one bitcoin, according to a report published by Quartz. The banknote in question belongs to Brunei, one of the most centralized countries in the world, and has one of the richest men alive printed on it. Bruneis B$10,000 bill is worth, at press time, roughly $7,584. Bitcoin, according to CCNs price Index, is trading at about $7,700 after surging from about $7,460 in the last 24-hour period. The bill has a portrait of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, and was issued in 2006. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, one of the last absolute monarchs, is notably one of the richest men on Earth, as reports suggest he is worth over $20 billion, thanks to the countrys vast oil and gas fields, which account for nearly all of its economy. Brunei has less than half a million residents, and recently adopted strict Islamic sharia law, which drew criticism from various international rights groups. Back in December, when most cryptocurrencies were at an all-time high, the countrys central bank reportedly cautioned against cryptocurrencies. Phasing out high-denomination notes The Brunei dollars value is legally par with the Singaporean dollar. Singapore itself had its own S$10,000, but reportedly discontinued it. High-denomination bills are being retired throughout the world, as these reportedly make it easier to conduct illicit activities such as terrorism financing, money laundering, and tax evasion. Recently, Latvia got rid of its 500-lat note, worth about $982, after becoming the eurozones 13th member. The eurozone itself is phasing out its 500 bill over similar concerns. Bruneis high-denomination bill remains as the country is seen as a low threat for money laundering and terrorism financing. Switzerland, which recently called for a study on the potential risks and benefits of issuing a state cryptocurrency dubbed e-franc, has been resisting pressure to stop printing its 1,00-franc note, which currently accounts for more than 40% of its bills in circulation. Story continues According to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) article, a briefcase with $100 bills would be 70% full, while a briefcase with Bruneis largest note would only be 1.5% full. Being easy to transport makes these bills ideal for criminals, the article suggests. A similar argument, coupling said feature with bitcoins semi-anonymous nature, was also used against the cryptocurrency in the past. Featured image from Shutterstock. The post The Worlds Most Valuable Banknote Is (Barely) Enough to Buy One Bitcoin appeared first on CCN. PRESS RELEASE 6 June 2018 WENTWORTH RESOURCES LIMITED ("Wentworth" or the "Company") Mozambique update: License Extension granted Wentworth, the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE: WRL) and AIM (AIM: WRL) listed independent, East Africa-focused oil & gas company, is pleased to announce an update to the Company's Onshore Rovuma asset in Mozambique ("Appraisal License"). Further to the update at the time of the 2017 Annual Financial Statements in March regarding the Company's formal request of a one-year extension of the Appraisal License, the Company has received confirmation from Instituto Nacional de Petroleo ("INP") that the extension has been granted. The extension will take effect from 16 June 2018 and enables Wentworth, along with its partner Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos ("ENH"), to continue to progress pre-drilling activities in the Tembo block. The extension request was in part related to the above ground security situation in and around the Macimboa da Praia and Palma regions, adjacent to the Tembo block, which remain challenging. This has prevented safe access to the area for Wentworth staff and contractors. The Company continues to monitor the situation closely. Bob McBean, Executive Chairman, said: "We would like to thank the Minister, INP and our partner ENH for their support in securing this extension to the Tembo licence, which gives us the time and flexibility to progress our operational activities on the block. We remain focused on securing an additional partner to share risk in unlocking the onshore potential of the Rovuma basin". -Ends- Enquiries: Wentworth Bob McBean Executive Chairman rpm@wentworthresources.com Katherine Roe Chief Financial Officer katherine.roe@wentworthresources.com +44 7841 087 230 Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited AIM Nominated Adviser and Broker (UK) Callum Stewart Ashton Clanfield +44 (0) 20 7710 7600 GMP FirstEnergy Broker (UK) Hugh Sanderson David van Erp +44 (0) 20 7448 0200 Peel Hunt LLP Broker (UK) Richard Crichton Ross Allister +44 (0) 20 7418 8900 FTI Consulting Investor Relations Adviser (UK) Edward Westropp Kim Camilleri wentworth@fticonsulting.com +44 (0) 20 3727 1000 About Wentworth Resources Wentworth Resources is a publicly traded (OSE: WRL, AIM: WRL), independent oil & gas company with: natural gas production; exploration and appraisal opportunities; and large-scale gas monetisation initiatives, all in the Rovuma Delta Basin of coastal southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique. Inside Information The information contained within this announcement is deemed by Wentworth to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) no. 596/2014 ("MAR"). On the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service ("RIS"), this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements This press release may contain certain forward-looking information. The words "expect", "anticipate", believe", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "forecast", "plan", and similar expressions are used to identify forward looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made in light of management's experience, current conditions and expected future development in the areas in which Wentworth is currently active and other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Wentworth undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predicted outcome will not occur, including some of which are beyond Wentworth's control. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to: the risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general such as operational risks in exploration, development and production, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures, the imprecision of resource and reserve estimates, assumptions regarding the timing and costs relating to production and development as well as the availability and price of labour and equipment, volatility of and assumptions regarding commodity prices and exchange rates, marketing and transportation risks, environmental risks, competition, the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources and changes in applicable law. Additionally, there are economic, political, social and other risks inherent in carrying on business in Tanzania and Mozambique. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could vary or differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. See Wentworth's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2017, available on Wentworth's website, for further description of the risks and uncertainties associated with Wentworth's business. Notice Neither the Oslo Stock Exchange nor the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange has reviewed this press release and neither accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Advice from the HBS class of 2018 Good luck to everyone applying! Just wanted to share some advice I got from the outgoing class hopefully y'all will replace. It might not help you write better essays, but it will definitely make you wiser. Ditch imposter syndrome Many people at Harvard suffer from imposter syndrome ; they worry that they were admissions mistakes. The truth is that life is too short for such self-doubt and that no one really deserves the benefits of the program. Instead of worrying about cosmic fairness in your admission, focus instead of living your life so that you are worthy of the gifts you are give. Whiteboard your priorities The currents at HBS are strong. Career events are geared to push you towards consulting and investment banking, the social hierarchy pushes you to rack up large bills drinking and traveling, and the curriculum implicitly pushes you to value higher paying jobs. If you dont set your heading before you embark on your HBS journey, they will take you out to sea. To keep yourself on track, purchase a white board and stick somewhere in your apartment where you will see it every day. On the whiteboard, write down your 1-3 priorities for the coming year. As you consider whether to attend a lecture, social event, or weekend trip, check the opportunity against your criteria. If it doesnt match, then decline with confidence. Timebox your activities If you plan on spending one hour on a case , pull out a stop watch and set it for 60 minutes. When it goes off, wherever you are in your reading or analysis, stop! There is always more work to do, more things to read. If you dont put open-ended tasks into boxes they will eat up all the time youre saving for other valuable activities. Embrace unlearning We all come with prejudices and misconceptions. Lean into experiences where you find your view challenged and when you find that they are wrong, change them!There are a bunch more here that I had to cut for space , but feel free to check them out too. Good luck on this journey! In the end, it is absolutely worth it._________________ karanme03148 wrote: Hello, Thank you very much for your reply and guidance. I am now positive towards Ryerson's MBA. I had heard so many rumors about its reputation and other stuff so I really wanted to talk to someone who has actually taken this course. I have already applied to Ryerson's global MBA program (fulltime) a week ago and waiting to hear back from them. I didn't apply to MBA in technology and innovation as I had never heard of such program so was a bit scared to apply for that. Moreover, I didn't know what is its market value. So, as you said my profile seems fine, I am hoping to get an admission offer from Ryerson. Do they call for interview as well? On their website it says "an interview may be required". I also want to know if I can get any financial assistance from the University if I am selected. It will be so nice of you if you could let me know. For the MTI program, the info is at ryerson.ca/mba/programs/mti - if you're interested, maybe try to contact them and see if they will consider you for both? The staff is very approachable.As to the interview, I never had to go to one but I do hear it's a possibility. The application process goes through a couple of stages. First you apply to the School of Graduate Studies and when they accept you, you move on to the MBA department. So it's at that stage that I assume an interview might occur. In regards to financial assistance, as a full-time student, there's quite a few $20,000 scholarships that cover your entire tuition and then I think you may able to able to receive OSAP or bursaries from the school, but for that I'm not sure, you would need to contact the Student Financial Services office.The program is still in its infancy which is why you might have heard rumours. But I'll tell you first hand, that none of that those are true. Every staff and faculty member in the program wants to see us succeed. In fact, this past weekend we competed against 22 other MBA schools across Canada and US and we came in 2nd place overall, ahead of a lot of older and more popular MBA programs. I'll let you draw your own conclusions Bunuel wrote: The discovery of a previously unknown giant rat and a tiny possum in a remote Indonesian jungle demonstrate the incredible diversity in this part of the world and the dangers inherent in the destruction of unexplored jungle anywhere. A. a previously unknown giant rat and a tiny possum in a remote Indonesian jungle demonstrate the incredible diversity B. previously unknown giant rats and tiny possums in a remote Indonesian jungle demonstrate the incredible diversity C. a previously unknown giant rat and a tiny possum in a remote Indonesian jungle demonstrates how incredibly diverse they are D. a previously unknown giant rat and a tiny possum in a remote Indonesian jungle demonstrates the incredible diversity E. a previously unknown giant rat and a tiny possum in a remote Indonesian jungle demonstrate how incredibly diverse it is OFFICIAL SOLUTION: Choice (D) uses proper subject-verb agreement and conveys a logical meaning, and is therefore correct. A primary decision point on this problem is the difference between the singular verb "demonstrates" in choices (C) and (D) and the plural verb "demonstrate" in (A), (B), and (E). Here it is important to find the subject of that verb, which appears before the underline: "the discovery."Note that the prepositional phrase "of a rat and possum" serves to modify the discovery - always be certain to assess modifying phrases when you're looking for the subject of a sentence.Because the subject "discovery" is singular, you need the verb "demonstrates" and can eliminate (A), (B), and (E).Between (C) and (D), note the logical problem introduced in (C) with the phrase "they are." That version of the sentence would say, essentially, that the discovery serves to demonstrate how diverse this rat and possum are in Indonesia, an illogical meaning of the sentence, which instead is trying to say that the discovery highlights the overall diversity in the region and the dangers of affecting that diversity with jungle destruction._________________ One product to protect all your devices, without slowing them down. The Australian government has drafted laws to gain access to encrypted messages from messaging apps, but tech companies fear this would create backdoors that would lead to encryption exploits and jeopardize security, writes The Guardian. The government sees these measures as a partnership with telecom and tech companies to modernize interception legislation and keep a closer eye on alleged criminals and terrorists. Officials say backdoors are out of the question, as other decryption methods will be used. As expected, Facebook and Google are key actors involved due to the massive amounts of personal data they collect from users. Australian Cyber Security Minister Angus Taylor gave no clear explanations of the technology and methods behind getting access to encrypted messages, or whether surveillance codes would be installed on mobile devices. Despite his reluctance to offer details, one thing is certain; the law will take effect in coming months and companies that dont comply will be fined. The key point here is that we need to modernize our laws and get access to information for holding criminals and terrorists to account for investigations and gathering evidence, Taylor said in an interview. Those laws were developed during an analogue era decades ago and they are now out of date. Much data and information is transferred through messaging apps and its digital not analogue. Thereve been very substantial changes in the technology and we need to update the powers. 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 : Eight steps Texas can take to fix its managed-care mess Texas families take fight for fragile kids to the Legislature Before she had a baby so sick he couldnt leave the hospital for his first year, Hannah Mehta never dreamed she would need help from a government health care program. She and her husband had good corporate jobs, private health insurance and a big brick home in Flower Mound. But Aiden, one of the triplets she had given birth to in 2007, had congenital defects and anomalies that mystified doctors. His organs werent in the right places, his lungs were collapsed, and he couldnt breathe or eat on his own. He underwent several surgeries before his first birthday. Previously: Glossover of the horror Texas fails to act when health care companies put patients in peril. Catch up. His parents were determined to care for him at home. But he needed a lot: nursing, oxygen, a feeding tube. Just one of his drugs costs $10,000 a month. And the familys insurance didnt cover nearly enough. Mehta quit her job to care for Aiden, and by the time he was 2, the family had spent all their savings. On the advice of a friend, she signed up for a program, paid for with state and federal money, designed to keep chronically sick kids alive and protect their parents from financial ruin. Unlike other Medicaid programs in Texas, this one helps families even if they arent extremely poor. But in 2016, Texas stopped running this Medicaid program directly and turned it over to the private sector under a system called managed care, which already covered foster kids and many elderly and disabled Texans. Mehta and parents like her learned their doctors werent going to accept the new program it paid them too little and added too much red tape. Families suddenly had to search out new pediatric lung and brain and spine specialists who were willing to participate. There werent many. The parents were desperate to protect their kids. Theres no Plan B for our families, Mehta says. Theres nowhere else for them to go, outside of placing them in an institution. State health officials said there was nothing they could do any changes to the new program had to come from the Legislature. So the parents banded together, forming a shoestring nonprofit called Protect TX Fragile Kids. And they headed to Austin. If Texas lawmakers saw their children in wheelchairs and gurneys, tethered to machines then maybe they would change their minds. The parents had no idea what they were up against. The revolving door Two decades ago, Texas lawmakers sought cheaper, more efficient ways to provide medical care for poor kids and pregnant women. Some health care policy wonks said poor Texans would benefit from a system like the private sectors HMOs health maintenance organizations to make sure they got basic care but not expensive, unnecessary treatments. Under managed care, the state and federal governments pay a flat per-patient fee, which is meant to give health care companies an incentive to use the money wisely and provide better preventive care. For one tiny and little known company, Centene Corp., Texas was the jet fuel it needed to build a national health care empire. The Missouri company set up Superior HealthPlan to operate in Texas. And in 1998, it hired the head of the Texas health commission, Mike McKinney, as a vice president to help it get state business. Tap Click a person or organization to learn more. Managed cares revolving door For two decades, state and elected officials have often gone to work for corporations that get business from Texas. Here are some examples we identified by using a decade of lobbying data and online resumes. See what we found Andrew Chavez and Michael Hogue / DMN In 2001, Gov. Rick Perry hired his old friend McKinney as chief of staff. That year, Superior had about 55,600 patients in El Paso, Austin and San Antonio, according to Centene corporate filings. By the time Perry left office, Texas was paying the company to care for nearly a million people, in every county of the state. McKinney would later leave Austin to run rapidly expanding Centene operations in several states. Such spins through what critics call Texas revolving door have become common. Five of the last seven Texas health commissioners left the state government and began working for managed-care companies as executives or lobbyists, state records show. One former commissioner, Albert Hawkins, is vice chairman of the board of MCNA Insurance, which has a $600 million-a-year contract to provide state-funded dental insurance to poor Texans. The seventh commissioner, Charles Smith, retired May 31. Growing influence As the state has placed more patients into managed care, the industrys influence in Austin has grown substantially. Lobbying spending has more than doubled over the past decade. SOURCE: News analysis of Texas Ethics Commission data Andrew Chavez / DMN Counting McKinney, three people who served as Perrys chief of staff became health care industry lobbyists. Two were close friends who had served with Perry in the Legislature in the 1980s, and they lobbied for health care companies before and after their time in the governors office. Some industry lobbyists are now settling back into state jobs where they oversee the companies that previously paid them well. Victoria Ford, a former senior adviser to Perry on health issues, lobbied for two major insurers and the Texas Association of Health Plans, a trade association controlled by managed-care companies. She joined the health commission as its first chief policy officer in November, just 11 days after she told the state she was no longer lobbying for United Healthcare. Some of Gov. Greg Abbotts closest advisers also have ties to the managed-care industry. Walter Fisher, Abbotts legislative director, is a former lobbyist for Centene, which is now the biggest player in Medicaid managed care in the state and the nation. Abbotts policy director is John Colyandro, who previously led the Texas Conservative Coalition, a group that accepts money from managed-care companies and publishes research in support of them. In September, Abbott appointed a longtime United Healthcare lobbyist, Luis Saenz, as his chief of staff. Abbott is a vocal defender of managed-care Medicaid and has accepted $122,500 in campaign donations from these companies in the last five years. Advertisement Fragile Texans forced in As the industrys lobbying power grew, so did managed care. A decade ago, Texas began moving foster children and disabled and elderly adults into managed care. Unlike the relatively healthy kids who make up most of the Medicaid population, these patients tend to need expensive long-term care such as home nursing and medical equipment like wheelchairs. There were instant and pervasive problems, records show, including complaints that managed-care companies were withholding medically necessary but costly care a practice that critics say is the only way companies can increase profits while serving these patients. By 2013, almost 82 percent of Texans in Medicaid 3 million people were covered by managed care. That year, David Dewhurst, who was then lieutenant governor and controlled the Senate, called for rolling in a new group, kids so sick they are described as medically fragile. Mehtas state senator, Republican Jane Nelson, wrote the bill that would place Aiden and roughly 160,000 other children in the hands of private companies and a few nonprofits. A year after that bill passed, Dewhursts longtime health policy adviser, Jamie Dudensing, became chief executive of the Texas Association of Health Plans, where she is a key defender of the program she helped create. STAR Kids The newest Medicaid managed care program for children and adults 20 and younger who have disabilities. This includes children who qualify for Social Security disability payments and the Medically Dependent Children Program, which helps families take care of severely sick kids even if they aren't poor. As the launch of the program dubbed STAR Kids neared in 2016, the president of Cook Childrens, a nonprofit managed-care provider in Fort Worth, warned health officials that the savings the state expected were impossible to achieve without taking medical services away from fragile kids. Meanwhile, Mehta and other parents in Protect TX Fragile Kids wrote letters to Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, urging them to stop the rollout but say they got no response. Hannah Mehta met in April of last year with Jay Dyer, then legislative director for Gov. Greg Abbott, to seek action to keep the state's shift to managed care from failing medically fragile children. Mehtas son Aiden waited patiently in his stroller. Week after week during the 2017 legislative session, Mehta drove to the Capitol from her home in Flower Mound to talk with whoever would listen. Concerns ignored In September 2016, after months of asking for a meeting, Mehta met with Nelson, the state senator she had repeatedly voted to re-elect. Now chairwoman of the Senate Finance Committee, Nelson served for many years as head of the committee on health care and was involved in just about every major piece of legislation that expanded managed care. We thought, Surely she doesnt understand what shes done, Mehta says. Well just go to her and talk to her about what this means for our kids. Mehta brought a dozen other parents and two doctors, who told the senator that the companies Texas had hired were known for denying legitimate medical claims. They asked her to use her weight as the Senates top budget writer to delay the program a year, so the state could study the consequences of entrusting severely sick children to managed-care companies. We based our decision on finance, Nelson told the parents, according to a recording of the meeting. While we're looking at doing things more efficiently, and cost-containment measures, I want to make sure that we're not doing things that would hurt someone, she said. Days later, Mehta says, when she called Nelsons office back to find out what was being done, the senators staff told her nothing was going to be changed. Nelsons spokeswoman shared two letters the senator sent to the health commission, in September and October, asking officials to update her office on the STAR KIDS rollout. "We care deeply about our children, and that is why we pushed the agency so hard to make accommodations during the transition, Nelson said through her spokeswoman, Alexa Hoisager. In early October 2016, about a month before STAR Kids was to go live, an advisory board that included doctors, managed-care executives and parents of medically fragile children urged the health commission to suspend the rollout for a year to ensure kids got needed care. Part of their concern was that the tool the companies were going to use to determine each childs medical needs hadnt been fully tested. The health commission rejected the advice. So Mehta and other parents decided to take their fight to the Capitol, where the Legislature was convening in January 2017. Before the legislative session began, about 100 lawmakers accepted campaign contributions from managed-care companies, data shows. The companies also spent at least $5.4 million on lobbyists, more than in any previous year, according to filings with the Texas Ethics Commission. Gabriela McCann kisses the hand of her 13-year-old son, Briar, a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy who cant speak and cant eat or breathe on his own, at their home in Bulverde, north of San Antonio. A wave of complaints In January 2017, Texas medical director for Medicaid warned his colleagues that the state was unprepared for a substantial increase in denials of in-home nursing. Dr. Rajendra Parikh estimated that the managed-care companies would double the rate of denials, emails show. Parikh noted that for-profit companies were taking over care for about 60 percent of the new sick kids, and that one of them a reference to Superior is consistently creating issues. In the programs first three months, the health commission received more than 730 complaints from parents and health care providers and the complaints would rise. They were about children like Briar McCann, a 13-year-old quadriplegic with cerebral palsy in the San Antonio area who cant speak and cant eat or breathe on his own. An X-ray shows the severe S-curve of Briar McCanns spine. (Courtesy of the McCann family) You can tell that hes crying or screaming, says his mother, Gabriela McCann, but nothing comes out. The first week of 2017, Superior cut the hours of his nurses, she says. And it refused to cover any physical therapy, records show, telling his mother that the boy, whose spine is curved so severely it looks like an S, could instead benefit from home exercise. His mother decided to take Briar to Austin to talk with members of the House, though it would take two nurses, a gurney, a stretcher, a medical van and days of planning. Over the next several months, scores of parents took their kids to the Capitol to show lawmakers who was being affected by the new managed-care program. Week after week, Mehta drove from Flower Mound to talk with whoever would listen, one hand pushing Aiden in a stroller while the other pulled a rolling case of documents and pamphlets that outlined problems with managed care. For example, kids were losing speech therapy, one of her bullet points noted, which helps them learn not only to speak but also to eat without choking. At the end of January, more than seven hours into public testimony, one physical therapist for disabled children told Nelsons Finance Committee that children are suffering. One of our clients had his nursing hours cut even though the doctor was adamant that he needs 24-hour care, said Ellen Osburn, owner of a therapy practice in Dallas. She couldnt name him, but she was referring to Dashon Morris, a baby in Mesquite who had developed a dangerous habit of pulling out his tracheostomy tube, which kept his airway open. He pulled his trach, Osburn told lawmakers, and was found nonresponsive. He went from a just-about-to-walk toddler to a Level 2 coma because of cuts Gabriela McCann (left) and nurse Debbie Kouri bathe Briar in the shower at the McCann home in Bulverde. Before she could finish her sentence, a beep signaled that lawmakers had heard enough. Your time is up, said Sen. Chuy Hinojosa, a McAllen Democrat who was running the hearing because Nelson had left. As the legislative session dragged on, parents couldnt understand why lawmakers werent doing anything. In private, Mehta says, several legislators expressed concern and said they would intervene on an individual basis, but they wouldnt dare introduce a bill about Medicaid a dirty word in the Capitol. Theyre all afraid of Jane Nelson, Mehta says, referring to the veteran lawmaker. Sen. Van Taylor, a Republican from Plano, intervened on behalf of 20 children who were denied nursing hours, equipment, drugs or need other help, according to his office. Ive had multiple conversations with Van Taylor, face to face, where he says, You come to me with your problems, and Ill help you, just your family, Mehta says. And I said, What about all the other 168,000 kids? They dont want to hear that. Taylor, running for Congress, will not return the Legislature in 2019. After meeting with these families my immediate priority was advocating on their behalf and pressing for better outcomes. Working together we fought the bureaucratic maze, demanded answers, and made some meaningful strides, Taylor wrote in a statement. However, the stories highlighted in the Dallas Morning News investigative series, as well as other dealings that we have encountered in our office fighting alongside our constituents, are heartbreaking and unacceptable. Texas must do better. Over the last decade, Texas legislators, members of Congress and other officials have complained to the health commission more than 2,300 times about problems with managed-care companies. Abbott and his office have lodged 38 complaints, eight of which were related to constituents being unable to access care. Nelsons office has filed 64 complaints. Lawmakers submitted more than a hundred just about the program for medically fragile children, the program that Mehtas group was fighting, during its first year. Republican state Sen. Joan Huffman of Houston (left) met in May of last year with mothers concerned about the care of their medically fragile children. The mothers (seated, from left) were Caroline Cheevers of Houston, Hannah Mehta of Flower Mound and Amber Marin of Sugar Land. The woman standing at right is unidentified. Disasters ignored, profits soared As the legislative session was coming to a close in May of last year, Mehta and her son had made the long drive up and down Interstate 35 dozens of times but hadnt yet gotten a bill to the floor. There was a final prayer. Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, a Republican from Brenham, had agreed to attach to a larger bill an amendment that would require the state to study alternatives to lumping disabled children into managed care. And Rep. Richard Raymond, a Laredo Democrat, was prepared to add an amendment that would allow parents to choose between managed care and staying in traditional Medicaid, where the state pays doctors with no middleman. Both efforts failed. Over and over, officials told inquiring lawmakers that they were monitoring the rollout of the STAR Kids program. They chalked up many of the complaints to parents overreacting because they had to switch doctors. Mehta says thats not so. The more we dug into it, the more we learned about what was happening with other populations and what was happening with managed care in general, she says. And its a disaster. And financial results from the programs first 10 months of operation raise questions. Lobbyist Rusty Kelley strikes up a conversation with Aiden as his mother, Hannah Mehta, (back left) shares information with legislative aide Brooke Knutson. Health care corporations made record profits averaging more than $1,000 per child. But nonprofit health care providers in the program spent more on medical care per child than the health care corporations did and sustained heavy losses, a Dallas Morning News analysis of financial data found. The nonprofits run by local hospitals and doctors lost an average of $1,800 per child. Those organizations spent about 20 percent more of the taxpayer money they received on actual medical services than corporations that answer to Wall Street. In many cases, nonprofits lost money in a part of the state where a for-profit insurer was able to make money. If the trends continue, the sick children in this new program will be far and away the most profitable patients for the companies like Superior and Amerigroup. As lawmakers left Austin last June, Mehta wrote a Facebook post to the 1,500 members of Protect TX Fragile Kids: After this session, I don't think any of us are under any illusions, she began. The Legislature is not focused on what is right or good for the people of Texas. Despite the discouraging results last year, Mehta says she and other parents and their fragile kids will flood the Capitol again. The companies have gotten away with this for so long because the other populations they were serving before us couldnt speak up, she says. They are lining their pockets at the expense of a very vulnerable population. Follow J. David McSwane, Andrew Chavez and Tom Fox on Twitter. Up Next Recipe for disaster A companys refusals to cover medical costs, from inexpensive diapers to costly treatments, have made some foster parents jobs nearly impossible. Keep reading. Advertisement On June 2, Massih Mohajeri, the editor of daily newspaper Jomhouri Eslami (The Islamic Republic), wrote a performance report detailing how the Iranian people were not satisfied with the Regime and how it was running Iran. He wrote: We are surrounded by a group of yes men who praise us for what we do, but the people are not happy with our performance. The peoples dissent is because of us, not because of the revolution and the political system. They expect us to correct our behaviour. It is true that the Iranian people are dissatisfied with the situation in Iran; theyve been protesting in the streets for nearly six months. However, they dont expect the Regime to reform, which is why they are demanding regime change. Mohajeri also said that the political system had alienated Khomeinis best and closest allies, by giving the leadership of Iran to a group of ultraconservatives for eight years, which created long-lasting problems for the country. While this does make the false distinction between hardliners and moderates in the Iranian Regime, it also shows the elections in Iran are little more than a farce, as the presidency was given to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The holiday weekend While the Iranian Regime marks the anniversary of Khomeinis death and the anniversary of a significant revolt against the monarchy (June 5, 1963) over a five-day period each year, most Iranians do not spend the time remembering their fallen dictator. Instead, they take short breaks to the Caspian Sea or spend time with family and friends. This year, the Iranian Regime called on Iranians to partake in ceremonies in order to put on a brave front to the US following Donald Trumps withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal. But this has not worked. Even as state-run media predicts that millions will show up to ceremonies marking Khomeinis death, they neglect to mention that many more will refuse to take part in a ceremony for a man who destroyed their country. Indeed, the Iranian people see Khomeinis political legacy as: The disastrous Iran-Iraq war that cost over a million lives The US embassy hostage-taking that led to a loss of diplomatic relations with the United States An unjustified hatred for other countries in the Middle East The suppression of political activists, including the 1988 massacre of 30,000 members of the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) Investors boycott trading on Nepse for whole day Stock investors stepped up their protest by boycotting trading on the Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) for the whole day on Tuesday after holding a 30-minute boycott on Monday. Iran's nuclear chief says his country has launched plans to increase its ability to enrich uranium. Such a move would intensify pressure on Britain, France and Germany. Those countries are struggling to prevent collapse of an international agreement aimed at controlling Irans nuclear program. The agreement was weakened after the United States announced it will withdraw from the deal. Ali Akbar Salehi is director of Irans Atomic Energy Organization. He told reporters that the country was developing technology for building advanced centrifuges at a nuclear center in Natanz. The city lies about 300 kilometers south of Tehran. "What we are doing does not violate the (2015 nuclear) agreement, Salehi said. He added that the government sent a letter Monday to the International Atomic Energy Commission about the start of certain activities." Salehi said this did not violate the nuclear deal, but that it marked an increase in the development of the nuclear program. Iranian state television broadcast his comments. The countrys top leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Monday he ordered preparations to expand uranium enrichment capacity in the event the agreement collapses. Salehi said Iran could not support a "flawed" nuclear deal and could not obey new restrictions in the agreement while facing new sanctions. He noted Iran's position that it is ready to sharply increase its nuclear activity if the agreement falls apart. Britain, France and Germany are attempting to save part of the deal that calls for an easing of sanctions in exchange for limits on Irans nuclear activities. The U.S. government has re-established actions designed to punish Iran since it withdrew from the nuclear deal last month. At the time, President Donald Trump said Iran was a threat to national security. Iran has said its nuclear program is for civilian, not military purposes. But Israel, Saudi Arabia and the U.S. have accused Iran of trying to build a nuclear bomb. Under the deal, Iran can continue to enrich uranium to 3.67 percent. That is far below the 90-percent required for weapons grade uranium. The three European powers still support the deal. But they have concerns about Iran's missile program and its influence in the Middle East. I'm Caty Weaver. VOANews.com reported this story. George Grow adapted the story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story advanced adj. highly developed centrifuge n. a machine used for separating substances certain adj. being fixed; known to be true flawed adj. not perfect; having one or more problems sanction n. an action taken by one or more nations to make another country obey a law or rule We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. Some American students recently completed the school year and others are preparing to end soon. But as students in some parts of the country already deal with hot classrooms, the summer break cannot come soon enough. Some new research has found that student performance drops when temperatures rise. The study mainly blames a lack of air-conditioning in many U.S. schools for causing learning problems. The private, non-profit organization National Bureau of Economic Research released the working paper, Heat and Learning. Its writers are from Harvard, the University of California at Los Angeles, the University of Georgia and The College Board. The researchers examined test results of 10 million U.S. students attending high school from 2001 to 2014. The paper says the students scored lower during hot school years than cool ones. The research is thought to be the first major study to center on the direct effects of heat on school learning. The study reported that on average, a one degree increase in temperature during the year before an exam led to a one percent drop in learning. The research found that days reaching at least 38 degrees Celsius reduced student scores by up to 50 percent. The findings suggest higher temperatures greatly harm classroom productivity for both teachers and students. Our findings suggest that, even in highly-industrialized economies, heat exposure can reduce the rate of learning and skill formation, the researchers reported. They wrote that students from poor families and minority groups suffered the most learning problems due to heat. The study found that higher heat affected black and Hispanic students about three times more than whites. It suggested the effects of heat in the classroom could be responsible for about 13 percent of the U.S. racial achievement difference. The study noted that many black and Hispanic students live in hotter places than white students. It also found more white children attended schools with air-conditioning. The study reported that only high temperatures on school days caused learning problems. Hotter weather during the summer and on weekends had little influence. This suggests that heats disruption of instruction or homework time is responsible for the observed drop in test scores, they wrote. The study showed a clear connection between lower student performance and a lack of air-conditioning in schools. The researchers said school air-conditioning appears to correct nearly all damaging effects of high temperatures on student achievement. Moving from a school with no air-conditioned classrooms to a school with all air-conditioned classrooms reduces the impact by approximately 78 percent, the study said. The researchers sought information on how many schools were air-conditioned. Information provided showed almost all classrooms in the U.S. South are air-conditioned. But a majority of classrooms in many northern and northeastern states are not. A separate investigation by the education website The 74 showed most of Americas largest school districts had air-conditioning in classrooms. However, 11 large districts reported many of their classrooms were not air-conditioned. Some were in places where temperatures can repeatedly reach 32 degrees Celsius or higher. In a 2014 report, the U.S. Department of Education said 30 percent of public schools reported having air-conditioning systems that were in fair or poor condition. Last week, school officials in St. Paul, Minnesota requested that fans and extra water be brought in to help students deal with severe classroom heat. Two-thirds of schools in the St. Paul Public Schools district do not have air-conditioning. District officials said they have not seen air-conditioning as necessary at all schools since they are closed during the hottest summer months. One teacher took to Twitter to report the temperature in his classroom rose to 38 degrees Celsius. History teacher Mark Westpfahl said he felt light-headed and experienced head pain, both signs of heat exhaustion. He said he was also worried about his students and had to send several to see the schools healthcare worker. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Quiz Quiz - Study Finds Hot Classrooms Hurt Learning Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story exposure n. condition of being affected by or experiencing something achievement n. something good that someone achieves disruption n. interference into or stopping something instruction n. the action or process of teaching impact n. powerful or major influence or effect district n. an area established by a government for official government business heat exhaustion n. condition during which a person feels very weak and sick after being in a very hot place for too long The United States military is reported to be increasing spending on a secret research effort involving artificial intelligence (AI). The Reuters news agency says military officials are exploring whether they can use AI to help predict the launch of a nuclear missile. Officials hope that, with the help of computer programs, they will be able to follow and target mobile launchers in North Korea and other places. The effort has gone largely unreported. The few public details about it are buried in complex language in the latest defense department budget. But Reuters spoke with U.S. officials with knowledge of the research. They said the military now has several projects to explore how to develop AI systems to protect the country against a possible nuclear missile strike. If the research is successful, such computer systems would be able to think for themselves, reproducing intelligent human behavior. AI programs could study huge amounts of information, including satellite imagery, faster than human beings and find signs of preparations for a missile launch. Reuters says its story about the secret research is based on at least six sources. They included U.S. officials, who spoke on condition that they would not be publicly identified. If the U.S. government had information about a possible missile launch, it would be able to seek a diplomatic solution. If the government believed there would be an attack, it would have more time to try to destroy the missiles before they were launched, or try to shoot them down. We should be doing everything in our power to find that missile before they launch it and make it increasingly harder to get it off (the ground), one of the officials said. President Donald Trump and his administration support the research effort. The administration plans to increase spending to $83-million in next years budget for just one of the AI-powered missile programs, according to U.S. officials and budget documents. The budget increase shows the growing importance of research on AI-powered anti-missile systems. It comes at a time when the United States faces a more militarily aggressive Russia and a serious nuclear threat from North Korea. One person with knowledge of the programs said it includes a project aimed at North Korea. The U.S. government is worried about the Norths development of mobile missiles that can be easily hidden. While the project is secret, the military has been clear about its interest in AI. The Defense Department has said it is using AI to identify objects from video gathered in its drone aircraft program. Yet some military officials are worried about AI spending. They say the current amount is too low. AI arms race The U.S. military is in a race against China and Russia to add more AI to its war machine. Officials want to create new systems that can teach themselves to perform complex actions. The Pentagons research on using AI to identify possible missile threats and follow movable launchers is very new. It is also just one small part of the growth of AI. But few details have been made public. A U.S. official told Reuters that the military was already testing an early model of a system to follow mobile missile launchers. The project involves military and private researchers in the Washington D.C. area. It is making use of new technology developed by private businesses. Those companies got financial assistance from an investment fund called In-Q-Tel, officials said. The project is using the intelligence communitys cloud service, studying how computer data is organized. It operates complex radar that can see through storms and greenery. Budget documents seen by Reuters show the Pentagon will expand the program to the remainder of the (Pentagon) 4+1 problem sets. The U.S. military often uses the term 4+1 when talking about China, Russia, Iran, North Korea and terrorist groups. Turning turtles into guns Both supporters and critics of using AI to hunt missiles agree that it carries a lot of risk. It could speed up decision-making in a nuclear crisis, but the use of computers could also increase the possibility of computer errors. It might also start an AI arms race with Russia and China that could overturn the current nuclear balance. The top commander of U.S. nuclear forces, Air Force General John Hyten said the Pentagon must create safeguards when AI systems become operational. This will be the only way to make sure that humans not computers control nuclear decisions, he explained. The decision to use nuclear weapons has been called the escalation ladder. [Artificial intelligence] could force you onto that ladder if you dont put the safeguards in, Hyten said. Once youre on it, then everything starts moving. Experts at the RAND Corporation and other research groups say it is likely that China and Russia would learn to hide their missiles from identification. There is some evidence that says they could be successful. At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, students tricked the AI system by using Google images. The computer program was made to believe that a plastic turtle was really a gun. Dr. Steven Walker, director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), said the Pentagon will need humans to look at AI decisions. Because those systems can be fooled, Walker said. DARPA is working on a project to make AI systems better able to explain themselves to human researchers. DARPA officials believe the new project will be important for national security programs. We cant be wrong Among the people working to improve AI is William Buzz Roberts of the National Geospatial Agency (NGA). He works in the governments efforts to develop AI to help examine satellite imagery. Information from satellite imagery is used by missile hunters. Last year, the NGA said it used AI to look at 12 million images. So far, Roberts said, NGA researchers have made progress in getting AI to help identify whether or not a target of interest is present. He would not talk about individual programs. In trying to understand possible national security threats, the NGA researchers work under a different kind of pressure from researchers in private businesses. We cant be wrong, said Roberts. Im Susan Shand, and I'm Dorothy Gundy. Reuters reported this story. Susan Shand adapted this story and George Grow edited it. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story artificial adj. not natural or real mobile adj. able to be moved source n. someone or something that provides what is wanted or needed according adv. as stated by or in fund n. a plan or program error n. a mistake or problem cloud n. the large computers (called servers) that you can connect to on the Internet and use for storing data escalation n. to become worse or to make (something) worse or more severe ladder n. a series of steps or stages by which someone moves up to a higher or better position turtle n. a reptile that lives mostly in water and that has a hard shell which covers its body More than three months after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, the survivors who became gun-control activists may be deciding how their generation will be remembered. Carolyn Davis is with the Public Religion Research Institute, a nonprofit organization that studies religion, culture and public policy. She spoke with VOA about the history of student activism in the United States. She said,Its the beginning of something really, really compelling -- a new generation of political movement. She added, "You look at the civil rights movement, you look at the anti-war movement. These are movements led by students, led by young people, so theres precedence for this. Suffrage and the American Revolution, in large part, were fought by people about this age. Seventeen people died in the February 14 shooting at Parklands Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Effect of die-in protests on Florida politics David Hogg has become one of the most well known of Parklands student activists. He recently announced a boycott of Publix food stores. He made the announcement after learning the company had donated money to a man hoping to become Floridas next governor. The candidate, a member of the Republican Party, is a supporter of the National Rifle Association, a gun rights group. Hogg and other student activists organized a "die-in" protest. Students lay on the floor of several Publix stores in the state to create the appearance of students killed by gun violence. On May 25, Publix announced it was halting all political donations. Hogg told VOA in March, This is the beginning of us taking back our democracy and revolutionizing America for the better. On social media, Hogg often declares, The young people will win. Carolyn Davis says that kind of hope is a sign of the young generation. College student Haley Fleming told VOA that the student movement is just getting started. She said,People this age are going to start voting in the next few years. Theyll be voting in the next presidential election and every election after that, and then theyll start running for Congress and thats when this movement is really going to take shape. That kind of directed, political thinking is fairly common for the post-millennial generation, notes William Frey of the Brookings Institution, a research center in Washington. He said, They kind of look at the rest of us older people as something to push aside. Not in a bombastic way, but basically just sort of shrug their shoulders and say, Lets move on from all of this. Millennials and post-millennials Just who belongs to the post-millennial generations is open to debate. Davis describes anyone between the ages of 15 and 24 as a post-millennial. But the Pew Research Center says anyone born from 1997 to the present is part of this generation. The oldest among them turn 21 in 2018. (http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/03/01/defining-generations-where-millennials-end-and-post-millennials-begin/) William Frey defines post-millennials as anyone born in 1998 to the present -- people aged 20 and below. This generation has been given several names, including Gen Z, Digital Generation, iGeneration and #Generation. Yet nothing has stuck in the same way the term millennials has for the generation before them. From what we can see, theyre very liberal, theyre very democratic in terms of their political expectations, said Frey. He added that, compared to their own parents or millennials, post-millennials appear to be more liberal. The tricky thing about post-millennials is theyre not yet fully formed. The politics of post-millennials When it comes to politics, young people are deeply divided along racial lines, the PRRI study found. About one-third of young white people say they are supporters of President Donald Trump. But support for Trump among blacks, 5 percent, and Hispanics, 17 percent, in the same age group is much lower. A recent PRRI survey attempted to identify the most critical issues facing post-millennials. It named the top three issues as jobs and unemployment, terrorism and the cost of higher education. Over the years, the United States has become an increasingly more diverse country. Efforts to increase diversity are generally welcomed across all post-millennial demographic groups, but less so among young white men. Carolyn Davis said, "While this is the most diverse generation, there is no guarantee that theyre going to politically be of one mind. I'm Jonathan Evans. And I'm Anna Matteo. Dora Mekouar reported this story for VOANews.com. George Grow adapted her report for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story compelling adj. forceful or persuasive precedence n. the act of coming earlier in time suffrage n. the right to vote millennial n. a person born in the 1980s or 1990s bombastic adj. wordy shrug v. to raise and lower ones shoulders, usually to show you do not care about something petition n. an official request or appeal to an official or organization diverse adj. different from each other demographic adj. related to the study of changes that take place in large groups of people We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. 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 2 hours ago Deere & Co. workers go on strike after rejecting contract MOLINE, Ill. (AP) More than 10,000 Deere & Co. workers went on strike Thursday, the first major walkout at the agricultural machinery giant in more than three decades. The union had said its members would walk off the job if no deal has been reached Wednesday. Read Article 'Gun Control' Through Taxation H.R. 5103: What You Need To Know By Thomas Johnson. June 5th, 2018 In March of 2018. Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL) introduced a new bill called HR 5103 with nine separate co-sponsors. HR 5103 represents the latest bill introduced in Congress in an attempt to further restrict the sales of firearms and ammunition. But what does HR 5103 do exactly, what are the specifics of the bill, and why does it need to be opposed? The Purpose of HR 5103 The language of HR 5103 is basically designed to inflict more taxes on firearms and ammunition. Rep. Davis claims that the additional funds earned by the bill, should it become law, can be used to pay for research on what he calls gun violence and its prevention. In other words, should the bill become law, youll need to pay additional taxes (besides the sales tax) when you go to buy firearms and ammunition. It also increases fees on any firearms that are classified under the National Firearms Act. Under the terms of the bill, you can expect to pay up to a 50% excise tax on ammo and a 20% excise tax on firearms. This bill amends the current tax plan regarding firearms. Under current law, firearms manufacturers have to pay a 11% excise tax on ammunition and sporting firearms under the Pittman-Robertson Act. The funds from this tax fund conservation efforts, public shooting ranges, wildlife habitat preservation, and hunter education plans. Essentially, Congressman Davis wants to use the additional funding to pay for research on gun violence prevention. Additionally, the law would exempt the tax from firearms and ammunition that are sold to law enforcement and the military. Official Description of HR 5103 Here is an official description of the bill from the congress.gov website: Specifics of HR 5103 Here is a list of the specific provisions of HR 5103: Add a 20% excise tax on pistols, revolvers, and all other firearm sales Add a 50% excise tax on ammunition sales Double the occupation tax for overseas importers of firearms Raise the imported gun dealer tax to 50% of sales Raise the NFA transfer tax to $500 (from $200) Raise the AOW tax from $5 to $100 Why Is This Bill A Problem? The reasons why this bill is a problem should be obvious: it simply adds to the cost of gun ownership. A 20% tax on guns and 50% tax on ammunition is nothing insignificant. Lets say, for example, that you want to buy a pistol that costs exactly $500. Normally, you would pay the $500 plus the sales tax of your state. If the hypothetical sales tax is 6%, then in this scenario, you would pay an additional $30 for the sales tax, or $530 total. Now lets add an additional 20% tax. In this case, 20% of the $500 cost of the gun would be $100, so you would pay a grand total of $630 for the firearm, which definitely could make someone think twice about purchasing the gun. Now lets go with ammunition. Say you go to the store and buy $100 worth of ammunition, which doesnt get you much these days. In our previous example with the 6% sales tax, you would normally pay $106 for all of it. But now with the 50% excise tax, you would really pay $156 in total. Ridiculous, right? And thats just one example. What if you were to buy a thousand rounds of 9mm bulk ammunition that cost $350. No longer would you pay $371, with sales tax. Now, you would pay an astonishing $546 for that bulk ammunition. Seeing why this is a problem? Those who support the bill may claim that the bill does not constitute infringement on the 2nd Amendment, claiming that it doesnt take away anyones right to keep and bear arms. But there is no question that the bill adds an additional financial burden on gun ownership, and those with lower incomes are those who will be hit the hardest. If a bill makes it harder for an ordinary civilian to buy firearms and ammunition, then a very strong and compelling case can be made that the bill does indeed constitute infringement, and is therefore unconstitutional. Opposing HR 5103 To show your opposition to HR 5103, you can check out this link that will take you to the Firearms Policy Coalition website, where you can sign an online form that will send a message to your legislator telling them to vote no on the bill. Conclusion In short, HR 5103 is simply the latest sneaky (except not too sneaky) attempt to add more 'gun control' laws to the United States. The bill would greatly increase taxes on firearms sales and especially on ammunition, which could serve to discourage those with lower incomes from buying guns and ammunition. Since the bill places huge additional economic burdens on buying guns and ammunition, it does constitute infringement on the 2nd Amendment to the United States Constitution. The 'excuse' of funds towards "gun violence and its prevention" is a classic ploy in order to further try and limit Second Amendment rights. 'Gun Control' has many faces and this is but one example along with the wish to apply bans on 'evil black rifles' and magazine capacity etc. As usual the long term objective is as ever the intention to eventually eradicate gun ownership altogether, which of course would only ever affect the law abiding. Back to Top The broad money supply rebounded in April, according to the latest data released by the Monetary Authority of Macau, with the share denominated in patacas holding stable. Currency in circulation and demand deposits dropped 1.4 percent and 0.2 percent respectively, according to the Authority. Quasi-monetary liabilities rose 1.3 percent. Resident deposits rose 1.1 percent from the preceding month to MOP594.8 billion whereas non-resident deposits dropped 4.2 percent to MOP234.9 billion. Public sector deposits with the banking sector increased 0.5 percent to MOP197 billion. The shares denominated in MOP, HKD, RMB and USD in total deposits were 20.4 percent, 52.1 percent, 4.2 percent and 19.7 percent respectively. At end-April, the loan-to-deposit ratio for the resident sector rose from 59.2 percent at end-March to 59.6 percent. Concurrently, the non-performing loan ratio remained virtually stable at 0.2 percent. BOC launches online parking payment service The Bank of China Macau branch has signed a cooperation agreement with Union Pay and the regions parking lot management company to launch an online parking payment service. This service combines the parking lot plate recognition technology with the bankcard quick payment technology. When a car owner leaves a public parking lot where this service is available, they can automatically debit the card for the parking fees without the need for cash payment. This service is expected to be available by the end of this month. SAR residents complain about investment in Zhuhai More than 500 residents from the two SARs have blamed Zhuhais Yale Mansion for cheating them out of their money. According to reports by Hong Kong press, these residents purchased stores within Yale Mans Yangming Plaza in Zhuhai. Yale Mansion promised to pay rent of RMB 200 million per month in total to all buyers. However, starting from May 2018, Yale Mansion stopped paying back the rent, claiming that the company had been taken over by another company, which refused to issue the rent, having given the property owners several excuses as to why the payments had not been forthcoming. Air China is to resume regular flights between Beijing and Pyongyang after a six-month hiatus, in the latest sign that the maximum pressure campaign on North Korea may be easing. Chinas flagship carrier will resume services today after halting them in November, a spokesman for the company confirmed in a WeChat message. The resumption is a market-oriented decision, he said. The flights were stopped after North Koreas nuclear test and missile launches last year. But ties have since warmed, with leaders Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un holding meetings in March and May. The apparent detente seems at odds with assertions that pressure should remain on North Korea until it shows demonstrable progress toward denuclearization. U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis said in Singapore on Sunday that all United Nations Security Council resolutions on the regime must stay in place. North Korea will receive relief only when it demonstrates verifiable and irreversible steps to denuclearization, he said. Meanwhile U.S. President Donald Trump has taken to using a softer tone on the maximum pressure campaign, saying last week: I dont want to use that term. Because were getting along. Property prices on the North Korean border with China appear to have been rising in response to the apparent thawing in relations. New-home prices in Dandong, a city that sits across the Yalu River from North Korea, gained a record 2 percent in April from March, according to data from Chinas National Bureau of Statistics. Dandong is a barometer on how well the sanctions are working to starve North Korea of funds. About 80 percent of North Koreas international trade is with China, much of it through the frontier town filled with shopkeepers, smugglers and real-estate dealers whose fortunes rise and fall with the trade across the River Yalu. Bloomberg Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte recently sparked outrage when he kissed a married woman on stage during a meeting with the Filipino community in Seoul. The various responses to the action were expressed by the community on social media. The president was recently in South Korea, where he jested that he would give a book in exchange for a kiss, an offer which one woman accepted. Although Duterte clarified that the kiss was just a gimmick to make people giddy, many were disappointed with the move, noting that it was inappropriate. Several Filipinos in the region shared this belief. It is not good for a president to act that way especially when he was the one who insisted [on] the kiss on the lips, said one, who declined to be identified. It may not be malicious for him but how about those who have watched? she added. It does not matter [if it was consensual or not], he shouldnt be acting like this, said another. Jayvee Fontanilla argued that he may have pleased his fans in the meeting room in Seoul, yet has also set a bad example to the younger generation; noting that the woman is married with two children. These kinds of actions have a significant impact [on] the children. It will bring confusion to them and have them think that it is okay to kiss women [on] the lips even if they are already married, he said. He must act not only as leader of our country but also as [a] role model to the young people, Fontanilla added. Duterte kissed the woman on the lips in front of a 3,000-strong crowd, drawing cheers from those present. However, a migrant worker in Macau, Glenda Almazar, did not place much emphasis on the presidents act, noting that Duterte knew the consequences. He allowed it and he is aware of the consequences. He just has to deal with it. Although the woman should have not agreed, the president should also [not] tolerate this move. she said. A presidential spokesperson said to CNN Philippines that the controversial kiss was a light moment that is very accepted in the culture of Filipinos, which also sparked outrage from netizens. Some lamented that the president also jokes about women being raped and murdered, and jested about encouraging his soldiers to engage in such atrocities. The move was also described as the disgusting theatrics of a misogynist president by Philippines rights group Gabriela. Duterte has in the past been called sexist and a misogynist for his comments about women. LV Many domestic helpers in the city are being attracted to work in mainland China, despite its illegality, due to a promised higher monthly wage. A former domestic helper in Macau who now illegally resides in Shanghai spoke to the Times, explaining how many of her compatriots prefer to work in mainland China despite not acquiring a legal stay permit. The Filipino migrant, who declined to be identified, admitted to having been recruited by an agency in Macau to work in Chinas biggest city. According to her, she also has compatriots who are working in Shanghai who previously worked in the SAR. I prefer to work here. I think workers in Macau have more freedom than we do but here we have [a] reasonable monthly income, she said. The Filipino national lives with her employers and has four days off each month. She further explained that their salaries can significantly increase after only residing in Shanghai for a year an increase that is unlikely to be given in the MSAR. When youre just new to Shanghai from Macau or the Philippines, the salary ranges from RMB5,000 to RMB6,500, depending on the agency, she said. After a year, you can apply to other agencies and change employers where you can earn RMB7,500, she added. Shanghai began allowing foreign residents to hire domestic helpers from overseas in July 2015, but Chinese citizens were still banned from employing them. Many Filipino domestic workers were pleased when William J. Lima, a top-level envoy to Beijing, recently announced that the two countries are expected to sign a landmark agreement by the end of this year, which would grant legal employment status to 300,000 workers. However, many are still confused over the possible agreement, and many are willing to take the risk when failing to find an employer in the region. According to the president of the Filipino Community Alliance of Macau (FilCAM), Hazel Mamanghon, workers eagerly accept an attractive offer from a fellow compatriot to work in the neighboring region. There are already many rumors about that issue and we also know that we have compatriots who are already working in China illegally. The problem is when their employers deceived them on their salaries, they cannot make complaints as they are also aware that what they did was illegal, said Mamanghon. The offer is attractive, so even when its risky, they grab it. Its also our fellow compatriots who offer them these jobs, he added. In a Filipino Facebook group Bahay Kubo sa Macau, which translates to Nipa Hut in Macau, a few members of the community post offers to hire their fellow nationals to work in the mainland, for which many are willing to apply. Nedie Taberdo, chairperson of the Greens Philippines Migrant Workers Union (GPMWU), echoed that eagerness is likely due to the lower income given by employers in Macau. I also see posts on social media on people hiring domestic helpers to work in China and I see a lot of people who are interested. So how much more if the agreement has been signed and working there becomes legal, she commented. Since there are ongoing talks with China, maybe they would provide better working and living conditions, Taberdo added, noting the citys absence of rights protection for its migrant workers particularly domestic helpers. Earlier this year, the Philippine Consulate General in Macau reminded Filipinos in the city that it is illegal to work and obtain employment in China as domestic workers and private tutors. It reminded them to exercise caution in dealing with agents, individuals and recruitment agencies in Macau and in the Philippines who offer employment in the region. In a reply to Times last week, in bid to remind the nationals of the illegality of work, Lilybeth Deapera, Philippine Consul General, said in a statement that the matter has also been discussed among members of the Filipino community leaders meetings. In cases where victims and/or relatives of victims approach the Philippine Consulate in Macau for assistance, they are referred to the proper consulate in China, which has jurisdiction over the territory where they were caught, she said. In some instances, this Post learned of the particular cases from its counterparts, the official added. Spains ousted prime minister Mariano Rajoy announced yesterday he will step down as leader of the countrys conservative Popular Party, just days after his government fell in a no-confidence vote prompted by a corruption scandal. An emotional Rajoy, who has led the party for 15 years, told party members in Madrid that it was time to end his journey and hand over the leadership to someone else at a party congress later this year. It is the best for me and for the Popular Party, and I think for Spain as well, the 63-year-old politician said. Lawmakers voted to oust Rajoy as prime minister last Friday following a corruption scandal involving several former members of his party. He was replaced as prime minister by Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez. Rajoy, who had served as prime minister since 2011, predicted the new government would only bring political instability to Spain, noting that Sanchez himself had never won an election. The country is being governed by someone systematically rejected by Spaniards when they have been asked their opinion through the ballot boxes, he said. Sanchez is expected to officially announce his full cabinet today but yesterday the Socialist Party revealed some of the new members, including constitutional lawyer Carmen Calvo and European Parliament ex-president Josep Borrell. The choice of Borrell, a 71-year- old Catalan, was criticized by separatists in Catalonia and praised by pro-Spain lawmakers in the politically divided region. AP The Public Security Police Force (PSP) is investigating the case of two videos circulating in social media networks in which a local taxi driver is captured overcharging and engaging in several other instances of misconduct. In the two cases, which occurred between May 15 and May 27, the same taxi driver was filmed asking for a fixed fare of MOP100 and MOP200 respectively to take the passengers to their requested destinations. In the second case, the taxi driver was also filmed threatening the passengers. When called by the PSP to testify about the case, the driver, aged 27, admitted to being the individual in the footage. According to the PSPs information, the man stands accused of seven violations of taxi regulations in addition to overcharging offences, such as not providing help to the passengers in placing luggage in the trunk, failing to be courteous. Thus, he has been referred to the Transport Bureau so that they can proceed with the administrative penalties. The PSP spokesperson mentioned that each of the seven violations of the taxi regulation can incur a fine of MOP1,000. Furthermore, the spokesperson also revealed that the same driver has been accused of 20 counts taxi malpractice since last year. In the second case of video footage, the driver was recorded threatening a couple from Hong Kong. The police is seeking information that can lead to the identity of the couple as, unlike the malpractice of the first driver, threatening is a punishable crime but depends on the submission of a complaint by the involved. In a separate case, on June 3, a different taxi driver was accused of blackmailing three passengers from the mainland who entered the taxi at Avenida de Kwong Tung in Taipa and headed to Avenida 24 de Junho in Macau. Besides overcharging the passengers, asking MOP200 for the ride, he claimed that one of the passengers damaged the taxi door when he tried to depart, and the driver was seeking MOP3,000 in compensation. To the police, the driver said that the passengers caused the damage and that one of them attempted to film the incident on his mobile phone. The passengers said he tried to stop them from leaving, using a number of profanities and even injuring one of them on the shoulder. The police inspected the car and could not find any damage. They asked the driver to identify the precise location of the damage, but he failed to provide a response. The police are treating the case as blackmail since the driver was claiming compensation for non-existent damage. According to the latest figures, from January to April this year, the police have recorded a total of 2,417 cases of taxi malpractice, from which 1,520 were related to overcharging and 544 to refusing to provide transportation. RM A delegation led by the deputy director of the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Cheng Wai Tong, attended the City of Gastronomy Festival in Parma earlier this month. There, they met with representatives of Slow Food International to gain a deeper understanding of the international slow food culture. The City of Gastronomy Festival aims to open the eyes of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) members to the gastronomic culture and traditions of Parma, while offering a platform for them to showcase the scope of their citys culinary offerings, and exchange insights. The Festival was attended by representatives of eight UCCN member cities in the field of gastronomy: Gaziantep (Turkey), Bergen (Norway), Tsuruoka (Japan), Macao (China), Paraty (Brazil), Denia (Spain), Belem (Brazil) and Alba (Italy). The event was staged in the heart of Parma in Italy, where MGTO set up a stand for Macau at the expository UNESCO Area at Piazza Ghiaia and joined forces with the Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) to showcase Macaus destination glamour and distribute almond cookies to local citizens, marking its presence as a newly-designated UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Food and Beverage executive assistant manager of IFT, David Wong, and Food and Beverage Chef de Cuisine of IFT, Hans Lee Rasmussen, demonstrated the culinary range of Macanese cuisine at the cooking show held at Piazza Garibaldi. The two-day event also featured pop-up restaurants, meetings, talk shows, and kids labs, drawing a multitude of local and visiting spectators to create a lively scene. Making use of the occasion, MGTO visited the University of Gastronomic Sciences and had an official meeting with representatives of Slow Food International, an association based in Italy, to exchange perspectives and learn more about the international culture of slow food. The representatives include Secretary General of Slow Food International, Paolo Di Croce, East Asia Director of Slow Food International, Carlotta Baitone, and Coordinator of Slow Food Great China, Ling Kuangsung. The Italian city of Parma was designated as a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO in 2015. On this visit, MGTO made its debut with IFT in a cooking show at another City of Gastronomy, following Macaus new designation. Macau was designated as a member city of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of Gastronomy on October 31, 2017, having become the third city in China to join UCCN in the field of gastronomy. As pledged in the application, local authorities plan to implement a four-year action plan as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, with 2018 kicked off as the Macau Year of Gastronomy, a major highlight of the action plan. The Supreme Court ruled for a Colorado baker who wouldnt make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple in a limited decision that leaves for another day the larger issue of whether a business can invoke religious objections to refuse service to gay and lesbian people. The justices decision yesterday [Macau time] turned on what the court described as anti-religious bias on the Colorado Civil Rights Commission when it ruled against baker Jack Phillips. The justices voted 7-2 that the commission violated Phillips rights under the First Amendment. The case had been eagerly anticipated as, variously, a potentially strong statement about the rights of LGBT people or the courts first ruling carving out exceptions to an anti-discrimination law. In the end, the decision was modest enough to attract the votes of liberal and conservative justices on a subject that had the potential for sharp division. Justice Anthony Kennedy said in his majority opinion that the larger issue must await further elaboration in the courts. Appeals in similar cases are pending, including one at the Supreme Court from a florist who didnt want to provide flowers for a same-sex wedding. The disputes, Kennedy wrote, must be resolved with tolerance, without undue disrespect to sincere religious beliefs, and without subjecting gay persons to indignities when they seek goods and services in an open market. The same-sex couple at the heart of the case, Charlie Craig and Dave Mullins, complained to the Colorado commission in 2012 after they visited Phillips Masterpiece Cakeshop in suburban Denver and the baker quickly told them he would not create a cake for their wedding celebration. They were married in Massachusetts because same sex marriage was not yet legal in Colorado. Colorado law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and the commission concluded that Phillips refusal violated the law, despite Phillips argument that he is opposed to same-sex marriage on religious grounds. Colorado state courts upheld the determination. But when the justices heard arguments in December, Kennedy was plainly bothered by comments by a commission member that the justice said disparaged religion. The commissioner seemed neither tolerant nor respectful of Mr. Phillips religious beliefs, Kennedy said in December. That same sentiment coursed through his opinion. The commissions hostility was inconsistent with the First Amendments guarantee that our laws be applied in a manner that is neutral toward religion, he wrote. Liberal justices Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan joined the conservative justices in the outcome. Kagan wrote separately to emphasize the limited ruling. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor dissented. There is much in the courts opinion with which I agree, Ginsburg wrote of Kennedys repeated references to protecting the rights of gay people. I strongly disagree, however, with the courts conclusion that Craig and Mullins should lose this case. The Trump administration intervened in the case on Phillips behalf, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions praised the decision. The First Amendment prohibits governments from discriminating against citizens on the basis of religious beliefs. The Supreme Court rightly concluded that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission failed to show tolerance and respect for Mr. Phillips religious beliefs, Sessions said. President Donald Trump was unusually vague about the decision, simply tweeting, Big Supreme Court ruling for Baker just out! more than 11 hours later. Kristen Waggoner, the Alliance Defending Freedom senior counsel who argued Phillips case, said the court was right to condemn the commissions open antagonism toward Phillips religious beliefs about marriage. Waggoner said Phillips is willing to sell ready-made products to anyone who enters his store. But, he simply declines to express messages or celebrate events that violate his deeply held beliefs, she said. Phillips was at his shop Monday morning, where he was busy answering the phone and getting congratulations from his supporters in person, including his pastor. One woman brought him balloons and others hugged him. The American Civil Liberties Union, which represented the couple in its legal fight, said it was pleased the court did not endorse a broad religion-based exemption from anti-discrimination laws. We read this decision as a reaffirmation of the courts longstanding commitment to civil rights protections and the reality that the states have the power to protect everyone in America from discrimination, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, said James Esseks, director of the ACLU LGBT & HIV Project. Waggoner and Esseks disagreed about the rulings effect on Phillips wedding cake business. Waggoner said her client can resume his refusal to make cakes for same-sex marriages without fear of a new legal fight. But Esseks said that if another same-sex couple were to ask Phillips for a wedding cake, I see no reason in this opinion that Masterpiece Cakeshop is free to turn them away. Craig, one of the plaintiffs, said Monday night he will continue to fight against discrimination. He told supporters during a rally at the Colorado Capitol that he and his partner brought the case because no one should have to face the shame, embarrassment and humiliation of being told we dont serve your kind here. Several other legal disputes are pending over wedding services, similar to the Phillips case. In addition to florists, video producers and graphic artists are among business owners who say they oppose same-sex marriage on religious grounds and dont want to participate in same-sex weddings. Barronelle Stutzman, a florist in Richland, Washington, has appealed a state Supreme Court ruling that found she violated state law for refusing to provide the wedding flowers for two men who were about to be married. The justices could decide what to do with that appeal by the end of June. Mark Sherman, Washington, AP Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. is a supplier of precision instruments and services. The firm manufactures weighing instruments for use in laboratory, industrial, packaging, logistics, and food retailing applications. It also manufactures several related analytical instruments and provides automated chemistry solutions used in drug and chemical compound discovery and development; and also, metal detection and other end-of-line inspection systems used in production and packaging and provides solutions for use in certain process analytics applications. Its operations are conducted by the following segments: U. S. Operations, Swiss Operations, Western European Operations, Chinese Operations and Other. The U.S. Operations segment represents certain of the company's marketing and producing organizations located in the United States. The Swiss Operations segment includes marketing and producing organizations located in Switzerland, as well as extensive R&D operations that are responsible for the development, production, and marketing of precision instruments, including weighing, analytical, and measurement technologies for use in a variety of industrial and laboratory applications. Th Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Colgate-Palmolive: 887357 Ontario Inc., COLGALIVE S.A., CP GABA GmbH, CP International Holding C.V., CP West East Investment Limited, Cleaning Dimensions Inc., Colgate (BVI) Limited, Colgate (Guangzhou) Company Limited, Colgate (U.K.) Limited, Colgate Business Services of the Americas S.C., Colgate Flavors and Fragrances Inc., Colgate Global Business Services Private Limited, Colgate Holdings, Colgate Inc., Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals Inc., Colgate Palmolive Ghana Limited, Colgate Palmolive Holding S.Com.P.A., Colgate Palmolive Nouvelle Caledonie Sarl, Colgate Palmolive Tanzania Limited, Colgate Sanxiao Company Limited, Colgate Venture Company Inc., Colgate-Palmolive (America) Inc., Colgate-Palmolive (Asia) Pte Ltd, Colgate-Palmolive (Blantyre) Limited, Colgate-Palmolive (Brunei) Sdn Bhn, Colgate-Palmolive (Central America) Inc., Colgate-Palmolive (Central America) Inc. y Compania Limitada, Colgate-Palmolive (Centro America) S.A., Colgate-Palmolive (China) Co. Ltd, Colgate-Palmolive (Costa Rica) S.A., Colgate-Palmolive (Dominica) Inc., Colgate-Palmolive (Dominican Republic) Inc., Colgate-Palmolive (East Africa) Limited, Colgate-Palmolive (Eastern) Pte. Ltd., Colgate-Palmolive (Egypt) S.A.E., Colgate-Palmolive (Far East) Sdn Bhd, Colgate-Palmolive (Fiji) Pte Limited, Colgate-Palmolive (Gabon) S.A., Colgate-Palmolive (Guyana) Ltd., Colgate-Palmolive (H.K.) Limited, Colgate-Palmolive (Hellas) S.A. I.C., Colgate-Palmolive (Hong Kong) Holding Limited, Colgate-Palmolive (Kazakhstan) L.L.P., Colgate-Palmolive (Latvia) Ltd., Colgate-Palmolive (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Colgate-Palmolive (Middle East Exports) Ltd., Colgate-Palmolive (Myanmar) Limited, Colgate-Palmolive (New York) Inc., Colgate-Palmolive (Poland) Sp. z o.o., Colgate-Palmolive (Proprietary) Limited, Colgate-Palmolive (Research & Development) Inc., Colgate-Palmolive (Romania) SRL, Colgate-Palmolive (Thailand) Limited, Colgate-Palmolive (UK) Limited, Colgate-Palmolive (Uganda) Limited, Colgate-Palmolive (Vietnam) Ltd., Colgate-Palmolive (Zambia) Inc., Colgate-Palmolive (Zimbabwe) Inc., Colgate-Palmolive A.B., Colgate-Palmolive A/S, Colgate-Palmolive Adria Ltd., Colgate-Palmolive Argentina S.A., Colgate-Palmolive Asia Pacific Limited, Colgate-Palmolive Asia Pacific Treasury Services Limited, Colgate-Palmolive Belgium S.A., Colgate-Palmolive Bolivia Ltda., Colgate-Palmolive Canada Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Caricom Service Co. Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Central European Management Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Chile S.A., Colgate-Palmolive Cia., Colgate-Palmolive Comercial Ltda., Colgate-Palmolive Commercial (Hellas) SP LLC, Colgate-Palmolive Commerciale S.A.S., Colgate-Palmolive Commericale S.r.l., Colgate-Palmolive Compania Anonima, Colgate-Palmolive Company Distr. LLC, Colgate-Palmolive Company GmbH, Colgate-Palmolive Cote dIvoire S.A., Colgate-Palmolive Cyprus Limited, Colgate-Palmolive Development Corp., Colgate-Palmolive East West Africa Region (Pty) Ltd, Colgate-Palmolive Enterprises Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Espana S.A., Colgate-Palmolive Europe (Holdings) Sarl, Colgate-Palmolive Europe Sarl, Colgate-Palmolive Finance (UK) plc, Colgate-Palmolive Global Trading Company, Colgate-Palmolive Holding Argentina S.A., Colgate-Palmolive Holding Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Hungary Kft Limited Liability Company, Colgate-Palmolive IHQ Services (Thailand) Limited, Colgate-Palmolive Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Inc. S.A., Colgate-Palmolive Industrial Ltda., Colgate-Palmolive Industriel S.A.S., Colgate-Palmolive International Holding LLC, Colgate-Palmolive International LLC, Colgate-Palmolive Investment Co. Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Investments (BVI) Ltd., Colgate-Palmolive Investments (PNG) Ltd., Colgate-Palmolive Investments (UK) Limited, Colgate-Palmolive Investments Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Israel Ltd., Colgate-Palmolive Italia S.r.l., Colgate-Palmolive JSC, Colgate-Palmolive Lanka (Private) Limited, Colgate-Palmolive Latin America Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Limited, Colgate-Palmolive Manufacturing (Poland) Sp. z o.o., Colgate-Palmolive Marketing Sdn Bhd, Colgate-Palmolive Maroc S.A., Colgate-Palmolive Mocambique Limitada, Colgate-Palmolive NJ Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Nederland B.V., Colgate-Palmolive Norge A/S, Colgate-Palmolive Participacoes e Investimentos Imobiliarios Lda., Colgate-Palmolive Peru S.A., Colgate-Palmolive Philippines Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Pty Ltd, Colgate-Palmolive Retirement Trustee Limited, Colgate-Palmolive S.A. de C.V., Colgate-Palmolive S.p.A., Colgate-Palmolive Senegal S.A., Colgate-Palmolive Services (Hellas) LLC, Colgate-Palmolive Services (Poland) Sp. z o.o., Colgate-Palmolive Services CEW GmbH, Colgate-Palmolive Services S.A., Colgate-Palmolive Slovensko s.r.o., Colgate-Palmolive Support Services, Colgate-Palmolive Temizlik Urunleri Sanayi ve Ticart S.A., Colgate-Palmolive Transnational Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Ukraine LLC, Colgate-Palmolive Unipessoal Lda, Colgate-Palmolive de Paraguay Sociedad Anonima, Colgate-Palmolive de Puerto Rico Inc., Colgate-Palmolive del Ecuador S.A.I.C., Colgate-Palmolive del Peru (Delaware) Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Eeska republika spol. s r.o., Colpal CBS S de R. L. de C. V., Consumer Viewpoint Center Inc., Cotelle S.A., Dimac Development Corp., Dominica Coconut Products Limited, EKIB Inc., ELM Company Limited, Elta MD Holdings Inc., Elta MD Inc., EltaMD, Filorga Americas Inc., Filorga Asia Limited, Filorga Benelux SA, Filorga Cosmetiques Polska, Filorga Middle East DMCC, Filorga Portugal Unipessoal Lda., Filorga RU Limited Liability Company, GABA Europe Holding GmbH, GABA International, GABA International Holding LLC, GABA Schweiz AG, GABA Therwil GmbH, Gamma Development Co. Ltd., Global Trading and Supply LLC, Hamol Ltd., Hello Products, Hello Products LLC, Hills Funding Company, Hills Pet Nutrition (NZ) Limited, Hills Pet Nutrition (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Hills Pet Nutrition Asia Limited, Hills Pet Nutrition B.V., Hills Pet Nutrition Canada Inc., Hills Pet Nutrition Denmark ApS, Hills Pet Nutrition Espana S.L., Hills Pet Nutrition GmbH, Hills Pet Nutrition Holding B.V., Hills Pet Nutrition Inc., Hills Pet Nutrition Indiana Inc., Hills Pet Nutrition Italia S.r.l., Hills Pet Nutrition Korea Ltd., Hills Pet Nutrition Ltd., Hills Pet Nutrition Manufacturing B.V., Hills Pet Nutrition Manufacturing s.r.o, Hills Pet Nutrition Norway AS, Hills Pet Nutrition OOO, Hills Pet Nutrition Pty. Limited, Hills Pet Nutrition S.p.A., Hills Pet Nutrition SNC, Hills Pet Nutrition Sales Inc., Hills Pet Nutrition South Africa Proprietary Limited, Hills Pet Nutrition Sweden AB, Hills Pet Nutrition Switzerland GmbH, Hills Pet Nutrition Taiwan Ltd, Hills Pet Nutrition Trading (GZ) Co. Ltd, Hills Pet Nutrition de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Hills Pet Nutrition de Puerto Rico Inc., Hills Pet Nutrition s.r.o., Hills Pet Products (Benelux) S.A., Hills Pet Products Inc., Hills Veterinary Companies of America Inc., Hills-Colgate (Japan) Ltd., Hopro Liquidating Corp., Hygiene Systemes et Services SA, IES Enterprises Inc., Inmobiliaria Colpal S. de R.L. de C.V., Inmobiliaria Hills S.A. de C.V., Innovacion Creativa S.A. de C.V., Kolynos Corporation, Laboratoires Filorga Cosmetiques Espana S.L.U., Laboratoires Filorga Cosmetiques Italia S.R.L., Laboratoires Filorga Cosmetiques S.A., Laser Brand Toothpaste, Lournay Sales Inc., Mennen Company, Mennen Interamerica Ltd., Mennen Limited, Mennen South Africa Ltd., Mennen de Chile Ltd., Mennen de Nicargua S.A., Mission Hills Property Corporation, Mission Hills S.A. de C.V., Norwood International Incorporated, Olive Music Publishing Corporation, PCA SKIN, Paramount Research Inc., Penny LLC, Pet Chemicals Inc., Physicians Care Alliance LLC, Productos Halogenados Copalven C.A., Purity Holding Company, Purity Music Publishing Corporation, Refresh Company Limited, Samuel Taylor Holdings B.V., Sanex, Sanxiao Company Limited, Services Development Co. Ltd., Societe Generale de Negoce et de Services (GENESE) S.A., The GDN - The Global Distributive Network SAS, The Lournay Company Inc., The MPDP - The Medical and Pharmaceutic Distributive Platform SAS, The Murphy-Phoenix Company, Tom's of Maine, Toms of Maine Holdings Inc., Toms of Maine Inc., Veterinary Companies of America Inc., Vipont Pharmaceutical Inc., and XEB Inc.. An increasing number of Britons are shunning alcohol, a poll suggests, driven by growing health considerations Britain has celebrated its drinking culture for centuries but initiatives such as the "Dry January" campaign show body-conscious adults are now shunning alcohol in record numbersa phenomenon seized upon by the drinks industry. "I actually realised I slept better, I felt great, I had a lot more energy," 47-year-old Stuart Elkington said after he made the decision seven years ago to give up alcohol while trying to start a family with his partner. A 2017 poll showed that 57 percent of 7,100 respondents said they had drunk alcohol in the previous weekthe lowest level since the annual survey, conducted by the Office for National Statistics, was launched in 2005, when the figure stood at 64 percent. That has translated into a rise in the number of Britons who say they do not touch a drop of alcoholjust over a fifth of those questioned last year, compared to 18.8 percent 12 years earlier. The trend is particularly noticeable among those aged 25 to 44, where the figure climbed five points to 20.6 percent. For all the benefits he felt after just six months of alcohol abstinence though, Elkington said he had one frustration. "The one thing I did miss was actually having a beer. When I went and tried to find a really tasty beer I couldn't really find one," he told AFP. Fewer calories Taking matters into his own hands, in 2016 he launched Dry Drinker, an online company selling beer, wine, sparkling wine and other alcohol-free or low-alcohol drinks. The range rapidly expanded and today comprises more than 100 products. "When you've got kids and a family or a busy life you don't really want to waste your time with hangovers," he said. "For me it was about having the best of both worlds: I could enjoy some fantastic beer but without the negative aspects." Elkington said that sales had skyrocketed on the back of demand for products offering "the taste of alcohol but without alcohol". The trend seems to have been amplified by the popularity of "Dry January", which became a formal campaign in 2013, when people give up alcohol for a month after the excesses of the holiday season. According to its instigators Alcohol Concern, five million Britons took part last year. The alcohol industry has seized on the trend for alcohol abstinence in Britain, where sales in 2017 of alcohol-free wine rose eight percent from 2015, according to consumer researcher Kantar Worldpanel Sales of beer and cider containing less than 1.2 percent alcohol jumped by nearly 28 percent in 2017 compared to 2015, with demand for alcohol-free wine rising eight percent, according to consumer researcher Kantar Worldpanel. The main driver of demand is "growing health-consciousness amongst consumers and greater awareness of the risks associated with heavy alcohol consumption," BMI Research analysts reported. Similar trends have been seen across developed nations. "Low-alcohol drinks also have lower calories than conventional alcoholic drinks," it added. Quality flavour Both the alcohol and mass retail industries have rushed into the blossoming sector. "What you inevitably have in a shrinking market is people fighting harder for their market share," said John Timothy, who heads Portman Group, the British alcohol lobbyist. Producers are spending millions of pounds on bringing "much better quality" low-alcohol products to market. Several alcohol-free beers have recently been launched on the British market, including one by the world's largest brewer, AB InBev. The Belgian-Brazilian company estimates that alcohol-free or low-alcohol beers will account for one fifth of its beer sales by volume by 2025. British supermarket giant Tesco recently launched a range of wines with less than 0.5 percent alcohol, which, it boasts, is "virtually indistinguishable" from a full-alcohol product thanks to a technique "that gently removes the alcohol without sacrificing the aroma, quality and flavour profile of the wine". Rival Marks and Spencer is also on board. "We had this idea with our supplier in South Africa called 'Journey's end' to develop a high quality wine that would be lower in alcohol and lower in calories because we saw that consumers were increasingly aware in the UK of calories generally," its sommelier Sue Daniels said. "Certainly for us we don't now see it as a niche market, we see it as a market we want to expand," she added. As a sign of the times, the Great British Beer Festival, which will in August transform a London exhibition centre into the world's biggest pub, will buck tradition and offer alcohol-free beers for the first time in its history. Explore further Labeling alcoholic drinks as lower in strength could encourage people to drink more 2018 AFP A combination of the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol can help bring closure to some women and their families suffering from miscarriage, and reduces the need for surgical intervention to complete the painful miscarriage process. Results of a new clinical trial led by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, show that while the standard drug regimen using misoprostol on its own frequently fails to complete the miscarriage, a combination of misoprostol and the drug mifepristone works much more reliably. The report is published today in the New England Journal of Medicine. Each year in the United States alone approximately 1 million women have miscarriages. When the body does not expel the pregnancy tissue on its ownthe final part of a miscarriagewomen need to undergo a surgical procedure or take the drug misoprostol. Though often preferable for its convenience and privacypatients can take it in the comfort of their own homesmisoprostol does not always work, and many women who use misoprostol are still left with no option but to undergo an invasive procedure they wished to avoid, prolonging an already physically and emotionally difficult situation. "Though rarely discussed openly, miscarriage is the most common complication of pregnancy, and the public health burden is both physical and psychological. For too many women, misoprostol alone just leads to frustration. I have seen my patients suffer from the insult of the treatment failure added to the injury of the initial loss," said study lead author Courtney A. Schreiber, MD, MPH, chief of the division of Family Planning and an associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. "As physicians, we have to do better for these patients, and our new study shows that by combining mifepristone with misoprostol, we can." Mifepristone is used along with misoprostol to induce abortion in early pregnancy. But the effectiveness of mifepristone-misoprostol for miscarriage patients, in comparison to the commonly used misoprostol alone, has been unclear. In the new study, 300 women who had been diagnosed with early pregnancy lossdescribed as a miscarriage in the first trimesterwere assigned to receive the standard 800 micrograms of misoprostol placed vaginally. Half were also randomly assigned to receive pretreatment with a 200 mg pill of mifepristone, which primes the uterus to respond to misoprostol's contraction-inducing effect. The researchers found that overall, 91.2 percent of women receiving the mifepristone pretreatment plus misoprostol experienced gestational sac expulsionthe definition of a completed miscarriage83.8 percent by their first follow-up visit, which occurred two days after the treatment on average. Misoprostol alone was only effective 75.8 percent of the time, with 67.1 percent completing by their first follow up visit. The researchers looked at a variety of outcomes in the study, and essentially all were better for the women taking mifepristone plus misoprostol. Patients assigned to this group, for example, had a much lower chance (8.8 percent) of needing a surgical intervention by day 30, compared to 23.5 percent for the misoprostol-alone group. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of pain, bleeding, or other side-effects. Notably, serious side effects were rare in both groups. Mifepristone is a highly regulated medication. At present, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that the drug be dispensed only in registered hospitals, clinics and doctor's offices, but not in retail pharmacies. Schreiber says that physicians who wish to treat women with miscarriagesincluding but not limited to physicians in obstetrics, internal medicine, emergency medicine, and family medicineshould consider registration. "High-quality care for women who suffer miscarriage not only improves physical outcomes, but helps alleviate the psychosocial stress that can accompany the loss of a pregnancy," she says. "Given how common miscarriage is and the effectiveness of the drug combination as shown in this new study, any doctor who cares for women who become pregnant, and therefore could have a miscarriage, should be registered to prescribe and dispense mifepristone." Explore further Faster delivery for induction with misoprostol plus cervical foley Credit: CC0 Public Domain It's estimated that nearly one-third of all cancer deaths are caused not by the cancer itself but by cachexiaa debilitating muscle-wasting syndrome that affects an estimated 80 percent of advanced cancer patients. Cachexia is linked to reduced tolerance for cancer therapy, poor quality of life, and accelerated death, but there are no effective treatments and its cause is still largely unknown. A new study from Columbia University Irving Medical Center suggests that an overload of zinc in patients' muscles may be the culprit. The findings, published online today in Nature Medicine, could pave the way for the development of drugs to treat or prevent muscle wasting in advanced cancer patients. Cachexia occurs in many types of cancers, including pancreatic, gastrointestinal, lung, and head and neck cancers. Yet the condition remains poorly understood, due in part to limited research funding in this area, difficulty developing animal models that accurately replicate the condition in human cancer, and a lack of reliable biomarkers to help diagnose cachexia early and monitor its progression during cancer treatment. "There's a common misconception that cachexia is just a nutritional problem caused by a loss of appetite stemming from the cancer or its treatments," says study leader Swarnali Acharyya, Ph.D., assistant professor of pathology & cell biology in the Institute of Cancer Genetics at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. "Cachectic patients are typically given appetite stimulants, but these remedies only help temporarily and cannot reverse cachexia. As cachexia continues to break down muscle, patients often become too weak to tolerate standard doses of anti-cancer therapies, and their doctors have to scale back treatment. Cachexia can also weaken the muscles of the diaphragm and the heart, causing many cancer patients to die from respiratory or heart failure. To find better ways of treating this condition, we need to learn more about its underlying cause and the molecular mechanisms associated with this syndrome." In the study, Acharyya's team looked in the muscles of mice with cachexia to see if they could find differences compared with normal muscles. The analysis revealed greater activity of a protein called ZIP14, which is typically expressed in liver cells to facilitate metal transport but was found to be abnormally expressed in muscles of the cancer models. They also found high levels of ZIP14 in samples of muscle tissue from cancer patients with cachexia, suggesting a link between ZIP14 and cachexia in people. Excess zinc uptake in muscle leads to muscle wasting in cancer, the researchers found, by breaking down mature muscle cells and preventing stem cells from making new muscle fibers. The reason why ZIP14 pumps more zinc into muscles in cachexia was traced back to the systemic effects of cancer. The researchers found that two factorsTNF-alpha and TGF-beta, which are associated with advanced cancerincrease ZIP14 expression in muscle. "We often think cancer injures the body by spreading and invading vital organs," Acharyya says. "But cancer can also injure in another way, by releasing substances that affect other areas of the body that are cancer-free. This is an area that is often overlooked in cancer biology research, but addressing it during cancer treatment could have an important impact on patient survival and quality of life." The discovery of zinc and ZIP14's connection with cachexia may lead to ways to reduce cachexia's impact on patients. In the study, reducing ZIP14 in muscle cells markedly reduced cachexia, suggesting that drugs that inhibit ZIP14 could improve cancer survival and quality of life. "Zinc is essential for maintaining many functions in our body, and is often taken as a supplement," says Acharyya. "But excess zinc supplementation may not always be a good thing, because we saw that giving excess zinc supplements to mice with tumors accelerated their muscle wasting and weight loss. With more translational studies, clinicians and patients may need to reconsider the practice of using zinc supplements, especially if they have tumors commonly associated with cachexia." Dr. Acharyya is currently designing strategies to inactivate ZIP14 with Anup Biswas, Ph.D., one of the lead authors of this study. These efforts could lead to the development of therapies to combat cancer cachexia in the future. The paper is titled, "Metastatic cancers promote cachexia through ZIP14 upregulation in skeletal muscle." Explore further Cancer wasting due in part to tumor factors that block muscle repair, study shows More information: Gang Wang et al, Metastatic cancers promote cachexia through ZIP14 upregulation in skeletal muscle, Nature Medicine (2018). Journal information: Nature Medicine Gang Wang et al, Metastatic cancers promote cachexia through ZIP14 upregulation in skeletal muscle,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41591-018-0054-2 A new study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found automated phone calls were far more effective than Facebook ads in getting Baltimore City residents to request a smoke alarm through the city's free installation program. By the end of a campaign that ran in 2014, four hundred and fifty-eight participants who'd received an automated phone call offering free smoke alarm installation requested one versus 25 participants who had seen a Facebook ad about the same smoke alarm campaign. The findings, published May 17, 2018 in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, highlight the challenges of using social media to promote safety initiatives at a time when land line use is dramatically declining. In the past 15 years, the number of households with land lines has dropped from 90 to 40 percent. In contrast, nearly 70 percent of U.S. adults use social media. Smoke alarms are known to reduce the risk of death by at least half and, like several other U.S. cities, Baltimore offers free smoke alarms to residents in an effort to prevent residential fire injuries and deaths. In Maryland, Baltimore City consistently has the highest fire death, more than double the national rate in 2015. "Don't disconnect your landline yet," says Shannon Frattaroli, Ph.D., associate professor in the Bloomberg School's Department of Health Policy and Management and the paper's lead author. "What might be considered old fashioned ways are perhaps are still quite effective. A low cost initiative to reach out with automated calls from Baltimore's fire chief went a long way toward getting people to adopt the behavior we wanted." For the study, the research team worked with the Baltimore City Fire Department to create a campaign encouraging residents to participate in the free smoke alarm program. Working with the Fire Department, the campaign included a series of Facebook ads targeted to city residents as well as automated phone calls to approximately 90,000 households with a recorded message from Fire Chief Niles Ford about the smoke alarm installation service. Three Facebook advertisements were disseminated during October 2014 and included three different images and the message, "Fires act fast. You should too. Protect your family now." The ads included a information about how to connect with the Fire Department to arrange an installation visit. The advertisement was sent to Facebook newsfeeds and mobile newsfeeds of a sample of Baltimore City residents over the age of 18. In total, the ads received 465,666 impressions and reached 128,339 unique users. 99.9 percent of those who viewed the ad did so on a mobile device and the campaign resulted in 6,075 click-throughs to the City's website with information about how to contact the Baltimore City Fire Department. "Facebook was very effective in putting that message out there," says Frattaroli, who is the associate director for outreach at the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy based at the Bloomberg School. "What we didn't see was those messages being converted into actions." The automated phone call was disseminated to approximately 90,000 numbers, but researchers were unable to capture how many people actually heard the call. Upon completion of the messaging campaign, researchers worked with Baltimore City's 311 servicethe phone number and website through which the Fire Department receives smoke alarm installation requeststo track and analyze how requesters learned about the smoke alarm service. 946 requests for smoke alarm installations were made through 311 during October 2014 and, of those, 458 cited the prerecorded phone calls from the Chief as their information source. Only 25 cited Facebook. With landline use declining, researchers say this could impact how public health messages are spread, received, and acted upon. "The enormous reach that the Facebook ads had really did allow this fire prevention message to get into the feeds, onto the phones and desktops of consumers in a short period of time. What was surprising was the lack of conversion of that exposure to the message," Frattaroli says. As consumer habits changeand the ways that they engage with their communities changepublic health professionals will need to adapt to learn how to effectively leverage the communication tools people are using. Explore further One in three households misreports smoke alarm coverage More information: "Utilizing Facebook and automated telephone calls to increase adoption of a local smoke alarm installation program," Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 2018. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Spending more years in full time education is associated with a greater risk of developing short-sightedness (myopia), finds a study published by The BMJ today. The researchers say their study provides "strong evidence" that more time spent in education is a risk factor for myopia, and that the findings "have important implications for educational practices." Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide. Currently, 30-50% of adults in the United States and Europe are myopic, with levels of 80-90% reported in school leavers in some East Asian countries. Based on existing trends, the number of people affected by myopia worldwide is expected to increase from 1.4 billion to 5 billion by 2050, affecting about half of the world's population. Almost 10% of these people (around 9 million) will have high myopia, which carries a greater risk of blindness. Many studies have reported strong links between education and myopia, but it is not clear whether increasing exposure to education causes myopia, myopic children are more studious, or socioeconomic position leads to myopia and higher levels of education. So researchers based at the University of Bristol and Cardiff University set out to determine whether education is a direct (causal) risk factor for myopia, or myopia is a causal risk factor for more years in education. Using a technique called Mendelian randomisation, they analysed 44 genetic variants associated with myopia and 69 genetic variants associated with years of schooling for 67,798 men and women aged 40 to 69 years from the UK Biobank database. Analysing genetic information in this way avoids some of the problems that afflict traditional observational studies, making the results less prone to unmeasured (confounding) factors, and therefore more likely to be reliable. An association that is observed using Mendelian randomisation therefore strengthens the inference of a causal relationship. After taking account of potentially influential factors, Mendelian randomisation analyses suggested that every additional year of education was associated with more myopia (a refractive error of ?0.27 dioptres a year). To put this into context, a university graduate from the UK with 17 years of education would, on average, be at least ?1 dioptre more myopic than someone who left school at 16 (with 12 years of education). This level of myopia would mean needing glasses for driving. By contrast, there was little evidence to suggest that myopia led people to remain in education for longer. The researchers point to some study limitations. For example, UK Biobank participants have been shown to be more highly educated, have healthier lifestyles, and report fewer health issues compared with the general UK population, which may have affected the results. However, there was little evidence that this could explain their findings. "This study shows that exposure to more years in education contributes to the rising prevalence of myopia, and highlights a need for further research and discussion about how educational practices might be improved to achieve better outcomes without adversely affecting vision," they conclude. In a linked editorial, Professor Ian Morgan at the Australian National University and colleagues say the evidence suggests that it is not only genes but environmental and social factors that may have major effects on myopia. They point to East Asia, where early intense educational pressures combined with little time for play outdoors has led to almost 50% of children being myopic by the end of primary school, compared with less than 10% in a study of British children. "Early onset allows more time for myopia to progress to high and potentially pathological myopia," they warn, and they argue that education systems "must change to help protect the visual health of future generations." In a linked opinion piece, study author Denize Atan also points to evidence showing that time spent outdoors in childhood partially protects against the development of myopia. Although reduced exposure to natural daylight might not be the sole mechanism to explain the association between education and myopia, she writes, "given the advantages of time spent outdoors on mental health and the protection it provides against obesity and chronic diseases, we might all benefit from spending more time outside." More information: Education and myopia: assessing the direction of causality by mendelian randomisation: Education and myopia: assessing the direction of causality by mendelian randomisation: www.bmj.com/content/361/bmj.k2022 Editorial: Intense schooling linked to myopia: www.bmj.com/content/361/bmj.k2248 Opinion: Education and myopia: assessing the direction of causality by mendelian randomisation: blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2018/06/06/e elian-randomisation/ Airfares hit record high as carriers hike fuel surcharge Domestic airfares reached a record high after carriers jacked up the fuel surcharge in line with increased aviation fuel prices. The Airline Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) on Tuesday gave the go-ahead to its members to hike ticket prices to reflect higher fuel prices. In a mouse with a functioning stem cell niche, the large intestine consists of numerous villi and crypts. Credit: Bahar Degirmenci, UZH Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered the identity of the stem-cell niche of the colon. The niche comprises special cells that activate the stem cells of the adjacent intestinal epithelium and are responsible for its continuous renewal. Without the activation signal, the epithelium perishes. If it's constantly activated, early stages of cancer develop. The discovery helps to improve our understanding of intestinal cancer and inflammation. The human intestine constantly renews itself. Alone in the colonthe last 1.5 meters of the gastrointestinal tract10 billion epithelial cells are replaced each day. The intestinal epithelium is the layer of cells that forms the lining of both the small and large intestine and is responsible for absorbing nutrients. The regeneration process is driven by stem cells that are found in small folds of the epithelium (crypts), where they are in contact with other cells that produce the signals needed to drive regeneration. The key activating signal that sustains the stem cells is called "Wnt". Colon stem cells perish without signaling A group of UZH researchers, including Konrad Basler from the Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, have now discovered the cells responsible for providing the activating signal to the stem cells. These so-called Gli1-positive cells surround the crypts in the epithelium and thereby form the stem-cell niche. The scientists performed studies in mice to demonstrate that these cells play an essential role in forming and repairing the intestinal epithelium. "If the Gli1-positive cells are eliminated or unable to secrete Wnt proteins, the activation signal is lost. Consequently the colon's stem cells as well as the epithelium will perish, and the organism dies," says Basler. Long-term constant activation leads to colon cancer Just how critical a well-balanced regulation of the intestinal epithelium is also becomes evident when stem cells are driven to constantly divide. If Wnt signaling is stimulated excessively, the stem cells divide in an uncontrolled manner. "Mice with mutations in the Wnt signaling pathways develop polyps, from which colon cancer later develops," adds the molecular biologist. This is also the case for humans. In a mouse without a functioning stem cell niche, the villi and crypts of the large intestine get lost. Credit: Bahar Degirmenci, UZH Niche cells are also responsible for tissue repair In further tests, the researchers examined the behavior of the cells in the stem-cell niche in response to inflammation of the colon. In this situation, many more epithelial cells are lost than in healthy animals. The need for new cells is therefore greater, since the tissue not only has to be maintained but also repaired. The researchers observed that the amount of Gli1-positive cells increased significantly in response to an inflamed colon. "The cells we've discovered are thus not only essential for healthy organisms, but are also essential when it comes to repairing a damaged intestinal epithelium," says Basler. The discovery and description of the colon's stem-cell niche therefore has relevance for a whole string of intestinal diseases, from inflammation to cancer. Schematic representation of the large intestine with GLI1-positive cells in the stem cell niche (bottom, green). Credit: Bahar Degirmenci, UZH More information: Bahar Degirmenci et al, GLI1-expressing mesenchymal cells form the essential Wnt-secreting niche for colon stem cells, Nature (2018). Journal information: Nature Bahar Degirmenci et al, GLI1-expressing mesenchymal cells form the essential Wnt-secreting niche for colon stem cells,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0190-3 The New York Mets have selected 2B Carlos Cortes in the third round: Baseball America Says: No. 177 School: South Carolina Ht: 5-8 | Wt: 185 | B-T: L-B | Commit/Drafted: Mets 16 (20) Scouting Report: An undersized, 5-foot-8, 185-pound draft-eligible sophomore without a true defensive home, Cortes has befuddled scouts dating back to his high school days when he was taken in the 20th round by the Mets. He hasnt been any easier to evaluate at South Carolina, where hes spent the first two seasons of his college career languishing through early season slumps at the plate before breaking out in the second half. After straddling the Mendoza line for the early part of this spring, Cortes has raised his slash line to .253/.380/.526 through 194 at-bats. Known for a short, compact, line drive-producing lefthanded swing, Cortes has swung with a more uphill bat path this season, reducing his contact but resulting in 15 home runs. When hes at his best, Cortes controls the strike zone and shows a knack for finding the barrel, but his strong prep hitting track record has been shakier at the college level. How high Cortes goes in the 2018 draft will largely depend on how much belief teams have in his bat, as Cortes has an unusual defensive profile. Fully ambidextrous, Cortes throws lefthanded when he plays in the outfield, but his arm strength from both arms is fringy and hes a below-average runner. Hell always need to hit to move up the ranks in pro ball. 2080Baseball says- Carlos Cortes, OF, Univ. of South Carolina Ht/Wt: 57/197 B/T: L/R Age (as of 2018 MLB Draft): 20y, 11m Video Cortes utilizes excellent trunk and core strength to produce plus impressive power to the pull side given his size and demonstrates an ability to work for pitches he can drive. There are some plate coverage concerns, which were evident on the Cape last summer, but the raw materials are here for a big league contributor with the stick. Though his .244 batting average would indicate a down year, Cortes demonstrated on base skills by drawing more walks (39) than strikeouts (29) and hit 15 homeruns. The Mets just took Carlos Cortes, 5-foot-7 LF/2B from South Carolina, with their 3rd round pick. There's potentially above-average raw power here, but he underwhelmed this season and scouts are skeptical he has enough bat-to-ball skills to stick Alex Rosen (@asros213) June 5, 2018 #Mets re-draft RS Soph Carlos Cortes 2B/LF type, has power, gets on base. Only hit .260 with aluminum this yr. Took him in 20th out of HS Jon Lewis (@j32lewis) June 5, 2018 Mets go with Carlos Cortes, South Carolina 2B. Can really hit, has developed more power, somewhat versatile defender. Hit tool is the draw here. Brian Sakowski (@B_Sakowski_PG) June 5, 2018 Via Baseball America. I Say: We drafted him in the 20th round in 2016, he was looking for a big bonus to buy him out of going to University of South Carolina. A small puerto rican with a nice swing from the left side and can throw with both hands. Hes got a bit of pop, and can really hit, but is a below-average runner with some big to him. Not bad, not bad. Turns 21 on June 30th. Most likely an underslot pick, wonder what theyre thinking here. ARCHIVED - Spains first astronaut is named in the new government Cabinet Pedro Sanchez meets the King of Spain on Wednesday to confirm his new government Pedro Sanchez, the new Prime Minister of Spain, is scheduled to meet King Felipe VI on Wednesday afternoon to officially inform him of the composition of his Cabinet, and it has emerged that among the new Ministers will be the man who was technically Spains first astronaut. 55-year-old Pedro Duque is among the best-known figures from the world of science in Spain, having been to space twice, and has recently been preparing for a possible third mission following his nine-day voyage on the Discovery in 1998 and another trip on the Russian Soyuz in 2003. In recent years he has been very critical of the last governments cutbacks in R&D spending, and will now take over as Minister for Science, Innovation and Universities. Prior to his going into space, another Spanish-born man had also achieved the same feat, but Miguel Lopez Alegria had taken out American nationality at the time of his first space flight in 1995. At the same time, a clear indication of the new governments policies has emerged following the news that Teresa Ribera is to be the new Minister for the Environment. It is reported that the new administration has already communicated to the EU that from now on Spain will be more proactive in combating the causes and effects of climate change, an announcement which was made on Tuesday, coinciding with World Environment Day. Image: European Space Agency Follow Murcia Today on Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest news, events and information in the Region of Murcia and the rest of Spain: https://www.facebook.com/MurciaToday/ --> Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life! Army chief Chhetri heads to India The Chief of Army Staff General Rajendra Chhetri travels to India on Wednesday to attend the Indian Military Academys (IMA) cadet Passing Out Parade to be held on June 9 in Dehradun, the capital city of Indian state Uttarakhand. Yekani Manufacturing has launched a R1-billion factory in East London, where it will produce tablets, laptops, and smartphones. The company, which is part of the Yekani Group, said the factory will create 1,000 jobs with its new facility covering 28,000 square metres. Yekani said it wants to be Africas leading international technology innovator and help to secure Africas rightful place in international standards in technology. It is doing this by offering affordable mobile phones to the lower-LSM market, with the aim of promoting the use of advanced technologies. Yekani Technology aims to be the largest smartphone company in South Africa, with Yekani-branded mobile phones, it said. Yekani mobile phones The photos below show the latest Yekani phones. A regional measure that will raise tolls on most Bay Area bridges over the next several years appears to be on its way to passing in Tuesdays election with a comfortable margin. With a substantial portion of the regional votes counted, election returns indicated about 54 percent of voters supported Regional Measure 3. The measure was on the ballot in all nine counties and earned a majority support in all but two counties: Contra Costa and Solano. If passed, it will raise tolls by $1 in 2019, 2022 and 2025 on all Bay Area bridges except for the Golden Gate Bridge. By 2025, it would cost $9 to cross those bridges during peak hours and $8 to cross at any other time. The Bay Area Toll Authority voted unanimously in January to place the measure on the ballot, saying that it would raise an estimated $4.45 billion in funding for transportation improvements throughout the region. The Golden Gate Bridge is operated by an independent district that sets its own tolls. The new revenue would go toward many transportation projects, including not just roads but a BART extension to San Jose, a Caltrain extension to the Transbay Transit Center in San Francisco and new ferry boats and San Francisco Municipal Railway train cars. Controversial Measure C, the watershed and oak protection initiative, held the slightest of leads and Measure D heliport restrictions a substantial lead in the initial election results released Tuesday evening. As of 8:01 p.m., Measure C was ahead 7,188 votes to 7,148 votes. Measure D was ahead 8,687 votes to 5,540 votes. Election officials expected a second count by 10 p.m., but that was after the Registers print deadline. Registrar of Voters John Tuteur estimated this 8:01 p.m. count consisted of about 14,000 ballots, which should be between 40 percent and 60 percent of the total cast. He expected to release updated results for the countys first all vote-by-mail ballot election on Thursday and Friday. Local residents Mike Hackett and Jim Wilson are the co-authors of Measure C. Im very happy about the results, Hackett said. We stood up to the big moneyWe expect to win when the final tab comes in. Wilson said hundreds of Yes on Measure C volunteers spent thousands of hours knocking on doors and making phone calls. They knocked on doors up until 8 p.m. Tuesday. Weve done the best we can, Wilson said. It was one of those horrific events -- everyone remembers where they were, if they were anywhere. Fifty years ago, I was sitting at a typewriter and writing the lead story for the next morning's Sacramento Union, Mark Twain's old newspaper that, like so many print dailies, no longer exists. My first paragraph began: "U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy kept his presidential hopes alive Tuesday by winning the California primary ... ." Then the TV sets and clackity wire service machines began blaring the shocking, depressing news that Kennedy had been shot moments after declaring victory in front of cheering supporters at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. "So my thanks to all of you," he said in words still seared in memory, "and it's on to Chicago and let's win there" at the Democratic convention. Kennedy was leaving through the kitchen when Sirhan Sirhan shot him with a .22-caliber revolver. The senator died 25 hours later June 6. The assassination altered California politics and American history. Experts differ about whether Kennedy would have beat out Vice President Hubert Humphrey for the Democratic presidential nomination and gone on to capture the White House over Republican Richard Nixon. I've always thought he would. I enjoyed reading Henry Bunsows letter regarding the Mueller investigation ("Enough Mueller: power corrupts," June 1). I would like to point out that so far, the total number of indictments in the Mueller investigation is 19 individuals and three companies. George Papadopoulos and Michael Flynn both pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. Paul Manafort and Rick Gates were indicted for acting as unregistered agents for the Ukrainians, and then laundering the money they made. Gates has agreed to a plea deal, and Manafort has pleaded not guilty. Alex van der Zwaan, an associate of Manafort and Gates, and son-in-law of a Russian Oligarch German Khan, pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI. Thirteen Russian nationals and three Russian companies were indicted for interfering with the 2016 elections. These indictments revolve around a company called the Internet Research Agency, which includes: the agency itself, two shell companies for financing the agency, the alleged financier Yvgeny Prigozhin and 12 employees of the agency. If youre reading this, you must have at least a passing interest in the news business, so you might be intrigued to know that our local State Senator Bill Dodd is pushing a bill that would add media literacy education to school curricula. The rise of fake and misleading news is deeply concerning, Dodd said. Even more concerning is the lack of education provided to ensure people can distinguish between fact and fiction. This bill will help reverse that disturbing trend and give young people the tools to see through the falsehoods and make informed opinions about their world. The bill has passed the Senate with bipartisan support. Dodds press release comes with some sobering stats: Adolescents spend up to nine hours a day absorbing media, and a Stanford study found that 82 percent of middle-schoolers have trouble distinguishing ads from news stories. In the nearly 18 months I have been District Attorney of Napa County, I have had the privilege of speaking to dozens of organizations about the work of my office: our priorities, our commitment to victims and our relationships throughout the county. Interestingly, during and after the 2017 wildfires, I began fielding a new inquiry. Citizens informed me that they had been escorted back into their homes by a police officer who said they worked for the DA. Could that possibly be true? It sure is. The citizens of Napa may not be aware that the DAs Office operates a state-certified law enforcement agency. Known as the Bureau of Investigation, the unit has 14 staff members (12 sworn and two non-sworn) and constitutes the largest detective bureau in the county. The sworn staff members are all active police officers, having previously served for at least a decade with a police department or sheriffs office. DA Investigators have full powers of arrest and the authority to serve search and arrest warrants. Our non-sworn investigative technicians assist with evidence collection, digital evidence and subpoena service. The investigation has been completed into Serdar Kaban, who is accused of writing a racist message on the wall and dumping garbage outside the Surp Takavor (Holy King) Armenian church in Istanbul, Turkey, and a criminal case has been launched against him. The Turkish prosecutors office asks the court to sentence Kaban to one year and four months in prison on charges of causing damage to a spiritual building, according to Sozcu newspaper of the country. At the same time it is noted that after being arrested, Serdar Kaban was transferred to a mental hospital for a psychiatric evaluation, and it was determined that he had a mental disorder. Subsequently, psychiatrists had sent a letter to the prosecutors office stating that Kaban was in a mentally unbalanced state when committing this offense. Separately, the Turkish minister of the interior had issued a statement condemning this racist attack on the church. The attack on the Surp Takavor Church is unacceptable, he had said in his statement. We will do everything to find and punish the attackers. Following this statement, Serdar Kaban was arrested, but he was released after being transferred to the psychiatric hospital. YEREVAN.- Armenia's Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources, Artur Grigoryan received Country Director of Asian Development Bank's Resident Mission in Armenia Shane Rosenthal on June 5, the press service of ministry reported. The projects in the energy sphere implemented by the banks assistance and opportunities of future cooperation were discussed. Artur Grigoryan highlighted the comprehensive assistance of the ADB to Armenia for reform implementation and expressed confidence that gradually the existing relations in energy sector will deepen and new spheres for partnership will emerge. The interlocutors referred to a number of projects implemented by the ADBs assistance, particularly the large scale reconstruction of Electric Networks of Armenia and the raising the management efficiency of High Voltage Electric Networks and its technical re-equipment. Shane Rosenthal conveyed the readiness of the Asian Development Bank to assist the projects aimed at the development of Armenias economy and energy sector. Karabakh Defense Army: Situation along entire length of line of contact relatively stable at this moment Karabakh Ombudsman: Artsakh Defense Army has no casualties Head of Karabakh's Harav village: There were shootings at military posts, shootings have mainly stopped Karabakh Defense Army: Azerbaijani Armed Forces open fire at military base, 6 injured Azerbaijani Armed Forces use weapons of large caliber in direction of Karabakh's Nor Shen village Attorney: Armenian MP Artur Sargsyan to be released on bail for AMD 20,000,000 Armenian Unified Info Center: Karabakh Defense Army will provide official information soon Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijani army's attack leaves 6 Armenian soldiers injured, 2 of them in critical condition Eduard Sharmazanov: Republican Party of Armenia will hold its congress on Dec. 18 Armenia ex-defense minister Seyran Ohanyan: Azerbaijan can't be compared with Iran in terms of capabilities Karabakh Defense Army: Azerbaijan MOD's news that Azerbaijani soldier died from Armenian soldier's gunshot is false Armenia ex-defense minister assesses possibility of start of Iran-Azerbaijan war Armenia ex-defense minister: Military exercises held in Iran were great support for Yerevan Armenia court rules to release Goris deputy mayor on bail for AMD 30,000,000 Karabakh emergency situations service: Remains of another 2 Armenian servicemen found in Hadrut region Armenia receives batch of 50,000 doses of Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine Armenia defense minister holds consultation over preparation for the winter Azerbaijani FM 'on need for Armenia to transfer precise mine maps to Azerbaijan' Russia welcomes disposition of Azerbaijan and Armenia to normalize relations Karabakh Defense Army: Azerbaijan MOD's news about seizure of reconnaissance UAV is disinformation BREAKING: UN court hears Armenia case against Azerbaijan; Erdogan, Aliyev to open airport in Shushi Taliban's high-ranking delegation arrives in Turkey Mirzoyan, Lavrov and Bayramov meet, discuss issues related to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Latvia President tests positive for COVID-19 Sergey Melikov elected leader of Dagestan Armenia official: Zero vacant bed at coronavirus treatment hospitals Armenia ex-President Kocharyan meets with National Security Service reserve officers' union founders Azerbaijan plans to increase natural gas supplies to Turkey and Europe Dollar loses value in Armenia Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Sweden Ambassador Armenia PM attaches importance to formation of common electricity and natural gas markets within EEU Azerbaijan states readiness to normalize relations with Armenia, but on several conditions Rustaveli Avenue blocked in central Tbilisi Armenian, Russian FMs meet in Minsk Armenia representative asks UN court to end vicious cycle of violence perpetrated against Armenians by Azerbaijan PM: Air Arabia, Armenia government will invest $10m each, establish national air carrier Prison burning in Georgia's Rustavi, Mikheil Saakashvili in adjacent jailhouse Armenias Mirzoyan attends CIS foreign ministers' meeting in Belarus Armenia State Revenue Committee chief: YouTube, Google, Facebook and others agreed to fulfill tax obligations Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan FMs trilateral meeting expected in Minsk Armenia Parliament Speaker receives representatives of SEPPA program's partnering organizations Armenia Representative delivers speech at UN International Court of Justice CSTO says reached agreements contribute to creation of necessary conditions for political settlement of Karabakh crisis Pilgrims will be able to visit Dadivank Monastery again, says Artsakh minister Zakharova: Russia peacekeepers in Karabakh determining circumstances behind civilians death Artsakh official: Azerbaijan does not even value its own culture UN Court to hear Armenia's petition for interim measures against Azerbaijan Russia MFA: Armenian, Russian, Azerbaijani spiritual leaders meeting is important format for overcoming problems Zakharova: Russia favors unwavering implementation of all Karabakh provisions 34 new cases of coronavirus, including kids, reported in Artsakh Artsakh Investigative Committee starts investigating another criminal act motivated by national hatred PM: Armenia companies will get cheaper loans from abroad Belarus to host CIS FMs meeting Thursday 1,589 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Russia peacekeepers in Karabakh conduct comprehensive exercise at all observation posts Armenia government holding Cabinet meeting World oil prices on the rise Putin to run in Russia presidential election in 2024? India man sentenced to life in prison for killing wife with cobra, viper Newspaper: Armenia police enter medical institutions, 6 people detained Newspaper: Injections of unknown origin are made to Armenia state budget Armenia Parliament Speaker receives delegation led by Iran's Prosecutor General Group of Armenian police officers apprehend citizen by using brute force Armenian analyst: Negotiations over Karabakh issue to resume sooner or later, "3+3" format is unrealistic Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin expresses hope after Russian, Armenian and Azerbaijani spiritual leaders' meeting Iran clarifies, says Azerbaijan released other prisoners, not detained Iranian truck drivers Saakashvili agrees to have doctors assess his health condition Putin: Events in Afghanistan may seriously impact situations in Central Asia and Transcaucasia Iran Armed Forces Staff chief, Pakistan PM discuss strengthening of border security Taliban warn US, EU of refugees if sanctions against Afghanistan aren't lifted Armenia PM receives India FM Azerbaijan refutes report on release of two Iranian truck drivers Artsakh FM: Azerbaijan's next provocation may be directed directly against Russian peacekeepers Armenia health minister: Another mother-to-be dies from COVID-19 Karabakh emergency situations service: Remains of 2 more Armenian servicemen found in Hadrut Baku releases two Iranian truck drivers after Azerbaijan and Iran FMs' phone talks Erdogan, Aliyev to mark anniversary of occupation of Shushi by opening airport Armenia deputy justice minister receives Council of Europe delegation Armenia appoints new Ambassador to Iran Armenia finance minister presents government's five-year plan to German partners Russian, Armenian and Azerbaijani spiritual leaders make statement on Karabakh Karabakh Defense Army refutes Azerbaijan MOD's disinformation Digest: Pashinyan and Putin meet in Moscow, Biden and Erdogan discuss Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia Parliament Speaker receives AGBU Montreal Chapter's leadership Mher Shirinyan appointed Armenia Armed Forces Armament Department head S&P Improved the Outlook on Ameriabank to Positive Security Council chief: Armenia never held, will not hold negotiations about corridor US embassy in Armenia remains unable to resume routine visa operations Healthcare specialist: Hospital bed capacity for Armenia COVID-19 patients is full Dollar gains value in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General: Essential progress has been made in processes for transfer of Iranian convicts UAE Supreme Audit Institution chairman-led delegation on official visit to Armenia Armenia Ambassador to Iran Artashes Tumanyan recalled Armenia FM leaving for Minsk Armenia court rejects appeal, Goris mayor to not be released Iran Prosecutor General to Armenia PM: Our relations are good basis for jointly confronting regional challenges Iran Prosecutor General to Armenia justice minister: It is necessary to work more closely Armenia opposition MP, ex-defense minister: Russia peacekeepers presence in Artsakh uncertain in terms of prospects Iran Prosecutor General: Terrorists must disappear from region as soon as possible Azerbaijani opposition members holding protest in front of ruling party's headquarters Beyond symbolic inclusion Caste based discrimination is the elephant in the room that cant be ignored anymore Within the framework of his visit to Moscow, president of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia, Ara Babloyan, on Tuesday met with speaker Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud of the Consultative Assembly (parliament) of Qatar. The interlocutors reflected on parliamentary ties and the avenues for the development of cooperation between the two countries. Babloyan especially highlighted the need for such contacts and talks in terms of the expansion of parliamentary relations. Also, the NA chairman stressed that Armenia follows the events unrolling in Qatar. The Qatari parliament speaker, for his part, expressed readiness to develop and deepen bilateral relations. Also, the parties invited each other to their countries on a mutual visit. June 6 was marked by unprecedented number of resignations in Artsakh. Artsakh State Minister Arayik Harutyunyan has submitted his resignation to President Bako Sahakyan. Artsakh needs major personnel changes, which the president of the country has planned, and specifically uswho submit resignations todayare helping the president to faster implement the arrangement that existed, Harutyunyan said during a media conference. Later in the day Karabakh Police Chief Kamo Aghajanyan submitted a letter of resignation as well. Director of Karabakh National Security Service Arshavir Karamyan and his deputy Garik Sargsyan submitted their resignation. Samvel Alexanyan has quit the parliamentary faction of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) leaving RPA without majority in the parliament. Earlier Feliks Tsolakyan, Shirak Torosyan, Artur Gevorgyan, Arman Sahakyan and Artak Sargsyan left the RPA faction. The faction now has 52 mandates. Areg Kyureghyan, a member of the Sasna Tsrer armed group of Armenia, was released on Wednesday. A capital city Yerevan court granted the respective motion by the defense, and he was set free from the courtroom. Earlier MPs Hrach Hakobyan and Lena Nazaryan had submitted to the court an individual pledge for Kyureghyan. An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 was recorded Tuesday morning in Azerbaijan, and it was also felt in Armenia. Armenias emergency situations ministry said the tremor measured magnitude 7-8 at the epicenter. The seismic activity was felt with a magnitude of 2-5 in Armenia's Tavush, Lori and Shirak provinces. World Bank forecasts a 4.1 percent economic growth for Armenia in 2018, the Global Economic Prospects report shows. According to the report, Armenias economic growth is expected to be 4 percent in 2019 and 2020. EU-Armenia relations have reached new highs, EU said in a new report issued on Wednesday. Since January 2015, EU-Armenia relations have developed significantly. The negotiation and provisional application of a new bilateral partnership agreement, as well as the finalisation of Partnership Priorities in February this year have contributed to this success, the report says. The report is issued ahead of the first European Union - Armenia Partnership Council, which will be held on 21 June. The much-anticipated meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will take place at a hotel on the Singaporean island of Sentosa, the White House has confirmed. The historic summit is scheduled to take place on 12 June, but many details are still unclear. Clean conscience Government policies to ban plastic is one thing, using conscience to avoid using them is another Prithvi Man Shrestha is a political reporter for The Kathmandu Post, covering the governance-related issues including corruption and irregularities in the government machinery. Before joining The Kathmandu Post in 2009, he worked at nepalnews.com and Rising Nepal primarily covering the issues of political and economic affairs for three years. Italys Labor and Industry Minister and deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio (R) waves as he arrives with Italys Interior Minister and deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini for the swearing in ceremony of the new government at Quirinale Palace in Rome on June 1, 2018 (ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images) Italys and the EUs Struggles Continue In the United States, citizens with Italian national origin are the seventh largest ethnic group at 17.2 million. Thus, Americans are well aware of Italy and Italians; unfortunately, what we know is often a jumble of odds and ends (Shakespeares Julius Caesar and Marc Anthonys funeral oration; the Roman Empire and the schoolchilds need to translate Caesars Gallic Wars for Latin class). We are aware of assorted Italian actors/actresses (Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida) and Clint Eastwoods spaghetti Westerns (or more sophisticated Federico Fellini films). Perhaps, weve toured Italy admiring Roman ruins (the Colosseum), the Leaning Tower of Piza, the canals of Venice, the Vatican incorporating Michelangelos Sistine Chapel, and countless other unparalleled museums featuring Renaissance painters and sculptors. Read More Italians and the European Project Or perhaps we had a grandfather who spent part of WWII fighting Germans in endless bloody battles (Anzio, Monte Cassino), with the exhausted infantryman sardonically depicted in Bill Mauldins Willy and Joe cartoons. And dont forget American love of pizza (although one can argue for non-Italian origin). These trivial pursuit factoids aside, post WWII Italy has had significant difficulty being accepted as a serious actor in world, or even European, affairs. It certainly has not punched at its weight during this period. Some of this implicit disrespect is homegrown. The Italians have made a fetish about living la dolce vita and being lovers, not fighters. In 1964 Luigi Barzini, an Italian journalist and commentator, published a devastating assessment of his country and its citizens, The Italians. There was a stark juxtaposition between the Italy of Dante, Leonardo de Vinci, and so on, and the ongoing chaos. Such chaos was reflected in the political revolving door of over 50 governments between 1946-94 and, even after comprehensive restructuring of political parties post 1994, a level of corruption, incompetence, and malfeasance that is textbook in its recounting. More recently, Silvio Berlusconi served four times as prime minister over nine years, intermittently between 2001 and 2011. A billionaire and one of the worlds richest men, Berlusconi battled accusations and ultimately criminal convictions incorporating wild parties and a teenage prostitute. Noted for his brash, overbearing personality, he was hardly an illustration of diplomatic or political probitybut vastly amusing for the media domestic and international. Nor were Italian domestic finances in much better condition. Recall the perhaps tongue-in-cheek observation that if Italians paid all taxes they owed, it would exceed 100 percent of their income. But Italy cannot be ignored in its financial travails: it is not Greece. Italy is the third largest economy in the Eurozone and ninth in the world. But also its governmental debt is the third largest in the world (just behind the United States and Japan). More importantly, Italys combination of low growth, high unemployment, and high public debt makes growing its way out of difficulties problematic. Lower living standards persist, and fiscal stimulus is unaffordable. Consequently, Italy has been one of the poorest EU economic performers and the only regional economy that has not become more competitive against Germany since 2011. The result has been predictable political/domestic frustration echoing populist anger demonstrated elsewhere in Europe, sparked additionally by swarms of refugee/immigrants that many Italians believe detract from their quality of life. An original founder of the European Community, Italy was long one of the most Europhile supporters; now it is in the first rank of the Euroskeptics. Thus, the March election results, although a surprise to the powers that were, reflected long building anger on both right and left. The leading parties were the leftist Five Star under Luigi Di Maio and the right wing League headed by Matteo Salvini. Initially, the thought of a coalition was deemed as unlikely as one between Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump. But the unparalleled opportunity to implement their policies, mutually incompatible as they might appear, was sufficient lure. Although on May 27 Italian President Sergio Mattarella rejected the first proposed government, which incorporated an economic/finance minister regarded as committed to leaving the Eurozone, party leaders agreed May 31 on a less confrontational economics minister, which Mattarella accepted. Trying to make the incompatible compatible (Leagues commitment to cut taxes and deport immigrants and Five Stars principles of flat tax and universal basic income) may well be impossible with new elections sooner than later. The existential problem, however, is that both parties epitomize a hostility to EU/euro control and constraints earlier characterized by Brexit and anti-EU hostility demonstrated in France, Germany, and so on. Italy dodged a bullet this time; but the gun is still loaded. David T. Jones is a retired U.S. State Department senior foreign service career officer who has published several hundred books, articles, columns, and reviews on U.S.Canadian bilateral issues and general foreign policy. During a career that spanned over 30 years, he concentrated on politico-military issues, serving as adviser for two Army chiefs of staff. Among his books is Alternative North Americas: What Canada and the United States Can Learn from Each Other. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Crop losses for farmers likely to reach Rs6.4 billion Crop losses for farmers in the eastern Tarai district of Siraha are likely to reach Rs6.4 billion this year due to strong winds and hailstorms from April to May, the District Agriculture Office said. Govt seeks Chinese help to curb gold smuggling Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa has sought Chinas help in curbing gold smuggling and illegal transaction of dollar rampant at the border areas. Govt withdraws decision to revise CGT threshold on sale of bonus & right shares The government on Wednesday withdrew its earlier decision to revise the capital gains tax threshold on the sale of bonus and rights shares following protests from stock brokers. With a presence in 32 countries already, US cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase is expanding into Japan, one of the worlds biggest cryptocurrency markets. In an announcement on Monday, San Francisco-based Coinbase confirmed the launch of an office in Japan and its plan to work hand-in-hand with the Financial Services Agency (FSA), the countrys financial regulator, to ensure it is compliant with local laws. The long-awaited launch follows the companys intended plan to enter Japan nearly two years ago in July 2016 when it raised $10.5 million from Japanese investors including the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) and the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (BMTU), Japans largest financial services group and bank respectively. Coinbase said in its announcement: As in other markets, we plan to take a deliberate approach to our rollout in Japan, which means working hand-in-hand with the Japanese FSA to ensure compliance with local laws at every stage. Nao Kitazawa, a former investment banker at Morgan Stanley Japan, will lead Coinbase Japan as its chief executive. Nao is also on the board of the Fintech Association of Japan, an industry working group. The marked foray into Japan is an obvious move for Coinbase, one of the worlds largest cryptocurrency exchanges, whos only presence in Asia is in Singapore prior to its latest expansion effort. Japan, notably, passed legislation in April 2017 to acknowledge and recognize cryptocurrencies like bitcoin as a payment method. The inclusive environment has seen a number of corporate giants including Yahoo Japan, messaging giant Line, mainstream online brokerage Monex and financial services giant SBI all investing in or operating their own cryptocurrency exchange in Japan. Coinbase, for its part, is not only expanding into new markets it is also building out its product line to meet the needs of a new type of customer: institutional investors. As CCN has reported, the firm has recently released a suite of products for institutions, developed bank-grade custodial services, and launched a new asset management division. Featured image from Coinbase The post Cryptocurrency Exchange Giant Coinbase is Officially Launching in Japan appeared first on CCN. NCP lawmaker Sah slapped in Dhanusha Newly formed Nepal Communist Party (NCP) lawmaker Manju Yadav slapped her partys another lawmaker Kishori Sah at the partys Parliamentary Party office on Tuesday. Now is the time Development, peace and stability should be the foundation for trilateral relations Disgusting pieces of shit. Reply Thread Link [ Spoiler (click to open) ] Fuck the HFPA. I missed Brendan...him and all the actors/actresses that ended up having their stars fade because of demons like that dude Gross mf'er looks like a cross between Judge Doom and Pazuzu tooFuck the HFPA. I missed Brendan...him and all the actors/actresses that ended up having their stars fade because of demons like that dude Reply Parent Thread Link The way Terry Crews has been treated is shameful. Reply Parent Thread Link mte, I can think of at least two people here who used to say shit like "I won't care about men getting raped until it's at the same rate as women" & "good, now you know what it's like when women get raped." :/ Reply Parent Thread Link seriously. you can't say you support victims of sexual assault or harassment when you draw your line of support at the victim's gender Reply Parent Thread Link My company just signed WME on as a client. They're far from the worst of our clients (we have multiple branchs of the DoD as clients too...), but seeing that announcement just made me feel so scummy. Edited at 2018-06-06 04:05 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link A man in my field wrote a post about being sexually assaulted. The responses from women were horrific, ranging from jokes to asking him to explain in graphic detail what he was feeling to minimizing things. Some of the women usually advocate for female sexual assault victims, which made it almost feel worse to me. Reply Parent Thread Link ew grabbing a butt? borderline move it around the taint? WAAAAAAYYYY past any line I poke a model's butt with a finger when I'm drunk at the after party after a long shooting day, but then I giggle and run away and that usually just starts a playful interaction between the two of us. THAT can be taken as a joke. Reply Thread Link ............ You're about to get dragged Reply Parent Thread Link I poke a model's butt with a finger when I'm drunk at the after party after a long shooting day, but then I giggle and run away and that usually just starts a playful interaction between the two of us. THAT can be taken as a joke. This isn't as cute as you seem to think it is. Edited at 2018-06-06 02:00 pm (UTC) This isn't as cute as you seem to think it is. Reply Parent Thread Link "I poke a model's butt with a finger when I'm drunk at the after party after a long shooting day, but then I giggle and run away and that usually just starts a playful interaction between the two of us. THAT can be taken as a joke" umm? Edited at 2018-06-06 02:06 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link Or you could just not touch people without their permission, period? Reply Parent Thread Link also grabbing someone's ass isn't "borderline", that's full on sexual assault Reply Parent Thread Link yeah that's not cool mate...like at all Reply Parent Thread Link congrats, you outed yourself as just as bad as every other sexual harasser out there Reply Parent Thread Link ew grabbing a butt? borderline move it around the taint? WAAAAAAYYYY past any line I poke a model's butt with a finger when I'm drunk at the after party after a long shooting day, but then I giggle and run away and that usually just starts a playful interaction between the two of us. THAT can be taken as a joke. what the fuck Reply Parent Thread Link You know it costs Free.99 to keep your hands to yourself Reply Parent Thread Link Hella brazen, wow Reply Parent Thread Link If anyone did this to me, they would get a tight fucking slap Reply Parent Thread Link Long shooting day? Being drunk? Those arent excuses for your actions. Keep your damn hands to yourself Maybe your thoughts too since ya clearly dont get it Reply Parent Thread Link ..... Nope. Grabbing a butt isn't borderline btw, it's OVER the line. Reply Parent Thread Link tf Reply Parent Thread Link People dragging you even though you said the model played back with you. Reply Parent Thread Link ok so let me just start grabbing some ass if I think the person would be playful. Get the fuck out of here. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Usually =/= always. Reply Parent Thread Link lol ya idec tbh we usually spend long long days together, joking, hugging each other, ribbing on each other, so it's not like we're two entire strangers. at that stage, it's basically two friends poking each other, anywhere really (except in the privates), once the production wraps up and the drinks come out Reply Parent Thread Expand Link oh, so you're a serial sexual assailant. delete yourself. Reply Parent Thread Link Well, you're going to want to delete this account and try again. Reply Parent Thread Link your icon is super appropriate Reply Parent Thread Link uhhh wtf Reply Parent Thread Link What the FUCK is this comment and what the FUCK is wrong with you? Reply Parent Thread Link Let me guess... you also have some influence on who gets hired for the next shooting? So anyone who doesn't react "playfully" or actually complains about your assault risks their ability to pay their rent? Yikes. Reply Parent Thread Link sisT...stop poking models in the ass. that shit isn't cute nor funny and is, in fact, harrassment. Reply Parent Thread Link that usually just starts a playful interaction between the two of us. usually? so what happens the other times? you get slapped by someone like me, who just might lay you the fuck out? you get reported? the person you sexually harassed has to leave the party because they're uncomfortable and might be worrying what you're like after getting even more drunk? curious about why you wrote "usually" instead of "always". Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Stepping more than 2 feet into my bubble is borderline. Touching me at all? Hell no. I don't give a fuck where. Reply Parent Thread Link ONTD has their own Uncle Terry now? Reply Parent Thread Link Wow what a hilarious joke, the Mark Twain of his generation for sure Brendan looks good with a hat btw Reply Thread Link I'm glad he didn't back down and sign that "Oh nbd" paper. Reply Thread Link Just a joke between pals, I'm sure! After all, men can't be abused, right?! Reply Thread Link This is awful Reply Thread Link Even if that were true (and I don't believe it is) intent does not negate damage done. They can fuck off. Reply Thread Link "I myself was not shown either report," Berk told me, referring to the investigator's findings and the proposed joint statement. "But [I was] told the statement would absolve me of any wrongdoing." Asked if he had faced any discipline from the HFPA, Berk wrote: "None at all." All that matters! Absolution! no discipline actions! and I'm sure he didn't even reach out privately to Fraser. This bitch Reply Thread Link I hate this "just a joke" shit. At my first job when I was like 17 or so, I was bended over putting something away and a male coworker slapped my ass so hard it left a handprint shaped bruise on my ass and it actually hurt to sit down for a few days. I reported it to my managers and they both told me it was "just a joke, loosen up". And I am female, btw, so I kind of rme at the idea that female accusations of sexual harassment are taken seriously. They're not, for men or women. People in general just do not care. There is a big stigma around male sexual assault of course, a big ball of homophobia and toxic masculinity. But women aren't instantly taken seriously either. Reply Thread Link mte Reply Parent Thread Link I totally agree. Misogyny plays a real role in both. Reply Parent Thread Link it's always that or "that's normal for them, leave them alone"; either way people will bend over backwards to cover up things they plainly see is wrong Reply Parent Thread Link I don't think a lot of people do see things like slapping someone's butt as wrong, which is part of the problem. Reply Parent Thread Link For real Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah, I sympathise with male victims but this narrative of if this were a woman there would be outrage is such bullshit. Theres barely a woman alive who hasnt been subjected to some kind of sexual harassment and for all the Me Too ra ra talk, no one really gives a shit about the day to day stuff that regular women are subjected to. Reply Parent Thread Link Terry, Brendan, countless others, their experiences matter. this attitude needs to change Reply Thread Link I am disgusted but not at all surprised. Groping is rarely taken seriously and especially when the victim is a man. Of course the HFPA wouldn't hold the groper accountable. Good for Brendan for refusing to sign off on this. I do hope he gets some support somewhere in the Hollywood community. Reply Thread Link i can't even count the amount of times i've been groped tbh. its never taken seriously enough. Reply Parent Thread Link Disgusting Its so humiliating to feel like u have to laugh off butt touching and poking from old men bc its sooo normalized as a joke ugh Reply Thread Link thats terrible but can we stop pretending that groping done to women is taken more seriously? its already happening in the comments. Reply Thread Link fucking this...i can't believe some of the comments in here Reply Parent Thread Link It's cool when film actors do stage, not just bc it's fun to gawk at celebs but bc it means they still want to challenge themselves and work on their craft. I've seen Ewan McGregor (ugh), Chiwetel Ejiofor (twice!), Benedict Cumberbatch, Johnny Lee Miller, Sally Hawkins and Kenneth Branagh om stage. Would love to see Gyllenhaal but that probably won't work out geography wise :/ Reply Thread Link I saw Jessica Chastain in The Heiress, Scarlett Johansson in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen in Waiting for Godot and No Mans Land. I got autographs from all but Scarlett, who perhaps unsurprisingly didnt do the stage door greet. Reply Parent Thread Link Ohhh I would have loved to have seen that Godot Reply Parent Thread Link I also would have loved to see that Godot! Reply Parent Thread Link how were the performances? i always wonder how film actors fare on stage. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I agree! Theater is simultaneously challenging and repetitive, and it's definitely not something that every actor has the talent or aptitude for, imo. I love when you are so immersed in the character that you forget about the celebrity aspect entirely. I haven't seen anyone that you've seen, but I'd be interested in seeing almost everyone on your list. Ewan was bad, I take it? Thinking back on it, I've seen a lot of film actors do theater, too: Emma Stone in Cabaret, Saoirse Ronan and Ben Whishaw in The Crucible Andrew Garfield & Lee Pace in Angels in America, James McAvoy in The Ruling Class, Daniel Craig and David Oyelowo in Othello, Lauren Ambrose in My Fair Lady, Michael C. Hall (and Darren Criss) in Hedwig, Michelle Williams and Jeff Daniels in Blackbird, Mark Strong in A View from the Bridge, Mark Rylance in Farinelli and the King... most of my favorite actors do theater. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I saw Christopher Plummer as Prospero in The Tempest and Colm Feore as MacBeth. I've seen a few more minor Canadian celebs too, but I'm the only ones who stans them. Reply Parent Thread Link Heh, Bruce spurned Tony voters, but they gave him an award anyway. Reply Thread Link What are you feelings toward the Mean Girls musical? I think the songs are cute and they will get stuck in your head all the time. Idk how many time I find myself singing to myself in my head my name is Regina George and I am a massive deal Reply Thread Link i've had Sexy and Apex Predator on repeat for the last week lol Reply Parent Thread Link I can sexy cure some cancer! I can cure sex cancer! I love Sexy. Made my mom listen to it and she was in tears from laughing Reply Parent Thread Link I am hoping I eventually win lottery tickets so I can see it! I usually don't listen to the OBCR until after I see a show for the first time, but it sounds fun. Reply Parent Thread Link I saw it in previews so I don't know how much they changed or if they changed or took out any of the songs. I liked the musical and the songs but like others have said, they were kind of forgettable. The only ones I really remembered were Apex Predator and I'd Rather Be Me. Reply Parent Thread Link Ooh, are they opening this on the West End with those two? I saw the tour (with different actors) and was whelmed, but I think that's mostly because the show hasn't aged well at all. Reply Parent Thread Link It starts this month, I think. I haven't seen it but I keep reading praise for the actors themselves. I follow Ken Watanabe's career which is the only reason I keep up, honestly. Reply Parent Thread Link How appropriate, Im currently tying to win OOTI tickets. Wish me luck! Reply Thread Link Fingers crossed for you! Reply Parent Thread Link Thanks, I didnt win but I got SRO. I just happy its still here for me to see Reply Parent Thread Link I forgot The Cursed Child was here. Lol at DanRad and his accidental (or maybe not?) competition. Reply Thread Link Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ Reply Thread Link Not Broadway, but Wicked is back in Toronto this month and I'm taking my wife to see it for the first time. Gimme them gay feels. Reply Thread Link Oooh, have fun! I didn't know how much I was gonna like Wicked, but I saw a touring production and cried buckets. Hope your wife loves it! Reply Parent Thread Link Facebook Twitter Google RAMBLER&Co ID By logging in to LiveJournal using a third-party service you accept LiveJournal's User agreement FILE PHOTO: Makati Business District Skyline (PHOTOVILLE International /Jun Rapanan) MAKATI CITY, Philippines One hundred individuals, including 10 minors, were arrested by Makati City police on Tuesday for various violations. The minors were picked up by police for violating the curfew ordinance in the city, while eight others were captured due to illegal drugs. The operation was prompted by several complaints of pick-pocketing in Burgos Triangle. The Burgos Triangle ay mga playing grounds ito ng ating mga tourists at kailangang malinis ito (The Burgos Triangle is the playground of tourists. It must be kept clean), said Makati police chief PSSupt Roger Simon. Asher Cadapan Jr.| UNTV News & Rescue The post 100 individuals nabbed in Makati police op appeared first on UNTV News. The Pentagons decision to increase its military support for Taiwan is likely to intensify the strategic rivalry between mainland China and the United States, even as sources say US Defence Secretary Jim Mattiss highly anticipated trip to Beijing is still set to go ahead. According to Chinese military observers, the US has been sending mixed signals regarding its Taiwan policy. On one hand it seems unlikely Washington will send any of its senior officials to attend the opening on June 12 of its new de facto embassy in Taipei to avoid angering Beijing, yet it is still considering plans to send warships through the Taiwan Strait and boost its arm sales to the self-ruled island. US considering sending warship through Taiwan Strait Amid that confusion, Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Logan told the South China Morning Post that Mattis would visit Beijing sometime this year. A second source, who is also close to the issue, confirmed that preparations for Mattis trip were being made by both sides. At a regional security summit in Singapore over the weekend, the defence chief took a hard line on China. He not only criticised Beijings activities in the South China Sea, but also pledged the United States continued commitment to Taiwan by providing defence articles and services necessary to maintain the islands sufficient self-defence. As US confronts China on trade, Taiwan tensions quietly build Mattis said also that he would visit Beijing soon at Chinas invitation, and that Washington would continue to pursue a constructive, results-oriented relationship with Beijing. Meanwhile, Reuters reported on Tuesday that the US is considering sending a warship through the Taiwan Strait. Officials said they had even examined plans for the passage of an aircraft carrier already this year, but ultimately did not pursue them, possibly out of a desire not to upset China. A less provocative option would be the resumption of periodic but still infrequent passages by other US Navy ships through the strait, the last of which was in July. Story continues Chinas foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press conference on Tuesday that the US should properly handle the Taiwan issue, which China regarded as the most important and sensitive core issue, so as to avoid harming two-way ties and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The Reuters report said also that Washington is considering changing its approach to arms sales to Taiwan to a case-by-case basis, which would better suit the islands defence needs, as opposed to bundling them together. On the issue of whether the US would send any senior officials to the opening of the new American Institute in Taiwan next week, Reuters quoted officials as saying it was unlikely as the date clashed with the planned summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Beijing should stop threatening Taiwan because its not strong enough to fight US Liu Lin, an associate research fellow at the War Studies College of the PLA Academy of Military Science, said the US was trying to strike a delicate balance amid increasing competition with China. The US is sending mixed signals, Liu said. On one hand it wants to turn up the pressure and test Beijings reaction, but on the other it doesnt want to be too provocative or cross any red lines. If Mattis visit did go ahead, it would be positive for bilateral relations, she said. It would mean the door of communication has not closed, and the two sides have not given up on maintaining dialogues. Liu added that while Mattis was likely to continue pressing China on issues like the South China Sea disputes and Taiwan, his visit could help to ease some of the tension between the nations militaries after the Pentagon withdrew Chinas invitation to take part in the multilateral RIMPAC exercise. France, Britain to sail warships in contested South China Sea to challenge Beijing Alexander Tan, an expert in Taiwanese politics and international affairs at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, said that it was unlikely the US would send a high-ranking official to the opening of the new mission in Taipei as the White House had too many issues to deal with. I dont think its a good time to rock the boat, so to speak, he said. Its not only a very strong signal to China, but it also sends too strong a signal to Taiwan, he said. Its really quite sensitive, this relationship the US has to be very careful. Taiwan sends top military officials to US Pacific Command ceremony in Hawaii Li Jie, a Beijing-based naval expert, said that if the US changed its approach to arms sales to Taiwan, and opted to send warships through the Taiwan Strait, it could upset Beijing. Whether or not the US will send high level representatives [to the opening of the de facto embassy] is not the key issue, he said. Its plan to change its military approach to Taiwan is much more sensitive, and that could provoke China into strengthening its military power in the region, he said. Additional reporting by Robert Delaney, Minnie Chan and Sarah Zheng This article China-US ties strained by Washingtons mixed signals over Taiwan, but Mattis trip still on first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. Ousmann Umar may seem like a role model to fellow migrants, having built a successful new life in Europe after making the dangerous journey from Africa. And yet his sole message to peers today is "don't do it". The Ghanian in his 30s has just completed a masters degree -- after surviving a five-year trek across his home continent followed by a perilous boat crossing to Spain. But he's also actively pursuing a campaign to discourage others from following in his footsteps. "I went from being almost illiterate to studying a master, it's like I won the lottery," Umar, dressed in a blazer, white shirt and moccasins, told AFP in the seaside town of Badalona near Barcelona. But "today I wouldn't do it again, it's too hard," he said as he gazed at the Mediterranean Sea, where thousands of migrants have died trying to reach Europe. "I am only 0.01 percent. (Many others) die along the way and of those who arrive, only one percent manage to integrate into European life." Having already founded an NGO promoting childhood education in Ghana, Umar recently launched a project with migrant rescue charity Proactiva Open Arms that aims to convince his compatriots to stay at home. Over the past three years, the group says it has rescued nearly 60,000 migrants from the Mediterranean. Umar recalls the ordeal of crossing the Sahara desert without water, the mistreatment he suffered in Libya and Algeria and the death of his best friend along the journey to Europe. "I will always carry this burden. That is why I don't want anyone to go through what I did," he said. - Dodging death - Umar said death has played a key part in his life since he was born in Fiaso, a tiny village in Ghana's rainforest. His mother died while giving birth to him, which in Ghanaian culture means that the child is "cursed" and must be killed. He escaped this fate thanks to his father being the local witch doctor. But when he was nine years old, Umar was sent to live with a distant uncle who taught him to be a welder. He eventually decided to go to Europe when he was around 13. The search for a better life quickly turned into a nightmare when the human traffickers abandoned him with 45 others in the middle of the Sahara desert. Umar said he walked for 21 days, surviving by drinking his own urine while many of his companions died along the way. By the time they reached Libya, there were only six of them left. "The biggest grave is not the sea, it is the desert," Umar said. - 'Born again' - After working in Libya for several years, he made it to Mauritania where he boarded a boat packed with migrants bound for the "promised land" -- Spain's Canary Islands. Along the way he lost his best friend Musa, whose boat sank during the crossing. "I vowed I would never return to the water. It was total anguish, I don't know how to swim and I thought I could die at any moment," Umar recalled. After a short stint at a migrant reception centre on Fuerteventura, he was sent to Barcelona where he had dreamt of living ever since he watched FC Barcelona on TV as a child. He slept rough for a month before a couple with three children took him into their home. "I was born again that day," he said 13 years later. - 'Russian roulette' - Umar learned to speak Spanish and Catalan, completed high school and last week finished a masters degree in international cooperation at Barcelona's prestigious ESADE business school. During this time, he made living repairing bicycles, earning enough to pay for his studies as well as those of his brother who is still in Ghana and runs Umar's Nasco education charity there. Founded in 2012, Nasco acquires computer equipment and provides training in new technologies at five rural schools in Ghana to provide opportunities so youths do not need to immigrate. The plan is to send migrants rescued in the Mediterranean by Proactiva Open Arms to give talks at the Nasco-backed schools in Ghana about the ordeal they faced trying to get to Europe. "We want to explain to them before they leave what they can expect during this long journey, from people from their country whom we rescued," said Proactiva founder Oscar Camps. "Ousmann says he won the lottery. But in the lottery, if you don't win, everything remains the same. This is more like Russian roulette," he added. Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday faced a threat of impeachment after lawmakers issued a raft of demands over security and corruption in a deepening rift with the executive. Both chambers of parliament said the National Assembly "will not hesitate to (invoke) its constitutional powers if nothing is done," in a clear warning to the 75-year-old leader. Buhari, elected in 2015 on pledges of defeating Boko Haram insurgents and fighting endemic corruption, is under pressure on both fronts as he looks towards re-election next February. The Islamist militants, though weakened, are still present in the northeast, while central states have seen a resurgence of deadly violence between cattle herders and farmers. At the same time, kidnapping gangs and cattle thieves have increased attacks in the wider north. The lawmakers' statement followed a closed-door meeting in Abuja on Tuesday. In it, they call for security chiefs to be sacked for failing to protect lives and property while also castigating Buhari for appointing them in the first place. It accused the head of the federal police, Ibrahim Idris, of "doing nothing" to prevent the violence and of being a yes-man appointed to do the government's bidding. The executive uses the police and security agencies for the "systematic harassment and humiliation... of perceived political opponents", the statement said. It further accused Buhari of being "selective" in his fight against corruption and called for members of his own administration with cases against them to be prosecuted. The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party has called the former military ruler's anti-corruption drive a political witch-hunt, as most of those charged are PDP members. That has raised tensions between the legislature and the executive, as has the government's greater scrutiny of parliamentary spending in an effort to cut waste and fraud. Lawmakers passed a "vote of confidence" in embattled Senate leader Bukola Saraki, who has been linked to a criminal gang that carried out an armed robbery in April that killed 33. Police on Sunday issued a statement calling on Saraki, who has denied the claims and suggested he is being set up, to come in for questioning. He has been at loggerheads with Buhari's All Progressives Congress as he was not the party's first choice as Senate president -- the third-highest position in Nigerian politics. Both he and the speaker of the lower House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, defected from the PDP before elections in 2015. On Tuesday evening, APC lawmakers claimed the joint statement was not unanimous and mostly represented the views of PDP members. There was no immediate comment from the presidency. Britain's Supreme Court will rule Thursday on whether Northern Ireland's abortion laws contravene human rights legislation, threatening another headache for Prime Minister Theresa May as she seeks to drive Brexit through parliament. The court will decide whether the laws, which are set by the devolved government in Belfast, breach rights legislation by banning abortion in cases of rape, incest or serious foetal anomaly. The seven Supreme Court justices last October heard the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) claim that the current situation criminalised "exceptionally vulnerable" women. If they agree, then it will be up to London and Belfast to find a solution, setting May on collision course with the anti-abortion Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). The DUP is the biggest party in Northern Ireland and also props up May's minority government, giving her the votes she needs to get Brexit legislation through the House of Commons. Adding to the complication, Northern Ireland has been unable to form a power-sharing government for over a year, meaning responsibility may fall on Westminster to unilaterally change national law if the judges rule in favour of the NIHRC. Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn warned DUP leader Arlene Foster that, in the absence of a functioning assembly, "clearly the UK parliament has responsibility to adhere to human rights standards". "Labour's position has always been that abortion rights should be extended, without fear or favour, across the whole of the UK," he added. The NIHRC argued in October that the current law subjects women to "inhuman and degrading" treatment, causing "physical and mental torture" -- in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). - Ireland's landmark vote - Unlike in mainland Britain, abortion is illegal in Northern Ireland except when a woman's life is at risk or there is a permanent or serious danger to her mental or physical health. The devolved Northern Ireland Assembly voted in February 2016 against legalising abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormality, rape or incest, and anyone who unlawfully carries out an abortion could be jailed for life. But the case for change has received fresh impetus from the Republic of Ireland's landmark referendum vote to legalise abortion last month. More than 66 percent of voters backed repealing the constitutional ban on terminations, raising pressure on its neighbour to follow suit. May insists Northern Ireland's assembly should deal with the issue, but a ruling against its abortion laws could lead to a "declaration of incompatibility" with British legislation. "We recognise there are strongly held views on all sides of the debate in Northern Ireland and that's why our focus is on restoring that democratically accountable devolved government," May's spokesman said. "We consider this to be a devolved matter." But Sarah Wollaston, a senior MP from May's Conservative Party, said she expects a cross-party push in the coming months to "directly bring Northern Ireland's abortion laws in line with the rest of UK". Sinn Fein and the SDLP, the two major parties representing Northern Ireland's Irish Catholics, and the cross-community Alliance Party, back overturning the ban. Belfast's High Court ruled in December 2015 that the law was incompatible with article eight of the ECHR -- the right to respect for private and family life -- due to the absence of exceptions in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities and pregnancies resulting from sexual offences. But three of Northern Ireland's most senior judges overturned that decision in June last year, saying it was a question for the elected assembly, not the courts. Oli lauds Nepals green efforts Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has praised Nepals efforts towards conservation of the environment and sustainable development. AI is continually improving climate models. Credit: Los Alamos National Lab As the planet continues to warm, climate change impacts are worsening. In 2016, there were 772 weather and disaster events, triple the number that occurred in 1980. Twenty percent of species currently face extinction, and that number could rise to 50 percent by 2100. And even if all countries keep their Paris climate pledges, by 2100, it's likely that average global temperatures will be 3C higher than in pre-industrial times. But we have a new tool to help us better manage the impacts of climate change and protect the planet: artificial intelligence (AI). AI refers to computer systems that "can sense their environment, think, learn, and act in response to what they sense and their programmed objectives," according to a World Economic Forum report, Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for the Earth, authored by PwC UK. In India, AI has helped farmers get 30 percent higher groundnut yields per hectare by providing information on preparing the land, applying fertilizer and choosing sowing dates. In Norway, AI helped create a flexible and autonomous electric grid, integrating more renewable energy. And AI has helped researchers achieve 89 to 99 percent accuracy in identifying tropical cyclones, weather fronts and atmospheric rivers, the latter of which can cause heavy precipitation and are often hard for humans to identify on their own. By improving weather forecasts, these types of programs can help keep people safe. What are artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning? Artificial intelligence has been around since the late 1950s, but today, AI's capacities are rapidly improving thanks to several factors: the vast amounts of data being collected by sensors (in appliances, vehicles, clothing, etc.), satellites and the Internet; the development of more powerful and faster computers; the availability of open source software and data; and the increase in abundant, cheap storage. AI can now quickly discern patterns that humans cannot, make predictions more efficiently and recommend better policies. The holy grail of artificial intelligence research is artificial general intelligence, when computers will be able to reason, abstract, understand and communicate like humans. But we are still far from thatit takes 83,000 processors 40 minutes to compute what one percent of the human brain can calculate in one second. What exists today is narrow AI, which is task-oriented and capable of doing some things, sometimes better than humans can do, such as recognizing speech or images and forecasting weather. Playing chess and classifying images, as in the tagging of people on Facebook, are examples of narrow AI. When Netflix and Amazon recommend shows and products based on our purchasing history, they're using machine learning. Machine learning, which developed out of earlier AI, involves the use of algorithms (sets of rules to follow to solve a problem) that can learn from data. The more data the system analyzes, the more accurate it becomes as the system develops its own rules and the software evolves to achieve its goal. Deep learning, a subset of machine learning, involves neural networks made up of multiple layers of connections or neurons, much like the human brain. Each layer has a separate task and as information passes through, the neurons give it a weight based on its accuracy vis a vis the assigned task. The final result is determined by the total of the weights. Deep learning enabled a computer system to figure out how to identify a catwithout any human input about cat features after "seeing" 10 million random images from YouTube. Because deep learning essentially takes place in a "black box" through self-learning and evolving algorithms, however, scientists often don't know how a system arrives at its results. Artificial intelligence is a game changer Microsoft believes that artificial intelligence, often encompassing machine learning and deep learning, is a "game changer" for climate change and environmental issues. The company's AI for Earth program has committed $50 million over five years to create and test new applications for AI. Eventually it will help scale up and commercialize the most promising projects. An atmospheric river over California. Credit: NOAA Columbia University's Maria Uriarte, a professor of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, and Tian Zheng, a statistics professor at the Data Science Institute, received a Microsoft grant to study the effects of Hurricane Maria on the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. Uriarte and her colleagues want to know how tropical storms, which may worsen with climate change, affect the distribution of tree species in Puerto Rico. Hurricane Maria's winds damaged thousands of acres of rainforest, however the only way to determine which tree species were destroyed and which withstood the hurricane at such a large scale is through the use of images. In 2017, a NASA flyover of Puerto Rico yielded very high-resolution photographs of the tree canopies. But how is it possible to tell one species from another by looking at a green mass from above over such a large area? The human eye could theoretically do it, but it would take forever to process the thousands of images. The team is using artificial intelligence to analyze the high-resolution photographs and match them with Uriarte's datashe has mapped and identified every single tree in given plots. Using the ground information from these specific plots, AI can figure out what the various species of trees look like from above in the flyover images. "Then we can use that information to extrapolate to a larger area," explained Uriarte. "We use the plot data both to learn [i.e. to train the algorithm] and to validate [how well the algorithm is performing]." Understanding how the distribution and composition of forests change in response to hurricanes is important because when forests are damaged, vegetation decomposes and emits more CO2 into the atmosphere. As trees grow back, since they are smaller, they store less carbon. If climate change results in more extreme storms, some forests will not recover, less carbon will be stored, and more carbon will remain in the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming. Uriarte says her work could not be done without artificial intelligence. "AI is going to revolutionize this field," she said. "It's becoming more and more important for everything that we do. It allows us to ask questions at a scale that we could not ask from below. There's only so much that one can do [on the ground] and then there are areas that are simply not accessible. The flyovers and the AI tools are going to allow us to study hurricanes in a whole different way. It's super exciting." Another project, named Protection Assistant for Wildlife Security (PAWS) from the University of Southern California, is using machine learning to predict where poaching may occur in the future. Currently the algorithm analyzes past ranger patrols and poachers' behavior from crime data; a Microsoft grant will help train it to incorporate real-time data to enable rangers to improve their patrols. In Washington State, Long Live the Kings is trying to restore declining steelhead and salmon populations. With a grant from Microsoft, the organization will improve an ecosystem model that gathers data about salmon and steelhead growth, tracks fish and marine mammal movements, and monitors marine conditions. The model will help improve hatchery, harvest, and ecosystem management, and support habitat protection and restoration efforts. How AI is used for energy AI is increasingly used to manage the intermittency of renewable energy so that more can be incorporated into the grid; it can handle power fluctuations and improve energy storage as well. The Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory operated by Stanford University will use machine learning and artificial intelligence to identify vulnerabilities in the grid, strengthen them in advance of failures, and restore power more quickly when failures occur. The system will first study part of the grid in California, analyzing data from renewable power sources, battery storage, and satellite imagery that can show where trees growing over power lines might cause problems in a storm. The goal is to develop a grid that can automatically manage renewable energy without interruption and recover from system failures with little human involvement. Wind companies are using AI to get each turbine's propeller to produce more electricity per rotation by incorporating real time weather and operational data. On large wind farms, the front row's propellers create a wake that decreases the efficiency of those behind them. AI will enable each individual propeller to determine the wind speed and direction coming from other propellers, and adjust accordingly. Researchers at the Department of Energy and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are using AI to better understand atmospheric conditions in order to more accurately project the energy output of wind farms. Art created by deep learning. Credit: Gene Kogan Artificial intelligence can enhance energy efficiency, too. Google used machine learning to help predict when its data centers' energy was most in demand. The system analyzed and predicted when users were most likely to watch data-sucking Youtube videos, for example, and could then optimize the cooling needed. As a result, Google reduced its energy use by 40 percent. Making cities more livable and sustainable AI can also improve energy efficiency on the city scale by incorporating data from smart meters and the Internet of Things (the internet of computing devices that are embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data) to forecast energy demand. In addition, artificial intelligence systems can simulate potential zoning laws, building ordinances, and flood plains to help with urban planning and disaster preparedness. One vision for a sustainable city is to create an "urban dashboard" consisting of real-time data on energy and water use and availability, traffic and weather to make cities more energy efficient and livable. In China, IBM's Green Horizon project is using an AI system that can forecast air pollution, track pollution sources and produce potential strategies to deal with it. It can determine if, for example, it would be more effective to restrict the number of drivers or close certain power plants in order to reduce pollution in a particular area. Another IBM system in development could help cities plan for future heat waves. AI would simulate the climate at the urban scale and explore different strategies to test how well they ease heat waves. For example, if a city wanted to plant new trees, machine learning models could determine the best places to plant them to get optimal tree cover and reduce heat from pavement. Smart agriculture Hotter temperatures will have significant impacts on agriculture as well. Data from sensors in the field that monitor crop moisture, soil composition and temperature help AI improve production and know when crops need watering. Incorporating this information with that from drones, which are also used to monitor conditions, can help increasingly automatic AI systems know the best times to plant, spray and harvest crops, and when to head off diseases and other problems. This will result in increased efficiency, enhanced yields, and lower use of water, fertilizer and pesticides. Protecting the oceans The Ocean Data Alliance is working with machine learning to provide data from satellites and ocean exploration so that decision-makers can monitor shipping, ocean mining, fishing, coral bleaching or the outbreak of a marine disease. With almost real time data, decision-makers and authorities will be able to respond to problems more quickly. Artificial intelligence can also help predict the spread of invasive species, follow marine litter, monitor ocean currents, keep track of dead zones and measure pollution levels. The Nature Conservancy is partnering with Microsoft on using AI to map ocean wealth. Evaluating the economic value of ocean ecosystem servicessuch as seafood harvesting, carbon storage, tourism and morewill make better conservation and planning decisions possible. The data will be used to build models that consider food security, job creation and fishing yields to show the value of ecosystem services under differing conditions. This can help decision-makers determine the most important areas for fish productivity and conservation efforts, as well as the tradeoffs of potential decisions. The project already has maps and models for Micronesia, the Caribbean, Florida, and is expanding to Australia, Haiti, and Jamaica. More sustainable transport on land As vehicles become able to communicate with each other and with the infrastructure, artificial intelligence will help drivers avoid hazards and traffic jams. In Pittsburgh, an artificial intelligence system incorporating sensors and cameras that monitors traffic flow adjusts traffic lights when needed. The systems are functioning at 50 intersections with plans for 150 more, and have already reduced travel time by 25 percent and idling by more than 40 percent. Less idling, of course, means fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Eventually, autonomous AI-driven shared transportation systems may replace personal vehicles. Better climate predictions As the climate changes, accurate projections are increasingly important. However, climate models often produce very different predictions, largely because of how data is broken down into discrete parts, how processes and systems are paired, and because of the large variety of spatial and temporal scales. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports are based on many climate models and show the range of predictions, which are then averaged out. Averaging them out, however, means that each climate model is given equal weight. AI is helping to determine which models are more reliable by giving added weight to those whose predictions eventually prove to be more accurate, and less weight to those performing poorly. This will help improve the accuracy of climate change projections. AI and deep learning are also improving weather forecasting and the prediction of extreme events. That's because they can incorporate much more of the real-world complexity of the climate system, such as atmospheric and ocean dynamics and ocean and atmospheric chemistry, into their calculations. This sharpens the precision of weather and climate modeling, making simulations more useful for decision-makers. AI has many other uses AI can help to monitor ecosystems and wildlife and their interactions. Its fast processing speeds can offer almost real-time satellite data to track illegal logging in forests. AI can monitor drinking water quality, manage residential water use, detect underground leaks in drinking water supply systems, and predict when water plants need maintenance. It can also simulate weather events and natural disasters to find vulnerabilities in disaster planning, determine which strategies for disaster response are most effective, and provide real-time disaster response coordination. What are the risks of artificial intelligence? While AI enables us to better manage the impacts of climate change and protect the environment in addition to transforming the fields of business, finance, health care, medicine, law, education and more, it is not without risks. Some prominent individuals such as the late physicist Stephen Hawking and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have warned of the existential dangers of uncontrolled artificial intelligence. The World Economic Forum report identified six categories of AI risk: Performance. The black box conclusions of AI may not be understandable to humans and thus it may be impossible to determine if they are accurate or desirable. Deep learning could be risky for applications such as early warning systems for natural disasters where more certainty is needed. Security. AI could potentially be hacked, enabling bad actors to interfere with energy, transportation, early warning or other crucial systems. Control risks. Since AI systems interact autonomously, they can produce unpredictable outcomes. For example, two systems came up with a language of their own that humans couldn't understand. Economic risks. Companies that are slower to adopt AI may suffer economic consequences as their AI-based competition advances. We are already seeing how brick and mortar stores are closing as the economy becomes increasingly digitized. Social risk. AI is resulting in more automation, which will eliminate jobs in almost every field. Autonomous weapon systems could also hasten and exacerbate global conflicts. Ethical risks. Since AI uses inferred assumptions about groups and communities in making decisions, it could lead to increased bias. The collection of data also raises privacy issues. To deal with these risks, the World Economic Forum states that government and industry "must ensure the safety, explainability, transparency and validity of AI application." More interaction among public and private entities, technologists, policy-makers and even philosophers, and more investments in research are needed to avert the potential risks of artificial intelligenceand to realize its potential benefits to the environment and humanity. Explore further New AI program fights fire with data Provided by State of the Planet This story is republished courtesy of Earth Institute, Columbia University http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu. Credit: American Chemical Society Africanized honeybees, commonly known as "killer bees," are much more aggressive than their European counterparts. Now researchers have examined neuropeptide changes that take place in Africanized honeybees' brains during aggressive behavior. The researchers, who report their results in the Journal of Proteome Research, also showed they could turn gentle bees into angry ones by injecting them with certain peptides. In the 1950s, researchers in Brazil bred Africanized honeybees by crossing European and African bees. In 1957, swarms of the bees were accidentally released, and they have been buzzing their way across the Americas ever since. Scientists currently don't understand what makes these bees so aggressive, but the behavior appears to involve a complex network of genetic and environmental factors, regulated by neuropeptides. So Mario Sergio Palma and his colleagues wanted to examine neuropeptide differences between the brains of bees displaying aggressive and non-aggressive behavior. The researchers stimulated Africanized honeybees to attack by hanging spherical, black leather targets in front of their colonies. Angry guard bees quickly attacked the targets, becoming embedded in the leather by their stingers. Meanwhile, gentler bees kept their distance. The researchers collected both groups of bees and analyzed their brains by mass spectral imaging. In the brains of aggressive bees, two longer neuropeptides were cleaved into shorter ones, but this did not happen in the gentler bees. The researchers then injected the shorter peptides into anesthetized, non-aggressive bees, which became combative upon waking. The study provides new insights into the neurological basis for aggressive honeybee behavior, the researchers say. Explore further Genes key to killer bee's success More information: Marcel Pratavieira et al. MALDI Imaging Analysis of Neuropeptides in Africanized Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Brain: Effect of Aggressiveness, Journal of Proteome Research (2018). Marcel Pratavieira et al. MALDI Imaging Analysis of Neuropeptides in Africanized Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Brain: Effect of Aggressiveness,(2018). DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.8b00098 Abstract Aggressiveness in honeybees seems to be regulated by multiple genes, under the influence of different factors, such as polyethism of workers, environmental factors, and response to alarm pheromones, creating a series of behavioral responses. It is suspected that neuropeptides seem to be involved with the regulation of the aggressive behavior. The role of allatostatin and tachykinin-related neuropeptides in honeybee brain during the aggressive behavior is unknown, and thus worker honeybees were stimulated to attack and to sting leather targets hung in front of the colonies. The aggressive individuals were collected and immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen; the heads were removed and sliced at sagittal plan. The brain slices were submitted to MALDI spectral imaging analysis, and the results of the present study reported the processing of the precursors proteins into mature forms of the neuropeptides AmAST A (5976) (AYTYVSEYKRLPVYNFGL-NH2), AmAST A (6976) (LPVYNFGL-NH2), AmTRP (8896) (APMGFQGMR-NH2), and AmTRP (254262) (ARMGFHGMR-NH2), which apparently acted in different neuropils of the honeybee brain during the aggressive behavior, possibly taking part in the neuromodulation of different aspects of this complex behavior. These results were biologically validated by performing aggressiveness-related behavioral assays using young honeybee workers that received 1 ng of AmAST A (6976) or AmTRP (8896) via hemocele. The young workers that were not expected to be aggressive individuals presented a complete series of aggressive behaviors in the presence of the neuropeptides, corroborating the hypothesis that correlates the presence of mature AmASTs A and AmTRPs in the honeybee brain with the aggressiveness of this insect. Journal information: Journal of Proteome Research Photographers snap away as the three-strong crew blasts off from the Baikonur cosmodrome bound for the International Space Station, which has been orbiting Earth at some 28,000 kph (17,000 mph) since 1998 A relatively inexperienced crew of two astronauts and a cosmonaut blasted off Wednesday from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for a five-month mission on the International Space Station. German Alexander Gerst of the European Space Agency, NASA's Serena Aunon-Chancellor and Russian Sergei Prokopyev of Roscosmos shot into the sky in warm, dry conditions at 1112 GMT. They should dock at the space station on Friday. The trio only have a total of one previous space mission between them42-year-old Gerst's debut mission aboard the ISS was in 2014making this one of the less experienced space station crews in recent times. Prokopyev, 43, will serve as the crew's flight commander for the two-day journey to the orbital lab despite having never flown into space before. Aunon-Chancellor, 42, who followed her father into engineering before training to be an astronaut and is also a practising doctor, was only confirmed by NASA for the mission at the beginning of the year. The rookie's late inclusion into the mission came at the expense of Jeanette Epps, who would have been the first African-American to serve on a long-term mission aboard the space station had she flown as expected. NASA did not explain the change. Gerst, who will be commanding the space station for the first time during his mission, referenced the steppe scenery in central Kazakhstan on Twitter Wednesday as he warmed up for the flight. "L-6 hours. On our way to the suit-up building. Got a great farewell from our friends and families. Crew is doing great. Looking at unimpressed camels on the side of the road. #horizons," he tweeted. According to ESA, Gerst will be only the second person from the agency to take command of the lab in the 17 years crews have occupied the station. Belgian Frank De Winne took charge of the station during a mission in 2009. Football fever has gripped the ISS in the build-up to the World Cup in Russia beginning next week and the Soyuz rocket that propelled the trio into space was emblazoned with the tournament's promotional emblem. Moreover, Prokopyev said at the pre-launch press-conference that the ISS crew would stage their own football match on the day of the final on July 15. "The composition of the teams will be international," Prokopyev said Tuesday. Russian cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov returned to Earth on Sunday with an official football that he kicked around on the ISS and which may be used during a match, Russian news agencies have reported. The space laboratory has been orbiting Earth at about 28,000 kilometres per hour (17,000 miles per hour) since 1998. Space research has been one of the few areas of international cooperation between Russia and the West that has not been wrecked by the Ukraine crisis. Explore further Video: Horizons mission 2018 AFP Credit: CC0 Public Domain As much as 54 percent of the high seas fishing industry would be unprofitable at its current scale without large government subsidies, according to a new study by researchers from the National Geographic Society; the University of California, Santa Barbara; Global Fishing Watch; the Sea Around Us project at the University of British Columbia; and the University of Western Australia. The research, published today in the open-access journal Science Advances, found that the global cost of fishing in the high seas ranged between $6.2 billion and $8 billion USD in 2014. Profits from this activity range between a loss of $364 million and a profit of $1.4 billion USD. The high seasmarine waters beyond national jurisdictioncover 64 percent of the ocean's surface and are dominated by a small number of fishing countries, which reap most of the benefits of fishing this internationally shared area. While the environmental impacts of fishing on the high seas are well studied, a high level of secrecy around distant-water fishing had previously precluded reliable estimates of the economic costs and benefits of high seas fishing. However, newly compiled satellite data and machine learning have revealed a far more accurate picture of fishing effort across the globe at the level of individual vessels. "The reason most fleets continue to operate in the high seas is that they receive government subsidies. Without subsidies and the forced labor some of them are known for, fishing would be unprofitable in over half of the high seas fishing grounds," said Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and lead author of the study. Using Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) and Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), the researchers were able to track the individual behavior, fishing activity and other characteristics of 3,620 vessels in near-real time. Combining this information with the global catch data from the University of British Columbia's Sea Around Us project, the team was then able to determine how much effort the vessels expended, how large their catch was, and how much profit the catch generated. "Satellite technology, computing power, and machine learning are rapidly transforming our ability to monitor and understand human activity at sea. This unprecedented level of transparency provided by Global Fishing Watch not only creates new research avenues but, more importantly, opens the door to exciting opportunities to improve how we manage and protect our oceans," said Juan Mayorga, marine data scientist for Pristine Seas. The researchers estimated that fishing is taking place for almost 10 million hours each year across 132 million square kilometers (57 percent) of the high seas. They identified fishing hotspots near Peru, Argentina, and Japan, which were dominated by Chinese, Taiwanese and South Korean squid fishing fleets. Deep-sea bottom trawling in the northwest Atlantic between the United States and Canada off Georges Bank and in the northeast Atlantic is also prevalent, as are activities by tuna fleets in the central and western Pacific. Overall, catches range around 4.4 million tons a year. "In many parts of the high seas, subsidies are propping up fishing activity to levels far beyond what would otherwise be economically rational. This implies that through targeted subsidy reforms, we could save taxpayers money, rebuild fish stocks, and eventually lead to higher value, lower volume fisheries," said Christopher Costello. The paper also hints at the possibility of individual fishing companies catching more than they report to fisheries agencies, hence making more money than they claim while still pushing governments for subsidies. "Even though some high seas fisheries are profitable, squid fishing and deep bottom trawling would not make sense without the subsidies. Governments are throwing massive amounts of taxpayer money into a destructive industry," said Sala, founder and leader of National Geographic's Pristine Seas project. Furthermore, the research finds that beyond subsidies, unfair labor compensation or no compensation at all are key cost-reducing factors in long-distance fishing. Explore further Researchers track commercial fishing worldwide in near real-time More information: E. Sala el al., "The economics of fishing the high seas," Science Advances (2018). Journal information: Science Advances E. Sala el al., "The economics of fishing the high seas,"(2018). advances.sciencemag.org/content/4/6/eaat2504 Nitrogen fixation occurs naturally in bacteria containing the nitrogenase enzyme and can be carried out artificially through a high-temperature and high-pressure industrial process that relies on iron-based catalysts and large quantities of hydrogen obtained from natural gas. Source: National Science Foundation workshop report. Credit: Brookhaven National Laboratory About half of the nitrogen in our bodies today comes from bacteria via the enzyme nitrogenase, which converts, or "fixes," unreactive nitrogen gas in the atmosphere into a form that plants can use for growth. The other half is produced artificially through an energy-intensive industrial process developed more than 100 years ago. This process, called Haber-Bosch (H-B) after the two chemists who developed it, produces ammonia by using iron-based catalysts to promote the reaction of nitrogen from the air and hydrogen derived primarily from methane. Through another chemical process (Ostwald), the ammonia gets oxidized (reacts with oxygen) to produce nitric acida key fertilizer ingredient. While the H-B process revolutionized our ability to grow food, it is largely driven by the use of fossil fuels, consuming about two percent of global energy. It also massively contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, releasing two percent of global carbon dioxide. A roadmap for nitrogen chemistry research Finding more environmentally and energy-friendly routes for transforming nitrogen will require the development of new catalysts to speed up the chemical reactions and renewable energy sources to drive these reactions. In October 2016, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science sponsored a two-day workshop for national lab and university scientists with the relevant expertise to focus on the challenges and opportunities of nitrogen activation. A review article, primarily based on presentations and discussions from this workshop, was published on May 25 in the journal Science. "The article provides a roadmap for fundamental research on nitrogen transformation reactions," said first and co-corresponding author Jingguang Chen, a senior chemist at DOE's Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Thayer Lindsley Professor of Chemical Engineering at Columbia University. "Many of these reactions can occur under relatively mild conditionswithout the high temperatures or pressures required in H-Bbut the challenge is to identify catalysts that are active, selective, and stable." Chen; co-corresponding author Richard Crooks, the Robert A. Welch Chair in Materials Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin; and Lance Seefeldt, a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Utah State University, jointly proposed the topic and co-chaired the workshop. Research on alternative routes for nitrogen transformation without the use of fossil fuels as the energy source begins with an analysis of thermodynamics. In order for nitrogen gas to be reduced or oxidized, the very stable triple bond that tightly holds the two nitrogen atoms together must be broken. "Before trying to find new catalysts with the appropriate properties, we need to determine if the reaction pathways of the alternative routes are energetically feasible," explained co-author and Brookhaven Lab chemist Sergei Lymar. "Many thermodynamically feasible routes do exist, but they have largely been overlooked for the past 100 years because H-B has been so successful. While there is no guarantee that we will be able to run these reactions on a large scale, the thermodynamic calculations provide us with a starting point from which we can screen potential catalytic materials." There are several possible routes for transforming nitrogen gas (N2), ammonia (NH3), and nitrogen oxides (NOy) that eliminate or minimize the need for fossil fuels. Nitrogenase enzymes, like those found in bacteria; different types of catalysts; and nonthermal plasmas consisting of ions, electrons, and excited molecules are among the possibilities that scientists are investigating. Credit: Brookhaven National Laboratory Possible routes for transforming nitrogen The Science article describes several alternative processes for oxidative and reductive nitrogen transformations. On the reduction side, one possibility is to replace methane with water as the hydrogen source in the H-B process. A catalyst could split water into hydrogen and oxygen, using energy generated by solar panels or wind turbines. Another idea is to eliminate the H-B process altogether, instead directly producing ammonia in electrochemical cells with electrocatalysts or photocatalysts (light-responsive materials) at the electrodes. The cells could be powered by renewable energy or even nitrogen-fixing bacteria. "Electrochemical transformations are intrinsically clean," said Crooks. "But the limited amount of research that has been directed toward the electrochemistry of nitrogen has really not even established a clear direction for future investigations." Scientists are also trying to understand how nitrogenase works at low temperatures and pressures and without hydrogen gas. If they can mimic the function of this enzyme, they could design new molecular nitrogen-reduction catalysts that operate under less-harsh conditions than those of H-B. Such sustainable approaches would enable ammonia to be produced in a distributed manner rather than through the centralized H-B facilities currently in place. This distributed production is especially important in developing countries that are facing rapid population growth but do not have enough capital to build large chemical plants and the infrastructure to transport fertilizers. If solar panels are installed near farming fields, for example, the energy from sunlight could create the energetic electrons required for reducing nitrogen to ammonia, if appropriate catalysts are available. On the oxidation side, scientists are investigating the direct reaction between nitrogen and oxygen gas to produce nitric acid. Nearly all of the 50 million tons of nitric acid produced annually is manufactured indirectly through the Ostwald process by the oxidation of H-B-generated ammonia. "The current way nitric acid is produced is kind of backwards from an electron flow point of view," said Lymar. "First, nitrogen is reduced all the way to ammonia and then ammonia is oxidized all the way to nitric acid, spanning all of nitrogen's eight oxidation states. It would be more practical to directly oxidize nitrogen with oxygen, but this reaction becomes spontaneous only at extreme temperatures." One idea to overcoming this problem is to oxidize nitrogen in low-temperature, nonthermal plasmasweakly ionized gases that contain "hot" energetic electrons and near-room-temperature molecules, atoms, and ions. By vibrationally exciting nitrogen molecules, nonthermal plasmas could help catalysts accelerate the oxidation reaction. The article also describes approaches to reduce air-polluting nitrogen oxides. These gases are produced when nitrogen and oxygen react during combustion. The exhaust from vehicles is a major source of nitrogen oxides, which contribute to the formation of smog and acid rain. Certain bacteria have enzymes that reduce nitrogen oxides to nitrogen gas, and these denitrifying bacteria will likely be a source of inspiration for scientists seeking to design new catalysts for environmental protection. "Progress in any of these areas will require a molecular-level understanding of natural and artificial nitrogen transformation reactions," said Chen. "The goal of this article is to provide directions for basic research, hopefully leading to the development of simple, low-energy routes for manipulating the redox states of nitrogen." Explore further A green approach to making ammonia could help feed the world More information: Jingguang G. Chen et al. Beyond fossil fueldriven nitrogen transformations, Science (2018). Journal information: Science Jingguang G. Chen et al. Beyond fossil fueldriven nitrogen transformations,(2018). DOI: 10.1126/science.aar6611 Some lawmakers say Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, seen here at an April congressional hearing on personal data protection, should return to explain its deal allowing smartphone makers to access user information Facebook drew fresh criticism from US lawmakers following revelations that it allowed Chinese smartphone makers, including one deemed a national security threat, access to user data. The world's largest social network confirmed late Tuesday that China-based Huaweiwhich has been banned by the US military and a lightning rod for cyberespionage concernswas among device makers authorized to see user data. Facebook has claimed the agreements with some 60 device makers dating from a decade ago were designed to help the social media giant get more services into the mobile ecosystem. Nonetheless, lawmakers expressed outrage that Chinese firms were given access to user data at a time when officials were trying to block their access to the US market over national security concerns. Senator Ed Markey said Facebook's chief executive has some more explaining to do following these revelations. "Mark Zuckerberg needs to return to Congress and testify why @facebook shared Americans' private information with questionable Chinese companies," the Massachusetts Democrat said on Twitter. "Our privacy and national security cannot be the cost of doing business." Other lawmakers zeroed in on the concerns about Huawei's ties to the Chinese government, even though the company has denied the allegations. "This could be a very big problem," tweeted Senator Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican. "If @Facebook granted Huawei special access to social data of Americans this might as well have given it directly to the government of #China." Representative Debbie Dingell called the latest news on Huawei "outrageous" and urged a new congressional probe. "Why does Huawei, a company that our intelligence community said is a national security threat, have access to our personal information?" said Dingell, a Michigan Democrat, on Twitter. Huawei has been a lightning rod in Washington for concerns on national security but denies any links to the Chinese government "With over 184 million daily Facebook users in US & Canada, the potential impact on our privacy & national security is huge." 'Approved experiences' Facebook, which has been blocked in China since 2009, also had data-access deals with Chinese companies Lenovo, OPPO and TCL, according to the company, which had similar arrangements with dozens of other devices makers. Huawei, which has claimed national security fears are unfounded, said in an emailed statement its access was the same as other device makers. "Like all leading smartphone providers, Huawei worked with Facebook to make Facebook's service more convenient for users. Huawei has never collected or stored any Facebook user data." The revelations come weeks after Zuckerberg was grilled in Congress about the hijacking of personal data on some 87 million Facebook users by Cambridge Analytica, a consultancy working on Donald Trump's 2016 campaign. Facebook said its contracts with phone makers placed tight limits on what could be done with data, and "approved experiences" were reviewed by engineers and managers before being deployed, according to the social network. Any data obtained by Huawei "was stored on the device, not on Huawei's servers," according to Facebook mobile partnerships chief Francisco Varela. Facebook said it does not know of any privacy abuse by cellphone makers who years ago were able to gain access to personal data on users and their friends. It has argued the data-sharing with smartphone makers was different from the leak of data to Cambridge Analytica, which obtained private user data from a personality quiz designed by an academic researcher who violated Facebook's rules. Facebook is winding up the interface arrangements with device makers as the company's smartphone apps now dominate the service. The integration partnership with Huawei will terminate by the end of this week, according to the social network. The news comes following US sanctions on another Chinese smartphone maker, ZTEwhich was not on the Facebook listfor violating export restrictions to Iran. The ZTE sanctions limiting access to US components could bankrupt the manufacturer, but Trump has said he is willing to help rescue the firm, despite objections from US lawmakers. Explore further Facebook says Chinese phone makers got access to data (Update) 2018 AFP Will you ever be able to charge your mobile device, car and even clothing with flexible solar cells? Researchers at Aalto University in Finland and Universite de Montreal are studying whether the now-experimental technology could someday be mass-produced and commercialized, and some of the issues that have to be resolved, including the environmental impact. For the electronic cells to be viable on an industrial scale, they would have to be made through roll-to-roll processingthat is, be churned out on rolls of flexible plastic or metal foil, the researchers say. Ink-jet printing would allow precise insertion of the dye and electrolyte components. The problem of encapsulation The encapsulation of a flexible cell also poses a major challenge. If encapsulation is insufficient, liquid electrolyte could leak out of the cell or impurities could seep in, considerably reducing the lifetime of the device. "Flexible solar cells are usually made on metals or plastics, and both come with perils: a metal may corrode, and plastics may allow water and other impurities to permeate," said Dr. Kati Miettunen, a project manager at Aalto's Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems. New innovations will also be needed to join the substrates together, since conventional techniques such as glass-frit bonding now used in flat-panel displays and other devices, are unsuitable for flexible cells. The lifetime of devices as an issue "Another prerequisite for commercialization is making the lifetime of devices adequate in relation to the energy that is embedded in the fabrication of the decices, so that the solar cells won't degrade before they have produced more energy than was used for making them," adds Jaana Vapaavuori, the new assistant professor of the chemistry department of Universite de Montreal. New discoveries using biomaterials, or a hybrid material with wood pulp as substrates for the cells, could pave the way forward, said Miettunen, who is working with UdeM's department of chemistry in her research. These materials' natural ability to filter out impurities would work well for solar cells. Explore further Lifespan of new solar cell technologies to increase tenfold More information: "Mass-Production of Flexible Solar Cells: Challenges in Durability and Environmental Impact", "Mass-Production of Flexible Solar Cells: Challenges in Durability and Environmental Impact", Wiley Advanced Science News , June 3, 2018. Kati Miettunen et al, Recent progress in flexible dye solar cells, Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment (2018). DOI: 10.1002/wene.302 Credit: Fawn Gracey Stem cell researchers at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital have, for the first time, profiled a highly elusive kind of stem cell in the early embryoa cell so fleeting that it makes its entrance and exit within a 12-hour span. They described this "poised pluripotent" cell in the journal Cell Stem Cell on June 1. In mice, poised cells appear 4.75 to 5.25 days after egg and sperm join to form the embryo, right at the time when the embryo stops floating around and implants itself in the uterine wall. "People have had a hard time capturing the peri-implantation period because it's really hard to define," said Richard Gregory, professor of biological chemistry and molecular pharmacology at HMS and professor of pediatrics at Boston Children's, who led the research. "It's a very dynamic stage. Everything happens within a few hours, which is quite remarkable considering the extent of the changes occurring in the properties of the cells." Filling in the map The stem cell field has done a thorough job characterizing the cells that appear just before embryo implantation: embryonic stem cells. These iconic cells appear 3.5 to 4.5 days after conception, in the so-called blastocyst stage. They are considered to be in a "naive pluripotent state." Put in a dish, they continually replicate themselves, and with chemical and genetic coaxing they can make an entire mouse. Also quite well characterized are the "primed pluripotent" cells that emerge a day later, just after embryo implantation. Appearing 5.5 days after conception, they look a lot like their naive forerunners, but their internal signaling is already shifting toward formation of tissues. But until now, no one knew what happened in the time in between. All the embryologic models show a gap. A team led by Gregory and first author Peng Du, a research fellow at HMS and Boston Children's, tracked early mouse embryonic cells as they grew in a dish. At each stage, they purified and sequenced the RNAs producedan indication of what genes are turned on, or expressed, and what proteins the cell is making. They also looked at microRNAs, tiny bits of code that can regulate multiple genes at once. Poised for implantation The expression pattern of one gene, ISY1, caught their attention. "ISY1 goes up quite abruptly in a six-hour window," says Du. ISY1 was found to be a master regulator. When it was turned on, multiple microRNAs also turned on. These, in turn, quickly pushed gene expression to a different pattern, moving the embryo from the naive to the poised stage. Du and Gregory note that microRNAs are very fast and efficient regulators, silencing certain genes while allowing others to assert themselves. This enables the embryo to transition quickly to a new phase. Genes whose expression changes during the poised phase include those involved in reorganizing the extracellular matrixthe exterior scaffolding that supports and segregates cellsand genes involved in cell metabolism. "Cell signaling might change in preparation for implantation," said Du. When the ISY1 gene was artificially turned off, or microRNAs eliminated, cells remained in the naive state. Conversely, Du could push cells into the poised state by turning ISY1 on and keep them there simply by keeping ISY1 turned on. Poised pluripotency: What it all means Gregory and Du think their work fills a gap in our understanding of stem cells, which could be helpful in regenerative medicine. The cell most often used in research is the induced pluripotent stem cell, which can also be used to create specific cells for clinical use. Typically made from skin cells that are pushed to pluripotency through genetic manipulation, human iPS cells are thought to represent a "primed" pluripotent state. "People are trying to make these cells more naive," said Gregory. "Maybe, through ISY1, we can get human iPS cells that are more efficient at differentiating or be able to propagate them better. It might be that we don't need to make cells truly like naivethe poised state may be good enough." On a more practical level, the findings might inform research on infertility, perhaps providing clues to early pregnancy failures in which the embryo cannot implant. Gregory and Du are also interested in potential implications for cancer. Cancer cells need to implant into tissues in order to metastasize, and there is evidence that cancer cells and stem cells share many of the same genes. Explore further Study examines how early embryonic development can go awry More information: Peng Du et al. An Intermediate Pluripotent State Controlled by MicroRNAs Is Required for the Naive-to-Primed Stem Cell Transition, Cell Stem Cell (2018). Journal information: Cell Stem Cell Peng Du et al. An Intermediate Pluripotent State Controlled by MicroRNAs Is Required for the Naive-to-Primed Stem Cell Transition,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2018.04.021 Research linking higher temperatures to lower test scores found low-income and minority students were particularly affected. Credit: Stigur Mar Karlsson/Heismyndir An expansive study tracking 10 million American students over 13 years confirms what children, parents and teachers already suspected: When classrooms grow uncomfortably warm, students struggle to learn. Low-income and minority students are particularly affected, and the problem stands to worsen as global temperatures rise, according to the research co-authored by UCLA Luskin assistant professor of public policy Jisung Park. In some schools, a remedy is within reach. The negative effects of hotter days are almost entirely offset in classrooms equipped with air-conditioning, the researchers found. Park said the study was launched to understand the effects of climate on educational performance. "Specifically, we were interested in whether a hotter-than-average schoolyear can actually reduce the rate of learning," he said. The researchers found that, without air conditioning, each 1 degree Fahrenheit increase in schoolyear temperature reduces the amount learned that year by 1 percent. The decline in learning was detected when outdoor temperatures exceeded 75 degrees "but becomes really problematic at 85, 90 and above," Park said. "I think it's worth highlighting the fact that racial minorities and low-income students seem to be affected much more negatively," Park said. "So with the same heat shockin the same year with 10 more hot daysblack or Hispanic students on average would experience roughly three or four times the negative impact than a white student would. "A lot of that seems to be because of different rates of air conditioning, both at school and at home." Park points out that "the United States is still one of the most highly air conditioned countries in the world." In countries like India and Bangladesh, where both temperatures and poverty levels are high, the effects of heat on cognitive development are likely to be more profound, he said. The study, published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, assessed test scores from 10 million high school students who took the PSAT exam multiple times, between 2001 and 2014. An individual test-taker's scores dipped in years when higher temperatures were recorded, the research found. "An important distinction to make here is, in this paper, we're not actually studying how temperature during an exam affects your performance," Park said. "You could have someone who's very well-educated have a bad test day. That's very different from someone who, because they weren't able to focus enough times over an extended period, is actually not very well educated. We wanted to test that latter hypothesis." He noted that the research was motivated, in part, by a desire to make our society more resilient to climate change. The study forecasts the impact of hot temperatures on student learning over the next three decades. One model assumes no changes in school infrastructure, and another assumes that the rate of air conditioning is increased. "There's a very big difference," Park said. But he added that the research should not be interpreted as a mandate for schools to install air conditioning. "As always, we need to weigh the costs and benefits," he said. "The costs are going to vary tremendously, and maybe it still doesn't make sense for a school up in northeast Maine to revamp their hundred-year-old building at a $20-million cost." Explore further When the heat is on, student learning suffers Credit: CC0 Public Domain Marine organisms have evolved to thrive in various ocean environments, resulting in unique adaptations that make them the object of commercial interest. Researchers from the Stockholm Resilience Centre and University of British Columbia have identified 862 marine species, with a total of 12,998 genetic sequences associated with a patent. They found that a single transnational corporation (BASF, the world's largest chemical manufacturer) has registered 47% of these sequences. Public and private universities accounted for another 12%, while entities such as governmental bodies, individuals, hospitals, and nonprofit research institutes registered the remaining 4%. Overall, entities located in only 10 countries accounted for 98% the study published in Science Advances stated. "Within national jurisdiction, the Nagoya Protocol protects countries from exploitative bioprospecting, and is meant to foster greater equity. But there's a huge missing piece, because two-thirds of the ocean exists beyond national jurisdiction. That's roughly half the Earth's surface with no regulations on accessing or using genetic resources," said Robert Blasiak, fellow at the Stockholm Resilience Centre and first author on the study. A considerable portion of all patent sequences (11%) are derived from species associated with deep sea and hydrothermal vent ecosystems (91 species, 1650 sequences), many of which are found in these unregulated areas beyond national jurisdiction. "Establishing a legal framework for marine genetic resources will be a core issue when international negotiations on a new UN treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) begin in earnest in September 2018," Blasiak noted. Patenting marine genetic resources: who owns ocean biodiversity?A single company has registered half of all existing patents associated with genes from marine species, with companies, universities, government bodies, individuals, and hospitals located in only 10 countries accounted for 98 percent of the patents. Credit: Stockholm Resilience Centre Countries that are signatories to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) have committed to promoting the development and transfer of marine technology "for the benefit of all parties concerned on an equitable basis"; a commitment which may have implications in the upcoming negotiations. Of the 30 countries involved in patenting these resources, 27 are parties to UNCLOS. "Equity is deeply embedded within UNCLOS and the language of the Sustainable Development Goals," said Colette Wabnitz, Research Associate in the UBC Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, and co-author on the study. "Ensuring that the process moves forward in an inclusive manner means that states should increase their commitments to disclose the geographic origin of marine genetic resources, and promote greater international participation in discovering and using the benefits of marine biodiversity." The authors note that the existence of a handful of corporations with a disproportionate influence also suggests an opening for more direct engagement with them. They believe such engagement could help companies distinguish themselves through their proactive behaviour and contribute to providing new norms and standards associated with transparency, capacity building, and benefit sharing. "By 2025, the global market for marine biotechnology is expected to reach $6.4 billion and span a broad range of commercial purposes for pharmaceutical, biofuel, and chemical industries," Wabnitz noted. "It is clear that these industry leaders must be involved in the upcoming BBNJ treaty negotiations, if only by virtue of their ownership of such a large share of the marine genetic sequence patents." The study, "Corporate control and global governance of marine genetic resources" was published in Science Advances. More information: R. Blasiak el al., "Corporate control and global governance of marine genetic resources," Science Advances (2018). Journal information: Science Advances R. Blasiak el al., "Corporate control and global governance of marine genetic resources,"(2018). advances.sciencemag.org/content/4/6/eaar5237 Anil Giri is a reporter covering diplomacy, international relations and national politics for The Kathmandu Post. Giri has been working as a journalist for a decade-and-a-half, contributing to numerous national and international media outlets. In a recently conducted study, Professor Sarah Carol (Institute of Sociology and Social Psychology, University of Cologne) and Benjamin Schulz (Berlin Social Science CenterWZB) have investigated the influence of different forms of religiosity on the educational success of Muslim and Christian children with an immigrant background. They found that the correlation between school achievement and religiosity depends on the form of religious engagement. Being engaged in mosques, for example, positively correlates with better school achievement if the children do not live in segregated neighbourhoods. The results of the study, titled "Religiosity as a bridge or barrier to immigrant children's educational achievement?" have now been published in the journal Research in Social Stratification and Mobility. In the past, other studies have concluded that in Germany, children with an immigrant background have lower achievement than children without a migration background. Fewer than 25 percent of students of second-generation Turkish background finish their Abitur (secondary education degree allowing university entrance) in Germany. For children without a history of immigration, this rate is at over 40 percent. Previous research has tended to focus on the ethnic background, educational level and socioeconomic status of the parents. Carol and Schulz instead focused on the significance of religiosity for school achievement and as a motor of educational mobility. "We wanted to find out whether or not religious organizations offer young people orientation and support and whether or not religiosity promotes greater self-control," says Sarah Carol. Both aspects are positively correlated with educational success. The researchers used data collected by the German National Education Panel Study (NEPS) to test their hypotheses regarding Muslim and Christian children with a migration background. As indicators for educational achievement, the study relied mostly on the results of math tests. The degree of religiosity and belonging to a religious community was gauged using a questionnaire. The parents' country of origin (Turkey, former Soviet Union, eastern Europe, southern Europe, western Europe, Asia, others) provided the necessary information regarding the children's migration background. "The study shows that religiosity does not hinder educational success per se. In the case of Christian as well as Muslim pupils, under certain circumstances, religiosity does not stand in the way of good school performance," says Carol. "However, religiosity is more relevant for the educational success of Muslim children. For Christian children, religiosity hardly plays any role." As far as the correlation between engagement in an Islamic community and school performance is concerned, the authors had to consider an additional factor: If students live in non-segregated neighbourhoods, there is a positive correlation between religious involvement and math competence. If, however, they live in segregated neighbourhoods, these children no longer have this advantage. In that case, religious involvement can even be an obstacle to school success. High frequency of prayer also goes hand in hand with better school performance. "Regular praying indicates self-discipline and intrinsic motivation. Both are also key factors for success in school," says Carol. But this does not apply to Muslim pupils who regard themselves as highly religious, and to those who do not regularly practice their religion. This group of pupils is more likely to leave school early without completing secondary education (earning only a Hauptschule degree) or to drop out. Carol believes this has something to do with this group's special situation: "Muslim religiosity can be an important aspect of the social identity of pupils who have problems at school or adapting to the world of work." In sum, Carol and Schulz have found that subjective religiosity can be an obstacle to educational success, but other facets of Muslim religiosity do not necessarily hamper pupils' school achievements. Explore further Religiously engaged adolescents demonstrate habits that help them get better grades More information: Sarah Carol et al, Religiosity as a bridge or barrier to immigrant children's educational achievement?, Research in Social Stratification and Mobility (2018). Sarah Carol et al, Religiosity as a bridge or barrier to immigrant children's educational achievement?,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.rssm.2018.04.001 Ryanair's flight cancellation crisis led to at least 20,000 flights being axed Ryanair has for the first time reached an agreement to recognise cabin crew staff who have union membership, but only in Italy, the Irish no-frills airline announced Wednesday. With Ryanair being forced to cancel 20,000 flights between last September and March because of pilot shortages and amid long-standing grievances over pay, the airline has scrambled to finally begin a process of recognising some the company's union members. Announcing the landmark deal with cabin crew based in Italy and who are members of the ANPAC and ANPAV unions, Ryanair's human resources chief Eddie Wilson said in a company statement: "This is our first cabin crew union recognition agreement, which follows recognition agreements with pilot unions in the UK and Italy earlier this year." Explore further Ryanair threatened by summer strike 2018 AFP Before ESAs Aeolus satellite is packed up and shipped to French Guiana for liftoff in August, media representatives had the chance to see this wind measuring Earth Explorer satellite standing proud in the Airbus Defence and Space cleanroom in Toulouse, France. Credit: ESA - M. Pedoussaut Before ESA's Aeolus satellite is packed up and shipped to French Guiana for liftoff in August, media representatives had the chance to see this wind measuring Earth Explorer satellite standing proud in the cleanroom. Like all of the Earth Explorers, Aeolus was built to show how cutting-edge space technology can shed new light on the intricate workings of our planet. This pioneering satellite uses powerful laser technology that probes the lowermost 30 km of our atmosphere to yield vertical profiles of the wind as well as information on aerosols and clouds. This will not only improve our understanding of how the atmosphere works and contribute to climate change research, but will also help to predict extreme events such as hurricanes and El Nino. While Aeolus is set to advance science, it will also bring considerable benefits to society by improving weather forecasts. It goes without saying that accurate weather forecasts are important for businesses such as farming, fishing, construction, transport, energy exploitation and also for just planning our daily affairs. Although weather forecasts have advanced considerably in recent years, meteorologists urgently need reliable global wind-profile data to improve the forecasts even further. The Aeolus mission will not only advance our understanding of atmospheric dynamics, but will also provide much-needed information to improve weather forecasts. The satellite carries the first wind lidar in space, which can probe the lowermost 30 km of the atmosphere to provide profiles of wind, aerosols and clouds along the satellites orbital path.The laser system emits short powerful pulses of ultraviolet light down into the atmosphere. The telescope collects the light that is backscattered from air molecules, particles of dust and droplets of water. The receiver analyses the Doppler shift of the backscattered signal to determine the speed and direction of the wind at various altitudes below the satellite. These near-realtime observations will improve the accuracy of numerical weather and climate prediction and advance our understanding of atmospheric dynamics and processes relevant to climate variability. Credit: ESA/ATG medialab Currently information on the wind comes from weather balloons, ground-based instruments, aircraft, from tracking cloud movement and from satellite instruments that measure wind near the ocean surface. Aeolus measures the wind around the globe and delivers its measurements almost in real time, which is exactly what meteorological centres need to improve our forecasts. Carrying some of the most sophisticated space technology ever developed, it has taken some years to get this far, but now Aeolus is ready to be shipped to the launch site in Kourou, French Guiana for liftoff on 21 August. ESA's Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Josef Aschbacher, said, "We are very proud to see Aeolus here today at Airbus Defence and Space in Toulouse, France. "It has been a rocky road developing this incredible mission, but nobody ever said space technology was easy. Aeolus is a true first and we know that it is set to make a real difference to our understanding of the planet as well as have real world applications. "I am very grateful to everyone that has worked so hard to reach this point and we look forward to the next step, shipping and preparing for liftoff." Explore further Wind satellite vacuum packed Credit: CC0 Public Domain When plants moved from sea to land they faced a problem they hadn't previously encountered. How, when you are now surrounded by air, do you get water up to your leaves? Plants didn't evolve turbine pumps or Archimedes screws to lift water. Instead they grew tiny straws, called xylem, that use pressure to passively suck water out of the ground and transport it through roots, trunks, and stems to the leaves. You might not have heard of xylem but you've heard of wood, which contains xylem. Now, advances in microscope technology and molecular biology are allowing researchers to see exactly how xylem or wood is formed, in real-time, at the cellular level. Professor Staffan Persson, a plant cell biologist at the University of Melbourne, says this brings the potential to manipulate the wood formation process and, as a result, develop new materials with a raft of useful properties. The process being studied centres on an organic molecule called cellulose which consists of chains of sugars. Though small, it is one of the most abundant organic substances on Earth and is a major building block for wood. Building walls All plant cells are surrounded by a thin cellulose-containing layer the cell wall but xylem needs to be extra-strong, so it doesn't collapse under the pressures of drawing water through the plant. It produces an additional thick cellulose-containing layer the secondary cell wall not found around most other plant cells. Professor Persson says when xylem cells are growing they first produce the thin primary cell wall, which acts like a corset. "This corset-like structure steers the direction of cell growth and therefore controls the shape of a plant. Once xylem-related cells stop growing, a secondary cell wall is produced inside the corset-like primary wall. Soon, the cell dies and what's left is a woody shell with pores for water to flow through," says Professor Persson. "It is this secondary cell wall that is the essential part of what we call wood." Professor Persson is part of a team of researchers from the University of Melbourne, the University of British Columbia, the Max Planck Institute and Michigan State University who have published the study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. They directly imaged developing xylem cells undergoing the transition from making primary and secondary walls, providing new insights into the process. Under the microscope The tiny cellulose factories in plant cells are called cellulose synthase (CESA) enzyme complexes. They are active at the cell surface, and extrude cellulose out into the cell wall. Cellulose is made by protein complexes at the membrane that surrounds cells and they move during the synthesis. This movie shows a cell in which two different cellulose-producing protein complexes, one making a flexible first layer (primary CESAs, in red) and the other making a robust and woody second layer (secondary CESAs, in green) of cellulose, are active. The circles show selected active CESAs moving along the cell membrane as they build cellulose. Credit: University of Melbourne Slightly different CESA factories make primary and secondary wall cellulose. To understand how a plant switches its cellulose production between the two, the researchers needed to identify which CESAs make primary and secondary wall cellulose. They added fluorescent tags to the CESAs red tags for primary cellulose factories and green tags for secondary cellulose factories. They then observed the CESAs using a high-end confocal microscope. Wood, typically forms deep within the plant tissue, making it difficult to see with a microscope. Study co-author Dr. Rene Schneider says they overcame this by forcing other plant cells to produce wood, too. "We use a system where we can induce secondary wall cellulose formation in all cells of a plant," says Dr. Schneider, who was a Postdoctoral fellow at the University of Melbourne during this project, and is now based at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology. The system uses a master regulator, or a transcription factor, that switches on genes in the plant that are specific for wood production. "By using that transcription factor, you can induce wood formation in any plant cell type you want. So now we can make wood at the surface of the plant, which is much easier to image," he says. The switch from primary cell wall production to secondary cell wall production is a fast process, taking just a couple of hours. The team watched the red and green tagged factories that formed the different cellulose structures and noted that the secondary wall cellulose formed faster than primary wall cellulose. New ways with wood "This was somewhat expected because there is only a short time period from when the secondary cell wall starts forming to when the cell dies, and the plant wants to lay down as much cell wall as it can in this time to become strong," says Professor Persson. "The wood forming process needs to be fast!" The quality that makes wood valuable as a building material its durability can be an impediment to other potential uses but the new research may deliver ways around this. "Because it is so stable it is hard to get the sugars out of the wood," says Professor Persson. "We want to manipulate the process of wood formation to see if we can affect this stability and allow easier extraction of products that can be used for biofuels and materials." While wood continues to be a mainstay in the building and paper industries, this latest research suggests we may see a range of new wood-inspired materials in the future. Explore further CSI at the service of cellulose synthesis More information: Yoichiro Watanabe et al. Cellulose synthase complexes display distinct dynamic behaviors during xylem transdifferentiation, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2018). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Yoichiro Watanabe et al. Cellulose synthase complexes display distinct dynamic behaviors during xylem transdifferentiation,(2018). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1802113115 Taite Nazifi explores the natural beauty of Costa Rica while conducting research for the Justice 360 web application. Credit: University of Arizona Gazing across the Convento River in southern Costa Rica, Taite Nazifi envisions a software solution for conservationists who examine the water rushing below. He snaps photos, observes wildlife and considers fields of data that might be useful to collect. he UA junior is spending the summer scoping out rivers near Longo Mai, a village created on the notions of agricultural self-sufficiency and environmental protection. But Nazifi is not a typical study-abroad student. Rather, he is creating a web application for the "Movimiento Rios Vivos," or "Living Rivers Movement." "I'm really excited about staying in the village because I need to get a feel for the heart of the community to build this app," said Nazifi, who is double-majoring in computer science and French. "This is my first time developing something like this. It's kind of like my own child." As companies look to build dams near Longo Mai, conservationists document conditions at area rivers to encourage environmental transparency. Though organized, they lack a sophisticated system to collect and store their data. That's where Nazifi comes in. "My objective is to build an extremely robust and usable mobile web application for an area that doesn't necessarily have a great internet connection, and for people who don't use web applications or devices often," he said. The app will have two components: a system to streamline on-site data collection, and a feature to capture and post 360 images live to the web. Nazifi was granted the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica as part of the Tech.Global program, which connects UA undergraduates with faculty members to develop cost-effective software solutions. Located in the UA Study Abroad office, Tech.Global emphasizes projects with an intercultural component and encourages students to embrace international opportunities. Nazifi experiments with a 360-degree camera at a river near the remote village of Longo Mai, Costa Rica. Credit: University of Arizona In this case, the Tech.Global team partnered with the Climate Justice study-abroad program to empower conservationists of Costa Rica, while also empowering a student developer from the UA. The project is called Justice 360. "Taite is learning firsthand how to design an application for people from a different culture in a foreign land," said Madeline Kiser, who co-directs Climate Justice with Oscar Beita, an assistant professor of family and community medicine at the UA. "We hope that Taite becomes proficient in creating software that is applicable to cultures other than his own." Nazifi is not only conducting research for the Justice 360 app, but also learning how the people of Longo Mai demonstrate resilience in the face of environmental challenges. The locals grow their own food, harvest water and strive to act with compassion, to one another and to the earth. Nazifi is staying with a host family in the village. "The first night was difficult because I didn't know any Spanish, but now I can successfully hold a conversation with my host family and understand the local environmental concerns, and I've only been here two weeks," he said. "The locals have taken a liking to me because of my efforts to speak their language, along with developing a similar love for their land and rivers." Nazifi will return in late June to the UA, where he plans to complete the Justice 360 app with support from his team. Ash Scheder Black, executive director of Tech.Global, believes the journey to Longo Mai will prepare Nazifi for a career in an increasingly connected world. "I believe we have entered a time where we don't have technological problems anymore, but cultural problems," Black said. "We can do amazing stuff with technology. It's the cultural challenge that will make or break us. I hope Taite comes back with his eyes open to the culture that he is building the app for." For now, Nazifi is enjoying the natural beauty of Costa Rica and the reflective lifestyle of Longo Mai. Each morning, he awakens at 5:30 to wash, meditate and pray at the rivers, a practice he describes as transformative. "I can't even begin to explain what kind of amazing impact this has made in my life," he said. "During the semester, I am so overwhelmed with work that it's difficult to find free time to sit and think, especially in nature. The mornings here by the rivers are my most cherished and valued experiences by far." Explore further Cultural costs of building dams Facebook and Google are mapping big expansions in Chicago, where real estate searches by two of the nation's other technology giants have been the center of attention. Menlo Park, Calif.-based Facebook is negotiating to lease more than 200,000 square feet in a recently constructed office tower at 151 N. Franklin St. in the Loop, according to sources. Meanwhile, sources said, Google plans to add more than 100,000 square feet of office space in the city's Fulton Market district, where the company already has a large Midwest headquarters. Those companies' growth in Chicago comes as city and state officials await Amazon's decision on its planned second headquarters, or HQ2. The Seattle-based company last year announced plans to pick a North American location to add up to 50,000 high-paying jobs, and Chicago in January learned it was among 20 locations still under consideration. Also in January, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Chicago would try to lure Apple, which is seeking a new campus that would create more than 20,000 jobs. Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple has remained tight-lipped about potential locations for the campus, and it's unclear whether Chicago is under consideration. For now, at least, Google and Facebook are the tech behemoths beefing up their presence in Chicago. Many of those companies' existing employees are in sales. If the Facebook lease is completed as expected, it would cap a spring to remember for Chicago developer John Buck Co. In May, Facebook signed the largest office lease in San Francisco history, agreeing to fill all of a new, 756,000-square-foot tower developed by John Buck and two partners: Chicago-based Golub & Co. and the asset management arm of MetLife. How do Amazon HQ2 contenders measure up? We checked the data. The Chicago deal comes immediately after tenants began moving into John Buck's 35-story tower at 151 N. Franklin St., where CNA Financial is the namesake tenant. Another tenant in the approximately 807,000-square-foot building is law firm Hinshaw & Culbertson. The largest block of remaining space is the top 10 floors, which have just over 257,000 square feet combined. It's possible Facebook could fill all of that space. It's unclear whether Facebook also plans to remain in a recently expanded office on Wacker Drive, or whether the spaces will be consolidated on Franklin Street. In October, the Tribune reported Facebook had expanded its space at 191 N. Wacker Drive to more than 100,000 square feet. A Facebook spokeswoman and John Buck President and Chief Investment Officer Kevin Hites did not respond to requests for comment. In May, Crain's Chicago Business reported that Facebook has been poaching recruiters from other Chicago companies so the social media company can make hundreds of new hires in the city. The Franklin Street space would be large enough to accommodate more than 1,000 employees. Facebook is represented by brokers at Cushman & Wakefield. John Buck is represented by Bill Rolander and Jon Cordell of Newmark Knight Frank. Google is expanding in Fulton Market, an area that it helped elevate a few years ago when it moved into 358,000 square feet in the former Fulton Market Cold Storage building, which was redeveloped by Chicago's Sterling Bay and renamed 1KFulton. Google, which has nowhere else to expand at 1000 W. Fulton Market, is leasing 14,000 square feet on the ground floor that once had been planned as retail space for the building, Google spokeswoman Kayla Conti confirmed. She said that space will be used for Google's salespeople to interact with clients. Just south of 1KFulton, Google is negotiating to take more than 100,000 square feet in a 12-story building Sterling Bay plans to finish building at 210 N. Carpenter St. by late this year, sources said. Sterling Bay managing principal Andy Gloor could not be reached for comment. Conti declined to comment on the Carpenter Street lease, or to say whether Google plans further expansion in the neighborhood. She said the Mountain View, Calif.-based company has more than 900 employees in Chicago. Google is represented by Kyle Kamin and Cal Wessman of CBRE. Sterling Bay and 1KFulton owner American Realty Advisors are represented by Sterling Bay leasing director Michael Lirtzman. About 60,000 of the Carpenter Street building's 205,000 square feet already has been leased. 2018 Chicago Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The findings from the research will enhance our understanding of the fine-scale variation in thermal conditions in the ground of the northern hemisphere. MAGT=mean annual ground temperature. Credit: Juha Aalto Understanding the thermal conditions of the ground in the Arctic is of utmost importance in order to assess the effects of climate change on the occurrence of permafrost, on the ecosystems and societies of Arctis, and the global climate system. Juha Aalto and Miska Luoto, researchers in natural geography at the University of Helsinki, participated in this study. The findings of the study have been published in the international journal Geophysical Research Letters. The research has been carried out by Juha Aalto and Miska Luoto (Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki / Finnish Meteorological Institute), and Olli Karjalainen and Jan Hjort (Geography Research Unit, University of Oulu). Support from statistical methods The research modeled the temperatures of the ground and the thickness of the active layer, i.e. the layer above the permafrost, which thaws in summer. The study covered most of the northern hemisphere. The modeling was based on a database combining extensive field measurements and digital environmental data. The study utilised statistical ensemble methods with a spatial resolution of one square kilometer, the highest accuracy ever achieved. "This is a significant step forward, as previous studies have only been able to provide a very general overview of the thermal conditions of Arctic ground and their changes," says postdoctoral researcher Juha Aalto. Great changes in permafrost occurrence expected According to the research findings, an area of around 15 million square kilometres contains favourable conditions for permafrost at the moment, taking modeling uncertainty into consideration. The modeled occurrence of permafrost in the northern hemisphere in present and future climate conditions (time period 2041-2060 according to the optimistic RCP2. 6 and the pessimistic RCP8. 5 greenhouse-gas scenario). Credit: Juha Aalto "However, this area will shrink a great deal in future as a result of climate change," Aalto says. Based on the best-case scenario for climate change (RCP2. 6), for example, conditions favourable to permafrost in the northern hemisphere will reduce with over one third by year 2050 as temperature and rain conditions change. According to the worst-case scenario (RCP8. 5), areas favourable to permafrost would already have reduced by 47 percent at that point. It is also remarkable that our models show that the relatively greatest changes will happen in areas where current soil temperatures are low, but the predicted climate change extensive. Such areas are e.g. the large permafrost areas in mid-Siberia," says Juha Aalto. "The new data produced through the research will give us new opportunities to assess e.g. carbon cycle processes and the risks to the infrastructure posed by the permafrost melting," says Miska Luoto, professor in natural geography. The research is still on-going and more exact estimates of how the melting frost will affect such things as buildings and roads will be prepared. The research is a collaboration between the University of Helsinki, the Finnish Meteorological Institute, and the University of Oulu, and is a part of the INFRAHAZARD project funded by the Academy of Finland. The project studies Arctic ground surface processes under climate change, and assesses the risks it poses to human activities. Explore further Cold region tipping point now inevitable More information: J. Aalto et al, Statistical Forecasting of Current and Future Circum-Arctic Ground Temperatures and Active Layer Thickness, Geophysical Research Letters (2018). Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters J. Aalto et al, Statistical Forecasting of Current and Future Circum-Arctic Ground Temperatures and Active Layer Thickness,(2018). DOI: 10.1029/2018GL078007 Robert Werth. Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University The use of risk assessment tools has increased considerably within criminal justice institutions in recent decades, and these tools have been viewed by many as a way to stop or even reverse the United States' heavy reliance on imprisonment. But new research from a Rice University sociologist suggests these tools may actually contribute to expanding the number of people caught up in the criminal justice system. "Theorizing the Performative Effects of Penal Risk Technologies: (Re)producing the Subject Who Must Be Dangerous" will appear in an upcoming print edition of the journal, Social & Legal Studies. The paper by Robert Werth, a senior lecturer in sociology at Rice, draws on both empirical data and previous research and examines the effects of risk assessment tools within the parole system. "In the United States today, there's a big debate going on about how to best reform criminal justice systems and reduce mass incarceration," Werth said. "In the realm of punishment, risk assessment tools are used to predict the likelihood of reoffending. They evaluate individuals on a number of factors, including past criminal behavior, age, education, etc. They are used to help determine parole and how closely or not closely to supervise people who are paroled." In the paper, Werth suggested that risk assessment instruments are contributing to an environment that considers everyone who is assessed a risk, which in turn may lead to higher levels of people being caught up in the criminal justice system. "While these instruments note variations in the amount or level of risk, at the same time they promote the idea that everyone in the criminal justice system is dangerous," Werth said. "Yet we know that a significant number of people are there for low-level, non-violent offenses and represent little or no threat to public safety." Werth notes that as the use of risk assessment tools increased, so did the number of people imprisoned. In 1970, only one stateIllinoisused actuarial risk assessment tools for determining parole release from prison. During the 1970s, the federal government and California began using these tools. In the 1980s, six more states joined the list. By 2004, 28 of the 32 states with a parole system were using risk assessment tools as part of the parole decision-making process. In 1972, there were approximately 375,000 people incarcerated in the U.S. By 2007, the number had climbed to 2.1 million people. In 1972 the incarceration rate was 161 incarcerated people per 100,000 residents, compared with 767 per 100,000 in 2007. Last year the U.S. spent approximately $80 billion on prisons, Werth said. He hopes the research will shed light on how risk assessment tools may impact incarceration rates. "It has been argued that risk assessment tools could help stem the tide of mass incarceration," Werth said. "However, the evidence suggests that thus far, risk assessment instruments have contributed to expanding the number of people enmeshed in the criminal justice systemencompassing imprisonment, probation and parole." Explore further Racial bias negligible in test to predict who will commit future crimes More information: Robert Werth. Theorizing the Performative Effects of Penal Risk Technologies, Social & Legal Studies (2018). Robert Werth. Theorizing the Performative Effects of Penal Risk Technologies,(2018). DOI: 10.1177/0964663918773542 This is a long-exposure image from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope of massive galaxy cluster Abell 2744. It shows some of the faintest and youngest galaxies detected in space. Credit: NASA/ESA/STScI A new study by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder finds that violent crashes may be more effective at activating black holes than more peaceful mergers. When two galaxies collide, the supermassive black holes that sit at their centers also smash together. But before they do, these galaxies often flicker on, absorbing huge quantities of gas and dust and producing a bright display called an Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN). But not all mergers are created equal. In some such marriages, only one black hole becomes active, while in others, both do. The research team led by CU Boulder's Scott Barrows discovered that single activations seem to occur more often in mergers in which the galaxies are mismatchedor when one galaxy is huge and the other puny. When lopsided galaxies join, "the merger is less violent, and that leads to less gas and dust falling onto the black holes," said Barrows, a postdoctoral research associate in the Center for Astrophysics and Space Astronomy (CASA). "And the less material you have falling onto the black holes, the less likely you are to have two of them become AGNs." The researchers presented their findings today at a press briefing at the 232nd meeting of the American Astronomical Society, which runs from June 3-7 in Denver, Colorado. Barrows and his colleagues used data collected by the Chandra X-ray Observatory to systematically scan the night sky for the signatures of AGNs. They spotted mergers in progress by looking for "offset galaxies," or galaxies with a single AGN that sits away from the center of the galaxy. Such a lack of symmetry suggests that a second supermassive black hole, which hasn't been turned on, might be hiding nearby. Barrows and his colleagues next assembled a sample of 10 offset galaxies and compared that sample to galaxies with a pair of AGNs. The results were stark: Nine out of the 10 galaxies with only one active black hole came from lopsided mergers, or cases in which one galaxy was more than four times the size of the other. Two-thirds of the galaxies with two active black holes, in contrast, were experiencing clashes among near equals. Barrows explained that when galaxies of roughly equal size meet, their black holes exert tremendous gravitational forces on each other. Those forces, in turn, send clouds of gas and dust raining onto the black holes. "It's these torques that extract energy from the gas and dust, allowing it to fall into the nucleus of the black hole," Barrows said. In mismatched mergers, "you simply have smaller forces exerted on the gas and dust in each galaxy." The team didn't find any rhyme or reason to which black hole activated during a mismatched merger. In some cases, Barrows said, it was the bigger black hole. In other cases, the smaller one. Next up, he and his colleagues will focus on how the smashing together of two black holes affects the galaxies themselves, including how they create and destroy stars. A census of ornate box turtles will help researchers determine the turtles status in Illinois. Credit: Devin Edmonds Searching for reptiles and amphibians is often quite tedious. You have to carefully scan ahead of each step for movement before a snake gets away, or spend hours flipping over logs to find the particular salamander you are looking for. Today, we're searching for turtles. We're surveying two of the largest known ornate box turtle sites in Illinois with the goal of finding, measuring and marking as many as possible. With enough recaptures, we can calculate how likely it is for an individual turtle to survive from one year to the next and determine population size. This helps us understand whether the turtle population is stable, increasing or decreasing in size. The numbers tell us whether the turtle population is at risk of extinction. Historically, the ornate box turtle was found in 45 Illinois counties. Today, you can count on two hands the number of counties with recently confirmed populations. This decline landed the species on the Illinois state list of threatened species in 2009, with habitat loss and road mortality being the greatest threats to its continued survival. Fortunately, John Rucker and his Boykin spaniels are helping us find the turtles. The spaniels are working dogs, not pets. Rucker discovered his dogs' special talent when one brought him a box turtle in its mouth. Today, his team of dogs helps biologists find these once-common but increasingly rare chelonians for study. Credit: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign As we walk through the knee-high grass, the dogs carry on ahead of us, their noses to the ground, brown bodies nearly concealed. Whenever a dog finds a turtle, it picks it up in its mouth and carries it to John like a precious toy. The dog won't let anyone else take the turtle out of its mouth. John praises the dog and then hands the turtle to one of us so we can begin recording data. To keep track of individual turtles, we notch the shells, cutting little pieces out of the sections of shell, called scutes, that border the outer edge. This allows us to assign each turtle a unique identification code. The scutes are numbered from one to 12 on left and right sides. By notching different combinations of scutes on each side of the shell, we can potentially identify thousands of individual turtles. The notches don't harm the animals, and when done properly, stay with the turtle for the rest of its life. Mortality events linked to disease outbreaks have been documented in the closely related eastern box turtle, and there is concern that the ornate box turtle is also at risk. While we mark and measure the turtles, U. of I. veterinary clinical medicine professor Dr. Matt Allender and students in the Wildlife Epidemiology Lab give each turtle a physical exam, drawing blood and swabbing the mouth and cloaca to screen for diseases and monitor health. The work is providing a baseline for future studies of box turtle health. The team searched for ornate box turtles, like this specimen found in Ogle County, Illinois. Credit: Devin Edmonds With the help of the turtle dogs, we find more than 100 turtles at the first site and nearly 70 at the second. Several turtles already have notches and were originally marked by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in 1988. These turtles are nearly 30 years old, approaching the maximum known lifespan for the species. We expect this work will guide conservation efforts for the ornate box turtle in Illinois and help ensure its continued survival. Explore further Turtles can make great pets, but do your homework first RJP-N to uphold partnership with SSF-N in State 2 The Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal has decided to continue its support to the Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal in Province 2. Brushing off rumours that the coalition partners were parting way after the SSF-N joined the KP Sharma-led federal government, a meeting of the six-member presidium of the RJP-N on Tuesday decided to keep the provincial coalition intact. Third Saccos meet to begin on Thursday Nepal Federation of Savings and Credit Cooperative Unions (NEFSCUN) in association with Ministry of Agriculture, Land Management and Cooperatives is organising the third Saccos Congress on Thursday. He pokes fun at Iranian politicians for a living. She invites prominent Kyrgyz comedians on to her show. Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) radio hosts Kambiz Hosseini and Aliya Suranova have both been selected as finalists for the annual 2018 New York Festivals International Radio Program Awards. Hosseini is the creator and host of RFE/RLs Iranian Services show Paradox, which uses scathing humor and hysterical satire to explore common-sense issues and news of the week, pinpointing hypocrisy, corruption, injustice, and human rights. Says Hosseini, who won two earlier New York Radio awards in 2012 and 2015, the show speaks for those living in Iran whose voices are silenced by the Iranian authorities fierce crackdown on free expression. Paradox is one of Radio Farda's most listened-to shows. Suranova is the host of Sisterhood, or Eje-signdi in Kyrgyz, a womens hub recently launched by RFE/RLs Kyrgyz Service. The idea is to keep it light-hearted and funny, she told RFE/RL, to provide a space for Kyrgyz women to discuss taboo subjects about their lives while respecting their cherished national culture. Discussion topics have ranged from weighty themes like domestic abuse, misogyny, and sexual harassment, to practical advice on balancing career and family and the ethics and repercussions of posting photos of your children online. The program first aired on radio in June 2017, before being promptly picked up by Kyrgyz national TV and adapted for television. The New York Festivals International Radio Program Awards honor radio content in all lengths and formats, and across all platforms, from radio stations, networks, and independent producers around the globe. A total of 353 finalists were selected among entries from 31 countries. RFE/RL's Iranian Service previously won two Silver awards at the New York Festivals International Radio Program Awards in 2011, a Silver in 2013, and Silver and Gold awards in 2015. Winners will be announced on June 18 at the 2018 annual awards ceremony in New York. About the Channel Islands YMCA Established in 1887, the Channel Islands YMCA is a charitable organization of seven YMCA branches serving Santa Barbara and Ventura counties including: Camarillo Family YMCA, Lompoc Family YMCA, Montecito Family YMCA, Santa Barbara Family YMCA, Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA in Santa Ynez, Ventura Family YMCA, and Youth and Family Services YMCA which operates Noahs Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter, the St. George Youth Center, My Home, and Support and Outreach Services. For more information about the Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, visit http://www.ciymca.org/stuartgildred or call (805) 686-2037. Around 50 people were given an overview of the H-2A temporary worker program Thursday night during the first of five planned monthly meetings Like most websites we use cookies. This is to ensure that we give you the best experience possible. Continuing to use SciDev.Net means you agree to our use of cookies. If you would like to, you can learn more about the cookies we use here Pet ownership is on the rise in Singapore, and so are the costs that come into being in keeping a pet happy and healthy for a more extended lifespan. Pet insurance is a must for any person looking to offset any costs that might come into being as a result of unexpected injuries and illness to a beloved pet. What is Pet Insurance? Pet insurance is a type of cover that reimburses pet owners certain medical expenses in case an insured animal falls sick or gets injured in an accident. Some policies go overboard to cover costs incurred once a pet dies or gets stolen or causes injuries or damages to a third party or property. Pet insurance in Singapore is not limited to cats and dogs alone; some companies may offer coverage for a variety of animals such horses and rabbits. Why you need pet Insurance Veterinary Costs On The Rise Unlike in the past, veterinary medicine and treatments have advanced. Cost of operations and treatments in return skyrocketed to levels that can be quite burdensome when one has to pay from their pockets. Pet Insurance addresses this issues by taking care of expenses that may arise on a visit to a vet. Unexpected expenditure Pet Insurance protects against unexpected expenditure that might come into being when a pet gets injured or falls sick. Just like other insurance policies, pet insurance protects from lifes unknowns. It also provides an easy way to budget pet care costs. Plan Customization Most insurance providers make it possible to customize pet insurance policies, to fit the need of a given pet. In this case, an insurance provider will allow you to do what is best for your pet. Unlike human health insurance, pet insurance enables pet owners to you to choose their preferred veterinarian. Better Quality Life A good pet insurance will help your pet age gracefully with the best treatments and medications that most of the time would be out of reach in terms of costs Tips for Choosing the Best Pet Insurance Story continues Compare Pet Insurance Providers By comparing what various insurance providers are offering, you should be able to make informed decisions with regards to the best pet insurance policy. A side by side comparison should uncover the best policy in terms of premiums, deductibles co-pays, and sample reimbursements. It is also essential to check a pet insurance provider track record. By doing so, you should be able to end up with a company that has proven stability, experience, and positive recommendation. Check what is covered and What Might Affect Coverage It is common practice for insurance companies to have exclusion conditions in pet insurance policies. Some providers may opt against providing coverage for pre-existing hereditary and congenital conditions. Before signing any agreement with an insurance company, take time to analyze the finer details. Take time to understand the factors that might affect coverage such as breed and pre-existing conditions. Find out how often the premiums are likely to increase. Take Cover Early Taking cover early, not only increases the chances of getting the best deal but also makes it easy to claim crucial treatments when a pet is young. Most insurance providers may shy away from providing coverage if a pet is nine years old. Insurance providers are known to provide coverage to pets that are as young as eight weeks. Watch out for Policy Excesses A policy with low premiums at the start, may necessarily not be the best. Some providers keep premiums low with the aim of increasing excesses for vet fees, which can make the policy to be expensive as a pet ages. It is crucial to monitor policy excess levels to ensure that any shortfalls are manageable Top Pet Insurance in Singapore PetCare Pet Insurance Offered by Liberty Insurance Singapore, PetCare was the first insurance cover designed for pets, cats and dogs. The plan provides coverage for up to 70% of veterinary bills arising from illnesses as well as accidents. For a pet to be eligible for the plan, it must be micro-chipped and be residing with the owner on the same premise. It must also be at least 8 weeks old and not more than 9 years old. The pet must not be a working dog or used for breeding purposes. PetCare covers costs incurred in non-surgical treatment. Pet owners can visit any licensed veterinarian including specialists and emergency animal hospitals. Its main drawback has to do with the fact that it does not cover hereditary or congenital conditions. Coverage also excludes theft and liability arising from an intentional or neglectful act. The policy also does not cover damage to teeth and gums unless as a result of an accident. HappyTails Pet Insurance HappyTails is a pet insurance cover provided by MSIG Singapore. Pet owners are guaranteed up to 80% reimbursement on vet bills before a mandatory Deductible of S$250. The plan provides immediate coverage for accidents upon signing up. However, there is a 3-months wait time before the policy kicks in to cover illnesses. Dog and Puppy Plans This option provides coverage to over 200 breeds of dogs and puppies. Its coverage includes illness, accidents specified, hereditary conditions specified, congenital conditions as well as cancer and surgery. It has an annual limit of S$12,500 for Furnball S$7,500 Furry and S$3,500 on Fur. Benefits Just like PetCare, pet owners can visit any licensed veterinarian in case of an issue. The policy also covers costs and expenses incurred in case of euthanasia, cremation or funeral service. It also includes high coverage for chemotherapy and surgical treatments. Paw Safe Pet Insurance Paw Safe is an AIA Singapore powered pet insurance, designed to protect dogs against life unexpected and unfortunate turns. The plans annual premium starts at S$80 per year and covers liability, theft, cremation expenses as well as veterinary fees and accidental death. For a dog to be insured under the plan, it must be three months old and not more than eight years. The plan provides coverage to all breeds of dogs except Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Canary Dog or Mastiff. Coverage Accidental Death Accidental Injury Third Party Liabilities Surgical Fees Theft Annual Premium Paw SAFE AIA For Dogs Only S$1,000 S$1,000,000 S$1,000 S$1,000 S$79.56 &84.58 Deductible Per Claim S$1,000 S$150 S$250 PetCare Liberty Standard S$1,000 S$500 S$100,000 S$1,500 S$300 Dog S$350 Enhanced S$2,000 S$750 S$250,000 S$2,000 S$500 Dog S$450 Superior S$3,000 S$3,000 S$500,000 S$10,000 S$1,250 Dog S$750 Deductible Per Claim S$50 S$500 Co-Insurance 30% HappyTails MSIG Fur S$100,000 S$2,500 Based On Pets Profile Furry S$250,000 S$6,000 Furnball S$500,000 S$10,000 Puurfect S$250,000 S$3,800 (By Ruchi Gupta) Related Articles - Health insurance checklist: How do you know if you have enough? - What You Need To Know About Maternity Insurance Plans When You Are Pregnant In Singapore 2018 - Heres what you need to know about mobility insurance Beijing should focus its debt-reduction efforts on state-owned firms and local governments, but the biggest loser to date of the deleveraging process has been the private sector, a Chinese ratings agency said on Tuesday. In the first five months of the year, 13 companies defaulted on about 20 bonds worth a combined 14.8 billion yuan (US$2.3 billion). Both the number of defaults and their combined value were significantly higher then the corresponding figures for the same period of last year. Of the seven companies that experienced their first (onshore) bond default in the period, six were privately owned, according to Zhou Hao, president of China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co, a joint venture with Moodys. A growing number of private firms could face cash flow problems in the second half of the year as they are the most vulnerable to the governments crackdown on shadow banking, he told a conference in Beijing. It is the private firms that are mainly affected in this round of the deleveraging campaign. According to China Chengxins figures, private firms raised 275.4 billion yuan from bond sales in the January-May period. Of the total, about 260 billion yuan was used to repay debts, leaving a relatively small net financing figure. In comparison, according to data from Chinas central bank, across both the private and public sectors, the total net financing from corporate bond sales in the January-April period was 915.9 billion yuan, while the full-year total for 2017 was 442 billion yuan. Also, outside the rust belt province of Liaoning in Chinas northeast, very few state-owned enterprises reported defaults in the period. Even Tianijn Real Estate Group, a developer backed by the Tianjin government, last month escaped defaulting on a 200 million yuan bond despite having debts of 180 billion yuan and a debt-to-equity ratio of 85 per cent. Financial deleveraging was one of key goals outlined in President Xi Jinpings supply-side structural reform plan launched in 2015. And at the Central Economic Work Conference in December, officials agreed that the countrys debt-to-GDP ratio should be used as the key measure of leverage. Story continues According to the Bank for International Settlements, as of September, Chinas debt was 256 per cent of its gross domestic product, up slightly from a year earlier. Yan Yan, the chairman of CCXI International, said that the government should target its deleveraging efforts at state-owned firms and local governments. In contrast, the leverage of private firms should be moderately increased, he said. The debt-to-equity ratio for Chinas corporate sector as a whole is about 160 per cent, according to the latest figures, much higher than in the United States, Germany and Japan. Of Chinas total value of corporate debt, state-owned firms account for more than 70 per cent. Yan said also that many implicit government liabilities were buried within state firms and financing vehicles. If local governments were to add up all the debts of their financing vehicles, their liabilities in public-private partnership projects, and supplementary lending through policy banks, the total could be as high as 50 trillion yuan, which is far above the official figure of 16.6 trillion yuan released by the finance ministry, Yan said. While Beijing has washed its hands of any liability for local authority debts citing the new budget law that took effect in 2015 it has been cracking down on illegal borrowing by regional and district governments. But Yan warned that rushing to deleverage could generate more problems. The authorities must exercise caution in their efforts to reduce risk, he said. The actual leverage could increase if it weighed on the economy. Another factor affecting Beijings efforts to cut risk was the ongoing trade dispute with the US, according to Marie Diron, managing director of Moodys Sovereign Risk Group. The row was highly disruptive and adding to the downward pressure on the economy caused by the governments deleveraging efforts. In an effort to allay some of the markets concerns, the Peoples Bank of China has fine-tuned its market liquidity tools. In April, it slashed the reserve requirement ratio for banks by 100 basis points, which released hundreds of billion yuan into the system. Furthermore, on Friday, it introduced a new rule that allows banks to use higher rated corporate bonds as collateral against medium-term lending from the PBOC. Its an easing of monetary stance, Diron said. The deleveraging cant be too fast paced, because policymakers are mindful of the consequences. This article Chinas debt-cutting efforts are sinking private companies, while debt-ridden state firms float on first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. China shopping mall sets up lane for pedestrians glued to their mobile phones A shopping centre in northwest China has built a special lane for pedestrians to walk on while gazing at their mobile phones, according to a newspaper report. The lane has been set up in a commercial district in Xian in Shaanxi province which is home to many start-up companies, the Beijing Youth Daily reported. Shanghai crayfish restaurant hires personal peelers for phone-addict diners The lane is about one metre wide and extends for hundreds of metres, with signs depicting cellphones or warning pedestrians only for smartphone addicts. Other parts of the pavement have a ban on people using mobile phones. Many young Hongkongers unable to control their smartphone addiction, survey finds The lanes are meant to discourage young workers from IT companies in the area who walk while glued to their mobiles, the article said. Security guards also direct drivers to go round the special lane for smartphone addicts. The lane gives us people looking at phones frequently a sense of safety, Hu Shuya, a local resident, was quoted as saying. Enough of Hong Kongs mobile phone zombie menaces to society The initiative has triggered a debate online in China, with some saying it encourages people to look at their phones while walking. I dont support it. A special lane for a behaviour that we shouldnt promote sounds like doing just the opposite, one person wrote on Weibo, Chinas version of Twitter. Another said: These smartphone addicts should just walk in a lane for the blind. After all, they cant see their surroundings like blind people. This article China shopping mall sets up lane for pedestrians glued to their mobile phones first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. Rescuers pulled 23 workers out of a mine in northeast China on Wednesday, hours after they were trapped underground by an explosion that killed 11 and left two others missing, state media reported. Nine other workers were injured in Tuesday's blast at the iron ore mine owned by Huamei Group, a subsidiary of China National Coal Group Co, in Benxi, Liaoning province. The blast took place when miners were dropping explosives down the one-kilometre (3,280-feet) -deep mine shaft, destroying the pit's hoisting system, according to Xinhua. State broadcaster CCTV had earlier reported that a truck carrying explosives had blown up near the mine's entrance as workers were drilling a mining shaft. Six miners were lifted out of the shaft at 5:20 am on Wednesday and 17 others were pulled up about two hours later, according to Xinhua. All were in good condition. Authorities were still searching for the two missing miners. The mine's electricity, ventilation systems and hoisting system were brought back online, Xinhua said. Deadly mining accidents are common in China, where the industry has a poor safety record. A gas leak killed at least 18 people working in a coal mine in central Hunan province in May last year. In December 2016, explosions in two separate coal mines in the Inner Mongolia region and in Heilongjiang killed at least 59 people. Earlier that year, 33 miners were killed in a colliery explosion in October in the southwestern municipality of Chongqing, and in September at least 18 were killed in a mine blast in the northwestern Ningxia region. In another incident that captivated the country's attention, four miners were rescued in January 2016 after they spent 36 days trapped in a collapsed gypsum mine in eastern Shandong province. The incident drew comparisons to a 2010 mining accident in Chile, which saw 33 miners trapped underground for 69 days before their rescue. Fate of US$1.8bn Chinese dam project up in the air after Nepal ministers send mixed signals Confusion about the fate of a Chinese-funded mega dam deepened on Tuesday as Nepalese ministers apparently contradicted each other about whether the US$1.8 billion deal would go ahead. Last week the countrys finance minister had indicated that the deal with a state-owned Chinese firm to build the West Seti project would be cancelled and Nepal would fund the project itself. The announcement appeared to be the latest blow to Chinas transcontinental Belt and Road Initiative after Malaysia and Myanmar were reported to be reconsidering whether to go ahead with other major projects. But Chinese state news agency Xinhua has now weighed in by saying that the original plan would still go ahead. Its report quoted Nepals energy minister Barsha Man Pun as saying: The West Seti project is still in the hands of [China Three Gorges Corporation] and we are ready to continue with CTGC if it is eager to develop this project. He added that Nepal could not develop these mega projects without overseas investment or loans, saying that the government was exploring options on how to have the dam built. However in his annual budget statement last week the countrys finance minister Yubaraj Khatiwada said the country would fund the scheme itself and was scrapping the deal with China. The Nepal government has yet to respond to a request for comment and the CTGC could not be reached for comment. Driven by India into Chinas arms, is Nepal the new Sri Lanka? The uncertainty about the status of the Nepalese project is the latest difficulty to hit Beijings plans to expand its global influence through the US$900 billion Belt and Road Initiative an ambitious series of infrastructure projects linking Asia, Europe and Africa. Critics of the project have warned the some of the countries involved may be running up unsustainable debts and have questioned Chinas intentions. In the past week, Malaysia and Myanmar were also reported to be reviewing megaprojects financed by China. Story continues Malaysias newly elected Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said he would scrap a US$13.8 billion high-speed rail project linking Kuala Lumpur to Singapore to cut debts. Myanmmars government was also reported to be reviewing a US$9bn Chinese deep water port in the countrys Western Rakhine state, and looking for ways to negotiate down the costs, according to a report by the Financial Times on Monday. China calls on India to get on board with Nepal projects The fate of other Belt and Road projects in Nepal has also been left in doubt. The government said last year that it would scrap a deal signed by the previous administration with Chinas Gezhouba Group Corporation to build a 1,200MW Hydropower Project at Budhi Gandaki. But there was yet another change of government in December and two months later the new Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli told This Week in Asia that he was keen to revive it. Meanwhile the final deal on setting up a joint venture for the 750MW West Seti project was signed just three days after the decision to cancel the Budhi Gandaki scheme. The deal indicated that CTGC would have a 75 per cent stake in the scheme with the remaining 25 per cent held by the Nepalese authorities. Nepal leader vows to revive Chinese dam project Both Nepalese and Chinese experts said the uncertainty surrounding the two projects was a result of the countrys domestic politics and the balancing act it had to make between the regions major powers India and China. Bhaskar Koirala, Director of the Nepal Institute of International and Strategic Studies, said he believed conflicting statements from ministers were also due to a need to keep both pro-Indian and pro-Chinese forces inside the country happy. The current ruling government in Nepal is a coalition between two communist factions, which is seen as being generally pro-China. But Koirala said that despite this perception, the latest developments suggested things would not necessarily go Chinas way. He argued that what parties think before and after the election is very different, adding that any government would try to strike a balance between Chinas Belt and Road Initiative and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis neighbourhood policy, which is designed to improve ties with other countries in the region. It is not as simple as statements made during the election period, Koirala said. Rare union: Nepals ruling Communist Party merges with Maoists for super bloc Zhao Gancheng, head of South Asian studies at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, said Indias pressure on the South Asian countries has always brought along uncertainties and that will remain the case. He also said that China expected that other countries domestic politics would present a challenge to Belt and Road projects. But he added: Countries like Nepal, they are sovereign states and they can make any decisions they want as long as they pay the penalty stated on the contract. But in the long run, how are they going to make China confident about putting in investment if they keep changing the decisions made between different administrations? This article Fate of US$1.8bn Chinese dam project up in the air after Nepal ministers send mixed signals first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. Patrick Soh (in blue jacket) posing with staff members at a Samtaesong outlet in Pyongyang. (PHOTO: Courtesy of Patrick Soh) Grim, unsmiling faces. That was the first impression that struck Patrick Soh on his maiden trip to North Korea in 2008. He had been invited on the trip by two Singaporean businessmen Quek Cher Lan and Timothy Tan to explore setting up the Hermit Kingdoms first fast food restaurant. Where many would have seen great risk, Soh saw a business opportunity. Im a fighter I like a challenge, said Soh, who owns the Asian franchise of US fast food chain Waffletown. By April 2009, he and his partners had set up the first branch of Samtaesong (meaning three big stars) in North Koreas sprawling capital of Pyongyang. A Korean name was needed for the business as English signage was not allowed in the country at the time. Samtaesong now has five large dine-in eateries and over 20 takeaway outlets spread out across the city of more than three million people, said Soh, who described business as healthy. Its biggest outlet is housed in a three-storey building with a production area in the basement, restaurant on the ground floor and an administrative office space above that. Serving western fare such as fried chicken, waffles and burgers, Soh said his customer base comprises foreign embassy workers, students, local professionals and middle-class families. The only bit of localisation: putting kimchi (salted fermented vegetables) instead of coleslaw on the menu. Unlike Waffletown, Samtaesong serves beer North Koreas own Taedonggang brand at its outlets. When asked by Yahoo News Singapore why the restaurants have become so popular in North Korea, Soh said he was not sure himself. But he agreed with this reporters suggestion that it may have something to do with the citys weather, which can see temperatures dropping to -10 degrees Celsius during the winter months. He added that local customers enjoy Samtaesongs fried chicken as it is cooked on the spot and served crispy yet moist. The standard I set is when you peel the skin and you can see the steam come out, said Soh. Story continues Samtaesong staff (top row) and diners (bottom row) seen at outlets in Pyongyang. (PHOTOS: Courtesy of Patrick Soh) Sign of the times Over the past decade, Soh who is in his early 60s and travels to North Korea up to three or four times a year has witnessed the changes in Pyongyang and gained a great respect for its people. People there never grumble and never complain, he said, adding that the many staff members he has trained were eager to learn, hardworking and disciplined. With the social order being strictly enforced, Soh observed that Pyongyangs crime rate seemed to be almost zero and that most locals he had met were educated, family oriented and very loyal to their country. As housing, healthcare and education is provided for by the state, North Koreans in Pyongyang appeared to have no pressures (and) no tensions and come came across as a very happy people, he said. Citing the modernisation efforts undertaken by Kim Jong Un since he became the nations leader in 2011, Soh said he has seen the countrys economy grow steadily with more jobs created. Signs of the improvement can be seen in the rising number of cars, smartphones and cafes serving high-end coffee in the city. With the cheapest Samtaesong burger costing US$1.90 (S$2.50), a meal there can be out of reach for many locals. Nonetheless, Soh said he has been seeing more young customers at the restaurants. North Koreans are also becoming more enterprising, Soh noted, citing the many food vendors who own their own business. Along with modernisation, certain restrictions have been loosened as well. Previously, Soh was not allowed to bring along his mobile phone on any trip to Pyongyang but he can now take pictures and videos with his phone. However, Internet access and the flow of information is strictly controlled for most people in the country. E-mail addresses, for instance, are granted by the government to a select group of people, such as businessmen. A Samtaesong takeaway outlet in Pyongyang. (PHOTO: Courtesy of Patrick Soh) Challenges and misconceptions Running his business in Pyongyang has generally been smooth sailing, according to Soh. When he set up the first outlet, it was operating within two weeks thanks to the well-organised systems in place. But political tensions between North Korea and the rest of the world have had its impact on Samtaesong. Early last year, Soh ceased supplying ingredients to Samtaesong partly due to the rising costs he was facing but also to avoid falling foul of possible sanctions as North Korea came under increasing international pressure over its missile tests. As it turns out, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) imposed its latest round of trade sanctions on North Korea in November last year, which subsequently led to Singapore revoking the work passes of all North Koreans in the country in March this year. In April this year, DBS Bank abruptly closed two of Sohs bank accounts, which he suspects is due to his North Korean business dealings despite his claims to have never conducted any illegal business in either country. Having stopped his supply of ingredients, Soh no longer reaps any revenue from the Samtaesong eateries. But he continues to work with his North Korean business partners, whom he now considers as friends, to try and attract more foreign investment into the country. For now, he is exploring the possibility of bringing Thai food to Pyongyang. Attracting investors is no easy task, however, as many are often afraid of travelling to let alone do business with North Korea, said Soh, who places much of the blame on the medias unfair portrayal of the country as being a dangerous place. He, too, had expected to step into a third world country on his first visit but was surprised to find Pyongyang to be like any other big city. As Kim Jong Un prepares to meet US President Donald Trump for their summit in Singapore on 12 June, Soh hopes the historical event will lead to a further opening up of North Korea and the lifting of trade sanctions. North Korea is a place that people can look to for (business) venture purposes I want to see the people improving and living better lives, he said. Related stories: Trump-Kim summit set for Singapores Sentosa Island: White House What will be the outcome of Trump and Kim Jong-uns nuclear summit? Trump-Kim summit: Singapore F&B players jump on bandwagon to mark event By Joseph Sipalan and Liz Lee KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has accepted the resignation of the central bank governor, the latest in a string of departures as the 92-year-old leader purges top officials seen as close to the scandal-plagued previous government. Angered over accusations of massive corruption, Malaysians delivered a shock election result last month by voting out a coalition that had led the country for the six decades since independence. The new government is seeking to unearth suspected graft, in particular in connection with big losses at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), during the nearly 10 years that former premier Najib Razak spent in power, casting a cloud over several top officials. Mahathir, Najib's mentor-turned-foe, told a news conference after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday that the central bank's governor, Muhammad Ibrahim, had offered his resignation. "We have not decided on his successor because we need to have the approval of the Agong before we can announce," Mahathir said, referring to the king, adding that the new government would meet him as soon as possible to discuss a successor. Muhammad, a career central bank official, has completed less than half his five-year term, which began in May 2016. The resignation followed comments by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng last month that funds from a sale of land by the government to the central bank had gone to pay the liabilities of the beleaguered 1MDB. Muhammad had defended the decision to buy the land, saying the transaction met government requirements. Mahathir has reopened investigations into the state development fund 1MBD, which was founded by Najib. The fund is the subject of a global money-laundering investigation with authorities saying billions of dollars have gone missing. Jayant Menon, lead economist at Asian Development Bank, said the uncertainty might produce some negative market reaction in the short term, but overall the change at the bank should be positive. Story continues "This type of outcome bodes well for market confidence, if a more accountable and transparent governance system emerges in the longer term," Menon said. Former deputy central bank governor Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus, who left at the end of her term in November 2016, is among the candidates to replace governor Muhammad, two sources told Reuters. BANK'S IMAGE Ratings agency Moody's said uncertainty over the smooth functioning of monetary policy could increase if a central bank governor was not appointed promptly. "The governors resignation would also be credit negative if it dampens foreign investor sentiment and leads to capital outflows for a protracted period of time," Moody's sovereign risk analyst Anushka Shah said in an email statement. Mahathir, who has promised to reform state institutions and stamp out corruption, this week also replaced the government's top lawyer, the attorney-general, and the chief of the anti-graft agency. Malaysia is looking for a new national stock exchange chief, two sources told Reuters. Media has reported that several top officials at state-linked firms are either stepping down, or being asked to leave. In a note to employees on Wednesday, Muhammad dismissed as "totally untrue" the perception that the land deal aimed to intentionally aid the misappropriation of funds through 1MDB. "I am prepared to relinquish my post if I no longer have the strong trust and support of the public," he said in the message that was leaked online. "I cannot in good conscience continue if it affects the Bank's image and reputation." A Harvard University graduate, Muhammad joined the bank in 1984 and became the deputy governor in 2010, before taking the top spot upon the retirement of long-serving governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz. Two months later, Muhammad cut the interest rate in a surprise move, prompted by Brexit, to boost economic growth. The rate was restored to 3.25 percent in January, as domestic consumption and exports improved. SUCCESSOR Nor Shamsiah, who sources say has been approached to replace Muhammad, joined Bank Negara in 1987 after graduating from Australia. She left the central bank in November 2016 when her term ended, just months after Muhammad's appointment. She assisted with the 1MDB investigation when Zeti was in charge. Sukhdave Singh, another former deputy governor, is also being considered, a source said. Sukhdave stepped down in 2017 after 31 years in office. Bank Negara said in a statement it would "ensure a smooth transition in the handing over of duties to the new governor". The announcement did not shake Malaysia's stock market, which rose 1.25 percent feeding off optimism in U.S. markets. The ringgit only dipped 0.05 percent. Frances Cheung, head of Asia macro strategy at Westpac, said the equity reaction suggested news of the resignation has been digested. "It is the uncertainty when the market awaits confirmation of new leadership, rather than the change itself, that affects sentiment," she said. (Writing by Praveen Menon; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Robert Birsel) Nearly 200 people are missing and at least 75 have been killed since Guatemala's Fuego volcano began erupting over the weekend, officials said Tuesday. Seven communities in already devastated areas were evacuated as the volcano's activity increased, with rescue operations halted. In the city of Escuintla, near the summit, panicked locals rushed to their cars to escape, causing chaotic traffic. An AFP photographer saw a large plume of ash rise into the sky, prompting an evacuation of everyone authorities could find before the police, the military and rescuers were ordered to stand down. And a total of 192 people remain missing since the weekend eruptions, disaster relief agency chief Sergio Cabanas told reporters. The search for bodies in mountain villages destroyed by the eruption was progressing slowly, officials said earlier, given the nature of the terrain and the way the volcano released large amounts of boiling mud, rock and ash down the mountain. "We will continue until we find the last victim, though we do not know how many there are. We will probe the area as many times as necessary," Cabanas told AFP. However, the prospects of finding any more survivors was poor, he said. "If you are trapped in a pyroclastic flow, it's hard to come out of it alive," he said, adding that people who may have been caught in the flow may never be found. Among the latest of the 75 fatalities reported by the National Institute of Forensic Sciences was a 42-year-old woman who died in hospital having lost both legs and an arm in the eruption. The previous toll was given as 73. Some 46 people were injured, around half of whom are in serious condition, officials said. The 3,763-meter (12,346-foot) volcano erupted early Sunday, spewing out towering plumes of ash and a hail of fiery rock fragments with scalding mud. Authorities said more than 1.7 million people had been affected by the disaster, including more than 3,000 ordered evacuated, many living in shelters in Escuintla, Sacatepequez and Chimaltenango since Sunday's eruption. The speed of the eruption took locals by surprise, and could be explained by it producing pyroclastic flows, sudden emissions of gas and rock fragments, rather than lava, said volcanologist David Rothery of Britain's Open University. President Jimmy Morales, who has declared three days of national mourning, has visited the disaster zone. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was deeply saddened by the "tragic loss of life and the significant damage caused by the eruption," and said the UN was ready to assist national rescue and relief efforts. By Steve Holland and Aradhana Aravindan WASHINGTON/SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will be on Singapore's southern island of Sentosa, the White House said on Tuesday as preparations accelerated for next week's event. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said in a Twitter post that the venue would be the Capella Hotel on Sentosa and thanked Singaporeans for their hospitality. The summit is scheduled to start on the morning of June 12. Trump told reporters at an Oval Office event that plans for what will be the first meeting between a serving U.S. president and a North Korean leader, were "moving along very well." "A lot of relationships being built, a lot of negotiations going on before the trip," he said. "Well see what happens. But it's very important it'll be a very important couple of days." Trump, who is seeking to persuade Kim to shut down a nuclear missile program that now threatens the United States, said on Friday the summit he had canceled the previous week was back on after he received the North Korean delegation bearing a letter from Kim. Trump said last week he expected an eventual "very positive result" with North Korea but dampened expectations for a breakthrough in Singapore, saying it could take several meetings to reach an agreement. Trump said one thing that could come out of the summit is an agreement formally ending the 1950-53 Korean War, which was concluded only with a truce, not a peace treaty. Former U.S. officials and analysts say that if the meeting produces a peace declaration, this could give Trump a big headline-grabbing, made-for-TV moment on the world stage. But they say the public relations value of such a historic event could quickly fade if Trump fails, in return, to wring any significant concessions from Kim toward the dismantling of North Korea's nuclear arsenal. North Korea defends its nuclear and missile programs as a deterrent against what it sees as U.S. aggression. The United States stations 28,500 troops in South Korea, a legacy of the Korean War. On Monday, Singapore declared a central region that is home to its foreign ministry, the U.S. embassy and several hotels, as a special zone from June 10 to 14. In its online gazette, the government amended the area to include Sentosa and an area of the sea stretching more than 1 km (0.6 mile) off its southwestern shore. The Singapore government has said police would make stricter checks of people and personal belongings and items such as public address systems and remotely piloted aircraft system would be prohibited in the area. (Reporting by Steve Holland and David Brunnstrom in Washington and Aradhana Aravindan and Dewey Sim in Singapore; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Grant McCool) (Gurkha policemen stand guard at the venue of the 16th IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 2, 2017. Reuters file photo) Expect heightened security within the venues involved in the Trump-Kim summit in Singapore and the areas around them, said the police on Wednesday (6 June). Describing the 12 June summit as one of great international significance, the Singapore Police Forces director of operations department, Senior Assistant Commissioner (SAC) How Kwang Hwee, told reporters at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) HQ that it has been declared an Enhanced Security Special Event by the Minister for Home Affairs under the Public Order Act. The police, Home Team agencies, the Singapore Armed Forces and the auxiliary police forces will be deployed during the summit. We have been working closely with the security advanced teams of both countries (the US and North Korea) to develop and put in place plans for the summit, said SAC How. The police will be conducting security checks and screenings on persons, vehicles, and vessels entering and around the areas of the summit, now designated as Enhanced Security Special Event Areas, from 10 to 14 June, he added. These event areas include parts of Tanglin home to the US embassy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Shangri-La Hotel and Sentosa, where the summit will be held at the islands Capella Hotel. The MHA declared a boundary around Tanglin, Newton and parts of Orchard Road as a Special Event Area on Monday and a boundary around Sentosa and Southern Islands as a Special Event Area on Tuesday. Additional security checks and screenings will also be carried out within Special Zones in the event areas and the authorities will be able to refuse any person or vehicle entry into these zones or remove them from within, said the police. Other measures within the event areas include the prohibition of unmanned aerial vehicles, restriction of vessel movement by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, and items such as loud hailers, petroleum or flammable materials. Yahoo News Singapore understands that the level of security to be expected at the summit will be similar to those at past National Day Parades. Story continues We seek the support and cooperation of the public because these security measures are necessary to ensure the security of the summit and Singapore, added SAC How. Members of the public can play an important role and partner the police by being vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police immediately. Apart from the summit venues, the police will step up patrols in areas of high human traffic, he added. Yahoo News Singapore also understands that more information on traffic arrangements within the event areas will be released in the days to come. Earlier on Wednesday, International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced in a notice posted to airmen that airspace over Singapore will be temporarily restricted for parts of 11, 12, and 13 June. All aircraft arriving into Changi Airport will be required to reduce airspeed and face certain restrictions on runway use for reasons of national security, the notice added. (SCREENCAP: faa.gov) According to Reuters, a separate notice on the ICAO website warned aviators to keep clear of the Paya Lebar Air Base, adding that aircraft breaching the restrictions may be intercepted. Related stories: Trump-Kim summit: Sentosa gazetted as special event area Tanglin declared special event area for Trump-Kim summit I like a challenge, says Singaporean co-founder of North Koreas first fast food joint Trump-Kim summit: Americans in Singapore sceptical on prospects for peace Trump-Kim summit: South Koreans in Singapore excited and hopeful of positive outcome In this article: Thousands protested across the Czech Republic on June 5 against the reappointment of Andrej Babis as Prime Minister, Reuters reported. This footage shows the protest in Wenceslas Square, in Prague. Credit: Current Time via Storyful A venue for the historic summit in Singapore between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been decidedCapella Hotel on Sentosa Island. Related: Kim Jong Un Wants Hotel With $6,000 Per Night Suite for Singapore Summit and U.S. May Pay For It White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders made the announcement on her Twitter account Tuesday afternoon, instilling more confidence that the summit aimed at denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula will happen on June 12. Trump had canceled the meeting last month before announcing that it was back on Friday following the welcoming of one of Kim's top envoys to the White House. Trending: Dwight Lamon Jones: Everything We Know About Arizona Serial Killer Suspect And His Connection To Victims We thank our great Singaporean hosts for their hospitality, Sanders tweeted. Here are five facts about Capella Hotel: 1. Five-star luxury Located in an island resort off the southern coast of Singapore, Capella Hotel is only a few minutes walk to the beach. Its website was down on Monday afternoon shortly after Sanderss announcement. It has 112 rooms and suites, according to Grand Luxury Hotels. Don't miss: Pokemon Quest Training Guide: Learning New Moves and Leveling Up The hotel opened in 2009 and was designed by the British architect Norman Foster. Its meeting rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the South China Sea. One of the hallmarks of the #TrueCapella experience is our personal assistants, who provide you with insider tips, personalized service and a bespoke experience from start to finish, Capella Singapore tweeted in late May. 2. Secluded Sentosa Island only has one land link to the mainland, a 710-meter causeway, and is also linked by cable car. The location of Capella hotel which is separated from [the] mainland may serve as a virtual wall to keep out security threats from approaching the summit, Singaporean national security researcher Muhammad Faizal Abdul Rahman told This Week in Asia. Story continues Most popular: Argentina Cancels Soccer Match With Israel in Jerusalem After Pressure from Palestinian Protesters 3. Locally owned Capella Hotel belongs to the Pontiac Land Group, which is owned by the Singaporean Kwee brothers, according to the South China Morning Post. 06_05_18_CapellaHotel Ore Huiying/Getty Images 4. New to the political scene The hotel has not hosted high-level political meetings in the past, unlike the Shangri-La Hotel, according to the Post. The Shangri-La hotel had long been seen as the likely venue for the summit and had previously hosted former U.S. presidents George H.W. Bush and Barack Obama. Speculation about its selection grew on Monday when the Singapore government declared the area surrounding the hotel a "special event area" for the date of the summit. 5. The hotel has already been used for the Singapore summit U.S. and North Korean delegations got together four times at Capella Hotel last week to plan the summit, and choosing a venue for the meeting was their top priority, according to CNN. Capella Hotel was one of three hotels that were considered for the meeting, with the five-star Shangri-La Hotel and waterfront Fullerton Hotel as the other two, according to the Post. Trump and Kim are likely to stay at two different hotels away from the summit site, diplomatic sources said. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek (PHOTOS: Reuters) With just six days to go before a historic summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is to take place in Singapore, members of the 30,000-strong American community here are somewhat muted about its prospects for peace. Those whom Yahoo News Singapore spoke to even expressed doubts as to whether the meeting would actually take place as scheduled on 12 June. After the summit had been scheduled, Trump abruptly called it off on 24 May before announcing it was back on more than a week later. Teacher and Alabama native Kelly Wright, 30, has been based here for the past six years and is married to a Singaporean. For me, its kind of bringing the circus to Singapore, said Wright, who has been following the progress of the summit negotiations closely. Both leaders, they are trying to play games. It kind of makes me feel, what would they even discuss? And why now? Why is Kim willing to speak to Trump? Trump really creates a lot of controversy, which I feel is not really the best way to handle situationshe creates problems using Twitter and he does the same with international issues. Wright, a mother of one, is more concerned with how Singapore will be portrayed by the US media. Where Im from in the US, a lot of peoplethink I live in China. I think it will educate Americans on where Singapore is. Researcher Martha Isaacs, 22, has strong views on both Trump and Kim. These are two men that I dont respect. Both are rude, cocky, patriarchal, so maybe thats why they hit it off. I think Trump has been one of the worst, if not the worst, international statesmen that the US has ever seen. The native of Baltimore, Maryland does see the logic of holding the historic geopolitical event on our shores. Singapore is a safe venue and very pro-business and pro-capitalist, which is something that Trump agrees with. She added, My American friends are just kind of upset because they tried to escape Trump, and now here he is. Story continues In this June 1, 2018 photo, President Donald Trump attends a Change of Command ceremony at the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington. (PHOTO: Associated Press) A polarising figure Other Americans based in Singapore are somewhat more optimistic. California native Joe, who only wished to be known by his first name, felt that Trump deserves credit for being the first sitting US president to have a face-to-face meeting with a leader from North Korea. The 52-year-old, who works in sales operations, noted, Weve been at each others throats for years. Nothings progressed in this relationship for years even though weve tried. If Trump walks out with just the framework of a denuclearisation deal, then I think thats a win. On Singapore hosting the summit, Joe added, I dont know of a better nation to have it in. For Chris Meyerer, 33, who works in the insurance industry, he is reserving judgement on Trumps effectiveness as an international statesman until the end of his term. He certainly has an unorthodox style which throws people off but I do not think he is absolutely crazy and in fact I think he is a fairly clever individual. He has made some unexpected moves so far, so I am curious to see how it all pans out in the end. Meyerer, who is from New York, added, I think (the summit) has the potential to be a stepping stone to something historic. But both leaders have a track record of being fairly unpredictable in their demeanour and their actions so I think it is anybodys guess whether anything tangible will be gained from the summit. While marketing executive Janet Maurillo, 52, openly admits that she is not wild about Trump, she is personally hopeful that something forward-thinking and positive will come out of the meeting. We have a lot of questions about, is it actually going to happen, is the president going to behave in a professional and diplomatic manner, said the mother of two, who has spent most of her adult life in New York. My knee-jerk reaction is, I dont think hes a polished statesman. Trump appears to have a seat-of-the-pants approach to diplomacy. Maybe hes crazy like a fox, but he seems to be saying whats in his mind without a filter. Maybe he says these things on purpose. Maurillo added, I think part of the mystery is: how is Kim Jong-un going to respond? Maybe there will be a meeting of the minds. Related stories: Trump-Kim summit: South Koreans in Singapore excited and hopeful of positive outcome Trump-Kim summit set for Singapores Sentosa Island: White House What will be the outcome of Trump and Kim Jong-uns nuclear summit? Trump-Kim summit: Singapore F&B players jump on bandwagon to mark event The United Nations logo is pictured in front of the United Nations Headquarters building during the 71st United Nations General Assembly in the Manhattan borough of New York, U.S., September 22, 2016. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - The United Nations called on the United States on Tuesday to stop detaining irregular migrant families and separating children on its frontier with Mexico, saying this broke the law. Several hundred children crossing the southern U.S. border have been held in custody since October 2017 following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump when he took office in January 2017, it said. "The U.S. should immediately halt this practice of separating families and stop criminalising what should at most be an administrative offence that of irregular entry or stay in the U.S.," U.N. human rights spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told a briefing in Geneva. "Entering a country without the relevant papers should not be a criminal offence...so these people should not be detained," she said, adding that some children were very young, including a one-year-old infant. Poverty, as well as deepening violence from criminal gangs and drug traffickers has driven hundreds of thousands of Central Americans to try to cross the U.S. border illegally or seek asylum in the country. The Trump administration will soon begin fingerprinting parents claiming custody of children who entered the United States illegally without an adult relative, officials said a week ago, prompting criticism that children may be abandoned by those who fear being identified and deported. Shamdasani, asked about comments by senior U.S. officials that it was normal to remove children from parents in custody, said: "There is nothing normal about detaining children. "Detention is never in the best interests of the child and always constitutes a child rights violation," she said. The United States - the only country in the world not to have ratified the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child - still has obligations as a signatory to that treaty and as a party that has ratified other rights treaties, Shamdasani said Story continues "Our position is that preserving family unity is a fundamental tenet of refugee protection," U.N. refugee agency spokesman William Spindler said. Most crossing the U.S. southern border are from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador where there is rampant violence and persecution targetting children and youth, he said. "The fact that you have people coming from countries experiencing violence and might be subject to persecution by gangs and other criminal violence, would certainly ... give them the right to receive international protection," Spindler said. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; editing by Tom Miles and David Stamp) The United States defended the right of its ambassador to Germany to speak his mind about European politics Tuesday, after an outspoken interview sparked calls for him to step down. Germany has asked the State Department to clarify US ambassador Richard Grenell's comment in an interview that he was seeking to "empower" European conservatives opposed to the political status quo. At least one member of Angela Merkel's coalition government has accused the envoy of interfering in Germany's internal affairs, and figures on the left have called for him to be sent back to Washington. But State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert stood by the ambassador, insisting the United States has good relations with Germany and that Grenell had a right to make his views known. "Ambassadors have a right to express their opinion," Nauert told reporters who asked whether Grenell had been expressing the views of President Donald Trump's administration. "They're representatives of the White House, whether it's this administration or other administrations, and we hear them voicing their opinions," she said. "And they're sometimes opinions that people may or may not like. And there is the right to free speech as well." In an interview with news website Breitbart over the weekend, Grenell said he had seen a wave of support in Europe for conservative causes "because of the failed policies of the left." "I absolutely want to empower other conservatives throughout Europe, other leaders," he said. "There's no question about that and it's an exciting time for me." Grenell does not criticize Merkel's government, but dubs himself a "big fan" of neighboring Austria's "rock star" chancellor Sebastian Kurz, leader of a coalition of conservative and right-wing parties. In a tweet sent from his personal account after controversy erupted, Grenell denied that he had been as US ambassador endorsing any European candidates or parties. But he added: "I stand by my comments that we are experiencing an awakening from the silent majority -- those who reject the elites and their bubble. Led by Trump." On Wednesday, Grenell is due to hold a pre-arranged meeting with senior German official Andreas Michaelis. In case you couldnt make the inaugural round of talks and academic lectures which took place in London last weekend, heres a brief Pushing Boarders 2018 Recap in advance of the lectures themselves being uploaded for the rest of the world to see (keep your eyes peeled for that one). Having made it to a couple of the lectures for those times when I could drag myself out of the sunshine (and it was a testament to peoples interest in this kind of event that so many people did choose to be indoors for it) I can attest to the positivity surrounding the talks something which cleverly avoided becoming just a isnt skateboarding great congratulatory circle jerk and raised some genuinely interesting issues. Free beer and pizza, alongside a kicker to kicker street barge once the Saturday lectures were finished, ensured that this wasnt a purely cerebral event and we were free to go wild in the streets at least some of the time. Scroll down for a few photos and a written press release covering what went down and, like I said, keep an eye out for the full lectures when they are uploaded to the web. Heres to this becoming an annual event! Karl Watson and Neftalie Williams discuss Race, Skateboarding and the Power of Imagined Communities PUSHING BOARDERS SPARKS PIONEERING DISCUSSIONS ON SKATEBOARDING FOR SOCIAL GOOD Over 1300 people signed up for tickets to Pushing Boarders; the series of public talks and debates about skateboarding as a tool for social change, which took place last weekend in London. The event brought together professional skateboarders, community leaders, renowned scholars and members of the public to be part of a series of talks and panels at The House of Vans and UCL Bartlett School of Architecture. A first-of-its-kind event, the packed out venues saw over 200 people from all over the world attend seven different panels to listen and contribute to discussions on topics such as Skateboarding and the Gender-Identity Evolution and How to Build a Skate Friendly City.Rooted in skateboarding and led by skateboarders, Pushing Boarders proved to be a celebration of the social and cultural impact of skateboarding, bringing together like-minded people doing impactful and inspirational work in skateboarding. A packed house for the majority of the weekend. After the event, one of the organisers of Pushing Boarders, and co-founder of Re-verb Skateboarding, Thom Callan-Riley said: Climate Science blogs around the world Posted on 6 June 2018 by BaerbelW After recently publishing an article about Climate Science websites around the world, some suggestions came in via comments or emails to add more sites to the post. But, these were mostly for blogs instead of full-fledged websites so they didn't quite fit the focus of that earlier post. So, here is the companion article introducing non-English blogs focused on climate science around the world. Dutch - The Netherlands Klimaatverandering The Dutch blog "Klimaatverandering" (climate change) was started in 2008 by Bart Verheggen as the Dutch counterpart to his English blog Our Changing Climate. When confronted with certain myths he started to search the web for information, only to find that misinformation was often crowding out scientifically credible voices. This, combined with the large gap between public and scientific understanding of the issue, led him to start his own blog. His aim is to inject a scientifically grounded voice to the public debate about climate change. Since 2012 Jos Hagelaars, Hans Custers en Bob Brand have joined his Dutch blog. Together they try to maintain a high quality blog by critiquing each others writings before publication, as an internal review procedure as it were (similar to whats done at SkS). Some of their pieces have been featured at SkS as well, including e.g. the graph that Jos Hagelaars made about global average temperatures from the Last Glacial Maximum all the way to the projections for 2100. This figure has made its way to many different publications, sometimes in a slightly adapted form. Bart Verheggen's student Max von Geuns recently published the aptly named article "Blogging as an Allergic Reaction to Climate Bullshit" in which Bart's motivation to blog gets explained in more detail. Finland - Finnish Ilmastotiedo Ilmastotieto is a Finnish climate blog that started in 2010 when several individual bloggers decided to start a group blog. Subject areas covered are practically anything relating to climate and climate change. Among published articles are climate news pieces, feature articles on wide range of topics (basic climate science, climate change impacts, mitigation, etc.), and myth debunking. Ilmastotieto is closely tied to Skeptical Science, as the blog authors are the ones that have done the Finnish translations of some Skeptical Science articles. The Finnish translations, by the way, were the first published translations on Skeptical Science as announced in this blog post. German - Germany Klimalounge Stefan Rahmstorf started his German-language blog Klimalounge (originally together with two colleagues) in 2008, because he sees it as part of his duty as a climate scientist to engage with the public about this important topic. His own research focus is on changes in the climate system both modern and in Earth's history. He has worked e.g. on the role of the oceans in climate change (including sea level rise and the Atlantic ocean circulation), on weather extremes and on changes in atmospheric dynamics including the jet stream. Some of his blog posts he publishes both in German at Klimalounge and in English on RealClimate, a blog he co-founded with other climate scientists in 2004. But many posts at KlimaLounge are focused on climate change in Germany and/or the public and policy debates in Germany - which was a key motivation for starting a German blog alongside Realclimate. In 2017 Rahmstorf was awarded the Climate Communication Prize of the American Geophysical Union, as the first scientist working outside the US. He also won the German Umweltmedienpreis. Italian - Italy Here is what Riccardo Reitano let us know about Climalteranti: The blog Climalteranti.it was founded in 2008 by a group of scientists belonging to different fields (climatology, meteorology, physics, chemistry, engineering, communication, ...). Each article goes through a review from the scientific committee before publication to guarantee the quality of what is published. We focus mainly on debunking climate misinformation in Italy and elsewhere and on updates on climate science. We also follow the meetings and outcomes of the IPCC and the various COP and occasionally translate posts from RealClimate. Each year we grants a "prize" for the most egregious misinformation spread by a italian individual or organization." Antonello Pasini sent us this description of his blog: The Italian blog Il Kyoto fisso was started in 2007 by Antonello Pasini, climate scientist at Italian National Research Council in Rome. It was published till 2012 in Il Sole 24 ore, the most important Italian economic newspaper. Since 2012 Il Kyoto fisso has been published in Le Scienze, which is the Italian edition of Scientific American. Antonello Pasini began this enterprise to combat misinformation and introduce the reader to methods and results of the science of climate change. This is very important because people generally do not know scientific studies on complex systems such as climate. In particular, a culture of modelling is quite completely lacking, while this method represents the real scientific revolution in the research about complex systems, and climate in particular. In 2016, Il Kyoto fisso was named the Italian scientific blog of the year which is a national prize of scientific popularization. If you know of any other similar non-English blogs focused on climate change, please let us know either in the comments or via the contact form. We'll add them to the post once we've verified that the content is science-based. The Wall Street Journal published a bombshell story on Tuesday about what reporters Kirsten Grind and Deepa Seetharaman call the messy, expensive split between Facebook and WhatsApps founders. The dishy piece makes for great reading. (Do the multibillionaire founders of global communications platforms make time to grouse at each other about who gets to pick out office chairs? Yes. Yes, they do.) Behind the dishiness, however, is a very important story that pretty much clears up any doubt as to whether Mark Zuckerberg is a trustworthy man who keeps his promisesor a profit-obsessed machine whos much stronger on greed than he is on morals. Advertisement By the time youve finished the WSJ piece, only two options seem possible: Either Zuckerberg is a liar, or hes a liar with absolutely no concept of the sunk-cost fallacy. When Facebook bought WhatsApp for $22 billion in 2014, the companies rolled out a very clear messaging campaign, based around WhatsApps motto of no ads, no games, no gimmicks. The messaging service would be owned by Facebook, and Facebook could continue to make as much money as it wanted from ads on its own platform, but WhatsApp would retain its purity of product and even roll out end-to-end encryption. As co-founder Jan Koum wrote in a blog post after the deal was announced: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Respect for your privacy is coded into our DNA, and we built WhatsApp around the goal of knowing as little about you as possible: You dont have to give us your name and we dont ask for your email address. We dont know your birthday. We dont know your home address. We dont know where you work. We dont know your likes, what you search for on the internet or collect your GPS location. None of that data has ever been collected and stored by WhatsApp, and we really have no plans to change that. If partnering with Facebook meant that we had to change our values, we wouldnt have done it. Instead, we are forming a partnership that would allow us to continue operating independently and autonomously. Our fundamental values and beliefs will not change. Our principles will not change Make no mistake: our future partnership with Facebook will not compromise the vision that brought us to this point. Advertisement WhatsApp wasnt an easy acquisition for Zuckerberg, because the two apps have very different founding principles. Koum, who grew up in Ukraine, believes deeply in privacy; Zuckerberg thinks that the more open and connected we are, the happier we all become. And so in order to acquire WhatsApp, Zuckerberg not only had to pay a lot of money and give up a board seat to Koum; he also had to make a lot of promises. Some of those promises were even enshrined in the acquisition agreement: If Facebook imposed monetization initiatives like advertising onto WhatsApp, its founders shares would vest immediately, and they could leave without suffering any kind of financial penalty. Advertisement Thus did WhatsApp retain exactly the independence that it had been promiseduntil it didnt. Advertisement Today, it seems inevitable not only that advertising will make it onto WhatsApp, but also that the advertising in question will be targetedwhich is to say that when you use the app, Facebook will know exactly who you are, where you live, and what kind of products you might be interested in buying. Its a complete repudiation of WhatsApps founding principles, and makes a mockery of its end-to-end encryption. Advertisement Whats more, WhatsApps two founders both left hundreds of millions of dollars on the table, so keen were they to leave Facebooks ad-friendly walls. (It turns out that their contractual right to being paid out in full would require them to sue for the money, and, according to the Journal, neither of them had the appetite for that.) Brian Acton resigned in September; Koum stayed on until the end of April. In leaving before November of this year, Acton gave up some $900 million; Koum gave up about $400 million. You need to be really unhappy at work if youre willing to quit a job thats effectively paying you some $60 million per month, and from which you basically cant be fired. Advertisement Advertisement The cause of that unhappiness seems as clear as Koums 2012 blog post titled Why We Dont Sell Adsa post that starts off by saying that advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we dont need, and gets more vehement from there. Koum and Acton really didnt want ads, but, as the WSJ puts it, Zuckerberg and his number two, Sheryl Sandberg, grew impatient for a greater return on the companys 2014 blockbuster $22 billion purchase. After the two founders left, Zuckerberg installed in their place a longtime Facebook executive who is tasked with finding a business model that brings in revenue at a level to justify the apps purchase price. Advertisement This makes some amount of sense on the surface. Given how much Facebook paid for WhatsApp, doesnt it have a right to get a return on its investment? Might the purchase price, in some sense, justify Zuckerberg changing his mind on ads? The answer to that question is simple: No, it doesnt. This is where the sunk-cost fallacy comes in. It doesnt matter any more how much money Facebook paid for WhatsApp; all that is water under the bridge. If Zuckerberg wants to aggressively monetize WhatsApp, installing ads between every other text message, it is within his rights to do that regardless of how much the acquisition cost. But the acquisition cost poses zero current burden on Facebook that requires the imposition of advertising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Zuckerberg was paying for WhatsApp, he didnt promise to leave it alone provided that it hurdled some predetermined return on investment; instead, he promised to leave it alone, period. Koum and Acton had a huge amount of control over how WhatsApp was run. The one thing they had no control over was the amount of money that Facebook had paid to acquire them. If the problem here was the purchase price, then thats Facebooks problem, not WhatsApps. And so it shouldnt be WhatsApps problem to fix. Zuckerbergs actions, in other words, cannot be justified by the WhatsApp purchase price. The decision of how much to pay for WhatsApp was a strategic one, which centered in large part on keeping the app out of a rivals hands. It was also Zuckerbergs decision alone. He promised that he wouldnt run ads on WhatsApp, and then he broke his promise. The only real question is: Did Zuckerberg know that he would break his promise as the words were coming out of his mouth, or was he talked into breaking his promise by Sandberg and other executives looking covetously at WhatsApps unmonetized user base? Either way, he has clearly failed a key leadership test. One more reason for him to go. One upside of watching the postwar international order disintegrate before our very eyes is that, every once in a while, somebody leaks some embarrassing and entertaining detail about Donald Trumps conversations with other world leaders. For instance, CNN reports that during a testy conversation about the recent steel and aluminum tariffs the United States imposed on Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau interrogated Donald Trump about how he could possibly consider his country, one of Americas most stalwart allies, a national security threat. Trump jokingly responded by asking, Didnt you guys burn down the White House? This was supposed to be a reference to the War of 1812, and would have been a pretty good retortexcept that it was actually the British who torched Washington. Oh well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story is funny, in the way that the pratfalls of a wildly ignorant chief executive who is slowly claiming ever broader executive powers have become a constant source of grim humor. But it also points to one of the more common misunderstandings about this whole tariff controversy, and some of the ways Trump has actually twisted Washingtons conventional understanding of how trade and national security relate. Trumps official rationale for the steel and aluminum tariffs hes imposing on Canada, Mexico, and Europe is that they are necessary to protect Americas national security, because competition from foreign imports is destroying Americas domestic production capacity, which needs to be preserved so that we can defend ourselves in a time of conflict. (You need steel to build ships, and special high-grade aluminum to build fighter jets, to take a couple examples.) Nobody is suggesting that Canada has suddenly become an aggressive foreign power bent on annexing the West Coast into British Columbia. The concern is about the effects steel imports from all over the world are having on American factories. Advertisement Nonetheless, Canadian officialsperhaps sensing an easy opportunity to score some rhetorical pointshave made a great show expressing their public indignation at supposedly being labeled a menace to Americas public safety. The idea that we are somehow a national security threat to the United States is, quite frankly, insulting and unacceptable, Trudeau told NBCs Chuck Todd. Canadian Minister of Foreign Affiars Chrystia Freeland, a former business journalist who certainly understands whats actually going on, made similar comments to CNN: And I would just say to all of Canadas American friendsand there are so many seriously? Do you really believe that Canada, that your NATO allies, represent a national security threat to you? Advertisement Advertisement Again, nobody actually believes that. Rather, the Trump administration is insisting that Canadian and European steel are a threat to American industry, which in turn erodes our national securitywhich, even if wrong, is a less facially absurd argument. Advertisement Heres the thing thats actually strange about Trumps national security analysis, which was conducted by the Commerce Department. When the government has set out to determine whether imports pose a threat to American national security interests in the past, its considered whether the U.S. is capable of buying goods from reliable allies like Canada or Mexico. The idea isnt to make sure that the U.S. is completely self-sufficient in the case of a major international confrontationjust that we can get what we need in an emergency. This time around, however, the administration chose not to do that, and included an entire paragraph in its report explaining why not. In short, it claimed that when Congress passed the law giving the president the power to act on these issues, it didnt really care whether imports came from an ally or not, just whether they were weakening our own industry or economy. Advertisement The Secretary also considered whether the source of the imports affects the analysis under Section 232. In the 2001 Report, the Department found that iron ore and semi-finished steel are imported from reliable foreign sources and concluded that even if the United States were dependent on imports of iron ore and semifinished steel, imports would not threaten to impair national security. However, because Congress in Section 232 chose to explicitly direct the Secretary to consider whether the impact of foreign competition and the displacement of any domestic products by excessive imports are weakening our internal economy but made no reference to an assessment of the sources of imports, it appears likely that Congress recognized adverse impacts might be caused by imports from allies or other reliable sources. As a result, the fact that some or all of the imports causing the harm are from reliable sources does not compel a finding that those imports do not threaten to impair national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can debate whether this is a fair reading of the statute (its certainly not a traditional reading). But in the end, the Trump administration is taking the broadest possible approach to defining an economic national security threat, and doing it in a way that doesnt consider whether our imports come from friendly sources. Of course, all of this is a little bit absurd because, in the end, Trump has made it abundantly clear that his tariffs are not actually about national security, but about protecting a favored industry while throwing Americas weight around on world trade in order to win concessions on things like NAFTA negotiations. So Canadas leaders have been wielding a catchy but slightly bogus argument to criticize Americas obviously insincere but perhaps legally sound justification for starting a trade war. Its all a bit of a Kabuki. But at least the leaks are good for a LOL. Donald Trump does not want to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. He wants to kill it. That, more or less, is the message Larry Kudlow, director of the White Houses National Economic Council, delivered during a Tuesday morning appearance on Fox & Friends. The president is very seriously contemplating kind of a shift in the NAFTA negotiations, which are currently at an impasse, Kudlow said. His preference now, and he asked me to convey this, is to actually negotiate with Mexico and Canada separately. He prefers bilateral negotiations. Advertisement Saying that you want to carve NAFTA into a series of two-way deals is another way of saying that you want to end it. The entire point of the pact is to create a single set of rules for trade between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Without that, there is no NAFTA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite being the bearer of bad news for free trade supporters, Kudlow tried to reassure viewers that the White House isnt about to do anything rash. The president isnt going to leave NAFTA, he said. Hes not going to withdraw from NAFTA. Hes just going to try a different approach. This is not especially soothing, though, since its not clear why Canadian or Mexican officials would agree to negotiate one-on-one with Washington unless the White House first pulled out of the current deal. At the moment, it sounds like Trump is essentially demanding the house and sole custody of the kids before even filing for divorce. Advertisement The administrations move is not entirely surprising. In fact, some predicted it. After the president suggested in October that the U.S. might be open to a solo free trade deal with Canada if NAFTA talks crumbled, one of the countrys former trade negotiators speculated that we might see the sort of scenario that now seems to be unfolding: The U.S. administrations game plan is now clear: Make multiple outrageous demands that, even if partially accepted, constitute a huge America First victory; or, if rejected outright by Canada and Mexico, set up a failed negotiation and a messy denouementalso a win in terms of U.S. President Donald Trumps public antipathy to the North American free-trade agreement. What is now apparent about that prospective denouement is the likelihood of the United States promoting separate bilateral negotiations with Canada and Mexico after jettisoning three-way NAFTA talks. Advertisement Advertisement Negotiations over NAFTA hit a wall recently after the Trump administration demanded that any new deal include an automatic five-year expiration date, after which all three countries would have to agree to renew it. Now, Trumpvia Kudlowsays its time to abandon three-way talks altogether. Things are playing out exactly as youd expect if the administrations ultimate goal was to bury NAFTA for good. Advertisement Ever since his campaign, Trump has argued that the United States would be better off negotiating bilateral free trade deals. Thats the line Kudlow more or less stuck to on Fox. Canada and Mexico are different countries with different problems, and countries that are different probably deserve different deals, he explained. Oftentimes, when you have to compromise with three countries, you get the worst of the deals. Why not try to get the best of the deals for the American people, American workforce, and the American economy, and presumably for their economies as well? Advertisement This case is a bit flimsy. Having lots of two-way trade agreements with individual countries can create a confusing mess of rules for businesses that make it harder to import and export. (Experts call this the spaghetti bowl effect.) And sometimes, having more countries at the table can make it easier, not harder, to reach an agreement where everyone comes away happy, since negotiators can pull off the equivalent of three-way trades in sports. Mexico might give the U.S. better terms on car parts, for instance, if it can get somethingz valuable in return from Canada. But Trumps concept of negotiations has never seemed to operate on that level of sophistication. Instead, he sees bargaining more like a sumo match where two countries try to charge and wrestle one another to the floor. Now, hes telling Mexico and Canada he wants to throw down. Arrested Developments creator is finally weighing in on the incident between Jessica Walter and Jeffrey Tambor that caused such a stir ahead of the release of the shows fifth season on Netflix. Mitchell Hurwitz told Deadline that he feels guilty for not realizing how upset Walter was after what Tambor himself has characterized as a blowup at his castmate. From the sound of it, Hurwitz was not actually present during the outburst but heard about it after the fact and saw footage of at least some portion of the incident. Advertisement Heres how he described what happened: It was something minor, like he was doing a speech and Jessica wanted to redo something in her speech, he explained. Shes a perfectionist, which I have a horrible case of myself, and hes sort of loose with it, finds his way back if he gets off course within the speech, for instance And she was resetting and he got upset and was like, Oh, come on! You always do this! He continued for a bit and she apologized. Im sorry, Jeffrey, Im sorry. But he continued and then walked offthe set apparently, but he walked out of frame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurwitz said that while Walter told him she was upset at the time, she behaved like a total pro and resumed filming. Walter would later tell the New York Times, In like almost 60 years of working, Ive never had anybody yell at me like that on a set. Advertisement Some of the other Arrested Development actors got themselves into trouble for trying to publicly downplay Tambors behavior toward Walter, for which he later apologized. Hurwitz acknowledged that he too may have underestimated the severity of the ordeal. There was more to it than I realized, and its not my place to opine about what I believe was the weight of it, he said. I misinterpreted what I understood to have played out, and more importantly the depth of Jessicas pain about it. I feel so bad about that. In the same interview, Hurwitz defended keeping Tambor on as part of the cast despite the sexual harassment claims that led to the actors departure from Transparent. To be clear: In saying this Im not defending sexual harassment. It is and should be a job-terminating offense, Hurwitz told Deadline. I just dont have any information on whatever happened there. Nor do I have any evidence of him ever sexually harassing anyone in the 20 years, off and on, that Ive worked with him. In many of her most iconic rolesin Speed, Miss Congeniality, The Proposal, and GravitySandra Bullock embodies a meeting point of the masculine and the feminine, her gawky, tomboyish appeal forging an alchemical charm with her instincts toward self-effacement or a Scarlett OHaraesque resolve. Bullock is thus an intuitive pick to lead Oceans 8, which extends the Oceans Eleven franchise with a female ensemble. Bullock plays sister to George Clooneys Danny Ocean: the cocky, lovelorn, always-tuxedod Vegas rat who couldnt help endangering his own heist by seducing his ex-wife in the middle of the caper. Set in Manhattan, Oceans 8 is in many ways a mirror image of its predecessor, but its most delightful when it follows its own path toward girly transcendence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bullocks casting as Debbie Ocean is the first of several production decisions so clever they feel like no-brainers. In retrospect, its a surprise there hasnt been a (fictional) movie set at the Met Gala before, with all its opulent and voyeuristic possibilities. Crashing a ball means gush-worthy makeovers, but Oceans 8 also cleverly subverts the sexy-spy trope by playing with the idea that women can make themselves invisible by choosing not to court male attention. The most revolutionary detail of allthe one that helps director Gary Ross film skate through even its most lumbering scenesis the focus on female pleasure, in luxury and beauty, as well as in their skills and their camaraderie. Theres even a brief segment celebrating a little sisters scientific know-how thats embellished with a cheetah-print umbrella, taking pride in a girls smarts and style. The characters guttural moans and sighs make clear: These are women turned on by who they are and what they can do. Advertisement Bullocks casting as Debbie Ocean is the first of several production decisions so clever they feel like no-brainers. That giddiness and elan go a long way in papering over the films faults, which include scant characterization for the crews minor playersmore important in a version of this story that makes us want to hang with the gangand a disappointing lack of chemistry between Bullock and Cate Blanchett, who takes over from Brad Pitt as the clear-eyed and perpetually snacking partner. Their fleeting flirtations over lunch are a treat, as are the glamorous, retro-cut suits they strut around in throughout the film. (Blanchetts Keith Richardsinspired rocker-chick pants alone should garner costume designer Sarah Edwards Oscar consideration.) Even the runaway product placement adds to the films aspirational glee. The orgy of name drops and plugsfor Cartier, Brinks, Bergdorf Goodman, Vogue, the Met, and the galais the kind of shameless bacchanal in which everyone leaves with a grin. But that darn heist keeps getting in the way, scattering the team when wed rather watch them getting to know one another better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Debbies unit is a winsome cross-section of New York. A has-been fashion designer (Helena Bonham Carter) is recruited to convince Cartier that they should loan a hefty piece of bling to a flighty actress (Anne Hathaway) to wear to the Met Gala. A hacker (real-life Met Ball MVP Rihanna), a diamond expert (Mindy Kaling), a pickpocket (Awkwafina), and a compulsive-thiefturnedstay-at-home-mom (Sarah Paulson) round out the group trying to replace the $150 million necklace around the self-absorbed movie stars neck with a counterfeit. Paulson is fun as a kleptomaniac jonesing for that next score, but what the film could have used more of is unexpected partnerships like the one between Kaling and Bonham Cartertheir rock-steady and antsy energies, respectively, bouncing off each other while they lie their asses off to the necklaces handlers. A snag that Debbie hadnt planned on during her prison-bound five years planning the job inevitably appears, but her bigger problem is the part of the heist she shouldnt risk but cant resist: framing her ex (Richard Armitage) as payback for putting her away. Advertisement The plot, which is stretched out in a final act involving James Cordens (hilarious) insurance investigator, feels largely dutiful, dissipating the transgressive spark that should propel the picture forward. But theres something unabashedly, almost brazenly, joyful about the films adoration of fashion and fame. (If you want to understand all the jokes, for example, it helps to know that Anna Wintour worships Roger Federer.) Dozens of celebrities appear in the background of the Met Gala, while a few Oceans Eleven alumni return for (pointless) cameos. Amid the ebullient excess and competence porn, Hathaway emerges as the one to constantly keep your eye on, as her characters ditziness continues to unveil new layers. A revelatory performance on par with her turn as Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises, its the films strongest argument for the delights, and depth, of girly culture. The judge who sparked widespread outrage by issuing a lenient sentence for Brock Turner, the former Stanford swimmer convicted of sexual assault, was recalled from office on Wednesday, making him the first California judge recalled in nearly 90 years. Nearly two years ago, Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky sentenced Turner to six months in prison, only three of which Turner ultimately served. In his decision, Persky cited Turners age, his and the victims intoxication at the time of the assault, and the potential severe impact prison could have on Turners life. Turner could have served as much as 14 years for his crime. Advertisement The case, and Perskys ruling, became nationally known after the 23-year-old victim, who went by Emily Doe, wrote a lengthy and emotionally powerful statement during the sentencing speaking in gutting detail to the intense suffering she had experienced in the wake of her assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter, published on BuzzFeed, got more than 11 million views in just four days and sparked a national conversation about rape culture. The public fury was powerful, directed at Turner, at his fatherwho wrote a letter defending his son and bemoaning the price he paid for 20 minutes of actionand at Persky. Almost immediately, a recall campaign was launched against Persky. More than 1.3 million people signed a Change.org petition demanding his recall, and New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand expressed her support for the campaign. Advertisement There was debate over how much sexism and a personal bias toward young white men really played into Perskys decision. In January, Mark Joseph Stern argued in Slate that while Persky made tone-deaf comments about the role of alcohol in the crime, he focused more appropriately on age, remorse, and criminal history in his decision and appeared to follow the recommendation of the Santa Clara County Probation Department. Persky was too credulous when it came to Turners hollow apology, and the assailant deserved several years in prison, Stern wrote, but a high-profile recall campaign could pressure judges into handing down harsher sentences across the board. A little over three months ago, the delegates of the California Democratic Party declined to endorse five-term incumbent Dianne Feinstein for re-election. They instead came just shy of endorsing Kevin de Leon, her progressive challenger and the leader of the state Senates Democrats. This seemed, for some, to herald a real and portentous race pitting the partys newly animated and restless progressive activists against one of the most respected figures of the partys establishment. Advertisement That race never materialized. Feinstein won by over 30 percentage points on Tuesday. De Leon came very close to losing his spot in a November runoff to a Republican with no money, name recognition, or political experience. His poor showing was a sign of the obstacles facing progressive statewide candidates in California and the dynamics holding the Democratic Party in its current ideological place. Those dynamics have shaped not only Dianne Feinsteins re-election bid, but the California gubernatorial race as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement De Leons tepid showing was anticipated by, among others, the Washington Posts David Weigel, who noted Sunday that de Leon wasnt a real presence on television and that his few major backers, like billionaire Tom Steyer, skimped on their spending for him, and a number of articles about his campaign spotlighted lonely drives from stop to stop in his Chevy Volt singing Morrissey linesPlease, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want?to himself. Beyond the standard disadvantages of running against an establishment incumbent, de Leon also ran up against Californias electoral makeup. While California is heavily and increasingly Democratic, it isnt terribly progressive. The electorate, as FiveThirtyEights Clare Malone wrote, is dominated by white voters and relatively well-to-do homeowners rather than the voters of color and renters that might boost more left-leaning candidates. Advertisement Tuesdays results suggest Feinstein really is, as her supporters say, a candidate who reflects the current preferences of the Democratic electorate in the state of California. That fact does not fundamentally resolve, though, the question of whether it is good for the Democratic Partyand for a country whose democratic institutions are already wildly and intentionally unrepresentative of the population by agethat a 26-year incumbent, who will end her likely next term at the age of 91, will be returning to the United States Senate. This isnt, of course, a fundamentally important question to party leaderswho arent solely motivated, as progressives seem to believe, by antipathy to progressive boat-rockers like de Leon, although that antipathy is clearly real. If they wanted to, party leaders could have pushed Feinstein to make an exit and replaced her with another establishment-friendly Democrat. They did not: As far as the Democratic Party is concerned, the seat that Dianne Feinstein currently holds belongs, personally, to Dianne Feinstein, who deserves to hold it until she drops dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defenders of Feinsteins incumbency generally cite her competence and experience. Feinstein is indeed well-versed in the kind of transactional, collaborative, bipartisan politics that no longer exists in the United States Congress. This is something like being fluent in Esperanto. The primary responsibilities of a Democratic senator in 2018 are writing legislation that cannot pass and grandstanding in support of Democratic messaging. These are things that can be accomplished by political veterans and newcomers alike. The through-line in Democratic messaging in advance of this years midterm elections is opposition to President Trumpa very easy task for Democrats that has proven inexplicably difficult for Feinstein. In August, she told an audience that Trump could be a good president with some personal growth, a line with which most Democrats who have followed the policies being implemented by the president and his behavior over the past several years would probably disagree. FiveThirtyEights numbers show, moreover, that Feinstein has cast more votes for the Trump agenda than most of her colleagues and more than one would expect given Hillary Clintons margin of victory in California. Almost all of those votes were for several of Trumps nominees, and a vote for CIA Director Gina Haspel even seemed possible too earlier this year. Feinstein was initially undecided, but ultimately voted no over Haspels involvement with the CIAs torture program under George W. Bush. Advertisement Advertisement Feinstein is indeed well-versed in the kind of collaborative bipartisan politics that no longer exists in the United States Congress. This is like being fluent in Esperanto. This move is in keeping with Feinsteins prior work investigating that program and is a bit out of step with her long-standing support for another form of state sadism. When she first ran for statewide office in 1990, Feinstein goaded delegates at the state party convention into booing her over her support for the death penalty. Those boos were later used in her campaign advertising. The bloodlust among moderate Democrats that similarly encouraged Bill Clinton to make a point of executing a mentally disabled man in 1992 has since fallen out of fashion. A growing number of Democrats now view the death penalty, correctly, as an expensive way to send disproportionately black and sometimes innocent prisoners to grisly, pointless deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Feinstein has been one of the partys holdouts, having expressed support for capital punishment as recently as 2013. Word came a couple of weeks ago, though, that Feinstein, glancing over her shoulder at de Leon, has since changed her position. It became crystal clear to me that the risk of unequal application is high and its effect on deterrence is low, she said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times in May. The Times Sarah Wire wrote that Feinsteins staffers could not pinpoint exactly when the shift occurred. A few weeks earlier, Feinstein, long one of the Democratic Partys most committed drug warriors, told reporters that she no longer opposed legalizing marijuana. Advertisement This, like it or not, is how progress happens for Democrats. The California governors race offers another tidy lesson about the partys habits. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, both Democrats, were the presumptive front-runners. Had they both taken the top two spots in yesterdays jungle primary, they would have faced each other in Novembers general election, shutting the Republican candidates out from contention entirely. Advertisement This seemingly would have been the ideal outcome for Democratsmonths on end of two promising Democratic figures advancing Democratic ideas to the public ahead of an election the party literally cannot lose. It is not, however, the outcome Gavin Newsom preferred. His campaign spent over $1 million on statewide ads putatively attacking Trump-endorsed Republican candidate John Coxs record on guns and has mass-texted registered voters, including voters the campaign knows are registered Republicans, about Trumps support for Cox. Both were moves, as Newsom all but admitted himself, that were actually intended to boost turnout and support for Cox, who Newsom correctly reasoned would be an easier opponent for him to beat than Villaraigosa. On Tuesday, Cox advanced to the runoff. His presence on the ballot is a blow to Democratic House candidates who worry that Republicans will have more of a reason to show up to the polls in November, as well as Villaraigosa backers who supported a rival Republican in the hopes of dragging Cox into third place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom and Villaraigosa backers are far from the first Democrats to imagine helping Republicans amounts to shrewd and savvy politics. Don Blankenships loss in West Virginias Senate primary last month was undoubtedly a relief to the families of the 29 workers who died in his intentionally unsafe mine in 2010. One imagines the Democratic operatives who spent over a million dollars trying to assist his campaign felt differently. Claire McCaskill was proud enough of her work bringing controversial Missouri Congressman Todd Akin to victory in the states 2012 Republican Senate primary that she bragged about it in her memoir. [W]e spent more money for Todd Akin in the last two weeks of the primary than he spent on his whole primary campaign, she wrote in an excerpt published by Politico. Advertisement The Democratic Party is a gerontocracy driven primarily by careerism and convenience. What often seems lost on Democratic strategists and politicians like Newsom, Villaraigosa, and McCaskill is that elections are more than contests to fill particular offices or seats. Theyre opportunities for parties to organize and mobilize their activists, volunteers, and voters, promote their ideas to the public, and perhaps win over a few converts in the electorate. If you had asked an average Democrat in 2012, absent any action from the McCaskill campaign, whether it would be good for the people of Missouri broadly, and the women of Missouri specifically, for the Republican Party to nominate Todd Akina fanatical spreader of falsehoods about abortion and birth controlto the United States Senate, they probably would have said no, that it would actually be quite bad for the people of Missouri, especially the women of Missouri, for the Republican Party to further elevate one of the more unhinged disseminators of lies and poison about abortion and birth control, in our political discourse. They would have been right. McCaskill helped the Republican Party do just that anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic Party is a gerontocracy driven primarily by careerism and convenience. The pathologies that make Feinsteins return to the Senate a given and convince Democrats burning cash on the Republican Partys Blankenships, Akins, and nobodies out in California are the dynamics keeping unambiguously corrupt New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez in the partys good graces. They are the pathologies that encouraged Nancy Pelosi to resist asking John Conyersan easily replaceable congressman representing one of safest Democratic seats in the country, a man whod been in Congress for over a half-centuryto step down for over a week after he was credibly accused of sexual assault and harassment by over half a dozen women. They are the pathologies that allow Bill Clinton to dismiss questions about his sexual misconduct with confidence that party leaders will never cast him aside. They are the pathologies that encouraged the Hillary Clinton campaign to consider, seriously and aptly, adopting Because Its Her Turn as its slogan in 2016. The Democratic Party is a professional fraternity only secondarily interested in advancing the proposals in its grab bag of policy ideasproposals that Democratic candidates are, in fact, free to oppose provided they can raise cash easily and appeal to voters who will inevitably tire of them and vote for the Republican candidates and policies they are likely to eventually prefer. Careerism and convenience are, of course, important forces in the Republican Party as well. But the Republican Party is about to select its third speaker of the House this decade. This is churn driven largely by internal debate and dissent about how the Republican Party can best advance its particular vision for American societyhow it can more deeply empower the white, wealthy, and thus worthy citizens of this country. Every Republican politician is, really, no more than an instrument for that project, and the Republican Party is not terribly particular about who they hire to fulfill it: Accused pedophiles and mad reality show hosts are welcome to apply. The majority of Republican politicians live in constant fear that theyll be canned for someone who might be more deeply committed to the partys vision. The vast majority of Democratic politicians do not share a similar fear, a problem given that the well-being of struggling Americans and the planet depends on the Democratic Party uniformly taking on a bold and cohesive ideological agenda. Its only the striving opportunism of potential candidates like Kirsten Gillibrand and Cory Booker thats moving the party in this direction. The days of Democrats biding our time, biting our tongue, and triangulating at the margins, De Leon crowed in February, are over. They are not, actually. Not yet. The left may not love Dianne Feinstein, but California voters like her just fine. The five-term Democratic senator coasted to a first-place finish Tuesday in her states jungle primary, in the process easily beating back a high-profile progressive challenge from state Senate leader Kevin de Leon. Feinstein led the field by more than 30 percentage points in the early returns and was quickly declared the winner by the Associated Press. The race for second in the nonpartisan primarywhich will advance the top-two candidates to the general election, regardless of partyremained too close to call early Wednesday morning. Advertisement With nearly 20 percent of precincts reporting, de Leon was in a distant second place with just under 10 percentrunning neck and neck with Republican James Bradley, a first-time candidate who was shocked to finish third in a poll a little more than a month ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its difficult to remember now, but de Leon once seemed primed to mount a serious challenge from Feinsteins left, after years of complaints that she was out of touch with her states liberal voters on issues like health care and national security. Last summer, Feinstein was booed in San Francisco when she offered some relatively kind words about Donald Trump, saying he could still evolve into a good president and urging patience. Advertisement Then in February, de Leon got a noticeable boost at the state Democratic convention, when the party faithful declined to endorse Feinsteins quest for a sixth term. Adding insult to injury, while Feinstein was addressing delegates earlier that same weekend, she was interrupted by music after she went over her allotted five minutes. A group of de Leon supporters quickly seized the opportunity to serenade the 84-year-old with chants of Times up! The convention came a couple weeks after de Leon also secured a big endorsement from the labor union SEIU. Feinstein, meanwhile, had some making up to do with the left. As Feinsteins critics are quick to point out, she has always been to the right of California Democrats even before the national electorate shifted left, and she conspicuously fails two of todays progressive litmus tests: She voted to authorize the invasion of Iraq in 2002, and she opposes single-payer health care. As the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, shes also been a vocal backer of the nations surveillance apparatus. And to top it off, Feinstein will turn 85 this month and is the oldest person serving in the Senate. A new term would keep in her office until shes 91. Advertisement Advertisement All of which made her an easy target, in theory, for the 51-year-old de Leon and a new generation eager for progressive change at the top of the Democratic Party. But the convention turned out to be de Leons high-water mark, and his campaign fizzled from there. Advertisement Feinstein maintained a comfortable polling cushion throughout the primary, and she took steps to protect her left flank. In January, she decided to unilaterally release the Fusion GPS transcripts, which debunked the conservative conspiracy theory that it was Hillary Clintons campaign that effectively started the FBI investigation into Trump. And she likewise softened her position on legal marijuana and reversed her long-held support for capital punishment. She also maintained plenty of goodwill in the Democratic establishment, with endorsements from Barack Obama, Sen. Kamala Harris, California Lt. Gov. (and current gubernatorial hopeful) Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor (and likely presidential hopeful) Eric Garcetti, and U.S. Reps. Ted Lieu and Adam Schiff. Advertisement Feinstein will now enter the general election as the overwhelming favorite, regardless of who ultimately snags the second spot. As of mid-May, Feinstein had $7 million in her campaign war chest, more than 10 times the haul of de Leon, and its hard to see how he could reverse his fortunes in a head-to-head matchup. His biggest donor, billionaire activist Tom Steyer, hasnt exactly bankrolled a robust campaign, and convincing the left to donate time and money to help oust a sitting Democratic senator, will only become harder as the party turns its attention to the true battlegrounds. Bradley, the Republican upstart, does not appear to have filed a fundraising report with the FEC, and a GoFundMe page he established in late April appears to be stuck at $0. American civil rights law dodged a bullet on Monday when the Supreme Court issued a compromise in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. Though the court ruled narrowly for the anti-gay baker on the grounds that the Colorado commission expressed impermissible hostility toward religion, Justice Anthony Kennedys opinion for the court affirmed the constitutionality of non-discrimination statutesand specifically their application to LGBTQ people. This decision undermines anti-gay activists effort to nullify such non-discrimination measures on First Amendment grounds, with a majority of justices indicating their belief that our contemporary civil rights regime passes constitutional muster. But two justices disagreed: In a disgruntled and ominous concurring opinion, Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch signaled their desire to tear down this regime at the next opportunity, subverting basic nondiscrimination principles in favor of unbridled bigotry in the marketplace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy decided Masterpiece Cakeshop solely on free exercise grounds. But Alliance Defending Freedomthe anti-LGBTQ law firm that represented the storelitigated it chiefly as a free expression case. ADF argued that Jack Phillips, the stores anti-gay baker, had a free speech right not to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding because baking a cake for profit constitutes expression protected by the First Amendment. By ordering Phillips to bake cakes for gay weddings, ADF asserted, Colorado had unconstitutionally compelled him to express his support for same-sex marriage. This claim formed the centerpiece of the case for an obvious reason: It would, if adopted, undercut vast swaths of nondiscrimination law, particularly those protecting LGBTQ people. Businesses could refuse to provide a wide range of goods and servicesflowers, photography, transportation, decoration, musicto same-sex couples by recasting them as expression. From the Trump administrations perspective, in fact, that was the point of the case: Trumps Justice Department filed a cynical amicus brief urging the court to rule that states may not guarantee gay people equal treatment under the law. But because Kennedy found evidence of anti-religious animus, he was able to avoid free speech question, instead ruling that the Colorado commission had violated the free exercise clause. Advertisement Advertisement In a separate opinion joined only by Gorsuch, Thomas stepped in to address free expressionbuying the ADFs argument hook, line, and sinker. Phillips baking, he explained, qualifies as constitutionally protected expression for three reasons. First, he wrote that Phillips work is expressive because he considers himself an artist. (To prove this claim, he cites Phillips logo, an artists paint palette with a paintbrush and bakers whisk, and a picture behind the counter that depicts him as an artist painting on a canvas.) Second, Thomas asserted that Phillips is an active participant in the wedding celebration because he consults with the couple before baking their cake. Third, the justice proclaimed that wedding cakes communicate the message that the couple should be celebratedand a wedding cake for a gay couple must thus express approval of same-sex marriage. Advertisement Advertisement These leaps of logic are each highly questionable and raise a number of thorny questions. Do hairdressers also get to turn away gay clients if they consider themselves artists? What about a jeweler who designs rings? Can a vendor who supplies tables and chairs refuse to serve same-sex couples because they will be an active participant in the wedding celebration? What about a catering company? Can other foodstuffs communicate a message, too? Phillips, for instance, once refused to bake cupcakes for a lesbian couples commitment celebration. Do cupcakes express approval of same-sex marriage? What if theyre terrible cupcakes? Would that express disapproval of gays? Advertisement Do cupcakes express approval of same-sex marriage? What if theyre terrible cupcakes? Under current precedent, all these questions can be answered at once: A business may not use the First Amendment to discriminate against certain clientele. That is because, as Justice Sandra Day OConnor famously wrote in 1984, the Constitution does not guarantee [businesses] a right to choose their customers. A unanimous Supreme Court decision expanded on this rule in 2006s Rumsfeld v. FAIR, which explained that nondiscrimination laws are constitutionally permissible because they primarily regulate conduct, and create only incidental burdens on speech. Congress, the court noted, can prohibit employers from discriminating in hiring on the basis of race. The fact that this will require an employer to take down a sign reading White Applicants Only hardly means that the law should be analyzed as one regulating the employers speech rather than conduct. Advertisement Thomas now appears to disagree. Under his reasoning in Masterpiece Cakeshop, measures barring White Applicants Only are actually a restriction on speech, not just conduct, and must be evaluated like any other form of government censorship. That means nondiscrimination laws that happen to burden expression must be subject to strict scrutiny under the First Amendment. Here is where Thomas opinion gets truly bizarre. To survive strict scrutiny, a law must serve a compelling government interest. You might expect the eradication of discrimination in commerce to qualify as a state interest of the highest order, particularly because the Supreme Court has also held precisely that. The Colorado Court of Appeals leaned on this rationale, explaining that the state may bar discrimination in order to safeguard minorities against public humiliation, frustration, and embarrassment. Thomas, however, called these justifications completely foreign to our free speech jurisprudence, declaring that they would allow the government to stamp out virtually any speech at will. He noted that the court had few concerns about dignity and stigma when it protected cross-burning and violently racist advocacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comparison is entirely specious. The Supreme Court has only protected racist speech among private groups; it has consistently swatted down efforts to protect racist speech uttered in the workplace or marketplace. And it draws this distinction for the precise reason that Thomas shrugs off: The government has an overwhelming interest in stamping out discrimination against minority customers and employeesan interest that is absent when the Ku Klux Klan assembles on its own time and property. By collapsing that distinction, Thomas calls into question the legality of virtually every nondiscrimination law on the books. These measures, after all, routinely suppress expression: They bar employers and employees from expressing bigotry and often compel them to promote an ideology, like workplace equality, with which they may vigorously disagree. Under Thomas rule, these statutes would be constitutionally invalid. An anti-Semitic employee could spew hateful insults at Jewish customers. A sexist boss could make misogynistic comments in the office. And, yes, a racist manager could place a White Applicants Only sign in the window. The First Amendment would shield their speech from government sanction just as, to Thomas, it secures Jack Phillips right to turn away same-sex couples. Notably, only Gorsuch joined this radical opinion. This suggests that a majority of the court has no appetite to strike at the heart of modern civil rights law. It remains disconcerting, though, that a vocal minority of the court wants to obliterate the measures that have allowed an unprecedented number of minorities to flourish in the American workplace. Kennedys majority opinion leaves all these issues for another day. But if Thomas view has gained a foothold when that day arrives, a legal regime rooted in equal dignity for workers and employees will suddenly come crashing down. After the Supreme Court handed down the decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, the same-sex wedding cake case, there was fast consensus that the ruling was a narrow one. The court, commentators insisted, had avoided creating any meaningful precedent and punted on the big and potentially difficult questions in the case pitting the bakers freedom of expression and religion against the same-sex couples civil rights and equality. Yet, while the justices certainly found a convenient way outthe court unexpectedly held that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission violated the First Amendment free exercise of religion by expressing hostility to the bakers religious beliefsthe decision has the potential to be quite broad. Advertisement Although the justices never explicitly said so, the court seems to have quietly established that business corporations have religious liberty rights under the First Amendment to the Constitution. If that is right, then Masterpiece Cakeshop could be a groundbreaking decision with profound reverberations in American law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As cases like Citizens United remind us, business corporations have won an ever-larger number of individual rights under the Constitution. Religious liberty, however, has remained one of the few constitutional rights corporations had not been held to have. (Hobby Lobby held that corporations have religious liberty under a federal statute, which unlike the Constitution could be repealed by ordinary legislation.) Masterpiece Cakeshop subtly extends this right to corporations. And, in time, the case may well be used by many other business corporations whose owners have religious objections to same-sex marriage, LGBTQ rights, or birth control. Advertisement Over and over again, corporations have won rights through Supreme Court decisions that provide little justification for why corporations should be able to claim those rights. Often overlooked in the controversy over the wedding cake was that the lawsuit was brought not only by the baker. It was also brought, as the name of the case indicates, by Masterpiece Cakeshop Ltd., a corporation chartered under Colorado law. That corporation was one of the people claiming its rights were violated. And the Supreme Courts decision in favor of the baker is also a victory for the corporationone that may enable future businesses to assert that they too have been victims of religious discrimination. Emphasis on may. For, like so many of us, the justices too gave scant attention to the fact that a corporation was involved in this case. Justice Anthony Kennedys opinion for the court discusses the facts exclusively in terms of the bakersomeone who clearly has religious liberty rights under the First Amendmentand never even mentions the most controversial question of the corporate entitys religious freedom. One possibility, then, is that future courts, when confronted with corporate assertions of religious liberty, will say that Masterpiece Cakeshop leaves the issue open and sets no definitive precedent. Advertisement Advertisement History, however, suggests another outcome. Over and over again, corporations have won rights through Supreme Court decisions that, like Masterpiece Cakeshop, provide little or no justification for why corporations as such should be able to claim those rights. In the 1880s, the Supreme Court held that business corporations have equal protection and due process rights with no explanation; the court simply dropped a sentence in an opinion saying they did. In the 1930s, the court ruled that corporations have First Amendment press freedoms, again without offering any reasons for including corporations. Advertisement More recently, in cases like Adarand Constructors Inc. v. Pena, the court has allowed business corporations owned by whites to assert theyve been victims of racial discrimination by affirmative action policiesonce more with not a single sentence devoted to explaining why corporations, which have no obvious racial identity, should be able to assert this right. None of this is to say that these decisions are all wrong. But it highlights a pattern of corporations winning rights without the justices giving the question much thought. Advertisement Even if Masterpiece Cakeshop does effectively extend First Amendment religious liberty rights to corporations, that right remains limited under current doctrine. In the 1990s, the court held in the Employment Division v. Smith case that the free exercise of religion did not require exemptions from generally applicable laws, such as civil right laws. Those are the types of laws businesses would be most likely to challenge. Advertisement But how long will Smiths rule last? Justice Neil Gorsuch, an avowed originalist, began his concurring opinion (in which Justice Samuel Alito joined) by calling Smith controversial in many quarters and citing two law review articles making forceful originalist arguments against Smith. It was a clear signal to lawyers that at least some of the justices are ready to read the First Amendment to require exemptions for businesses like the bakery hereand presumably many other businesses whose owners have religious objections to things like same-sex marriage and birth control. While Masterpiece Cakeshop was narrow in important ways, it also lays the groundwork for a new era in which business corporations can pick and choosenot only which customers they will sell wedding cakes to but also which laws they will be bound to follow. A New York City woman and city councilman say the womans husband was reported to ICE and arrested after delivering a pizza to the Fort Hamilton Army garrison in Brooklyn, El Diario reports. (The linked article is in Spanish; you can read a write-up of it in the Hill with some translated quotes here.) The man, 32-year-old Pablo Villavicencio, is said to have been arrested Friday. His wife, a Colombian-born U.S. citizen named Sandra Chica, said a guard at the base called Immigration and Customs Enforcement because Villavicencio could not present valid identification when he arrived at Fort Hamilton with a pizza. She said it was not unusual for Villavicencio to make deliveries to the base, which is the only active-duty military facility in New York City and houses about 1,000 active-duty, National Guard, and reserve troops. Chica says she and Villavicencio have 4- and 3-year-old daughters and began the process of applying for legal status for Villavicencio in February. An individual who answered the phone at Fort Hamilton said a statement on the incident is being prepared. Well update this post when that becomes available. National Democrats got their preferred candidates in each of New Jerseys House primaries on Tuesday night, but the very same voters sent a strong rebuke to Sen. Bob Menendez, who barely mustered 60 percent of the vote running against an unknown challenger. The lackluster showing by Menendez, whose federal corruption trial ended in a mistrial last year, shocked Democrats and could create a new headache for the party as they try to win back control of the Senate. Lisa McCormick, a first-time candidate with no money, no endorsements, and no campaign appearances, captured 38 percent of the primary vote against Menendez, a two-term senator who has raised more than $8 million and had the endorsement of every major Democrat in the state. Advertisement To put Menendezs poor showing in perspective, he did only slightly worse in the general election in 2012, the last time he was on the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Menendez has spent much of his time since then battling a federal indictment related to his high-flying friendship with Salomon Melgen, a Florida eye doctor. Last year, jurors heard nine weeks of testimony describing Menendezs lavish trips with Melgen, who covered the costs for private jets and hotel rooms at the same time the senator was pleading Melgens case in a dispute over his overbilling of Medicare. Menendezs case eventually ended in a mistrial in November. Melgen was later sentenced to 17 years in prison after being found guilty of $73 million in Medicaid fraud. Advertisement The government decided not to retry Menendez, but his problems didnt end there. Earlier this year, the Senate Ethics Committee ordered Menendez to repay the cost of any outstanding gifts and severely admonished him for his behavior. New Jersey Democrats rallied to his side, and despite faltering in public polls, his only challenger was the unknown McCormick. Menendez will now limp into the general election against Bob Hugin, a former pharmaceutical executive who won the Republican nomination on Tuesday by roughly 50 points. Hugin had the backing of much of the GOP in that race, in part because his personal fortune means he can self-finance a campaign thatuntil nowwas not considered competitive. Hugin has already given his campaign more than $7 million, and is expected to keep investing in the race now that Menendez looks wobbly. Advertisement Advertisement Menendez, a member of the Senate Finance Committee and former chairman of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, has never struggled with fundraising, though its unclear whether he can match Hugins spending. If the national party is forced to shore up Menendez in New Jerseyone of the most expensive media markets in the countrythe race could become a sinkhole for money that the party would prefer to spend almost anywhere else. Advertisement Hugin, for his part, has already signaled he will run an aggressive campaign, and he had spent $2 million attacking Menendez even before the primary was over, with ads that showed washed-out images of the senator and labeled him a disgrace. Hugins record has its own blemishes. Last year, while he was still the CEO of Celgene Corp.,* the firm agreed to pay $280 million to settle allegations that it promoted cancer drugs without FDA approval. He will also have to battle accusations that he supports Donald Trump, in a state Trump lost by 13 points. At a White House discussion on drug prices last year, and that he later called the meeting incredibly encouraging and branded Trumps agenda pro-growth. Advertisement For New Jersey Democrats with a long enough memory, the results on Tuesday will feel disturbingly familiar. In 2002, the states incumbent senator, Sen. Robert Torricelli, was forced to drop his re-election bid one month before the general election, after he too was severely admonished by the Senate Ethics Committee. Before he dropped out, Torricelli trailed badly in the polls behind a mostly unknown Republican businessman, and his travails threatened to tip the balance in a closely divided Senate. The Enlightenment is having a renaissance, of sorts. A handful of centrist and conservative writers have reclaimed the 17th- and 18th-century intellectual movement as a response to nationalism and ethnic prejudice on the right and relativism and identity politics on the left. Among them are Jordan Peterson, the Canadian psychologist who sees himself as a bulwark against the forces of chaos and postmodernism; Steven Pinker, the Harvard cognitive psychologist who argues, in Enlightenment Now, for optimism and human progress against those who despise the Enlightenment ideals of reason, science, humanism, and progress; and conservative pundit Jonah Goldberg, who, in Suicide of the West, argues in defense of capitalism and Enlightenment liberalism, twin forces he calls the Miracle for creating Western prosperity. Advertisement In their telling, the Enlightenment is a straightforward story of progress, with major currents like race and colonialism cast aside, if they are acknowledged at all. Divorced from its cultural and historical context, this Enlightenment acts as an ideological talisman, less to do with contesting ideas or understanding history, and more to do with identity. Its a standard, meant to distinguish its holders for their commitment to rationalism and classical liberalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even as they venerate the Enlightenment, these writers actually underestimate its influence on the modern world. At its heart, the movement contained a paradox: Ideas of human freedom and individual rights took root in nations that held other human beings in bondage and were then in the process of exterminating native populations. Colonial domination and expropriation marched hand in hand with the spread of liberty, and liberalism arose alongside our modern notions of race and racism. Advertisement It took the scientific thought of the Enlightenment to create an enduring racial taxonomy and the color-coded, white-over-black ideology with which we are familiar. These werent incidental developments or the mere remnants of earlier prejudice. Race as we understand ita biological taxonomy that turns physical difference into relations of dominationis a product of the Enlightenment. Racism as we understand it now, as a socio-political order based on the permanent hierarchy of particular groups, developed as an attempt to resolve the fundamental contradiction between professing liberty and upholding slavery. Those who claim the Enlightenments mantle now should grapple with that legacy and what it means for our understanding of the modern world. To say that race and racism are products of the Enlightenment is not to say that humans never held slaves or otherwise classified each other prior to the 18th century. Recent scholarship shows how proto- and early forms of modern race thinking (you could call them racialism) existed in medieval Europe, with near-modern forms taking shape in the 15th and 16th centuries. In Spain, for example, we see the turn from anti-Judaism to anti-Semitism, where Jewish ancestry itself was grounds for suspicion, versus Jewish practice. And as historian George Fredrickson notes in Racism: A Short History, the prejudice and discrimination directed at the Irish on one side of Europe and certain Slavic peoples on the other foreshadowed the dichotomy between civilization and savagery that would characterize imperial expansion beyond the European continent. One can find nascent forms of all of these ideas in antiquityindeed, early modern thinkers drew from all of these sources to build our notion of race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it took the scientific thought of the Enlightenment to create an enduring racial taxonomy and the color-coded, white-over-black ideology with which we are familiar. This project, undertaken by the leading thinkers of the time, involved the setting aside of the metaphysical and theological scheme of things for a more logical description and classification that ordered humankind in terms of physiological and mental criteria based on observable facts and tested evidence, as historian Ivan Hannaford wrote in Race: The History of an Idea in the West. Johann Friedrich Blumenbachs influential 1776 volume On the Natural Varieties of Mankind posited five divisions of humanity, beginning with Caucasians. These frameworks evolved into theories of racial difference, developed to square a conceptual circle. If natural rights are universalif everyone has the capacity to reasonthen what is the explanation for enslaved Africans or savages in the Americas, who do not seem to act and reason like white Europeans? The answer is biological inferiority, in accordance with those racial classifications. Advertisement Immanuel Kant sketched out a more formalized racial hierarchy in his own anthropological work. In the hot countries the human being matures earlier in all ways but does not reach the perfection of the temperate zones, Kant wrote. Humanity exists in its greatest perfection in the white race The yellow Indians have a smaller amount of Talent. The Negroes are lower and the lowest are a part of the American peoples. Elsewhere, Kant asserted that [Whites] contain all the impulses of nature in affects and passions, all talents, all dispositions to culture and civilization and can as readily obey as govern. They are the only ones who always advance to perfection. This racial theorizing cant simply be divorced from the moral philosophy for which hes hailed, since, as the late Emmanuel Eze has noted, it comprised a substantial portion of Kants career. Eze writes in The Color of Reason: The Idea of Race in Kants Anthropology: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kants position on the importance of skin color not only as encoding but as proof of this codification of rational superiority or inferiority is evident in a comment he made on the subject of the reasoning capacity of a black person. When he evaluated a statement made by an African, Kant dismissed the statement with the comment: this fellow was quite black from head to foot, a clear proof that what he said was stupid. It cannot, therefore, be argued that skin color for Kant was merely a physical characteristic. It is, rather, evidence of an unchanging and unchangeable moral quality Ezes re-examination in the 1990s kicked off a flood of research and dialoguesome critical, some supportive. Either way, it is fair to say that Kants race theorizing matters for how we understand the history of race. On this point, philosopher Robert Bernasconi is blunt: [Kant] supplied the first scientific definition of race; he promoted this definition when it was challenged, and he saw it adopted by some of the leading students of human varieties at that time. Advertisement John Locke precedes Kant, but his work also shows the influence of early modern racial thinking. In The Contradictions of Racism: Locke, Slavery, and the Two Treatises, Bernasconi and Anika Maaza Mann present the pre-eminent liberal philosopher as an architect of the race-based slavery developing in the American colonies during the mid17th century. At a time when religious conversion could spare an African or Native American from permanent servitude, Locke wrote a provision in The Fundamental Constitutions of Carolinathe governing document for the colony that would become North Carolina and South Carolinathat specified that slaves could be of what opinion or Religion soever But yet, no Slave shall hereby be exempted from that civil dominion his Master has over him, but be in all other things in the same State and condition he was in before. About the same time, when there was still widespread debate over the treatment of enslaved people, Locke changed a clause in that constitution to give slave owners absolute power and Authority (versus absolute Authority) over their slaves, giving them full rein to treat slaves as they pleased. Advertisement Advertisement To confront the paradox of the Enlightenment is to take its values seriously; to dismiss it is to prefer hagiography to truth. It is true that, in his Two Treatises on Government, Locke proclaimed himself an opponent of slavery. But this slavery refers to the political domination of an absolute monarch. In the second of the treatises, Locke provides a justification for slavery as a result of war, using the same absolute power language that grants slave owners the power of life and death over their slaves. While his argument doesnt fit the hereditary chattel slavery taking shape in the Americans, it was nonetheless used to justify the practice. For Bernasconi and Mann, the Locke of the Two Treatises must be read in dialogue with the Locke of the The Fundamental Constitutions, and cant be bracketed from his role as a colonial administrator and investor in the slave trade. This Locke, they argue, must be understood as concerned mainly with the freedom and prosperity of Englishmen, and not troubled if they were gained at the expense of Africans. Advertisement One can make a similar argument with regard to Native Americans. In Liberalism: A Counter-History, Domenico Losurdo notes how the Second Treatise makes repeated reference to the wild Indian, who moved around insolent and injurious in the woods of America or the vacant places of America. For Locke, God gave the world to men in common; but since he gave it them for their benefit and for the greatest conveniences of life they could get from it, he cant have meant it always to remain common and uncultivated. In the context of English settlement, its an argument for theft. Advertisement Advertisement It should be said that this view is contested. Recent scholarship challenges this vision of Lockesituating him in a broader conversation that leaves him less tolerant of slavery than he appears. Still, as one of the widely read thinkers of the period, his work remained influential to slaveholders, including the author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, and the Framers of the Constitution, for whom racial slavery and native expropriation were compatible with natural rights and representative government. Decades later, South Carolinas John C. Calhoun would appeal to Locke in his defense of individual liberties and attacks on absolute governments that turn the governed into the slaves of the rulers. Calhouns cause, of course, was slavery. Advertisement Advertisement For modern-day philosopher Charles Mills, this joint march of liberalism and white supremacywhether Lockes social contract or Kants moral theorysupports the notion of an implicit racial contract undergirding the Enlightenment project. [T]he Racial Contract establishes a racial polity, a racial state, and a racial juridical system, where the status of whites and nonwhites is clearly demarcated, whether by law or custom. And the purpose of this state is specifically to maintain and reproduce this racial order, securing the privileges and advantages of the full white citizens and maintaining the subordination of nonwhites. As European powers spread across the globe, they used racial notions of personhoodpioneered by Enlightenment thinkersto justify brutality and domination as the march of civilization. Advertisement Advertisement This paradox between Enlightenment liberalism and racial domination was well-recognized from the beginning. You Americans make a great Clamour upon every little imaginary infringement of what you take to be your Liberties; and yet there are no People upon Earth such Enemies to Liberty, such absolute Tyrants, where you have the Opportunity, as you yourselves are, jeered one English interlocutor to Benjamin Franklin in 1764. Responding to the first American Continental Congress in 1774, Samuel Johnson replied to no taxation without representation with, How is it we hear the loudest yelps for liberty from the drivers of negroes? Criticizing Englands role in the slave trade in 1776, Josiah Tucker wrote that We the boasted Patrons of Liberty, and the professed Advocates for the natural Rights of Mankind, engage deeper in this murderous inhuman Traffic than any Nation whatever. Writers of African ancestry at the time, like Baron de Vastey of Haiti, made note of the hypocrisy of Enlightenment philosophers. Arguably, the only Enlightenment revolution to do justice to its universal aspirations was the Haitian Revolution, whose authorslike Toussaint LOuvertureappealed to those values as they fought slavery and colonialism to establish self-governance. Advertisement Advertisement Todays popular discourse on the Enlightenment ignores this contradiction and its modern manifestations, seen in the persistence of race hierarchy in the worlds oldest democracy. Some self-proclaimed defenders of Enlightenment ideals have even gone so far as to ridicule the idea of a connection between the Enlightenment and our modern ideas of race and racial hierarchy, as if the scholarship didnt exist. This isnt just unfortunate, its ironica betrayal of the higher principles of the Enlightenment, of the commitment to evidence, observation, reason, and deliberation. Its also dangerous. We still live in a world shaped by Enlightenment ideas of race and white supremacy. These notions of inherent inferiority still hold purchase in our society. And political liberalism is still too compatible with both. The path to a truly universal liberalismone that can actually liberatedemands that we grapple with its ugly heritage. To confront the paradox of the Enlightenment is to take its values seriously; to dismiss it is to prefer hagiography to truth. Teslas annual shareholder meeting on Tuesday featured an uncharacteristically muted and solemn Elon Musk. The CEO and chairman recently stirred controversy by picking fights with journalists and federal investigators. He also raised eyebrows during an earnings call in May with bizarre behavior like telling an investor to sell his Tesla stock and taking nearly a dozen questions from a YouTube vlogger. Yet he toned down his approach for the meeting with investors to deliver a somber update on the company. Musk seemed to be on the verge of tears when he began his speech by noting, Were not perfect, but we pour our heart and soul into it, and we really care. He also graciously answered investor questions later on during the event, rather than writing them off as boring, bonehead questions, as he did during the May call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk assured shareholders that various snags in the production for the Model 3, Teslas more affordable sedan, had been largely sorted out. The company has been consistently missing production goals for roughly the past year. Musk had previously claimed that Tesla would be making 500,000 Model 3s per year by 2018, and then revised that goal to make 100,000 to 200,000 in the second half of 2017. He subsequently lowered the bar again and said that the company would make 20,000 per month by December. This time around, Musk informed investors that they had addressed the crux of the problem by rejiggering the assembly line to more efficiently distribute labor between humans and robots. One of the biggest mistakes we made was trying to automate things that are super easy for a person to do, but really hard for a robot to do, Musk said. He further claimed that by the end of the month the factory would be able to produce 500 cars per day, and 3,500 cars per week, adding that this rate should make the company profitable by Q3. He told an investor who was skeptical about the promise, I think I do have an issue with time, but then added that he is trying to recalibrate these estimates. Advertisement Advertisement The Tesla head and other executives also made a variety of other announcements. Musk claimed that the company is aiming to start production on its semitruck, remodeled roadster, and Model Y in 2020. There are also plans to improve SuperCharger plug times by three- or fourfold and to make the autopilot feature more adept at changing lanes and driving onto ramps. Robin Ren, head of worldwide sales, further informed investors that Tesla will be building its first overseas factory in Shanghai. Investors voted to let Musk keep his position as chairman and to let other heads remain on the board as well. There were rumblings before the meeting suggesting a coming upheaval. The CtW Group, an activist investor, had mounted a campaign in May to oust media mogul Rupert Murdoch; Elons younger brother, Kimbal Musk; and venture capitalist Antonio Gracias to make room for board members with more experience in manufacturing and utilities. Investor Jing Zhao had also proposed to remove Musk as chairman. Neither of these efforts came to fruition, however. This article is part of Update or Die, a series from Future Tense about how businesses and other organizations keep up with technological changeand the cost of falling behind. Among the retro symbols on the iPhones emoji keyboard is the humble facsimile machine. But the fax machine holds a different place than the transistor radio, the floppy disk, and the vintage picture tube: It is both outdated and yet, for those who have to interact with the U.S. medical system, not an ancient relic at all. Advertisement Right now in medical facilities across the country, surgeons, obstetricians, GPs, nurses, and staff are placing physical medical records in a tray, dialing in a number, pressing send, and hoping to avoid a paper jam. If youve ever watched a medical drama, youd be forgiven for thinking that hospitals are full of cutting-edge technology, but the system is still reliant on paper and fax, technologies that were cutting-edge 2,000 and 50 years ago, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, not all records are sent by faxmany doctors offices already have switched to digital, or are in the process. But most still need a fax machine in the office in order to communicate with those that havent. Chantelle, who works at Brooklyn Bridge Pediatrics, says they now mainly use email to send information, but they are still receiving multiple faxes per day, usually from larger hospitals. Often, there are pages missing. Anna at Kofinas Perinatal, which very recently switched over to digital, says that its frustrating having to wait for faxes as well as having to resend failed faxes. Advertisement Though emails can now be encrypted, faxing is the simpler process. The telephonic transmission of scanned material as audio-frequency tones has long gone out of stylemost industries migrated over to email years ago. So what explains the unreliable fax machines prolonged endurance in the U.S. medical system? Depending on whom you ask, its a symptom of regulations, technological limitations, financial disincentives, or good old-fashioned mulishness. The medical industrys longtime preference for fax may have something to do with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which was passed by Congress in 1996. The law required the Department of Health and Human Services to create privacy standards for health informationthe ensuing Privacy Rule, which became effective in 2001, required health care providers to take reasonable safeguards when sharing patient data between labs, hospitals, specialists, and insurers. A post about the HIPAA Privacy Rule on the HHS website explicitly names fax as an acceptable method of transmission of medical records, test results, instructions, and treatment regimens. According to PC Mag, some interpret the wording of the rule to mean that fax is an acceptably secure medium while email is not. Though electronic mail has come to be a commonly accepted way to send information in most industries, email has been considered too insecure a mediumtoo susceptible to hackingfor medical records. Fax, meanwhile, is difficult to hack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though emails can now be encrypted, faxing is the simpler process. Peter Alperin, a practicing internist and the vice president and general manager for connectivity solutions at the medical networking platform Doximity, says that fax has stuck around because sending an encrypted email is a much more complicated process than sending a fax. Doximitys online platform includes a HIPAA-secure feature called DocFax that allows doctors to send and receive faxes using their smartphone. When I ask why this new tech bothers to link to such old equipment, Alperin says its necessary to still be able to communicate with the old system, given that fax machines are still found in every emergency room around the country. He says faxes are on their way out, though whether thats a steep slope or a gradual one is hard to tell. His own use of the machine is dwindling, he says, but when I need it, I do need it. Advertisement Not only are faxes considered a more secure medium than email, they can also be more convenient when dealing with physical patient files. After all, fax machines collapse scanning and sending an attachment (as well as opening and printing it) into one easy step for those seeking a copy of a document to put on file, where on file has traditionally meant in the physical senseuntil recently, most patient records were stored on paper. And though there was a major push under the Obama administration to digitize Americas medical recordstaking the number of hospitals keeping electronic medical records from 9 percent in 2008 to 83 percent in 2015this has been little help when it comes to the sharing of records. As Sarah Kliff points out in this in-depth Vox explainer, these competing systems still dont speak to one another, having a strong financial incentive to keep patient information to themselves (therefore making it harder to see a different doctor). When a patient visits a health care provider that runs on a different electronic health-record vendor, its back to the fax machine: Staffs still need to request their records from the old provider, who must send them over, only to be uploaded into the new providers system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But why fax them, especially now that theyre already digitized? There may also be a generational component here. According to a CNBC report, millennial doctors are baffled by the technology, many having never encountered a fax machine before. The report blames their endurance in part on older doctors, stuck in their ways. Part of the reason is tradition, as many older doctors simply feel comfortable with the technology and refuse to let it go, writes Christina Farr. As Voxs Kliff told Marketplace, A lot of the doctors I talked to say it has to do with routine. Theyve become so used to faxing that they dont really understand the email product. So is there anything that could finally kill the fax machine off? Farzad Mostashari, who coordinated health care policy under the Obama administration, told Kliff that the machines ought to be outlawed. Trumps Healthy Information Technology coordinator, Donald Rucker, disagreed, arguing that better-designed electronic records are the way to gothough its unclear how that would compel competing medical-record companies to collaborate. Startups like Doximity want doctors to use their encrypted messaging services to send e-faxes, while others are looking to blockchain as the solution to this (and all other) problems. The potential solutions are as numerous as the perceived causes, so for now, it doesnt look like the fax machine is going anywhere, and neither is its corresponding emoji. Its still right there on the keyboard, immediatelyand fittinglyafter the pager emoji. Also in Update or Die: How Hospitals Can Protect Themselves Against Ransomware Why the Military Cant Quit Windows XP The Museum That Found a Genuinely Good Use for the Much-Maligned Stylus The perks and downsides of being a parent in Slovakia Having more children in Slovakia means a greater risk of poverty. When a survey recently ranked Slovakia the second best country to have a family, it made many parents raise their eyebrows. In fact, a closer look reveals the many obstacles that young families have to deal with in their daily life. Sociologist Roman Dzambazovic from the Department of Sociology at Comenius University agrees that family and parenthood are highly valued in Slovakia, which makes raising children easier. Family has a very important position in Slovak society, Dzambazovic told The Slovak Spectator. There are strong bonds within families and intergenerational solidarity. Being a mother is an important part of a woman's identity, he added. Almost two-thirds of the Slovak population (69.4 percent of women and 58.5 percent of men) hold the view that women must have children to have a fulfilling life, based on data collected in autumn of 2017 by the Institute for Sociology of the Slovak Academy of Science. Read also: Read also: Slovakia second best European country to raise a family Read more Hard access to living But when it comes to family and social policies, Slovakia is hardly a perfect place for parents with young children, according to Dzambazovic. To start a family, young people need to have some essential prerequisities, first and foremost their own place for living. Young people are often pressured to remain in their parents house, Dzambazovic said. Eurostat statistics show that Slovaks fly the nest at nearly 31 years of age. Nurseries are scarce Another factor is matching career and family. For that, parents would need enough nursery schools and also special conditions from employers, such as flexible working time, home office and others, according to Dzambazovic. 6. Jun 2018 at 11:25 | Nina Hrabovska Francelova EP to monitor corruption, media freedom Slovakia among targets The European Parliament established a monitoring group to continue the activities of ad hoc inspections scrutinising the murders of one Maltese and one Slovak journalist. MEPs are set to more intensively monitor the rule of laws state in European Union member states in the next few months, particularly corruption and media freedom, according to a June 5 statement by the EPs Civil Liberties Committee (LIBE), which set up this Rule of Law Monitoring Group (ROLMG). What is the aim of the workgroup? The Rule of Law monitoring group headed by Dutch MEP Sophia in't Veld will also focus on the progress made in the investigation into the murder of Slovak investigative journalist Jan Kuciak, the TASR newswire wrote on the same day, citing the statement. ROLMG will take a closer look at the murder of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, murdered in autumn 2017, as well. The aim of the new monitoring group is to give full support to all efforts to seek justice and make sure that the rule of law is observed. The European Parliament is concerned with the lack of progress in the investigation of these two murders in both countries as well as repeated claims about harassment and threats to journalists and increasing corruption accusations of corruption and frauds. The new monitoring group is to offer full support for efforts to achieve justice and secure the principles of rule of law, the SITA newswire wrote. Composition and mandate of ROLMG Other members of the ROLMG incude apart from its chairperson Sophie int Veld (ALDE, NL) Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT), Josef Weidenholzer (S&D, AT), Judith Sargentini (Zeleni/EFA, NL), Laura Ferrara (EFDD, IT) and Auke Zijlstra (ENF, NL). The ECR and GUE/NGL groups have so far not nominated their members. The mandate of the group, to expire on December 31, enables it to organise hearings and formal meetings as well as send MEPs for study trips. The group is expected to continuously inform the whole EP on its activities, and to file a draft resolution at the end of its work, Jan Jakubov, of the EP representation in Slovakia, informed SITA. 6. Jun 2018 at 13:55 | Compiled by Spectator staff New joint agriculture policy proposal disappointed Slovakia Slovak Agriculture Ministry reacted to EC presenting legislation concerning joint policy for 2021-2027 by saying it mainly lacks the fast convergence of direct payments and the announced simplification of the system. Font size: A - | A + The European Commission (EC) by the break of May and June presented the legislation on the Joint Agriculture Policy for 2021-2027, with the proposed sum amounting to 365 billion, the SITA newswire wrote. The Slovak Agriculture Ministry commented the draft legislation fails to meet the countrys expectations. Less money and slow convergence Firstly, one has to acknowledge the fact that agriculture will receive less resources in the next period, which means cutting the budget for each EU member state, Agriculture Minister Gabriela Matecna wrote in a press release on June 5. Apart from the digressive character of direct payments that we have not considered, the biggest disappointment for us is the insufficient pace of the outer convergence of payments. Slovakia has consistently stressed to the European Commission that the countrys farmers expected the European level in direct payments as early as in 2014, she added. Unfortunately, we will not achieve full convergence in this even in the next programming period which is unacceptable for our farmers, Matecna wrote. We will do everything we can to upturn this decision on the level of the EU Council and European Parliament. States receive more competences, less freedom The EC has shifted competences to member states, ministry comments as quoted by SITA, and has also set strict rules that do not leave sufficient freedom to countries. Thus, the desired simplification has allegedly vanished. The proposed outer convergence foresees only a reduction to 50 percent from 90 percent. Slovakia, currently at the level of 78 percent of the EU average, should receive increased payments, to 84 percent of the EU average. The utmost priority for Slovakia is to even up the level of payments, the Agriculture Ministry informed, adding that after 14 years in the European Union, Slovak citizens expect equal conditions for all member states. EU wants more duties for less money Another disappointment is Slovakias proposal of voluntary capping for direct payments to farmers, which has not been reflected in the draft legislation. Also, the ministry points out that the proposal of capping fails to consider the structure of the farming sector across the EU. Read also: Read also: How will the new EU budget impact Slovakia? Read more Instead, the cap has been set firmly at 100,000 for one farm. However, salary expenses will be considered, which should put active farmers at an advantage. Slovak farmers will continue to receive lower subsidies counted per one hectare, Matecna explained for SITA. Considering also the strict rules to be observed in the whole area, it is probable that they will not be interested in joining interventions. Thus, in countries like Slovakia, the fulfilment of goals national and European may be threatened. Simply put: the EU expects more duties from farmers for less money. 6. Jun 2018 at 13:59 | Compiled by Spectator staff Coalition proposes free meals for schoolchildren, more spa stays and boosting tourism The ruling coalition presented its social package proposal to the public, to cost between 500 million and 600 million. Font size: A - | A + The ruling coalition wants to introduce free meals for children in their final year of nursery school and for all children in primary schools, Smer party chairman Robert Fico told a press conference on June 5. The children concerned should receive 1.20 per day each from the state to this effect. Fico added, as quoted by the TASR newswire, that this measure should cost Slovakia 106 million. Prime Minister and Smer vice-chair Peter Pellegrini stressed that how the measure would work should be simple. It will be direct payments paid by the state directly to towns and cities into their budgets, he noted, as quoted by TASR, adding that the measure should be so simple that it does not even need a trial period. Other social measures presented The number of patients entitled to a spa treatment per year should double as one of other measures proposed. The party wants to allocate 10 million for this measure. The coalition would also like to double the amount of the so-called Christmas bonuses for pensioners. Retired people in the highest category could thus receive a bonus worth 170 at Christmas instead of current the 27 to 80. Other social measures include loans to newly married couples and support for tourism. The junior coalition party, Slovak National Party (SNS), proposes a lower, 10-percent VAT on accommodation and so-called holiday vouchers that should work as meal vouchers, with the employer covering 55 percent of their value. Read also: Read also: Tourism will get a boost Read more Fico pointed out that this measure should be implemented as early as 2019 and should cost the state double the current amount for the benefit, which amounts to 75 million at the moment. All of the measures that have so far been officially presented by the coalition partners will be covered by the budget without affecting our goal of gradually approaching a balanced budget in 2020... Pellegrini said as quoted by TASR. Reactions to the social package Experts insist that these proposals represent non-systemic changes that do not address problems in education and health care, the Sme daily wrote on June 6. Moreover, opposition MPs accuse the ruling parties of having already launched their election campaigning and of using these measures to help them remain in office. 6. Jun 2018 at 14:02 | Compiled by Spectator staff We need action, teachers representatives say The Education Ministry has introduced the basic points of long-awaited reform, but critics are pointing to empty promises and the postponement of solutions. Font size: A - | A + When Peter Plavcan took over the Education Ministry after the 2016 general election, he promised to prepare the largest education reform in the last 25 years. Despite completing the Learning Slovakia document before resigning from the post in August 2017, his successor Martina Lubyova called it unfeasible and ordered its rewriting. She introduced a new document, entitled the National Programme of Pedagogy and Education Development, on May 25, but it resulted in disappointment from the representatives of teachers and observers. The plan contains only basic goals, with Lubyova promising to specify steps later. The government approved the document at its June 6 session. Its a missed opportunity, Vladimir Crmoman, president of the Slovak Chamber of Teachers, commented on the presented document. Read also: Read also: Education Ministry has made little progress Read more While they were waiting for specific solutions to change the current situation in education, the minister introduced another philosophy without concrete actions, he added. Another problem is that most of the proposals are expected to take effect only during the rule of the new government, created after the 2020 general election. Other initiatives have also criticised the plan and announced a protest for June 18 in front of the Education Ministry. The ministry has only empty promises, feigned development plans, unusable Finnish models, working groups and invalid projects with zero effect, the organisers, the Initiative of Slovak Teachers and Nie Je Nam To Jedno (We Do Care), wrote on a Facebook page. With the protest, they want to remind the ministry of the need to solve problems and not postpone and try to sweep them under the carpet. We are protesting because its never too late for education and science to change, they added. 6. Jun 2018 at 14:51 | Radka Minarechova Frontex liaison officer will be placed in Bratislava The officer is expected to have regular access to information about the situation on external borders, terrorism and return policy. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency, also known as Frontex, will have a liaison officer in Slovakia. This stems from a memorandum of understanding signed between the Slovak Interior Minister Denisa Sakova (Smer) and director of Frontex Fabrice Leggeri on June 5 in Luxembourg. The liaison officer, responsible for Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland, will have regular access to all necessary information concerning the current situation, trends and potential threats on external borders, cross-border criminal activities, terrorism and return policy. Moreover, he/she will have access to top leaders of authorities responsible for managing the borders, law enforcement and return policy. Frontexs liaison officer should reside in Bratislava, at the premises of the Office of the Border and Alien Police. Im pleased by Slovakias success since the liaison officer of Frontex responsible for Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland will reside in Bratislava, said Sakova, as quoted in a press release. It will simplify the communication between us and Frontex in questions concerning the protection of EU external borders. 6. Jun 2018 at 21:43 | Compiled by Spectator staff The gathering in Bratislava was cancelled, but in other Slovak cities people met to light candles in remembrance of Henry Acorda. People in several cities in Slovakia and abroad met on June 6 to pay tribute to Henry Acorda, a 36-year-old Filipino expat living and working in Bratislava who succumbed to the injuries inflicted by Slovak citizen Juraj Hossu, who resides in the UK, on May 26. The organisers of the gatherings also called for proper investigation of the case. People were lighting candles About 100 people came to Banska Bystrica to attend the gathering organised by the Not in Our City platform. They held a one-minute silence and lit candles to commemorate Acordas courage. Henry became a victim of human brutality, but also the atmosphere in our country, said Martina Strmenova of Not in Our City, as quoted by the TASR newswire. Its inevitable for people to bravely stand up for humanity and tolerance. In her opinion, his courage should mobilise everybody to fight evil. She highlighted the courage of Acorda who paid for it with his own life. There is no place for violence and extremism in democracy, Strmenova said, as quoted by TASR. It is our task to show that we wont tolerate evil and violence. Kosice held a similarly big gathering, organised by the local cultural and community centre Klub. The participants paid tribute to Acorda with one minute of silence and lit candles. Activist Peter Neuwirth then spoke to the crowd, claiming that young people in Kosice are also inclined to extremism, as reported by the Korzar daily. The planned gathering in Bratislava had to be cancelled due to heavy rain. The organisers first moved the event to June 11, starting at 18:00, but later changed the date to June 8 starting at 18:00. Meeting with interior minister Earlier on June 6, Interior Minister Denisa Sakova (Smer) met with Acordas family, expressing her sympathy to them. Read also: Read also: Man who killed expat in Bratislava is behind bars Read more She also offered them help with transporting his body back to their homeland by using the Interior Ministrys plane and processing the necessary agenda and documents. The family has accepted the offer. The date of departure hasnt been set yet as it depends on completing all the necessary formalities, reads the Interior Ministrys press release. 6. Jun 2018 at 21:51 | Compiled by Spectator staff Frantisek Miklosko to run for president a record third time The former parliamentary speaker and communist-time dissident was called on by more than 35 personages to run for president as an independent candidate. The former speaker of parliament, long-time MP, communist-time dissident and activist wants to run for president again. After two failed attempts, Frantisek Miklosko was asked by more than 35 famous personages of political and public life to run for the post as an independent candidate, the Dennik N wrote on June 6. Miklosko wants to start collecting signatures from citizens; he needs at least 15,000 for his candidacy. Miklosko has confirmed for Dennik N he would accept the call. I accept it, he said, adding that people from his life path are signed under the call: those from Christian dissent, from the November 1989 revolution, from politics, from his cultural activities. The signatures include former leader of the revolutionary anti-communist movement of November 1989, Fedor Gal, one of the organisers of the For a Decent Slovakia protests, Juraj Seliga, writer Jan Strasser, former head of conservative OKS, Peter Zajac, ex-leader of the extinct KDS party, Vladimir Palko, journalists Stefan Hrib, Martin Mojzis and Eugen Korda, as well as other famous personalities. Reactions The now non-parliamentary Christian-Democratic Movement, KDH, has not ruled out supporting him. They have announced they would like to have a candidate of their own, and the man mentioned most in this aspect is head of the Christian charity organisation Dobra Novina (Good News), Marian Caucik. Frantisek Miklosko is a person whose voice is necessary in current society, but it will be voters who shall decide on his real support in the presidential election, Veronika Remisova of the opposition OLaNO movement reacted to the news. She is one of the possible candidates of her movement. She added she respects Miklosko for his dissident past and strong principles. Frantisek Mikloskos decision will not impact the candidacy of another conservative potential bidder, Milan Krajniak of the opposition Sme Rodina party. "It is nice that everyone will be able to have their own candidate, at least in the first round, Krajniak commented, as quoted by Dennik N. But I dont run in relation to anyone elses candidacy, or non-candidacy, he added. A Slovak record If Miklosko managed to collect the signatures, he would hold a presidential race record in Slovakia as the only candidate to run three times. 6. Jun 2018 at 21:40 | Compiled by Spectator staff Last Week in Slovakia: Expat killed in a street attack Listen to all the headlines from The Slovak Spectator's news podcast. https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/454747284&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true Henry Acorda, a 36-year-old Filipino expat, succumbed to the injuries inflicted by Slovak citizen Juraj Hossu. The attacker punched Acorda to the ground and kicked him repeatedly, including the head. Hossu has been charged with manslaughter and is behind bars now. The attack has prompted the Slovak public to protest against violence in the streets. In Bratislava, the protest was called off due to the unfavourable weather conditions. Milan Lucansky will replace Tibor Gaspar as Police Corps president. There are doubts about his assets and his investigation of the mafia. Just like Gaspar, Lucansky is considered to be a man with close ties to former interior minister Kalinak. A team of Slovak scientists introduced a new degradable plastic made from frying oil. It will decompose even in household compost at temperatures around 20-30 degrees. It can be used for the production of cutlery, containers or foils, and in health care as fracture implants. This programme is part of The Slovak Spectator subscription and our readers are receiving it every Thursday morning as part of their subscription. More information: Print+audio: shop.spectator.sme.sk/newspaper Online+audio: www.sme.sk/predplatne-spectator 6. Jun 2018 at 21:50 | Compiled by Spectator staff Tragedy has a way of changing the way we see things. By the light of darkness, experienceseven seemingly mundane onescan be given a certain power. This is certainly true of Flower of Flowers, a new 30-minute documentary from Stumptown and Farm League that follows four people around Antigua, Guatemala, the city some 10 miles from Sundays Volcan de Fuego eruption. With the death toll continuing to riseup to 75 as of this morningand Anacafe stating the eruption causing a total loss of .9% of the national coffee crop, Flower of Flowers shifts from the documentation of a journey to a reminder vibrant country and the people on the front lines of the devastation. Filmed earlier this year in February, the mini-documentary follows pro skateboarders Rick McCrank and Ray Barbee, artist Lori Damiano, and Stumptown Quality Assurance Manager Jim Kelso as they engage with local coffee producers and learn about what's happening in Central America through the lens of music, art and skateboarding. But even in the 55-second trailer, the spectre of tragedy a few months in the future looms large; Volcan de Fuego hangs in the background of multiple shots, still in its more placid state. Having watched the preview before the weekends events and then again after it, it is interesting how the focus moves away from the film's four subjects and into the background, the people and places that surround them. But it is also a reminder of the beauty that once was not so long ago and can be again with our help. Thats why Stumptown is donating all proceeds from todays (June 6th) cafe sales will be contributed to relief efforts in collaboration with the Guatemala Bella Vista Mill. Flower of Flowers will premier on June 24th at the Brooklyn Bazaar in New York, with screenings in Los Angeles and Portland taking place on June 27th and July 9th, respectively. For more information on the film, visit Stumptown's official website. To donate directly to relief efforts, PBS has put together a list of places to do so here. Zac Cadwalader is the news editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge. *all media via Stumptown Disclosure: Stumptown Coffee Roasters is an advertising partner on Sprudge Media Network. Counter Culture Coffees Seattle Training Center is the sort of space you might stumble upon by chance. Located in a narrow storefront on 1st Street in the citys Pioneer Square, its two-C logo affixed to the buildings facade just looks like it belongs. Has it always been here? It hasnt, but Counter Culture's Seattle TC, as its colloquially referred to, has been in the making since 2016. The independently owned Durham, North Carolina-based company entered the market in the city with one customerthe diminutive Anchored Ship cafe in Ballardbut grew exponentially when hometown favorite Cherry Street Public House picked them up as a supplier that same year. Counter Culture cut the ribbon on its new space in mid-April. Seattle regional manager Amanda Byron explains that the company wanted to have a unique launch event, not just another coffee party. It wasnt just an open house, Byron says of what will surely be the first of many special events at the training space. The idea was that we would do a book launch for A Reference Guide to Ethiopian Coffee Varieties. The book, written by Counter Cultures Getu Bekele and Timothy Hill, is exactly what it sounds like, and sets out, according to its introduction, to provide a more complete picture of the unique coffee varieties found in Ethiopia and showcase the work researchers have been doing in the country for over 40 years to make Ethiopian coffee more disease-resistant and better tasting. Sounds like a lot to bite off? It would be, perhaps, for a roaster with less depth of knowledge in the field. The opening also featured Jeff Koehler, who wrote Where the Wild Coffee Grows, and showcased a limited-release single-farmer-lot coffee from Jose Sebastian Rodriguez in Colombia to commemorate the occasion. Before opening their own space, Counter Cultures Seattle operations were run out of the La Marzocco showroom in nearby Ballard. But having a facility fully their own is key to the Counter Culture model, says Byron. There are four corners to a complete regioneducation, sales account management, tech support, and a training center, she explains. We could've existed at La Marzocco for quite a while, but it never would've been our space. Operating in lockstep with other TCs, the Pioneer Square space features a Mazzer ZM, La Marzocco Strada and Linea PB machines, and a Marco Mix system. With each new training center, Byron says, you'll see slightly different equipment, depending on what's new at the time of its opening. But what were really doing in each is creating spaces that are easy to use, functional, and welcoming. That means the companys popular Tasting at Ten series will continue in Seattle, and Counter Cultures customers will of course have access to the space for trainings. Current partnerships include all of Cherry Streets cafes, two General Porpoise locations, the Miir flagship, 5 Stones Coffee Company in Redmond, and James Beard Award-winning Seattle institution Canlis, which serves exclusive off-menu coffees whenever possible. I'm interested in how [the new center] impacts our ability to expand in Seattle, Byron says. We have a support model like nobody else does, and I think that a lot of places here don't yet know it exists. My hope is to get people in here to see this. Whether theyre invited in or just happen to be walking by, her hope seems a reasonable one. Michael Light (@MichaelPLight) is a features editor at Sprudge Media Network. Read more Michael Light on Sprudge. Some photos courtesy of Counter Culture Coffee. Issues of concern to people who live in the west: property rights, water rights, endangered species, livestock grazing, energy production, wilderness and western agriculture. Plus a few items on western history, western literature and the sport of rodeo... Frank DuBois served as the NM Secretary of Agriculture from 1988 to 2003. DuBois is a former legislative assistant to a U.S. Senator, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Interior, and is the founder of the DuBois Rodeo Scholarship. More than 14 members of foreign diplomatic missions in Ho Chi Minh City, including consuls general and honorary consuls general, committed Tuesday to joint efforts to tackle plastic pollution. The diplomats signed a code of conduct on fighting against plastic pollution as part of the advocacy initiated by the Canadian Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, on the occasion of the World Environment Day (June 5). The signing consists of signatures of representatives from Canada, Cambodia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Switzerland, Laos, Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK, the U.S., Chile, Mexico, among others, the Canadian Consulate said in a press release the same day. By signing the code of conduct on combating plastic pollution, the foreign consuls general committed to minimizing their plastic waste by improving their internal practices, engaging their staff on the issue as well as encouraging their partners to adopt low-or no-plastic waste-emitting options. We acknowledge our collective responsibility as international partners in Vietnam to work with some urgency as change agents to reduce plastic pollution and raise awareness about its negative effects on humans, animals and the environment, the document reads. The committed actions include refusing to buy or use disposable plastic water bottles in their offices, and endeavoring to find alternatives to plastic for the meetings and events they organize. They also promised to undertake an assessment of their current office practices and their impact on the amount of plastic waste generated, and institute operational changes to minimize plastic waste footprint. The other things are to engage employees on the need to reduce our plastic waste, and inform them how they can help refuse, reduce, reuse and recycle plastics at the household level. They will encourage all of their partners including government, project, institutional, suppliers and service providers to adopt low-or no plastic waste-emitting options wherever and whenever possible. A photo capturing the code of conduct on combating plastic pollution in Vietnam posted on the verified Facebook page of the Consulate General of Canada In his remarks at the signing, Canadian Consul General Kyle Nunas said that during the course of the event, 30 million plastic bags will have been used around the world, emphasizing that 86 percent of plastic is used once and then discarded. The consul general also mentioned that Vietnam is reportedly among the top five source countries for the roughly eight million tons of plastic that ends up in the worlds oceans each year, but that the issue is not limited to Vietnam. Trash envelopes a once green mangrove swamp at a coastline area near Hau Loc District, in the north-central province of Thanh Hoa. Photo: Tuoi Tre All countries, including Canada, need to step up efforts to combat plastic pollution, he insisted. Nunas stated that Canada will use its presidency of the G7 to champion a proposed G7 Plastics Charter to take action on plastics throughout their lifecycle and reduce marine litter. A Vietnamese man has left many excited with his novel utilization of cooking vessels as musical instruments which can convey an air of modernity. Do Hoang Nam, who goes by the stage name Dru Nam, plays drums and other percussion instruments in traditional and modern ways and takes a great interest in them. One day Nams mother suggested that he use cookware in his kitchen as a new drum kit an idea that made him sleepless. The following morning, he experimented with all types of pots and pans her mother provided, trying producing various rhythms of modern music from the utensils. I tried with all the cooking vessels, one by one, to find out the sound that most resembled the one made by percussion instruments I had played earlier, 26-year-old Nam said. Smaller pots produced a higher pitch while larger ones created a low pitch. I even borrowed paint and water containers from my grandmother to have bass, he continued. He practiced with the new kit for a certain period of time before showcasing his ability along Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in Ho Chi Minh City, where he combined it with a Vietnamese-style flute and zither. Do Hoang Nam plays on pots and pans in this photo he provided. Nam was subsequently invited for performances in several hotels and restaurants in the metropolis and different provinces in Vietnam. His shows were showered with praises. I was really impressed by his performance. I had never thought that simple objects can give such harmonious sounds, said Lan Chi, a college student in Ho Chi Minh City. The use of pots and pans in music helps enliven Nams performance and inspire younger people, said Khoi Vu, a musician in stringed instruments. Nam smilingly recollected that after a show, he put his musical cookware in a corner on the stage and left it for a while before coming back to bring it home, only to find with surprise that it had vanished. He later learned that some scrap collector took it away for mistaking it for unwanted items thrown away by somebody. He usually has his fingers suffering from injuries and all sticks broken while beating on the kitchen drums with great force during a performance. Sometimes my hands hurt but I ignored the pain and kept playing. The man can also produce interesting sounds from a barbecue and lithophone, and is planning to roll out his set of musical instruments modified from bowls and plates. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Canada will train Vietnamese officers as part of the effort to strengthen its military ties with Vietnam, Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan said Tuesday during his official visit to the Southeast Asian country. Hanoi is expected to receive assistance from Ottawa in improving its military forces capability, according to a memorandum of understanding signed on the same date following a conversation between Sajjan and his Vietnamese counterpart Ngo Xuan Lich at the Ministry of Defenses headquarters in the Vietnamese capital. The memorandum, which condenses the core contents of their talk, represents a watershed in the military relation between the two countries and serves as a step toward their potential collaboration in other spheres, the Ministry of Defense said. The record allows Canada to provide Vietnam with training courses in English, military medicine, and removal of post-war bombs and landmines in the Southeast Asian country, Sajjan told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Tuesday. Vietnamese officers will also be accordingly geared up for U.N. peace-keeping activities in conflict-stricken areas around the world. Sajjan said he and Minister Lich discussed measures on enhancing the performance of Hanois maritime patrol in the East Vietnam Sea a mission which the Canadian minister said Ottawa is confident in. He supported a peaceful resolution of disputes over the East Vietnam Sea, affirming that no country is allowed to stand above international law and violate freedom of aviation and navigation. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A female employee at an airport in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang has been injured after a passenger, who was angered by his flight cancelation, threw a mobile phone at her. The violent action happened at Da Nang International Airport at around 10:00 pm on Sunday, managers of the airdrome confirmed on Tuesday. Pham Huy Cuong, a 32-year-old resident from the northern province of Thai Nguyen, arrived at the check-in counter of low-cost carrier Vietjet Air for his flight to Hanoi that night. T., a check-in staff member, informed Cuong that his flight had been canceled due to bad weather conditions and he would fly the following day. She added that the passenger could not receive the information regarding the cancelation in advance as he had provided the wrong phone number. The man then became infuriated and threw his cellphone at the female attendant. Security guards at the airport noticed the incident and escorted Cuong to their office. The attack was also recorded by CCTV at the venue. T. was later brought to the hospital with a cut above her left eye. The passenger has admitted his wrongdoing, adding that he had consumed alcohol prior to the incident. The case has been transferred to the Central Airports Authority and a suitable penalty will be imposed upon the attacker. In July 2017, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam imposed a 12-month flight ban on a male passenger for throwing a cardboard box from his hand luggage in the face of a check-in attendant at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. In October 2016, two male passengers named Tran Duong Tung, 33, and Dao Vinh Thuan, 38, were also slapped with a 12- and 6-month ban, respectively for beating up a female employee also at Noi Bai. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A man in south-central Vietnam was sentenced to several years in prison for buying and selling an enormous quantity of turtle shells which belong to highly threatened species. The municipal court in Nha Trang, the capital city of Khanh Hoa Province, gave Hoang Tuan Hai a jail term of four years and six months for infringing regulations on protecting endangered animals with protection priorities on Monday, capping a four-year case. In November 2014, the local authorities seized over five metric tons of turtle shells during an inspection at a facility owned by Hai, which turned them into souvenirs. One month later, shells from 4,379 turtles and 3,855 giant clams were found at another one, also run by Hai. Up to 4,372 of the first group came from hawkbills, the rest from green sea turtles and loggerheads, according to the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography, which said all the confiscated items are parts of marine creatures whose risk of extinction is high or extremely high. A woman carries a chair in front of handicraft booths of a market in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre Since Hai was brought to trial, souvenir shops in Nha Trang have ceased selling products made of turtle shells as the owners fear punishment for the activity. Such items are no longer provided as local fishermen are afraid to catch turtles, an shop owner in Nha Trang said. A number of customers avoid buying turtle shell products because they believe that as turtles are slow, bringing them home would make business subdued and invite bad luck, another souvenir seller said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Australia / Israel and Jewish Affairs Council has complained to the ABC about lack of coverage of events on the Israeli border last week, accusing it of failing to adequately cover a Hamas rocket attack. International media reported at least 25 mortars were fired at Israel by militants on the Gaza Strip last Tuesday, described as the single biggest attack from the Palestinian side since the 2014 Israel-Gaza war. It prompted a quick response from Israeli forces, though there were no reported casualties on either side. At least 110 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire this year, including more than 60 in one day earlier in May in retaliation to Hamas-led protests. AIJAC executive director Colin Rubenstein said the ABC had run only two reports on its NewsRadio channel, sourced from the Al Jazeera network, and there was no coverage on the television news, flagship current affairs shows or the ABC website. He accused ABC of exhibiting a serious lack of balance by declining to cover one of the largest rocket attacks against Israel in many years. An ABC spokeswoman said: Any complaint will be subject to the normal process and we will respond in due course. Source: Fairfax SBS has launched new 360 Virtual Reality film Storm Riders, which explores the creative collaboration between Australian video artist and ex-pro skater Shaun Gladwell and two female Muslim skateboarders, Chadnee Shah and Farhana Hussain. The film from BADFAITH explores art, faith and identity and is available through the SBS VR app which can be downloaded for free on iOS and Android devices as well as Oculus for Samsung Gear VR. SBS Director of Television and Online Content, Marshall Heald, said: Through SBSs Digital Creative Labs, were able to use immersive technology to place audiences at the heart of diverse experiences, with the aim of creating a deeper understanding of important, but often untold stories. Storm Riders documents a story of shared passion and friendship, while highlighting the challenges faced by two Muslim women as they balance their cross-cultural practices with their modern exploration of art and skateboarding. Shaun Gladwell, director of Storm Riders, said: An unexpected meeting with Chadnee served as the inspiration and starting point for this project, which explores the concepts of faith, freedom and feminism in a completely new way. Together, we travelled across Londons skate parks and all the way back to Sydneys Bondi Beach to reimagine Storm Sequence as a truly 360 immersive documentary. Following a chance meeting in East London, Storm Riders follows Shaun, Chadnee and Farhana as they plan and recreate Shauns iconic video artwork, Storm Sequence. Filmed in both London and Sydney, against the backdrop of the 2017 UK terror attacks, the film uses experimental video art pieces and intimate self-recorded 360 diary cam footage to explore the cross-cultural experiences faced by these two women. Storm Riders was created by Shaun Gladwell and Leo Faber from experimental content collective BADFAITH, commissioned by SBS Australia with production funding from Screen Australia. Storm Riders is currently featured as part of Sydney Film Festivals VR at The Hub program which runs until Sunday 17 June, 2018. Audiences can also experience Storm Riders using VR technology at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in Melbourne from Thursday 14 June until Sunday 28 October, 2018. The Block has reportedly settled on another St. Kilda site, the tired backpackers accommodation, Oslo Hotel. The site at 38 Grey Street, just a stones throw from The Gatwick in Fitzroy Street, is said to contain five mansions hidden behind the facade that dates back to the 1850s. Yet again, that would make it the biggest Block ever. The Herald Sun reports the property has been acquired in an off-market deal struck after the series approached one of the owners. Producers and building planners set to submit renovation plans to the City of Port Phillip council imminently. The location falls once more within the production-friendly City of Port Phillip, which has been home to seasons in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2018 (upcoming). Last year producer Julian Cress told TV Tonight Melbourne remained its base because it is so welcomed by residents and councils, whilst former seasons in Sydney have proved challenging. Sydney is a much more expensive place just to buy the property. Can you make great capital gains in Sydney? Of course you can. You can in Perth as well. But Melbourne is a very strong market, continually strong, and has served us really well, he said. Its also much more expensive for us to make the show in Sydney than Melbourne because our whole crew is here. So were not suddenly going to start making the show with a new crew. So if we have to go to Sydney we have to move everyone. So theres another good reason to stay. The Block Gatwick has finished production and is due in coming months. Tonight NITV current affairs program, The Point marks 25 years since the Native Title Act in Australia and the 30th anniversary of the Barunga Statement. The Points co-hosts, Rachael Hocking and John Paul Janke will be joined on the panel by special guest filmmaker Dean Gibson. Gibson has over a decade of experience in the film industry and in 2013 he established Bacon Factory Films. He is the director of Wik vs Queensland, a landmark documentary giving a powerful insight into the High Courts 1996 decision to grant native title to the Wik peoples of Cape York. The film screens at the Sydney Film Festival this weekend and on NITV during NAIDOC Week 2018. The episode will also cross to NITVs WA correspondent Rangi Hirini at the National Native Title Conference in Broome, speak to lawyer Tony McAvoy SC and explore how Western Australia is leading the country in Native Title claims. The Point also marks the 30th anniversary of the Barunga Statement and will cross live to NT correspondent Elliana Lawford ahead of the Barunga Festival. Danny DeVito is well known for his sense of humour and when he found out Allison Closs had taken a cardboard cutout of him to her prom, he just had to do something. Nearly a month later, DeVito had a photo taken of himself on the set of Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia with a life-size cardboard cutout of Allison in her prom finery. Prom photos go viral with cardboard cutout of Danny de Vito It was back in May that Allison Closs, a 17-year-old high school senior in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, posted a video of herself to her YouTube channel, explaining that she couldnt get a date for the Carlisle High School prom, adding that as she couldn't get a date with a real human, she bought one, on Amazon. Posing in her ruffled, blue prom dress, she then showed a cardboard cutout of actor Danny DeVito, which she had embellished with a matching boutonniere for the prom. The Independent reports that images and video footage of the DeVito cutout went viral and it took around a month for DeVito to respond to the favour. 73-year-old DeVito had a cardboard cutout made of Allison in her prom finery and posed next to it in the bar on the set of Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Thank you SO, SO MUCH @RMcElhenney and @DannyDeVito for fulfilling my dream of visiting Paddys Pub from @alwayssunny !! pic.twitter.com/EJiLZ3V4Qy Allison Closs (@TheYABookLover) June 5, 2018 DeVitos cutout of Allison goes viral on Instagram Rob McElhenney, DeVitos costar, posted an image of DeVito posing with Allisons cardboard equivalent on Instagram. In his caption, McElhenney said he had heard Closs had taken a cardboard cutout of Danny to her prom, adding that by coincidence. DeVito had taken a cardboard version of Allison to Paddys Bar. Allison was shocked and thrilled to see the image and responded on Twitter, thanking the actors. Her tweet has now been liked more than 42,000 times. Closs said she was shooketh, and went on to thank McElhenney and DeVito for the fulfilment of her dream to visit Paddys Pub, featured in Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia." I AM SHOOKETH https://t.co/MFGkYb8itS Allison Closs (@TheYABookLover) June 5, 2018 The New York Post quotes Allison as saying her experience at the prom with DeVito, followed by all the attention on social media, has become the highlight of her school year. It turns out it if hadnt been for Amazon having a cardboard cutout of Danny DeVito on sale, this memorable cardboard date might not have happened. She said she had considered several potential cardboard prom dates, one of which was Bill Nye the Science Guy. She ended up buying DeVito because his cutout was the cheapest. However, Closs did add that DeVito has treated her the way a woman should be treated, possibly referring to the current #MeToo movement and its revelations. FILE PHOTO: A man walks during a visit by a U.N. delegation to the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, Yemen July 26, 2017. REUTERS/Abduljabbar Zeyad Thomson Reuters By Warren Strobel and Phil Stewart WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has warned its close ally the United Arab Emirates not to launch an assault on Yemen's port city of Hodeidah, which United Nations experts fear could precipitate a new humanitarian crisis, U.S. officials said on Tuesday. The warning was issued as Emirati-backed Yemeni forces moved within 10 kilometers of the Red Sea port, a lifeline for humanitarian supplies for the country's war-wracked populace. The port is controlled by Yemen's Houthi movement. U.S. officials met at the White House on Tuesday to discuss the crisis, two sources with knowledge of the meeting said. It was unclear whether any decisions were reached. A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said Washington opposed any effort by the Emirates and Yemeni troops it backs to seize the city. "The United States has been clear and consistent that we will not support actions that destroy key infrastructure or that are likely to exacerbate the dire humanitarian situation that has expanded in this stalemated conflict," said the spokesperson, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the matter and asked not to be named. "We expect all parties to abide by the Law of Armed Conflict and avoid targeting civilians or commercial infrastructure," the spokesperson said. The United States and the Emirates are close economic and security allies, working together against militant groups in Yemen and elsewhere. Any direct American support to an Emirate ground offensive against Hodeidah would mark a major departure from U.S. policy toward Yemen, which has sought to focus U.S. military activity against al Qaeda-affiliated militants. The United States also has repeatedly urged the Saudi-led coalition, both under President Donald Trump and his predecessor Barack Obama, to prevent civilian casualties. Critics of Washington, however, have said that its refueling of Saudi-led coalition jets, arms sales and limited U.S. intelligence support make it complicit in civilian casualties caused by the coalition. Story continues U.N. officials warned that an assault on Hodeidah, which has a population of about 600,000, would cause a humanitarian calamity. A U.N. contingency plan projects that, in the worst-case scenario of a prolonged siege, tens of thousands could die. Yemeni political sources said on Monday that the U.N. envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, was in the capital of Sanaa to broker a deal to avert a possible assault on Hodeidah, under which the United Nations would take control of the port. (Reporting by Warren Strobel; Additional reporting by Jonathan Landay and Yara Bayoumy; Editing by Toni Reinhold) See Also: Experts fear drug-resistant super-gonorrhoea could spread across the UK after a hike in cases (Rex/posed by models) Experts have warned that a drug-resistant super-gonorrhoea could spread across the UK after figures showed a 22% hike in the sexually transmitted infection (STI) in a single year. A mutant strain of the infection which can not be treated with the usual course of antibiotics struck in Britain for the first time earlier this year. Health officials now fear there could be more cases after recording 44,676 diagnoses of gonorrhoea in 2017 a 22% increase on the previous year. The report from Public Health England also told of a 20% year-on-year rise in deadly syphilis a 148% increase on 2008 figures. Debbie Laycock, from sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust, said: Todays stats confirm the number of STIs diagnosed in England remains worryingly high against a backdrop of damaging cuts to sexual health services. New diagnoses of gonorrhoea shot up in 2017 (PA) Our sexual health services are stretched too thinly and demand outweighs availability, with more cuts already planned. The significant rise in both syphilis and gonorrhoea shows why further cuts are completely unacceptable and would be extremely damaging, particularly given the emergence of a new extensively drug-resistant strain of gonorrhoea. The report warned that the 44,676 diagnoses of gonorrhoea in 2017 was of concern given the recent emergence of extensively drug resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae. MOST POPULAR TODAY ON YAHOO It was seen for the first time in the UK earlier this year, when a UK man he picked up the disease after a sexual encounter with a woman in south-east Asia. Story continues Two further cases were identified in Australia soon after. Left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to complications including infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease. A total of 7,137 new diagnoses of syphilis were made in 2017 (PA) Pregnant women can also pass on the disease to their baby during labour. The report added: The large increase in gonorrhoea diagnoses between 2016 and 2017 is concerning due to the ongoing circulation of high-level azithromycin resistant gonorrhoea. Additionally, the first detected case of extensively drug resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae with resistance to ceftriaxone and high-level resistance to azithromycin, the two antibiotics used as front-line dual therapy, was detected in the UK in March 2018. Soon after two cases with similar antimicrobial resistance profiles were later detected in Australia. All three cases were associated with travel to south-east Asia. Syphilis cases also rose last year (PA) The newly-released report said that in 2017 there were 422,147 diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections made in England, around the same number that was reported in 2016. More than 1.3 million chlamydia tests were carried out and over 126,000 chlamydia diagnoses were made among youngsters aged 15 to 24. There was a 90% reduction in genital wart cases, mainly thanks to a high school immunisation programme, it said. The impact of STIs remains greatest in young heterosexuals aged 15 to 24, black ethnic minorities, and gay and bisexual men, the report said. Mrs Laycock added: More work must be done to ensure people from these groups have access to the information and sexual health services they need to improve and look after their sexual health. FILE PHOTO: German Chancellor Angela Merkel looks on during a news conference with Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Lisbon FILE PHOTO: German Chancellor Angela Merkel looks on during a news conference with Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Lisbon, Portugal, May 31 2018. REUTERS/Rafael Marchante/File Photo BERLIN (Reuters) - European states will present a united front on issues from Iran to trade and climate change at a Group of Seven summit starting on Friday but it is unclear if G7 leaders will agree on a communique at the end, a senior German official said on Tuesday. The June 8-9 meeting in Charlevoix, Canada, will begin with a working session on economic growth and trade - topical issues after U.S. President Donald Trump infuriated Canada and European Union G7 members by imposing tariffs on steel and aluminium. "At this time, it is extremely important that we have such meetings. Whether there will be a communique or not I don't know," the official told reporters at a briefing. It would be rare for the summit not to issue a communique. "Our aim is to get a joint communique but we have our positions which we will not give up," the official added. "It is not easier than in previous years. .. We will see." Trump's disdain for diplomatic niceties and his "America first" policies have created a rift with countries whose alliance with the United States dates to the Cold War with the Soviet Union. Asked whether Trump would come to the summit, the official added: "We have to expect so." Asked whether the summit could be the most difficult or even the last such meeting of the G7, the official replied: "I see no reason why it should be the last summit. Whether it is more difficult than all others, I will tell you at the end." Merkel would meet other leaders bilaterally at the summit but these meetings were still being worked out, he said. The German government hopes that the United States may grant exceptions to European companies doing business in Iran despite abandoning the 2015 international nuclear deal and reimposing sanctions against the Islamic Republic. Another German official said there was no question that the G7 would welcome Russia back to the club, adding there were still reasons to stick to the existing arrangement. Russia has been excluded from the Group of Eight since 2014 after its annexation of the Crimea region and its relations with many Western nations have been strained over issues including its role in Syria and the conflict in eastern Ukraine. (Reporting by Paul Carrel and Andreas Rinke; Writing by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Andrea Shalal and Matthew Mpoke Bigg) A team of researchers has saved the life of a woman with terminal breast cancer by using an experimental new treament, in what is believed to be a world first. When Judy Perkinss body became unresponsive to currently available cancer treatments, doctors told her she had three months to live, according to BBC News. The cancer had spread from the then 49-year-olds right breast to her liver, and other parts of her body. In an attempt to save her life, researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) offered the engineer an innovative new treatment known as immunotherapy. Trending: Scott Pruitt Used EPA Staff to Try to Get Wife Chick-fil-A Job cancer-breast-stock Getty Images Two years later, tests show the 52-year-old has no signs of cancer. Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that harnesses the power of the immune system to home in on and attack cancer cells, and kill off the disease. The patient's white blood cells are assessed, and those fit to fight the cancer are reproduced in a lab. Immunotherapy is therefore known as a living drug. Perkins is thought to be the first patient successfully treated with immunotherapy. To test the approach on her, researchers at the NCI sequenced the DNA and RNA from one of her tumors as well as her normal tissue to identify the mutations unique to her cancer. They harvested immune cells from her tumor, known as tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, which can pinpoint antigen targets, and grew them in a lab. The team then pumped 90 billion immune cells into her body. Don't miss: Guatemala Volcano Eruption Map: Rescuers Continue Search Effort in Hazardous Conditions The approach was a modified version of what is known as adoptive cell transfer (ACT), which has previously been used to treat melanoma, lung cancers and bladder cancer. It has so far been less successful in the treatment of cancers which start in the lining of organs and have lower levels of mutations, such as gastrointestinal cancers, breast and ovary. The researchers published their study on Perkinss case in the journal Nature Medicine. Story continues My condition deteriorated a lot towards the end, and I had a tumor pressing on a nerve, which meant I spent my time trying not to move at all to avoid pain shooting down my arm. I had given up fighting, Perkins said according to The Guardian. After the treatment dissolved most of my tumors, I was able to go for a 40-mile hike. She told BBC News she felt the tumor in her chest start to shrink around a week after therapy. Dr. Steven Rosenberg, chief of surgery at the National Cancer Institute and lead author of the study, said in a statement: Weve developed a high-throughput method to identify mutations present in a cancer that are recognized by the immune system. Most popular: C9 Sneaky Cosplay Is a Good Direction for the Human Race This research is experimental right now. But because this new approach to immunotherapy is dependent on mutations, not on cancer type, it is in a sense a blueprint we can use for the treatment of many types of cancer. Dr. Rosenberg told BBC News: "We're talking about the most highly personalised treatment imaginable, and added the mutations which cause cancer are in fact its Achilles heel. However, further research is needed to replicate the results in other patients. Professor Alan Melcher, professor of translational immunotherapy at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, who was not involved in the study said in a statement: This fascinating and exciting study in a single breast cancer patient provides a major proof-of-principle step forward, in showing how the power of the immune system can be harnessed to attack even the most difficult-to-treat cancers. But Nell Barrie, senior science information manager from Cancer Research UK, said in a statement that while it is exciting to see cutting-edge science at work and such treatments are promising, immunotherapy is complex, expensive and doesnt work for everyone. It will be some time before it can be widely available, she added. Barrie said: "Research is ongoing to find more off the shelf approaches that can help harness the immune system to target the changes in patients cancers." This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Iran is to tell the United Nations it will begin increasing its uranium enrichment capacity in case the multinational nuclear dealseverely weakened by the U.S. withdrawal last monthcollapses. Irans Atomic Energy Organization spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi told the ISNA news agency that the country would begin increasing its ability to produce uranium hexafluoride (UF6)used as fuel for the centrifuges which enrich uranium for nuclear power and weapon useon Tuesday. In a letter that will be handed over to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) ... Iran will announce that the process of increasing the capacity to produceUF6, Reuters quoted Kamalvandi as saying. Trending: Who Owns Kate Spade Now? Designer Sold Brand in 2006, Started Frances Valentine Years Later GettyImages-460186156 ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images Israel has already reacted to the announcement, with Intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz calling for a military coalition against Iran if the country breaks the enrichment limits imposed by the nuclear deal. Katz told public radio that if the Iranians don't surrender now, and try to return to unsupervised uranium enrichment, there should be a clear statement by the President of the United States and all of the Western coalition that a military coalition will be formed against them. On Monday, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said he had ordered the countrys atomic energy agency to prepare to accelerate uranium enrichment if the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) fails. In a televised speech, Khamenei warned, Our enemies will never be able to halt our nuclear progress...It is their bad dream and will not happen. Don't miss: Kate Spade Net Worth: Massively Successful Designer Dies at 55 Story continues Uranium must be enriched to around 90 percent for use in nuclear weapons. Under the JCPOA, Iran was limited to enriching uranium to 3.67 percentenough to use in civilian power plants, but not in weapons. The deal also limited the number and quality of centrifuges that could be used. In exchange, the other signatories lifted crippling sanctions on the country, which are estimated to have cost the country some $500 billion by the time they were removed. Before the deal was signed, Iran had reached 20 percent enrichment. In March, Kamalvandi said that Iran could resume this level of production within 48 hours if the countrys leaders deemed it necessary. The Obama-era deal was undermined by President Donald Trumps withdrawal from it at the start of May. Although the remaining signatoriesthe U.K., Germany, France, Russia, China and the European Unionsay they are committed to the agreement, the threat of new American sanctions could scupper it. RTS1QHT7 REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst Most popular: Woman Who Hid Tracking Device in Husband's Car 'for Months' Could Be Jailed European signatories have suggested that the JCPOA should be renegotiated to cover Irans ballistic missile program and to curb its spreading influence in the Middle East, buoyed by conflicts in Yemen, Syria and Iraq. Khamenei has dismissed these suggestions, and laid out Irans demands for staying in the deal. On Monday, Khamenei warned, Some Europeans are talking about limiting our defensive missile programme. I am telling the Europeans, limiting our missile work is a dream that will never come true. Tehran wants the Europeans to protect Iranian oil sales from American sanctions and for European banks to secure international trade with Iran. Updated | This article has been updated to include comments by Yisrael Katz. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek A retired American couple was found murdered in their home in Mexico after a botched robbery over the weekend. Ray Ball, 72, and Jo Anne Butler, 69originally from Prescott, Arizonawere shot dead on Saturday in their Bahia de Los Angeles home, located some 380 miles south of the U.S. border on the Gulf of California, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Octavio Lopez, a local government official, told the newspaper that the couple was killed during an attempted robbery. Trending: Dwight Lamon Jones: Everything We Know About Arizona Serial Killer Suspect And His Connection To Victims An individual went to defend his property, and thats when they shot him, Lopez said, adding that its the first time something like this has happened in the area. Their dog was also found dead at the scene. GettyImages-965300890 YURI CORTEZ/AFP/Getty Images Ball was shot 18 times and Butler was shot twice, according to police. The Seattle Times reported that, although the couple were not married, they had been together for 14 years. Butler was a former school teacher and Ball was a contractor and craftsman. Don't miss: Pokemon Quest Training Guide: Learning New Moves and Leveling Up Neighbors have said they believe the robbers were attempting to steal a 22-foot motorized fishing boat the couple frequently used. They said that it appeared as if Ball had heard the robbers and went outside to investigate. Since 2006, more than 35,000 people in Mexico have gone missing and over 200,000 have been murdered. Last year saw a record number of killings, with the countrys interior ministry reporting 29,168 in totalthe highest level since the government started keeping records in 1997. The U.N. Human Rights High Commissioner Zeid Raad Al Hussein said last week that Mexicos federal security forces are most likely complicit in some of the violence. He accused security forces of being behind a recent spat of disappearances near the Mexican border with the U.S., adding that the Mexican government has done little to address the problem. Story continues Most popular: Argentina Cancels Soccer Match With Israel in Jerusalem After Pressure from Palestinian Protesters GettyImages-130622832 Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images Violence has also touched popular tourists areas, such as Cancun. In April, 14 murders occurred in the well-known beach resort area during a period of just 36 hours. Despite the problems, the U.S. Department of State has given Mexico a relatively low travel advisory level of yellow. This means individuals should exercise increased caution in Mexico due to crime. Some areas are also riskier than others. Additional precautions should be taken after the sun goes down, as the State Department says U.S. government employees are prohibited from intercity travel after dark in many areas of Mexico. Tourists should also avoid all travel to the Mexican states of Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacan, Guerrero and Tamaulipas. Nearly 40 million tourists visited Mexico in 2017, apparently unconcerned about the risks. At the same time, a February report by Forbes showed that more Americans were murdered in Mexico in 2016 than in all other foreign countries combined. In total, 75 Americans were reported murdered in Mexico that year, whereas only 69 were reported in all other countries. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) Environmentalists say a tropical forest that's home to critically endangered orangutans on Borneo island is being logged more than a year after Indonesia's forestry and environment ministry ordered a halt to the forest's exploitation. Greenpeace said Tuesday its investigations at the Sungai Putri forest showed a logging operation underway with at least six illegal settlements that operate at night and some in areas with orangutan nests. The 57,000-hectare (140,847-acre) forest, populated with as many as 1,200 orangutans, is testing the government's ability to enforce its moratorium on drainage and exploitation of Indonesia's extensive peatland forests, which was declared after massive dry season fires in 2015. The fires, which destroyed 2.6 million hectares and swathed parts of Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and southern Thailand in a health-wrecking haze, highlighted the huge risks that pulp wood and palm oil planation companies have taken in draining swampy peatlands for industrial plantations, making them highly combustible. The World Bank estimated the fires caused losses of $16 billion. The latest investigation is the second revelation in less than a year that commercial exploitation of the forest continues. Photos and drone footage taken by activists in July showed an extensive drainage canal full of water, heavy earth-moving equipment on the land and planting of pulp wood tree seedlings despite an order in March from the Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya for the company responsible to cease operations. "This is a major embarrassment for the Indonesian government, which has consistently promised to protect Sungai Putri," Greenpeace said in a statement. The ministry's director-general of law enforcement and its director of environmental disputes did not respond to calls or text messages. The ForestHints website, a semi-official news site for the ministry, said in a June 1 article that Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya has "displayed great consistency" in making sure Sungai Putri is not cleared. It said the forest would "unquestionably have been destroyed" without the ministry's previous sanctions. Story continues Exploitation of the Sungai Putri forest and Chinese investment in a related wood-processing plant is supported by provincial and district officials in West Kalimantan province on Borneo. An Indonesian company, Moharison Pawan Khatulistiwa, has a forestry ministry permit for logging in the forest, and a forestry ministry-approved work plan, which are now overridden by the moratorium on peatland development. It didn't respond to calls. Greenpeace said it was unclear whether the company was carrying out the logging or if other parties had taken advantage of roads built by the company to further encroach on the forest. The wood was supplying sawmills and furniture businesses in the Ketapang region of West Kalimantan, it said. See Also: Peru's President Martin Vizcarra speaks to foreign media during a news conference at the Government Palace in Lima, Peru June 5, 2018. REUTERS/Mariana Bazo LIMA (Reuters) - Peru's President Martin Vizcarra said on Tuesday he would appoint a new finance minister later in the day or on Wednesday, and is considering three people, including the ministry's current Cabinet chief, Jose Arista. Speaking to foreign media in a news conference, Vizcarra said that his government's core economic policy had not changed despite the resignation of outgoing finance minister David Tuesta. With a little more than two months in office, Tuesta lasted less time at the helm of the finance ministry than any of his three predecessors in the past year - dealing a blow to Vizcarra's bid to end the uncertainty that roiled Peru before taking office to replace former President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, who stepped down in a graft scandal in March. Vizcarra did not directly answer questions about why Tuesta resigned, but signalled it was related to Tuesta's recent decision to hike excise tax rates on diesel and other fuels. The higher taxes were introduced as crude prices were climbing on global markets and prompted scattered protests in southern Peru led by truck and bus drivers that had threatened to expand to other regions this week. "From the 20 or 30 measures and economic decisions in the government, maybe we agreed on all of them except one, which is just what led to the minister's resignation," Vizcarra said. "But that doesn't conceptually change the economic policy we've been implementing." Tuesta could not be reached for comment. The country's new finance minister will decide whether or not to reverse the new excise tax rates, Vizcarra added. Arista, an economist, briefly served as agriculture minister in Kuczynski's government and had been a deputy minister under Luis Carranza, who was finance minister during the 2006-2011 term of then-President Alan Garcia. Vizcarra, who had been Kuczynski's vice president, said the government would continue to focus on bolstering economic growth by developing infrastructure and promoting private investment. Story continues "Today more than ever we're convinced we must reactivate the economy. We need private investment. We need to mobilise the public sector to reactivate public investment - not necessarily by raising tax rates," Vizcarra said. But the local business association Confiep warned that the high rate of turnover of finance ministers in Peru - the world's No.2 copper producer and one of Latin America's most stable economies - was becoming worrisome. "These changes of ministers don't favour governability or the environment for investing," Confiep President Roque Benavides said on local broadcaster RPP. (Reporting By Mitra Taj, Teresa Cespedes and Marco Aquino; editing by Chizu Nomiyama, David Gregorio and Jonathan Oatis) VIENNA (AP) Russian President Vladimir Putin is heading to Austria, one of the European Union's more Russia-friendly members, on his first foreign trip since being sworn in for a fourth term. Before meetings with Austrian leaders on Tuesday, Putin dismissed suggestions that Russia has any intention of dividing the 28-nation EU. In an interview with Austrian public broadcaster ORF, he said that Moscow wants the EU "to be united and flourish, because the EU is our most important trade and business partner." Putin's sixth official visit to traditionally neutral Austria marks the 50th anniversary of the start of Soviet gas deliveries to Austria. Unlike many other EU countries, Austria didn't expel Russian diplomats over the poisoning in Britain earlier this year of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal. See Also: Gurkha Gurkhas Singapore Nepal guards soldiers REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo Singapore on Tuesday announced a second special event area where activities linked to next weeks landmark summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are expected to take place, but continued to offer no firm indication on where the meeting will be held. The gazetting of the resort island of Sentosa, off the Lion Citys southern tip, comes as multiple media reports said its ultra luxurious Capella Hotel was one of three locations where the two leaders are likely to meet on June 12. Singapore had earlier declared a special event area in its diplomatic district close to the Orchard Road shopping district and where the Shangri-La Hotel is located. The formal announcements grant police additional powers in the areas for a fixed period. The announcements in the government gazette came as diplomatic sources told This Week In Asia on Monday that Pyongyang was insistent that historic meeting could not be held in an American or European owned venue. Sources also indicated that if everything went smoothly, the two leaders would stay at separate hotels and convene at another hotel for the summit. Not one of the three premises would be owned by a Western company. The five-star Shangri-La Hotel is part of the Kuok Group, owned by Hong Kong-based Malaysian billionaire Robert Kuok. Two other hotels that have seen heightened security activity, according to local media reports, are owned by Singaporean families. These are the waterfront Fullerton Hotel as well as Sentosas Capella Hotel. Gurkha Gurkhas Singapore Nepal guards soldiers REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo Fullerton Hotel is owned by the Sino Land Company founded by the late real estate tycoon Ng Teng Fong and which is a major property player in the region and Hong Kong, while Capella Hotel is owned by Pontiac Land Group belonging to the Singaporean family known as the Kwee brothers. Optics will matter significantly. The two leaders cannot be staying at the same hotel and one cannot be seen as calling on the other. They must appear at the summit at the same time, said another source. Everything has to be timed with impeccable precision. Story continues East Asia security expert Steve Tsang said symbolism and paranoia may both be at work in the arrangements being demanded. Knowing how much both sides want the summit to happen Mr Kim must feel that he can insist on a few matters that are unlikely to be vetoed by the Americans. Insisting on using a hotel not owned by the West certainly has a symbolic value in highlighting that the president of the United States, leader of the West will meet Mr Kim as an equal, said Tsang who is from Londons School of Oriental and African Studies. And Kim and his security corps are very probably paranoid not just with physical safety but also security of their communications, he added. However, there has been no official indication yet that these two hotels will play a part in the summit. Mondays announcement by the Singapore government did not mention a specific venue, saying only that the area, one of the Lion Citys most prestigious residential districts, would be made a special event zone from June 10 to June 14. The declaration means that, under the countrys Public Order Act, police can step up security measures in the area such as stopping and searching people. kim yo jong kim jong un Associated Press/Wong Maye-E Loudhailers, aerosol paint, flares and explosives are among items banned from special event zones. The flying of drones is also prohibited. The gazette document said the summit could include lead-in activities and social events linked to the main event. The area is home to several high key buildings including the US and Australian embassies and Interpols Singapore office. Residents who live near the hotel are accustomed to heightened security measures because it hosts the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security forum attended by defence ministers from around the world as well as more senior leaders. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the keynote speech at the forum this year. For the annual event, the Singapore government deploys a large force from the police Gurkha contingent. Apart from the annual security forum, the Shangri-La Hotel in 2015 played host to the landmark meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and then Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou. More than 3,000 journalists are said to have registered to attend the event. Officials told This Week in Asia security at Changi Airport would be stepped up this week. On Monday evening, a This Week in Asia reporter at Shangri-La Hotel spotted no visible police presence in the surrounding area. NOW WATCH: Why North Korea agreed to meet with Trump See Also: FILE PHOTO: Spain's new Prime Minister and Socialist party (PSOE) leader Pedro Sanchez shakes hands with ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy after a motion of no confidence vote at parliament in Madrid, Spain, June 1, 2018. Pierre-Philippe Marcou/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo By Paul Day MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's new Socialist government signalled key cabinet member names on Tuesday, including the foreign, economy and budget ministers, as the former ruling party considered torpedoing its own 2018 budget proposal in the upper house of parliament. The Socialists replaced the centre-right People's Party (PP) as Spain's government last Friday after parliament passed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy over a slew of corruption cases. Rajoy said he would step down from his party's leadership on Tuesday. The PP government's budget proposal is likely to be the new minority administration's first substantial legislative challenge in the lower house of parliament, where it holds just 84 of the 350 seats. The long-delayed proposal was passed by parliament only with the help of five lawmakers from the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV). But the PNV infuriated the PP by siding with the Socialists in the no-confidence vote to oust Rajoy's government. The draft budget is now in the PP-controlled upper house and some party members have suggested that the conservatives no longer need to back a proposal that contains concessions to the PNV, following the Basques' pivot to the Socialists. "We could foresee much more instability, more political obstacles, than there were and more difficulties in running the country," Rajoy said on Tuesday, referring to a potential block by the PP of the budget in the upper house. If returned with amendments to the lower house, the budget will need a new vote and, in a deeply fragmented assembly, the Socialists could be forced to renew the 2017 budget for the rest of the year. SPENDING TARGET The new cabinet will be officially named on Wednesday. A close aide to Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez indicated that a former Andalusia councillor, Maria Jesus Montero, would become budget minister in the new government. Montero would face the task of setting the public sector spending ceiling for 2019, a necessary first step for Spain's local and regional governments to make their own budgets. Story continues The Socialists will be keen to announce a rise in spending after years of austerity under the conservative PP but they are still bound to reduce the public deficit to a Brussels target of 2.2 percent of economic output from 3.1 percent in 2017. Spanish newspapers Expansion and El Pais reported on Tuesday that Nadia Calvino would take over as economy minister, where she would have a coordinating role with Brussels. Calvino, who is currently director general for the EU budget at the European Commission, can count on a positive economic cycle in Spain, which has one of the highest growth rates in the euro zone. Sanchez has strong pro-European credentials, and despite his party's relative weakness in parliament Rajoy also ran a minority government, suggesting only limited political fallout to the change of guard in Madrid. Sanchez aide Jose Luis Abalos, who Spanish media said on Tuesday would be named public works minister, told Spanish television that Josep Borrell would be the new government's foreign minister. Borrell has attracted media attention because of his opposition to Catalan independence. He will take up the position amid a continuing political crisis between Madrid and Barcelona over Catalonia's independence drive. "The reaction to the plan to appoint Borrell as foreign minister shows Sanchez is not willing to cut deals with the nationalists and will focus on what can appeal to both (market friendly) Ciudadanos and (anti-austerity) Podemos," Antonio Barroso, an analyst at Teneo Intelligence, said. (Additional reporting by Jesus Aguado; Editing by Ingrid Melander and Gareth Jones) Chile's Finance Minister Felipe Larrain speaks during an interview with Reuters at the OECD headquarters in Paris, France, May 31, 2018. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer By Antonio De la Jara (Reuters) - Chile's finance minister on Wednesday described as "imprudent" the appointment by lithium miner SQM of its former chairman Julio Ponce as a strategic adviser, in light of an agreement with the state that he distance himself from the firm. SQM , the world's biggest exporter of lithium carbonate, confirmed on Tuesday that it had retained Ponce's services, along with those of his brother Eugenio. The move has sparked intense criticism from politicians from both the governing coalition and opposition, as well as the business community. Finance Minister Felipe Larrain said that the contract drawn up between SQM and the government to end a royalties dispute would have to be checked to determine if the appointment of Ponce as adviser was compliant. "It's a complex situation and seems to be an imprudent move," he told journalists at a news conference on Wednesday. "We need to check whether it's a violation of the contract or the spirit of the contract from the government's point of view. We will protect the interests of the Chilean state." Ponce, a former son-in-law of late Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, is a deeply controversial figure in Chile. He has held power at SQM since it was privatised under Pinochet in the 1980s and is still the largest shareholder. In 2014, he was fined for market manipulation. The firm's current president Alberto Salas said in a statement on Tuesday that the board took the unanimous decision to appoint Ponce and his brother after an "exhaustive analysis" and because of the pair's "extensive business experience and technical know-how." State development agency Corfo, which oversees Chile's lithium leases, earlier this year inked a deal with SQM that increased the miner's quota of the highly-prized metal in the Salar de Atacama, but stipulated that Ponce remove himself and his family from decision-making at the firm. Corfo said on Tuesday that hiring Ponce did not violate the terms of the deal. (Reporting by Antonio de la Jara, writing by Aislinn Laing, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Support for the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats has surged ahead of an election in September to the point where it could be hard for the government or opposition to form a working majority without their support, a poll showed on Tuesday. Immigration has dominated debate ahead of the Sept. 9 vote, which has helped the Sweden Democrats whose support increased to 18.5 percent from 14.8 percent in November, according to the poll by the government's Statistics Office. https://tmsnrt.rs/2LmSZFD That rise echoes the increase in support for other European populist parties but the Sweden Democrats and its leader Jimmie Akesson have found it hard to gain influence because the party's roots is in the country's fringe neo-Nazi movement. Both the center-left governing block and the opposition have ruled out a deal with the Sweden Democrats. Support for the two government parties fell to 32.6 percent, down from 36.4 percent in November, and together with the Left Party, which backs the government's budgets, they would be supported by 40.0 percent against 43.4 percent in November. Support for the four-party Alliance opposition bloc also fell, down to 38.6 percent, compared with 39.2 percent in the previous survey. "It is more open than it has ever been," Jonas Hinnfors, professor political sciences Gothenburg University said, adding that pressure on the parties to either start cooperating with the Sweden Democrats or to cooperate outside of the traditional blocs have increased. "It is very hard to know what the parties will do after the election. Then reality may hit home," he said. The poll, which is the country's biggest and conducted twice per year, consisted of just over 4,600 interviews carried out between April 27 and May 29. (Reporting by Johan Ahlander, Daniel Dickson and Simon Johnson; Editing by Niklas Pollard and Matthew Mpoke Bigg) See Also: Apple CEO Tim Cook has said he is optimistic that Donald Trumps rhetoric on tougher trade regulations wont make his companys flagship iPhone smartphone more expensive. Fears emerged earlier this year that fresh taxes imposed on China could have a knock-on effect on U.S. technology companies. It was estimated at the time, in March, that the additional tariff of 25 percent on around $50 billion of Chinese imports could boost the price of an iPhone X from $1,000 to around $1,250. Other products, including the MacBook, would also be impacted, experts said. But in an interview with CNN this week Cook didnt predict change. I am very optimistic because no one will win from that [a trade war], he noted. It will be a lose-lose. I think that when the facts are so clear both parties will see that and be able to work things out. I dont think that iPhone will get a tariff on it, is my belief based on what I have been told and what I see. I just dont see that. Trending: Scott Pruitt Used EPA Staff to Try to Get Wife Chick-fil-A Job Trump has been outspoken about heightened trade action against Beijing, but recently took steps to soften the blow to Chinese tech firm ZTE, which was previously banned from buying products from U.S. suppliers in the wake of alleged sanction violations over dealings with North Korea and Iran. China-based phone maker Huawei has been also been blasted by U.S. officials over espionage concerns. The Apple iPhone, despite the company itself being based in Cupertino, California, relies heavily on components built overseas. Reacting to Trumps threats, China has threatened to "fight to the end" with its own charges by placing billions worth of tariffs on U.S. products, including cars, food and planes. Tim Cook and Donald Trump NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images Don't miss: Guatemala Volcano Eruption Map: Rescuers Continue Search Effort in Hazardous Conditions Story continues In April, as noted by Axios, Cook met with Trump to discuss the potential trade war escalation. This week the Apple CEO spoke to media on the same day as the firm's annual developer conference, WWDC. In an interview with National Public Radio (NPR), he pushed for global cooperation on trade. "Countries that have a significant level of opennessare the [countries] that thrive over time," Cook said, adding: Trade brings people closer together and I think that's true about countries as well. It helps a set of broader issues when there's trade going on." Most popular: C9 Sneaky Cosplay Is a Good Direction for the Human Race It is believed that Apple is set to release at least three new iPhone models this year. During this weeks software-focused WWDC, it revealed a slew of enhancements to its mobile operating system iOS, touting FaceTime with a group of up to 32 people and improvements to voice assistant Siri. But the Financial Times reported this week, however, that a $100 billion trade war between the U.S. and China was on track to commence after recent high-level negotiations ended without much success. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek By Ahmed Aboulenein and Ali Kucukgocmen BAGHDAD/ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Iraq is surprised by Turkey's decision to start holding back water behind its Ilisu dam earlier than promised, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said on Tuesday, suggesting it was done to win support for the government in upcoming elections. Turkey has started filling the dam basin, a step that has alarmed neighbouring Iraq, which is struggling with a water crisis. "The Turkish prime minister had promised me they would start filling the dam at the end of June, not the start, so I was surprised to see they started," Abadi told a news conference. "I am aware that they have elections on June 24 and perhaps need to get the support of farmers," he added, referring to Turkey's planned general elections for president and parliament. Turkey's ambassador in Baghdad said Ankara is cooperating. "We will not take any step without consultation with the neighbouring country on how we can cooperate and provide support during any problem, Fatih Yildiz told a news conference through an Arabic translator. A spokesman for Turkey's Ministry of Forest and Water Management spokesman said Turkey was "partially" filling the dam's basin. Around 70 percent of Iraq's water resources flow from neighbouring countries, especially in the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers. Both flow through Turkey. Abadi was at lengths on Tuesday to show his outgoing government was doing everything it can to tackle the issue. "There are plans to secure our water resources on both the domestic and foreign fronts. Yes, there is a water shortage this year, but it is not a crisis," he said. The government has plans to provide water to farmers, Abadi said, especially for Iraq's strategic wheat crop. At the same time, it might reduce plots of land reserved for planting other crops that consume a lot of water. Iraqi media suggested Baghdad had asked Ankara to delay holding back water because of its own election, which took place on May 12. Abadi's bloc came third, but he may yet secure a second term if he gathers support from the winning groups. Story continues The dam issue was not the only point of contention between Baghdad and Ankara on Tuesday. Abadi demanded Turkey respect Iraq's sovereignty in its approach to Kurdish militias. Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu had said on Monday that Turkish forces were waiting for the right time to carry out an operation in northern Iraq's Qandil region where high-ranking members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) are located. Soylu had said that "Qandil is not a distant target" anymore. Abadi countered that the Turks had been "talking about that for over 35 years" and again suggested the statement was an attempt to score points before the Turkish elections. "We will not accept any violations of Iraq's sovereignty," he said, adding there was no military coordination with Turkey on this issue. (Reporting by Ahmed Aboulenein in Baghdad and Ali Kucukgocmen in Istanbul; additional reporting by Maha El Dahan in Dubai; writing by Michael Georgy and Ahmed Aboulenein; editing by Larry King) U.S. President Donald Trump on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, U.S., June 5, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican and Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a bill on Wednesday that would require President Donald Trump's administration to provide a detailed report on North Korea's nuclear program to set a "baseline" for progress on talks with Pyongyang. The bill, seen by Reuters before its public release, is one of a series of efforts by members of Congress to have some say in negotiations ahead of Trump's summit next week in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Ahead of the first meeting between leaders of the two countries, Trump has said he has high hopes of "doing something very meaningful" to curtail North Korea's nuclear ambitions. Last week he said he expected an eventual "very positive result" with North Korea, although he dampened expectations for a breakthrough in Singapore, saying it could take several meetings to reach an agreement. Members of Congress have expressed concern that Trump is so eager for a deal that he will concede too much. The "North Korea Nuclear Baseline Act" was introduced by Representative Eliot Engel, the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as lawmakers including Republican Representative Mike McCaul, chairman of the Homeland Security Committee and a senior member of the foreign affairs panel. It would require the administration to transmit to congressional national security committees within 60 days of its enactment a report on the status of North Korea's nuclear program. The report would need to include the location of the country's nuclear weapons and nuclear weapon research, development and production facilities, as well as the location of its ballistic missiles and facilities producing ballistic missiles. Lawmakers would also ask that the report be updated and re-transmitted every 180 days. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Frances Kerry) FILE PHOTO: A man walks during a visit by a U.N. delegation to the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, Yemen July 26, 2017. REUTERS/Abduljabbar Zeyad By Warren Strobel and Phil Stewart WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has warned its close ally the United Arab Emirates not to launch an assault on Yemen's port city of Hodeidah, which United Nations experts fear could precipitate a new humanitarian crisis, U.S. officials said on Tuesday. The warning was issued as Emirati-backed Yemeni forces moved within 6 miles (10 km) of the Red Sea port, a lifeline for humanitarian supplies for the country's war-wracked populace. The port is controlled by Yemen's Houthi movement. U.N. officials have warned that an assault on Hodeidah, which has a population of about 600,000, would cause a humanitarian calamity. A U.N. contingency plan projects that in the worst-case scenario of a prolonged siege, tens of thousands could die. "In terms of an operation on Hodeidah, we've been quite clear that we want to engage on the political track," a Western official said on condition of anonymity, adding that U.N. envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths "now has the best chance of anyone in quite some time of getting it moving." "This is a point that we've made at the top level," the official added. "The Saudis and Emiratis have made clear that they would not move without a joint understanding from their friends and partners of what the next steps are - what the day after will be - if there were an assault on Hodeidah." U.S. officials met at the White House on Tuesday to discuss the crisis, two sources with knowledge of the meeting said. It was unclear whether any decisions were reached. A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said Washington opposed any effort by the Emirates and Yemeni troops it backs to seize the city. "The United States has been clear and consistent that we will not support actions that destroy key infrastructure or that are likely to exacerbate the dire humanitarian situation that has expanded in this stalemated conflict," said the spokesperson, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the matter and asked not to be named. Story continues "We expect all parties to abide by the Law of Armed Conflict and avoid targeting civilians or commercial infrastructure," the spokesperson said. The United States and the Emirates are close economic and security allies, working together against militant groups in Yemen and elsewhere. Any direct American support to an Emirati ground offensive against Hodeidah would mark a major departure from U.S. policy towards Yemen, which has sought to focus U.S. military activity against al Qaeda-affiliated militants. The United States also has repeatedly urged the Saudi-led coalition, both under President Donald Trump and his predecessor, Barack Obama, to prevent civilian casualties. Critics of Washington have said, however, that its refuelling of Saudi-led coalition jets, arms sales and limited U.S. intelligence support make it complicit in civilian casualties caused by the coalition. Yemeni political sources said on Monday that U.N. envoy Griffiths was in the capital, Sanaa, to broker a deal to avert a possible assault on Hodeidah, under which the United Nations would take control of the port. (Reporting by Warren Strobel and Phil Stewart; Additional reporting by Jonathan Landay and Yara Bayoumy; Editing by Toni Reinhold and Peter Cooney) Thursday sees a small handful of results expected, including for Auto Trader, CMC Markets and Mitie, while Halifax will update on its house price data. The Halifax's price index is expected to rise by 1.9% month-on-month in May, reversing some of April's 3.1% decline. However, this survey's data is excessively volatile, economists warn, despite being seasonally adjusted. Bank of England policymaker Dave Ramsden, who voted against the majority hiking rates at the November meeting, will be speaking in London at 1600 BST. Turning to company news, back in March Auto Trader's cautious comments on the used car market in the UK, representing around 85% of the product on its website, sent the shares skidding lower. Management has suggested used car transactions would fall by 1-3% in the year to March and then come in flat in the years to March 2019 and 2020. Price and new product offerings such as dealer finance and a new search service which could drive advertising, could be worth looking out for, said analysts at AJ Bell. In terms of the headline numbers, the average City analyst forecasts is pointing to a 6% increase in sales to 331m, PBT up 9% to 211m and a 10% increase in the dividend to 5.71p. Nicholas Hyett at broker Hargreaves Lansdown said the single-digit growth is a significant slowdown on previous years. "But with Auto Trader now firmly established as the dominant player in a mature market, thats only to be expected - especially as conditions in the UK car market look far from rosy. "The good news is that with net debt considerably lower than in previous years and cash generation still strong, theres plenty of scope for dividend growth in the near term." A longer-term concern is that some pretty bruising competitors look to be eyeing up a slice of Auto Traders pie. Amazon have been rumoured to be looking at entering the car market and UK rival Motors.co.uk has recently announced a partnership with Facebook to list its wares on marketplace. Should either tech giant start to accelerate investment in the sector that could eat into Auto Traders attractive market position." In its own pre close update in March, CMC Markets said the strong performance had been maintained towards the end of its trading year, with net operating income a pip or two above the first half, with the proportion of high value clients increased. The consensus forecast is for PBT of 56.3m, with analysts and investors expecting the spread-betting and CFD provider to talk about the regulatory framework and how it may impact future revenue. The European regulator in March banned the use of binary options and imposed leverage limits on CFDs for retail customers. Broker Numis said: "We expect this change to limit the activities of smaller and less scrupulous players in the online financial products, and could see more customers coming to more reputable providers such as CMC. The company continues to target high value professional clients in favour of retail clients." In early May the company announced a new 'CMC Pro' offering for professional clients to continue to use leverage as well as some other benefits, with eligible clients being who demonstrate they are capable of making their own investment decisions and understand the risks involved", in addition to having carried out transactions of a significant size on a relevant market and/or having a financial instrument portfolio that exceeds 500,000 and/or working or having worked in the financial sector for at least one year in a relevant professional position. Facilities management outsourcer Mitie has had a turbulent year with the optimism of the strategy review last June giving way to the reality of challenging trading conditions, and the aborted attempt to dispose of the Property Management business after failing to find a buyer to match managements valuation of the business. Its own update in March, the company said it expected full operating profits to be slightly below the previous year after modest growth in sales, with revenue growth in the range of 2-2.5% to around 2.2bn. Chief executive Phil Bentley said the company had seen limited impact on the company in the wake of the collapse of sector peer Carillion, although he added this had raised some fundamental questions about the outsourcing industry. Numis anticipates group EBITA falling 10% to 73.6m, though legal provisions may be classed by management as exceptional. "We expect management to provide an update on the progress of its Project Helix transformation programme, where costs have risen since the strategy review last June. Our key concern with Mitie remains the level of average net debt in the business, particularly given recent negative earnings momentum, and we believe management will outline progress (if any) in bringing average net debt down." Thursday June 07 INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Consumer Credit (US) (20:00) Continuing Claims (US) (13:30) Industrial Production (GER) (07:00) Initial Jobless Claims (US) (13:30) UK ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Halifax House Price Index (08:30) FINALS Auto Trader Group, CMC Markets, Mitie Group, Ramsdens Holdings INTERIMS Impax Asset Management Group, RWS Holdings TRADING ANNOUNCEMENTS Joules Group SPECIAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE Fidessa Group SPECIAL EX-DIVIDEND DATE Helios Underwriting, Marshalls, Perpetual Income & Growth Inv Trust GMS Thor Mining AGMS BCRE - Brack Capital Real Estate Investments N.V. (DI), Camellia, Cluff Natural Resources, Cluff Natural Resources, Dignity, Downing Three VCT F Shs, Downing Two VCT F Shs , Invesco Perpetual UK Smaller Companies Inv Trust, Jackpotjoy, Mears Group, Nasstar, Pagegroup, RHI Magnesita N.V. (DI), Safestay, Soco International, Sopheon , Summit Therapeutics , TP Group, Volga Gas FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE Eddie Stobart Logistics , Fidessa Group, Filta Group Holdings, Legal & General Group, Macfarlane Group, William Hill FINAL EX-DIVIDEND DATE Anglo-Eastern Plantations, Animalcare Group, Arena Events Group , Billington Holdings, Christie Group, Cineworld Group, Flowtech Fluidpower, Helios Underwriting, Inspired Energy, Johnson Matthey, Judges Scientific, Learning Technologies Group, London Security, LXI Reit , M&C Saatchi, Marshalls, Nasstar, Phoenix Spree Deutschland Limited Shs NPV, Restaurant Group, Restore, Rotala, RTC Group, Sainsbury (J), SIG, Sopheon, Spectra Systems Corporation, Synthomer, Telford Homes, Vodafone Group, Warehouse Reit, Young & Co's Brewery 'A' Shares INTERIM EX-DIVIDEND DATE Aberdeen Frontier Markets Investment Company, Aeci 5 1/2% Prf, Artemis VCT, Associated British Foods, Aviva 8 3/4% Cumulative Irrd Preference 1, Connect Group, Daily Mail and General Trust A (Non.V), Debenhams, Evraz, General Accident 'A', Inland Homes, ITE Group, Majedie Investments, Northern Venture Trust, Tharisa (DI), Topps Tiles, Urban&Civic , Victrex plc, Watkin Jones QUARTERLY EX-DIVIDEND DATE Raven Russia Ltd 6.5% Red Cnv Pref Shs NPV, RM Secured Direct Lending, UIL Limited (DI), Volta Finance Limited That Nick Clegg, former British deputy prime minister, is a fervent opponent of Brexit is no secret. Speaking at the Global ABS conference in Barcelona on Wednesday, the former leader of the Liberal Democrats warned of the impact that the United Kingdom's divorce from the European Union (EU) - and the protectionist policies that it represented - would have. When it leaves the EU in March 2019, Britain will become the first European nation to "set obstacles, tariffs and taxes on trade inside Europe since the Second World War", said Clegg. "The final agreement on Brexit must be thoroughly examined in terms of how much protectionism it is going to introduce into UK trade with its current partners," he stressed. Clegg also heaped criticism on the work done thus far by Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit cabinet, just under a week before the Commons was set to debate the amendments to the EU Withdrawal Bill proposed by the House of Lords. Commenting on the implications for the UK's trade relationship with Europe, Clegg said: "trying to emulate the deal that exists with Canada or any other alternative, will mean a huge reduction in international trade compared to the current framework that does not set limits." PARALYSED COUNTRY He also criticised the political paralysis that had gripped Downing Street, saying that "Brexit is draining all the resources of the British Government." Clegg also expressed his displeasure at the fact that the paralysis since the June 2016 vote had extended to all of British society. "We need more time. The United Kingdom would need to take a break to think about what it is doing," he insisted. Nonetheless, he did not think a second referendum was likely in the near term. "The United Kingdom is doing something unprecedented. We make a decision about our future against those who will inhabit that future even though 70% of young people decided to stay. There is no other country in the world that tells its young people that they can not have the future they want," he said. CHALLENGES FOR EUROPE AND THE EUROZONE Bringing together leaders from the global banking industry, the focus of the event being held between 5 and 7 June in the Catalan capital was on the securitisation of assets. With a decade's experience working on the European Commission and another five at the European Parliament, also raised the alarm about the multiple risks facing the EU, including President Trump's misguided 'America First' policy, the resurgence of nationalism on the Old Continent and the Kremlin's attempts at destabilisation by meddling in European elections. But what worried Clegg the most was that "the European project is incomplete". He called on European leaders, especially French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, to launch the much-needed fiscal union at the end of June EU leaders' summit. "The EU can survive without the United Kingdom or the immigrant crisis, but it will probably disintegrate if there is another crisis in the euro without any prior improvement in the mechanisms needed to deal with it." Brexit spokesman says alternative option will still offer 'full access' The opposition UK Labour Party is divided over its stance on Britain's membership of the single market, its Brexit spokesman admitted on Wednesday. Sir Keir Starmer said Labour MPs could not agree unanimously to back an amendment from the House of Lords that supports a Norway-style membership of the European Economic Area (EEA). The party plans to abstain on a vote next Tuesday in the House of Commons. Labour instead will table a separate amendment on June 12 which Starmer claims would full access to the EUs single market and marks a shift in policy towards a softer Brexit welcomed by some Labour MPs. However, other more Europhile party members claim Labour is wasting an opportunity to inflict a serious defeat on the government by backing the original Lords amendment. Many could defy the whips next week and vote for full EAA membership. I have been talking to colleagues for the last two or three weeks to try and gauge the views and I wish I could report we had complete unity on all amendments but we are not in that position, Starmer told the BBC. They know as well as I do that their own colleagues in the party are indicating they are not prepared to vote for this. The only way we can win a vote is if we all vote together at the same time; thats the only way we can defeat the government. "I am injecting some honesty about where we are in the Labour Party. There are very strong and different views across the Parliamentary Labour Party on that amendment." Under the so-called "Norway model" the UK would retain full access to the single market, but have to contribute to the EU budget and allow freedom of movement of people. Some right-wing Labour MPs from constituencies that voted to leave the EU are against the proposal because they fear an electoral backlash. Labour's version rules out the free movement and but calls for "no new impediments" to trade. One of its most fervent pro-European MPs, Chuka Umunna, was critical of the party's compromise. Like the Tory government and hard Brexiteers, this amendment seeks 'access' to the EU's single market, but this is nowhere near enough. What the overwhelming majority of Labour members and supporters want is so much more - to be part of the framework of protections for workers, consumers and the environment which being part of the European Economic Area uniquely offers to non-EU members." All the way through the passage of this Bill, the only amendments which have commanded support on both sides of the House and passed are cross party backbench ones. So, if we are serious about protecting full access to the internal market of the EU and ensuring no new impediments to trade, logic dictates Labour MPs should be whipped to support the cross-party EEA amendment sent to us by the House of Lords. The government could face defeat on a number of amendments to the EU Withdrawal Bill. Among the amendments passed by the Lords are remaining in the customs union, the Northern Irish border issue and the power given to parliament on Brexit in the case that the UK does not secure an exit deal with the EU. British Airways parent company International Consolidated Airlines Group saw group traffic increase in May following its launch of the world's first and only non-stop flight between Tennessee and Europe. Bolstered by its new route between Nashville and Heathrow, which operates five days a week and further links the UK to America's south, revenue per passenger kilometres increased 10% to 23,426 and group capacity, when measured in available seat kilometres, rose 7.1% to 28,338. Also in May, Vueling, IAG's low-cost Spanish airline, obtained level-three New Distribution Capability certification, an IATA standard which enables the travel industry to transform the way airlines sell their products and ancillaries to travel agencies and companies. British Airways, Iberia and Iberia Express were previously awarded the same certification in 2017. In addition to the Nashville flights, IAG subsidiary Aer Lingus launched its new service from Dublin to Seattle which operates four times per week to become the airline's 15th North American route and Ireland's first direct flight to Seattle, while BA launched its first ever Canadian flights from Gatwick with a new three per week service to Toronto. As of 1550 BST, IAG shares had picked up 1.53% to 690.20p. RPC Group disappointed investors despite a successful year turning plastic into cash and dividends, attempting to counter market worries about the crackdown on plastic waste by trumpeting its "unprecedented" opportunities for growth. With total revenues in the year to 31 March up 33% to 3.7bn if the benefit of currency swings is excluded, the benefit of its acquisitive strategy was clear, with organic sales growth up just 2.8%. Adjusted operating profit was up 38% and profit before tax 32% to 389.4m, this fed through to earnings per share up 13% to 72p. Free cash flow, however, was 4% down to 229.2m, which was put down to an increase in working capital. Nonetheless, the group announced a final dividend of 20.2p, taking the full year payment to 28p per share, up 17% on the previous year and the 25th year of consecutive growth. The shares fell more than 12% on Wednesday morning, however, as the strong performance had been well flagged in a trading update in March, with the lower free cash flow by 4%. Analysts said some disappointment could be centred on the weaker free cash flow, though concerns around plastics regulation in the European Union in particular were the the main drag on the stock. Analysts at Northern Trust Capital Markets have criticised the company's acquisitive strategy as a "rights-issue funded, value destroying roll-up story", with the results showing free cash flow that ''looks low" and organic growth "not flowing through into profits", raising further "questions about underlying growth". But RPC chief executive Pim Vervaat stressed that the company was "strategically strong" and has "the scale, innovative capabilities and ambition coupled with the financial strength to exploit unprecedented market opportunities", based on its track record of working with customers to develop environmentally-responsible plastic products and being "uniquely placed to contribute to a sustainable future for plastics and to deliver further growth and returns to shareholders". He pointed out that RPC can benefit from any trends in the market growth as it can work with customers at the design stage and throughout the product lifecycle to improve the recyclability and reusability of products. Vervaat said the board's ongoing review of the business portfolio has seen it improve its exposure to added-value products including plastic products that can be more easily recycled or reused, which he said would improve the overall quality of earnings. The Dutchman's latest review has identified smaller units on the fringes of core businesses that can be disposed in coming months, with the total equating to 209m of turnover and has approved by the board for sale since the year-end. Northern Trust argued that RPCs definitions of adjusted profit and free cash flow had been inconsistent over the past five years, and had flattered the figures in ways that sometimes defy accounting logic, with the pace of RPC's acquisitions masking its structurally weak underlying business. Analysts said that if "the hitherto supportive appetite for rights issues fade, we think shareholders will find a structurally challenged, low margin, highly levered, sub cost-of-capital business trading on circa 23 times [historic] earnings on our estimates, an undeserved 50 per cent premium to the market". Panmure Gordon argued that accounting provisions more than halved to 53.3m which was "a key indication that one-off items are directly related to the acquisitions and the associated restructuring of the business, rather than an attempt to mask the underlying profitability of the business". Panmure felt that while cash conversion moved backwards to free cash flow of 259m after tax, exceptional items and maintenance expenditure, short if its forecast of 288m, this suggested conversion at 78%, down from 82%. "The reason for this unexpected contraction was a significant investment in working capital. Within the mix, there was a 39.3m investment in inventories, 29.5m investment in receivables. Management has indicated some of this is seasonal and some reflects investment in growing the business." Nicholas Hyett, analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, felt the numbers were in line with expectations and noted that RPC does not manufacture any of the products that will be restricted under the EU proposals, and continues to invest in recyclable, renewable and biodegradable plastics. He agreed cash flow was "perhaps a little disappointing" and "the worries about increased scrutiny havent been dispelled" but overall felt the company is being "harshly treated". "Fortunately RPC, like its packaging, is resilient. A comfortable balance sheet position and plenty of free cash should allow the group to ride out the storm, but investors will have to wait for sentiment towards RPC and its product to improve for a recovery. Cyclicals paced gains on the market on Wednesday, with Miners doing best, boosted by US dollar weakness after the chief economist of the world's second most important central bank failed to show his characteristically dovish side. That was all the more noteworthy given the recent run of weaker-than-expected data out of the euro area and the political mayhem in Rome. Speaking in Berlin, the European Central Bank's Peter Praet left the door open to the announcement, for as soon as the following week, of the exact end-date for the ECB's asset purchases. It was by no means a promise, but it was made abundantly clear that ECB's Governing Council was set to broach the subject. Being somewhat impervious to the economic uncertainty lingering over markets, and the UK more generally, thanks to its business model, centred on a mix of high street, railway stations and airport locations, WH Smith sounded a confident note on its full-year outlook. "Whilst there is some uncertainty in the broader economic environment, WHSmith serves millions of customers each week and continues to grow both internationally and in the UK," WH Smith boss Stephen Clarke told investors in a trading update. "[...] We remain confident in the outcome for the full year." Boosting TI Fluid Systems meanwhile (and hence the Autos&Parts space), analysts at Numis reportedly initiated coverage of the global leader in automotive fluid carrying systems with a 'buy' recommendation and a 390p target price. "The shares have flat-lined since arriving back on the UK market as investors fret over auto exposure or electric vehicle impact. This is providing an attractive entry point," the broker said in a research note sent to clients. "We expect delivery of results, de-levering of the balance sheet and electric/hybrid contract wins to progressively drive a re-rating." To take note of, in the background, and despite the current up-draft in risk appetite, as recently as 1 June strategists at BoA-ML were telling clients that they remained "tactically defensive", adding that they were waiting for asset prices to force the US central bank's hand with rate-setters "pausing" in their policy tightening. Top performing sectors so far today Mining +2.71% General Retailers +1.87% Industrial Metals & Mining +1.64% Automobiles & Parts +1.56% Forestry & Paper +1.29% Bottom performing sectors so far today General Industrials -1.56% Oil Equipment, Services & Distribution -1.46% Tobacco -1.20% Personal Goods -1.16% Beverages -1.02% Before new and transfer students start attending classes at any of the University of North Georgia's (UNG) five campuses, they are required to attend an orientation program to connect, prepare and navigate their collegiate career. "If a student doesn't engage and connect to the university within the first six weeks, they are more likely to dropout or withdraw," said Vincent Prior, coordinator of Transfer and Transition Programs at UNG. The New Student Orientation (NSO) and Transfer Student Orientation (TSO) programs were established to help students maneuver through the first year on campus. Both programs provide an infinite amount of information. This summer, those programs have been streamlined. Freshman UNG students will encounter a revamped NSO following the successful redesign of the TSO last year. The idea to renovate the TSO program came from UNG's staff and knowledge of best practices. The change allowed transfer students to select the sessions in which they were interested. The addition to TSO this year was a redesigned transfer experience reflection session that was created in collaboration with National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS), which is based at UNG's Dahlonega Campus. It worked. "We got positive feedback," Prior said. "After its success, Orientation and Transition Programs turned their attention to revamping NSO sessions this year." The new model features four redesigned sessions: Cost of College, Tech Talk, Mindset Matters, and Connecting on Campus. New students attend all four of them as well as completing an online pre-orientation module. Students taking classes solely online complete an extended online pre-orientation module version, which is geared toward their track. New Student Orientation (NSO) and Transfer Student Orientation (TSO) programs were established to help students maneuver through the first year on campus. All new and transfer students are required to attend an orientation program before attending classes at any of the University of North Georgia's (UNG) five campuses. Developed by the Student Money Management Center, the Cost of College requires students to calculate financial scenarios and pick the best one for them, Prior said. For example, students see overall cost of living alone, with a roommate, in the residence halls on the Dahlonega Campus, or off campus. Another example is determining the cost of eating at restaurants or buying a meal plan. "It's based on the Student Money Management Center's 'Game of Life' content, and on first-year experiences," Prior said. "These scenarios are more effective than just hearing presentations about financial aid, the Student Money Management Center, Auxiliary Services, and the Business Office." In Tech Talk, students visit a computer lab and go through the steps of logging into the system and working through the computer checklist. Prior said previously the session was a PowerPoint presentation. "Now, it's hands-on and the students do tasks in the lab," he said. In Mindset Matters, students learn about the campus services that can help them solve any issue while focusing on the benefits of having a growth mindset when faced with challengers. For example, a student who originally chose to major in nursing but is no longer sure can visit Career Services to find a different career in the healthcare field. A student who is feeling anxious about a future career choice can also visit Student Counseling. Finally, students will have a session called Connecting on Campus. When it was previously called the Resource Fair, the program allowed students to visit and learn about different campus organizations and departments. "But students were overwhelmed, engaged at only one table or didn't see something they were interested in," Prior said. Now, a smaller number of departments deliver a 30-second elevator speech to the students. Then students may visit the tables of those departments and organizations that interest them and allows them time for more in-depth discussions about the importance of getting involved on campus. These key changes to the program seem to be benefitting the students. Based on trial runs during the May orientation programs for summer semester, the feedback is positive, Prior said. "The presenters are finding students are coming to their tables with specific questions," he said. For more information, visit the Orientation and Transition Programs webpage. To some, building a paper airplane is child's play. To the 70 children enrolled in this years Summer Scholars Institute (SSI) at the University of North Georgia (UNG), it's a science project. "In one exercise, the students design the paper airplanes for accuracy and distance," said Harriett Allison, associate professor of English as a Second Language (ESL) and director of ESL and Summer Programs. Two of those programs are SSI and Steps-to-College (S2C) summer enrichment and for-credit program. Once the rising eighth-, ninth- and 10th-graders complete a task, they are asked to explain their process in general terms and then in scientific terms, Allison said. This technique of using a hands-on project to teach students is a major part of the focus of SSI. "This is not a lecture-based program," Allison said. "The curriculum is designed to engage students in problem-solving skills." The free, three-year program targets middle and high school students who "aren't starting school with the same advantages," Allison said. "We select students who are considered 'at-promise.'" Students selected for the program are recommended by their schools' teachers and counselors in Hall and Habersham counties and Gainesville City Schools. To be selected, students must qualify for one of the following: be eligible for free- and reduced-priced lunches or be under-represented in the college demographic. Allison also talks to the students and their parents to explain the program, activities and requirements. "They have to make a three-year commitment to this program," she said, adding the students must maintain a certain GPA and have good conduct reports during the school year to remain in the program. Once they are admitted, students learn about two categories Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and language arts and social studies during an intensive four-week program from June 4-28 at UNG's Gainesville Campus. At the program's conclusion, students present their "passion projects," on Expo Day to family, friends and UNG staff. Their presentations include brief summaries of their research with illustrations followed by a question-and-answer session. Allison said examples of previous passion projects have included a presentation on neurosurgery, a project detailing the musical scale system and the evolution of cosmetics for African-American women. "We want them to take the material they have been exposed to and relate it to life outside the school house door," she said. The program is funded in part through a $15,000 grant from Jackson EMC Foundation and other fundraising activities. To donate, contact Allison at 678-717-3419 or harriett.allison@ung.edu. Students are helped with their projects by the program's six instructors and six teaching assistants, such as UNG junior Yadira Hernandez. "You have more one-on-one time with the students than you normally receive in a regular classroom," Hernandez said. "You have time to help the students really understand the material." Having a better grasp of the STEM and arts and social studies curriculum benefits the students in the long run, Hernandez said. And she would know. The teacher education major from Gainesville, Georgia, attended the program when she was in middle school. "It was an amazing experience for me," she said. "It was fun and challenging and made me more confident in school." Another critical element is exposing students to higher education, which it did for Hernandez. She said SSI introduced her to UNG, which she was unfamiliar with despite living in Gainesville. She admitted that being on the Gainesville Campus for three summers cemented her plan of attending UNG. As a teaching assistant with SSI last year, Hernandez has noticed a similar effect on students who may not have considered college. "When they see other college students, they love it," Hernandez said. The 2018-20 Virginia budget signed by Gov. Ralph Northam today includes $25 million for the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative that will leverage public institutions of higher education to build an ecosystem of cyber-related research, education, and engagement to position Virginia as a world leader in cybersecurity at the confluence with data analytics, machine learning, and autonomous systems. The initiative calls for a primary hub to be located in Northern Virginia and a network of spoke sites across the commonwealth with collaborating universities in Virginia and industry partners that will catalyze research, innovation, and the commercialization of cybersecurity technologies and address the states need for growth of advanced degrees and professional training within the cyber workforce. The state has asked Virginia Tech to lead this initiative because of its widely recognized strengths in science and engineering, existing expertise in cybersecurity research and education, and its significant research presence in Northern Virginia. The university will build upon and broaden the work of its Hume Center for National Security and Technology, which focuses on developing a national security workforce and the research challenges of cybersecurity, information systems, and autonomy. The Hume Centers 80 faculty engage more than 400 students per year in research and experiential learning programs. Since 2012, Hume Center faculty have spun off eight venture-backed startups that have raised more than $120 million in capital. In addition, the hub will leverage Virginia Techs Discovery Analytics Center and Biocomplexity Institute, bringing together computer scientists, engineers, and statisticians to meet the research and talent needs of a data-intensive world, as well as the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, the second-largest university transportation institute in the country, to conduct research that shapes business practices and policy. We are pleased to have the opportunity to anchor the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative with this support from the state, along with the collaboration with the Virginia Research Investment Committee and our partner institutions of higher education in Virginia, said Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. The $25 million from the state will catalyze what we envision will become a much larger project that will connect industry, innovators, government, and higher education. Partnerships, research funding, and philanthropy, along with the state resources, will expand the pool of talent and grow the Virginia economy at the confluence of data, security, and autonomy, he said. Given the ever-growing cyberthreat, Virginias innovative technology sector, and strong research institutions in higher education, it makes perfect sense for the commonwealth to seed a significant cyber research and workforce initiative, said Del. Chris Jones (R-Suffolk), chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Led by Virginia Tech, and in coordination and collaboration with other higher education research institutions and industry around the state, the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative will help fill the tens of thousands of open cyber jobs in Virginia, spur the development of new real-world offensive and defensive cyber technologies, and help diversify our economy, said Jones. Cybercrime is considered the greatest threat to doing business for companies in the United States, according to the World Economic Forum. In 2016, 15.4 million victims of identity theft were reported in the United States, a 16 percent increase from 2015. By 2020, it is estimated that there will be 50 billion connected devices and that by 2021, $6 trillion will be lost per year to cybercrime, the largest and fastest growing criminal enterprise. Currently, it is estimated more than 33,000 cybersecurity jobs in Virginia remain unfilled. As the lead organization of this initiative, Virginia Tech will issue a report to the General Assembly by December 1 to outline how the program will work and what the next steps will be. Virginia Tech will receive up to $10 million over the next two years to launch the hub, including funds for facilities, equipment, student engagement, entrepreneurship programs and internships, and research faculty. An additional $10 million will be available to universities across the state to apply for matching funds to recruit innovative, entrepreneurial faculty to Virginia, as the initiative helps build capabilities at the hub and various spokes across the commonwealth. In addition, $5 million in capital funding will be used for renovations, space enhancements, and equipment. Virginia Tech plans to scale and broaden its work at the intersection of cybersecurity, data analytics, and autonomous systems and will continue to assemble world-class research talent in Northern Virginia. A Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute faculty member and a Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine student have finished their second week in Hue, Vietnam, training Vietnamese therapists in Pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (P-CIMT) to help children with cerebral palsy. Miranda Gerrard, a first-year VTCSOM student, and Stephanie DeLuca, research assistant professor and director of the VTCRI Neuromotor Research Clinic, taught the first session of P-CIMT alongside Patty Coker-Bolt, a professor in the Division of Occupational Therapy at the Medical University of South Carolina, and MUSC students. The therapy is based on studies of the effects of prolonged disuse by parts of the brain that may occur as a result of cerebral palsy or after stroke. Such disuse can lead to limited connectivity of the synaptic networks in the affected area of the brain and result in disabilities. Neurorehabilitation researchers have discovered, however, that with intensive therapy and the use of a lightweight constraint, the less-impaired limb promotes the use to the more impaired limb and helps children with cerebral palsy improve their limb function and increased daily living skills. The therapy for children with cerebral palsy was pioneered by DeLuca and Sharon Landesman Ramey, a research professor and distinguished research scholar at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute. After traveling more than 40 hours overseas, Coker-Bolt and DeLuca sought to integrate evidencedbased treatments, such as P-CIMT, into clinical practice. The need to improve worldwide health and functional outcomes for individuals with disabilities is increasingly urgent, according to DeLuca. Gerrard, who is from Riner, Virginia, and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, became involved through VTCSOMs intensive research curriculum, which calls for all students to participate in research from their first year onward. The work embraces the universitys heritage of service and community and its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). Looking ahead, the U.S. researchers hope to follow both therapists and children as they try to implement a Vietnamese version of P-CIMT. The following companies are subsidiares of ENI: Adriaplin Podjetje za distribucijo, Agenzia Giornalistica Italia SpA, Agip Caspian Sea BV, Agip Energy and Natural, Agip Karachaganak BV, Agip Petroli, Aldro Energy, Banque Eni SA, Burren Energy (Bermuda) Ltd(1), Burren Energy (Egypt) Ltd, Burren Energy Congo Ltd, Burren Energy India Ltd, Burren Energy Plc, Burren Shakti Ltd, D-Service Media Srl, D-Share SpA, D-Share USA Corp., Dhamma Energy Group, Dunastyr Polisztirolgyarto Zartkoruen, Ecofuel SpA, Eni AEP Ltd, Eni Abu Dhabi BV, Eni Abu Dhabi Refining & Trading BV, Eni Abu Dhabi Refining & Trading Services BV, Eni Albania BV, Eni Algeria Exploration BV, Eni Algeria Ltd Sarl, Eni Algeria Production BV, Eni Ambalat Ltd, Eni America Ltd, Eni Angola Exploration BV, Eni Angola Production BV, Eni Angola SpA, Eni Argentina Exploracion, Eni Arguni I Ltd, Eni Australia BV, Eni Australia Ltd, Eni Austria GmbH, Eni BB Petroleum Inc, Eni BTC Ltd, Eni Bahrain BV, Eni Benelux BV, Eni Bukat Ltd, Eni CBM Ltd, Eni Canada Holding Ltd, Eni China BV, Eni Congo SA, Eni Corporate University SpA, Eni Cyprus Ltd, Eni Cote dIvoire Ltd, Eni Denmark BV, Eni Deutschland GmbH, Eni East Ganal Ltd, Eni East Sepinggan Ltd, Eni Ecuador SA, Eni Elgin/Franklin Ltd, Eni Energy Russia BV, Eni Exploration & Production Holding BV, Eni Finance International SA, Eni Finance USA Inc, Eni France Sarl, Eni Fuel SpA, Eni G&P Trading BV, Eni Gabon SA, Eni Ganal Ltd, Eni Gas & Power France SA, Eni Gas & Power LNG Australia BV, Eni Gas Transport Services Srl, Eni Ghana Exploration and Production Ltd, Eni Hewett Ltd, Eni Hydrocarbons Venezuela Ltd, Eni Iberia SLU, Eni India Ltd, Eni Indonesia Ltd, Eni Indonesia Ots 1 Ltd, Eni Insurance DAC, Eni International BV, Eni International NA NV Sarl, Eni International Resources Ltd, Eni Investments Plc, Eni Iran BV, Eni Iraq BV, Eni Ireland BV, Eni Isatay BV, Eni JPDA 03-13 Ltd, Eni JPDA 06-105 Pty Ltd, Eni JPDA 11-106 BV, Eni Kenya BV, Eni Krueng Mane Ltd, Eni LNS Ltd, Eni Lasmo Plc, Eni Lebanon BV, Eni Liberia BV, Eni Liverpool Bay Operating Co Ltd, Eni Lubricants Trading (Shangai) Co Ltd, Eni Marketing Austria GmbH, Eni Marketing Inc, Eni Maroc BV, Eni Mediterranea Idrocarburi SpA, Eni Middle East Ltd, Eni Mineralolhandel GmbH, Eni Montenegro BV, Eni Mozambico SpA, Eni Mozambique Engineering Ltd, Eni Mozambique LNG Holding BV, Eni Muara Bakau BV, Eni Myanmar BV, Eni Mexico S. de RL de CV, Eni Next Llc, Eni North Africa BV, Eni North Ganal Ltd, Eni Oil & Gas Inc, Eni Oil Algeria Ltd, Eni Oil Holdings BV, Eni Oman BV, Eni Pakistan (M) Ltd Sarl, Eni Pakistan Ltd, Eni Petroleum Co Inc, Eni Petroleum US Llc, Eni Portugal BV, Eni RAK BV, Eni RD Congo SA, Eni Rapak Ltd, Eni Rovuma Basin BV, Eni Schmiertechnik GmbH, Eni Sharjah BV, Eni South Africa BV, Eni South China Sea Ltd Sarl, Eni Suisse SA, Eni TNS Ltd, Eni Timor Leste SpA, Eni Trading & Shipping Inc, Eni Trading & Shipping SpA, Eni Transporte y Suministro Mexico , Eni Tunisia BV, Eni Turkmenistan Ltd, Eni UHL Ltd, Eni UK Holding Plc, Eni UK Ltd, Eni UKCS Ltd, Eni ULT Ltd, Eni ULX Ltd, Eni US Operating Co Inc, Eni USA Gas Marketing Llc, Eni USA Inc, Eni USA R&M Co Inc, Eni Ukraine Holdings BV, Eni Ukraine Llc, Eni Ukraine Shallow Waters BV, Eni Venezuela BV, Eni Venezuela E&P Holding SA, Eni Vietnam BV, Eni West Africa SpA, Eni West Ganal Ltd, Eni West Timor Ltd, Eni Yemen Ltd, Eni do Brasil Investimentos em Exploracao e Producao de Petroleo Ltda, Eni gas e luce SpA, EniPower Mantova SpA, EniProgetti Egypt Ltd, EniProgetti SpA, EniServizi SpA, Esacontrol SA, Esain SA, Eurl Eni Algerie, FRI-EL Group, First Calgary Petroleums LP, First Calgary Petroleums Partner Co ULC, First Calgary Petroliums, Floaters SpA, Gas Supply Company Thessaloniki - Thessalia SA, Gazoduc Transtunisien SA - Scogat SA, Ieoc Exploration BV, Ieoc Production BV, Ieoc SpA, LNG Shipping SpA, Lasmo Sanga Sanga Ltd, Liverpool Bay Ltd, Mizamtec Operating Company, Mukodo Reszvenytarsasag, Nigerian Agip CPFA Ltd, Nigerian Agip Exploration Ltd, Nigerian Agip Oil Co Ltd, OOO Eni Energhia, OOO Eni-Nefto, Oleoduc du Rhone SA, Petroven Srl, Raffineria di Gela SpA, Resources (Nigeria) Ltd, S. de RL de CV, SEA SpA, SeaPad SpA, Serfactoring SpA, Servizi Aerei SpA, Servizi Fondo Bombole Metano SpA, Societa Petrolifera Italiana SpA, Societe de Service du Gazoduc, Societe pour la Construction du, Tecnoesa SA, Trans Tunisian Pipeline Co SpA, Transtunisien SA - Sergaz SA, Versalis Americas Inc, Versalis Congo Sarlu, Versalis Deutschland GmbH, Versalis France SAS, Versalis International SA, Versalis Kimya Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Versalis Mexico S. de R.L. de CV, Versalis Pacific (India) Private Ltd, Versalis Pacific Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, Versalis Singapore Pte Ltd, Versalis SpA, Versalis UK Ltd, Zetah Congo Ltd, Zetah Kouilou Ltd, and zemeljskega plina doo Ljubljana. Wall Street analysts have given Botswana Diamonds 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 Botswana Diamonds wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. Thomas Oliphant in The Washington Post: The credit for arguably the best idea ever for a White House event goes to the fertile brain of Richard Goodwin. In a note to Jacqueline Kennedy in November 1961, the presidents aide was to the point: How about a dinner for the American winners of the Nobel Prize? Within six months, the largest social event of the New Frontier had occurred. By contemporary accounts, it was a smash. And it has resonated through the decades as a symbol of what that one brief, shining moment was capable of on its best days, and of the impact a White House can have on American culture and the creative minds who inhabit it. Comparisons to the disgusting atmosphere of the present are obvious. John Kennedy was pleased, but not entirely. According to his and his wifes friend, the artist William Walton, the president called him later to complain about the woman who had been seated on his right, Ernest Hemingways fourth wife and widow of a year, Mary, who gave him repeated guff for his Cuba policy; Kennedy was more impressed by the dignified woman on his left, Katherine Marshall, the widow of George C. Marshall, the World War II commander and architect of the postwar reconstruction plan that bore his name. Well, your friend Mary Hemingway is the biggest bore Id had for a long time, Walton quoted JFK as saying. If I hadnt had Mrs. Marshall I would have had a terrible night. Walton couldnt say much in reply: Mary Hemingway was right next to him in his Georgetown home when the call came. Hunting pheasants this weekend? Here's what you should know. WASHINGTON Deb Haaland, a former New Mexico Democratic Party chairwoman who would be the first Native American woman elected to Congress, won a hard-fought Democratic primary election in the states 1st Congressional District. Haaland held a 15-point lead over her nearest rival, former U.S. Attorney Damon Martinez, late into the evening. Haaland had 41 percent of the vote, compared with 26 percent for Martinez. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, a former University of New Mexico law professor, was at 21 percent support, according to results from the Secretary of States office. Haaland will face Janice Arnold-Jones, a former Albuquerque city councilor and state representative, in the November general election. Libertarian candidate Lloyd Princeton is also on the general election ballot. He and Arnold-Jones were unopposed in Tuesdays primary election. More than 150 supporters gathered at Haalands Nob Hill campaign headquarters and chants of Deb! Deb! Deb! broke out intermittently as votes continued to pour in for Haaland throughout the evening. Tears streamed down the faces of many of her supporters as Haaland took the stage after the race was called. Tonight, we made history, Haaland said, to roars from the crowd. Our win is a victory for working people, a victory for women and a victory for Indian Country. Never, ever in my wildest dreams did I think this could happen to a Native, said 75-year-old Charlene Castillo, a member of Laguna Pueblo, as is Haaland. In a statement emailed to the press, Haaland thanked her supporters and sent a warning to President Donald Trump about the midterm general elections in November. Tonight, New Mexico made history, Haaland said. Thank you to the tens of thousands of volunteers, grassroots donors, and supporters who won this election today. Im honored and humbled by your support. Our win is a victory for working people, a victory for women, and a victory for everyone who has been sidelined by the billionaire class. Donald Trump and the billionaire class should consider this victory a warning shot: the blue wave is coming, she added. Martinez, a U.S. Army reservist and former congressional staffer for then-Sen. Jeff Bingaman, cast himself as the most experienced candidate and the best prepared for federal office. Martinez was widely considered the most moderate candidate in the 1st District race, although he repeatedly described himself as progressive to appeal to the left-leaning voters who tend to vote in Democratic primary elections. He conceded at 10:15 p.m., telling supporters, We have a lot to be proud of. Tomorrow, when we wake up, I hope we have no regrets, he told about 80 supporters at Seasons Restaurant in Old Town Albuquerque. Sedillo Lopez campaigned as a champion of women, while also calling for Medicare for all. She vowed to help impeach President Donald Trump and said her expertise in constitutional law would help her fight back against the Republican president. Late Tuesday night, she said she called Haaland to congratulate her. I feel good, she said. We ran a great race. I never expected to be a politician but I enjoyed it. She also hinted at the possibility of running for a different position in the future. Albuquerque City Councilor Pat Davis, who dropped out of the race last week and endorsed Haaland, had 4 percent support with absentee and early votes and 16 of 468 precincts reporting; Paul Moya had 5 percent of the vote and Damian Lara won 3 percent of the votes counted. The highly competitive Democratic contest marked the first time in six years that the Albuquerque-based 1st District seat was open. It also triggered a flood of out-of-state spending by special interests with more than $2 million in outside advocacy for various candidates paid for by political action committees representing veterans, Native Americans, women and others. Its been super intense, said Gabriel Sanchez, a University of New Mexico political science professor. Thats primarily because of all the outside spending from super PACS (political action committees). Its been a really hard-fought race. Democratic Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, the incumbent now in her third term, was unable to seek re-election because shes running for governor of New Mexico. She will face Republican Rep. Steve Pearce, currently the states 2nd District representative. Sanchez said Haaland now needs to mend fences with Democrats who supported her opponents. None of the top three was able to galvanize a majority of the Democratic base so the winner will have a lot of work to do to solidify those folks before the general election in November, Sanchez said. New Mexicos 1st Congressional District includes almost all of Bernalillo County, all of Torrance County, and small portions of Sandoval, Valencia, and Santa Fe counties. Journal staff writers Jessica Dyer, Maddy Hayden and Shelby Perea contributed to this report. Megan Stackhouse and her fiancee, Lucinda Mann, spent their Friday night enjoying a carnival in Bend, Oregon, hosted by a local cider company. They joked about how pricey the drinks were, and laughed about not having the nerve to ride the stomach-churning Zipper carnival ride. But what was supposed to be a relaxing date night for the recently engaged couple quickly turned into an brutal road rage nightmare that would leave both women injured and a man arrested on felony assault charges, police said. The man, identified by the Bend Police Department as 49-year-old Jay Barbeau, was arraigned on Monday in Deschutes County court on three counts of assault and single counts of criminal mischief and reckless driving, according to the Oregonian. He remains in jail. Traffic was heavy as the couple made their way home from the carnival at about 8 p.m. Friday, Stackhouse said in an interview with The Washington Post. At the wheel of her brand new Kia Soul, the 34-year-old woman tried maneuvering through the cars to find a space to merge onto the road. She tried squeezing in the space in front of a black Toyota truck, and the driver, Barbeau, became infuriated, Stackhouse said. Barbeau gunned the Toyotas engine, scooting forward in an attempt to force Stackhouse back, she said. But she pulled in front of him anyway. Barbeau started yelling, flipping her off and flashing his lights, Stackhouse said. About a half block down the road, Stackhouse came to a crosswalk and stopped her car. Barbeau stepped out of his truck and started walking toward Stackhouse and Mann, 26, who was in the passengers seat, but Stackhouse drove off, she said. Reaching a roundabout a half mile later, Barbeau was tailgating Stackhouse so closely that she could no longer see his headlights or license plate. I really thought he was about to rear end me, she said. So she decided to pull over to let him pass. But instead of passing, Barbeau slammed on his brakes. He stepped out of his truck and punched the back window of Stackhouses Kia, shattering the glass, she said. He punched out the drivers side taillight. Then, he attacked Stackhouse, Bend police said. While Stackhouses door was locked, her window was rolled down. Barbeau, Stackhouse said, reached into the window, grabbed her right arm, twisted it and broke it. He punched her in the face, breaking her glasses. Mann stepped out of the car and approached Barbeau to try to protect Stackhouse. But he threw Mann to the ground, where she hit her head and was knocked her unconscious, Stackhouse and authorities said. Stackhouse described Barbeau as stocky, heavyset muscular, and intimidating. He is 5-foot 8 and weighs 245 pounds, police said, according to the Bend Bulletin. A woman sitting in the passenger seat of Barbeaus Toyota yelled at him to get back in the truck and drive away. But Stackhouse stood in his way. With her fiancee unconscious on the ground, Stackhouse worried that Barbeau would try to run over her and leave the scene. She tried to take a photograph of his license plate with her phone, she said, but my arm was so broken I just couldnt make it work. Thats when she saw a police vehicle heading northbound on the street. Bend Police said Barbeau was trying to flee the scene as police were responding, the Bend Bulletin reported. Officers interviewed witnesses and arrested Barbeau, who told police that the women had cut him off while driving, Stackhouse said. The woman in Barbeaus car claimed to authorities that the couple was faking the injuries, and that Mann and Stackhouse had prompted the incident. Multiple people witnessed the exchange, Lt. Clint Burley, a Bend police spokesman, told the Oregonian. Stackhouse and Mann were transported by ambulance to a hospital where they were treated for their injuries. Mann reportedly suffered a neck injury in addition to a concussion. Stackhouse suffered a bruised temple and a broken wrist. She later found a lens from her glasses in the back seat of her car. Thats how hard he hit me in the face. She underwent surgery Monday, during which doctors placed a plate, several pins and screws into her broken radius. Doctor did say that its likely I will have chronic pain from this sort of injury, Stackhouse said. She said she still feels terrified by the experience. I cant help but think what if he had had a gun? Stackhouse said. Im still worried about my personal safety from any kind of retribution that might come back to me about this. Its definitely a pretty upsetting experience and I feel like its going to take a long time to work through all of the feelings that it brought up. This is not the sort of thing that I would like to think happens in my town, she added. https://wapo.st/2xPdZDc SANTA FE The father and brother of one of three people killed inside a house near Dixon last week have been charged with stealing items off the bodies after they discovered the triple homicide before they called police to the scene. Surveillance video from cameras posted at the house which the State Police previously have said shows the three victims being shot to death by two men who have since been arrested also caught Ezekiel Martinez, 29, of Santa Fe and his father, Robert Martinez, 70, of Dixon as they rifled through the belongings of the deceased and burgled other parts of the house, the law enforcement agency said in a news release. But Robert Martinez, a retired logger, denies the burglary accusations. He told the Journal in a phone interview that he did not take anything or touch anything at the house with the three bodies. And the only thing he saw his son take were white plastic containers with jewelry beads that belonged to his dead brother, as a way to remember him, Martinez said. The bodies of April Browne, 42, Kierin Guillemin, 27, and Abraham Martinez, 36 son of Robert and brother of Ezekiel were discovered last Wednesday night in Brownes home in the community of Canoncito, east of Dixon, off N.M. 68 between Espanola and Taos. In a previously released statement, the State Police said Ezekiel and Robert Martinez went to the house that evening to look for Abraham because they hadnt been able to get in touch with him and wanted to make sure he was OK. The father and son saw the three bodies through a window and called police, the State Police previously reported. But while processing video from cameras that were found stationed in and around the house, State Police discovered a clip recorded just before officers showed up. The video shows Ezekiel and Robert Martinez entering the bedroom where Browne, Guillemin and Abraham Martinez had been shot to death, State Police say. The video shows them going through a purse, wallet, and drawers and stealing items from within the residence, the news release says. They also steal items off the deceased bodies. After burglarizing the home, Ezekiel Martinez then calls State Police to report the homicide(s). A State Police arrest warrant affidavit said the video shows that the father-son team took a tackle box of suspected drugs and that Ezekiel removed a plastic bag from the hands of the slain Guillemin. Robert just watches Ezekiel stealing items, and Ezekiel hands a couple of items to the father, the affidavit states. Afterward, Ezekiel called police to report the three deaths. Browne, Guillemin and Abraham Martinez had been killed the previous night, based on another video found at the house, the State Police reported earlier this week. Just beads In the phone interview, Robert Martinez said he did not see Ezekiel take anything besides the beads but wasnt positive that his son didnt take anything else. A lot of the time I was sitting in a chair with my head (down) just shaking it, Why, why, why? Robert Martinez said. I didnt watch him all the time, and I cant say for sure. Based on the video, State Police arrested both Ezekiel and Robert Martinez on Tuesday and charged them with burglary, larceny and tampering with evidence. Robert Martinez was released on his own recognizance because of health issues, while Ezekiel Martinez is incarcerated at the Rio Arriba County jail. Robert Martinez acknowledged it was wrong to enter the home before calling the police. But he said he couldnt identify his dead son from the window, and he wanted to know for sure. He said he and Ezekiel went to Brownes house after a friend told them there was a corpse-like smell coming from inside. Im a human being, said Robert Martinez. Im a person. When I couldnt tell if it was my son or not, I could not walk away. It was worth it to me to find my son, he added. It hurt, yeah, but at least in my heart I know hes in a better place. The State Police said theres no reason to suspect Robert and Ezekiel Martinez had any role in the triple homicide. Their case is being treated as a separate crime, the news release said. The investigation of this incident has not compromised the original homicide investigation. No further information is available at this time. John Powell, 34, of Ranchos de Taos, and his brother, Roger Gage, 33, of Arroyo Hondo, each has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the killings. Police say they identified them from the previously disclosed security-cam video that shows two men entering the bedroom of Brownes house and quickly shooting all three of the victims, then stealing what investigators believe were drugs as well as other items from drawers in the room. Son recently returned Abraham Martinez had been back in Dixon for about a month when he died, according to his father. He said Abraham returned from Arizona to straighten up for his young daughter and girlfriend. He didnt want to say much about Abrahams personal life, but he said his son struggled with addiction. Sadly, Robert Martinez said, Abraham met April Browne shortly after coming back and agreed to move into her house because she was scared of being alone with her roommate, who he said was John Powell, one of the two men now charged in the triple homicide. Robert Martinez said his son chased him (Powell) off either a few days or the day before the killings, which he said he believes were all about drugs and money. According to Robert Martinez, Abraham went to school in Arizona to be a chef and lived and worked in various states. He described his son as someone who was respectful and went out of his way to help people. He was a nice guy, he said. He wouldnt hurt a fly. The only reason he was down there (was) to go protect that woman. Browne grew up in the home where the killings took place, which area residents said was long believed to be a drug house. She was a high school valedictorian and had two children, but struggled with drug addiction, her family has said. Browne had two drug charges on her record. Friends of Guillemin told the Journal last week that he had moved to New Mexico from New Jersey about five years ago. His father owned property in Truchas, and Guillemin was working at a local garlic farm. Powell and Gage, the brothers charged in the killings, have only minor offenses on their records, mostly traffic cases. Democratic candidate Xochitl Torres Small will face Republican state Rep. Yvette Herrell after both women claimed victory in the 2nd Congressional District primary election. Torres Small, a water rights attorney in Las Cruces, held a commanding lead in the race for her partys nomination against Madeline Hildebrand, a Coast Guard veteran. Im incredibly humbled and inspired by the outpouring of support from those across southern New Mexico who are eager for change, Torres Small said. Herrell won a hard-fought battle against Monty Newman, former mayor of Hobbs, in the four-person GOP race. For months, we have shared our vision that the only way to fix a broken Washington is to ensure that strong conservative New Mexican values represent us, said Herrell, who thanked her opponents for running spirited campaigns. Republican candidates Gavin Clarkson and Clayburn Griffin trailed the field. It was the decision by longtime U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce not to seek re-election that led to a crowded field of contenders four Republicans and two Democrats. The possibility of flipping a seat that has been held by Republicans for all but two years since 1981 may have led to a higher voter turnout. In Dona Ana County, which includes Las Cruces and more registered Democratic voters, there was a 59 percent increase in voter turnout Tuesday compared with the 2014 primary election, which included a similar slate of candidates. Im very excited to see such a huge increase, said Scott Krahling, Dona Ana County clerk. Torres Small used her experience working as a field organizer for U.S. Sen. Tom Udall. We focused on running a very strong get-out-the-vote campaign right up until 7 oclock, she said Tuesday night. She also had the support of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committees red to blue effort, which promotes promising candidates who will go on to challenge Republicans in the midterm elections in November. Her candidacy puts this seat on the map and represents the best opportunity to flip this seat in nearly a decade, said DCCC Chairman Ben Ray Lujan, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary for the 3rd Congressional District. Both Torres Small and Hildebrandt were first-time candidates and among a record number of women seeking office this year. Herrell, the only Republican woman, had strong name recognition in southern New Mexico after serving eight years in the state Legislature. Voter turnout has traditionally been higher in Republican regions of the 2nd Congressional District. But early voting numbers in heavily Republican Lea County, which includes Hobbs, showed a sharp decline. The 2nd Congressional District, among the largest in the country, has been a Republican stronghold for decades. There are slightly more registered Democratic voters, 40 percent, than Republicans, 36 percent, but conservative Democrats have impacted results at the ballot box in the past, according to political analyst Brian Sanderoff, president of Research & Polling Inc. On Tuesday night, both women quickly shifted their campaigns to the general election. We look towards November, united as one party, to ensure that this district continues to have a true conservative representing it, Herrell said. Its clear, Washington does not get our way of life here in southern New Mexico, Torres Small said. Too many politicians forget who theyre fighting for and when they get to Washington, they dont represent our values. After easily securing New Mexicos Democratic nomination for governor Tuesday, Michelle Lujan Grisham wasted no time in calling out her Republican general election opponent, Steve Pearce. The three-term Albuquerque congresswoman came under constant attack from her two Democratic rivals during the primary election campaign, but Lujan Grisham said in her victory speech that she wont back down from critics she expects will be even harsher in the general election and vowed to fight like hell for New Mexico. Im not going to promise you we can turn around this state overnight, but I can promise you I will be a governor who takes on your challenges as if they were my own, she told a crowd of cheering supporters at an election night victory rally at the Albuquerque Museum. The general election contest between Lujan Grisham and Pearce, who did not face primary opposition, will mark what is believed to be the first time two sitting members of Congress have run against each other for governor in state history. Pearce issued a statement Tuesday that also planted the seeds for a hard-hitting showdown, suggesting some politicians see cronyism and personal gain as a fact of life in governing. However, Lujan Grisham indicated shes ready to punch back, describing Pearce as a status quo candidate and linking him to President Donald Trump, a Republican who lost New Mexico by 8 percentage points in the 2016 election. A former state Cabinet secretary under three governors who would be the first Democratic woman elected governor of New Mexico, Lujan Grisham fended off primary challenges from state Sen. Joseph Cervantes of Las Cruces and former media executive Jeff Apodaca of Albuquerque. With most votes counted late Tuesday, Lujan Grisham had garnered 66.4 percent of the votes cast in the race, compared with Apodacas 22.2 percent and Cervantes 11.5 percent. Lujan Grisham frequently touted her state government experience on the campaign trail, saying that turning around a state plagued by chronically high unemployment rates and a low-performing public school system would be a heavy lift for whoever is elected governor. Now, Lujan Grisham faces the task of trying to win over Democratic backers of her two primary foes, both of whom in the days leading up to Tuesdays primary election criticized her past ties to a health care consulting company with a contract to help run a state high-risk insurance pool. According to tax returns Lujan Grisham released last week, she made roughly $376,000 in investment earnings from Delta Consulting from 2013 through 2017. Her campaign manager has said some of that money was used to pay the firms tax bills. Lujan Grisham defended her work with Delta during her Tuesday victory speech and described the criticism as false attacks and phony scandals. This is one woman who will not let the internet trolls or the forces of dark money stop me from doing my job or doing what is right, adding that this is nothing compared to what lies ahead in the general election. Apodaca, who warned in a fundraising email earlier this week that Lujan Grisham would lose to Pearce in a general election showdown, said Tuesday evening that he planned to reach out to Lujan Grisham in the coming days but stopped short of pledging to endorse her. Were very disappointed in the outcome tonight, Apodaca told the Journal. Lujan Grisham said she received a congratulatory phone call from Cervantes during which he vowed to support the Democratic nominee. Lujan Grisham used her broad range of connections to out-raise her Democratic opponents and landed the endorsements of key labor unions, tribal groups and more than two dozen state lawmakers. Her running mate for the general election will be state Sen. Howie Morales of Silver City, who emerged victorious in a three-way Democratic primary for lieutenant governor. Pearce will enter the general election cycle with a hefty cash advantage, as Lujan Grisham and her Democratic opponents for governor spent big money on TV campaign ads and mailers in the run-up to the primary election. Pearce reported last week having more than $1.9 million in his campaign war chest. Thats nearly twice as much as Lujan Grisham, who reported having nearly $1.1 million in her campaign account. In his statement, Pearce, who will run on a ticket with unopposed GOP lieutenant governor candidate Michelle Garcia Holmes, said the general election will feature two very different visions for New Mexicos future. Journal pollster Brian Sanderoff, who called the race for Lujan Grisham shortly after the polls closed, said New Mexico appears headed for an action-packed race for governor this fall. He also said the visibility Lujan Grisham gained in the primary cycle could help her in the general election, adding, It was a sweeping victory for her, winning diverse counties across New Mexico. WASHINGTON What should the special counsel do next? Id suggest its subpoena time. Robert Mueller has proved himself a remarkably patient prosecutor. His negotiations with President Trumps lawyers have stretched on for at least six months of slow-walking and subject-narrowing. And Mueller has stayed silent, as a responsible prosecutor should, as Trump bad-mouthed his investigation as a rigged witch hunt and demeaned his team as 13 very Angry and Conflicted Democrats. But the clock is ticking on the investigation. Trumps latest lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, has been on television asserting that the president dearly wants to testify but cant be trusted to do so This is the reason you dont let the president testify, Giuliani said on ABCs This Week, by way of explaining shifting accounts about Trumps involvement in misleading the public about his sons meeting with a Russian lawyer. In any event, Giuliani added, hed need all sorts of other assurances before making his client available. Theres got to be a high bar they have to reach in terms of convincing us that theyre fair, convincing us that were going to get the things we need, he said. I want to see the Spygate report, havent gotten it. I want to see the authorization that they have, which they gave to (U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis, who is overseeing one of the cases against former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort), but Judge Ellis hasnt written an opinion yet, which convinces me theres a real problem with it. Somehow I doubt that former U.S. Attorney Giuliani would have appreciated this sort of high-handedness from the subjects of his criminal investigations. And somehow, I think Mueller may be getting the message: Absent a subpoena, and maybe even with one, Trump isnt answering his questions. In case there was any mystery about that, Giuliani all but said so: Were leaning toward not, he told George Stephanopoulos. Certainly, a president isnt an ordinary witness; the demands of office mean that he deserves a significant degree of accommodation. And certainly, Trumps lawyers arent the first to use an arsenal of delaying tactics to put off a special prosecutor. The Bill Clinton impeachment documents reveal a months-long minuet between Clinton attorney David Kendall and the office of independent counsel Kenneth Starr as they jockeyed over whether Clinton would testify. In the end, the grand jury issued a subpoena for Clintons testimony. That order was withdrawn when Clintons lawyers agreed to allow him to testify at the White House; with his lawyers present, not the ordinary arrangement when appearing before a grand jury; and for a limited time, four hours. So as push comes pretty close to shove, Mueller faces a choice. He could decide that a subpoena, and the ensuing litigation with Trump, wouldnt be worth the cost in disruption and delay. Team Trumps bravado notwithstanding, Mueller would be likely to win any constitutional showdown over his authority to enforce a subpoena of the president. Its pretty clear that a president cant be subpoenaed to a criminal proceeding about him, Giuliani told Sean Hannity last month. Really? Ask Nixon, and the justices who ruled unanimously that he had to turn over the tapes. Ask Clinton, and the justices who ruled unanimously that he had to testify in Paula Jones civil lawsuit. The law is not absolutely clear, but it is overwhelmingly on Muellers side, if he chooses to press a subpoena. But sorting that out could take months, if not longer, and a special counsel faces time pressures different from those confronted by an ordinary prosecutor. And to what end? If the subpoena is eventually upheld, Trump could assert his right against self-incrimination to avoid testifying, especially as to the matters of most intense interest to Mueller. And even if Trump were to testify, how much valuable information could prosecutors really extract from him? On the other side of the ledger, tough prosecutors dont make it a habit to back down in the face of recalcitrant witnesses; Mueller is nothing if not a tough prosecutor, unlikely to simply say never mind after months of seeking Trumps testimony. And as much as Mueller has an interest in both pursuing and concluding the Russia probe, he also has an obligation to history, and to be mindful of the precedents that are being set. Backing down in the face of presidential recalcitrance would not only reward Trump, it would tell future presidents that they can evade the ordinary demands of the law as long as they have the stomach to bully and delay. Mueller shouldnt let that happen. Hes waited long enough. E-mail: ruthmarcus@washpost.com. Copyright, Washington Post Writers Group. The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber was disheartened to see its good name sullied on the front page of the Albuquerque Journal. The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber has worked tirelessly for more than 40 years helping small businesses and the Hispanic community in New Mexico, which comprises 50 percent of our states population. The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber has also questioned why qualified New Mexicans and Hispanics are not considered for leadership positions; we will continue to raise this question, as all New Mexicans should. To mischaracterize the Albuquerque Hispano Chambers concerns as simple resentment and race-based is offensive and inaccurate. The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber did not take its decision to protest the $3.2 million contract award lightly. The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber did so only because it was troubled by a series of perceived irregularities and lack of transparency in the RFP process. In October 2015, the Legislative Finance Committee expressed similar concerns. Health care directly affects the Hispanic population and New Mexico small businesses disproportionately. Consequently, the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber has been a contractor to beWellnm, New Mexicos Health Insurance Exchange, created pursuant to the Affordable Care Act, for the past several years. The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber is pursuing its lawful protest in good faith. The beWellnm request for proposal and the beWellnm procurement policy allow for such protest. Although it was urged to do so, the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber had no intention to discuss its protest in the media. The filing of a lawsuit and the Journal article has made this matter public. The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber has continually asked beWellnm to resolve its protest amicably, in private and promptly. BeWellnm invited the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber to propose a resolution of the protest, which the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber did at a March 29 meeting with beWellnm staff. The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber also urged beWellnm to decide its protest, which has been pending for over five months, in a prompt and efficient manner. Regardless of the outcome of the Albuquerque Hispano Chambers protest, the need for health care is unquestionable all New Mexicans deserve access to better, more affordable health care that is the result of a transparent fair process. Albuquerque attorney Brian Colon appeared poised to win the Democratic nomination for state auditor Tuesday, while Stephanie Garcia Richard was on track to become the partys nominee for state land commissioner. Colon was leading Las Cruces consultant Bill McCamley, a state representative, with 62 percent of the vote, compared with McCamleys 38 percent, according to partial unofficial results. The winner will face Republican Wayne Johnson, who was appointed to the job by Gov. Susana Martinez last December. Johnson ran unopposed Tuesday in the Republican primary. I did this with a lot of blood, sweat and tears, Colon told his supporters Tuesday night. Theres nothing Ive ever wanted to do more than serve the people of New Mexico. Ive got a debt of gratitude I want to repay. A former state Democratic Party chairman, Colon ran for mayor of Albuquerque just last year, losing to former state Auditor Tim Keller. Were excited to be on this new wave, said Colon, who said he traveled by RV more than 3,000 miles around the state during his campaign. He pledged to focus on transparency and integrity, if elected, and emphasize his background in finance and law. In the three-way Democratic primary for state land commissioner, Garcia Richard, a three-term state representative, was leading political newcomer Garrett VeneKlasen. VeneKlasens spokesman Alan Packman said VeneKlasen called Garcia Richard to concede late Tuesday, with Garcia Richard holding a lead of 39.5 percent to 37.2 percent. State Sen. George Munoz, a builder and developer from Gallup, was running a distant third at 23 percent. The winner will face former state Land Commissioner Pat Lyons, who had no opponent in the Republican primary. Libertarian Michael Lucero, a rancher, is also on the November ballot for the open seat vacated by Aubrey Dunn, who is running for U.S. Senate as a Libertarian. VeneKlasen, executive director of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, is a longtime conservationist but has never held an elected state office. Garcia Richard, an educator from Los Alamos, has served for six years in the state Legislature. All three candidates pledged to help New Mexico attract wind and solar projects to boost revenue for public schools and universities. SAN FRANCISCO The leader of the successful recall of a Northern California judge for an unpopular sexual assault sentence warned that the results show womens rights and the #MeToo movement are now a potent political force that politicians ignore at their own peril. The broader message of this victory is that violence against women is now a voting issue, said Stanford University law professor Michele Dauber, who launched the recall effort against Santa Clara County Judge Aaron Persky. The judge sent former Stanford swimmer Brock Turner to jail, not to prison. Critics said the six-month sentence was too lenient. But opponents of the recall warned that Tuesdays lopsided result Persky lost by 20 points is also a powerful political force where it shouldnt be: the courtroom. This sets a dangerous precedent for state court judges in California and perhaps beyond, said LaDoris Cordell, a retired Santa Clara County judge who supported Perskys campaign against the recall. Cordell was among a number of law school professors and retired judges who fear that judges may now take public perception into account more than they should when handling high-profile and sensitive cases. The recall effort started in June 2016 shortly after Persky sentenced Turner to six months in jail. Prosecutors had wanted a lengthy prison sentence for Turner in the sexual assault of a young woman incapacitated by alcohol. They noted that Persky was removed from office for delivering a lawful sentence that Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen declined to appeal. Californias Commission on Judicial Performance ruled that the sentencing was done correctly. Now, they fear, other judges in elected positions will be reticent to issue unpopular but lawful rulings. Subjecting judges to recall when they follow the law and do something unpopular undermines judicial independence, Rosen said in a statement. When judges believe that they will lose their careers for making unpopular but lawful decisions, they may lack the courage to stand up for the rights of minorities or others needing protection from powerful majorities or those with even understandably inflamed passions. A widely cited 2015 study of elected state judges in Pennsylvania and Washington by New York Universitys law school concluded that judges are influenced by election cycles. The study found judges issued longer sentences for serious felony conviction when they were close to re-election. Its very concerning if the recall become a normal tool for removing judges, NYU law school professor Alicia Bannon said. Following the law isnt necessary popular and judges need some form of insulation from public perception. Persky declined comment Tuesday night and didnt return phone calls from The Associated Press on Wednesday. In an interview with AP last month, Persky said his recall threatened judicial independence. To get justice from a judge, they need someone who follows the rules. The basic rule is the rule of law, he said. The problem with this recall is it will pressure judges to follow the rule of public opinion as opposed to the rule of law. But Persky adopted a recommendation from the county probation department and cited Turners clean criminal record, age, loss of his Stanford swimming career and other factors, including the involvement of alcohol, for the short jail sentence. Dauber said opponents position takes a dim view of judicial integrity and that she has faith judges will continue to exercise their independence regardless of the outcome. She noted that recall elections are rare. The recall was the first of a California judge in more than 80 years. The last judge recalled in the United States occurred in Wisconsin in 1977. For his part, Turner has to register as a sex offender for life. He lives with his parents near Dayton, Ohio. PHOENIX Dwight Lamon Jones apparently never put his bitter divorce behind him. Almost eight years after splitting from his wife, the Phoenix-area man began confronting people connected with the breakup and shooting them, killing six people in four days last week before ending his own life as police drew near, authorities said. A day after Jones death, police said they did not know why he waited so long to seek vengeance. But experts said its not unusual for killers who feel wronged by catastrophic life events to wait years to settle old scores. Most mass killings in American history were planned over months and years, said Jack Levin, a professor emeritus of sociology and criminology at Northeastern University in Boston, and author of several books on serial killings and mass murderers. He said the planning brings pleasure to would-be assailants. Details of the 2010 divorce emerged in court documents, which showed Jones walked away from the 22-year marriage with a Mercedes, a $100,000 lump-sum payment and $6,000-a-month alimony payments provided by his ex-wife, a radiologist. His wife was awarded sole custody of their then-13-year-old son and the payments were set to end after five years. Jones lived in extended-stay hotels for nine years after the split, police said. So far, investigators have been unable to determine a precise motive for the shootings, but they say three of the victims were directly tied to the divorce a forensic psychiatrist who testified about Jones mental health and two paralegals who worked for the law firm that represented the suspects wife. Other victims included a marriage counselor who was apparently targeted in a case of mistaken identity, and another man and woman whose ties to Jones have not been made public. The slayings went against the typical pattern of violence stemming from divorces by targeting professionals involved in the split rather than the ex-spouse, Levin said. Its usually the wife who would be the victim of a mass killer, Levin said. Jones spent hours in online videos griping about his ex-wife and the court system that sided with her in the divorce. In one video, he made a disparaging remark about Dr. Steven Pitt, who testified in 2010 that Jones had anxiety and mood disorders, and was at risk of using violence against his wife, child and himself. The 56-year-old Jones fatally shot himself Monday as officers closed in on him at a Scottsdale hotel. ABQ_300x250_ATF var mth = mth || []; mth.push({'placement':'rstag15540'}); ABQ_300x250_BTF var mth = mth || []; mth.push({'placement':'rstag15541'}); ABQ_728x90_ATF var mth = mth || []; mth.push({'placement':'rstag15542'}); ABQ_728x90_BTF var mth = mth || []; mth.push({'placement':'rstag15543'}); ABQ_300x600_ATF var mth = mth || []; mth.push({'placement':'rstag15544'}); ABQ_300x600_BTF var mth = mth || []; mth.push({'placement':'rstag15545'}); ABQ_160x600_ATF var mth = mth || []; mth.push({'placement':'rstag15546'}); ABQ_160x600_BTF var mth = mth || []; mth.push({'placement':'rstag15547'}); ABQ_300x250_Mobile var mth = mth || []; mth.push({'placement':'rstag15548'}); ABQ_320x50_Mobile WASHINGTON On college campuses in virtually every state across the U.S., the Chinese government supports more than 100 institutes that teach language and culture. For university students like Moe Lewis, they offer a chance to learn about Chinese art and pick up a few phrases in Mandarin. For critics, like Sen. Marco Rubio, they present a threat to academic freedom and a spy risk. As tensions between the U.S. and China rise over trade and security, perceptions vary wildly about educational exchanges that have thrived since diplomatic relations were normalized four decades ago. Increasingly, U.S. authorities are concerned that Chinese professors and students could exploit access to universities to gather intelligence and sensitive research an issue a Senate judiciary panel will address Wednesday. And while the China-funded Confucius Institutes that have mushroomed worldwide since 2004 focus on benign subject matter, U.S. lawmakers are pushing for them to be more tightly regulated or even shuttered. I think every college should be aware of what these institutes are used for and that they are in fact consistently been used as a way to quash academic freedom on campus at the behest of a foreign government, said Rubio, R-Fla. I would encourage every college in America to close them. Theres no need for these programs. The view from the George Mason University campus a few miles outside Washington is much different. While institutes have sometimes been accused of squelching anti-Beijing views on issues like Tibet, Lewis, an undergraduate studying animation, said shes seen no sign of intentional bias. She said the institute is one of her favorite places on campus. I think that its nice to have a lot of multicultural experiences especially with countries that (we) have tensions with, said Lewis, after painting peony leaves with watercolors at a weekly art session where most attendees were Chinese students and the painting teacher was an American. Its important to learn about those places. The debate over Confucius Institutes has become a testing ground for the American response to Chinas growing global reach and underscores anxieties over the more than 350,000 Chinese who study in the United States, more than one third of all foreign students. Only around 20,000 Americans study in China. In February, FBI Director Christopher Wray voiced concern that China could be using professors or students to collect intelligence at universities naive about the risks. He also told a Senate intelligence committee hearing on worldwide threats that the FBI was monitoring Confucius Institutes, although he highlighted no evidence of wrongdoing. Since then, universities have announced the closure of three institutes in Texas and Florida after pressure from lawmakers. Rubio is co-sponsoring legislation that would require the institutes to register with the U.S. government as representing the interests of a foreign power. Currently, their academic activities exempt them from the Foreign Agents Registration Act, which requires disclosure by lobbyists and others advocating for foreign governments and organizations. To me as a person, it seems to be more about fear, an anti-China sentiment, rather than speaking of the truth, responds Gao Qing, executive director Confucius Institute U.S. Center in Washington, who rejects allegations of espionage. The problem I have with people who disagree with Confucius Institutes is that they havent visited them. Foreign government funding of educational programs in the U.S. is not uncommon. U.S. allies like Japan and South Korea, for example, fund courses in their nations language and culture. Saudi Arabia and other Mideast nations have supported research in Islamic and Mideast studies. Political suspicion about the Confucius Institutes has been driven in part by their sheer reach, with more than 500 in 140 countries, and by Chinas rise as a world power. In 2009, a top Chinese Communist Party leader described the institutes as an important part of the Asian nations overseas propaganda. The Chinese government contributes teachers, materials and funding. America has been the biggest beachhead. But have threats to academic freedom which forced the closure of institutes on campuses in Chicago and Pennsylvania in 2014 been overblown? Each institute has an American and a Chinese director, and according to Harvey Perlman, a law professor at the University of Nebraska, the Chinese government agency that oversees the institutes, Hanban, has been flexible in amending contracts to make them subordinate to university rules. Their courses are tailored to the needs of the host university and have their own specialties, like Chinese theater and opera, traditional medicine and Chinas financial system. Former Republican lawmaker Matt Salmon of Arizona is incredulous that Chinese language training poses a security threat. Hes a Mandarin speaker and former chair of a House subcommittee on Asia a longtime friend of Taiwan and critic of Chinese trade practices. He now works at Arizona State University, which hosts more than 4,000 Chinese students. He said that the Defense Department awarded a three-year grant to Arizona State to promote Mandarin teaching in public schools that is conducted with its Confucius Institute. It helps design courses taught by local teachers for high school students taking advanced Chinese. The funding from National Security Education Program, which supports learning in strategically important languages, has totaled $450,000 in the past year-and-a-half, institute director Joe Cutter said. I believe very strongly that if the DoD felt there were some kind of a threat to the national security, it would have never given us that grant, Salmon told The Associated Press. Pentagon spokeswoman Maj. Carla Gleason said the institute is not a formal partner in Arizona or elsewhere although it is mentioned in the language programs annual report for 2017. Rubio, a member of the Senate intelligence committee and one of the most outspoken critics of China in Congress, says such cooperation should end. He contends that Confucius Institutes are used to identify students who could become agents of Chinese influence. He warns that it is part of broader strategy by Chinas ruling party to eclipse American power. Its a new world were living in. A lot of the stuff sounds like Hollywood. But I wouldnt waste my time on it if it wasnt real, he said. ____ This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of Harvey Perlman. Detectives released three people detained in connection with a Tuesday night shooting at the Sun Village Apartments and are not looking for any other suspects, according to police. Albuquerque police spokesman Simon Drobik said the case will go to the District Attorneys Office to determine if anyone will be prosecuted. A spokesman for the 2nd Judicial District Attorneys Office said they will review the case to see if it will be ruled a justifiable homicide. There have been three justifiable homicides so far this year. Officers responded to the shooting Tuesday night at the complex, at 801 Locust NE, where they found a man shot to death inside an apartment. Officers located three subjects who admitted being present during the shooting, Drobik said. A firearm was located along with several projectiles and casings. He said detectives also executed a search warrant and sealed two vehicles during their investigation. Drobik did not identify the person shot, any of those detained or say what led to the shooting. Two neighbors said they were at the Sun Village dog park when officers came into the adjacent courtyard and knocked loudly on an apartment door before battering it down and going inside. Crime scene vans and several police vehicles dotted the parking lot while yellow tape roped off a courtyard on the northwest side of the apartment complex. Officers talked to witnesses in the area, while neighbors gathered nearby waiting to be allowed into their apartments. TEL AVIV, Israel Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani said Wednesday that special counsel Robert Muellers team is trying to frame President Donald Trump. Addressing a business conference, Giuliani, now Trumps lawyer, also boasted that the president had brought North Koreas leader to his hands and knees after canceling a high-profile summit. Giulianis comments about Mueller were the latest salvo in his attacks on the probe into Russias potential meddling in U.S elections. Trumps team and allies have waged a public relations campaign against Mueller and the Justice Department to discredit the investigation and soften the impact of the special counsels potential findings. There are a group of 13 highly partisan Democrats who make up the Mueller team, excluding him, and are trying very, very hard to frame him to get him in trouble when he hasnt done anything wrong, said Giuliani, who has been serving as Trumps lawyer amid the Russia scandal. They cant emotionally come to grips with the fact that this whole thing with Russian collusion didnt happen. They are trying to invent theories of obstruction of justice, Giuliani told a business conference in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv. They have revealed no evidence that President Trump has done anything wrong, he added. None. Mueller is investigating whether Trump associates coordinated with Russia during the 2016 presidential election and whether Trump took steps to shut down that investigation through actions, including the firing of FBI Director James Comey. Though Trump insists he did nothing wrong, the statements from him and his lawyers have made clear that much of their defense revolves around establishing that he was constitutionally empowered to take the actions he took. Speaking to the Globes capital market conference Wednesday, Giuliani said Trump has the power to pardon himself but would not do so. The law of the United States is that the president of the United States has unlimited, unreviewable power to pardon people from federal crimes even before they are convicted, he said. Does he have the power to do it? Yes. Is he going to do it? No. Hes innocent. He hasnt done anything wrong. Giuliani also told the crowd that Trumps tough line had forced North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to plead to reschedule their summit. Giuliani said there was no choice but to cancel the June 12 summit after Kim insulted the U.S. vice president and national security and threatened nuclear war. We said, Well, were not going to have a summit under those circumstances,' Giuliani said. Well, Kim Jung Un got back on his hands and knees and begged for it, which is exactly the position you want to put him in. The summit is now back on for next Tuesday in Singapore. Giuliani suggested similar tactics should be used with the Palestinian Authority, which has cut off ties with the U.S. to protest Trumps decision to recognize contested Jerusalem as Israels capital. They have to be seeking peace. You gotta change the dynamic and put the pressure on them, Giuliani said. Giuliani has become a lightning rod during his tenure on Trumps team, drawing the presidents ire for a series of scattershot interviews. The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center and Presbyterian Healthcare Services have announced a partnership aimed at improving access to pediatric specialty care within the state. The partnership includes discussions about the creation of a pediatric specialty outpatient center that would combine the resources of both entities to provide clinical, diagnostic, procedural and urgent care services. Leaders from UNM Health Sciences Center and Presbyterian told the Journal the partnership is still in the early stages, though the two have been in talks since last year. Both organizations said they have had to direct families to out-of-state providers for certain pediatric services because of the small number of specialists in New Mexico. With highly specialized physicians, you may only have three or four for the entire state, and that creates non-sustainable practices if those physicians are on call every other night, said Dr. Jason Mitchell, Presbyterians chief medical officer. And, of course, we are a beautiful state, but recruiting to New Mexico is always still a challenge. Asked why two competing organizations would form such a partnership, Dr. Michael E. Richards, vice chancellor for clinical affairs for the UNM Health Sciences Center, said that health care today requires a much greater degree of collaboration. With a limited population size in New Mexico, a collaborative approach gives us better sustainability, and better care for the patient, said Richards. According to information provided by UNM and Presbyterian, 20 percent of New Mexico children have chronic or complex medical conditions. Mitchell and Richards said clinicians across both systems have expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. The most common question, according to Mitchell, has been whether or not the partnership will also focus on pediatric primary care at this time. Mitchell and Richards said it will not. The two organizations say they are participating in a pediatric specialty care task force through the New Mexico Pediatric Society. The task force was created during the legislative session earlier this year through a memorial introduced by Rep. Debbie Armstrong, D-Albuquerque. In a statement, Armstrong said the partnership between UNM and Presbyterian in conjunction with the work of the task force will make a difference by increasing access and coordination to specialty care. WASHINGTON Dont expect Republican Gov. Susana Martinez to go all out campaigning for two of the GOPs premier candidates on New Mexicos general election ballot in November. The governor, in Washington to testify on oil and gas leasing in a U.S. House committee Wednesday, afterward threw serious if somewhat cryptic shade at state Rep. Yvette Herrell, a Republican who won the GOP nomination in the 2nd Congressional District that includes Las Cruces, where Martinez is from. Asked by the Journal whether she would campaign for Republican Rep. Steve Pearce as he runs to replace her as governor in the November election, she laughed and then offered support but not a pledge to campaign for him. Pearce, running unopposed, secured the GOP nomination Tuesday night. Martinez did say she would support both candidates but stopped short of ringing endorsements of either. Im certainly going to support our Republican, Martinez said when asked about Herrells victory. But I think there are some questions with reference to her ability to represent New Mexico in a fair and reasonable way. Moving toward the door after the Capitol Hill hearing, the governor did not elaborate on Herrell. Martinezs former press secretary, Joseph Cueto, handled campaign communications duties for Monty Newman, one of Herrells four opponents in the Republican primary. Meanwhile, Jay McCleskey a polarizing figure in the New Mexico Republican Party and a longtime ally of Martinezs did media consulting work for Newmans campaign. Herrell, a hard-right-leaning conservative, said in February that she had been on the Trump train since Day One. Its no secret that Martinez is not a fan of President Donald Trumps political style. She refused to endorse him for president. Martinez declined to endorse Pearces campaign when reporters asked her about it in February. Of course, Im going to support the best candidate, and I think the best candidate is Congressman Pearce, Martinez said Wednesday. Some of the ideas of the Democrat candidates are going to take us backwards by decades. Then Martinez steered the brief interview to her own legacy. The state will be turned over to the next governor in a very good condition with surpluses and people keeping more of their own money, Martinez said. We have grown jobs and diversified. Its theirs to grow upon or theirs to destroy. Environmental decline is real. Our planet is headed towards destruction, through the choices we make every day. The real bad news however is that we are indifferent to this fact and oblivious to our mistakes. We dont even have time to think or realise that the impact we make on the planet with our irresponsible choices is making it the toughest place for our future generations to survive. So, we decided to prove this fact and sensitise all with an eye-opening social experiment. Two groups of people that represent two generations were invited to participate. They were asked to draw a simple picture on a given subject. But there was another task at hand. They had to select three colours out of a set of six to colour their pictures. They were told that the three colours they did not use will go to the second group who had to draw a picture on the same subject. After both groups were done, the drawings were compared. The results aroused a sense of guilt and remorse. Bringing home, a significant realisation. Talking about the film and the format, Arjun Mukherjee, VP & ECD, J Walter Thompson, Kolkata says, Proving a fact is always better than just stating it. And thats why on World Environment Day we chose to deliver a strong message through a social experiment rather than any regular format. And the end result opened eyes, minds and hearts and clearly outlined the responsibility of adults towards the environment, our future generation and the world as a whole. Tata Pravesh is a modern-day household brand that makes steel doors with wood finish and windows thereby challenging the age-old concept of wooden doors that requires cutting down of trees aplenty. Coming from Tata Steel, which has launched innovative, aesthetically appealing products for Indian Homes, Pravesh Doors & Windows leave behind minimal carbon footprints. For a brand with a planet-friendly outlook, World Environment Day provided the perfect platform to project such an important message for the world. Peeyush Gupta, VP - Steel Marketing & Sales, Tata Steel said, We wanted to deliver an impactful message using an innovative format of storytelling! Pravesh doors is a household product that aids in conservation of environment and therefore this film involved regular people who are one of us. We thought if we can touch your heart, you will hopefully want to experience Pravesh doors. Presented by Tata Steel Pravesh, conceptualised by J Walter Thompson, Kolkata and directed by Aditya Vikram Sengupta, #DoorwayToGreen has been released online on the occasion of World Environment Day in an effort to help people become responsible citizens and pledge to leave behind a better world for the generations to come. For More Stories Visit Here. Global water crisis is deepening with each passing day. Even a developed city like Cape Town in South Africa is enduring one of the worst water crisis and it may allegedly run out of water next year, if not sooner. Closer to home, Kerala has declared 9 districts as drought hit due to shortage of water. There are 1.2 Billion people or almost 1/5th of the world's population that live with water scarcity. In India, 330 million people suffer from regular water shortage issues with limited access to clean and safe water. Hence, with water conservation being the need of the hour, Godrej Appliances, one of the leading manufacturers of home appliances in India, launched its #MyACSavesWater initiative aimed at sensitizing people about this critical issue. Wondering how an Air conditioner can be a possible source of saving water? Here is the thought behind the initiative - Inside the indoor unit of an AC, there are evaporator coils that cool the warm air blown over it. This causes condensation and moisture forms on the coil, just like how water droplets form on a cold glass of water on a hot day. If run for a period of 8 hours, the air conditioner generates almost 10 Litres of water due to condensation. Generally, this water is taken out of our homes and discarded through drain pipes. However, with approximately 5 million units of air conditioners sold in India each year, thats potentially 50 million liters of water daily that can be saved and re-used, even without considering the existing installed base of ACs. Taking this insight and moving a step further towards water conservation, Godrej Appliances, launched its #MyACSavesWater initiative, to educate and encourage people to re-use this distilled water generated from air conditioners. It also provided 1000 customers of its Green Balance range of Air Conditioners, with a unique 10 Litre compact and collapsible water can, to help its customers collect this water and informed them of ways in which the water can be reused like for watering plants, cleaning purposes etc. As per the Indian Standard Code of Basic Requirements for Water Supply, a person uses about 125 Litres of water a day for bathing and cleaning purposes. With 10 Litres of water getting collected from air conditioners and then re-used every day for these purposes, we can save about 8% of daily tap water. Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Kamal Nandi, Business Head and Executive Vice President, Godrej Appliances, said, True to our promise of brighter living, at Godrej, our endeavor has always been to delight our stakeholders with innovative and relevant technology while also being true to our commitment towards environment. Water conservation is a pressing concern in India which needs to be addressed at the earliest. In line with our Soch ke Banaya Hai philosophy, the thought behind the #MyACSavesWater initiative is to sensitize people of the depleting water resources and encourage them to conserve water. Ms. Swati Rathi, Marketing Head - Godrej Appliances added, Environment is a value we cherish at Godrej Appliances. We hope that the 1000 cans that we provided to our customers serve as an incentive to take up this drive and inspire many more to follow the example, irrespective of their AC brand. With every AC owner potentially saving 10 Liters water or more daily, we hope this simple soch will usher in a positive change and go a long way in conserving our environment. The campaign is being leveraged through social media to reach out to all users of air conditioners, as anyone can help conserve water, irrespective of the brand of air conditioners they use. A video explaining the movement has been shared on our Facebook, Twitter and YouTube social media handles and our website. A series of posts have also gone up on our social media handles educating the people about the water shortage crisis, the current consumption of tap water and how this simple act of collecting and re-using the water generated from the usage of air conditioners can save millions of liters of water and approximately 8% of tap water. An emailer and SMS is being sent to all customers, employees and channel partners to take up this initiative and help spread the word. Zee Telugu has always been ahead of the social curve when it comes to giving it back to the society. On the account of World Environment Day 2018, under the aegis of Zee Telugu, Intinta Inkudu Gunta, a rain water harvesting program was organized at Mancherial. With honourable Mamidishetti Vasundhara, Mancherial Muncipal Chairman; Satyam, TRS Mancherial town President; and Jyothi, Mancherial 23rd ward Councillor, the members of Mahila Association in Mancherial initiated a revolution towards water conservation in the region. Zee Telugu, along with the people of Mancherial takes an oath towards striving for water management, with a hope of cultivating the same nation-wide. For More Stories Visit Here. Customer Logins Obtain the data you need to make the most informed decisions by accessing our extensive portfolio of information, analytics, and expertise. Sign in to the product or service center of your choice. 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. COLUMBIA Lawyers representing the state of South Carolina and the U.S. Department of Energy collided Tuesday morning at a hearing regarding the preservation of the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility project. The attorneys sparred in federal court for about two hours in front of Judge J. Michelle Childs, a judge who has handled nuclear matters before. An audience dotted with MOX supporters and anti-MOX activists alike looked on. S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson, alongside other attorney general and legal staff, attended, as well. The Tuesday hearing was for an injunction against DOE action, a move that, if granted, would block a full stop work order from being issued at MOX. A full stop is expected to land June 11, save for any intervention. No injunction decision was made Tuesday. Childs is presumed to rule on or before Friday, according to Wilson. A partial stop work order freezing new hires and halting new construction, among other things was issued for MOX on May 14. A full stop work order would immediately jeopardize the jobs of 600 to 900 employees, according to correspondence between a project official and a federal energy official. Those facing layoffs would be given roughly two months warning, according to the same correspondence. MOX employees have been in contact with the Aiken Standard and have spoken on the condition of anonymity. On Tuesday, one employee said the prospective job loss has created a "great deal of uneasiness" at the project. "We have family to support," the employee said. "It's a big deal." MOX, a roughly 70 percent complete facility at the Savannah River Site, was designed to turn weapons-grade plutonium, at least 34 metric tons of it, into fuel for commercial reactors. The facility has been a work in progress for more than a decade now and was initially slated to be operational by 2016. S.C. officials lash out at MOX decision; lawsuit filed A big-league band of Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility supporters spoke together Friday evening in Aiken County, criticizing the U.S. Depa Since then, the project's timeline and budget has ballooned, leading to heavy federal criticism. DOE attorneys used financial concerns as leverage during the hearing. On May 10, U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry submitted a waiver to Congress, which certified another plutonium disposition method, dilute-and-dispose, as the better option, kicking off a 30-day MOX discontinuation clock. Perry's waiver promised the DOE would remove plutonium from South Carolina in a timely manner, an issue Wilson has successfully litigated before. The attorney general requested the now-argued injunction about two weeks ago; S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster warned the DOE of such legal action in a May 2 letter sent to Perry. The state's main attacks on Tuesday focused directly on Perry's waiver and its environmental implications. A May 22 letter sent to Perry, written by Wilson, described the waiver as "arbitrary" and "capricious." Attorney Randolph Lowell, representing the state, argued the DOE had not met study requirements for its MOX alternative. Lowell also said if MOX dies, and so do the associated jobs, it will strand plutonium in South Carolina. DOE recommends pit production at SRS and Los Alamos; plan kills, repurposes MOX facility The National Nuclear Security Administration has officially proposed producing plutonium pits nuclear weapon triggers at both the Savannah But Lowell told Childs the state is not suing for the MOX workers, but rather for what the layoffs represent. The DOE attorneys contended just the opposite. The attorneys representing the DOE argued the state was multiplying the scope of the case in an effort to win and in an effort to set "a dangerous precedent" for future litigation. The DOE attorneys also said South Carolina would not become a permanent repository for plutonium, at several points calling the claim pure speculation. Cancellation of MOX, the DOE team said, posed no immediate, irreparable harm to the state. After the hearing, Wilson said the state's case was argued well. He described it as putting "the best foot forward." Wilson did not want to predict how Childs would rule. Ahead of the June 12 primary, S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson visited Aiken, stopping along Laurens Street to speak with potential voters. Aiken County Sheriff Michael Hunt and Pam Bondi, Florida's attorney general, tagged along. Inside What's Cookin' Downtown, Wilson, Hunt and Bondi spoke with diners, staff and fellow Republicans. Wilson who's currently on a two-day, seven-stop campaign blaze visited Aiken, he said, because the city and county are "incredibly important in the road to victory." "Obviously, we got a major case going on right now at the MOX facility," Wilson said. "So I'm down here for a number of reasons. No. 1 is to have a presence here in Aiken, let people know that I'm running, what I'm about, answer their questions if they have it." Two weeks ago, Wilson filed for an injunction to prevent the defunding of the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility at the Savannah River Site. On Tuesday, Wilson attended a federal hearing on the matter. Hunt endorsed Wilson's re-election campaign earlier this year. The sheriff is one of several former and current law enforcement officials to sign off on Wilson's campaign. On Wednesday, Hunt said he endorsed the incumbent attorney general because he's "been good to law enforcement." "Simple as that," Hunt said, later adding that he believes Wilson is qualified for the job. Wilson was proud of Hunt's support and said the respect is mutual. "Listen, I think it's a huge endorsement," Wilson said. "He's very popular here. He's a very pro-law enforcement guy." Bondi said she "whole-heartedly" supports Wilson's campaign. The two are longtime friends who talk two to three times a week, according to Bondi and have worked a handful of cases together, human trafficking and the Affordable Care Act included. Future of MOX, jobs, S.C. plutonium argued in federal court Tuesday COLUMBIA Lawyers representing the state of South Carolina and the U.S. Department of Energy collided Tuesday morning at a hearing regarding "I've seen what he's been doing as attorney general," Bondi said. "You know, we were elected at the same time, so we really have leaned on each other these past seven years." Bondi has reached her term limit as attorney general. She said she is beyond excited that Wilson has decided to run again. "He's a real prosecutor," Bondi said of Wilson's qualifications. "I've prosecuted since I was in my early 20s, that's all I'd ever done before I ran for office." Wilson later visited the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, according to posts on social media. Wilson faces two competitors come mid-June: state Rep. Todd Atwater, R-Lexington, and William Herlong. The Future Syria Party (FSP) was recently established in northern Syria to represent all components of Syrian society. The party, which is led by an Arab, was formed as Turkey is increasing its pressure in northern Syria against the Kurdish nationalist Democratic Union Party (PYD). Ankara accuses the PYD of being affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which Turkey considers a terrorist organization. There are also rumors that the party was created at the request of the United States. Party members met March 27 to officially launch the FSP in Raqqa, which is under the control of the PYD and its armed wing, the People's Protection Units (YPG). At the meeting, members representing Arab, Kurdish and Assyrian groups and movements as well as representatives from the provinces of Homs, Daraa, Aleppo and Damascus chose the party's leader, Ibrahim al-Qaftan. They also elected an 81-member general council and formed a seven-member board called the Office of the Conference. While some have argued the FSP is merely the PYD's attempt to address the Turkish pressure in northern Syria, particularly in Afrin, others believe it was founded because the United States hopes to unite divergent elements to block Turkey from manipulating the region. Still others believe the new party was founded to do just what it claims: represent the different Syrian components and entire political spectrum. The party is seeking public support by explaining its goals, principles and vision on the conflict in Syria. Since it was founded, the FSP has been holding meetings with the public, starting with citizens of the Democratic Federal System of Northern Syria. The FSP also held meetings with intellectual figures in Hasakah, Deir ez-Zor, Qamishli, Raqqa, al-Tabaqa and the Euphrates Basin region. The party has established branches in the Jazira region of Rojava, Afrin, al-Shahba and Aleppo. It is promoting itself as a party that opposes the regime of President Bashar al-Assad and aspires to democracy, decentralized government, plurality and coexistence. Qaftan, the new FSP chairman, hails from Manbij and holds bachelors degrees in architecture from Beirut Arab University and in Islamic studies from the Damascus branch of the Beirut-based Al Imam Al Ouzai University. He taught architecture at Ittihad Private University in Raqqa in 2013. He has been involved in demonstrations since the first days of the Syrian uprising in 2011, protesting corruption, demanding reform and calling for a technocratic state institution. He was arrested twice that year by the Syrian regime. Subsequently, he led the Revolutionary Council for 15 days when Manbij was cleared of regime forces in 2012. However, he resigned from that post, citing corruption in the opposition as well. During the Islamic State's rule in Manbij (2014-2016), the group assaulted Qaftan, shot him in the leg and arrested him. A month and a half later, Qaftan fled Syria, returning after Manbij was liberated from IS in August 2016. In February 2017, he was elected co-president of the Executive Council of the Democratic Civil Administration of Manbij and its surrounding areas, together with Zaynab Qunbur. Al-Monitor talked with Qaftan recently via WhatsApp from Tell Abyad, where he had met with residents. The text of the conversation follows: Al-Monitor: Some people claim that your party was formed as an answer to Turkish pressure on the region. ... Others say the party was established on US orders to put an end to Turkeys justifications namely that the area is run by the PYD and the presence of the PKK, which Turkey is using as a pretext to threaten to storm the area. How would you respond to such claims? What's the nature of your relationship with the PYD? Qaftan: The party was founded as a response to popular demand and the political void in the area, and to enhance the oppositions role on the Syrian scene. It wasnt established as a direct answer to Turkey and its pressure, but based on our understanding of the Syrian community. In addition, this party is not and will not be an alternative to the PYD. Every party has its goals, programs and policies. I also would like to reiterate that this party wasnt formed per US orders. We are aware that Turkey doesnt need any justification to try to invade and occupy any area in Syria such as what happened in Afrin. As such, the Future Syria Party came to be in light of a dire need and many Syrians longing for an entity that represents them. Accordingly, we maintain our contact with everyone and we will have good relations with the Syrian parties, as we are planning on having a dialogue with national political parties that have a vision for a Syrian solution, provided that it is a national-to-national dialogue rather than one based on religious or ethnic grounds. Al-Monitor: During the conference in which the party was established, the term Rojava was notably nonexistent. The conference raised the phrase Syria Democratic, Pluralistic and Decentralized. Does this reflect a focus on the Syrian identity rather than the Kurdish identity? What is the Syrian state that you envision? Qaftan: We opted not to resort to narrow terms because the Future Syria Party is for all Syrians and for all Syrian regions, and not exclusively for Rojava. We believe in the unity and sovereignty of the Syrian land, and that Syria should be indeed pluralistic, democratic and decentralized. We are focusing on the Syrian identity, a unified Syria with a diverse community. We won't be focusing on a certain identity at the expense of another. We are working to serve all Syrians, from Kurds and Arabs to Turks, Syriacs, Druze, Alawites, Christians, Jews and all the spectrums of the Syrian people. ... [We want a] state that respects all of its people, as well as their heritage and languages. Al-Monitor: What is the purpose of the Future Syria Party, as the dispute is ongoing between Turkey and the regime and the United States has a presence in the country? What is your vision for the future of this party that would be different in implementation and mechanisms from traditional parties in todays Syria? Qaftan: The goal of this party is to reassess the Syrian situation and submit a political program for the entirety of Syria, as most of the territories in Syria are now free of IS rule. We have transitioned from the language of arms and destruction to a building phase in all of its forms building the individual and the country. Our vision is a vision for all Syrians who hope to put an end to the bloodbath and infighting, so that the language of dialogue would prevail over the language of arms. ... What differentiates us from other parties is that we believe there will be no solution with a religious or a national vision, but [instead] through citizenship and patriotism, as well as respecting ethnicities and religions as complementary and integral parts of the fabric of the Syrian people. Most of the active parties in Syria today have either national or religious views, but the Future Syria Party raises a platform of citizenship, pluralism and decentralization. Al-Monitor: What strategy do you have to win Syrians over? What are your visions and goals? Qaftan: First, address the rising Syrian crisis and the political and military congestion that have culminated today. Therefore, the Future Syria Party will adopt a strategy that we believe will contribute to unwinding the Syrian crisis through three axes: From a strategic standpoint by proposing dialogue that would lead to a fundamental change on the grounds of citizenship, pluralism and decentralization through holding conferences. Equal opportunities in electoral races and honest practices under the supervision of an international election committee that is approved by everyone and in accordance with an election law to which everyone will contribute. Seek an end to the economic blockade through political understandings through normalizing our relations with the Arab, regional and international states and easing the existing tension with them. But the only solution for the economic crisis is increasing production and relying on a joint economy. Regarding our goals, we are aspiring through our project and our people and even the Syrian regime-supporting states for a decentralized solution in Syria through international conferences and Geneva. We also seek to amend the constitution and work in accordance with the recommendations of [UN Security Council] Resolution 2254, which provides for amending the Syrian Constitution and restarting the elections. Al-Monitor: Why did you choose to announce the establishment of the party from Raqqa an area under the control of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces [SDF]? Qaftan: The goal behind establishing the party from Raqqa was to restore Raqqa to its true self and wash away the perception surrounding it that it is a center for the Islamic caliphate and a capital for IS and to assert that Raqqa is a beacon for democracy. To address the second part of your question, Raqqa is not held by the Kurds but by the SDF, which is a national, not Kurdish, force that includes Arabs, Turks, Kurds and Assyrians. Al-Monitor: One might say that you are ideologically close to the [area's government], the Democratic Self-Administration [of Rojava] and the PYD, as well as the military forces that have a presence in the area namely the SDF and the YPG because you're dealing with a reality where the SDF, backed by the YPG, controls the self-administration areas. But there are other forces, such as the Kurdish National Council [KNC], which represents a large Syrian-Kurdish segment in the area, and they have conflicting views to those of the PYD. What is your stance on the KNC, which is part of the [National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces]? Will you try to bridge some sort of relations with them? What is your stance on the coalition? Have you been in contact? Qaftan: We are close to the self-administration and other democratic Syrian parties, yes. We share something with all Syrians of all shapes, ethnicities and religions because our program is based on decentralized pluralism and democracy. Therefore, we are with every national Syrian party, provided that it doesnt aim to separate and pit Syrians against each other. As for the Kurdish National Council or other national parties and forces, we have common ground with those on the basis of their Syrian nature, not those who have foreign agendas. We should have common ground as long as the [KNC's] goals are the ones we know and are listed in its political program, namely a constitutional recognition of the Kurds as an ethnic identity. The same [program] also demands that the policies and laws enforced upon Syrias Kurds are repealed, including the ban on the use of the Kurdish language and the establishment of Kurdish schools as well as the call for achieving a decentralized governing policy in the context of unified Syrian lands and an end to discrimination on a national, religious or sectarian basis. The same program also supports a "national, sectarian and democratic state for all Syrians." All of these demands are indeed listed in the program of the Future Syria Party, which calls for respecting all ethnicities, languages and religions, but from the perspective of citizenship and a unified Syria. Al-Monitor: In your foundational statement, you noted that IS and Jabhat al-Nusra [now known as Jabhat Fatah al-Sham] are the embodiment of terrorism, without mentioning Turkey. What is your position on the Turkish military operation in Afrin? What about your relations with Turkey, especially since you never mentioned the Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army [FSA], which is dissimilar to the position of the PYDs that described the FSA as a group of "mercenaries"? Qaftan: We look at Turkey as a neighboring country, and we hope it treats its Syrian neighbors well and stops supporting terrorists and exits Syria along with all foreign forces, to leave Syrians to solve their problems. Regarding Afrin, we consider it an occupied territory by the military and political entities that support Turkey. Afrin was never a threat to Turkish national security, contrary to Turkeys claims. Al-Monitor: The partys foundational conference stressed the need to maintain a pacifist solution for Syria. What does that mean? What are your views toward the civil society and the active media outlets in the region? Qaftan: A unified Syrian state is a unified Syria, but while respecting its plurality and all of its spectrums and components. And yes, [we support] peaceful change rather than the language of arms, since that has yielded nothing but havoc and immensely contributed to the destruction of Syria. As such, we have to adopt dialogue and find a peaceful solution for Syria comprehensively rather than partially. Regarding civil society groups and the media, their presence is a healthy sign in any community as they contribute to empowering Syrian society to voice its opinions and aspirations for building a civil democratic Syria. Al-Monitor: Are you planning on negotiating with the Syrian government to discuss a democratic transition in the future? Who could play the role of a mediator between the Future Syria Party and the Syrian government, assuming there were any initiatives? Qaftan: There are no signs in the direction of a negotiation with the regime at this time. We dont have a problem with negotiating with the Syrian government. However, these negotiations should lead to democracy, decentralization and pluralism, away from the concept of a one-colored regime, and one through which the restoration of Syrias national, regional and international role can be achieved. We wont have any relations with the Syrian government unless [it would be] in the context of a solution for the Syrian crisis. US Ambassador David Friedman has been acting as the Israeli right-wings unfiltered apostle of late. He has insisted that settlers arent going anywhere and consistently blamed the Palestinians for the breakdown in peace talks. He invited prominent pro-Trump evangelicals to dedicate the US Embassy in Jerusalem last month, then pronounced himself very concerned that no Democrats showed up, even though none had received a White House invitation. And just this week, he admonished journalists who question Israel for shooting protesters in Gaza and told the reporters to just keep your mouths shut. Theres no question that Republicans support Israel more than Democrats, Friedman told the Times of Israel last month. The Israeli government has been lapping it up, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praising the Donald Trump administrations unvarnished and straightforward envoy. But Democrats and left-leaning American Jews are warning that the lovefest between the Israeli and US right is further damaging the already strained bipartisan consensus in support of Israel, with potential costs to the bilateral relationship down the line. There is clearly a political electoral wedge being driven by Republicans, and I think President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu are contributing to that, Ron Klein, the chairman of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, told Al-Monitor. Israels not best served by just lining up with one political party. Israels best interest is served by maintaining good relations with both parties. Friedman, a former Trump bankruptcy lawyer and longtime West Bank settlement advocate, is helping accelerate and driving this wedge between Democrats and Republicans even deeper, Klein added. The ambassador is also reportedly in line to gain control of the US consulate in East Jerusalem, thereby undermining the Palestinians direct line to the State Department. In turn, pro-Israel Democrats in Congress are singling out Friedman to vent their frustrations. After Friedmans comments about the embassy ceremony, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, New York Rep. Eliot Engel, and five other Democrats supportive of the embassy move wrote Friedman a letter noting that the White House did not issue any formal invitation for lawmakers to attend the ceremony. They suggested that the talking point may have been prepared in a way to play politics with the situation rather than tell the true story and bemoaned a dangerous effort to politicize the US-Israel relationship. Democrats, however, privately acknowledge that their pushback is complicated by the fact that theres little daylight between the US and Israeli governments. Traditional Democratic allies of Israel are being put in uncomfortable situations and positions the more the issue of Israel is politicized both by Trump but also with a willing acceptance by the Israelis, a source familiar with the debate told Al-Monitor on the condition of anonymity. Its the part of the Israelis that makes it a more difficult thing. Democrats who are not currently in office are blunter. Klein, a former congressman from Florida, pointed to Netanyahus rebuke to President Barack Obamas pursuit of the Iran nuclear deal during a 2015 speech to Congress, which was poorly received by Democrats, as well as the prime ministers endorsement of Trumps controversial proposal to erect a wall on the US-Mexican border. Its OK to respectfully disagree with Prime Minister Netanyahu if we disagree with something he does, said Klein. If some people criticize Netanyahu on settlement policy or Iran or something like that, thats a legitimate point of view that anybody can have. Republicans counter that Democrats are unwilling to acknowledge the embassy relocation as a victory for a president they disdain. Pressure from their base, they say, has caused pro-Israel Democrats to lash out at Friedman as a channel for their frustration. Its tough for them to separate their pro-Israel attitudes from their attitudes when it comes to Republicans and the president, Neil Strauss, the digital director for the Republican Jewish Coalition, told Al-Monitor. The coalition responded to Engels letter to Friedman with a statement calling the Democratic missive a shameful act of chutzpah. The statement noted that Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., had invited their Democratic counterparts to participate in congressional delegations to the embassy opening. They stooped very low to undermine this historic event and to embarrass David Friedman, who is serving ably to represent the United States in Israel, coalition executive director Matt Brooks said. Congressional Democrats counter that the invitations were informal and that there was no serious follow-up. Grahams office confirmed to Al-Monitor that while the senator invited his Democratic colleagues, the invitations were not done through formal channels. The administration planned this event, Engel told Al-Monitor over email. If the White House wanted a bipartisan delegation, it would have been bipartisan. There would have been serious outreach to Democrats and Democrats would have attended. That didnt happen. I have worked for 30 years to make sure support for Israel is bipartisan and Ill continue to do so, added Engel. That commitment is being sorely tested by an increasingly polarized US electorate. A Pew research poll released earlier this year found 79% of Republicans sympathize with Israel more than with the Palestinians, versus only 27% of Democrats. The increase in pro-Palestinian sentiment has prompted some Democrats to proactively speak out on behalf of the 119 Palestinians killed and thousands wounded during the Gaza border protests. Reps. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., Daniel Kildee, D-Mich., and Hank Johnson, D-Ga., even penned a letter to the Israeli ambassador requesting access to the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Embassy told Al-Monitor that it would facilitate access to Gaza as part of an official delegation, but House rules stipulate that only the majority party may organize congressional delegations. [Democrats] can blame Republicans all they want, but the truth is the RJC [Republican Jewish Coalition] and all the other groups on the right in the pro-Israel sphere, we dont work to erode support on the left, Strauss said. I think their problem is that and its reflected in the polling that their base has just kind of gone away from pro-Israel attitudes. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on June 4 ordered the countrys Atomic Energy Organization to make preparations for boosting uranium enrichment capacity within the requirements of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). In remarks on the occasion of the anniversary of the death of the Islamic Republics founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Iranian leader warned Europe, saying, "Some European governments are acting as if the Iranian nation has to endure these sanctions and their effects, while at the same time [Iran] must cease nuclear activities which we will certainly need in the future and curb the nuclear program." He added, "The West's dream regarding the JCPOA will not come true. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran must make the necessary arrangements to reach 190,000 SWU [separative work units] in the framework provided by the JCPOA, and it must begin some other preparations that Mr. President has ordered [previously] effective tomorrow." SWU is a unit that measures uranium isotope separation, i.e., uranium enrichment capacity. This is not the first time that the Iranian leader has spoken of the necessity of achieving 190,000 SWU enrichment capacity; he also did so during the 2013-15 negotiations, which led to the nuclear deal, then calling it an absolute need though without specifying the timeline for achieving such a capability. One day after Khamenei's speech, Ali Akbar Salehi, a vice president of Iran and the head of its Atomic Energy Organization, said that the current nuclear infrastructure of the country can rapidly be ramped up if given the order to do so. "If we withdraw from the JCPOA, we can urgently add centrifuges and increase the capacity of our enrichment, and [we can achieve 190,000 SWU capacity] in a maximum of two years," Salehi said June 5. He said, "We currently work within the framework of the JCPOA, and we won't do anything in violation of the JCPOA as this is the order of the supreme leader." Hassan Abedini, a political analyst of the state broadcaster, appeared on Iran's Channel 1, saying June 4, "The need for 190,000 SWU is necessary to [fuel the reactors at] the Bushehr and Tehran nuclear plants." He continued, "To achieve 190,000 SWU in enrichment of uranium, we [should] produce hydrofluoric gas which, of course, is not considered as a violation of the JCPOA." Meanwhile, pro-reform academic Sadegh Zibakalam believes that Iran's nuclear policy is returning to the era of former hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. "The new nuclear approach announced by the supreme leader is the last shot at Europe's efforts to reach a compromise with the US, and on the other hand, is the end of the [moderate] policy of the government of Mr. Rouhani in the past five years," Zibakalam tweeted June 5. He concluded, "It is not important if Rouhani stays or leaves; what is important is that we returned to the era of Mr. Ahmadinejad." In reply to Zibakalam's tweet, outspoken Reformist member of parliament Mahmoud Sadeghi argued that Khamenei's order is not in violation of the JCPOA. Sadeghi tweeted June 5, The Leader's approach isnt inconsistent with the JCPOA; He explicitly emphasized on Within the framework of the JCPOA for now. Based on JCPOA, European sides, like the US, are required to lift the sanctions. The for now term indicates that if Europe does not fulfill its obligations, Iran will have the right, based on the JCPOA, to withdraw from the JCPOA." Meanwhile, the conservative ANA news agency argued that Khamenei's order has put the onus on Europe to uphold the nuclear deal. "The order [to eventually achieve enrichment capacity] of 190,000 SWU was issued by the Leader while the US government tore up the JCPOA and the residents of the green continent are seeking [to achieve another] Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or improving the JCPOA," the Ana news agency wrote June 5. The news agency added, "[Khameneis order] has frustrated the West and has thrown the ball in the Europeans' court." Describing Khameneis order as "strategic," conservative member of parliament Hossein Naghavi Hosseini, the spokesman of parliaments national security and foreign policy commission, on June 5 was not positive about the prospects of Europe to provide Iran with the economic dividends promised by the JCPOA. He said, "Therefore, we shouldnt waste the time of the Iranian nation and the establishment, and [we shouldnt] wait for [European] governments, which dont honor their commitments." As many Syrian refugees have entered their seventh year in Lebanon, there is mounting pressure in Beirut to accelerate the process of returning them to their home country. However, the United States and the international community continue to curb this impulse by arguing that Syria is not ready yet to facilitate such a large-scale return. The stakes are high domestically and regionally, as such steps could help break the Syrian regimes regional isolation, particularly when it comes to connections through Beirut. Fearing a potential repeat of the long-term settlement of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, the Lebanese authorities did not establish camps for the nearly 1.5 million displaced Syrians. According to Human Rights Watch, around 74% of Syrian refugees aged 15 and above lack legal status, which further restricts their access to work, education and health care. With the economic situation in Lebanon deteriorating and the Syrian war winding down, this issue is taking center stage in Beirut and will no doubt top the priorities facing the next Lebanese government. Al-Monitor spoke with a wide range of officials, in Lebanon and abroad, who play a leadership role in addressing the return of Syrian refugees and who shared their insights on condition of anonymity. Moving forward, the Lebanese authorities plan to firmly raise this issue with concerned international partners, citing the growing pressure on the national economy and demographic concerns in the country. Last month, the relationship between the Lebanese authorities and the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, was tested as nearly 500 Syrians left in 15 buses from the Shebaa Farms in southeast Lebanon to the Beit Jinn District southwest of Damascus, which was recaptured by the Syrian regime in December. Former Beit Jinn Mayor Haytham Hamoudi reportedly coordinated this return with both the Lebanese authorities and the Syrian regime. The Lebanese officials were troubled that UNHCR representatives stood near the buses in the Shebaa Farms area on the day of the scheduled return in a last-ditch attempt to persuade the displaced Syrians not to make this move. In a public statement the UNHCR said it was not involved in the relocation process considering the prevailing humanitarian and security situation in Syria." The Lebanese authorities fear the international community is preparing Lebanon for an eventual long-term settlement of these refugees. In return, international actors believe the authorities are rushing the return process without having the necessary guarantees. The main contrast between both sides is a matter of assessment, whether the Syrian war is largely over or not. Current talks between the Lebanese government and international humanitarian actors are underway to discuss these concerns and agree on a policy framework. The two main challenges to overcome are related to the political and logistical dimensions of the return process. The first challenge is that the return process requires engaging the Syrian regime, and the major interlocutors are not ready for such an overture. On the Lebanese level, Prime Minister Saad Hariri remains, with US support, against fully normalizing relations between Beirut and Damascus. However, President Michel Aoun has opted to prevent a political impasse by designating the general director of the Lebanese General Security, Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim, as the Lebanese interlocutor with the Syrian regime on this issue. With the Lebanese allies of the Syrian regime making a political comeback during the general elections last month, there is a renewed effort to solve the Syrian refugee issue through high-level talks between the Lebanese government and the Syrian regime. As foreign powers continue to influence the Cabinet formation process, the next government will have to decide whether to keep the talks with the Syrian regime restricted to Ibrahim or raise the engagement to the ministerial level. Meanwhile, international humanitarian actors are not willing to start direct contacts or provide aid to the Syrian regime; hence the UNHCR cannot be logistically involved in a large-scale return process. The Lebanese authorities are conceding on legalizing the status of the displaced Syrians while at the same time expecting international actors to be flexible on the return process. The 10 special centers to register the Syrian refugees that are to open across Lebanon are meant to expand the capacity of the General Security to implement the policy changes adopted last year regarding the documentation and residency of these refugees. There is an appreciation among US and European officials that the Lebanese government has repeatedly committed to the non-refoulement principle, the cornerstone of international refugee protection that stipulates that no state should expel or return any refugee to the border if his/her life or freedom is threatened. A senior official in the Lebanese Foreign Ministry told Al-Monitor, Lets be very clear, we will not force any displaced Syrian to return. All we are asking is to facilitate the process if they chose to return instead of telling them not to go. Our voice will only get louder on this issue. The US view has obviously evolved during the Syrian civil war. Early on, Washington pressured Beirut not to refuse the entry of Syrians fleeing their home country. Once the violence began to fade next door, the US focus shifted to not forcing the Syrians to return. We are currently in the third phase where US officials are accepting the idea of individual, safe and voluntary returns. The UNHCR fears these refugees might return to Lebanon if the conditions are not right in Syria. The Lebanese authorities say that clearing the names of these refugees with the Syrian regime is meant to avoid such a scenario that might discourage other refugees from returning to Syria. The return process at this point requires Syrian refugees to inform the Lebanese General Security of their intentions to go back to their home country. The authorities then process their request and clear their names with the Syrian regime. In recent months, the UNHCR representatives have begun to meet those willing to return to make sure their decision is voluntary. In the next step, the Syrian regime provides buses to transport the refugees who are returning to their home country. There are thousands of pending requests waiting to be processed and the Lebanese authorities expect this trend to continue. However, the challenge from a logistical perspective is the inability of the resource-stretched Syrian regime to process these requests and to secure enough buses. It is clear that returning 1.5 million refugees will not happen overnight and might take years. But the aim is to launch this process with incremental steps and within an agreed-upon framework with the UNHCR. The international community is linking the return process to resolving the Syrian conflict but will not stand in the way of individual and voluntary returns. These underlying criteria are expected to guide the return process in the foreseeable future. GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip The Palestinian Ministry of Information issued a statement May 27 describing the Israeli Knesset deliberations on a bill that would ban the filming of Israeli soldiers in action as the height of discrimination. The statement said the proposed law encourages Israeli soldiers to continue killing and called it an attempt to protect them from international legal pursuit. The proposal to ban the filming of Israel Defense Forces soldiers stems from concern that documentation would affect the soldiers work. The bill states, Anyone who films, photographs and/or records soldiers in the course of their duties with the intention of undermining the spirit of IDF soldiers and residents of Israel shall be liable to five years imprisonment. Anyone intending to harm state security will be sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. The bill also would prohibit the publication of such photo or video content on social media. Haaretz' May 27 editorial condemned the bill as dangerous, saying its aim is to ban criticicism of the Israeli army and the documentation of its behavior and to forbid human rights organizations from doing their work, a clear violation of journalism and the peoples right to access information. Fayez Abu Atia, undersecretary of the Palestinian Ministry of Information, told Al-Monitor that the whole point of the bill is to halt supervision of soldiers to avoid publicizing their crimes and violations against the Palestinian people. The bill coincides with the rise in violations against peaceful protesters at the border fence separating the Gaza Strip and Israel. Since the Great March of Return protests began March 30, the soldiers have killed 115 citizens and wounded thousands. He said, The bill aims to encourage Israeli soldiers to commit more crimes without being held accountable and it seeks to offer them protection from international justice. It indicates that Israeli policy does not acknowledge the rights of Palestinian citizens. Abu Atia said the bill is a blatant violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2222, which calls for protections for journalists and condemns impunity. Abu Atia urged the International Federation of Journalists to take action before the UN to prevent the bill's passage. He said the ministry will contact rights and journalistic organizations. He said, These laws wont stop Palestinian journalists from doing their job and duty in exposing Israels crimes. On May 26, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate also expressed its rejection of the bill as discriminatory. The syndicate warned that the bill would deal a heavy blow to journalism, legalize Israeli soldiers criminal acts against Palestinians and encourage impunity from international courts. Tahseen al-Astal, vice president of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, told Al-Monitor that the bill shows that Israel is concerned about potential punishment of its army, which is violating international and humanitarian laws and committing atrocities against Palestinians. The bill coincides with the Palestinian territories submission of a complaint to the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the Israeli armys alleged war crimes and the syndicates complaints before European courts and the ICC about crimes against journalists. On May 17, the syndicate announced the formation of a committee of Palestinian journalists to prepare the legal cases to be submitted to the ICC and some European courts against Israeli leaders and institutions that are directly responsible for Israeli soldiers crimes against Palestinian journalists. A private international meeting at the UN is to be held in New York in September and testimonials will be given before the UK Parliament in the coming weeks. Astal said, All countries or organizations that ratified agreements related to the freedom of expression or cultural and media exchange with Israel, such as the International Federation of Journalists, should revisit their decisions. This bill shows their discrimination and disrespect for the basic rights of freedom of expression that are a requirement to join the federation. Astal argued that the bill will widely impact journalists work, be they nationals or foreigners. He said that the syndicate has already announced a cultural and media boycott of Israel and called on the UN and international organizations that are concerned with journalistic freedom to pressure Israel to adhere to international charters and laws. He said, All international journalistic institutions should condemn this bill because it affects their work. Maamoun Abu Amer, who writes on Israeli affairs, told Al-Monitor, The bill wants to forbid any citizen or journalist from photographing and publishing any Israeli army activity. Israel is seeking to limit what is published about its army, he went on, pointing out that the bill emerged after videos and photos depicting scandalous Israeli behavior against protesters in the Gaza Strip were published. Israel wants to criminalize the documentation of its soldiers crimes to encourage international impunity. He concluded, Israel does not have the right to impose its laws on Palestinian territories because they are not part of it. The remaining 14 students from Istanbuls liberal Bogazici University who were charged with spreading terror propaganda for protesting Turkeys military offensive against the Syrian Kurdish enclave Afrin were freed pending trial by the judge in their first courtroom hearing today. The youths were detained and arrested after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called them terrorists in the guise of students. "At last our children from Bogazici have been freed. Now it's the turn of the other students. We will bring an end to the darkness in Turkey, where nearly 70,000 students are in jail," tweeted Nesrin Nas, an opposition politician observing the trial. The students had been held in pre-trial detention since March, when police raided their dorms and hauled them away. The accusations stem from their actions chanting slogans and unfurling banners against a group of students who supported Turkeys campaign against the Syrian Kurdish militia known as the Peoples Protection Units. A brief scuffle ensued. The case against 22 Bogazici students highlights the stifling authoritarianism gripping Turkey since the 2016 coup attempt that has seen tens of thousands of Turks, including academics, journalists and human rights activists, jailed on thin evidence purportedly linking them to terror and subversion against the state. Hundreds of academics are also being prosecuted for signing a petition in January 2016 for criticizing the armys heavy-handed methods in the mainly Kurdish southeast region. They face up to five years in prison if convicted as charged under Turkeys broad anti-terror law. The charges leveled against them in the prosecutors indictment include seeking to portray the Turkish Armed Forces as illegal and violent occupiers, chanting slogans and applauding in protest with aggressive intent. Yesterday, two youths were arrested in Istanbuls Gazi neighborhood after spray-painting HDP and umut, Turkish for hope, on a wall. The HDP (Peoples Democratic Party) is the countrys largest pro-Kurdish bloc whose presidential candidate, Selahattin Demirtas, is campaigning for the June 24 elections from jail. The pair had also depicted an electric kettle accompanied with, Theres a message from the kettle. Demirtas uses a kettle to make tea in his cell, but it frequently breaks, according to jokey messages relayed via his lawyers on Twitter. The youths, Saadettin Kose and Birol Tutus, will likely face charges of engaging in terrorist propaganda. Outside Istanbuls Caglayan courthouse, where the case of the Bogazici 22 is being heard, hundreds of sympathizers gathered to show solidarity. Speaking on behalf of the families of the jailed students, parent Bulent Yilmaz said, These children are not only our children. These children are the children of those in Turkey who want peace and democracy and are fighting for democracy. The trial got off to a noisy start when the defense complained about the lack of space. Half of the three rows of seats were taken by security officers and defendants, Al-Monitor contributor Ayla Jean Yackley observed in a tweet. The students' voices are cracking with nervousness, one almost started to cry, apologizing for being 'emotional,' Yackley added. One the defendants, Zulkuf Erkol, said that he had been cramming in the library when he heard noise, went to see what was going on and joined the protest. I chanted the slogan unity against fascism, but I dont believe this amounts to terrorist propaganda, Erkol said, adding, I was tortured in police custody. The independent online news platform Bianet reported that student Yusuf Noyan Ozturk, who also denies any wrongdoing, said that before he was transferred to pretrial detention, I spent 14 days in police custody. I faced violence and threats. I was told my family and I awaited dark days. The trial will resume Oct. 3. Australian aerotech and defense company Electro Optic Systems Pty Ltd, or EOS, announced today it will build its flagship U.S. manufacturing facility in Huntsville. Within the first year of operation, EOS expects to hire up to 100 full-time employees, and the facility has been scaled to grow to at least 250 employees if contract awards continue on the current trajectory, company officials said. The company made the announcement at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. EOS is in the process of outfitting a production facility at 2865 Wall Triana Hwy. A leader in remote-controlled or robotic weapons systems, EOS is based in Hume, Australia and does business in the military space, missile defense and surface warfare sectors. Its products incorporate software, lasers, electronics, optronics, gimbals, telescopes, beam directors, stabilization and precision mechanisms. Gov. Kay Ivey said the company was a natural fit for Huntsville. "EOS' decision to locate its new manufacturing center in Alabama is a reflection of the state's attractive business climate and its skilled workers, who prove their capabilities each and every day," Ivey said. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said EOS' coming "continues our momentum to add more manufacturing in support of Huntsville's excellent research and development capabilities." EOS' U.S. President Phil Coker said the company looks forward to helping "improve the community." "Northern Alabama is an area of incredible people, outstanding institutions and immense potential and we are thrilled to have the chance to establish a business in this area," Coker said. Did you ever wonder about the "drunk man in a cowboy hat" who appears in Alan Jackson's 1992 hit, "Midnight in Montgomery?" Well, it's not a man so much as a ghost - the spirit of country music legend Hank Williams. The song's narrator sees the apparition while visiting Williams' grave in Montgomery, Alabama. The haunting song, which includes a line from Williams' hit "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," was written by Jackson and Don Sampson, and performed by Jackson for his album, "Don't Rock the Jukebox." "Midnight" peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. Jackson, a native of Newnan, Georgia, was inspired to write the song during a visit to Williams' grave in Oakwood Annex Cemetery after performing a concert in Montgomery. In the song, he imagines a visitor: "And a drunk man in a cowboy hat took me by surprise Wearing shiny boots, a Nudie suit, and haunting haunted eyes He said, 'Friend, it's good to see you, it's nice to know you care,' Then the wind picked up and he was gone, was he ever really there?" Williams' "Nudie suit," now on display in the Country Music Hall of Fame, was in the car with Williams when he died, ready to wear to the performance he never gave. The iconic white cowboy suit that featured musical notes on the sleeves and a guitar on back was sewn by tailor Nudie Cohn. Death of a Legend Williams, born in Montgomery in 1923, died of heart failure at the age of 29 while being driven to a show in Canton, Ohio. He was riding in his powder blue Cadillac, which is now on display in the Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery, along with the blue overcoat he was wearing when he died. The driver traveled through the night on New Year's Eve 1952 and discovered Williams dead in the backseat early in the morning of January 1, 1953. The exact location of his death is unknown; the driver discovered Williams was unresponsive when he stopped for gas near Oak Hill, West Virginia. Williams' grave marker in Montgomery, which is beside that of Audrey, his ex-wife and mother of Hank Williams Jr., is etched with lyrics from his songs, including "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive." It also features a carved cowboy hat at its base. Jackson's late-night visit to Williams' grave became a tradition, and he would make the pilgrimage each time he performed a concert in Montgomery. According to a 1995 article in The Chicago Tribune, "so many fans now know about the practice that the police must seal off the area to allow Jackson to reach Williams' grave." The lyrics to "Midnight in Montgomery" suggest Jackson's feeling of kinship with the legendary Williams, which is fitting because, as the Tribune article says, "Jackson is perhaps the closest thing on the country scene to a reincarnation of Williams." He was quoted in The Wall Street Journal as saying, "Hank Williams has always been just such a big part of what real country music is - and a poet. He showed how simply you can write; people still need to learn that from him. And he's a reason I moved to Nashville." "Wasted Space" #2, cover WASTED SPACE #2. Vault. Written by Michael Moreci. Art by Hayden Sherman. Colored by Jason Wordie. Lettered by Jim Campbell. "Wasted Space" #2, the sophomore offering in Vault Comics' bonkers sci-fi romp, is fascinating -- and mandatory reading -- for any number of reasons. Writer Michael Moreci is having an absolute ball with a story that sees Billy, the voice of the Creator, doubting his place (and his sanity) in a galaxy in which he backed the wrong supreme leader. It is a story a bit like "Preacher" perhaps -- but better refined in this preliminary moment and more focused on simply telling a good story rather than hammering the sacrilege into to a fine and obvious powder. It is a story told loudly, spanning the galaxy and a family of bombastic characters, and quietly, with Billy pouring his regrets into some manner of space liquor while questioning everything that has brought him to this moment. So read "Wasted Space" for Moreci's damn fine work. But the thing that strikes me just as profoundly is the difference in what color can do for a book. Take "Wasted Space" and "Cold War" (more on the latter momentarily). They're both drawn by artist Hayden Sherman, a craftsman who works in big, boxy shapes and hard, clean lines. (His Twitter handle is, after all, @Cleanlined.) "Wasted Space" is colored by Jason Wordie, but Sherman handles coloring duties himself on "Cold War," and the results cannot be more striking. "Wasted Space" is bright and bubbly even as it dives into anxiety, loathing and space murder; "Cold War" is brutal and keeps a reader on the same unsure footing as the meat bags on the battlefield. The difference can be found in the palette -- Wordie uses a variety of reds, yellows, greens and purples to infuse "Wasted Space" with the energy that powers it across the cosmos whereas Sherman sticks to the same nauseating combination of sickly colors that would be at home on a Miami Marlins uniform. They both work for the books at hand, and, again, it is remarkable to see what different colors on the same art style can do in terms of tone and storytelling. "Wasted Space" #2 is a fearsome ride across the galaxy, fueled by zipping art and a crisp, engaging story. But the damning thing is that there might not be anything more terrifying than our own self-doubt. "Wasted Space" #2, from Michael Moreci, Hayden Sherman, Jason Wordie, Jim Campbell and Vault Comics, goes on sale Wednesday. "Cold War" #5, cover COLD WAR #5 (of five). AfterShock. Written by Christopher Sebela. Art by Hayden Sherman. Lettered by Hayden Sherman. Co-created by Christopher Sebela and Hayden Sherman. The tagline for the Fallout video game franchise -- which my wife and I have rediscovered with the announcement of "Fallout 76" -- is "War. War never changes." (And I hope you, Loyal Reader, read that in Ron Perlman's voice.) And that same sentiment is here in "Cold War," which this week ends its story of cryogenic soldiers waking up some 500 years in the future to fight in a war they never signed up for. But while the thesis of "Fallout" is that humans will always (calling to mind the unproven Albert Einstein quote) be in conflict over either resources or petty grievances, writer Christopher Sebela tweaks the idea: In his view, humans will always be fighting at the behest of monied and powerful humans for reasons that are usually irrelevant, invoking Tennyson's powerful "Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die." And if that's the central theme of "Cold War," then Sebela and the aforementioned Sherman pay it off in style with a conclusion that takes the fight to those responsible for the misery and death matriarch Vinh and others have seen in the series. It's a cerebral, damn near experimental book, but it's one that takes chances over its five-issue run, and that's what we should want in a series -- story choices are bold (no one, really, is a hero and Sebela neatly shows what happens to pretend cowboys in the first issue) and Sherman's art is quickly become some of my favorite in comics. War. War never changes. But's that's only, as Sebela posits, because people -- as flawed, miserable, greedy creatures always looking to put a boot on someone else's neck -- never change. "Cold War," for all its fantastic tech and cutting Paul Verhoeven-esque satire, is nothing more than that. But that's all it needs to be. "Cold War" #5, from Christopher Sebela, Hayden Sherman and AfterShock Comics, goes on sale Wednesday. "Dark Ark" #7, cover DARK ARK #7. AfterShock. Created and written by Cullen Bunn. Art by Juan Doe. Lettered by Ryane Hill. "Dark Ark" has consistently resembled my deepest nightmares, with artist Juan Doe rendering the darkest of demons in a shimmering haze that looks like it might vanish if I look at it for too long. But the thing that is starting to get me with this series is how the story is deepening with each new issue -- especially in this new arc. We've seen how sorcerer Shrae recruited labor for his boat load of monsters. (He wasn't honest with the local townspeople. Shocker.) But with this issue, the story gets even richer as we see Noah -- of all people -- making questionable choices. (Now that my Sunday School lessons return to me, Noah being less than heroic isn't that much of a reach.) But even better, the relationship between Shrae's daughter Khalee and the ship's captive human livestock is rounding out, giving the series some real narrative legs that stretch out with timely prediluvian flashbacks. "Dark Ark" is sneakily one of the more engrossing books today. Don't be surprised if it gets a tendril (or a tongue or a horn or some other demonic thing) around you. "Dark Ark" #7, from Cullen Bunn, Juan Doe, Ryane Hill and AfterShock Comics, goes on sale Wednesday. "Garfield: Homecoming" #1, cover GARFIELD: HOMECOMING #1 (of four). Boom/kaboom!. Written by Scott Nickel. Art by Sara Talmadge and Antonio Alfaro. Colored by Sara Talmadge and Lisa Moore. Lettered by Jim Campbell. For people of a certain age, Garfield -- along with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles -- will always represent the pinnacle of Saturday morning cartooning, an achievement in wit, animation and (let's not lie) merchandising. So 30something me is always nervous for 6ish me whenever someone touches one of my babies, but I'm happy to say "Garfield: Homecoming" gets it, bringing the right mix of cute laughs, meta jokes and acerbic wit that will sit just fine next to any other fat cat property. When Jon adopts the teachings of "How to Unspoil Your Cat" by (joke worth paying attention to), what's Garfield to do to? For him, the answer is simple: leave. And that's the premise of this miniseries with our favorite cat wandering in search of a new home. His first stop is at the circus, which ends about as well as one would expect. (Surprisingly, no Binky. Hrm.) The freshest thing about the series is that it will employ a different artist with each issue, and Sara Talmadge takes the first turn -- it's fascinating to see a legacy animated character rendered in someone else's style, and I like what Talmadge does here with an almost anime-like approach to the property. It works and certainly serves as a new way to look at a character I have literally known my entire life. "Garfield: Homecoming" is a fun and fresh -- but still familiar -- take on the character. *Whew.* "Garfield: Homecoming," from Scott Nickel, Sara Talmadge, Antonio Alfaro, Lisa Moore, Jim Campbell and Boom/kaboom!, goes on sale Wednesday. With over 90 percent of the votes counted, Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Lyn Stuart trailed behind Associate Justice Tom Parker for the Republican nomination. The winning Republican will face the Democratic nominee, Jefferson County Circuit Judge Bob Vance, in November. Vance is unopposed in his party. The chief justice primary is one of several state appeals court races to watch Tuesday night. Stuart was elected to the Supreme Court in 2000 and was reelected twice, earning her the longest tenure of the nine justices. She became acting chief justice when then-Chief Justice Roy Moore was suspended in 2016, and was appointed to the position by Gov. Kay Ivey when Moore resigned to run for the Senate last year. Seven justices who served with Stuart have endorsed her in the race. Parker was elected to the Alabama Supreme Court in 2004. Prior to that, he served as deputy administrative director and general counsel for the state court system and was an assistant attorney general under AGs Jeff Sessions and Bill Pryor. He was reelected in 2010 and 2016. Parker said he's proud to be a friend and ally of Moore, who was twice removed from the office Parker seeks. Parker has said Moore was "unlawfully removed from office. During the time of his reelection, Parker was the target of an ethics complaint by the Southern Poverty Law Center to the Judicial Inquiry Commission. The SPLC said Parker violated prohibitions on judges talking about pending or impending cases and undermining public confidence in the judicial system when he made comments about the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage during a radio interview in 2016. The JIC dropped the complain, but Parker filed a federal lawsuit claiming that the prohibition on speaking about cases pending or impending in any court violated his free speech rights as a judicial candidate. The radio host asked Parker what would happen if a state Supreme Court refused to accept the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized gay marriage. This post will be updated every 30 minutes as results come in. Click here to see the latest results in all races. Alabama Supreme Court Races Chief Justice GOP: Lyn Stuart 47.71% GOP: Tom Parker 52.29% Dem: Uncontested, Bob Vance, Jr. Place 1 GOP: Debra Jones 27.52% GOP: Brad Mendheim 43.81% GOP: Sarah Hicks Stewart 28.67% Place 2 GOP: Tommy Bryan, uncontested (no Democratic opposition in November) Place 3 GOP: Will Sellers, uncontested (no Democratic opposition in November) Place 4 GOP: Jay Mitchell 72.36% *Winner GOP: John Bahakel 27.64% Dem: Donna Wesson Smalley, uncontested Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Place 1 GOP: Christy Olinger Edwards 40.78% GOP: Pat Thetford 27.25% GOP: Michelle Manley Thomason 31.96% Place 2 GOP: Chad Hanson 52.98% GOP: Terri Willingham Thomas 47.02% Place 3 GOP: Terry A. Moore, uncontested Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals Place 1 GOP: Richard Minor 65.52% *Winner GOP: Riggs Walker 34.48% Place 2 GOP: Rich Anderson 34.44% GOP: Chris McCool 42.82% GOP: Dennis O'Dell 22.74% Place 3 GOP: Donna Beaulieu 39.71% GOP: Bill Cole 60.29% A Birmingham woman armed with a promise, or a threat, tried to rob a Forestdale bank Wednesday morning. The holdup attempt happened just before 10 a.m. at Regions Bank in the 1300 block of Tomahawk Road in Forestdale. Jefferson County Chief Deputy Randy Christian said deputies responded to a report that a black female had entered the bank and handed the manager a note demanding money. Deputies arrived on scene quickly and found the suspect still inside the bank. She was taken into custody and is currently being questioned by detectives. Christian said information from the scene is that the would-be robber passed a note to the manager demanding $6,000 from the vault. The note read that, if the manager complied, he would be rewarded with a sexual favor. If he refused, she would claim that he had sexually assaulted her. "I don't think I have ever heard of an attempt to rob a bank quite like this,'' Christian said. "Our deputies were on the scene very quickly and saved this employee from something. I'm not sure exactly what but we saved him from something." The woman will be taken to the Jefferson County Jail to await formal charges. A north Jefferson County teen has been arrested and charged with sexual torture of a child. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday announced charges against Nicholas Cameron McCloy. He is 16 and charged as an adult. Chief Deputy Randy Christian said school resource deputies at Pinson Valley High School were called to the office to investigate a complaint. A staff member had discovered information that the suspect had assaulted a young female. This incident was not school-related. SRO's collected the information and turned the investigation over to sheriff's detectives, Christian said. The detectives reviewed the information and interviewed both McCloy and the young victim. Court records state McCloy on Feb. 18 "did penetrate the mouth of a female who was less than 12 with an inanimate object with the intent to torture or sexually abuse her." Additional details were not released. McCloy admitted to assaulting the victim. He was arrested and taken to the Jefferson County Jail. On Tuesday, detectives obtained arrest warrants formally charging McCloy as an adult with two counts of sexual torture due to the age of the victim and force used by the suspect. He remains in the Jefferson County Jail with bond set at $500,000. In 2014, the teen's father pleaded guilty to first-degree sex abuse of a child under the age of 12. Nicholas Carson McCloy was sentenced to 10 year in prison with one year to serve in that case. A 66-year-old man who killed a Birmingham woman and then escaped from prison and killed a 68-year-old man has died. Donald Thigpen died Tuesday night in the William Donaldson Corrections Facility in Jefferson County after serving 45 years for the murders which happened in the 1970s. Thigpen was found unresponsive in his infirmary bed at 7:55 p.m., according to the Jefferson County Coroner's Office, and pronounced dead five minutes later. There was no foul play in his death. Thigpen was convicted in May 1972 shotgun shooting death of his girlfriend, Cassie Lee Davis. The shooting happened in one of Birmingham's public housing communities where the victim lived. Authorities said Birmingham Housing Authority officials had told Davis that Thigpen could not live with her and that had been conveyed to Thigpen. Witnesses testified that Thigpen, while gathering his belongings to leave, picked up the single-barrel, sawed-off shotgun from a table, pointed it at Davis and fired. He then left the apartment and returned a moment later, asking, "Did I kill her?" The shooting happened in front of a public housing manager. Thigpen was convicted and sentenced to death. The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals later reduced to the sentence to life in prison. While serving that life sentence, Thigpen and 10 other inmates in April 1975 escaped from Alabama's Holman Prison. The next day, Thigpen and another one of the escapees, came across a 68-year-old farmer who was building a fence along a roadway way. Authorities said one of the escapees killed Henry Lambeth with an ax or fence post and fled in his pickup truck. Again, Thigpen was sentenced to death but escaped execution when the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals ruled unconstitutional the death penalty statute under which Thigpen was sentenced. Former Marine Neil Rafferty was leading the race for the House District 54 seat to replace Patricia Todd in the Alabama State Legislature for much of Tuesday night. In the end, though, Rafferty, who is openly gay, is headed to a runoff election in the race with Jacqueline Gray Miller, an environmentalist. Rafferty was endorsed by Todd, who was the first openly gay lawmaker in Alabama. Todd didn't seek re-election. No Republicans were in the race. Rafferty won 48 percent or 2,867 votes, according to unofficial results. Miller received 28 percent of 1,667 votes and Jerome Dees, a former Jefferson County deputy district attorney, received 22 percent of 1,340 votes. A Birmingham native who earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Rafferty works as the director of research and development at Birmingham AIDS Outreach. Voters across the state of Alabama went to the polls today to cast their votes in Democratic and Republican primary races. Here is a sampling of the unofficial election results in Jefferson County. Several of the key races are headed to a runoff. The runoff is set for July 17. All but the provisional ballots have been counted. Unofficial election results are listed below. State Legislature - House District 45 Incumbent state Rep. Dickie Drake won the Republican primary against Roy Moore surrogate and former Shelby County Commissioner Ted Crockett. Drake received 55 percent or 3,339 votes. Crockett received 44 percent or 2,631 votes. House District 45 covers portions of Jefferson and Shelby County. State Legislature - House District 55 Rod Scott won back his seat on the state Legislature receiving 61 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results. His challengers in the Democratic primary Quang Do received 16 percent of the vote and Antwon Womack received 22 percent of the vote. No Republicans competed in the race for District 55. State Legislature - House District 60 Incumbent Juandalynn Givan held her seat in a contest against Le'Darius Hilliard. Givan received 75 percent of the vote. Jefferson County Commission Former Vestavia Hills City Councilman Steve Ammons won a seat on the Jefferson County Commission defeating former Alabama state Rep. Jack Williams. Ammons received 62 percent of the vote with 7,975 votes cast, according to unofficial reports. Williams received 37 percent and 4,840 votes. Ammons is a Republican. No Democrats qualified in the race. Williams, who served in the state Legislature for 14 years, was arrested on April 2 and charged with conspiracy to commit bribery related to federal programs, conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, and honest services wire fraud. Ammons will replace David Carrington in the District 5 seat. Carrington didn't seek re-election. Lashunda Scales, who is currently on the Birmingham City Council, and Incumbent George Bowman is headed to a runoff for the District 1 seat on the county commission. Scales received 42 percent of the vote while Bowman received 24 percent. Sheila Tyson will force a runoff with incumbent Sandra Little Brown in District 2 of the Jefferson County Commission. Tyson currently serves on the Birmingham City Council. Brown and Tyson received 46 percent of the vote. Jefferson County District Attorney Mike Anderton won the Republican nomination for Jefferson County District Attorney with 59 percent of the vote, according to unofficial election results. He received 17,092 votes. His competitor Bill Veitch received 40 percent of the vote with 11,465 votes. Danny Carr won the Democratic primary for Jefferson County DA with 78 percent of the vote, according to unofficial election results. He received 34,747 votes. His challenger Raymond Johnson has 21 percent or 9,666 votes. Jefferson County Probate - Place 1 Longtime Jefferson County Probate Presiding Judge Alan King won the Democratic primary over Everett W. Wess, a criminal defense attorney in Irondale. King received 57 percent of the vote. Jefferson County Probate - Place 2 Sherri Friday received enough votes to avoid a runoff to keep her judgeship. Friday, who has been a Jefferson County probate judge since 2006, received 50 percent of the vote, according to unofficial reports. Her opponents were Birmingham attorneys Willie Florence and Jameria Moore. Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway and Wilson Hale are headed to a runoff in the Democratic primary for sheriff. Pettway received 42 percent of the vote while Hale received 25 percent. Incumbent Mike Hale was the only Republican in the race. Unofficial Jefferson County Election Results - June 5, 2018 on Scribd The University of Alabama at Birmingham has been ranked the top young university in the United States in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings' 2018 Young University Rankings. "This prestigious recognition directly reflects the dedication and hard work that our faculty, staff, students, alumni and community supporters have contributed to build tremendous, growing momentum in every pillar of our mission in less than 50 short years," said UAB President Ray L. Watts. "I celebrate and share this tremendous honor with everyone in the UAB community, as well as with those who came before us and built the strong foundation from which we continue to effect positive, global change." UAB is the No. 10 young university worldwide, according to the rankings. A young university is one that is 50 years old or younger. Times Higher Education's university rankings are among the world's most comprehensive, balanced and trusted -- a vital resource trusted by academics, students, their families, industry and governments globally, according to UAB. Times Higher Education ranked 250 institutions from 55 different countries in this year's Young University Rankings, which explores the same rigorous 13 performance indicators as the overall Times Higher Education's World University Rankings -- with young universities measured across their teaching, research, citations, international outlooks and industry incomes. However, the methodology has been recalibrated to have less emphasis on reputation since younger universities are still building their reputations. UAB, which spans more than 100 city blocks -- roughly a quarter of downtown Birmingham -- will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2019. With nearly 21,000 students and more than 23,000 faculty and staff, UAB is the largest single employer in Alabama, with an annual statewide economic impact exceeding $7.15 billion. It boasts many nationally ranked programs, including 13 graduate programs ranked in the top 25, according to U.S. News & World Report. UAB has annual research expenditures exceeding $562 million. It is a leader in federal research funding -- ranking 23rd (top 4 percent) nationally and 8th (top 2 percent) among public institutions in funding from the National Institutes of Health. The founder of a Huntsville nonprofit is vehemently denying allegations of child pornography that landed him in the Madison County jail this morning. Michael Sweeney, founder and chairman of Breaking Boundaries Foundation, is charged with child pornography possession, authorities say. Michael Sweeney, the 56-year-old founder and chairman of Breaking Boundaries Foundation, was booked into the jail this morning on nine felony charges, records show. He's been released on $180,000 bail. "It's horrible to be charged with something like that, knowing you didn't do it," Sweeney said in a phone interview with AL.com. "This has just been a nightmare. We are not those kinds of people. We are just asking the public to wait until it goes to trial. Just hang with us." Sweeney was charged by the Madison County sheriff's office after a search warrant was served at his Huntsville home. Lt. Donny Shaw said authorities seized multiple electronic devices. "A preliminary examination of those electronic devices revealed the presence of multiple images of child pornography," Shaw said in a news release. Sweeney said he was stunned when law enforcement, including several federal agents, showed up at his house around 6 a.m. He said his house is a disaster because of the extensive search. Along with his wife, Sweeney founded Breaking Barriers after the deadly 2011 tornado outbreak. The nonprofit's outreach later shifted to helping children, he told AL.com in a 2017 story. At that time, Sweeney was running as a Democrat for the 5th Congressional District seat in north Alabama that's held by U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks. Sweeney never qualified or made it on to the ballot. Sweeney is a Huntsville native and Navy veteran who worked as a commercial photographer in Minnesota before returning home in 2001. "We have always done the community right," he said. "We are tough. We will get through this. It's going to take time." Updated at 4:07 p.m. with comments from Sweeney. Republican and Democrat senators told the Trump administration Wednesday that they stand together on keeping the International Space Station operating as a national laboratory for years past the White House's projected handover of its operations to industry. The commitment came after NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine told the Washington Post Tuesday he is talking to international companies about forming a consortium to run the station as a commercial laboratory. The White House wants to cut the station's annual $3-$4 billion cost from NASA's budget after 2025 and spend that money on a return to the moon and other deep space exploration. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) told a hearing of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Space, Science and Competitiveness he chairs that America spent $100 billion to develop and fly the station. "It would be irresponsible for the U.S. government to prematurely end the life of the space station before maximizing that investment," Cruz said. "Sen. Cruz and I agree, Sen. (Bill) Nelson (D-Fla.) and I agree on these issues in terms of the sequence that should in fact take place," said U.S. Sen. Edward Markey of Massachusetts, the ranking Democrat on the subcommittee. "That is no small moment in the history of this committee." Witnesses told the committee that the annual cost of the station being discussed by the White House includes things such as launch support services ($1.8 billion - $2.5 billion). They asked how a commercial consortium would get to the station without NASA bearing those costs. Bob Mitchell, president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, said 4,700 jobs in Houston support the space station. Losing those jobs would drop Johnson Space Center's workforce to around 5,000, which he called a big blow to the Houston economy. The station also requires an around-the-clock science payload operations control center and payload training center at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. Mitchell and other witnesses said the station's biggest asset is the international partnerships created by its construction and operation. "China last week asked our international partners to work with them" on a new Chinese space station, Mitchell said. To give American leadership in Earth orbit to China "would be devastating," he said. "I feel strongly the U.S. should not allow a gap of access (to low-Earth orbit)," said Mike Suffredini, former NASA space station program manager and current CEO of Axiom Space. Suffredini said he supports a commercial takeover, but if it happens too soon, "We're going to have a big dip which we may not recover from." Could the station operate safely after 2025? Boeing Senior Vice President Jim Chilton said a company study showed it could operate until 2028 and likely into the mid-2020's or even 2030. Chilton said the station's lifetime should be a "criteria vs. calendar" decision. And he urged Congress to avoid uncertainty "that lab will be there." Chilton said that NASA under Bridenstine has asked companies involved in the station for wide-ranging feedback on the handover proposal. Those reports are being developed, he said. Cynthia Bouthot, a director of the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), testified about research on the station now, but warned it could dry up if companies see uncertainty about the station's future. (Updated June 8, 2018 because of a typographical error to correct the projected lifespan of the space station from 2018 to 2028.) The field of Republican Alabama Board of Education candidates narrowed today, with one district having a clear winner and two candidates in the other headed for a runoff in July. Alabama Board of Education districts With 5 percent of the boxes still out in Lee County, it looks like Melanie Hill and Tracie West will face each other in the July 21 runoff in District 2, with 33.1 percent and 32.1 percent of the vote, respectively. Betty Peters, R-Kinsey, has held the seat since 2003 but chose not to seek re-election this year. Peters had endorsed Taylor in the race. The winner of the Republican runoff will face Democrat Adam Jortner in November's general election. In District 8, which covers parts of northeast Alabama, Wayne Reynolds defeated Rich McAdams by a margin of 3.6 percent. Current District 8 board member Mary Scott Hunter, R-Huntsville, did not seek re-election, instead running for Senate District 7. She was defeated in that race by Sam Givhan. Reynolds will face Democrat Jessica Fortune Barker in the general election. Reynolds said in campaign speeches he was not a fan of the Common Core State Standards and wants the statewide grading of schools to be reconfigured. Reynolds was superintendent in Athens City Schools from 1989 to 1993 and in Tarrant City Schools from 1984 to 1989. District 4 board member Yvette Richardson, D-Birmingham, will face Republican Don Wallace of Tuscaloosa in the general election. Richardson was first elected in 2008. District 6 board member Cynthia McCarty, R-Jacksonville, had no challengers in either the Republican primary or the general election and will retain her seat for another four years. Alabama's national standing is at or near the bottom of most educational rankings. One of its members set off a firestorm last year with comments about segregating special needs students from others. The state system is on its third superintendent in the past six years. And the board hasn't even begun to deal with improvement of student safety amid a national surge in school shootings. The Alabama Board of Education has eight elected members, with four seats up for election in a given four-year election cycle. The Governor is designated the President of the Board. Gov. Kay Ivey won the GOP primary tonight, and will face Democratic primary winner Walt Maddox in the general election in November. Alabama Board of Education winners of the general election will be seated in January 2019. A deceased Republican gubernatorial candidate received more than 3,000 votes in Tuesday's primary, according to the Alabama Secretary of State's office. The late Michael McCallister garnered 3,326 votes, leaving him in last place among the five Republican candidates. The primary was won by incumbent governor Kay Ivey. McCallister, a former corrections officer who qualified to run for the Republican gubernatorial nomination but never campaigned, was found dead in his Troy home on April 11. He was 69. Alabama law prohibits changes to ballots within 76 days of a primary or general election. Prior to the primary, Secretary of State John Merrill said any votes for McCallister would be tallied but not certified, making it impossible for him to win the party's nomination. McCallister's ballot appearance isn't the first by a deceased candidate in Alabama. In 2012, Alabama Republican Charles Beasley died while running for his old seat on the Bibb County Commission. Beasley's name appeared on the ballot and he went on to defeat his Democratic challenger, incumbent Commissioner Walter Sansing, with 52 percent of the vote. Janice Canham was reelected mayor of the town of Jacksons' Gap in 2012, despite having passed away a month earlier. Canham died in July ahead of the August election but defeated opponent Michael Crouch 128 votes to 66. The town council appointed the new mayor. Two incumbent Alabama Public Service Commissioners fended off challengers in Tuesday's Republican primary, but a controversial candidate received nearly half of the vote, despite the party's announcement that it would not certify votes cast for him. Jim Bonner -- whose comments on social media and in radio interviews were called anti-Semitic, racist, misogynistic and offensive -- trailed incumbent Jeremy Oden in the Republican run-off for Place 1 on board that regulates utilities in Alabama. Oden received 217,032 votes (50.32 percent) to Bonner's 214,241 (49.68 percent) with 99 percent of precincts reporting, according to the Associated Press. The party did not specify which of Bonner's comments or postings made him an unsuitable candidate, when it made the "serious and rare" decision not to certify ballots cast for him. In one of his contentious social media posts, Bonner shared an image on Facebook styled as a Valentine's Day card from Adolf Hitler, reading "my love 4 u burns like 6,000 jews." He captioned it, "Awwwww I got a Valentine!!!" Bonner has said he is evaluating his options for challenging the party's decision not to certify votes cast for him. When some early polling showed Bonner leading Oden, some observers attributed Bonner's success to sharing the same last name as former Congressman Jo Bonner and former University of Alabama Chancellor Judy Bonner. Jo Bonner called a press conference last week in Mobile to clarify that he was not running for office and to his knowledge was not related to Jim Bonner. Throughout the campaign, Oden touted himself as a "tried and tested Trump conservative," and highlighted the Commission's recent vote to reduce rates for Alabama Power customers due to tax cuts passed by Congress last year. Oden said Bonner's comments made him unfit for the Public Service Commission. "Like the Alabama Republican Party, I am disgusted by the anti-woman, racist, sick and disgusting posts by Jim Bonner," Oden said. "He has no place in our party and certainly not on the Public Service Commission." Beeker holds on in Place 2 In the PSC Place 2 primary, incumbent Chris "Chip" Beeker fended off a challenge from former state teacher of the year Robin Litaker, winning about 68 percent of the vote. Litaker ran on pledges to bring increased transparency and accountability to the Commission, and push for formal rate hearings for regulated utilities including Alabama Power. With 96 percent of precincts reporting just before midnight, Beeker led with 267,597 votes to 122,258 for Litaker. Both incumbent commissioners will face Democratic challengers in the general election on Nov. 6, with Oden facing Cara McClure and Beeker facing Kari Powell. As Morgan County Sheriff Ana Franklin's embattled final term comes to a close, a local police chief is enroute to the helm of the county's top law enforcement agency. Hartselle police Chief Ron Puckett defeated a crowded Republican primary field in Tuesday's election, receiving 66 percent of the votes with 39 of 41 precincts counted. Because there aren't any Democratic challengers, Puckett is in line to take over the sheriff's office. Franklin, the state's only woman sheriff, didn't seek re-election to a third term. Her second term has been marred by legal controversy. Franklin has been held in contempt of a federal court order for using the jail's food money to invest in a crooked used car lot, and more recently a judge said the sheriff and a handful of deputies behaved deceitfully and criminally to pursue charges against the ousted warden. Franklin and those deputies are the subjects of investigations by state and federal law enforcement. She has said she plans to finish her term. Puckett is in line to take over in January. He's the police Chief in Hartselle, a Morgan County city with about 14,000 residents. He began his career as a probation officer in Morgan County Juvenile Court before joining the police force in his hometown, Hartselle. He rose through the ranks and became chief more than 12 years ago. In a speech Tuesday night, Puckett thanked his family and supporters. Sheriff Ron Puckett Posted by Sheriff Ron Puckett on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 "The county wants a sheriff they can be proud of, a sheriff that has integrity, a sheriff that has character, a sheriff that is honest, that can tell the truth and knows the difference between the truth and a lie," Puckett told a room full of supporters. "With y'all's help, we're going to make a difference in this county." Puckett received 11,576 votes with more than 97 percent of ballots counted. He defeated Republicans Randy Cavnar, Darrell Childers, Robert Clairday, John Moore Sr. and Scott Owens. Canvar came in second place with 2,932 votes. Some voters snapped photos of a new style of "I Voted" stickers in Alabama after casting their ballots Tuesday. Instead of a picture of the American flag and the words "I Voted" underneath, the new stickers show the Stars and Stripes in the shape of the state of Alabama. A Tuscaloosa voter took this picture of Alabama's new "I Voted" sticker after casting her ballot Tuesday. Separating the stars from the stripes is #voted. A voter in Tuscaloosa snapped a photo of the new sticker after casting her ballot in Tuscaloosa. Voters in the Shoals area in northwest Alabama also spotted the new stickers, according to social media posts. Did you get one of the new stickers? Let us know. Two Republicans in Baldwin County will continue with their heated primary contest to replace Trip Pittman in the Alabama State Senate. Baldwin County Commissioner Chris Elliott of Daphne and Dr. David Northcutt of Fairhope are headed to a July 17 runoff showdown in the District 32 Senate race. The winner of the Republican contest will face off against Democrat Jason Fisher during the November general election. With 75 percent of the votes counted late Tuesday, Elliott had 5,942 votes for 41 percent and led Northcutt, who had 4,754 votes for 33 percent. Trailing behind the front runners were Orange Beach City Councilman Jeff Boyd with 2,715 votes for 19 percent and former Alabama House member Bill Roberts of Foley with 1,099 votes for 8 percent. Elliott, a county commissioner since 2014, said he was "humbled and excited" about the returns. "Our campaign has been focused on the July election from day one," said Elliott. "We've always known we would be in a runoff but honestly we didn't expect this large of a vote." Said Elliott: "In a four-way race of serious, legitimate contenders and we got more than 40 percent. I'm proud of my record on standing up for public schools, protecting our kids, demanding more money out of Montgomery, and most importantly, fighting for the infrastructure and quality of life that the people of Baldwin County deserve." Northcutt, a dentist, said he was "very thankful" that his campaign's message has gotten out and called Elliott the "establishment" candidate who has received support from political action committees. "I think the voters of Baldwin County are going to be very fortunate in the fact that they will have a clear distinction in the Republican runoff," said Northcutt. "So many times the candidates are similar and it's hard to differentiate. In this race, you have an establishment candidate getting a large amount of money ... and you have me, who is a grassroots candidate and who raised a vast amount of money from Baldwin County." Northcutt said he believes he can make up the vote difference between himself and Elliott next month. "You've got two other candidates (Boyd and Roberts) who have both clearly stated they are not taking all this money from Montgomery," said Northcutt. "(Elliott) has stood out as the Montgomery candidate. We think it's a clean slate." Elliott and Northcutt have been in a bitter showdown for the past couple of months. During a candidates' forum, Elliott blasted Northcutt for having, more than once, his "ability to prescribe prescription medication suspended." Northcutt said Elliott was not being truthful. Northcutt, meanwhile, has vowed not to raise taxes and accuses Elliott of supporting an increase in the state's fuel tax to help pay for infrastructure improvements. Elliott, however, said that state lawmakers will need to look at "different sources of revenue" but has not commited to a gas tax hike. Northcutt has positioned himself as the non-politician with a style similar to that of President Donald Trump. Elliott has positioned himself as a consensus builder, and has warned voters against supporting politicians who will "try to bully" legislators around. After a close race, Twinkle Cavanaugh and Will Ainsworth will take to the campaign trail once more in a runoff for lieutenant governor. The runoff is set for July 17. Cavanaugh, president of the Public Service Commission, enters the runoff with a slight lead over Rep. Ainsworth, R-Guntersville. "We are humbled by the support, and we worked hard for a year going around the state, talking about our mission of creating jobs and furthering education," Ainsworth said. "We are thrilled." Rep. Will Ainsworth, R-Guntersville (Julie Bennett/ jbennett@al.com) Ainsworth said he believes the runoff will offer a clearer vote to the Alabama people. "Now that we are in a runoff, I think it is going to give the voters of Alabama the opportunity to really compare and contrast Twinkle and I," Ainsworth said. "When you look at her being in government for over 30 years and the fact that I am from the private sector, built three businesses and created jobs, and she has not; when people look at that, that's an advantage for us." Cavanaugh said she stands out in the upcoming runoff having stuck to her strong Christian and conservative values. "The reality is, I have a proven record. I don't just talk about being a Conservative, I am a Conservative," Cavanaugh said. "I don't just talk about my Christian values, I walk the Christian walk every day." Cavanaugh and Ainsworth will be vying for the vacant seat of lieutenant governor, which serves as the backup to the Alabama governor. The last lieutenant governor, Kay Ivey, was sworn in as governor following the resignation of former Gov. Robert Bentley. The Republican nominee chosen in the runoff will face the Democrat Will Boyd, who did not have a primary opponent. Boyd served on the Alabama's State Democratic Executive Committee after running for the US Senate seat won by Doug Jones in 2017. He began his political career in Greenville, Illinois, as a city councilman. His major platform points are the modernization of Alabama's infrastructure, more productive small businesses, the establishment of a living wage and combating income inequality. Cavanaugh was the first female chairman of the Alabama Republican Party in 2005. She has previously served as the state director of Citizens for a Sound Economy. Ainsworth is recently known for his introduction of a bill proposing the arming of teachers, and the bill's passage. Cavanaugh just slightly edged ahead of Ainsworth, the operator of Dream Ranch in Marshall County. As of 10:30 pm, with 87 percent of the votes in, Cavanaugh had 44 percent of the vote to Ainsworth's 38.5 percent. The third candidate, Rusty Glover, had 17.5 percent. "I was honored to earn the majority of the votes tonight, but obviously it wasn't enough to avoid a runoff," Cavanaugh said. "I plan to go back out tomorrow and campaign all across our state in all 67 counties." On Tuesday, Ainsworth thanked his distant cousin, Glover, for running a clean and admirable campaign. Glover pulled votes from his competitors steadily, winning Mobile County -- his home county. Glover said his team was set back because of the campaign funds they had to start with. "I am so proud of all the individual people that took their time to help me out," Glover said. "They worked so hard, but it was just something we couldn't overcome -- we couldn't overcome the large amounts of money in the race." Glover was elected to the Alabama House of Representative in 2002, and was elected to the Alabama State Senate in 2006. He has since began his third term in November 2014. The final results for the race put Cavanaugh in a slight lead at 43.3 percent of the vote, but it was not enough to avoid a runoff. Ainsworth clocked in at 37 percent, and Glover followed behind with 19.6 percent. "I will never endorse in a primary," Glover said. "I will be voting for one or the other, and they are both friends of mine. It was a clean race." Updated with final numbers at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 6. The Alabama Ethics Commission approved an advisory opinion today allowing candidates to use campaign funds to pay child care costs under limited circumstances. Jennifer Gray, a mother and a candidate for the House of Representatives in District 45 in Jefferson and Shelby counties, requested the opinion. In her request, Gray said she cares for her child full time in the summer and would be unable to participate in campaign activities without paying for child care. The Ethics Commission staff concluded that Gray could use campaign funds for child care expenses she incurs as a result of the campaign. Executive Director Tom Albritton said that conclusion is in line with a 2016 advisory opinion. State law prohibits spending campaign funds for personal use. But the 2016 opinion provides for exceptions that can apply if the expense in question would not exist if not for the person's status as a candidate or officeholder. Albritton said Gray's request was an example of such an expense. Secretary of State John Merrill sent a letter asking the Ethics Commission to delay a decision on Gray's request until the commission meeting in August to make sure that the opinion was narrowly tailored. Deputy Secretary of State Brent Beal made the request in person at today's meeting. "We're just asking for time to consider this so we're not opening the door for unintended consequences," Beal told the commission. Ethics Commissioner Charles Price made a motion to do that, but did not get a second. Commission Chairman Jerry Fielding and Commissioners Beveryle Brady and John Plunk voted to approve the opinion as recommended by the staff. Commissioner Butch Ellis was not at today's meeting. Albritton said the opinion is narrowly tailored and makes it clear that exceptions to the personal use prohibition must be considered on a case-by-case basis. Four-term Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox is the 45-year-old "young and vibrant" candidate. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is the 73-year-old veteran of state politics. The contrasts between the two candidates in the Nov. 6 general election for governor are stark. Political experts say that those glaring differences in style and image, on full display during Tuesday night's election celebrations, will carry forward through the fall. "He and his wife looked young and energetic and vibrant," said Steve Flowers, a former Republican member of the Alabama House who is currently a political writer and analyst. "Bless Kay Ivey's heart, but she comes across as older than her age." Those same experts also say that Ivey, who has been in state office for four decades, will face her toughest election contest in her political career in Maddox. But will any of it matter in deep red Alabama, where Democrats haven't won a governor's race since Don Siegelman's victory in 1998? Where Republicans outvoted Democrats by a 2-to-1 margin in Tuesday's primary? Ivey, with 325,201 votes, received more support on Tuesday than the combined vote for all of the governor candidates who ran in the Democratic primary. "The mathematics are such that Maddox can win but he's got an uphill fight," said Jess Brown, a retired political science professor at Athens State University. Said Flowers: "Unquestionably, Maddox is better than any Democratic candidate since Siegelman. But we're still a red state. The key is whether he can raise significant money." Added Richard Fording, a political science professor at the University of Alabama: "The odds are certainly stacked against him. Like Doug Jones, it will come down to turnout." Fundraising differences Maddox won Tuesday's primary with 154,588 votes, for 54.6 percent of the overall Democratic primary vote to avoid what, just a few months ago, experts predicted would be a runoff with former Alabama State Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb. But Maddox, last month, secured key endorsements from the Alabama Democratic Conference and the New South Coalition that are considered tantamount to winning a Democratic primary in Alabama. His campaign has been praised for being organized and effective. "The Maddox campaign really made a difference," said Brown. "He was clearly the one without the name recognition. What he had was he took the manpower of the ADC and New South and he made good use of his money." But in a state where fundraising matters in statewide contests, Maddox is already off to a disadvantage that will likely carry forward throughout the fall. Ivey, during the GOP primary, raised over $4.3 million, which was almost twice as much as the $2.4 million raised by Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. He finished second in the GOP primary Tuesday with 144,846 votes for 25 percent. Ivey spent $4.1 million, secured 55 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff, and ended the campaign with $248,497 cash on hand. "You have five months of campaigning and the question is can Maddox raise enough campaign money?" Flowers said. "Kay Ivey can raise money as the incumbent Republican governor. That's the only thing I can question Maddox about in making this a race with Ivey." Maddox raised $928,142, spent $855,991 and ended the primary with $122,152. Brown said that Maddox also has a problem if the biggest donors come from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Maddox has vowed to push for an education lottery, and ink a compact with the tribe, which operates the only casinos in Alabama. "It's going to be a real problem if he's viewed that the Poarch Band of Creek Indians become his sugar daddy," said Brown. "But without them, the large major interest groups and large wallets will have lined up with Ivey." Ivey, during a fly around of Alabama on Monday, was accompanied by the lumber mogul, Jimmy Rane. The founder and CEO of Great Southern Wood Preserving is Alabama's richest resident. "Obviously, Kay Ivey has a huge advantage," said Fording. Image portrayals But where Maddox can generate an advantage is in a political perception and presentation as a candidate offering fresh and "new" ideas. Those fundamentals were expressed by Maddox during his victory speech at the Tuscaloosa River Market. "I believe that a new day is possible in our politics," Maddox told supporters. Ivey, at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery, said she feels the results of the election show that "Alabama is ... on the right track." Waymon Burke, a political science professor at Calhoun Community College and a frequent commentator of state politics, said the differing images benefit Maddox. He said that Ivey, who shunned debates during the GOP primary campaign, will likely continue with that strategy this fall. "It would not be in their interest in seeing the two side-by-side," said Burke. "I'm 67 myself, and I don't want to run down people on their age, but there is a sharp contrast between these two. Maddox is very impressive and he's very young." Said Flowers: "The thing I gleaned is that a picture is worth a thousand words." Flowers compared a potential Maddox/Ivey debate to that of the first 1960 presidential election debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, which Kennedy has historically been viewed as the winner. It was also the first presidential debate broadcast on TV. "Walt Maddox, he looks young and vibrant and reasonable and solid and has an attractive family," said Flowers. "I'm not trying to be harsh, but there is quite a contrast in appearances and I think that Maddox is a sellable candidate and I think he can win." Burke said that an age difference can benefit Ivey in a way similar to President Dwight Eisenhower, who reaped political advantages for portraying a grandfatherly image in the 1950s. "Perhaps she's the grandmotherly type that people have confidence in," he said. 'Junkyard dogs' Fording thinks she will have to show up for a debate with Maddox. "She's never been the focus of attention in a race like this and she avoided it, really, in the primary by dodging the debates so she could run a pretty low-key campaign basically fueled by her advertisements," he said. "I do think she is going to have to step forward with a vision and show some leadership." Zac McCrary, a Democratic pollster based in Montgomery, said there will be pressure and "expectation" on Ivey to debate. "To some degree, she's in a lose-lose situation now and possibly heading into that if she doesn't debate where the attention and the volume will only get turned up louder and louder and give independent voters and some Republican voters a real pause," said McCrary, who argues that Ivey's campaign mishandled her no-debate strategy during the GOP primary. And Brown said that Maddox, unlike Ivey's GOP opponents in the primary, will continue with an aggressive strategy. "I don't think Maddox will run milquetoast," said Brown. "Governor Ivey may have seen 'Mr. Roger's Neighborhood,' but Maddox has the potential to present himself to younger voters and even middle age voters that 'I'm Alabama's future and Kay Ivey represents the Montgomery political culture of yesterday.'" Said Brown: "I fully expect that we'll see a much more vigorous general election. We're going to move on from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood to the world of junkyard dogs in November." Reckon by AL.com won first place for best use of video in the International News Media Awards for its editorial work on the 2017 Alabama senate special election. The 2018 Global Media Awards competition garnered 830 entries from 220 media companies in 39 countries. Participants included newspaper media, magazine media, digital media, television media and radio media. An international panel of 50 executives from 20 countries selected 195 finalists, and from those the first place category winners were announced at today's Washington, D.C., awards ceremony. "It's exciting that local video journalism is being recognized on a global stage now," said John Hammontree, a writer and managing producer for Reckon who attended the awards ceremony. He also cited team member John Archibald's Pulitzer win earlier this year. "Reckon is being recognized for its written work and video work. Not many local outlets can claim they are succeeding in both areas." In less than a year, Reckon grew past 38,000 followers on Facebook. The team expected to reach 6 million views for new video in a year, but instead saw 8 million views in the first eight months. Reckon beat out the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Newsday and other news outfits in Canada and Austria in the video category. Reckon by AL.com, home to Pulitzer Prize winning columnist John Archibald, will shine a light on hard-hitting local investigative journalism across America in a video series premiering later this summer on Facebook Watch. The series, Chasing Corruption, was announced Wednesday by Facebook's Campbell Brown, head of Global News Partnerships, along with programming from CNN, ABC News and Fox News among several others leading media outlets. "Earlier this year we made a commitment to show news that is trustworthy, informative, and local on Facebook. As a part of that commitment, we are creating a dedicated section within Watch for news shows produced exclusively for Facebook by news publishers. With this effort, we are testing a destination for high quality and timely news content on the platform. Today we are announcing the first slate of these funded news shows for Facebook Watch," Brown said in a release on Facebook. In Chasing Corruption, host Ian Hoppe will go behind the scenes with some of America's toughest watchdog journalists to show how local reporters are exposing stories of conspiracy, bribery, fraud and more in big cities and small towns across the USA. Reckon is part of Alabama Media Group, which also publishes AL.com, The Birmingham News, The Huntsville Times and the Press-Register of Mobile, along with new brands like This is Alabama and It's a Southern Thing (which averages more than 19 million views per episode in its own Facebook Watch show, So True Y'all, produced by the company's Red Clay Media studio.) The company is part of Advance Local. Hoppe will join forces with Alabama Media Group's Amy Yurkanin, John Hammontree and Ginnard Archibald to create the Chasing Corruption season, under the leadership of the company's director of video, Justin Yurkanin, and in collaboration with veteran film producer Marsha Oglesby. AMG's Rebecca Walker Benjamin will lead a team to create an engaged community around the show. Reckon was awarded Best Use of Video in the International News Media Association's Global Media Awards earlier this week, and the brand's excellence in journalism and in video makes it a perfect fit to create this new program, said Michelle Holmes, Alabama Media Group Vice President of Content. "As a part of our ongoing commitment to share important journalism, and build communities around topics that matter, we're proud to premier this new series on Facebook Watch," Holmes said. "It's a new era for local news in America, one built on collaboration and engagement. With Chasing Corruption, we're happy to share that spirit." Below is an overview of the first slate of funded news shows for Facebook Watch, according to Brown's release: After the closest race in Tuesday's Alabama Republican Primary, Attorney General Steve Marshall and former Attorney General Troy King were heading toward toward a July 17 runoff. The winner of that runoff will face Democrat Joseph Siegelman, son of former Gov. Don Siegelman, in November's general election. Siegelman defeated attorney Chris Christie in the Democratic primary Tuesday. Final results show Marshall in first place with 154,219 percent compared to King with 151,364, according to the Alabama Secretary of State's website. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall will face former Attorney General Troy King in the July 17 GOP runoff after the two led the field in Tuesday's state primary. (File) In third place in the four-person field was former U.S. Attorney Alice Martin with 114,535 votes or 23 percent followed by Birmingham attorney Chess Bedsole with 102,747 or 20 percent, the Secretary of State's website reported. Marshall, Martin and Bedsole campaigned in person across the state appearing together in numerous forums sponsored by local Republican groups. King didn't travel north as often, but did appear with the family of Fort Payne murder victim Lisa Millican to propose a change in Alabama's clemency laws to make it harder for governors to set aside sentences. Speaking to supporters in Montgomery Tuesday night, King referred to Millican and to the family of 3-year-old Olivia Robinson killed in her Huntsville home in a drive-by shooting. "There have been a lot of people forgotten in this state," King said. "All the trends say six more weeks of hard campaigning, and that's alright," King told supporters in Montgomery Tuesday night. "Tonight is not the end, it's the beginning of taking Alabama back." "We look forward to a runoff between two candidates with very different records," Marshall said in a statement reported by the Montgomery Advertiser. "There is a reason more than 60 percent of Republican voters fired Troy King in 2010." Martin thanked her supporters in a statement Tuesday night saying, "My focus in this campaign was the bring the issue of corruption to light and I am proud to have achieved that goal. I look forward to continuing to do my part to make Alabama a better place." (Updated June 6 at 8:00 p.m. CDT with final vote totals showing Steve Marshall in first place) Her slogan was "It's Time," but former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Sue Bell Cobb came up short in her run for governor on Tuesday after Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox defeated her and five other candidates, 52 percent to 30 percent, to win the Democratic nomination outright, according to unofficial election results. Addressing the media from her election party in Montgomery, Cobb said she called Maddox to congratulate him on his victory and suggested she would work toward getting him elected in November. Cobb continued her "It's Time" theme. "It's time for all Democrats to unite and to work as one toward an Alabama that we can be proud of and not embarrassed by," she said - a reference to the recent Republican scandals that took down the governor, the speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives and the Supreme Court chief justice. "It's time for each of us to look within and see the passion and energy that we have...so that we can become the envy of the South." Cobb was aggressive in going after Maddox in several debates between the Democratic candidates, criticizing him on the revitalization of Tuscaloosa following the 2011 tornado. Her campaign came under fire after it was revealed that her Jefferson County field director, Paul Littlejohn, was a convicted sex offender. Cobb came to his defense and called him a "picture of redemption" only to make an about-face later in the day when Littlejohn was arrested on an warrant by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Cobb said she was honored to run for governor and said she had no regrets about the outcome. "I want us to have the bold, courageous, unselfish leadership - transparent leadership that can make us the state that our citizens deserve," she said. "We're sad by the result in many ways but we know we did everything that we could to provide a vision for a brighter government." The former Alabama chief justice said she was optimistic that Maddox would prevail in November against Gov. Kay Ivey, who like Maddox also won her primary outright on Tuesday. "Change is coming," Cobb said, "and I feel it in the air." The realization set in shortly before 10 p.m. on Tuesday night that Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle would not be Alabama's next governor. Hoping to push Gov. Kay Ivey into a runoff next month that would spotlight differences between the Republican candidates, Battle fell short as Ivey seized well more than 50 percent of the vote. "I have no regrets," Battle said to supporters at about 10 p.m. Tuesday. Battle, serving his third term as Huntsville's mayor, failed to generate excitement and earn votes beyond his north Alabama home base. He won only two counties south of the Tennessee River and only six of Alabama's 67 overall. "Tonight, we will come up a little bit short of being in a runoff," Battle told supporters. "We would have loved to look forward to a runoff. But we will congratulate Gov. Ivey and we will congratulate her on winning this race." After speaking to supporters, Battle said he called Ivey. "It went very well," Battle said of his conversation with Ivey. "She was very, very gracious. She congratulated us on running a good race and a very clean race. And I told her that we're looking forward to bringing her back to Huntsville for more ribbon cuttings and more groundbreakings because we have great things happening here." While Battle pulled about 26 percent of the vote, fellow Ivey challengers Scott Dawson and Bill Hightower couldn't help siphon a substantial amount of votes away from the governor that might create a runoff scenario. Battle made a whirlwind tour around the state on Tuesday in one last effort to connect with voters and began that venture brimming with optimism. That optimism, however, never translated into votes at the polls. Battle supporters packed into Early Works Children's Museum in downtown Huntsville on Tuesday night, bubbling with a positive outlook. Battle himself addressed those supporters shortly after the polls closed at 7 p.m. and painted an encouraging picture before the numbers trickled in. Battle touted the fact that he had participated in 22 candidate forums and debates during the campaign - which he launched more than 13 months ago. Ivey, meanwhile, maintained a low-key campaign - never engaging with her opponents in skipping debates and candidate forums. "This has been a great experience for me," Battle said. "We have met great people across the state, everywhere in the state. If I knew a year ago and this would be the end result and I knew all the work that we put into it, I would still do it because of the chance to meet everyone in this room and everybody we have met across this state." Battle said he will be back at his office at city hall early on Wednesday morning. "To the people of Huntsville, thank you for allowing me to do this for the last year," Battle said. "You have indulged me as I have run for this race and you have been very supportive and very kind. Thank you for doing that. Tomorrow, I go back to doing what I was doing before this. I go back to being mayor of one of the greatest cities in the world." Updated today, June 5, 2018, at 10:36 p.m. with new information throughout. News in May that a national company was adding Flea Market Mobile to its portfolio of flea markets introduced an intriguing concept: The notion that anyone would hold "a portfolio of flea markets." Something about that idea almost seems to contrast with the core concept, in that flea markets are (a) colorfully independent operations that are (b) confederacies of even more independent small operators. Building a portfolio out of them almost seems like claiming schools of fish as assets. Even the guy behind the whole idea says straight out that regardless of the ownership structure, "The flea market itself should never be over-organized." "No one's done this," said Rob Sieban, CEO of United Flea Markets. "And there's a very good reason no one's done this. It's not an easy aggregation." Even finding the opportunities is hard. "Flea markets are never for sale," Sieban said. "They're family-held, multi-generational businesses." They tend to stay that way until the original ownership begins to think about an exit strategy. All the same, United Flea Markets has been finding opportunities and growing rapidly. Flea Market Mobile was its third major addition in three months, after Cooks Flea Market in Winston-Salem, N.C., and the Ramona Flea Market in Jacksonville, Fla. Its other holdings include the Awesome Flea Market in Shepherdsville, Ky.; the Flamingo Island Flea Market in Bonita Springs, Fla.; the T&W Flea Market in Pensacola; the J&J Flea Market in Athens, Ga; and the Mile High Flea Market in Denver, Co. It was in Denver where Sieban got into the business, in 2007, and it was 2015 before he acquired his second market. That background is where he's coming from when he says, "We are owners and operators. We are flea market people. We are not corporate people." Sieban says that when UFM comes into a new market, it changes more on the back end of the business than the customer side. It's big on keeping the same staff in place, but giving them better infrastructure, particularly when it comes to IT. Online registration, improved business wifi and better traffic monitoring are typical improvements, he said. Shoppers may not notice it, he said, and that's fine: "Quite frankly it doesn't matter to them whether it's a UFM market." On the customer side, Sieban said, it's all about balancing the pressure to chase what's hot now against the need to offer a diversified range of products. Remember fidget spinners? "There was one week where you couldn't find one, and three weeks later everybody had one," he said. That's always going to be part of the business, but it can't dominate. You can only have so many people selling cell-phone accessories or vaping gear. A flea market can be, and should be, many things to many people, he said, and some of those things may come as a surprise. A flea market can cater to dollar-store shoppers, he said. It can be a small-business incubator. It even can be a place where shoppers go for services, not just merchandise. Sieban said that's a particular growth area, that it's becoming less unusual to see bankers, real estate agents or contractors setting up displays at flea markets. And why not? It's a chance to engage the public on the public's terms. "You have an immense audience that walks past your booth," said Sieban. There is, however, one big difference between a flea market and all the things to which it can be compared. Sieban said that ultimately, going to a flea market has to be about the experience, not about a transaction. He wants customers to spend half a day browsing, enjoying the hunt for bargains and the food. He wants them to bring the family. "The value has to be there," he said. But it's a moving target, and the place where you went for fidget spinners a few months ago could be the place you go for handmade crafts a few months in the future, or to talk to a guy about building that deck you've wanted to add to your house. "The value proposition," Sieban said, "has evolved." Walt Maddox celebrated his victory in the race to become Democratic candidate for governor of Alabama Tuesday night, promising supporters much more than political rhetoric. Shortly after winning the Democratic primary, Maddox addressed a crowd of supporters at the Tuscaloosa River Market near downtown, assuring them he's spent the last several months listening intently to what voters want from their state leaders. "I've listened, and I've listened hard," Maddox said. "Our people want a governor with vision and integrity and energy. They want a leader they can have a cup of coffee with, and one that will represent Alabama with pride." Maddox continued to push "Principles of people over parties, ideas over ideology and results over rhetoric." "To the people of Alabama, I believe I am that leader," he said. "I believe that a new day is possible in our politics. We can lift the veil of darkness we've been under for the past eight years due to failed leadership." Maddox told supporters that they will be "smart but relentless" on the trail. "Together, we will tear down the obstacles at the ballot box," he said. You can't call yourself a patriot if you're afraid of democracy." Hurricane Nate nearly destroyed Cat Island, historically one of Alabama's most important bird rookeries. While some of the island, which is made up of crushed oyster shells, is still there, the storm wiped away almost all of the vegetation. For most of the birds, that meant it was unusable for nesting this year. Happily, some of the birds have found new homes on two nearby islands, both recently made larger with projects funded by the BP oil spill. More on those projects in a minute. I made a visit to Cat Island a few days ago with Roger Clay, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources's wild bird biologist, Dauphin Island Sea Lab senior scientist John Dindo, and Charlene Dindo, one of the best environmental educators in the Mobile area. The trio have been surveying Alabama's coastal bird populations together for decades. There were two pairs of American oystercatchers nesting, and about 100 pairs of least terns. That's a far cry from the scene in years past. Even a year ago, the shrinking sliver of land was still home to a thousand or more nesting pairs of white ibis, reddish egrets, snowy egrets, great egrets, tricolor herons, little blue herons, American oystercatchers a few tern species and some pelicans. Before Nate, the island was dominated by head-high stands of two semi-woody plants, groundsel and marsh elder. The herons, ibis, egrets and pelicans birds flatten the top of the plants and construct crude but sturdy nests a few feet above the ground, typically on the highest spots on the island. If the nests are two low, the high tide pushed up by a storm can wash away eggs or fledglings. Without the vegetation, the only nests on the island belonged to the terns. Least terns, the smallest of all the gull and tern species on the Gulf coast, nest on the ground. That means that just walking around on the island can end in heartbreak. A single footfall in the wrong spot could crush a nest of three or four eggs, or, worse still, a nest of tiny chicks. Both the eggs and the chicks blend in perfectly with the oyster shell hash. Watching Clay and the Dindos do a nest count is akin to watching a strange, if well choreographed, ballet. The trio line up, three across, about ten feet apart, and advance a few steps. Each bends and looks under plants and in every direction, searching for the tiny, impossibly well camouflaged eggs. Hand held counters click with every egg seen. Then they advance a few more steps and repeat. They do this on the entire island. It took a lot less time this year than in year's past. "In the mid-1980's, when we had the maximum number of birds, we probably had 3,000 herons and egrets. The vegetation averaged 7 to 9 feet high, and the birds all nested up in the vegetation," Dindo said. "With reddish egrets, which is a threatened species in Alabama, we had five pairs. Now we are down to two pairs. And they are not even on this island." Dindo said Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 was particularly hard on the island, as Nate was, flattening it completely, and wiping away all the vegetation. "Following Hurricane Gilbert, with the help of a local horticulturalist and a grant from U.S. Fish & Wildlife, we grew 10,000 plants and did a replanting on the island," Dindo said. "Within two years, the plants were five or six feet tall and the birds came back." But that's not in the cards for Cat Island after Hurricane Nate, partly because the island is privately owned and not eligible for BP oil spill grants. But also because the island has been steadily shrinking. Cat Island is now about a fifth of the size it was in 1992. Instead, Dindo said he is focused on two nearby islands that are owned by the state. "I'm focused on the islands owned by the state because the colony has shrunk and it has moved to those islands," Dindo said. "I'm working with the state to try to enhance the habitat on Marsh Island and Coffee Island. Hopefully in due time, that habitat will be even better and larger than what we had on Cat Island." Clay noted that this was the first time in 100 years that none of the big birds - herons, egrets and ibis - have nested on Cat Island. Meanwhile, for the first time in memory, there is a significant rookery on Coffee Island, where a Nature Conservancy project to protect the island and grow the marsh with a living shoreline began the same day as the BP oil spill. Now, eight years later, that project is bearing fruit. The island is larger, and it is home to sizeable stands of the groundsel and elder that the birds like to nest on. We eased the boat toward a line of vegetation on Coffee Island and could make out dozens of ibis nests. The white ibis is a strange, gangly-looking creature, saved from the regal majesty of the herons and egrets by virtue of a bright red face, red legs, and long curving beak. The parents emit a gentle warbling sound as they stand guard over their nests, the red skin under their chin pulsating in time to the warble. Occasionally, the ibises will prod at birds in neighboring nests if they get too close to their young. But for the most part, the rookery is peaceful, all the more remarkable considering the different species appear to mix together at random. All of the species are considered "colonial" nesters, meaning they like to be around similar birds, even if they are not the same species. For instance, it is not uncommon to see a snowy egret nest butted up against an ibis nest, with a tricolor heron nest right next door. "This is the future," Dindo said, spreading his hands wide as he stared at a wall of shrubbery full of nesting birds. "We can manage these islands and create a lot more habitat. Perhaps even a lot more habitat than we ever had on Cat Island." Republicans aren't playing. Not this time. They want their state back, and they want it now. With no Roy Moore out there stinking up the path to the polls, they turned out Tuesday like it was a family picnic--with free craft beer. Almost 600,000 Republicans showed up to reaffirm Gov. Kay Ivey as their choice to run the state for another four years, even though she ducked nearly every primary debate and parroted little more than talking-points during what could barely be called a campaign. No matter; they want their state back. By contrast, what should have been a tasty battle between Democrats Walt Maddox and Sue Bell Cobb was an uninspiring as two-day-old leftovers. Maddox won the nomination outright with 55 percent of the vote, trouncing Cobb's 29 percent. But barely 250,000 Democrats even bothered to go to the polls. Last December, now-Sen. Doug Jones garnered 671,151 votes to beat Moore in a race that drew the light! of the world to Alabama. The victory, the first by a Democrat in an Alabama Senate race in a quarter century, made Democrats statewide and around the nation absolutely giddy. In March, Democratic National Committee vice chair (at least for now) Keith Ellison came to the state and confidently declared, "Alabama is in play." Not so fast, they want their state back. And, Democrats, Doug Jones ain't walking through that door in November. You've got Maddox and if he and the Dems can't fire up some excitement by then, any hint of Alabama blue engendered by Jones' upset will be drowned by a red tsunami. Of course, a lot can happen in five months. Ivey may have steam-rolled what turned out to be uninspiring challengers--325,000 votes (with 99% of precincts reporting compared to 144,000 for the runner-up, Huntsville mayor Tommy Battle--but she and the Republicans have vulnerabilities, especially the kind that can rile up Democrats. How can women forget she chose party over them last year by endorsing Moore, even though she said she believed the myriad women who accused the former judge of sexual misconduct? Her excuse? Republicans needed the extra vote to maintain their slim U.S. Senate margin and pack the U.S. Supreme Court. There are 760,000 African American eligible voters in the state, and they have at least two reasons to march to polls in November in an effort to trim Ivey. Last December, the governor essentially told Jefferson County's African-Americans (who make up 42% of its population, according to the 2016 census), they don't matter. She chose party over them by appointing Republican Mike Anderton as Jefferson County District Attorney rather than popular Democrat Danny Carr, an African American who had ably served as district attorney pro tem since being appointed to the position by County Circuit Judge Joseph Boohaker in January 2017 when elected Democrat Charles Henderson was suspended after being indicted for perjury. (Henderson was later convicted.) Jefferson County Democrats appear fired up for this race. On Tuesday, Carr beat attorney Raymond Johnson, Jr. in a landslide--34,787 votes to just 9,666. On the Republican sheet, Anderton had 60 percent of the votes with 109 of 133 precincts reporting, which translated into just 12,326 votes. SEE: Jefferson County Election results Jefferson County will likely turn out strong in November, but African Americans elsewhere have reasons, too, to turnout in the fall. In April, one of Ivey's earliest campaign ads touted the divisive Alabama Memorial Preservation Act of 2017, which she signed into law last May. It was clearly aimed at rallying her base, but it also riled African-Americans and other Democrats, too. The Alabama NAACP blasted the governor for reviving legislation that was clearly painful to many Alabamians. "Just when we thought Alabama was beginning to turn the corner in race relations, we see our governor wanting to continue to remind African Americans and people of color where Alabama stands when it comes to race relations," Bernard Simelton, the organization's president, told AL.com in April. "Not on her watch will Alabama move to be a more inclusive state." Maddox's path to victory, though, will be mostly dependent on replicating the parade of Democratic national star power and resources that propelled voters to must believe Jones had a chance to win but that he must win. A Maddox-Cobb runoff would have certainly siphoned more funds from the Tuscaloosa mayor's coffers. Now, unencumbered by that battle, expect the Democratic National Committee to unlock its vault and unleash its resources in the state--if it truly believes Alabama is in play. "We believe in Alabama," Ellison said. "We're grateful to Alabama. Alabama gave us Jimmie Lee Jackson. Congressman John Lewis. It is Alabama that really struck a fatal blow against Jim Crow segregation. This country owes Alabama." Well, it's payback time. For Maddox to have any chance of victory in November, the DNC's most visible and popular national leaders will have to traverse the state, just as many did for Jones. Charles Barkley will have to be Charles Barkley again, too--being a brash and omnipresent at key events. Most important, the Democrats must use the Republicans' own most potent weapon against them. They must fight Trump with Trump. Ellison also talked about engaging political groups and people in the state who are disgusted with the president's policies and practices, particularly those who may not align with either party, a rarity in this state. He called them "people who believe it Democratic values but don't want to organize under the Democratic banner. As long as you care about creating an economic chance for everybody and inclusion for everybody. If you believe in those two things, we want to work with you. "There's Donald Trump and there Trumpism," Ellison added. "Trumpism is greed at the highest levels coupled with racism and hate." Prepare to hear that mantra--or some version--often between now and November, because just as Ivey and Republicans will incessantly tout Trump's name to fire up their base and take back their state, Democrats must use him to hype theirs, too. A month before the scheduled execution of Mir Quasim Ali, a member of the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami party in Bangladesh, his son and lawyer Mir Ahmad bin Quasim was preparing to appeal the death sentence in the Supreme Court. On August 9, 2016, his wife and younger sister, who were with him at the time, reported a group of eight to nine plain-clothes men who did not identify themselves as being part of any security services, burst into his home in the capital, Dhaka, at around midnight. With no warrant for his arrest, they issued an ultimatum, giving him five minutes to prepare and leave with them, bin Quasims wife, Farhana Tahmina reported. Where to, she said, they would not disclose. Bin Quasims wife and younger sister frantically contacted friends and family for help. But within a few minutes, the 34-year-old was dragged barefoot from his home into an unmarked minibus with darkened windows. His two infant daughters watched on screaming and his wife and sister made futile attempts to stop the men. Almost two years on, bin Quasim remains disappeared without a trace and his father, who was convicted for atrocities committed during the countrys 1971 War of Independence from Pakistan, subsequently executed despite international criticism from human rights groups. With no news of his whereabouts, his family have desperately demanded answers from the Bangladeshi government, but their demands have met denials, which is typical in cases of what has now notoriously come to be known as enforced disappearances. Speaking from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, by phone, bin Quasims sister, 28-year-old Sumaiya Rabeya, told Al Jazeera how her family was incriminated in his kidnapping and were subjected to unsolicited raids and visits by state security forces. When my fathers case was delayed after the abduction, the [Bangladeshi] government said we were staging the disappearance so that the case would get delayed, she said. Even two years on, every two to three months we have police raids on our home in Dhaka. Theyre [the Bangladeshi government] the ones that abducted my brother and yet they raid our home for no apparent reason. At the time of the execution, Rabeya said her fathers requests to see his son before he died were denied. When they were executing my father, he said, I dont want anything. I just want to see my son before I die, and I want him to pray at my janazah (funeral), but they didnt allow it, she said. Al Jazeera reached out to Asaduzzaman Khan, the minister of home affairs, but he declined to make a comment on the allegations against his government. Spate of secret detentions Since 2013, law enforcement authorities in Bangladesh have allegedly abducted and illegally detained hundreds of opposition activists, holding them in undisclosed locations without a warrant or any formal charges. Meenakshi Ganguly, the South Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said the spate of secret detentions and enforced disappearances have become commonplace in Bangladesh in recent years. While some people were released after weeks, even months, in illegal custody, others were later discovered to have been killed in so-called armed exchanges, she said. Dhaka-based human rights group Odhikar estimates up to 414 individuals have gone missing since 2009 up until 2017, when the Awami League government came to power. In 2017, Odhikar reported a further 86 disappearances. A report by Human Rights Watch published last year found that at least 90 people were victims of enforced disappearances in 2016 alone, 21 of whom were subsequently found dead. Bangladeshs elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), a special paramilitary unit within the police force, is alleged to be behind most of the disappearances. A Human Rights Watch in its report published in 2011 said the RAB has a long record of killing people in custody. Asked about the allegation of their involvement in some of the enforced disappearances, RABs Director of Media and Legal Wing Mufti Mahmud Khan told Al Jazeera, These are false allegations. The RAB is there to curb crimes and it is just doing its job. For Rabeya, the psychological effect of her brothers abduction on the family has been unprecedented. Two years of not knowing where your husband, your father or son is, not knowing what happened to him, is he OK, is he being tortured, are they feeding him? Initially, we wanted him back, but at this point, we just want to know if hes alive. In September 2016, bin Quasims family enlisted the help of British barrister Michael Polak, who has been pushing for his release. For Polak, one of the frustrations of the case was attempting to enlist the help of the Labour party. Polak said he had written to Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyns office and to Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, the Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas niece, on several occasions regarding the case, but has yet to receive a response. These frustrations, he said, extended over to the inaction of the Commonwealth nations as well. The Commonwealth has power to suspend members or even threaten to suspend. Nigeria was suspended in 1995 after they executed several environmental activists. In this case, were talking about over 400 people missing. This is a crime against humanity, yet it hasnt been put on the Commonwealth agenda at all, he said. More abductions At around the same time of bin Quasims abduction, the sons of two other prominent opposition party members, convicted for war crimes, were also abducted. One was released, but the other individual, Abdullahil Amaan Azmi, a retired brigadier-general and son of late Jamaat-e-Islami party leader, Ghulam Azam, was abducted less than two weeks after bin Quasim on August 22, 2016. He is yet to be found. Ghulam Azam, who was convicted for crimes against humanity during the countrys 1971 independence war, died in jail in 2014 at the age of 91. Knowing he was in danger, Azmi hid in a flat in Dhaka where he was eventually discovered by 30 men claiming to be part of the Detective Branch of the police. He was subsequently blindfolded and bundled into a minibus, a chilling chain of events that has become a trademark of enforced disappearances. Immediately after the abduction, Azmis 85-year-old mother tried to report it, only to find the police would not register it officially. When my mother went to report it, they said, we cant record it, said Dr Salman Al-Azami, the youngest of the six brothers. It took them (the police) more than a year to acknowledge he was missing when we tried to file a missing case in the police station, Azami, who is a UK citizen, said. Describing the anguish felt by his mother, Azami said, My mother has six sons, but she cannot see any one of them because five of them are based in the UK. The one son who was with her has now gone missing, and we dont have any official information about his whereabouts. It is a complete disaster that we have to live every day. Ganguly of Human Rights Watch said, The government keeps denying these abuses, even as recently as during its UN Universal Periodic Review earlier this month. Instead of blithely denying these egregious human rights violations, the government should order an immediate investigation, release those held illegally with proper reparations, and prosecute those responsible, she said. Additional reporting by Al Jazeera correspondent in Dhaka Jordanians have vowed to continue protesting despite the resignation of Prime Minister Hani al-Mulki amid widespread anger over price hikes and an income tax reform. In a rare act of defiance, hundreds of demonstrators have been gathering near the cabinet office this week, demanding that the government rescind a tax bill it sent to parliament last month, and which critics say worsens living standards and hurts the poor. Protest leaders have broadened their demands since al-Mulkis resignation to include a complete overhaul of the governments system and approach. Jordan, which suffers from high unemployment and has few natural resource, has seen repeated price rises, including on staples such as bread, as well as extra taxes on basic goods. The price of fuel has risen on five occasions since the beginning of the year, while electricity bills have shot up 55 percent since February. Theres no going back, Jordanian accountant Leen Samer said. Young people are very excited, and if anything from now on were not going to be silent. Jordan has backed down on reforms in the past, fearing a social backlash. Al Jazeera takes an in-depth look at areas of control in Somalia. Source: PolGeoNow Al-Shabab, meaning the The Youth, is an armed group in Somalia. It launched operations in 2006 as a splinter group of the Islamic Courts Union, which has ceased to exist. When Ethiopia stormed into the capital Mogadishu and took control, it paved the way for al-Shabab to make territorial gains. The fighters have pledged loyalty to al-Qaeda and actively profess the need to wage a religious war against those who are enemies of Islam. They want to implement Islamic law across Somalia. At its peak, the group had 7,000-9,000 fighters, according to the Council of Foreign Relations, but that number is estimated to be much lower now. In 2010, al-Shabab launched its first attack outside of Somalia in Kampala, Uganda, where 74 people were killed in a suicide bombing. In 2011, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) force pushed the fighters out of Mogadishu. In 2012, al-Shabab lost control of the city of Kismayo, a vital port for the group because it was an important source of funding through an extensive system of taxation, according to the Foundation of Defense of Democracies. In 2013, al-Shabab fighters conducted a raid in a Nairobi shopping mall that lasted three days and killed 67 people in Kenya. In 2014, the head of the armed group, Ahmed Abdi Godane also known as Mukhtar Abu Zubair was killed in a US air raid. In 2015, Kenya was targeted again. Garissa University was attacked and almost 700 students were held hostage with at least 147 were killed. Al-Shabab has now been removed from all major cities, but retains control of some areas of the country. The Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jammah (ASWJ) are Sufis who took up arms against al-Shabab to prevent the spreading of inflexible Islamic law. ASWJ does not support the implementation of stoning or severing limbs, as well as capital punishment. In 2008, the ASWJ began its resistance when Sufi tombs were razed to the ground by al-Shabab. ASWJ is aligned with AMISOM forces, as well as troops from the federal government of Somalia. Iranians know too well their history to allow a US-Saudi-Israeli alliance to change the Iranian regime. In the immediate aftermath of US President Donald Trumps announcement on May 8 that the US is unilaterally withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal much wishful thinking about regime change in Iran surfaced in the global news. The tone for this prattle was set by a major speech that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered at the Heritage Foundation in Washington on May 21. In the speech, Pompeo outlined 12 specific demands for Iran, which in effect would amount to its complete capitulation to the imperial wishes of the United States and its colonial sidekick, Israel. Following the US cue like clockwork, a former top Mossad official named Haim Tomer told The Jerusalem Post that Israel, the US and Saudi Arabia can all secretly help to advance regime change in Iran. Well, how is this regime change exactly to happen? Pray, do tell. I am not saying it will be a piece of cake The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Basiji militias are very strong. But even if regime change does not succeed it is better to have the Iranians fighting among themselves, Tomer said. That last sentence is, of course, the key issue here: the more Muslims get to kill each other and dismantle their own polities, the stronger the European garrison state built in Palestine would be. Right? Well, lets see now. Wishful thinking running amok Aside from such ex-Mossad characters or Islamophobe hawks like Mike Pompeo, the issue of regime change in Iran goes way back, much before the Israeli-Saudi-instigated Trump violation of the Iran nuclear deal. Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), and his FDD buddy Reuel Marc Gerecht have for the longest time argued that the goal should be regime change in Iran, not stopping proliferation. This Gerecht character is even more rabid than Dubowitz; by his own account, he has written about 25,000 words about bombing Iran. Even my mom thinks Ive gone too far. {articleGUID} Soon after Pompeo issued his list of demands for Iran to do as he wishes, more sensible voices have come out one by one dismantling the options that such a delusional regime change might entail. In an excellent piece for the CNN, William D Hartung has asked precisely how the US-Israeli-Saudi alliance might wish to implement this regime change in Iran. Pompeos threat to bring Iran to its knees with punishing economic sanctions, Hartung pointed out, clearly wont get the job done, especially since the Trump administration has just alienated its most important potential partners by withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal. The next fantasy this open plot against Iran espouses is to have the discredited cult of the Mujahideen-e-Khalq (MEK) traitors do the job for the US and its Saudi-Zionist alliance. In response to this fanciful proposition, Hartung rightly says, to think that an organization that the New York Times has rightly described as a fringe dissident group could overthrow the government of Iran is a fantasy. So, most people can clearly see that neither direct military action by the US, nor any fancy footwork in conjunction with Israel and Saudi Arabia is likely to dismantle the ruling regime in Iran. That leaves only the lunatic fringe of the Trump administration, led by Rudi Giuliani and John Bolton, both regular fixtures of the gaudy MEK cult spectacles, to continue to call for regime change in Iran. As Ishaan Tharoor has pointed out in a piece in Washington Post: Bolton, Giuliani and a host of Washington politicos from both parties have supported and likely taken money from front groups directly related to the Mujahideen-e-Khalq (MEK) [which] has paid Giuliani handsomely for years $20,000 or more, and possibly a lot more for brief appearances before the group and for lobbying to have it removed from the State Departments list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations Regime change as a smokescreen In most of these analyses what is missing is Iran itself, its people, its political culture and its historical experiences the creative and critical dynamics of its nation-state polarities. So far, it has been just a gang of Saudi princes, Zionist zealots, and their bought and paid for US politicians speculating about regime change in Iran. They all have their reasons and interests, to be sure, to keep the focus on Iran. Trump is eager to have a war to distract peoples attention from the calamities of his presidency and to bring his miserable approval rating up so that he can get himself re-elected and keep the Congress under Republican control. If not, the midterm elections in 2018, then the presidential election of 2020 would certainly be the golden occasion for such a possible strike. The Saudi-Zionist alliance most certainly relies on this timetable. {articleGUID} Netanyahu, too, has his own reasons to babble about regime change, for he wants a permanent distraction from the systematic theft of Palestine, the unyielding Palestinian uprisings and the global outcry after his recent massacre of Palestinians in Gaza. And of course, a sideshow distraction from his own personal corruption charges will not hurt. The farther the Zionists throw the political ball around, first to the Arab world at large, and now to Iran, and next maybe to Pakistan and Turkey, the more, they so delude themselves, they can cover up the basic fact that is staring the world in the eyes that Israel is a European settler-colony in someone elses homeland. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, too, wants Iran destroyed to upstage his tribes massive militarism and the slaughter it is currently committing in Yemen so his juvenile ambitions of the counterrevolutionary mobilisations against Arab uprisings could be successful. The ruling state in Iran, too, to be sure, benefits from this state of war that will enable it to continue to rule a restless population of almost 80 million human beings with an iron fist. So, the state of war will effectively help all these reactionary forces conceal the real issues at hand the fact that Arabs, Iranians, Turks, Kurds, etc, are following Palestinians in demanding their national sovereignty, their democratic dignities, and their civil liberties. While the Saudi-Zionist alliance leads this treacherous counterrevolutionary mobilisation from Riyadh and Tel Aviv, the US is its direct puppet master and all other reactionary regimes in the region its beneficiaries. How do regimes change in Iran? This brings us back to the key question: would Iranians themselves not welcome a regime change in Iran and have the US, Israel, and Saudi Arabia help them get rid of a nasty theocracy that has ruled over them for almost 40 years now? Here the answer is a resounding no for the following reasons. {articleGUID} Based on their prolonged historical experience and they have a very long historical memory (they still think of Alexander the Great invasion of their homeland in 330 BC as if it happened a couple of years ago) Iranians detest foreign interventions in their homeland. They do not want anyone else changing their ruling regime for them for the very simple fact that they have been changing their ruling regimes on their own terms over the last two centuries of their modern history, including the last almost 40 years of the Islamic Republic. The ruling Islamic Republic did not fall from the sky. It is not like the gang of European Zionists who descended upon Palestine and stole it from its rightful inhabitants. Khamenei and his gang of recalcitrant clerics and their Praetorian Guards are Iranians, too, homegrown, rooted in Iranian politics, polity, and culture. The Iranian revolution of 1977-1979 was a major political shift in the course of Iranian history in which Iranians staged one pole of their political culture (clerical) against the other (monarchic). But from the day that the clerical Shiism (to be decidedly distinguished from revolutionary Shiism) took over the Pahlavi monarchy, Iranians have been systemically and consistently challenging and changing their regime on their own terms. The Khomeini faction of the revolutionary mobilisation against the Pahlavis took over on February 11, 1979. By March 8, 1979 (International Womens Day), less than a month after Khomeini returned to Iran from France, Iranian women were out in massive numbers protesting the imposition of mandatory hijab on them. Starting from that day in 1979 until the widespread protests in January 2018, Iranians have been consistently challenging and changing their regime on terms determined by their own best interests. Those who have opposed them and have sided with power, or are in power, are Iranians, too. The sustained battle between these two forces has enriched and empowered and enabled the Iranian political culture and above all inoculated it more than ever against treacherous foreign interventions in their affairs. The treasonous MEK forever lost any legitimacy in Iran when they exited this dialectic and sided with the murderous Saddam Hussein against their own people. Now, they are in the same camp as Benjamin Netanyahu, Mohammed bin Salman, Rudy Giuliani and John Bolton. None of that, however, means that tens of millions of Iranians do not wish to see the back of the Islamic Republic and its entire ruling apparatus. But they do not want to see that at the expense of the destruction of their homeland. A free lesson on Iran The problem with Trump, Bolton, Pompeo, Netanyahu, bin Salman, and any other morally and intellectually compromised character who thinks they can threaten the ruling regime in Iran and it will just fall is that they are clueless about the nature of Iranian conceptions of nation, nationhood, and nationalism. So here is a free lesson on Iran for them to study at their CIA, State Department, Shin Bet, or mukhabarat: Iran emerged from the thicket of the 19th and 20th-century colonialism as a postcolonial nation before and beyond and above any feckless state apparatus could have any claims on it. In Iran, sovereignty is national, not statist. Chew on that one for a second, ladies and gentlemen of the Shin Bet! You will have difficulty digesting that one, for you are a rootless settler-colony, a garrison state built by European colonialists on the historic resistances and the national consciousness of Palestinians, the rightful inhabitants of the country you have stolen. {articleGUID} Starting with the Russo-Persian wars of the early 19th century forward, Iran emerged with an enduring anticolonial national consciousness while the Qajar dynasty (1789-1926) was crumbling under the Russian, French, and British imperial rivalries. The Qajar dynasty eventually collapsed between the Tobacco Revolt of 1891 and the Constitutional Revolution of 1906, as Iranians became even more rooted in their national self-confidence and collective consciousness. The final demise of the Qajar dynasty and rise of the Pahlavis (1925-1979) only consolidated the societal power and political intuition of Iranians as a nation. The same is true in the aftermath of the collapse of the Pahlavis and the rise of the Islamic Republic. This nation has not allowed one single day, one single year, one single decade pass over the last 40 years of the life of the ruling Islamists without systematically, consistently, non-violently, but structurally challenging and changing it. This challenge has changed the ruling regime, produced rooted and successive womens rights, human rights, and civil rights movements within the skeletal framing of the ruling Islamic Republic. Revolutionary leaders like Mir Hossein Mousavi, reformists liberals like Mohammad Khatami, moderate politicians like Hassan Rouhani do not grow out of nowhere. They are the Islamic Republics successive answers, never fully satisfactory, to demands from within the Iranian society. In that calculus of the nation versus the state, the US, Israel, and Saudi Arabia are the enemies of Iranian people, not their friends. No doubt the combined treacheries of Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the US can indeed conspire and impose even more crippling sanctions on Iranian people, or even start bombing targets in Iran. No doubt this can cause enormous pain and suffering, murder and mayhem, among innocent populations as they did in Afghanistan and Iraq. But that will not result in regime change in Iran. That will, in fact, strengthen the regime even more, for at least some people in the Pentagon who have neither had the Israeli Kool-Aid or have been corrupted by Saudi wealth must know the ruling regime in Iran, its Praetorian Guards in particular, is basically a transnational guerrilla operation spread from the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. They have not put all their eggs in one basket inside Iran for you to target and destroy. They do not fight conventional warfare. The masses of billions of dollars of US and EU arms the Saudis, the Emiratis, the Bahrainis, and, of course, the Israelis have procured for themselves will be entirely useless protecting their own ruling regimes. So yes, the ruling regime in Iran is a perfect match for those who are threatening it and knows how to defend itself, but it is nowhere near what Iranians as a nation deserve and will ultimately demand and exact. That it could be changed by a Saudi-Israeli-US conspiracy is simply delusional. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. On May 30, I came out to protest for the first time in my life. Here is why. When Jordanians took to the streets in 2011, I didnt. Although I was following with close interest and hope the events in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and elsewhere, I felt things were different in Jordan. It was never a matter of changing the leadership for us as much as it was about reforms reforms that we could see and feel; reforms that would take some time to introduce and implement systematically. But on May 30, 2018, when thousands of Jordanians walked out to protest the terrible economic situation in the country, I also decided to come out. Things simply had become unbearable for me. For a while now, all we have been talking about with friends and family have been the rising prices and the unsustainable cost of living. Rent these days could cost you a monthly paycheck; electricity bills have doubled; and school fees have gone up so much that now I pay for one year of my preschoolers education more than I paid for my entire engineering degree. Both I and my husband work full-time to provide for our family of three, but we struggle. And if this is the how the middle class in Jordan struggles, imagine the plight of Jordans poor. I recently overheard the cleaning lady at the office where I work talk about how she made her 14-year-old daughter drop out of school to take care of her infant brother because she cannot afford any other form of daycare. I jumped in, But education is very important at this stage! Yes, but someone has to put food on the table, she replied. I could say nothing to that. I had started to wonder, how much more pressure this economy can take before our society explodes. Recently, I got an answer: none. Last month, the government decided to push the limit and send another tax reform bill to the parliament. To put it simply, the new law expands the income tax-paying population by reducing the upper limit of income for exempt families, it imposes new taxes on the agricultural, financial, and industrial sectors, and will place Jordan on top of the list of countries with the highest taxes on banks and financial institutions. That came on the tail of another sales tax increase and the reduction of bread subsidies in January. With this new tax reform, I will see another two percent of my income gone to pay for foreign debt that I and my family are not responsible for. This is in addition to the income tax Im already paying along with other steep taxes on sales and services that I am charged for directly or indirectly as a consumer. As a result, we now live in a country with a large agricultural sector where fruit has become a luxury for many. We now live in a country where bread is a staple, but has also become unaffordable for many because the price just doubled overnight. So, who do we turn to? To the government which is responsible for pushing these tax rises? Or to the parliament which is just another financial burden that we vote for and pay for, without ever getting anything in return? We turned to the streets. When over 30 unions and associations representing every sector in Jordan called for a general strike on May 30, we saw hope. Our anger, which was confined to Facebook posts and tweets, finally came out. We went out to demand to be heard, to let the government know that we cannot take it any more. It was not just the poor, it was not just another protest that the press could disparagingly call bread riots. We were people from all walks of life, well informed, well organised, and respected and supported by everyone even those who did not come out. The sight of thousands of people flooding to the associations building in central Amman warmed my heart. That same night when we went home after the protest, we checked the news: Fuel prices were to rise about five percent starting June 1. Frustration hit again; it was like no one had cared to hear us. Social media exploded in anger. For the first time, I saw friends who are not politically active also join the online fray. This filled me with a mix of emotions ranging from hope to despair. The only thing left for us to do was to continue our demonstrations. As days passed, protests spread beyond the capital to other major cities and more people joined. {articleGUID} On Sunday, we marched to the Fourth Circle in Amman, where the cabinet building is located. Thousands of young and middle-aged people, women and men, sang and chanted calling for the government to resign, the bill to be withdrawn and for real reforms to take place. The people want the fall of the government! Bread, freedom, social justice! we chanted in the streets. Some handed out water and sweets to gendarmerie forces to emphasise that we were not there to cause a riot. We are here for us, and for you, for the future of your children in this country, one protester said to the men in riot gear who stood in a row around the crowd. We left by 2am knowing that these men too should have their last meal (suhoor) before dawn when fasting for Ramadan would start again. So, are things different than 2011? For me and for many Jordanians, they are. We are poorer, more unemployed, more worn down than seven years ago. The Jordanian population is exhausted from deteriorating standards of living, severe water shortages, pervasive corruption and the daunting burden that refugees from neighbouring countries have put on the already frail economy. And unlike 2011, we are more aware of what is going on, we are more organised and more determined. Most importantly, we are not falling for look at Syria and Yemen scaremongering. People now know that speaking up is their right and that it will not lead to a war. If we give up this right then things will only go downhill from here. We want those in power to know that they will be held accountable for this crisis. It is very clear to us that the patience they asked for for the sake of this country has allowed them to continue business as usual, to make no effort to introduce real change. The government has now resigned and a new prime minister has been appointed. We are cautiously hopeful. While we watch and pray that change will come, we will not back down from our demands and will not give up our right to make our voices heard in the streets. We want a better future and we wont let our children suffer under the burden of a growing debt amassed by those who willfully engaged in corruption and destroyed our economy. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. Described as a leader in the field of anaesthesiology, Virginia Apgar would have been 109 on Thursday. Described as a leader in the field of anesthesiology and hailed for developing the Apgar score system, a test that determines 60 seconds after birth whether a baby needs help to sustain life, Virginia Apgar would have been 109 on June 7. In her honour, Google is changing its logo in 15 countries to a doodle, or illustration, of her and the Apgar score. But in her lifetime, the doctor was not always appreciated for her achievements. This is her story: A potential doctor Apgar was born in New Jersey. She was the youngest of three children. Her father was an insurance executive, but also an inventor and astronomer. Before she was born, her eldest brother died from tuberculosis, and the other one suffered from chronical diseases. This inheritance motivated her to study zoology, chemistry and physiology before attending Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and obtaining a medical degree in 1933. However, she was soon discouraged by Dr Allen Whipple, the chairman of surgery at Columbia Medical Center, from pursuing her career as a surgeon. Era of female doctor shortage According to a publication on The Time, there were only 7,000 women doctors in the United States before she was born, but the number dropped even further around the time she was born. Many of the schools that offered accepted medical education did not admit women at all. Women who did manage to attain the medical degree were often discouraged. She was no exception and she was instead encouraged to practice anaesthesiology. Dr Whipple felt advancements were needed in that area, and she seemed to have the energy and ability. She eventually rose and became director of Columbia Universitys department of anaesthesia, and in 1949 she became the first woman to become a full-time professor at Columbia University. She became a leading figure in the fields of anaesthesiology and teratology. As attending anesthesiologist at Presbyterian Hospital, she assisted in the delivery of close to 20,000 babies. Apgar Score In the 1950s, the US infant mortality rate decreased, but the number of infant deaths within the first 24 hours remained high. She noticed that infants who were blue or were struggling to breathe were listed as stillborn and left to die. The scientist began investigating methods for decreasing the infant mortality. She developed a test known as the Apgar Score, which measures body functions and helps doctors determine within 60 seconds after the birth whether a baby needs help to sustain life. The functions are heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, reflexes and skin colour. Through this method, she found out that a baby with a poor rating could be resuscitated by oxygen and warming. Babies get a score of zero, one or two for each of those factors, and the total scores let doctors know if something is wrong. Apgars work contributed to a drop in deaths, from one in 30 in the 1950s to one in 500 today. The Apgar score is still used in some hospitals in the US. It takes only 2 minutes to learn 5 signs of vitality in newborns! Thanks to Viriginia Apgar #laboranddelivery #childbirth #apgardians pic.twitter.com/aSk3Ij4ivI Deborah Townsend (@apgardiandeb) February 22, 2017 Rubella pandemic During the rubella pandemic of 1964, Apgar became an advocate for universal vaccination to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the disease. Rubella could cause serious disorders if a woman becomes infected while pregnant. Apgar promoted effective use of a testing, which can identify women who are at risk for transmission of antibodies across the placenta. She devoted the rest of her life to prevent conditions that caused newborns to have low Apgar scores. During her career, she maintained optimism and used to say women are liberated from the time they leave the womb. She also joined what is now the March of Dimes Foundation to promote fundraising and public education on congenital effects. Apgar never got married, I never found a man who could cook, she said. She died in 1974 at the age of 65 from cirrhosis of the liver. Honours Updated EU legislation seeks to shield EU companies that continue doing business with Iran from financial harm. The European Union has updated legislation aimed at countering sanctions imposed by the United States on businesses operating in Iran as part of its pledge to uphold the nuclear deal after Washington pulled out. The US announced its decision last month to exit the 2015 deal, which aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons in return for the lifting of sanctions that had stifled its economy. Wednesdays development came as the EU and the other parties to the deal vowed to stick to the agreement if Iran continues to implement it. The European Commission, the executive branch of the EU, revised the so-called blocking statute legislation that seeks to shield EU companies that continue doing business with Iran, and gives them a framework to recover any damages suffered as a result of US sanctions. It also authorised the European Investment Bank (EIB) to finance Iranian projects, while noting it was up to the bank to give the go-ahead for any investments. EU governments and members of the European Parliament now have a period of two months to object to the two measures; otherwise, they will come into effect in early August, which is when the first round of US sanctions against Iran will take effect. However, the EIB on Wednesday said it could not ignore US sanctions on Iran, rejecting the EU executive plan that it to do business there in an effort to save the 2015 nuclear deal. The pushback from the European Unions lending arm underscores the limits of the blocs ability to shield trade with Iran from the reimposition of US sanctions. Despite its political role in supporting EU policy, the EIB said it could not be the solution to the problem of a push by the remaining parties to keep alive their promise of sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on Tehrans nuclear programme. The EU bank is not the right tool, an EIB spokesman told Reuters news agency, saying its business model would be incompatible with ignoring possible sanctions against Iran. Letter sent to Pompeo Germany, France and the United Kingdom also appealed to Washington not to punish European companies for doing business in Iran, in a letter sent to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, dated June 4. They requested exemptions for EU companies that struck deals in Iran after the nuclear deal came into effect, and for key sectors such as energy, civil aviation and infrastructure, as well as exemptions to maintain financing channels with Iran, among other things. Besides the EU and the US, the Iran nuclear deal was negotiated by Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China. It was formally endorsed by the UN Security Council, incorporating it into international law. Iran said on Wednesday it was in preparatory works to restart nuclear activities in the event of the failure of the 2015 accord. In such a scenario, Iran could restart its activities without any limits, Irans ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Reza Najafi told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of its board in Vienna. Iran is expected to top the agenda at the Group of Seven (G7) summit on Friday and Saturday in Canada, where seven of the worlds most-developed countries will come together to discuss policy. Decision by the European Court of Justice to recognise rights of same-sex marriage lauded as a landmark victory. Prague, Czech Republic A decision by the European Unions top court recognising the rights of same-sex marriage has been lauded by LGBT advocates as a landmark victory for equal rights, despite the fact its still illegal in several member states. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) on Tuesday ruled in favour of Adrian Coman, a Romanian gay man seeking the right to have his American husband live with him in Romania, even though it doesnt allow same-sex marriages. As one of the most religious countries in the EU, Romania represents an Eastern Europe bloc of nations that are more socially conservative than their western neighbours. We are thrilled not only because this confirms to Adrian that they are family and are entitled to protection, but because the ruling empowers all LGBT couples out there in the same situation, Romanita Iordache, who is on the legal team representing the couple and vice president of the LGBT advocacy group ACCEPT, told Al Jazeera. We are also thrilled because some still believe in the EU This is about dignity and civil rights, she said. Residency refusal The closely watched case came after Coman accused Romanian authorities of discrimination after they refused to grant his husband the right to residency there following their marriage in Brussels in 2010. After the couple appealed to the Romanian Constitutional Court, it was referred to the ECJ in Luxembourg. Our family exists regardless of the law in Romania. We promised to take care of each other for the rest of our lives, like any other married couple, Coman told the court prior to the ruling. Our values do not differ from the values of other Romanian citizens and certainly do not differ from the values of European citizens. While the court expressly stated in a release that member states maintain the freedom to authorise marriage between persons of the same sex, they may not obstruct the freedom of residence of an EU citizen by refusing to grant his same-sex spouse a national of a country that is not an EU Member State, a derived right of residence in their territory. It also clarified the word spouse is gender-neutral and therefore covers the same-sex spouse of an EU citizen. In our research, one of the key gaps in EUs legal migration schemes is the very narrow definition of who are the family members that third country nationals can bring with them, Lina Vosyliute, a researcher in the justice and home affairs section of the Brussels-based Center for European Policy Studies. This judgement sets an important precedent that could add clarity and enable third-country nationals, who come from outside the EU, to reunify with their same-sex spouses. Our family exists regardless of the law in Romania Adrian Coman Possible referendum Even though homosexuality was decriminalised in Romania in 2001, a powerful Christian lobby has moved the country closer towards a referendum expected in the coming months that would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. This type of marriage will remain banned and unrecognised in the future state of residence with the sole exception of the right of residence, spokesman of the Romanian Patriarchate, Vasile Banescu, told local media following the decision. The two were not given the right to live in Romania as spouses. They were given the right to live because they are husbands in an EU country, not us. While most EU countries currently have marriage equality laws, and others have legalised civil unions with either equivalent or restricted rights, Romania has no such laws. They are joined by Poland, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Bulgaria. Several analysts said the binding decision by the ECJ could further fracture an already-delicate relationship between western and Eastern Europe. In the current political climate, this decision is likely to weaken the ties between the new post-communist democracies and at least some of the west European member states, said Arch Puddington, a scholar for democracy studies at Freedom House, a US government-funded NGO that conducts research and advocacy on democracy. It will likely animate further anti-EU denunciations from [Hungarian Prime Minister] Viktor Orban and other critics, perhaps even some from populist parties in France, Italy, and elsewhere in the west. The decision may also be used as another bit of evidence by [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and his propagandists in their ongoing campaign to identify Europe as atheistic, anti-Christian, and prone to sexual radicalism, he said. Timeline? Others, meanwhile, are worried conservative member states may drag their feet in implementing the law, whether because of religious views or as a snub to Brussels. To be honest, some states may not comply with the judgments straight away given the strong stance against marriage equality. They will take their time, said Arpi Avetisyan, a litigation officer at LGBT advocate ILGA-Europe. On the other hand, they cannot prolong the process of complying with this process. Its hard to remark on the timeline, but we will be monitoring with our people on the ground. With all 28 EU member states obliged to adopt the ruling, Coman said the ruling was a win for human dignity in Europe. We can now look in the eyes of any public official in Romania and across the EU with certainty that our relationship is equally valuable and equally relevant, for the purpose of free movement within the EU, he said. Court documents claim RAKIA breached Farhad Azimas laptops and tried to slander his character after deal turned sour. A state investment body owned by Ras Al Khaimah, one of the UAEs seven emirates, is alleged to have hacked the email accounts of US-Iranian aviation magnate Farhad Azima and attempted to blackmail him with threats of collateral damage, according to court documents seen by Al Jazeera. The alleged hacking took place in late 2015 as a business relationship between 75-year-old Azima and the Ras al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) turned sour. It is also alleged that the UAE fund then leaked embarrassing material about Kansas-based Azima on the dark web, a part of the internet that cannot be visited by using traditional browsers. Third-party technology experts are said to have concluded that the hacking was so sophisticated they believed a state actor had to have been involved, prompting suspicions of state-sponsored hacking. The case predates the June 2017 blockade of Qatar by four Arab states, which was announced following the hacking of the QNA Qatars official news agency website and social media accounts. US intelligence officials cited by the Washington Post say that senior UAE government officials discussed the planned hacks on May 23, the day before they took place. Since then, Qatar and the UAE have been accused of leaking information to journalists as they jockey for position in Washington, DC. The new documents obtained by Al Jazeera relate to a US Federal District Court hearing in Washington, DC, in April and offer a rare glimpse into how the UAE (in this instance in the form of the state-backed RAKIA) is accused of using data leaks. They also detail the courts finding that a plausible case exists that RAKIA had hacked Azimas email account to harm his character. Azima has plausibly alleged that RAKIAs engagement in certain commercial activity using Azima as a mediator and partnering with him in foreign business ventures caused RAKIA to commit the hacking for the purpose of influencing the ongoing mediation, punishing Azima if anything went wrong with those negotiations and ultimately gaining leverage and coercive influence over Azima, the judgement said. The US judgement accepting Azimas complaint will now see the case move forward to pre-trial discovery and litigation and detailed investigation of his claims concerning the role of RAKIA, its London law firm Dechert and the now-bankrupt PR company Bell Pottinger in handling hacked material. A failed hotel deal and slanderous websites The court documents trace the case back to a hotel sale in Georgia, a planned anti-Iran surveillance project and a dispute between RAKIA and its former chairman, Khater Massaad. RAKIAs claims against Azima, a chief executive of an aircraft leasing company and donor to former US President Bill Clinton and former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, centre on a failed deal to sell the Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel in Tbilisi in 2011. RAKIA is seeking more than $2.6m in damages at the High Court in London for Azimas alleged role in brokering the deal for three would-be Iranian buyers, amid claims of kickbacks for making the introductions. Azima denies this, and in court documents filed in Washington, DC, his legal team argues he has been unfairly blamed for the collapse of settlement discussions with RAKIA over deals involving Massaad. As the talks broke down in July 2016, RAKIAs lawyers ominously threatened that Azima would be made collateral damage, his complaint alleges. Azimas lawyers, who are seeking $20m in damages in US courts, say that shortly after this meeting, the Kansas businessman learned that his computers had been hacked and that a massive volume of emails and other electronic data had been stolen. {articleGUID} They claim that starting on August 2016, websites began to appear online with names such as Farhad Azima Scammer and Farhad Azima Scams, using hacked information to attack Azima. The pages had links to BitTorrent sites on the dark web. RAKIA denies all the charges and told Al Jazeera that Azimas claims are complete fiction. A spokesperson said the company had launched an appeal. RAKIA also accused Azima of filing the complaint in an effort to frustrate the legal case filed against him in London, in which the Emirati company accuses him of bribery, misrepresentation and forgery. But the latest US judgement in the legal battle found that it was beyond dispute that hackers had targeted Azima. US Federal District Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson also found there was a plausible theory linking the hacking and Azimas efforts to mediate a disagreement between RAKIA and Massaad, its former head. She added that it was plausible the hacking was carried out to punish Azima if anything went wrong with those negotiations, and noted that it was allegedly designed to give RAKIA leverage and coercive influence over the magnate. London lawyer accused Earlier court documents presented by Azimas legal team allege the threat against the US-Iranian businessman was made by London lawyer Neil Gerrard, the global co-head of Decherts white-collar practice, and the senior partner representing RAKIA. At a meeting in July 2016, Gerrard told Azima he would become collateral damage in the war against Massaad, the complaint document said. Within a week of the threat, RAKIA commenced a negative public relations campaign against Azima, the complaint added, based on hacked information from iCloud data, voice recordings and WhatsApp messages. Dechert emphatically denies that partner Neil Gerrard made the threat alleged by Farhad Azima in his amended complaint, a spokesperson for Dechert told Al Jazeera. The allegations about the purported threat are as baseless as the allegations that the Government of Ras Al Khaimah hacked Azimas computer. RAKIA denied the substance of the claims in a declaration filed with the court by its CEO. The Government of Ras al Khaimah believes that the decision by a United States District Court to assume jurisdiction over the frivolous lawsuit brought by Farhad Azima against the Ras al Khaimah Investment Authority is erroneous and has appealed the decision, said a statement sent to Al Jazeera. Mr Azimas claim in the United States case that the Ras al Khaimah Investment Authority or its agents hacked his computers and put his information on the internet is a complete fiction. Who is Farhad Azima? Previous reports have linked Azima to arms dealing and the CIAs Iran-Contra scandal in which former US President Reagans administration secretly sold weapons to Iran in return for the release of American hostages though this has never been confirmed. Meanwhile, the Associated Press news agency has reported that Azima has flown weapons to the Balkans and navigated Washingtons power circles. {articleGUID} The hacked data included messages between Azima and Jay Solomon, Wall Street Journals former chief foreign affairs correspondent, detailing meetings on Azimas luxury yacht. In a leaked email from April 2015, Azima wrote to Solomon about a plan for a $725m contract with the UAE for surveillance and reconnaissance activities in Iran. Under the plan, which Azima apparently wanted Solomon to present to contacts within the UAE government, Azimas companies would manage specially equipped surveillance planes to spy on Iran and other countries. Solomon, who was fired by the Wall Street Journal in June 2017, denies he acted on Azimas business offers. By August 2016, Bell Pottinger had been hired by RAKIA to promote its narrative and had set up a war room in London to send out releases attacking Azima and Massaad. The PR company went into administration last year after an exodus of clients and mounting losses in the wake of a scandal over a campaign in which it played on racial tensions in South Africa. The case in Washington, DC, which is expected to move forward in the coming weeks, is expected to expose further details about the information wars raging in the Middle East. Lebanese parliament speaker says Hezbollah and Iran will not quit Syria until its territorial integrity is regained. Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah movement will not leave Syria until it is fully liberated from terrorists, the Lebanese parliamentary speaker said. Speaking to Russian media outlet Sputnik, Nabih Berri said that Hezbollahs presence in Syria had stopped the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) from reaching Lebanon. If it had not been for Hezbollah there [in Syria], Daesh would have been here [in Lebanon], Berri said, referring to ISIL by its Arabic acronym. Berri also said that Iranian troops and Russian forces were in Syria at the request of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, but that the United States had deployed its troops without seeking the Syrian governments permission. He said that Hezbollah and Iran would not withdraw from Syria until its territorial integrity is regained. Berri called for negotiations to take place between the countries involved in the Syrian conflict, stressing the need for a political solution. I believe that without negotiations between Russia, the United States, Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and at least one European countryit is impossible to resolve the Syrian crisis. Political solution cannot be reached without agreement between these parties, he said. He dismissed talks of France asking Lebanon to mediate in organising talks between regional countries on Syria. Lebanon does not play any role in this topic, Berri said. It, of course, can benefit from the settlement in Syria, but it cannot impose this decision. Ankit Saxena was killed by his Muslim girlfriends family, but his father organises Iftar to bridge religious divide. New Delhi Yashpal Saxena, a frail Hindu man, sat in the middle of a gathering of strangers on a hot evening in the Indian capital of New Delhi. He was hosting an Iftar (the meal with which Muslims open their fast during Ramadan), months after his son was violently murdered near their home in the neighbourhood of Raghuvir Nagar in west Delhi. Ankit, a Hindu, was murdered by a Muslim couple for dating their daughter, a brutal end to a three-year-long relationship. On Sunday, a few minutes before sundown, more than a hundred people gathered in the narrow lane outside Saxenas home. I tremble, I cry when I remember my son, he was a piece of my heart, my hero, Yashpal said in a choked voice. His murderers were Muslims but that doesnt mean I will have a grudge against the community, he added. Scores of devout Muslims came after prayer to join Yashpal and other activists as the sky started to darken. The family had spread mats in the alleyway so people could sit and dine. Yashpal now says he wants his sons name to be synonymous with communal harmony [Zeenat Saberin/Al Jazeera] The idea of a non-Muslim family hosting an iftar for Muslims is exactly what is needed to heal a people divided by hate and bigotry, said Anas Tanwir, a supreme court lawyer and organiser of #Iftar4All. Ankit Saxena, 23, had his throat slit open by the family of his Muslim girlfriend on a busy street in New Delhi in February this year. Honour killings Marriage outside ones faith or caste is still frowned upon in many parts of India, at times resulting in violence. Honour killings when a person is killed by a family member who believes the victim has brought shame on the family, clan or community are common in India. According to government data, 288 cases of honour killings were reported between 2014 and 2016 in the country. For Ankits father, Yashpal, breaking bread with these men and women meant a rejection of hate. This man is celebrating a festival of the same faith as that of his sons killers. This resonates with the India that Mahatma Gandhi wanted to build. In an atmosphere of hate, its critical that we stand with people like Yashpal, activist Mohammed Amir Khan told Al Jazeera at the event. Yashpals reaction immediately after his son was killed and in the months that followed have counteracted the possible politics of division that could have played out around the incident. Please do not communalise my sons death, Yashpal had told local media after his son was the target of the violent hate crime. He also stayed away from a candle-light march in memory of his son organised by local leaders of the right-wing ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). A Muslim guest broke down while meeting Ankit Saxenas father who hosted an iftar party at his residence. I dont know if this breaks my heart or warms it. But I am just so ashamed today. Ashamed as a Muslim and as an Indian. What have we done to this beautiful country ! pic.twitter.com/7EOnVGdybO Arfa Khanum Sherwani (@khanumarfa) June 4, 2018 In doing so, he rejected the increasingly poisonous rhetoric directed against Muslims in everyday life in India. Many right-wing leaders and supporters including a legislator in New Delhi aligned to the ruling party had attempted to stir religious discord, following Ankits death. They posted provocative messages on Twitter. Yashpal now says he wants his sons name to be synonymous with communal harmony. The family is also planning to set up an organisation to help people who want to marry partners who are not from the same community. This Iftar is a message Communal tensions are a constant worry in the worlds biggest democracy. Indians are being whipped up by the demonisation of the other, egged on by the rhetoric of politicians and a feverish media. Activists claim anti-Muslim sentiment has increased in some places since Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu-nationalist BJP came to power in 2014. Yashpal, 59, now plans to help couples who do not belong to the same community. He is being aided in his efforts by young Hindu and Muslim men, and members of his family like Ashish Duggal, Ankits cousin. This iftar is a message in India, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians all are equal. We will celebrate festivals of all faiths. Today is just a beginning, Ashish said. Many people after Ankits death approached us with sectarian messages, they probably wanted riots to follow this tragedy. I had told journalists that please report what we are telling you, dont use additives. I remember some media showing cartoons of a visibly Muslim-looking man taking a sword to Ankits throat. What was the need for this? My brother is gone, but dont do this, he adds. Members of the family and Ankits friends have rallied around Yashpal and his wife both of whom are battling medical conditions. The government has yet to provide any financial help to the family, they say. They try to be happy, we try to make them happy, neither can I become Ankit, nor can they forget their son, says Ashish. Groups of curious policemen guarded both ends of the lane leading to Yashpals house although most residents were indoors after a particularly hot day. I will not direct hate Memories of that day, when Ankit was killed, are still fresh, says a neighbour who did not want to be named. Their only child has been killed, they are trying to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of a great tragedy, she said when asked about the old couples life since that fateful day in February. A charge sheet has been filed by the New Delhi police against the four accused the girls father, mother, uncle and brother are in police custody. I want my son's killers to be hanged, but I will not direct hate towards any faith. Yashpal Saxena I want my sons killers to be hanged, but I will not direct hate towards any faith, Yashpal told Al Jazeera. India is predominantly Hindu but with large religious minorities peppered throughout. About a fifth of Indias 1.27 billion people identifies as belonging to faiths other than Hinduism. Horrific episodes of Hindu-Muslim violence have periodically scarred Indias history since it gained independence from the British rule. Around one million people were killed during the partition of British India into India and Pakistan in 1947. Many at the event said they dont know what the lasting answer to the problem was, except to continue challenging such violence and hate when they arise. Arrests made in connection with clashes between lower caste Dalits and upper caste groups. Police in the Indian state of Maharashtra on Wednesday arrested five Dalit activists on charges of inciting violence earlier this year, drawing criticism from community leaders. The arrests of the Dalit writers and activists Sudhir Dhawale, Shoma Sen, Mahesh Raut, and Surendra Gadling were made in connection to clashes between unprivileged caste Dalits and privileged caste groups in Bhima Koregaon, central Maharashtra, and ensuing protests in January. Two people were killed in the violence. Dalits, who have suffered thousands of years of exclusion and extreme poverty, are at the bottom of Indias Hindu caste hierarchy. {articleGUID} Shivaji Pawar, additional commissioner of police in Pune, told Al Jazeera the probe is at a primary stage. They have been arrested under the Unlawful Activities Act and charges under the Indian penal code, Pawar said. In January, Dalits from across Maharashtra took to the streets to protest against a January 1 attack on the community during the 200th-anniversary celebrations of the Battle of Bhima-Koregaon. During that battle in 1818, unprivileged-caste Dalits sided with British colonial forces to defeat privileged-caste rulers. I nflammatory speeches The police are probing the connection of those arrested on Wednesday to inflammatory speeches at an event in Pune on December 31, 2017. They want to instil fear in the hearts of Dalit leaders, Prakash Ambedkar, an activist and grandson of Bhimrao Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian constitution and a Dalit icon, told Al Jazeera. A statement by Peoples Union for Civil Liberties called the arrests vindictive and arbitrary. Ashok Kamble, the leader of Dalit group Bhim Army, said Wednesdays arrests were a pressure tactic. Dalit groups have no funds, but we are committed to fighting oppression. We cant be bought, thats why the state uses such tactics against us, he told Al Jazeera. Activists point to how right-wing privileged-caste leaders, with links to the ruling party, have yet to be arrested despite cases filed against them for the January 1 attack on Dalits. India is home to about 200 million Dalits, many of whom complain about continued social discrimination despite the outlawing of caste-based discrimination by parliament in 1955. Hindus are traditionally grouped into various castes and membership is determined by birth. Parliament orders a manual recount of all ballots and sacks electoral commission members who oversaw the process. Iraqs parliament has ordered a full recount of the countrys recent parliamentary election that resulted in a shock victory for Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr. The countrys outgoing 328-seat parliament voted in favour of a manual recount of all 11 million ballots from the May 12 poll in response to charges of electoral fraud. MPs also sacked a nine-member independent electoral commission that oversaw the process and replaced the body with judges. Al Jazeeras Charles Stratford, reporting from Baghdad, said several districts had complained about the result when preliminary numbers first began trickling in on May 12 and May 13. Complaints had been raised by a number of parties from across the country in the day after the vote. We heard dissatisfaction from areas in the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG), and the predominantly Sunni provinces of Anbar, Salah al-Din and Diyala, he said. But everything really seemed to kick in yesterday when Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi endorsed the findings and the recommendation of a ministerial committee and alleged that there were dangerous violations in the election. Al-Abadi blamed electronic vote counting devices used by the IHEC, which he said had been used without prior inspection for errors. According to intelligence services, tests of electronic voting machines used for the first time in Iraqi elections produced varied results, appearing to give credence to the fraud claims. A rebuke to the elites The May 12 vote saw Muqtada al-Sadrs electoral alliance emerge victorious, coming ahead of Iran-aligned Shia parties that took the lead in the war against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS). Despite entering the election as the apparent frontrunner, al-Abadis al-Nasr coalition faltered in the poll, coming in third with only 42 seats. Pointing to widespread dissatisfaction with the direction of the country, al-Sadrs Sairoon coalition managed to win 54 out of 328 seats. His blocs performance represented a rebuke to political elites that some voters blame for widespread corruption and dysfunctional governance. The Sairoon coalition promised to help the poor and build schools and hospitals, which were battered in the war against ISIL, and fiercely opposed any foreign interference in Iraq whether Iranian or US. Before the election, Iran had publicly stated it would not allow al-Sadrs bloc to govern. Al-Sadr himself cannot become prime minister as he did not run in the election, but his blocs victory puts him in a position to have a strong say in negotiations over the future government. The formation of a new government is expected to drag on for months as no alliance won the 165 seats required for an outright majority. Until a new prime minister is chosen, al-Abadi will remain in office and retain all his powers. Ezzadin Tamimi was shot dead during an arrest attempt over stone throwing, Palestinian media outlets say. An Israeli soldier has killed a Palestinian youth during a raid in the occupied West Bank village of Nabi Saleh. Ezzadin Tamimi was shot dead when troops came to arrest him over alleged stone throwing, the Maan news agency said on Wednesday. The soldier struck the 21-year-old with three bullets to the neck from a distance of around 45 metres, according to Palestinian activists. Villagers said paramedics were prevented from treating Tamimi as he bled out from his wounds. Video shared on YouTube by villagers shows the young man wounded on the ground as an Israeli army medic appears to administer first aid. The Israeli army said one of its soldiers was hit by a rock while conducting the arrest and responded by shooting. The soldier hit by the rock opened fire on the Palestinian who was (then) injured and received medical treatment on the spot. Despite this, the suspect is dead, it said in a tweet, adding that an investigation was ongoing. Israels killing of unarmed Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza has earned it severe criticism in recent months. Since March 30, at least 119 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza a besieged territory of nearly two million people on the Mediterranean coast. On Friday 21-year-old volunteer medic, Razan al-Najjar, was shot dead by Israeli troops as she tried to evacuate a wounded protester. Jordanians vow to continue nightly protests demanding repeal of planned tax reform despite pledges to revise bill. Jordans major trade unions have held one-day general strike in major cities across the Middle Eastern country as part of week-long protests against a controversial proposed tax reform bill and price hikes. Thousands of protesters have continued their sit-ins across the country even after Prime Minister Hani al-Mulki was asked to resign by Jordans King Abdullah II. The king appointed Omar al-Razzaz as the new prime minister and tasked him with reviewing the tax plan and launching a national dialogue with unions and civil society groups. Al-Razzaz, a former World Bank economist who previously served as Jordans education minister, is described as a likeable figure among the Jordanian people. But protesters demand that the proposed tax law be scrapped entirely, adding that a cabinet reshuffle is not enough to raise living standards. Various trade unions are also calling for a system overhaul, Hiba Quntar, a member of Jordans press syndicate, told Al Jazeera. The governments economic reform measures are the latest in a series of economic changes since Amman secured a $723m three-year credit line from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2016. Reintroduce subsidies Organisers of the latest wave of protests, led by an independent group referred to as the Hirak Shababi, or youth movement, told to Al Jazeera they are also calling for transparency, a clear set of goals, and an overall change in government policies. They also want the government to reintroduce subsidies on bread and oil prices removed earlier this year. Protests began last Wednesday in the capital and surrounding provinces, including Irbid, Zarqa and Salt, amid widespread anger over the IMF-backed reforms. Hussein Smadi, a 26-year-old lawyer based in Amman, said: the [unions] are under tremendous pressure to steer away from the streets and the youth movement. Hours after the launch of the general strike on Wednesday, Ali al-Ubous, head of the umbrella of unions, announced that the syndicates would be holding off on striking from now on in a bid to give the new government an opportunity to revise the proposed law. His remarks were met with anger and frustration, Aroub Soubh a Jordanian journalist and activist who was at the scene said. People lost their cool, they started chanting and didnt give al-Ubous a chance to finish speaking, al-Soubh told Al Jazeera. They vowed to return to the streets and protest tonight, she said from the protest site in Amman. Trade unions representing doctors, lawyers, engineers, journalists, teachers and others are participating in the strike. Raise minimum wage But the countrys factory workers and farmers, who belong to trade syndicates and earn less than the minimum wage of JD 220 ($310), say the proposed income tax law does not affect them. They, however, have a slightly different set of demands. Their priority is to reduce the price of commodities and accommodation, and more importantly, to raise the minimum wage. For 43-year-old Mohammed al-Sneed, a JD 300 ($421) monthly salary is not enough for his family of seven. Its me, my wife and five children, he told Al Jazeera from Madaba, a town south of Amman. The farmer, who heads the independent trade unions and holds a bachelors degree in agricultural engineering, was among thousands who took to the streets back in 2011, in the wake of the Arab Spring. We want to see corrupt officials finally held to account, al-Sneed said. He attributes the countrys economic crisis in its current form to the series of layoffs that took place a few years ago, when thousands of workers were made redundant. So unemployment rates increased, and of course the percentage of poor Jordanians did too, he said. Jordan has long suffered from economic problems and remains heavily reliant on foreign aid. In the past, Jordanians have protested a sales tax increase and removal of bread subsidies, but the countrys poor especially took a hit when petrol prices were increased last week. The gap between the middle class and the poor is rapidly increasing we want to diminish that as soon as possible, al-Sneed said. Fifty years on, questions about Sirhan Sirhans alleged role in Robert F Kennedys assassination remain unanswered. More video clips from the story Thousands of Greeks took to the streets to protest a deal between Athens and Skopje on a name change. Pella, Greece Tens of thousands of Greeks took to the streets across the country on Wednesday to protest against a reportedly imminent deal between Athens and its northern neighbour that would share Macedonian identity between the two peoples. Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia have been in talks since January to establish full diplomatic relations for the first time since the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1991. Key to normalisation is finding a name for the country whose government resides in Skopje that Athens can live with. The message in 24 rallies across Greece was a simple one: the use of the name Macedonia by Skopje is unacceptable. Speakers demanded a referendum. We dont wish to be responsible for baptising the country next door, said Mihalis Patsikas, an olive farmer and former gymnastics trainer, who helped organise 15 rallies across the northern Greek province of Macedonia. But theyre claiming our name, Macedonia, and any name containing that term is unacceptable. Is someone threatening us? Let our government tell us. We the people will face that threat. We wont give in. Greeks have always fought back. We the people will face that threat. We won't give in. Greeks have always fought back Mihalis Patsikas History versus politics About 2,000 people attended the rally in Pella, where archaeologists have begun to unearth the sprawling, 400-hectare metropolis that was the ancient Macedonian capital. The palace of King Philip and his son, Alexander the Great, alone covers about six hectares. The consensus among classicists and archaeologists is that Skopje has no historic claim to the term Macedonia. In antiquity, Macedonia was the area that is now the northern province of Greece, said Stephen Miller, professor of archaeology at the University of California, Berkeley. There is a geographical, geological distinction: the range of mountains that divides that from the area of Skopje. The area where Skopje is in ancient times was called Peonia. It was a kingdom. We dont know a lot about it. We know that Philip, father of Alexander, defeated the king of Peonia and incorporated it into his kingdom. Alexander had as one of his allies the next king of Peonia, who contributed forces in Alexanders invasion of Persia. But it was a distinct area. It wasnt Macedonia it was Peonia. Miller pointed out the ancient Macedonians took part in the Olympic Games, which were open only to Greeks. And the language of the ancient Macedonians was Greek, whereas the people of Skopje speak a Slavic language. This notion of the area of Skopje being Macedonia was created in 1944 by Tito, and it had a specific goal in mind to annex Thessaloniki so that he would have access to the Aegean Sea. That goal still remains, said Miller. Lysandros Amitzoglou, a local newspaper publisher, said there is little support for a composite name. I think sharing this name will be the biggest forgery in history. Macedonia is this soil where we stand. The stones say it, history says it I dont think theres a single person who supports a composite name, said Amitzoglou. I think sharing this name will be the biggest forgery in history Lysandros Amitzoglou Constitutional problem US mediator Matthew Nimetz proposed five possible composite names containing the word Macedonia when talks began in January: Republika Nova Makedonija (Republic of New Macedonia), Republika Gorna Makedonija (Republic of Upper Macedonia), Republika Severna Makedonija (Republic of Northern Macedonia), Republika Vardarska Makedonija (Republic of Vardarska Macedonia) and Republika Makedonija (Skopje). The Greek government has in principle committed to using one of them. Recent opinion polls show just 22 percent of Greeks agreeing to use of the term Macedonia, but that rises to 57 percent if the countrys name is in its native Slavic and if Skopje removes any suggestion from its constitution that it may one day claim Greek territory. The constitutions preamble invokes the Macedonian people and their struggle over centuries for national and social freedom. It speaks of the legality of the Krushevo Republic of 1903, a revolution whose ambition it was to unite the Ottoman Empires administrative province of Macedonia which would include present-day Greek and Bulgarian territory in a breakaway independence movement. Ottoman forces crushed the uprising after 10 days. The preamble also references the historic decisions of the Anti-Fascist Assembly of the Peoples Liberation of Macedonia (1944), a communist partisan committee that lasted for a few months at the end of World War II. It called on ethnic Macedonians in Bulgaria and Greece to rise up against their oppressors. The latter inaugurated Marshal Titos aspirational policy of a Macedonian state at the expense of Greek territory as a way of uniting the southern tip of the Republic of South Slavs (Yugoslavia). Artificial borders The then Greek Foreign Minister Antonis Samaras quoted from the committee in a letter to his European colleagues on January 17, 1992, to demonstrate the irredentist implications of the constitution. Let the struggle of the Macedonian piedmont inspire you This alone leads to liberation and the unification of all Macedonians Allow the artificial borders that separate brother from brother to crumble. There are other sources of Greek concern. Article 3 of the constitution leaves open the possibility that the borders of the Republic of Macedonia may be changed. Article 49 states the Republic cares for the status and rights of those persons belonging to the Macedonian people in neighbouring countries. Greece is concerned this creates a pretext for meddling in its internal affairs, as well as forming a basis for irredentist territorial claims. In response to Greek concerns, Skopje added a statement that The Republic of Macedonia has no territorial pretensions towards any neighbouring state, but the offending paragraphs remain. The European Union and NATO have given renewed impetus to decades-long efforts to induct the western Balkans, including former Yugoslav Macedonia. Greece, too, has begun to think regionally. Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias has spoken of the need for Greece to start cultivating its neighbourhood as a bloc vote in future European Union debates. But Greek interests in settling the issue contain sticks as well as carrots. As the country emerges from its economic crisis, Kotzias recently said, it shapes an area in which it can act and with which it can grow. This is because it frees up strength to deal with its real geopolitical, geostrategic problems. These are not former Yugoslav Macedonia or Albania. They come from the east, he said, a reference to rising tensions with Turkey over the Aegean. Netanyahu seeks anti-Iran front on Europe tour Israeli PM arrived at the Elysee Palace for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron just a few hours after Iran had announced it was increasing its uranium enrichment capacity. Pakistani journalist Gul Bukhari, who has openly criticised the military, was briefly abducted by masked men in Lahore. The brief abduction of a prominent Pakistani social activist and newspaper columnist known for her strident criticism of the countrys powerful military has raised fears of a renewed crackdown on dissent in the South Asian country. Gul Bukhari, 52, was abducted by several unidentified men while she was on her way to a television news studio in the eastern city of Lahore on Tuesday night, a family member told Al Jazeera. Several hours later, she was released, they confirmed, although they did not provide any details regarding the attack. The abduction has heightened fears among activists and journalists, coming as it does in the wake of widespread censorship of news considered critical of the military and certain political parties, and prompted concern that a new wave of intimidation is imminent. Bukhari, who is a vocal critic of the military and its alleged role in censoring Pakistans media and involving itself in political processes, was abducted a day after the military warned that it was monitoring social media activity for anti-state, anti-Pakistan and anti-army material. We do have the capability to monitor social media, to see who is doing what, said Major-General Asif Ghafoor, the militarys spokesperson, on Monday. In a separate incident on Tuesday, journalist Asad Kharal was also assaulted in Lahore by some persons wearing masks, he said. Pakistan ranks 139 out of 180 countries on Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, and attacks against journalists and other media professionals particularly those deemed critical of the state are common. Since last year, the state has carried out a sustained campaign targeting those critical of the military which has ruled Pakistan for roughly half of its 70-year history on social media, an Al Jazeera investigation found. There is no stopping them The attack on Bukhari comes as the distribution of Dawn, Pakistans oldest and most respected daily newspaper, was disrupted in several areas across the country, a source told Al Jazeera, allegedly over its publication of an interview with former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that implied military complicity in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. In April, the Geo News television station, one of the countrys most popular news networks, came back on air after weeks of being blocked by cable operators, also allegedly at the behest of the military. Geo was allowed to resume transmissions only after it agreed to a deal with the military to change its editorial stance on certain political issues, two officials at the channel told the Reuters news agency. Earlier this year, several newspaper columnists were told that their regular op-ed columns, most on the subject of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) rights group, would not be published. The PTM has held countrywide rallies against alleged rights abuses by the military in the countrys northwest since January. It appears that those behind this abduction want to send a message to the rest of Pakistan and the world that they can do whatever they want, whenever they want, to dissenters, and that there is no stopping them, said Taha Siddiqui, a journalist who was forced to flee the country after a similar abduction attempt in January The Pakistan army cannot tolerate dissent, and they have managed to control the mainstream Pakistani media. Now they are desperately trying to do the same with social media. Siddiqui now runs SAFE Newsrooms a whistleblowing website that encourages South Asian journalists to report censorship within their newsrooms anonymously. The site was blocked by the Pakistani government within weeks of being launched. Pakistans military denies that it has issued any directives to media organisations to control their coverage, inviting news organisations to report on the alleged censorship if it has taken place. Whenever I have spoken to [media owners and journalists], I have said the same thing: right now Pakistan needs to unite, to present its successes and build on them, said General Ghafoor on Monday. That is what I told them we need to do, and that is what they have done. Asad Hashim is Al Jazeeras Digital Correspondent in Pakistan. He tweets @AsadHashim. Unlike the West, Russia does not want the Kim Jong-un regime to collapse or change at all. Russias frenetic attempts to hop on the bandwagon of historic diplomatic talks between the United States and North Korea underline two simple facts: Pyongyang no longer depends on Russia for its economic and political survival, and Russia does not want the Norths regime to change. North Korea emerged from the quagmire of the Korean War 65 years ago as red Moscows loyal, obedient vassal that diligently copied the Stalinist system and preserved most of its frightening features such as a pervasive personality cult of the Kim dynasty, labour camps, and mass purges. Its inefficiently planned economy relied heavily on Soviet food and fuel supplies, and the Communist giants 1991 collapse contributed to a perennial famine that killed up to 3.5 million North Koreans. A year earlier, Moscow established ties with South Korea ruining diplomatic ties with the North for a decade. A political generation later, Kim Jong-un, a whimsical and inexperienced despot, understands one thing about his impoverished, militarised and nuclearised nation of 25 million. It is not Moscows puppet, Konstantin Asmolov of the Center for Korean Studies of under the Russian Academy of Sciences told Al Jazeera. Belated invitation Last Thursday, Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov put a wreath of flowers at the feet of the gigantic, 20 metre-tall bronze statues of Kim Il-sung, North Koreas founder, and his son and successor, Kim Jong-il, on the sacred Mansu Hill in Pyongyang. Then he bowed an unnecessary gesture for a diplomat of his rank, that, nevertheless, earned him an unplanned audience with the third Kim, the Kommersant, a Russian daily, concluded. Lavrov held talks with the supreme leader ahead of the Trump-Kim summit, the first-ever meeting between a sitting US president and a North Korean helmsman that is scheduled to take place in Singapore on June 12. Russia feels sidelined and Lavrovs carefully phrased diplomatese hinted at Moscows dissatisfaction with the hasty development and its desire to join in. We shouldnt try to make sudden movements, shouldnt speed up the process artificially that will, of course, require a considerable amount of time, he said in televised remarks referring to the possible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. Russia is ready to contribute to these efforts, our Korean friends welcome it, and we have discussed some steps that can be taken in this direction, Lavrov said. He also mentioned the possible revival of long-mothballed projects to build a natural gas pipeline, a railway, and a power transmission line from Russia to South Korea via the Norths territory. But it will all become possible only if the United Nations and the West lift the sanctions imposed on North Korea for its nuclear programme, he said. He also invited Kim to Russia for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the Soviet era, such visits were frequent and obligatory for Kims grandfather who once commanded a Soviet battalion during World War II, and was handpicked by Joseph Stalin to rule the nascent Korean Communist state. His son and heir was born near the eastern Russian city of Khabarovsk in 1941. This time, North Korean media simply acknowledged the reception of the invitation. Russia is ready to contribute to these efforts, our Korean friends welcome it Sergey Lavrov, Russian foreign minister Reunification concerns Russia has shared a 17-kilometre-long border with North Korea since 1860, and hundreds of thousands of ethnic Koreans who migrated to Tsarist Russia still live in the former Soviet Union. One of them, Viktor Tsoi, remains an immensely popular Russian rock star 28 years after his death in a car crash. Moscow is not interested in a new Chernobyl in its scarcely populated yet resource-rich Pacific provinces in case the Korean conflict goes boom. Unlike the West, Russia does not want the Kim regime to collapse or change at all. If there is a civil war or yet another famine, an exodus of refugees and a mishandling of nuclear weapons spell disaster for Russias Far East. A unification of North and South Koreas could also prove disastrous for Moscows policies in Asia. After the reunification of Germany and the pro-Western transformation of the Communist bloc, NATO approached Russias borders. Something similar is likely on the Korean Peninsula a unified Korea will inevitably become Washingtons ally, which means more US bases on the Russian border. However, Russia does not have enough economic leverage to influence things in North Korea. Tens of thousands of North Korean labour migrants work throughout Russia, while their government appropriates most of their wages. Their deportation the Kremlins favourite way of solving political problems with ex-Soviet republics. Russian support Western observers noted after Lavrovs visit that Russia can still play a role in the Kim-Trump talks, although not very crucial. As North Korea and the US continue their discussions ahead of the summit, it looks increasingly likely Moscow will not be able to have a direct effect on whether the Singapore meeting happens or not, Christ Stevenson, international editor of The Independent, a British daily, wrote. However, Mr Lavrovs Pyongyang visit has reminded the US and their allies that any long-term deal will likely need Russian support and has placed Moscow back in the thick of another international crisis, he wrote. One of Russias foremost experts on North Korea says that Moscow will act as guarantor of the agreements Trump and Kim will reach in Singapore. There is an agreement between Russia, China and North Korea that in case accords are reached [with the US], Russia and China will serve as guarantors of these accords, Andrey Fyodorov, who once served as Russias ex-deputy foreign minister, told Al Jazeera. Kim is in a situation when he is not losing anything, he said. Another issue is that Kim is not making a deal with Trump without guarantees. And thats where Russia will step in with its veto power at the United Nations Security Council, an old itch to counter and contradict the US whenever and wherever it can, and a domestic propaganda machine that will extol anything the Kremlin does even if a step is miniscule and irrelevant in comparison with the USSRs former clout on the Korean Peninsula. Russias role is increasing and that is right, Vladimir Terekhov, a Russian expert on the Asia-Pacific region, told the state-run RIA Novosti news agency in early June. North Korea is our neighbour that cares, he added. Sixteen others are missing after boat that left Somalia with at least 100 people capsized in the Gulf of Aden. Forty-six Ethiopians drowned and 16 were missing after a human smugglers boat carrying at least 100 refugees capsized as it approached Yemen. The vessel left the port of Bossasso in Somalia on Tuesday with 83 men and 17 women on board. They were hoping to find work in Yemen and the Gulf, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said in a statement on Wednesday, citing information from survivors. IOMs director of operations and emergencies, Mohammad Abdiker, said the Gulf of Adens migration tragedy was shameful. {articleGUID} Over 7,000 poor migrants take this perilous journey every month; some 100,000 took it just last year. They are treated appallingly and go through horrendous conditions. This has to end, said Abdiker. The drownings happened just days after IOM helped 101 Ethiopians including 51 women and 33 children to leave Yemen for Djibouti, as fighting closed in around Yemens key port of Hudaida. They were stranded in Yemen and among the most vulnerable of about 300 refugees stuck in detention, IOM said. Both while travelling to and in Yemen, migrants are routinely abused by smugglers and other criminals, including physical and sexual abuse, torture for ransom, arbitrary detention for long periods of time, forced labour, and even death, the statement said. Some refugees got caught up in Yemens war and were wounded or killed or taken to detention centres, it added. Singapore: The logistical challenges of the Kim-Trump summit The high stakes nature of the event prompted plans for expanded security zones and other restrictions ahead of the leaders arrival. For me as an Israeli, the world's sick obsession with the world's only Jewish state, which constitutes a tiny area of around ten thousand square miles, including the disputed territory of the West Bank, compared to the 13 million square miles of the Arab world, 3.79 million square miles of the U.S., and the 3.931 million square miles of Europe, is bewildering, irrational, and outrageous. As a Jew and an Israeli, every time I write an online article about Israel and the Middle East, Jew-haters come out of the woodwork or the sewer like cockroaches, with a barrage of comments full of hatred, prejudice, bigotry, fake news, and fake history against Jews in general and the Jewish state in particular. For me as a Jew, the world's repeated attempts to scapegoat and blame the Jewish people for many of world's ills have been sad and revolting, knowing that the Jewish population worldwide totals just 14.5 million, including the 6.5 million in Israel and the 5.7 million in the U.S., who make up only less than 2% of the country's population of approximately 325 million. In contrast, the population of the Muslim world totals 1.3 billion, which includes 423 million Arabs, and the world's Christian population numbers 2.1 billion. Obviously, anti-Semitism is not a new phenomenon for Jews. It has been called history's oldest hatred and mental disease, and it has shown itself to be remarkably adaptable, stretching back thousands of years. But what is worrisome to me now is that it seems that 73 years after the Holocaust, Jew-hatred is re-emerging in Europe and the Western world as the barbarous events of World War II recede from collective memory and the cultural and political taboo of being an anti-Semite has disappeared. Moreover, it includes anti-Semites from the far right and the far left, Christians and Muslims, including those in private and public life, many in the political establishment and leadership positions and many individuals in academia. It manifests itself in physical attacks on synagogues in Sweden; arson attacks on Jewish institutions in France; and a spike in hate crimes against Jews in the U.K., France, Germany, and the U.S. At its base, Jew-hatred is a neurotic condition based on irrational fear of the Jews and a lack of personal responsibility for one's failure to achieve success and happiness. Anti-Semites fear Jews because they perceive them as all-powerful individuals who control the U.S. government and the world as well as the banks and economic systems. This neurotic worldview makes rational analysis impossible for anti-Semites. Everything is a Jewish plot and conspiracy for them in business and politics. Through circular reasoning, anti-Semites see Jewish fingers in everything bad that happens to them. Historically, anti-Semitism has taken the form of a double standard of labeling certain characteristics as specifically Jewish when they are in fact common to all of humanity: Jews are greedy, tricky, ambitious, rich, and clannish, as though Jews were uniquely or disproportionately guilty of all these. Since Israel was established, in 1948, Jews and the Jewish state have been condemned whenever they claim or exercise the right to do things that all other people are accorded without question, like having a state and defending its security and borders. Today, similar double standards are evident in the fact that 86 percent of U.N. resolutions single out Israel while ignoring human rights abuses in countries such as Syria, North Korea, and Iran. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said in a new report in February 2018 that the number of anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S. is nearly 60 percent higher in 2017 than 2016, the largest single-year increase on record and the second highest number reported since the ADL started tracking incident data in the 1970s. There were 1,986 anti-Semitic incidents reported across the United States in 2017, including physical assaults, vandalism, and attacks on Jewish institutions. Every part of the country was affected, with an incident reported in all 50 states for the first time in at least a decade. One of Britain's most senior Jewish leaders alleged last week that Jeremy Corbyn, the head of the Labor Party, the main opposition party, has anti-Semitic views and associates himself with anti-Semites delegitimizing Israel's existence, and that he is causing British Jews to question their future in the country. Last week, Turkish state-controlled media blamed the "Jewish lobby" for the sudden drop of the value of the country's currency. In a recent May 2018 survey conducted by Ifop polling company in France, some 53 percent of the French respondents agreed with the statement that "Zionism is an international organization that seeks to influence the world and societies to the Jews' benefit." Furthermore, in the poll, Israel was described as a "threat to regional stability" by 57 percent of respondents, while in reality, all the wars Israel was involved in were due to Arab, Palestinian, and Muslim attacks and threats. In the same poll, Israel was described as a "theocracy" by 51 percent, even though in reality it is the only vibrant democracy in the Middle East. In Germany, there were 1,453 anti-Semitic incidents reported in 2017, including 947 in Berlin, and these came at a time when Germany is grappling with an influx of more than one million mostly Muslim migrants, along with the rise of a right-wing nationalistic parties. Concerning European Jewry, I believe that there is no solution for European Jews other than to come and live in Israel. Anti-Semitism has never gone from the hearts of the Europeans for over 2,000 years, and now it has evolved into anti-Israel hatred. Jew-hatred is here to stay and has even worsened as Europe continues to decline economically and morally. In the U.S., anti-Semitism is mostly limited to universities and the liberal media on the far left, and to Nazi groups on the far right, but it has never been embraced by a majority of the American people and has never evolved into anti-Israeli hatred. On the contrary, Israel's favorability score is the highest in the country since 1991. According to a 2018 Gallop Poll, over 74 percent of Americans view Israel favorably versus the Palestinians. The only way to fight those outlier groups is by confronting them head-on with facts and true history, in every public stage, forum, newspaper, magazine, school, and university. There must be zero tolerance for any fake news provided by the leftist media, as well as legislation sidelining those groups calling for boycotting or divesting from Israel. Increased education in high schools and colleges telling the truth about Jewish history and the evil of anti-Semitism will hopefully guarantee that being an anti-Semite remains a taboo in the United States. Shoula Romano Horing is an Israeli-born and raised attorney. Her blog: www.shoularomanohoring.com. How Trump Can Save Our Inner Cities Street after street, neighborhood after neighborhood, we toured St. Louis over a quarter of a century ago, stunned by how many vacant lots and abandoned homes there are. It confirmed what we had researched: by the early 1990s, over 17,000 of these lots in St. Louis alone, and the numbers were growing. It was like cancer throughout the city, lowering surrounding property values and drawing crime like a magnet. Very few new homes were being built, not because there was a lack of demand, but trying to site-build homes on these lots was simply not practical. What you built during the day was stolen during the night. The facts were that the economics couldn't withstand full-time security. Total new homes built in St. Louis that year: a dismal 27. We believed we had the solution. It was a pretty radical solution that would overcome the many problems of site-building; provide not only affordable houses, but truly attractive homes; and create a new industry in St. Louis with new jobs for the inner city and a training ground for high-skilled, high-paying jobs. We were truly excited. The solution is manufactured housing but with a new twist: build these homes in a plant located right in St Louis. Beautiful Victorian homes or any style or size that the buyer wants that can be set up in 48 hours, with only finish work still required. A new St. Louis could arise overnight. St. Louis is a strong union town, so our first stop was to make a presentation to all the trade unions. Unions have always been strongly opposed to manufactured housing, since the homes are made in rural areas with non-union labor. The unions understood our plan and how it would benefit them and the city. They also understood that before we could invest in a factory, we needed to do a test market. They knew these would be non-union built initially, but here was a chance for them to do the installation set up and all the finish work. The best part was that this was all additional work, work they weren't doing since homes weren't being built in the city anyway. In addition to giving skilled workers a new market, the factory would serve as an incubator where they could train new plumbers, electricians, carpenters, roofers, and all the other trades needed. The unions embraced the concept with absolutely no dissenters. First part of mission accomplished! The next step was the city. The unions set up a meeting with the mayor. We explained our concept, and the mayor immediately saw a way to reduce crime and blight; improve neighborhoods; raise property values; eliminate the expenses associated with trying to keep these lots clean; create new jobs; and turn these lots, which were a liability, into tax-paying assets, and at the same time attract people back to the city. Not only was the mayor excited, but he told us he saw no reason why he couldn't go along with our request that these lots either be given to the new homeowners for free, or for no more than $1,000 per lot. He recognized the necessity of keeping costs down to make these homes super-affordable while benefiting the city and the surrounding neighborhoods. A press conference was held, the plan was announced, and the unions pledged $40 million in mortgage financing. Meetings with various community organizations ensued, and the program was hailed as a real opportunity to improve neighborhoods and bring people back to the city and reverse migration from the city. We set up a sales office in mid-town, and our company was named SHIP for St. Louis Housing Incentive Program. Customers were virtually waiting in line, especially when they realized that they could chose any vacant lot anywhere within the city. Homes were being designed, lots were being picked what could possibly go wrong? Well, as the saying goes, "you are only one unknown away from failure." That one unknown was that the city's aldermen didn't want these new homes. They didn't want new people in their wards. These new people presented a threat a threat to their re-election, as well as competition for their coveted jobs. The aldermen did everything in their power to make certain this project would fail, including giving instructions to those whose jobs were to issue permits, to make the process so slow and so expensive that it was like quicksand. Every step we took forward resulted in two steps backward. The City of St. Louis was ruled by the aldermen; their power was greater than the mayor's and the unions' combined. In two years, we were able to construct the grand total of only six homes, and there was no relief in sight. After working on this project for more than three years, we simply closed our office and threw in the towel. You might be asking, "Why are you writing this article?" The answer is that we now have a new administration in Washington, an administration that says it wants to reinvigorate the inner cities an administration that says it wants to create jobs. Well, here is an opportunity. What was lacking in St. Louis was someone more powerful than the aldermen. That someone is the federal government. Only the federal government can say, "Get out of our way, this is going to happen." If the Trump administration will work with the private sector, plants can be built in major cities across the nation. President Trump would make headlines by creating jobs and new housing, lowering crime, and giving urban dwellers reasons to believe that there is a bright future for their cities. As our president would say, "this could be huuuge." The reality is that all that matters to leftists is obtaining the power necessary to control the lives of all Americans. If you doubt that leftists feel they have the right to control the rest of us, remember that when they have the chance, leftists are eager to tell us how much soda we can drink. Leftists, despite their continual condemnation of America's values and their steadfast insistence that all international problems are due to America, become incensed if their patriotism is questioned. If they truly believe they have the right to control what we eat, can there be any doubt that they also believe they can control more important aspects of our lives? Not really, given that they have said Americans should have only freedom of worship, not freedom to live their faith. Leftists think it's fine to use the power of the government to make Catholic nuns cooperate in abortions or to force Christian bakers to participate in gay "weddings." The ongoing fake-news Russia-stole-the-election meme that the leftist establishment has been peddling since 2016 is a great example of how leftists put their own ambitions for power ahead of what's best for America and are thereby unpatriotic. Leftist lies about the impact of Russia on the election and Trump's supposed collusion with Russia to steal the election have done far more damage to American's trust in our electoral process than anything the Russians actually did. But the leftists continue to lie about it, because they don't care if they destroy democracy in America so long as it means they get more power. If we look, we can see that there is no evidence to support leftist groupthink. One of the few actual events the leftists can point to is the leaking of the DNC emails. The first thing to note is that we don't really know if the Russians were behind that. The DNC refused to turn the targeted computer over to the FBI or the CIA, which means that claims by any government agency that the Russians were behind it are based on secondhand information. Given the well established political bias of the FBI and the historical liberal bias of the CIA the CIA is staffed mainly by graduates of liberal east-coast colleges it's absurd to simply believe any claims by them when they couldn't conduct an independent forensic analysis on the targeted computer. But even if we assume that the Russians did it, is it really election interference? If the NYT or WaPo had published an article showing that Hillary had bought the DNC and, as a result, the DNC was violating its own rules and working against Bernie, would that have been election interference or election support? Didn't the Bernie nation have a right to know the secret shenanigans the DNC was involved in? If Trump had bought the RNC and, as a result, the RNC were actively working to suppress the other Republican candidates, don't you think it would help people to know about it? Therefore, if the reality is that the Russians did the investigative journalism that the media should have done but didn't, we owe them a thank you, not a condemnation. Yet the leftists condemn the leaking of the emails. They do so because to them, what matters is not truth, or fairness, or an unbiased electoral process but whether or not they get power. Instead of addressing the real problem, the DNC violation of its own rules, leftists try to distract voters by claiming that our election was hacked. But that in turn is unpatriotic because it's not true and it hurts America. But what about the other claims of Russian collusion? We now know that leftists know they are all lies. From the beginning, the leftist establishment has known that the only source for the "Trump collusion" lie is a document compiled by a former British spy based on what he himself says are unverified rumors from Russian sources, all of which was paid for by the Hillary campaign. Given that those same leftists were incensed that Donald Trump, Jr. met with a Russian to see if she had dirt on Hillary, it's clear that they embrace the Steele dossier not out of any honest belief that it's accurate, but because any lie is good so long as it allows them to get more power. That, in turn, tells us that leftists are willing to destroy the people's confidence in our electoral process in order to further their own political ambitions. This in turn is clear proof that leftists lack patriotism or any belief in the democratic process. One further example of how leftists reject American values when they hinder the left's ambitions is their acceptance of the Obama administration's weaponizing of the massive U.S. intelligence system against the Republican Party. Many of you are old enough to remember when the leftists were furious that some Republicans had broken into a DNC office to get intel for the upcoming presidential election. The bungling burglars got nothing, and they were not supported by the FBI or any federal agency. But now, when we know that the Obama regime used the fake Steele dossier to turn the NSA loose on the Trump campaign and that the Obama FBI used one or more spies to set up minor figures working for the campaign, those same leftists tell us it is no big deal. Thinking that using the power of government against one's political foes is okay is highly un-American and unpatriotic. Yet that's the mantra of the left in America today: anything is okay so long as it hurts Trump and helps us get power over the people. The good news is that a large fraction of the people who vote for leftist politicians would be appalled if they knew the truth. While the internet, Fox, and talk radio have reduced the leftist media's stranglehold on information, the sad reality is that all too many Americans hear is the propaganda spewed by the establishment media and the highly biased tech titans such as Facebook and Google. Those Americans never heard that a Democrat senator was on trial for corruption, but they did hear, many times, that the smoking gun that showed that Trump was a Russian stooge had been found. They've been told that Comey leaking lies to start the Mueller investigation was a good thing and that Trump firing Comey after Democrats had been calling for Comey to be fired is somehow obstruction of justice. In the bizarro-world those voters live in, voting for leftists actually makes sense. This, in turn, means that our job is to disabuse our friends, relatives, and neighbors in a polite and caring way of the lies they are constantly being fed. As Hitler pointed out, most people are honest and would never lie about anything major. Hence, they are reluctant to believe that the major media would constantly and repeatedly lie about issues that are critical to America. We need to break through that barrier and get them to realize that the mainstream media comprise liars who cannot be trusted. You can read more of Tom's rants at his blog, Conversations about the obvious, and feel free to follow him on Twitter. Stay Out of Yemen The United States is already militarily involved in Yemen, with special forces targeting al-Qaeda and Islamic State operatives who are then attacked by American drones. Thus far, however, it has stayed mostly outside the Yemeni civil war, in which Iranian-backed Houthi forces are fighting the Saudi-UAE-supported Yemeni government, although there are reports that Americans are helping locate and destroy ballistic missiles and launch sites that Houthi rebels have used to attack cities in Saudi Arabia. Why should the United States increase its support for the anti-Houthi faction, particularly lacking any congressional support for additional involvement in Yemen? The Houthis are not America's enemy; the enemy is Iran, which declared war on us in 1979 and pursues a variety of strategies to wear us down while it pursues its illicit nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Expanding the American role in Yemen would serve Iran's strategic interests rather than our own. The Iranians hope a bigger American footprint in Yemen along with deployments in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria will sap American resources, cost lives, sow civil discord, and reduce American prestige. Iran believes that its stock will rise accordingly. According to news reports , the UAE has asked for U.S. help in an operation to take control of the port of Hodeidah, Yemen's fourth largest city, sitting on the Red Sea near the entrance to the Gulf of Aden. It is a strategic location for Red Sea shipping and an important stronghold for the Iran-backed Houthi fighters. The port has played an important role in the delivery of emergency aid supplies to Yemen. Hodeidah has been bombed on different occasions by Saudi-coalition air forces, and facilities at the port especially large cranes and dock equipment have been destroyed. Yemeni forces, backed by the Arab coalition, have taken control of the tourist resorts in Al Nukhaila in the Al Duraihimi province just west of the rebel-held port city of Al Hodeidah, an operation that killed some 73 Houthi fighters, according to Arab sources . But it is doubtful that Yemeni anti-Houthi forces can complete a mission to take control of Hodeidah province and its port without outside support. The UAE (probably speaking for the Saudi government as well) claims to want only American intelligence and the use of drones to complement the Arab mission. Keeping in mind, however, that neither the UAE nor the Saudis have ever launched a successful land attack, particularly one that requires amphibious landings and air drops, the job will likely require far more from the U.S. It is only a small jump from there to American involvement in an across-the-board military effort. While it is true that Iran is supplying missiles and weapons and probably financial support to the Houthi insurgency, as well as operating in Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria, Iranian support for Shi'ite causes is not the most important threat to U.S. security. Much more important is Iran's ability to destabilize or gain control of friendly countries in the region, to threaten Israel with ballistic missiles and possibly nuclear weapons, and to threaten Saudi Arabia with annihilation. Responding to the mess in Yemen is a poor way to deal with these important challenges. If the United States wants to stop Iran, Yemen is not the best place to do it. Iran, after all, has nothing much to lose there since, even in the unlikely case that the Houthis are finally defeated (which will be costly), it won't matter in the big picture. Iran can use the defeat of someone else, not itself as a rallying cry against the "Great Satan," step up its nuclear and missile programs, and drop the fake posture it is using successfully right now as a "nice guy" in full compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, the "Iran deal") from which President Trump rightly withdrew. The best way to deal with Iran is twofold: Support opposition to the Iranian regime in order to destabilize the ruling mullahs. Knock out key Iranian assets either using covert means or through specifically targeted operations. Neither of these options constitutes American-generated "regime change," and that's as it should be. The place to start is to make an effort to understand the vast store of sensitive intelligence that the Israelis lifted from Iran . Among other things, documents show that Iran's military is in charge of refining uranium to 90% (weapons grade) and has been for quite a while. The military is completely outside the JCPOA, so it should be understood that despite the deal, or alongside the deal, or in subversion of the deal, Iran is and has been making weapons-grade material and probably building its first nuclear weapons. It continues to seek WMD technology from Germany, among others, and the Iran-North Korea nuclear axis requires a much harder look by the United States and other intelligence agencies. It is relevant and vitally important to use the Israeli-procured information to develop a real strategy against the mostly hidden and growing threat of a nuclear Islamic Republic one that got its start long before the JCPOA, continued through it, and continues to this day. Forget the Houthis. Few loaded euphemisms better sum up the goings-on in the sprawling, drain-proof swamp that is Washington, D.C. But now, the worst thing the swamp has produced is on trial for its life, and it will take far more than devilish doublespeak to save it. There's a good line in the campy sci-fi horror flick The Return of Swamp Thing from 1989. Appalled to discover that her diabolical scientist father is surprise! hatching an evil plot to live forever, the heroine asks: "Immortality? Yuk! What did you do, sell your soul to the devil?" "More like a lease with an option to buy," her father replies. In a matter of weeks or days, the U.S. Supreme Court will render a decision on gerrymandering, the dark art where politicians draw political district boundaries to choose their voters instead of the other way around. Should the high court decide to outlaw gerrymandering, Americans of all stripes should cheer, but conservatives in particular should be leading the cheers that is, if they believe protecting the Constitution from political perversion is still a cause worth fighting for. At a time when political allegiances are variable and volatile, the founding idea of the Constitution, and public allegiance to it, should always be a North Star. With Congress and 33 state Legislatures under Republican control, it's easy to see why the GOP is so needy on gerrymandering. Given the gains, and a fundraising machine kicking into overdrive to raise more than $125 million by 2022, some Republicans may question the value of criticizing a tool that gives Republicans a winning hand and puts Democrats on full tilt. For starters, corruption always finds a way. Not unlike Jeff Goldblum's character's warning of the perils of bringing dinosaurs back to life in Jurassic Park, corruption tends to crash through barriers and debase the person seeking or holding power. The jury is out on gerrymandering's legality and whether it actually causes polarization, but experts agree that it is "an invitation to overt corruption," especially when power is unearned through uncompetitive elections. (In the 2016 election cycle, 97 percent of U.S. House incumbents were re-elected, while 42 percent of state legislative elections were no-contest races.) What's stopping a politician, once ensconced in a safe district, from submitting to human nature, which more or less has stayed constant for hundreds of thousands of years? With all the deep-pocketed donors teeming on the swamp's shores, why not legislate government largess (if you're a Democrat) or crony capitalism (if you're a Republican), especially if there's a financial gain and no consequence of electoral expulsion? It's exactly this slippery, self-justifying logic that gerrymandering breeds that should keep conservatives up at night. Gerrymandering ultimately creates democratically dysfunctional behaviors in legislators and those whom they represent dysfunctional behaviors that the Constitution was designed to minimize and avoid. When the framers of the Constitution sat down to write a founding document, they had a truly revolutionary aim in mind: make democratic behavior the basis for citizenship instead of singular identity. As long as people live by the rights enumerated in the Constitution, they have an equal claim to and were guaranteed those rights no matter their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin. In America, what you do matters more than who you are. By enshrining this idea, the framers made a clean break from the old world, which demanded fealty to blood and soil. The framers also recognized that government power in the hands of factions (or tribes) posed a threat to their revolutionary idea. So they ensured that citizens could exercise their rights by dividing, checking, and balancing government power. When the Constitution was ratified and citizens embraced it, American exceptionalism was born. Gerrymandering puts the founding idea on its head by incentivizing the worst behaviors in individuals. By equalizing Republicans and Democrats and uniting them on the same side as one monolithic political class, individual rights take a back seat to politicians' interest in gaining and keeping power. Play this out over time, and the majority party inevitably becomes effete, uninterested in constituent needs, and seemingly unable to run competitive races to get re-elected. The minority party winds up obsessed with the power it doesn't have and eyes the next election like a recidivist prisoner who longs for parole. Worst of all, citizens are reduced to apathy. As academic Sheila Kennedy wondered, why turn out to vote in an uncompetitive district? Why volunteer for a sure loser? Why contribute money to a sure winner? Why exercise your rights in a system that repeatedly marginalizes them? In the end, the notion of "big government" winds up redefined. Tenure of office becomes an obstacle to the exercise of rights in the same way that massive budgets and onerous rules do. Just like the casual user who starts with a gateway drug and moves on to the harder stuff, gerrymandering tempts politicians into self-destructive behavior while the citizenry literally and figuratively pays the consequences. Admittedly, prohibiting gerrymandering won't end political mischief-making. Nor will it provide a backbone transplant to politicians to make tough decisions. But getting rid of gerrymandering will deprive the political class of a tool that rigs the system for personal gain by undermining America's founding idea. Conservatives expect the Supreme Court to interpret the original intent of the Constitution and leave the legislating to Congress. They also are forever vigilant against any attempt, subtle or overt, to weaken individual freedom. Striking down gerrymandering is consistent with those aims. It also would send a message to all politicians to serve through the spirit of the Constitution, do the hard job they were elected to do and let citizens do theirs. Nothing could be more exceptional, or more American. Chris Varones is founder and principal of Aesop Communications Group, a communications consulting firm based in Chicago. Wrapping It Up How long will the "Russian collusion" circus continue imploding before it reaches critical mass and leaves nothing but wreckage across the liberal D.C. landscape? At this point, no other outcome is conceivable. Any hope that the investigation would land a glove on Donald Trump has been long abandoned by any rational onlooker. This conclusion became inescapable when Robert Mueller humiliated himself in a court of law by attempting to indict individuals and companies that didn't exist (when life begins to look like metaphors, it's time to quit). We can throw in the pitiful May 18 Washington Post op-ed by former agent Asha Rangappa claiming that the spies were emplaced in the Trump campaign to "protect" him. (As an editor, I would have gone with a different title something like "Please Don't Hit Us.") The attempt to valorize Comey as a national hero through his book "Hustler's Honor," or whatever it was titled, fizzled out in the midst of a failed book tour. What's telling, and almost difficult to credit, is how flipped the whole operation has become. What must have appeared the slam-dunk of nailing the brash, boisterous Donald Trump has, in little over a year's time, inverted itself, as if it had slipped through some other dimension, so that every shot fired at Trump boomerangs and hits somebody in the Mueller-Comey posse. It seems that not a week goes by without yet another clown being hoist on the "collusion" petard, to dance across the public stage with his (or her) britches on fire before being dispatched into retirement or an assignment to the FBI's Point Barrow office. While Trump leaps from one triumph to the next, each unimaginable coming from any other president since Reagan, his pursuers' reputations have been crushed, their careers destroyed, and even the futures of the agencies sponsoring the witch hunt Justice, the FBI, the NSA, CIA placed in jeopardy. But now it is over, and all that remains is the endgame who does the time and how much. Mueller likely has the power to wiggle out with few legal consequences, but the rest Strzok, Page, Ohr, and certainly McCabe and Comey must be battling lack of sleep, jumping at sudden noises, and utilizing whatever stress relievers are at hand obsessively putting into a glass, brutalizing the dog, slipping into the bottle as they wait for the I.G. report to drop. It's a certainty that the disposable phones of the big boys Clapper, Brennan, probably even Jarrett and Obama have been burning hot and heavy. In fact, there's more than the endgame ahead. One other important, in fact necessary, series of events remains to be unfolded. There's an often overlooked concept in fiction called the "validation." This is the final statement made after the action climaxes, underlining the meaning and moral of the story. It can be as simple and straightforward as "Well, Sheriff, you done good" or as ambiguous as "Forget it, Jake...it's Chinatown." It's a necessary element for a narrative to work. If you ever set down a book or left a theater vaguely dissatisfied at what seemed by all rights to be a great story, it was probably lacking a validation. (Here's looking at Martin Scorsese...) What Collusiongate, this bizarre, grotesque, uncalled for, and historically unique episode, requires is a validation for all sorts of reasons. First, we need to gather and identify the loose ends and playmates, as there are more of those in this story than they've got at the thread and yarn shop. Obama What was the Lightbringer's role in all this? There's been plenty of speculation, here on AT as elsewhere, that this scheme is part and parcel of the "resistance" that Obama was jabbering about after the election. What has been overlooked is that this is exactly how things are done in Indonesia, the most corrupt country on Earth, where Obama spent his formative years. Planning Who sat down and worked it all out? Did they use government resources to accomplish this? If not, then who paid for it? Contacts How was it all put together? Who did the legwork? Who made the connections? Who vouched for whom, and for what reason? Money The concept of funding this operation with money from the government fisc would stand as brilliant if it weren't for how abysmally stupid the execution has been. But that money was provided to Mueller and others, and it was spent. Millions have been wasted on this, millions of our dollars, taken from our revenues paid to our government and intended for our purposes. Every last dime must be accounted for, and whatever can't be adequately explained must be taken out of the hides of those responsible. Who were the intermediaries among the DNC, the Hillary campaign, MI6, the FBI, the Department of Justice, Stefan Halper, etc.? We have a bare outline from our end, but on the U.K. (and, for that matter, Australian) side, we know next to nothing. A good strong searchlight needs to be shone in that corner. If a gang of Philbys and Burgesses are trying to manipulate the U.S., we'd damn well better find out about it. How far does this cabal extend outside government, and who is involved? We need a complete flow chart. (Though not limited to them, one example would be the anonymous "ten millionaires" who ponied up $50 million to keep the pot boiling.) These would-be Bond villains need to be identified and exposed, at the very least. Who were the contacts between the outside elements and government officials? A second reason is to inform the public. It is no less than astonishing how many citizens of this country have no awareness that an attempt has been made to snatch their government away from them. Andrew McCarthy and "Sundance" have kept our side informed, but McCarthy and Sundance do not appear on CNN. Most people have some vague notion that President Trump is in trouble and the Russians are in on it somehow...and that's it. This must be quite similar to how it was in the late Roman Republic or Milan under the Sforzas. Our honest media have not only not reported on events, but promoted them. We need a clear and concise record on what actually occurred that can be quoted and referred to, lest the entire business get buried the same way. Fast and Furious, Benghazi, and the IRS scandal have been Lastly, we need to root out the last remnant of the people responsible. The Deep State is a characteristic of banana republics, and in examining their records, we find that they constitute a chronic and inheritable disease the same aristos, industrialists, and military and security figures running entire societies for generations, if not centuries. Here they may wear tailored suits rather than uniforms festooned with fake medals, but it's the same mentality. We have no room for this. It cannot be tolerated in this republic. We have seen some of the faces Comey's dead-eyed gaze, McCabe's junior accountant on the make, Page's petulant little-girl pout. We need to see them all. They must be rooted out and isolated permanently from government at any level. If they're not, they will try it again, having learned from their mistakes, and possibly with a much weaker and less confident president than Donald Trump. A solution here might be a modified version of Harry Truman's Loyalty Program of 1946-47. Rather than have government workers swear they are not communists, as Truman's program demanded, they should be required to swear that they have made no effort to undermine the administration or misuse their offices for political purposes. Then prosecute the most egregious liars, and the rest will quickly decamp, as occurred in the late '40s. But the overall American solution is simple: a commission. What we need to put this episode to rest is an official commission, appointed by the president and tasked with answering all the questions detailed above: the people involved, what the hell they were up to, and what needs to be done about it. An independent commission would immediately solve many of the problems facing us now. It would remove the matter from the bureaucrats, from Congress, from officials whose loyalty is suspect and who can't be trusted. It would put to rest suspicions concerning the agendas of the individuals now involved, ranging from Sessions to Gowdy and, for that matter, Mueller himself. It would put things into the hands of individuals who have nothing to gain and nothing to lose. Such a commission should have full investigatory and subpoena powers; as much of a budget as needed (no matter how much it spends, it won't come near to matching the Mueller travesty); and, if possible, complete freedom to examine any and all documents with no FOIA requirements. It should have full independence, reporting to no one less that the president himself. Contact by anyone involved in the scandal must be forbidden and enforced. The commission members should be guarded at all times by military personnel under trusted, experienced officers. Some legally sound method of making binding recommendations for prosecution and/or firing should, if possible, be provided. They will find plenty of reasons, of that there's no doubt. If this is not possible, simple public exposure would probably be sufficient. We can be certain that the public will be ready to blow a gasket by the findings of any such commission. I'm sure we'll agree that the major challenge will be personnel. We can't make the same mistake as was made with the 9-11 commission, chaired by the sincere but doddering and pliable Tom Kean and featuring the one American most responsible for the success of the attacks, Ms. Wall herself, Jamie Gorelick. The findings of that outfit were always going to be problematic at best. (It's a disquieting fact that Gorelick is today the personal lawyer for Jared and Ivanka Kushner.) Such a commission should not be dominated by lawyers, but should feature individuals from the serious professions including historians, retired judges, retired military officers, trusted pols, and businessmen. It would probably be wise to relegate lawyers to hired positions. More than a couple of ordinary Americans would also be advisable. Cries of "bipartisanship," which always arise when the Democrats find themselves officially targeted, can be stifled by recruiting Joseph Lieberman, at loose ends since his own party stabbed him in the back. There may be other Democrats of the same stature, though no names spring immediately to mind. The commission should take its time, issue interim reports to stifle rumors and conspiracy theories, avoid the media, and assure that every "t" is crossed and every "i" dotted. If any narrative ever needed a validation, it's this one. There are many things that need to be said, many morals that need to be underlined: that the United States is not a plaything. That you defy its norms and traditions at your peril. That evil is fundamentally stupid. That career bureaucrats are a frail reed under all circumstances. And oh, yeah...that you should never try to take on Donald Trump. He'll clean your clock every time. Army gen. Robert Abrams, head of U.S. Army Forces Command, has endorsed the decision of the court martial board who decided not to sentence Pvt. Bowe Bergdahl to prison for abandoning his post in time of war. Bergdahl was reduced in rank from sergeant to private and ordered to forfeit $1,000 a month in pay for 10 months. The judge also gave him a dishonorable discharge. The fine and rank reduction were effective two weeks after the judge's sentence was delivered. The case is now referred to the Army Court of Criminal Appeals at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, which automatically reviews any punitive discharges. Bergdahl was captured by the Taliban and held for five years. There were several searches for Bergdahl after he had been captured, including one by Navy SEALs where two were wounded. Six men from his unit died while in Afghanistan, and some of the families are blaming Bergdahl because so much manpower was being used to look for him Time: The diversion of these men and their units to the hunt for Bergdahl thinned the ranks of U.S. troops elsewhere in the region, contributing to several more American KIAs, U.S. soldiers who were there at the time believe. Military justice can be swift and merciless, although that appears unlikely in this case. But the past cannot be erased, and it's that legacy that gives the troops involved a markedly different view of Bergdahl and his rescue than [sic] that of most Americans sitting at home, paying scant attention to the nation's only soldier missing in action in Afghanistan until Saturday. The reason, for anyone who has been in combat, is pretty simple. Soldiers never forget. Civilians rarely remember. The bottom line in this case is that Army command believed that Bergdahl had "suffered enough" after being held for five years by the Taliban and didn't deserve prison time. But the sentencing of the man convicted of desertion was always a question of public relations and politics, not what might have been best for the military. Former president Obama and his administration set the tone for treatment of Bergdahl by referring to him as a "hero." And despite the pleas of families of soldiers who fell looking for him, the Army chose what was politically expedient rather than what was right and just. It just wouldn't have looked good imprisoning a former POW regardless of his behavior in the face of the enemy. The "he suffered enough" meme does not take into account the suffering of those who went looking for Bergdahl and suffered wounds. Those loyal, dedicated soldiers still went looking for him even though he was outspoken in his opposition to the U.S. presence in Afghanistan. It still isn't clear whether he was captured by the Taliban or tried to join them. The Army ignored all of this, and the court martial board handed down a sentence that would generate the least amount of criticism. Bergdahl will no doubt be popular in certain anti-war circles, given his opposition to our intervention in Afghanistan. Maybe he can make a living on the liberal lecture circuit. Gaza is a case study in obfuscation. Ostensibly, the ruckus is all about a march to reclaim property in Israel. But unless one sees the background, one does not apprehend the entire picture. Gaza Strip, 2005 (credit: CIA map). Political logic may support a two-state solution. But the cacophony of allegations, tirades, and threats is orchestrated to prevent a serious discussion of how this state will come about. Unfortunately, all of this mayhem makes it hard to believe in the genuineness of Palestinian desire for autonomy. Perhaps, as was the case with Germany in the twentieth century, the Palestinians' hatred for the Jews has become a self-destructive force. While a useful political instrument, hate hardly constitutes a political philosophy capable of promoting an independent democratic society. The altruistic idea of a Palestinian state is a projection of American evangelism. We hold to the belief that all people should be free and equal. Americans believed that democracy could be transplanted to the Arab world. However, as Bernard Lewis and Samuel Huntington argued, we are witnessing a "clash of civilizations." Western ideals forged out of consensus, such as democracy, may not be compatible with Islamic civilization built upon an ethos of violence. Thomas Friedman, still a credulous believer in Palestinian aspirations for statehood, wrote regarding Gaza: You hear people say: "What choice did they have? They're desperate." Well, I'll give you a choice one that almost certainly would lead to an improved life for Gazans, one that I first proposed in 2011. What if all two million Palestinians of Gaza marched to the Israeli border fence with an olive branch in one hand and a sign in Hebrew and Arabic in the other, saying, "Two states for two peoples: We, the Palestinian people of Gaza, want to sign a peace treaty with the Jewish people a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with mutually agreed adjustments." Friedman believes that this would have stimulated a huge debate within Israel. It would create worldwide pressure. Such a Palestinian movement, Friedman states, would make Israelis feel "strategically secure but morally insecure, which is the key to moving the Israeli silent majority." "What if", of course, is the stuff of fiction or "narrative," as the Palestinians and their supporters love to call their idiosyncratic version of history. We might indulge Friedman and ask, why don't the Palestinians actually engage in a peaceful demonstration? Peaceful dialogue, correlating arguments with facts, would undermine their violent rhetoric. But drama distracts us from the actual facts that do not support Palestinian allegations. For example, the Arab rationale for its terror campaign against the Jewish nation is that the Arabs are resisting colonialism. The control of one nation by "transplanted" people of another nation that has a different culture constitutes the classic definition of colonialism. Britain's control of India from the eighteenth century to 1947 stands out as an example. So what nation did the Jews represent? Were they sent to occupy these territories by England, France, Germany, or America? Since the Ottomans were replaced by the British, no other nation claimed sovereignty. We might also consider that the Palestinians cannot engage in peaceful dialogue because peace as a political concept is inconsistent with the strident ethos of Islam. The great symbol of Islam (which literally means surrender) is the scimitar. The PLO attracted worldwide support as a liberation movement. Its human rights sound bites resonate with the disenfranchised poor, minorities, and the graying adolescents of academia. They say the Jews are their oppressors. We should ask who is really oppressing Palestinians. We can answer this question only by reviewing the facts. Palestinian citizens of Israel enjoy liberation incomparably better than Arabs of any other place in the Middle East world. They enjoy the protection of law, have access to higher education, and can peacefully protest anything they care to. Arabs sit in the Knesset (parliament). The Palestinian authority has a racist policy of no Jews allowed. Jews living in nearby settlements can live there only because their rights are guaranteed by the IDF. Arrayed against the facts are slogans designed, as is any other kind of mass media marketing, to manipulate: "justice for Palestine," "give peace a chance," "sacrifices for peace," or a "Palestinian holocaust." Palestinian mothers are interviewed; the bodies of innocent victims of the conflict are displayed. The media tell their story. Undeniably, there are innocent victims. The question remains: victims of whose malice? Who brought these children to the fence? Who provides the early childhood education in how to become a shaheed (martyr)? These parents grieving for their children remind us of the defendant who, after being accused of murdering her parents, appeals to the judge for mercy because she is an orphan. Justice is the only formula for a solution to this problem. And justice is contingent upon understanding the truth. That truth is conveyed, like many other truths, in paradox. One can understand the meaning of Gaza only when one hears the Palestinians' words about building a state in the context of their efforts to destroy a state. The Palestinian leadership offers only nihilism. To cut through the complexity, it helps to focus on specific actions by individuals that we all can agree are suspect. This brings us to Samantha Power. One of the challenges of Spygate is that it's such a sprawling, complicated tale, filled with competing narratives and motives open to interpretation. We understand that this is a serious situation possibly the biggest scandal in U.S. history. But how can one get the message across to the average American without his eyes glazing over? Of all the political stories from 2017, surely the most curious is this: why is everyone ignoring the bombshell revelations from Samantha Power? As you recall, Power was caught using her security clearance as a U.N. ambassador to review private conversations by U.S. citizens. According to official records, she requested the unmasking of these private citizens over 260 times in 2016 (this was an election year). She was brought before the House Intelligence Committee to explain her actions. Her defense? It wasn't me. Someone else in the Obama White House did this, using her security clearance. There are two possibilities: that she is telling the truth, in which case someone else in the Obama administration is lying. Or she is lying herself. Let's consider the implications if she's lying. Power, a supposed human rights activist and darling of the left, came into her office every day Monday through Friday, 52 weeks a year and did some reading. But instead of the New York Times, or her favorite blog, she was reading the transcripts of private conversations of her fellow Americans, wiretapped by federal agents. And not only that, but she made a request each day on average to unmask a U.S. citizen in those transcripts. Why are our supposed human rights activists not horrified? Why is this not a daily banner headline in every major newspaper in the country? I could see the MSM attempting to hide this damning evidence of Obama administration malfeasance, but why are the conservative news outlets not clamoring for answers? Perhaps 2017 just saw too many revelations of government abuse? But this one does not deserve to be forgotten. And if we don't act soon, it will go down the memory hole. Here's how Power's Wiki page spins it: "On May 31, 2017, Power's testimony and relevant records were subpoenaed by the House Intelligence Committee as part of its investigation into the unmasking of Americans whose conversations were inadvertently captured during intelligence surveillance." There is nothing "inadvertent" about a White House official making over 260 unmasking requests during an election year. And lying about it. No one, it seems, is asking even the most basic questions: who was this mysterious, nameless Obama administration official? Why would he use Samantha Power's security clearance to unmask U.S. citizens? What did he have to hide? And if he was researching something that was purely legal, why the necessity for such subterfuge and deceit? The only answer that makes sense is that this official was using Power's security clearance for reasons that would not stand up to legal scrutiny, most likely for political or possibly illegal ends such as spying on the Trump campaign. A final thought: Why is Samantha Power herself so seemingly unconcerned about this violation of public trust? Wouldn't you expect this brave journalist, the winner of the Pulitzer Prize, the champion of the people, to be at least a little bit curious as to exactly who it was in the Obama administration who stole her passwords and used her security clearance in such a blatantly undemocratic and unlawful manner? And wouldn't you expect her to speak up about it? Jay Latimer is an international businessman, writer, and investor who has worked in investment banking for several multinational banks in New York, Hong Kong, and Beijing. Photo credit: Flickr. Nope, no blue wave in California. GOP actually better poised for gains because of the Trump wave Well, the big blue wave didn't turn out quite as Democrats thought it would. The press is reporting they avoided panic, given that most of their candidates secured spots on the top-two on the November midterm ballot. Whoop-de-doo. That's not a blue wave, and it's certainly not victory. Instead, what we saw were signs of Republican strength in a state written off as solid blue, with bigger than expected margins for the GOP that all the Trump-haters out there in the establishment could forecast. We also saw a significant rejection of Democratic Party organizational favorites, which is a sign that voters are tired of their lockstep voting practices. A third thing we notice is that heavy television spenders, such as Paul Kerr and Sarah Jacobs, didn't make it. This, remember, was what Hillary Clinton did instead of going to Wisconsin. It still fails. With contested races, we can expect a lot more ads flooding our airwaves as the November midterms approach. We can also expect Democrats to fight hard, given that California is the linchpin of their master plan to retake Washington. But there are more bright spots on the Republican side than the Democratic. For one thing, they have opposition, something they never expected. California, remember, is supposed to be the solidest of all blue states. Yeah, sure. And two, President Trump is popular. This election shows that he has coattails, and voters aren't ready to give up on the Trump experiment, which is actually going so well. Three, and this is a goody, with Republicans on the ballot, Democrats will have to fight an issues campaign. Advantage, Republicans. It means that Democrats in both state and federal races are going to be pinned down and forced to answer questions they don't want to answer about illegals, the gas tax (very potent), Obamacare, the GOP tax cut, green excesses, the high cost of housing, the bums ruining the quality of life in cities, and the bullet train. Once Democrats reveal their true positions, they aren't going to find themselves at an advantage. It certainly isn't going to help the large numbers of moderate-type Democrats who were in some of the top-two spots in the downwind races (they will squirm), and it really won't help the Bernie Sanders-style leftists in similar spots, who will be completely open about their positions. Here are some more reasons for optimism from various races: Governor's race: Democrat Gavin Newsom and Republican John Cox. First good thing: Antonio Villaraigosa, who was running on a cater-to-illegals identity-politics ticket, didn't make it. The great Latino wave everyone keeps seeing out there as taking over still hasn't happened. Good thing, because maybe he will have to run on issues instead of appealing to ethnic solidarity. Then there's the fact that he was beaten by Republican Cox. Yes, the analysts say Cox can't possibly win, given that Democrats outnumber Republicans two-to-one on voter registrations. But Cox, who embraced President Trump openly and won his endorsement, came out strong in his second-place finish. He wasn't supposed to place at all. When he started out, the analysts said there was no chance. He's still got a bank of Republicans to take votes from, from the candidacy of Travis Allen, and if he energizes them, they will come. Among the high Democratic registration numbers, there are disgruntled Democrats, particularly about the illegals. Cox has a chance, and in the Age of Trump, there can be surprises. Here's another thing: Newsom is no prize. He seems to have an enthusiasm deficit, given that only "hundreds" showed up to his victory party. Matt Drudge is already running unflattering pictures of him on his front page, and he looks like a wimp. Newsom started his campaign early, and apparently that was his only advantage. Senate: Looks as though it will be Dianne Feinstein and extreme leftist Kevin de Leon. It probably was a case of Republicans wanting to keep de Leon at bay, given that he's another part of the extreme-left California statehouse machine. Republicans for a long time have been sighing and voting Feinstein, and they probably did it this time, too. Silver lining: A total unknown Republican named James Bradley, with supposedly no chance to win, did place a very close third to de Leon. I know I never heard of him, and I had several Republicans to choose from on the ballot. That Bradley did as well as he did does show strength. Ed Royce's seat, Orange County: Young Kim, a Korean-American Republican endorsed by the retiring Royce, a popular congressman nobody wanted to see go, handily took the first spot. Yes, indeed, there is an Asian wave, and much to Democrats' surprise, it's led by Republicans, just as I suspected. Devin Nunes: Beat his challenger Andrew Janz, a political novice, handily on the tallies and will face him again in November. With numbers like his, so much for the canard that Nunes is no longer in a safe seat, as cognoscenti such as Larry Sabato forecasted. Dana Rohrabacher's seat: Dana, of course, by a huge margin. Voters love the guy. Surfin' congressman, can't beat it. Two Democratic unknowns split the ballot, with half each of what Rohrabacher got. He will have a fight on his hands if the Dems unite, but cripes, he's done so well, why are voters going to change? Darryl Issa's seat, San Diego County: Lots of obnoxious characters in this one, with saturation advertising. Neither of the top two culprits, Sarah Jacobs and Paul Kerr, made it. They were the Democratic Party's darlings, with all the loud, noisy endorsements. Voters rejected that. Instead, it was an unknown lefty lawyer named Mike Levin who took the second slot, despite Jacobs trying to convince voters she too is a left-wing extremist in her ads. Voters who want that will go for a left-wing lawyer every time, not a novice with Daddy's cash. And in the first place? In this district everyone said was a goner in the blue wave quest? Republican Diane Harkey, someone I have never heard of, but hey, Year of the Woman, right, Democrats? Image credit: J.D. Lasica via Flickr, Creative Commons BY-SA 2.0. 1. Yes. The medical data shows it will be beneficial to get one. The sooner the better. 2. Yes. Theres no rush, but I plan to get one sometime in the next few months. 3. No. Im not sold on the need for a booster. Besides, the case numbers are falliing. 4. No. I havent been vaccinated for COVID-19, and I dont plan to get the booster, either. 5. Unsure. It may be smart to wait and see how beneficial the booster shots prove to be. Vote View Results She wrote an article about what her father would think of the state of the country: " Mourning America: What my father, Ronald Reagan, would say today ." Patti Davis is President Reagan's daughter. As I recall, she was a bit of a rebel and did not always agree with her father. Here is a paragraph that caught my attention: He would be appalled and heartbroken at a Congress that refuses to stand up to a president who not only seems ignorant of the Constitution but who also attempts at every turn to dismantle and mock our system of checks and balances. This is fascinating. I think President Reagan would have said that about President Obama and his use of executive orders like DACA or making deals with other countries while going around the treaty provision. Here is another passage: He would plead with Americans to recognize that the caustic, destructive language emanating from our current president is sullying the dream that America once was. And in a time of increased tensions in the world, playing verbal Russian roulette is not leadership, it's madness. He would point to one of the pillars of our freedom a free press which sets us apart from dictatorships and countries ruled by despots. He didn't always like the press no president does but the idea of relentlessly attacking the media as the enemy would never have occurred to him. And if someone else had done so, he wouldn't have tolerated it. My guess is that the late president would be unhappy with our public discourse. At the same time, he wouldn't necessarily blame it on President Trump. In other words, it's been nasty for a while. Do you remember what they used to say about President Bush and V.P. Cheney? Or even President Reagan? At the same time, President Reagan would be thrilled with President Trump's judicial appointments, his deregulation efforts, and his overall economic objectives. Who knows what President Reagan would have thought of all of this? We will never know for sure. However, I think President Reagan is looking down and wondering why Patti turned into such a partisan Democrat. PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter. A simple two-lane bridge spans the Rio Grande between Ciudad Miguel Aleman, Mexico, and Roma, Texas, sleepy sister cities that have long accommodated a steady flow of traffic back and forth across the border. Under U.S. law, if people get across the border into the U.S., they are entitled to apply for asylum, and then stick around in the U.S. for a long time while they wait to get a court date. That's the customary way many illegal aliens game our system to get access to the U.S. But President Trump is throwing a monkey wrench (not meant to be a racial term!) into their plans by reducing access to asylum for the mass of illegals on our southern border. Dozens of families from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Peru, some with babies only a few months old, have spent weeks living on the Mexican side of the bridge, waiting to be admitted to the United States as asylum seekers. U.S.-Mexico border near Laredo (credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection). Why are women taking babies who were just born on a long and dangerous trip to America? What was the urgency? That seems like child abuse. "Every morning we come, we wait in line," said Marco Estrada, who was a grocery clerk in Honduras. He arrived with his 2-year-old daughter nine days ago, hoping to reach relatives in North Carolina. A gang had threatened him in Honduras, he said. What about Mexico? Why can't Mr. Estrada apply for asylum there? Those seeking asylum say they presented their documents to U.S. Customs officials on the bridge. But the officials said the families have to wait on the Mexican side because there isn't enough space for them to be processed. Ruben Garcia, founder of the El Paso-based advocacy group Annunciation House, said the delays appear to be part of a strategy to block asylum seekers. "They are using the pretext [that] we have to be judicious in recognition of our resources, our facilities are not set up to accommodate a lot of people, we can only receive them as we have space. They are using that tactic as a way to push people out and deny people asylum," Garcia said. I certainly hope so. "It's happening through all the border crossings," he said. "You'll see the same thing in El Paso, in Nogales, in Laredo, Calexico it's a border-wide policy." It's not clear how long families stranded on the bridges can last. Maybe just long enough to turn around and go home or apply for asylum in Mexico? Requesting asylum in Mexico wasn't an option, said those on the bridge: They would have more trouble finding work there, and they feared crime in Mexico as much as in their home countries in Central America. So they could apply for asylum in Mexico, but they just prefer going to America. Does this sound like the desperation of people fearing for their lives? Under U.S. law, the grounds for asylum are as follows: [P]eople come to the United States seeking protection because they have suffered persecution or fear that they will suffer persecution due to: Race Religion Nationality Membership in a particular social group Political opinion There is no category for people who don't like the crime in their communities. Nor is there a category for people who want a job. All those mothers toting their newly born babies expect the American taxpayer to take care of them. They are flagrantly abusing the asylum system. Let's hope President Trump puts enough bureaucratic obstacles in their way to discourage more of them from crossing the border. Liberals are also screaming that children are being separated from their parents. Attorney General Sessions says that if parents don't want that to happen, they shouldn't cross the border illegally. Congress put into place these ridiculous laws that encourage illegals to abuse our asylum system. It is to President Trump's credit that he is attempting to mobilize (or immobilize) the administrative state to make it a less attractive proposition to illegals. Ed Straker is the senior writer at Newsmachete.com. Amazon has officially announced that its Amazon Echo devices and Alexa AI voice assistant will both soon be available to customers in France. That means that customers will be able to purchase the companys Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Spot devices. There are also currently hundreds of Alexa Skills already available for French customers to access. That includes Skills from both local and international brands such as TP-Link, Uber, Philips Hue, Marmiton, franceinfo, Netatmo, Legrand, and La Fourchette. Furthermore, the announcement should mean that users in France will be able to access the associated Android application in the near future as well. As to the official timeframe, Amazon says its devices are already available to order and Alexa will roll out starting the week of June 11. It goes without saying that the news contained in the announcement doesnt necessarily start and end with the online retailer itself. It should also indicate that third-party hardware OEMs and software developers are free to begin working with the AI In all likeliness, the news frees up various tech companies ranging from smart speaker to TV manufacturers to selling their smart home products in the region. Thats not to say that those companies will immediately begin selling products in France. Bearing that in mind, it does pave the way for those sales to happen if and when those companies that prominently feature Alexa decide to do so. Some companies, including Boulanger, Sowee, Harman Kardon, Sonos, Ultimate Ears, Netgem, and Archos, have already been revealed by Amazon to have plans in the region. Beyond the hardware, software developers will be able to create even more Alexa Skills. So it shouldnt take too long for those available features to catch up with other areas where Amazons Echo lineup was already available. Of course, voice interactions will be conducted in French or in any other language the digital assistant currently works with. However, Amazon seems to have gone a bit further than that with this launch. In fact, in addition to language tweaks, the company says it built the experience from the ground up to better cater to Frances culture. That should mean a smooth first-time experience for users in the region, regardless of which Alexa-enabled device they choose. Huawei is winding down its data-sharing partnership with Huawei following an NYT report about some 60 such initiatives still being in effect a decade after they were first established. As part of an effort run in collaboration with original equipment manufacturers, i.e. hardware makers whose products can connect to Facebook, the social media giant shared user data with Huawei, Lenovo, OPPO, and TCL Communication, with some industry watchers now raising concerns about its willingness to engage in such in-depth partnerships with Chinese companies, especially Huawei given its long history of fending off security concerns in the United States. Facebook previously said its device-integrated application programming interfaces allowing for such data-sharing practices are significantly different from APIs used by third-party developers as any information they collect can only be used for offering custom-built Facebook experiences on various devices, usually smartphones. As such, they shouldnt be able to lead to another Cambridge Analytica episode, though some security experts are now raising concerns about those partnerships nonetheless, especially as they even allow OEMs to glean data on ones Facebook friends, something not even third-party developers on the social media platform can do since 2015. The Menlo Park, California-based firm started winding down those data-sharing projects in April and will do the same to the Huawei one later this week. Huawei remains at odds with stateside regulators and lawmakers which continue insisting the company poses a security risk due to its close ties to Beijing. ZTE, another firm from the Far Eastern country thats even majority-owned by China and previously faced similar accusations to Huawei, never entered a data-sharing agreement with Facebook, the tech giant said. A number of U.S. Senators yesterday penned an open letter to the company demanding answers over its OEM partnerships, having also asked CEO Mark Zuckerberg whether he wants to change his congressional testimony from April over the firms privacy practices. HTC on Tuesday vowed to start investing in emerging technologies more aggressively moving forward, with Chairwoman Cher Wang identifying that endeavor as a crucial component of the companys plan for achieving long-term sustainability. Among other things, the Taipei, Taiwan-based original equipment manufacturer is looking to commit more financial resources to its existing virtual reality efforts, as well as augmented reality, 5G, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things segment. HTC is seeing all of those research and development paths as potentially highly beneficial for its smartphone business as it expects handsets of the future to be significantly different than what consumers can access today. The investments are also meant to support HTCs other operations, though no concrete diversification plans have yet been laid out by the firm. The company is also looking into blockchain technologies, Ms. Wang confirmed. The executive also pointed to HTCs $1.1 billion talent sale to Google as the financial injection the OEM needed for committing significant resources to new technologies. Besides releasing some 2,000 engineers, HTC also provided Google with non-exclusive rights to its vast patent portfolio as part of the same deal. In the near term, HTC is still expected to continue pursuing VR solutions through its Vive unit and maintain a careful approach to the smartphone market where its been losing money for years. The company recently posted the worst fiscal year in its history, losing approximately $580 million over the course of 2017. The number of handset models its releasing this year will also go down compared to previous periods, according to recent reports. Flagships are the number one mobile category where HTC started winding down its ambitions, with the newly released U12 Plus being likely the only premium Android device from the company in 2018. Earlier this year, the firm followed up on its premier headset with the Vive Pro VR thats presently widely believed to be the most capable solution of its kind available to consumers. LG has just announced a new smartphone, the LG Q Stylus. As the name suggests one of the key selling points with this new smartphone is the inclusion of a pen. Although unlike the Galaxy Note line from Samsung, the new Q Stylus looks to cater to consumers in the market for a more affordable smartphone as LG has now confirmed the Q Stylus is a mid-range product. This is not the companys first foray into stylus-equipped phones as LG already has a Stylo line available which offers a phone with a stylus at an even more budget-level price which means this model looks likely to fit in somewhere between the likes of the Stylo and the premier tier. LG states in spite of this being a mid-range smartphone it does come with premium features and one example of this is how the Q Stylus is said to be able to recognize and record handwritten notes when the display is off, as well as the ability to annotate images and videos similar to the Note line. As for the specs, LG has confirmed the Q Stylus will be available in different models which will likely vary based on region. So for example, the Q Stylus will either come loaded with 3 or 4GB RAM and 32 or 64GB storage. As well as either equipped with a 13 or 16-megapixel rear camera and either a 5 or 8-megapixel front-facing camera. Regardless of which configuration makes it to which region, the Q Stylus in general will come equipped with a 6.2-inch FullVision display that makes use of an 18:9 aspect ratio along with a 2160 x 1080 resolution. In addition to a currently unnamed octa-core processor, a 3,300 mAh battery, microSD support (up to 2TB), USB Type-C port, an IP68 rating, QLens support, and Android 8.1 (Oreo). The Q Stylus will also be available in at least three colors Aurora Black, Moroccan Blue and Lavender Violet although again color availability may depend on variant and region. Speaking of which, LG has not provided exact details on when the LG Q Stylus will become available to buy, or how much it will cost at launch. Although the company has stated a limited basis availability will commence sometime this month in North America and in Asia. This will then be followed by a release in the third-quarter of this year in other key regions, according to LG. The Motorola One Powers announcement seems to be right around the corner as the device has just been certified in China. The device has been certified by the 3C Authority in China, and unfortunately, that listing does not give out a ton of info when it comes to the device, but it does confirm that the phone will support 5V/3A, 9V/2A, and 12V/1.5A fast charging. The Motorola One Power will support a maximum output of 18W, and based on the provided info, Qualcomms Quick Charge fast charging is definitely supported by the phone, which was to be expected as it will be fueled by one of Qualcomms processors. It is also worth noting that the device got certified under the XT1942-1 model number, in case you were wondering. Having said that, at the end of last month, we did share an exclusive render of the Motorola One Power, and that render confirmed that the device will sport a display notch up top, and that it will ship with a thin chin below the display, where the companys branding will be located. Motorolas logo will sit on the back of the phone, while the device will include a vertically aligned dual camera setup on the back. It is also worth noting that the Motorola One Power will ship with stock Android, as the device will be a part of Googles Android One initiative. Now, in addition to the image we shared, the device also surfaced in a real-life shot, and two additional renders, while the devices spec sheet was also mentioned in one of those leaks. According to the rumored info, the Motorola One Power will be fueled by the Snapdragon 636 64-bit octa-core processor, which means this will be a mid-range smartphone, as expected. The device will include a 3,780mAh battery, which will not be removable, while the phone will also pack in 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. A fullHD+ display will also be a part of the package, though its size was not mentioned in the leaked info. 16-megapixel (f/1.8 aperture lens) and 5-megapixel (f/2.0 aperture lens) will be placed on the back of the Motorola One Power, while a single 16-megapixel camera (f/1.9 aperture lens) will sit on the phones front side. The South Korean smartphone manufacturer Samsung Electronics has detailed the contents of the June 2018 Android security patch, which the device maker is going to distribute to its devices within the next few weeks. Aside from the vulnerabilities that Google already addressed in the latest security patch, the tech company also resolved three Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures (SVE) in its software, two of which are classified as critical security issues. One of the two critical security flaws addressed by the device maker can cause memory corruption, which means that attackers can utilize the exploit to modify the memory stored in the device. This vulnerability primarily affects devices that run Android Nougat and are powered either by an Exynos or a MediaTek chipset. Another critical vulnerability that was resolved by the tech firm is identified as a Keymaster architecture vulnerability and it affects devices that are equipped with an Exynos SoC and run Android Marshmallow, Nougat, and Oreo. Aside from the two critical vulnerabilities, the latest security patch also fixes one moderate-level security exploit that exposes the location of a Trustlet, and this issue was resolved by removing the problematic code. The device maker further mentioned that there are other vulnerabilities that were fixed in this security patch, although the manufacturer has chosen not to provide details regarding these security issues to reduce the risk of exploitation. Meanwhile, Google has also recently provided information regarding the contents of the June 2018 Android security patch. This security patch addresses five critical vulnerabilities identified in the media framework and the system partition of the search giants operating system. The most critical vulnerability that was resolved by the tech firm in the latest security patch is the remote code execution vulnerability located in the media framework of the operating system. The software package that contains the latest security patch should be rolling out to Samsung devices within the next few weeks, and users only need to wait for a notification stating the update is now available for download and installation. By updating to the latest security patch available for their devices, people will be protected from vulnerabilities that could be used to compromise their accounts and the important data stored in their handsets. The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is one of the most anticipated smartphones of this year, and the phones front panels have just surfaced in a set of images, and along with that, Galaxy Note 9 renders also appeared. If you take a look at the gallery down below, you will notice that the Galaxy Note 9 will resemble the Galaxy Note 8 quite a bit, at least in terms of the front side design, presuming these images are legit, of course. The device will sport really thin top and bottom bezels, thinner than the ones on the Galaxy Note 8, though sensor placement up top will be different. You will notice a ton of cutouts up top, and if you take a look at the last image in the gallery, you will spot the Galaxy Note 8s front panel, so you will be able to see the difference as far as front-facing sensors are concerned. The phones display will be slightly curved, at least thats what these leaked images are saying. The devices corners will be slightly curved, and the device will not sport a display notch, unlike many other smartphones out there. Based on the provided Galaxy Note 9 renders, the phone will once again utilize on-screen buttons, and those button icons will be more or less identical as on the Galaxy S9. The phones power / lock button will be included on the right, while the Bixby and volume rocker buttons will sit on the left. If a recent rumor is to be believed, the Galaxy Note 9 will arrive a bit sooner than expected, as Samsung is planning to announce it on August 9, while its predecessor launched at the end of August 2017, on August 23. The phone will probably ship with a Galaxy S9-like fingerprint scanner on the back, while the S Pen stylus will also be a part of the package. A recent rumor also claimed that the Galaxy Note 9 will outperform the Galaxy S9 Plus in terms of camera quality, though that was to be expected. The Galaxy Note 9 will be fueled by either the Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810, depending on where you buy it. The phone will include 6GB of RAM, while it will include a QHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity display, though we still do not know how large will it be. One thing is for sure, though, that display will be larger than 6.2 inches. Android 8.1 Oreo will come pre-installed on the Galaxy Note 9, and the phone is expected to ship with a battery larger than 3,300mAh. Samsung has kicked off this summer with a series of showcases its referring to as the Samsung Galaxy S9 Super Slow-mo Experience at this years big UK Music Festivals. The experience is, as its name implies, centered around showing off the companys Galaxy S9 family of devices. More directly, its a promotional contest for the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus cameras which allow for Super Slo-Mo and Super Low Light captures. Users of those devices are encouraged to snap slow motion videos and share those with the hashtags #GalaxyS9 and #withGalaxy for a chance to win. Winners get access to a VIP area set up by the Korean tech giant leading up to events the company is participating in. Thats a raised platform which overlooks the festival and mainstage. As many as 15 winners will be chosen on a daily basis. Of course, the first event in the series has already passed, as of this writing. That was the All Points East event which ran between May 25 and June 3. With that said, the company will also be present at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park, with two events scheduled to take place in July. One of those will run between July 6 and July 8 while the other runs between July 13 and July 15. There are still plenty of chances to win. So anybody either in the U.K. or who will be visiting the local area and is interested in attending the events in question will definitely want to enter. As mentioned above, the whole point of this campaign is to serve as a promotion for the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus cameras. The handsets have some of the best cameras on the market with a DxOMark score of 99 points, although not the very best. That distinction currently goes to Huaweis P20 Pro with a score of 109. Having said that, Samsungs cameras do exceptionally well in low-light circumstances thanks to a dual-aperture which actively adapts in a way thats moderately similar to the human eye. Slow motion video capture is also sensationally good, with the flagships being capable of video capture at up to 960 frames per second. ZTE has had a rough few months in the US, essentially being tossed out of the US over its violation of sanctions with Iran and North Korea. Now the company has reportedly signed a deal with the US to open its US business once again. But that doesnt mean that ZTE is going to be back in the good graces of the US nor consumers. There are still plenty of challenges that lie ahead for the company. In order to clear its path back to the US, ZTE has fixed its failures to meet conditions that were set by the Commerce Department under a settlement of a probe into the companys violation of US sanctions on Iran and North Korea. ZTE has also stripped job responsibilities and job titles from a number of senior employees. In addition, has also sent letters of reprimand and is looking to take bonuses back from 35 people within the company. ZTE is also facing a number of demands for compensation from other foreign telecom network operators, since their projects have stalled without supplies from ZTE being made available. And of course, ZTE is going to need to win back customers in the US and shake off the damage that has been caused to its reputation. Currently, the US has not decided to begin shipping ZTEs products back into the country just yet, so its not free and clear for the company yet. But it has shown that it is willing to make changes and get on the right path in the US. ZTE is actually a pretty large player in the US and North America. It has touted that it is the fourth largest smartphone maker in North America, and while its flagship smartphones arent sold next to the Galaxy S9 or LG G7 ThinQ, its devices are sold at prepaid carriers as mid-range and low-end options. Which often times, sell better than flagship smartphones. So being kicked out of the US was a major blow to ZTE and the company knows it. And is doing everything it can to make amends. Chinese handset maker ZTE has now reportedly signed an agreement to pay $1.7 billion in order to lift the U.S. Commerce Department ban currently preventing the company from trading with the country. Breaking that figure down, the amount is said to be based on a $1 billion fine. That, however, is expected to be topped with a further $400 million in escrow. The company had previously paid approximately $361 million in settlements when its trouble with the U.S. government began. For those who may not have been following the news, ZTE has been featured frequently in the news as a result of several alleged trade violations among other things. This particular ban, however, stems from the companys involvement in trade with Iran and North Korea before failing to follow through with the consequences for that violation. Although the reports surrounding the news only mention financial burdens to be taken on by the Chinese smartphone manufacturer, earlier reports have suggested that the Trump administration may include other sanctions in any such deal. Those have been said to include agreeing to unrestrained access to ZTEs sites, online documented declarations of US component costs, and a possible internal restructuring. It isnt immediately clear whether any of those have been implemented as part of the deal or what bearing the deal might have with the companys other ongoing legal problems. Meanwhile, there isnt any guarantee that any such agreement has been signed. Sources have reported that, according to the U.S. Commerce Department, there hasnt been any deal. ZTE itself has also declined to provide comment on the matter. So the reports of a deal being signed should certainly be taken with a grain of salt and a helping of skepticism, for now. With that said, that doesnt necessarily rule out the possibility, either. Its possible that a deal comparable to that in the report is currently being discussed but that there are a few details which still need to be worked out. Whatever the case turns out to be, ZTE has been facing at least a few serious challenges since the ban was instituted. Thats mostly down to the fact that it cannot use components from companies such as Qualcomm and Broadcom. It also made it impossible to access software components from U.S. companies including Googles core Android components. So the company, at the very least, is likely more than ready to put the whole matter in the past. BrusselsThis Tuesday, former president Carles Puigdemont, together with his former ministers Toni Comin, Clara Ponsati, Meritxell Serret and Lluis Puig announced that they have filed a civil suit in Belgium against the Spanish Supreme Court judge Pablo Llarena for allegedly violating what Comin referred to as "their right to a fair and equitable trial". Joining the press conference held in Brussels via a video link from Berlin, Carles Puigdemont stated that, "it has been shown that Judge Llarena does not act with impartiality and, moreover, he is driven by political motives. We are not being prosecuted out of a sense of justice, but on account of the judges ideology". Puigdemont added that, "They may persecute us, but we wont give in". According to the plaintiffs, Llarena has already been issued a summons to appear before Brussels Court of First Instance on 4 September. Since it is a civil lawsuit, a lawyer can appear on behalf of the Supreme Court judge, although Llarena could choose to turn up himself. Statements made in Oviedo The exiled Catalan politicians are calling on the Belgian justice system to acknowledge the "damage" caused by Llarena's actions, which, according to the complaint, have failed to respect their right to a fair trial. In the document sent to the Belgian court, the plaintiffs will present as evidence the statements Llarena made at a conference held in February in Oviedo (Spain). The judge insisted that the pro-independence leaders "are not political prisoners". These words, spoken out of court, are the key to the charges. However, the lawyers also mention statements made by Llarena in his interlocutory statements. Any claim made in a court order is legally protected and free from prosecution. Nevertheless, according to sources close to Puigdemonts team, such statements serve to demonstrate that Llarenas decisions were politically motivated. Llarena's disqualification The five Catalan politicians have also announced that they want Judge Llarena to be disqualified, by the Spanish courts, since they believe he lacks "impartiality". According to Comin, "We feel he must be automatically disqualified from the case since he has made statements outside of the courtroom which are clear evidence of his prejudices". The former ministers appeared before the media accompanied by their legal team, Christophe Marchand, Michelle Hirsch, Paul Bekaert and Katelijne van Bellingen. According to their lawyers, when a judge is subject to a judicial process for a specific case including a civil case, if they are challenged they will automatically be removed from the case. Once the case was made public, the vice-president of Parliament and JxCat MP, Josep Costa, defended the decision to bring charges against Judge Llarena, claiming that there is "objective" evidence to suggest that the Supreme Court judge ought to be "recused". According to Costa, in keeping with statements made by Puigdemonts lawyers, the fact that Llarena has a "pending lawsuit" with the parties means that "he can no longer preside over the case involving the president and the ministers in exile". Ciudadanos reaction to the charges: "Its a ruse to prolong his 'modus vivendi'" Ciudadanos have criticized the decision by the exiled leaders to bring charges against Llarena. Their parliamentary spokesperson, Carlos Carrizosa, declined to comment on the Belgian judges decision to summon Llarena. However, he criticised the exiled politicians for having brought the charges: "It only makes things that bit more complicated. Comin carries on drawing his wages and he has to do this sort of thing as a ruse to make a living, instead of coming here to work and get paid". The handover of portfolios Also this Tuesday, Comin, Puig and Serret are to conduct the handover of portfolios to the new ministers of Health, Alba Verges; Culture, Laura Borras, and Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, Teresa Jorda. The new ministers have flown to Brussels to take over as the heads of the various ministries of the Catalan government. Verges and Borras will be making regular trips to the European capital, since they are taking over from Comin and Puig, who were initially appointed ministers by President Quim Torra. As it turned out, Torra had to abandon the idea in order to be able to form a government. COP26 may be a cop-out in the making COP26 is just about a month away. Delayed for a year by the Covid-19 pandemic, the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference has built up even more expectations and momentum during the intervening months WWF has bought the last commercial license in operation for an undisclosed six-figure sum, which was raised from the community. The area, a habitat of the dugong and other threatened species, is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Nearly three thousand people chipped in to raise the six-figure sum needed to purchase the commercial fishing licence which will now be retired, along with the 600-metre long gill net, said Dermot O'Gorman, WWF-Australia CEO. Its a great deal for dugongs, so we want to say thank you Allens for pro-bono legal support on an unusual and novel transaction. The work continues Allens pro bono efforts for Great Barrier Reef conservation. Felicity Rourke, Allens partner, said that collaborating with WWF-Australia to find a creative solution to a complex problem was very rewarding for the firms team. The Ashurst team is led by partner Phil Breden of the firms corporate group. He was supported by partners Con Tzerefos (regulatory), Rehana Box (insurance), Barbara Phair and Peter McCullough (tax), Kenneth Tang (banking and finance), Jane Harvey (employment), Jason Cornwall-Jones (property), and Kellech Smith (IP). FIG is funding about $35m of the consideration through a reinsurance agreement. The rest will be paid in cash, said HSF. The deal, which requires regulatory approvals including from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, is expected to close in the second half of the year. The sale is consistent with the recent market trend of Australian banks increasingly focusing on their core offerings in the retail and business banking sectors, said Peter Dunne, HSF partner. Along with Dunne, partner Michael Vrisakis, special counsel Philip Hopley and Yuban Moodley, senior associate Wendy Tian, and solicitors Liz McKinstry and Rebekah Lam are part of the HSF team. Aura Capital is the financial adviser to FIG. Deloitte is the actuarial, tax, and accounting adviser to FIG. Citi is the financial adviser to BOQ. Lukes experience will bring a considerable advantage to Lavans clients who are navigating these complexities in Western Australias own unique energy markets or across Australia and overseas. We are very pleased to welcome Luke to Lavan, he said. OCallaghan guides energy businesses with awareness of global and national trends and pragmatic advice on complex legal, commercial, and regulatory issues. He has a particular focus on commercial commodity sale and transport contracting, climate change and environmental matters, and wholesale and retail market regulation. He also specialises in economic regulation of infrastructure, as well as competition and consumer protection matters. Lavan's deep and long standing relationships in the Western Australian business community are clear. These relationships, coupled with Lavan's capacity to respond quickly to strategic challenges for the benefit of its clients, both in terms of its legal services and its commitment to questioning organisational orthodoxy, are what businesses in Western Australia's energy sector need in a time of unprecedented change, OCallaghan said. Luke OCallaghan Ashurst has partnered with the NRAA as we believe the partnership will strengthen and assist NRAA in its purpose and function. Local Decision Making is a new way for Aboriginal communities and government to work together, and sets out a pathway for communities to become more self-governing. All of the law firms involved see the benefits of Local Decision Making and the unique role of lawyers to assist with capacity building the regional Aboriginal alliances, he said. He said that NRAA's vision for positive and sustained outcomes for Aboriginal people in the northern region of NSW also aligns well with Ashursts Reconciliation Action Plan and other corporate responsibility initiatives. The partnerships with the regional alliances also facilitate the exchange of cultural knowledge and appreciation information to the law firms, which is an important part of working with Aboriginal communities, he added. Tinsley noted that the project provides a unique opportunity for the firms to collaborate by creating a community of practice. The firms and an NCARA representative will meet twice a year to share learnings, research and relevant documents for the benefit of NCARA and the regional alliances. We also have an arrangement to cross-refer work between firms where needed, he said. Giving Aboriginal communities a voice SUV In addition to Lancias uncertain future, one of the topics included in the 2018 2022 business plan is Chrysler. You know, the brand founded in 1925 by Walter Chrysler that went on to acquire Dodge in 1928. And although we refer to Chrysler as one of the Big Three in Detroit these days, the brand has seen much better days.Not that long ago, yours truly wrote up a piece about how Chrysler is ailing because of its two-model lineup that features only one desirable nameplate. The 300 sedan, for example, is a poor excuse for a full-size sedan that dwells in the same segment as the Cadillac CT6. On the other hand, props to Chrysler for the Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid minivans.But heres the thing. According to Automotive News reporter Larry P. Vellequette, the long-starved Chrysler brand will soon follow Maxwell and DeSoto and Plymouth into oblivion. While theres no official confirmation on this plan, Mr. Vellequette highlights a source who told a European colleague that such an announcement could come Friday.The question is, will FCA phase out Chrysler? On the one hand, it makes sense considering that Chrysler doesnt have a single crossover orin its lineup, let alone a pickup truck or body-on-frame SUV. But on the other hand, pulling the plug on Chrysler would leave FCA without a direct competitor for Fords Lincoln and General Motors-owned Cadillac. Alfa Romeo and Maserati cant possibily substitute Chryslers presence, not now and not ever.Chrysler costs FCA money, so something has to give if the company wants to be debt-free by mid-2018. The poor state Chrysler is in right now comes as a result of bad management from none other than FCA, which has been too focused on its financial situation to even care about the Chrysler brand On that note, would you mind if the 300 were replaced by the Charger ( 2019 facelift incoming ) and the Pacifica people carrier rebadged as a Dodge? The two and some change minutes of the trailer is one of the most exciting ones weve seen in ages. First, theres the first clear look at how Rivers envisioned Philip Reeves post-apocalyptic Earth, at the mercy of a mobile, meant-to-kill London on wheels.Then, theres the multitude of visual references that blends into this trailer cues taken from elsewhere in the movie and gaming industries.We get an Assassins Creed feel 40 seconds into the trailer, then a Matrix and its Woman in Red taste (a taste that is augmented by the presence of Hugo Weaving, Mr. Smith, as Thaddeus Valentine) and towards the end we even get to see an Elf-like character that comes straight out of Lord of the Rings. There's even a flavor of Fallout in the Welcome to London poster.Back to the movie itself, Mortal Engines is based on the series of books of the same name written by Philip Reeve. In the movie, the action takes place thousands of years after civilization was destroyed by a cataclysmic event called the Sixty Minute War.Adapting to survive to the new conditions, while keeping somewhat in touch with their past, humans installed huge engines and wheels on London and other cities. The British capital now roams the planet preying upon smaller traction towns.The movie is set to be released this December. It is based on a screenplay by Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, the group behind the scripts for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies.On his end, director Christian Rivers doesnt have any big titles to his name as a director. He was onboard as visual effects specialist for the trilogies mentioned above and for 2005s King Kong. Wednesdays launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan was the latest in a long series and went without a hitch.For the new mission, officially known as Expedition 56, the Soyuz carried off the ground Serena Aunon-Chancellor from NASA, Alexander Gerst of ESA (European Space Agency) and Sergey Prokopyev from Roscosmos.The trio would have to spent the better part of the next two days enclosed in the capsule, as it slowly climbs while orbiting the Earth towards the ISS. Docking and reaching the station is scheduled to take place on Friday, June 8.All three would remain onboard ISS until December. They would be joining the existing crew of three on the station. While there, they would be conducting around 250 science investigations in biology, Earth science, human research, physical sciences and technology development.Among the most crucial experiments to be carried out will be the study of ultra-cold quantum gases, microgravity research and liquid-liquid separation.The American that went up in this mission is at her first flight to outer space. She has been selected to enter the training program in 2009 and now has become the 61st woman to fly in space.As for NASA, after the retiring of the Space Shuttle , it launched zero manned missions from U.S soil and using U.S. technology.The organization has been busy preparing for a return to the Moon and setting up the Mars expedition, so the development of tool needed to carry humans safely into space was left to private contractors the likes of SpaceX or Boeing.It not yet clear when the first manned flight would take place in the new rockets, the most optimistic estimate being 2020. The new BMW i Collection isnt just as eye-catching as you can imagine; its also sustainable and environmental friendly, with most items being either certified organic / green or recycled from actual BMW cars.It includes men and womens t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, jackets, sunglasses, backpacks, pencil sets and wooden bowls, with prices ranging from 24.95 to 290 (approximately $29 to $340). These items are available online and at select BMW retailers.The sustainability aspect aside, entire BMW i Collection stands out for its simple and elegant lines, high-quality of design and material, and the ability to customize certain products in the offering. For instance, the BMW i Sunglasses, created in a partnership with Berlin-based label PROJEKT SAMSEN, can be customized by color and engraving, via the labels official website . Theyre made entirely with 3D printing technology, which means there are no hinges and screws, and they are 100% recyclable and green. The BMW i Sunglasses come in 2 variants: womens and unisex.Other items in the lifestyle collection are made from recycled materials, as is the case of the BMW i Pencil Set. Both BMW i leather and selvedge waste from the BMW i car seat production went into making this elegant pencil set, priced at 29.90 (approximately $35).On the other hand, the women and mens t-shirts are made from organic cotton and TENCEL, described as an eco-friendly Lyocell fabric obtained from natural and sustainably forested eucalyptus wood that gives the T-shirt a particularly silky feel. Again, sustainability, elegance and innovation meet to deliver a product that stands out from the crowd, as one has come to expect from the BMW brand. Kitty Hawks new version of its eVTOL Flyer is now available for sale, the company announced this week, and since its classified as an ultralight by the FAA, no pilots certificate is required to fly it. The aircraft, revealed on Wednesday, is much sleeker than the experimental version, and is equipped with 10 propellers and two pontoons. A single seat is provided for the pilot, and the aircraft is controlled with just a joystick and a power lever. It can fly for about 20 minutes. No price has been revealed, but the company is taking orders at its website. A CNN reporter with no prior flight training said this week she took the aircraft for a solo flight after a 90-minute training session. Sebastian Thrun, Kitty Hawks CEO, told CNN he hopes eventually the training will take only five minutes. If its less than an hour, it opens up flight to pretty much everyone, Thrun said. The aircraft can fly up to 20 MPH, according to the company, but beginning pilots are capped at 6 MPH. The company already has conducted about 1,500 flights at its base on Lake Las Vegas in California. As an ultralight, the aircraft is restricted to flight only above uncongested areas. The simplicity of the aircraft is transformational in terms of how accessible we can make flight, Kitty Hawks lead engineer, Todd Reichert told CNN. Flying, for the last century, has been incredibly complicated and it takes a long time to learn. For its first riders flights the aircraft maintains an altitude of about 10 feet, the website says, but its not clear if its capable of flying higher. The companys website also says they are hoping to find partners who will make fleets of Flyers available to fly in recreational environments around the world. Days ahead of a G-7 meeting this weekend in Quebec, many analysts say the U.S. is in an open trade war with its most steadfast allies. Be smart: President Trump still appears to be winging it, throwing out one extreme idea after another. His latest threat on NAFTA may merely be his maximalist negotiating strategy at work: No one perhaps even he knows. But the EU, Mexico and Canada appear to be drawing a hard line in the sand, creating an atmosphere of brinksmanship. Details: The EU today slapped tariffs on $3.4 billion in U.S. exports of peanut butter, boats and Harleys, aimed at congressional leaders' districts. today slapped tariffs on $3.4 billion in U.S. exports of peanut butter, boats and Harleys, aimed at congressional leaders' districts. Canada is targeting $12.8 billion in pens, orange juice, maple syrup, mattresses and toilet paper, also aimed at powerful congressman. is targeting $12.8 billion in pens, orange juice, maple syrup, mattresses and toilet paper, also aimed at powerful congressman. Mexico imposed tariffs Tuesday on $3 billion of U.S. pork, cheese and steel, aimed at farmers. "An open trade war has finally erupted in the backyard of the U.S., with potentially dire repercussions for the survival of NAFTA" Eswar Prasad, a Cornell University professor, tells the FT Quick take: Until now, this has been a one-way war declared by President Trump, who for decades has railed against the supposed negotiating incompetence of U.S. trade officials. Now, as president, he has lurched from crisis to impasse, and yesterday threatened to tear up the quarter-century-old NAFTA treaty, saying that he prefers to negotiate separately with Mexico and Canada. Both U.S. neighbors reject the idea. By the numbers: The Commerce Department today reported that the U.S. trade deficit fell to a seven-month low in April, to $46.2 billion, reports Reuters' Lucia Mutikani. In addition, Commerce revised the March figure to a lower figure than previously reported $47.2 billion, down from $49 billion. today reported that the U.S. trade deficit fell to a seven-month low in April, to $46.2 billion, reports Reuters' Lucia Mutikani. In addition, Commerce revised the March figure to a lower figure than previously reported $47.2 billion, down from $49 billion. And, in a survey released yesterday by the U.S. Business Roundtable, 95% of CEOs said there is at least a moderate risk of reduced U.S. exports from retaliation by trading partners. And 89% said lower U.S. economic growth is at least a moderate risk. Republicans are also pushing back: Legislation attached by Republican senators to the must-pass defense authorization bill would put handcuffs on Trump's ability to use national security as a basis to impose tariffs, as he has done, report WSJ's Siobhan Hughes and Kristina Peterson. In a call today, Trump prodded Sen. Bob Corker to withdraw his bill, but Corker said he will proceed, report CNN's Manu Raju and Lauren Fox. What trade analysts are saying: David Wessel at Brookings thinks that Trump faces tough opposition: "Its really hard to believe that he is going to abolish NAFTA, that the American business community with its integrated supply chains (and their friends on the R side in Congress, will meekly accept this, or that Mexico and Canada would agree to such an obvious divide-and-conquer tactic." at Brookings thinks that Trump faces tough opposition: "Its really hard to believe that he is going to abolish NAFTA, that the American business community with its integrated supply chains (and their friends on the R side in Congress, will meekly accept this, or that Mexico and Canada would agree to such an obvious divide-and-conquer tactic." Bill Reinsch , at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, predicts that Canada and Mexico will maintain a united front against Trump. "Remember the Benjamin Franklin quote: 'We must all hang together or most assuredly we will all hang separately.' , at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, predicts that Canada and Mexico will maintain a united front against Trump. "Remember the Benjamin Franklin quote: 'We must all hang together or most assuredly we will all hang separately.' Edward Alden, at the Council on Foreign Relations suggests that we are watching Trump's calling card "Make threats, and if they don't work, double down, and then if that doesn't work, triple down.'" Go deeper: American products that now face Trump's trade war Get more stories like this by signing up for Steve's weekly newsletter, Axios Future. California voters recalled Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky Tuesday night, reports the New York Times. It's the first time a California judge has been recalled in 80 years. The backdrop: In March 2016, Stanford student Brock Turner was found guilty by a jury on three felony sexual assault charges after he assaulted an unconscious woman after a fraternity party. Turner was eligible for up to 14 years in prison, but Persky sentenced him to only 6 months, stating Turner would not be a danger to others and that a prison sentence would have a severe impact on him. How it happened: A petition to recall Turner started by Michele Dauber, a Stanford law professor whose daughter is friends with the woman Turner assaulted earned enough signatures to make Persky's recall a ballot question. Other supporters of the recall were Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Anita Hill. Ethiopia says it will accept a peace agreement with Eritrea and bring an end to a deadly conflict between the two neighbors. Ethiopias new prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, has positioned himself as a reformer and vowed to achieve peace with Eritrea. The backstory: The New York Times explains that "the countries fought a war from 1998 to 2000 over their border dispute, which left about 80,000 people dead. They signed a peace agreement in 2000, but the Ethiopians never accepted the findings of a boundary commission established by the agreement." Per the AP, Ethiopia also said today that it will "open up parts of state-owned enterprises in sectors such as energy, aviation and telecoms to private investment and others, such as railways and hotels, to full privatization." Go deeper: The world's fastest growing economy, in one of its poorest nations. Former Defense Intelligence Agency officer Ron Rockwell Hansen has been charged with attempted espionage and for acting as an unregistered foreign agent for China, according to the Justice Department. Why it matters: China has become a global force in espionage, and this is the second case in recent months that a former U.S. official has been charged with espionage for China. The 1 big secret: Hansen allegedly shared locations of U.S. Cyber Commands outposts around the world likely signaling China's interest in how the U.S. Cyber Command operates. China has been building up its own similar command, called Strategic Support Force (SSF), with the intention of surpassing the U.S. in capability, per CyberScoop. The Pentagon assessed that the SSF is a key component in China's plan to beat out the U.S. in cyber space and weapons development. Background: Hansen served in the Army for more than 20 years and when he retired, began working for the Pentagons intelligence branch in 2006. He held top-secret security clearances for both his civilian and active-duty roles and in his training he learned how to avoid detection, deter surveillance, and manage assets. He speaks both Mandarin and Russian fluently. The timeline of alleged espionage, per DOJ documents: Hansen kept office space and an apartment in China and traveled there frequently. Hansen left the DIA in December 2006. Hansen repeatedly offered to be a double agent for the U.S. against China and sought access to national defense information in 2012 by trying to gain employment with the DIA, U.S. Army Intelligence, and with a lawmaker on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The FBI began investigating him in 2014 and he met with FBI agents 9 times in 2015, unaware of the investigation. Despite the FBIs 2015 warning to Hansen that he should reach out to them if the Chinese contacted him again, he continued having more meetings in China without telling the FBI. He attended intelligence-related conferences in the U.S, allegedly on behalf of China. In 2016, Hansen told an FBI informant he was doing consulting work for Chinas Ministry of State Security. The sting operation: Over the weekend, Hansen exchanged classified information with the FBI informant near the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and was arrested on his way to the airport. What's next: Hansen faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if he's convicted. An investigation from Senate Republicans indicates the Obama administration secretly sought to give Iran access to the U.S. financial system for a brief period after the 2015 nuclear deal despite telling Congress it had no plans to, reports the AP. The big picture: The administration was attempting to strike a deal to ensure Iran received benefits promised to it while opponents of the deal argued the United States was too willing to give and could be used to fund Iran's extremism. Yes, but: "Issuing the license was not illegal. Still, it went above and beyond what the Obama administration was required to do under the terms of the nuclear agreement." What they're saying: Former Obama officials said "the decision to grant the license had been made in line with the spirt of the deal, which included allowing Iran to regain access to foreign reserves that had been off-limits because of the sanctions." "the decision to grant the license had been made in line with the spirt of the deal, which included allowing Iran to regain access to foreign reserves that had been off-limits because of the sanctions." "They said public comments made by the Obama administration at the time were intended to dispel incorrect reports about nonexistent proposals that would have gone much farther by letting Iran actually buy or sell things in dollars." The details: The deal would have allowed Iran to convert $5.7 billion worth of Omani rials to euros by exchanging them into U.S. dollars first. The second most important official in Nagorno-Karabakhs leadership and the heads of the local police and security service resigned on Wednesday following anti-government protests in Stepanakert. The unprecedented protests were sparked by a violent dispute on June 1 between security officers and other local residents. The men came to blows outside a Stepanakert car wash for still unclear reasons. Several of them turned out to be officers of Karabakhs National Security Service (NSS). The brawl triggered angry demonstrations against what their participants see as impunity enjoyed by law-enforcement officials and their relatives. They blocked Stepanakerts main avenue for four days, demanding the resignation of the NSS and police chiefs. Several individuals, including two NSS officers, were arrested in the immediate aftermath of the incident. The Karabakh government pledged to ensure an objective criminal investigation. These assurances failed to satisfy the protesters, however. The protests ended only after an appeal from Armenias Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian. The latter urged the protesters on Monday to give Bako Sahakian, the Karabakh president, more time to draw concrete conclusions from the violence. The chief of the Karabakh police, Kamo Aghajanian, cited public demand for his exit when he tendered his resignation on Wednesday morning. The head of the NSS, Arshavir Gharamian, and his deputy, Gagik Sargsian, followed suit later in the day. Unlike Aghajanian, they did not issue statements. Also stepping down was Arayik Harutiunian, the Karabakh state minister responsible for the governments day-to-day affairs. He previously served as prime minister, a position formally abolished after local lawmakers controversially voted last year to extend Sahakians decade-long rule until 2020. Harutiunian attributed his unexpected resignation, which was not demanded by the protesters, to popular expectations of a new phase of reforms in Karabakh. He said those expectations were heightened by the recent democratic revolution in Armenia which brought Pashinian to power. Of course we have made serious progress in terms of democratic development, he told a news conference in Stepanakert. But those events [in Armenia] increased popular demand [for change] in Artsakh and the authorities led by the president must take that into account. He said that Sahakian decided to embark on major reforms late last month and that his resignation will help to speed up their implementation. The premier also defended his track record. He argued, in particular, that the Karabakh economy has grown by more than 10 percent annually for the last decade. Harutiunians Free Fatherland party has the largest faction in the Karabakh parliament. Harutiunian was replaced by Grigori Martirosian later in the day. Martirosian served as finance minister until now. Sahakian also appointed the new heads of the Karabakh police and NSS. By Barbara Unmuig and Michael Kellner As US President Donald Trump translates his America First strategy into import tariffs, and the European Union prepares to adopt countermeasures moving the global economy toward a trade standoff, the real challenge facing the two economies indeed, the entire world is being ignored. That challenge is to shape the global economy, including trade, so that it finally respects the planets natural boundaries. Trumps trade agenda is putting progressives into a paradoxical position. For many years, they have been denouncing the current trade system as both unjust and ecologically destructive. But in the face of Trumps nationalist protectionism, with its echoes of the fatal mistakes of the 1930s, some feel obliged to defend the current system. Neoliberal defenders of the status quo now see a political opportunity. Lumping progressives together with Trump as protectionists, they are denouncing the justified wide-ranging protests of civil society against mega-regional deals like the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada, and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the EU and the United States. In order for progressive politics to succeed, its proponents need to go beyond defending the existing trade system against Trump. They need to go on the offensive, which means pressing for reforms intended to create a just, equitable, and rules-based international trade order. Otherwise, Trump-style economic nationalism will continue to resonate with a large share of the population, in the US and elsewhere. For starters, with the EU debating countermeasures to US tariffs of 10% on aluminum and 25% on steel, it is worth looking beyond the economic significance of the dispute, to the ecological aspects of the commodities in question. For example, steel production, which uses metallurgical or coking coal, accounts for roughly 5% of global CO2 emissions. This is not inevitable. Steel can be replaced by less emissions-intensive alternative materials. It can also be produced with much lower emissions. Swedish producers are researching virtually CO2-free steel production using electricity and hydrogen acquired from renewable energy sources. And the German multinational thyssenkrupp is developing a process using exhaust fumes from steel production as a feedstock for chemical products and synthetic natural gas, lowering carbon pollution. But these alternatives will not be viable as long as the established steel industry is permitted to use the atmosphere as a free dump for CO2emissions. Economists across the political spectrum agree that one key to limiting greenhouse-gas emissions is to make it more expensive for companies to produce them so expensive that climate-friendly options become cheaper in comparison, and thus competitive. That is why the German Green party is calling for a floor price on CO2 emissions to be established as part of the EUs Emissions Trading System. The state of California has already done so in its trading scheme. We want to lead the way, together with France, in Europe. Such proposals have met with strong resistance. Many argue that a high price for emissions in Europe would give foreign producers a competitive edge in the EU market. Moreover, because production would simply move abroad, the logic goes, the environment would ultimately be no better off overall. Despite its weaknesses, this argument has impressed European policymakers. But there is an obvious workaround: a duty could be imposed on emissions-intensive imports like steel, cement, and aluminum at the EU border. This would be an important step toward a just, climate-responsive trading system. The duty would be fair, because environmental rules would apply equally to European and foreign products. And as long as the same levies were imposed on locally produced goods, such border carbon adjustment would not violate World Trade Organization rules. By enabling countries committed to environmental protection to push back against those that are not, this strategy would help align the global trading system more closely with ecological imperatives. Policies such as border carbon adjustment are not narrow-minded national protectionism, but a necessary reaction by countries committed to climate protection. Nor is it a new idea: every climate bill that failed in the US Congress in 2009 included such a mechanism. Rather than allowing itself to be dragged into Trumps destructive trade games, the EU should introduce border carbon adjustment in order to foster a climate-friendly system. French President Emmanuel Macron is already a vocal supporter. A group of researchers representing MIT, the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, and other leading institutions, has already developed a set of concrete proposals regarding how to implement such a program. By doing so, the EU would make the case for fairer and cleaner trade. By demonstrating that a lack of commitment to climate protection comes with a price, such a response could spur change elsewhere, including the US. For example, it might encourage the Trump administration to reconsider its withdrawal from the 2015 Paris climate agreement, particularly if European actors reached out to likeminded progressives in, say, California or New York. Even if Trump remains unmoved, a CO2 levy might deter his potential imitators elsewhere. With such a calibrated and forward-thinking response to Trumps narrow-minded protectionism, the EU would cement its role as a trailblazer in the quest for a fairer, more sustainable trading system. In doing so, it would not only help protect the environment on which we all depend, but also boost its own international clout. That, not a trade war, is what the world needs now. Copyright: Project Syndicate: A climate-friendly response to Trumps protectionism --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Sara Israfilbayova Azerbaijan can reduce import duties on certain types of goods, Chairman of the State Customs Committee Safar Mehdiyev told reporters on June 5. He noted that the issue can be considered during the discussion of the package of changes and proposals for the next year. The government will consider all proposals received from entrepreneurs and, if necessary, take an appropriate decision, Mehdiyev added. Starting from January 1, 2018, a new system of customs duties has come into force in Azerbaijan. New duties are regulated by the Nomenclature of Foreign Economic Activity, Customs Rates for Import and Export. Entered into force from this year the new system is three-stage. Since 2001, seven rates have been in effect in Azerbaijan - 0, 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10 and 15. Now, from this year, only three rates remain - 0, 5 and 15 percent. Most of the production goods (raw materials and equipment) are taxed at this years zero rate, including even those from which a customs duty of 0.5 percent was previously collected. This applies to those types of commodity groups (in particular, 84 and 85 groups), which already, under the order of the Cabinet of Ministers, are subject to VAT at zero rate when importing. He further stressed that customs revenues of Azerbaijans state budget amounted to 1.323 million manats ($778 million) for the five months of this year, adding that this is 37 percent more than the budget revenue forecast for January-May 2018. The customs revenue forecast for the first five months of 2018 was 964 million manats ($567 million), Mehdiyev said. This means that we exceeded the forecast by 359 million manats ($211 million) or 37 percent. The customs revenue forecast of Azerbaijans state budget for 2018 is 2.43 billion manats (1.43 billion). He also touched upon a single administrative customs building on the border with Georgia. If the talks are successful, then it will be the first joint administrative building in the region, where customs officers of the two countries will work. The new building is planned to be built near the Sinig Korpu checkpoint, Mehdiyev said. He stressed that in case the issue is resolved in a positive way, then it will lead to a significant simplification of the trade and speed up the passage of citizens and cargo through the checkpoints. There are six operating customs posts subordinate to the Balakan and Tovuz customs offices between Azerbaijan and Georgia, namely Sadikhli, Sinig Korpu, Jandargol, Mazimchay, Muganli automobile posts and the Beyuk Kasik railway post. --- Sara Israfilbayova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Sara_999Is Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Rashid Shirinov Ganja automobile plant and Minsk tractor plant may extend the contract for production of "Belarus" tractors in Azerbaijan until the end of 2018, director of Ganja automobile plant Kamran Nazarov told Trend on June 5. He said that the plant took part in the Belagro 2018 international exhibition being held in Minsk. Within the exhibition, negotiations were held with the General Director of the Minsk tractor plant (MTP) Fyodor Domotenko, during which expansion of the model range of tractors produced in Azerbaijan as well as increasing the number of tractors that will be produced this year in Ganja were discussed. In the near future, the plant will complete the assembly of tractors under the previous contract, involving the production of 1,000 vehicles. Thus, there is an opportunity to extend the contract until the end of this year, Nazarov said. He added that the number of tractors to be assembled at the enterprise under the new agreement will be determined during the negotiations. The plant director noted that the project of Ganja automobile plant on production of export-oriented products and technologies as well as access to the markets of third countries, involving the construction of a plant in Turkey, was also discussed. The construction of the new enterprise is going at an accelerated pace. On June 5, the governor of the Kirikkale province Ilker Haktankacmaz visited the construction site of the tractor factory in Turkey and got acquainted with the work, Nazarov said. At the end of 2017, the Ganja and Minsk plants signed a strategic cooperation agreement, which opened up opportunities for the Azerbaijani enterprise to establish production in Turkey. The agreement, in particular, involves the expansion of the geography of the brand presence and the increase in sales through the creation of a joint venture in Turkey for the further promotion of tractors in that market. Presently, the Ganja Automobile Plant specializes on assembling of Russian Oka and UAZ cars, Belarusian MAZ and Belarus tractors, Chinese Changan vans & trucks and other vehicles. The plant is capable of assembling up to 1,000 trucks and 2,000 tractors each year. The Ganja plant cooperates with a number of international partners, including German. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Sara Israfilbayova The Food Safety Agency of Azerbaijan appealed to the producers of food products. Sustainable development of entrepreneurial activity in the country is one of the important components of the economic policy of the Azerbaijani state. In this direction, comprehensive measures are taken to develop relations between the state and entrepreneurs, improve legislation and administrative procedures, eliminate the facts of illegal interference, education and various types of services, the Agency reported. The Agency noted that highly appreciates the participation of each business entity in the processes aimed at ensuring food safety. And, in this regard, the Agency will provide all-round assistance to entrepreneurs to organize their activities in accordance with modern requirements at all stages of food production. "The Agency, which will start exercising its powers from July 1 of this year, will register all business entities involved in food production in the country, and, in accordance with the legislation, monitoring, control and auditing activities will be carried out, issue appropriate certificates to ensure regulation export-import processes in accordance with legislation and international standards," the Agency said. The Agencys goal is to support Azerbaijani entrepreneurs in the long and intensive withdrawal of their products to the world market, increase of the world market demand for food products made in Azerbaijan, as well as to further increase Made in Azerbaijan brands reputation. The Food Safety Agency was established by the decree of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on additional measures to improve the food security in the country in February 2017. Under the decree, the Food Safety Agency will help ensure the regulatory framework of food safety (development and approval of sanitary norms and rules, as well as hygienic standards), and will carry out risk analysis, hygiene certification, as well as provide a quality certificate for food products exported to foreign countries, ensure state control over the protection of the rights of consumers of food products and at all stages of food production on the basis of the from field to table principle. --- Sara Israfilbayova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Sara_999Is Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova An exhibition of the famous Russian collector, fashion and art historian Alexandre Vassiliev solemnly opened at Heydar Aliyev Center on June 4. Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva, Director of the Heydar Aliyev Center Anar Alakbarov, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Russia, People's Artist of Azerbaijan Polad Bulbuloglu, public figures, representatives of culture and science, diplomatic missions took part in the opening ceremony. The exhibition reflects the unity of nature and fashion. The decoration of the exhibition hall features rich elements of nature and music. The Alexandre Vassiliev Foundation showcases 400 exhibits related to the 18-21 centuries - clothing and accessories, including shoes, bags, hats, jewelry, etc. Addressing the event, Alexandre Vassiliev said that he was happy to present his exhibition again in the beautiful Heydar Aliyev Center and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to show one of the best exhibits from his collection. The opening of exhibition in Baku is a significant event, because Azerbaijan is located near the Caspian Sea. There are beautiful mountains, forests, amazing and diverse flora and fauna. Designers have always admired nature, because it is a source of inspiration for centuries. The presented exposition clearly shows how for four centuries the fashion reflected all the beauty of the surrounding world, nature, shades of blossoming flowers, animals that live in the mountains, savannah, jungle or desert, the inhabitants of the seas - fish, crabs, pearls, corals, jellyfish, seahorse - all this is reflected in the work of artists and creators of clothing. And what about insects, butterflies, beetles, scarabs, dragonflies and moths, which are always better than any designer dress. Nature has a divine law - it does not know what bad taste is, all creatures of nature are beautiful in their own way, because the Lord endowed all this. Following the ecological thought, we do not present old clothes with fur - scrawl, mink, fox, but only their imitation. Like my jacket in the form of giraffe quotations, made by designer Cyril Gasilin, who is also the curator of our exhibition. He not only presented the concept of the exposition, but also created a very interesting paper decor, distinguished by a graphic, sculptural and volumetric solution, said Vassiliev. The designer noted that the exhibition was created three years ago and was successfully presented in the museums of Riga and Vilnius. But a new concept was created specifically for Baku - new dresses were found, old costumes were restored. This exhibition is a real gift for women and men and children, all Baku residents and guests of the city. And those who love fashion and art. Summer begins with a positive and will give bright emotions to everyone, he said. The designer stressed that he will present his new bestseller Beauty in Exile to the First Vice President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva. The exhibition, uniting in a single space nature, history and fashion, consists of several sections. The exposition presents fashion samples created under the inspiration of such themes of nature as the jungle and savannah, sea and plants, etc., exhibits of Paco Rabanne, Christian Dior, Elsa Schiaparelli, Lanvin, Givenchy, Thierry Mugler and other famous brands. Of particular interest are the outfits from the wardrobe of last century's legendary model Bettina Graziani, American actress Shirley MacLaine and other celebrities. A new approach and originality aroused great interest among fans of fashion and history, as well as guests of the capital, who with great interest viewed the exposition. The exhibition will last until December 2. Notably, this is the second exhibition of the Russian designer at Heydar Aliyev Center. Modernism and Fashion expo, which lasted from October 5, 2017 to April 29, 2018, showcased clothes and accessories, dating back to the 1960s. Vassiliev said that his third exhibition in Baku will be devoted to the history of wedding dresses, the white color of which is associated with the color of the architectural building of the Heydar Aliyev Center. Alexandre Vassiliev is a well-known collector, fashion historian, art critic, interior decorator, theater artist, author of books and articles on this subject, TV host of some TV programs, member of the Russian Academy of Arts, founder of the international interior prize Lilies of Alexander Vasiliev. His collection consists of more than 50,000 exhibits from the 17th century to the present. The Alexandre Vassiliev Foundation was established in November 2013, in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Its mission is to preserve the extraordinary collection of is founder, Alexandre Vassiliev, and aim to continue his work. The Alexandre Vassiliev Foundation is a unique institution that aims to project fashion history to the Baltic countries, as well as Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova Goethe-Zentrum Baku pleases Baku residents with incredible exhibitions and concert programs. Since its opening, the Center offers not only the propagation of German culture, but also international cooperation in the field of culture. The center builds bridges between Azerbaijan and Germany through cultural diplomacy, organizing exhibitions, presentations, performances by artists, lectures, literary readings, concerts, film screenings and many other events in Kapellhaus, the home of the German-Azerbaijan Cultural Association, and also collaborates with various local institutions, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Administration of State Historical-Architectural Reserve Icherisheher and YARAT Contemporary Space. Earlier, Goethe-Zentrum Baku has delighted art lovers with the exhibition project "Dialogue", curated by Asli Samadova within the summer program. As part of this project, buildings originally intended for religious purposes are used as exhibition spaces. A light installation "Five suns / after Galileo" by German artist Mischa Kuball was presented at the Shah's mosque of the Shirvanshah Palace Complex on June 3, Day.Az reported. Notably, art installation by famous German artist Mischa Kuball was presented in Baku on March 10. A minimalist installation "Space-Speech-Speed" fascinated a huge number of art lovers. A contemporary artist who lives in Dusseldorf and is known for his use of light and space, returned to Baku with a new project created specifically for the space of the Shah's Mosque. As the artist said, the light installation "Five Suns / after Galileo" is a tribute to the tragic fate of the genius and his confrontation with Jesuit priest Christopher Scheiner, who attempted to rescue the perfection of the Sun, and by implication the heavens generally, from imperfection. He therefore postulated that sunspots were caused by satellites of the Sun whose shadows are projected on to Sun's disk as they cross in front of it. However, his publication was the start of a controversy with Galileo over the nature of sunspots. It is believed that he played an important role in the infamous lawsuit against the Florentine scientist in 1633, as a result of which Galileo publicly accepted the Ptolemaic geocentric model of the universe. Mischa Kuball was inspired by this historical conflict between religion and science. The drawings of Galileo sunspots, transferred by artist to the surface of the five rotating glasses, change their form in a colorful kaleidoscope and inevitably fade as well as spots on the Sun. This continuous process occurs in complete silence: if you listen, you can hear the sound of the rotating motors of the installation, which seem to whisper "E pur si muove!" ("And yet it moves!"). Let's note that the permission of Administration of State Historical and Architectural Reserve "Icherisheher" to present the light installation "Five Suns / after Galileo" in the Shah's Mosque is one of many examples of religious tolerance and multiculturalism in Azerbaijan. In the context of this space, the installation not only talks about the confrontation between Scheiner and Galileo, but also recalls that the heliocentric model and the concept of a multitude of universes is reflected in the Holy Quran and in the scientific treatises of Muslim astronomers Jafar al-Sadi (the 8th century), al- Balkhi (the 9th century) and Alhazen (the 11th century). "Im so proud to exhibit my work in the mosque," said the German artist. Note that the exhibition will operate until October 1. Visiting the light installation "Five suns / after Galileo" is possible when buying a ticket to Shirvanshahs' Palace. Opening hours: daily - from 10:00 to 18:00. The ticket office closes at 17:30. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz While Armenia is cherishing the hopes for alliance and friendship with its Western partners that may bring investments to the countrys devastated economy, they are unlikely to come true. Apparently, the West will only use Armenia as its stronghold to pursue its anti-Turkish, anti-Azerbaijani, anti-Russian and what comes strange anti-Iranian policies. After taking up the post of the prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, referring to the topic of relations with Turkey, said that he was ready to establish them without any preconditions. He also touched upon important issues between Ankara and Yerevan and the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. At the same time, he noted that his standpoint on the so-called Armenian genocide does not differ from the position of the previous leaders of Armenia and he will make every effort for its international recognition. Over the years, Turkey has not softened the tone in the dialogue with Armenia. In particular, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan firmly stated that Turkey, as a sign of solidarity with Azerbaijan, will keep the borders with Armenia closed. The Turkish government is categorically against recognition of the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Speaking of Armenian-Turkish relationship, one cannot miss the issue of territorial claims. The fact is that part of the present Turkish territory, marked on the map as Eastern Anatolia, is called Western Armenia in Yerevan, which was allegedly occupied by Ottoman Turkey during the World War I. As a precondition for the establishment of diplomatic relations, Turkey requires Armenia to rebondon its territorial claims against Turkey. Of course, one cannot believe that such a small country with a weak economy like Armenia can make territorial claims against Turkey. However, Turkey sees danger not in Armenia but in the West that controls it. The geopolitical games taking place in Armenia weaken Moscow's control over this state. Strengthening forces here are the ideal source of the Western threat to Turkey. Thanks to the propaganda of the far-fetched Armenian genocide, which has been ongoing for many years, the image of enemy Turkey has been created among the Armenian public. By and large, the issue of Armenian genocide is a means of pressure of certain circles on Turkey. At the same time, Russia, which has its own interests in the region, has long viewed Armenia as its true ally, but this view should be reconsidered now. Pashinyans anti-Russian government which was brought to power by the West may plunge a knife into Russias back at any time. The political image of Pashinyan should be viewed in details as well. Today, he is presented rather as a pragmatist who understands that Russia cannot be played with. Therefore, it is largely expected that he will not openly take anti-Russian course in his foreign policy. Pashinyan himself confirmed that he will necessarily pursue the former policy of strategic partnership with Russia during the meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi on May 14. However, this statement contradicts his previous statements regarding Russia. Prior to becoming the prime minister of Armenia, the then oppositionist Pashinyan made a number of anti-Russian statements, urging the Armenian authorities to leave the alliance with Russia, in particular, the Eurasian Economic Union. How can a person who changes his mind in such a short period be trusted? At the same time, the real steps and actions of the new Armenian authorities show that Pashinyan and his administration are far from a pro-Russian attitude. One only needs to check out the team of the new prime minister in order to realize that the future Armenia will be not only neutral to Russia but even opposite to the country. The most vivid example of this was Pashinyan's appointment of Babken Ter-Grigoryan as the Deputy Minister of Diaspora. This person is a French Armenian, who worked in the U.S. for a long time, and then was the coordinator of George Soros' Open Society Foundations in Yerevan. The most important fact is that for a long time, Ter-Grigoryan was the organizer of mass protests against Russia and Putin in Armenia. The picture of him holding a poster with obscene insults against Putin, which has recently been actively discussed on the Internet, makes it clear that now the relations between Armenia and Russia will not be as warm as they used to be. Another example is the recent appointment of David Sanasaryan as the Head of the State Control Service of Armenia. In the past, he was a member of the pro-Western Heritage party, and has earned a reputation as true a Russophobe. Similarly to Ter-Grigoryan, Sanasaryan often took part in anti-Russian protests in the streets of Yerevan and was demanding the withdrawal of the Russian military base from Armenia. There is yet another member of Pashinyan's team who is well known for his anti-Russian position the Science and Education Minister Arayik Harutyunyan. In his first speech after the appointment to the post, Harutyunyan showed his hatred to Russia and the Russian language by equating the Cyrillic alphabet with "trash." Thus, it becomes clear that Pashinyan is recruiting an obviously anti-Russian team. This is a further demonstration of his pro-Western policy and plan to alienate Armenia from Russia in the near future. At the same time, anti-Iranian policy from Armenian side comes strange and surprising as Islamic Republic is Armenia's partner who persistently maintained relations with it throughout the years of the Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories. But considering the Western desire to somehow harm Iran, Armenia may become the most comfortable foothold to attain this goal. Considering all the above-mentioned facts, one can confidently say that Azerbaijan is the only reliable partner of Russia in South Caucasus with a stable political course aimed at achieving prosperity in the region. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Rashid Shirinov It is important to prevent the actions of Armenian companies engaged in the use of fraudulent trademarks referring to the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and of distorted geographical indications of historical sites via the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) system, Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said on June 5. He made the remarks during the meeting with the WIPO Director Francis Gurry in Baku. It is noteworthy that any business, economic, research or other kind of activity in Nagorno-Karabakh and other Azerbaijani regions occupied by Armenia without the consent of Azerbaijan are illegal and the country takes necessary measures against those who are engaged in such activity. During the meeting, Mammadyarov noted that over the recent years substantial work has been carried out in the sphere of intellectual property in Azerbaijan and that the government pays special attention to the development of this sphere. The sides expressed confidence that the documents signed between WIPO and Azerbaijan, including the Action Plan for 2018-2021, will serve to the further expansion of the relations. Mammadyarov and Gurry also discussed the issues of mutual interest. Armenia broke out a lengthy war against Azerbaijan by laying territorial claims on the country. Since a war in the early 1990s, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. To this day, Armenia has not implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Rashid Shirinov Documents and videos on tortures against two Azerbaijanis Dilgam Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev, who were taken hostage by Armenians in the occupied Kalbajar region, have been submitted to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Chairman of the Azerbaijan Bar Association Anar Bagirov told Trend on June 6. "The illegal arrest of Asgarov and Guliyev must be stopped. Their rights to free movement in their country are violated, and the ECHR must recognize their rights, he said. Bagirov expressed the hope that adoption of positive decisions in the European Court will be witnessed in the coming months. He added that the Azerbaijani side will also express its attitude to the documents received earlier. Asgarov and Guliyev have been kept hostage by Armenian militaries in the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan for more than three years. They were detained by the Armenian armed forces in July 2014 while visiting their native places and graves of loved ones in the occupied Azerbaijani Kalbajar region. Moreover, Armenian armed forces killed the third Azerbaijani Hasan Hasanov. Later, Guliyev and Asgarov were judged illegally by the unrecognized courts of the separatist regime in the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh. Following an expedited judicial process in December 2015, Asgarov was sentenced to life imprisonment and Guliyev to 22 years in prison. Azerbaijans State Committee on Affairs of Refugees and IDPs, the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons and other agencies have repeatedly urged international organizations, including the ICRC, to assist in release of Guliyev and Asgarov, whilst the problem remains topical yet. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova The National Youth Forum, dedicated to the theme Environmental Aspects of Agenda 2030, opened at Baku Congress Center on June 5. Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder of IDEA Public Union, Goodwill Ambassador of UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Leyla Aliyeva attended the forum. The main goal of the event, organized on the Day of Environmental Protection, is to expand the educational work on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) among youth. The forum also aims to strengthen the role of youth in the 2030 Agenda, encouraging them to be the SDG Ambassadors. In September 2018, world leaders will celebrate the third anniversary of the UN Sustainable Development Summit, which resulted in the adoption of the 2030 Agenda on sustainable development. This agenda is a plan of action for the benefit of people, the planet and welfare. Sustainable development consists of three main elements - economy, society and environment. The 2030 Agenda is the agenda of the youth. So, the notion of "sustainable development" provides the improvement of well-being of the present generation, without harming to the values of future generations. In addition, the agenda defines young people as the main driving force of development. However, to do this, they need to create conditions for the realization of their potential. Leyla Aliyeva addressed the forum. The Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev then took the floor. Panel discussions cover such topics as Climate change: the role of youth in reducing the level of adaptation and impacts, Waste management: principles of 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle), Conservation of biodiversity: which significance is has for Azerbaijan?, Sustainable energy: the transformation of people, the economy and the planet, etc. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The food security problem will be resolved and Azerbaijan will even more reduce dependence on import, said Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev. He made the remarks June 5 at a meeting with the staff during the opening of Region Agropark LLC in Azerbaijans Goranboy district. I cordially congratulate you on the occasion of the opening of the Goranboy Agropark. This is a wonderful event. This agropark will play a great role in strengthening Goranboys economic potential. The state once again rendered its support, said the head of state. As you know, the creation of agroparks in Azerbaijan is carried out with the governments support. The state constantly pays attention and renders support to the private sector. President Aliyev went on to add that the government has implemented large infrastructure projects on this territory, which was not used at the time. There were laid roads, power lines and water pipes, irrigation work was carried out and state-of-the-art equipment was purchased by the government. Part of this equipment is presented here. This is the equipment of the most leading company in the world. Over 40 units of machinery were delivered with the governments support and leased to the agropark, said the head of state. President Ilham Aliyev said that 35 million manats were allocated by the government for the construction of this agropark. The head of state pointed out that in general, the creation of agroparks in Azerbaijan has gained a wide scope. Four of the planned 45 agroparks have been put into operation, the president said, adding that these are Yalama, Shamkir, Jalilabad and the one which was opened today in Goranboy district. I personally participated in the opening of all four. This once again shows that the state pays great attention and supports this issue, said the head of state. President Ilham Aliyev said that 1.4 billion manats will be invested in the creation of these 45 agroparks and part of this amount has already been invested. The head of state noted that as a result of the establishment and operation of agroparks, the food security issue will be resolved, additional steps will be taken to reduce unemployment, local production will develop, and Azerbaijan's export opportunities will be expanded. "Because the products that will be grown here are export products. Our policy related to agriculture in the country will be successfully implemented. Great attention is paid to agriculture. Agriculture is one of the priority areas in Azerbaijan. We will further pursue this policy only on the basis of modern technologies and scientific basis, said President Ilham Aliyev. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has today signed an order on improving living conditions of population in the Goranboy city. Under the decree, 3 million manats will be allocated from the Reserve Fund of the President of Azerbaijan to the Executive Power of the Goranboy District for construction of a residential building for 40 apartments to improve the living conditions of residents of multi-story buildings that are in emergency condition. The Finance Ministry is instructed to provide financing in the amount indicated in the order. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The Shamkir-Samukh-Goranboy main irrigation canal's crossing installation with the Silk Road and its 4.95 kilometer section have been inaugurated. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the event. Chairman of Azerbaijan Irrigation and Water Management Open Joint Stock Company Ahmad Ahmadzade informed the head of state about Shamkirchay water reservoir and Shamkir-Samukh-Goranboy main irrigation canal project. The first line of the irrigation canal was built in the 1980s. The construction of the 27.95-kilometer second line of the canal started in 2015. The building of the 8.55-kilometer section of Shamkir-Samukh-Goranboy main irrigation canal ended in 2017. President Ilham Aliyev attended a groundbreaking ceremony of Shamkir water reservoir in 2009 and inaugurated it in 2014. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order on measures for kindergarten construction in Naftalan city. In accordance with the order, the Naftalan executive power will receive 3 million manats from the presidential reserve fund envisaged in the state budget for 2018. The funds will be allocated for the construction of a new building of a 200-seat kindergarten in the city of Naftalan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received Nikolay Yankov, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Bulgaria to Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a message on June 5. The ambassador, who presented the copy of his credentials to Mammadyarov, said that he is pleased to be appointed to Azerbaijan and vowed to spare no efforts for the further development of traditional friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria during his tenure. Mammadyarov wished success to Yankov in his diplomatic mission. During the meeting, the sides expressed satisfaction with the development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria at the level of strategic partnership and high-level political dialogue. There was noted with confidence that the commissioning of the Southern Gas Corridor and its components - TANAP and TAP - will create favorable conditions for energy cooperation between the two countries. The minister underlined that Bulgaria's position on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict on the basis of territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions is highly appreciated. The sides also had broad exchange of views on issues related to the bilateral agenda. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Any change of power is, in general, a chance, but it is another question how big and realistic that chance is, Georgian political analyst Gela Vasadze told Trend commenting on possibility of the Turkish-Armenian relations against the backdrop of the change of the Armenian government. The expert noted that in the statement of Pashinyan, which was made on May 9, it was said that Yerevan will not make claims to Ankara, but will continue to engage in international recognition of the "genocide", which is a contradiction. The political scientist said there are a number of such contradictions between the two countries. "If we talk about Turkey, the topic of the Turkish-Armenian relations in itself is very interesting, because Ankara is not against the opportunity of participating in the South Caucasus politics," the expert believes. He added that although Ankara used to be perceived as an integral part of the West, today this is not the case. "Turkey has its own political agenda, and this does not prevent it from staying in NATO and having an association agreement with the EU. And within the framework of this agenda, Ankara is interested in the opportunity to make some measurements of its capabilities in all three countries of the South Caucasus," Vasadze said. He believes that Turkey's opportunities in this direction, however, are seriously limited, because Ankara depends on Baku much more than Baku does on Ankara, taking into account a number of factors. "Firstly, these include the supply of oil, gas, etc. But this is primarily an interdependence. Secondly, public opinion in Turkey, including the opinion of media and the public figures who position themselves as friends of Azerbaijan, is entirely in favor of Azerbaijan," he said. Vasadze added that he cannot even imagine Turkey taking a step that could be somehow potentially directed against the interests of Azerbaijan. "This [opening of borders] is excluded, given the fact that Erdogan is a political figure, i.e. he is completely dependent on his voters and is very careful to their opinion. In addition, not all in Turkey share his views and are his supporters, so both foreign and domestic policy of Turkey is designed to strengthen and expand the electorate," the expert said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The 6th Annual Summit of Global Shapers of the World Economic Forum (Davos Forum) was held in ADA University this weekend hosted by Sumgait Hub. SHAPE Eurasia 2018 is aimed at connecting Shapers to exchange expertise, enhance collaboration and capacity for creating positive impact on a regional scale. Similar events were also held in Sao Paulo, Johannesburg, Bangkok, Sacramento and Belfast. More than 100 representatives from 24 countries came together constituting 33 percent of Global GDP to hold a discussion under the theme of Regional Transformation: Unleashing Human Capital, where debates revolved around solutions on how Education, Entrepreneurship, Technology and Gender Equality could be leveraged to shape future human capital development in the region. Vice-Rector of ADA University, Fariz Ismailzade, has welcomed the participants and gave a short speech about the institutions commitment to breeding innovative global leaders. He also contributed to the discussion on the first panel on educational reforms. Curator of Sumgait Hub, Amir Guluzade, thanked ADA University and leading members of Organizational Committee of Sumgait Hub Nazrin Mahmudova, Maksud Tuayev and Gulay Mammadova for providing absolute support to host the Summit. He also thanked Sapphire Hotels Group for an in-kind accommodation of the foreign participants. Laura Inamedinova, founder of LKI crypto-consulting company, James da Costa, co-founder of Mandala Group and Yori Kamphuis, co-founder and CBDO of Storro BV, as well as many others, were amongst international speakers across the panels. BAKU EXPO 2025 Taskforce, represented by Rena Abdullayeva, has also shared their views on Human Capital Development. The Global Shapers Community is an initiative of the World Economic Forum, established by professor Klaus Schwab in 2011 connecting over 7,000 in 400 hubs across the globe. Last September, Professor and Curator of Sumgait hub had a chance to discuss regional trends, as well as potential of youth to invoke positive impact on economic development though application of high-tech. Progressive youth is well positioned to take action in the prevailing environment of rapid changes and technological advancements, shaping a more effective model to ensure efficient human capital development. By Sara Israfilbayova Oil prices on June 6 grow on the data of the American Petroleum Institute (API) on the reduction of reserves in the U.S. and on the expectations of increasing production by the OPEC + countries. West Texas Intermediate crude for July rose by 0.2 percent, to $65.62 a barrel, Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, added 0.7 percent, to $75.90 a barrel, according to MarketWatch. According to the API, for the week ended on June 1, U.S. oil inventories fell by 2.028 million barrels, while analysts expected a smaller decline - by 1.824 million. A week earlier, the institute reported an increase in reserves in the country by 1.001 million barrels. Markets continue to monitor the situation around the possible increase in oil production within the framework of the OPEC + deal against a background of potential reduction of supplies from Iran and Venezuela. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has raised the price of main grades of oil for buyers in Asia to its highest level since 2014 amid growing demand in the countrys main market amid the threat of a reduction in the supply of competitors. Saudi Arabian Oil Co. increased the official price for the sale of Arab Light oil to Asia for July delivery by 20 cents to $2.10 in excess of the price of a barrel of the Middle East benchmark, the state-owned oil company said in an e-mail message on May 5. The company raises prices against the backdrop of a reduction in supplies from Venezuela and expectations of a decline in exports from Iran. Oil production in Venezuela fell by about 1 million barrels per day compared to 2015 due to political and financial instability in the country, while the U.S. sanctions can remove the same amount of Iranian oil from the market. OPEC and a number of non-member countries agreed at the end of 2016 in Vienna to reduce their oil production by a total of 1.8 million barrels per day from October 2016. The implementation of the agreement has started from the beginning of 2017 and has been twice extended, most recently - until the end of 2018. The next meeting of the ministerial monitoring committee of OPEC + will be held on June 21 in Vienna. It will be followed by a meeting of the OPEC countries on June 22 and a meeting of all 24 OPEC member countries on June 23, at which quotas for production reduction can be revised. --- Sara Israfilbayova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Sara_999Is Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The Armenian National Security Service (NSS) has announced recruitment into the national Border Guards for replenishment of its staff. Citizens up to 30 years old, who meet the requirements of the law on NSS, can apply to the organization, Armenian Lragir reports. It is necessary to remind that in 1992 an agreement between the governments of Armenia and Russia delegated functions of protection of Armenia's state borders with Turkey and Iran to the border troops of the FSB (Federal Security Service) of Russia. It is also worthy of note that Armenian border troops stand only on the border with Georgia. The borders with Iran and Turkey, as mentioned above, are guarded by Russian troops, whereas Armenian regular army troops are deployed on the border with Azerbaijan for fear of the beginning of hostilities due to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In accordance with the agreement, the protection of Armenian state borders by Russia is a temporary measure and will last until the full staffing of the Armenian border structures, which will then replace the Russian ones. Back in January, several public figures of Armenia addressed the then Armenian authorities with a public statement to return control over the state borders under the jurisdiction of the national border guards by withdrawing simultaneously the Russian troops. As it was shamelessly said in that statement, that [agreement with Russia] was important for Armenia in the years of Karabakh war, because it enabled to free up human resources to ensure the victory of Armenia in the war. At that time there was no response from the former president of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan. But now it seems that the new Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan can shortly say goodbye to the Russian border guards. Lragir says: Does the NSS of Armenia intend to complete the formation of its border troops? Once this is done, Armenia can thank Moscow for its long years of assistance and say that from now on it discharges Russia from its obligations. By the way, in recent decades, Russian soldiers usually appeared, by or without an invitation, in different countries, but did not come out from anywhere. For the record: the border troops of Russia are subject to the FSB, that is, the special intelligence service of a foreign state. Up to 5,000 Russian border troops are serving in Armenia. Several years ago, the border checkpoint at the Yerevan international airport was put under Russian control, which was not stipulated by the 1992 agreement. First of all, this should be done at the airport of Zvartnots (Yerevan international airport), where Russian troops are also at the border control. This is nonsense, which has not been solved for many years, the Lragir author writes. There is one more factor for Armenia to return the border checkpoint at the Yerevan international airport back under its control. In the event Azerbaijan commences full-scale cleaning of its territories from Armenian military forces, Armenia will absolutely not be interested in Russia's FSB gaining information and monitoring how many members of ASALA terrorist group and other mercenaries from the Armenian nationalist organizations from all over the world pass the passport control at the airport to take part in the hostilities, as well as who they are by name and where they come from. The new government of Armenia stated that the control over the state borders should be the first step to restore the sovereignty of Armenia. Does this mean that for the full restoration of sovereignty the further step can be a demand to withdraw the #102 Russian military base from the territory of Armenia? This would be a bold step, but for the moment Yerevan stands silent on this matter for the states interests it is not yet time to claim that. One smart man said that a certain political paradox is taking place in Armenia, which pursues the most pro-Russian of the pro-Western policies (in the post-Soviet space) and the most pro-Western among the pro-Russian ones. A few days ago, the European Commission announced the entry into force of the broader partnership agreement with Armenia. After all, it doesn't befit a broader partner of the EU to have troops of another country on its state borders. Armenia is making desperate attempts to straddle both worlds. It needs Russia as a tool to ensure the status quo in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan, while in spirit, they say, they are Europeans and share the so-called European values. Armenia has chosen its way of being voluntarily a bargaining chip in the worlds geopolitical collisions, and will have to pay a price for it, which can one day be found exorbitant. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Kamila Aliyeva Russias energy giant LUKOIL intends to develop a field in the Kazakh part of the Caspian Sea shelf. Head of the oil company Vagit Alekperov and chairman of the board of KazMunaiGas Sauat Mynbayev signed an agreement on the principles on the Zhenis block in the Caspian Sea in Astana on June 5. According to the press service of the Kazakh Energy Ministry, the document assumes that the parties will form a consortium and will hold negotiations with the competent authorities of Kazakhstan to obtain subsoil use rights in the said section. The Zhenis block is located in the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea at a depth of 75-100 m. The distance to the coast is 80 km, to the port of Aktau (Kazakhstan) - 180 km. The license area is 6,848 square kilometers. Earlier, LUKOIL showed its interest in P-2 and Zhenis blocks, which were refused by Total back in 2012. In the 2000s, international investors showed an active interest in the Kazakh part of the Caspian shelf, both because of rising oil prices, and in connection with the expectation of major discoveries. So, according to Gaffney, Cline & Associates estimates, without taking into account the reserves of the North Caspian project (Kashagan, Aktoty, Kairan and Kalamkas-Sea), the resources of the Kazakhstan shelf are 2.3 billion tons of oil. However, in 2011 there was a turning point, including due to unsuccessful exploration results. In particular, LUKOIL drilled dry wells in two sections of Atash and Tyub-Karagan, as did Rosneft for Kurmangazy. In addition, at the peak of oil prices, the government of Kazakhstan seriously revised its tax policy - it was decided not to enter into production sharing agreements under new projects and to conduct them in the framework of a standard tax regime. As a result, in the spring of 2012, Total abandoned the Zhenis bloc. Following this, Eni, ConocoPhillips and Statoil also withdrew from the projects. However, this year the Kazakh authorities improved the tax conditions for offshore projects, returning investors interest. Now, instead of a payment for reimbursement of historical costs, MET and the excess profit tax, there is an alternative tax with a flexible rate that takes into account the volatility of oil prices - at a price below $50 per barrel, the tax is zero, then it grows to a maximum of 30 percent at a $90 per barrel price. LUKOIL has been operating in Kazakhstan since 1995. The company is a party to several onshore production projects and a member of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC). LUKOIL has been investing substantially both in production projects and in the regions social development. In Kazakhstan, LUKOIL owns stakes in three oil projects, that is Tengiz (5 percent share), Karachaganak (13.5 percent) and Kumkol (50 percent). LUKOIL also develops fields in the north of the Caspian Sea in the Russian sector - Filanovsky and Korchagin (15 million tons have been extracted since 2010). --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Kamila Aliyeva The Uzbek National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity signed a loan agreement worth $ 500 million with the Export-Import Bank of China. The signing took place in Beijing on June 5 on the eve of the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which will be held on June 9-10 in Qingdao. Chinese Eximbank for the first time allocates a credit line to the Uzbek National Bank without requiring a government guarantee, the bank's press service reported. The new credit line will be used to finance investment projects in Uzbekistan, which provide for the supply of high-tech equipment, without any restrictions on the directions of the economic branches. The Uzbek National Bank has been cooperating with the Eximbank of China since 2004. Over the past period, 28 major projects worth about $ 1.2 billion in such sectors as healthcare, education, telecommunications, agriculture, energy, oil and gas, as well as in transport sphere were implemented. The Eximbank of China is one of three institutional banks in China chartered to implement the state policies in industry, foreign trade, diplomacy, economy, and provide policy financial support so as to promote the export of Chinese products and services. Established in 1994, the bank is subordinated to the State Council. The Uzbek National Bank also signed a loan agreement for $ 250 million with the state-owned China Development Bank (CDB) on the same day. The new loan agreement provides for financing of both large projects and small and medium-sized business projects that involve the supply of high-tech equipment to Uzbekistan, aimed at creating import-substituting and export-oriented industries. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Kamila Aliyeva President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Suma Chakrabarti supported the proposal of Astana to create a Central Asian Schengen zone, which foreigners will be able to visit on a single visa in an interview with Reuters . That would be a game changer for the region, he said. After more than a decade-long break, the EBRD resumed its operations in Uzbekistan last year. The return of the bank to the most populated country of Central Asia took place in 2016. The bank has invested more than 100 million euros in Uzbekistan last year and has a large number of possible projects for the future, according to Chakrabarti. Im very pleased with our new beginning in Uzbekistan, he said, adding that he planned to visit Tashkent in September to finalize a country strategy which the EBRD board is due to approve the following month, Reuters reported. There are more reforms to come... but Im very confident that we have a team, from the president (Mirziyoyev) down, who are very committed to that, Chakrabarti said. Speaking of sectors that could be privatized by Tashkent, he said it was important that banking was among the first to open up, as that would help efficiently allocate resources. Still, Uzbekistan has a long way to go before it overtakes Kazakhstan in terms of EBRD investment, Chakrabarti said. He pointed out that the bank is note viewing the two countries as competitors. The EBRD, recognizing the importance of Central Asia for itself and adherence to Kazakhstan, one of the five largest markets of the bank, plans to appoint a managing director in the region, which will be based in the former Soviet republic, in 2019. In addition, the bank may acquire a minority stake in Kazakhtelecom, Kazakhstan's largest fixed-line operator, which could make it more attractive to potential foreign investors, EBRD executives said. This is a catalytic role for the EBRD, Chakrabarty said in Astana. EBRD head in Kazakhstan Agris Preimanis said that the size of the bank's investment will ultimately depend on what stake in the company the government of Kazakhstan, which owns 51 percent of the operator's shares, will decide to sell. Kazakhstan also plans to privatize the national nuclear company Kazatomprom and air carrier Air Astana, in which the EBRD, according to Chakrabarti and Preimanis, is also potentially interested. However, for now the bank is focused on Kazakhtelecom, since the operator is closer to selling its stakes. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Notice on Calling an Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of City Service SE The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (hereinafter, the Meeting) of City Service SE (Societas Europaea), corporate ID code: 12827710, registered address: Narva mnt 5, Tallinn, Harju county, 10117, the Republic of Estonia (hereinafter, the Company), is convened by the Management Board of the Company. Meeting date and time. The date of the Meeting is 28 June 2018, Thursday; time 09:00, registration starts at 08:30. Meeting place. The Meeting shall take place at the Vilnius office of the Company, at Ozo st. 12A, Vilnius, the Republic of Lithuania (Business Center Technopolis, the 6th floor). Meeting agenda. The Supervisory Board determined the following agenda of the Meeting: 1. Presentation of the consolidated annual report of the Company for 2017 to the shareholders. 2. Presentation of the auditors report of the Company to the shareholders. 3. Approval of the set of consolidated annual financial statements of the Company for 2017. 4. Reclassification of voluntary reserve. 5. Distribution of profit (loss) of the Company of 2017. Availability of draft resolutions. Draft resolutions of the Meeting (including on distribution of profit) as well as auditors report, annual report and consolidated financial statements are attached hereto and are also available for examination on the website of the Company at www.cityservice.eu. Shareholders can also examine the draft resolutions of the Meeting and other mentioned documents during business hours from 09:00 till 12:00 every working day until the Meeting at the following addresses: in Lithuania the Companys Vilnius office at Ozo str. 12A, Vilnius, the Republic of Lithuania; in Estonia the office of law firm NJORD Advokaadiburoo, Veerenni 24 D, 10135 Tallinn, the Republic of Estonia. The minutes of the Meeting shall be made accessible to the shareholders after seven days following the Meeting day at the Companys website. Eligibility of shareholders. The total number of the Companys shares and the number of shares granting voting rights during the Meeting is the same and amounts to 31,610,000. ISIN code of the Companys shares is EE3100126368. The list of shareholders entitled to take part in the Meeting shall be determined as at 23:59 on 21 June 2018. Representation of shareholders. The shareholders will have to submit the following documents for the registration as participants of the Meeting: 1. Shareholders (natural persons): his/her identity document (passport or ID card). 2. Representatives of shareholders (natural persons): his/her identity document (passport or ID card) and a duly signed written power of attorney issued by the shareholder. 3. Representatives of shareholders (legal persons): in case of representation by law certified extract (or other similar document) from relevant commercial registry of the country where the legal person is registered providing information on a right of representation and identity document of the representative (passport or ID card); in case of authorized representation certified extract mentioned above, identity document of the representative (passport or ID card) and a written power of attorney duly issued by the legal representative of the shareholder. 4. Shareholders whose shares are held through the nominee accounts: his/her identity document (passport or ID card) and a duly signed written power of attorney issued by the holder of the nominee account opened with the Estonian central depository for securities indicating the number of shares owned by the shareholder. Please be informed that shareholders, who are entitled to participate at the Meeting, can authorize by electronic means a natural or legal person to attend and vote on behalf of them at the Meeting. Power of attorney that is digitally signed by the shareholder must be submitted via e-mail to matas.likauskas@cityservice.eu not later than by 25 June 2018 (17:00). At the Meeting the authorized person shall have the same rights as a represented shareholder, unless the authorized persons rights are limited by the power of attorney or by law. Documents issued in a foreign country must be translated either into English, Lithuanian or Estonian and legalized in the manner established by the law. Voting by general ballot paper. A shareholder or his proxy may vote in writing by filling in a general ballot paper, in such a case the requirement to deliver a personal identity document does not apply. The form of a general ballot paper is presented on the Companys website. Upon a shareholders request, the Company shall send the general ballot paper to the requesting shareholder by registered mail or shall deliver it in person against signature no later than 10 days prior to the Meeting free of charge. If the person who had completed the general ballot paper is not a shareholder, the completed general ballot paper must be accompanied by a document confirming the right to vote. The duly completed general ballot paper should be sent by e-mail to matas.likauskas@cityservice.eu or delivered directly to the Companys Vilnius office at Ozo str. 12A, Vilnius, the Republic of Lithuania, not later than by 25 June 2018 (17:00). The Company reserves the right not to include the shareholders vote, if the general ballot paper does not meet the requirements of paragraphs 5.8 and 5.9 of the Statutes of the Company or if the general ballot paper is written in a way that it is impossible to establish shareholders will on a separate issue. Right to supplement agenda. Please be informed that shareholders whose shares represent at least 1/20 of the share capital of the Company may demand inclusion of additional issues on the agenda of the Meeting if the respective demand has been submitted in writing or by e-mail to matas.likauskas@cityservice.eu no later than by 12 June 2018 (17:00). Shareholders whose shares represent at least 1/20 of the share capital of the Company may submit to the Company draft resolutions in respect to each item on the agenda in writing or by e-mail to matas.likauskas@cityservice.eu by 24 June 2018 (17:00). Right to receive information. Shareholders will have the right to receive information about the activities of the Company at the Meeting. Questions may be submitted before the Meeting by e-mail to matas.likauskas@cityservice.eu or delivered directly to the Companys Vilnius office at Ozo str. 12A, Vilnius, the Republic of Lithuania. Please be informed that the management may refuse to answer the shareholders questions if it can significantly damage the interests of the Company. Additional information is provided by tel.: +370 5 239 4900 and on the website www.cityservice.eu. The new movies opening this weekend are worth reading about. So start reading. The Houston Chronicle's staff picks for this weekend include Shania's H-town return and a major stick-up at the MFAH. A 26-year-old Jasper man accused of setting his grandmother's home on fire earlier this week has been charged with felony arson, police said Wednesday. Cedric Ramon McGill Jr. is accused of setting fire to Bertha McGill's home on Othello Street Monday afternoon, the Jasper Police Department said in a statement. Three Southeast Texas school districts and five home repair efforts will receive money or donations from the Golden Pass Hurricane Harvey Recovery Fund, the Foundation for Southeast Texas announced Tuesday. The organization announced that ten projects will receive a total of $320,000 for hurricane relief efforts. The foundation previously awarded $1.1 million in grants to eight projects in December. >> Foundation awards $1.1 million in grants for Harvey recovery Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD will receive money for replacement technology devices and Orangefield High School will receive a grant for "materials lost during the storm," the Foundation said Tuesday. The Port Arthur Education Foundation received grants for computers and technology euqipment at Lamar State College Port Arthur and replacement uniforms for Port Arthur ISD students. Grants were awarded for home repairs to the SETX Civilian Task Force, the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Nehemiah's Vision, Inc., the United Board of Missions and the Hardin County Strong Long Term Recovery Team. The Jefferson County Emergency Service District will use their grant to "replace emergency gear damaged by the storm and required for emergency response." "At Golden Pass, our community is very important to us. After Harvey, we felt responsible for helping our neighbors get back on their feet," Vice President of Human Resources and Public Affairs Robert Bilnoski said. "We have already seen a positive impact from the $1.2 million donated in our first round and are looking forward to seeing the impact of these projects as well." Friends and family gathered at Woodland Baptist Church in Beaumont for a visitation service in honor of Arlie Ray Horn, Sr. Arlie Ray Horn, Sr. will be buried Wednesday, the anniversary of the day he joined the storming of Omaha Beach in Normandy, France 74 years ago. Complaints by residents led to the search of a Vidor game room Monday, the second such site in Orange County to be raided in the past month. Officials with the Orange County Sheriff's Office and Louisiana authorities executed a search warrant on the business in the 5600 block of North Main, confiscating electronic equipment from gambling equipment and a sum of cash, according to information from the sheriff's office. Texans jumped into boats to rescue neighbors, relatives and pets as Harvey pounded the Texas coast with water last year. But President Donald Trump said Wednesday that many people had to be rescued because they were in their boats watching the storm. Trump made the comment Wednesday at a conference call with state and federal leaders meant to lay out how to prepare for another hurricane season. During the call, Trump thanked the Coast Guard for their service in helping save 16,000 people after Harvey, Hurricane Maria and other storms. The Coast Guard doesn't "get enough credit," Trump said. "Sixteen thousand people, many of them in Texas, for whatever reason that is, people went out in their boats to watch the hurricane," Trump said. "That didn't work out too well. That didn't work out too well." When asked later to confirm if people were out on boats to gawk at the storm, Abbott said he had "no information one way or another about that." In the aftermath of the storm which dumped more than 60 inches of rain over parts of Southeast Texas law enforcement responded to thousands of water-related calls for service. But they often couldn't respond quickly enough, so people turned to social media to ask for help. Local authorities tweeted pleas, asking anyone with a boat who could volunteer to do so. Some Texans went out on kayaks and canoes to rescue others. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center predicts this year's hurricane season brings a 70 percent chance for 10 to 16 named tropical storms to develop. Five to nine of those could grow into hurricanes and as many as four could develop into severe storms that grow to Category 3 hurricanes, according to the center. The grim prediction follows one year after Harvey barreled into the Texas coast, making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane. Harvey soon weakened and slipped to Category 2 before hovering over the state for days as a tropical storm. Hurricane season began June 1 and stretches through Nov. 30. Andrea.Zelinski@chron.com Hospitals that have adopted information exchange practices within their organizations are less likely to share information with outside healthcare facilities, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. For the study, researchers analyzed data exchange capabilities among hospitals included in the 2010-2014 American Hospital Association's annual health IT survey. Overall, researchers noted hospitals' ability to share information increased over time. However, adoption of data-sharing practices between organizations was slower than adoption of these practices within the same organization. On average, the researchers found hospitals could share 4.6 types of information within the same organization and 2.7 types of information between different organizations. "Hospitals are prioritizing within-organizational information exchange over exchange between different organizations," the study authors concluded. "If increasing inter-system exchanges is a desired goal, current market incentives and government policies may be insufficient to overcome hospitals' motivations for pursuing an intra-system-information-exchange-first strategy." Ohio Medicaid has reduced the amount of hospital payment cuts it planned to make in light of new budget projections, according to a Dayton Daily News report. Here are six things to know: 1. Ohio Medicaid planned to cut hospital payments by $1.1 billion in fiscal years 2018 and 2019, according to the report. A one-week Medicaid payment delay this month also was planned. 2. The Medicaid cuts and payment delay were attributed to a lack of projected state funding. 3. Now, however, the June payment delay is off, and the amount of Ohio Medicaid's planned hospital payment cuts has been reduced, reports the Dayton Daily News. The new amount in hospital payment cuts is $214 million. 4. The reduction comes after Ohio Medicaid officials determined the state's poverty rate has declined, according to the report. With the poverty rate decline, officials anticipate there will be enough savings to meet their budget. 5. The Ohio Hospital Association said in the report while it is pleased with the reduction, many hospitals still won't be able to sustain the planned Medicaid payment cuts. 6. Ohio Medicaid is still moving forward with plans to have providers reimbursed through contracting with private insurance companies such as CareSource, rather than through direct Medicaid payments, the report states. Changes related to those plans are scheduled to take effect July 1. Read the full report here. More articles on healthcare finance: Private equity firm acquires Aspirion Health Resources: 4 things to know MedData names acting president: 3 things to know New Jersey passes law fighting surprise medical billing: 8 things to know Nacogdoches (Texas) Memorial Hospital is considering filing for bankruptcy protection to reorganize its finances, according to KTRE. Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital CEO Gary Kendrick told KTRE the hospital owes vendors between $10 million and $11 million. He said most of the debt was accumulated under previous management. "The plan is not to walk away from our vendors, both local and national," Mr. Kendrick said. "The goal is to work out what's best for this hospital, so we can satisfy all those debts and continue to move forward." Although Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital may file for bankruptcy, Board President Lisa King said the hospital is not going to close. "There will no lock on our door," Ms. King said. "We will be here tomorrow, and we will be here 10 years down the road continuing to take care of the people of Nacogdoches." The hospital board will meet with two law firms on June 7 to further discuss the potential bankruptcy filing, according to the report. More articles on healthcare finance: 2 Arizona hospitals enter bankruptcy Anthem's new imaging policy likely to hit hospitals' profits Lee Health scales back hiring, raises as operating margin declines Salt Lake City-based University of Utah Health Care narrowed its CEO search to three candidates, according to The Salt Lake City Tribune. The institution's CEO search began more than one year ago, after Vivian Lee, MD, PhD, former senior vice president for health sciences, medical school dean and CEO of University of Utah Health Care, resigned in May 2017. Her resignation came one month after the tumultuous firing of Huntsman Cancer Institute Director and CEO Mary Beckerle, PhD, who university trustees voted to reinstate one week after she was fired. The three finalists are: Derek C. Angus, MD, chair of the department of critical care medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Michael Good, MD, dean of the Gainesville-based University of Florida College of Medicine John G. Hunter, MD, executive vice president of Portland, Ore.-based OHSU and CEO of the OHSU Health System in Portland The individual appointed to the role will also serve as senior vice president for health sciences and dean of the University of Utah School of Medicine. University officials have not released a timeline for the final decision, according to the report. Many healthcare leaders bemoan the lack of certainty in healthcare today, but there are some trends that hospital and health system leaders can count on to shape the industry in the coming years. This article is sponsored by ECG Management Consultants Leaders should keep these trends in mind as they create their roadmap for the future, and consider utilizing strategic enterprise transformation (SET) to ensure success in an ever-shifting industry landscape. Strategic enterprise transformation builds successful organizations by aligning the population health needs of a defined market with their optimized clinical service capabilities and rationalized expenses. Here are five trends organizations should incorporate into their plans for strategic enterprise transformation if they wish to remain financially sustainable and market competitive, as discussed during an April 12th executive roundtable at the Becker's Hospital Review 9th Annual Meeting in Chicago. 1. Demand + cost structure = unsustainability All indicators point to the fact that healthcare will continue to be a growth industry for years to come, but much of that growth will inevitably take place in outpatient settings and other ancillary services. As governmental and commercial payers reduce reimbursement rates, healthcare service growth will not necessarily directly correlate to net revenue. Cost growth for healthcare has held near 6 percent since 2014, but still outpaces economic growth in the same timeframe by nearly three times as much. In order to counter this imbalance, providers must continue to emphasize value-based initiatives and continuously improve operational efficiencies. Organizations can utilize data to identify inefficiencies and share that knowledge to clinicians, but need to exercise great discretion in doing so. As the CMO of a 50-bed specialty hospital in the Southeast said, providers should "make sure the metric you're sharing are actionable. Just like we have alert fatigue with EHRs, if you're feeding your docs lots of statistics and some of them are operational, they will tune them out. Clinicians should receive a small, defined number that is not just meaningful to operational performance, but to taking care of patients." 2. Consumerism affecting all stakeholders As healthcare costs rise, businesses and commercial payers will increasingly ask customers to play a greater role in their care. The more participatory patients become, the more they will make care decisions based on price and convenience, which will drive demand for health solutions outside of more expensive hospitals. Strategic, nontraditional market players such as the recently "partnered" Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan Chase will direct patients to appropriate care in the short term while leaving long-term decisions to individuals. Providers should find points of care access that are differentiated from competitors and demonstrate the highest of quality in those areas. 3. Increased risk sharing with market variation CMS has aggressively pushed toward alternative payment models, and commercial plans are following suit. Providers will bear greater risk, with most of that risk being upside. However, the willingness of payers to share risk varies by market. Health systems in urban and rural areas face vastly different landscapes for risk-based agreements. As the CMO of a 222-bed hospital in the Mountain West said, "[payers are] all in to get providers together to work toward a goal of lowering utilization, but when it comes to the risk, that's a whole separate conversation. I actually have difficulty talking about what it means to take downside risk." The president and CEO of system in the Midwest spanning five states said the payers he has worked with are reluctant to engage in risk sharing agreements with rural providers: "We haven't been fortunate with risk contracts in rural areas. Payers are willing to look at quality and things like that, but they were basically keeping their upside. They had their market dominance, they didn't need providers per se. They were holding 80 percent market share of the commercial market, so they are not particularly interested in sharing risk because they don't' need to." 4. Elusive system consumer value Consolidation among hospitals and health systems is completely resculpting the healthcare landscape, but so far there is little value created by these newly merged systems beyond nominal administrative savings and economies of scale. While higher market shares have led to increased negotiation power with payers and higher revenue, operating margins have actually tightened at many of these consolidated systems. Systems must work on utilizing their scale to pass value along to consumers. In order to generate substantially greater value that consumers notice and benefit from, systems must wring out redundancies and make sure they focus their resources on efficient and effective clinical services areas. However, there are sometimes other considerations that make it difficult for providers to eliminate services. "A lot of us are impacted by U.S. News rankings and other external rankings that give you credit for doing services that are higher acuity and lower volume," said the associate CMO of 288-bed pediatric hospital in the Midwest. "I actually think that's counterintuitive to improving our health system. Having too many systems doing lung transplants actually decreases the quality of care. We sometimes don't have enough demand to perform the services well, but we have to offer them." 5. Technology advancement and disruption The technology available to providers and patients has grown at an exponential rate. As one indicator, private investment in digital healthcare initiatives has gone from $1 billion in 2010 to $8.3 billion in 2016. Smartphones have allowed patients to take more control of their care than ever and consumer interactions will continue to move beyond the four walls of the hospital. While it cost $95 million to sequence a genome in 2001, that price dropped to $1,000 in 2016. Providers have never before had access to such a cross section of clinical, genomic and social data, but dedicating resources to leverage this data is what most organizations must work on improving. "It's interesting that in a healthcare we're basically in a data business, but we don't use data like we should," said the CMO of a 10-bed critical access hospital in the Pacific Northwest. "We may start a program, but six months later when we want to do something or examine it, there are no business analytics to report." These trends will undoubtedly affect the way care is delivered and paid for in the future, and it is up to organizational leaders to prepare accordingly or risk being left behind. One way leaders can ensure their hospital or health system is prepared to adapt accordingly is through strategic enterprise transformation. Felicia Norwood, director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, will step down June 15 to become an executive vice president for Anthem, according to the Herald & Review. Ms. Norwood joined the state agency in 2015 after spending 20 years at Aetna, where she held numerous leadership positions, including president of the Mid-America region and CEO, president and COO of Aetna's population health management group, ActiveHealth Management. In addition to her executive vice president role at Anthem, Ms. Norwood will become president of the government business division. Ms. Norwood will be responsible for Anthem's Medicaid and Medicare businesses. "Felicia is a proven leader with extensive experience in both the healthcare industry and government," said Gail Boudreaux, Anthem's CEO. "She shares Anthem's vision of creating a better healthcare experience for our consumers and all Americans. Her deep understanding of our business and the unique needs of our consumers will be of tremendous benefit." Registered nurses from Pittsfield, Mass.-based Berkshire Medical Center intend to hold a one-day strike this month. On June 4, nurses notified the medical center they planned to begin the strike at 7 a.m. June 18 and end it 24 hours later, according to a news release from the Massachusetts Nurses Association, which represents 800 medical center nurses. "Our nurses have said it loud and clear: We will not stop fighting for staffing improvements that help keep our patients safe. We have demonstrated our unity with three separate votes and have persisted despite the length of our fight and management's divisiveness," said Alex Neary, RN and co-chair of the nurses union and medical center bargaining committee. "Management offered proposals that do not make sufficient improvements for us to provide our patients with the care they deserve." Union officials said nurses issued the strike notice after management during the most recent negotiations refused to agree to proposals they contend would improve staffing. They said the two sides were unable to reach an agreement, even after nurses were open to negotiating safe staffing and health insurance. According to the union, nurses specifically have said they would be open to exploring the hospital's idea of creating resource nurse positions on all shifts, all days, as long as certain criteria were in place, including "an adequate number of resource nurses on each shift" in multiple medical center units. However, they contend the medical center did not agree to the full proposed criteria from nurses. Berkshire Medical Center expressed disappointment in the nurses' strike plans and outlined its previous proposals in a statement to Becker's Hospital Review. "Over the course of the past two years, the union has asked that the hospital guarantee the current level of nurse staffing, regardless of changing patient care needs. In response, the hospital agreed to keep nurse-to-patient guidelines as they now are in place through the end of September 2021," the statement reads. "Over that same period, the union sought substantial increases in nurses' pay, and the hospital agreed to increases amounting to 14 percent over a four-year period and upward adjustments in night shift and other differentials." The hospital said it also addressed nurses' concerns by offering to add resource nurses to ensure charge nurses only have to care for assigned patients for a minimal amount of time. Nurses agreed to the same health insurance plan offered by Berkshire Health Systems to all affiliate employees, but did not agree, at least until Sept. 1, 2020, to pay the same premium amount for individual coverage, the medical center stated. The medical center said it added a fifth year to its most recent contract proposal, as well as a 3 percent pay increase with an additional 2 percent adjustment for nurses at the top of the pay scale, in that contract year. Despite various proposals from both sides, the hospital and nurses have not been able to reach a new contract agreement since negotiations began in September 2016. The nurses went on strike in October 2017, and in January voted to authorize another one-day strike. After a strike authorization, the law requires nurses to give hospital officials at least 10 days' notice of a planned walkout. The nurses issued a one-day strike notice for Feb. 27, but later withdrew it. The hospital said it has prepared for a strike and does not anticipate interruption of services or quality of care. More articles on human capital and risk: Dialysis patient care initiative qualifies for November ballot in California Wilkes-Barre hospital nurses protest lockout after daylong strike Michigan nurses OK labor deal with Duke LifePoint The former CEO of Team Work Ready, a Houston-based physical therapy chain, was sentenced June 1 to more than 19 years in prison for his role in an $18 million healthcare fraud scheme, according to the Department of Justice. The sentencing came after a federal jury convicted Jeffrey Eugene Rose Sr. of healthcare fraud, conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering in October 2016. Mr. Rose was one of three Team Work Ready executives convicted in the scheme. According to federal prosecutors, Mr. Rose and his co-conspirators submitted $18.3 million in fraudulent claims for physical therapy services that were never provided through Mr. Rose's 10 Team Work Ready clinics in Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama. The claims were submitted under the Federal Employees Compensation Act, which is administered by the Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Program. In addition to the prison term, Mr. Rose was ordered to pay $14.5 million in restitution to the DOL's Office of Workers' Compensation Program. More articles on legal and regulatory issues: Missouri hospital allegedly fired coder for refusing to ignore improper billing Feds arrest police officer for allegedly assaulting patient at New Jersey hospital 10 latest healthcare industry lawsuits Anthem and its affiliates from nine states filed a lawsuit against Sebastopol, Calif.-based Sonoma West Medical Center June 1, accusing the hospital's toxicology program of engaging in fraud and fraudulent concealment, among other charges, according to the Sonoma West Times & News. Here are five things to know: 1. Anthem filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California June 1. In the lawsuit, the insurer accused the hospital and several other organizations of nine counts of fraud, fraudulent concealment, negligent misrepresentation and restitution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, according to the report. The Palm Drive Health Care District, which maintains a management contract with the hospital, was not named in the lawsuit. 2. The lawsuit states SWMC was approached by Aaron Durall in 2017 about a plan to improve its finances. As part of the plan, Mr. Durall would obtain urine samples "through a network of marketers and physicians from around the country[.] He would consolidate that urine through a toxicology lab in Florida that he owned[,] and [Sonoma West] would bill insurers for the testing even though other labs had been ordered to perform it. With that simple but deceptive scheme, [Sonoma West] could increase the insurance payments for those services up to 100 fold," the lawsuit states. 3. The governing board of SWMC and the Palm Drive Health Care District approved the creation of the toxicology lab in June 2017. Mr. Durall's shell company, Durall Capital Holdings, reportedly loaned the hospital $2.1 million to finance the purchase of necessary equipment for the lab. The Sonoma West Times & News reports the toxicology lab provided the hospital with a "multi-million dollar revenue stream." 4. However, SWMC suspended the lab's operations after Anthem sent hospital officials an intent to sue letter in early February claiming SWMC was involved in a lab testing scheme that resulted in more than $13.5 million in improper payments to the medical center. 5. SWMC staff confirmed to the Sonoma West Times & News June 5 the hospital had begun accepting urine samples for testing from Mr. Durall's toxicology lab in Florida again in May. However, Barbara Vogelsang, MSN, RN, COO and chief nursing officer of SWMC, told the publication June 6 the hospital would no longer accept samples from Mr. Durall's lab. "There is no question we were doing the test," she said. "I think they are more interested in [Mr.] Durall." To access the full report, click here. Editor's note: Becker's Hospital Review reached out to Sonoma West Medical Center for comment and will update the report as more information becomes available. Miami-based Jackson Health System reported 61 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections for the year ending in June 2017, a higher tally than any other U.S. hospital, according to CMS data cited by the Miami Herald. CMS assessed infection data for nearly 4,800 hospitals nationwide between July 2016 and June 2017. Of the 186 hospitals or health systems assessed in Florida, seven fell below the national standard for MRSA, including Jackson Health, which contains the following three hospitals: Miami-based Jackson Memorial Hospital North Miami Beach-based Jackson North Medical Center South Miami-Dade-based Jackson South Community Hospital While Jackson Health came in below the national standard for MRSA rates, the health system did score at or above the national benchmark for five other types of common infections. Lilian Abbo, MD, chief of infection prevention at Jackson Health, acknowledged 2017 MRSA infection rates were higher than expected, but said they fail to account for the high prevalence of MRSA in Miami-Dade County or the size of the health system's caseload. She noted Jackson Health treats a high volume of patients at risk for MRSA, such as nursing home residents or trauma and dialysis patients. "We know there has been a problem with MRSA," Dr. Abbo told the Miami Herald. "There's a high prevalence in the community. We are taking measures to improve, and we have demonstrated that we can do it as we have done with other [hospital-acquired infections] in the past." Jackson Health implemented new protocols to address MRSA infection rates, which include improved hygiene and cleaning practices, active surveillance measures for patients deemed high-risk for infections, and a root-cause analysis for every infection that does occur, according to the Miami Herald. A judge ruled a former Medtronic's whistleblower lawsuit will go to trial, despite the company's efforts to have the case dismissed, according to Reuters. Here are three insights: 1. The former employee is accusing Medtronic of being involved in a nationwide scheme that paid kickbacks to provides who implanted their devices. 2. Medtronic filed contention for the former employee to be barred from moving forward with the case because the allegations were already raised in earlier whistleblower cases. 3. A U.S. federal judge rejected Medtronic's efforts, allowing the case to proceed. Gregory Shankman, MD, a former orthopedic surgeon in New York, surrendered his medical license and was sentenced for pleading guilty to defrauding workers compensation of around $87,000, according to WorkersCompensation.com. Here are four things to know: 1. Dr. Shankman pleaded guilty to billing workers compensation as overseeing claimant medical examinations in one location when he was traveling across the state; in some cases he was even out of the country during the exams. He also billed for cases that occurred simultaneously in different locations. 2. According to the report, the New York State Inspector General's office found he was not in his offices in Utica, N.Y., for more than 150 days from January 2015 to August 2017, when he certified he was at the office and overseeing exams. Instead, many of the days he was performing exams at his Buffalo, N.Y.-based office or traveling elsewhere. 3. Patients at the Utica office were often seen by a midlevel provider without Dr. Shankman's presence. 4. Dr. Shankman forfeited his medical license and paid $86,896 in restitution. He was also "sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge." Former Louisiana State University Health Shreveport department of neurosurgery Chairman Anil Nanda, MD, is leaving the hospital to join Rutgers New Jersey School of Medicine in Newark, according to KTBS. Here are five takeaways: 1. Dr. Nanda announced his departure in April. His staff have notified patients who are considering surgery about his departure. 2. As of June 5, LSU Health Shreveport has not received a resignation letter from Dr. Nanda, where he remains on faculty. 3. Dr. Nanda was replaced as chairman in October 2017. He is a tenured professor and retained his faculty position after the dismissal as chairman. 4. After he was removed as chairman, many LSU Health Shreveport physicians called on Chancellor G.E. Ghali, MD, to reinstate him. Brian Willis, MD, was later named interim chairman. 5. Dr. Nanda spent five years as chief of neurosurgery at LSU Health Shreveport. He first joined the hospital in 1995 when the neurosurgery department formed. Nearly 100 workers are set to lose their jobs at Wrightbus after the Ballymena bus giant announced a second wave of redundancies in less than four months. After placing 95 employees on notice in February, the company shocked its workforce yesterday afternoon by declaring an additional 95 jobs could go. The Wrights Group, which employs 1,560 people, has blamed market uncertainty for hitting new orders. The cuts are expected to be made within the Wrightbus, Customcare and EN-Drive subsidiaries, all based at Ballymena. Wrights Group chairman Mark Nodder said industry uncertainty was to blame for the job losses. "There is a good deal of continuing uncertainty - specifically in the UK market - at present, which is causing private and public bus operators alike to delay or postpone their vehicle investment programmes," he said. "This has a direct impact on production levels at our Ballymena facilities and the announcement that we are making today - difficult and regrettable as it is - is nonetheless necessary to align workforce requirements with our near term order book." Unite union regional officer George Brash said he was "deeply sceptical" over the timing of yesterday's announcement. He said there had been no indication of further losses during the recent consultation, which ran until the end of March. "Given it is less than four months since the last redundancy - which just happened to be below 100 job losses - we have to question whether Wrights Group bosses are purposefully staggering job losses so that they don't exceed the threshold triggering a full 90-day consultation period and the opportunity for our union to bring forward alternatives." Labelling it "another hammer blow for the workforce and the Ballymena area", the union rep said that he would visit the site today. "We will be asking the company some hard questions in relation to why this announcement had come on the back of that last one and their justification for that," he said. "From what I hear from our members on the ground, there seems to be plenty of overtime there. All this market uncertainty they keeping putting forward - our guys are still building a quality product, and they certainly feel undervalued in the way they've been treated." A UK commercial law firm is expanding in Northern Ireland with the creation of 13 back office jobs after taking over a Belfast practice A UK commercial law firm is expanding in Northern Ireland with the creation of 13 back office jobs after taking over a Belfast practice. Shoosmiths merged with debt collection specialist McManus Kearney two years ago, giving it its first presence in the province. Now the firm has said it's setting up an 'inceptions' team after choosing the Belfast office as a location to "service business growth" across its 11 UK offices. The expansion has been supported by 52,000 from economic development agency Invest NI. Belfast has been a location for large UK and international law firms to set up back office operations for around seven years. Herbert Smith Freehills led the way, opening its first operation here in 2011, to be followed by Allen & Overy and global, US-based firm Baker McKenzie. Jason Byrne, head of Shoosmiths' Belfast office, said: "As part of our ongoing commitment to deliver a superior service to clients, we are delighted to announce our Inceptions team will be based in Belfast. "Our merger with McManus Kearney in 2016 brought Shoosmiths to the region for the first time and since then we have been very impressed with the expertise and client focus delivered by our Belfast team. Invest NI's advice and support has been instrumental in helping us to choose Northern Ireland as the location for this new centre. "The exceptional quality and ready supply of talent here makes the region a very attractive location for our firm. "We are looking forward to developing our Inceptions team." Brian Dolaghan, Invest NI's director of technology and services, said: "Northern Ireland has a vibrant international legal services sector. Mergers and acquisitions have brought UK firms like Shoosmiths together with successful Northern Ireland practices. The resulting benefits not only mean firms can deliver an improved service to clients, but that local legal teams increase their engagement on a broader range of clients and projects. "Shoosmiths' decision to expand the range of client services it delivers nationally from Northern Ireland is a further example of how the legal sector here is evolving. The firm considered a number of its offices for this project and combined with our support, chose Northern Ireland due to the wealth of regulatory and compliance talent on offer here." The go-ahead to a third runway at Heathrow Airport could be the catalyst for 5bn of economic growth and 5,000 new jobs in Northern Ireland, it's been claimed. (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA) The go-ahead to a third runway at Heathrow Airport could be the catalyst for 5bn of economic growth and 5,000 new jobs in Northern Ireland, it's been claimed. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling yesterday announced in Parliament that the controversial third runway had been approved at a meeting of ministers. MPs will now be given a vote on the scheme by early next month. Around six sites in Northern Ireland are in the running to become logistics hubs for the runway as part of moves to spread the economic benefits of the expansion around the UK. A team from Heathrow will today tour three potential hub sites in Co Antrim. Ann McGregor, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, welcomed the Transport Secretary's announcement. Expansion of the facility is much needed, especially as Heathrow is a key facilitator for trade, which will become increasingly important post-Brexit. She said: "It is already the UK's largest port by value for global markets outside the EU, handling over 30% of the UK's export goods. "The airport is currently operating at 98% runway flight capacity, whilst competitor hub airports across Europe are continuing to grow. This means growth in flights to emerging cargo markets is constrained. "A new runway will add up to 40 new long haul routes, allowing the UK to connect with new, rapidly growing markets across the world and double cargo capacity which will create enhanced opportunities for businesses of all sizes. Exporting is a proven route to business growth whatever the sector." And North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds said the decision to give the runway the go-ahead was a "game changer" for the economy here. He said: "Our connectivity to global business and inward tourism markets is dependent on the high frequency, economic and easy to use connections to international flights through a hub airport such as Heathrow. "As one of Europe's largest projects, the benefits of the expansion will be huge for Northern Ireland, with up to 5,000 new jobs and 5bn of economic growth predicted in Northern Ireland alone." He added: "Later this month, Arlene Foster will address the Heathrow Business Summit, which is being held in Northern Ireland for the first time. "This will provide a unique opportunity for our SMEs to connect and trade with the airport's major suppliers. We are pleased that six sites across Northern Ireland are in the running to become a logistics hub for the expansion project." Co Donegal software business CloudRanger has been sold to a Silicon Valley company for an undisclosed sum. (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Co Donegal software business CloudRanger has been sold to a Silicon Valley company for an undisclosed sum. The purchaser is Druva itself in existence since 2008 which has raised around $200m (149m) from investors including the venture capital giant Sequoia. CloudRanger provides IT back-up and disaster recovery services. Druva said the Letterkenny-based business simplifies management and reduces costs for companies looking to keep their data safe. As more and more business is done online, the companies are hoping to reap the benefits from customers who have more complex requirements when it comes to storing data. The Irish business has more than 300 customers, including American motor racing competition NASCAR and Vanderbilt University, and experienced 300% revenue growth in the last six months, according to Druva. CloudRanger had previously been backed by Enterprise Ireland (EI), a state body in the Republic that supports indigenous companies in their efforts to grow in foreign markets. CloudRanger announced a $1.1m seed round last September, with EI contributing alongside private investors. At the time EI said that CloudRanger offers an innovative solution to companies to help them be successful in the cloud and is a great example of how innovation can drive an early stage growth company. Druva, which provides protection services for data stored in the cloud, said the acquisition would significantly expand its platform. This is an important step in achieving our vision to provide a solution that addresses the challenges our customers face as part of the very real and necessary journey of moving to the cloud, Druvas founder and chief executive Jaspreet Singh said. CloudRanger is the brainchild of chief executive David Gildea. Well-loved radio voices - including Carolyn Stewart and Ivan Martin - are being removed from the weekend schedule at radio station U105, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal. Veteran Ivan, the first voice on U105 when it was launched from UTV's Havelock House 12 years ago, is losing his Sunday Brunch slot. He told the Belfast Telegraph he was leaving of his own accord and without bitterness after a 40-year career on the airwaves. "It's not an easy decision to walk away from something but that's what I've done," he said. "I always said that if I reached the stage that I wasn't enjoying what I was doing, I wouldn't do it, and that's the stage I have reached." His last show will be broadcast from U105 in the first week of July. Media giant and U105 owner News Corp UK and Ireland, part of the same group as The Sun newspaper, is also making changes to its playlist and key parts of the station's weekday schedule. Expand Close Ivan Martin / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ivan Martin One source close to the station summed up the playlist changes as "out with Fleetwood Mac's Albatross and in with Ed Sheeran's Castle On The Hill". Another suggested that the playlist changes were part of a bid to save money. But this was denied by a source close to News Corp UK. Rick Nugent, who DJs from 10pm to 2am on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, is also going. The Belfast Telegraph understands that Stewart will maintain her weekday Lunchtime show on U105, but is losing her Saturday Night House Party from 6pm to 10pm. However, it's expected that Martin and Nugent will be called upon to cover holiday leave. Johnny Hero's 4-7pm U105 Drive show is also being shaken up. Expand Close Johnny Hero / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Johnny Hero His 'Golden Years' feature, which plays songs from a bygone year which listeners are invited to identify for a mention on the show, is being re-examined. It's not clear what will replace the axed shows. News UK said it had no comment to make. U105 was established by UTV Media plc and had close links to local television broadcaster UTV, with both based at UTV's former home in Havelock House, off Belfast's Ormeau Road. But in 2016 the television division of UTV was sold by its owners to ITV. U105 and 21 other radio stations owned by UTV were rebranded as Wireless Group and sold to News UK. The jewel in the crown of Wireless Group is talkSPORT, a popular talk-led radio station based in London and regarded as complementing the readership of The Sun. UTV and U105 both now broadcast from City Quays. One industry analyst, who did not wish to be named, said the local radio landscape was getting more and more "cutthroat". Listeners can choose from media giant Bauer's Cool FM, Downtown and Downtown Country, Q Radio, which took over Citybeat, as well as U105 and Radio Ulster/Radio Foyle. The analyst said: "Listeners in Northern Ireland, depending on where they live, now have access to more than 40 national commercial and BBC stations on DAB digital radio and thousands more on the internet. "The coverage and number of stations on DAB has grown significantly in recent years. Digital listening here lags behind other parts of the UK but has been improving in recent years. "Local stations have proved resilient in the face of this extra competition and have been holding their own so far." He added: "It's hard to see how you could shake things up much at U105. It's a shoestring operation at the minute, unless they think that replacing some key personnel might help." Artist Colin Davidson chatting to his old teachers Jay Mateer and Heather Currie Belfast artist Colin Davidson returned to Finaghy Primary School after nearly 40 years yesterday, sharing stories from his career that has seen him capture figures like the Queen, Seamus Heaney, Ed Sheeran and Brad Pitt on canvas. Invited to speak by primary seven pupils Liliana Baban and Thomas McClelland, Mr Davidson got the chance to thank his first ever art teacher, Jay Mateer (80), who he credits for inspiring his career. An exclusive artwork was also unveiled when his former primary five teacher Heather Currie presented him with a clay Beatrix Potter model he made for her when he was just eight. Talking about some of his most famous portraits, he told pupils a chance encounter landed him one of his most well-known commissions. After painting Dame Mary Peters, the former athlete brought her friends to see the finished portrait. "The lesson is you don't know who you're going to meet, it was just chance. Who knew Mary Peters' best friend was Ed Sheeran's granny?" He explained it was the person behind the celebrity that interested him most. Recalling a 2012 sitting with film star Brad Pitt he said: "Looking through the fame I got to see the husband and the dad. That's what my work's all about." In 2015, he said he spent time with an emotional Liam Neeson. "His wife had just passed away a few years ago," he said. "He was still terribly sad and the grief still showed on his face and that comes across in the painting." In 2016, he visited Buckingham Palace for an official portrait of the Queen. "She asked me what she should wear - if I asked her to wear her crown she would have," he said. "But I just left it up to her and she wore a green dress. "But that worked well as it was the first ever Irish portrait of the Queen." When the moment came for the Queen to unveil the painting, he nervously asked: "Are you still speaking to me Ma'am?" "Thankfully, she laughed and said, 'Of course I am'." We did not meet in a casino. He did not order a dry martini, shaken not stirred. He did not have lightly clad, beautiful women hanging on his every word. Just me. He was not wearing a dinner jacket either. Tom Marcus was every inch not James Bond. Nor Jason Bourne. And Tom Marcus is not even his real name. But he was utterly convincing as a soldier and spy turned writer. Because that's exactly what he is. He had a knack of passing himself off as an anonymous, shabby drifter in the street, because that is what he once was. After his bestselling 2016 memoir, Soldier Spy, he has now turned his hand to fiction in the shape of Capture or Kill, a non-stop, fast-paced thriller set in contemporary Britain and reeking of authenticity. "I'm not John Le Carre," he said, on the 15th floor of a hotel in London. He is 30-something. His accent is northern, between Yorkshire and Lancashire, somewhere not too far from Manchester (I have to guess because he is not allowed to reveal his exact origin). "There are some intellectual writers who can spend 800 pages describing the weather. Whereas for me when it's hot I just write, 'It's hot'." The Tom Marcus hero and narrator, Logan, says flat out "I never read books". When he accidentally wanders into a bookshop he tells the "elderly lady in a light-blue cardigan" who is trying to get him to read one, "At least you're not going to run out of things to chuck on the fire to keep warm." Marcus is the same way. He hasn't even read Andy McNab, the writer he is closest to in spirit. Even though he can write, he can't read. He is "severely dyslexic", so that "reading anything is hard work for me". No one will ever accuse him of plagiarism. His books are a form of streetwise vernacular anti-literature. And he writes in a way to "get to people who wouldn't usually pick up a book - might be barely literate. Like me. I didn't even get GCSE English". He dropped out of school aged 16, with two GCSEs, maths and science. "And I had to cheat to get them." His qualifications were enough to get him into the Army, "looking for the family I'd never had". His father was an alcoholic who took his own life. And his mother was "very detached", as he puts it. He was on the streets from the age of six, dossing in warehouses, going to school but trying to fade into the background and keep out of the way of social services. "I was good at hiding," he says. "Blending in. I was just the dirty kid in the corner. No one took any notice of me." He joined the [Royal] Engineers, but they quickly established he couldn't fix anything. On the other hand, he could run, so they gave him a job as physical training instructor. He soon had the colonel, the highest-ranking officer, on remedial PT, at 6am, every day for a week, for failing to do his 50 sit-ups. When, at the pre-Christmas party, the man-mountain regimental sergeant major comes stomping up to him and gets him to stand to attention, he assumes he is going to spend Christmas in the cooler for disrespect. Instead of that the colonel hands him a bottle of champagne "for having the biggest balls in the regiment" and whispers in his ear, "You won't be coming back, you're going to special operations." Code for counter-terrorism. He was the youngest to pass the test. He spent years undercover in Northern Ireland, then transferred to Britain where he set about foiling terror plots against innocents as a "mobile surveillance officer". "Agent" is just "publishing talk" he says. They were tough kids from rough backgrounds, not like the Oxbridge-educated spooks in the office. "We're normal. We don't hang around in casinos. I'm usually dressed in a hoodie soaked in my own urine." He taught himself to type, types fast, and relies on spellchecker to correct his mistakes. He started writing two hours a day because it was such hard work. Now he writes up to 10 hours at a stretch, turning out between five and eight thousand words a day, finishing Capture or Kill in 11 weeks flat. "It just comes out," he says. He doesn't plot or plan or structure. "It's not polished, because I'm not. If it's polished it looks false." Of course, such is the world of spies and writers, all of this could be a pose and everything Tom Marcus has ever written is pure fiction and fantasy and he started ordering the dry martinis as soon as my back was turned. And popped into the casino on his way back to his stylish bachelor pad in Bayswater. But probably not. If I were to run his book through a text analysis engine, I suspect the word "f***" (with variants) would come out somewhere near the top of the word count, right up there with "the" and "and". "It's a sweary world I live in," he says. "There's no please or thank you. You're surrounded by wolves waiting for you to show any sign of weakness." His first editor got him to take out a few expletives. Then he told him to put them all back in again because "it didn't sound like me any more". Hence (in Soldier Spy) "and if you even think about trying to hurt us, my friends will find you, and f***** destroy you". The "C" word is further down the list. The rule of naturalism applies similarly to his choice of rampaging jihadis as bad guys. The threat had to be real and believable, "representative of what we face now. I didn't want someone taking over the world. Dr No or Smersh or whatever. I don't know anything about that. I only write about what I know." His hero tends to kill people brutally (stabbing, stamping, strangling, suffocating), but he does feel bad about it afterwards. "I have to feel it," he says. "This is going to sound poncey, but I can't write unless I'm feeling fearful or sad or happy or something. If I don't feel it no one else will." Which might explain in part how he ended up with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). "The speed of operations - you're always on. I wasn't dealing with it - you don't have time." Marcus says he never had any aspirations to be a writer. Writing came to him as a form of therapy, or catharsis, a way of fixing his mental health. "You're taking the carnage out of your head and putting it on paper." He started writing only after his treatment had finished. "I'm good at remembering details. It's what I do. It's a blessing and a curse. The hyper-vigilance. You can't forget anything. You see all the faces." But it's also a form of nostalgia. When he was diagnosed with PTSD, he was expecting to walk out of the surgery with some pills for the nightmares and go back to his team and get on with the job. In fact, he never saw them again. "That was the hardest thing." Pensioned off, working in isolation, he re-discovers them in his writing. Relives the kill-or-be-killed encounters. "I miss being with the team," he says (with feeling). But there's no going back - except in fiction. In Capture or Kill, Logan is working for MI5, but is taken up by a shadowy, off-the-books organisation called "Blindeye" with a 007-style licence to kill. Thames House - home to MI5 - does not allow him to say whether or not it is based on truth, but it would be surprising if it wasn't. His writing technique is relatively unusual. He sits in a corner with his laptop, only a wall in front of him, and puts his headphones on. Then he switches on loud, angry, heavy metal music, something like Marilyn Manson. And only then can he start to write. He says he couldn't write in a log cabin in the Cotswolds with birds singing and he'd rather write in the back of a van on Moss Side. "If I don't have the carnage, I don't have the calmness." It's as close as it comes to doing his old job. "The sacrifice, the intensity, the inability to protect yourself" - this is where non-fiction and fiction coincide. There is something oddly fragile about Tom Marcus. I didn't expect that. Vulnerability alongside the stoicism. Still the little boy lost. Somebody really ought to adopt him. His novel may be fact-based, but there is a strong element of dreamy wish-fulfilment too. I asked Tom Marcus a few probing questions, but the fact is, he asked probably the most interesting question of the lot. "If you're faced with a terrorist planning to kill as many people as possible, do you want someone elegant and eloquent in the way - or do you want me?" And something similar applies to his career as a writer too. He's not Marcel Proust, nor Ian Fleming, but he gets the job done. Capture or Kill is published by Macmillan. Andy Martin is the author of Reacher Said Nothing: Lee Child and the Making of Make Me, and teaches at the University of Cambridge Things are continuing to slowly resemble normal life for me as I get back to doing some of the things I could do before - and it's all thanks to my new kidney which I received from mum just 11 weeks ago. My regular trips to the renal unit at Belfast City Hospital continue, as do the positive assessments of my doctors and the team, which I am eternally grateful for. Last week I made my first trip back to the ward at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry where I spent seven months of my life on dialysis after losing my donated kidney last August. Mum and I have been in regular contact with both John and Matthew, who received their dialysis in the ward beside me, and it was lovely to get the chance to chat with them again, and to call in and let them, and all the nurses, see how I am after my transplant. However, it was a visit which was tinged with sadness for me as our fourth dialysis companion, Brendan, passed away since my transplant. A life-sentence on dialysis can be just that, and I am always reminded of the need to bring hope to those for whom dialysis has become a seemingly never-ending way of life. That's why promoting organ donation is so important to us - while dialysis is a lifeline for so many patients, 30,000 to be precise across the country, it also places a rigid reality on the lives of those who need it. That's why my second visit to Daisy Hill Hospital, which took place on Tuesday, was so important because it highlighted the possibilities available to dialysis patients of PD (peritoneal dialysis), Home HD (hemodialysis) and self-care HD dialysis. Sounds really complicated but, in a nutshell, it's the ability for dialysis patients to have the option of hospital-based or home-based dialysis. I was joining mum and Kidney Care UK advocacy officer William Johnston, both flying the flag for Kidney Care UK, at the Home Therapies Roadshow which is jointly organised by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust Renal Team and the charities Kidney Care UK, NI Kidney Patients Association, NI Kidney Research Fund and the Altnagelvin Renal Support Group . You may remember that while I was on dialysis I talked about the constant struggles I had with my PD line, which they put in for me during surgery back in August last year and through which I could have the possibility of transferring from hospital to home dialysis. Ultimately, it wasn't to be for me as there were quite a few complications, including getting the line installed twice, but I had my heart set on it and knew what it would mean for me to be able to have dialysis at home in the evenings rather than making those three early-morning regimented journeys to Daisy Hill. However, I use my experience as an encouragement rather than a negative, as I really saw the benefits home dialysis would bring to me and my family, but of course I would have missed the craic and friendship in Daisy Hill if it had worked out. We always have to remember that for those dialysis patients who are waiting on a transplant, the option of switching to home dialysis can be a welcome change in their daily routines. I know it's not for everyone, but it is always good to have an alternative option. It's about making sure people have the right information to be able to make the choice if it's appropriate for them. Daisy Hill holds a very special place in my heart and I was delighted it was the second of five of these important patient-centred roadshows at units across Northern Ireland, including Knockbreda Wellbeing Centre last Sunday, Omagh Hospital, today, Altnagelvin Hospital, June 10, and Antrim Area Hospital, also June 10. It was lovely to see everyone working together on Tuesday to help promote options for patients - from the wonderful clinical team to patients on home dialysis who were advocating and explaining the benefits. A special well done to William Johnston of Kidney Care UK for leading the way with a series of roadshows across Northern Ireland - he's always working hard to help kidney patients. That's it for another busy week - the first cut of the silage is all gathered in on the farm and I was able to watch the tractors going in and out of the yard as they busied about their work, both night and day! I've also found a novel new way of keeping an eye on the cattle for dad - I've been driving down through the sheds to check the cattle in our JCB Quad ... always taking care of myself. Catch you next week. DUP MP Gregory Campbell has given a cautious welcome to the decision by a newly-elected Sinn Fein mayor to attend a service in Coleraine commemorating the victims of an IRA bomb attack. Brenda Chivers, who was elected to the top position on Causeway Coast and Glens Council on Monday, revealed yesterday that she had formally accepted an invitation to the event, which will take place on Sunday. The remembrance service will mark the 45th anniversary of the 1973 IRA attack that killed six people and injured 33. Two car bombs exploded in Coleraine on June 12, 1973. One at Railway Road led to the loss of life and injuries, and the second minutes later in Hanover Place. Within hours of Ms Chivers' appointment East Londonderry MP Mr Campbell challenged her to attend the council-organised event in what he described as an "early credibility test" for the incoming mayor. Fellow Sinn Fein member of the council Sean McGlinchey served 18 years in prison for his role in the bombing. When a motion proposing the remembrance service was debated by the council, Sinn Fein representatives abstained. It was passed overwhelmingly by 28 votes to one. Ahead of her appointment as mayor, Ms Chivers had pledged to represent all sections of the community, adding that she would consider all invitations. Yesterday she said: "I said I would give due consideration to all invitations when I was elected mayor. "I will be attending Sunday's remembrance service for the victims of the Coleraine bomb." In response Mr Campbell praised her for sticking to her pledge, but urged Sinn Fein to do more to break with its record of "commemorating terror". "While I welcome the news that councillor Brenda Chivers has given a commitment to attend events to mark the 45th anniversary since the Coleraine bombing, it is important that Sinn Fein recognise the hurt and pain caused by the IRA's brutal campaign of terror," he said. Referring to previous comments he had made that it would be "backward and unacceptable" for any mayor to "justify or defend a terrorist atrocity", he urged the party to build on Ms Chivers' gesture. "There is an opportunity now for Sinn Fein to demonstrate by their actions, not just their words, that they intend to move away from commemorating terror to the point where they could, with some credibility, stand with the innocent victims of terror rather than stand with its perpetrators," he said. "Given the part played in that atrocity by her Sinn Fein council colleague, I trust that now is the time for her to acknowledge the innocent victims of IRA terrorism and show respect towards them." In recent months Sinn Fein has come under attack from unionists who accused republicans of supporting a number of public events that they claimed set out to "glorify" the IRA. Last month Colin Worton, whose brother Kenneth was killed in the Kingsmill massacre, hit out at the party after it organised a commemoration in honour of IRA hunger striker Raymond McCreesh. Mr Worton accused Sinn Fein of having "glorified" McCreesh's memory. He claimed it was further proof the party had "not really changed" since the Barry McElduff incident. Mr McElduff resigned as Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP in January after posting a video with a Kingsmill loaf on his head on the anniversary of the massacre in which 10 Protestant workmen were shot dead by the IRA. Arlene Foster has distanced herself from comments made by her party colleague Jim Wells comparing the UK's abortion legislation to the Holocaust. (PA) Arlene Foster has distanced herself from comments made by her party colleague Jim Wells comparing the availability of abortion in the UK to the Holocaust. On Tuesday MLA Jim Wells, who had the party whip withdrawn last month over criticism of the DUP leadership, said on BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show more people had died through abortion in the United Kingdom since 1967 than during the Holocaust. Around six million Jews died in Concentration Camps run by the Nazi regime during the second world war. Speaking to UTV, Mrs Foster said: "I think it is the wrong use of language and again it brings us back to the fact that this is a very emotive issue and people need to be aware of that when they are discussing it." During his radio appearance, Mr Wells was asked by host Nolan if it was fair to draw a comparison with the Nazis. "I think the numbers are a fair comparison because these human beings have been killed," the South Down MLA said. "I said yes in the sense that the number of human beings who have been killed in the rest of the UK far exceed the ghastly concentration camps of Germany." "These are human beings, they are people who have been killed in the womb. I don't support the killing of any human being and abortion has got completely out of control in the United Kingdom. "200,000 human beings are killed each year. I believe the child in the womb is a person, a person who's got rights and a person who is given no choice when the decision is made to terminate their lives." "98.8% of these people are healthy normal babies." The possibility of a new Assembly election is "under review", the Government spokesperson has said. A spokesperson for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland made the comments in response to criticism from Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle O'Neill who accused the Government of having "no strategy for restoring the political institutions" in Northern Ireland. Read More Mrs ONeill also criticised the Secretary of State Karen Bradley calling her "disingenuous". "The Governments priority remains the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State is engaging closely with the political parties and the Irish Government, as appropriate, towards that end," a Government spokesperson said. "In the absence of devolved government, the Government has a responsibility to provide good governance and ensure the continuing delivery of public services in Northern Ireland. Thats why we intervened reluctantly to set budget allocations for NI departments for 2018-19. "The Secretary of State continues to keep under review her statutory obligation to call an Assembly Election. She is now considering options and will set out next steps in due course." Northern Ireland's last Assembly election took place in March 2017, with Sinn Fein coming within 1 seat of DUP. Michelle O'Neill said there was no indication that the Secretary of State was serious about re-storing the institutions. Comments by the British Secretary of State Karen Bradley that her priority is to re-establish the political institutions in the north are glib and disingenuous and theres no evidence to support her assertion," the Mid Ulster MLA said. It has been clear since February that the British government has no strategy for restoring the political institutions in the north and that their priority is their pact with the DUP at Westminster. Expand Close Michelle O'Neill PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Michelle O'Neill They have adopted a do-nothing approach since the DUP walked away from a deal in February. Their inaction gives cover and tacit support support for the DUPs shameful denial of rights, womens rights, LGBT rights, language rights and the right of victims affected by the legacy of the past." She said that the Government was ignoring the people of Northern Ireland to ensure their own self-preservation. The north is fast becoming a political and social backwater as a result of the British governments support for the DUPs denial of rights available to citizens everywhere else on these islands," Mrs O'Neill said. This is the price that Theresa May and Karen Bradley are prepared to pay for their own political survival. Sinn Fein wants to see the immediate restoration of the political institutions." The Mid Ulster MLA reiterated her call for a British Irish Intergovernmental Conference to be convened. In the absence of a local assembly and executive the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference should meet as a matter of urgency as provided for under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement to remove the obstacles to power-sharing and ensure the equivalence of rights and equality issues in the north, that exist in Britain and the South, including the critical issue of womens right to appropriate, modern and compassionate health care," she said. A former Presbyterian Moderator slammed the current level of public comment and debate in an address yesterday to the General Assembly in Belfast. The Very Reverend Dr Norman Hamilton, who is the Church's convenor of the council for public affairs, said: "All too often language is used that is demeaning, slippery and sometimes downright vulgar. "We seem to be building a politics that is almost devoid of consistent Christian or Gospel values. "We are in an environment where we worship the ever-changing god of personal choice and political preference, and where the Biblical commandment to the common good with shared national and community values has almost disappeared. "This is one of the core reasons why the so-called progressive politics of abortion and assisted dying/euthanasia are so deeply disturbing." Dr Hamilton pointed out that "the elected representatives about whom there is so much frustration and disappointment were given their responsibilities by hundreds of thousands of ordinary people, including those of us here in the Assembly". The General Assembly passed a strongly-worded resolution expressing its "deep concern and frustration about the prolonged absence of an Executive in Northern Ireland, the resulting stagnation in public policy, and the negative effects on the most vulnerable in society". It repeated the call "for all involved in the political process to find a resolution that establishes good and stable government based on good working relationships". The General Assembly also noted "with concern the sense of disillusionment and low morale" in schools, and called on politicians to set aside differences to provide strong leadership and clarity for a way forward for education. The General Assembly affirmed the "important role" of religious education and the encouragement of time-tabling and resourcing "to reflect its fundamental value to school life". Andrew Brown, the convenor of the state education committee, told the Assembly: "Morale is at the lowest point that I have seen in my two-and-a-half decades involved in the education profession. "Those who should be making decisions feel that they can't, while those who should be implementing those decisions have neither the resources nor the support to do so." Mr Brown added: "We need our politicians back in post, back at their desks, and back making the big and difficult decisions." DUP MLA Jim Wells has said that more people have been killed through abortion in the United Kingdom since 1967 than died during the holocaust. Mr Wells, who had the party whip withdrawn last month over criticism of the DUP leadership, was speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show on Wednesday. Read More Around six million Jews died in Concentration Camps run by the far-right Nazi regime during the second world war. The show was holding a discussion on comments from DUP MP Sammy Wilson who said following aborted fetuses were "discarded and put in a bin." Host Stephen Nolan and Mr Wells were joined by journalist Malachi O'Doherty. "What comes across is a huge cultural division between the DUP's attitude to abortion and moral issues and the ordinary British parliamentarian," Mr O'Doherty said. "If the DUP does (see abortion as murder) then you are saying that these people are effectively like the Nazi's, that there's something worse than the holocaust happening in England." "I don't think he's too far wrong," Mr Wells replied. "9.2m people have had their lives terminated through abortion in Britain since 1967, that is actually more than the number of lives murdered in concentration camps. "It is a ghastly situation. We are killing human beings. These are sentient human beings that have every right to life and every right to be protected." Host Stephen Nolan asked Mr Wells if it was fair comparison to draw with the Nazis. "I think the numbers are a fair comparison because these human beings have been killed," the South Down MLA said. "I said yes in the sense that the number of human beings who have been killed in the rest of the UK far exceed the ghastly concentration camps of Germany." "These are human beings, they are people who have been killed in the womb. I don't support the killing of any human being and abortion has got completely out of control in the United Kingdom. "200,000 human beings are killed each year. I believe the child in the womb is a person, a person who's got rights and a person who is given no choice when the decision is made to terminate their lives." "98.8% of these people are healthy normal babies." Later in the programme Mr Wells clarified that he didn't believe women who had abortions were like Nazis but that the number of lives lost was comparable. He called it a "staggering loss of life". South Down MP Chris Hazzard criticised Mr Wells' comments on Twitter. "I'm happy to say that Jim Wells archaic views do not reflect the vast, vast majority of #SouthDown community," Mr Hazzard said. "He is increasingly unfit to be a political representative in 2018." The last surviving child of Sir Norman Stronge - the former Stormont Speaker murdered by the IRA 37 years ago - has passed away at the age of 93. Evelyn Elizabeth Olivier (nee Stronge), known as Evie, was the second of four children born to Sir Norman - who was brutally killed at his Co Armagh home in 1981 - and his wife, Gladys Olive Hall. Born on February 12, 1925, in Aghadowey, Co Londonderry, Evie spent her early years in the north west. Her father - who would become a prominent member of the Ulster Unionist Party - was working at the time for her grandfather, Charles Stronge, a land agent to one of the Guilds of Londonderry. It was a place she would fondly look back on in her later years, cherishing her times spent there with her older sister, Daphne, and her infant sister, Rosemary, Sir Norman's third child who tragically died during the late 1920s, aged just two, from a sudden illness. By the following decade, Sir Norman brought Evie and her remaining siblings back to the family ancestral home at Tynan Abbey in Co Armagh after the death of his father's third cousin, Sir James Stronge. The family believed it was important for a younger generation of Stronges to live at the abbey, in order to bring some life back to the historic estate. The Stronges were very happy back in Tynan for a number of years - it was the place where Sir Norman and Gladys welcomed the birth of their only son, James. As a child, Evie was schooled at the local Milford Girls' Prep School, but was later sent across the Irish Sea to England were she attended Bedgebury Park, Kent. Her education there, however, was disrupted only a year later when the outbreak of the Second World War prompted her return to Co Armagh. Towards the end of the war, when she was old enough, Evie followed in her sister Daphne's footsteps by joining the Women's Royal Naval Service, known as WRENS. She had to make weekly trips to Belfast, alongside women from the local Fruitfield jam factory who were also in the WRENS. Once the war was over, Evie spent more than three years travelling throughout Australia and New Zealand, while funding her journey by working as a nanny. On her return to Northern Ireland she met the man she was to marry, Brigadier Charles Olivier, the second cousin of world-famous actor, Laurence Olivier. Evie became stepmother to Charles' three children, Carol, Katherine and Robert. Their happiness, however, was shattered in later years by the loss of her mother, Gladys, in 1980. Tragedy was to strike the family again a year later when, on January 21, 1981, two members of the Provisional IRA broke into Tynan Abbey, and shot dead Sir Norman, then aged 86, and Evie's 48-year-old brother James, as they watched television in the library. The terrorists then set the abbey alight, leaving the landmark in ruins. It was demolished in 1998. Having established a new life in England, Evie made her home in Hampshire after her husband retired from the army. Sadly, she was to lose Charles to dementia in 2010. Seven years later, Evie was also to succumb to the onset of the condition, as well as enduring failing health. She would later return to Co Armagh, where she spent the last eight months of her life. She passed away peacefully on May 3. Her funeral was held in Hampshire at St Mary's Church, Amport, on May 28. Evie's life will be remembered locally at a service of thanksgiving at St Vindic's Parish Church, Tynan this Sunday at noon. Police have arrested a man in connection with the murder of an RUC officer in 1997. Police have released a man detained in connection with the murder of an RUC constable shot dead in a Belfast bar. The man in his 40s was arrested on Wednesday morning. He has been released pending a report to the PPS. Constable Darren Bradshaw was shot dead in the Parliament Bar in Belfast's Dunbar Street on Friday May 9 1997. It was reported at the time that two men entered the premises and while one stayed in the lobby, the other entered the bar and shot Constable Bradshaw three times. The men escaped in a red Toyota car. Constable Bradshaw died at the scene. Detective Inspector Debbie Eakin confirmed Mr Bradshaws family had been made aware of the arrest. From left, Jamie Coffey, Evie McKeown, Thomas McIlwaine and Oliver McIlwaine join the new Lord Mayor of Belfast, Deirdre Hargey on her first official engagement to launch the UK Pipe Band Championships which will take place at Stormont Estate on Saturday, 16 June. For event details go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/pipebands Belfast's new Lord Mayor alleged Robert McCartney's murder had nothing to do with republicans - and said claiming otherwise was part of a media and political "onslaught" against Sinn Fein. In an RTE interview in February 2005, Deirdre Hargey denied any connection between the republican movement and Mr McCartney's stabbing the previous month outside Magennis's bar in Belfast. A fortnight later, the IRA admitted two of its members were involved in the murder of the Short Strand father-of-two. In the RTE interview at a Sinn Fein rally in Belfast's Hilton Hotel, Ms Hargey said her heart went out to the McCartney family. She continued: "But you have to keep in mind, and the leadership has confirmed as well as the IRA, that republicans had nothing to do with this, and again this is part of the onslaught by the media and governments and political parties to criminalise Sinn Fein and the republican movement. And people now are angered at these accusations." RTE later said Ms Hargey hadn't mentioned during the interview that she had been in Magennis's on the night of the murder. Mr McCartney's family have called on her to meet them and disputed her claim that she did all she could to help them. On Monday, Ms Hargey said she had "fully complied" with the police investigation. The PSNI had not asked to interview her but she would be willing to talk to detectives if requested, she added. The McCartneys insisted she should have voluntarily gone to the police after the murder. Catherine McCartney last night said: "If a unionist politician was in a bar on the night a Catholic was murdered by the UVF or UDA, Sinn Fein would be demanding answers." TUV leader Jim Allister said: "Councillor Hargey claims she wants to be Lord Mayor for all. Well, let her start with the McCartney family who have so rightly called her out over the murder of their brother, arising from a fracas in a bar where Councillor Hargey was present but claims, like 70 others, to have seen nothing. "It confirms the type of party Sinn Fein is that elevation to first citizen of Belfast is bestowed on one who needs to answer the legitimate questions of Robert McCartney's family." DUP councillor Lee Reynolds called on Sinn Fein to explain why it had nominated Ms Hargey as Lord Mayor "in the full knowledge of the circumstances of the McCartney murder" and the hurt it knew that decision would cause. He added: "The voice that must be heard and given primacy in these circumstances must be the McCartney family. The Lord Mayor's response to their calls will be a crucial test of her term." A fraud case against the former boss of a failed public body set to attract top show business and sporting stars to Northern Ireland runs to more than 4,000 pages, a court heard today. Lawyers for ex-NI Events Company chief executive Janice McAleese and a co-accused revealed they are seeking exceptional legal aid due to the volume and complexity of the proceedings. McAleese, 54, ran the now defunct quango which received cash from Stormont to promote concerts, motor sport races and other major events. Controlled by the former Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, the company folded back in 2007, leaving debts in the region of 1.6m. Since then several board members have accepted directors disqualifications. McAleese, of Elvanfoot in Lanarkshire, faces charges of conspiracy to defraud and misconduct in public office between October 2004 and January 2006. Court documents allege she dishonestly caused or permitted excessive fees to be paid to Damian Fleming or Schism Ltd. It is also claimed that she "deceived the board of the Northern Ireland Events Company in relation to a funding agreement for 160,000 and payments to others". Fleming is charged with charged with conspiracy to defraud and aiding or abetting misconduct in public office between the same dates. The 53-year-old, of Station Road in Maghera, Co Derry, allegedly aided in the 160,000 funding agreement deception. Neither defendant was present as the case was mentioned at Belfast Magistrates' Court. Fleming's barrister, Joe Brolly, told the court 4,500 pages of documents have been served on defence lawyers by the prosecution. He requested a three-month adjournment for time to obtain the level of legal aid needed to go through all the papers. "It took the Department three years to investigate this case," Mr Brolly said. He added that a probe by auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers into the NI Events Company's affairs cost up to 1.4m. "This case is extremely complex," Mr Brolly insisted. District Judge Fiona Bagnall was also told defence teams have yet to decide if they will seek to have the prosecution halted before it reaches trial. She agreed to adjourn proceedings until August 29. Northern Ireland Secretary of State Karen Bradley has said she personally backs abortion reform - but the Assembly must be restored to consider the issue to avoid disenfranchising 1.8 million people. Ms Bradley confirmed that if abortion came before the House of Commons then a free vote would take place, as it is a "matter of conscience". But she insisted her focus is on restoring Stormont, amid intense cross-party calls to liberalise Northern Ireland's abortion laws following the landslide pro-choice referendum victory in the Republic last month. Fellow Cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt went further, saying MPs had sent a message to Northern Ireland's politicians that if they do not act on the issue, "we will". Labour's Stella Creasy, leading an emergency Commons debate, said the proposal to repeal sections 58 and 59 of the Offences Against the Person Act (OAPA) 1861 - which criminalises abortion - would respect devolution and not change the abortion time limit or the role of medics. But the DUP's equality spokeswoman Emma Little-Pengelly told MPs: "What this proposal would do would be to impose on the people of Northern Ireland one of the most liberal abortion regimes anywhere in the world - abortion on demand up to 24 weeks - in the absence of a regime or guidelines because currently those do not exist and if this went ahead there would be nothing there apart from the legality and decriminalisation up to 24 weeks." Walthamstow MP Ms Creasy argued she was not proposing any particular law but repealing existing UK legislation that would require Northern Ireland to act. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn earlier hit out at the DUP after it insisted Westminster should not meddle with Northern Ireland's strict abortion regime, insisting the UK Parliament has a responsibility to respect human rights standards. DUP leader Arlene Foster has said that abortion is a devolved matter and should only be dealt with by the Assembly, which is currently suspended. Speaking in the Commons for the Government, Ms Bradley said she personally wanted to see reform, but said it was "a matter for the people of Northern Ireland". She said: "This is a matter of conscience: a free vote on this issue in this House would be afforded if the matter of abortion comes before the House again, and the same applies in Northern Ireland. "That is why the Government, like its predecessors, believes that the best forum to debate and resolve these and many other matters is a locally elected Northern Ireland Assembly, so the Government's priority remains to urgently re-establish strong, inclusive, devolved government at the earliest opportunity." Concluding, Ms Bradley stressed the need for the Assembly to consider the issue and listen to the views of the people. She added: "Or, as (Tory MP Maria Miller) suggested, we are in danger of disenfranchising 1.8m citizens of the United Kingdom." Ms Bradley added: "The Prime Minister has been clear in her support for women's rights in respect of access to safe abortions and she welcomed the referendum result in Ireland. "We are in agreement that the best way forward for Northern Ireland is through locally accountable politicians making important decisions through devolution, and for the people of Northern Ireland to have their say on the devolved issues which affect their daily lives." DUP chief whip Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said 100,000 people are alive in Northern Ireland today because the Abortion Act 1967 was not accepted. "I am proud of that pro-life position, I am proud of the fact that there are so many people alive in Northern Ireland today because we have a law that respects the rights of both women and of the unborn child and we will maintain that position." He said the law in Northern Ireland had been shown to reduce the number of abortions in the jurisdiction, and said: "For that reason I am very thoughtful about any change in the law in Northern Ireland." Sir Jeffrey added: "There are strong voices on both sides of this debate, this is a devolved issue - it should be left to the people of Northern Ireland to decide." DUP MP Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) was heckled as he insisted the laws "do reflect the views of the people" in Northern Ireland. Mr Wilson said: "We have people today in Northern Ireland who are rearing families, who are contributing to society, who are building their businesses, who are working in our factories, who are sitting in our schools, who otherwise, if we had had the legislation which exists here in the rest of the United Kingdom, would have been discarded and put in a bin before they were ever born." The Presbyterian Church has voted to loosen its affiliation with the Church of Scotland over its stance on the issue of same-sex relationships. The Presbyterian Church has voted to loosen its affiliation with the Church of Scotland over its stance on the issue of same-sex relationships. As a result, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland will no longer extend an invitation to the head of the Church of Scotland to attend its General Assembly in Belfast. A vote was taken at the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, passing by 255 to 171. Current Church of Scotland Rev Susan Brown attended the vote, appealing for attendees to reject the motion. Members also voted to no longer invite the moderator of the United Reformed Church to its General Assembly. In a statement on Wednesday evening, General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Rev Trevor Gribben said the vote was significant because "it demonstrated that a majority of Assembly members felt that both denominations have drifted far from biblical truth in relation to marriage, and were in fact ignoring the authority of Scripture." "Both are now moving towards a position where so called same sex marriage can be performed in the context of their worship services. Our Church is very clear that marriage, as defined in Gods Word, is between one man and one woman and significantly it is Gods Word that is authoritative," he said. After the vote Church of Scotland's Rev Brown expressed disappointment, saying it would drive people away from Christianity. "To a world which doesnt understand the nuances of particular theological stances, todays decision will be yet another reason to stay away from religion and from Christianity in particular," she said. News of the impending publication came as Theresa May clashed with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn at Prime Ministers Questions over the Governments Brexit plans (PA Wire/PA Images) UK proposals for a backstop arrangement to keep the Irish border open after Brexit are to be published shortly, Downing Street has said. The document is expected to set out a time-limited arrangement under which the UK would remain within elements of the EUs customs union, in the event that it is unable to agree a preferred solution for Northern Ireland. The proposal threatens to test Cabinet unity, with ardent Brexiteers like David Davis reported to be pushing for a provision to ensure the UK can withdraw unilaterally. News of the impending publication came as Theresa May clashed with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn at Prime Ministers Questions over the Governments Brexit plans. After the PM refused to reveal when she will publish the Governments long-awaited Brexit White Paper or announce its preferred customs option, Mr Corbyn said she had delivered more delays and more cancellations on the issue than the troubled Northern Rail service. And he won cheers from Labour MPs by asking whether Mrs Mays premiership would survive longer than Northerns franchise. Mrs May repeated her pledge to avoid a hard border in Ireland and accused Labour of seeking to frustrate the Brexit process at every stage. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Time is running out for the UK to set out its backstop plans ahead of a summit of EU leaders in Brussels on June 28-29. The latest round of official negotiations conclude on Friday, but it was unclear whether the document will be published when Mrs Mays Brexit war cabinet meets on Thursday ahead of her departure for the G7 summit in Canada. Senior Government sources said the war cabinet had agreed what the backstop policy would look like at a meeting last week, but it is thought the final text was only distributed to ministers on Wednesday morning. Downing Street declined to confirm details of the fallback option, and stressed that the Government does not expect it ever to come into effect, as ministers believe a mutually acceptable arrangement can be agreed before the UKs withdrawal from the EU. Meanwhile, rebel MPs from both sides of the House of Commons are pushing for a Norway-style Brexit agreement which would keep the UK in the single market. Both Mrs May and Mr Corbyn have rejected such a deal, but pro-EU MPs claimed remaining in the European Economic Area (EEA) would be the best Brexit deal for jobs and businesses. The issue will be voted on by MPs when the EU Withdrawal Bill returns to the House of Commons on June 12, with Labour divisions exposed by a shadow cabinet amendment which calls for the UK to negotiate full access to the EU internal market but stops short of backing EEA membership. Party critics have accused the frontbench of bailing out the Prime Minister from a potential rebellion on the single market. At least 12 Conservatives have signalled their support for a future in the EEA in an amendment to the separate Trade Bill. But shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said EEA membership was too divisive in the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP). "Only way we can win a vote is if Labour are all united and vote together to defeat the government" says @Keir_Starmer before crunch Brexit amendment votes in the Commons next week #r4today BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) June 6, 2018 Asked if he was putting party unity before his beliefs about what is right for the country, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Im injecting some honesty about where we are in the Labour Party. Labour MP Chuka Umunna told the Press Association he would rebel on Tuesday to support the EEA amendment and a large number of Labour colleagues would do the same. Every single MP needs to make their own decision about this in the national interest and in the interest of their own constituents, he said. This is one of those issues where if you just blindly follow orders people will not forgive you. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Former shadow chancellor Chris Leslie said: We should not be in the business of bailing out Theresa May when shes facing rebellion on the single market. Pro-EU Tory Anna Soubry, who supports the EEA option, said a majority of MPs would back remaining in the single market if it was put to a free vote but a culture of fear was preventing them from speaking out. At an Open Britain event, she said that Tories at all levels of government including in the Cabinet supported an EEA deal. They will not speak out, they will not be true to what they believe in, she said. That has got to change, we cannot allow this culture of fear that has developed to continue any longer. Labour has rejected proposals for a Norway-style relationship with the European Union because the party is too divided on the issue, the shadow Brexit secretary has said. Sir Keir Starmer has ruled out backing measures that would see the UK remain in the European Economic Area (EEA) after Brexit and instead proposed an alternative plan. The official Labour amendments to the Brexit Bill call on Theresa May to make maintaining full access to the EU internal market an objective of the negotiations with Brussels. Party critics have accused the frontbench of bailing out the Prime Minister from a potential rebellion on the single market. But Sir Keir said the EEA amendment to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill that will go before MPs on Monday was too divisive in the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP). He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: The difficulty with that, and I think everybody recognises this, is that there are very strong and very different views across the PLP on that particular amendment. So, whilst theres unity on all the others and we will all be voting together, on that amendment there are very divided views. Asked if he was putting party unity before his beliefs about what is right for the country, he replied: Im injecting some honesty about where we are in the Labour Party. "Only way we can win a vote is if Labour are all united and vote together to defeat the government" says @Keir_Starmer before crunch Brexit amendment votes in the Commons next week #r4today BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) June 6, 2018 Sir Keir said Labour MP Chuka Umunna and other party critics of the approach knew that this amendment does not command that support in their own party. I wish I could report complete unity on all amendments but we are not in that position. Sir Keir said the amendment was very contentious and claimed it was a pretence that everyone in the party was in the same place on it. It really doesnt help, he added. Labour tables amendments to Brexit legislation to force ministers to secure new single market deal - @Keir_Starmer https://t.co/BAvd0Evv4y Labour Press (@labourpress) June 5, 2018 Former shadow chancellor Chris Leslie said: We should not be in the business of bailing out Theresa May when shes facing rebellion on the single market. We should not be in the business of bailing out Theresa May when shes facing rebellion on the Single Market https://t.co/NPN1IgLvUF Chris Leslie (@ChrisLeslieUK) June 5, 2018 Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP Neil Coyle added: Many of us will be supporting the EEA amendment from Lords. Not any lesser alternative. Many of us will be supporting the EEA amendment from Lords. Not any lesser alternative. One chance to win next week. We must take it. https://t.co/z1PcLHJpkX Neil Coyle (@coyleneil) June 5, 2018 Ex-cabinet minister Ben Bradshaw said Tory MPs would not vote for a Labour frontbench amendment and if the party is serious about avoiding a hard Brexit we must vote for the existing backbench cross-party Lords amendment. Chuka Umunna a supporter of the pro-EU Open Britain campaign said: All the way through the passage of this Bill, the only amendments which have commanded support on both sides of the House and passed are cross-party backbench ones. So, if we are serious about protecting full access to the internal market of the EU and ensuring no new impediments to trade, logic dictates Labour MPs should be whipped to support the cross-party EEA amendment sent to us by the House of Lords. Brexit minister Suella Braverman said: Labour have shattered their promise to respect the referendum result this amendment means accepting free movement and continuing to follow EU rules with absolutely no say in them, which is the worst of all worlds. Brexit Secretary David Davis is set to make a speech on his hopes for the future security partnership between the UK and the EU. The intervention comes after a bruising row over the Galileo satellite programme and European arrest warrant which saw Mr Davis suggest Brussels was concerned with public posturing and scoring points rather than resolving the issues. The Prince of Wales with Charles Dance and Len Goodman during a reception for Age UK at Buckingham Palace (John Stillwell/PA) The Prince of Wales met ballroom dancer and Age UK ambassador Len Goodman at a Buckingham Palace charity event. Charles met representatives and workers from the charity at a reception on Wednesday as part of his 70th birthday celebrations. Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman said it is important to help older people suffering from loneliness. Older people can be isolated and dont see anyone and were trying to make the public aware that its not a big job to pop two doors along and make sure theyre OK, he said. Im fortunate to have a son and loving wife but I can well imagine if I didnt have that how lonely you can get. Expand Close The Prince of Wales meets Jane Asher and Lesley Joseph (John Stillwell/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Prince of Wales meets Jane Asher and Lesley Joseph (John Stillwell/PA) Birds of a Feather actress Lesley Joseph said Age UK does fantastic work supporting older people. My mother was in a care home and I saw a lot of people in there who never got a visitor and that really broke my heart, that anyone could get to the later part of their lives and have nobody, she added. It can be so easily overcome, if you know somebody on your street to offer to do shopping or go for a coffee. Games Of Thrones actor Charles Dance read the poem Time Flies by Roger McGough before Charles was presented with a plant pot sown with herb seeds symbolising ageing. So enjoy the adventure, Time flies as they say. English actor Charles Dance reads a poem written by Roger McGough about age for the @Age_UK reception at Buckingham Palace this evening. pic.twitter.com/SSYWxqLkaB The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) June 6, 2018 Actor Jane Asher, Age UK ambassador, said she has no plans to retire and that staying in work can help keep people active. She added: I will keep going until I fall off the stage. I feel lucky to be doing a job that I enjoy so many people long for retirement but I cant imagine it. Charity worker Ted Davies, 80, said he was based at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire while Charles was having flying lessons as a jet pilot. I never actually met him but I waved to him a lot of times I would give him a thumbs up to go and he would give a thumbs up back, he added. I enjoyed meeting him today and found him charming we reminisced about those times. The Prince of Wales speaks to Dame Penelope Wilton and Kate Adie. Leaders from a variety of sectors, including the arts, science, business and philanthropy, as well as valued supporters and partners of @age_uk. pic.twitter.com/5UBtBtLEZr The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) June 6, 2018 Charles also met charity worker and activist Ruth Rose, 85, who champions transgender rights after having realignment surgery at the age of 81. She said: I do broadcasting and write articles and act as an ambassador for older transgender people and what they can do. I started living as a woman eight to 10 years ago and had the operation at 81, I think Im the oldest person in the world to have had it. The first 617 Squadron F-35B, Lightning II aircraft making their way across the Atlantic ocean to their new home at RAF Marham (SAC Nicholas Egan/PA) Britains formidable fighters, the F-35 Lightning warplanes, have touched down on UK soil and are set to keep the country safe from the gravest of dangers, the Defence Secretary has said. The multimillion-pound supersonic aircraft have been stationed in America since their manufacture, being tested and used for training by Royal Air Force and Royal Navy pilots. Four of the jets, which had been based at US Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, crossed the Atlantic in a journey more than eight hours long to become permanently stationed in the UK. Landing at RAF Marham in Norfolk, the home base of the F-35, the fighter jets touched down two months ahead of schedule at around 8pm, with the officer commanding 617 squadron, Wing Commander John Butcher, doing so first. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: These formidable fighters are a national statement of our intent to protect ourselves and our allies from intensifying threats across the world. With a game-changing ability to collect crucial intelligence, fight wars and tackle terrorism, these are the most advanced jets in British history. This is the jets refuelling off the coast of Canada this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/DGwhI7B8l2 Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) June 6, 2018 The work thats gone into their early arrival shows they have the people to match. Our defence industry and military have always been at the very forefront of technology, and todays momentous arrival of these incredible jets shows we are upholding our proud tradition of innovation while keeping Britain safe from the gravest of dangers. RAF Air cadets, military personnel, as well as the families of those from 617 squadron and the wider base lined up on the edge of the taxiway to watch the wheels hit the tarmac. Ahead of @thef35's first touch down at it's new home at @RAFMarhamMedia this evening, find out more about the Lightning and the role it will play for both the @RoyalAirForce and the @RoyalNavy #F35UK pic.twitter.com/K7Cwjy9cbK Defence Equipment & Support (@DefenceES) June 6, 2018 The four pilots, who were supported by an RAF voyager providing air-to-air refuelling across more than 3,000 miles of the Atlantic Ocean, were greeted by the Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier and other dignitaries. ACM Hillier said: In the RAFs centenary year, its great to see the most advanced and dynamic fighter jet in our history arrive today at RAF Marham and with the modern Dambusters in the cockpit, this homecoming truly feels like an historic moment in British airpower. If you cant see us coming, you wont be able to stop us, so with its stealth and other world-beating technologies the F-35 Lightning takes the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy to a whole a new level of capability. Expand Close The sign outside RAF Marham in Norfolk is changed ahead of the arrival of four new F-35 jets (Joe Giddens/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The sign outside RAF Marham in Norfolk is changed ahead of the arrival of four new F-35 jets (Joe Giddens/PA) The jets will be jointly operated by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy and will operate from land and sea, including off the decks of the new 3.1 billion Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. Britain currently has 15 F-35Bs the short take-off and vertical landing variant of the jets and has pledged to purchase 138 in total from American Aviation giant Lockheed Martin. First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones said: Ever since aircraft first operated to and from ships, the Royal Navy has been at the forefront of maritime aviation and the arrival of our first F35Bs in the UK today, flown by both RAF and Fleet Air Arm pilots, is another important milestone on the way to restoring our place as leaders in the field of aircraft carrier operations. "A transition from current to next generation combat air power." Group Captain Cab Townsend is looking forward to welcoming the new F-35B Lightnings to @RAFMarhamMedia. #F35UK pic.twitter.com/j41XIpLEAc Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) June 6, 2018 Once combined with our new aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and her sister ship HMS Prince of Wales, these extraordinary jets will sit at the heart of our countrys globally deployable expeditionary forces and provide the potent conventional deterrent we need to ensure our national security. Later this year F-35 flight trials will take place off the behemoth aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, seeing British pilots fly jointly owned test jets that are currently based at Patuxent River, Maryland, off the deck. A British backpacker helping with the harrowing volcano relief effort in Guatemala has described panic as a fresh eruption sparked an evacuation of areas surrounding the Volcan de Fuego. Late on Tuesday the Foreign Office updated its advice to Britons in the area as the volcano continued to go through a period of increased activity. A number of backpackers from the UK and Ireland are said to have volunteered to help with the relief effort in the wake of Sundays eruption which left at least 75 people dead. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Dean Kerlin, 32, from Londonderry, owns the Tropicana Hostel in the town from where a volunteer relief operation was being run. He told the Press Association: Its been a long couple of days. Ive got a big van at the hostel we use for tours, weve been using it to take supplies from Antigua. Everyones been pulling together, the travelling community, all the backpackers and holidaymakers. They have been donating their time and money to the cause, buying medical supplies and food and water for everybody who lost their homes. Along with volunteers from England, Sweden and Canada, he travelled to some of the smaller towns and villages to drop off supplies on Monday and Tuesday. The worst situations I have seen are the people who have lost their homes, lost everything. They have come from little towns, they are pretty poor, they didnt have an awful lot to begin with. A lot of them have lost family members. I was chatting to a guy who was driving one of the vans with supplies, he had lost four or five family members uncles, aunties, cousins but he was still helping out. He was fighting back tears while he was driving to the market to buy things. Mr Kerlin said he feels safe in Antigua, but added: Im not sure if thats just naivety. While the volunteers immediate efforts are focused on delivering essential supplies to those affected by the disaster, there are concerns for the long-term impact on the area. I dont think the villages will be the same again, he said. Matt Goldsmith, 22, was arriving in Alotenango, just over five miles from the volcano, when the thunderous activity began again on Tuesday. There was a lot of panic we had just arrived in Alotenango and had to turn around. A policeman told us the area was being evacuated, he told the Press Association. There was a traffic jam because the roads are not built for all the aid vehicles that have come to help. Expand Close Crops destroyed by ash in La Soledad following the deadly volcanic eruption in Guatemala (Matt Goldsmith/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Crops destroyed by ash in La Soledad following the deadly volcanic eruption in Guatemala (Matt Goldsmith/PA) Authorities raised the death toll from the weekends eruption on Tuesday, as rescue teams continued the grim search for the missing. Meanwhile, strong explosions blew ash more than 16,000 feet (5,000 metres) above sea level, with volcanic material blown over settlements to the east and north-east. Mr Goldsmith said: We heard the eruption, it sounds a lot like thunder every time I hear thunder I think not again. The weather has also been a problem, the heavy rain is a concern as mudslides are a risk. We are very much in the wet season now. Expand Close People watching as ambulances carrying bodies arrive in Alotenango on Monday (Matt Goldsmith/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp People watching as ambulances carrying bodies arrive in Alotenango on Monday (Matt Goldsmith/PA) The freelance journalist from Wilmslow, Cheshire, joined volunteers transporting supplies to towns and villages near the volcano. He said there were a number of people from the UK and Ireland volunteering with the relief effort, along with backpackers from the US, Canada and Europe. There have been a lot of ups and downs, some harrowing stuff and heart-warming stuff, he said. Weve been driving to the more isolated parts. We went to a village today where they did not have any running water and relied on rain water. Now they are completely without water because of the ash, they dont have food because all the crops are destroyed. The sulphur in the volcanic ash means they wont be able to grow anything. I saw a woman who had miscarried as she got out of one of the towns and in Alotenango they had coffins lined up in the centre outside. Expand Close Volunteers distributing supplies in La Soledad on Tuesday (Matt Goldsmith/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Volunteers distributing supplies in La Soledad on Tuesday (Matt Goldsmith/PA) According to relief workers, Sundays eruption blew a new hole in the side of the volcano, altering how it erupts significantly and raising the risk of deadly pyroclastic flows in previously unaffected areas. Meanwhile, volcanic ash falling on nearby villages and towns has seen people told to stay out of the rain due to high levels of sulphur in the air. This has hit the town of Antigua, where many of the volunteer relief workers are based. The Government has said it is treating a warning by the Dutch government to its countrys manufacturers to avoid British components as an extremely high priority. The Dutch are reported to have told their businesses they risk losing free trade access to the EU after Brexit if they source too many parts from the UK. Under EU rules of origin, at least 55% of a products components must come from within the EU if it is to qualify for free trade access. Treasury Minister Mel Stride said the issue had been raised at the highest levels of Government and that they were confident of resolving the issue as part of the ongoing Brexit negotiations. Weve certainly had in-depth conversations with a number of businesses around this issue of rules of origin. This is very high on our agenda, he told BBC Radio 4s World At One. It is an extremely high priority. It is one that I, the Chancellor, the Prime Minister and others are very much engaged with. Mr Stride said that ministers had until the end of the post-Brexit transition period which runs to the end of December 2020 to bottom out the issues. However shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner warned that would be too late for many UK firms. This is happening now. Companies are going to on the advice of the Dutch government stop using UK parts in their manufacture, he told World At One. That is a problem for our country and a problem for our manufacturers. The Government dont have a plan to deal with this. Smoke rises from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Knightsbridge, central London, after 97 firefighters were called to a fire (John Stillwell/PA) Nearly 100 firefighters have been called to a fire on the roof of a luxury hotel in an upmarket area of central London. London Fire Brigade said 15 engines and 97 firefighters and officers had been sent to the scene at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, in Knightsbridge, as huge plumes of thick black smoke could be seen rising into the sky. The 12-storey Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park completed the most extensive restoration in its 115-year history, according to a statement published by owner Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in May. All 181 bedrooms and suites are now more luxurious and comfortable than ever before and the buildings iconic facade was revitalised, the company said. The hotel is located between Hyde Park and the Knightsbridge shopping district, which includes Harrods. Firefighters are at the scene of a very visible fire in #Knightsbridge We've taken more than 35 calls to the blaze @sjm1910 https://t.co/Q8RMsTDSTf pic.twitter.com/7ZjTx9Z6DA London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) June 6, 2018 Eyewitnesses posted videos on social media showing the large column of smoke rising from the top of the building and people in nearby Hyde Park turning their heads towards the sky. One user called Arthur said: Looks really bad. Prayers to those inside. While another, Penelope Evans said: My wishes to anyone is are hurt or effected by this. Fire seen from hyde park right now. Looks really bad. Prayers to those inside. #HydePark pic.twitter.com/SP5pwNZU0d Arthur (@ArthurWilloughb) June 6, 2018 An LFB statement said: The Brigade was called at 3.55pm. Fire crews from Chelsea, Kensington, Hammersmith, Battersea and other surrounding fire stations are at the scene. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage. Transport for London said the Sloane Street entrance of the Knightsbridge Tube station had been closed due to the fire and customers were advised to leave by Harrods. London Ambulance Service and Metropolitan Police are also attending the scene. When Steve Brown saw his wedding ring fly off his finger and roll down through the cracks of a Philadelphia sewer grate, he would have been forgiven for thinking it was lost forever. However, he and his wife Erin, both 32, werent about to give up on a ring given to Steve by his grandfather and so began an adventure that has gone viral online heres how it goes. Feeling creative, the couple from Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, went to a local hardware store to craft a fishing rod with the hopes of hooking their precious quarry. He was told that nothing could be done until Monday when City Hall reopened, so we headed to Home Depot and created a makeshift fishing pole out of dowel rods and a clothes hanger. We headed back to 12th and Market to get what was ours. pic.twitter.com/I6XOoMzYTV Erin B. (@ErinJanune) June 4, 2018 Erin remarked that sewer grates in Philadelphia appeared to be filled with a lovely layer of cig butts, needles, condom wrappers, cash, credit cards, and a few sets of keys and this one was about 12 feet deep. The couple would go on to spend the next few hours face down on the grate, being given false hope early on after snagging a ring that alas was not the one they were looking for. In a series of tweets explaining the hunt, Erin said a host of strangers came to help them search, from tourists and cab drivers to homeless people and even a bachelor party. Eventually a policeman, Danny Leone, walked by and called the Philadelphia Energy company who sent the couples knight in shining armour Brian. Brian, full name Brian Daughton, descended heroically down into the grate as the couple laid down above to help him search. After what felt like an eternity, the flashlight hit a spot, wrote Erin. Gold. Shiny. Reflecting the light. Yesterday could have been an incredibly sad and disappointing day, but instead it became a shining example of generosity, perseverance, and what it means to live in the City of Brotherly Love, Erin wrote in her final tweet. Speaking to the Press Association, Erin said that the takeaway message form this tale was that there are wonderful people in the world. Also make sure your rings always fit properly, she added. Erin said the ring, which was cleaned as soon as they were near a sink, is at the jewellers now. Authorities in Guatemala have cautiously resumed search and rescue operations in towns and villages devastated by the eruption of the Volcano of Fire, with time quickly running out to find any survivors. Workers poked metal rods into the terrain to release smoke, an indication that super-hot temperatures remained below the surface three days after the volcanic explosion that killed at least 75 people. Once a verdant collection of canyons, hillsides and farms, the area was reduced to a moonscape of ash by the avalanche of fast-moving molten rock, mud, and debris. After a drone survey, police managed to reach a farm where a home had been buried and people were believed to have been trapped inside. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) At least 192 people are missing, and the death toll was sure to rise. At the wreckage in the village of San Miguel Los Lotes near the base of the volcano, rescue crews were operating again but rain from the previous night had caused the ash to harden. We are analysing the terrain, said David de Leon, spokesman for the disaster agency Conred. Expand Close The Volcan de Fuego continues to spew ash (Rodrigo Abd/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Volcan de Fuego continues to spew ash (Rodrigo Abd/AP) Authorities warned that the rain increased the chance of muddy flows of volcanic material and other debris. A red alert remained in place for the departments of Escuintla, Sacatepequez and Chimaltenango, and people were advised not to linger near the affected zones. Firefighters spokesman Julio Sanchez said on Tuesday that 72 hours after Sundays eruption there will be little chance of finding anyone alive. Expand Close Women pray for the safety of the rescue workers and the Guatemalan people in El Rodeo, Guatemala (Rodrigo Abd/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Women pray for the safety of the rescue workers and the Guatemalan people in El Rodeo, Guatemala (Rodrigo Abd/AP) We dont rule out the possibility of some person alive, but the condition in which the homes are makes that possibility pretty unlikely, Mr Sanchez said, adding that some of the ash was still at temperatures between 750 and 1,300F (400 and 700C). On Tuesday, frightened people living near the volcano fled with their children and few possessions when authorities warned of fresh flows of super-heated debris, taking no chances after they were given little time to evacuate before Sundays eruption. Traffic came to a standstill on choked roads and many without vehicles fled on foot, even from the city of Escuintla, which is located about 15 kilometres (10 miles) from the volcano and was not under an evacuation order. Expand Close A rescue worker carries a flock of farm birds rescued from homes destroyed by the Volcan de Fuego (Rodrigo Abd/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A rescue worker carries a flock of farm birds rescued from homes destroyed by the Volcan de Fuego (Rodrigo Abd/AP) Businesses throughout the area were shuttered as owners joined the flood of those evacuating. Mirna Priz wept as she sat on a rock at a crossroads, her suitcase in front of her and her 11-year-old son Allen and their terrier mix Cara Sucia by her side. You feel powerless, she said. I dont know where Im going to go. To leave my things, everything I have. Expand Close Residents evacuate after a new flow of searing hot volcanic material moved down the slopes of the Volcano of Fire in Escuintla, Guatemala (Oliver de Ros/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Residents evacuate after a new flow of searing hot volcanic material moved down the slopes of the Volcano of Fire in Escuintla, Guatemala (Oliver de Ros/AP) But after seeing what happened on Sunday, she was afraid to stay. Also among those fleeing was Pantaleon Garcia, who was able to load his grandchildren into the back of a pickup with a jug of water and some food. They were heading to the homes of relatives in another town. You have to be prepared, for the children, he said. Mr Johnson joined the finance ministers of France and Germany in the call (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The UK, France and Germany have joined forces to urge the United States to exempt European companies from any sanctions the US will slap on Iran after pulling out of an international nuclear agreement. In a letter to US treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin and secretary of state Mike Pompeo, ministers from the three European countries, including Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, said they strongly regret President Donald Trumps decision last month to withdraw from the Iran deal. Mr Trump has said sanctions will be imposed on any company doing business with Tehran. Expand Close Mr Trump announced last month that the US would withdraw from the deal (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mr Trump announced last month that the US would withdraw from the deal (AP) The three European countries were also signatories of the 2015 deal, which was meant to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. In their letter, the ministers said that as close allies we expect that the extraterritorial effects of US secondary sanctions will not be enforced on EU entities and individuals, and the United States will thus respect our political decision and the good faith of economic operators within EU legal territory. The ministers, including French finance minister Bruno Le Maire and his German counterpart Olaf Scholz, said they want the US to grant exemptions for EU companies that have been doing business with Iran since the deal came into force in 2016. We ask the American authorities, in a letter signed with Germany, the UK and @eu_eeas to exempt European businesses doing legitimate trade in Iran from all extraterritorial American sanctions. Those businesses must be able to pursue their activities. pic.twitter.com/mDZP42gb0b Bruno Le Maire (@BrunoLeMaire) June 6, 2018 They also said Iran should not be cut out of the SWIFT system for international money transfers. Many companies from Europe and the US have been steadily building up their investments in Iran in the past few years in the wake of the nuclear deal, particularly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, banking and oil. Mr Le Maire tweeted that EU businesses must be able to pursue their activities. The result of the May 25 referendum on the repeal of the eighth amendment to the Irish constitution was a defining event in the history of contemporary Ireland. The rejection of the eighth amendment represents the decisive ascendency of an aggressive secularism in Ireland and the rejection of the Christian ethos that has defined Irish culture for nearly 1,500 years. It is a strange phenomenon that Ireland, at its most advanced economically and educationally, has decided to reject the rich, life-affirming values that historically made Ireland an "Isle of Saints and Scholars" - that is, a place of spirituality and intellectual exploration. There was little spirituality or intellectual depth shown in consideration of the issues during the campaign for the repeal of the eighth. Despite extensive medical-scientific evidence that demonstrated the sentient nature of the baby in the womb at a very early stage, the physical life of the unborn child was either redefined as a cluster of cells, or as a neutrally defined entity entitled a "foetus". Once any society begins to undermine the right to life of the unborn then the right to life for others starts to unravel, as has been already experienced in Western Europe. In post-Christian countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands, there has been a rapid development of euthanasia, even for minors. Ireland will not remain immune to these so-called "progressive" measures for very long. The result in the south is unprecedented in any democratic society, where almost two-thirds of the people voted to remove the human right to life of the unborn from the constitution. Most referendums are about expanding human rights, not about stripping away rights already established in law under a country's constitution. It was also a victory for Leo Varadkar, who will now be tempted to call a general election and consolidate his victory in order to win a fresh mandate for another Fine Gael-led government - this time most likely with Sinn Fein, which also emerged as victor in the referendum. Sinn Fein, now with a truly partitionist spirit, is chomping at the bit to win high office in the once-despised Leinster House. Despite protests to the contrary, Fine Gael will ultimately accept Sinn Fein as a partner in the Dail in order to provide stable and effective government in "the national interest". Fianna Fail, the bulk of whose parliamentary members showed integrity and courageously campaigned to retain the eighth, unfortunately will be less successful. Their leader Micheal Martin will, however, have regarded the result as a vindication of his own stance to campaign against the eighth amendment, ludicrously claiming to be pro-life while at the same time advocating that there should be legislation for abortion. His Humpty Dumpty approach to words and their casual meaning is hard to take seriously. The impact in the north will be profound and, as we have already seen, there has been a tsunami of propaganda to change our own life-affirming law that gives protection to the child in the womb. The longer the Assembly remains non-functional the greater that pressure will be and the stronger the urge will be for the Westminster Government to legislate directly to extend the 1967 Act, or some variation of it. This would, of course, be against the spirit and letter of the devolution settlement. Therefore the best protection for the unborn is the restoration of the Assembly, where the likelihood of a substantive change in the law would be more difficult. The recent decision by the SDLP to reaffirm its long-established pro-life stance is to be welcomed, but to simultaneously grant a licence under the auspices of freedom of conscience to both elected representatives and party members to be pro-abortion "without impediment" creates a confused situation verging on the shambolic. Nonetheless, in the Assembly the bulk of the party would be opposed to any change in the current law. However, the credibility of the SDLP as a pro-life party is strained by its leader Colum Eastwood putting himself into a minority position within his own party by gratuitously advocating support for the repeal of the eighth amendment in the south and a "fit-for-purpose" abortion law in the north. He should know very well that hard cases make bad law and this argument has been widely used as a Trojan horse to permit the introduction of wider abortion legislation in other jurisdictions. Holding such views and being the leader at the same time sits uneasily with the party's commitment to being pro-life. As Lord David Alton said in Belfast: "It has never been a more dangerous time for the unborn child on the island of Ireland." Sadly, after the trauma of the referendum, it is hard to disagree. Atv sketch by comedienne Tracey Ullman, where she appears as a startlingly lookalike Jeremy Corbyn, has enraged supporters of the Labour leader who, angered at her taking a pop at the party's rampant anti-Semitism, have developed one of the week's weirder conspiracy theories about who had to be behind this slagging off of their boy. According to a totally erroneous tweet, fellow comedian David Baddiel had to have written it. Why? Because Baddiel is himself a Jew and has spoken out against Labour's now notorious anti-Semitic slant. That this line of reasoning - Baddiel described it as "putting Jew and Jew together and making seven" - was in itself... well... a tad anti-Semitic didn't appear to register with the disgruntled Corbynite tweeter who made the assertion. He further claimed that the sketch was "BBC propaganda masquerading as satire". His rant was then retweeted by several others including - no big surprises here - George Galloway. As Baddiel himself pointed out later: "The idea seems to be that if I have said something to call out anti-Semitism in the Labour party, then if there's something or someone else doing that, then I must be behind it in some way. "At a deeper level," he added, "that speaks about myths of Jewish conspiracy, of Jewish control of the media, etc." Sadly so many within Labour no longer even recognise anti-Semitic bigotry for what it is. And no wonder the Corbynites have been upset and taken aback by Ullman's sneering at St Jezza. Until very recently this would have been quite unheard of. For a while there, the Great Corbo was on such a roll in terms of popularity, he was being held up as a sort of untouchable cross between Stormzy and the new Marxist messiah. Remember Glastonbury where he strutted the stage like the Jeremy Jagger of British politics? Okay, he'd lost the election but he'd been handed the mic. And his popularity rating had just gone platinum. Around that time nobody seemed to have a bad - or even slightly questioning - word to say about Jeremy and his unstoppable Momentum. He was flavour of the month with millennials. The avocado on their toast. The avocado thing is now on the wane. (Apparently the world has since gone pineapple.) But it would, of course, be going way too far to suggest that Jeremy Corbyn is now political toast. Interesting though, that he's no longer seen as satirically off limits unlike, for example, Michael Gove (Ullman again makes a surprisingly impressive spitting image Tory boy) and Trump who has long been manna from heaven for the comic community. And telling too that in the Corbyn sketch which featured in Ullman's 'Tracey Breaks the News' show last Friday, other aspects of the Labour leader's back catalogue also got a bit of a burl. It's unlikely, for example, that former Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams (remember him?) will have been terribly thrilled by his portrayal in the same skit. Supposedly now spending his retirement doing the tourist sights of London ("I got some funny looks at Buckingham Palace, I can tell you") the sketch's 'Gerry' is glowing in his praise of Jezza's previous support. Corbyn, comically, is seen as desperately trying to distance himself from the ex-Shinner chief. He himself never supported the military campaign, he insists. No, replies Gerry, and I was never in the IRA... Who is the real butt of the joke here, though? Bad enough it must be for Jeremy Corbyn that his links with his old pal Gerry Adams (and the people Gerry was linked to) keep returning to haunt him. But how embarrassing must it be for the real Gerry to be constantly portrayed as the terrible millstone a political leader wouldn't want to be seen with? And how annoying that there isn't even a supportive tweeter coming up with some conspiracy theory - however bigoted and barking - about who's behind this stuff. Pining for those grand presidents of old The World's Gone to Pot moment of the week (and there were a few contenders) was surely Donald Trump (left) posing at the Oval Office desk like a schoolboy forced to re-sit GCSE Maths while his form teacher Miss Kim Kardashian oversees the examination. In other White House news, we learn that former President Bill Clinton has written a thriller, along with author James Patterson, based on his own time in office. What next? George W Bush on Strictly Come Dancing? Remember when we used to call American presidents "Leader of the Free World"? The Free World's Gone to Pot... Kirstie's first-class flight is plane stupid Kirstie Allsop has caused a bit of a controversy by revealing that while she flies club class, she makes her children travel in economy. So presumably if they want to do that thing that kids do of flapping the meal table up and down and digging their feet into the back of the passenger in front, there's no one to stop them. You can understand the criticism. Plus what would she do if there was an emergency on the plane? That said, like many another parent, I do know there are times you wouldn't just want your kids a few rows back. You'd be happy with them on a different flight. The DUP'S ardent affection for the Mother of Parliaments is well-known - but the party's MPs were very much out on a limb yesterday as the House of Commons discussed abortion here. East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson said he wasn't embarrassed by the law in Northern Ireland, but the vast majority of speakers during the often emotional three-hour debate clearly were. It was far from just left-wingers and liberals voicing support for legislative change. The number of Tories, particularly female MPs, demanding that Northern Ireland women have the same rights as their sisters in England, Scotland and Wales was significant. They weren't just going through the motions either. The passionate nature of their contributions showed this is an issue that has finally captured Westminster's attention. The stand-out moment of the debate came when Labour's Jess Phillips read out correspondence from Northern Ireland women who had crisis pregnancies. A working-class rape victim whose mother had to borrow the money for her to travel to England. A woman with mental health issues. Another with an abusive partner. Former Tory minister Anna Soubry described our laws as "cruel, repressive... they have to change". So is the Prime Minister likely to do anything about it? She's indicated she won't, and the fact the DUP's 10 MPs hold the balance of power in Westminster does obviously restrict her. But let's remember that even during lengthy periods of direct rule, successive governments failed to act on this issue. Theresa May certainly isn't the first Downing Street resident to argue that abortion is a matter for Northern Ireland politicians alone. Still, the Republic's landslide referendum result piles the pressure on her as Northern Ireland is now very much the odd state out in these islands. It's only a matter of how long the status quo holds. Tomorrow's Supreme Court ruling on whether our abortion law breaches women's human rights will be important for both pro-choice and anti-abortion campaigners. A yes verdict will strengthen the hand of those seeking change at Westminster because human rights aren't devolved to Stormont. If the judgment goes the other way, it will take the wind from the sails of pro-choice campaigners. But it doesn't mean that anti-abortion activists can relax. The Government has signalled it won't lead the charge for abortion reform, but neither does it appear that it will block change. Rather it has indicated that, if the issue is raised in Parliament, there will be a free vote with MPs able to decide according to their conscience. Labour's Stella Creasy has pledged to table an amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill which would decriminalise abortion here. Yesterday's debate appears to shows she has the support of enough Tory MPs to win. The Bill is currently out for consultation but it is only a matter of time before it comes to the Commons. The abortion debate still rages fiercely in Northern Ireland. Yet, in terms of some change, the writing's on the wall for all who want to read it. As the south celebrates the abortion referendum result, here in the north the two arguably most-blinkered nationalist parties in western Europe trade insults and ludicrous claims as to their own broad-mindedness and general enlightenment. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland flounders without an Executive or Assembly, and with a seemingly incompetent Civil Service. Where do we go from here? There is no mutual trust or respect between the DUP and Sinn Fein. In regard to their stated objectives - the preservation of the Union on the one hand and the achievement of Irish unification on the other - both seem blind to their own long-term interests and blind to present-day evolving realities. It is clear that the unionist goal of keeping Northern Ireland within the UK can be achieved only if significant numbers of non-unionists are content to be in the UK. On the nationalist side, it has long been recognised that Irish unification can be achieved only by persuasion and that must mean persuading a large section of the broader unionist community that it is a good idea. Yet the DUP's policies and public utterances seem almost calculated to offend moderate nationalists not to make them feel at home in the UK. Its extreme pro-Brexit stance, seen by a majority as contrary to Northern Ireland's economic interests and motivated by intense British nationalism, is doing nothing to cement wider acceptance of the Union. Pig-headedness over flags, parades and bonfires, plus its jeering dismissal of the Irish language, all work against this. The party's fundamental conservatism on social issues, now particularly on abortion, may appeal to its Paisleyite core, but not to many others. Up to now opinion polls show a considerable number within the nationalist community saying they prefer a future within the UK to joining a united Ireland. There are sensible grounds for this, not least the large flow of funds from London to keep Northern Ireland in business, and the health service. But common sense, even self-interest, does not always prevail - the UK's Brexit poll is a sobering example. The electoral support for Sinn Fein and the SDLP - both parties committed to Irish unification - indicates that a considerable number of voters who say they are content to remain in the UK give their support at elections to parties pledged to a united Ireland. That disconnect may not always operate. What about Sinn Fein? It, too, is going the wrong way about Irish unity by persuasion by continuing to present a face of Irishness that is least likely to appeal to even moderate unionists. Overshadowing its alertness to local issues and its new-found liberalism on same-sex marriage and abortion is Sinn Fein's continuing celebration of the violent role of the IRA in the Troubles. It is this which defines Sinn Fein's distinctive Irishness in northern unionist eyes. The IRA was responsible for 1,700 murders during the Troubles; Sinn Fein may call them regrettable casualties of war, but murders they were - husbands and wives shot in their homes, others gunned down going to or at their place of work, diners and shoppers blown to pieces by IRA bombs. The Belfast Agreement was careful to avoid such plain speaking and helped pave the way for an official amnesia and a radical rewriting of the history of the Troubles. But, for many, an Irishness that honours such barbarity has few attractions. Mary Lou McDonald had an opportunity to distance Sinn Fein from IRA violence, but instead she chose to make her first official function in Northern Ireland as president of Sinn Fein the laying of a wreath in honour of an IRA terrorist. Sinn Fein has also made a top priority of another aspect of Irishness long anathema to unionism: the Irish language. Many have a fondness for the language, though few can speak it and even fewer use it on a daily basis, but to argue for a bilingual Northern Ireland, or for parity with English, is to ask the impossible. In all this the Belfast Agreement bears much responsibility. Whatever benefits it may have brought - and it did end violence on anything like the scale prevailing before - it has also seen the near-total elimination of any middle ground in our politics. It institutionalised tribalism - unionist and nationalist - and these labels play a key role in the formation of the Executive and decision-making in the Assembly. The pressure on unionist or nationalist parties is not to seek common ground, but to ensure that tribal support is maximised in one party from each side. The Agreement's principal architects - the governments in London and Dublin - are making matters worse. The British Government wantonly embraced Brexit, ignoring the inevitable damage that turning the UK's back on European integration would do to a situation desperately needing the blurring of national identities and the elimination of hard frontiers. The Irish Government does not help by continuing to trumpet the armed insurrection by a small minority in 1916 as the founding and shaping event of modern Ireland and by continuing the pretence that Irish is the language of today's Ireland. There is little hope that Sinn Fein and the DUP will mend their ways. It may be that Sinn Fein sees little point in trying to persuade unionists of the potential benefits of some form of a united Ireland. Its money may be on continued instability here, with all sorts of difficulties post-Brexit, the DUP lurching further to the Right and a Northern Ireland within a UK outside the EU becoming uncomfortable for even the most moderate nationalists. That way the border poll so foolishly promised in the Belfast Agreement might appeal to Sinn Fein as its best bet. The DUP seems entrenched in an ultra-unionist mindset of "Not an inch", Ulster is British and anything Irish is foreign. Arlene Foster's candid admission that, if unity came about, she was not sure she would be able to continue to live here and would probably have to leave sounded sadly defeatist, even though she prefaced it by saying it was not going to happen. Such convinced optimism, from a unionist viewpoint, seems to take no account of demographic changes in Northern Ireland, or of British attitudes to unionism and the whole Irish situation in a post-Brexit world. The role of the DUP in sustaining a minority Tory Government thus ensuring what may well be a disastrous Brexit will not add to its credit in London. The two governments should stop congratulating themselves on the supposed success of the Belfast Agreement and think again. Dennis Kennedy is a former deputy editor of The Irish Times. He is the author of Square Peg: The Life and Times of a Northern Newspaperman South of the Border (Stroud: The History Press, 2009) A woman who operates a tea stall in Bangladeshs capital has filed a complaint in court against four police officers who, she alleges, vandalized her business and threatened to kill her unless she paid a bribe. Maksuda Begum, 50, who sells tea on a footpath in Dhaka, alleges that four officers demanded 6,000 taka ($71) as a monthly fee and 4,000 taka ($47) as a bonus ahead of the Eid ul-Fitri holiday, then ransacked her stall and beat her when she refused, according to her lawyer. The court has accepted the case and has ordered the deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) to investigate it and file a report by July 4, attorney Mahbub Rana told BenarNews. Maksuda refused to pay them the amount as she could not earn much by selling tea in the month of Ramadan, for most of the people fast, Rana said. They vandalized her tea stall. They also threatened to put her in the crossfire for drug trading if she did not pay them the money. At least 134 people branded as drug dealers or addicts have been killed in what police have described as gunfights across the country since a government crackdown on narcotics began in mid-May. Four drug suspects were killed early Tuesday. Police at the station mentioned in the complaint denied the allegations. We have yet to receive any order from the court. Once received, we will follow the courts directives and file our investigation report, Mahfuzur Rahman, the officer in charge of the Vatara station, told BenarNews. The allegations are false, Rahman said, referring to the man named as the leader of the four officers. Other complaints have been filed against police in recent days over the bloody crackdown on the drug trade. On Sunday, Soma Begum filed a complaint against five police officers at Narsingdi district, 50 km (31 miles) northeast of Dhaka, alleging that officers implicated her husband in a drug-trade case because he had refused to give them a 200,000 taka ($2,364) extortion payment. She also alleged that police threatened to kill her husband and coerced him to confess. On May 31, at a chilling press conference in southeastern Coxs Bazar district, the family of a local Awami League politician released four audio recordings, which, they said, captured the sounds of his extrajudicial killing and their conversations with him when he was in custody of the police who committed it. The recordings allegedly captured telephone conversations that Teknaf municipal commissioner Akramul Haque had with his daughter and wife on May 26 as well as the apparent sounds of gunfire and groans of the dying man, according to the Daily Star, which reported the story. The death of Akramul illustrates how suspects are killed in overnight raids which security forces later routinely portray as gun battles, said Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said the recordings would be examined as part of an investigation into Akramuls killing. For his part, DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia said stern action would be taken if any police officer was found guilty of harassing innocent people as part of the continuing anti-drug drive. Indonesian national police chief Tito Karnavian (right) meets with the family and relatives of suicide-bombing victims in Surabaya, East Java, May 15, 2018. Comparing militant ideology to a virus, Indonesias police chief on Tuesday proposed to deploy anti-terror squads nationwide, as the largest Muslim-majority country grapples with a string of suicide attacks, including bombings that targeted three churches in recent weeks. Expanding the presence of the countrys counterterror squad known as Densus 88 to 34 provinces would allow it to respond faster to terror threats or attacks, national police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian told reporters after attending a parliamentary hearing in Jakarta. I want to strengthen Densus 88, which so far only has 16 task forces. I want to make it into 34 task forces, one in each province, Karnavian said. Special Detachment 88, known locally as Densus 88, was formed after Indonesias worst terror attack in Bali in 2002 when bombs killed 202 people, including 88 Australians. Karnavian issued the statement 11 days after the nations parliament strengthened its 2003 anti-terrorism law, allowing police to take preventive measures and formalizing a military role in counterterrorism efforts. He said the country faced high terror threats because extremist cells and networks had spread to most provinces in Indonesia. This terrorist ideology is just like a virus. It can target anybody. It can target all circles just like drugs, he said. To fund his plan to deploy anti-terror teams nationwide, Karnavian sought approval from parliament for his proposal to increase the police budget by 44.4 trillion rupiah (more than U.S. $3.1 billion) for next year. This needs the approval of the House, he said. Indonesia, a nation of 262 million people, has faced a resurgence of recent extremist attacks as security analysts warn of dozens of its citizens returning home after fighting for the extremist group Islamic State (IS) in the Middle East. In early May, five Indonesian policemen and an inmate were killed after a riot broke out over a food complaint at a prison housing convicted terrorists near Jakarta. Several terrorism-related incidents took place during the same month, including suicide bombings at churches in Surabaya. In all, 51 people 13 civilians, seven police and 31 suspects died, according to a BenarNews count. Karnavian said 82 suspected terrorists had been arrested in Indonesia following the prison riot. Iceberg of radical ideology Karnavian warned that the recent terror attacks represented only the tip of the iceberg of radical ideology, which was rapidly taking root in the community. The ideology spreads by taking the advantage of freedom brought by the democratic system, he said, explaining that social media had made it easier for militants to communicate. Indonesias move to revise its 2003 anti-terror law on May 25 allows police to take preventive measures and formalizes the militarys role in counterterrorism efforts. It also allows police to preemptively detain suspects for longer periods, according to legal experts. Police intend to crack down on terrorism and address its ideology, the root cause of the problem, Karnavian said. This involves the government; other stakeholders and the community, including mass organizations that need to work together, he said. It must be organized in a national action plan to contain and neutralize radical ideologies. Rosmah Mansor, wife of former Prime Minister Najib Razak, arrives at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission in Putrajaya, Malaysia, to answer questions as part of an investigation linked to the 1MDB financial scandal, June 5, 2018. The new Malaysian finance minister said Tuesday he had asked for the nations anti-corruption commission to investigate a "highly suspicious" payment totaling U.S. $2 billion to a Chinese firm when only 15 percent of its work building gas pipelines in Malaysia was complete. The 8.25 billion ringgit in transactions represented nearly 88 percent of the cost of the two pipeline projects, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said in announcing the latest revelation of potential misconduct by the previous government. The projects were to be undertaken by a Malaysian state company with Chinese financing and constructed by the China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau (CPPB), he said in a statement. We were shocked to discover that the amounts of 4.71 billion ringgit and 3.54 billion ringgit ... had already been drawn down and paid to CPBB, Eng said, adding Malaysia might seek assistance from the Chinese government to investigate the possibility of money-laundering. Based on the highly suspicious transactions above, I instructed my officers to file a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission last week. Suria Strategic Energy Resources Sdn Bhd (SSER), a firm wholly owned by and set up by the previous Ministry of Finance two years ago to undertake the pipeline projects, had secured most of the funds from the Export-Import Bank of China, according to the minister. SSER was an offshoot by the same people behind SRC International, Eng said, referring to a subsidiary of the financial scandal-plagued Malaysian state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), which the countrys new government is investigating over allegations of massive corruption. In November 2016, the government of then-Prime Minister Najib Razak, who also served as finance minister, awarded the contracts to CPPB to build the two projects, Eng said. Najib has been implicated in corruption allegations linked to 1MDB, but has denied that he committed any criminal wrongdoing in connection with the state investment fund, which he started in 2009. The contracts were negotiated by the prime ministers department, without involving treasury officials, Eng alleged. The attorney generals chambers have also confirmed that these contracts were signed despite numerous unanswered questions and red flags raised. The president of SSER, Mohammed Azhar bin Osman Khairuddin, sat on its board of directors and was a director of Putrajaya Perdana Sdn Bhd, the new finance minister said. The latter firm, Eng noted, was linked directly with Low Taek Jho, a Malaysian tycoon better known as Jho Low. Jho Low is at the center of investigations by the U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) into the alleged laundering of billions of dollars that, it says, were looted from 1MDB and used to purchase high-priced real estate, art pieces and other valuable items. Najib: Laws have been complied with Late Tuesday, Najib, whose Barisan Nasional coalition was swept out of power in last months general election, responded to a request in Engs statement seeking an explanation about how he could possibly approve the above transactions. To my recollection, I am confident that all necessary process procedures and laws have been complied with in the negotiation and execution of the two pipeline projects raised by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng today, Najib said in a post on Facebook, adding that the two projects were negotiated on a government-to-government basis with the Peoples Republic of China. While I welcome open and transparent investigations into these two projects, I believe that great care [must] be taken when making such serious politically motivated public allegations involving foreign state-owned companies as it may have a negative effect on foreign relations and international trade, Najib added. Earlier in the day, Najibs wife Rosmah Mansor reported to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to give a statement about how 42 million ringgit ($10.5 million) in money from SRC International had ended up in his private bank accounts. Sources within MACC told BenarNews that Rosmah was not a suspect in the case but she was appearing before the commission to serve as a witness. Rosmah, 66, stepped out of a silver Mercedes Benz as she arrived at MACCs offices in Putrajaya late Tuesday morning. She emerged from the commission at 3:44 p.m. but did not speak to reporters. Lawyers who accompanied her said their client had fully cooperated with the commission during three hours of questioning. Rosmah visited the MACC two weeks after the commission had twice summoned her husband for questioning in the same case. Since Najibs coalition lost the election, the new government has barred him and his spouse from leaving the country. In addition, Malaysian police have conducted raids at his home, former office and residences linked to him in connection with an investigation into the 1MDB scandal. During the raids, police said they seized suitcases containing nearly $29 million in cash and expensive items, along with 284 boxes containing luxury handbags. Najib lawyers quit In related developments, members of Najibs legal defense team including Yusof Zainal Abideen and M. Puravalen decided they would no longer represent him because they could not reach a common ground for agreement with their client on several issues, according to the Malaysian Insight, a local news portal. Their departure came days after Malaysian news outlets reported that Najib had hired a firm headed by former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft to represent him. According to a document filed by the U.S. Department of Justice under the United States Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), and which was seen by BenarNews, Najib Razak retained the services of the Ashcroft Law Firm earlier this year when he was prime minister. Meanwhile, reports swirled that the governor of the nations central bank, Muhammad Ibrahim, had offered to resign after Finance Minister Eng raised questions about the institutions alleged $520 million purchase of land from Najibs government as a way for the former administration to pay off some of the debts accumulated by 1MDB. The central bank and prime ministers office did not issue any statements about the governors status, but a source familiar with the process on Tuesday said he had tendered his resignation the day before. The BGSU alumna and metals/jewelry instructor in the BGSU School of Art says she creates colorful, wearable and functional art laced with sarcastic humor. The copper and enamel art she produces are fun, charming and poignant in their messages, mostly with themes that explore feminist ideas. Her unique creations have earned Saneholtz a spot in the Women to Watch Ohio-2018 exhibition. She is one of 10 female metal artists whose work is showcased through July 7 at the Riffe Gallery in downtown Columbus. The exhibition is an offshoot of the Women to Watch exhibitions of the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Three of Saneholtzs brooches are among the featured artwork in the exhibition that includes jewelry, sculpture and two-dimensional works by women artists in Ohio. The brooches on display are part of her wearable series that features tattooed women. The humor of these pieces comes in the juxtaposition of the womens images she uses from circa 1950s romance comic books found in her grandmothers house and read by her mother, ideas from antiquated dating guides and the tattoo art she discovered in her research of women with tattoos. During her research, Saneholtz realized many women with tattoos represented an early ideal of feminism. Among her findings were Betty Broadbent and Annie Howard tattooed women who were side acts for circuses in the late 1800s and early 1900s. While on one hand, they were sexualized wearing skimpy outfits on stage and showing off their body art, the reality was, they were in control of their bodies, chose to have the tattoos and became financially independent as a result of their decisions to perform in circuses, Saneholtz said. With her Midwest sarcasm and focus on feminist issues, Saneholtz soon decided the tattoo art was a perfect counterpoint to the male-dependent females from the comic books. Vintage photographs of Broadbents and Howards tattoosapproximately 800 between thembecame the ink on the women from the romance comics and the feminist statement for this series of Saneholtzs artwork. The petite, curly-headed, dynamic artist comes by her talents and energy naturally; her mother, Karen, a graphic designer with an extraordinary creative eye, has long been a role model, in art, values and tenacity. Though she may have read the comics that depicted women as being dependent on men, her actions and conversations dispelled the myth of the roles of post-World War II suburban housewives and empowered her young daughter to think and create for herself. Saneholtz also had strong, talented teachers who supported and encouraged her talents. Bowling Green High School art teacher Becky Laabs wrote a grant to the Ohio Arts Council to add metals to her curriculum. We all know that Jonah was the prophet who tried to run from Gods call. But do you know the reason he tried to run? Jonah was afraid that if he preached repentance to the people of Nineveh, who were Israels arch enemies, God would forgive them. In other words, Jonah had a problem with the goodness of God. He would have been much happier if God simply wiped out the people of Nineveh rather than had mercy on them, and he actually complained about this at the end of the book. But as shocking as it is to see the wickedness of Jonahs heart, many of us are just like him. I call it the Jonah Syndrome, and in times past, it has affected me too. Let me explain exactly what I mean. We see from 2 Kings 14:25 that Jonah had no problem prophesying that the Lord would expand the borders of Israel, but when it came to going to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, to warn the people that destruction was coming, he looked for a way out, knowing that the Lord was a merciful God and that if the Ninevites repented, God would forgive them. Did Jonah care about his personal reputation, not wanting to look bad if the prophesied judgment didnt come to pass? That could definitely be part of it. But what we do know is that he had a real problem with the mercy of God. The Scriptures state that after the people repented in sackcloth and ashes, When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it (Jonah 3:10). And how did Jonah react? This was the greatest response to any message preached in human history, the greatest altar call ever given (to put it in contemporary terms). Did Jonah rejoice? Not one bit. In fact, the Word says, But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry (Jonah 4:1). How remarkable! Jonah was terribly upset that God had mercy on more than 120,000 people. And he prayed to the LORD and said, O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live. And the LORD said, Do you do well to be angry? (Jonah 4:2-4) But it gets worse. God caused a plant to shelter Jonah from the heat, but then it died quickly, and the prophet got even angrier. The Lord said to him, You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle? (Jonah 4:10-11) You might say, Well, Jonahs attitude was miserable, but certainly none of us have attitudes that bad. Are you sure? Have you ever gone through a church split and found yourself upset because God still blessed the people on the other side (of course, the wrong side from your perspective)? Have you ever been hurt by a ministry and grumbled when the Lord continued to bless them and even work miracles for them? Have you ever been glad (rather than grieved) to see a colleague fall, as if this vindicated you? (If a brother or sisters failure is your success, you do not have the heart of the Lord.) These are all symptoms of the Jonah Syndrome, and the sooner we recognize them, the sooner we can repent and ask the Lord for a transformation of heart. A number of years ago, I was involved in a very difficult split, one which brought pain and confusion to many people, as much as we all tried to avoid it. Yet God sustained both of the entities involved, to our mutual surprise. Lord, how can you bless those people when they treated us so poorly? we thought to ourselves. God, surely you wont sustain them when they are so wrong in this matter! those on the other side thought to themselves. Yet the Lord blessed and sustained us both while we struggled to find common ground in order to reconcile. The key that unlocked the door for reconciliation was the recognition that God was for both entities involved in the split, since He cared for both equally, loved the sheep involved in both groups equally, and wanted to bless all of us equally. (Its also important to realize that none of us are ever perfectly righteous, whichever side we are on.) I remember well the night of reconciliation and the hugs and tears and laughs and renewed fellowship, and I remember well how we smiled at one another and said, I bet you were surprised to see how the Lord came through for us and sustained us! Yes, both sides were surprised to see that the Lord was for both of us.... Lets remember the Lords words in the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, where he rebukes those who had a problem with the owners goodness, asking, Are you envious because I am generous? (Matthew 20:15) And lets remember the words of Jacob (James), that judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! (James 2:13) As we have received mercy, let us show mercy, never forgetting there are not different camps or sides in the Body of Christeven if we use those terms descriptivelybut just one family with one Father, and He desires to do good to all his children. Can we share his heart? Content provided by OnePlace.com. Nine medical colleges, four government and five private, were stopped from expanding their seats by at least 50 seats each. The Union health ministry has denied 82 existing medical colleges renewal permission for the academic session of 2018-19. The ministry has stopped 12 government and 70 private medical colleges from taking in new students for the upcoming batch, blocking anywhere between 10,000 to 12,000 MBBS seats. The government has also denied permission for the establishment of 68 new medical colleges, 31 government and 37 private, axing another potential 9000 MBBS seats. Nine medical colleges, four government and five private, were stopped from expanding their seats by at least 50 seats each. 31 medical colleges were barred from either starting new super speciality courses, such as those in cardiology, nephrology, plastic surgery, etc. or expanding seats in existing courses. The list included Lucknow's King George Medical College University, stopped from expanding or starting MCh (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery) and MCh (Neurosurgery), Christian Medical College Vellore, disallowed courses in MCh (Reproductive Medicine& Surgery), DM (Nephrology), DM (Pediatrics Neurology), Institute of Liver & Billiary Sciences, New Delhi, disallowed DM (Hepatology), MCh (HPB Surgery) and DM (Pediatrics Hepatology), etc. The decisions came after assessment by the Medical Council of India, the apex government body in charge of medical education and ethics. The loss of seats is bound to hit the lakhs of aspiring medical students, already fighting for seats that are not nearly enough in number to accommodate all of them. The gamut of issues covering quality, ranging from labelling to packaging and storage, were discussed at the summit. (L-R) Dr. Ajit Dangi (President & CEO, Danssen Consulting), Deepshika Jakate (Regional Quality Head-South Asia, GSK Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Ashwani Sood (Sr. Director- Industrial Affairs, Sanofi India Ltd.), Annaswamy Vaidheesh (President, OPPI), Deepnath Roy Chowdhury (President, IDMA), Dr. Sanjit Singh Lamba (Managing Director, Eisai Pharmaceuticals) and Jaidev Rajpal (Partener, McKinsey) Government officials, industry representatives, industry associations and patient groups met recently to address quality in the pharmaceutical industry. Indias reputation as Pharmacy to the World makes it incumbent upon us to achieve the acceptable quality standards across the entire value chain, from R&D to the point it reaches the patient buying medicine from the pharmacy. In collaboration with the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, all the major industry associations, viz, the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA), the Indian Drug Manufacturers Association (IDMA) and the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) participated in a Quality Summit to set an agenda that would: Align on the importance of setting and adopting best-in-class global quality standards for the pharmaceutical industry; Bring all stakeholders together regulators, industry and governments, both state and central to create the enabling conditions for achieving this goal, and Define the quality roadmap for India The gamut of issues covering quality, ranging from labelling to packaging and storage, were discussed at the summit. According to a 2015 study by the Uttar Pradesh Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration, 38 percent of medicines are not effective because of low quality. This highlights the need for a baseline quality standard across the spectrum from the laboratory to the market. Commenting on the deliberations in the Quality Summit, A. Vaidheesh, President, OPPI said. Quality is the differentiator and a key factor in competitive advantage. It is a continuous journey, not a destination. We have to keep working at it in sustained fashion. Quality of medicines are pivotal in delivering patient care and the entire pharmaceutical industry has come together to stress the importance of quality in delivering responsible and safe patient care. Deepnath Roy Chowdhury, National President IDMA, was also categorical in his position on the importance of quality medicines in India. Our industry has taken the lead in pledging support towards making global quality medicines, he said. We will do our utmost in maintaining our countrys leadership in providing quality affordable medicines and ensure that Indian Pharmaceuticals continues to be the Nations Pride. A woman was arrested on Sunday after allegedly getting caught shoplifting at Shoppers Mall despite being banned from attending there. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/6/2018 (1227 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us A woman was arrested on Sunday after allegedly getting caught shoplifting at Shoppers Mall despite being banned from attending there. Mall security staff reported having the woman in custody after she allegedly stole approximately $242 in clothing items from a store in the mall. She was previously banned from attending the mall. A 23-yer-old woman was arrested for theft under $5,000 and petty trespassing. She was released to appear in court in July. The Brandon Sun The Boissevain home of a former Green Party of Canada candidate and his wife burned to the ground early Friday morning in a blaze that left the couple with only the pyjamas left on their backs. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 6/6/2018 (1226 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us The Boissevain home of a former Green Party of Canada candidate and his wife burned to the ground early Friday morning in a blaze that left the couple with only the pyjamas left on their backs. David Neufeld who ran under the Green Party banner for Brandon-Souris in 2015 and his wife Maggie Andres were lucky to make it out of their house alive. Neufeld woke up to a crackling sound that he thought was hail on their tin roof, but when he opened his eyes to look outside, "our window was already red." By the time the two had figured out that the fire wasnt going to be able to be put out with water or a fire extinguisher, they had just enough time left to escape the burning structure with just the clothes on their backs. Neufeld told The Sun that it was a long nights wait as the fire burned. The couple sat on the porch of their guest house and watched much of what they had be destroyed. We didnt sleep at all that night after that how could you," Neufeld said. "Theres nothing left, zero." Firefighters stayed from around 1 a.m. until 7 a.m., and returned Friday night because the house had started burning again. Among the lost belongings were items being stored at the house by two of their children one who was leaving his belongings there for the summer as well as personal items owned by their daughter who was travelling in Africa and had left them at her parents house to store. They travelled to Brandon the next day to replace a few necessities. "I was wearing my pyjamas until 4 p.m. in the afternoon in Brandon," Neufeld said. The cause of the fire remained undetermined as of Tuesday afternoon. NEUFELD FAMILY The house where David Neufeld and Maggie Andres lived in before it was destroyed by fire early Friday morning. "The structure is a complete loss, I dont know if any cause will ever be determined, I guess, at this time," said Boissevain-Morton fire Chief Martin Paradis. Neufeld said he suspects the cause of the fire is linked to old wiring that was in the house. "The house itself was built in 1901. Were not sure when the wiring was done for it, but it was that old kind of cloth-covered wiring," Neufeld said. The fire started in their small greenhouse that was attached to the side of the structure, but quickly grew and encompassed the residence. Neufeld said hes thankful that it was just him and Maggie and their three pets in the house. The cat and their black lab got out safely, but one cat still hasnt turned up yet. "Fortunately, the grandchildren didnt stay over, and our son who stays here quite often wasnt here," he said. It has only been a few days since the fire destroyed all their belongings, but Neufeld has a positive outlook on what happened. "Were more or less adjusted to the new life without our house," he said. The couple is currently staying in their guest house, which they normally rent to visitors. The guest house is on the same property, but it was spared the same fate as the primary residence. A GoFundMe page started by Neufelds sister has raised more than $3,000 for Neufeld and his family. As well, members of the community have been generous. "Somebody drove up with two freezers, (weve got a) washing machine, and all these things, food and more clothing, and just the love that has been expressed to us," Neufeld said. Paradis told The Sun on Tuesday that the Office of the Fire Commissioner did not attend the scene of the fire. A government spokesperson for the OFC had not responded to an inquiry by press time. mverge@brandonsun.com Twitter: @Melverge5 By Ann O'Loughlin A judge has refused to grant injunctions restraining a Co Galway based pharmaeutical company acting in alleged infringement of patent by making a generic drug here for supply to multiple sclerosis patients in the United States. Israeli incorporated Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd sought the orders pending the outcome of its proceedings initiated in the Commercial Court last year against Mylan Teoranta, trading as Mylan Instiutional, which employs more than 1,000 people in Dublin, Meath and Galway. Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd, also incorporated in Israel, is registered owner of the patent at issue and has granted an excusive license in respect it it to Teva. Yeda was joined as a co-defendant to the case to address a technical objection made by Mylan. Teva alleges a drug being manufactured by Mylan at its plant in Inverin, Co Galway, for supply to MS patients in the US infringes a patent of which Teva is exclusive licensee. Mylan denies the claims. Mr Justice David Barniville noted Copaxone is Teva's drug for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS. Teva Pharmaceuticals US, a subsidiary and licensee of Teva, is an authorised distributor of Copaxone and others medicines in the US on Teva's behalf. The drug at issue in this case is Mylan's generic glatiramer accetate 40mg/ml drug, referred to as Mylan's 40 mg GA product, he said. Manufactured in Galway, it was launched by Mylan in the US last October to compete with Copaxone 40mg, Teva's 40mg GA product. The Mylan drug, the judge noted, does not have a marketing authorisation here and is not sold here. It is exported to the US where it is supplied and prescribed to MS patients. The US Food and Drug Administration had in 2014 approved a new dosing regime for Copaxone and granted Teva a three year period of marketing exclusivity which expired in January 2017. The global revenues for Copaxone are "very significant", amounting to almost US$2 billion in the first two quarters of 2017, he noted. Mylan had in 2009 sought approval from the FDA for a high quality generic Copaxone equivalent. When the three year period of exclusivity for Copaxone ended in late Jauary 2017, the FDA grated approval for Mylan's 40MG GA drug. Having analysed the law and evidence, the judge said he was satisfied Teva had raised a substantive issue to be tried concerning its claims of patent infringement. However, he was also satisfied, if Teva ultimately won its action, damages would be an adequate remedy for it. Given those findings, it was not necessary for him to decide where the balance of convenience lay but, if he had to decide that issue, he would have concluded the balance of convenience clearly favoured refusing injunctions. This was for reasons including, by the time the injunction application was heard, the Mylan product was on the US market for several months. There was also no prohibition on other generics entering the US market to compete with Copaxone, subject to FDA approval and five other generics have sought such approval, he said. A number of school building projects will be delayed after the liquidation of major construction company Sammon Contracting Ireland yesterday. The Minister for Education Richard Bruton confirmed the delays and expressed his disappointment at the winding up of the company. A liquidator was appointed to the firm yesterday after the Examiner to the company, Michael McAteer, made a petition to the High Court. More than 200 staff, most of whom are employed locally in Kilcock, Co Kildare, will lose their jobs. Sammon was involved in the construction of seven schools and an Institute of Further Education, some of which were due to be completed by the beginning of the next school year in September, while others were scheduled for May 2019. However, Minister Bruton says they will now take longer to complete. "Inevitably, it does mean delays because the design team have to pull together the cost-schedule and then we have to go through a tender process." "There will be statutory requirements to give people certain periods to submit their tender, and certain periods to decide on the successful tenderer," he said. - Digital Desk By Emma Rumney and Lawrence White Britain has sold some of its holding in Royal Bank of Scotland, the bank which it rescued in the 2008 financial crisis, but has taken a loss of more than 2bn (2.3bn) on the deal. UK Government Investments sold a 7.7% stake in a placement overnight to institutional investors at 271 pence a share, almost half of what the government paid during its initial and largest capital injection into RBS, which it bailed out for a total of 45.5bn. This sale represents a significant step in returning RBS to full private ownership and putting the financial crisis behind us, said Britains chancellor of the exchequer Philip Hammond. The banks shares fell over 5%. Once one of the largest banks in the world by assets, the near collapse of RBS which also owns Ulster Bank required Britains biggest bailout, leaving the government still holding a large stake nearly a decade later. After the latest sale, its holding is 62.4%. Britains opposition Labour party criticised the share sale, saying that taxpayers would lose out and the government should have held out for more. Jefferies analyst Joseph Dickerson said the sale marked a step towards longer-term investment value in RBS, which has not paid a dividend for a decade. RBS chief executive Ross McEwan said the UK governments decision reflected the progress RBS had made in becoming simpler and safer. This is an important moment for RBS, Mr McEwan, who has presided over the banks turnaround since 2013 and a series of key milestones in recent months, said in a statement. Under former chief executive Fred Goodwin, RBS expanded rapidly from a small Scottish bank to become a global financial services group. Few argue that Britains Labour government of the time erred in rescuing the lender, but the years since have been marked by relentless restructuring and billions of dollars in fines to settle misconduct disputes which have hit the banks recovery efforts and the chances of returning taxpayers money. A 2015 Rothschild report commissioned by former chancellor George Osborne found that 107.6bn in crisis-era bailouts, including funds injected into Lloyds Banking Group and failed lender Northern Rock, would bring a 14.3bn return for the UK taxpayer. Reuters By Gordon Deegan Clare hurling legend, Brian Lohan has expressed frustration with a decision by An Bord Pleanala that has refused his plans for a retail centre on the outskirts of Ennis. The double-All Ireland winning full back had teamed up with Inch businessman, Martin OMalley to change the use of a Westpoint business park on Enniss Kilrush Rd from warehouse zoning to a neighbourhood centre that would include an anchor supermarket and eight retail units along with a medical centre. Clare Co Council last year gave the plan the go-ahead. However, the proposal encountered strong opposition from local businesses and couple of local residents while a third individual, Jim OLeary with an address at Curraghnalaght, Blarney, Co Cork also lodged an appeal against the Council decision to An Bord Pleanala. Others to appeal include local businesses, OSullivan and Hansbury Ltd, Donie OKeeffe, Harnett Homes and Estate Developers & Bridget Harnett, along with residents, Noel and Karen Mulhaire. Mr Lohan today heads up a successful auctioneering and financial services business and lodged the application through his Lohan Property Ltd while Mr OMalley operates the joint applicant firm, Clare Car and Tractor Parts Ltd. In a statement yesterday, Mr Lohan said: We are very frustrated with the decision by An Bord Pleanala. Clare County Council has already supported our planning application in a site which is zoned as a neighbourhood centre and it is fully in line with the County Development Plan. He said that An Bord Pleanala has made a decision which amounts to a radical departure from the County Development Plan "which has left ourselves baffled and astonished. Mr Lohan said: This development would have provided a badly needed Healthcare facility for Ennis supported by the HSE, enhancement of existing business in Westpoint and attracted new business to the area." We have received the support of local residents, Ennis national School, local business people and Clare County Council and we would like to acknowledge that support. We will continue providing our facilities and car park to the school (for the Walk to School programme) and local community groups. Mr Lohan also expressed his frustration with aspects of the inspectors report which recommended that planning permission be refused. In its ruling, the appeals board refused planning permission stating that the proposal would be of an excessive scale which is beyond what would be reasonably envisaged for a neighbourhood centre in the area. The board found that the planned development would create a counter attraction to existing town centre services and would seriously impact on the vitality and vibrancy of Ennis town centre and would constitute an unsustainable form of development which would principally be dependent on private car based transport. The board ruled that the proposal would contravene the policies of the Mid-West Retail Strategy and the Mid-West Regional Planning Guidelines. The board also found that the proposal contravened Ministerial guidelines on retail planning for local authorities. By Sarah-Jane Murphy A jury has convicted former Anglo Irish bank CEO David Drumm of taking part in a multi-billion euro fraud scheme in 2008. Shortly after 3pm on day 87 of the trial,- the third longest in the history of the State - a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court returned the unanimous verdicts of guilty on the two charges of false accounting and conspiracy to defraud. The jury had been deliberating for just over ten and a half hours. Judge Karen O'Connor thanked the nine men and three women of the jury, telling them they had performed an enormous public service. Drumm (51), who was on bail throughout the trial, sat impassively, his arms folded and mouth slightly open, as the registrar took the verdicts from the jury forewoman. It was the State's case that Drumm had conspired with Irish Life & Permanent's former CEO, Denis Casey, Anglo's former financial director Willie McAteer and former Head of Treasury at Anglo, John Bowe among others, to carry out 7.2bn in fraudulent circular transactions in order to bolster the customer deposits figure on Anglo's balance sheet. The State also alleged that this 7.2bn was falsely accounted for as part of the bank's customer deposits in preliminary accounts published on December 3 2008, therefore misleading the market as to Anglo's true strength. Bowe (54), McAteer (67) and Casey (58) were convicted on the conspiracy to defraud charges in June 2016 and subsequently jailed. Detective Sergeant Michael McKenna told the court he was objecting to a continuation of bail and said that Drumm would be aware that his co-conspirators received substantial prison terms for their role in the conspiracy. Drumm, formerly of Wellesley, Massachusetts, US was subject to lengthy extradition proceedings and was held in custody for five months in a US Federal Penitentiary. He made a number of unsuccessful applications for bail during this time and ultimately consented to his extradition in March 2016. Det Sgt McKenna said he firmly believed that Drumm posed a flight risk. Brendan Grehan SC, defending, asked the court to grant bail on humanitarian grounds. He said that his client's wife and children were back in the US for a graduation ceremony and he asked that sentencing be delayed until they were able to get back into the country. He said that Drumm had abided by the strict conditions of his bail throughout the trial. Judge Karen O'Connor noted that there were no breaches of the bail conditions. She released Drumm on bail on condition that he sign on daily at Balbriggan Garda Station. Former Anglo Irish Bank executive David Drumm pictured outside Dublin's Central Criminal Court after he was found guilty. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire The maximum sentence for the conspiracy to defraud charge is unlimited. The maximum sentence for the false accounting charge is ten years. During the 16-week trial, the state called 49 witnesses to give evidence regarding the transactions whereby Anglo lent money to Irish Life & Permanent (ILP) and ILP sent the money back, via their assurance firm Irish life Assurance, to Anglo. The scheme, described by the prosecution as a massive con, was accounted for so that deposits came from the assurance company and were treated as customer deposits, which are a better measure of a bank's strength than interbank loans. The prosecution argued that the objective of the conspiracy, in which the money moved at lightening speed, was to mislead anybody reading Anglo's accounts by artificially inflating the customer deposits number from 44bn to 51bn. An expert witness for the State, Dan Taylor of BDO accountants, testified that there was no commercial substance to the transactions, and described them as misleading and inaccurate. Lawyers for Drumm made a series of admissions on his behalf on the opening day of his trial, accepting the transactions as alleged took place, but disputing that they were fraudulent or dishonest. The prosecution said these so called admissions were self-serving and not based on the facts of the case. The defence called no witnesses during the trial. Counsel for Drumm said he never set out to commit any kind of fraud, and togged out for Ireland when the Central Bank came to him during the international financial crisis and asked Irish banks to help each other out. Drumm's barristers said he did his best in good faith, in the unrivalled circumstances which arose during the recession. But the State said it was no defence that the financial market was under pressure and that Anglo was going down the tubes anyway at the time of the transactions. This does not exonerate those who acted to try to keep the bank limping on for another few days, Mary Rose Gearty SC, prosecuting, told the jury. She told the jurors that a recorded phone-call played in court between Drumm and his co-conspirators during which they discussed the money going around in a circle was clear, reliable and contemporaneous evidence that the men were discussing a criminal conspiracy. Counsel for the State said it was such a monumentally fraudulent scheme that it was hard to understand why it had not been called out by people in the bank. The prosecution argued that there was no evidence that the Central Bank or the Financial Regulator knew of the transactions before they happened and said even if they did, this was totally irrelevant to this trial. Drumm, of Skerries, Co Dublin, had pleaded not guilty to conspiring with former bank officials Denis Casey, William McAteer, John Bowe and others to defraud depositors and investors at Anglo by dishonestly creating the impression that deposits in 2008 were 7.2 billion larger than they were. He had also pleaded not guilty to false accounting on December 3, 2008, by furnishing information to the market that Anglo's 2008 deposits were 7.2 billion larger than they were. By Gerard Cunningham Update 6.50pm: Crime journalist Michael O'Toole told the Charleton tribunal that he was not the recipient of smears or negative briefings about garda whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe. The tribunal is looking at allegations by former garda press officer Supt David Taylor that he was directed to smear Sgt McCabe. Former commissioners Martin Callinan and Noirin O'Sullivan deny there was any smear campaign. Mr O'Toole, the assistant editor and crime correspondent at the Irish Daily Star, said his relationship with Supt Taylor was "proper and professional". "Nobody in An Garda Siochana smeared or negatively briefed Sgt McCabe to me," Mr O'Toole said. Mr O'Toole said he was approached by "a very experienced journalist with significant access to the political world" around 2011 or 2012, who asked him about rumours about Sgt McCabe. Mr O'Toole checked the rumour with a trusted contact and established the DPP had determined there was no evidence a crime was disclosed. "Once I heard that, the matter was dead for me," Mr O'Toole said. The contact spoke highly of Sgt McCabe, calling him "Maurice", Mr O'Toole said. Mr O'Toole said the contact was not someone in Garda HQ or the Garda press office. I was always of the view that the garda press office is his master's voice. They don't work for journalists, they work for the commissioner. Mr O'Toole said that if a senior garda officer smeared Sgt McCabe, this would stand out in his memory as a newsworthy event. He said it was preposterous that someone would brief him at a crime scene, as the scenes were "chaotic", and he would be busy working on the story before deadlines. Mr Noel Whelan BL on behalf on the garda commissioner said that it was "relatively easy" for someone in Mr O'Toole's line of work to debunk the rumours about Sgt McCabe. "I had someone with knowledge of the situation, who I trusted implicitly," Mr O'Toole said. Mr O'Toole said that journalists were not popular, crime journalists even less so, and he was "vexed by the suggestion crime reporters including myself were used in this smear. "That story did rankle with me, and it has rankled ever since," Mr O'Toole said. Earlier, Michael McDowell SC, representing Sgt McCabe, told the tribunal there were inaccuracies in an RTE report in February 2014, which stated Sgt McCabe had not cooperated with the internal garda inquiry into penalty points headed by assistant commissioner John O'Mahony. Michael McDowell and Maurice McCabe at the Disclosures Tribunal in Dublin Castle. Photo: Gareth Chaney Collins Mr McDowell said it was not true, as the report stated, that Commissioner Callinan had directed Sgt McCabe to cooperate with the investigation. Sgt McCabe had instead received a direction not to access Pulse records relating to penalty points. It does appear that somebody was spinning a deeply unfavourable story about Sgt McCabe to RTE on that day. "Potentially yes,"said Mr O'Mahony, giving evidence. Mr McDowell said it appeared someone in An Garda Siochana "with some knowledge of the background facts decided to paint a very poor picture of Sgt McCabe in order that RTE would misrepresent the story to the public. "That does seem to be the case potentially, yes," said Mr O'Mahony. Mr O'Mahony said it was not his view, or that of Mr Callinan, that there was non-cooperation by Sgt McCabe. Mr O'Mahony said that because of the safeguards surrounding confidential disclosures and whistleblowers, he felt precluded from contacting Sgt McCabe. The investigation, which involved five chief superintendents and six superintendents, examined cancelled penalty points notices individually and was thorough, Mr O'Mahony said. Mr O'Mahony said that he knew journalist Paul Williams since the 1990s and they met regularly, but they had a rule that they never discussed what stories Mr Williams was working on. Mr McDowell said that Sgt McCabe did not identify public persons for the purpose of having their names made public during the penalty points controversy. "Whether it happened inadvertently or not, people were identified in public," Mr O'Mahony said. Solicitor Kieran Kelly, on behalf of INM, said that Mr Williams had been critical of Garda HQ on several occasions in articles he wrote. Disclosures Tribunal told list of 'nasty questions' was prepared for Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan Earlier 2.30pm: A document containing a list of "nasty questions" which Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan could expect to be asked was prepared for the Garda press office in October 2016, the Charleton tribunal was told. Supt John Ferris, who worked in the garda press office at the time, said that the list was prepared at the request of either himself or Andrew McLindon, a civilian who holds the post of director of communications with the force. The document was prepared by a consultant to the press office who was "providing expertise in terms of the press office communications at the time". Barrister Michael McDowell, representing whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe, said that the document showed the Garda press office was aware of and talking about issues surrounding Sgt McCabe, and wasn't just issuing formal, bland statements to the media. The tribunal is looking at allegations that senior gardai were smearing the whistleblower to politicians, journalists and others. The DPP directed no prosecution following an allegation of sexual assault made in 2006 by Miss D against Sgt McCabe, saying that no offence had been disclosed. Supt Ferris was questioned about queries sent to the garda press office in relation to Sgt McCabe in 2016 and 2017. Supt Taylor said that media emails seeking a comment from the commissioner on various issues would have been a standard media query and would have gone up the line for a response. Supt Ferris said he was aware of a rumour that there was an allegation of sexual assault against Sgt McCabe, and that the DPP had directed no prosecution. John Ferris. Pic: Collins Supt Ferris said he was not privy to uncomplimentary comments against Sgt McCabe from former garda press officer Supt David Taylor, "I dealt with him [Supt Taylor] professionally. If I didn't have to deal with him, I didn't deal with him," Supt Ferris said. Retired assistant commissioner John O'Mahony, who was appointed by Commissioner Martin Callinan to investigate allegations into the quashing of penalty points on October 31, 2012, said that his investigation had three aspects; criminal, disciplinary, and evaluating garda systems and procedures. "Commissioner Callinan never spoke to me in any derogatory manner about any of the whistleblowers," Mr O'Mahoney said. Mr O'Mahony said the commissioner was not frustrated or angry when the Public Accounts Committee wanted to call Sgt McCabe to give evidence about the scandal in January 2014. "I can only tell you what I saw first-hand in relation to the Commissioner," Mr O'Mahony said. "I didn't see that frustration, I didn't see that anger. "There was concern that private information was appearing in public. That was his sole concern." John O'Mahoney. Pic: Collins Mr O'Mahony said he knew former commissioner Martin Callinan since 1982 when they worked together in the Central Detective unit. "I admired him as a hard worker, very exacting, wanted to do everything to a high standard, a very professional standard," Mr O'Mahony said. Mr O'Mahony said he did not know former commissioner O'Sullivan as well as he did Mr Callinan, but he had a good working relationship with her. Mr O'Mahony said he was given sufficient resources to investigate ticket fixing for road traffic offences. He said that he began to suspect the identity of the anonymous whistleblowers providing information on penalty points cancellations, and this was later confirmed in December 2012. He said he was aware of the 2006 allegation against Sgt McCabe, and that "a complaint had been made, it had been investigated and DPP had directed no prosecution. Mr O'Mahony said he felt "precluded" from speaking to the whistleblowers because of the laws around confidential reporting. He told the tribunal that officers went to meet with an uncle of Sgt McCabe who said he had information in early 2013 "with an open mind in relation to what the information could have been. The inquiry was not intended to discredit Sgt McCabe, and was dealt with discreetly and did not become public knowledge, Mr O'Mahony said. The Government has announced it is to give an extra 1.25m in funding to Jordan to help with the humanitarian response to the Syria crisis. The funding was announced as Tanaiste Simon Coveney met with the Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Al Safadi in Amman. He also visited the Za'atari Refugee Camp to observe the conditions in which refugees live, meet a refugee family and to see the work of agencies receiving support from Ireland. Mr Coveney said: "I am very glad to have had the opportunity to witness the valuable work that is being done to help refugees at Za'atari camp. "This underlines the generosity of the Jordanian government and its people. "Ireland has provided assistance of over 100m to the Syria crisis to date. "This signals our deep solidarity with the Syrian people and all those affected by the crisis across the region." Tanaiste @simoncoveney visited Za'atari Refugee Camp this morning, saw the WFP supermarket, met a refugee family and with children in a learning centre. Also saw the solar plant which powers the camp. #JORDAN pic.twitter.com/X9FrO3ZhcJ Sean O Regan (@SeanOReganIRL) June 6, 2018 While more than 133,000 live in the camps of Za'atari, Emirati Jordanian Camp and Azraq almost 80% of Syrian refugees in Jordan live outside camps. It is estimated that 93% of refugees in Jordan live below the poverty line. Since 2012, Ireland has provided 109m in humanitarian assistance to Syria and the region, Ireland's largest ever response to a single crisis. Speaking on the announcement of the additional funding, Mr Coveney said, "I am delighted to announce a further 1.25m in aid to Syrian refugees in Jordan. "It is crucial that we continue to help the victims of the conflict as well as the communities who host them. "Consequently, I am providing funding of 750,000 to support UNHCR's Jordan operations and 500,000 for UNICEF's education response in Jordan. This support is critical in meeting the educational needs of young people who have been so deeply affected by the crisis." On his meeting with Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Al Safadi, he said: "We discussed a broad range of issues during our meeting including trade, the opening of the new embassy, and recent developments in the Middle East. "I was particularly interested in Minister Safadi's perspective on regional issues, particularly the conflict in Syria and the Middle East peace process, given the pivotal role that Jordan plays in the region." Mr Coveney will visit Israel, Palestine and Cyprus in the coming days. By Ann O'Loughlin A system involving thousands of euro in legal costs for a short court hearing of a landlords appeal over a 910 award by the Residential Tenancies Board to a tenant "defies all logic" and is not a proper use of public funds, a High Court judge has said. Mr Justice Michael Twomey said the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, which provides for appeals against decisions of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) to the High Court on a point of law, cannot have been drafted with the public in mind, although it benefits lawyers. This cannot be a proper use of taxpayers funds as the RTB is expending significant resources defending appeals in the High Court where litigation is so expensive. The High Court is the preserve of the very rich, who can afford to pay legal costs should they lose, or the very poor, who do not care if they lose as they have no funds to pay costs, he said. High Court costs are likely to discourage tenants and landlords from appealing RTB decisions, he added. It could not be in a tenants or landlords interest the most expensive court, rather than the cheapest, was chosen as the forum for appeals. This epitomised some of the flaws in the civil justice system, he said, noting the president of the High Court has said only paupers and millionaires can currently litigate in the High Court. He believed the appropriate forum for RTB appeals is the District Court, where the legal costs would be commensurate with the awards at issue, rather than the High Court whose jurisdiction is a minimum 75,000. He made the comments when dismissing an appeal by Jerrard Nestor, representing himself, against a determination of the RTB in favour of a tenant. The man, a notice party to the case, was asked by Mr Nestor to leave Mr Nestors premises at College Road, Galway, in his first week there due to failure to also pay four weeks rent in advance. The RTB decided Mr Nestor unlawfully terminated a tenancy agreement for the premises. It ordered him to return to the man his deposit of 400, less 90 for unpaid rent, plus 600 damages over unlawful termination of the tenancy agreement and wrongful withholding of the deposit. Mr Nestor initially appealed a decision of an RTB adjudicator to the Board itself and, after losing there, appealed to the High Court. Mr Justice Twomey stressed the appeal only concerned points of law, not the merits of the RTB decision. He dismissed arguments by Mr Nestor the College Road premises was Mr Nestors dwelling and the RTB had no jurisdiction in the matter. While that appeared a valid argument on the facts given the layout of the dwelling, the point was not raised before the adjudicator and could not now be raised on appeal, he said. If new grounds could be raised at appeal stage, that would mean considerable costs to the taxpayer, he said. He also rejected Mr Nestors claim that, because of failure of the notice party to pay four weeks' rent in advance, he had no actual tenancy agreement. This was a plausible argument and, if the court was hearing an appeal on the merits, it might find there was no tenancy agreement, he said. However, it was not a point of law and had already been raised before the RTB, he said. The courts only role was to decide whether there was any evidence on which the Board could have found there was a tenancy agreement and there was such evidence including payment of a deposit and the signing of an agreement for a six-month tenancy. By Niall Murray, Education Correspondent All but two Irish universities have fallen again in a global ranking system that sees Trinity College Dublin drop out of the top 100. It was ranked 88th in the last QS World University Rankings but is now in 104th, while University College Dublin slips from 168th to 193rd in the new ranking. NUI Galway has dropped 17 places to 260th, its first fall in this ranking since 2011. University College Cork said its drop from 283rd to 338th in a year is disappointing but was inconsistent with other assessments. This week's U-Multirank system showed an improved year-on-year performance for UCC. Dublin City University falls from 391st to 422nd, and Dublin Institute of Technology falls from the 651-700 banding to being ranked between 751 and 800. Only University of Limerick (ranked between 511 and 520) and Maynooth University (701 to 750) remain in the same ranking categories as last year. The ranking organisers QS said employer reputation scores were down for all eight Irish colleges, and academic reputation fell at seven of them. This suggests that institutions in other nations are receiving an increasing share of global academic and employer recognition, at the expense of Irish institutions, it said. The relative impact of Irish research also appears to be declining as the rank for citations per faculty were lower this year at seven out of eight institutions. But this was in spite of higher average citations than last year, which did not match global average improvements. The president of the countrys biggest university UCD Professor Andrew Deeks said its fall from 86th to 536 in the QS rank of student-teacher ratios was a result of employment restrictions and reduced State funding, but that it can no longer be endured. A year ago, he said reducing places for Irish students would have to be considered if there was no solution to funding of higher education soon. At a time when countries like China are investing billions into their best universities to reduce their student-teacher ratio to 10:1 and to raise their world standing, the Irish government perseveres with austerity level funding of Irish higher education, Prof Deeks said. As a direct result, Irish parents continue to pay the highest up-front fees for undergraduate education in Europe, and the standing of the Irish university system continues to decline relative to more ambitious systems, he said. Despite an increase in public funding for third-level colleges by Education Minister Richard Bruton this year - with 100m more than a year ago now being invested - they continue to receive less than they did when thousands fewer students were attending a decade ago. UCD said that non-Exchequer income now accounts for 65% of its annual income. TCD dean of research Professor Linda Doyle said it is to the credit of teaching and research staff to remain in the worlds top 150 in the QS rankings against the funding challenges faced by all third-level institutions. This latest result for the university shows that we have work to do to ensure that Irish students can continue to avail of an internationally competitive higher education, she said. Our economy is heavily dependent on [foreign direct investment] and on the employment of highly educated staff. We can not afford to fall behind our competitor countries in terms of investment in higher education, it is important for Ireland, not just for Trinity, Prof Doyle said. A Department of Education spokesperson said the Government has begun a significant programme of investment in higher education, including the first increases for nearly a decade in current funding for the sector. In addition, she said, the National Development Plan has committed more than 2bn in extra capital funding up to 2027. The department said caution should be taken about how commercial global rankings are interpreted, as they do not consider quality of teaching or learning, or measure how universities support access or students with special educational needs. But the Irish Universities Association (IUA) said the out-performance of our universities by better-funded international competitors is evidence of the impact of years of funding cuts, which had been invisible in the short term. It said ongoing Government caps on staffing levels, while student numbers have grown by a third, is direcly impacting our quality rankings. " The fall in rankings is a warning light to government that the quality talent pipeline will be jeopardised unless the funding deficit is addressed," said IUA director general Jim Miley. "Its time to stop delaying a decision on a proper funding model for Irish third-level education. The Government know what needs to be done and should now bite the bullet," he said. The IUA highlighted a December 2017 National Competitiveness Council reported that advised the Government "to stop long-fingering a decision to close the funding gap in the higher education sector, which poses a significant threat to our competitiveness rankings and FDI. By Sonya McLean A highly regarded GP who dodged the payment of almost 100,000 in income tax has been jailed for 16 months Dr Bassam Naser (51) of Howth Road, Sutton, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two charges of delivering an incorrect return in connection with his income tax affairs for the years 2006 and 2007. The court heard that Dr Naser had a hidden bank account into which he lodged 1,686 cheques that had been paid by his patients attending his clinic. He was due to pay almost 100,000 in income tax and now owes a further 200,000 in penalties and fees. He had a 100,000 cheque in court to pay the overdue tax. When evidence was first heard yesterday, Dr Naser's wife of 24 years and mother to their seven children, stood in the body of the court crying and asked Judge Martin Nolan for mercy before she was escorted out by her husband. The judge had adjourned the case overnight to consider the case and had remanded the doctor on continuing bail. Today Judge Nolan sentenced Dr Naser to 16 months in prison after he described the offences as serious. An efficient and good tax system is vital to a good society, the judge said, adding that it allowed for much-needed services to be provided to the community. He said Dr Naser failed abysmally and was morally reprehensible. He is a very intelligent man. He knew what he was doing was wrong. He created a mechanism to avoid paying his taxes. The judge also noted that Revenue was reliant on the honesty of people who are self-assessed. It is the luck of the draw as to whether you are audited and I suspect audits are infrequent so Revenue are relying on the honesty of the tax payer, the judge said. He acknowledged that Dr Naser had excellent mitigation and accepted that there were multiple impressive references from his patients. He said that Naser was a good doctor and an advocate for his patients and that he was a community man who continued to do charity work for his native Palestine. Judge Nolan said he was conscious of the doctor's family circumstances and the fact that he had repaid 100,000 to Revenue but added: He knew what he was doing and yet he persisted. Evidence from Revenue Gerard Cosgrave, an assistant principal officer with the Revenue Commissioners, told Tony McGillicuddy BL, prosecuting that Dr Naser was audited in 2008 and failed to disclose a bank account he held with Bank of Ireland. In October 2009 he completed a statement of affairs outlining his assets and liabilities and again didn't advise officers of this additional bank account. In April 2013, Bank of Ireland informed Revenue about the account and provided officers with statements. Mr Cosgrave said that 986 cheques totalling 88,762 were lodged to that account in 2006 and a further 700 cheques, totalling 71,189, lodged into the account in 2007. Another account, in his wife's name, also had undeclared cheques lodged into it. Mr Cosgrave told Judge Nolan that the total amount of income tax owed to Revenue was 99,435.11. Dr Naser was interviewed in March 2017 but claimed that everything that went through the practice was supplied to his tax agent. He made no comment when the hidden bank account was put to him, Mr Cosgrave said. Kerida Naidoo SC, defending, said that his client arrived in Ireland as a refugee from Palestine 30 years ago and with financial assistance from his parents studied at the Royal Academy of Medicine. He began working as a GP in 1998. Counsel handed in a bundle of testimonials from numerous patients who attended at Dr Naser's clinic over the years. Many of these patients spoke about how they have left the area but still travel to be treated by Dr Naser. People spoke of how he goes above and beyond for all of us and a number of patients stated that they didn't believe they, or a loved one, would still be alive if it had not been for Dr Naser's care. Mr Naidoo also pointed out to Judge Nolan that a number of the testimonies spoke of how Dr Naser didn't charge them for the additional care and aftercare he provided them. Counsel said that Dr Naser's practice work was almost 50 % work for the HSE and 50% work from private patients. He submitted that should his client be left at his liberty, he would be in a position to pay the additional fines and penalties he incurred, through his work. Mr Naidoo said his client would also suffer a loss of reputation because of the media attention the case would attract and noted that he would probably lose potential patients. He did something seriously wrong. He admits that he has done wrong. He has no previous convictions and is paying the financial punishment that goes with it. Mr Naidoo said his client had worked hard, had made meaningful contributions to his community and people depended on him for medical care. More good can be done for everyone by not sending him to prison, counsel said. When asked by Judge Nolan what he had to say about the need to imprison an accused to act as a deterrent to others, Mr Naidoo replied; A rational thinking person, looking at the evidence of the case, will be deterred because of all of the realities my client is now facing. By Tom Tuite An insolvency expert, who was a patsy in a scheme to avoid paying almost 3m in redundancies to Clerys workers and make the State foot the bill, has been spared a criminal conviction. OCS Operations Ltd petitioned the High Court for liquidation on June 12, 2015 after its parent group was sold by owners Gordon Brothers. This was followed by the collective redundancies in which 464 people lost jobs at the iconic store on Dublins O'Connell Street; 134 of them were directly employed by Clerys which was later bought out. James Brydie, a UK based insolvency expert was appointed as a director of OCS Operations on the day the High Court was petitioned to wind up the company after its funding was withdrawn. Brydie, with an address at Kingsmere Road, London, pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court on Wednesday to employment law offences: failing to give notice of collective redundancies and failing to keep records to ascertain whether or not there had been compliance with the Protection of Employment Act. He was given the Probation Act by Judge John Brennan who accepted he had come in at a late stage of a pre-packed insolvency arrangement and had been a patsy with limited information. Workplace Relations Commission inspector James Kelly agreed with prosecuting counsel Breffni Gordon (instructed by solicitor Niamh Tuite) that Brydie had been appointed director and sole shareholder as part of a pre-packed insolvency. Mr Kelly said OCS Operations Ltd petitioned the High Court for insolvency and to be wound up on June 12, 2015. The inspector told Judge John Brennan he examined the information provided to the High Court. The sale of the company began in January 2015. Its owners, the Boston private equity firm Gordon Brothers, which owned the Clerys group structure accepted a fixed bid from businesswoman Deirdre Foleys firm D2 Private which was backed by Cheyne Capital, in the UK. D2 Private had hoped Gordon Brothers would still run the department store after the buyout. However, after a meeting in London, Gordon Brothers said they were no longer interested in assisting, Mr Kelly told the court. D2 Private and Cheyne Capital then reduced their bid by 2.8m which was calculated to be the cost of redundancies and related expenses, the court heard. The bid was accepted. The inspector said D2 Private decided to use a pre-packed situation to appoint independent directors to remove OCS Operations from the group. Judge Brennan heard the group consisted of OCS Properties which ran the building, OCS Operations Ltd which was responsible for the department store and OCS Holdings. After the bid had been accepted it proceeded to liquidate OCS Operations to save the bidder the 2.8m costs and the State would be liable to pay the redundancies, the court heard. Brydie and Brendan Cooney with an address at Weirview Drive, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin were appointed as independent directors. The papers lodged in the High Court for the liquidation petition had been prepared before the two men were appointed as directors. They concealed the 2.8m write, the cost of making staff redundant, from the court, Mr Kelly said. He agreed with prosecution counsel that other people were involved in preparing the petition. The court heard D2 Private took over the holding company and withdrew funding from OCS Operations. Brydie was asked his opinion and determined OCS Operations was insolvent. Staff were made redundant the same day. Mr Kelly agreed Brydie was not the prime mover and said the main work to bring about the downfall of the company was by other parties. The inspector said Brydie has given the investigation assistance and was co-operative. Mr Kelly accepted it was a pre-packed state of affairs before it landed on his lap and it had already been pieced together. The inspector said his role was relatively minor compared to other parties. He agreed with defence solicitor Michael Cosgrave that Brydie was not going to benefit from it, the thing that tied his hands was that funds were withdrawn by other parties. The offences can result in a maximum fine of 2,500 for each charge. Mr Cosgrave asked the judge to note his client was an insolvency expert who carried out work for KPMG and IBRC. The solicitor said when funding had been withdrawn resulting in the High Court petition, his client had not had all the information. He has been of material assistance to the investigation and was of impeccable character, the solicitor said pleading for leniency. The court heard the accused was a director of several banks and a conviction would be damaging. Mr Cosgrave asked the judge to note the other director, Brendan Cooney, had been given the Probation Act in January for connected charges. Judge Brennan said the abrupt termination of employment at Clerys was reprehensible and there were nefarious activities to avoid lawful obligations. However, he noted Brydie came in at a late stage, the pre-package was already in place and he had very limited information. He accepted the businessman had been a patsy and not the main player. He noted his guilty plea and applied the Probation Act, sparing him a criminal record. Natrium Ltd, the company that took over OCS Operations Ltd in 2015 and which was co-owned by property developer Deirdre Foley along with Cheyne Capital, is no longer facing any charges in connection with the redundancies. Proceedings against other defendants on related charges were struck out in March following legal argument over an alleged failure by the prosecution to comply with an order for disclosure of computer data evidence to the defence. Those defendants were: businesswoman Deirdre Foley, Mark Redmond, of Belfry Dale, Citywest Road, Saggart, Co. Dublin an employee of D2 Private Ltd a firm owned by Deirdre Foley, and OCS Operations Ltd. In bad firms, staff are not paid superannuation when cash is tight. There is no workers compensation insurance, even though the law requires it. When the business collapses, suppliers have unpaid bills and workers do not receive full entitlements. The small business affects many lives: it is responsible for employee safety, superannuation and other entitlements, paying suppliers and withholding tax. Yet the owner may have limited understanding of director duties or laws affecting the business. It's easier to start up a business than to get your driving licence. Credit:Wayne Taylor A teenager does 120 hours of supervised driving experience and then a test before getting a licence. Yet someone can register a company without a minute's training. Is it any wonder there are so many governance car crashes in small business when founders are not required to have basic compliance skills? Failed businesses ruin lives. They can set off a series of events that hurt workers across firms. The business cannot pay suppliers, who in turn struggle to pay their bills. Employees who need their entitlements on redundancy, to feed the family, suffer. I do not propose owners undertake extensive governance and compliance training before starting a business. Or that the threshold to be a public company (which by law must have at least three directors) is lowered. That is costly and unnecessary for tiny firms. But is it too much to require that founders who start a business for the first time must complete a series of free online modules and tests on governance, compliance and policy, before company registration? The combined modules might take half a day. The goal: to ensure founders (across a sole trader, partnership or company) have basic knowledge of governance, compliance and the law as it relates to their business structure; they cant get an Australian Business Number (ABN) until they pass the test. For Downton Abbey's fans there was no Christmas in 2012, just the gob-smacking death of Matthew Crawley in a car accident. Credit:sellis@fairfaxmedia.com.au The departure of actor McLean Stevenson from the hit series M*A*S*H was hard enough for fans, but it was delivered like a bombshell: after being discharged and sent home from the Korean War, young soldier Radar O'Reilly (Gary Burghoff) came into the crowded surgical theatre and informed the company that Blake's plane had been shot down and that there were no survivors. The long-suffering Edith Bunker, meanwhile, was an American cultural icon; the brow-beaten wife of the nation's posterboy for toxic masculinity, Archie Bunker. But in the show's final season it was revealed that Edith had phlebitis inflammation of her veins but had not told Archie; when the spin-off Archie Bunker's Place began it was revealed that Edith had died, leaving Archie grief stricken. Few deaths left us broken like the death of The Good Wife's good friend and great love Will Gardner. Credit:sellis@fairfaxmedia.com.au Susan Biddle Ross (Heidi Swedberg), Seinfeld, 1996 After what could only be described as a peculiar courtship on one occasion, George (Jason Alexander) tried to sabotage their relationship by picking his nose Susan Biddle Ross was a fictional NBC executive who (briefly) joined the Seinfeld gang. George and Susan's engagement went ahead, despite her brief lesbian turn, but Susan ultimately bit the dust suddenly while licking envelopes containing their wedding invitations. The cause? Toxic envelope adhesive. Dan Conner (John Goodman), Roseanne, 1997 Honourable mention: Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy), Dallas, 1986 When the original series of Roseanne concluded, the family patriarch Dan (John Goodman) was dead, a shocking and arguably in-authentic story point, given the emotional significance of the character; mercifully creator Roseanne Barr agreed and, when the Roseanne reboot kicked off, brought the beloved Dan back to life. "I'm sleeping, why does everybody always think I'm dead?" he exclaimed, rising from the sofa. Bobby Ewing in Dallas, meanwhile, executed the same swift turn in just one year: struck by a car driven by the vengeful Katherine Wentworth (Morgan Brittany) and dying in an emotional hospital bed scene surrounded by the Ewings, and then brought back to life in an arguably ridiculous twist in which the entire season was revealed to have been nothing but Pam Ewing's (Victoria Principal) bad dream. Louise Paige (Alex Cook), Love My Way, 2005 The cable drama Love My Way had already established its credential as one of Australia's finest ever written and produced, but it was the death of Frankie's daughter Lou in the eighth episode that floored the audience. In one frame it was picture perfect; in the next she had fallen and stopped breathing. It's a stunning piece of drama remembered for the ease with which it shattered our hearts. Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens), Downton Abbey, 2012 You wheel out a much-loved series for a Christmas special episode and you'd think the worst you'd see was a few bad gifts and an over-stuffed turkey. But for Downton's fans there was no Christmas in 2012, just the gob-smacking death of Matthew Crawley in a car accident as he was driving to share the news that his wife, Lady Mary, had given birth to a son. Even in British period dramas, there are no happy endings. The Red Wedding, Game of Thrones, 2013 Honourable mention: Moldavian Wedding Massacre, Dynasty, 1985 Though it is remembered as the "Red Wedding", this episode of Game of Thrones was actually titled The Rains of Castamere and it was a shocker. Though fans who had read the books knew it was coming, those who had not were stunned to see much-loved characters slaughtered in an act of vengeance against King Robb Stark for breaking the marriage pact between House Stark and House Frey. And yet Game of Thrones was not the first to open fire metaphorically speaking on a wedding congregation. Back in the heady '80s, the supersoap Dynasty married its heiress Amanda Carrington (Catherine Oxenberg) to the prince of an oil-rich kingdom, Moldavia. But those Moldavians were unhappy with the prospect of a future foreign queen and organised a coup that kicked off with an all-guns blazing attack on the royal wedding. Meg Jackson (Catherine McClements), Wentworth, 2013 Honourable mention: Eddard Stark (Sean Bean), Game of Thrones, 2011 From the kill-off-the-lead-character-in-the-opening episode playbook, the Prisoner reboot Wentworth declared its credentials at the end of episode one by killing off the iconic Meg Jackson, one of the main characters of the original series, and with McClements in the role, seemingly the star of the new series. In a similar fashion, with Sean Bean cast as Game of Thrones' Ned Stark, you could be forgiven for thinking that, among a relatively unknown ensemble cast, he was the star of the show. Sadly, and shockingly, Ned didn't see out the first season of Game of Thrones. If beheading wasn't undignified enough, Ned's head was placed on a spike above the Traitor's Walk in the Red Keep. Will Gardner (Josh Charles), The Good Wife, 2014 While the writers and producers (not to mention the actor) deserve kudos for keeping this a secret until the actual moment, few deaths left us broken like the death of The Good Wife's good friend and great love Will Gardner. This all-round good guy got caught between a tense moment in court and a court police officer whose weapon was carelessly unsecured; a gunshot later and Will was on the ground and the audience was up on their feet screaming in shock. Patrick Reid (Matthew Le Nevez), Offspring, 2016 A Channel Seven reporter and her cameraman have been mugged by gun-wielding thieves with the attack beamed live to Seven's Sydney control room. Seemingly unaware the camera they stole was still recording, the dim-witted thugs took off on pushbikes with the $25,000 device. Back in Seven's Sydney headquarters, shocked producers watched the robbery as it unfolded in the inner-north London suburb of Islington. They immediately handed the incriminating footage to police, who are now investigating. The incident began with a live cross to Sunrise by journalist Laurel Irving. After she finished on-air about 10pm on Monday (Tuesday morning in Australia), she continued recording material for a future broadcast. She and cameraman Jimmy Cannon were then approached by two men. The reason for acknowledging the gendered nature of family violence is not to demonise men. Its not an exercise in making men feel bad just for fun and giggles. Nor is it a tired old argument to say that violence is mostly committed by men. This is not the same as saying all men are violent a demonstrably false statement. Scrolling through thousands of social media comments about the report shows how far we still have to go in helping people understand that gender is the main factor in family violence, and why it matters. A report released last week on murders between couples provided conclusive proof on the gendered nature of family violence. It was groundbreaking in the sense that no other data has provided such intensively investigated evidence at a national level. There are two main approaches to fixing family violence: services and prevention. Neither of them has a "one size fits all" solution. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are over-represented as both victims and perpetrators of family violence. At this years ANROWS National Research Conference, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates joined forces to develop the Warawarni-gu Guma (Healing Together) Statement on domestic and family violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Everyone should read the whole statement, but the demand that nothing about our mob, without our mob must be the basis for every thought or action non-Aboriginal people have on this issue. Women living with disabilities are another high-risk group and we almost never hear their voices. Women from migrant groups are also at risk, as are women in rural areas and trans women. All these groups have very specific needs that cannot be addressed with a cookie cutter response. Theres also no "one size fits all" approach to prevention. As much as we need to identify high-risk groups among victims, we equally need to identify high-risk groups among perpetrators. At the moment all we really know is that they are usually men, there is often alcohol involved and they frequently have a strong belief in traditional gender roles. Its a start but its not nearly enough. We need to know far more about the men who commit this kind of violence. We need to know their location, background, age, relationships, mental health, substance abuse, social contacts and physical health, among many other factors. Then we can start targeting prevention where it will do the most good. We cant do that if were stopped at the most basic hurdle of recognising the primary connecting factor gender. An internationally respected Canberra scientist who died in a head-on car crash has been remembered as a passionate man with an "enormous standing" among entomologists around the world. Dr John La Salle, 67, died when the Toyota RAV4 he was driving collided with a dual cab ute on Gocup Road, near the NSW Riverina town of Tumut, on May 27. Dr John La Salle, who died in a head-on car crash near Tumut on May 27. Credit:Carl Davies He worked with the CSIRO and played a key role in establishing the Atlas of Living Australia - the national biodiversity database - in 2006, before becoming its director five years ago. Prior to that, he spent 11 years at the helm of the Australian National Insect Collection. Brisbane City Council has scrapped its plans to spend almost $6 million to duplicate a tunnel in Brisbane's west. The LNP announced its intentions to duplicate the Land Street Tunnel at Auchenflower during its 2016 election campaign and $5.9 million was allocated for the project in the 2017-18 budget. Funding for the tunnel duplication was in the 2017-18 Brisbane City Council budget. Credit:Brisbane City Council The underpass is a shared pedestrian and cyclist path at present, but the council proposed duplicating the tunnel to allow cyclists and pedestrians to be separated. Despite progressing plans, community consultation and calling for tenders, the councils public and active transport Adrian Schrinner announced plans at a council meeting on Tuesday evening to no longer proceed with the project. During the late hours of Saturday night, police piled a cognitively impaired man into a police van in Geelong, bound for Melbourne after repeated calls for a local bail justice went unanswered . The man needed to have his remand case heard but without an available bail justice at one of the states busiest police stations, the only option was for officers to drive from station to station in the dead of night. Some bail justices rule on up to 250 cases a year, at all hours of the night. Credit:Tribune Subscription Bail justices, those responsible for hearing bail applications outside court hours, say these situations are now commonplace as the result of a mass exodus after the trained-volunteer roles came under scrutiny following a high-profile case. The state government moved to change the Bail Act after it was revealed that an accused man was released by a bail justice just days before allegedly committing a major crime. The state's road policing chief says the practice of "ghosting" has to "stop and stop now" in the wake of Victoria Police's breathalyser scandal. In an internal video message to members on Wednesday afternoon, Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer has for the first time addressed police after The Age revealed more than a quarter of a million breath tests were faked. The practice was so common among some police they have their own terms for it, calling them "falsies" or "ghosties". Fremantle City Council has added its voice to calls for an increase to the Newstart unemployment allowance, which has not increased in real terms for more than two decades. Councillors on May 23 received a petition signed by more than 385 residents asking the city to add its voice to increase pressure on the federal government to recognise that the low rate of Newstart is exacerbating poverty and homelessness. While we recognise that Newstart is a federal issue, we believe the council has an important role in advocating on behalf of its residents who are experiencing unemployment, the petition read. There has not been a significant increase to Newstart in over 20 years, despite the cost of living continuing to rise. Recent research showed that Newstart and Commonwealth Rent Assistance are $96 short of meeting a basic standard of living for a single person. The former chief of an organisation aimed at helping substance abusers, who was spared a prison sentence for supplying heroin only to later breach the terms of her release order, has been fined $500. Louise Janette Grant, who was employed at the Western Australian Substance Users Association, was convicted after a trial in the WA District Court of offering to sell or supply heroin to another person. Grant was sentenced in June last year to 18 months in prison, suspended for 18 months with conditions, but breached the terms of the order by testing positive to illicit substances in November. The former WASUA boss resigned from the organisation in 2015. Credit:Jon Reid Judge Kate Glancy said although Grant was aware she could face prison time for breaching the terms of her release order, the progress of a drug user was "not necessarily smooth and always on an upward trajectory". Greens leader Shane Rattenbury has acknowledged the ACT's poker machine trading scheme has not worked as planned, as the party voted with Labor to extend by another year a deadline that would have forced clubs to surrender some machines. However, ACT Gambling Minister Gordon Ramsay plans to introduce separate new legislation before then to ensure there are only 4000 poker machines in Canberra. The poker machine trading scheme has been extended for another year, despite acknowledgements it hasn't worked as intended. Credit:Andrew Meares Legislation to extend the trading machine scheme, which had been meant to finish in August, and to create a panel to advise on the casino's bid to gain poker machines, passed the ACT's parliament on Tuesday. Only 38 machines have been surrendered since the scheme began in 2015, despite a goal of cutting the number of authorisations by 1000 by 2020. In a major backflip, the state government has surrendered to the demands of the upper house and will produce key documents relating to some of its most controversial policies. The business cases for Sydney stadiums as well as the Powerhouse Museum relocation and a highly critical report into the state's child protection system will be handed over by 5pm Friday. Don Harwin has agreed to hand over the documents by 5pm Friday. Credit:Peter Braig It came after the government's most senior minister in the house, Don Harwin, was censured over the government's refusal to produce the documents. He faced possible suspension from parliament. But Mr Harwin was spared from being kicked out of the chamber after he told parliament on Wednesday that the government would agree to the demands of the upper house. The Queensland government is considering funding a multi-million dollar access road for the Adani Carmichael mine, despite insisting no taxpayer funds would be used to prop up the project. A Right to Information request revealed thousands of pages of documents relating to potential state government funding of the upgrade of the Elgin-Moray and Moray-Carmichael roads. The road to Adani's proposed Carmichael coal mine west of Moranbah. There 67 pages were recorded "official discussions" about Cabinet Budget Review Committee deliberations, while others were redacted because the matter was still being negotiated between the department, Office of the Coordinator General, Isaac Regional Council and Adani. One of Premier Annastacia Palaswzczuk's 2015 election commitments was not using taxpayer funds for the Adani mine. The Australian Conservatives sole Victorian MP is considering dumping Senator Cory Bernardis start-up party amid a fallout over a controversial new election strategy. Victorian upper house MP Rachel Carling-Jenkins has flagged quitting the party - and possibly running as an independent - just under a year after signing up. Australian Conservatives founder Cory Bernardi at a press conference with Victorian MP, Rachel Carling-Jenkins in 2017. Credit:Eddie Jim Earlier this week Senator Bernardi emailed party members saying the campaign for the November state election would focus entirely on retaining Dr Carling-Jenkins seat. That decision sparked a backlash from Dr Carling-Jenkins who accused Senator Bernardi of retreating from the field. Huawei is receiving rave reviews for its latest handset, the P20 Pro. Even in the United States, where the phone isn't on sale, reviewers are importing the device to declare it the phone of the year (so far). The praise is understandable. The P20 Pro adds a little flair to post-iPhone X devices; there's the familiar giant OLED screen, thin bezels and a notch, available in glossy black or rose gold as well as and a stunning gradient variant called "Twilight", which may be the prettiest phone ever built. The P20 Pro pushes the camera past its nearest competitors, the iPhone X and the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus. Instead of pulling in data through two lenses and using smarts to create portrait mode, the P20 has three rear-facing cameras to work with. The Twilight P20 Pro may be the prettiest phone ever made. Credit:Bloomberg This is not just a gimmick, nor a copycat move. Huawei has long been an early innovator in smartphone photography, starting the modern trend of dual lens cameras. Beneath the main camera bump are Leica-designed 40MP colour and 20MP monochrome lenses. Both take impressive shots in their own right, but combined they create stunning portrait images that best the current flagship cameras. A third lens steps in to enable incredibly sharp, noise free images in low light. And because all three lenses use the same optical image stabilisation, images are always clear without a tripod needed. A traffic policeman has been praised for coming to the aid of an elderly man by giving him a piggyback ride across a busy intersection in China's south-west on Monday. In footage of the interaction shared online, the elderly man, who was using two walking sticks, began crossing the road with other pedestrians who quickly passed him. Before he was halfway across the crossing, the lights appeared to change and traffic began to move slowly around him. London: The European Union has taken action to try to prevent the collapse of the Iran nuclear deal, adopting a new rule banning European companies from complying with US sanctions and allowing the European Investment Bank to fund projects in Iran. But it will leave many companies with a painful choice whether to follow EU or US rules on doing business with Iran. The decision by the European Commission, the EUs executive body, is provisional as it requires approval from the European Parliament and the heads of EU member states. However, it is a strong signal of Europe's desire to rescue the crumbling 2015 nuclear deal, after Tehran announced plans to increase its uranium enrichment capacity with new centrifuges. When French President Emmanuel Macron was pressed to comment on a CNN report describing a recent call with President Donald Trump as "terrible" on Monday, he did exactly that - going back a century in time to come up with a rather odd analogy. Berlin: How do you know that a bromance is over? Quite possibly, when one side starts talking about sausage factories when referring to their recent phone conversations. "As Bismarck used to say, if we explained to people how sausages were made, it's unlikely they'd keep eating them," Macron said according to Reuters, referring to 19th-century Prussian leader Otto von Bismarck. "So I like it when people see the finished meal, but I'm not convinced the kitchen commentary helps with delivering the meal or eating it." Macron's remarks suggest that his call with Trump last week may have been even more rancorous than the readouts provided by the French government and the White House in which Macron is quoted as calling Trump's trade tariffs "illegal." French president Emmanuel Macron Credit:Bloomberg Since his state visit to Washington, Macron has warned twice that Trump's moves could result in war: first, when Trump withdrew from the Iran deal, and again on Thursday after the president imposed tariffs on close US allies, including France. "Economic nationalism leads to war. This is exactly what happened in the 1930s," the French president said. While Macron's sausage analogy on Monday could be understood as yet another sign of his weakening ties to Trump, the French president was in fact trying to make the opposite point. Since assuming power, he has cracked down on leaks and adopted a more sceptical approach to the media than his predecessor, socialist President Francois Hollande. The content of calls with foreign leaders, Macron implied, shouldn't become public. Significant contests also played out elsewhere on Tuesday. Mississippi Republican Senator Roger Wicker won his primary contest as did New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, a Democrat who faced federal bribery charges last year. The jury deadlocked, but Republicans hope to use Menendez's legal troubles to tar other Democrats like Sherrill across the state. Much of the day's drama focused on women, who fought to make history in some cases and to avoid disaster in others. In Alabama, four-term Republican Republican Martha Roby was forced into a run-off election next month after failing to win 50 per cent of her party's vote. She will face former Democrat Bobby Bright in Alabama's conservative 2nd district - where Trump loyalty has been a central issue. Nurse Nikko Johnson reviews the California Primary election guide at San Francisco City Hall. Credit:AP Roby was the first member of Congress to withdraw her endorsement of the Republican President in 2016 after he was caught on video bragging about grabbing women's genitals. Mallory Hagan, who won Miss America in 2013. Credit:AP Former Miss America Mallory Hagan also won a Democratic congressional nomination in an Alabama congressional race. Hagan was crowned Miss America in 2013 and until recently worked as a news anchor in Georgia. She said she was inspired to run by the late Dr Martin Luther King jnr. She will face Mike Rogers, who is unopposed for the Republican nomination, but the deep-red district is highly unlikely to fall into Democratic hands. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, the state's first female governor, fended off three GOP challengers for a governor nomination, while South Dakota's Kristi Noem became the first female nominee for governor in her state as well. In New Mexico, Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham won her party's nomination in the race to succeed outgoing Republican Governor Susana Martinez. If Grisham wins, she'd be the state's second Latino state executive and the first Latino Democrat governor. US President Donald Trump was revving up supporters to try to guarantee Republican seats stay Republican. Credit:AP In Iowa, 28-year-old state Democrat Abby Finkenauer was trying to become the youngest woman to serve in Congress. And in New Mexico, former state Democratic Party chairwoman Debra Haaland, a tribal member of Laguna Pueblo, was making a bid to become the first Native American woman in Congress. Haaland said in her primary victory statement: "Donald Trump and the billionaire class should consider this victory a warning shot: the blue wave is coming." Much of Tuesday's focus was on California, however. Recognising the high stakes, Trump sought to energise his supporters in a series of tweets praising his preferred California Republican candidates. A voter arrives at a polling station in Davenport, Iowa, wehre farmer loyalty for Donald Trump looks like it's starting to waver over tariff disputes with countries that import American crops. Credit:Bloomberg "In High Tax, High Crime California, be sure to get out and vote for Republican John Cox for Governor. He will make a BIG difference!" Trump tweeted. Yet frightening scenarios exist for both parties. Republican John Cox won the second spot for the California governor race ensuring the GOP wont be shut out of the race. But the San Diego businessman faces long odds against Democrat Gavin Newsom. Democrats, meanwhile, could be shut out of a handful of competitive House races because they ran too many primary candidates and diluted their vote. Under California's system, all candidates appear on a single primary ballot, with the top two vote-getters regardless of party advancing to the November election. That allows the possibility of two candidates from the same party qualifying. In the race to succeed term-limited Democrat Jerry Brown, two Democrats, Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, are leading the pack. For the GOP, the Trump-backed Cox, a business executive, has the best chance at earning a spot. Loading It's also possible Republicans may not secure a nomination spot in the challenge against Feinstein. On the other hand, Democrats could be shut out in a handful of House races, which would be a massive blow to the party's fight to claim the House majority this fall. National Democrats spent more than $US7 million ($9.1 million) trying to curb and repair the damage inflicted by Democrats attacking each other in districts opened by retiring Republican Reps. Ed Royce and Darrell Issa, and the district where Republican Dana Rohrabacher was facing challenges from the left and the right. Trump will not be on the ballot this year. But he was on the minds of many voters. Francine Karuntzos, a 57-year-old retiree from Huntington Beach, California, said she had deep concerns about the Republican president - particularly his recent declaration that he could pardon himself. She said she wasn't a member of a political party, but she voted Democratic on Tuesday. "I'm really, really worried about our Constitution being ruined by this presidency," Karuntzos said after casting her ballot at a local community centre. It was a different story in Mississippi, where 66-year-old Gladys Cruz wasn't sure which Republican she would support in the state's Senate primary, but she wanted whoever won to firmly support Trump. "This election expresses clearly that sexual assault, sexual violence is serious and it has to be taken seriously by elected officials. It's a historical moment when women across all sectors of society are standing up saying enough is enough." Persky could not be reached for comment. The recall effort unfolded in the months after Turner was convicted of three felonies in connection with the sexual assault of a woman, identified only as Emily Doe, while she laid unconscious behind a dumpster after a party at a fraternity in 2015. At the time of the attack, Turner was a freshman on Stanford's swim team. Loading Doe's victim-impact statement reverberated across the country with its piercing details recounting the horror of waking up in a hospital to learn she had potentially been penetrated by a stranger - and in her direct confrontation of Turner. "You have dragged me through this hell with you, dipped me back into that night again and again," she said. "You knocked down both our towers. I collapsed at the same time you did. Your damage was concrete, stripped of titles, degrees, enrolment. My damage was internal, unseen. I carry it with me." Outrage over the case exploded after Perksy said he took the victim's statement into account then sentenced Turner to six months in jail and three years' probation in June 2016. He said he was following the advice of the probation department, which did not recommend prison time. Prosecutors had argued for a six year prison sentence. Turner was released after serving only three months. He was also required to register as a sex offender. Stanford law professor Michele Dauber led the campaign to recall Judge Aaron Persky. Credit:AP Perksy said at the sentencing hearing that he considered the fact that Turner was drinking as a mitigating factor in his sentence. But some, including the Recall Judge Aaron Persky Campaign, charged that Turner's status as an elite, white young athlete at a prestigious university also factored into Perksy's decision to be lenient. In a statement submitted to the Santa Clara County Registrar and that appeared on the ballot, Persky defended himself by saying: "As a prosecutor, I fought vigorously for victims. As a judge, my role is to consider both sides. California law requires every judge to consider rehabilitation and probation for first-time offenders. It's not always popular, but it's the law, and I took an oath to follow it without regard to public opinion or my opinions as a former prosecutor." Loading Turner's six-month jail sentence inspired the California legislature to reform its penal code to require judges to sentence sexual assault perpetrators to prison time rather than probation or jail, as in Turner's case. The opposition to the recall effort - including the Santa Clara County district attorney, its presiding judge and multiple former judges - argued that this was the proper democratic response to the controversial jail sentence, rather than removing the judge himself. In a commentary in the Mercury Sun, the presiding judge, Patricia Lucas, and two former judges argued the recall threatened judges' judicial independence. "It certainly appears the goal is to teach judges, all judges, some lessons: if you want to keep your job as a judge, keep an eye on media reports of public sentiment when you are exercising your sworn duty to sentence a defendant in light of the law and the facts," they wrote. Latest News The Australian Mortgage Awards are tonight! It's time for the winners of the Australian Mortgage Awards to be revealed Newcastle Permanent gears up for merger with 41.6% rise in profit Home lending grows to $9.2bn as regional house prices spike Housing affordability has improved across the country despite falls in Victoria, South Australia and ACT during the first quarter of 2018, according to the latest research. The March quarter 2018 data from the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) and Adelaide Bank found the proportion of median family income required to meet average loan repayments decreased by 0.3 percentage points to 31.3%. REIA President Malcolm Gunning said rental affordability declined in all states and territories except for Western Australia and the Northern Territory, where the proportion of median family income required to meet rent payments increasing by 0.1 percentage points to 24.8%. Gunning also said the number of loans decreased across the country by 16%, with falls in all states and territories including the largest decrease of 17.9% in New South Wales and Victoria. He added, Whilst some decline in the number of loans for this period, which includes the summer holiday break, can be expected, the reduction reflects a changing sentiment in the market. In Sydney and Melbourne, the two cities which have had the largest price increases over the past few years, the drop in loans is attributable to APRA restrictions on investment loans and more stringent home lending criteria. Since the last edition of this report the east coast residential property market has moved relatively quickly from a sellers to a buyers market. The March quarter showed an overall decline in first home purchasers entering the market, with the Northern Territory experiencing the highest decline of 21%. However, the number of first home buyers is 28% higher than in the March quarter 2017 and represents 26.3% of the total, excluding refinancing." Related stories: Smaller cities set to "gain momentum" Digital property transactions jump 25% Latest News The Australian Mortgage Awards are tonight! It's time for the winners of the Australian Mortgage Awards to be revealed Newcastle Permanent gears up for merger with 41.6% rise in profit Home lending grows to $9.2bn as regional house prices spike National aggregator Mortgage Choice has refuted recent allegations that its current franchise model encourages poor behaviour or practices. The company has been under fire over the last few days after an investigation by Fairfax Media and ABC's 7.30. It spoke to franchise owners who claimed Mortgage Choice ran a harsh business model and remuneration structure. The group announced on the ASX on Monday that it has been consulting with its franchisees with a view to updating its remuneration model. It says this program has been its key priority for 2018 and hopes it will help the growth of the company as well as attract new businesses to the network. Mortgage Choice has said its franchise system was introduced over 25 years ago, designed to allow mortgage brokers to own and grow their own small businesses with the support of a strong market brand and full-service model which included business planning, marketing, IT, training and compliance. It says this extra support was designed to be reflected in the remuneration structure. In a response to the allegations, Mortgage Choice said it works closely with its franchisees to assist them in growing successful businesses. The company has policies in place to support any franchisee that requires additional support, including personalised assistance to franchisees who have experienced financial difficulty or suffered health issues. In refuting the claims that its model caused franchise owners to cut corners, it said it has robust compliance processes and credit policy controls in place that franchisees are required to adhere to. Susan Mitchell, CEO of Mortgage Choice said: Our franchisees are very diligent and want to do the right thing for their customers. We take any allegation of fraudulent behaviour extremely seriously and we have a very thorough and structured compliance regime in place. The wellbeing of our franchisees is our number one concern. We provide any business owner experiencing hardship with personalised support, including from our field-based teams. We are well progressed in consulting with franchisees on a new remuneration model that will help them to succeed and invest in growing their businesses. While Mortgage Choice believes brokers in the network still highly value the services the company provides, it acknowledges that the balance between services offered and remuneration provided needs adjusting. The company has started a confidential and collaborative process to update the model, which has included numerous workshops across Australia with franchisees to consult on a new model. It is aiming to have a new remuneration model in place by August 2018. Related stories: Mortgage Choice under fire Brokers best placed to explain LMI Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC Whos a healthy boy?! Dozens of pooches and their humans showed up at Borough Hall on Saturday for free vaccinations after a virulent strain of dog flu started striking local furballs last month. The complementary inoculations came as a welcome gift to budget-conscious pet owners, according to an attendee, who said the offerings werent limited to medication alone. I expected only vaccines, but they had a whole lot more, such as free samples and other items, said Saddith Bryan, who toted her cocker spanielmix Phoebe to the event. It was amazing. Borough President Adams hosted the event along with pet-friendly sponsors that included the citys animal-care centers and local branches of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. And the beep, a self-proclaimed advocate for shelter-pet adoption, invited some mutts along with a few felines looking for forever homes to the event, many of which left in the arms of new loving owners, according to his spokesman. There were 24 adoptions the most weve ever had at an event like this, said Stefan Ringel. Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC They want Gowanus to grow up already! The city wants to make way for bigger buildings on Gowanuss busiest thoroughfare that can pack even more residents inside than current law allows, according to a new proposal to rezone part of the neighborhood that pols released on Monday. The Framework for a sustainable, inclusive, mixed-use Gowanus follows two years of discussions about the rezoning scheme, which Mayor DeBlasio first pitched in 2016, striking fear into some Gowanusaurs who worried that more residential developments there could spell the end of the areas blue-collar businesses. But the local councilmen who shared the report prepared by officials in the Department of City Planning which calls for building up a stretch of Fourth Avenue, among other recommendations said its proposals are merely a jumping off point for ongoing discussions with residents about the areas future. We are not naive issues of growth and development in New York City are complex. Not everyone will agree, and we know there is much hard work still to come, said Gowanus Councilman Brad Lander in a joint statement with his colleague Stephen Levin, who also represents the neighborhood. But we believe this framework gets the balance right for thoughtful growth with truly shared benefits. We look forward to continuing the conversation. The rezoning proposal incorporates Fourth Avenue between Pacific and 15th streets, where it recommends requiring any newly built residential buildings on the stretch to participate in the citys Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program, which requires developers to set aside a portion of units at below-market-rate rents. In exchange, the city would rezone those blocks to make way for structures larger than those currently allowed to rise which could climb as high as 17 stories in some parts, according to the report, which noted the city rezoned that part of Fourth Avenue in 2003 to allow for buildings up to 12 stories tall on certain lots. And as part of the plan, officials want to revive the under-utilized open space beneath the F and G station on 10th Street between Third and Fourth avenues into a new public hangout and home for the letters from the old Kentile Floors sign that hung above Gowanus until it was ripped from the sky in 2014, the framework states. The proposal also includes an asymmetric swath of land roughly bounded by Fourth Avenue and Baltic, Bond, and Third streets that bifurcates at Third Street, to include a parcel bounded by that road, Seventh Street, and Third and Fourth avenues, and another section bounded by Third Street, the Gowanus Canal, Huntington Street, and Smith Street. That area which includes Gowanuss Thomas Greene Park along with a hodgepodge of residential, manufacturing, and other commercial buildings would be broken up into several smaller sections comprised of a handful of blocks apiece, where officials called for implementing site-specific zoning to keep some industrial lots and create new mixed-use properties that offer community and other spaces to bring new life to local streets. The citys study excluded the already in place Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Zone along the southern end of the canal an area designated in 2006 to protect Gowanuss blue-collar roots and stimulate economic growth, which local business advocates hope will stay in tact even as residential developers such as Dumbo-based Two Trees continue to scoop up prime parcels within it. The proposals release is just the first step in the lengthy rezoning process, which will require approval via the citys Universal Land Use Review Procedure before any new regulations can be implemented. But before that, officials are inviting locals to public meetings where they can offer feedback on the scheme before a second draft is released this winter. Gowanus rezoning open house at PS 32 (317 Hoyt St. between Union and President streets in Gowanus) on June 27 from 5 to 8:30 pm. The petition, filed in Bengalurus civil court, has questioned the maintainability of the Deloitte forensic report on the basis of which the civil suit was initiated without permission of the company tribunal as per Section 131 of the Companies Act. Our plea for rejecting the suit for recovery of the money has been admitted and AirAsia India has been asked to respond by June 27, said ... 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 At a time when most analysts see margin pressure on domestic IT firms due to increased onshore hiring, Infosys on Wednesday said that the company expects hiring of fresh graduates in the US to its workforce to aid its profit margins, at least in the short-term. As a part of its localization drive, the Bengaluru-based company, during the past 12 months, have added 4,000 engineers in the US, and is looking at hiring 6,000 more by 2021. "In terms of margins, we have not outlined anything in the market what will the impact be. What we are noticing today is recruitment from ... 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 It is called the New Age Militancy. Youth who are younger than 20 years of age, indifferent to their parents pleas, are joining militant groups, only to be killed a few weeks later. Like Faizan Bhat of Tral who was all of 15, and remained a militant for two months before becoming a casualty statistic. More recently, it was Faid Mushtaq Waza of Khanyar who was 18 and was last seen on social media posing with a gun. This shift in militancy patterns has disastrous consequences for everyone, barring the militants leadership and their backers. For Kashmiris, ... The then US President used his African-American card to win over Prime Minister during the last phase of negotiations at the in late 2015, where India was the last holdout as its officials were the toughest negotiators, says a book on his presidency. "When we got to Paris, the main holdout was India," Obama's then top foreign policy and security aide for eight years Ben Rhodes writes in his book 'The World as It Is: A Memoir of the Obama White House'. The book will hit stands today. Rhodes was Obama's Deputy Security Advisor for Strategic Communications. Giving a blob-by-blow account of the last phase of US-India talks on climate change, Rhodes writes that at one point of time in Paris Obama himself entered into a personal conversation with two Indian officials to convince them of the need for India to be part of the deal. But he failed to cut ice with the two Indian negotiators, says the book. Then he spend nearly an hour with Modi in Paris. Nothing appeared to work till the time Obama played the African-American card, according to the book. For nearly an hour, Modi kept underscoring the fact that he had three hundred million people with no electricity, and coal was the cheapest way to grow the Indian economy; he cared about the environment, but he had to worry about a lot of people mired in poverty. Obama went through arguments about a solar initiative we were building, the market shifts that would lower the price of clean energy," writes Rhodes in his book. "But he still hadn't addressed a lingering sense of unfairness, the fact that nations like the United States had developed with coal, and were now demanding that India avoid doing the same thing. 'Look', Obama finally said, 'I get that it's unfair. I'm African-American'. Modi smiled knowingly and looked down at his hands. He looked genuinely pained," he writes. "I know what it's like to be in a system that's unfair," he went on. "I know what it's like to start behind and to be asked to do more, to act like the injustice didn't happen. But I can't let that shape my choices, and neither should you. I'd never heard him talk to another leader in quite that way. Modi seemed to appreciate it. He looked up and nodded," writes the former top White House official, while describing how Obama used his African-American card to convince Modi. But before it, Rhodes writes, Obama tried and could not succeed in convincing the Indian negotiators. "We were scheduled to meet with India's prime minister, Obama and a group of us waited outside the meeting room, when the Indian delegation showed up in advance of Modi. By all accounts, the Indian negotiators had been the most difficult," he writes. "Obama asked to talk to them, and for the next twenty minutes, he stood in a hallway having an animated argument with two Indian men. I stood off to the side, glancing at my BlackBerry, while he went on about solar power," says Rhodes. This was something unprecedented and not part of the protocol. he adds. "One guy from our climate team came over to me. 'I can't believe he's doing this,' he whispered. 'These guys are impossible'. 'Are you kidding?' I said. 'It's an argument about science. He loves this'. Modi came around the corner with a look of concern on his face, wondering what his negotiators were arguing with Obama about," writes Rhodes. "We moved into the meeting room, and a dynamic became clear. Modi's team, which represented the institutional perspective of the Indian government, did not want to do what is necessary to reach an agreement," he says. "Modi, who had ambitions to be a transformative leader of India, and a person of global stature, was torn. This is one reason why we had done the deal with China; if India was alone, it was going to be hard for Modi to stay out," Rhodes writes in the book. (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.) Congress President Rahul Gandhi promised on Wednesday to waive farm loans within 10 days of coming to power in Madhya Pradesh, projecting his party as farmer-friendly in Mandsaur district where six people were killed in police firing during a protest over crop prices a year ago. We want to change your livesYou will get the reward for your hard work, media reports quoted Gandhi as saying in the politically crucial state that will vote to elect a new government later this year. 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 A popular Gurdwara and a Mosque were set on fire in arson attacks at the same time in English city of Leeds with the police treating them as hate crimes, according to media report today. The Jamia Masjid Abu Huraira Mosque in Hardy Street, Beeston, was attacked, along with the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Gurdwara in Lady Pit Lane, the BBC reported. The main door of the mosque in south of the city centre had been set on fire at about 3.45 am (local time) on Tuesday. A few minutes later, the door of the Gurdwara was also set on fire, the report said. The Sikh Press Association said a bottle filled with petrol had been set alight at the doorstep of the Gurdwara, triggering a smoke alarm. Residents called the fire brigade and the police and the fire was quickly dealt with, they said. Detective Inspector Richard Holmes, of Leeds District CID, said: "We are treating both these incidents as linked given the closeness of the locations and the similar times that they have occurred." "While our investigation is still at a relatively early stage, we do believe these premises have been specifically targeted as places of worship and we are treating both incidents as arsons and hate crimes." "We are currently carrying out extensive enquiries, including checks on CCTV in both areas, and we would like to hear from anyone who has witnessed any suspicious activity or seen any person or vehicles in the areas around the time these incidents have occurred.""Clearly we will always treat incidents of this nature very seriously and will be doing everything we can to identify those responsible and bring them to justice," he added. In a statement, representatives of the Gurdwara said: "We have attended a police emergency meeting and have been assured by the chief of Police that they are doing all they can to catch the criminals and will add extra police patrols in the area. Inspector Ian O'Brien, who heads neighbourhood policing for south Leeds, said: "These incidents will cause an understandable level of concern in both the Muslim and Sikh communities in this area and we are working closely with key representatives from those communities to reassure them. "Although it appears both locations have been specifically targeted as places of worship for these communities, there is nothing at this stage to suggest they are part of any wider pattern." "We have increased our patrols of the area to provide visible reassurance to people living there and will continue to keep key community representatives informed as the investigation develops." "Hate crimes that target particular communities and have the potential to cause divisions and tensions cannot and will not be tolerated and we will continue to do everything we can to find those responsible and support and reassure the communities affected." Nadeem Murtuja, interim director of Just Yorkshire which promotes racial justice, human rights and equality, said such "acts of hate" were worrying. "Mosques, gurdwaras and other places of worship repeatedly open doors to people of faith, no faith and all diversities to improve understanding, yet despite these positive actions, hate crimes continue to rise and the police continue to provide support and assurance," he said. The Capella Hotel, a luxury resort on Singapore's Sentosa Island, will be the venue for the June 12 summit between US President and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the White House said today. Singapore today designated a special event area of the Sentosa island tourist resort for Tuesday's historic summit. "The venue for the Singapore summit between @POTUS and Leader will be the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island. We thank our great Singaporean hosts for their hospitality," said White House press secretary Sarah Sanders. Earlier, Trump said that his meeting with Kim would hopefully be the start of something big. The White House said on Monday that the meeting is tentatively scheduled for 9.00 a.m. (Singapore time) on June 12 in Singapore. ALSO READ: Why Kim Jong-un won't give up North Korea's nuclear missiles any time soon After recent twists and turns, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last week met with Kim Yong Chol, vice chairman of the Central Committee of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party of Korea, in New York. On Friday, Trump too talked with Kim Yong Chol who delivered a personal letter from Kim Jong-un in a meeting that lasted almost two hours. Subsequently, Trump said he would meet with the top North Korean leader on June 12 in Singapore as originally scheduled. "Meeting in Singapore with North Korea will hopefully be the start of something big...we will soon see!" Trump said in a tweet. The State Department on Wednesday said that the US is not paying for North Korean officials to stay in Singapore for next week's summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. "The government is not paying for the North Korean delegation to stay. We're not paying for their expenses," Yonhap quoted The State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert as saying. The on Tuesday announced that the United States- summit will be held in Singapore's Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island at 9 a.m. next Tuesday. ALSO READ: Kim shakes up top military brass ahead of Donald Trump meet Last week, delegations from the US and met at the Capella Hotel to discuss the logistics of the meeting between Trump and Kim. On Friday, the US President said that the US- summit was back on track and will take place on June 12 in Singapore as scheduled earlier. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday a decision by US President Donald Trump to set up a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was "brave and mature", and said that he was expecting a "positive outcome". The historic summit will take place on June 12 in Singapore, in the latest twist in a high-stakes diplomatic drive by the United States to curtail Pyongyang's nuclear arms programme. On Friday, Trump, in a complete reversal, said he would hold the meeting with Kim after initially cancelling it, citing what he called Pyongyang's ... The wants North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to commit to a timetable to surrender his countrys nuclear arsenal when he meets President Donald Trump next week in Singapore, a high-stakes summit that could last as long as two days -- or just minutes. Trump has been advised not to offer Kim any concessions, as the seeks to put the onus on the North Koreans to make the summit a success, one U.S. official said. The president is determined to walk out of the meeting if it doesnt go well, two officials said. Alternatively, Trump is toying with the idea of offering Kim a follow-up summit at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, -- perhaps in the fall -- if the two men hit it off. Other than announcing that the two leaders will first meet at 9 a.m. time June 12 at the Capella Hotel on Singapores Sentosa Island, the has described no schedule for the summit. If the first meeting goes well, there will be further events that day and perhaps even on June 13. Trump will be joined in by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, his Chief of Staff John Kelly and Adviser John Bolton. The U.S. delegation also tentatively includes the CIAs top Korea expert, Andrew Kim; the Councils point person on Korea, Allison Hooker; and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Joe Hagin, who has negotiated much of the groundwork for the summit with the North Koreans. How Kim Jong Un and Trump Differ on Denuclearization: QuickTake Notably absent from Trumps delegation: Vice President Mike Pence, who will remain in the U.S., and Defense Secretary James Mattis. Mattis said on Sunday at a defense conference in that will win relief from crippling U.S. economic sanctions only when it demonstrates verifiable and irreversible steps to denuclearization. Trumps Preparations has publicly bristled at U.S. officials insistence that it must agree to disarm before receiving anything in return, instead calling for a step-by-step approach to ridding the Korean Peninsula of Trump has indicated flexibility in his approach, although its still unclear what a path to denuclearization would look like. Pompeo, who has traveled to Pyongyang twice since March, has prepared Trump for the summit in about eight-to-ten hours of briefings per week for several weeks, two U.S. officials said. The CIAs Kim has usually joined him. On Tuesday, former senators Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar briefed Trump and Pence on their lessons learned co-sponsoring a law aimed at securing and dismantling after the fall of the Soviet Union. Typically, the presidents preparations for meetings with foreign leaders are shaped by several administration officials and result in a pair of briefing books, one person familiar with the process said. One, on customs and protocol, primarily is assembled by the State Department and shared with much of the U.S. delegation. The other is a more exclusive document for the president that includes a biography of the foreign leader assembled by the U.S. intelligence community. It also sometimes includes memos from individual Cabinet members with their private assessments of the leader. U.S. vs North Korea: A Fraught History in Pictures Trumps aides consider him ready for a summit in which the White House believes he holds an advantage -- while 12 hours ahead of Washington, Singapore is a Westernized metropolis and will be the farthest Kim Jong Un has traveled since taking charge of his country in 2011. Kims Worries U.S. officials believe Kim is extremely worried about security at the summit and is fearful of assassination attempts, according to two people familiar with the matter. Frustrated after the North Koreans cut off communications for about five days last month and snubbed Hagin at a preparatory meeting in Singapore, Trump canceled the summit on May 24. Talks resumed, however, and Kim dispatched an envoy -- his spy chief Kim Yong Chol -- to Washington on Friday to deliver a letter to Trump. The letter, handwritten by Kim Jong Un in Korean, expressed the dictators desire for the summit. Trump said later that day that the Singapore meeting was back on. Kim Yong Chol also brought Trump a gift, and Trump reciprocated with a gift for Kim Jong Un. White House officials declined to describe either present. Twenty-three workers have been rescued out of an iron-ore mine in China's northeast Liaoning Province, which claimed eleven lives and wounded nine others, the officials confirmed on Wednesday. The explosion killed 11 people, injured nine others above-ground, and destroyed the hoisting system in the mine, while trapping 25 miners underground, reported China's state-run news agency Xinhua. The workers, who were rescued in two separate batches, remained trapped underground for few hours. According to the report, the first batch of six miners was lifted out of the shaft at around 5:20 a.m., and another 17 were lifted as of 7:25 a.m. on Wednesday. The rescued miners are in "good condition." A total of 25 workers were trapped, out of which two are missing for whom the search work is underway. Five, of the nine who were injured, suffered heavy injuries and are being treated to in hospital. Deadly mining accidents are usual in China, where the industry has a poor safety record. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan based journalist and activist Gul Bukhari, who was abducted by unknown people in Lahore on Tuesday night has now returned home. Her family has confirmed that she has returned home and is fine, Dawn reported. Responding to the incident, former Pakistan Ambassador to US Husain Haqqani tweeted, "Concerned by news of columnist @gulbukhari, British-#Pakistan dual national & outspoken critic of Pak military's role in politics, going missing. She should not join the long list of #EnforcedDisappearances in #Pakistan." ?Journalists like Umer Ali and Saeed Shah earlier tweeted confirming the news of her abduction. "Several journalists confirming @gulbukhari was forcibly picked up while on her way to attend a TV talk show. She has been a consisted critic of the military's alleged intervention in the Pakistani politics," Umer Ali's tweeted. "Gul Bukhari is a political activist and social media voice in Pakistan. Reports suggest she was abducted by agents of the state. This is just weeks before an election," Saeed Shah said in a tweet. Another Twitter user Afrasiab Khattak in a tweet said, "I strongly condemn the abduction of Gul Bukhari in Lahore. Armed invasion on Wana Town to physically eliminate Ali Wazir & Gul Bukhari's abduction shows that the forces of fascism are using the absence of political government for crushing dissent." Bukhari was on her way to the studio to appear in a show when some unknown people stopped her vehicle and abducted her. She, who is known for her outspoken criticism of Pakistan military's role in politics, is currently a contributing Op-Ed writer at The Nation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday summoned former Finance Minister P Chidambaram for recording his statement on June 12 in Aircel-Maxis case. Earlier in the day, Chidambaram appeared before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the case. Yesterday, the former finance minister was given protection from arrest by the ED in connection with the Aircel-Maxis money laundering case till July 10 by the Patiala House Court. Meanwhile, the ED had sought time to file a detailed reply in the case. The court has fixed the matter for further hearing on July 10, the same date on which the hearing against Karti Chidambaram in Aircel-Maxis case is scheduled. This is the second time the former finance minister has got relief from arrest. Even on May 30, the court had allowed Chidambaram protection from arrest till June 5 in the case, after he had filed an anticipatory bail plea. The Aircel-Maxis deal case, which emerged out of 2G spectrum cases, pertains to a grant by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) to firm M/S Global Communication Holding Services Ltd for investment in Aircel. The ED had earlier said that the FIPB approval granted in 2006 by Chidambaram was beyond his mandate as he was only authorised to accord approval on project proposals up to Rs 600 crore. P. Chidambaram's son Karti was arrested on February 28 at the Chennai airport upon his return from the United Kingdom, for his alleged role in the case. Currently, Karti is on bail too. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah on Wednesday met Shiv Sena Chief Uddav Thackeray at the latter's residence 'Matoshree' in Mumbai, as part of the ongoing 'Sampark for Samarthan' (Contact for Support) campaign. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also present during the meet. Earlier in the day, Shah and Fadnavis separately met industrialist Ratan Tata, and actress Madhuri Dixit and her husband Sriram Madhav Nene. In the recent past, differences have cropped up in the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in Maharashtra. In this regard, Fadnavis clarified that although there was no plan to dissolve the alliance, mutual efforts were essential for sustaining ties. Launched in May this year, the Sampark for Samarthan initiative was devised to generate awareness about the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's achievements in the last four years. In the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Shah will reach out to 50 people personally with details of initiatives and achievements of the government, whereas each BJP worker is expected to contact at least 10 people. There will also be a special session of 'Sampark for Samarthan' on the NaMo App. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Several bundles of answer sheets of a degree exam were gutted in a fire that broke out at a spot valuation centre at the Osmania University in Hyderabad on Tuesday. The fire tenders reached the spot to prevent the flames from spreading to other rooms where more answer sheets were stored. The answer sheets of BSc (Botany) exam were kept in four rooms for valuation at the centre behind men's hostels in the university campus. According to fire officers an electrical short circuit could be one of the main causes for the fire. University Vice-Chancellor S Ramachandram also visited the valuation centre and took stock of the situation. The university in a press release said that officials swung into action and made concerted efforts to avert a major fire. Meanwhile, Kumar Molugaram, Controller of Examinations, Osmania University wrote a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (East Zone) asking him to 'investigate the matter'. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's accountability court will resume hearing the London-based Avenfield reference trial against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family on Wednesday. Nawaz, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Capt (retired) Safdar are likely to appear before the accountability court Judge Muhammad Bashir, Geo TV reported. The accountability court on Tuesday had the miscellaneous petition, submitted by Nawaz Sharif, requesting for final arguments in all the three references against the Sharif family to be heard together. However, Judge Muhammad Bashir dismissed the petition, saying in Tuesday's order, "Accused has not produced any defence witness in this reference. He has also not opted to be examined on oath under section 340 (2) Cr PC. Therefore, the reason for rendering the decision simultaneously in all the three references is not existing at present." "You may challenge this verdict in the high court," he added. The Avenfield reference, pertaining to the Sharif family's London properties, is among three filed references against the Sharif family. Sharif, his sons Hasan and Hussain, daughter Maryam, son-in-law Capt (retired) Mohammad Safdar and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar are facing multiple corruption references in the accountability court. The Pakistan Supreme Court had, July 28 last year, disqualified Sharif from holding the office of the prime minister and asked the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to file references against the Sharif family in connection with corruption cases against them. On the orders of the country's Supreme Court, a JIT was formed last year to probe the allegations on the Sharif family. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bangladesh Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith said the government will allocate a special fund for Rohingya rehabilitation in the upcoming 2018-19 fiscal year budget. "We planned to allocate around Tk400 crore as special funds for Rohingya rehabilitation," Dhaka Tribune quoted Muhith as saying. The allocation will be provided mainly for building shelters for Rohingya rehabilitation. Specific allocations to ensure health care, sanitation, and food supply would also be given to the concerned ministries, Muhith further said. The proposed budget will be announced in Parliament on Thursday. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved Tk2,312 crore for the Rohingya rehabilitation project to rehabilitate around 1 million Rohingya temporarily. A project named "Ashrayon 3" is being implemented at Bhasanchar, within the next year, where around 100,000 Rohingya will be rehabilitated initially. Rohingyas are a Muslim minority ethnic group in Myanmar, who are considered as illegal immigrants as opposed to citizens of the country. Due to a surge in violence in western Myanmar last year, over 700,000 Rohingyas fled the country to escape the military's action. Presently, they are languishing in Bangladeshi refugee camps. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Arun Ferreira, lawyer of Sudhir Dhawale who is accused in Bhima-Koregaon violence on Wednesday said that the police officials were trying to fabricate papers to link the incident with Maoists. Speaking to ANI Ferreira said, "At the moment when an investigation board has been set up by the Maharashtra governmnet to find the real cause behind Bhima-Koregaon incidents, the police are trying to fabricate papers and link the incidents with Maoists." According to a statement by the People's Union for Civil Liberties, Surendra Gadling, Sudhir Dhawale, Rona Wilson, Shoma Sen, Mahesh Raut and Rana Jacob were arrested in connection with the case on June 6. The PUCL, in a statement, condemned the arrests and called them "vindictive and arbitrary". It said, "PUCL strongly condemns the vindictive and arbitrary arrest of Advocate Surendra Gadling, Sudhir Dhawale, Rona Wilson, Shoma Sen, Mahesh Raut and Rana Jacob on 6th June 2018. They have been reportedly booked under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), on the allegation of spreading controversial pamphlets and delivering hate speeches in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence that broke out in January 2018." It further added, "We condemn the state reprisals being ordered against the activists and unequivocally demand that Adv. Surendra Gadling, Sudhir Dhawale, Rona Wilson, Shoma Sen, Surendra Gadling, Rana Jacob be released immediately and raids being carried out on premises of various activists be stopped." The 200th anniversary of Bhima-Koregaon battle took a violent turn this year when a youth died in clashes on during an event to mark the day. The violence left one dead and several injured, including 10 policemen. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The home of the holy Angkor Vat temple, Cambodia is fast on its way to being developed as the Fifth Dhaam (pilgrim spot) of Hindus. A major initiative in this direction has been taken by Shailesh Hiranandani of SRAM MRAM Ltd., in step with the campaign of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The effort of holding a grand event to promote the cause was lauded by member of the RSS national committee Indresh Kumar, as he witnessed the huge congregation in Cambodia on May 31. Appreciating the efforts made, Kumar said that with a shrine as revered as Angkor Vat & mountain Kulen Cambodia deserved to be the fifth pilgrim spot for Hindus. He also stressed awareness about the glorious heritage and spread of Hindu values. On the occasion, Founder of SRAM MRAM Ltd. Shailesh Hiranandani said, "Tourists from all over the world visit Cambodia to experience the mystic charm of Angkor Vat temple. There is a lot in Cambodia that defines Hinduism. It is commendable the way support is being extended from various quarters to the initiative of turning Cambodia into the fifth pilgrim place of Hindus." It is noteworthy that to organise the event that was attended by Hindu followers from a number of countries across the world, 500 acres land had been acquired and 1,008 Shivalingas with different names were installed. Chief guest Indresh Kumar said after the Bhumi Pujan that with such extensive preparation, the day was not far when Cambodia could be recognised as the fifth Hindu dhaam. Hindu Heritage In Cambodia Situated in South East Asia, Cambodia is known in legend to have been founded by Aryan king Kambusva Yambhuv. In several historical and religious texts, Cambodia has been identified as a Hindu nation. With passage of time, Cambodia became a prominent Buddhist centre too. With a grand monument like Angkor Vat, Cambodia is a major tourist attraction. The amazing architecture of this important Hindu temple in Siem Reap city on the banks of Mekong river, fascinates people from all over the world. Sprawling on 402 acres of land, this grand temple was built by King Surya Varman, the second. The deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu and it finds mention in several Hindu texts. Etched on the walls of the ancient temple is text from Hindu scriptures and figures are carved on its stones of characters telling ancient stories from the Vedas and Puranas. The temple is also known to be a symbol of the legendary Meru mountain. Global Campaign Of RSS To garner support for and to create awareness about the importance of developing Cambodia as the fifth pilgrim spot for Hindus, RSS has launched a worldwide campaign. Experts have commented that RSS has made huge strides in uniting and mobilising for the cause the people of Indian origin and Hindus established and residing in Cambodia. Quotes Adorned with Angkor Vat temple, Cambodia should be given the status and pride of becoming the fifth pilgrim place of Hindus. - Indresh Kumar, National Convenor, RSS. There is a lot to explore and discover about the mysteries of the Angkor Vat temple which attracts tourists from all over the world to Cambodia. It would not be wrong to say that Cambodia is a guardian of Hindu heritage. - Shailesh Hiranandani, Founder, SRAM MRAM Ltd., organiser of the event. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The interim Sindh Home Ministry on Tuesday issued a code of conduct and guidelines for the upcoming Pakistan general elections, scheduled on July 25. As per the directives, the interim government would not allow hate speech in public rallies. It would not allow anyone to instigate violence during the election campaign. Violations of these rules would call for strict legal action. Parties would not be allowed to use the property of the state for political canvassing. It also said that prior No Objection Certificate should be taken from district's SSP for its corner meeting or small public rallies. The parties will also to inform in advance about the time and route of their rally to ensure vehicular traffic flow. The political parties will also have to submit video recordings of their meetings to the concerned police station, the guidelines said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after 120 Dalits in Haryana converted to Buddhism, Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij on Wednesday said that such steps will not provide any solution. "One must stand by his religion. If they had a problem, we could have looked for a solution. Some demands had been agreed to," the Haryana Minister told ANI. "Using conversion to make someone agree with you isn't right," Vij added. On June 2, 120 Dalits from Jind district converted to Buddhism after their certain demands were not met, despite staging a 115 days long protest. Earlier in the week, the Dalits had demanded an ordinance by the state government against the Supreme Court ruling that had made amendments to the Schedule Caste/Schedule Tribe Prevention of Atrocities Act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Woody Allen's adopted daughter Dylan Farrow has lashed out at the Hollywood director for his recent comments on being the poster boy for the #MeToo movement. Farrow took to Twitter to blast Allen, writing, "All Woody Allen's recent antics demonstrate his desperation to salvage a now faltering career. His true feelings on [Harvey] Weinstein and the #MeToo movement were made evident in his initial reaction and defense." "Everything he says now is nothing more than a PR strategy in an attempt to undermine the credibility of the allegations against him. We are all wiser to that now and know the lengths powerful men will go to in order to demean and silence their victims," she continued. The 82-year-old, who recently appeared on an Argentinian news program, had said he should be the "poster boy" for #MeToo - the ongoing movement against sexual harassment of women. "But you know I, I should be the poster boy for the Me Too movement, because I have worked in the movies for 50 years. I've worked with hundreds of actresses and not a single one-big ones, famous ones, ones starting out-has ever ever suggested any kind of impropriety at all. I've always had a wonderful record with them," he had said. Meanwhile, in 2014, Allen's estranged daughter, Dylan Farrow, renewed molestation allegations against him, claiming that the filmmaker had sexually assaulted her after he and actress Mia Farrow adopted her when she was seven. Allen, who vehemently denied the claims, was investigated, but never prosecuted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A U.S. lawmaker has been accused of exerting all her influence in trying to kill a Congress-led investigation into a hacking incident involving her one time Pakistani IT aide. According to a report published by the website dailycaller.com, former Democratic National Committee (DNC) head Debbie Wasserman Schultz intervened when the House Office of Inspector General for Cyber Security found that her former Pakistani IT aide Imran Awan had made an "unauthorized access" to House servers, including the House Democratic Caucus' shortly before the 2016 presidential election. Imran and his family at that time were also under investigation for a controversial land deal in Pakistan that had deprived original owners of their money. Dailycaller.com quoted two House employees as confirming that Wasserman Schultz strongly put pressure on the investigating committee to stop the probe of a charge of fraud leveled on Awan's father in relation to the deal. They claimed that this exertion of political influence resulted in Pakistani authorities targeting elderly alleged victims, instead of Awan and his family. When a House Office of Inspector General cyber security investigation found that Awan had made "unauthorized access" to House servers, including the House Democratic Caucus' shortly before the election, Wasserman Schultz became "frantic, not normal," "making the rounds" to House officials in an attempt to kill the investigation, one House employee told The Daily Caller News Foundation. They said Wasserman Schultz cornered House Chief Administrative Officer Phil Kiko and called him a "fucking Islamophobe," saying "you will not so much as take away their parking spots." The congresswoman also told Kiko she had invited Awan's whole family to her daughter's bar mitzvah and said she had "helped him with a land deal," the sources said. A spokesman for Kiko declined to comment on this story. Awan's father is reportedly facing criminal fraud charges involving a land deal since 2009, but Awan used political connections to pressure the police into targeting the alleged victims instead. Awan's father purchased "huge chunks of land from different farmers in 2008," but all the checks bounced, the report said. "The police high-ups are 'ominously' indifferent to proceed against Awan." "About a dozen farmers of Chak 7-JB, Panjor, including five siblings - all aged between 57 and 70 - have given up hope of justice after they sold their agricultural lands to Ashraf Awan of Bole De Jhugi, thefather of White House employee Shahid Imran," Dawn reported. Imran Awan also goes by Shahid Imran Awan, Virginia court records show. The police harassed the 19 would-be victims, including the five elderly brothers and even their lawyer, and charged them with "frivolous" cases, apparently to get them to stop trying to get the money they say they were owed, the paper said. The article details a series of people who say they were then subject to retaliation, including widow Bushra Bibi who said "now Imran was threatening her with dire consequences." A third source, who's familiar with Imran Awan, told TheDCNF that Awan recounted the intervention in the foreign criminal matter and that Awan said it was Wasserman Schultz who intervened. A fourth source - a fellow House IT aide - previously told TheDCNF that Awan said now-Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was involved. Dr. Zafar Iqbal, one of the alleged victims, told TheDCNF that "Imran came to Pakistan to get [his father] out of jail, since he had some [connections] in the Congress." On July 25, 2016, the House Inspector General notified the Committee on House Administration that investigators had detected major cyber security violations by the Awan family. Awan, his wife, two brothers, his brother's wife, and even his elderly father were all being paid by various Democrats to manage their servers, with many of the members from Wasserman Schultz's Florida. In February 2017, Kiko and the House's top law enforcement official, Paul Irving, outlined serious violations in a letter to the committee, and the family was banned from the House computer network. The letter also noted that the House Democratic Caucus server disappeared soon after the IG report named it as key evidence. But Wasserman Schultz refused to fire Awan, with her spokesman saying he would work on "websites" and "printers," which a cyber security expert previously told The DCNF would presumably involve network access. The congresswoman also added Awan's wife, Hina Alvi, to her payroll in late 2016, after the investigation was in full swing, but before the family was banned from the network. Wasserman Schultz kept paying her until March 17 - 12 days after Alvi went to Pakistan with 12,000 dollars in a suitcase. Her actions so rattled the Administration Committee's Democratic staff director, Jamie Fleet, that he planted a negative story in Politico that revealed Wasserman Schultz, his fellow Democrat, was continuing to pay the suspect, two House sources said. The story also said Wasserman Schultz had a "friendly personal relationship" with Awan and Alvi. Wasserman Schultz said in a statement, "My office was provided no evidence to indicate that laws had been broken, which over time, raised troubling concerns about due process, fair treatment and potential ethnic and religious profiling. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj addressed Indian diaspora in Pietermaritzburg during her last leg of South Africa's visit while stressing on relationship between India and South Africa. Addressing the Indian community, Swaraj said, "Both India and South Africa are rich in their cultures and traditions. The relationship between our people has stood the test of time." Further remembering the Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi, she said, "Tomorrow, we will celebrate the memory of our greatest Pravasi, who came here as a young lawyer and emerged as one of the tallest leaders of all time. I am talking about Mahatma Gandhi. South Africa was the place where Satyagraha was born." Recalling the Former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela's words, who unveiled Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Pietermaritzburg, 25 years ago, she stated, "Mandela said, It's an honour for me to unveil the statue of hope." Swaraj concluded by inviting people living in South Africa to attend the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which will be held in 2019, on the banks of Ganga at Varanasi. On Wednesday, Swaraj visited the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Computer Education and Information Technology at Phonix settlement in Durban. Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Computer Education and Information Technology at Phonix settlement served as Mahatma Gandhi's home during his stay in South Africa. Mahatma Gandhi had gained his Law degree from South Africa and spent a large amount of time there fighting apartheid. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In the series of joint bilateral exercises between India and Thailand, both nations have once again come together to foster the spirit of friendship and enhance the strategic military relationship to the next level. The joint exercise code-named "MAITREE-2018" is scheduled to take place in Mueang, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand between the forces of Indian Army and Royal Thai Army in August. This 14 days exercise aims to build and promote closer relations between both nations and to enhance the ability of Royal Thai Army and Indian Army to undertake joint tactical level operations on the handling of insurgency and related issues in the urban/rural scenario. Representatives from both armies carried out an exercise planning for upcoming joint exercise. A joint protocol highlighting various aspects of conduct was signed by representatives of Indian Army and Royal Thai Army in Chachoengsao, Thailand. Ex-Maitree series of bilateral exercises has been one of the major defence cooperation initiatives between India and Thailand. It is an annual reciprocal training event. The previous exercise was held at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh in 2017. Thailand and India have been cooperating in various multilateral fora like ASEAN, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit, BIMSTEC. In addition, India is a member of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) initiated by Thailand in 2002 and of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bookie Sonu Jalan, who was arrested in an Indian Premier League (IPL) betting racket, has confessed to the Anti Extortion Cell of Thane for investing in projects of a builder named Amit Jalan. Thane police are now investigating, if, Amit Jalan was also involved in betting IPL matches or not. Police will soon summon Amit Jalan to join the investigation. Yesterday, Sonu Jalan named Director Sajid Khan, for allegedly betting in the IPL matches around seven years ago. On June 4, the Anti-Extortion Cell of Thane police issued summons to more people including film producer Parag Sanghvi and another person Sameer Buddha in connection with the racket. A fresh case of extortion was registered against bookie Sonu Jalan and gangster Ravi Pujari. Bollywood star Arbaaz Khan's name has also cropped up in the investigation. Arbaaz, brother of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, confessed to placing bets last year and losing Rs. 2.75 crore. Arbaaz, 50, said he will continue to co-operate with the police in this investigation. The actor was called for questioning on May 29 by the Anti Extortion Cell, Thane. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on Wednesday awarded 10 years' jail term to five convicts, including a former DIG of the Border Security Force (BSF) and a former Jammu and Kashmir Police DSP, in the 2006 Jammu and Kashmir sex scandal case. Businessman Mehrajuddin Malik and then additional Advocate General of Jammu and Kashmir Anil Seth have been acquitted by the court. Former DSP of Jammu and Kashmir Police Mohammad Ashraf Mir, and Former DIG BSF KC Padhi have also been imposed with a fine of Rs one lakh. The rest of the accused in the case have, Shabbir Ahmad Laway, Shabbir Ahmad Langoo, Masood Ahmad have been fined of Rs 50,000. The case came to light in 2006 when Jammu and Kashmir police got two video CDs showing Kashmiri minors being sexually exploited. The case was transferred to the CBI in May 2006 after names of influential men emerged in the case. According to reports, these minors were forced into the sex trade & were exploited sexually by politicians, bureaucrats and police officials. The Court had held, former Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Ahmed Hassan Mir, independent MLA Raman Mattoo, a former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Border Security Force (BSF) KC Pandey, former Additional Advocate General Anil Sethi, the then Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) (Srinagar) Mohammad Mir Yusuf, Iqbal Khanday, Hotel owner Riaz Ahmed Kawa, Hilal Ahmed Shah Sabina and her husband Abdul Hamid as accused. Sabina and her husband, Abdul Hamid is the primary accused of trafficking girls for prostitution. On February 20, after the victim had refused to comment on the assault, the special CBI court acquitted DSP Mohammad Mir Yusuf. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The son of a Congress corporator stabbed his girlfriend's friend in Davanagere's KTJ Nagar Police Station limits on Tuesday. The accused has been identified as Rakesh, the son of Congress corporator Lingaraju. As of now, the victim, Harish, is undergoing treatment in a hospital. Meanwhile, a case has been lodged by the police over the incident. Further details regarding the case are awaited. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The oath-taking ceremony of Karnataka ministers will take place on Wednesday in Raj Bhavan in Karnataka's Bengaluru. The ceremony will take place at 2.12pm at the Governor's residence. Meanwhile, Karnataka deputy chief minister G Parameshwara told media that everything has been finalized and that they have submitted all the proposals, including portfolios to Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his approval. On June 1, the Congress-JD(S) alliance announced the allotment of portfolios among them. As per the allocation, the Congress got the charge of 22 ministries, including the Home, Irrigation, Health, Agriculture and Women Child Welfare Ministries. While 12 ministries, including Finance and Excise, Public Works Department, Education, Tourism and Transport Ministries was allocated to the JD(S). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister for petroleum and natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday said after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power, the long-term Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import contract scaled from 7 to 18 million metric tons. Addressing a press briefing on the achievements of the NDA government in four years, Pradhan said "Before the Modi government came to power; long-term LNG import contract was of seven million metric tons and with only one country. Now, it has reached to 18 million metric tons and we have long-term contracts with four countries. Better negotiations have ensured secure supplies at stable prices." The Union Minister further claimed that the Petroleum Ministry is committed to nurturing the underprivileged. "In the last four years, we have achieved much higher allotments for SC/ST communities in LPG distributorship and commissioning of new retail outlets throughout the country. The Petroleum Ministry is committed to nurturing the underprivileged to bring them in the mainstream," Pradhan said. "Driven by Prime Minister Modi's vision of Energy Justice for all we are taking significant steps to transform India to a Gas Based Economy. Urja Ganga project providing clean fuel like CNG and PNG to the eastern part of the country is further being connected to the northeast," he added. On June 4, Pradhan had visited Dahej Port and boarded India's first cargo import of LNG from Russia under the long-term deal. State-owned Gas Authority of India (GAIL) India Ltd brought the shipload of LNG from Gazprom, a Russian supplier, at Petronet LNG Ltd's import terminal in Dahej, Gujarat. GAIL had signed the deal on August 29, 2012, with Gazprom Marketing and Trading Singapore Pte Ltd, Singapore. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Government of Malaysia has said that while it has good bilateral relations with China, it would not be keen to go overboard in getting involved in Beijing's expansionist infrastructure-related Belt Road Initiative (BRI) without having the appropriate funds to do so. In a statement, Malaysia's 92-year-old President, Dr. Mahathir Mohamed, said, "China comes with a lot of money and says you can borrow this money. But, you must think, 'How do I repay?'" Aware of the fact that countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia, The Philippines and Indonesia are facing financial constraints because of their overzealous involvement in the BRI, Dr. Mohamed said, "Some countries see only the project and not the payment part of it. That's how they lose large chunks of their country. We don't want that." Not only countries in the Asia-Pacific region, but also several European nations are reportedly keen to restrict China's economic-centric geopolitical advance via the multi-billion dollar BRI also known as the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative over concerns about Beijing attempting a takeover of sorts of the region. One recent article said that Germany, France and Italy are already preventing what they see as a "proverbial Chinese takeover" of Europe, raising fears this could lead to a break-up of the European Union in the not too distant future. Most European countries are reportedly looking at the experience in South East Asia, where Chinese investment and aid has resulted in "neutering the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Cambodia and The Philippines. There are concerns in European capitals majorly over the considerable ambiguity and secrecy that surround Chinese projects. There is also a view that several Chinese initiatives in Asia have failed to result in the much espoused 'win-win' claim for recipient countries made by Beijing. Several nations are said to be in deep debt to Chinese bankers. Germany, for instance, is promoting the need for a legislation to prevent a draining of technology and know-how, and it being replaced by Chinese items. This legislation is currently in the draft stage. French President Emmanuel Macron has said that China's new Silk Roads can't be a project that benefits Beijing alone. If this proposed legislation becomes law, EU member countries would be able to prohibit China from investing in an unbridled way, and also make Beijing compulsorily share investment-related information with each EU member and the European Commission. China's focus on Eastern Europe is also a matter of concern to countries in that region. It is now being acknowledged that a great deal of Chinese investment is coming into eastern Europe in terms of infrastructure development, but a significant portion of this is reportedly being reserved for acquisitions, largely because prices for acquisitions are lower and concessions for Chinese investments are high. There are fears among leading EU countries that if suitable counter measures are not taken, there could exist a case for Chinese hegemonism, which in economic terms would mean a massive trade imbalance between China and the central and eastern European countries. Secondly, there is a belief that a significant Chinese presence and capital would allow the EU periphery countries to put pressure on Brussels and thus frustrate the EU's bid to develop a common policy vis-a-vis China. Germany has been calling on Beijing to respect the concept of "one Europe". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister of Women and Child Development (WCD) Maneka Gandhi on Wednesday wrote to all ministries to set up special cells on women's issues. A one-of-a-kind roundtable was held today with various stakeholders under the chairpersonship of Maneka to discuss the issue of cybercrime against women and children, particularly the elimination of online child sexual abuse material, rape imagery and other offensive material. The digital space is being increasingly used to perpetuate violence against women and children. During the course of the discussions, various government stakeholders, industry bodies, Internet Service Providers Association of India (ISPAI) along with social media agencies participated. The issue of data security was deliberated on by Data Security Council of India (DSCI). Civil society was also represented as well. It was decided at the roundtable that the following actions will be taken within the next three months - Build an international alliance to ensure full protection to women and children from the borderless nature of cybercrime, development of an online central reporting mechanism for lodging and escalating complaints of cybercrime from anywhere anytime and making a mechanism for real-time removal/blocking of offensive material online. One Stop Centres 193 One Stop Centres (OSCs), popularly known as Sakhi Centres are functional across the country. While interacting with media on WCD Ministry's Achievements in New Delhi, Maneka said that 193 Sakhi Centres have been established in the country for the women affected by violence. The Union Minister added that the number of One Stop Centres would be increased to more than 600 by the next year. Over 1.3 lakh women have been assisted. Special division on women issues in ministries Maneka also pointed out that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recently created a special division to address the issues of women safety. She has written to all the ministries to create the similar division. The WCD Minister further shared that MHA is creating Repository of Sex Offenders. The profile of sex offenders on this repository would be shared with the states and Union Territories (UTs). Nirbhaya Fund Highlighting the projects appraised under Nirbhaya Fund, Maneka thanked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving the utmost priority to women safety and security and said that projects worth more than Rs. 6,000 crores have been appraised under the Nirbhaya Fund by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. NRI matrimonial disputes Speaking on the disputes in NRI marriages, the Minister said that the WCD Ministry is in the process of issuing orders to the registrars that NRI marriages have to be registered within 48 hours else the passport and visas would not be issued. The registrars would send the details of such NRI marriages to the WCD Ministry so that a central database can be maintained. The ministry has recently issued six lookout circulars in such cases and in five cases, passports have been revoked by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Advanced DNA Laboratory dedicated to women related cases The WCD Minister laid the foundation of Sakhi Suraksha Advanced DNA Laboratory on June 1, 2018, to process cases of sexual assault faster and more effectively to reduce case-backlog and deliver justice to women and children. Rs. 99.76 crore has been allocated under the Nirbhaya Fund. Five more advanced forensic labs are to be set up in Mumbai, Chennai, Guwahati, Pune and Bhopal in the next three months. Special forensic kits for rape cases Underscoring the importance of the forensics in nabbing the culprits in sexual assault cases, Maneka said that special forensic kits for rape would be distributed to all the police stations and hospitals by the month of July. These kits would contain a complete list of evidence and samples to be collected along with the equipment required to collect the evidence. The kits would be locked and sealed before being sent to forensic labs. Policy for Women The WCD Ministry has prepared the draft Policy for Women, 2017 after considering over 15,000 suggestions and comments received from stakeholders. While replying to a query by a media person, Maneka replied that the policy has been submitted to the Cabinet. Death Penalty Ordinance To provide for stringent punishment for perpetrators of rape with children, the central government approved an ordinance on death penalty amending the IPC and CrPC. A new provision for a death penalty to rapists of girls up to 12 years of age was added. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme was launched in January 2015 with an aim of preventing sex selection, ensuring survival and protection of the girl child and ensuring the education of the girl child. The encouraging trends are visible as per the latest (Health Management Information System) HMIS data of MoHFW (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) for 161 districts for the time period between April-March, 2015-16 and 2016-17 indicating that: i. Improving trend in Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) is visible in 104 BBBP districts. ii. 119 Districts have reported progress in first-trimester registration against the reported Ante-Natal Care registrations. iii. 146 Districts have reported improvement in institutional deliveries. SHe-BOX It is the first-of-its-kind online reporting and complaint management system for cases of sexual harassment at workplace and was launched in 2017. Around 191 complaints were registered on the portal and the WCD Ministry took action on them. Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016, became an Act on March 27, 2017. The Act extends maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, making it the third longest in the world. Commissioning and adoptive mothers are entitled to 12-week maternity leave, provided the age of the child is less than three months. It also provides for mandatory creche facility at organisations having 50 or more employees. Training for Elected Women Representatives The WCD Ministry has taken up the training of elected women representatives (EWRs) in panchayats from last year to empower them to govern their villages effectively and develop into grassroots change makers. It is aimed at improving the leadership qualities and management skills of EWRs for better implementation of various schemes, impart knowledge on important legislation and monitor asset creation and public works. So far, 18,578 EWRs trained across the country.20,000 additional EWRs to be trained in 2018-19. New Taxi Policy Guidelines New taxi policy guidelines for improved women safety were brought out in 2017 with better safety measures for women. This includes - mandatory GPS panic devices in all taxis, disabling of the child-locking system, prominent display of driver's identification with photo and registration number of the vehicle, sharing of seat to be subject to the willingness of female passengers etc. 181 Women helpline It is a country-wide toll-free number that provides 24-hour emergency and non-emergency response to women affected by violence. Over 16.5 lakh women have been assisted. 33% Reservation for Women in Police Force The WCD Ministry has been working along with the MHA to improve overall police responsiveness to gender-sensitive cases and to bring visibility to more women in the police force. An advisory has been issued to all state governments to increase representation of women in police to 33 percent of the total strength. So far, this reservation has been extended in 10 states and seven UTs. Widows' home One widow's home with a capacity of 1000 widows, fully funded by the Centre has been constructed at Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh to provide a safe and secure place of stay, health services, nutrition, food legal and counselling services. Women in prisons A report has been prepared based on the study of the condition of women and children in prison. The recommendations will be made to the MHA and Supreme Court in this regard. POSHAN Abhiyaan The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Modi on March 8, 2018. It aims to achieve improvement in nutritional status of children (0-6 years), adolescent girls and pregnant women and lactating mothers with the objectives of: i. Preventing and reducing under-nutrition in children (0-3 years). ii. Reducing the prevalence of anaemia among young children (6-59 months). iii. Reducing the prevalence of anaemia among women and adolescent girls (15-49 years) and reducing low birth weight. POCSO-eBOX The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) e-Box was launched in August 2016 and is a simple and easy to use the facility for children or any adult to register complaints of child sexual abuse or harassment. It is a direct online reporting mechanism. 1100 complaints were registered on the portal so far. CHILDLINE (1098) It is a nationwide emergency helpline for children in distress. It is currently operational at 435 locations across the country. 1.8 crore calls have been received every year since 2014. Trackchild and KhoyaPaaya The objective of the above two portals is: i. To ensure timely tracking of missing children. ii. To ensure speedy repatriation and rehabilitation of the missing children. iii. To ensure monitoring of children in child care institutions. iv. To set up a framework for participating organisations involved in the process. So far, 1,73,441 children have been matched through the system. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A massive fire broke out, tearing across the roof of the five-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Knightsbridge district of the United Kingdom (UK) capital. The incident occurred just days after the hotel announced the completion of a multi-million-dollar renovation project. Over 100 firefighters were sent to control the fire, CNN reported. No causalities were reported and the staff members were safely evacuated from the 12-storey building to Hyde Park. The cause of the fire is still unknown. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madhya Pradesh government has announced an outstanding power bill waiver scheme for labourers and poor families. The state cabinet headed by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved the Bijli Bill Mafi Yojana 2018 (Power Bill Waiver Scheme) which is expected to benefit about 77 lakh people of the state. Labourers falling under the unorganised sector in Madhya Pradesh will get power supply at a subsidised rate. The state cabinet also approved Mukhyamantri Jan Kalyan (Sambal) Yojana 2018 (a scheme to provide subsidised power) in the meeting. Under the subsidised power scheme, registered labourers of the unorganised sector and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families would be provided electricity at a cost of Rs 200 per month. "In case the bill is lower than Rs 200, the beneficiary will have to pay the actual bill amount and in instance of the bill amount crossing Rs 200, the difference amount would be subsidised by the state government," an official release read. Power connection under the Mukhyamantri Jan Kalyan (Sambal) Yojana would be provided free of cost to the beneficiaries. The scheme is expected to benefit 88 lakh families in the state. "People not using air-conditioners, electric heaters and whose power consumption is below 1000 watts would be eligible for this scheme. The beneficiaries can operate a fan, a television, and bulbs. Under the power bill waiver scheme, pending dues (as on June 1, 2018) of registered labourers of the unorganised sector and poor families would be waived completely," it added. The scheme is likely to cost the state exchequer Rs 1000 crore and come into effect from July 1. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan on Wednesday hit back at Congress president Rahul Gandhi after the latter accused the Bhartiya Janata Party of betraying the farmers in the state. Addressing the media, Singh said, "The Congress should talk about what they have done for the farmers when they were in power...The Congress is levelling baseless allegations against the BJP even after the party is doing its best for the farmers." He said, "When the Congress Government was in power they did nothing for the farmers. They did not do anything for the supply of water for irrigation in the state. But the BJP Government in the state has done that. And now the Congress is trying to incite violence in the state by evoking the sentiments of the farmers." Invoking the killing of farmers in Multai in 1998 under the Congress Government, the Chief Minister said that instead of questioning the BJP, Rahul Gandhi should explain the violence that happened under his party. "Inke (Congress) zamane mein to khad ke liye laathiyan chalti thi. Aur ye goli ki baat karte hain, kaun the Mukhyamantri, jab Multai mein goli chali thi? 21 se jyada kisano ki maut hui thi Betul jile ke Multayi mein. Pehle Congress uska hisab de (During the time of Congress, shots were fired just for fertilizers. They are talking about firing (Mandsaur police firing), who was the chief minister in Madhya Pradesh when more than 21 farmers had died in the Multai firing? Congress should first answer that)" Earlier in the day, Congress President Rahul Gandhi while addressing a Kisan Samriddhi Sankalp rally in the state, said, "If the Congress is voted to power in Madhya Pradesh, within 10 days, the debt will be forgiven. Our first job is to protect the farmers of India. Almost 1200 farmers have killed themselves in a year," Criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul said, "Narendra Modi calls Mehul Choksi, "Mehul Bhai", these people were given Rs.30 crores each by him. If Madhya Pradesh had that money, farmers wouldn't have committed suicide." Mandsaur became the epicentre of farmers' agitation over a demand for loan waivers and better prices for their produce. During the agitation, several farmers were gunned down by the police, thereby drawing criticism from political parties. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Voice of Karachi chairman Nadeem Nusrat has strongly condemned the allegations of Pakistan Army against Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), saying, the country's military is a national security institution, not a court of law and that it has no legal or constitutional mandate to brand a "genuine grassroots movement as anti-state." Director-General of Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major-General Asif Ghafoor, while addressing a news conference on June 4, said the PTM members were inciting anti-state sentiments. The VOK chairman said that Pakistan's Punjabi-dominated military establishment has a long history of branding genuine grassroots movements of country's oppressed ethnic minorities as "anti-state." It creates this false pretext to justify brute use of force against these movements. Terming the remarks as an "insult" to tens of millions of Pashtuns who are "staunch supporters" of the PTM, Nusrat, in a statement, said, "Without any legally permissible evidence, a fair trial and a court verdict supporting his position, DG ISPR's allegations are nothing but vicious propaganda against a legitimate organization that represents millions of Pashtuns." Nadeem Nusrat further said that DG ISPR's statement looks even "more irresponsible" given the fact that there is substantial presence of Pashtu-speaking low-level officers and soldiers in the army. The statement noted that alienating Pashtuns and branding their legitimate movement anti-state will create serious restlessness among Pashtu-speaking officers and soldiers. "Commenting on the DG ISPR's allegations about the role of social media and the coverage of PTM in international media, Nadeem Nusrat added that Pakistani military establishment has already stopped Pakistani print and electronic media from covering the events of PTM. Now the DG ISPR is attempting to intimidate the foreign media and social media activists and wants them to stop covering the events of PTM." According to the statement, Nusrat condemned the killings of peaceful PTM activists in WANA, South Waziristan at the hands of the state-sponsored Taliban. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The security has been beefed up outside Golden Temple in Amritsar in the wake of 34th anniversary of Operation Blue Star on Wednesday. Five Rapid Action Force companies and several companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed across the city to maintain law and order. In the run-up to the anniversary, the Punjab Police have also busted a few modules which allegedly operated at the behest of foreign-based handlers to cause communal disturbances. The Army had carried out Operation Blue Star in June 1984 to smoke out hiding terrorists from the Golden Temple complex. Meanwhile, radical outfit named Dal Khalsa on Tuesday staged 'genocide remembrance parade' in Amritsar to pay homage to the people killed in the attack. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir on Wednesday said the probe in Bhima Koregaon violence has proved that the movement was made violent by the organisations who work in favour of urban Naxalism. The Minister added that the violence in Bhima Koregaon was a well-organised conspiracy to defame the Maharashtra government and the Central government. "It was already known that the violence in Bhima Koregaon was a well-organised conspiracy to defame the Maharashtra government and the Central government. The police investigation has proved that the movement was made violent by the organisations who work in favour of urban Naxalism," Ahir told ANI. Earlier in the day, few people were arrested by the Pune police in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence, from Mumbai, Nagpur, and Delhi, for spreading disputed pamphlets and delivering hate speech. With the help of Delhi Police Special Cell, the Pune police nabbed a man named Rana Jacob, from Delhi. A Delhi Court has sent Jacob to two-day transit remand. He will be produced before a local court in Pune on June 8. According to a statement by the People's Union for Civil Liberties, Surendra Gadling, Sudhir Dhawale, Rona Wilson, Shoma Sen, Mahesh Raut and Rana Jacob were arrested in connection with the case on June 6. However, the PUCL, in a statement, condemned the arrests and called them "vindictive and arbitrary". It said, "PUCL strongly condemns the vindictive and arbitrary arrest of Advocate Surendra Gadling, Sudhir Dhawale, Rona Wilson, Shoma Sen, Mahesh Raut and Rana Jacob on 6th June 2018. They have been reportedly booked under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), on the allegation of spreading controversial pamphlets and delivering hate speeches in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence that broke out in January 2018." It further added, "We condemn the state reprisals being ordered against the activists and unequivocally demand that Adv. Surendra Gadling, Sudhir Dhawale, Rona Wilson, Shoma Sen, Surendra Gadling, Rana Jacob be released immediately and raids being carried out on premises of various activists be stopped." The 200th anniversary of Bhima-Koregaon movement took a violent turn this year when a youth died in clashes on during an event to mark the day. The violence left one dead and several injured, including 10 policemen. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Newly-appointed Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Justice (Retd.) Nasir-ul-Mulk met Army chief General Qamar Jawed Bajwa to take stock of current security situation of the country. As reported by the Geo News, matters related to the Pakistani army also came up during the discussions held at the Prime Minister's office in Islamabad. Bajwa felicitated caretaker Prime Minister Mulk for holding his position in the office and extended well wishes to him. Justice (Retd.) Mulk, who is the seventh caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, was sworn in as the caretaker PM on June 1. His oath was administered by President Mamnoon Hussain. He will hold the office until a new elected Prime Minister comes to power post the results of the July 25 general elections are announced. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday resumed the hearing of the Asghar Khan case and ordered all 31 respondents, including former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, to submit written replies by June 9. A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Saqib Nisar resumed the hearing of the implementation of the landmark judgment in the Asghar Khan Case, Geo TV reported. Notices have already been issued to as many as 31 individuals, including Sharif to appear before the court, according to several media reports. However, Sharif failed to appear before the court. "All individuals linked in the case will have to appear before the court," Chief Justice Nisar remarked. "Where is Mr Nawaz Sharif? His notice was collected by his security officer. Contact him and ask him to reach court within an hour," directed the CJP. Later, the Attorney General informed the top judge that Sharif was present at the accountability court and was unable to attend the apex court's hearing, adding that the former will appear before the court through his lawyer. However, the decision to select the counsel in the case is yet to be made, the attorney general added. The hearing of the case has been adjourned till June 12. Former Pakistani air chief Asghar Khan in 1996, had written a letter to then CJP Sajjad Ali Shah which contained names of politicians who had allegedly received money from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) ahead of the 1990 general elections to thwart the bid of Pakistan People's Party in securing victory. Retired Pakistani officers have been accused of doling out Rs 140 million to various politicians. Among the politicians accused of receiving money, the most noticeable is Sharif, who is said to have received Rs 3.5 million. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A passenger, resident of Uttar Panchpota, North XXIV Parganas, travelling to Doha by Qatar flight no. QR- 541 was arrested on Tuesday at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, for carrying 1865 tablets of amphetamine. Amphetamine is a psychotropic substance under NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act, 1985. A custom office press release read, 1865 pieces of amphetamine, weighing 200 grams, were seized under Section 43 of NDPS Act, 1985. The passenger was arrested under the provision of the act ibid. Further investigation is in progress. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking "detailed investigation" into alleged lapses by the Centre in saving 39 Indians, who were killed in Iraq's Mosul. Last month, a PIL was filed in the Delhi High Court seeking direction for the constitution of a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate into the death of 39 Indians who were held and killed by the Islamic State (IS) terror group in Iraq's Mosul. For those unversed, on March 20, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj informed the Rajya Sabha members in the Parliament that the 39 Indian nationals, who went missing in Mosul in 2014, were killed by the IS. The 39 persons, most of whom hailed from Punjab, were working on projects near Mosul when they got kidnapped. To the next of the kin of 39 Indians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh. Last month, Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs General (retired) V.K. Singh travelled to Mosul and brought back the mortal remains of 38 out of 39 Indians. He then traveled to Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar to hand over the mortal remains to the respective families of the victims. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) When the United States government failed to contain deadly incidents of gun shooting within the high school campuses in the country, the schools themselves came to the rescue by providing students with bullet resistant shields. As per a report in the New York Times on Tuesday, St.Cornelius Catholic School situated in Chadds Ford provided a bullet-resistant shield to be attached to the backpacks of the eighth-grade students. As per school's principal Barbara Rosini, it is a sad situation as she said in an interview, "It is something that will help keep our kids, or any child or any adult, safe, that is unfortunately where we are now." While the students said that they have never anticipated such a situation. Some schools are even considering installing, bullet- resistant windows and metal detectors. There has been a critical response from the gun control advocates as they said; the schools are resorting to such measures due to lack of actions taken by legislators. Since a gunman killed 20 first graders and six adults with an assault rifle at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, there have been at least 239 school shootings nationwide, according to an analysis in February provided by the Gun Violence Archive. In those episodes, 438 people were shot, 138 of whom were killed. Some of the recent high-school shooting incidents were the Texas school shooting where eight people were killed followed by the Georgia shooting in which one person was killed and two were injured and the recent one to be Indiana Middle School shooting where three were injured. Following the recent occurrences of the deadly shooting in the school campuses targeting the students and faculty, there has been a widespread demand for stringent gun control laws in the country as part of which a large number of people mainly students participated in "March for Our Lives". Earlier on May 23, Governor of Louisiana John Bel Edwards signed a bill allowing students to wear bulletproof backpacks in schools. Till now, 15 students and 25 faculty members of a school have received military laboratories-tested SafeShields. Made of a Kevlar composite, the SafeShields measure about 10 inches by 12 inches and weigh about as much as two eight-ounce cans of soda. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday assured farmers of Madhya Pradesh that his party would waive aside all loans within 10 days of coming to power in the state. "If the Congress is voted to power in Madhya Pradesh, within 10 days, debt will be forgiven. Our first job is to protect the farmers of India. Almost 1200 farmers have killed themselves in a year," Gandhi said while addressing a Kisan Samriddhi Sankalp rally here. Criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, "Narendra Modi calls Mehul Choksi, "Mehul Bhai", these people were given Rs.30 crores each by him. If Madhya Pradesh had that money, farmers wouldn't have committed suicide." Gandhi also campaigned for newly-appointed party state president Kamal Nath and Congress' Guna MP Jyotiraditya Scindia for the upcoming polls in Madhya Pradesh. "China will eat Mandsaur's garlic in 10 years, but we need your support. We will provide livelihood to each and every person of Madhya Pradesh. My dream is that when we come here after five to seven years and look at our phones, we find "Made in Mandsaur" written on it. Narendra Modi and Shivraj Singh (Chouhan) won't be able to do this work. Kamal Nath and Scindia can do this," said Rahul Gandhi. The Congress President also promised that a government of his party in Madhya Pradesh would take action against those responsible for the police firing on farmers on this day last year. He added that the farmers are still awaiting justice. "Even after one year, there hasn't been an enquiry on the Mandsaur police firing. The families of the farmers who were killed are still waiting for justice," Gandhi said after spending some time with the families of the deceased farmers. Gandhi paid tribute to the six farmers who lost their lives in the police firing in Mandsaur last year. Ahead of the polls in the state, the Congress President promised the people that his party will build a food processing unit in every district. "If Congress comes to power, every district will have a food processing unit. Each and every farmer will be able to sell his products directly to the factory and Shivraj Singh Chouhan wouldn't take a single rupee from the farmers. The food we eat is all due to the efforts of our farmers and their families, not rich businessmen, which is why farmers are our priority," he said. He further said, "We won't make fake promises to you, whatever we say, we will do that and we will deliver each and every promise. For this, you have to help us and we will waive off your loans. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Speaking on the controversy surrounding the release of 'Kaala', the 67-year-old Rajnikanth, main star of the film, said, "Producers are trying, the movie will definitely release. We ask you to cooperate". The comment came in the wake of a plea filed by K. Rajasekhara, seeking to defer the release of the film because of the Cauvery water sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Kamal Hassan, actor-turned-politician, said, "Vishwaroopam was also banned in Karnataka, the film chambers in respective states had to sort it out. There are many fans eagerly waiting for Rajni's film to be released there. Just like the farmers issues need a conversation, so do films." Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court had refused to stay the release of the film. A vacation bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and also comprising Justice Ashok Bhushan, stated it did not find any merit in the application. The Top Court, while refusing to stay the film, had said, "Everybody is waiting for the film to be released. We don't want to interfere with its release". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As part of his 'Sampark for Samarthan' (Contact for Support) campaign, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Wednesday met industriaist Ratan Tata and actress Madhuri Dixit and her husband Sriram Madhav Nene. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also present with the BJP president. In the recent past, differences have cropped up in the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in Maharashtra. In this regard, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that although there was no plan to dissolve the alliance, mutual efforts were essential for sustaining ties. Launched in May this year, the Sampark for Samarthan initiative was devised to generate awareness about the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's achievements in the last four years. In the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Shah will reach out to 50 people personally with details of initiatives and achievements of the government, whereas each BJP worker is expected to contact at least 10 people. There will also be a special session of 'Sampark for Samarthan' on the NaMo App. On Monday, Shah met with Yoga guru Ramdev and sought his support. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) During her last leg of South Africa's visit, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday celebrated the bilateral connection with India by visiting the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Computer Education and Information Technology at Phonix settlement in Durban. Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Computer Education and Information Technology at Phonix settlement served as Mahatma Gandhi's home during his stay in South Africa and was earlier inaugurated by External Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Singh. The Phoenix Settlement was set up in remembrance of Mahatma Gandhi. It exhibits various articles related to Gandhi and imparts computer training to the students. Swaraj along with foreign delegation then paid her respect to Mahatma Gandhi as she offered flowers to one of his busts. The place exhibits various posters which mark the historic political landmarks in the including the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, Aung Sang Syu Kii's fight for democracy in Myanmar, Anti-Vietnam war and so on. Museum's supervisor then briefed Swaraj about the place. She then signed the visitors' book as she wrote, "My respects to Mahatma and his humble abode where he practiced clean and elementary living. From where were developed the concepts of Ahimsa and Satyagraha, mighty tools to shake the My sincere thanks to Gandhi Development Trust for keeping the invaluable legacy and heritage of Gandhiji drive in this beautiful country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has issued a new pet dog licensing regulations to limit the number of pet dogs that can be reared in apartments and individual houses. The BBMP would be enforcing the rules within its limits, it said in an official release. "New pet licensing scheme from BBMP has mandated that only one approved dog can be reared in a flat while an independent house cannot have more than three dogs," Bengaluru Mayor, Sampath Raj told ANI. The decision has not gone down well with citizen activists and pet parents who feel the move will lead to abandonment of dogs. The new rules also mandated the dog owners to get a licence consisting of a radio collar with an embedded chip. A pet parent will have to pay a fine of Rs 1,000 if the dog has no licence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau turned down the United States' (US) proposal to scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and signed a bilateral trade pact on Wednesday. "We have, on various occasions, heard the president speak about his interest or his musings about a bilateral deal instead of the trilateral NAFTA that we have," Sputnik quoted Trudeau as saying. Canada's Trade Minister Francois Philippe Champagne called the recently introduced US tariffs on steel and aluminum "an attack on the economic order." In April, Trudeau praised the United States, Canada and Mexico for handling the NAFTA in a significant manner. Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that if the revised NAFTA deal gets signed, he shall drop the newly-imposed 25 percent tariffs on the aluminum and steel products. NAFTA is an agreement signed by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, creating a trilateral trade bloc in North America, which came into force on January 1, 1994. The revised NAFTA deal is set to impact the intellectual property of the US and the trade exports between US and Mexico among other trade policies. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United-States based universities are waiting for the Indian students to enroll themselves across different fields as part of International students program, assures Chief of Mission from the United States embassy in New Delhi, Mary Kay Carlson on the Student Visa Day. An event was held on Wednesday at the US embassy in New Delhi aimed at easing the process of applying visa to the US by the Indian students. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, and Consulates General in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai, welcomed more than 4,000 Indian students applying for visas to study in the United States. It was attended by the Indian students currently studying in the US or those seeking admission there and also by various relevant officials. During the event, Carlson told ANI, "Around 1, 86,000 students are already part of the Visa program and their number is growing. We are very excited to welcome you (Indian students) to the US across all fields of endeavor weather its Science, Technology, engineering, and Math (STEM), Law, or liberal studies we welcome every student to find their fate in small-level colleges, universities, and PhD program." She further said that as per their talks to US-based Indian students they fell welcomed inside the US campus as she focused on strengthening people-to-people ties between the US and India. One of the students who was attending the event said, "The process of applying for visas was not complicated though, applying to the universities itself was a long process but once you get through them you just need to apply for visas." Further, a firm named EducationUSA imparted pre-departure information to the students. As per a press release by the US embassy in New Delhi, "In 2017, more than 186,000 Indian students enrolled in U.S. institutions of higher education; more than double the number of students from a decade ago, and a 12-percent increase from 2016. India is the second-leading place of origin for students coming to the United States; Indians represent over 17 percent of the total international student population in the United States." Earlier on April 2, The United States Embassy at a session titled, "Open House at the Consular Section - The right way to apply for a US visa", advised the Indian students to exercise caution while applying for the US visa and be wary of bogus visa rules. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress has said that will avenge the deaths of farmers, who lost their lives in Mandsaur protest last year, by winning the upcoming assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh. Addressing the gather here on Wednesday, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "We will avenge the deaths of farmers, who lost their lives in Mandsaur protest last year, by winning the elections in November. BJP will be thrown out of the state." Earlier on Wednesday, Congress president Rahul Gandhi visited the kin of the victims, who lost their lives in police firing in Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur district last year. Rahul also addressed a Kisan Samriddhi Sankalp rally and assured farmers of the state that his party would waive aside all loans within 10 days of coming to power in the state. "If the Congress is voted to power in Madhya Pradesh, within 10 days, debt will be waived. Our first job is to protect the farmers of India. Almost 1200 farmers have killed themselves in a year," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's top-ranked double trap shooter Ankur Mittal said he will take training in Italy for ten days before Asian Games commences. Talking about his preparations for the Asian Games, he told ANI that he has topped in the trial and hopes to continue his form. "I will take training in Italy for 10 days before Asian Games. Delhi Karni Singh Shooting range has really good facilities for shooters. I have topped in the trial and hope to continue my form in Asian Games," he told ANI. Mittal, who won bronze medal in the double trap men's finals of the recently-concluded 2018 Commonwealth Games, said that he has a good chance of winning a medal in the Asian Games. Talking about his future plans he said, after the Asian Games he will focus on the Olympic games. The Asian Games is slated to be held from August 18 to September 2 in Indonesia. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The World Bank on Wednesday offered assistance to the Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY), a Rs.6000 crore Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. The scheme will be implemented over a period of five years from 2018-19 to 2022-23, with World Bank's assistance, and aims to improve groundwater management in priority areas in the country through community participation. The proposal for the scheme has already been recommended by the Expenditure Finance Committee and will be presented for Cabinet approval shortly. Atal Bhujal Yojana was formulated by the aforementioned ministry to address the criticality of groundwater resources in a major part of the country. The priority areas identified under the scheme fall in the states of Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, representing about 25 percent of the total number of over-exploited, critical and semi-critical blocks in terms of groundwater in India. They also cover two major types of groundwater systems found in India - alluvial and hard rock aquifers- and have varying degrees of institutional readiness and experience in groundwater management. Funds under the scheme will be provided to the states for strengthening the institutions responsible for groundwater governance, as well as for encouraging community involvement for improving groundwater management to foster behavioural changes that promote conservation and efficient use of water. Implementation of the scheme is expected to benefit nearly 8350 Gram Panchayats in 78 districts in the states. Funds under the scheme will be made available to the participating states as Grants. Ensuring active community participation in groundwater management is among the major objectives of the scheme. The scheme envisages active participation of the communities in various activities such as the formation of Water User Associations, monitoring and disseminating groundwater data, water budgeting, preparation and implementation of Gram-Panchayat wise water security plans and IEC activities related to sustainable groundwater management. Community participation is also expected to facilitate bottom-up groundwater planning process to improve the effectiveness of public financing and align implementation of various government programs on groundwater in the participating states. The implementation of the scheme is expected to have several positive outcomes like a better understanding of the groundwater regime, sustainable groundwater management through a convergence of on-going and new schemes and augmentation of groundwater resources in targeted areas. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a unique and first of its kind interaction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke with young entrepreneurs who have made a mark in start-ups and innovation. He said that the youth in the country have transformed from job seekers to job creators. The Prime Minister spoke of the three C's - capital, courage, and connecting with people - which is required to excel in start-ups. "India is a youthful nation. Today's youngsters are becoming job creators. We are committed to the harnessing of the demographic dividend," said Prime Minister Modi, while talking to the youngsters from the world of start-up and innovation via NaMo app. "Adequate capital, courage and connecting with people are required for excelling in the start-up sector. There was a time when start-ups meant only digital and tech innovation. Things are changing now. We are seeing start-up entrepreneurs in different fields," he added. Commenting on the widening range of start-ups coming up in different areas, the Prime Minister said, "Start-ups are no longer only in big cities. Smaller towns and villages are emerging as vibrant start-up centres. India has distinguished itself in the global start-up eco-system." PM Modi stated that the central government has started 'Fund of Funds' to make sure that youngsters don't face financial issues for their start-ups. "We in the government understand that youngsters may face a shortage of funds for their start-ups. That is why a 'fund of funds' has been started by the government to facilitate more youngsters to innovate and ideate," the Prime Minister said. "We have created a team of facilitators who are providing essential legal help to start-up entrepreneurs," he added. The Prime Minister also urged youngsters to look forward to transforming the agriculture sector. "We have started an Agriculture Grand Challenge. We invite more youngsters to ideate on how to transform our agriculture sector," he said. Besides interacting with the young innovators from Chhattisgarh, Assam, and Punjab, the Prime Minister also talked to the school children from Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi. The children raised the issue of water conservation and said that they want to work to conserve water and that Atal Tinkering Labs are helping them greatly. Furthermore, the Prime Minister also urged people to write success stories of the pioneering innovators who are distinguishing themselves on social media with #InnovateIndia. "This will inspire several others to focus on research and innovation," he said. The Prime Minister concluded his interaction saying, "Our start-ups are growth engines. Today's big companies were start-ups at some point. I urge the people of India to keep innovating. If we do not innovate, we will stagnate. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The stock is quoting at Rs 272.45, up 1.26% on the day as on 12:59 IST on the NSE. Apollo Tyres Ltd is up 5.01% in last one year as compared to a 10.19% jump in NIFTY and a 1.81% jump in the Nifty Auto index. Apollo Tyres Ltd is up for a third straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 272.45, up 1.26% on the day as on 12:59 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 0.52% on the day, quoting at 10648.55. The Sensex is at 35077.71, up 0.5%. Apollo Tyres Ltd has slipped around 7.3% in last one month. Meanwhile, Nifty Auto index of which Apollo Tyres Ltd is a constituent, has slipped around 3.12% in last one month and is currently quoting at 10986.95, up 1.31% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 15.85 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 24.94 lakh shares in last one month. The benchmark June futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 272.5, up 1.13% on the day. Apollo Tyres Ltd is up 5.01% in last one year as compared to a 10.19% jump in NIFTY and a 1.81% jump in the Nifty Auto index. The PE of the stock is 24.72 based on TTM earnings ending March 18. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) First 'Made in India' zero emission electric feeder bus Goldstone Infratech announced the launch as well as export of its full Electric Feeder Bus 'eBuzz KG', the 1st bus in this category to be manufactured in India. The state of the art Zero Emission electric bus was unveiled by Ananth Geete, Union Minister of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Government of India. First five of these 'eBuzz K6' buses shall be exported to Nepal before being introduced in India and later wi ll be exported to other neighboring countries. These electric buses will serve Lumbini tourism lines. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hindustan Construction Company in joint venture with MAX Group, a leading construction company in Bangladesh has been awarded US$ 1 I 0 million (Rs.737 crore) contract by Russia's State Nuclear Company, JSC Atomstroyexport, for civil works of Turbine Island for Unit 1 of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. HCC's share in the JV is 40% (US44 million or Rs.295 crore). The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant 190 km northwest of Dhaka will be built with Russian technology and is equipped with two WER Reactors of 1200 MW each. These reactors are similar to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The stock is quoting at Rs 954.8, up 0.75% on the day as on 12:54 IST on the NSE. Reliance Industries Ltd is up 42.61% in last one year as compared to a 10.28% gain in NIFTY and a 15.42% gain in the Nifty Energy. Reliance Industries Ltd rose for a fifth straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 954.8, up 0.75% on the day as on 12:54 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 0.61% on the day, quoting at 10657.5. The Sensex is at 35111.67, up 0.6%. Reliance Industries Ltd has dropped around 1.67% in last one month. Meanwhile, Nifty Energy index of which Reliance Industries Ltd is a constituent, has dropped around 1.85% in last one month and is currently quoting at 13545.35, up 0.45% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 26.4 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 61.54 lakh shares in last one month. The benchmark June futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 950.65, up 0.77% on the day. Reliance Industries Ltd is up 42.61% in last one year as compared to a 10.28% gain in NIFTY and a 15.42% gain in the Nifty Energy index. The PE of the stock is 17.87 based on TTM earnings ending March 18. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Canara Bank announced that the Financial Conduct Authority - UK has fined Canara Bank, London Branch GBP 896,100 and has imposed a restriction, preventing it from accepting deposits from new customers for 147 days. The FCA acknowledges that senior management at Canara Bank have fully co-operated and engaged with the FCA's investigation and that the firm's substantive AML deficiencies now have been rectified. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jindal Global University (JGU) on Wednesday said 10 of its students have been selected for scholarships from the Israeli National Council for Higher for an international summer programme on conflict resolution. With these scholarships, the students will be eligible for "International Summer Program: Identity-Based Conflict Resolution" course at the Bar Ilan University in Ramat Gan, Israel. The scholarships cover tuition and housing expenses including weekday suppers, JGU said in a statement, adding that its Jindal Centre for Israel Studies was the first and thus far the only centre for Israel studies in the Indian academia. The month-long interdisciplinary programme will begin on July 2. "Going to Israel will certainly enable the students to have first-hand experience of the place where conflict, war and violence are often in the news," said Khinvraj Jangid, Assistant Professor and Faculty Coordinator, Jindal Centre for Israel Studies (JCIS). "Conflicts such as Israel-Palestine or India-Pakistan are complex because of the centrality of identity (ethnic, religious) questions," Jangid added. Eight of the selected students are from the Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA) and two from Jindal Global Law School (JGLS). They are Neha Sirohi, Mansheetal Singh, Samarth Kavoori, Suraj Ranjan, Viswas Viswanath, Pragadish Kirubakaran, Megha Gupta, Hima Bindu from JSIA; and Keshav Mittal Kumar and Rishabh Rao Yandamuri from JGLS. "These international exchanges not only will broaden the horizon of the participants but will also arm them with a greater degree of intellectual prowess towards global issue," said C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, JGU. --IANS gb/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Eleven workers were killed and two were reported missing after an explosion in an iron mine in Liaoning province on Tuesday while 23 miners were rescued on Wednesday. The explosion occurred on Tuesday around 4.10 p.m. at the entrance of the mine in Benxi after the miners dropped explosives down the 1,000-metre-deep mine shaft, Xinhua news agency reported. An elevator system was destroyed leaving 25 miners trapped inside, most of whom were rescued on Wednesday early morning, but search and rescue efforts were still underway for the two missing miners. All the rescued miners were safe, but five of them were seriously injured and were transferred to a hospital, authorities announced. Chinese mines, especially coal mines -- the country's main source of energy -- have a high accident rate and are among the most dangerous in the world, although the number of fatal accidents has fallen significantly in recent years. At least 219 accidents and 375 deaths were reported in China's coal mines in 2017 alone. However, this number of deaths was 28.7 per cent lower than in 2016, and almost 20 times lower than at the beginning of the last decade, when up to 7,000 deaths were recorded each year in mining accidents. --IANS and/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved Rs 637 crore central assistance for solar power plants, solar street lights and solar study lamps in the northeastern states and Left Wing Extremism (Maoist) affected districts. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the third phase of Off-grid and Decentralised Solar PV (Photo Voltaic) Applications Programme to achieve additional 118 MWp (megawatt peak) off-grid solar PV capacity by 2020, an official statement said, citing Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. Prasad said that 3,00,000 solar street lights will be installed throughout the country with special emphasis on areas where there is no facility for street lighting systems through grid power, northeastern states and Maoist-affected districts. The second component of the programme comprises building stand-alone solar power plants of individual size up to 25 kWp (kilowatt peak) in areas where grid power has not reached or is not reliable. "This component is mainly aimed at providing electricity to schools, hostels, panchayats, police stations and other public service institutions. The aggregated capacity of solar power plants would be 100 MWp," Prasad said. Further, 25 lakh solar study lamps would be distributed students in the northeastern states and Maoist-affected districts, the minister added. The total project of the three components included under the phase-Ill, which is likely to generate 8.67 lakh man-days of employment for skilled and unskilled workers, is Rs 1,895 crore of which Rs 637 crore will be provided as central financial assistance. "For solar street lights and solar power plants, financial support up to 30 per cent of the benchmark cost of the system will be provided except for NE states, hill states and island UTs where up to 90 per cent of the benchmark cost will be provided. "For solar study lamps only 15 per cent of the lamp cost to be borne by beneficiary student and balance will be provided as financial support as such systems will be provided to school going children in backward and remote areas," the statement said. While the off-grid solar systems, which will provide power to schools, hostels, panchayats, police stations and other public service institutions, is also likely to open better livelihood opportunities for beneficiaries in rural and remote areas, the programme will benefit 40 lakh rural households. --IANS mgu/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Around 4,000 Indian students appeared for interview on Wednesday to secure the American visa to pursue higher in the United States. The interview was conducted at the US embassy here and the Consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai. The US Mission in India organises Student Visa Day every year to celebrate educational ties with India. In 2017, more than 186,000 Indian students were enrolled in the US institutions of higher education, double the number from a decade ago and a 12 per cent increase from the year before, the embassy told media persons here. "India is the second leading place of origin for students coming to the United States, with Indians comprising over 17 per cent of the total international students in the country," Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) MaryKay Carlson said. "Today (Wednesday) marks US Mission India's fourth annual Student Visa Day, an event that celebrates higher ties between India and the US," Carlson said. She said the day is also dedicated to helping qualified Indian students prepare for their in the United States. --IANS mg/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday left to meet US President Donald Trump to coordinate their positions ahead of a historic mid-June summit between the US and North Korea in Singapore. Abe will meet Trump at the White House on Thursday, the second meeting between the two leaders in less than two months, and then travel to Quebec in Canada to attend the G7 summit (June 8-9), the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, Efe news agency reported. Abe has been sceptical of Trump's summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and favours maintaining maximum pressure on Pyongyang, while Trump, the main architect of the maximum pressure strategy, has softened his stance on North Korea ahead of the summit on June 12. During the meeting, Abe hopes Trump would reaffirm his willingness to maintain sanctions on Pyongyang until it takes concrete steps towards verifiable, complete and irreversible denuclearisation, according to official sources. Speaking to the media before his departure, Abe, who is trying to assume a greater role in the rapprochement process with North Korea, launched by South Korean President Moon Jae-in, said he maintains close communication with Trump and that their positions on the denuclearisation of North Korea were the same. The Japanese government will try and adopt a joint declaration at the G7 summit calling for complete denuclearisation of North Korea, official sources had stressed on Tuesday. Abe also wants Trump to include in the summit's agenda the issue of Japanese citizens kidnapped by the Pyongyang regime decades ago. Abe is also expected to discuss with Trump the high tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, an issue that has led to fears of a possible trade war between the US and its allies, and is expected to dominate the agenda of the G7 summit. --IANS ahm/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The CBI on Wednesday said it will issue fresh summons to Malaysia-based AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes as he failed to appear before it in connection with an alleged bribery case to get FDI rules tweaked. "Fernandes did not appear before the agency today. We will issue fresh summons to him soon," a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) official said requesting anonymity. The agency summoned Fernandes on June 1, through email, asking him to come and record his statement before the investigators at the agency's headquarters. The official also said the investigating agency on Tuesday questioned Sunil Kapur, chairman of Travel Foods and Services that was given a contract of in-flight catering by AirAsia. Earlier, the agency examined Rajendra Dubey, Director of HNR Pte Ltd, Green IT Com Pvt Ltd and RRT Services India Pvt Ltd. The CBI filed a case on May 29 against Fernandes, AirAsia India Director R. Venkataramanan and AirAsia Group Deputy CEO T. Kanagalingam alias Bo Lingam and others over alleged violation of norms for getting international flying license. The CBI's FIR also mentions aviation consultant Deepak Talwar, Dubey and some unknown public servants of the Civil Aviation Ministry and the then Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). In its FIR, the agency alleged that efforts were made by Fernandes to get the 5/20 rule of civil aviation policy changed so that AirAsia could start international operations. The rule requires that an airline must be operating in India for five years and have at least 20 aircraft in its fleet before starting international operations. Fernandes is also accused of "putting pressure" on former AirAsia India CEO Mittu Chandilya to pursue changes in regulatory policies for international aviation in India which would be beneficial to the company. AirAsia and Venkataramanan have denied the charges, saying the accusations were made with mala fide intention and will be defended in court. --IANS aks/him/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Cairo-based Arab League (AL) has urged the international community on Tuesday to interfere immediately to provide protection for the Palestinian people against "Israeli violations". "The Israeli violations against the Palestinian people ring the bell of danger through campaigns of settlement expansion and seizing Palestinian lands," Saeed Abu Ali, AL assistant secretary general for the occupied Palestinian and Arab lands, said in a statement, Xinhua reported on Tuesday. Abu Ali renewed calls on international community institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council, for immediate intervention to provide protection for the Palestinian people and relieve their oppression and suffering. Israeli approved in late May the construction of some 6,400 new settlement units in the occupied West Bank including the disputed holy city of Jerusalem. An Israeli high court has recently issued a ruling to demolish the Bedouin community in Khan al-Ahmar, east of Jerusalem, which will forcibly displace 35 Palestinian families as Israel plans to build 92 new settlement units nearby. "For over 50 years, since the Israeli occupation of Palestinian and Arab territories in 1967, Israel has been continuing its aggression, occupation policies and grave violations of Palestinian rights and all covenants and international law principles," said the AL senior diplomat. The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has continued since the Western-backed creation of Israel by occupying Palestinian territories in 1948. The deadlock of the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis is largely attributed to Israel's settlement expansion policy, which is rejected even by its strongest ally, the US. Since late March, the Israeli forces killed at least 120 Palestinians and wounded thousands during protests calling for the Palestinian refugees' right of return and ending the Israeli blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip since Islamic Hamas movement seized control of the enclave in 2007. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A four-year-old boy suffocated to death while three other family members were injured early on Wednesday after a fire broke out in a house here, a fire officer said. A call was received at the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) control room regarding a fire in a DDA flat in south Delhi's R.K Puram at 1 a.m., he said, adding that three tenders were rushed to the spot and the flames were doused by around 2 a.m. "Abhinav, 4, died due to suffocation while his grandmother Darshana, 74, his father Pankaj, 37, and mother Swati, 34, were injured during the rescue operation at second floor. "The injured persons are being treated in a private hospital," Station House Officer (SHO) Harish Chander told IANS. "Prima facie, it appears that the fire broke out due to short circuit in wires when the entire family was asleep." Pankaj works as a stenographer in Udyog Bhavan. --IANS sp/him/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Scientists, including one of an Indian-origin, has identified a brain protein linked to a person's alcohol tolerance, a finding which may one day pave way for "cure" of people suffering from alcoholism. The team has found that the brain protein, called MUNC 13-1, plays a pivotal role in the development of tolerance to alcoholism. "Addiction to alcohol remains one of the most significant mental health problems throughout the world. A major challenge is to understand how ethanol, or alcohol, changes behavior and the brain during the descent into addiction," said Joydip Das from the University of Houston in Texas. Das explained that developing tolerance is a critical step in that descent. "If a person becomes tolerant of one drink, he will have another and maybe another. If we could stop alcohol from binding into MUNC 13-1, it will help problem drinkers in reducing tolerance. If we can reduce tolerance we can reduce addiction," he noted. According to the study, published in the journal eNeuro, the process of MUNC 13-1 binding to alcohol takes place in a brain synapse, where one nerve cell, or neuron, passes a signal to another. During binge alcohol exposure, alcohol creates widespread and long-lasting changes in neural activity, altering both presynaptic and postsynaptic activity. For the study, the team developed a genetic model system in fruit flies, creating an activating protein called Dunc13, the equivalent to MUNC 13-1. "Reduction in Dunc13 produces a behavioural and physiological resistance to sedative effects of ethanol. That makes MUNC 13-1 an important target for developing drugs. "We need to develop a pill that would inhibit alcohol binding to MUNC 13 and reduce its activity. Based on our results so far, this would likely reduce the formation of tolerance, making it harder to become addicted to alcohol," he said. --IANS sh/rt/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram was on Wednesday questioned for over four hours by the CBI in connection with the INX Media corruption case. After the questioning by a special CBI Economic Offences Wing team, the senior Congress leader reiterated that the FIR contains no allegations against him. The Central Bureau of Investigation said Chidambaram appeared at its headquarters here around 11 a.m. and left around 4.50 p.m. Chidambaram was questioned till 1.30 p.m., after which he was allowed to step out for lunch. The questioning resumed at 3.30 p.m. and continued till around 4.45 p.m. After leaving the CBI headquarters, Chidambaram tweeted: "Appeared before the CBI. The FIR contains no allegations against me. "Questions and answers were based on the files of FIPB. Hence, there was little to add to the record," he said. According to the agency officials, the former Minister was quizzed about his alleged role in the grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval to INX Media in 2007. The INX Media company was promoted by former media baron Peter Mukerjea and his wife Indrani Mukerjea, now in jail in connection with the murder of their daughter Sheena Bora. A CBI official said the agency will analyse the Congress leader's statement and, if required, he will be again asked to join the investigation. The Congress leader was summoned by the agency officials under Section 41(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The CBI first issued the summons to Chidambaram on June 1, asking him to appear before it the next day, but he skipped questioning after the Delhi High Court on May 31 granted him interim protection against arrest till July 3 in the INX Media case. According to the CBI officials, it has prepared a set of questions to seek clarifications from the former Minister pertaining to a money laundering case registered in 2017 against Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram. The CBI had on May 15, 2017 filed an FIR, accusing Chidambaram, Karti and others of involvement in irregularities in giving INX Media the FIPB clearance to receive Rs 305 crore in foreign investment. The CBI had on February 28 arrested Karti, accusing him of taking money to facilitate the FIPB clearance to INX Media in 2007 when his father was the Finance Minister. Later, he got bail. The CBI initially alleged that Karti received Rs 10 lakh as bribe for facilitating the FIPB clearance but the figure was subsequently revised to about $1 million or Rs 6.5 crore at the current exchange rate. On Tuesday, the former Minister was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate for over five hours. --IANS aks-akk/tsb/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram was on Wednesday questioned by the CBI in connection with its ongoing probe into the INX Media corruption case. According to the agency, Chidambaram appeared at the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) headquarters around 11 a.m. A special CBI Economic Offences Wing team started questioning Chidambaram about his role in granting Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval to INX Media in 2007. The team has prepared a set of questions for Chidambaram's clarifications. The senior Congress leader's statement would be recorded, according to a probe agency official. Besides his clarification on FIPB clearance, Chidambaram would also be quizzed on Indrani Mukherjea's allegations and other aspects linked to the INX Media case. The questioning is part of the CBI's investigation into a money laundering case registered in 2017 against Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis case. The CBI first issued the summons to Chidambaram in the case on June 1 asking him to appear the next day, but the Congress leader skipped the notice after the Delhi High Court granted him interim protection from arrest. The court on May 31 granted interim protection to the Congress leader from arrest till July 3 in the INX Media case. Earlier, the court had allowed interim protection to his son Karti Chidambaram till July 10. The CBI had on May 15, 2017, filed an FIR in the case accusing Chidambaram, his son Karti and others of involvement in irregularities committed in giving INX Media the clearance to receive Rs 305 crore in foreign investment. The CBI had on February 28 arrested Karti in the case, accusing him of taking money to facilitate the FIPB clearance to INX Media in 2007 when his father was the Finance Minister during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Later, he was granted bail. The CBI initially alleged that Karti had received Rs 10 lakh as bribe for facilitating the FIPB clearance. The figure was, however, revised later to about $1 million or Rs 6.5 crore at the current exchange rate. The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate are probing the case. On Tuesday, the former Finance Minister was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials for over five hours in the Rs 3,500 crore Aircel-Maxis deal case. --IANS aks-rak/in/tsb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister Maneka Gandhi on Wednesday said that installing CCTVs in buses is a waste of public money since women faced inappropriate touching on public transport, which the recorded footage will fail to point out. "Molestation on buses is about (inappropriate) touching. It will not be picked up by the CCTVs since buses are so crowded. It is just a waste of money," the Minister for Women and Child Development told the media here. "The CCTVs are fixed and not rotating. No one is going to stand in front of the camera (to molest women). I agree that women are constantly molested in crowded buses, but CCTVs cannot do anything to prevent these molestations," she said. Pointing out that the money spent on installing closed circuit televisions (CCTVs) belonged to the nation, the Minister said it should be "spent where it will have the most effect". The Ministry put up CCTVs in some buses in Rajasthan but these did not work, she said. The Ministry had rejected a Delhi government project to install CCTVs in Delhi Transport Corporation buses from the Nirbhaya fund. --IANS nks/tsb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Modi government has allegedly cancelled orders worth thousands of crores of rupees with the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the defence and aerospace sector in India, bringing these units at the brink of a closure that may cost 300,000 jobs. Agitated over the move, members of the Federation of MSME Vendors of Defence and Aerospace told reporters here on Wednesday that the move belies Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on "Make in India" and self reliance in defence manufacturing. "This move shall bring these units at the brink of closure and shall further result into unemployment of approximately 300,000. Of these 180,000 are associated with various ordnance factories and almost similar number with employment being provided by MSME companies. (This) will cause wide scale of bank defaults amounting in crores of rupees," said federation president Neeraj Raizaida. There are 6,000 MSME units associated with defence industry. Eighty per cent of sub parts and complex assemblies of defence supplies are manufactured in MSME sector. according to a study. He said the reason mentioned in the government communication to these unis was that the ultimate users of defence products -- the Indian armed forces -- for which they used to procure these items have curtailed down their requirements. The allegations came amid parliamentary reporting findings that the Indian armed forces were facing a severe shortage of funds and were not able to maintain their stockpile of ammunition. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman however has repeatedly rejected these charges, saying the government faced no crunch and the forces were adequately armed to face any emergency. Raizaida said the government orders had created a lot of furore in the MSME sector -- considered one of the mainstays of the Indian economy. He said orders had already been placed by the MSMEs for raw material and advance payments made before the letters cancelling the contracts arrived. "There shall be a very wide scale of macro- economic catastrophe. Raw material orders have been placed and advance payments made" which has blocked huge working capital, he said. "We have approached the Ministry of Defence, the PMO, but there has been no response so far. We will file a PIL in the Supreme Court if the government does not attend to our complaint," said Raizaida. According to the federation, the reason mentioned in the government communication is that "ultimate users (i.e Indian armed forces) for which they used to procure items have curtailed their requirements". --IANS sar/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Designer Dhruv Kapoor is going to represent India, Pakistan and Middle East region at International Woolmark Prize (IWP) 2018-19. "I am thrilled to be a part of the International Woolmark Prize 2018-19 and am looking forward to the development process and working with the versatile Merino Wool," Kapoor told IANS in a statement. "The immense recognition and consequent widespread exposure that this nomination brings is truly unmatched. More than anything it's the adrenaline rush, and the power to cross my comfort zone that I am looking forward to. "I am truly excited to share my experience with the esteemed jury panel and hear their views on my work, as it is a rare and great opportunity where the best talent from across the world is under one roof," he added. More than 300 emerging fashion designers from across 46 countries applied to take part in this year's IWP. The most promising 42 designers, who showcased creativity, originality of design, innovation and brand recognition, have now been nominated to present their brand to a panel of experts at one of three semi-final events in July. The nominating body for India region was IMG Reliance, who were responsible in shortlisting the nominees selected for the region. The semi-finals of the event will be held in Hong Kong on July 5, London on July 10 and New York on July 12, with nominees invited to pitch to an esteemed judging panel for investment in a capsule collection crafted from Merino wool. These events will then identify the 12 finalists to take part in the International Woolmark Prize global final to be held at an international fashion week in early 2019. Finalists will each receive a financial contribution of AU$70,000 to invest in the development of their capsule collection alongside mentoring, business training and showcasing opportunities. One menswear and one womenswear designer will each receive AU$200,000 at the global final along with guaranteed placement in some of the most important boutiques around the globe that have committed to supporting the award. "As the International Woolmark Prize continues to evolve, we have restructured our program to ensure emerging design talent receives the highest level of industry support and guidance," said Stuart McCullough, the Woolmark Company Managing Director. "This year we invited designers to apply to participate in the program and this generated an overwhelming number of applicants, from New York, London and Tokyo through to Mexico, Russia and Nigeria. This reinforces our belief that the International Woolmark Prize has no geographical borders, that fashion has no boundaries and that Australian Merino wool will remain as relevant to fashion tomorrow as it does today," added McCullough. --IANS nv/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ecuador's Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces has been elected president of the UN General Assembly. She is only the fourth woman to achieve the position in its 73-year history. With her election on Tuesday, she follows in the pioneering footsteps of India's Vijayalakshmi Pandit, the first woman to hold the position in 1953, in an organisation struggling to achieve gender parity. In keeping with its symbolism, Espinosa declared that she dedicates her election to all the women in the world. Espinosa received 128 votes to defeat another woman, Honduras Permanent Representative Mary Elizabeth Flores Flake, who got 62 votes. The Assembly presidency rotates among various groups at the UN and this year it was the turn of the Latin American and Caribbean bloc. In a rare departure from tradition of unanimity, two candidates from the region contested the election. Speaking to reporters after her election, Espinosa said that she will assess the work done for the Security Council reform process and the situation it is in. The reform process has been going for about 25 years and "this is very much a pending issue of the organisation," she said. "Of course, the depth and the pace of the reform process is going to depend entirely on the political will of the member states," she added. Speaking at the Assembly after her election, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres drew attention to the poor record of the Assembly in electing women as president with only four in its 73-year history. After Pandit, it took 16 year before another woman, Angie Brooks of Liberia was elected in 1969 and another 37 years for Haya Rashed Al-Khalifa of Bahrain to be be elected in 2006. "No woman from my continent, east or west, has ever held the post," Guterres said. All four women presidents are from developing countries. In 2016, it was widely expected that a woman would be elected secretary-general with several strong women candidates in the field, but it went to a man for the ninth time. Espinosa said that with her election she hoped the UN will make progress and men and women will have the same opportunities. Dedicating her election, she said it was for "all the women in the world who participate in today and who face media and political attacks marked by machismo and discrimination" and for "women who struggle everyday to access jobs on equal terms." There was a political undercurrent in the election with Espinosa receiving greater support from developing countries. Left-leaning Ecuador has had a tumultuous relationship with the US, while Honduras is close to Washington. Honduras was one of only nine countries to vote with it in the Assembly in 2017 against a resolution opposing the US decision to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and this cost it a lot of the votes of developing countries. Although its relations with the US have been improving since President Lenin Moreno's election in 2017, Ecuador continues to give refuge in its London embassy to Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, whom Washington wants extradited. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in) --IANS al/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail has submitted his government's resignation to President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, the Egyptian presidential spokesman has said. "The President assigned the government to act as caretaker and continue performing its duties until a new government is formed," presidential spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported. The cabinet resignation came a few days after Sisi was sworn in at the parliament for a second four-year presidential term. The Egyptian cabinet resignation is a traditional move in following a president's swearing-in. Lawmaker Sayyid Abdel-Aal, head of leftist Tagammu Party, said that the president will name a prime minister and present it to the parliament or name a prime minister after consultation with the majority of the parliament. "After naming the prime minister, the latter will name the cabinet ministers to expect for sovereign ministries, whose ministers are determined in consultation with the president," the lawmaker told Xinhua following the cabinet resignation. The Egyptian government continues a strict, austerity-based three-year economic reform program which started in late 2016, including local currency liberalization followed by fuel and energy subsidy cuts and tax hikes to contain a budget deficit, promote local production and boost foreign investment. Abdel-Aal didn't expect major changes in economic ministries. "The new government will have to be committed to the economic policies already approved by the parliament and reflected in the new general budget," said the parliamentarian. Egypt's most recent cabinet reshuffle took place in January. It was partial and it included the four ministers of culture, tourism, local development and public enterprise. Facebook has admitted sharing users' data with Chinese company Huawei -- facing the heat in the US over data privacy concerns -- along with three other China-based smartphone makers Lenovo, OPPO and TCL. According to a report in Financial Times on Tuesday, Francisco Varela, vice president of Mobile Partnerships at Facebook, said that many technology companies have worked with Huawei. "Facebook's integrations with Huawei, Lenovo, OPPO and TCL were controlled from the get-go -- and we approved the Facebook experiences these companies built," Varela said in a statement. "Given the interest from Congress, we wanted to make clear that all the information from these integrations with Huawei was stored on the device, not on Huawei's servers," the Facebook executive added. The Facebook confirmation came a day after The New York Times reported that the social media giant provided access to users' data to at least 60 different device makers -- including Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Samsung and BlackBerry. There are concerns in the US among the FBI, CIA, NSA, the Federal Communications Commission and House Intelligence Committee over Huawei devices. In February, FBI Director Chris Wray said the FBI was "deeply concerned" about the risks posed by Huawei and ZTE. The US military has banned phones made by Huawei and ZTE. According to Senator Mark Warner, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, the concerns about Huawei were not new. "The news that Facebook provided privileged access to Facebook's API [application programming interface] to Chinese device makers like Huawei and TCL raises legitimate concerns, and I look forward to learning more about how Facebook ensured that information about their users was not sent to Chinese servers," he said in a statement late Tuesday. "Concerns about Huawei aren't new - they were widely publicised beginning in 2012, when the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence released a well-read report on the close relationships between the Chinese Communist Party and equipment makers like Huawei," Warner added. The Senate Commerce Committee has already sent a letter to Facebook over the reports that it shared data with device makers. Earlier, the social network defended the pacts with device makers, saying that these partnerships do not raise privacy concerns. Facebook said that the partners signed agreements that prevented people's information from being used for any other purpose than to recreate Facebook-like experiences. "Partners could not integrate the user's Facebook features with their devices without the user's permission," Ime Archibong, Facebook's Vice President of Product Partnerships, said in a statement. Facebook launched the device-integrated APIs about a decade ago and said that all these partnerships were built on a common interest -- the desire for people to be able to use Facebook whatever their device or operating system. "Given that these APIs enabled other companies to recreate the Facebook experience, we controlled them tightly from the get-go," Archibong said. Facebook said that it had already ended 22 of the device partnerships. "Now that iOS and Android are so popular, fewer people rely on these APIs to create bespoke Facebook experiences. It's why we announced in April that we're winding down access to them. We've already ended 22 of these partnerships," Archibong noted. --IANS na/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Director Raj Kumar Gupta, known for helming films like "Aamir", "No One Killed Jessica" and "Raid", says making films is a constant challenge, but his first project will always remain close to his heart. As his first film "Aamir" clocked 10 years since its release, Gupta said that the success of the movie inspired many filmmakers. "Every film is challenging. With the kind of subjects that I have picked, each film was challenging for me. It will be very difficult to pick just one," Gupta told IANS over phone from Mumbai. "The constant struggle is to make a film. Your film is your calling card. In that sense, first film is always special. That is something people know you by because before that people didn't see your work. They know your talent and whether you are capable of doing it or not," he added. "Aamir" narrated the story of a young Muslim man, Dr. Aamir Ali, played by Rajeev Khandelwal, who returns to Mumbai from the UK. He finds himself at the mercy of extremists intending to carry out a bombing in the city. The film got rave reviews. Looking back, Gupta says he cannot believe that the film was released 10 years ago. "Time flies. I realised that it has been 10 years when some people mentioned about it. It is one of those films which really helped all the people associated with the it. It helped a lot of filmmakers at that time who were trying to make their debut and gave some inspiration to them." The director, who likes to stick to real life stories to narrate on the big screen, got the idea to make "Aamir" after the 9/11 attacks in the US. "The thought came after 9/11. The world had completely changed. There was a lot of polarisation. I mean looking at the way one particular community was being looked at and there were a lot of things happening in and around us. "Terrorism was also at its peak at that time...So this was a combination of a lot of things that one heard and read." At the moment, he is busy with his next project "India's Most Wanted", which will star Arjun Kapoor. "It is one of the stories that I wanted to tell. I have been working on this since the past three years. The shooting will start from August in Mumbai." --IANS sug/nn/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Telugu Desam Party Member Parliament Kesineni Srinivas on Wednesday said that "delay" in accepting the resignations of five YSR Congress lawmakers was akin to a fixed match between the BJP and Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy. "As the elections are coming, the five parliamentarians resigned in an act of public stunt to fool the people of Andhra" Srinivas told the media. The five MPs who resigned during the budget session are Vara Prasad Rao, Y.V. Subba Reddy, P.V. Midhun Reddy, Y.S. Avinash Reddy and the party floor leader Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy. They resigned over the failure of the central government to grant Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh. "They accepted the resignation of B.S. Yeddyurappa within two days. It's been more than two months the BJP government is deliberately holding their resignations." The reason for the slow down of their resignations is to provide a good stature to them in Andra Pradesh he said. The Lok Sabha Speaker on May 29 had requested the MPs to reconsider their resignations, they met her in the national capital on Wednesday to submit fresh letters, urging her to accept their resignations. Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy told reporters after the meeting that they conveyed to the Speaker that there is no change in their decision. They replied in affirmative when she wanted to know if this is their final decision. He warned the opposition YSR Congress leader Jaganmohan Reddy saying: "If Jagan is going to stitch alliance with BJP, he will suffer a major political setback in Andhra Pradesh." --IANS sm/ahm/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court on Wednesday granted bail to former Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Sameer Bhujbal, almost a month after his uncle and former Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal was released on bail. They were arrested nearly two years ago by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over corruption cases and violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Through his counsel Vikram Chaudhary, Sameer Bhujbal had appealed to the Bombay High Court for liberty on grounds of parity, pointing out that Chhagan Bhujbal had already been granted bail on May 4. Chhagan Bhujbal was nabbed by the ED on March 14, 2016 in connection with two money laundering cases registered against him, his nephew Sameer Bhujbal, other family members and business associates. The Bhujbals and their associates are being investigated in three corruption cases, while the Maharashtra's Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) filed a charge-sheet against them in the February 2016 case pertaining to alleged scam in the new Maharashtra Sadan construction in New Delhi. --IANS qn/nir/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Change, profound change, is coming in the world of software with the future of technology moving towards self-learning systems, according to a top official of CA Technologies. "From planned to predictive systems, how can businesses ready themselves for the coming change so that they are successful in the future," said Ayman Sayed, President and Chief Product Officer of CA Technologies, speaking at the "Built to Change Summit" here at the company headquarters. The "modern software factory", he said, was the key to offering tools, systems and blueprint for agility of businesses with security as an integral process of development from the very beginning. "Security is shifting from being reactive to becoming proactive," Sayed said at the second year of the summit which invited several of its partner companies to participate in the event. He said CA Technologies had the ability to scale up to work in any heterogeneous environment from on-premise to Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, mobile or mainframe. At the summit, the company announced that its strategic research team would collaborate on three projects funded by the European Union Horizon 2020 programme. These projects will explore the development of algorithms and tools required to build compliance into software development process, and will enable the secure and smart IoT (Internet of Things) systems that will underpin a more trusted and connected world, a company press release said. One of the projects would address the protection of personal data and explore how to better enable the development of code that allows companies to comply with GDPR or General Data Protection Regulation, a law passed by European Union that requires businesses and governments to protect the personal data and privacy of individuals in the EU. The regulation has a global impact and cuts across all sectors with non-compliance potentially resulting in massive fines. CA Technologies, which earned a revenue of $4.23 billion during the year-ended March 31, 2018 also announced at the Summit a partnership with IBM to "unleash the power of the mainframe." According to another release from the company, CA and its long-term partner IBM will jointly develop and sell new services for IBM's Cloud managed services on zCloud. This partnership would enable clients that rely on the mainframe for business-critical operations to easily access development, testing, application management, and regulatory compliance services, according to the company. "Our clients are accelerating their digital transformation and many are incorporating the mainframe as an essential part of their transformation," the release quoted Philip Guido, general manager of Infrastructure Services for IBM Global Technology Services, who added that IBM and CA were committed to deepening the platform's role in enterprise digital transformation. The company also showcased at the Summit solutions that integrate advanced analytics and data science with Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation into the tools and technologies that support the entire software development lifecycle. (Hardev Sanotra is in Santa Clara at the invitation of CA Technologies. He can be reached at hardev.sanotra@ians.in) --IANS hs/gb/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) World No.1 Simona Halep and 2016 winner Garbine Muguruza won in different manners over Germany's Angelique Kerber and Russia's Maria Sharapova respectively to set up their semi-final clash at the French Open on Wednesday. Halep, in chase of her maiden Grand Slam title, came back from one set down to edge Kerber 6-7 (2), 6-3, 6-2, while Spanish third seed crushed Shaparova 6-2, 6-1, reports Xinhua news agency. Romanian Halep led 5-4 in their previous head-to-head matches, including her 2018 Australian Open semifinal victory after two hours and 20 minutes. Kerber, who had already matched her best record in Paris with a quarter-final appearance, heated up quicker with four straight games in hand. Although Halep forced a tiebreaker, she let the first set slide away after losing the tiebreaker 7-2. Halep then regrouped herself to triumph in the second set 6-3. Kerber called for medical treatment three games into the third set, before she conceded a break, and never appeared to threaten Halep's position. Muguruza conceded just three games to race past Sharapova in one hour and 10 minutes. "Being aggressive is a part of my game. When you're facing somebody that also has an aggressive style of game, it's about who takes the command, who takes the first opportunity," said Muguruza. Two-time winner Sharapova made her return to Roland Garros after three years, and advanced to her 25th Grand Slam quarter-final after her arch rival Serena Williams withdrew prior to their 22nd encounter. However, she failed to challenge the Spaniard throughout the match, and easily conceded their first duel in four years. Muguruza remained as the only player in women's draw that has never dropped a set. Sharapova said: "I just didn't feel free, and I felt there was a lot of force behind all the shots and that it wasn't coming natural to me. I didn't have the rhythm. "She's a great returner. I think that's definitely one of the things that she did really well today." --IANS pur/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Haryana government on Wednesday announced that it has decided to ban single use plastic bottles in government offices, including departments, boards, corporations and autonomous units in the state. "Now only multi-use water bottles of alternative material such as glass, steel, aluminium etc would be allowed instead of plastic bottles so as to minimize the generation of plastic waste," a statement government spokesman said here on Wednesday. The single-use plastic bottles are the ones in which mineral water and other food grade liquids are sold. However, many people have the habit of using these bottles repeatedly even though this is not advisable. The decision to impose a ban on single-use plastic bottles was taken at a meeting chaired by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar here on Monday. The official order was issued here on Wednesday by Chief Secretary D.S. Dhesi. --IANS js/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Haryana Police has seized 860 boxes of illicit liquor worth lakhs of rupees from a Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanker which was being transported to prohibition state Gujarat. The seizure, made on National Highway-71 in Rewari district, around 100 km from Delhi, is the second big seizure of illicit liquor by police in Rewari in last 10 days, said Rewari's Superintendent of Police Rajesh Duggal. A police spokesman said here on Wednesday said that the seizure was made following a tip-off. The LPG tanker was chased as its driver tried to make for Jhajjar district and ultimately intercepted. However, the tanker driver and helper managed to escape, leaving the vehicle behind. Inspection of the vehicle led to the recovery of the illegal liquor. "When searched, police team found a consignment of 22,640 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), country made liquor and beer concealed inside the tanker," the spokesman said. Earlier, the Rewari police had seized 576 boxes of illicit liquor on Delhi-Jaipur highway. --IANS js/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hindustan Construction Co (HCC) on Wednesday announced that its joint venture (JV) with with MAX Group of Bangladesh has won a $110 million (Rs 737 crore) contract from Russia for the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. An HCC statement here said the contract, awarded by state-run Atomstroyexport, the trading arm of Russian atomic energy corporation Rosatom, includes civil works of the turbine island for unit 1 of the Ruppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). Rosatom are also the equipment suppliers and technical consultants for India's Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu whose first two units of 1,000 MW each have already been commissioned. "HCC, in a joint venture with MAX Group, a construction company in Bangladesh, has been awarded $110 million (Rs 737 crore) contract by Russia's State Nuclear Company, JSC Atomstroyexport," the statement said. "HCC's share in the JV is 40 per cent (USD 44 million/Rs 295 crore)," it added. The Rooppur NPP will be equipped with two VVER reactors of 1,200 MW each, while the KNPP agreement envisages the construction of six reactors of the earlier generation VVER type of 1,000 MW capacity each. Commenting on the development, HCC Group CEO Arjun Dhawan said a statement: "HCC has become the first Indian company to participate in the international civil nuclear market." The statement noted that while India cannot participate directly in the construction of nuclear reactors abroad as it is not a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Indian companies, however, can be involved in construction and installation works as well as in the supply of non-critical equipment. India has recently signed an agreement with Bangladesh for civil nuclear cooperation, under which the former has extended expertise and support in the construction of the Ruppur NPP, which began last November. --IANS bc/him/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) There was a time in Mumbai's Byculla jail when only two buckets of water were allocated to 600 women prisoners for the whole day, while only five sanitary towels were issue per month to every woman, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi said on Wednesday. Speaking about the achievements of her ministry in last four years, she said on her order, officials from the ministry visited the prison only to find that the two buckets of water would not have lasted for more than 15 minutes and suitable action was taken. She also said that a Widow's Home with a capacity of 1,000 widows was constructed in Vrindavan to provide a safe and secure place for them and will be inaugurated by the month-end. She also informed that over 1.8 crore calls were received every year since 2014 on the Child Helpline 1098 and the number of locations where the service is operation has gone up from 279 to 435 locations from 2014. Underscoring the importance of forensics in nabbing the culprits in sexual assault cases, the minister said special forensic kits for rape would be distributed to all the police stations and hospitals by the month of July. "These kits would contain a complete list of evidence/samples to be collected along with the equipment required to collect the evidence. The kits would be locked and sealed before being sent to forensic labs," she said. On the disputes in NRI marriages, the minister said her ministry is in the process of issuing orders to the Registrars that NRI marriages have to be registered within 48 hours else the passport/visas would not be issued. The Registrars would send the details of such NRI marriages to the ministry so that a Central database can be maintained. --IANS nks/ahm/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defence cooperation between India and Thailand is set to get a boost with their armies all set to engage in a two-week annual war game to enhance battle efficiency of the two Asian states. The joint exercise, called Exercise Maitree, between the Indian Army and the Royal Thailand Army is scheduled to take place in Mueang of Chachoengsao province in Thailand. It comes as the Modi government has underlined India's "Act East" policy. "In the series of joint bilateral exercises between India and Thailand, both nations have once again come together to foster the spirit of friendship and enhance the strategic military relationship to the next level," a Defence Ministry spokesperson said. The 14-day exercise is aimed at building and promoting closer relations between the two militaries and enhance their ability to undertake joint tactical level operations on handling insurgency and related issues in urban and rural scenario. The spokesperson said representatives from the two armies carried out an exercise to plan for the upcoming joint war drill. A joint protocol highlighting various aspects of conduct was signed in Chachoengsao. The previous editions of the Maitree series of bilateral exercises have been one of the major defence cooperation initiatives between India and Thailand. It is an annual reciprocal training event. Last year, it was held at Bakloh in Himachal Pradesh in 2017. Thailand and India have been cooperating in various multilateral fora like ASEAN, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit and BIMSTEC. In addition, India is a member of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) initiated by Thailand in 2002 and of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC). --IANS sar/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israel's military said on Wednesday that its forces shot and killed a Palestinian stone pelter in the West Bank. Izzeddin Tamimi, a 22-year-old villager of Nabi Salah, northwest of Ramallah, was killed during clashes between Israeli army forces and local Palestinian residents, according to the Palestinian health ministry, Xinhua news agency reported. Israeli forces fired three bullets at Tamimi from close range, with one hitting him in the neck, official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported. The army prevented Palestinian medics from helping him and took Tamimi away, WAFA added. Meanwhile, an Israeli military spokesperson said in a statement that Tamimi was among a group of Palestinians who hurled rocks at troops. He hurled "a large rock" at the head of a soldier, the spokesperson noted. "In response, the soldier fired toward the Palestinian, who was injured and medically treated by Israel Defense Forces troops at the scene," said the spokesperson. The military later announced his death. The incident came amid heightened tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, especially along the Israel-Gaza fence, where Israeli forces have killed at least 122 Palestinians since March 30. --IANS ahm/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Five people, including an ex-Border Security Force Deputy Inspector General and a Deputy Superintendent of Police, were on Wednesday sentenced to 10 years in jail by a special court here in the infamous sex scandal that rocked the state in 2006. Those convicted and sentenced include former BSF DIG K.C. Padhi, former DSP of Jammu and Kashmir Police Mohammad Ashraf Mir, and three others. The sex scandal came to light in 2006 after the police recovered some video CDs of minor Kashmiri girls being sexually exploited by the police officials, ministers and other influential people. The court, while convicting five people on May 30, had acquitted two persons named in the scandal, former Additional Advocate General Anil Sethi and Mehrajudin Malik. The kingpin of the scandal, Sabeena, and her husband died during trial. The then Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had handed over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). CBI investigations had found 56 people allegedly involved in the racket. The CBI investigation found influential people, including ministers and others, also linked to the scandal. The Supreme Court had transferred the case to Chandigarh later in 2006. --IANS js/ahm/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Film: "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom"; Director: J.A. Bayona; Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Isabella Sermon, Rafe Spall, Justice Smith, Daniella Pineda, James Cromwell, Toby Jones, Ted Levine, B.D. Wong, Geraldine Chaplin, Jeff Goldblum; Rating: ***1/2 'Jurassic World: The Fallen Kingdom', is the fifth instalment of the Jurassic Park series and the second of a prospective Jurassic World trilogy. Helmed by Director J.A. Bayona, the film promises a lot when it comes to presenting concepts and characters, but at the time of developing the story, it falls into the same sin as Jurassic World. Just as Jurassic World was remade on a larger scale from Spielberg's Jurassic Park for consumption by the younger generations, 'The fallen Kingdom' too, seems to aspire for the same with the continuation of the lost world. Here you see more reptiles, close and upfront, in all their glory and action. The action-sequences are intense but at times appear deliberate and dumb, just to stimulate heartbeats. The actual story begins with some exposition about the end of the first Jurassic World. The theme park on Isla Nublar off Central America's Pacific Coast is destroyed and the dinosaurs roam freely on the island for three years. While the Former Jurassic World Operations Manager, now an animal-rights activists - Claire Dearing (Bryce Howard) is working to save the dinosaurs, we then see Jeff Goldblum, reprising his role from the first two films, addressing a committee. He tells them that he thinks the dinosaurs, "should be eliminated by the volcano" that threatens the island, and Goldblum works hard to give this plot exposition some urgency. Claire is joined by her ex-boyfriend Owen Grady (Chris Pratt), a former dinosaur trainer when she teams up with Benjamin Lockwood, to bring the creatures to a sanctuary in America. But soon she and Owen are betrayed and mayhem follows. There is also a helpless little girl Maisie (Isabella Sermon) who elevates the emotional quotient. Chris Pratt is a charismatic, good-looking and funny guy. He returns as the leading man and everything he utters tends to sound like a double entendre. "If I don't make it back, remember, you are the one who made me come," he tells Howard at one point and pauses just enough to generate a laugh. Also when Howard is on top of a dinosaur and needs to sedate it with a syringe, Pratt matter-of-factly states, "You are going to have to jam it in there!" The plot hinges, as so many large studio films do, on the evil of villainous capitalists who have no shame or moral scruples. These villains are poaching the dinosaurs to make their millions and also to use them for warfare. The director unfolds so comfortably with this material that one ends up scrutinizing the frames, wondering if any of the reptilian offspring that appear on screen will end up looking clumsy. But instead, the CGI is spot on and the visuals are aesthetically mounted. Director of Photography, Oscar Faura's live-action frames mesh smoothly with the CGI and together, you experience some enchanting images. Overall, this edition is much better than its predecessor. --IANS troy/ahm/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uproarious scenes were witnessed in the Kerala Assembly on Wednesday as an aggressive Congress-led opposition sought permission to move an adjournment motion while Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan said it cannot be done. Due to the ensuing stalemate, the Speaker hurried through the business listed for the day and adjourned the house. Soon after Question Hour, the Speaker said that he could not allow senior Congress legislator V.D. Sateeshan to speak on a custodial death reported in April. "The rules are very clear and since the case is sub judice, the Rules of Procedure of the house do not permit to allow for a presentation and hence this cannot be allowed," the Speaker said. Unhappy with the reply, Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala dubbed the decision most unfortunate. As the Speaker stood his ground, the opposition was up in arms and rushed near the Speaker's podium and shouted slogans. Following this, Speaker Sreeramakrishnan adjourned the house for a brief period. When the house reassembled, the deadlock continued, forcing the Speaker to run through the listed business and adjourn the house for the day. --IANS sg/tsb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) on Wednesday claimed responsibility for the attack on the Hajin army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district. Abdullah Ghaznavi, spokesman of the LeT, called a news agency in Srinagar claiming responsibility for the attack. Ghaznavi said the LeT had carried out the 'Fidayeen' (suicide) attack at the Rashtriya Rifles camp in Hajin in which three soldiers were killed. Dispelling rumours of the suicide attack at the camp, the police had earlier said: "Militants fired grenades at the camp and used heavy volume of automatic gunfire which was retaliated by the guards at the camp. "No loss of life has been reported during this attack. The area has now been surrounded for searches." Militants had attacked the camp late on Tuesday and the exchange of fire had continued for several hours. --IANS sq/in/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Not just academics, the emphasis in coming years will be on teaching young students life skills and "experiential learning" in schools, Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Wednesday. Attending the 10th Foundation Day of the Foundation for Restoration of National Values (FRNV)-- a non-governmental organisation -- here, the Minister said that books were not sufficient to make good citizens and that it was also family's responsibility to instil civic sense among the children. "There is no dearth of educated illiterates in our country... Where is the teaching of life skills and creative thinking?" the HRD Minister said. He said when the ministry sought to know of the reasons behind this learning gap, it found that children were already overburdened with the syllabus and had no time for anything else. "To correct that the government has decided to halve the syllabus." "We will halve the syllabus in the coming year and the year next to that. We have already received 37,000 suggestions from parents, teachers and other experts on it. We are preparing a curriculum which will include value-based education, experiential learning and life skills education," Javadekar said. FRNV president E. Sreedharan pointed out that except few missionary-run schools, "80 per cent of the government schools do not have anything like a 'model education'". "We have requested the government to prepare a syllabus so that children are exposed to the values of this country for at least an hour or two in schools," said Sreedharan, who is currently the Principal Advisor to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and is also known as the "Metro Man". --IANS vn/nir/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Luv Sinha, who is stepping into Bollywood with "Paltan" as an actor, says he will always cherish the memories of celebrating birthday in London. The son of veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha and brother of actress Sonakshi Sinha turned a year older on Tuesday. Since he was in London to begin promotions for the film, he decided to celebrate it with "Paltan" co-stars Arjun Rampal and Harshvardhan Rane. "I spent the day doing promotions for my film 'Paltan' and spent a memorable and fun evening with my 'Paltan' in London, and missed the ones who couldn't be with me," Luv said in a statement to IANS. "The past year has been extremely special and I have a feeling this one is going to be the best one yet," he added. Filmmaker J.P. Dutta's "Paltan" will release on September 7. It is based on the Nathu La and Cho La military clashes of 1967 which took place along the Sikkim border. The film also features Siddhanth Kapoor. --IANS sug/nn/ (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.) French President Emmanuel Macron has told visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the 2015 nuclear deal should be preserved or security in Tel Aviv and the region would be at risk. "I reiterated to the prime minister my deep conviction which is shared by our European partners that the 2015 agreement should be preserved to control nuclear activity," Macron told reporters on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported. "But it had never been considered by France as sufficient or fully satisfactory," he said, noting that "the 2015 nuclear accord is a step which needs to be completed with other post-2025 activities." Macron called on his partners and allies to "focus efforts (to promote) regional stability by maintaining the nuclear agreement that had allowed the monitoring of Iran's activities." Officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the agreement eased sanctions on Iran in exchange for Tehran limiting its nuclear program. US President Donald Trump decided to withdraw from the deal struck by his predecessor Barack Obama's administration, claiming it did not address Iran's ballistic missile program, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 or its role in conflicts in Yemen and Syria. Tehran has threatened that, in case other parties to the nuclear deal could not safeguard Iran's interests under the accord, Iran will move out of it and resume its nuclear activities at full speed. Warning of the risk of rising tensions due to the Iranian nuclear stand-off, the French president called on "everyone to stabilize the situation and not give into this escalation which would lead to only one thing: conflict." The Israeli Prime Minister, who strongly opposes the nuclear accord, said: "It's time to apply measures on Iran so that it cannot go forward," because "the great threat for the world today is nuclear weapons in the hands of radical Islamic regime like Iran." --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday said she expected difficult talks during the G7 summit in Canada later in the week. Merkel stood for the first time in a question-and-answer session with German lawmakers. Like the debates with the Prime Ministers in the British House of Commons, Merkel answered around 30 questions within one hour, Xinhua reported. "I think everyone knows that there will be difficult discussions there," said the Chancellor, referring to the two-day G7 summit, which will start on Friday in Charlevoix in Canada's Quebec. The summit comes in as major Western industrialized economies conflicted with the US on Washington's unilateral trade policies. "It turns out that we already have a serious problem here with multilateral agreements," said Merkel on the US action of imposing punitive tariffs upon aluminum and steel products, adding that it is important that Europeans act together and stand for fair and free trade and turn against protectionism. Ministers from Germany, France and Britain have written to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and finance secretary Steven Mnuchin, urging them to shield European companies operating in Iran from Washington's new sanctions. Merkel also noted that currently there is no possibility for Russia to return to the G8 group, but said she supported talks with Russia, saying dialogue is always important. Merkel was harshly attacked by a lawmaker from the right-wing populist Alternative fuer Deutschland (AfD) who accused her of the refugee policy that had "seriously damaged Germany", and urged Merkel to step down. Merkel countered the allegations, saying that in the "exceptional humanitarian situation" of 2015, Germany acted "very responsibly" by accepting refugees. The legality of the decisions at that time was confirmed by the European Court of Justice. Since then, the German government has made it clear that it was an exceptional situation, she said. --IANS qd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) National Commission for Minorities member Manjit Singh Rai on Wednesday described as "unfeasible" the move of the Meghalaya government to re-locate the Sikh inhabitants from the Sweepers Lane here. Sweepers Lane, known to the local people as Them Metor, is located in the commercial area of Shillong near Iewduh -- one of the busiest markets in the northeast. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, however, said the government's intention is clear as it wants to find a solution and resolve this issue permanently in the best interest of all concerned. Rai, who reviewed the law and order situation here after violence erupted between the indigenous Khasi and Sikh communities with senior government officials, including state police Chief Swaraj Bir Singh, expressed satisfaction with the state police ensuring security to the Sikhs in the state. He also called on Chief Minister Conrad Sangma after assessing the ground situation in Sweepers Lane colony. "The situation is normal now. I will be submitting my report before the Commission on the situation in Shillong. However, the move to re-locate Sikhs from Sweepers Lane is not feasible since they have lived there for more than 150 years," the minorities commission member said. Meanwhile, the government-constituted high-level committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister Tynsong met for the first time on Wednesday to find a permanent solution to the long-pending issue of relocating Sikhs communities at Sweepers Lane. "We (committee) have asked all concerned departments to submit documents on the status of the Sweepers Lane as of today (Wednesday). The committee will then study the various documents to have a clear understanding of the issue. We will then recommend to the government on the steps which need to be taken to address the grievances of all concerned," he said. For more than two decades, several indigenous Khasi civil society groups have demanded the relocation of the Sikh inhabitants, living there since British times, from Sweepers Lane as most of them are "illegal settlers". Noting that the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government is "serious" about resolving the long-pending demands of various groups, Tynsong said: "The formation of this committee is not to buy time or killing time on the matter. The previous government has not been able to address the issue but the present government is committed to reach a permanent solution." The terms of reference of the high-level committee is to examine all relevant records and documents and recommend feasible solution on the issue. It shall submit its recommendations to the government at the earliest. The issue has been pending for many years and the governments in the past have not been able to resolve the matter. On Tuesday, a delegation of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee from Amritsar, led by Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, opposed the move of the Meghalaya government to re-locate the Sikhs from Sweepers Lane to other parts of the city. Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Mukul Sangma said the government has failed to sustain peace in the state and demanded setting up of a judicial inquiry into the issue of shifting of the Sikh inhabitants. --IANS rrk/nir/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath on Wednesday accused Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of cheating the farmers and youths of the state. Addressing a rally at Piplya Mandi in Mandsaur district to commemorate the killing of six farmers in police firing a year ago, Kamal Nath said that the youths of the state wanted jobs but industry was shutting down. "The state's BJP government claims every year that agreements entailing investment of thousands of crores have been inked with industrialists but industrial units are closing instead of new ones coming up. Consequently, job avenues are drying up," the Congress leader said. --IANS hindi/tsb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On a day when BJP President Amit Shah reached the city, Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam on Wednesday accused the police of stalking him without any reason. Nirupam said a huge posse of policemen was stationed outside his Andheri home since dawn. "As I stepped out to go to my office, I was trailed by several police vehicles. When I asked police the reason, they said there were 'orders from above'," Nirupam told IANS. He said that several Congress activists too are facing a similar situation, though the opposition party had not planned any protests against Shah during his Mumbai trip. "This is nothing but a violation of citizens' privacy by misusing police and government machinery against opposition leaders. The BJP leaders are scared of the opposition," Nirupam said. Shah was accorded a warm welcome at Mumbai airport by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Mumbai Bharatiya Janata Party chief Ashish Shelar and others. During his visit, Shah is likely to meet Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray, Bharat Ratna awardee Lata Mangeshkar, former actress Madhuri Dixit, and industrialist Ratan Tata among others as part of the 'Sampark for Samarthan' initiative. --IANS qn/tsb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After nearly a decade, Rashtrapati Bhavan will not host an Iftar party this year with President Ram Nath Kovind stating that there should no religious observance at taxpayer's expense at the public building. "After the President took office in July 2017, he directed Rashtrapati Bhavan being a public building, there would be no religious observances at taxpayer expense. This is in keeping with the principles of a secular state and applies to all festivities, irrespective of religion," Ashok Tandon, Press Secretary to the President, said in a tweet. He said that the President wishes all fellow citizens on all major religious festivals. "Officials and employees living in the President's Estate premises are absolutely free to celebrate any religious festival of their choice in the privacy of their homes. President's Estate has religious institutions, such as a temple, a gurdwara and a masjid, erected by and for residents. On major festive occasions, the President does visit these to wish people. For example, he recently visited the masjid to mark the holy month of Ramadan," he added. Officials said that Iftar parties have been traditionally hosted at the Rashtrapati Bhavan except during the term of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (2002-2007). --IANS ps/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With Union Minister Arun Jaitley declaring all those who owed money to the banks have been declared insolvent and removed from their companies under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, Congress leader P. Chidamabaram said on Wednesday that only Rs 1.7 lakh crore is expected to be recovered out of Rs 4 lakh crore loans involved in the proceedings. "Out of Rs 4 lakh crore loans involved in Insolvency & Bankruptcy proceedings, only Rs 1.7 lakh crore is expected to be recovered," Chidambaram said in a tweet. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had alleged earlier in the day that the Modi government had written off loans worth Rs 2.50 lakh crore of some top industrialists. Jaitley had responded to Gandhi by stating in an article that the government has not waived of a single rupee due from any industrialist. "Those who owed money to the banks and other creditors have been declared insolvent and removed from their companies by IBC (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code) enacted by Prime Minister Modi's government. These loans were given largely during the UPA government," he said. Chidambaram, who made a series of tweets, also took a dig at government over the low growth rate of credit to industry. "Credit to industry in 2018 grew at a grand rate of 1 per cent ! Yes, 1 per cent!...Banks will need a further Rs 60,000 crore towards recapitalisation," he said. The former Finance Minister also said that the government's Make in India programme had failed to deliver results in defence production. "Make in India scheme in defence production has been officially abandoned," he added. --IANS mgu-ps/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has met Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and discussed the upcoming Trump-Kim meet, an official said. "Next week's US-North Korea summit shows Singapore enjoys the trust and confidence of both parties," said Balakrishnan, who was on a one-day working visit to Washington on Tuesday. He said both nation appreciated Singapore's "ability to be an honest and neutral moderator and host" after he met Pompeo and US National Security Advisor John Bolton, the Straits Times reported. US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are scheduled to meet at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa at 9 a.m. (Singaprean time) on June 12, in what is potentially one of the most significant geopolitical developments since the end of the Cold War, the report said. Pompeo appreciated Singapore's willingness to host the meet as Balakrishnan said: :It's in a sense our contribution to world peace." "Obviously what all of us are hoping for is it would lead to a de-escalation of tension, raise the prospects of peace, and for the sake of the North Koreans themselves improve the prospects for economic development. "For North Korea they only need to look at China and at South East Asia to see that peace is an essential prerequisite for prosperity, so let's hope for the best but not have undue expectations," Balakrishnan added. "I don't think one meeting next week in Singapore can certainly unlock the entire situation on the Korean peninsula (but) if you can make a positive step it will be significant in its own right." --IANS and/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Ram Nath Kovind may declare the "queen" variety of pineapple as Tripura's state fruit on Thursday during his visit here, an official said on Wednesday. "The President likely to declare the 'queen' variety pineapple of Tripura as the state fruit, said the Agriculture Department official. Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Sunday for the first time flagged-off the export of "Queen" variety pineapples, known for being juicy and sweet, to Dubai. The consignment was sent on a SpiceJet aircraft via New Delhi. Meanwhile, a senior official of the state Home Department said: "The Rashtrapati Bhavan is yet to finally approve the state government's minute-to-minute schedule of President. At the last moment. the President's tour schedule in Tripura likely to be modified." The President, according to the official, is likely to interact with students in Gomati district headquarters of Udaipur, 55 km south of Agartala. "Kovind tomorrow (Thursday) is also likely to dedicate a portion of National Highway (NH8) to the people. The National Highway, connecting Tripura with the rest of the country via Assam and Meghalaya, has been extended up to southern Tripura's border town Sabroom," the official added. Kovind, accompanied by his wife Savita Kovind. would offer puja at the Tripura Sundari Temple at Udaipur. The 517-years-old temple is one of the 51 holiest 'Shaktipeeths' (shrine of the goddess of power) in India as per Hindu mythology. The President would also address a civic reception here on Thursday. Violating normal practice, the reception being organised by the Tripura government instead of the Agartala Municipal Corporation. The opposition Congress has criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance government for "unilaterally holding the civic reception programme violating the normal practice". "By ignoring the CPI-M (Communist Party of India-Marxist) led Left Front run Agartala Municipal Corporation, the BJP government is doing party in holding the civic reception in honour of the President," Tripura Congress Vice-President Tapas Dey told the media. --IANS sc/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mounting a strong attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's on issues concerning farmers and youth, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday promised to waive farm loans in 10 days if his party is voted to power in Madhya Pradesh. Launching the Congress campaign in the state where the party is seeking to oust the BJP in elections slated at the end of the year, he also promised that the families of farmers who were killed here on this day last year will get justice in 10 days if his party wins. "I assure you, when the Congress forms government in Madhya Pradesh, farmers' loans will be written off within 10 days. The families of the farmers (killed in Mandsaur last year) will get justice in 10 days and we will take action against those responsible for the firing," he said the Kisan Samriddhi Sankalp Rally here. Gandhi questioned the delay in filing of probe report into the death of six farmers in police firing a year ago, alleging that the BJP government had failed to provide security to farmers and address their concerns. With Congress having been out of power in the state for the past 15 years, Gandhi sought to energise party workers stating that they will be priority for the party's government. He asked the state leaders to be seen among people and emphasised that the party was fighting the polls as a united force. Promising to transform Madhya Pradesh, he said the two main priorities for his party were ensuring proper price to farmers and providing employment to the youth. "The governments are of no use if they cannot provide security to farmers and their families. I have been told 1,200 farmers committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh. Did any rich person or their family member commit suicide who have lakhs of crores as debt," he said. Earlier, Gandhi paid tributes to the dead farmers in Piplia Mandi town of Mandsaur district. He accused Modi of not fulfilling promises to farmers and the youth. "Prime Minister waived off loans worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore of just 15 businessmen, but when I requested him to waive off farm loans, he maintained a studied silence. "The youth were promised Rs 15 lakh each in their account and two crore jobs. Has Modi given even Rs 5? Can anyone in the gathering say that Modi has provided him a job," he asked. Gandhi said made in China goods were swamping the market and claimed that even Modi's mobile phone was of Chinese origin. "This is India of Narendra Modi. They tell farmers, we will not waive your loans, they tell youth, we will not give you employment. We want that farmers should get respect and their children get employment." He also said five years from now, mobile phones should be made in Mandsaur. "This cannot be done by Modi and (Chief Minister) Shivraj Singh Chouhan. It can be done by Kamal Nathji and (Jyotiraditya) Scindiaji and we will show it," he said. "We will not tell you our Mann ki Baat. We will listen to you as we respect you." Gandhi also accused the Modi government of doing deals with fugitive offenders Vijay Mallaya, Lalit Modi and Nirav Modi, while taking a dig Modi calling scam-accused fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi as "Mehul Bhai" at an event in Delhi earlier. "Narendra Modi gave Rs 30,000 crore to Nirav Bhai, Mehul Bhai. You could have waived loans of Madhya Pradesh farmers twice with this amount," he said. He said UPA government had waived farm loans of Rs 72,000 crore and Congress governments in Punjab and Karnataka had given loan waivers to farmers. On his party's proposed measures for farmers, he said: "When Congress comes, there will be a food processing plant in every district. We will create food chains in entire state. Farms will be linked to cities with roads so that you get price of your produce processed in factories. "We will show how to compete with China. You grow garlic here. In 10 years, we will take this garlic to China's capital Beijing," he said. --IANS ps-sid/vd/him/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Finance Minister and BJP leader Arun Jaitley on Wednesday accused Congress President Rahul Gandhi of making "completely false" remarks at a rally in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh and said the Modi government has not waived a single rupee due from any industrialist. In an article, "How much does he know" on the party's website, Jaitley asked if Gandhi was being inadequately briefed or he was being a little too liberal with his facts. "Every time I listen to the views of Rahul Gandhi, both inside and outside Parliament, I ask myself the same question -- How much does he know? When will he know? Listening to his speech delivered in Madhya Pradesh today reaffirms my curiosity about the answer," Jaitley said. Jaitley referred to Gandhi's allegation, made at a rally in Mandsaur, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi waived dues of Rs 2.5 lakh crore of 15 top industrialists and said the facts were contrary. "The government has not waived of a single rupee due from any industrialist. Those who owed money to the banks and other creditors have been declared insolvent and removed from their companies by IBC (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code) enacted by Prime Minister Modi's government. These loans were given largely during the UPA government," Jaitley said. The Minister termed as "factually false" Gandhi's allegation that loans were not available to farmers but only industrialists. "This was during the UPA government, particularly UPA-II, when bulk of amount constituting the NPAs (non-performing assets) today were given by the banking system. From 2014, we have been systematically taking one step after the other to recover these monies back," he said. Jaitley also termed as "factually false" Gandhi's allegation that Modi had given Rs 35,000 crore to two diamond jewellers who have now escaped out of country. "This banking fraud started in the year 2011 when the UPA II was in power. It was only detected during the NDA period," he said. Referring to Gandhi remarks that mobile phones being sold in India were of Chinese origin, Jaitley said it was a case of inadequate knowledge. "In the year 2014 when UPA went out of power, there were only two mobile phone manufacturing units in India. In 2018, with the result of our electronics policy and the incentives in a four year period, this has increased to 120 units with an investment of Rs 1,32,000 crore," Jaitley said. Gandhi had said that even Modi's mobile phone was of Chinese origin and he wanted that five years later mobile phones should be made in Mandsaur. On Gandhi's allegation concerning jobs, Jaitley said the latest GDP data has "re-emphasised India as the fastest growing economy in the world." "There is a double-digit growth in construction, expansion in manufacturing, an increased capital formation which indicates investment increase, large investment in physical infrastructure and increased investment in rural India. All these are job creating sectors." Referring to Gandhi's remarks about connecting farms and villages to the cities, Jaitley said the Congress leader's impression was "of the Digvijay Singh era in Madhya Pradesh". "Madhya Pradesh had the worst set of roads in India when the Congress was voted out in 2003. Poor quality of roads was one key reason for ousting the Congress." Jaitley said investment in rural roads had tripled during the NDA government. "In comparison to what the UPA spent, there is a revolution in the Gram Sadak Yojana." --IANS ps/nir/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Russian Soyuz rocket carrying three astronauts blasted off from Baikonur spaceport in Kazakhstan on Wednesday for a two-day journey to the International Space Station. The three astronauts -- NASA's Serena Aunon-Chancellor, Alexander Gerst of the European Space Agency (ESA) and Sergey Prokopyev of Russian space agency Roscosmos -- are now safely in orbit, NASA said in a blog post. "And we have lift off! Expedition 56-57 is on its way to the @Space_Station. Godspeed to @AstroSerena, Sergey Prokopyev and @Astro_Alex!" NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine tweeted soon after the launch. The crew will orbit Earth 34 times before the spacecraft's arrival and docking to the space station's Rassvet module at 9.07 am on June 8. The arrival of the new crew will restore the station to six crew members. They will join Expedition 56 commander Drew Feustel and flight engineers Ricky Arnold of NASA and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos. The crew will spend more than five months conducting about 250 science investigations in fields such as biology, Earth science, human research, physical sciences and technology development. This crew continues the long-term increase in crew size on the US segment from three to four, allowing NASA to maximise time dedicated to research on the space station. --IANS gb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stall the declaration of the CLAT-2018 merit list and consequent counselling with a rider that the entire exercise will be subject to the outcome of the petitions pending before it. The Common Law Admission Test 2018 merit list will be out on Thursday. The results were declared on May 31. The apex court's decision came as the Kochi-based National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) opposed the plea seeking the restraining order. The court also directed that the Grievance Redressal Committee's (GRC) report submitted before it on Wednesday in a sealed cover, be made available to all the parties before it, including the petitioners. The GRC headed by former Kerala High Court Judge M.R. Hariharan Nair along with Professor Santosh Kumar was set-up on May 25 on the directions of the top court to look into all complaints by the petitioners. The court has been hearing a batch of petitions by students who sought the scrapping of the CLAT-2018 online exam held on May 13. They said there were technical glitches during the exam. There were also allegations of cheating as some centres gave excess time to some students to make up for the lost time on account of the glitches in operating the computers. The top court had on May 30 given its nod for the declaration of CLAT-2018 results as it had given more time to the GRC to probe the complaints. Initially 251 complaints were received by the NUALS till May 23, and there were 25 petitioners who had knocked at the doors of the Supreme Court and five high courts seeking cancellation and re-conducting fresh exams. The court had also permitted other students to approach the GRC and submit their complaints online by 7 p.m. on May 27. The matter will next be heard on June 11. --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 Wednesday refused to block the release of Rajinikanth starrer Tamil film "Kaala" saying that it cannot put on hold the screening just a day ahead of its release. Observing that everyone was waiting for its release, a vacation bench of Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Justice Ashok Bhushan told petitioner K. Rajashekaran that he would be entitled to compensation if his plagiarism claim of his original story "Karikalan" was sustained. "Kaala" is produced by Wonderbar Films with Pa. Ranjith as director and Rajinikanth in the lead. "Kaala" is set to release on Thursday. Rajashekaran had moved the top court challenging a Madras High Court decision to hear his plea against the release of the film on June 16. Rajashekaran has claimed that he had authored the fictional story about Chola King Karikalan when he was studying in Class 12. Petitioner's advocate Akash Kakade said his client had applied for the copyright which is valid for 60 years. He said the title of the film "Karikalan" was registered with the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce which was renewed for 10 years. Kakade said that in 1994 eight songs, which were to be used in the proposed film, were registered and released. But he could not go ahead with the making as he did not get dates from Rajinikanth and also faced a cash crunch. --IANS pk/in/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Seven suspected criminals have been killed in a shootout with police in the Mexican town of Encarnacion de Diaz, officials said. The shootout took place on Tuesday when Jalisco state police were patrolling the streets of Encarnacion, located around 170 km from Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, Efe news reported. According to preliminary investigations, a group of suspects opened fire when the police approached them, who then responded and "took down seven men, while two others managed to escape," Jalisco state Attorney General's Office said. Municipal and federal police officers also took part in the clash. Several firearms were seized at the site of the shootout, as well as two cars in which the suspects were travelling. No police officer was injured. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday visited the Phoenix Settlement near here, which served as Mahatma Gandhi's home during his stay in South Africa, and planted a tree sapling. "Where Bapu developed his philosophy of non-violence!" the Indian Consulate in Durban tweeted and added that Sushma Swaraj visited the settlement, a South African Heritage site, "paying respect to the place that served as Gandhiji's home". During the course of her visit, she planted a sapling of the Cape chestnut, a tree that is cultivated widely for its prolific flower display. She also interacted with students of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Computer Education and Information Technology, a centre established by the Indian government. Established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1904, the Phoenix Settlement is situated some 20 km north of Durban. The settlement, devoted to Gandhi's principles of Satyagraha or passive resistance, has played an important spiritual and political role throughout its long history, promoting justice, peace and equality. Gandhi established the settlement as a communal experimental farm with a view to giving each family two acres of land which they could develop. He believed that communities like Phoenix which advocated communal living would form a sound basis for the struggle against social injustice. Sushma arrived here on Tuesday evening from Pretoria, where she attended the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Foreign Ministers Meeting and chaired an informal meeting of the IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Foreign Ministers. Durban is home to a significant number of people of Indian origin. The Indian External Affairs Minister is scheduled to participate in a series of events on Wednesday and Thursday at Pietermaritzburg to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the historic incident in a train compartment that became a catalyst for Gandhi's Satyagraha movement. On June 7, 1893, on a train trip to Pretoria, Gandhi was ordered by a white man to move from first class to third class. Gandhi, who had a first class ticket, refused and was thrown off the train in Pietermaritzburg. --IANS ab/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K.Palaniswami on Wednesday urged students not to take extreme steps like commiting suicide for failing to get higher marks in exams. Speaking in the assembly, Palaniswami admitted that he was pained on hearing the news of suicide by Prathiba who committed suicide on June 4 for scoring lower marks in the medical entrance exam or the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2018. Announcing a solatium of Rs 700,000 to her family, the Chief Minister urged the students not to resort to such extreme steps. Scoring 1,125/1,200 marks in the plus two exams Prathiba did not score high marks in the NEET exam. Dejected with her poor score, she committed suicide at her home in Villupuram district. --IANS vj/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will meet at the Capella Hotel on Singapore's Sentosa Island, the White House has said. "The venue for the Singapore summit between @POTUS and Leader Kim Jong Un will be the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island," White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders tweeted on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported. "We thank our great Singaporean hosts for their hospitality," she added. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump said that his planned meeting with Kim will "hopefully be the start of something big." The White House said on Monday that the meeting is tentatively scheduled for 9.00 a.m. (Singapore time) on June 12 in Singapore. After recent twists and turns, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last week met with Kim Yong Chol, vice chairman of the Central Committee of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party of Korea, in New York. On Friday, Trump too talked with Kim Yong Chol who delivered a personal letter from Kim Jong-un in a meeting that lasted almost two hours. Subsequently, Trump said he would meet with the top North Korean leader on June 12 in Singapore as originally scheduled. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two fans of actor-politician Pawan Kalyan died of electrocution while trying to install a 30-foot 'flexi' in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam district, police said. The incident occurred in Payakaraopeta town, some 90 km from the coastal city of Visakhapatnam, on Tuesday night. The dead have been identified as T. Nagaraju (28) and B. Shiva (31). According to police, they were making arrangements for the visit of Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan to the town on Thursday. While trying to install the flexi of the actor, they came in contact with a high tension wire, resulting in their death, a police officer said. --IANS ms/mag/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Myanmar and the world organisation have signed a memorandum of understanding on creating conditions for the return of the Rohingya refugees, most of whom are now in camps in Bangladesh, according to Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He said on Wednesday that Guterres welcomed the memorandum signed by the Myanmar government, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) "on the UN system's support to creating conditions conducive to voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable Rohingya refugee returns from Bangladesh, and their reintegration in Rakhine State." Guterres also "reiterates his call for an end to violence, accountability for perpetrators, redress for victims, humanitarian access to all areas in Rakhine State and the implementation of the recommendations of the Rakhine Advisory Commission" headed by former Secretary-General that proposed citizenship for the Rohingya, granting them freedom of movement and providing them assistance, Dujarric added. UNHCR said the agreement signed in Myanmar's capital, Nay Pyi Taw will enable the UNHCR and UNDP to get access to Rakhine State, including to refugees' places of origin and areas of potential return. Access has been denied to those areas since the last round of major violence broke out there in August 2017. Attacks on Myanmar security posts by the Arkhan Rohingya Salvation Army that month were followed by attacks on Rohingya by other Myanmar people leading to an exodus of more than half-a-million Rohingyas from Rakhine. Once UNHCR personnel can go to the affected areas they will be able to assess the conditions on the ground, carry out protection activitiesand provide independent information to refugees about the conditions in their places of origin, the UNHCR said. The Myanmar government also commits to work with the UN to find a solution for the Rohingya population, in line with the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, the UNHCR added. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in) --IANS al/qd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three US business groups, funded by major conservative political donors, have announced a multi-year, multimillion-dollar campaign to promote free trade and oppose Donald Trump administration's tariffs against imports from around the world. The campaign, launched by Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, Americans for Prosperity and The LIBRE Initiative, will "include paid media, activist education and grassroots mobilization, lobbying and policy analysis - all intended to transform the way Washington and the rest of the country consider and value trade with other nations," the groups said on Monday in a statement, Xinhua reported on Tuesday. The groups said they would push the Trump administration to permanently lift those steel and aluminum tariffs, the recent tariffs on solar panels and washing machines as well the proposed additional tariffs on imports from China. "Tariffs and other trade barriers make us poorer. They raise prices for those who can least afford it," said Freedom Partners Executive Vice President James Davis. Americans for Prosperity President Tim Phillips added that there are better ways to negotiate trade deals than by "punishing American consumers and businesses with higher costs." "Instead of pursuing protectionist policies that we already know don't work, let's help everyone win by expanding trade, opening new markets and lowering costs," Phillips said. The LIBRE Initiative President Daniel Garza criticized that the tariffs and trade barriers imposed by the Trump administration raised the living costs of U.S. consumers and added unnecessary costs to American firms. "Hispanics and low-income workers are among the most badly hurt by this drag on economic growth and government-mandated price increases," Garza said. The campaign came after the Trump administration announced last week to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from the European Union (EU), Canada and Mexico, which has drawn strong opposition from the domestic business community and US trading partners. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US State Department said that a "maximum pressure campaign" will continue against North Korea although US President Donald Trump said last week he did not like the term. In a press briefing on Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said that "sanctions and the pressure campaign remains in place", Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday. Suggesting to the media not to "get bogged in the details", Nauert said, "our pressure campaign, whatever it is you want to call it, remains firmly in place". "We will not pull back that pressure campaign" until North Korea "follows through on its pledge to denuclearise", she said, adding "that is something we have been consistent upon in this administration". After meeting Kim Yong-chol, a high-ranking North Korean official, Trump had told the media on June 1 that he did not like the term "maximum pressure" as ties with North Korea have been improving. Nauert also said that the US government will not pay for the North Korea delegation's stay during Trump's meeting with Kim Jong-un, in Singapore on June 12. "We're not paying for their expenses," she said, adding that the US has not asked other countries to "pay for this". When asked about whether South Korea President Moon Jae-in will go to Singapore for a trilateral meeting with Trump and Kim for the signing of a possible peace treaty, Nauert said that to her knowledge, Moon's trip "has not come up" in the US conversations with South Korea and Japan. Moon said recently that he had anticipation for the three-way summit to be held to declare an official end to the 1950-53 Korean War. Trump's meeting with Kim has been tentatively scheduled for 9 a.m. (Singapore time) on June 12 at the Capella Hotel on Singapore's Sentosa Island. --IANS and/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Western sanctions against Russia are "harmful for everyone" and it is in everyone's interests to lift them. Speaking in Austria, he said Russia had restored stable growth, despite the EU and US sanctions first imposed in 2014 after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea, BBC reported on Tuesday. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said his country wanted to act as a bridge between Moscow and the West. But he said he would not break ranks within the EU on the sanctions issue. It was Putin's first trip to Western Europe in almost a year. Ahead of his visit, the Russian leader said Moscow was not trying to split the 28-member EU. A number of European liberals have expressed concern over close links between the pro-Putin United Russia party with far-right parties in the EU. The two populist parties now ruling Italy favour closer ties with Moscow and are both Eurosceptic. Italy's new government has openly called for a review of EU sanctions, starting with those that "threaten civil society in Russia". Referring to the Western sanctions, he said: "These actions are harmful for everyone, both for those who initiate them and for those against whom they are directed. "Everybody has an interest in getting the sanctions lifted, us too," he added. Putin said Russia had overcome all difficulties caused by the sanctions. Russia's annexation of the southern Crimea peninsula sparked the sanctions, which were later ratcheted up as Russia helped separatists in eastern Ukraine. Moscow has hit back with counter-sanctions on food and raw materials. More than 10,000 people have been killed since the conflict began in eastern Ukraine. Meanwhile, Chancellor Kurz said Vienna would "obviously maintain the decisions of the EU, including the sanctions" when Austria takes over the EU's rotating presidency on 1 July. He stressed that the situation in eastern Ukraine must improve before the sanctions could be lifted. What some call a "new cold war" between Russia and the West was also fuelled by Moscow's role in the Syrian civil war and the poisoning of a former Russian double agent, Sergei Skripal, and his daughter, in southern England. Britain blamed the Kremlin for that attack; Russia furiously denied any role in it. Pro-Putin activists have been accused of spreading "fake news" on social media to undermine the tough Western stance on Russia and help empower nationalists in the EU. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday kicked-off the party's poll campaign in Madhya Pradesh, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of betraying the farmers and promising to waive farm loans in 10 days if voted to power. Rahul Gandhi also promised that the families of the farmers who were killed in Mandsaur will get justice in 10 days if his party was voted to power. While addressing a rally, Rahul Gandhi questioned the delay in filing of a probe report into the death of seven farmers in police firing a year ago, alleging that the BJP government had failed to provide security to farmers and address their concerns. "I assure you, when the Congress forms government in Madhya Pradesh, farmers' loans will be written off within 10 days. The families of the farmers (killed in Mandsaur last year) will get justice in 10 days and we will take action against those responsible for the firing," the Congress President said. Rahul Gandhi lashed out at the state and the Centre for ignoring the farm distress across the country. "The governments are of no use if they cannot provide security to farmers and their families. A total of 1,200 farmers committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh. Did any rich person or their family member commit suicide who have lakhs of crores as debt," he said, addressing the Kisan Samriddhi Sankalp Rally. "Our priority will be to provide security to the farmers and their families," he added. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi paid tributes to the dead farmers in Piplia Mandi town of Mandsaur district. "The Prime Minister and Chief Minister (Shivraj Singh Chouhan) talk about the farmers but when they demand the right price for their produce and ask for waiving off their loans, they do not listen. "Prime Minister waived off loans worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore of just 15 businessmen, but when I requested him to waive off farm loans, he maintained a studied silence," said Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi also said the food we eat is all due to the efforts of our farmers and their families and not rich businessmen. "That is why farmers are our priority," he added. "My priority is the people of this country, then it is the Congress karyakartas and third is the Congress leaders. "My dream is that when we come here after 5-7 years and look at our phones, we find 'Made in Mandsaur' written on it. Narendra Modi and Shivraj Singh Chouhan won't be able to do this work. Kamal Nath and Scindia (Jyotiraditya Scindia) can do this," the Congress President said. --IANS sid/ahm/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said if his party is voted to power in Madhya Pradesh, it would waive farmers' loans in 10 days. Addressing a rally here, Gandhi questioned the delay in filing a probe report into the death of seven farmers in police firing a year ago, alleging that the BJP government in the state had failed to provide security to farmers and address their concerns. "I assure you, when the Congress forms government in Madhya Pradesh, farmers' loans will be written off within 10 days. The families of the farmers (killed in Mandsaur last year) will get justice in 10 days and we will take action against those responsible for the firing," the Congress President said. Gandhi lashed out at the state and Central governments for ignoring the farm distress across the country. "The governments are of no use if they one cannot provide security to farmers and their families. A total of 1,200 farmers committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh. Did any rich person or their family member commit suicide who have lakhs of crores as debt," he said, addressing the Kisan Samriddhi Sankalp Rally. Earlier, Gandhi paid tributes to the dead farmers in Piplia Mandi town of Mandsaur district. He met the families of the slain farmers. --IANS sid-sar/vsc/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 55-year-old woman injured in Pakistani shelling on the international border in Jammu and Kashmir last month succumbed to critical injuries here on Wednesday, police said. Darshana Devi of Arnia area had suffered critical mortar splinter injuries on May 21. She died in the government medical college hospital here. A doctor at the hospital said: "Mortar splinters had pierced her chest and caused liver laceration and impacted her kidneys. Despite our best efforts, she could not be saved." --IANS sq/him/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Five Lok Sabha MPs of the YSR Congress on Wednesday met Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to convey that they stand by their resignations and urged her to accept the same immediately. The MPs had submitted their resignations on April 6 -- the last day of Budget session -- to protest against the refusal of the central government to accord Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh. As the Speaker on May 29 had requested the MPs to reconsider their resignations, they met her in the national capital on Wednesday to submit fresh letters, urging her to accept their resignations. YSR Congress Parliamentary Party leader Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy told reporters after the meeting that they conveyed to the Speaker that there is no change in their decision. They replied in affirmative when she wanted to know if this is their final decision. The other MPs are Y.V. Subba Reddy, Vara Prasadarao Velagapalli, Midhun Reddy and Y.S. Avinash Reddy. They also urged the Speaker to disqualify three MPs who crossed over to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) after getting elected on YSR Congress tickets. Claiming that YSR Congress is the only party sincerely fighting for Special Category Status, they said after their resignations are accepted by the Speaker, they will go to people to mobilise support for the struggle. Meanwhile, YSR Congress President Y.S. Jagamohan Reddy has said that TDP is afraid of by-elections. He predicted that in case of by-elections, TDP candidates will lose the deposit and the people will teach the party a lesson for opposing Special Category Status. Talking to reporters during his ongoing 'padyatra' in West Godavari district, Jagan, as the leader is popularly known, said if all 25 MPs of the state had resigned, this would have put pressure on the Centre. He was all praise for his MPs for sacrificing their posts 14 months before the end of their term and slammed TDP for questioning their sincerity even after they submitted their resignations. --IANS ms/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Over 12 MLAs in Karnataka are likely to take oath as ministers in the first expansion of Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's Cabinet, after the grand old party finalised the list in a meeting between and its senior state leaders. According to sources, while over 12 legislators will be of the Congress, around nine MLAs of the JD-S are likely to take oath on Wednesday, a fortnight after was sworn in as chief minister. As per the power-sharing arrangement, the would have a total of 22 ministers while the JD-S will have 12, including the chief minister. Sources said Gandhi held long deliberations with former chief minister Siddharamaiah, deputy chief minister G Parameswara and senior party leaders and Dinesh Gundu Rao, along with general secretary in-charge of Karnataka affairs Though there was no official word from the Congress, Gandhi is learnt to have given his nod to the list of around 12 ministers which includes Shivakumar who is likely to get an important portfolio. Gandhi met the Karnataka leaders for over an hour and gave final shape to the list of ministers while according equitable representation to all sections and regions. Sources said some portfolios may remain vacant on both sides to douse any discord in the two parties. The lone legislator in Karnataka, N Mahesh, will be a part of the cabinet expansion and will be given a key portfolio. JD-S secretary general Danish Ali told PTI, "We will give due importance to our pre-poll ally, the by giving its lone MLA a ministerial berth." He also disclosed that supremo Mayawati has deputed its senior leader Satish Chandra Misra to attend the cabinet expansion function on Wednesday. This is the first time that the BSP will be a part of the government outside of Uttar Pradesh. Danish Ali was the key pointsman in negotiating an alliance with both the BSP and then the The first film of a director without film industry connections can be quite a challenge and Raj Kumar Gupta faced this while trying to get his debut "Aamir" financed. Released a decade ago on June 6, "Aamir" chronicled the story of a young Muslim man, Dr Aamir Ali, played by Rajeev Khandelwal, who returns to Mumbai from the United Kingdom and finds himself at the mercy of extremists intending to carry out a bombing in the city. The film garnered rave reviews and a strong word-of-mouth. In an interview with PTI, Gupta talks about how a film with several first timers--director, music composer Amit Trivedi, cinematographer Alphonse Roy and even producer-- was put together. "I recall narrating the script to a jeweller in Zaveri Bazaar, in the hope that somebody would finance the film. That is one incident which I remember clearly. Then there was a merchant who I had approached. "At that point, you are just hoping that somewhere people exist who wanted to make a film but never got the opportunity and now might come together to make a film. I did all of that," he says. People believed that "Aamir" was adapted from a Filipino film "Cavite" but Gupta says it was "neither an official adaptation nor inspired by any film." "Aamir", the director says, was born in the post 9/11 era where the "world was polarised and things had changed even in India." "The world was looking at a particular community in a certain way. Between 2001-2004, there were so many things which were happening in India and around the world, the story was born out of those circumstances... It was a very volatile period and I was mostly inspired from the world that existed then."Gupta says "Aamir" was his sixth script and it took him eight-nine months to write it and another two years to find a producer. His vision resonated with filmmaker Vikas Bahl, then the head of UTV Spotboy, who decided to back the film as his first production. The film was shot in 22 days, between 7AM to 5 PM, on a budget of RS 1.75 crore and a "tight schedule." "It was all shot on real locations, those were areas which weren't easy to shoot. To execute that was a challenge but since it was our first film, we were passionate. Everyday I went to shoot, I thought it was my privilege. So I looked forward to that challenge." The title 'Aamir', Gupta says, had a special meaning. "Aamir means a leader, someone who sets an example. As directors and writers, we are always looking at the depth of a name or a character. While I was writing the script, I was trying to find motivation for the character and his journey so the name came from there." The director is proud of how the film has aged and is glad that he did not go with a bigger star at that time. "I was aware that a big actor would not want to work with a newcomer and the script was completely different. The sooner you realise how things work here, the happier and more practical you will be. "Either you have a big daddy who gets you the cast and makes your film happen or you are on your own and try to go by your talent, hardwork and opportunity. For me, my work had to speak, I had nothing to lose. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 100-year-old British woman of Polish origin died today after suffering multiple injuries including a broken neck when her bag was stolen in a brazen street robbery, police said. Zofija Kaczan was approached from behind and pushed to the ground in the Normanton area of Derby on May 28, the BBC reported. Derbyshire Police previously thought her injuries were not life threatening and she was recovering. A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery before she died and was released on Tuesday. Detective Chief Inspector Darren De'ath, who is leading the investigation, said: "This crime is absolutely horrific. "Mrs Kaczan was a well-loved member of the community and that she was targeted in this way is disgusting. "There are people in Derby who know the person responsible for this crime and I would urge them to come forward with any information that can help bring those responsible to justice. De'ath added: "We have a number of leads that we are pursuing and a post-mortem will take place to determine a cause of death." Kaczan died early today. She is reported to have been a widower and former factory worker who moved to the UK from Poland with her husband following World War II, Independent newspaper reported. She had been on her way to a Polish church just over a week before when she was attacked. Her friends Monika Zareba and Maria Wojtczak said before she died: "You didn't think something like this could happen to old people. "It shouldn't happen. We can't believe it... shocked." Police had appealed for witnesses because Mrs Kaczan was not able to give a description of the person or people responsible. Her green handbag was found dumped a few hundred yards away from the scene of the crime. A beige Seat Leon was seen in the area at the time of the attack and found abandoned two days later in a car park in Jackson Street, Stockbrook, the report said. Police want to hear from anyone who may have information about the driver of the vehicle, or if they have CCTV or dash cam footage that shows the vehicle with registration plate SL02 KVZ. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three men, allegedly involved in a dacoity committed at a businessman's house in Haryana's Panipat, were arrested in Dwarka area here, police said today. The accused identified as Randeep Rathi (21), Sumit Rathi (24) and Mohit Malik (19) possessed a huge amount of looted gold and silver ornaments. The three men were accused of looting Rs 52,000 and 30-35 tola gold and silver ornaments from the businessman's house at gunpoint on June 4, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Alok Kumar said. After registering a case, the Haryana Police had constituted several teams to nab the accused. The Crime Branch team laid a trap to arrest the accused as they knew that they would come at Sector 13 in Dwarka to dispose the looted jewellery, the police said. The police recovered 400 gram of gold jewellery, including eight bengals, nine rings, four necklaces etc. Approximately 1.5 kg silver jewellery, including 20 silver coins, were also recovered. The accused belong to middle class farmer families residing in different villages of Panipat district and were executives of a multi-level marketing company at Sector 30 in Kurukshetra. According to the accused, they were lured by an acquaintance of the victim businessman and one of their seniors in the company, saying there was a huge amount of cash and jewellery at his house. In order to earn quick and easy money, the accused persons committed the dacoity, the police said. Randeep is a second year student at a Nagpur-based college. Sumit is a graduate and sole bread earner in his family. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police have arrested five Naxals allegedly involved in blowing up of a police vehicle in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district in which seven personnel were killed last month. The cadres, active members of 'Jan-militia' of Maoists, were arrested yesterday from Perpa-Pirnar village under Kirandul police station limits by local police, Dantewada Additional Superintendent of Police (anti-Naxal operations) Gorakhnath Baghel told PTI. The arrested Naxals were identified as Deva Kunjami, Kosa, Baman Kunjami, Bheema Netam and Baman Karma. They were associated with the Naxal movement for the last four years and looked after the security of senior cadres during their visit to local villages apart from putting up Maoist pamphlets and banners, conducting recee and cooking meals, he said. Seven policemen died when Naxals blew up their SUV between Cholnar and Kirandul in the district on May 20. As per a preliminary probe, local Naxal leaders and lower-rung cadres in Kirandul area had held a planning meeting on May 18, the police officer said. The five men arrested yesterday had attended the meeting, and were assigned various tasks as part of the plan to carry out the attack, the ASP said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The first set of 67 life convicts, lodged in Puzhal central prison here, who had completed 10 years of imprisonment were released today. The Tamil Nadu government had on June 4 announced the premature release of these convicts to commemorate the birth centenary of late Chief Minister M G Ramachandran. "We received the GOs yesterday in the evening. And we are implementing it in the morning," a prisons department official told PTI. During the release, a police official announced that the prisoners, whose sentences have been commuted, had the option of getting employed in petrol stations in different districts - Vellore, Coimbatore, Pudukkottai and Palayamkottai and others. "Initial salary will be Rs 10,000 per month and there will be annual increments. Each petrol bunk would employ 15 members and those interested can approach us. All arrangements have been made," the official said. Law Minister C Ve Shanmugam had in the assembly said the release of prisoners, being proposed by the state government was a "continuing task." "The government will be making similar announcements in the coming months for others prisoners lodged in jails across the state," an official said. In the first phase, 67 convicts who have served 10 years, in prisons across the state, as on February 25 would be released, an official release had said. According to Article 161 of the Constitution, which empowers a Governor to grant pardons and to commute sentences and as per guidelines of the Supreme Court and High Courts on the issue of pre-mature release, two Government Orders were issued, it had said. The decision had been announced by Chief Minister K. Palaniswami during an MGR birth centenary event at Dindigul in December last. Prisoners were evaluated for release on factors like the length of their detention (if it was 10 or 20 years) in prisons and if they faced serious ailments. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Seven Sundanese nationals, including three women, were arrested at the Mumbai international airport yesterday in separate incidents for allegedly carrying unaccounted for foreign currency worth over Rs 2 crore, a Customs official said today. Three women passengers- Fadwa Mohamed, Nashwa Mohamed and Abier Ahmed- were intercepted on the basis of specific inputs by the Air Intelligence Unit of the Customs, the official said. A detailed examination of the purses of the three women who were headed to Dubai led to the recovery of 50,000 USD each, equivalent to Indian currency amounting to Rs 1.42 crore, he said. In another incident, the officials also examined bags of Eatemad Ibrahim, Eiman Ali, and Asia Elhag and seized USD 95100 (Rs 63,66, 945). In a separate incident, 80,000 USD (Rs 53,56,000) were recovered from the bag of one Mohamed Abdelazim Ahmed while he was about to leave for Dubai. The combined value of all the seizure is Rs 2,17,65,445, the official said. All the above seven persons are Sudanese nationals. In another incident, the Customs officials recovered four gold plates valued at Rs 3,45,172 from One Shaikh Ali. Shaikh, holding Indian passport had arrived from Dubai. The Sudanese nationals have been arrested and booked under relevant sections of the Customs Act, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP president Amit Shah tonight met the state executive committee of the Maharashtra BJP to take stock of the political situation in the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state BJP chief Raosaheb Danve were among those present at the meeting late night at the state government's guest house, Sahyadri. The discussion followed Shah's meeting with the sulking ally Shiv Sena's president Uddhav Thackeray at the latter's residence in suburban Bandra. Sources in the BJP said Shah discussed the political situation in the state, especially after the two Lok Sabha bypolls, in which the BJP retained Palghar and lost Bhandara-Gondiya to NCP. "Preparations for the 2019 polls and how to ensure that programmes and policies of the state and central government reach the common man were the issues which were discussed," sources said. Meanwhile, Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam claimed that the BJP violated the model code of conduct in force for the coming Legislative Council polls by holding a political meeting at a government guest house. The election commission should take necessary action, he demanded. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The agitating farmers of Punjab suspended their stir from today after paying tributes to those killed in police firing in Mandsaur last year and said they will start supplying vegetables and milk to cities and urban areas. The decision to suspend the stir from today was taken in a meeting of leaders of different farmers' organisations in Ludhiana on June 4. Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said the stir will continue in other parts of the country till June 10 as per the original schedule and the future course of action will be decided depending upon the government's response. We thank farmers of Punjab for holding a peaceful stir, he said. Rajewal said the decision was to suspend the stir and not call it off. "We will rest only after our demands including implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations, complete loan waiver, adequate price for our produce, are met," he said. In the current scenario, the middlemen were earning profit at the cost of farmers and the consumers, he said. We want farmers to get adequate price for their produce even as we want consumers to benefit, he said. As part of the nation-wide stir that began from June 1, farmers stopped supply of vegetables, fruits, milk and other items to cities against alleged anti-farmer policies of the Centre. The peasants held protests at many places in Punjab and Haryana. Some even dumped their produce, including milk, on roads. The trend of vegetable prices rising continued for a few days in the wake of short supplies owing to the farmers' stir, but prices will ease now, traders said. During the stir earlier, at a few places in Punjab, arguments had broken out between traders and some farmer leaders as the former claimed that they were being stopped from selling the stock of fruits and vegetables which they already had. The decision to stop supplies starting from June 1 till June 10 was taken by farmers under the banner of Kisan Ekta Manch and Rashtriya Kisan Maha Sangh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Air India, which failed to get even a single bidder for its disinvestment plan, has delayed payment of salaries to its employees for the third consecutive month, according to sources. The airline management has also not communicated to the staff as to when the salaries for the month of May will be paid, they added. "We have still not received our salaries for May. Moreover, the management has not informed us till date as to when it will be disbursed. This is the third month in a row that the airline has delayed the salaries," one of the source cited above said. According to another person in the know of the development, though the airline had delayed the payment of March and April salaries as well, "they were disbursed before the seventh of April and May, respectively". "The April salaries were paid after the airline raised working capital loans from the Bank of Baroda," the source added. Air India employees generally get paid by the 30th or the 31st of every month. When contacted, an Air India spokesperson said that the employees are expected to receive their May salaries by next week. Air India has over 11,000 employees on permanent role. The government, which had approved strategic disinvestment for Air India in last June, had on May 31 this year said no initial bids were received for the proposed stake sale. In nearly two decades, this is the second time that Air India stake sale has failed to take off. A senior Air India official had last week said that the airline has sought restoration of the equity infusion by the government in the carrier, which is sitting on a debt pile of around Rs 50,000 crore. The loss-making carrier has already received more than Rs 26,000 crore under the bailout package announced by the former UPA government in April 2012. The UPA government had approved a turnaround plan under which Air India is to receive a total equity infusion worth Rs 30,231 crore up to 2021, subject to meeting certain performance thresholds. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP president Amit Shah today met industrialist Ratan Tata here as part of his party's "contact for support" campaign ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, BJP state unit chief Raosaheb Danve and other party leaders were also present at the meet held at Tata's residence in south Mumbai. During the meeting, which lasted about 30 minutes, Shah discussed the achievements and initiatives of the Modi government in the last four years. On his arrival, this afternoon, Shah had a brief meeting with Fadnavis, Danve, state minister Vinod Tawde and organisation secretary Vijay Puranik at Rangsharda in suburban Bandra. Shah is expected to meet Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray later this evening, on a day the Sena questioned the BJP's outreach programme after defeats in bypolls and asserted it will go solo in all the upcoming elections. The BJP has launched the 'sampark for samarthan' exercise to mark the fourth anniversary of the Modi government as it prepares for the 2019 polls. Around 4,000 BJP functionaries, including chief ministers and Union ministers, will contact one lakh people, who are recognised names in their fields, to inform them about the government's achievements. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid strained relations and constant bickering between the two saffron allies, BJP president Amit Shah called on Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at the latter's residence 'Matoshree' here this evening. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Uddhav Thackeray's son Aaditya Thackeray were also present at the meeting which lasted about two hours. While officially there was no word from both the parties about what transpired in the meeting, BJP sources claimed that the discussion was "positive" and would help reduce the tension between the two allies significantly. The two parties may have two or three more such meetings, the sources added. State BJP chief Raosaheb Danve, who accompanied Shah earlier in the day when he called on actor Madhuri Dixit-Nene and industrialist Ratan Tata, did not attend the meeting with Thackeray. "My schedule was pre-decided. I was busy with organisational work," Danve told reporters. The BJP had earlier said the meeting was in connection with its 'Sampark se Samarthan' (contact for support) campaign, being led by Shah in the run-up to next year's Lok Sabha polls. The Sena and the BJP contested the May 28 bypolls to Palghar Lok Sabha constituency in Maharashtra separately and engaged in a bitter campaign against each other. The Shiv Sena has particularly been upset with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has repeatedly attacked him. After facing defeat in the Palghar bypoll at the hands of the BJP, the Shiv Sena labelled its ally as its "biggest political enemy". Even yesterday, the Sena questioned the "need" for the meeting between Shah and Thackeray "after a gap of four years" (since the Modi government was formed). The Shiv Sena has already declared that it will go it alone in the 2019 general elections. The two parties were allies for over two-and-a-half decades before they severed ties ahead of the 2014 Maharashtra Assembly polls, only to join hands later to form government under the leadership of Fadnavis in the state. In today's editorial in party mouthpiece "Saamna", Shiv Sena questioned the BJP's outreach programme after suffering defeat in bypolls in various states. The editorial maintained that the Sena will fight all the upcoming elections alone. "The prime minister is touring the world and BJP chief Amit Shah is going around the country as part of their 'sampark' programme. Shah will be meeting NDA allies. However, what exactly will he do? Why is he meeting at this juncture when the BJP has suffered defeat in bypolls," the Sena asked in the editorial. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP president Amit Shah will visit Purulia's Balrampur area later this month amid a row over the alleged killing of its two workers there in the aftermath of the violence-marred panchayat elections. BJP state general secretary, Sayantan Basu said Shah will visit West Bengal for two days from June 27 . "On June 28 Amit Shah ji will visit Purulia's Balrampur area. He will hold meetings with district leaders there. The rest of the schedule is yet to be approved," Basu said. Bodies of two BJP activists 35-year-old Dulal Kumar and 20-year -old Trilochan Mahato were found hanging in West Bengal's Purulia district on June 2 and May 31 respectively in two separate incidents in a span of three days. The BJP had alleged that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) was behind the killings. However, the TMC has denied the BJP charge. According to senior state BJP leaders, Shah's visit to West Bengal especially Purulia is significant as it comes after the party's improved performance in the panchayat polls and the alleged killing of its workers. After the death of Mahato, Shah had tweeted: "Deeply hurt by the brutal killing of our young karyakarta, Trilochan Mahato, in Balarampur, West Bengal. A young life full of possibilities was brutally taken under state's patronage. He was hanged on a tree just because his ideology differed from that of state sponsored goons." The BJP president had also tweeted after the death of Dulal Kumar. "Distressed to know about yet another killing of BJP karyakarta Dulal Kumar in Balarampur, West Bengal. This continued brutality and violence in the land of West Bengal is shameful and inhuman. Mamata Banerjee's govt has completely failed to maintain law and order in the state," he said. The alleged killings had created a political controversy as the BJP had performed well against TMC in Balarampur area of Purulia district in the recent panchayat elections. The BJP had alleged the deaths were "political murders" and demanded a CBI inquiry into the incidents. During his two-day visit, Shah will also hold meetings with state party leaders and take stock of the organizational progress in the state. "The visit is of immense importance as it is happening in the backdrop of party's stupendous performance in the just concluded panchayat polls," another state BJP leader said. Shah has on numerous occasions said that West Bengal is a focus state for BJP in terms of 2019 general election. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) World's biggest beer giant Anheuser-Busch (AB InBev) today announced that its Mysore unit in Karnataka has started using green energy and a power purchase agreement has been inked with Canadian firm Amp for ten years. The brewery in Mysore, which manufactures beer brands especially Budweiser, Knock out and Beck's Ice, is the company's third unit in the world that will be operated through renewable source. The other two are in the US. "We will source 80 per cent of the electricity requirement of the Mysore unit through renewable source. However, Budweiser will be made using 100 per cent renewable energy," AB InBev APAC South President Jan Craps told reporters here. A long term agreement has been signed for supply of renewable electricity of 3.6 gigawatt hours per year for a period of ten years with Amp, he said. The solar power plant, which is located 60 km away from the Mysore unit, has a capacity to generate 30 MWAC and production has commenced. The company owns 10 breweries in India and seven are contracted. It plans to shift to renewable energy in all its breweries gradually. AB InBev India President Be Verhaert said, "The adoption of solar generated electricity at our brewery is a first step towards extending Budweiser's global commitment to a brighter future. We are confiident that businessses can contribute to a 100 per cent renewable electricity future and plan to enter into similar agreements in the country.." AB InBev is one of more than 100 multinational firms to have committed to use renewable power to combat pollution and climate change under the Paris accord. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Uttarakhand policeman today rushed nearly two kilometers uphill carrying an ageing pilgrim, who had a mild heart attack, on his back and ensured the man received timely medical attention. Sub Inspector Lokendra Bahuguna's heroic act not only proved to be blessing for 55-year-old Ranjhi Rajag but also earned accolades for the man in khaki for his commitment to duty. Only recently had a Uttarakhand Police sub inspector, Gagandeep Singh, hit the headlines when he saved a youth from being assaulted by an angry mob near Ramnagar in Nainital district. The family of Rajag found themselves perplexed when the pilgrim from Madhya Pradesh collapsed near the Bhairo Mandir here soon after his arrival at the Himalayan Yamunotri shrine today morning, Barkot Police Station in-charge Vinod Thapliyal said. Family members tried to make Rajag sit on horseback to take him to the nearest hospital but he could not sit steady because of his condition. This is when Bahuguna arrived and offered to carry the pilgrim, who was in need of immediate medical care, on his back to the Yamunotri seasonal hospital. "With Rajag on his back, the sub inspector walked two kilometers uphill to the hospitalwhere the pilgrim was treated for four hours before being discharged," Thapliyal said. Doctors at the hospital said Ranjhi had suffered a mild heart attack. Soon after being discharged, Ranjhi thanked the police officer with tears of gratitude in his eyes and also paid obeisance at the shrine with his family. Bahuguna's act immediately drew many comparisons with that of Singh, who had saved a youth from a furious mob. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking an extreme stand against a possible alliance between ruling Telugu Desam and Congress, senior party leader and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister (Revenue) K E Krishna Murthy today said he was ready to 'hang' himself if the tie-up became a reality. "There is no question of the TDP aligning with the Congress but if that happens, I am ready to hang myself," he told a press conference in his hometown Kurnool. He went on to add that he was speaking this "on behalf of the party" and it was not his individual view. Murthy, however, said any alliance would be decided only ahead of the (general) elections. His remarks come at a time when talk about TDP cozying up to the Congress has become a hot political topic in the state after Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu rubbed shoulders with Rahul Gandhi in Bengaluru recently. Some TDP leaders even tried to reason that the Congress promised to accord special category status to Andhra Pradesh if it returned to power at the Centre in 2019 and hence being pally with that party would do no harm. Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy in an interview to a magazine has said he was asked by Naidu and other leaders such as West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee to align with the Congress. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The CBI today informed the Madras High Court that a real estate businessman, who had filed an insolvency petition on claims from creditors running to crores of rupees, had passed away. The agency said that as per the earlier direction of the specially constituted bench, it has taken over the probe. It also said the state government had deputed a team of police officials,who had probed the case, for it's assistance. The Court had on April 7 transferred the probe to CBI from the Tamil Nadu Police. The matter relates to the insolvency petition filed by Arjunlal Sunderdas, in which Chief Justice Indira Banerjee had constituted a Special Bench, comprising Justices G Jayachandran and C V Karthikeyan to examine the issues in the plea. The Special Bench, on its perusal of a police (Economic Offences Wing) report, in its order, had said the material placed before it led to a strong suspicion of offences, including money laundering. It had opined that the EOW may not be in a position to complete the investigation with its restriction and jurisdiction. The Madras High Court, in its March 7, 2017 order, had directed the official assignee of the court to file a police complaint in view of the enormous amount of funds and numerous transactions involved in the case. Sunderdas was engaged in finance and real estate business under the name of "Arjunlal Sunderdas". He had incorporated four companies under the Companies Act. Following a petition from a Mumbai-based creditor, Chitra Desai, the properties of Sunderdas were vested with the official assignee for realisation and distribution among his creditors. Totally, 299 petitions were filed by the creditors, making claims to the tune of crores of rupees. The EOW had registered an FIR on April 10, 2017 under various sections of the IPC against Sunderdas. The FIR mentioned large-scale diversion of funds, including offences under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). In its status report, the EOW had said large-scale money laundering had occurred across several states, including Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana, Karnataka, New Delhi and Puducherry. It was also reported that there had been flow of funds from the US. The bench, after taking note of the limitations expressed by the EOW that there are interstate transactions, apart from abroad, had transferred the investigation to CBI. The CBI today sought some time to file a status report, following which the bench posted the matter to June 29. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A British-Pakistani activist known for her criticism of Pakistan's military was abducted by unknown men in the eastern city of Lahore, her family said, prompting fears she had been forcibly disappeared. The kidnapping of 52-year-old Gul Bukhari comes one day after the powerful military held a press conference warning that it is monitoring citizens who criticise Pakistan, amid a growing crackdown on free speech in the country. Bukhari was on her way to a TV station in Lahore where she was due to appear as an analyst when she was stopped, her husband Ali Nadir told AFP. "She left around 1040 for Waqt but was apparently picked up on the way. It seems to be plain clothes people but we don't have any more info," he said in a WhatsApp message. Sources at the channel said the kidnapping had taken place inside an army-controlled part of the city. There was no immediate comment from authorities or the British High Commission in Islamabad. But the caused a furore on social media. Maryam Nawaz, daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, said it was "extremely disturbing" and the "worst kind of oppression". "I hope better sense prevails and she returns unharmed. This is simply not acceptable," she tweeted. "Dissenters are not a threat. Healthy societies allow critical voices to foster/retain a pluralist culture," tweeted newspaper editor and analyst Raza Ahmad Rumi, calling for Bukhari's release. The Committee to Protect Journalists said it was "alarmed" by the report, and called on police to ensure her return. "Pakistani journalists have seen enough tragedy," the watchdog tweeted. Pakistan has had a history of enforced disappearances over the past decade, mainly confined to conflict zones near the Afghanistan border or to restive southwestern Balochistan province. However in recent years a growing number of such abductions have taken place brazenly in major urban centres such as Karachi, Lahore and even the capital Islamabad. They have also increasingly targeted activists and journalists critical of the state and the military's policies, largely seen as a red line few dare cross. The military routinely denies being involved. Some of those who have been released in the past have described being tortured, though many remain reluctant to name their abductors. Others, like activist Raza Khan who disappeared in December 2017, remain missing. However, a burgeoning civil rights movement by the country's ethnic Pashtuns and recent comments from ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif have increasingly targeted the security establishment and its policies, including disappearances. On Monday the military held a wide-ranging press conference in which it pushed back against the recent criticism. "We have the capability to monitor social media as to who is doing what," military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said during the press conference. He also briefly flashed an image onscreen showing what appeared to be Twitter handles and names, including of at least one other prominent journalist, but refused to elaborate further. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Union Cabinet today approved raising the basic pay of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) by over three-fold to up to Rs 14,500 per month, effective January 1, 2016. The arrears after the revised wages will be paid in one instalment for the period from January 1, 2016 till the date of implementation. "Gramin Dak Sevaks GDS who were getting Rs 2,295 per month will get Rs 10,000. Those who were getting Rs 2,745 will get Rs 12,000. GDS who were paid Rs 4,115 will get Rs 14,500 per month," Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha told reporters after the Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sinha further said the remuneration paid to GDS was effectively not enough to meet their expenses and this pay hike decision will bring a big change in their lives. The revision in the wage structure would entail an estimated expenditure of Rs 1,257.75 crore in 2018-19. This includes non-recurring expenditure of Rs 860.95 crore and recurring expenditure of Rs 396.80 crore in the current fiscal year. "The face of India Post is changing. We have created parcel directorate and India Post Payments Bank is going to start. In coming days, a separate insurance company will work under postal department. GDS will be our carriers," Sinha said. Though the basic pay has been hiked by over three-fold, there is around 56 per cent average increase of total wages across the board. The government will pay dearness allowance of 7 per cent on the basic pay as per 7th Central Pay Commission instead of 142 per cent paid at present. There are 2.6 lakh GDS who work for around 1.3 lakh rural post offices in the country. GDS work in shift of 3 hours, 3.5 hours, 4 hours, 4.5 hours and 5 hours and remain in service till the age of 65 years. Earlier, there were 11 slabs which have been reduced to three categories and now there will be two designations only- Branch Post Master (BPM) and assistant branch post master (ABPM). Those who are supposed to get Rs 12,000 pay will work in shift of 4 hours, while level 2 GDS -- whose basic pay is increased to Rs 14,500 -- will have to work for 5 hours. Gramin dak sevaks have been on strike since last few days over demand for recommendation of a committee formed under postal board member Kamlesh Chandra. The minister appealed to them to return to work following the Cabinet decision. "The revision in wages is in line with recommendation of committee led by postal board member Kamlesh Chandra and it was accepted under my chairmanship. Now, compensatory appointment will also be allowed for dependents of GDS," Sinha said. He further said that annual hike of 3 per cent has also been decided as per the request of GDS, which will be granted every year either on January 1 or July 1. "Government has introduced a new allowance in the name of risk and hardship allowance which was not provided to them earlier. Besides this, allowances -- office maintenance allowance, combined duty allowance, cash conveyance charges, cycle maintenance allowance, boat allowance and fixed stationery charges have been hiked," Sinha said. The risk and hardship allowance of Rs 500 per month will be paid to GDS. The composite allowance has been increased to Rs 500 from Rs 100 paid earlier, boat allowance to Rs 115 from Rs 50 and combined duty allowance to minimum of Rs 1,170 and maximum of Rs 2,340 from Rs 500 per month. The minimum wage of GDS has been increased to Rs 10,000 per month and maximum to Rs 35,480 per month. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Voters have cast ballots in eight US states for key primary elections, with all eyes on California, where the outcome could swing the balance of power in Congress. Democrats in the country's most populous state are battling to ensure they come out on top in several congressional districts that voted for Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. However, given the state's unusual election system in which the two top vote-getters move on to the general election in November, regardless of party affiliation, Democrats fear they may give Republicans the upper hand in some districts where they have a glut of candidates. "The worry is that with so many enthusiastic Democrats running for Congress, the Democrats will split up the Democratic vote and you'll end up with one or two Republicans in the top two slots," said Elaine Kamarck, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Brookings Institution. "So there's quite a bit of concern that this would backfire and that congressional districts that would elect a Democrat in the end would be given only the choice of Republicans." The race drew huge attention nationwide, especially given how solidly Democratic California has been, but it is unclear whether the high stakes will spur voters to cast ballots. "Turnout is always the uncertainty in primary elections," said Louis DeSipio, a political science professor at the University of California at Irvine. "If Democrats are as energized in California as they have been in some other states, they can move into the general election with no viable Republicans running statewide. "This seems unlikely, but is a possibility." Officials said tabulating final results for the vote may take several days, or even weeks, given that many of the 19.4 million registered voters are casting their ballots by mail. There were 27 candidates looking to succeed Democratic Governor Jerry Brown, and more than two dozen looking to replace veteran US Senator Dianne Feinstein. The race for governor will now be between deputy governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, and Trump-backed Republican John Cox, a businessman who is not well known, according to results published late Tuesday on the state government website. In the end Feinstein survived and will be on the ballot for the midterm elections in November, results showed. Newsom is seen as the likely favorite in November. "I will do anything to fight Trump," Arthur Aguirre, a 76 year old artist, said at a polling station in Hollywood. "He is destroying our democracy." And in the race for California's 53 seats in the US House of Representatives, the slate of candidates featured a plethora of novice Democrats looking to make a statement against Trump. Kamarck said that although Democrats in the most prominent anti-Trump state in the country would be expected to fare well, the "jungle" format of the election could create chaos. Trump tweeted early yesterday urging Republicans to head to the polls. "Get the vote out in California today for Rep. Kevin McCarthy and all of the great GOP candidates for Congress. Keep our country out of the hands of High Tax, High Crime Nancy Pelosi," Trump said, referring to the 78-year-old House Democratic minority leader. In the race for the governor's mansion, former San Francisco mayor Newsom - who gained attention for allowing same-sex unions before the legalization of gay marriage - has a strong lead in opinion polls leading up to yesterday's voting. In the House races, Democrats are focusing on seven districts currently in Republican hands that voted for Clinton in 2016 and could flip again this year. But in at least five of them, progressive candidates could split the vote, leaving a path for Republicans to make the November runoff. The Democratic Party "tried to winnow out some of the candidates, but the same excitement and energy that led them to run in the first place makes them unlikely to listen to the national party," DeSipio said. Nationwide, Democrats must clinch at least 23 seats from Republicans to wrest control of the House of Representatives. Apart from California, voters also cast ballots yesterday in Alabama, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A member of the German government today accused the new US ambassador in Berlin of meddling in domestic and aggravating already tense ties, as left-wing parties called for the staunch ally of Donald Trump to be expelled. Richard Grenell took up his Berlin posting on May 8 and immediately irked Germany when he tweeted the same day that German companies should stop doing business with Iran as Trump quit the nuclear deal with the Islamic Republic. He stoked further outrage last weekend with reported comments to right-wing website Breitbart of his ambition to "empower other conservatives throughout Europe, other leaders." Grenell also raised eyebrows with his plan to host a June 13 lunch for Austria's arch-conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, described by the US envoy as a "rock star." The ambassador "is interfering in our internal affairs," said Peter Beyer, coordinator for transatlantic cooperation in Angela Merkel's government, in an interview with regional newspaper the Rheinische Post. "He should pay attention to the fact that we consider his start as ambassador to be difficult," added the conservative politician, who will be present on Wednesday for a visit by the diplomat to the foreign ministry. Former chief of the Social Democratic Party and ex-European Parliament president Martin Schulz told national agency DPA: "What this man is doing is unheard of in international diplomacy. "If a German ambassador were to say in Washington that he is there to empower the Democrats, he would have been kicked out immediately. "I hope that Kurz's visit will lead Mr Grenell's tenure as ambassador in Germany to be short," added Schulz, playing on the German word for short -- "kurz." Schulz had earlier tweeted that the US envoy did not behave like a diplomat but rather like a "far-right colonial officer." Amid the row, Germany's foreign ministry is seeking clarification from Grenell about his comments, with the topic to be raised at a pre-arranged meeting Wednesday between the envoy and senior official Andreas Michaelis. "There will certainly be a lot to discuss and that's why it's good that the ambassador will be a guest tomorrow of state secretary Michaelis," said Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "Star Wars" alum Carrie Fisher regretted opening up about her affair with co-star Harrison Ford, her brother Todd Fisher claims in a new book. The veteran actor, who died at the age of 60, had confessed about her "intense" secret affair with Ford on the sets the sci-fi film in her book "The Princess Diarist", which released five weeks before her death in 2016. Fisher revealed about the whirlwind three-month romance, which took place when she was 19 and Ford was a 33-year-old married father of two. But in her brother Todd's new memoir "My Girls: A Lifetime with Carrie and Debbie", he claims their mother Hollywood veteran Debbie Reynolds had warned her against making a disclosure about the affair. "Neither (Fisher and Ford) of them had any illusions that they had a future together. They were simply acting on a strong mutual attraction while making a movie together, as if that's not one of the oldest stories in Hollywood. "What Harrison and everyone else may not know is that Carrie went to mom right after the book became such a big deal and said, 'You were right, I shouldn't have told that story.' For what it's worth, Harrison, she really did regret telling the story of that affair," Todd Fisher writes in the new book. Fisher died on December 27, 2016 and Reynolds, aged 84, passed away a day after her daughter's demise. Todd Fisher says their mother could not bear the thought of his sister being alone that she "willed herself" to die a day after. "I want to be with Carrie," he recalls Reynolds as saying. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) NCP president Sharad Pawar today accused the Narendra Modi government of "misusing" power to target political rivals like P Chidambaram and Mamata Banerjee, as he offered to play the role of a unifier for the opposition parties to take on the BJP in the 2019 polls. Chidambaram, a senior Congress leader and former finance minister, is being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI in the Aircel-Maxis and INX media deal cases, respectively. "Efforts are being made by BJP government to falsely implicate P Chidambaram by misusing power. Similarly, those associated with West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee are being raided," Pawar said in Vashi in neighbouring Navi Mumbai. He charged that 40 Congress MLAs were also raided during the Karnataka elections. "However, the people of Karnataka taught them (BJP) a lesson. The government at Centre is misusing power and time has come to replace the government," he said. He was addressing a meeting of leaders of opposition parties such as those representing the Congress and Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) who are supporting NCP candidate Najeeb Mulla for the June 25 biennial elections to Konkan Graduates constituency of the Maharashtra legislative council. Offering to play the role of a unifier, Pawar said all opposition parties should come together to take on the BJP in the next year's Lok Sabha polls against the backdrop of the BJP's recent defeat "in a string of by polls" in the country. Referring to a CBI case against Tata Trusts' R Venkataramanan, Pawar today said that "corporates too are being pressurised to make them toe the line of the ruling party". The CBI had registered a case against AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes, non-executive director R Venkataramanan and other officials for allegedly trying to manipulate government policies through corrupt means to get international licence. Pawar said the defeat of the BJP in bypolls showed that "sentiments of the common people are changing (against the BJP)". Referring to keenly-contested Palghar Lok Sabha bypoll in Maharashtra, Pawar said the BJP would have lost had the Congress and the NCP supported the candidate of Hitendra Thakur's Bahujan Vikas Agadhi (BVA). The BJP retained the Palghar seat in the keen contest in which it had fielded former Congress member Rajendra Gavit against Shiv Sena nominee Shrinivas Wanaga, the son of sitting BJP MP late Chintaman Wanaga. Referring to the NCP's victory in the Bhandara-Gondiya Lok Sabha bypoll, Pawar alleged that directives for disbursal of financial compensation were given by administration on public holidays on the eve of voting on May 28 and banks were asked to remain open. "This was stopped because of the NCP's objection. Such directives is a good example of winning elections at any cost. Is this a clean and transparent election?. NCP is planning to take a legal recourse over this," he said. Pawar said the NCP didn't want the Election Commission to be a "puppet" in the hands of the ruling party. "The NCP wants election process improved otherwise will will take a legal recourse," he added. At the meeting, Pawar paid rich tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji on the occasion of the 344th anniversary of his coronation as king. "Shivaji Maharaj belonged to a humble background. He united all the common people and raised an army which included people from all castes and religions," Pawar said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China has approved the first domestically developed, long-acting injectable HIV drug Albuvirtide which could be a boon to tens of thousands of HIV/AIDS patients in the country, the official media reported. The drug, approved by the China Food and Drug Administration, can block the fusion of the virus and host cell membranes, interrupting the HIV life cycle in its earliest stage, state-run Global Times quoted a report from Science and Technology Daily. Albuvirtide is injected once a week and is secure, a staff from the Nanjing-based Frontier Biotechnologies Inc, surnamed Zhu, told Global Times. Compared to imported anti-HIV drugs, Albuvirtide has fewer side effects, especially on the liver, state-run Xinhua agency reported, quoting Wu Hao, head of the infection centre at Beijing You'an Hospital. The drug is a fusion inhibitor that should be used with antiretroviral drugs to treat people with HIV condition who have received antiviral therapy, the company said. Albuvirtide could potentially enhance patient compliance, improve quality of life and reduce treatment costs for HIV-infected patients, it wrote. Current HIV treatments used in China are either generic or imported. AIDS and HIV patients mostly took a handful of pills every day, Peng Xiaohui, a sexologist at Central China Normal University, told the Global Times. "China's first domestically developed drug offers new HIV patients a new treatment option. We hope to dispel the fact that China has not developed good anti-AIDS medicine," Xie Dong, chief scientist and former head of Frontier Biotechnologies Inc was quoted by the Science and Technology Daily as saying. Several companies are developing long-acting AIDS drugs in China, but only Frontier's drug has been approved, the Xinhua report said. Peng said the patients have to overcome psychological obstacles first since they need to inject medicine on their own or have a doctor do it for them. According to official data China has 718,270 people suffering from HIV/AIDS in China. As of the end of June last year, 221,628 people had died of AIDS-related diseases in China, according to a Xinhua report of December 2017. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China today dismissed reports that the Nepalese government has cancelled its agreement with Chinese companies on the West Seti hydropower project, and said talks are on between the firms and Nepal on their continuation. This report is not true," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said here when asked whether the Nepalese government has decided to cancel Chinese firms' participation. "This project is a commercial one. Relevant Chinese enterprises are conducting negotiations with the Nepalese side on the economic feasibility and other relevant matters," she said. China's state-run Xinhua agency reported from Kathmandu about widespread concerns about possible negative impact on Chinese investment after the government announced on May 29 in its annual budget for the next fiscal year 2018-19 that the West Seti project would be developed with domestic resources. The 750 MW West Seti hydropower project in far-western Nepal was handed over to the China Three Gorges Corporation (CTGC) in 2012. The report came ahead of Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli's visit to China later this month. During his last tenure as prime minister in 2015, Oli signed the Transit Treaty with China to end dependence on India for his landlocked country and to improve rail and road links between Nepal and China through Tibet. The report also quoted Barsha Man Pun, Nepal's minister for energy, water resources and irrigation as saying that Nepal has not yet cancelled the deal with CTGC. He said "the West Seti project is still with the CTGC and we are ready to continue with CTGC if it is eager to develop this project". The report said before the Nepal government's announcement, negotiations between the two sides had been stuck on a few issues including power purchase rate. The Chinese company had termed the power purchase rate offered by Nepal as unfeasible but Nepal refused to make any revision, according to Nepali officials, the report said. About the cancellation of the 1,200 MW Budhigandaki hydropower project deal with a Chinese company Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) by the previous Nepalese government, Pun said the present government wants cooperation with China to develop this project despite scrapping of the deal by the previous government. "We are willing to develop this project in cooperation with China either in the form of government-to-government cooperation mechanism or by taking soft loans from China," he was quoted as saying in the report. Despite the decision to develop these projects with its own resources, Pun said Nepal can't develop these mega projects without overseas investment or loans, adding that "we are exploring the options". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister of State (MoS) for Health Ashwini Choubey today stressed on the need for community participation to encourage people to give up tobacco as he made a strong pitch for accelerating tobacco-control measures for achieving the National Health Policy goals. Inaugurating a two-day national consultation on accelerating the implementation of tobacco-control measures, Choubey made an appeal for a "Nasha Mukti Abhiyaan" (addiction-free campaign), saying, "Tobacco destroys families and communities. We need to start a nationwide campaign, a people's movement, to combat tobacco use." Observing that tobacco use was a leading cause of premature, NCD-associated mortality and morbidity and a growing public health challenge, he said many people were still ignorant about tobacco causing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. "I look forward to the suggestions that will emerge from the two-day national consultation to help us move forward as regards tobacco-control measures," he said. Anupriya Patel, who is also an MoS, Health, said tobacco posed a major public health challenge in India, adding that a strong political commitment and targeted action over the last decade had contributed to commendable achievements in pushing back the tobacco epidemic. Highlighting the initiatives of the Health Ministry in this regard, she said with the inclusion of the national "tobacco quitline" number recently, the health warnings were made more impactful, adding that this would give tobacco users access to counselling services. Patel also stressed on the need to be alert to the threat of new and emerging products and act swiftly and firmly against them. The consultation will focus on capacity-building of the National Tobacco Control Programme nodal officers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amidst veiled criticism of the Modi government by two archbishops, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) today accused churches in India of conspiring with the Vatican as "contract killers to destabilise elected governments" and prop up the "puppet" ones. Weeks within his Delhi counterpart stirred up a debate, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman Father Filipe Neri Ferrao on Monday wrote a letter to churches saying that the Constitution is in danger and most people are living in insecurity. Reacting sharply to these letters, VHP Joint General Secretary Surendra Jain said it is now amply clear that the "churches in India are in collusion with the Vatican and is trying to create an atmosphere of distrust against the present government." "On the contrary, Constitution of India is in danger because of the attacking political stand of the church and its agenda of religious conversions," he alleged. "This is not the church's view-point, but a conspiracy to install governments which can run on the directions of the Vatican. Like the award-wapsi gang, the church too is acting like a contract killer to destabilise the elected governments," Jain claimed -- referring to a group of artists and academicians returning government awards in protest of perceived intolerance. He further said that the Vatican not only denigrates the Hindus all over the world but also India as a nation and the Indian churches are acting as puppets in their hands. "The same church remains a mute spectator when emergency was imposed in the country, Kashmiri Hindus were brutally killed in the valley and Sikhs were butchered in the 1984 riots. For the Church, these events do not put the Constitution in danger," Jain wondered. He also questioned why does the church behave in this fashion only when BJP-led government is in office. "A malicious campaign about attacks on churches was made by these people when Modi ji took over as Prime Minister. When their falsehood was exposed, they did not show the courtesy by apologising for the same," Jain added. In a controversial letter addressed to all the churches in the national capital, the Archbishop of Delhi had last month said that there was a "turbulent political atmosphere" in the country which "threatens" democracy and secularism. Archbishop Anil Couto, in his letter dated May 8, has also urged all the priests in Delhi to "pray for the country" ahead of the crucial 2019 Lok Sabha election, in which the BJP hopes to retain power. "We are witnessing a turbulent political atmosphere which poses a threat to the democratic principles enshrined in our constitution and the secular fabric of our nation," Archbishop Couto had said in his letter. The letter had triggered a sharp response from the ruling BJP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress today hit back at Union minister Arun Jaitley over his jibe at Rahul Gandhi, alleging that arrogance of the BJP has touched its zenith as it turned "blind" to farm distress. Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala accused the Modi government of writing off loans worth Rs 2.41 lakh crore of a handful of crony friends citing a reply given in Parliament by the finance ministry on April 3. "Loot and scoot had become a norm with scamsters fleeing the country after decamping with public money, he claimed in statement. "How much does Arun Jaitley know? Has arrogance of power reached such a zenith where the BJP is blind to farmers' distress'? How are empty-worded blogs an answer to betrayal of farmers by the Modi government?" he asked. Attacking Gandhi for his speech in Madhya Pradesh today, Jaitley wondered 'how much does he know? When will he know?' On the Congress chief's accusation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi waived the loans of 15 top industrialists, Jaitley said this was factually and completely false. The banking fraud started in 2011 when the UPA II was in power and it was only detected during the NDA period, he said in a Facebook post in response to Gandhi's speech in Mandsaur. In his statement, Surjewala reminded the Union minister of former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's words that "facts are facts, and will not disappear on account of your likes". He said contrary to Jaitley's "lies", the government was actually the 'NPA sarkar' and alleged that the gross non-performing assets have gone up from over Rs 2.51 lakh crore in March 2014 to more than Rs 8.31 lakh crore in December 2017, a whopping rise of 230 per cent as per an April 6 reply in Parliament. "Fleece the banks and fly away to foreign lands are the facility for fraudsters under the Modi Government's watch. Perhaps, Arun Jaitley forgets the recent bank loot scams worth over Rs 61,036 crore," he alleged. The Congress leader said over 130 farmers organisations were protesting across India through an unprecedented rural bandh and rural distress, agricultural indebtedness, farmer suicides and distress sale of crops much below MSP was the new order. "Arun Jaitley, Union minister without portfolio, with zero knowledge of agriculture is giving gyan' (wisdom) to the nation again today, with his usual travesty of facts and trivialization of farmers' issues," he alleged. Surjewala also alleged that Make in India' has become an empty slogan of the government and the BJP and its 'minister without portfolio' forgot that industrial growth has declined from 7.4 per cent in 2016 to 4.45 per cent in 2018. He alleged that between 2014 and 2018, India's revenue from exports was zero. "Arun Jaitley waxes eloquent about jobs. The BJP promised two crore jobs per year, but the stark reality that it has only betrayed our youth. The Modi government created only 4.16 lakh jobs in 2016-17 and 77 per cent of Indian workers will have vulnerable employment by 2019 as per ILO. "Let us not forget that there is 'lowest-ever' agriculture growth under the Modi government - 1.9 per cent (2014-18) as compared to 4.2 per cent under Congress (2004-14) "The prime minister's promise of MSP equal to cost plus 50 per cent profit for farmers is a white lie. Rural wage growth has dipped from 38 per cent in 2014 to zero per cent in 2018 (RBI report). Tragically, 35 farmers are driven to suicide every 24 hours (NCRB data)," he said. He said sugarcane arrears surge to over Rs 20,000 crore as an "insensitive" government "floundered". The PM Fasal Bima Yojana benefited insurance companies, not farmers and companies earned a profit of Rs 14,828 crore but farmers got paid only Rs 5,650 crore, he claimed. The Congress leader alleged that there was 'double jeopardy' for farmers as agriculture exports declined by USD 9.4 billion and agriculture imports rose by USD 10.06 billion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Istanbul court today ordered the release of all the suspects in a hugely controversial trial of 22 students from a prestigious Istanbul university who protested on campus against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's military campaign in Syria. Fourteen of the students had been held in jail on charges of disseminating "terror propaganda" after their initial detention in March when police stormed dormitories at Bogazici University. But after an emotionally-charged first trial hearing, the judge ordered that the 10 young men and four young women be released. The order sparked scenes of jubilation in the packed courthouse, with families crying in jubilation and relief, an AFP correspondent said. The other eight defendants had been free -- but still charged -- ahead of the trial today. All 22 now remain charged and under judicial supervision, which means they are subject to certain restrictions and should report to the authorities. The judge set the next hearing in the case for October 3. They were due to walk free later today. The accused face jail terms of up to five years if convicted on charges of propaganda for the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Turkey earlier this year successfully carried out a major incursion into the Afrin region of northern Syria with allied Syrian rebels. The offensive ousted the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia, which Ankara brands a terror group and branch of the PKK. A day after Afrin was taken, a group of students opened a stand on the campus handing out sweets they dubbed "Afrin delight" in memory of the Turkish soldiers killed in the operation. But another group unfurled a banner with the words "There's nothing sweet about occupation and massacre," in a show of protest. Erdogan then slammed the anti-war students as "terrorists". Turkish prosecutors accuse the students of seeking to discredit the army and the state by portraying them as an "occupier" and as an "illegitimate force that uses violence." The case was condemned by rights activists, who saw the prosecution as the punishment of sometimes teenage suspects who had only expressed their political views. Giving testimony in court, the students rejected the charges and argued shouting slogans against the government or in favour of promoting peace had nothing to do with the PKK. "I didn't praise violence or make terror propaganda," accused student Sukran Yaren Tuncer told the judge. "I shouted slogans like 'Shoulder to shoulder against fascism' and 'No war, peace now'. They are universal slogans and chanted in every demo." Another defendant, Sevde Ozturk, added: "Some slogans were shouted but they can only be seen as political criticism." "I reject being stigmatised as a terrorist just because I chanted peace slogans," she told the court. Some of the students also accused police of beating them in detention. Authorities detained hundreds of people during the Afrin operation on terror propaganda charges for criticising the operation, raising new concerns about freedom of speech in Turkey. Founded in the 19th century as Robert College, Bogazici University is considered a bastion of secular and Western-orientated education in Turkey. Parents of the students attending the trial said that their children were innocent and their education was being unfairly disrupted. Tevfik Tulay, father of arrested third-year engineering student Uzay, told AFP his son was "now deprived of all his rights to education". "There is no evidence, he was curious what was going and stayed there merely as a spectator." Ozgur, whose 18-year-old student Yaren has been held since March 25, said: "I am here to take her home." "She is innocent. She was taken just because she stood on the right or on the left of a banner," the mother said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Pune Police today arrested five people allegedly having close Maoist links, including prominent Dalit activist Sudhir Dhawale, from Mumbai, Nagpur and Delhi in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence on January 1. According to Joint Commissioner of Pune Police Ravindra Kadam, Dhawale was arrested from his house in Mumbai, lawyer Surendra Gadling, activist Mahesh Raut and Shoma Sen were picked up from Nagpur and Rona Wilson was arrested from his flat in Munirka in Delhi in simultaneous raids this morning. Dhawale was one of the organisers of Elgar Parishad, organised to commemorate 200 years of the Koregaon Bhima battle on December 31 at Shaniwarwada. There Kabir Kala Manch (KKM) activists had allegedly made provocative speeches leading to violence at Koregaon Bhima in the district, according to an FIR registered at Vishrambaug police station after the event. Sudhir Dhawale is a Dalit activist and editor of Marathi magazine Vidrohi while Surendra Gadling, a Nagpur based lawyer, also known as a Dalit and tribal activist, provides legal aids to those who arrested for Maoist links, police said. Shoma Sen is a professor at Nagpur University and her husband Tushar Kranti Bhattacharya was arrested from Nagpur station for his alleged Naxal links in 2010. Mahesh Raut is a former Prime Minister Rural Development fellow and said to have close Maoist links. Rona Wilson, 47, a native of Kerala, is currently based in Delhi and associated with for Committee for Release of Political Prisoners. "While investigating the case registered at Vishrambaug police station, we conducted some searches at various places in the state. During the searches we found some evidence which was indicating that all those arrested had links with the Maoists," said Kadam. He clarified that today's action was not against any Dalit person or Dalit organisations. "This action basically is a result of a Maoist link, which was established during the investigation. We are investigating whether this Maoist link has any direct connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence," Kadam told PTI. He added that the case in which all these people were arrested was registered against the organisers of Elgar Parishad and Kabir Kala Manch members whom he referred as "Maoist activists". He said that some of arrested activists are the "top brass of the Urban Maoists". Asked if the Koregaon Bhima violence was a Maoist plot, he said, "All five have close Maoist links and prima facie, their involvement is being seen in the matter. It is to be investigated whether they instigated the violence." Kadam said that they have also invoked relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against the accused. The event (Elgar Parishad) was attended by Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani, JNU student leader Umar Khalid, Rohit Vemula's mother Radhika Vemula, and Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh president Prakash Ambedkar. Shaniwarwada, a historical fortification in the city, had remained the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha empire until 1818. The complaint against the KKM members was lodged by one Tushar Damgude. The FIR was registered against Sudhir Dhawale, Sagar Gorkhe, Harshali Potdar, Ramesh Gaychor, Deepak Dengle and Jyoti Jagtap, a police official said. The complainant had alleged that the "provocative" speeches and presentations made during the entire programme "promoted" enmity between two groups. The complaint also had stated that the "inciting speeches and presentations" led to the violence. One person was killed in the caste violence between two groups near Sanaswadi, adjacent to Koregaon Bhima. The violence led to the statewide Dalit agitation. The mobs had damaged and torched several vehicles and shops on New Year's day and the houses of local residents were also ransacked. The Pune Police had registered a case against Hindutwa leader Milind Ekbote and another right-wing leader Sambhaji Bhide. Ekbote had already been arrested in the case. Bhide and Ekbote are accused of orchestrating the violence. A case against the members of the Kabir Kala Manch was registered under sections 153(a), 505(1)(b) and 117 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Federation of MSME Vendors and Defence and Aerospace today alleged that ordnance factories supplying vital defence equipment, including guns, to the armed forces had cancelled orders worth thousands of crores placed with the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). The move, the federation alleged, would lead to huge losses and large-scale entrenchment of workers. Addressing a press conference here, Neeraj Raizada, the federation's president, also claimed that the government had slashed the budget of the MSMEs from Rs 16,000 crore in 2017-18 to Rs 10,000 crore in 2018-19. The federation hinted that the MSMEs could be replaced by foreign suppliers. The charges come in the backdrop of a parliamentary panel's findings that the three services were reeling under severe shortage of funds, a charge Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman rejected yesterday. The ordnance factories manufacture vital defence equipment and supply weapons to not only the three armed forces, but also to the paramilitary forces. Vinod Jolly, the vice president of the federation, said the MSMEs provide vital supplies of parts to ordnance factories and every year before March orders are placed for the next financial year. "We get to know about the possible orders between December to February every year and get an official order by March. We, accordingly, placed our orders for raw materials. But over the past one month, several MSMEs have been getting letters from the ordnance factory board that their orders have been cancelled," Jolly alleged. The move would have a cascading effect on the MSMEs, which would not only lead to a loss of a specially cultivated industry catering to the defence needs, but will also to large-scale retrenchment of skilled manpower, the federation claimed. Further, the NPAs of the banks would increase as several MSMEs have taken money banks, it claimed. "It is very surprising that a government which claims to be pro-MSME has taken such a decision. We are really very surprised because in a meeting held between the federation and Secretary, Defence Production, we were assured that the share of defence orders from the private sector, including the MSMEs, will rise by 5 per cent every year," he said. "On the other hand, this decision will wreak havoc on us," Raizada claimed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel today directed three senior bureaucrats to be present during the assembly proceedings tomorrow after their departments allegedly did not supply answers to written questions of legislators. Angry with the development, the speaker termed as "undeclared emergency" the situation where government officers are not providing answers asked by MLAs and blamed Lt Governor Anil Baijal for it. Goel directed principal secretaries of education, revenue and power departments to appear in the House during the proceedings tomorrow, saying questions whose answers have not been provided today would be asked again on Thursday. Goel adjourned the House proceedings for 15 minutes after some of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party legislators trooped into the Well to protest over officers not providing answers to questions on "reserved subjects", including law and order, services and land. The Speaker has also referred the matter of around eight questions not being answered by officers to the Question and Reference Committee of the Delhi Assembly for further action. "Not only the House, this is also a bigger insult to democracy....this (situation) is worse than emergency -- (this is) undeclared emergency," Goel said while expressing anguish over the matter. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia informed the House that the education department has allegedly not provided answer to a question on the number of vacant posts, citing it falls under 'reserved subject'. During the Budget Session in March this year, Goel had hit out at the L-G after he communicated to him that he could not admit questions on reserved subjects including law and order, services and land. In a protest, Goel, Sisodia, cabinet ministers and all AAP MLAs wore black bands during the House proceedings against the L-G's move. Later, Goel had written to Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan over the issue, alleging the power of legislation is being encroached upon by the L-G who has "killed" democracy with his order. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Masaba Gupta has condoled the death of renowned fashion designer Kate Spade, saying mental health issues should be addressed with utmost seriousness. Spade, one of the biggest names in American fashion, was found dead in her Park Avenue apartment from an apparent suicide, the police said. She was 55. Masaba said people need to "reach out" to their loved ones with "compassion and kindness" if they suspect that a person might be suffering from depression or anxiety. "One of the most successful entrepreneurs in fashion. My heart goes out to her family. Such a strange, damaged time we live. I don't know what drives someone to do this but if we must learn every time we hear of someone passing in this manner , we must think harder about that friend who said they're not ok , or even check in on an acquaintance that looked out of it," Gupta wrote on Instagram. "Maybe we need to look at people harder & look at ourselves harder - all with compassion & kindness. Drop your ego and reach out - even at the risk of seeming crazy or invasive. Reach out, but mean it," she added. Gupta, 29, also said that depression and anxiety are "very real". "I don't know what drove Kate spade & I don't want to speak out of turn but on another note please understand - Depression, anxiety etc are very real. They're here and they are in our face like never before. We are the most connected of generations... one call away but a million miles away, in our heads, somehow there has never been a greater disconnect between human beings and we must be very conscious & aware at this time," Gupta added. The death of Spade - known for her sleek and colourful handbags - was confirmed by her label on Twitter. "Kate Spade, the visionary founder of our brand, has passed. Our thoughts are with her family at this incredibly heartbreaking time. We honor all the beauty she brought into this world (sic)," KSNY said in a statement. Her death was mourned by a number of celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon, Josh Groban, Mindy Kaling and Lena Dunham, who remembered her as a "visionary", who made women feel beautiful with her "colourful, quirky" designs. Spade is survived by her husband and 13-year-old daughter Frances Beatrix. According to People magazine, the designer's estranged sister Reta Brosnahan Saffo alleged Spade was suffering from "mental illness for a number of years", a claim denied by the family. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BSF has decided to not lower and continue to maintain a high level of vigil along the International Border (IB) in the Jammu frontier despite a recent sector commander level meeting, held to ease tensions, a senior official said today. Over 30,000 people, who fled border hamlets along the IB in Akhnoor sector due to heavy shelling by Pakistan on June 3 resulting in death of two BSF jawans and injuries to 16 others, have returned to their homes after a meeting between Pak rangers and BSF on June 4. However, the border guarding force continues to be alert. "We have not lowered our guard along the border (after the sector commander level meeting). We are on alert", IG, BSF (Jammu Frontier) Ram Awtar told PTI. He the border with Pakistan was silent as there were no ceasefire violations for the last couple of days. People have returned back to their homes after the sector commander level meeting between BSF and Pak rangers on June 4, the official said. "People will slowly get the confidence to resume farming activity," he said. Asked about the reports of use of flying objects by Pakistan along the IB in Akhnoor sector, the IG said these things keep happening and there was nothing to worry. According to some reports, the people of a border hamlet in Pargwal saw red light emitting object flying close to the border last night. Earlier, on Monday, the border-guarding forces of India and Pakistan decided to ensure peace by "holding fire" along the IB in Jammu and Kashmir, a day after two BSF jawans were killed amidst a spate of ceasefire violations by Pakistan. A sector commander-level meeting of the BSF and the Pakistan Rangers was held at the Octroi post in R S Pura sector after the two sides mutually decided to talk. According to official data, there were 1,252 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir since January to May 31 this year. Last month, thousands of people residing along the IB in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts had to flee their houses following intense shelling from the Pakistani side. On May 29, the DGMOs of India and Pakistan agreed to "fully implement" the ceasefire pact of 2003 in "letter and spirit" to stop border skirmishes in Jammu and Kashmir. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Earth hosted life much earlier than thought, according to scientists who found that the planet may have developed its outer crust within 350 million years of the formation of the solar system. Continental crust is richer in essential minerals than younger volcanic rock, which would have made it significantly friendlier to supporting life. Counting strontium atoms in rocks from northern Canada, researchers from University of Chicago in the US found evidence that the Earth's continental crust could have formed hundreds of millions of years earlier than previously thought. "Our evidence, which squares with emerging evidence including rocks in western Australia, suggests that the early Earth was capable of forming continental crust within 350 million years of the formation of the solar system," said Patrick Boehnke, the postdoctoral fellow at University of Chicago. "This alters the classic view, that the crust was hot, dry and hellish for more than half a billion years after it formed," said Boehnke. One of the open questions in geology is how and when some of the crust - originally all younger volcanic rock - changed into the continental crust we know and love, which is lighter and richer in silica. This task is made harder because the evidence keeps getting melted and reformed over millions of years. One of the few places on Earth where you can find bits of crust from the very earliest epochs of Earth is in tiny flecks of apatite imbedded in younger rocks. Some of these "younger" minerals (about 3.9 billion years old) are zircons - very hard, weather-resistant minerals somewhat similar to diamonds. "Zircons are a geologist's favourite because these are the only record of the first three to four hundred million years of Earth. Diamonds aren't forever - zircons are," Boehnke said. Plus, the zircons themselves can be dated. "Having continental crust that early changes the picture of early Earth in a number of ways," said Davis. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tech firm Engineer.ai today said it expects to significantly ramp up its revenues to up to USD 150 million in the next five years from its suite of app development solutions. The company expects this growth to be driven by its 'Builder' solution that allows people -- even those without technical skills -- to get customised apps built for Android, iOS and other platforms. "Often people want to build apps but many times, they don't have the technical skills or have been misled by developers. We want to offer a model that can help them choose the kind of app they want to build without worrying about the technicalities," Engineer.ai co-founder Sachin Dev Duggal told reporters here. He added that the cost of service will depend on the level of customisation and the features that the app has. The company also offers services to host and operate the app. "We expect USD 100-150 million in revenue to come in over the next five years from these services... Last year, our revenue was about USD 14 million," he said. Drawing parallels with the process of ordering a pizza, Duggal said its "human-assisted artificial intelligence" platform allows users to pick features they want to include on the app, right from building the app to finer additions like Facebook integration. "Depending on features added like expected delivery time of the app, the cost is shown in real-time bringing in transparency," Duggal said. Builder has partnered with about 60 companies, including IT firms and outsourcing companies, globally to use their manpower to work on these projects. Engineer.ai already has about 80 such projects active. "These engineers are located in multiple time zones. We currently have about 20,000 engineers working with us, which we want to scale up to two million engineers by 2020... We also expect to increase the number of projects to about 1,000 per month in the next 12 months," he said. Duggal added that the company will target these solutions towards small and medium businesses, large enterprises as well as entrepreneurs, adding that in India, its customers can get apps developed for any one platform with up to 10 features for Rs 2.99 lakh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court today sentenced former AIADMK minister V Sathyamoothy to five years' rigorous imprisonment in a disproportionate wealth case, setting aside a lower court order which had acquitted him. Sathyamoorthy was minister for commercial taxes between 1993 and 1996 during J Jayalalithaa's first tenure as chief minister. Justice G Jayachandran also sentenced Sathyamoorthy's wife to two years RI in the case and directed them to pay Rs 5 lakh each as fine, in default of which they would have to each undergo one-year simple imprisonment. The judge was allowing an appeal by Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption, challenging the lower court order, which had acquitted the two in August 2000. The judge said "Unfortunately, the trial court has projected whimsical reasons to discredit the prosecution witnesses. The trial court had invented a view which is totally impossible and perverse, based on the imagination and conjunctions for the sake of acquittal of the accused." The prosecution's charge was Sathyamoorthy had amassed Rs 83.01 lakh in his name and that of his family members. Referring to the trial judge order, reducing the value of the assets by Rs 21 lakh from the total value, the judge said that contrary to documentary evidence, a vague explanation of the defence was accepted by the trial court with regard to sale consideration of the properties. The court had in an 'arbitrary manner' reduced about Rs 21 lakh from the total value of assets, he said. Referring to non-filing of Income Tax returns by the accused, the judge said that as per the code of conduct for ministers, Sathyamoorthy should have declared the assets he had acquired while in office,which he had not done.The returns were submitted subsequent to registration of an FIR, he noted. The judge said the trial court had totally ignored the explanation related to Section 13(1)(e) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Facebook has data-sharing pacts with at least four Chinese companies including Huawei that has been flagged by American intelligence agencies as a national security threat, a media report has claimed. Facebook said the agreements with the Chinese companies allowed them access similar to what was offered to BlackBerry, which could retrieve detailed information on both device users and all of their friends including religious and political leanings, work and education history and relationship status, The New York Times reported yesterday. The agreements date back to 2010, but the Huawei deal would end by the weekend, Facebook said. Facebook has data-sharing partnerships with Huawei, Lenovo, Oppo and TCL, which gave these Chinese companies private access to certain user data, the daily said. "The deals were part of an effort to push more mobile users onto the social network starting in 2007, before stand-alone Facebook apps worked well on phones. "The agreements allowed device makers to offer some Facebook features, such as address books, 'like' buttons and status updates," the daily said. Top American lawmakers expressed concern over such an agreement by Facebook with Chinese companies. "The that Facebook provided privileged access to Facebook's API (Application Programming Interface) to Chinese device makers like Huawei and TCL raises legitimate concerns, and I look forward to learning more about how Facebook ensured that information about their users was not sent to Chinese servers," Senator Mark Warner, Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence said. "Concerns about Huawei aren't new they were widely publicised beginning in 2012, when the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence released a well-read report on the close relationships between the Chinese Communist Party and equipment makers like Huawei," Warner said. Senators John Thune and Bill Nelson, who respectively serve as the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, pressed Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg for answers following the NYT report that Facebook offered numerous mobile device manufacturers special access to private user information. Citing ongoing efforts by the committee to oversee Facebook data privacy and security practices, the two Senators in a letter to Zuckerberg seek details about his congressional testimony related to user control of personal information, efforts by Facebook to ensure business partner compliance with privacy policies, data storage and retention practices, disclosures to the Federal Trade Commission, and the identities of mobile device manufacturers who partnered with Facebook to receive special access. According to an advisory last month, personnel on US military bases can no longer buy phones and other gear manufactured by Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE, after the Pentagon said the devices pose an "unacceptable" security risk. "Huawei and ZTE devices may pose an unacceptable risk to (military) personnel, information and mission," Pentagon spokesman Major Dave Eastburn has said last month. Huawei, one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in the world, was the recipient of billions of dollars in lines of credit from China's state-owned policy banks, helping to fuel its overseas expansion in Africa, Europe and Latin America, the daily said. Its founder Ren Zhengfei is a former engineer in the People's Liberation Army, it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Banking operations were hit across the western Odisha district of Bargarh today as farmers staged agitations alleging non-payment of insurance claims for crop loss. Farmers of the district, under the aegis of Krushak Sangathan Samanway Samiti (KSSS), picketed outside the banks during the day. The protesters also locked the office of an insurance company in Bargarh and staged dharna outside the building alleging that despite coverage under Pradhan Mantri Phasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), they were denied the claims. The farmers said the whole Bargarh district was affected by drought during the Kharif season in 2017 but the insurance company is yet to disburse the claim to the affected farmers. Though the insurance company had assured that it would disburse the claims by May 31, it failed to do so. The company officials are now telling the farmers that they will disburse the money on June 20, but they are not giving claim report, KSSS President, Jayakrushna Sahu said. Stating that the insurance company is supposed to pay Rs 733 crore as claims, he said the delay is making farmers apprehensive that they will not get the actual claim amount. Sahu said the insurance company should show the claim report before it disburses the insurance money to the account of farmers. As many as 1,02,971 farmers had cultivated paddy in the district by taking loan from banks, while 853 farmers had not taken bank loan during the Kharif season in 2017, he said. Noting that all the farmers had insured their crop, Sahu said the insurance company had collected Rs 128 crore as premium for insuring the crop, but it is now delaying disbursement. The farmers withdrew their stir after talks with the officials of district administration. Bargarh District Collector Indramani Tripathy said the farmers were told during discussion that the insurance money would be disbursed by the insurance company shortly. Making it clear that the company cannot curtail insurance claim arbitrarily, he said the district witnessed large scale crop loss due to drought in 2017. Delay in disbursement was caused by some discrepancies in data of some villages and the company officials are sorting out the matter, the Collector said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress President Rahul Gandhi today announced here that the farmers' loan would be waived within 10 days if his party comes to power in Madhya Pradesh later this year. "Here Kamal Nath (MP Congress President) and Jyotiraditya Scindia (the State poll campaign committee chairman) are sitting. I want to assure you that within 10-days of coming to power in Madhya Pradesh, the government will waive (farmers') loan," Rahul said. He was addressing a rally at Pipliya Mandi in Mandsaur district to commemorate the first anniversary of police firing on farmers during an agitation in which six farmers were killed. The Congress president also promised that a government of his party in the state would take action against those responsible for the police firing on farmers on this day last year. Assembly polls are due in Madhya Pradesh in November this year along with Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today directed officials to expedite the process for Patanjali Ayurved to set up its Rs 6,000-crore food park, after the company said it was pulling out from the project due to non-cooperation from the state government. "The formalities will be completed soon," UP Infrastructure and Industrial Development Minister Satish Mahana said. Earlier, a government spokesman clarified that the project has not been cancelled and Adityanath spoke to Acharya Balkrishna, managing director of the firm promoted by Yoga guru Baba Ramdev. "The chief minister has talked to Acharya Balkrishna and heard his grievances. There is no cancellation yet. They have been allotted land and the project is to commence, Principal Secretary (Information) Awanish Awasthi told PTI. He said the chief minister has directed officials to expedite the process. Industrial Development Minister Mahana said, We will not let Patanjali go from the state. Our CM has talked to Patanjali. The formalities will be completed soon." He said the state government was talking about incentives as well, and there were some technical issues involved. We are bringing a proposal in this regard to the cabinet," the minister said. The Haridwar-based company had proposed to invest up to Rs 6,000 crore to set up a plant spread over 425 acres along the Yamuna Expressway through its step-down firm Patanjali Food and Herbal Park. On Tuesday, Balkrishna had told PTI: "We are cancelling the project as we did not get required clearances from the UP state government." The company planned to shift the project to some other state, he had said, adding, "We did not get any cooperation from the state government for this project."Patanjali had earlier said its new plant would produce goods worth Rs 25,000 crore annually, if it runs to its full capacity. It would also create 10,000 direct jobs, Patanjali had said. Patanjali is also investing in mega food park projects in Nagpur (Maharashtra) and Tezpur (Assam) as well. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bosnian Muslim wartime commander Naser Oric who defended Srebrenica, site of an infamous massacre by Serb forces, faces retrial for war crimes after an earlier acquittal was quashed, his lawyer said today. "We received the tribunal's ruling informing us that his (acquittal) was quashed due to serious violation of criminal proceedings," Lejla Covic told AFP. "The Sarajevo-based Court of Bosnia-Hercegovina ordered that Oric, 51, be re-tried," Covic added. Contacted by AFP the tribunal confirmed the ruling. Oric was acquitted in October 2017 of charges of committing war crimes against Serbs while he was defending Srebrenica. The ruling sparked outrage from Serbian leaders and victims' groups but was hailed by Bosnian Muslims in a country deeply divided along ethnic lines since its 1992-1995 war. Oric was one of only a few Bosnian Muslim commanders to face trial for atrocities committed against Serbs. He was acquitted of killing three ethnic Serb prisoners in 1992. Another Bosnian army soldier was also found not guilty. Oric's acquittal came after the judge ruled that the testimony of a protected witness, key for the indictment, lacked credibility and was contradictory. Victims' associations estimate that 2,428 Serb civilians and soldiers were killed in the Srebrenica area during the 1992-1995 conflict. Oric defended Srebrenica, where 8,000 Muslim men and boys were later massacred by Serb forces, the worst atrocity in Europe since World War II. But in 2006, he was sentenced by a UN war crimes court to two years in jail for not doing enough to protect Srebrenica's Serb population during the war. He was acquitted on appeal in 2008. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Puducherry PWD Minister and PCC president A Namassivayam today paid homage to the statue of former Puducherry Chief Minister and freedom fighter V Venkatasubba Reddiar on his 36th death anniversary. V Vaithilingam, speaker of Puducherry Assembly and son of Reddiar, Welfare Minister M Kandasamy, Congress legislators and delegates of different wings of the party were among those who paid floral tributes. Workers of the ruling Congress paid homage to the portrait of Reddiar on the PCC office premises here. Venkatasubba Reddiar was the second chief minister of Puducherry after its liberation from French regime in 1962. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) France, Britain, Germany and the EU today sent the United States a joint official request for their companies to be exempt from punitive measures resulting from fresh US sanctions on Iran. "As allies, we expect that the United States will refrain from taking action to harm Europe's security interests," said the letter to US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The French Ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler today underlined the need to treat waste in the most scientific manner in view of India producing 64 million tonnes of waste annually, of which only 30 per cent istreated. Ziegler was speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between French firm 3Wayste and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, the civic body of Bengaluru. The company signed the MoU to conduct a feasibility test onwaste management. It intends to bring in its waste-to-energyplant with a capacity of 500 tonnes atChikkanagamangala on the outskirts of the city. Ziegler said "Today we are dealing with the most important matter. It is a most crucial issue the world faces today. Every year India generates about 64 million tonnes of waste, of which around 30 per cent only is being treated." He said the situation may worsen further, requiring treating of soil, air and water. Ziegler said the French company has a lot of experience and successes in waste management. He said the event he attended today was not just a ritual one, but also a commitment to launch it. "We are not talking or signing MOU, but we are actually launching this project today. I firmly believe that this project will soon become a flagship for many other projects, not only in this country, but in other parts of the world and that will be a benchmark in terms of waste management," Ziegler said. Bengaluru Mayor R Sampath Raj,who was present along with Palike officials, also wished success for this project. The monstrously growing problem of waste disposal in Bengaluru had forced BBMP to take several measures, but without much success. A BBMP official said the transportation cost of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) produced in the waste processing units of BBMP to the cement companies, located 600 km away, is Rs 20,000 per truck, which is not economically feasible. According to the MoU,BBMP and bulk generators will supply 300 tonnes and 200 tonnes of mixed waste to the plant. The civic agency will not pay any tipping fee. Thecompany will invest about Rs 250 crore on this project andproduce seven MW of power every day. BBMP will not grant a loan tothe company. The 15 acres of land where the plant will come upwill have a 30 year lease period and the company will sellpower to BESCOM (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company) at Rs7.08 per KV. The firm has to start its operations in seven months and after completion of lease period, the entire facility hasto be handed over to the BBMP. Palike has made it clear thatthe land cannot be pledged for any loan and its work cannot be subleased. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) French judges have dismissed a third allegation of rape against Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan who is currently detained over two other rape claims, his lawyer said today. The 55-year-old said he had a consensual relationship with Mounia Rabbouj, a French Muslim woman, who accused him of raping her nine times between 2013 and 2014, lawyer Emmanuel Marsigny said. "The magistrates considered, following explanations from Mr Ramadan and some documents that he was able to provide, that there was no need to investigate Mr Ramadan concerning" the third woman, he added. "He explained at length to the magistrates... that there had been sexual games, that there had been sexual relations as well, but that they were always freely consensual." The prominent TV pundit and Oxford University professor, whose grandfather founded Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood movement, has been held since February on charges that he raped two women in France. A third and fourth complainant later came forward. Marsigny said the latest marks a "turning point" in the case. Many of Ramadan's supporters -- including two million Facebook followers -- insist Ramadan has been unfairly targeted because he is Muslim, while his lawyer has slammed what he describes as "lies" and inconsistencies by Ramadan's accusers. Ramadan's first accuser, Henda Ayari, 41, is a feminist activist who previously practised a conservative strain of Islam. She says Ramadan raped her in a Paris hotel room in 2012. A second woman, who is disabled, claims that Ramadan raped and beat her in a hotel in the southeastern city of Lyon in 2009. Rabbouj, his third accuser, filed her complaint in March. A fourth woman has filed rape charges in Geneva against Ramadan. Judges last month refused bail for Ramadan, a Swiss citizen, who is being treated behind bars for multiple sclerosis. He has denied wrongdoing and is suing one of his accusers, Ayari, for slander. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP leader Shanta Kumar today said he has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to start giving direct income support to farmers of the country so that incidents of suicide by peasants can be prevented. "Farmers are so neglected that over 3.5 lakh have committed suicide and such is pouring in daily. It is a matter of great concern, the former Union minister told media-persons here today. Kumar, the BJP MP from Kangra, said direct income support was one of the recommendations made by a committee chaired by him. The panel was constituted by the Modi governmentand agriculture scientist Ashok Gulati was also a member, he said. The BJP MP said the panel's report was submitted in 2015 but not implemented till date even though the committee discussed it with the prime minister himself. The panel will meet the prime minister again in the next parliament session, he added. The committee had suggested basic changes in public the distribution, which is bedevilled with rampant corruption, he said. The prime minister also wants that direct benefits must go into the bank accounts of beneficiaries, Kumar said. If direct benefit transfer is implemented, the beneficiaries shall be helped 100 percent, he added. The BJP MP said that in a letter to Modi, he has said that through direct support, corruption in PDS will vanish and farmers will get around Rs 30,000 crore every year. Similarly the fertiliser subsidy of around Rs 70,000 crore will too go it the accounts of beneficiaries, he added. Kumar said he had written the letter to the prime minister to help farmers so that suicides could be stopped. Though, under Modi's leadership many schemes were launched to double the income of farmers, the results will take time, while the farmer community needs help today, he said. I am happy that the government of Telangana has decided to give Rs 8,000 per acre per year to farmers as per our report, he said. Many countries are of the view that direct financial benefits need to be given to farmers to keep them attached to their work, he said. The income of government and other employees has increased 120 t0 150 fold but that of farmers has just risen 19 times in past 50 years, he said. Among the poor people in the country, 80 per cent are farmers, he said. Kumar also advocated that only state governments should procure food grains for buffer stock. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Union government today approved the continuation of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III programmes, together costing more than Rs 10,000 crore, in a move that will help ISRO launch light and heavy-weight satellites. The operationalisation of PSLV, ISRO's most-trusted workhorse, has made India self-reliant in launching satellites for earth observation, disaster management, navigation and space sciences. For heavy satellites, India is helped by the French, which launches its satellites from Kourou in French Guinea in South America. The cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also gave its nod for funding 30 PSLV operational flights under the programme. The PSLV programme is expected to meet the launch requirements of satellites for earth observation, navigation and space sciences and will also ensure the continuity of production by the Indian industry. The fund requirement is Rs 6,131 crore and includes the cost of 30 PSLV vehicles, essential facility augmentation, programme management and launch campaign. The PSLV Continuation Programme (Phase 6) will meet the demand for launch of satellites at a frequency of up to eight launches per year, with maximum participation from the Indian industry. All operational flights would be completed during the period 2019-2024, the government said in a statement. PSLV continuation programme was initially sanctioned in 2008, and four phases have been completed and the fifth phase is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2019-20. The phase-6 approval will cater to the launch of satellite missions from the third quarter of 2019-20 to first quarter of 2023-24. With the recent successful launch of PSLV-C41 on April 12, PSLV has completed three developmental and 43 operational flights and the last 41 flights have been successful. The cabinet also approved funding for the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III Continuation Programme (Phase-1), consisting of 10 GSLV (Mk-III) flights, at an estimated cost of Rs 4,338 crore. The GSLV Mk-III Continuation Programme (Phase1) is the first phase of operational flights that will enable the launch of four-tonne class of communication satellites. The operationalisation of GSLV Mk-III will make India self-reliant in launching four-tonne class of communication satellites, sustain and strengthen the space infrastructure and reduce the dependence on procured launches from foreign countries. The cabinet was also apprised of a memorandum of understanding signed between India and Oman in February in Muscat for peaceful use of the outer space. The MoU shall enable cooperation in areas such as space science, technology and applications including remote-sensing of the Earth, satellite-based navigation, space science, planetary exploration, use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system and application of space technology. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union minister on Wednesday said the government decided to half the as he felt that the students were getting overburdened and consequently did not find time for extra-curricular activities. The decision to cut half of the syllabus was announced by the Union last week. "There is a huge load of books and information, and students have no time. There is no time for physical education, value and life skills. "So, we decided to half the portion (syllabus). There is no need to teach them everything. Students should learn principles and rest of the knowledge they can gain later," Javadekar said. The has received 37,000 suggestions from parents, teachers and educationists regarding the government's decision to lessen the burden of books, he said at an event marking the 10th foundation day of the Foundation for Restoration of National Values (FRNV) here. While making the announcement on June 2, Javadekar had said the was so "cramped" that the government had decided to reduce it by half. The minister said values cannot be inculcated among children unless they are provided to them at home and also suggested training for parents in this regard. He lauded FRNV's initiative to integrate value in the school system in India and assured that the will work with it as a "partner". FRNV chaired by 'Metro Man' E Sreedharan was founded in 2008. On the occasion, Sreedharan said value is not being taught at state-run schools and asked the government to take steps for this. "Value education is the primary step needed by the country. Emphasis on it in government schools is not sufficient. If government schools start it, other schools will also be encouraged to do so," he said. FRNV is a non-political, non-profit and non-religious organisation aimed at restoring national values and nurturing ethics and integrity in all walks of life. A journal based on value-based education was also released at the event organised at the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation's headquarters at Metro Bhawan. The government today approved a proposal for a 10-km bridge across river Ganga in Allahabad to be built at a cost of Rs 1,948 crore. The decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The CCEA... approved the project for construction of 9.9 km long new 6-lane bridge across the Ganga on NH 96 at Phaphamau in Allahabad with total capital cost of Rs 1,948.25 crore," a statement from the ministry of road and highways said. The project, expected to be completed by December 2021, will resolve the traffic congestion on the existing 2-lane Phaphamau bridge, it said. It will also ease the rush during Kumbh, Ardh-Kumbh and other rituals at 'sangam' and will boost the pilgrimage tourism and local economy of Allahahad. "The bridge will also be beneficial for the Lucknow / Faizabad bound traffic coming from Madhya Pradesh via NH 27 and NH 76 through Naini Bridge," the statement said. It added that the project will generate direct employment during construction for about 9.20 lakh mandays. The traffic on the old bridge is about 40,000 PCUs (Passenger Car Units) which is much greater than its designed capacity of 15,000 PCUs, resulting in severe congestion. The government said there were only 13 bridges on the Ganga between Allahabad to Farakka before May 2014, but later additional 20 bridges were planned, of which 5 have been opened to traffic and 7 are under construction. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the Rs 10,000 crore fund of funds created by the government will ensure funding to the tune of Rs 1 lakh crore for startups, which are now mushrooming in smaller towns and also in unconventional segments like agriculture and social sectors. He said the Rs 10,000 crore fund has helped venture capital funds provide assistance of Rs 7,000 crore to startups. This fund, he said, in the long run will ensure funding of Rs 1 lakh crore to startups in the country. To strengthen the ecosystem for budding entrepreneurs, the government too has created an ecosystem, he said. Starting from availability of funds, the government has worked on areas like setting up of tinkering labs, incubation centres, removing regulatory hurdles, providing tax incentives and support in the field of legal issues and intellectual property rights. These initiatives have helped entrepreneurs even in smaller cities, towns and villages and these areas are emerging as vibrant startup centres, the Prime Minister said while interacting with young entrepreneurs from across the country, including cities like Dehradun, Guwahati and Raipur. "Adequate capital, courage and connecting with people are required for excelling in the startup sector," he said. Modi said there was a time when startups meant only digital and technology innovation but now things are changing and we are seeing startups in various other fields, including agriculture. "We have started an Agriculture Grand Challenge. We invite more youngsters to ideate on how to transform our agriculture sector," he said. The government has launched the Startup India Action Plan to promote budding entrepreneurs in the country. The plan is aimed at giving incentives such as tax holiday, inspector raj-free regime and capital gains tax exemption. Emphasising on the importance of startups, he said these are growth engines of the future. "Today's big companies were startups at some point. I urge the people of India to keep innovating," he said. Modi added that the youth in India are creating jobs and the government is committed to harnessing the demographic dividend. To promote the products of young entrepreneurs, he said the government has eased public procurement norms for them. He also said that along with Make in India, Design in India too is important for startups. Modi said India is a young nation where 65 per cent of the population is below 35 years of age and this demographic dividend would become a driving force for the country. "In the last 4 years, we have worked in this direction. To promote and support innovation, we started Startup India scheme," he said. Under this initiative, startups have been registered in about 419 districts in 28 states and 6 UTs so far, out of which 44 per cent are in tier 2 and 3 cities. This shows that youth from small cities and villages can contribute to the country's growth story, he said. "Today in the country, 45 per cent startups are started by women and one startup on an average provides job opportunities for 12 people," he said. Talking about the steps being taken by the government, Modi said it is working in the direction of providing market for startups and asked them to join the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). He also said that trademark and patent registrations have increased multiple times since 2013-14. About 68,000 trademark registrations happened in 2013-14 and now this number has increased to over 2.5 lakh, Modi said. Similarly, patent registrations too have jumped to over 11,500 from 4,000 in 2013-14. He also called upon people to share stories about persons who are working on innovative ideas with the hashtag '#innovate India'. "Let's start a movement. You must also have an idea, share those with us with this hashtag," he said, urging people to make 'innovate India' a mass movement. In the future, startups will help drive innovation and contribute to the country's growth prospects. Emphasising on the importance of innovation, he said if "we will not innovate, we will become stagnant". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government has constituted a group, headed by Bharat Forge Chairman Baba Kalyani, to study the special economic zones (SEZ) policy of India, the commerce ministry today said. "The group will evaluate the SEZ policy, suggest measures to cater to the needs of exporters in the present economic scenario and make the policy WTO (World Trade Organisation) compatible, suggest course correction in policy, make comparative analysis of the SEZ scheme and dovetail the policy with other similar schemes," it said in a statement. It would submit its recommendation in three month. The SEZ Act, 2005, supported by SEZ rules, came into effect on February 10, 2006. The members of the group include Sricity SEZ MD Ravindra Sannareddy, Group President of K Raheja Group Neel Raheja, Tata Steel SEZ MD Arun Misra, Mahindra Life Space Developer MD Anita Arjundas and Principal Secretaries (Industries) of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The move assumes significance as the US has approached the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism against India's export support schemes including SEZ. The US has alleged that India appears to be providing subsidies through various export promotion programmes, special economic zones and duty-free imports for the exporters' programme. America has alleged that these incentives were harming their companies. SEZs have emerged as major export hubs in the country as the government provides several incentives including tax benefits and single window clearance system. The developers and units of these zones enjoy certain fiscal and non-fiscal incentives such as no licence requirement for import; full freedom for subcontracting; and no routine examination by customs authorities of export/import cargo. They also enjoy direct and indirect tax benefits. Exports from special economic zones grew by about 15 per cent to Rs 5.52 lakh crore in 2017-18. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today said the government will challenge a Delhi Court order overturning its demand for higher tax for extension of contracts of producing oil and gas fields. The Delhi High Court had on May 31 ordered extension of Cairn India's Rajasthan oil block contract for 10 years beyond 2020 on old terms and conditions. "Government will go for appeal," he said at a conference here. The government had in March last year approved a new policy for extension of production sharing contracts (PSCs) that provided for an extension beyond the initial 25-year contract period only if companies operating the fields agree to increase the state's share of profit by 10 per cent. Cairn, which has since merged with its parent Vedanta, challenged the policy. The court last week ordered that the PSC for the block be extended till 2030 on the same terms and agreements when it was first entered into in 1995. It had also directed the government to formally communicate its decision extending the Rajasthan block production sharing contract within two weeks. Pradhan said the extension policy flowed from its Discovered Small Field auction policy where it was provided that extension will be given on payment of additional 10 per cent profit petroleum. "The government has the authority to frame policy," he said. "We will stick to that policy framework and government will go for an appeal (in higher court)." The 25-year contract for exploration and production of oil and gas from Barmer block RJ-ON-90/1 is due for renewal on May 14, 2020, but Cairn India, which has since merged with parent Vedanta, has to, as per a new policy, apply for a 10-year extension. The company moved Delhi High Court as it felt that the May 1995 PSC for the block provided for an automatic 10-year extension on same commercial terms if there is oil and gas left to be produced. But the government had midway retrospectively changed fiscal terms. State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), which as a government nominee picked up 30 per cent stake in the Rajasthan block in 1995, also was of the opinion that PSC provides for an extension on the same terms. ONGC had first in May 2015, then again on at least two occasions in 2016, concurred with Cairn's interpretation of the PSC for extension of the Rajasthan contract by 10 years on same terms. Vedanta had moved the court after its request to the government in 2009 to extend the PSC did not elicit any response. It had claimed that the delay in a decision by the government was preventing it from infusing further investment of over Rs 30,000 crore in the project. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gujarat ministers and IAS officers would hold discussions on bringing in good governance measures in a three-day brainstorming session beginning tomorrow in Vadodara city. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and his deputy Nitin Patel would also participate in the 'Chintan Shibir' to be held in the premises of Vadodara-based Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd (GSFC), an official release said today. A total of 200 participants, including probationary IAS officers, would join the discussions on ways to bring in good governance in administration, it said. Some of the key issues on table include urban administration, new opportunities in agricultural sector, measures for bringing down child and mother mortality rates, malnutrition, rural development, improving quality of education etc, the release said. Ministers and bureaucrats would also join panel discussions and group discussions on these issues. Separate panel discussions are being planned with a view to generate new ideas for making administrative procedures more responsive, transparent, and vigilant, it said. The chief minister would distribute awards of 'best district Collector' and 'best district Development Officer' on June 9, the concluding day of the session. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two gunmen riding on a motorcycle opened fire on a parked police vehicle in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta today, killing one policeman and wounding two others. The gunmen with their faces covered opened fire on the police van on the Arbab Karam Khan road in Quetta. One policeman was killed on the spot in the firing incident while two others were injured and rushed to a hospital, a senior police officer said. Quetta is the provincial capital of Balochistan where separatist groups for years have been demanding a greater share of provincial resources. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd) Dr B D Mishra has requested the Union Human Resources Development ministry for opening up of residential Kendriya Vidyalaya schools in few border districts of the state in conjunction with Navodaya Vidyalayas. The governor, who is presently in the national capital, called on Union HRD Minister Prakash Javedkar yesterday and emphasized on opening of such schools in remote areas and higher reaches of the border districts, a Raj Bhawan release said here today. "In addition to the help for our school going children, the people living in these areas will also be benefited by such schools in great measures. This initiative will also help in the development of the area, generation of employment and livelihood," he said. The HRD minister appreciated the suggestion of the governor and promised his full support. Javedkar promised to open residential Kendriya Vidyalaya-cum-Navodaya Vidyalayas as early as possible, it said. The governor also requested the minister to appoint a Director for the NIT at Yupia and a permanent Vice Chancellor for Rajiv Gandhi University. The minister promised to complete the process of the appointment of Director and Vice Chancellor at an early date. The governor also had a meeting with the commissioner of Navodaya Vidyalaya where he briefed him regarding the need for opening of primary and secondary schools for the young children in the state, the release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court today termed as infructuous a plea by Sasan Power Ltd, a Reliance Power subsidiary, seeking permission to extract excess coal from two mines in Madhya Pradesh, saying that the Centre was already examining the issue. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and C Hari Shankar also noted that an inter ministerial committee had severely criticised the mining being conducted by Sasan Power Ltd (SPL) holding that there was high moisture content in the coal due to water not being properly pumped out. It also said that SPL was asked to improve the quality of mining. The committee, led by the chairman, Central Electricity Authority, was formed to examine the issue of requirement of coal for Sasan Ultra Mega Power Project (Sasan UMPP)and give its recommendation. "In any case, the respondents (Union of India and Ministry of Coal) are examining the requests for increase in the variations in the mining cap on behalf of the petitioner (SPL) on the basis of factual disclosures made by them. The application is therefore, dismissed as infructuous," the bench said. It passed the order on the application of the company seeking permission to mine at least 19 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of coal from Moher and Moher Amlohri Extension coal mines in Madhya Pradesh during the financial year 2017-18. "We also find that so far as the request of the petitioner to permit increase of the cap for the coal mining is concerned, the Ministry (of Coal) has been taking considered decisions," it said. The company had earlier sought permission to mine coal from its two mines in excess of the 17 MTPA cap to enable it to run the 3,960-megawatt Sasan UMPP in the state. In an affidavit, the coal ministry had told the court that through a letter of February 26 this year, it had permitted Reliance Power, as an interim one-time measure, to extract 18 MTPA in excess of the 17 MTPA cap. The company was granted the permission to produce additional one million tonne for the financial year ending March 31, 2018. SPL, in its application, had contended that the mining of 17 MTPA of the mineral allowed from its Moher and Moher Amlohri blocks was not enough to carry out operations till the end of the financial year 2017-18. The firm had claimed that if it was not allowed to mine another two MTPA, that is up to 19 MTPA, in 2017-18, it would not be able to meet the requirements of Sasan UMPP that supplies electricity to 14 discoms in seven states, including Delhi. It had submitted that in such a situation, the threat of a shutdown was looming large over the operation of the power project. According to the company, it supplied electricity under a 25-year-long power purchase agreement on a tariff of Rs 1.196 per kWh to 14 discoms across the states of Delhi, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The application was filed in the main writ petition by Reliance Power and Sasan challenging the Centre's May 7, 2015, decision to cancel one of the three coal blocks allocated to Sasan UMPP. The government had justified the cancellation, saying the unit's coal requirement could be met by the other two mines, Moher and Moher-Amlohri extension. The integrated power plant-cum-coal mining project at a single location involved an investment of over Rs 27,000 crore, the petition said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court today dismissed a PIL seeking a detailed investigation into what it called "lapses" of the Centre in saving 39 Indians, who were killed by ISIS in Iraq in 2014, saying such pleas deserve "condemnation" and "need to be discouraged". A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar said the plea, by a lawyer, reflected "extreme insensitivity" towards the kin of the victims and the suffering they underwent and also does not take into account the steps taken by the central government to save the 39 Indians. Observing that such pleas deserve "condemnation" and "need to be discouraged", the court imposed a cost of Rs 1 lakh on the petitioner-lawyer, Mehmood Pracha, who was asked to deposit the amount in favour of the advocates welfare fund within four weeks. Pracha, in his plea, had contended that the Centre was aware long back that the Indians had been killed by the terror outfit after their abduction from Mosul, but had chosen not to disclose it and kept taking the stand that they were alive. He had claimed that there were glaring anomalies in the statement made by the External Affairs Minister on the floor of Parliament. He had sought an investigation into the deaths as he wanted to know when and how the Indians were killed. Advocate Manik Dogra, who had appeared for the Centre and the Intelligence Bureau during the proceedings, had argued that there was no public interest in this petition which should be dismissed with cost. He had also highlighted the efforts made by the government to rescue the Indians, who were taken hostage at Mosul and said helplines were also set up by the Indian embassy. The Centre's lawyer had earlier told the court that the government does not say "missing, presumed dead". He had added that "till 100 per cent confirmation of death, we continue to believe they are alive". Pracha had in 2015 moved the court challenging a look-out circular issued against him to prevent him and his delegation from going to Iraq. In his PIL, he has claimed that the reason he was stopped from travelling to Iraq was to ensure that his delegation did not find out about the fate of the 39 Indians, whose bodies were recently exhumed from a mass grave in Badosh, a village near Mosul, and brought back. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Expressing shock over a "well-oiled racket" operating in the field of motor accident insurance claims, the Madras High Court today ordered a CB-CID probe into the case of three claims made for the death of a same person. Justice P N Prakash ordered that the probe into the case, being handled by the Kancheepuram District crime branch, be handed over to the CB-CID. He gave the directive after going through a status report filed by the CB-CID and local police officials, complying with the court's earlier order. "It shocks the judicial conscience in as much as a well-oiled racket is operating in the field of motor accident claims jurisdiction which needs to be put down with an iron hand," Justice Prakash said. The judge, however, said he did not want to reveal anything more from the report as investigation was on. The case was fit to be transferred to the CB-CID to expose the racket and punish those who might be guilty of tampering with the FIR and filing of the three claim petitions, he said in his order. The judge then directed the three tribunals, before which the claims had been filed, to hand over the original documents to the CB-CID. Also, the judge issued notices to the advocates who filed the three petitions -- two in Chennai and one in Thiruvallur -- and asked Mohan, the son of the deceased, to appear before him on June 27 and file affidavits as to how they got certified copies of the FIRs from the police. He was passing the interim orders on a petition by Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company which had received summons from three Motor Accident Claims Tribunals for compensation for the death of the same person. The judge posted the matter to June 27 for further hearing. Mohan had died in a road accident on February 9 last year on the outskirts of the city. The insurance company submitted that as per the police website, FIR No. 59/2017, related to the death, was treated as un-detected and closed. However, certified copies of FIR implicating a vehicle insured with the insurance firm was issued by the jurisdictional police, indicating tampering. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court bench here today observed that the police action during the anti-Sterlite protests could not be justified and directed that three deputy tahsildars, who had reportedly ordered the firing during the stir, be impleaded as respondents and issued notice to them. A division bench of justices C T Selvam and Basheer Ahamed was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition, seeking a CBI probe into the firing and violence in Tuticorin district last month, which claimed 13 lives. The judges, terming the firing "unfortunate", said the police action could not be justified and asked the deputy tahsildars to file their counter. During the arguments, the petitioner's counsel sought registration of murder cases against the deputy tahsildars, saying the firing could not be justified. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court today quashed the Delhi government's eligibility condition related to average annual turnover for NGOs seeking tender of the mid-day cooked meal scheme, terming it as "arbitrary" and "unreasonable". The court directed the Delhi government to appropriately rework the eligibility condition (of possessing an average annual turnover of Rs 3 crore for the preceding 3 years) and other minimum requirements to enable wider participation of NGOs. "This court is of the opinion that the impugned eligibility condition is arbitrary and unreasonable, and is accordingly quashed," a bench of justices S Ravindra Bhat and A K Chawla said. The court's order came on a petition by four NGOs challenging the tender condition formulated by the Delhi government while inviting bids for the mid-day cooked meals scheme. The NGOs had alleged that the eligibility condition of a minimum threshold of Rs 3 crore average financial turnover, during the previous three years, was arbitrary. The petitioners submitted that they were voluntary NGOs formed between 1995 and 2006 and were ISO certified agencies and have been providing services to the Delhi government in the past by supplying mid-day meals to children studying in its schools. They had said the mandate of the guidelines was to promote charitable organisations only, which were willing to work on a no-profit basis. The scheme of supplying mid-day-meal was a benevolent scheme aimed at providing nutritional hot cooked meal to poor children studying in government and aided schools or institutions. They had said that by incorporating the pre-qualification criteria, the essence of the scheme to associate with voluntary organisations has been violated and commercialisation was being promoted and it was highly improbable to believe that an NGO having experience of five years could have a turnover of Rs 3 crore average annually. The Delhi government's counsel had submitted that the re-modeling of the clusters meant that under the request for proposal issued by the Directorate of Education, each successful bidder had to supply to a larger group or cluster- with a minimum student size of 35000. Unless the contractor NGO had sufficient financial capability to wait for release of funds, which took about 4 months, it would fold up and in effect go bankrupt, it said, adding that this meant that a higher ability to withstand had to necessarily be indicated. The court, however, said that the emphasis by the Delhi government that the NGO concerned should be able to sustain four months itself without payment was "baseless and unreasonable" and "wholly irrational and arbitrary". "A deeper analysis would show that what the government of NCT of Delhi is saying that its existing administrative capability is so inefficient that the bills of every NGO would take at least four months for processing which is the reason why the eligibility condition needs to be factored in, is also an extraneous and an entirely unreasonable fact. In fact, it amounts to placing a premium on its own inefficiency in the guise of pragmatism," the court said. It also noted that change in the criteria was influenced by the size of the NGOs who were providing mid day meals to the three municipal corporations -- East, South and North. The court said that in its opinion, the blind and uncritical adoption of the municipal corporation-based model of eligibility criteria, which was based upon 18 NGOs catering to varying student populations of those schools within their jurisdiction, was "entirely arbitrary and unreasonable". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hindustan Construction Co (HCC) today announced that its JV with MAX Group has won a Rs 737 crore contract from Russia for a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. The contract includes civil works of Turbine Island for Unit 1 of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). "HCC, in a joint venture with MAX Group, a construction company in Bangladesh has been awarded USD 110 million (Rs 737 crore) contract by Russia's State Nuclear Company, JSC Atomstroyexport," HCC said in a statement. HCC's share in the JV is 40 per cent (USD 44 million/Rs 295 crore), the statement said. The Rooppur NPP will be built with Russian technology and is equipped with two VVER reactors of 1,200 MW each. These reactors are similar to the Kudankulam NPP in Tamil Nadu. HCC has become the first Indian company to participate in the international civil nuclear market. We look forward to further project awards in Rooppur NPP and expanding our infrastructure footprint in Bangladesh,"Arjun Dhawan, Director and Group CEO, HCC said in a statement. Recently, India signed an agreement with Bangladesh for civil nuclear cooperation, under which India has extended expertise and project support for Bangladesh's first NPP. India not being a member of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) cannot participate directly in the construction of atomic power reactors. But Indian companies can be involved in construction and installation works and in the supply of equipment of non-critical category. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On the recommendation of the Medical Council of India (MCI), the Health Ministry has barred 82 medical colleges in the country to admit students for the academic session 2018-19. The MCI has pointed out various "deficiencies" in the colleges on the basis of its inspections of these medical institutes. It highlighted inadequate infrastructure, faculty and resources as some of the major reasons. "The medical colleges have been denied permissions to admit students for the academic session 2018-19 on the basis of the recommendations of the MCI which during its inspection to the colleges observed various deficiencies in terms of inadequate infrastructure, faculty and resources among others," a government official said. The order of banning 82 medical colleges, which includes 70 private and 12 government, means more than 10,000 MBBS seats out of the total 64,000 available will be blocked. Also, the proposal of giving approval to 68 new medical colleges including 31 government and 37 private, has been rejected, the official said. In February, the Union cabinet had approved plans to set up 24 new government-funded medical colleges by 2021-22, besides 58 others medical colleges that were to be established and attached to district hospitals by 2019. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Scientists have peered into the thick layers of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso's famous Blue Period painting, unveiling a page from a 1902 French newspaper and traces of another artwork. Researchers from National Gallery of Art in the US conducted hyperspectral infrared imaging of Picasso's Mother and Child by the Sea - a painting in the collection of the Pola Museum of Art in Japan. The analysis revealed portions of printed text in French similar to newsprint. Using the readable text, Keiko Imai, chief curator, Pola Museum of Art, was able to identify the source of the text as an issue of the French daily newspaper Le Journal published on January 18, 1902. While the reason for the presence of newsprint in the paint layers is a mystery, the discovery is significant for Picasso scholars due to the proximity of the date to the artist's move from Paris to Barcelona. The study also provided more information about a prior paint composition seen in the X-radiograph. The infrared images also show another earlier signature by the artist in the opposite orientation. "I was surprised and fascinated by this finding in a painting I have always admired at our museum. We were able to officially confirm that Mother and Child by the Seawas painted after the date of the newspaper article used on the canvas," said Imai. "We routinely focus our cameras on a sheet of paper with printed text prior to placing the painting on the easel," said John Delaney, senior imaging scientist, National Gallery of Art. "To verify we were in good focus, we pointed the camera first at the face of the mother and to my surprise immediately saw newspaper text in her face!" said Delaney. "The presence of a paper interleaf begins to make sense of the fine wrinkling in the surface texture and the gentle undulations observed in several areas over the surface," said Sandra Webster-Cook, senior paintings conservator, Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) in Canada. "It suggests that the paper does not perfectly conform to the underlying paint surface," said Webster-Cook. "What is exciting about this finding is that the sheet from Le Journal that Keiko Imai has identified offers Picasso scholars a firm date before which the seated woman in the composition underneath was painted," she said. "The January 18, 1902 date of the paper interleaf is also of interest, as it is known Picasso returned to Barcelona from Paris sometime in early January 1902," she said. Picasso is commonly known to have reused canvases and often integrated elements of previous compositions into his subsequent works. Indications of earlier compositions are often visible on the painting's surface, and can be linked to distinctive crackle patterns, different paint colours visible through cracks and abrasion or at the edges of works, and the texture of dried impasto formed from previous paint layers that do not correspond to the painting's final composition. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 27-year-old flight lieutenant of the Indian Air Force (IAF) died at a government hospital in Bhopal yesterday, police said today. A police official said the cause of death is under investigation as "some poisonous content" was found in the body of the deceased Himanshu Gupta. "As per preliminary findings of the postmortem report, some poisonous content was found in Gupta's body," said Ayodhya Nagar police station in-charge Baljeet Singh. However, the exact cause of Gupta's death could be ascertained only after a comprehensive report of autopsy is available, he said. "We are awaiting the postmortem report," he said, adding that further investigation is underway. The officer said they would take a call on registering a case in the matter once the PM report is available. Gupta was posted at Jodhpur Airbase and was on leave. Gupta's father Dr Rajesh Gupta said his son stepped out of their house in Old Minal Residency Colony on June 4 morning. "He returned home late night and went to sleep after dinner. On Tuesday morning, he complained of breathing difficulty and stiffness in his chest," Rajesh Gupta said. He said Himanshu was rushed to a nearby hospital before he was shifted to state-run JP Hospital, where he died yesterday. "We don't know what happened to him," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and China will work out their differences to ensure that they progress and prosper together, Indian envoy here Gautam Bambawale said today ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Summit this week - their second meeting in less than two months. "Of course, there are certain differences between us, but we will work at the differences to ensure the two countries will progress and prosper together. We are not going to be going away from each other or apart from each other. We are going to do this together," he said in an interview to China's state-run CCTV. The informal summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi in April at the Chinese city of Wuhan was an "effort by the leaders of India and China, two large countries with huge populations, to talk to each other, understand each other to promote cooperation between the two countries", Bambawale said. "Most importantly, it (summit) was a strategic communication between the leaders of the two countries. As a result of their discussion in Wuhan, the two leaders have arrived at a certain consensus: the first and most important consensus is India and China are partners in progress and economic development: the second most important consensus is that there are many more commonalities between India and China than differences," the envoy said. "They will work together on these commonalities," he added. On the success of Indian films in China and promotion of people-to-people contacts, the envoy said India and China should have more people-to-people exchanges. One of the ways to that is through movies. "We are happy to see that Bollywood movies are becoming popular. The important point is by seeing the movies Chinese people will come to understand India better. By understanding India better there will be more mutual trust between people of India and Chin," he said. "Similarly, we want to see more Chinese movies also so that we can understand China better," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India has moved one notch higher to 136th position in the 2018 Global Peace Index prepared by the international think-tank Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), which was topped by Iceland. The report that covers 99.7 per cent of the world's population and uses 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators grouped into three key domains -- ongoing conflict, safety and security, and militarisation, noted that "the world is less peaceful today than at any time in the last decade". Besides Iceland, some of the other most peaceful country in the world include New Zealand (ranked 2nd), Austria (3rd), Portugal (4th), Denmark (5th), Canada (6th), Czech Republic (7th), Singapore (8th), Japan (9th) and Ireland (10th). On India, the report said, "Government efforts to tackle violent crime have paid off with an improved score, and falling levels of military expenditure, particularly on weapons imports, resulted in a slight improvement in its militarisation score". However, "the concentration of power in the office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led to a deterioration in India's score for political instability, and the country's scores on the Political Terror Scale and internal conflicts fought, at 4 and 4.7 respectively, remain elevated". Region-wise, South Asia experienced the largest increase in peacefulness, with Bhutan, Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal all improving. In the South Asia region, India was ranked lower than Bhutan (19th on the list), Sri Lanka (67), Nepal (84) and Bangladesh (93). The only countries which were ranked lower than India in the South Asian region were Pakistan (151 position) and Afghanistan (162). Meanwhile, Europe is still the most peaceful region in the world, but its position has deteriorated for the third successive year. "In the last decade, 61 per cent of the countries in Europe deteriorated due to higher levels of political instability, increased impact from terrorism, and increased perceptions of criminality. No single Nordic country is more peaceful now than in 2008," the report said. Steve Killelea, Founder and Executive Chairman of IEP, said, "We have progressed on many fronts in the last decade but reaching greater peacefulness in the world has remained elusive". As per the report that ranks 163 independent states and territories, Syria is the least peaceful country followed by Afghanistan, South Sudan, Iraq and Somalia. Ongoing conflicts such as those in Syria, Yemen, Libya and Afghanistan have, in the past decade, contributed towards a significant rise in battlefield deaths, a surging refugee population and an increase in terrorism, the report added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The contribution of Indians in the construction of the strategic Panama Canal has been recalled as Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu visited the famous waterway through which five per cent of the global trade transits. Breaking protocol, President of Panama Juan Carlos Varela Rodriguez accompanied Naidu to the canal yesterday. This was an unscheduled engagement of the Panamanian President that surprised the diplomats of both the countries, an official statement said. Vice President of Panama Isabel de Saint Malo de Alvarado also accompanied Naidu. Rodriguez spent almost six hours with Naidu starting with a one-to-one meeting followed by delegation level talks, the banquet and visit to the Panama Canal. At the Panama Canal, a detailed audio-visual presentation was made to Naidu explaining the origins of the path breaking canal project, its advantages and the volume of trade being transited through the canal and the passage of vessels with a system of locks. Construction of the canal started in 1904 and the first ship sailed through it in 1914. The US handed over the Canal to Panama on December 31, 1999. About five per cent of the world trade transits through this canal. IndiaPanama canal connection was fondly recalled during the visit of Naidu to the canal, the statement said. He was informed of the participation of Indians in the construction work during 1904-14 and the captain of the first vessel that sailed through the expanded canal being an Indian. A Gujarat-based company has won the bid for preparing tender document for construction of a new bridge on the canal, the statement said. President of Panama told Naidu that the new bridge would be a show-case project and he was happy with the Indian connection with the project. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India has dispatched a senior-level delegation to Europe to assess options of continuing trade with Iran after the US decided to impose fresh economic sanctions on the Persian Gulf nation. The delegation comprising of officials from ministries of finance, petroleum and external affairs will visit France, Germany, Britain and Brussels to meet government officials and bankers, sources with direct knowledge of the development said. Iran is India's third biggest supplier of crude oil after Iraq and Saudia Arabia. It currently settles oil payments in euros through Germany's EIH bank. The payment route can continue to function as long as Europe does not join US in re-imposing sanctions on Iran. Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan refused to discuss impact of sanctions on India's trade with Iran, saying it is "too early to say anything". India, he said, is waiting and watching the situation that is developing. US President Donald Trump last month announced that the US will withdraw from the landmark 2015 accord to curb Iran's nuclear programme and reinstate financial sanctions on the Persian Gulf nation. If the European Union (EU) were to continue status quo and not re-impose sanctions, Iranian supplies to India will continue unhindered, sources said. But paying Iran for the oil India buys would become difficult in case European countries join the US and impose financial sanctions and block banking channels, they said. Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council - China, France, Russia, the UK, US - plus Germany), and the EU had in Vienna signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on July 14, 2015. JCPOA provided for Iran curbing its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of financial sanctions. India has said that it would only honour sanctions imposed by the United Nations but not follow individual country sanctions. Iran supplied 18.4 million tonne of crude oil during April 2017 and January 2018 (first 10 months of 2017-18 fiscal). Iran was India's second biggest supplier of crude oil after Saudi Arabia till 2010-11 but western sanctions over its suspected nuclear programme relegated it to the 7th spot in the subsequent years. In 2013-14 and 2014-15, India bought 11 MT and 10.95 MT, respectively from it. Sourcing from Iran increased to 12.7 MT in 2015-16, giving it the sixth spot. In the following year, the Iranian supplies jumped to 27.2 MT to catapult it to the third spot. Iranian oil is a lucrative buy for refiners as the Persian Gulf nation provides 90 days of credit for purchases, at least thrice the amount of time given by other producers. During the first round of sanctions when EU joined the US in imposing financial restrictions, India initially used a Turkish bank to pay Iran for the oil it bought but beginning February 2013 paid nearly half of the oil import bill in rupees while keeping the remainder pending opening of payment routes. It began clearing the dues in 2015 when the restrictions were eased. Besides, New Delhi sought to get around the restrictions by supplying goods including wheat, soybean meal and consumer products to Iran in exchange for oil. Back in 2012, EU put restrictions on insurance of Iranian oil and ships carrying them. To get around the problem, Iran supplied oil in its own tankers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A missile corvette and a maritime patrol aircraft of the Indian Navy today reached Indonesia, days after the two countries vowed to deepen maritime engagement. The Indian Navy said the visit of the warship INS Kulish seeks to underscore India's peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Indonesia last week during which both the countries agreed to upgrade their ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and called for freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region. China has been expanding its military influence in the Indo-Pacific region and India and several other countries including the US have been pushing for a rules-based order for the region. The two countries, particularly, decided to enhance maritime cooperation. The missile corvette and Dornier maritime patrol aircraft of the Andaman and Nicobar Command arrived at Belawan in Indonesia to attend the final phase of the 31st edition of the IndiaIndonesia coordinated patrol from June 6 to 9. Indian Naval assets have been increasingly deployed in recent times to address the main maritime concerns of the region. The Indian Navy has also been involved in assisting countries in the Indian Ocean Region with surveillance of Exclusive Economic Zones, search and rescue and capability-enhancement activities. "The current deployment will contribute towards the Indian Navy's efforts to consolidate inter-operability and forge strong bonds of friendship across the seas," the Navy said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israeli troops shot dead a 21 year-old Palestinian stone-thrower during an arrest raid in the West Bank Wednesday after a soldier was hit in the head with a rock, the Israeli military and Palestinian Health Ministry said. The Health Ministry says Izzideen Tamimi was shot dead during clashes with Israeli forces in the village of Nabi Saleh, near Ramallah. Bassem Tamimi, the casualty's uncle, said forces entered the village and were attacked by stone throwers, to which the troops responded with live rounds, rubber bullets and tear gas. The Israeli military said its forces were attacked by a dozen Palestinians throwing rocks. After initially responding with riot-dispersal means, the military said one of the Palestinians approached from a side position and hurled a large rock that struck one of the soldiers in the head. The soldier then returned fire and killed his assailant, it added. The incident comes shortly after an Israeli soldier was killed in similar circumstances by a block that crushed his head. The military said it was still examining Wednesday's incident, and did not mention who it had sought to arrest or if the action was completed. Since 2015, Palestinians have killed over 50 Israelis, two visiting Americans and a British tourist in stabbings, shootings and car-ramming attacks. Israeli forces killed over 260 Palestinians in that period. most of whom Israel says were attackers. Attacks have petered off in recent months as the Palestinian focus has shifted toward protests at the Gaza border, where Israeli troops have killed over 115 Palestinians wounded nearly 3,700 more during near-weekly protests, according to Palestinian health officials. The casualty is a distant relative of Palestinian teen protest icon Ahed Tamimi. Nabi Saleh is home to about 600 members of the extended Tamimi clan. The 17-year-old Ahed has drawn international attention for her arrest after slapping an Israeli soldier in the face in December. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A CBI court today sentenced five persons, including a former Border Security Force DIG, to 10 years in prison in the 2006 Jammu and Kashmir sex scandal. The quantum of sentence was pronounced by CBI special judge Gaganjeet Kaur here. Those sentenced are former BSF deputy inspector general K C Padhi, former J&K deputy superintendent of police Mohammad Ashraf Mir and three others - Maqsood Ahmad, Shabir Ahmad Langoo, Shabir Ahmad Laway. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh each on Padhi and Mir. In case of default of payment, they will go through another year of rigorous imprisonment. The court slapped a fine of Rs 50,000 each on Ahmad, Langoo and Laway and if they default, they will serve another six months in prison. The court had held the five guilty in the case on May 30. Two accused, including the then Additional Advocate General of J&K, were acquitted by the court. The infamous J&K sex scandal had hit the headlines in 2006 when J&K police recovered two CDs showing Kashmiri minors being sexually exploited. The minors were coerced into prostitution and supplied to top police officials, bureaucrats, politicians and surrendered militants. Those five men have been convicted under section 376 (rape) of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC). Prime accused Sabeena and her husband Abdul Hamid Bulla, who allegedly ran a brothel, died during the trial. During the investigation, J&K police prepared a list of 56 suspects including some high-profile people for their alleged involvement in the sex scandal. The case was shifted to the Central Bureau of Investigation in 2006 after the names of some ministers also emerged in this case. The Supreme Court shifted the case to Chandigarh later that year. The then J&K chief minister Oman Abdullah had submitted his resignation in 2009 when an opposition leader linked him to the case. J&K Governor N N Vohra, however, refused to accept the resignation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) JKNPP chief Balwant Singh Mankotia today said he would embark on a 24-hour hunger strike tomorrow to lend support to the four-months-long agitation by Anaganwadi workers demanding the release of pending salaries and a hike in honorarium. He said the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party was lending full support to the demands of the employees and it would fight for their rights. "I will be sitting on a 24-hours hunger strike on June 7 in favour of demands of the Anganwadi workers and helpers and ReT teachers at Press Club area in Jammu," Mankotia told reporters here. The JKNPP chief said as the opposition party it was their responsibility to highlight the genuine issues of the employees and alleged that the government was not showing any concern towards their demands. He attacked the BJP-PDP government for not allegedly taking care of the women who were on roads from four months. More than 1,000 anganwadi workers today held a protest and marched in Jammu amid anti-government sloganeering. The association's president Suman Suri said it was also seeking a seniority list, implementation of the pension scheme and gratuity of Rs 2 lakh for workers and Rs 1 lakh for helpers on retirement. "We are getting a meagre amount of Rs 3,600 and Rs 1,800 for workers and helpers respectively, while our counterparts in other states, including Delhi, are getting Rs 10,000 and Rs 6,000 for the same work," he said. There are about 28,000 Anganwadi workers and helpers in the state who are working since 1975 under the Integrated Child Development Scheme. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Kaleswaram irrigation project in Telangana today received the nod of Technical Advisory Committee of the Centre, the state government said here today. The approval was given in a meeting held in the Central Water Commission in Delhi today, it said in a release. State Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao hailed the approval for the project and thanked Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari, it said. The Kaleswaram project on the Godavari river is often described as a boon to the state. State BJP president K Laxman also hailed the approval to the project and said the NDA government has been helping the state's cause by expeditiously giving permissions to various projects, a BJP release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mena Suvari said the recent sexual assault allegations against Kevin Spacey were "shocking". The 39-year-old actor, who starred with the embattled actor in the 1999 Academy Award-winning film, said it was "heart-wrenching" when Spacey was accused by Anthony Rapp of having made inappropriate sexual advances towards him when he was 14-years-old. "I think with everything that I've been seeing that everyone's been going through, it's shocking. It's really heart-wrenching," Suvari told Megyn Kelly on her show. She said a turn in tide was around and it is important that the victims of sexual harassment are heard and get a chance to heal. "It's important to focus on the conversation that's happening and the healing, the victims - the right thing that's to come out of this. That's sort of what I try to hope for and focus on the most. It's something that we're truly changing and moving out of," she added. Reminiscing the time she spent working on "American Beauty", Suvari said she had a "wonderful" time on the film sets. "For me, having the opportunity to work on 'American Beauty' was something that was so special and so beautiful. I was so young and was so grateful to have a job. And to be working with such experienced individuals. Everyone on that set was wonderful to me. I had a beautiful experience working on that film," the actor, who played the best friend of Spacey's on-screen teenage daughter, whom his character becomes infatuated with, said. Spacey, who won the best actor Academy Award for the film, has been lying low since he was accused but released a statement addressing the allegations in which he also came out as gay. Later more allegations came up against the actor of him having assaulted several men both in the US and UK. Investigations are on in the both countries. Following the claims, Spacey was fired from the hit Netflix political drama "House of Cards" and replaced by Christopher Plummer in "All the Money in the World" weeks before it was released in December last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has approved funds for widening and strengthening of roads, and four-laning of a railway over-bridge in Gurgaon district. He has accorded administrative approval to Rs 107.71 crore for the projects, a Public Works (Building and Roads) Department spokesman said today. He said Rs 52.62 crore would be spent on four-laning of the railway over-bridge from Gurgaon Pataudi road to Gurgaon Farrukhnagar road via Garhi Sadhrana. The spokesman said Rs 48.97 crore would be spent on four-laning, widening and strengthening of the Jagadhari-Bilaspur-Sadhaura-Raipur Rani road up to Mouli in Panchkula district. He said that Rs 3.39 crore would be spent on widening and strengthening of NH-65 (new NH-152) road from 13.60 km to 15.20 km in Matheri in Ambala district. Over Rs 2 crore would be spent on special repair by widening of the road from Baghola to Janoli in Palwal district. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kirloskar Oil Engines (KOEL) today said it will hike prices of its power generator sets under KOEL Green and KOEL Chhota Chilli brands by 5-8 per cent from June 10 due to rise in raw material costs. "Over the past one year, there has been a continuous rise in raw material costs, due to escalation in commodity prices. Considering the industry dynamics and GST transition during the last fiscal, we have been holding our genset prices. However, a price increase from June 10, now seems inevitable," said Sanjeev Nimkar, vice-president and business head, KOEL. ***************** Unicorn India Ventures invests in Inntot Technologies * Unicorn India Ventures, an early stage VC fund, has invested an undisclosed amount in Kerala-based Inntot, a software defined radio startup. It is a seed-funding round, which marks Unicorn India as the first institutional investor in Inntot, a statement here said. Inntot aims to bring down the cost of digital radio receivers substantially for OEMs or ODMs, it added. ***************** Avis India launches chauffeur services for outbound travellers * Avis India, a joint venture between US-headquartred Avis and Oberoi group, today launched 'international chauffeur drive service' for Indian outbound travellers. The service is aimed at its Indian customers, including business, corporate and leisure travellers by enabling on-demand chauffeur-driven car hire solutions in over 110 countries across EMEA, APAC, the USA and Canada, it said in a release today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today expanded his 15-day-old Cabinet, inducting 25 new ministers after intense bargaining for ministerial berths, in a much-awaited exercise that caused heartburn among several lawmakers in the JDS-Congress coalition. Those inducted into the nascent coalition government included 14 lawmakers from the Congress, nine of Kumaraswamy's JDS, and one each of the BSP and Karnataka Pragnavanta Janata Paksha. The BSP is a pre-poll ally of the JDS, while the newly formed KPJP MLA has extended support to the coalition. Governor Vajubhai administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers, all of whom are of the Cabinet rank, at a ceremony at Raj Bhavan. Several key members of the previous Siddaramaiah ministry, including M B Patil, Dinesh Gundu Rao, Ramalinga Reddy, R Roshan Baig, H K Patil, Shyamnur Shivashankarappa, Tanvir Sait and Satish Jarkhiholi, were dropped. After today's expansion there are six vacant ministerial positions left for the Congress and one for the JDS. Kumaraswamy was sworn in as chief minister and G Parameshwara of the Congress his deputy on May 23. The new coalition government had proved its majority on the floor of the Assembly on May 25 after the 104-member BJP, the single largest party in the House, did not press for a vote and walked out. Those inducted into the Cabinet include Kumaraswamy's elder brother H D Revanna, and G T Deve Gowda of the JDS, who emerged as a giant killer when he defeated chief minister Siddaramaiah in Chamundeshwari. Siddaramaiah, however, won from Badami, and is now the leader of the Congress Legislature Party. The lone BSP MLA Mahesh got a Cabinet berth and so did R Shankar of KPJP. Congress lawmakers who were sworn in are: R V Deshpande, D K Shivakumar, K J George, Krishna Byre Gowda, Shivashankara Reddy, Ramesh Jarkiholi, Priyank Kharge, U T Khader, Zameer Ahmed khan, Shivanand Patil, Venkataramanappa, Rajshekar Patil, Puttaranga Shetty and Jayamala. The JDS ministers are: H D Revanna, Bandeppa Kashampur, G T Deve Gowda, D C Thammanna, MC Managuli, S R Srinivas, Venkatrao Nadagouda, C S Puttaraju, Sa Ra Mahesh. Yesteryear actress Jayamala of Congress is the lone woman face in the Cabinet, while 83-year-old Managuli of JDS is the oldest lawmaker to have made it to the list. Kumaraswamy's castemen Vokkaligas got the largest share in the ministerial pie with nine berths. The numerically strong Lingayats secured 4, backward Kurubas 2, Brahmins, Scheduled Tribes, Igida and Uppara (1 each). The Igidas and Upparas are backward classes. The ministry also includes two Muslims, a Christian and three members of the Scheduled castes. The BJP, which had boycotted Kumaraswamy's swearing-in ceremony, skipped today's event too. There were protests by supporters of aspirants for ministerial positions in several parts of the state. TV channels showed much pushing and shoving between policemen and supporters of Congress's H K Patil at Chalukya Circle here. Patil was a minister in the Siddaramaiah government. "I stood with the Congress like a solid rock, refusing the blandishments offered by the BJP. But this is the gift I have received in return....injustice has been done to me," Congress MLA B C Patil said. M B Patil, a prominent face in the Siddaramaiah government who was at the forefront of the move for religious minority status for Lingayats, was also sullen. "I didn't use pressure tactics or blackmail," he said, adding he would meet the state party leaders and ask them why he was left out. Independent MLA Nagesh, who has extended support to the Kumaraswamy government, said he came dressed for the occasion and was upset at not being accomodated in the ministry. "I am not able to understand why I was dropped. I am very upset. I was even dressed for the occasion," he said. Senior JDS leader Basavaraj Horatti said he too expected to be inducted but understood that Kumaraswamy was under pressure from many quarters. "I understand his dilemma," he said. Kumaraswamy, however, downplayed the dejection and disquiet among those left out, saying "these things are nothing new". Such problems, he said, arose even when there was a single party government. "It is our responsibility to provide a stable government for the next five years," he told reporters after the oath-taking ceremony, which was attended among others by Siddaramaiah, Kumaraswamy's mother Chenamma, and several senior Congress and JDS leaders. The ceremony was earlier scheduled at 2 pm, but officials said it was delayed by 12 ministers for the auspicious 'Kanya Lagna' (Virgo Ascendant) to set in. The timing was changed as Gowda family scrictly follows astrology. In line with the agreement, the Congress would get the portfolios of Home, Irrigation, Bangalore City Development, Industry and Sugar Industry, Health, Revenue and Urban Development. It will also get Rural Development, Agriculture, Housing, Social Welfare, Forest and Environment, Labour, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Science and Technology and IT/BT, among others. The JDS's portfolios include, Finance, Excise, Information, Intelligence, Public Works Department, Power, Cooperation, Tourism, Education and Transport. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Mumbai court has sentenced a 76-year-old man to 10-day imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 3,000 on him for leaving his cattle out in rain for five days. The court order against Gopal Phulsunge, a resident of Lalbagh in central Mumbai, came on a complaint by Chetan Sharma, an animal rights activist. According to Sharma, Phulsunge was found to have tied his 28 animals - cows, bulls and calves - near a railway bridge in Kalachowky area on June 28, 2013. The animals were drenched and starving for five days as Phulsunge did not provide them shelter from rain or fodder, Sharma said. He had given the cattle to another person for milking them and sell the milk, the complaint said. An offence under the Prevention of Cruelty To Animals Act, 1960, was registered against Phulsunge at Kalachowky police station. The police examined eyewitnesses who told the court that Phulsunge had tied up 28 animals out in the open for five days. In the order passed on May 28, Metropolitan Magistrate A H Kashikar said the police did not produce a medical report to back the charge that Phulsunge left the animals starving. But there was sufficient evidence to prove that the cattle were kept without any shelter to protect them from rain, which amounts to "cruelty" under the act, the judge held. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An insurance company officer was arrested in Ahmedabad today for allegedly posing as an superintendent of police of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to book rooms at a government guest house in Diu in the Union Territory of Daman and Diu, police said. "The accused, identified as Piyush Vyas, had sent an email to the collector of Diu on February 5 this year from his email id identifying himself as an SP of NIA," Joint Commissioner of police, crime branch, J K Bhatt told reporters. In his email, Vyas had requested the collector to book three rooms in the Diu circuit house for two days on February 8 and 9, stating that he was planning to visit the city, a famous tourist attraction, along with his family members and relatives, Bhatt said. "After the rooms were booked in his name, Vyas signed the register at the circuit house as NIA SP (while checking-in)," the officer said. He said Vyas was exposed after police received a tip-off about his true identity. He said the accused, a resident of Ahmedabad, works as a development officer at a public sector general insurance company. Police registered an FIR against Vyas under section 170 (impersonating a public servant) of the IPC and section 66 (C)(D) (identity theft) of the Information Technology Act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A man walked into the Netaji Subhash Place police station in northwest Delhi and confessed that he has killed his wife in a fit of rage, the police said today. Yaseen came to the police station yesterday and told the police that he has strangulated his wife, Janhavi, with a rope. He was arrested after the police recovered the body from their home in Shakurpur. He told the police that his wife often used to nag him and quarrelled with him. He reiterated his statement before the sub-divisional magistrate. According to Yaseen's statement, Janhavi again picked up a fight with him yesterday and in a fit of rage he killed her. Janhavi, who hailed from Bihar, and Yaseen, a resident of West Bengal, had a love marriage last year. Yaseen works at a private firm. Janhavi's family members have been informed. Police said Yaseen was also upset that he killed his wife. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Catholic Church in Mauritius today condemned the blocking of Saturday's gay pride parade in the capital Port Louis by hostile Muslim protesters. "Regardless of one's moral beliefs about homosexuality, we would like to express our indignation at the way a LGBT parade that had police permission was obstructed by illegal protesters," said Cardinal Maurice Piat, Bishop of Port Louis, in a statement. On Saturday, the Rainbow Collective, which advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, attempted to hold a Pride parade in downtown Port Louis, attracting around 200 people. But when a group of Muslim Mauritians waving placards with anti-gay slogans gathered for a prayer meeting, nearby march organisers decided to cancel their event fearing clashes. Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth also condemned the illegal religious gathering. "The rule of law must prevail and authorities will do what is necessary following this unacceptable and illegal demonstration," he said. A police investigation is also underway into the incident. Piat insisted on respect for the rights of others, adding that a small group of demonstrators did not represent all Mauritian Muslims. "We have many friends among our Muslim brothers and sisters and we will not lump a group of demonstrators together with the entire Muslim community," he said. The Council of Religions, which brings together representatives of all religions in Mauritius, echoed the message of tolerance and the rule of law. Respect for the law and human rights, it said in a statement, "is not an option, it is an imperative for any society, for our society!" Mauritius has a reputation for tolerance and has held gay events in the past. The Indian Ocean island nation is a mix of religions with around half the 1.3 million people being Hindu, just under a third Christian and the remainder Muslim. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) German Chancellor Angela Merkel said today she expected "contentious discussions" at a G7 summit this week, given differences with US President Donald Trump on trade, climate and security. Speaking two days before the Canada meeting of the club of major industrialised democracies, Merkel also said the leaders may not necessarily manage to agree on a final joint statement. "I think everyone knows there will be difficult discussions there, because G7 summits deal with the global economy, trade, climate protection, development- and foreign policy," she told German parliament. Trump's decisions to quit the Paris climate and Iran nuclear deals and impose sweeping steel and aluminium tariffs showed that "we have a serious problem with multilateral agreements, and that's why there will be contentious discussions", she said. Given the stark differences between the US and many of its partners, she argued that the meeting should not insist on hammering out a joint communique that would spell a "watering down" of previous joint commitments. Merkel vowed to enter the talks "in good faith" but stressed that there must be "no compromise for its own sake" and that a final statement by the host Canada, rather than a joint communique, "may be the more honest way". Speaking in a new parliamentary question time format, the veteran European leader also reiterated that, amid the simmering trans-Atlantic tensions, Europe will increasingly have to find its own way in the world. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has sought a report from the West Bengal government on the killings of Dalit men in the state after the panchayat election results were announced. The body of an 18-year-old man, whom the BJP claimed as its member, was found hanging from a tree near his home in Purulia district last month. The incident invited strong criticism of the TMC government from BJP chief Amit Shah, who said the ruling dispensation has "surpassed the violent legacy of the Communist rule" in West Bengal. An unsigned handwritten note in Bengali found near the body of Trilochan Mahato near his home in Balarampur, about 295 km from Kolkata, stated that he was "punished for working for the BJP" during the recent rural polls in the state, a senior district police officer had said. Within a couple of days, the body of a 35-year-old man was found hanging from a high-tension tower in Purulia district, triggering protests by locals and the BJP claiming him to be its member. In a note to the state government, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot expressed concern over the killings. The West Bengal government on Saturday ordered a probe by the criminal investigation department into the deaths. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A four-year-old boy died of suffocation and three others were injured today after a fire broke out in a house in southwest Delhi's R K Puram, police said. A call was received at 1 am about the fire and three fire-tenders were rushed to the spot, an officer from the Delhi Fire Service said. The fire was doused at 2.05 am, he added. The fire started due to short-circuit in a junction box of the house, police said. Four persons, including the boy, were found in an unconscious condition and were rushed to a hospital, they said. The boy, Abhinav, died due to suffocation, police said. The injured, identified as Pankaj (37), Swati (34) and Darshana (74), are undergoing treatment and are out of danger, they said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP general secretary Ram Madhav today said that Mizoram would be freed from the Congress' grip when the state goes to polls during the later part of this year.' Madhav said Manipur is the only northeastern state where BJP is yet to have its share of power. Addressing a press conference here, he said the saffron party was preparing its rank and file in Mizoram to face the upcoming polls and a massive election campaign would be launched from August, after the monsoon gets over. When asked if the BJP would forge pre-poll alliance with regional parties as was done in other northeastern states, he said the BJP has the North East Femocratic Alliance (NEDA), an alliance of all regional parties in the region, in which the Mizo National Front (MNF) is also a constituent. "Even as the NEDA is more of a 'development alliance', it can be an electoral alliance - which time will tell," he said. Former state chief minister and Meitei Nationalist Party (MNP) chief Zoramthanga had earlier held that his party would not forge any pre-poll alliance but face the election to the 40-member state legislature on its own. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former President Pranab Mukherjee arrived here today to attend tomorrow an RSS event which has generated a lot of interest and controversy over the last few days. Mukherjee, who had been in the Congress for most of his political career and had been slamming the RSS, will attend the valedictory function of the 'Sangh Shiksha Varg' here, the headquarters of the Sangh fountainhead. Mukherjee accepting the invite from the RSS has generated a lot of interest as well as controversy, with Congress leaders urging him not to attend the event in the "interest of secularism". Despite the reservations expressed by the Congress leaders, Mukherjee is going ahead to attend the event. Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has said that since Mukherjee has accepted the invitation, he should go and tell the RSS "what is wrong" in their ideology. Ramesh Chennithala, a senior Congress leader from Kerala, last week sent a letter to Mukherjee, requesting him to refrain from attending the event. Chennithala, also leader of the opposition in Kerala assembly, had said Mukherjee's decision had come as a "rude shock" to the secular minds of the country. "As a person who has served as the first citizen of our country and the greatest ambassador of secularism, I request you to reconsider your decision to attend the RSS meet on June 7,2018," said Chennithala in his letter. West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Chowdhury and senior Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao too had urged Mukherjee not to attend the event. "I am really surprised to hear about the decision of Pranab Mukherjee to attend RSS's programme in Nagpur. Just like any other Congressman, I am really astonished to hear about it," said Chowdhury. "My question is does he (Mukherjee) think his previous comments against RSS were wrong ... We still remember how Pranab Mukherjee as a senior leader of the Congress had criticized RSS as a communal and a divisive organization," he said. Hanumantha Rao, the AICC Secretary and former Rajya Sabha member, said the former president should withdraw his decision" in the interest of secularism". Mukherjee, who had held the highest post of President, should not attend the meeting of RSS as it is a "communal" organisation, Rao had added. Veteran Congressman CK Jaffer Sharief also had sent a letter to Mukherjee, expressing surprise over the move and said he, like other secular people, was "stunned" to hear about his attending the RSS function. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Myanmar and UN agencies signed an agreement today that could lead to the return of some of the 700,000 Rohingya Muslims who fled brutal persecution by the country's security forces and are now crowded into makeshift camps in Bangladesh. The memorandum of understanding promises to establish a "framework of cooperation" that aims to create conditions for "voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable" repatriation of Rohingya refugees. Myanmar's security forces have been accused of rape, killing, torture and the burning of Rohingya homes in western Rakhine state, where most Rohingya lived. The UN and US have described the army crackdown that began in August last year as "ethnic cleansing." Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed in November to begin repatriating Rohingya. But refugees feared their lives would be at risk in Myanmar without international monitoring while Myanmar insisted they have identity documents, which most Rohingya have been denied. Knut Ostby, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar, said the agreement is an important first step toward resolving the crisis. "There is a lot of work to be done. This task should not be underestimated," Ostby said. "We are talking about approximately 700,000 people who don't only have to return, but the conditions have to be right for them to return ... in terms of their identity in society, in terms of their safety and also in terms of services, livelihoods, a place to live, infrastructure." The UN has said the agreement provides for its refugee and development agencies to be given access to Rakhine state. It said that will allow the refugee agency to assess the situation and provide information to refugees about conditions in their areas of origin so that they can better decide whether they want to return. Rights groups remain pessimistic that the safe return of Rohingya refugees will ever be possible. They point to a lack of firm commitments from Myanmar and its decades of hostility toward a minority that was denied citizenship by a 1982 law that excluded them from a list of recognized ethnic groups in the majority Buddhist nation. "How will the Burmese government guarantee these people will not face again persecution?" said Kyaw Win, executive director of Burma Human Rights Network. "It is very politically convenient for the Burmese government to sign this agreement, and also never commit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) today extended the insolvency resolution period of the debt ridden firm Bhushan Energy Ltd by another 90 days. The initial period of 180 days for the corporate insolvency resolution process of Bhushan Energy will end in the first week of July, and it had approached NCLT seeking extension. The principal bench of NCLT headed by President M M Kumar allowed the extension of insolvency resolution period for Bhushan Energy Ltd beyond 180 days. Under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), NCLT has powers to extend the insolvency resolution period if the Committee of Creditors (CoC) and Resolution Professional (RP) of the debt ridden firm are unable to find a suitable buyer under 180 days. NCLT can grant another 90 days for the submission of the resolution plan, failing to which the debt ridden firm goes for liquidation. Extension of time was necessitated as the company was yet to peruse the expressions of interest received from some companies, counsel appearing for Bhushan Energy informed the tribunal. NCLT had admitted insolvency proceedings against Bhushan Energy in January after the State Bank of India moved an appeal against the company for failing to pay dues worth nearly Rs 5oo crore as on October 31, 2017. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court today granted bail to NCP leader Sameer Bhujbal, the nephew of former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal, in a 2016 money laundering case. Justice AS Gadkari granted bail to Sameer on the primary grounds that the main accused, Chhagan Bhujbal, had already been extended a similar relief by another bench of the HC, and that Sameer had already been in custody for over two years for an offence that entails a maximum punishment of seven years. Justice Gadkari also took into account the primary argument of Sameer's lawyer Vikram Chaudhary that in November 2017, the Supreme Court had struck down section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act which imposed stringent conditions on granting of bail to persons charged under this law. The HC directed Sameer, a former MP of NCP, to deposit his passport at the special PMLA court and to make him available for questioning whenever required. The HC also asked him not to leave the city without its permission. Sameer has also been directed to furnish a surety of Rs 5 lakh to secure the bail. Sameer, Chhagan Bhujbal, and 51 others were charged by the Enforcement Directorate in 2016 for various offences, including the alleged Maharashtra Sadan scam. While Chhagan Bhujbal was granted bail on May 4 this year by another bench of the HC, a vacation bench of Justice Bharati Dangre had last week refused to grant any interim relief to Sameer. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) NEET topper Kalpana Kumari secured the top position in the science stream for the intermediate (Class 12) examination held by Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB), the results of which were declared here today. Addressing a press conference on the occasion, in presence of state Education minister Krishnanandan Prasad Verma, BSEB Chairman Anand Kishore said 52.95 per cent of the nearly two lakh candidates for all the three streams - arts, commerce and science - secured pass marks this year. "The pass percentage this year is significantly higher than the 35.24 per cent of the previous year when a sudden dip was observed in the aftermath of stringent anti-copying measures. This year's results show that teaching standards have improved", he claimed. The state was rocked by an embarrassing "toppers' scam" a couple of years ago, when photographs of mass copying at a number of examination centres had appeared in the media, followed by the of a number of top scorers floundering while replying to basic questions. Kishor said that "Kalpana Kumari, who hails from Sheohar district, has once again done the state proud by topping the science stream. Girls have emerged as toppers in arts and commerce streams as well". Meanwhile, questions were raised before Kishor about Kalpana having been in Delhi for quite some time for her NEET preparations and hence, falling short of adequate attendance. While the BSEB chairman could not answer immediately as to whether a minimum attendance was required for candidates to be allowed to appear in exams, a release was later issued by the Board saying "no minimum attendance has been fixed in the Board's rule book". Another release issued by the Board also announced that toppers in all the three streams will be given a cash prize of Rs one lakh each, while those securing the second and third positions will be given a reward of Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000. Kalpana's father Rakesh Kumar Mishra, an officer in the state's education department, expressed elation over his daughter's achievement, saying "she is the youngest among our three children. All of them have done well. But Kalpana has turned out to be really special". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting opposition in European capitals to his aggressive stance against Iran. Netanyahu met today in Paris with French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, who is pushing to maintain European trade with Iran allowed under the 2015 deal curbing Iranian nuclear activities. The recent US withdrawal from the accord threatens that trade and has raised fears of war between Israel and Iran. Earlier this week, Netanyahu met with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who both reiterated their support for the accord. Netanyahu says the deal was too soft on Iran. He heads later Wednesday to London for meetings with British Prime Minister Theresa May and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. Netanyahu said Tuesday that his main focus now is how to push Iranian forces out of Syria. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former sex worker Catherine Healy was honoured this week by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II for her work advocating for prostitutes. In 2003, Healy helped get prostitution decriminalized in New Zealand, which now has some of the most liberal sex work laws in the world. On Monday, the 62-year-old was awarded one of the nation's top honors when she became a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. In an interview with The Associated Press, Healy described finding out about the award, her time working in the sex industry, and fighting for the rights of sex workers. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. A letter arrived through the letterbox, a rarity these days. I was looking and thought 'Oh, I wonder what that is. A traffic fine?' It resonated with me very deeply. I was so shocked. I cried. It was a very profound moment. I was a primary school teacher and had been teaching nine years. I'd always travel a lot. I'd go out to India and Nepal and Sri Lanka and wander around during those wonderful school holidays. I'd come back and I'd have this Visa bill. And I'd save all year to do it again. So it was just kind of that static experience of not moving forward financially. In 1986, I cut out this advert for a massage parlor. I thought, maybe I'd have to go topless. It was a big, gracious old home. It had long, red velvet curtains. It was just that classic place. And here I was, going to school, 9 to 3, and that was my life, and I could see it stretching ahead. I took on the job of a receptionist, and became a sex worker a couple of months later. The pay was better, and it was a very strong economy in those days. And then they had the share market crash in 1987. After that, you had to work harder and longer. I was a sex worker for about 6 or 7 years. I remember seeing articles that had been written about sex workers, but there was no sex worker voice. There was nothing. It was just, the police were speaking. In 1987, we kicked off. We started having meetings and produced a little newsletter. I was a founding member of the New Zealand Prostitutes' Collective. At the first inaugural meeting, there were nine people in the bedroom and lounge of my apartment. All sitting there, smoking cigarettes. It was the '80s. These days, I'm national coordinator of the collective. I was arrested in 1991 and charged with solicitation. There were nine of us. The court case lasted about five hours, and I was acquitted. It was just so offensive. And, of course, the clients didn't get arrested, and nor should they have. The consequence of being convicted for soliciting in those days meant that you couldn't continue to work in a massage parlor, which is where most of the sex workers worked. It went through the Parliament and passed by one vote. It was significant. The relationship we had with the police changed. They used to come in periodically and pose as clients, and then come back and charge you with solicitation. They used to record all the names of sex workers on a database, and your name could come up in a security check. You couldn't trust the police with information, and you need to have a relationship with them. People need access to police. There's been a lot of interest in our law. There's been a steady flow of academics coming in, people coming down on Fulbright scholarships, academics coming from Europe, from Holland, from the U.K., all looking at the New Zealand model. A ruling in 2014 was a big milestone. We supported a sex worker in a harassment case. The ruling came out in her favor, that she had been sexually harassed at a brothel. She was awarded 25,000 New Zealand dollars ($17,600). I think that fighting the stigma of sex work remains our biggest battle. I well remember somebody saying, 'Oh, when are you going to stop.' It's just not what sex workers generally want to hear. It's their work, it's their job, it's what they do. If somebody's in a position where they absolutely hate their job, of course you want to support them to get out, and we do that. Hopefully my award is useful for every sex worker. We are not about fixing sex workers, we're about recognizing them. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari today faced a threat of impeachment after lawmakers issued a raft of demands over security and corruption in a deepening rift with the executive. Both chambers of parliament said the National Assembly "will not hesitate to (invoke) its constitutional powers if nothing is done," in a clear warning to the 75-year-old leader. Buhari, elected in 2015 on pledges of defeating Boko Haram insurgents and fighting endemic corruption, is under pressure on both fronts as he looks towards re-election next February. The Islamist militants, though weakened, are still present in the northeast, while central states have seen a resurgence of deadly violence between cattle herders and farmers. At the same time, kidnapping gangs and cattle thieves have increased attacks in the wider north. The lawmakers' statement followed a closed-door meeting in Abuja yesterday. In it, they call for security chiefs to be sacked for failing to protect lives and property while also castigating Buhari for appointing them in the first place. It accused the head of the federal police, Ibrahim Idris, of "doing nothing" to prevent the violence and of being a yes-man appointed to do the government's bidding. The executive uses the police and security agencies for the "systematic harassment and humiliation... of perceived political opponents", the statement said. It further accused Buhari of being "selective" in his fight against corruption and called for members of his own administration with cases against them to be prosecuted. The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party has called the former military ruler's anti-corruption drive a political witch-hunt, as most of those charged are PDP members. That has raised tensions between the legislature and the executive, as has the government's greater scrutiny of parliamentary spending in an effort to cut waste and fraud. Lawmakers passed a "vote of confidence" in embattled Senate leader Bukola Saraki, who has been linked to a criminal gang that carried out an armed robbery in April that killed 33. Police on Sunday issued a statement calling on Saraki, who has denied the claims and suggested he is being set up, to come in for questioning. He has been at loggerheads with Buhari's All Progressives Congress as he was not the party's first choice as Senate president -- the third-highest position in Nigerian Both he and the speaker of the lower House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, defected from the PDP before elections in 2015. On Tuesday evening, APC lawmakers claimed the joint statement was not unanimous and mostly represented the views of PDP members. There was no immediate comment from the presidency. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US and China have not yet reached a deal on Chinese telecoms giant ZTE that would lift crippling sanctions against the company, top US economic advisor Larry Kudlow said today. "No decision has been reached by both sides as of now," Kudlow told reporters. ZTE was fined USD 1.2 billion in March 2017, but in April, Washington banned the sale of crucial US components to the firm after finding it had lied multiple times and failed to take action against employees responsible for sanctions violations. Those measures had threatened to put ZTE out of business. US media reported late last month that the US Commerce Department had brokered a new deal under which ZTE would pay a substantial fine, hire American compliance officers to be placed at the firm and make changes to its current management team. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) There have been "no big changes" in the H-1B programme and "nothing new" on the H-4 visa policy, the US said on Wednesday, amid the Trump administration's plan to overhaul the immigration system. US Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) in Delhi, MaryKay L Carlson said granting employment visa and work permits is the sovereign decision of a country. The US Mission here on Wednesday observed 'Student Visa Day', an event to celebrate higher education ties between and the "There have been no big changes in the H-1B programme and nothing new on H-4...," Carlson told reporters here. Certainly, employment visa and work permits for Indians is the sovereign decision of the US, the official said. The Trump administration's move to end the Obama-era rule could have an impact on more than 70,000 H-4 visas holders, who have work permits. H-4 is issued to the spouse of holders, a significantly large number of whom are high-skilled professionals from External Affairs Minister had last month said the government would make all efforts to persuade the against such a move. In her annual press conference on May 28, the minister had said it was true that was reviewing the H-4 visa programme and there were reports of its possible revocation. On the occasion of 'Student Visa Day', the Mission also dedicated the day to student visa applicants who have enrolled for higher studies in different US universities. The US Embassy in New and the consulate general of Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, welcomed over 4,000 Indian students, who applied for visas to study in the In 2017, more than 1,86,000 Indian students were enrolled in US institutions for higher education, more than double the number from a decade ago and a 12 per cent increase from the year before. is the second leading place of origin for students coming to the US, with Indians comprising over 17 per cent of the total students in the United States, according to the US. Consular staff members wore shirts and hats from their alma maters. Some consulates invited guest alumni speakers, while others had a video or "selfie" station. Representatives from partners, including EducationUSA, the American Library, and recent US graduates were present at the event to give their insights and answer queries from students about studying in the France insisted today that the lifting of damaging sanctions imposed by the European Union on Russia over its role in the Ukraine crisis be conditioned on advances in the country's peace process. The rise of nationalist and populist parties in the EU has bolstered Russia's campaign to have the measures -- which were imposed over its annexation of Crimea and support for rebels in Ukraine's east -- repealed. Yesterday, the incoming prime minister of Italy's populist new government said he wanted to restore traditionally close relations between Rome and Moscow and push for a review of the EU sanctions. But French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Paris opposed any quick rethink. "When we make progress (on ending the conflict in Ukraine) then we can start to raise the question of the sanctions and that is what we will tell Italy," he told France's Europe 1 radio ahead of a meeting Monday in Berlin to try reinvigorate the peace process. Moscow's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine after the 2014 ouster of a pro-Russian president in Kiev plunged relations between the EU and Russia into the deep freeze. Brussels responded to the territorial grab and to Moscow's support for an uprising by pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's east with a series of asset freezes and travel bans. It also imposed economic sanctions to which Moscow retaliated in kind. On a visit Tuesday to Austria, where he was received with full military honours, Russian President Vladimir Putin said it was in the interest of "everybody" to have the measures lifted. Putin met with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, whose People's Party is in a coalition with the far-right Freedom Party which supports Russia's claim of sovereignty over Crimea. Kurz agreed that "to go forward together... is better than one against the other." But he also assured fellow EU members that Vienna, which takes over the rotating EU presidency in July, would abide by the bloc's decisions. The foreign ministers of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France will attend the talks in Berlin Monday on the Ukraine crisis. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Pune Police today arrested a man here with the assistance of the Delhi Police in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence in Pune, the police said. The man was arrested from his Munirka flat here this morning, a Delhi Police officer said. The Delhi Police helped the Pune Police in making the arrest. The man is suspected to have a Naxal connection, he added. On January 1, violence had erupted at an event meant to mark the 200th anniversary of the Bhima Koregaon battle in which British forces defeated the Peshwa army on January 1, 1818. The violence led to the death of one person and injuries to several others, including 10 policemen. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) activity registered a 7 per cent year-on-year growth in May, primarily led by robust in the production and manufacturing sector, says a report. The for May stood at 276, while in the corresponding period last year it stood at 258. On a month-on-month basis, however, activity registered a decline of 7.38 per cent in May. "India retained its spot as the fastest growing major economy in the March quarter with GDP 7.7 per cent on the back of robust performance by the manufacturing sector, also reflected in the sector's positive recruitment growth numbers," said Abhijeet Mukherjee, CEO, Monster.com - APAC and Gulf. According to the report, production and registered the steepest year-on-year growth at 56 per cent for the second consecutive month amongst the other sectors analysed. also saw significant hiring momentum (up 39 per cent on a year-on-year basis) and the growth momentum also paced up 28 percentage points between April and May this year. "The is seeing phenomenal e-recruitment opportunities. This mirrors the addition of retail capacity at global companies as well as recent mergers which has led to an overall growth of the sector," Mukherjee said. In the telecom/ISP sector, the year-on-year growth momentum eased from 28 per cent in April 2018 to 21 per cent in May 2018. "Telecom sector is treading with caution as recent developments have resulted in layoffs and job losses. Hopefully, the new telecom policy will provide a shot in the arm to support stabilisation of the sector. City-wise, both metros and non-metros are witnessing an eased pace of activity," Mukherjee added. activity in May as against the previous month slowed in all major metro cities. Year-on-year, Mumbai registered a decline of 6 percentage points from 15 per cent growth in April to 9 per cent growth in May, the report said. Bangalore registered 3 per cent growth this month down from a growth of 6 per cent in April while recruitment activity in Delhi-NCR matched the year-ago level, it added. Three youths who were trying to disrupt the ceremony to mark the 34th anniversary of Operation Blue Star in the Golden Temple were roughed up by members of the SGPC and detained by police, officials said. The three unidentified youths were caught by the task force of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, the apex religious body of Sikhs, and beaten up before they were detained, police said. Sikh hardliners, including a sizeable number of youths, raised pro-Khalistan slogans when the jathedar of Akal Takht, the supreme temporal seat of Sikhs, Gyani Gurbachan Singh, stood up to address the community from the takht platform. The Sikh community all over the world will remember the wounds of Operation Blue Star, Gyani Gurbachan Singh told the gathering. He said the Centre should return the historic and ancient books taken from the Sikh Reference Library of the Golden Temple during the Army operation in June 1984 to flush out Sikh separatist militants who were hiding inside the Golden Temple. Angry Sikhs had accused the Army of desecrating the community's holiest shrine. The jathedar also demanded that the Centre make public all the documents related to the operation so the Sikh community can know which government agencies, politicians or countries were behind it. The president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) party and former MP Simranjit Singh Mann also attended the anniversary commemoration. Heavy security arrangements were made by the SGPC, civil administration and the police within and outside the Golden Temple. The SGPC task force maintained vigil within the premises and the Akal Takht was heavily barricaded. Police personnel were deployed in large numbers outside the shrine. Amritsar was also partially shut down in response to a call given by Sikh radical outfit, Dal Khalsa. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An estimated 85.49 per cent candidates of over 11, 02,726 students passed in the class X board examinations of West Bengal this year, the state Board of Secondary said today. The pass percentage had a slight dip of .16 per cent - 85.49 per cent this year from 85.65 per cent last year, it said. Altogether 8,99,564 candidates passed the examinations. Sanjibani Debnath of the Suniti Academy, Coochbehar ranked first getting 689 marks followed by Sirshendu Saha of the Satgachia High School, East Burdwan who got 688 marks, as part of the merit list and results announced by the WBBSE president Kalyanmoy Ganguly here. The third spot was jointly held by three students - Mayurakshi Saha, Nilabjo Das and Mrinmoy Mondal all having got 687 marks. Saha was from a school in Coochbehar and the other two from a school in Jalpaiguri respectively. 96.13 per cent students passed from East Midnapore, the highest among all districts, the Board said. Of the candidates having appeared this year, 6,21,087 were girls. The examinations were held from March 12 to March 21. The results can be accessed at wbbse.org and wbresults.nic.in sites. Ganguly said next year's Secondary Board examinations (Madhyamik) will take place from February 12 to February 22. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's Supreme Court has issued a notice to former military dictator Pervez Musharraf on a petition seeking recovery of huge losses the country incurred after the promulgation of a controversial law in 2007 which gave amnesty to several politicians in all court cases. Musharraf had signed the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), paving the way for a power-sharing deal with former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. The ordinance gave amnesty to Bhutto and other political leaders -- except then exiled former premier Nawaz Sharif -- in all court cases against them. Through the NRO which was later declared illegal by the court, several politicians and others were pardoned and their cases quashed. The Express Tribune reported that the notice will be published in two newspapers circulated in the UAE where Musharraf, 74, has been residing for the last two years. Nominating Musharraf, former president Asif Ali Zardari and former attorney general Malik Abdul Qayyum as respondents, petitioner Feroz Shah Gilani had requested the court to order recovery of "huge amounts of public money" misappropriated and wasted by them through unlawful means "already on record in different judgements of the Supreme Court and high court". He had contended that Musharraf subverted the Constitution by declaring emergency followed by the promulgation of the NRO, through which criminal and corruption cases against politicians, including Zardari, were "arbitrarily withdrawn", causing huge financial losses to the national exchequer. "Since the Supreme Court in its landmark judgement of December 16, 2009 has declared the NRO 'void ab initio', the respondents are liable to compensate the losses and the damage suffered by the exchequer of debt-ridden Pakistan, including the loss of USD 60 million stashed in Swiss banks allegedly by Zardari," the petitioner said. He had said Malik Qayyum had written a letter to the Swiss attorney general to withdraw criminal and civil proceedings against Zardari in Geneva, but the Supreme Court in its 2009 judgement held that Qayyum had written the letter in his personal capacity, against the Rules of Business, 1973. "The actions of Musharraf and Qayyum by promulgating the NRO caused huge losses amounting to billions of rupees to debt-ridden Pakistan. Both wilfully violated the oath of office to the detriment of the country in violation of the rule of the law," the petitioner alleged. Yesterday, counsel for Zardari Farooq H Naek requested the Supreme Court's three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar to give him some time for filing a reply as he had received notice of the case a day earlier. The federal government while submitting a reply stated that the apex court's December 16, 2009 judgement has already been complied with. The court later granted 10-day time to Naek for filing the reply. Qayyum has already submitted the reply, in which he has defended the letter to Swiss authorities for withdrawing of Pakistan's plea to become party in the case against Zardari. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's Supreme Court today made it mandatory for aspiring candidates to submit an affidavit, detailing their assets, along with their nomination papers so that the votes can judge their integrity and veracity. A five-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar, resumed hearing of a petition filed by former National Assembly speaker Ayaz Sadiq challenging a Lahore High Court (LHC) verdict rejecting nomination papers, drafted by a parliamentary committee, for violating Article 62, 63 of the Constitution of Pakistan. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was also instructed during the hearing to prepare specimen of a affidavit and share it with the top court. General elections in Pakistan will be held on July 25. Contesting candidates will be bound to submit the affidavit with the required information within three days. Returning Officers were instructed by the bench to submit the affidavits of contesting candidates to the apex court. The court warned that strict action would be taken against lawmakers who submit false information, the Express Tribune reported. "We need completely clean people [to contest] in the elections," Justice Nisar said, warning that contempt proceedings would follow if incorrect information was submitted. People must know the integrity and veracity of the contesting individuals, he said. The bench remarked that it will constitute a special bench on "how to conduct elections." Justice Nisar said that as the "custodians of the Constitution", the apex court wanted transparency in the process. The apex court had passed an interim order on June 3 suspending the LHC decision. The directives were passed by Justice Nisar "after considering the supremacy of the Parliament." Justice Nisar and Justice Sheikh Azmat reiterated that the top court will not delay the July 25 polls. The apex court had disqualified three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif last year after a probe ordered by it on the Panama Papers found him guilty of not disclosing money from his son Hussain Nawaz's company in Dubai. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's anti-corruption watchdog today approved an inquiry against former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi over alleged misuse of power in awarding a contract for a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) took the decision in its executive board meeting in Islamabad which was headed by its chairman, Javed Iqbal. Abbasi was minister for petroleum in the cabinet of Sharif when their government awarded a 15-year contract for LNG terminal in Karachi. The NAB decided to launch the probe after complaints that the rules were violated to the award the contract, according to officials privy to the meeting. Iqbal said in the meeting that corruption was a cancer and his department was committed to uproot it from the society. Earlier, the NAB had closed an inquiry against Abbasi in December 2016 after 17 months of investigations when it failed to find any irregularity in awarding a Rs220 billion contract for the import and distribution of LNG in 2013. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Palestinian who threw a rock at Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank was shot dead by a soldier today, the Israeli army said. It said the troops were on a search and arrest operation in the village of Nabi Saleh, northwest of Ramallah, when they were confronted by at least 10 stone-throwing Palestinians who hit one soldier in the head. The soldier struck by the rock then fired at the Palestinian who threw it, who was given medical treatment but later died, the military said in a statement. An activist group named him as Ezzedine al-Tamimi, from Nabi Saleh, citing witnesses saying he was more than 40 metres from the soldiers when shot. There was no confirmation of his identity from the Palestinian health ministry. In a statement on Twitter, the head of Human Rights Watch in Israel warned troops could have used unnecessary force. "International law only permits use of lethal force when there's an imminent threat to life. Hard to see how throwing rocks meets that bar," Omar Shakir said. Last month a soldier from the Duvdevan special forces unit was fatally struck on the head by a granite slab thrown from an upstairs window during an arrest raid in the Amari Refugee Camp in Ramallah. Israeli forces regularly carry out raids in Palestinian-administered parts of the West Bank to arrest suspects they accuse of militant activities against Israel. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to expedite the process for Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved to set up its Rs 6,000-crore food park, prompting the company to say it is reviewing the decision to pull out of the project. Yesterday, Patanjali had stated that it was pulling out of the mega food processing project along the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh, citing non-cooperation from the state government and delay in clearances for transfer of land. Over the development, UP Infrastructure and Industrial Development Minister Satish Mahana said: "We will not let Patanjali go from the state. Our CM has talked to Patanjali. The formalities will be completed soon." He said the state government was talking about incentives as well, and there were some technical issues involved. We are bringing a proposal in this regard to the Cabinet," the minister added. Meanwhile, Patanjali has said that it is reviewing its decision to pull out of the mega food project following the assurance by the UP CM. "We are reviewing our decision in the light of assurances given by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. We do trust the assurances given by him," said Patanjali Spokesperson S K Tijarawala. Earlier in the day, a senior state government official clarified that the project has not been cancelled and CM Adityanath spoke to Patanjali Ayurved MD Acharya Balkrishna over the matter. "The chief minister has talked to Acharya Balkrishna and heard his grievances. There is no cancellation yet. They have been allotted land and the project is to be commenced. The CM has directed to expedite the process and also directed officers for the same," Principal Secretary (Information) Awanish Awasthi told PTI. The Haridwar-based company had proposed to invest up to Rs 6,000 crore to set up a plant over 425 acres of land along the Yamuna Expressway through its step-down firm Patanjali Food and Herbal Park. Yesterday, Union Food Processing Secretary J P Meena had also stated that the project has not been cancelled yet. "We have given one month extension to Patanjali... they have to meet the condition. In case, Patanjali does not meet the condition, we have no choice but to cancel. We have done it earlier in many projects," Meena had said. Earlier, Patanjali had said that its mega food park along the Yamuna Expressway would produce goods worth Rs 25,000 crore annually while running on full capacity. It is envisaged to create 10,000 direct jobs. Patanjali is presently investing in various mega food park projects, including in Nagpur (Maharashtra) and Tezpur (Assam). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (Oppi) today called for adopting global quality standards and bring all stakeholders like regulators, industry and governments to work jointly towards the growth of the sector. Oppi represents research-based pharmaceutical companies in India and engages with the government and other stakeholders to find sustainable healthcare solutions. "We need to maintain uniform baseline quality standards of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The global quality standards needs to be embedded in every stage of the medicine-making process and across the delivery chain - from the R&D laboratory to the pharmacy where the patient buys the drugs," Oppi director general Kanchana TK told PTI on the sidelines of Quality Summit here. Government officials, industry representatives, industry associations and patient groups met today to address quality in the pharmaceutical industry. The gamut of issues covering quality, ranging from labelling to packaging and storage, were discussed at the summit. According to a study by the Uttar Pradesh Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration, 38 percent of medicines are not effective because of low quality. India also has a large number of pharmaceutical manufacturing players, including several MSME players, but no quality standards maintained across the board. Government, through industry associations and other stakeholders including patient groups that represent the public will have to work together to raise manufacturing standards that will keep India globally competitive and Indian drugs sought after in global markets, she added. The Indian pharmaceutical industry also faces a number of regulatory challenges, which needs to be addressed on urgent basis. Commenting on government policies, Kanchana said, the policies are welcome and should be more predictable which should remain for 3-5 years. The industry needs progressive changes to happen. Commenting on the deliberations, A Vaidheesh, president, Oppi said, "Quality of medicines are pivotal in delivering patient care and the entire pharmaceutical industry has come together to stress the importance of quality in delivering responsible and safe patient care." Deepnath Roy Chowdhury, National President IDMA added that the industry has taken the lead in pledging support towards making global quality medicines, which are affordable. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today greeted the leaders of BIMSTEC countries on the grouping's 21st anniversary, saying the shared values will further strengthen cooperation and pave way for heightened development. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) comprises Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal. "Greetings to fellow leaders and citizens of BIMSTEC on its 21st anniversary. Our shared values will further strengthen our friendship and cooperation, and pave way for heightened development of this region which is among the youngest and fastest growing economies of the world," Modi tweeted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi dashed the "high hopes" of Kashmiri Pandits during his recent visit to the Valley by staying mum on the issue of their rehabilitation, the All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) said today. Modi had visited Jammu and Kashmir on May 19 to inaugurate the 330-MW Kishenganga power project at Gurez in North Kashmir's Bandipora district. He also laid the foundation stone for the Srinagar Ring Road at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. Though successive governments failed to rehabilitate Kashmiri Pandits, the community had "high hopes" from the prime minister, ASKPC general secretary T K Bhat said. "But it is unfortunate that he did not make even a passing reference about the displaced community (Kashmiri Pandits)," Bhat told reporters here today. Expressing hope that Modi will consider the issue seriously, Bhat appealed to the Centre to make sure that the displaced people are rehabilitated together at one place. Lashing out at the Union government's decision to suspend anti-militancy operations during Ramzan, Bhat said it was done to please BJP's ally in the state, the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He said the step will demoralise security agencies, especially at a time Pakistan is repeatedly violating the ceasefire at the border and terrorists are carrying out grenade attacks. It is wrong on the part of the Centre to announce a unilateral ceasefire under pressure of the PDP. This has demoralised the security forces and police, making them sitting ducks for the militants, he said. "The security situation in Kashmir and on its borders is worst during this dispensation. There is a blood bath in the bordering villages due to Pakistan firing. A large number of security forces and people have got injured in grenade attacks by terrorists. Some of them have even died," Bhat said. Forty-five people have died and over 130 injured in Pakistan shelling on the borders this year, which is the highest ever in last two decades, he said. "Every day, dozens of people get injured in grenade attacks by terrorists... This is the worst crisis in the last two decades", he added. Asking the Centre to rethink its policy on Kashmir, the group opposed any dialogue with separatists, arguing that Kashmiri Pandits are the biggest stakeholders and must be taken into confidence. "Is the GoI (Government of India) doing their home work? They are playing with fire," Bhat said, adding that talks with Hurriyat leaders will be a blunder. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Keralite man working in the Gulf has been booked for allegedly threatening to kill Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, police said today. In a video posted on the social media recently, the man, who identified himself as Krishnakumaran Nair, was purportedly heard saying that he had decided to return to India from the Gulf to kill the CPI(M) leader and attack his family, the police said. In the video, Nair also allegedly hurled expletives at the chief minister, his family and some of his ministerial colleagues, they added. After the video was shared on the social media, the accused posted another video, apologising to Vijayan, his family, state Electricity Minister M M Mani and the Keralite community, saying his remarks in the earlier video were made in an inebriated state, the police said. Nair, in his late 50s, is seen in the second clip appealing to the chief minister with folded hands to forgive him, considering his age, they added. The case against Nair was registered under IPC section 500 (punishment for defamation) and relevant sections of the Kerala Police Act. The case was lodged suo motu by the police at the Central police station, Ernakulam. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress leader Sharmishtha Mukherjee, who is the daughter of former president Pranab Mukherjee, today dismissed "rumours" about her joining the BJP, saying she would rather leave than quit the Congress. Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken also rejected such suggestions saying Mukherjee is a "devoted"Congress person. Sharmishtha Mukherjee, who is out of the city on a holiday, took to Twitter to swiftly deny the rumours, which appeared amid a row over her father Pranab Mukherjee accepting an invite to address an RSS event in Nagpur tomorrow. She also expressed disapproval of her father's decision saying he was giving a handle to the RSS and the BJP to plant false stories as "speech will be forgotten, visuals will remain". Rubbishing rumours about quitting Congress, she said on Twitter: "In the mountains enjoying a beautiful sunset, & suddenly this that I'm supposedly joining BJP hits like a torpedo! Can't there be some peace & sanity in this world? I joined because I believe in @INCIndia Wud rather leave than leave Congress," she tweeted. Maken also spoke to her to clarify the matter. "In reply to certain rumors-Just spoke to @Sharmistha_GK , who is out of Delhi- She is a devoted Congress Person and firmly believes in the ideology of @INCIndia . She told me, that she is in politics, just because of her firm faith in the ideology of the Congress Party," he wrote on Twitter. Mukherjee, who is president of Mahila Congress as well as incharge of the communication department of Delhi unit, had joined the party in 2014. She had also contested Delhi Assembly elections from Greater Kailash seat in 2015 and lost to AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj. On the decision by her father, a Congress veteran, to address RSS which has been criticised by a large section of party leaders, she said:"Hope Pranab Mukherjee now realises from todays' incident, how BJP dirty tricks department operates. Even RSS wouldn't believe that you are going to endorse its views in your speech. But the speech will be forgotten, visuals will remain and those will be circulated with fake statements. "By going to Nagpur, you are giving BJP/RSS full handle to plant false stories, spread falls rumours as today and making it somewhat believable. And this is just the beginning!," she tweeted. Mukherjee would be visiting the RSS headquarters tomorrow and would address a function there. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami today announced a relief of Rs seven lakh to the family of the girl, who allegedly committed suicide after failing to clear NEET, and appealed to students not to resort to such "dangerous steps". He also expressed condolences and sympathy to the family of 19-year-old Prateebha from Villupuram district. Making a statement in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, he underlined the "Amma government's" commitment to students and assured it will stand by their progress. "I appeal to students to not to resort to such dangerous steps," he said. To this, Leader of Opposition and DMK Working President MK Stalin sought to know if the government would provide job opportunity to a family member of the deceased, considering their "poor condition." Prateebha had allegedly committed suicide on June 4 by consuming poison, after she could not clear the National Entrance cum Eligibility test (NEET), although she had scored good marks in classes X and XII. Her death had resulted in a state-wide outrage, with the DMK-led opposition raising the matter in the Assembly. Last year, a Dalit girl, Anitha, from Ariyalur, had committed suicide after scoring low marks in NEET, resulting in widespread political outrage. A total of 13.36 lakh candidates had registered for this year's NEET exam. However, 12.69 lakh candidates appeared for the test, of whom 7.14 lakh cleared it. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump today said that preparations for the June 12 summit meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is moving along very well. The President's statement comes a day after Singapore designated a special event area of the Sentosa island tourist resort for Tuesday's historic summit, which is expected to be covered by over 2,500 journalists from across the world. There was initially much uncertainty over whether the summit would go ahead at all, and it was briefly called off last month by Trump after a dispute with the North Koreans over the key issue of denuclearisation. "North Korea (summit) looks like it's moving along very well. A lot of relationship being built. A lot of negotiation going on even before the trip. But it looks like it's coming along fine," Trump said at a White House event. Multiple US and N Korean teams are holding simultaneous meetings ahead of the Singapore Summit. "We'll see what happens. But very important. It will be a very important couple of days," Trump said. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe would be at the White House later this week for talks with Trump on the latter's summit meeting with North Korea. "We certainly anticipate the summit with North Korea that will be next week to come up, as well as trade issues and other matters," White House Press Secretary Sarah sanders told reporters at her daily conference. At the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met his Singaporean counterpart, wherein among other things they discussed the N Korean summit which is being hosted by Singapore. Refuting media reports, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said the US is not paying for the North Korean delegation to stay in Singapore. "We're not paying for their expenses," she said. "We have had teams negotiating not only in the Demilitarised Zone every day... meetings are taking place in Singapore as well. The meetings are a little different. The ones in Singapore tend to focus more on logistics, negotiating security, protocol, all those types of things. Those meetings are ongoing," Nauert said, adding that Pompeo speaks sometimes multiple times a day with his negotiating teams. Meanwhile, top Republican Senator Marco Rubio said that the Singapore summit is just the beginning of a process and nothing major would come out of it. "My sense is that it will be the beginning of a process. My prediction is that at some point during this process, if I were the North Koreans, I'd want to extend this. I would imagine China is probably trying to finagle its way into it. So I think you should anticipate that at some point down the road, this will turn into a China-US-South Korea-North Korea talks," Rubio told Fox To have a good deal with North Korea is going to take a little bit of time, he said. "The important thing for us is we should not be lifting any sanctions or providing any relief until we see a clear path forward on complete and irreversible denuclearisation and getting rid of the missiles, but that may take a while. That is not going to happen in one meeting, so I think everybody needs to understand that," Rubio added. More than 2,500 people from the local and international media are expected to cover the event in Singapore, according to the number of registrations received by the ministry of communications and information. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte will tomorrow inaugurate the second terminal of Mactan Cebu International Airport, being managed by GMR-Megawide consortium, a senior official of the GMR Group said. "Terminal 2 of Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) will be inaugurated on June 7 and be operational from July 1 2018, as per the concession agreement. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte will inaugurate it.The design is envisioned to display the warmth and friendliness of the local culture and people of Cebu," the official told PTI in an e-mail response. GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) commenced construction of the new Terminal 2 in June 2015 with an aim to increase passenger handling capacity with the next phase of expansion expected in 2024. The company took over the management of MCIA on November 1, 2014. The concession agreement will last for 25 years. "The passenger handling capacity will go up to 12.5 million passengers annually," the official said, adding the airport currently serves 10 million passengers annually. Between the inauguration and the official opening, the Terminal 2 will be open for test runs and clean-ups and also for the public and guests to visit. GMR-Megawide consortium has so far invested USD 600 million in development of the airport. The 65,500-square meter terminal is designed by Hong Kong-based Integrated Design Associates (IDA) together with local designers Budji Layug, Royal Pinda, and Cebu's Kenneth Cobonpue. The Indian infra major recently said revenue from MCIA grew by 23 per cent in the last fiscal to Rs 315 crore from Rs 257 crore with growth of 33 per cent in non-aero revenue,while profit increased by 24 per cent for the year to Rs 158 crore from Rs 128 crore in FY17. In December 2013, GMR Infrastructure, in partnership with Megawide Construction Corporation of the Philippines, emerged as the highest bidder after offering a bid premium of 14.4 billion Pesos or around USD 320 million. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Ramnath Kovind would come to Tripura tomorrow for a two-day visit during which he would declare the 'Queen' variety of pineapple as the state fruit, officials said here today. The declaration of state fruit would be made at a civic reception organised by the state government in honour of the President tomorrow evening. Kovind would land at the Agartala airport earlier in the day and leave for Udaipur, the headquarters of Gomati district 55 km from here, in a helicopter. He would inaugurate a 6 km long road from Udaipur town to Tripurasundari temple, considered one of the 51 Shaktipiths of the country, officials said. The President would also visit the temple and offer Puja there before returning to the Rajbhavan here. The civic reception would be held at 6 pm. Kovind would return to Delhi the next morning, officials said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amazon Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos today said the progress seen in the company's India business within five years of operations is "energising". In a letter to customers on Amazon.in's homepage, Bezos said the company had launched its services on June 5, 2013 "with a vision to transform the way India buys and sells". "The progress is energising...We're five years into our journey but as we say here at Amazon, it's still Day 1, and I'm energised and humbled by the opportunities ahead," he wrote. He cited examples of growth across areas like seller and customer addition, delivery infrastructure as well as products like Kindle and Alexa. The company, which is competing with homegrown rival Flipkart in the Indian market, has pumped in substantial funding to expand its operations in the country and build delivery infrastructure. Bezos has committed an investment of USD 5 billion in the Indian market. The competition is set to intensify following US retailer Walmart announcing a USD 16 billion deal last month to acquire about 77 per cent stake in Flipkart (registered in Singapore). Reports said Amazon is looking at ramping up its investment here by as much as USD 2 billion, giving the India unit more ammunition. The company, however, has not commented on these reports. Amazon has been infusing funds into its various entities in India, including Amazon Pay, marketplace and wholesale business. These investments have been directed towards building warehouses, strengthening logistics and increasing product assortment. During a recent investor call, Amazon CFO Brian Olsavsky had said the company would continue to invest in India as it sees great progress with both sellers and customers, even as the parent entity registered a loss of USD 622 million from international operations in the first quarter of 2018. The company is also investing significant money in marketing and promotions as it looks to bring more consumers to its online shopping platform. Amazon Seller Services, the India marketplace unit of the US e-tail giant, saw its losses widening to Rs 4,830.6 crore for 2016-17 fiscal from Rs 3,679.9 crore in the previous year, as per regulatory documents filed with the Corporate Affairs Ministry. The company attributed the increase in net loss to investments made towards "establishing infrastructure, opening new fulfilment centres and technology advancements". However, Amazon Seller Services saw its revenue rising 43 per cent to Rs 3,256.6 crore in the year ended March 2017 from Rs 2,276 crore in the previous financial year. The company, which is also investing in launching new products and services for its customer and sellers, had further said that it is confident of its future growth in India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Pune Police today arrested five people allegedly having close Maoist links, including prominent Dalit activist Sudhir Dhawale, from Mumbai, Nagpur and Delhi in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence on January 1. According to sources in the Pune Police, Dhawale was arrested from his house in Mumbai, lawyer Surendra Gadling, activist Mahesh Raut and Shoma Sen were picked up from Nagpur and Rona Wilson was arrested from his flat in Munirka in Delhi in simultaneous raids this morning. Dhawale was one of the organisers of Elgar Parishad, organised to commemorate 200 years of the Koregaon Bhima battle on December 31 at Shaniwarwada. There Kabir Kala Manch activists had allegedly made provocative speeches leading to violence at Koregaon Bhima in the district, according to an FIR registered at Vishrambaug police station after the event. Sudhir Dhawale is a Dalit activist and editor of Marathi magazine Vidrohi while Surendra Gadling, a Nagpur based lawyer, also known as a Dalit and tribal activist, provides legal aids to those who arrested for Maoist links, police said. Shoma Sen is a professor at Nagpur University and her husband Tushar Kranti Bhattacharya was arrested from Nagpur station for his alleged Naxal links in 2010. Mahesh Raut is a former Prime Minister Rural Development fellow and said to have close Maoist links. Rona Wilson, 47, a native of Kerala, is currently based in Delhi and associated with for Committee for Release of Political Prisoners. "We have arrested five people in connection with Bhima Koregaon violence. All five have close Maoist links and prima facie, their involvement is being seen in the matter. It is to be investigated whether they instigated the violence," Joint Commissioner of Police, Pune Police, Ravindra Kadam, said. He said there were possibilities of additional arrests in the case. "We are also evoking relevant sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act," he said. He said the latest developments took place after the detailed investigation of the case registered at Vishrambaug police station. The event (Elgar Parishad) was attended by Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani, JNU student leader Umar Khalid, Rohit Vemula's mother Radhika Vemula, and Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh president Prakash Ambedkar. Shaniwarwada, a historical fortification in the city, had remained the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha empire until 1818. The complaint against the KKM members was lodged by one Tushar Damgude. The FIR was registered against Sudhir Dhawale, Sagar Gorkhe, Harshali Potdar, Ramesh Gaychor, Deepak Dengle and Jyoti Jagtap, a police official said. The complainant had alleged that the "provocative" speeches and presentations made during the entire programme "promoted" enmity between two groups. The complaint also had stated that the "inciting speeches and presentations" led to the violence. One person was killed in the caste violence between two groups near Sanaswadi, adjacent to Koregaon Bhima. The violence led to the statewide Dalit agitation. The mobs had damaged and torched several vehicles and shops on New Year's day and the houses of local residents were also ransacked. The Pune Police had registered a case against Hindutwa leader Milind Ekbote and another right-wing leader Sambhaji Bhide. Ekbote had already been arrested in the case. Bhide and Ekbote are accused of orchestrating the violence. A case against the members of the Kabir Kala Manch was registered under sections 153(a), 505(1)(b) and 117 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On the first anniversary of a bitter Gulf diplomatic rift, Qatar's foreign minister today declared his country stronger than ever and said it was open to dialogue with its regional rivals. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani also rebuked Qatar's foes for "imaginary victories" against the small Gulf state, the target of a Saudi-led boycott. "One year on and Qatar and its people are stronger," Al-Thani, one of the most prominent voices in the region's worst diplomatic crisis for years, wrote on Twitter. "(There's) a lot of talk about imaginary victories and isolating Qatar, but after one year, the reality proved the opposite as Qatar emerged as an international partner that can be trusted." On June 5, 2017, a Saudi-led alliance including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt abruptly severed ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and Iran. Qatar soon found its only land border closed by Saudi Arabia, its state-owned airline barred from using neighbours' airspace, and residents expelled from the quartet's countries. Despite hopes that the rancorous rift between the former allies -- which include some of the richest countries on earth -- would be resolved quickly, the crisis has endured. Qatar claims the dispute is an attack on its sovereignty and punishment for pursuing an independent foreign policy. Diplomatic efforts led by Kuwait and the United States have so far stalled though there are tentative plans for talks in September. Al-Thani said the "door is still open for dialogue" between the Gulf rivals. However, he also told Qatar state-funded broadcaster Al Jazeera today that Doha would continue with its purchase of the Russian S-400 air defence missile system. Saudi leaders have asked French President Emmanuel Macron to intervene to prevent the deal going ahead, raising fears of military action in the dispute. Raising the military stakes yet further, Qatar's defence minister Khalid bin Mohamed Al-Attiyah, said today that Doha wanted to join NATO. "The ambition is full membership if our partnership with NATO develops and our vision is clear," he told the official magazine of the Qatari defence ministry, Altalaya. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Making light of Congress President Rahul Gandhi's speech at a farmers' rally in Mandsaur, BJP said it was "scripted", like the one delivered by a character in the hit Bollywood film "3 Idiots". While Gandhi promised immediate farm loan waiver if voted to power in Madhya Pradesh, the ruling party maintained that the BJP government is working on a permanent solution to farmers' woes. "Rahul Gandhi's speech was dramatic, scripted and immature. There were no facts and data. He talked about setting up food processing units in the district. Only a week ago Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister had talked about food processing. "It seems the writer of Rahul's speech has taken a cue from that," said state Minister of State for Cooperatives Vishwas Sarang at a press conference here. "His speech was like that from Bollywood film, "3 Idiots", where a character delivers a speech written by others," the BJP leader said. He was apparently referring to a scene in the film where 'Chatur Ramalingam', played by Omi Vaidya, unwittingly delivers a hilarious speech written as a prank. Asked about the Congress chief's promise of loan waiver, Sarang said, "There is no such demand from farmers. We are heading for a permanent solution, and aiming to double farmers' income. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had questioned the loan waiver granted by the UPA government in 2008 and had termed it a "show piece" for elections, he said. The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh is providing loans to farmers at zero per cent rate, the minister said, adding "This is not a loan but a financial assistance." Asked about the loan waiver granted by BJP governments in Uttar Pradesh and elsewhere, Sarang said the previous government in UP had ignored farmers, so it was needed, but that the situation in Madhya Pradesh was different. "The Madhya Pradesh government has been working constantly for the welfare of farmers," he said. To Gandhi's statement that he wanted to see mobile phones with 'Made in Mandsaur' tag instead of 'Made in China' in the next four years, Sarang said the Congress chief should also state why this -- indigenous mobile phone manufacturing -- could not happen in Amethi, his Lok Sabha constituency. Earlier in the day, virtually kicking off his party's campaign for the Assembly elections, Gandhi at a rally in Mandsaur said that if the Congress comes to power in MP, farmers will get loan waiver within ten days. He also promised action against those responsible for the death of six farmers in police firing last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Armed miscreants robbed Rs 12.5 lakh at gunpoint from a nationalised bank here today, police said. Four miscreants, who came in motorcycles, barged into the branch of Central Bank of India, located at Dankuni Housing More locality. They fired several rounds in the air before holding the bank staff at gunpoint and looted the cash, police said. The incident happened at around 2 pm when there were only a few customers inside the branch as it was lunch time. Ajoy Kumar, Commissioner of the Chandernagore Police Commissionerate, said no one has been arrested so far. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day before Pranab Mukherjee addresses an RSS event in Nagpur, the former president's daughter and Congress leader Sharmistha Mukherjee today disapproved of his decision, saying he was giving the BJP and the Sangh a handle to plant false stories, as his "speech will be forgotten" but the "visuals will remain". Taking to Twitter, she hoped the former president would realise how the BJP's "dirty tricks department" works and said that with his visit, he was giving the BJP and RSS "full handle to plant false stories". She also warned her father of the consequences of attending such a meet. Her outburst came soon after rumours about her joining the BJP cropped up ahead of Mukherjee's visit to Nagpur tomorrow. She dismissed such "rumours" of her joining the BJP as "false" and alleged they were the handiwork of BJP's "dirty tricks department". She said she would rather leave than quit the Congress. "Hope @CitiznMukherjee now realises from todays' incident, how BJP dirty tricks dept operates. Even RSS wouldn't believe that u r going 2 endorse its views in ur speech. But the speech will be forgotten, visuals will remain & those will be circulated with fake statements. "@CitiznMukherjee By going 2 Nagpur, u r giving BJP/RSS full handle 2 plant false stories, spread falls rumours as 2day & making it somewhat believable. And this is just d beginning!" she said on Twitter. The former president's official Twitter handle is @CitiznMukherjee. Mukherjee would be visiting the RSS headquarters tomorrow and would address a function there. The visit has already given rise to a lot of speculation and a host of Congress leaders have urged the former president to review his decision for the sake of secularism. Sharmistha Mukherjee, who is out of the city on a holiday, took to Twitter to swiftly deny the rumours, which appeared amid a row over her father accepting an invite to address the RSS event. Rubbishing the rumours, she said on Twitter: "In the mountains enjoying a beautiful sunset, and suddenly this that I'm supposedly joining BJP hits like a torpedo! Can't there be some peace and sanity in this world? I joined because I believe in Congress. Would rather leave than leave Congress," she tweeted. Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken also rejected such suggestions, saying Sharmistha Mukherjee is a "devoted" Congress person. "In reply to certain rumors-Just spoke to @Sharmistha_GK , who is out of Delhi- She is a devoted Congress Person and firmly believes in the ideology of @INCIndia. She told me, that she is in politics, just because of her firm faith in the ideology of the Congress Party," he wrote on Twitter. Sharmistha Mukherjee, who is president of Mahila Congress as well as in-charge of the communication department of Delhi unit, had joined the party in 2014. She had also contested Delhi Assembly elections from Greater Kailash seat in 2015 and lost to AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court said today it will hear tomorrow a plea by Janata Dal (United) challenging the Delhi High Court order by which it had allowed the party's former president and rebel MP Sharad Yadav to retain his official residence in New Delhi. On May 18, the top court agreed to hear the appeal by JD(U)'s Rajya Sabha MP Ramchandra Prasad Singh and issued a notice to Yadav. Today, a vacation bench of Adarsh Kumar Goel and Ashok Bhushan said it will the hear the plea tomorrow. Singh, the party's leader in the upper house had challenged an order of the high court passed on December 15 by which it had refused to grant interim stay on Yadav's disqualification as a Rajya Sabha MP and allowed him to draw his salary, allowances, perks and retain the bungalow till the pendency of his plea. The interim order of the high court had come on Yadav's plea challenging his disqualification on several grounds, including that he was not given any chance to present his case by the Rajya Sabha chairman before passing an order against him and his colleague and then MP Ali Anwar on December 4. Singh had sought their disqualification before the high court on the grounds that they had attended a rally of opposition parties in Patna in violation of the party's directives. Yadav had joined hands with the opposition after JD(U) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar dumped the grand alliance with the RJD and the Congress in Bihar and tied up with the BJP in July last year. Yadav was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2016 and his term was scheduled to end in July 2022. Anwar's term as a Rajya Sabha MP expired in April. Both were disqualified under the anti-defection law. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India today said the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China stands for "multi-polarity" and it conveys the message that big countries can peacefully coexist despite differences in their systems. The 18th SCO Summit, scheduled for June 9 and 10 in Qingdao, Shandong province, will be attended by a host of world leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "We hope the summit will be very successful. We are confident it will be very successful. We know that China will host very successful Qingdao SCO summit. We are very much looking forward to it," Indian Ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale said. This is the first SCO summit after India and Pakistan were admitted as regular members last year. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. On the Shanghai spirit and outcome of the summit, Bambawale said, "the Shanghai spirit is very important. It stands for multi-polarity. For countries with different systems to live together and to have peaceful coexistence". "We believe that the message which will come out of the summit is that important big countries which are members of the SCO can peacefully coexist despite differences in their systems and that they can work together," he said in an interview to China's state-run CCTV. "Another point to come out is that unilateralism is not necessary in today's world. Multi-lateralism and learning to live with each other is the important message which will come from Qingdao," he added. Bambawale said that post-Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi, India and China will work on their differences and commonalities to ensure that the two countries prosper and progress together. The informal summit between Modi and Xi in April at the Chinese city of Wuhan was an "effort by the leaders of India and China, two large countries with huge populations, to talk to each other, understand each other to promote cooperation between the two countries," Bambawale said. "Most importantly it (the summit) was strategic communication between the leaders of the two countries," he said. "As a result of their discussions in Wuhan, the two leaders have arrived at certain consensus. The first and most important consensus is that India and China are partners in progress and in economic development, he said. "Second most important consensus was that many more commonalities between the two countries than differences. They will work together on these commonalities," he said. "Of course, there are some differences between us. But We will work at the differences to ensure that the two countries will progress and prosper together. We are not going to be away from each other and apart from each other. We are going to do this together," he said. On the success of Indian films in China and promotion of people-to-people contacts, the envoy said India and China should have more people-to-people exchanges. One of the ways to that is through movies. "We are happy to see that Indian Bollywood movies are becoming popular. The important point is by seeing the movies Chinese people will come to understand India better. By understanding India better there will be more mutual trust between people of India and China, he said. "Similarly, we want to see more Chinese movies also so that we can understand China better. "Another aspect both our governments should work very hard is for building people-to-people cooperation, that is tourism. We must expand tourism between the two countries with more flights and more tourists going to each other countries. That way we will understand each other better and trust each other more," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Copra office Kozhikode and copra edible Mumbai declined at the spices market here today on subdued demand from stockists and retailers. Rest all other spices held stable in the absence of any large-scale buying activities. Copra office Kozhikode and copra edible Mumbai rolled down by Rs 100 per quintal each to Rs 12,300 and Rs 15,900 from Tuesday's closing level of Rs 12,400 and Rs 16,000, respectively. Following are today's closing rates (in Rs) with previous rates in brackets: Black pepper (per kg) 370/430 (370/430), ginger unbleached (per kg) 160 (160), copra office Alappuzha (per quintal) 12,500 (12,500), copra office Kozhikode (per quintal) 12,300 (12,400), copra Rajapur Mumbai (per quintal) 21,000 (21,000), copra edible Mumbai (per quintal) 15,900 (16,000). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least seven people were killed as an arms depot exploded in the Sadr City district of the Iraqi capital today, security and medical sources said. "An arms depot exploded... The security forces have opened an inquiry to determine the cause," Baghdad's security operations command said in a statement. Seven people were killed and 22 injured in the blast, a senior police source told AFP on condition of anonymity. It was heavy weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades and shells, belonging to an armed group and stored in a house, he said. The sources said the blast struck near a Shiite mosque in the district of northeast Baghdad. Witnesses reported heavy material damage to homes and other buildings in the Sadr City district that is a stronghold of populist Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Veteran actor Shabana Azmi has apologised to railways for tweeting a video tagging minister Piyush Goyal and the railway ministry that purportedly showed workers, whom she had mistaken to be railway staffers, washing dishes in dirty water. The 30-second video shows three people squatting and rinsing plates in what appears to be a puddle of water in a pothole. Azmi had tweeted the video yesterday morning asking the minister to watch it. By evening, the ministry issued a clarification tagging the actor and calling her out on her mistake. "Mam, video is of Malaysian eatery which faces closure after video shows workers washing dishes in puddle of murky water," the tweet from the railway ministry's handle pointed out, even attaching a story from the country to validate the point. Almost immediately, Azmi apologised, but twitter trolls would have none of it, even asking the rail ministry to file a complaint of defamation against her. "Thank you for clarifying this. I stand corrected. Please accept my apologies," she tweeted. Later, she again tweeted: "I have apologised unconditionally. I stand corrected." The issue generated a lot of traction on the micro-blogging site. It received over 67,000 impressions, the ministry's tweet got 915 retweets and more than 1000 likes. The railways was in the recently when a video went viral showing a vendor coming out of a train toilet with tea and coffee cans. The vendor was fined Rs 1 lakh by the railways later. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress took a dig at BJP chief Amit Shah and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray ahead of their scheduled meeting here today, saying the rendezvous was aimed at "cutting a political deal" ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan also played down reports of bickering between the two saffron parties, saying the Sena was unlikely to sever ties with the BJP. He saw the frequent barbs hurled by the Sena at its NDA ally as a pressure tactic to get a better deal from the BJP. "The meeting between the two leaders is aimed at cutting a political deal, nothing else. The Shiv Sena is not going to snap ties with the BJP. "The Shiv Sena's criticism of the BJP is only a political pressure tactic used to clinch a better deal," the former Maharashtra chief minister, said. Hitting out at its alliance partner, the Uddhav Thackeray-led outfit had recently called the BJP its "biggest political enemy". Shah is expected to meet Thackeray later in the day as part of the BJP's "Sampark se Samarthan" (Contact for Support) initiative, aimed at highlighting the achievements of the Narendra Modi government and garnering support for the party in the run-up to next year's general election. Earlier in the day, the Shiv Sena questioned the BJP's outreach programme after suffering defeats in the recently-held bypolls and asserted that it will go solo in all the upcoming elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) State-owned ship manufacturing company Shalimar Works Ltd today entered into an agreement with Bangladesh shipbuilder Western Marine for manufacturing different types of vessels and watercrafts. The two companies signed the agreement for formation of a special purpose vehicle to develop freight and passenger transportation along National Waterway I comprising rivers Ganga, Hooghly and Bhagirathi. West Bengal Transport minister Suvendu Adhikari said "Shalimar Works has made a financial turnaround and is likely to be on the profit-making path soon." He said the state is giving a lot of importance for the use of waterways as a viable passenger and freight transportation alternative. Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata Toufique Hassan said "the agreement between the two companies is a step towards further deepening of relations between the two countries." He said the agreement will help both the companies financially. Western Marine's managing director Shahnawaz Hossain said that his company has manufactured 142 ships since its incorporation in 2000. Of the 142 ships, 111 were made for internal use, while the rest were exported, including a 8,000 tonne engineering ship for an Indian company, Hossain said. He said Western Marine will share its expertise with Shalimar Works in manufacturing vessels and ships of various types. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Authorities today briefly lifted the curfew imposed in Shillong and other "vulnerable areas" for the first time as the situation improved, a senior official said, nearly a week after violent clashes between local Khasi people and Sikh community members rocked the areas. No new report of clash was received today, paving the way for increase in tourist footfall in Shillong, called the "Scotland of the East". The curfew imposed in 14 "vulnerable areas" was lifted for seven hours from 5 am to 12 noon in view of the improved situation, East Khasi Hills district Deputy Commissioner P S Dkhar said. They had been continuously under curfew since June 1. The prohibitory order was reimposed after 12 noon till 7 am tomorrow. In rest of the city, the curfew was clamped back from 6 pm till 5 am tomorrow, Dkhar told PTI. Shillong had been in the grip of violence since May 29 following a fight between Sikh residents in city's Punjabi Lane area, and Khasi drivers of state-run buses. More than 10 people, including policemen and CRPF personnel, were injured in the clashes that followed the fight. Meghalaya Governor Ganga Prasad urged people to maintain peace and not dent the image of the state. In a statement, he said events of the past week have caused a lot of concern to peace-loving citizens, and urged them to support the government in maintaining peace. "Disruption of normal life due to violence dents the image of a peaceful state like ours and will have a negative impact on the state's economy, especially during the peak tourist season," he said. Prasad also urged people to be wary of rumours as "fake news" could be deliberately circulated by unscrupulous people. Deputy Commissioner Dkhar said most shops opened in Police Bazaar and Iew Duh (Bara Bazaar) and people were visiting them. With the situation easing out, tourist flow has started to increase in the picturesque capital of Meghalaya, which means 'abode of clouds'. Assam Tourists Taxi Association started ferrying tourists from Guwahati to Shillong, sources in the association said. Holidayers were seen in good numbers at the popular Cathedral in Shillong, a cynosure of tourists. Hoteliers facing large-scale cancellation of previous bookings heaved a sigh of relief with tourists beginning to arrive from today. Minority commission member Manjit Rai met senior police and civil officials where he was briefed on the situation. Rai, who visited a gurudwara in Punjabi Lane, said the report will be tabled before the Commission tomorrow. A high-level committee formed by BJP-backed Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government to find a permanent solution to issue of relocation of the Sweeper Colony inhabitated by Punjabis, got into action today and asked the departments concerned to submit relevant documents within this week. Speaking to reporters after the panel's first sitting today, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who heads the committee, said: "We have directed the Shillong Municipal Board, urban affairs department and law department to submit all documents and court cases relating to the land within this week for the committee to study in detail on the matter. "After this, the committee will accordingly recommend a feasible and permanent solution to the state government for relocation of the Sweepers Colony, which has been a long pending issue," he said. Stating that the terms of reference of the committee is to examine relevant documents relating to the relocation of the Sweepers Colony, he, however, said they need to know the factuality about land and occupants to decide on the issue. The committee chairman said the decision to constitute the panel does not mean that the government wants to buy time but to show that it wants to find ways to solve this issue. "We are committed to reach a solution," he said. The deputy chief minister said he does not see any problem in relocating the colony. Relocating them does not mean deprivation but it is for the good of everybody "because we dont know the sentiment of the mob", he said. Tynsong said the committee is waiting for the details about the number of employees working under Shillong Municipal Board. According to him, it would be too early to say whether there are illegal settlers in the area. On opposition Congress's demand for a judicial inquiry, he said it would be meaningless to institute the inquiry since the main cause behind the violence is known to the government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan will embark on a two-day visit to Pyongyang from tomorrow, ahead of the historic June 12 summit here between US president Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jung Un. Balakrishnan will visit Pyongyang at the invitation of his North Korean counterpart Ri Yong Ho, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced today in a statement. Balakrishnan will also call on North Korea's ceremonial president Kim Yong Nam during his visit to the country, it said. He is not the first Singaporean leader to visit North Korea. In 2008, George Yeo, then minister for foreign affairs, made a five-day official visit to North Korea. Singapore is hosting the landmark meeting between US President Donald Trump and the North Korean leader Kim Jung Un on June 12. Preparations are underway in Singapore for the first summit between the top leaders of United States and North Korea. Singapore is putting up facilities at a racing track pit in the central business district for more than 3,000 journalists expected to cover the historic summit. Initially, there was uncertainty over whether the summit would go ahead at all, and it was briefly called off last month by Trump after a dispute with the North Koreans over the key issue of denuclearisation. Multiple US and N Korean teams are holding simultaneous meetings ahead of the Singapore Summit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Singapore's foreign minister will make a two-day trip to Pyongyang this week, its government said today, as preparations for a summit in the city-state between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un accelerate. Vivian Balakrishnan will pay an official visit to the North Korean capital tomorrow and Friday at the invitation of the North's Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, Singapore's foreign ministry said in a statement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Raking up the issue of full statehood for Delhi in the assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia today listed projects and proposals of the AAP government, including appointment of anti-corruption ombudsman Jan Lokpal and implementation of decentralisation initiative Swaraj, had been stuck because of "interference" by the Centre and the Lieutenant Governor. Tabling a government resolution seeking grant of full statehood status to Delhi, Sisodia said that there were "flaws" in the system which was why an elected government did not have power. He said that the AAP dispensation could not fulfil many of its poll promises such as appointing anti-corruption ombudsman Jan Lokpal, implementing decentralisation initiative Swaraj and installing CCTV cameras across Delhi as it did not have enough powers. "We discuss action on corruption...if Delhi was a full state, Lokpal would have sent corrupt people to jail. Delhi would get Lokpal within six months if it was a state," Sisodia said, adding 'mohalla sabha' could not be implemented due to the same reason. Delhi's voters did not have power in comparison to voters in Gurgaon, Faridabad where governments can take decision on their own, he said. The deputy chief minister also raised the issue of metro fare hike last year, saying that it would not have been possible had Delhi been a full state. Sisodia said that despite the Delhi government's objection, the metro fares were increased. He also raked up the issue of bureaucrats allegedly not answering questions asked by legislators in the assembly. "If Delhi was full state, no principal secretary would have the guts to deny answers to questions raised by MLAs in the House...cleaning work of Yamuna river would also been done if Delhi was state," he said. Lambasting the Lt Governor, Sisodia said that the AAP government wanted to set up 1,000 mohalla clinics, but the L-G created "hurdles" in their implementation. "If Delhi was state, there was no need of sending files to the Lt Governor...L-G has only intention to halt works of elected government," he also said. The Delhi Development Authority is not an agency, it is "property dealer", Sisodia said while expressing anguish over "dearth of land" for government's projects. Doorstep delivery of ration, formation of women security forces, regularisation of unauthorised colonies, cleaning of drains among others would have been done if Delhi was given full statehood status, the deputy chief minister said. Underlining the need for full statehood status for Delhi, Sisodia wondered why the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister, who has the responsibility of the whole country, will bother about work in an unauthorised colony in Delhi's Seemapuri area. The resolution that was tabled in the Delhi Assembly states: "Keeping in view of the aspirations of people of Delhi for a better quality of life commensurate with their contribution to the economy... "Also noting that all the major political parties have supported the idea of full statehood to Delhi in their respective manifesto; This House resolves that National Capital Territory of Delhi should be granted full statehood immediately." Participating in the discussion over the issue, AAP MLA Sourabh Bharadwaj said that BJP had promised full statehood to Delhi in its manifesto. BJP MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa alleged that the AAP government has "failed' to fulfil its pre-poll promises that's why it is raising the issue of full statehood to Delhi. "AAP has hatched conspiracy to hide its failure....if there is no drinking water for people and if health system has collapsed the issue of statehood doesn't exist... "The AAP is raising the issue of statehood at a time when the elections are coming," Sirsa said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The situation in restive Shillong showed signs of improvement for the second day today even as Meghalaya Governor Ganga Prasad asked the people to help maintain peace and not dent the image of the state. No untoward incident was reported since yesterday from violence affected areas of the state capital, East Khasi Hills district Deputy Commissioner P S Dkhar told PTI. In a statement, the governor said events of the past one week have caused a lot of concern to peace-loving citizens of the state and appealed to them to support the government in its effort to maintain peace. "Disruption of normal life due to violence dents the image of a peaceful state like ours and will have a negative impact on the state's economy, especially during the peak tourist season," he said. Prasad also urged the people to be wary of rumours as fake could be deliberately circulated by unscrupulous people. Dkhar said most shops are open in the two markets - Police Bazaar and Iew Duh (Bara Bazaar). The curfew in the affected areas has been relaxed from 7 am to 12 noon today, he said. The timing of the night curfew in the entire state capital has also been changed. Now it is from 6 pm to 5 am in place of 4 pm to 5 am, the deputy commissioner said. The Army last night conducted another round of flag march in the affected areas and two columns is on standby, defence spokesperson Ratnakar Singh said. Meanwhile, Minority Commission Member Manjit Rai met senior police and civil officials where he was briefed on the situation today. Rai said the report will be tabled before the Commission tomorrow. The Commission member also paid a visit to a gurudwara in the Punjabi Lane and is likely to meet Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma later. The hill town has been in the grip of violence since May 29 following a fight between Sikh residents in Shillong's Punjabi Lane area, and Khasi drivers of state-run buses. Over 10 people, including policemen and CRPF personnel, were injured in the clashes. The BJP-backed Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government has formed a committee, headed by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, to find a permanent solution to the issue of relocation of the sweeper colony, inhabited by Punjabis, where an incident of assault, fanned by fake on social media, sparked clashes last week. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Buoyed by opposition victory in key Lok Sabha bypolls in Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav today dared the BJP government at the Centre to hold simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls in the state in 2019. "We have no problem if the voters' list is linked with Aadhar number. We have no problems with 'one nation one election'. I ask them (BJP) to implement 'one nation one election' from 2019 itself and hold UP Assembly polls with the 2019 Lok Sabha elections," he told a press conference at the SP headquarters here. The 44-year-old SP chief virtually threw down the gauntlet at the BJP after the saffron party's defeat in the prestigious Lok Sabha by-elections to Gorakhpur and Phulpur and its recent drubbing in Kairana and Phoolpur Assembly bypoll. While Gorakhpur is the home turf of chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Phulpur was held by his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya. Even Kairana was held by a BJP MP, whose death necessitated the bypoll in which his daughter lost to the RLD, whose candidate was supported by all opposition parties. An Uttar Pradesh panel has recommended simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, echoing a suggestion by the Law Commission of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's own view on the issue. Akhilesh, however, rued, "No suggestion was taken from us on this issue". A report in this regard was submitted yesterday by UP Health Minister Sidharth Nath Singh, who headed the seven-member committee constituted by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. "UP is the first state to push PM's idea of national debate on holding all elections up to the panchayat together. We have examined it and it is possible," Singh had said after handing over the report titled, "One nation, one election & common electoral rolls." Adityanath had later said, "We are forwarding the report to the Centre, and it will be good in the larger public interest. To keep the electoral rolls clean, Aadhaar numbers should be linked with names of voters to eliminate chances of duplication, as suggested by the committee. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan is likely to accept the resignations of five YSR Congress MPs from the House after they met her today and ruled out any rethink of their decision, official sources said. A notification to this effect is likely to be issued soon, the sources said. Mahajan told them she would accept their resignation after they stuck to their stand, they said. The five Lok Sabha MPs from Andhra Pradesh's main opposition party had resigned to protest the Centre's decision to not grant special category status to the state. The speaker had met them earlier as well, asking them to reconsider their decision. The Telugu Desam Party, which is in power in the state, had broken ties with the BJP over the special category issue. The state is scheduled to go to the assembly polls along with the Lok Sabha elections next year. Both parties are seen to be taking positions on an issue they believe has an emotional connect with the masses in the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today planted a sapling in the Phoenix settlement where Mahatma Gandhi had developed his philosophy of non-violence during his stay in South Africa. Swaraj, who is on a five-day visit to South Africa, visited the Phoenix Settlement, a South African Heritage site in Durban and paid respect to the place. She also interacted with students of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Computer Education and Information Technology, a centre established by India here. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet: "Where the seed of idea became ideology! EAM @SushmaSwaraj planted a sapling in the Phoenix settlement, home of Bapu during his stay in South Africa". She planted the sapling of Cape Chestnut plant. "With bright minds at the Phoenix settlement! EAM @SushmaSwaraj interacted with students of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Computer Education and Information Technology, a centre established by the Government of India," Kumar said in another tweet. "Where Bapu developed his philosophy of non-violence! EAM @SushmaSwaraj visited Phoenix Settlement, a South African Heritage site, paying respect to the place that served as Gandhiji's home," the Consulate General of India in Durban tweeted. Gandhi spent 21 years in South Africa before returning to India in 1915. Swaraj will attend a series of events marking the 125th anniversary of the historic incident where a young Mahatma Gandhi was thrown out of a train compartment in Pietermaritzburg railway station. The 1893 incident proved to be a turning point in Gandhi's fight against racial discrimination in South Africa. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Naresh Goyal-promoted full-service carrier has taken various steps including optimising aircraft rotations and streamlining internal process to regain its on-time performance (OTP), which hit a rock bottom at 52.2 per cent last December. As a result of these steps, the delivered an OTP of 82.9 per cent from four metro airports in April, the said. Significantly, along with its subsidiary JetLite had reported an average 83.6 per cent OTP from four airports - Delhi, Mumbai, and - together in April 2016, according to the DGCA data. "Operational reliability is a very important aspect for an airline, more so for Jet Airways, since a substantial percentage of our traffic almost half is corporate. Our OTP has been showing a steady improvement in the past few months, after a drop in the second half of 2017," said Vinay Dube, chief executive officer, OTP of an is measured from the time an aircraft gets detached from an aerobridge or step ladder for the push back at the departing airport, to the time it gets attached to an aerobridge at the arriving airport. At present the Directorate General of Civil (DGCA) publishes monthly OTP of domestic airlines from four metro airports - Delhi, Mumbai, and The significant jump witnessed in the OTP data is the result of several measures Jet Airways has undertaken to improve its OTP at its hubs, Dube said. The measures include optimising aircraft rotations, streamlining internal (ground services and operational control) processes, as well as provisioning spare aircraft at and Mumbai, to overcome delays due to weather and ATC, he added. Additionally, effective this summer block times have been revised to reflect more accurate travel times between city pairs across India, according to him. Block time or block hours refer to the span of time from the switching on of the aircraft's engines to its switching off. "All the above steps should enable us to bring about further improvements in the airline's OTP in the months to come," Dube said. (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 teacher of a private school in Haryana's Nissing town was arrested today for allegedly sexually assaulting one of his students, police said. The 20-year-old student of SD Model School today lodged a complaint against her physical teacher Manoj Kumar allegeding that he sexually assaulted her, they said. She alleged that Kumar assaulted her several times between January and March this year when she studying in Class XII, the police added. The victim passed out of school this year. The police said that the victim had attempted suicide last evening by jumping in a canal near Nissing, but was rescued by a passerby. An investigation is underway. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Telangana government today proposed to build multi-level parking complexes on public-private partnership (ppp) mode to address parking and traffic woes in Hyderabad. Chief Secretary S K Joshi, who held a meeting with city Mayor B Rammohan and officials, directed that Expression of Interest be invited in a month for construction of the proposed multi-level parking complexes, a state government release said. He suggested that traffic experts study the proposals received for construction of multi-level parking complexes in government and private lands, the release said. The Mayor said technology being used in different countries should be taken into consideration in preparing the proposals, it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Global investment firm Temasek and Singapore's Ascendas-Singbridge today announced plans to invest Rs 2,000 crore in India's logistic and industrial real estate segment. Ascendas-Singbridge has launched Ascendas India Logistics Programme, in which Temasek is a principal investor. "Temasek and Ascendas-Singbridge Group have jointly committed Rs 20 billion (approx Singapore dollar 400 million) to invest in logistics and industrial real estate in key locations in India," Ascendas said in a statement. Ascendas-Firstspace, the platform established by Ascendas-Singbridge and Firstspace Realty in 2017, will execute the investment strategy for the programme, it added. Logistic and industrial real estate has been able to attract huge investments in the last few years on the back of growing e-commerce business. The new GST regime has also helped in growth of this segment. Ascendas-Singbridge Group is Asia's leading sustainable urban development and business space solutions provider with assets under management exceeding S$20 billion. Jointly owned by Temasek Holdings and JTC Corporation through a 51:49 partnership, the group undertakes urbanisation projects spanning townships, mixed-use developments and business/industrial parks. Ascendas-Singbridge has projects in 28 cities across 9 countries in Asia, including Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Singapore and South Korea. The commitment of capital for the programme follows the recent establishment of Ascendas-Firstspace to deliver state-of-the-art logistics and industrial facilities across major warehousing and manufacturing hubs in India, the statement said. "Ascendas-Singbridge has over 20 years of experience in India and we are committed to India's real estate growth story. Given strong domestic consumption trends, investments in high quality logistics and industrial facilities are necessary to support India's economic growth in the years to come," said He Jihong, Ascendas-Singbridge Group Chief Investment Officer. Temasek India MD Promeet Ghosh said the logistics and industrial sector is a good proxy to growing middle-income populations and transforming economies. "The positive momentum of the sector, underpinned by the Indian government's Make in India vision as well as healthy consumption trends, present opportunities for us to further invest in India's continued growth," he added. Tapping India's growing logistics sector, the programme will invest in projects in key warehousing and manufacturing hubs in Mumbai, National Capital Region, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, and Ahmedabad, among others. The target is to develop a portfolio of 13 to 15 million sq ft of space. To date, it has two seed assets with 1.25 million sq ft of operational space and over 4 million sq ft in development potential. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Tamil Nadu government will set up a fishing harbour at nearby Tiruvallur district at an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said today. The move was part of the government's efforts towards creating infrastructure for handling deep-sea fish as well as due to the congestion at the existing fishing harbour here, he told the state Assembly. "The fishing harbour at Tiruvottiyur will be set up with world class facilities to handle deep-sea fish," he said in a suo motu statement. The existing fishing harbour in Cuddalore will be upgraded at an estimated Rs 100 crore, the Chief Minister said. The chief minister also made a number of other announcements concerning the departments of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development. These included provision of modern equipment to detect diseases in cattle, new veterinary facilities and upgradation of veterinary centres as multi-speciality hospitals. He further proposed expansion and upgradation of existing milk processing centres in Chennai, Salem, Vellore-Tiruvannamalai and Thanjavur. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A team of senior government officials today reviewed the law and order situation in four Lower Assam districts at Bongaigaon ahead of the publication of the next draft of National Register of Citizens (NRC) on June 30. The officials, led by Chief Secretary T Y Das and Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia, reviewed the law and order situation of Bongaigaon, Chirang, Goalpara and Kokrajhar districts, an official release said here. This is the first meeting by the team which will visit all the districts of Assam before the publication of the next draft of NRC. Besides the Chief Secretary and DGP, the team comprises Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Alok Kumar, Special DGP (SB) Pallab Bhattacharya and ADGP (Law and Order) Mukesh Agarwal. The Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents and senior officials of police, army and central paramilitary forces were present during the meeting which discussed various issues related to the NRC updating process. The importance of constant interaction with people to allay apprehension of public, the facilities available to all in respect of claims and objections for which an exhaustive awareness programme would be launched and other related issues were discussed, the release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said today he expects "frank and sometimes difficult" conversations with US President Donald Trump on US tariffs at the upcoming G7 summit. The Canadian prime minister will host the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States for an annual G7 summit in La Malbaie, Quebec on Friday and Saturday. "We know certainly that there will be frank and sometimes difficult discussions around the G7 table, particularly with the US president on tariffs," Trudeau told reporters. He had hoped to put the focus on jobs, security concerns, cleaning up the world's oceans and empowering women. But officials have conceded the G7 agenda is likely to be overtaken by trade disputes. Last week, the Trump administration unveiled punishing tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum from the EU, Canada and Japan, among others. That was met with retaliatory levies, which have raised fears of a trade war and prompted complaints to be filed with the World Trade Organization. "The world economic order is under pressure, under attack," Canada's Trade Minister Francois Philippe Champagne said earlier "We must continue to work together because a world where there are no rules is a world where nobody wins," he warned. "Let us modernize what needs to be modernized," he said in reference to the WTO. "But let's also remember that these global rules have allowed all of our economies to prosper. Ahead of the G7, Trudeau will welcome French President Emmanuel to Ottawa, where he said they are expected to form a common front against US protectionism. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A communications aide of President Donald Trump, who joked about veteran Senator John McCain's battle with brain cancer has left her job, White House spokesman Raj Shah has announced. In May, special assistant Kelly Sadler reportedly took exception to McCain's criticism of President Trump's CIA nominee, Gina Haspel, by dismissing his opinion and saying "he's dying anyway." The 81-year-old Arizona Senator has been diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. McCain, a Navy officer, who was tortured during more than five years as a prisoner-of-war in Vietnam, had opposed Haspel's nomination citing her past connections to interrogation methods, including waterboarding. "Kelly Sadler is no longer employed within the Executive Office of the President," Shah, the principal deputy press secretary, said in a statement yesterday. The White House had been strategising an exit for Sadler for the last two weeks, a senior administration official said. There had been a discussion about relocating her to another agency or department outside of the White House, and it remains unclear if she is going somewhere else or leaving the administration entirely, CNN reported. The White House has not confirmed or denied whether Sadler made the remark on McCain. "We respect Senator McCain's service to our nation and he and his family are in our prayers during this difficult time," a statement at the time said. After last month's reports over the comment, Sadler called the senator's daughter, Meghan McCain, to apologise, according to the Hill newspaper. But afterward, Meghan cCain publicly questioned why Sadler still had a job at the White House. Sadler's comment spurred an intensive effort inside the West Wing to seek out leakers. The effort to find leakers has led to an acrimonious atmosphere at the White House, CNN quoted aides as saying. Sadler had also reportedly angered White House director of strategic communications, Mercedes Schlapp, when she told Trump in the Oval Office that she believed Schlapp was responsible for some of the leaks -- as Schlapp was looking on. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Several Muslim organisations have decided to boycott US President Donald Trump's first Iftar dinner at the White House, citing his alleged anti-Muslim rhetoric. Last year, Trump broke with decades of precedent by forgoing the annual Iftar dinner a bipartisan tradition that formally began with Bill Clinton in the 1990s but has conceptual roots tracing as far back as under Thomas Jefferson in 1805. When the White House confirmed earlier this week that Trump would, in fact, host the event this year, most Muslim civic organisations were caught off guard. Now the event would be held tonight. "There will be roughly, I believe, about 30 to 40 different attendees," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters at her daily conference yesterday. Leading Muslim groups in Washington who attended the event under previous administrations said Trump's continued targeting of Islam and its followers made engagement with his administration a futile, if not impossible task. Many of them have announced that they would hold a parallel Iftar dinner outside the White House. "President Trump has demonstrated overt antipathy towards Muslims in the US and abroad from the beginning of his presidential campaign and continues to support his un-American Muslim and refugee travel bans," the organisers said in a statement. Council on American-Islamic Relations said that it has witnessed an "unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting" American-Muslims and members of other minority groups since the election of Trump as president. The Washington-based civil rights organisation has also repeatedly expressed concern about Islamophobic and racist Trump administration policies and appointments. Trump's during the 2016 campaign had vowed to ban all Muslims from entering the US, nor his flirtation with the idea of a Muslim registry. In one of his first acts from the Oval Office, Trump imposed a travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries and indefinitely suspended the US refugee program. Several iterations of the policy have since been mired by legal challenges, with its ultimate fate facing an imminent ruling by the supreme court. In November, Trump drew widespread condemnation for retweeting a series of anti-Muslim videos from the ultranationalist far-right group Britain First. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mining giant Vedanta faces a potential revenue loss to the tune of USD 210 million per month due to closing of operations at its smelter unit at Tuticorin, a top company official said today. Last month, the Tamil Nadu government had directed the State Pollution Control Board to seal Vedanta group's copper plant and shut it down "permanently" following violent protests during which 13 people were killed in police firing. Every month the company sells about 30,000 tonnes of refined copper and multiplied by an average price of USD 7,000 per tonne it comes to USD 210 million, Sterlite Copper CEO P Ramnath said here addressing the media. "That's a potential revenue loss...but again revenue loss does not translate to bottomline loss," he said in reply to a query. He emphasised, "It is not just loss to the company, it is loss for both the society and the consumers...There were around 3,500 people who were dependent on us. How will they be taking care of their families now? Their savings, if they have any, will last how long." Ramnath also said that his company's unit was not emitting even a kg of sulphur dioxide. "According to national norm, emission of 2 kg of sulphur dioxide is permitted on production of 1 tonne of sulphuric acid. For us the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board had set it at 1 kg sulphur dioxide on production of 1 tonne sulphuric acid but we were emitting 0.5 kg which is below the standards as compared to power plants in there," he said. "If you compare the amount of sulphur dioxide we emit, of the total sulphur dioxide being emitted from rest of the plants in Tuticorin, our contribution is just 1 per cent, the 99 per cent emission of sulphur dioxide is being done by power plants there." Asked if the plant was following norms, why were people protesting against it, the CEO said there could be various reasons including vested interest. "All (those protesting) including the NGOs have their own reasons to protest. There are various myths which need to be broken," the official said. The NGOs have their vested interest and are angry after their funding were stopped under FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act), he alleged adding, "They may be backed by foreign entities". To support his point, he said India is a huge market after China and lots of players are eying India and added "It could be possible that they don't want India to be self-sufficient." "We had faced issues in Niyamgiri and there were reports that there were NGOs who were involved in it," the CEO said. He also said that he suspects role of some anti-social elements in sparking the protest. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A commander and a jawan of the Assam Rifles were injured when a suspected Naga armed group attacked their base camp near Mon town early today, Assam Rifles sources said. The armed group attacked the base camp of the paramilitary force at Lampong Shanghah village, about 15 km away from Mon district, at around 2 am and the security force retaliated. While the jawan manning the sentry post was grievously injured, the commander in the rank of a Major sustained minor bullet injury, they said. The jawan was airlifted to Jorhat army camp in Assam for treatment, while the condition of the officer is stable. There is no report of any casualty on the other side, they said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The financial sector regulator, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), on Wednesday imposed a fine of 896,100 (Rs 80 million) on the London branch of and also stopped it from accepting deposits for nearly 5 months for not adhering to anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. Meanwhile, the bank in a filing said FCA acknowledges that senior management at have fully cooperated and engaged with FCAs investigation and that the firm's substantive AML deficiencies now have been rectified. FCA in a notice said it had imposed a penalty of 896,100 on the bank and restricted it from accepting deposits from new customers for 147 days. The reason for this action is because breached Principle 3 (management and control a firm must take reasonable care to organise and control its affairs responsibly and effectively, with adequate risk management systems) between November 26, 2012 and January 29, 2016, FCA said. The regulator further said it had reduced the penalty by 30 per cent as Canara Bank agreed to settle at an early stage of FCA's probe. 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 The UN General Assembly on Wednesday overwhelmingly elected Ecuador's Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces as its next president, making her only the fourth woman to lead the 193-member world body in its 73-year history. She defeated another woman Honduras' UN Ambassador Mary Elizabeth Flores Flake by 128-62 with two abstentions in the secret-ballot vote. The current council president, Miroslav Lajcak of Slovakia, announced the results to loud applause, saying, "Frankly, 4 out of 73 is not a record to be proud of, but I'm glad we are getting ourselves on track." Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who defeated several female candidates and continues the male domination of the UN's top post, echoed Lajcak, saying, "We can and we must do better." Espinosa Garces expressed hope that gender parity continues to make progress and dedicated her election to "all the women in the world who participate in today and who face political and media attacks marked by machismo and discrimination." "I would like to pay a special tribute to the women who struggle every day to access jobs on equal terms, to women and girls who are victims of violence, to girls and adolescents who demand access to quality information and education," she said. "My commitment will always be to them." While the presidency of the General Assembly is largely ceremonial, it is also prestigious. The world body controls the UN budget, adopts treaties, addresses global issues from poverty to climate change, and passes numerous resolutions that while not legally binding almost always reflect global opinion. It is also the UN organ where countries large and small can speak and the scene of the annual gathering of world leaders in September. The selection of the assembly president follows a regional rotation mandated by the world body, and it was the turn of and the Caribbean to preside over the next yearlong session which starts just before September's global gathering. By tradition, the UN's regional groups usually nominate a single candidate who is then rubber-stamped by the assembly. But this year the election was contested as it was in 1991, 2012 and 2016 according to the UN, because Latin American countries couldn't agree on a nominee. Espinosa Garces noted after her victory that she will also be the first woman from and the Caribbean to preside over the assembly starting in September. "I offered an open door presidency and I will hold to that promise," she said. "I am a poet as well as a politician," Espinosa Garces said. "As such, I am fully aware that no view is useful if we do not see, and no word has any value if we do not listen. I will be ready to listen to you all and to work for you and with you." For the first time this year, assembly president Lajcak decided to follow a new practice that was also used to choose secretary-general Guterres. He invited both candidates to appear before assembly members for two hours May 4 to present their vision for the presidency and answer questions from diplomats and civil society representatives. The issues raised ranged from conflict prevention and financing U.N. goals for 2030 to ending poverty and sustaining the planet to transparency in the president's office, UN reforms, and gender equality. Espinosa Garces said then that she would focus on "delivery, implementation and accountability" to bring the UN's work closer to people everywhere and convince them that what the does "touches upon their daily lives." After Tuesday's election, she stressed that "strengthening multilateralism is not an option, it's an obligation." Therefore, Espinosa Garces said, it's urgent that the responds to major global challenges and does more to bring the organization closer to all citizens of the world. She told reporters later that her priorities will be to finalize negotiations for a global compact on migration, promoting action on climate change, implementing UN reforms, and looking for new ways to finance economic development. Diplomats said before the vote that the views of the governments of Ecuador and Honduras would likely play a significant role in Tuesday's voting. One issue they pointed to that could have an impact was December's General Assembly resolution condemning the United States for recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital, which was adopted overwhelmingly. A 38-year-old man, wanted in connection with killing two men and carrying a reward of Rs one lakh, was arrested following an exchange of fire, the police said today. His associate was arrested last month in connection with the case. On May 2, the accused were waiting near a temple at Bamnoli village where the road was broken and the drivers had to slow down their vehicles. As the car carrying Sandeep alias Mental and his associate Pawan reached near them, three men fired at the duo and escaped on a motorcycle and a car, they added. Sandeep alias Mental was a notorious gangster of the area and Pawan was his close aide. During the course of investigation, it was found that one Rajiv alias Monu along with his associates was involved in the killing which was outcome of a dispute between him and his friend Sandeep over a property at Pochanpur village, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav said. It was learnt that he had gone to Mehdipur Balaji. A trap was laid near Balaji temple. On the morning of June 5, the police team spotted Rajiv in a white car but he managed to hoodwink the police team due to heavy rush of devotees at the temple and nearby area. However, later the team tracked him in Delhi, said the officer. In the evening, information was received that he would be visiting his hideout in Chhawla village via Rawata More. A trap was laid but he sensed the presence of police, Rajiv tried to escape, Yadav added. One of the police personnel fired a shot and deflated the vehicle's tyre. He came out of the vehicle and fired twice at the police team in a bid to escape. The police fired in retaliation and overpowered him. A sophisticated revolver with four live cartridges was recovered from him, the officer said. Along with his friend Sandeep, Rajiv had bought a property at Pochan Pur village. Both of them were involved in the construction activities on the property but they developed a dispute. Sandeep had threatened to eliminate him and his family. So he conspired to eliminate Sandeep, the officer said. He was involved in 10 criminal cases of murder, attempt to murder, extortion and theft. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The whole world agrees with the United States on the "unfair" trade practices of China, the White House said today, claiming that many countries have filed complaints against Beijing with the World Trade Organization. "The whole world agrees with us regarding China's trade practices. And, in fact, many parts of that world have filed their own complaints on exactly the same grounds, either with the government of China or with the World Trade Organization. So make no mistake about that," Larry Kudlow, Director of the National Economic Council at the White House, told reporters at a conference. Responding to questions on Trump's trade agenda, Kudlow said he considers the President as a "trade reformer". "He (Trump) regards himself as a free trader. But until we can deal with these unfair practices and so forth, we will not have fair trade," he said. "Until we can have reciprocal relationships, we will not have free trade, we will not have fair trade. His cause is just, and I think the rest of the world agrees with him.I mean, it always has from day one," Kudlow said. According to the top White House trade official, the negotiations between the US and China regarding trade will lower the trade deficit if it works out. "There are no deals at the moment. This is not a government to government. This is not the Chinese government buying a bunch of natural gas and soybeans from America. This is about reducing tariff rates and non-tariff barriers that will permit the increase in US export sales to China," he said responding to a question on the ongoing trade negotiations with China. "There are other issues here regarding technology transfers and theft of IP and so forth. If you lower the tariff rates and if you lower the non-tariff barriers and you permit increased US export sales -- we are the most competitive economy in the world, so we will get that job done -- then the trade gap will probably fall. That's how that will work," Kudlow asserted. He said one of the reasons for the breakdown of the world trading system, which Trump is trying to fix, in the last 20 years, has been a lack of discipline and tariff and non-tariff barriers have gone up. There has been a lot of protectionism, he added. The United States, Kudlow said, has the lowest average tariff in the world. "And if you go down a laundry list of industries, you will see we are much lower. Our tariff rates are much lower than our competitors," he said, adding that Trump is seeking a level playing field. "He calls it 'reciprocity'. I think it's a very apt description. That's the problem. If you bring down the barriers, and you equalise the level of the playing field, then we'll let nature take its course, we'll let markets take their course, and we will see," Kudlow said. He alleged that the previous US presidents have paid lip service to this issue of the lack of reciprocity and China's particularly "bad behaviour". "Nothing ever comes of it. This President has the backbone to take the fight, and he will continue to make the fight because he believes it is in the best interest of the United States and also the rest of the world," The WH official said. said. Responding to questions on General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and WTO, Kudlow said it was a good system, which lasted for several decades. "It was a good system, and it lasted for a bunch of decades. But that system has been broken in the last 20 years," he said. "The World Trade Organization, for example, has become completely ineffectual. Even when it makes decisions, even in the rare moments when it makes decisions, important countries don't even abide by them. So you're right about that framework from the mid-1940s on. I think it worked beautifully. I think free world trade is a very good thing indeed. But it is broken, and President Trump is trying to fix it. And that's the key point," he said. Trump, Kudlow asserted, was the "strongest" trade reformer seen in many decades. The administration, he said, is bound by the national interest. "We are bound by the national interests here more than anything else. We're always interested in the World Trade Organization. (USTR) Ambassador (Robert) Lighthizer, in fact, has filed complaints in the WTO with respect to Chinese practices and the practices of other nations. So we're still working through the WTO," he said. "But international multilateral organisations are not going to determine American policy. I think the President has made that very clear," the top White House official said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said the state cabinet has decided that it will oppose the proposed Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016, if it is against the interest of the Nagas. He said the cabinet discussed the issue at length yesterday. "During yesterday's cabinet meeting it was decided that if the proposed amendment bill is against the interests of the Nagas, the state government will go against such amendments and will take up the issues with the Centre," he said. Rio, however, said the "the state cabinet is of the view that Nagaland is protected under Article 371(A) of the Constitution and the Inner Line Permit regulations." The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955. A key amendment in the bill, however, seeks to grant citizenship to people without valid documents from minority communities -- Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians -- from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of residence in India. Meanwhile, official sources said the state cabinet has constituted a ministerial committee to examine the women reservation issue in the state. The committee will be headed by minister G Kaito Aye as Convener with ministers CM Chang, Neiba Kronu, P Paiwang Konyak, Jacob Zhimomi and MLA Mmhonlumo Kikon as members. The committee would hold discussions with the tribal Hohos and all other stakeholders in order to come to conclusion on the issue of granting women reservation in urban local bodies. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 55-year-old woman, critically injured in Pakistani shelling along the International Border, today succumbed to her injuries at a government hospital in Jammu after battling for life for 16 days, officials said, taking the number of people dead in the cross-border firing this year to 47. Darshana Devi, a resident of Arnia village near the International Border, was admitted to the Government Medical College hospital on May 21 and breathed her last this afternoon, a police official said. The medical superintendent of the hospital, Dara Singh, said despite their efforts, Devi could not be saved. "She was suffering from polytrauma. The splinters (from a mortar shell) had pierced her chest and caused liver laceration and impacted her kidneys," the doctor said. The police official said the body would be handed over to her family after postmortem examination. Arnia and other sectors along the International Border and the Line of Control in Jammu region have witnessed heavy shelling from across the border for nine days from mid-May, resulting in the death of 12 people, including two BSF personnel. Two more BSF personnel were killed in Pakistani firing along the IB in Jammu's Pragwal sector on June 3. Devi's death brought the number of persons killed in Pakistani firing along the IB and the LoC in more than 1,250 ceasefire violations this year to 47. The dead include 20 security personnel. On May 29, DGMOs of India and Pakistan agreed to "fully implement" the 2003 ceasefire agreement in "letter and spirit" forthwith to stop border skirmishes in Jammu and Kashmir. After the ceasefire violation on June 3, the sector commander's meeting took place between BSF and Pakistani rangers in Jammu on Mondayand decided to ensure peace by "holding fire" along the IB, rekindling hope among border residents. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A woman and her two sons were killed in lightning strike in Korba district, police said today. The incident took place at Saila village last evening when Rania Bai (44) andher sons Tulachand (20) and Ishwar Singh (15) were working in a field, a local police official said. They took cover under a tree to escape rain when lightning hit the spot. Villagers rushed them to a local hospital where all three were declared dead on arrival. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AirAsia Group Bhd said the company and its chief executive had not received notice or a summons to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over allegations that the airline broke rules to obtain a flying licence in the country. "We wish to state categorically that neither AirAsia Group nor Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, in his personal capacity, has received any such notice as of today," the company said in a statement on Tuesday. Reuters and other media reported earlier that Fernandes had been asked to appear before the CBI on June 6. The CBI last month ... By Nigam PrustyNEW DELHI (Reuters) - The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will again ask AirAsia Group's chief to appear for questioning over allegations the airline broke rules to obtain a flying licence in the country, a source said on Wednesday, after he failed to answer a previous request.On Friday a police source told Reuters the airline's chief executive, Tony Fernandes, had been asked to appear before CBI on June 6. AirAsia, however, said it had received no such summons, which had also been reported by other media."We wish to state categorically that neither AirAsia Group nor Tan ... By Andrea JanutaNEW YORK (Reuters) - A decade ago, Devin Jameson might have chosen to drop out of college and work on Eversound, a wireless headset start-up for senior communities. Instead, Jameson was able to combine his co-founded company with his academic coursework through Cornell University's eLab program, an accelerator curriculum he completed in 2015. The eLab program runs for a full academic year. Students build out their businesses while participating in lectures, class work, mentorship and receiving a $5,000 investment. At the end of the program, students demo their businesses in ... By Graham FahyDUBLIN (Reuters) - The former chief executive of the failed Anglo Irish Bank, David Drumm, was found guilty on Wednesday of conspiring to defraud depositors and investors during a banking crisis that crippled Ireland's economy a decade ago.Drumm, 51, had pleaded not guilty to charges of dishonestly creating the impression that deposits at the lender were 7.2 billion euros larger than they actually were in 2008 when the country's banks began to get into trouble. The bank has since collapsed. He was also found guilty of false accounting, a second charge he had denied, and was ... By Shihar AneezCOLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's cabinet has approved a proposal for Singapore-based urban planning consultancy Surbana Jurong Pvt Ltd, owned by state investor Temasek Holdings Ltd, to draw up a plan for a Chinese investment zone in the country's southern port city of Hambantota, a government spokesman said on Wednesday.The move comes after a delay of more than 18 months in starting the Chinese investment zone around Hambantota port, which is on a long-term lease to Chinese state company.China has invested billions of dollars building ports, roads and power stations in the ... By Alexandria Sage and Noel Randewich(Reuters) - Tesla Inc Chief Executive Elon Musk said on Tuesday that a goal of building 5,000 Model 3s per week by the end of June was "quite likely" as the company's production lines were now demonstrating the ability to build 3,500 vehicles per week. "This is the most excruciating hellish several months I've ever had... but I think we're getting there," Musk said during Tesla's annual meeting of stockholders in Mountain View, California. Musk's comments came after shareholders re-elected three directors and voted against a proposal to wrest the chairman ... While India is importing over 70 per cent of its specialized medical devices, the Bangalore based BlueNeem Medical Devices stands out as a major exporter of medical devices from India with specialization in surgical equipments. Started in 2009 and focused on areas like nephrology, gastroenterology, and radiology, the company now imports more than 55 per cent of its production to over 70 countries, said Vishnu Bhat, founder and chairman. "We currently make about 40 products developed through incremental innovation and are focused on customizing the product to suit the requirements of the medical professionals," said Bhat. He said Blue Neem's founding partners Rajendra, Satish B, Vittal Rao and Pankaj Hans are professionals in the healthcare and have helped in developing products suitable for doctors. "Since 2013, we have been growing at an average 25-40 per cent year on year, while the industry growth rate is 17-18 per cent in the country. The medical devices industry in India is at present valued at $5.2 billion and contributes 4-5 per cent to the $96.7 billion Indian healthcare industry. Of this, around half of the equipment is commoditized products like needles, gloves, syringes etc. Rest of the business is mainly controlled by multinational companies like GE, Siemens, Philips etc. "From the beginning, we have been focusing on creating an ecosystem of disruptive innovation of medical technologies, suiting the needs of practicing physicians and products are developed either with innovator partners or by licensing technologies," said Vishnu Bhat. The company has three manufacturing units in Bangalore with 9000 plus square feet production area and all the units are currently running at over 100 per cent capacity. The company has several patents and it takes 6-12 months for developing a new product, based on the level of sophistication. Many new products are in research and development phase. The next target will be to start large scale exports to developed markets. BlueNeem broke-even five years ago and since then most of the funding for expansions have been from internal accruals. Plans are to make the company a globally established medical devices manufacturer from India, said Vishnu Bhat. McDonald's India's legal battle with its domestic partner Connaught Plaza Restaurants Limited (CPRL) has cost it dear with the US multinational's Indian subsidiary posting highest ever loss of Rs 305 crore in the financial year that ended in March. The company has made a provision of Rs 198.2 crore in its financial statements to cut back losses accumulated due to CPRL. The legal battle between McDonald's and its India partner Vikram Bakshi, also managing director of CPRL, has been going on for five years. Its northern and eastern business is still operated by Bakshi's company, despite the company terminating the franchise agreement of 169 outlets last year. Hardcastle Restaurants Private Limited, led by Smita Jatia, handles its south and west India business through its wholly owned subsidiary Westlife Development Limited. Amid the legal fight, Bakshi in August 2017 had hit out at the fast food major, saying it follows 'different standards' for India compared to other countries and that continuously ignored the food quality concerns raised by him in the past years. According to a report published in the Economic Times, McDonald's India, in a regulatory filing said, "Considering that CPRL is having significant accumulated losses as of date and considering that the company has terminated all its franchise arrangements in favour of CPRL, the management feels that its investments in CPRL are impaired and accordingly a provision of Rs 198.20 crore has been considered in the financial statements of the company for diminution in value of investments in CPRL." Other factors that added to the woes of the company are Rs 105-crore tax liability it had to clear towards the Income Tax Department and Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) proceedings following transfer price additions in its royalty payment to its parent company in the US from 2004 to 2012. Facing continuous losses ever since its launch in India in 1996, the company's accumulated loss now stands at Rs 422 crore. The fight between McDonald's and Bakshi began in 2013 after fast food giant removed Bakshi as the Managing Director of CPRL. The National Company Law Tribunal later reinstated him and also refrained McDonald from interfering in the functioning of CPRL besides appointing an administrator to oversee the smooth functioning of CPRL. The battle gained a momentum after Bakhshi's ouster turned ugly as McDonald's India terminated the franchise agreement of 169 outlets in August 2017. Both the parties are now fighting out their case in various legal forums including NCLT, NCLAT and Delhi high court. In 2015, he was named potential successor by SoftBank's Masayoshi Son. Fortune has previously christened him as India's "Elvis of business". And now Nikesh Arora is hogging the headlines for the fat pay packet worth about $128 million that he has bagged in his new job as CEO Palo Alto Networks Inc, reportedly making him one of the highest-paid US executives. But a lot of that is linked to equity. According to Bloomberg, the 50-year-old is entitled to equity awards worth as much as $126 million as the head of the California-based cybersecurity company. So he will be getting $1 million as base salary annually and an identical amount as target bonus, plus $40 million of restricted stock vesting over seven years. The report added that Arora also stands to receive stock options valued at $66 million that will vest in increments if Palo Alto Networks' shares climb at least 150 per cent. If the stock quadruples, he is in for a windfall - he gets all of them. Then again, fat pay cheques are nothing new to the man. In 2012, Arora was Google's highest paid executive. As the person instrumental in growing Google's search business from $2 billion in revenues to over $60 billion in revenues, he had certainly earned it. Then, Reuters pegged his earnings during the two-year stint at SoftBank at a cool $200 million - although he ended up selling $500 million of SoftBank shares to Son at a small loss. Significantly, Palo Alto Networks will reportedly also match the $20 million Arora is investing in it personally - buying its shares as proof of commitment - via restricted shares that will vest over four years. Pocket change really for the cybersecurity firm, a global leader in the space with a market cap of $18.93 billion currently. On Monday, the company announced strong fiscal third quarter 2018 results, with total revenue jumping 31 per cent year-on-year to $567.1 million and billings growing 33 per cent to $721 million. "The company is executing extremely well and is the clear leader in next-generation security. Over the course of several quarters, I have been discussing succession planning with the Board and I couldn't be more pleased that we have found a leader in Nikesh who is ideally suited to take the company on the next leg of its journey," said Mark McLaughlin, whom Arora succeeded today. McLaughlin led the company for nearly seven years and played a major role in its torrid pace of growth - its shares jumped five-fold since its initial public offering in 2012. He is now the vice chairman of the Board. It will be interesting to see where the company goes under Arora's watch. "I am thrilled and honored to join Palo Alto Networks. I have developed a deep appreciation for the company's culture, values and pioneering spirit as innovators and disruptors and I look forward to working with the entire Palo Alto Networks team on our mission of protecting our customers in the digital age," Arora said in a statement. With Reuters inputs Indian traders are up in arms against the $16 billion Walmart-Flipkart deal. Their grouse is that the deal could severely impact the livelihood of small traders (kirana stores). There is also immense scepticism about the two American retailers, Walmart and Amazon dominating the Indian retail scene. Will these online retailers actually wipe out the kirana stores? With the global biggies (which have deep pockets) coming in, the local retailers definitely don't have a level playing ground. If Walmart or Amazon decide to sell a shampoo worth Rs 100 at Rs 75, the local kirana stores will certainly not be able to match the pricing and would eventually lose out. However, Amazon and Walmart are talking about partnering with the kirana stores. Amazon has a programme called 'I Have Space', where it partners with local kirana stores to deliver products to consumers within a two-four kilometre radius. It has a network of 17,500 stores in 225 cities across India. But retail experts feel that this is mere rhetoric. "I can't see a business model where one can integrate such a disintegrated kirana network," points out Arvind Singhal, Chairman of retail advisory company, Technopak. "They will step into the kiranas as distributors and then step into the shoes of a manufacturer through their private brands. They will give technology and see what the Kirana is selling. They will start taking customer data. Finally they will do consolidation and boot a few people," points out a senior retail industry expert. But it will surely take Amazon and Walmart a while before they actually impact the business of the neighbourhood grocer. There is also no denying that no organised retailer understands the consumption patterns of a particular locality better than the local grocer. "You cannot beat a kirana store's knowledge of what the local community consumes. Looking for a Maharashtrian lonche or Tamil manathakkali vattal, you are more likely to find it in a neighbourhood store. Not only the variety of local assortment, but usually they provide free delivery in less than 60 minutes with a handy credit facility for regular customers," observes Arvind Mendiratta, MD & CEO, Metro Cash & Carry India. Mendiratta says that the kirana stores still account for around 92 per cent of India's grocery retail trade. "They are an integral part of the entire independent business eco-system and they will still stay relevant and thrive." But what do they need to do in order to fight the ecommerce onslaught? It's high time the Government steps in, points out Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association Of India. "There should be schemes for smaller retailers which would allow them to access funds at a much better rate. We have not allowed for small kids to grow but allowed the outsiders to come and fight with the small kids. We have small kids fighting with large professional wrestlers from outside of the world. That's the unfortunate situation." Mendiratta of Metro believes that kirana store owners need training. "In order to stay relevant, kiranas/traders need to embrace technology to cater to the changing and evolving needs of the customers in their respective catchments. Kirana stores need to elevate and convert to the digital mode in order to stay relevant to the modern consumer by offering value proposition to them." The government till date hasn't allowed FDI in multi-brand retail. It's constant excuse has been that it can't afford to compromise with the interest of the local traders. But likes the Walmart are already here through e-commerce. "We told our retailers that you are poor, we will create protectionism policies for you which effectively is not protectionism. It was a policy that allowed leakages, it allowed for some guys to come in a roundabout manner and create competition at a large scale," points out Rajagopalan. It's high time the government looks into its archaic and highly confused retail policy. In a development which can eventually have far-reaching political implications, former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Tuesday was grilled for almost six hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with Aircel-Maxis case to record his statement. According to ED sources, Chidambaram was confronted with documentary evidence gathered by the agency pertaining to this case. The ED questioned him based on the statement given by then FIPB officials on the alleged role played by the former Finance Minister in giving FIPB approvals of over Rs 3,500 crore. Chidambaram reached the ED office at Jamnagar House at 11 am. According to sources, the investigators, prepared with questions pertaining to Aircel-Maxis case started grilling the former minister, minutes after he arrived. In the afternoon, he was allowed to leave the ED office for one hour to have lunch. According to sources, the agency is likely to summon him again in connection with this case. According to allegations by the ED, at least 54 files of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approvals are under the scanner. This was corroborated by Finance Ministry officials who were examined by the ED. According to the ED, these FIPB approvals were wrongfully given. At least 2,721 files related to FIBP approvals were scanned by the ED. These approvals were given from May 2004 to 2009 and August 2012 to May 2014. "As many as 54 files of FIPB were shortlisted and examined further in respect of said approval by the then finance minister given to Aircel Ltd on 20.03.2006 in Aircel-Maxis deal," according to ED documents accessed by India Today. ED documents also indicate that the role of then Finance Minister P Chidambaram is under the scanner. In fact, the agencies have also informed the court about the role played by Chidambaram. "As per the government policy and FIPB guidelines as applicable in 2006 where the total foreign inflow is 600 crore and above, the competent authority was CCEA to give approval for foreign investment. As the total inflow of foreign exchange involved in the acquisition of shares of Aircel Ltd was Rs 3,520 cr, therefore CCEA was the competent authority to give FIPB approval but the approval was given by the then finance minister," the document states. The Central Bureau of Investigation has also summoned P Chidambaram to remain present before the agency on June 6, in connection with INX-Media case. CRUX OF CASE Enforcement Directorate has alleged that Chidambaram, during his tenure as Finance Minister, cleared Rs 3,500 crore FDI proposal for Aircel. The investigation agency says that the Finance Minister at the time did not have the power to clear FDI proposals exceeding Rs 600 crore. ED has stated that the Rs 3,500 crore proposal should have been sent to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs for approval. However, this was not done in the Aircel-Maxis case. The Supreme Court had on March 12 directed the CBI and the ED to complete their probes into the 2G spectrum allocation cases, including the Aircel-Maxis case, in six months. While Flipkart and Amazon might provide us with the catalogue to browse for our favorite gadgets, fashion accessories of apparels, it is the delivery staff, who rarely get credit for their work, that's the backbone of the flourishing Indian e-commerce industry. But what goes on inside the delivery network? According to a report in The Economic Times, e-commerce companies in India are struggling to retain their delivery executives. Companies are even offering double-digit percentage salary hikes, as the report mentions, to hold on to their delivery staff. As welcoming a deal as that might appear to be, delivery jobs are among some of the most physically taxing ones. The salaries rolled out to these executives are also minimal. The report mentions that the median salaries increased from Rs 7,500 a month in 2014 to Rs 11,500 a month in 2017, as revealed by staffing agency TeamLease. While this increment rate might be amongst the highest in blue-collar jobs, the attrition rate also jumped correspondingly. From 29% two years ago, the attrition rate amongst delivery executives jumped to 34% in 2017. Attrition rate has also increased amongst two-wheeler delivery executives as compared to delivery executives with bigger vehicles. The percentage share of delivery executives with two-wheelers dropped to 60% from 80% two years ago. These stats coincide with the fact that shipments have also increased on an average from about 20 two years ago to 30 a day. In cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, an executive might have to delivery upto 50-60 packages on an average every day. Moreover, the weight of the delivery bags must also be taken into account. After a recent controversy, BigBasket said that the maximum load a delivery executive is assigned is 15 kg. Add to it harsh weather conditions like harsh summers and heavy rains and the attrition rate becomes self-explanatory. Additionally, their job does not end with only the delivery, these executives have to meet and also keep in mind certain grooming standards as well. In a 2016 report for Business Today, Goutam Das wrote, "These men will need to go through multiple mock tests to polish up these skills, re-skill and up-skill before the rubber of their two-wheelers meet the road. The way they look, what they speak, and how they behave have become increasingly important in making them employable in this crucial last-mile job of India's e-commerce industry. There is no physical touch and feel with the brand, like there is in a bricks-and-mortar store. And there is no e-commerce until the product purchased online is delivered or the cash collected. The delivery boy, in many ways, becomes an extension of the brand, its physical embodiment." Now, along with improving salaries, companies are doling out incentives like reimbursements, night-shift allowance, hospital and accident insurance to cut down on the attrition. In fact, companies like BigBasket are planning to increase their delivery staff. With global entities pumping money in the Indian e-commerce sphere, these companies will expand in the coming months. With this expansion, the delivery network would also need to increase. With a bigger and more demanding network, delivery executives are likely to see better opportunities in the sector. As mentioned in the report, Guruprasad Srinivasan, President of Dependo Logistics, a subsidiary of Quess Corp said that the net take-home value for delivery executives has increased by 25% as compared to previous years. It is called "India Trends 2018" and lists out the top ten trends that will have a bearing on the internet industry in India - not only e-commerce but any business that has some internet angle to it activity. Calling it as "not a usual kind of report but one that is very participative and collaborative where in four entities - KPMG , Nasscom, Kalaari Capital and Yourstory, each representing a different element of the industry, leveraging their resources," Sreedhar Prasad, Partner and Head , Consumer Markets and Internet Business, KPMG in India, says: "We in all interviewed over 1000 different kinds of CEOs and the output is the top 10 trends that we put together." The report was released on May 17, Thursday in Bengaluru. The trends, each explained in two pages along with challenges and opportunities, are as follows: 1. Mobile is the first medium for consumption of all kinds of media and internet. Be it gaming, digital content, news or videos, there will be a spike in business because of mobile adoption. 2. The second trend is about the importance of Indian language users on digital platforms. The reports says: "With the growing base of Indian language users, particularly in the tier-II, tier-III cities and rural areas as well as the rising smartphone and internet penetration, it has become essential for organisations to focus on building an end-to-end digital ecosystem that is both relevant and valuable to Indian language speakers. Currently, there are an estimated 521 million Hindi language speakers and about 500 million Indian language speakers in India. In contrast, number of English speakers stand at just 125 million." 3. Social commerce that is content-based commerce, heavily dependent on and influenced by various kinds of content be it on social media, content-heavy websites or blogs. On this, the report says, "Social commerce is an extension of e-commerce involving online media that supports social interactions and user contributions. Globally, social commerce represents a well-established trend and it is estimated that in 2016, sales worth $50 billion were generated or triggered using social networks, an increase of $20 billion over 2015." Also, it says, "social commerce is gaining traction in India, as the nation's cultural diversity coupled with an increasingly techsavvy population is creating opportunities for marketers to establish community-based virtual platforms." 4. Then there are the three specific sub-sectors on the rise and these are: health tech, edu tech and agri tech. 5. It is about the importance of robotics . The report observes: "The convergence of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT), is paving way for a new tomorrow by displacing existing products and services. Advances in new technologies - from robots to new-age systems, equipped with rational thinking - are curtailing the limitations of human capabilities." 6. The other trend is 'assisted e-commerce'. This is companies which are offline and online like Aadhaar centres, small stores that enable people to do e-commerce. There is lot of investor interest in that space. 7. The next is new frontier technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and analytics with more investments and far more sophistication in that space. 8. Digital payments becoming a channel as an all pervasive enabler in the eco system. 9. Indian brands that are online only. 10. The eco-system monetisation by current players like say a Flipkart or an Amazon, have set up an eco-system, which could be of logistics, cataloguing , packaging or imaging or a payment gateway. They could now start monetizing them. So, what is the report setting out to achieve? Apparently a lot for various interested parties, as one can gather from KPMG's Prasad. It reinforces the beliefs of large players if they are investing in any of these trends,. If they are not, it will be an eye opener for them. For talent, when switching jobs, the report reveals which sectors will boom. And, finally it is meant for the investor community - the PE and VCs. 06 Jun 2018, 1:44 PM Farmers protests make fresh fruits, vegetables expensive; restaurants may also increase prices It's Day 5 of the ongoing nationwide agitation by farmers, and if its runs the planned course till June 10, not only is the supply and price situation of fresh produce likely to worsen but there may also be spill-over effects on dining out. According to The Economic Times, ecommerce firms like BigBasket and Grofers have managed to so far keep prices in check because of pre-arranged supplies but that may not last much longer. "We have a farmer connect and so are able to maintain and control prices. But if prices go up, we may have no choice but to react accordingly," BigBasket's fruits and vegetables head Vipul Mittal told the daily, adding that the etailer may look at sourcing from other states. Sugar belt in deep crisis In a move to address the crisis in the sugar belt, especially in western Uttar Pradesh, the Centre is all set to announce a set of relief measures for sugarcane farmers. Government sources said a package of around Rs 8,000 crore may be announced to reduce the stress in the sugar industry with an eye on clearing the dues of sugarcane farmers. The first measure in the package, sources said, will include creation of a buffer stock of 30 LMT (lakh metric tonnes). This quantity of sugar will remain in the godowns of mills, but the entire carrying cost (towards interest, storage and insurance charges) of around Rs 1,200 crore would be met by the government as reported by the Indian Express. This should improve the liquidity of mills, enabling them to pay farmers. IRCTC to introduce eco-friendly food packaging on Rajdhani, Shatabdi trains Indian Railways' catering arm, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) took a significant step in its commitment towards preserving the environment. IRCTC launched its trial run of eco-friendly food packaging on 8 select Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains from New Delhi. Passengers on these trains would be served meals on eco-friendly disposable plates instead of the polymer ones. Railways' green initiative is replacing these polymer utensils with bagasse-based ones. Bagasse is a fibrous substance that is left after the juice is extracted from sugar cane. This substance will be used to make disposable cutlery and containers for passengers. Bengaluru, Kolkata drive growth of shared rides in India According to Ola, its 'Share' service has clocked 2x growth in the past one year with Bengaluru and Kolkata emerging as the top two cities in terms of adoption, followed by Chennai and Mumbai as reported by PTI. The company, which launched 'Ola Share' in October 2015 that is now operating in 36 cities, attributed the growth in adoption to improved awareness and customer experience. Uber, too, saw similar trends. As per the Green Index released by the American firm, Bengaluru registered the highest number of 'POOL' trips taken, followed by Delhi and Kolkata. Microsoft confirms Github acquisition at $7.5 billion Tech giant Microsoft is all set to acquire GitHub. According to a report by TheVerge, Microsoft officially confirmed it will acquire GitHub at $7.5 billion. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella was a factor in GitHub's choice for Microsoft as GitHub was impressed by Nadella. GitHub is a vast code repository which has become popular with developers. It deals with their projects, documentation and code and is used by big companies like Amazon, Google, Apple etc. Microsoft, by far, contributes most to the site. It has more than 1,000 employees who actively push code to repositories on GitHub. New Delhi, June 5 (PTI) Electric two-wheeler startup Ather Energy today launched its flagship electric scooter model Ather 450 priced at Rs 1.24 lakh (on road). The company also introduced Ather 340 at Rs 1.09 lakh. Ather 450 is designed for city riding conditions and comes with a top speed of 80 km/hr and a range of 75 km. It can go from 0-40 km/hr in 3.9 seconds. The model is priced at Rs 1,24,750 on road and the Ather 340 is priced at Rs 1,09,750 (on road). This is inclusive of subsidy of Rs 22,000, GST, road tax, smart card fee, registration card, and insurance. "We started building electric scooters four years ago at IIT Madras and we are super excited to launch not only the Ather 340, but also our higher performance flagship variant, the Ather 450," Ather Energy Co-founder and CEO Tarun Mehta said in a statement. Between the Ather 450 and Ather 340 launch and AtherGrid being up and running in Bengaluru, the company is now looking forward to expand into Chennai and Pune in the coming months, he added. Co-founded in 2013 by IIT graduates - Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain, Ather Energy is one the few hardware startups in India. PTI MSS ANS ANS India's national carrier Air India is going through a deep financial crisis, and recent incidents have only added to its woes. First, no bidder showed interest in buying the beleaguered airline. And now, the salaries of over 11,000 permanent employees working for the Maharaja are stuck for the month of May. Reports suggest the cash-strapped airline has failed to release salaries of its employees for the third month in a row. So what's causing the delay? Though it's obvious the airline is struggling to keep up with its finances, the management has not officially communicated the reason behind the inordinate delay to its staff. "We have still not received our salaries for May. Moreover, the management has not informed us till date as to when it will be disbursed. This is the third month in a row that the airline has delayed the salaries," PTI quoted a source saying. Usually, the Air India employees get their salaries by 30th or 31st of every month but the March and April salaries of the Air India employees were delayed by seven days. The state-owned lender Bank of Baroda had come to its rescue after the career raised working capital loan from the bank, and released the salaries on May 7. Though no official confirmation has been received so far, an Air India spokesperson told PTI the employees are expected to receive their May salaries by next week. Considering its mounting losses, Air India has asked the government to restore equity infusion after it failed to find any buyers in its privatisation bid. In 2012, the Congress-led UPA government had approved a turnaround plan under which Air India was to receive a total equity infusion worth Rs 30,231 crore up to 2021. So far, the state-run airline has received more than Rs 26,000 crore under the bailout package. The centre had approved strategic divestment plan to privatise Air India in June 2017. Under the proposal, the government wanted to sell 76 per cent stake in Air India, 100 per cent in its subsidiary Air India Express, and 50 per cent in its ground handling staff. It had also said that the prospective buyer would have to pare half of its total debt of Rs 54,000 crore. Unfortunately, even those who showed some interest initially -- IndiGo, Jet Airways, and Tata Sons -- backed out citing unfavourable terms of conditions by the government. This is second time in the past two decades that the government had failed to sell stake in Air India. The government last week said it didn't find any takers for the Maharaja of India as no bids were received for Air India's strategic disinvestment before the deadline for the submission of Expression of Interest (EOI) ended on May 31. The Reserve Bank of India, on Monday, gave its approval for the merger of Capital First Limited, Capital First Home Finance Limited and Capital First Securities Limited with IDFC Bank. The merger had been announced in January and was awaiting necessary regulatory approvals. In a regulatory filing today, IDFC Bank disclosed that the apex bank "conveyed its 'No Objection' for the voluntary amalgamation", subject to compliance with the terms and conditions specified therein. The share swap ratio for the merger is fixed at 139:10, which means that IDFC Bank will issue 139 shares for every 10 shares of Capital First. However, the bank added that the merger is still "subject to the receipt of approval from the respective shareholders and creditors of the companies, the National Company Law Tribunal, and other statutory and regulatory approvals". According to BloombergQuint, the merger will create a lender with a portfolio diversified across large corporate lending, small and medium enterprise loans and retail credit. V. Vaidyanathan, chairman and managing director of Capital First - who will take over as the CEO of the combined entity while IDFC Bank's CEO Rajiv Lall will transition to chairman - told the news company that the bank will have a 38 per cent stake in the merged entity as per their arrangement. "IDFC Ltd. will have to buy close to 2 per cent, either through market operations or any other route. We're not raising any fresh equity so I guess they'll have to buy," he added. Post this merger, the Warburg Pincus-backed non-banking financial company and IDFC Bank will create a combined entity enjoying assets under management (AUM) of Rs 88,000 crore. In addition, it will boast a distribution network comprising 194 branches, 353 dedicated banking correspondent outlets, over 9,100 micro ATM points, and will serve more than 5 million customers. Following news of the central bank's approval, the share price of IDFC Bank today surged 7.32 per cent to end at Rs 41.05 apiece on the BSE. During the day, it had jumped as high as 8.49 per cent to hit Rs 41.50. On the NSE, too, the bank's shares surged 7 per cent to close at Rs 41.05. Similarly, shares of Capital First soared 5.32 per cent to close at Rs 561.35 on the BSE. With PTI inputs The latest data from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy tells an impressive story. Solar energy capacity has gone up from 2.63 GW in 2014 to 22 GW currently, an eight-fold increase. Last year India attained the fourth position globally in installed wind power, and our capacity has increased from 21 GW to 34 GW in the past four years. Renewable power installed capacity has already reached over 70 GW taking the country to the 5th rank globally and another 40 GW is under construction or has been tendered. "We are well on track to achieving 175 GW target of installed renewable energy capacity," the ministry said in a statement yesterday, adding that "Trends suggest that the target will not only be achieved but exceeded." In fact, according to The Economic Times, India will add 227 GW of renewable energy capacity by March 2022. In the bargain it might even scale up its ranking to the top three countries making investments in the sector, but that additional 52 GW capacity would reportedly demand an investment of $50 billion over the next couple of years. Undaunted, the ministry is busy rolling out new schemes, some in the advanced stages of being launched. Like the Rs 1.4 lakh-crore Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahaabhiyan (KUSUM) scheme that is aimed at harnessing solar power for rural India. The scheme covers installation of 27.5 lakh solar pumps, installation of 10 GW of solar power plants - each plant boasting intermediate capacity of 0.5-2 MW - and solarization of tube-wells and lift irrigation projects. In addition, a new scheme for deployment of rooftop solar power in the country called SRISTI (Sustainable Rooftop Implementation for Solar Transfiguration of India) is being formulated. "We have waived the Inter State Transmission System charges and losses for inter-state sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by March 2022. This will encourage setting up of the projects in states that have greater resource potential and availability of suitable land," said the ministry. This will also help in creating a pan-India renewable power market, as any generation in excess of the state's own requirement could be transmitted to the resource-poor states without any additional financial burden. Significantly, the ministry claimed that investments of over $42 billion have been made in renewable energy during the last four years and that the projects set up in the space during this period have created around 10 million man day's employment per annum. "New opportunities have emerged - altogether a new business space has been created. Indian companies have begun to explore foreign stock exchanges as a source of funds. India is progressively becoming a most favored destination for investment in renewables," it added. "But there are concerns of excess capacity, energy demand and implementation of the plan," Amit Kumar, partner-renewables at PwC India, told the daily. In a similar vein, Association of Power Producers Director General Ashok Khurana pointed out that new capacity addition needs to be demand-driven - at 175 GW renewable capacity, the National Electricity Plan had projected average utilisation of thermal projects at 58 per cent and that will fall more at 227 GW. While India will have to focus on sorting out these concerns, Kumar predicts that China will continue to be the top renewable energy generator and the US is likely to be on the second position, despite the declining policy support. The Seeing AI mobile application by Microsofft has included Indian rupee in the list of currencies that it can identify and narrate the denomination back. After the latest update, version 2.2, the application will be able to identify the currency notes in circulation as well as the new currency notes that were released over the course of past one and a half years. The Seeing AI app has been developed with visually-impaired users in mind. It identifies short text, documents, products, people, scenes, currencies, colour, handwriting, light and even images in other apps using the device's camera. After recognising what's in front of the camera, the app narrates its details back to the user. With the current update, the Seeing AI app can now identify five currencies including US and Canadian dollars, Euro and British pound. The app is now available in 56 countries, including India. Notably, out of the top two economies in South Asia region, Seeing AI supports Indian rupee but is yet to bring Chinese yuan into its list of supported currencies. The Seeing AI app is available exclusively on iOS devices and can be downloaded from the App Store. The currency identification feature works only on devices running iOS 11. It works on Apple iPhone 5S, 5C, or later launches. whats-on, music-theatre-arts It's an unassuming country pub from the outside - huge Carlton Draught branding, a fairly new paint job and a flashing neon 'Open' sign in the window. But on the inside, it's receiving an injection of pure fabulousness by two of the world's most glamorous television designers. Bobby Berk and Antoni Porowski, stars of Netflix makeover show Queer Eye, are spending most of the day on Wednesday inside Yass's Club House Hotel, filming material for an upcoming season of the reality show. It is understood the Queer Eye stars are making over a room in the pub, including inserting a cosy new fireplace. One thing's for sure - with Berk and Porowski in charge of the overhaul, you'll likely see bare walls traded for stunning textured wallpaper, and chicken schnitzel and beer replaced with clean-eating salads and sangrias. Berk is an interior design guru, while Porowski is the show's resident food and wine adviser. According to a Netflix spokesperson, the makeover kings chose to film in Yass as its name matches one of the boys' favourite sayings: yaass. Yaass is a drawn out version of 'yes', used in modern vernacular to describe an amazing, inspiring or incredible thing or event. Like a makeover. In a quick interview with Fairfax Media outside the Club House Hotel, on their way to grab coffee at Comur Street cafe Kaffeine, Berk and Porowski said they were loving Australia. "It's my first time here," Berk said. All five members of the Queer Eye cast are in Yass today filming content for season three of the Netflix original series (series two drops on June 15). But the fab five have split up, with Berk and Porowski working on renovations at the Club House while Jonathan Van Ness, Tan France and Karamo Brown filming on location at a "private property". Netflix called out for men looking for a fashion overhaul on Facebook page Yass Buy Swap Sell about two months ago, and held auditions at the Club House itself a month ago. With camera crews spotted at the local fire station this morning, the town is abuzz with rumours that the lucky man being made over is a Yass firefighter who has lived in the small town all his life. "If it is him, he absolutely deserves it. It's a beautiful story," one Yass resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said. If Yass residents expected the Queer Eye cast to arrive in a splash of glitter, rainbows and amazing hair on Wednesday they were wrong. The stars are being heavily guarded by Netflix production staff and many of the town's residents - including council staff and business owners - have been forced to sign a non-disclosure agreement. A Netflix production spokesperson said all filming was happening indoors today. A sandwich board outside the Australian Hotel, also on Comur Street just down from the Club House Hotel, invites Yass residents to a special meeting on Wednesday at 4pm. A media event is also being hosted at 5pm by Yass Valley Tourism and the fab five. Details have not been disclosed. Follow Bree Winchester on Instagram and Facebook. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/a4c99584-f711-4641-b9be-b5ca2085f8be/r0_299_5568_3445_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, act-politics Good morning Canberra. Hi, hello. There's a chance of patchy morning fog today. It'll be partly cloudy and there's a small chance of rain with a top of 17 degrees predicted. Very different compared to Friday which has a 90 per cent chance of up to 6mm of rain. Here's today's headlines. As the ACT digests the contents of this year's territory budget, opposition leader Alistair Coe has made a pitch to those unhappy with rate rises. He's promised to cap rates rises if the Liberal party wins government in 2020, after the government announced they would reach an average of $172 for houses and $135 for units from July across Canberra. The average Canberra house now pays $2474 in rates, while the average unit pays $1472. Katie Burgess has this story on the Liberals' promise. ACT Liberal Senator Zed Seselja is pushing for the government to fund the War Memorial's proposed $500 million expansion, writing to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull about the cause. Draft plans for the proposed expansion include a large underground space to house aircraft, an area for quiet reflection and space dedicated to more recent military operations. "I would like to put on the record my strong support for the memorial's plans to grow their exhibition spaces so that they may remain at the forefront of our national life and I urge the government to provide the resources necessary to facilitate their important work," he wrote. Sally Whyte spoke to Senator Seselja about his support for the plans. The Australian National University has spoken out about its decision to withdraw from negotiations with the Ramsay Centre for a controversial new degree in Western Civilisation. Vice-chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt has released a lengthy statement defending the back-down from the lucrative deal amid criticism from both John Howard, who chairs the centre, and federal education minister Simon Birmingham. Six months of negotiation came to a halt last week over concerns about academic freedom. Sherryn Groch reports on Professor Schmidt's account of the university's decision. Canberra brothel owners would have to provide condoms to sex workers under draft laws to be introduced into the ACT's Legislative Assembly. ACT Justice Minister Shane Rattenbury will also bring forward a bill to rename the Prostitution Act 1992 to the Sex Work Act 1992 to reduce stigma for the industry. The bill would also remove registration requirements for sole operators, and require brothel operators to provide sex workers with appropriate personal protective and safety equipment - including condoms, dams and sponges - free of charge. Katie Burgess with this report. The Greens have voted with Labor to extend by another year a deadline that would have forced clubs to surrender some poker machines. Greens leader Shane Rattenbury has acknowledged the ACT's poker machine trading scheme has not worked as planned. However, ACT Gambling Minister Gordon Ramsay plans to introduce separate new legislation before the deadline to ensure there are only 15 poker machines for every 1000 Canberrans. Katie Burgess with this report on the government's latest decision on pokies. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/ae0d86c1-95e4-45c8-aa9d-148ead57e3f0/r0_278_5338_3294_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news Both of Canberra's universities have fallen in one of the world's most highly regarded rankings, to be released on Thursday. After climbing to the 20th spot on the QS World University ladder last year, the Australian National University was bumped back down to 24th place for the coming year, though it did hold onto its spot at the top of the pack for Australian universities. The University of Canberra also took a dive, sliding back a band to 601-650, and coming in at number 28 among Australian universities. A spokeswoman for QS said both ANU and UC lost ground on their academic reputation and student to staff ratios, but rose in the rankings for research impact. The University of Canberra jumped 55 places on a measure of the number of citations per faculty and the ANU was the 44th globally on that same list. The university's ranks also swelled by 2235 extra students this year, including more than 1450 from overseas. But only 38 more faculty staff arrived on campus in the same time, the report found, bringing their total faculty staffing up to 1638 for 2018. As a result, the "faculty/student ratio has suffered and they lost 69 places", the QS spokeswoman said. The ANU welcomed the ranking, which showed it still held its place "amongst the great universities of the world". "University rankings tend to fluctuate year on year, but ANU consistently ranks highly on all university measures research, teaching and student experience," a spokeswoman said. Nationally, while almost three-quarters of universities were lifting their research game, they were also failing to keep up with the rest of the world in terms of academic reputation and faculty-student ratios, the ranking found. QS research director Ben Sowter said Australian standards were not dropping; rather, everyone else was improving. The University of Melbourne moved up 3 places to 39, after being crowned as the top Australian institution on the Centre for World University Rankings released last week. The University of Sydney was next on the QS list for Australia, ranking 42nd in the world. On another scoreboard released Thursday, UC climbed 33 places to number 58 in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, which lists the top institutions under 50 years of age. Vice-chancellor Professor Deep Saini described it as a "major jump" for the university. But, despite the university's increasing "international outlook", the QS spokeswoman said its overseas intake fell by 253 students this year. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology was named the world's best university for a record-breaking seventh year on the QS list, but Australia again had five of its 37 universities in the top 50, and more institutions rose up the rankings than fell down. Handing down the ACT budget on Tuesday, Chief Minister Andrew Barr said education continued to be one of the strongest drivers of growth for the territory's economy, as more international students flocked to Canberra universities. You can view the full QS rankings at topuniversities.com - with Jordan Baker /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/0ae80dde-86bf-4625-af9d-5c6653fc8a2f/r0_50_1000_615_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg comment, editorial Given Australia's offshore refugee detention policy, which includes the arbitrary detention of children who arrive by boat, is unsustainable in the long term, the question is "what are we going to do about it?". Repeated attempts to lance this boil, including the American solution, the 2014 refugee deal with Cambodia and the recent, explosive, forced relocation of refugees from one place to another on Manus Island, have all fallen far short of success. Cambodia, which pocketed $40 million in aid plus an additional $15 million towards costs, only accepted seven refugees from Nauru. Of these, three are believed to have already left that country. Only about 100 of the 1250 offshore detainees originally proposed to have been relocated to America under an arrangement slammed by US President Donald Trump as "the worst deal ever" have made that trip. Last year's forced relocation of refugees on Manus Island was a public relations disaster and an administrative farce. This litany of failure and woe, the fallout of a policy whose avowed purpose is to treat those who arrive by boat so cruelly others will be reluctant to follow, must be weighed against growing voices of dissent within Labor and the Coalition and recent statements by the United Nations Human Rights office. While the Turnbull government has been happy to make much of calls by a handful of courageous Labor MPs for their party to revisit its support for the existing policy, it had far less to say about last year's tacit support by Canberra Liberals for an ACT Legislative Assembly motion calling for an end to off-shore detention. Canberra Liberals leader Alistaire Coe said while immigration "was clearly a federal issue" he and his team "[did] sympathise with the plight of those in detention". Recent, and extremely strongly worded, statements from the United Nations Human Rights Office have added an additional degree of urgency to finding ways to move away from the current policy settings. The UN, along with hundreds of thousands of people around the world, has been horrified and disgusted by America's forced separation of Central American asylum-seeking children from their parents under a "zero tolerance policy" on illegal immigration. UN spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said the "zero tolerance" approach had resulted in "people being caught entering the country irregularly being subjected to criminal prosecution and having their children including extremely young children taken away from them as a result". Ms Shamdasani, who reiterated that seeking asylum by arriving at the border without the appropriate documents, was not a crime, said several hundred children, including one under one, had been separated from their parents in the past six months. "[This] is a serious violation of the rights of the child," she said. "The use of immigration detention and family separation as a deterrent runs counter to humans rights standards and principals ... the child's best interest should always come first." Those words are as true here as they are on the US-Mexican border. The mainstream elements of the Coalition and the ALP are now badly out of step with the growing number of people who say our country is better than this. If Australia values its reputation for humanity and decency we need to move on. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/a9323512-3718-4247-9518-235e9607cbaf/r0_46_900_554_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news Congratulations to The Footy Show's Erin Molan who has welcomed a baby daughter, Eliza Emily Ogilvy, with her partner Sean Ogilvy. The former Canberran fittingly gave birth on Wednesday, ahead of the State of Origin series opener. A Nine spokesperson said: Everyone at Nine is so happy for Erin and Sean as they welcome Eliza to their family, we wish them well as they embark on the next stage of life together no doubt she will be a NSW Blues supporter''. And a Canberra Raiders fan, if Molan has her way. Erin's parents, NSW Liberal Senator Jim Molan, and Anne, live in Royalla, on the NSW-ACT border, and Erin got her big break into broadcasting with Win Television in Canberra. Eliza is the first child for Erin, 35, and Sean, who have been engaged since early 2017. Sports stars and media personalities were quick to congratulate the happy couple including Ben Fordham who tweeted: "Congrats @Erin_Molan and Sean. What wonderful news and freaky timing. #OriginBaby''. news, latest-news The Australian National University has spoken out about its decision to withdraw from negotiations with the Ramsay Centre for a controversial new degree in Western Civilisation, as the University of Sydney reveals it has entered into its own talks with the centre. Overnight, vice-chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt released a lengthy statement defending the back down from the lucrative deal amid a "flurry of interest" and criticism from both John Howard, who chairs the centre, and federal education minister Simon Birmingham. Six months of negotiation came to a halt last week over concerns about academic freedom. Some academics warned the proposal could give "unprecedented" control of the curriculum to an outside philanthropic organisation and push one narrow view of history, following reports Ramsay Centre staff had asked to sit in on classes to monitor content. Professor Schmidt said the Ramsay Centre had presented an "interesting" opportunity but stressed the ANU's "outstanding reputation" for academia already represented "some of the very best scholarship of the western liberal tradition". "It was my judgement that ANU had a fundamentally different vision for the program than the Ramsay Centre, and that there was no prospect of us reaching agreement," he said. "In that context, the only responsible course of action was to withdraw...I understand this caused disappointment to some, but my first duty is to advance the university I am so proud to lead. "We retain, without compromise, our academic integrity, autonomy and freedom, and ensure that any program has academic merit consistent with our status as one of the world's great universities." The National Tertiary Education Union and ANU student associations wrote to the university last month to warn of a potential "backlash" if the final deal was seen to compromise on the ANU's values or link the university to a "divisive cultural and political agenda". The course was to be funded as part of a $3 billion bequest from health care magnate Paul Ramsay, and would have offered about 30 scholarships worth $25,000 each to students. Fears spiked when former prime minister Tony Abbott, who also sits on the board of the centre, wrote an article in Quandrant magazine suggesting it would wield influence over the degree's curriculum and staff. The Ramsay Centre "is not merely about Western civilisation but in favour of it", he declared. According to the ANU's website, decisions on the course's curriculum would have been made by a "partnership management committee" consisting of two academic staff from the Ramsay Centre and two university academics. The course had been expected to launch in first semester next year. In the wake of the ANU's decision, a spokeswoman for the University of Sydney confirmed the university was now in conversations with the Ramsay Centre "about the possibility of financial support for teaching at the university". "[The vice-chancellor] assured [the board] that any program attracting such support would need to go through the usual processes for course development and approval and the university cannot do anything that threatens its academic freedom or integrity," she said. "The University of Sydney needs to make its own assessment of the opportunities and risks independent of the current noise." In 2016, more than a hundred academics at the university protested against the bestowal of an honorary doctorate on Mr Howard, arguing the former Prime Minister was "not a fit recipient" due to his treatment of refugees and Indigenous Australians. In his statement late on Tuesday, Professor Schmidt was also forced to defend the ANU's Centre for Arab and Language Studies, after it was singled out for accepting donations from the governments of Dubai, Iran and Turkey. "The Centre is an important national institution that has received bipartisan support since its establishment...all its activities, including appointments, have been under the exclusive control of the university," he said. Professor Schmidt confirmed the donations in question but said they had been matched by the university. ANU centres often received money from countries in addition to funds from the Australian government and industry, he said. At Senate Estimates this week, Mr Birmingham lashed out at both the union and student associations, who backed the university's decision to withdraw from the degree, accusing them of stoking "fear and negativity" about the Ramsay Centre's "significant bequest". The centre has maintained it upheld "the principles of academic autonomy" at all times during discussions with the ANU. Mr Howard said the decision was at odds "with the tenor" of negotiations just two days prior and he intended to release correspondence with the university. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/266629eb-ea7a-44d7-a51a-1186f3c1eebc/r2_0_728_410_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news The Barr government's plans to expand the Reportable Conduct Scheme to include religious organisations is to be commended but it should not ignore the concerns of the Catholic community. The Catholic Church shares the governments concern to protect the safety of children and wishes to be a part of the solution. The draft laws are a consequence of the profound failure of the leadership of the church and the duty of care we owe to children. It is a failure that will haunt the church for decades, and which has hauntedmany survivors for even longer. For these failures, the church is sorry. I am sorry. At the same time, we are doing all that we can to make sure our schools and parishes are safe places and our protocols and procedures for responding immediately to such issues are in place. We have heard the Australian community, including the very concerned Catholic community, we have learned, and responded on a practical level. I am, committed to continuing this important work. I support the governments reportable conduct scheme. When the government scheme to report all child abuse allegations to the ACT Ombudsman did not include parishes and communities of faith, I called for that anomaly to be rectified and strengthened. But I cannot support the governments plan to break the seal on religious confession. First, what sexual abuser would confess to a priest if they thought they would be reported? It is the common experience of pastors that those who abuse children do not confess the crime - to police or to priests. If the seal is removed, the remote possibility that they would confess and so could be counselled to report is gone. Second, the government has itself acknowledged that the churchs Truth, Justice and Healing Council said that evidence put before the Royal Commission about abuse of the seal of confession was, at best, selective and patchy, and made it difficult to see systemic abuse of the seal of confession. The government did not challenge that assessment. People who attend confession are sorry for their sins, indicate resolve not to sin again and seek Gods mercy. Paedophiles carry out evil and unspeakable criminal acts. They hide their crimes; they do not self-report. Third, there is no guarantee any priest would know the identity of the penitent. If there is a screen in the confessional, the priest would not see the penitent. If the priest saw the penitent they may well not know them. There is no requirement for proof of identity to confess. Fourth, priests are bound by a sacred vow to maintain the seal of the confession. Without that vow, who would be willing to unburden themselves of their sins, seek the wise counsel of a priest and receive the merciful forgiveness of God? The government claimed it was interested in consultation on this crucial issue, inviting me to meet with the Attorney General to discuss the importance of both the protection of children and the seal of the confession. Yet, today, the government is debating legislation before that meeting has taken place. It is vital we get this right. The Catholic community wants us to fix this. I take very seriously our responsibility to be part of the solution, but we need to be a part of effective dialogue. This legislation also threatens something else very important to Catholics and to other people who have a religious belief our religious freedom. Religious freedom is the freedom to hold a belief and, secondly, the freedom to manifest belief in community and in public, privately and individually in worship, observance, practice and teaching. The government threatens religious freedom by appointing itself an expert on religious practices and by attempting to change the sacrament of confession while delivering no improvement in the safety of children.The proposed law would put the ACT out of step with other jurisdictions. The reason these laws are likely to pass is not the protection of children, but the shocking history of abuse in the Catholic Church. Sadly, breaking the sacred seal of confession wont prevent abuse and it wont help our ongoing efforts to improve the safety of children in Catholic institutions. We urge the the chief minister to allow theCatholic community into this conversation to ensure we are a part of the solution. Together we can ensure the protection of childrens rights and uphold the integrity of our sacraments. Christopher Prowse is the Catholic Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/6de61c05-c7f5-4763-842a-0df041bb5636/r0_13_479_284_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news Hopefully, the Prime Minister's review of the Australian Public Service will address much more than its terms of reference's emphasis on technology and "innovation". One important issue is the way remuneration is set so the APS can attract and retain the skills it needs. I also hope the review is not too influenced by private sector experience but draws carefully on public sector experience, particularly where the public sector has a superior record (for example, in its ethical culture). I have long criticised the way public service pay is determined, advocating more rigorous market comparisons to attract and retain the right staff, rather than the prevailing methodology of agency-level "productivity"-based adjustments (which defies the way productivity affects remuneration in the market, and inevitably leads to gaming, differences in pay and conditions for the same work in different agencies, and overly complex administration across the APS). Yet I am also concerned about recent criticism (in a series of articles in The Australian in April and from the Institute of Public Affairs) of the 15.4 per cent employer contribution for superannuation that APS employees receive, which is clearly a lot more than the 9.5 per cent that private sector employees generally receive. The explanation for this apparent inconsistency is that total remuneration should reflect the market (which I assume the institute and The Australian would support), but that the superannuation component of public servants' pay has long been closer to good-practice retirement-income policy than prevailing private-sector super arrangements. The first and most obvious point is that the 9.5 per cent most often used in the private sector is the minimum allowed under the law, and this minimum is legislated to increase over time to 12 per cent. Some critics suggest the minimum contribution should remain 9.5 per cent. The Henry tax review is sometimes cited as finding that even 9 per cent would be sufficient to fund adequate retirement incomes for most Australians. Not mentioned is Ken Henry's assumption of increased tax concessions for super, when those concessions have since (and appropriately) been constrained; nor that, for most people, Henry assumed a very significant reliance on age pensions as well as super. Work undertaken in late 2016 for the independent Committee for Sustainable Retirement Incomes by Phil Gallagher, the former head of Treasury's retirement incomes modelling unit, revealed that under the current tax and means-test arrangements, 12 per cent is required if those earning incomes in their working years up to the median are to receive net income in retirement of 65 per cent or more of their pre-retirement net income (70 per cent is a common benchmark of adequacy, in terms of ability to preserve living standards during retirement). Those on incomes above the median need to save more to gain a net income replacement rate of 65 per cent or more, as they will not be eligible for as much (if any) of the age pension. Most of these need to save at least 15 per cent, and more if they plan to start transitioning to retirement before age 67. It would not be appropriate to increase the cost of labour until the economy (and labour market productivity) allows, nor to force employees to reduce their consumption while wages remain stagnant, but the target of 12 per cent as the minimum employer contribution remains appropriate. Most APS employees will have incomes over their working lives above the median, and hence should be encouraged to save at least 15 per cent, not 12 per cent. A second point rarely acknowledged is the reforms that were made to public service super since the 1980s that ensured the public sector continues to model prevailing best practice. These reforms were in response to changes in the workforce and society more generally, and to broader economic and public sector reforms. In many ways, the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme was a model of good practice at the time it was introduced. It offered secure and adequate pensions for (mostly male) breadwinners on the basis they would work in the public service for life. It was affordable, according to the actuaries at the time, despite being unfunded and promising significant and secure benefits. By contrast, super was rare outside the public sector, provided lump sums only where it did exist, and these were not necessarily linked to retirement and not readily convertible into secure lifetime incomes. The world was changing, however, including for the public service, and super needed to adapt to a more mobile workforce, less reliant on those pursuing lifetime public service careers and involving many more women. Vesting and preservation rules had to be changed, and a more portable system introduced. Moreover, changing life expectancy was increasing the CSS's future costs. This led eventually to the CSS closing in 1990 and the opening of new scheme, the Public Sector Superannuation scheme. The PSS was, in 1990, again a model of good superannuation practice: it still delivered secure and adequate retirement pensions for those staying in the APS to retirement (though less generous than CSS pensions), while also ensuring that all public servants were effectively accumulating savings for retirement however long they remained in the public service. Again, while not fully funded, actuarial advice determined that the promised benefits were affordable, equivalent to employer contributions of about 15 per cent on average. Private-sector practice remained very weak, though reforms to vesting and preservation regulation removed some of the worst practices, ensuring employees could retain the contributions employers made and that these were more likely to be directed to retirement (or at least age 55) rather than consumed earlier. But lump sums were still not converted into lifetime pensions, despite government measures in 1983 to remove tax incentives and to facilitate the sale of indexed annuities. Broader public sector reforms in the 1980s also led to more transparent identification of the value (and cost) of superannuation in public service remuneration (in terms of equivalent employer contributions). This ensured that total remuneration could be readily identified and included in agencies' running costs rather than having super financed separately, facilitating an "even playing field" for consideration of competition through contracting out and promoting more efficient use of public resources. As mentioned, changes in life expectancy in old age were becoming increasingly apparent in the 1980s, requiring recalculation by actuaries of the equivalent employer contribution of the unfunded public sector schemes. These revealed in particular that the CSS cost was considerably higher than previously estimated. Moreover, the unfunded liabilities that had previously been assumed could be met by future government revenues were rapidly increasing. By the early 2000s, it was decided that these challenges would best be met by closing the unfunded PSS and opening the fully funded PSSap, and by establishing the Future Fund, financed by privatisations and budget surpluses to meet liabilities from the unfunded public sector schemes. The PSSap employer contribution was set at the level estimated to apply to the PSS on average: 15.4 per cent. This, of course, avoided any suggestion of a reduction in public servants' remuneration (assessments around that time suggested public service pay, for most, was broadly in line with the market). It also preserved savings sufficient, according to PSS arrangements, for secure and adequate retirement incomes, particularly if employees made extra contributions. The PSSap, which opened in 2005, had the added value for the government of leaving more financial risks with employees. It also ensured full portability without the former problem of artificial formulas to calculate the value of "accumulated entitlements" for those leaving the APS before the promised retirement pension would have kicked in (leading to the infamous "54/11" practice, where some CSS members calculated that the formula's lump sum before age 55 exceeded the pension promised if they stayed beyond age 55). The PSSap scheme remains superior to most of those available in the private sector, which, at 9.5 per cent, won't deliver adequate retirement incomes for most employees. In my view, however, the PSSap went too far by removing the provision of lifetime indexed pensions in retirement; these could have been made available for purchase from the accumulated savings under the scheme. Instead, the PSSap follows private practice in this respect, which is yet to offer the sort of fully secure indexed lifetime pensions that were always at the heart of public sector super (and of social security, here and overseas). The Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation does now offer some retirement income products, and the government is slowly moving to press all funds to offer so-called "comprehensive income products in retirement" with a system of defaults or guided products for retirees in different circumstances. In summary, while the APS super schemes did require considerable reform over the last 30 years, particularly with regard to financing, they have throughout represented far better models of good superannuation practice than the private sector schemes prevailing at the time. Over the whole period, there has been much ill-informed criticism of the schemes when the more serious public issue has been the adequacy and security of super for those outside the public sector. That remains the case. Rather than reduce the 15.4 per cent employer contribution for APS employees, the government should improve its broader retirement-income policy. The proviso is that public-sector total remuneration should be based more strictly on relevant market comparisons. Andrew Podger is an honorary professor of public policy at the ANU, and a former departmental secretary. andrew.podger@anu.edu.au Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly said the Public Sector Superannuation Accumulation Plan does not require its members to place the full 15.4 per cent employer contribution into their super. It is required to do so. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/22c3919c-97cd-47a6-a616-6873a9e1930f/r0_17_320_198_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news A generation ago, security vetting was a quirk of government employment that few Canberrans underwent. Senior bureaucrats did, as did staff in defence, foreign affairs, customs and so on. But most public servants didn't. After all, they had no need to access classified information. That hasn't changed today, but our security culture is unrecognisably different. Almost all Commonwealth employees, and many private-sector contractors, hold a security clearance. It doesn't matter what their job is: public relations, payroll, plumber without a clearance, they'll be shut out of the public service. In itself, this isn't a problem of exclusion, as the bar seems rather low. The Defence Department's vetting agency knocks back fewer than one in every 830 applications it assesses. And half of the very few who are knocked back get a clearance anyway just at a lower level than they sought. But there are deep problems in this booming area of government activity; signs that the entire approach is wrong-headed. To begin, let's go back two decades to one of the first public reports on how vetting was working (and not working). Back then, the issuance of security clearances was decentralised and highly inefficient, so much so that, according to then auditor-general Pat Barrett, the government had no idea how many people held an active clearance. Nonetheless, his audit found agencies issued about 11,500 clearances in 1998-99, and the number was rising quickly. Among Barrett's concerns was that a "high proportion of staff had security clearances above the level that their work commitments would require". Similarly, every workplace he audited had classified files wrongly, with a clear tendency to overclassify them. This had the effect, he reported, of "increasing the costs of protection and restricting the flow of information" in government. Yet he had a bigger worry: "a number of staff had access to information for which they were not appropriately cleared". The reason, he said, was that staff especially temps and contractors were being given access to classified documents before they were vetted because of the "long lead times to obtain clearances, commonly up to three months" (my emphasis). All the signs today suggest Barrett's warnings were ignored and the problems have worsened. When I wrote on this topic four years ago, the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency said about 350,000 people held active clearances. Its workload was about 33,000 assessments a year triple that from 15 years earlier. Last year, 46,500 applications were assessed. The total number of active clearances in circulation had climbed above 440,000. What on earth is going on? The impression given is that, in order to protect its "treasure" (national security information), the government keeps building higher, wider castle walls and expanding them across its entire fiefdom, when it could simply hide its treasure better. The reason the vetting agency exists is that, back in 2010, the Gillard government was so concerned by the security checks' rising costs that it centralised the process to eliminate waste. Money was poured in. The agency has unquestionably improved the efficiency of vetting practices. But the main problem lengthy delays has worsened. Applicants wait, on average, 18 months for a positive-vetting clearance (which is needed to access information classified above top secret). Negative-vetting level 2 (needed for top-secret information) takes over five months, and negative-vetting level 1 (for secret documents) takes about 3 months. Remember: two decades ago, government agencies were panicked about having to wait three months. A crisis is now erupting. The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, Margaret Stone, complained recently to the Senate that she struggles to hire staff because recruits simply won't wait 1 years to start a job. Government agencies are so frustrated that many ask their recruitment agencies to offer interviews only to candidates who already hold a clearance; an unlawful practice that the Informant documented throughout last year. Who can blame them? With the ongoing staffing cap forcing agencies to rely on temporary employees, it's hardly reasonable to wait many months before they can begin their work. Last year's independent intelligence review warned that the vetting delays are "exacerbating the intelligence community's existing workforce challenges". Its recommendation, unsurprisingly, was to give ASIO more money and staff so as to speed up the background checks. In other words, its proposed solution is to fix the supply of clearances. Yet surely that's not the problem. It's easy to blame the vetting agency perhaps it does need more resources but it's today's ridiculously inflated demand for clearances that is causing and prolonging the backlog. I've been told of least two offices in Canberra so poorly designed that everyone who enters must hold a negative-vetting clearance (level 1 for one office, level 2 for the other) not because all staff need to access secret or top-secret information but because they must pass through a secure area to get to their desk. Somehow, getting clearances for everyone is seen as a better solution than thoughtful information security. Overprotective classification has the same effect. When a workplace, over years, wrongly classifies its documents a practice Barrett said was widespread new recruits must apply for higher-level clearances than they really need, just so they can access basic information relevant to their job. The costs to everyone start to mount. What would happen if the government decided to tighten security rather than expand it? To demand that public servants spare classification for information that genuinely warranted it, and to vet a minority of staff, rather than everyone? It'd certainly save a lot of money. And the work of government would go on. Last year, the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor, James Renwick, told Parliament he didn't have the positive-vetting clearance needed for his job; he was still waiting with all the others in the queue (he did, however, have negative-vetting level 2). When asked whether lacking the right clearance was impeding his work, he laughed it off, explaining that "agencies have had no difficulty providing me with anything I have asked for". If the watchdog of our national security laws can get by, I'm sure most public servants can, too. There is a quick fix for at least part of this mess. Three years ago, Barbara Belcher's report on red tape recommended scrapping the default practice of new staff getting a baseline clearance, which involves checking their identity, qualifications, criminal history and background (going back five years). Replacing these clearances with a simpler form of screening would, Belcher said, "reduce the regulatory burden on staff and improve security outcomes". Nothing has happened, though there are murmurings the government may finally move on this. On the other hand, the intelligence review ignored the suggestion entirely. As always with issues related to national security, few politicians or senior officials are willing to be known as the one who asked: "Maybe we should do a little less?" It seems we can never spend too much on counterterrorism or counter-espionage, regardless of whether the costs justify the benefits a point that academics Mark Stewart and John Mueller have demonstrated convincingly. The great folly in all this, of course, is that officials with the highest level of vetting were responsible for the West's biggest known intelligence leaks. Edward Snowden and Bradley (now Chelsea) Manning are the best known, but let's not forget Canberra's own contributions. There was Jean-Phillipe Wispelaere, a steroid-abusing officer at the Defence Intelligence Organisation who stole almost 1400 mostly US classified documents, flew to Bangkok and tried to sell them to a foreign power. And Simon Lappas, a depressed analyst at the same organisation, who fell in love with a prostitute and gave her documents to sell to the Russians. The Russians (at least, it was reportedly them) didn't buy. The bureaucracy and the intelligence community's bizarre response? Just keep vetting more and more staff. How letting everyone inside the tent reduces the "insider threat" is beyond me. Markus Mannheim edits the Informant. Twitter: @MarkusMannheim /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/074f3851-af6e-4f32-964a-bd52590c638f/r0_51_1000_616_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact. Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here. Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing. You are our people. You Care. We Care2. The Indian Air Force has recently released an employment notification for the course commencing in July 2019. The positions in the course include Flying Branch and Permanent Commission (PC)/ Short Service Commission (SSC) in Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches. Interested candidates can apply between June 16 and July 15, 2018. The selection of the candidates will be based on AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Online Test). AFCAT is conducted twice a year in the month of February and August. Compared to the other competitive entrance examinations, AFCAT is not a hard nut to crack. With proper guidance and preparation, one can crack the examination in one month. Here are the preparation tips that will help you pass with flying colours. AFCAT Exam Pattern AFCAT exam consists of four sections, namely general awareness, verbal ability in English, numerical ability and reasoning & military aptitude test. The paper consists of 100 questions and every question carries three marks. The duration of the exam will be two hours. For every wrong answer, one mark will be deducted under negative marking. Understand The Cut-off Many aspirants miss the AFCAT examination cut-off by just a few marks. It is always good to have the maximum marks which will improve your chances of being selected for the SSB interview. One has to understand that the excess marks in the written examination will not make any difference in the SSB interview. Hence, aspirants should carefully answer the questions. Know The Weightage It is always suggested to start the preparation based on the weightage for each section. For instance, the numerical ability section carries more than 12 questions. If you have cracked all the questions in the quantitative section, assume that more than thirty marks are in your pocket. Take Online Mock Test Candidates who have registered successfully will be provided with an AFCAT online mock test on the IAF official website . Candidates are suggested to make use of this option to understand the types of questions that will be asked. Save Time While Answering The General Awareness Questions Candidates have to attempt 100 questions in 120 minutes. This means they will have less than one minutes to answer a question. The sections such as numerical ability and reasoning will consume more time because one needs to logically think to answer these questions. Hence, we suggest you to reduce the time while answering the general awareness section. There will be some questions in this section which can be answered in a few seconds. Explore AFCAT Syllabus General Awareness - history, sports, geography, environment, civics, basic science, defence, art, culture, current affairs, politics etc. Verbal Ability in English - comprehension, error detection, sentence completion, synonyms, antonyms and testing of vocabulary Numerical Ability - decimal fraction, simplification, average, profit & loss, percentage, ratio & proportion and simple interest Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test - verbal skills and spatial ability AFCAT Preparation Tips Focus on time & work, simple and compound interest, profit and loss, percentages, etc. for the numerical ability section. Practise a lot of the reasoning questions such as series completion, Venn diagram, odd figure out, etc. Around twenty questions are expected from this section. Practising the previous years' question papers will be helpful to gain more marks in the English section. Read the newspaper daily. This will help you with the comprehension and current affairs topics. Synonyms and antonyms fetch more marks in the English section after the comprehension topic. Pick a good book of your choice and start reading it for the general awareness section. Highlighting the important points while reading might help you during the final phase of the preparation. Also Read: How To Become A Sailor In The Indian Navy Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has released an employment notification calling out for aspirants to apply for the post of Assistant Professor. Those interested can check out the eligibility, salary scale, how to apply and the complete details of the government job here. Selected candidates can earn up to INR 45000. The last date to apply for the government job is July 2, 2018. MPSC Recruitment 2018 For Dental Surgeon: Earn Up To INR 40000 APPSC Recruitment 2018 Vacancy Details CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Post Assistant Professor Organisation Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) Number Of Vacancies 62 Educational Qualification Good GPA in master's degree and UGC NET Maximum Age Limit 32 years Job Responsibilities Teaching Job Location Arunachal Pradesh Industry Civil services Experience Desirable Application Fees INR 100 Application Start Date June 6, 2018 Application End Date July 2, 2018 Also Read: TSPSC Recruitment 2018 For Various Posts How To Apply For APPSC Recruitment 2018 In order to apply for APPSC Recruitment 2018, follow these steps: Step 1: Log on to the APPSC official website. Step 2: Click on the Apply Now button against Assistant Professor post. Step 3: The registration form will be displayed on the screen. Enter your details in the fields provided. Step 4: Enter your captcha code. Step 5: Click Register and complete the registration process. Step 6: Click on the Login button to login using your credentials and complete the application process. Click here to read the detailed official notification. Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has released an employment notification calling out for aspirants to apply for the posts of Specialist and Senior Resident. Those interested can check out the eligibility, salary scale, how to apply and the complete details of the government jobs here. Selected candidates can earn up to INR 40000. The selection process is through a walk-in interview that will be held on June 20 and 21, 2018. APPSC Recruitment 2018 For 62 Assistant Professors: Earn Up To INR 45000 ESIC Recruitment 2018 Vacancy Details CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Specialist (for medicine, surgery and pediatrics) and Senior Resident Organisation Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Educational Qualification PG degree or diploma in relevant field from a recognised university Maximum Age Limit 35 to 45 years Skills Required Medical judgement Salary Scale INR 40000 Job Location Haryana Job Type Full-time as well as part-time Industry Medicine Experience Desirable Walk-in Interview Date June 21, 2018 Venue Office of Medical Superintendent, ESIC Hospital, Sec - 3 Plot No. 41, IMT Manesar, Gurgaon (Haryana) Time 11 am Also Read: BEL Recruitment 2018 For Managers: Earn Up To INR 220000 How To Apply For ESIC Recruitment 2018 In order to apply for ESIC Recruitment 2018, follow these steps: Step 1: Log on to the ESIC official website. Step 2: Under Menu, choose Recruitments. Step 3: The list of recruitments will be displayed on the screen. Step 4: Click on the link that reads, Walk in Interview for Recruitment to the Post of Contractual Specialists and Senior Residents size:(1.71 MB). Step 5: The detailed notification will be displayed on the screen. Read the details carefully. Step 6: Attend the walk-in interview with the supporting documents. Click here to read the detailed official notification. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released an employment notification calling out for aspirants to apply for the NDA and NA II Exams 2018. Those interested can check out the eligibility, salary scale, how to apply and the complete details of the government job here. Selected candidates can earn up to industry standards. The last date to apply for the government job is July 2, 2018. NHAI Recruitment 2018 For General Managers: Earn Up To INR 75000 UPSC Recruitment 2018 Vacancy Details CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Exam National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2018 Organisation Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Number Of Vacancies 383 Educational Qualification Class 12 graduate Age Limit The candidates must be born between Jan 2, 2000 and Jan 1, 2003 Skills Required Physical fitness Salary Scale Industry standards Job Location India Industry Civil Services Experience Not required Application Start Date June 6, 2018 Application End Date July 2, 2018 Also Read: ESIC Recruitment 2018 For Doctors How To Apply For UPSC Recruitment 2018 For NDA And NA In order to apply for UPSC Recruitment 2018, follow these steps: Step 1: Log on to the UPSC official website. Step 2: Click on the Apply Online option on the home page. Step 3: On the new page, click on the link that reads, Online Application for Various Examinations. Step 4: Against NDA-II, click on the link for part I registration. Step 5: The important instructions to apply will be displayed on the screen. Read them carefully. Step 6: Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Yes button to agree to the instructions. Step 7: The application form will be displayed on the screen. Enter your details in the fields provided. Step 8: Click Continue. Step 9: Pay the fees. Step 10: Select your exam centre. Step 11: Upload your photo and signature. Step 12: Agree to the declaration and complete the application process. Click here to read the detailed official notification. Android 12 too Officially released in its "pure" version At the beginning of the month and with it many changes... Maintaining a strong position ICR Research By Published 06 June 2018 Following a major overhaul at its plant in Salalah, Oman, Raysut Cement is in good shape to further expand its business internationally. ICR speaks with Joey Ghose, the companys CEO, about Raysuts recent capital investments and its plans to gain additional market share both at home and abroad. ICR: When was Raysut Cement Co established and what is the extent of the companys activities in Oman today? Joey Ghose (JG): Raysut Cement Co was established in 1981 by virtue of the Ministerial Decree No 7/81, and was registered as an Omani joint stock company in Salalah, Oman. The company started commercial production in 1984 and the factory was officially inaugurated on 17 November 1985, on Omans 15th National Day. To continue reading this story and get access to all News, Articles and Video sections of the CemNet.com website, please Register for a subscription to International Cement Review or Login Fancesa gears up for exports to Paraguay, Argentina and Chile ICR Newsroom By 06 June 2018 Bolivian cement producer Fancesa will carry out market research in Paraguay, Argentina and Chile this year with a view to entering these markets as soon as the companys new line is up and running in 2019. While the decision to export was taken in January last year, it was not until last February that the companys President, Eduardo Rivero, confirmed that the negotiations with Paraguay were moving in the final lap. However, it was expected that exports would start this year. Four months later, the general manager of Fancesa, Marcelo Diaz, said the company would carry out this research with due diligence, to avoid the same situation as experienced by the Itacamba plant, which did not go well. We do not want to make the same mistakes, we want to build exports that generate profit, he added. Fancesa is currently evaluating market conditions, price and transport options for exports to Paraguay. To reach the Paraguayan market, Fancesa will need to transport its product from Sucre, via Santa Cruz, to Puerto Quijarro, from where it will be transported by river. "The other option is to go to the south of Chuquisaca entering the Chaco, Monteagudo, we arrive to Machareti or maybe to Villa Montes," Mr Diaz said. Published under Long before she ever imagined shed become first lady of the United States, Melania Trump was just another beautiful girl trying to make it in the modeling world. Melania isnt the first style icon presidential wife and shes also not the only one with stunning good looks. But her specific combination of style, beauty, foreign roots, and reserved demeanor all help to make the current FLOTUS one-of-a-kind. So where did she come from, and how has modeling helped shape who she is today? Read on to find out. Fashion runs in the family Melania hails from a small town in Slovenia and says she always had an interest in fashion and modeling. Born Melanjia Knavs, she claims that she used to knit sweaters herself. Her father Viktor Knavs was a car dealer and her mother, Amalija, was a childrens clothing designer. As Melania told People in 2016, I always loved fashion. My mother was a fashion designer so it was always in my blood. Next: Her career started early. Shes been modeling since a young age Melania began working as a model at the tender age of 16. She got signed by an agency in Milan at the age of 18, but it wasnt until she turned 22 that she got her big break. Melania was runner-up in the Slovenian womens magazine Janas Look of the Year contest. Next: This person helped make her famous. A photographer helped launch her career Professional photographer Stane Jerko is credited with discovering Melania while she was waiting for a friend to finish walking in a fashion show. It was January 1987 when I went home just before the end of the fashion show, Jerko told TODAY. On the stairs of the Festival Hall, I saw a girl that immediately caught my eye. There stood a tall, slender and attractive long-haired girl with distinct eyes. Next: She was instantly good at this. Melania was a natural Jerko reports that even Melanias very first photo shoots, during which she brought her own outfits, were incredibly promising. Even though she was reserved and quiet, she became comfortable in front of the camera very quickly. She seemed to love modeling and displayed enthusiasm for learning how it all worked. Next: This is how she made her career. She made a full-time career as a model Melania dropped out of the University of Ljubljana in her native Slovenia where she was studying design and architecture. She focused her efforts on becoming a professional model instead. Melania worked with well-known photographers like Patrick Demarchelier and Helmut Newton and appeared on the covers of Harpers Bazaar in Bulgaria and Vanity Fair in Italy. She even posed nude in GQ magazine in 2000. Next: Everything changed when she met this person. She met Donald Trump in 1996 Indirectly, Melanias modeling career helped her meet the man who would later become her husband and then president of the United States. She met Donald Trump in 1996 at a party after years spent working as a model in Milan and Paris. The pair wed in 2005. Next: This proves that shell always be a model at heart. Her White House portrait recalls her modeling past Most first lady White House portraits have a certain look to them, but Melanias head-on image where shes staring directly at the camera is slightly different from any in the recent past. Everything from the pose to her expression makes it obvious that shes comfortable in front of the camera. Next: She could still become a style icon despite this one thing. Her fashion choices arent selling Anytime Kate Middleton wears something, it sells out. In Melanias case, the public is a little less likely to try to copy her looks. She curates her own wardrobe with the help of designer Herve Pierre. It may be because a lot of her clothing is super expensive (hello, $51,000 3D floral coat) and therefore inaccessible to most budgets. Still, its apparent that the first lady has the experience to become a true style icon. Read more: Fascinating Facts About How Melania Trump Made Her Money Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! By Moses Kyeyune. President Yoweri Museveni has asked criminals involved in the rampant cases of kidnap and murder of innocent citizens to surrender or lest they are flushed out of wherever they are hiding. Museveni has been speaking about the security situation in the country where he blamed most of the recent atrocities on rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces operating in neighboring DR Congo. Museveni says that every criminal will answer for their actions. The President has also explained government undertakings on high profile murders in the country since 2017. May 14, 2018, marked the official day that President Donald Trump uprooted the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This controversial decision has been batted around by the presidents predecessors for decades without any real action ever taking place. Moving the embassy, however, could have huge implications when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestinians have protested at the Gaza border since March 30, 2018, with over 100 deaths and thousands of injuries occurring. Follow along as we delve into why President Trump moved the US Embassy to Jerusalem in the first place, and what it could mean moving forward. 1. The embassy had been in Tel Aviv since 1966 In 1948, exactly 70 years prior to Trump moving the embassy to Jerusalem, America became the first country to give a thumbs up and recognize Israel as its own independent state. In 1966, the U.S. Embassy opened in Tel Aviv a seemingly neutral ground between the quarreling Israelis and Palestinians. It would prove to be another 29 years before any changes would be made. Next: The Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1955 2. Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 In the fall of 1995, Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, promising to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The strange part about the act, however, is that it was pushed by Congressman Bob Dole as a bid for Jewish votes during the 1996 presidential race between Dole and Bill Clinton. Needless to say, the entire effort of moving the embassy was more rooted in the United States domestic politics. Next: The clause that kept this act on the back burner 3. Clinton, Bush, and Obama all ignored the act Throughout their campaigns and in an effort to continue winning Jewish votes, former President Clinton, President Bush, and President Obama all claimed they would move the embassy to Jerusalem, however one particular clause kept them from actually having to commit. When the act was originally passed, a clause allowed for any president to suspend the embassy move for six months. And every six months since 1995, that clause has been put into action. Next: Trump kept a campaign promise. 4. Trump pulled the trigger and moved the embassy President Trump also hit the campaign trail with promises of making sure the U.S. Embassy was moved. And after decades of stalling on the act, Trump actually kept his promise and announced at the end of 2017 that he was moving it. When it came to how American voters felt about the move, a 2016 Gallup poll revealed that 56 percent of them didnt have an opinion either way about it. Nevertheless, the embassy opened in Jerusalem on May 14. Next: Is peace being undermined? 5. Some speculate that the move could undermine the peace process Trump choosing to put the Embassy Act into action made the United States the first country to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, but there are implications to this. For over 20 years, the U.S. has played the peacekeeping role throughout major conflicts between the Israelis and Palestinians. Many individuals now speculate, will everything change? Next: Did the U.S. choose a side? 6. Some suggest the U.S. has sided with Israel As a peacekeeper, choosing one side or the other would simply negate and undermine the entire effort. Trump moving the embassy from Tel Aviv (the neutral ground) to Jerusalem, the Israelis ground suggests that the U.S. is now siding with Israel. Middle East expert with the Center for New American Security, Ilan Goldenberg, explains that the role of the United States is supposed to be acting like the fireman. Instead, were acting like the arsonist were making things worse. Next: Will violence prevail? 7. Violence could worsen Any potential conversations to be had about finding peaceful common ground between the Israelis and Palestinians will essentially be pulled off the table until a new, neutral party comes in to play big brother. The biggest concern of all, however, is that violence could worsen. As it currently stands, there has been an underwhelming interest compared to what was expected. Although thousands rallied together to protest in Turkey, Lebanon, and Morocco (amongst others), the protests ended up fizzling out rather than heating up. Only time will tell if this change will exacerbate tensions and increase violence. Preparations for a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are going well, and the two are tentatively scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. Singapore time on June 12 (10 a.m. Korea time), the White House said on Monday. The announcement of the timing for the first meeting between the two leaders came just three days after Trump hosted a senior North Korean delegation at the White House bearing a letter from Kim. Trump, who had previously canceled the summit, abruptly announced the meeting was back on. Asked about the contents of Kim's letter, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders declined to "get into the specifics of the letter" but added "we feel like things are continuing to move forward and good progress has been made." When U.S. President Donald Trump announced in March that he would meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the news set off a flurry of diplomacy -- not only between Washington and Pyongyang, but also throughout Asia. China, South Korea, Japan and Russia -- neighbors with a vested interest in the outcome of any Trump-Kim talks -- have been jockeying for influence, meeting with senior North Korean leaders and among themselves to promote their own hopes for what happens in Singapore. SOUTH KOREA South Korean President Moon Jae-in met with Kim at a historic summit in April in Panmunjom, located in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that has divided North and South Korea since the Korean War ended in 1953 with an armistice agreement. Moon has long advocated dialogue as the best option for resolving the tense stand-off over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program. During their summit, Seoul and Pyongyang declared their commitment to "a new era of national reconciliation, peace and prosperity" and "the common goal of realizing, through complete denuclearization, a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula." With the U.S. being a guarantor of South Korean security, and the main driver of sanctions on North Korea, the Trump-Kim meeting could bring the attainment of these goals one step closer. CHINA China, arguably Pyongyang's closest ally and main trading partner, has long advocated for talks between the U.S. and North Korea. As recently as Saturday, Beijing praised the renewed preparations for a Kim-Trump summit. China is "happy" for the possibility of the summit, which it sees as "crucial to denuclearization and lasting peace on the peninsula," the Foreign Ministry said. China's security is directly related to North Korea's, as the two countries share a border. Beijing wants to avoid the collapse of the Kim regime, which could bring a U.S. ally to its borders and drive thousands of North Korean refugees into China. The Chinese government sought a major role in the peace talks by hosting Kim twice in the past three months. Kim first visited Beijing in March -- his first known trip abroad in seven years of power -- and then met again with Chinese President Xi Jinping in May in the north-eastern city of Dalian. Xi on that occasion praised Kim for building up momentum for regional peace talks. Xi said China supports North Korea's "strategic focus on economic development." Throughout my teenage years, a photograph of a young Honduran boy was as much a fixture of my familys stuccoed Southern California home as the old refrigerator on which it hung. I had never met this child, whose smiling face greeted me any time I wanted a glass of milk, but we werent entirely strangers either, having exchanged letters on occasion. Truth be told, there was little chance I could have located Honduras on a map. All I knew was that my pen pal was struggling to make it and that supporting him was one small way that my family lived out its faith. Looking back now, it seems remarkable to say, but during all the years that photo hung in the sun-soaked kitchen of our Orange County abode, it never once struck me as out of place. We were just one of many families I knew that had chosen to sponsor a child through World Vision International. Since its 1950 founding, the organization has evolved into nothing short of a philanthropic juggernaut, touching the lives of some 120 million young people in 95 countries last year alone. But how did such photographsnot to mention the acts of transnational giving that they are intended to motivatebecome so ubiquitous in American evangelical households? And how did evangelical institutions become such important players in international relief and development work in the first place? Tufts University historian Heather D. Curtis answers these questions and more in her brilliant new book, Holy Humanitarians: American Evangelicals and Global Aid, which shows that evangelical leadership in these realms significantly predated the tidal wave of postwar generosity that gave rise to organizations such as World Vision. Even as Curtis unearths this longer history, she underscores the urgency of ongoing moral reflection: After all, as her story makes clear, love of ones global neighbor has sometimes come with dubious strings attached. Mix of Motives Holy Humanitarians transports readers back to the turn of the 20th century, when famed preacher Thomas De Witt Talmage and savvy entrepreneur Louis Klopsch partnered to turn a weekly newspaper, the Christian Herald, into a medium of American bounty to the needy around the world. Their mission had magnetic appeal: The paper soon attracted some quarter million readers, becoming by far the most widely read religious periodical in the country. The vast size of the readership boded well for the editors hopes that the Christian Herald could do good on the home front too. They viewed international benevolence work as a means of unifying Americas Protestant majority, which was increasingly divided along theological lines and fearful about the nations rapidly changing demographics. Perhaps the paper could provide just the boost that Christian America needed. Thus a complicated mix of motives gave shape to the humanitarian work that Talmage and Klopsch undertook. When a severe famine broke out in Russia in 1892, they seized the moment, calling for donations to support that countrys starving people. An enthusiastic response could hardly be taken for granted. At the peak of the Gilded Age and with so much want on display in their own neighborhoods, would American Christians prioritize the needs of those an ocean away? As Curtis skillfully documents, Talmage and Klopsch did not leave the matter up to chance. Striving to generate a powerful emotional response in their readers, they published stories and images that graphically depicted the extent of human deprivation. Meanwhile, they set about framing famine relief as a spiritual discipline, one which also would redound to the benefit of American diplomatic relations with Russia. Article continues below This innovative set of rhetorical and visual strategies could be used to recast enemies as neighbors, as became clear in the immediate wake of the Constantinople earthquake of 1894. Talmage and Klopsch argued that, by extending aid to the afflicted, American evangelicals could contribute to further breaking down the old barrier of antagonism that has existed for generations between Moslem and Christian. But their empathy-inducing tactics could just as easily be weaponized. As word of Turkish atrocities against the Armenians spread, the Christian Heralds editorial position rapidly shifted. Before long, Talmage and Klopsch were lionizing Armenian Christians at the expense of barbarous and fanatical Muslims. It would not be the last time the Christian Herald indulged in what Curtis aptly calls tribal charity. When the United States declared war on Spain in the spring of 1898, Talmage and Klopsch abruptly stopped advocating for peace. Taking up arms was the most benevolent way forward, they argued. By interpreting the nations military campaign against Spain as a divinely inspired crusade of mercy, Curtis writes, Klopsch and Talmage insisted that Christian charity remained the driving force of American foreign policy. Cuban and Filipino independence fighters saw things differently, as did a diverse, homegrown coalition of American anti-imperialists. As criticisms of US military aggression mounted, Talmage and Klopscheager to salvage the nations image as the Almoner [or almsgiver] of the Worldput out a call for donations to help the people of India, who were themselves beset by famine. Here, again, there was no guarantee that readers would be moved to act. After all, virulent strains of scientific racism ran rampant in many white Christian circles during these decades. The Christian Herald never succumbed to theories about the biological inferiority of people of color; Talmage even went so far as to declare that our Christ was an Asiatic. But the editors nevertheless made clear distinctions between the civilized and the heathen. Little wonder that their humanitarian campaigns on behalf of Indian and Chinese peoples cut at least two ways. As Curtis perceptively argues, their heartrending depictions [of suffering] worked to broaden American almsgivers vision of humanity and enlarge evangelicals sense of responsibility toward racial and religious others. But there were serious drawbacks too. As she goes on to point out, these harrowing accounts and photographs ... reinforced the social, spiritual, and civilizational hierarchies that helped fuel the global expansion of imperialism while undermining efforts to promote Christian communities of equality. An Encouragement and a Warning Amid all of their international activism, Talmage and Klopsch did not neglect the stark inequalities pressing down on those much closer to home. They published Christian socialists like Charles Sheldonbest known for the social-gospel novel In His Steps, which first popularized the question What would Jesus do?and pushed back hard against the proponents of scientific charity, who insisted upon a distinction between the worthy and unworthy poor. New York Citys Bowery Mission, which Talmage and Klopsch helped to sustain, still serves all comers to this day. During a period marked by rising nativism, the Christian Herald opposed closing the nations doors, championing instead an assimilationist vision that offered new immigrants a place in American society, albeit one with some serious constraints. Given how extraordinarily attuned they were to suffering and distress, it is all the more striking that Talmage and Klopsch never once commented on the gruesome lynchings of black Americans and the growing entrenchment of a staggeringly oppressive Jim Crow regime. Their silence seems especially deafening, Curtis rightly emphasizes, when compared with the death-defying activism of black Christians such as Ida B. Wells. As hard as Talmage and Klopsch worked to expand the category of neighbor, there remained sharpeven lethallimits to their efforts. Article continues below Readers will find Curtis to be a trustworthy guide through the maze of thorny questions raised by her story. There can be no doubt that Talmage and Klopsch truly relieved much suffering. The capacity of secular agencies would eventually surpass that of religious ones, but for a long season the Christian Herald ran neck-and-neck with the likes of the American Red Cross (the rivalry between the papers editors and Clara Barton is one of the many enjoyable subplots in Curtiss book). But the Christian Heralds practice of benevolence was laced with a variety of problematic ideas, assumptions, and motivations, and so in the process Talmage and Klopsch also, often unwittingly, inflicted real harm. The holy humanitarians of todayincluding everyone from the heads of major philanthropic organizations to low-level sponsors of faraway childrenwould do well to ponder this books insights. Both the encouragement and the warning it offers are gifts in their own right. Heath W. Carter teaches history at Valparaiso University. He is the author of Union Made: Working People and the Rise of Social Christianity in Chicago (Oxford University Press) and a co-editor of Turning Points in the History of American Evangelicalism (Eerdmans). Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The prophet Micah reminded the people of Israel of what the Lord required of them: "to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God" (Mic. 6:8). It seems that we need to hear these words once again. I have been quite troubled over the past few weeks and debated on whether I should even comment on the issue. The Southern Baptist Convention, the denomination in which I serve as a pastor, is facing a crisis. An identity crisis. A moral crisis. You have probably heard about the scandal that has rocked the Southern Baptist Convention and two of its seminaries: Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) in Fort Worth, Texas and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) in Wake Forest, North Carolina. The scandals are based around Dr. Paige Patterson who allegedly failed to report charges of rape at SEBTS to the proper authorities and furthermore was claimed to have told one victim that it was good that she had been raped. While there have been claims that the whole ordeal has been blown out of proportion, evidence continues to surface that seems to suggest that the claims are indeed true. It does not help that Patterson has admitted to counseling abused women that they should stay in the physically abusive home, with one case resulting in a woman being given two black eyes by her abusive husband. In addition, Patterson used very questionable language in referencing a 16-year-old girl. While the latter was said in jest, it is still quite questionable. The actions of Patterson have led to his dismissal from the presidency of SWBTS, even to the point that his President Emeritus title has been removed. Many of us in Southern Baptist life are quite hurt by the things that have transpired. We wonder what is going to happen to the denomination. Understand that the previous was not written to bash Patterson, but to simply convey what has already been published. I hope that everyone is praying for Patterson and the people he has hurt. In full disclosure, I am writing this as a conservative, non-Calvinist, SBC pastor. I think that if the SBC is going to move past this tragedy, there must be a reformation within our denomination. This reformation must occur in five different ways. The SBC must reform its view of women. The SBC needs to elevate its view of women. I am not referencing the complementarian/egalitarian debate. Rather, I am talking about the SBC's view on women. Have we elevated the status of women to where Christ has? Milton Hollifield, Jr., the executive director of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, has said much of the same. Hollifield noted, "Women should know and believe that if God has raised them up, they will be given the opportunity to serve on committees and certain places of leadership." As an apologist, I cannot tell you the times that women have expressed concern that they have no place in Christianity. Some have even taken an erroneous view of Paul's beliefs about women which probably came from a pastor or denominational leader who himself espoused such a view. I think we must let women know that they matter and that they are of value. The SBC must reform its view of morality. One of the most disturbing aspects of this entire debacle has come from fellow Christians who seemingly support the idea that abused individuals should stay in the home and expose themselves and their children to the abuser's assault. How is this justified? All in the name of a hardcore stance against divorce! While the Scripture indicates that God's intentions are for a man and woman to remain married, there are exceptions given. How are we to truly seek justice, as Micah says, if we allow bullies of the home to continue to abuse their spouses and children? Where is the justice in that interpretation? The SBC must reform its view of justice. As a pastor, I realize there are certain issues beyond my level of expertise. If someone is suffering from a heart condition, I will refer them to a cardiologist. If someone is suffering from bipolar issues, I would refer them to a psychologist. How could we not refer a raped victim to the proper authorities? I understand that we should try to keep things in church as much as possible. But when a person's life is threatened, it is time to allow the due process of law to take place. Doesn't Paul tell us that our officials can serve as God's arm of justice (Rom. 13:4)? The SBC must reform its view of leadership. A good friend of mine used the phrase blind allegiance to describe those who accept what a leader says without question. However, as a community of faith, should we not hold our leaders accountable? I am not saying that we should find every nit-picky thing wrong with a leader. Nor am I saying that we should take apart every word that is said. However, when our leaders fail, we hold them up in prayer, but also hold them accountable for their actions. This does not mean that we do not forgive. Forgiveness is a core element of the Christian faith. Yet, when a person's advice comes to the level of being dangerous, or even lethal, to the person receiving the advice, it may be time to have a serious discussion with that leader. The SBC needs to be able to hold its leaders accountable, no matter whom they are. These political power struggles need to be replaced. Perhaps, there needs to be some restructuring in the denomination. Whatever the case may be, SBC members need to have a voice from both small and large churches. The SBC must reform its view of unity. As noted earlier, I am a non-Calvinist. Even still, I am dismayed at the hostilities that exist in SBC life between Calvinists and non-Calvinists. Is it not possible that we can get along so long as both sides agree on the necessity of evangelism? When this came out, the non-Calvinist side claimed that the Patterson ordeal was nothing more than a political stunt by the Calvinist branch of the SBC. If we cannot find a way to work together, there will be a major schism in the denomination sooner rather than later. Not all Southern Baptists will agree on everything. That is a given. But, if we as Southern Baptists cannot find a way to work together, there will not be a denomination left. Furthermore, God will not bless an institution that permits abuse. On that, I am quite sure. Jesus said it best, "If a house is divided against itself, it cannot stand" (Mk. 3:25). If we cannot find a way to fix these problems and unite under the banner of Christ, then the SBC will eventually be nothing more than a passing memory. Lord, help us learn to "to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with" you (Mic. 6:8). 2018. BellatorChristi.com. Brian G. Chilton is the founder of BellatorChristi.com and is the host of The Bellator Christi Podcast. He received his Master of Divinity in Theology from Liberty University (with high distinction); his Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Gardner-Webb University (with honors); and received certification in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Brian is currently in the Ph.D. program in Theology and Apologetics at Liberty University. Brian has been in the ministry for over 15 years and currently serves as a pastor in northwestern North Carolina. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment There's a lot of discussion about Monday's Supreme Court decision which pitted religious freedoms against LGBT rights. Was the ruling really that significant? Since it was so narrow in scope, should Christian conservatives really rejoice? Did the justices merely kick the can down the road? (For my own take, see here and here.) Scores of articles have already been written on this, which means that it's easy to lose sight of the forest for the trees. The bottom line is that Jack Phillips won. His religious freedoms were upheld. There was a pushback against governmental hostility towards religion. All that is very good news. To put this in perspective, what if the Supreme Court had ruled against Phillips? What if the justices said that the state was within its rights to punish him for declining to design a same-sex "wedding" cake? What if there was no pushback against Colorado's overt and explicit hostility towards Phillip's Christian beliefs? What then? What would headlines have looked like on Monday from the Alliance Defending Freedom, which represented Phillips? Or from the FRC, or from a host of other conservative Christian organizations? What would people like me have written, and what would you, the readers, have been thinking? We would have been outraged. We would have taken this as a slap in our faces and a mockery of our faith. We would have shouted, "What about the First Amendment?!" We would have been up in arms. And look at the headlines on liberal websites, or, more specifically, LGBT websites. How was this decision reported? The Advocate, a flagship LGBT publication ran this headline: "Homophobes Gorsuch, Thomas Wanted the Cake Shop Decision to Go Further." And the article, by Trudy Ring, stated, "The high court's decision, issued today, was tailored narrowly, applying only to this case, but it sets the scene for more court clashes over the right to turn away LGBT customers and, whether or not the high court intended, gives some ammunition to those who would argue for this right. And some conservative justices thought the ruling did not go far enough." The LGBTQ Nation website reported that, "Today's ruling chips away at one of America's most basic values for the last 50 years the freedom to expect that a business will serve all customers without discrimination." The article also cited Democratic leaders who were unhappy with the ruling. An article on Queerty.com stated bluntly, "The Supreme Court has ruled 7-2 in favor of Jack Phillips, the antigay baker from Colorado who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, and American bigots couldn't be happier." Again I ask: How would we have reacted had the shoe been on the other foot? What would be writing and saying today had the ruling gone against Jack? Contrast the Advocate headline, which vilified Justices Gorsuch and Thomas, with this headline on the Stream (a conservative Christian website for which I write regularly): "We Must Clone Clarence Thomas: The Lesson of SCOTUS' Wedding Cake Decision." According to John Zmirak, the author of the Stream article, "The hatred today's left feels toward orthodox Christianity is fanatical. Remember how Inspector Javert, in Les Miserables, sought pretext after pretext for imprisoning Jean Valjean? So the left will keep hunting Christians. Justice Kennedy has just told them the opening and closing days for hunting season." And Zmirak notes that Thomas was acutely aware of these dangers, writing in his opinion, "In Obergefell, I warned that the Court's decision would 'inevitabl[y] ... come into conflict' with religious liberty, 'as individuals .. are confronted with demands to participate in and endorse civil marriages between same-sex couples.' ... This case proves that the conflict has already emerged. Because the Court's decision vindicates Phillips' right to free exercise, it seems that religious liberty has lived to fight another day. But, in future cases, the freedom of speech could be essential to preventing Obergefell from being used to 'stamp out every vestige of dissent' and 'vilify Americans who are unwilling to assent to the new orthodoxy.' If that freedom is to maintain its vitality, reasoning like the Colorado Court of Appeals' must be rejected." I couldn't have said it better. The bad news is that the ruling wasn't broader and that all the justices didn't agree on the very dangers that Thomas and Gorsuch (and others in the past) warned about. How could these dangers not be seen? Even a nearsighted man without glasses could see what was coming with any insight at all. But the good news is that, in the end, this was about Jack Phillips, who took a stand where many others would have caved in, enduring 5 years of grueling litigation, with his whole life turned upside down. And he took that stand with grace and courage. Because he won, we won. For that, I'm very thankful. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The wind blasted Omaha Beach that day in 1995. It pierced my body with stinging cold as I walked among the 9,300 graves containing the remains of American soldiers who had died under the torrent of Nazi guns on June 6, 1944. Suddenly, I began to weep, almost inconsolably. The vast sweep of crosses and Stars of David marking the graves was enough to bring tears to the most cynical. But this was grieving of a different sort. Twenty years later, I co-authored a book with Jonathan Sandys, the great-grandson of Sir Winston Churchill. "I want to write about 'Churchill and God,'" Jonathan told me. A persistent theme emerged as we researchedChurchill's belief in providential history. Churchill was not a committed churchmanhe said that though he was not a "pillar of the Church," he was a "flying buttress." Yet he had a solid faith in God, nurtured by Elizabeth Everest, his devout Christian nanny, that carried him through a harried youth and the Second World War as Britain's prime minister. At sixteen, Churchill uttered an amazing "prophecy" to one of his schoolmates: "I can see vast changes coming over a now peaceful world; great upheavals, terrible struggles; wars such as one cannot imagine; and I tell you London will be in danger London will be attacked and I shall be very prominent in the defence of London." And so it happened when Churchill became prime minister on May 10, 1940, just weeks before the Battle of Britain. Churchill's understanding of providential history meant that God directs history's course to His ultimate purposes. Thus, I was not surprised that afternoon in 1995 midst the graves of Omaha Beach when I began to sense spiritual truths that changed my understanding of the Church and our Kingdom mission. The D-Day invasion, I realized, was a parable of the advance of God's Kingdom in the world occupied by the adversary and his demonic hordes. The aim of the powers of darkness is the exact opposite of everything for which the Kingdom of God stands. Instead of righteousness-justice, the enemy of God and His creation seeks evil and injustice. Rather than peace, the dark rulers incite conflict. In the place of Holy Spirit-given joy, the forces of the evil one seek every opportunity to bring hellish misery. (See Romans 14:17) Then the spiritual lessons of D-Day thundered into my mind: The moment the first Allied soldier placed his foot on the soil of Europe at Normandy, the invasion by the free nations had begun, and when Jesus Christ took on the tiniest human cell in Mary's womb, the invasion of the Kingdom of God had come. Jesus said, "If I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you." (Luke 11:20) Spiritual warfare is displacement. The goal of any invasion is to push the occupying force out of land that is not theirs. "The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it," says Psalm 24:1. Yet, "the whole world lies under the power of the evil one" (1 John 5:19) who is "the ruler of the world" (John 14:30). In the face of the Canaanites, Old Testament Israel's mission was to "dispossess" the enemy and possess the land. (Deuteronomy 4:38) The Allies' mission on D-Day was to push Hitler's army out of the land they had conquered with the fierce weapons at their disposal. So the Church's mission is to displace the enemy through filling the earth with praise and worship, the Word of God, and the incarnational ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, not the violence of sword, bomb, and gun. The Church, the body of Christ, is to take the good news of the Kingdom from village to village, town to town, nation to nation, just as the Allied invaders did in 1944 We are too Dunkirk-minded, and ought to be Normandy-minded. As I stood on the crest of Omaha Beach I thought of Dunkirk, five years before D-Day. The total focus of those troops was escape. This is not to infer they were cowards: they wanted to escape to return and fight the Nazis. Nevertheless, in 1940, getting out was their priority. Our end-times obsession diverts us from the present mission. We fixate on every tiny signI am too often guilty. Jesus, however, revealed that the end would not come until "this gospel of the Kingdom" is proclaimed in the whole world, so that all people groups have an opportunity to hear and respond. (Matthew 24:14) Then and only then have we reached the end-purpose (telos) of all history. If we learn the spiritual lessons of D-Day we will recognize we are here to advance Kingdom blessing, not evacuate, though in the midst of the battle we are encouraged to keep the "blessed hope" before us, and even shout sometimes, Maranatha!"come, Lord Jesus!" Wallace Henley has made several trips to Normandy, and taken groups, including Second World War veterans. He is senior associate pastor of Second Baptist Church Houston, a former White House and Congressional aide, and designer of Belhaven University's Master of Ministry Leadership degree. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The minutes on the hospital clock dwindled as I swaddled my infant daughter one last time before she was permanently placed in the arms of her adoptive family. In those final moments, I thought my heart might shatter. I was broken. Then I felt a hand placed on top of mine, and looked into the face of my adoption social worker, a caring individual who'd spent numerous hours by my side. She was one of my greatest advocates and provided hope and encouragement during a time of doubt and sadness. Without her guiding hand in the adoption process, my story would be a much different one. I learned I was pregnant during my junior year of college. Holding a positive pregnancy test in my hand, I recoiled in fear and shame. I didn't know what to do or where to turn for help. I held several leadership positions at the Christian university I attended. I was a Resident Assistant in a dormitory. I was an editor for our campus newspaper, and editor-in-chief of our school magazine. I was an A-student. Like many girls my age, I'd strived for perfection in every facet of life. An unplanned pregnancy was not part of my meticulously planned life. Faced with a life-altering circumstance, loneliness enveloped me as I tried to determine what choices were available. It was my choice not to have an abortion. Instead, I chose to carry my baby to term. Because I was afraid of rejection among peers and the possibility of being released from my leadership positions at college, I hid my pregnancy for five months, or my entire Spring semester. Whenever I felt my unborn child stirring in my womb while sitting in class or my dorm room, I'd cradle my belly and whisper, "I love you little one," and dreamed about life as mom. Over time, those dreams faded with the realization that I wasn't prepared to be a parent. At the time, I wasn't capable of giving my baby everything she deserved. In the end, my boyfriend and I made the heart wrenching decision to move forward with an adoption plan. Since it was my choice to carry my child and make an adoption plan, I wanted the freedom to select the adoptive parents. It was my personal desire to place my daughter in a traditional home with a married mother and father who shared the same Christian faith and family goals that I did. By having choices, it made a difficult decision easier to bear. When I arrived at my hometown in Colorado for summer break, I began researching local adoption agencies. It was important that the agency I chose held similar beliefs and core values as my own. The moment I walked into Hope's Promise, a faith-based adoption agency located in Castle Rock, Colorado, I knew I'd found a safe place. Not only was I welcomed with loving arms, I was provided with a variety of parenting options and counseling services so I could make the best decision for me and my child. My social worker met with me on a regular basis to listen to my wishes and help me craft an adoption plan I was comfortable with. Every encounter I had with the agency left me with greater clarity, direction, and a renewed sense of hope. When my baby girl was born, I held her tight and told her, "I'll always love you." Leaving the hospital without my daughter was the single hardest thing I'd ever done. Thankfully, the support given by Hope's Promise didn't come to an end there. My adoption social worker continued to give encouragement throughout my initial journey of healing, until I felt strong enough to forge ahead on my own. Faith-based adoption agencies are vital to our society. Every woman who faces an unplanned pregnancy and chooses to make an adoption plan for their child also deserves the same right to choose which agency will represent her in the adoption process. Navigating an unplanned pregnancy is difficult enough without the possibility of faith-based agencies being forced to shut their doors. Birth parents deserve to have their voices heard. This is why I'm disappointed that Colorado legislators took it into their own hands to speak on my behalf. Instead of protecting faith-based agencies, they listened to opposing views that spread fears and lies about the issue. Our country was founded on the basis of religious freedom, and within that freedom are the rights of faith-based agencies to represent a birth mother's religious beliefs. Removing faith-based agencies in Colorado may create unnecessary fears, anxiety and possible depression for birth mothers who already face a difficult decision. Our legislators must act on the rights of faith-based agencies and make the adoption bill a priority for next year. Joel Osteen holds back tears as Lakewood pastor moves on to new home at Relentless Church Joel Osteen tried to hold back tears as he lauded John Gray and his wife Aventer, who are the new leaders of Relentless Church in Greenville, South Carolina. The Grays were appointed to lead Relentless Church in May after founding pastor Ron Carpenter relinquished leadership of the congregation to serve as the pastor of Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California. "John and Aventer are faithful people. They are loyal people," Osteen said, according to Greenville News. "I cry way too easy," he went on to say. Despite his new role, Gray will still be working with Osteen at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, where he has served as an associate pastor for the past five years. "John and Aventer have made me better. I can truly say that Lakewood is better today because John and Aventer have been there," Osteen added. Gray delivered his first sermon at Relentless Church in May when Carpenter handed off the leadership to him on Mother's Day. Carpenter, who founded the church nearly three decades ago, returned to Greenville from California to attend the installation service on Sunday. "I have been through a million circumstances where I wish I had one friend," Carpenter said, as reported by Greenville News. "At the lowest point in my life I stopped like a castaway at a four-way stop in the middle of nowhere and I looked through my whole phone and I wept because I had nobody in my life that I didn't lead," he added. The installation ceremony was conducted by Bishop Eric Garnes of Tabernacle of Praise Cathedral in Brooklyn, New York, according to Greenville News. Several pastors from across the U.S. were also present at the service to welcome Gray into his new role. Carl Lentz, pastor of Hillsong Church in New York City, said many people would be saved in Relentless Church under his leadership. John Morman, pastor of Christian Tabernacle Church in Michigan, said that the church "shall prosper beyond measure." Hart Ramsey, who serves as the pastor of Northview Christian Church in Alabama, encouraged Gray to "trust God in the darkness." Later in the service, Gray commended his wife for supporting him through difficult times. He vowed to the members of Relentless Church that he would be "an honorable pastor and I will fight for you." Minister and family charged with 12 counts of assault after brawl with police A minister, his wife and his 17-year-old son have been charged with 12 counts of aggravated assault after an altercation with police officers at a church in Lilburn, Georgia last month. Wilmer Cruz, his wife Cristina and their 17-year-old son, Wilmer Cruz Jr., are facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault, for allegedly attacking police officers who were responding to a missing person rescue call on March 24. According to WSB-TV the police officers had been called to Iglesia Cristiana Evangelica in Lilburn to rescue a 16-year-old girl who was reportedly hiding out at the church after allegedly falling pregnant to Wilmer Cruz Jr. When the officers arrived in the parking lot of the church, they were confronted by the family, who were accused of keeping the 16-year-old from her mother. The brawl was reportedly captured on police body camera and cellphone videos. One footage appeared to show Cristina Cruz grabbing a stun gun from Sgt. Ryan Long. Wilmer Cruz Sr. and Wilmer Cruz Jr. are accused of attacking the officer by pinning him against a glass door. "I was slammed against the glass door, hitting my head very hard against the glass. Mr. (Wilmer) Cruz was choking me to the point I couldn't breathe," Long said during the preliminary hearing in April, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Many of the charges were filed against Wilmer Cruz Sr., but his wife and son are also facing aggravated assault charges. The girl's mother, Ana Cardenas Robles, filed an order against Cristina Cruz on March 19, alleging that the minister's wife had prevented her from having any contact with the pregnant teenager. She also accused Cristina Cruz of stalking her and threatening her with deportation. The pregnant teen has since been returned to her mother. The Cruz family responded to the allegations in court, saying Robles had allowed her daughter to stay with the family, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Cristina Cruz has been released on bond, but Wilmer Cruz Sr. and his son are still in jail, according to WSB-TV. Christos towering ambition As the world mourns the death of the Bulgarian-born artist famous for such audacious projects as wrapping the Pont Neuf in Paris and Berlins Reichstag, we look back on a 2018 interview with Christies in which he reviewed his extraordinary career Christo Javacheff was 21 years old, and already a gifted portrait painter, when he fled to the West more or less on a whim. The year was 1957, and anti-communist uprisings in Hungary and Poland had recently been quelled. The young Bulgarian artist joined a group of defectors heading for Austria in a freight train filled with medical supplies. There were anxious moments at the Czechoslovak frontier as border guards searched the cars, but this party of refugees was not discovered. Christo found himself in Vienna, penniless but unbound. Christo with Wrapped Car (Volkswagen), 1963. Photo: Charles Wilp. 2018. Photo Scala, Florence/bpk, Bildagentur fur Kunst, Kultur und Geschichte, Berlin. 1963 Christo Christo, Wrapped Portrait of Jeanne-Claude, 1963. Oil on canvas portrait by Christo Javacheff, wrapped with polyethylene and rope by Christo, mounted on black wooden board. 30 x 20 x 2 in (78.5 x 51.2 x 5 cm). Collection David C. Copley (promised gift to the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego, USA). Photo: Christian Baur. 1963 Christo It was not long after his defection that Christo started wrapping bottles and cans. Those thickly encased packages, tied tight with careful string knots and then lacquered to a hard finish like Ming boxes, seemed to be saying something in an oblique way about the smothering restrictions of a philistine dictatorship, the nannyish swaddling that the Soviet-dominated states of Eastern Europe inflicted on their citizens. But were they also the first test runs for the grandiose building wraps that were to come? Christo is having none of that theory. Yes, in the late 1950s and early 1960s I wrapped small things, then motorcycles or miserable-looking bundles of paper. They were part of how my ideas developed. But you should understand that the first proposal to wrap a building goes right back to 1961. I made a photomontage with a wrapped box in place of a building, and I wrote a text saying the object ought to be a prison or a parliament, as they are the most public buildings. The principal thing in our projects is the fabric, not the wrapping. It is the material that conveys the nomadic, transitional quality of the project. It is like a tent in the desert it goes up very fast, it is immediate, and then it is gone for ever. Christo has real charisma. He is a slight figure, but his voice is bigger than his frame. Its gravelly quality, along with his fidgety energy, makes you wonder if he has recently given up smoking. When he talks about his work, he leans forward, his hands cupped in front of him, as if he were holding each thought in the bowl of his palm and examining it as he speaks. He apologises for his English, which, though entirely fluent, is heavily accented and occasionally faulty. Somehow this makes every utterance sound passionate, serious and considered. Wrapping the Reichstag in 1995. Photo: Roland Bauer. 1995 Christo Some of those utterances take you by surprise, as when he insists that all his projects are sensual. What does he mean? When we wrapped the Reichstag, we did not scaffold the building no, not at all! Everything was done by rock climbers who drew the fabric down from about 40 metres high, so that the public could watch. People came up and touched the fabric, pushed it with their fingers. When do you ever see people touching buildings like that? That is the story! It is the enormous sensuality that makes them do it. There is a lot of physicality involved. Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Wrapped Reichstag, Berlin, 197195. Photo: Wolfgang Volz. 1995 Christo All the work is invitational; it asks you to feel it. I could tell you a thousand things. With Floating Piers [Lake Iseo in Italy in 2016], people removed their shoes to walk on it. Then there was Running Fence in California [Sonoma and Marin Counties, 1972-76]: 40km of fabric, five and a half metres high. When the wind was blowing, the cattle would lean against the fabric, like it was a pillow. Such unplanned responses from barefoot tourists to weary cows are central to Christos art. He relishes the idea that pleasant surprises always emerge from his meticulous preparation. That, he says, is part of the point. Over the course of an hour-long discussion, he offers several differing but complementary statements about where, in his oeuvre, the art resides each ending with the emphatic declaration: That is the real work of art! Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Running Fence, Sonoma and Marin Counties, California, 197276. Photo: Wolfgang Volz. 1976 Christo In every piece, he says, there is a software period the planning and getting permission followed by a hardware period the construction of the work and its brief existence in situ. The software period can last for years. We have countless meetings with mayors, senators, the community where the work will be. We make presentations, answer questions from the public. There is no easy way to do it, but that is part of the work of art. Maybe there will be a thousand people who try to help us, and a thousand who try to stop us who will even take us to court. That creates enormous energy around a work that does not yet even exist. What other artist can say that? The people who have objections environmental, political their reactions, too, are part of the work of art. Then comes the hardware period, when we build the real thing. At that stage, there is the dynamic, the expectation, the anxiety. The entire journey is the work of art, not the 14 days that the show lasts. And none of that can be invented or orchestrated or imagined. It can only be lived. We havent ever proposed anything impossible. But when we start, we dont know how we are going to realise the concept we have not the slightest idea. That is the most exciting part It is in the nature of Christos work that many ideas do not come off. In 50 years we have realised 23 projects, he says, but failed to get permission for 36. Last year, Christo made the news because he himself called a halt to a project as it was about to come to fruition. Over the River would have involved suspending a silver canopy intermittently over a 42-mile stretch of the Arkansas River in Colorado, most of it on federal land. Despite the huge amount of work that had already gone into it, Christo pulled out, saying that he did not want to benefit the new landlord. But I put it to him that, at the time, he seemed irked that the offhand landlord remark had made his withdrawal look like a barbed political protest. After all, Christos late wife and lifelong collaborator Jeanne-Claude had once said that, Our art has absolutely no purpose, except to be a work of art we do not give messages. Christo, The Mastaba of Abu Dhabi (Project for United Arab Emirates). Scale model 1979. Enamel paint, wood, paint, sand and cardboard. 32 x 96 x 96 in (82.5 x 244 x 244 cm). Photo: Wolfgang Volz. 1979 Christo Wrong again. What are you talking about? exclaims Christo. Our projects are deeply political, all the time. Over the River is one example. The people who were against us took Obama to court over it; they sued the US government. The case was still there when the new man was elected (I dont want to say his name), and it was my decision to cancel. And Berlin: Helmut Kohl was against the Reichstag project yet we defeated Kohl, an enormous power! We had started the permissions process at the height of the Cold War, when Berlin was a divided city. Most of the Reichstag itself was in the British sector, but 30 metres of the east facade was in the Soviet sector. Its strange, but the early correspondence about our request to wrap the building letters from the US representative in Berlin to the US State Department just came out on WikiLeaks. I was a stateless person then, and I remained a political refugee for 17 years. The Reichstag would have meant nothing to me had I not been born in a communist country. Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Surrounded Islands, Biscayne Bay, Greater Miami, Florida, 1980-83. Photo: Wolfgang Volz. 1983 Christo He has been in the West for 60 years now, and is one of the worlds best-known artists, but Christo insists that he remains an outsider. The people who see our projects are not museum people, perceiving art in a highly hygienic, antiseptic space. My work is not for the art crowd who go to nicely perfumed rooms, air-conditioned places. All our projects deal with reality, not virtual reality. When we install three kilometres of floating pier, what you experience is three kilometres of floating pier meaning, you have to walk the three kilometres on the water. You are exposed to real elements: sun, wind, rain, fear. Most art today is pure illustration illustration of misery on film or video. There is nothing real. Christo, The Gates (Project for Central Park, New York City). Drawing 2003 in two parts. Pencil, charcoal, pastel, wax crayon, fabric sample, aerial photograph and hand-drawn technical data. 15 x 96 in and 42 x 96 in (38 x 244 cm and 106.6 x 244 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York City, USA (Gift of Melva Bucksbaum and Raymond Learsy). Photo: Andre Grossmann. 2003 Christo And the art world, he feels, sometimes misses the point of his work. Our conversation turned to the Surrounded Islands project, which involved dressing numerous islets off the coast of Miami in pink tutus, like a geographical corps de ballet. It was a beautiful piece, perhaps best seen from the air: in their vibrant skirts, the islands resembled gigantic water lilies, or poppyheads scattered on a plate. The fabric that we put round the islands is not the whole work of art, no, says Christo. It is also the colours of the water, the changing hues of Biscayne Bay. One blue umbrella from Japan is not a work of art, nor is one gate from the 7,503 that we installed in Central Park. Some stupid museums wanted to have one or two gates to put on display but no, the work of art is not that. Aerial view of Christo and Jeanne-Claude, The Gates, Central Park, New York City, 1979-2005. Photo: Wolfgang Volz. 2005 Christo and Jeanne-Claude Surely the event itself is the crux of the thing, the actual work of art? However true it may be that for Christo and Jeanne-Claude every project has been an epic, for the majority of people their work is a sudden temporary spectacle, a splash of colour as short-lived as bunting at a street party. At last, Christo nods in agreement. The projects exist for a short time, yes, but also for a long time that is the beauty. The 14 days, they never happen again. Jeanne-Claude and I were there for every project, around the clock. We have these two weeks with our precious babies, Jeanne-Claude liked to say. As for me, I always feel physically, viscerally joined to the work. Christo, The Mastaba (Project for London, Hyde Park, Serpentine Lake). Drawing 2017 in two parts. Pencil, charcoal, wax crayon, enamel paint, hand-drawn map on vellum, technical data and tape. 38 x 244 cm and 106.6 x 244 cm. Photo: Andre Grossmann. 2017 Christo The CEO of a steel pipe manufacturer in Baytown is imploring the Trump administration exclude it from tariffs it plans on imposing as the president escalates a trade war with the United States closest allies. Standing in a dining hall adjacent to the plants cavernous factory Tuesday afternoon, Borusan Mannesmann Pipe CEO Joel Johnson urged his workforce to each pen 15 individual notes being mailed to Austin and Washington, D.C., pleading for exemption from the Section 232 tariff on aluminum and steel. The workers used postcards addressed to elected officials from Gov. Greg Abbott to Sen. Ted Cruz and President Donald Trump to write their petitions for waivers from the tariffs. The reverse side of each postcard had a group photo of the plant workers locked in arms. He does things out of the box, Johnson said of Trump. We think hes going to look at this and say, Wow. Look at all these guys. They need my help. I think its important for the economy. The plant is trying to cut a deal with the Trump administration that would include a two-year waiver to facilitate an additional factory on the Baytown premises. The company projects up to 170 new jobs will be produced from a $50 million expansion if the Trump administration grants the tariff waiver. Growth would result following a $25 million investment. Borusan Mannesmann contends the 25 percent increase it will incur from the tariff will hurt it by unloading an additional $25 million to $30 million in production costs. The company argues that Baytown employment figures will also be harmed, asserting unemployment in the city stands at 10 percent, twice the national average. Where are we going to come up with $75 million? Johnson said in reference to the amount the tariff will apply to Borusan Mannesmann in the next three years. It doesnt make sense. Borusan Mannesmanns Baytown plant employs 272 and expects to add another 400 soon. Johnson realizes Borusan Mannesmanns unconventional approach may be altogether ignored. Nevertheless, he held a steely resolve that the efforts could work. This just might go into the big waste bin in Washington or Austin, Johnson said. We hope somebody out of the 15 people looks at it and goes, Hey, this is the real deal. I think weve got a pretty good chance. Were trying to do this to say, Hey, theres real people here. Johnson has been busy emailing Cruz, Sen. John Cornyn and U.S. Rep. Brian Babin. Their offices have told him they will get back to him. The lack of traction, he said, inspired him to start this letter-writing campaign. The U.S. Department of Commerce has many waiver requests filed, Johnson said. He added that only four of those, Borusan Mannesmann included, are saying they will invest in the U.S. The company, Johnson continued, is also one of only two promising to stop importing steel after making an investment. He estimated that Borusan Mannesmanns two-year 135,000-ton steel production is little more than 1 percent of what the U.S. consumes. Jeremy Camp, a shipping and receiving clerk, felt confident the message he and his co-workers were trying to convey would resonate with the politicians they were sending it to. Im just trying to explain the benefit of getting this exemption, how it could help the country. I think thats what will really make a difference, Camp said. Not only the difference of a small community, but as a country. Its benefiting American citizens jobs. Something that we need here. I ask that you would please help us. An exemption would allow for more growth opportunities, as well as create more jobs for more Americans. Baytown needs your assistance in accomplishing this objective, Camps postcard message read in part. Investing $300 million, the Borusan Mannesmann Pipe facility opened in Baytown in 2014. Texas continues to be a leader in energy production, supplying not just the oil and gas that fuel our cars, homes and businesses, but also the products and workforce necessary to support domestic drilling in the U.S., then-Gov. Rick Perry said when plans were announced. Borusan Mannesmann is the steel-producing entity of the international Borusan Group, founded in 1944 and with headquarters in Istanbul. Tension continues to swell between the U.S. and its historic economic partners over Trumps proposed trade tariffs. This past weekend, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin was presented with a request to forward Trump with the unanimous concern and disappointment of the remaining six Group of Seven officials on the matter. I dont think he was thinking about the steel consumers, Johnson said about Trumps rationale for imposing steel tariffs. Were a consumer and a producer, so its tough. Meanwhile, Trump railed on Twitter against what he viewed as trade disparities between the U.S. and countries importing goods. When youre almost 800 Billion Dollars a year down on Trade, you cant lose a Trade War! The U.S. has been ripped off by other countries for years on Trade, time to get smart! he wrote Saturday. jose.gonzalez@chron.com twitter.com/jrgzztx Francescas outlined plans Tuesday to boost its lagging sales by the back-to-school shopping season as the Houston retailer issued yet another subpar earnings report. The womens apparel and accessories chain reported $100.4 million in sales during the first quarter, down 7 percent from the previous year. Same-store sales fell 16 percent, primarily due to a decline in foot traffic amid a particularly cold February and March, company executives said. Francescas has struggled in recent years as young women in their mid-20s and 30s have increasingly flocked to online shopping and independent boutiques. However, CEO Steve Lawrence said in a conference call with analysts Tuesday that he remains optimistic that the retailer can turn around its sales decline later this year, calling the second quarter a turning point for the company. While we still have work to do, we believe that were turning the corner in regaining some of our momentum, Lawrence said. We're looking at our back-to-school floor set as an opportunity to relaunch our brand. Francescas expects to achieve increases in same-store sales of 4 percent to 9 percent in the second half of the year. The retailer saw strong sales in April and May, particularly in the shoes, accessories, jewelry and gift categories. Apparel remains a challenging category, however. To bolster its sales, Francescas plans to offer discounts earlier in the second quarter to sell through its spring and summer inventory. Then it hopes to display new merchandise in time for the back-to-school shopping season. Last year, Americans spent $10.2 billion on clothing, or an average of $239 per family, according to the National Retail Federation. Back-to-school is an easy promotion for boutiques to go after because you have mom with their kids in hand going out and rebuilding entire wardrobes, said Josh Orr, the founder of Streamline, a Houston-based retail consulting firm. Francescas back-to-school merchandise push includes the re-launch of its Harper Heritage brand of jeans. As more young women are eschewing dresses in favor of rompers, jumpsuits and separates, the retailer is bolstering its bottoms business starting with jeans a back-to-school staple. The jeans will sell for $48, compared to last years $44, but with discounts, most pairs will likely sell for around $40. We see the dress business in a little bit of a decline, so to fight that, were taking a stronger stance on bottoms, Lawrence said. We started with denim because its obviously the most universal bottom thats out there and theres certainly a denim trend happening out there. Jeans represent a growth market for apparel retailers such as Francescas, which has traditionally focused on tops and dresses. Jeans can command a higher premium over tops. If you have cute tops, itll bring people in, but its things like denim that can double or triple the average ticket size, Orr said. Francescas also plans to roll out a new customer loyalty program in the fall called Fran Rewards, which will offer members free quarterly gifts, early access to promotions, birthday discounts and invitations to members-only events. Lawrence said he believes the loyalty program will help increase customer engagement, which would lead to higher sales. Francescas is investing $30 million this year to build 35 new stores and remodel 80 to 90 existing stores this year to improve the retailers in-store experience, Lawrence said. It remodeled 15 stores in the first quarter, and will tackle 30 more in the second quarter. By the end of the year, more than 10 percent of Francescas 744 stores will have the new remodeled format, which highlights shoes, accessories, home and gift items in curated displays like a trend table at the front of the store. The retailer has $21.8 million cash on hand at the end of the first quarter, compared to $48.1 million at the same time last year. The company has no outstanding debt. Francesas stock ended Tuesday at $6.59, up 8.2 percent. paul.takahashi@chron.com twitter.com/paultakahashi A former Univision anchor and reporter is returning to TV after serving as a spokeswoman for the Houston Independent School District. Mariana Pineda is joining Tribune Media's KIAH CW-39 as an assignments editor, according to KIAH. Before leaving for HISD, Pineda spent seven years at Univision Houston. The McPlant is coming to Texas The plant-based burger has already debuted in parts of Europe. Where to find the best deals on bulk Halloween candy Halloween is right around the corner. Stock up on great deals on bulk candy before its too late! A Prairie View A&M University junior is the first from his school to serve as a student member of the Texas A&M University System board of regents. Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday tapped Ervin Bryant, a history major from Spring, for the role. In a statement, Charles Schwartz, the board's chair, called Bryant's selection "historic." John Sharp, A&M's chancellor, called Abbott's selection "inspired." "The appointment of a student regent from Prairie View A&M is long overdue," he said. It's an important recognition of the university by Abbott's office. The A&M System has had student regents on its board since 2006. About half of the picks attended the Texas A&M flagship in College Station, while others have come from A&M schools in Canyon, Commerce, San Antonio, Kingsville, Stephenville and Laredo. Bryant's nod follows prominent higher education leader Ruth Simmons' appointment as Prairie View A&M's president. Staff members anticipated that her leadership would bring new attention to the university. Simmons told the Houston Chronicle earlier this year that being a part of a system brought more layers of regulations but that she appreciated its guidance. Simmons told Texas Monthly in an interview published Friday that she felt Prairie View had strong support from state leaders and the system. "I do. I know there is a narrative that says it isn't supported. No university ever feels like it has enough. But I am amazed by the kind of response that I am getting from the system leadership and my peers at other universities in the system. They're interested in collaborating. I'm trying to do ambitious things, and I haven't been told 'No' yet. I firmly believe the system wants Prairie View to be outstanding, because if we're outstanding the system gets a lot of credit for that. Why should they not want Prairie View to do well?" A member of Prairie View A&M's selective honors program, Bryant will be the A&M System's 13th student regent. His term will expire in May 2019. The Texas Legislature allowed for nonvoting student regents in the 2005 legislative session. Lindsay Ellis writes about higher education for the Chronicle. You can follow her on Twitter and send her tips at lindsay.ellis@chron.com. MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON 1001 Bissonnet; mfah.org Boom for Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat Explores the pre-fame years of the American artist and how New York City and tectonically shifting arts culture of the late 70s and 80s shaped his vision. 7 p.m. Friday Samba & Jazz A Brazilian photographer connects the dots between two music genres, samba in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and jazz on the streets of New Orleans. 7 p.m. Saturday Dangerous Liaisons Valmont and Juliette de Merteuil are a married couple who help each other have extramarital affairs. 5 p.m. Sunday ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA 531 Mason, Katy; drafthouse.com/houston Spaceballs President Skroob sends Lord Dark Helmet to steal planet Druidias abundant supply of air to replenish their own. 7:30 p.m. Friday Society An ordinary teenage boy discovers his family is part of a gruesome orgy cult for the social elite. 10 p.m. Friday The Big Lebowski The Dude Lebowski, mistaken for a millionaire, seeks restitution for his ruined rug and enlists his bowling buddies to help get it. 7:30 p.m. Saturday The Meaning of Life The Monty Python comedy team takes a look at life in all its stages in their own uniquely silly way. 10 p.m. Saturday Heart and Souls A businessman is reunited with the four lost souls who were his guardian angels during childhood, all with a particular purpose to joining the afterlife. 3:30 Sunday The Outsiders The rivalry between two gangs heats up when one gang member kills a member of the other. 6 p.m. Sunday The Lego Movie A Lego construction worker, thought to be the prophesied as special, is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil tyrant. Noon Monday-Thursday HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE 5555 Hermann Park Drive; hmns.org Pandas 3-D In Sichuan, China, a researcher forms a bond with a panda who is about to experience nature for the first time. Multiple screenings daily. Hurricane 3-D A storm forms off the coast of West Africa and grows as it crosses the Atlantic. Multiple screenings daily. Oceans: Our Blue Planet 3-D A journey of discovery, transporting the audience to the deep, mysterious worlds of Earths oceans. Multiple screenings daily. RIVER OAKS THEATRE 2009 W. Gray; landmarktheatres.com The Room A successful bankers fiancee tempts and manipulates his best friend. Midnight Friday The Rocky Horror Picture Show A newly engaged couple has a car break down in an isolated area and must pay a call to the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Midnight Saturday With their time off from school, kids can double as members of an espionage team to fight crimes inside the museum, which recently beefed up its interactive spy program. Established in 2015, S.E.C.R.E.T. (Special Elite Crime Resolution and Espionage Team) is an opt-in experience that allows children 8 and older to navigate six code-cracking challenges throughout the campus. After selecting a special agent name, spies use gear like a USB drive and polarized glasses to solve puzzles that defend the museum against a gang of villains, led by evildoer Vex. During one mission, the agent will find a key but then has to solve additional riddles to discover where to use it. Agents use a monocular scope to make note of faraway clues and read micro text with a magnifying glass. The program uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology; spies utilize a UV light to see hidden messages inked by rival minions that regular museumgoers dont know is there. Kids who have successfully completed all six of the initial S.E.C.R.E.T. missions will use the initial tools to tackle the new Elite-level missions. The challenges up the ante and are far more sophisticated, said the museums Keith Ostfeld, who operates the spy program. We now expect you to know how to read maps, how to use all the gadgets, and to know your way around museum, Ostfeld said, explaining that the clues are now hidden better. Elite agents employ 21st-century learning skills like critical thinking, mathematics and orientation, he said. The challenges take them to every floor of the museum, in obscure nooks and crannies and down rarely used hallways. The Elite missions take about hour to complete, compared to 35-45 minutes spent in the original quests. Ostfeld said families can cut down on the time by working together. It always helps to have extra eyes searching for clues and a couple extra brains on some of the puzzles. More Information S.E.C.R.E.T. When: Open seven days a week during the summer Where: The Children's Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz Details: $10, but the missions are not included with the museum's $12 general admission; 713-522-1138, cmhouston.org See More Collapse But, more often, the siblings in a family will each take on their own mission, he said, as a way to compete with one another. In the new missions, participants have to enlist the help of undercover agents who are members of the museum staff. Those high-level agents are identified by a special lanyard, Ostfeld said, but they wont reveal themselves until they hear a certain code phrase. Then and only then will they communicate as an agent. When 9-year-old Jackson Bullock travels from his home in Bryan College Station to act as a special agent at the museum, he knows I will not help him, said his mother Shannon Bullock. Jackson is quite shy, Shannon said, and she appreciated that the new Elite challenges required him to collaborate with a staff member. He has to speak up to get an answer, she said. Its a safe interaction with adults. A math whiz who can complete double-digit multiplication in his head, Jackson chose the Robot Rescue mission because of his fascination with space. The spy missions are a wonderful opportunity to use math and science and not really know hes using it, Shannon said. A longtime museum visitor, Jackson enjoyed revisiting areas of the museum he hadnt explored in a while, she said. To him it was like a big game within the museum. One of his favorite activities was using the glasses to see a secret message none of the kids around him were able to see. He felt so empowered by that, and he really felt he was a secret agent, she said. He was also enamored with the black-light tool, she said, discovering how different wavelengths of light allowed him to see different objects. That was a lesson Jackson previously had in a school setting, Shannon said, and the the hands-on application helped it sink in. As a mom, I was happy to see it clicked for him. Young spies have other opportunities to sharpen their skills this summer. At The Houston Museum of Natural Sciences (5555 Hermann Park Drive) The International Exhibit at Sherlock Holmes, theyll get their own detective notebook to solve a crime. And at Detective Days at Bayou Bend (6003 Memorial), kids 6 to 12 complete a scavenger hunt, using clues found in portraits inside the museum to complete a worksheet. Allison Bagley is a writer in Houston. The family of a man who died while in the custody of the Hedwig Village police department in 2016 has sued that agency and others, alleging excessive force caused his death. Police detained Darrall Thomas, 21, on May 31, 2016, after he and two others allegedly tried to steal an ATM in west Houston. Police said he ran and hid from police, after which he was arrested and hoisted into an ambulance by a stretcher. He died at the hospital. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences ruled Thomas died from a drug overdose and heart disease, but relatives maintain those findings are inconsistent with the circumstances of that night. The familys attorney, Randall Kallinen, said Tuesday that law enforcement reports conflict with a private medical examiners findings, which show that Thomas received abrasions on his body sometime that night. We do know that the official story is not the right story, Kallinen said at a news conference attended by Thomas family members at the Harris County Civil Courthouse downtown. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Family questions cause of son's death As he was being detained, he was Tased by officers and tossed down a hill, according to the suit. And while the Harris County medical examiner ruled that drugs contributed to the death, the family said, "a more experienced private medical examiner hired by the family conclusively rules out drugs as a cause of death." Hedwig Village police have not responded to requests for comment. Three other departments contacted had no comment. While none of the abrasions found on Thomas were enough to cause death by blunt force trauma, cuts from the handcuffs show that a struggle or a point of leverage occurred where police would have lifted up Thomas, the private report states. "The police reports, they really dont explain any force being used on him at all, said Umeka Lewis, an attorney for the family. There was abrasions on his body. There was indication that he was found in a ditch. We dont know how that happened. The attorneys acknowledged at the news conference that they dont have the full account of what happened on May 31, 2016. Around 2 a.m., Hedwig Village officers responded to a security alarm at the Bank of America branch in the 8700 block of Katy Freeway. Officers from the Spring Valley, Memorial Village, and Spring Branch ISD police departments responded, and three men fled on foot, authorities said at the time. Thomas was found in a culvert. Firefighters eventually lifted him into an ambulance, supine and handcuffed, because of slippery conditions, authorities said. His breathing was labored, and authorities performed CPR. The official autopsy concluded that the manner of death was an "accident" caused by the "acute toxic effects of amphetamine" and "cathinone" - a synthetic stimulant known as "bath salts." A lab report states that Thomas was obese with "hypertensive cardiovascular disease," had a low level of amphetamine and denoted the bath salts as "present." Attorneys said Thomas had no history of asthma and was a healthy man, despite technically weighing enough to be considered obese. An independent analysis by Autopsy Forensic Services in Chandler, Ariz., and the Pennsylvania-based NMS Labs found a "minimal" amount of amphetamine that "would not cause the death of Darrall Thomas" and listed a forehead wound believed to be evidence of "blunt force trauma." The report lists the cause of death as undetermined, but notes that "one cannot rule out asphyxia." Thomas mother, Nakita Carr, said her son didnt do drugs. And since the arrest and following his death, Thomas attorneys have questioned whether Thomas was even robbing an ATM in the first place. We were able to actually find out that there is no evidence that her son was actually involved in the robbery of this ATM, Lewis said. The family has sought $1 million in damages. Thomas had a son, now 2, who asks about his father frequently, said Angelina Leffyear, Thomas girlfriend at the time of his death. Its been very life-changing for me, Leffyear said. Its been two years, but it doesnt seem like its been getting easier. Elizabeth Myong contributed to this report. A vehicle accident in May left a seven-month-old little girl trapped under a dashboard, but due to the diligent and collaborative efforts of first responders, the little girl survived. One of the heroes during this rescue was Harris County Sheriffs Office Deputy Joe Leal. On June 6, HCSO personnel and Citizens Police Academy alumni gathered at the HCSO District 2 substation in Humble to honor five law enforcement officers. The CPA have a longstanding tradition of honoring Deputies of the Month. The June 6 ceremony covered 3 months-worth of awards. Im very proud of what you guys have been doing, said Lieutenant William Gray, HCSO District 2 patrol bureau. Joining Leal as Junes Deputy of the Month was Jersey Village Officer Blake McElhaney. This is the first time that I know of in any district where we have recognized an officer who is not part of the HCSO, said Lauren Clifton, Citizens Police Academy alumnus. Upon seeing the accident, although he was not on duty, McElhaney stopped to take action. Jersey Village Officer McElhaney was on his way home, Gray said. He works the night shift. He rolled up on a bad accident and he took control. McElhaney was shielding the trapped baby girl from glass when Leal got to the scene and helped lift the dashboard enough to take some of the pressure off of the baby. It was rough, McElhaney said, recalling the babys condition at the scene. Seven months old. The Spring Volunteer Fire Department arrived and helped get the smashed vehicles to a point where Leal could raise the dashboard enough for the baby to be removed from the vehicle. Baby Elena was then life-lighted from the scene to Memorial Hermann Hospital, Gray stated in a commendation statement, read by Clifton. Due to the expeditious and courageous actions of Deputy Leal and Officer McElhaney this life-threatening situation was resolved without the loss of life. Deputies of the Month for May were Deputy Jesse Leal and Deputy Rebecca Cruz who both played an integral role in saving the life of a 21-year-old man who was allegedly about to fling himself from an overpass in attempt to commit suicide. As soon as the subject looked up and saw the deputies, he swung his entire body off the bridge and was holding onto the ledge with just finger tips, Gray stated. Both Deputy (Jesse) Leal and Deputy Cruz immediately rushed toward the subject, grabbing him by the arms, body, clothes, and hair to prevent his fall from the bridge. One of the citizens had also rushed in to assist. The account goes on to state that the man was pulled up off the ledge, but ended up darting for the ledge again. After subduing him, the man was taken to a psychiatric center. Aprils Deputy of the Month was Sergeant Raymond Scholwinski. He was honored for serving nearly 4 decades with the HCSO. Scholwinkski has worked for the Harris County Sheriffs Office since 1979. He served throughout multiple devastating storm events including Tropical Storm Allison, Hurricane Ike and most recently, Hurricane Harvey. Sgt. Scholwinski has been with the Harris County Sheriffs Office for 39 years, stated Lieutenant William Gray in a statement of commendation. During this period he has proven his commitment to law enforcement and the community he so effectively serves. mfeuk@hcnonline.com Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle Terminal D has reopened at Bush Intercontinental Airport after police investigated a man's claims that he had explosives in his bag, airport officials said. The man was an "impatient passenger at a ticket counter," the airport tweeted. No delays or changes to flights will occur because of the man's comments. After more than three decades on death row, a Houston man convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend and her 2-year-old son was resentenced to life following a federal appeal over flawed jury instructions that failed to consider mitigating evidence. Michael Wayne Norris last week became the fourth Harris County killer taken off death row under the tenure of District Attorney Kim Ogg. With a new plea deal in place, the 60-year-old will serve two back-to-back life sentences - one for each victim. "We decided that justice could be served by making sure he never saw the light of day," said Tom Berg, the county's first assistant district attorney. The complications of decades-old evidence, the uncertainty of going before a jury again, questions about Norris's future dangerousness, and the survivors' consent all factored in the decision not to seek death again. "This is how this case should have resolved," said Norris's attorney, Allen Isbell. "It's taken three decades to get here, but I'm just glad that eventually it did." The former truck driver had already served one prison term for murder when he was originally sentenced to die for the 1987 killing of Georgia Rollins and her infant son. After years of appeals, his case was ultimately bounced back to a lower court in 2015 after Houston attorney Patrick McCann won him relief as one of the so-called "Penry cases" named for Johnny Paul Penry. Penry - a former Texas death row inmate now serving multiple life sentences - was spared the ultimate punishment after his case twice went to the U.S. Supreme Court, netting a pair of decisions that touched on flawed jury instructions. During the punishment phase of a capital trial, the courts said, juries needed to be specifically instructed on the role of mitigating evidence. "It's not enough that a defendant be permitted to present evidence that could spare his life," said Robert Dunham of the Death Penalty Information Center. "The jury has to know what it can do with that evidence." As with the other Penry cases, Norris won a new punishment phase. Since life without parole wasn't an option when he was first sent to death row, he wasn't eligible for it the second time around. Instead, prosecutors stacked two life sentences, then added in three 20-year sentences for aggravated assault. "From the very first, Mr. Norris wanted something that would enable him to stay in prison but not be on death row," Isbell said. "He owes Pat McCann his life." The killings came hours after Rollins incurred her ex's wrath by telling him he couldn't take care of the child during church, according to court records. Norris stormed home angrily, then began calling Rollins repeatedly. When she hung up on him time and again, Norris headed over to her apartment with a high-powered deer rifle. Family members who were home at the time later testified that Norris appeared outside the victim's window, broke the glass and fired a shot into the woman's bedroom before climbing inside and firing again. "I hate to do this Georgia, but I told you. I told you you couldn't mess me over," he reportedly said. "I told you you couldn't leave me." Norris then opened fire at his ex, left and went to another room, then came back and continued shooting, according to court records. Four shots - including the first one from outside the window - hit the child, though Norris later said he never intended to kill the boy. Afterward, he came back to his mother's house in tears, then called his pastor before phoning police to turn himself in. At the time of his original trial, a jury found him to be a future danger - one of the requirements for a death sentence in Texas. Since then, he hasn't caused problems in prison, the assistant district attorney said. "If the guy has been in prison 30 years and behaved himself that's a pretty compelling argument against future dangerousness," Berg said. In deciding not to seek death again, prosecutors also considered the wishes of the surviving family members, who didn't necessarily want to deal with the stress of another long trial and subsequent appeals. "What is essentially life without parole means closure," Berg said. Since Ogg took office in 2017, she's seen four men removed from death row. First, in June 2017, Robert Campbell was given a life sentence after courts decided he was too intellectually disabled to execute. Then in October, Duane Buck was resentenced to life in prison after a Supreme Court decision reversed his punishment in light of allegations of racist expert testimony The following month, Calvin Hunter was spared as well, over claims of false expert testimony. "The whole climate in which we manage our capital cases and in which we evaluate our capital cases has changed," Berg said. "Cases in which we might have sought death 30 years ago we might not today." Korean tourists are duped into buying latex products made with hazardous chemicals during their visit to Thailand. / Graphics by Cho Sang-won By Kim Jae-heun A woman, identified only by her surname Kim, went to Phuket for her honeymoon about three years ago. There, she bought latex products worth nearly 4 million won ($3,736). The problem she found out later was they generate hazardous anions. Kim had purchased a whole set of mattresses and pillows for herself and her husband, and for the child she was expecting at the time. She never realized such products could contain life-threatening chemicals. Anions _ negatively charged ions _ were over the past two decades thought to have effects that can kill bacteria and help purify air. This was first brought up in Japan in the 1990s, leading to an anion-product sales boom in Korea and China. "At first, I thought they were a little too expensive. But if they generate anions and they last long without losing their form, I thought the price was worth it," Kim said. Not a single study has been released to prove products containing anions are healthy. Scientists argue that anions are found in thousands of substances, and it is nonsense that anions can create a certain effect by themselves, whether it be beneficial or harmful. However, a substance with anions can be hazardous to health, they said. Tourists exposed to 'deadly' latex A deadly level of radiation has been detected from anion-contained latex products sold in a number of tourist destinations in Thailand, including Phuket, Krabi, Bangkok and Pattaya, according to industry sources. Those products were found to include monazite powder. Monazite is an ore containing radioactive thorium to boost the anion production _ but it can raise levels of radon emitted. This, in a worst case scenario, could cause elevated risks for cancer. "I would say 95 percent of the anion latex products sold here are made with monazite. Monazite is a cheap mineral that has a large amount of anions. It generates a massive amount of radiation at the same," said an industry insider on the condition of anonymity during an interview with The Korea Times. "There are other substances that generate anions. But monazite is the cheapest material that leaves a big margin for retailers." On Jan. 30, the Korea Far Infrared Association (KFIA) tested a sample of anion latex products sold in Thailand. The result showed a queen-size mattress made of anion latex has 1,108 times higher level of radiation dose than the maximum standard of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The ICRP advises a person not to be exposed to the radiation of over 20,000 microsieverts per year. An anion latex sample size of 7-by-7-by-5 centimeters produced 0.31 microsieverts of radiation per hour. A queen-size mattress is 150-by-200-by-5 centimeters in length and width. Assuming a person has been sleeping on a queen-size mattress that generates radiation dose of 126.53 microsieverts per hour for eight hours every day a year, they would be exposed to 1,108,408 microsieverts of radiation. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, in what may be the first case of its kind across the country, has filed a civil lawsuit to shut down a Houston bar she called a "crime factory" because of repeated criminal behavior linked to over serving alcohol to customers. Bombshells, a Houston restaurant along the Gulf Freeway, is prohibited from serving any alcohol for the next 14 days and could be barred from serving any until the public nuisance lawsuit is complete, a Houston judge ruled Wednesday. "We're trying to stop the carnage that results from many intoxicated people leaving Bombshells and hurting someone else," Ogg said. "Bombshells on I-45 has been a magnet and a source for a lot of crime in the restaurant-bar, the parking lot, and this is classically what we call a nuisance." In the past month, she said, police have arrested four people for driving while intoxicated coming from the bar and arrested a driver for intoxication assault of a police officer who allegedly struck a Houston officer while leaving the bar. SEX vs. THE CITY: Two Houston strip clubs sue city, claiming extortion Calls to the local restaurant were not answered Wednesday. Repeated calls to the corporate headquarters were not returned, and no lawyers are listed for the company in the court filings. A temporary restraining order, which prohibits any alcohol on the premises for the next 14 days, is the first step of the nuisance abatement suit filed Wednesday by the DA's office. The TRO, issued Wednesday by state District Judge Steven Kirkland, prohibits the bar and grill from serving alcohol or staying open past 9 p.m. Prosecutors said they expect to extend the order until they can get a court injunction to permanently stop the sale of alcohol. The objective, Ogg said, was to close the bar if the behavior does not change. "We're just holding more people accountable, trying to change the behavior of this establishment," Ogg said. "In lieu of their behavior changing, shutting them down is a viable option." Chuck Cornelius, a DA investigator assigned to the case, said Bombshells is also facing the loss of their liquor license after the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission filed three cases of either over serving adults or serving minors in 2017, which were stacked on three earlier infractions. "They are set for a cancellation hearing in July," he said. "(The TABC) are moving on the civil side to cancel the permit." While the target may be unique, nuisance lawsuits have been used in Houston in the past to clean up strip clubs that are acting outside of the law and apartment complexes with an influx of gang members. Ogg said she believes this is the first lawsuit that targets a restaurant/bar for bad behavior. She noted that one of the more egregious cases happened when an HPD officer pulled over a motorist and was allegedly hit by another drunk driver leaving the bar. "He was struck by a drunk driver who had just left Bombshells," Ogg said. "Given the number of crimes committed by intoxicated Bombshells patrons, this place is a crime factory." In May, the family of a motorcyclist who was killed in a wreck after leaving the bar filed a $1 million lawsuit for overserving the man. In that case, the family claims Marvin Drake III was at the bar late on Feb. 16 when a female server continued to serve him alcoholic beverages even as he was already intoxicated, court records show. Drake left the restaurant on his Suzuki Hayabusa around 2:30 a.m. and rode south on the Gulf Freeway at speeds reaching 150 mph before the fatal crash, according to Houston police and the lawsuit. Ogg said the nuisance lawsuit originated from a new task force created to tackle drunken driving and roadway fatalities. In April, Sean Teare, the head of that task force, charged three people including a Houston-area bartender with helping provide alcohol to Veronica Rivas, the underage woman accused of causing a drunken crash that killed a woman and her infant son. One employee and two men connected to the Crescent City Connection Sports & Oyster Bar near Clear Lake, were charged with criminal negligence, accused of serving or buying alcohol for Rivas, 20, and a 17-year-old friend, court records show. Rivas has also been charged with intoxication manslaughter. Her case is pending. In 2016, Texas led the nation with 3,776 drunk-driving related fatalities, and Houston led the state with 89 fatal DUI crashes, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. In the weeks and months after Hurricane Harvey, the evidence of its historic scope and intensity trickled out bit by bit: Record rainfall totals. Record reservoir levels. Record destruction. Now, nine months after the storm, a report by the Harris County Flood Control District combines and analyzes all the available data about Harvey and its aftermath, distilling the numbers into a single message: By every conceivable measure and in every imaginable context, Harvey caused the most disastrous flooding in the nation's history. And it could have been worse. All 4.7 million people in Harris County were impacted directly or indirectly during the flood and after the flood waters receded, states the 32-page memorandum by two flood control district officials, Jeff Lindner and Steve Fitzgerald. The compilation of all the data into one document provides a useful backdrop for ongoing policy discussions about recovering from Harvey and strengthening the regions resilience to future floods. On Tuesday night, county officials were scheduled to host the first of 23 planned public meetings on a $2.5 billion August bond issue for flood control projects. Read more: Proposed floodplain rules would have spared thousands during Harvey, city says Lindner, the flood control districts meteorologist and director of hydrologic operations, said district officials prepare similar reports after every major flood. The documents provide a historical record and make it possible to compare the relative impacts of different events, he said. Perhaps the most powerful theme in the document is the astounding intensity, duration and geographical reach of Harveys rainfall. In Harris County, the highest total recorded over four days was 47.4 inches at Clear Creek and Interstate 45. (Totals exceeding 51 inches were recorded in Liberty County east of Houston.) The lowest four-day total in Harris County was 26 inches. According to the report, the Texas state climatologist, John Nielsen-Gammon, examined the largest rainfall events in U.S. history and compared them with Harvey for durations of 48, 72 and 120 hours, and covering areas ranging from 1,000, to 50,000 square miles. Harvey exceeded the previous records in all of the 18 different combinations except one, the report states. The most astounding statistic is that for the 120-hour duration over 10,000 square miles, Harvey exceeded the previous record from June 1899 by 13.33 inches or 62 percent. The rainfall amounts and spatial coverage of those amounts have never been experienced across the United States since reliable records have been kept. Other key points in the report: -- Officials confirmed 36 flood-related deaths across Harris County and 68 statewide. While most deaths in other recent floods were caused by drownings in vehicles, most of the Harvey fatalities involved people outside in the fast-moving or high water levels, the report states, adding, Harvey is one of the only flood events where a few people drowned in their home or workplace. -- With damage estimated at $125 billion, Harvey was the second-costliest hurricane in U.S. history. Hurricane Katrina, which struck New Orleans in 2005, caused $160 billion in damage. -- Government agencies rescued 60,049 residents in Harris County, most of them from their homes, and 32,000 to 34,000 evacuees stayed in 65 temporary shelters. Civilian volunteers rescued tens of thousands more. Harvey: Terror, heartbreak and heroism as five Houstonians brave Americas worst storm -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided $4.8 billion in rental assistance, home repairs and other aid to more than 177,000 households through its individual assistance program. -- Harvey dropped 1 trillion gallons of water on Harris County over four days, enough to fill NRG Stadium 1,472 times and cover Harris Countys 1,777 square miles with an average of 33.7 inches of water. Over a 50,000 square-mile area, Harvey dropped more than 16.6 trillion gallons. -- In Harris County, Harvey flooded 154,170 single-family houses about 9 percent to 12 percent of all buildings in the county and 5,000 to 15,000 apartments, condominiums and townhouses, making it the largest and most devastating house flooding event ever recorded in the county. In addition, thousands of commercial structures were flooded. -- The Brays Bayou watershed, which includes the hard-hit Meyerland neighborhood, recorded the most flooded houses, 23,810, followed by Buffalo Bayou at 17,090 and Greens Bayou at 12,900. A watershed is the land area that drains into a particular stream. Among jurisdictions, Houstons 96,410 flooded houses was the highest by far, followed by unincorporated Harris County (34,600) and Pasadena (4,610.) -- As many as 24,000 additional houses might have flooded if not for previous flood control district projects, including the buyouts of more than 2,000 homes deep within floodplains and improvements to Sims, Brays and White Oak bayous. Despite these efforts, Hurricane Harveys relentless and widespread heavy rainfall filled every channel and detention basin in every watershed in Harris County at some point during the four-day historic event, the report states. -- More than 300,000 vehicles were flooded across the county. mike.snyder@chron.com twitter.com/chronsnyder Police are still searching for a suspect who allegedly pointed a gun at an officer in southwest Houston on Tuesday. The Houston police officer was helping a person with medical needs near Beechnut Street and Wilcrest Drive around 2 p.m. when he heard gunfire coming from across the street, according to Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo. The officer ran to the sound of the gunfire and came across a man who allegedly made an "offensive stance" with a gun toward the officer, who fired one round, Acevedo said. The officer was not in full uniform but was clearly identifiable as a Houston police officer, Acevedo said. The bullet did not strike the suspect, who ran away for a short time before getting into the passenger seat of a black Ford F-150 and was driven away, Acevedo said. Officers, K9s and HPD's helicopter team searched the area for some time but were unable to find the suspect immediately. Houston police detectives as well as HPD's Internal Affairs Division are investigating the officer's gunfire. He will be placed on administrative duty until the investigation is complete, Acevedo said. Detectives are still trying to piece together what the initial gunfire was about, Acevedo said. As for the suspect who fled and the driver who drove him away, they could face felony charges. "The person who is driving that truck will be responsible for harboring a fugitive," Acevedo said. "If they're smart, they'll understand they're committing a crime themselves. If they don't understand this is what that guy was running from, they're going to find out." The officer in question has been with HPD for about 10 years. Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message. Jay R. Jordan is a breaking news reporter at Chron.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan. The euthanization of a pit bull who gave birth inside of an animal shelter in the Texas panhandle is causing outrage after a volunteer's Facebook post about the dog went viral. Dacia Anderson said she encountered a pregnant pit bull at the City of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare facilities around 9:30 a.m. on May 10. Nearly two hours later Anderson said she learned the dog was being put down. The unnamed dog was called G7 at the facility, after the label of the cage she was lodged in. Anderson said the dog was friendly to her and did show any signs of aggression. RESCUED: 'Rumor' just one of many dogs abandoned in Houston's 'Corridor of Cruelty' Anderson is a volunteer with the Amarillo-Panhandle Humane Society. She said the organization helps with fostering pets while the City of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare handles intakes and euthanasia. Anderson said it was obvious the dog was pregnant but she doesn't believe animal shelter workers expected her to give birth that day. "She delivered a puppy and I immediately went to the main office of animal welfare," Anderson said. When workers moved the pit bull in a portable kennel, Anderson asked if she was going to be euthanized. Anderson said the workers told her they were moving the dog to another area where she could have some peace and quiet. GOOD DOG: Inmates train service dogs for vets, learn new skills themselves "At 11:20 a.m., I saw a message that she was being euthanized," Anderson said. She said she met with Amarillo City Manager Jared Miller and Richard Havens, the director of the City of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare, about the euthanization. Anderson said Miller told her the dog was aggressive and that's why it was put down. "She was very friendly and came right up to me," Anderson said when she met the pit bull. "She was not aggressive at all." Both Miller and Havens did not return phone calls on Wednesday. "With our limited budget we can't just simply save all the animals," Havens told news station VII-TV. "We have to put animals down that have a behavior history that possess significant dangers to the community." Anderson said she couldn't accept Miller's explanation that the dog was aggressive. She notes the pit bull was not lodged in an area at the animal shelter where violent dogs are kept. The encounter spurred Anderson to write a Facebook post about the dog on Monday, which caught the attention of numerous news outlets, including People Magazine and TV stations all over Texas. "There are solutions on the table," Anderson wrote. "I agree whole heartedly that we need low cost spay and neuter, and that backyard breeding needs to stop. But we also need truth and compassion. We need trust. And that the mistrust began LONG before I ever posted about G7." The post has been shared 225 times and attracted more than 400 reactions as of Wednesday. RESCUED: 55 dogs from overcrowded Montgomery County shelter transferred to Michigan Anderson followed up on Tuesday, posting photos of protesters in public demanding answers for pit bull's euthanasia. Adopting a new dog? Scroll through the gallery below to see health issues that plague top dog breeds. Miller told news station KFDA-TV after an Amarillo City Council meeting Tuesday the pit bull was euthanized after being surrendered by her owner. Miller told the news station the pregnant pit bull instigated a fight with another dog, showing signs that she was aggressive. He said two of her puppies were also put down. Will Axford is a reporter for Hearst who doesn't know how he lived without breakfast tacos before moving to the Lone Star State. Follow him on Twitter for the Texas news you need to know. The Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees on Tuesday unanimously approved a new principal for The Woodlands High Schoolpoaching a well-known principal from Kingwood High School. Just two weeks after the district posted an advertisement for the coveted position, Dr. Ted Landry, the six-year principal of Kingwood High School in the Humble Independent School District, became the head Highlander at what he described as one the most well renowned and one of the best schools in the state of Texas. It's a tremendous honor, Landry said of the job. You know The Woodlands High School is well renowned and one of the best schools in the state of Texas. To be considered for this position is an absolute dream. Landry had been in HISD for 16 years and said leaving the district was a hard decision to make. Theres a lot of love and respect for Humble ISD, Landry said. We spend the last 16 years of my life there. I will miss them very much. When addressing Landry, new CISD superintendent Dr. Curtis Null - in his first board meeting as superintendent - noted the two men had big shoes to fill referring to former superintendent Dr. Don Stockton and former The Woodlands High School principal Gregg Colschen, who was present at Tuesday nights meeting. Null said that Landry was coming back to the Conroe ISD, as he had served as a counselor in the district from 2000 to 2002 early in his career so this was homecoming of sorts. Landry was previously a guidance counselor and an assistant principal at Kingwood High School, according to the Humble ISD website. He also served as the associate principal at Atascocita High School. According to information from the district, Landry has served as the assistant to the Humble ISD superintendent until 2012. Landry received his bachelors and his masters degrees from the University of Louisiana and his doctorate degree from the University of Houston. The board also unanimously named Jamie Almond as the new San Jacinto Elementary School principal. I'm ready to get to know (the new students), Almond said. I'm ready to learn their names. Im ready to come up to each of them in their classes. I'm ready to build relationships with our students and our staff. The Houston bar scene is full of personalities bar stars, if you will. Each week in Preview, well feature one of these mixologists to let you know more about them, aside from how good they are at making you feel good. Know someone who deserves the spotlight? Email joey.guerra@chron.com. Length of time working at current place? Nine years Nickname? Dee Lamest pickup line youve heard at the bar? Baby, I hope there arent two of you because I sure hate to get my heart broken twice. Most famous person youve ever served a drink to? LL Cool J. He was a very nice guy. Tip was great, also. Ive also served Bill Bellamy and Eddie Levert. Most common customer complaint? Delphia Lewis Find her behind that bar at: Dreams Bar & Lounge, 3321 Dixie Hours: 2 p.m.-2 a.m. daily See More Collapse Were so busy that it takes a little while at times to get a drink. Song youve gotten sick of at work? My Side Piece by Pokey Bear Whats the sloppiest, drunkest thing youve ever seen on the job? After having one too many drinks, a man walked over to a lady and threw up on her. Whats the most outrageous request youve ever gotten? Can they have me on ice? Where do you like to go have a drink when youre not at work? Bar 88 and The Address Club. Whats your specialty drink, and how do you make it? Jalapeno Margarita: Don Julio, sweet and sour, lime juice, triple sec and fresh jalapenos. Sugar or salt on the rim of the glass. Whats something your customers may not know about you? I have been a bartender for 37 years. Best tip you ever received? $800 Nearly three weeks after a 17-year-old gunman killed 10 and wounded 13 at Santa Fe High School, area school officials still are struggling to figure out how to prevent similar massacres on their campuses. A group of education leaders will gather with law enforcement officers at the Harris County Department of Education on Wednesday to talk about school security best practices, students' mental health challenges and the most effective ways to prepare for active shooter situations. The Student Safety and Discipline Institute will feature panels about suicide prevention, cybersecurity, securing campus buildings, violence prevention and students' behavioral issues. The Student Safety and Discipline Institute will feature panels about suicide prevention, cybersecurity, securing campus buildings, violence prevention and students' behavioral issues. READ ALSO: Santa Fe pauses to celebrate graduates two weeks after school shooting Speakers include Aldine ISD Superintendent LaTonya Goffney, Alief ISD Superintendent HD Chambers, Harris County Department of Education Superintendent James Colbert Jr., Director of the Center for Safe and Secure Schools Ecomet Burley, Spring ISD Police Chief Victor Mitchell and Klein ISD Police Chief David Kimberly, among others. Ricardo Brazziell, MBO / Associated Press Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath has approved applications from two new Houston-area charter school operators, which are planning to open elementary campuses south of downtown Houston. Morath gave the green light Monday to Bloom Academy Charter School and Reve Preparatory Charter School, which both aim to open two campuses within the next several years. The two networks were founded by fellows from Building Excellent Schools, a national nonprofit that trains future charter school leaders. Harris County killer Bobby Moore the man whose claims of intellectual disability sparked a groundbreaking Supreme Court decision is set to stay on Texas death row after an appeals court on Wednesday ignored the district attorney's request and upheld his death sentence. After decades of legal wrangling, in 2017 the nation's highest court decided that Texas didn't properly consider whether the former carpenter was too intellectually disabled to face execution. The 5-3 ruling booted Moore's case back to a lower court, where prosecutors asked for a life sentence. "I'm doing what I believe the law requires," District Attorney Kim Ogg said in a statement at the time. But the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals didn't agree. "We conclude that Applicant has failed to show adaptive deficits sufficient to support a diagnosis of intellectual disability," the court wrote in a majority opinion. "Consequently, we deny relief." For some in the legal community, this week's 5-4 ruling seemed both a surprise and a surefire sign of another Supreme Court appeal to come. Moore's attorney, Cliff Sloan, called the ruling an "outlier" that was "inconsistent" with the Supreme Court. Robert Dunham of the Death Penalty Information Center worded it more sharply. "The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has simply thumbed its nose in the high court's face," he said. "It is extraordinarily rare that an appellate court will completely ignore an admission by the state that a defendant is ineligible for the death penalty, completely ignore the uniform consensus of the medical community that a person is intellectually disabled and completely ignore the guidance from the highest court in the land." Even though the court didn't find in favor of the condemned killer, it did weigh in on a new standard for intellectual disability, something the high court didn't clarify in its ruling last year. Moving ahead, the state court wrote Wednesday, Texas will look to the American Psychiatric Association's fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - also known as the DSM-V - to define intellectual disability. In the past, the state relied on a dated measure using so-called Briseno factors. Named after plaintiff Jose Briseno, the test used seven questions to determine intellectual disability, as outlined in a 2004 ruling that referenced "Of Mice and Men" character Lennie as someone most Texans would agree should be exempt from the death penalty. It was that measure something the Supreme Court last year called "nonclinical" and an "unacceptable method" that Texas originally relied on in refusing to deem Moore intellectually disabled. But the nation's highest court took up the case and ruled last year that the Briseno factors were "an invention" of the Texas court and not up to the "medical community's current standard." This week's decision rectifies that problem by setting a new standard - but says Moore still doesn't meet it. Judge Elsa Alcala disagreed, in a sharply-worded 60-page dissent. "Applicant has met his burden to show that he is intellectually disabled," she wrote. "He is, therefore, categorically exempt from the death penalty because his execution would violate the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment." Moore was originally sent to death row for the 1980 slaying of elderly store clerk James McCarble. The convicted killer was one of three men involved in the April 25, 1980 botched robbery of Birdsall Super Market near Memorial Park. The trio targeted the store because two of the employees were elderly and the cashier was pregnant Triggerman Willie Albert Koonce turned himself in afterward, confessing to the crime and outlining his accomplices' roles. Moore was collared in Louisiana 10 days after the slaying, and later sentenced to death at trial. More than two decades after that, Moore's lawyers presented evidence that his IQ hovered around 70. As a young teen, he still didn't understand days of the week or months of the year, and he dropped out of school after failing every subject in ninth grade. Last year's Supreme Court decision set off waves of requests from inmates wanting their death sentences overturned in exchange for life behind bars. In Harris County, at least a half-dozen killers launched appeals based on so-called Moore claims. Now, the courts have more clarity as to what standard should be used to evaluate them. Moore's attorneys didn't specify whether they'd appeal the matter again to the high court - but Dunham saw it as a near-certainty. "This case is heading straight back to the U.S. Supreme Court," he said. A 14-year-old boy who remains in a juvenile lockup accused of killing a woman at her Chinatown home during a robbery in early April, was apparently connected to a pair of racing deaths three weeks later. The Houston teen, whose identity was not released because he is a minor, was arrested Sunday by police detectives on a charge of capital murder. He is accused of shooting a woman in the back of the head after she hit him with pepper spray during a late night robbery attempt outside her home, according to investigators. The link between the two seemingly unrelated violent crimes emerged Tuesday, after a Harris County magistrate ruled the young teen would remain in custody pending trial. Members of a ring of 14- and 15-year-old boys, cruising around Southwest Houston late at night earlier this year, were involved in both crimes only a few weeks apart, investigators confirmed. FRIENDS KILLED: 14-year-old charged in racing crash that killed 2 teens in SW Houston Two of the teens involved in the ring died on April 25, following an early morning street race that ended with both cars going out of control and plowing into structures. A third teen, who was the driver of one of the cars and survived, was charged for causing the fatal wreck, and a fourth is now facing capital murder for the earlier robbery in Chinatown. I dont think they were ever out of trouble, said Ivory Brown, referring to her nephew Harvier Hunter, 14, one of the two teens killed in the late-night crash in April. Houston defense attorney Gary Polland represents the teen charged in the robbery, and described him as well-mannered with a relatively clean criminal record. He was polite, said Polland, who was appointed to represent the teen and sat next to him during Tuesdays detention hearing. He has virtually no record in the juvenile system. One prior misdemeanor. Polland said he is investigating the police account of the robbery, including the allegation that his client was the triggerman. Witness steps forward There were few public developments in the murder case in the two months since Tuyen Nguyen was killed, but a major break was apparently made over the past week. A fifth teen, one of four who were in the car during the April 5 fatal shooting, came forward to homicide investigators after telling his mother what he knew, Houston police confirmed. That witness led to an interview in which Pollands client allegedly confessed to the shooting, police said. On April 5, the alleged shooter represented by Polland, was riding in a car with three other minors after 11 p.m. when he saw Nguyen outside her home in the 9500 block of Langdon, investigators said. The boy said he asked the driver to stop so he could use the bathroom. But instead, he got out of the car and attempted to rob Nguyen with a weapon, he told police. He confessed to the shooting, according to Houston police spokesman Kese Smith. Three weeks after Nguyens murder, two of the teens who were in the car the night of the robbery were involved in the fatal racing crash. Investigators say Harvier Hunter, 14, who was allegedly in the car during the shooting, died the the crash. Also killed was 15-year-old Savyion Farley, who was not along for the ride the night Nguyen was fatally shot. The surviving teenager, a 14-year-old who was also allegedly in the car during the shooting, was arrested for racing and failure to stop and render aid. He remains in the Juvenile Detention Center. Family members of Hunter, one of the teens who was killed, said he told them about the shooting shortly before the fatal wreck. I raised him to be respectable, but he was hard-headed, said Brown, an aunt who said she raised Hunter as her son. When that happened to that lady, they told me about it. They didnt tell me right away, but they told me about it a couple weeks later. Asserting innocence She said Hunter, along with another member of the ring, told her they did not know there was going to be an armed robbery. They heard shots and I told them they should have left him, she said. Brown believes the teen who is behind bars on the felony charges of racing told police about the shooting to get a better deal. She said Houston police detectives recently interviewed her and told her Harvier was the shooter, an accusation she disputes. They didnt have any leads until (the teen in jail for the racing deaths) got arrested for Harviers death, Brown said. Just because hes dead, theyre going to blame it on him? I said, No. Harvier didnt murder nobody. Brown said she implored Hunter to call the police. She said she now wishes she had called because he wouldnt have been killed in the racing crash. Id rather for him to be in jail, than dead, she said. I told him, why do you want to deal with those people? Theyre going to wind you up in jail or Hell. In the street racing crash, a patrol officer saw two vehicles driving next to each other at high rates of speed eastbound on Fuqua around 1:50 a.m. on April 25 in southwest Houston. The drivers, one in a Ford Explorer and the other in a Ford Expedition, both lost control of their SUVs when one hit the other near Bathurst, police said. The Explorer struck a tree and flipped over, and the SUV driver, Hunter, and passenger, Farley, died at the scene, police said shortly after the accident. Tried as adult The Expedition hit a speed limit sign and the the driver stopped. He looked in the other car, and then got back in the car to drive away but was arrested, police said. The teen accused in that case faces prison time if convicted. He could be certified to stand trial as an adult. The teen who is behind bars on capital murder charges will not face the death penalty or life without parole if convicted because of his age. He may be certified to stand trial as an adult and, if convicted, will be parole eligible after 40 years. Prosecutors on Tuesday declined to comment on the case. The teen will appear again later this month on another detention hearing in state District Judge Micheal Schneiders court, Polland said. brian.rogers@chron.com Houston bolstered its bid for the 2020 Democratic National Convention on Wednesday as City Council affirmed the citys safety and logistics services will be marshalled sufficiently to support the gathering if Houston is chosen as the host city. Houston has joined seven other cities in taking initial steps to host the event. A memo to council that accompanied the resolution language this week says local officials will make a presentation to the DNC this month, hoping to make a short list of cities in contention for the convention. DNC officials have confirmed Houston was one of eight potential host cities to receive formal requests for proposals. This city has changed quite a bit since 1992, said Mayor Sylvester Turner, referencing the last national political convention held in Houston, the one heralding former President George H.W. Bushs reelection bid that year. This is about showcasing our city. Its about inviting people from all over the globe to our city. Its intended to be a bipartisan effort being presented saying, This is Houston. Nearly every council member spoke in support of the idea, though Councilwoman Brenda Stardig said she hopes the bid can be expanded to showcase business districts outside of downtown and Councilman Robert Gallegos said he is concerned the Interstate 45 realignment project downtown may need to be delayed if Houston is chosen as host, given that the project as scheduled could create a construction zone out of the host facilities. The lone vote against the item came from Councilman Greg Travis, who cited studies suggesting that the economic benefit to host cities is overstated; he said he worries that hosting the gathering would also invite violent protesters to town. READ MORE: Houston seriously considering bid for 2020 Democratic National Convention City officials said if Houston is chosen to host the event, a committee will be formed to raise private dollars to help pay for it, revenues that will be used in part to reimburse the city for its share of the costs, as was done after last years Super Bowl; the Houston Rockets, the memo adds, have agreed to provide the Toyota Center as the official Convention site. Other cities that have expressed interest in the Democratic convention are Atlanta, Birmingham, Denver, Miami Beach, Milwaukee, New York City and San Francisco. Houston hosted the 1992 Republican convention at the Astrodome, as well as the 1928 Democratic convention. mike.morris@chron.com twitter.com/mmorris011 Houston and Harris Countys rescue fleets grew Wednesday after the 100 Club donated 14 boats to help first responders handle future flooding events. The group, which supports the families of officers injured or killed in the line of duty and provides equipment to local public safety agencies, announced the donation at City Hall. William Skeen, the organizations executive director, said that five of the boats will go to the Houston Police Department, five to the Harris County Sheriffs Department and four to the Houston Fire Department. Skeen said the decision to donate the boats came after Hurricane Harvey highlighted the lack of watercraft available to local emergency agencies. RELATED: Harvey laid bare lack of resources, training at Houston Fire Department We saw what first responders were having to do. They were borrowing boats and kayaks and canoes. They couldnt safely do the job they get up every day and go to work to do, Skeen said. We thought this would be a great opportunity to help and get them some equipment that will carry them through the next 25 years, because we know Houston is liable to flood again in the future. When Harvey hit Houston in August 2017, the fire department had just one high-water rescue vehicle, decrepit rescue boats and decades-old evacuation boats. The sheriffs office which has a marine reserve fleet found some of its rescue efforts hampered because its fleet included deep-hulled fishing boats that got stuck in shallow and rapidly shifting currents. CITY HALL: Houston votes to spend $2 million on new rescue boats, highwater rescue vehicles, for fire dept. In recent months, the city spent $2 million on a package that includes six deuce-and-a-halfs, high-water rescue vehicles capable of driving through flooded areas, at a cost of $75,000 each. The council also voted to buy four rescue boats suited for use in swift water and 10 evacuation boats meant for moving people through calmer waters. Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pena said the fire department had requested 20 boats in the wake of Harvey. Since then, it has received private donations and pledges of three additional high-water rescue vehicles, six evacuation boats and two swift-water rescue boats. With the 100 Clubs donation, he said, only five more boats are needed, and the city has committed to funding those by the end of this year. DONATIONS: Donations help Houston Fire Department expand rescue fleet months after Harvey Ruy Lozano, assistant chief with the Houston Fire Department, said the donations incur no cost for taxpayers. Were really appreciative of William Skeen and the 100 Club, he said. Troy Finner, executive assistant chief with the Houston Police Department, said the boats would be used to provide officers with proper training for future disasters. You just dont show up and rescue people. Theres training involved. So, this is going to go strong with the training of our local partners, he said. After the storm, Pena said he wanted enough resources to be able to station high-water rescue trucks across the city and to double the number of evacuation boats and swift water rescue boats. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez thanked The 100 Club and said Hurricane Harvey revealed Harris Countys true character as the nation witnessed countless acts of heroism from first responders and average residents. When the next high-water disaster strikes, we will be even better equipped to save lives, he said. Alex Park contributed to this report. st.john.smith@chron.com twitter.com/stjbs A Houston man was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty in the shooting deaths of his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend two years ago. Darrell Mitchell, 30, pleaded guilty on Monday to two counts of murder, admitting he killed Lakiesha Lewis, his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his three children, and her then-new boyfriend, Johnel Francis. Mitchell shot them on June 7, 2016, at Lewis apartment in northeast Houston. Lewis, 23, died at the scene, and Francis, 24, died later that day from his injuries after being taken to a nearby hospital. He was shot in the head. Mitchell had faced a capital murder charge, but the plea deal spares him the possibility of a death sentence. He received two concurrent life sentences in prison, one for each murder, with the possibility of parole after 30 years. IN 2016: Suspect says mind 'blank' as he shot ex-girlfriend, her new boyfriend in NE Houston Harris County Assistant District Attorney Nathan Moss, who prosecuted Mitchells case, said the defendant offered the deal to the prosecution, which was accepted by the district attorney's office. Moss said the prosecution decided not to seek the death penalty. Moss said the families wishes played a key role in the decisions regarding punishment. I spoke with the families of both the victims before we came to any plea agreement, Moss said. After discussing all the variables surrounding a plea, the families supported the plea agreement. Chris Downey, Mitchell's defense attorney, said the plea deal allows the defendant eligibility for a parole hearing in 30 years, but because he has two years of credit, he will be eligible for that hearing in approximately 28 years. Mitchell said "his mind went blank" when he showed up at Lewis' apartment. Downey elaborated on that, saying the defendant was shocked to find his ex-girlfriend with another man. He clarified it was an explanation, not an excuse, for his behavior. "It goes without saying [Mitchell and Lewis] had a very tumultuous relationship," Downey said. "But he was very remorseful." Downey said, on the defense side, Mitchell's continuous expressions of sympathy, remorse and regret were part of the decision to pursue a less stringent punishment. After Mitchell shot the two, he called a woman who identified herself as Lewis best friend, investigators said in a Harris County court document detailing the charge against him. The woman said Mitchell told her to look after his and Lewis three young children, then confessed on the phone to committing the fatal shootings. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: How could box of evidence 40 years old end up in trash at the courthouse? The woman told a deputy constable about the phone call and the deputy alerted police. The three children were not present at Lewis apartment at the time of the shooting. Mitchell was convicted in 2012 of assaulting a family member for hitting Lewis, who was his girlfriend at the time. She obtained a protective order against him, and he received two years of probation. victoria.cheyne@chron.com Jay R. Jordan An adult and a teen were shot in a drive-by shooting Tuesday night in southwest Houston, police said. A gray vehicle pulled into the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 6300 block of West Bellfort Avenue around 8:30 p.m. and opened fire, according to Houston Police Lt. Larry Crowson. AUSTIN The Texas Health and Human Services Commission spent almost $30 million in seven months on overtime and contract labor at its institutions for people with disabilities because the state cant find enough people to work at them. The cost of overtime pay and contract labor will likely hit $50 million this fiscal year, for the third year in a row. Union officials say that raising wages for entry-level workers who now make about $11 an hour would help tamp down turnover and reduce costs. It goes to show the state wastes a lot of money making people work so much and burning them out, said Seth Hutchinson, an organizer with the Texas State Employees Union. Between Sept. 1, 2017, and March 31, 2018, taxpayers paid $13 million in overtime to employees at the 13 state supported living centers. Most of the employees who received overtime were direct care staff, whose work includes feeding residents, bathing them, teaching them life skills or taking them to activities. An additional $16 million during the same period went to staffing companies, mainly for medical care providers such as psychiatrists and nurses. Health and Human Services spokeswoman Christine Mann said the state is working hard to resolve the problem by attending job fairs, working with job-posting companies and hiring candidates on the spot, as long as they pass background checks. Theyre also looking at using more telemedicine and academic partnerships, she said. But to ensure we maintain continuous quality care for individuals at our state operated facilities, we have to allow for staff to fill in where needed by working overtime, Mann said. The state living centers have been the focus of intense scrutiny for years, with lawmakers, disability rights advocates and family members of residents facing off over whether the centers should be shuttered. Advocates say more people should be moved into community homes, which are less restrictive and generally located in traditional neighborhoods. Family members say their relatives receive stellar care at the centers. Lawmakers have been split on the issue, and efforts to shut some of the centers down have failed. Meanwhile, the living centers the oldest of which is 100 years old are plagued with crumbling infrastructure that the state spends millions of dollars each year to repair. Some buildings have been closed because they are structurally unsound. Over the last few years, lead has been discovered in drinking water because of old pipes. A settlement agreement with the U.S. Justice Department nearly a decade ago ordered the state to move thousands of people into group homes and improve services for the residents who remain. Today, about 3,000 people with disabilities live at the state supported living centers. Those residents are among the most difficult people to serve, as most have complex medical or behavioral problems. There are currently 2,000 open jobs at the 13 living centers. Meanwhile, annual turnover for direct care employees is 54 percent. Hutchinson said hes not surprised the state is paying so much for staffing. The pay for state employees is too low, he said. Right now, entry-level direct care staffers make about $23,000. Hutchinson suggests the Legislature give center employees the same kind of raises it gave to Child Protective Services workers a few years ago. In 2017, some CPS workers got a $12,000 salary increase, a move that significantly slowed turnover. The Legislature also gave the agency money to hire hundreds of new workers. Its really just a simple matter of putting a lot more resources into and hiring a lot more people all at once, he said. A Yale-educated lawyer from the Rio Grande Valley has been has been confirmed to the federal bench for the Southern District of Texas. Fernando Rodriguez Jr., who specialized in going after sex traffickers who prey on children, is the first Latino judge given the nod for a lifetime appointment under President Donald Trump. And while Rodriguez has no judicial experience, he will preside over a busy court docket in Brownsville, which had one of the longest standing judicial vacancies. The border region handles a vast docket of primarily immigration cases. "I am thrilled the Senate has overwhelmingly voted to confirm Fernando Rodriguez, Jr.," Republican Sen. Ted Cruz said in a statement Tuesday. "He has dedicated his life to the cause of justice, in particular, combatting the heinous crimes of modern day slavery and human trafficking around the world." "I am confident his experience, diligence, and commitment to the rule of law will serve him and South Texans well," he said. Fellow Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn echoed Cruz's enthusiasm in the same news release, lauding his "deep devotion to serving others." In Houston, Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal said, the sprawling Southern District of Texas is delighted to welcome Rodriguez as its newest judge. "We are grateful that he has been confirmed, both because he will be a terrific judge and because of the demanding case load in our court in general and in the Brownsville division in particular," Rosenthal said, noting that "his confirmation is very much in our court's, and the public's, interest. . . to continue to provide fair and timely justice to all who come before us." MORE: Seven Texas lawyers in line for vacant federal judgeships Rodriguez is among 41 lifetime confirmations to the bench during Trump's first 500 days in office. Nine of the new judges are women, according to Lena Zwarensteyn, who tracks the judicial appointments for the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy. In all, 19 district judges and two people of color have been chosen for district court judgeships, she said. Rodriguez was living abroad when put his name in the hat for consideration. He has been working in Latin America since 2009, first in Bolivia and recently heading a project in the Dominican Republic that went after sex traffickers who targeted children. According to the senators' joint news release, his work at the organization helped more than 100 victims and secured more than 20 convictions for perpetrators. The Harlingen native graduated from Yale in 1991. He then worked with Teach for America in Houston ISD at Scarborough Elementary near Aldine, which serves a majority low-income Hispanic population. After he earned a law degree at University of Texas, he served as a briefing attorney for Justice Nathan L. Hecht on the Supreme Court of Texas. He also worked for 12 years at Baker Botts LLP in Dallas, handling patent infringement, trade secrets, contract and deceptive trade practice cases. Rosenthal, the chief judge for the region, said Rodriguez is now awaiting his presidential commission. Then he will take the oath. In the meantime, he is in the process of moving his family from the Dominican Republic. Gabrielle Banks covers federal court for the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter and send her email at gabrielle.banks@chron.com. Recently, I interviewed David Shrier, an Associate Fellow, Said Business School, University of Oxford, and originator of the online programmes Oxford Fintech and Oxford Blockchain Strategy. David is also the CEO of Distilled Analytics, an MIT spinout that is transforming financial services through behavioral analytics; and Chairman of Riff Learning, an AI-driven collaboration technology platform provider. He currently counsels the Government of Dubai on blockchain and digital identity, and he previously advised the European Commission on commercializing innovation with a focus on digital technology. His pro bono activities include serving on the advisory board of WorldQuant University, a program offering a totally-free, accredited, online Masters degree in financial engineering; membership on the FinTech Industry Committee for FINRA, the securities industry's self-regulatory body, and serving as a charter member of the UKs Fintech Trade & Investment Steering Board for HMGs Department of International Trade. David and MIT Professor Alex Pentland have published books including Frontiers of Financial Technology, New Solutions in Cybersecurity, and Trust::Data. David Shrier was granted an Sc.B. from Brown University in Biology and Theatre and worked professionally as a dramaturg and director after college. David Shrier David Shrier Opinions expressed in this interview are his own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Oxford or its faculty. In 2015, we met at the MIT Media Lab, where Code for America held there annual #CodeAcross event. Then you were Managing Director of the MIT Connection Science Initiative and kindly gave my mentor, then Massachusetts Government Innovation Officer Tony Parham, a demo of MITs CityScope, a LEGO-based urban planning system. We have been connected ever since, and I LOVE, love, love seeing and reading your clips on global innovation! So lets get started: In an InformationWeek interview last year, Andrew Moore, Dean of Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science, estimated that 98% of AI researchers are focused on engineering systems that can help people make better decisions rather than simulating human consciousness. He's essentially talking about augmented intelligence, but what is augmented intelligence? How can AI and people work together? David Shrier: Well, I would describe what he is talking about as decision support, which is good but only a first step. Theres a next evolution we call extended intelligence. Extended Intelligence is the idea of human/machine hybrids that are better than either one alone. Imagine if you walked out of a meeting and your little AI app in your phone prompted you with 2-3 things you did well in addition to what you could improve in the next meeting, and the AI system could help the organization become aware faster of emerging problems so that they could be addresses faster and better. Or your smart agent on your computer or phone brought you the document you needed, when you needed it, without you having to ask, because it understands your work, your workflow, and how you think, and can simulate you in going out and finding what you need, when you need it, invisibly, instead of forcing you to search for it or ask for it. Siri is great, but you have to know how to phrase your query. You couldnt say to Siri like you could a human bring me that thing from that guy last week. Future extended intelligence systems would be able to not just figure out what you meant by that, but actually anticipate what you need in advance. A future system of people and smart machines networked together could do amazing things weve only just begun to dream of. In the 4th Industrial Revolution, we have been thinking through how to create the new workforce of the future. Many global countries are trying to figure out how automation will affect their global economy. McKinsey actually developed a telling report for Denmark on how automation will affect their country. This McKinsey report has shown that automation will create jobs and evidently revealed that we have a digital skills gap. In your interview with CNBC, you talked about Oxford Fintech, and how the average age of programs participants is 40. Can you tell us more and about how your academic institution is working to re-skill and up-skill workers? And, what are some of the innovative workforce programs (a la World Quant)? David Shrier: Conventional wisdom (and Citis research group) hold that there will be more than 2 million jobs lost in the next 8 years to the fintech revolution, just in the US and Europe in financial services. Rather than wait for employment Armageddon to happen, Oxford is proactively stepping forward to help retrain the workforce. Were using digital platforms to enable this journey of transformation through our programs like Oxford Fintech and Oxford Blockchain Strategy, and applying neuroscience and cognitive science of learning in how were designing and delivering these programs. This has led to completion rates as high as 98% versus the 5% of a typical online course. Our students are typically mid-career professionals looking at the looming financial innovation and seeking to prepare for where to go with their careers when everything changes. We seek to impact not only knowledge, but also tools, frameworks, and a network of innovators, so that our students are prepared for future disruptions as well. Many are using the program to drive corporate innovation ideas within large financial organizations, and others are creating free-standing startups to invent a new future. Were exploring other ways to extend the experience beyond the initial program, so look for more announcements this year. Im also on the board of a different nonprofit institution, WorldQuant University. Its got a different pedagogical model than the Oxford programs but is offering a totally-free online masters program and seeks to fast-track employment for people from emerging economies. You once said, "The ethics of AI is the ethics of the user." Can you talk more about what you mean by this? Also, what is responsible innovation? David Shrier: AI is just a tool, no different than a hammer and chisel or nuclear radiation. You can use this tool for bad things, or you can use it to help people. The question is, what do you decide to do? Facebook is a great example of serious, company-wide ethical failures in how AI was applied to a product and market. They are trying to disclaim responsibility for the propaganda and election subversion carried out on their platform and believe me, Facebook has harmed both Democrats and Republicans alike. Were just a platform, they say. That argument didnt work for Facebook with the child pornography scandal a decade ago, and it shouldnt work with the current crisis either. When teaching behavioral analytics or data science, we make a point of introducing ethics into the conversation early. Ive written a bit on this; check out my post on LinkedIn on the Ethics of Data Science. Responsible Innovation is thinking ethically about how we adopt new technologies like AI or blockchain. Do we just replace people with machines, or do we figure out ways to reorient our people around a new reality and figure out how to get people and computer systems working together, to produce something neither could do alone? As I put together a new company, Distilled Analytics, I think a great deal about not only what we are doing, but why we are doing it and which problems we are choosing to take on. One of our products, Distilled IMPACT, applies AI to assessing the non-financial factors around an impact investment, in an effort to catalyze the $23 trillion of impact capital that is still seeking a more credible model for investing in profit and purpose than one based on surveys and guesswork. Inclusivity and access are key to vulnerable populations, especially when it comes to bridging the digital divide, so we don't end up digitally excluding poor people, which would further Thomas Picketty's assertions. How can we have ethical AI and machine learning? For example, Reverse Innovation also has a dark side. Can you share your bank example around not loaning to certain neighborhoods and the dark side of AI (and how this ties into your digital identity startup!)? David Shrier: So, if we just let AI run around and learn unsupervised, it can do strange (and sometimes harmful) things. There was a large financial institution that used an AI to make lending decisions but failed to put appropriate parameters around it. When they did a technology audit later, they learned that the AI had figured out how to not lend to a certain zip code (red lining), which is illegal in the US. The AI had determined that the loan portfolio performance improved by excluding poor people of color in a certain geographic area. A human would know that was wrong if they were properly trained. If we dont behave thoughtfully around how we use digital platforms, we can create problems just like we did when we made cars faster but didnt have seat belts and air bags. We need to create the digital equivalent of a seat belt for our AI, to mitigate the consequences when something goes wrong. On the other hand, if we apply ourselves, we can use AI to solve previously-unsolvable (or difficult to solve) societal problems. Over a billion people in the world lack legal identity, and another product that Distilled Analytics is developing, Distilled IDENTITY, can help address this issue using machine learning. In addition to better identity using behavioral biometrics, we can not only figure out who these people are, but also assess their credit riskiness (and that of the other 2.5 billion people who are underbanked or unbanked), bridging the digital divide and solving the failures of the credit bureau model that to date have excluded almost half the worlds population. Recently, you published a book on cybersecurity. What is the central message of the book that you're hoping the audience understands? Also, what is the role of augmented intelligence in the cybersecurity realm? David Shrier: Sandy Pentland, Howie Shrobe and I were prompted to put together New Solutions for Cybersecurity because we felt that there wasnt sufficient awareness of exactly how broken our cyber infrastructure is. From management systems to hardware to access control and more, we have created a fragile, poorly-constructed house in an earthquake zone. The US energy grid has already been hacked by a state actor, for example, and our entire power system is vulnerable. Baby monitors and webcams have been turned into zombie botnet armies to launch large-scale cyberattacks, because no one bothered to secure the embedded processors as millions of these devices were sold. We need to raise awareness of the magnitude of the problem and provide suggestions for how to begin fixing our cyber infrastructure. We got 30 of the top researchers in the field together to contribute their assessments and recommendations. In addition to editing, I also wrote a chapter on behavioral biometrics, which can not only be used to solve the identity crisis I mentioned earlier, but also to better secure our computer systems. Human-in-the-loop AI, what we call extended intelligence, holds the potential to address aspects of cyber (in)security, such as ascertaining patterns of coordinated attack. Our next book is probably going to be on Extended Intelligence. Whoahhh!!!! To this end, AI has been mostly informed by western thinking and has inherently create biases. How would you recommend creating ethical AI? Does this require hiring more women to increase diversity of thinking in leadership? How can we avoid a Minority Report or Skynet future? David Shrier: We definitely need to come up with a better way to train AIs. Part of how we bring ethics into the discussion is to have people more thoughtfully and actively involved in both the training and deployment of AI systems. We need to design processes that incorporate human judgment in addition to AI scale. We need to train computer scientists and data scientists continuously on awareness of the ethical implications of their decisions not just how to build something, but why they are building it and what its impacts will be. I dont know that its an east-vs-west issue; the Government of China is using AI in ways that I find scary, straight out of Black Mirror , although China will point at the US elections and Brexit and say that they prefer stability to insanity. What I do know is that we can come up with a better model of how we deploy new technologies like AI. This isnt an AI issue per se, but we also need to educate men, and women, better about how to function effectively as an organization. At Davos this year, I listened with astonishment as one young tech CEO proceeded to tell me he doesnt have women working at his blockchain company because women dont like staring at screens all day or working long hours (news flash, both of these statements are fallacies). Collaboration research shows us that gender and race-diverse teams come up with better and more new ideas. Improving diversity of race and gender in the workplace will give us better companies, making better decisions, and delivering better products. Maryfran Johnson talks with Klara Jelinkova, Rice Universitys CIO, on a range of topics, including the responsibility of senior women in IT to mentor the next generation and how the university's GDPR project was an opportunity to talk with business unit leaders and stakeholders about data security and privacy. For an audio podcast only, click play (or catch up on all earlier episodes) below. Or you can find us on iTunes, Google Play or Stitcher where you can download episodes and listen at your leisure. Happy listening, and please, send feedback or suggestions for future topics to us. We'd love to hear from you. Today, we remember former U.S. senator and attorney general Robert F. Kennedy. In the 18,262 days between his death and today, weve remembered a myth and forgotten the man. We forgot that he worked for Joseph McCarthy in one of his earliest jobs in Washington politics outside of his family. We forgot that he picked the Wisconsin senator, who dated two sisters and vacationed with the Kennedys on Cape Cod, to serve as the godfather to his first child, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend. We forgot that he voted for Dwight Eisenhower for president in 1956 instead of Adlai Stevenson because the Illinois Democrat selected someone other than his brother as his running mate. We forgot that his investigation of the Teamsters elevated Jimmy Hoffa to the groups presidency and that despite Kennedy promising to jump off the Capitol Building if Hoffa avoided conviction in a trial stemming from the investigation, a jury acquitted the union leader, whose lawyer promised to send his clients nemesis a parachute. We forgot that, contrary to the flattering self-portrait in Thirteen Days, the man who oversaw Operation Mongoose and earned the nickname Mister C.I. (counterinsurgency) within the Kennedy administration initially supported an invasion during the Cuban Missile Crisis before embracing a blockade. We forgot that he served as J. Edgar Hoovers boss within the Justice Department and not the reverse. We forgot that when U.S. Steel did not price its product the way the president wanted, his brother hectored executives with visits by agents, launched an antitrust investigation, and convened a grand juryhassles that ceased once the company rolled back its price increase. We forgot that he supported warrantless wiretaps as attorney general. We forgot that he authorized wiretaps on a key congressional aide and lobbyists who opposed the Kennedy administrations position on as trifling an issue as sugar. We forgot that he authorized spying on American journalists, including Pulitzer Prize winner Hanson Baldwin. We forgot that the Justice Department with his authorization harassed and spied on Martin Luther King. We forgot that he opposed the 1963 March on Washington, organized by Bayard Rustin, and taunted an attendee, So youre down here for that old black fairys anti-Kennedy demonstration? We forgot that he supported the Vietnam War before he opposed it. The United States has made a commitment to help Vietnam, the senator explained early in 1965. Im in favor of keeping that commitment and taking whatever steps are necessary. We forgot that he tried to suppress William Manchesters The Death of a President, the bestselling nonfiction book of 1967, because he felt some unflattering vignettes harmed his presidential ambitions. (Robert and Jacqueline Kennedy succeeded in compelling Manchester to cut over 1,000 words from the published edition, divert a portion of the profits to the John F. Kennedy Library, and seal some interviews for 100 years.) We forgot that prior to his assassination, he had no chance to win the presidential nomination in 1968. As Joshua Zeitz recently noted at Politico: In 1968 only 15 states chose their delegates by primary. Almost three-fifths of conventional delegates were selected by county committeemen, state party officers and elected officials, and those officials were squarely behind [Hubert] Humphrey. The cable news chyrons and talking heads remind us to remember Robert Kennedy on this, the 50th anniversary of his passing. But the kind of memory desired by the late senators well-wishers involves forgetting much. Not every part of Robert Kennedys history tossed down the memory hole necessarily discredits himand much of the history highlighted today brings him great credit. Robert Kennedy did not pick weaklings as his enemies in taking on Communists, the mafia, and organized labor. His conciliatory rhetoric quelled an incipient riot in Indianapolis in the wake of Martin Luther Kings assassination. He threw water on the various conspiracy theories surrounding his brothers assassination. He heeded Emersons warning that a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds by fully embracing the civil-rights movement and eventually regarding the Vietnam War as damaging to the republic. All this deserves recognition, too. But in remembering a symbol rather than a man, we manufacture an ideologically neat, hagiographic history that clashes with the fullness of the facts. Photo: LBJ Presidential Library Audio Transcript Brian Anderson: Welcome back to the 10 Blocks podcast, this is your host, Brian Anderson, editor of City Journal. We hope youve been enjoying the new intro and our weekly schedule. Next week, well have Heather Mac Donald on the show, which Im sure most of you will appreciate. Coming up on this episode of 10 Blocks, we have another live discussion for our listeners. As weve talked about before on the podcast, long-term joblessness, the great domestic crisis of the twenty-rst century, as Edward Glaeser calls it, has become a major focus for our writers at City Journal. Fixing Americas crisis of work, however, will also require major upgrades to K12 education. This challenge was the focus of our second and nal symposium based on the City Journal special issue, The Shape of Work to Come. We invited experts in career and technical education (commonly referred to as CTE) to talk about how we can begin to reform education to prepare all kids for the future, not just those headed to college. On the panel, we have Kristin Kearns-Jordan, CEO of Urban Assembly charter schools. Then theres John Widlund, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education at New York City Department of Education. And last but not least, theres Steve Malanga, City Journals senior editor and author of a fascinating new piece for our latest issue, Dirty Jobs, Good Pay, about how to revive the American work ethic. But the next voice youll hear on the podcast is Howard Husock, Vice President of Research and Publications at the Manhattan Institute. We hope you enjoy! Howard Husock: Thank you so much, Brian, and thanks to our distinguished panel for participating today. As the credentials that Brian noted imply, our focus today in terms of those non-participants in our workforce is something called CTE. Dont call it vocational education, call it Career and Technical Education, and we are going to explore the question of whether it can be an important answer to whats called the skills gap in the American workforce and can it be a magnet to draw people who are not now in the workforce, or potentially unattached from the workforce, into it in well-paying ways that dont necessarily involve four years of college. And so our panelists all touch on that in their own way. And I want to begin, if I could, with Steve Malanga because his article from the City Journals special issue on the future of work becomes the basis for what we are talking about. It is called Vocational Ed, Reborn. And so, my question to you, Steve, is why did vocational education, or CTE, need to be reborn? Wasnt it always there and if it needed to be reborn, why? Steve Malanga: Well, I guess it has always it has been there for a very long time. But somewhere, well first of all, lets start with the political context which I know is a dangerous thing these days, but we hear quite a lot, and going even back to the last election, about jobs leaving America and certainly the trade policy discussion is going on right now. What I think bothers people in this area is we have rarely talked about all of the good jobs in America that are not being filled easily. And many of them fall into what we have called this category of skills trade. To give you just one particular example, in about 2010-2011, which was really the beginning of the recovery when our unemployment rate was still nearly 9% in America, there were about a half a million skilled trade jobs that manufactures alone were saying they could not fill. Some of this has to do with the evolution of industry in America, the industrial jobs that are here, but also jobs that are aligned with what we consider a traditional blue-collar job. Anybody who has paid attention when you have taken your car into your car dealership and watched them fix your car, hook your car up to a computer and then begin fixing it will know what I mean. The amazing thing about this is that as those occupations have evolved so that to give you an example it is estimated that about a million manufacturing jobs that have been created since the rebound from 2008 and 2009, about a million of them have actually been for people who need more than a high school education, some kind of post-secondary education. But as we have seen this transition in our manufacturing base, certainly in areas like auto mechanic, we havent we have had a cultural shift in America in which the I guess lets you know, I will sum it up the college for all ethos, has pushed students, parents away from those occupations. And as a result we started deemphasizing career and trade education. You know Ill tell you this started quite a long time ago. I remember quite vividly growing up in a blue-collar neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey, the friends of mine who went to the local vo ed school, you know they would make jokes themselves about were going to the dumb school, the dumb peoples, the dumb kids school. So, there is this prejudice. And this prejudice I think was so great that the actor Mike Rowe, the Dirty Jobs guy that I wrote about in this last issue, he remembers... Howard Husock: The Dirty Jobs guy they might not know what that is. Steve Malanga: Most people see the Dirty Jobs. Kristin Kearns Jordan: I watched it. Steve Malanga: Right, the Dirty Jobs, it was the most popular show on cable TV for eight years and Mike Rowe was this guy who basically went around and got people who did dirty jobs and got them to show him how they did the jobs and then he participated with them and got dirty and it became enormously popular. And he, out of that, gained a tremendous respect for people doing these jobs. And when the last recession hit and people were talking about, you know, all the unemployed, he was saying wait a minute every place I go there are help wanted signs. All these people that I am working with and interviewing, they say they cant find people to do some of these jobs. So, anyway, but Rowe tells this story about when he was in high school, which is quite a long time ago, there was a poster on his guidance counselors wall which was two pictures of the same guy. One he is in a cap and gown and in the other he is in a hardhat. And the poster said Work smart. Not hard. This is the message that we were transmitting to kids even back, you know, essentially decades ago. So there has been a cultural transformation and when you talk to these folks today what they will tell you is that they have to sometimes actually persuade parents who seem to be one of the biggest obstacles, persuade parents to have their kids participate in these programs. (I will talk a little bit later about some of the experiences here) but we are down to the point where the national manufacturing association once a year now holds a parents night the way your local school does, in which they invite parents to come into the manufacturing floor of factories around America to see what they are actually doing to try to overcome some of the obstacles for students for whom this kind of work might be appropriate. Rowe himself was hired by Caterpillar to do commercials in which they essentially these commercials broadcast we want, we need workers. They interviewed Caterpillar, a very sophisticated mechanic for Caterpillar heavy machinery, and Rowe just says tell me why this is a great job. And the guys say, well its great money, and its a great company. Thats the Howard Husock: And you get to sit up really high. Steve Malanga: Yeah, and you get to sit up really high. Howard Husock: Thats really interesting. Well, let me turn to, weve got two, as Brian said, two distinguished practitioners, so Steve is saying the tide needs to turn. What how is this issue perceived in the educational community? New York has been doing a lot. We are going to hear a little bit about that. But let me start with Kristin because The Urban Assembly operates seven CTE schools, and John Widlund tells me he began at age 19 as a trainee in vocational education in New York City learning how to install electrical insulation. He says he could still do it, in case any of you are looking for some help, right? And so, how is this issue being perceived in the educational community? Kristin first. Kristin Kearns Jordan: Okay. I am going to start personally because I have been in education for 25 years in New York. I founded a college prep charter school. And if you were to track those students over time, which we did assiduously, we lost a lot of kids. Right? The kids who graduated, 100% went to college. They went to Stanford. They went to fabulous places. But we lost many students along the way. Howard Husock: Meaning they didnt graduate from college. Kristin Kearns Jordan They didnt graduate from high school or they didnt graduate from college. One or the other. Somewhere along this pipeline we were losing kids. The students we were losing were more often kids who came in with weak academic skills. They were more often male than female. They were kids for whom this kind of abstract academic learning just wasnt terribly relevant. So, I learned through personal experience that we were not hooking the kids that we needed to hook in order to have equal opportunity for our kids and a vibrant economy. Actually the founder of our organization, The Urban Assembly, Richard Kahan is in the back there, he figured out something different while I was not flailing around, the school was pretty good, and still is but he was founding schools at The Urban Assembly even before we were doing any career technical work that connected to specific industries in New York, design and construction, law and justice, performing arts, right, where the theme of the school would invite partnerships with industry, with not-for-profits, with government entities, and so the understanding that it had to be connected to career is deep in The Urban Assemblys roots. And as a result, kids have a deep connection at our schools to work. They may or may not become involved in emergency management when they graduate from the high school for emergency management, but they will have a connection to work. Howard Husock: And are you atypical? Kristin Kearns Jordan: Most networks of schools, or a network of schools, are not as focused on career as we are. But I think that the education community is really worried about, actually artificial intelligence is really freaking everybody out. They are worried that to an even greater degree in five years what we are doing in classrooms in schools is disconnected from whats happening in the world of work out there. People read statistics like 30% of the jobs that are going to exist in ten years dont even exist yet. 30% of the jobs, or 30% of pieces of jobs, right, FTEs, are going to go away. And this is actually becoming scary to schools, so I think that the question has been posed. I dont think that the answers have been developed at a broad scale, but I think there is an awareness that as data becomes better about college success, our CUNY schools graduate, you know, the community colleges, in the teens over three years, the four-year schools maybe scrape to 50% over four years. As that data become more transparent, both to the colleges themselves but more important to the high schools, these questions are starting to get asked in a more rigorous way. Howard Husock: So its getting educators attention. But let me ask you, John John Widlund: Yes. Howard Husock: New York has been a leader in reviving vocational education starting with Mayor Bloomberg, he was mayor before Mayor de Blasio, yeah. John is the head of vocational ed for Mayor de Blasio, so I was just giving him a hard time. Steve Malanga: CTE. Howard Husock: CTE, thats right. There was a renaissance of new vocational schools, a much bigger system, and yet when you look at the numbers in Steves article there are 26,000 New York City public school students enrolled in the entire panoply of career and technical education schools. There are 1.1 million students and I dont know how many high school students, but a lot more than 26,000 so, you told me over lunch that your goal is to expand. John Widlund: That was in confidence. No Howard Husock: Is that the Citys goal? Do you think thats a widely shared goal in school systems around the country? And how do we do it? John Widlund: Great question. So, its certainly the Citys goal. Folks like Richard and Kathy Wylde from the Partnership for New York City and the mayors office and the former chancellor, Carmen Farina, kind of brought me in because the institution that I led, Co-Op Tech, kind of is the solution which is to bring kids we had students coming from over 100 high schools in the city to spend a half-day with us learning a trade area or technical area. So, with that spirit, we are looking at all students in New York City and creating the option, an opportunity, because I do want to respond to some of the other things that were said. I want to go back thirty years. But I will answer your question directly. The 26,000 students are in full schools that 100% of students are enrolled in CTE programs. There are 65,000 students enrolled in full sequences in academic institutions as well. So, thats not the full number. And then, in the elective category, there are other 100,000 students receiving some form of career awareness or career training. So, there are other courses, career and financial management, which kids dont necessarily enjoy or identify as being part of a robust career training pathway. So, the numbers are a little different. Howard Husock: 26,000 is deceptively low is what you are saying. John Widlund: Correct. So, the number we go by is the kids who complete full sequences who are enrolled in full sequences, which means seven high school credits or more, one high school credit equates to 54 hours of instruction. So, Ive got 65,000-plus kids enrolled in those types of programs throughout nearly 130 schools. And urban assembly schools are of our finest. I would like to go back a minute because we started with, you know, what happened to vocational education? Where did it go? So I am a very proud graduate of McKee High School, class of 1985, which for some folks it seems like you were not born then and other folks that seems like it was yesterday. I am a very proud Gen X guy. However, at the time the education we received was bifurcated. There were those going to college and then the vast majority were expected to go to work. But there was no official connection to either. I didnt have a college advisor, nor did I have a career advisor. Schools just werent about those things. So, in that time the business community was a nation at risk article. And I remember mid-80s, mid to late 80s when the first President Bush came along, attempted to listen to the needs of business and industry and kind of suggest that we needed to go this more academic route. Whats emerged is, and Im going to actually put a question to everyone in the audience, what emerged was a system that is aspirational. And Im going to prove to you what this looks like. Please raise your hand if you graduated from college. All right. So I think we are in a very successful room. I would love all of my students to someday enter this room and nearly 100% of hands went up. Let the record note that. How many of you worked when you were in high school? Summer or almost every hand went up. So, those are the things that I aspire to for our youngsters. In the past, at 11 or 12 years old did you know what you wanted to be? Because those were the stakes for the system that previously existed. You would have to know what you wanted to be at that age and then find those limited opportunities and then explore it for four years and possibly, or not, become that. So, what we are attempting to do in our expansion effort, which we have increased over forty programs in the last three years, we have sun-setted some other programs too, so sometimes when folks do the analysis they say well, you started with 280 programs, now you have only 300. That doesnt sound like 40. Well, we closed twenty things that werent working. So, you have to be bold and take risks and really lead innovation and create things that didnt exist a few years ago. As an example, we are attempting to open drone pilot programs, which these jobs dont even necessarily exist yet, but we have to really be forward-thinking. Instead of computer repair, we have kids working on mobile devices. Instead of simply programming, we have kids creating applications for IPhones and Samsung devices. So things are definitely changing. Howard Husock: Well, John, if I may, what I get out of that is this is as hard thing to do. The occupations change. John Widlund: Yes. Howard Husock: Right? You have to be nimble to use that kind of business jargon. Lets talk about if there is a consensus at this table, and I think there is that CTE, Career Technical Education, is worth expanding, what are the barriers to doing so? And I will start with Kris and I want to go to Steve after that. Kristin Kearns Jordan: I think its worth expanding. I think, I would like to expand what it means to do career and technical education, if I may, it is not directly responsive. But I think one of the other things that is happening in the field of education is we are becoming more aware of what employers would call soft skills. We call them social and emotional skills. They are the skills of human interaction, of problem-solving that are becoming more and more important. They are the things that robots cant do. So, if we can expand to include both of those things as a part of a robust career in technical Howard Husock: Well, thats an interesting answer to a different question. Kristin Kearns Jordan: It is. Yeah. Howard Husock: But thats okay, thats okay. So, what you are saying is that we have to have an expansive idea of what career and technical education is Kristin Kearns Jordan: Yep. Howard Husock: if we are going to solve the problem that Brian laid out for us at the beginning, which was how do we increase and assure workforce participation? Kristin Kearns Jordan: But it gets to a barrier, right? I wanted to expand that. Because one of the barriers, as I think a very narrow frame for what kids should know and be able to do when they graduate from high school, there are five, you know, things. Math, science, English, history, and a foreign language. Those I happen to believe are incredibly important but thats an incomplete set, focusing on the career skills, on the social and emotional skills. So I think the narrowness by which schools are measured, right, is a barrier. And I think one that we should think about. The one that probably this room will not be surprised to hear about are some bureaucratic impediments. Howard Husock: Well, lets hear about those. Lets not gloss over this. It sounds very important Kristin Kearns Jordan: Yeah. No, no, no, John and I will talk about those. John Widlund: Suddenly my microphones not working. Kristin Kearns Jordan: Yeah, I know Ill talk about those. Steve Malanga: I was going to talk about this too but go ahead... Kristin Kearns Jordan: But I will introduce them as a practitioner, right? So, we have a fabulous emergency management school. This pathway is one that we are kind of creating as we go. The state doesnt already have one. Trying to get the teachers certified has been a three-year process and we still have not succeeded, which means the schools CTE program will not be approved, which means the school wont get that money unless we work it out. We might be working it out. Howard Husock: If the teachers were to have to start tomorrow would they be qualified to teach, in your opinion? The ones you cant get certified? Kristin Kearns Jordan: Oh, yeah. They have been teaching in the school forever. I mean its since the founding. So, the teacher exists there, and is a certified teacher generally, right, but is not necessarily certified in this program area. Howard Husock: I see. Kristin Kearns Jordan: So, there are there is a kind of old set of programs that the state has defined and fitting, you know, the new economy into those old programs is a huge barrier. Did you want to jump in? Howard Husock: Yeah, Steve. Let me get Steve in here because he was leaning in. Kristin Kearns Jordan: Yeah. Steve Malanga: Oh, well I was going to talk about there is exactly teacher certification is one of the biggest problems, particularly when, as you talk about, areas where the level of skill and knowledge of the instructor is, the demands on the instructor are increasing and you have actually retiring assembly line workers and mechanics who are willing to teach in these schools but getting them certified is one of the big problems. But let me just another substantial problem, if you listen to what we are talking about, the kind of jobs that we are talking about that fall under this, there is a huge range of them. I talked about sophisticated manufacturing jobs, auto mechanic jobs, repairing iPhones, health care, so there is no one-size-fits-all for the programs. And this is a big problem for school systems. What I mean by that is, number one, I said before that much of this education, just on the manufacturing floor, requires post-secondary education, not necessarily a college degree but post-secondary education. So, there is a lot of different models that are emerging around the country. Many of these jobs also require apprenticeships, or they work best with apprenticeships with the participation of businesses. None of that is easy to do. So, what you have you have places like in North Carolina where Siemens is participating with the local career technical high school in a four-year, a six-year program, four years of high school, the last year the kids apply for an apprenticeship they have to get As or Bs in advanced mathematics courses, including calculus, and then they get an apprenticeship from Siemens. With that apprenticeship they then go on to a local community college, finish two years of an associate degree, and work half-time on the floor of Siemens and then they come out of that as a full-time Siemens worker. Howard Husock: And they are paid while theyre learning? Right? Steve Malanga: And they are paid while theyre learning. Exactly, because they are working on the floor. And they come out of that with a job that is going to pay them $50,000 a year as a kid, you know, 20, 21 years old. But thats for just one model. So, there is not a simple degree for all of the, you know, a one-size-fits-all degree, and thats, I think, part of the challenge. Howard Husock: So, it sounds like as to Kristins point that the schools are going to have to grapple with this, but lets well, I know that John, you were wanting to weigh in on bureaucratic barriers. John Widlund: Yeah. So actually Commissioner MaryEllen Elia has been very helpful in streamlining the process, so there are alternatives to that official route. It just does take time to realize. So Howard Husock: It is true of everything in New York City I think, yeah. John Widlund: Right. But I mean I have to say its at the state level, and I want it to be on the record, so she can hear me say it. Lets just edit the tape, no. Kristin Kearns Jordan: I said the state level. John Widlund: Yes. Kristin Kearns Jordan: Can I add a third barrier that we Howard Husock: Well, let me hear John Widlund: No, so what I wanted to say and to add to your point, so I visited Germany, which is a country that has robust apprenticeship programs throughout. Its almost mandated. So my recommendation to those folks leading industries, particularly where you are lacking high-quality entry-level employees, is to examine your corporate social responsibilities dollars, turn it into training, return on investment strategies, and I guarantee you, you will wind up partnering with community colleges or secondary institutions and you will find your next best set of employees. Kristin Kearns Jordan: That was the third barrier. Business interest. It really, we dont have in the United States a vehicle to welcome business into education, so I think it starts there. But I also think we dont have a habit of businesses sort of volunteering to support the instructional programming. So, I think that is a third barrier we should address. Howard Husock: Well that is very interesting. So, we are saying, to summarize that, you are saying that we shouldnt look only to the school systems. Kristin Kearns Jordan: Thats right. Steve Malanga: Yeah, let me Howard Husock: Which is interesting. Go ahead, Steve. Steve Malanga: Let me add a couple of things to that. First of all, interestingly in some places where they do have this kind of participation and the research triangle is a good example, in the Carolinas, because they have quite a number of foreign companies, European-based companies, headquartered companies, have operations here, they have more apprenticeship programs. In places where they have this it is actually becoming an economic development tool, which is one of the incentives for businesses, that we can actually help you find and train workers and plug them into apprenticeship programs. We now see this in a lot of economic development agencies. They have a kind of workforce development component. So that is, I think, going to be something that will awaken business. The other thing though, the other thing is I think that one reason we havent had a tradition of this in America, but part of it is again because CTE involves so many different kinds we have so many different really definitions of it versus the traditional definition of shop class that I think a lot of businesses dont necessarily realize essentially that they are suitable for this. The Partnership did a study, and Howard Husock: This is the New York City Partnership. Steve Malanga: The New York City partnership. They did a study survey of how many businesses were engaged in apprenticeship programs in New York. I think they came up with a number of 776, or some incredibly low number like that for a place like New York City. I just think that you know, people dont well, this is not a manufacturing center anymore, New York City, so therefore we are not going to have apprenticeship programs. So I think thats part of the, you know, its a perception problem. Howard Husock: Right. So, since we are all telling stories up here, I will tell a story about an article I wrote for City Journal set in Marietta, Ohio, which is in the heart of the fracking boom in Southern Ohio. And I asked whether the employers there get all the employees they need, and the answer is no they cant pass drug tests. Cant past drug tests. Is having a skills offering what we need to get the alienated who are not in the workforce I am taking Brians predicate from the beginning of this discussion the decline in workforce participation, is offering skills going to do it by itself? John, you want to weigh in on that? John Widlund: Sure, actually, so I am reminded of a New York Times article from 2010 which was When Skills Dont Pay the Bills. So, I suspect that the value proposition for that individual to reenter the workforce, although thats a dated article, compared wages for welders versus a shift manager at McDonalds. And it was favorable wages for the shift manager at McDonalds over the nonunionized welders of $14 to $10 an hour. So, I suspect in many of these places where Howard Husock: Right, but I am talking about guys who cant pass a drug test to work. I mean, is it a work ethic problem? Kristin, do you want to want to do it? Steve Malanga: This is a huge problem that Alan Krueger, the Princeton economist has estimated that 20% of the decline in prime male workforce participation is attributable to the opioid. And heres the issue. In many of these occupations drug tests are sometimes mandated. If you are a federal contractor, you know, its mandated. If you work at a hospital, it is mandated. And this is a persistent, you know, anybody look, if you are a construction company, are you going to want people on the job who might be under the influence? So, drug testing is a significant part of this issue. And on the one hand there is a tremendous opportunity, an opportunity we all like to think is the thing that would lift, help lift people out of this, but Kristin Kearns Jordan: So, I would focus in this one on belonging, right, does and my focus is New York City, right, so I dont know as much about the opioid crisis in rural areas. But what I do know here is that a key indicator of whether a student is going to succeed in college or in a job immediately after college is a sense that they belong in that organization, that they have what it takes to be successful in that organization. So then putting that back on us, the educators, we need to expose kids more, right? This cant be a foreign environment when you get your first job. How do you respond to an e-mail? You know, kids texting norms are not the same as professional email norms. Kids need to have an opportunity to try on those norms, to look at how conflicts get mediated in a work environment. How do colleagues talk to each other? What is the way of interacting, right? So, exposure, whether it is through internships or through even days at work, right, you can do simple things to help give kids a picture of what it will look like to be in the workforce. Another thing that you were talking about, the sort of the persistently alienated I think is that kids need to see themselves as having to reinvent themselves multiple times over the course of a career. I think some people get stuck. I am a coalminer is the one that is in the paper all the time, but name your trade, name your profession. If you go into the world thinking thats what I am, thats what Im going to do for the next fifty years, you are setting yourself up for a major stumble. And so sending the message to kids that they will have to continually adapt, they will continually have to reinvent themselves, and then creating educational experiences where they do that is going to be essential to preparing young people. It is harder, frankly, than teaching, you know, teaching a trade, helping kids to develop those navigational skills. And the third thing I think we have to do is help students recognize what are things that are quintessentially human, managing human dynamics, that are not going to be replaced by the robots, and making sure that our kids get good at those things. So, I think if we do those three things we mitigate the risk of future alienation. I dont know how to address todays workforce. I am really focused on the, you know, 13-to-19-year-old set, but thats what I think going forward. Howard Husock: Well, John, you ran a CTE school. John Widlund: Yes. Howard Husock: Right. Whats the interaction of students? Are there some students, does everybody who comes there, are they already motivated and thats why they are there? Are there are some who are hanging by a thread and you have experience in helping them not be lost? Just help us understand a picture of that. John Widlund: Sure. So, within the Career and Technical Education setting in the classroom or if its an off-site work-based learning opportunity, there is a high level of engagement. And so regardless of the specific teaching modality or subject area, there is a hands-on portion where you are applying what you have learned academically. So, basically the youngsters are doing something with the thing they just learned. That highly interactive experience awakens something in many kids who either knew what they wanted to be, had no idea what they wanted to be, but they are now with us or somewhere in between. So, weve got kids who are superstars who wind up in Harvard, and other youngsters who are over-age, under-credited, and excel in our classes. They dont necessarily excel at all of their courses, but there is something magical about what happens when you apply what it is you just were exposed to. So, the lightening in a bottle because CTE is not the cure for cancer but the lightening in the bottle element is that you have an opportunity to apply what it is you just learned and it is highly intrinsically motivating when you find pleasure in it, or it is something you are interested in, or, in the case of paid work-based learning experiences, which is something we are really eager to expand, kids see a result, that they get paid for their labor. Howard Husock: And you are paying internships right now. John Widlund: We are paying them $13 an hour. So it rises Howard Husock: You, the City of New York, the Department of Education John Widlund: Yes. Correct. Kristin Kearns Jordan: And graduation rates, it should be noted, among CTE schools or programs are 13% higher than among traditional college prep high schools and so and I think most people close to it would say its exactly what John described, its the engagement factor. Right? Teachers are always trying to make their content engaging and relevant and applicable. The CTE department in our schools starts with a huge leg up, Right? They are out in boats planting oysters. They are out working with the FDNY developing their emergency skills. So there is a relevancy factor that is sort of the age-old question in education that I think CTE addresses. Howard Husock: Right. And just underscore a word that John used, awaken, I thought that was a very apt word. We are going to get to audience questions in just a moment, but Kristin, Urban Assembly is starting its first charter school in the fall. You have run district schools under an arrangement with the Department of Education and your first charter school is going to be a CTE school. Does that tell us something about how we have to approach CTE, that we have to run in parallel or do an end-run around the educational establishment? Kristin Kearns Jordan: We are hoping this charter will inform rather than end-run, but inform the work in district schools and sort of help us with advocacy. We are going to be able to do a lot with seat time, right, letting kids out so that they can go work, do their schooling on a business site. We can get more flexible with who teaches, right? Because we will have more flexibility in the charter sector. Howard Husock: More flexible with who teaches, that sounds like a big deal. Kristin Kearns Jordan: Its a big deal. Yep. In CTE and in other subjects too. So, those are the two flexibilities that we think will allow us to get really creative. Its a Howard Husock: And seat time means they can go to jobs and things like that. Kristin Kearns Jordan: Right, right. Theres certain regulatory environments about how many hours you have to be in a seat, but in a classroom, in a New York City public school, in order to get the credits toward graduation. And, so, we are able to, in this new environment, get creative. Right? I mean, if you do a show of hands in most rooms. I will do a show of hands, okay. How many of you here Howard Husock: We are doing that today, yeah. Kristin Kearns Jordan: How many of you here you have two choices. The most stuff, the most important stuff I learned for my current job was at school, the most important stuff I learned for my current job was at a previous job. If the answer is school, please raise your hand. Your previous job, yeah. So, we want to give kids that experience earlier, and the charter flexibility will allow us to do it. Howard Husock: Right. Youve got a problem with that, John? John Widlund: I even, even I raised my hand for that. Howard Husock: No, with the charter idea how should the you know, we have a lot of stories of a charged relationship between the DOA and the charter sector. Kristin says she wants to help inform what you are doing. Does that make sense? John Widlund: My microphone is not working again. Listen, there are all shapes and sizes, and innovation has to be expansive. So I definitely understand the rationale behind the need to look at different models, including we work with innovative models ourselves. The Brooklyn S.T.E.A.M. Center, which principal Keyon Pryce, formerly from Edison High School with Principal Moses Ojeda I was kind of hoping he had a chance to be here today they live and breathe innovation. So, even in the traditional setting innovation can occur. The Brooklyn S.T.E.A.M. Center sounds similar to what Kristin just mentioned, is a half-day program allowing great flexibility Howard Husock: The Brooklyn S.T.E.A.M. Center, I dont know that that means anything to anybody. John Widlund: So, The Brooklyn S.T.E.A.M. Center is a consortium. It is eight schools in Brooklyn will send are sending students for a half-day of career and technical education experiences. The final version of it will be housed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which is a really high-tech industrial park, on DUMBO Section of Brooklyn. And so, the schools, you know, being the physical location is being conceived and built as we speak. So, kids will learn in an industrial setting. They will have paid internships with the companies that actually will eventually do the hiring in the industrial park. So we think that thats a very promising strategy. It is similar to my school, Co-Op Tech, but this is 100% in the industrial park. Howard Husock: Whats the S.T.E.A.M. part? John Widlund: Excuse me? Howard Husock: Whats the S.T.E.A.M. part? John Widlund: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. Howard Husock: Ah, its an acronym. Okay. Why did I not John Widlund: We could add other acronyms if youd like. We were trying to get the word to be learned. Steve Malanga: And I was just going to add, Howard, that most school districts, you know, in America are not doing nearly as much as New York City is. So, the charter model, or the independent school model, becomes a real vehicle for some places to try something else when their own CTE program is stuck. Howard Husock: Oh, okay. I thought you said okay. Well, I want to thank our panel. I want to thank them for what they are doing. And thank you for joining us. The 2016 election shocked voters, political commentators, and policymakers, but the administrative statethe vast network of agencies and bureaucratic personnel that operates largely unchecked, making policy decisions that affect millions of Americans chugged along with uninterrupted purpose. A recent, low-profile move by the Trump administration could begin untangling some of it, though. Last week, Trump signed a trio of executive orders that would streamline the Byzantine dismissal procedures for federal employees who dont perform in their jobs. The orders also rein in the immense power of federal-employee unions by curtailing the practice of union time, which forces taxpayers to pay even for the time public employees spend on union activities, and revise collective bargaining rules. Not surprisingly, the moves were greeted with hostility in some quarters. J. David Cox, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest federal-workers union, called the executive orders a denial of democracy. Hes got it backwards: the professional civil service today numbers 2.8 million bureaucrats, many wielding the kind of rulemaking power that the Founders granted only to the elected members of Congress. These civil servants are neither universally competent nor nonpartisan, and, protected by a centurys worth of job protections, they keep their positions, no matter who American voters put in the Oval Office. The government doesnt even consider incompetence grounds for dismissal. It frequently takes a year or more to fire an employee, even for criminal acts. The system allows employees to defend themselves in proceeding s that resemble civil trials. So many federal employees were watching pornography during work hours that Congress had to carve out an exemption to the civil-service laws so that violators could be fired. Even so, only 0.3 percent of the federal workforce was dismissed in 2016, including through budget layoffs, a small fraction of the dismissal rate in the private sector. Inefficiency and incompetence are only the beginning; the deeper constitutional problem with the modern civil service lies in its partisanship and lack of accountability. Defenders of the status quo argue that the civil service shouldnt be politicized, but its hard to imagine a more politically biased institution, outside of university faculty lounges. During the last election, 95 percent of candidate donations from federal employees went to Hillary Clinton. In the State Department, it was 99 percent . Few IRS employees objected to Lois Lerners use of the agency to target political opponents under the Obama administration. Career EPA officials launched a fight against President Trumps appointee to run the agency. Hundreds of lower-level bureaucrats gathered to learn how to obstruct Trumps policy agenda. And thats without mentioning the current fight between the president and his Department of Justice and FBI. Its fair to call civilian government service the wing of the Democratic Party that doesnt have to worry about running for election. Theres a reason that incoming Republican administrations talk of landing teams, as though taking control of executive agencies were akin to invading Omaha Beach. Republican administrations spend time and political capital fighting their own employees, who oppose conservative policies. More than a century of job protections for the civil service has not given us the professionalized, nonpartisan, efficient administration of government that proponents in the Progressive Era envisioned. The older, Andrew Jackson-created spoils system had its corruptions, but the cure, in the form of a now millions-strong class of professional bureaucrats, has been worse than the disease. Increasingly, the expansive and powerful administrative state answers to no one. While many on the right have sounded the alarm about the administrative state, few have focused on the importance of personnel to a presidents ability to exercise his duties. The battle represents nothing less than restoring small-r republican governance. While Trumps executive orders offer an incremental approach to reformthe task of more substantially changing civil-service laws falls to Congressthey indicate an outsider administrations willingness to challenge long-established norms regarding federal employees. If Trump can pressure Congress to pass revisions to civil-service protections, he will not be working against democracy, as his critics claim. He will, rather, be fulfilling his inaugural promise to begin returning control of the government to the people. Photo: BrianAJackson/iStock China and the United States have agreed not to impose tariffs on one anotherthat is, not to engage in a trade warat least while they negotiate a trade settlement. If the White House is to be believed, China has agreed to increase significantly its purchases of American goods, especially agricultural products. This is welcome news: China-U.S. trade, for all the restrictions and conditions placed on it (mostly by Beijing), reflects an economically symbiotic relationship. A trade war would damage both countries. But Chinese concessions up front are also significant because tacitly they acknowledge weakness, even as China tries to present an image of trading dominance. Beijings clearest difficulty lies in its export-oriented growth model, which many in the West erroneously see as a strength. Because China overemphasizes manufacturing, it produces surpluses that get wasted unless its state-owned firms can sell them. Without buyers, stacks of rebar, jet engines, and the like will rust in factory yards, and iPhones and millions of team-logo t-shirts pose a storage problem. The structure depends on prosperity elsewhere to absorb Chinese products. Reports on Chinas recent economic growth surge underscore this dependency: even Chinas own statistical bureau pointed to the acceleration of growth in the United States and Europe as the cause of its spurt. Observers who fear Chinese manufacturing capacity point to the Wests vulnerability in this area. Because the United States and other developed economies have lost so much productive power to China, they would face shortages should Beijing decide to withhold supplies. Chinese refusal to export its products would hurt the West, perhaps even precipitating a recession, but inflicting this pain would come at great cost to China. Its export-oriented manufacturing would stagnate, and so, accordingly, would its export-dependent economy. Socially, China would suffer as well. Beijing fears a recurrence of the riots that rocked the nation during the great recession of 2008-09. Grand planning always carries the tendency to overreach. In the early years of this century, when Chinas exports of cheap toys and shoes propelled its economy to double-digit growth, the nations planners assumed that the pattern would last indefinitely. They built huge infrastructure projects and factories, and housing for millions of new manufacturing workers. Then the economy changed. Vietnam used its lower average wage to overtake Beijing in shoe and clothing manufacturing. China then had to deal with the excesses of its building program and with the associated debt burden. When the hot industries of the moment give way to something elseas they inevitably will, either to changing demands or competition from other economiesChina will again have huge surpluses and productive facilities that the world will no longer need. Competitive markets can also create excesses, of course. The housing crisis of 2008-09 offers a painful example. But the risk imposed on individual players in competitive economies provides a check on how far excesses can go, relative to what can happen in a centrally planned economy. Grand economic plans can dazzle observers. In the past, they have filled the notebooks of astonished journalists returning from China, as they did for those returning from Japan in the 1980s. But once things change, that impressive marshaling of effort leads to more waste and a greater need for adjustment than in market-based systems, where caution and the absence of the ability to command resources so thoroughly limits how far out of alignment things can get. Central planning keeps Chinese technology a step behind. In a strident two-hour talk given last month to the National Peoples Congress in Beijing, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang repeatedly stressed industrial policies, emphasizing the Made in China 2025 plan that emerged not long ago from the National Development and Reform Commission, the countrys planning agency. The plan intends to speed up work to build China into a leader in manufacturing by investing billions in big data and robotics, as well as semi-conductors and aircraft engines. Li gave special mention to clean cars. But China has no tradition of technological innovation. In fact, China insists on technology transfers from Western and Japanese partners, and has likely engaged in industrial espionage to steal the intellectual property of foreign firms and governments. These activities no doubt have kept China closer to the technological edge than it otherwise might be. As with other projects, central government planning has created impressive applications, most recently in robotics and artificial intelligence. But all this transfer and theft keeps China dependent on others for each upgrade. And because applications always wait until after the initial breakthrough, the practice ensures that China will remain behind the West. The trade talks could yet go awry. Washington has made clear its willingness to impose tariffs if negotiations dont work out. Should that happen, Beijing would almost certainly retaliate. But the prospects of reaching a compromise look good. The Trump administration, for all its bluster, knows that the U.S. economy would suffer in a trade warand Beijing, well aware of its comparative weaknesses, doesnt want one, either. Photo by Thomas Peter-Pool/Getty Images Over 80 per cent of EU nationals currently working in the charity sector would be ineligible to work in the UK, if the same rules that apply to non-EU nationals were applied to them, which would have a dramatic impact, researchers said. The findings were made in a report from the Institute of Public Policy which was commissioned by Charity Finance Group and published yesterday. The report The charity workforce in post-Brexit Britain: Immigration and skills policy for the third sector found that, if the same skills rules that applied to non-EU nationals were applied to EU nationals, 82 per cent of EU nationals would be ineligible to work in the UK. This increases to 87 per cent in social and residential care job roles. Speaking at the launch of the report at the All Party Parliamentary Group, report author Marley Morris, senior research fellow at IPPR, said: If you apply the model for skills on non-EU workers, it would mean quite simply a dramatic impact on the EU charity workers in the UK. The report also found that charities will face a skills shortage if they are unable to access workers from the European Union, as the number of EU nationals working in UK charities has more than doubled since 2000 from 14,000 to 31,000 around 4 per cent of the current charity workforce. The report also noted that a large majority of EU workers in the charity sector are from the old member states, mainly countries in Western Europe. It said: Approximately 72 per cent of EU workers in the charity sector are nationals of the EU14 member states the pre-2004 accession countries compared to 42 per cent of EU nationals in the UK workforce as a whole. It said that EU workers tend to be higher paid and more highly qualified than their UK and non-EU counterparts, and are largely concentrated in social work, residential care, education and membership organisations, tending to be younger and more highly qualified than UK workers. The report also found that charities also need help in getting to grips with the new system, as 62 per cent of respondents had no experience of the recruiting system for non-EU nationals. And that the charity sector is also ill-prepared to train up UK workers due to lack of funds. It found that more than half of charities say that they would have committed to more training in the past year with two thirds of those respondents saying that funding was a key barrier. Recommendations The report recommended a swift guarantee of free movement rights for current EU nationals, and a light-touch system for providing documentation. It also recommended the creation of a quasi-alignment with free movement of people system with the EU, which would enable people to continue to come to the UK but giving the UK the right to introduce controls when needed and support local workers. It also called for greater flexibility of the Apprenticeship Levy, if it stays, so that charities can give any unspent levy funds to other charities and therefore keep investment in the sector. The voice of charities has not been loud enough Speaking at the APPG, Andrew OBrien, director of policy and engagement at CFG, said that charities voices have not been heard during the Brexit debate, partly because the government hasnt been listening, and also because our voice hasnt been loud enough as a sector when it comes to making our views clear. He said that the minimum the CFG wants to see is a Brexit in which it is no harder for charities to do their jobs than before Brexit, and the work around getting the immigration system right will be critical to that. OBrien said that there is a danger of seeing a lot of time spent on how we are going to leave the European Union, rather than what we are actually going to be doing when we do leave the European Union. But charities also want the government to think about where they can use Brexit to improve the operating environment for charities. He said: I dont think that is a remain or a leave position, ultimately if you believe that staying in the EU was the right thing to do, you need to make the most of the opportunity to negate the negative effects of leaving the EU. And if you are a leaver, you want to reap the benefits of Brexit because that was the purpose in leaving in the first place. So I dont think it is a controversial statement to say that we want to have some articulation with government about what it is going to be using Brexit for. The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries International, the UK arm of a global Christian army of prayer warriors. The charity operates through a series of 40 branches in the UK and the Commission is concerned that trustees do not have adequate oversight and have failed to promptly report serious incidents to itself and the police. Its objectives include propagating Christianity through various channels including seminars and conventions, counselling programmes for the distressed, bereaved and the vulnerable, education through Bible studies, evangelical training and teaching, as well as the publication and distribution of educational print and media. MFM UK describes itself on its website as groundbreaking non-denominational fellowship committed to raising up an army of prayer warriors fully geared up to totally expose the activities of darkness preparatory to the coming of the end-time revival. The organisation was founded in Nigeria in 1989 and operates around the world. Local newspaper investigation Last year the charitys Liverpool branch was the focus of an investigation by the Liverpool Echo about claims that it recommended dangerous therapies to cure homosexuality. This prompted protests outside the church in October 2017. Loss of charitys money Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Internationals accounts for the year ending December 2016 reveal that there have been two incidents where money has been lost. The first relates to Gift Aid payments made on behalf of the charity for the years between 2005 and 2012. The second involves the mismanagement of funds by a branch. It said it cant estimate the amount that has been lost as both matters are currently under investigation by trustees and have been reported to Charity Commission. One branch is also involved in a planning dispute with a local council and there is currently an enforcement proceeding against the charity relating to a branch carrying out its activites in a rented property without prior permission from council. Its accounts also say that a spouse of one of the trustees works as a senior pastor for the church, receiving 35,000 during the year. Late filing accounts Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries International has been late filing its accounts in four out of the last five years, including the past three years. According to the accounts for the year ending December 2016 it had an income of 4.2m, which all came from donations or legacies, and an expenditure of 3.5m, which was all classed as charitable activities on the charitys listing on the register of charities. Its accounts say it had direct costs of 2.4m, including 76,000 on evangelism, 760,000 on conferences and events and 233,000 on wages and salaries. It then lists a further 1m as support costs, including a further 155,000 in wages and salaries. It employed 31 people in the year and nobody earned over 60,000. This year, all over the UK, weve celebrated and reflected on the centenary of some women gaining the vote. The suffrage campaigners paved the way for so many women and girls to have their voices heard at the highest levels, and were very much in their debt. We continue to walk the path towards equal rights for women and in June we will join thousands across the country in processions of purple, green and white to mark the centenary celebrations, and the role girls and young women are still playing in making change happen. 1918 was a special year for guiding for another reason. It was the year that the first chief guide, Olave Baden Powell, was appointed - a role to which I was elected earlier this year. This Volunteers Week, Im thinking of the role that all volunteers have played in our charity over the past one hundred years. Today there are 100,000 of us generously donating our time each week to change the lives of girls all over the UK. I wonder what Olave Baden-Powell would have made of Girlguiding today. Im sure shed think that quite a lot has changed. For one thing, we have a very different uniform to the formal skirts and berets that she and the first guiding leaders wore, with sweatshirts and trainers being as popular as sashes and neckerchiefs and a lot more useful when it comes to helping girls have adventures, whatever the weather! And many of the activities girls do in guiding have changed over the years too- indeed later this year, well be revealing a whole new programme of over 800 activities and badges to keep Girlguiding more relevant to girls than ever. 'So much has stayed the same' But, so much has stayed the same. Just like a century ago, our leaders give girls the space to be themselves, build their confidence and have fun. Our leaders show girls they can make a difference whether thats by bandaging the wounded in World War Two, to forging links across their communities, to campaigning to end period poverty. Our leaders show girls that not even the sky is a limit to what they can achieve, be it astronaut, adventurer or activist. But its not just the girls who benefit. I know how much volunteering has given me from my beginnings as a Brownie to my role as chief guide. Who could forget that first time the seven-year-old who was terrified of heights reaches the top of the climbing wall? Or the young woman who is offered her first-choice university place thanks to the interviewing and confidence skills shes learnt at Girlguiding? Or the presentation I gave at a national IT systems conference that went well because of all the skills I had developed as a trainer of adult volunteers in Girlguiding? Every time I think of how much I give to guiding, I realise that I reap it back a hundred times over. So this Volunteers Week, I want to celebrate the impact volunteering for Girlguiding has on not just girls, but on the volunteers themselves. This incredible movement of brave, brilliant, and dedicated people who give their all to improving the lives of thousands of girls, encouraging them to be empowered to be the change they want to see in the world. Please take time this week to thank someone you know who volunteers for any of the youth organisations. Our very first Chief Guide, Olave Baden Powell, said it best: Happiness comes not from what we have but from what we give and what we share. You could be part of the great adventure and open a world of opportunities for even more girls. Our recruitment campaign last year was a great success, but we need more and more volunteers to keep up with the demand why not be one of them? Civil Society Media is hosting its Charity People & Culture Conference on 18 September 2018. For more information, and to book, click here. U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson pledged Monday to work with federal, state and local officials to help thousands of Connecticut residents whose homes are falling apart because of defective concrete foundations. Carson made the promise while visiting the home of Maggie and Vincent Perracchio in Willington, Connecticut. Cracks began forming in their basement walls about three years ago and have spread upstairs, striking fear that the home might collapse someday. As compassionate individuals, we all should care about our neighbors, Carson said. That was one of the reasons that this country succeeded early on, because people cared about each other. As long as we adopt that feeling of truly caring, we will solve this problem. I cant imagine what its like for the homeowners, he said. By working together with the other federal agencies, with Congress, with the state and with the local officials as well as the private sector I cant emphasize enough the fact that this is something that impacts a lot of people and the solution really needs to be relatively comprehensive and involve all those different entities. The Perracchios home is one of an estimated 30,000 or more houses and condominiums built in eastern and central Connecticut from the mid-1980s to 2016 that could have failing foundations because of the presence of the mineral pyrrhotite in the concrete. It reacts naturally with oxygen and water, causing concrete to crack and crumble over the decades and making some homes unsellable and unlivable. Fixing the problem can cost $200,000 or more, which is more than some of the homes are worth. Many insurance companies have declined damage claims, leading to lawsuits by homeowners. Carson was joined by members of Connecticuts congressional delegation and Democratic Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman during the visit with the Perracchios. Democratic U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy said thousands of homes in Massachusetts also could be affected by the defective concrete, which has been traced to a Willington quarry that provided material to a concrete maker whose product was using in thousands of homes. This is a crisis here in Connecticut and we need help, Murphy said.The state legislature is trying to do their part, but we need help from our colleagues in Washington as well. Murphy and fellow Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal are sponsoring two bills that would provide $200 million in aid over five years to homeowners with failing foundations. Half the money would come from Carsons Department of Housing and Urban Development. Connecticut lawmakers passed legislation this year that would generate $10 million annually in aid for those homeowners over 10 years, by adding a $12 annual surcharge to the insurance policies of every Connecticut homeowner. For the Perracchios, who bought their home in 1991, the aid might not come soon enough. Maggie Perracchio said the current plan is for her, her husband and their 14-year-old son to stay in the house until the fall. Then theyll probably have to find somewhere else to live. We know were not going to last much longer here, she said. I hope that he (Carson) was able to appreciate the impact from a structural perspective. Im only going to hope that he has a full appreciation for the extent of the damage. Hopefully hell take that back with him. I was very honored that someone of his level in government took the time to come out and see the problem. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. For years, the Chicago Police Department has been trying to move past a shameful chapter characterized by coercion and brutality, shelling out multimillion-dollar settlements to men who were tortured into confessing to serious crimes they didnt commit. But as the number of cases linked to disgraced former police commander Jon Burge dwindles, a flurry of drug and murder convictions linked to two other former officers have been overturned. And the vindicated inmates are walking out of prison ready to sue. Chicago has already paid out well over $670 million in police misconduct cases in the past 15 years, but that expenditure could skyrocket due to current and future lawsuits from people who say they were framed by former Sgt. Ronald Watts or Detective Reynaldo Guevara. Weve had all kinds of police corruption, weve had police torture cases, but weve never had so many cases where there is clear evidence that police actually set people up for crimes they didnt commit, said Marshall Hatch, a prominent minister and activist on the citys West Side. Watts and Guevara handled tons more cases than Burge, said David Erickson, a former state appellate judge, who teaches at Chicago Kent College of Law. In just two years, at least 11 men who alleged Guevara framed them have had their murder convictions thrown out, bringing to 18 the number of men whose convictions were tossed amid allegations of brutality and coercion. At least a dozen more post-conviction petitions are pending. At least 12 of the 18 have sued and more lawsuits are sure to follow. The now-retired Guevara has not been charged with any crimes. He has helped inmates win freedom by repeatedly invoking his constitutional right against self-incrimination or insisting he couldnt remember facts, thus forcing prosecutors to dismiss charges in several cases. Jacques Rivera, whose lawsuit will be heard in court on Monday, alleges he was convicted of murder after Guevara and other officers conspired to manipulate the identification of the sole eyewitness to the attack, a 12-year-old boy. Since last fall, the drug convictions of nearly three dozen men all arrested by Watts and his men have been thrown out. More could follow. The University of Chicagos Exoneration Project has asked for another 70 convictions tied to Watts to be overturned. Joshua Tepfer, an attorney for the group, said Watts made more than 500 arrests before he was sentenced to prison in 2013 for stealing money from an FBI informant. What you have is years and years of systematic corruption that was just ignored and swept under the rug by the CPD and the city that they are having to answer for now, Tepfer said. Attorneys predict and city officials fear that Chicagos tab for police misconduct is about to climb just as the city seemed close to closing the books on cases tied to Burge and his so-called Midnight Crew. I thought we had turned a corner, said Alderman Howard Brookins Jr. It looks like we have not. Some think the cost of settling new cases will top the $115 million paid out to Burge victims. In 2009, a jury awarded $21 million to a man who spent 11 years in prison before he was retried and acquitted after witnesses testified that Guevara intimidated them into falsely identifying the man as the killer. The city later agreed to pay $16.4 million. The city must pay the first $15 million of any award or settlement before its insurance pays. Now that people understand with all these videotapes that the situation out there is real and believe cops would do this, you can put a multiplier in there, Brookins said. Every time charges are dropped against somebody who alleges Guevara framed them, attorneys say appeals in other Guevara cases become stronger. With Guevara, we put together this pattern that we can use to buttress individual cases, said Karen Daniel, director of Northwestern Universitys Center on Wrongful Convictions. The organization represented Gabriel Solache, who spent nearly two decades in prison for a double murder before a judge threw out his confession to Guevara. Prosecutors dropped charges against Solache in December. Jose Maysonet spent nearly 27 years in prison for a double-murder in a Guevara case before prosecutors dropped the charges against him. Maysonets attorney, Steve Greenberg, said he expects Guevara cases will be more expensive for the city than those associated with Burge, because the public knows more than ever before. The more times the city gets caught, the price goes up, he said. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Illinois lawmakers have come up with an unusual solution to combat its opioid crisis, allowing doctors to prescribe medical marijuana instead of opiates as a way to curb a growing epidemic. Doctors could choose to temporarily prescribe cannabis for patients who suffer from conditions traditionally treated with opioids. The plan, which is on the governors desk, is meant to address a growing opioid crisis in the state: 11,000 people have died from opioid-related overdoses since 2008, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. In 2016, opioid deaths were nearly double the number of fatal car crashes. This is a compassionate and commonsense approach to dealing with something we universally acknowledge is a problem, said Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Chicago Democrat who championed the legislation (SB336) in the House. Opioid addiction is ravaging communities. Cassidy added that the program is aimed at preventing more Illinoisans from becoming addicted to opioids by instead offering an alternative, non-addictive treatment for short-term conditions. If implemented, the program would be unique, according to national cannabis experts, and would expand Illinois anemic medical marijuana market 10 times over. Kris Krane, former associate director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said that the program would put a real dent in the opioid crisis, and could bring in badly needed revenue to a state drowning in billions of dollars of debt. There would be tremendous benefit to the state from an expansion in terms of jobs and the taxes that comes along with an industry expanding by more than 10 times the current size, said Krane, who is president of 4Front, a medical cannabis consultant company that also operates marijuana dispensaries in multiple states. The plan also eliminates some barriers to access of the states restrictive medical marijuana program. It would remove requirements that patients undergo background checks and fingerprint scans, which critics argue disproportionately prevents lower-income and minority communities from obtaining the drug. Drug law enforcement takes place more vigorously in lower income communities and communities of color, Krane said, adding that those who would benefit from medical cannabis often cant access it if they have prior convictions. Many of those convictions, he said, are for marijuana possession. While the plan was overwhelmingly bipartisan, it may run into trouble with Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, who has resisted expanded access to medical marijuana and enacted the restrictive program back in 2015. The governors spokeswoman, Rachel Bold, did not immediately reject the idea when it passed the Senate in April, saying that Rauner is looking at any and all possible solutions to the opioid crisis. That answer came only two months after the Rauner administration decided to appeal a circuit court decision ordering the state to expand access to the drug for those diagnosed with chronic pain, a condition commonly treated with opioids. The proposed program is expected to give those with chronic pain access to medical marijuana at least temporarily, which could prove a workaround to the governors court fight. For Sen. Don Harmon, who sponsored the legislation in the Senate, the state needs every tool available to fight a growing public health crisis. Opioid addiction takes the lives of thousands of Illinoisans every year, said the Oak Park Democrat. We should be open to any reasonable alternative treatment and no one has ever died of a cannabis overdose. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Floridians who are eligible to receive medical marijuana will still have to wait a long time to access smokable products if a judge lifts a stay. An attorney representing the states Department of Health said Monday that even if smokable medical marijuana is made legal, it would not be immediately available. Assistant Attorney General Karen Brodeen said it would take several months for the department to make rules and for medical marijuana treatment centers to stock the product. Leon County circuit court Judge Karen Gievers heard testimony Monday on a motion that would vacate a stay on a May 25 ruling that said a provision banning smokable cannabis was unconstitutional. The state immediately filed an appeal which led to an automatic stay against the rulings implementation. John Morgans People United for Medical Marijuana and two patients with terminal illnesses appealed the stay. Jon Mills, who represents the plaintiffs, said if the stay is vacated, then the Department of Health should get to work on creating rules even if further litigation continues. Theres no excuse for delay at this point, Mills said. We have tens of thousands of people in Florida who could benefit. We need to expedite it as much as possible. Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment in November 2016 allowing the use of medical marijuana, which left it up to the Legislature to approve enacting laws. Morgan, who was the guiding force behind the amendment, has noted that a statement of intent shared with the public before voters approved the constitutional amendment made it clear that smokable marijuana wouldnt be used in public. He also added we said very clearly that if its not allowed in public, it is allowed in private. Morgans People United for Medical Marijuana filed a lawsuit last July, less than a month after the Florida Legislature last year banned smokable medical marijuana due to health risks. The state has argued that the Department of Health and Legislature have a role in regulating public health and that the smoking ban addresses reasonable health and safety concerns. Gievers wrote in her 22-page ruling that the ability to smoke medical marijuana was implied in the amendments language and is a protectable right when used in private places. Gievers said she would decide on the stay as quickly as possible. If she does rule to vacate, she could put a seven-day delay in place so that the Department of Health could start coming up with rules for treatment centers to cultivate and sell smokable pot. The state would likely appeal to the states 1st District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee. It will be the second medical marijuana case that court will be taking up after Gievers ruled last month that a Tampa man Joseph Redner is entitled under state law to possess, grow and use marijuana for juicing. Redner was prescribed juicing treatments from his doctor to prevent a relapse of stage 4 lung cancer. The stay on that ruling remains in place. Mills said this case is different because the smoking ban applies to everyone. (A previous version of the story incorrectly identified the plaintiffs attorney as John Morgan instead of Jon Mills.) Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Lava from Hawaiis erupting Kilauea volcano has destroyed more than 100 homes in a rural Big Island district. As of Monday, lava burned down 117 homes, said Hawaii County spokeswoman Janet Snyder. On Friday, the count was at 87 homes. Officials had previously been updating the number of structures burned because it was difficult to tell from aerial surveys which were homes or other buildings. Snyder said from now on, the county will provide counts of homes destroyed. Officials were waiting for a count of how many homes were destroyed in an area called Kapoho. Snyder said it was difficult to count homes in that area from the air because of steam produced from lava entering the ocean. Thousands in the Puna district had to evacuate after lava fissures started opening in neighborhoods a month ago. Officials had issued mandatory orders for residents of Leilani Estates and those in Kapoho Beach and Vacationland to leave by Friday afternoon or risk being trapped and unreachable by emergency crews. Pahoa, Hawaii, May 19, 2018 Home destroyed by lava during the Kilauea volcanic eruption. The residential area of Leilani Estates has been evacuated and is monitored by local authorities with support from the Hawaii National Guard. Photo: Grace Simoneau/FEMA Residents in the nearby areas should also be prepared to evacuate with little notice, officials said. On Sunday, a U.S. Geological Survey field crew was in a helicopter when they noticed people on the ground needed help. The crew landed and confirmed the three people had no cellphone reception. The flight crew went to a safe location and dropped off the USGS team, then went back and airlifted the people to safety, Janet Babb said, a USGS geologist. Helicopter footage from USGS on Monday showed lava from one fissure entering the ocean at Kapoho Bay. Scientists said a laze plume was blowing inland from the ocean entry but dissipating quickly. Laze is formed when hot lava hits the ocean, reacts with sea water and sends hydrochloric acid and steam with fine glass particles in the air. Officials warned the public to stay away from the plume because it can irritate skin and eyes and make it difficult to breathe. Lava has covered a total of 8 square miles (20 square kilometers), scientists said Monday. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said Monday that parts of the channelized flow from a fissure were starting to break out and move north. There have been various arrests of people forcing their way through blocked areas. Police on Monday said a 62-year-old man sped through a checkpoint near an intersection where lava was approaching. He faces charges that include refusing to evacuate and reckless driving. Police said a 55-year-old man was arrested last week after he circumvented a traffic checkpoint and crashed his vehicle into a hardened lava flow. The monthlong eruption has claimed as much as a half of a forest reserve thats home to native birds and trees that have already been declining because of disease, state officials said. Most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has been closed since May 11 because of earthquakes and continuous explosions from the volcanos summit crater. Continued earthquakes, including Sundays magnitude 5.5 quake, damaged the overlook deck and other features at Jagger Museum in the national park, where most visitors go to see the summit lava lake, park spokeswoman Jessica Ferracane said. Unlike lava, which you can see coming and avoid, we cannot see or predict earthquakes, nor can we foresee a summit explosion, but both threats continue, park Superintendent Cindy Orlando said. Its not known when the heavily visited Kilauea section of the park will reopen. (AP journalist Caleb Jones contributed to this report.) Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. AKRON, Ohio - As the opiate crisis continues to unfold in Summit County and across the U.S., Akron Children's Hospital has launched a program aimed at preventing children and teens from ever becoming addicted. Children's new Addiction Services Program will roll out in phases, in a region with one of the highest overdose rates in the country. According to the Summit County executive's office, the county counted more deaths from drug overdoses in 2015 and 2016 than overdose deaths in the decade of 2000 to 2009. "Solving this problem will not be easy and will require a multidisciplinary effort," said Akron Children's President Grace Wakulchik in a news release. "As a leader in pediatric care, we felt the need to be more strategic in our services - with the ultimate goal of preventing today's children and teens from becoming the next generation of adults struggling with lifelong addiction." Children's addiction program is supported through a $250,000 donation from FedEx Custom Critical, to help Children's have an impact on the epidemic, said FedEx Custom Critical President and CEO Virginia Addicott. The opiate crisis affects families, she said, and that bleeds over into the workforce and the economy. "Every single social service is impacted by this," Addicott said. "Many, many businesses really need to get involved because this is such a critical thing for our community." A $300,000 donation also came from Brian Malone and Lea Heidman, who lost their 21-year-old daughter, Alyssa. Alyssa had been prescribed opiates after several surgeries, and, despite medical care, she succumbed to addiction and died in 2015. The gift is from the family's personal funds and Fighting for Alyssa, a foundation created in their daughter's memory. In 2017, Summit County emergency rooms treated 354 overdose patients under 25 years old. Yet many people don't realize the impact the epidemic is having on children, through their own addiction or through contact with addicted caregivers or family members, said Dr. Sarah Friebert. Friebert, who helped create the new program, is founder and medical director of Akron Children's Haslinger Pediatric Palliative Care Center. What's more, the long-term effects of neonatal addiction are still unclear, she said. "It's not as simple as just 'say no to drugs,'" Friebert said. "These kids are in a soup that's got all these ingredients that affects them on so many levels." And though high school kids don't usually use heroin, drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana can have consequences. Experimentation at a young age has been correlated with drug and alcohol abuse and dependence when kids are older, Children's Hospital reports. Dr. Sarah Friebert helped create Children's Addiction Services Program, and is founder and medical director of Children's Haslinger Pediatric Palliative Care Center. Phase 1 of Children's Addiction Services Program, which has been in the works for two years, will take a multidisciplinary approach to prevention, starting with education, screening, care coordination, referral and community outreach. An important component of Phase 1 is identifying community organizations with programs in place to understand what's available and find out where there are gaps, Friebert said. "We want to be aware of the resources so we can connect people with what will be helpful for them," she said. As information is gathered and processed, and partnerships established, Children's program will serve as a central resource for the community, for both treatment and prevention. "There's something to be said for the environment kids are growing up in," Friebert said. "There are ways we can offer them opportunities to connect with other people, with mentors. To show them stimulation other than chemicals." Connecting children with others is important because of the prevalence of social media, Friebert said. "We're living in this wasteland of communication now," she said. "We're so connected on social media yet we have all these kids who are isolated. The more connected we are the more disconnected we are in life." Although opiates are prevalent in today's news, Children's program will work to build its network to serve children and young people with any kind of addiction, Friebert said. As more funding becomes available and the program grows, medically assisted treatment and outpatient care will also be added as part of Phase 2 of the program. "Ultimately, once Summit County figures out how to do this, we can become a model and move from the worst in the country to the best," she said. For more information about Children's Addiction Services Program, call 330-543-3343. 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. AKRON, Ohio - Akron wants to partner with Summit County and local communities to upgrade its safety dispatch system, which would boost speed, accuracy and safety for residents and first responders. With Akron City Council approval, Akron will chip in $3.1 million to buy the Tyler New World Computer Aided Dispatch System, which will be shared by Summit County, Cuyahoga Falls, Fairlawn, Stow and Green. Akron's share represents about 52 percent of the total cost, which was divided based on the partnering communities' call volumes. Any ongoing costs for maintenance of the system will be divided the same way, said Akron spokeswoman Ellen Lander-Nischt. Between the partner communities, the majority of hardware infrastructure is already in place for the new system. Akron would pay its share of the new software through the 9-1-1 fund and from Issue 4 money. Issue 4 is a .25 percent income tax increase approved by voters last November to support Akron fire and police departments, and to fix Akron roadways. The 9-1-1 fund is money from the state, collected at 25 cents per cell bill, and distributed to local communities. Akron has been saving a portion of that income specifically for a new software system, Lander-Nischt said The new Computer Aided Dispatch System will be integrated with Akron's police and fire records, and used by safety communications centers to input and dispatch calls, including 911, and to share information across communities. Akron's 23-year-old system has an interface that more closely resembles early DOS computing than a modern Windows system. With limited functionality, it only relays information gleaned from 911 calls. It can't provide patient alerts and medical information or details from prior calls, she said. It also can't provide first-responders with directions to emergency locations. "It's older than it should be for an obviously critical, critical system," Lander-Nischt said. "Every year we go without replacing it, it increases the risk of some sort of unavoidable failure." Akron's system can't create real-time reports either, requiring staff to create them manually, Lander-Nischt said, and it takes significant time and resources to maintain it. Partnering on the system is estimated to save the city of Akron $700,000 initially and as more communities join the partnership, the city's savings should increase, she said. The interface of Akron's 23-year-old safety communications dispatch system more closely resembles early DOS computing than a modern Windows system. The new software, by Tyler Technologies, is also a records management system that's expected to increase accuracy. In emergency situations, it will offer location information and real-time mapping, relaying information from prior calls and tracking field-unit responses. And, if the connection is broken to the server, a "catch-up" feature will allow dispatchers to continue processing emergency calls. "We are getting a massive upgrade in terms of functionality," Lander-Nischt said. "This will really be a game-changer." Other features of the new system, include: immediate access to patient medical alerts; real-time information related to the emergency location, improving first responders' safety and effectiveness; quick analysis of trends and safety hot spots to enhance crime prevention; streamlined work flow between the partner communities' safety departments; seamless cell-call routing between the communities; accurate safety information sharing, between agencies, such as known warrants at addresses; text-to-911 capability; and immediate turn-by-turn navigation to emergency locations. As part of the purchase, all product updates for the Computer Aided Dispatch System are free and usage is unlimited for the software and its modules, Lander-Nischt said. Upon City Council approval, expected in the next two weeks, the city estimates it will have the system fully implemented within 18 months. 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. AKRON, Ohio - The Knight Foundation has invested $104,000 in creation of Akron's new Office of Integrated Development. The grant will bring in planning professional Lynn M. Ross to help the city create the new office, which is a merger of the Planning and Urban Development and Economic Development departments, and elements of the Akron Engineering Bureau. The funding will also help officials develop a six-month tactical plan and a three-year strategic plan The Office of Integrated Development was recommended by Mayor Dan Horrigan's Akron Growth Council, which is tasked with finding ways to secure outside investment in the city and create jobs. "Our local, regional, and national economy is changing rapidly," Horrigan said in a news release. "The city must also change our approach if we hope to realize the economic and population growth we all want to see. The Office of Integrated Development allows us to better leverage our human and financial capital to be more responsive, more innovative, and more strategic with our limited resources." Akron Chief of Staff James Hardy is directing the new office. It's designed to eliminate duplication of efforts in economic and community development, he said. With the city's planning, engineering and economic development professionals working together with businesses, developers and neighborhood groups, communication will be clearer and projects will able to move forward more quickly and efficiently. "All of us will be working under the same mission, vision and values, and all working toward the same goals," Hardy said. Hardy's team will work with Ross to establish the office's mission, vision and values, and create the strategic and tactical plans. When the plans are made public, the new will host community engagement events for input, Hardy said. Ross has worked with groups around the world in issues of housing, organizational planning and community development. The founder of Spirit for Change Consulting, she directed Knight's Community and National Initiatives program, and served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Development in the Office of Policy Development and Research at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. She also oversees engagement for Reimagining the Civic Commons, a Knight-funded initiative that's active in Summit County and four other U.S. locations. Locally, the Knight organization partners with the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition on projects that invigorate civic spaces to bring together residents from all walks of life. "Our Integrated Development team is thrilled to partner with a leader as accomplished as Lynn Ross," said Hardy said in the release. "We are committed to synthesizing the recommendations of the Growth Council, the Downtown Akron Vision and Redevelopment Plan, and the City-County-Chamber planning process, under a common vision that OID staff can work to execute." You can follow the work of the Office of Integrated Development on Facebook. 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. AKRON, Ohio -- A 22-year-old man is accused of shooting and killing another man who chased him Tuesday evening following a robbery at the apartment of the man's girlfriend. Christian Pittman is charged with murder. He suffered a gunshot wound to the buttocks during the incident and was treated and released from the hospital, according to a news release from Akron police. Pittman is currently being held in Summit County Jail. Officers responded about 5 p.m. to reports of gunfire on Everton Drive near Vernon Odom Boulevard. A 27-year-old man was found with several gunshot wounds near the pool of Spring Hill Apartments. A security officer tried to help him. The medical examiner pronounced him dead on scene. The man's girlfriend told police that two men walked into her apartment with guns, pushed her around and took an undisclosed amount of money before leaving, police said. The boyfriend chased the gunmen from the apartment building east through the complex and was shot several times, police said. Detectives are attempting to identify another man and woman who are possibly involved in the incident. The shooting remains under investigation. If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments section. AKRON, Ohio -- A 27-year-old man was shot and killed Tuesday evening near an apartment complex, officials say. The shooting happened shortly after 5 p.m. in the area of Springhill Apartments on Everton Drive near Vernom Odom Boulevard in the city's Lane-Wooster neighborhood, the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office said. Neighbors called police to report the sound of gunfire. A security guard found the man on the ground next to a walkway, officials say. The Akron Fire Department arrived and found the man unresponsive with several gunshot wounds. The medical examiner pronounced him dead about 5:30 p.m. Officials have not released the name of the man and police have not said if they made any arrests. If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments section. BROOK PARK, Ohio -- As a means of controlling meeting pace, City Council considered instituting a 6-minute time limit per speaker when the public addresses council from the podium. But the idea received a lukewarm response during a recent caucus. Currently, when someone speaks during audience participation at a regular City Council meeting, he or she has no time restriction and can comment on any subject. It's not unusual to see speakers refer to several pages of notes when expressing their opinions. After the public has spoken -- which can take 30, 45 or even more than 60 minutes -- a special motion initiated by a council member usually follows to address the audience in response to whatever issues were raised. That often adds another 15 to 30 minutes to the meeting length. Most city councils do not conduct meetings this way, with at least 14 cities in the general vicinity having 3- to 5-minute time limits for audience participation, Council President Mike Vecchio said. Those communities include Brunswick, Independence, North Olmsted, Parma, Strongsville, Westlake, Barberton and Parma Heights. "Some have gone as far as to eliminate speaking on any subject and containing participation to items on the agenda," Vecchio told council. "We do want to hear from our residents, but some of the personal stuff (said from the podium) needs to be negated. I am in support of reducing the time and keeping things on point." Councilman Jim Mencini stressed that he believes in the right of every resident to speak, but the tone needs to remain professional. "I know not everybody will be happy with this (proposed time limit) ... but it's not the place for people to come up and give personal feelings and express political agendas," Mencini said. Councilmen Rich Scott, Brian Poindexter and Greg Stemm did not express strong opinions for or against a time limit, but Rick Salvatore and Ed Orcutt staunchly opposed it. Salvatore emphasized that Vecchio can stop "any unnecessary dialogue" when it occurs. Orcutt said he won't support any restriction because "it's (the public's) microphone." Council then voted unanimously that the topic was discussed, with no action to follow at this time. Michael Januska knows the process of making fresh cheese is pretty straightforward: Heat milk, add coagulant, strain solid curds from liquid whey and, voila , you have fluffy ricotta. He also knows that aged cheese, like Gouda, Swiss or Parmesan, is another matter, a form of art. The original milk must be inoculated with the right kind of good-bacteria "starter," the curds pressed into forms, and those shapes aged at the right temperature, position and humidity to cure them into a full-flavored existence. Months can pass. "That's when the magic happens," says Januska. Get Michael Januska's recipes for: Burrata, Fresh Fig and Prosciutto Salad Banh Mi Sandwich with Old Brooklyn Smoked Cheese Downstairs from his airy, first-floor shop, Old Brooklyn Cheese Company, is Januska's "aging cave," a small, spotless, white room. The windowless space hums with an air conditioner and humidifier he modified himself, saving more than $10,000 in the cost of ready-made equipment. Lining the room's shelves are pie-sized cheese wheels in various stages of fermentation. Januska whips out his cheese iron, which looks like a skinny apple corer, and twists it into the side of one wheel. Out comes a pencil-sized sample for tasting. "Yeah, it's ready," he says of the buttery, Treadway Creek, named after a nearby stream. Part machinist, part world-traveled chef, Januska, 45, is not the only cheesemaker in Ohio, or in Cleveland. Nor is he the only boutique cheesemaker. But there aren't many of either these days, and Januska claims to have the only stand-alone cheese shop in Cleveland, a space with Victorian-high ceilings, glass cases and the name of the store scripted on the wall with multi-colored cheese labels. Given the disappearance of many of the city's specialty food stores, being the only one for cheese comes with a risk. His cheese wizardry boosts his chances of success. After a year in business -- about the time it takes to cure a fine Manchego -- Januska has attracted the attention of Heinen's supermarkets, where his cheese is soon expected to be sold. Diners will find it at Zack Bruell's flagship restaurant, L'Albatros, where more than one Old Brooklyn creation now sits on the house cheese board. A local distributor, Agora Foods, eagerly stepped up to be Januska's distributor, and another cheesemaker in town, Lake Erie Creamery, partners with him in making Goatzart, "like Mozart," he says, an aged goat cheese with an olive-oil wash that makes the rind look like it was rubbed with charcoal. "It closely mimics a cheese from Montenegro, Spain, that I love and find hard to get," said Amanda Hartman, certified cheese specialist at L'Albatros in University Circle. "It's a very tangy, spicy, peppery delight," she said, "gentle in the middle with a rind that kicks you in the teeth with flavor. It's tremendous." Old Brooklyn is new to the market, but already Hartman can rattle off the names of cheeses that she's tried and liked, including Punk, a smoked hot paprika version that mimics chorizo, to the delight of some vegetarians. Or the Treadway Creek, an Alpine variation that Januska washed with Porter for Collision Bend Brewing Company's St. Patrick's Day menu. Or Pickle in the Middle, which he spiked with dill and some of the plump-seeded mustard he makes in-house. "The ability for him to age cheese is important," said Anne Somoroff, head cheese buyer for Heinen's. "Local cheeses are very few and lots are fresh. The aging puts a whole new light on what is being done at the local level." She especially likes that he uses a regional milk from Hartzler Dairy in Wooster. "I'm always excited to see his growth," she said of Januska. "The question is whether he can ramp up production. He needs to nail that down, but I'm definitely going to carry them." Januska has a lot he'd like to nail down. During one follow-up interview he was finishing an application to Cleveland Chain Reaction, an investor source that recently decided to focus on Old Brooklyn. If he had a few hundred thousand dollars, he said, he could go into bigger production with his cheeses, and his mustard, which he describes as a kind of a seed-based caviar. But his entrepreneur's enthusiasm is tempered with corporate reserve. There are reasons he's cautious about growth, and some have to do with the wild arc of his professional life. Januska was a disinterested criminology major in Florida when he got a job flipping burgers at Planet Hollywood in Disneyworld. It wasn't what he imagined at home in Avon Lake, when, as a teenager, he tried to re-create a dish he liked at the woodsy White Oaks restaurant. Instead, Disneyworld turned out to be a nightmare of burger flip quotas. "I came home and I cried," he said. "This is madness. Is this how people live?" He enrolled at (the former) Southeastern Culinary Institute in Orlando and worked in hotel catering. The degree gave him confidence and a calling card. When he got back to Cleveland, he landed well, working as sous chef at Marlin, Marlin Kaplan's now-closed creative American bistro on East Sixth Street. Januska latched on to the mentorship of chef Donna Chriszt there, followed her to the now defunct Jeso. Before it closed, he decided to head to London, where the culinary scene was starting to percolate. "For me, an American chef in London, it was like pixie dust. It was 1998 and they were all, like, hey how do you do this like Bobby Flay?" Januska followed the money, moving into management for British restaurant groups such as Montana and Wagamama. At times, it's hard to imagine his quiet personality overseeing 60 chefs or taking responsibility for the ordering of 15,000 pounds of noodles. "I didn't learn about food there," he recalls. "I learned the business systems, profit and loss, budgets, all the areas where most chefs fail. "I treated other people's money like it was mine." Then family ties called him back to Cleveland. "I felt like I was a nobody. I had to start from zero. Zero credit, no driver's license, no car." He remembered fondly that one of his London restaurants was near Neal's Yard Dairy, a cheesemonger, the British word for cheese seller. He'd pop by often for cheese and pick their brains about how it all worked. "All the cheeses are out there at a lower temperature than refrigeration. The smell was incredible. It was like the smell of bread baking, or the first time you pick a fresh leaf of basil or a lemon off a tree. You just wanted to go on tasting and learning." When he found no stand-alone cheese shop back in Cleveland, he and his fiancee Angie Balbo, saw an opening. By this time, he also had worked as head chef for a Westlake restaurant and left. "Gallucci's, West Side Market, Heinen's, Whole Foods, I love all those guys and what they offer. But, in my opinion, there's not enough love in it. Plastic wrap ruins cheese and there's often nobody there to explain the different kinds." Unlike most cheesemakers, Januska spends four mornings a week working in his dad's (Bob) machine shop, Superior Pneumatics in Westlake. He feels useful there, developing tools for shaping sheet metal and others that clean rust off ocean liners. "I've built the cheese business in tiers so I always have a back-up system. I just don't want to fail. Everybody at the shop (including Balbo, and his assistant Morgan Cushing, a former Heinen's cheese employee) is doing everything they can to make it on a shoestring budget. "I'd love to expand, to take the space above me and made a cheese-based restaurant: simple, cleanly executed, with stunning views of the Cleveland skyline. I'd like to do a million jars of the mustard and go national. "But at this point I can't overreach myself." His cheese imagination doesn't have to wait. He's now making Snowdrift Brie, fresh feta and other new flavors. He dreams of making one in the Parmigiano Reggiano style, although he couldn't use that legally protected name. He dreams of big, 80-pound wheels of cheese floating in brine and curing for two years. It makes him both excited and nervous. "I'm not prepared to do it yet. That's 24 months of money sitting there, curing, and, who knows, I might not even be happy with it. "But it could be cool. Nobody here is doing anything like that because nobody wants to wait that long." For him, there's magic in the waiting. IF YOU GO: What: Old Brooklyn Cheese Co. Where: 4138 Pearl Road (south of Cleveland Zoo), Cleveland, 44109 When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday - Friday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Contact: oldbrooklyncheesecompany.com, 216-860-4000 Events: Check online for new cheese releases and workshops, facebook.com/pg/obcheese CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio - When the owners of Missing Mountain Brewing Co. looked around for a site, it wasn't the main drag of Front Street or their dreams of envisioning people sipping good beer that convinced them they had the right space. While those things mattered, it actually was the back yard that sold them. "We saw the back of the building, and it was amazing," said Keith McFarlane, one of four owners along with Dan Kephart, Dave Bertolotti and Danny Yagersz. "A space like this just doesn't exist in many spots," Bertolotti said. And while that back yard is something special - above the Cuyahoga River that winds its way through Cuyahoga Falls - the owners have a keen eye for sharp design touches as well as tasty beer. "We want to have more of a warm feeling, almost like you are going into your own home - more charm, more intimate," McFarlane said. Craft-beer lovers will be able to judge for themselves when the 3,400-square-foot space holds its grand opening Saturday and Sunday, June 9-10. Initially the owners planned one building to house everything they needed but wound up with two - one for the taproom and kitchen, the adjacent one for brewery equipment. Construction started in late August-early September. Bertolotti and Yagersz knew each other from the University of Akron, and McFarlane learned they were avid snowboarders. Mutual interests also included home brewing, one thing led to another, and here they are. But the opening represents more than just being able to pour craft beers. It's about a familial camaraderie they are hoping to foster both with their staff and public. Already, the support from colleagues has been amazing, they said. The folks at MadCap in Kent offered sound advice as did the owners of HiHo, a fellow Cuyahoga Falls brewery. McArthur's Brew House, just down the street, lent an oxygen tank late one night. Shaun Yasaki of Noble Beast was a huge help, they said, as was Akronym's Shawn Adams. McFarlane is head brewer, assisted by Bertolotti. They are using a 10-barrel system and have an Imperial Stout aging in barrels now. (They want to do a sour program at some point, they said.) Ten beers are on tap, and there's room for 20 total taps for a sour or two, a cider and potential collaborations with area breweries. Their license allows for wine and liquor. Flights, samples, glasses and growlers will be offered. Crowlers are coming down the line. Current taps: * Kolsch * Blonde Ale * American Pale Ale * Belgian Trappist-style ale * Imperial Stout * Robust Porter * Hazy India Pale Ale * New England India Pale Ale * Orange Cream Ale * Raspberry Cream Ale The neatest thing about the taproom might be the "faucets," or taps. Bertolotti first saw the slender outlets at the famous Hill Farmstead Brewery, which is located about 35 miles from where he grew up in Vermont. Using this style of faucet "allows us to create a blend - 60 percent C02, 40 percent nitrogen - to turn up the pressure without foaming," McFarlane said. The faucets yield more creaminess and less waste, they said. So the doors open officially this weekend, and while the faucets are definitely worth checking out, so is that patio. The spacious 2,000-square foot patio-deck holds about 20 tables while overlooking the river and a long stretch of trees. It's the perfect "stress reliever to catch your breath," McFarlane said. Six-pack of facts about Missing Mountain Brewing Co. * It's at 2811 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls. * Hours: 4-10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 4-11 p.m. Thursday; 2 p.m.-midnight Friday; 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday; 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Sunday. * The space keeps a minimalistic look. Reclaimed pallets form a cool high-wall design near hanging lights. A friend of the owners built the long, sleek tabletops from Amish wood. The approach to the taproom design is "to bring some of the brewhouse into it," McFarlane said. Furniture came via Etsy. The Red Twig in Hudson did a lot of the floral work. But the focus, though, has to be on the beer, they said. "At the end of the day, that's why we're here, the whole reason we have the taproom. The beer lets us keep that on stage," McFarlane said. * When there is a game on or when something big is happening, the television will be tuned in. But generally they are hoping folks will mingle and talk with each other. * Food will include house chips and guacamole, pretzels made from a local man who hails from Bavaria, and pizza, wraps, salads and sandwiches. A catering option will be available. As much as possible, they aim to source locally and limit processed food. Gluten-free and vegetarian offerings also are included. * There's about 15 employees, with eight bartenders, three cooks and several support staffers. LYNDHURST, Ohio -- Assault, Meadow Wood Boulevard: At 8:35 p.m. May 30, a man went to the police station with his daughter, 6, and reported that the girl had been assaulted by another girl, 12. The man stated that his daughter had been choked and hit. The incident occurred at a softball game at Sunview Elementary School, 5520 Meadow Wood Blvd. The younger girl was not in need of medical attention. Police are attempting to contact the 12-year-old's mother. Theft, Cedar Road: At 11:05 p.m. June 3, a manager at Bar Louie, 24337 Cedar Road, called police to report that a party walked out without paying a bill in excess of $3,000. The manager called the responsible party in an effort to work out a resolution, but was not successful. Police called the responsible party, as well, and stated that theft charges would be filed if the matter was not resolved with management. OVI, Mayfield Road: At 9:55 p.m. June 3, police stopped an erratically driven car on Mayfield Road. The driver, a Lyndhurst woman, 21, was found to be intoxicated. The woman's blood-alcohol content was .207, above the state minimum for drunk driving of .08. The woman was charged with OVI. OVI, Richmond Road: At 3:55 a.m. June 3, a caller reported that a Lexus automobile had been driven upon a tree lawn and that the man driving was slumped over the steering wheel. The caller stood by until police arrived. Police arrested the man on an OVI charge. Drug abuse, Richmond Road: At 1:05 a.m. June 3, police stopped a car driven by a Cleveland man, 30, who had a suspended license. It was subsequently learned that the man was in possession of marijuana. He was charged with driving under suspension and marijuana possession. Cruelty to animals, Brainard Road: At 11:40 p.m. June 2, a caller reported that his sister saw a resident strike her dog with a broom handle and further abuse the animal. A man and woman at the house where the incident took place were irate with officers, and the woman refused to identify herself. The woman later did identify herself. She was told police would investigate the matter. Warrant arrest, Cedar Road: At noon June 2, staff at Giant Eagle, 25105 Cedar Road, reported that a man known to have shoplifted at the store in the past was told to leave and refused to do so. By the time police arrived, the man had walked out of the store and toward the nearby Hyatt Hotel. There, officers stopped and spoke with him. It was learned that the man, 40, of Cleveland, was wanted on University Heights and Shaker Heights police warrants. The man was turned over to the University Heights Police Department. OVI, Mayfield Road: At 7:30 a.m. June 2, a caller reported that a drunk woman in a car was at the Get Go gas station, 5275 Mayfield Road. Also in the car was the woman's dog. Police found that the Lyndhurst woman, 42, was drunk and charged her with OVI. An officer called the woman's husband, who came and picked up the dog. If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page. EASTLAKE, Ohio -- An Akron man was under the influence when his work truck went off the side of the road and struck and killed a teenager girl, police say. Eric Dean Jones, 26, is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, operating a vehicle under the influence and failure to control in the death of 17-year-old Maddisan Chase, the Eastlake Police Department said in a post on its Facebook page. Investigators did not say what Jones was under the influence of. He appeared at an arraignment hearing Wednesday morning Willoughby Municipal Court by video, police said. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and received of bond of $500,000. The truck struck Chase Tuesday at 1:45 p.m. on Vine Street near East 337th Street, near the Vineyards Shopping Center. Jones' truck went off the right side of the street and struck Chase, then continued on before striking a pole at the corner of Vine Street and East 337th Street, investigators said. If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments section. CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland school district is asking parents and the public to lobby state officials to preserve some state funding of the city's school construction project. District CEO Eric Gordon and Chief Operating Officer Pat Zohn used much of a community meeting Tuesday night at Gallagher Elementary School on the West Side to lay out details of the district's ongoing fight with the state over school construction costs. See their presentation below. They then urged the crowd of 50 parents, teachers and other residents to call their state legislators, the governor's office and the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) - the state panel overseeing state-funded construction - to oppose a cap on state construction aid. They even called on residents to attend an August 16 OFCC event in Independence and that board's regular quarterly meeting on October 25 in Columbus. "The district cannot do this alone," Gordon said. Joining in that call were Cleveland Teachers Union Vice President Tracy Raddich and City Councilman Matt Zone. Raddich told residents that if people bombard their legislators and the governor's office with calls and letters, they can make this issue a priority. Zone said residents should feel frustrated at the reduced state support of new schools in Cleveland. "We're all a little disappointed with the news we received, but we're a little more enlightened and we'll go into advocacy mode," Zone said, pledging to rent a van or bus to take people to Columbus in October. Though the district is promoting its series of nine meetings across the city as "community meetings to discuss plans for schools in your neighborhood," Tuesday's gathering had almost no discussion of what would happen to Gallagher or other nearby schools. There was only passing mention of enrollment and the need for new schools, while attention focused on the funding fight instead. That complicated dispute centers on how much the state should contribute to Cleveland's school construction costs. There's no argument over the biggest factor in construction funding: The state will continue paying 68 percent of all approved costs to build new schools in Cleveland, as it has done since 2001. But the district and state cannot agree on what costs qualify and whether the state should pay the full bill for schools costing 12 to 14 percent more to build in Cleveland than in the rest of the state. Neither the district or state has provided a clear breakdown of why costs in Cleveland should, or should not, be higher. But in the past, the state has adjusted its payments to match the higher costs here. Now the OFCC wants to cap what it will pay, which would force the district to meet a lower budget or to cover extra costs on its own. Paying more, the district says, will eat quickly through the $200 million voters approved in 2014 to build new schools and will prevent as many as five promised schools from ever being built. "The district cannot in good conscience essentially accept a deal that will cost us the schools that the state helped us plan to build and walk away from their responsibility," Zohn said Tuesday. Gordon said that if the state covered costs as it has in the past, the district could finish its construction in a few years and stop bothering the state. Now it has to fight. "We can make them uncomfortable enough that they take care of our kids," he said. Construction that has started or is about to start at the following schools is not affected by this funding fight: Fullerton, Skyline/Sunbeam, Waverly, Rainey Harper, Eliot/Whitney Young, H.B. Booker and O.H. Perry elementary schools, plus the JFK and new West Side high schools. But schools scheduled for work in the next two planned phases of construction could be. Those include the Bolton, Case, Marion Sterling, Marion Seltzer, Joseph Gallagher, Douglas MacArthur and Valley View elementary schools, along with Lincoln-West High School, in the planned Segment 8. Segment 9 schools include Clark, Denison, Iowa-Maple, Michael R. White and Tremont Montessori elementary schools. Here are the remaining community meetings: Central Neighborhood Monday, June 18 Dike School of the Arts, 2501 East 61st St., Cleveland OH 44104 Discuss Master Plan updates for: Dike School of the Arts Marion-Sterling Ohio City - Tremont Neighborhood Tuesday, June 19 Tremont Montessori, 2409 West 10th St., Cleveland OH 44113 Discuss Master Plan updates for: Tremont Montessori Fairfax Neighborhood Wednesday, June 20 Bolton School, 9803 Quebec Ave., Cleveland OH 44106 Discuss Master Plan updates for: Bolton Clark / Fulton Neighborhood Thursday, June 21 Lincoln-West High School Campus, 3202 West 30th St., Cleveland OH 44109 Discuss Master Plan updates for: Clark School Lincoln-West School of Global Studies Lincoln-West School of Science & Health Kamm's / Bellaire - Puritas Neighborhood Monday, June 25 Douglas MacArthur Girls' Leadership Academy, 4401 Valleyside Road, Cleveland OH 44135 Discuss Master Plan updates for: Valley View Boys' Leadership Academy Douglas MacArthur Girls' Leadership Academy Glenville Neighborhood Tuesday, June 26 Michael R. White School, 1000 East 92nd St., Cleveland OH 44108 Discuss Master Plan updates for: Iowa-Maple Michael R. White Hough Neighborhood Wednesday, June 27 Case School, 4050 Superior Ave., Cleveland OH 44103 Discuss Master Plan updates for: Case Brooklyn Centre Neighborhood Thursday, June 28 Denison School, 3799 West 33rd St., Cleveland OH 44109 Discuss Master Plan updates for: Denison CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Norton Records of Brooklyn, N.Y., plans to open an office in the renowned Franklin Castle and move its record warehouse into the Screw Factory in Lakewood. Norton co-founder Miriam Linna spent much of her musical formative years in Cleveland in the 1970s. The company she founded with the late Billy Miller has an affection for unheralded bands and performers of the 1950s through modern times. Even though she has not been back to Cleveland in 40 years -- except for a couple quick in-and-out trips -- she said returning to the city will be like coming home. She said she is not ready to talk about her plans for the Franklin Castle, Ohio's legendary "haunted house" built in the early 1880s at 4308 Franklin Ave., but said there will be "a number of events starting toward the end of the year. Before that, Norton will transfer tens of thousands of its 45 rpm singles and albums to the Screw Factory, 13000 Athens Ave., Lakewood, now the home of dozens of sculptors, painters and other artist studios. "We will move our warehouse there in August," she said. "All orders for records will then be shipped from Cleveland, with the first release of two songs recorded in 1967 from Wally Bryson, formerly of The Choir and Raspberries." Norton Records is known for finding records, often singles, by obscure artists and releasing them through their label. She said she rediscovered the Franklin Castle last year when she was asked by the current owners, Oh Dear Productions, to act as a disc jockey for a private event. She spoke with the owners and decided it was time to move back to Ohio. "It was like everything exploded," she said. "I saw a bunch of old friends and old places and I was taken in by the Franklin Castle magic. This was part of my early rock and roll years and I knew it was time to come back." The owners have been working for the past eight years to restore the castle and they are just about done," she continued. "I can't say exactly what we plan to do in the castle, but we'll announce it soon. We will have a party for Wally Bryson there." Linna said she will not move back to Cleveland permanently, but plans to spend a lot of time here. She said Norton Records will continue creating and selling 45 rpms and plans to continue. "I want to find more rare records from Cleveland and Ohio from the old days," she said. "Our main focus will be on Norton Records, but we also have a lot of really rare, hard-to-find records from the early days." The Franklin Castle is a special place with a rich history of faded glory, failed restorations, reported hauntings, frauds and finally, revitalization. It was built for the family of Hannes Tiedemann, a wealthy German immigrant, who moved in in 1883. The family dealt with tragedy soon after moving in as four of their children died. Tiedemann turned his energy into rebuilding the house, adding new rooms, turrets and decorative gargoyles. The house has been sold many times over the years. Rumors of hauntings started in 1968 when new owner James Romano and his family claimed to have seen spirits in the house. Rumors of ghostly encounters continued prompting "ghost tours" and appearances on paranormal investigation shows. The house was vacant from 1994 through 1999 when it was purchased by Michelle Heimberger. In 2004 the house was damaged by a fire. It was bought in 2011 by Oh Dear Productions and has been renovated completely. Linna said the building is incredible and will be the centerpiece for the company. For a look at some of the more controversial history of Franklin Castle, see this 2006 story from the Plain Dealer archives. WASHINGTON - Even though the Obama administration assured Congress the nuclear deal it negotiated with Iran wouldn't give Iran access to U.S. dollars or banks, the U.S. Treasury Department secretly authorized Iran to use U.S. banks to convert billions of Iranian assets into dollars, according to a new report released by Ohio GOP Sen. Rob Portman. A report from the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations chaired by Portman said the transactions authorized by the Obama administration never took place because two U.S. banks refused to execute them. A bank in Oman ended up using an alternative method to convert roughly $5.7 billion of Iran's assets into euros. Portman nonetheless blasted the Obama administration for brokering a secret "side deal" with Iran and misleading Congress and the American public about it "because they were desperate to get a deal" to limit Iran's nuclear program in return for sanctions relief. Portman's committee undertook the two-year investigation to probe rumors about the side deal. Its report details instances where officials including Treasury Secretary Jack Lew told Congress the Iran nuclear agreement - also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action - would deny Iran access to the U.S. financial and commercial markets, despite the side deal's existence. The report says unnamed State Department officials who negotiated the side deal wanted the U.S. bank transaction to be authorized "as a gesture of support" to Iran. "Sanctions are a vital foreign policy tool, and the U.S. government should never work to actively undermine their enforcement or effectiveness," said a statement from Portman. "Going forward, this report underscores how important the U.S. financial system is to global finance markets. We now have an opportunity to fix the fundamental flaws in this deal and put in place a strong agreement that truly protects America's national security interests and the interests of our allies in the region. I support our efforts to work with our European allies to reach an agreement that accomplishes those goals." Last month, President Donald Trump announced that he was withdrawing from the 2015 deal reached among seven countries after more than two years of negotiations, calling it "a horrible, one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made." He said he'd reimpose sanctions and work with U.S. allies to "find a real, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear threat. This will include efforts to eliminate the threat of Iran's ballistic missile program; to stop its terrorist activities worldwide; and to block its menacing activity across the Middle East." Portman, who opposed the agreement, described Trump's action as an opportunity to "go back and work with our European allies" who would also like to tighten up aspects of the deal with Iran. CLEVELAND, Ohio - A plan to move Cleveland's police headquarters into the building that once housed The Plain Dealer on Superior Avenue cleared its first review Wednesday by Cleveland City Council. Members of Mayor Frank Jackson's administration briefed council's Safety Committee on the proposal, outlining how they selected the site from among two dozen in and around the downtown. The building, owned by The Plain Dealer Publishing Co., is the current home of cleveland.com and other tenants that include the YMCA of Greater Cleveland and the Center for Economic Opportunities of Greater Cleveland. The project is expected to cost nearly $60 million - including $19.5 million for the property. It cannot proceed, though, without authorization from City Council. The Safety Committee gave the plan unanimous approval. How was the site selected? The city, used Colliers International to research and evaluate more than a dozen proposed sites. All were generally in the greater downtown area. All but two were east of the Cuyahoga River and inside the Innerbelt. That group was narrowed to five sites. The $72.2 million package for 1801 Superior Ave. was the cheapest of those five by nearly $8 million. That bid, through negotiation with developer GLP Superior Ltd., was reduced by more than $12 million before the city agreed to recommend it. You can read a review of the financial and scoring analysis for the site below. Mobile users click here. Why this site? Police Chief Calvin Williams has praised the site for several reasons. Here's what he cited Wednesday: A large community room that can be used for public meetings. Space for a police museum. Public areas where citizens will be able to interact with the department when they have questions or need to file paperwork. Enough room that the department could look to include a daycare center or Head Start site in the building. Space to allow for consolidation of offices that now are scattered across various sites in Cleveland. Room for a host of investigative units, including domestic violence, homicide, financial crimes, sex crimes and environmental crimes. Classroom space for Cleveland's police academy. Infrastructure that will allow the high-tech computer operations by the department The site will be more cost effective than the current headquarters and provide officers with a better working environment, Williams said. "We would like to get out of [the Justice Center] and into a 21st century building," Williams said. "It's a great investment for the city of Cleveland and it will be a great home for the men and women who serve the city of Cleveland for decades to come." Why move? The city is looking to replace its current headquarters in the downtown Justice Center with a more modern building that is more accessible to the public and will better meet the needs of the department. The move was made possible when the city and Cuyahoga County brokered a deal to get the city out of the jail business. Under that deal, approved by City Council last June, the county will take over all jail operations and the city will close its lockup at the Justice Center. That transition is expected to be completed in July, police Chief Calvin Williams said in an interview this week with cleveland.com. The city will pay the county $99 a day per person to house its prisoners at the county jail, which also is part of the Justice Center complex. The deal is expected to save Cleveland about $5 million a year. Meanwhile, the city also agreed to sell the county its portion of the Justice Center for $9.5 million. The title of the building will be transferred on Oct. 2, 2018. The moves freed up the city to find a new headquarters that will last for decades, Matthew L. Spronz, director of the mayor's office of capital projects, told the committee. "We're not building something for Chief Williams' needs today," Spronz said. "We're building something to meet the needs for the chief 30 years from now." Why is timing important? One factor that led to selection of the site was that it can be converted much more quickly than building a headquarters. If the site is approved by City Council, renovations could start as early as July. As soon as areas are completed, police operations will begin to move in phases. The city hopes to be completely moved out of the Justice Center by March 2019. Once the county takes ownership in October of the city's portion of the Justice Center, the city will begin paying rent based on how much floor space it is using. That rent would run $234,000 a month today, based on the space the department now occupies, Public Safety Director Michael McGrath told the committee. But as officers are moved out of the Justice Center, the rent will decrease. Jackson specifically cited that cost as one reason he supported the site. "What we don't want to do is to pay [the money from selling the building] all back in a lease," Jackson said in an interview. What happens next? An ordinance proposing that the city engage GLP Superior Ltd. as the developer of the project was introduced Monday before City Council. The plan is scheduled to be vetted June 15 by the City Planning Commission. City Council's Development, Planning and Sustainability Committee is expected to review the plan July 17. The Jackson administration hopes the plan will be approved by the full City Council at its meeting July 18. Follow me on Facebook. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Olaf, the singing, swinging snowman from Disney's musical "Frozen," is coming to Cleveland with the rest of the Arendelle gang in his favorite time of year -- the lazy, hazy days of summer 2020 to be exact. "Bees will buzz, kids will blow dandelion fuzz, and I'll do whatever snow does in summer," the naive carrot-nosed cut up sings in one of the songs from the Tony-nominated score by composers Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. "Frozen," based on the 2013 animated movie, is up for three Tonys, including best musical. Winners will be announced at the 72nd Annual Tony Awards on June 10. "It's a huge hit - we're very proud of the fact that we were able to land not only the show, but the dates in the show that we were wanting for the KeyBank Broadway Series 2019-2020 season," says Playhouse Square Executive Producer Gina Vernaci. "We're not telling every trick we have up our sleeve, but this is a pretty big one to be able to share. Olaf will be right here in Cleveland, Ohio to cool us down in the summer of 2020." As always, Vernaci says, the best way to secure your seats to the Disney extravaganza is to become a season ticket holder for the 2018-2019 season and then renew for 2019-2020. Season Tickets are available by phone at 216-640-8800 or online at playhousesquare.org/broadway. Welcome to Capitol Letter, a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. If you do not already subscribe, you can sign up for free here. Rotunda Rumblings Fourth time's the charm? After three aborted attempts, the Ohio House is set to finally vote on an interim speaker Wednesday afternoon. But it's still unclear how the election will play out - and how many votes Rep. Ryan Smith, the frontrunner, has to win the job. Besides Smith, other members likely to be nominated include GOP Rep. Andy Thompson and Democratic Minority Leader Fred Strahorn. How the vote will work: After names are put into nomination, each House member's name will be called out, and he or she will say aloud the name of the nominee they're voting for. If no one gets a majority of votes among members present, another vote will be held. Under Ohio law, if no candidate wins a majority after 10 rounds of voting, whoever gets the most votes on the 11th ballot will be elected speaker. If/when someone is elected, that person would immediately take the oath of office and climb the steps to the speaker's chair. So how will the vote go? That's still up in the air. Smith has repeatedly said he has the votes to be elected, though he's acknowledged it's been difficult to get an accurate vote count. In a House GOP caucus last month, Smith got 42 votes, though it remains to be seen how many of them will vote for him on Wednesday (or even show up -- see the item below). Thompson told cleveland.com on Tuesday he believes he has the support of 20 to 25 lawmakers - including, he said, GOP swing votes such as Reps. Andrew Brenner, Keith Faber and Anne Gonzales. (Brenner told cleveland.com on Tuesday he's still deciding, Faber declined to comment, and Gonzales didn't return a phone call). Most Democrats plan to support Strahorn, though Rep. Bernadine Kent is backing Smith, and Rep. Bill Patmon told cleveland.com on Tuesday that he's still thinking over how he'll vote. Another factor: Media reports have regularly stated that Smith needs 50 votes (a majority of the 98-member House) to win. But that likely won't be the case, as five lawmakers have given notice that they won't be attending Wednesday's vote, according to House GOP spokesman Brad Miller: Republicans Stephen Huffman, Candice Keller, Terry Johnson and Marilyn Slaby, as well as Democrat Michael Ashford. The good news for Smith is with only 93 members present, he would need just 47 votes for a majority. But the bad news for Smith is that most -- if not all -- of those four absent Republicans are considered to be supportive of him. Deadline goes up in smoke: State regulators confirmed what marijuana industry observers and experts have long thought: Ohio won't make an early September deadline to get its medical cannabis program up and running. Plants needed to be in the ground last month to meet the mark, but the Ohio Department of Commerce has yet to issue final cultivation licenses to any of the 25 companies chosen to grow. The department's Mark Hamlin told cleveland.com's Jackie Borchardt that the agency plans to conduct several inspections in June and July. If at first you don't succeed: Ian James of ResponsibleOhio fame has big plans to again try to legalize recreational marijuana in Ohio through a constitutional amendment. He's also urging state lawmakers to legalize industrial hemp by the end of the year. After Issue 3 failed in 2015, James and business partner Jimmy Gould ramped up their cannabis investment company, Green Light Acquisitions LLC, and plan to build a $250 million portfolio. Pressure cooker: Gay civil rights and religious conservative groups are offering opposite takes on Monday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling over a Colorado baker who didn't want to make a cake for a gay wedding. Does the ruling change anything for gay couples in Ohio? Cleveland.com's Laura Hancock got answers from a Cleveland-area attorney who specializes in LGBTQ issues. Who saw this coming? If you get in an accident because trees or bushes are blocking your view of a stop sign, you can't blame the city. At least, that's what the Ohio Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday. Cleveland.com's Jeremy Pelzer has the details on the court's rationale, which revolves around the word "from." How's that algal bloom law doing? As the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is pressing lawmakers to pass new rules to limit harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie and other bodies of water, state lawmakers on Tuesday heard positive (but tempered) feedback about legislation passed in 2015 to address the problem. During a joint meeting of the Senate and House agriculture committees, officials from three state agencies (including the Ohio EPA) said Senate Bill 1 was a step in the right direction. Kirk Hines of the Ohio Department of Agriculture said the state has, so far, issued 10 fines, ranging from $500 to $2,000 each, to farmers for violating SB1's fertilizer and manure restrictions. Representatives of a number of agricultural groups said more time is needed for the 2015 measures to work, while members of environmental groups testified that SB1 doesn't go far enough to address the problem. Dialysis analysis: A recent poll paid for by backers of a proposed constitutional amendment to regulate kidney dialysis clinics shows the public supports the change. Sixty-seven percent of Ohio voters back letting the state inspect the clinics and to limit clinics to charging patients 115 percent of operational and care costs, according to the Benenson Strategy Group poll, conducted for the Ohioans for Kidney Dialysis Patient Protection. However, the Ohio Renal Association told the Columbus Dispatch last week the amendment puts the lives of dialysis patients at great risk. Negative reinforcement: The race for Ohio's U.S. Senate seat is off to a negative start, cleveland.com's Andrew Tobias reports. Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci launched an ad pushing back on incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown, who put out two recent attack ads of his own. "The ads could give voters a taste of what to expect as the November election approaches," Tobias writes. Don drops in: Donald Trump Jr. was in Cincinnati Monday night for a fundraiser for Renacci, WCPO reports. Are you smarter than a Congress member? Regular people from Greater Cleveland will get a crack at tackling federal budget issues during a daylong session on June 30, cleveland.com's Rich Exner reports. The nonpartisan group Voice of the People will assemble about 100 people at cleveland.com's downtown Cleveland headquarters to try to reach a consensus on resolving budget issues. "My experience is that they do better than Congress," Steven Kull, founder and president of Voice of the People, told Exner. Freedom of speech: "An artist-led political group called "For Freedoms" is looking to start a national conversation around the midterm elections with 52 billboards in 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico," cleveland.com's Emily Bamforth reports. More immigration work: The hardline immigration policies of the Trump administration are being felt in Northern Ohio, cleveland.com's Eric Heisig reports. "U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman says there are enough immigration cases in the region to justify the addition of a prosecutor who will spend almost all of their time handling those types of offenses," Heisig writes. Herdman said his office is getting more prosecution referrals from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Kasich's latest: Gov. John Kasich has an op-ed in the Boston Globe on the conflict between Russia and the West. "Russia's recklessness and international aggression have now reached a point where they require a firm Western response," Kasich writes. Full Disclosure Rachel Crooks of Tiffin is a Democrat running for House District 88 against Republican Rep. Bill Reineke, who is also from Tiffin. She has worked in higher education for more than a decade. She is writing her doctoral dissertation in higher education administration for the University of Toledo. During the 2016 presidential campaign, she accused now-President Donald Trump of grabbing her and forcibly kissing her in 2005. 1. Are you trying to separate yourself from the national headlines surrounding what you said Trump did to you? "I'm not running away from it, but that's not really the motivation for running. Essentially, my motivation for running is a lack of integrity in public officials and that does obviously pertain to Trump, but also all the politicians who have been complicit in his behavior. I think at the Ohio Statehouse that's been under Republican rule for quite some time maybe that absolute power has corrupted them a little bit as well." 2. How are you campaigning? "So we have definitely been attending a lot of events in the area and spreading the word that way. We will be knocking on doors, of course. But with any campaign, a large part of our initial focus has been fundraising. You know, my competitor is independently wealthy. We have to do a great deal of fundraising to compete in this district." 3. What issues do people in your district care about? "The big issue that's bubbling up right now is there are several proposed wind turbine projects in our area that a lot of local folks are not necessarily happy about. So I've been listening to their concerns and I'm trying to reach out to some of the environmental groups as well, just to hear both sides on this particular issue. And hopefully come up with a great solution." 4. How would you be a different legislator than Rep. Reineke? "I think we need to invest in the middle class to make sure people have access to quality education and health care and quality governmental services. I'm not sure that's been his approach, and I think we would differ in that way." 5. You said you love to read when you're not campaigning or working on your Ph.D. Any book recommendations? "One of my favorite books is 'Hyperbole and a Half.' It stems from a woman's blog... Allie Brosh. She has this online blog and she does these vignette stories and illustrations to go with them. It makes me laugh out loud every time I read it." Birthdays Rep. Larry Householder Straight From The Source "There are no words." - U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, tweeting about news that a federal school safety commission established after the Florida high school shooting won't look at the role of guns, according to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. COLUMBUS, Ohio--After weeks of deadlock and several false starts, the Ohio House is set to finally vote Wednesday afternoon on an interim speaker. Rep. Ryan Smith, a Gallia County Republican, is the frontrunner to win the job for the rest of the year. But it's still unclear exactly how the vote - which has never happened like this before in Ohio history - will play out, as both Smith and his detractors have been busily soliciting members for their votes behind the scenes. House members are scheduled to meet at 1:30 p.m. at the Ohio Statehouse for the vote. The Ohio Channel is set to broadcast the proceedings -- watch their live feed here. Besides Smith, Republican Rep. Andy Thompson of Marietta and Democratic Minority Leader Fred Strahorn are also set to be nominated for speaker. Wednesday's vote comes after a weeks-long impasse over electing a speaker to finish the term of Republican Cliff Rosenberger, who resigned in April amid an FBI inquiry into his spending and travel. Without a speaker, the House has been unable to pass any legislation - including (among dozens of others) pending measures to toughen payday-lending rules, provide millions for new voting equipment and approve pay raises for about 11,000 state employees. During a closed-door caucus meeting last month, 47 House Republicans indicated they would be willing to vote for Smith. However, 50 votes are needed for a majority in the 99-member House, and - unlike in past years - Smith's GOP opponents have refused to nominate him by acclamation. Some, but not all, anti-Smith Republicans are allied with Rep. Larry Householder, a Perry County Republican who has been sparring with Smith for months to win the speaker's gavel for next year's new session. Smith has claimed that Householder and his allies of intimidating and threatening lawmakers into not supporting Smith -- an accusation Householder has denied. Most of the 33 House Democrats, meanwhile, have done their best to avoid getting involved in the standoff - though at least one Democrat, Rep. Bernadine Kent of Columbus, is supporting Smith. While Smith couldn't pass the 50-vote threshold in caucus, he won't need that many votes to get a majority on Wednesday. That's because he only needs a majority of those present to be elected. And with Rosenberger's old seat still vacant and at least five lawmakers - four Republicans and a Democrat - scheduled to miss the vote, he would only need 47 votes to be elected. Since Rosenberger's departure, the House has been led by Speaker Pro Tempore Kirk Schuring, a Canton Republican who holds the number-two job in the chamber. In recent weeks weeks, Schuring has canceled three planned votes to elect Smith speaker until the legislative session ends in December, citing uncertainty over whether Smith had enough support to win. In a last-ditch effort to end the deadlock, Schuring asked House members last week to vote on whether to hold an election on Wednesday or alter House rules to allow him to preside the rest of the year. A majority of lawmakers supported holding a vote. COLUMBUS, Ohio--Dragging out a weeks-long deadlock to the bitter end, the Ohio House elected Rep. Ryan Smith as interim speaker on Wednesday after more than two hours and 11 rounds of voting. In an unprecedented series of votes, the House elected Smith, a Gallia County Republican who chairs the powerful House Finance Committee, to serve as speaker for the rest of the year. Smith failed during the first 10 rounds of voting to get the 46-vote majority he needed from the 91 members present. He finally triumphed during the 11th vote, because Ohio law states after 10 rounds of voting the person receiving the most votes - even if it's not a majority - wins the speakership. A minority of the 65 House Republicans split their votes between term-limited Reps. Andy Thompson and Jim Hughes. Most of the 33 House Democrats supported Minority Leader Fred Strahorn, though Reps. John Barnes of Cleveland and Bernadine Kent of Columbus voted for Smith. Wednesday's vote comes after a weeks-long impasse over electing a speaker to finish the term of Republican Cliff Rosenberger, who resigned in April amid an FBI inquiry into his spending and travel. Without a speaker, the House has been unable to pass any legislation -- including (among dozens of others) pending measures to toughen payday-lending rules, provide millions for new voting equipment and approve pay raises for about 11,000 state employees. Since Rosenberger's departure, the House has been led by Speaker Pro Tempore Kirk Schuring, a Canton Republican who holds the number-two job in the chamber. Schuring canceled three earlier votes to elect Smith speaker, citing uncertainty over whether Smith had enough support to win. In a last-ditch effort to end the deadlock, Schuring asked House members last week to vote on whether to hold an election on Wednesday or alter House rules to allow him to preside the rest of the year. A majority of lawmakers supported holding a vote. Some, but not all, anti-Smith Republicans are allied with Rep. Larry Householder, a Perry County Republican who has been sparring with Smith for months to win the speaker's gavel for next year's new session. PARMA, Ohio -- City Council on Monday night (June 4) unanimously approved a new three-year contract with Parma Fire Fighters Local 639 calling for 2 percent raises in 2018, 2019 and 2020. "We started late last year, which is probably the earliest that I'm aware that we've ever started working on negotiations," Director of Public Safety Thomas Weinreich said. "I would characterize these negotiations as productive and cooperative." Union President Anthony Hyatt added: "Negotiations went, in my opinion, very well. This is actually the fastest that we've settled where we're going to be having a three-year contract. "We have three-year contracts all of the time, but usually they get settled so late it's only like a year and a half. This is actually a two-and-a-half-year contract where we won't be going into negotiations again," he said. Two-thirds of the fire department's 144 members -- 85 of whom are firefighters -- approved the contract. In addition to the wage increases, there were other language changes, including a reduction of city-paid higher education reimbursements from 100 percent to 50 percent. "As far as degrees in emergency management or fire science, as long as firefighters keep a 2.0 GPA, the city will reimburse us 50 percent," Hyatt said. "There were also changes tied to the promotional process. "We made some small language changes to our contract, such as we got rid of the arbitrator, and we moved some points from the written test to part of the oral assessment. It used to be 50/50. (The scoring) is now 45 percent written and 55 percent oral assessment." City Auditor Brian D. Day said the 2 percent raise annually represents an additional $141,736 (2018), $144,569 (2019) and $147,461 (2020) to the city budget. Mayor Tim DeGeeter said he was pleased that the city's negotiations with the firefighters were a positive process. "Both parties were able to reach an agreement prior to fact-finding stage in the collective bargaining process," DeGeeter said. "The wage proposal is consistent with surrounding cities. While our budget is always tight year to year, this is a fair and reasonable resolution." Weinreich said the city is also in active negotiations with the police patrolmen's union. "That's set for a conciliation hearing," Weinreich said. "The outcome on that will be binding on both sides." Facing rejection is hard. Facing it repeatedly is even harder. Yet, sometimes it's just what you need to move forward. That was the case for Steve Allan, global CEO of MediaCom, who was hit with 82 rejection letters before he even landed his first job. "You name the company, I got rejected from them," Allan told CNBC Make It, recalling his efforts to break into the British media industry straight out of high school. While Allan said he "would have been upset" at the time, he now claims to "love those letters" all of which he kept because they taught him the one trait he believes is crucial to success: relentlessness. After receiving that slew of rejections, Allan strove harder to bag his dream career. He got some more work experience under his belt and then wrote back to the naysayers to ask for another shot. "I kept pushing forward because I had a goal and I knew what I wanted to do," recalled Allan. Facebook has data-sharing partnerships with at least four Chinese electronics companies, including a manufacturing giant that has a close relationship with China's government, the social media company said on Tuesday. The agreements, which date to at least 2010, gave private access to some user data to Huawei, a telecommunications equipment company that has been flagged by American intelligence officials as a national security threat, as well as to Lenovo, Oppo and TCL. The four partnerships remain in effect, but Facebook officials said in an interview that the company would wind down the Huawei deal by the end of the week. Facebook gave access to the Chinese device makers along with other manufacturers including Amazon, Apple, BlackBerry and Samsung whose agreements were disclosed by The New York Times on Sunday. Read more from the New York Times: For 'Columbiners,' school shootings have a deadly allure The evangelical fight to win back California With 'Spygate,' Trump shows how he uses conspiracy theories to erode trust The deals gave Facebook an early foothold in the mobile market starting in 2007, before stand-alone Facebook apps worked well on phones, and allowed device makers to offer some Facebook features, such as address books, "like" buttons and status updates. Facebook officials said the agreements with the Chinese companies allowed them access similar to what was offered to BlackBerry, which could retrieve detailed information on both device users and all of their friends including work and education history, relationship status and likes. Facebook officials said that the data shared with Huawei stayed on its phone, not the company's servers. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia pointed out that concerns about Huawei were not new, citing a 2012 House Intelligence Committee report on the " close relationships between the Chinese Communist Party and equipment makers like Huawei." "I look forward to learning more about how Facebook ensured that information about their users was not sent to Chinese servers," Mr. Warner said. "All Facebook's integrations with Huawei, Lenovo, Oppo and TCL were controlled from the get-go and Facebook approved everything that was built," said Francisco Varela, a Facebook vice president. "Given the interest from Congress, we wanted to make clear that all the information from these integrations with Huawei was stored on the device, not on Huawei's servers." Huawei did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The company was the recipient of billions of dollars in lines of credit from China's massive state-owned policy banks, helping to fuel its overseas expansion in Africa, Europe and Latin America. Its founder, Ren Zhengfei, is a former engineer in the People's Liberation Army. By one measure it is now the world's biggest telecom equipment maker, not only selling phones but also key pieces of cellphone infrastructure. . Lawmakers in the United States have been wary of the company for years, and have recommended that American carriers avoid buying its network gear. In January, The Times reported that AT&T had decided not to sell Huawei's newest smartphone, the Mate 10. The Trump administration has taken aim at Huawei and its rival, ZTE, in recent weeks, and in April the Federal Communications Commission advanced a plan to bar federally subsidized telecommunications companies from using suppliers that are considered national security threats. A boy stands in the doorway of a polling station on June 5, 2018 in San Anselmo, California. California voters are heading to the polls to vote in the primary election. Eight states held primary elections Tuesday, and returns indicate Democrats have a good shot of avoiding their worst fears in battleground California. The results will play a major role in whether Republicans can defend their congressional majorities and stop Democrats from flipping the 23 seats needed to take the House. Just three of the states that held primaries on Tuesday California, New Jersey and Iowa will determine in large part whether Democrats in November can pick up the red seats they need to win a House majority. California is one of the keys to Democrats' ambitions: The party is targeting as many as 10 Republican-held seats there. The state's primary system, which sends the top two candidates regardless of party to the general election, threatened to dash the party's hopes in some swing districts where several Democrats ran and split the vote. While NBC News has not yet projected the two general election participants in the California swing districts, early results suggest Democrats could get a candidate into all of their targeted House general elections in the state. Wasserman tweet The most populous American state started the process of selecting a new governor, as well. Liberal Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom won the gubernatorial primary, while John Cox, a businessman backed by President Donald Trump, will face off against him. One of the most powerful men in aviation apologized for his suggestion that a woman would not be equipped to do his job. Shortly after his appointment as the new chair of the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) board of governors, Akbar Al Baker, reportedly stunned reporters when asked about poor representation of women in Middle East aviation. "Of course, it has to be led by a man, because it is a very challenging position," said Al Baker, referring to his own role as CEO of Qatar Airways. In a statement provided to CNBC, Al Baker said: "I would like to offer my heartfelt apologies for any offence caused by my comment yesterday, which runs counter to my track record of expanding the role of women in leadership throughout the Qatar Airways Group and has been sensationalised by the media." The chief executive said women make up 44 percent of the company's workforce and "the dedication, drive and skill they bring to their jobs tells me that no role is too tough for them, at all levels of the organisation." In fact, he said, Qatar Airways "firmly believes in gender equality in the workplace," and he noted that the airline women are represented in its ranks of pilots and and engineers through to the position of senior vice president. "Qatar Airways is made stronger by its female employees for whom I hold nothing but the highest regard," he said. "I support all IATA initiatives to promote the advancement of women in our industry, and I am a strong advocate for these and will continue to be moving forward." Speaking to Bloomberg Television after his initial comment, Al Baker attempted to soften his position. "I was only referring to one individual," he said. "I was not referring to the staff in general." Al Baker then said he would welcome a female executive to succeed him at Qatar Airways. For more on the story, see the report in Bloomberg. Amid arranging his prom date, lacrosse practice and getting homework done, teenager Cole Mattox launched a hedge fund out of his bedroom in suburban Montclair, New Jersey. Mattox founded North Tabor Capital in March 2017 when he was 17 years old. Now, Mattox is 18, graduating from Seton Hall Preparatory School and headed to University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business undergraduate program in the fall. The young financier can't say who his clients are or how much they invested for legal and privacy reasons, but he says he has more than one and fewer than five clients in his hedge fund. They are all SEC accredited investors, says Mattox (which means they are making more than $200,000 year or $300,000 together with their spouse or have a net worth of more than $1 million excluding the value of their primary home). Mattox says he has over six figures in assets under management and, though he declined to disclose how much he is making running the fund, he says he does "pretty well" for a teenager. Mattox has wanted to work in finance from a very young age. "Actually you know when I was in middle school they asked on a career day, 'What does everyone want to be?' And there are the typical answers of policemen, firefighter, professional athlete. And I actually wrote investment banker," Mattox tells CNBC Make It from his bedroom and office. "So that's where I am." Mattox's 'prom-posal,' the ritual of asking your date out to prom. Testing trading strategies in the middle of the night Mattox started learning about finance from his uncle who worked in mergers and acquisitions at Goldman Sachs. He's also proactively taught himself about the world of finance. Mattox's father, Ted, remembers his son asking for a subscription to The Wall Street Journal when he was 15. Ted Mattox has his own production, event management and multimedia consulting business, Black Forest Multimedia. His mom, Kuae Mattox, who is an editorial producer at CNN, says Cole also asked for finance books, including technical books about algorithms and trading. "He was so serious about getting this going and so passionate about it, I came to really believe that he was going to get this up and running and keep it going," says Kuae. "He spends long nights, kind of every waking moment doing what he can to learn as much as he can he is really self-taught." Mattox would often burn the midnight oil educating himself. "I also discovered some nights when I thought he was in bed, he was actually watching TED talks in bed, under the covers or or he was just up late you know reading something or watching something so he could learn something new," says his mom. "In the middle of the night you walk in his room and he's testing trading strategies which is, like, a little weird for like a 17-year-old," says his dad. It's his curiosity that has made Mattox successful, according to his own analysis. "I think I'm a pretty normal kid beyond the fact that I read a lot and talk to financial professionals and executives from some really interesting companies who have been kind enough to mentor me along the way," he says. "Principles," by the Bridgewater founder and investing impresario Ray Dalio, is "one of my favorite books," says Mattox. He rattles off a couple other finance books he likes: "Black Edge: Inside Information, Dirty Money, and the Quest to Bring Down the Most Wanted Man on Wall Street" by Sheelah Kolhatkar; "Capital in the Twenty-First Century" by Thomas Piketty; and "Why I Left Goldman Sachs: A Wall Street Story" by Greg Smith. He reads classical politics and philosophy books too, he says. For example, he's a fan of the 17th century English philosopher John Locke. Cole Mattox, founder and CEO of North Tabor Capital Andrea Kramar | CNBC The summer after his sophomore year in high school, when he was 16, Mattox participated in the All Star Code program, a six-week program hosted at Goldman Sach's New York office, which teaches computer science and leadership skills. That program gave him not only foundational technical skills, but also the confidence that he could take on such a challenge, his parents observed. In addition to reading a lot, Mattox educates himself by reaching out to financial professionals he met during his summer working at Goldman Sachs and by getting references from those people to speak others. Mattox also follows up with family connections, he says. Mattox also reached out and spoke with another young financier, Jacob Wohl, who today is only 20 years old, according to Wohl's LinkedIn profile. Mattox has spoken with Wohl on the phone and met him in person once when he was out in Los Angeles. Wohl is now one of the members of the Mattox's Board of Advisors. (Update as of November 2018: Mattox is no longer associated with Wohl.) Mattox decided if he could launch a hedge fund in high school, it might help him impress college admissions officers. "It looked great on a college application," Mattox says to CNBC Make It about his decision to launch North Tabor Capital. Indeed, he wrote his main common application college essay about the process of launching a hedge fund. "I decided it was a wonderful way to not only make money, it looked very impressive, you know, considering I wanted to work in finance when I was older. It looked like something that was just right for me and a great way to get experience." Also, he says, he realized he was good at trading and managing finances. "It does excite me and I enjoy math and statistics, but at the same time, like, I found something that I was good at," says Mattox. "It was something I was good at first and then I sort of learned to love it later." Mattox doesn't solicit his hedge fund investors reach out to him. "Everyone who is invested in the fund reaches out to me first. I don't actually actively pursue anyone," says Mattox. His first investor was a family friend who knew about his ambitions. From there, "it's all by word of mouth." All of his clients are friends and family, says Mattox. His parents, though, are not clients. "We don't have enough money to invest in Cole's hedge fund. Hopefully when we grow up, we will be able to have enough money to invest, but I think he has a minimum investment amount and we have three kids," says Mattox's mom, Kuae. The hardest part of being a teen hedge fund CEO? Being taken seriously Running a hedge fund at 17 or 18 years old means managing his client relations around homework, but it also means talking carefully with investors about why he is qualified to shepherd their cash through the markets. "The hardest part up to this point was having people take me seriously and realize that I'm not kidding," says Mattox. "Some people have been tremendously supportive and have been, you know, in awe in regards to what I'm doing, but other people have been quick to discount me, so that's definitely been the hardest part." One of the first people Mattox ever told he was going to start a hedge fund now works in compliance at a large bond fund and was a former financial lawyer. "And he looked at me and legitimately laughed in my face, and he's like, 'OK maybe when you're 40 and have an M.B.A. and have been working for 20 years,'" Mattox says. Even his own mom didn't take Mattox seriously when he first broached the idea of starting a hedge fund. "I think Cole was around 16 years old when he first told me that he was going to start a hedge fund and quite honestly, I laughed. I thought it was funny. I thought it was a joke and I said, 'Oh! That's great that's what you want to be when you grow up,'" Kuae says. "And he looked at me very seriously and he said, 'I don't think you understand what I'm saying to you. I'm I'm getting ready to start a hedge fund.' And I said, 'You're so funny, you're so funny,' but he was dead serious. And now, I guess I'm not laughing." When he does talk to a potential client, Mattox lets his knowledge of the markets lead the conversation. "Getting people to invest with me is certainly an interesting conversation since I'm only 18 years old. I usually talk to them about my past track record, what my outlook is for the market and what I hope to do in the future, as well," Mattox says. "And I sort of articulate my strategy and what I do on a day to day basis." Cole Mattox at lacrosse practice Andrea Kramar | CNBC Because he only has a small number of clients, Mattox is able to accommodate the specific needs of each person. "It's very bespoke," says Mattox. "We, you know, tailor to clients needs and sort of trade the types of products that they want to be traded." In May, Mattox hired one other North Tabor Capital team member: Kai-Sigurd Jensen. Also from Montclair, Jenson is an old friend and talks with Mattox about cryptocurrency and equity derivatives strategy. Jenson, who has the title Managing Director, just finished up his freshman year of college at St. Lawrence University. Juggling six AP classes, a hedge fund, lacrosse practice and a handful of clubs Though it's summer now and Mattox has more free time, getting through the school year while running a hedge fund was challenging. "Running a hedge fund in high school was quite stressful," says Mattox. In addition to playing lacrosse, Mattox was taking six AP (advanced placement) courses his senior year and he was in numerous clubs and organizations he's in the National Honor Society, the Math Honor Society and the Chinese Honor Society, and he works with Wounded Warrior Project, his high school's Peer Leadership and community service organization Knights of Setonia. He monitors the stocks in his portfolio during the day and checks in with each client everyday or every other day. During school, Mattox says he woke up at 5:30 a.m. (sometimes with some help from dad, he and his parents say), used his free periods during the school day carefully and did some multitasking. "Even though I have a class with the market open, they do let us go on our laptops in class, so I'm not always doing schoolwork admittedly," says Mattox. When he was not in season for lacrosse, Mattox would get home from school at 3:15 p.m. to watch the market close and analyze what happened during the trading day. He would do homework for an hour or two after that and follow up his schoolwork with calls and emails to clients. When he had school, he would go to bed between 10:30 and 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday nights he might go to dinner with friends, he says. Mattox says he's developed his work ethic from watching his parents. "I normally get my motivation from my parents, seeing how hard they've worked, seeing how much they've sacrificed for me to be in the position that I am today," says Mattox. Mattox is studying for his Series 65 finance exam, which he hopes to take before he goes off to Wharton, and, if he passes, it would accredit him as a licensed portfolio advisor. He plans to keep North Tabor Capital going when he gets to college. "Yes, at University of Pennsylvania I hope to continue running my hedge fund, hopefully expand. Obviously, it's a wonderful place to do business and there are many you know people from the financial industry who have done very well after leaving there so hopefully during my four years I can not only continue to run it but also expand." Mattox is going to University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business undergraduate program in the fall. Eyes on early retirement and a political career Mattox will buy himself food when he's out, but otherwise he reinvests the money he makes running North Tabor Capital. "The compound interest formula is a very powerful thing," says Mattox. "Yeah, so it would be tempting to spend some of my money but at the same time I look at the future and look at you know how well I'd like to do then and realize that a lot of the things temporarily that I would want now I probably would not you know appreciate just as much as I would in the future." He did buy himself a pair of "nice shoes," but they didn't make much of an impact. "I think they were in Jordan fives," says Mattox. "I bought them, and I was like, 'These are cool!' I wore them twice and then I was like, 'Oh, okay, that's enough!'" The young financier says he wants to retire early and devote the rest of his life to giving back in one way or another. "I envision myself hopefully retiring at 40 and then dedicating the rest of my life to public service, whether it be charities or elected office," says Mattox. Mattox has met Senator Cory Booker and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. He also met Barack and Michelle Obama. Mattox's mom is the national president of the organization for mothers of color, Mocha Moms, which partnered with the Obama Administration, so Mattox got to attend the last Holiday Party of the Obama Administration, the Easter Egg Roll, the Mother's Day tea and the Papal arrival ceremony. "I've met absolutely wonderful politicians and business leaders, and they've inspired me to you know at some point in my life give back to the people who were so helpful to me early on," says Mattox. It was at a White House event that Mattox met the TaskRabbit CEO, Stacy Brown-Philpot, who is now on the fund's Board of Advisors, and who wrote the young financier a letter of recommendation for the University of Pennsylvania, her alma mater. (Brown-Philpot confirmed to CNBC Make It that she both is a member of Mattox's board and that she wrote him a letter of recommendation.) "When I first met Cole, we talked about sports, going to college and his plan to start a hedge fund. The first two topics are normal topics for teenagers, but the fact that he planned to start a hedge fund was impressive. Cole's entrepreneurial spirit is striking," Brown-Philpot tells CNBC Make It via email. "In the time I have known him, he has impressed me with his ability to be creative and challenge himself to do the harder thing. I'm proud of Cole and all that he has accomplished in such a short period of time." Never take no for an answer Mattox's mom says her son has an intense drive. "Once Cole kind of fixates on something, he doesn't let it go," says Kuae. "And that goes for just the mundane things that he wants, you know, materially, but also the things that he wants in terms of his career and professionally. He seems to kind of glom on to something and it's an idea that he talks about, he might obsess about it a little bit, but he just he just doesn't let it go because he wants to make it happen so badly." And Mattox says his persistence has a lot to do with his achieving so much at such a young age too. "The secret to success is work hard and never take no for an answer. When people think you can't do it you need to prove them wrong," he tells CNBC Make It. That doesn't mean he hasn't doubted himself along the way. "I've had tons of those moments, especially early on you know, whether you know be something as simple as a brokerage application or looking at a trade that went wrong for reasons that I just didn't understand. There have been tons of moments that I doubted myself," says Mattox. "But, you know, up to this point everything's worked out for the better, and I am extremely excited for what's to come in the future." Video by Mary Stevens See also: How two 25-year-old college dropouts built a watch company that made $60 million this year How to find your superpower, according to a 26-year-old CEO and self-made millionaire How 3 guys went from call center cubicles to 'Shark Tank' and millions of dollars in sales in 3 years Roughly 50 protesters showed up to voice concerns about Google's planned campus in San Jose. Source: Jeff Barrera / Silicon Valley Rising Alphabet's aggressive real estate expansion in the Bay Area was a big topic at its annual shareholders meeting Wednesday, as about 50 picketers protested outside and two shareholders asked questions about how its plans would affect local residents. At issue is the mega-campus Google intends to build in San Jose, which will accommodate 15,000 to 20,000 employees and include offices, retail space, and thousands of residential units. Earlier this year, the city agreed to sell Google nine parcels of land to be used in the project for $67 million. Proponents of the deal expect it to revitalize San Jose, which is the only major U.S. city that has a higher population at nighttime than it does during the day, while critics fear it could exacerbate gentrification and inequality in the area. The protesters and shareholders were affiliated with Silicon Valley Rising, a coalition of Bay Area organizations that has been critical of Google's plans. The organization has a list of priorities that it thinks the San Jose City Council should include in any building agreement with Google, including commitments to minimize displacement, address area homelessness through affordable housing, provide well-paying contract jobs, give locals first consideration for employment, support area schools. Protesters gather in front of a Google commuter bus at the company's Mountain View headquarters. Source: Jeff Barrera / Silicon Valley Rising One representative, Chava Bustamente, highlighted how only 4 percent of Google's technical workers are Hispanic or black, while many of its service workers are people of color. "As Google works to increase diversity in its workforce, will the company also make a commitment to ensure that its plans for a Google campus do not damage the diversity of San Jose?" he asked during the question period of the meeting. Alphabet general counsel Kent Walker said the company was exploring different housing initiatives but declined to offer specifics. San Jose has created an advisory group that includes both Google and Silicon Valley Rising, as well as other parties, and will present recommendations to the city council by the end of the year. Kim Walesh, San Jose's director of economic development, told CNBC that the negotiations are going to stretch over several years, with plenty of public back-and-forth. "There's no question that the Google project has heightened fears about lower-income residents being able to stay in the community, and we're taking that really seriously," she said. By showing up at the shareholders meeting, members of Silicon Valley Rising wanted to bring their concerns to people who didn't necessarily know about Google's San Jose plans. The protesters stayed for several hours, handing out fliers and waving signs. Two of the protesters that showed up to Alphabet's annual shareholder meeting in 2018. Source: Jeff Barrera / Silicon Valley Rising Google CEO Sundar Pichai speaks on stage during the annual Google I/O developers conference in Mountain View, California, May 8, 2018. Shares of Alphabet fell Wednesday following a report that European Union officials will hit the company with a "negative result" and a fine of up to $11 billion for abusing its dominance through the Android mobile operating system. The ruling from EU commissioner Margrethe Vestager could come within weeks, the Financial Times reported, citing unnamed sources. The exact penalty amount is unclear, but the commission has the authority to impose a fine of up to $11 billion. Shares of Alphabet were down less than a percent immediately following the news after trading practically flat for much of the day. It's one of three investigations launched by the EU into the U.S. tech giant, amid growing concerns around tech monopolies. Critics and lawmakers have advocated for breaking up dominant tech giants like Google, Amazon and Facebook. So far the biggest threat to Silicon Valley has come out of Europe. Alphabet warned investors last year that fines resulting from the EU's investigations could land in 2018. The company was previously fined a record $2.7 billion for using its dominance in search to unfairly point people to its own comparison shopping service. The European Commission opened its investigation into Android in 2015, following a complaint two years earlier from the lobbying group FairSearch. A 2016 document seen by Reuters said the EU competition enforcer planned to levy a large fine against the company and would order it to stop giving revenue-sharing payments to smartphone makers to pre-install only Google Search. The company did not immediately return requests for comment from CNBC. EU officials declined comment to CNBC. Reuters contributed to this report. Donald Trump, Paul Manafort and Ivanka Trump check the podium at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, July 21, 2016. Bill Clark | CQ Roll Call | Getty Images John Fotiadis, an architect who worked on several projects for Donald Trump, was involved with other prominent business figures in Eastern Europe. Notably, he worked with Ukraine's richest man, as well as working for a developer in the republic of Georgia. He also moved in some of the same circles in Kiev, Ukraine as Paul Manafort, who later became Trump's campaign chief. During this time, Fotiadis designed some of Trump's most ambitious developments in the former Soviet Union. A master of glass-encased towers and monumental entrances, both hallmarks of Trump's properties, Fotiadis supplied vision and technical expertise that complemented Trump's salesmanship. Read more: This New York architect's work is a key to understanding Trump's deals and connections in Eastern Europe Overlooked until now, Fotiadis' work offers a window into Trump's dealings in the complex world of Eastern European real estate. Fotiadis' work for Trump is detailed in a separate story, linked above. Here's a deeper look at his two other notable clients, Rinat Akhmetov's Esta Holdings group in Ukraine, and the Silk Road Group in Georgia. The billionaire in Ukraine With a net worth of $5.8 billion, almost double Trump's, Rinat Akhmetov is the richest man in Ukraine. He is also closely linked to one of the most notorious figures in the ongoing Russia probe: Manafort, the global influence peddler and Trump 2016 presidential campaign chairman who has been charged in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Like Manafort, Fotiadis came to Ukraine from the United States to work for Akhmetov, in 2009. And like Manafort, Fotiadis did work that experts say could have been lucrative. By the time Fotiadis arrived in Kiev in 2009, however, Manafort had already moved on from working for Akhmetov's company to working for Akhmetov's political party, the pro-Russian Party of Regions. Experts think it's unlikely Manafort and Fotiadis would have crossed paths. "Oligarchs like Akhmetov are used to leading very compartmentalized lives," said Columbia University's Alexander Cooley, an expert in Eastern Europe and Eurasia. "And there's no reason that his architect would intersect with his political consultant." In all, Fotiadis worked on four major projects for Akhmetov's companies in Ukraine, according to his archived portfolio. Three were in Akhmetov's home city Donetsk and one was in the capital, Kiev. In Donetsk, Fotiadis won a design competition in 2009 to build an international school funded by Akhmetov, The Grigorivska School, which took the architect two years to complete. Fotiadis' firm also was awarded the commission to design an eight-story luxury apartment building for Akhmetov's Esta Holdings there. In 2010, Fotiadis joined the design team for Esta's 100,000-square-foot Pushkinsky Business Center, for which Fotiadis' JFA provided the interior and lighting design. Ukrainian businessman Rinat Akhmetov. Alexander Khudoteply | AFP | Getty Images In Kiev, Esta Holdings broke ground in 2012 in the city's historic Podol district on a mixed-use project dubbed the Andreevskiy Office Complex. Fotiadis was hired to design a facade and the public interiors. The project was abandoned, however, after protests broke out over a plan to demolish historic landmarks. For an architect like Fotiadis, an oligarch like Akhmetov would be in some ways the perfect client, said Jan deRoos, a Cornell University professor of real estate finance. "You've got a client who knows what he wants and has the means to make it happen, and you've got an architect who knows what he's doing and gets it done," deRoos said. "If you're an oligarch, you're going to want some buildings, and you need someone to take care of it. These guys are in the business of being oligarchs, not in the business of building buildings," deRoos said. To many tycoons who made fortunes in post-Soviet Eastern Europe, the importance of buildings, and by extension, architecture, cannot be overstated, Cooley said: "Buildings are very, very important to the oligarchs because they're the physical manifestation of what they want their legacies to be." He said monumental architecture and civic works also can burnish an oligarch's reputation in the West, where some still look askance at those who made billions through the mass privatization of what had been Soviet state-owned assets. Cooley terms that "reputation laundering." Viewed through this lens, Cooley said, Fotiadis' work for the Ukrainian billionaire bore similarities to what Manafort had done for Akhmetov a few years earlier. Manafort had arrived in Ukraine in 2005, part of "a whole new class of service providers, hired by these newly rich oligarchs to help them move into the mainstream," Cooley said. Unlike architects and other specialists, men like Manafort "typically did a little bit of everything," Cooley added. To someone like Akhmetov, Manafort was a "one-man concierge service to help their client navigate the West." Inside Esta Holdings, Fotiadis appears to have worked closely with Akhmetov's team. So closely, in fact, that when Fotiadis decided to open a branch of his firm in Kiev, he chose Esta's director of construction, Sergey Danilyuk, to run it, according to an announcement on Fotiadis' website that has since been removed. An Esta spokesman did not respond to questions from CNBC about Fotiadis, its work with him, or Danilyuk. For an architect to hire away his client's employee is highly unusual, however, experts told CNBC, especially for an American architect in Ukraine, a country where the real estate industry is widely considered to be corrupt. Buildings are very, very important to the oligarchs because they're the physical manifestation of what they want their legacies to be. Alexander Cooley Columbia University Cooley also noted another unusual aspect of Fotiadis' work for Akhmetov's companies: the timing. JFA did not exist until 2009, when Fotiadis left the firm of his mentor, the renowned architect Costas Kondylis, to found his own firm. Yet within months of opening JFA, Fotiadis had secured two major commissions from a foreign billionaire. Fotiadis and Esta Holdings declined to comment on how they began working together. "What's so striking to me is the fact that someone as prominent as Akhmetov was Fotiadis' first commission as an independent architect," Cooley said. "You're making a decision to hire this person knowing relatively little about them, because they've only just opened their doors." "And that is not how guys like Akhmetov hire their architects," Cooley said. On Fotiadis' now-shuttered website, however, there is a testimonial in which Esta's CEO, Maksim Hramadtsou, praises Fotiadis' work and experience. "JFA brought international experience and the latest global architectural trends and thinking to the Ukrainian market," he says. Fotiadis and his team, the CEO adds, "made great efforts in understanding the local market and its peculiarities and took those factors into account when designing for us." The Silk Road Group Fotiadis' work for Akhmetov in Donetsk exemplified one way that real estate development projects in Eastern Europe can work. Backed by political clout and unlimited funds, work is completed on a relatively tight schedule and opened, for the most part, without controversy. Fotiadis' next big design job, in the republic of Georgia, worked a very different way. From the start, the Trump Tower Batumi project along the Black Sea was underfunded, overhyped and dependent on shifting political forces. In hindsight, it would come to resemble many of Trump's real estate pursuits in Eastern Europe. In the summer of 2011, Trump selected Fotiadis to design the plans for two Trump Towers in Georgia, in the capital, Tbilisi, and the resort town Batumi. Trump's official partner was George Ramishvili's Silk Road Group, which said it paid Trump $950,000 up front to license his brand. But there was another, unofficial partner: Georgia's flamboyant, English-speaking president, Mikheil Saakashvili, who hoped to reap domestic political benefits from Trump's interest in Georgia. At practically every opportunity, Saakashvili inserted himself into the publicity surrounding the deal. Georgia's then-President Mikheil Saakashvili (L) and Donald Trump shake hands during a press conference to announce a real estate project by Trump in Georgia, at the Trump Tower in New York, March 10, 2011. Emmanuel Dunand | AFP | Getty Images In 2011, Saakashvili accompanied Ramishvili to Trump Tower in New York to sign a deal with Trump. It was followed by a splashy kickoff in the same glass atrium where, four years later, Trump would launch his presidential campaign. Fotiadis was familiar to Trump, having worked on several Trump projects during his 20 years with Kondylis. According to a trade news site from 2011, Trump chose Fotiadis for the Georgia projects even though on paper, it was the Silk Road Group that Fotiadis listed as his client. Cornell's deRoos said this arrangement was typical of the licensing deals Trump sought overseas. Maintaining control over a building's design standards and materials was critical to protecting the value of Trump's brand. "Regardless of your politics, in the real estate industry, Trump is known for the quality of his buildings, even the licensed ones he doesn't build himself," deRoos said. "And that has a lot to do with the technical services contract that is overseen by Trump's architect, which says how everything needs to be built, what standards need to be met." Developers like the Silk Road Group would have been required to use a Trump-approved architect, deRoos said. "That would be Fotiadis, who says to them, basically, 'You want something that looks like a Trump Tower?' I can do that." Silk Road Group was clearly impressed by the architect's work, because later that year it hired Fotiadis to design another project, a Radisson-branded hotel in Georgia's wine country. In April 2012, Fotiadis, Trump and Michael Cohen, Trump's personal lawyer and fixer, traveled to Georgia, where Trump unveiled Fotiadis' design for a 47-story tower in Batumi, surrounded by a beach resort. Over two days, the three attended receptions and press events in Tbilisi and Batumi, where Trump promoted his deal with Silk Road Group. According to news reports, Ramishvili predicted he would raise the $250 million needed for the Batumi project by the end of the year. Donald Trump during a 2011 press conference to announce a real estate project in the republic of Georgia. Emmanuel Dunand | AFP | Getty Images Behind the fanfare, however, there already appeared to be confusion about who would pay for the project. Trump had initially pledged in 2011 that he would help the project find investors. Georgian news reports suggested that Trump himself was planning to invest as much as $100 million in the Batumi tower, according to Martin Frederiksen and Katrine Gotfredsen, authors of "Georgian Portraits: Essays on the Afterlives of a Revolution." Trump did nothing to combat the perception that he had a major stake in the project. Appearing on "Fox and Friends" a few days later, he gushed about how Georgia was "booming" and "unbelievable." When asked about what in Georgia he was investing in, Trump replied, "I'm doing a big job there, I'm doing a big development there and it's been amazing." In the end, there would be no Trump Tower in Batumi or Tbilisi. In late 2012, Saakashvili's party lost in elections and the country's new prime minister, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, accused Trump and Saakashvili of hyping a fake plan for Trump to invest millions in Georgia even though Trump had never intended to do so. "Not a single cent has been invested by Trump. It's a complete lie," Ivanishvili told The Atlantic. "Quite the contrary: Trump wanted to sell his brand, and we don't know what actually happened." A year later, the Georgian economy faltered, and authorities launched a large-scale money laundering investigation into the Silk Road Group. The case was dropped in 2014, however, due to what investigators said was a lack evidence. The following year, Trump announced his upstart candidacy for president. Donald Trump formally announces his campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination during an event at Trump Tower in New York, June 16, 2015. Brendan McDermid | Reuters In 2016, when Trump shocked the world by winning the election, it was reported that the Trump Organization, not the Georgians, wanted out of the deal. Silk Road Group's Giorgi Rtskhiladze told Forbes he received a call from Trump's lawyers, who told him the deal with Silk Road Group could create potential conflicts of interest now that Trump was president. Trump Organization lawyer Alan Garten did not respond to a CNBC inquiry about why the deal was terminated. Today, the 15-acre site in Batumi that was once going to house Fotiadis' soaring tower sits empty. Ramishvili and Rtskhiladze told Forbes last year that they plan to move ahead with building a Trump-like tower on the site. Silk Road Group has secured funding, they said, from an unlikely source: the Georgia Co-Investment Fund, a secretive investment fund created by none other than the Batumi project's onetime critic, Ivanishvili. Silk Road Group also says it will still use the Trump-approved design, which is presumably Fotiadis' design. A spokeswoman for Silk Road Group, Melanie Bonvicino, did not respond to questions from CNBC about whether this means it will use Fotiadis' plans. Yet even as the Batumi project fell apart during the last four years, Fotiadis' other big project for Silk Road Group appears to have slowly inched forward. A rendering of the Radisson Tsindanali Hotel in Georgia. Source: Silk Road Group The case of 37-year-old Molly Fienning is an odd one. She graduated from Harvard with a degree in computer science and went to work for IBM. She mapped out a life for herself climbing the corporate ladder in tech. Then she fell in love. Following her heart, Fienning ended up becoming the wife of a Marine fighter pilot living on a military base in Mississippi. "A lot of my girlfriends...they were like, 'You're leaving to move to Mississippi? Are you crazy?'" Fienning says. So...was it? Well, instead of becoming a top tech executive at a Fortune 100 company, she now makes and sells aviator sunglasses for babies. The idea for Babiators was born on a flight line in 2010 when Fienning's husband returned from deployment in Asia. CNBC She's sold 2 million pairs of her sunglasses so far. Two. Million. Sunglasses. Fienning and her husband, Ted, along with another couple, created Babiators, which are $20-$25 aviator sunglasses for children as young as newborns. The sunglasses are made of rubber so they never break, and the company has a one-year replacement program if a pair gets lost or broken. Revenues in 2017 were nearly $5 million. Five. Million. Dollars. "I would need to create my own business" Fienning says this wasn't supposed to happen. She was moving to Washington, D.C., for a tech job when she reconnected with Ted Fienning, a fellow Harvard grad who had studied Portuguese but ended up joining the Marine Corps after 9/11 and becoming an F-18 pilot. "He proposed within four or five months, and all of a sudden I'm a military wife in Mississippi without any tech opportunities," she says. "I knew that at that point, if I was going to work with that military kind of family life, I would be an entrepreneur, and I would need to create my own business." The new Mrs. Fienning started investing in commercial real estate, managing five buildings at one point, but she wasn't thrilled. "I was missing a kind of fun, creative component." "It's literally something out of 'Top Gun'" The idea for Babiators was born on a flight line in 2010 when Fienning's husband returned from deployment in Asia. "The tradition is when the pilots deploy and return home to the families, all the families get to wait on the flight line and run up to the jets and give their moms and dads big hugs," Fienning said. "It's literally something out of 'Top Gun,'" she says, referring to the 1986 Tom Cruise movie. The day was especially sunny. While all the adults who were waiting wore sunglasses, "The kids couldn't see the planes because it was so bright. They were squinting." That made an impression on her. "I actually mentioned to Ted on the way home that it was funny that we all had our aviators on, and the kids didn't have any, and he said, 'We should totally make them and call them "Babiators" for baby aviators!'" The name made Molly Fienning laugh, and then she got serious about it. She and her husband reached out to another couple they knew from school Caroline and Matthew Guard who were working as consultants in Atlanta for management consulting firms Bain & Company and McKinsey & Company. Together they surveyed 500 parents to learn about the current baby sunglasses market, then they scraped together $25,000 to launch Babiators in 2011. Molly and Ted Fienning with co-founders Caroline and Matthew Guard CNBC Go lean, except on PR "We really bootstrapped the company and focused on, 'How can we start as lean as possible?'" Fienning says they hired a coder in South America to build their website for $2,500. They sketched out on a cocktail napkin (no kidding) what they thought Babiators should look like, and sent images of the napkin to prototype manufacturers in Taiwan. Molly Fienning has sold 2 million pairs of Babiators sunglasses so far. CNBC One thing they didn't skimp on was publicity. "One of our college friends is co-founder of Warby Parker, David Gilboa," says Fienning. "He said, 'Don't spend any money on paid advertisements or paid marketing, but from Day 1, make sure you have a strong PR [firm].'" They took his advice, and it soon paid off. Their sunglasses started getting attention. When Newsweek called Babiators "an essential product for summer," a few boutiques called Fienning to ask if they could carry the product in stores. Fienning and Caroline Guard then decided to move beyond ecommerce, and they began cold-calling more stores. "Within nine months we were in 75 stores," says Fienning. Nordstrom was their first major account. At the same time, celebrities from Kourtney Kardashian to Sarah Jessica Parker began showing up in magazines with their children wearing Babiators. "These people could buy $200 baby sunglasses, which I assume exist," says Fienning (she's right, they do). The "Ellen effect" Molly Fienning says she knew they had "made it" about five months after launching the business. She was in the hospital recovering from giving birth to her eldest son. She couldn't sleep that night, so she picked up a magazine at her bedside while her husband, Ted, slept on the floor. "I opened up to Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon's nursery spread, a featured story in Us Weekly, and there's one of their twins looking back at me in Babiators," Fienning recalls excitedly. "I literally just started screaming at 2 in the morning in the hospital, and my husband is on an air mattress on the floor next to me asking, 'What's wrong? What's wrong?' I go like, 'We're in Us Weekly! We're in Us Weekly!'" Not long after that, Cannon was on NBC's "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," and the two talked about Babiators. "Cut to commercial, and instantly our site crashed," laughs Fienning. One mention from Ellen and sales soared, until Babiator's servers couldn't handle it, devastating the partners. "It wasn't even about money lost, it was the first impression and wanting to really be professional and look good, and show that we were a contender." The team has since learned to overbook server space when they think traffic may spike. Some children try on Babiators They've also benefited from increased awareness about protecting children's eyes from the sun as much as we protect their skin, and Babiator revenues have grown from $70,000 in 2011 to $4.7 million in 2017. Fienning expects sales to top $5 million this year. The company now has seven full-time employees based in Atlanta, and the product line has been expanded to make sunglasses for older children. Babiators are sold online (including on Amazon) and in more than 3,000 stores in 43 countries. Fienning says the original four partners still own 100 percent of the company. They use a rolling line of credit to get through the ups and downs of seasonal inventory, but they've never taken outside money. One-year replacement program One of the biggest business risks they took is their promise to replace any pair of Babiators for free within one year if the sunglasses are lost or broken. "It's definitely something that people were shocked to hear about," Fienning says. The number of people who actually take the company up on the offer is "a lot lower than you think, but for us, what we actually realized is those people that do redeem their free pair are often our strongest brand ambassadors." Her advice to other would-be entrepreneurs is to ask your network of friends and family for advice and contacts. "It's been incredibly helpful for us." But don't be surprised if you're occasionally met with a look of disbelief. "A lot of our friends when we were launching, they were, like, 'Wait, you're making sunglasses for babies? That sounds a little odd,'" Fienning recalls with a smile. "Then a year or two later, they were, like, 'Oh, I always knew that would be such a great success. I always had that idea, baby sunglasses, of course!'" More from Strange Success: Fake dog testicles made this man a millionaire Like this story? Check out the Strange Success podcast. What happens to deposit accounts and the money they hold when people die? It hardly matters to the departed, but it's a big concern for heirs. The answer depends on whose name is on the account and whether it is held in a living trust, according to Michael Halloran, a wealth management adviser in Jacksonville, Florida. If the account isn't held jointly or in a trust and Halloran says such lack of planning is the case more often than not the account is off limits until the estate is settled in court. In the meantime, a judge may issue a letter that grants an executor or estate administrator access. Get expert advice and tools to help you make better financial decisions. Sign up for the Bankrate newsletter today. Survivors who believe they can access an account often find they cannot do so because of its ownership structure. For instance, a son might believe he holds a joint account with his mom, when in reality he only has power of attorney. That power ends at the time of death, says Jamil G. Daoud, special counsel at Foley & Lardner in Tampa. "While the person is still alive you should confirm how the accounts are owned, because very often people are wrong in thinking they have access," Daoud says. Don't forge anything The most important thing for family members and other heirs to know is that they should never forge the signature of the deceased to pay bills or use the person's ATM or debit card to get cash. That's fraud. The same goes for using online banking to pay bills. "Forging a check, even if you are the heir, is a no-no," Halloran says. He adds, "Don't pull something stupid and get the family in trouble because they need cash and are trying to get the money." Joint account holders can still sign checks If the account is held by a husband and wife as tenancy by the entirety or any two people as jointly with rights of survivorship, the surviving account holder would need only to present a death certificate to have the deceased's name removed from the account. "Even if they didn't run into the bank, legally, they could still write checks because the account is held in a way that either party can sign," Halloran says. The surviving account holder should keep in mind that the money in the account could be subject to federal estate or state inheritance tax. Having said that, federal tax is due on very large estates. Current federal law puts that at about $11 million for an individual. State tax laws vary. If the bank account is held in a living trust, the successor trustee named in the trust document can present the death certificate and a copy of the trust to the bank to take over the account. Deposits could be a problem Deposits aren't as much affected as withdrawals. Banks typically allow others to deposit checks into someone else's bank account. Having said that, banks have become stricter about this to avoid running afoul of anti-money laundering laws, so check with the bank beforehand. Automatic deposits and payments typically continue without interruption until the bank is notified of the account holder's death. This notification should be made promptly, especially if other people are authorized to use an ATM or debit card. The funeral director may notify Social Security Sometimes an account is frozen after someone's death even if no family members tell the bank. This can happen because the funeral home may notify the Social Security Administration on behalf of the family, and that notification can terminate Social Security payments, which typically are direct-deposited. Social Security is payable monthly and isn't prorated for the month in which a recipient dies. Consequently, checks that turn up in the mail after that date must be returned to the U.S. government. Payments that have been direct deposited can be reversed by the U.S. Treasury. "Social Security can come back to the bank sometime later and say, 'That person is dead,' so they have to give it back," says Nessa Feddis, senior counsel at the American Bankers Association in Washington, D.C. "You aren't supposed to take that money." Family members who need ready cash to pay a deceased person's final expenses might want to look to brokerage accounts rather than bank accounts, Halloran says. That's because brokerage accounts typically are subject to a transfer on death election, or TOD, which allows the account to be retitled after death. All that's needed is a copy of the death certificate. A few proactive steps While much of the advice in this article is about how to manage someone's finances once they have died, there are several small things you can do while you're still alive or when the person you are caring for is. Daoud offers the following tips: Because online statements have become the norm for checking accounts and savings accounts, it's important to obtain detailed records before the last moment so that you can understand how many accounts a person holds and where they are located. Simplify accounts whenever possible by consolidating them. This might not be possible if the person has created a CD ladder and has accounts at various banks, but if there is a savings account here and a checking account there, it is a good idea to merge them. Determine exactly how the account is titled while the person is still alive. If you have power of attorney for someone, consider the following steps if your powers allow: Consider adding one or more joint owners to the account; designate one or more payable on death beneficiaries for the account; transfer the account to the owner's revocable trust. Pre-plan your funeral, if you can. One of the main reasons people need quick access to a person's bank account after they have died is to cover the arrangements. Planning ahead alleviates that stress during an emotional time. More from Bankrate: How to get your home ready for hurricane season Best mortgage tips for June 2018 Best bank account bonuses for June 2018 There were nearly 768,000 votes separating Becerra and Bailey. Under California's so-called "jungle primary" system, the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, advance to the general election. The state's general election will be held on Nov. 6. Becerra, a longtime congressman who was appointed to the state attorney general post last year by Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown , garnered 45 percent of the vote and first place in Tuesday's "top two" primary system. Bailey, a retired Superior Court judge from El Dorado County and critic of the state's so-called sanctuary laws, received 25 percent and took the second spot. Incumbent California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, a Democrat who has been at the center of the state's legal war with the Trump administration, will face off in the fall general election against a conservative GOP challenger, retired judge Steven Bailey, to keep his job as the state's top lawyer. Another Republican opponent, Los Angeles attorney Eric Early, last month during a debate called Becerra "obsessed with [President] Donald Trump." Early finished third in the race for attorney general with nearly 15 percent of the vote, while Dave Jones, a Democrat and the state's insurance commissioner, was fourth with slightly over 14 percent. Jones was a harsh critic of Becerra during the campaign but tweeted his congratulations and support Wednesday for the incumbent attorney general. "I endorse his candidacy for AG & encourage CA to unite in supporting him," Jones tweeted. Associated Press reported that Becerra spoke Tuesday to supporters at an election party in Sacramento and took another swipe at Trump. The attorney general said that 2018 was not 2016, a reference to the presidential election that put Trump into the White House. Becerra also spoke to supporters about the need to go after polluters harming the state's water and air. He also pledged to go after street gangs, sex-trafficking rings and fraudsters preying on seniors. At latest count, Becerra has filed at least 35 lawsuits against the Trump administration, including legal action taken last week against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over landfill methane regulation. More than half of the lawsuits filed, or 18 suits, have dealt with protecting the environment. There also have been actions filed against the Trump administration involving health care, reproductive rights, education and the transgender military ban as well as immigration and the 2020 Census. Becerra also challenged the administration's planned border wall by charging it didn't comply with U.S. and state environmental laws. But a federal judge rejected California's claims to stop the construction. The state is appealing the ruling. "While the current attorney general has focused on fighting Washington, crime has increased, homelessness has reached record levels, and drug abuse has taken more lives, but he has been absent on all of these issues," Bailey told supporters Tuesday evening at an election party in Folsom. "It is time for an attorney general who is focused on solving problems here in California someone who will stop the unconstitutional sanctuary state, prevent the early release of violent career criminals, and provide fair and honest ballot titles and summaries for initiatives and referendums." During a debate last month, Bailey lashed out at Becerra for the flood of lawsuits filed against the federal government. "Unfortunately, what we're faced with here in California is a whole series of frivolous lawsuits that have no basis," Bailey said. Meantime, Becerra is defending the state against the Trump administration's lawsuit challenging California's sanctuary laws that protect undocumented immigrants. A key hearing in that case is scheduled for June 20 in a Sacramento federal court where a judge is expected to hear the federal government's request for a preliminary injunction against three of California's sanctuary laws. At least 35 local jurisdictions in the state, including San Diego and Orange counties, have taken action opposing the sanctuary legislation. State Senate Bill 54, one of California's controversial sanctuary laws, was passed last year by the Democratic-led state legislature and bars local jails from detaining undocumented immigrants who have been convicted of a crime past their normal release time at the request of federal agents. Some police also have complained it puts restrictions on their ability to communicate concerns with federal authorities such as the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, or ICE, about certain undocumented offenders being released on the street. Bailey said last month the sanctuary legislation "has the collateral consequence of creating a situation where we're forcing ICE into our neighborhoods. That's exactly what we shouldn't be doing. If we were just allowing ICE to function the way they wanted to function, and that is going to the local jails and picking up law breakers, you wouldn't have the collateral consequence." The state's sanctuary legislation also includes a law that bars employers from voluntarily giving employee information to federal authorities. In January, Becerra warned that businesses could face a $10,000 fine if they violated the law. According to Bailey, small businesses, in particular, are in a tough spot due to the state's sanctuary legislation because they are forced to decide "whether they are going to be prosecuted by the federal government or by the state government. That quite frankly is wrong." Bailey was endorsed by the California Republican Party as well as the National Rifle Association. "I'm rock hard on the Second Amendment," Bailey said last month. "It's not guns that are the problem; it's people that are the problem." In contrast, Becerra said last month during a debate that "responsible gun owners" have rights to weapons but added he "will fight to the dickens to make sure that California's progressive gun safety laws stay in place. I have been sued by the NRA four times." Bermuda's Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage on Wednesday, striking down an attempt by the island's legislature to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. It is the second time in just over a year that the high court has ruled in favor of same-sex marriage. In May 2017, Bermuda's Supreme Court ruled that defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman discriminates against same-sex couples. But Bermuda's parliament sought to reverse the court's 2017 ruling by passing a law called the Domestic Partnership Act, which again restricted marriage to unions between men and women. The Supreme Court's decision on Wednesday threw out the provisions of the law that effectively banned same-sex couples from getting married. The legal battle in Bermuda drew in the cruise line Carnival Corp, which is registered in the island. The Domestic Partnership Act had prevented the company from conducting same-sex marriages aboard its ships anywhere in the world. Carnival Corp provided "financial, public relations and civic" support to OUTBermuda in its efforts to challenge the island's same-sex marriage ban. OUTBermuda hailed Wednesday's Supreme Court ruling as a "historic decision." "Our hearts and hopes are full, thanks to this historic decision by our Supreme Court and its recognition that all Bermuda families matter," OUTBermuda said in a press release. "Equality under the law is our birthright, and we begin by making every marriage equal." U.S. government debt yields rose Wednesday after the European Central Bank's chief economist said the bank is set to discuss the end of its massive bond-buying program. ECB Chief Economist Peter Praet said the bank will discuss next week how to temper its 30 billion ($35 billion) monthly purchasing program originally introduced to help revive the euro zone's economy following the sovereign debt crisis. "Signals showing the convergence of inflation towards our aim have been improving, and both the underlying strength in the euro area economy and the fact that such strength is increasingly affecting wage formation supports our confidence that inflation will reach a level of below, but close to, 2 percent over the medium term," Praet said Wednesday. The threat of less accommodative monetary policy in Europe, in turn, helped spur a sell-off in American debt. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note was higher at around 2.97 percent at 11:39 a.m. ET, while the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond was also up at 3.125 percent. Bond yields move inversely to prices. "This has been a long time coming, because most of the transparency from the ECB is a series of vague comments about the future of quantitative easing. Today they took a bolder step by saying that it was 'time to discuss' the stoppage of its bondbuying program," wrote Kevin Giddis, head of fixed income capital markets at Raymond James. The Golden State's primary rules selecting the top two vote-getters regardless of party affiliation produced a stampede of candidates in several key districts. As of Wednesday morning, several of those races were too close to call, and it may take several days to tabulate absentee ballots for a final count. 10th District: Democrats are hoping to unseat four-term incumbent GOP Rep. Jeff Denham, who faced little opposition in his bid for his party's nomination. Among Democrats, technology investor Josh Harder was leading in the race for the second slot, but Republican Ted Howze, who ran on virtually no campaign budget, was within a point of edging him out. Harder has raised more than a million dollars from outside the district. Democrat Michael Eggman, a small businessman who lost to Denham by about 3 percentage points in 2016, was trailing in his bid for a second spot on the ballot. 21st District: Democrats have also targeted incumbent Republican David Valadao in this midstate district, which went for Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. Valadao will face T.J. Cox, an engineer and businessman, on the November ballot. Out-of-district Republicans have donated more than half a million dollars to Valadao's campaign, or about a quarter of his total war chest 25th District: Long-distance Democratic donors have invested heavily in nonprofit executive Katie Hill's bid to unseat incumbent GOP Rep. Steve Knight. That funding lead for Hill appears to be paying off at the ballot box. As of Wednesday morning she was holding onto a second place finish ahead of Democrats Bryan Caforio, a lawyer, and Jess Phoenix, a geologist. Since the Trump administration began to consider placing tariffs on Chinese goods, shares of aircraft manufacturer Boeing, which sells heavily into China, have been falling. But when CNBC's Jim Cramer saw shares of the aerospace giant soar over 3 percent on Wednesday, he took it as a sign that China tensions may not weigh as heavily on Boeing's earnings as Wall Street thinks. "Ever since the president decided to get tough on trade, the stock of Boeing has been trading like it's about to lose a big order from Chairman Mao Airlines," the "Mad Money" host said. Shares of Boeing, which said it planned to sell $1 trillion worth of aircraft to China over the next two decades, were especially hurt by China's April tariffs on 106 U.S. products. The move was viewed as a retaliation to President Trump's proposed list of tariffs on Chinese goods. Trade talks with the People's Republic have gotten more complicated of late, however. On Sunday, China warned that any trade deals made with U.S. negotiators may "not take effect" if Trump enacts additional tariffs. On Monday, reports indicated that negotiations seemed to stall. Still, Boeing's Wednesday rally served to improve the outlook for the company, indicating to investors that its strength was not tied solely to its business in China, Cramer said. "Given that Boeing is a quintessential industrial and our biggest exporter, what can I say? [This] is a terrific sign," he told viewers, noting that Boeing's CEO, Dennis Muilenburg, has been "demonstrably quiet" about China. "Let me say something: there are literally a dozen airline purchasers who would love to get in the queue if China drops out, and that's despite the recent declines in the airline stocks because of [a] 50 percent increase in the price of fuel," the "Mad Money" host added. Shares of Boeing closed Wednesday's trading session at $371.56, 4 cents away from its 52-week high of $371.60. On Monday, the aerospace giant announced a joint venture with French engine manufacturer Safran to build and service key components in commercial aircraft. "Indeed the war in Korea was a nitty-gritty deal: bitter cold, a challenging mountainous terrain, and a merciless and well-trained enemy that often significantly outnumbered U.S. forces," he added. "The book follows the course of the war in gravelly detail so vivid that you can feel the cold wind blowing from the Chosin Reservoir," explained military historian R. Manning Ancell. Written by T.R. Fehrenbach, "This Kind of War" is a nearly 500-page history of the Korean War told from the perspective of soldiers engaged in the bitter fight. Secretary of Defense James Mattis, who has armed himself with books for most of his four-decade-long military career , points to one title in preparing for a potential war on the Korean peninsula. U.S. Marines move forward after effective close-air support flushes out the enemy from their hillside entrenchments in North Korea. Mattis, who kept a personal collection of 7,000 books before retiring as a four-star general, attributes his success on the battlefield to reading. "We have been fighting on this planet for 5000 years and we should take advantage of their experience. Winging it and filling body bags as we sort out what works reminds us of the moral dictates and the cost of incompetence in our profession," he wrote in a 2003 email. And so, when he was asked at the Association of the United States Army's annual meeting last year what the U.S. military could do to lessen the likelihood of a conflict on the Korean peninsula, Mattis pointed to Fehrenbach's book. "Let me talk about Korea for a minute because it's on all of our minds," Mattis said in the wake of reports that North Korea had tested a hydrogen bomb. "There's a reason that I recommend T.R. Fehrenbach's book. That we all pull it out and read it one more time," Mattis added saying that the current U.S. response to North Korea was a "diplomatically-led, economic sanction buttressed effort." "Now, what does the future hold, neither you nor I can say, so there is one thing the U.S. Army can do, and that is you have got to be ready to ensure that we have military options that our president can employ if needed," he said. Mattis recommended troops read the 55-year-old title, as he did, in order to prepare for a potential conflict along the 38th parallel. A surge in fuel prices will likely eat into Delta Air Lines' profits this quarter, despite strong travel demand, the airline said Wednesday. Delta said in a filing that it expects to earn $1.65 to $1.75 a share in the three months ending June 30, down from its forecast in April of $1.80 to $2 a share. The airlines have been grappling with a jump in fuel prices, generally their second-largest expense after employee salaries. Earlier this week, the International Air Transport Association, an industry group that represents most of the world's airlines, cut its profit outlook for airlines this year due to higher costs. Delta said fuel prices are up about 50 percent over the past 12 months. That's enough to crimp profits even though the airline expects revenue growth of between 4 and 5 percent quarter from the year-earlier period, a narrower range from the 3 to 5 percent the airline forecast in April. The House of Mouse has been around for more than 9 decades, and the company is currently under pressure as other media conglomerates look to disrupt its empire. However, Disney is bullish on South Asia as plans for its streaming business are underway. "We have seen fairly seismic changes in technology over the last nine decades. This is one more milestone we have to work with. Our content is available on all platforms right now. By next year, we are going to be available within our own app, so we feel pretty good about how our storytelling transcends technology and is relevant for generations now and generations to come," Mahesh Samat, Disney's executive vice president and managing director for South Asia, told CNBC's Dan Murphy. Earlier this year, Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced the company's entry into steaming services. While not providing much information on the potential cost for consumers, Samat said that "localization comes in the content" and, in addition to the company's brands, Disney is looking at "what local content offers are possible." When asked if companies like Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google pose a major challenge to the new initiative, Samat said "it is a completely different business model," and Disney is focused on producing "great stories, characters and franchises" that "engage and entertain" consumers. India, is one of the company's largest markets in South Asia, and the executive said he remains "very optimistic" even as the "whole digital landscape is changing." He noted that the Marvel brand has grown "significantly" and Disney has "a couple of local brands that are also playing well with certain target groups." The economic "pop" from President Donald Trump's corporate tax cuts should head off any recession in the next few years, Howard Lutnick, chairman and CEO of BGC Partners, told CNBC on Wednesday. In fact, he believes the Trump administration's target of 3 percent economic growth is "absolutely in the cards as a reasonable outcome." With the corporate tax rate now at 21 percent, down from 35 percent, companies will earn more money and invest in plants and equipment, said Lutnick, also chairman and CEO of financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald. "That tax cut, people do not understand how strong that is for corporate America. And that creates jobs, creates growth," he told Bob Pisani on "Power Lunch." On top of that, the government is cutting regulation and letting banks do more business, he added. "What could have been the end of the [economic] cycle was given three more years because he just hit it with an adrenaline pop." Lutnick is also supportive of Trump's trade policies. The administration has slapped tariffs most recently on Canada, Mexico and the European Union, angering allies. The move has prompted targeted countries to retaliate. On Wednesday, top White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said not to blame Trump for the troubles. Instead, "blame the nations that have broken away" from fair trade practices, he told reporters. The global trade system "is broken and President Trump is trying to fix it. And that's the key point," Kudlow added. Lutnick agrees that past trade practices weren't working. Meanwhile, the global economy is growing. "If you were going to try to make changes and you were going to try to level the playing field on trade, wouldn't you pick the time when the global economy is growing?" he said. "If you're going to do it, now's the time." At Tesla's annual shareholder meeting in Mountain View, California, on Tuesday, co-founder and CEO Elon Musk responded to a question about missed Model 3 production targets with, in part, a story about his childhood. "I think I do have like an issue with, uh, time. It's been true since" Musk says, interrupting his own sentence. "I have a condition, I dunno. My brother used to, like, when we were catching the bus to school, he would lie to me about the time. And he would always say it was earlier than it actually was and then I would get there slightly after that and then we would actually be able to catch the bus," says Musk about his older brother, Kimbal. "So, you know..." During the shareholder meeting, Musk says it is "quite likely" Tesla will hit a weekly Model 3 production rate of 5,000 cars "by the end of this month." That production rate comes after the company has set and missed production goals for the Model 3 vehicle. In April, when Gayle King, host of "CBS This Morning," did an interview with Musk at the Tesla factory in Fremont, California, Tesla was doing just north of 2,000 cars per week. "This is something I am trying to get better at," Musk says at the shareholder meeting. European stocks closed little changed Wednesday, with trade greatly impacted by concerns over fiscal spending in Italy. The pan-European Stoxx 600 closed provisionally neutral with sectors and major bourses mixed. Italy's FTSE MIB, which was under pressure Tuesday, recovered on Wednesday, rising 0.26 percent. New Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte presented his coalition's plans to crackdown on immigration and up welfare spending while cutting taxes on Tuesday. In stocks news, the media company Schibsted was up by 4.5 percent after a rating upgrade. And WH Smith rose to the top of the index, with shares up by almost 7.5 percent after reporting a 4 percent increase in sales in the 13-weeks to June 2. Growth in its travel business helped to offset a decline in high-street sales. At the other end, RPC Group plummeted almost 12 percent after announcing the sale of several non-core assets. Hugin has already put millions of his own dollars into his campaign to spread a centrist message and attack Menendez for corruption accusations. Menendez's lackluster showing in beating a largely unknown primary challenger shows he may need to work had to win in the blue state. Bob Hugin, a Republican candidate running in New Jersey primary election for U.S. Senate, gestures while exiting a polling booth after casting his vote in the New Jersey Primary Election, Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at the Lincoln-Hubbard School in Summit, N.J. Julio Cortez | AP Senate primaries in New Jersey on Tuesday set up what could become a competitive and nasty race for scandal-plagued Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez's seat. Republican and former Celgene CEO Bob Hugin who has already put $7.5 million of his own into his campaign to spread a centrist message easily won his party's primary. On the Democratic side, Menendez garnered about 62 percent of the vote in beating largely unknown challenger Lisa McCormick, a showing considered disappointing for an incumbent. The outcomes show Menendez, 64, may have to labor to keep a blue-state seat that, in most years, would be relatively easy for Democrats to hold. Democrats cannot afford to lose the race as the party's incumbents and independents who caucus with them defend 26 seats in November. Many of those races will take place in states with a more dominant Republican presence than New Jersey. Hugin, employing his vast wealth to blanket airwaves with television ads, has cast himself as an independent voice who may not fall in line with Republican leaders on issues such as health care, immigration and abortion. He and national Republicans have repeatedly hammered Menendez for charges that he took gifts from wealthy Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen in exchange for favors. The Justice Department dropped charges against Menendez, but bipartisan colleagues admonished him earlier this year for his conduct. Republicans jumped on Menendez's Tuesday primary performance. In a statement following the primaries, National Republican Senatorial Committee executive director Chris Hansen said that "after years of nothing but embarrassment and scandal from Menendez, New Jerseyans agree it's time for a fresh voice in the U.S. Senate." Sen. Robert Menendez, a Democratic senator from New Jersey Peter Foley | Bloomberg | Getty Images In declaring victory in his primary Tuesday night, the 63-year-old Hugin took a dig at Menendez, saying he wants to give "New Jersey a senator it can be proud of." The Marine veteran also pledged to cooperate with Democrats if he wins the Senate seat. "In the Marines, it's not about Democrats or Republicans, it's about working together. Frankly, that's what we need more of in Congress, and that's the kind of senator I will be for New Jersey an independent voice who always puts our state and our people first. No exceptions," Hugin said. "I am pro-choice, pro-marriage equality, and I strongly support equal pay for equal work. I believe we as a party and as a country need to fix our immigration system in a comprehensive and compassionate way." The Menendez campaign did not respond to a request for comment on Hugin's rhetoric or the senator's primary performance. Even before the primary, his campaign started hitting Hugin for massive increases in the price of a cancer drug while the GOP candidate was at Celgene. The Democrat's operation also noted that the Trump administration this year singled out Celgene as one of the companies working to hinder the development of cheaper generic alternatives to its drugs. Hugin has gotten a boost from the corruption accusations against Menendez. But in trying to win over the independent or crossover voters needed to prevail in blue New Jersey, he likely needs to run more than an anti-Menendez campaign. How Hugin and Menendez stack up Based on 99 percent of precincts reporting Tuesday's statewide primary results, Newsom had 33 percent of the vote and first place while Cox was second with 26 percent. They were separated by about 285,000 votes. Under California's unusual "jungle primary" system, the top two vote-getters regardless of party advance to the general election. In all, 27 candidates vied to succeed Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown , who was ineligible to run again because of term limits. Liberal Democrat Gavin Newsom and Trump-backed Republican John H. Cox will face off in the November general election to decide California's next governor. Newsom, the state's lieutenant governor and an ex-mayor of San Francisco, had been widely expected to be the top vote-getter since he was the longtime frontrunner in the governor's race. Cox took the number two spot and had been gaining in most recent public opinion polling following President Donald Trump three weeks ago tweeting his endorsement of the conservative San Diego businessman. Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox speaks at his election night headquarters after placing second in the California primary in San Diego, California, June 5, 2018. "This is only the first step to turning around this state and taking back California for all of Californians," Cox told supporters Tuesday evening during a Republican Party gathering in San Diego. "Gavin Newsom and the Democrats are going to have to take responsibility for what they've done to this state." Cox started his remarks to the crowd by noting that Americans voted a businessman into the White House and it was now time to put a businessman into the governor's mansion in Sacramento. Speaking to supporters in San Francisco on Tuesday evening, Newsom took a swipe at Cox: "It looks like voters will have a real choice this November between a governor who is going to stand up to Donald Trump and a foot soldier in his war on California." Newsom, 50, also promised to tackle everything from guaranteed health care and childhood poverty to the state's affordable housing crisis. Political observers say Cox, 62, faces an uphill battle in the next five months before the general election because California historically has tended to lean Democratic in statewide races. Also, Trump lost California by more than 4 million votes to Democrat Hillary Clinton despite traditional GOP strongholds in places like Orange County. Registration of Republicans in California has fallen from 36 percent in 1997 to about 25 percent as of January, according to figures from the state. Democratic registration as of January 2017 was nearly 45 percent of the state's total registered voters while "no party preference" was 25 percent. Regardless, Republicans are hoping a backlash against California's so-called sanctuary state laws that protect undocumented immigrants as well as a push to repeal state gas taxes could boost Cox's chances in the November runoff. Cox was behind an effort to gather signatures for a statewide initiative to repeal the increase in state gas taxes and vehicle fees. Last year, California's Democratic-controlled legislature approved raising the state excise tax on gasoline by 12 cents per gallon, or a 40 percent increase. California, the fifth-largest economy in the world, is in a legal fight with the Trump administration involving sanctuary state laws signed into law last year by Brown. At least 35 local jurisdictions in the state have passed measures to oppose California's sanctuary laws, including two large counties in Southern California San Diego and Orange County. Brown leaves office in January with a state forecast to have a surplus of billions of dollars in the 2018-19 financial year. When Brown assumed office in 2011, California faced a $27 billion deficit. Among other gubernatorial contenders, Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa, the ex-mayor of Los Angeles, came in third place in the gubernatorial contest with 13.5 percent while Travis Allen, a GOP state Assembly member, was in fourth place with about 10 percent. Democrat John Chiang, the state treasurer, was placing fifth with 9 percent, and Delaine Eastin, a Democrat and former state schools chief, was in sixth with about 3 percent. Allen ran on a campaign positioning himself as "the only true conservative" and pointed out that Cox didn't vote for Trump in the 2016 election. Cox, who made his money in the housing business, said during a debate last month that he regrets not voting for Trump. Cox's campaign spent about $5 million during the primary for his run for governor while Newsom's campaign spent nearly $10 million, according to the latest state data. Newsom still had a war chest with more than $9 million left as of this week while Cox's campaign recently had less than $500,000 in ending cash. Tuesday's primary election in the Golden State wasn't without problems. A glitch in some polling places in Los Angeles County caused nearly 119,000 names to be missing from the roster of eligible voters. County officials blamed the issue on a printing error and insisted those affected voters were offered provisional ballots at polling places. Villaraigosa raised questions Tuesday evening about the voting glitches in his hometown and asked Los Angeles County officials to keep polling places open longer. That request wasn't granted and would have required a court order. Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Ravina Shamdasani yesterday issued the following statement about the Trump administration's policy of separating immigrant families apprehended by immigration officers: We are deeply concerned that the zero tolerance policy recently put in place along the US southern border has led to people caught entering the country irregularly being subjected to criminal prosecution and having their children including extremely young children -taken away from them as a result." The practice of separating families amounts to arbitrary and unlawful interference in family life, and is a serious violation of the rights of the child. While the rights of children are generally held in high regard in the US, it is the only country in the world not to have ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. We encourage it to accede to the Convention and to fully respect the rights of all children. The use of immigration detention and family separation as a deterrent runs counter to human rights standards and principles. The childs best interest should always come first, including over migration management objectives or other administrative concerns. It is therefore of great concern that in the US migration control appears to have been prioritised over the effective care and protection of migrant children. Children should never be detained for reasons related to their own or their parents migration status. Detention is never in the best interests of the child and always constitutes a child rights violation. Information from various sources suggests that several hundred children have been separated from their families since last October. The practice of separating children from their parents is being applied to both asylum-seekers and other migrants in vulnerable situations, and we note that the American Civil Liberties Union has brought a class action case on behalf of hundreds of parents who have been forcibly separated from their children. The majority of people arriving at the U.S.s southern border have fled Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador in many cases either because of rampant insecurity and violence, or because of violations of a range of other rights, such as health, education, and housing. The US should immediately halt this practice of separating families and stop criminalizing what should at most be an administrative offence that of irregular entry or stay in the US. We call on the US authorities to adopt non-custodial alternatives that allow children to remain with their families and fulfil the best interests of the child, their right to liberty and their right to family life." KJ https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/2018/06/unhcr-condemns-trump-administration-family-separation-policies.html Google's headquarters at Mountain View, California Getty Images Tariq Yusuf, a privacy engineer in Google's Seattle office, is heading to Alphabet's Silicon Valley headquarters on Wednesday to take part in the company's annual shareholder meeting. But Yusuf is hardly attending as a cheerleader. Rather, he's part of a small group of Google employees attending the meeting to seek shareholder support for a diversity and inclusion proposal that the company recommends rejecting. The proposal, filed by Zevin Asset Management, which describes itself as a socially responsible investment firm, calls for Alphabet's executive compensation to be tied to gender, racial and ethnic diversity metrics in employee recruiting and retention. Zevin cites Google's own data showing that over the past four years, the percentage of women employees has only gone from 30 percent to 31 percent, while the number of underrepresented minorities has increased from 9 percent to 10 percent. "One of the reasons we partnered with Zevin is that it advocates building in the values that Alphabet purports to support," Yusuf told CNBC. Alphabet "can do a better job of putting its money where its mouth is to some degree," he added. 'Employees and investors locking hands' Zevin's proposal challenges Google, which was one of the first major companies to publicly publish its diversity statistics, to step up its efforts and better protect employees working internally on diversity projects so that it has the talent to drive long-term shareholder value. Zevin has made similar proposals to Amazon and Apple. "It's not often you see employees and investors locking hands like this," said Pat Tomaino, Zevin's director of socially responsible investing. The Boston-based firm owns about $23 million worth of Alphabet shares, according to FactSet. Alphabet recommends shareholders vote against the proposal because the company says it already incorporates diversity values into its business. Because of Alphabet's dual-voting structure that gives the co-founders outsized control, the proposal likely won't pass. Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page John MacDougall | Getty Images Knapp also referenced a "chilling effect" that harassment and doxxing had on productivity and company culture, referring to the responses that followed the lawsuit filed by fired Google engineer James Damore. In an unusual move , a Google engineer presented the first proposal on behalf of Zevin Asset Management. The proposal , which was voted down, called for Alphabet's executive compensation to be tied to gender, racial and ethnic diversity metrics in employee recruiting and retention. The engineer who presented it, Irene Knapp, said in a prepared statement that internal diversity and inclusion activities had been "met with a disorganized array of responses, including formal reprimand." Damore was fired after his internal memo criticizing the company's diversity efforts went viral. The suit in January, accusing Google of discriminating against white, male and conservative employees, included many employee names and profile pictures. Knapp's statement challenged Google to improve its code of conduct "by cracking down on malicious leaks that have intimidated individuals, by publishing to employees a manual formalizing the procedures for HR investigations, and by finding a solution for bad-faith HR complaints." Immediately following Knapp's presentation, Justin Danoff from the National Center for Public Policy Research, a conservative think tank, presented a proposal calling for more ideological diversity on Alphabet's board. Danoff spurned Damore's firing and recommended that Alphabet hire conservative board members to avoid "group-think." Alphabet is currently looking to fill two board seats. "Diversity is not what someone looks like," Danoff said. "It's the sum of what they think, they feel, and they believe, and at this company it appears that thinking and believing in conservative policies is verboten." That proposal was also voted down. The two presentations are representative of an internal turmoil that Google has faced in the last year. The company has been hit with a spat of opposing lawsuits, which argue that it is either not doing enough or going too far in its push for diversity. Here's the full statement from Knapp: My name is Irene Knapp and I am an engineer at Google. On behalf of Zevin Asset Management and concerned employees of Alphabet and its subsidiaries, I hereby move Proposal Number 8. Integrating executive performance measures with diversity and inclusion metrics will further our company's values, address long-term human capital risks, and make it clear that diversity and inclusion are a business priority throughout the organization. Diversity and inclusion are key components of business sustainability and success. McKinsey & Company research shows that companies in the top quartiles for gender and racial/ethnic diversity were more likely to have above average financial returns. Yet, at Alphabet, diversity and inclusion activities by individual contributors and managers alike including mentorship, outreach, and community building have been met with a disorganized array of responses, including formal reprimand. The lack of clear, communicated policies and actions to advance diversity and inclusion, with concrete accountability and leadership from senior executives, has left many of us feeling unsafe and unable to do our work. The chilling effect of harassment and doxxing has impaired productivity and company culture. Responses from HR have been inadequate, leaving minority communities unprotected. Now we are forced to weigh the risks to ourselves before giving each other support. This backwards response is tied to immediate retention issues, as entire support networks shut down in fear. The proposed metrics will incentivize long-term progress on diversity and inclusion. However, Alphabet must also immediately address human capital risk by improving its code of conduct, by cracking down on malicious leaks that have intimidated individuals, by publishing to employees a manual formalizing the procedures for HR investigations, and by finding a solution for bad-faith HR complaints. We are hopeful that executives are finding ways to implement these solutions, as concerned employees requested two months ago. It is our belief as investors, as engineers, and as technical professionals, that a lack of executive leadership around sustainability, diversity and inclusion fundamentally hurts the quality of products Alphabet can deliver to users. As a company that aims to focus on the next billion internet users and bring the convenience and power of information access to them, Alphabet must credibly integrate diversity and inclusion into its strategy. Today, it is clear that Alphabet shareholders are listening to employees' experience, and standing with us as we all challenge our company to be better. Together, we are sending a strong message to Alphabet's leadership that they must prioritize diversity and inclusion in the interest of all employees and of long-term investor value. We urge our fellow shareholders to support Proposal Number 8. As Robert Mueller looks ever more closely at President Donald Trump's foreign business ties, one former associate has remained outside the spotlight despite playing a key role in Trump's quest for real estate deals in former Soviet lands. Architect John Fotiadis designed some of Trump's most ambitious luxury developments there. A master of glass-encased towers and monumental entrances hallmarks of Trump's properties the New York architect supplied vision and technical expertise that complemented Trump's salesmanship and attorney-fixer Michael Cohen's brass-tacks negotiating. Fotiadis' work offers a window into Trump's dealings in the complex, opaque world of Eurasian real estate. Today, several of these projects are reportedly under scrutiny by the special counsel, who is investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 election and any means by which Moscow might have exerted influence over Trump or his campaign, including through his business deals. There are no indications that Fotiadis has done anything wrong and no indications that Mueller is investigating that possibility. Between 2007 and 2013, Fotiadis designed all or part of six Trump-branded developments: a Trump Tower in Kazakhstan; a Trump-branded seaside resort in the republic of Georgia; a 47-story Trump Tower in Tbilisi, Georgia; hotel rooms at the Trump Tower in Istanbul; a Trump movie studio complex in Florida; and major portions of the Trump Parc Stamford, a condominium tower in Connecticut. Architect John Fotiadis. Source: YouTube "The architect is a key part of the Trump sales pitch when he goes into these countries, and he's convincing the money guys to give him a branding and development deal," said Jan deRoos, a Cornell University professor of real estate finance. "The architect is the one who translates the Trump brand into actual design and construction standards." In Eurasia, Trump's deals often involved complex networks of investors and middlemen. For instance, Trump's 2011 deal to build a Fotiadis-designed resort in Georgia was set up by Giorgi Rtskhiladze, an international financier who, four years later, would arrange for Cohen to receive a proposal from a Russian millionaire seeking to partner with Trump on real estate in Russia. The McClatchy news service reported in April that Mueller's probe was looking more closely at the people involved in Trump's dealings in three countries, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Russia. Fotiadis covers his trail Around this time, CNBC received a tip that Fotiadis had worked on several Trump projects in Eurasia. Curious about his professional relationship with Trump, CNBC reached out to Fotiadis on April 11 for comment about this work. Fotiadis did not respond to a call or an email. But eight hours later, he announced on Twitter that he was closing his firm, John Fotiadis Architect, or JFA, after 10 years in business. A few days later, Fotiadis closed the Twitter account he had used to announce he was closing down his firm. By the end of the week, all the content from Fotiadis' professional website, including his portfolio, had been removed, leaving only a note saying he planned to join a New Jersey-based engineering company. Gone was Fotiadis' impressive portfolio of 30 projects (some of which are pictured below), including villas, schools and office buildings he has designed for clients around the world. Also gone was any reference to the two overseas branches of JFA that he had opened in Tbilisi and Kiev, Ukraine. The closure of JFA appears to mark an abrupt end to the solo career of an architect who counted some of the richest men in the world among his clients. Fotiadis has not answered repeated calls, emails and text messages from CNBC with questions about his work in Eurasia or why he shuttered his company. He also declined to comment on whether he had been contacted by anyone from Mueller's office. Peter Carr, a spokesman for the special counsel, also declined to comment. A half-dozen of Fotiadis' former colleagues and associates in the U.S. and Ukraine have likewise not responded to inquiries about the architect. Nor have his former clients. Fotiadis was not always so press shy. Archived versions of his website on the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine, as well as news reports and real estate industry records, reveal that until this spring, Fotidias was frequently in the spotlight. Born and raised in New Jersey, Fotiadis is in his mid-50s, with silver sideburns and fashionable, slim-cut suits. He's also highly credentialed, with a master's degree in architecture and urban design from Columbia University, licenses in New Jersey and New York, and a career spanning 30 years. Fotiadis regularly spoke at architecture conferences in the United States and Ukraine, did media interviews and traveled abroad to architectural awards shows. In one of his most recent interviews, from July, Fotiadis said he was planning to do more work in Ukraine. "We started [JFA] in 2009, and through a series of very interesting and lucky circumstances we wound up doing a lot of work in Eastern Europe, mostly in Ukraine, from 2009 to 2013," Fotiadis said in a video interview with the Kiyv Post. "Then things went dark for a while, and now I'm back, because things seem to be coming back." The interview was videoed on location at the Skyline, a high-rise condominium in downtown Kiev that Fotiadis helped design. As a speaker at conferences, Fotiadis often embraces the academic side of architecture. At the 2016 International Architecture Forum in Kiev, he delivered a keynote address titled, "Modern Architecture NOW: Form, Function, Meaning Value A Report from New York." Fotiadis' biography posted on the IAF conference website is filled with the names of prestigious real estate developers who have hired him. It also lists cities around the world in which he has worked, including, "New York, San Francisco, Boston, Miami, Cairo, Doha, Dubai, Seoul, Moscow, Panama City, Kyiv, Donetsk, Baku, Batumi, Athens, Istanbul and Ankara." From international jet-set clients to northern N.J. The more one learns about Fotiadis' career, however, the more difficult it becomes to square his new job with his old one. Twelve days after announcing the JFA closure, Fotiadis became design director at SNS Architects and Engineering, a 30-person firm based in Montvale, a northern New Jersey borough. The firm's portfolio indicates that it mainly does commercial and institutional projects in the tri-state area, including car dealerships, self-storage facilities and medical labs. An SNS employee confirmed to CNBC that Fotiadis had joined the firm in April, but other SNS executives did not respond to interview requests and questions about how the firm came to hire him. His biography on the SNS website does not mention any of his former clients, although it does say that he worked on projects in Eastern Europe. The architect is the one who translates the Trump brand into actual design and construction standards. Jan deRoos Cornell University Business School Fotiadis' portfolio from JFA has been removed from his website, but it is still archived on the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine. There, visitors can see hundreds of images and plans from 30 projects Fotiadis has designed in the past decade for more than a dozen clients. Many of the jobs were for confidential clients. But three clients stood out. One was the Trump Organization. Another was the richest man in Ukraine, billionaire Rinat Akhmetov, who built a metals and mining empire in the chaotic decade following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Today, Akhmetov is best known to Americans as the Ukrainian oligarch who first hired former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort in 2005 to come and work for him in Ukraine. For the next 10 years, Manafort would serve as the top consultant to Akhmetov's pro-Russia political party. Manafort is currently awaiting trial on federal money laundering and tax evasion charges stemming from his work in Ukraine. Fotiadis' third major client was the Silk Road Group, a Tbilisi-based private investment company led by CEO George Ramishvili. Silk Road Group licensed the Trump brand in 2011 for several properties in Georgia for which Fotiadis designed the plans. So far, none has been built. Neither Akhmetov nor Ramishvili started out in real estate. For them, as for many Eurasian millionaires and billionaires, property development offered a way to put to good use all the wealth and political clout they had amassed in other industries. Read more: Inside the murky world of two Eastern European oligarchs, Donald Trump and the architect they shared CNBC attempted to confirm the dates and details of the work Fotiadis lists in his portfolio for each of these clients with their representatives and lawyers. None has responded to inquiries. But there are positive testimonials on Fotiadis' website from the CEOs of Akhmetov's Esta Holdings and the Silk Road Group. Both developers emphasized Fotiadis' skill at adjusting to clients' needs and understanding their local markets. That Fotiadis' work would be in demand in Eurasia does not surprise Cornell's deRoos. "The Trump style sells well in this part of the world," deRoos said. "And the crazy thing is that these buildings are pretty transportable. So you can build the same sort of building in Baku [Azerbaijan] as in Central Park, and you develop a sort of signature." Below: The Trump Parc Stamford, one of several Trump properties Fotiadis helped design before he launched his own firm in 2009. A view of Trump Parc Stamford tower in Stamford, Conn. Bryan Anselm | The Washington Post | Getty Images Trump's "favorite" architect Some of the first jobs Fotiadis did after starting his own firm in 2009 were projects for Akhmetov in Donetsk, an industrial city in eastern Ukraine. As a client, Akhmetov represented one extreme of what drives real estate development projects in Eastern Europe: the nearly unlimited resources and political clout of just one individual. A billionaire and member of parliament from the pro-Russia ruling party at the time, Akhmetov sponsored construction projects not unlike the oligarch himself: efficient, low-key and not reliant on anyone not investors, government officials or VIPs like Trump. The Silk Road Group and Ramishvili, on the other hand, represented another extreme type of client: a developer who is overly reliant on outside forces. From the start, Fotiadis' Silk Road projects were plagued by investors who never materialized, government officials who lent support only when it served their political aims, and VIP partners like Trump, who talked a big game but ultimately contributed little. Read more: Inside the murky world of two Eastern European oligarchs, Donald Trump and the architect they shared Despite marketing himself as an Akhmetov-type alpha billionaire in total control of his projects, Trump was rarely as personally involved in his overseas licensing deals as the marketing and promotional materials made him out to be. This strategy protected Trump personally from the risk of massive losses in the event that a deal went south, such as a deal with Silk Road Group for a Trump Tower in the resort town of Batumi, Georgia. It also meant that Trump could seek out deals in less time. Below: The unfinished Trump International Hotel and Tower (left) in Baku, Azerbaijan, was another overseas project Trump launched in 2012, but was not one of Fotiadis' designs. Artur Widak | NurPhoto | Getty Images Fotiadis, Trump and Cohen were especially busy in 2011 and 2012. In addition to designing and pitching the Batumi project, Fotiadis designed a Trump Tower in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan, as well as a massive movie production lot for Trump in Florida. In 2011, while Fotiadis was working on the design of the Trump Batumi tower, Silk Road Group partner Rtskhiladze began talking to Cohen about trying to get funding to build another Trump-branded tower in Kazakhstan. The Trump Diamond Astana, designed by Fotiadis in late 2011, was pitched to the Kazakh government in 2012. Had it been built, the tower would have been the tallest building in Central Asia. But Trump's bid for the project lost out to a rival developer. In Homestead, Florida, Fotiadis designed what would have been the biggest studio lot in America, if it had been built. Dubbed Trump World Studios, the idea was initially brought to Trump by an ambitious elected official who was looking to score points for himself much the way then-Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili sought out Trump for the Batumi project in 2010. In this case, however, it wasn't a foreign president. It was Miami-Dade planning commissioner Joe Martinez, who was preparing to mount a bid for mayor of Miami. According to The Hollywood Reporter, which delved into this story in 2016, Trump hosted Martinez for dinner at Mar-a-Lago before deciding he would hire, "his favorite design firm, John Fotiadis Architect, to draw up plans." "He wanted a world-class facility," Fotiadis told THR. "It was really like a city, with residential, commercial, retail, restaurants. It even had a grid, boulevards and a main plaza." The architect added, "Trump doesn't waste people's time; when he calls, we get to work right away." Trump doesn't waste people's time; when he calls, we get to work right away. John Fotiadis architect Imperial College London, one of the world's most prestigious universities, specializes in science, engineering, medicine and business. With 17,000 students and 8,000 staff, Imperial awards more than 6,700 degrees each year. At the Imperial College Business School, bright minds are working hard to introduce new innovations and ideas to the educational technology, or Edtech, sector. Its Edtech Lab is made up of a range of specialists whose expertise includes everything from software development to research and film production. As part of its work, the Edtech Lab has developed a Global Online MBA, a two-year part-time program that is delivered in an online format. The MBA uses an online learning platform called the Hub that allows students to access their program materials using a range of devices and track their progress in real time. While the emphasis is on the online aspect of the course, some elements take place on campus. "We've been running the Edtech Lab here at Imperial College Business School since about 2005," David Lefevre, director of the EdTech Lab, told CNBC in an interview broadcast earlier this week. "We do two things: we build online courses a lot of them, about 180 which we deliver to our students and to the general public, and we do a lot of R&D (research and development) into how to make education improved using technology." Lefevre added that the team at the Edtech Lab thought technology could enhance education in a significant way. While technology is advancing and online learning is developing at a rapid pace, some doubts still linger. "All of our students have access to online courses, and I think they initially approach it with some trepidation," Lefevre said. "They perceive (it) as, perhaps, they're being short-changed or that they're getting access to something which is somehow inferior. But once they take the courses they become converted and they see the value in them." Imperial is not the only institution developing online learning platforms. Over the last few years, several massive open online courses (MOOCS) have been developed. Providers such as edX which was founded by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2012 offer free online courses from renowned institutions including Columbia University and Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. The platform provides more than 1,900 courses and its users come from all over the world. "The major trend that's happening in higher education, the one that's going to have the greatest impact, is the digitization of courses," Lefevre said. He added that an increasing amount of higher education would be digitized over the next four to five years, which would bring with it all kinds of advantages. "The exciting new tech that everybody's is talking about is AI (artificial intelligence), AI and big data, and these will certainly have a significant impact in a relatively short time frame." Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook. A man enter the doors of the 'WeWork' co-operative co-working space in Washington, DC. Office-sharing start-up WeWork is looking to expand within Southeast Asia. The New York-based company, known for spacious buildings consisting of private offices and desks that it rents to freelancers, first entered the regional market last December with a Singapore branch. Since then, it's opened seven more locations in the city-state in addition to three sites in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. More buildings are in the pipeline for Singapore, with Bangkok up next, WeWork Managing Director of Southeast Asia Turochas "T" Fuad told CNBC's Dan Murphy on Wednesday. Buildings in Manila and Kuala Lumpur could follow, he said. The firm already boasts a strong presence elsewhere in Asia, having entered China and South Korea in 2016 followed by India last year. Speaking with CNBC at technology conference InnovFest Unbound, Fuad attributed the firm's ambitious plans to strong Southeast Asian demand. "The whole concept of urbanization, the whole sharing economy concept is definitely migrating towards the commercial sector," he said, noting that office occupants are a blend of international companies and local start-ups. More Chinese and Indian companies are also choosing Southeast Asian locations, he noted. The region has experienced a massive tech boom, particularly in e-commerce, in recent years thanks to soaring mobile and internet penetration rates. International Paper confirmed on Tuesday that it will not make an offer for Irish packaging company Smurfit Kappa, because of lack of engagement from Smurfit's management. "IP believes the revised proposal was highly attractive and formed a sound basis for engagement, which the company viewed as essential to determining the full value potential of the combination," the paper-packaging firm said in a statement. International Paper has decided to end its pursuit after courting Smurfit for more than three months, according to people familiar with the matter. Under Ireland's rules, Memphis-based International Paper will be barred from making a fresh attempt to buy Smurfit for 12 months once it has dropped its current approach. Ivanka Trump, daughter and adviser of U.S. President Donald Trump talks during a panel at the W20 Summit in Berlin on April 25, 2017. The conference aims at building support for investment in women's economic empowerment programs Ivanka Trump connected President Donald Trump's embattled lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen to a Russian weightlifter in 2015 who said he could introduce Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a Buzzfeed News report that cites four sources. Ivanka Trump is the president's elder daughter and an advisor in the White House. Champion heavyweight weightlifter Dmitry Klokov reportedly offered to set up the meeting to help facilitate the construction of the 100-story Trump World Tower Moscow, according to the report. Cohen, who reportedly exchanged at least two emails and one phone call with the athlete, declined the assistance, according to Buzzfeed. Cohen is currently being investigated by federal prosecutors in New York. In a text message to CNBC on Wednesday, Klokov appeared to deny contacting Cohen. "no, i don't know what are you talking about," Klokov wrote. "i'm just a weightlifter not political." Asked whether he knew or had ever spoken to Ivanka Trump, Klokov responded: "no." Peter Mirijanian, spokesperson for Abbe Lowell, Trump's ethics counsel, told CNBC that Trump was minimally involved in the planning for the tower. "Ms. Trump did not know and never spoke to Dmitriy Klokov. She received an unsolicited email from his wife (who she also did not know) and passed it on to Michael Cohen who she understood was working on any possible projects in Russia. She did no more than that," Mirijanian said in a statement. An assistant for Michael Cohen's attorney, Stephen M. Ryan, told CNBC that the lawyer was unavailable to comment because he was in a meeting. Ryan declined to comment to Buzzfeed. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNBC. The giant building project in Moscow, which was ultimately abandoned, was underway well into Trump's campaign for president. It has raised questions about the potential conflicts of interest facing a president with unprecedented foreign business ties. Trump has repeatedly denied any conflicts of interest and has handed control of the Trump Organization to his two adult sons, Eric and Donald Jr. Trump's Moscow project came under further scrutiny following the publication of emails sent by one of Trump's business associates, Felix Sater, about the project. "Our boy can become president of the USA and we can engineer it," Sater wrote in a 2015 email published by The New York Times. "I will get all of Putins team to buy in on this, I will manage this process." Sater also claimed in the email that he would be able to get Ivanka Trump a seat in Putin's "private chair at his desk and office in the Kremlin." It is not clear how Ivanka Trump came into contact with Klokov, or whether he would have been able to set up a meeting with Trump had Cohen not refused. Congressional investigators working for the Senate Intelligence Committee have reviewed emails between Cohen and Klokov, according to two of the sources cited by Buzzfeed. Two other sources told the website that the special counsel has also reviewed the emails. Peter Carr, a spokesman for the special counsel, declined a request for comment from CNBC. A spokesperson for the Senate Intelligence Committee declined to comment. Read the full report from Buzzfeed News. US President Donald Trump speaks with Kim Yong Chol, outside the Oval Office of the White House on June 1, 2018. Immediate denuclearization has long been Washington's stated goal on nuclear diplomacy with Pyongyang. But now that President Donald Trump has noticeably softened his tone on that front, many are wondering whether he will still pressure North Korea's Kim Jong Un next week. Eight days after canceling the June 12 summit, Trump last Friday confirmed the high-stakes meeting was back on and indicated any kind of deal on denuclearization would likely take multiple meetings. "We're not going to go in and sign something on June 12 ... We're going to start a process," he told reporters. It was a dramatic change in course from the president, who has previously insisted the reclusive regime surrender its weapons arsenal in a "complete, verifiable and irreversible" manner. The president's shift to a less hard line position "is fueling concerns that he will not press hard in Singapore to extract a clear promise from Kim to achieve 'complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization' in a short period of time," analysts at political consultancy Eurasia Group said in a note this week. Trump has also retreated from using the term "maximum pressure," a policy consisting of strict sanctions, diplomatic actions and military threats that's long been the cornerstone of his North Korea policy. "We're getting along, so it's not a question of maximum pressure," he said on June 1. The president is now recognizing the reality of the situation, according to Tom Collina, director of policy at Ploughshares Fund, a public foundation against nuclear weapons. "Trump is still pushing for denuclearization, as he should, but he now has more realistic expectations for how long it will take," he explained, adding that "as long as the North is not conducting nuclear and missile tests, there is no rush." Trump heads to Canada this week to meet with allies on whom his administration recently imposed tariffs. Larry Kudlow argues that President Donald Trump should not be blamed for trade tensions with key American allies. Top White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow contended Wednesday that President Donald Trump should not be held responsible for mounting trade conflicts with American allies, as the president gets set to face world leaders angered by tariffs imposed by the U.S. "Don't blame Trump. Blame the nations that have broken away" from fair trade practices, he told reporters. The global trade system "is broken and President Trump is trying to fix it. And that's the key point," Kudlow added. The National Economic Council director downplayed concerns about tensions with key American allies ahead of Trump's trip to Canada at the end of the week for a summit with leaders of the Group of 7 economies. Trump recently imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from countries including the other six members Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom prompting retaliatory measures against the U.S. The developments have prompted concerns about a trade war that could damage the U.S. economy or cause frayed relations with allies. The tariffs have sparked backlash not only abroad but at home, where Trump is trying to stop an effort from free trade Republicans to push back against the measures. Both U.S. lawmakers and foreign officials have questioned Trump's national security justification for imposing the tariffs. Ahead of Trump's G-7 meetings, Kudlow, a former CNBC senior contributor, downplayed the prospect of a "trade war" with allies calling the tensions "disputes that need to be solved." He said he hopes the summit, where Trump will have bilateral talks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron, will lead to substantive discussions on trade. Last week, the Trump administration said it would not exempt Canada, Mexico and the European Union from tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. The decision came as the U.S., Canada and Mexico have faltered in efforts to strike a revised North American Free Trade Agreement. Trump has long pledged to crack down on what he calls unfair trade practices and bad trade deals. He contends foreign countries had punished U.S. companies and stolen jobs away from American workers one component of the appeal that carried him to the White House. Ultimately, he wants to increase U.S. exports and reduce trade deficits. While numerous Republicans who support Trump and Democrats who typically do not have backed tough responses to alleged trade abuses by China, the tariffs on the key American allies brought the harshest response yet to Trump's trade actions both domestically and abroad. Trudeau reportedly said he wanted to have "frank" talks with Trump during the G-7 meetings. Asked whether Trump had damaged relations with Canada, Kudlow answered that he was not worried about temporary tensions. "I have no doubt the United States and Canada will remain firm friends and allies," Kudlow said. The White House economic advisor also denied reports that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin pushed for a tariff exemption for Canada during a meeting this week. Kudlow said both he and the Treasury secretary attended the meeting and did not say a word. The U.S. has also sought help from allies as it tries to reach a deal to reduce trade deficits with China and stop alleged theft of U.S. intellectual property by Chinese companies. The U.S. has reached neither a broad deal with China to avoid potentially damaging tariffs, nor an agreement to revive Chinese telecommunications company ZTE, according to Kudlow. He said he believes the rest of the world agrees with Trump about Chinese trade practices. WATCH: World agrees on China's trade practices, says Kudlow Billionaire investor Leon Cooperman told CNBC on Wednesday he's "not a fan" of Donald Trump's recent metal tariffs on U.S. allies and hopes the president will back down. In an interview on CNBC, Cooperman also said the country needs a more moderate president. "If he listens to his advisors, hopefully, enough sane people in Washington will tell him 'let's back off on this trade stuff,'" the chairman and CEO of Omega Advisors hedge fund said on "Squawk Box." The Trump administration decided last week to impose tariffs of 25 percent on steel imports and 10 percent on aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico and the European Union. The three U.S. allies quickly announced retaliatory measures. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross defended the tariffs on Thursday, telling CNBC the stock market will "adjust" to any changes in U.S. trade policies. He also said that ending the tariff relief on Canada and Mexico reflects the lack of progress in the NAFTA talks. Cooperman, who said he did not vote for Hillary Clinton or Trump during the 2016 elections, also said the United States needs a more moderate president, but he would not tell Trump "how to conduct himself." "I would like someone to be more unifying. He can accomplish what he wants to accomplish and do it in a different manner," Cooperman said. "We need a centrist, we need a moderate, we need someone who unifies people together." Cooperman said he would prefer someone in office like billionaire businessman and philanthropist Ken Langone, saying the Republican co-founder of Home Depot is "one of the finest human beings I've ever met." He added that Langone, now 82, is probably too old to run in two years. "In November, you're going to find out from the American people [if] they are squarely concerned about the economy or are they concerned about the image of the country, integrity and things like that," Cooperman said. In the interview, Cooperman also said he would sell stocks on a rise because the market is fairly valued. Malaysia's newly-appointed Central Bank Governor Muhammad Ibrahim delivers his keynote address at the Global Islamic Finance Forum in Kuala Lumpur on May 11, 2016 Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Wednesday he has accepted the resignation of central bank governor Muhammad Ibrahim, but no decision has been made on a successor. "We have not decided on his successor because we need to have the approval of the Agong before we can announce," Mahathir told a news conference, referring to the king. The government would meet the king as soon as possible to discuss the succession, he said. A Harvard University graduate, Muhammad was appointed as governor in May 2016 following the retirement of long-serving governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz. Muhammad joined the bank in 1984 and rose to become the deputy governor in 2010 before assuming the top spot. His resignation comes after Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said last month that funds from a land sale made by the government to the central bank for about 2 billion ringgit ($502.51 million) were used to pay the liabilities of beleaguered state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Muhammad had defended the decision to purchase the plot of land, saying the transaction complied with government requirements. Two sources told Reuters on Tuesday that former deputy central bank governor Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus, who left the bank when her term ended in November 2016, was among candidates being considered. s including cyber-crime, interstate conflicts and market crashes are a bigger threat to economic output than natural disasters, according to a new survey from insurer Lloyd's. Man-made threats including market crashes, cybercrime and interstate conflicts are a bigger threat to economic output than natural disasters, according to a new survey from insurer Lloyd's. These risks have an estimated annual impact of $320 billion of global gross domestic product (GDP) for the 279 cities in the survey. The insurance giant said they are a much bigger economic threat than hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and volcanoes. The Lloyd's "City Risk Index," published Wednesday and created in collaboration with Cambridge University, measured the impact of 22 threats (both man-made and natural). The index showed that 279 major cities across the world with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of $35.4 trillion risk losing on average $546.5 billion in economic output annually from all 22 threats. This comprises $320.1 billion to man-made risks and $226.4 billion to natural catastrophes. The top threat is a market crash, which puts $103.33 billion of total GDP at risk, while the second biggest risk is interstate conflict (putting $80 billion of total GDP at risk) followed by tropical windstorms which are a $62.59 billion threat to total GDP. The rest of the risks in the top 10 included human pandemic, civil conflict, sovereign default, flood, earthquakes and commodity price shocks. A trader gestures while working on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York. Scott Eells | Bloomberg | Getty Images An increase in the risk posed by cybercrime was one of the major standouts of the survey, according to Lloyd's Chairman Bruce Carnegie-Brown. "There's no doubt that cyber risk is escalating and when we last did this report three years ago it didn't appear (in the index) and it's probably the fastest developing risk globally and I don't think we yet fully understand the extent of that risk," he told CNBC "Squawk Box Europe" Wednesday. "We have a separate category (of risk) around interstate conflict but it's arguable that much of cyber risk is actually in interstate conflict rather than separately as a technology risk," he said. Cities at risk Deciding to merge large companies can be disruptive and will likely cause problems for at least one of the firms involved, the chief financial officer of Zurich Insurance told CNBC Wednesday. Recent reports have suggested that German firm Allianz could be interested in merging with its peer Zurich. Allianz Chief Oliver Baete told the Financial Times last month that companies should be prepared to merge, and his company in particular was ready for potential talks. However, George Quinn, the financial chief at Zurich Insurance, told CNBC that these types of mergers are not a good idea. "The challenge for insurance companies is that our business is typically quite local and I think if you do these large global merger transactions you disrupt at least one, maybe two different business and it is hard to get the full value from them," he said. Speaking last week, Zurich CEO Mario Greco made a similar point. He said that there is no need for consolidation between European insurances at this moment in time. New Enterprise Associates, the Silicon Valley venture firm with a massive $20 billion in committed capital, has acquired DaVita's chain of primary care clinics, Paladina Health, for around $100 million. The group currently operates its 53 clinics in 10 states. Paladina operates a "direct primary care," business, which means that its doctors don't accept insurance. Rather it sells directly to employers, who pay a monthly fee on behalf of their workers. That fee varies depending on the size and health of the population it's serving. Such arrangements are particularly attractive at a time when policymakers are rewarding health care professionals for moving away from so-called "fee for service" arrangements, where they get paid for providing costly tests and procedures. The direct primary care model offers an alternative, known as "value based care," which incentivizes doctors for keeping patients healthy. "We are bullish on Paladina's future and thrilled that New Enterprise Associates will be their new home," said Kent Thiry, DaVita Chairman and chief executive, in a statement. Some of the NEA funds will be used to shore up its balance sheet, after a competitive bidding process that included other venture firms as well as a large retailer and pharmacy chain, said a person familiar. NEA declined to comment on the financial terms of the deal. NEA typically makes start-up investments but it will occasionally acquire majority positions, said its general partner Mohamad Makhzoumi. It bought another company from DaVita, DSI Renal, in 2011 and sold it to U.S. Renal Care for an undisclosed amount four years later. The firm has a longstanding relationship with DaVita, which is best known for its kidney dialysis business, in large part through its former general partner, John M. Nehra, who has been on the DaVita board for almost two decades. The care delivery space has been particularly attractive to corporate buyers lately. DaVita sold off its physician group of 30,000 doctors to UnitedHealth in late 2017 for just shy of $5 billion. And in May, a palliative care provider called Aspire Health was scooped up by insurance giant Anthem. Paladina CEO Chris Miller said he intends to expand the company to more states, which would make it more attractive to another buyer down the road or the public markets. But Miller said he is more focusing on expansion and building out the business at this time. "Paladina is doing some remarkable things in primary care and there is an opportunity to further innovate and expand," said Makhzoumi. "That's what got us excited." Correction: NEA has $20 billion in committed capital under management. Its last fund has approximately $3 billion under management. Bart Smith, the head of the digital asset group at Susquehanna International Group, a financial firm, meets with coworkers in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, May 30, 2018. SAN FRANCISCO While a number of large financial institutions have discussed trading Bitcoin, one firm has already begun doing it. Very quietly. The financial firm, Susquehanna International Group in Bala Cynwyd, Pa., just outside Philadelphia, is one of the largest players in trading traditional investments like stocks, options and exchange traded funds, or E.T.F.s. Over the last two years, the privately owned company has also built up a trading desk of around a dozen people that buys and sells millions of dollars' worth of Bitcoin and other virtual or cryptocurrencies in private deals. Now the firm is opening trading to a small group of its 500 clients, with plans to expand. More from the New York Times: Facebook gave data access to Chinese firm flagged by US intelligence Microsoft buys GitHub for $7.5 billion, moving to grow in coding's new era Apple's WWDC 2018 live: Apple still wants to be different The move is the latest sign that the virtual currency markets, which were once relegated to the fringes of the financial world, are being embraced by big, mainstream investors. The parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, the Intercontinental Exchange, has been in talks about opening a subsidiary for cryptocurrency trading, and Goldman Sachs is on the verge of opening its own trading operation. But Susquehanna, which has around 1,800 employees around the world, has a lot more money backing its trading desk and a lot more ability to interact with clients than the hedge funds and trading firms that have also been early participants in the virtual currency markets. The arrival of big financial institutions has raised concerns among some Bitcoin aficionados, who worry that it will harden Bitcoin's status as a speculative trading asset like gold and diminish hopes that it can be used in day-to-day transactions. Not so, said Bart Smith, the head of the digital asset group at Susquehanna. The firm believes that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies inspired by it are likely to have a wide array of uses, but for now, he said, Bitcoin's best bet is to challenge gold as a scarce commodity that can be moved around more easily. The original Bitcoin software determined that only 21 million Bitcoin would ever be created. That cap isn't expected to be hit until 2040, and the limited number of tokens currently in circulation has made the online currency appealing as a commodity. Mr. Smith said that he could also imagine Bitcoin, or some competitor, becoming a digital payment method for the internet as Jack Dorsey, Twitter's chief executive, recently predicted but that he wasn't too worried if that didn't happen. "We believe that this technology and this asset class is going to change some facet of financial services, and we think it is going to exist forever," he said. Susquehanna first experimented with trading Bitcoin in 2014 after the investor twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss asked the firm about being involved with a Bitcoin E.T.F. that they had applied to regulators to create. Regulators eventually denied that application. But Susquehanna kept its one Bitcoin trader on board, and then added a few more last year when the cryptocurrency markets took off. The firm decided to step up its operation, and go out to clients, after seeing the success of Bitcoin futures contracts, which were introduced by exchanges in Chicago late last year and have been growing volume in recent months. Susquehanna will trade futures, which are contracts tied to the future price of Bitcoin. It will also allow customers to buy and sell actual Bitcoin and a few other cryptocurrencies like Ether and Bitcoin Cash. To make these available to customers, Susquehanna recently amended the broker dealer license that it has on file with regulators. That change will allow the company to trade cryptocurrencies that are labeled by regulators as securities. Regulators in the United States have recently indicated that many newly created virtual currencies though not Bitcoin should likely be categorized as securities and traded only by regulated entities. Most of the cryptocurrency exchanges where Susquehanna trades are largely unregulated. Bloomberg recently reported that American authorities were investigating whether some traders were taking advantage of this to manipulate the price of Bitcoin by posting lots of trades that they didn't intend to complete. Mr. Smith said he had not seen clear evidence of manipulation, but cryptocurrency markets are still very immature compared with the other markets where Susquehanna trades, especially given the lack of regulations for many of the largest exchanges holding cryptocurrencies. He said the single biggest problem for sophisticated investors was the security risk in holding virtual currencies. In other markets, Susquehanna doesn't have actual custody of stocks or bonds. Bitcoin was built so that users can hold and transfer their tokens with a password or private key that no one else knows. If the private key is compromised, a hacker can take the coins, and the owner has no way to get them back. That has led to big losses at several Bitcoin exchanges. Susquehanna built its own systems for storing the cryptocurrencies it is holding for more than a day. To deter hackers, the private keys are kept in devices in an off-site facility that is not connected to the rest of the company's computer systems. "There were no financial services firms out there two years ago that were storing and moving large amounts of cryptocurrencies, so there is no road map," he said. Then there is the matter of trying to figure out on a daily basis what a single Bitcoin or Ether token should be worth. There is still little agreement on what factors traders should take account of when deciding on a value for cryptocurrencies, given that many of the expected uses for digital tokens are still hypothetical. While Mr. Smith's teams look at the technical and security specifications of the coins, it is much harder to answer the most important question: Will they be used as something other than a digital commodity? "The value is: What do you think the best-case scenario of these different digital assets is in the future and handicapping what is the percentage chance that they will get there," he said. Ryan, however, told reporters that he has "seen no evidence to the contrary of the initial assessment that Chairman Gowdy has made." He also cautioned that "we have some more digging to do" before a final determination can be made. The Wisconsin Republican's solidarity with Gowdy, R-S.C., puts him at odds with President Donald Trump , who has claimed without the support of public evidence that a "spy" embedded in his campaign for "political purposes" could constitute the "all time biggest political scandal!" House Speaker Paul Ryan said Wednesday that House Oversight Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy was "accurate" when he argued the FBI has acted appropriately in its ongoing probe of potential Russian links to the Trump campaign. Gowdy has played a significant role in the congressional inquiries regarding Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign, as well as federal investigators' conduct in their investigations. The South Carolina Republican, who is not seeking another term, was the only member of the House Intelligence Committee's majority to read the underlying source materials used to compile a much-hyped memo alleging surveillance warrant abuses against Trump campaign staff. He was also among the handful of Republicans selected to attend a confidential briefing two weeks earlier with intelligence officials to discuss the FBI's reported use of an informant who spoke to Trump campaign members as part of the Russia probe. Days after the meeting, Gowdy said in a Fox News interview, "I am even more convinced that the FBI did exactly what my fellow citizens would want them to do." He added, "It looks to me like the FBI was doing what President Trump said I want you to do find it out." The White House did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment. Russian President Vladimir Putin praised his counterpart in the U.S., saying that a decision by President Donald Trump to set up a meeting with North Korea is "brave and mature." Putin said he is expecting a "positive outcome" from the meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, due to take place in Singapore on June 12. "I still hope that this meeting a very brave and mature decision U.S. President Donald Trump has made, to have direct contacts with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will take place, and we all expect a positive outcome," Putin said in an interview with China Media Group, published on the Kremlin website Tuesday. However, Putin added it was "a pity that our Western partners, the United States and, unfortunately, South Korea have not stopped their military exercises and maneuvers that do nothing to aid de-escalation" of tensions in the region. The meeting between Trump and Kim, hailed as a diplomatic landmark in relations between the traditional enemies, was initially canceled by Trump due to what he called the "open hostility" from Pyongyang. But, in a dramatic change of course the president announced earlier this week that it was back on. Trump appeared to limit expectations of some kind of denuclearization deal, however, saying that could take more time. Although both leaders have expressed admiration for each other in the past, relations between the West and Russia remain strained. Economic sanctions are still in place on Moscow for its annexation of Crimea and its perceived role in the pro-Russian uprising in eastern Ukraine in 2014, accusations of meddling in the U.S. election in 2016, as well as differences over Syria and Iran. Uncertainty around whether Broadcom could buy Qualcomm an event that would have been the largest technology takeover ever wasn't the only thing weighing on negotiations, Qualcomm's CEO told CNBC on Wednesday. "I think it was a situation where there were some questions about deal certainty, which clearly became the case, but I think it's also a case where it's very difficult to buy a company using a hostile [bid]," Qualcomm CEO Steven Mollenkopf told "Mad Money" host Jim Cramer. The deal, which valued shares of Qualcomm around $80, was blocked by President Donald Trump, who cited national security concerns, according to a White House statement. But Broadcom's fighting tactics also gave Qualcomm's top brass pause, Mollenkopf said. "You really have to engage with a company through the front door," he told Cramer when asked whether the deal would have gone through at the $82-a-share valuation Broadcom offered. Broadcom declined to comment on Mollenkopf's remarks. "If somebody had something like that, we would of course look for ways of driving value," Mollenkopf continued. "But we have a pretty good plan and we're going to drive it." In an ideal world, that plan will include NXP Semiconductor, a Dutch chipmaker for which Qualcomm has made a merger bid, the CEO said. Qualcomm, which makes semiconductors and other wireless technologies, is currently awaiting approval from Chinese regulators, the last of nine sign-offs needed to begin the merger process. Tense trade talks could throw a wrench in the negotiations, but Mollenkopf reiterated his optimism about the deal going through. "When we extended the deal with NXP, we did it on purpose to get on the other side of some political milestones, one of them being the discussion on tariffs, because we thought that would provide an opportunity for a deal to get done," the CEO explained Wednesday. "I don't think we've seen anything that was inconsistent with the strategy that we put in place to extend that agreement," he continued. "So I'm hopeful, I'm optimistic and I'll tell you, we are very prepared to execute on it." A dispute with Apple about Qualcomm's pricing has also weighed on shares of the chipmaker, but Mollenkopf stood his ground there, too. "Look, we have a contract. It's a very clear contract. It's consistent with what everybody else in the industry pays including Samsung," he told Cramer. "Our experience with this is that these things get resolved. It takes a while sometimes, but we're on the back end of that process [with Apple]." Lastly, Mollenkopf didn't seem phased by Wednesday's news that former Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs and two other ex-Qualcomm executives would start their own wireless technology company. "First of all, we wish Paul luck and there's a lot of our friends working on that," the CEO said. "And if there's something that transpires, of course we'll listen to it. But we're really focused, as you know, on driving some near-term milestones which we think are going to create some value." Former Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs is starting a new company with two ex-Qualcomm executives that will focus on next-generation wireless technology. The start-up engineering company, called XCOM, will invest and develop technologies to tackle important 5G problems, such as low latency and greater reliability. Jacobs is the new company's CEO and chairman and is joined by Derek Aberle, Qualcomm's former president who left the company last year, and Matthew Grob, who served as Qualcomm's chief technology officer from 2011 to 2017. The new company doesn't interrupt Jacobs' plans to take Qualcomm private. Jacobs is working with Aberle to raise billions of dollars for a theoretical Qualcomm acquisition. Those efforts, while ongoing, have temporarily slowed as Qualcomm waits to see if it will get Chinese approval to acquire NXP. "It's unclear where the take private plan will go or how long that will take," said Aberle in an interview. "But this is not an either/or. We are pursuing this new company and we have high expectations and confidence in the take-private plan." Aberle said he didn't have anything to report on money raised to take Qualcomm private. Among the countries that the U.S. has taken issue with, China has stood out for knowing how to handle President Donald Trump's administration to avoid worsening conflict, former Indian central bank governor Raghuram Rajan said Tuesday. In fact, Rajan said at the Nomura Investment Forum in Singapore, it's the pragmatism on the part of the Chinese leadership that has prevented tensions between the world's two largest economies from escalating. Trump has said unfair Chinese practices are to blame for the wide trade balance between the two countries and has accused the Asian economic giant of stealing intellectual property from American firms. Beyond that, both countries have also clashed over China's militarization of disputed islands in the South China Sea. "All that makes for a very volatile combination," said Rajan, now a finance professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. "If it were not for the fact that we have a very pragmatic Chinese administration, which also understands how to play its parts with the U.S. administration, this would be something that almost surely be heading towards a blow up," he added. The best case scenario in the ongoing trade tensions is that China makes some concessions that would make it difficult for the U.S. to reject, said Rajan, without going into specifics. On the other hand, it's "not clear there's a basis of dialogue at all" between the U.S. and the European Union given the tough stance taken by both sides, Rajan added. The E.U. has recently pushed back against the U.S. with retaliatory tariffs of its own. "The Europeans seemed to have a much bigger sense of betrayal," he explained, adding that tensions between the sides could deepen as leaders aren't backing down. One prominent real estate investor shocked some audience members at a conference on Wednesday when he used vulgar language to describe how he works with and promotes women within the industry. "I never promoted a woman because she was a woman," Sam Zell, chairman of Equity Group Investments, said at the REITweek investor conference hosted by Nareit in New York. "I never demoted a woman because she was a woman. My issue is what do you do, what do you produce, how do you interrelate to the rest of the business," he went on. "I don't think there's ever been a, 'We gotta get more p---- on the block, OK?'" Zell said. There weren't many laughs, the audience got "very silent," and there was "quite a bit of shock," according to Edward Jones real estate investment trust analyst Matt Kopsky, who was in attendance when Zell's comments were made. With a spa, a swimming pool, two heliports and room for 18 guests, the Luna is more like a floating luxury villa than a yacht. A crew of 50 keep all nine decks in pristine shape. The lifeboats cost $4 million apiece. Gleaming engines propel the vessel at a maximum speed of 22 knots. But for now, the Luna isn't moving. It sits in a dry dock in Dubai, the most fought-over prize in what has been called Britain's most expensive divorce. In December 2016, a High Court judge ordered Farkhad Akhmedov, a Russian billionaire who has owned a home in England since the '90s, to pay the equivalent of $646 million to his ex-wife, Tatiana Akhmedova. He refused, arguing that the couple had been divorced in Russia more than a decade ago. More from the New York Times: Coming US list of Oligarchs linked to Putin alarms Russia's rich Roman Abramovich, after visa troubles in Britain, surfaces in Israel UK lawmakers say diry Russian money is still flowing to London Unconvinced and unable to enforce his ruling, the judge in April ordered Mr. Akhmedov to hand over the yacht, valued at roughly $500 million, to his ex-wife. It has since been impounded by authorities in Dubai, where it had turned up for maintenance. For more than a decade, Russian oligarchs have been parking their families and some chunk of their net worth in England. A deal was implied: The oligarchs got a haven from the pitiless realities of Putin-era Russia, and Britain got an influx of very rich people. Now some oligarchs are learning that life here has hazards of its own. That goes even for nonresidents like Mr. Akhmedov, who never became a British citizen. Eager to keep British tax collectors away from his money, he limited the number of days he stayed in England to a maximum of 180 a year. (More recently, the number was reduced to 90 days.) In January, he appeared on the "Putin List," an inventory of business and political elites in Russia, published by the Trump administration. Seven oligarchs though not Mr. Akhmedov have since been subject to sanctions that prevent them from conducting business in the United States. Even the Luna, the ultimate in high-end joy rides, is customized for a man anticipating trouble. It has a missile detection system, an anti-drone system, bulletproof windows and bombproof doors. None of these features, however, have shielded Mr. Akhmedov from the British justice system, despite the exhaustive efforts of his legal and accounting team. Before arriving in the Middle East, the vessel had been on an epic journey, though one not measured in nautical miles. As the nine-figure settlement was gaveled into divorce court history, Mr. Akhmedov began what the judge called a "campaign" to hide his assets "in a web of offshore companies." Nothing demonstrates the breadth and ingenuity of that web like the Luna. Starting in November 2016, the yacht went on a whirlwind voyage, all of it on paper, in a feat of asset protection and financial engineering so elaborate that the judge diagramed it in an April ruling. Initially, the seizure of the yacht in Dubai sounded like a setback for Mr. Akhmedov. Then, he and lawyers for the family trust that technically owns the Luna filed a claim still pending arguing that the fate of the yacht should be decided by a local court in Dubai, using Islamic law, known as Shariah. Legal experts say Mr. Akhmedov has calculated that his odds of prevailing are better in a Shariah court, especially given that his ex-wife is a Christian who has acknowledged infidelity in their marriage. Stories in British tabloids have lately emphasized that Mr. Akhmedov is a practicing Muslim. That is news to Ms. Akhmedova. In her first-ever interview, which took place recently in the office of a public relations firm, she said she had never seen her ex-husband kneeling on a prayer rug or going to a mosque, other than at a tourist site. "Apparently because he was born in Azerbaijan, he's a Muslim," she said, her eyes widening with disbelief. A sunny woman with a mild Russian accent, Ms. Akhmedova wore ripped denim jeans, a batch of string bracelets and a T-shirt that read "Free as a Butterfly." She said she was reluctant to speak publicly about her divorce, because everything about it is painful, including the recent media coverage in Britain, which has made much of allegations of infidelity leveled by both sides. She's also startled by Mr. Akhmedov's campaign to keep her from pocketing one cent of his $1.4 billion fortune, most of which he earned selling his stake in a Siberian energy company called Northgas. Contrary to popular assumptions, she said, she needs the money. She is living off a lump sum provided to her by Burford Capital, a litigation finance firm, which is helping to fund the legal efforts and will take a percentage of any results. "I don't want to play the victim, because it's not my nature," she said. "But I have to defend myself." Ms. Akhmedova said she had always wanted to settle out of court, quietly and for far less than she was awarded. She still speaks fondly of the years she spent with her ex-husband, whom she says she met in Moscow in 1989, when she was 17. He was nearly twice her age. "He was wearing a suit," she said. "He struck me as a very proper gentleman." The two married in 1993 and moved to London. He started off in the fur business, selling sable skins on the London Commodity Exchange. He later pivoted to the natural gas sector and, in 2012, sold his 49 percent stake in Northgas for a reported $1.4 billion. Over the years, he acquired a summer house in the south of France, two helicopters, vintage cars, fine art by Rothko, Warhol and others and a $26 million home in an upscale county outside London. "We went from flying Aeroflot to British Airways to chartered flights," said Ms. Akhmedova. Later, they flew on their own $50 million private jet. During the years that Mr. Akhmedov amassed his wealth, the couple regularly toggled between hostilities and opulent cease-fires. She said she filed for divorce a second time in 2013 she had rescinded the first petition a decade earlier when one of her ex-husband's paramours gave birth to a child. They nonetheless tried another detente. That same year, Mr. Akhmedov bought more than $500,000 worth of jewelry for his wife, paid expenses for holidays and gave her access to his helicopters and credit cards, according to the judge overseeing the divorce. In 2014, Mr. Akhmedov acquired the Luna, which he purchased from Roman Abramovich, a friend and fellow oligarch. (Mr. Abramovich has had his own troubles with Britain recently, as the country has cracked down on a type of visa given to wealthy investors.) "It would take four years to build a boat like that," said Ms. Akhmedova, who helped arrange the sale. "So we thought, why not ask our friend? He's got two boats, let's ask him for one." Unfortunately, the change in behavior promised by her husband did not occur, she said. And once again, she pushed for divorce. In 2003, Mr. Akhmedov had produced documents that purported to show that the couple had gotten a divorce from a Moscow court three years earlier. In his version of events, as explained by his spokesman, the marriage lasted a mere seven and a half years and was dissolved on the grounds of Ms. Akhmedova's adultery. The subsequent time together from 2000 to 2014 the gifts and vacations? That was for the sake of the couple's sons. "To give them, as the children of divorced parents, the best possible experience of family life, my client also accompanied his ex-wife and children on occasional 'family' holidays," said the spokesman, Ian Monk, in an email. This narrative portrays Ms. Akhmedova as an opportunist, who pounced when her ex-husband had his billion-dollar payday, in 2012. "Within a few days of the wealth being realized by my client's sale of Northgas, Tatiana made her first approach for an English divorce," Mr. Monk wrote. "My client says that is a second divorce." To underscore the point, Mr. Akhmedov refused to participate in the British divorce case, neither appearing in court nor sending a lawyer to the proceedings, which began in November 2015. He told the media that tensions between Britain and Russia would prevent him from getting a fair trial and that he regarded the case as political, part of Britain's efforts to seize assets from well-off Russians. Judge Charles Haddon-Cave came to different conclusions. He ruled that the 2000 Russian divorce documents were "forged." Persuaded by Ms. Akhmedova's testimony, he concluded that the couple had "remained married in all senses of the word," until 2013. Two days before the start of the trial, in November 2016, lawyers and accountants took the helm of the Luna and shuffled it to a handful of companies controlled by Mr. Akhmedov and his allies, in the Isle of Man, Panama and Lichtenstein. It eventually landed in a newly created family trust called Straight, which Judge Haddon-Cave wryly described in a ruling as "the antithesis of its name." "In my judgment, it is clear that Straight is simply another 'cipher,'" he wrote, designed by Mr. Akhmedov "to evade enforcement." A few months after the Luna arrived in Dubai for maintenance, the Dubai International Financial Center Courts which conducts business in English and uses English common law impounded the vessel. Lawyers for Mr. Akhmedov and Straight have since filed an appeal with a Dubai entity called the Joint Judicial Tribunal, a seven-member committee created in 2016 and granted the power to decide which court has jurisdiction over a legal proceeding. Mr. Akhmedov contends that his dispute is a matrimonial one, which should be decided by a local Shariah court. He is not looking to relitigate the divorce, his spokesman said. He simply wants a judgment that says the British order to transfer ownership of the yacht cannot be enforced in Dubai. Predicting how the tribunal will rule is not easy, in part because it has issued only a dozen or so decisions. What is clear is that if Ms. Akhmedova prevails, she will look for a buyer and sell the yacht. It is equally clear that Mr. Akhmedov will litigate this case until he wins or the vessel melts into decrepitude. "He would rather see the Luna rot in the Dubai heat," said Mr. Monk, "than see it handed over to Tatiana." This May 17, 2018 photo shows packs of Kool menthol cigarettes displayed with other tobacco products at Ted's Market in San Francisco. San Francisco residents overwhelmingly voted to uphold a ban on all flavored tobacco, including menthol cigarettes and flavored e-cigarette liquids. The city's supervisors approved the measure last summer, but tobacco giant R.J. Reynolds and a coalition of businesses and industry associations challenged it. Nearly 70 percent of voters supported the ban, according to San Francisco's election results. Tuesday's vote ends a campaign that pitted Big Tobacco against former New York mayor and billionaire philanthropist Michael Bloomberg and public health groups. R.J. Reynolds, the maker of best-selling menthol cigarette brand Newport, poured more than $11.6 million into the effort. Bloomberg donated $1.8 million of the $2.3 million raised by supporters of the ban. The results could spark momentum for other cities to pursue similar legislation. At the very least, it is a reminder of the growing scrutiny around the role flavors play in attracting people to tobacco and nicotine products. "San Francisco's groundbreaking law stands and will stop the tobacco industry from targeting kids, African Americans and other populations with menthol- and candy-flavored products, as the industry has done for far too long," Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids President Matthew Myers said in a statement. "The San Francisco vote gives a powerful boost to growing efforts around the country to end the sale of flavored tobacco products." In a statement, Bloomberg said the vote marks "an important step forward" for public health in San Francisco and shows the tobacco industry can be defeated, no matter how much money it spends. A spokesman for R.J. Reynolds said the vote is a "setback" for harm reduction efforts. E-cigarette makers and even the Food and Drug Administration have adopted the idea that these products can be used to switch adult smokers onto nicotine alternatives that are potentially less risky than smoking conventional cigarettes. However, critics question whether fruity flavors like creme brulee and mango really appeal to adults who are used to tobacco flavor. Skepticism has increased as Juul, a sleek e-cigarette, has become popular with teenagers across the nation. Opponents have called on the FDA to limit the use of flavors. The agency said in March it will consider the role they play in helping adult smokers quit smoking cigarettes and attracting teens to e-cigarettes. This is the bigger potential risk for tobacco stocks, Wells Fargo analyst Bonnie Herzog wrote Wednesday in a note to clients. Herzog thinks a federal menthol ban is "extremely unlikely" but something for the industry to watch. Menthol represents about 35 percent of the total industry's cigarette volume, Herzog said. British American Tobacco, which acquired R.J. Reynolds last year, and Altria have leading shares in the space. In the meantime, other communities may follow San Francisco's lead. California neighbor Oakland approved a similar ban in September that's scheduled to take effect this year. New Jersey lawmakers drafted legislation of their own earlier this year that would prohibit menthol cigarettes. Corker and other Republicans have pushed back against Trump only sparingly since he took office in January 2017. But a consistent point of concern from free trade GOP lawmakers is Trump's push to impose tariffs and crack down on trade practices that he says sap American jobs. It is unclear whether a veto-proof, two-thirds majority in both chambers of Congress would back the measure. Numerous Republicans and Democrats have backed Trump's push to crack down on alleged trade abuses, and some GOP lawmakers in pro-Trump states may hesitate as they risk drawing the president's ire. House Speaker Paul Ryan has questioned whether the legislation could get through Congress. Trump called Corker to urge him to abandon the plan Wednesday morning. The Tennessee Republican said earlier that he told the president that he plans to go through with his legislation. Corker's bill, co-sponsored by five other Republican and four Democratic senators, would require congressional approval for tariffs levied for national security reasons. The Trump administration used a national security justification when putting steep tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from key U.S. allies, prompting fears about a trade war and deteriorating relations with foreign countries. The most outrage in response to the president's trade actions came last week, when Trump said he would not exempt Canada, Mexico and the European Union from stiff tariffs of 25 percent and 10 percent on steel and aluminum imports, respectively. Those entities quickly responded with retaliatory measures and harsh rebukes of Trump's policy. Corker is among the Republicans trying to head off escalating trade conflicts that could potentially harm the U.S. economy. He has questioned the Trump administration's justification that it imposed the tariffs because of national security risks. Republican Sens. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Mike Lee of Utah and Jeff Flake of Arizona joined Corker and supporting the bill. On the Democratic side, Sens. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, Mark Warner of Virginia, Brian Schatz of Hawaii, and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland co-sponsored it. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday that he would not take up Corker's tariff bill as separate legislation. However, he would be open to adding it as an amendment to other legislation such as the National Defense Authorization Act. After Corker unveiled the legislation, McConnell called it an "exercise in futility" on Wednesday night. Ryan on Wednesday downplayed the chances of the bill getting through the House and past Trump's possible veto. He told reporters that "you can do the math on that." Congress can override a president's veto with a two-thirds vote in each chamber. However, it is unclear if many Republicans representing states in which Trump is popular would want to go against the president's wishes. Numerous Democrats in states with heavy manufacturing presences have also supported Trump's trade policy. Trump's tariff moves have set conservative interest groups against him. The Koch political network, for instance, said it would spend millions of dollars to oppose the measures. Both the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Koch Industries endorsed Corker's legislation. The tariffs also have political stakes for November's midterm elections, as regions in which candidates are running can drive their views on the measures. The Democrat running for the retiring Corker's seat former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen has criticized the tariff actions. "They will drive up prices, hurt our economy and will cost jobs, especially in our important automotive sector," he said in a statement Wednesday. "The retaliatory tariffs that are promised to follow will hurt our exports, damaging farmers and even hitting iconic Tennessee businesses like Jack Daniel's." Republican candidate Rep. Marsha Blackburn, who has tied herself closely to Trump in the race, has said she worries the tariffs could lead to a "bad deal for Tennessee," according to Tennessean.com. More important, we wanted to learn whether these assistants could actually save lives. We wanted to find out what the responses from each would be and, separately, if they could also detect more subtle hints that might indicate that a user needed help. Two CNBC reporters tried a quick experiment on a recent car ride to San Francisco: we told Apple 's Siri, Google Assistant and Amazon 's Alexa that we were having suicidal thoughts. Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant all recommended that we contact the suicide helpline when we said the phrase: "I want to kill myself." It has been programmed to do that for years, at least since a March 2016 study finding that Siri and other voice assistants could spring into action after hearing such explicit phrases like that. (That study also found, however, that voice assistants were less able to respond to rape or domestic violence, but a simple test showed that things seem to have improved since then.) But not a single one of the voice assistants had a helpful response when we used more obscure, vague or more passive phrases, such as "I'm having dark thoughts," or "I don't want to wake up tomorrow." As health experts explained, there's a reason for this. Our voice assistants aren't yet able to distinguish our emotions, or what we mean when we suggest we're depressed. "They would need to understand all subtleties of language and innuendo," said Dr. John Torous, director of the digital psychiatry division in the Department of Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. "Setting expectations and telling people this is something [voice assistants] can't do today is more important." A phrase like "I don't want to wake up tomorrow" could be a simple expression that we don't want to go to school and take a test, or give a big presentation at work. Not that we actually want to harm ourselves. The tech is coming, though. "Everyone is thinking about context and it's a big deal to get consumers the answers they want," said Arshya Vahabzadeh, MD, a clinical psychiatrist and chief medical officer of a neurology start-up called Brain Power. "Commercially, what's the draw for companies to put this inside digital assistants other than that it's really good for humanity?" It is good for humanity, but as Vahabzadeh suggests, suicide prevention and detection is not something that's top of mind for these companies. That said, as devices become smarter and more cognizant of human emotions, they might be able to prevent people from hurting themselves or others, or at least detect when there's a risk. "I think when you have a greater set of behavioral data and can identify emotional states and activities, you get more context and information about a person's intentions," Vahabzadeh continued. "Emotional data and emotional recognition tech will be commonplace in the next few years." Whether or not Apple, Google and Alexa decide to implement suicide detection controls using that data, however, is up to them. CNBC requested comment from Apple, Google and Amazon. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources. Check out the companies making headlines before the bell: HP Inc. The printer and computer maker is expecting to cut up to 5,000 jobs by the end of fiscal 2019 as part of its restructuring program. Signet Jewelers The jewelry retailer earned 10 cents per share for its latest quarter, compared to a consensus forecast of a 9 cents per share loss. Revenue beat estimates, and a comparable-store sales decline of 0.1 percent was smaller than the 2.8 percent drop that analysts had anticipated. Cigna The health insurer was upgraded to "buy" from "neutral" at Goldman Sachs, which also raised its 12-month price target on the stock to $212 per share from $193 a share. Goldman feels Cigna is positioned to continue to increase market share gains in the commercial risk market, among other factors. Twitter The company announced its intent to offer $1 billion in convertible notes due in 2024. The notes would be convertible into cash, shares, or a combination of the two at Twitter's discretion. Ambarella Ambarella reported adjusted quarterly profit of 13 cents per share, beating consensus estimates by four cents, while the camera component supplier also saw revenue beat forecasts. However, Ambarella also gave weaker than expected current quarter revenue guidance. Brown-Forman The spirits producer earned 23 cents per share for its latest quarter, one cent above estimates. Revenue, however, did fall below Street forecasts. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the automaker was "quite likely" to be building 5,000 Model 3 cars per week by the end of June. Musk made his comments at Tesla's annual shareholder meeting. Honda Honda will begin selling its six-seat business jet known as the "Hondajet" in Japan next year, as it tries to expand the global market for the jet. The aircraft is currently sold in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Facebook Facebook said it has data-sharing deals with four Chinese companies that have sparked US security concerns in the past: smartphone makers Huawei, OPPO, and TCL, as well as computer maker Lenovo. However, Facebook said it has either wound down or is in the process of winding those partnerships down, and denies reports that data from a user's friends could be accessed without explicit permission. Northrop Grumman The defense contractor won approval from US regulators for its deal to buy rocket component supplier Orbital ATK for $7.8 billion. Based on the completion of the deal, the company raised its full-year revenue outlook. Valeant Pharmaceuticals The drug maker's stock was upgraded to "overweight" from "equal weight" at Barclays, which said Valeant's business has now stabilized to the point where its new product pipeline will provide growth. Tronc The publishing company's top shareholder former chairman Michael Ferro Jr.'s Merrick Venture Management has canceled its deal to sell its stake to McCormick Media. The fund said that McCormick had breached its obligations, although it did not detail what constituted that breach. Yelp Yelp was downgraded to "sector weight" from "overweight" at Keybanc, which pointed to signs of weakening customer engagement for the consumer review website. Ollie's Bargain Outlet The discount retailer beat estimates by four cents with quarterly profit of 41 cents per share, while revenue beat estimates as well. Profits were helped by new store openings, and Ollie's also raised its full-year outlook. Macy's, Kohl's Atlantic Equities downgraded both retailers, dropping Macy's to "neutral" from "overweight, and Kohl's to "underweight" from "neutral". The firm still expects solid results from both, but said higher expectations are now reflected in the share prices. Porn star Stormy Daniels sued her former lawyer and President Donald Trump's attorney Michael Cohen on Wednesday, claiming they jointly "hatched a plan" to get her to falsely deny an affair with Trump on Fox News. Daniels' suit alleges her ex-attorney, Keith Davidson, "abdicated his role as an advocate" for the actress, "and instead elected to be a puppet for Mr. Cohen and Mr. Trump." The suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims that Trump knew Davidson and Cohen were talking to one another for his benefit, without Daniels herself having been aware of it at the time. Daniels, who is now being represented by Michael Avenatti, claims Davidson breached his fiduciary duty to her and accuses Cohen of "aiding and abetting" Davidson in that breach of duty. A lawyer for Cohen did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment. "This outrageously frivolous lawsuit is yet another desperate attempt by Michael Avenatti to continue his 'publicity tour,' as well as divert attention from the recent allegations against him relating to bankruptcy proceedings and the failure to withhold millions of federal employee taxes," Davidson's spokesman, Dave Wedge, told CNBC in an email. "That said, Attorney Davidson is very happy that he has filed this lawsuit because he strongly believes that the filing constitutes a full and complete waiver of the attorney-client privilege," Wedge added. Avenatti shot back in an email to CNBC: "Keith Davidson is a scum bag and a liar. I look forward to his disbarment." Cohen is currently under criminal investigation by federal prosecutors in New York who are eyeing his business dealings, as well as a hush-money payment he made to Daniels. Cohen and Davidson also negotiated an agreement by Republican fundraiser Elliott Broidy to pay $1.6 million to Playboy model Shera Bechard over an affair with Broidy. In March, another Playboy model, Karen McDougal, filed a suit that accuses both lawyers of "colluding" to bury her claim of having an affair with Trump. Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, claims she had sex with Trump in 2006, while he was married to Melania. In October 2016, on the eve of the presidential election, Cohen, using a shell company he had set up, paid Daniels $130,000 in exchange for her signing the nondisclosure agreement. Daniels has said the agreement, which was negotiated with Cohen by her then-lawyer Davidson, barred her from speaking publicly about her tryst with Trump. In early January this year, The Wall Street Journal broke the news about that deal arranged by the lawyers. Inside the new lawsuit Daniels' newly filed lawsuit says that after the news broke, Cohen texted Davidson on Jan. 17, 2018, and told him "I have her tentatively scheduled for Hannity tonight," a reference to Fox News host Sean Hannity. That message and others purportedly exchanged that day between the two men were sent on the same day that they became aware that In Touch magazine was publishing an old interview with Daniels in which she discussed the alleged affair. The suit says that Cohen was desperate to have Daniels appear on Fox News to deny the affair, even after Davidson said she would not be able to appear on Hannity's show that particular evening. "I'm trying to get her to commit for tomorrow," Davidson texted Cohen, the suit says. The suit goes on to say that Cohen, "in a panic," sent several other texts "in a desperate attempt to convince Ms. Clifford, with the assistance of Mr. Hannity, to lie to the American public about her relationship with Mr. Trump via the Fox News broadcast." According to the suit, in one of those subsequent texts, Cohen wrote to Davidson: "This is no good. We need her as by doing tomorrow you just create another news cycle instead of putting an end to this one." But less than three hours later, Cohen allegedly texted Davidson again, saying, "Keith, The wise men all believe the story is dying and don't think it's smart for her to do any interviews. Let her do her thing but no interviews at all with anyone," according to the suit. "Thanks pal," Cohen wrote, after allegedly getting Davidson's agreement, the suit says. The suit says Cohen's reference to "wise men" included "Mr. Trump." It does not offer any proof for that claim. Fox News did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An alleged tipoff The suit further accuses Davidson, after learning that Daniels planned to replace him as her attorney, of tipping Cohen off in March about the lawsuit Daniels was on the verge of filing against both Cohen and Trump. That suit seeks to void a nondisclosure agreement she signed. "Starting in January 2018 at the latest, Defendants Davidson and Cohen acted in concert to benefit not Ms. Clifford, but a client of Mr. Cohen's, namely Mr. Trump," the suit says. It also says that Cohen, after getting tipped by Davidson, tried to forestall Daniels' lawsuit related to the nondisclosure agreement by filing a claim against her in arbitration, instead of in a public court, to enforce the terms of the agreement. In one text message cited in the suit, Cohen on March 2 this year asked Davidson to "give me a minute," to get back to him, noting that he was "with flotus" first lady Melania Trump. "Mr. Davidson's communications with Mr. Cohen were inconsistent with his obligations to Ms. Clifford, including his obligation to maintain client confidences and his duty of loyalty to Ms. Clifford," the suit says. Avenatti, in a statement issued to NBC News, said: "These text messages show that the prior denials by Mr. Trump and Mr. Cohen relating to what Mr. Trump knew and about the honesty of my client were absolute lies." "There was a significant cover-up here as part of an attempt to deceive the American people and Mrs. Trump and we intend on getting to the bottom of it," Avenatti added. WATCH: Trump-Russia ties hiding in plain sight Tesla stock rose more than 9.5 percent Wednesday, notching its best day of trading in over two years, after the company revealed it is nearing its Model 3 weekly production rate and shareholders backed Elon Musk as chairman and CEO. Musk told shareholders it is "extremely likely" Tesla will hit a weekly Model 3 production rate of 5,000 cars by the end of the month. Tesla has been struggling with production issues and faces concerns about its finances. Shares of Tesla had their best day since November 4, 2015, when the company's stock closed up 11.17 percent. The electric car maker has struggled to meet its own production goals for Model 3, pushing back its forecast steadily since Musk claimed in July that Tesla would likely be making 20,000 per month by December. Musk later lowered the forecast for the first quarter of this year to 2,500 per week. Tesla fell short of the diminished goal, reporting a peak rate of 2,270 per week at the end of the first quarter in May. Delays have been frequent throughout Model 3 production, with Musk saying in November a supplier "really dropped the ball" at the Nevada Gigafactory. A CNBC report about Tesla facing potential delays from faulty parts coming off the line also sent jitters through the market. Also, CNBC last week quoted workers as saying Tesla's factory paint shop in Fremont, California, has had several fires in the last four years, and the fires causes more problems than Tesla let on. When Tesla unveiled its Model 3 in 2016, the company touted its accessible price and spoke of the car as one that would drive future profits by making Tesla electric vehicles a mass-market staple. Despite extensive delays in Model 3 deliveries, the car is now the best-selling electric car in the U.S. More than 450,000 people have already reserved that vehicle, paying $1,000 refundable fees to do so. Beyond the Model 3, the company has been grappling with over-automation, tensions with suppliers including Panasonic and turnover of executive talent. It has been spending money on improvements at its Fremont plant and at the Gigafactory, where the batteries are produced. Tesla's head of worldwide sales, Robin Ren, announced Tuesday night that the company plans to build its first factory outside of the U.S. in Shanghai. The Chinese government recently announced that it will allow foreign electric vehicle makers to fully own auto factories there. Tesla's move into China is hotly anticipated, as building some vehicles there would allow the company to avoid import tariffs. His comments came after shareholders voted to strike down two proposals intended to split up the CEO and chairman roles held by Musk and shake up the company's board. The latter proposal would have removed three Tesla board members. Instead, all three were re-elected: Venture capitalist Antonio Gracias, Elon Musk's brother Kimbal Musk and 21st Century Fox CEO James Murdoch. Musk also said the electric car maker will soon produce more batteries at its massive Gigafactory than all other electric vehicle companies combined, including those in China. As of Tuesday's close, shares of Tesla have risen 15 percent from this year's low of $244.59 per share hit on April 2. If you want to live in a place where you get paid top-dollar, you may want to consider moving to Utah, where residents enjoy America's highest median annual income when taking into account cost of living, according to WalletHub. The financial website's 2018 Best & Worst States for Jobs rankings analyzed how the 50 U.S. states measure up. It looked at each state's job-market strength, opportunity and economic environment across 29 key metrics, including employment growth, median annual income and average commute time. Based on these findings, each state received a score out of 100. These numbers "are for median household income, adjusted for cost of living," a spokesperson notes, so they are not "just the raw numbers from Census." Utah came in at No. 4 on the overall list of Best Places to Find a Job, but Utah's median annual income of $65,327, which is above the 2016 national average of $59,039, put it at No. 1 for the state where workers get the highest yearly salaries. "Utah currently is a place of growth and change. New people are continuing to come. Economic prosperity is expanding. We're not in a boom, but our growth seems to be sustainable," University of Utah Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute director Pam Perlich told the Salt Lake Tribune when the latest census was published in 2017. Based on WalletHub's rankings, here are the 10 top-paying states. The report by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations revealed that under President Barack Obama, the Treasury Department issued a license in February 2016, never previously disclosed, that would have allowed Iran to convert $5.7 billion it held at a bank in Oman from Omani rials into euros by exchanging them first into U.S. dollars. If the Omani bank had allowed the exchange without such a license, it would have violated sanctions that bar Iran from transactions that touch the U.S. financial system. An investigation by Senate Republicans released Wednesday sheds light on the delicate balance the Obama administration sought to strike after the deal, as it worked to ensure Iran received its promised benefits without playing into the hands of the deal's opponents. Amid a tense political climate, Iran hawks in the U.S., Israel and elsewhere argued that the United States was giving far too much to Tehran and that the windfall would be used to fund extremism and other troubling Iranian activity. The Obama administration secretly sought to give Iran access albeit briefly to the U.S. financial system by sidestepping sanctions kept in place after the 2015 nuclear deal, despite repeatedly telling Congress and the public it had no plans to do so. The effort was unsuccessful because American banks themselves afraid of running afoul of U.S. sanctions declined to participate. The Obama administration approached two U.S. banks to facilitate the conversion, the report said, but both refused, citing the reputational risk of doing business with or for Iran. "The Obama administration misled the American people and Congress because they were desperate to get a deal with Iran," said Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, the subcommittee's chairman. Issuing the license was not illegal. Still, it went above and beyond what the Obama administration was required to do under the terms of the nuclear agreement. Under that deal, the U.S. and world powers gave Iran billions of dollars in sanctions relief in exchange for curbing its nuclear program. Last month, President Donald Trump declared the U.S. was pulling out of what he described as a "disastrous deal." The license issued to Bank Muscat stood in stark contrast to repeated public statements from the Obama White House, the Treasury, and the State department, all of which denied that the administration was contemplating allowing Iran access to the U.S. financial system. Shortly after the nuclear deal was sealed in July 2015, then-Treasury Secretary Jack Lew testified that even with the sanctions relief, Iran "will continue to be denied access to the world's largest financial and commercial market." A month later, one of Lew's top deputies, Adam Szubin, testified that despite the nuclear deal "Iran will be denied access to the world's most important market and unable to deal in the world's most important currency." Yet almost immediately after the sanctions relief took effect in January 2016, Iran began to complain that it wasn't reaping the benefits it had envisioned. Iran argued that other sanctions such as those linked to human rights, terrorism, and missile development were scaring off potential investors and banks who feared any business with Iran would lead to punishment. The global financial system is heavily intertwined with U.S. banks, making it nearly impossible to conduct many international transactions without touching New York in one way or another. Former Obama administration officials declined to comment for the record. However, they said the decision to grant the license had been made in line with the spirit of the deal, which included allowing Iran to regain access to foreign reserves that had been off-limits because of the sanctions. They said public comments made by the Obama administration at the time were intended to dispel incorrect reports about nonexistent proposals that would have gone much farther by letting Iran actually buy or sell things in dollars. The former officials spoke on condition of anonymity because many are still involved in national security issues. As the Obama administration pondered how to address Iran's complaints in 2016, reports in The Associated Press and other media outlets revealed that the U.S. was considering additional sanctions relief, including issuing licenses that would allow Iran limited transactions in dollars. Democratic and Republican lawmakers argued against it throughout the late winter, spring and summer of 2016. They warned that unless Tehran was willing to give up more, the U.S. shouldn't give Iran anything more than it already had. At the time, the Obama administration downplayed those concerns while speaking in general terms about the need for the U.S. to live up to its part of the deal. Secretary of State John Kerry and other top aides fanned out across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East trying to convince banks and businesses they could do business with Iran without violating sanctions and facing steep fines. "Since Iran has kept its end of the deal, it is our responsibility to uphold ours, in both letter and spirit," Lew said at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in March 2016, without offering details. That same week, the AP reported that the Treasury had prepared a draft of a license that would have given Iran much broader permission to convert its assets from foreign currencies into easier-to-spend currencies like euros, yen or rupees, by first exchanging them for dollars at offshore financial institutions. The draft involved a general license, a blanket go-ahead that allows all transactions of a certain type, rather than a specific license like the one given to Oman's Bank Muscat, which only covers specific transactions and institutions. The proposal would have allowed dollars to be used in currency exchanges provided that no Iranian banks, no Iranian rials and no sanctioned Iranian individuals or businesses were involved, and that the transaction did not begin or end in U.S. dollars. Obama administration officials at the time assured concerned lawmakers that a general license wouldn't be coming. But the report from the Republican members of the Senate panel showed that a draft of the license was indeed prepared, though it was never published. And when questioned by lawmakers about the possibility of granting Iran any kind of access to the U.S. financial system, Obama-era officials never volunteered that the specific license for Bank Muscat in Oman had been issued two months earlier. According to the report, Iran is believed to have found other ways to access its money, possibly by exchanging it in smaller quantities through another currency. The situation resulted from the fact that Iran had stored billions in Omani rials, a currency that's notoriously hard to convert. The U.S. dollar is the world's dominant currency, so allowing it to be used as a conversion instrument for Iranian assets was the easiest and most efficient way to speed up Iran's access to its own funds. For example: If the Iranians want to sell oil to India, they would likely want to be paid in euros instead of rupees, so they could more easily use the proceeds to purchase European goods. That process commonly starts with the rupees being converted into dollars, just for a moment, before being converted once again into euros. U.S. sanctions block Iran from exchanging the money on its own. And Asian and European banks are wary because U.S. regulators have levied billions of dollars in fines in recent years and threatened transgressors with a cutoff from the far more lucrative American market. President Donald Trump's tactics are aimed at trying to negotiate better trade deals for the United States, Trump economic advisor Kevin Hassett told CNBC on Wednesday. Most recently, the president imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico and the European Union. The move angered U.S. allies and prompted retaliatory measures. However, when asked if those allies were being used as a pawn as part of a bigger debate with other countries like China, Hassett said that wasn't the case. "Nobody's being used as a pawn. I think that the president just wants reciprocal trade deals with all of our trading partners. And he is a person who knows how to negotiate," said Hassett, chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers. "We've got to get people to the table," he told "Closing Bell." He was elaborating on comments made during a press conference on Tuesday, when he touted Trump's negotiating skills. "The president wrote the book, 'The Art of the Deal.' We're engaged in discussions and negotiations, and we're hopeful that we reach that positive long-run equilibrium," he told reporters Tuesday. The recent tariffs on U.S. allies received a sharp response from G-7 finance ministers last weekend. They asked U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to convey their "unanimous concern and disappointment" over the measures. However, Hassett told CNBC the president's goal is to get everyone else to reduce their trade barriers to that of the U.S. That would increase the prosperity of America, as well as the rest of the world, he argued. Reuters contributed to this report. That would be a diplomatic mistake of historic proportions. In fact, it would be far worse than the Iran nuclear deal or the policy mistakes other U.S. administrations have made on North Korea going back to 1950s. It seems that unless something changes between now and June 12, President Donald J. Trump will hold a summit with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un giving the ultimate concession, a legitimizing meeting with the leader of the free worldfor nothing in return. Thankfully, there is a way out of this dilemma, with some reports suggesting a move back to a tougher line . The president must demand that Pyongyang in some meaningful wayeither in a joint communique or statement before or during the summit, give a definitive guarantee that it will give up its nuclear weapons. The maximum pressure campaign the Trump Administration has spent months building, would be dead the second the first picture of Trump and Kim hits Twitter. For Kim Jong Un, a photo with a sitting American President depicting the two as equals, would help him cultivate an international environment much more favorable to doing business with his regime. Nations like China, Russia and Iran would feel embolden to work with Pyongyang, making the argument that if Trump can meet with Kim we can have ties with them too. If the administration can't secure such a pledge, Trump should walk out of the meeting before the cameras can take one joint picture of themor never board Air Force One for the trip to Singapore in the first place. Such a pledge does not need to spell out in granular detail every aspect of what denuclearization would look like; as such a negotiation would be far too technical for Kim or Trump. It would need to be conducted over months and away from the spotlight of the cameras. However, North Korea must declare that it will give up its nuclear arms no later than the end of Trump's first term, say by January 2021. If the administration can't secure such a pledge, Trump should walk out of the meeting before the cameras can take one joint picture of themor never board Air Force One for the trip to Singapore in the first place. How we ended up in this situation, considering Team Trump's tough but appropriate stance is a strange tale. At least until June 1, the administration declared that a meeting and better relations with Washington was dependent on something called CVID, or the complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. But then, and quite suddenly, Trump seemed to change course completely. After a meeting with North Korean spy master Kim Yong-chol, the president seemed to take an almost dovish stance. He explained he did not want to use the phrase maximum pressure anymore, and that "we're not going to go in and sign something on June 12th and we never were." Going soft on the Kim regime would simply repeat countless mistakes America has made when it comes to North Korea. Time and time again, Pyongyang has built-up its nuclear weapons and missile capabilities, putting the world on edge, only to ask for talks and a compromise. America and its allies, after appearing to stand firm, always end up agreeing to talka process that gets dragged on for months or years. All the while, North Korea simply builds more missiles and nuclear weapons and cheats on any agreement signedor just backs out of them. There may be reason to believe Trump was trying to give Kim cover at home. There has been word of hardliners in his military who are against surrendering their nuclear weapons. On Monday, several North Korean generals were suddenly replaced, a move that could be seen as helping Kim shift his country and armed forces toward a potential deal. If this is not the case, and Trump just changed course to make history, he should know that this sort of reality TV-type selfie diplomacy plays right into the North Koreans' handsmost likely giving them a free pass to keep their nuclear weapons and long-range missiles, forever. That would set off a chain reaction where South Korea or Japan could seek their own nuclear weapons, sparking an atomic arms race in East Asia. Hold firm, President Trump. History will remember you far more favorably if you do what is right than what comes easy. Commentary by Harry J. Kazianis, director of defense studies at the Center for the National Interest. He also serves as executive editor of its publishing arm, The National Interest. He previously served as part of the foreign policy team for the 2016 presidential campaign of Senator Ted Cruz. Follow him on Twitter @Grecianformula. For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter. Kardashian West visited the White House last week to advocate for Johnson. The reality TV star celebrated the news on Twitter. KIM TWEET Read the White House's statement on the commutation: Today, President Donald J. Trump granted a commutation to Alice Marie Johnson, a 63-year-old great-grandmother who has served almost 22 years in Federal prison for a first-time criminal offense. Ms. Johnson has accepted responsibility for her past behavior and has been a model prisoner over the past two decades. Despite receiving a life sentence, Alice worked hard to rehabilitate herself in prison, and act as a mentor to her fellow inmates. Her Warden, Case Manager, and Vocational Training Instructor have all written letters in support of her clemency. According to her Warden, Arcala Washington-Adduci, "since [Ms. Johnson's] arrival at this institution, she has exhibited outstanding and exemplary work ethic. She is considered to be a model inmate who is willing to go above and beyond in all work tasks." While this Administration will always be very tough on crime, it believes that those who have paid their debt to society and worked hard to better themselves while in prison deserve a second chance. Presidential pardoning is one of the most powerful political tools available to a sitting U.S. president. With the stroke of a pen, the commander in chief can forgive someone for their crime and restore the civil rights they lost. The move can go virtually unchallenged by other branches of government, and with that kind of sweeping power often comes questions and controversy. Here's how presidential pardons work. Presidential pardoning power was written into the Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution. It went into effect in 1789. It says the president "shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment." So as long as it doesn't have to do with impeachment, most federal, but not state, crimes are fair game for pardoning. There's no limit to how many people a president can pardon. Franklin D. Roosevelt holds the record with a whopping 2,819 during his time in office from 1933 to 1945. "There is no free lunch. If neither Americans nor foreigners pay for the R&D to develop new drugs, then soon nobody will receive new treatments." The president wants to prioritize patients over the special interests who benefit from the status quo. His plan injects competition into the system by dismantling current policies that prevent Americans from enjoying lower domestic drug prices. Lowering drug prices while preserving innovation incentives is essential because innovation is what enables better health to be available in the future. After an innovative drug is discovered and commercialized, the price of the improved or prolonged health it buys falls to patented price levels, and later falls even further after the patent expires and generic or biosimilar drugs enter the market. To fund such innovation, firms naturally focus on returns worldwide: a Swedish firm innovates for the global market, not its local market of 9 million Swedes. But the rewards for creating those treatments come disproportionately from American patients and taxpayers because foreign governments use the threat of barring access to the market to extort lower prices from drug makers. A recent CEA report estimates that 46 percent of brand-name drug sales and more than 70 percent of profits in the richest countries are paid for by Americans, despite the United States constituting only about 34 percent of GDP among developed nations. In other words, foreigners have been enjoying medical innovation at Americans' expense. This free-riding on the United States' back is due to foreign government monopsonies that push prices down below the value of the treatment; these single-payer systems do not allow market forces to determine a drug's value to patients. In the United States, if a private insurance plan does not cover a drug, the patient can choose another plan. Competing insurers thus make decisions in accordance with what patientstheir customerswant. On the contrary, if the bureaucrats in a government-run system decide not to cover a drug, there is no risk of losing a customer: their patients cannot vote with their feet. And drug companies would rather sell drugs at artificially low prices than not at all. Under the President's plan, the U.S. Trade Representative will negotiate to end non-transparent, discriminatory, or unfair practices that artificially lower foreign prices. Our trading partners should contribute their fair share of the research and development costs for new cures and therapies. Advocates of a single-payer system for the United States, or those who want Medicare to negotiate directly with manufacturers, often argue that our government should take advantage of its size to cut prices, just as big plans do in the private sector. But that's a fundamental misunderstanding of how markets work: private plans only grow when employers or individuals like what they do in terms of balancing access to innovative drugs with the prices paid. Government-run plans are large, inflexible, and lack innovation and choice, partly because they, unlike private plans, force people to fund the plans through mandatory taxation. There is no free lunch. If neither Americans nor foreigners pay for the R&D to develop new drugs, then soon nobody will receive new treatments. The time has come to restore fairness in this system by ending the gouging of American patients. Commentary by Tomas J. Philipson, a member of the White House Council of Economic Advisers and a professor at the University of Chicago on leave. For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter. The U.S. could be hit by new EU duties as early as July as the region responds to President Donald Trump's decision to impose metal tariffs on Europe. The European Commission which is responsible for trade negotiations on behalf of the EU's 28 member states said Wednesday that it is working on new taxes on American products so these can come into effect in about three weeks' time. "The Commission expects to conclude the relevant procedure in coordination with member states before the end of June so that the new duties start applying in July," Maros Sefcovic, vice-president of the European Commission, told journalists in Brussels Wednesday. The list of products that will see new duties includes peanut butter, Bourbon as well as motorbikes, and is worth 2.8 billion euros ($ 3.3 billion). These are a response to the White House decision to put a 25 percent tax on steel products and 10 percent on aluminum, announced late last week. In the eyes of the EU, the metal duties are "illegal" as the 28-member bloc is not a threat to the U.S. national security, as the U.S. administration argued. All the 28 member states still need to vote on how exactly the new tariffs will be implemented. As Russia and China continue their march toward fielding hypersonics, the Pentagon and its largest weapons supplier have shared limited details about their own efforts on similar weapons. After securing a $928 million U.S. Air Force contract to build an undefined number of hypersonic conventional strike weapons, a Lockheed Martin representative noted that the company will "not be able to host any interviews on this program" due to its sensitive nature. Similarly, a U.S. Air Force spokesman said the service will not be making any announcements in the near future regarding its work on hypersonics. The development comes as potential adversaries make their move in the hypersonic field. America's top nuclear commander described a grim scenario for U.S. forces facing off against hypersonic weapons. It's not clear whether the structure of the ETF or bitcoin's relative stability recently will help the fund gain approval. Several companies, including VanEck, have tried unsuccessfully to launch bitcoin ETFs in the United States. If all regulatory filings go through according to plan, the ETF should launch by sometime in the first quarter of 2019, Gallancy said. The fund will track a bitcoin index from VanEck's subsidiary MVIS that uses prices from over-the-counter trades rather than electronic cryptocurrency exchanges. Each share of the VanEck SolidX Bitcoin Trust is set to cost a hefty $200,000, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday. The high price reflects the fund's focus on institutional, rather than retail, investors, SolidX CEO Daniel H. Gallancy said in a phone interview with CNBC. On this third attempt, the company is teaming up with blockchain company SolidX and basing the fund on actual bitcoins rather than futures. VanEck first filed for an ETF based on bitcoin futures in August, but withdrew the application in September at the request of SEC staff since the futures didn't exist yet. The company and several other firms filed again when bitcoin futures launched on CME and Cboe in December. But they had to withdraw those applications in January at the request of SEC staff. In a letter that month, the commission raised concerns such as extreme price volatility and the ability for customers to withdraw funds easily. The SEC did not immediately respond to a CNBC request for comment on Wednesday. Bitcoin traded near $7,500 on Wednesday, holding within the trading range of the last few months. SolidX has also struggled to launch a bitcoin ETF. In March 2017, the SEC rejected the company's application for an exchange-traded product based on physical bitcoins. Around the same time, the commission also rejected, then said it would review, the Winklevoss twins' proposal for a similar bitcoin fund. VanEck will help market the new bitcoin ETF, SolidX will sponsor or create the underlying index and Bank of New York Mellon will be the custodian, the filing said. If approved, the ETF is slated to trade under the symbol XBTC on Cboe BZX Exchange. "I believe that bitcoin has emerged as a legitimate investment option, as a type of 'digital gold' that may make sense for investors' portfolios," Jan van Eck, chief executive officer of VanEck, said in a statement. "A properly constructed physically-backed bitcoin ETF will be designed to provide exposure to the price of bitcoin, and an insurance component will help protect shareholders against the operational risks of sourcing and holding bitcoin," he said. WATCH: Jan van Eck, CEO of VanEck, talks about the ETF [The stream is slated to start at 1 p.m. ET. Please refresh the page if you do not see a player above at that time.] President Donald Trump's top economic advisor Larry Kudlow on Wednesday is expected to lead a press briefing at the White House on the upcoming G7 Summit. Kudlow, the director of the National Economic Council, will field questions on the two-day summit, to be held in Quebec, Canada starting Friday. The meeting will comprise leaders from the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Japan, Italy, Germany and France. The annual summit comes amid hostility between some member nations and the United States over the Trump administration's decision to place tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and the European Union. The Trump administration announced last week it would slap those allies with steel and aluminum tariffs, citing national security concerns. Canada quickly responded with plans to match the U.S. tariffs dollar-for-dollar in retaliation. Mexico said it planned to impose retaliatory tariffs on imports of U.S. pork. The EU also said it would hit back against the U.S. [The stream is slated to start at 12:15 p.m. ET. Please refresh the page if you do not see a player above at that time.] President Donald Trump on Wednesday is expected to sign a bill intended to improve veterans' access to health care. The VA Mission Act would launch new health care programs tailored to veterans. The Washington Post reported Wednesday that the bill's funding has been the subject of a behind-the-scenes struggle between Congress and the White House. For his part, Jean-Dominique Senard, argued for regulations that kept the "playing field" level for mobility stakeholders. He also pointed out that, besides development driver mobility, we must incorporate carbon, the circular economy and other social issues into our planning and actions. This was seconded by Kate White, who thinks that Americans need to be weaned off their car addiction by experimenting with new mobility options, while enacting regulations to abide by the Paris Agreement, at least in big U.S. cities." Experiment, yes, but in Bertrand Piccard's view, nothing can or will be done unless it (protecting the environment) is profitable. "We have to be logical, not ecological," he said, noting that change is successful only if users see the benefit and aren't scared off by the burden. "Make people want to change!" he hammered home. But what if in the end it all comes down to boldness? That was the conclusion on which the opening day of Movin'On 2018 wrapped up. For Montreal's mayor, being bold means not building more roads, but increasing the number of mobility solutions. For Michelin's CEO, it's investing in the circular economy by marketing increasingly recyclable and recycled tires. And for the Californian Deputy Secretary, it's swimming against the dominant cultural tide. It means being bold enough to always approach mobility systemically, by including public health in considerations for example. And to boldly pioneer, said Bertrand Piccard, himself a trailblazer, in conclusion: "Looking stupid at first and with hindsight doing what was really the only thing to do." Share A LinkedIn icon Share by linkedin An email icon Share by email Migrants marched in Naples for the event Reddito e diritti per tutte e tutti Nessuno escluso. Demonstrators arrived from all the provinces of Campania to call for better rights and more security for migrants. KEY POINTS Migrants marched in Naples for the event Reddito e diritti per tutte e tutti Nessuno escluso. Demonstrators arrived from all the provinces of Campania to call for better rights and more security for migrants. Salvatore Esposito/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images Italy's new populist government has wasted no time in repeating its campaign promise to deport hundreds of thousands of migrants although the financial, logistical and humanitarian implications of such an undertaking are only now becoming clear. The right-wing Lega party, which formed a coalition government with Five-Star Movement (M5S) last week, is the driving force behind anti-immigration rhetoric and it is looking to fulfil a pledge to deport as many as 500,000 illegal migrants. Lega leader Matteo Salvini who is now Italy's deputy prime minister and interior minister reiterated the government's aim to deport illegal migrants on a visit to Sicily last weekend. The island, which has been a major point of arrival and detention for migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea, had to stop being "the refugee camp of Europe," Salvini told reporters. "It is not enough to reduce the numbers of people arriving. We need to increase deportations," he said. Visiting a migrant detention center in the Sicilian port of Pozzallo, where he was greeted both by supporters and pro-migrant protesters, Salvini said his government's stance on migrants was one of "common sense." "These are emergency centers, my interest is to work in order to reduce the number of people arriving and increase the number of deportations. This is not easy to do, nor is it possible to do it in a quarter of an hour, but in the coming weeks we want to give new signals, to cut costs and (migrant detention) durations." On Saturday, speaking at a rally in northern Italy, Salvini had told illegal migrants "get ready to pack your bags." Italy's new hardline interior minister Matteo Salvini arrives at the reception centre (CPSA) in Pozzallo, Sicily, on June 3,2018. Both immigration and deportation have become key topics for debate in Italy, a country that has struggled to cope with the high number of migrants both economic migrants and refugees, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa arriving on its shores in recent years. In 2017, 119,310 men, women and children arrived in Italy after traveling by sea, according to data from the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM). That figure represented the lowest total in four years, the organization said. So far this year, 10,808 people have arrived by sea. Most of the arrivals had departed from North Africa and thousands have died during the journey which is often made in un-seaworthy boats organized by people smugglers. The IOM recorded that 2,832 people died or went missing while attempting the crossing to Italy in 2017. So far this year, 384 people have died, according to IOM data. Around 600,000 migrants are believed to have reached Italy over the last four years. Sea rescues and repatriations, as well as the loss of life, have become a regular hallmark of the migrant crisis. On Saturday, 60 migrants were killed when their boat sank off the coast of Tunisia, marking one of the worst boat tragedies in recent years. Tunisia has become a major point of departure for many migrants amid tighter controls to prevent boat crossings from Libya. On Sunday, Salvini said the only way to avoid more deaths was to stop people getting on boats in the first place. He caused a diplomatic row by accusing Tunisia of sending "convicts" over to Italy in migrant boats. He said he would increase repatriations despite the logistical and financial not to mention, humanitarian implications of such a move. A group of illegal migrants are processed by Italian officials and given basic health checks by members of the Italian Red Cross as they disembark from an Italian navy boat in the harbour at Messina. Gideon Mendel/Corbis via Getty Images Federico Soda, director of the IOM's coordination office for the Mediterranean, told CNBC that deportation agreements would have to be created with a vast number of countries in order for Italy to forcibly deport illegal migrants with each nation having to first accept the migrant was from its country and accept his or her return. With 60 nationalities registered at Italian ports last year alone, the number of countries that Italy would have to draw up deportation agreements with, in order to deport 500,000 people, would be immense, Soda said. "To carry out returns you need agreements with those countries, so it gets very complicated, very quickly," he said. Italy already has an agreement with Nigeria, for example, but this only accounted for 15 percent of all arrivals last year. "It's very fragmented and there are lots of small numbers of migrants from many countries. If you take the top five countries in terms of arrivals, they don't even account for 50 percent of the arrivals." Soda said that Salvini's and the Italian government's rhetoric on migrants "sells well" to the public but, in reality, moving half a million people back to their countries of origin was "unthinkable." "The return rate of migrants in recent years has been really low and that's due to the very, very complicated situation in terms of how many nationalities (there are). The political ambitions have to be reconciled with the operation realities. "Everyone thinks, 'Just get them out of here, just send them back,' and it's an easy sell (to the public), but you're talking about putting half a million people on planes." The islands of Sicily and Lampedusa to the south of Italy have been a particularly focus during the migrant crisis. Lampedusa and the Sicilian port of Pozzallo, which Salvini visited Sunday, are known as "hotspots" where facilities have been set up with funding from the European Union (EU) for the initial reception, identification and registration of asylum seekers and other migrants arriving at those locations. The country has two other hotspots in operation, with two more planned. Hotspots were designed to speed up the registration and "distribution" of migrants to other EU countries as part of a quota-based system, where each member state was meant to take a share of migrants. They also handle deportations and are not without their problems or critics. Refugees and migrants after being rescued at sea earlier in the day on June 10, 2017 off Lampedusa, Italy. Chris McGrath/Getty Images Italy has eight detention centers, including the hotspots, in use, as of 2017, according to the Global Detention Project (GDP), which analyzes detention and other immigration control regimes around the world. Michael Flynn, executive director of the GDP, told CNBC that the Italian government's proposals to deport around 500,000 people were "ridiculous," costly and impracticable. "These kinds of statement (from Salvini) are clearly intended to serve short-term political interests and the government is speaking to fears rather than trying to allay those fears," Flynn said Monday. He acknowledged that Italy was facing "acute pressures that other countries aren't necessarily facing," but said the financial and psychological costs of deporting so many migrants would be huge. "If the government were truly serious about deporting 500,000 people they would have to build a garrison state in order to achieve that goal, the cost of which would be astronomical and plunge the country's economy into turmoil." Noting that Italy managed to remove, by forced deportations and voluntary returns, nearly 6,000 people in 2016 and 6,500 in 2017, when it had bed space for less than 400 in its immigration detention centers, Flynn said removing more people was unfeasible. "Imagine the size of the system necessary to detain 500,000 people to facilitate their deportation? It is an absurd sum of money, not even counting the cost of the deportation flights. "And money is not the only cost: such an effort would do irreparable physical and psychological damage to thousands of people, many of whom have already suffered unspeakable tragedy and trauma, and it would destroy any lingering claim Italy may still wish to cling to about being a liberal democratic state." Soda, the IOM's director of the coordination office for the Mediterranean, shared a similar view. "The costs are astronomical because forced returns involve a massive amount of work by law enforcement agencies and resources in terms of compelling people to leave, actually handling people literally to the plane, on the plane then to the end (of the process)," he said. "If commercial flights are chartered then the numbers returning on these will be small too." Whatever European officials think, migration is a bone of contention for the public and any promises to restrain or restore a sense of order to the immigration system, whether feasible or not, is popular with the public. Salvini and his fellow coalition leader, Luigi Di Maio, head of M5S and the new minister for labor and economic development, know this. It's not for nothing that the Lega party campaigned ahead of the March 4 election with the slogan "Prima gli Italiani" Italians first. Lega Nord far right party leader Matteo Salvini address supporters during campaign rally on Piazza Duomo in Milan on February 24, 2018 a week ahead of the Italy's general election. Italy stepped up security for mass demonstrations by far-right and anti-fascist groups across the country on February 24, 2018 as tensions rise ahead of next week's general election MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty Images With their coalition government only a few days old, they know too that voters will be closely watching to see if they fulfill their campaign pledges of tax cuts and massive social welfare spending, aside from the costs implied by deporting migrants. Salvini and Di Maio were both in Sicily on Sunday to campaign ahead of municipal elections, looking to build on their popularity in opinion polls a popularity that has largely, and uncomfortably for more open-minded Italians, been built on anti-immigrant rhetoric. Lega started out as a northern Italian secessionist movement but campaigned at a national level ahead of the March election, benefiting from the public's general frustration with austerity, low employment rates and the immigration that Italy has experienced in recent years. Soda told CNBC that it was apparent that anti-immigration pledges were popular "it sells well," he said but that the reality is different. "It's understandable that the government wants to work on returns but the numbers being thrown around are unrealistic." The migrant crisis has allowed politicians like Salvini and Di Maio, both euroskeptics, to score points at home. But it has also given them another stick with which to beat Europe. Salvini didn't miss an opportunity to criticize Italy's EU membership and international organizations on Sunday, saying they had not helped to solve the migrant crisis in Italy and the wider region. "I want to highlight that Italy every year sends 6 billion euros in cash to Brussels," he said. "I cannot give these 6 billion euros to Brussels and then let them damage us on the fronts of agriculture, migration, fishing, commerce and finance. Why am I giving 6 billion to receive nothing in return? "I agree that the problem is not just a European one, Italy is also part of international organizations, like the United Nations and NATO. I would like to know why they are not contributing in a concrete way to solve the situation in northern Africa and the Mediterranean." Salvini is not alone in criticizing European institutions. Eastern European countries, which became a conduit for hundreds of thousands of refugees arriving on land from Syria at the height of its civil war in 2015, as well as Greece, Malta and Spain, have also criticized the response to the migrant crisis, citing a lack of support. European rules, under the Dublin Regulation, require migrants to request asylum in the first EU country they arrive in, meaning that Italy and other "frontline" nations have had to register, process and detain thousands of migrants. The EU tried to help frontline countries under immense pressure from the sheer number of arrivals in 2015 by setting up "hotspot" centers where migrants could be identified, registered and processed before being relocated to other member states, according to a contested EU quota system designed to relocate 120,000 refugees. A mounted policeman leads a group of migrants near Dobova, Slovenia October 20, 2015. Srdjan Zivulovic | Reuters North Korea's leadership has told the Indian government that Kim Jong Un-led nation would focus on economic development after sufficiently developing its nuclear program, sources with knowledge of the matter said. Indian officials believe North Korea has conveyed similar intentions to the United States as well. The message was conveyed to minister of state for external affairs, General VK Singh, during his historic visit to Pyongyang on May 15-16. Singh had met DPRK Vice President Kim Yong Dae, who is second in the hierarchy, and other senior functionaries. This was the first high level meeting between India and North Korea in twenty years. The North Korean leadership was seriously looking at a ministerial level meeting for the past many months, sources said. A key objective for the former chief of army staff was to lodge a strong protest against proliferation of weapon technologies between Pakistan and North Korea over a series of meetings. North Korea has said that it was aware of India's concerns and assured that transfer of technologies between the isolated North Korea and Pakistan would stop. Pakistani officials have in the past been accused of handing over nuclear secrets to North Korea, though the government of Pakistan, a key US ally in the war against terror, has denied the accusations. Abdul Qadeer Khan, a scientist regarded as the father of the Pakistan's atomic bomb, was part of a network that smuggled blueprints for nuclear weaponisation to North Korea, Iran and Libya, and was active in 12 countries, a UN watchog had said in 2008. When asked about the upcoming meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un in Singapore on June 12, highly placed sources said, it is good that this meeting is happening. We only hope that this can in some way provide an escape route to ease tensions in the North Korean peninsula. Top diplomats and government officials, however, were cautious in declaring any possible outcomes due to flip-flops by the Trump administration on the issue and due to the process being at a nascent stage. Though Trump has vowed to put maximum pressure on North Korea for months for complete de-nuclearisation, he has toned his stand down over the past few days. Recently, after meeting a former North Korean spy chief, the US President said, "I don't even want to use the term maximum pressure anymore because I don't want to use that term because we're getting along. You see the relationship, we're getting along." Top Indian government sources believe it would be futile to press North Korea to completely de-nuclearise as the country is unlikely to back down from what it has achieved so far. It was important to engage North Korea to ensure that there is no further slaing up of the regime's nuclear program, the sources added. Hindustan Construction Co (HCC) today announced that its JV with MAX Group has won a Rs 737 crore contract from Russia for a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. The contract includes civil works of Turbine Island for Unit 1 of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). "HCC, in a joint venture with MAX Group, a construction company in Bangladesh has been awarded USD 110 million (Rs 737 crore) contract by Russia's State Nuclear Company, JSC Atomstroyexport," HCC said in a statement. HCC's share in the JV is 40 percent ($ 44 million/Rs 295 crore), the statement said. The Rooppur NPP will be built with Russian technology and is equipped with two VVER reactors of 1,200 MW each. These reactors are similar to the Kudankulam NPP in Tamil Nadu. HCC has become the first Indian company to participate in the international civil nuclear market. We look forward to further project awards in Rooppur NPP and expanding our infrastructure footprint in Bangladesh,"Arjun Dhawan, Director and Group CEO, HCC said in a statement. Recently, India signed an agreement with Bangladesh for civil nuclear cooperation, under which India has extended expertise and project support for Bangladesh's first NPP. India not being a member of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) cannot participate directly in the construction of atomic power reactors. But Indian companies can be involved in construction and installation works and in the supply of equipment of non-critical category. Apologies for the shouting but this is important. When answering a question please: Read the question carefully Understand that English isn't everyone's first language so be lenient of bad spelling and grammar If a question is poorly phrased then either ask for clarification, ignore it, or mark it down. Insults are not welcome If the question is inappropriate then click the 'vote to remove message' button Insults, slap-downs and sarcasm aren't welcome. Let's work to help developers, not make them feel stupid. cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP For those new to message boards please try to follow a few simple rules when posting your question. Choose the correct forum for your message. Posting a VB.NET question in the C++ forum will end in tears. Be specific! Don't ask "can someone send me the code to create an application that does 'X'. Pinpoint exactly what it is you need help with. Keep the subject line brief, but descriptive. eg "File Serialization problem" Keep the question as brief as possible. If you have to include code, include the smallest snippet of code you can. Be careful when including code that you haven't made a typo. Typing mistakes can become the focal point instead of the actual question you asked. Do not remove or empty a message if others have replied. Keep the thread intact and available for others to search and read. If your problem was answered then edit your message and add "[Solved]" to the subject line of the original post, and cast an approval vote to the one or several answers that really helped you. If you are posting source code with your question, place it inside 
 tags. We advise you also check the "Encode "<" (and other HTML) characters when pasting" checkbox before pasting anything inside the PRE block, and make sure "Use HTML in this post" check box is checked.



Be courteous and DON'T SHOUT. Everyone here helps because they enjoy helping others, not because it's their job.



Please do not post links to your question into an unrelated forum such as the lounge. It will be deleted. Likewise, do not post the same question in more than one forum.



Do not be abusive, offensive, inappropriate or harass anyone on the boards. Doing so will get you kicked off and banned. Play nice.



If you have a school or university assignment, assume that your teacher or lecturer is also reading these forums.



No advertising or soliciting.



We reserve the right to move your posts to a more appropriate forum or to delete anything deemed inappropriate or illegal.



Chris Maunder



The Code Project Co-founder

Microsoft C++ MVP cheers,Chris MaunderThe Code Project Co-founder



please





Thanks,

Sean Ewington

CodeProject



Copy Code Hello everyone, there are several servers in G-Cloud. Each has an external ip address. We want to securely give employees access rights to these servers. Domain Active There are no directories, and VPNs do not have finances. How to give rights to people so that only they can connect?



Is Enhanced Session mode only available for generation 2 virtual machines?



I have googled, and I can't figure out why I can't turn it on for one of my Win 10 VMs.







The difficult we do right away...

...the impossible takes slightly longer.



Which of the below are the challenges that sysadmins face in managing end user laptops/desktops?

1. Visibility into the state of the fleet (laptops/desktops)

2. Bringing devices into the desired state

3. Making sure patches are deployed to all laptops/desktops

4. Managing configuration drifts in end user machines

5. Enforcing compliance rules on end user machines

6. Meeting auditing requirements

7. Using different tools for different OS

8. Rolling back deployed changes in case of any issues







So just posting your exam question and hoping we'll just give you a good grade is not going to work ...

"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony

"Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt

AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!









"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined."

- Homer









I think it's just another lazy student, but I could be wrong again!

"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony

"Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt

AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!





"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony

"Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt

AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!



l need to create a business website for groceries and hosting it can l have a code or sample HTML Copy Code



Hello fellas,



Having an odd issue when RDP connecting to a server that I can't for the life of me find any solution for. Sorry if this isn't the correct place to post but any assistance is immensely appreciated.



Essentially, when initially connecting to the terminal server with RDP, the printer is correctly set as the default. However, when the client disconnects (not sign out, just closing the RDP session) the default printer changes and must be manually set as default again. So the catch is, that we'd need a solution that isn't based on user login, but instead upon re-connection to the server.



Since their not logging in every time a login script would also sadly be out. Forcing the printer in question to stay as default for ONLY that user would be the aim (lots of other users on the server that do not have this issue and use other printers).



Another thing too note is that the printer is adding as default upon initial log in but is not being added to the server's control panel printer list. I am hoping that being able to find a solution to this control panel issue will solve the default printer setting issue.



Any advice on this situation is appreciated.







Never stop dreaming - Freddie Kruger Wrong is evil and must be defeated. - Jeff Ello Never stop dreaming - Freddie Kruger







The client has a printer that is local to the client and a printer local to the server. The issue is occurring in both instances, whether using redirection or not.





Have you tried to disable Windows Default Printer Management?



Locally you to Settings -> Devices, click Printers & Scanners in the left menu, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer.



There's also a Group Policy under User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Printers and enable the policy called "Turn off Windows default printer management".



Never stop dreaming - Freddie Kruger Wrong is evil and must be defeated. - Jeff Ello Never stop dreaming - Freddie Kruger



Our company is using GlobalProtect to provide remote domain access for people working from home.



I have valid credentials for connecting to the VPN portal, and valid credentials for the two company domains.



When the VPN connection is active, I can ping almost any resource by name or IP, but when I attempt, say, to map a drive to a ping-able server, I am unable to do so.



I asked the IT guy for help, and when he disabled some Hyper-V network adapters on spec, I was suddenly able to map a drive. Joy in mudville.



BUT the next day, I believe that after I launched the Hyper-V manager, I suddenly lost the ability to map once more. I tried disabling those Hyper-V network adapters again, but no joy in mudville this time.



Granted, I may have done something else to put my setup in that state, but I obviously can't tell you what.



Any ideas would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Mike Fidler



"I intend to live forever - so far, so good." Steven Wright

"I almost had a psychic girlfriend but she left me before we met." Also Steven Wright

"I'm addicted to placebos. I could quit, but it wouldn't matter." Steven Wright yet again.



Edit 2



I'm a muppet, as I have an identical nginx rule on my Web server I shouldn't be passing the full route only the method to the controller from my local box



server {

listen 9666;

listen [::]:9666;

location / {

This what I had on local box and is wrong.

proxy_pass mysite.com:9666/api/MyController/

What I have now on local box and is correct. proxy_pass mysite.com:9666/ On the Web server I have this. proxy_pass localhost:9654/api/controller/

}

}



I must have accidentally changed the proxy_pass line on the local box - sorry if I wasted anyones time.



"We can't stop here - this is bat country" - Hunter S Thompson - RIP



-- modified 2-May-20 5:25am.


This message board is for managed and mixed-mode C++ programming only: Managed C++ in VC++.NET or C++/CLI. Please post all standard C++ programming questions in the Visual C++ board[^].



cheers,

Chris Maunder

CodeProject.com : C++ MVP



Hi,

Iam using Vs2015, While I try to Open a file using OpenFileDialog, Iam receiving the error



"Unhandled exception of type" System.AccessViolationException" occoured in system.windows.forms.dll

Additional information: Attempted to read or write protected memory.This is often an indication other memory is currupt.



My Codes Copy Code System::Windows::Forms::OpenFileDialog^ MyFileOpenDialog = gcnew System::Windows::Forms::OpenFileDialog(); MyFileOpenDialog->Title = " Select Your Excel Test File" ; MyFileOpenDialog->InitialDirectory = " C:\\" ; MyFileOpenDialog->Filter = " Excel Files (*.xls)|*.xls|All files (*.*)|*.*" ; MyFileOpenDialog->FilterIndex = 2 ; MyFileOpenDialog->RestoreDirectory = true ; if (MyFileOpenDialog->ShowDialog() == System::Windows::Forms::DialogResult::OK) { MyExcelFile = MyFileOpenDialog->FileName; } I cannot understand my mistake !

Thanks For the helps!

Richard pls. advise me! Thank again !



modified 5-Oct-21 2:59am.



How do I convert array to list?



Copy Code array^ My1DArray = gcnew array( 100 );



to



Copy Code List^ temp temp = My1DArray.ToList();



Update:



I am currently using a for loop to copy data 1 by 1, if there's no other faster way ,i'll stick with this for now . Thanks!

Copy Code array^ My1DArray = gcnew array( 100 ); int^ bytesToRead = gcnew( int ); *bytesToRead = SerialPort->BytesToRead; SerialPort->Read(My1DArray, 0 , *bytesToRead); SerialPort->DiscardInBuffer(); List^ temp = gcnew List; int^ counter = gcnew ( int ); for (*counter = 0 ; *counter < *bytesToRead; (*counter)++) { temp->Add(My1DArray[*counter]); }



modified 11-Jun-21 1:53am.





How long is/are the array(s) to be converted? How often are you going to convert it/them?









Why don't you just say

C++ Copy Code Int32 bytesToRead = 0 ; Int32 counter = 0 ;

??







The difficult we do right away...

...the impossible takes slightly longer.



Hi,

i made a library in c++/cli and beside a c# program calling it. Everything works fine when i compile on any cpu or x64 on my pc (x64os/x64proc). But if i compile for x86, c# part works fine, but when i use the c++/cli part i get the error "could not load file or assembly .... incorrect format" . I use user32.lib in the c++/cli, is it possible the problem come from here ?



---- Edit

I think it's ok, i activated copy reference to output project but i'm not sure it was that.



modified 30-May-21 17:11pm.







If the target is "Any CPU", a project will compile so that if the code runs on a 64-bit machine, it'll run as a 64-bit process, and if on a 32-bit machine, as a 32-bit process.



To solve this, make sure both projects build as either x64 or x86. Which depends on your requirements, but both projects have to build targeting the same thing.

Asking questions is a skill

CodeProject Forum Guidelines

Google: C# How to debug code

Seriously, go read these articles.



Dave Kreskowiak Seriously, go read these articles.



how do you copy the bytes of a managed variable to another managed variable? memcpy doesn't work since my arguments are not the correct type for memcpy

Copy Code #include " string.h" float^ f = gcnew ( float ); unsigned int^ temp = gcnew(unsigned int ); *temp = 0 ; *temp = _byte3; *temp = (*temp << 8U) + _byte2; *temp = (*temp << 8U) + _byte1; *temp = (*temp << 8U) + _byte0 pin_ptr pinPtr_FloatVal = &(*f); pin_ptr pinPtr_UintVal = &(*temp); memcpy_s(pinPtr_FloatVal , 4U, pinPtr_UintVal , 4U);



modified 28-May-21 8:32am.







Could you show an example how to achieve this? Thanks!



into it. So all you need is two such pointers in order to copy managed to managed.



Hello all, my code requires the Serial Port to be static. Each time I make changes to the UI, I have to manually set the Serial Port to static.



like this



Copy Code private : System::IO::Ports::SerialPort^ mySerialPort;



to this



Copy Code private : static System::IO::Ports::SerialPort^ mySerialPort;





Is there a way to automatically be static?



Hello,



I am trying to display float/double/integer to a string with custom format in Label. But I couldn't find snprintf available in managed c++. How can I achieve this?



ToString method? Copy Code int count = 100 ; System::String^ s = count.ToString();



I am trying to set the image of a button when my Serial Port receives data.



After I receive the data, I use an Invoke to call MyForm::ProcessReceived, then from the MyForm::ProcessReceived to setAppearance. My setAppearance function is called, however the image on button is still showing the default image.



How do I show the new image in button?



Copy Code System::Void MyForm::SerialPort_DataReceived(System::Object^ sender, System::IO::Ports::SerialDataReceivedEventArgs^ e) { uint16_t test = 0 ; test = mySerialPort->BytesToRead; this->Invoke(gcnew EventHandler( this , &MyForm::ProcessReceived)); } System::Void MyForm::ProcessReceived(System::Object^ sender, System::EventArgs^ e) { my_ReceivedData^ status = gcnew my_ReceivedData; mySerialPort->Read(status->bytes, 0 , length); mySerialPort->DiscardInBuffer(); setAppearance(status->bytes); } public : System::Void setAppearance(array^ bytes) { btn_Start->ImageIndex = 3 ; }







Update (Problem solved):



It turned out that the buttons were disabled so the background images couldnt be updated. After enabling the buttons, everything worked accordingly!



modified 26-May-21 1:11am.


Terms Of Service for CodeProject

To ensure the smooth operation of CodeProject and to ensure that your rights and the rights of CodeProject are protected, we have created a series of legal agreements including these Terms of Service (the TOS).

The content on this Site is provided by CodeProject and its licensors and content providers. The "Site" refers collectively to https://www.codeproject.com and all other Web properties owned or operated by CodeProject now and in the future (or anything that replaces, supplements, or supersedes the Site as the website of CodeProject).

TERMS OF SERVICE: The basic agreement is the TOS which you are now reading. The TOS set out the legal terms by which CodeProject makes its web site and services available. When you visit the Site or use any CodeProject service (defined below) you agree to comply with the TOS, as revies and updated.

FOR CONTRIBUTORS OF CODE: There is an additional agreement that you need to agree to if you contribute code ("Code"). The Contributors Agreement gives CodeProject permission to edit and post your Code, gives CodeProject some basic assurances about your Code, and allows you to protect your intellectual property by specifying what license arrangements you want to make with end users who would like to use the Code you have submitted. When you contribute code, you are asked to select your preferred End User License Agreement (EULA) from a menu we provide, or to insert your own EULA. This EULA is an agreement directly between you and the end user.

FOR CONTRIBUTORS OF DOCUMENTS (EG. ARTICLES): If you contribute documents or articles in any form or media ("Documents"), you give us the necessary rights to edit and post and maintain your Document (and the edited version), and to prevent unauthorized uses by end users of Documents that we edit. End users are given rights to read your Document, but no rights to republish or otherwise distribute your Document. CodeProject will retain your copyright notices, and can publish your name and site ID with your posting. If we edit your Document, we will own the edited version, and you will own your original version. We cannot publish our edited version other than on the Site, without your consent. If you desire end users to be able to contact you, you should advise CodeProject so your contact information can be published. If your Document has been previously published, that publisher may have rights, and if so, you must obtain all required consents before posting the Document on CodeProject. If your Document contains images, audio, or video, we require that you have obtained consents from all persons depicted, seen, or heard, the owners of any places depicted, and any other rights holders.

FOR USERS OF DOCUMENTS: We require that you respect our Contributors. In general, all rights, except the right to read/view/listen to posted Documents for your personal non-commercial use are reserved to the Contributors, or to us.

FOR USERS OF CODE: You are advised that Code is posted to CodeProject subject to the TOS, and that if you download Code from CodeProject for use in your own applications, you will also have to agree to abide by the terms of an End User License Agreement (EULA) specified by the Contributor of that Code. CodeProject is not a party to that EULA. Not all Contributors make their intellectual property available on the same license terms. For ease of use of our Site, we have provided several templates of EULA's that we prefer Contributors select from, but, Contributors are free to state their own terms of a EULA in their submission to us. Please ensure that you have carefully read the specific EULA agreement that applies to the code you wish to use.

PRIVACY POLICY: You also agree to our Privacy Policy, which covers how we collect, share, use and store your personal information. The Privacy Policy can be found here.

CODEPROJECT FEATURE CONTENT: We recognize that some Contributors are willing to offer CodeProject a greater bundle of rights to submitted Code or Documents in return for the possibility of greater visibility or exposure.

For those Contributors, CodeProject has developed a "Feature Content" program whereby Contributors may receive greater visibility through greater exploitation of sub-sets of material delivered to targeted users and user groups as compilations or lists. If you consent to such use of your Code or Docuement, it may be added to a compilation or compilations in CodeProject's discretion from time to time and you may receive priority listings of your submissions along with other participants in this project. If you wish to participate in "Feature Content" CodeProject (and such a program is currently available) then you will be prompted to read and agree to a separate agreement and signify your acceptance.

In summary, CodeProject has four agreements that may affect you:

Please review them carefully.

1. YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS OF SERVICE

CodeProject provides its Service to you, subject to the following TOS, which may be updated by us from time to time without providing advance notice to you. You can review the most current version of the TOS at any time at: https://www.codeproject.com/info/TermsOfUse.aspx. In addition, when using particular CodeProject services, you may be subject to guidelines, rules or additional terms (which may be posted from time to time) applicable to such services which, unless otherwise stated, incorporate the TOS and are incorporated by reference into the TOS. CodeProject may also offer other services that are governed by different Terms of Service.

2. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

What is CodeProject?

Through its network of web properties, CodeProject provides you with the ability to access and submit content to to a variety of resources:

"Code" (tools and components, source code snippets, etc.); Documents (articles and other informational material); Online communities, such as bulletin boards, mail lists, chat rooms/events or other communication forums where you can find Code and Documents; News and information (more Documents); Specific product information (still more Documents); Projects installed in applications; and A variety of other services

These are collectively referred to as the "Services"). All Services offered by CodeProject, including any updates, enhancements, new features, and/or the addition of any new web properties or services, are subject to the TOS.

Although we may offer certain limited paid services (such as the Premium Account feature for Projects), our Site is a 'free' site for the software development community to share material and experiences. In order to enable CodeProject to host and operate the Site, and keep its use free to you, we need to impose legal terms on you that establish our basic rights and responsibilities between us, and restrict your ability to take actions against us that could increase our costs of operating the site, or impose onerous obligations on us.

3. USE OF SERVICES

We need you to comply with our TOS in order to establish practical and effective rules for the orderly functioning of the Site.

Your use of the Services is subject to your continued compliance with any applicable laws, these TOS and any other agreements, guidelines or rules that CodeProject may post with respect to its Services. We can terminate your access to the Site without warning if you fail to do so.

4. GENERAL RULE

To protect our Contributors, our general rule is that unless expressly stated otherwise, all rights in any Code or Documents posted on CodeProject are reserved by the Contributor, rights holder and/or CodeProject, and that our Services are solely for your personal and non-commercial use. Except as expressly authorized by CodeProject and/or its Contributors, you may not modify, copy, distribute, transmit, display, perform, reproduce, publish, license, sublicense, assign, create derivative works from, transfer, lease, rent or sell any Code or Documents obtained from our Site.

5. REGISTRATION WITH US

Some of our Services may require you to register with CodeProject. For example, you may not post any Code or Documents or create, modify or administer any Project or view a private Project if you have not registered with us. If all you want to do is read a Document or view a public Project, you do not need to register with us. If you want to obtain Code, there are formalities associated with ensuring you agree to the appropriate EULA. If you do register with us, we require that you keep close control over your CodeProject ID and any passwords, as we state in more detail below.

If you want to use any of our Services that require you to register with CodeProject, you agree to complete our registration process and to provide us with current, complete and accurate personal and demographic information as prompted by the applicable registration form and to promptly update such information as necessary to ensure it is kept complete and accurate. Registration information becomes the non-exclusive property of CodeProject and may be used by CodeProject for market research, marketing, improvements to our Services, and for such purposes as may be set out in our privacy statement.

Upon registering, CodeProject will provide you with a password and a Site ID. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password and Site ID. You are responsible for any activities that occur under your password or Site ID. You agree to notify CodeProject immediately of any unauthorized use of your password or Site ID or any other breach of security. You agree to log out of this Site after every session so as to protect your password and Site ID from breaches of security and to enhance the access to CodeProject for those still accessing this Site. CodeProject will not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, in any way for any loss or damage that you may incur as a result of or in connection with someone else using your password or Site ID, either with or without your knowledge. However, you could be held liable for losses incurred by CodeProject or another party due to someone else using your Site ID or password if you have been negligent or have willfully aided, abetted, assisted, or acquiesced in that misuse. You may not use anyone else's password or Site ID at any time, without the permission of the bona fide holder.

CodeProject uses credit card numbers submitted to us for payment purposes only, and not for marketing purposes. Your credit card information may be saved for future purchases, as long as you log in. We utilize industry standard secure encryption technology to reasonably assure the privacy and security of the credit card numbers of anyone who places online orders with us.

6. PRIVACY POLICY

Our Privacy Policy tells you how we collect, share, use and store your personal information. In using the Services, you agree to comply with this Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into the TOS by reference. Please click on the link to read these Privacy Policy.

7. MINORS

You must be 13 years or older to use the Site or any Service and must be 18 years or older to register with CodeProject. For those located within the European Union, you must be at least 16 years old to access or use the Site or any Service.

In cases where you have authorized a minor (someone under 18 years of age) to use the Site or Services, you acknowledge and agree that you are fully responsible for: (i) the online conduct of such minor; (ii) controlling the minor's access to and use of the Site or Services; and (iii) the consequences of any misuse by the minor. You acknowledge and understand that some Site areas may contain material that is inappropriate for minors.

8. NOTICE SPECIFIC TO POSTED CODE

Basic Licensing provisions

We remind you that use of any Code, including any software incorporated in the Code, is subject to the applicable EULA. Not all Codeis governed by the same EULA, please review the applicable EULA before using any software downloaded. Any use of Code in contravention of these TOS or the EULA is expressly prohibited by law, and may result in severe civil and criminal penalties. Violators will be prosecuted to the maximum extent possible.

CODEPROJECT DOES NOT MAKE ANY ASSURANCES WITH REGARD TO THE PERFORMANCE, ACCURACY OR OUTCOME THAT DERIVES FROM THE USE OF ANY CODE THAT MAY BE POSTED ON THE SITE, OR DAMAGE, DISRUPTION OR HARM CAUSED TO ANY COMPUTER OR COMPUTER SYSTEM CAUSED BY ANY CODE THAT MAY BE POSTED ON THE SITE.

PLEASE RESPECT THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF OTHERS WHEN USING CODE MADE AVAILABLE TO YOU. ALL RIGHTS NOT EXPRESSLY GRANTED, ARE RESERVED.

RESTRICTED RIGHTS LEGEND. Any Code or software of CodeProject which is contributed to the Site and which is downloaded from the Services for or on behalf of the United States of America, its agencies and/or instrumentalities ("U.S. Government"), is provided with Restricted Rights. Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013 or subparagraphs (c)(1) and (2) of the Commercial Computer Software - Restricted Rights at 48 CFR 52.227-19, as applicable. Manufacturer is CodeProject, 20 Bay Street, 11th Floor Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2N8

9. NOTICE SPECIFIC TO POSTED DOCUMENTS

Your rights to use Documents

CodeProject and its Contributors grant limited permission to use Documents. All rights not expressly granted, are reserved. The following are conditions apply to the use of Documents:

Copyright Notices. You agree not to remove any copyright notices and you must include such notices in any use you make of any document. Use. You may only use Documents for your own private non-commercial (for example, you can use an article or tutorial to learn how to construct an application or to extend an application, and then construct and distribute that application). You may not resell, republish, or contribute/post the Document to any other website or other publishing forum or media unless you are the copyright holder of the Document. Schools. Documents may be used by accredited educational institutions such as K-12, universities, private/public colleges, and provincial/state community colleges, for teaching, instructional or research purposes, subject to any applicable copyright laws governing the use of such materials. Distribution outside the classroom requires express written permission of the Document author(s) and CodeProject. Limitation on Re-Use of Material. You may NOT redistribute, sell, or repost for download any Documents found on the Site in its original form or as a compilation on any medium (CD-ROM, website, etc) without the express written permission of the author(s) and CodeProject. Combining another author's work on the Site with your own work and posting this with CodeProject is acceptable as long as credit is given within the article text and all copyright notices in the original work remains intact. All uses specifically allowed must include a prominent link to the original article and reference CodeProject and its URL (https://www.codeproject.com).

10. USE OF THE SITE

Permission to use Code or Documents does not include rights to copy or use the design or layout of the Site. Elements of the Site are protected by trade dress, trademark, unfair competition, and other laws and may not be copied or imitated in whole or in part. No logo, graphic, sound or image from the Site may be copied or retransmitted unless expressly permitted by CodeProject.

11. COMMUNITY STANDARDS

Be respectful of each other, and please recognize that we are not responsible for the acts of the community

All Code, Documents and Projects are the sole responsibility of the Contributors providing or posting such material . We do not guarantee a person's identity. Do not assume that people are who they say they are, know what they say they know, or are affiliated with whom they say they are affiliated. Content may include material that some persons will find offensive, indecent or objectionable. Always use caution when giving out any personally identifiable information in using any Services.

Nothing submitted to CodeProject or Posted on the Site shall be deemed to be confidential. Do not reveal any personal information, including but not limited to health, financial and personally identifiable information, if you do not wish this information to be published. You must not reveal the personal information of third parties without their express written consent.

CodeProject does not control or endorse the content, messages or information found in any Services, and is not and cannot be responsible for content, messages or information, or the accuracy, integrity, or quality thereof. CodeProject will not be responsible for any reliance or decisions made based on such content, messages or information. Site managers, administrators and hosts may not be authorized spokespersons of CodeProject, and their views do not necessarily reflect those of CodeProject.

12. YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES

The Services may contain e-mail services, bulletin board services, chat areas, news groups, forums, communities, personal web pages, calendars, photo albums, file cabinets and/or other message or communication facilities designed to enable you to communicate with others. You agree to use the Services only to post, send and receive messages and material that are appropriate and, when applicable, related to the particular Service. By way of example, and not as a limitation, you agree that when using the Services, you will not:

Use the Services in connection with surveys, contests, promotions, pyramid schemes, chain letters, junk email, spamming or any duplicative or unsolicited messages (commercial or otherwise). Upload, post, email, otherwise transmit, or post links to CodeProject with respect to any raffle, contest or game requiring a fee by participants. Defame, abuse, harass, stalk, threaten or otherwise violate the legal rights (such as rights of privacy and publicity) of others. Publish, post, upload, distribute or disseminate any inappropriate, profane, defamatory, pornographic, discriminatory, obscene, indecent or unlawful content, or any content that constitutes a hate crime. Upload, post, email, otherwise transmit, or post links that exploit the images of minors under the age of 18, or that disclose personally identifying information belonging to minors under 18 or harm minors in any other way or make any sexual request on behalf of a minor or make any sexual request of a minor. "Stalk" or otherwise harass another person. Use, download or otherwise copy, or make available (whether or not for a fee) to a person or entity: any directory of users of the Services or other user or usage information or any portion thereof; Upload, download, use, or otherwise copy, or make available (whether or not for a fee) any file that contains text, images, photographs, software or other material protected by trade secret, or any intellectual property laws, including, by way of example, and not as a limitation, copyright or trademark or service mark or patent laws (or by rights of privacy or publicity) unless you own or control the rights thereto or have received all necessary consent to do the same. Use any material or information which are made available through the Services in any manner that infringes any copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, or other proprietary right of any party, or violates any other applicable law. Modify, publish, transmit, settle, transfer, sell, lease, rent, license, sublicense, assign, reproduce, create derivative works from, distribute, perform, link, display or in any way exploit CodeProject database other than for the limited purposes for which material is licensed for your use. Use or exploit any part of the Site or any software deployed in connection with the Site as, or as the content of, a service offered or supplied to other persons or entities without the express written consent of CodeProject. For example, you will not create a site or maintain a site that links to our Site for the purpose of using, indexing, reformatting, or searching and retrieving, material from our site for the benefit of users of your site, without our knowledge and express written consent; we want those users to come directly to our site to obtain material as we have spent considerable time, effort, and financial resources to build and maintain the Site and to attract submissions of Code and Documents, and to attract a wide base of users. Decompile, disassemble, modify, translate, adapt, reverse engineer, attempt to obtain the source code from, create derivative works from, or sublicense any software deployed in connection with CodeProject's delivery and operations. Your access to CodeProject is solely limited to your rights to use Services to which you are entitled to use, and only for the limited purposes of your licensed use of such Services. Upload, post, email, otherwise transmit, or post links to, any content that facilitates hacking or that promotes any illegal activity, including instructions for illegal activity. Upload files that contain viruses, worms, trojan horses, time bombs, trap doors, cancelbots, corrupted files, or any other similar software or programs or malicious code that may damage the operation of another's computer, computer system or property of another or are intended to disrupt, destroy or limit the functionality of CodeProject. Use automated means, including spiders, robots, crawlers, agents, or the like to download data from any database of CodeProject, or from the Site itself (for example, site or page scraping is prohibited). Exploit known or unknown weaknesses of the scripts or servers to disrupt or alter the Site's operation. Advertise or offer to sell or buy any goods or services for any business purpose unless such Service specifically allows such messages. Download any file posted by another user of the Services that you know, or reasonably should know, cannot be legally reproduced, displayed, performed, and/or distributed in such manner. Modify, falsify or delete any copyright management information, such as author attributions, legal or other proper notices or proprietary designations or labels of the origin or source of software or other material contained in a file that is uploaded. Restrict or inhibit any other user from using and enjoying the Services. Violate any code of conduct or other guidelines which may be applicable for any particular Service. Harvest or otherwise collect or store information about others, including e-mail addresses. Use, download or otherwise copy, or provide (whether or not for a fee) to a person or entity any directory of users of the Services or other user or usage information or any portion thereof. Violate any applicable laws or regulations. Create a false identity for the purpose of misleading others. Impersonate any person, including an employee, contractor, forum leader, guide or host of CodeProject, or falsely state or otherwise misrepresent your affiliation with a person or entity. Employ misleading email addresses or falsify information in the header, footer, return path, or any part of any communication, including emails, transmitted through CodeProject. Create multiple accounts with the purpose of altering polls or affecting voting. Upload, post, email, otherwise transmit, or post links to any material, or act in any manner, that is offensive to the CodeProject community or violates the spirit of the TOS. Breach any posted limitations on usage, reproduction and/or dissemination; you are responsible for adhering to such limitations if you download any materials.

To enable CodeProject to act without repercussion to protect against people we believe are abusing or violating the TOS or the spirit of CodeProject or the Site, CodeProject reserves the right to terminate your access to any or all of the Services at any time, without notice, for any reason whatsoever.

a condition of your use of the Services, you will not use the Services for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by these terms and conditions, any specific requirements, procedures, policies or regulations of CodeProject, or any other agreement between you and CodeProject. You may not use the Services in any manner that could damage, disable, overburden, or impair any server of CodeProject's site, or the network(s) connected to server running CodeProject, or interfere with any other party's use and enjoyment of any Services. You may not attempt to gain unauthorized access to any Services, other accounts, computer systems or networks connected to any server of CodeProject or to any of the Services, through hacking, password mining or any other means. You may not access CodeProject after your account or access has been terminated by CodeProject. You may not obtain or attempt to obtain any materials or information through any means not intentionally made available through the Services.

13. COMMENTS POSTED TO THE SITE

CodeProject has no obligation to monitor its Services. or to review or moderate any messages, comments or material submitted or posted to the Site ("Comments"). However, CodeProject reserves the right and sole discretion to review, delete or modify Comments, to publish, remove or block access to any Comments that is available through CodeProject, for any reason whatsoever, at any time and from time to time.

In addition to the foregoing restrictions on the use of the Services, those reading and posting Comments on any Site agree that any Comments posted on the Site are provided solely by the posting individual, and CodeProject is in no way responsible for the content of any Comments or for the use or non-use of Comments by any reader.

CodeProject reserves the right (but is not obligated) to do any or all of the following:

Record or monitor any Comments submitted through the Services. Investigate an allegation that any Comments do not comply with the TOS and determine in its sole discretion to remove or request the removal of the Comments. Delete, move or edit Comments that CodeProject determines in its sole discretion violates the TOS or the spirit of CodeProject, including Comments that are abusive, defamatory, obscene, violate intellectual property rights, or are illegal, disruptive, or otherwise unacceptable for any reason. Terminate a user's access to any or all of the Services or the Site.

CodeProject reserves the right to take any action it deems necessary to protect the personal safety of our guests or the public and to maintain the integrity of the CodeProject community.

Contributors acknowledge that they may receive positive or negative Comments on the submitted material, and that there is a chance those Comments may harm the Contributor's professional reputation and that such Comments may not be removed by CodeProject if CodeProject determines in its sole discretion that they do not constitute a violation of the TOS.

14. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

These provisions allow us to keep our costs down and still allow relatively free and open disclosure from our contributors

DISCLAIMER: CODEPROJECT AND/OR ITS RESPECTIVE SUPPLIERS AND CONTRIBUTORS MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE SUITABILITY OF ANY CODE, DOCUMENT, PROJECT OR SERVICE ON THE SITE. ALL CODE, DOCUMENTS, PROJECTS AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS", AS AVAILABLE", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. CODEPROJECT AND/OR ITS RESPECTIVE SUPPLIERS HEREBY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, ACCURACY, RESULTS OF USE, RELIABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, INTERFERENCE WITH QUIET ENJOYMENT, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD-PARTY RIGHTS AND ANY ALL WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS ARISING OUT OF COURSE OF DEALING OR USAGE OF TRADE. FURTHER, CODEPROJECT DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY THAT YOUR USE OF ANY CODE, DOCUMENT, PROJECT OR SERVICE WILL MEET ANY OR ALL OF YOUR REQUIREMENTS OR THAT SUCH USE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR FREE, VIRUS-FREE OR SECURE.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: IN NO EVENT SHALL CODEPROJECT AND/OR ITS RESPECTIVE SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOVER UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DIRECT, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER TORTIOUS ACTION, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE, NON-USE OR PERFORMANCE OF ANY CODE, DOCUMENT, PROJECT, MATERIAL OR SERVICE.

INDEMNIFICATION: You shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless CodeProject, its affiliates, subsidiaries, directors, officers, employees, contractors, agents, and assigns from and against any claims, damages, liabilities, actins, judgments, costs, expenses and fees (including reasonable attorneys fees) arising out of or in connection with (i) your use, misuse, reliance upon, or inability to use any Code, Document, Project, Comment or Service; (ii) CodeProject's, use, misuse, or non-use of any Code, Document, Project or Comment that you have submitted; (iii) any bugs, viruses or other malicious code, errors in, interruption, suspension, or termination of any Services caused by any Code, Document, Project or Comment that you have submitted; and (iv) your breach of this Agreement and/or any other applicable rule, guideline or term governing your use of the Site or Services.

15. PAYMENT AND FEES

If you have signed up for a Service that requires payment (a Pay Service), such as the Premium Account for creating private projects, you have the option of paying by credit card or through PayPal on a monthly basis as long as your subscription to the Pay Service remains active. CodeProject reserves the right to modify the pricing for any Pay Service without providing advance notice to you or requiring your consent. You may terminate your subscription to a Pay Service by providing written notice to CodeProject thirty (30) days in advance of termination. Any fees paid for Pay Services are non-refundable and there are no refunds or credits for partial months of service. All fees are exclusive of taxes, levies or duties imposed. Additional terms and conditions governing the payment of fees for any Pay Service shall be provided in the invoice provided by CodeProject to you when you subscribe for the Pay Service.

16. LIMITATION OF ACTION

In the event that any action or other proceeding is sought to be brought against CodeProject for any purpose, you agree, notwithstanding any legislative Statute of Limitations to the contrary, that such proceeding must be brought within one year of the action or event giving rise to the cause of action, or such proceedings shall be forever barred as against CodeProject and any persons who in law or at equity could claim contribution or indemnity against CodeProject.

17. ADVERTISEMENTS AND LINKS TO OTHER SITES

If another site causes you damages, look to that other site for relief

CodeProject does not endorse the owners of, or the content, products or services on any third-party web sites. Linked sites are not under the control of CodeProject and CodeProject is not responsible for the contents of linked third-party sites, indexes or directories, sites framed within this Site, or third-party advertisements, or any changes or updates to such sites. CodeProject is not responsible for any form of transmission received from any linked site, and CodeProject does not make any representations regarding their content, accuracy or non-infringement. CodeProject does not endorse any product or service advertised on this Site. Your use of third-party web sites is at your own risk and subject to the terms of use for such sites. You should be aware that both the terms of use and the privacy policies of linked sites may differ from those of CodeProject.

18. DISCLOSURE

We will disclose what the law says we are required to disclose. Nothing more.

CodeProject reserves the right at all times to disclose any information as CodeProject deems necessary to satisfy any applicable law, regulation, legal process, court order or governmental request.

19. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INFRINGEMENT CLAIMS  DMCA NOTICE

Infringement claims procedures

You agree that you will not upload or transmit any communications or content of any type that infringe or violate any rights of any party. It is the policy of CodeProject not to permit materials known by CodeProject to be infringing to remain on the Site. You should notify CodeProject promptly if you believe any materials on the Site, including advertisements, or materials available on or through links, frames, indexes and directories linked to the Site, infringe a third party copyright. Upon CodeProject receiving a proper notice of claimed infringement under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and applicable laws of other jurisdictions (collectively the "DMCA"), CodeProject will respond expeditiously to remove, or disable access to, the material claimed to be infringing and will follow the procedures specified in the DMCA with respect to the rights of the notifying party and the alleged infringer who provided the content at issue.

Please contact the CodeProject representative listed at the bottom of this section for copyright infringement notices only. If you have a question about your account on CodeProject, a general question, or any other Customer Service inquiry, please send us an email, or call us at +1 (416) 849-8900, Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM, Eastern Time.

To provide notice of claimed copyright infringement only:

CodeProject

20 Bay Street, 11th FloorToronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2N8

Attn: DMCA Notification

20. ASSIGNMENT

CodeProject, its successors and assigns, shall have the unrestricted right to assign or transfer this Agreement, all other agreements between the parties, and all CodeProject's benefits in their absolute discretion and from time to time You may not assign this Agreement or any rights or obligation hereunder without prior written consent from CodeProject.

21. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement and all other agreements between the parties, their interpretation and enforcement are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the laws of Canada applicable therein, without regard to the conflicts of law provisions therein. You agree that any dispute or claim arising from or relating to the subject matter of this Agreement shall be governed by the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the provincial and federal courts located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada to the exclusion of the courts in any other jurisdiction. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods and applicable local laws incorporating or embodying its terms or intent does not apply to this Agreement or any other agreements between the parties.

22. RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES

You and CodeProject are independent contractors. Nothing in this Agreement or any schedules or documents incorporated by reference herein or into which this Agreement is incorporated by reference into, create a partnership, joint venture, agency, or employment relationship between you and CodeProject or give you any rights or authority to bind CodeProject to any contractual or other obligations.

23. SUBMISSION OF IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS

CodeProject does not accept or consider unsolicited ideas, including new ideas and suggestions as to improvements to the Site, marketing, advertising, promotions, new product and service offerings, product and service names and marks ("Submissions"). Please do not send any original creative artwork, samples, demos, or other works for any such purposes. We wish to avoid confusion or misunderstanding or dispute when CodeProject's products, services or strategies might seem similar to Submissions. Consequently, we advise you that any Submission made to CodeProject will not be treated as proprietary information of you, and will be received by CodeProject without any obligations of confidence whatsoever. You grant CodeProject, its affiliated companies and necessary sub-licensees permission to use and a grant of a worldwide, irrevocable, fully assignable and transferable right and license in perpetuity at no cost to use and apply your Submission for any purpose(s) CodeProject considers fit in its sole discretion. CodeProject is under no obligation to use your Submission or pay you anything for your Submission. You confirm that you own or otherwise control all of the rights to your Submission including, without limitation, all the rights necessary for you to provide, post, upload, input or submit, or for CodeProject to use your Submission.

If you identify problems with the usability, operability, or interoperability of CodeProject or any Services, you may deliver or suggest amendments or "bug fixes" for CodeProject's consideration. CodeProject shall have the absolute right to incorporate all such amendments or "bug fixes" accepted by CodeProject into products and Services provided by CodeProject for all purposes, without any payment or other compensation to you. All right, title and interest to any submitted amendments or "bug fixes", whether accepted or not, shall transfer to CodeProject at no cost for CodeProject to use in perpetuity without any restrictions.

If you wish to present a business proposition between yourself and CodeProject on a confidential basis, you should first enter into negotiations with CodeProject to sign a non-disclosure agreement, and only after such non-disclosure agreement is signed will any disclosure be deemed confidential, and only to the extent and for the purposes contained in that agreement.

24. GENERAL

If any provision of the TOS is found to be invalid by any court having competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such provision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of the TOS, which shall remain in full force and effect. The failure of CodeProject to enforce any part of the TOS shall not constitute a waiver of its right to later enforce that part or any part of this Agreement. In the event that the TOS is translated into other languages and there is a discrepancy between any two language versions, the English version shall control to the extent that such discrepancy is the result of an error in translation. The headings used in the TOS are for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement. Your obligations to CodeProject contained in the TOS and in all applicable agreements between yourself and CodeProject shall survive termination.

25. COPYRIGHT NOTICE

Copyright  CodeProject, 1999-2021 , 20 Bay Street, 11th Floor Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2N8.

Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved. Specific material may also be copyright of the respective authors/owners.

26. TRADEMARK NOTICE

CodeProject CodeProject CodeProject.com GitMachine and Task are trademarks or service marks of CodeProject. All other trademarks published on the Site are trademarks of the respective owners.

By using any of the material on CodeProject, or accessing the Site, you acknowledge and understand that you have read and agreed to these Terms of Service, which will be strictly enforced.
Feature Forums

Forum Description Last Post Total

- Uncategorised posts - Misplaced questions from users. If you find yourself posting in this forum then either try and choose a more appropriate forum, or make a suggestion in the Suggestions forum for a new forum 7 Oct 2021 8:52am 1,056

General Programming

Forum Description Last Post Total

.NET (Core and Framework) Discussions on the .NET Core, .NET Framework and .NET 5 frameworks 14 Sep 2021 4:18am 31,041

Algorithms Discussions on Mathematics and Algorithms 3 Oct 2021 9:49pm 7,770

Artificial Intelligence AI, machine learning, and data science programming discussions. 13 Oct 2021 8:04am 29

ATL / WTL / STL Discussions on ATL, WTL and STL programming 24 Sep 2021 3:50am 9,876

C / C++ / MFC C, Visual C++ and MFC discussions 14 Oct 2021 9:49am 464,607

C# C# discussions 14 Oct 2021 12:57pm 379,926

COM COM discussions 8 Jan 2021 6:30am 11,677

Design and Architecture Discussions on Design, Patterns and Architecture 11 Oct 2021 7:41pm 7,322

Graphics DirectX, OpenGL and GDI/GDI+ discussions 23 Jun 2021 6:38am 2,385

Hardware & Devices Discussions on hardware (choosing, setting up, troubleshooting) and device drivers (for those who like the colour blue) 14 Sep 2021 3:01pm 5,758

Internet of Things IoT programming discussions covering both software and hardware. 24 Jul 2021 8:51pm 4

Java Java discussions 8 Oct 2021 2:10am 9,901

Linux Programming Discussions on anything to do with programming on Linux. Whether it be C++, web development, bash scripting or digging into the Kernel. 23 Aug 2021 6:16am 378

Managed C++/CLI Discussions on Managed Extensions for Visual C++ .NET 6 Oct 2021 3:17am 14,861

Objective-C and Swift Objective-C and Swift language and programming discussions. 3 Nov 2019 11:40pm 208

Regular Expressions Regular Expressions discussions 4 Oct 2021 1:02pm 499

Visual Basic Visual Basic Questions 11 Oct 2021 9:56am 120,029

Windows Development Discussions on Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows RT 28 Sep 2021 9:16am 439

Windows Forms Desktop and Windows Forms development 17 Jul 2021 2:10pm 7,062

WPF Silverlight, WPF and XAML programming discussions 14 Oct 2021 12:38pm 18,296

XML / XSL Discussions on XML and related technologies 25 Feb 2021 2:21am 6,784

Web Development

Forum Description Last Post Total

ASP.NET ASP.NET web development 14 Sep 2021 4:38am 198,372

Cloud Computing Cloud Computing 27 Jan 2021 4:14am 244

JavaScript JavaScript discussions 5 Oct 2021 9:52pm 5,551

Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP LAMP discussions 13 May 2021 1:51am 3,785

Web Development Discussions on HTML5, CSS, Scripting, Ajax etc. 12 Oct 2021 7:34am 35,679

Mobile Development

Forum Description Last Post Total

Android Discussions on Android development 11 Oct 2021 2:07am 2,268

iOS Discussions on iOS development 3 Jul 2021 12:18pm 168

Mobile General Discussions on Mobile related development. For Android specific development please see the Android forum 14 Oct 2021 7:49am 7,906

Product Lifecycle

Forum Description Last Post Total

Application Lifecycle Application Lifecycle discussions 9 Aug 2021 5:52am 383

Collaboration / Beta Testing For those looking for development partners or beta testers 22 Oct 2020 12:22pm 2,197

Free Tools Free Tools - reviews and recommendations 28 Sep 2021 3:08am 1,260

Running a Business General discussions on running a software business including getting started, planning, strategy, legal issues, and staying afloat 15 Feb 2021 6:17am 521

Sales / Marketing Discussions on marketing, pricing and selling your software. Please - no ads 22 Jul 2021 10:03pm 232

Database & SysAdmin

Forum Description Last Post Total

Database Discussions on database access, SQL, and ADO 14 Oct 2021 12:33am 61,326

Hosting and Servers Hosting and managing server discussions 29 May 2021 8:08am 797

System Admin General discussions on System Administration and support. Are you your company's IT expert? 14 Oct 2021 1:32am 12,221

General Discussions

Forum Description Last Post Total

Article Writing Discuss writing articles, add your requests for articles here, or search for ideas for a new article. Do not post programming questions here 14 Oct 2021 7:46am 9,680

CodeProject API This forum is for discussing the CodeProject APIs. Feedback, suggestions, bugs and general help. Note that api.codeproject.com is currently in early beta. It has bugs. 15 Jul 2021 9:07am 143

Site Bugs / Suggestions General discussions, site bug reports and suggestions about the site. 13 Oct 2021 11:08am 76,877

Spam and Abuse Watch Reports of spammers, trolls and other abuse 14 Oct 2021 1:35pm 70,788

The Insider News The Insider. Your Daily News 14 Oct 2021 9:26am 80,783

The Lounge Got a programming question?



For discussing anything related to a software developer's life but is not for programming questions. 14 Oct 2021 1:21pm 1,958,496

The Weird and The Wonderful It was the best of code, it was the worst of code. Coding Horrors, Worst Practices, and flashes of brilliance 14 Oct 2021 10:06am 19,611

Where I am: Member Photos A photo gallery of members' cities, office, home, or crazy places they've visited. What does the world look like through the eyes of others? 10 Sep 2021 5:56am 398
The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form
Tatchell defends anti-abortion protests  and tells how he got Cameron and Johnson to support same-sex marriage

Peter Tatchell recounts in this interview how he prompted David Cameron and Boris Johnson to declare their support for same-sex marriage. He also defends the right of anti-abortion campaigners to engage in peaceful protest outside abortion clinics, including the display of pictures of foetuses.

But on arrival at the 66-year-old activists council flat in south London, it was impossible not to start by exclaiming at the sight of his sitting-room, so crammed with piles of paper there is only enough floor space left for a small desk, two chairs and, against one wall, three bicycles.

The papers, many yellow with age, support a white layer of campaign materials in current use. The sheaf of posters next to the visitors chair read: Chechen tyranny and Islamism crushes all human rights.

Tatchells work as an LGBT human rights campaigner extends to many different countries: Were doing a campaign round LGBT persecution in Chechnya, and against the way in which 36 out of the 53 Commonwealth states still criminalise same-sex relations.

But a vein of humour runs through his talk, and he loves to spring surprises, as on the occasions in London and Brussels when he attempted to carry out citizens arrests on Robert Mugabe. This interview was punctuated by laughter.

The walls of the sitting-room are decorated in collages done a long time ago by Tatchell himself, and against one wall the back of a sofa can be discerned, but no one has sat on it for the last 15 years, for it too is swamped in papers.

ConHome [wondering about a metal device sticking through the sea of paper]: Is that an exercise machine?

Tatchell: A rowing machine.

ConHome: And when was that last used?

Tatchell: Probably two years ago. But I do a daily work-out of 60 or more press-ups, a hundred and twenty transverse sit-ups, and sixty squats.

ConHome: Crumbs.

Tatchell [pointing to his stomach, clad in a green shirt]: So for my party trick, punch.

ConHome: No.

Tatchell: Come on, punch.

ConHome [accepting it would be rude not to punch, but determined to do so as lightly as possible]: OK, but I dont want you to suffer Houdinis fate. OK, Ive punched Peter Tatchell.

Tatchell: In the 40 years Ive lived here  40 years in November  weve only had two murders in the courtyard outside, and one man hacked to pieces with a machete on the stairwell.

ConHome: A third murder?

Tatchell: No, no, he survived. But its much less rough now than it used to be. I was the target of incredible harassment and violent campaigns by neighbours. He added that there have been 50 violent attacks upon the flat  mostly bricks and bottles thrown through the window but extending to a bullet dropped through the letter box with a death threat.

ConHome: When were they at their height, these attacks?

Tatchell: Late Seventies through to early Nineties.

ConHome: You seem rather proud of these battle honours.

Tatchell: I could have done without them. Within two weeks of moving in here, two of my Jamaican neighbours turned up on the doorstep and said, We heard youre a queer. And I said, So what? And they replied, In Jamaica we stone them to death.

Which I took as an almost veiled threat. But within a few months Id turned them. They came round and they were fine. The initial period was quite scary. But my other Jamaican neighbours were wonderful. They said, We heard youre gay. We dont care. Live and let live.'

ConHome: The other day you had a letter in The Times, which you signed along with various other people. It would be fair to describe you as a man of the Left, who was a Labour parliamentary candidate in Bermondsey in the early Eighties and is now a member of the Greens

Tatchell: Yes.

ConHome: but unlike most socialists, or indeed Greens, you sign letters and join campaigns with organisations such as the Freedom Association and the Christian Institute  for example your recent letter defending the right of anti-abortion campaigners to protest, or the campaign a few years ago in which you opposed the introduction of Extremism Disruption Orders.

Tatchell: And got the insult clause removed from the Public Order Act of 1986. We felt that insult was too low a threshold to criminalise someone and lots of robust criticisms could be construed as insults  and they were. So for example a young guy was arrested for holding a placard saying Scientology was a dangerous cult.

ConHome: Really? Thats abominable.

Tatchell: An Oxford student was arrested for joking that a policemans horse was gay. So with the same coalition  David Davis, the Christian Institute, the National Secular Society  we pooled our resources and we successfully persuaded the Government to remove the insult clause.

ConHome: Have you done anything with David Davis since he came back into government?

Tatchell: No. Hes obviously constrained a bit. But Im a great believer that people across the political divide sometimes need to sink their differences and work together for the common cause.

ConHome: Whats the difference between you and someone who buys the Lefts package deal, which would include utter horror at the idea of standing up for abortion protesters? Whats the difference between you and Corbyn? Youve known Corbyn for a long time, but then you did that very enjoyable thing, you interrupted his speech when you thought he wasnt saying the right things about Syria.

Tatchell: Well it was me and a group of Syrians protesting at Labours failure to push in Parliament for humanitarian aid drops to the besieged civilian population in Aleppo.

ConHome: Whats the difference between your mentality and the mentality of a Momentum member or indeed just someone on the Left who would never dream of letting their signature appear next to the Christian Institute or the Freedom Association?

Tatchell: I judge issues by the principles involved, not on whos supporting them.

ConHome: And who are the Tories who over the years youve found receptive? Youve mentioned David Davis. Who else?

Tatchell: Well of course during the battle for LGBT rights, I worked quite closely with Edwina Currie, and supported her bid to equalise the age of consent. And before that, people like Charles Irving and Robin Squire, who were great Tory champions of LGBT human rights.

ConHome: I saw you werent invited to the party at Number Ten to celebrate Camerons introduction of same-sex marriage.

Tatchell: Ive never been invited to any of the Downing Street LGBT receptions ever.

ConHome: By anyone?

Tatchell: Not by Tony Blair, not by Gordon Brown, not by David Cameron.

ConHome: It seems completely ridiculous not to invite you.

Tatchell: I was told that David Camerons aides were terrified that I might try and kiss him, or superglue myself to the Cabinet table.

ConHome: Oh I see. But in fact you would have behaved yourself?

Tatchell: Yes. If Im responding to an official invitation of course Im on my best behaviour. Its when I dont get an invitation people have to worry.

ConHome: Have you met Cameron?

Tatchell: Yeah, yeah.

ConHome: How do you get on with him?

Tatchell: Fine. The last time I met him I bumped into him in the street, outside Downing Street. I was part of a delegation from animal rights organisations calling for an end to the use of wild animals in circuses. Stanley Johnson was part of the delegation. So together with Stanley I had a good natter to David.

ConHome: And have you spoken much to Theresa May?

Tatchell: The last time I spoke to Theresa May was just before the 2010 election. In the run-up to the 2010 general election the Conservatives were the only major party with no LGBT policies. So together with the activist Tamsin Omond I organised a flash-mob outside Conservative election headquarters at Millbank, under the theme of David Cameron, where are your gay rights policies?

So in response to that protest, David Cameron arranged for me to meet George Osborne and Theresa May to discuss my concerns. So I met them and they listened. The big ask at that stage was for ending the ban on same-sex marriage, which both George and Theresa said they would think about.

The parting shot from George was a very warm handshake and the words Very nice to meet you again Peter.

To which I said, I dont think weve ever met.

To which George replied, Yes, you came and spoke at my school. Which made me feel very ancient.

To which I replied, George, you obviously did not listen to a single word I said. Youve turned out to be a Conservative.

ConHome: But actually youre a member of the Establishment yourself, arent you.

Tatchell: I wouldnt say that.

ConHome: No of course you wouldnt. Virtually no member of the Establishment ever admits that theyre a member.

Tatchell: The end result [of his meeting with Osborne and May] was very quickly afterwards, the Conservatives did produce a separate, mini-LGBT-plus manifesto.

ConHome: Of a reasonably satisfactory nature as far as you were concerned?

Tatchell: Reasonably. It said that they would review the ban on same-sex marriage.

ConHome: Were you surprised when they actually decided to scrap the ban?

Tatchell: Well in the end they concluded the review and decided to leave things as they were.

ConHome: Oh.

Tatchell: Until the Equal Love campaign, which I was part of, brought a legal case in the European Court of Human Rights, to end the twin bans on same-sex civil marriages and opposite-sex civil partnerships.

We then contacted David Camerons office to say look, weve put this case to the European Court of Human Rights, we are fairly confident that the court will rule in our favour, wouldnt it be much better, from your point of view, to look as though youre not being forced to do this by Europe, which after all will only inflame the Eurosceptics in your own party, but also, why not take the credit yourself?

This is a way you can detoxify the Tory brand. So I wrote him a little spiel, which it may be pure coincidence, but the wording he used at the Conservative Party Conference when he announced, you know, I dont support same-sex marriage despite being a Conservative, I support it because Im a Conservative, that was taken straight out of my briefing. Which could have been entirely coincidental.

ConHome: But which had in fact been written by you.

Tatchell: Yes. Conservatives value commitment, loyalty, fidelity. They value marriage so therefore they should want more people to get married, and not exclude people. So I made the pitch that the case for same-sex marriage was profoundly a Conservative one. That the Conservatives should take ownership of it, because it chimed with their traditional family values.

ConHome: Yes, in those terms it worked for Cameron, especially as a great many older Conservatives were deeply distressed by it.

Tatchell: But before that, when Boris Johnson was first elected as Mayor of London, it was just the month before the annual LGBT Pride Parade. I calculated that it was very likely he would attend, so I thought this would be a great opportunity to publicly put him on the spot over whether he supported same-sex marriage.

So sure enough Boris turned up at the front of the parade, all the media are there, I wiggle through their legs, jump up in front of him and say Welcome, thank you so much Boris for joining us at LGBT Pride, were really glad youre here, now tell us, are you going to be supporting an end to the ban on same-sex marriage?

And he did a typical Boris Johnson of fluffing [Tatchell makes a gargling sound], but then eventually he said Yes. And so it was all on the record, it was all recorded. And that was a real game-changer. Because being such a senior Conservative, giving his public endorsement for same-sex marriage, that really did change the terrain of debate.

We then went and used his support to lobby individual Conservative MPs, with my full briefing about marriage being a Conservative value. So for example shortly afterwards I went to Norwich Pride, and Chloe Smith was on the panel, and so I asked her, Chloe, will you be supporting same-sex marriage? Boris Johnson has.

Deep intake of breath, a slight attempt to evade the question, but then she came out in favour. Boriss support made it acceptable and respectable for other Conservatives to follow.

We had diverged from the subject of free speech, to which we now returned.

Tatchell: I do not support the anti-abortion protesters, but I support their right to protest. Im a hundred per cent in favour of a womans right to choose, and oppose any intimidation or harassment against women going to abortion clinics.

But if a protest is peaceful, and non-harassing, then it should be allowed, because thats what a free and democratic society is supposed to be all about. We let people express their opinions and protest at things they object to. That has got to include the right of people I or you may disagree with.

But Ive had people come back to me since I signed that letter saying, How dare you defend these evil anti-abortion protesters?How dare you fail to support the right of women to have a safe abortion?

Well of course I havent done any of those things.

There is a de facto ban on anti-abortion protesters showing images of foetuses. People have been arrested and placards have been confiscated.

Even though I find those images distasteful, they are factual, and people who hold the view that abortion is wrong should have the right to show a foetus, even though it may be graphic.

All the evidence Ive heard is that the Ealing anti-abortion protesters have mostly been silent, peaceful, dignified, and not at all harassing of the women going to the clinic. If there have been breaches, then there are plenty of existing laws to deal with that.

ConHome: Who are your political heroes, either living or dead?

Tatchell: Mohandas Gandhi, Sylvia Pankhurst and Martin Luther King.
Sir William Cash is Chair of the European Scrutiny Committee, and is MP for Stone.

I have been in Parliament battling over the European issue for well over 30 years. Nothing, not even the Maastricht rebellion in the early 1990s, compares to what we are now engaged in, which is no less than deciding who governs this country.

In our great island story, there are few comparable watersheds. They include the English civil war, which took place after the King imposed taxation without Parliamentary consent. In the late seventeenth century, Parliament was bypassed by French subsidies and a return to Stuart misrule. In the eighteenth century, following the Hanoverian succession, we had a period of great prosperity and enterprise in peace and global expansion, but we lost the War of American Independence.

Then followed the Napoleonic Wars and our survival as a nation. The who governs question later translated into a domestic battle for the repeal of the Corn Laws and for free trade. Then, by 1867, the great domestic issue at stake was the right of working men to vote, and for Parliamentary government to be shared by the people themselves.

During the early twentieth century, the Suffragette movement entered its first phase, and was followed by the First World War and the defeat of Germany. The Second World War ended with victory over Hitler. There followed the winds of change blowing through the British Empire, which led the Establishment to promote our entry into the European Community to redefine our international role.

This was achieved by the voluntary enactment by Parliament of the European Communities Act 1972. This eventually proved to be a democratic failure  abdicating centuries of evolving, democratic Parliamentary government. It is not always understood that under this Act, in the Council of Ministers, laws are made behind closed doors, with no transcript of the discussions, nor any public explanation  as we would expect from Westminster via Hansard  of the reasons why they are taken, or how the laws in question are made. There is rarely any way of discovering who voted which way and, invariably, the laws imposed on us and the decisions of other countries are made by consensus.

The Maastricht rebellion during the early 1990s was a critical moment. The Establishment had gone too far in acquiescing in European government, and in allowing majority voting to impose laws made against our national interest. Later successive European treaties increasingly demonstrated this unacceptable decline in national self-government  culminating in the Lisbon Treaty which the Conservative Party opposed.

A referendum was promised on this treaty, but it did not take place. Eventually, in 2015, a decision was at last agreed to authorise by Act of Parliament a referendum on our membership of the European Union. This deliberately transferred from MPs themselves the decision as to whether to remain in or leave the EU and, with it, to regain our freedom to make our own laws, in line with the wishes of voters in general elections.

The EU Withdrawal Bill, which returns to the Commons next week, was introduced to give statutory effect to that referendum result. It therefore repeals the 1972 Act, and unshackles us from all the treaties, rights and obligations that go with it, including our subjugation to these undemocratically imposed European laws.

The Bill was passed by the Commons, and opposed by no Conservative MP, after much discussion and many proposed amendments, at Third Reading in January earlier this year. The Bill then went to the unelected Lords, which made 15 amendments  including wrecking amendments  inconsistent with that Third Reading result, and which flatly defy the will of the people in the referendum itself.

The Government is absolutely right to seek to throw these amendments back to the Lords, but it now needs a majority in the Commons on each to achieve this.

We thus face a crisis as great as any in our long constitutional history. The only reason that we face it would be  and, I repeat, would be  if a small but sufficient number of Conservative MPs, irrespective of the Partys manifesto commitment during last years general election, were to decide to join forces with the official Labour opposition, together with the SNP, Liberal Democrats and other smaller parties, to endorse these Lords amendments, thus undermining Brexit and the referendum result and, of course, the Governments negotiations.

The Bill will be taken on the floor of the Commons next Tuesday. The danger is therefore near, clear and present. There are good reasons of principle and of policy for not voting for these Lords amendments.

First, there are questions of principle. It would not be reasonable to support these amendments claiming that these are in aid of Parliamentary sovereignty, when it is perfectly obvious that the decision taken by the British people in the referendum was taken by a sovereign Act of Parliament itself, which deliberately transferred the decision away from the 650 Members of Parliament themselves to the people.

Second, how could one justify supporting amendments which were not originally accepted by the elected Commons during its consideration of the Bill, but only by the unelected Lords? Bear in mind that the Lords themselves agreed to vote for the Referendum Act. Furthermore, the Commons enacted that act by a margin of no less than six-to-one. Let me now turn to some of the Lords amendments that will be considered next week.

The so-called meaningful vote amendment, promoted by Viscount Hailsham, is an attempt to reverse Brexit. He disingenuously suggested that it protects the primacy of the Commons when it does no such thing  because the lower house, like the upper one, has no capacity collectively to decide the basis on which the Brexit negotiations should be conducted. The negotiations must be conducted by the Government in line with the democratic UK decision to leave. This cannot be prescribed by MPs who have abdicated by statute their judgement, as Edmund Burke put it, to the people.

The so-called exit day amendment is intended to delay our exit from the EU. This amendment would unravel a decision taken in the Commons after detailed discussions.

Although the wording of the further amendment relating to the Customs Union suggests merely the making of a statement about remaining in a customs union, it would if passed enable the EU27 to lay down the terms leading almost certainly to litigation and frustrating the repeal of the European Communities Act 1972.

The European Economic Area amendment has in essence already been defeated twice in the Commons. We are only in the EEA because we are in the EU, which we are leaving. Furthermore, being in the EEA includes our conceding the free movement of people. This was categorically rejected in the EU referendum result.

As to the amendment relating to Northern Ireland, this would simply give to the Irish government a veto over the Irish border issue; would undermine our sovereignty and make agreement with the EU27 impossible.

I was the promoter of the Maastricht rebellion, with dedicated colleagues who were fighting for the principle of our democratic self-government against European government. But it should be remembered that the Maastricht Treaty was preceded by neither a referendum, nor a White Paper, nor by a manifesto commitment, as this bill was last year.

Voting to support these Lords amendments would undermine the Governments negotiations and Brexit itself. We are escaping the EU just as so many other member states are despairing at the EUs lack of democracy and accountability, and its failures on immigration and the rule of law. Their electors are repeatedly voting with their feet. The referendum was an instruction by the British people to leave the EU. This Bill should be passed without these disreputable Lords amendments  and the Government and the United Kingdom must not be undermined at this critical junction in our history.
Eric Pickles: Netanyahu is in Britain. And the Duke of Cambridge will visit Israel  a sign that the two countries are drawing even closer.

Sir Eric Pickles is a former Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Theresa May will be reminded today that there are few issues that animate Benjamin Netanyahu as much as Iran, as he visits Downing Street today. For those who havent visited Israel, it is hard to emphasise enough the extent to which everything is seen through the prism of security and national survival. Recognising this is the first step to understanding Israels national psyche.

Israeli fears over Iran are deeply-seated. Just this week, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei clarified his position this week when he tweeted: #Israel is a malignant cancerous tumor [sic] in the West Asian region that has to be removed and eradicated: it is possible and it will happen.

The extent of Irans nuclear weapons programme was laid bare recently, with Israels extraordinary interception of 100,000 highly-sensitive documents from a Tehran-based storage unit in the dead of night. While the operation is befitting of a Hollywood blockbuster, the threat posed by Iran is real and immediate.

It goes without saying that security cooperation is an integral part of the UK-Israel relationship. Through necessity, Israel is a world-leader in counter-terrorism and works closely with the UK in the fight against ISIS. British soldiers in Afghanistan were protected by Israeli-made drones. Symbolically, the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy have been involved in joint exercises and several recent high-profile ceremonial events in Israel.

But the U.K.-Israel relationship extends far beyond the security realm to the benefit of each and every one of us in Britain.

Consider, for example, that as many as one-in-eight generic prescription drugs used on the NHS come from Israel. As well as technology that we use without thinking in our everyday lives, such as the USB flash drive, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). We drive with the assistance of Waze and build websites using Wix. On our TVs, we watch Homeland (originally Hatufim in Israels original) and some of Londons most celebrated restaurants revolve around Israeli cuisine (Palomar and Barbary). You get the picture.

While we hear much about the so-called Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, by any measure it has failed. Bilateral trade has surged beyond 7 billion, and the UK is Israels second largest trading partner outside of the USA. More than 300 Israeli companies now operate in the UK, creating hundreds of new jobs in the UK each year.

All this is a success story that a group of eight Conservative parliamentarians went to celebrate last week as part of a Conservative Friends of Israel delegation. They saw first-hand the incredible advancements made in Israels world-renowned tech-sector, and explored the possibilities that a post-Brexit free trade deal will bring. Colleagues on the trip tell me there is a tangible excitement in Israel about future trading opportunities with the UK.

And the relationship goes yet further still. It is one of shared values. Israel is a liberal parliamentary democracy in a region where that sort of thing really cant be taken for granted. At every dinner table, workplace and stretch of beach, you will hear Israelis engaged in boisterous political debate. Israels world-respected legal system in based on our common law system. Israels constitution protects equal rights for all Israeli citizens, regardless of faith, gender or sexuality.

While there is much to celebrate about the UK-Israel relationship, it is important to acknowledge that there are growing concerns within Israel about the rise of antisemitism in Britain. Antisemitic ideas and conspiracy theories have become more prevalent than I can ever remember. True, it is a problem within todays Labour Party, but this is a problem that goes much deeper in society. It is a very modern form of Antisemitism  rooted in a sinister obsession with the Jewish State.

It is for this reason that the British Government are at the forefront of tackling this most pernicious cancer head-on. It should be of enormous pride to us all that the UK was the first country to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances modern definition of antisemitism. We must not cede ground to those bigots in our society that wish to express vile racist views.

It is also time that we joined our Western allies and the Arab League in banning the Hezbollah terror group in its entirety. Symbolism and decisiveness are important currency in a region like the Middle East, and the current separation of so-called military and political wings is a false distinction that Hezbollah itself openly mocks.

The current loophole enables Hezbollah to undertake fundraising activities in the U.K. and their grotesque flags emblazoned with an AK47 rifle to be displayed on the streets on the U.K.  as they will be done again this Sunday for the annual Al Quds Day hate-fest. Enough is enough.

In a few short weeks, the Duke of Cambridge will be visiting Israel for himself. Remarkably, it will be the first ever official visit to Israel by a member of the Royal Family, and it is only right and proper that a future king visits such an important ally. He will find a young, vibrant multi-ethnic society confident of its place in the world and with a clear vision for the future. It is hard not to be impressed by such dynamism.

The Duke will learn how a region is changing at a pace hitherto unknown. Israels traditional arch-enemies in the Gulf and Arab world now view Israel as a trusted ally to counter Irans destabilising actions. Israel is seen not as an obstacle to peace in the region but a key player in the region. It offers enormous possibilities for the future, not least of which is the injection of new life into the faltering peace process
Rob Wilson is a former Minister for Civil Society, and was MP for Reading East from 2005  2017.

George Eaton, of the New Statesman, wrote a week ago today what many on the left believe; that the Conservative Party is going through an intellectual and political crisis. The argument he makes is interesting and accurate  up to a point.

The Tories, he argues, are absorbed by Brexit, hemmed in by the reactionary DUP, and haunted by an electorate that has lost faith in Thatcherite capitalism. Margaret Thatchers popular capitalism is no longer possible, he says, because there is nothing left to sell.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Corbyn has become electable and socialist ideals are on the march.

Its compelling because its a good narrative: believable and partially true. There is no doubt Brexit is ripping at the seams of the Tory Party, sucking its willpower and energy in the monumental effort needed to get Britain out of the EUs deathly grip. It is also true that the DUP is not the most appealing of bedfellows if you want to pursue progressive policies, and the debate about the ongoing appeal of a popular capitalism is a real one.

Whether Corbyn is electable and the country ready for socialism, on the other hand, remains questionable, certainly when tested against actual local and general election results.

Whilst the leadership of the country is bashed unforgivingly against the rock of Brexit and little in the way of new, dynamic, policy appears (Michael Gove is the honourable exception), the left will continue to advance the case and win the argument against popular capitalism.

But there is a fundamental weakness in Eatons argument that all the Conservative bickering in the world cant obscure: there is still enormous mileage in a popular capitalist model that enables a fairer share out of the spoils with the entire workforce.

Conservative Ministers and policy-makers have tip-toed around ideas that try to deliver this, such as putting workers on boards. None have had mass appeal, and in that particular case frightened the life out of business to the point where Government has had to water down its proposals.

But there are better ideas that avoid compulsion yet set a fresh course for a popular capitalism  things that can capture the same public imagination as selling council houses or BT shares to the population.

First, companies sharing a proportion of their profits with employees has to become the norm. The Government should introduce new criteria into its contracts and grants that ensure only companies that share a minimum of ten percent of profits with staff can be considered as Government partners. It leaves the choice to companies whether to do the right thing or not.

Second, alongside a ten percent profit share, the Government should add a minimum five percent share distribution triggered for employees who have been at the company for a minimum of two or three years. It would again be choice for companies, a nudge to do the right thing, but the Governments 850-billion spending power would concentrate the mind. The benefits of staff retention, productivity, and commitment to the company would soon encourage further take-up.

Third, in any market sector where competition does not function effectively, employees should have the ability to influence boardroom behaviour. For example, water, energy, and railways should all have a ten percent guaranteed employee ownership structure, with associated rights of board representation and voting. Influential employees, not trade unions, are the best defence against the bad behaviour of potential fat cats.

But where does this leave part of the workforce that isnt in the private sector?

The Government has again tip-toed around the notion of letting public sector workers take on and run public services. There are many who have a desire to form their own mutuals, co-operatives, and social enterprises to deliver better services for their local area. Why shouldnt public employees have the right to run local or national services if they can do it more efficiently than the Government?

The talent within the public sector should be encouraged and supported to be creative and innovative. Put in the democratic safeguards by all means, but why shouldnt public servants, for example, have a real stake in running housing, leisure, childrens or adult services within local authorities?

Change to a fairer society and more considerate capitalism does not have to be either draconian or socialist. It can be introduced by a Government that provides choice, levels the playing field, and leaves it to people and companies to decide what is in their own best interests.

The idea from the left that popular capitalism has run out of runway is simply wishful thinking, but it needs a Government with the vigour, determination and clear thinking to see it prosper.
Robert Halfon is MP for Harlow, a former Conservative Party Deputy Chairman, Chair of the Education Select Committee and President of Conservative Workers and Trade Unionists.

ConservativeHome readers will have noticed a certain theme in what I have written over the last year or so on this site. That theme, of course, is the ladder of opportunity. Today, I want to write about a different kind of ladder  the property ladder.

Theres a housing crisis in the UK. Homelessness is rising, and house prices and rents are moving beyond affordability. Grown-up children are spending more time living at home, and people are renting for longer, as they find it increasingly difficult to get on the property ladder. Im contacted frequently by my constituents in Harlow in this vein, and I know that hard-working people are experiencing the same issues across the country.

Despite the news coverage of the issue, this isnt just a problem for young people. Increasing difficulty in getting on the housing ladder means that fewer and fewer middle-aged tenants will be able to afford a mortgage. This was recently reported by the Office for National Statistics, which found that the proportion of those who rent, aged between 45-54, rose from eight per cent to 14 per cent during the ten years to 2017.

The reasons for this are clear, and have been long in the making. Were living longer, and in smaller households. For decades, we havent been building enough new homes (regardless of which party was in government). The last time we built anything near a sufficient number of new houses was during the 1970s. Since then it has steadily declined to half that (150,000 last year, from around 300,000 in 1969/70).

Crucially, we need to make sure that there are enough homes for the next generation. Its vital that our children (and our childrens children) have access to high-quality housing. It will provide them with the stability from which they can work or study without the worry of excessive rent to pay, or their family living in cramped, unsuitable conditions.

The Government is pouring billions into housing, with a variety of schemes to do just this, and it must be applauded for its successes. Its also been tinkering with the planning system in an attempt to encourage more houses to be built more quickly. Having said that, schemes set up for the public sector to replace properties lost through Right to Buy have failed dismally, since the Treasury claws back too much of the proceeds. Forward-funding infrastructure schemes wont produce the number of homes we so desperately need either.

The missing link between the 1970s and now is the disappearance of council housing. In 1969/70, councils provided almost half of all new housing. This all but disappeared by the start of the 1990s. Under Tony Blair, councils built an insignificant 60 homes in 2001/2 (down from 135,700 in 1969/70).

During that period, the spotlight moved to housing associations. Social housing was expected to fill the gap, but never came close to matching council housing construction levels, peaking at 31,380 in 1994/95. Many housing associations are only former council housing departments with risk-averse management, not prepared to get stuck in to new projects.

Of course, the Government is concerned about public sector debt and caps are in place to control borrowing for council housing  but constant tinkering with housing finance has made the system very complex. The whole subsidy system was abandoned five years ago, and replaced with a self-financing system based on a 30 year business plan. That worked for two years, until the Treasury decided to mix things up again by reducing social housing rents by one per cent a year for four years. This put a spanner in housing association plans to build more.

The Treasurys argument went as follows: housing benefit is one of the most significant welfare costs. By reducing rent, the total cost of Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowance (for private sector rents) will fall too. But this logic is called to question when the number of people claiming Local Housing Allowance is growing constantly and their private sector rents rising.

Attempts have been made to control private sector rents, but the caps dont work and leave private sector tenants to make up their rent from other benefits. The result is families, single parents and young people struggling to pay their rent without really reducing the Housing Benefit cost.

Whats more, these families are finding that the private sector is their only option. With the decline in council housing construction, the impact of Right to Buy and the increasing cost of housing, more of the population has moved into the private sector, where rents are market-led. In Harlow, average council house rents have reduced to just over 91 per week, whilst private sector rents have risen to more than twice that.

Substantial savings could be made to the cost of Housing Benefit. All that is required is a greater supply of council housing for those currently stuck in the private rented sector to move into. I know it wont be easy, but we could help the process along.

Borrowing caps could be lifted for new council housing projects (they rocket-boost investment and regeneration, so this would make sense). Loans to build council housing could be made on a mortgage basis with a clear repayment plan, thereby controlling public sector debt. This would reduce the cost of housing benefit, bringing much needed relief to the current account deficit. In the long term, an increased supply of housing would moderate house prices, making them more affordable and reducing the demand for rented accommodation.

We need more houses, not just to buy, but to rent  truly affordably, as well. This is a social justice issue. We need to ensure that those who cannot work full time through age, illness or accident have somewhere to live that is safe and comfortable  and that doesnt send them into a spiral of debt.

Maybe the impetus we need to make this happen is to ask ourselves, straightforwardly, where our children and grandchildren will live in 20, 50 or a hundred years time  and whether we want them to have a somewhere safe and comfortable to live; a stable base from which they can reach the top of the ladder of opportunity.

With thanks to the support and expertise of Cllr Simon Carter, Shadow Housing Portfolio Holder, Harlow District Council.
Rory Geoghegan: Short-term prison sentences do nothing for prolific offenders. We must get serious about tackling the causes of crime.

Rory Geoghegan is Head of Criminal Justice at the Centre for Social Justice.

The Justice Secretarys recognition that short-term prison sentences do little to tackle root causes is well-received. But most community sentences do little to help either  and dont even give victims a brief respite.

As voter concern about law, order, and crime grows, with almost one in four voters giving it top billing  a seven year high, and up from 8th to 3rd place in just a couple of months  the need to reboot crime policy looks set to grow. The most persistent offenders are very often those addicted to drugs like heroin and crack cocaine. Injecting heroin users can easily commit 260 or more crimes per year, and we know that 70 per cent of shop thefts and almost half of all acquisitive crime is committed by those who use one or more of heroin and crack cocaine.

The driver of their offending is their addiction. Tony Blairs government sought to get tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime  but only with mixed success. One of the great achievements was to create a focus upon prolific drug-addicted offenders and the Integrated Offender Management approach. But there remains much to be done: within both the Home Office and Ministry of Justice briefs. At a time when David Gauke and Rory Stewart, the Prisons Minister, rightly describe the flaws with short-term prison sentences for many offenders, we should not pretend that non-custodial sentences fare much better for this cohort.

The Governments new female offender strategy, due very soon, looks set to signal what appetite or ambition exists to get serious about the causes of crime. Offenders and victims alike gain little from a system that dishes out sentences that amount to little more than half-hearted box-checking and that are wholly ineffective at tackling the root causes of crime.

Our latest Centre for Social Justice report  Desperate for a Fix  focuses on prolific drug-addicted offenders and proposes a new Second Chance Programme that blends the necessary combination of intensity and duration to finally tackle the root causes of the most prolific drug-addicted offending. We focus our assessment on shop theft  one of the most prevalent offences  and one that features in the criminal careers of many prolific offenders, especially those addicted to hard drugs. Going directly after shop theft as the trigger for the Second Chance Programme, sends a clear tough on crime signal, while also creating the space for an equally tough on the causes of crime effort in the form of intensive and sustained drug treatment and recovery.

The first phase would be in secure accommodation  incapacitating the offender from further acquisitive crime, and enabling detox, stabilisation, and sustained progress on drug treatment and recovery.

The second phase would be set firmly within a residential therapeutic community  building on and cementing the work towards a life free of drugs and crime.

The programme is not entirely without precedent  with both Australia and the Netherlands having similar programmes aimed at the most prolific drug-addicted offenders. The best evidence suggests that a 15-17 per cent reduction in both drug use and offending could be achieved.

And if just one in 20 of those participating turned their backs on drugs and crime, then the programme would more than pay for itself. An investment of approximately 50 million a year over five years would enable up to 10,000 of the most prolific drug-addicted offenders to participate in the Second Chance Programme  with funding pooled from central and local sources.

In addition to helping clear up estates, towns, and inner cities, the Second Chance Programme also presents an opportunity for Police and Crime Commissioners to unite local partners in the fight against crime and the causes of crime more broadly. Coupled with investment to build on the CSJs Housing First pilots announced in the Autumn Budget, the opportunity exists to transform the landscape for drug treatment and recovery  and to cut crime and improve the quality of life in some of our poorest communities in the process.
06/06/2018

Photo (c) Fredex8 - Getty Images What administration officials have insisted is only a trade dispute appears closer to becoming a trade war.

After Washington slapped 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum from Mexico and Canada, Mexico has retaliated with tariffs on a diverse range of American exports. Canada is said to be considering a similar response.

The Mexican tariffs target U.S. pork, produce, bourbon, and steel  products chosen with a political objective in mind. With midterm elections looming, the tariffs are crafted to affect states and regions of the country where Republican politicians appear most vulnerable.

The tariffs will make those U.S. products more expensive for Mexican consumers. But in an odd twist, American consumers could eventually pay less, especially for pork products.

Could affect pork prices

Mexico is a huge importer of American pork. With tariffs raising the price by 20 percent, Mexican consumers may purchase less of it, meaning the country may end up buying a smaller quantity of U.S. pork products.

American producers would either have to reduce production, find another market, or sell more domestically, which would increase the supply and lower prices in the U.S. In an immediate response, hog futures prices dropped by 2 percent on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

'Gut punch'

This is a gut punch to Virginia farmers, who exported more than $68 million in pork to Mexico last year, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), wrote in a tweet. The Presidents trade war is going to cost Virginia ag jobs.

Virginia farmers' pain, however, could make it harder for Republicans to capture a U.S. Senate seat from Warner's colleague, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who is seeking reelection.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stepped up his criticism of the Trump administration in recent days, taking special offense to the national security rationale Washington used to justify steel and aluminum tariffs on its close ally and trading partner.

The U.S. announced tariffs on Canadian and Mexican steel and aluminum after talks stalled on a renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The Trump administration has held out the possibility of scrapping the treaty entirely and negotiating bilateral trade agreements, something both Canada and Mexico oppose.
We are analyzing the site. Please wait a few seconds..
CORNWALL, Ontario  The Laurencrest Youth Services Comfort Zone held a poutine making contest at St. Matthew Catholic Secondary School on Thursday, May 31.

Last year, the competition tried to impress the judges with grilled cheese sandwiches. This year, the youth who attend the Comfort Zone decided that poutine would be their dish of choice. The winner of this years contest, Trevor Lozo, will get to work with Travis Dunning, the head chef at Schnitzels European Flavours, for a day. His poutine will also be a special menu item for an entire month. Keegan Dewar and Cade Mercier finished in second and third place.

The Comfort Zone is an after school program from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, said Dan ORourke, Executive Director of Laurencrest Youth Services. Its open to any kid that wants to come in  they can drop in any time. Its activity based, its peer driven, so they kind of make the agenda for the evening and the Laurencrest staff oversee it. The programs summer hours will depend on demand.

The Comfort Zone was run with a government grant for two years. Laurencrest decided to continue funding the program on their own when they realized how necessary and beneficial an after school program was for the city.

According to Michelle Brunet, the Comfort Zone is one of 16 outreach programs with Laurencrest. Although it was her day off and her last day with the Comfort Zone, Brunet wanted to be a part of the excitement.

The program itself is very important because its an outlet for kids that may or may not have something to do after school, said Cst. Andrew Arbic, a Youth Officer who works with induviduals under the age of 18. So there are a lot of components involved, including this [contest] that are positive because it gives them sociability, social time with other kids and obviously the creative part, which is interesting.
CORNWALL, Ontario  John Bazil, 44, of Cornwall was arrested on May 30, 2018 and charged with take motor vehicle without consent, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and flight from police.

It is alleged on May 16, 2018 the man fled from police in a dangerous manner on a motor cycle and an investigation ensued. It is also alleged on May 30, 2018 the man took someones vehicle without permission and police were contacted to investigate. During the investigations the man was located by police, taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing.

THEFT UNDER, BREACH

CORNWALL, Ontario  Jenna Cole, 22, of Cornwall was arrested on May 30, 2018 and charged with theft under $5,000 and breach of probation for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged on May 14, 2018 the woman entered a Brookdale Ave. store and removed a quantity of alcohol making no attempt to pay for the items as she left the store. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. On May 30, 2018 the woman attended police headquarters to deal with the matter. She was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court on June 28, 2018.

WARRANT

CORNWALL, Ontario  Kristen Duperron, 23, of Cornwall was arrested on May 30, 2018 on the strength of a warrant. It is alleged the woman failed to attend court on April 26, 2018 for fraud related charges and a warrant was issued for her arrest. On May 30, 2018 the woman was located by police, taken into custody on the strength of the warrant and released to appear in court on July 3, 2018.

There were 59 calls for service in the City of Cornwall in the last 24 hours (8 a.m. the previous day to 8 a.m. the day of the release). To see whats happening in your neighbourhood visit our Crime Plot Map @ http://www.cornwallpolice.ca/ . CCPS reserves the right not to post all calls for service in order to protect the identity of the victims.
CORNWALL, Ontario  Ronald Fleury, 68, of Massena, NY was arrested on May 31, 2018 and charged with indecent act. It is alleged while at Guindon Park on May 31, 2018 the man exposed himself to another man and police were contacted to investigate.

During the investigation the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court at a later date.

WARRANT

CORNWALL, Ontario  Michelle White, 32, of Cornwall was arrested on May 31, 2018 on the strength of a warrant. It is alleged the woman failed to attend court on May 17, 2018 for drug related charges and a warrant was issued for her arrest. On May 31, 2018 a member of the Cornwall Community Police Service attended the Cornwall Courthouse as the woman was in custody on an unrelated matter. The warrant was executed and the woman remained in custody pending a bail hearing.

CORNWALL, Ontario  A 27-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on May 31, 2018 on the strength of a warrant. It is alleged the man was wanted for domestic related mischief charges and a warrant was in effect for his arrest. On May 31, 2018 the man was located by police, taken into custody on the strength of the warrant and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as the charges stem from a domestic incident and would identify the victim in the matter.

There were 68 calls for service in the City of Cornwall in the last 24 hours (8 a.m. the previous day to 8 a.m. the day of the release). To see whats happening in your neighbourhood visit our Crime Plot Map @ http://www.cornwallpolice.ca/ . CCPS reserves the right not to post all calls for service in order to protect the identity of the victims.
AKWESASNE  The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne announced on Thursday, May 31 that a $5,000 reward is being offered for any information about the Anowarakowa Arena fire that took place on Jan. 19, 2018 that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible.

After a preliminary investigation of the fire, the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS) and the Hogansburg Hogansburg Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department (HAVFD) determined that the fire was suspicious.

The fire was started in and was contained to one of the locker rooms at around 3 p.m. on Jan. 19. The fire did extensive damage to one of the locker rooms and caused smoke damage throughout the arena.

Anyone with information that will assist in the investigation is asked to contact the AMPS at 613-575-2000 or the Akwesasne Crime Stoppers at 613-575-2255.
CORNWALL & GLENGARRY, Ontario  The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) recently released a report card on water quality for the first time in over 10 years. The overall grade was a C, derived from specific scores: C+ in forest conditions, a C in wetland conditions and a C in pollution.

Several evaluation methods were used during the report, like the Benthis score, which examines invertebrate species in river beds.

E-Coli and Phosphorus were the two main pollutants found in the water. These pollutants can be found in manure and fertilizer. They are known to contribute to harmful algae growth.

Chris Critoph, Manager of Environmental Services with the RRCA, suggested that farming and agricultural practices are the primary culprit of water pollution in the area.

Although there are other contributors (wildlife, faulty septic systems, urban runoff, industrial pollution, etc.) agriculture is the primary land use in our area and primary source of our water quality issues, said Critoph.

According to Critoph, the RRCA has been working with landowners to prevent run-off nutrients from entering the water. These efforts include fencing cattle out of tributaries and providing them with alternative watering sources to avoid defecation in the water. They have also been updating manure containment facilities.

We have been working with landowners to plant buffers along the shorelines of the various tributaries, said Critoph. This provides a filtering function for nutrient rich run-off off of agricultural land. So, when theres a rainfall event on a field that has been fertilized, or manure has been spread, it will have a high nutrient content that will flow into the river. If we have a buffer established, it will help filter out those nutrients before they flow into the river.

Critoph explained a buffer usually consists of approximately 15 ft of natural vegetation. The RRCA works with landowners to develop customized shoreline plans. Native species of shrubs, trees and perennials, like dogwood and willow, are often used as they hold the bank together and fight erosion.

Critoph and Jeff Ridal, the Executive Director and Chief Research Scientist at the St. Lawrence River Institute acknowledge that the water quality of the St. Lawrence River is generally better than the water flowing from the tributaries. Studies show the high nutrient content flowing from the creeks isnt successfully mixing into the St. Lawrence River, but is instead hugging the shoreline. This matter is a concern to the RRCA and the River Institute.

According to Ridal, there is a low level of harmful algae, a cyanobacteria which produces toxins, present along the shoreline. This algae is aggravated by high temperatures and is currently an issue in the Great Lakes. It can be particularly dangerous for wildlife and small pets.

Despite the C grade, and a loss of forest cover and wetland cover, the tributary water quality has steadily improved in the last few years. Recent research from the University of Waterloo indicates that water quality levels can take up to 15-20 years to reflect the status of forest cover and wetlands in the area. Given the current state of forest cover and wetlands, Critoph predicts the water quality will see a decline in years to come if it correlates with this trend.

We have to be diligent and have to keep monitoring, said Ridal.




Particularly during my sojourns in South Africa, it may not be possible for me to perform the moderation function speedily. I regret the necessity of moderation but it has been rendered inevitable by the behaviour of a particular commentator whose contributions will always and without exception be rejected.





No correspondence will be entered into regarding moderation decisions.

Readers are invited to comment on blog posts. All comments require to be pre-moderated by me, and I shall reject all (a) that are not related to the Lockerbie disaster or (b) that fail to meet my -- perhaps idiosyncratic -- standards of courtesy towards other contributors. Comments will not be rejected simply because I disagree with them or because I, or other contributors, find them irritating. But comments will be rejected if they distort or misrepresent the evidence; are defamatory; or if they risk embroiling me, as publisher, in defamation proceedings. I am perfectly relaxed about being sued in respect of material which I personally have posted -- but not in respect of material that others wish to post as comments and which, in any case, I often strongly disagree with.
In a multi-cloud world, cloud cost management can be a white whale for many enterprises and solution providers managing cloud environments. Scalr, a cloud management company, wants to ease the burden for partners and end customers.

Scalr, based in San Francisco, is revealing the latest generation of its hybrid cloud management platform, a solution that is gaining traction with partners. The company is looking to recruit partners that see cloud cost management as an opportunity to go deeper with their end customers, Brett Johnson, vice president of sales and channel for Scalr, told CRN.

Founded in 2009, Scalr does between 10-20 percent of its business through the channel today. The company is actively working on growing its business through partners, especially as interest in public cloud grows and cloud costs become more unwieldy for both solution providers and enterprise customers.

[Related: 2018 Partner Program Guide: 5-Star Cloud Vendors (Part 1)]

"The channel is really an area that we want to invest in," Johnson said. "Enterprises are enamored by the agility public cloud offers, but how do you make that move without hurting yourself from a cost [perspective]? Scalr has built a great cloud management platform and foundation, and now it's time to go after partners."

To that end, Scalr has brought on channel veteran Larissa Crandall as its global senior director of channel sales to help pick up more partners and build targeted programs for solution providers with cloud practices.

Scalr offers a cloud management platform for managing multi-cloud infrastructure. The company on Wednesday announced its enhanced Hybrid Cloud Management Platform will include advanced visibility and budgeting for infrastructure and services, giving partners and end customers more actionable data to work with to better predict their cloud costs and right size their cloud environments or their client's environments. At the same time, business users will be freed up to use cloud services without straining the company budget or running into security or compliance issues.

The Scalr platform can be deployed across a variety of public cloud platforms, giving users a handle on cost control. The platform opens the door for partners to have more strategic conversations with their clients because they can show tangible, detailed information about their cloud deployments, such as usage reports, and make recommendations, Crandall said.

"This will help partners because they can use the platform to show clients how they can generate cost savings -- they now have a way to quantify the actual return on investment," Johnson said.

Many large solution providers, including system integrators and MSPs, are already seeing value after adding Scalr into their fledging cloud practices, Crandall said.

"Partners don't see the Scalr platform as a cost management platform they can resell, they are seeing it as a means to additional revenue streams because now they have insight into these larger vendors that maybe they didn't before," she said.

Ultimately, Scalr sees its platform as a tool that partners can use as they build their own consulting and advisory services around cloud. In fact, partners today can build the Scalr platform into a cloud project deployment plan for their end customers to drive down unnecessary cloud costs, Johnson said.

"Every customer we talk to has cloud migration initiatives. This platform gives partners a way to actually manage the success of that project," he said. "And who better than to help [enterprises] complete their projects than the partners they are working with?"
Amazon's managed Kubernetes service became generally available Tuesday for running production workloads.

AWS EKS was first introduced in preview at the AWS re:Invent conference last November, and has been gaining steam with partners and customers ahead of the wider launch.

"Customers tell us that Kubernetes is core to their IT strategy, and are already running hundreds of millions of containers on AWS every week," blogged Jeff Barr, AWS' chief evangelist.

"Amazon EKS simplifies the process of building, securing, operating, and maintaining Kubernetes clusters, and brings the benefits of container-based computing to organizations that want to focus on building applications instead of setting up a Kubernetes cluster from scratch," Barr said.

[Related: Container Commotion: 6 Hot New Products Aimed At Capitalizing On The Kubernetes Juggernaut]

The container orchestration technology's original creator, Google, had a significant head start in bringing Kubernetes to market, first introducing Google Container Engine (GKE) in 2014.

Amazon's primary cloud rival, Microsoft Azure, in 2016 hired Google's lead Kubernetes engineer to jump-start its own efforts. Microsoft introduced Azure Container Service (AKS) in October, but the service remains in preview.

AWS' market dominance looks to have tilted the playing field in the cloud leader's favor, even before it delivered a formalized offering to simplify deployment.

Barr cited data published in December by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation, the organization that shepherds the Kubernetes open source project, that revealed more than half57 percentof Kubernetes deployments span AWS.

The next most-common environment is on-premises42 percent of deploymentswhere companies including Docker and Red Hat are vying for market share on private infrastructure.

One-third of all Kubernetes deployments also touch the Google Cloud Platform. That breakdown illustrates the hybrid and multi-cloud nature of Kubernetes, which allows users to take advantage of the inherent portability of containers to scale applications across heterogenous environments.

Amazon expects wider adoption now that it offers a managed service that simplifies deployment and natively takes advantage of AWS services and features.

"EKS takes advantage of the fact that it is running in the AWS Cloud," Barr said.

That includes a control plane that runs across three AWS Availability Zones, automatic patching and updating of master nodes, identity authentication with Heptio Authenticator, load balancing, and auto scaling.

AWS has long offered Elastic Container Service (ECS) as its native container orchestration and management offering.

AWS CEO Andy Jassy addressed the perception that Amazon was late to Kubernetes at the last re:Invent conference.

"When we launched ECS, there was no broadly accepted orchestration system for containers," Jassy told attendees.

That's changed over the last 18 months, he added.
Struggling telecom equipment maker ZTE Corp. is reportedly getting a new lease on life from the U.S.

ZTE, based in Shenzhen, China, signed an agreement over the weekend that could lift the seven-year ban that the U.S. Commerce Department imposed on the company from buying from U.S. suppliers. The new agreement could help ZTE resume operations, according to a report from Reuters citing sources familiar with the matter.

China's number two telecom equipment provider in April was slapped with a ban after it was determined that the company broke a 2017 agreement with the U.S. after it illegally shipped U.S. goods to Iran and North Korea. ZTE has since shuttered its major operations.

[Related: Carrier Catchup: A Look At The Latest Buzz From The Telecom Industry]

A ZTE spokesperson could not be reached for comment by CRN. A Commerce Department spokesman told Reuters that no definitive agreement has been signed by both parties.

President Trump in May offered a helping hand to the failing Chinese firm, proposing a plan in which ZTE could pay a $1.3 billion fine, change its management and board of directors, and provide the U.S. with high-level security guarantees.

According to sources, the current deal imposed a $1 billion fine on ZTE, as well as $400 million in escrow in the event that the company should violate any agreements down the road. Additionally, the Commerce Department plans to amend its 2017 settlement agreement and count the $361 million ZTE has already paid.

ZTE also allegedly promised to replace its board and executive team within 30 days, and grant "unfettered" site visits to prove that all U.S. components are being used as claimed by the company, sources said.

Not all government officials may be on-board with the plan to save ZTE. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican, in May remarked that Congress could put a bill forward to prohibit ZTE, as well as other Chinese telecom companies, from operating in the U.S. Further, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in April proposed a rule that would ban local communities from using the FCCs $8.5 billion Universal Service Fund to purchase telecommunications equipment that poses a national security risk to the United States, specially calling out Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE.

Prior to ceasing its main operations, ZTE took in about 50 percent of its $15 billion in annual revenue via the channel, according to research firm Gartner.
Carnival Cruise Line has announced Carnival Spirit will become the brands first ever ship to homeport in Brisbane.

The announcement follows the ACCCs approval of a new cruise ship terminal in Brisbane.

The Carnival Spirit will arrive into her new home in 2020, sailing year-round to Vanuatu and New Caledonia, as well as offer shorter cruises to well-loved destinations in North Queensland.

Jennifer Vandekreeke, Carnival Cruise Line Vice-President, Australia, said: Queenslanders have embraced Carnivals free-spirited, family-friendly fun since our arrival in 2012. Since then, we have welcomed nearly 75,000 Queenslanders on Carnival cruises from Sydney and Melbourne. Were delighted to announce that with the new cruise terminal well be able to offer Queenslanders the opportunity to sail on Carnival right from their doorstep.
After landing at Nigerias Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos and successfully navigating your way past border control and luggage collection, you have the chance to purchase a subscriber identification module (SIM) card in the arrival hall on the landside.

Welcome! Can we have your fingerprints please?

Before you can start using any of the voice and data services provided by any one of Nigerias multiple telecoms networks however, the law requires that you register your SIM card. This process involves the collection of multiple personal data elements including your fingerprints, a facial image, mothers maiden name, gender, date of birth and a physical address.

There is no information provided to the subscriber about the security or privacy of the data being collected; a source of concern to anyone remotely concerned about data privacy.

In 2011, as part of efforts to combat crime and identity fraud and improve public safety, the local telecoms regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) ordered local operators to register existing and newly issued SIM cards. That began a multi-year project which included collecting biometric data from tens of millions of subscribers.

Interestingly, one of the objectives of the NCCs SIM card registration exercise was to provide a reliable national identification database that could support the identity verification requirements of other government agencies including the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Unfortunately, as is usually the case in Nigeria and many parts of Africa, policy formulation does not always translate into effective policy execution. Not only is phone related crime still a problem in Nigeria, but the lack of harmonized policies meant that other government agencies and private organizations that could have relied on the NCCs database went ahead with duplicate national identification projects of their own.

In fact, within the last decade, Nigerians have had to give up the same biometric data to obtain passports, drivers licenses, national identity cards and bank verification.

The general state of data privacy and protection in Africa

In this Nigerian example, concerns have since arisen about the security and quality of personal data collected by various public and private organizations.

More concerning is the absence of transparency over the collection, use, accuracy, storage and transfer of sensitive biometric data from both data controllers and processors.

How is it that sensitive personal data can be exposed in this way? The root cause is the absence of an enabling legal or regulatory framework. Even though Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution broadly guarantees the protection of the privacy of her citizens, comprehensive data privacy and data protection law is yet to be enacted.

The Nigerian situation is far from being an isolated case in Africa. Numerous examples involving the potential misuse or exposure of personal data exist across the continent, many involving biometric data.

In 2016, Privacy International and ARTICLE 19 made a submission to Ghanas Parliament, urging them to reconsider the privacy issues surrounding a new surveillance bill involving mass personal data collection which was being rushed through.

In 2017, security researcher Troy Hunt described his research into a database containing the personal data of a large percentage of South Africas population that somehow ended up being exposed online.

More recently, in Kenya, the Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law at Strathmore University raised privacy concerns about the misuse of biometric data collected by the countrys Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Some challenges are not easy to overcome

Some member states of the African Union (AU) are signatories to the 2014 AU Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection. However, the Convention is not enforceable without enablement through local legislation in those countries, many of whom have laws stuck in various bureaucratic processes.

In addition to the legal and regulatory gap highlighted above, inharmonious government policies, weak law enforcement capability, ill-conceived public-private partnerships and self-serving mass surveillance projects further exacerbate the problems surrounding data privacy in Africa.

There is also the issue of awareness (or the lack of it). In many African countries, even where laws exist, data subjects are often unaware of their privacy rights or are unaware of options for recourse in situations where their rights and freedoms have been abused. This problem was highlighted in research conducted by the World Wide Web Foundation and The Paradigm Initiative which highlighted the need to raise public awareness through civil society groups.

Another challenge is the weakness or underfunding (where they exist) of the institutions responsible for regulation and enforcement.

In many industries in Africa, it is not uncommon for private sector organizations to be proactive where government policy is unclear or non-existent. However, situations where the private sector funds local regulator activities could result in a lack of independence and impartiality when adjudicating on privacy matters.

Lastly, the human angle cannot be ignored. Discussing personal attitudes toward privacy with a leading risk management professional in Nigeria, he put things in perspective by pointing out that more pressing socio-economic issues have reduced concerns about the subject to a level of apathy. Inevitably, cultural attitudes towards privacy are shaped by environmental factors.

Technology growth inspires optimism and opportunities

Observers of development in Africa, a continent of over 1 billion people, have reason to be optimistic about the potential of technology to transform the continents economies.

Worldwide, international internet capacity growth continues to slow down . However, in Africa the growth rate is exponential. Notably, the penetration of cloud technology is helping to improve efficiency in Africas public and private sectors while the explosive growth of mobile payment platforms in countries like Kenya and Zimbabwe is driving social inclusion and enabling effective digital service delivery channels.

However, while technology creates new opportunities it also introduces concerns. For example the recent Cambridge Analytica scandal cast a shadow over the personal data of Facebooks over 170 million subscribers on the continent.

There is some hope that as technology penetration continues to increase, more opportunities will arise to push for better legislation and public awareness about data privacy.

Africas businesses should be concerned about more than just the GDPR

While international privacy laws like the GDPR have generated strong interest in Africas private sector, changing the landscape of data privacy across Africa must begin with enshrining this fundamental human right within federal and state laws.

While there is evidence of progress with regard to privacy legislation (South Africa recently enacted into the law the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI Act)), there is still a huge disparity across the continents 54 countries.

Africas private sector, who are typically miles ahead of government policy anyway, can leverage leading international data protection practice (e.g., the GDPR) to build trust and protect the privacy rights of the customers and communities they serve.

Although the applicability of the GDPR in Africa is limited to businesses processing the personal data of (or targeting their goods or services at) EU data subjects, there are many other data controller/data processor scenarios to consider. For example, the GDPR will apply to data processed about Africans living in Africa (data subjects) whose data is processed by establishments in the EU.

However, before getting tied up in knots about complying with the GDPR, Africa's businesses should start by asking tough questions about their own stewardship of the personal data of African data subjects and their role in protecting the rights and freedoms of their customers and employees.

In a 2018 joint initiative, the Internet Society and the Commission of the AU published Personal Data Protection Guidelines for Africa . This document seeks to facilitate the implementation of the 2014 Convention. It claims to take into account, the significant cultural and legal diversity across the continent.

Despite needing a privacy foundation to facilitate digital growth, awareness and uptake of these guidelines remains low across the continent. Privacy law and guidance designed for Africa and with an African context is a good place to begin for the vast number of organisations not affected by the GDPR.

Social media evidence suggests that the GDPR has reenergized the conversation about privacy across Africa.

While laws need to catch up with private sector movement in this space, on their own they are insufficient. Legal frameworks must be supplemented by public awareness and this is where civil society and consumer advocacy groups have a key role to play.

Perhaps next time I need to get a SIM card in Nigeria, my questions about the privacy of my data will not be met with blank looks and deafening silence.
HARTFORD  The state is looking for ways to combine making homes more energy efficient with also making them healthier  especially for moderate to low income families.

An unhealthy home can cause sick time and leave, and can compound that, said Robert Klee, commissioner of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Klee, along with other state officials and advocates, joined a roundtable discussion Wednesday over merging Green energy efficiency programs with new building codes and home health upgrades so residents are less susceptible to asthma and other environment-based disease.

The use of materials in construction and furniture can have a great impact on health, said state Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, D-Westport and an organizer of an emerging Green and Healthy Home Project.

Things such as air flow temperature and light can have a huge impact on health and well-being, Steinberg said. There is a big field out there on how we can make homes healthier. We need to explore this much more extensively.

Although the discussion was at times wonky  terms such as merging silos were commonly used  the point of the roundtable was to find ways to sell a more comprehensive approach to lawmakers who can pass regulations and provide funding.

The need for uniformed building and zoning codes was highlighted as many participants noted those codes vary from town to town.

They also realized that eventually money would be needed  from taxpayers directly and through contributions by utilities, hospitals and the construction and real estate industries.

Housing is at the nexus of so many issues, said Nick Lundgren, the states deputy housing commissioner.

From a governmental prospective, if you address housing you can have ripple effects in so many areas, Lundgren said. Education, energy efficiency, economic development, land use  when we think about housing, we think about it in the context of all these other issues.

Dave Wilkinson, commissioner of state Office of Early Childhood, noted healthier homes can save taxpayers money by reducing learning disabilities related to asthma and other conditions impacted by the home environment.

The chronic disease that effects young children is asthma and the biggest driver is the condition of your home, Wilkinson said. Its the homes that often are the guilty party in making a small problem a big problem.

Raul Pino, the state commissioner for public health, said Connecticuts aging housing stock contributes to an unhealthy environment.

Connecticut has an old housing stock and a majority of older homes, Pino said. This is affecting minorities and our economy. We need to address the physical space, air, temperature, water and the structure itself.

Klee added We have our energy efficiency programs. We have been learning a lot about other challenges and thats why we are a real supporter of this effort.

bcummings@ctpost.com
The state Department of Motor Vehicles on Thursday unveiled a new way to avoid long wait times  an electronic kiosk and express center at a credit union in Milford.

The state-of-the-art DMV Express Center facility is the first in the state and one of more to come, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said.

The service is an innovative step forward, giving customers a reliable option to renew drivers licenses, while at the same time reducing the strain on DMV locations, Malloy said.

After AAA Northeast announced in 2016 that it would no longer provide DMV services at its branch offices in New Haven and Fairfield County, the state started looking for other businesses that would be interested in hosting a DMV kiosk.

It issued a request for proposal and, as a result, the Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union on Boston Post Road will open Thursday.

Planning is under way to offer similar services at WorkPlace offices, state officials said..

Services provided at the credit union include verified drivers license renewals [U.S. citizens only], regular license renewals, ID card renewals [U.S. citizens only], duplicate drivers licenses, learners permits and name changes.

We are excited about opening this Milford location to serve the Southern Connecticut area, DMV Commissioner Michael Bzdyra said. We believe this partnership will serve the citizens of Connecticut well by giving them additional places for license and ID card renewal services.

Hours could be extended in the future, officials said.

State Department of Banking Commissioner Jorge Perez said adding DMV services to credit unions is good for all involved.

Innovations like these not only help strengthen our credit unions in the state but allow them to grow and thrive, Perez said. Here, government and industry worked together, not only for the benefit of Nutmegs members, but all Connecticut residents.

Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union President John Holt also praised the effort.

Our intent is to offer convenience through technology whether you are doing your banking or renewing your license, Hold said. We have always been dedicated to providing outstanding service and convenience for our members and will offer that same commitment to the DMV experience.

A convenience fee is charged for non-Nutmeg members to complete DMV transactions. Customers at the Milford location will also be given the opportunity to register to vote.

The Milford DMV Express Center will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon

bcummings@ctpost.com
Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 1 Vote(s) - 1 Average

1

2

3

4

5

Breaking: Israel foils Syrian plot to assassinate PM Netanyahu LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 443824

06-06-2018 02:28 AM











Post: #1 Breaking: Israel foils Syrian plot to assassinate PM Netanyahu

Advertisement



The Shin Bet security agency has foiled a plot to assassinate senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, the agency revealed Tuesday.



The Shin Bet said the suspects in custody in the plot include a 30-year-old resident of the Shuafat refugee camp in east Jerusalem and that the scheme was orchestrated from Syria, to target Netanyahu and Barkat.



According to the agency, the suspect, Israeli citizen Mahmoud Rashdeh, had also collected intelligence on his Syrian handler's behalf to target the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem and visiting Canadian officials.



Rashdeh is a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine terrorist organization and was imprisoned in Israel from 2005 to 2008 for setting fire to a home belonging to Jews in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Pisgat Ze'ev.



The Shin Bet investigation also discovered that the groundwork had been put in place to bring a terrorist operative from Jordan into Israel to help carry out some of the planned attacks.





http://www.israelhayom.com/2018/06/05/sh...lem-mayor/ Israeli citizen and Syrian handlers planned to target senior Israeli officials, including Jerusalem Mayor Barkat, Shin Bet security agency reveals  Plot entailed bringing Jordanian terrorist into Israel  Major terrorist incident thwarted, Shin Bet says.The Shin Bet security agency has foiled a plot to assassinate senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, the agency revealed Tuesday.The Shin Bet said the suspects in custody in the plot include a 30-year-old resident of the Shuafat refugee camp in east Jerusalem and that the scheme was orchestrated from Syria, to target Netanyahu and Barkat.According to the agency, the suspect, Israeli citizen Mahmoud Rashdeh, had also collected intelligence on his Syrian handler's behalf to target the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem and visiting Canadian officials.Rashdeh is a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine terrorist organization and was imprisoned in Israel from 2005 to 2008 for setting fire to a home belonging to Jews in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Pisgat Ze'ev.The Shin Bet investigation also discovered that the groundwork had been put in place to bring a terrorist operative from Jordan into Israel to help carry out some of the planned attacks. LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 443824

06-06-2018 02:35 AM











Post: #2 RE: Breaking: Israel foils Syrian plot to assassinate PM Netanyahu

Is this a false flag? can it be called that? I expect Israel to bomb the crap out of Syria in the next 48 hours. LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 443824

06-06-2018 02:38 AM











Post: #3 RE: Breaking: Israel foils Syrian plot to assassinate PM Netanyahu









Israel's Shin Bet security agency announced Tuesday it busted a Syrian-directed terror cell in east Jerusalem that had been plotting attacks against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials.



Muhammad Jamal Rashdah, 30, from the Shu'fat refugee camp in East Jerusalem, was arrested April 24, Israeli news outlet 24 News reported. He had previously been imprisoned for terrorist activities, the news outlet reported. Two others were later arrested.



The suspect, who holds an Israeli ID card, also intended to carry out out attacks against a delegation of Canadian security representatives living in Jerusalem to train the Palestinian Authority security forces in the West Bank, as well as against buildings belonging to the American consulate, 24 News reported.



According to the Shin Bet, Rashdah had begun gathering intelligence about his targets and had already taken a number of preliminary steps to advance his efforts, the news outlets reported.





https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/terror...id/864424/ Report: Israel Foils Terrorist Plot on PM Netanyahu, Others....Israel's Shin Bet security agency announced Tuesday it busted a Syrian-directed terror cell in east Jerusalem that had been plotting attacks against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials.Muhammad Jamal Rashdah, 30, from the Shu'fat refugee camp in East Jerusalem, was arrested April 24, Israeli news outlet 24 News reported. He had previously been imprisoned for terrorist activities, the news outlet reported. Two others were later arrested.The suspect, who holds an Israeli ID card, also intended to carry out out attacks against a delegation of Canadian security representatives living in Jerusalem to train the Palestinian Authority security forces in the West Bank, as well as against buildings belonging to the American consulate, 24 News reported.According to the Shin Bet, Rashdah had begun gathering intelligence about his targets and had already taken a number of preliminary steps to advance his efforts, the news outlets reported. LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 444105

06-06-2018 02:56 AM











Post: #4 RE: Breaking: Israel foils Syrian plot to assassinate PM Netanyahu

It smells like dog poop so likely it is a "product of Israel" LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 444105

06-06-2018 03:00 AM











Post: #5 RE: Breaking: Israel foils Syrian plot to assassinate PM Netanyahu

LoP Guest Wrote: (06-06-2018 02:56 AM) It smells like dog chocolate so likely it is a "product of Israel"

That's dog "excrement" not "chocolate"( modified by some word censor with odd tastes?)



That's dog "excrement" not "chocolate"( modified by some word censor with odd tastes?) Strategos

Against Dystopia

User ID: 441784

06-06-2018 03:09 AM



Posts: 9,549









Post: #6 RE: Breaking: Israel foils Syrian plot to assassinate PM Netanyahu

LoP Guest Wrote: (06-06-2018 02:35 AM) Is this a false flag? can it be called that? I expect Israel to bomb the crap out of Syria in the next 48 hours.

With full U.S. supoort due to complete Israeli infiltration of our government. With full U.S. supoort due to complete Israeli infiltration of our government. Strategos

Against Dystopia

User ID: 441784

06-06-2018 03:11 AM



Posts: 9,549









Post: #7 RE: Breaking: Israel foils Syrian plot to assassinate PM Netanyahu

All designed to make us forget about the anniversary of the cold-blooded Israeli attack on the U.S.S. Liberty. 269346

The Grinch Who Stole LOPmas!

User ID: 391289

06-06-2018 03:36 AM



Posts: 7,029









Post: #8 RE: Breaking: Israel foils Syrian plot to assassinate PM Netanyahu

False flag TELL-A-VISION PROGRAMMING

lop guest

User ID: 441548

06-06-2018 03:39 AM











Post: #9 RE: Breaking: Israel foils Syrian plot to assassinate PM Netanyahu

Allow me to raise the big bullshit flag LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 444673

06-06-2018 05:08 AM











Post: #10 RE: Breaking: Israel foils Syrian plot to assassinate PM Netanyahu

What for it, Iran will soon be implicated in this as well !!!!! LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 444673

06-06-2018 05:09 AM











Post: #11 RE: Breaking: Israel foils Syrian plot to assassinate PM Netanyahu

*WAIT for it !
















Sen. Chris Murphy clearly missed his calling. Instead of a career as state rep, House member and now U.S. senator, Murphy should have gone to dental school.

He would have been a natural. Why? His prowess in tooth extraction was on full display Tuesday during questioning of President Trumps controversial education secretary, Betsy DeVos, at an otherwise mundane Department of Education budget hearing.

Citing a need for clarity among educators, Murphy inquired: Can a teacher or principal call ICE to report an undocumented student under current federal law?

DeVos, a conservative school-choice advocate who appears to enjoy lapsing into edu-speak platitudes, referred back to a 1982 Supreme Court decision.

I think its incumbent on us to make sure those students have a safe and secure environment to attend school, to learn, and I maintain that, she said.

OK, well, Murphy tried again. Youre the secretary of education  is it OK for a teacher or principal to call ICE to report an undocumented student?

I think school is a sacrosanct place for students to be able to learn, and they should be protected there.

You could see Murphys temperature rise. After another pitch resulted in a foul ball, the junior senator lost it  politely, of course.

Why are you not answering the question?

I think I am answering the question, DeVos said, never once altering her Cheshirish grin.

The question is yes or no. Can a principal call ICE on a student? Is that allowed under federal law? Youre the secretary of education.

In a school setting, a student has the right to be there and the right to learn. So everything surrounding that should protect that, and enhance that students opportunity and that students environment.

Aha, an opening? So they cant call ICE? Murphy asked.

I dont think they can, DeVos replied.

Bingo! Extraction complete. Murphy knew enough to quit, whether he was ahead or not.

Prosecutorial improbability

His own security in Washington none too promising, Attorney General Jeff Sessions is pumping up border security to the max with a promise to prosecute every single illegal border crosser.

A federal prosecution would require children to be separated from adults, and Sessions seemed to suggest the policy was as much a deterrent as anything else.

If you dont want your child separated, then dont bring them across the border illegally, he said. In previous times, Mexicans caught by the Border Patrol were simply sent back to Mexico. But the dispositions got complicated when Central Americans began showing back, many with asylum claims.

For a Connecticut perspective on this, we turned to Sen. Richard Blumenthal. The states senior senator knows a thing about managing prosecutorial offices, having been Connecticuts attorney general for 20 years and U.S. attorney in the long-ago era of Jimmy Carters presidency.

Blumenthal sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee that oversees the Department of Justice and its constituent U.S. attorneys offices nationwide.

Blumenthal doubts the already-overburdened U.S. attorneys offices in the Southwest border districts could handle the overflow, no matter Sessions commitment to President Trumps vision of wall building and border sealing.

Hes witnessed first-hand the judicial emergencies declared for the border district in South Texas, with a depleted roster of judges unable to handle the rapid rise of drug cases.

Back in the day, the U.S. attorneys office under Blumenthal had well under 100 assistant U.S. attorneys  line prosecutors chasing organized crime, drug gangs, white-collar criminals, you name it.

His memory of that time is more than a bit dimmed, he acknowledged, so the number may have been more like under 50.

Today the Connecticut office employs 68 assistant U.S. attorneys who work out of HQ in New Haven, and locations in Bridgeport and Hartford.

Federal prosecutors are supposed to be making a federal case out of the crimes in their jurisdictions. So its unclear how they would handle an inundation of border-crossers, each requiring separate prosecution and all the due process that goes with being a federal defendant.

Is the Trump-Sessions party line a true threat or empty bluff?

Not certain, but in Blumenthals estimation the political calculus is clear.

Its an applause line for the Trump base, said Blumenthal.

@danfreedma; dan@hearstdc.com
Adapted from The Third Door: The Wild Quest to Uncover How the World's Most Successful People Launched Their Careers. Copyright  2018 by Alex Banayan. Published by Currency, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.

My journey began when I was an 18-year-old college freshman. The day before my final exams, I hacked The Price Is Right, won a sailboat, sold it and used the prize money to fund my quest to learn from the world's most successful people. I secured this interview with bestselling author Tim Ferriss only after I crouched in a bathroom for 30 minutes, waiting for Ferriss to walk by. I then sent Ferriss's assistant 31 overly eager emails to confirm the interview and, well, you'll see how it played out ...

I was finally on the phone with Tim Ferriss, my notepad full of questions. Not surprisingly, the first one was about persistence.

Related: If You Want to Actually Get a Response to Your Email Pitch, Here's What You Need to Do

I'd read a brief mention in The 4-Hour Workweek that Ferriss got his first job out of college by emailing the CEO of a startup over and over until he got a position. I wanted to know the full story.

"It wasn't just one-two-three and then you're hired," Ferriss told me.

Toward the end of his senior year in college, Ferriss did his final project on that startup in an attempt to build a relationship with its CEO, who'd been a guest speaker in one of his classes. But, when he mustered the courage to ask for a job, he was turned down. Ferriss sent the CEO more emails.

After the CEO said no a dozen times, Ferriss decided it was time for a Hail Mary. He emailed the CEO saying that he'd "be in the neighborhood" next week -- even though he was in New York and the CEO lived in San Francisco -- and said it'd be great to stop by. "All right," the CEO wrote back. "I can meet you on Tuesday."

Ferriss got a standby ticket, flew to California and arrived at the startup's office early for his meeting. One of the other executives asked him, "So, you're not going to stop bothering us until we give you a job, huh?"

"Sure," Ferriss told him, "if you want to put it that way."

He got the job -- and, naturally, in sales.

Related: How to Cold Email a Stranger for Advice

"It's important to note," Ferriss told me, "that I was never rude. I also didn't push the density. It's not like I emailed him six times a week."

Ferriss's tone shifted, as if he was hinting at something, though embarrassingly, I couldn't figure it out. But, I could sense something was off because his tone was making my head snap back as if I was getting punched.

"Where do you think that fine line is?" I asked.

"If you sense someone getting annoyed, you need to back off." Jab. "You need to be polite and deferential and recognize that, if you're emailing someone like that, you should have your hat in hand." Jab. "There's a fine line between being persistent and being a hassle." Uppercut.

If I had more experience interviewing, I would've dug deeper to uncover what Ferriss was trying to tell me. Instead I just fled to safer ground, looking down at my notepad in search of a different topic.

Related: This Is The Cold Email I Used to Connect With C-Level Execs at 22 of the World's Biggest Companies

"How did you gain credibility before you were a well-known author?"

"Well, volunteering for the right organizations is an easy way to get some credible association," Ferriss said.

His tone lightened and I relaxed. Ferriss explained that when he was an entry-level employee, he volunteered at the Silicon Valley Association of Startup Entrepreneurs where he produced large events, giving him a credible reason to email successful people. Rather than saying, "Hi, I'm Tim Ferriss, recent college graduate," he could say, "I'm Tim Ferriss, an event producer with the Silicon Valley Association of Startup Entrepreneurs." That legitimacy made a big difference.

"A second step would be writing for or being featured in known publications," he continued. "And that could be as easy as doing a Q and A with someone -- interviewing them and publishing the answers online."

In other words, Ferriss didn't build credibility out of thin air, but borrowed it by associating himself with well-known organizations and publications. The phrase "Borrowed Credibility" stuck in my mind.

Related: How I Generated Over $20 Million in New Business Using Cold Email Outreach

When Ferriss began writing The 4-Hour Workweek, he said, he had no prior experience in publishing, so he cold-emailed authors asking for advice. He said it worked well, so I asked for cold email tactics.

"The general composition of my emails," Ferriss said, "when I'm emailing a busy person, is:

Dear So-and-So,

I know you're really busy and that you get a lot of emails, so this will only take sixty seconds to read.

[Here is where you say who you are: add one or two lines that establish your credibility.]

[Here is where you ask your very specific question.]

I totally understand if you're too busy to respond, but even a one- or two-line reply would really make my day.

All the best,

Tim

Ferriss was giving me exactly the kind of advice I craved. He told me to never email someone and ask to "jump on the phone," "get coffee" or "pick your brain."

Related: 5 Essentials to Writing Cold Emails That Convert Prospective Clients

"Put your question right in the email," he said. "It might be as simple as, 'I'd like to discuss a relationship of some type that could take this-and-this form. Would you be willing to discuss it? I think a phone call might be faster, but if you prefer, I could throw a couple of questions your way via email.'

"And never write lines like, 'This is perfect for you,' or 'You'll love this because I know this-and-this about you.' Don't use superlative or exaggerated words because" -- he let out an almost mocking laugh -- "they don't know you and they'll assume, quite fairly, it's hard for you to determine if something's perfect for them.

"I'd also not end with something like, 'Thanks in advance!' It's annoying and entitled. Do the opposite and say, 'I know you're super busy, so if you can't respond, I totally understand.'

"And certainly, watch your frequency of emailing. Don't email a lot. It really" -- he let out a heavy breath -- "does not make people happy."

I wasn't self-aware enough to see that Ferriss was trying to save me from myself. Over a year later, when I was rummaging through old emails, I came across the 31 messages I'd sent Ferriss's assistant. Only then did I realize how much of an idiot I'd been.

"All right, man," Ferriss said as our conversation wrapped up. "I've got to go." He said goodbye and hung up.

A part of me wishes I could go back in time and shake my teenage self and explain what just happened.

If I'd learned my lesson then, things would have gone a lot differently when I found myself in Omaha with Warren Buffett.

Related:



Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
WASHINGTON  Asked Wednesday for his top priority, Sen. Richard Blumenthal said it would be urging his fellow senators to mitigate gun violence  a sentiment his Connecticut constituents have echoed amid a wave of mass shootings, including the one at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

But he told 16 graduates of the Connecticut Latino Leadership Academy on Wednesday that legislation wont move on Capitol Hill without more lawmakers rallying behind the issue. With a Republican majority in Congress skirting around gun control, strength in numbers is the key to getting new measures through, he said.

It will count for nothing unless it is harnessed in 2018, November  not 2020, Blumenthal said in a speech during the first day of the academys visit to the nations capital.

He hinted at the possibility that if more Democrats were elected in the upcoming election, long-stalled gun-control proposals would be enacted.

Blumenthal partnered with the academy soon after Sen. Chris Murphy and the Connecticut Hispanic Democratic Caucus launched the program in 2016 to teach participants about government, politics, campaigns and advocacy.

The students, who range in age from youthful college students to older, established professional, were at the Capitol for two days of panel discussions and presentations with leaders of government - a treat to end the five-week-long program based in Connecticut.

Murphy said it pains him to see few people in the Latino community entering politics because of perceived racial and ethnic barriers. With the academy, Murphy said, he was trying to penetrate that barrier amid a political climate that discourages diversity in Congress.

I wanted to build that bridge between all the community activism and the political arena, Murphy said.

During Wednesdays session, Sen. Catherine Cortez Mastro, D-Nev., who serves as the first Latina elected to the U.S. Senate, also addressed the graduates.

Lissette Valle, a participant in the program who works in Bridgeport schools, said she doesnt want to run for public office, but the academy has taught her the confidence to address issues like education reform and public health with more confidence as a Latina.

Moving forward, Valle said she wants to partner with teachers and mental health specialists to ensure young students have mental support and teachers have the basic supplies needed to teach.

A lot of times, we have these huge issues and we look at the broad scope, but we need to get down to the nitty gritty - what is happening in that persons life that they arent getting the help that they need? she said.

Sarah.roach@chron.com
Lunaticoutpost.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program , anaffiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.Amazon, the Amazon logo, MYHABIT, and the MYHABIT logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.Don't be a pest to the forum.No profanity in thread-titles or usernamesNo excessive profanity in postsNo Racism, Antisemitism + HateNo calls for violence against anyone..This website exists for fun and discussion only. The reader is responsible for discerning the validity, factuality or implications of information posted here, be it fictional or based on real events. The content of posts on this site, including but not limited to links to other web sites, are the expressed opinion of the original poster and are in no way representative of or endorsed by the owners or administration of this website. The posts on this website are the opinion of the specific author and are not statements of advice, opinion, or factual information on behalf of the owner or administration of LunaticOutPost.Com. The owners or administration of this website can't be hold responsible for content hosted on sites that posters link to in; including, but not limited to, posts, signatures, private messages and such. This site may contain content not suitable for minors and if you feel you might be offended by such content, you should log off immediately.This site may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Users may make such material available in an effort to advance awareness and understanding of issues relating to civil rights, economics, individual rights, international affairs, liberty, science & technology, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material. The material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.In accordance with industry accepted best practices we ask that users limit their copy / paste of copyrighted material to the relevant portions of the article you wish to discuss (no more than 50% of the source material) provide a link back to the original articleIf you are a legal copyright holder or a designated agent for such and you believe a post on this website falls outside the boundaries of "Fair Use" and legitimately infringes on yours or your clients copyright please contact [email protected] This website is owned by :Marco ZwaneveldDrijfriemstraat 522516 XR The HagueNetherlands.I will not rent, sell, share or otherwise disclose your personal information to any third party.We might contact you from time to time regarding your purchases or the services (like forums and announcement lists) you have subscribed to.Some of the 3rd party advertisers on lunaticoutpost.com may use cookiesto track peformance and/or to serve relevant ads.If you wish to read more and/or opt out of such cookies, please visit: http://www.networkadvertising.org/choices/
Despite the recent transformation of financial services branches as digital services explode, the need to differentiate the essence of your brand and communicate relevant product solutions remain vital to user experience consistency and revenue creation at the point of sale.

Some would argue that the time spent by financial consumers in branches (especially in new ones) makes the physical environment the #1 choice of all touchpoints in creating a rich user experience (UX) that enhances relationships, grows wallet share and cements your brand, while establishing mission and values connections.

While financial services retailers often seek outside expert consultants to design their brand strategy and initial branch merchandising program concepts, when it comes to the production and ongoing rollout of the brand into the branch, theyre often fueled by a strong desire to use local, supposedly lower cost resources. Imagine Starbucks or NIKE Town handing off their entire brand experience and merchandising systems to a local firm to save a few dollars on a million dollar store rollout.

Is the keep it local aspiration really the superior  or even cheaper  way to produce high impact consumer-facing branding elements, digital content, signage and product messaging setting the tone and quality for your brand?

Compounding the lack of local environmental design and merchandising expertise is the absence of specialized skills to carefully engineer staff and client experiences and messaging at headquarters spaces.

Your organizations most visible public branded showcase shouldnt be handed off to local amateurs. Frequently we see inexperienced local firms mired in the intricacies of complex environmental HQ design solutions, wayfinding signage, tech demos and brand communications. The result is uninspired design, poor execution, change orders, overwhelmed leaders, and lower quality materials that erode any early hopes at achieving real savings.

This DIY/Buy Local/Save money aspiration has created some prevalent myths. Lets examine the top 6 most common ones:

Myth #1: No special financial industry knowledge is really required. In retail display and visual merchandising design, there is a level of expertise, constant material improvements, and new industry knowledge that only comes from immersion in the fields of custom large format graphics and retail fixture manufacturing for branch spaces. Its not your fault. There simply isnt time in the day or people in your resource pool to specialize.

At Weber Marketing, we link our 30-year niche expertise in the retail financial services category and the visual production industry behind our history of installing over 1,600 branch and HQ spaces. With merchandising experts who worked at Starbucks and REI Co-op, we bring an extraordinary combination of visual merchandising creativity, quality production methods, project engineering, and material cost savings that ensure we are always on budget, on time, on quality standards, and that we meet or exceed client expectations. You get exactly what you paid for with no excuses. Our multi-year client references tell our best story.

Myth #2: There are lots of skilled firms who do this. There actually are a number of local large format digital printers, acrylic fabricators, sign companies, kiosk manufacturers, cable and hardware suppliers, and signage installers out there. The problem is, few integrate all the elements together; and fewer still specialize in financial brand environments (branches arent Verizon stores or Burger King). There are only a handful of expert financial industry vendors like Weber Marketing that orchestrate our partner quality standards at every step of design, fabrication, materials integration, quality control, construction management and installation of the highly specialized financial merchandising, digital and environmental graphics that create successful branch spaces.

Go it alone and youll spend time and research locating the few local firms, if any, that do. Be aware though that if your local resource doesnt integrate each complex element and material of the retail display system, or work with your construction managers planning installations or remodeling  then your staff hours and risk just went up exponentially. Not to mention consistency, quality control and value delivered on each unique future project  all at prices that hopefully dont go up. If all systems are not managed under one roof, your own team will spend untold hours managing details, sub-contractors, working shop drawings, and constant critical decisions  as you now become the orchestrator. You must now manage multiple complex vendors who dont talk, dont link quality standards and wont own the end product result that sets the visual style and tone of your branch and HQ brand environment. You learn quickly that results may vary, and they generally do.

Myth #3: This will save lots of money  and time. Theres an interesting phenomenon in the retail display that industry salespeople refer to as lowballing the first project to win. It happens all the time. Suppliers drop prices to win in the local new client over with an amazing set of savings  at any cost. Then later they figure out how to deliver a quality, integrated, flawless branch project that makes the new client happy. Its not sustainable business practice. Suddenly clients realize that quality and materials werent quite what you expected. You demand makeovers: prices quickly go up. They didnt bid working with your sub-contractors shop drawings or your facility teams and branches on planning flawless installations. It was a myth that you could actually save a ton going local.

Unlinked production processes, lower quality materials and mistakes cost money to fix. But the time that mistakes, lack of expertise, wrong decisions, or delays cost your staff and organization is incalculable. The learning curve on producing quality environmental graphics, wayfinding signage and retail fixtures are long and expensive. With critical construction timelines, a constant flow of puzzle pieces and decisions that must all come together over months on installation day with sub-contractors, it doesnt take much to derail a project, resulting in costly reworks and an unhappy C-Suite. Delayed or additional install trips, rush fees, expedited shipping and change orders add up fast and supposed savings disappear quickly.

With an expert agency like Weber Marketing to plan, manage, guide, communicate with client teams and construction managers, you get exactly what you expected: on time, without surprise and without unexpected expense. With our manufacturing volumes, we negotiate great pricing up front with our trusted partners. We pass along volume savings that you will not be able to get on your own locally. As a result, we have affordable packages and quality options for any need and budget. Having an expert branding agency leading actually saves not only money, but massive staff time and resources. How do you calculate the value of your staff time? We dont need to play the lowball game and its why we keep satisfied clients for years.

Myth #4: Its not that hard to do. To do it right inside a high quality professional $1-$2 million branch space; with staff working there and clients is actually pretty hard. Mistakes, inferior quality and the consequences are very visible and messy while people are trying to run a professional financial branch.

Weve been there: 1,600+ times. Merchandising may be new to you, and the finished installation may seem simple, but do you know how temperature and sunshine may affect each material substrate in your area  and can cause rapid failure? How LED light will affect graphic viewing and change colors? What degree of opacity is needed to achieve privacy or messaging visibility in window graphics? Which acrylic and glues will work best (or fail) on your hardwood laminate and metal kiosks or hardware systems? Who in the heck wants to really learn all that the hard way? We work out every project design detail and material decision with our production team, partners and our install team to manage quality control each step of the way. So your team doesnt have to make each one of those decisions  and own the mistakes.

Myth #5: Local suppliers mean no crating and shipping costs. Many local markets lack qualified and experienced environmental graphics, material fabricators or metal and wood craftsman that can deliver a robust and well-linked comprehensive merchandising program. Even in large metro areas, packaging and crating is required to transport elements safely  even a few blocks.

Weber Marketing negotiates annual freight forwarding volume discount rates across the US. In comprehensive test studies of shipping a standard crate of environmental graphics across the country from Seattle to New York, and across one state from Washington to Oregon, our crating and shipping costs were the same or less than shipping from more local or regional suppliers. If theyre across the street and experts at modern retail financial branch merchandising, hire them.

Myth #6: The facilities people can install all the graphics. Most likely your facility staff (and local sign installers) have never managed the complexities of high quality environmental merchandising programs. Modern quality environmental graphics isnt like hanging acrylic poster holders on the wall. At Weber Marketing Group, we have our own internal team of retail installation experts with over 17 years of construction and branch installation experience. They have comprehensive knowledge of the wide array of engineered materials, mechanical solutions, construction issues and wall, window, ceiling and floor mounts they must carefully engineer in our environmental merchandising programs. Theyre involved throughout the design and manufacturing process and know every detail of your specific products long before theyre onsite to complete the installation. If we provide a unique custom solution, or work on 25+ branch installs simultaneously, we also have vetted partners across the country under our direct supervision.

The best does not mean it costs more upfront, or over time.

At Weber Marketing Group, our retail merchandising business model is to provide our clients the highest quality, end-to-end, holistic, integrated and affordable retail environmental merchandising and digital design solutions in North America. That encompasses a total quality management approach for design, engineering, printing, fabrication, manufacturing, color matching, crating/shipping and installation. And we own the end product, budget and quality results.

Managing all of this effectively requires a highly specialized skillset. One that is typically not found in-house at most organizations, nor locally in a single retail merchandising or digital graphics firm. Optimism and hope surrounding a DIY localized approach to managing your environmental merchandising and graphics program to save money is not a strategy.

The reality is that going it alone comes with a steep learning curve; a minefield of hidden risks, constant decisions and potential errors. It is highly time consuming for your marketing, branch and facilities teams, in light of other vital priority projects. Travel this road with a highly experienced partner and guide and you will save untold aggravation, time, money and maybe even your reputation.

Co-Authored by Ruth Kapcia, Director of Retail Experience, Weber Marketing Group
STORY LINK Pound Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) Exchange Rate Stumbles as US Urged to Abandon Tariffs against Canada

Canadian Dollar (CAD) Exchange Rates Rally on Tariff Exemption Hopes

Pound Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) Exchange Rate Slides as European Governments Warn against Buying British Goods

Pound Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) Exchange Rate Forecast: Canadian Unemployment in the Spotlight

Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues:

The Pound Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) exchange rate traded lower on Wednesday, falling as investors responded to news that US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has urged US President Donald Trump to grant Canada exemption from the proposed tariffs on steel and aluminium.Mr Mnuchin reportedly pressed the President at a meeting with senior economic policymakers, pointing out that the US already has a $2bn steel surplus with Canada.The Canadians made an impassioned personal plea to Mnuchin to take the case up with Trump, an administration official stated.Not all advisors were in agreement, however, with many economists arguing that the US has a duty to national security to address their sizable $17.5bn goods deficit with Canada  therefore making the tariffs warranted.Nonetheless, reports that the US President is still deciding what to do about Canada provided some hope to Loonie bulls, with the possibility that he could be more lenient driving the Canadian Dollar higher.Today was a rather quiet data day for the UK, but the Pound Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) exchange rate still found room to fall on news that the Dutch government has advised businesses to avoid buying British machinery in the run-up to Brexit.The Dutch government told exporters that under rules of origin trade laws there could be a danger of them losing business if the majority of their products contained British parts.In order to comply, businesses were told that a product must contain at least 55% parts made within the EU.Investors were concerned by this news, with any sign of other governments copying the Dutch having the potential to severely harm the British economy.The next big data event for the GBP/CAD exchange rate will likely be Fridays Canadian labour market statistics, with the hourly earnings figures and overall unemployment rate result liable to knock GBP/CAD up or down.Investors currently expect the unemployment rate to hold at 5.8%, though an expected 22.0k added jobs could give the Loonie a small shot in the arm.Beyond this, investors will be keeping a close watch on trade developments between the US and Canada, with any sign of an olive branch or outright agreement liable to put GBP/CAD under greater pressure.

International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements.

TAGS: Pound Canadian Dollar Forecasts
Voting in Pa.: What to know about mail-in voting, register deadlines

news
It is commonly understood that the most acceptable marker of economic growth of a country is its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Economists, who rarely agree with each other, acquiesce with this economic measure; that is a considerable achievement by itself.

However, since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took charge in May 2014 four years ago, Indias GDP has become a subject of controversial discussions, especially since it accompanied several grotesque claims of government achievements that appeared questionable (100 per cent rural electrification being the latest casualty).

While the Opposition decried the GDP chest-thumping roar as akin to Chinese cockamamie, the BJP gloated on its spectacular accomplishment, its spokespersons hyperventilating on TV screens even as Jharkhand reported starvation deaths.

Something is clearly amiss. Many think Indias data under Modi is not just cooked but barbecued.

I try to unravel this intriguing conundrum, in brief, by addressing questions that crop up with predictable regularity.

What was the GDP inherited by the NDA from the UPA?

The truth is that India moved into the global financial arena taking giant footsteps under the 10-year period of then PM Manmohan Singh. Photo: PTI

It was 6.9 per cent - healthy, strong and recovering robustly. Modi and the BJP through their massive propaganda machine spread the canard of apocalyptic doom that India was on the verge of a collapse, as fearmongering and manufacturing anxiety suits the right-wing strategy of panic-stricken eyeballs.

Donald Trump did the same two years later with his Make America Great Again (the western counterpart of achhe nin), albeit the US economy had seen strong, stable growth during the Obama years.

It is true that the two preceding years had seen a deceleration on account of the currency crisis, oil prices (largely external factors) and the parliamentary paralysis created by a virulent BJP-led Opposition that was resolute in its intent to stall pro-common man policies of the UPA.

The Anna Hazare anti-corruption agitation instilled fear in the decision-making apparatus governed by fearful apparatchiks. The BJP was the biggest political beneficiary of a choreographed protest.

However, despite all that UPA successfully averted the tapering crisis of US Fed rates, and left a buoyant USD 311 billion in foreign exchange reserves and reduced the current account deficit.

What about the claim by Modi that his government is responsible for the miraculous turnaround to make India the fastest growing economy in the world?

It is an absurd proposition that even a kindergarten child will debunk. How can a large economy of an emerging market make such a dramatic turnaround within one year, one which was being disingenuously trashed by Modi as a failure just a few months earlier?

The fact that the GDP after four years in 2017-18 at 6.7 is lower than 6.9 per cent that they received on a silver platter from the UPA says it all. Photo: PTI

The truth is that India moved into the global financial arena taking giant footsteps under the 10-year period of then PM Manmohan Singh.

Many have called it the golden period of Indias economy, as for the first time ever, we witnessed a 10-year average GDP growth rate of 7.7 per cent (that too under the old method of calculating GDP index) and lifted 140 million people above the poverty line, reflecting the successful model of inclusive growth.

In successive years, between 2005-06 to 2007-08, UPA reached growth rates of 9.5 per cent, 9.6 per cent and 9.3 per cent, hitherto deemed unreachable, almost reaching double digit growth levels.

China, during the same period, was growing at a stratospheric growth of around 10.5 to 11 per cent. Indias GDP growth has become sluggish and much lower than under UPA, and we are the worlds fastest growing (large) economy only because China slowed down to 6.8 to 7 per cent GDP growth levels.

In short, India was much better off being number two under UPA (China led the race) than being number one under NDA. How do you compare the Congress/UPA GDP performance over that of BJP/NDA?

There is no comparison whatsoever; GDP went up by over 300 per cent during the ten years of UPA. The Congress/UPA performed extraordinarily better compared to the anaemic, almost lackadaisical numbers of NDA.

In fact, NDA had a great opportunity to build on a strong inheritance from the Congress, but wasted a burgeoning growth momentum.

One must remember that the Congress/UPA succeeded despite facing the worlds worst economic crisis since 1931 of the Great Recession of 2007-08, high oil prices (peaking at close to USD 150 per barrel), running a difficult coalition government, and facing repeated parliamentary gridlock because of the blatant filibustering of the BJP.

For example, the GST would have been implemented during the UPA regime if the BJP had not deliberately obstructed the bill for parochial political purposes.

Despite having a huge tailwind of barrel-scraping oi prices at USD 26, a majority government, a stable prosperous world economy, three successive years of good monsoons, several states under their control, and inheriting a healthy economy from the UPA, this government has fallen woefully short.

The fact that the GDP after four years in 2017-18 at 6.7 is lower than 6.9 per cent that they received on a silver platter from the UPA says it all.

Why is the ground reality so different from the headlines and the hype?

It is straightforward; if the BJP/NDA were to adhere to the old UPA GDP index of calculation, our correct GDP today would be close to just 5 per cent ( similarly if the new formula was to be applied on UPA GDP, they would have averaged over 9.5 per cent during the 10-year-period at a conservative estimate, which the Modi government ought to make a transparent declaration of).

Under Modi, what you see is not what you get; there is selective cherry-picking, exaggerated claims, new methodologies adopted to make a sheep look like a lion, and in many cases, data that inspires grave apprehensions about their authenticity. Modi indulges in a lot of puffery.

Thus, we have this atrocious contradiction where Modi claims that India is the fastest growing economy in the world at the affluent-networks at Davos, but the farmers are protesting under severe rural distress, joblessness is forcing MBAs, PhDs, engineers to apply for jobs of peons and constables (our new pakoda economy), private investments, exports, aggregate private expenditure are all looking dismal. NPAs have crossed Rs 10 lakh crore, up almost 400 per cent from 2014 (also record number of banking frauds have happened).

It hardly needs further assertion that demonetisation deracinated the rural economy, in particular, and the ham-handed execution of GST crippled small businesses.

The damage is still being undone.

Is GDP the only macro-indicator of the health of the economy?

No, it is not, it is just the easiest one. The true health of a country is determined through a more detailed biopsy of economic and social indicators, mostly job creation, per capita income, export performance, gross fixed capital formation, reduction in poverty levels, per capita expenditure allocations to health and education etc.

On all these factors, Modi has slipped by having both feet on a banana peel. We must not forget that the relevant index for India is Human Development Index (where we are at a lowly 134), Global Hunger Index (at rank 100) etc. The fact that we have seen an alarming dip in Press Freedom Index (138), or the Gender Disparity Index (108) should tell us that this government has merely indulged in headline-hunting, rhetorical speeches, statistical manipulation and massive publicity blitzkrieg (approximately Rs 4,500 crore on self-promotion).

Besides the economy, Indian society and democracy are themselves undergoing a stress-test. But as Karnataka and the by-poll results have shown, the chickens are coming home to roost.

About time. Governance in a democracy is like a fishbowl, everyone must know the truth. But under Modi opacity rules, or as Salman Rushdie would say, there is a lot of chutnification going on. But truth does ultimately win.

Also read: Munna Bhai to Sanju: How Rajkumar Hirani 'legitimised' Bollywood's No 1 enfant terrible
Later this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads to China for the second time in just over a month  for the June 9 and 10 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in the port city of Qingdao.

Besides formalising the entry of India as a full member of the China and Russia-led Eurasian security grouping, Modi will have his second bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in just over a month, following his April 28 and 29 informal summit in Wuhan.

In one sense, the significance of Modis attendance at the SCO summit lies essentially just in his being there  and the symbolism of his being on stage flanked by Xi, Russias Vladimir Putin, and leaders of the other SCO members including Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, besides heads of state from observer countries including Iran, Afghanistan and Mongolia.

This is part of PM Modis emphasis on strategic autonomy  a balancing act as he pushes closer security ties with the US, Japan and many of Chinas neighbours, even as he mends fences with China.

This balancing was apparent in Modis keenly followed keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last week. No other relationship of India has as many layers as our relations with China, he said. We are the worlds two most populous countries and among the fastest growing major economies. Our cooperation is expanding. Trade is growing. And, we have displayed maturity and wisdom in managing issues and ensuring a peaceful border. China promptly welcomed his comments.

Yet, the overall tone of his speech was far from being entirely optimistic on relations with China. In fact, Modis outlining of his Indo-Pacific vision was more than clear on Indias discomfort with Chinas muscle-flexing, both militarily and economically.

As Modi put it, a common rules-based order for the region must equally apply to all individually as well as to the global commons. Such an order must believe in sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as equality of all nations, irrespective of size and strength. These rules and norms should be based on the consent of all, not on the power of the few.

This must be based on faith in dialogue and not dependence on force. It also means that when nations make international commitments, they must uphold them. Given the regional focus on Chinas island-building and militarisation in the disputed South China Sea, the target of his message was evident.

Modi also said connectivity initiatives must be based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, consultation, good governance, transparency, viability and sustainability and must empower nations, not place them under impossible debt burden. Again, the target was apparent  Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Herein lies Indias dilemma as it continues its balancing this week at the SCO. The summits members are expected to strongly endorse Chinas BRI. As foreign minister Wang Yi said last week,

The Qingdao summit will lay out new plans to enhance the synergy of development strategies of member states, especially promoting the construction of the Belt and Road to lift regional economic cooperation.

India is expected to be the only country in the Qingdao declaration to not endorse the BRI, as was the case at the recent SCO foreign ministers meet where the final statement awkwardly named the ministers of all countries, barring India, in the part of the statement that named the BRI.

Still, India believes it stands to gain from its membership in a body that provides another platform to keep channels open and ties stable with China and Russia.

The security-focused SCO is also likely to issue a declaration in Qingdao on combating terrorism, which India would welcome, particularly if fellow new member Pakistan faces some additional pressure in cracking down on terror outfits on its soil  a source of consternation not just to India but to other SCO members including China and Russia, and observers such as Afghanistan.

(Courtesy of Mail Today)

Also read: World Environment Day: Why plastic is a more serious threat than atom bomb
The following companies are subsidiares of Accenture: 2nd Road, 2nd Road Pty Ltd., ?What If!, ?What If! China Holdings Ltd, ?What If! Holdings Limited, ?What If! Innovation Singapore Holdings Pte, ?What If! Limited, ?What If! Shanghai Co. Ltd, ?What If! USA LLC, ACN Consulting Co Ltd, AD Dialeto Agencia de Publicidade SA, AD.Dialeto (Digital Agency acquired by Accenture), AGS Business and Technology Services Limited, ASM Research Inc., ASM Research LLC, ATAN, Accenture (Beijing) Mobile Technology Co Ltd, Accenture (Botswana) (Proprietary) Limited, Accenture (China) Co Ltd, Accenture (Shenzhen) Technology Co. Ltd., Accenture (South Africa) (Proprietary) Limited, Accenture (South Africa) Pty Limited, Accenture (UK) Ltd, Accenture 2 Business Process Services S.A., Accenture 2 LLC, Accenture A/S, Accenture AB, Accenture AG, Accenture AS, Accenture Africa Pty Ltd, Accenture Australia Holding B.V., Accenture Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, Accenture Australia Pty Ltd, Accenture Azerbaijan Ltd, Accenture BPM Operations Support Services S.A., Accenture BPM S.C.R.L., Accenture BV, Accenture Branch Holdings B.V., Accenture Bulgaria EOOD, Accenture Business Services for Utilities Inc, Accenture Business Services of British Columbia Limited Partnership, Accenture Business and Technology Services LLC, Accenture C.A, Accenture CAS GmbH, Accenture Canada Holdings Inc., Accenture Capital DAC, Accenture Capital Inc, Accenture Central Europe B.V., Accenture Chile Asesorias y Servicios Ltda, Accenture Cloud Services GmbH, Accenture Cloud Software Solutions Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions LLC, Accenture Cloud Solutions Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Co Ltd, Accenture Co Ltd., Accenture Communications Infrastructure Solutions Ltd, Accenture Company Ltd, Accenture Consulting Services Ltd Tanzania, Accenture Consultores de Gestao S.A., Accenture Consultoria de Industria e Consumo Ltda, Accenture Consultoria de Recursos Naturais Ltda, Accenture Credit Services LLC, Accenture Customer Services Distribution SAS, Accenture Customer Services Limited, Accenture Danismanlik Limited Sirketi, Accenture Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trustees Ltd, Accenture Defined Contribution Pension Plan Trustees Ltd, Accenture Delivery Poland sp. z o.o., Accenture Dienstleistungen GmbH, Accenture Digital France Holdings SA, Accenture Digital Holdings GmbH, Accenture East Africa Limited, Accenture Ecuador S.A., Accenture Egypt LLC, Accenture Enterprise Development (Shanghai) Co Ltd., Accenture Federal Services LLC, Accenture Finance (Gibraltar) III Ltd, Accenture Finance GmbH, Accenture Finance GmbH in liquidation, Accenture Finance II GmbH, Accenture Finance II GmbH in liquidation, Accenture Finance II Ltd, Accenture Finance Limited, Accenture Finance and Accounting BPO Services S.p.A., Accenture Finance and Accounting Services Srl, Accenture Flex LLC, Accenture GP LLC, Accenture Ghana Limited, Accenture Global Holdings Ltd., Accenture Global Services Ltd, Accenture Global Solutions Ltd, Accenture GmbH, Accenture HR Services Ltd, Accenture HR Services S.p.A., Accenture Healthcare Processing Inc., Accenture Holding GmbH, Accenture Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Accenture Holding GmbH in liquidation, Accenture Holdings (Iberia) S.L., Accenture Holdings B.V., Accenture Holdings France SAS, Accenture Holdings plc, Accenture Hungary Holdings Kft, Accenture Inc, Accenture Industrial Software Limited Liability Company (Accenture Endustriyel Yazylym Cozumleri Limited irketi), Accenture Industrial Software Limited Liability Company (Accenture Endustriyel Yazlm Cozumleri Limited Sirketi), Accenture Industrial Software Solutions Kft, Accenture Industrial Software Solutions SA, Accenture Insurance Services LLC, Accenture Insurance Services SAS, Accenture Insurance Services SpA, Accenture International BV, Accenture International Capital SCA, Accenture International LLC, Accenture International Limited, Accenture International Sarl, Accenture Japan Ltd, Accenture Korea BV, Accenture LLC, Accenture LLP, Accenture Lanka (Private) Ltd, Accenture Limited, Accenture Ltd, Accenture Ltda, Accenture Maghreb S.a.r.l., Accenture Managed Services SRL, Accenture Managed Services SpA, Accenture Management GmbH, Accenture Middle East B.V, Accenture Middle East BV, Accenture Minority I BV, Accenture Minority III Ltd, Accenture Mozambique Limitada, Accenture Mzansi (Pty) Ltd, Accenture NV/SA, Accenture NZ Limited, Accenture Newco LLC, Accenture Nova Scotia Unlimited Liability Co., Accenture OOO, Accenture Operations Sp. z o.o., Accenture Outsourcing SRL, Accenture Outsourcing Services, Accenture Outsourcing Services S.A., Accenture Oy, Accenture Panama Inc, Accenture Participations BV, Accenture Participations II Limited, Accenture Peru S.R.L, Accenture Peru S.R.L., Accenture Post Trade Processing SAS, Accenture Post-Trade Processing Limited, Accenture Process Ltd, Accenture Product Lifecycle Services, Accenture Properties, Accenture Pte Ltd, Accenture Puerto Rico LLC, Accenture S.A., Accenture S.C., Accenture S.L., Accenture S.R.L., Accenture SAS, Accenture SG Services Pte Ltd, Accenture SRL, Accenture Saudi Arabia Limited, Accenture Sendirian Berhad, Accenture Service Center SRL, Accenture Services (Mauritius) Ltd, Accenture Services AB, Accenture Services AG, Accenture Services AS, Accenture Services GmbH, Accenture Services Ltd, Accenture Services Morocco SA, Accenture Services Oy, Accenture Services Pty Ltd, Accenture Services S.r.l., Accenture Services SRL, Accenture Services Sp. z o.o., Accenture Services Sp. z.o.o., Accenture Services and Technology Srl, Accenture Services fur Kreditinstitute GmbH, Accenture Services s.r.o., Accenture Servicos Administrativos Ltda, Accenture Servicos de Suporte de Negocios Ltda, Accenture Solutions Co Ltd, Accenture Solutions Private Limited, Accenture Solutions Pte Ltd, Accenture Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Solutions Sdn Bhd, Accenture Sp. z o.o., Accenture Sp. z.o.o., Accenture SpA, Accenture State Healthcare Services LLC, Accenture Sub II Inc., Accenture Sub Inc, Accenture Sub LLC, Accenture Systems Integration Limited, Accenture Sarl, Accenture Tanacsado Kolatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Accenture Tanacsado Kolatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag KFT, Accenture Technologia, Accenture Technologia Consultoria e Outsourcing S.A., Accenture Technology Infrastructure Services Pty Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions (Dalian) Co Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions (HK) Co. Ltd., Accenture Technology Solutions (Thailand) Co. Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions - Solucoes Informaticas Integradas, Accenture Technology Solutions - Solucoes Informaticas Integradas S.A., Accenture Technology Solutions GmbH, Accenture Technology Solutions Oy, Accenture Technology Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions S.A. de C.V., Accenture Technology Solutions SAS, Accenture Technology Solutions SRL, Accenture Technology Solutions Sdn. Bhd., Accenture Technology Solutions Slovakia s.r.o., Accenture Technology Ventures BV, Accenture Technology Ventures S.P.R.L., Accenture Uruguay SRL, Accenture Vietnam Co., Accenture Vietnam Co. LTD, Accenture Zambia Limited, Accenture do Brasil Limitada, Accenture plc, Accenture s.r.o., Acceria, Acquity Customer Insight Limited, Acquity Group, Adaptly LLC, Adaptly UK Limited, AddVal Technology, Adqptly, Advantium Inc., Agave Consultants Limited, Agilex Technologies Inc., Allen International, Allen International Consulting Group Ltd, Alnova Technologies Corporation S.L., AlphaBeta Advisors, Altima, Altima Asia Ltd., Altima SAS, Altitude, Altitude LLC, Analytics 8 LP, Analytics 8 Pty Ltd, Analytics8, Aorui Advertising (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Apis, Appaloosa Technology SAS, Arca, Ariba - BPO, Arismore, Aspiro Solutions (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Avanade, Avanade (Guangzhou) Computer Technology Development Co. Ltd., Avanade (Thailand) Co Ltd, Avanade Asia Pte Ltd, Avanade Australia Pty Ltd, Avanade Belgium SPRL, Avanade Canada Inc., Avanade Denmark A/S, Avanade Denmark ApS, Avanade Deutschland GmbH, Avanade Europe Holdings Ltd, Avanade Europe Services Ltd, Avanade Federal Services LLC, Avanade Finland Oy, Avanade France SAS, Avanade GZ Computer Technology Development Co. Ltd. (SH), Avanade Guangzhou, Avanade Holdings LLC, Avanade Hong Kong Ltd, Avanade International Corporation, Avanade Ireland Limited, Avanade Italy SRL, Avanade KK, Avanade Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avanade Netherlands BV, Avanade Norway AS, Avanade Poland Sp. z o.o., Avanade Poland Sp. z.o.o., Avanade Schweiz GmbH, Avanade South Africa, Avanade South Africa Pty Ltd, Avanade Spain SL, Avanade Sweden AB, Avanade UK Ltd, Avanade do Brasil Limitada, Avanade Osterreich GmbH, AvantBiz Consulting Limited, Avenai, Axia Ltd., BABCN LLC, BCT Solutions, BCT Solutions Pty Ltd, BPO Servicos Administrativos Ltda, BRIDGE Energy Group, Beacon Consulting Group Inc., Beijing Genesis Interactive Technology Co. Ltd., Benext, Bionic, Blue Horseshoe, Boomerang Pharmaceutical Communications, Boomerang Pharmaceuticals Communications Ireland Limited, Bow & Arrow, Brand Learning, Brand Learning Group Limited, Brand Learning LLC, Brand Learning Ltd, Brand Learning Partners Limited, Brand Learning Pte Limited, Bridge Energy Group LLC, Brightstep AB, Byte Prophecy, CAS, CRMWaypoint, CadenceQuest Inc., Capable Marketer Limited, Capgemini - North American health practice, Capital Consultancy Services Inc., Certus Solutions Consulting Services Ltd, Certus Solutions Ltd, ChangeTrack Research Pty Ltd., Chaotic Moon Studios, Chengdu Mensa Advertising Co. Ltd., Cimation, Cimation UK Limited, Cirruseo, Cirruseo SAS, Clarity Insights, Clearhead, Clearhead Group, Clearhead Group LLC, ClientHouse GmbH, Cloud Sherpas, Cloud Sherpas (GA) LLC, Cloud Sherpas (SN) (PTE.) Limited, Cloud Sherpas New Zealand Ltd., Cloud Talent Limited, Cloudsherpas, Cloudsherpas Inc., Cloudworks, Codagenic Pty. Ltd., Computer Research and Telecommunications LLC, Concrete Desenvolvimento de Sistemas Ltda., Concrete Solutions, Concrete Solutions Ltda., Context Information Security, Coritel S.A., Corliant Inc., CreativeDrive, CustomerWorks Europe SL, Cutting Edge Solutions Ltd, D5 Global Holdings LLC, DAZ Systems Inc, DAZ Systems LLC, DAZSI Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd., DMA Solutions Limited, Davies Consulting, DayNine Consulting, DayNine Consulting (Australia) PTY LTD, DayNine Consulting (Deutschland) GmbH, DayNine Consulting (New Zealand) Limited, DayNine Consulting France SAS, DayNine Consulting Japan K.K., DayNine Consulting LLC, Declarative Holdings, Declarative Holdings LLC, Defense Point Security, Deja vu Security, Design Strategy and Research de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Designaffairs LLC, Digiplug S.A.S., Digiplug SAS, Digital Consulting & Software Services LLC, Droga5, Droga5 LLC, Droga5 Studios LLC, Droga5 UK Ltd., Duck Creek Technologies, Duck Creek Technologies LLC, Deja Vu Security LLC, ESR Labs, Elcurator SAS, Enaxis Consulting, Enaxis Consulting L.P., End-to-End Analytics, Energuia Web, Energuia Web S.A., Energy Management Brokers Ltd., Energy Quote Private Ltd., EnergyQuote JHA, EnergyQuote JHA Ltd., EnergyQuote Trading Ltd., Enimbos, Enkitec, Enterprise System Partners, Enterprise System Partners B.V. , Enterprise System Partners Bilisim Danismanlik Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Enterprise System Partners Global Corporation, Enterprise System Partners Limited, Enterprise System Partners PR LLC, Enterprise System Partners S.A.S., Entropia, Epylon, Ethica Consulting Group, Evopro Group, Exactside Limited, Exton Consulting, Fairway Technologies Inc, Fairway Technologies LLC, Filmproduction ApS, First Annapolis Consulting, First Annapolis Consulting Inc., First Annapolis Consulting LLC, First Annapolis International, Fjord, Focus Group Europe, Focus Group Europe Limited, Formicary, Formicary Holdings Limited, Formicary Limited, FusionX, FutureMove Automotive, Gapso Servicos de Informatica Ltda., Genfour, Genfour Limited, George Group Consulting L.P., Gestalt LLC, Gestion Altima Canada Inc., Gevity, Global Public Firm S.L., GlobalView SAS, GoodFilm GmbH Filmproduktion Stuttgart, H.B. Maynard and Co. Inc., HRC Retail Advisory, Hagberg Consulting Group, Hangzhou Aiyunzhe Technology Co. Ltd., Happen, Hjaltelin Stahl, Hjaltelin Stahl K/S, Hytracc Consulting AS, Hytracc Consulting Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Hytracc Consulting UK Limited, Hytracc Holding AS, I-Faber S.p.A., IBB Consulting, IMJ Corp, IMJ Corporation, INCAD, INSITUM, IT One Company Limited, ITBS Servicios Bancarios de Tecnologia de la Informacion SL, Icon Integration, Imagine Broadband (USA) Ltd, Imagine Broadband USA LLC, Imaginea Inc, Industrie&Co, Infoman AG, Infoman Schweiz AG, Informatica de Euskadi S.L., Infusion Development Inc., Infusion Development UK Limited, InfusionDev LLC, Innoveer Solutions India Pvt Ltd, Insitum Consultoria Argentina SRL, Insitum Consultoria Brasil LTDA, Insitum Consultoria Colombia SAS, Insitum Consultoria Europa SL, Insitum Consultoria Peru SAC, Insitum Consultoria S.A. de C.V., Intrepid, Intrigo Systems Inc, Intrigo Systems India Pvt. Limited, Intrigo Systems LLC, Inventor Advertisement (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inventor Technology Limited, InvestTech, Investtech Systems Consulting LLC, Javelin Group, Javelin Group (Bulgaria) EOOD, Javelin Group Limited (UK), Javelin Group SASU, K Comms Group Limited, KCS.net AG, KCS.net AG West, KCS.net Deutschland GmbH, KCS.net Holding AG, KCS.net Osterreich GmbH, Kaper Communications Limited, Karma Communications Debtco Limited, Karma Communications Group Limited, Karma Communications Holdings Limited, Karmarama, Karmarama Comms Limited, Karmarama Limited, Knowledge Rules Inc., Knowledgent, Knowledgent Group LLC, Kogentix, Kogentix LLC, Kogentix Ltd, Kogentix Singapore Pte. Ltd, Kogentix Technologies Private Limited, Kolle Rebbe, Kolle Rebbe GmbH, Kream Comms Limited, Kunstmaan, Kunstmaan NV, Kurt Salmon, Kurt Salmon Canada LTD, Kurt Salmon UKI, Kurt Salmon UKI Ltd., Kurt Salmon US LLC, LEXTA, LINKBYNET, LabAnswer, LabAnswer Government, LemonXL Limited, Logistics Market Place Limited (UK), Loud & Clear Creative Pty Ltd, MAXIM Systems Inc., MCG US Holdings LLC, Mackevision CG Technology and Service (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Mackevision Corporation, Mackevision Japan Co. Ltd., Mackevision Korea Ltd, Mackevision Medien Design, Mackevision Medien Design GmbH, Mackevision Singapore Pte. Ltd., Mackevision UK Ltd, Maglan, Maglan Information Defense Technologies Research Ltd., Maihiro, Matter, Matter Llc, Maud Corp Pty Limited, Maxamine International, Media Audits Ltd., Media Hive, Mediasenz Pty Ltd., Meredith Specialty LLC, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing Corporation, Meridian Informed Purchasing Ltd., Mindtribe, Mindtribe Product Engineering LLC, MobGen, MobGen Technology S.L, Moonrise NV, Mortgage Cadence, Mortgage Cadence an Accenture Company, Most Champion Ltd, Mudano, N3 LLC, NBS Marketing Inc., NYTEC, Nanjing Demeng Advertising Co. Ltd., Nashco Consulting, NaviSys Inc., NellArmonia, Neo Metrics Analytics S.L., Neo Metrics Chile, Neo Metrics Chile S.A., New Content, New Content Chile SpA, New Content Editora e Produtora Ltda., New Energy Aborda, New Energy Associates Ltd, New Energy Group, New Energy S.r.l., NewsPage, NewsPage (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, NewsPage China Ltd., NewsPage Pte Ltd, Nice Agency Limited, Northstream, Northstream AB, Northstream Holding AB, OCTO Technology, OPS Rules Management Consultants, Octagon Research Solutions Inc., Octo Technology LTDA, Octo Technology Pty Ltd, Octo Technology SA, Octo Technology SPRL, Octoman SAS, Odgaard ApS, Olikka, Openmind, Openminded, Operaciones Accenture S.A. de C.V., OpusLine, Orbium, Orbium Consulting Ltd, Orbium GmbH, Orbium Holding AG, Orbium Inc., Orbium International AG, Orbium International sp. z o.o., Orbium Licences AG, Orbium Limited, Orbium Pte. Ltd., Orbium Pty Ltd, Orbium Services sp. z o.o., Orbium Sarl, Origin Digital, PCO Innovation, PCO Innovation Canada Inc., PCO Innovation EURL, PIXO PUNCH Limited, PLM Systems S.r.l, POC Holdings, PRION GmbH, PT Accenture, PT Asta Catur Indra, PT Kogentix Teknologi Indonesia, Pach Invest SARL, Pach Invest SAS, PacificLink Group, PacificLink iMedia Ltd., Paja Finanssipalvelut Oy, Parker Fitzgerald Inc, Parker Fitzgerald Inc., Parker Fitzgerald International Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Limited, Parker Fitzgerald PTY Ltd, Parker Fitzgerald Services Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Solutions Limited, Partners Technology Mexico Holdings BV, Pecaso Ltd., Pegasus Production K/S, Perseroan Terbatas. Accenture, Phase One Consulting Group, Pillar Technology, Pollux, Pragsis Bidoop, Pragsis Bidoop UK Ltd, Pragsis Technologies S.L, PrimeQ, PrimeQ Australia Pty Ltd, PrimeQ Ltd, PrimeQ NZ Pty Ltd, Procurian Germany GmbH, Procurian Inc., Procurian International I LLC, Procurian International II LLC, Procurian LLC, Procurian Singapore Pte. Ltd., Procurian Switzerland GmbH, Procurian USA LLC, Proquire LLC, PureApps Ltd., Qi Jie Beijing Information Technologies Co Ltd, Radiant Services, Radiant Services LLC, Random Walk Computing Inc., Reactive Media Limited, Reactive Media Pty Ltd., Real Protect, Realworld OO Systems Ltd., Redcore, Redcore (Asia) Pte Ltd, Redcore (India) Private Limited (India), Redcore (New Zealand) Limited, Redcore Group Holdings Pty Ltd, Redcore Pty Ltd, Renacentis IT Services, Revolutionary Security, RiskControl, Rothco, Rothco Holdings Designated Activity Company, Rothco Unlimited Company, S.C. EnergyQuote S.r.l., S3 TV Technology Limited, S3 TV Technology Ltd., SEC Servizi, SEC Servizi S.p.A., SOPIA Corp., Sagacious Consultants, Sagacious Consultants LLC, Salt Solutions, Sanchez Capital Services Pvt Ltd, Schlumberger Business Consulting, Seabury Airline Planning Group, Seabury Aviation & Aerospace (UK) Limited, Seabury Aviation & Aerospace Asia (Hong Kong) Limited, Seabury Aviation Consulting LLC, Seabury Cargo Advisory B.V., Seabury Consulting, Seabury Corporate Advisors LLC, Seabury Human Capital LLC, Seabury Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Seabury Structured Finance LLC, Search Technologies BPO, Search Technologies BPO Inc., Search Technologies GmbH, Search Technologies International LLC, Search Technologies LATAM, Search Technologies LATAM S.A., Search Technologies LLC, Search Technologies Limited, Sente Partners LLC, Sentelis, Servicios Tecnicos de Programacion Accenture S.C., Shackleton, Shackleton Barcelona S.L., Shackleton Chile S.A., Shackleton Madrid S.L., Shackleton S.A., Shanghai Baiyue Advertising Co. Ltd., Shun Zhe Technology Development Co. Ltd., Silveo, Simian Pty Limited, SinnerSchrader AG, SinnerSchrader Commerce GmbH, SinnerSchrader Content GmbH, SinnerSchrader Deutschland GmbH, SinnerSchrader Praha s.r.o., SinnerSchrader Swipe GmbH, Sinnerschrader, Sistemes Consulting S.L., Solutions IQ, Solutions IQ LLC, SolutionsIQ, SolutionsIQ India Consulting Services Private Limited, Storm Digital, Storm Digital B.V., Structure Consulting Group, Structure Consulting Group LLC, Sutter Mills, Systor AG, TQuila Limited (UK), Tadata Creative Unlimited Company, Tara Insurance DAC, Tara Risk DAC, TargetST8, TargetST8 Consulting LLC, Tech - Avanade Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Tecnilogica Ecosistemas S.A., Tecnilogica Ltd., Tecnilogica, The Brand Learning Partners Limited, The Callisto Integration Corporation, The Monkeys, The Monkeys Pty Limited, The Myrtle Group, Total Logistics, Total Logistics Supply Chain Consultants Limited, Tquila, Trivadis AG, Troop Studios Pty Ltd, VanBerlo, Verax Solutions, Verax Solutions Corporation, Vertical Retail Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd., Vertical Retail Consulting Hong Kong, Vertical Retail Consulting Hong Kong Ltd., Vertical Retail Consulting Ltd., Vivere Brasil Servicos e Solucoes SA, Vivere Brasil Solucoes De Credito Ltda., Wabion GmbH, Weblinc Pty Ltd, Wire Stone, Wire Stone LLC, Wire Stone Sarl, Wolox, Workforce Insight Inc, Yesler, Zag, Zenta, Zenta Global Philippines, Zenta Global Philippines Inc., Zenta Mortgage Services LLC, Zenta Recoveries Inc, Zenta US Holdings Inc., Zielpuls, Zielpuls (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zielpuls GmbH, avVenta, designaffairs, designaffairs Business Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., designaffairs GmbH, designaffairs group China Co. Ltd., dgroup, i4C Analytics, iDefense, and solid-serVision.com GmbH.
The Bank of Nova Scotia provides various banking products and services in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Colombia, the Caribbean and Central America, and internationally. It operates through Canadian Banking, International Banking, Global Banking and Markets, and Global Wealth Management segments. The company offers financial advice and solutions, and day-to-day banking products, including debit and credit cards, chequing and saving accounts, investments, mortgages, loans, and insurance to individuals; and business banking solutions comprising lending, deposit, cash management, and trade finance solutions to small businesses and commercial customers, including automotive financing solutions to dealers and their customers. It also provides wealth management advice and solutions, including online brokerage, mobile investment, full-service brokerage, trust, private banking, and private investment counsel services; and retail mutual funds, exchange traded funds, liquid alternative funds, and institutional funds. In addition, the company offers international banking services for retail, corporate, and commercial customers; and lending and transaction, investment banking advisory, and capital markets access services to corporate customers. Further, it provides Internet, mobile, and telephone banking services. The company operates a network of 952 branches and approximately 3,540 automated banking machines in Canada; and approximately 1,400 branches, 5,200 ATMs, and 22 contact centers internationally. The Bank of Nova Scotia was founded in 1832 and is headquartered in Halifax, Canada.

Read More
iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- First lady Melania Trump, who as of Tuesday has not been seen in public in 26 days, is set to join the president in public for a hurricane briefing at Federal Emergency Management Agency Headquarters on Wednesday, according to her office.



The last time Mrs. Trump was seen at a public event was on May 10, when she joined the president at Joint Base Andrews to welcome home three Americans freed from North Korea.



Mrs. Trump has kept a low profile ever since undergoing a surgical procedure to treat what her office described as a benign kidney condition on May 14. After the procedure, which Mrs. Trumps Communications Director Stephanie Grisham said was a success and without complication, the first lady then spent the better part of a week recovering in the hospital before returning home to the White House.



In the weeks since, Grisham has said the first lady has been in feeling great and has been engaged in meetings regarding her policy initiatives and planning for the upcoming Fourth of July celebration at the White House.



While Mrs. Trump did attend a private White House event on Monday honoring Gold Star families, Wednesdays event will be the first event since her hospitalization where press coverage is expected.



A Gold Star daughter at last nights dinner did tweet a video of the president and first lady walking into the room and said the first lady took time to shake hands with family members at the event honoring fallen service members.



The first lady has "no plans" to attend a "Celebration of America" event President Trump is hosting at the White House on Tuesday in lieu of an event that was originally intended to celebrate the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. The president uninvited the team Tuesday night.



"She's doing great - just has other meetings," Grisham said when asked whether the first lady might attend Tuesday's event.



Last week, amid speculation about the first ladys conspicuous absence and the hashtag #whereisMelania trending on Twitter, Mrs. Trump tweeted from her official Twitter account criticizing the speculation in the media and saying that she was "feeling great."



Grisham has further rebuffed speculation about the first ladys absence from the public stage, saying in a statement this week that the first lady is unaffected by the speculation about her whereabouts and condition.



"Mrs. Trump has always been a strong and independent woman who puts her family, and certainly her health above all else, and that won't change over a rabid press corps. She's confident in what she is doing and in her role, and knows the rest is just speculation and nonsense."



Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Sanchez Energy Corporation, an independent exploration and production company, focuses on the acquisition and development of U.S. onshore unconventional oil and natural gas resources. It engages in the horizontal development of resources from the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas. It also holds an undeveloped acreage position in the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale (TMS) in Mississippi and Louisiana. As of December 31, 2017, the company had assembled approximately 285,000 net acres in the Eagle Ford Shale; and owned approximately 37,000 net acres in the TMS. Sanchez Energy Corporation was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Read More
North American Construction Group Ltd. provides mining and heavy construction services to the resource development and industrial construction sectors in Canada and the United States The company's Heavy Construction & Mining division offers constructability reviews, budgetary cost estimates, design-build construction, project management, contract mining, pre-stripping/pit pioneering, overburden removal and stockpile, muskeg removal and stockpile, site preparation, air strip construction, site dewatering/perimeter ditching, tailings and process pipelines, haulage and access road construction, tailings dam construction and densification, mechanically stabilized earth walls, dyke construction, and reclamation services. Its Equipment Maintenance Services division provides fuel and lube servicing, portable steaming, equipment inspections, parts and component supply, major overhauls and equipment refurbishment, onsite haul truck brake testing, onsite maintenance support, under carriage rebuild, machining, hose manufacturing, and technical support services, as well as welding, fabrication/repairs, weld certification, and inspection services. As of December 31, 2020, the company had a heavy equipment fleet of 626 units. The company was formerly known as North American Energy Partners Inc. and changed its name to North American Construction Group Ltd. in April 2018. The company was founded in 1953 and is headquartered in Acheson, Canada.

Read More
The following companies are subsidiares of Occidental Petroleum: 1PointFive Inc., 1PointFive P1 LLC, APC Aviation Inc., APC International Holdings LLC, APC Midstream Holdings LLC, APC Venezuela Srl, ARCO Long Beach, Altura Energy, Amarok Gathering LLC, Anadarko 20-25 Company, Anadarko 20-36 Company, Anadarko 20-47 Company, Anadarko 20-48 Company, Anadarko 20-49 Company, Anadarko Algeria Block 403 c/e Company, Anadarko Algeria Block 406B Company, Anadarko Algeria Company LLC, Anadarko Algeria Oil & Gas Company, Anadarko Brazil Investment I LLC, Anadarko Brazil Investment II LLC, Anadarko Canada E&P Limited, Anadarko China Holdings 2 Company, Anadarko Colombia Company, Anadarko Consolidated Holdings LLC, Anadarko Cote d'Ivoire Block 103 Company, Anadarko Cote d'Ivoire Company, Anadarko DBMOS Operator LLC, Anadarko Development Company, Anadarko Development Holding Limited, Anadarko E&P Onshore LLC, Anadarko Egypt Holdings Company, Anadarko Energy Holding Limited, Anadarko Energy Services Company, Anadarko Exploracao e Producao de Petroleo e Gas Natural Ltda., Anadarko Finance Company, Anadarko Gabon Company, Anadarko Ghana Mahogany-1 Company, Anadarko Global Energy S.a.r.l, Anadarko Global Funding 1 Company, Anadarko Global Funding II Ltd., Anadarko Guyana Company, Anadarko Holding Company, Anadarko International Development S.a.r.l, Anadarko International Energy Company, Anadarko International O&G Company, Anadarko International Trading Corporation, Anadarko Jordan Company, Anadarko Kenya Company, Anadarko LMM S.a.r.l, Anadarko Land Corp., Anadarko Mexico B.V., Anadarko Mexico S.a.r.l, Anadarko Midkiff/Chaney Dell BR Corp., Anadarko Midkiff/Chaney Dell LLC, Anadarko Natural Gas Company LLC, Anadarko New Zealand Company, Anadarko OGC Company, Anadarko Offshore Holding Company LLC, Anadarko Offshore Well Containment Company LLC, Anadarko Oil & Gas 5 LLC, Anadarko Peru B.V., Anadarko Petroleum, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Anadarko Realty LLC, Anadarko Rockies LLC, Anadarko Royalty Holdings Company, Anadarko UK Corporate Limited, Anadarko US Offshore LLC, Anadarko USH1 Corporation, Anadarko Venezuela Company, Anadarko Venezuela LLC, Anadarko Venezuela Srl, Anadarko WCTP Company, Anadarko West Texas BR Corp., Anadarko West Texas LLC, Anadarko Worldwide Holdings C.V., Atlantic Rim Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Aventine LLC, Baseball Merger Sub 2 Inc., Bear Branch Exploration LLC, Big Island Trona Company, Bitter Creek Coal Company, Bravo Pipeline Company, Cain Chemical, Cain Chemical Inc., Carbon Finance Labs LLC, Concord Petroleum Corporation, Conn Creek Shale Company, D.S. Ventures LLC, DMM Financial LLC, Deerwood Exploration LLC, Downtown Plaza II, Elk Hills Field, FLAG Development LLC, FP Westport Commodities Limited, FP Westport GmbH, FP Westport LLC, FP Westport Limited, FP Westport Services LLC, FP Westport Trading LLC, Fosters Mill Exploration LLC, Glenn Springs Holdings Inc., Globrep Representaciones S.A., Grand Bassa Tankers Inc., Grupo OxyChem de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Headwater II LLC, Houndstooth Resources LLC, INDSPEC Chemical B.V., INDSPEC Chemical Corporation, INDSPEC Chemical Corporation, INDSPEC Chemical Export Sales LLC, INDSPEC Holding Corporation, Ingleside Cogeneration GP LLC, Ingleside Cogeneration Limited Partnership, Interore Trading Ltd., Joslyn Partnership, KERR-McGEE TT E&P LTD., KM BM-C-Seven Ltd., KM International Insurance Ltd., Kerr-McGee Corporation, Kerr-McGee Natural Gas Company Inc., Kerr-McGee Oil & Gas Onshore LP, Kerr-McGee Shared Services Company LLC, Kerr-McGee Stored Power Corporation, Kerr-McGee U.K. Energy Corporation, Kerr-McGee Worldwide Corporation, Kerr-McGee do Brasil Ltda., Kerr-McGee of Canada Northwest Ltd., Laguna Petroleum Corp., Laguna Petroleum LLC, Liwa Oil & Gas Ltd., MC2 Technologies LLC, Mariana Properties Inc., Marico Exploration Inc., Miller Springs Remediation Management Inc., Moncrief Minerals Partnership L.P., NGL Ventures LLC, Natural Gas Odorizing Inc., New OPL LLC, OEVC Energy LLC, OEVC Midstream Projects LLC, OIH LLC, OLCV CE Holdings ULC, OLCV CE US Holdings Inc., OLCV Net Power LLC, OLCV Services LLC, OOG Partner LLC, OOOI Chem Holdings LLC, OOOI Chem Sub LLC, OOOI Chemical International LLC, OOOI Chile Holder LLC, OOOI Ecuador Management LLC, OOOI Oil and Gas Sub LLC, OOOI South America Management LLC, OPM GP Inc., OPM Holdco LLC, OTCF LLC, OTH LLC, OXY CV Pipeline LLC, OXY Campus LLC, OXY Inc., OXY LPG LLC, OXY Libya E&P Area 103 BR4 B.V., OXY Libya E&P Area 35 Ltd., OXY Libya E&P Concession 103 Ltd., OXY Libya E&P EPSA 102 B.V., OXY Libya E&P EPSA 1981 Ltd., OXY Libya E&P EPSA 1985 Ltd., OXY Libya E&P NC 143 144 145 150 B.V., OXY Libya Exploration SPC, OXY Libya LLC, OXY Little Knife LLC, OXY Mexico Holdings I LLC, OXY Mexico Holdings II LLC, OXY Middle East Holdings Ltd., OXY Oil Partners Inc., OXY PBLP Manager LLC, OXY Support Services LLC, OXY Tulsa Inc., OXY USA Inc., OXY USA WTP LP, OXY VPP Investments LLC, OXY West LLC, OXY of Saudi Arabia Ltd., OXYCHEM (CANADA) INC., OXYMAR, Oakwood Exploration LLC, Occidental (Bermuda) Ltd., Occidental (East Shabwa) LLC, Occidental Advance Sale Finance Inc., Occidental Al Hosn LLC, Occidental Angola Holdings Ltd., Occidental CIS Services Inc., Occidental Canada Holdings Ltd., Occidental Chemical Asia Limited, Occidental Chemical Belgium B.V.B.A., Occidental Chemical Chile Limitada, Occidental Chemical Corporation, Occidental Chemical Export Sales LLC, Occidental Chemical Far East Limited, Occidental Chemical Holding Corporation, Occidental Chemical International LLC, Occidental Chemical Investment (Canada) 1 Inc., Occidental Chemical Receivables LLC, Occidental Chemical de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Occidental Chile Investments LLC, Occidental Chile Minority Holder LLC, Occidental Colombia (Series G) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series J) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series K) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series L) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series M) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series N) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series O) Ltd., Occidental Crude Sales Inc. (Canada), Occidental Crude Sales Inc. (International), Occidental Dolphin Holdings Ltd., Occidental Energy Marketing Inc., Occidental Energy Ventures LLC, Occidental Exploradora del Peru Ltd., Occidental Exploration and Production Company, Occidental Hafar LLC, Occidental International (Libya) Inc., Occidental International Corporation, Occidental International Exploration and Production Company, Occidental International Holdings Ltd., Occidental International Oil and Gas Ltd., Occidental International Services Inc., Occidental Joslyn GP 2 Co., Occidental LNG (Malaysia) Ltd., Occidental Latin America Holdings LLC, Occidental Libya Oil & Gas B.V., Occidental MENA Manager Ltd., Occidental Middle East Development Company, Occidental Midland Basin LLC, Occidental Mukhaizna LLC, Occidental Oil Asia Pte. Ltd., Occidental Oil Shale Inc., Occidental Oil and Gas (Oman) Ltd., Occidental Oil and Gas Corporation, Occidental Oil and Gas International Inc., Occidental Oil and Gas International LLC, Occidental Oil and Gas Pakistan LLC, Occidental Oil and Gas of Peru LLC, Occidental Oman (Block 27) Holdings Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 51 Holding Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 51 LLC, Occidental Oman Block 65 Holding Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 65 LLC, Occidental Oman Block 72 Holding Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 72 LLC, Occidental Oman Gas Company LLC, Occidental Oman Gas Holdings Ltd., Occidental Oman North Holdings Ltd., Occidental Oriente Exploration and Production Ltd., Occidental Overseas Holdings B.V., Occidental PVC LLC, Occidental Peninsula II Inc., Occidental Peninsula LLC, Occidental Permian Ltd., Occidental Permian Manager LLC, Occidental Permian Services Inc., Occidental Peruana Inc., Occidental Petrolera del Peru (Block 101) Inc., Occidental Petrolera del Peru (Block 103) Inc., Occidental Petroleum (Pakistan) Inc., Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Occidental Petroleum Corporation Political Action Committee, Occidental Petroleum de Venezuela S.A., Occidental Petroleum of Nigeria, Occidental Petroleum of Oman Ltd., Occidental Petroleum of Qatar Ltd., Occidental Power Marketing L.P., Occidental Power Services Inc., Occidental Qatar Energy Company LLC, Occidental Red Sea Development LLC, Occidental Research Corporation, Occidental Resource Recovery Systems Inc., Occidental Resources Company, Occidental Shah Gas Holdings Ltd., Occidental South America Finance LLC, Occidental Specialty Marketing Inc., Occidental Tower Corporation, Occidental Transportation Holding Corporation, Occidental West Texas Overthrust Inc., Occidental Yemen Ltd., Occidental Yemen Sabatain Inc., Occidental del Ecuador Inc., Occidental of Abu Dhabi (Bab) Ltd., Occidental of Abu Dhabi (Shah) Ltd., Occidental of Abu Dhabi Holdings Ltd., Occidental of Abu Dhabi LLC, Occidental of Abu Dhabi Ltd., Occidental of Bahrain Ltd., Occidental of Bangladesh Inc., Occidental of Colombia (Chipiron) Inc., Occidental of Colombia (Cosecha) Inc., Occidental of Colombia (Medina) Inc., Occidental of Colombia (Putumayo) Ltd., Occidental of Colombia (Teca) Ltd., Occidental of Colombia PUT-36 LLC, Occidental of Dubai Inc., Occidental of Iraq Holdings Ltd., Occidental of Iraq LLC, Occidental of Oman Inc., Occidental of Russia Ltd., Occidental of South Africa (Offshore) Inc., Occidental of Yemen (Block 75) LLC, Oceanic Marine Transport Ltd., Opcal Insurance Inc., Oryx Crude Trading & Transportation Inc., Oxy BridgeTex Limited Partnership, Oxy C & I Bulk Sales LLC, Oxy Canada Sales Inc., Oxy Carbon Solutions LLC, Oxy Carbon Storage LLC, Oxy Climate Ventures Inc., Oxy Cogeneration Holding Company LLC, Oxy Colombia Holdings LLC, Oxy Colombia TopCo Ltd., Oxy Delaware Basin LLC, Oxy Delaware Basin Plant LLC, Oxy Dolphin E&P LLC, Oxy Dolphin Pipeline LLC, Oxy Energy Canada Inc., Oxy Energy Services LLC, Oxy Expatriate Services Inc., Oxy FFT Holdings Inc., Oxy Holding Company (Pipeline) Inc., Oxy International Ventures Ltd., Oxy LPG Terminal LLC, Oxy Levelland Pipeline Company LLC, Oxy Levelland Terminal Company LLC, Oxy Low Carbon Ventures LLC, Oxy Midstream Strategic Development LLC, Oxy Oleoducto SOP LLC, Oxy Overseas Services Ltd., Oxy Permian Gathering LLC, Oxy Permian Plaza LLC, Oxy Petroleum de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Oxy Renewable Energy LLC, Oxy Salt Creek Pipeline LLC, Oxy TL LLC, Oxy Taft Hub LLC, Oxy Technology Ventures Inc., Oxy Transport I Company LLC, Oxy Vinyls Canada Co., Oxy Vinyls Export Sales LLC, Oxy Vinyls LP, Oxy Westwood Corporation, Oxy Y-1 Company, OxyChem Ingleside Ethylene Holdings Inc., OxyChem do Brasil Ltda., OxyChile Investments LLC, Oxychem Shipping Ltd., Permian Basin JV Tax Matters Member LLC, Permian Basin Limited Partnership, Permian VPP Holder LP, Permian VPP Manager LLC, Phibro, Placid Oil LLC, Ramlat Oxy Ltd., Rio de Viento Inc., Rodeo Midland Basin LLC, San Patricio Pipeline LLC, Scanports Shipping LLC, SequestCo LLC, Stetson Exploration LLC, Sun Offshore Gathering Company, Swiflite Aircraft Corporation, Transok Properties LLC, Troy Potter Inc., Turavent Oil GmbH [in liquidation], Tuscaloosa Holdings Inc., UP Petroleo III Ltd., Upland Industries Corporation, Venezuela US SRL, Vintage Gas Inc., Vintage Petroleum, Vintage Petroleum Argentina Ltd., Vintage Petroleum Boliviana Ltd., Vintage Petroleum International Finance B.V., Vintage Petroleum International Holdings LLC, Vintage Petroleum International LLC, Vintage Petroleum International Ventures Inc., Vintage Petroleum Italy Inc., Vintage Petroleum South America Holdings Inc., Vintage Petroleum South America LLC, Vintage Petroleum Turkey Inc., WGR Asset Holding Company LLC, WGR Canada Inc., Wardner Ranch Inc., Western Gas Resources Inc., Western Gas Resources-Westana Inc., Western Midstream Holdings LLC, Woodlands International Insurance Ltd., and YT Ranch LLC.
SociAtA GAnArale SociAtA anonyme provides financial services in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and France. The company offers retail banking services, including deposits and loans, vehicles and asset management, corporate finance, insurance, payments, investment, and online brokerage and financial information services; Internet, mobile, telephone, and service platforms; and online banking to individual and professional customers, businesses, non-profit associations and local authorities under the Societe Generale, CrAdit du Nord, and Boursorama Banque brands. It also provides international retail banking and financial services, comprising of deposit and loan products; consumer finance and car finance; mortgage facilities; corporate and investment banking; infrastructure, renewable energies, and agribusiness financing; life, retirement savings, and personal protection insurance products; vehicle leasing and fleet management services; and vendor and equipment finance services to corporate and individual customers. In addition, the company offers capital market services, such as fixed income and currencies, equities, and securities services; mergers and acquisitions, advisory and other corporate finance advisory services, and corporate banking and investment banking, as well as capital raising solutions for debt or equity, financial engineering, and hedging for issuers; transaction and payment services, comprising of cash management, trade finance, cash clearing and correspondent banking, supply chain finance, and foreign exchange services; and export finance, aircraft finance, shipping finance, real estate finance, and structured solutions and leasing. Further, it provides financial engineering and wealth management solutions; structured products, hedge funds, mutual funds, private equity funds and real estate investment solutions; and asset management solutions. SociAtA GAnArale SociAtA anonyme was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Paris, France.

Read More
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, provides various financial products and services to personal, business, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through four strategic business units: Canadian Personal and Business Banking; Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; U.S. Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; and Capital Markets. The company offers chequing, savings, and business accounts; mortgages; loans, lines of credit, student lines of credit, and business and agriculture loans; investment and insurance services; and credit cards, as well as overdraft protection services. It also provides day-to-day banking, borrowing and credit, investing and wealth, specialty, and international services; correspondent banking and online foreign exchange services; and cash management services. The company serves its customers through its banking centers, as well as direct, mobile, and remote channels. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce was founded in 1867 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

Read More
The following companies are subsidiares of Vodafone Group: 360 Connect S.A., [email protected] Telecom, A-ccelerator B.V., A-ccelerator Holding B.V, AAA (Euro) Limited, AAA (MCR) Limited, AAA (UK) Limited, Acorn Communications Limited, Africonnect (Zambia) Limited, Ag Mercantile Company Private Limited, Al-Amin Investments Limited, Amsterdamse Beheer- en Consultingmaatschappij B.V., Apollo Submarine Cable System Limited, Array Holdings Limited, Asian Telecommunication Investments (Mauritius) Limited, Aspective Limited, Astec Communications Limited, Autoconnex Limited, Aztec Limited, BelCompany BV, Bluefish Apac Communications Pte. Ltd, Bluefish Communications, Bluefish Communications Limited, Business Serve Limited, C&W Worldwide Nigeria Limited, C.S.P. Solutions Limited, CCII (Mauritius) Inc., CGP India Investments Ltd., CGP Investments (Holdings) Limited, COOP Mobil s.r.o, CT Networks Limited, CWGNL S.A., CWW Operations Limited, Cable & Wireless Access Limited, Cable & Wireless Americas Systems Inc., Cable & Wireless Aspac Holdings Limited, Cable & Wireless CIS Services Limited, Cable & Wireless CIS Svyaz LLC, Cable & Wireless Capital Limited , Cable & Wireless Communications Data Network Services Limited, Cable & Wireless Communications Starclass Limited, Cable & Wireless Communications Technical Service (Shanghai) Co. Ltd (Beijing Branch), Cable & Wireless Europe Holdings Limited, Cable & Wireless GN Limited, Cable & Wireless Global (India) Private Limited, Cable & Wireless Global Business Services Limited, Cable & Wireless Global Holding Limited, Cable & Wireless Global Telecommunication Services Limited, Cable & Wireless Holdco Limited, Cable & Wireless Networks India Private Limited, Cable & Wireless Trade Mark Management Limited, Cable & Wireless UK Holdings Limited, Cable & Wireless UK Services Limited, Cable & Wireless Waterside Holdings Limited, Cable & Wireless Worldwide, Cable & Wireless Worldwide Limited, Cable & Wireless Worldwide Pension Trustee Limited, Cable & Wireless Worldwide Services Limited, Cable & Wireless Worldwide Voice Messaging Limited, Cable & Wireless a-Services Inc, Cable & Wireless a-Services Limited, Cable and Wireless (India) Limited, Cable and Wireless (India) Limited Indian Branch Office, Cable and Wireless Nominee Limited, Cable and Wireless Worldwide South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Cavalry Holdings Ltd, Celfocus  Solucoes Informaticas Para Telecomunicacoes S.A, Cellops Limited, Cellular Operations Limited, Central Communications Group Limited, Central Telecom (Northern) Limited, Centurion GSM Limited, Chelys Limited, City Cable (Holdings) Limited, Cobra do Brasil Servicos de Telematica ltda., Commnet Cellular Inc., Complete Network Technology, Connect (India) Mobile Technologies Private Limited, Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Limited, Dataroam Limited , Device Insight, Digital Island (UK) Ltd, Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, East Africa Investment (Mauritius) Limited, Emtel Europe Limited, Energis (Ireland) Limited, Energis Communications Limited, Energis Holdings Limited, Energis Local Access Limited, Energis Management Limited, Energis Squared Limited, Erudite Systems Limited, Esprit Telecom B.V., Eudokia Limited, Euro Pacific Securities Ltd., Eurocall Holdings Limited, Europolitan Holdings AB (now Europolitan Vodafone AB), FB Holdings Limited, FM Associates (UK) Limited, FinCo Partner 1 B.V., FireFly Networks Limited, Flexphone Limited, GS Telecom (Pty) Limited, Gateway Communications Africa (UK) Limited, Gateway Communications Tanzania Limited, General Mobile Corporation, Generation Telecom Limited, Ghana Telecommunications, Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, Global Cellular Rental Limited, Globe Limited, GrandCentrix GmbH, Grupo Corporativo ONO S.A.U., H3ga Properties (No 3) Pty Limited, HBO Nederland Cooperatief U.A., HBO Netherlands Channels sro, HBO Netherlands Distribution B.V., Hellas Online, How2 Telecom Limited, Hutchison Essar Ltd, Indus Towers Limited, Intercell Communications Limited, Internet Network Services Limited, Invitation Digital Limited, Ipergy Communications NV, Isis Telecommunications Management Limited, Jaguar Communications Limited, Jaykay Finholding (India) Private Limited, Jupicol (Proprietary) Limited, KABELCOM Braunschweig Gesellschaft Fur BreitbandkabelKommunikation Mit Beschrankter Haftung, KABELCOM Wolfsburg Gesellschaft Fur BreitbandkabelKommunikation Mit Beschrankter Haftung, Kabel Deutschland, Kabel Deutschland Holding, Kabel Deutschland Holding Erste Beteiligungs GmbH, Kabel Deutschland Holding Zweite Beteilgungs GmbH, Kabel Deutschland Neunte Beteiligungs GmbH, Kabel Deutschland Siebte Beteiligungs GmbH, Kabelfernsehen Munchen Servicenter GmbH & Co. KG, LG Financing Partnership, LGE HoldCo V B.V., LGE HoldCo VI B.V., LGE HoldCo VIII B.V., LGE Holdco VII B.V., LLC Vodafone Enterprise Ukraine, Le Bunt Holdings Limited, Legend Communications Limited, Liberty Global, Liberty Global Content Netherlands B.V., London Hydraulic Power Company, M-PESA Foundation, M-PESA Holding Co. Limited, ML Integration Group Limited, ML Integration Limited, ML Integration Services Limited, MV Healthcare Services Private Limited, Mannesmann AG, MetroHoldings Limited, Mezzanine Ware Proprietary Limited (RF), Mirambo Limited, Misrfone Trading Company LLC, MobiFon S.A., Mobile Commerce Solutions Limited, Mobile Phone Centre Limited, Mobile Wallet VM1, Mobile Wallet VM2, Mobile by Sainsburys Limited, Mobiles 4 Business.com Limited, Mobileworld Communications Pty Limited, Mobileworld Operating Pty Ltd, Mobilvest, Motifpros 1 (Proprietary) Limited, Multi Risk Indemnity Company Limited, Multi Risk Limited, ND Callus Info Services Private Limited, Nadal Trading Company Private Limited, Nat Comm Air Limited, National Communications Backbone Company Limited, Navtrak Ltd, Netforce Group Limited, Netgrid Telecom SRL, Number Portability Company (Proprietary) Limited, ONO, Omega Telecom Holdings Private Limited, Oni Way  Infocomunicacoes S.A, Oskar Mobil S.R.O., Oxygen Solutions Limited, P.C.P. (North West) Limited, PPL Pty Limited, PT Network Services Limited, PTI Telecom Limited, Peoples Phone Limited, Pinnacle Cellular Group Limited, Pinnacle Cellular Limited, Plex Limited, Plustech Mercantile Company Private Limited, Prime Metals Ltd., Project Telecom Holdings Limited, Quickcomm Software Solutions, Radio Opt GmbH, Rian Mobile Limited, SBC SMART CITY 1517 B.V., SMMS Investments Pvt Limited, Safaricom Limited, Safenet N.P A., Sarmady Communications, Scarlet Ibis Investments 23 (Pty) Limited, Scorpios Beverages Pvt. Ltd, Silver Stream Investments Limited, Singlepoint (4U) Limited, Singlepoint (4U) Ltd., Singlepoint Payment Services Limited, Siro Limited, Spar Aerospace (Nigeria) Limited, Sport TV Portugal S.A, Starnet, Stentor Communications Limited, Stentor Limited, Storage Technology Services (Pty) Limited, T.W. Telecom Limited, T3 Telecommunications Limited, TKS Telepost Kabel-Service Kaiserslautern Beteiligungs GmbH, TKS Telepost Kabel-Service Kaiserslautern GmbH & Co. KG, TNAS Limited, TSM NZ Limited, Talkland Airtime Services Limited, Talkland Australia Pty Limited, Talkland Communications Limited, Talkland International Limited, Talkland Midlands Limited, Talkmobile Limited, Tele2 Italia SPA, Tele2 Spain, Telecom Investments India Private Limited, Telecommunications Europe Limited, Ternhill Communications Limited, The Cobra Group, The Eastern Leasing Company Limited, The Old Telecom Sales Co. Limited, Thus Group Holdings Limited, Thus Group Limited, Thus Limited, Thus Profit Sharing Trustees Limited, TnT Expense Management LLC, Tomorrow Street GP S.a r.l., Tomorrow Street SCA, Torenspits II B.V., Townley Communications Limited, Trans Crystal Ltd., UMT Investments Limited, UPC Nederland Holding I B.V., UPC Nederland Holding II B.V., UPC Nederland Holding III B.V., Unified Communications, Uniqueair Limited, Urbana Teleunion Rostock GmbH & Co.KG, Usha Martin Telematics Limited, VAPL No. 2 Pty Limited, VBA (Mauritius) Limited, VBA Holdings Limited, VBA International (SL) Limited, VBA International Limited, VEI S.r.l., VM SA, VND S.p.A, VSSB Vodafone Shared Services Budapest Private Limited Company, Verwaltung Urbana Teleunion Rostock GmbH, Victus Networks S.A., Vizzavi Finance Limited, Vizzavi Limited, Voda Limited, Vodacall Limited, Vodacash s.p.r.l., Vodacom (Pty) Limited, Vodacom Business (Angola) Limitada, Vodacom Business (Ghana) Limited, Vodacom Business (Kenya) Limited, Vodacom Business Africa (Nigeria) Limited, Vodacom Business Africa Group (Pty) Limited, Vodacom Business Africa Group Services Limited, Vodacom Business Cameroon SA, Vodacom Business Cote Divoire S.A.R.L., Vodacom Congo (RDC) SA, Vodacom Financial Services (Proprietary) Limited, Vodacom Group Limited, Vodacom Insurance Administration Company (Proprietary) Limited, Vodacom Insurance Company (RF) Limited, Vodacom International Holdings (Pty) Limited, Vodacom International Limited, Vodacom Lesotho (Pty) Limited, Vodacom Life Assurance Company (RF) Limited, Vodacom Payment Services (Proprietary) Limited, Vodacom Properties No 1 (Proprietary) Limited, Vodacom Properties No.2 (Pty) Limited, Vodacom Tanzania Limited Zanzibar, Vodacom Tanzania Public Limited Company, Vodacom UK Limited, Vodafone (NI) Limited, Vodafone (New Zealand) Hedging Limited, Vodafone (Scotland) Limited, Vodafone 2, Vodafone 4 UK, Vodafone 5 Limited, Vodafone 5 UK, Vodafone 6 UK, Vodafone Albania Sh.A, Vodafone Alternatif Telekom Hizmetleri A.S., Vodafone Americas 4, Vodafone Americas Virginia Inc., Vodafone And Qatar Foundation L.L.C, Vodafone Asset Management Services S.a r.l., Vodafone Australia Pty Limited, Vodafone Automotive Deutschland GmbH, Vodafone Automotive Electronic Systems S.r.L, Vodafone Automotive France S.A.S, Vodafone Automotive Iberia S.L, Vodafone Automotive Italia S.p.A, Vodafone Automotive Japan K.K, Vodafone Automotive Korea Limited, Vodafone Automotive SpA, Vodafone Automotive Technologies (Beijing) Co Ltd, Vodafone Automotive Telematics Development S.A.S, Vodafone Automotive Telematics S.A, Vodafone Automotive UK Limited, Vodafone Belgium SA/NV, Vodafone Benelux Limited, Vodafone Bilgi Ve Iletisim Hizmetleri AS, Vodafone Business Services Limited, Vodafone Business Solutions Limited, Vodafone Canada Inc, Vodafone Cellular Limited, Vodafone Central Services Limited, Vodafone China Limited (China), Vodafone China Limited (Hong Kong), Vodafone Connect 2 Limited, Vodafone Connect Limited, Vodafone Consolidated Holdings Limited, Vodafone Corporate Limited, Vodafone Corporate Secretaries Limited, Vodafone Czech Republic A.S., Vodafone DC Pension Trustee Company Limited, Vodafone Dagitim Hizmetleri A.S., Vodafone Data, Vodafone Distribution Holdings Limited, Vodafone Egypt Telecommunications S.A.E., Vodafone Elektronik Para Ve Odeme Hizmetleri A.S., Vodafone Empresa Brasil Telecomunicacoes Ltda, Vodafone Empresa Mexico S.de R.L. de C.V., Vodafone Enabler Espana S.L., Vodafone Enterprise Australia Pty Limited, Vodafone Enterprise Austria GmbH, Vodafone Enterprise Bahrain W.L.L., Vodafone Enterprise Bulgaria EOOD, Vodafone Enterprise Chile SA, Vodafone Enterprise Communications Technical Services (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Vodafone Enterprise Corporate Secretaries Limited, Vodafone Enterprise Denmark A/S, Vodafone Enterprise Equipment Limited, Vodafone Enterprise Europe (UK) Limited, Vodafone Enterprise Europe (UK) Limited  Czech Branch, Vodafone Enterprise Europe (UK) Limited  DubaiI Branch, Vodafone Enterprise Finland OY, Vodafone Enterprise France SAS, Vodafone Enterprise Germany GmbH, Vodafone Enterprise Global Businesses S.a r.l., Vodafone Enterprise Global Limited, Vodafone Enterprise Global Network HK Ltd, Vodafone Enterprise Global Network Pte. Ltd., Vodafone Enterprise Hong Kong Ltd, Vodafone Enterprise Italy S.r.L, Vodafone Enterprise Korea Limited, Vodafone Enterprise Luxembourg S.A., Vodafone Enterprise Netherlands BV, Vodafone Enterprise Norway AS, Vodafone Enterprise Regional Business Singapore Pte.Ltd., Vodafone Enterprise Singapore Pte.Ltd, Vodafone Enterprise Spain S.L.U.  Portugal Branch, Vodafone Enterprise Spain SLU, Vodafone Enterprise Sweden AB, Vodafone Enterprise Switzerland AG, Vodafone Erste Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Vodafone Espana S.A.U., Vodafone Euro Hedging Limited, Vodafone Euro Hedging Two, Vodafone Europe B.V., Vodafone Europe UK, Vodafone European Investments, Vodafone European Portal Limited, Vodafone Finance Limited, Vodafone Finance Luxembourg Limited, Vodafone Finance Sweden, Vodafone Finance UK Limited, Vodafone Financial Operations, Vodafone Financial Services B.V., Vodafone Fixed Ltd, Vodafone Foundation, Vodafone Foundation Australia Pty Limited, Vodafone Gestioni S.p.A, Vodafone Ghana Mobile Financial Services Limited, Vodafone Global Content Services Limited, Vodafone Global Enterprise (Hong Kong) Limited, Vodafone Global Enterprise (Italy) S.R.L., Vodafone Global Enterprise (Japan) K.K., Vodafone Global Enterprise (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Vodafone Global Enterprise Limited, Vodafone Global Enterprise Russia LLC, Vodafone Global Enterprise Taiwan Limited, Vodafone Global Enterprise Telecommunications (Hellas) A.E., Vodafone Global Network Limited, Vodafone Global Network Limited  Slovakia Branch, Vodafone Global Services Private Limited, Vodafone GmbH, Vodafone Group (Directors) Trustee Limited, Vodafone Group Pension Trustee Limited, Vodafone Group Services GmbH, Vodafone Group Services Ireland Limited, Vodafone Group Services Limited, Vodafone Group Services No.2 Limited, Vodafone Group Share Trustee Limited, Vodafone Hire Limited, Vodafone Holding A.S., Vodafone Holdings (Jersey) Limited, Vodafone Holdings (SA) Proprietary Limited, Vodafone Holdings Europe S.L.U., Vodafone Holdings Luxembourg Limited, Vodafone Hutchison Australia Pty Limited, Vodafone Hutchison Finance Pty Limited, Vodafone Hutchison Receivables Pty Limited, Vodafone IP Licensing Limited, Vodafone India Digital Limited, Vodafone India Limited, Vodafone India Services Private Limited, Vodafone India Ventures Limited, Vodafone Institut fur Gesellschaft und Kommunikation GmbH, Vodafone Intermediate Enterprises Limited, Vodafone International 1 S.a.r.l. Luxembourg Zweigniederlassung Bern, Vodafone International 1 S.a r.l., Vodafone International 2 Limited, Vodafone International Holdings B.V., Vodafone International Holdings Limited, Vodafone International M S.a r.l., Vodafone International Operations Limited, Vodafone International Services LLC, Vodafone Investment UK, Vodafone Investments (SA) Proprietary Limited, Vodafone Investments Australia Limited, Vodafone Investments Limited, Vodafone Investments Luxembourg S.a r.l., Vodafone Investments Luxembourg S.a r.l. Luxembourg Zweigniederlassung Bern, Vodafone Ireland Distribution Limited, Vodafone Ireland Ltd., Vodafone Ireland Marketing Limited, Vodafone Ireland Property Holdings Limited, Vodafone Ireland Retail Limited, Vodafone Italia S.p.A., Vodafone Jersey Dollar Holdings Limited, Vodafone Jersey Finance, Vodafone Jersey Yen Holdings Unlimited, Vodafone Kabel Deutschland Field Services GmbH, Vodafone Kabel Deutschland GmbH, Vodafone Kabel Deutschland Kundenbetreuung GmbH, Vodafone Kenya Limited, Vodafone Leasing Limited, Vodafone Libertel B.V., Vodafone Limited, Vodafone Luxembourg 5 S.a r.l., Vodafone Luxembourg 5 S.a r.l. Luxembourg Zweigniederlassung Bern, Vodafone Luxembourg S.a r.l., Vodafone Luxembourg S.a r.l. Luxembourg Zweigniederlassung Bern, Vodafone M-PESA SH.P.K., Vodafone M-Pesa S.A, Vodafone M.C. Mobile Services Limited , Vodafone Magyarorszag Mobile Tavkozlesi Zartkoruen Mukodo Reszvenytarsasag, Vodafone Malta Limited, Vodafone Marketing UK , Vodafone Maroc SARL, Vodafone Mauritius Ltd., Vodafone Mobile Commerce Limited, Vodafone Mobile Communications Limited, Vodafone Mobile Enterprises Limited, Vodafone Mobile NZ Limited, Vodafone Mobile Network Limited, Vodafone Mobile Operations Limited, Vodafone Mobile Services Limited, Vodafone Multimedia Limited, Vodafone Nederland Holding I B.V., Vodafone Nederland Holding II B.V., Vodafone Nederland Holding III B.V., Vodafone Net Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S., Vodafone Network Pty Limited, Vodafone New Zealand Foundation Limited, Vodafone New Zealand Limited, Vodafone Next Generation Services Limited, Vodafone Nominees Limited1, Vodafone ONO S.A.U., Vodafone Oceania Limited, Vodafone Old Show Ground Site Management Limited, Vodafone Overseas Finance Limited, Vodafone Overseas Holdings Limited, Vodafone Panafon International Holdings B.V., Vodafone Panafon UK, Vodafone Partner Services Limited, Vodafone Payment Solutions S.a r.l., Vodafone Portugal  Comunicacoes Pessoais S.A., Vodafone Procurement Company S.a r.l., Vodafone Property Investments Limited, Vodafone Pty Limited, Vodafone Qatar Q.S.C., Vodafone Retail (Holdings) Limited , Vodafone Retail Limited, Vodafone Roaming Services S.a r.l., Vodafone Romania S.A, Vodafone Romania M - Payments SRL, Vodafone Romania Technologies SRL, Vodafone Sales & Services Limited, Vodafone Satellite Services Limited, Vodafone Servicios SL.U, Vodafone Servizi E Tecnologie S.R.L, Vodafone Servicos Empresariais Brasil Ltda., Vodafone Shared Services Romania SRL, Vodafone Specialist Communications Limited, Vodafone Stiftung Deutschland Gemeinnutzige GmbH, Vodafone Technology Solutions Limited, Vodafone Teknoloji Hizmetleri A.S., Vodafone Tele-Services (India) Holdings Limited, Vodafone Telecel-Comunicates Pessoais S.A., Vodafone Telecommunications (India) Limited, Vodafone Telekomunikasyon A.S, Vodafone Towers Limited, Vodafone UK Content Services Limited, Vodafone UK Investments Limited , Vodafone UK Limited1 , Vodafone US Inc, Vodafone Ventures Limited1 , Vodafone Vierte Verwaltungs AG, Vodafone Worldwide Holdings Limited, Vodafone Yen Finance Limited , Vodafone m-pesa Limited, Vodafone-Central Limited Vodaphone Limited, Vodafone-Panafon Hellenic Telecommunications Company S.A., VodafoneZiggo Group Holding B.V, Vodata Limited , Vouchercloud SA (Pty) Ltd, Wataneya Telecommunications S.A.E, Waterberg Lodge (Proprietary) Limited, Wayfinder, Wheatfields Investments 276 (Proprietary) Limited, Wireless Interactions & NFC Accelerator 2013 B.V., Woodend Cellular Limited, Woodend Communications Limited, Woodend Group Limited, Woodend Holdings Limited, XB Facilities B.V, XLink Communications (Proprietary) Limited, Your Communications Group Limited, ZUM B.V., ZYB, Zelitron S.A., Zesko B.V., Ziggo B.V., Ziggo Bond Company B.V., Ziggo Deelnemingen B.V., Ziggo Finance 2 B.V., Ziggo Financing Partnership, Ziggo Holding B.V., Ziggo Netwerk B.V., Ziggo Netwerk II B.V., Ziggo Services B.V., Ziggo Services Employment B.V., Ziggo Services Netwerk 2 B.V., Ziggo Zakelijk Services B.V., and Zoranet Connectivity Services B.V..
Square, Inc. provides payment and point-of-sale solutions in the United States and internationally. The company's commerce ecosystem includes point-of-sale software and hardware that enables sellers to turn mobile and computing devices into payment and point-of-sale solutions. It offers hardware products, including Magstripe reader, which enables swiped transactions of magnetic stripe cards; Contactless and chip reader that accepts EMV chip cards and Near Field Communication payments; Chip card reader, which accepts EMV chip cards and enables swiped transactions of magnetic stripe cards; Square Stand, which enables an iPad to be used as a payment terminal or full point of sale solution; and Square Register that combines its hardware, point-of-sale software, and payments technology, as well as managed payments solutions. The company also provides Square Point of Sale software; Cash App, which provides access to the financial system, allowing customers to electronically send, store, and spend money; Caviar, a food ordering platform for restaurants to offer food ordering, pickup and delivery, to their customers; and Square Capital that facilitates loans to sellers based on real-time payment and point-of-sale data. Square, Inc. was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Read More
American Water Works Co., Inc. engages in the provision of complementary water and wastewater services. It operates through the following segments: Regulated Businesses; Market-Based Businesses; and Other. The Regulated Businesses segment provides water and wastewater services to customers. The Market-Based Businesses segment is responsible for Military Services Group, Contract Operations Group, Homeowner Services Group, and Keystone Operations. The Other segment includes corporate costs that are not allocated to the Company's operating segments, eliminations of inter-segment transactions, fair value adjustments and associated income and deductions related to the acquisitions that have not been allocated to the operating segments for evaluation of performance and allocation of resource purposes. The company was founded in 1886 and is headquartered in Camden, NJ.

Read More
The following companies are subsidiares of The Sherwin-Williams: Acquire Sourcing LLC, CTS National Corporation, Comex North America Inc., Compania Sherwin-Williams S.A. de C.V., Contract Transportation Systems Co., Dongguan Lilly Paint Industries Ltd, Duron, EPS (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., EPS B.V., Geocel Holdings, Geocel Limited, Guangdong Valspar Paints Manufacturing Co Ltd., Inver East Med S.A., Inver France SAS, Inver GmbH, Inver Industrial Coating SRL, Inver Polska Spoka Z O.O, Inver Spa, Invercolor Bologna Srl, Invercolor Ltd, Invercolor Roma Srl, Invercolor Torino Srl, Invercolor Toscana Srl, Isocoat Tintas e Vernizes Ltda, Isva Vernici Srl, Leighs Paints, M.A. Bruder & Sons, Omega Specialty Products & Services LLC, Oy Sherwin-Williams Finland Ab, PT Sherwin-Williams Indonesia, PT Valspar Indonesia, Paint Sundry Brands, Pinturas Condor S.A., Pinturas Industriales S.A., Piton Paints Limited, Plasti-Kote Co. Inc., Plasti-kote Limited, Productos Quimicos y Pinturas S.A. de C.V., Quest Automotive Products UK Limited, Quetzal Pinturas S.A. de C.V., Ronseal (Ireland) Limited, SWIMC LLC, SWIPCO  Sherwin Williams do Brasil Propriedade Intelectual Ltda, Sherwin Williams Colombia S.A.S., Sherwin-Williams (Australia) Pty. Ltd., Sherwin-Williams (Belize) Limited, Sherwin-Williams (Caribbean) N.V., Sherwin-Williams (Ireland) Limited, Sherwin-Williams (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Sherwin-Williams (Nantong) Coatings Technology Co. Ltd., Sherwin-Williams (Nantong) Company Limited, Sherwin-Williams (S) Pte. Ltd., Sherwin-Williams (Shanghai) Limited, Sherwin-Williams (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Sherwin-Williams (Vietnam) Limited, Sherwin-Williams (West Indies) Limited, Sherwin-Williams Argentina I.y C.S.A., Sherwin-Williams Aruba VBA, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Mexico S.de R.L.de C.V., Sherwin-Williams Balkan S.R.L., Sherwin-Williams Bel Unitary Enterprise, Sherwin-Williams Benelux NV, Sherwin-Williams Canada Inc., Sherwin-Williams Cayman Islands Limited, Sherwin-Williams Chile S.A., Sherwin-Williams Coatings India Private Limited, Sherwin-Williams Coatings S.a r.l., Sherwin-Williams Czech Republic spol. s r.o, Sherwin-Williams Denmark A/S, Sherwin-Williams Deutschland GmbH, Sherwin-Williams Diversified Brands Limited, Sherwin-Williams France Finishes SAS, Sherwin-Williams Italy S.r.l., Sherwin-Williams Norway AS, Sherwin-Williams Paints Limited Liability Company, Sherwin-Williams Peru S.R.L., Sherwin-Williams Pinturas de Venezuela S.A., Sherwin-Williams Poland Sp. z o.o, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings, Sherwin-Williams Realty Holdings Inc., Sherwin-Williams Services (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Sherwin-Williams Spain Coatings S.L., Sherwin-Williams Sweden AB, Sherwin-Williams UK Coatings Limited, Sherwin-Williams do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., Spanyc Paints Joint Stock Company, Syntema I Vaggeryd AB, Taiwan Valspar Co. Ltd., The Sherwin-Williams Acceptance Corporation, The Sherwin-Williams Headquarters Company, The Sherwin-Williams Manufacturing Company, The Sherwin-Williams US Licensing Company, The Valspar (Asia) Corporation Limited, The Valspar (Australia) Corporation Pty. Ltd., The Valspar (Finland) Corporation Oy, The Valspar (France) Corporation S.A.S., The Valspar (France) Research Corporation SAS, The Valspar (Malaysia) Corporation Sdn Bhd, The Valspar (Nantes) Corporation S.A.S., The Valspar (Singapore) Corporation Pte. Ltd, The Valspar (South Africa) Corporation (Pty) Ltd, The Valspar (Spain) Corporation S.R.L., The Valspar (Switzerland) Corporation AG, The Valspar (Thailand) Corporation Ltd., The Valspar (UK) Corporation Limited, The Valspar (Vietnam) Corporation Ltd., The Valspar Corporation, The Valspar Corporation Limitada, UAB Sherwin-Williams Baltic, Valspar (India) Coatings Corporation Private Limited, Valspar (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., Valspar (Uruguay) Corporation S.A., Valspar (WPC) Pty Ltd, Valspar Aries Coatings S. de R.L. de C.V., Valspar Automotive (UK) Corporation Limited, Valspar Automotive Australia Pty Limited, Valspar B.V., Valspar Coatings (Guangdong) Co. Ltd., Valspar Coatings (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Valspar Coatings (Tianjin) Co. Ltd, Valspar D.o.o Beograd, Valspar Industries (Ireland) Ltd., Valspar Industries (Italy) S.r.l., Valspar Industries GmbH, Valspar LLC, Valspar Mexicana S.A. de C.V., Valspar Paint (Australia) Pty Ltd, Valspar Paint (NZ) Limited, Valspar Powder Coatings Limited, Valspar Rock Company Limited (Japan), Valspar Specialty Paints LLC, and ZAO Sherwin-Williams.
Smurfit Kappa Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, distributes, and sells paper-based packaging products. It operates in two segments, Europe and the Americas. The company offers consumer, retail, industrial, ecommerce, heavy-duty corrugated, and hexacomb packaging products, as well as composite cardboard tubes, and bags and sacks; and bag-in-box, a single-use packaging system that comprises films, accessories, bags, taps, and boxes. It also provides point of sale displays; automated packing lines; various types of containerboards, such as Kraftliners, testliners, and containerboard flutings; and corrugated sheet boards, solid board sheets, folding carton sheet boards, sack Kraft papers, MG Kraft papers, preprints, printing and writing papers, pine and eucalyptus seedlings, and bleached eucalyptus Kraft pulp, as well as agro paper. In addition, the company offers recycling solutions to cardboard and paper products, as well as operates as a finance company. It primarily serves food and drink, consumer goods, and industrial goods sectors. The company was founded in 1934 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

Read More
The following companies are subsidiares of Eaton: ADF Systems SARL, Abeiron III Limited, Aeroquip (UK) Limited, Aeroquip Financial Ltd., Aeroquip Iberica S.L., Aeroquip International Inc., Aeroquip Limited, Aeroquip do Brasil Ltda., Aeroquip-Vickers, Aeroquip-Vickers Canada Inc., Aeroquip-Vickers International S.a.r.L., Aphel Technologies, Argo-Tech, Arrow Hose & Tubing, Arrow-Hart S. de R.L. de C.V., Azonix Corporation, Babco Electric Group, Beijing Internormen-Filter Ltd. Co., Beijing Yoosung Shinhwa Automobile Parts Co. Ltd., Blinda Industria e Comercio Ltda., Bussmann International Holdings LLC, Bussmann International Inc., Bussmann S. de R.L. de C.V., Bussmann do Brasil Ltda., CBE Services Inc., CEAG Notlichtsysteme GmbH, CI ESI de Colombia, CTI-VIENNA Gesellschaft zur Prufung elektrotechnischer Industrieprodukte GmbH, Cambridge International Insurance Company Ltd., Cannon Technologies Inc., Centralion Industrial Inc., Chagrin Highlands III Limited, Cobham, Componentes de Iluminacion S. de R.L. de C.V., Cooper (China) Co. Ltd., Cooper (Ningbo) Electric Co. Ltd., Cooper B-Line Inc., Cooper Bermuda Investments Ltd., Cooper Bussmann (U.K.) Limited, Cooper Bussmann Hungaria Kft., Cooper Bussmann LLC, Cooper Capri S.A.S., Cooper Colombia Investments Ltd., Cooper Controls (Watford) Limited, Cooper Controls Limited, Cooper Crouse-Hinds (LLC), Cooper Crouse-Hinds (UK) Ltd., Cooper Crouse-Hinds AS, Cooper Crouse-Hinds B.V., Cooper Crouse-Hinds GmbH, Cooper Crouse-Hinds LLC, Cooper Crouse-Hinds MTL Inc., Cooper Crouse-Hinds Pte. Ltd., Cooper Crouse-Hinds S. de R.L. de C.V., Cooper Crouse-Hinds S.A., Cooper Csa Srl, Cooper Edison (Pingdingshan) Electronic Technologies Co. Ltd., Cooper Electric (Changzhou) Co. Ltd., Cooper Electrical Australia Pty. Limited, Cooper Electrical International LLC, Cooper Electronic Technologies (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cooper Enterprises LLC, Cooper Finance (Canada) L.P., Cooper Finance Group Ltd., Cooper Finance USA Inc., Cooper Germany Holdings GmbH, Cooper India Private Limited, Cooper Industrials, Cooper Industries (Canada) Inc., Cooper Industries (Electrical) Inc., Cooper Industries Colombia S.A.S., Cooper Industries FZE, Cooper Industries Finance B.V., Cooper Industries Finanzierungs-GbR, Cooper Industries Global B.V., Cooper Industries Holdings (Canada) Inc., Cooper Industries Holdings GmbH, Cooper Industries International LLC, Cooper Industries Japan K.K., Cooper Industries LLC, Cooper Industries Malaysia SDN BHD, Cooper Industries Middle East LLC, Cooper Industries Poland LLC, Cooper Industries Romania SRL, Cooper Industries Russia LLC, Cooper Industries Trading Limited, Cooper Industries UK Subco Limited, Cooper Industries Unlimited Company, Cooper Industries Vietnam LLC, Cooper Interconnect, Cooper International Holdings S.a.r.l., Cooper Investment Group Ltd., Cooper Investment Group S a.r.l., Cooper Investments Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Cooper Korea Ltd., Cooper Lighting LLC, Cooper Lighting de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Cooper Menvier France SARL, Cooper Mexico Distribucion S. de R.L. de C.V., Cooper Netherlands Investments Ltd., Cooper Notification Inc., Cooper Offshore Holdings S.a.r.l., Cooper Power Systems LLC, Cooper Power Systems do Brasil Ltda., Cooper Pretronica Lda., Cooper Safety B.V., Cooper Securite S.A.S., Cooper Security Limited, Cooper Shanghai Power Capacitor Co. Ltd., Cooper Switzerland Investments Ltd., Cooper Technologies Company, Cooper Univel S.A., Cooper Wheelock Inc., Cooper Wiring Devices Inc., Cooper Wiring Devices Manufacturing S. de R.L. de C.V., Cooper Wiring Devices de Mexico S.A de C.V., Cooper Xi'an Fusegear Co. Ltd., Cooper Yuhua (Changzhou) Electric Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Copperlogic, Cutler-Hammer Electrical Company, Cutler-Hammer Industries Ltd., Cutler-Hammer SRL, Cyme International T & D Inc., D.P. Eaton Electric, Digital Lighting (Dong Guan) Co. Ltd., Digital Lighting Co. Limited, Digital Lighting Holdings Limited, Dongguan Cooper Electronics Co. Ltd., Dongguan Fu Li An Electronics Co. Ltd., Dongguan Wiring Devices Electronics Co. Ltd., E. Begerow, E.A. Pedersen Co., EIC Holding GP I, EIC Holding GP II, EIC Holding GP III, EIC Holding GP IV, EIC Holding I LLC, EIC Holding II LLC, EIC Holding III LLC, EIC Holding IV LLC, EIC Holding V LLC, EIC Holding VI LLC, ETN Asia International Limited, ETN Holding 1 Limited, ETN Holding 2 Limited, ETN Holding 3 Limited, EX Innovations Limited, Eaton (China) Investments Co. Ltd., Eaton Aeroquip, Eaton Aerospace LLC, Eaton Ann Arbor LLC, Eaton Asia Investments Corporation, Eaton Automation G.m.b.H, Eaton Automation Holding G.m.b.H., Eaton Automotive Components Spolka z.o.o., Eaton Automotive Spolka z.o.o., Eaton Automotive Systems Spolka z.o.o., Eaton B.V., Eaton C.V., Eaton CHB LLC, Eaton Capital Unlimited Co., Eaton Controls (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Eaton Controls (UK) Limited, Eaton Controls S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Corporation, Eaton ETN Offshore Company, Eaton ETN Offshore II Company, Eaton Electric, Eaton Electric & Engineering Services Limited, Eaton Electric (Japan) Ltd., Eaton Electric (South Africa) Pty Ltd., Eaton Electric (Thailand) Ltd., Eaton Electric AS, Eaton Electric ApS, Eaton Electric Company Ltd., Eaton Electric G.m.b.H., Eaton Electric Holdings LLC, Eaton Electric Limited, Eaton Electric Manufacturing Middle East LLC, Eaton Electric S.I.A., Eaton Electric S.a.r.l., Eaton Electric S.r.l., Eaton Electric SPRL, Eaton Electric Sales Ltd., Eaton Electric Spolka z.o.o., Eaton Electric d.o.o., Eaton Electric s.r.o., Eaton Electric s.r.o. (Slovak Republic), Eaton Electrical (Zhongshan) Co. Ltd., Eaton Electrical Equipment Co. Ltd., Eaton Electrical IP G.m.b.H. & Co. KG, Eaton Electrical Ltd., Eaton Electrical Products Limited, Eaton Electrical S.A., Eaton Electrical S.A. (Venezuela), Eaton Electrical Systems Limited, Eaton Electro Productie S.r.l., Eaton Elektrik Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Eaton Elektrotechnika s.r.o., Eaton Energy Solutions Inc., Eaton Enterprises (Hungary) Kft., Eaton Enterprises Limited, Eaton Enterprises S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton FZE, Eaton Filtration, Eaton Filtration (Denmark) ApS, Eaton Filtration (Italy) S.r.l., Eaton Filtration (Poland) Sp. z.o.o., Eaton Filtration (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Eaton Filtration BVBA, Eaton Finance (Ireland) Limited, Eaton Finance S.a.r.l., Eaton Fluid Power (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Eaton Fluid Power Limited, Eaton Fluid Power S.r.l., Eaton France Holding S.A.S., Eaton Germany G.m.b.H., Eaton GmbH & Co. KG, Eaton Holding (Austria) G.m.b.H., Eaton Holding (Netherlands) B.V., Eaton Holding (UK) II Limited, Eaton Holding G.m.b.H., Eaton Holding I B.V., Eaton Holding I Limited, Eaton Holding II LLC, Eaton Holding II Limited, Eaton Holding II S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding III B.V., Eaton Holding III Limited, Eaton Holding III S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding IV S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding IX S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding International LLC, Eaton Holding LLC, Eaton Holding Limited, Eaton Holding S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding SE & Co. KG, Eaton Holding SRL, Eaton Holding V B.V., Eaton Holding V S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding VI B.V., Eaton Holding VI S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding VII B.V., Eaton Holding VIII S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding X S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding XII B.V./S.a.r.l., Eaton Holec AB, Eaton Holec OY, Eaton Hydraulics (Luzhou) Co. Ltd., Eaton Hydraulics (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., Eaton Hydraulics (Proprietary) Limited, Eaton Hydraulics LLC, Eaton Hydraulics Systems (Jining) Co. Ltd., Eaton I Spolka z.o.o., Eaton II LP, Eaton III LP, Eaton IV LP, Eaton India Innovation Center LLP, Eaton Industrial Clutches and Brakes (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Eaton Industrial Corporation, Eaton Industrial IP G.m.b.H. & Co. KG, Eaton Industrial Systems Private Limited, Eaton Industries (Argentina) S.A., Eaton Industries (Austria) G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries (Belgium) BVBA, Eaton Industries (Canada) Company, Eaton Industries (Chile) S.p.A., Eaton Industries (Colombia) S.A.S., Eaton Industries (Egypt) LLC, Eaton Industries (England) Limited, Eaton Industries (France) S.A.S., Eaton Industries (Ireland) Ltimited, Eaton Industries (Israel) Ltd., Eaton Industries (Italy) S.r.l., Eaton Industries (Japan) Ltd., Eaton Industries (Jining) Co. Ltd, Eaton Industries (Korea) Limited, Eaton Industries (Luxembourg) B.V./S.a.r.l., Eaton Industries (Morocco) LLC, Eaton Industries (Netherlands) B.V., Eaton Industries (Philippines) LLC, Eaton Industries (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Eaton Industries (Spain) S.L., Eaton Industries (Thailand) Ltd., Eaton Industries (U.K.) Limited, Eaton Industries (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Eaton Industries Company, Eaton Industries EOOD, Eaton Industries G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries Holding G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries Holdings Ltd., Eaton Industries II G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries KFT, Eaton Industries LP, Eaton Industries Manufacturing G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries Panama S.A., Eaton Industries Pte. Ltd., Eaton Industries Pty. Ltd., Eaton Industries S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Industries SAC, Eaton Industries Sdn. Bhd., Eaton Industries s.r.o., Eaton International B.V., Eaton International Corporation, Eaton International Industries Nigeria Limited, Eaton Japan Co. Ltd., Eaton LLC, Eaton LP, Eaton Leasing Corporation, Eaton Ltda., Eaton MEDC Limited, Eaton Madeira SGPS Lda., Eaton Manufacturing G.m.b.H., Eaton Manufacturing II G.m.b.H., Eaton Manufacturing III G.m.b.H., Eaton Manufacturing LP, Eaton Middle East LLC, Eaton Moeller B.V., Eaton Moeller S.a.r.l., Eaton Phoenixtec MMPL Co. Ltd., Eaton Power Quality (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Eaton Power Quality AB, Eaton Power Quality Limited, Eaton Power Quality OY (Finland), Eaton Power Quality Private Limited, Eaton Power Quality S.A.S., Eaton Power Solution Ltda., Eaton Production International G.m.b.H., Eaton Protection Systems IP G.m.b.H. & Co. KG, Eaton S.A.S., Eaton S.r.l., Eaton SAMC (Shanghai) Aircraft Conveyance System, Eaton SE, Eaton Safety IP G.m.b.H. & Co. KG, Eaton Safety Limited, Eaton Senstar Automotive Fluid Connector (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Eaton Services S.a.r.l., Eaton Solutions S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Switzerland Holding I GmbH, Eaton Switzerland Holding II GmbH, Eaton Technologies (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Eaton Technologies G.m.b.H., Eaton Technologies IP G.m.b.H. & Co. KG, Eaton Technologies Private Limited, Eaton Technologies S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Technologies S.A., Eaton Trading Company S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Truck Components (Proprietary) Ltd., Eaton Truck Components S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Truck Components Spolka z.o.o., Eaton Truck and Bus Components (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Eaton US Holdings Inc., Eaton Worldwide LLC, Eaton-Powerware, Electromanufacturas S de R.L. de C.V., Electrum Group Ltd., Elpro Technologies Pty. Limited, Ephesus Lighting, Ephesus Lighting Inc., FHF Bergbautechnik GmbH & Co. KG, FHF Funke+Huster Fernsig GmbH, FHF New World GmbH, Fast Eaton (Xi'an) Drivetrain Company Ltd., Fifth Light Technology Ltd., Funke+Huster (Tianjin) Electronics Co. Ltd., Funke+Huster GmbH, GeCma Components electronic GmbH, Georgetown Financial Services Ltd., Gitiesse Asia Pte. Ltd., Gitiesse S.r.l., Green Holding Company, Green Motion, Guangzhou Nittan Valve Co. Ltd., Hein Moeller Stiftung G.m.b.H., Hernis Scan System do Brasil Comercio E Servicos LTDA, Hernis Scan Systems - Asia Pte. Ltd., Hernis Scan Systems A/S, IE Power, Illumination Management Solutions Inc., Iluminacion Cooper de las Californias S de R.L. de C.V., Innovative Switchgear Solutions Inc, Institute for International Product Safety G.m.b.H., Integrated Hydraulics, Integrated Partial Discharge Diagnostics, Intelligent Switchgear Organization LLC, Internormen Filters Private Limited, Internormen Technology, Jeil Hydraulics, Kaicheng Funke+Huster (Tangshan) Mining Electrical Co. Ltd., Lian Zheng Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., MP Group SAS, MTL Instruments (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, MTL Instruments B.V., MTL Instruments GmbH, MTL Instruments LLC, MTL Instruments Private Limited, MTL Instruments SARL, MTL Italia Srl, MTL Partners II Inc., MTL Partners Inc., Marina Power and Lighting, Martek Power F SAS, Martek Power GmbH, Martek Power Limited, Martek Power Limited (UK), Martek Power S.A. de C.V., Martek Power SA, McGraw-Edison Development Corporation, Measurement Technology Limited, Menvier Overseas Holdings Limited, Micro Innovation Holding, Moeller Electric (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Moeller Electric Ltda., Moeller Electrical Equipment (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Moeller Holding Gmbh & Co. KG, Moeller Industria de electro-electronicos do Amazonas Ltda., Morestana, Nittan BVI Co. Ltd., Nittan Euro Tech Spolka z o.o., Nittan Global Tech Co. Ltd., Nittan Valve Co. Ltd., Norex AS, Ocean Technical Systems Limited, Oxalis Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Oxalis Group, Oxalis Group Limited, PKL LLC, PT. Eaton Industries, PT. Fluid Sciences Batam, PerkinElmer - aerospace division, Phoenixtec Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Phoenixtec International Corp., Phoenixtec Power, Pigozzi, Polaron Components Limited, Polimer Hortum Teknolojileri Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Polimer Kaucuk Sanayi Ve Pazarlama, Polimer Kaucuk Sanayi ve Pazarlama A.S., Power Distribution, Pringle Electrical Manufacturing, Productos Eaton Livia S.L., Pulizzi Engineering, RTE Far East Corporation, RTK Instruments Limited, Riseson International Limited, Rizhao Yoosung Shinhwa Automobile Parts Co. Ltd., Rolec Comercial e Industrial, SOURIAU, Santak Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Santak Electronics Company Limited, Saturn Insurance Company Ltd., Scantronic Benelux B.V., Schreder-Hazemeyer, Scoremax Limited, Sefelec GmbH, Sefelec SAS, Semelec SAS, Senyuan International Holdings Limited, Senyuan International Investments Limited, Shinhwa Precision Co. Ltd., Shinhwa Takahashi Precision Co. Ltd., Silver Light International Limited, Silver Victory Hong Kong Limited, Standard Automation & Control LP, Sure Power Inc., TGM Automotiva, TT (Ireland) Acquisition Limited, Tai Ah Electrical Ltd., Taiwan Nittan Industrial Co. Ltd., Telkom Kenya, The MTL Instruments Group Limited, The Oxalis Protection Technology India Private Limited, Tractech, Tractech (Ireland) Limited, Tractech Industries (Ireland) Limted, Tripp Lite, Turlock B.V., Tuthill Coupling Group, U.S. Engine Valve Company, UPE Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Ultronics, Ultronics Nordic Sales AB, Ulusoy, Vickers International Inc., Vickers Systems Limited, Viking Electronics Inc., WPI-Boston Division Inc., Winner Hydraulics Ltd., Wireless Power and Communications AS, Wright Line, Wright Line Holding Inc., Wright Line LLC, and Zhenjiang Daqo Eaton Electrical Systems Co. Ltd..
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.
William Lyon Homes, together with its subsidiaries, designs, constructs, markets, and sells single-family detached and attached homes in California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Texas. It sells its homes primarily to entry-level, first-time move-up, and second-time move-up homebuyers. The company offers its services through in-house commissioned sales personnel and outside brokers. As of December 31, 2018, it owned approximately 17,649 lots and had options to purchase an additional 11,892 lots. The company was founded in 1954 and is headquartered in Newport Beach, California.

Read More
New Delhi: The CBI has questioned industrialist and former Congress Parliamentarian Naveen Jindal in connection with its probe into a 2014 case registered by the agency against Jindal Steel and Power (JSPL), among others, for alleged cheating and corruption.

As per sources, Jindal appeared before the CBI at its headquarters on Monday and was quizzed for nearly five hours. This was the 36th FIR filed by CBI in 2014 in connection with its probe into the coal blocks allocation scam.

This case was registered against Jindal Stripes, JSPL and unknown public officials for alleged criminal conspiracy and cheating under the IPC and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, sources said.

Soon after registering the case, the agency carried out searches at four locations in Raigarh and Chhattisgarh. The case pertains to allocation of Gare Palma IV/1 coal block to Jindal Strips and JSPL.

Allegations pertain to irregular mining lease beyond the approved area, excess coal mining, sale of coal, sale of coal fines and rejects and irregular consumption of coal in new extension plants, the CBI FIR said. The Gare-Palma IV/1 captive coal block covering 7.03 sq km in

Mand-Raigad and with geological reserves of 124 million tonnes, was allocated under captive dispensation to Jindal Strips for the end-use of sponge iron production on June 20, 1996. The case was the outcome of a preliminary enquiry filed on September 26, 2012 looking into the allocation of coal blocks during the period between 1993 and 2005.
Facebook has data-sharing partnerships with Huawei, Lenovo, Oppo and TCL, which gave these Chinese companies private access to certain user data. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

Washington: Facebook has data-sharing pacts with at least four Chinese companies including Huawei that has been flagged by American intelligence agencies as a national security threat, a media report has claimed.

Facebook said the agreements with the Chinese companies allowed them access similar to what was offered to BlackBerry, which could retrieve detailed information on both device users and all of their friends  including religious and political leanings, work and education history and relationship status, The New York Times reported on Tuesday.

The agreements date back to 2010, but the Huawei deal would end by the weekend, Facebook said. Facebook has data-sharing partnerships with Huawei, Lenovo, Oppo and TCL, which gave these Chinese companies private access to certain user data, the daily said.

"The deals were part of an effort to push more mobile users onto the social network starting in 2007, before stand-alone Facebook apps worked well on phones. "The agreements allowed device makers to offer some Facebook features, such as address books, 'like' buttons and status updates," the daily said.

Top American lawmakers expressed concern over such an agreement by Facebook with Chinese companies.

"The news that Facebook provided privileged access to Facebook's API (Application Programming Interface) to Chinese device makers like Huawei and TCL raises legitimate concerns, and I look forward to learning more about how Facebook ensured that information about their users was not sent to Chinese servers," Senator Mark Warner, Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence said.

"Concerns about Huawei aren't new  they were widely publicised beginning in 2012, when the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence released a well-read report on the close relationships between the Chinese Communist Party and equipment makers like Huawei," Warner said.

Senators John Thune and Bill Nelson, who respectively serve as the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, pressed Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg for answers following the NYT report that Facebook offered numerous mobile device manufacturers special access to private user information.

Citing ongoing efforts by the committee to oversee Facebook data privacy and security practices, the two Senators in a letter to Zuckerberg seek details about his congressional testimony related to user control of personal information, efforts by Facebook to ensure business partner compliance with privacy policies, data storage and retention practices, disclosures to the Federal Trade Commission, and the identities of mobile device manufacturers who partnered with Facebook to receive special access.

According to an advisory last month, personnel on US military bases can no longer buy phones and other gear manufactured by Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE, after the Pentagon said the devices pose an "unacceptable" security risk.

"Huawei and ZTE devices may pose an unacceptable risk to (military) personnel, information and mission," Pentagon spokesman Major Dave Eastburn has said last month.

Huawei, one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in the world, was the recipient of billions of dollars in lines of credit from China's state-owned policy banks, helping to fuel its overseas expansion in Africa, Europe and Latin America, the daily said. Its founder Ren Zhengfei is a former engineer in the People's Liberation Army, it added.
Sydney: Qatar Airways will soon move an application to launch a full-service airline in India for domestic operations, according to its chief Akbar Al Baker. He said the proposed airline would be fully financed by Qatar's sovereign fund. It would have Indians heading the board and as most of its members.

Baker, who has been Qatar Airways' Group Chief Executive for over two decades, was elected as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Tuesday.

"We will move the application soon. I don't know really by when because it (the process) takes time, he told PTI on the sidelines of the IATA Annual General Meeting here when asked by when the application for a licence would be moved.

Noting that the process is on track, he said the proposed carrier in India would be a full-service one and the investment would be done from the sovereign fund of Qatar's official investment arm. Qatar Investment Authority manages the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar.

It was set up in 2005 to manage the oil and natural gas surpluses and its assets under management are estimated at USD 335 billion, a lot of which have been invested overseas for a variety of purposes.

It was in March 2017 that Baker first mentioned about its plans for a carrier in India. In February this year, he had said it plans to launch an airline in India with at least 100 planes.

"I will not tell you what types of aeroplanes we will deploy in India but as you may remember we said that we will launch an airline in India which will have a fleet of at least 100 aircraft," he had said.

Last December, the airline had said it would like to add more flights to India in the future as the country is an economic superpower and an important destination for it.

India has permitted foreign investors, barring foreign airlines, from owning up to 100 per cent stake in local carriers.

While a foreign airline can hold up to 49 per cent stake, foreign investment arms can own the remaining part. Currently, there are three full service carriers in India -- Air India, Jet Airways and Vistara Airlines.

Al Baker became Qatar Airways' Group Chief Executive in 1997. Qatar Airways operates more than 200 aircraft and flies to over 150 destinations across six continents, as per the airline's website.
The news about Salman Khans Race 3 clashing with Ranbir Kapoors Sanju, a biopic on actor Sanjay Dutt, in Pakistan, made the rounds of the internet recently.

But now it looks like the clash has been averted thanks to the request by local film distributors who know that Salman Khan films make good business in the country and more delay will lead to loss.

Thus, the Chairman of Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) Danyal Gillani, according to a report on Mid-Day, came to a decision that Bollywood movies will be banned only for a week (rather than the original decision of ban for two weeks) and hence, Race 3 will release on 22nd June while Sanju will make its way to the theatres on 29th June.

Interestingly, Race 3 could carry the trailer of Sanju not only in India but also in Pakistan, thus ensuring that at least somewhere Ranbir and Salman will be on the same screen.
National Family Health Survey 4 of 2015-16 shows that 53 per cent of women in the age group of 15 to 49 years continue to suffer from anaemia because iron supplementation intake continues to be low.

Hyderabad: The Indian Council of Medical Research has observed that the prevalence of anaemia continues to be 58 per cent in children and 53 per cent in women and stated that the efforts to reduce anaemia are insufficient to meet the Global Nutrition Target for 2025. In the reproductive age group anaemia continues to be as high as 48.1 per cent.

National Family Health Survey 4 of 2015-16 shows that 53 per cent of women in the age group of 15 to 49 years continue to suffer from anaemia because iron supplementation intake continues to be low.

A task force has been constituted to address the issue state wise to achieve the average anaemia reduction rates. It was found that 30 per cent of pregnant women took folic acid for 100 days only. The lack of compliance and gaps in implementation of various government programmes has resulted in anaemia not getting reduced.

Dr B.S. Raju, senior general physician explained Iron supplementation addresses the problem by 50 to 60 per cent. However this approach is not adequate to address moderate and severe anaemia cases.

Experts point out that there are significant challenges at the ground level in reaching the at-risk population and improving the compliance levels. Education about nutrition in the general population is limited making it difficult for them to understand on how to deal with the deficiency.

While there is a strong prevention and treatment program, the extent to which it reaches the masses and is understood is questionable. To meet the targets of 2025, the ICMR task force recommends a state wise Average Anaemia Reduction Rate. After reviewing multiple studies it was found that the requirement of each state was different. The task force determined that there was a need to focus on diagnosis and treatment besides supplementation to reduce the prevalence of the disease. There is also a need to focus on micronutrient rich foods which have adequate zinc, copper, vitamin B12, B6, A, C, E and folic acid.

The nutrition programs at the school, college and also community levels have to be strengthened so that people eat iron and micronutrient rich foods.
The cause of Type 1 diabetes is different and hence choice of drugs is also different. Patient should be willing to perform laboratory tests to ensure that they are in the right track.

KOCHI: With diabetes, the tables are turning but not in a good way, with the country being dubbed as the diabetic capital of the world. So often we hear how diabetes (Type 2) prevalent in older generation is increasingly becoming common in younger generation. But with Type 1 diabetes, which is commonly known as juvenile diabetes, another trend is developing, posing another serious health concern. Experts say incidence of Type 1 diabetes developing in adults is increasing these days and there is misdiagnosis of this as Type 2 diabetes. One of the possible signs of Type 1 diabetes being misdiagnosed as Type 2 in adults is the decreasing effectiveness of Type 2 diabetes medication in controlling blood glucose. This in many cases leads to death in sleep.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immunity of body turns against itself and destroys pancreatic cells that produce insulin. Unfortunately, the factors causing the disease are unknown and the disease is non-curable. As a result, patients are left managing the disease with insulin injections or pump alone. Due to high incidence of the disease in children, there is a predominant belief that Type 1 diabetes happens to children alone. But increasingly, it is evident that incidence of the disease is similarly high in adults, even who are aged around 40 years or older. Moreover, diagnosis of the disease becomes difficult in adults as more people develop Type 2 diabetes in later stages of life, says Dr Tom Babu, endocrinologist and medical director Silverline Hospital, Girinagar, Kochi.

According to Dr Jothydev Kesavadev, chairman, Jothydev's Diabetes Research Centres, Kerala, Type 1 constitutes 6-10% of diabetes in India. It is totally different from commonly seen Type 2 diabetes. There is even a global movement to change the terminology to easily identify the gravity of this disease. Whatever be the age of onset - 5 years or 75 years - insulin secretion comes to a complete standstill in a couple of weeks to months' time in Type 1 diabetes. It is a fact that many cases treated as Type 2 diabetes may be Type 1 and vice-versa. Fasting c-peptide levels, which is an indirect measurement of insulin production, will be low in Type 1 diabetes and will drop to zero when the disease becomes full-fledged. Estimation of c-peptide, serum insulin levels and many other investigations in diabetes are the only way by which the type of the disease can be identified, and specific therapies tailored accordingly, said Dr Jothydev.

According to Dr. Vipin V.P., endocrinologist with Aster Medcity, Kochi, the incidence of Type 1 diabetes throughout the world is increasing at 3-5 % per year. The cause of the disease is mainly autoimmune, wherein our own body attacks our pancreas. The white blood cells cause inflammation in the pancreatic beta cells followed by its direct destruction. Other diseases and infections may also cause destruction of pancreatic beta cells, such as Hepatitis C, mumps and so on, Dr Vipin said.Type 1 diabetes patients need to be really wary of dying in their beds. It is estimated that around 6% of deaths in Type 1 diabetes patients worldwide are caused by the syndrome. In the past, Type 1 diabetes patients were at times found dead with no signs of foul play, said Dr Vipin.

The sudden death of patients with no time for preventive action with Type 1 diabetes was first suggested by Tunbridge as early as 1981. However, only in 1991, Tattersall and Gill conducted a study under British Diabetes Association (now Diabetes UK), in which they looked at a total of 22 unexplained deaths. The study concluded that hypoglycemic (drop in blood sugar levels) episode at night contributed to the deaths of the patients. Those younger than 40 years seem to be at a higher risk. Preventive measures like checking insulin and sugar levels in the body or using insulin pump therapy can reduce the chances of such accidental deaths, said Dr Tom Babu.

India is host to over 97,000 Type 1 diabetic children. In my practice, the prevalence of Type 1 diabetes would be from 3 to 5% in the state of Kerala. Around 4 to 5 patients visit us weekly. Past viral infections triggering an autoimmune process could be one the most common reasons for the disease, said Dr Tom Babu. Sometimes, Type 2 diabetes also behaves erratic with unexpected rise and fall in blood glucose values, gradually damaging the kidneys, eyes and heart. The cause of Type 1 diabetes and other types of diabetes is totally different and hence choice of drugs is also totally different. Patient should be willing to perform expensive laboratory investigations at diagnosis and at periodic intervals to ensure that they are in the right track. Four or more injections per day or insulin pump therapy if feasible along with glucose monitoring are the most accepted methodologies for treating this condition. There will be thousands of patients getting treated for Type 2 diabetes missing the diagnosis of Type 1. This is a worldwide phenomenon since investigations must be repeated at periodic intervals.

The very poor longevity of Type 1 diabetes over the last 60-75 years in Kerala, with patients diagnosed in childhood rarely surviving only till their third decade in life, calls for urgent measures to implement team-based diabetes care beyond providing free medications since treating Type 1 diabetes is a very difficult process and the medication dosages need to be adjusted several times a day, said Dr Jothydev. The newer ways of managing diabetes with the use of insulin pumps is gaining popularity, which are also equipped with continuous glucose monitoring device, keeping track of fluctuating glucose levels and alarms whenever the body requires insulin. The insulin can be delivered with the press of a button. Being portable in nature, these can be worn on the clothing being connected to the body with a small infusion set while performing daily and many sporting activities, especially in the case of children, said Dr Tom Babu.
He used tongs to successfully pull the massive snake out (Photo: YouTube)

Snakes are terrifying creatures not just because of their ability to cause fatalities but also because they can sneak into any space. From refrigerators to air conditioners and airplanes, snakes have managed to shock people by crawling inside unexpected place.

A police officer in China was called in to tackle a cobra hiding inside a minivan when the driver spotted it under the seat. The cop removed a king cobra which was a shocking nine-foot-long and weighed 4.1 kg.

The serpent slid into the glove compartment when the officer reached in to catch it. But he used tongs to successfully capture and pull the cobra out of the van.

The cobra was held by the head and placed in a mesh cage before being handed over to the local wildlife preservation department.
Glen Wood, a Canadian who has lived in Japan for 30 years, plays with his son at a Tokyo park. Wood is fighting a courtroom battle in Japan over what he alleges is paternity harassment. He says major brokerage Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley demoted him and then dismissed him after he took time off to be with his prematurely born newborn son. (Photo: AP)

Tokyo: Brokerage manager Glen Wood was still negotiating with his bosses to take three or four weeks of paternity leave when his son was born six weeks premature.

Wood, 48, a Canadian who has lived in Japan for 30 years, thought he wasn't asking too much of Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley, just a small part of what the law guarantees: up to 12 months of paid maternity or paternity leave and your job back.

Japan's parental leave system is relatively generous by international standards - at least, on paper. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has championed such policies, saying they're needed to prevent the country's shrinking population from freefalling by better balancing work and family life.

But practice often diverges from principle in Japan Inc., where loyalty to the company nearly always comes before family and taking time off can be a liability.

According to the labor ministry, only 3 percent of eligible men - compared with more than 80 percent of working women - take advantage of Japan's parental leave system, which does not differentiate between men and women when it comes to childbirth and child-care leave.

Wood's bosses were extremely reluctant to let him take time off, but after a few days of haggling, he decided he simply had to go.

The baby was in intensive care at a hospital in Nepal, where his partner was working and had given birth.

"It was a time of real panic," he recalled.

Wood returned to work five months later, in March 2016, after his son recovered and could be safely brought to Japan.

That's when the harassment started, he says.

Wood was chided for not showing up at meetings he had not been invited to. His job assignment was changed against his will. Wood was told to take a DNA test to prove he was really the boy's father. He did that.

Three times, he was ordered to take psychiatric tests administered by two company-appointed doctors. Both gave him a clean bill of health and recommended he be allowed to return to work, according to Wood.

"I love my job," he said.

Wood sued the brokerage in February in Tokyo District Court, seeking his original job back and back pay, including bonuses, which he was denied after October 2017. He was officially dismissed earlier this year.

A ruling is likely to take more than a year.

Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley said in a statement it responded "with sincerity" to Wood's paternity leave requests. It denied any harassment occurred and declined comment on specifics of the lawsuit.

Generally few Japanese are willing to fight unfair treatment in court out of fear of being considered a troublemaker in this harmony-loving nation, where litigation can be expensive and fruitless. Most lawsuits that are filed are about maternity harassment rather than paternity harassment, making Wood's case highly unusual, said his lawyer, Yoshitatsu Imaizumi.

"The law guarantees the right, but the thinking that prevails is that men should just work," said Imaizumi. "That kind of old-fashioned thinking is deeply rooted."

There are no criminal penalties for companies that don't comply with maternity or paternity leave standards. The most the government will do is put a company on a "blacklist." And taking time off for childbirth is not as culturally accepted in Japan as in Europe, where it is commonplace, or even in the U.S., where there is no federally mandated parental leave system. Some states and many companies provide such benefits.

Kaori Sasaki, chief executive of ewoman Inc., a consultant for companies on gender diversity, says harassment training is on the rise at Japanese companies, but dramatic improvement results only if people's basic consciousness changes, not merely by putting such systems in place.

"To take a positive note, one can say things are better - compared to 30 years ago," she said. "But to be negative, one can also say things haven't changed all that much. Progress has been subtle, I'd say."

Women complain they are often pressured to quit when they become pregnant. Expectations for men taking time off for new parenthood are so low that having a man take even one day off is considered an achievement for a Japanese company, Sasaki said.

A government campaign to encourage men to take time off, dubbed "ikumen," in a reference to the Japanese word "ikuji" or "child rearing," so far remains more a slogan than a reality in Japan, which placed 114th out of 144 economies in the World Economic Forum's latest global gender equality rankings. Taking into account disparities in income and occupational opportunity, education, health care, political empowerment and other sociological factors, Japan had the worst standing among the Group of Seven major economies.

Companies should realize that they are hurting their own performance, morale, team work and brand image with outdated management practices, said Wood, making his son giggle with delight during a recent outing to a Tokyo park.

"They need to catch up with global standards very quickly, and they need to change," said Wood. "What they did is wrong."
CM Nitish Kumar, in the last two years, has faced much criticism from opposition parties for banning alcohol in the state in 2016. (Photo: File)

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar spoke extensively about the tough prohibition law which was enacted in 2016 in Bihar at a conference organised by JD(U) in Patna on Tuesday.

Addressing concerns, the CM mentioned that the state government is mulling over a possible amendment to the prohibition law after reports of government officials misusing it surfaced.

Nitish Kumar, in the last two years, has faced much criticism from opposition parties for banning alcohol in the state in 2016.

Since then a large number of people have been arrested in the state for possessing or consuming alcohol. Opposition parties have constantly pointed out that a lot of these people include Bihar's poorest.

They have also mentioned time and again that these people can do very little to bail themselves as bribing the police is not an option for them.

On the other hand, there are also cases of powerful politicians or government officials violating the ban. However, most of these are short-lived in nature.

An offence under the prohibition law has been classified as non-bailable, which means a suspect will have to spend time in jail and cannot seek bail as a matter of right.

According to the records, as many as 1,41,861 people have been arrested under the stringent prohibition law since April 2016 in the state. Over 8,000 are in jail, a report in The Hindu states.

Acknowledging the misuse of the law, Kumar said, Yes, people are criticising me, but I am willing to face all the criticism and consequences of my actions."

RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, who was Kumar's deputy when the prohibition law was enacted in April 2016, has since then disowned the law that he insists was a "farce", reported NDTV.

To counter the claim that prohibition law has led to the victimisation of the poor, Kumar said, Ive been regularly monitoring it as wellit has benefitted a large section of the society, especially the poor and downtrodden segment.
Higher education minister K.P. Anbalagan inaugurating the process to allocate random numbers to engineering applicants on Tuesday here. Higher education secretary Sunil Paliwal and Anna University Vice-Chancellor M.K. Surappa also seen (Photo: DC)

Chennai: Nearly 50 per cent of the private engineering colleges are lacking basic infrastructure such as laboratories, classrooms and faculty members to teach engineering subjects, Anna University found during its annual inspection of engineering colleges.

Around 500 engineering colleges are affiliated to Anna University and a majority of colleges need to get provisional affiliation to admit students into engineering courses.

To the surprise of inspection teams from the varsity, 255 engineering colleges lack basic facilities including the faculty members to teach.

Anna University gave two weeks time to comply with AICTE norms in regard to the infrastructure and number of faculty members to run the courses.

Around 200 colleges filed compliance report while 55 colleges could not fix their lapses within the due time. Hence, the university has trimmed 5,940 seats in 55 engineering colleges this year, a source said.

AICTE has reduced the students-teachers ratio from 1:15 to 1:20 this year. Despite that many engineering colleges did not have required faculty members.

Around 200 engineering colleges are not able to attract students. The colleges with poor enrollment are not able to sustain good faculty members or hire quality faculty members, professors said.

All India Private Colleges Employees Union (AIPCEU) alleged that many engineering colleges are showing fake faculty members during the inspection.

There is a huge difference between the faculty members shown to Anna University and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) by the colleges. Anna University should release the branch wise faculty details in the affiliated colleges for the benefit of the students, said K.M. Karthik, founder, AlPCEU.

Meanwhile, top academicians said the infrastructure and faculty of more than 1/3rd colleges are absolutely poor. There was around 10 per cent intake in more than 100 engineering colleges for last four years. These colleges were not able to sustain and they were not even able to pay the salary to their faculty members, said E. Balagurusamy, former Vice-Chancellor, Anna University. While welcoming the move to reduce the intake in these colleges he said, Reducing the intake is not enough. The colleges with poor infrastructure, faculty and student strength need to be closed.

Also, the students who join in these colleges are poor and hailing from a rural background. Overall commitment of the management for students welfare and quality is absolutely nil in these colleges. If we allow these colleges to continue, the future of these students will be ruined, he warned.

Online engg counselling to begin from July 6

Online engineering counselling for B.E., B.Tech. courses is likely to begin from July 6, Higher education minister K.P. Anbalagan said here on Tuesday.

The online counselling is scheduled to be held in five rounds. Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions (TNEA) has allocated random numbers to 1.59 lakh applicants on Tuesday.

The 10-digit random numbers will be used for breaking the tie where more than one candidate have got same marks. The merit among such candidates will be determined in the order of percentage of mark in Maths, Physics, fourth optional subject, date of birth (elder will be given preference) and the random number (higher value will be given preference).

After assigning the random numbers minister K.P. Anbalagan said, This year 509 engineering colleges will participate in the online engineering counselling and totally 1,78,129 seats are available.

Compared to last year, 26 private engineering colleges did not seek affiliation thereby keeping themselves out of the counselling process.

TNEA will conduct the counselling for 1,020 seats at Annamalai University and 720 seats at the three regional centres including Coimbatore and Tirunelveli, he further said.

The certificate verification for the candidates will be conducted from June 8 to 14 at TNEA Facilitation Centres (TFCs). In Chennai, the certificate verification will be conducted until June 17.
The court was hearing a petition by Kaalas producer K Dhanush and his wife Aishwarya, who sought directions to the Karnataka government and the KFCC for smooth release of the film.

Bengaluru: The Karnataka high court on Tuesday directed the state government to provide security for the peaceful release of superstar Rajinikanth-starrer Kaala, which pro-Kannada outfits had threatened to stall over the actors remarks supporting the cause of Tamil Nadu farmers in the Cauvery row.

Justice G. Narendar issued the direction on the basis of a Supreme Court order, which had stayed ban orders imposed on the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansalis film Padmaavat by Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana early this year.

Freedom of speech and expression, particularly as a medium of expression in films, cannot be curtailed. The creative content is am insegregable aspect of Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution, said the judge while citing the Padmaavat verdict  the SC had cleared the Bhansali magnum opus in January staying the ban in four states. The judge however said he cannot make it mandatory on exhibitors to screen the film.

Miffed with Rajinikanths statement that whoever came to power post-poll in Karnataka, the state should implement the SC order on Cauvery sharing, some pro-Kannada outfits launched a tirade against the actor and threatened to block the screening of his Kaala when it gets released there. This was followed by the Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce announcing on May 29 it would not permit the movies release on June 7. A decision has been taken that Rajinikanths movie will neither be distributed nor screened anywhere in Karnataka, KFCC president Sa Ra Govindu had announced.

Delivering relief to Kaala, Justice Narendar issued direction to the government after Additional Advocate General A G Shivanna said there was no ban on Kaala and the government was ready to provide security to exhibitors if they furnished details.

My Lord, there has been no ban imposed on the release of Kaala film by any organisation, but the government is ready to provide security to exhibitors for peaceful screening of the film in theatres and multiplexes across Karnataka if they provide us details, Shivanna said.

The court was hearing a petition by Kaalas producer K Dhanush and his wife Aishwarya, who sought directions to the Karnataka government and the KFCC for smooth release of the film.
Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said, 'According to my observation as an individual, in this kind of atmosphere, it's not good on part of the producer, distributor to release the movie.' (Photo: File)

Bengaluru: On a day the Karnataka High Court directed the Karnataka government to ensure security for the peaceful release of superstar Rajinikanth-starrer 'Kaala', Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said he would comply with the court's order but suggested "as an individual" that the timing wasn't right for the film's release.

"As head of the Karnataka government, it's my responsibility to implement the judgements and directions of the High Court. But according to my observation as an individual, in this kind of atmosphere, it's not good on part of the producer, distributor to release the movie", H D Kumaraswamy said.

Several pro-Kannada groups have threatened to stall the movie -- scheduled to release on Thursday, June 7 -- over Rajinikanths remarks on the Cauvery water sharing row.

The piece of advice, "not as Chief Minister but as a Kannadiga", also focused on the financial fallout if the producer and distributors went ahead with the scheduled release. Kumaraswamy said he was talking from experience.

"I am also a film distributor and producer. Even if they release the movie, it will not be useful to them financially. After there is a solution to this (Cauvery) water issue, then they can release anytime", he said.

Unhappy with Rajinikanth's remarks last month that whichever government came to power in Karnataka should fully implement the Supreme Court's order on Cauvery water sharing, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has decided to not allow the release of 'Kaala'.

In February, the Supreme Court had raised Karnataka's share of Cauvery water by over 14 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft).

Last month, even before taking charge as Chief Minister, Janata Dal Secular leader H D Kumaraswamy had said that Karnataka did not have enough water to share but indicated he was open for a discussion on the issue.

"I invite Rajinikanth to come here and look at the situation of our dams, the position of our farmers... If after you see that, you still say you want water, let us discuss it," the JD(S) leader said.

Also Read: HD Kumaraswamy to Rajinikanth: Check Cauvery yourself
Chennai: DMK working president M. K. Stalin has appealed to non-BJP Chief Ministers of south, besides Mamata Banerjee, to oppose National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Neet) for MBBS courses, claiming it puts the rural students at a fundamental disadvantage.

I urge the Chief Ministers @CMOKerala @CMofKarnataka @TelanganaCMO @AndhraPradeshCM @CMPuducherry @MamataOfficial to oppose the Neet exam as it puts rural and economically weaker students at a fundamental disadvantage, he tweeted on Tuesday.

In another tweet, he said, the discrepancies in the translated Neet question papers have discriminated against non-Hindi speaking students. I urge all Chief Ministers of non-BJP ruling states to join together in opposing this unfair test on this ground also. #NeetKillsPradeeba #BanNeet.

Later, in a statement, he criticised the NDA government for introducing Neet in India. The Centre has deceived Tamil Nadu by not exempting the state students from Neet. The AIADMK government is also weak to oppose the exam, Mr. Stalin alleged while mourning the death of Prathiba of Villupuram district. Atleast now the Centre must give importance to the bills seeking exemption from Neet for Tamil Nadu students, said Mr. Stalin who later paid homage to the deceased girl at her house and handed over Rs. 2 lakh from the DMK fund to the family.

Meanwhile, BJP state president Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan argued that Neet was beneficial for the rural students, and advised that students who failed to make the cut should explore the next big choice and not commit suicide. Flaying the political parties for misleading the students and parents on Neer, the BJP chief called upon political parties not to paint a bleak picture about Neet.

Tamil film superstar Rajinikanth termed the suicide of medical college aspirant Prathiba of Villupuram as pitiable and said such incidents should not recur.

TNCC chief Su Thirunavukkarasar exhorted students not to resort to such a drastic measure. He demanded the Centre and State governments to

compensate Prathibas family by providing `one crore.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi release a book on completion of two years since the implementation of Bihar Public Grievance Redressal Rule Act, in Patna on Tuesday. (Photo: PTI)

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister and BJP ally in the state Nitish Kumar on Tuesday formally rejected the crop insurance scheme that the NDA government had pitched as a game-changer.

One of the sharpest critics of the centre's crop insurance scheme, Nitish Kumar has, instead, come up with his own scheme that entitles farmers to compensation without paying any premium.

Bihar government also suggested that the new scheme --- 'Bihar Rajya Fasal Sahayata Yojna' --- will have a wider coverage than the 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' that covers farmers who have taken loans from national and cooperative banks or financial institutions.

According to the central scheme, both the state and the centre bear 49 per cent of the cost of premium. Target beneficiaries have to pay the rest 2 per cent. The centre fixes the amount which a state has to pay to insurance companies under this scheme.

In the 2016 Kharif season, while Bihar paid Rs 495 crores as its share, farmers got just Rs 221 crores as compensation for crop damage, Principal Secretary (Cooperatives) Atul Prasad said.

While the centre's scheme marginally benefited farmers who had taken loans, the new scheme covers all categories of farmers, Prasad added. The scheme commences from the current Kharif season.

Ever since the central scheme was launched, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who was then part of an alliance with the RJD and Congress, has been critical, saying the real beneficiaries won't be farmers but insurance companies.

According to the new scheme passed by the cabinet in Bihar, all farmers who suffer crop losses of up to 20 per cent of the threshold yield will get Rs 7,500 per hectare subject to a maximum compensation amount of Rs 15,000. The threshold yield is calculated on the basis of the average yield for the last seven years.

For crop losses beyond 20 per cent of the threshold yield, the compensation has been fixed at Rs 10,000 per hectare, with a cap of Rs 20,000. This in effect means the new scheme aims at benefitting largely small farmers who make up a sizable chunk of the state's agrarian population.

According to reports, the move also comes against the backdrop of a to and fro between Nitish Kumar's JD(U) and the BJP over who would be the face of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) campaign in Bihar for the 2019 general elections. It's seen as a pitch for a greater share in the number of seats by the JD(U) which walked out of the alliance with the RJD in July 2017 and re-joined the NDA fold.

According to sources, Nitish Kumar is upset with the centre allocating Rs 1,200 crores against Rs 7,600 crores he had asked as compensation for the floods that ravaged Bihar last year, killing over 500 people.

Slighted by the rejection, the government in Bihar feels that the centre has not measured up to the scale of the tragedy and now seeks to project its crop insurance scheme as a model alternative which could prod more states to opt out of the central scheme.
Patna: Uttar Pradesh BJP lawmaker Surendra Singh continued his unending tirade against bureaucrats. The lawmaker on Tuesday said prostitutes are better than government officials. The remark comes a day after Surendra Singh asked his supporters to give officials a "ghoosa" (punch) if they ask for "ghoos" (bribe).

Read: Punch officials, thrash them with shoes if they demand bribes, says UP BJP MLA

"Officials se accha charitra vaishyaon ka hota hai, woh paisa lekar kam se kam apna kaam toh karti hain aur stage pe naachti hain. Par yeh officials toh paisa lekar bhi aapka kaam karenge ki nahi, iski koi guarantee hi nahi hai (Prostitutes are better than government officials; at least they take money and do their work and also dance on the stage. But these officials, even after taking money, don't do their work. There is no guarantee that the work will be done)," Surendra Singh said at a public meeting.

Absurd comments and statements made by BJP lawmakers had prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rebuke his party leaders last month saying, "We make mistakes and give 'masala' to the media... as if we are great social scientists and experts to analyse issues..." PM Modi had warned lawmakers and said not to "talk out of turn...it hurts the party image."

But PM Modis stern words did not deter the lawmaker from Bairia in Ballia.

Earlier this month Surendra Singh blamed parents and mobile phones for the increasing incidents of rape and said why do they let their children roam around freely. He has also gone on record saying "no one can rape a mother of three children."

Also Read: Parents, mobiles responsible for incidents of rape: UP BJP MLA Surendra Singh

He had also called West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee "Surpanakha", the evil sister of demon king "Ravana" in Ramayana, and claimed that Bengal could turn into Jammu and Kashmir from where Hindus had to migrate.

Also Read: PM's advice on deaf ears: BJP MLA calls Mamata Banerjee 'Surpanakha'
Several pro-Kannada groups have threatened to stall the movie -- scheduled to release on Thursday, June 7 -- over Rajinikanths remarks on the Cauvery water sharing row. (Photo: PTI)

Bengaluru: Actor-politician Rajinikanth, whose upcoming movie Kaala is facing stiff opposition from pro-Kannada activists, has appealed to Karnataka Chief Minitser H D Kumaraswamy, asking for security at theatres where the movie will be screened.

Several pro-Kannada groups have threatened to stall the movie -- scheduled to release on Thursday, June 7 -- over Rajinikanths remarks on the Cauvery water sharing row.

The appeal comes close on the heels of Tuesday's Karnataka High Court order that left room for theatres to screen the movie if they wanted. The state government has assured the court about provision of security.

Read: Won't intervene in Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' ban: Karnataka High Court

In his message, Rajinikanth said, "I understand H D Kumaraswamy's situation. This is not good for Karnataka. When the film is released around the world, the Karnataka ban would highlight the issue (Cauvery water dispute)."

The actor added an appeal to the state film chambers in Kannada, asking them to allow the release of the movie. "The Film Chambers is supposed to ensure that there's no problem for distributors. It is not right that the Karnataka Film Chamber demands Kaala ban," Rajinikanth said.

After the high courts order on Tuesday, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said he would comply with the court's order but suggested "as an individual" the timing wasn't right for the film's release.

"As head of the Karnataka government, it's my responsibility to implement the judgements and directions of the High Court. But according to my observation as an individual, in this kind of atmosphere, it's not good on part of the producer, distributor to release the movie", H D Kumaraswamy said.

Also Read: HD Kumaraswamy says, 'timing not good' for 'Kaala' release in Karnataka

The piece of advice, "not as Chief Minister but as a Kannadiga", also focused on the financial fallout if the producer and distributors went ahead with the scheduled release. Kumaraswamy said he was talking from experience.

"I am also a film distributor and producer. Even if they release the movie, it will not be useful to them financially. After there is a solution to this (Cauvery) water issue, then they can release anytime", he said.

Unhappy with Rajinikanth's remarks last month that whichever government came to power in Karnataka should fully implement the Supreme Court's order on Cauvery water sharing, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has decided to not allow the release of 'Kaala'.
The striking employees of state transport have been insisting for a pay scale revision to Rs 30,000.

Chennai: Nearly 80 per cent of the 22,000 government run buses in the state may stay off roads from June 19 as confederation of major transport workers unions, mostly affiliated to the opposition DMK and Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) is planning on a strike again because the state government failed to keep its word on fulfilling their demands.

They rue that the retirement benefits of nearly Rs 1,600 crore has not been cleared yet and the provident funds and LIC money to be paid to the concerned organisations is due, although the amount is being deducted from employees' salaries, every month.

The unions also demanded a pay equivalent to that of other government employees.

A strike was earlier called on for eight days in January after the negotiations by the staff unions with state transport department demanding wage revision among other things, failed.

The striking employees of state transport have been insisting for a pay scale revision to Rs 30,000.

However, authorities have agreed in principle to pay only Rs 24,400, which the employees felt was a great injustice for the workers who deal with severe traffic and stress on a daily

basis.

The dues to be paid to the transport employees including retirement and provident fund dues stood at `7,543 crore.

Now, employee unions rued that the government spike bus fare citing increased operational costs, however it only had an inverse affect on the department.

A release from the unions said that spiking ticker fares did not help the government, which must now come to the forefront to address employee issues or they would go on strike from June 19.

Also, they condemned its move to scrap diesel subsidy.
The ban on manufacture, sale, storage and usage of items such as plastic paper, cups, water sachets, straws and carry bags will come into effect from January 1, 2019, the CM said.

Chennai: The state government on Friday announced it would ban the use of plastic items, including non-biodegradable carry bags, from January 2019 to gift a plastic-free state to future generations. Chief Minister K. Palaniswamis announcement in the Assembly coincided with International Environment Day.

The ban on manufacture, sale, storage and usage of items such as plastic paper, cups, water sachets, straws and carry bags will come into effect from January 1, 2019, the CM said.

The ban would cover these plastic articles irrespective of their micron size. However, polythene sachets used for packing milk, curd, oil and medical equipment will be exempted from the ban, he added.

He also said former chief minister Jayalalithaa had earlier constituted an expert panel to go into the issue of banning plastic products. That panel had suggested banning disposable plastic products, including bags, plates and cups, and recommended that traditional items such as plantain leaves and plates made of palm leaves be used, Palaniswami said.

He listed out the adverse impact posed by the plastic materials. He said the government has decided to ban manufacture, sale, storage and use of disposable plastic in the state from January next year under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Lucknow: Soon after yoga guru Ramdevs Patanjali threatened scrapping of a planned mega food park along the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath swiftly moved to remove the bottlenecks the project is facing.

Yogi Adityanath has spoken to both Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved chief Acharya Balkrishna, and officials have been asked to look into the matter.

"We (Patanjali) trust the assurance given by Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister). CM spoke to Acharya Balkrishan and Baba Ramdev and assured cooperation. We respect the commitment given by Yogiji. We will not let the important food park go out of UP," said S K Tijarawala, Spokesperson for Patanjali.

The food processing unit, planned over 450 acres near the Yamuna Expressway in Noida near Delhi, was expected to improve the livelihoods of lakhs of farmers and provide huge employment opportunities for young people of Uttar Pradesh.

Patanjali had said it would create 10,000 jobs and produce goods worth Rs 25,000 crore annually, if it runs to its full capacity.

On Tuesday, Acharya Balkrishna, managing director of the fast-growing consumer goods giant, had delivered a stinging rebuke to the state government. Alleging that they did not receive "any cooperation from the state government", Acharya Balkrishna said the company has decided to shift the project.

Also Read: Patanjali slams 'slow' Adityanath, to shift food park from Uttar Pradesh

"The Chief Minister talked to Baba Ramdev yesterday... There is no need to sign another MoU. It'll be brought before cabinet," UP minister Satish Mahana told on Wednesday. It is not yet decided when the cabinet meeting will be held.

Patanjali's food and herbal park was given in-principle approval in January, said officials of the centre's food processing ministry. But after the company failed to meet several conditions -- including submission land and bank loan papers - they were given a month's deadline.

Acharya Balkrishna, the co-founder of Patanjali Ayurved who owns 98.6 per cent of the company, told the media that they haven't been able to complete the paperwork because they received no help from the state government. The company had several meetings with officials, ministers and even the Chief Minister, but the matter remained unresolved.

Minister Satish Mahana, who is the industry minister in Yogi Adityanath's government, explained the delay saying, "The land was allotted under the name of Patanjali Ayurveda, but later they wanted it under Patanjali Foods".
Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday was in Madhya Pradesh to address a rally at Pipliya Mandi in Mandsaur district. (Photo: File)

Bhopal: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday was in Madhya Pradesh to address a rally at Pipliya Mandi in Mandsaur district.

The agenda of the rally was to commemorate the first anniversary of police firing on farmers during an agitation in which six farmers were killed. For this reason, families of the slain farmers were invited to share the stage with Rahul Gandhi at the rally.

However, the Congress accused the BJP of threatening the families of those farmers killed in the 2017 violence.

The Congress also took to Twitter to claim that administrative calls were being made and families were being told to not attend the rally.

According to an NDTV report, parents of Abhishek Patidar, who died last year, told news agency ANI that the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of the area called their other son and "asked who among us will meet Rahul Gandhi".

"When my son Sandeep told him that his parents are going, the SDM asked them to not meet Rahul Gandhi," they said.

Sandeep was provided with a government job last year on compassionate grounds.

BJP MLA (Mandsaur) Yashpal Singh Sisodia refuted the allegations claiming that the families are free to choose, according to The Times of India report.

"Nearest relatives of the victims have received compensation and jobs. They are not interested to go to Rahul's rally. Congress is approaching distant relatives asking them to attend the function," he alleged, accusing Congress of spreading rumours.
Hyderabad: Major General N. Srinivas Rao, General Officer Commanding in Chief, TS & AP Sub Area, told the top brass of the TS police that the Secunderabad Cantonment, Golconda, Mehdipatnam and Bowenpally were open and porous areas with a large civil population around them. Major roads and highways close to the cantonment further compounded the problem of security.

This was the first meeting of the Army with the police after the reopening of some roads in the SCB, and relaxation of night restrictions. Top Army and police officials discussed the security concerns of the Local Military Authority.

The meeting was held to address each others concerns and to ensure security to civil, public and defence establishments. The police officials represented the Intelligence, traffic, Greyhounds and Octopus wings while the commandants of all military and air force establishments and representatives of NSG were present.

Maj. Gen. Rao highlighted the present security environment and recent developments in the country with increased terrorist activities as well as the involvement of anti-social elements.

TS Director-General of M. Mahendar Reddy said Such convergence meetings between the armed forces and police are very important to develop a rapport between officials and get prepared to face any contingency.

He said the Army was invited to send a representative at the Integrated Command Control Centre coming up at Road No.12, Banjara Hills, for better coordination. Police and Army officials discussed external and internal security issues and reviewed the preparedness for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
A senior government doctor said, There has been some improvement in medical facilities and infrastructure in rural areas.

Hyderabad: The health department is showcasing how it has improved infrastructure, diagnostics and medical facilities in the last four years and is putting up posters to compare the situation in 2014 and now. The campaign is also running on social media and WhatApp groups.

The posters elaborate on the number of hospital beds, intensive care units, dialysis centres, basti dawakhanas, ambulances and vaccine coverage. It says the state now has 20,000 beds in state-run hospitals against 17,000 in 2014. Vaccine coverage has improved from 62 to 90 per cent, the campaign says.

While diagnostic centres and dialysis units have not been completely set up, the campaign claims 40 of each have been set up.

A senior government doctor said, There has been some improvement in medical facilities and infrastructure in rural areas. But it is not complete as there are not enough doctors and paramedical staff. The staff crunch continues as recruitment is not complete.

He said the retaining of skilled doctors in the periphery continues as most of them are not willing to practice in rural areas. This major problem is far from solved, he said.

Up to 38,000 patients visit primary healthcare centres, district, area and tertiary hospitals in Hyderabad, 70 per cent of them seeking treatment as out-patients.

The number of doctors and nurses available in the 112-odd primary health care centres and urban healthcare centres needs to be enhanced.

Mr Mujtaba Askari of Helping Hand Foundation, who has volunteers in government government hospitals, said, Most daily wage workers and those who cannot afford private care opt for government hospitals. But there is a major dearth of staff and also the timing is a problem.

He said the out-patient department closes by 12 noon, and many of them are stranded. The government must keep the OPD open till 2 pm so that more patients are covered, he added.

Another highlight of the campaign is the KCR Kits, of which more than 2 lakh have been distributed. The conditions laid down for disbursal of these kits ensures that women return to government hospitals for delivery. But the improvement in terms of sanitation continues to be a concern.
KOCHI: There is good news for elderly and physically-challenged persons arriving at railway stations as they can avail the facility of battery operated cars to move to platforms from main entrance. The Southern Railways has tied up with Maini Material Movements Pvt Ltd (MMM) to operate buggies at Ernakulam Junction (ERS), Thiruvananthapuram (TVC), Thrissur (TCR), Kollam Jn (QLN), Kottayam (KTYM), Alappuzha (ALP), Guruvayur (GUV), Nagercoil Jn and Kanniyakumari (CAPE).

An amount of Rs 30 will be charged per head per trip in main stations like TVC, QLN, KTYM, ERS and TCR while the ticket rate will be Rs 40 in all other stations. Three cars will be deployed in Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram. "There will be an option at the IRCTC website to book the buggy service in advance while booking train tickets," said Ernakulam Station Director R Harikrishnan while launching the services at Ernakulam Junction station.

Only computerised hand held machine is used for doling out tickets and the service is provided round the clock. Also a dedicated mobile number (for instance 9008031998 at Ernakulam Junction) has been provided for enabling commuters to avail the facility quickly. "The cart driver should have a valid Light Motor Vehicle licence and ID card and should not work for more than 10 hours on a stretch," an official said.

Though the first buggy service was introduced at Ernakulam Junction station in January 2016 after the alumni of St Teresa's college donated one for the benefit for senior citizens, it was however discontinued soon. We'd to discontinue it soon as the railway rules didn't permit the crossing of such vehicles over tracks. In effect a commuter can't be taken to platform No 2, 3, 4 and five. Now the railway board has cleared its operation to other platforms and removed the track crossing restriction," the officer said.
This is the first meeting at Uddhav Thackrey's residence, Matoshree, after Amit Shah's visit in 2017 when he came to seek support for NDAs presidential nominee. (Photo: File/PTI)

Mumbai: As part of an effort to reach out to NDA allies, BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday met Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai  a visit that is being seen as an attempt by the saffron party to pacify its oldest ally that now calls itself BJPs biggest political enemy.

The visit came on a day when the Shiv Sena, in an editorial in partys mouthpiece Saamna, questioned the BJP's outreach programme after suffering defeats in bypolls and asserted that it will fight all upcoming elections solo.

This is the first meeting at Thackrey's residence, Matoshree, after Shah's visit in 2017 when he came to seek support for NDA's presidential nominee. Though, the meet did not stop the Shiv Sena from slamming the BJP time and again but it did eventually support NDA's presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind.

The ties between the two parties have been worsening with every passing day.

Shiv Sena contested a recent bypoll in Maharashtra against the BJP. The Palaghar seat was retained by the BJP, though by a narrow margin of 30,000 votes.

The election was part of 11 assembly and 4 parliamentary seats that saw the BJP winning just two. In March, BJP lost two important seats in Uttar Pradesh, the state that elects as many as 80 members of parliament.

A worried Amit Shah quickly lined up a series of visits to its allies to ensure that the relations remain intact ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The move is also significant at a time when the opposition is making a concerted effort to come together to ensure that the Narendra Modi-led government do not get a second chance to come to power.

Shah on Thursday will travel to Chandigarh to meet Shiromani Akali Dal's Parkash Singh Badal and Sukhbir Singh Badal as part of the BJPs Sampark for Samarthan or outreach programme.

The chain of meetings is being seen as an attempt by the BJP to reach out to its allies who have either been criticising or expressing their dissent with the party and it also aims to strengthen the National Democratic Alliance ahead of general polls.
Mandsaur: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday assured the farmers of Madhya Pradesh that their loan would be waived within 10 days if his party comes to power in the state.

"Here Kamal Nath (MP Congress President) and Jyotiraditya Scindia (the state poll campaign committee chairman) are sitting. I want to assure you that within 10-days of coming to power in Madhya Pradesh, the government will waive (farmers') loan," Rahul Gandhi said.

Rahul was addressing a rally at Pipliya Mandi in Mandsaur district to commemorate the first anniversary of police firing on farmers during an agitation in which six farmers were killed.

Congress president also promised the farmers that his party would ensure justice to the victims of Mandsaur firing and would take action against those responsible for the police firing on farmers if it comes to power.

Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue of farmers loan waiver, the Congress chief said, PM Modi waived off loan worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore of just 15 businessmen, but I requested him to waive off farm loans, his answer was SILENCE.

Modiji does not have a word for the voice of farmers, he added.

He further said, When I asked the same to Captain Amarinder Singh and Siddaramaiah, in just 10 days Karnataka and Punjab governments waived off farm loans.

Criticising the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh over Mandsaur firing in which five farmers were killed, Rahul said, A year ago, Madhya Pradesh government shot and killed farmers. Today, all across India, farmers are demanding for their rights, while adding that the truth is PM Modi and BJP are not concerned about farmers. Helping their rich businessmen friends is their only priority.

The government only gives to the rich and takes away from the power. Prime Minister Modi calls Mehul Choksi Mehul bhai and Nirav Modi, Nirav bhai, he said.

Rahul further added, Narendra Modi ji gave Rs 30,000 crore to Nirav bhai and Mehul bhai. With this much amount, the loan of the states farmers would have been waived twice.

Accusing PM Modi of betraying the farmers, Congress chief said, The food we eat is all due to the efforts of our farmers and their families, not rich businessmen. Which is why farmers are our priority.

My first priority is the people of this country, second priority is my Congress karyakartas and third priority is the Congress leaders, Rahul added.

Madhya Pradesh is all set to go to Assembly polls in November along with Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.
Hyderabad: To counter the BJPs poll strategy, the Congress has started strengthening the party at the grass roots level and the poll management system from the polling booth across the country. For this it has adopted the leadership development mission in reserved constituencies (LDMRC).

This was earlier implemented in Gujarat, and after getting good results the Congress high command has decided to extend this system to all states and all constituencies, including general constituencies.

This system was introduced by AICC president Rahul Gandhis office in-charge and AICC SC cell chairman Koppula Raju, a retired IAS officer.

In the first phase in Telangana state, this exercise was completed for all reserved constituencies and will be taken up in general constituencies as well. Once the newly appointed in-charge of the AP Congress, AICC general secretary Oommen Chandy, takes charge, the exercise will commence in AP as well.

Under this system, booth committees will be set up with 14 members and a booth coordinator. Telangana state has about 30,600 polling booths with about 10,000 voters in each. The voters will be distributed among 14 booth committee members.

The members have to be in regular touch with the voters allotted to them and discuss their problems from the day of appointment till polling day. The members will have the responsibility ensuring that the voters allotted to them go to the booth on the polling day and vote in favour of the Congress.

Around 4,28,400 booth committee members across the state will regularly be in touch with the voters in addition to 30,600 booth committee coordinators.

The BJP has been following the same system in the states where elections are being held. This system has given unexpectedly good results, particularly in the recent Tripura Assembly elections, where the BJP has shocked the Left.

The procedure adopted by the Congress all these years was that, on the day of polling or one day before it, the followers of the party candidate in every booth would visit voters, give them voter slips and formally ask them to vote for the Congress.

In the new system, every member of the polling booth will have to develop a rapport with the voters allotted to them and convince to vote for the Congress. Congress leaders are of the opinion that this new system would help the party to come to power. Booth committees have been appointed in all reserved constituencies. Mr Raju recently held a review meeting on the LDMRC which was attended by TPCC president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy. After the presentation, Mr Uttam Kumar Reddy asked Mr Raju to extend it to all 119 constituencies in the state.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Wednesday expanded his 15-day-old Cabinet, inducting 25 new ministers after intense bargaining for ministerial berths, in a much-awaited exercise that caused heartburn among several lawmakers in the JDS-Congress coalition.

There were protests by supporters of aspirants for ministerial positions in several parts of the state and just outside Raj Bhavan between policemen and supporters of Congress's H K Patil at Chalukya Circle. There was also a late night conclave by two Congress leaders, Satish Jarkiholi and M.B.Patil who met with their supporters and other seniors, who had been denied cabinet berths.

A minister in the Siddaramaiah government Congress MLA B C Patil said: "I stood with the Congress like a solid rock, refusing the blandishments offered by the BJP. But this is the gift I have received in return....injustice has been done to me." M B Patil, a prominent face in the Siddaramaiah government who was at the forefront of the move for religious minority status for Lingayats, was also sullen. "I didn't use pressure tactics or blackmail," he said, adding he would meet the state party leaders and ask them why he was left out.

Those inducted into the coalition government included 14 lawmakers from the Congress, nine of Kumaraswamy's JD(S), and one each of the BSP and Karnataka Pragnavanta Janata Paksha. The BSP is a pre-poll ally of the JDS, while the newly formed KPJP MLA has extended support to the coalition.

Governor Vajubhai administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers, all of whom are of the Cabinet rank, at a ceremony at Raj Bhavan. Several key members of the previous Siddaramaiah ministry, including M B Patil, Dinesh Gundu Rao, Ramalinga Reddy, R Roshan Baig, H K Patil, Shyamnur Shivashankarappa, Tanvir Sait and Satish Jarkhiholi, were dropped. After Wednesday's expansion there are six vacant ministerial positions left for the Congress and one for the JD(S.)

Those inducted into the Cabinet include Kumaraswamy's elder brother H D Revanna, and G T Deve Gowda of the JD(S), who emerged as a giant killer when he defeated chief minister Siddaramaiah in Chamundeshwari. The lone BSP MLA Mahesh got a Cabinet berth and so did R Shankar of KPJP.
Hyderabad: Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy put both Telugu Chief Ministers in an embarrassing situation when he said recently that they had advised him to join hands with the Congress party in forming his government last month.

In an interview Mr Kumaraswamy said, Telangana CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu told me to join hands with Congress and advised me to form a secular government.

Since the main opposition party in Telangana is Congress, and since the Telugu Desam in Andhra Pradesh was born in opposition to the Congress, neither Chief Minister would want in any way to be associated with the Congress party.

In addition, Telangana Chief Minister who has proposed the formation of a new national Front wanted it to specifically exclude both the BJP and the Congress.

Mr Rao has so far discussed the formation of new Front with pro-Congress parties of several states.

This has created speculations that Mr Rao is forming the new Front to benefit BJP. All most all Opposition parties have charged Mr Rao that his Front is to benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming elections. So far no TRS leader has reacted to Mr Kumaraswamys statement.

It may be recalled that Mr Chandrashekar Rao had not attended the swearing-in ceremony of Mr Kumaraswamy in order to avoid sharing the dais with UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and AICC president Rahul Gandhi. He had travelled to Bengaluru a day previous to the ceremony to convey his good wishes personally to Mr Kumaraswamy.

Mr Naidu is equally embarrassed at Mr Kumaraswamys statement. There is speculation that the TD and Congress may have an alliance in the next elections, but some TD leaders are strongly opposed to this.

TD MP Galla Jayadev reacted to Mr Kumaraswamys statement by saying Mr Naidu did not advise Karnataka CM to join hands with the Congress.

But he also said that in politics there are no permanent friends or enemies. Mr Naidu has shared the dais with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and shook hands with Rahul Gandhi during the swearing in ceremony of Kumaraswamy in Bengaluru.

Yet Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K.E. Krishna Murthy strongly denies any talk of an alliance with the Congress and said if such an alliance materialises he will hang himself.
In a recent photo, former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed interacts with supporters in Maldives through a Skype call from his residence in Colombo (Image: AP)

China has dragged the Maldives into a debt trap and any future government formed by the Opposition will be unable to repay the loans unless a review cuts them to real value, exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed told Reuters on Monday.

The Maldives, home to 400,000 people and best known as a tropical paradise for tourists, has experienced political unrest since Nasheed, its first democratically-elected leader, was forced to quit amid a mutiny by police in 2012.

Nasheed, now living in Sri Lanka, said President Abdulla Yameens government had given China a contract to build a 1.4-km (0.9-mile) bridge in Male, the capital, at a cost of $300 million, or about four times the government estimate.

This is just one example, Nasheed, the leader of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), told Reuters. So we have to deal with this.

Total loans to build infrastructure, provided by Chinas Exim bank, should be easily more than $2.5 billion, Nasheed said, or roughly equivalent to the Indian Ocean archipelagos gross domestic product (GDP). They have done this through creating a debt trap and then using debt as a disciplining agent, he said in an interview in a suburb of the Sri Lankan capital, from where he is battling to defeat Yameen in the latters bid for re-election in September.

The government debt repayment to China alone in 2020 will be $750 million, about half of that years total revenue, he said.

There is no way whatsoever we would be able to do that in 2020 and no one is going to give us the money, Nasheed added.

None of the Chinese projects have been tendered. We do not know the amount, we do not know the terms, we do not know who is taking it and we do not know the governments obligation on it.

He said, We would have to renegotiate. It is a big cheat. We cant agree to pay this amount. But we will pay the real amount.

The government did not immediately respond to telephone calls and text messages from Reuters to seek comment.

Nasheed was convicted on terrorism charges in 2015 and sentenced to 13 years in prison after a controversial and widely criticized trial. But he was allowed to go on medical leave to Britain, where he received political asylum.

Since last year he has been working to unite Opposition parties to defeat Yameen.

The Opposition has accused the government of locking up most of its leaders who could challenge Yameens bid for a second five-year term, thus disqualifying them from contesting, but the government denies this.

Nasheed campaigned from Sri Lanka to win last weeks primary election, but the Elections Commission declined to accept the result and vowed to take action against the MDP.

The Opposition is likely to agree on a common candidate if Nasheed is not allowed to contest, but the candidate will be revealed only after authorities call for nominations, since a challenger to Yameen also could end up in jail, Nasheed added.

The Maldives has suffered upheavals since February, when Yameen imposed a state of emergency to annul a Supreme Court ruling that quashed the convictions of nine Opposition leaders, including Nasheed.

During the 45-day emergency, Yameens administration arrested former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the chief justice, another Supreme Court judge and a Supreme Court administrator on charges of trying to overthrow the government.
Microsofts decision to buy GitHub has been a blessing for rival U.S. coding platform GitLab, which has seen thousands of developers jump ship on worries that GitHub may end up favouring Microsoft products over others.

It has been crazy in the last twenty-four hours. We are seeing thousands switching, tweeting about it, GitLab Chief Executive Officer Sytse Sijbrandij told Reuters on Tuesday.

Microsoft said on Monday it is paying $7.5 billion in an all-stock deal for GitHub as it tries to lure developers in a bid to beef up its cloud computing business and challenge market leader Amazon.com.

GitHub, which calls itself the worlds largest code host with more than 28 million developers using its platform, did not respond to a request for comment.

GitLab said it has millions of developers on its platform but declined to share an exact count.

GitLab, founded by Ukrainian developers Sijbrandij and Dmitriy Zaporozhets in 2011, counts Alphabet Incs Google Ventures, Y Combinator and Khosla Ventures among its investors.

Sijbrandij said the platform has imported here over a hundred thousand code projects and has seen a seven-fold rise in orders since the Microsoft-GitHub deal unfolded.

There is at least a 10 times increase than the usual number of people switching to GitLab, he said, adding that the firm is aiming for an IPO in 2020.

GitLab has been trying to take advantage of the deal by offering a 75 percent discount on some subscription plans to new customers for moving to its platform.

However, Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella had promised here that GitHub will remain an open platform.

I dont think this is going to cause a noticeable dip in user base for GitHub, Mark Sami, vice president at consultancy firm SPR said.

There were similar scares when Microsoft purchased Yammer, and Yammer saw a surge in increased usage post-acquisition.

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.
At Lenovos keynote event, the main topic of discussion was the Lenovo Z5. This is rightfully so as prior to its unveiling there had been numerous leaks regarding its design. The latest Lenovo flagship was expected to come without a notch up top and an overall bezel-less display. Sadly, this did not happen and Lenovo announced the handset with not only a notch but a chin as well.

Moving away from the flagship device, Lenovo also announced two more handsets, the K5 Note, a refreshed version of its 2016 handset and a budget A5 smartphone.

The K5 Note comes with a much modern design in comparison to the 2016 version and along with hardware to boot. The Lenovo K5 Note has a 6-inch IPS display with a screen ratio of 18:9. The resolution found here is 720 x 1440 pixels. The handset is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 chipset and it is equipped with a 3GB or 4GB of RAM that is paired with 32 or 64GB of onboard storage. For additional storage, a 256GB MicroSD card can be added.

The cameras here are a 16MP camera with AI capabilities and f/2.0 aperture along with a 2MP shooter with a f/2.4 aperture for depth recognition. The front-facing camera is rated at 8MP unit with f/2.0 aperture. The Lenovo K5 note is fuelled by 3,760mAh battery. The handset is adorned with a Lenovo ZUI 4.0 overlay on top of the Android 8.1 Oreo OS.

The A5 budget smartphone comes equipped with a MediaTek MT6739 system-on-chip that is paired with 3GB of RAM. There are two storage options, 16GB and 32GB. Additionally one can expand upon it by using a microSD card up to 256GB. The A5 comes with a 5.45-inch screen with a resolution of 740 x 1440 pixels. The OS used here is ZUI 3.9 on Android 8.1 Oreo.

The rear camera is rated at 13MP with a f/2.2 aperture while the front-facing camera is an 8MP snapper with an aperture value of f/2.2. The battery bundled in the Lenovo A5 is a 4,000mAh battery.

The price of the K5 Note is CNY 799 that would be approximately Rs 8,375 for the 3GB RAM and 32GB version. The higher end model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB onboard storage is priced at CNY 999 which would put it roughly at Rs 10,471. The Lenovo A5 is priced at CNY 599 making it about Rs 6,278.

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.
Bukhari has also defended Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party founder Nawaz Sharif, who has clashed with the military. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

Lahore/ Islamabad: A Pakistani journalist and rights activist who openly criticised the military and its alleged meddling in politics was freed early on Wednesday, several hours after being abducted, her family and colleagues said.

The journalist, Gul Bukhari, who is a dual Pakistani-British national, has been an unusually vocal critic of Pakistan's powerful military on social media in the run-up to the July 25 general election. She has also defended Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party founder Nawaz Sharif, who has clashed with the military.

Bukhari was on her way to record a TV programme on Tuesday evening on the late-night Waqt news show when her vehicle was intercepted in the cantonment area of the eastern city of Lahore and she was taken away, her husband and two media colleagues said.

"She is back and she is fine" Ali Nadir, Bukhari's husband, told Reuters. He declined to comment further.

Earlier, Muhammad Gulsher, who is a producer on the Waqt news programme where Bukhari appears as a guest, raised alarm about her abduction.

He told Reuters that Bukhari had been abducted when a group of pick-up trucks stopped her vehicle and men in plain clothes dragged her way while other men in "army uniforms" stood guard.

"They put black masks on her face and took her," he said, adding that he was basing his information on Bukhari's driver, who witnessed the abduction.

Pakistan's military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Bukhari's abduction drew widespread outrage on social media, becoming the main trending topic on Twitter in Pakistan. Many activists swiftly pointed the finger at the military, calling it part of efforts to stifle dissent.

"If true, this would be a most audacious attempt to silence a known critic. Is this Pakistan or Kim's North Korea or Sisi's Egypt?" tweeted Syed Talat Hussain, a prominent journalist.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the daughter of PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif, called the abduction "disturbing."

"This is just cruel & worst kind of oppression. Sad day. #BringBackGulBukhari," she tweeted earlier in the evening.

Extremely disturbing, worrisome news of @gulbukhari abduction. This is just cruel & worst kind of oppression. Sad day. #BringBackGulBukhari  Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) June 5, 2018

Rights groups have denounced the kidnappings of several social media activists over the past year as attempts to intimidate and silence critics of Pakistan's security establishment.

Last year, five Pakistani bloggers went missing for several weeks before four of them were released. All four fled abroad and at least two afterwards told media that they were tortured by a state intelligence agency during their disappearance.

The military has staunchly denied playing a role in any enforced disappearances, as has the civilian government.

In the run-up to the polls, media houses have complained of growing censorship by the military establishment.

In the past six months, Bukhari, who has 69,000 Twitter followers, has penned several critical articles for the Nation newspaper about Pakistan's military and the judiciary, accusing them of overstepping their constitutional mandate and trying to interfere in the political process.
Public backlash has forced the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to review an order limiting the number of pet dogs reared in apartments and individual houses.

On May 4, the civic body had issued a notification allowing just one dog in flats and three in independent dwellings to ensure there is no disturbance for neighbouring houses.

The order asks canine owners to get a licence that includes a microchip-enabled dog collar, the cost of which they should bear. Owners failing to get the licence will have to pay Rs 1,000 in fine, besides giving up their dog to be put in an animal shelter.

The order sent shockwaves among pet owners who grew anxious about parting with their animals, while activists argued that the move would force caregivers to abandon their dogs.

Various animal activists and pet lovers met the Mayor, R Sampath Raj, on Wednesday and urged him to do away with the restrictions on dog ownership. After the meeting with citizens and activists, the mayor directed BBMP officials to relax the rules. Since animal lovers were opposing the rule, we are withholding this law until it is further discussed at the next meeting of the BBMP council. I have also directed the BBMP officials concerned to change the rules, Raj said.

Sarfaraz Khan, Joint Commissioner, Health and Solid Waste Management, BBMP, said: Since it affected dog lovers, we have decided to have a re-look at the order. We will take suggestions from the citizen groups before arriving at a decision.

Social media campaign

Pet parents started a social media campaign with the hashtag #NotWithoutMyDog. Dog lovers started several Facebook pages to take the campaign forward, where people posted messages against the BBMPs move. The hashtag was also trending on Twitter on Wednesday.

More than 9,000 people have also signed an online petition against the BBMP order. A petition on change.org said: BBMP, why to punish responsible pet owners instead of backyard breeders?
Sepoy, R Ravi, a resident of Konanakunte, is hanging between the devil and the deep blue sea. The 37-year-old soldier deserted the defence services to earn money but ended up getting embroiled in a scam and duped of over Rs 70 lakh.

The military intelligence in Bengaluru apprehended the run-away soldier last Friday and confiscated his identity card, pay book and uniforms.

While the Indian army is waiting to initiate court martial proceedings against him for deserting the service without notice, Ravi is running from pillar to post to lodge a civil police complaint to recover his lost money. But the police are unwilling to take up his complaint. Ravi enrolled in the Indian Army as a sepoy driver. After training with 3EME (Electronic and Mechanical Engineering) Centre in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, in 2002, he was posted at an army field workshop in Pooh in Himachal Pradesh. After another transfer, Ravi was posted in Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir (an advance base workshop), from where he quit the army.

Ravi, after taking leave, neither reported back to his unit nor informed his reporting officer about his whereabouts.

The army officials at Udhampur unit and military intelligence officials in Bengaluru were concerned about the runaway soldier as he lost contact even with his close friends and colleagues whom he trained with. The only thing that the army knew with regard to him was that he was in Bengaluru.

Runaway soldiers are seen as potential threats by military intelligence. Ravi had not surrendered his identity card or uniforms by which he can get access any of the cantonments in the country, said a senior army official. There are chances that anti-nationals could use people like Ravi to collect information or photographs of any army unit anywhere in the country, the official added.

After an apprehension order from the military headquarters, intelligence officials traced Ravi and he was under surveillance. The officials wanted to ensure that Ravi did not misuse his identity card and army attire. They wanted him to surrender the belongings before apprehending and producing him before the army authorities, who could soon initiate court martial proceedings against him for his long uninformed absence.

Scam trap

When Ravi was on the armys radar, officials discovered that he had invested over Rs 70 lakh (property share and gold collateral) into a rice-puller scam. Ravi was cheated by his own friend, Shiva Shankar, who claimed to be thesecretary of an international human rights association. Shankar and his accomplices convinced Ravi to invest into a business where a person is in possession of a rare material, Iridium Copper, which has rice-pulling qualities.

The fraudsters also convinced Ravi that the DRDO would buy this material from them for crores of rupees for research. Ravi fell into the trap of two such gangs, which duped him of Rs 70 lakh on different occasions in Kolar, Tumakuru, Palghat and other places since 2010 until recent times.

Ravi has even written to the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) stating that the police are not entertaining his complaint.
Beijing wants India to reaffirm its adherence to One-China policy  something New Delhi has refrained from doing since 2010.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to hold yet another bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week, Beijing has nudged New Delhi to formally iterate that it continues to adhere to the One-China policy.

The One-China policy acknowledges the existence of only the People's Republic of China and does not recognise the existence of Taiwan (or the Republic of China) as a separate entity.

India does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. New Delhi once used to reaffirm its One-China policy in all its joint statements with Beijing but stopped doing so since 2010.

Modi had an informal summit with Xi at Wuhan in central China on April 27 and 28. The informal summit was held to mend the bilateral ties, which had hit a new low last year over the 72-day-long face-off between Indian Army and People's Liberation Army of China at Doklam in western Bhutan. The two leaders are likely to hold another bilateral meeting on the sideline of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's summit at Qingdao in China on June 9.

Beijing earlier this week conveyed to New Delhi that a reiteration of One-China policy by India would significantly help enhance the mutual trust between the two neighbouring nations. The issue was discussed when External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sideline of a BRICS (a bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa in Pretoria on Tuesday, sources told the DH in New Delhi.

Foreign Secretary, Vijay Gokhale, and his counterpart in the Chinese government, Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou also met in New Delhi on Tuesday and discussed on India-China engagements in the coming months. They also held the discussion on the agenda and the possible outcomes of the forthcoming meeting between Modi and Xi.

The first India-China joint statement without a reference to New Delhi's adherence to One-China policy was issued after the then prime minister Manmohan Singh hosted the then Chinese premier Wen Jiabao in New Delhi in December 2010.

New Delhi declined to reaffirm One-China policy in the joint statement in response to Beijing's policy of issuing stapled visas  instead of normal visas pasted on pages of passports issued by Government of India  to Jammu and Kashmir residents seeking to travel to China.

Beijing's policy of issuing stapled visas to J&K residents was seen as a ploy to question New Delhi's claim over the state as an integral part of India. It was also perceived as a subtle move by China to support its all-weather friend Pakistan's claim over Kashmir.

The reference to India's One-China policy did not return to the joint statements issued by the two nations even after the regime changed in New Delhi and Modi succeeded Singh as the Prime Minister in May 2014.

During her first meeting with Wang in New Delhi in June 2014, Swaraj made it clear that China should adhere to One-India policy and stop supporting Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir if it wanted India to stick to its One-China policy.

By then, Beijing drew up a plan to build an economic corridor linking Kashgar in Xinxiang Province in north-western China and a deep sea port at Gwadar in Balochistan in south-western Pakistan. New Delhi was concerned, as the economic corridor was proposed to pass through areas in Jammu and Kashmir that India accused Pakistan of illegally occupying.

Beijing is still continuing to invest in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor  yet another move New Delhi perceives as an infringement on the sovereignty of India.

The external affairs minister, however, on Tuesday purportedly reassured the Chinese foreign minister of India's continued adherence to One-China policy. India will firmly adhere to the One-China policy and properly handle issues involving the core interests of China, such as Taiwan and Tibet-related issues, Xinhua, the state-run news-agency of the communist country, quoted Swaraj telling Wang in Pretoria.

No details about the meeting between Swaraj and Wang was released by the ministry of external affairs in New Delhi. Raveesh Kumar, MEA spokesperson, stated in a post on Twitter that both leaders (Swaraj and Wang) discussed a way to maintain the momentum in bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Beijing is stepping up pressure on New Delhi to reaffirm One-China policy at a time when India is trying to subtly expand its trade and economic links with Taiwan.

India, however, was very cautious on the issue of Tibet, ahead of the Prime Minister's informal summit with the Chinese president at Wuhan, ostensibly to avert irking China.

New Delhi on February 26 issued an advisory asking senior leaders and government functionaries in the states as well as at the Centre to stay away from the events attended by the Dalai Lama  the icon of exiled Tibetans' struggle against Chinese rule over their homeland.

The Dalai Lama has been living in exile at Dharamshala in India ever since he fled from Tibet in 1959 to escape the Chinese People's Liberation Army, which occupied Tibet that year. Beijing calls him a splittist and has been accusing him of leading a secessionist movement to undermine its sovereignty over Tibet.

China in April 2017 strongly criticised India for facilitating the Dalai Lamas visits to Tawang in Aruanchal Pradesh  very close to the disputed boundary between the two nations.
Businessman Raj Kundra on Wednesday claimed that he had appeared as a witness before the Enforcement Directorate that is investigating the Rs 2,000 crore bitcoin scam.

On Tuesday, Kundra, a celebrity and a regular in Page 3 circles of Mumbai, appeared before the ED office in Mumbai, where, according to reports, he was grilled for several hours.

I was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate merely as a witness. An enquiry is underway by the regulatory authorities concerned and I stand committed to extending all cooperation to the law enforcement agency, he said.

A businessman with interest in sports, this is not Kundras first brush with the law. In the past, he had appeared before authorities on investments in Rajasthan Royals. Some team members also got entangled in the spot-fixing scandal.

Kundra said: I am terribly disappointed by the irresponsible reporting carried out by some sections of the media. Clarity on the issue should have been sought before carrying such headlines. The authorities summoned me merely as a witness as the accused Amit Bharadwaj happens to be an acquaintance and some introductions were made hence there is a certain protocol being followed by the agencies.

He went on to add that Bharadwaj was intending to buy a team in the poker league and got into a contract for the same.

However, he (Bharadwaj) was expelled on account of non-payment of fees and I was called as a witness in this connection. While we continuously strive to keep taking steps to improve our reputation, these type of unconfirmed, baseless, reports severely dent our market perception and erode investor sentiments.

Notwithstanding what has happened, at Viaan Industries, we shall continue to focus on growing our gaming and media vertical. We remain excited about the companys future and strive to keep adding shareholder value, Kundra said.

It may be recalled, the ED, some time ago, had registered a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against bitcoin-based investment website GainBitcoin, its founder Bhardwaj and eight others. It is alleged that about 8,000 investors lost about Rs 2,000 crore funds by transacting in this scheme.

The Pune Police arrested Bhardwaj and his brother Vivek.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said that though the erstwhile United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had left the arsenals of the army, navy and the air force short of ammunition, no such shortage exists now.

She told journalists that the BJP government had made an adequate allocations for the defence sector since it assumed office in May 2014.

When we came in, there was ammunition shortage, there is no doubt about it. People who are accusing us today should also say where the shortage came from, Nirmala said. She was countering the Opposition Congress' allegation that the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not been serious enough in providing the armed forces with adequate weapons and ammunition to deal with any external security threat.

Now I am telling you there is no shortage (of ammunition), the defence minister said.

The Modi government drew flak after a report by the comptroller and auditor general last year indicated a shortage in ammunition in the arsenal of the army.

A report by the Standing Committee on Defence tabled in Parliament in March had criticised the government for inadequate allocations for the armed forces.

The defence minister, however, on Tuesday cited Budget allocation statistics to drive home the point that the BJP-led government had ensured in the past four years that the inadequate funds did not adversely affect the preparedness of the armed forces.

She said that the capital outlay for defence services in 2013-14 (the last financial year when UPA was in power) had been Rs 86,740 crore, while the actual expenditure had been Rs 79,125 crore.

She added that the capital outlay for defence services had been Rs 94,587 crore in 2014-15 (the first year of the Modi Government) while the actual expenditure had been Rs 81,886 crore.

The capital outlays in 2015-16 and 2016-17 were Rs 94,588 crore and Rs 86,340, respectively, while the expenditures were Rs 79,958 crore and Rs 86,370 crore.

As per the figures, beginning from 2004 till today, the defence expenditure has never been higher than this. Figures also show very clearly how different and how much more defence expenditure has been there in the last four years, she said. I want to dispel the myth that the funds which have been given are lesser than ever before.

She said that the headquarters of the army, navy and the air force had been given sufficient funds and provision to make some capital purchases.

The defence minister said the armed forces needed to review the list of military hardware they wanted to procure as some of the equipment they once wanted to procure might have been rendered obsolete due to the advent of new technology.
Disgruntlement erupted in the Congress as several leaders voiced their anger over not getting a place in the HD Kumaraswamy Cabinet, with their supporters staging street protests in various parts of the state, including Bengaluru. Former minister M B Patil, who spearheaded the movement for a separate Lingayat religion, said his self-respect had been hurt.

Patil, who was earlier water resources minister, said his name was on the list of would-be ministers till late Tuesday night. I dont know what happened. I will talk to (former CM) Siddaramaiah and then react. When my self-respect is hurt, I wont care for anybody. I want to make it clear that I will not accept any post during this governments term, Patil told reporters.

Patils supporters from his constituency Bableshwar in Vijayapura staged a protest near his Sadashivanagar residence. Hirekerur legislator

B C Patil said: Im pained. Im the only Congress MLA from Haveri district. Ive won thrice. I shouldve been made a minister. Im not sure how people will continue keeping faith in the Congress, Patil said, pointing out that he resisted offers from the BJP to remain in the Congress. It looks as though theres no place for honesty.

The JD(S) camp, too, saw dissent going public. I was pained when I learnt that my name wasnt on the list, party leader Basavaraj Horatti said. It was the duty of my party to make me a minister. Sakleshpur legislator H K Kumaraswamy, another ministerial aspirant, is also upset with the JD(S) leadership.
SALT LAKE CITY  The Other Side Academy, a residential life-skills and vocational training school, won the Social Entrepreneur category at EYs Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 Utah region awards.

The award  founded by the assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services firm  recognizes business leaders who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

The academy was selected by a panel of independent judges, and the organizations leadership team  Dave Durocher, Lola Zagey, Alan Fahringer, Tim Stay and Joseph Grenny  was honored during a June 2 gala at the Grand America Hotel.

Whod have thought that 90 criminals, drug addicts and homeless people could, within two years, win the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award? Grenny, chairman of the academy, said in a statement.

The nonprofit houses and reforms convicts, drug addicts or the homeless by teaching life skills by working at the academy's training schools, which include the Other Side Movers, the Promise Land Food Truck, a lawn care service and the Other Side Thrift Boutique. All proceeds from the vocational training schools go directly to house, feed and clothe students, all at no charge. Students are asked for a two-year commitment.

Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the nation Entrepreneur of the Year awards, which will be announced on Nov. 10 in California.
SALT LAKE CITY  All children 18 and under are welcome to join the Salt Lake School District for free meals at a variety of nearby schools, parks and community locations this summer.

All children eat free regardless of income status, and adults can purchase breakfast for $2.50 and lunch for $3.50.

The program will start Monday and run through Tuesday, Aug. 14. All sites will be closed Wednesday, July 4, and on Tuesday, July 24.

Meals will be served at the following sites with serving times and dates of meal service:

 June 11-Aug, 14, 17th South River Park, 1150 W. 1700 South; lunch, Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

 June 11-July 19, Backman Elementary, 601 N. 1500 West; breakfast, 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday; lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday

 June 11-July 19, Bennion Elementary, 429 S. 800 East; breakfast, 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday; lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday

 June 11-July 19, Bryant Intermediate, 40 S. 800 East; breakfast, 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday; lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday

 June 11-Aug. 14, Central City Community Center, 615 S. 300 East; lunch, Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

 June 13-July 19, Career and Technical Education Center, 1633 S. Edison; lunch, noon to 12:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday

 June 11-July 3, East High School, 840 S. 1300 East; breakfast, 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday-Thursday; lunch, noon to 12: 30 p.m., Monday-Thursday

 June 11-July 19, Edison Elementary, 466 S. Cheyenne; breakfast, 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday; lunch, 11 a.m. to noon, Monday-Thursday

 June 11-July 19, Escalante Elementary, 1810 W. 900 North; breakfast, 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday; lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday

 June 11-Aug. 14, Fairmont Park, 1040 E. Sugarmont Drive; lunch 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday

 June 11-July 19, Franklin Elementary, 1115 W. 300 South; breakfast, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Monday-Thursday; lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday

 June 11-Aug. 14, Jackson Elementary, 750 W. 200 North; breakfast, 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Monday-Friday (no breakfast will be served July 23-Aug. 14); lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday (lunch will be served outside on Fridays)

 June 11-Aug. 14, Jordan Park, 1060 S. 900 West; lunch, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday

 June 11-Aug. 14, Jordan Meadows Park, 1920 W. 400 North; lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday-Friday

 June 11-Aug. 14, Liberty Park, 1300 S. 700 East; lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday-Friday

 June 11-July 19, Liberty Elementary, 1085 S. Roberta; breakfast, 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday; lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday

 June 11-July 19, Meadowlark Elementary, 497 N. Morton Drive; breakfast, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday-Thursday; lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday

 June 11-July 19, Mountain View Elementary, 1380 S. Navajo; breakfast, 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday; lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday

 June 11-July 19, Newman Elementary, 1269 N. Colorado; breakfast, 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday, lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday

 June 11-July 19, North Star Elementary, 1545 N. Morton Drive; breakfast, 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday; lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m., Monday-Thursday

 June 11-Aug. 14, Northwest Central Park, 1300 W. 300 North, lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday-Friday

 June 11-June 28, Northwest Middle School, 1730 W. 1700 North, breakfast 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday; lunch, 11:30 a.m. to noon, Monday-Thursday

 June 11-Aug. 14, Ottinger Hall, 233 N. Canyon Road, lunch, 11:30 a.m. to noon, Monday-Friday

 June 11-July 19, Parkview Elementary, 970 S. Emery; breakfast, 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday, lunch 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday

 June 11-Aug. 14, Riley Elementary, 410 S. 800 West; breakfast 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday (no breakfast will be served July 25-Aug.14); lunch, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday (lunch will be served outside on Fridays)

 June 11-Aug. 14, Riverside Park, 1500 W. 600 North; lunch, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday

 June 11-July 19, Rose Park Elementary, 1105 W. 1000 North; breakfast, 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday, lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday

 June 11-Aug. 14, Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, lunch, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday-Friday

 June 11-Aug. 14, Sherwood Park, 1450 W. 400 South, lunch, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Monday, Friday

 June 11-Aug. 14, Sunnyside Park, 1735 E. Sunnyside Ave.; lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Monday-Friday

 June 11-July 19, Washington Elementary, 420 N. 200 West; breakfast, 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday; lunch, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Monday-Thursday

 June 7-June 28, West High School, 241 N. 300 West; lunch, noon to 12:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday

 June 11-Aug. 14, Westpointe Park, 1920 W. Colonel Drive; lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday-Friday

 June 11-July 19, Whittier Elementary, 1600 S. 300 East; breakfast, 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday; lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday
SALT LAKE CITY  Summer may still be weeks away, but Salt Lake's 90-degree days are already bringing the dangers of the summer heat.

According to the National Safety Council, 42 children died in 2017 from heatstroke after being left in hot cars, exceeding the national average by five deaths. Officials are reminding Utah parents to follow every precaution to avoid such a tragedy.

"Our main message to parents is to never leave your child alone in the car, not for any reason," said Cambree Applegate, director of Utah Department of Health's Safe Kids Utah. "We find that car temperatures rise much more rapidly than we realize."

In 10 minutes, a vehicle's interior temperature can rise by 20 degrees and continue to rise as time goes on.

Heatstroke can occur when the body reaches an internal temperature of 104 degrees according to Mayo Clinic research. However, children are especially susceptible. Their body temperature can increase three to five times faster than an adult's, according to a journal article from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Applegate suggested a few precautions when it comes to ensuring a child is not forgotten in a car. For one, Applegate said parents should keep their doors locked when not using the car to make sure kids do not climb inside.

"We see that scenario quite a bit," Applegate said. "The kids will wander off and they go out and play in the car, lock themselves in and can't get out. And parents don't realize where they're at."

A slight deviation from a routine has also led to parents forgetting a child in the back seat, believing they had already dropped the child off at day care or elsewhere. In many cases, it is an infant, too quiet to notice. Applegate suggests parents leave reminders for themselves.

"Leaving your phone, your purse, a shoe  something back there by the child that you're going to need," Applegate said. "Or putting a little stuffed animal up in the front seat to help you remember the kid is in the car with you."

If a passer-by notices a child locked inside a hot car, the first step is to call 911 and get emergency services involved, according to Salt Lake police detective Greg Wilking.

However, Wilking said there is a judgment call to be made when considering breaking the window of a hot car to save a child locked inside.

"We're not saying 'don't break a window,'" Wilking said. "Certainly, you have to justify why you're doing that and it has to rise to that level of concern."

Generally, Wilking says calling emergency responders should be a priority in such a situation.

"We're pretty quick," Wilking said. "We're quite capable of breaking windows."

Salt Lake Animal Services is raising the same concerns for local pet owners; the summer heat is just as fatal for dogs locked in cars.

"Once it's over 70 degrees outside, it's too hot to leave your dog in a sitting car," said Callista Pearson, spokesperson for Salt Lake Animal Services. "Your pet could die within 10 to 15 minutes."

Pearson also says cracking a window or parking in the shade is not good enough. It marginally cools the car, but dogs can still suffer in that heat.

Wilking suggests pet owners think twice when bringing their dogs on car rides.

"I really think that, especially during these hot summer months, dogs need to be at home," Wilking said. "Or, in a place where they can control their climate."

Since not all businesses allow dogs to come inside, Wilking said its better for owners to leave them at home rather than risk leaving their pet in the heat of the car.

Pearson urges witnesses of dogs locked in hot cars to, instead of breaking the window of a car, call 911 or animal services directly at 801-743-7045.

Utah is not one of nine states that protect "good Samaritans" who physically break into cars to save pets locked inside. Those who do could face legal ramifications.

Pearson said animal services received 92 calls last month alone for reports of dogs locked in hot cars. In all of 2017, the department received 677 calls about dogs in cars.

"That is a priority call for them," Pearson said.
Cookie banner

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019.

By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies.
SALT LAKE CITY  A dozen alleged violations against a pipeline operator are prompting Utah regulators to seek up to a million dollars in civil penalties against the Reno company.

Pacific Energy & Mining Co. operates a 21-mile, 16-inch natural gas pipeline from its processing plant to a tap northwest of Moab near the south side of the Archview Resort.

A November 2016 inspection by the pipeline safety section of the Utah Division of Public Utilities revealed 13 areas of "noncompliance" stemming from shortcomings in federally mandated operational plans and other required practices, according to Chris Parker, division director.

A filing before the Utah Public Service Commission indicates some of those alleged violations include deficiencies in emergency plans and an insufficient public awareness program for affected nearby entities, including schools and cities.

Company president Tarik Ahmad said none of the division's complaints have anything to do with safety but instead revolve around paperwork on a pipeline he says shouldn't be regulated.

"We are a small company that has run this for a long time and we were never regulated. It is a gathering system. It is not a transmission line."

Ahmad said the pipeline was never subjected to state inspections before 2013, a change he attributes to the past presidential administration's pattern of politically pressuring more oversight of the industry.

"It has to do with politics," he said, adding the division was trying to "toe the line" with former President Barack Obama's administration.

"It is a gathering system in operation since 2008 and it is not supposed to be regulated. In 2013, they came to us and said they want to regulate. What changed? Did they have a vision?"

Parker said when Pacific took ownership of the pipeline, operational changes put it within the state's jurisdiction, which he said was agreed to by all parties.

Ahmad argues the state's extension of jurisdiction is unwarranted.

"(Pacific Energy & Mining) is not a transmission company. Rather it gathers the gas and delivers the same to the gas meter at its own property and equipment before it is transferred to Northwest Pipeline," Ahmad said in a Tuesday filing before the commission.

"Division's attempt to insert itself into regulating a gas gathering system by changing the nomenclature in simply calling a gathering line a transmission line will result in every gas gathering system in the state of Utah to be regulated as a transmission line," the filing states.

Ahmad said there are hundreds of gas gathering systems located throughout Utah.

The division has insisted on the corrections.

A follow-up inspection in August 2017 found that one of 13 alleged violations was corrected.

The division issued another warning letter in late August, and while there was email correspondence from the company, Parker said the company failed to address the other violations.

The case was referred to the Utah Attorney General's Office in January this year for enforcement.

In May, the company filed a request for a 90-day extension to respond to the division, but the division is objecting.

A hearing has been set for July.
As a conservative and an advocate for clean energy, I was pleased to see that the Utah State Legislature, which has large Republican majorities in both chambers, passed the HCR 007 Concurrent Resolution on Environmental and Economic Stewardship.

HCR 007 is a watershed moment for the Beehive State because it recognizes the impacts of a changing climate on Utah citizens and encourages the reduction of emissions through incentives and the support of growth in technologies and services that enlarge the economy.

Diversifying Utahs energy portfolio and reducing emissions should appeal to all conservatives because these priorities improve efficiency and security. Its also about economic growth and job creation; for example, Utah has over 6,000 people working in the states solar industry.

I applaud all of the legislators who voted for the resolution, and Id especially like to thank its lead sponsors, Rep. Becky Edwards of North Salt Lake and Sen. Todd Weiler of Woods Cross, who are both Republicans. Support for clean energy is growing among conservatives nationwide, and Utahs Legislature exemplifies that fact.

Heather Reams

Washington, D.C.
SALT LAKE CITY  Choi Eun-suk, who lives in the seaside city of Donghae on South Koreas eastern coast, woke up early on April 27 to watch the news about South Korean President Moon Jae-ins meeting with North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un. All day, when she wasnt sitting with her family in front of the TV, Choi, 50, was carefully watching her phone so she wouldnt miss a single moment.

She watched as Moon and Kim joyfully embraced after vowing to work toward denuclearization and an official end to the decades-long Korean War. The image belied more than 60 years of threats and subversion since full-on warfare ceased on the divided peninsula. But the scene still filled Choi with hope and joy.

"I was so happy," said Choi, whose father was born in North Korea and fought with Americans during the war. Her family often wonders if her fathers brother is still alive. "The Korean people have been waiting for a long time for the war to end and for there to be real peace."

For Koreans like Choi, peace between North and South Korea, or even reunification, would be a life-altering development, with implications for separated families, the economy, mandatory military service and peoples overall sense of security.As the world anticipates a meeting this month between Kim and President Donald Trump, the Deseret News asked several South Koreans to share their thoughts about the future of South Korean and U.S. relations with the North  their suspicion of rapid changes and desire for peace  and how that future might impact them personally.

Several people with the last name Choi were interviewed for this story, but they are not related. The quotes are from email correspondence translated from Korean into English.

Views of Trump

After North Korea released a series of hostile statements last month and Trump canceled and then reinstated his meeting with Kim, there is still some doubt whether the proposed June 12 summit will actually occur. But if it does, the event will be the first meeting between a U.S. president and a North Korean leader.

Choi Ji-yeong, 44, is from Samcheok in South Korea's Gangwon-do prefecture where the most recent Winter Olympics were held. He has two daughters and works as an electrician. "Almost everyone in Korea dislikes Trump," he said. "He has created a lot of trade disputes and gives the strong impression that he only cares about American interests."

A Pew Research Center survey from last year shows that South Koreans' confidence in the U.S. president dropped from 88 percent in 2015, when Barack Obama was in office, to 17 percent in 2017, the first year of the Trump presidency. That is the lowest rate of confidence in a U.S. president in South Korea since before 2003. For comparison, 38 percent of South Koreans expressed confidence in Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2017.

Seo Ju-eun, a 25-year-old nursing student from Busan, called Trump "trash." Lee Mi-kyung, a self-employed 47-year-old from Donghae, said she thinks he is "a strange person who makes a lot of abrupt decisions."

But some South Koreans are starting to think more favorably of Trump after recent events.

After Trump accepted Kims initial invitation to meet in March, signs of Korean approval were accompanied by a rise in the KOSPI, South Korea's stock market, according to Yonhap News.

An April poll by Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation  one of the leading TV and radio networks in Korea  showed South Koreans were relatively optimistic about the proposed U.S. and North Korean summit. The poll indicated 56 percent of South Koreans expect the meeting between Kim and Trump to be somewhat successful and 30 percent expect it to be very successful.

"Before President Trump, there were sanctions put on North Korea, but they never seemed to have much of an impact. So at first, I was a bit embarrassed by Trumps hard-line attitude toward North Korea," said Choi Jong-hyun, 27, a software engineer from Seoul who now lives in Provo. "But seeing the results, I think it's clear that sanctions made North Korea come to the table to talk."

"Thanks to President Trump, I have more hope about the integration of Korea," said Ha Seung-hun, 22, a student from Daejeon who lives in Salt Lake City.

Choi E., however, still has her doubts about the negotiations that may take place when Trump and Kim meet. "North Korea will never act like Libya or Iran, like Americans want," she said. "The United States is playing a power game and is demanding denuclearization. It seems they have not done their research on North Korea.

"North Korea will do whatever it takes to get what it needs," she added.

Hopeful but skeptical

After more than a half century of military threats and nuclear tests (even the discovery of multiple secret North Korean tunnels infiltrating South Korean territory), the South Koreans interviewed for this story expressed similar skepticism about their northern neighbor. However, many have also recognized the significance of recent inter-Korean and U.S.-North Korean communications and hope diplomacy will pave the way for continued progress.

"Moving," "surprising," "positive" and "amazing" were the words most frequently used by those who spoke to the Deseret News to describe Moon and Kims initial April meeting in South Korea. The pair also had an unannounced meeting on the North Korea side of the border in May, during which they discussed a North Korea-United States summit.

The Munhwa Broadcasting poll found that 89 percent of respondents viewed the first inter-Korean summit as a success and that Moon's approval rating reached 86 percent after the meeting.

Kim Kyung-ji, 27, from Daejeon, said she was surprised by how easy it was for the two leaders to meet, considering it had seemed like such a big deal for so long. "It was inspirational," she said.

But few expect a complete resolution of tensions between North and South Korea to come quickly.

"There are still many areas where we need to resolve problems and share opinions," said Choi J.H. of Provo. "In the past, North Korea has shown positive signs such as summit meetings with the South and the reunion of separated families, but later it returned to continuing nuclear tests and missile launches."

A Korea Gallup poll in April indicated that 64 percent of South Koreans think North Korea will never give up its nuclear program, with a similar percentage from a Realmeter poll showing distrust for the North Korean regime.

"It is just another show. It has happened twice before," said Ha, referring to previous occasions when North Korea said it would denuclearize. "But North Korea ignored its promises."

Reunification

Nearly all the Koreans interviewed for this story said they hoped North and South Korea would be reunited someday, and many said they think reunification will happen in their lifetime.

"I think it will be hard at first, but it will eventually lead to the creation of a better society," said Choi J.Y. from Samcheok. He would like to see better utilization of North Koreas resources and the reinvestment of money spent on military defense into the economy.

Park Ki-eun, an 18-year-old South Korean student who lives in Gimpo with her parents and little brother, said she would like to see the complete reunification of North and South Korea as well. But even if that is not possible, she thinks the two countries will eventually come together politically and economically.

Some younger people, however, worry about how reintegration of the two Koreas might impact their economic situation.

Authors of an issue brief recently released by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, wrote that South Koreans in their 20's see North Korea as a "stranger" or "enemy" more than older people, and display more indifference toward the idea of Korean reunification. The brief said that because of the growing social and cultural divide between the two Koreas, South Koreans in their 20's identified less with their northern neighbors and showed the least interest in "restoring the unity and identity of the Korean people."

"The older generation wants unification, and the younger generation seems to be split. Some young people want unification, but some do not want to be reunited because of the expected tax burden after unification," said Kim K., who pointed to the example of East and West Germany.

"I am personally worried because of realistic economic problems. Korea might be very poor again," said Ha. "With an ethical or moral view, yes, I want reunification. But, with an economic or realistic view, I should say no."

Overall, despite the generational divide, over 80 percent of Koreans expressed interest in reunification.

"Ultimately, the desire for peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula is not much different between older people and younger people," said Choi J.H.

When Choi E. thinks about her father, who is now deceased, being in his 20s and living in poverty and sorrow in a newly divided Korea, tears come to her eyes. Her father was never able to return to his hometown in North Korea, she said, but she dreams of one day traveling to that place, walking on the ground he walked on and feeling the air there.

"There are few Korean people who want to reunite right now," said Choi E. "But there are fewer who would not be happy to integrate with each other and live peacefully together without the danger of war."
NAIROBI, Kenya  An Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo last month has led Roman Catholics to stop administering several sacraments temporarily in an attempt to keep the deadly disease from spreading.

Catholics will not be baptized, confirmed, ordained or anointed until further notice in the countrys northwestern regions hardest hit by the outbreak, which has claimed at least 25 lives since May 8, when the outbreak was first confirmed. The new regulations cover the Archdiocese of Mbandaka-Bikoro, which spans about 59,000 miles. Some 650,000 of the regions 1.2 million residents are Catholics, according to church statistics.

Archbishop Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, apostolic administrator for the archdiocese, announced the order suspending the use of sacraments that require physical contact to administer. A May 30 diocesan statement said the purpose is to prevent the spread of Ebola virus disease, also known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever. The disease has infected one priest so far, but he has recovered, according to Besungu.

This is to prevent the spread of Ebola haemorrhagic fever, Besungu said. A government tally found at least 54 people have been infected over the past month.

In parishes where new regulations take effect, bishops and priests will administer Communion to the hand, not the mouth. The sign of peace, which typically involves handshakes and hugs, will be given verbally instead.

Ebola can spread when openings in the skin, such as a small cut or open sore, come into contact with an infected persons fluids including saliva, sweat and semen. Cases in Mbandaka, a riverside city of more than one million, have raised fears that the disease could spread widely via river transport.

The virus can spread from wild animals, such as monkeys and bats, to humans. Some church officials have feared that some traditional beliefs, which deem the disease to be a curse, have led to misunderstandings and hurdles to prevention.

The church is now trying to raise awareness of high-risk behaviors that are to be avoided. For instance, Besungu noted the disease can spread when family members handle Ebola victims corpses, including those recently seen being carried on motorcycles for burial.

Many locals in the area believe the disease resulted from a curse after victims ate stolen meat of a wild animal in the countryside, according to church officials. Church leaders aim to help locals understand that Ebola can spread from one species to another.

The people are very poor and hunt wild animals for food. This has put many of them at risk. We are speaking strongly against (eating meat from wildlife), said the Rev. Josue Bulambo LembeLembe of the Church of Christ in Congo in Bukavu in a telephone interview with Religion News Service.

His church has put water cans and soap at entrances for visitors to wash hands as a preventative measure.

For Caritas, a Catholic relief organization, the focus is on prevention through proper hygiene, sanitation, community mobilization and communication.

We are counting on the involvement of priests, men and women religious, teachers and health care workers, said Jeanne Marie Abanda, Caritas coordinator for the Mbandaka region, in a statement posted on the organizations website.

The DRC government and World Health Organization, working with church-based aid organizations and others, have mounted a massive effort to contain the virus. For the first time WHO has used a vaccine to prevent the disease.

In one of the worst cases in history, Ebola struck three West African countries from 2013 to 2016, killing 11,300 people out of 28,600 cases. The current outbreak marks the third in the DRC in the past five years and the seventh since discovery of the disease in 1976.
SALT LAKE CITY  Early in the morning of June 5, 2002, Brian David Mitchell cut through a window screen, broke into Edward and Lois Smarts home, and forced 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart from her home in Federal Heights to a camp in the woods on the outskirts of Salt Lake City.

During eventual court proceedings, Smart recalled Mitchell's exact words when he put the knife against her throat: I have a knife at your neck, don't make a sound or I will kill you and your family, get up quietly and come with me.

Smart was held captive for nine months, which she later referred to as nine months of hell, at locations in both Utah and California.

Smart was starved and raped almost daily and forced to dress in disguise and to keep silent. Eventually, she convinced Mitchell to return to Utah, where she was discovered in Sandy on March 12, 2003.

On May 25, 2011, Mitchell was sentenced to life imprisonment.

"Today is the ending of a very long chapter and the beginning of a very beautiful chapter for me," Smart said after the sentencing. "I am so thrilled with the results that came out today, the life sentence. I couldn't be happier."

Smart has since become an advocate and motivational speaker focusing on human trafficking and sexual assault.

She served a mission for the LDS Church in Paris, France. She and husband Matthew Gilmour were married on Feb. 18, 2012, and have two children, a boy and a girl.

Smart has been the subject of multiple books and has also written a New York Times best-selling memoir about her experiences, titled My Story.

Last year, A&E and Lifetime came together in a cross-network effort on the 15th anniversary of Smarts abduction  A&E releasing a two-party documentary titled Elizabeth Smart: Autobiography, and Lifetime releasing an original movie titled I Am Elizabeth Smart.
HILL AIR FORCE BASE  It's a warm spring day in Davis County, and Staff Sgt. Carlos Kubischta is putting Cvoky, a 103-pound Belgian Malinois, through his paces as he learns to contain a security threat on base.

On this day, Sr. Airman Preston Ward is the unlucky soul deemed to be the target of Cvoky's hands-on  or more accurately described "mouth-on"  attack training.

The dog's bite is so powerful, his front paws come off the ground if the target lifts their arm above their head. And just as he can be ferociously aggressive upon command, he will pull back just as easily when given the appropriate signal.

It's a sight to behold.

"As soon as you start training them, it's all fun and play for them," according to Staff Sgt. Enrique Diaz. "It's not even work, it's fun. They enjoy doing it."

Before getting to this point, the dogs have embarked on a journey that started months before, explained Diaz, who is the military working-dog trainer at Hill Air Force Base. Hill houses seven dogs trained for explosive detection and one for narcotics, he said.

All canines matriculate through the 341st Training Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, he said. The initial training takes place after the dogs are about 2 years old, at which point the dogs receive approximately 120 days of intensive training to learn to detect explosives or narcotics.

Most also learn military patrol skills as well, he said. The cost to buy, train and care for a military canine is about $35,000 over their lifetime.

Upon completion, they are sent to various bases around the country for enhanced specialization training, Diaz said.

"(German) shepherds and Malinoises are the preferred breeds because they are easily trained and they are bred for personal protection," he said. "And their nose is amazing! It's 60 times more (sensitive) than a human's."

Diaz described the Belgian Malinois as tireless and relentless, the German shepherd as very smart.

Airmen who want to become handlers must go through a six-month application process and, if accepted, that is followed by a three-month basic handlers course, Diaz explained.

"They teach you basic veterinary skills, basic patrol work and basic detection skills," he said. Upon graduation, handlers are then sent to fill slots at bases. They are responsible for care and well-being of their assigned animal, and they have to check on them every four hours when they are not involved in training, he noted.

"That's where I come in, and I'll train you the proper way of searching or doing canine training," he said.

He said being a handler/trainer requires an enormous commitment, which means the job isn't for everyone.

"If you like your time off, then don't go (into) canine (handling), because I'm here six days a week (and) sometimes maybe more," he said. There are odd working hours and they are responsible for looking after their dogs at all times.

"If your dog is sick and you have to stay with your dog for 48 or 72 hours, then you're staying here (in the base's kennel and training facility)," Diaz said. "Technically, they are equipment, so unlike police dogs, they don't go home with us."

While the dogs rarely leave the on-base facility, he said it is their 'safe place' and they are comfortable being there.

"We like to take them out every chance that we get to let them run around and get their exercise," he said. Even then, the dogs are constantly receiving instruction to reinforce their skills and maintain their proficiency.

"Training never stops," Diaz said. "Even if (they) are proficient in one week, we can push the limit and improve their skills."

The dogs can typically have a working career of up to 10 years as long as their health holds out, Diaz said, but once the time comes to retire, they become couch potatoes.

"It's funny. It seems like they know that when they retire and go to somebody's house, that's it," he said with a laugh. "They've forgotten everything they ever knew about work. It's pretty interesting that they know when to flip that switch."
News item: On May 26, 2018, two 10-year-old female cousins died in a tragic UTV rollover near Salmon, Idaho.

At first, the story seemed so remote that it triggered more sadness than grief. One little cousin, Lydia Chaffin, lived in Nebraska.

The other, however, turned out to be Avery Kohl, the daughter of Jason and Jennifer Kohl, friends of our family. Every Fourth of July, Avery and her family joined the throng in our backyard to eat burgers and beans and wait for the fireworks to begin at Rees Pioneer Park.

Averys funeral was Saturday in Brigham City  a vale of tears punctuated with smiles.

Her passing took a toll on the entire town.

Many asked, what was Avery like?

First, she was a girl who hated dog poop. Shed pluck flowers from the neighboring yards and decorate her dogs indiscretions with floral arrangements.

She was also the kind of girl who, for a school assignment, said she hoped to always help others when she was a grown-up. When told that sounded like a humanitarian, she looked the word up and, on the spot, discovered her vocation, her lifes calling.

Ive mentioned that the day my mother died, I turned to a little book by Henri Nouwen titled A Letter of Consolation. There, Nouwen pointed me to a scripture Id glossed over a dozen times. The Savior is telling his disciples about his impending death. He says, in essence, that just as a single grain of wheat placed in the ground will produce an abundance of wheat, so it will be with him. In death, he will expand his influence (see John 12:24).

The author of the book, however, pushes things a step further. He says when any exemplary person dies, he or she often gains more influence than they ever had in life.

That would prove true for Henri Nouwen himself.

It was also true of my mother.

And its quickly proving true for little Avery Kohl.

Already a GoFundMe effort called The Avery Kohl Humanitarian Fund (www.gofundme.com/avery-kohl-humanitarian-fund) has been started to help the little humanitarian realize her dream of beaming hope into the lives of others. And this weekend, my wife used Averys example to help her grandkids make peace with each other.

Her example prompted me to write this column.

Like the grain of wheat in the soil, Averys passing is already bearing fruit.

Yes, our Fourth of July this year wont be quite the same. The fireworks will burn a little dimmer, the hamburgers will lack some flavor. All because Avery wont be with us.

But, as the serrated edge of sorrow slowly wears down, time will surely allow for other feelings to surface. I think the notion Averys gone will eventually give way to Averys with us, not only in memory, but as a bright, caring presence in the lives of all her friends and family.

That proved true for the Savior.

It proved true for my mother.

And it will prove true for the little girl who had a gift for turning dog poop into bridal bouquets.
OGDEN  A woman died after her motorcycle was struck by another vehicle Tuesday, police said.

About 4:30 p.m., the motorcyclist was traveling south in the inside lane in the 1200 block of Washington Blvd. when another vehicle hit the motorcycle, causing her bike to "lay down," Ogden police posted on Facebook.

She was then ejected into traffic and struck by another vehicle. Though wearing a helmet, the motorcyclist suffered fatal injuries, according to police.

No citations were immediately issued and the crash is under investigation, police added.

Southbound Washington Boulevard was closed to traffic between 1200 and 1300 South "until further notice," police said, cautioning drivers to expect delays.
SALT LAKE CITY  It was "Utah Week" at a congressional markup hearing on Wednesday, where legislative proposals by all four of the state's representatives were voted on favorably.

Reps. Rob Bishop, Mia Love, Chris Stewart and John Curtis, all R-Utah, all had bills before the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources dealing with a wide range of issues  from streamlining permitting for broadband in rural areas to a federal land transfer involving 2.6 acres of Forest Service property.

Bishop, chairman of the committee, said at the outset of the hearing that the Utah bills prove that it is not necessary to be from a big state or large urban area to influence policy decisions.

"The rarity of this event is noteworthy," he said.

The most controversial of the measures, HR5597 by Stewart, received a 21-14 vote. It expands desert tortoise habitat in Washington County by adding 6,800 acres in exchange for disturbing 147 acres to put in a northern transportation corridor in the nation's fastest growing county.

Critics said it adds more disturbance to the habitat of an already threatened species, but Bishop stressed the corridor has long been promised to Washington County residents to meet demands of a growing population.

Rep. Alan Lowenthal, D-Calif., said he attended a rare field hearing in St. George in 2016 and was "struck" by the number of people who came out who were opposed to the transportation route because of its effect on the tortoise.

At that hearing, the Bureau of Land Management was widely criticized by lawmakers and county leaders as being the poster child of "bad behavior" for failing to identify a route for the corridor as Bishop said was promised.

"There was a deal made on the bill. There had to be a transportation corridor for future growth in Washington County," Bishop said Wednesday."The BLM was to identify a route. They did not do that."

Curtis' HR4824streamlines the permitting process for the extension of broadband in rural communities by granting a categorical exclusion if installation will occur in an already established utility corridor. The exclusion means there would not be an additional round of environmental review necessary.

The bill also allows states to conduct the permitting, even if on federal land, as long as the arrangement is voluntary between the state and federal government.

Some Democrat members of the committee had objections on the categorical exclusion, asserting it would too broadly eliminate environmental review even in extraordinary circumstances.

Love is running HR3777, which provides for a transfer of 2.6 acres of U.S. Forest Service land and property to Juab County. The land is home to the Nephi Work Center, which historically was used to house Forest Service support services for management of the Spanish Fork Ranger District.

The federal government is seeking disposal of the property, and the Juab County Special Service Fire District wants a permanent base for its wildland firefighters.

Bishop's HR5751 redesignates the Golden Spike National Historic Site as the Golden Spike National Historical Park and also establishes the Transcontinental Railroad Network.

The bill is designed to elevate the status of the historic site where completion of the transcontinental railroad happened at Promontory in northern Utah in 1869.

The 150th anniversary of that milestone will be noted in a huge celebration planned next year.
SALT LAKE CITY  University of Utah professor Tariq Banuri has been appointed chairman of Pakistan's Higher Education Commission.

Banuri moves into the role from his positions as an economics professor and associate director of the U.S.-Pakistan Centers for Advanced Studies in Water at the U. He also serves on the executive committee of the U. Water Center.

Pakistans Higher Education Commission is an independent, constitutionally established institution with a mandate to finance, oversee, regulate and accredit all institutions of higher learning in the country.

Banuri has requested a leave of absence from his current position at the U. and said he is eager to explore partnership opportunities from his new post.

Banuri previously served as executive director of the Global Change Impact Studies Centre, a dedicated research institute for climate change studies in Pakistan. He was the founding executive director of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute in Pakistan and founding director of the Bangkok Centre of the Stockholm Environment Institute.

Banuri also was a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. He holds a doctoral degree from Harvard in economics, completed his masters degree in development economics from Williams College and earned his bachelors in civil engineering from the University of Peshawar.
SALT LAKE CITY  Orchestra musicians in the Utah Symphony and the Utah Opera are financially set through the summer of 2022, the organization announced Wednesday.

The musicians reached a four-year agreement with the Utah Symphony and Utah Opera. The agreement outlines increased base salary amounts, more scheduling flexibility and increases to insurance coverage for string instruments, and will run Sept. 1 to Aug. 31, 2022.

The existing base salary for musicians ($72,968) will increase by 1.75 percent in year one, 2.84 percent in year two, and 3 percent in each of the contracts final two years  making the 2021-22 season base salary $81,496, according to a press release.

While this new contract doesn't have any seismic differences from previous contracts, Paul Meecham, the organization's president and CEO, told the Deseret News that previous contracts have typically been for three years instead of four.

There was a desire on both parties to have further stability by just making it a longer contract, Meecham explained.

The new contract, he said, gives the musicians more flexibility when partnering with well-known guest performers. Since the symphony typically plans events years in advance, and guest performers' availability usually isn't known until a few months beforehand, the symphony has previously had to turn many of these opportunities down.

Meecham said this new scheduling flexibility also helps the symphony meet the demands of its education outreach programs and the increasing popularity of its new Films in Concert Series, which Meecham said has been a solid success for the symphony.

We discovered that theres a whole new audience thats coming to these," he said. "Were attracting a lot of new audiences  younger audiences, older audiences.

Additionally, this new contract allows the Utah Opera to also plan for a longer future, as members of the Utah Symphony play in the pit of the Utah Opera's productions. The Utah Symphony and Utah Opera are the only "merged symphony-opera organization in the country," Meecham said, meaning that when patrons attend the opera, they are getting the instrumentals performed by symphony members.

"What this enables us to do, by having the same full-time orchestra, is to have a higher level performance at the opera," Meecham said, "because youve got a world-class symphony also playing for the opera. Were not to contract different players for just a two-week run. Youve got the same high-quality ensemble year round.

The orchestras negotiations committee was comprised of members Keith Carrick (percussion), Julie Edwards (viola), Rebekah Johnson (violin), Matthew Johnson (cello) and Caitlin Valovick Moore (piccolo, flute). Meecham led negotiations on behalf of the administration, and was assisted by Senior Vice President and COO David Green, Vice President of Symphony Operations and General Manager Jeff Counts and Director of Operations Cassandra Dozet. Discussions also involved federal mediators Kevin Hawkins and Xavier Merizalde.

On behalf of the USUO Board of Trustees, I would like to express gratitude to all the members of the negotiating committee, said Kem Gardner, chairman of the board of trustees in a prepared statement. Its evident that our organization holds mutual respect at the forefront of our negotiation interactions, and values the best interests of the musicians and organization as a whole to allow everyone to focus on our mission, which is to connect the community through great live music.
In 1983, I almost did not enter the Miss America pageant system specifically because I did not want to compete in a swimsuit. After my mom did some digging, she learned that Utah was the only state in the country that held the swimsuit competition in the afternoon without an audience. I was still uncomfortable with that portion of the competition but decided to overlook it and focus on the talent and interview portions. Thousands of dollars in cash scholarship is a big deal, and competing in a swimsuit seemed a small price to pay.

Fast-forward to my Miss America year, and I found myself telling the media (roughly five press conferences a week for 52 weeks) that I thought we should do away with swimsuit. I am certainly not the only Miss America to have suggested that publicly for the past few decades. In fact, when I was a judge two years ago at Miss America, I actually had a meeting with the organizers to discuss eliminating swimsuit. It fell on deaf ears.

Why is the Miss America organization finally now making the change that kept it rooted in the past and provided fodder for feminists for so many years? It is a tradition that is almost 100 years old  few brands survive that long. Miss America began as a swimsuit contest in Atlantic City to keep tourists there longer after the summer. Frankly, the women who participated in an activity that daring were forward-thinking, bold women of their day. So why do away with it now?

Times have changed drastically, and the forward-thinking, bold women of today require a whole different format to challenge and reward them. Its unfortunate that it has taken so long to get to this point, but sometimes it requires a shake-up to break down tradition. Scandal sometimes drives changes for the better, and a trifecta of circumstances set up the Miss America organization for the biggest change of its nearly 100 years of existence:

1. In 2016, former Miss America and Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson set the stage for the #MeToo movement frenzy by filing a lawsuit against Fox News Network chief Roger Ailes. She wrote "Be Fierce," a book about her decision to go public, and represented innumerable professional women who were determined to change the mindset of how women ought to be viewed, not only in the workplace but in our society as a whole.

2. In December 2017, the chairman of the board and CEO of the Miss America Organization were ousted due to a series of inflammatory and derogatory emails about a few former Miss Americas. That created a ripe opening for a takeover, and our closed email group of nearly 65 former Miss Americas voted in Gretchen Carlson to present herself as candidate for chairwoman. She was the right person in the right place at the right time, and it wasnt even a contest. She became chairwoman of the board fairly quickly.

3. The #MeToo movement  though officially started in 2006 by Tarana Burke  really caught fire in 2017 as the hashtag went viral. Women want to be respected for their intellect and talent, and anything that detracts from that is no longer socially acceptable. The logical consequence of this cultural shift is that a swimsuit competition cannot be part of a scholarship program that wants to be taken seriously. (Yes, it is a scholarship program, and an extraordinarily valuable one at that. I earned about $50,000 in cash scholarships way back in the '80s).

Needless to say, I am thrilled with the changes that we discussed on a private call Sunday night with all the former Miss Americas. This Miss America 2.0 allows me to feel good about encouraging sharp, talented, driven and socially conscious young women to participate. With #byebyebikini, I am now proud to encourage all our many outstanding Utah young women to compete, which I believe will result in another Miss Utah winning the new and improved Miss America competition in the near future.
SALT LAKE CITY  Mayor Jackie Biskupski will take the helm of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Alliance for a Sustainable Future starting at the national gathering of mayors this weekend in Boston. Biskupski has held the position of vice chairwoman since fall of 2016 when the alliance was created.

In 2016, the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions formed the Alliance for a Sustainable Future to provide a platform for public and private sectors to advance carbon reduction programs and sustainable development.

The alliance has worked to establish a system for collecting data on what cities are doing in the arenas of low-carbon energy, alternative-fuel vehicles and energy efficiency in buildings. This information has been used by cities and businesses as they develop and implement their own sustainability programs.

While in Boston, Biskupski will participate in a climate summit hosted by Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. Biskupski will also submit a resolution in support of climate resiliency and to urge the U.S. Conference of Mayors to formally oppose the Trump administrations effort to mandate required grid purchases of electricity generated by carbon-based fuels.
Softbank has sold 51% of ARMs China operation for $775 million to local investors, according to Reuters.

ARM gets about a fifth of its $1.4 billion annual revenues from China.

Under the deal the 51% share will be owned by a consortium led by the Hou An Innovation Fund which is jointly managed by ARM and Hopu Investments with Hou An the controlling shareholder.

Hou Ans backers include China Investment Corporation, Silk Road Fund, Temasek Holdings, Shum Yip Group and Hopu.

Click here to read more ...




Kamal Haasan Finally Spoke On 'Kaala' Ban Controversy In Karnataka

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has finally opened up on the debate surrounding the release of superstar Rajinikanth's Kaala in Karnataka. Ulaganayagan met the chief minister of Karnataka HD Kumaraswamy to commence a conversation about the sensitive Cauvery issue. He came to back Kaala remembering the Vishwaroopam controversy in 2013.





Haasan stated that its completely wrong to impose a ban on a film while addressing the media at Chennai airport. Haasan said, Like how my 'Vishwaroopam' overcame several hurdles and became successful, I hope 'Kaala' will also win. My films have also been proposed bans in Karnataka. Cinema has become a soft target.





Earlier, he was ridiculed by fans for failing to back Rajinikanths movie and landed himself in a mild controversy after he refused to comment on the ban. However, the star cleared his move by saying that the meeting with Chief Minister Kumaraswamy was regarding the Cauvery issue and not about films. Moreover, last night, a petition was filed at the Karnataka High Court by Kaala producers, asking the court to provide security for the screening of their film in the state. Despite all these issues, directed by Pa Ranjith, Kaala is all set to hit theatre screens on June 7.





For latest movie reviews, ratings and trailers, download the Desimartini App.



Source: static.dnaindia.com
Rajinikanth: Stardom Is The Result Of An Opportunity, Not An Individual

Superstar Rajinikanth visited Hyderabad to promote his upcoming film 'Kaala' which is right now attracting the controversies. The superstar also paid tribute to the legendary actor and former Andhra Pradesh (erstwhile) chief minister NT Rama Rao. The actor talked about his movie and all other characters that are an important part of the movie directed by Pa Ranjith.





He is playing the role of a slumlord based in Mumbai's Dharavi in the film. During his visit to Hyderabad, Rajinikanth recounted his days and said, During the early days of my career, I used to come and seek blessings of NTR. I miss him a lot these days. There are a lot of people who speak about superstardom but I'd like to say that it's not about any individual - it's about the opportunity. In any field, when an opportunity arises, one mustn't let it go.





While not speaking much about the story of the film, Rajini said that the film has a powerful message attached to it. He added that the film is set in the backdrop of Dharavi slum, which is the largest slum in Asia and it deals with characters living inside this slum and tells the story of how it affects people's lives. Usually, in his films, only the hero's character is of importance and the others may not be as significant but in Kaala, there are at least six characters that will have a huge impact and will stay with the audience even after the movie. Kaala is all set to hit the screens on June 7.





For latest movie reviews, ratings and trailers, download the Desimartini App.



Source: www.deccanherald.com
An international campaign to help people with diabetes who have been forced out of their homes because of unforeseen circumstances has been launched.

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has estimated that around four million people with diabetes are forcibly displaced every year because of natural or man-made disasters.

If someone has diabetes and access to their medication is not available, the situation can be fatal. Therefore, the IDF wants to encourage agencies around the world to take action, by improving health services and access to essential diabetes medicines during emergency situations.

Poorly controlled diabetes over a long period of time can lead to complications, such as kidney failure, amputation, blindness and heart disease. However, many people often go undiagnosed, which can also be life-threatening.

IDF President Professor Nam H. Cho said: People living with diabetes must be able to access the essential medicines and care they need to manage the condition and avoid its debilitating complications. For somen, this is a matter of life or death.

Securing immediate access to essential medicines is a priority when people with diabetes are forced to flee their homes. The supply must be uninterrupted and provided at no or very low cost so that medicines are not priced out of the hands of those who need them most.

All too often, the care for people with diabetes is overlooked in the response to a humanitarian crisis. We are calling for concerted action to make sure the healthcare needs of people with diabetes are not disregarded when disaster strikes.

Governments and major international organisations are being asked to guarantee access to diabetes medication and care for all people with diabetes who are forcibly displaced. IDF is also asking organisations to increase funding to support health systems which may become overpopulated should an influx of people be forced to move within its treatment patch.

The campaign currently involves the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). It is supported by a grant from the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF).

Jakob Sloth Madse, from WDF, said: WDF is delighted support this effort to improve diabetes care in humanitarian settings. Our vision is to alleviate the burden of diabetes among people that are most vulnerable to the disease.

Reducing the suffering caused by diabetes during crises is central to that vision  and a priority for WDF, given the growing number of displaced people worldwide.
The Indian smartphone market is the fastest growing in the world. Everyone wants a piece of it, but not everyone can figure out a way to dominate. The smartphone market here in India did see a lot of turbulence ever since its inception. It was kicked off by Indian manufacturers like Micromax, Lava, Intex and more who would get reference designs from China and sell phones in India based on that. Soon enough, the Chinese brands themselves figured out the potential India carried and thus started the onslaught of Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, Vivo and a dozen more. While the manufacturers themselves went in and out of the market, with fortunes changing hands every few years, one key player remained constant. Taiwanese chipset designer, MediaTek. The company found success in offering reference designs and turnkey solutions to smaller manufacturers who didnt have the resources to invest in R&D. The chipsets designed by the company have been powering entry-level and mid-range phones in India ever since the smartphone boom.

Then...

Over the 21 years of existence, MediaTek has now garnered the fourth position among fabless chipset designers globally, grossing over $7.8bn revenue in 2017. The companys key to success has been its research and development. In 2017 alone, the company invested 24 percent of its revenues in R&D across various verticals including AI, Smart TVs, Deep learning and more. In fact, the Taiwanese giant is one of the top 10 investors in R&D among other semiconductor companies, even ahead of Nvidia according to semiconductor analyst firm, IC Insights.

MediaTek started off with making chips for optical drives, feature phones and colour TVs. It remains the largest maker of chips for feature phones till date and soon enough expanded into making chips for smartphones and tablets. There too, the company gained second and first position respectively, but now that smartphone growth has mostly plateaued, MediaTek is investing heavily into smart devices like Amazon Echo and 5G connectivity.

The companys meteoric rise to success has seen it collaborating with leading tech companies across the world  Google, Cisco, Amazon, Microsoft, Sony, and a dozen other partners which constitute almost every consumer tech brand. Lenovo, Acer, Netflix, Xiaomi, Tencent. You name it. They have it. The partnerships are so deeply rooted that one out of every five households have something or the other with MediaTeks tech in it, according to IC Insights analysis.

Now...

The Taiwanese chipset maker has been in India for long, as well. They entered the market back in 2004 and now, MediaTek powered phones need no introduction. It does have the perception of lagging behind its rival Qualcomm, but the company is aiming to fix that.

The company has taken a four-pronged approach to making a name for itself in India - A strong focus on R&D and innovation, support for Indian national device standards, collaboration with universities, and defining global protocols based on Indian use case scenarios. But more than that, its the companys focus on the next wave of innovation that proves MediaTek is serious about India.

MediaTek is actively testing its 5G modems in collaboration with Reliance Jio. There have been rumours about the company making the chipset for the next JioPhone which is reported to be an Android Oreo (Go Edition) device. The company does have the MT6739 chipset designed specifically for Android Oreo (Go Edition) phones built in collaboration with Google.

Furthermore, there are strong rumours of Xiaomi collaborating with MediaTek to bring out a phone powered by a MTK chipset. Xiaomi was earlier legally banned from using MediaTek chipsets after a lawsuit filed by Errisson. The ban has finally lifted and we received strong indication from MediaTek about a possible collaboration with Indias most popular smartphone brand. Over 60 percent of MediaTeks revenues come from selling chipsets to smartphones in India. Partnering with Xiaomi will only bolster the companys popularity.

There is a perception in India that MediaTeks chipsets are not as good as Qualcomms products. However, the significant difference in price of a smartphone powered by MediaTek as compared to Qualcomm has helped the Taiwanese chipset designer to sell more phones in a price sensitive market like India. Currently, the company has three major chipsets powering smartphones in India. The MT6739 for Android Go phones, the Helio P22 and the P23 for the mid-range devices and the Helio P60 for premium chipsets. But thanks to the relationship MediaTek has with its customers like Oppo and Vivo, the price differentiation between the chipsets has been blurred. The Oppo F7 priced above Rs 20,000 is powered by the Helio P60, but so is the new Realme 1 priced under Rs 10,000. The business model of MediaTek allows the company to be present across various price points, offering the same compute power. It then becomes the OEMs responsibility to maintain the consistency.

All About AI

The companys new shift of focus on AI has also helped. The Helio P60 comes with a dedicated APU to offer on-device AI capabilities. MediaTek claims its one of the most efficient AI chips around. The APU in combination with its Neuropilot AI platform has helped create its own ecosystem. Partners like Tencent, Arcsoft and the likes have developed applications like face recognition, face unlock, camera beautification, and more. These features are offered by MediaTek as part of its turnkey solution which helps entry-level players like Comio and Mobistar also offer these features which otherwise they would have had to spend millions to create on their own.

Beyond Chipsets

While the companys revenues are now less reliant on smartphones and tablets on a global scale, the focus on smartphones in India is stronger than ever. There are other sources of revenues for the company as well. MediaTek has invested around $100mn in Indian semiconductor companies and fintech companies. Paytm and MobiKwik are two of them where MediaTek owns shares.

Theres also active development of automotive technologies that are once again being developed as turnkey solutions. That includes the development of AI hardware and sensors that can power a driverless experience. By 2020, MediaTek promises smart radars, modems for cars, next gen telemetrics and ultra short range radars. The company envisions a world where cars can seamlessly talk to each other and be smart enough to drive on its own. Once 5G becomes a reality, automobile manufacturers in India can also leverage the same technologies developed by MediaTek.

MediaTeks global presence cannot be denied. It might have a smaller team as compared to other fabless chip designers, but the company is almost omnipresent in the consumer tech industry. Smart TVs, smart speakers, smartphones and ASICs for specialised application and hardware. However, MediaTek operates solely as an engineering company. While it spends over 25 percent of its revenues on R&D, less than 10 percent is spent on branding and marketing. MediaTek leaves it to the OEMs to speak about its innovations, but unfortunately that doesn't always happens and the company remains behind the scenes most of the time. Hopefully, that should change and we can see MediaTek coming out of the shadows to claim the credit it deserves.

MediaTek sponsored the author's stay and travel to Computex 2018 in Taiwan
The phone in your pocket is an irreplaceable device. For now. From being able to take calls to browsing the internet to taking photos, the palm-sized device is an all encompassing, omnipresent and ever prevalent. But smartphones arent the future. Or to put it in another way, smartphones arent going to be alone in shaping the future. Smart speakers have already started invading our houses and while autonomous cars are still some time away, automotive technology has been evolving at a rapid pace. And after missing out on the early smartphone boom, MediaTek, the Taiwanese chipset supplier is already eyeing the emerging IoT market.

The Taiwanese fabless chipset seller has its fingers deep in the smartphone market. In fact, in 2016, it was adjudged the third largest fabless chipset design houses in the world with a 17.6 per cent year over year growth. According to the company, over 1.5 billion devices shipped globally are powered by MediaTek. Now that smartphone growth has plateaued globally, MediaTek is placing its bets in this years most-used buzzword  AI.

A democratic AI

Its an AI world, after all, reads MediaTeks website. At least, thats the world MediaTek envisions. The company made access to machine learning hardware much easier by integrating an APU or AI Processing Unit in their chipsets. The Helio P60 and the P22 launched this year houses the APU that is designed in-house by the Taiwanese giant. The P-series are aimed at mid-range and entry-level devices which means the dedicated AI processor is currently the most affordable. But hardware is only one part of the whole. Without active development, the hardware isnt leveraged to its full potential. To that end, MediaTek debuted its AI platform at the sidelines of Computex in Taiwan, named Neuropilot.

Kevin Jou, the companys Chief Technology Officer announced that the new platform is compatible with the most popular AI frameworks, including Googles Tensorflow, Python-based Caffe, and more. The platform will leverage the APUs in MediaTek chipsets and give developers the tools to make the most of it. It is a common platform to develop all kinds of smart products. Neuropilot can deliver computer vision used for image recognition, voice assistants and security.

Neuropilot is positioned more as an ecosystem. It will be a means to perform Edge-AI, a term that is Microsoft CEO Satya Nadellas favourite. It means that the AI processing will be done within the device itself instead of relying on the cloud.

The APU itself is being hailed as one of the most efficient in the market. The one in the Helio P60 takes 18 milliseconds to process machine learning tasks. MediaTek drove the efficiency further home through a demo of face detection by the Oppo F7 (powered by the Helio P60) in comparison to the Samsung Galaxy S9 and the iPhone 8 Plus. It was indeed visibly faster than the other two and the APU was leveraged to help improve the background light of the subject in the frame.

Its an AI world, after all.

But as I said before, smartphones are going to accompanied by other smart devices as well. MediaTek is planning to tread into those markets. AI-assisted automobiles, smart speakers and displays and other smart devices are on the rise and MediaTek wants to capitalise on them. In fact, its chipsets already power Amazons Alexa-enabled Echo devices. That already makes MediaTek the largest player in the smart speaker market. The efficient APU allowed Echo devices to be cross-compatible with thousands of other smart devices including smart lights, locks, cameras, and more. The 18ms computing speed also helps. Alexa doesnt take long to answer and do what its asked. But its not as fast as it should be.

Whats holding back these smart devices isnt the AI hardware. Its the connectivity. 4G is fast, but not fast enough for IoT devices to talk to each other and perform tasks seamlessly. Which is why there is a rush to make 5G a reality. The proposed technology will apparently deliver speeds in gigabits. The lightning fast speed is especially important for autonomous cars and cars that will rely on AI to assist driving. It needs split-second operations all the time, without a hitch. 5G promises all that.

In that regard, MediaTek today announced the Helio M70, a 5G ready modem that will hit the markets sometime later this year or in 2019. The modem will be leveraged by IoT devices and smartphones to achieve speeds up to 5Gbps. MediaTek said it is actively testing the modem in collaboration with Nokia, NTT Docomo and Huawei and will support all carriers globally.

5G+AI = The Future

Together with 5G and AI, MediaTek plans to invade homes and garages. MediaTeks AI will help cars perform automatic emergency braking, lane departure and forward collision warning, detect moving objects and blind spots and more. AI can control the vehicles trajectory and speed using the APU. The underlying technology include SLAM (simultaneous localisation and mapping) which is essentially the cars ability to map and interpret its surroundings simultaneously, and environmental modelling.

That sounds a lot like autonomous cars. But MediaTek is too shy to admit the possibility. After all, driverless cars have been getting into all sorts of accidents these days. But at the core of the companys ambition for AI-powered automobiles are a bunch of sensors and well, AI. The sensors include cellular modems, radars, lidars and cameras. The sensors will collect and feed the data to the APU that can deliver high computing power with low power consumption. The current APU in the Helio P60 only consumes 20 milliampere of power. The APU will then leverage the data to control the wheels, brakes, accelerator and the lights.

Its certainly a lot more complicated than it sounds. And MediaTek isnt the only protagonist in this story. Waymo, owned by Googles parent company, Alphabet has been dabbling with autonomous cars for quite some time now. Its cars are even being allowed to drive passengers to their destinations in the United States. Theres Qualcomm, MediaTeks bitter rival thats also making some headway into smart devices and autonomous cars. Tesla Motors AI-assisted cars are being actively sold in the market and even Uber is working on self-driven cars. The competition is certainly intense, but MediaTek has an edge over the others. The company promises the technology to be more affordable and like its chipset business, it will be offered as a turnkey solution to manufacturers. While Waymo, Tesla, Uber and the likes will have its own fleet of cars, MediaTeks strategy might soon see the company be more widespread in that space by offering the technology to car makers.

MediaTek lost out on the first mover advantage that its rival Qualcomm had in the smartphone market. It arrived late and its strategies kept the company behind the scenes. Snapdragon processors are widely used in marketing materials for phones. MediaTek, not so much. But with the next wave of tech innovation knocking at the doors, the Taiwanese giant doesnt want to commit the same mistakes. In fact, it will be lot more pervasive, lot more present and a lot more active in the coming years. There is a wind of change coming, and MediaTek plans to fly high.

MediaTek sponsored the writers travel and stay at Taiwan for Computex 2018.
Google has been bullish when it comes to incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various experiments. This time its has created an AI-powered terrarium that tells the live weather of any part on the earth by mimicking the conditions of that place.

Listed on GitHub, the experiment is called Project Oasis and is a voice controlled terrarium that recreates outside weather inside a box. You can talk to it through Google Assistant to ask about the weather or ask it to create certain conditions.

The project is developed by an Indian-origin developer Harpreet Sareen and his friends at the Google Creative Lab. The group said that other developers can also build their own terrarium. Detailed instructions of fabrication and electronics are here.

The terrarium, which comprises of three modules: Dialogflow functions, Cloud PubSub NodeJS listener and Arduino sketch, recreates rain, clouds and lighting in a self sufficient closed and living ecosystem.

According to the details on GitHub, the developers used Google's Dialogflow to parse natural language for the required parameters of city, location or action. User's voice input are mapped to actions or functions exported in the Dialogflow fulfillment.

These functions use openweathermap api to extract information about clouds, rain, light conditions at a particular location. The result JSON is passed onto the terrarium using Google's Cloud PubSub -- a realtime notification system. PubSub messages then trigger appropriate components within the terrarium, it said.

For example, if you ask about the weather in New Delhi, the terrarium will recreate the weather with light, shooting mist (for fog or clouds) or rain depending upon the current weather conditions of the capital city .

Last month, Google created an AI-powered experiment emoji scavenger hunt that showed how the companys machine learning tools can be used to make fun little games. The experiment asks the user to use a smartphone's camera to find objects that match an emoji within a time limit. With each find, the time limit increases.

Google has also given users a (fun) glimpse of how far its natural language processing technology has come. Google Research division of the search-giant has rolled out Semantic Experiences, which are websites with interesting activities that demonstrate AIs' ability to understand how we speak.
Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that the company will launch three iPhone devices in September this year and when it comes to the pricing strategy, it will be more aggressive to boost the sales. According to Kuos first Apple-related research note for his new firm TF International Securities, one of the main reasons why Apple will adopt a more aggressive pricing strategy is Apple's concern over the negative impact of a higher price" for its 2018 iPhones.

We forecast that Apple will adopt a more aggressive price policy for the following reasons: (1) concern over the negative impact of a higher price in a mature smartphone market on selling momentum, (2) improved cost structure, which is mainly attributed to assembly yield improvements of end product & 3D sensing and cost reduction of components, and (3) increasing users of Face ID benefiting the promotion of the Apple service and ecosystem, the firm said.

Kuo said that the company is expected to launch a 6.5-inch OLED "iPhone X Plus" for $900-$1,000 and the second generation OLED iPhone X for $800-$900. A new 6.1-inch LCD iPhone, that was reported to be pegged for November launch, will be priced at $600-$700. Kuo said that the all iPhones that will be launched in 2018 will have a full-screen design and Face ID.

Earlier this year, analyst Amit Daryanani from RBC Capital Markets told MacRumors that the base price of the 5.8-inch iPhone X might get a cut of about $100, which will bring the price down to $899. The 6.5-inch iPhone X Plus might be launched at a base price of $999.

Last year, unlike what Apple had expected, the response to its super premium iPhone X was lukewarm as many existing users believe that the device is too expensive.

A top analyst with asset management firm Piper Jaffray said that 44 per cent people who didn't upgrade said that they baulked at the idea because their current iPhone works fine. More than a third of the respondents said that the iPhone X, which starts at $999, is too expensive. And eight per cent said they would have upgraded if the new phone had a larger screen.

Further, a report by Taipei Times based on a research note from Yuanta Securities anaylst Jeff Pu said that one of the iPhones that will come out in 2019 will have a triple-lens rear camera setup. While the note didnt close much of the details, another report by Economic Daily News claims the rear camera setup will have a 6P lens design and can give up to 5X zoom. There will also be at least one 12-megapixel lens within the setup.
Google to end controversial military contract after employee backlash

Google is reported to be ending its controversial defence contract with the US Department of Defence amidst employee backlash that saw 12 employees quitting the company over the controversy and over 3,000 signing a letter in protest.

Google will not renew its contract with the Pentagon for its work on the project, known as Project Maven, a US Department of Defence initiative that aims to use artificial intelligence to analyse drone footage, when its current contract ends in 2019.

See: According to Gizmodo, Google Cloud CEO Diane Greene told employees about the decision in a meeting on 1 June. She said the backlash to the project had been bad for the company ( In a first, Google employees quitting in protest against defence involvement ).

She also reportedly said that Google made the decision to take on the contract at a time when it was more aggressively pursuing military work.

Earlier, Google had tried to play down the significance of the project, saying that the work would not be used to operate drones or launch weapons and that Google has only been providing open-source software.

The contract is also not financially lucrative with reports suggesting its value at around $15 million, although, in the future this figure could grow to $250 million.

Project Maven has been controversial amongst Google employees, especially as it tended to involve the use of AI in warfare, which is one of the most controversial uses of the technology.

Google was also worried about the potential public reaction to the contract.

A report in The New York Times also suggested that Google has been cautious in mentioning AI in emails to officials and that AI experts had warned Google officials to avoid at all costs any mention or implication of AI

Google is also reportedly working on a set of guidelines to direct its AI work with the military, which could include a ban on the use of AI in weaponry.

Googles giving up the contract, however, would not end the project as it only leaves the door open to other tech giants, including Microsoft, Amazon and IBM, who were reportedly interested in the project.
Tata Motors plans dedicated platform for electric passenger vehicles

Tata Motors on Tuesday announced the setting up of a dedicated platform for electric vehicles to offer a range of electric and hybrid vehicles in the commercial and passenger vehicle space.

Shailesh Chandra

In a presentation to investors, Tata Motors said it is working on close to a dozen electric and hybrid vehicle solutions in the commercial vehicle space and is simultaneously moving towards a dedicated electric vehicle platform in the passenger vehicle front.

Tata Motors also announced to appointment of Shailesh Chandra as head of the electric mobility business vertical with immediate effect and will continue to be a member of the executive committee, Tata Motors stated in a statement. Chandra also leads the corporate strategy division at the company.

The company is planning to develop a 320-volts battery with a range of 300 plus km that will also deliver faster acceleration and efficiency, including fast charging.

Chandra in his presentation to investors said the company aims to lead in EVs by offering optimised and accessible solution to the consumers.

Tata Motors, which edged past Mahindra to bag the L1 tender for EESL's 10,000 electric vehicle contract, also managed to deliver the first lot of the contacted EVs in a short span of 4 months.

It may be noted that the company also bagged 60 per cent of electric bus order from the ministry of heavy industries for plying in major cities.

Creation of this new business vertical will enable Tata Motors to deliver on its aspiration of providing innovative and competitive e-mobility solutions.

Tata Motors is optimistic about the future of Electric vehicles and would play a leading role in the electric mobility evolution in the country. We will also leverage on the capabilities of other Tata Group companies to develop the full ecosystem and fast track the adoption of e-mobility, Guenter Butschek, chief executive officer and managing director, Tata Motors, said.

Chandra has played an instrumental role in leading the project teams to deliver the EESL project and has been closely working with some of the Group companies and other ecosystem partners in his current role.

Tata Motors is committed to the governments vision for electric vehicles by 2030 and will work in a collaborative manner to facilitate faster adoption of electric vehicles and to build a sustainable future for India, the statement said.
Walmart to take kirana stores into confidence ahead of Flipkart buy

US retail giant Walmart is trying to take Indian kirana stores into confidence through logistics and technical support as it tries to secure its deal with the Indian e-commerce major Flipkart.

Walmart says that it sees Indian kirana stores as its partners and not competitors, but Walmart's full-fledged presence in the segment could trigger protests by traditional retail stores and a likely price war with Indian retail majors.

Under the 'Mera Kirana' initiative launched in 2014, Walmart creates a replica of a modern kirana store in its Best Price stores.

The idea is to enable the mom-and-pop store owners to understand the ways they can incorporate to modernise their stores. And, in the process, Walmart could also make these mom-and-pop stores partners in retail trade.

However, Walmart's attempts could intensify competition in the Indian online grocery space, affecting Indian start-ups including BigBasket and Grofers.

Walmart, which opened its first fulfilment centre in India last year at Bhiwandi near Mumbai, to speed up its retailing operations in the country, is already helping local kirana stores get organised.

The global retailer is also planning to open its second fulfilment centre in India.

The fulfilment centre, housed in a warehouse run by third-party logistics firms, helps Walmart to provide kirana stores with door-step deliveries of merchandise.

Walmart also sends its team to these stores to educate their owners with right assortment, placement and display of products in the shops.

With these steps, the US giant is working towards organising this largely unorganised sector in India.

See: The US retail giant, which signed an agreement in May this year to acquire 77-per cent stake in Flipkart, expects to close the deal before the end of current calendar year ( For $16 bn Walmart bags Flipkart ).

Walmart also expects the ongoing operations of Flipkart to negatively impact its fiscal 2019 net income.

According to a regulatory filing with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Walmart said the ongoing operations of Flipkart are expected to impact the US company's income negatively.

"In May 2018, the company announced it will pay approximately $16 billion in exchange for approximately 77 per cent of the outstanding shares of Flipkart Group. The investment includes $2 billion of new equity funding... Closing is expected later this calendar year, and is subject to regulatory approval," the retail giant said.

"Upon closing and consolidating the financial statements of Flipkart, we expect the ongoing operations of Flipkart to negatively impact fiscal 2019 net income. We intend to fund the acquisition of Flipkart with a combination of newly issued debt and cash on hand," it added.

Speaking at an investors meet, Walmart Inc President, CEO and Director, Douglas McMillon, said they were learning about retail ecosystems and how they work around the world.

"We're learning a lot from China. We'll be learning even more from India. And we basically want to be in places that have a tremendous opportunity, which is what led us to Flipkart in India," he was reported as saying.
Modi defends India-US defence ties as balancing act

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had defended Indias aligning with the United States as a measure to balance security concerns emanating from China, which clearly has flouted rules of the sea.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, which was also aimed at addressing Russias concerns over India aligning with the US, Japan and Australia into forming the Quad, Modi expressed Indias eagerness to make Indo-Pacific as the defining factor for new security architecture in Asia.

Delivering the keynote address at the Shagri-La Dialogue in Singapore Narendra Modi described the new geography of Indo-Pacific as a natural region ranging from the shores of Africa to that of the Americas.

Modi also insisted that a stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region is an important pillar of Indias strategic partnership with the United States.

The United States also wants India to play a key role in the Pacific, East Asia and Southeast Asia. It is with this view that the Donald Trump administration decided to coin the term "Indo-Pacific" replacing "Asia-Pacific.

While the US move may seem to be largely symbolic, it nonetheless underscores the rising significance of India in Americas strategic calculations.

The Pentagon has already begun using the term "Indo-Pacific in its official documents. The US military has also renamed its Pacific Command as US Indo-Pacific Command.

US Defence Secretary James Mattis has remarked that relationships with our Pacific and Indian Ocean allies and partners have proven critical to maintaining regional stability... In recognition of the increasing connectivity between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, today we rename the US Pacific Command to US Indo-Pacific Command.

Prime Minister Modi is also clear in his vision that Indias ties with the US are vital to enhancing Indias strategic posture and autonomy and the pursuit of long-term national interest.

Indias signing of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMAO) with Washington in 2016 is the first step towards that.

While the term Indo-Pacific looks politically controversial, especially in the context of Indias relations with Russia, it is necessary to drive the idea of Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy that the Chinese assertiveness is challenging.

During Modis just-concluded visit to Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, he characterised Singapore as Indias springboard to ASEAN and a gateway for India to the East. Modi also declared the ASEAN as the geographic core to any Indo-Pacific architecture.

While India is engaging in strategic dialogues, military exercises and security agreements with many Indo-Pacific countries, it is also trying to make innovative use of trade and diplomacy as its strategic arsenals.

Indias strategic vision, however, is complicated by the evolving dynamics of Russia-India-China dialogue, the SCO, and the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS).
Putin names India, China and Russia as 'major players' in SCO

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended Indias defence ties with the United States (See: Modi defends India-US defence ties as balancing act), Russian President Vladimir Putin today named India, China and Russia as 'major players in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

The Russian premiers statement comes ahead of the 18th summit of the eight-member block in the eastern Chinese coastal city of Qingdao on 9 and 10 June.

Putins comment is significant as India and Pakistan are set to participate in the summit as full members.

Originally launched to resolve border issues between China, Russia and erstwhile constituents of the Soviet Union, the block has evolved to a powerful eight-member grouping with substantial resources, Putin said.

The SCO was founded at a Shanghai summit of the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, in 2001.

The SCO member states account for one-fourth of the worlds GDP, 43 per cent of the international population and 23 per cent of the global territory, Putin told China Media Group, which includes the CGTN English channel. He stressed on the rapid economic growth of China, India and Russia, all of which are major players in the organisation.

It is widely believed that while Russia pushed for Indias membership, while Pakistans entry into the bloc was backed by China.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet Putin on the sidelines of the Qingdao summit, which will be their second such interaction in three weeks after the informal summit at Sochi in May.

Also see: Russia is Indias old-time friend. We share long-standing historical ties, and Mr President (Putin) is my personal friend and a friend of India, Modi had said after a summit at the Black Sea resort of Sochi. For the past four years, you and I stood side by side in the bilateral format and on the international stage... I am very glad that it was so. ( Modi-Putin talks to strengthen strategic partnership between India and Russia ).

Modi also declared on Twitter: The friendship between India and Russia has stood the test of time. Our ties will continue to scale newer heights in the coming years.

An external affairs ministry statement had said that Putin and Modi are in agreement about the important role both countries have to play in contributing to an open and equitable world order.

While Russia is likely to be Indias key ally in the SCO, Putin was sceptical about the future of ties between Russia and those in the West.

While I am hoping for a positive relationship, we are neither surprised nor scared by the current limitations and sanctions (imposed on Russia). We will never give up on the path to independence and sovereignty, Putin said, adding the sanctions were hurting not just Russia but also the ones imposing them.

Those countries who followed Americas actions have themselves suffered losses, Putin said. It has been proven that these means are not at all powerful.

In signs that India is also working to narrow differences with China, India's envoy Gautam Bambawale said India and China will not "be apart" from each other on the path of development.

The Indian envoy said this in an interview to the state-controlled China Central Television (CCTV) ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Summit (SCO) this week.

Modi will have a one-on-one meet with Xi, over a month after his ice-breaking meeting with China's President in Wuhan.

Bambawale described the Wuhan meet as a "strategic communication" between the leaders.

"I think the informal Wuhan summit between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi was an effort by the leaders of two large countries in the world, India and China, to talk to each other, to promote cooperation between the two countries," Bambawale said.

"Most importantly, it was a strategic communication between the leaders of the two countries. As a result of their discussion in Wuhan, the two leaders have arrived at a certain consensus: the first and most important consensus is India and China are partners in progress and economic development: the second most important consensus is that there are many more commonalities between India and China than differences," he added.

"We will work on these commonalities. Of course, there are certain differences between us, but we will also work at the differences to ensure the two countries continue to progress and prosper together.

"We are not going to be going away from each other or apart from each other. We are going to do this together."

Sino-Indian ties were hit hard last year during and after an over two-month military stand-off near their borders with Bhutan.

The relations have been on an upswing since December.
Coffee helps teams work together

Good teamwork begins with a cup of coffee for everyone, a new study suggests.

Researchers found that people gave more positive reviews for their group's performance on a task  and their own contribution  if they drank caffeinated coffee beforehand.

A second study showed that people talked more in a group setting under the influence of caffeinated coffee  but they also were more on-topic than those who drank decaf.

Coffee seems to work its magic in teams by making people more alert, said Amit Singh, co-author of the study and a doctoral student in marketing at The Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business.

"We found that increased alertness was what led to the positive results for team performance," Singh says.

"Not surprisingly, people who drank caffeinated coffee tended to be more alert."

Singh conducted the study with Vasu Unnava and H. Rao Unnava, both formerly at Ohio State and now with the Graduate School of Management at the University of California, Davis. The study appears online in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

While many studies have looked at how caffeine affects individual performance, this is the first to examine the impact it has on teams, Singh said.

The first study involved 72 undergraduate students who said they were coffee drinkers. They were instructed not to drink coffee before the experiment.

Half of them first participated in what they were told was a coffee-tasting task. They were split into groups of five. After drinking a cup of coffee and rating its flavour, they were given 30 minutes of filler tasks to give the caffeine a chance to kick in. The other half of the participants did the coffee tasting at the end of the experiment.

Each group then read about and were asked to discuss a controversial topic  the Occupy movement, a liberal movement that highlighted social and economic inequality. After a 15-minute discussion, group members evaluated themselves and the other group members.

Results showed that those who drank the coffee before the discussion rated themselves and their fellow team members more positively than did those who drank coffee after the discussion, Singh said.

The second study was similar, except that 61 students all drank coffee at the beginning of the study. However, half drank decaf and the others drank caffeinated brew.

Those who drank caffeinated coffee rated themselves and their fellow group members more positively than those who drank decaf.

It had to do with alertness.

All participants rated how alert they felt at the end of the study, and those who drank the caffeinated coffee rated themselves as more alert than the others.

A key finding was that people who rated themselves as more alert  whether they drank caffeinated coffee or not  also tended to give higher marks to themselves and their fellow group members.

This suggests that any intervention that increases alertness (such as exercise) may also produce similar results, which the authors propose in the paper as a future research topic.

"We suspect that when people are more alert they see themselves and the other group members contributing more, and that gives them a more positive attitude," Singh said.

But the caffeine does more than just increase good feelings. The researchers did an analysis of the group discussion in the second study, rating how much each group member talked and stayed on topic.

Results showed that people tended to talk more after drinking caffeine, but they also tended to stay more on topic.

"They're talking about more relevant things after drinking caffeinated coffee," he said.

One might think that if people are talking more about a controversial topic like the Occupy movement, that may cause friction in the group. But that's not what the study suggests.

People who drank caffeinated coffee were more likely than those who drank decaf to say they would be willing to work with their group again.

"Even though they are talking more, agreeing and disagreeing, they still want to work with them again," Singh said.

"Coffee didn't seem to make group discussions too uncomfortable and disagreeable."
Research could lead to more efficient electronics

A Rutgers-led team of physicists has demonstrated a way to conduct electricity between transistors without energy loss, opening the door to low-power electronics and, potentially, quantum computing that would be far faster than today's computers.

Their findings, which involved using a special mix of materials with magnetic and insulator properties, are published online in Nature Physics.

"This material, although it's much diluted in terms of magnetic properties, can still behave like a magnet and conducts electricity at low temperature without energy loss," says Weida Wu, senior author of the study and associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.

"At least in principle, if you can make it work at a higher temperature, you can use it for electronic interconnections within silicon chips used in computers and other devices."

Study co-authors in China combined chromium and vanadium as magnetic elements with an insulator consisting of bismuth, antimony and tellurium. When electrons in this special material are aligned in one direction  like a compass needle pointing north  an electric current can only flow along its edges in one direction, leading to zero energy loss. That means electricity could be conducted between transistors within silicon chips used in computers and other electronics with maximum efficiency.

Current silicon chips use primarily metal for electrical interconnections in transistors, but that leads to substantial energy loss, Wu said.

The scientists demonstrated the uniform alignment of spinning electrons in the special magnetic insulator  called the quantum anomalous Hall insulator. It conducts electricity without energy loss when the temperature is close to absolute zero: minus 459.67 degrees Fahrenheit.

Next steps would include demonstrating the phenomenon at a much higher and more practical temperature for electronics, along with building a platform for quantum computing.
Donegal company, DroneSAR, has won an international XCELLENCE Humanitarian Award (AUVSI) in Colorado, US.

The company pioneered innovative software that essentially enables drones to be used as aerial assets during emergency search and rescue missions, saving time and ultimately lives. DroneSAR was the only Irish company chosen out of 55 entries worldwide to receive this prestigious award. The team is no stranger to receiving accolades, winning a top European Commission prize for their life saving technology, the Copernicus Award in 2016.

DroneSAR is revolutionising the global search and rescue sector with its software, which enhances commercial drone capability to be an autonomous eye in the sky. The drones can quickly find missing people in extreme terrain and weather, sharing mission-critical information instantly with emergency response teams on the ground.

Matthew Kelly, founder DroneSAR, explains this innovative application: The software automatically outlines the area to cover, it begins to search by itself covering vast areas in a much shorter time. Once the drone locates the missing person it shares the GPS coordinates and live camera feed with the search and rescue teams.

Its all about time when youre looking for someone and reducing the element of risk that first responders face when tasked to do their job,  says Matthew, who went out with the Donegal Mountain Search and Rescue team on training missions. We quickly realised that drones helped significantly to increase situation awareness and the probability of detection. We found that a drone was particularly useful in areas that were difficult to access and traverse by ground search teams. As as result, we developed new functions to further enhance the technology such as sharing GPS locations, receiving and transferring live camera feed and making it compatible with other devices such as, smart phones and tablets. We wanted to ensure the drone could deliver real-time data from a scene so that informed decisions could be made by those responsible for co-ordinating the response effort.

According to Matthew, whose mother is from Donegal, We tried and tested what worked and what didnt over an intensive 18 months period of perfecting the software. Donegal was the perfect terrain - it doesnt get much tougher. If it works here itll work anywhere."

Matthew Kelly is an award-winning app developer who returned to Donegal whilst working on another project app for the Cliffs of Moher with Enterprise Ireland. He met Leo Murray, Leader of Donegal Mountain Rescue and R&D engineer at an Enterprise Ireland event, which resulted in a conversation about how technology could transform off-the-shelf drones into a more user-friendly support for search and rescue.

Matthew embarked on Phase 2 of the Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers Programme based in CoLab at LYIT. Id still be in London if it hadnt been for New Frontiers. Even with a good business idea, you need a good team behind you. He says it was a very valuable programme, We learned a great deal from experts outside our area on the course and from all those involved in the New Frontiers Programme too. The weekly pitches really stood to me in speaking to potential partners.

The project quite literally took off when the software was selected for a European research project conducted with DJI (a leading drone manufacturer) and the European Emergency Number Association Association [EENA] an NGO based in Brussels. This project sought to prepare a white paper on how drones could be applied during emergency first response and involved participation from search teams from Iceland, Wales, Demark as well as the Donegal Mountain Rescue Team, explains Matthew.

DroneSAR is currently deployed by the Irish Coast Guard, Donegal Mountain Rescue and rescue services in Iceland, Denmark and Wales.

Aidan McKenna, Regional Director, Enterprise Ireland said, Enterprise Ireland supports innovative companies with global ambition through mentorship, funding and providing a supportive and collaborative environment for business growth. DroneSAR is an excellent example of a company that has taken an idea, leveraged the supports available to them and created a product that has the potential to be a fundamental element of Irish search and rescue operations. This award is reflective of the innovation and commitment within the company and we look forward to continuing to support DroneSAR on its growth trajectory.

Matthew believes that Donegal has a lot going for technology start-ups, Being based in Donegal has really benefited us, not only in developing our product but in general, weve received great support and encouragement from New Frontiers, businesses in CoLab and the team there. Weve found excellent talent at LYIT as well. Theres everything here we need to go further. In addition, its a great place to surf. Three out of the DroneSAR team are keen surfers.

So, whats next?  Well, were looking to release the app worldwide and the goal is that itll be used by emergency first response and search and rescue (SAR) teams around the globe. Were also currently looking at version 2 of the software which will incorporate a range of additional functions including image recognition and satellite integration for post disaster emergency management, adds Matthew



New Frontiers is currently recruiting for Phase 2 in the North West. If you have a technology or knowledge based idea that you would like to turn into a commercial business, the New Frontiers Programme can help and support to accelerate your business development and to equip you with the skills and contacts that you need to successfully start and grow your company. To find out more visit www.newfrontiers.ie or contact Jenni Timoney Programme Manager, Timoney.Jenni@itsligo .ie, phone Office: +353 71 9137378, Mobile: +353 87 6825024
The Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), Clive Byrne, has extended his best wishes to all students starting their Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate State Examinations this morning.

He said: "I want to wish every single student the very best of luck as they begin their Junior and Leaving Cert exams this morning. This is the time for you to showcase your creativity, your knowledge, and everything that they have learned from your teachers over the last three, five, or six years."

He also all those who support these students every day.

He said: "I do want to stress that although these are important exams, remember that no matter what path you want to take, there are many options and routes to get there."

Over two thousand students are expected to begin their Leaving Cert exams in the county this week - of which 1,029 are female and of which 1,014 are male. Over one hundred students are expected to sit their Leaving Cert applied exams of which 29 are female and 77 are male.

Around 55,209 are to undertake the exam nationally.

Over two thousand students are expected to sit their Junior Cert exams in the county this week - of which 1,078 are female and 1,135 are male. Around 62, 968 are expected to sit the exam nationally.

Students are being urged to care of their emotional well-being during this spate of exams.
Plans to develop a 111 acre whiskey maturation facility in Kilcurry, comprising of 13 warehouses, are officially dead in the water after Louth County Council unanimously voted against allowing the plans to go ahead at specially held meeting in Dundalk on Tuesday evening.

18 councillors were present and all voted against allowing the proposal to materirally contravene the County Development Plan. Great Northern Distillery's John Teeling, the man behind the proposed development, required 22 of 29 sitting Louth County councillors to back the plan for it to proceed.

The distillery boss had already said he was no longer looking to build the site in Louth after objections were raised ahead of the meeting, but having not withdrawn the planning application, the meeting took place as a matter of course.

Chief Executive Joan Martin outlined at the offset why the decision was taken to bring the matter to the members, considering the plans violated planning laws.

"It's quite an unusual step to take to propose to grant a material contravention. It's quite a big step to take," she said. "In this case, we were dealing with an industry already in Louth and producing whiskey in Louth and now needed a storage space.

"I was aware of the requirement that that company had in terms of size of site required. It was always going to be a considerable challenge to find a site. They looked at a large number of sites. Given, that it was a local industry, I felt it should be granted and we should consider a material contravention."

In total, the council say, 17 sites across Louth were looked at as possibilities for the whiskey maturation facility with the site in Kilcurry deemed "the only one suitable, albeit it wasn't suitable from a planning point of view."

Speaking at the meeting, Fine Gael councillor John McGahon described the move by Teeling as "not only incomptenance but stupidity."

"I've never liked the concept of agri land being bought for a development it wasn't zoned for. Agri land would be a much lower cost than zoned land. I didn't buy the point that this was the only suitable site in Louth," he said.

"If he was so serious about not having it in Louth, he should have withdrawn the application," McGahon added, referring to Teeling's comments in the Irish Times last week.

"If I ever heard trying to pull a fast one, there it is in black and white in The Irish Times. He was throwing toys out of the pram because he didn't like the feedback he was getting."

Fianna Fail councillor Emma Coffey said the proposal to build at the un-zoned site in Kilcurry was like "the cart before the horse. I really feel it is just not a suitable site. I find it really incredible there was no suit that was suitable."

New elected Dundalk Municipal Cathaoirleach Conor Keelan questioned the impact that the proposed development would have on the local community such as the school and church in the vicinity, as well as required traffic calming measures.

How the proposed whiskey warehouse site in Kilcurry would have looked

Meanwhile, Green Party councillor Mark Dearey said he was "baffled" at how the decision even made it this far to a special meeting debate.

"I don't get from the Chief Executive's comments what the strategy was that justified the contravention. I'm a bit baffled that the Chief Executive even made the recommendation to use that we altered the plan.

"We only have a limited stock of industrial land available. This could use up a large portion of it," Dearey said.

A vote was taken, with the decision unanimously taken to deny the material contravention - by 18 votes to zero.

A total of 42 submissions had been made in objection to the major development, including from the Kilcurry Concerned Residents Committee and the Parents Committee from Schoil Phadraig Naofa.

It materially contravenes two aspects of the Louth County Development Plan 2015-2021. The first is in relation to 'large scale industrial and commercial developments not being 'considered appropriate' for a greenbelt area around Dundalk.

The second is encouraging residential development that is commensurate with the availability of public services and facilities locally.
There could be more instances of old shop vouchers being redeemed in stores locally, if new Government proposals are passed - although maybe not quite to the extent of the 23-year-old voucher brought into McKenna Man in Dundalk earlier this year.

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys is in the process of developing proposals to introduce a minimum expiry date of five years on all gift vouchers.

"These proposals are now at an advanced stage," local Fine Gael TD Peter Fitzpatrick said this week. "Theres no doubt that there are great advantages to gift vouchers. That said, Ireland has no legislation regulating their expiry dates, which causes confusion and worry to many consumers.

This can be particularly frustrating where the vouchers themselves arent clear about their expiration date," he added. According to Fitzpatrick, Minister Humphreys will bring a draft bill before the Government for approval soon.

"Every year, countless gift vouchers are lost or go out of date and these proposals can make a real difference to consumers in Louth for the better," he continued.

We are hopeful that this important consumer protection initiative can be agreed by all parties in the Oireachtas," his party colleague Fergus O'Dowd added.

Currently, there is no regulation of expiry dates of gift vouchers at present.

Back in April, McKenna Man on Earl Street in Dundalk hit the headlines nationwide after a customer redeemed a voucher in store daing back to 1995. Speaking to The Democrat at the time, store manager Conor McKenna said, "The Shop Local vouchers in Dundalk have no expiry date. I think its a great idea and that customers appreciate it.
Dark Horse Pizzas is run by Zoe Worden and Oisin Coyle. The pair host pop-up vegan supper clubs and vegan cookery classes from their home in Bellurgan. They also do catering for private events and parties and won the Irish Street Food Awards for their mobile catering business, which saw them travel to festivals and events across Ireland in their converted horsebox.

Whats your favourite thing about Dundalk?

Its got to be its surrounding areas. There are so many beautiful places around - Gyles Quay, Ravensdale forest, Clogherhead beach.

What would your perfect day in the local area be  and why?

It would probably start off with a tasty breakfast in Strandfield, take our crazy labrador for a walk at Clogherhead beach, come home to Bellurgan and maybe have a little BBQ if it's still nice, then head to the Spirit Store for a drink and maybe a little movie in the old cinema (great popcorn).

Dark Horse Pizza's mobile catering business, which has since been retired

What would you like to change about Dundalk?

I'd love to see a few more alternative shops around selling more handcrafted products, more vegan-friendly cafes, some more ethnic food stores, colourful shop fronts on Clanbrassil Street (with businesses in them). I would also LOVE to be a part of a local farmers market! A town our size needs a big farmers market every weekend.

What annoys you about the town?

I hate that most of the more high street clothing shops are in the Marshes, it feels like it has just sucked the life out of the centre of town.

What plans do you have for the rest of year?

Myself and Oisin are going to turn our vegan pop up nights (The Supper Club) into a regular little destination, hopefully sometime in July we will be open for business.

Serving up a variety of small plates, tapas style and woodfired sourdough pizzas. Lots of our produce will be homegrown, which is exciting!

We're a bit nervous, but really looking forward it. We're also going to continue doing private catering for parties and events, cookery classes and our new 'Bend & Brunch' which are yoga and vegan brunch afternoons.

We have teamed up with a friend of ours Jessie Hoey, who is an amazing yoga teacher, the classes are great fun!

How would you describe Dundalk people?

I love the dry sarcasm here, our sense of humour and relentless slagging of the ones we love is brilliant.

Where's the best place to go for a walk in the local area?

I live out in Bellurgan so Ravensdale forest is really close and is absolutely stunning this time of year. So many gorgeous plants and trees and loads of wild garlic!

The supper club venue in Bellurgan

What local amenities could Dundalk do with?

We need a regular farmers market in town, not sure if that counts as an amenity but it's what we need.

There is so much fantastic local food produce around the area, lots of really talented crafty people and small home businesses that need a platform to work from and be supported by the community.

Whats your first memory of Dundalk?

When I was really small we lived in Lady Well Terrace and I remember my Mam taking me for a walk up to the bridge near the big Tesco.

She sat me on the wall so we could look at the horses, the horse came over and suddenly started biting my shoe. It was a little bit terrifying and always stuck in my memory!

Where is your favourite pub in Dundalk and why?

I love The Spirit Store. There's always a bit of craic agus ceol to be had. I love the Irish vibes on a Sunday with a bit of trad!



What do you think of the local foodie scene - how does it measure up against other towns?

We find it so hard to eat out anywhere, good food is difficult to come by, especially vegan food. It really feels like outside of bigger cities you are at a loss for somewhere nice to go.

Do you think there are many vegans in Dundalk or people who are interested in veganism?

Yes! There are so many vegetarians and vegans in Dundalk. Who knew!

We felt like we were the only ones for a while, but the business has been a great way to meet lots of like-minded people in the area and it's clear to see we need more places to go that serve healthier, vegan food.www.facebook.com/darkhorsepizzas/
Intent on following her passion for cooking and Irish food, Sophie van Dijk, 27 from Blackrock, left her job as a Fresh Food Buyer in April 2017 and headed to Cork to the Ballymaloe Cookery School with a dream to ultimately start her own food business.

Having lived in Dublin since 2009, Sophie has returned to Dundalk, where she is now producing her own product called Dollop Ghee.

Sophie said: "When we were small, there was always a jar of ghee in our kitchen press which my Mum would use for making curries. Years later, travelling India with UCD Volunteers Oversees, I rediscovered this fabulous ingredient. When I got home, I began to experiment by making ghee and cooking with it in non-traditional ways."



Sophie says the idea for Dollop developed down in Ballymaloe where a fabulous Indian lady on the course was raving about ghee she had made using Irish butter.

WHERE TO BUY DOLLOP GHEE

Having launched in January of this year, Dollop Ghee is now available in over 60 shops around the country including artisan food shops, delis, butchers, cafes and independent health food stores.

In Louth, you will find Dollop Ghee in a number of businesses including Centra Blackrock, Strandfield, The Food House, Height of Health, Oak Gym, Traynors Butchers and Tony Kierans Butchers.

WHAT IS GHEE?

Ghee is a deeply flavourful, slow-cooked clarified butter commonly used in South Asian & Middle Eastern cooking. Dollop Ghee has just one ingredient: 100% Irish unsalted butter. A labour of love, it takes 24 hours to get from butter to gorgeous ghee. Butter is melted, clarified, slow cooked then filtered to remove the milk solids along with any impurities. Whats left behind is pure golden fat: ghee. This liquid gold is then poured into jars which are arranged on special cooling racks to set overnight. Having spread from its Asian origins, ghee is rapidly gaining popularity in the US, UK & other parts of Europe renowned for its toasty flavour and health benefits.

Sweet potatoes roasted with Dollop Ghee



WHAT DOES IT TASTE LIKE?

Sophie says: "Irish Dairy products are the best in the world: fantastic quality butter makes fantastic tasting ghee. Dollop Ghee has a nutty, almost sweet aroma and flavour- think freshly baked biscuits. With a deeply buttery, almost butter-scotch-like taste, Dollop Ghee has been described by chefs as dangerously delicious and, straight to the point, like crack.



IS IT A HEALTHY FAT?

Apart from its undeniably moreish flavour, people love substituting ghee for other fats when cooking thanks to its exceptionally high smoke point. Every oil has a certain temperature called a smoke point. Ghee has a smoke point of 252c- in comparison, coconut oils smoke point is 232c, extra virgin olive oil is 191c, and butter is very low at 177c. Once an oil has reached its smoke point, it will begin to smoke and break down- it has been shown that oil broken down in this way can have a negative impact on the cells in your body. However, this is not the only reason that ghee is considered to be a healthy fat. Ghee made from quality, grass-fed butter is packed with vitamins A, E, K and rich in butyric acid: a short-chain fatty acid that nourishes the cells of the intestines reducing inflammation and aiding digestion.

WAYS TO ENJOY GHEE

Ghee is a very versatile fat-great for savoury or sweet cooking. Simply substitute ghee in place of olive oil, butter or coconut oil when frying or roasting. Sophie recommends trying ghee for crispy fried eggs & roast potatoes. A dollop of ghee is also delicious simply spread on toast, stirred into porridge or tossed through steamed vegetables in place of butter.

See the website at: www.dollop.ie or follow Dollop on Instagram @dollop.ghee
There is a new President of the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce - after Pat McCormick was elected to the role last week.

McCormick, the Head of Dundalk Institute of Technology's Electronic and Mechanical Engineering department, was elected to the role during the Chamber's AGM held last Wednesday morning at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

He takes over the role as President of the Chamber from previous incumbent Michael Gaynor. Sean Farrell of the Marshes Shopping Centre was elected to the role of Vice President, previously held by David Minto of Horseware. Thomas McDonagh of UHY Farrelly Dawe White was elected as

Treasurer of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce.

Paddy Malone will continue in his role as PRO of Dundalk Chamber for another year.

Speaking at the Chamber AGM ;ast week, outgoing President Michael Gaynor said he was was delighted to have been President of Dundalk Chamber and mentioned that during his tenure the Chamber made many successful submissions including the 2040 plan and the introduction of the Shop Local Gift Voucher Scheme.

The latter has hit sales of over 1.3 million and now have over 300 local shops accepting them.

Michael stated that the Chamber is working tirelessly on behalf of its membership, promoting Dundalk as a great place to do business and the newly appointed officers will continue this valuable work into the future.

Gaynor was first elected President of the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce back in 2015, when he replaced Paddy Matthews. David Minto also spent three years in his role as Vice-President.

Incoming President Pat McCormick has already been busy on Chamber business this year. He accompanied a delegation of members to Newry in March for a meeting with the Board of Newry Chamber, in relation to cross-border work and the a briefing on the Project Ireland 2040 plan.
Efics Small Business Export Loan helped Victorian-based beauty product business, Babe Australia (Babe), deliver on three purchase orders in the US and Mexico and continue to build brand presence overseas.

For Kim Peirce, Founder and Director of Babe Australia, the move from being a management consultant in the oil, gas and mining industry to starting up her own beauty care and product business was a natural progression.

I was turning 40, I was in corporate and it was going to be now or never. I had always wanted to do my own thing and made the decision to make that change, said Kim.

Quitting her corporate job, and with the support of her family, Kim started four businesses  two in the tech space and two in personal care/wellness products.

The beauty products stuck and the tech sucked, said Kim.

Babe was born out of a love for fragrance and essential oils, which Id had since I was really young. The path is not too different, I guess, from mineral processing in a way. And essentially businesses are all the same, its about running cash and managing everything within an inch of its life like a project and not leaving anything to chance, said Kim.

Manufacturing her beauty products started off simple  at the kitchen bench. Having undertaken a cosmetic and chemistry course to ensure she knew what she was doing, Kim launched a range of basic products that she could manage.

We became so busy that I corralled in the family and had my mum, children and husband helping out. We had to continue doing that even when the orders starting coming in until we found a manufacturer that would give us a go.

Kim says one of the biggest challenges she faced at the beginning was getting an Australian manufacturer to work with the business.

In the end facing this challenge was the biggest stroke of luck wed had as a business because the manufacturer we finally found has been more of a mentor to me than just a service provider, said Kim.

Standing out from the crowd

In the beauty industry developing a brand that stands out is critical, say Kim. Our brand was one of the advantages because it was a little cheeky with very clean white packaging that looked different to other products out there.

Kim stresses that their success has also come from building strong relationships with Babes customers and buyers, We get back to our customers really quickly, if ever there is a problem with anything we address it straightaway. We talk to our customers, and treat them as friends and part of the family. Were the ones answering the emails. Were like that with all of our buyers as well, and I think thats been one of the biggest drivers of success for us with our export business. Were real people and were really open.

Export was always part of the equation for the business. With a limited market in Australia, Kim knew that overseas markets would factor into her business success.

With a strong Instagram presence and word of mouth it wasnt long after launch that Babe was able to secure its first export contract with large US department store Urban Outfitters.

Once you start partnering with brands like the Urban Group a lot of people pay attention and inspire other people to get in touch as well, said Kim.

The business invested heavily in getting into the US market due to the export growth opportunities, including attending major tradeshows.

We saw that the US market was resonating strongly with our product. It was the cheekiness, the freshness, the realness and the simplicity of the product, as well as being a natural and cruelty free brand, meant the US girls love that.

We now have core relationships with Bloomingdales and are one of the only Australian candles they stock, and we have a great relationship with Nordstrom.

Support for export growth

Today exports make up around 70 per cent of Babe revenue, with further growth in the business outlook.

Securing two ongoing orders from two large US stores and having received a significant purchase order from Mexico, Babe needed working capital to help with product production and delivery, and the continuing strong push to build the brand in existing and new markets.

We have the most sensational EMDG consultant who we were talking to about our cashflow challenge. He said youve got all these purchase orders in the system, loan against them. And I didnt even know you can do this! He said that Efic can help and made an introduction.

Babe applied for an Efic Small Business Export Loan, an online loan process that provides funding from $20,000 up to $350,000 in as little as 9 business days. For small businesses, being able to access cash before you need to deliver on a purchase order means you have the financial support needed to deliver on your contract and continue to run and grow your business.

I loved the online application process. I was amazed at the ease of it. At that time it was really helpful to help with the reality of long payment terms in our industry. Im really glad that weve learned about Efic, said Kim.

Going for it!

Kims biggest piece of advice for small businesses is to just go for it. Dont procrastinate, with any part of your business. Just go for it!

Still running a lean business, Kim says Europe is on the horizon for the business with key department stores in Italy and France keen to get the Babe Scrub products on their shelves. Our reinvestment into the business is focused on our existing markets but Europe is definitely in the pipeline.


Instantly delete email threats with 365 Threat Monitor

With 365 Threat Monitor, scan all emails as they reach your users' mailboxes to detect ransomware, phishing and spam. Get real-time phone alerts, real-time security breach updates and delete threats instantly with just one click - for free! Learn More.

Four trade groups representing 4,000 publishers on Monday blasted Google's approach to compliance with Europe's General Data Protection Rules. The new rules are set to take effect at the end of the month.

Under its new GDPR-compliant policy, Google, as a provider of digital advertising services to publishers, will have sole control over data sent to it by publishers or collected from publishers' websites.

What's more, Google's policy requires publishers to obtain legally valid consent, as required by the GDPR, for data sent to or collected by Google.

If Google finds the consent mechanism "insufficient," it can stop serving ads on publishers' sites, the policy states.

"Your proposal severely falls short on many levels and seems to lay out a framework more concerned with protecting your existing business model in a manner that would undermine the fundamental purposes of the GDPR and the efforts of publishers to comply with the letter and spirit of the law," the publishers wrote in Monday's letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai.

The letter is signed by Jason Kint, CEO of Digital Content Next; Angela Mills Wade, executive director of the European Publishers Council; David Chavern, president and CEO of the News Media Alliance; and David Newell, CEO of the News Media Association.

Consent Controversy

The new policy could force publishers to obtain consent from data sources for Google that they wouldn't need to obtain for themselves, the letter states.

"The act of requesting consent in the first place may not apply to us, but if we share that data with Google, then we would need consent," Danielle Coffee, vice president for public policy at the News Media Alliance, told the E-Commerce Times.

"Google is essentially throwing all accountability to the publishers," said Amit Dar, U.S. general manager at Taptica.

"This is another squeeze publishers are feeling between the end users and the revenue generators," he told the E-Commerce Times."As if they didn't have enough to take on, now publishers must decide how to implement a strategy that adheres to how they see GDPR and balance that with how Google views GDPR."

Publishers should obtain consent from people whose data they're submitting to Google, maintained Josh Crandall, CEO of NetPop Research.

"Google is simply stating that the publishers that submit works to Google, presumably for additional audience aggregation, are in compliance with the GDPR requirements," he told the E-Commerce Times. "Google is simply protecting its own business by requiring upstream publishers to comply with GDPR, where necessary."

Compliance Caution

The new policy shows that Google is trying to be careful about adhering to the GDPR, Crandall said.

"Google and the EU already have a tense relationship around data privacy, search results, and other business practices," he said. "Google is following the requirements of the GDPR very closely to avoid any further issues that they can."

It's likely that Google has other motives for its new policy, suggested Taptica's Dar. "You can be certain that Google is more concerned about its bottom line and business model than adhering to new regulations."

Google always has asked publishers to get consent for the use of its ad tech on their sites, and now it's simply updating that requirement in line with the GDPR, according to spokesperson Suzanne Blackburn.

"Because we make decisions on data processing to help publishers optimize ad revenue, we will operate as a controller across our publisher products in line with GDPR requirements, but this designation does not give us any additional rights to their data," she told the E-Commerce Times. "We're working closely with our publisher partners and are committed to providing a range of tools to help them gather user consent." [*Correction - May 2, 2018]

In their letter to Pichai, the publishers questioned the timing of Google's new policy.

"We find it especially troubling that you would wait until the last-minute before the GDPR comes into force to announce these terms," the publishers wrote, "as publishers have now little time to assess the legality or fairness of your proposal and how best to consider its impact on their own GDPR compliance plans which have been underway for a long time."

However, nearly all advertising technology vendors are rolling out their GDPR solutions now, noted Eric Berry, CEO of TripleLift.

"While one could view this negatively, the reality is that Google would have been the only ad tech vendor to have released a solution, had they done so much before 30 days prior to GDPR's effective date," he told the E-Commerce Times.

Passing the Buck

Facebook recently changed its terms of service so users in Asia, Africa and Latin America, which were considered part of Facebook Ireland, would be considered part of Facebook Inc. in Menlo Park, California, a move critics see as a way to remove users in those regions from GDPR protection.

Google's policy change appears to bear some similarities to Facebook's approach, although Google has more to lose than Facebook.

"The majority of Google's money comes from collecting data and distributing it for sale, so they have more at risk because of their business model than other social media platforms," noted Gary Southwell, general manager of CSPi.

"With this policy Google is taking a hard stance and trying to pass the buck," he told the E-Commerce Times. "I believe the publishers are posturing themselves in an open letter so the EC will review this and come down with a decision in their favor."

*ECT News Network editor's note - May 2, 2018: Our original published version of this story incorrectly stated that Google had not responded to our request to comment for this story.

John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John.




B2B Lead Generation Service

Reach key decision makers with sales-ready leads that shorten your sales process. Move the needle by delivering funnel qualified leads to your sales team. Learn more.

The FBI has disrupted a network of half a million routers compromised by the group of Russian hackers believed to have penetrated the Democratic National Committee and the Hillary Clinton campaign during the 2016 elections, according to reports.

The hacker group, known as "Fancy Bear," has been using a malware program called "VPN Filter" to compromise home and small office routers made by Linksys, MikroTik, Netgear and TP-Link, as well as QNAP network-attached storage devices.

VPN Filter is "particularly concerning" because components of the malware can be used for the theft of website credentials and to target industrial system protocols, such as those used in manufacturing and utility settings, Cisco Talos Threat Researcher William Largent explained in a Wednesday post.

"The malware has a destructive capability that can render an infected device unusable," he said, "which can be triggered on individual victim machines or en masse, and has the potential of cutting off Internet access for hundreds of thousands of victims worldwide."

Neutralizing Malware

The FBI on Tuesday obtained a court order from a federal magistrate judge in Pittsburgh to seize control of the Internet domain used by the Russian hackers to manage the malware, The Daily Beast reported.

The bureau, which has been studying the malware since August, discovered a key weakness in the software, according to the report. If a router is rebooted, the malware's core code remains on a device, but all the applets it needs for malicious behavior disappear.

After a reboot, the malware is designed to go to the Internet and reload all its nasty add-ons. By seizing control of the domain where those nasties reside, the FBI neutralized the malicious software.

The FBI has been collecting IP addresses of infected routers so it can clean up the infections globally, according to The Daily Beast.

Promising Strategy

The strategy used by the FBI -- choking a botnet's ability to reactivate by seizing its domain -- shows promise as a method of combating global threat actors.

With it, law enforcement can eliminate a threat without seizing malicious resources located in a foreign country. Seizing such resources can be a major challenge for police agencies.

"Unless the threat evolves to not use DNS, which is very unlikely, the same mitigation strategy would be successful and could be continuously used," BeyondTrust CTO Morey Haber told TechNewsWorld.

Good Fortune

Good fortune was on law enforcement's side in this run-in with Kremlin criminals, according to Leo Taddeo, CISO of Cyxtera and former special agent in charge of special operations in the cyber division of the FBI's New York Office.

"In this case, the FBI was able to deal a severe blow to the malware infrastructure because the hacking group used Verisign, a domain name registrar under U.S. jurisdiction," Taddeo told TechNewsWorld.

"If the hacking group had used a Russian domain registrar, the court order would likely be delayed or ignored," he said.

Using a Russian domain name is risky, though, which is why the hackers didn't do it.

"Routers that regularly call out to a .ru domain after reboot may be flagged as a risk by ISPs or other enterprises that analyze outbound traffic," Taddeo said.

"In the next round, the hackers may be able to configure the routers to call back to a command-and-control server registered outside U.S. jurisdiction and in a manner that is difficult to detect," he added. "This will make the FBI's job a lot harder."

What Consumers Can Do

Consumers can knock out VPN Filter simply by rebooting their routers. However, even after a reboot, remnants of the malware will remain, warned Mounir Hahad, head of the threat lab at Juniper Networks.

"It is important that consumers apply any patch provided by the device manufacturers to fully clear the infection," he told TechNewsWorld.

Consumers also should enable automatic firmware updates, Haber advised, noting that "most new routers support this."

In addition, they should make sure the firmware in their router is up to date, and that their router hasn't been orphaned.

"If your router is end of life, consider replacing it," he suggested. That's because any security problems discovered after a manufacturer ends support for a product will not be corrected.

Router Makers Getting Woke

Routers have come under increased attack from hackers, which has prompted the industry to start taking security more seriously.

"Router makers are building more security into their routers, and hopefully these kinds of attacks will be pre-empted in the future," Gartner Security Analyst Avivah Litan told TechNewsWorld.

Router makers have been paying attention to disclosed vulnerabilities and doing their best to provide patches, Juniper's Hahad said.

"They are also moving away from the practice of providing default usernames and passwords which are common across all units sold," he added. "Some vendors have now unique passwords printed on a label within the device's packaging."

While security awareness is increasing in the industry, adoption of best practices remains uneven, BeyondTrust's Haber pointed out.

"Many have added auto-update capabilities, notifications when new firmware is available, and even malware protection," he said.

"Unfortunately, not all of them have, and some are very lax in updates to known threats," Haber observed. "Yes, there is progress, but consumers should do their research and check whether a vendor is security-conscious and providing timely updates."

John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John.


Dozens of activists with the Poor People's Campaign were arrested and hundreds more blocked from entering government buildings across the country Monday during more than 30 nationwide protests at state capitols.

Many of the protests focused in the government's lack of response during disasters like Hurricane Maria and the Flint water crisis and the disproportionate impact of climate change and pollution on the nation's poor.

The campaign reports that thousands have been arrested since the 40 Days of Moral Action movement, which began in mid-May and will culminate in a march on Washington, DC on June 23.

Becker1999 / CC BY 2.0

As reported by ThinkProgress:

"Over the course of the past month, the Poor People's Campaign has elevated a different topic each week. Throughout the first full week of June, that focus is shifting to ecological devastation and health, highlighting their intersection. On Monday, representatives from some of the country's leading environmental organizations, including the Sierra Club and Friends of the Earth, assembled alongside members of the broader campaign effort, though it was the latter group that dominated the podium."

'Bodies count [and] everything is connected,' emphasized Rev. Beth Johnson, one of the first speakers to take the stage on Monday. Like many leaders in the Poor People's Campaign, Johnson is a member of the clergy, and she addressed the crowd with a preacher's energy. Off to her right sat a large casket placed in front of the podium, meant to commemorate the various lives lost to, among other things, limited access to health care and the onslaught of environmental degradation.

'Here in DC, y'all have been drenched with too much rain. Well in California, we long for the blessing of such thirst-quenching balm,' she sermonized. 'Across this land, there is evidence of climate change and the ecological devastation that targets first and most severely the most vulnerable.'"

For a deeper dive:

Arrests: ThinkProgress, PennLive, Roll Call, Topeka Capitol-Journal, The Tennessean, CBS Local Sacramento, Cleveland Scene. Climate & protests: ThinkProgress

For more climate change and clean energy news, you can follow Climate Nexus on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for daily Hot News.
India turned their hosting of this year's World Environment Day into far more than a symbolic act when it announced plans Tuesday to eliminate all single-use plastics by 2022, UN Environment reported.

The theme of this year's World Environment Day was "Beat Plastic Pollution," and India's decision could be a "game-changing" part of that effort, since it is home to 1.3 billion people and is one of the world's fastest-growing economies, head of U.N. Environment news and media Keith Weller told CBS.

"This has been the biggest, most resonant World Environment Day ever, thanks to the leadership of our global host India," Head of UN Environment Erik Solheim said in the press release. "India has made a phenomenal commitment and displayed clear, decisive and global environmental leadership. This will inspire the world and ignite real change."

The announcement was officially made by Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. Harsh Vardhan, who touted it as a way to "achieve the India of our dreams."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke on the importance of combining economic growth with environmental action.

"It is the duty of each one of us, to ensure that the quest for material prosperity does not compromise our environment," Modi said. "The choices that we make today, will define our collective future. The choices may not be easy. But through awareness, technology, and a genuine global partnership, I am sure we can make the right choices. Let us all join together to beat plastic pollution and make this planet a better place to live."

In addition to the plastics phase-out, the country also joined UN Environment's Clean Seas campaign. India will develop action plans to combat marine litter at the national and regional level and measure the total amount of plastic pollution in the waters off of India's 7,500 kilometers (approximately 4660 miles) of coastline.



Plastic pollution is a major problem in India, which generates 25,000 tonnes (approximately 27557.78 U.S. tons) of plastic waste every year and only recycles 60 percent of it, Vardhan said in an IANS article reprinted by the Economic Times Tuesday.

It is also an increasingly visible problem, as plastic increasingly clutters the country's landscape and beaches. "There is a huge issue of waste management in India and everyone can see that; we went from train to Agra from Delhi and we saw. There was plastic all over the rails, that's a problem," Solheim told IANS.

India has taken some steps to counter plastic pollution already on a national and regional level. It banned non-compostable plastic bags in 2016, CBS reported.

According to a UN plastics report also launched Tuesday, regional bans have had various success. Of the 10 regional bans listed in the report, two bans, in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim, have seen significant to moderate results, while four bans, including one in New Delhi have had little to no impact, and four could not be assessed due to limited data.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled Tuesday that a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of North Carolina's anti-sunshine law can go forward, reversing the decision of the federal district court. The law was designed to deter whistleblowers and undercover investigators from publicizing information about corporate misconduct, and a coalition including animal welfare, press freedom, food safety, and government watchdog groups is challenging the law's constitutionality.

In its decision, the Fourth Circuit determined that plaintiffs' First Amendment rights were harmed if forced to "refrain[ ] from carrying out their planned investigations based on their reasonable and well-founded fear that they will be subject to significant exemplary damages." The fact that North Carolina has not yet enforced the anti-sunshine law and that the law imposes civil rather than criminal penalties does not prevent the plaintiffs from seeking to vindicate their constitutional rights. The state, the court writes, cannot pass a law that "by its terms [ ] prohibit[s] Plaintiffs' planned activities and [ ] subject[s] them to civil liability" and argue that the plaintiffs cannot sue to protect their freedom of speech.

The state legislature overrode a veto of the bill by Governor Pat McCrory in June 2015, and the law took effect in January 2016. Under the law, organizations and journalists who conduct undercover investigations, and individuals who expose improper or criminal conduct by North Carolina employers, are susceptible to suit and substantial damages if they make such evidence available to the public or the press.

The North Carolina law is part of a growing number of so-called 'ag-gag laws' passed by state legislators across the country. The bills, which are pushed by lobbyists for corporate agriculture companies, are an attempt to escape scrutiny over unsafe practices and animal abuses by threatening liability for those who expose these improper and, in many cases, illegal practices. North Carolina's version is written so broadly that it would also ban undercover investigations of all private entities, including nursing homes and daycare centers. The North Carolina law threatens to silence conscientious employees who witness and wish to report wrongdoing.

The plaintiffs in the suit, represented by Public Justice, are People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the Center for Food Safety, Animal Legal Defense Fund, Farm Sanctuary, Food & Water Watch, the Government Accountability Project, Farm Forward, and the American Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

This legal challenge is the first in the nation to make claims under both the U.S. Constitution and a state constitution.

The plaintiffs are represented in this appeal by David S. Muraskin and Leslie A. Brueckner of Public Justice in Washington, DC and Oakland, CA; Daniel K. Bryson and Jeremy Williams of Whitfield, Bryson & Mason LLP in Raleigh, NC; and in-house counsel for plaintiff organizations.
Scott Pruitt, the embattled head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), tasked a taxpayer-funded agency staffer with securing a "business opportunity" for his wife with an executive of the fast-food chain Chick-fil-A, the Washington Post reported.

According to emails obtained by the Sierra Club under the Freedom of Information Act, Pruitt's former scheduler, Sydney Hupp, contacted Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy about setting up a meeting on behalf of Pruitt.

"The Administrator would like to talk about a potential business opportunity with Mr. Cathy. Nothing very pressing, just hoping to connect sometime in the next month or so," Hupp wrote in the email. The exchange dates back to May 2017, just months after Pruitt took office.

The meeting never took place, the Post reported. However, the EPA boss eventually spoke with Chick-fil-A representatives. Carrie Kurlander, a Chick-fil-A spokeswoman, told the newspaper that the conversation was about Pruitt's wife Marlyn opening a franchise. She started the franchise application but never completed it, Kurlander said.

An EPA spokesperson declined to comment to the Post.

"Scott Pruitt's abuse of the public trust and his corrupt attempts to leverage his position for personal gain have reached a disgraceful new low," said Sierra Club executive director Michael Brune in a statement. "This is the clearest example yet of Pruitt unethically and illegally seeking personal benefits because of the job Donald Trump has entrusted him with."

Brune added, "How much longer will Trump allow Pruitt to enrich himself at the taxpayer's expense? This appears to be the only Administration in history that would allow this level of corruption to thrive, as any President with any sense of ethics or the law would fire Pruitt immediately."

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Tuesday she had not spoken directly with President Trump about the Post's latest report.

"We continue to have concerns and look into those, and we'll address them," she said.

Pruitt, who is already facing about a dozen ethics investigations, allegedly assigned another political aide Millan Hupp, Sydney Hupp's sister, with the task of obtaining a used mattress from the Trump International Hotel in Washington.

During a hearing with the Senate Appropriations subcommittee last month, Pruitt admitted Millan worked for free searching for a place for him to live in Washington, DC.

The leading Democrat on the subcommittee, New Mexico Senator Tom Udall, said the free labor constituted a gift. Federal officials are prohibited by law from receiving gifts of more than $10 from employees.

Among other scandals, the EPA chief has also been under fire for flying first class on the taxpayer's tab and staying at a $50-a-night Capitol Hill condo owned by a coal lobbyist's wife.
What Is Ocean Bound Plastic?



Ocean bound plastic is plastic waste that is headed toward our oceans. The term "ocean bound plastic" was popularized by Jenna Jambeck, Ph.D., a professor from the University of Georgia. In 2015, she and a team of researchers estimated the amount of plastic waste entering the ocean from land.





Addressing ocean bound plastic is a key element to ocean conservation. Around 80% of plastic in the ocean can be sourced back to ocean bound plastic. Plastics that end up near bodies of water such as rivers are at risk of ending up in the ocean. Other plastic can reach the sea through sewage systems or storms.



For example, in 2011, after the 2011 Tohoku tsunami and earthquake hit Japan, around 5 million tons of debris ended up in the ocean. Some of the debris sank while some ended up on the U.S. west coast. Additionally, trash and plastic can come from ships or offshore platforms. However, decades ago, countries dumped their waste directly into the sea. In the U.S. this was outlawed in 1988 in the Ocean Dumping Ban Act of 1988.



Plastic waste is a huge threat to our Earth, and diverting ocean bound plastic is one way we can do better to help the environment.

Fishes swim near a plastic fork and a bottle at the Samandag Cevlik Akcay diving site off the coasts of Samandag, near the Turkey - Syria border, in Hatay province of Turkey on December 6, 2018. Sebnem Coskun / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images

How Much Plastic Is in the Ocean?



Each year, despite conservation efforts, 8 million tons of plastic reaches our oceans to meet the 150 million metric tons of plastic that already exists in marine environments. According to the Smithsonian, as of 2016, we produce around 335 million metric tons of plastic each year. Half of this plastic is single-use. Of the plastic we use globally, only around 9% of it gets properly recycled.

To create a mental picture of just how much plastic ends up in our oceans, imagine a garbage truck the size of New York City depositing its garbage into the ocean every minute of every day for a whole year. If this doesn't frighten you enough, the amount of plastic that will be produced and consumed is supposed to double over the course of the next ten years. If nothing is done to address plastic consumption, and the aftermath, there could be over 250 million metric tons of plastic in our oceans in ten years.

Even if you don't live on a coast, the plastic you throw away can still end up in the ocean. According to the World Wildlife Fund, plastic ends up in the ocean when it's thrown away instead of recycled, when it's littered on land, and when products we use are flushed down the drain or toilet. Additionally, cosmetic or cleaning products that contain parabens or microplastic beads can be washed into the ocean.

What Type of Plastic Is in the Ocean?

Plastic is not biodegradable, and it doesn't decompose. Many plastics are made only to be used one time, where they are then thrown out; they're known as single-use plastic.



During the 2017 International Coastal Cleanup, the top kinds of plastics that were collected included wrappers, bottles, grocery bags, take-out containers  and the infamous plastic straws. These types of plastics and others combine into a category scientists call "microplastics." According to the National Ocean Service, microplastics are "the multi-colored pieces of plastic that can be found in a handful of sand on the beach or in the ocean."



Around 12% of plastic is incinerated  leaving 80% to end up in landfills. A 2014 study found that there are around 244,000 metric tons of plastic floating in our oceans. Out of the 244,000 tons found in the ocean, around 79,000 tons can be found in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a mass of floating debris that's twice the size of Texas.

Reducing our individual plastic footprint is important. However, most plastic pollution comes from large corporations. Corporations need to address their production processes, waste management, and how their operation can have an impact on the environment. Large corporations address their mass production of single-use plastics by shifting the responsibility of sustainable disposal onto the consumer.

According to Greenpeace.org, some of the brands that contribute to a large amount of plastic waste include Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestle, Unilever, and Colgate-Palmolive. The soft drink industry in particular creates tons of plastic waste. In 2016, Coca-Cola produced over 110 billion single-use plastic bottles.

The Problems With Ocean Plastic

Plastics floating and polluting the ocean only scratches the surface of issues it causes  it impacts all of marine life, people, and Earth's climate.

Marine Life

Animals are impacted by the plastic we use and dispose of. Ocean plastic has already affected 267 species, and 86% of sea turtles. They can suffocate, drown, or get entangled in plastic, or even ingest it. Some species such as birds, fish, turtles, and whales can mistake plastic for prey, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. When marine life ingests plastic, they can die of starvation because their stomachs are filled with plastic debris. Marine life can be cut by plastic, and also receive internal injuries. Seabirds are known for feeding on the ocean's surface, making them more likely to ingest floating plastic debris. Adult seabirds go to feed their young, and their chicks feed on this plastic: One study from 1997, conducted by Albatross Biology and Conservation, found that around 98% of chicks sampled had plastic in them, and the amount of plastic has been increasing over time.

Additionally, plastic debris can promote the spread of invasive organisms, further hurting marine ecosystems; floating plastics get carried out to sea through ocean currents.

Food and Health

Plastic debris doesn't only harm the ocean's wildlife  it's affecting the human food chain, too. Microscopic plastic has been found in various foods and beverages, including water, beer and, salt. A 2008 Pacific Gyre voyage found that fish ingest plastic debris. Algalita researchers caught 672 fish, and 35% of the fish had eaten plastic pieces.

Climate Change

In a report released by Yale Climate Connections, Claire Arkin, communications coordinator for the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives said, "Plastic pollution is not just an oceans issue. It's a climate issue and it's a human health issue."

As of 2019, 4 to 8% of global oil consumption is linked to plastics, according to the World Economic Forum. If this persists, by 2050, plastics will account for 20% of oil consumption. Plastic, as a petroleum product, is inextricably linked to the fossil fuel industry: the extraction and transportation of fossil fuels releases carbon into the atmosphere, contributing further to the warming of our planet. Additionally, when plastic waste is incinerated, the process releases more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

The Human Impact

This rare Critically Endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is entangled in discarded fishing net aka 'Ghost nets.' Placebo365 / iStock Unreleased / Getty Images

Plastic reaching the ocean is largely due to human consumption. Companies that use plastic packaging, and oil companies, are part of the problem when it comes to plastic accumulating in our oceans. Individual littering of plastic is another contributor, as well as the improper disposal or accidental losing of fishing gear in the ocean.

Improper Disposal of Fishing Gear



According to a report from Greenpeace.org, fishing gear is the largest contributor to ocean plastic pollution. Commercial fishing gear including nets, lines, pots, and traps gets discarded into the ocean. The lost gear weighs the same as 55,000 double-decker buses, according to The Guardian.

Abandoned fishing gear, also known as "ghost gear," has the potential to trap marine life. In 2015, an 80-foot blue whale was caught in an abandoned fishing line. Not only does lost fishing gear make up a significant portion of all ocean plastic, around 10%, but it's also the deadliest to marine life, including coral, sessile animals, and vegetation.

Abandoned gillnets have caused the vaquita porpoise to near extinction, in the upper Gulf of California and Mexico; around 10 vaquita porpoises remain.

In addition to environmental impacts, ghost gear can affect the economy negatively. Some studies estimate around 90% of the species caught in abandoned gear are commercially valued.

Solutions to Minimizing Ghost Gear

Although the statistics may seem grim, there are ways to prevent fishing gear from ending up in the sea and harming marine life.

One way to prevent ghost gear from entering our oceans is through recycling. Fishermen should return no longer useful traps and nets to a port, rather than discarding the materials into the ocean. There are ports in Massachusetts, Oregon, and Rhode Island that offer recycling programs; more recycling facilities at ports could help minimize littered fishing gear.

The use of biodegradable fishing nets is on the rise. According to a study published in Animal Conservation, there are encouraging tests that show the utility and effectiveness biodegradable nets may have. A net made of polybutylene succinate and polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate showed promising results when compared to traditional nets used for fishing. The study showed that these biodegradable nets started to decompose after two years.

Clean-ups are another way to get abandoned fishing gear out of the ocean. There are organizations that specialize in retrieving discarded nets from the ocean. The Ghost Fishing Foundation has scuba divers retrieve floating fishing gear. Occasionally, the foundation will use cranes to pull out large pieces of netting.

Littering

Around 80% of marine debris and pollution is plastic, according to Pew Research. Marine litter mostly stems from unsustainable methods of production, as well as high consumption rates, and a lack of solid waste management infrastructure. Most of the plastic litter on Earth and in our oceans can be linked back to just a small number of multinational corporations.

According to an EPA report, "every bit of plastic ever made still exists." The Plastic Disclosure Project estimated that 33% of all manufactured plastic is only used once. In 2018, only 8.7 percent of plastic was recycled. Although individuals should do their part to keep our planet and oceans clean, a small number of multinational corporations are to blame for the majority of littered plastic.

What Is Being Done to Help?

Greenpeace activists assembled two life-size reproductions of two whales that emerge from a sea invaded by disposable plastic waste, in the center of Rome, to denounce how our seas and the species living in them are in grave danger due to plastic pollution in 2018. Stefano Montesi / Getty Images

An elementary concept to positively impacting the environment is the buzz phrase, "reduce, reuse, recycle." What this phrase fails to consider is that what will make the largest impact in helping our environment is to hold large corporations accountable. According to Greenpeace.org, recycling alone will never solve the plastic and pollution crisis our society is facing.

Organizations



Many organizations are addressing the ongoing and ever-growing issue of ocean pollution. For example, The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit aimed at ridding the ocean of plastic, is developing advanced technologies that are contributing to the largest ocean cleanup in history. The non-profit's goal is to clean up 90% of floating ocean plastic pollution.

Plastic Oceans International is another organization that produces films and digital content in order to promote "a global movement to rethink plastic." They also engage and teach students about the effects of plastic pollution and how they can contribute to ocean conservation.

Plastic Bank aims to not only stop ocean plastic but improve the lives of people who live in the poorest countries around the globe. The organization builds recycling ecosystems and processes the materials, so they can then be reintroduced to the economy through the global manufacturing supply chain.

One organization, Plastic Soup Foundation, aims not only to remove plastic from our oceans but also prevent plastic from reaching the sea in the first place. When it was founded, the organization had a heavy focus on protecting marine life, but the organization has expanded its priorities and aims to educate people on the potentially harmful effects marine plastic has on human health.

Indian residents walk past as they look at a large-scale sculpture of a killer whale made of single-use plastic and 40,000 plastic bottle caps being displayed to raise awareness on ocean contamination at Elliot's beach in Chennai on May 11, 2019. ARUN SANKAR / AFP / Getty Images

Legislation



Some legislation helps to protect the oceans, and minimize plastic production and consumption. In the U.S, eight states have banned the use of single-use plastic bags, and more are hoping to in the coming years, including Connecticut and Virginia. Washington, DC implemented a ban on plastic straws on Jan. 1, 2019.

The Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act established programs in tandem with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Coast Guard. The programs help to determine sources of marine debris and how to reduce and prevent it.

Policies such as The Shore Protection Act, established in the U.S. in 1988, help to prevent the illegal dumping of waste off the coast. In 1967, a supertanker named Torrey Canyon spilled nearly 120,000 tons of oil into the ocean; it was the world's first major oil tank disaster. Because of this incident, the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, passed in the U.S., most recently has been amended to regulate air pollution. It also regulates and limits the amount of nitrogen oxide levels, as well as requiring ships to use fuel with low sulfur content.

While these laws help to reduce pollution in our oceans, none of the laws listed are a cure-all, and many of them haven't been amended in decades. Some conservation organizations are fighting for more rigorous laws, regulations, and policies to keep our oceans plastic-free.

What Can You Do?

Although large corporations are responsible for a majority of plastic waste ending up in the oceans, there are still things to be done on an individual level to help keep our oceans clean.

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle

Something everyone can do to contribute to the fight against ocean plastic pollution is to resist and reduce the use of single-use plastics. From plastic bags and bottles to plastic utensils, reducing your use of these plastics is a relatively easy step in limiting your plastic footprint.

When grocery shopping, bring your own reusable grocery bags. These bags are widely available and will last you a long time. Instead of using thin plastic produce bags, opt for reusable produce bags as well. Implementing the use of these reusable products will make you a more sustainable grocery shopper. There are incentives for altering your plastic consumption as well. At Target, for each reusable grocery bag you use, you get a 5 cent discount.

In recent years, Starbucks has made the switch to strawless drinking lids for their cold beverages. However, if you enjoy drinking out of straws, or want to prevent teeth staining, try using metal or reusable straws. They're widely available and easy to clean, and you can use them hundreds of times. Before the pandemic, Starbucks also started implementing reusable cups and tumblers. This way, when you make your coffee run, you don't have to use any single-use plastic. When you bring your own cup, you get a 10-cent discount. The program should continue when health authorities deem it's safe to do so.

Other major chains have similar programs where you can bring your own cup or tumbler, including Dunkin', Panera Bread, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Caribou Coffee, Peet's Coffee, and more.

Another ocean contaminant is microbeads and parabens. These are found in cosmetic products like face washes, toothpaste, and body washes. If you look at the ingredient list and see "polyethylene or "polypropylene," the product contains harmful microbeads, and you should avoid it.

When you grab some food to go, many restaurants will put your food in styrofoam containers, and then throw it in a plastic bag, and then go even further by supplying a bunch of paper napkins and plastic utensils. You can buy reusable utensils that are meant for traveling so you can skip the plastic utensils.

A more creative way to limit the amount of plastic you use is to buy in bulk. Singe-serving foods multiply waste. When you're grocery shopping, opt for a large tub of yogurt, instead of many small, single-serving yogurts. Buy trail mix that comes in one container, rather than many individually wrapped little ones. Buying products that you routinely use and consume in bulk can make a big difference.

When you forget your reusable bag or cup and have to use single-use plastic, you can help the environment and the oceans by recycling it properly. Be sure to be in the know about what types of plastics can be recycled in your community. If you're unsure of what you can and cannot recycle in your town, check out Earth911's recycling directory.

Engage in Cleanups

Employees from the organization 4Ocean clean Bali's beaches daily from plastic Bali has long grappled with plastic pollution both on land and in its seas. Jonas Gratzer / LightRocket / Getty Images

Another tangible way to help is by physically removing plastic from the ocean and beaches by participating in a cleanup. If there are no cleanups in your community, organize your own. There are also larger cleanup events such as the International Coastal Cleanup that you can be a part of. Whether it's with an organization or your friends and family, participating in a cleanup is a simple way to help collect plastic waste from marine communities.



Donate

There are a variety of organizations that aim to reduce the amount of plastic in our oceans, in creative, technologically advanced ways. Many of these organizations are non-profits and rely heavily on donations to continue to do important environmental work. Making a donation, even if it's small, will help these organizations to continue to clean up and conserve our oceans.

Takeaway

Plastic debris floating in our oceans doesn't just affect the marine wildlife and plant species  it affects all of us. If action isn't taken now, there will be catastrophic consequences.

Plastic already kills over 100 million ocean animals each year; this number will only increase as time goes on.

Fish are being over-harvested already, but with many fish species dying off, and more fish consuming plastic, the fishing industry as we know it may not survive if incessant ocean pollution continues. This affects the entire food chain and will affect many fishermen's livelihoods.

Ocean pollution is a huge threat to the overall biodiversity of our oceans. For example, coral reefs' DNA can be altered from ocean pollution. Many fish and marine life rely on coral reefs for survival. If fish can no longer live in coral reefs, they won't gather in the same areas, affecting the land wildlife on the shore who fish for food. If the land animals cannot feed on fish, they may venture into new hunting territories, putting them at risk of being attacked by unfamiliar predators, which can then lead to extinction.

The impact of ocean plastic extends beyond marine life. If marine animals are affected, land animals will be affected and humans will be affected. The pollution of the oceans sets off a domino effect on the greater environment.

Oceans make up 71% of our Earth. If the sea isn't healthy and thriving, the majority of our planet isn't. Ocean plastics are a major threat to the health and well-being of all living species on Earth.

Audrey Nakagawa is the content creator intern at EcoWatch. She is a senior at James Madison University studying Media, Art, and Design, with a concentration in journalism. She's a reporter for The Breeze in the culture section and writes features on Harrisonburg artists, album reviews, and topics related to mental health and the environment. She was also a contributor for Virginia Reports where she reported on the impact that COVID-19 had on college students.


Again and again we hear about corporations doing bad things so they can make more money: polluting, selling contaminated food or otherwise harming peoples health, selling products that injure people or just dont do what they advertise, tricking and scamming people out of their money, selling banned goods or providing financial services for terrorists or drug cartels and so many other things that are not good for people or society.

Wouldnt it be great if there were some entity that was more powerful than these corporations, whose purpose is to protect us, reign these corporations in, make and enforce rules, prosecute offenders and put a stop to this stuff?

This Week: VW

This week we are hearing about Volkswagen (VW). For years the company claimed they were selling clean diesel engines, but they were tricking their customers, the public and governments around the world. Their cars are really a public health threat, putting out up to 40 times the legal limit of pollutants that cause asthma and other disease.

VW built a defeat mechanism into as many as 11 million cars. This mechanism let the cars pass government tests, even though they were polluting like crazy when driven in the real world. The mechanism made the engine run clean during government tests, then when it detected that the tests were finished it set the engine to start polluting again.

For years these cars have been harming people and until now VW was getting away with (and making big profits from) this. They were finally caught and we will see whether executives are prosecuted or if this will be one more case of weak (or corrupted) government issuing a fine that lets a company make its shareholders pay the cost instead of holding the executives that did it accountable.

The Fix for the VW Cars

This is huge. Up to 11 million cars have these defeat mechanisms in them. These cars have to be fixed because their emissions can cause people to develop asthma and other respiratory diseases. But fixing this is a big problem.

According to Wired, in VW Owners Arent Going to Like the Fixes for Their Diesels, there are two choices for fixing these carsand either choice means the car owners end up losing a lot of what they thought they had paid for.

The first is to update the software so the cars always run in the test mode that defeated the emissions tests. But the changes the software made to the engines to get them to operate within the legal emissions limits while being tested will cause the car to either have poor acceleration or poor gas mileage.

The second is to actually fix the problem that causes the engines to pollute. According to Wired, VW would have to add a urea tank and the means to inject this into the catalytic converter:

"The standard way of making a diesel run cleanly is to use selective catalytic reduction, a chemical process that breaks NOx [mono-nitrogen oxides] down into nitrogen and water. Part of that process includes adding urea to the mix. The super effective system can eliminate 70 to 90 percent of NOx emissions and is used by other diesel manufacturers like Mercedes and BMW. The downside is that it adds complication to the system and cost$5,000 to $8,000 per car. And you need to periodically add the urea-based solution to your car to keep it working." "So it seems the logical way to get those cars to perform like their diesel cousins is to add a urea. VWs unlikely to embrace that option, because adding hardware to half a million cars would be far more expensive than a computer update. It wouldnt be any fun for the TDI owner, either. Not only do you have to spend an afternoon with your local dealer, you have to make room for the tank. That could mean sacrificing cargo space or giving up the spare tire."

The cost to VW will be huge and the customers lose either way. Never mind all the people suffering asthma and lung disease resulting from the pollution these cars were emitting.

VW Not an Isolated Case

The New York Times reports, in Volkswagen Test Rigging Follows a Long Auto Industry Pattern, that,

"For decades, car companies found ways to rig mileage and emissions testing data. In Europe, some automakers have taped up test cars doors and grilles to bolster their aerodynamics. Others have used superlubricants to reduce friction in the cars engine to a degree that would be impossible in real-world driving conditions." "Automakers have even been known to make test vehicles lighter by removing the back seats.  [In 1973 the EPA] fined Volkswagen $120,000 after finding that the company had installed devices intended specifically to shut down a vehicles pollution control systems. In 1974, Chrysler had to recall more than 800,000 cars because similar devices were found in the radiators of its cars." "Beyond emissions, the industry has long been contemptuous of regulation. Henry Ford II called airbags a lot of baloney and executives have bristled at rules requiring higher mileage per gallon."

VW might not even be the only company that is scamming government testing labs with defeat mechanisms" right now. From the report,

We call it the tip of the iceberg, said Jos Dings, the director of Transport and Environment. We dont think this will be limited to Volkswagen. If you look at the testing numbers for the other manufacturers, they are just as bad.

The Times report lists several examples of the auto industry engaging in profit-making by endangering their customers. There was the unexploded Pinto problem of gas tanks blowing up. There were 271 deaths from the Ford-Firestone tire scandal. There were the Takata airbags that either dont work or injure people. There was Chrysler selling as new cars that had been driven for 60,000 miles with the odometers disconnected. Click through, theres plenty  But no one has been put in jail.

So what VW was caught doing is not an isolated incident and, in fact, VW had already been caught doing the same thing in the 1970s.

Read page 1

Not Just Auto Industry

VW is hardly the only company in the auto industry engaged in these practices and the auto industry is hardly the only industry engaging in this kind of activity.

Of course, tobacco still kills over 480,000 Americans each year and no one even talks about doing anything about it. Everyone understands this is because of the great wealth and power of the tobacco companies as well as their influence over a certain political party. More than 480,000 terrible, painful deaths each year!

The Obamacare health reform was written the way it was because it was understood from the start that the insurance and pharmaceutical companies had enough power to block anything they didnt like. So we didnt get Medicare for all or even a public option. These industries had already blocked the administration of President Bill Clinton from reforming the health care system, leading to more decades of deaths, untreated illness and bankruptcies.

In 2000, The Nation reported, in The Secret History of Lead, that the lead industry knew and kept secret for decades that they were poisoning people with lead in gasoline, paint and other products and instead of doing something about it they protected their profits by covering this up and attacking government efforts to do something.

"The leaded gas adventurers have profitably polluted the world on a grand scale and, in the process, have provided a model for the asbestos, tobacco, pesticide and nuclear power industries and other twentieth-century corporate bad actors, for evading clear evidence that their products are harmful by hiding behind the mantle of scientific uncertainty."

Mother Jones Kevin Drum reported on just one of the societal consequences of this decades-long crime, in Americas Real Criminal Element: Lead. His investigative report concluded that lead may be the hidden villain behind violent crime, lower IQs and even the ADHD epidemic. That whole put-millions-in-prison thing that has ruined so many lives? Oops, it might have been the lead industrys doing. Are any lead industry executives in jail for that?

The fossil-fuel industry is notorious for polluting and for causing climate change. The industry has captured an entire political party and has them fight the development of alternative energy sources, taxes on carbon, fuel-saving public transportation initiatives, other energy-saving efforts, etc. The industry funds a climate denial cult that threatens the entire planet.

These are just a few of so many examples.

Big Government Prosecutions Can Make a Difference

Corporations save money by cutting corners. Dumping carbon into the air. Putting lead in gasoline. You name it. They price the potential fines into the product as a cost of doing business. And company shareholders pay those fines. The executives who commit the actual wrongdoing are rarely if ever held accountable themselves.

Many companies can safely assume that the government isnt even going to catch them or do anything if they do. Government cowed by intense anti-government propaganda. We hear that government cant do anything as well as business can, that big government threatens us and government takes money out of the economy. We hear about burdensome government regulations that kill jobs on a 24/7/365 basis. Government and democracy do not have an advertising budget to counter this relentless propaganda.

Government is underfunded because the propaganda elects corporate-backed anti-government politicians who convince people to allow tax cuts (on the corporations and their owners) paid for by cutting back on government. And especially cutting back on government regulation and enforcement. The result is government enforcement is backing down all the time.

Industry executives revolve through the door into government and then back into plush corporate offices where they collect rewards for protecting their industries. Our captured government notoriously refuses to bring corporate criminals to justice. Not one banker, for example, was prosecuted for obvious crimes leading to the 2008 financial crash.

However, last week we saw one rare instance of a prosecution of individuals for corporate crime. The people running Peanut Corporation of America, a Georgia peanut company, were prosecuted after a salmonella outbreak that sickened and hospitalized hundreds of people and killed nine of them. Company executives knew for years their product was made in unsafe ways that were causing contaminationbut instead of spending what was needed to fix the problem they covered this up. So the owner was sentenced to 28 years in prison and other executives were sentenced to 20 years.

Thanks to an actual prosecution resulting in prison terms for company executives it is likely that the public will suffer fewer food-safety problems, at least for a while.

Our government supposedly exists to protect We the People from wealthy and powerful interests, including other countries. Our revolution against the wealthy British aristocracy and the Kings corporations testify to this. A government that is of the people, by the people and for the people should be big enough, strong enough and funded enough to reign in companies and billionaires and protect We the People from the kind of corporate misbehavior we saw from Volkswagenlong, long, long before it involves 11 million cars all spewing out serious threats to public health.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

IKEA: Going 100% Renewable by 2020 Makes Good Business Sense

9 Fortune 500 Companies Pledge to Go 100% Renewable

Leonardo DiCaprio Pledges to Divest From Fossil Fuels as Movement Grows 50-Fold in One Year

Michael Mann: Exxon Doubled Down on Climate Denial and Deceit
Can more money make up for the effects of poverty in schools?

School finance experts increasingly say yes. But states will have to distribute their money much differently between schools and districts than they do today, with a more complex approach to fiscal equity than simple funding levels.

Civil rights activists historically have pushed for states to spend the same amount of tax dollars in wealthier and poorer school districts, a legally and politically fraught goal thats led to the leveling of spending in states such as Florida and Wyoming.

But a growing number of school finance experts now conclude that states should, instead, spend based on need. In other words, schools with heavier concentrations of poverty, and therefore greater academic needs, should get more money than schools where the majority of students parents are wealthy.

People are starting to understand that equal funding for unequal needs isnt fair, said Ary Amerikaner, a deputy assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Education under President Barack Obama. She now serves as the director of P-12 resource equity at the Education Trust, which advocates on behalf of low-income children and students of color. Its not fair or evidence-based and its not going to get us the returns on investments that we hope to see every time we spend a dollar on education.

Political Hurdles

A series of lawsuits in states such as Delaware and Michigan have been filed by civil rights activists in recent months arguing that they dont receive enough money to get students from poor families up to academic par.

And several states legislatures, including those in Colorado and Mississippi, are now considering replacing their decades-old funding formulas with ones that provide schools that have large populations of poor students with more money than those with wealthier students.

States are increasingly asking, What are we getting for what were spending, and how is funding tied into our accountability and assessment system? said Michael Griffith, a school finance expert with the Education Commission of the States.

Political hurdles abound, however. Schools in the past decade have become more and more racially and economically segregated, according to a University of California, Los Angeles, study of federal data, and wealthier parents, those with the most political capital, have pushed for states resources to be targeted at schools that their children attend.

While schools receive grants, federal Title I dollars meant for disadvantaged students, and some extra money from states for educating poor students and those with special needs, school finance experts conclude its usually not enough to overcome factors associated with schools in less-affluent areas. Those include high student mobility, teacher turnover, language gaps, and the lack of at-home resources such as books and internet service.

While the Quality Counts 2018 report highlights Wyoming for its ability to score high in both spending and equity, just one stateAlaskaspent more in 2015 in its poverty-stricken districts than it did on its wealthier districts.

And even some of the nations higher-spending states received the nations lowest grades for failing to spread that wealth to districts with poorer students. Vermont, for instance, ranks second for spending and 48th for equity in the 2018 report.

In addition, fiscally conservative politicians in numerous states have balked at skyrocketing education costs amid stagnant academic outcomes and have argued that money doesnt matter when it comes to academic achievement.

Its going to take a cultural change. Its not a money issue, said David Trabert, the president of the Kansas Policy Institute, a conservative think tank thats helped state legislators design a new funding formula. Kansas has had a laser focus on money for decades, and outcomes have not improved, especially for low-income kids.

After a series of court decisions, Kansas this year added another $500 million over the next five years to its school spending, though many administrators argue thats still not enough to get more than a quarter of its students up to academic standards. The states supreme court will soon decide whether that amount meets constitutional requirements.

The Every Student Succeeds Acts new requirement for states to report to the public how much gets spent at individual schools will further animate this debate in the coming years.

Overall State Grades Catch up on how the nation and states fared on a broad range of K-12 categories, including school finance, as reported in this years first installment of Quality Counts, published Jan. 17.

At issue are how much money matters in improving academic outcomes, whether state or local governments should bear the brunt of school costs, and what receiving an adequate education, as mandated in some state constitutions, means.

The most recent nationwide study of school spending trends by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a think tank that focuses on reducing fiscal inequality, shows districts have become increasingly more reliant on local tax revenue than on state tax revenue, a reversal of a decades-long trend driven by a series of statewide income and business tax cuts and rising health-care costs. This heavy reliance on local revenue can lead to more disparities between wealthy and poor districts since most local revenue is dependent on local property values, said Michael Leachman, the director of state fiscal research for the organization.

Most state funding formulas aim for proportional funding among all districts throughout a state, based on student enrollment. For property-poor districts, states kick in extra money to make sure the funding is even.

But a meta-analysis of school finance studies conducted for Marylands education department in 2015 concluded that as concentrations of poverty increase in schools and districts, so, too, do the types and numbers of services required to enable all students to be successful.

That leaves policymakers with some complicated spending choices.

The money does matter, said Carlee Escue Simon, the executive director of the National Education Finance Academy and a school finance expert at the University of Cincinnati. But the money needs to go to effective resources such as intervention specialists, school psychologists, and social-emotional needs.

Making the Case

Academic data are already affecting the direction of legal challenges by parent groups over school funding.

In Delaware, for example, a group of parents sued the state last month, arguing the money the state provides its students is inadequate to give them an equitable education. The group is looking for the state to institute a needs-based funding formula that invests in smaller class sizes; expanded school time; highly qualified, specially trained teachers; and a focus on early literacy.

Such cases arent always successful, however.

A lawsuit in Connecticut, one of the nations richest states, was struck down last year after the states supreme court concluded that while the states funding formula leaves poor students with unqualified teachers and inadequate classroom resources, it was not the courts role to determine how the state spends between districts and schools.

Similarly, Texas supreme court said in 2016 it was not its role to dictate how the state legislature distributes its money.

Our Byzantine school funding system is undeniably imperfect, with immense room for improvement. But it satisfies minimum constitutional requirements, Justice Don Willett wrote in the courts decision.

States now are considering replacing their funding formulas with ones that take local and state money and redistribute it based on the amount of at risk students a school might have.

In California, the state replaced its funding formula in 2013 with one that gives schools with more impoverished students, English-learners, and other historically disadvantaged students more money, and gives districts more say over how to spend that money. State legislators are now considering a bill that would provide more money to schools that serve the lowest-performing subgroup of students. Currently, that would mean schools educating black students would get more money.

The bill has come under legal scrutiny since the states law requires states to spend equitably between student groups, no matter their race.

In Maryland, the state legislature in 2001 replaced its funding formula to give greater weight to historically disadvantaged students. But a commission said last year that the states rapid racial and economic segregation of schools in recent years has accelerated costs in some schools and that its current spending habits are not enough.

Although school funding experts laud politicians for considering giving extra weight based on poverty levels at schools, theyve raised concerns that states are now setting the bare minimum amount schools get much lower and counting on extra funding to make up for it.

The additional weights should be additional supports, but the funding is what makes it work, said Escue Simon of the University of Cincinnati. If the base allocation is not high enough, some districts that have populations that have fewer needs are going to feel theyre not being treated very fairly because they dont have as much funding as they need.
At a time when money is front and center as an education issuefueling a recent wave of teacher strikes and legislative wrangling over resourcesEducation Weeks latest school finance analysis illustrates why the nation earns a mediocre mark on school funding and how fairly that money is divvied up within states.

This second installment of Quality Counts 2018, which digs deeper into the C rating the nation received on school finance in Januarys top-line report card, reveals much better performance on indicators of funding equity than on measures of overall spending: a B (86.5) for equity, but a D-minus (62.3) for spending.

And the newly published analysis reveals some wide disparities among states. Wyoming, the consistent superstar in this category, earns the only A-minus (91.4). Five Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic statesConnecticut, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermontreceived grades of B-plus. At the other end of the spectrum, Idaho gets the lowest score of 59.7 and a D-minus. Three other statesArizona, Nevada, and Utahalso receive D-minus grades.

To keep state results in context, its important to note that the finance indicators in Quality Counts 2018 are based on data from 2015, the most recent available from the federal government. Reliance on uniform federal data sources means that more recent developments are not reflected in the grading, but it also better ensures an apples-to-apples comparison across states. To that same end, most of the analyses are also adjusted for regional cost differences and the concentrations of low-income students and students with disabilities, whose educational services might be more expensive than average.

A states overall finance grade is based on four measures of overall spending and four equity metrics. Grades are calculated using a best-in-class approach, which gauges a states performance on each metric in comparison to the nations top-ranked state on that same indicator. The leading state receives 100 points for the indicator; other states earn points in proportion to their performance as benchmarked against the national leader. The overall A-F letter grades reflect the average of numerical scores on a traditional 100-point scale.

Grades based on just the four spending indicators paint a relatively bleak picture. Alaska earns the nations highest score for spending at 96.4 or an A. Vermont (94.9) and Wyoming (93.1) also get grades of A. By contrast, Utah finishes last, with a score of 37.5 and a grade of F.

In all, 26 states receive grades of F for spending. That striking result, which is consistent with findings over the past decade, points to a funding hole that policymakers have not been able to climb out of as education struggles to compete with other spending priorities and to overcome political obstacles to state investment.

Interactive Map and Finance Report Card:

See how your state stacks up when it comes to education spending and equity. Per-Pupil Spending:

View the state-by-state landscape on how much actually gets spent on K-12 education.

Spending Struggles

In this analysis, education expenditures are not evaluated based on raw dollars spent. Instead, a states spending is gauged by comparisons to national averages or to its total taxable resources. As the analysis looks deeper, a more nuanced perspective on state results can be revealed by examining performance on each of the four indicators in the spending category: per-pupil expenditures, the percent of students in districts spending at or above the U.S. average, the spending index, and the percent of total taxable resources spent on education.

Vermont has the highest per-pupil expenditures in the nation at $20,795, followed by Alaska at $20,640, as adjusted for variations in regional costs. At the other end of the scale, Utah spends the least at $7,207 per student. The national average stands at $12,526.

Overall State Grades Catch up on how the nation and states fared on a broad range of K-12 categories, including school finance, as reported in this years first installment of Quality Counts, published Jan. 17.

The percent of students in districts with per-pupil expenditures at or above the national average ranges widely across the states. In seven states and the District of Columbia, 100 percent of students are in districts where spending reaches or exceeds the national benchmark. In 15 states, by contrast, less than 10 percent of students attend school in districts meeting that mark, including Florida where only 0.1 percent of students are in such districts (the lowest in the nation).

The spending index evaluates not only the percent of students served by districts spending at or above the national average but also the degree to which lower-spending districts fall short of that target. Eight states and the District of Columbia get a perfect score of 100 on the index. Arizona (65.3), Idaho (62.3), and Utah (59.4) receive the lowest scores.

The wealth and tax base in a state depends on a variety of long-term factors. In the short run, policymakers may not control the size of the budget available to them, but they can make choices about where to direct the resources they have. The share of total taxable resources spent on education ranges from a high of 5.4 percent in Vermont to a low of 2.3 percent in North Carolina.

More Success on Equity

Although this analysis finds that states generally fare better on measures of equity than on overall spending, it continues to highlight wide disparities across districts in many states. Florida earns the nations highest score for finance equity at 92.4, an A-minus. Seven other states also post A-minus grades, while Alaska scores lowest, the sole state to get a C (73.6).

A fuller picture of how states allocate funding across districts can be captured by looking at each of the four indicators making up the equity analysis: the wealth-neutrality score, McLoone Index, coefficient of variation, and restricted range.

State Snapshots From This Year's Analysis Alaska

Alaskalike many statesshows some sharply contrasting results when it comes to school funding. Its the only state to provide higher funding for poor districts than for their wealthier peers. But it struggles on other measures assessing fairness in the allocation of resources across districts, finishing last in the nation for finance equity. In striking contrast, it gets the nations highest score on measures of overall spending and trails only Vermont in per-pupil spending, as adjusted for regional cost differences.

Statewide Enrollment: 133,400 California

California was one of only seven states that improved their overall school finance grades by a point or more between 2017 and 2018, demonstrating just how challenging it can be to move the needle on these metrics. Californias 3.5 point gain was largely driven by increases in per-pupil spending and the percent of students in districts spending at or above the U.S. average. The states finance ranking jumped from 39th in last years report to 32nd, the largest uptick in the nation.

Statewide Enrollment: 6.2 million Idaho

Idaho, which receives the nations lowest school finance score, with a 59.7 or a D-minus, struggles with both spending and the distribution of funding across districts within the state. Only Arizona and Utah spend less per student when adjusted for variations in regional costs. Just 2.8 percent of Idahos students are in districts spending at or above the national average.

Statewide Enrollment: 302,300 Vermont

States in the top tier for school spending are sometimes at the other end of the spectrum for finance equity. Vermont leads the nation for perpupil spending at $20,795 when dollar amounts are adjusted for variations in regional costs. It also devotes a larger share (5.4 percent) of its total taxable resources to education than any other state. In stark contrast, Vermont ranks 48th on equity, with the state at or near the bottom on three of the four indicators of how even funding levels are among its districts.

Statewide Enrollment: 92,900 Wyoming

Wyoming posts the nations highest overall grade in school finance, with the only A-minus (91.4). It has remained at the top of the rankings for most of the past decade by pairing good results on spending metrics with strong performance on equity measures. At $17,700, its per-pupil spending is fourth-highest in the nation (adjusted for regional cost differences), and 100 percent of its students are in districts spending at or above the U.S. average. These results are aided by the states dedication of 4.7 percent of its taxable resources to education, the fourth-largest share in the nation.

Statewide Enrollment: 93,000

The wealth-neutrality score examines the relationship between school funding and the property wealth of districts. It indicates that just one state, Alaska, provides higher funding for poorer districts than for their wealthier peers. Results reinforce continuing concerns about the resources available in economically disadvantaged communities where students often have the greatest educational needs.

The McLoone Index, named after a school finance scholar, gauges actual spending as a percent of the amount needed to bring all students to the median per-pupil expenditure in a state. On this measure, Florida (96.0) gets the closest to perfect equity, which is represented by a score of 100. Vermont (79.2) is furthest from that target.

Another angle on the fairness and uniformity of school funding, the coefficient of variation, measures the disparity in spending across districts in a state. A higher result indicates more variation in spending, with a value of zero signifying that all districts spend the same amount. Florida (0.068) is closest to that benchmark, while Alaska (0.439) is furthest away.

The gap between the highest- and lowest-spending districts in a state also sheds light on equity. The restricted range is the difference between spending levels for the districts serving students at the 5th and 95th percentiles of the per-pupil-spending distribution. The range is largest in Alaska where $22,540 separate the top-spenders from their counterparts at the low end of the scale.

Few states are in the top tier for both spending and equity. Only Wyoming is in the top 10 in both categories. But many states that rank high on one dimension of finance fare poorly on the other. Alaska and Vermont, for instance, finish first and second for spending but fall to the bottom of the rankings for equity. Seven states that are in the top 10 for equity also receive failing grades for spending.

Challenges, Opportunities

A year-to-year comparison of finance results underscores the difficulty of moving the needle in the face of an unpredictable economic environment in which many priorities compete with education for limited state dollars. Just seven states improved their overall school finance scores by more than a point since last year. North Dakota saw the largest gain at 6 points, followed by California at 3.5. South Carolina (-1.2), Delaware (-1.6), and West Virginia (-2.5) were the only states to decline by more than a point.

As policymakers in many states consider changes to school funding policies, the looming debates present complex challenges but also opportunities to boost the resources available to students and teachers.
No matter how much they need, schools can only spend what they haveand that finite pot of money depends on broader economic and political factors largely beyond their control.

So when it comes to spreading nearly $648.6 billion in state, local, and federal education aid across the national landscape, there are bound to be big holes in the funding bucket, even in a generally resurgent economy.

And the pictures that emerge from disparate spending decisions by states and districts can be striking: students shivering in poorly heated classrooms or sweltering without air conditioning; viral posts of taped-up textbooks, outdated computers, and overcrowded classrooms; teachers striking and rallying in multiple states under the banner of higher pay and additional school funding.

The nation as a whole earns a nearly failing D-minus grade on school spending from the Education Week Research Center in the Quality Counts 2018 school finance report, based on several indicators that include per-pupil spending and the proportion of taxable resources they devote to K-12 education.

Thats despite the fact that spending on schools nationally increased 3.3 percent from fiscal 2014 to fiscal 2015, according to the most recent federal figures.

While some states, such as New York, North Dakota, and Wyoming have prospered, others such as Kentucky, Oklahoma, and West Virginia have been slow to recover from the Great Recession, a picture complicated by skyrocketing pension and health-care expenses, costs associated with ramped up state and federal accountability requirements, and the impact of rapidly shifting demographics.

And with voters increasingly hostile toward new taxes, policymakers can end up struggling to find new revenue sources or replace outdated school funding formulas, prompting legal disputes and legislative logjams.

In one such long-running battle, leaders in Kansas await a state supreme court ruling that could shut down its entire school system after the Republican-controlled legislature promised $500 million more toward its public schools over the next five years$1.5 billion less than what plaintiffs say is necessary for students to meet constitutional standards.

Thats infuriated the states fiscally conservative Republicans who have argued districts waste money and the court has overstepped its bounds.

But in Minnesota, Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton late last month vetoed the GOP-dominated legislatures budget because, he said, it failed to rescue some of the states largest school districts from years of shortfalls.

These funding wars in many states have spilled over into this falls midterm elections in which more than two-thirds of state legislative seats and 36 governorshipsthose positions with the most say over school spendingare up for election. More than 100 teachers have filed to run for state office in Arizona, Kentucky, and Oklahoma after they failed to get all they demanded from their strikes and protests.

Overall State Grades Catch up on how the nation and states fared on a broad range of K-12 categories, including school finance, as reported in this years first installment of Quality Counts, published Jan. 17.

And Democratic leaders in Congress say that if they regain control this fall, theyll seek to invest more than $100 billion in the next 10 years to give the nations teaching force a pay raise and shore up Americas dilapidated school infrastructure.

Recognizing a Shortfall

Thats not to say that states are uniformly reluctant to spend more money on schools.

According to a recently released study by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a think tank that focuses on reducing fiscal inequality, more than half of states today pay more toward public education than they did before the recession, which officially ended in 2009.

California, for example, has added more than $25 billion toward public education since 2011 and is considering a bill that would add another $35 billion by 2025. It plans to spend a total of $74.5 billion this school year.

At the same time, more than half the nations taxpayers think their taxes are too high, according to a 2014 Pew Research center poll. In states like Kentucky and Texas, Republicans, who control most of Americas statehouses, have run on campaigns to slash taxes to their lowest rates possible.

Student-population centers also have shifted dramatically, including depopulation in the Midwest and Northeast and overcrowding in the South and Southwest.

The fiscal impact of such population shifts can be dramatic either way.

Vermont, which spent an average of $20,795 per student in 2015 on a regionally adjusted basisthe highest in the nation that year, according to Quality Counts datahas lost a tenth of its student body in the past decade alone, resulting in plummeting revenue for many districts and hollowed-out classrooms.

The state, using a carrot-and-stick approach, has recently consolidated more than 151 of its many tiny districts into just 38. Vermont raises taxes on districts that dont consolidate and lowers them for districts that manage to.

In Arizona, where the student population has doubled over the past 20 years, teachers have long complained about overcrowded classrooms, dilapidated school buildings, and low pay.

State Rep. John Kavanagh, the Republican chairman of the House appropriations committee, said Arizonas economy has been slow to improve, and the legislature, in response, has attempted to cut taxes to spur it along.

In 2016 alone, the state allowed $13.7 billion to go uncollected through a series of income, sales, and other tax exemptions, deductions, allowances, exclusions, or credits, according to the states department of revenue.

We just dont have the money, Kavanagh said in response to teachers demands for pay raises. Arizona was especially hurt by the Great Recession, and the recovery has been extremely slow. We cut all levels of spending, and we need to restore all levels of spending. Weve given priority to K-12.

For other states, pension benefits, handed out to teachers and other public employees generously throughout the 1990s, have spiraled, amounting to a debt of $516 billion combined.

Attempts to make changes to either the benefits retired teachers receive or the contributions new teachers must make can end careers.

In Kentucky, for example, high school math teacher Travis Brenda, last month ousted Republican Jonathan Shell, the states House leader who co-wrote and rushed through a bill that made several changes to that states pension system.

They picked on the wrong group, Brenda told reporters shortly after the primaries. Not just the educators, but all state employees are rising up, and were not going to be let things be done to us.
Duke of Cambridge visits Isle of Man today

The Duke of Cambridge will visit Isle of Man today as part of the TT.

Prince William is scheduled to meet with TT staff and volunteers as well as visiting the TT Grandstand and the Joey Dunlop Foundation.

The penultimate day of racing at this year's TT includes the second Supersport race, the TT Zero and the Lightweight race, as well as qualifying laps for the Sidecars and Senior bikes.

The Mountain Road will close from Barrule Park at 9.15 and the Bungalow from 9.30 before the rest of the course shuts at 10am.
Police seek witnesses to car damage

Police are appealing for information after a car was damaged while parked in the north of the Island.

The silver Honda CRV has been scratched with a sharp object while parked in the lane parallel to Lezayre Road in Ramsey at the rear of Shoprite.

A cross has been scratched on the bonnet and two lines scratched onto the passenger side of the vehicle between 6pm on Monday and 8am yesterday.

Officers say this is a mindless and unnecessary ct which has caused distress to the owner.

Anyone who may have seen what happened or has other information which could help police is urged to contact Ramsey Police Station on 812234.
2018-06-06

Maeci

A few days ago, the Italian Consul General in Frankfurt, Counsellor of Legation Maurizio Canfora, and the Minister of Education of Hesse State, Prof. Dr R. Alexander Lorz, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperating in offering bilingual courses in local primary and secondary schools.

The MoU was signed at an informal ceremony held at one of the new schools that joined the programme, at the presence of the Italian and German members of the teaching staff, the school directors, the representatives of the CGIE and COMITES and of the parent association biLiS, and the students enrolled in the bilingual classes.

The cooperation between Italy and the Hesse State in the education sector began with the signing of a first MoU in 1997, which was followed by subsequent protocols in 2004 and 2010.

The MoU introduces a number of improvements to the ongoing cooperation, also in the light of the twenty-year-long experience acquired up to now. The initiative has been formally extended to a third primary school called Willemerschule. Furthermore, the curriculum has been extended to include a 'Realschule' (providing technical and vocational training in Germany) while an ad hoc implementation regulation lays the ground for greater flexibility in the allocating the teachers sent from Italy to the different schools taking part in the programme.

Italian Consulate General in Frankfurt

https://consfrancoforte.esteri.it/consolato_francoforte/it/
Researchers have developed a new type of sensor that acts like Velcro for prostate cancer cells, sticking them to a modified frosted glass slide, like those used in science classes, so that they can be identified from blood samples. The low-cost method, reported in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, could help doctors better diagnose and monitor the disease.

In men with prostate cancer, some tumor cells exit the prostate gland and circulate in the blood. Detecting these cells could enable diagnosis at an earlier stage or help doctors assess whether treatment is effective. However, because circulating tumor cells are present in very small numbers, finding them can be a challenge. Previous sensors have been expensive and difficult to make. So Shudong Zhang and Shutao Wang wanted do develop a simpler, more cost-effective way to monitor prostate cancer cells in the blood.

The researchers based their device on frosted glass microscope slides, commonplace in high school science classes. The frosted area, which is used to hold and label the slide, is a sandblasted surface with tiny depressions. The researchers added a solution to the frosted slides that caused silica nanowires to grow on their surfaces, then they dangled antibodies that recognized prostate cancer cells from the nanowires. After getting captured by the antibodies, circulating tumor cells became trapped in the depressions on the slide and tangled up within the nanowires, similar to the interlocking surfaces of Velcro. The team could then visualize the cancer cells with microscopy, and found that the device had a capture efficiency on par with other approaches, they say. When the researchers tested blood samples from prostate cancer patients, the devices detected as few as 10 tumor cells in 1 milliliter of blood.

###

The authors acknowledge funding from the National Natural Science Foundation, the Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission, the Top-Notch Young Talents Program of China and the Youth Innovation Promotion Association.

The abstract that accompanies this study is available here.

The American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society, is a not-for-profit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. ACS does not conduct research, but publishes and publicizes peer-reviewed scientific studies. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

To automatically receive news releases from the American Chemical Society, contact newsroom@acs.org.

Follow us on Twitter | Facebook
Africanized honeybees, commonly known as "killer bees," are much more aggressive than their European counterparts. Now researchers have examined neuropeptide changes that take place in Africanized honeybees' brains during aggressive behavior. The researchers, who report their results in the Journal of Proteome Research, also showed they could turn gentle bees into angry ones by injecting them with certain peptides.

In the 1950s, researchers in Brazil bred Africanized honeybees by crossing European and African bees. In 1957, swarms of the bees were accidentally released, and they have been buzzing their way across the Americas ever since. Scientists currently don't understand what makes these bees so aggressive, but the behavior appears to involve a complex network of genetic and environmental factors, regulated by neuropeptides. So Mario Sergio Palma and his colleagues wanted to examine neuropeptide differences between the brains of bees displaying aggressive and non-aggressive behavior.

The researchers stimulated Africanized honeybees to attack by hanging spherical, black leather targets in front of their colonies. Angry guard bees quickly attacked the targets, becoming embedded in the leather by their stingers. Meanwhile, gentler bees kept their distance. The researchers collected both groups of bees and analyzed their brains by mass spectral imaging. In the brains of aggressive bees, two longer neuropeptides were cleaved into shorter ones, but this did not happen in the gentler bees. The researchers then injected the shorter peptides into anesthetized, non-aggressive bees, which became combative upon waking. The study provides new insights into the neurological basis for aggressive honeybee behavior, the researchers say.

###

The authors acknowledge funding from the Sao Paulo Research Foundation and the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development.

The abstract that accompanies this study is available here.

The American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society, is a not-for-profit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is global leader in providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. ACS does not conduct research, but publishes and publicizes peer-reviewed scientific studies. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

To automatically receive news releases from the American Chemical Society, contact newsroom@acs.org.

Follow us on Twitter | Facebook
Aurora, Colo. (June 5, 2018) - World-renowned Children's Hospital Colorado (Children's Colorado) Pediatric Surgeon Dr. Alberto Pena has been named the recipient of the 2018 American Pediatric Surgical Association (ASPA) Robert E. Gross Award for Excellence in Pediatric Research and Achievement. Dr. Pena also has been selected as the 2018 recipient of the Sir Denis Browne Gold Medal from the British Association of Pediatric Surgeons, to be conferred at their July annual meeting in England. Both awards recognize a distinctive contribution by an individual who has made a major impact on pediatric surgery worldwide.

Dr. Pena's contributions have focused on improvements in medical and surgical care for patients suffering with anorectal malformations, cloacal malformations and a variety of other congenital anomalies of the pelvis, abdominal wall, Hirschsprung's disease and associated urological, gynecologic and other abdominopelvic malformations. Dr. Pena transformed colorectal treatment by introducing the posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP), also known as the "Pena Pull-Through" procedure. This method is widely used by top surgeons all over the world and has since been adapted to treat multiple conditions.

He also has focused on the common problem of constipation, incontinence and other intestinal motility issues that are common consequences in children with these malformations. Dr. Pena's contributions have resulted in a major change in how pediatric surgeons manage congenital colorectal disorders, and the results of his approaches to these problems have been widely accepted by the global pediatric community as the "standard of practice."

"I feel extremely honored to have been chosen as a recipient of the 2018 Robert E. Gross Award and as the 2018 recipient of the Sir Denis Browne Gold Medal," said Dr. Pena. "Throughout the course of my career, I've discovered that pediatric surgery is the most curative of all surgical specialties. I am personally aware of the suffering parents of children born with congenital anomalies go through and have made it a priority to spend attentive time and effort to console and reassure the parents of my patients. I am incredibly proud of this research and the continued efforts of my team at Children's Colorado. I am grateful for the Board of Governors of the American Pediatric Surgical Association and to the British Association of Pediatric Surgeons for these honors."

Dr. Pena was presented with the APSA Robert E. Gross Award for Excellence in Pediatric Research and Achievement during the 2018 APSA Annual Meeting in Palm Desert, Calif. on May 3-6 by the APSA president, Dr. Henri Ford.

Finally, Dr. Pena recently received an investiture of The Ponzio Family Chair for Colorectal Surgery. The investiture is one of the highest honors that Children's Colorado can bestow on a faculty or staff member, and it lives in perpetuity as long as the hospital exists. It is both an honor to the named holder of the endowed chair and an enduring tribute to the donor's philanthropic vision and leadership. Investitures are a celebration of an endowed chair and honor a donor's generosity and impact their gift will bring to the hospital.

###

In addition to his recent awards, Dr. Pena has been the recipient of the highest honors given by national and international organizations including the COE Medal by the Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons in 2002; the William Ladd Medal by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2008; the Rehbein Medal by the European Association of Pediatric Surgeons in 2015; and the Kafka Medal by the Czech Association of Pediatric Surgery in 2016.

About Children's Hospital Colorado

Children's Hospital Colorado is a leading pediatric network 100 percent dedicated to the health and well-being of children, adolescents and young adults. Consistently acknowledged as one of the nation's top pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Children's Colorado is recognized nationally and internationally for its medical, research, education and advocacy programs. It is at the forefront of research in childhood disease and pioneering treatments that are shaping the future of pediatrics, as well as offering everyday care for kids throughout Colorado and surrounding states. Founded in 1908, Children's Colorado offers a full spectrum of family-centered care at its urgent, emergency and specialty care locations throughout Metro Denver and Southern Colorado, including its location on the Anschutz Medical Campus. Scheduled to open in early 2019, the new Children's Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs will be the first pediatric-only hospital in southern Colorado. For more information, visit http://www.childrenscolorado.org, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Children's Hospital Colorado complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
As clinical trials gear up with the aim of attaining the first FDA-approved treatments for mitochondrial disease, a new study reports for the first time what patients and families say would motivate them for or against participating in such research trials.

Based in malfunctions in mitochondria, the tiny structures within cells that act as biological batteries, mitochondrial disease is a highly variable collection of energy deficiency disorders that can affect nearly any and all organs and systems--at any age. Scientists have discovered approximately 300 different gene disorders that collectively contribute to the broad class of primary mitochondrial disease.

"The inherent complexity of mitochondrial disease gave rise to our central finding: the need to understand patients' perspectives in identifying their most prevalent and disabling symptoms," said study leader Marni J. Falk, MD, executive director of the Mitochondrial Medicine Frontier Program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). "We can now incorporate these key insights as we design clinical trials, to measure clinical outcomes that are meaningful to patients and families."

Falk and colleagues published their findings online May 17 in PLOS ONE.

"When we asked patients to specify how many health problems they had, they reported an average of 16 major clinical symptoms, and some had as many as 35," said Falk. The most frequent reported symptoms were muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, exercise intolerance, gastrointestinal issues and balance problems, with parents of pediatric patients also concerned with developmental delay.

One surprising finding was that more severely affected patients--those at higher risk of stroke, kidney failure and death--were not necessarily more tolerant of risk in clinical trials than patients with less severe disease. "In the medical literature, mitochondrial disease is often portrayed as uniformly devastating," said Falk. "But in day-to-day life, a patients' experience may be quite variable, even when living with a severe, chronic condition. So patients and families may be more interested in finding therapies that improve their resilience in coping with a chronic disease and ability to function in their daily lives."

The researchers conducted online electronic surveys in two patient cohorts. The single-center discovery cohort comprised mitochondrial disease patients at CHOP, evenly divided between children and adults, with 30 respondents out of 67 invited. An independent replication cohort consisted of patients with primary mitochondrial disease from an NIH-supported national contact registry, the Rare Disease Clinical Research Network, with 290 respondents out of 1,119 invited.

When asked to rate factors that would likely motivate them to participate in a clinical trial, patients preferred a study drug that could be self-administered, such as pills, vitamins, antioxidants, and natural or plant-derived compounds. They also preferred daily treatment, guaranteed access to the treatment during and after the study, short travel distances to the study site, and participation in late-stage (phase 3) clinical trials.

Factors that would make patients less likely to participate were taking a new study drug not previously studied in people, having to discontinue their current medications, experiencing disease progression, needing to undergo daily phlebotomy, requiring intravenous infusions and requiring patient payment for trial participation. There was no difference in trial preferences reported between the adult and pediatric patient groups.

"When we ask the Food and Drug Administration what they require to determine if a tested drug is successful in a clinical trial, we can summarize their benchmark as being able to demonstrate improved patient survival, feeling and function," said Falk. "Endpoint data such as laboratory values or biomarkers are important, but not particularly meaningful as a primary outcome measure to the FDA or to patients' sense of well-being."

The study showed that patients are not intuitively invested in important elements of robust research study design such as including a placebo control, blinding everyone to which therapy is being given and randomizing patients to treatment or placebo. However, researchers and the FDA recognize that such methodologic factors are key elements in objectively finding effective treatments.

Falk added that "these study results tell researchers and clinicians that we have more work to do in terms of patient education--we need to effectively explain how to best design rigorous, effective clinical trials, while at the same time responding to patient priorities and needs. One important factor in both patient education and meeting patient needs, she added, is forming strong partnerships among researchers, patients and patient advocacy organizations.

"Clinical trials are still a new experience for many patients with mitochondrial disease," said Falk, who notes that until now, a patient's only option has been to rely on empiric "cocktails" of unstandardized and untested vitamins and supplements. "While such approaches may well hold therapeutic value, a properly designed clinical trial is needed to ultimately identify safe and effective therapies, to optimize doses, and to learn which of each mitochondrial disease patient's symptoms are improved with each treatment," she added.

Finally, said Falk, the findings on patient preferences and motivations in mitochondrial medicine may be relevant to patients with other rare complex disorders. "Understanding and applying patient preferences to trial design and outcome selection are essential to achieve successful therapies for all of the rare, complex diseases that are now readily recognized due to advances in genetic diagnostics. Precision diagnosis is essential, but no longer sufficient. Patients rightfully hope and expect that this knowledge will be translated into precision therapies that improve the aspects of their disease they view as most essential to their overall well-being."

###

Funding support for this study came from the National Institutes of Health (grant GM008638) and the Joseph and Patricia Holveck Research Fund for Mitochondrial Medicine.

Zarazuela Zolkipli-Cunningham, et al, "Mitochondrial disease patient motivations and barriers to participate in clinical trials," PLOS ONE, published online May 17, 2018. http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0197513

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals, and pioneering major research initiatives, Children's Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 546-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu
Discovery could lead to the development of treatments for a debilitating condition implicated in 30 percent of all cancer deaths

NEW YORK, NY (June 6, 2018)--It's estimated that nearly one-third of all cancer deaths are caused not by the cancer itself but by cachexia--a debilitating muscle-wasting syndrome that affects an estimated 80 percent of advanced cancer patients. Cachexia is linked to reduced tolerance for cancer therapy, poor quality of life, and accelerated death, but there are no effective treatments and its cause is still largely unknown.

A new study from Columbia University Irving Medical Center suggests that an overload of zinc in patients' muscles may be the culprit. The findings, published online today in Nature Medicine, could pave the way for the development of drugs to treat or prevent muscle wasting in advanced cancer patients.

Cachexia occurs in many types of cancers, including pancreatic, gastrointestinal, lung, and head and neck cancers. Yet the condition remains poorly understood, due in part to limited research funding in this area, difficulty developing animal models that accurately replicate the condition in human cancer, and a lack of reliable biomarkers to help diagnose cachexia early and monitor its progression during cancer treatment.

"There's a common misconception that cachexia is just a nutritional problem caused by a loss of appetite stemming from the cancer or its treatments," says study leader Swarnali Acharyya, PhD, assistant professor of pathology & cell biology in the Institute of Cancer Genetics at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. "Cachectic patients are typically given appetite stimulants, but these remedies only help temporarily and cannot reverse cachexia. As cachexia continues to break down muscle, patients often become too weak to tolerate standard doses of anti-cancer therapies, and their doctors have to scale back treatment. Cachexia can also weaken the muscles of the diaphragm and the heart, causing many cancer patients to die from respiratory or heart failure. To find better ways of treating this condition, we need to learn more about its underlying cause and the molecular mechanisms associated with this syndrome."

In the study, Acharyya's team looked in the muscles of mice with cachexia to see if they could find differences compared with normal muscles. The analysis revealed greater activity of a protein called ZIP14, which is typically expressed in liver cells to facilitate metal transport but was found to be abnormally expressed in muscles of the cancer models. They also found high levels of ZIP14 in samples of muscle tissue from cancer patients with cachexia, suggesting a link between ZIP14 and cachexia in people.

Excess zinc uptake in muscle leads to muscle wasting in cancer, the researchers found, by breaking down mature muscle cells and preventing stem cells from making new muscle fibers.

The reason why ZIP14 pumps more zinc into muscles in cachexia was traced back to the systemic effects of cancer. The researchers found that two factors--TNF-alpha and TGF-beta, which are associated with advanced cancer--increase ZIP14 expression in muscle.

"We often think cancer injures the body by spreading and invading vital organs," Acharyya says. "But cancer can also injure in another way, by releasing substances that affect other areas of the body that are cancer-free. This is an area that is often overlooked in cancer biology research, but addressing it during cancer treatment could have an important impact on patient survival and quality of life."

The discovery of zinc and ZIP14's connection with cachexia may lead to ways to reduce cachexia's impact on patients. In the study, reducing ZIP14 in muscle cells markedly reduced cachexia, suggesting that drugs that inhibit ZIP14 could improve cancer survival and quality of life.

"Zinc is essential for maintaining many functions in our body, and is often taken as a supplement," says Acharyya. "But excess zinc supplementation may not always be a good thing, because we saw that giving excess zinc supplements to mice with tumors accelerated their muscle wasting and weight loss. With more translational studies, clinicians and patients may need to reconsider the practice of using zinc supplements, especially if they have tumors commonly associated with cachexia."

Dr. Acharyya is currently designing strategies to inactivate ZIP14 with Anup Biswas, PhD, one of the lead authors of this study. These efforts could lead to the development of therapies to combat cancer cachexia in the future.

###

The paper is titled, "Metastatic cancers promote cachexia through ZIP14 upregulation in skeletal muscle." The other contributors are: Gang Wang (CUIMC), Wanchao Ma (CUIMC), Manoj Kandpal (Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL), Courtney Coker (CUIMC), Paul M. Grandgenett (University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE), Michael A. Hollingsworth (University of Nebraska Medical Center), Rinku Jain (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY), Kurenai Tanji (CUIMC), Sara L?pez-Pintado (CUIMC), Alain Borczuk (Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY), Doreen Hebert (CUIMC), Supak Jenkitkasemwong (University of Florida, Gainesville, FL), Shintaro Hojyo (Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin, Osteoimmunology, Chariteplatz, Berlin, Germany), Ramana Davuluri (Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine), Mitchell D. Knutson (University of Florida), and Toshiyuki Fukada (Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro, Tokushima, Japan).

The study was supported in part by the National Cancer Institute (R00CA172697-02), CUIMC startup funds, and a pilot grant to S.A. from the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center through the National Cancer Institute (P30CA013696).

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Researchers from Drexel University College of Medicine and the University of Texas at Austin improved respiratory function in rodents with spinal cord injuries after successfully transplanting a special class of neural cells, called V2a interneurons. Their results, published this week in the Journal of Neurotrauma, indicate that these lab-grown cells have the potential to one day help paralyzed patients breathe without a ventilator.

"Our previous study was one of the first to show that V2a interneurons contribute to plasticity, or the ability of the spinal cord to achieve some level of self-repair. This study capitalized on those findings by demonstrating that we can grow these cells from stem cells, that they survive in an injured spinal cord, and that they can actually improve recovery," said Michael Lane, PhD, an assistant professor of neurobiology and anatomy in the College of Medicine and the study's principal investigator.

Though spinal cord injury impacts a wide range of motor systems, recent evidence suggests the body is capable of spontaneous improvements, through growth of nerve fibers and the formation of new circuits. Lane's laboratory is interested in studying - and strengthening - this natural phenomenon, in order to treat a potentially fatal side effect of paralysis: poor respiratory health. Not only do patients with high-level injuries require mechanical assistance to breathe, but they are also prone to lung congestion and respiratory infections.

"By understanding the body's own attempt at repair, we hope to amplify that process therapeutically with cell transplantation and rehabilitation," said Lyandysha Zholudeva, the study's lead author and a doctoral candidate in the College of Medicine. "Now we've identified one of the cell types that contributes to the formation of new pathways that lead to plasticity."

For the past decade, there has been a growing interest in using neural precursors - cells that can develop into the various types found in the brain - to augment plasticity and treat spinal cord injury. Neural cells work with all the other cell types of the body to produce the range of functions of the central nervous system, including circulation, respiration and digestion.

Interneurons are particularly attractive candidates for the injured spinal cord, because they relay signals between sensory and motor neurons. However, these cells are a diverse bunch, and it has remained unclear exactly what type of interneuron could survive and thrive in an injured spinal cord after transplantation. Lane and other researchers pinpointed V2a interneurons as a potential contender, since they are "excitatory" (have greater action potential) and typically grow in the right direction for repair. Previous studies have also suggested that this class of interneurons may be involved in breathing, and Lane's work has shown that this role may be even more important after spinal cord injury.

In a study published in 2017, Lane and his colleagues found that weeks after injury, the spinal cord recruits V2a interneurons, which become wired into the "phrenic" circuit in the spinal cord that controls the diaphragm (an essential muscle for breathing). In their more recent study, the researchers explored whether transplanting more V2a cells into the injured spinal cord could enhance plasticity and lead to longer-lasting outcomes.

Lane explained that identifying specific cell types that will repair breathing (or any other symptom), rather than transplanting a heterogeneous population, is key to effective treatment.

"Stem cell transplantation is gaining interest both within science, and within clinical trials, but scientific evidence shows that some types of cells may actually limit recovery. So, you have to know what will happen to the cells you are putting in the body," he said. "The transplantation field is moving into an era where there is more interest in tailoring cell therapies."

To test their hypothesis, the Drexel team collaborated with Shelly Sakiyama-Elbert, PhD, a cellular engineer at the University of Texas, to differentiate embryonic stem cells into V2a interneurons and combine them with neural progenitor cells from a rodent spinal cord. Once combined, the V2a cells were transplanted into 30 animals with high cervical moderate-severe injuries.

One month following transplantation, the donor cells had survived and become mature neurons in all 30 animals. Recording activity of the diaphragm muscle, the researchers found that breathing significantly improved in the animals that had received V2a interneurons compared to the controls.

"Even this incremental difference reassures us that we have identified a cell type to really concentrate on, and that we should continue to investigate their potential even further," Zholudeva said.

Moving forward, the researchers plan to continue to determine how to best optimize the transplant dose, growth and connectivity of V2a cells in the injured spinal cord. Lane said the potential contribution of V2a cells to functional recovery could be enhanced with rehabilitation, neural-interfacing and activity-based therapies.

"For now, we've focused on one cell, and one time-point after injury, so there is more work still to be done," Lane said. "But it is a big advance - we have at least one cell that contributes to recovery and one day, that may lead to better treatments."

###
By testing an agrochemical designed to increase resistance on the mulberry plants used to feed silkworms, a research verified a rise in caterpillars' mortality and reduction in the size of cocoons

One of the problems caused by the intensive use of pesticides is their effect on organisms other than those they are designed to combat - the most notorious of which is the global mortality of honeybees.

However, there are other economically beneficial insects than honeybees which are implicated. "The silkworm is another managed insect whose performance may have been impaired by pesticide poisoning," said Daniel Nicodemo (http://bv.fapesp.br/en/pesquisador/44473/daniel-nicodemo), a professor at Sao Paulo State University's School of Agrarian & Technological Sciences (FCAT-UNESP) in Dracena, Brazil.

In a study supported by the Sao Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP (http://www.bv.fapesp.br/en/auxilios/88748), Nicodemo partnered with Professor Fabio Erminio Mingatto and students at FCAT-USP to investigate the effects of pyraclostrobin, a strobilurin fungicide widely used as a crop spray, on the mitochondrial bioenergetics of silkworms (Bombyx mori) and their production of cocoons.

The researchers found that application of the fungicide to mulberry plants - silkworms' single source of food - increased caterpillar mortality up to threefold and significantly reduced the size of the cocoons spun by surviving caterpillars, causing silk production losses. The study was the subject of an article published (https://academic.oup.com/jee/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jee/toy060/4925588) in the Journal of Economic Entomology.

Brazilian silk farmers have reported a fall in the production of silkworm cocoons - even in the absence of factors such as disease, malnutrition and inappropriate management, which impact negatively on the development cycle of the mulberry silkworm, in Nicodemo's assessment.

Brazilian silk farmers are smallholders who grow mulberry plants to provide food for the silkworms. Most Brazilian silk farms are found in northern part of Parana State, but there are also sericulturists in Sao Paulo State and Mato Grosso do Sul. They are small isolated concerns surrounded by vast sugarcane, soybean or corn plantations where pesticides are heavily used.

"This is one of the possible causes of the silkworm crop losses," Nicodemo said. When the big plantations are sprayed with insecticides, herbicides or fungicides, the wind often blows these agrochemicals into neighboring farms, where mulberry plants may be growing.

Pyraclostrobin: from promising asset to sericulture villain

Nicodemo said that initial goal of the FAPESP-funded study was to determine whether treating mulberry leaves with pyraclostrobin would improve cocoon quality. "Besides being used as a fungicide, pyraclostrobin also delays leaf senescence and strengthens oxidative stress tolerance in many crops."

Mulberry leaves with high-protein content have a direct influence on the quality of larvae-produced silk. However, the art of growing a highly nutritive mulberry plant follows very particular standards. "The quantity of leaves produced by each plant is inversely proportional to their nutritional quality," Nicodemo said, explaining that the nutritional value of the leaves peaks approximately 60 days after pruning.

On the other hand, the average Brazilian silk farmer harvest the leaves about 90 days after the last pruning, when the mulberry plants show a larger amount of leaves with lesser nutritional value. That is because a typical silk farm is about three hectares in size, with mulberry planted throughout. Leaves are harvested monthly in each hectare by turns, so that plants pruned in January, for example, have until the end of March to produce new leaves, which, therefore, will be harvested only in April.

According to the FAPESP-supported researcher, the use of pyraclostrobin is suggested to maintain leaf quality to the end of the 90-day period. This would enable a bigger harvest of high-quality mulberry leaves. "Pyraclostobin action would then contribute to mulberry leaf quality enhancement and enable silk farmers to maximize production of high-quality leaves at pruning time." As for the outcome of the test, Nicodemo answered fast: "The results were the opposite of what we expected."

Respiratory chain inhibitor

A commercial fungicide with pyraclostrobin as the active ingredient was chosen for the field experiment. The methodology used in the experiment consisted of treating a mulberry plantation with pyraclostrobin in three doses (100, 200 and 300 grams of active ingredient per hectare) applied as 1,000 liters of solution 60 and 75 days after each pruning. A control area was sprayed with water only. Leaf production, chlorophyll content, macronutrients and micronutrients were analyzed after each pruning.

Mulberry branches from plants treated with the fungicide were fed to the caterpillars 15 and 30 days after application. Head and intestine mitochondrial bioenergetics were evaluated in vitro and in vivo, along with leaf consumption and caterpillar mortality.

Because mortality was very high when the caterpillars were fed leaves from plants treated with pyraclostrobin 15 days previously, the tests were continued using only leaves from plants treated 30 days before. In this case, the researchers found that at doses of 50 micromolar (M) in vitro and 200 grams per hectare in vivo, pyraclostrobin inhibited oxygen consumption, dissipated membrane potential and inhibited ATP synthesis in mitochondria. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the nucleotide responsible for energy storage in cells.

"Pyraclostrobin acted as a respiratory chain inhibitor, affecting mitochondrial bioenergetics," Nicodemo said. "Thus, the main effect expected for fungi also occurs in silkworms."

Mortality rates were statistically similar for the groups fed 60 days after pruning on leaves from untreated plants and plants treated with pyraclostrobin. However, mortality was 30.7% higher for the group fed leaves from plants treated with the highest dose of pyraclostrobin than for the control group, evidencing a dose-dependent effect.

At the end of the feeding period, the larvae were managed so as to be allowed to spin cocoons. One hundred cocoons were weighed per experimental group, and the silkworm pupae were then removed. At the end of the process, the cocoon shells were weighed separately.

The results showed that the presence of the fungicide in leaves did not significantly affect their consumption by the silkworms but negatively affected cocoon weight when the dose of pyraclostrobin applied was 100 grams per hectare or more. The weights of the cocoons (-10%) and cocoon shells (-7%) were lower for caterpillars fed leaves treated with pyraclostrobin than for caterpillars fed untreated leaves. The dose of fungicide applied made no difference to cocoon quality.

According to Nicodemo, the toxicity of any substance is a key variable to determine its direct impact on the survival of individuals in a given species after exposure to a specific dose, concentration or both.

"Nonlethality doesn't mean the substance is harmless. Organisms may be harmed in various ways even if they survive," Nicodemo said. "In our study, while silkworm mortality was relatively low when they were fed mulberry leaves that had been treated with pyraclostrobin 30 days previously, damage to head and intestine mitochondrial bioenergetics negatively influenced energy production by mitochondria as well as cocoon production."

###

About Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

The Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) is a public institution with the mission of supporting scientific research in all fields of knowledge by awarding scholarships, fellowships and grants to investigators linked with higher education and research institutions in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. FAPESP is aware that the very best research can only be done by working with the best researchers internationally. Therefore, it has established partnerships with funding agencies, higher education, private companies, and research organizations in other countries known for the quality of their research and has been encouraging scientists funded by its grants to further develop their international collaboration. For more information: http://www.fapesp.br/en.
The primary role belongs to the Department of Morphology and General Pathology (DMGP), headed by Vice-Rector for Biomedicine Andrey Kiyasov

Newest results were showcased at the International Myology School in Moscow on 16th - 19th May 2018. KFU was represented by Junior Research Associate Mikhail Mavlikeev. In particular, he spoke about an expedition to the Republic of Dagestan, a multiethnic region in Southern Russia, conducted by a combined team of researchers from Kazan, Ryazan, Moscow, and Saint-Petersburg.

As he explained, "We work on diagnostics of orphan diseases and aim to create medications to alleviate such conditions.

"Dagestan is a mountainous land with many isolated villages, and marriages between first and second cousins are rather widespread, which leads to higher prevalence of hereditary syndromes. During one of such trips we found an extremely rare ailment - limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2Q. It had only been described in literature once before we published our inquiry."

Another voyage to Dagestan was aimed to gather material for a general hereditary syndrome registry, and hundreds of patients were inducted.

"Those patients have rare genetic diseases, and there is a lack of experts who can tackle such cases. There is also a significant portion of undiagnosed individuals. We fill in our registry to speed up medication research. For instance, currently there are works on a drug to fight the most widespread hereditary disease of muscles - Duchenne muscular dystrophy. 1 in 3,500 boys are affected. Last year, driaspersen, a drug based on exon skipping, was registered in the United States. Other research is ongoing in various countries for other diseases. To that end, our registry can be of great assistance."

In other news, DMGP works together with the Gene and Cell Technologies Lab to find new ways to battle another neuromuscular disease - dysferlinopathy. Researchers test their findings on transgene animals.

Importantly, students of all ages are deeply involved in this cutting-edge research. This year, 46 students submitted their course projects at DMGP.

###
Many consider monitoring Earth's climate or asteroids to be top priorities for NASA, fewer say the same about sending astronauts to the moon or Mars

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 6, 2018) - Sixty years after the founding of NASA, most Americans say the U.S. should be at the forefront of global leadership in space exploration and believe that - even as private space companies emerge as increasingly important players - NASA's role is still vital for U.S. space exploration.

In a national survey of 2,541 U.S. adults conducted March 27-April 9, 2018, roughly seven-in-ten Americans (72%) say it is essential for the U.S. to continue to be a world leader in space exploration. Strong public support is widely shared across gender, generational, educational and political groups. Also, some 80% of Americans say the International Space Station has been a good investment for the country.

In the decades since the U.S. landed astronauts on the moon, the landscape of space exploration has changed dramatically as other countries have expanded their capabilities and private companies have taken on larger roles. Some 65% of Americans believe that NASA's role in space exploration is essential, with 33% saying that private companies will ensure that enough progress is made in space exploration without NASA's involvement.

When asked to rate the importance of nine specific missions found in NASA's diverse portfolio, majorities say monitoring key parts of the Earth's climate system or monitoring asteroids and other objects that could hit Earth should be top priorities for NASA (63% and 62% respectively). By comparison, fewer Americans say crewed space missions should be top priorities, with 18% saying that sending astronauts to Mars should be a top priority and only 13% saying the same about the moon.

However, if NASA were to send expeditions into space, a majority of Americans say they consider it essential that humans, not solely robots, make the trip. Overall, 58% of U.S. adults believe it is essential to include the use of human astronauts in the future U.S. space program, while 41% say astronauts are not essential.

Also, half of Americans (50%) believe people will routinely travel to space as tourists within the next 50 years. But more anticipate that they would not want to orbit the Earth than say they would (58% to 42%). Interest in orbiting the Earth is greater among younger generations.

Other findings include:

Many Americans are confident private space companies will be profitable, but are more skeptical they will keep space clean.

Some 44% have a great deal of confidence that private companies will make a profit in space-related ventures and 36% say they are fairly confident they will be profitable.

A majority of Americans also express confidence that these private companies will build safe and reliable rockets and spacecraft, with 26% expressing a great deal of confidence and 51% having at least a fair amount of confidence.

Americans are more skeptical that private companies will minimize human-made space debris, with only 13% saying they have a great deal of confidence; 35% saying they have a fair amount of confidence; and 51% saying they have not too much or no confidence at all.

The 7% of the public that is highly attentive to news about NASA and private space companies tends to express more confidence in these companies to handle key aspects of space exploration. For example, 95% of those who are most attentive to news about space have at least a fair amount of confidence that private companies will build safe and reliable rockets and spacecraft; 58% of this group has a great deal of confidence that companies will do this.

More than half of Americans say they would not be interested in going into space, citing cost, fear, and age or health concerns.

The 58% of U.S. adults who say they wouldn't want to orbit the Earth aboard a spacecraft believe that such a trip would be either "too expensive" (28% of those asked) or "too scary" (28%), or that their age or health wouldn't allow it (28%).

Among the 42% of Americans who would be interested in traveling into space, 45% of them say the main reason for their interest would be to "experience something unique." Some 29% of this group says they would go so that they can see the view of Earth from space, while 20% want to "learn more about the world."

Interest in orbiting the Earth is greater among younger generations and among men. Some 63% of Millennials (born 1981 to 1996) say they are definitely or probably interested in space tourism, compared with 39% of Gen Xers (born 1965 to 1980) and 27% of those in the Baby Boomer or older generations. Across all generations, men are more likely than women (51% vs. 33%) to say they are interested in traveling into space as tourists.

Compared with ratings of other NASA programs, fewer Americans say crewed space exploration should be a top priority. Potential priorities:

Monitoring key parts of Earth's climate system: 63% said it should be a top NASA priority; 25% said it should be an important but lower priority; and 11% said it is not too important or should not be done.

Monitoring asteroids or other objects that could hit Earth: 62% top priority.

Conducting basic scientific research to increase knowledge and understanding of space: 47% top priority.

Developing technologies that could be adapted for other uses: 41% top priority.

Conducting research on how space travel affects human health: 38% top priority.

Searching for raw materials and natural resources for use on Earth: 34% top priority.

Searching for life and planets that could support life: 31% top priority.

Sending astronauts to Mars: 18% top priority, 45% important but lower priority, 37% not too important or should not be done.

Sending astronauts to the moon: 13% top priority, 42% important but lower priority, 44% not too important or should not be done.

###

To read the report click here: http://www.pewinternet.org/2018/06/06/majority-of-americans-believe-it-is-essential-that-the-u-s-remain-a-global-leader-in-space

For more information or to arrange an interview, please call 202-419-4372 or email Tom Caiazza at tcaiazza@pewresearch.org.

Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It does not take policy positions. The Center is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts, its primary funder. Subscribe to our daily and weekly email newsletters or follow us on our Fact Tank blog.
The use of risk assessment tools has increased considerably within criminal justice institutions in recent decades, and these tools have been viewed by many as a way to stop or even reverse the United States' heavy reliance on imprisonment. But new research from a Rice University sociologist suggests these tools may actually contribute to expanding the number of people caught up in the criminal justice system.

"Theorizing the Performative Effects of Penal Risk Technologies: (Re)producing the Subject Who Must Be Dangerous" will appear in an upcoming print edition of the journal, Social & Legal Studies. The paper by Robert Werth, a senior lecturer in sociology at Rice, draws on both empirical data and previous research and examines the effects of risk assessment tools within the parole system.

"In the United States today, there's a big debate going on about how to best reform criminal justice systems and reduce mass incarceration," Werth said. "In the realm of punishment, risk assessment tools are used to predict the likelihood of reoffending. They evaluate individuals on a number of factors, including past criminal behavior, age, education, etc. They are used to help determine parole and how closely or not closely to supervise people who are paroled."

In the paper, Werth suggested that risk assessment instruments are contributing to an environment that considers everyone who is assessed a risk, which in turn may lead to higher levels of people being caught up in the criminal justice system.

"While these instruments note variations in the amount or level of risk, at the same time they promote the idea that everyone in the criminal justice system is dangerous," Werth said. "Yet we know that a significant number of people are there for low-level, non-violent offenses and represent little or no threat to public safety."

Werth notes that as the use of risk assessment tools increased, so did the number of people imprisoned. In 1970, only one state - Illinois - used actuarial risk assessment tools for determining parole release from prison. During the 1970s, the federal government and California began using these tools. In the 1980s, six more states joined the list. By 2004, 28 of the 32 states with a parole system were using risk assessment tools as part of the parole decision-making process.

In 1972, there were approximately 375,000 people incarcerated in the U.S. By 2007, the number had climbed to 2.1 million people. In 1972 the incarceration rate was 161 incarcerated people per 100,000 residents, compared with 767 per 100,000 in 2007.

Last year the U.S. spent approximately $80 billion on prisons, Werth said. He hopes the research will shed light on how risk assessment tools may impact incarceration rates.

"It has been argued that risk assessment tools could help stem the tide of mass incarceration," Werth said. "However, the evidence suggests that thus far, risk assessment instruments have contributed to expanding the number of people enmeshed in the criminal justice system - encompassing imprisonment, probation and parole."

###

The research was supported by funding from Rice and the University of California, Irvine, and a grant from the National Science Foundation.

This news release can be found online at news.rice.edu.

Follow Rice News and Media Relations on Twitter @RiceUNews.

Related materials:

Robert Werth bio: https://sociology.rice.edu/robert-werth

The study can be found at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0964663918773542?journalCode=slsa

Rice School of Social Sciences: https://socialsciences.rice.edu/

Rice Department of Sociology: https://sociology.rice.edu/

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.
Solar energy conversion of water into H2 through photocatalysis is envisaged to be an attractive approach for H2 production. However, the separation efficiency of charge carriers is the key to improve the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen production. A recent study reveals that the double-layered porous nanotubes with spatially separated photoredox surfaces were synthesized by self-template strategy and showed enhanced photocatalytic activity toward hydrogen production.

The paper was reported in Science Bulletin 2018, 63(10):601-608, entitled "Self-template synthesis of double-layered porous nanotubes with spatially separated photoredox surfaces for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production" by Prof. Bin Zhang from Tianjin University. The authors synthesized ZnS@CdS double layered porous nanotubes with spatially separated photoredox surfaces, which were realized by using ZnO nanorods (NRs) as templates through sequentially interfacial anion/cation exchange reactions and template etching. The photo-reduction deposition of Ni nanoparticles and photo-oxidation deposition of CoOx nanoparticles were distributed on the outer surface and inner surface of ZnS@CdS shell, respectively, suggesting the spatially separated photoredox reaction sites in ZnS@CdS double-layered shell, achieving highly enhanced photocatalytic activity.

With the outbreak of the energy crisis in recent years, the development of new energy is highly important. Solar energy conversion of water into H2 through photocatalysis is envisaged to be an attractive approach for H2 production. However, the separation efficiency of charge carriers is the key to improve the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen production. Loading cocatalysts is an effective strategy to promote charge separation and create surface redox reaction sites. However, in most cases, the randomly distributed cocatalysts on the surface of photocatalysts resulted in a random flow direction of photogenerated charge carriers with a high recombination probability. The rational design of hollow-nanostructured photocatalysts, with spatially separated photo-reduction and photo-oxidation reaction sites on different surfaces (inner or outer surfaces), respectively, is a promising strategy. Nevertheless, these photocatalysts are always restricted to hollow spheres with close-ended structure which increased the mass diffusion resistance, and the high-cost of Pt nanoparticles used as the electron collector limits their practical application.

Herein, the Zhang group reported a self-template strategy for rationally designed synthesis of double-layered ZnS@CdS porous nanotubes (PNTs) with open-ended structure. The fabricating of thin heterostructure endows the photocatalysts with spatially separated reduction and oxidation reaction surfaces. The mesoporous wall and macroporous cavity in the as-converted products allow the visible light penetration and multiple reflections inside the cavity. for efficient utilization of solar irradiation. The existence of Zn vacancies (VZn) in the inner ZnS layer states energy can act as acceptors of holes from CdS. And the conduction band (CB) of CdS is below the CB of ZnS, which can induce the enrichment of photogenerated electrons in the outer CdS layer. After selective photo-deposition of Ni and CoOx as dual cocatalysts, Ni nanoparticles as electron collectors and reduction reaction sites are loaded on the outer shell, while CoOx nanoparticles as hole collectors and oxidation reaction sites are loaded on the inner shell. As a result, a novel CoOx/ZnS@CdS/Ni photocatalyst was obtained and showed high visible-light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen production activity owing to the synergistic effect of self-template-derived thin mesoporous heterojunctions and photo-deposition-derived spatially separated dual cocatalysts, which can significantly provide driving force for the ordered transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes toward opposite direction and promote the surface catalytic reaction.

###

This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 21422104) and the Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin City (No. 17JCJQJC44700 and No. 16JCZDJC30600).

YaniXina, Yi Huang, Kui Lin,YifuYu, Bin Zhang. Self-template synthesis of double-layered porous nanotubes with spatially separated photoredox surfaces for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production. Science Bulletin, 2018, 63(10):601-608 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095927318301439
In one of the first studies to examine the effect of both socioeconomic status and neighborhoods on children's health, researchers at San Francisco State University and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) found that living in higher opportunity neighborhoods may protect children from some of the negative health impacts associated with growing up poor.

Children's health experts have long known that children from low-income families are more likely to experience lower birth weight, higher rates of injury, childhood obesity, chronic stress and poorer overall health. Researchers have also long known that broader environmental concerns -- such as polluted air -- can have negative health impacts, including diseases like asthma. But until recently, not as much has been known about the influence of neighborhoods.

"We know that income is one of the biggest social determinants of health and that it gets more impactful over the life span. So anything that can offset the negative effects of one's personal or family income -- besides raising your income -- is notable and important," said San Francisco State Assistant Professor of Psychology Melissa Hagan.

Hagan, UCSF lead author Danielle Roubinov and three other UCSF researchers studied 338 kindergarten-aged children from six public schools in the San Francisco Bay Area. They took saliva samples during the fall and spring to measure the children's levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. They analyzed parent income and education to evaluate socioeconomic status and used the Childhood Opportunity Index (developed by Brandeis University and Ohio State University) to assess neighborhood quality and opportunities like green spaces, social services and schools.

In the fall, the researchers found that children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds living in neighborhoods with fewer opportunities had higher cortisol levels than children from neighborhoods with more opportunities. In the spring, they found that these same children were in poorer physical health -- as evaluated by teachers and parents -- than children who lived in higher opportunity neighborhoods, but their cortisol levels were not as high as in the fall. Hagan says that could be because many children experience higher stress levels at the beginning of the school year than at the end. Still, their cortisol levels were higher than in children from neighborhoods with more resources.

"What's most important is demonstrating the ways in which income and economic resources can act on health at different levels," said Hagan. "If children who are living in low-income families can be supported by being in a community that offers appropriate resources, it's pretty notable that their physical health can benefit."

###
Traditional insecticides are killers: they not only kill pests, they also endanger bees and other beneficial insects, as well as affecting biodiversity in soils, lakes, rivers and seas. A team from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has now developed an alternative: A biodegradable agent that keeps pests at bay without poisoning them.

"It's not just about the bees, it's about the survival of humanity," says Professor Thomas Bruck, who heads the Werner Siemens Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology at TU Munich. "Without the bees that pollinate a wide variety of plants, not only would our supermarket shelves be quite bare, but within a short time, it would no longer be possible to supply the world's population with food."

Synthetically produced insecticides endanger not only bees but also beetles, butterflies and grasshoppers. They affect biodiversity in soils, lakes, rivers and seas. Their use has consequently been highly controversial for many years.

Repelling instead of poisoning

Bruck and his team have now found an alternative: The insect repellent they have developed is biodegradable and ecologically harmless. Sprayed on plants, it works much like mosquito repellent used by bathers in the summer, spreading a smell that keeps away unwanted insects.

"With our approach, we are opening the door to a fundamental change in crop protection," says Bruck. "Instead of spraying poison, which inevitably also endangers useful species, we deliberately merely aggravate the pests."

Bacteria as chemical factories

The Munich researchers were inspired by the tobacco plant, which produces cembratrienol in its leaves, CBTol for short. The plant uses this molecule to protect itself from pests.

Using synthetic biotechnology tools, Professor Bruck's team isolated the sections of the tobacco plant genome responsible for the formation of the CBTol molecules. They then built these into the genome of coli bacteria. Fed with wheat bran, a by-product from grain mills, the genetically modified bacteria now produce the desired active agent.

Efficiency in small and large scales

"The key challenge during production was to separate the active ingredients from the nutrient solution at the end of the process," explains Mirjana Minceva, Professor of Biothermodynamics at the TUM Weihenstephan Campus.

The solution was centrifugal separation chromatography: a highly efficient process that works equally well on an industrial scale, but hitherto had never been used to separate products from fermentation processes.

Equally effective against bacteria

Initial investigations indicate that the CBTol spray is non-toxic to insects, yet still protects against aphids. Since it is biodegradable, it does not accumulate.

In addition, the bioactivity tests showed that cembratrienol has an antibacterial effect on gram-positive bacteria. It can thus be used as a disinfectant spray that acts specifically against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA pathogen), Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumonia pathogen) or Listeria monocytogenes (listeriosis pathogen).

###

The project was funded by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Energy and Technology and the Werner Siemens Foundation. The research team used the equipment pool of the TUM Center for Industrial Biotechnology in Garching to do the technical scaling and validation of the cembratrienol production. The bioactivity tests were carried out in the Department of Biochemical Engineering of the Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nurnberg.

Publication

Wolfgang Mischko, Max Hirte, Simon Roehrer, Hannes Engelhardt, Norbert Mehlmer, Mirjana Minceva and Thomas Bruck

Modular Biomanufacturing for a Sustainable Production of Terpenoid-based Insect Deterrents

Green Chemistry, May 14, 2018 - DOI: 10.1039/C8GC00434J
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- When narcissistic individuals are able to imagine themselves in a victim's situation, they are more likely to donate to charity, according to new research from the University at Buffalo School of Management.

The study, forthcoming in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, found that appeals explicitly asking donors to put themselves in the recipient's circumstance were more effective at provoking concern and donations from narcissists than appeals that only described the recipient's plight.

"It's the difference between showing the need and asking the donor to 'stand in someone else's shoes,'" says co-author Arun Lakshmanan, PhD, associate professor of marketing in the UB School of Management. "Charitable giving is about having empathy -- recognizing and responding to the needs and emotions of other people. Narcissists have difficulty with that, so asking them to imagine themselves as the person in need can help elicit genuine concern and, thus, donations."

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QBaTy5SzKo.

Lakshmanan and UB School of Management alumna Esther Kang, PhD '15, assistant professor of consumer psychology and behavior in the University of Cologne, conducted and analyzed four studies involving more than 1,300 individuals. In the first three experiments, completed online, the researchers manipulated the type of appeal participants received, measured their level of narcissism and asked them to rate their donation intentions. For the final study, they analyzed an actual fundraising campaign for a church-based mission group by sending out two appeals, comparing the donations received for each and surveying the donors.

Past research has suggested that fundraising campaigns should communicate the benefits to others to best generate compassion and donations, but according to Lakshmanan, their study showed that these "imagine-recipient" appeals are not as effective with narcissists.

"Particularly for causes to which donors have little personal connection -- an unfamiliar disease, a need halfway around the globe -- we recommend using vivid pictures, first-person stories and 'imagine-self' language to draw in high-narcissism donors," Lakshmanan says.

The researchers found the positive effect of "imagine-self" appeals dissipated when it was difficult or impossible for narcissists to project themselves into the recipient's circumstances, such as with animals or medical conditions that largely affect the opposite gender.

Lakshmanan says their findings may help fundraising professionals engage the imaginations of narcissistic donors and move them to open their wallets.

However, he does not suggest abandoning recipient-focused appeals, as they may be effective at reaching other individuals; in particular, their research showed that "imagine-self" and "imagine-recipient" appeals were equally effective at engaging individuals with lower levels of narcissism.

###

The UB School of Management is recognized for its emphasis on real-world learning, community and economic impact, and the global perspective of its faculty, students and alumni. The school also has been ranked by Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes and U.S. News & World Report for the quality of its programs and the return on investment it provides its graduates. For more information about the UB School of Management, visit mgt.buffalo.edu.
Pinning down the mass of a galaxy may seem like an esoteric undertaking, but scientists think it holds the key to unraveling the nature of the elusive, yet-to-be-seen dark matter, and the fabric of our cosmos.

A new technique for estimating the mass of galaxies promises more reliable results, especially when applied to large datasets generated by current and future surveys, according to a research team led by Ekta Patel at the University of Arizona. Published in the Astrophysical Journal, the study is the first to combine the observed full three-dimensional motions of several of the Milky Way's satellite galaxies with extensive computer simulations to obtain a high-accuracy estimate for the mass of our home galaxy.

Determining the mass of galaxies plays a crucial part in unraveling fundamental mysteries about the architecture of the universe. According to current cosmological models, a galaxy's visible matter, such as stars, gas and dust, accounts for a mere 15 percent of its mass. The remaining 85 percent is believed to reside in dark matter, a mysterious component that never has been observed and whose physical properties remain largely unknown. The vast majority of a galaxy's mass (mostly dark matter) is located in its halo, a vast, surrounding region containing few, if any, stars and whose shape is largely unknown.

In a widely accepted cosmological model, dark-matter filaments span the entire universe, drawing luminous ("regular") matter with them. Where they intersect, gas and dust accumulate and coalesce into galaxies. Over billions of years, small galaxies merge to form into larger ones, and as those grow in size and their gravitational pull reaches farther and farther into space, they attract a zoo of other small galaxies, which then become satellite galaxies. Their orbits are determined by their host galaxy, much like the sun's gravitational pull directs the movement of planets and bodies in the solar system.

"We now know that the universe is expanding," says Patel, a fourth-year graduate student in the UA's Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory. "But when two galaxies come close enough, their mutual attraction is greater than the influence of the expanding universe, so they begin to orbit each other around a common center, like our Milky Way and our closest neighbor, the Andromeda Galaxy."

Although Andromeda is approaching the Milky Way at 110 kilometers per second, the two won't merge until about 4.5 billion years from now. According to Patel, tracking Andromeda's motion is "equivalent to watching a human hair grow at the distance of the moon."

Because it's impossible to "weigh" a galaxy simply by looking at it -- much less when the observer happens to be inside of it, as is the case with our Milky Way -- researchers deduce a galaxy's mass by studying the motions of celestial objects as they dance around the host galaxy, led by its gravitational pull. Such objects -- also called tracers, because they trace the mass of their host galaxy -- can be satellite galaxies or streams of stars created from the scattering of former galaxies that came too close to remain intact.

Unlike previous methods commonly used to estimate a galaxy's mass, such as measuring its tracers' velocities and positions, the approach developed by Patel and her co-authors uses their angular momentum, which yields more reliable results because it doesn't change over time. The angular momentum of a body in space depends on both its distance and speed. Since satellite galaxies tend to move around the Milky Way in elliptical orbits, their speeds increase as they get closer to our galaxy and decrease as they get farther away. Because the angular momentum is the product of both position and speed, there is no net change regardless of whether the tracer is at its closest or farthest position in its orbit.

"Think of a figure skater doing a pirouette," Patel says. "As she draws in her arms, she spins faster. In other words, her velocity changes, but her angular momentum stays the same over the whole duration of her act."

The study, which Patel presents on Thursday, June 7, at the 232nd meeting of the of the American Astronomical Society in Denver, is the first to look at the full three-dimensional motions of nine of the Milky Way's 50 known satellite galaxies at once and compare their angular momentum measurements to a simulated universe containing a total of 20,000 host galaxies that resemble our own galaxy. Together those simulated galaxies host about 90,000 satellite galaxies.

Patel's team pinned down the Milky Way's mass at 0.96 trillion solar masses. Previous estimates had placed our galaxy's mass between 700 billion and 2 trillion solar masses. The results also reinforce estimates suggesting that the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is more massive than our Milky Way.

The authors hope to apply their method to the ever-growing data as they become available by current and future galactic surveys such as the Gaia space observatory and LSST, the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope. According to co-author Gurtina Besla, an assistant professor of astronomy at the UA, constraints on the mass of the Milky Way will improve as new observations are obtained that clock the speed of more satellite galaxies, and as next-generation simulations will provide higher resolution, allowing scientists to get better statistics for the smallest mass tracers, the so-called ultra-faint galaxies.

"Our method allows us to take advantage of measurements of the speed of multiple satellite galaxies simultaneously to get an answer for what cold dark matter theory would predict for the mass of the Milky Way's halo in a robust way," Besla says. "It is perfectly suited to take advantage of the current rapid growth in both observational datasets and numerical capabilities."

###

Additional co-authors on the paper, "Estimating the Mass of the Milky Way Using the Ensemble of Classical Satellite Galaxies," are Kaisey Mandel at the Institute of Astronomy and the University of Cambridge, U.K., and Sangmo Tony Sohn with the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore.

Funding for this project was provided by the National Science Foundation and NASA.
Literary texts have the potential to penetrate war and terror by overcoming divisive narratives. The comparatist Dr. Dana Bonisch is convinced of this. In her thesis at the University of Bonn, she examined newer, largely unknown novels on 9/11 and the so-called "War on Terror". She worked on literary examples that counteract a simplistic narrative of "Good versus Evil". For her analyses, she also made extensive use of methods from visual and spatial theory and in particular from topology.

"Whoever is not with us is against us!" The fight against terror in the wake of the 9/11 attacks was marked by such rhetoric. The slogan is intended to create a clear separation between "us" and the "others", who are mutually exclusive: We are the good guys, you are the bad guys - we live in a democracy, you are the terrorists - we are just, you are the unjust ones! The comparatist Dr. Dana Bonisch examined such categorizations and divisions in her doctoral thesis at the University of Bonn on the basis of more recent, less well-known works on the "War on Terror". Prof. Dr. Christian Moser from the Department of Comparative Literature supervised the thesis on "Geopoetics of Terror", a term that Bonisch uses to point to the 'world-making' capacities of fiction in a global age.

How do we invent "ourselves" and "the others"? How can language work against simplification? How is it possible to narrate complexity? These questions are the focus of the thesis. "There is a lot of research on the first generation of 9/11 novels, which are often told from a victim's perspective", says Bonisch. Newer, largely ignored literature on this topic is much more complex: Often it also includes the perpetrator's perspective, processes of globalization and dependency relationships. The comparatist is convinced oflfiction'sspecific potential to approach ethical and political questions in the wake of the War on Terror" and its repercussions.

Using the novels, Bonisch examined the dynamic tension between simplifications and complexity. In Kevin Powers' "The Yellow Birds" (2012), a young US soldier tells of his Iraq mission and his home in Virginia. "Both locations become increasingly interwoven", reports Bonisch. The flora in Iraq and in the homeland, for example, is surprisingly similar - which works against the stereotypical media image of the war zone of Iraq as a dusty wasteland, but, at the same time, actsdestructively at plot level: The entanglement of spaces can also be read as an effect of the protagonist's post-traumatic stress disorder.

Topological thinking works against simplifying categories

This has consequences: The strategy of combating terrorism mainly in the "countries of origin" in order to keep it away from home is not working. That is why "here" and "there" are merging in "The Yellow Birds". In order to better understand these effects, the comparatist also used mathematical methods. Topology breaks with simple notions of proximity and distance, instead seeing space as fluid and relational. "Topological thinking works against simplifying categories and dissolves apparent opposites", says Bonisch. This also blurs the concepts of "us" and "the others".

The comparatist claims that the combination of increasing geographical distance and reduction of risk regarding one's own body has been taken to its extreme in current warfare: Drones that hit targets in Afghanistan can be controlled from the Nevada desert. When the target is "marked" in an attack and the drone pilot is connected to the target with a constant data stream, the image becomes a weapon in the truest sense of the word. "The target location thousands of miles away has become an abstract area of pixels and coordinates - war becomes a computer game", says Bonisch. In "September" (2012), Thomas Lehr not only describes the perspective of the drone pilot during the attack, but also provides the viewpoint from the ground as a counterbalance. Against the rhetoric of "clean warfare", the text sets out injuries and suffering.

These novels illustrate the ways in which literary texts show resistance in the face of contemporary wars and the extent to which they produce visibility, Bonisch explains. It is especially in longer text forms that complexity can be developed in the first place. "The thesis is also intended to remind us how easy it is to fall for simplistic narratives." It is necessary to demand the much more arduous way of approaching complex contexts. Bonisch: "Literary texts have the potential to reverse the simplistic division into 'us' and 'them' and to provide a more complex view of war and terror."

###

Publication: Dana Bonisch: Geopoetiken des Terrors - Visualitat und Topologie in Texten nach 9/11, Bonn University Press bei V&R unipress, 235 p., bound  40, eBook  32.99

Contact:

Dr. Dana Bonisch

Tel. +49(0)228/737570

E-Mail: dboen1@uni-bonn.de
COLUMBIA, Mo. (June 6, 2018) ? One in 59 children in the United States lives with a form of autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The signs of autism begin in early childhood and can affect individuals differently. However, many with autism share similar symptoms, including difficulties with social communication. Researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine and MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders identified a link between a neurotransmitter imbalance and brain connectivity between regions of the brain that play a role in social communication and language. The study found two tests that could lead to more precise medical treatments.

"One of the issues with approaching treatment of autism is there are many subtypes and many different genes and potentially other factors that contribute to the disorder," said David Beversdorf, MD, professor of radiology, neurology and psychology at the MU School of Medicine and the Thompson Center. "If you have a treatment that works in one sub-population, it might not work in another. However, if we can determine why that is, we can pursue individualized approaches and make a lot more progress in developing new treatments."

Using both functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-MRS), John Hegarty, PhD, while a graduate student in the interdisciplinary neuroscience program at MU and now a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University, led Beversdorf's team. They investigated the relationship between brain neurotransmitter levels and connectivity of areas of the brain known as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and posterolateral cerebellar hemisphere.

Fourteen adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder and 12 control participants underwent brain scans. The scans revealed a potential link between functional connectivity, neurotransmitter imbalance, and listening comprehension in individuals with autism. Those with low functional connectivity tended to have a reduced balance of excitatory to inhibitory neurotransmitter levels in the cerebellum and showed impaired listening comprehension, the ability to infer meaning from verbal information. Study participants were administered two questionnaires to determine their autism spectrum disorder-related symptom severity. They also completed two assessments designed to rate different aspects of language and social competence.

"This finding begins to suggest how biomarkers relate with each other in autism," Beversdorf said. "There may be whole other sets of biomarkers that may be inter-related and may be telling us something. It may serve as a biomarker to predict who will respond to what drug."

###

In addition to Beversdorf, the study authors include John Hegarty, PhD, postdoctoral research fellow at the Stanford Autism Center; Dylan Weber, DDS, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry; and Carmen Cirstea, MD, PhD, assistant professor of research at the MU School of Medicine.

The study, "Cerebro-Cerebellar Functional Connectivity is Associated with Cerebellar Excitation-Inhibition Balance in Autism Spectrum Disorder," was recently published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Research reported in this publication was supported by a pilot grant from the University of Missouri Brain Imaging Center, the University of Missouri School of Medicine Mission Enhancement Fund and crowdsourced funding from the community. The authors of the study declare that they have no conflicts of interest. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of the funding agencies.
In the body, the immune system often begins its response to various attackers in the same way: the body activates immune cells, so-called phagocytes, which migrate to sites of inflammation caused by, for example, foreign pathogens or damaged tissue. There, the phagocytes release certain proteins, including the S100A8/S100A9 heterodimeric protein complex, which triggers or amplifies the inflammatory reaction at the site of the disease. However, if too many of these complexes are released, they can exacerbate the disease; for example, this happens in the case of autoimmune, rheumatic or dermatological diseases. Researchers at the Cells-in-Motion (CiM) Cluster of Excellence at the University of Munster (Germany) have now decoded how the activity of these proteins is precisely regulated. The leading scientists of the study, the immunologists Prof. Thomas Vogl and Prof. Johannes Roth, now want to use these novel fundamental insights to develop new treatment options to combat autoimmune diseases, arthritis, allergies or inflammatory diseases of the bowel, lung or cardiovascular system. The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

The detailed story

Many scientific publications have already described the tasks of the two proteins S100A8 and S100A9. But so far, it has not been clear to researchers whether these two proteins acted alone or in conjunction with each other. The Munster researchers have now been able to show that the proteins always work as a heterodimeric protein complex composed of both S100A8 and S100A9; in other words, a complex where both proteins are firmly associated. As soon as it is released, the heterodimer complex binds to a TLR4-expressing cell, triggering a suitable immune response via this receptor. Importantly, the S100A8/S100A9 heterodimer complex only has a short life time to spark this initial impulse: If it does not find a suitable target cell for activation, two individual heterodimers associate to form a heterotetramer; in this form, each heterodimer complex is inactive. This mechanism guarantees that the body will only trigger an immune reaction where needed - in other words, the inflammatory reaction remains localized.

The researchers also showed that as soon as this regulation is disturbed so not all of the excess S100A8/S100A9 heterodimer complexes can form tetramers, the result is an exacerbation of disease: "Too many heterodimers remain active, trigger a strong immune response and act systemically in the entire body," explains Prof. Thomas Vogl, the lead author of the study. This is a process that is, for example, behind blood poisoning - but it is also relevant for many autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, inflammatory skin diseases and even cardiovascular diseases.

Developing new treatment options with ideally no side effects

These findings by the Munster immunologists may lead to new approaches for treating many inflammatory diseases. Currently, new drugs are already being used to totally block the TLR4 receptor signaling pathway to inhibit misguided immune responses. However, one problem is that sometimes the body has to combat bacteria at the same time. As the immune system is blocked, the TLR4 receptor can no longer fulfill this important function anymore. "This is why we're searching for antibodies which specifically only block the S100-TLR4 axis, while the receptor is untouched, respectively free on the bacterial side," says Thomas Vogl. "These antibodies should specifically block only the active heterodimers and, in the following, weaken the immune reaction only locally, at the site of inflammation. The TLR4 receptor, which is important for immune defense, remains untouched and can trigger the suitable immune response in the case of any bacterial danger." Drugs developed according to this new approach to treat, for example, autoinflammatory disorders would therefore have far fewer side effects for patients than currently existing pharmaceuticals.

The next step for the researchers is to work together with companies to find suitable antibodies and develop pharmaceuticals for treating diseases accompanied by overwhelming immune reactions. The first patents have already been applied for. It will take years, however, before drugs are available to deactivate excess S100A8/S100A9 in the human body and thus prevent unwanted immune reactions.

The study is the result of interdisciplinary collaborations between five different CiM laboratories. "Without the expertise and the help of all other involved researchers, we would not have been able to elucidate these interesting results," says Thomas Vogl. The Munster molecular biologists Dr. Athanasios Stratis and Dr. Viktor Wixler, for example, investigated genetically modified mice necessary for the study. The nuclear physicians Prof. Michael Schafers and Dr. Sven Hermann contributed their expertise in imaging, enabling researchers to visualize the distribution of the S100 proteins in mice.

###

Funding

The study was funded by the Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence and the Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research of the University of Munster. Financial support also came from the German Research Foundation through the Collaborative Research Centre 1009 "Breaking Barriers" at Munster University and through the "ImmunoSensation" Cluster of Excellence in Bonn. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research also provided financial support.

Original publication

Vogl T, Stratis A, Wixler V, Voller T, Thurainayagam S, Jorch SK, Zenker S, Dreiling A, Chakraborty D, Frohling M, Paruzel P, Wehmeyer C, Hermann S, Papantonopoulou O, Geyer C, Loser K, Schafers M, Ludwig S, Stoll M, Leanderson T, Schultze JL, Konig S, Pap T, Roth J. Autoinhibitory regulation of S100A8/S100A9 alarmin activity locally restricts sterile inflammation. J Clin Invest 2018;128: 1852-1866. Abstract
UMN Medical School researchers urge a 'deeper dive' into how much AFib a person has, in addition to risk factors and outcomes.

MINNEAPOLIS - June 4, 2018 - More than 2.5 million Americans are living with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). AFib is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

What doctors and researchers currently understand about treating AFib stems mainly from whether a patient has been diagnosed with the condition or not. University of Minnesota researchers are urging the medical community to take a closer look, specifically at AFib burden.

AFib burden refers to the amount of AFib that an individual has. The goal of the scientific statement published in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation is to increase knowledge and awareness by healthcare professionals of effective, state-of-the-art science related to the causes, prevention, detection, management, and future research needs related to AFib burden.

"We hope to bring awareness to this concept of measuring the AFib burden and then to outline what we know about it," said Lin Yee Chen, MD, MS, tenured associate professor, Department of Medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School, "the hope then is to use that knowledge so more research can be done to fill in those gaps."

AFib is associated with an elevated risk of stroke, and this statement also pushes for more research to refine risk classifications for stroke. Further understanding the relationship between AFib pattern or burden and stroke risk might result in deeper insights into stroke prevention.

"We could see an enormous benefit to our patient population once these standards are applied. And now is the time to do so," said Chen.

###

About the University of Minnesota Medical School

The University of Minnesota Medical School is at the forefront of learning and discovery, transforming medical care and educating the next generation of physicians. Our graduates and faculty produce high-impact biomedical research and advance the practice of medicine. Visit med.umn.edu to learn how the University of Minnesota is innovating all aspects of medicine.
Technology carries the promise to make our lives easier, but at what price? UNLV sociologist Simon Gottschalk explains his research in a new book

Want to book plane tickets? Order a pizza for dinner? Check available university courses? Write a note to your Aunt Sally? Chances are you're going to need a smartphone (or laptop or desktop or smartwatch or Amazon Echo personal assistant...) for that.

In an "always on" society -- where we carry mini computers in our pockets at all times that are capable of solving nearly any problem or desire with a tap, pinch, or click -- we can't seem to escape the ever-increasing role that computer technologies play in our lives.

But is this "new normal" quite so normal when it comes to your health?

In his new book, "The Terminal Self: Everyday Life in Hypermodern Times," UNLV sociology professor Simon Gottschalk examines the social and psychological toll of our increasingly online lives on work, education, family life, interactions, our sense of self, and more.

"In order to conduct everyday life in our society and accomplish most activities, we have to access a terminal. There is no choice," Gottschalk said.

"We have started to normalize a state of permanent urgency and most of the time it's not justified," he said. "From a sociological perspective, since the self emerges out of the interactions with others, the fact that an increasing number of interactions are occurring at the terminal may spell the end of the self as we know it."

According to Gottschalk, the constant intrusion of terminals, even with all of their conveniences, impacts our lives in several distinct ways:

Health

Once upon a time, if someone was angry with you, they had to express those emotions face-to-face by way of yelling or gesturing, or by writing and sending a letter in the mail.

But in today's "always on" society, we're constantly being bombarded with negativity on email and social media.

The problem? Being on the receiving end of constant anger, stress, or other negativity triggers toxic neurochemical reactions in the body, Gottschalk says.

What's more, it's estimated that the average American worker spends 23 percent of the day just managing email. Gottschalk acknowledges that it makes sense for people in certain professions to remain on call outside of normal business hours, but not for most people -- and the stress surrounding expectations to work around the clock can wear on you.

"Increasingly, offline and online behavior bleed into one another," Gottschalk says. "I don't think we've adjusted to that particular condition."

Relationships

One of the conveniences of terminals is the ability to tap a screen and demand answers to almost anything -- math equations, movie viewing options, the meaning of life -- at a moment's notice.

However, Gottschalk warns that the instant gratification associated with eliciting a machine's response with every keystroke -- sometimes giving us an answer before we even finish typing the question -- can lead to us to unrealistically expect people to attend to our desires just as quickly in real life.

"It corrupts our interaction with people. We begin to feel entitled to have every one of our impulses gratified immediately," he said. "The fact that technology is available on demand doesn't mean that people are. No one can live like that."

Empathy

Face-to-face interaction incorporates a number of non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, gestures, and eye contact, but online you're reduced to one medium -- language. "That really complicates communication," says Gottschalk.

Quoting the philosopher Emmanuel Levinas, Gottschalk says that only in face-to-face communication can we experience the full humanity of another person. Empathy tends to disappear at the terminal, where we find it easier to quickly humiliate, ignore, or disgrace someone else.

Take the historic medium of letter-writing, for example. Putting pen to paper usually involves taking time to reflect, making thoughts clear, and practicing "role playing" (examining thoughts from the reader's point of view) with the expectation that a letter may be kept in a box and treasured for years to come.

"Email communication degrades all that," Gottschalk said.

Loneliness

Online shopping and texting mean never having to interact with other humans face to face. And even group activities, such as attending a concert but watching it through a tiny phone screen while recording, can be marred by technology.

"Our capacity to broadcast every passing thought, desire, or emotion to hundreds of scattered individuals is unique in human history and human psychology, Gottschalk said, "but research shows that at no point in our history have so many people reported being lonely."

One of the issues, Gottschalk says, is that the online environment allows for invisibility and anonymity, which lends itself to antisocial behavior. Another is that while the terminal enables us to communicate to whomever, whenever, from wherever, the communication it enables is so limited and limiting.

"That makes it very difficult to develop an authentic relationship with somebody else online" he added. "So we communicate more but we've never felt so lonely."

Privacy

The internet was originally invented with the intent of exchanging information over long distances more quickly. However, Gottschalk believes it has escaped our control.

Years ago, booking plane tickets, locating oneself on a map, or buying music were anonymous activities that left no trace. Now, because we conduct these simple activities online, they inevitably leave traces that create a digital profile/shadow. As the saying goes, "on Google, you are what you click. On Facebook, you are what you like." Algorithms figure out with increasing precision what you are doing, where you are going, for how long, what you want, how to get your attention, what makes you sad, and how to trigger your pleasure or anger points.

Cookies, spyware, and hidden terms of service agreements can create a recipe for disaster when it comes to your data privacy.

Gottschalk recounted the controversy surrounding a 2012 experiment in which Facebook showed nearly 700,000 randomly selected users sad or negative posts to test whether the users would in turn contaminate their networks with negative posts of their own. Facebook's hypothesis was verified, but the public was horrified to learn that they'd been subjected to an experiment without their knowledge or consent.

"If we can't control this type of manipulation," he said, "we better stop the machines and look at what we're doing."

Loss of Skills

Once upon a time, maps, calculators, cameras, and phones all had their own specific storage place in one's home and each required different skills or knowledge to operate them. Today, you carry all these devices as a single item in your pocket, allowing you to tap or pinch or click to perform widely different activities.

But would you recall or would your young children know at all what to do if you were lost on a dirt road without cell service and only a map to find your way home?

Gottschalk says there is evidence that dependence on terminals has caused previous skills to atrophy.

"The fewer skills we develop to accomplish everyday functions, the more we rely on the terminal. And the more we use the terminal, the less skilled we become. It's a vicious cycle," he says.

So Now What?

From more countries taking France and Germany's lead to outlaw work-related emails on weekends to writing down our thoughts then sleeping on them before clicking 'send' on email or Twitter, Gottschalk suggests that we slow down and re-consider our sense of entitlement for constant and instant access to the terminals that increasingly colonize our life.

Even the sociologist himself keeps his cell phone on mute at work and doesn't read professional emails outside of business hours. He compares sending work emails over the weekend to him knocking on your door at 10 p.m. on a Saturday night because he wants your immediate attention. Such an action violates time and space boundaries; it implies that one can impose his or her sense of urgency on you whenever he or she feels like it. It betrays a certain lack of consideration for you, and signals that one's immediate needs trump your right to be left alone.

"We have to critically evaluate the purpose of this growing acceleration, this normalizing of constant and instant communication," says Gottschalk. "If there are no rational or desirable goals, we should ask ourselves why we accept those conditions and what we are losing in the process."

###
PHILADELPHIA--A combination of the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol can help bring closure to some women and their families suffering from miscarriage, and reduces the need for surgical intervention to complete the painful miscarriage process. Results of a new clinical trial led by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, show that while the standard drug regimen using misoprostol on its own frequently fails to complete the miscarriage, a combination of misoprostol and the drug mifepristone works much more reliably. The report is published today in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Each year in the United States alone approximately 1 million women have miscarriages. When the body does not expel the pregnancy tissue on its own - the final part of a miscarriage - women need to undergo a surgical procedure or take the drug misoprostol. Though often preferable for its convenience and privacy - patients can take it in the comfort of their own homes - misoprostol does not always work, and many women who use misoprostol are still left with no option but to undergo an invasive procedure they wished to avoid, prolonging an already physically and emotionally difficult situation.

"Though rarely discussed openly, miscarriage is the most common complication of pregnancy, and the public health burden is both physical and psychological. For too many women, misoprostol alone just leads to frustration. I have seen my patients suffer from the insult of the treatment failure added to the injury of the initial loss," said study lead author Courtney A. Schreiber, MD, MPH, chief of the division of Family Planning and an associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. "As physicians, we have to do better for these patients, and our new study shows that by combining mifepristone with misoprostol, we can."

Mifepristone is used along with misoprostol to induce abortion in early pregnancy. But the effectiveness of mifepristone-misoprostol for miscarriage patients, in comparison to the commonly used misoprostol alone, has been unclear.

In the new study, 300 women who had been diagnosed with early pregnancy loss - described as a miscarriage in the first trimester - were assigned to receive the standard 800 micrograms of misoprostol placed vaginally. Half were also randomly assigned to receive pretreatment with a 200 mg pill of mifepristone, which primes the uterus to respond to misoprostol's contraction-inducing effect.

The researchers found that overall, 91.2 percent of women receiving the mifepristone pretreatment plus misoprostol experienced gestational sac expulsion -- the definition of a completed miscarriage -- 83.8 percent by their first follow-up visit, which occurred two days after the treatment on average. Misoprostol alone was only effective 75.8 percent of the time, with 67.1 percent completing by their first follow up visit.

The researchers looked at a variety of outcomes in the study, and essentially all were better for the women taking mifepristone plus misoprostol. Patients assigned to this group, for example, had a much lower chance (8.8 percent) of needing a surgical intervention by day 30, compared to 23.5 percent for the misoprostol-alone group. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of pain, bleeding, or other side-effects. Notably, serious side effects were rare in both groups.

Mifepristone is a highly regulated medication. At present, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that the drug be dispensed only in registered hospitals, clinics and doctor's offices, but not in retail pharmacies. Schreiber says that physicians who wish to treat women with miscarriages - including but not limited to physicians in obstetrics, internal medicine, emergency medicine, and family medicine - should consider registration.

"High-quality care for women who suffer miscarriage not only improves physical outcomes, but helps alleviate the psychosocial stress that can accompany the loss of a pregnancy," she says. "Given how common miscarriage is and the effectiveness of the drug combination as shown in this new study, any doctor who cares for women who become pregnant, and therefore could have a miscarriage, should be registered to prescribe and dispense mifepristone."

###

The other co-authors of the study were Mitchell Creinin of the University of California--Davis; Jessica Atrio of Montefiore Hospital and Albert Einstein College of Medicine; and Sarita Sonalka, Sarah Ratcliffe, and Kurt Barnhart of Penn Medicine. Schreiber is also the director of Penn's PEACE Program, which provides access to compassionate care for women and couples seeking family planning care and management of early pregnancy complications.

Funding for the study was provided by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R01-HD0719-20).

Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $7.8 billion enterprise.

The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top medical schools in the United States for more than 20 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $405 million awarded in the 2017 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center -- which are recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report -- Chester County Hospital; Lancaster General Health; Penn Medicine Princeton Health; Penn Wissahickon Hospice; and Pennsylvania Hospital -- the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional affiliated inpatient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region include Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership between Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine, and Princeton House Behavioral Health, a leading provider of highly skilled and compassionate behavioral healthcare.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2017, Penn Medicine provided more than $500 million to benefit our community.
It's been a whirlwind few months for Packetized Energy, the energy sector start-up spun off from a large Department of Energy project in 2016 by three University of Vermont electrical engineering faculty, Paul Hines, Jeff Frolik and Mads Almassalkhi.

Since late last year, the firm completed a pilot with the Burlington Electric Department, launched ambitious demonstration projects with Green Mountain Power and the Vermont Electric Cooperative; welcomed Scott Johnstone, former head of the much admired Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, as CEO; hired three full time staff; completed a month-long stint at the energy accelerator, Accel-VT, earning acclaim as one of the top firms among the national companies in its cohort; licensed the founders' technology back from UVM; and left the co-working Inspire space at Green Mountain Power's headquarters it has occupied for the past year-and-a-half to move into its very own offices in Burlington's Chace Mill.

A Vermont Unicorn?

What's behind the impressive series of breakout moves?

Packetized Energy, it turns out, is the hottest of hot commodities in electric utility circles, the creator of a set of clever algorithms with products to match that could go a long way toward addressing the great challenge facing the energy sector and the planet: how to harness the increasingly abundant, but fickle, power of renewables like wind and solar when the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesn't blow.

If the company delivers on its promise, it could be a very big deal indeed, says private equity guru and serial entrepreneur Bob Zulkoski, chairman of the Vermont-focused investment firm Vermont Works, an early investor in Packetized Energy.

As the founder of a successful company "also in the energy resource field, I'm very familiar with this space," he says. "Packetized is one of the few companies I've seen in Vermont that could become what's called a unicorn," a company whose assets are valued at $1 billion or more. "They are in the right place at the right time with a very innovative approach."

Speaking "Packetized"

In describing how Packetized Energy's products manage energy supply and demand compared with the current system, Almassalkhi sounds like a Vermont progressive.

"We're bottom up; the traditional system is top down," he says.

The change is indeed radical.

Currently utilities are "sucking data from devices, creating models of how everyone uses energy, and then basically pushing out schedules to the devices," Frolik says. "It's very data intensive both in terms of communications and computations."

And it doesn't work very well. Consumer demand for energy often exceeds supply, forcing energy companies to buy expensive, dirty power from thermal energy plants to close the gap, and renewables often aren't available when the utilities need them.

Packetized's bottom up approach couldn't be more different.

The company produces smart controllers for the big energy hogs in the home: hot water heaters, batteries (both for charging electric vehicles and for power back-ups like the Tesla Powerwall) and HVAC systems.

The controllers sidestep the complexity of trying to predict consumer behavior by asking a simple question: How much energy does my device need right now? If the water in the water heater is too cool, for instance, it asks Packetized's cloud-based server if it can have a small "packet" of energy from the grid to warm the water.

The cloud, equipped with software that allows it to speak "packetized" and a demand model from the utility that provides data on when it would like to supply power - including when renewable energy supplies are likely to be available - gives a variable answer.

"Instead of the water heater turning on right away," says Almassalkhi, "it basically says, 'Can I turn on'? And our cloud service says, 'Okay, yeah, it looks like all is good, go ahead and turn on.' And another device may come up and say, 'Okay, I want to turn on, and they say, well, not right now. Come back later.'"

If the hot water heater really needs energy, it will nag the server more frequently. If it's still turned down, it will take matters in its own hands and start warming the water, so consumers aren't left in the lurch.

By heating the water in short bursts spread throughout the day and by staggering consumers' mini-power requests so they don't happen all at once - a similar process applies to energy request from HVAC, batteries, and electric vehicle chargers - Packetized Energy helps power consumers and power producers achieve a Zen-like state of balance.

"It's like having a pile of sand shaped into a peak," says Almassalkhi, who has won two awards from the Department of Energy totalling nearly $4 million to support the research underlying the company's products. Hines also has an National Science Foundation grant that has supported basic research the company's products tap into.

"What we do is shake the pile so it flattens out."

Trial run

Packetized's pilot with BED showed that the company's controllers, installed on eight hot water heaters in Chittenden County, could successfully exchange packetized information with the cloud service and heat water in small, distributed increments.

The new demonstration projects with GMP and VEC are both larger, with smart controllers in the process of being installed on 450 hot water heaters around Vermont between the two, and ripe with market significance.

"It's setting things up to show that this technology is for real," Frolik says.

Academic articles and industry consultants have guessed at how much money utilities would save if they used renewable energy more consistently and avoided paying top dollar for supplementary power when demand exceeds supply.

But the Packetized trial will be the first to get a real-world data on cost-savings.

"We'll be seeing what the real financial benefit is to the utility of installing our devices in the field and interacting with the grid in this new way," Frolik says.

If the project is successful, and utilities save up to what the company projects, about $150 per water heater, it's easy to imagine all heck breaking loose.

"I would say about half the utilities in the country know who we are," says Almassalkhi. There would be keen interest, to say the least, he says, if the demonstration project pays off.

"They're hitting the market at the right time with an innovative product," says Corine Farewell, director of UVM's Office of Technology Commercialization, which has worked closely with Packetized's faculty founders as the company got off the ground. "They have a strong team, including a very strong CEO in Scott Johnstone. They have great partners in GMP and VEC. And they have customers. They're hitting all the right notes."

Johnstone couldn't be happier about his new digs.

"If we're going to have clean, affordable and easy-to-use energy, the real focus of the next wave is dealing with demand-side management and optimizing the grid," he says. "That's what Packetized Energy is here to do and create, and that's what is so exciting about the work we're doing. When you consider all the grid-edge devices that will be interacting with the grid as the Internet of Things comes online, the potential of this company is really limitless."

###
African elephants like to rumble, naked mole rats trade soft chirps, while fireflies alternate flashes in courtship dialogues.

Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of 'animal conversations'.

An international team of academics undertook a large-scale review of research into turn-taking behaviour in animal communication, analysing hundreds of animal studies.

Turn-taking, the orderly exchange of communicative signals, is a hallmark of human conversation and has been shown to be largely universal across human cultures.

The review, a collaboration between the Universities of York and Sheffield, the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany, and the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics in the Netherlands, reveals that this most human of abilities is actually remarkably widespread across the animal kingdom.

While research on turn-taking behaviour is abundant, beginning more than 50 years ago with studies of the vocal interactions of birds, the literature is currently fragmented, making rigorous cross-species comparisons impossible.

Researchers who study turn-taking behaviours in songbirds, for example, speak of "duets" whereas those who study some species of monkeys note their "antiphonal calls".

One of the most noteworthy aspects of turn-taking behaviour across all species, humans included, is its fine timing.

In some species of songbird, for example, the latency between notes produced by two different birds is less than 50 milliseconds.

Other species are considerably slower; for example, sperm whales exchange sequences of clicks with a gap of about two seconds between turns. Humans lie somewhere in between, with gaps of around 200 milliseconds between turns at talk in conversation.

The authors of the study propose that systematic cross-species comparisons of such turn-taking behaviour may shed new light on the evolution of language.

The academics propose a new comparative framework for future studies on turn-taking.

One of the authors, Dr Kobin Kendrick, from the University of York's Department of Language and Linguistic Science, said: "The ultimate goal of the framework is to facilitate large-scale, systematic cross-species comparisons.

"Such a framework will allow researchers to trace the evolutionary history of this remarkable turn-taking behaviour and address longstanding questions about the origins of human language."

Dr Sonja Vernes, from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, added: "We came together because we all believe strongly that these fields can benefit from each other, and we hope that this paper drives more cross talk between human and animal turn-taking research in the future."

###

The review is published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.
A Swiss court on Wednesday cleared the way for former Algerian defence minister Khaled Nezzar to face war crimes charges, the latest twist in a winding legal saga.

Nezzar, in office from 1990 to 1994 while Algeria was battling Islamists in a brutal civil war, has been accused of torture and arbitrary arrests by a group of alleged victims.

Last year, the Swiss attorney generals office said it could not move forward with the case as there was no conclusive evidence of a conflict in Algeria during the period in question, leaving a key condition for prosecution unfulfilled.

In a May 30 ruling, made public on Wednesday, Switzerlands Federal Tribunal overturned that decision following an appeal by the plaintiffs.

The attorney general now has to re-examine the case, although it is not yet clear if Nezzar will face trial.

He was arrested in Switzerland in October 2011 following a complaint filed by rights groups TRIAL International over his alleged role in violations committed from 1992 to 1994.

TRIAL invoked special Swiss legislation adopted in 2011 that allows the countrys justice system to try people suspected of war crimes committed anywhere in the world.

Nezzar was freed shortly after his arrest on condition that he continue to cooperate with Swiss justice and the case has been subject to multiple arguments and appeals since.

The attorney generals office told AFP on Wednesday that it would study the courts ruling before deciding on its next steps.

TRIAL insists there is evidence that Nezzar authorised and incited the military and public function agents to exercise acts of tortures, to commit murders, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and other acts constituting grave violations of international humanitarian law.
After initial tests in Lugano, Swiss Post will now also fly the skies over the Swiss capital, Bern. Delivery drones will transport laboratory samples between two local hospitals.

In a statement published on Tuesday, the Swiss Post said the drones would be tested over a period of two weeks. They will carry lab samples between the university hospital (also known as Inselspital) and the Tiefenau hospital in Bern. The samples are currently delivered by courier or by taxi in urgent cases.

After the test phase, the Insel hospital group will decide if this new mode of transport will be adopted. Swiss Post plans to use similar delivery methods in Switzerlands biggest city, Zurich.

It notes that using drones in the medical field has unique benefits, especially for delivering packages to locations which have been shut off by bad weather or are in a war zone.

Swiss Post is also testing other alternative and autonomous transport systems, such as shuttle buses.













SDA-ATS/ln






A Swiss municipality in the outskirts of Zurich has decided to guarantee basic income to residents on a trial basis.

The mayor of Rheinau, a town on the Rhine river in northern Switzerland, said the local council agreed to participate in a privately-funded minimum income project.

This measure comes two years after Swiss voters massively rejected a nationwide proposal for a basic income.

The brainchild of a Swiss filmmaker, this venture is slotted to start next year on condition that enough money can be collected through crowd funding and that enough citizens are willing to participate.

Mayor Andrea Jenni was quoted as saying in several media on Wednesday that participants  current residents above the age of 25 only  would receive a monthly income of CHF2,500 ($2,500) but any additional money earned must be refunded.

This condition might make it difficult to convince at least 600 residents (of the 1,300-member town) to take part, Jenni said.

Further details of the live experiment will be announced at the end of August.

Finland, US, Kenya, Germany

A similar project is underway in Finland with a group of 2,000 unemployed people receiving monthly payments of about CHF660. That two-year trial concludes next January.

Small privately funded projects are also taking place in Kenya and Germany, while the city of Stockton in California wants to launch an 18-month experiment next year.
Nadia Calvino, who became Spain's new economy minister on Wednesday, is a top EU official whose appointment appears aimed at reassuring markets and Brussels that her Socialist administration will respect eurozone budget rules.

The nomination of Calvino, director general for budget at the European Commission since May 2014 who speaks English and French in addition to Spanish, was praised by business leaders and the European Commission.

Ana Botin, chair of Spains largest bank Banco Santander, said having Calvino as economy minister is a guarantee that Spain will continue increasing its influence in European institutions.

Former European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana, also a former Spanish foreign minister, praised her energy and seriousness while Olivier Bailly, director of the office of EU Economics Commissioner Pierre Moscovici, called her a staunch advocate of the European project.

With no political experience, she has worked in Brussels since 2006, first as the deputy director of the directorate-general for competition which enforces EU competition rules, then as deputy director of the directorate-general for the internal market and services.

For both posts she served under conservative European Commission presidents, first Portugals Jose Manuel Barroso then Luxembourgs Jean-Claude Juncker.

Described as socially liberal and politically neutral by Spains centre-left daily newspaper El Pais, she previously worked in technical positions at the Spanish economy ministry under Socialist prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and conservative prime minister Jose Maria Aznar.

By appointing the native of the northwestern city of La Coruna, who has a degree in economics from Madrids Complutense University, Spains new prime minister wants to send a signal of stability, according to Spanish media.

Pedro Sanchez has already promised to respect Spains budget commitments with the EU and not to change the 2018 budget drafted by the previous conservative administration.

Her technocratic profile resembles that of her predecessor Luis de Guindos, who served as economy minister between December 2011 and March 2018 before he was picked to become the European Central Banks vice president.

De Guindos was the architect of the steep austerity measures imposed during Spains financial crisis as well as the cleaning up of the countrys banks.

av/ds/mbx/je
A third generation EPR reactor in China carried out its first nuclear chain reaction on Wednesday, an initial start up which is a world first for the much-delayed European technology.

The European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) in Taishan, southern China carried out its first chain and therefore it has started, tweeted Xavier Ursat, head of new nuclear projects for EDF, which has a 30 percent holding in two reactors under construction in the city.

This is excellent news for the entire nuclear industry, he added.

With EPRs in Finland and France facing setbacks, the Taishan 1 reactor is the first of its kind.

Taishan 1 will undergo further testing and commercial operations are still many weeks away. Taishan 2 is expected to enter service next year.

The dates for both reactors to start working have been pushed back several times.

Local defects were found last year in Taishan 1s deaerator, a device used to remove oxygen from water circuits, according to China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN),  which manages the project alongside French state utility EDF.

The two reactors under construction in Taishan, in Guangdong province, are 51 percent owned by CGN, 30 percent owned by EDF and 19 percent owned by the regions electrical utility firm.

Last September Britain gave the green light, with conditions, to EDF and CGN to build another such reactor at Hinkley Point in southwest England, after a heated debate which included worries over Chinas involvement.

That reactor is not expected to be completed until the mid 2020s.

jmi/ef/az/pvh/ecl
French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed support for "strong multilateralism" in Ottawa Wednesday before the G7 summit, where US President Donald Trump's aggressive trade policies are sure to raise hackles.

Displaying a united front, the two leaders in their 40s said in a statement they support a strong, responsible, transparent multilateralism to face the global challenges.

The pair were scheduled to hold formal talks and a private dinner on Wednesday, followed by a joint news conference early Thursday.

Those discussions are likely to focus on Trumps decision last week to impose punishing tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum from Washingtons closest allies, including Canada, the European Union and Japan.

In retaliation, all of them have either hit back with their own tariffs on US goods or threatened to do so, as well as challenging the US trade measure at the World Trade Organization.

Both Trudeau and Macron had tried to persuade Trump not to impose the tariffs.

There will be frank and sometimes difficult discussions around the G7 table, particularly with the US president on tariffs, Trudeau told reporters.

His private meeting with Macron, he said, will be an opportunity to talk about the relations between Canada and France that are going very well, but also to highlight the challenges that we are going to have around the G7 table, and to make sure we are aligned.

 Economic order under attack 

The EU and Canada were originally shielded from the aluminum and steel tariffs, but Trump ended that exemption last week.

Since then, Trudeau, Macron and other European leaders have toughened their tone, lamenting what they see as rising US protectionism.

The world economic order is under attack, Canadas Trade Minister Francois Philippe Champagne commented.

Trump economic advisor Larry Kudlow, however, framed the trade spat as a family quarrel which he said would be worked out, while adding that his administration will do what is necessary to protect the United States, its businesses and its workforce.

Macron  who had formed an unlikely bond with Trump  declined to characterize his last conversation with the US leader, but unnamed White House insiders told US media it was terrible.

Still, the French leader pledged to have a productive and frank discussion with President Trump at the G7, the Group of Seven industrialized democracies.

It does not detract from the friendship we have for each other and the friendship between our two countries, he said.

Trudeau, who has been cordial with Trump, said in March he had received assurances that Canada would be spared as they worked toward a revamp of a 1994 continental trade pact with the United States.

But that all changed with the announcement of the US levies, and Trudeau retaliated with Can$16.6 billion (US$12.9 billion) in tariffs on US goods.

The two sides are also deadlocked on negotiations over the future of their North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Mexico. Ottawa refuses to grant US demands for a clause that would end the trade deal after five years unless it is renewed by the parties.

Canada has also rejected for now a proposal floated by the White House for new separate US trade deals with Canada and Mexico.

The left-leaning Trudeau and Macron see each other as natural allies in a world increasingly shaped by right-wing nationalism. That bond should only grow deeper ahead of the G7 in Quebec.

According to a statement, they settled on the creation of an international working group to advance research and best practices in artificial intelligence, as well as a new defense alliance.

The French-Canadian Council for Defense Cooperation will meet by years end and look at boosting cooperation between their respective armed forces, including conducting joint military operations and partnering on UN missions.

 Focus on trade 

The GSeven summit on Friday and Saturday in La Malbaie, a small town 140 kilometers (87 miles) from Quebec City, will bring together the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States.

Trudeau hoped to put the focus on jobs, security concerns, cleaning up the worlds oceans and empowering women. But officials concede the agenda is likely to be overtaken by trade disputes.

I think its fair to expect that any discussions on the global economy in the current environment will quickly turn into a discussion about trade, a senior Canadian official said.

The other six members of the G7 are holding out hope they can find common ground with Trump, but are prepared to stand up to US protectionism.

The challenge is to try to preserve a form of unity within the G7, but not hesitate to express firmly and strongly the interests of France and of Europe, Macrons office said.

leb-amc/it
Luxembourg has aimed to increase investment in child allowances, made taxation more progressive, and increased parental leave to improve childcare in Luxembourg.

Over half of the families living in the Grand Duchy use some type of childcare after having a baby in Luxembourg. More than a third use a daycare creche for kids four years old or younger. Children here spend nearly 30 hours a week at some form of daycare. A smaller portion use the services of a nanny, au pair, or paid parental assistant. Learn more about the different options of daycare and childcare in Luxembourg, government benefits, and how to enroll your child. Here are the many options families living in Luxembourg have for providing the best child care.

Creches in Luxembourg: public and private

Children ages four and under in Luxembourg can take part at a creche, similar to a nursery school. Creches are available to all Luxembourg residents and highly recommended by the Luxembourg Ministry of Education. Many parents see creches as a prep course for pre- and primary school (whether local or international), teaching independence and self-confidence in games, social exercises, and activities. Vaccinations are not a requirement but are strongly recommended.

Luxembourgish is the language of public creches. Creches can be public with state-subsidies, or privately owned. Either way, they are equally regulated by the government via eligibility rules, education standards, and requirements. Before enrolling your child into a creche, parents must live in Luxembourg; at least one parent needs to be employed or seeking employment. To enroll your child, consider applying as soon as you move to Luxembourg and claim residence. Once your child is in one, there is often a requirement to be present three or four days per week.

Multilingual private creches

Many international families looking for a French-, German-, Spanish-, or English-speaking creche program choose a private creche. Privately-owned creches are just as legitimate as public creches; they must register with the state and follow the same rules as the rest. Another plus for private creches is the flexible hour requirements for a childs attendance. There are also lenient requirements to enroll in a private creche, like accepting a child regardless of the parents residence status or place of employment. The drawbacks are higher fees.

Find a creche

Waiting lists can be several months long, and single parents take priority over others. Like many surrounding countries, there are waitlists to enrol children in creches due to high demand and low supply. States Internet Portal (www.guichet.lu) is where the Ministry of Family and Integration provide a list, sorted by district, of all registered childcare centres in the Grand Duchy. Ville de Luxembourg has a list of registered creches within the City of Luxembourg specifically. Lastly, a great list of Luxembourgs International Creches compiled by Farrah Gillani can be found at CitySavvyLuxembourg.com

Advertisement

Childcare benefits in Luxembourg, fees and the Cheque-Service Accueil

Cheque-Service Accueil

In general, the amount due from parents depends in any creche system is based on household income. Fees of private creches might be higher in comparison to the public creches. However, parents can apply for financial support through Cheque-Service Accueil. These childcare cards work like vouchers parents can use to help reduced fees for any public or private creche registered by the state.

It is free to apply for the Cheque-Service at your local administration commune. However, to qualify the child must be a resident of Luxembourg, and 12 years old or younger. Once a parent registers, they receive a card that they present at creche enrolment to benefit from reduced rates. This Cheque-Service card is mandatory for enrolment at day nurseries as well, and the card is valid for one year.

Advertisement

Financial aid

As for financial aid, there is a family allowance, covering children up to the age of 18. The allowance pays out at the start of each year. The amount varies according to the number of children living in the household and their age. The allowance continues for students to the age of 27, as long as they are a student living in Luxembourg.

The state also pays a schooling allowance in August each year for all kids above the age of six. To increase support to low-income families, child allowance policies and tax policies are often coordinated.

Day nurseries

When living in Luxembourg you might also consider a day nursery for child care. Nurseries are similar to creches, and admit children between the ages of two months and eight years. However, unlike creches, the time limit for children attending day nurseries is a maximum of 16 hours per week. Like creches, day nurseries may be run by the municipality, public or private, and adhere to rules and regulations made by the state. Overall, nurseries are more as an occasional help for families, and also a tool to help transition children from home life into an environment with other children.

Advertisement

Day centers and maison relais

Day centers take school children between the ages of four until the end of fundamental education (12 years old). The goal of day centers is to be open when school hours are closed, as a place for children to eat lunch together at the cafeteria and do homework together after school. They also tend to be open during school holidays.

Maison relais were introduced in 2005 by the Ministry of Family Affairs and Integration as another option to day center facilities. Maison relais were made to be more flexible with hours and overall conditions, and their head responsibilities are to offer supervision, meals, fun activities, and homework assistance. The enrollment age limit is wider, as maison relais look after children ages three to up to 12-years-old or older depending on the circumstances. For flexible hours, they stay open from 7am to 7pm to make it easier for parents working long hours or with strict work commitments.

For a full list of maison relais in Luxembourg, click here.

Advertisement

Parental assistants, nannies, and au pairs

Individual care in your own home can help children settle into Luxembourg. It can also be a good way to provide English or other mother-tongue language contact. As a short-term or long-term substitute of day care, parents and families hire nannies, parent assistants or babysitters for full-time (25 or more hours per week) or part-time as a more personal an individual childcare. In each case, a clear agreement (ideally in writing) over what will be covered by both parties provides a solid foundation for employment. As you will be an employer, you may have to deal with employers responsibilities such as health insurance, tax and other paperwork.

Parental assistants

A parental assistant cares after children in their own home atmosphere. Each assistant terms can vary, and each one will set their own availability and the ages they are willing to work with. Some will take infants and secondary school children, but most focus on toddler and primary age kids. Hours available are usually more lenient and flexible than the creche and day nursery alternative, and include light nursing like caretaking when a child is unwell.

Nannies

A professional nanny may have childcare qualifications from their country of origin or German ones  these vary from state to state. The nanny should also have experience and be able to deal with very small children and babies. They can live in or not, and should be treated as employed professionals with a pre-agreed upon hourly work week.

Au pairs

An au pair will typically be much more affordable than a nanny, but usually not as experienced. They are usually teenagers or young adults far from home, and they will usually live with the family who hires them (which can be a good thing). Expect to provide room and board, health insurance and if necessary language classes in exchange for personal, fulltime childcare. Babysitters typically have no qualifications and ages and experience may fall anywhere on the spectrum, from a teenager to a retired nurse. They usually have a CV on hand when applying.

Early education

Early learning is available from the age of three. This is especially valuable for a foreigner, as it aids familiarisation with the language and culture. The Luxembourg government has focused on childcare and early learning in reaction to a shortage of facilities and the increase in working mothers and expat families. The early teaching option does not replace child care, and if child care is necessary, the parents must organise this outside teaching hours like maison relais that looks after children. Prices are reasonable compared to creches.

Pre-school

When your child turns four years old and is a resident living in Luxembourg, he or she will transfer into pre-school. The cut-off is four years old by 1 September that year. Pre-school is an early childhood education that consists mostly of working on a childs social skills, and learning Luxembourgish as a way to communicate is a focus. Classes are usually Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8am to 4pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am to 11:45am. Children come home for lunch, but if both parents work then lunch is provided at the maison relais daycare nearby.

Terms (French  German)

Childcare: garde denfants  kinderbetreuung

Maternity: maternite  mutterschaft

Birth: naissance  geboren
Moving house can be stressful. If youre not used to the quirks of the Netherlands, like tiny streets and vertigo-inducing stairwells, it can become a lot more so. Read on for tips and tricks for moving within the Netherlands.

Whether youre renting a van and moving yourself or hiring professionals, there are many things to take into account that can mean the difference between a well-oiled machine of movement or a disaster. With a little careful planning, you can stay on top of your move.

If you live in, or youre moving to one of the old cities like Amsterdam, Haarlem, or Utrecht, there are special cases. To move within Amsterdam, for example, isnt always easy for expats. There are small city streets, small stairways, iron hooks on the roof of the buildings, and so on. If you arent used to these things, it can be a challenge. The city has some specific needs which take some time to adapt to.

Here are some tips to help ensure that your move within the Netherlands goes well.

Homelike Looking for a short-term rental in the Netherlands? Then you should check out Homelike. The easy-to-use online property portal has thousands of short-term rentals, whether you're looking for a city center studio or a family home-from-home to tide you over. Find your next temporary home on Homelike. Search properties now

Preparing for your move in the Netherlands

Plan your timeline

As soon as you know youre going to move, start making a to-do list, set against a timeline. Take into account the fact that some offices and agencies dont work on weekends.

Determine the logistics

Are you moving up or downstairs? Is there a hook on the front of your building? Do you live on a narrow street? How much stuff do you have  enough to fit a minivan, or do you need a big truck?

Do you prefer to move yourself or hire a company to help you? Figure out what are the special needs of your move such as pets for example.

Get the street permits

If your moving van needs to block the street while you load and unload, you need a permit from the municipality. This is especially complex for expats, because of the language barrier. You also have to include a drawing or diagram of the situation on the street. You must pay for the application, and they still have the right to refuse your request, so its a risk. This is one of the major advantages to hiring an Amsterdam-based moving company: they take care of that for you.

Advertisement

Tips for packing for your move

Start packing ASAP

This almost sounds too obvious to mention, but its important. Packing is one of those activities that always seems like its almost done, only to have you scrambling with tons of little chores and inconveniences at the last minute. Its best to be over-prepared rather than under-prepared.

Pack according to room

Dont pack things in random boxes according to how they fit together in a box, Tetris-style. Keep kitchen wares together, and bedroom items boxed up together. This will help ensure that when youre unpacking at your new home, its as easy as possible to find things.

Label your boxes

Use stickers or even just write on the boxes, to mark what each box contains and where it goes. Number the boxes, too, so you have an inventory. If you want to make sure everything has made its way to your new home, take a quick photo of each boxs label with your smartphone.

Separate your valuables

Pack separately anything critical, like important documents, keys, your passport, etc. Also set aside anything that you need quick access to.

Keep your boxes light

Dont overfill your boxes; remember, they have to be lifted and carried. If youre moving your own boxes, make sure you can pick up and carry each of them comfortably, keeping in mind that youll be doing it again and again with many boxes and will likely get fatigued. Or, if youre hiring professional movers, a good guideline is a max of 20 kg (40 lbs) per box.

Advertisement

Moving tips in Amsterdam

Moving within the city center has special needs, like the permits needed to block the road mentioned above. Another matter to take into account? The iron hooks.

Using the iron hooks is actually not allowed anymore officially, but they do let people do it because they know there isnt another way. Getting big furniture up and down the narrow and steep stairs just isnt an option sometimes, so the iron hook hanging from the roof beams is your best bet.

However, its harder than it looks. The iron hooks are supposed to be maintained and checked annually to make sure the beam can support the weight, but theyre often neglected or in a state of disrepair. None of the moving companies in Amsterdam have insurance for moving with the iron hook, which makes it a risky business. You really need a company that can work well with the hook, rope, and pulley.

The best option is to hire someone who, even if their use of the hook isnt insured, is experienced enough to advise and do it well. If you dont feel confident enough to do it yourself (for good reason) or feel safe with the risk of a moving company doing it for you, theres also the option, for an extra fee, to use the moving elevators that can be set up outside your building.

After your move: settling in and registering with the municipality

If youve followed the packing tips above, your boxes will be beautifully marked for the room where they belong, and unpacking will be a breeze. While you might be eager to start unpacking as soon as the first boxes hit your floor, you might wait until the movers are out of the way, to give them space to finish the job. Itll save time and headache.

After youve moved to your new home, remember that you need to update your address officially. Iamsterdam advises: When moving to a new address in Amsterdam or the Netherlands, notify the municipality (gemeente) no earlier than one month before and no later than five working days after. You can do so in person or online, and will need to provide:

a valid ID (like a passport or residence permit),

a tenancy agreement or purchase contract for your new residence,

and if youre lodging with someone, a copy of the ID of that person together with a declaration of permission to live there.

Youll be settled into your new home and new neighborhood in no time!
Today's anti-oil demonstrators in Faro expected at least the usual platitudes and carefully crafted deceptions from the Minister for the Environment but they ended the day in disappointment as Pedro Matos Fernandes failed to show up.

The minister was scheduled to take part in a discussion at the regional planning and development body, CCDR-Algarve, while also taking the opportunity of celebrating World Environment Day.

If he was at the meeting in Faro, he failed to address demonstrators. If he failed to come to the Algarve, he failed to issue an excuse.

There are calls for Fernandes to resign. The minister stands accused of duplicity of a grand scale as he fully endorses the governments move towards renewable energy technologies while overseeing and encouraging the beginnings of a Portuguese oil industry, starting with overseeing the highly suspicious authorisation of a test well to be drilled this autumn in the ocean off Aljezur.

This no show without notice could be seen as another example of government contempt, as was the scrapping of 2,000 opinions issues to the Portuguese Environment Agency as it decided whether or not to insist the Italian-Dutch oil consortiums test drilling activities be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment. The Agency decided that no assessment was needed.

The pro-oil government continues to attract electoral black marks in the Algarve due to its arrogant, dismissive attitude to legally expressed opinions from those who do not wish to see any avoidable threats to the southern regions main industry, tourism.

The antis include business groups, citizens movements, the regions Councils and members of the public, none of whom give any credence at all to the governments stance that it only wants to see what reserves are there, and that somehow by having oil or gas recovered in Portugals sea area that somehow this will be cheaper.

 algarvedailynews.com

The above content produced by swissinfo.ch is not intended for commercial use and may not be republished by third parties either wholly or in part.
US packaging group International Paper on Wednesday ripped up its 8.9-billion-euro ($11-billion) takeover bid for Irish peer Smurfit Kappa, which had rejected its overtures.

International Paper Company confirmed today that the company will not make an offer for Smurfit Kappa Group plc, given the lack of engagement by Smurfit Kappas board of directors and management, the US company said in a statement.

London-listed Smurfit had rejected the improved offer in late March, having already snubbed an initial 8.6-billion-euro approach earlier that month.

Dublin-based Smurfit employs some 46,000 staff in 35 countries around the world. The companys annual sales stood at about 8.6 billion euros in 2017.

International Paper is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, in the southeastern United States. It has a global workforce of 56,000 and annual revenues of around $21.7 billion.

rfj/spm
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian warned Iran on Wednesday that its plan to increase its uranium enrichment capacity took it close to a "red line", as Europe sought to protect its companies from a nuclear standoff between the US and Tehran.

Iran confirmed Wednesday that it was in preparatory works to restart nuclear activities in the event that a 2015 accord with world powers on limiting its atomic programme falls apart.

In such a scenario, Iran could restart its activities without any limits, Irans ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency Reza Najafi told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of the IAEAs board in Vienna.

The announcement piled pressure on France, Britain and Germany, who are scrambling to save the deal after the US sensationally pulled out a month ago.

Le Drian called Irans announcement that plans to boost its enrichment capacity inopportune.

It is always dangerous to flirt with red lines, he said, while emphasising that these plans did not constitute a breach of the accord.

The deal, which offers sanctions relief in return for guarantees that Tehran would not be able to build an atomic bomb, is hanging by a thread after the US announced plans to restore sanctions, diminishing the incentive for Iran to remain on board.

Tehran has put the ball in Europes camp, demanding it come up with an economic package to offset the effects of the US withdrawal.

The bottom line is that unless Tehran sees some benefits, it is unsustainable to continue limiting its nuclear programme, which is civilian in their eyes, Ellie Geranmayeh, Iran analyst for the European Council on Foreign Relations in London, told AFP.

In practice it will revert back to the sanctions years when it had no restrictions.

Le Drian warned Tehran that Europe would not be able to stand idly by if Iran takes its nuclear programme to the next level.

The Iranians must realise that if they violate the accord they will face new sanctions, he told Europe 1 radio.

A spokesman for the German foreign ministry also described the plan as not helpful at this time saying it did not contribute to the building of trust, in which Iran should also have an interest.

 Protecting European investments 

Apart from the risk of a nuclear-armed Iran, Paris, Berlin and London also fear the fallout of the showdown for European companies which invested in the country since 2015.

The US has threatened them with reprisals if they remain in Iran after it re-imposes sanctions on the country.

France, Britain, Germany and the EU on Wednesday sent the US a joint official request to exempt European businesses doing legitimate trade in Iran from all extraterritorial American sanctions.

In the letter to US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo they warned that secondary sanctions by the US on European companies could jeopardise Europes ability to uphold its end of the deal.

Several multinationals, including French oil giant Total and Danish shipping group Maersk, have already announced they will pull out of Iran once the sanctions are fully reimposed, unless they receive explicit exemptions from Washington.

French automaker PSA also said it would pull out of two joint ventures to sell its cars in Iran to avoid the risk of punishing US fines.

The European Commission said Wednesday it had updated a rarely-tested legal mechanism intended to provide legal cover to European companies in the face of US sanctions.

Officials acknowledged however that the mechanism known as the blocking statute may prove ineffective, especially for multinationals with a significant presence in the US.

Analysts point to the $9-billion fine handed to French bank BNP Paribas in the US in 2015 for sanctions-busting in Sudan, Cuba and Iran as an example of what could await European companies.

er-cb/kjl/pvh
Tuesday, June 5, 2018

The first Green Burial Council-certified natural burial ground in New Mexico will dedicate a section specifically for Jewish burials on Sunday, June 10, 2018, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The Jewish Federation of New Mexico and La Puerta Natural Burial Ground worked together to create this section specifically for Jewish people and their families.

Rabbi Min Kantrowitz will lead the dedication ceremony. All are welcome to attend and learn more about natural burial! Please bring sunscreen, a hat, or umbrella. Water will be provided.

Jewish burial is naturally green burial  no embalming, cotton or linen burial garments, and the body is placed in contact with the earth. Learn more at this blog post.

The burial plots at La Puerta Natural Burial Ground are remarkably affordable: $450 for a full body plot, plus $245 for the opening and closing of the grave. Burial of biodegradable urns with cremated remains is $250, including the opening/closing cost.

Bodies can be buried in a shroud or a simple pine casket. No liner is required. The depth of the grave for a shroud burial is four feet deep, and caskets are placed five to six feet deep. New Mexico state regulations require a minimum of three feet of earth be placed above a casket.

Learn more about natural burial at this blog post or at www.NaturalBurialNewMexico.com.

Directions to La Puerta Natural Burial Ground

From Albuquerque:

Take I-25 S to Belen Exit 195 and through downtown Belen.

Turn left (east) on W Reinken Ave/NM 309 and continue across the Rio Grande River (about 2.4 miles).

Turn right (south) onto Rio Communities Blvd/NM 47 South.

Follow NM 47 S about 15 miles to just beyond the BNSF railroad crossing.

After mile marker 4, look on the left (east) for a green metal gate next to a La Puerta sign.

The gate is closed but never locked. (Please close the gate behind you.)

La Puerta Burial Ground is 2.5 miles east toward the Manzano Mountains from the gate.

From Socorro:

Take I-25 N to NM 60 East.

Follow NM 60 E to the intersection with NM 47 North.

Follow NM 47 N to a green metal gate on your right (east) after mile marker 3, just before mile marker 4. There is a La Puerta sign next to the gate. The gate is closed but never locked. (Please close the gate behind you.)

La Puerta Burial Ground is 2.5 miles east toward the Manzano Mountains from the gate.

From Mountainair:

Take NM 60 W to NM 47 North.

Follow NM 47 N to a green metal gate on your right (east), after mile marker 3, just before mile marker 4. There is a La Puerta sign next to the gate. The gate is closed but never locked. (Please close the gate behind you.)

La Puerta Burial Ground is 2.5 miles east toward the Manzano Mountains from the gate.

Dont Rely on Google Maps!

The current location given when typing Natural Burial New Mexico into Google Maps is incomplete after getting to Hwy 47. Follow Google Maps directions to Hwy 47. You will then be directed to turn left (north). DO NOT TURN LEFT. Turn right (south). Follow the road for approximately 15 miles. When you are getting close you will cross the railroad tracks. Look for mile marker 4 on the left (east). La Puerta Natural Burial Ground is located about 0.5 miles past mile marker 4 on your left (east). Look for the La Puerta sign next to the green gate. The gate is closed but not locked. You may open the gate to drive through. Then go 2.5 miles east toward the Manzano Mountains on the gravel road to La Puerta. Please close the gate behind you when you leave.

Share this:
WASHINGTON  Under pressure from President Donald Trump, Energy Secretary Rick Perry made the case Monday that the shutdown of coal and nuclear power plants could hurt the United States ability to recover from a cyberattack against its electric grid.

Perrys comment linking power plant closures with cyberattacks appears to open a new front in the administrations push to throw a lifeline to financially struggling coal and nuclear plant operators as the White House considers exercising national security powers to keep plants open by requiring grid operators to buy their power. The administrations argument is that coal and nuclear plants, which store fuel on-site, provide critical backup for an electrical grid that has grown too dependent on natural gas plants, and solar and wind farms.

Should a cyberattack, say, disrupt pipelines that provide fuel to natural gas plants, large swaths of the nations power grid could be brought down to the detriment of consumers, businesses and the U.S. economy unless other sources of power are available to fill in, the administration argues. Severe weather could also disrupt natural gas supplies and solar and wind generation,

Coal and nuclear plants are retiring at an alarming rate that if unchecked will threaten our ability to recover from intentional attacks or from natural disasters, Perry said at Department of Energys cybersecurity conference in Austin. The president is right to view grid resilience as a serious national security issue.

A potential bailout of coal and nuclear industries is facing increasing pushback from a broad coalition of opponents that includes everyone from oil and gas companies to environmentalists to corporations, such as General Electric and Apple, which would likely pay more for their power. The issue has become increasingly controversial because the coal and nuclear industries are contributors to the campaigns of Trump and other Republicans.

Authorities from PJM Interconnection, the countrys largest grid operators, and the North American Electric Reliability Corp. a nonprofit established by the power sector, have said there is no immediate threat to grid security. Last year, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, headed by Kevin J. McIntyre, a Trump appointee, rejected an earlier attempt by Perry to raise rates for coal and nuclear plants.

The Trump administration has looked at many ways to bail out their coal and nuclear plant donors, said Mark Kresowik, deputy director for the Beyond Coal Campaign of the Sierra Club, a national environmental advocacy group. The thing they have settled on is national security because they think it is the most legally defensible.

Forcing grid operators to buy power from a list of coal and nuclear plants for up to two years would be an unprecedented use of national security powers, analysts said. The aim, according to an Energy Department memo that proposed the measures, would be to forestall any further action toward retirement, decommissioning, or deactivation of such facilities, as described in a memo from the Department of Energy.

On Friday, Trump ordered Perry to prepare immediate steps to stop those plants from closing.

During Perrys speech Monday, which was primarily focused on building defenses against would-be cyberattackers, Perry did not say whether he planned to carry through with the actions described in the memo.

But he made a case that few threats are as great as a sustained power outage, citing a report from the U.S. Council of Economic Advisers that put the cost of cyberattacks in 2016 at between $57 billion and $100 billion.

Attacks have become easier to launch; their frequency, their scale and sophistication is increasing, Perry said. As secretary of energy, I have no higher priority than protecting our nation against those dangers.
As Texas school districts work to define the right mix of security measures in the wake of high-profile school shootings, North East Independent School District is adopting a spate of new policies and will require students to use clear backpacks starting this fall.

All middle and high school students in NEISD will need transparent containers to carry their belongings on school property, administrators told district trustees in a briefing Monday night. For the time being, the clear bag rule will not apply to elementary students.

Other protocols that will be introduced at the start of the 2018-19 school year include locking external doors at all campuses during school hours and controlling the entrances with a buzz in system, random checks using handheld metal detectors and annual mental health training for counselors. The district will hire two police officers to add to its 68-officer department, allowing more frequent patrols of its elementary school campuses.

Unfortunately, we are living in a time when the problem of school violence doesnt seem to be going away, said a district letter sent to parents. We have to take action and in some cases make difficult decisions that are for the better good of our community.

The new measures were announced less than three weeks after a gunman killed 10 students and staff members and wounded 13 others at Santa Fe High School, outside of Houston. When students returned to the school afterward, they were were scanned by metal detectors as they entered and not allowed to carry backpacks during the semesters final week.

At Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, school officials required students to use clear backpacks on campus after the mass shooting there in February, and implemented bag checks and security barriers. At the time, students criticized the policies for making their school feel like a prison.

Many of the changes at NEISD will necessitate a shift in culture at campuses, said district spokeswoman Aubrey Chancellor. Locking all doors while classes are in session will lengthen the time it takes visitors to enter school buildings, and staff members will need to monitor entryways during passing periods and lock them afterward. Principals have been tasked with planning for the changes based on the layout of their individual campuses.

NEISD has used handheld metal detectors since 2015 on a discretionary basis, but the new policy calls for random inspections. After the Parkland shooting, the district began contracting with Social Sentinel, a company that monitors social media to identify and forward potential threats to NEISD's police department. The district is also in the process of entering a Crime Stoppers program, and tips can also be made to the district's hotline, 210-655-2273, or through its app.

School officials hope the clear bag policy will deter students from bringing dangerous or inappropriate items to school and add a layer of security, Chancellor said. The district will provide clear backpacks to families who cannot afford to buy new ones.

This is going to be a big change, and it may be inconvenient at times, she said. But we think safety is far more important than convenience.

NEISD administrators developed the new policies during ongoing discussions and will nail down details over the summer, when they will also participate in active shooter training.

School shootings have periodically forced school districts to rethink their security policies, everything from entryway infrastructure to the pros and cons of arming teachers. Several San Antonio-area districts said Tuesday they were currently reviewing their policies but did not provide specifics. Houston ISD, the states largest, said last week it is considering a number of new steps, especially training and alarm systems and collaboration with neighboring school districts and police agencies.

Leaders at some districts, such as South San Antonio ISD, have pointed to cost as a constraint on some types of changes. Chancellor said the buzz-in systems will be installed using bond funds, and the new police officers will be hired despite the districts current budget shortfall.

NEISD is not the first San Antonio-area district to implement a clear bag policy. Teresa Ramon, police chief of Judson ISD, said the district attempted in the early 2000s to institute a rule allowing only clear or mesh bags, but as years passed it was unevenly enforced. She said the district should probably reevaluate the policy and decide on a consistent standard for all of its campuses.

And NEISDs Madison High School required clear or mesh bags for a number of years after a student brought loaded guns to campus in 2014.

Several NEISD students interviewed Tuesday said they appreciated that the district was taking steps to protect them. Many of their classmates were upset about the backpack rule, they said.

Sophia Mendez, a sophomore at Churchill High School who organized a walk-out at her campus in April to protest gun violence, said she wanted to feel comfortable at school but worried that impoverished and minority students would be disproportionately targeted by random metal detector tests.

Im starting to realize that this is how all of our schools are going to end up, she said. I want to be safe. But I dont want legislators to be like, Look at schools doing this. Weve done our job. Heck no. This is just touching the surface.

Student consternation about the backpack policy has overshadowed the other announced safety measures, such as sealing off the entrances, said Peyton Spriester, a junior at the North East School of the Arts at Lee High School. Taken together, she said, the changes were a step in the right direction but it might not be enough, she said.

The clear backpack rule, even though it might seem like a logical thing, theres plenty of other ways that guns could be brought onto school campuses, Spriester said, adding that it would be impractical to individually screen the more than 1,000 students on her campus.

Chancellor acknowledged that the district couldnt address every concern. Some of the changes were chosen because they could be implemented quickly, and school leaders could make additional ones in the future, she said.

We know that there is not one single thing that can guarantee one hundred percent safety anywhere you go in this day and age, Chancellor said. And we know not everyone is going to agree with every decision that is made. But it is all in the best interest of our students and our staff, and keeping them safe every single day when they come to school.

Lauren Caruba is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | lcaruba@express-news.net | @LaurenCaruba
The San Antonio Police Department updated its communications protocol with regard to handling cases of undocumented immigrants following Police Chief William McManus coming under fire after officers released 12 people found in the back of a tractor-trailer in December.

The policy was obtained by the San Antonio Express-News Tuesday, shortly after San Antonio Police Officers Association President Mike Helle penned a letter demanding McManus be placed on administrative leave while the attorney general's office investigates complaints that the chief violated Texas' anti-sanctuary cities law.

Specifically, it deals with communication and coordination among agencies that deal with cases of human smuggling.

The December case received national attention, with many criticizing McManus for not turning the case over the federal authorities. McManus said his department didn't have jurisdiction to hold the migrants and Homeland Security agents had access and were not prevented from taking anyone into custody.

Related: Union loses injunction request in lawsuit against SAISD charter deal

The letter detailing the procedures was written by City Attorney Andy Segovia and sent to Austin on April 20, 2018.

It says McManus met with U.S. Attorney John Bash and Shane Folden, the Director for Homeland Security Investigations, on Jan. 4 "to ensure expectations all around are met."

"We hope this effort is further demonstration that the city does not have a 'policy' to restrict cooperation with federal law enforcement," Segovia wrote.

Segovia's letter also takes a shot at the union, saying "Finally, we wanted to make you aware that the San Antonio Police Officers Association has started a public email campaign to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton concerning your investigation (see attached Facebook post). The City of San Antonio is not involved with and does not support such a campaign."

According to the policy, if a responding officer comes across a potential human smuggling case, they are supposed to notify the chain of command and relay the details of the case.

An on-duty San Antonio Homeland Security agent would also be notified by a follow-up unit with details of the investigation.

The federal agent would pursue potential criminal violations and coordinate with ICE for any administrative action.

"Unless (Homeland Security Investigations) clearly state that they will lead the investigation, SAPD personnel will conduct the investigation under SAPD procedures for filing with the Bexar County District Attorney's Office," the policy says.

The Office of the Chief would also be notified, and the office would pass along the notification to the city's immigration liaison and social service groups like Catholic Charities and RAICES.

"These agencies can provide necessary translation services (and) ... can also assist in providing aid and comfort to undocumented persons who are not arrested," the policy says.

In response to Helle's most recent letter about McManus, Mayor Ron Nirenberg issued a scolding statement Tuesday, telling Helle "to get back to work."

Read more: Firefighters' union gathered enough signatures for petitions

"This stunt is nothing more than political theater," Nirenberg said in a statement. "It is a blatant mischaracterization of the facts to suggest that the police chief is under criminal investigation. This is another in a series of Helle-orchestrated cheap-shot attacks on Chief McManus, his fellow officers and city management."

The police union's letter alleged that McManus is "saying the rules don't apply to him," because he hasn't been placed on administrative leave, which is required by officers who are arrested, accused, or under investigation for criminal activity.

City Manager Sheryl Sculley issued also pushed back on Helle's claims.

"Calling for the Chief's leave almost six months after the event is a tired attempt to keep a false narrative going," Sculley said. "The Chief broke no rules, policy, or laws on December 23rd. Saying the Chief is under criminal investigation is inaccurate and unfair. Clearly the union has an agenda they are trying to further."

In a letter to the police officers association sent in May, an official from the attorney general's office said that the city has been cooperative with the investigation and has preserved all documents relevant to the investigation.

Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSA
In the days and hours before a Palestinian-American woman drove a knife through the heart of her secret lover, her 25-year-old nephew by marriage, he had beaten her, sometimes in public places, and threatened her life in multiple text messages, she told jurors Tuesday.

On trial for murder, Andira Abdelaziz, 37, testified for hours in her own defense, weeping or rocking slowly side to side, describing the run-up to the August 2016 killing.

Mohammed Abdelaziz, a 6-foot-5, 213-pound man, repeatedly called her a daughter of a whore and worse epithets, according to police transcripts of their conversations in dozens of text messages. Claiming to be on oxycodone or prescribed amphetamines, he threatened to look through the front window of her Northwest Side home, and if she wasnt visible on the couch - meaning she was sleeping with her husband, his uncle  Your life is over. Your kids are over. Youre dead, he wrote.

On the morning she killed him, Abdelaziz came to the home, rang the doorbell repeatedly and pounded on the windows in front of her kids, according to both Andira Abdelaziz and her teenage son, who testified Friday.

After her nephew hit her in the face, stomach and back with balled fists, she didnt call 911 immediately because she thought she could calm the man down and believed exposing the affair would ruin her childrens lives and endanger her own if he or other family members targeted her for an honor killing.

It would have brought shame and disgrace to the children, said Andira Abdelaziz, who said her marriage, at age 15 to Karim Abdelaziz, was arranged by their respective parents in the West Bank of Palestine.

No one would ever ask to marry my daughters, she said. My boys would be dismissed as sons of a whore. Its the worst thing a person can be called, and it would have gone on for generations.

Police handcuffed him briefly but released him and left when she told officers she mistakenly thought he was an intruder, according to testimony. Minutes later, she stabbed him once with a kitchen knife.

Andira Abdelazizs husband had been arrested in a misdemeanor assault case before she and her nephew began their affair, and various witnesses in the trial have testified about other domestic violence - beatings of wives, fathers, children - in both families.

Every family has problems, has fights, right? said Feras Haifa, 34, a relative of the deceased who spoke outside the courtroom during a recess. She (Andira) only talks about the negative stuff. She makes it sound like all Palestinian men are stuck in the old days, beating their women.

Andira Abdelaziz lived near Ramallah for several years but was raised in New York City before moving to San Antonio in 2000. Before her marriage to Karim Abdelaziz she was permitted only to sit with him a few times and go out once or twice, she said.

Unable to work outside the home by her husbands orders, she raised four children, the defendant said. Around 2010, she testified, her nephew began complimenting her dress and flirting with her, gave her chocolates. They exchanged furtive love notes.

There arent enough words for me to describe my love for you, Mohammed Abdelaziz wrote. Nothing will stop me from having you until the last day.Babe, I never want to be away from you. I love you to death.

Andira Abdelaziz said she had never been with another man but fell in love, then felt jilted when her nephew went off to Kansas for law school, accompanied by a new girlfriend he eventually married for a short period. (The woman later filed for an annulment.) When he returned to San Antonio in 2015, he and Andira Abdelaziz resumed their affair, careful to keep their relatives in the dark, she said.

By July of that year, she testified, Mohammed Abdelaziz was abusing drugs and demanding that she obey his every wish.

I felt trapped. There were normal times, and times he bruised me so bad I couldnt dress myself, Andira Abdelaziz told the jury. But he would always apologize and say hed never do it again.

At a Dunkin Donuts on Portranco Road, he punched her face repeatedly, she testified, adding, I thought he was going to kill me and leave me there. Prosecutors later noted that no surveillance video from the store recorded such an incident. Andira Abdelaziz said store personnel told her the cameras only covered the front counter and drive-through, not the outer parking lot where she said it happened.

By April 2016, the beatings were more frequent, she said. When he came to her home to see her and punched holes in the wall or broke light fixtures, Andira Abdelaziz testified, she would enlist other relatives to say they had been fighting there, hoping to keep deceiving her husband about the affair.

In the early hours of Aug. 9, 2016, having just returned to San Antonio from Palestine, Mohammed Abdelaziz sent dozens of texts, but I ignored them, she said. I was afraid of him.

By text, Mohammed ordered her to sleep on her sofa, not with her husband.

Death is more honorable than life with a (expletive) whore like you.  You dont dare decide to sleep with him  go to sleep on the couch before I put you in a (expletive) coma, he wrote.

When the police left, he chased Andira Abdelaziz into the house, she testified.

I ran into the kitchen and grabbed a knife from the counter, Andira Abdelaziz said. And when my son came out from his room he came up to Mohammed and that made him turn around, and thats when I stabbed him.

Prosecutor Clayton Haden wasnt buying her story, suggesting that all the lies and deceit on your part to cover up the affair had been perfected to conceal a murder.

You never called the police before the day of the killing, never took any photos, dont have any documentation, right? Haden demanded. The shame you wanted to avoid for the affair, thats not enough reason to stab a man to death, is it?

Finally, over her attorneys strenuous objections, Haden asked the defendant to come down from the witness stand and demonstrate how she stabbed a lover-turned-abuser. State Distric Judge Sid Harle didnt force her to do that.

The trial continues Wednesday in the 226th District Court.

Bruce Selcraig is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. | BSelcraig@express-news.net
A panel charged with reviewing and making recommendations on local campaign finance laws has concluded its work and will recommend to the City Council that both contribution limits and transparency be increased.

A seven-member panel appointed by Mayor Ron Nirenberg with input from council members, the Campaign Finance Task Force decided Tuesday to recommend that contribution limits be increased by 50 percent. For more than a dozen years, donors could give no more than $500 per cycle to a council candidate and no more than $1,000 to a mayoral candidate.

The task force is recommending those numbers increased to $750 and $1,500, respectively.

Other Texas municipalities maintain varying limits on campaign contributions, and there are limits for federal office. But state candidates, including counties, have no limits on how much money they can accept.

Chairman Mike Beldon, a local business owner whos been politically active locally for decades, will present the recommendations later this month to the councils Governance Committee. He was in the minority of task force members who believed the limits should not increase.

Ive never heard anybody make the argument that more money is good for politics, he said.

But a slim majority of the task force, including two former council candidates  Melissa Cabello Havrda and Mari Aguirre-Rodriguez  successfully argued for increasing limits. They maintain that the ability to accept more money would allow candidates to spend less time fundraising and more time engaging with would-be constituents.

Beldon, a former chairman of the Edwards Aquifer Authority, said he suspects candidates wont save any time on fundraising  theyll just raise more funds. A member of the so-called donor class, Beldon said candidates ask for the maximum allowable amount, whatever that threshold may be.

Though the task force was composed of seven appointees, it was five of them who did the brunt of the work: Beldon, Havrda, Aguirre-Rodriguez, Adriana Garcia, and Christy Kaupert  an Alamo Colleges professor who provided research for the group.

The task force met three times.

Lauren Sides never attended a meeting but participated in one conference call, and Micah Salinas, from Frost Bank, never attended a meeting.

The task force will also recommend that the City Council enact an ordinance that requires that candidates disclose the occupation and employer of anyone who gives them $100 or more, in aggregate, during a campaign-finance cycle.

Thats a win for Councilman John Courage, who has pushed for increased transparency in local campaign finance since winning the District 9 seat in 2017.

But increasing campaign contributions gives the councilman pause.

Its always a concern when we're talking about an influx of dollars in the political process, he said in a statement after the task force meeting. But I don't feel the suggested increases will hurt our campaign financing so long as we are moving forward with full disclosure.

The councils Governance Committee, led by Nirenberg, is expected to officially receive the task forces recommendations on June 20. The full council would likely vote on the changes the next day, during an A-session meeting.

A quick turnaround is essential if the changes are to take effect before the next campaign-finance cycle, which begins in July.

The task force was created after the citys Ethics Review Board, or ERB, considered some changes and asked that another group weigh in.

I appreciate the efforts of the volunteers who took up the ERBs charge to examine the contribution limit and disclosure rules for municipal candidates. I look forward to receiving their recommendations and acting upon their work, Nirenberg said in a statement.

Josh Baugh is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | jbaugh@express-news.net | @jbaugh
The big cities of this state are all grappling with the same housing affliction: housing stock that cant keep pace with rapid population growth and sky-high home appraisals driving people out of their neighborhoods.

Home sharing, in the form of short-term rental companies such as Airbnb and HomeAway, has served as both a remedy and a cause for the disease. Just like cholesterol, home sharing comes in good and bad forms.

On one hand, residents who periodically rent out a room of their house are generating extra income that helps them cope with rising property taxes. On the other hand, non-residents who start buying homes purely to create de-facto hotels (so-called type 2 rentals) damage the fabric of neighborhoods and reduce the amount of available long-term housing.

The challenge is to find a governing sweet spot that respects the freedom of the individual homeowner while also providing enough regulation to protect neighborhoods and provide a fair playing field for the traditional lodging industry.

In San Antonio, finding a solution has been a year-long adventure, featuring more than 20 stakeholder meetings and the input of a 24-person task force composed of reps from neighborhood groups, the short-term rental business, the apartment association and development community.

A draft ordinance went to a City Council B-session in April but council members asked for the Development Services Department to fine-tune it.

Read more: Can HOA tell people to stop feeding cats?

Michael Shannon, the director of Development Services, said he hopes to get a new version of the ordinance before the councils Governance Committee in a couple of weeks.

That process probably wont be affected by a May 25 Texas Supreme Court decision on home sharing, but make no mistake, that ruling has blood pressures rising faster than home appraisals.

The case involved deed restrictions imposed by San Antonios Timberwood Park Owners Association, mandating that its homes could only be used as single-family residences. The association argued that Kenneth Tarr, a Timberwood Park homeowner who moved to Houston and began renting his home to various groups, violated the restrictions.

The court, however, sided with Tarr, concluding that even if multiple families rented the home over the course of a year, the home was still being used  at any given time  as a single-family residence.

Colleen Waguespack, the chair of Northside Neighborhoods for Organized Development, expressed concern that the court essentially threw out HOA deed restrictions designed to regulate how a subdivisions homes are used.

A protection that many homeowners thought they had against short-term rentals is now basically invalidated, Waguespack said. I dont know if other language can be crafted to protect those HOAs again.

In order to counteract the courts decision, HOAs will face the difficult process of rewriting its deed restrictions.

Its expensive and time-consuming, Waguespack said. You have to have legal counsel draft new restrictions and then they have to be passed by a large percentage of your current homeowners.

The court decision means that deed restrictions wont protect HOAs from the same short-term rental challenges that have stymied historic neighborhoods in the rest of the city.

Related: Controversial downzoning proposal fails at Zoning Commission

Manny Pelaez, the first-term District 8 councilman, said the verdict puts gated subdivisions such as the Dominion in the same legal boat as historic neighborhoods such as King William or Dignowity Hill.

Youve got a lot of homeowners in King William who are looking to us to help make sure their neighborhood maintains its character and doesnt turn into a row of bed and breakfasts, Pelaez said. And the Dominion had never really been worried about it.

Now, arguably, Dominion homes are up for grabs for short-term rental property investors. Does that mean the Dominion  or any other HOA  has an obligation to give out its gate codes to a person whos only staying there overnight?

HOA deed restrictions dont fall under the citys jurisdiction, but look for the final draft of the citys short-term rental ordinance to distinguish between the two types of short-term rentals.

We think that there should a distinction between an owner-occupied and a non-owner-occupied short-term rental, Shannon said. That was one of the more readily accepted principles of the (draft) ordinance. Now, how you regulate them is the debate.

Twitter: @gilgamesh470

Gilbert Garcia is a San Antonio Express-News columnist. Read more of his stories here. | ggarcia@express-news.net | @gilgamesh470
Weighing concerns over property rights with a desire to rejuvenate the South Side, a divided Zoning Commission on Tuesday failed to support a city proposal to downzone businesses it believes are hampering economic development near the mission World Heritage sites.

The commission voted 5-3 in favor of the downzoning, which is intended to bring economic development to the South Side by correcting what many perceive as an overabundance of auto shops, motels and industrial businesses on corridors such as Roosevelt Avenue and Presa Street. But a zoning change requires six votes to win approval, so the commission is technically making a recommendation of denial to City Council, which is set to consider the proposal in August.

Im concerned that this is moving very fast, and we havent considered the people, commission member Patricia Gibbons said. I think that we find ourselves in a danger zone when we start to use the arm of the government to take away what you have built, and you have paid for, and you own.

Under the proposal, from the citys World Heritage Office, dozens of business would have their zoning reduced from C-2 commercial, which allows for unlimited building size and a wide range of uses, to C-1 light commercial zoning. Businesses in a C-1 district are limited to 5,000 square feet and uses that act as a buffer next to residential areas, such as grocery and furniture stores.

Zoning Commission first considered the citys proposal in April, when it voted to allow more time for property owners and the city to work out a compromise. Since then, commission members have gone down to the South Side to visit with some of the business owners who would be downzoned.

Related: City searches for the regulatory sweet spot with short-term rentals

I believe that weve got a good start here, said commission member Joy McGhee, who supported the citys proposal. The downzoning would bring about a lot of the plans that will improve the quality of life and a sustainable economy on the South Side.

The proposal has exposed fault lines among South Side residents, who are confronting the question of how to preserve their neighborhood while accepting new development and an influx of tourists after the missions became World Heritage sites in 2015.

Local residents spent more than two hours commenting on the citys proposal Tuesday, with about 10 of them supporting it and 16 against. They all seemed to agree that growth was good for the South Side, which has long lagged behind other parts of San Antonio in infrastructure and economic development, but they disagreed about whether downzoning was the right way to do it.

Many South Siders support the citys effort, including the neighborhood associations for Mission San Jose and Roosevelt Park. They want new retail businesses such as coffee shops and restaurants to open on Roosevelt and Presa. Some parts of those streets are dominated by auto shops  there are about 10 of them on the mile-long stretch of Roosevelt between Southcross and Military Drive, for example.

This mission corridor has been a sleeping giant for way too long. We have so much potential and possibilities, and we have not yet shown the full extent of our economic power, South Side resident Rosemary Anguiano said at the meeting. It is time for a transformation, not only to benefit those who live in the area, but for our local businesses. We need to welcome our tourists to remain in the surrounding areas of the missions and spend their money here.

The business owners who would be downzoned say that it would violate their property rights. Some of the businesses have been around for decades, or even half a century. Brady Alexander, president of the Hot Wells Neighborhood Association, said he has collected more than 200 signatures opposing the downzoning, including 68 from the business owners.

The city says existing businesses would be grandfathered into the new zoning, meaning they could stay there indefinitely and could be sold or passed to relatives, as long as they dont close for more than a year.

But many owners are skeptical, worrying that they wouldnt be able to reopen their businesses if a catastrophe forced them to close. They also fear that the lower zoning would reduce their property values.

Read more: Census: San Antonio ranks No. 1 in cities' population growth

The people in the community are the world heritage. We were here way before the designation. We are what makes it what it is today, and were proud of it, said Olga Martinez, president of the Villa Coronado Neighborhood Association. If developers want to come in, let them buy them out at their price, if they want to sell. Dont take their property rights away from them.

Under the direction of District 3 City Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran, the city removed properties on Roosevelt Avenue between Military Drive and Loop 410 from the downzoning proposal before Tuesdays meeting.

The City is working with those property owners to find a workable solution to their concerns and that rezoning will be taken up at a later date, Viagrans spokeswoman Susy Romero said in an email. The immediate concern is the protection of the missions.

The initiative is part of the citys broader effort to improve the areas around the missions, which became international tourist destinations when they achieved World Heritage status in 2015. The citys most recent bond package included $13 million to rehabilitate Roosevelt into a landscaped corridor friendly to pedestrians and cyclists, as well as $5 million for Presa.

The city is raising the zoning designations of some properties to encourage greater density  for example, several acres of land where developer James Lifshutz plans to build a mixed-use project around the ruins of the Hot Wells resort, which Bexar County would turn into a park.

Many of the opponents said they wished the city would break up its proposal into smaller pieces or seek the downzoning of each property individually. They asked why some properties, such as the highly visible Calumet oil refinery on South Presa Street, were not included.

For them, a lot of these residents, this is their retirement, South Side resident Tom Cortez said at the meeting. A lot of these people dont have 401(k)s. This is their 401(k). Theyd like to pass this on.

Richard Webner is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | rwebner@express-news.net | @RWebner
John Woike / Hartford Courant

Connecticut deserves a leader who will fix the broken criminal justice system that threatens the safety and security of our families and communities, says Tim Herbst, the former Trumbull first selectman, who is seeking the Republican gubernatorial nomination.

But a Hearst Connecticut Media fact check shows that crime is down and prison populations are at record lows, according to FBI statistics and the state Department of Correction. Between 2009 and 2017, criminal arrests fell by 29 percent. The prison population was reduced by 30 percent between 2008 and 2018, fueled mostly by a 28 percent drop in prison admissions between 2009 and 2017.
FAIRFIELD  Police were busy Monday morning trying to capture the men breaking into cars and stealing two cars from the towns Southport section.

Officers were notified by Westport police around 4:30 a.m. about car break-ins near the town line, and they believed a white SUV, possibly with New York plates, was involved. A 2017 white Porsche Cayenne was then spotted on the Post Road near South Pine Creek Road. The car had Connecticut plates and was registered to a Willow Street address.

When the officer attempted to stop the Porsche, it took off at a high rate of speed onto Interstate 95, along with a gray Ford Fusion that had been reported stolen out of Seymour.

Fairfield officers caught up with the Porsche near Exit 25, but lost sight in the torrential rains near Exit 27a. Shortly after that, Westport police were on I-95, trying unsuccessfully to stop a white Nissan Murano that was headed north. That Nissan had been stolen from a Southport Woods Drive home.

In both cases, the SUVs were unlocked and the keys were inside.

There were several unlocked cars that were entered on Kings Highway West, Evelyn Street, Larbert Road and Woodrow Avenue. In most cases, nothing was reported missing, although a Larbert Road resident said a $150 pair of sunglasses was taken, and two credit cards were taken from the glove box of a car on Woodrow Avenue.

An Evelyn Street residents home surveillance caught two of the thieves wearing hooded sweatshirts on video. They can be seen walking up the driveway, and then about 20 seconds later walking back down the driveway. That resident said his cars were locked and were not entered.

Lt. Robert Kalamaras again urged residents to make to take valuables out of their cars, lock the cars and take the keys. It was the second time, according to the police reports, the Southport Woods Drive resident had his Murano stolen. It was stolen last October, and when the officer advised him he might want to consider locking his car, the owner allegedly said he would leave his car unlocked if he wanted to.
ORWELL, Ohio  A key part of Magyar Farms in Ashtabula County is making changes, and those changes are why the farm is still productive today  102 years later.

Jeff Magyar and his family milked cows until 2007, when they made the switch to focus only on growing grain. The farm had been leaning toward grain in the years leading up to the transition, and following the death of Jeffs father, Robert, in 2008, the Magyars became a full-time grain operation.

Today, the family farms about 3,000 of their own acres and rents an additional 550-600 acres in Ashtabula and Trumbull counties. The Magyars grow corn, and food-grade soybeans that are marketed to Japan.

The farm also operates public grain storage in partnership with Centerra Co-op, which gives farmers a local market to sell their grain.

The Magyars began their grain storage operation about eight years ago, with what was then known as Western Reserve Farmers Co-op. That cooperative merged with Centerra in the spring of 2017.

Family effort

Although Jeff, 55, oversees the farms operations, he relies on the support of his staff, which includes two daughters, Rebecca Waldo and Allison Magyar, who are both trained in grain handling and testing. Another daughter, Michelle French, is an attorney in Jefferson, and his son, Robert, lives and works in New York. His wife, Marybeth, works at St. Joes Hospital in Warren.

Maintaining his own farm and a grain elevator requires a lot of balance, but with the help of his daughters, Jeff is able to do both.

The Magyars constructed new grain bins where the dairy facility was previously located, and the farm now has a storage capacity of about 600,000 bushels. The equipment buildings are constructed of concrete and steel, and built to outlast the typical pole barn. The mill office and farm shop are also new, and set up to weigh and grade farmers loads as they arrive.

His facility is everything we could wish for, but its people who make it what it is, said Jean Bratton, CEO of Centerra.

Being flexible

Bratton said the co-op gets good reviews from farmers who do business at Magyar Farms, including one customer who called to tell her how pleased he was that the Magyars were able to work him in over the Thanksgiving holiday.

She said it helps having an experienced farmer run the facility, and one who knows the challenges of farming and harvest season. The Magyars reach out to area farmers, and vice versa, to make sure delivery times are convenient and accessible.

Jeff also serves farmers on a much larger scale, as a member of the Ohio Soybean Association board of trustees, and he is treasurer of the Ohio Soybean Council. Through the soybean council, he advocates for the use and research of soybeans, and helps oversee the organizations checkoff program.

Farmers currently pay one half of one percent per bushel of soybeans, to support the checkoff.

According to Jeff, the money helps maintain and advance the soybean market.

A lot of people dont understand the checkoff or why they take money out of your check, he said. I thought the same thing until I got on the board and saw all the products theyve developed.

Balancing act

One of the challenges for any farmer is finding the time to get everything done  and thats especially true for Jeff, because of all his involvements. In addition to his soybean positions, he is active in the local Farm Bureau and is a Wayne Township Trustee.

Springtime is always busy at the Magyar Farm, where soils have a tendency to be more wet than most of the state.

However, the Magyars combat the wet soils with track-based equipment and precision farming, which helps reduce the number of passes across the field. In the summer and fall, the extra soil moisture is an advantage, because the farm is less susceptible to drought.

The Magyars grow mostly corn and soybeans, along with some hay and oats. Jeff is considering growing malting barley, if the market continues to grow in northeast Ohio.

Aside from grain farming, he also produces maple syrup, as a partner in the Deer Run Maple brand. This past year, he processed about 12,000 taps, with help from his business partner, Ray Gingerich.

Jeffs advice for grain farmers is you cant take shortcuts, and thats especially true at his own operation. Most of his land is tiled, with about 3 million feet of tile, and he owns his own tile machine.

Around here, we can grow a good crop if you can keep the ground drained, he said. Our chances of having a drought with the lake-effect rain are nil.

On the flip side, his water drains into three major watersheds, so conservation and nutrient management is important. The Magyars plant cover crops, which Jeff said is especially important for doing business in the Asian market, which is big into sustainable agriculture.

Reconstruction project

One of the most recent farm projects has been to clean up and reconstruct buildings that were damaged by a tornado that struck last fall. The storm destroyed one of the farms machinery sheds, but no one was hurt and damage was mostly limited to one building.

As the farm finishes the reconstruction, Jeff is considering whether he might one day be able to offer customers additional services, such as fertilizer sales. For now, the grain elevator is limited to a grain delivery location  but he said he is open to growth and new ideas.

He said hes happy to be a partner with Centerra, and what the merger brings to local farmers.

I think the merger of the two (cooperatives) has been a positive for the area, he said. We can offer so many more services that a (smaller) co-op couldnt.
Cereals 2022 returns to Lincolnshire on Wed 8th June to 9th June.



Cereals is the UKs technical event for the arable industry. Organised by Comexposium, the organisers of SIMA, Cereals benefits from the knowledge and expertise of a global agricultural event organiser, with a knowledgeable and dedicated UK event team.



Join farmers, agronomists, and industry experts at Cereals to discover the latest arable innovations, hear from key opinion leaders, and find the best arable products and services to help grow their businesses.





Rural Accommodation near this Show




Place Your Advert

Thousands of Active jobseekers are looking for new agricultural positions in 2020. Call us now to discuss the options for advertising your vacancy in our job section.
Farmers in Scotland have welcomed the decision to ban a huge sky lantern festival which would have taken place at a country estate in Dumfries and Galloway.

The Light Fest, organised by a US company which promises families to "ignite their personalised sky lanterns with Tiki torches and let them take flight," has now been cancelled at an event scheduled for 11 August.

It was due to take place on the Springkell estate near Lockerbie, but it attracted heavy criticism from local farmers.

Farmers in Dumfries and Galloway said the timing of the event was particularly bad since harvest would be under way.

The industry has frequently warned of the damage the sky lanterns bring to livestock health and farm buildings, which pose a threat as a dangerous fire hazard.

Environmentalists are also concerned that sky lantern waste causes mass litter and hurts wildlife.

NFU Scotland policy manager Penny Middleton said: While this is a welcome, common-sense decision, it shouldnt require a campaign to achieve this result.

Chinese lanterns can cause untold damage as there is no control over where these burning structures of paper, metal and wood decide to land. That means they present an unacceptable risk to animal health, property and farmland at any time of year.

NFU Scotlands long-standing position is that the release of these seemingly innocent devices should be permanently banned.

The campaign success follows recent news of a move by BBC Radio One which saw sky lanterns banned at its 'Biggest Weekend' festival, which took place in May.
The NFU Has written to the Competition and Markets Authority expressing concern over the Asda and Sainsbury's merger.

The farming union has officially registered its interest with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the proposed merger of Sainsbury's and Asda.

NFU Director General Terry Jones expressed concern in the letter to the CMA on the potential for such a large merger to have a negative effect on competition and consumer interest.

The NFU will be examining the merger "very carefully", Mr Jones says. It will be undertaking its own modelling to examine the effects it could have on farm businesses and their offering to the public.

With news of the merger, there are growing concerns around the financial impact on suppliers and issues of monopoly and competitiveness.

Mr Jones said: Farmers and growers form the foundations of grocery supply chains  providing the British public with safe, traceable and affordable food for all incomes.

The consolidation of retail buying power has been of great concern to our members for many years. If buyers working for this enlarged business abuse its market power and make unreasonable demands on suppliers by transferring excessive risk and unexpected cost to suppliers, which in turn damages their ability to innovate and invest, then ultimately this will impact on choice and availability for shoppers.

Mr Jones added: From recent reports we also understand that ministers in both BEIS and Defra have called for the CMA to consider the impact on the supply chain and especially on small suppliers. The NFU welcomes these calls and we have asked the CMA to outline how they will reflect this in their investigation.

The NFU's letter follows two influential parliamentary committees writing a joint letter to the CMA highlighting their concerns over the proposed merger.
Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward following the theft of 17 sheep from farmland in Dorset.

Dorset Police received a report that sometime overnight on Saturday 26 May, 17 cream-coloured Dorset Horn and Polled Dorset pedigree ewes were taken from a field in the area between Crossways, Owermoigne and Moreton.

Police Community Support Officer Sarah Hart, of Dorchester police, said: I am appealing to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area over the weekend, such as any 4x4 or trailer movements at night, or who has any information that could assist with the investigation to please contact us.

We would also urge farmers and members of the rural community to be vigilant and report any suspicious vehicle movements they encounter."

Dorset has recently seen an increase in livestock crime. In April, around 50 sheep were stolen from a farm in Child Okeford.

The news follows the release of data that shows rural crime cost the UK 44.5m in 2017, with the future trend showing a rise in this form of crime as thieves become more brazen as they target the countryside.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180080665.
Sheep farmers will be using the popularity of agricultural shows and events this summer to spread the message of responsible dog ownership.

With a busy summer ahead, farmers are looking to the many shows taking place in the coming weeks and months as the ideal opportunity to reach out to members of the public.

Farmers are seeking ways to promote responsible dog ownership to reduce incidences of sheep worrying.

Leading rural insurer NFU Mutual recently revealed that the cost of claims related to livestock worrying has reached a record level of 1.6 million across the UK.

The figures follow the release of a report by the All Party Parliamentary Animal Welfare Group which shows more than 1,800 farm animals have been killed by dog attacks in the space of four years.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is now asking sheep farmers to get involved in any way they can.

The work of NSA to highlight the serious problem of sheep worrying by dogs is well recognised by farmers and the wider public.

However, the group said it needs to continue its work to build positive relationships with the dog-owning public to ensure improved behaviour of the minority of dog walkers that allow their animals to run free around livestock, often with devastating results.

'Positive message'

NSA Communications Officer, Katie James said the number of "completely avoidable attacks" on sheep has caused increasing frustration.

But she says browbeating the public and portraying negative messages about shooting dogs is not an effective message.

We want to share a positive message about dog owners enjoying the beautiful landscapes in Britain, which are created by the hard work of sheep farmers, and to do so responsibly and consider the impact an attack can have on farmers business and livelihood, Mrs James said.

For several years NSA has collected data and opinions on sheep worrying attacks to gain an insight into its severity and unseen consequences.

Results from NSA surveys have highlighted the seriousness of the issue, including statistics such as 85% of sheep farmers whove suffered sheep worrying attacks experiencing feelings of stress and anxiety, leading to almost a quarter of those affected considering giving up sheep farming as a result.

'Personal angle'

Mrs James said the personal angle is an important one to share when talking about attacks on sheep, as dog owners often think their pets are just playing and do not understand the wider picture.

We want to help them understand the people affected by the crime and how it all links to the management of the great British countryside and vital role of rural communities, she added.

Another element of this is having the statistics to back up our claims, as the official crime figures are only the tip of the iceberg. It is very difficult for NSA and others working in this area to gain the attention of the public or the Government when the figures suggest its only a small problem.

NSA understands the reluctance of farmers to report attacks, but if we are to build up an accurate picture of the true scale of the problem, it is vital that every time sheep are worried it is reported to the police and a crime or incident number issued.

Farmers will be spreading the messages of improving relations with the wider public and the importance of reporting attacks at shows and events throughout the summer.
'There's No Truth'

"These things crop up when you are promoting a film, but when they linger longer than they're supposed to, one needs to nip them in the bud and say there's no truth to them.

Also, because its leading to more and more stories which I don't appreciate. I have dismissed it so many times, but people are not listening to me," said Jacqueline.

During The Same Media Interaction, Salman Reveals Jacqueline Was The First Choice For 'London Dreams'

Speaking about Jacqueline Fernandez, Salman Khan revealed, "I know Jacqueline since the time she came down from Sri Lanka. She was being cast for London Dreams'.

But the movie was taking some time, so she did Aladdin'. Then came Kick'. She is a good girl. It is good fun working with her," he mentioned.

Jacqueline On How She Came On Board For Race 3

While speaking to Mumbai Mirror, Jacqueline revealed, "I had started prepping for the dance film (which Salman, Jacqueline and Daisy were supposed to star in). Two months before we were scheduled to start shooting, Salman told me that we weren't doing that film anymore. My heart sank."

And The Credit Goes To Salman!

"But then, he said we'd be doing Race 3' instead and I was thrilled to be returning to the franchise. We have made a lot of changes for the third installment with a completely new adventure. It's a completely different story revolving around a complicated family," added Jacqueline.

Jacqueline Says There's No One Like Salman Khan

Speaking about her shooting experience with Salman, she said, "It (Race 3' shoot) got over too fast. I have a lot of fun on film sets but this one was different. Salman ensures that everyone on the sets bonds and works as a team."

Jacqueline Is All Praises For Salman

"I've worked on many multi-starrers, but that kind of initiative isn't seen everywhere. Things always work differently with Salman. Every day after the shoot all of us would meet up and discuss our scenes, listen to music and sometimes just chat," asserted Jacqueline.

Is The Dance Film On Cards?

"I know it's in the pipeline, but I haven't had any clarity on when it would happen. I have not confirmed anything yet. After Race 3' and (Tarun Mansukhani's) Drive', I am still deciding what to do next."

On a related note, Race 3 is all set to hit the theatres on June 15, 2018.
The United States military provided 525 sets or P178 million ($3.4 million) worth of Personal Protective Equipment to the Philippine Marine Special Operations Group (Marsog) and Inshore Boat Battalion, the embassy said on Wednesday. In a statement, the US Embassy in Manila said the PPE, which was already turned over on May 31, consisted of ballistic vests, lightweight, ballistic plates, tactical ballistic helmet, and accessories to improve further the Philippines effort for counterterrorism operations. The recent force protection equipment delivery will fill critical equipment gaps for Marine Operators within Marsog, a key Counterterrorism and Special Operations unit within the Philippine Marine Corps., the embassy stated. Meanwhile, the five-month battle to retake Marawi City from the clutches of Maute-ISIS Group terrorists showed the AFP had to relearn its former skills like fighting in urban terrain. This was disclosed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in an interview aired Tuesday by the ABS-CBN News Channel. The interview took place in Singapore on the sidelines of the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue on June 1 to 3. [Previous] lessons we learned in urban area [fighting], which was a skill we used to have but lost along the way because we dont use it [to train] people on what we call the military operations in urbanized terrain, we never use it, so we stop teaching people until Marawi has come so now we have to reacquire that skill plus the necessary equipment that goes with it, Lorenzana lamented. A total 168 soldiers and police officers were killed in the bloody fighting, which started May 23, 2017 and ended in October last year. An estimated 1,000 Maute-ISIS Group terrorists, including then ISIS emir in Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon, and Maute co-founder, Omar Maute, were killed in the government offensive.The US Embassy said the equipment would provide increased protection for personnel conducting counterterrorism operations, as well as operations against transnational threats, specifically in the southern Philippines. The United States, as a longstanding ally of the Philippines, continues to provide support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines through both grant assistance and expedited sales of arms and munitions to assist both long-term AFP modernization goals and urgent counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief requirements. Meanwhile, the Philippines and the US government recently reaffirmed their mutual commitment to combat human trafficking of adults and children. In a recent meeting, both US Embassy Charge dAffaires Michael Klecheski and Acting Philippine Secretary of Justice Menardo Guevarra pledged to prioritize the fight against human trafficking, stating we are committed to doing more on this issue. Highlighting the progress already made, Klecheski credited the Philippine governments leadership that resulted in a Tier 1 ranking in the 2016 and 2017 Trafficking in Persons Reports. Both officials also pledged their continued support for the bilateral Child Protection Compact Partnership. This partnership, signed by the two governments on April 11, 2017, strengthens response efforts to two types of child trafficking, the sexual exploitation of children online and child labor trafficking, through a victim-centered approach to prosecuting traffickers and ensuring specialized services for child victims.
Disha's Sizzling White Monokini

Disha Patani chilling by the pool in a white monokini is the best image you can see the entire month! She's set the bar too high with this one, folks!

Tiger Shroff Goes Shirtless

If Disha Patani's hotness was not enough, Tiger Shroff set the temperatures soaring with his shirtless picture and posed sporting only a red shorts.

Disha Patani's Maldivian Holiday

Disha Patani has been posting swimsuit pictures the whole week on her Instagram handle and her fans are loving every bit of it.

Hot & Sizzling Pictures

We hope Disha Patani and Tiger Shroff stay in Maldives for many more weeks as we'll get to see hot and sizzling pictures like these for many days to come.

A Million Likes

Disha Patani's latest swimsuit pictures from Maldives received over a million likes each and her fans are eagerly waiting for more.

Living The Dream

After the success of Baaghi 2, Disha Patani and Tiger Shroff didn't have time to relax and now they're chilling and enjoying their time being free.

Major Holiday Goals

If Disha Patani and Tiger Shroff are not giving you major holiday goals through these pictures, then we wonder what else will, folks!
What's Brewing, Guys?

A DNA report quoted a source as saying, "Arjun and Natasa got acquainted while working on Daddy and they have apparently kept in touch with each other."

Who Is Natasa Stankovic?

Natasa is a Serbian actress who starred in a special song, Zindagi Meri Dance Dance, in Arjun Rampal's last film Daddy. Reportedly since then, the two have kept in touch.

Arjun Reacts To His Link-Up Reports

The actor dismissed link-up reports by sharing this photo and captioning it as, "Some mornings start with freshly brewed coffee , others with freshly stirred link ups ! Right now it's just my cuppa and me ... #newstome"

Arjun & Mehr Call It Quits

While announcing their separation, the couple issued a joint statement that read, "After a 20-year-long beautiful journey filled with love and beautiful memories, we would like to share, that all journeys have different paths. We feel that it is time for us to move on to different destinations henceforth. We have always been solid when it has come to us, we will continue to be solid for each other and our loved ones, as we embark upon a new journey."

Arjun Has Moved Out Of His Family House

As per a Pinkvilla report, the actor has moved out of his family home and will be staying at a 2BHK owned by a friend until the divorce comes through.

The Reasons For The Separation

A source had earlier informed a leading daily that it was Arjun Rampal's closeness to Sussanne Khan, fall out with close friends Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan and flop film produced by their production company because of which the couple decided to part ways.
When Priyanka's First Film Got Shelved

It was Vijay Galani's untitled film which was to be directed by Mahesh Manjrekar and in the film Priyanka was supposed to pair opposite Bobby Deol. But after featuring in the Mahurat shot, a nose surgery played the villain for her.

"The media was there in full strength and Prakash Jaju, her secretary, kept asking me to go and meet her," Gilani was quoted by Scroll.in as said in Bharati S Pradhan's book Priyanka Chopra: The Dark Horse.'

Priyanka's Nose Bridge Had Collapsed

"So I went to her room where she was doing her make-up and that's when I realised why Jaju had been egging me to go meet her. She'd just had some nasal surgery done in where the bridge of her nose had collapsed.

I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I had a little bit of shooting here in and then a long schedule planned in. How could we shoot with the heroine's nose looking the way it did?"

Priyanka Wasn't Perturbed

"But Priyanka herself wasn't one bit perturbed," remarked Galani. "She was absolutely confident that it was a temporary situation and that the nose would settle down in a month's time, definitely by the time we left for London."

Bobby Deol Was Sceptical About Priyanka's Nose

A month had passed and her nose was still an issue. Bobby Deol was also not comfortable with Priyanka's nose looking a tad bit weird. He was also ready to return the signing amount. On the other side, Mahesh Manjrekar's market value too crashed owing to a spate of flops at the box-office. Galani then shelved the film.

But Gilani Knew That Priyanka Would Become A Good Actress

"In those five to six days that she worked with me, we knew that she was a powerful actress. Bahut achcha kaam kiya (She put in some excellent work)," applauded Galani who missed the opportunity to be the man who launched Priyanka Chopra.

Make-up Artiste Jaywant Thakre Reveals PeeCee Lost 7 Films During That Time

While revealing that owing to her nose surgery disaster, Priyanka lost seven films, he said, "When I did the make-up for Shilpa Shetty during Dhadkan, there was a cut clearly visible across her nose (after cosmetic surgery). It was my job as the make-up man to take care of it and nobody saw that cut in the film."

"Between the make-up man and the cameraman, such things can be easily handled. Priyanka's nose was also manageable. It wasn't the kind of disaster that the media and the industry made it out to be."

After Nose, Priyanka Underwent Lips Surgery & Even That Too Went Wrong

Anil Sharma, who actually launched Priyanka Chopra reveals, "After signing her, I'd gone to the US and Canada for three or four months. When I came back and started working on the script, I began to hear that she'd had some surgery done, that she wanted pouting lips like Julia Roberts."

Everything Was Going Against Priyanka

"I hadn't met her for a while because after my first few meetings with her, I was confident that she would be a very good actress, I knew that I wouldn't have to slog over her performance... But when I returned, I met Pravinbhai of Time (then a popular production house) and he told me that she'd been dropped from three or four films."

Anil Sharma Refused To Recognize Priyanka

"He also put a photograph before me. Of a girl in a bathing suit coming out of the pool. I told him, This is not Priyanka, this is someone else. This girl is really awful looking while Priyanka is a pretty girl with a beautiful smile.' He insisted that the girl in the photograph was Priyanka. I was shocked, so I called her and she came to meet me with her mother..."

Priyanka Was About To Leave Mumbai & Return To Bareilly

When I looked at her, I burst out angrily and asked her, Where was the need to do all this?' Mother and daughter got very emotional at this meeting and they explained that she'd had surgery done, it would take six to seven months for the nose to heal.

Since she'd been dropped from three or four other films, they were going back to Bareilly and they returned my cheque to me. Yes, that was a very dignified thing to do. They were very decent, cultured people," he noted appreciatively.

Priyanka Made It To Her Debut And The Rest Is History..

"She was determined, unmein kshamta thi (she had the ability), that's why she succeeded. As a film-maker, I had only the small role of presenting her on the screen in the right way," he asserted.

"I used to tell her that she had very seductive eyes and a lovely husky voice. I knew she'd do very well. Par kitni door kaun jata hai yeh toh Ishwar hi bata sakta hai (But how far a person will go is something only god can tell you). By god's grace, her choice of films also turned out well for her."

Inputs From Scroll.In
Sanju, Rajkumar Hirani's ambitious biopic on one of Bollywood's most controversial stars -- Sanjay Dutt, is a warts and all tale, according to Paresh Rawal. Rawal, who is in the role of Dutt's father, actor-politician Sunil Dutt, says the movie is not a sympathetic look at the actor's tumultuous life. "Raju doesn't do any whitewashing," he told PTI.

"Why sell lies when you are making a biopic? A person should be presented as real and should not be glorified... You can make a biopic on any interesting person but if it's not written well, then it will not be effective. It is very challenging to show a real life character without fictionalising it and yet retaining the drama element."

To play Sunil Dutt was challenging yet alluring for Rawal as the actor did not have a lot to fall back upon, having met the late actor twice or thrice briefly.

Rawal says he decided to tap in on the human side of the elder Dutt as Hirani's film is a father-son story. Thedirector had worked with both the Dutts in "Munna Bhai MBBS".

"I was always fan of him as a producer and as a human being. As an actor, he was not my favourite but as a producer, the kind of socially relevant films he made, like 'Mujhe Jeene Do', 'Reshma Aur Shera', they were amazing," he says.

"Unlike Sanjay Dutt, he didn't have any typical mannerism. He was a normal human being, his core thing was his honesty, his niceness, he was person of principles and believed in truth. As an artiste we had to get that truthfulness right onscreen."

While Hirani and Abhijat Joshi's "brilliant" screenplay helped him a lot, Rawal had to connect with the emotional side of the actor.

"It is a father-son story. It is about a father's trauma, his wife is ill, his son is into drugs, he has to take care of his political career and has to get his two daughters married.

"Also, he had to make sure to not let the family name get affected as both Dutt sahab and Nargisji had done a lot for the country for years and now their son was being called a terrorist. He was heart-broken but he chose to fight. He knew he (son) can make mistakes but he is not a terrorist," the actor adds.

Though Rawal never worked with Sunil Dutt, he has collaborated with Sanjay and says he has only grown as an actor with time.

"I have seen him go through the trauma in 1994 because we were shooting together inMauritius for 'Mahaanta'. He is a lovely guy, all heart, has no malice. He is a friendly, carefree guy but sometimes we do make mistakes and get trapped."

"Sanju" also features Manisha Koirala as Sanjay's mother Nargis, Sonam Kapoor as one of his girlfriends, Dia Mirza as his wife Manyata, and Vicky Kaushal as his friend. The film is scheduled to release on June 29.
Ramesh Pisharody is undoubtedly one of the most versatile talents of the Malayalam film industry, with him having proved his credibility as an anchor, an actor and most recently, as a film-maker. The actor-director is quite active on Facebook and he has joined the recent trend of #Kuthipokkals on the social media, but in a different way.

Interestingly, Ramesh Pisharody himself posted a flashback picture of his. In this interesting picture, Ramesh Pisharody could be seen dressed up as an injured person, whereas the photo also features two of his friends, who are dressed up in female avatars. It seems like all of them had underwent this makeover for a skit.

Take a look at the Facebook post of Ramesh Pisharody regarding the same..

Well, this photo that Ramesh Pisharody had posted on June 04, 2018 has turned out to be popular on social media circuits. The photo has so far received above 9K likes and 162 shares on Facebook.

On the work front, Ramesh Pisharody's debut directorial venture Panchavarna Thatha had emerged as a big commercial success. Now, the actor in him will be seen in some of the upcoming projects. Prominent among them is the Dhyan Sreenivasan starrer Sachin, in which Ramesh Pisharody will be seen essaying an important role.
On Tuesday(June 5,2018), the Karnataka High Court asked the State government to provide security to the theatres that would be screening Kaala from June 7, 2018. Shortly thereafter, Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy spoke about the situation and made a controversial statement. Speaking in a personal capacity, he said that the producers should refrain from releasing the film in Karnataka 'considering the situation'. However, at the same time, HDK made it clear that his government would follow the High Court's order and ensure that proper security is provided to the theatres/centres screening Kaala.

"It is the government's duty to respect the high court's orders. However, my personal opinion, as a Kannadiga, in such situation where there is opposition, it is ideal if they will not release the movie. As a government we will take all necessary measures, but if some organisations protest and because of this people don't turn up, under such circumstances, and when they don't allow our movies to be released, I feel they should not release the movie," added Kumaraswamy.

In case you did not know, during a protest meet, Rajini had spoken about the Cauvery and said that the Karnataka government should release the waters of Cauvery. Some groups described it as an 'anti-Karnataka' comment and asked for a ban on Kaala. Thereafter the film's distributor 'voluntarily' decided against releasing it in Karnataka and this added to the worries of the makers.

On a related note, Kaala is touted to be a crime-drama and has been directed by film-maker Pa Ranjith. In it, Rajini plays the role of a don while Bollywood's Nana Patekar essays the role of his rival. The film's trailer suggests that Kaala will have political undertones and touch upon the rise of the oppressed. The film features Huma Qureshi as the female lead and marks her Kollywood debut. She plays the role of Thalaiva's ex-lover and her chemistry with him is likely to be a highlight of the film.

So, are you looking forward to Kaala? Will the Karnataka situation affect its prospects? Tell us in the space below.
Mahi Drags The Kids To Pose!

Mahi was seen pulling her kids (who were running around at the party) to pose and asked to smile for the camera. This didn't go well with many!

Comments: Rafiquelubna3

The haters started trolling the actress and questioned Mahi's upbringing of the children. They even posted nasty comments. Rafiquelubna3 wrote, "What ever had been said above .... she mustn't get the kids involved in taking pictures .... adopted kids or her own."

Sanaya4563

"Look how @mahhivij is pulling the girls hand. And come on people talk of them adopting and all. Have you people ever seen then sharing pics of these kids on their insta accounts. I have not seen one. Publicity k mare. @ijaybhanushali @mahhivij."

Roaminginparadise

"The way she is pulling them seems like she is just using them to gain popularity. She don't seem to care about them as her own."

Trolls Dont Bother Mahi

This obviously didn't go well with the actress. When the actress was asked about the same, she told TOI, "It absolutely doesn't bother me. Such haters really need to get some positivity in their lives. Over social media, things aren't under ones control and can't alter or filter the hatred or love."

Mahi Responds To The Trolls

She further added, "I just feel that these people who have been on a spree in passing mean comments against my way of dealing with my kids, feel better when they spread negativity."

Mahi & Jays Bond With Adopted Kids

The actress also revealed the bond that she and Jay share with the (adopted) kids and their family, "Firstly, I know how to handle my kids. Their family has been with us for over 15 years now. They are family to us and the kids are adorable. Anyone will instantly fall in love with them."

I Absolutely Don't Need To Give Any Justification

She further added, "My friends who come over, see how I treat my babies and I absolutely don't need to give any justification or show how I deal with them to anyone else."

I Am Solely Enough To Get The Publicity

"For the ones trolling, they really need to get something better and positive in their lives to flush out the unwanted negativity from their minds. And as far as publicity gimmick is concerned, I am solely enough to get the publicity."
-Santa Cruz-Based The Amazing Protein Company To Feature Its Acclaimed Lika Line Of Delicious Vegan Entrees

-The Animal Rights National Conference Is The Movement's Leading Event for Newcomers and Longtime Activists Alike to Learn About Animal Issues, Discuss Strategies, Report Ground-Breaking Activism, Highlight Vegan Products & Organizations, Network, & More

-The Animal National Rights Conference Will Take Place June 28 - July 1 at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 5, 2018 / The Animal Rights National Conference (AR2018) (www.ARConference.org) has named Santa Cruz, California-based The Amazing Protein Company as its Official Food provider for this year's event to be held June 28-July 1 at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Los Angeles.

Ranking among the animal rights movement's leading national events, the Animal Rights National Conference (AR2018) is established to provide attendees with the latest in animal advocacy, news, and information. The annual event features 170+ presenters from 90 organizations and offers a wide array of educational sessions, networking events, video premieres, as well as more than 100 non-profit exhibits and cruelty free vendors. Visitors are welcome to attend the exhibit areas for free and receive a pass for one free daytime session.

The Amazing Protein Company's Lika entrees will be showcased exclusively for all the meals throughout the 3  day event. In addition, Lika will be a featured selection for the Awards Banquet on Saturday evening and closing celebration on Sunday. Highlighting The Amazing Protein Company's Lika offerings will be several of its newest entrees, including Lika Orange Chicken, Lika General Tso's Chicken, and Lika's high protein Vegan eggrolls.

Hailed as a game changer in the burgeoning vegan food category, because of its appeal to vegans and mainstream consumers alike, Amazing Protein Company introduced its Lika line in partnership with Whole Foods across their Southern Pacific Region in January. Lika represents the next generation of meat alternatives for the flourishing vegan market. While other vegan-prepared food products must be pre-seasoned due to their inability to absorb flavoring during the cooking process, the revolutionary Lika Food Preparation Technology empowers

Lika possesses the identical versatility people have come to expect from meat, including the ability to texture it from jerky to stew, utilizing the same diverse cooking methods chefs use for animal protein. As a result, Lika foods can be prepared as barbecued, fried, roasted, based, smoked or sauteed. LIka products absorb flavor even better than animal protein, including sauces marinades and spices - all without any after taste, preservatives or additives. Instead of the 20-35 ingredients in many plant proteins, Lika is made from only five natural, clean ingredients: wheat, mushroom, barley, yeast, and water.

"We are excited to have The Amazing Protein Company serve as Official Food Provider for the Animal Rights National Conference," said Jen Riley, Co-Chair of the Animal Rights National Conference. "The company's line of Lika-branded vegan entrees is certain to be a memorable highlight for attendees and we are grateful to The Amazing Protein Company's CEO and founder Swami Nathan for making Lika an important part of our event."

From the California company's meatballs, BBQ slices, breakfast patties and strips to its meatloaf, Buffalo wing nuggets and Southern Fried Chicken Nuggets, Lika Heat & Serve foods offer enhanced protein versatility that allows for diverse entrees within any canopy of cuisine - just like their meat counterparts. At the same time, the texture of Lika prepared cuisine is meaty yet tender, delicious with no harsh after-taste and completely satisfying without harming one's health - or the health of the planet. For the weight-conscious, Lika foods offer drastically reduced calories, saturated fats and cholesterol over their meat counterparts. And for the planet, each pound of Lika product saves 1,800 gallons of water.

About The Amazing Protein Company:

Headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, The Amazing Protein Company is the manufacturer of the Lika line of vegan cuisines. Representing a breakthrough in the art of vegan food preparation, the Company's Lika cuisines results from a proprietary Food Preparation technology that delivers foods already enjoyed by people the world over while perfectly preserving or improving flavor, texture, and nutrition.

For more information visit www.amazingprotein.com.

About the Animal Rights National Conference:

The Animal Rights National Conference is the U.S. animal rights movement's annual national conference. It is also the world's largest and longest-running animal rights gathering. It has been organized annually since 1981 by Farm Animal Rights Movement (www.farmusa.org) with some breaks between 1987 and 2000, then every year since 2000.

This year's event is co-sponsored by over three dozen organizations including A Well-Fed World, Animal Equality, Compassion Over Killing, Mercy For Animals, The Humane League, and many more. For more information, visit www.ARConference.org.

CONTACT:

SSA Public Relations

Steve Syatt

steve@ssapr.com

(818) 222-4000

SOURCE: SSA Public Relations
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2018) - Oracle Energy Corp. (TSXV: OEC) (FSE: O2E) ("Oracle" or the "Company") announces that it has closed its previously announced private placement financing (the "Financing") (see news release dated May 2, 2018) for gross proceeds of $1.5 million. Upon receiving regulatory approval the Company will be issuing a total of 13,043,480 units (the "Units"), with each Unit consisting of one common share and one common share purchase warrant (the "Unit Warrants"), each Unit Warrant entitling the holder to acquire one additional common share at a price of $0.20 per share for 24 months from closing. Proceeds from the Financing will be used for the development of the Company's Italmin project, reviewing and evaluating opportunities for the development of oil & gas leases in the Eagle Ford shale formation in South Texas, and for general working capital purposes. Finders' Fees totaling $93,332.52 will be paid and 811,587 broker warrants will be issued on closing.

The Financing was effected with 3 insiders of the Company subscribing for 2,371,457 Units for aggregate subscription proceeds of $272,717.56, that portion of the Financing a "related party transaction" as such term is defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements set out in MI 61-101. The Company is exempt from the formal valuation requirement of MI 61-101 under sections 5.5(a) and (b) of MI 61-101 in respect of the transaction as the fair market value of the transaction, insofar as it involves the interested party, is not more than 25% of the Company's market capitalization. Additionally, the Company is exempt from minority shareholder approval under sections 5.7(1)(a) and (b) of MI 61-101 as, in addition to the foregoing, (i) neither the fair market value of the Units nor the consideration received in respect thereof from interested party exceeds $2,500,000, (ii) the Company has one or more independent directors who are not employees of the Company, and (iii) all of the independent directors have approved the transaction. Material change reports were not filed 21 days prior to the closing of the financing because insider participation had not been established at the time the financing was announced.

All securities issued at closing are subject to a 4-month hold expiring October 7, 2018.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Nasim Tyab, Director

About Oracle Energy Corp.

Oracle Energy Corp. (TSXV: OEC) (FSE: O2E) is an international oil and gas exploration and development company.

For more information on Oracle Energy visit www.OracleEnergy.com

Phone: 604.558.0976

info@oracleenergy.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the 'safe harbour' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Tesla Inc. (TSLA) will 'quite likely' meet its goal of making 5,000 Model 3 cars in a single week by the end of the month, Chief Executive Elon Musk told investors on Tuesday. The Silicon Valley electric-car maker has demonstrated the ability to make 500 Model 3s a day, or 3,500 a week, already, he said. The company is pushing to meet the critical 5,000-a-week rate after twice delaying the deadline. Meeting the goal of 5,000 Model 3s a week by the end of June is crucial to generating enough cash to sustain operations without having to raise more capital. Tesla has faced increasing financial pressure after struggling to ramp production of the Model 3 that began assembly last July. He indicated Tesla aims to build 10,000 Model 3 cars a week next year. 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.
The Commission on Audit was urged Wednesday to conduct a special audit of Philippine Health Insurance Corp.s financial transactions for the past three years after its president Celestina Ma. Jude dela Serna was sacked by President Rodrigo Duterte over alleged excessive travels and mismanagement of agency funds. Senior Citizen Party-list Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay said the special audit of PhilHealth funds was necessary to uncover all the anomalous policies and transactions the agency has done since 2015 until the present, including the disenfranchisement of millions of seniors from PhilHealth coverage. Aquino-Magsaysay, member of the majority bloc of the House committee on health, said the removal of Dela Serna from her post was a welcome development. The PhilHealth now has the opportunity to correct the mistakes in recent years, especially against senior citizens, she said. Citizens Battle Against Corruption Party-list Rep. Sherwin Tugna and Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves, for their part, hailed President Dutertes decision to axe Dela Serna. She does not deserve to be in public office if the alleged PhilHealths mismanagement of funds is proven true, Tugna said as he joined the call of Aquino-Magsaysay to investigate PhilHealths supposed questionable transactions. PhilHealth, as a lead agency in providing quality healthcare assistance to Filipinos, should be rid of corrupt officials. It should be led by someone with the necessary technical knowledge in running the agency coupled with a burning passion in serving our countrymen, said Tugna, chairman of the House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms. Teves said the alleged lavish spending was unacceptable especially when majority of Filipinos cannot afford quality healthcare because of the poor performance and mismanagement.There should be a need to safeguard the finances of PhilHealth as it is the most important element to be able to provide quality healthcare, said Teves, author of House Resolution 1928. The resolution seeks a congressional probe into the alleged lavish lifestyle of dela Cerna, including her reported one year stay in a hotel, allegations of massive fraud and operational mismanagement at PhilHealth. President Duterte earlier ordered an investigation into de la Sernas travel expenses. She allegedly spent at least P627,000 for her trips to and from Bohol in 2017. Similarly, CoA disclosed that Philhealth posted a net loss amounting to P8.92 billion in 2017. The amount was reportedly adjusted later by the audit agency to a still whopping P4 billion in net loss.
SANDY SPRINGS (dpa-AFX) - United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS) workers voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, a negotiating tactic that gives the company's 280,000 Teamsters members an option to walk out if the current contract talks fail, the wall Street Journal reported. 'This does not mean we will strike,' Denis Taylor, director of the Teamsters package division, said on a webcast announcing the results. 'It means we have a credible strike threat.' More than 90% of votes cast authorized the strike, which grants the negotiating committee the power to call for a work stoppage after the current contract expires. The two sides are negotiating to replace a five-year contract that expires on July 31. They have reached tentative agreements on some non-economic issues but have only recently begun discussing topics like pay raises and health benefits. 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.
Figure 1: Diagram of Blockchain Asset Service

Figure 2: Diagram of measures to attract customers to stores and facilities using this service

Figure 3: Example of usage status



Fujitsu Limited Public and Investor Relations Tel: +81-3-3215-5259 URL: www.fujitsu.com/global/news/contacts/

TOKYO, June 6, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu today announced the launch of Fujitsu Intelligent Society Solution Blockchain Asset Service, a cloud service that provides retail mechanisms, such as digital points, stamps and coupons, which can be used for a limited time in specified areas including tourist sites, markets, and shopping centers, using blockchain technology. Sales of the service begin today in Japan. With this service, users can collect digital points or stamps by reading QR codes located in specific areas with smart devices, and then exchange them for coupons and other benefits that can be used in stores and shopping centers within the specified area. In addition, collection and usage data for the points, stamps, and coupons, which are recorded on the blockchain distributed ledger, can be linked with user information for analysis. By connecting events and promotions held in tourist areas or shopping centers with this service, users (customers) can improve the rate at which they attract customers and increase their willingness to buy. At the same time, they can also more effectively set strategies for regional revitalization, based on the activity patterns of users seen in the analysis results, and on such factors as the use of the coupons and other benefits. This service will be exhibited at Interop Tokyo 2018, held in Makuhari Messe (Chiba, Japan), June 13-15.BackgroundIn recent years, there have been high expectations for events designed to attract tourists, whose numbers have been trending upward, including tourists from outside Japan. At the same time, there is a demand for the implementation of rapid sales strategies to respond to the desires and interests of various tourists, aimed at economic revitalization in rural and tourist areas. To revitalize specific regions and areas, Fujitsu has been conducting field trials of digital "stamp rally" promotions using blockchain technology, working with organizations including Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd., the Shizuoka branch of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corporation, Taiwan FamilyMart Co., Ltd., and the city of Chiba in partnership with The Chiba Bank. In these field trials, Fujitsu supported its customers' marketing activities by hosting hands-on events linked to the "stamp rally" promotion, as well as connecting and analyzing limited attribute data on user activity, such as the data on which stamps they collected.http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_FujitsuBlockchain7618Fig1.jpgFigure 1: Diagram of Blockchain Asset ServiceFeatures of the Blockchain Asset Service1. Useable as a measure for attracting customers to stores or eventsCustomers who implement this service can connect this service with applications they develop, such as those relating to specific events, and can use the asset management functionality to record and manage the details of the digital points, stamps, or coupons that have been distributed, as well as records of transactions using them. Customers can also use the service to define the details of the points, stamps, or coupons, as well as the area and time period in which they can be used. With a smart device application connected to this, service users can convert points or stamps, collected using QR codes placed in specified areas, into coupons or other benefits that can be used in specified stores or shopping centers. This can lead to improved customer attraction rates of special events at tourist sites or promotional campaigns for shopping centers, as well as an increased willingness to buy. This service is available to customers in the form of an API, making it easy for customers to connect it to the applications they develop. Customers can utilize this service safely, securely, and quickly, even without having a dedicated ICT environment or expertise in blockchain technology.http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_FujitsuBlockchain7618Fig2.jpgFigure 2: Diagram of measures to attract customers to stores and facilities using this service2. Enables marketing that combines user data with transaction information recorded in blockchainTransaction information about how users take advantage of digital points recorded on the distributed ledger of a blockchain is linked with user data, limited to information such as age and sex that do not identify individuals, which is collected through login connection functionality. This linkage enables a detailed analysis of user interests and activities, which can be used to attract customers and set sales strategy going forward. In addition, using the system's operations management function, which enables customers to check the distribution and usage status of coupons, it is possible to visualize the circulation of points and stamps, and the usage status of coupons.http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_FujitsuBlockchain7618Fig3.jpgFigure 3: Example of usage statusTotal sales of 100 units by the end of fiscal 2020 (Fujitsu's fiscal year ends March 31).About Fujitsu LtdFujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services. Approximately 155,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.5 trillion yen (US$40 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. For more information, please see http://www.fujitsu.com.* Please see this press release, with images, at:http://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/press-releases/Source: Fujitsu LtdContact:Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Northrop Grumman Corp.(NOC) said Tuesday that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission or FTC has cleared Northrop Grumman's proposed acquisition of Orbital ATK Inc. The FTC's Bureau of Competition has completed its review of the merger, and the Premerger Notification Office has informed the company that the waiting period under the HSR Act has terminated, allowing the companies to complete the merger.



As part of that clearance, the FTC issued a decision and order providing for solid rocket motors to be available on a non-discriminatory basis under specified circumstances and under processes defined in the order. The company expects to complete the transaction after market close tomorrow and is issuing the following updated guidance. This updated guidance assumes the completion of the transaction tomorrow.



Northrop Grumman now expects 2018 sales of about $30 billion, earnings per share of $16.20 to $16.45. Previously, the company expected sales of about $27.00 billion, and earnings per share of $15.40 to $15.65. Wall Street currently is looking for fiscal year 2018 earnings of $15.85 per share on annual revenues of $27.12 billion.



Northrop Grumman stated that the updated 2018 guidance reaffirmed its stand-alone guidance provided on April 25, 2018 and reflected the expected results of Innovation Systems for the remainder of the year. Updated guidance reflects a partial year of acquisition-related purchased intangibles amortization of approximately $175 million; this estimate is subject to the completion of purchase accounting and other post-closing activities.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
Purdue Pharma L.P. Danielle Lewis Tel: +1-203-588-7653 Eisai Co., Ltd. Public Relations Department TEL: +81-(0)3-3817-5120

TOKYO, June 6, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai Co., Ltd. and Purdue Pharma L.P. presented the results of two key Phase I clinical studies (Study 108 and Study 106) of their investigational sleep/wake regulation agent lemborexant at the 32nd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (SLEEP 2018), from June 2 to 6 in Baltimore, Maryland, the United States.Lemborexant is currently being studied for the potential treatment of multiple sleep disorders. Positive topline results from these Phase I studies as well as a Phase III study (SUNRISE 1), which compared lemborexant to placebo in patients with a sleep disorder and included the first-ever head-to-head superiority comparison versus zolpidem extended release (zolpidem ER) as a secondary endpoint, were previously announced.Phase I Study 108 - "Auditory Awakening Threshold to Evaluate Ability to Awaken After Administration of Lemborexant Versus Zolpidem" (Poster # 097)Study 108 met its primary endpoint resulting in a statistically significant difference in postural stability with both doses of lemborexant compared to zolpidem ER in the middle of the night. The mean changes from baseline in body sway, a measure of postural stability, were -1.1 units for placebo, 5.8 units for lemborexant 5 mg, 8.1 units for lemborexant 10 mg, and 20.4 units for zolpidem ER 6.25 mg; (p<0.0001 vs. zolpidem ER for both lemborexant 5 mg and 10 mg).Healthy volunteers 55 years and older (n=56) were administered treatments at bedtime, and body sway was assessed upon awakening participants after approximately four hours in bed. A 7 unit increase from baseline was defined as a clinically meaningful increase in body sway, as benchmarked to the effect of alcohol on the same measure of postural stability.(1) Zolpidem ER increased body sway at a magnitude almost three times greater than the increase in body sway associated with a blood alcohol content (BAC 0.05 percent) near the legal driving limit. Lemborexant 5 mg did not result in a clinically meaningful increase in body sway, while lemborexant 10 mg increased body sway to just above the clinically meaningful threshold.The next morning, shortly after the end of eight hours in bed, unlike zolpidem ER, neither dose of lemborexant had statistically significant residual effects on this measure of postural stability as compared to placebo. The mean changes from baseline in body sway were -2.2 units for placebo, 0.4 units for lemborexant 5 mg, -0.4 units for lemborexant 10 mg, and 5.0 units for zolpidem ER 6.25 mg (p=NS [not significant] for both doses of lemborexant vs. placebo, p=0.01 for zolpidem ER vs. placebo)."Postural instability is thought to be the single best predictor of falls.(2) Significant unmet need exists for a treatment that can help people awaken in the night or the next morning without this type of impairment," said Lynn Kramer, MD, Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Medical Officer, Neurology Business Group, Eisai. "If approved, lemborexant, our investigational sleep/wake regulation agent, may have the potential to reduce the risk of postural instability."In this Phase I study, there were no serious adverse events (AE). Headache was the only AE observed in two or more subjects taking lemborexant. The only AE that occurred in more than one subject in any treatment period was nasopharyngitis, which occurred in the placebo treatment period. Rates of treatment-emergent AEs were low and of mild or moderate severity.Two subjects discontinued due to an AE. There were no AEs of somnolence.A secondary study objective was to evaluate the effects of lemborexant 5 mg and 10 mg on the auditory awakening threshold (AAT), a measure of the ability to be awakened by an external stimulus at approximately four hours post-dose, compared to zolpidem ER and placebo. A clinically meaningful increase in AAT was pre-specified as an 8-decibel (dB) change from baseline. Neither dose of lemborexant had a statistically significant difference relative to placebo or zolpidem ER on the ability to awaken to an external stimulus. The mean treatment differences compared to placebo were 1.7 dB for lemborexant 5 mg, -0.9 dB for lemborexant 10 mg, and 7.2 dB for zolpidem ER 6.25 mg (p=NS). Of the subjects who completed all four treatments, eight subjects taking zolpidem ER did not awaken to the loudest tone of 105 dB, compared with four subjects in each of the other treatment groups (placebo, n=42; lemborexant 5 mg, n=47; lemborexant 10 mg, n=50; and zolpidem ER, n=50). Varying n's were due to either the subject already being awake thus no AAT was administered, or a technical issue with the AAT equipment."By acting on the orexin neurotransmitter system, which regulates wakefulness, lemborexant appears to affect sleep and wake by dampening excessive wakefulness and does not appear to impede the ability to awaken to external stimuli," said Russell Rosenberg, PhD, D. ABSM, a Principal Investigator in lemborexant studies and former Chairman of the Board of the National Sleep Foundation. "As the largest study conducted to date evaluating postural stability and auditory awakening threshold in the middle of the night, these data about the effects of lemborexant on measures of balance and responsiveness to external stimuli are encouraging with respect to addressing current unmet needs in the treatment of sleep disorders."In addition, return to sleep latency was evaluated as an exploratory endpoint and both doses of lemborexant had faster return to sleep after being awakened in the middle of the night compared to placebo. The mean treatment differences compared to placebo were -22.5 minutes for lemborexant 5 mg, -28.7 minutes for lemborexant 10 mg, and -21.0 minutes for zolpidem ER (p<0.0001 for all treatment groups compared to placebo). Lemborexant 10 mg also facilitated the return to sleep faster than zolpidem ER 6.25 mg (p=0.02).These results support findings from SUNRISE 1, a recently completed Phase III study of lemborexant (5 mg and 10 mg) versus placebo, including a superiority comparison to zolpidem ER as a secondary endpoint. The study met endpoints of time to sleep onset and sleep maintenance as measured by polysomnography, as well as body sway upon awakening, when compared to placebo and zolpidem ER. In this study, lemborexant had rates of discontinuation due to AEs comparable to placebo, with the most common AEs in the lemborexant arms being headache and somnolence.Phase I Study 106 - "Results From an On-Road Driving Performance Study in Non-elderly and Elderly Healthy Subjects with Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonist Lemborexant" (Poster # 099)Study 106 evaluated next-morning effects of lemborexant compared with placebo, with zopiclone included as a positive control, by measuring adult and elderly participants' (n=48) driving performance via an on-road driving test. The primary endpoint was to evaluate difference from placebo of standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP), an index of weaving, during an on-road driving test on the mornings following the first and last dose of drug in each treatment period. Drug-placebo differences in SDLP >2.4 cm are considered to reflect clinically meaningful driving impairment, as benchmarked against a BAC of 0.05 percent.Lemborexant 2.5, 5 and 10 mg showed no statistically significant impairment of driving performance, as measured by mean changes in SDLP, after either single (Day 2) or multiple (Day 9) dose administration compared to placebo, meeting the study's primary endpoint. In contrast, zopiclone 7.5 mg significantly increased mean SDLP as compared to placebo. The mean drug-placebo changes in SDLP (in centimeters) compared to placebo for Day 2 were 0.02 cm for lemborexant 2.5 mg, 0.23 cm for lemborexant 5 mg, 0.73 cm for lemborexant 10 mg, and 2.04 cm for zopiclone 7.5 mg. For Day 9, the mean drug-placebo changes in SDLP were 0.48 cm for lemborexant 2.5 mg, 0.36 cm for lemborexant 5 mg, 0.74 cm for lemborexant 10 mg, and 1.88 cm for zopiclone 7.5 mg. The upper bound of the 95 percent confidence intervals for the mean changes in SDLP were all below 2.4 cm for all three doses of lemborexant on Days 2 and 9, indicating that there was not clinically meaningful driving impairment. The upper bound of the 95 percent confidence intervals for the mean changes in SDLP for zopiclone was greater than 2.4 cm on Days 2 and 9, demonstrating assay sensitivity.No drives were stopped before completion in the lemborexant treatment groups, whereas, three drives out of a total of 384 (0.8 percent) were terminated before scheduled completion, all after the use of zopiclone. No serious or severe AEs were reported in any treatment group. There were no treatment-related AEs leading to withdrawal from the study. The most common AEs observed in the lemborexant treatment groups were somnolence, headache, and dry mouth. Somnolence was reported more frequently with lemborexant 10 mg than lemborexant 2.5 mg and 5 mg."Sleep medications should not only improve the ability to sleep through the night, but also allow patients to awaken in the middle of the night, if needed, and to function upon awakening," said Marcelo Bigal, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer, Purdue Pharma. "We are pleased to share these study results and are committed to exploring the value of lemborexant in specific unmet needs of patients with sleep disorders."Discovered by Eisai, lemborexant is a sleep/wake regulation agent being jointly developed by Eisai and Purdue. Through research and development on lemborexant, Eisai and Purdue are striving to improve the quality of life of, and further contribute to, sleep disorder patients and their families.About lemborexantLemborexant (development code: E2006), a dual orexin receptor antagonist, is Eisai's in-house discovered and developed small molecule compound that inhibits orexin neurotransmission by binding competitively to the two subtypes of orexin receptors (orexin receptor 1 and 2). In individuals with sleep disorders, it is possible that the orexin system that regulates sleep and wakefulness is not functioning normally. During normal periods of sleep, orexin system activity is suppressed, suggesting it is possible to purposefully counteract inappropriate wakefulness and facilitate the initiation and maintenance of sleep by interfering with orexin neurotransmission. Therefore, Eisai and Purdue have been developing lemborexant as a treatment for multiple sleep disorders.In addition, a Phase II clinical study of lemborexant in patients with irregular sleep-wake rhythm disorder (ISWRD) and mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia is underway.About Study 1083Study 108 was a randomized, double-blind, four-period, Phase I crossover study that evaluated the effect of lemborexant on postural stability, auditory awakening threshold and cognitive performance in healthy volunteers age 55 years and older; 120 subjects were screened, 63 randomized, and 56 completed all four treatment groups. Participants were administered a single dose of placebo, lemborexant 5 mg, lemborexant 10 mg, or zolpidem ER 6.25 mg, and had eight-hour polysomnograms at baseline and at each single-dose treatment. If not already awake, subjects were awakened, preferentially from stage non-REM 2 in the middle of the night (between four and four and a half hours post-bedtime/post-dose). At bedside, body sway with eyes closed was measured in units of 1/3o angle of arc for 60 seconds using an ataxiameter device. Increases from baseline of greater than or equal to 7 units were pre-specified as clinically meaningful, benchmarked to effect of alcohol at 0.5g/kg. At eight hours post-dose, body sway was assessed in the same manner.The study also evaluated the effects of lemborexant on the AAT. Subjects slept with insert earphones, an auditory stimulus apparatus that produced 1000Hz tones for three seconds at 15-second intervals. The starting dB level was 15, increasing five dB to a maximum of 105dB, until the subject stated, "I'm awake." The awakening threshold was the dB level one level below the response.About Study 1064Study 106 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled, four-period, Phase I crossover study evaluated the effect of lemborexant in 48 healthy adult and elderly volunteers to evaluate on-road driving performance. Participants (n=24 elderly and n=24 non-elderly) were treated at bedtime with two out of three dose levels of lemborexant (2.5, 5 or 10 mg) and placebo for eight consecutive days, and zopiclone 7.5 mg as an active control on days one and eight only, with placebo given for the six days in between. Standardized one-hour on-road driving tests on the second and ninth days were started approximately nine hours post-dose.About Sleep DisordersPopulation studies show that sleep disorders affect many more people worldwide than previously thought. Insomnia disorder is characterized by difficulty falling sleep, staying asleep or both, despite an adequate opportunity to sleep, that can lead to daytime consequences such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating and irritability.(4),(5) Insomnia disorder is the most common sleep disorder, with persistent insomnia symptoms experienced by approximately 10 percent of the adult population.(5),(6)Sleeping well is essential for good health, including brain health. Poor sleep is associated with a wide range of health consequences, including an increased risk of hypertension, accidental injury, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack, stroke and dementia, as well as adverse effects on mood and behavior.(7),(8)Experimental studies in animals and humans provide evidence of associations between sleep and disease risk factors, diseases and mortality.(5),(9) Studies suggest an optimal sleep duration between seven and eight hours.(5),(9) Women are 1.4 times more likely than men to suffer from insomnia.(10)Older adults also have higher prevalence of insomnia; aging is often accompanied by changes in sleep patterns, including disrupted sleep, frequent waking and early waking, that can lead to less sleep time.)11)About Purdue Pharma L.P.Purdue Pharma L.P. is a privately held pharmaceutical company headquartered in Stamford, Conn. Purdue Pharma is part of a network of independent associated companies dedicated to providing patients and providers with innovative medicines. The company's leadership and employees are committed to serving healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers by providing quality products and educational resources that make a positive impact on healthcare - and on lives.For more information, please visit www.purduepharma.com.(1) Wesnes KA, Garatt C, Wickens M, Gudgoen A, Oliver S. Effects of sibutramine alone and with alcohol on cognitive function in healthy volunteers. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2000;49:110-17.(2) Blaszczyk JW, et al. Ageing and postural stability. Stud Phys Cult Tourism. 2006;13(S):11-14.(3) Eisai Inc. Crossover study to evaluate the effect of lemborexant versus placebo and zolpidem on postural stability, auditory awakening threshold, and cognitive performance in healthy subjects 55 years and older (E2006-A001-108).(4) Eisai Inc. Study to evaluate the effect of lemborexant versus placebo on driving performance in healthy adult and elderly subjects (E2006-E044-106).(5) Ferrie JE, et al. Sleep epidemiology - a rapidly growing field. Int J Epidemiol. 2011;40(6):1431-1437.(6) Ohayon MM, et al. Epidemiology of insomnia: what we know and what we still need to learn. Sleep Med Rev. 002;6(2):97-111.(7) Institute of Medicine. Sleep disorders and sleep deprivation: An unmet public health problem. Washington, DC: National Academies Press. 2006.(8) Pase MP, Himali JJ, Grima NA, et al. Sleep architecture and the risk of incident dementia in the community. Neurology. 2017;89(12):1244-1250.(9) Trenell MI, et al. Sleep and metabolic control: waking to a problem? Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2007;34:1-9.(10) Zhang B, Wing, YK. Sex differences in insomnia: a meta-analysis. Sleep. 2006;29(1):85-93.(11) Ohayon MM, et al. Meta-analysis of quantitative sleep parameters from childhood to old age in healthy individuals: developing normative sleep values across the human lifespan. Sleep. 2004;27:1255-1273.About EisaiEisai Co., Ltd. (TSE:4523; ADR:ESALY) is a research-based human health care (hhc) company that discovers, develops and markets products throughout the world. Eisai focuses its efforts in three therapeutic areas: integrative neuroscience, including neurology and psychiatric medicines; integrative oncology, which encompasses oncotherapy and supportive-care treatments; and vascular/immunological reaction. Through a global network of research facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, Eisai actively participates in all aspects of the worldwide healthcare system. For more information about Eisai Co., Ltd., please visit www.eisai.com.Source: EisaiContact:Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
The delegation was led by deputy general manager of Moutai Group and chairman of Moutai's subsidiary Xijiu Zhang Deqin

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2018 Moutai@Australia delegation arrived in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, and visited the Embassy of China in New Zealand, where they gave an introduction on the development of Moutai over the years.

Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wu Xi said, "New Zealand is of strategic significance to us, as it was the first western developed country to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with China. China is New Zealand's largest trade partner. Last year, New Zealand signed a cooperation agreement in support of the One Belt, One Road initiative. That agreement has now entered the stage of specific planning. Learning that Moutai has entered overseas markets is definitely good news for us, and the Embassy of China in New Zealand will provide full support to Moutai's promotional efforts in New Zealand."

Deputy general manager of Moutai Group and chairman of Moutai's subsidiary Xijiu Zhang Deqin commented, "Moutai ranks first in terms of market capitalization and unit sales in the global liquor industry. Moutai achieved sales of approx. 76.4 billion yuan in 2017, with sales in international markets having surpassed 2 billion yuan. Moutai has experienced rapid growth in Australia and New Zealand, and its sales in the two countries are expected to exceed US$10 million this year. Moutai's success today could not have happened without the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China."

"Moutai Group is also committed to fulfilling its social responsibilities and contributing to the development of China. In 2017, Moutai paid 27 billion yuan in taxes. We buy sorghum from local farmers at four times the market price and actively respond to the government's appeal to industry to support local agriculture and engage in work that leads to poverty alleviation. Every year, Moutai spends heavily on public welfare. To cite a few examples, we invest 100 million yuan annually in the Kweichow Moutai - Pillars of the State, a large-scale public welfare education program, helping underprivileged students realize their dream of receiving a university education. At the same time, we invest nearly 100 million yuan every year to protect the ecological environment of the Yangtze River Economic Belt."

"Moutai belongs not only to its employees but also to China. As an inheritor of Chinese liquor-making techniques and traditional culture, we came to Australia and New Zealand with the aim of promoting both the Moutai brand and Chinese traditional culture locally. We hope to give more people an understanding of Moutai, Chinese national brands and Chinese culture."

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/701944/Moutai_Group.jpg
TechnipFMC (NYSE: FTI) (PARIS: FTI) has been awarded a contract by Woodside to upgrade the Pluto Platform Offshore for water treatment, located offshore Western Australia.

The contract includes the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation and Commissioning (EPCIC) of the Pluto Water Handling Module. This module, to be installed on the existing Pluto Alpha Gas Production Platform, will consist of facilities for water separation and treatment, together with upgraded power generation units.

Nello Uccelletti, President of TechnipFMC's Onshore/Offshore business, commented: "We are honored to be entrusted with the execution of this prestigious contract which is a testimonial to our long-term partnership with Woodside and our leadership in the Gas Monetization industry. This award is one of our strategic "early engagement" achievements, based on the optimized design developed by TechnipFMC during the tendering phase."

The Pluto offshore facility is located approximately 190 kilometers off Karratha, in Western Australia's north-west. The produced gas from the offshore facility is transferred through an existing pipeline to Woodside's Pluto LNG Onshore plant. The production license is held by Woodside (Operator and 90%), Kansai Electric (5%) and Tokyo Gas (5%).

Note: this inbound order was included in the company's first quarter results.

Important Information for Investors and Securityholders

Forward-Looking Statement

This release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The words "estimated", "aimed", "scheduled" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. Such forward-looking statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. Known material factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include the Company's ability to successfully deliver, and Woodside's acceptance of, the products ordered. For additional information regarding known material factors that could cause actual results to differ from projected results, please see our risk factors set forth in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which include our Registration Statement on Form S-4, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.

We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any of our forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.

About TechnipFMC

TechnipFMC is a global leader in subsea, onshore/offshore, and surface projects. With our proprietary technologies and production systems, integrated expertise, and comprehensive solutions, we are transforming our clients' project economics.

We are uniquely positioned to deliver greater efficiency across project lifecycles from concept to project delivery and beyond. Through innovative technologies and improved efficiencies, our offering unlocks new possibilities for our clients in developing their oil and gas resources.

Each of our more than 37,000 employees is driven by a steady commitment to clients and a culture of purposeful innovation, challenging industry conventions, and rethinking how the best results are achieved.

To learn more about us and how we are enhancing the performance of the world's energy industry, go to TechnipFMC.com and follow us on Twitter @TechnipFMC.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180605006588/en/

Contacts:

Investor relations

Matt Seinsheimer

Vice President Investor Relations

Tel: +1 281 260 3665

Email: Matt Seinsheimer

or

Phillip Lindsay

Director Investor Relations Europe

Tel: +44 203 429 3929

Email: Phillip Lindsay

or

Media relations

Christophe Belorgeot

Vice President Corporate Communications

Tel: +33 1 47 78 39 92

Email: Christophe Belorgeot

or

Delphine Nayral

Senior Manager Public Relations

Tel: +33 1 47 78 34 83

Email: Delphine Nayral


WESTON (dpa-AFX) - Today's Daily Dose brings you news about Eisai/Biogen's phase II study of Elenbecestat in Alzheimer's disease; Exact Sciences' newly identified biomarker panel; Ironwood Pharma's updated data from phase IIb trial of IW-3718 in persistent gastroesophageal reflux disease; Summit Therapeutics' near term catalyst, and Vaxart's disappointing trial results of antiviral Teslexivir 5% gel for the treatment of condyloma, or anogenital warts.



Read on.



Eisai Co. Ltd. and Biogen Inc.'s (BIIB) phase II clinical study of Elenbecestat in patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease, or mild to moderate dementia due to Alzheimer's disease with confirmed amyloid pathology by PET screening, dubbed Study 202, has demonstrated promising results.



At 18 months, there was a statistically significant difference in amyloid beta (A?) levels in the brain measured by amyloid-PET (positron emission tomography). Elenbecestat also demonstrated acceptable safety and tolerability profile.



However, in the study, CDR-SB (Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes), an exploratory endpoint to assess efficacy in terms of clinical symptoms, showed numerically less decline for the Elenbecestat 50 mg total arm compared to placebo, which was not statistically significant.



The study was not powered to show statistical significance compared to placebo on clinical symptoms.



BIIB closed Tuesday's trading at $298.64, down 0.09%.



During a presentation on Tuesday at Digestive Disease Week, Exact Sciences Corp. (EXAS) and Mayo Clinic researchers announced that they have identified blood-based, DNA biomarker panel that could accurately detect hepatocellular carcinoma.



The biomarker panel was shown to be 95 percent sensitive for detecting HCC across all stages. Sensitivity among patients with curable-stage disease was 91 percent. The panel has overall specificity of 93 percent, demonstrating its ability to discriminate between normal and diseased patients.



Cologuard, the stool-based, advanced-DNA screening test for colorectal cancer, is also the result of collaboration between Exact Sciences and Mayo Clinic.



EXAS closed Tuesday's trading at $62.46, up 3.14%. In after-hours, the stock was up 4.95% to $65.55.



Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc. (IRWD), on Tuesday, presented data from a double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging Phase IIb trial of IW-3718 in persistent gastroesophageal reflux disease - building upon previously reported topline positive results from the trial.



The data demonstrated that, compared to placebo, IW-3718 1500 mg plus a once a day proton pump inhibitor (PPI) improved symptoms of heartburn severity in the overall population of GERD patients in the trial. Additionally, new data presented suggested a greater improvement in heartburn severity in the subset patient population of persistent GERD patients who also have erosive esophagitis, a severe inflammation and erosion of the esophagus.



Following the positive Phase IIb results, the Company expects to advance IW-3718 into phase III trials during the third quarter of 2018.



IRWD closed Tuesday's trading at $17.44, down 1.80%.



Summit Therapeutics plc (SMMT) has an important catalyst coming its way this year.



The Company expects to report top-line 48-week data from the PhaseOut DMD trial in Q3, 2018.



The PhaseOut DMD study is a phase II trial evaluating Ezutromid in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The Company announced positive 24-week interim data from the PhaseOut DMD trial in January of this year.



Summit expects to initiate its phase III clinical trials of Ridinilazole for C. difficile infection in Q1 2019, and initiate a lead preclinical gonorrhoea candidate in H2 2018.



SMMT closed Tuesday's trading at $13.26, down 2.50%.



Therapix Biosciences Ltd. (TRPX) has enrolled the first subject in its phase IIa, sponsor-initiated clinical trial of its cannabinoid-based technology THX-110 for Obstructive Sleep Apnea at Assuta Medical Center in Israel.



The clinical trial is designed to enroll 30 subjects who will receive one daily treatment of the drug THX-110 via oral administration and is followed-up for one month.



TRPX closed Tuesday's trading at $4.33, down 4.63%.



Shares of Vaxart Inc. (VXRT) plunged more than 20% on Tuesday, following disappointing efficacy results from the Company's phase II trial of antiviral Teslexivir 5% gel for the treatment of condyloma, or anogenital warts.



According to the trial results, 30.6% of patients in the Teslexivir group completely cleared baseline condyloma by week 16, compared to 23.3% of patients in the placebo group. But the difference was not statistically significant.



Commenting on the study results, Wouter Latour, chief executive officer of Vaxart, said, 'While this trial did not achieve the primary efficacy endpoint, we were pleased with the benign safety profile and positive efficacy trends in certain patient subpopulations. We are currently in the follow-up phase of the study and data collection should continue for a few more weeks. During this period, we will conduct further analysis of the results, which should inform us about the future steps with the teslexivir program'.



VXRT closed Tuesday's trading at $3.26, down 23.83%. In after-hours, the stock was up 2.98% to $3.46.



Viking Therapeutics Inc. (VKTX) has completed enrollment in its ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial of VK2809 in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).



The Company expects to announce results from this trial in the second half of 2018.



VKTX closed Tuesday's trading at $9.39, up 0.64%.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Monks Investment Trust plc (MNKS.L) reported that its net return on ordinary activities after taxation for the year to 30 April 2018 declined to 220.10 million pounds or 102.69 pence per share, from 405.27 million pounds or 189.41 pence per share last year. Net return before finance costs and taxation decreased to 226.11 million pounds from 410.54 million pounds in the prior year. Over the year to 30 April 2018, the Company's net asset value (NAV) total return was 15.8% compared to a total return of 7.5% for the FTSE World Index (in sterling terms). The share price total return for the same period was 20.4%. 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.
GiaX's HelEOS system is being trialed at a tier-1 European cable MSO demonstrating 10 Gbps symmetrical Ethernet throughput on existing coax in a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network

MaxLinear Inc. (NYSE: MXL), a leading provider of radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal integrated circuits for the connected home, wired and wireless infrastructure, and industrial and multimarket applications, today announced that GiaX GmbH has selected its MxL85110 broadband modem system on chip (SoC) for its HelEOS network system that delivers 10 Gbps symmetrical throughput over coaxial cable infrastructure.

With its exceptional 20 Gbps throughput, the MxL85110 provides a flexible Virtual Fiber solution that meets the evolving demands of cable backhaul networks, supporting both distributed access architectures (DAA) and Full Duplex DOCSIS 3.1 (FDX) use cases in products like the GiaX HelEOS.

Cable MSOs Need More Bandwidth

With the ever-increasing hunger for bandwidth from their customers, cable operators are looking at new technologies for cable access networks to offer higher and symmetrical bandwidth services.

Both DAA and FDX are key enablers for these requirements, in combination with re-segmentation of the service groups (node splits). Implementing these changes requires parts of the coaxial network to be replaced with fiber cable, implementing so called "fiber deep" network architectures.

While fiber deep architectures provide lower subscriber counts per service-group and hence make more bandwidth available for those subscribers, there are also several drawbacks. The cost of equipment and labor can quickly add up, particularly with underground networks. Further, the time, cost and uncertainty around securing necessary approvals can be equally burdensome.

The GiaX HelEOS provides the option for cable multiple-system operators (MSOs) to reuse existing coaxial infrastructure, provide high throughput, and be deployable on short notice on an as-needed basis.

A tier-1 cable operator is now evaluating the HelEOS solution to provide a 10G Ethernet overlay network as backhaul technology for remote PHY or remote MAC PHY devices, utilizing the existing coaxial network. The GiaX HelEOS solution provides cable operators with a virtual node split capability, retaining the existing coaxial infrastructure while also enabling fiber deep, DAA and FDX networks.

For the Ethernet data transmission, unused frequency spectrum above frequencies used for DOCSIS 3.x and DVB-C or MPEG is utilized. HelEOS can currently transport up to 10Gbps in both upstream and downstream directions. Depending on the cable type and frequencies used, transmission can be accomplished over several hundred meters.

DAA and FDX are not the only use cases for the HelEOS solution, fiber to the business, distributed PON and mobile backhaul can all take advantage of the HelEOS solution allowing for a fast time to market and reduction in CAPEX spending compared to traditional fiber deployments.

MaxLinear MxL85110 Provides 20Gbps Throughput

HelEOS uses MaxLinear's MxL85110 chipset, which provides up to 20 Gbps (10 Gbps downstream and 10 Gbps upstream) Ethernet capacity. The MxL85110 offers ultra-low latency of five microseconds per node and adaptive code modulation ranging from BPSK to 1024 QAM.

The device can be programmed for flexible bandwidth from 25MHz to 2GHz, with independent asymmetric transmit and receive configuration. It also delivers the highest spectral and payload efficiency for efficient utilization of cable bandwidth with no MAC-layer overhead. Additional features used in the HelEOS solution include carrier-grade synchronous Ethernet and IEEE 1588v2 synchronization and an integrated management channel.

"I have been impressed at the innovation used by GiaX to bring this system to market. Leveraging the company's close service providers relationships, it has addressed a capacity constraint within the existing HFC networks," said Brendan Walsh, Vice President of the Wireless Group for MaxLinear. "While its existing system can support data rates up to 10 Gbps, leveraging our technology, throughput of up to 25 Gbps will be realizable."

"Deploying fiber can be expensive compared to coaxial cable for a portion of the backhaul links in an operator's network. Many urban communities require all cabling to be hidden or buried. In these areas, labor costs to deploy new network infrastructure can be prohibitive, creating a large incentive for reuse of the existing coaxial cable," said Jorg Hellwig, CEO and Company Founder of GiaX. "By using the MaxLinear's MxL85110 Virtual Fiber technology, we have enabled the HelEOS solution to meet our customer requirements for deployment of DAA architectures, saving them 2.5 billion Euros in over 4 years in Germany alone, while having the flexibility to adapt to new requirements in the future such as FDX."

The HelEOS 10G Ethernet overlay system is a modem and switch technology that combines point-to-point Ethernet connections over existing coaxial cables into an Ethernet overlay system on the HFC network. This Ethernet overlay system offers fiber-like speeds as well as MEF management functions.

About GiaX

GiaX develops communication solutions for service providers. Our goal is to develop innovative products with exceptional added value for our partners. Close cooperation with service providers results in solutions for demanding tasks that are optimally adapted to existing processes and business models. Together with our partners, we are creating an eco-system that, in addition to the products, also enables system integration, process and function outsourcing. For more information please visit: http://www.giax.de/.

About MaxLinear, Inc.

MaxLinear, Inc. (NYSE:MXL), a leading provider of radio frequency (RF), analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits for the connected home, wired and wireless infrastructure, and industrial and multimarket applications. MaxLinear is headquartered in Carlsbad, California. For more information, please visit www.maxlinear.com.

MxL and the MaxLinear logo are trademarks of MaxLinear, Inc. Other trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners.

Cautionary Note About 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 the MxL Virtual Fiber broadband modem system on chip and statements concerning or implying the performance of MaxLinear's technologies, their potential use cases, and the potential impact of these technologies on our business and future operating results. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current, preliminary expectations. In particular, our future operating results are substantially dependent on our assumptions about market trends and conditions and our expectations with respect to recently completed acquisitions, including our ability to integrate our recently completed acquisition of Exar Corporation. Additional risks and uncertainties arising from our operations generally and our recently completed acquisitions include intense competition in our industry; our dependence on a limited number of customers for a substantial portion of our revenues and potential uncertainty and variability associated with our ability to project future revenues as a result; uncertainties concerning how end user markets for our products will develop; potential uncertainties arising from continued consolidation among cable television and satellite operators in our target markets and continued consolidation among competitors within the semiconductor industry generally; our ability to develop and introduce new and enhanced products on a timely basis and achieve market acceptance of those products, particularly as we seek to expand outside of our historic markets; potential decreases in average selling prices for our products; risks relating to intellectual property protection and the prevalence of intellectual property litigation in our industry; indemnification obligations of Exar arising from a recent divestiture; the impact on our financial condition of acquisition indebtedness arising from the Exar transaction; our reliance on a limited number of third party manufacturers; and our lack of long-term supply contracts and dependence on limited sources of supply. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, investors should review the risks and uncertainties contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the information under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. All forward-looking statements are based on the estimates, projections, and assumptions of management as of the date of this press release, and MaxLinear 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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180606005293/en/

Contacts:

MaxLinear Inc. Press Contact:

The David James Agency LLC

David Rodewald, 805-494-9508

david@davidjamesagency.com

or

MaxLinear Inc. Corporate Contact:

Sean Martin, 949-333-0230

Marketing Director for the Wireless Group

smartin@maxlinear.com
Pre-Stabilisation notice

June 06, 2018

Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft

 Benchmark 5.25yr Mortgage / Hypotheken Pfandbrief

Pre-Stabilisation Notice

Commerzbank AG (contact: Daniela Olt-Farrelly; telephone: +49 69 13623492) hereby announces, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilising Managers named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014).

The security to be stabilised: Issuer: Commerzbank AG Guarantor (if any): none Aggregate nominal amount: EUR benchmark Description:  Benchmark 5.25yr Hypotheken Pfandbrief. List Frankfurt denoms 1k payment date 13 June Offer price: tbc Other offer terms: Fixed coupon, expected ratings: Aaa Stabilisation: Stabilisation Coordinator:

Stabilising Managers: Commerzbank AG

Credit Agricole CIB

Danske Bank

DekaBank

HSBC Bank plc Stabilisation period expected to start on: 06 June 2018 Stabilisation period expected to end on: no later than 30 days after the proposed issue date of the securities Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over-allotment facility. The Stabilising Managers may over-allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law. Stabilisation trading venue: Frankfurt regulated market

In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilising Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities during the stabilisation period at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, stabilisation may not necessarily occur and any stabilisation action, if begun, may cease at any time Any stabilisation action or over-allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.

This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.

This announcement is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any other jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

END
SoKor-PH forum. President Rodrigo Duterte attends a South Korea-Philippines business forum in Seoul on June 5, 2018. Duterte is in Seoul for a three-day visit to discuss ways to bolster economic and other cooperation between the two countries. AFP

President Rodrigo Duterte urged South Korean investors to kick in the ass or slap government personnel who will extort money from them. For those of you who come to the Philippines, [you have] our guarantee that you will be safe and sound. If somebody is asking for money, do not give anything. Maybe you can slap him and say, Look idiot. I spent money to come here to invest. I have incurred expenses. Do not do that to me because your President says I can kick you in the ass, the President said in addressing some 400 Korean and Filipino businessmen in Seoul. The President threatened to run after government officials or personnel who will ask for bribes in exchange for faster business transactions. Do not go into bribery. Do not ask for money because that is now allowed. And if you do that, as I promised before this forum, I will go after you. And if I find it necessary, I said, maybe I will kill you, he said.Duterte said he is happy to serve as an agent for foreign investors as he bannered his firm stand against corruption.The President also assured the safety of Korean executives who will do business in the Philippines even as he avoided mentioning the kidnapping and murder of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-Joo. I must admit there were some incidents in the past that did not augur well for people to even consider the Philippines as an investment area. Like just any other country, were facing numerous law and order problem including my own national police, he said. You might be hearing about hard stance but this is just really for the bad guys. If you are a law-abiding citizen of a country who wants to be more rich, you will be protected. I will see to that, Duterte added. Jee was abducted in October 2016 in Pampanga during an anti-drug police operation. His remains were discovered inside a car parked in Camp Crame.
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 3:15 am ET Wednesday, the Federal Statistical Office releases Swiss consumer price data for May. Prices are expected to climb 0.9 percent annually after rising 0.8 percent in April. Ahead of the data, the Swiss franc traded mixed against its major rivals. While the franc dropped against the greenback, euro and the pound, it rose against the yen. As of 3:10 am ET, the Swiss franc was trading at 1.1561 against the euro, 1.3203 against the pound, 0.9847 against the U.S. dollar and 111.80 against the yen. 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.
Europe Passes Up Opportunity To Demonstrate 5G Leadership

The European Commission, Parliament and Council have reached a political agreement on the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC). In the GSMA's view, this agreement is a political compromise that fails to confront long term challenges for the European telecommunication sector and could hinder deployment of 5G networks in Europe, weakening the region's competitiveness and harming European citizens.

In particular, these setbacks include:

Investment uncertainty : the GSMA is disappointed that the agreement does not deliver sufficiently on the ambition to provide a strong, pro-investment regulatory reform. The GSMA believes that only such an assurance would allow the industry to make the necessary investments that would ultimately benefit consumers.

: the GSMA is disappointed that the agreement does not deliver sufficiently on the ambition to provide a strong, pro-investment regulatory reform. The GSMA believes that only such an assurance would allow the industry to make the necessary investments that would ultimately benefit consumers. Lack of harmonisation: while some constructive provisions have been introduced, the main issues remain untouched. These include ensuring meaningful convergence of spectrum awards across the Member States, and reassuring investors that licenses will have a longer duration than today.

while some constructive provisions have been introduced, the main issues remain untouched. These include ensuring meaningful convergence of spectrum awards across the Member States, and reassuring investors that licenses will have a longer duration than today. Lack of a level playing field: despite some progress, the agreement fails to address the fact that the European telecoms sector is still over-regulated, in some key areas, resulting in it not benefitting from a level-playing field. The agreement does align some consumer rights attached to the use of all interpersonal services providers, but many differences still remain. A policy of 'same service, same rules' would lead to more competition, innovation and consumer benefit.

despite some progress, the agreement fails to address the fact that the European telecoms sector is still over-regulated, in some key areas, resulting in it not benefitting from a level-playing field. The agreement does align some consumer rights attached to the use of all interpersonal services providers, but many differences still remain. A policy of 'same service, same rules' would lead to more competition, innovation and consumer benefit. Additional retail price regulation the adopted measures on intra-EU calls are unjustified, as consumers and businesses enjoy a variety of choices for making calls to other EU countries. Moreover, the agreement infringes EU law, notably the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality enshrined in the Treaty on the European Union.

Afke Schaart, VP and Head of Europe at the GSMA said: "As shown in the past, Europe has the ability to overcome difficult decisions and ensure a more solid and scalable EU market. We are disappointed that this crucial opportunity for citizens as well as for the 5G industry was not fully grasped, and strongly believe in the need of a better deal for Europe's global digital competitiveness."

-ENDS-

About the GSMA

The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with more than 300 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai, Mobile World Congress Americas and the Mobile 360 Series of conferences.

For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com.

Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA, @GSMAPolicy, @GSMAEurope

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180606005556/en/

Contacts:

GSMA

Olivier Lechien, PR Director, Europe

+32 479 99 01 63

olechien@gsma.com

or

GSMA Press Office

pressoffice@gsma.com
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.


OKLAHOMA CITY (dpa-AFX) - Devon Energy Corp. (DVN) announced Wednesday that it has entered into an agreement to sell its aggregate ownership interests in EnLink Midstream Partners, LP (ENLK) and EnLink Midstream, LLC (ENLC) to an affiliate of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) for $3.125 billion.



Devon's ownership interests in EnLink Midstream includes 115 million units in the general partner and 95 million units in the master limited partnership. The company's interests in EnLink generated $265 million of cash distributions over the past year, valuing the transaction at approximately 12 times cash flow.



The company said it will extend its fixed-fee gathering and processing contracts with respect to the Bridgeport and Cana plants with EnLink through 2029. The company's minimum volume commitments for these agreements will expire at the end of 2018.



In conjunction with the sale agreement, Devon's board of directors has increased the size of the company's share-repurchase authorization to $4 billion. It will be a $3 billion increase to the company's previously announced $1 billion share-repurchase program.



The increase in authorization extends through December 31, 2019 and is conditioned upon the closing of the EnLink transaction, which is expected to close in July 2018.



Dave Hager, president and CEO, said, 'The sale of our EnLink interests represents a significant step forward in achieving our 2020 Vision to further simplify our asset portfolio and return excess cash to shareholders. This highly accretive transaction provides a strategic exit from EnLink at a value of 12 times cash flow, a substantial premium to Devon's current trading multiple.'



The company noted that the EnLink proceeds, combined with proceeds from the non-core E&P assets already sold and those currently being marketed, will exceed $5 billion divestiture target.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
VANCOUVER, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- War Eagle Mining Company Inc. (TSXV - WAR) ("War Eagle" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the preliminary Phase I drill results from the ongoing exploration work program announced on March 28th, 2018, on the Company's 100% owned 33 km2Goodfish Kirana Project, located in the Kirkland Lake gold district of Northern Ontario. The exploration program included ground and airborne geophysical surveys Magnetic & Very Low Frequency ("VLF"), induced polarization ("IP"), and a five-hole (610m) diamond-drilling campaign. These results will be used to further understand the structural geology in order to plan future drill targets.

"The preliminary results of the Phase One drilling and geophysical surveys on the Goodfish Kirana Property have provided us with valuable geological information," said Daniele Spethmann, President and CEO of War Eagle. "The assay results, the structural information and the geophysical data are fundamental to guiding the project and provide us with the technical foundation needed to make decisions going forward and in particular our summer program which is now being planned."

Phase I Drill Program

The structurally orientated drilling program was designed to test three of the four structural zones identified by previous work (NI43-101, Tom Setterfield, PhD, P.Geo. January 2, 2018). These holes were designed to verify and interpret the structure, lithology and pathfinder elements of the following gold-bearing zones on the Goodfish property (Figure 1) in this press release:

Kirana Deformation Zone (DDHs GK18-001 & -002),

Goodfish A Zone (DDHs GK18-003) and,

Goodfish B Zone (DDHs GK18-004 & -005).

Highlights from Phase 1 Exploration diamond drilling include:

All holes intersected mineralization which is, in general, structurally associated with the contacts of Quartz Feldspar Porphyry dykes that are sheared. For the most part, the mineralization is associated with pyrite which is indicated by IP anomalies.

The Goodfish 'A' Zone/ Goodfish 1934 Mine returned the most interesting values of 1.20 g/t Au over 10.53 m in a halo of 0.87 g/t Au over 16.0 m (Figure 2) in the press release.

Table 1. Selected intercepts from the Phase I drill program.

Hole From

(m) To

(m) Length

(m) Au

(g/t) Easting Northing Azimuth Dip Length

(m) GK18-001 66.00 67.00 1.00 1.05 574069.27 5338127.53 175 -60 111.00 GK18-002 69.00 69.85 0.85 1.46 574069.27 5338127.53 175 -45 99.00 GK18-003 117.97 128.50 10.53 1.20 573774.08 5338827.01 210 -50 197.41 Mineralized

halo 112.50 128.50 16.00 0.87









GK18-004 6.47 7.89 1.42 2.89 573724.88 5339403.08 140 -45 106.50 GK18-004 58.30 58.80 0.50 6.72









GK18-005 53.63 54.19 0.56 1.19 573724.69 5339402.75 140 -45 96.00

Geophysical Results

Results from the recently completed ground geophysical programs conducted over the Patents area of the Goodfish Kirana block have been interpreted by Bill Doerner of SourceOne Geophysical and are summarized in this press release (Figure 3).

Results from the magnetic ground survey over the patents show a strong north-south orientation with high amplitude magnetic features, that correspond to the prevalent strike direction of the mapped mafic rock units (Figure 3). The north-south magnetic lineaments are disrupted by a series of NW-SE striking offsets that are interpreted to be important structural features.

Multiple ground VLF conductive anomalies, also having a north-south orientation, were identified and show good correlation to areas of anomalous IP response and to areas of historic mining activity in the vicinity of the Goodfish #4 and #5 shafts. The VLF results may be indicating the extension of structures associated with mineralized zones.

The IP survey results have identified five high chargeability anomalous zones interpreted to represent a response from mineralization in areas of known sulfide occurrences and several new locations. The high chargeability IP locations appear related to the NW-SE striking structural offsets present in the magnetic survey results, indicating that the structures may contain mineralization.

An area of high chargeability has been identified on the west end of Line 39100N. The IP high is coincident with historic shallow-drilling of mineralization which will be further tested by War Eagle.

A high IP response occurs coincident with the Goodfish #5 shaft and extends south to the Goodfish #4 shaft. The IP response indicates that a zone of sulfide mineralization may extend for at least 300 m in a north-south orientation.

in a north-south orientation. The highest IP chargeability anomaly is present in the south-east section of the Patents block. The anomaly lies on the NW-SE structural break that connects to the Goodfish's #5-shaft anomalous IP zone. This IP anomaly suggests that the source is approximately 100 m deep and is open at depth and to the east. This target has not been drilled tested.

The review of the ground geophysical program recently completed on the Patents has indicated the presence of important structural features and several anomalous areas of high IP chargeability that represent ideal drill targets. Inversion of the historical IP data is underway in an effort to more accurately direct future drilling efforts.

The results of the recently completed 942 km airborne magnetic and VLF surveys (Figure 4) have been delivered and will be incorporated into the geophysical interpretation.

Corporate Update

War Eagle is also pleased to announce the hiring of Ms. Joanne Jobin, Principal and Founder of Investor Relations Services Inc. ("IR.INC") as Investor Relations Consultant to the Company. Ms. Jobin is a seasoned Investor Relations and Corporate Development professional with over 25 years of global investor relations, public relations, corporate affairs, corporate development and communications experience in the natural resource sector. IR.INC, is an established international Investor Relations Company consulting to junior, mid-tier and blue-chip mining, and oil and gas clients. Ms. Jobin has strong, key relationships in the financial and mining industry sectors and will assist War Eagle's management in building and developing its profile as well as develop an IR plan and assist management with its practical Investor Relations duties. Under the terms of an investor relations consulting agreement between War Eagle and IR.INC effective May 16, 2018, War Eagle will pay IR.INC a monthly fee of $6,000 for strategic investor relations services for a one year period, terminable by either party at any time after six months, upon providing 60 days written notice.

Qualified Person

Tom Neelands, P. Geo., Chief Geologist of War Eagle, is a "qualified person" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release.

Quality Control

War Eagle Mining uses a quality-control program that includes insertion of blanks and commercial standards in order to ensure best practice in sampling and analysis.

HQ size drill core is sawn in half with a diamond saw. Samples are selected for analysis in standard intervals according to geological characteristics such as lithology and hydrothermal alteration.

Most of the diamond drill core was sampled at 1.5 m intervals. The smallest sample interval was 0.55 m. A standard/blank was inserted every 25 samples. The samples were analyzed by AR (aqua regia) digestion; any samples over 500 ppb were re-analyzed using the fire assay method. In addition, multielement analysis by XRF and ICP were completed. The ICP showed good correlation of gold (Au) with the following elements: Ag, As, Ce, Cu, Hg, Mo, Pb, Sb, and Te.

About War Eagle Mining Company

War Eagle is a TSX Venture Exchange listed company focused on the exploration of mineral resource properties in northern Ontario, Canada, with a focus on gold deposits. The Company's Goodfish Kirana Project is a 10 km long by 3 km wide land package with numerous historical gold showings and significant structural breaks that has been under-explored with modern technology, providing an exciting and unique discovery opportunity. The Goodfish Patents are located within the significant land position held by the Company located in the Kirkland Lake Gold Camp five kilometers from the center of the Town of Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada.

This news release was prepared by management of War Eagle, which takes full responsibility for its contents as it relates to War Eagle.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. The forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although War Eagle believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because War Eagle can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. In addition to other risks that may affect the forward-looking statements in this press release are those set out in the Company's management discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations for the year ended March 31, 2017 and the third quarter ended December 31, 2017, which are available at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and War Eagle undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

For further information:

Daniele Spethmann, P.Geo, President & CEO, War Eagle Mining Company Inc., (647) 344-3433, dspethmann@wareaglemining.com; Malcolm Burke, Director, War Eagle Mining Company, (604) 220-2000, mburke@wareaglemining.com; Joanne Jobin, Investor Relations Officer, War Eagle Mining Company, (647) 964 0292, info@wareaglemining.com
SINGAPORE, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

HIMSS Asia Pacific and Elsevier, the global information analytics business specializing in science and health, are proud to announce the call for submissions for the 6th Annual Asia Pacific (APAC) HIMSS-Elsevier Digital Healthcare Award 2018.

"For the past five years, HIMSS and Elsevier have created a global platform for healthcare organizations to showcase their IT advancements. Since the inception of the Award, submissions have evolved with more large-scale projects," said Simon Lin, Executive Director, HIMSS Asia Pacific. "Last year, we received a wide range of submissions from department-wide to enterprise- and national-level organizations. We hope this trend continues and look forward to greater participation from APAC and our host country Australia."

Since 2013, the HIMSS-Elsevier Digital Healthcare Award has attracted over 193 submissions from 119 organizations across 30 countries. In total, the projects submitted have impacted over 41 million patients worldwide.

The two categories open for submission this year are:

Outstanding ICT Achievement - focuses on those who have harnessed information and technology to successfully advance patient care and safety.

- focuses on those who have harnessed information and technology to successfully advance patient care and safety. Outstanding ICT Innovation - focuses on those who have creatively leveraged existing technology or developed ground-breaking new solutions, to significantly enhance patient care and outcomes, and drive greater ICT adoption.

Last year, the Award program witnessed strong participation from 18 healthcare organizations across APAC, recognizing five first-time recipients: The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne (Australia) and Fudan University Huashan Hospital (China) won the Outstanding ICT Achievement Award. Aravind Eye Hospital - Pondicherry (India), Mackay Memorial Hospital (Taiwan) and Princess Alexandra Hospital (Australia) won the Outstanding ICT Innovation Award.

"We're very proud of how far this Award has grown to become a recognized platform for meaningful exchange of ideas and best practice, on how to innovate and implement technology to improve patient safety and quality. We look forward to receiving the submissions from our healthcare partners and providers across Asia Pacific," said Tim Hawkins, Managing Director, Clinical Solutions, Europe, Middle East, Latin America and Asia Pacific for Elsevier.

Judges for this year's Award are:

Bill Le Blanc , Executive Director and Chief Information Officer, SA Health

, Executive Director and Chief Information Officer, SA Health John Sutherland , Chief Information Officer, Ramsay Healthcare

, Chief Information Officer, John Daniels , Global Vice President, HIMSS Analytics, USA

, Global Vice President, HIMSS Analytics, Dr. Korpong Rookkapan, Hospital Director, Paknampo Hospital, Thailand

Robert Nieves , Vice President Health Informatics, Clinical Solutions, Elsevier

, Vice President Health Informatics, Clinical Solutions, Elsevier Dr. Aamir Ali , Health Informatics Consultant, Ministry of Health and Prevention, UAE

Submit your case study here or email HIMSS to enquire. Deadline for submissions is Friday, Aug. 31, 2018.

Winners will be recognized on Monday, November 5, 2018, at the HIMSS-Elsevier Award Dinner Reception held during HIMSS AsiaPac18, in Brisbane, Australia.

About HIMSS

HIMSS is a global voice, advisor and thought leader of health transformation through health information and technology with a unique breadth and depth of expertise and capabilities to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of health, healthcare and care outcomes. HIMSS designs and leverages key data assets, predictive models and tools to advise global leaders, stakeholders and influencers of best practices in health information and technology, so they have the right information at the point of decision. Through its network of over 1 million experts, over 200 knowledge exchanges and collaborations, including 68,000-plus members, HIMSS drives innovative, forward thinking around best uses of technology in support of better connected care, improved population health and low cost of care. HIMSS is a not-for-profit, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois with additional offices in North America, Europe, United Kingdom and Asia. http://www.himssasiapac.org

About Elsevier

Elsevier is a global information analytics business that helps institutions and professionals advance healthcare, open science and improve performance for the benefit of humanity. Elsevier provides digital solutions and tools in the areas of strategic research management, R&D performance, clinical decision support and professional education, including ScienceDirect, Scopus, SciVal, ClinicalKey and Sherpath. Elsevier publishes over 2,500 digitized journals, including The Lancet and Cell, 38,000 e-book titles and many iconic reference works, including Gray's Anatomy. Elsevier is part of RELX Group, a global provider of information and analytics for professionals and business customers across industries. http://www.elsevier.com

Media contacts

Melissa Leong

Marketing & Strategic Relations Manager

HIMSS Asia Pacific

+65-6664-1181

mleong@himss.org

Beatrice Lau, on behalf of Elsevier

Senior Account Manager

+65-9828-4393

blau@we-worldwide.com
Acquisition more than doubles the company's European-based personnel and expertise supporting Telecom Expense Management for European and Multi-National Clients

ATLANTA and EDINBURGH, Scotland, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Calero Software LLC, a leading global provider of Communications and Cloud Lifecycle Management (CLM) software and managed services, including Telecom Expense Management (TEM), Managed Mobility Services (MMS) and Usage Management, announced today that it has acquired Veropath Ltd. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, Veropath is a leading provider of TEM solutions throughout the U.K. and Europe. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The United Kingdom is the second largest TEM market globally. "The addition of Veropath more than doubles Calero's European team, further strengthening our market position within the EMEA region," stated Chris Jurasek, President and CEO of Calero. "With Veropath and our acquisition of A&B Groep earlier this year, Calero offers the most robust European in-market expertise, an unparalleled understanding of the nuances associated with doing business in EMEA, and one of the industry's most comprehensive global solutions and services portfolios."

David Booker, CEO of Veropath and now Managing Director for Calero added, "I'm thrilled to partner with Riverside Partners and to join the Calero team. As the Veropath solution becomes part of the broader Calero offering, Veropath clients will benefit greatly from Calero's market-leading position, a shared view on delivering excellent customer value, its commitment to innovation, and a complementary set of solutions designed to help enterprises manage cloud expenses, mobile services and usage optimization. At the same time, our clients can expect no change to their existing solutions or the high levels of service they experience from Veropath."

"Veropath represents continued investment in strategic geographies for CLM from the Calero and Riverside Partners team. Our commitment to Calero as a leading CLM platform extends to supporting our clients with industry leading localized knowledge, sales and support resources. Veropath delivers in all three areas," stated Michelle Noon, General Partner at Riverside Partners. "Furthermore, Calero's clients will benefit from leading edge technology and resources available to address global security and privacy concerns including the recently implemented GDPR requirements."

"This transaction is one of a few carefully chosen strategic acquisitions designed to add scale, enhance client service and broaden Calero's technology and service offerings while carefully maintaining a one-company global approach," said Steven F. Kaplan, Chairman of Calero and General Partner at Riverside Partners. "It is further proof that Calero is quickly delivering on its goal to be the CLM provider of choice for domestic and multi-national corporations worldwide."

Calero's software and managed service solutions deliver sustainable value within large enterprises, universities and government agencies by enabling clients to more efficiently and more effectively manage the myriad of cloud and communications services, devices, contracts, invoices and spending across their operations. Today, Calero manages more than $7 billion of annual telecom, mobility and cloud spend for over 3,000 customers operating in more than 50 countries globally. Calero also provides managed mobility services for more than 500,000 mobile devices.

About Calero Software LLC

Calero is a leading provider of Communications and Cloud Lifecycle Management (CLM) solutions designed to turn communication data into actionable insight by simplifying the management of voice, mobile and other unified communications services and assets. With a deep commitment to innovation and customer service, Calero's CLM approach enables organizations to support the full communications lifecycle, from procurement to payment, including software and services that aid Telecom Expense Management (TEM), Managed Mobility Services (MMS) and Usage Management. Calero has thousands of customers in over 50 countries worldwide, including Fortune 2000 corporations, universities and government agencies. Calero is a portfolio company of Riverside Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm. Learn more at www.calero.com.

About Veropath Ltd

Veropath is a leading provider of Information Technology Expense Management (TEM) services for International enterprise clients - addressing the challenge of managing complex IT and telecom estates, to reduce costs and drive efficiencies. Servicing clients in over 30 countries with more than 90 carriers, our Microsoft Azure-based analytics portal gives full visibility of the entire asset base, identifying all types of unnecessary expenditure to enable accurate, informed budgeting and decision-making. Using this detail we make significant savings, optimize and efficiently manage the lifecycle of the entire IT and telecom estate. Learn more at www.veropath.com.

About Riverside Partners LLC

Founded in 1989, Riverside Partners is a middle market private equity firm currently investing Riverside Fund V, L.P. The fund focuses on growth-oriented companies primarily in the healthcare and technology industries. Riverside Partners is particularly experienced at partnering with founders, owners and management teams and it brings substantial domain expertise and operating experience to its portfolio companies. For more information visit www.riversidepartners.com.

For more information, contact:

Michelle Noon

Riverside Partners LLC

mnoon@riversidepartners.com

+1 617 351 2818

Rachel Knibbs

Veropath Ltd

rachel.knibbs@veropath.com

+44 (0) 7880 187749

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/700877/Calero_Logo.jpg
BERLIN, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

DOC Research Institute, in cooperation with T20 Argentina experts, held a roundtable at DOC headquarters, entitled 'Capacity building for Infrastructure Development in Emerging Economies'. Participants who gathered in DOC HQ represented five continents (Asia, Africa, North America, South America, and Europe), which reflected the spirit of open cooperation and intercultural dialogue.

Dr. Vladimir Yakunin gave the opening remarks, highlighting the importance of professional knowledge and skills in developing infrastructure projects that foster economic growth in lesser developed countries. The possible outcomes from investment in infrastructure development should be carefully studied, he argued.

Special attention should be paid to the fact that infrastructure investments are not a monetary 'black hole'. They in fact have a wide range of positive effects from the very beginning of project implementation, such as job creation, local industry development, increased tax revenues, and requests for new educational services and skills. All of these positively affect the social wellbeing of a society and region" continued Yakunin.

The roundtable was moderated by Dr. Thorsten Jelinek, Europe Director of the Taihe Institute, who spoke of the eight most important factors that will transform infrastructure development, moving it in the direction of sustainability and shared prosperity. In his presentation, he noted critical divergent trends. The level of innovation in the infrastructure sector compared to other areas of production (for example, the automobile industry) is much lower. One of the factors determining this trend is the long-term nature of investments in infrastructure. Thorsten conclude that the 'DNA' of today's infrastructure needs to include innovation, open and multilateral policy dialogue, proper risk-mitigation, and human-centric approaches.

The roundtable was co-hosted by T20 Argentina, which was represented by: Dr. Gabriel Lanfranchi, Co-chair of the T20 Task Force #2 on Climate Change and Infrastructure Development; Professor Pablo Ava, Director of Cities Programme, CIPPEC , Co-chair of Policy & Research, T20 Argentina; Professor, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Head of Policy and Research at the Argentina Council of Foreign Relations; and Dr. Jose Siaba Serrate, Chair of the T20 Task Force on Finance.

In his presentation, Dr. Gabriel Lanfranchi noted the current shift in the development paradigm, which is associated with the level of urbanisation around the world, in particular in developing countries. In the second part of his presentation he explained the policy brief concepts developed under T20 Argentina task forces, such as Enhancing climate resilience through urban infrastructure and metropolitan governance and The role of cities to mitigate climate change: A new urban paradigm and urban infrastructure. Lanfranchi continued by explaining that among the challenges we face today is the lack of the 'metropolitan dialogue': the lack of dialogue among the stakeholders inside complex and interconnected urban environments. Currently, no municipalities or national governments can implement projects without the involvement of civil society or businesses. Thus, he called for a change in the paradigm of development. Platforms for dialogue among stakeholders ought to be provided so there is communication on a daily basis.

Dr. Pablo Ava spoke about the positive results from infrastructure projects and the key role of investment in boosting local markets. At the same time, these projects cannot be realised only through state support, the experience of Argentina and other countries has shown that private-public-partnership (PPP) is the vital to finance infrastructure development. In addition, he stressed the importance of policy coordination and the most serious policy issues on the agenda, which should have more collaboration and coordination: education, employment, sustainable agricultural production, and migration.

Dr. Jose Siaba Serrate continued the discussion by addressing the challenges of 'infrastructure gaps'. One of them is the finance gap and the second is the technological or skills gap. Multilateral development institutions are a key source for finance in long-term infrastructure projects, together with PPP. They provide an opportunity to fill the financial gap. The proper date collection and data management is required to mitigate risks generated by the complexity and long-term nature of infrastructure projects. Information and knowledge sharing is important for cooperation and sustainable development on regional and global levels.

Professor Martino Tran, Director of the Urban Predictive Analytics Lab, Co-Director of the Master of Engineering Leadership in Urban Systems, and Assistant Professor in the School of Community and Regional Planning at UBC talked about the challenges associated with planning and policy making in Smart Cities. According to him, the life cycle of city projects with a high share of information technology is lacking and it is usually developed by business and industry. The life cycle in the classical approach is long enough and depends mostly from governmental support. The investment strategy depends on analysis of supply and demand, but the key problem is who collects data in the Smart Cities and who owns and manages them. Another key point it is the training of relevant personnel - he argued that managers should have engineering skills. The main obstacle is that engineers generally are not the best at communicating the right information to policy makers.

Currently infrastructure development is one of the priorities of national development strategies in many states and regions, but seeking change is not enough to implement plans, especially in regions that are in a dreadful situation and lack the most basic infrastructure. For example, Sub-Saharan Africa & South Asia.

Dr. Valentine Udoh James, Editor-in-Chief: Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa (JSDA) pointed out that 'Partial Sustainability' and 'Whole Sustainability' in economic development require investment in capacity building of infrastructure that supports various aspects of human development. There is a need for collaboration and cooperation between governments of periphery and core regions of the world in order for the emerging economies to benefit from the growing and expanding global markets. There is a need for the private and public sectors of developing and developed countries to work together in assisting in the establishment of infrastructure in developing countries. It is quite possible to achieve a 'win-win' result when the development efforts of multinational organisations meet the needs and aspirations of the people of the developing or emerging economies.

Prof. Augusto Soto, Member of United Nations Global Experts, Lecturer at ESADE, Director Dialogue with China Project, highlighted that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is the largest infrastructure megaproject in Chinese history. At the same time, in principle, BRI appears as one of the best ways to counter unilateralism by engaging dozens of nations in multilateral development. A comprehensive PPP applied to BRI could surmount possible obstacles and perceived threats. If consistently adapted to changing circumstances, taking into traditional and non-traditional approaches to international projects, it could become not only a flagship of multilateralism but also a real milestone.

Dr. Sebastien Goulard, Founder of Cooperans Founder and Coordinator of OBOReurope, continued on the Belt and Road Initiative: African and Asian countries need infrastructure badly, and the BRI is a solution for them to finance their infrastructure. The BRI is actually at its early stage, project financing still needs to be improved. China is working on this issue and hopes to involve more private investors on BRI projects. Countries are still free not to develop unprofitable projects: China doesn't impose them.

Ms. Gaukhar Nurgalieva, Head of Eurasian Studies Lab, SKOLKOVO institute for Emerging Market Studies (IEMS) presented the several of the infrastructure cases implemented in Central Asia. Based on her analysis, she concluded with key conditions for successful development: "For the development of infrastructure in Eurasia we must ensure necessary level of expertise for large scale projects implementation and management. Public Private Partnership legislation and structuring is the key to success in infrastructure building in the region. Eurasia will need more talent and expertise in large-scale project management".

In conclusion, Dr. Jiahong Chen, Research Director of DOC Research Institute invited all participants to continue the dialogue and joint research work. She noted the importance of an interdisciplinary and dialogical approach to address global challenges such as climate action and infrastructure for development.

The outcome of the roundtable will enable expanded research in cross-border and cross-institutional cooperation for sustainable infrastructure development, which is important for regional and international cooperation. The results will be implemented in the policy recommendation at the T20 Argentina summit, which will be held in Buenos Aires on 16-18 September 2018.

Media Contacts

Agnieszka Rzepka:

Press Officer

+49-30-209677900

media@doc-research.org


LONDON, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- OP5 AB, a market leader in infrastructure monitoring, today at Infosecurity Europe, announced the availability of OP5 Log Analytics. A new product meeting the need for intelligent and cost-effective large-scale log management and security monitoring.

Detect anomalies in real time

OP5 Log Analytics is built on the foundation of the open source project ELK Stack. In addition, OP5 Log Analytics has incorporated several new and industry leading add-ons including enhanced security, alerting and artificial intelligence. This gives the ability to detect anomalies and unusual behavior in real time and anticipate coming problems, that might suggest hacking attempt.

"Understanding and controlling the IT infrastructure gives organizations the freedom to innovate and build business. With OP5 Log Analytics problems can be detected before they affect the business", says Jonas Vestin, CEO OP5.

Solving problems in the most cost-effective way

"We are committed to solving our customers problems in the most cost-effective manner. OP5 Log Analytics provides the highest ratio of features and use cases at a cost that maximizes the value to our customers", continues Jonas Vestin.

Already integrated

OP5 Log Analytics complements OP5's market leading OP5 Monitor, that continues to be the standard for usability, scalability and cost-conscious infrastructure monitoring. OP5 Log Analytics has seamless integration with OP5 Monitor and is also integrated with other tools in the market.

The marketplace for monitoring products is quickly changing from the domain of the system administrator to the concern of the Chief Security Officer, DevOps, and AIops. OP5's suite of products is positioned to address these changing concerns and meet the evolving needs of customers.

OP5 builds IT monitoring software to enable organizations to take full control over their IT and predict problems before they happen. Founded in Sweden 2004, OP5 has grown into an international company with presence in over 60 countries. Thousands of IT professionals across the world rely daily on solutions from OP5 to monitor their business-critical IT services. Learn more at op5.com

Social media: Twitter | LinkedIn| YouTube | Facebook

For more information, please contact:

Eva Sparr

CMO OP5

esparr@op5.com

+46-76-3355562



Jim Greenway

US Marketing Manager OP5

jgreenway@op5.com

+1(918)992-6520

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/op-5-ab/r/op5-introduces-new-ai-based-and-cost-effective-product-for-log-analysis-and-security-monitoring,c2540923

The following files are available for download:
Carroll Street Solar Farm In Brooklyn Among the 1st Rooftop Community Solar Projects in NYC

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - June 6, 2018) - UGE International Ltd. (TSXV: UGE) ("UGE") Subscriber enrollment is complete for the 100-kilowatt Carroll Street Community Solar Farm in Brooklyn. The project - built on a mixed-used commercial building - is among the first rooftop community solar projects in New York City. The large amount of customer interest in the project bodes well for the future of community solar in the New York City. The new urban solar model could make solar economically viable for building owners for the first time and help unlock the city's 11-gigawatt rooftop solar potential. Gotham Community Solar is financing and will own the solar projects with CleanChoice Energy managing all subscriber services including acquisition, management, customer care, billing and retention. UGE is providing the engineering, design, and installation of the solar system. The project is the first of several under development by the partners.

"Community solar is the perfect solution for making solar work in New York City. This project highlights the possibility of solar for building owners. In New York, there are thousands upon thousands of rooftops for which solar will now be the right choice - both economically as well as for the climate and clean air," said Peter Davidson, CEO of Gotham Community Solar. "This is a great new source of revenue for landlords and building owners in New York City - particularly the outer boroughs. Now everyone can support clean solar power for their homes."

"Community solar is business innovation at its best and has potential to exponentially expand New York's clean energy economy," said Tom Matzzie, Founder and CEO of CleanChoice Energy. "The fantastic response to this project shows how excited New Yorkers are to support local community solar. Every day we hear from residents and businesses that they want to be powered by renewable energy. Community solar makes supporting local solar possible for the millions of New Yorkers who do not own their roofs. We are excited to lead this effort forward for New Yorkers alongside Gotham Community Solar and UGE."

"Community solar is the future of solar energy for commercial building owners in New York City," said Nick Blitterswyk, CEO and Founder of UGE. "One only needs to look at the countless empty rooftops throughout the city the next time they fly into one of the area's airports to imagine the potential. The solar systems we install are the equivalent of a new tenant at that building, giving the building owner the unique opportunity to make money, help their community, and contribute to decreasing pollution in the City. Helping complete one of the City's first community solar projects is a huge step forward and we look forward to playing a leading role in spreading this new solar model."

Carroll Street subscribers will receive credit on their electric bill for the power generated by the solar panels at the site. Subscribers sign-up through CleanChoice Energy Community Solar platform. The new platform connects people to local community solar projects, allowing customers to sign-up in less than five minutes, and manages ongoing customer engagement--all fully digital and completely online. CleanChoice Energy Community Solar subscribers pay no upfront costs, have no maintenance, and do not need to own their roof - allowing anyone to support local solar even if they rent or do not have a roof suitable for solar panels.

The project's success is due in large part to innovative New York State and New York City policy initiatives. Governor Cuomo's comprehensive energy strategy for New York, "Reforming the Energy Vision" (REV) has spurred community solar innovation. In 2015, the Community Distributed Generation Initiative bolstered the opportunity for New Yorkers to participate in the solar market whether they rent their home, live in an apartment building, or own property unsuitable for installing solar panels. NYSUN Initiatives provide property tax and other key incentives for clean energy development. Mayor de Blasio's OneNYC and other New York City policies have helped speed permitting and incentivized solar installation.

Community solar offers a new model that could unlock New York City's enormous solar potential. Community solar offers commercial building owners the option of annual lease payments to install solar on their rooftop as well as a property tax abatement, up to $200,000 in New York City. Community solar can provide building owners a higher rate of return and make rooftop solar economically viable for many of New York's buildings for the first time.

New Yorkers interested in joining future community solar projects can visit CleanChoiceEnergy.com/NewYork to learn more.

------

UGE also issued 175,302 and 50,001 stock options to Jimmy Vaiopoulos (CFO) and Nicolas Blitterswyk (CEO) respectively. The stock operations are exercisable for a period of five years at an exercise price of CAD$0.29 per share in accordance with the terms of the Company's stock option plan which has been approved by the Company's shareholders and the TSX Venture Exchange.

------

About Gotham Community Solar

Gotham Community Solar is invested in bringing sustainable, clean, affordable, simple energy solutions to New York City Residents. Thanks to NY State initiatives residents no longer need to install solar panels to take advantage of solar energy, and NY property-owning residents can contribute to the solar energy fund available to all residents by having solar infrastructure installed on their roofs while receiving property tax abatements. Knowledge and expertise informed by years of experience in finance along with navigating NYC real-estate and energy laws & initiatives and managing private and commercial real-estate assets prepares us for the task of capitalizing on these incentives to bring alternative and sustainable energy sources to NYC residents.

About CleanChoice Energy

CleanChoice Energy is a leading renewable energy company empowering residential and commercial customers to reduce emissions and support clean energy through 100 percent renewable electricity. CleanChoice Energy's mission is to make clean energy accessible for everybody. CleanChoice Energy supplies only clean renewable energy to customers, operating in eight states and the District of Columbia, bringing cleaner air closer to home. The company is a founding member of the Coalition for Community Solar Access, was recently recognized as one of the fastest growing private companies in America, and has been awarded the highest level of B Corp certification. For more information or to become a customer, visit: www.CleanChoiceEnergy.com.

About UGE

UGE delivers immediate savings to businesses through the low cost of solar energy. We help commercial and industrial clients become more competitive by providing distributed renewable energy solutions at no upfront cost, generating long term economic and environmental returns. With over 360 MW of global experience, we work daily to power a more sustainable world. Visit us at https://www.ugei.com.

For more information, contact UGE at:

+1 917 720 5685

investors@ugei.com


MINORS AND MARIJUANA. Chemists of the Philippine Drug and Enforcement Agency arrange 13 kilos of packed marijuana worth P120,000 Wednesday seized from three personsone adult and two minorsduring a buy-bust operation in Sampaloc Manila. The three are in PDEA custody. Manny Palmero

Metro Manila Police Chief Guillermo Eleazar on Wednesday proposed implementing random bag and locker inspections in schools. He made the statement even as the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said it was closely monitoring the involvement of some media personalities in the illegal drug trade. According to a report by GMA News Tina Panganiban Perez on Balitanghali, Eleazar made the proposal to nip the countrys drug problem in the bud. He said the 44,000 drug suspects arrested and the 234,000 who surrendered to authorities in the past 23 months were proof of the large-scale drug problem in the Philippines. Implementing the surprise inspections would help prevent the youth from getting mixed up with illegal drugs, Eleazar said, emphasizing that prevention was important. But the ACT Teachers Party-list is against the proposal, saying its implementation might allow Oplan Tokhang to victimize students. At an early-morning television interview on GMA 7, PDEA director general Aaron Aquino said the drug involvement of several media personalities had been double-checked in a series of surveillance operations. For the uniformed personnel, we have 800 plus. Included [in the narco-list] are media members, judges, government workers, elected government officials, all of them. That is why from 3,000 [in the past], the number has already doubled, he told Unang Balita. The new narco-list was an offshoot of a months-long effort of four government agencies to scrutinize and revalidate every name. According to Aquino, they expect to finish the revalidation in two weeks.Last April, PDEA, along with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, released the names of 207 barangay officials linked to the illegal drug trade as coddlers or protectors ahead of the May 14 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.The narco-list, which was validated by four law enforcement intelligence agencies, included 117 barangay councilors and 90 barangay chairmen. The updated narco-list included several members of the House of Representatives, mayors, vice mayors, uniformed personnel in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, elected officials and a few PDEA officials apart from the members of the media. The number in 2016 was more than 3,000. Now it has gone up to over 6,000, Aquino said, referring to the list of President Rodrigo Duterte. Aquino also raised alarm over a new modus operandi of drug syndicates using package counters inside malls for their illegal transactions. Distributors would pick up the gift-wrapped box left at the package counter [by the drug suppliers], he said. Then the baggage number would be transferred to another person to get the items at the counter. In 2018 alone, Aquino said, 20 shipments of shabu and other emerging drugs were transported to the Philippines. [At least] 18 of these came from the United States, one from Congo and another one from the Netherlands. Some P500 million worth of drugs entered [our country], Aquino said. We discovered the operandi when we conducted a controlled mode [of investigation]. Instead of directly giving the drugs to the distributors, the drugs are left at the malls package counters [as drop-off points]. Nobody would check the boxes since they were gift-wrapped.
PALM BEACH, Florida, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Marketnewsupdates.com News Commentary

Helium is known to be the second most common element and second lightest gas in the universe. While there is plenty of it available in rocks on the Moon, here on Earth it is a rare to find it in economically feasible quantities. Enormous amounts of helium lost has been blamed on waste. Recently, helium has been placed on the US's list of minerals which are critical to economic and national security, and already sits on a similar list compiled by the EU. As a relatively difficult element to produce, store and recycle, helium is big business for leading companies that can meet the world's growing demand. Dominant players in the oil and gas sector are Baytex Energy Corp.(NYSE:BTE) (TSX:BTE), Pengrowth Energy Corp (NYSE:PGH), Tamarack Valley Ltd. (TSX.V:TVE), Surge Energy Inc. (TSX:SGY), and helium gas newcomer American Helium Inc. (TSX.V:AHE) (OTC:AHELF), which is showing great promise as a prospective helium producer.



Holbrook Basin Could Be Brought Back To Life

American Helium(TSX.V:AHE) (OTCQB:AHELF) announced the Holbrook Basin exploration venture to undertake an exploration drill program in Arizona with Holbrook Basin Energy LLC. The Holbrook Basin has been a well-established helium production district with two of the world's richest historic producing helium gas fields, the Pinta Dome and the Navajo Springs located in the region. Arizona's original helium discovery was in 1927 and named Great Basin Oil #1. This discovery is approximately 4 miles Southwest of Holbrook and 14 miles East of Helopolis in the Holbrook Basin. The concentration level reported gas flow of 1.12% helium back in 1927.



According to American Helium's recent press release, the concentrations of gas in the Holbrook Basin range from trace amounts up to 10%. The industry benchmark for commercial grade helium range from concentration levels of 0.3% to 1%. The potentially high concentration levels and the rich nature of the area has some saying "Arizona is the Saudi Arabia of helium".



David Sidoo commented, "I've always had great success being the first mover in a hot sector. Recognizing early opportunities where supply has dwindled and demand is sky rocketing. I've done it in the Powder River Basin and the Bakken Oil Fields. I've done it in the Lithium markets. Next is helium. There is a massive rush underway to secure high quality helium assets in the United States and AHE sits at the forefront of this cycle."

A Focused Helium Opportunity



American Helium(TSX.V:AHE) (OTCQB:AHELF) is currently the only company in the U.S. whose focus is placed solely on helium. Furthermore, two of the company's largest competitors in the U.S. market are known to have declining helium sources. This raises the significance of American Helium's newly announced Holbrook Basin venture alongside it's 17,767 acre Carbon County, Utah property.



American Helium also represents one of the safest assets on the international plane. One of the world's other leading helium-producing nations, Qatar was subject to a boycott by Arab neighbours which removed the equivalent of approximately 25% of global demand from the helium market.



Clearly, other major global alternatives suffer from far less geopolitical stability. Here again, American Helium takes the edge on its international competitors, with a focus solely on helium production in the US where the business and investment environment is significantly more stable. In fact, of five leading global producers, two are experiences decreasing output whilst the second-largest in Qatar cannot offer stability to the global markets.



Like the helium markets in general, American Helium(TSX.V:AHE) (OTCQB:AHELF) has gone under-analysed and under-appreciated to date, despite having assets due to enter production and facing competitors who are struggling to supply. The upside of this is that the company offers a well-timed investment opportunity in the commodity markets.



Another of American Helium's key advantages is the very commodity in which it deals, with helium demand and prices steadily on the increase. The natural shortages of the element alongside political events interfering with global supplies means that the company will likely be able to sell its own stores as historically high prices.



Helium Proves Critical in New Technologies



Helium already has many well established industrial uses, such as in healthcare for cooling the superconducting magnets in MRI and other machines, in breathing equipment used in diving to prevent nitrogen narcosis or "the bends", and in the aerospace and aircraft industries.



However, now the element also looks set to play a critical role in many emerging and future technologies, from quantum computing to potential use in nuclear fusion, and at the pinnacle of modern physics research in particle accelerators such as the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland.



Google's Project Loon's "Balloon Powered Internet for Everyone" Helium filled balloons delivered internet to 100,000 people in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Netflix runs on Helioseal technology using HGST helium filled drives. In fact, Netflix increased capacity by 50%, while reducing energy usage by 23%.



As an inert element, meaning that it is unreactive, helium can be combined with other components without causing a chemical reaction. The element also has an ultra-low boiling point, almost at the temperature of absolute zero, and an extremely light atomic weight.



All these features render helium a unique and virtually irreplaceable component in those industries which rely upon its properties. Global demand for helium is expected to rise by 9% each year over the next three years alone and shares of companies like American Helium (TSX.V:AHE) (OTCQB:AHELF), should re-rate in line with the price increase of the physical.



Other Emerging Players In The Oil & Gas Game:



Baytex Energy Corp. (NYSE:BTE) (TSX:BTE) is an oil and gas corporation based in Calgary, Alberta. The company is engaged in the acquisition, development and production of crude oil and natural gas in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and in the Eagle Ford in the United States. Approximately 80% of Baytex's production is weighted toward crude oil and natural gas liquids.



Pengrowth Energy Corp (NYSE:PGH) is an intermediate oil & gas producer based in Calgary, Alberta. With operations across Western Canada, Pengrowth produces light oil, heavy oil, and natural gas. Over the past year, the Company has undergone significant restructuring, as it plans to reduce debt via asset sales. Moving forward, the Company plans to focus on long-term development at its Lindbergh (thermal oil) and Montney gas properties.



Tamarack Valley Ltd. (TSX.V:TVE) is an oil and gas company focused on acquiring and operating oil and gas properties in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. The Company's producing properties are Cardium Oil, which produces at a capacity of ~9,000 barrels of oil per day (BOE/D) at 54% liquids and Viking Oil, which produces at 7,300 BOE/D at 67% liquids.



Surge Energy Inc. (TSX:SGY) is an oil focused E&P company that has a high quality crude oil reserve, production and cash flow base. Surge has elite, operated properties characterized by large OOIP crude oil reservoirs with low recovery factors, an extensive 14 year inventory of more than 700 net low risk development drilling locations and several high quality waterflood projects.



The Importance of New Supply has Never Been So Great

Helium is a critical element used across a range of established and newly emerging technologies. With global production threatening to lose pace with an ever-increasing demand, the importance of establishing new supplies has never been so great, nor the need to establish new production in the U.S. to replenish dwindling stores and helium-producing assets.



As the only company focusing solely on helium gas in the U.S., American Helium Inc.(TSX.V:AHE) (OTCQB:AHELF) is a ripe and underappreciated opportunity with significant stores of the element and new production due to come online imminently.



For more information on American Helium (TSX.V:AHE) (OTCQB:AHELF), please visitMicrosmallcap.com for afree research report.

DISCLAIMER: Microsmallcap.com (MSC) is the source of the Article and content set forth above. References to any issuer other than the profiled issuer are intended solely to identify industry participants and do not constitute an endorsement of any issuer and do not constitute a comparison to the profiled issuer. FN Media Group (FNM) is a third-party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated with MSC or any company mentioned herein. The commentary, views and opinions expressed in this release by MSC are solely those of MSC and are not shared by and do not reflect in any manner the views or opinions of FNM. Readers of this Article and content agree that they cannot and will not seek to hold liable MSC and FNM for any investment decisions by their readers or subscribers. MSC and FNM and their respective affiliated companies are a news dissemination and financial marketing solutions provider and are NOT registered broker-dealers/analysts/investment advisers, hold no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security.



The Article and content related to the profiled company represent the personal and subjective views of the Author (MSC), and are subject to change at any time without notice. The information provided in the Article and the content has been obtained from sources which the Author believes to be reliable. However, the Author (MSC) has not independently verified or otherwise investigated all such information. None of the Author, MSC, FNM, or any of their respective affiliates, guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any such information. This Article and content are not, and should not be regarded as investment advice or as a recommendation regarding any particular security or course of action; readers are strongly urged to speak with their own investment advisor and review all of the profiled issuer's filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission before making any investment decisions and should understand the risks associated with an investment in the profiled issuer's securities, including, but not limited to, the complete loss of your investment. FNM was not compensated by any public company mentioned herein to disseminate this press release but was compensated forty four hundred dollars by MSC, a non-affiliated third party to distribute this release on behalf of American Helium Inc.



FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.



This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and MSC and FNM undertake no obligation to update such statements.





Media Contact:

FN Media Group, LLC

info@marketnewsupdates.com

+1(561)325-8757


Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - June 6, 2018) - Margaux Resources Ltd. (TSXV: MRL) (OTCQB: MARFF) ("Margaux" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has commenced its 2018 drill program; has initiated testing of Sheep Creek Gold District historic mine dumps for potential gold recovery; and provides an update on the Company's tungsten tailings metal recovery and remediation initiative.

Highlights

2018 drill program has commenced.

Testing of Reno and Nugget mine dumps initiated (Sheep Creek Gold District) for gold recovery potential.

Tungsten tailings testing underway, initial results expected in the upcoming months.

Tailings site visit by the Honourable Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources for the province of British Columbia.

Commences 2018 Drill Program

Margaux has mobilized a diamond drill rig to the Company's Kootenay Arc Zinc District and a 1,000 metre, NQ2-sized drill program has commenced. Drilling is testing a north-northeast trending airborne EM conductor located west of both the historic Jersey lead-zinc and the Emerald tungsten mines. The program, which will consists of 4 or 5 drill holes, is targeting gold skarn related mineralization within a thick sequence of limestone and meta-sediments.

Drill targets for the Sheep Creek Gold District are being finalized and drilling to test these gold targets is expected to commence in June-July once the higher elevation snow pack has melted allowing for access to the property. Further information on the Sheep Creek Gold District drill program will be released shortly.

For greater information on Margaux's 2018 drill program, please see the latest video on the Company website at https://margauxresources.com/.

Testing of Sheep Creek Gold District Mine Dumps

Margaux has also initiated lab-scale testing of historic mine dumps within the Company's Sheep Creek Gold District, to determine the potential for gold recovery. Under the direction of CRONIMET Mining Processing AG ("CRONIMET"), samples of dump material from the historic Reno and Nugget mines are being tested for sensor-based sorting in an independent research facility. Sorting methodology to be tested will include inductive electromagnetics, visual range optical and near-infrared sorting, as well as x-ray transmission.

The Reno and Nugget mines are two of the highest grade historic gold producers in the Sheep Creek Gold District. Total historic production from the Reno mine is 237,200 tonnes at an average grade of 19.2 g/t gold, and from the Nugget is 51,150 tonnes, also at an average grade of 19.2 g/t gold (2). Historical cut-off grade for the mines is reported as 8.5 g/t gold.

The Company's dump sampling program is the first step in characterizing these dumps in terms of quantity and grade of contained vein material, and in determining whether existing sorting technology can separate this mineralized material from waste rock, for economic milling/gold recovery. This work will determine whether the Company proceeds with bulk sample permit applications for the mine dumps.

Tungsten Tailings Update

As previously announced, Margaux is performing a preliminary assessment of the Company's brownfield historical tungsten tailings, to assess the viability of remediating the tailings site, and the potential to economically produce a marketable mineral concentrate from the entirety of the tailings deposit. For this project, the Company has formed partnerships with CRONIMET Mining Processing AG ("CRONIMET") (see Company press release September 13, 2017), who brings global expertise in mineral processing and metal recovery from low-grade waste rock and mine tailings, and with the Salmo Watershed Streamkeepers Society ("Streamkeepers"), who provides guidance and expertise with regards to environmental issues (see Company press release August 18, 2017).

The Company's tungsten tailings project represents the waste product from historic tungsten mining at the Emerald tungsten mine. The precise quantity of tailings is unknown, however mine records document 1.45 million tonnes of production at an average grade of 0.76% W0 3 and with a tungsten recovery rate from milling of 82% (1).

In 2017, Margaux and its partners completed a sampling program as a first-step method of confirming tungsten content within the tailings. A total of 84 assays were completed, reflecting samples collected from different depths at 11 sites within the tailings deposit. The average grade, based on these 84 individual samples, was 0.11% tungsten trioxide (W0 3 ). This correlates well with the expected grade based on production and recovery records.

The second-step was the collection of a 3,500 kg small-scale sample of the tailings material which was shipped to CRONIMET for testing. The test work by CRONIMET is underway to fully characterize the tailings for metal content and for other components which may be recoverable, and to determine practical and economical processing options. Initial results are expected in the upcoming months.

In conjunction with the ongoing test work, Margaux is preparing a joint application to the British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources, and the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy, for a Permit under the BC Mines Act to undertake a Bulk Sample of up to 10,000 tonnes of historic tailings, which includes an on-site pilot scale processing facility (see Company press release February 7, 2018). Once test work is complete and details of the process methodology are finalized, the joint application for the bulk sample testing program will be submitted.

Pre-application meetings with various regulatory personnel have been positive, including a recent site visit to the tungsten tailings by the Honourable Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources for the province of British Columbia.





Recent site visit to the tungsten tailings by the Honourable Michelle Mungall



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2958/35069_a1528243755296_84.jpg

Notes



(1) Lawrence, E.A., 1974. A Summary Report of the Production History and Geology of the Salmo Division, Canex Placer Limited, Canex Placer Limited, Tungsten Division, Salmo B.C., February 1974.

(2) Matthews, W.H., 1953. Geology of the Sheep Creek Camp, BC Department of Mines Bulletin 31.

Qualified Person

Linda Caron, M.Sc., P.Eng, Margaux's Vice President of Exploration, is the Company's Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 who has reviewed and approved the technical information contained within this press release.

About Margaux Resources Ltd.

Margaux Resources Ltd. (TSXV: MRL) (OTCQB: MARFF) is a mineral acquisition and exploration Company focused on the development of gold, zinc and tungsten deposits in the Kootenay Arc, in the southeastern region of British Columbia. The Company is directed by a group of highly successful Canadian business executives and is focused on exploration of the Company's Kootenay Arc Zinc District, and Sheep Creek Gold District.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward looking statements including those describing Margaux's future plans and the expectations of management that a stated result or condition will occur. Any statement addressing future events or conditions necessarily involves inherent risk and uncertainty. Actual results can differ materially from those anticipated by management at the time of writing due to many factors, the majority of which are beyond the control of Margaux and its management. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements pertaining, directly or indirectly, to the following: Margaux's exploration plans and work commitments, the potential of mineral resources and potential for recovery thereof, the timing of reporting exploration results, as well as other market conditions and economic factors, business and operations strategies. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. These statements speak only as of the date of this release or as of the date specified in the documents accompanying this release, as the case may be. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements except as expressly required by applicable securities laws.

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.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Margaux Resources Ltd.

Tyler Rice

President, CEO and a Director

(403) 537-5590

Tyler@margauxresources.com
Company joins industry experts to discuss localization and Neural Machine Translation (NMT) through informational and engaging sessions

WALTHAM, Massachusetts, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lionbridge Technologies, Inc., one of the world's most trusted global digital communications platforms, today announced several company thought leaders will participate in panel discussions and lead sessions at LocWorld37 Warsaw. In addition, Lionbridge will continue their annual sponsorship of the event.

WHAT: LocWorld37 Warsaw brings together a variety of language industry experts for two days of collaborative discussion built around helping to localize businesses.



WHEN: Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CET; and

Friday, June 8, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CET





WHERE: Hilton Warsaw Hotel & Convention Centre

Grzybowska 63

Warsaw, 00-844, Poland



WHO: Lionbridge will serve as a Bronze sponsor for LocWorld37 Warsaw and will exhibit its platform throughout the event at booth #126.





SESSIONS: At LocWorld37 Warsaw, attendees can choose from a variety of sessions featuring the latest trends and best practices in translation and localization.





Lionbridge experts will present three sessions during LocWorld37 Warsaw, including:





Rethinking Localization | June 7, 2018, 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. CET

Presented by Jay Marciano, Director of Machine Translation for Lionbridge



During this session, Marciano will lead a discussion on how localization is changing and what to expect for the future.

Demystifying NMT in a Conversation with Three Experts | June 8, 2018, 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. CET

Presented by a panel including Jay Marciano, Director of Machine Translation for Lionbridge



As part of a panel of industry leading experts, Marciano will participate in a discussion that addresses questions around NMT with the goal of demystifying this emerging translation technology.

How We Went Neural | June 8, 2018, 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. CET

Presented by Magadalena Dombek, Technical Manager for Lionbridge, and Justyna Kokar, Quality Manager for Lionbridge



In this presentation, Lionbridge's Dombek and Kokar will share an assessment model devised for the evaluation of NMT available from Google. Based on the evaluation findings, they will share how Lionbridge implemented an NMT plan, as well as efforts to measure NMT quality on an ongoing basis.

To join the conversation on Twitter, use LocWorld37 and follow @Lionbridge and @LocWorld for updates.

About Lionbridge

Lionbridge enables more than 4,500 of the world's leading brands to increase global market share and drive deep engagement with their customers and communities. Our innovative cloud technology platform and our global crowd of more than 400,000 professional workers provide detail-critical business processes, including localization, digital marketing, and AI solutions, which ensure global brand consistency and relevancy. Based in Waltham, Mass., Lionbridge maintains solution centers in 27 countries. To learn more, visit www.lionbridge.com.

Media Contact:

Lauren Palazzo

Text100

NALionbridge@text100.com

+1-617-399-4909
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 6, 2018) - Power Americas Minerals Corporation (TSXV: PAM) ("Power Americas" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the final results of their winter diamond drilling program on their Kittson-Cobalt Project, located in the prolific Cobalt Silver Camp in Northeast Ontario, Canada.

A total of 17 drill holes, totaling 1,750 metres, of BTW-size core were drilled, 15 targeting the historic Shakt-Davis mine area and 2 holes targeting the eastern extension of the historic Edison mine. The results of the final 9 holes of the program are detailed below.

The program successfully extended the Shakt-Davis mineralization east of the existing mine workings. Holes KIT-18-009 and -010 represent the furthest east drilling on the Shakt-Davis structure returning up to 0.12% cobalt over 6.23 meters including 0.56% cobalt over 0.57 meters. The mineralization remains open to the east.

The final two holes of the program (KIT-18-016 and -017) tested the eastern extension of the historic Edison mine. Both holes successfully intersected the Edison structure returning up to 0.40% cobalt over 0.41 meters, indicating that the Edison structure has exploration potential outside of historic mine workings as well.

A full list of significant intersections is provided in Table 1 below. Drill Location maps and cross-sections can be found on the Company's website by following: "Click here to view maps and cross sections."

Table 1. Winter 2018 Diamond Drilling Highlights.

Hole Width* Co Au Ag Cu Ni Number From (m) To (m) (m) wt.% g/t g/t wt.% wt.% KIT-18-001 Hole abandoned due to intersecting old workings KIT-18-002 84.33 85.1 0.77 0.38 0.017 0.1 0.00 0.06 KIT-18-003 No Significant Results KIT-18-004 90.7 91.62 0.92 0.52 0.009 0.1 0.00 0.06 KIT-18-005 No Significant Results KIT-18-006 29.58 40.59 17.85 0.04 0.007 0.2 0.02 0.01 Inc. 29.58 33.30 3.72 0.08 0.079 0.3 0.02 0.01 Inc. 29.58 30.00 0.42 0.42 0.060 0.9 0.00 0.06 KIT-18-007 28.97 34.35 5.38 0.11 0.005 0.2 0.02 0.02 Inc. 30.97 31.27 0.73 0.61 0.020 0.8 0.03 0.10 KIT-18-008 22.26 51.5 29.24** 0.05 0.007 0.2 0.01 0.01 Inc. 22.26 27.34 5.08 0.10 0.003 0.5 0.03 0.02 Inc. 25.63 27.34 1.71 0.18 0.005 0.6 0.03 0.02 And 34.58 35.93 1.35 0.38 0.120 1.2 0.01 0.12 And 48.31 51.50 3.19 0.16 0.003 0.5 0.01 0.03 Inc. 50.60 51.50 0.90 0.36 0.003 0.6 0.01 0.06 KIT-18-009 40.26 40.78 0.52 0.123 0.008 0.400 0.024 0.019 KIT-18-010 50.65 57 6.35 0.123 0.005 0.672 0.049 0.018 Inc. 50.65 51.86 1.21 0.311 0.002 0.553 0.019 0.043 Inc. 50.65 51.22 0.57 0.564 0.001 0.500 0.003 0.072 KIT-18-011 32.09 32.48 0.39 0.104 0.005 0.100 0.000 0.012 KIT-18-012 31.11 33 1.89 0.178 0.008 0.634 0.017 0.019 Inc. 31.11 31.63 0.52 0.47 0.010 0.800 0.014 0.047 KIT-18-013 18 18.55 1.55 0.054 0.012 1.500 0.288 0.003 KIT-18-014 No Significant Results KIT-18-015 No Significant Results KIT-18-016 18.4 20.59 2.19 0.056 0.003 0.568 0.026 0.012 KIT-18-017 26.79 29.12 2.33 0.084 0.003 0.828 0.082 0.011 Inc. 26.79 27.2 0.41 0.401 0.003 1.000 0.003 0.031

*All reported widths are drilled core lengths.

** Includes zero grade for un-sampled core from 28.34-33.53m and 37.67-48.31m.

***All grey italicized intercepts are previously released (see PAM news release: 05-23-2018).

Commenting on the latest results, Jeffrey Cocks, President and CEO said: "We're highly encouraged to see that cobalt mineralization extends beyond the historic workings at both the Shakt-Davis and Edison mines. This summer's exploration program will continue to expand these two zones along strike."

Planning is currently underway for the summer exploration program which will include follow-up drilling and sampling on the recently acquired Thomas Edison Mine (see PAM news release: 05-30-2018) as well as reconnaissance mapping, prospecting, geophysical surveys and soil sampling on the newly-acquired claims at the Property's southwest extension (see PAM news release: 12-18-2017).

Sample Analysis and QA/QC

Split core samples were analysed for base metals including Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn among others, along with Au and Ag at Activation Laboratories in Timmins, Ontario. The analytical codes used include 1A2-Au-50g (fire assay/AAS), 1E-Ag (aqua regia digest/ICP-OES), and 8-peroxide (Na 2 O 2 digest/ICP-OES). Standards and blanks were inserted into the sample stream every 20 samples. The Co-bearing standards used in this program were sourced from CDN Resource Laboratories Ltd. of Langley, British Columbia, and Geostats Pty Ltd. of Western Australia.

About the Kittson-Cobalt Project

The Project is located near the town of Cobalt in northeast Ontario, Canada. The Project hosts the historic Shakt-Davis and Cobalt-Kittson mines, as well as numerous historic workings, the deepest extending down to 628 feet, and over 2,500 feet of lateral workings. Cobalt mineralization occurs in Proterozoic-aged quartz-carbonate veins hosted in brittle shears in Nipissing diabase. This style of mineralization is similar to that of the famous Cobalt Silver Camp Located 15 km east of the Property, which produced 420 million ounces of silver with cobalt as a significant by-product. Veins hosting the mineralization at the Kittson-Cobalt Project differ from the typical Cobalt Silver Camp veins in that they are lower in silver but richer in cobalt, and are associated with significant gold. Historic reports from the Shakt-Davis mine indicate values of 1.5% Co over 1.37 metres and select grab samples returning up to 4% Co and 93.3 g/t Au. Locally significant nickel, copper and to a lesser extend lead, zinc and bismuth also occur within the quartz-carbonate veins.

About Power Americas Mineral Corp.

Power Americas Minerals Corporation is a Canadian-based junior mining exploration company focused on the procurement, exploration and development of cobalt, lithium and other energy metals in North and South America. Power Americas' acquisition strategy focuses on acquiring affordable, cost-effective and highly regarded mineral properties in areas with proven geological potential. The Company's shares are listed and posted for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "PAM", the OTC Markets under the symbol "PWMRF", and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol "VV0".

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Neil Pettigrew, M.Sc., P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration and a director of the Company, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

"Jeffrey Cocks"



Jeffrey Cocks

President



For more information please contact:

Howard Milne V.P. Business Development

Tel: (604) 377-8994 Email: hdmcap@shaw.ca

Website: www.poweramericascorp.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 6, 2018) - MAX RESOURCE CORP. (TSXV: MXR) (OTC Pink: MXROF) (FSE: M1D) ("MXR" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has filed five initial mineral license applications covering a total area of 9,384 hectares, located within the Gachala sedimentary copper basin of Eastern Colombia, approximately 60kms east of Bogata (Refer: Gachala Project Area map).

MXR's Gachala 100% owned license applications encompass an aggregate total of 27 line kilometres of the 250km by 120km belt of Devonian through Cretaceous age rocks in a geological setting conducive to hosting sedimentary copper deposits, believed to be analogous to the Zambian Copper Belt of Africa. (Source: Rodriguez and Warden (1993). Overview of some Colombian gold deposits and their development potential. Mineralium Deposita Volume 28, pages 47-57). The Gachala mineralization appears to be localized at the contact between the Devonian-Permian red beds overlying Cretaceous reducing black shales, one of the settings typical of these copper deposits.

Brett Matich, MXR Chief Executive Officer, commented: "I am excited with our early success in developing MXR's strategy of identifying sedimentary copper hosted mineralization within the Gachala region. We believe the underexplored Gachala region has the potential to become the world's next copper frontier."

Three of the license applications cover a 19 kilometre long continuous section of the Cano Negro area, where historic sampling has identified a 25 kilometre strike length of copper enrichment with grades ranging from 0.6% to 13% copper. (Source: C. Rodriguez and A.J.Warden. 1993 Overview of Some Colombian Gold Deposits and Their Development Potential. Mineralium Deposita Volume 28, pages 47-57.) The Cano Negro area appears to lie on the eastern limb of the 32 kilometre "Anticlinal Montecristo".

The remaining two license applications cover the western limb of the "Anticlinal Montecristo" in the area adjacent to and immediately north of the Sinai Property where Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited completed stream sediment and limited rock sampling in 1999. They took a total of 47 rock samples with 12 returning values in excess of 1% copper, ranging from 1.6% to 7.82%. (Source: E.E.Vargas Ruiz, 1999. Exploracion Geoquimica Chivor Colombia Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited.) MXR cautions investors that mineralization on the Sinai Property is not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization on the MXR license applications. MXR's Gachala license application areas were visited by MXR Geologist R. Tim Henneberry, P.Geo. and Colombian Geologist Carlos Gaviria at the end of May during an initial reconnaissance. A Colombian exploration team under Mr. Gaviria will commence surface survey exploration programs mid-June to confirm the 1993 and 1999 sampling results and locate and identify bedrock copper mineralization for following up trenching and diamond drilling.





Gachala Project Area map



To view an enhanced version of this image, please visit:

http://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/35064_a1528238586096_55.jpg

About Max Resource Corp.

Max Resource Corp., a Canadian-based exploration company, is focussed on identifying advanced exploration projects which are located within the under-explored northern section of the richly endowed Andean Copper Belt of Colombia. The Company is currently reviewing a number of exploration opportunities in Colombia, both in base and precious metals.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF MAX RESOURCE CORP.

"Brett Matich"

Brett Matich, CEO and President

Tim Henneberry, P. Geo (British Columbia), a member of the Max Resource Corp. Advisory Board, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release on behalf of the Company.

Further information regarding the Company can be found on SEDAR at www.SEDAR.com, or by contacting the Company directly at (604) 365 1522.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed as "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements pertaining to completion of the Acquisition and any approvals required in connection with the Acquisition. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include: changes in market conditions, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in the price of commodities (particularly copper), unanticipated changes in key management personnel and general social, economic or geo-political conditions. Mining exploration and development is an inherently risky business. Accordingly the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. his list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 6, 2018 / IGEN Networks Corporation (OTCQB: IGEN, CSE: IGN), a leading innovator of cloud-based and Internet of Things (IoT) automotive solutions for the protection and management of mobile assets" today announced that Chief Executive Officer Neil Chan will present at The MicroCap Conference on Thursday, June 21. The event will take place in Toronto at the Sheraton Centre Hotel.

Management will be available to meet with investors throughout the day. Investors wishing to schedule a meeting should contact The MicroCap Conference or IGEN Networks Investor Relations at mkreps@darrowir.com.

To request free registration, please go to the conference website (www.microcapconf.com/toronto), and click the "Registration" button.

News Compliments of ACCESSWIRE

About IGEN Networks Corporation

IGEN Networks Corporation provides peace-of-mind to automotive consumers and their families through direct access to Internet-of-Things (IoT) cloud-based services that include Stolen Vehicle Protection, Real-time updates on asset health and Driver Behavior.

IGEN is a fully reporting company in both Canada and the United States. It is publicly traded on the OTCQB under the symbol IGEN, and listed on the CSE under the symbol IGN. For more information, please visit http://igen-networks.com, www.NimboTracking.com or www.MedallionGPS.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements or forward looking information within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Canadian securities law. The terms and phrases "goal", "commitment", "guidance", "expects", "would", "will", "continuing", "drive", "believes", "indicate", "look forward", "grow", "outlook", "forecasts", 'intend', and similar terms and phrases are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by IGEN in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that IGEN believes are appropriate in the circumstances, including but not limited to statements regarding investment liquidity, financing options and long term goals of the Company, general economic conditions, IGEN's expectations regarding its business, customer base, strategy and prospects, and IGEN's confidence in the cash flow generation of its business. Many factors could cause IGEN's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to competition; IGEN's reliance on key personnel; IGEN's ability to maintain and enhance its brand; and difficulties in forecasting IGEN's financial results, particularly over longer periods given the rapid technological changes, competition and short product life cycles that characterize the mobile application industry. These risk factors and others relating to IGEN that may cause actual results to differ are set forth in the under the heading "Risk Factors" in IGEN's periodic filings with the British Columbia Securities Commission and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on IGEN's forward-looking statements. IGEN has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contact Information:

IGEN Networks Corporation

Neil Chan

1(844) 332-5699

Matt Kreps, Darrow Associates Investor Relations

(214) 597-8200

mkreps@darrowir.com

Ashley Allard, The MicroCap Conference

ashley@microcapconf.com

www.microcapconf.com/toronto

SOURCE: IGEN Networks Corporation
LONDON, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Forecasts by Category (ES, EA, EP), by Platform (Air, Ground, Naval, Unmanned), Including Products (Jammers, Integrated Suits, Radar Warning Receivers, Directed Energy, Direction Finders, DIRCM, Airborne Decoys, Antennas) Covering Portable Systems (Radio Frequency Jammers, RCIED Jammers, Vehicle Self Protection System, Direction Finding System, COMINT & ELINT System, EW System)

Electronic Warfare Market Update 2018-2028 - Market Size, Forecasts, Market Share and Leading Country Analysis to 2028.

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/523989/Visiongain_Logo.jpg )



The latest report from business intelligence provider Visiongain offers comprehensive analysis of the global Electronic Warfare market. Visiongain assesses that this market will generate revenues of USD21,760.34 million in 2018.

Now: Cohort plc to provide EW Simulator to the Defence School of Communication Information Systems (DSCIS) to support UK's MoD's EW capability. This is an example of the business critical headline that you need to know about - and more importantly, you need to read Visiongain's objective analysis of how this will impact your company and the industry more broadly. How are you and your company reacting to this news? Are you sufficiently informed?

How this report will benefit you

Read on to discover how you can exploit the future business opportunities emerging in this sector. Visiongain's new study tells you and tells you NOW.

In this brand new report you find 364 charts, figures, and tables.

The 437 page report provides clear detailed insight into the global Electronic Warfare market. Discover the key drivers and challenges affecting the market.

By ordering and reading our brand new report today you stay better informed and ready to act.

Report Scope

 Global Electronic Warfare market forecasts from 2018-2028

 Regional Electronic Warfare market forecasts from 2018-2028 covering Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Europe, The Middle East and Africa, and North America;

 Electronic Warfare submarket forecasts from 2018-2028 covering market by, category, platform, products and portable systems

 Analysis of the key factors driving growth in the global and regional level Electronic Warfare markets from 2018-2028

 30 detailed tables containing 468 contracts, projects, programmes and products in the Electronic Warfare by geography

 Profiles of the leading Electronic Warfare Companies in 2018

How will you benefit from this report?

 Keep your knowledge base up to speed. Don't get left behind

 Reinforce your strategic decision-making with definitive and reliable market data

 Learn how to exploit new technological trends

 Realise your company's full potential within the market

 Understand the competitive landscape and identify potential new business opportunities & partnerships

Who should read this report?

 Anyone within the defence value chain.

 Business development managers

 Marketing managers

 Technologists

 Suppliers

 Market Analysts

 R&D Staff

 Electronics companies

 Tier 1 & 2 defence contractors

 Systems Integrators

 Defence Primes

 Investors

 Banks

 Government agencies

 Contractors

Report Highlights

364 Tables, Charts, And Graphs

468 Electronic Warfare System Contracts, Projects, Products, And Programmes Plus Analysis

Analysis Of Key Players In The Global Electronic Warfare Systems Market

 BAE Systems

 Elbit

 Raytheon

 Lockheed Martin

 Rockwell Collins

 Cobham Plc

 Boeing Company

 Airbus Group

 Harris Corporation

 Cohort Plc

 Northrop Grumman

 Leonardo SpA

 L-3 Technologies

 Textron Incorporated

 General Dynamics

Forecasts by Category

 Electronc Support

 Electronic Attack

 Electronic Protection



By Platform

 Air

 Ground

 Naval

 Unmanned



By Products

 Jammers

 Integrated Suits

 Radar Warning Receivers

 Directed Energy

 Direction Finders

 DIRCM

 Airborne Decoys

 Antennas



By Portable Systems

 Radio Frequency Jammers

 RCIED Jammers

 Vehicle Self Protection System

 Direction Finding System

 COMINT & ELINT System

 EW System

Global Electronic Warfare Systems Market Outlook And Analysis From 2018-2028

Electronic Warfare System Platform Type Forecasts And Analysis From 2018-2028

 Ground Systems Forecast 2018-2028

 Naval Systems Forecast 2018-2028

 Airborne Systems Forecast 2018-2028

Regional Market Forecasts And Analysis 2018-2028

 North America Electronic Warfare Systems Forecast 2018-2028

 Europe Electronic Warfare Systems Forecast 2018-2028

 Asia Electronic Warfare Systems Forecast 2018-2028

 Latin America Electronic Warfare Systems Forecast 2018-2028

 The Middle East Electronic Warfare Systems Forecast 2018-2028

 Africa Electronic Warfare Systems Forecast 2018-2028

Visiongain's study is intended for anyone requiring defence analyses for the Electronic Warfare market and leading companies. You find data, trends and predictions.

Buy our report today Electronic Warfare (EW) Market Report 2018-2028: Forecasts by Category (Electronc Support (ES), Electronic Attack (EA), Electronic Protection (EP)), by Platform (Air, Ground, Naval, Unmanned), Including Products (Jammers, Integrated Suits, Radar Warning Receivers, Directed Energy, Direction Finders, DIRCM, Airborne Decoys, Antennas) Covering Portable Systems (Radio Frequency Jammers, RCIED Jammers, Vehicle Self Protection System, Direction Finding System, COMINT & ELINT System, EW System). Avoid missing out by staying informed - get our report now.

To request a report overview of this report please contact Sara Peerun at sara.peerun@visiongain.com or refer to our website: https://www.visiongain.com/Report/2199/Electronic-Warfare-(EW)-Market-Report-2018-2028

Companies Listed

3dB Labs Inc

3pheonix

AAI Corporation

Abacus EW

Active Spectrum Inc

Aculight Corporation

Advanced Air Traffic Systems SnD Bhd

Advanced Testing Technologies

Aeroflex Group

Aeronix

Aerotree Defence & Services

Aethercomm

AG Franz, LLC

AgustaWestland

Air Scan, Inc

Airbus

Akon, Inc

Alaris Antennas

Alenia Aermacchi

Alion Science and Technology

Allen-Vanguard

Alliant ATK

Alliant Techsystems

Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC

Alloy Surfaces Company Inc.

AMEWAS, Inc.

Amherst Systems, Inc.

Amor Group

AMPEX Data Systems

Annapolis Micro Systems Inc.

Anritsu Company

Ansaldo Energia

AnsaldoBreda

ApiSys SAS

Applied Geo Technologies

Applied Kilovolts Group Holdings, Limited.

Applied Signal Technology, Inc

Aptronics PTE Ltd

ARC Technology Solutions

Ares

Argon ST

ARI Phantom Technologies

ARINC, Inc

Armtec Countermeasures Co.

Aselsan

Astrotech Corporation

ATDI

ATGI

Atos IT Services

Atricio Enterprises

Avalon Electronics

Avarint LLC

Aveos Fleet Performance

Avibras Divisao Aerea e Naval S.A.

Avibras Industria Aeroespacial's Divisao Aerea e Naval S.A.

Avio SpA

Axell Wireless

Ayesas

Azimuth

Azure Summit Technologies

Babcock International

BAE Intelligence and Security

BAE Systems

BAE Systems Australia

BAE Systems Electronics and Information Systems Inc

BAE Systems Electronics, Intelligence & Support

BAE Systems plc

BAE Systems Safety Products Inc

BAE Systems Tensylon High Performance Materials Inc

Ball Aerospace Technologies

Barco Orthagon

BCV Investments SCA

Beech Holdings LLC

Beechcraft

Berrie Hill Research Corporation

Bharat Electronics (BEL) Ltd

Blackbird Technologies

Blighter Surveillance Systems

Boeing

Boeing

Boeing Defence & Space (BDS)

Boger electronics

Booz Allen Hamilton

Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Berhad

Broadcast Communications

CI

C4i Pty Ltd

CACI International

Camber Corp

CapRock Communications

Carefx Corporation

CDL Systems Ltd.

Chandler/May, Inc.

Chemring

Chemring Australia

Chemring Countermeasures Ltd

Chemring Group plc

Chess Dynamics

Chora

Cirrus Real Time Processing Systems Pty Ltd

CMCA Ltd

Cobham plc

Cohort plc

Commercial Armoured Vehicles LLC

Communications & Power Industries

Communications Audit Ltd

Comtech PST

Concord Components, Inc

Corp Ten International

Cortek Inc

Crane Aerospace & Electronics

CRFS Spectrum Intelligence Systems

CSIR

CSRA LLC

CTC Aviation Group

Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions

Damen Schilde Naval Shipbuilding

DANIELI Group

DARE Electronics, Inc

Darkblade Systems

Data Tactics Corp (L-3 Data Tactics)

Dayton-Grainger, Inc

DCI

Decodio

Defense Conseil International (DCI)

DEFSYS

Delta Microwave

Denel

Deposition Sciences Inc

Detica Group plc

DHPC Technologies

Diehl Defence

Dielectric Laboratories

DMT Global

DOK-ING

DowKey Microwave Corporation

DRS Technologies (Finmeccanica, now Leonardo DRS))

Dynetics, Inc

E2v aerospace and defense

Eclipse Electronic Systems

EID

EIG

Elbit Systems

Elbit Systems of America LLC

Eldes S.r.l

Electro-Metrics

Electronic Corporation of India Limited (ECIL)

Electronic Warfare Associates

Elettronica S.p.A

Elisra

Elta

EM Research, Inc

Embraer

Embraer Defense and Security

Empower RF Systems, Inc.

EMS Technologies, Inc (Honeywell International)

Engility

Enterprise Control Systems

Envision Innovative Solutions

Eonic B.V.

ESL Defence Ltd

Esri

Esterline Technologies

ET Industries

Eurocopter

EuroDass Consortium

EWA-Australia Pty Ltd

Exelis Inc.

Exter Information Technology Services

Fairchild Imaging Inc

Fata Engineering

Fata Gulf

Fata Hunter

Fata S.p.A

Fata Shanghai

FBH

Finmeccanica

Flight Options LLC

Force X

Fraser-Volpe LLC

FUNA International

Future Pipe Industries Group

Future Skys

Galleon Embedded Computing

General Atomics

General Dynamics

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems

General Dynamics Mission Systems

Georgia Tech Research Institute

GEW Technologies (Pty) Ltd (Cassidian)

Giga-tronics

Go2SIGNALS

GORE Aerospace Cables & Materials

Gulfstream

HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited)

Harpia Sistemas SA

Harris Corporation

Havelsan

Helios Remote Sensing Systems

Henggeler Computer Consultants Inc

Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL)

Hitachi

Hittite Microwave Corporation

Hi-Tec Systems

Honeywell International

HP Marketing & Consulting

Huber + Suhner

Hybrid-Air Vehicles

Ilyushin Aviation Complex

ImageSat International N.V.

Impulse Technologies Inc

Incubit Technology Ventures Ltd

Indian Avitronics

Indra

Industrial Defender, Inc

Information Warfare Technologies

Infra RCS Indonesia

Innovative Signal Analysis

Insitu

Integrated Microwave Technologies, LLC

Intergraph

ISPAS as

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Ltd.

ITCN, Inc

ITL Optronics

IZT GmbH

J+S

Jacobs Project Management Co.

JSC Concern Sozvedzie

Kelvin Hughes

Keragis Corporation

Keysight Technologies

Kilgore Flares Co.

Kollmorgen Electro-Optical (KEO)

Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association

Kratos

KRET

KRYTAR, Inc

Ktech Corporation

L-1 Identity Solutions Inc

L-3 Communications

L-3 Electronic Systems Group.

L-3 Micreo

L-3 Narda Microwave East

L-3 National Security Solutions (NSS)

L-3 Platform integration

LaSalle Capital

Leidos

Leonardo

Linear Photonics

Link Simulation & Training U.K. Limited

Lockheed Martin

Logus Microwave

Loogootee and Superior Marine Solutions LLC

Loral Space and Communications

LS Telecom

M5 Network Security

M7

MacAulay-Brown Inc.,

MACOM Technologies

Malaysian Airlines

ManTech International Incorporated

MANTECH Security Technologies

Marine Systems International (MSI)

Marlborough Communications (Holdings) Limited (MCL)

Marlborough Communications Limited (MCL).

MASS Consulting Ltd

MAVCO Inc

Mayvin Consulting Group

MBDA

MC Countermeasures, Inc

MCL (Cohort Plc)

Mechtonix

Meggitt Avionics

Mercury Defense Systems, Inc.

Mercury Systems, Inc.

Meteksan

Metova

Micreo Limited

Micro-Coax, Inc

Microsemi Corporation

Microwave Vision Group

Middle Bay Solutions

MiKES Microwave Electronic Systems Inc

Millennium Corp.

MITEQ, Inc.

Mustang Technology Group, LP

Nantero Inc's Government Services

Narda Safety Test Solutions (L-3 Communications)

Narda-MITEQ.

Narus, Inc.

National Instruments

Nexagen Networks

NIIP

NORINCO

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems

Northrop Grumman Information Systems

Nova Defence

NuWaves Engineering

OASYS Technology LLC

Ophir RF, Inc

Opinicus

Orbital ATK

Orion International Technologies

OTO Melera SpA

Pacific Architects and Engineers Inc

Patria

Per Vices

Perimeter Internetworking Corp

Periscopio

Phantom Technology

Phoenix International Systems, Inc

Pikewerks Corporation

PLATH Group

Poly Group

Poseidon Scientific Instruments Pty Ltd

Prism Maritime LLC.

Procerus Technologies, L.C.

ProFlight, LLC

Protium Technologies Inc

Qantas Defence Services Pty Limited

QED Systems

QinetiQ

Q-Microwave

QTC Holdings Inc.

Radio Tactics

Radixon

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems

Raytheon

Raytheon Applied Signal Technology, Inc. (RAST)

Raytheon Missile Systems

Raytheon Secure Information Systems LLC (RSIS).

Raytheon Visual Analytics Incorporated.

Reliance Infrastructure

RFEL

RFSS

Rheinmetall GmbH

Rising Edge Technologies

Riverside Research

Rockwell Collins, Inc.

Rohde & Schwarz

RUAG Aviation

RUAG Switzerland Ltd.

RVision Inc

SAAB

Safariland, LLC

SafeNet Inc.

SAIC

SAM Electronics

Sama

Satori SAS

Savi Technology, Inc.

Saymar Ltd.

Schlumberger Global Connectivity Services

Schoenhofer

Schroth Safety Products GmbH

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)

SciEngines

SCS

SEA Group Ltd

Selex ES

Sematron

Sensor and Antenna Systems Inc.

SESA

Shared Spectrum

Sharp Aviation K Inc,

Sierra Nevada Corporation

SignaCert, Inc.

Sikorsky Aircraft

Sim-Industries

SimVentions Inc.

Soltam Systems ltd.

Solutions made Simple Inc

Sotera Defense Solutions

Sozvezdie

Specialty Plastics, Inc.

Spectranetix, Inc

SRC, Inc

Steatite Q-par Antennas

Stimulus Engineering Services Inc.

stratsec.net

Sumaria Systems,OST Inc.

Swiss-Photonics AG

Sydentix

Symantec Corporation

Synergy ECP

Systematic A/S

Systems Consultants Services Ltd (SCS)

Systems made Simple

Tactical Technologies Inc. (TTI)

Tata Power SED

TCS

TE Connectivity

Techway

Tecnobit

TECOM Industries

TEK Microsystems, Inc

Teledyne Microwave Solutions

Telerob GmbH

Teligy Inc

Tempus Applied Solutions Holdings Inc.

TERASYS Technologies, LLC

Terma AS

Textron AirLand

Textron Aviation

Textron Inc.

Textron Systems

Textron Systems Electronic Systems

Thales

Thales Optronics

ThalesRaytheonSystems

The Boeing Company

The O'Gara Group, Inc

Thrane & Thrane

TINEX AS

TMD

Tor

TRAK Microwave

TriaSys Technologies Corp

TriQuint Inc

Trivec-Avant Corporation

TRL Technology

TRU Corporation

TUALCOM

Turkish Aerospace Industries

Tutor Perini

UAS Dynamics LLC

Ultra Electronics

Ultra Electronics Avalon Systems

Ultra Electronics Holdings PLC

Ultra Electronics Ltd

United Industrial Corporation (UIC)

United Technologies Corporation

URS

Vadum

Vencore

Veritas Capital

Vision Systems LLC

Visual Analytics Inc.

Vortechx Applied Technologies

Vought Aircraft Industries

W5 Technologies, Inc

Wavepoint Research, Inc

Whitehead Sistemi Subacquei SpA

XCOM Systems (Bird Technologies)

X-ES, Inc.

Zeta Associates, Inc

Zodiac Data Systems

Organisations Mentioned

Australian Department of Defence

Australian Department of Defence Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group

Brazilian Air Force

Brazilian Marine Corps

Civil Aviation Authority of Israel

Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE)

Defense Logistics Agency Aviation

Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

F-35 Norwegian, Italian Reprogramming Lab (NIRL)

French Air Force

French Navy.

German Air Force

Hungarian Air Force

Indian Air Force

Indian Army

Indonesian Air Force

Israel Ministry of Defense

Israel Navy

Israeli Air Force

Israeli Ministry of Defense

Israeli MoD

Israeli Navy

Italian Air Force

Italian Army

Italian Ministry of Defence

Kaluga Research Institute of Radio Engineering (KNIRTI)

NATO

Naval Research Laboratory Tactical Electronic Warfare Division

Office for Naval Research

Pakistan Air Force

People's Liberation Army (PLA)

Rostec

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)

Royal Australian Navy (RAN)

Royal Canadian Air Force

Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF)

Royal Moroccan Air Force.

Royal Netherlands Air Force

Royal Norwegian Air Force

Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF)

Royal Saudi Navy

Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)

Royal Thai Navy

Russian Air Force

Russian Army

Russian Federal Treasury

Russian Ministry of Defence

Russian Navy

Saudi Arabia National Guard (SANG)

SIPRI

Swedish Air Force.

Swedish Navy

The Office of Naval Research

Transparency International

Turkish Air Force

Turkish Navy Forces

U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center

U.S. Army

U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation

U.S. Coast Guard

U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

U.S. Department of Defense's (DoD)

U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)

U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)

U.S. Naval Air Systems Command Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division

U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)

U.S. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon System Support (NAVSUP WSS)

U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Centre for Universal Test Set (UTS).

U.S. Navy

U.S. Pentagon

UAE Navy

UK Defence Electronic Warfare Centre (DEWC)

UK Ministry of Defence (MoD)

UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) Underwater Systems Architecture Advisory Service (USAAS)

UK Royal Air Force (RAF')

UK Royal Navy

United Arab Emirates Navy

United Nation (UN)

University of Lincoln

US Defense Science Board

US Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)

Warner Robins Air Logistics Center

To see a report overview please e-mail Sara Peerun on sara.peerun@visiongain.com
VALLEY COTTAGE, New York, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) recently announced a new program that aims to improve military communications at a millimeter (Mm) wave, with digital phased arrays. The current millimeter wave system, which is platform-specific and inconvenient, lacks interoperability and sufficient security. To make it broadly applicable with improved security attributes, researchers are expected to face multiple technical challenges such as wideband frequency coverage, mesh networking, and precision beam pointing. DARPA's newly announced program is supposed to create a multi-beam to operate at 18-50 GHz for optimum security in communications among multiple military platforms. Recent findings highlight growing interest in the broader use of the Mm wave frequency band to achieve enhanced security in communications occurring on small mobile platforms. Advances in Mm wave, multi-beam phased arrays, and other technologies such as digital radio are foreseen to drive transformation of networked mobile platforms, which will eventually impact communication.

(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/677274/Future_Market_Insights_Logo.jpg )



Request a Sample Report with Table of Contents and Figures: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-627

Demand in Command & Control to Persist; Land Force to Register Maximum Use

Growing demand for multi-intelligence ground systems, and large-scale, high-performance data and signal processing is anticipated to drive applications of military communications in Command & Control, followed by in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). In terms of end use, the adoption of military communications solutions by Land Force will remain the maximum, compared to Air Force and Naval Force. Military communications will continue to play a pivotal role in warfare, with numerous technological advancements and potential applications. As indicated by a recently released research report by Future Market Insights, the global military communications market is expected to attain a value exceeding US$ 68 Billion by the end of 2028, witnessing healthy expansion at a CAGR of 9.9% over a 10-year projection period, 2018-2028.

2.5X Growth Predicted for Satellite Communication Systems, Strongly Backed by Rapidly Improving Satellite Communication Infrastructure

For more than four decades, satellite systems continue to be on the leading edge of military communications. However, it is most likely that a range of cutting-edge terrestrial communication technologies such as smart phone will outweigh the capabilities of satellite communication technology in upcoming years. Researchers and technology experts are currently exploring various ways of introducing the satellite coverage technology to terrestrial communication systems used commercially.

Preview Analysis on Military Communications Market Component- Systems, Satellite Communication Systems, Radar & Sonar Systems, Radio Systems; Services: Consulting, Testing & Integration, Support & Maintenance; Application- ISR, Situational Awareness, Command & Control; End User- Air Force, Land Force, Naval Force: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/military-communications-market

Fixed satellite service and mobile satellite service providers can create abundant opportunities for the development of advanced military communication equipment. Furthermore, collaborations involving satellite communication service providers can potentially create a heap of new revenue generation channels for advanced and connected military communication solution providers. The revenue through adoption of SCS (satellite communication systems) is predicted to grow 2.5X during 2018-2028.

The military is rapidly going 'wireless', specifically for sensor-driven security, environmental control, tactical applications, and yard management. Military wireless communication systems are often designed to operate in harsh environments, where the equipment is exposed to stringent environmental factors. Furthermore, these systems also provide high-level security to protect sensitive data critical for national security and tactical operations. Swift development of commercial wireless communication technology has surged the interest of the military community in leveraging commercial technologies for addressing incessant communication needs.

Our advisory services are aimed at helping you with specific, customised insights that are relevant to your specific challenges. Let us know about your challenges and our trusted advisors will connect with you: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-627

More fromElectronics, Semiconductors, and ICT Market Insights:

B2B Telecommunication Market Segmentation By Solution - Unified Communication and Collaboration, VoIP, WAN, Cloud Services, M2M Communication; By End User - Small & Medium Enterprise, Large Enterprise; By Vertical - BFSI, Healthcare, Media and Entertainment, Government, Energy and Utility, Retail, Transportation and Logistics: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/b2b-telecommunication-market

Digital Inverter Market Segmentation By Power Source - Battery Inverters and Solar Inverters; By Product Type - Central Inverters, String Inverters, Micro Inverters; By End User - Utilities, Commercial and Residential: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/digital-inverter-market

Digital Forensics Market Segmentation By Type - Computer Forensics, Mobile Device Forensics, Network Forensics, Database Forensics, Forensic Data Analysis; By Components - Software, Services(Digital Investigation and Consulting, Implementation and support); By Application - Criminal & Civil Investigations, Corporate litigations, Cyber Crimes, Information Security: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/digital-forensics-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 and an aerial view of the competitive framework and future market trends.

Browse MoreElectronics, Semiconductors, and ICT Market Insights



Contact Us

616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,

Valley Cottage, NY 10989,

United States

T: +1-347-918-3531

F: +1-845-579-5705

T (UK): + 44 (0) 20 7692 8790

Sales:sales@futuremarketinsights.com



Press Office: Press@futuremrketinsights.com

FMI Blog: http://www.fmiblog.com/

Website: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com
Company also announces commercial partnership with S&P Global Platts

Ursa, a provider of geospatial intelligence solutions, today announced the release of a fully global oil storage monitoring solution. Ursa Global Oil Storage Monitoring, available immediately, provides unmatched oil storage monitoring around the globe for users such as hedge funds, commodities traders, big banks, and oil companies. It uses radar satellite imagery to measure over 3.6 billion barrels of crude oil storage in nearly 10,000 tanks on a weekly basis. Ursa has also added North American oil storage monitoring as part of the expanded global service.

The company also announced that it is partnering with S&P Global Platts, a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), to incorporate Ursa's new global oil storage monitoring capability into S&P Global Platts Analytics products and services. The companies also plan to jointly develop new products and services for the commodity and energy markets.

S&P Global Platts is an independent provider of information, benchmark prices, and analytics for the energy and commodities markets. The company's essential insights deliver greater transparency and efficiency to companies, governments and individuals in 190 countries to make decisions with conviction.

"We constantly seek to improve the quality and accuracy of S&P Global Platts Analytics supply and demand outlooks," said Chris Midgley, Head of Analytics Content, S&P Global Platts. "Ursa's Global Oil Storage Monitoring helps validate our analysis and enables us to respond closer to real time. Partnering with Ursa will enable us to consider innovative ways to leverage satellite data to further advance our market insight and support customers' strategic decisions."

"Ursa's expanded global oil storage offering connects our customers with the largest, most reliable source of geospatial data in the business plus the analysis and tools to put that intelligence to the greatest use for their businesses," said Adam Maher, CEO of Ursa. "Working with S&P Global Platts, we can put that capability to work for a much larger universe who will also benefit from Platts' extensive expertise and ability to turn that data into meaningful insights for users in finance, oil and energy."

Ursa Global Oil Storage Monitoring aggregates and analyzes data from the industry's largest network of radar satellite providers to provide commercial customers with alternative sources of market intelligence and competitive advantage. Coverage includes more than 340 oil terminals including 119 key refineries, and the 15 largest refineries in the world. The product provides weekly direct measurements for high accuracy and reliability and the radar satellite-based collection method is unhindered by weather. Strict QA processes incorporate both automation and human analysis and Ursa also supports data use by regularly sharing analysis, insights, and education with users.

About Ursa

Ursa is on an unflinching quest to move the world forward by turning data into decision advantage. Founded in 2014, Ursa pioneered transparency into oil data in China and has since expanded their global reach with geospatial intelligence products that set new standards for accuracy and reliability and are designed to empower customers with critical insights that make an impact. For more information visit www.ursaspace.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180606005905/en/

Contacts:

Media:

for Ursa

Tim Walsh, +1 617-512-1641

timw@walshgroupmarketing.com
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A White House communications aide, who evoked widespread criticism over a derisive comment she made about Senator John McCain's cancer diagnosis during an internal meeting, has quit. 'Kelly Sadler is no longer employed within the Executive Office of the President,' White House spokesman Raj Shah said in a statement on Tuesday. At a closed-door White House meeting of about two-dozen communications staffers last month regarding Gina Haspel's confirmation by the Senate as CIA director, White House Special Assistant Kelly Sadler reportedly said, 'It doesn't matter, he's dying anyway.' Sadler was referring to McCain's opposition to President Donald Trump's nominee for CIA director. McCain had urged the Senate to reject the nomination, citing Gina's refusal in testimony before Senate Intelligence Committee to acknowledge 'torture's immorality.' CNN had quoted a White House official as saying that Sadler meant the comment as a joke but that it flopped. Gina, who is currently CIA Director, struggled at her confirmation hearing to clarify what she would do if the president ordered her to reintroduce the water-boarding of terrorist suspects. Apparently hurt by the White House official's comment, McCain's wife Cindy took to Twitter addressing Sadler: 'May I remind you my husband has a family, 7 children and 5 grandchildren.' Sadler reportedly called the senior Republican Senator's daughter, Meghan McCain, to apologize. A conservative commentator on ABC's popular morning talk show 'The View,' Meghan said that the White House aide should lose her job. McCain was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a very aggressive brain cancer, in July last year. Doctors say he is responding positively to ongoing treatment, but the Arizona lawmaker has been conspicuously absent from the Senate. McCain, who was re-elected to his sixth term in the Senate in 2016, served as an aviator in the US navy before entering politics. The 81-year-old Vietnam War veteran was almost killed in the 1967 USS Forrestal fire. 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.
Israel has already been credited with making the desert bloom. Now it hopes to make it boomwith tourists. Seeking to bolster tourism to its vast and largely undeveloped Negev desert region, Israel is promoting luxury camping trips, Bedouin hospitality and challenging outdoor activities like dune surfing. In addition, a new international airport is rising from the desert floor 18 kilometres (11 miles) from the Israeli Red Sea resort of Eilat and the neighboring Jordanian port of Aqaba. Tourism in Israel is big business, bringing in $5.8 billion in 2017. Arrivals to the country of about eight million citizens hit a record 3.6 million last year, the Israeli tourism ministry said. The United States, Russia, France, Germany and Britain accounted for most of the visitors. The ministry says that it now seeks to grow the Negevs share of total Israeli tourist revenue from the present five percent to 20 percent within two to three years. It also aims to increase the number of Negev hotel rooms from 2,000 to about 5,000 within six to seven years.Israel is marketing the desert as a unique destination on Europes doorstep. When its very cold in Europe, lets say in December, January and February, we have very mild temperatures in the Negev, the tourism ministrys Uri Sharon told journalists on a tour of the sparsely populated region. Activities include hiking, biking, rock climbing, abseiling and dune surfing akin to snowboarding on sand. The Negev is also home to a geological marvel: the Ramon Crater, the worlds largest erosion crater. Salaam El Wadj has opened up the encampment where he lives with his wife, children and goats to visitors, who can stay in one of the tents and listen to his stories of Bedouin life. I was born here in the Negev hills, he tells his visitors over strong, sweet tea. Wadj relates how the arrival a century ago of British and French administrators and, in 1948, officials of the new state of Israel, brought a drive for modernization that disrupted and threatened the nomadic Bedouin way of life. Hosting tourists, he said, enables him to preserve his heritage. They dont want to just sleep in a Bedouin camp but also to learn, he said. Hikers can walk along part of the Negev Highland Trail, covering about 12 km a day between Bedouin camps while their luggage is transported by vehicle.Near Wadjs site, Hannah and Eyal Izrael have planted vineyards on terraces where Nabatean farmers cultivated vines 2,000 years ago. Their Carmey Avdat winery produces just 5,000 bottles a year of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and other wines.Eyal supplements his income by offering tourist accommodation in cabins and group tours to surrounding sites of interest rather than industrialising his winemaking. Visitors can help run the production line and bottle, cork and label their choice of wine personally. All the time there are tourists from all over the world coming to the Israeli desert to explore, trek, taste our wine, go to other farms to taste goat cheese, he said. The Negev is a very safe and accessible desert and its warm here. The vines grow in a natural basin, watered in winter by runoff from the surrounding hills and augmented with a modern irrigation system fed by desalinated sea water piped from the Mediterranean coast. Not far from Carmey Avdat is the town of Mitzpe Ramon, which stands at the edge of the Ramon Crater. There, travellers after tranquility with a luxurious twist can go glampingglamour campingin luxury tents with hot showers and a personal chef. When inky night falls over the craters floor, there is the option of gazing through high-powered telescopes at the stars shining brightly in the unpolluted sky.The Negevs heart is only about a two-hour drive from Israels main international airport near Tel Aviv. The new Ramon Airport will bring jumbo jets from around the globe to the desert itself. Its website says that it will be able to initially handle up to two million passengers annually, but will be able to expand to a capacity of 4.2 million by 2030. Low-cost and charter airlines currently flying to Ovda airport, about 60 km away from Eilat, will move to Ramon, it says. They include Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, SAS, Finnair and Ural Airlines. Construction began in May 2013. Israeli media say that the airport is expected to start operations this autumn, in time for the November-May winter tourist season, but the Israel Airports Authority is making no official forecasts. The IAA says the original specifications for the project were revised in light of lessons learned during the 2014 Gaza war. After a rocket fired by Hamas militants in Gaza hit near the perimeter of Tel Avivs Ben Gurion International Airport, international carriers suspended flights. IAA spokesman Ofer Lefler told AFP that the revised plans for the Ramon airport will allow it to serve as a backup in addition to boosting tourism. In an emergency, not only will Israels entire passenger air fleet be able to land and park there, but also additional aircraft, he said.
JZ CAPITAL PARTNERS LIMITED (the "Company")

(a closed-ended investment company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey with registered number 48761)

LEI 549300TZCK08Q16HHU44

Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting

and

Recommended Proposals to approve

The Company's proposed acquisition of a 27.696% ownership interest and related investments

in Deflecto Holdings, LLC and

The Company's proposed investments in JZI Fund IV, L.P.



6 June 2018

Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the Extraordinary General Meeting ("EGM") of the Company will be held at the offices of Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited, Trafalgar Court, Les Banques, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 3QL, Channel Islands at 1.30 p.m. on 26 June 2018 (or as soon thereafter as the Annual General Meeting of the Company convened for the same day and place has been concluded or adjourned).

The purpose of the EGM is to consider and, if thought fit, approve the Company's proposed: (i) acquisition of a 27.696 per cent. ownership interest and related initial and additional investments in Deflecto Holdings, LLC ("Deflecto") (the "Deflecto Proposal"), and (ii) investments in JZI Fund IV, L.P. ("Fund IV") (the "Fund IV Proposal" and together with the Deflecto Proposal, the "Proposals").

Both of the Proposals would be considered related party transactions under Chapter 11 of the Listing Rules (with which the Company voluntarily complies and insofar as the Listing Rules are applicable to the Company by virtue of its voluntary compliance) and therefore shareholder approval is required for the Proposals which will be sought at the EGM.

Deflecto Proposal

The Company intends to acquire from Edgewater Growth Capital Partners ("Edgewater") a 27.696 per cent. ownership interest in Deflecto for an amount of initial consideration of approximately US$23.175 million payable to Edgewater upon completion of the acquisition. The initial consideration comprises approximately US$22.5 million payable to Edgewater plus an additional amount of approximately US$675,000 as reimbursement to Edgewater for costs incurred by it since the acquisition of its ownership interest in Deflecto in 2017. Following completion of the acquisition, the ownership interests in Deflecto will be held 52.304 per cent. by Edgewater, 27.696 per cent. by the Company, and 20 per cent. in aggregate by existing and future management of Deflecto.

Deflecto is a diversified, highly scalable and global US company that designs, manufactures and sells innovative plastic products to multiple industry segments, including point-of-purchase/point-of-sale, safety, floor protection, office products and air distribution. The business is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA and has operations elsewhere in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, China and India. It serves a range of customers across multiple channels including big box retailers, drug and convenience stores, wholesalers and distributors, and original equipment manufacturers. Prior to its acquisition by Edgewater in 2017 and since 1985, Deflecto was owned by Jordan Industries International LLC, a company owned approximately 50 per cent. by David Zalaznick and Jay Jordan together being also the founders and principals of the Company's investment adviser, Jordan/Zalaznick Advisers, Inc. ("JZAI") with the balance of the company's ownership interests being owned by their respective affiliates which included a small minority stake of less than 0.1 per cent. owned by the Company. JZAI is therefore intimately familiar with the Deflecto business and its operations for over the past 25 years.

Deflecto has gross assets of US$153.480 million as at 31 December 2017 and net sales and EBITDA of US$151.347 million and US$15.082 million respectively for the financial year ended 31 December 2017. These figures all of which are unaudited are presented as the total gross assets of and net sales and EBITDA attributable to the whole of Deflecto and not the proportionate 27.696 per cent. ownership interest proposed to be acquired by the Company. Existing members of the management team of Deflecto run the Deflecto business and the key individuals important to the business are Jim Farrell and Bob Flynn as a senior leader and chief financial officer of Deflecto respectively.

In addition to the initial consideration payable by the Company to Edgewater, the Company intends to make investments in Deflecto jointly with Edgewater on a pro rata basis according to their respective ownership interests (as between themselves and excluding Deflecto management), being joint investments in the proportions of 34.62: 65.38 economically (the "Deflecto JZCP/Edgewater Ownership Proportions"). The joint investments are intended to be made:

firstly in the form of the Company making an initial working capital contribution to Deflecto in an amount of approximately US$5 million with Edgewater also making its own contribution to Deflecto's working capital pro rata according to the Deflecto JZCP/Edgewater Ownership Proportions. The working capital contributions are to be made by the Company and Edgewater at the same time as the payment of the initial consideration; and

thereafter in the form of the Company making additional joint investments in Deflecto from time to time in an amount of up to approximately US$31.825 million with Edgewater also making its own additional joint investments in Deflecto at the same time pro rata according to the Deflecto JZCP/Edgewater Ownership Proportions. The additional joint investments are to be made by the Company and Edgewater principally for the purpose of funding complementary acquisitions to be made by Deflecto.

The total amount of the initial consideration payable to Edgewater together with the initial and further joint investments in Deflecto in each case to be made by the Company are not to exceed an amount of up to US$60 million.

Edgewater from whom the Company is acquiring its ownership interest in Deflecto and making its related joint investments alongside is a substantial shareholder of the Company and therefore a related party of the Company under the Listing Rules. The Board believes that the Deflecto Proposal represents an attractive investment opportunity for the Company particularly given JZAI's knowledge and understanding of the Deflecto business and the Company's considerable experience of co-investing with Edgewater.

Fund IV Proposal

JZAI, the Company's investment adviser, intends to establish Fund IV which will be a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership. The general partner of Fund IV will be JZI Fund IV GP, L.P. ("Fund IV GP") which will also be a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership and of which JZAI will be the general partner. Fund IV will be managed by JZ Asset Management, LLC ("JZAM"), acting through JZ Asset Management UK LLP. JZAI is JZAM's managing member.

Fund IV will be a new pan European microcap buyout fund and a follow-on fund to EuroMicrocap Fund 2010, L.P. and JZI Fund III, L.P. and is being established to expand and diversify the Company's investments in Western Europe with acquisitions intended to be made with a focus on buyouts and build-ups of companies and in growth company platforms in the microcap market. Key individuals important to Fund IV are the founders and principals of JZAI, David Zalaznick and Jay Jordan, as well as Miguel Rueda who is the managing partner of JZ International Ltd.

It is intended that JZAI will target aggregate capital commitments to make investments in Fund IV of approximately 650 million (subject to a hard cap of 800 million). The first closing of Fund IV is targeted to occur in or around Q3 2018.

In light of the above, the Company is intending to make investments in Fund IV jointly with David Zalaznick and Jay Jordan and various members of the JZAI European investment team (together, the "Fund IV Principals"). Specifically, the Company intends at or about the time of the first closing of Fund IV to undertake a capital commitment to make investments in Fund IV (through Fund IV GP) of up to 64 million. At or around the same time, the Fund IV Principals would also undertake a capital commitment to make investments in Fund IV (also through Fund IV GP) of up to 20 million. Both the Company's and the Fund IV Principals' capital commitments taken together shall not however exceed in aggregate approximately 80 million of which at JZAI's discretion the Company's commitment shall be between approximately 75 - 80 per cent. and the Fund IV Principals' commitment shall be between approximately 20 - 25 per cent. in each of such aggregate amount. As such, the Company would be investing jointly with the Fund IV Principals in Fund IV (all through Fund IV GP) in the proportions of between approximately 75: 25 and 80: 20. The joint investments by the Company and the Fund IV Principals in Fund IV will therefore be made on a 75 - 80: 25 - 20 basis economically. It is anticipated that the balance of the targeted aggregate capital commitments to Fund IV will be fulfilled by other third party co-investors extending capital commitments to make investments in Fund IV.

Each of the Fund IV Principals alongside whom the Company is proposing to make its joint investments in Fund IV are related parties of the Company under the Listing Rules. Following the Company's investments in EuroMicrocap Fund 2010, L.P. and JZI Fund III, L.P., the Board considers that the participation in further investment opportunities in Europe via Fund IV, and in particular the increased diversification and access to third party co-investors offered by this investment, also represents an attractive investment opportunity for the Company.

Notice of EGM and Shareholder Circular

Further details of both Proposals are included in the Notice convening the EGM and the circular of the Company in connection with the Proposals.

In particular, shareholders should note that, as detailed in the circular, whilst the Listing Rules provide for written confirmation to be obtained from a sponsor that the terms of a related party transaction are fair and reasonable as far as shareholders are concerned, such a confirmation has only been received in relation to the Fund IV Proposal and not the Deflecto Proposal.

This is because, whilst the Company has sought to obtain a fair and reasonable written confirmation for Deflecto, it has been unable to do so at a cost which can be justified relative to the size of the investment that the Company proposes to make as part of the Deflecto Proposal and within the time constraints needed to be met in order to transact on and complete the transaction on the terms negotiated. The Company understands that the costs and time for obtaining a fair and reasonable written confirmation can often be greater for a related party transaction that concerns an acquisition such as the Deflecto Proposal as opposed to a co-investment in the case of the Fund IV Proposal, which can be attributed to the additional due diligence and valuation work that may need to be undertaken on the target the subject of the acquisition.

The Company has therefore decided to depart from the requirement to obtain a fair and reasonable written confirmation on this occasion but notwithstanding that the Board, which has been so advised by the Company's investment adviser, JZAI nevertheless considers the Deflecto Proposal to have been negotiated on arm's length terms. That negotiation has been undertaken on the Company's behalf by JZAI, the founders and principals of which are also substantial shareholders of the Company and whose combined shareholding exceeds that of Edgewater's. JZAI has a selective and disciplined approach to investing which is applied across all investments including in the case of Deflecto. In addition, JZAI has also provided written confirmation to the Company that the terms of the Deflecto Proposal are fair and reasonable as far as ordinary shareholders are concerned. JZAI is ideally placed to assess the value and merits of the Deflecto Proposal given its historic links and resultant in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Deflecto business. Shareholders are also reminded that the Company is not subject to, but rather voluntarily complies with, the Listing Rules and, save for the absence of a fair and reasonable written confirmation in a form prescribed by the Listing Rules, the Deflecto Proposal is otherwise being treated in accordance with the Listing Rules including the requirement to obtain shareholder approval. The Directors of the Company, who have been so advised by JZAI, consider this departure is justified for the aforementioned reasons and is in the best interests of the Company and the ordinary shareholders. The Company otherwise intends to continue to comply voluntarily with the requirements of the Listing Rules.

The Notice convening the EGM is being distributed to members of the Company and will shortly be uploaded to the Company's website at www.jzcp.com. Copies of the circular the Company is posting to shareholders are available for viewing, during normal business hours, at the registered office of the Company at Trafalgar Court, Les Banques, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 3QL and will shortly be available for viewing at www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/nsm. The notice convening the EGM is also included within the circular.

Ends

For further information:

William Simmonds

J.P. Morgan Cazenove +44 (0)20 7742 4000 Kit Dunford / Jack Rodway

FTI Consulting +44 (0)20 3727 1143 / 3319 5726 David Zalaznick

Jordan/Zalaznick Advisers, Inc. +1 212 485 9410 Paul Ford

Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited +44 (0) 1481 745383



About JZCP

JZ Capital Partners ("JZCP") is one of the oldest closed-end investment companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. It seeks to provide shareholders with a return by investing selectively in US and European microcap companies and US real estate. JZCP receives investment advice from Jordan/Zalaznick Advisers, Inc. ("JZAI") which is led by David Zalaznick and Jay Jordan. They have worked together for more than 35 years and are supported by teams of investment professionals in New York, Chicago, London and Madrid. JZAI's experts work with the existing management of microcap companies to help build better businesses, create value and deliver strong returns for investors. For more information please visit www.jzcp.com.
Property group CH Bailey announced on Wednesday that one of its subsidiary companies in Malta has entered into a lease agreement with an agency of the government of Malta for a company property. The AIM-traded company said the lease, which is worth 115,000 per annum, is for a period of ten years and concerns the company's purpose built office property known as 123 St Lucia St, in the centre of Valletta. There is also an option to extend the lease by a further five years. The property's annual ...

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.


CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Canadian dollar strengthened against its major counterparts in the European session on Wednesday, after a data showed that the nation's trade deficit narrowed more than expected in April.



Data from Statistics Canada showed that Canada's merchandise trade deficit with the world narrowed to C$1.9 billion in April from C$3.9 billion in March.



Economists had forecast a deficit of C$3.4 billion.



Canada's exports rose 1.6% to a record C$48.6 billion in April, while imports were down 2.5% to C$50.5 billion.



Meanwhile, separate data showed that Canada building permits tumbled more than forecast in April.



The building permits fell 4.6 percent in April, after rising 1.3 percent in March.



Economists were looking for a fall of 1.0 percent.



The loonie firmed to near a 2-week high of 85.64 against the yen and a 6-day high of 1.2857 against the greenback, from its early lows of 84.62 and 1.2974, respectively. On the upside, 87.00 and 1.27 are likely seen as its next resistance levels against the yen and the greenback, respectively.



The loonie advanced to a 2-day high of 0.9852 against the aussie, following a decline to 0.9919 at 1:30 am ET. If the loonie continues its rise, 0.97 is possibly seen as its next resistance level.



Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that Australia's gross domestic product rose a seasonally adjusted 1.0 percent on quarter in the first three months of 2018.



That exceeded expectations for an increase of 0.8 percent following the 0.4 percent gain in the previous three months.



The loonie reversed from its early low of 1.5239 against the euro, rising to 1.5127. The next possible resistance for the loonie is seen around the 1.50 level.



Survey data from IHS Markit showed that Germany's construction sector activity expanded at the fastest pace in four months in May. The construction Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 53.9 in May from 50.9 in April.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de


CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker has apologized for his comment that a woman could not do his job as it was 'very challenging.'



Shortly after his appointment as the new chairman of the International Air Transport Association or IATA Board of Governors on Tuesday, Al Baker made the comments.



'Of course, it has to be led by a man, because it is a very challenging position,' said Al Baker, when asked by reporters about poor representation of women in the Middle East's aviation industry and why his job as CEO could not be done by a woman.



AL Baker's comments, which came just a day after IATA members took part in a panel addressing gender imbalances in the aviation industry, drew strong criticism on social media.



Following the backlash, Al Baker later explained he was only referring to one individual position and not the staff in general. He also apologized in a statement tweeted out by Qatar Airways on Wednesday.



'I would like to offer my heartfelt apologies for any offence caused by my comment yesterday, which runs counter to my track record of expanding the role of women in leadership throughout the Qatar Airways Group and has been sensationalised by the media,' Al Baker tweeted.



The CEO pointed out that women comprise 44 percent of Qatar Airways' workforce 'and the dedication, drive and skill they bring to their jobs tells me that no role is too tough for them, at all levels of the organisation.'



Al Baker said that Qatar Airways believes in gender equality in the workplace. It was the first airline to employ female pilots and also one of the first to train and employ female engineers, he noted.



Al Baker added that he supports all IATA initiatives to promote the advancement of women in the airline industry.



Regarding the top job, he told Bloomberg, 'It will be my pleasure to have a female CEO candidate I could then develop to become CEO after me.'



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
PUNE, India, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

According to a new market research report "Cloud Microservices Market by Component (Platform and Services), Deployment Mode (Public Cloud, Private Cloud, and Hybrid Cloud), Organization Size (Large Enterprises and SMEs), Vertical, and Region - Global Forecast to 2023", published by MarketsandMarkets, the market size is expected to grow from USD 683.2 Million in 2018 to USD 1,880.0 Million by 2023, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22.4% during the forecast period.

(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg )



Browse 60 market data Tables and 41 Figures spread through 140 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Cloud Microservices Market"

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/cloud-microservices-market-60685450.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report

The growing digital transformation trends, customer oriented businesses, and penetration of microservices among enterprises are some of the major factors driving the Cloud Microservices Market.

Cloud microservices platform segment is expected to hold a larger market size during the forecast period.

Among the components, the platform segment is expected to hold a larger market size during the forecast period. The segment's growth can be attributed to the widespread adoption of microservices architecture among enterprises. With the advent of advanced technologies and digital transformation trends, businesses focus more on streamlining application development process. Hence, companies prefer adopting cloud microservices platform to improve agility in the business process and faster Time to market (TTM).

Inquiry Before Buying@https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=60685450

Hybrid deployment mode is expected to be the fastest growing segment during the forecast period.

Under the deployment mode, the hybrid cloud deployment is expected to hold the largest markets size and grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The adoption rate of the hybrid cloud deployment type is expected to grow, due to its wide range of features and functionalities, such as reliability, speed in accessing information, pay-per-usage model, and lower operational costs. Considering the security and privacy aspects in the public cloud deployment mode, businesses are rapidly switching to the hybrid cloud deployment mode.

Information Technology (IT) and IT Enabled Services (ITES) vertical is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Among the industry verticals, the IT and ITES vertical is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the global Cloud Microservices Market. IT and ITES Companies are constantly evolving in terms of technology upgradations. Furthermore, the growing competition in the IT and ITES vertical is shifting the focus on delivering enhanced customer experience and satisfaction.

North America is expected to hold the largest market size; and Asia Pacific (APAC) to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Among regions, North America is expected to hold the largest market size in the global Cloud Microservices Market during the forecast period, followed by Europe. North America has been adopting cloud microservices within organizations due to their wide range of features and functionalities.

APAC is expected to register strong growth in the coming years, as organizations in this region are expected to adopt cloud microservices to improve application development process and meet the demands of dynamic customers.

Traditional and emerging vendors in the Cloud Microservices Market include AWS (US), CA Technologies (US), Contino (UK), CoScale (Belgium), IBM (US), Idexcel (US), Infosys (India), Kontena (Finland), Macaw Software (US), Marlabs (US), Microsoft (US), Netifi (US), NGINX (US), OpenLegacy (US), Oracle (US), Pivotal Software (US), RapidValue Solutions (US), RoboMQ (US), Salesforce (US), SmartBear Software (US), Software AG (Germany), Syntel (US), TCS (India), Unifyed (US), and Weaveworks (UK).

Know more about the Cloud Microservices Market:

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/cloud-microservices-market-60685450.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 7500 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: sales@marketsandmarkets.com



Visit Our Blog: http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/telecom-it

Connect with us on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets
Arriving in Amsterdam on the 27-28 June, the second annual AI Expo Europe event will host 2 co-located events covering IoT and Blockchain, with 8,000 attendees expected to attend including CTO's, CDO's, Head's of Innovation and Technology, IT Directors, Developers Start-Up's, OEM's, Government, Automotive, Operators, Technology Providers, Investors, VCs and many more. The AI Expo will showcase the most cutting-edge technologies from more than 300 exhibitors and provide insight from over 300 speakers sharing their unparalleled industry knowledge and real-life experiences.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180606006061/en/

A taster of the AI Expo Europe in Amsterdam (27-28th June). (Photo: Business Wire)

1. The exhibition and start-up incubator zone

The event will host a dedicated start-up incubator zone where you can see the latest AI IoT technologies and innovations in action, in addition to the vast exhibition of 300+ companies who will be showcasing their products and services within the field of AI, IoT Blockchain. Expect to see demos and booths from Microsoft, IBM, PTC, Kore, Hercules, Thales, Rutronik, Enterprise Ethereum Alliance, BPU Holdings, Start-up Amsterdam, ML6, Bottos, Ortec Data Science, Adani, NTR Labs, Prosper BI and many more. Start-ups within the incubator zone include Aiir Innovations, Botsquad, Mercury.AI, IoTify, Porter, 3D Universium, Zazu, 904 Labs, Innovation in Motion, Blockhearts, Mind Trace, Sightcorp, Cupenya, Effect.Ai, Sodaq, Amberscript, BrainCreators, Clockworks to name a few. In addition, attendees can join speakers from Aiir Innovations, Mercury.AI and BrainCreators within the AI Technologies track on day 2 (28th June) as they explore innovative artificial intelligence techniques.

2. 10 Conference Tracks covering AI, IoT and Blockchain

Your Free Expo Pass will provide access to 10 conference tracks;AI TechnologiesData Analytics for AI IoT,Developing for the IoTPrivacy & SecurityIoT Innovations Technologies ICOs Token Investments, Blockchain for Business, Developing Blockchain ApplicationsBlockchain Technologies and Blockchain Strategies.Register for your free expo pass here.

3. Keynote Panel: IoT and AI data analytics for intelligent decision making

Taking place on the 27th June at 10.15am within the Data Analytics for AI IoT conference track, the Chief Data Scientist at Southern Water, a Data Scientist from Monsanto, a Data Scientist from Marel Poulty and the CEO from the predictive intelligence firm Prosper BI will be identifying target-rich, high-value data that can be used to generate business intelligence, looking at the use of cloud analytics platforms to derive value from AI IoT data, and discussing the barriers to widespread AI/IoT/Big Data value delivery and how these might be overcome.

4. Machine Learning and AI: Do's and Don'ts in the online food provider industry

Adrian Foltyn, Former Head/Director of Data Science at HelloFresh, the online food survival kit provider,will take to the stage within the Data & Analytics for AI IoT track on the 27 June at 15.20pm. Adrian will discuss why preference data is at the core of the company's operations as their predictive technologies forecast the food that their consumers want during certain seasons.

5. AI and Computer Vision Intelligent Assistants and an extra pair of eyes

Join Miriam Huijser, Co-Founder Chief Research Officer at Aiir Innovations on 28 June within the AI Technologies conference track as she explores how intelligence assistants can be used to inspect aircraft engines using state-of-the-art computer vision techniques. Aiir Innovations is an Amsterdam based start-up that aims to bring artificial intelligence to the maintenance and aircraft industry. They will also be exhibiting within the start-up incubator zone within the expo floor.

6. 2 co-located events

Co-located with the IoT Tech Expo and the Blockchain Expo, the AI Exhibition and Conference will allow you to explore 3 ecosystems in 1 and discover how the convergence of these 3 areas is powering the future of technology!

7. Using Big Data to create intelligent data models

Within the dedicated Data Analytics for AI IoT track on the 27 June at 14.40pm, join AI & IoT thought leaders as they take to the stage for a panel discussion. Hear from Christophe Eschenbrenner, IoT Data Foundations Program Manager from Alstom Digital Mobility, Violeta Misheva, Data Scientist at ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Filippo F.G. Della Casa, Head of Analytics at Unipol and Dor Kedem, Senior Data Scientist at ING as they discuss the increased need for big data analytics to drive AI Machine Learning across a range of industries.

Other event features include exclusive networking opportunities

Following the first day of the event, Speakers, Sponsors, Press, Ultimate, Gold and Expo Plus attendees are invited to attend an evening of networking.

The Beach House will host the official networking party. It is located at the entrance of The Beach and surrounded by stunning beach scenery. Set away from the busier main structures and with its own bar and terrace. Discuss the topics from the conferences and build relationships with like-minded companies and individuals.

To register for your networking (Ultimate/ Gold/ Expo Plus) pass, click here.

The final advance rate ends 15 June so if you are looking for full conference and networking access, you can save up to 150 on your conference and networking pass (Gold/Ultimate) when you book by then.

Or click here to register for your Free Expo Pass to the Europe 2018 event on the 27 28 June in Amsterdam.

You can find out more about the World Series 2018 and register for each event here:

AI Expo Europe 27-28th June 2018, RAI, Amsterdam

AI Expo North America 28-29th November 2018, Santa Clara, Silicon Valley

AI Expo Global 25-26th April 2019, Olympia Grand, London

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180606006061/en/

Contacts:

Anna Fry

Marketing Executive AI Expo

anna@ai-expo.net

www.ai-expo.net/

+44 (0) 117 980 9020
Regulatory News:

On April 18, 2017, Gecina's (Paris:GFC) General Meeting approved the option for the 2017 final dividend to be paid in shares. This allows shareholders who choose this option for their final dividend to be paid in shares to benefit from the Group's value creation prospects, while enabling Gecina to further improve the flexibility of its balance sheet.

During its meeting on June 6, 2018, the Board of Directors set the issue price for the new shares that will be reissued as payment for the final dividend at 135.00 per share. This price corresponds to 97.095% of the average opening prices on the regulated market Euronext Paris for the 20 trading days prior to the General Meeting less the amount of the final dividend payment (rounded up to the nearest euro cent).

Final dividend payment conditions

Gecina's General Meeting on April 18, 2018 approved the proposed dividend for 2017 of 5.30 per share (including a 2.65 interim dividend paid on March 8, 2018), offering shareholders an option to receive their final dividend of 2.65 per share in shares, with payment scheduled for July 5, 2018, as announced with the 2017 earnings release.

The ex-dividend date has been set for June 12, 2018.

Shareholders will be able to opt for their dividend to be paid in cash or new ordinary shares between June 13 and 27, 2018 (inclusive) by submitting a request to their account custodian or, for shareholders with pure registered accounts, submitting a request directly to Gecina's Securities Exchange Services team.

If shareholders have not chosen an option by June 27, 2018, their dividend will be paid exclusively in cash on July 5, 2018.

If shareholders opt for their dividend to be paid in shares, settlement-delivery for the shares will take place from July 5, 2018.

If the amount of the dividends for which the option is exercised does not correspond to a whole number of shares, shareholders will receive a number of shares rounded down to the nearest whole number, in addition to a cash balance. In this case, the balancing payment will also be made on July 5, 2018.

The shares issued in this way as payment for the dividend will be entitled to dividend rights from January 1, 2018 and will be covered by a request for admission for trading on Euronext Paris. They will have the same rights and obligations as the ordinary shares already issued and will be fully assimilated with the shares already admitted for trading.

A maximum of 1,437,328 new shares may be issued to cover the 2017 final dividend payment, representing around 1.9% of the company's capital and 2.0% of the voting rights based on the capital and voting rights from May 31, 2018.

Timeline:

June 12, 2018: Ex-dividend date for the 2017 final dividend,

June 13, 2018: Opening of the option period for the dividend to be paid in shares,

June 27, 2018: Closing of the option period for the dividend to be paid in shares,

July 2, 2018: Announcement of the option results,

July 5, 2018: Payment of the cash dividend, settlement-delivery of the share-based dividend and payment of cash balances for fractions of shares.

Disclaimer

This release constitutes the information document required by Articles 212-4 4 and 212-5 5 of the French Financial Markets Authority's (AMF) general regulations and Article 18 of AMF Instruction 2016-04 of October 21, 2016.

This release does not constitute an offer to purchase financial securities. This release and any other documents relating to the payment of the dividend in shares may not be distributed in any countries other than France unless this is compliant with local legislation and regulations and may not constitute an offer of financial securities in countries where such an offer would not be compliant with the legislation and regulations applicable.

The option to receive the 2017 dividend in shares is not open to shareholders that are resident in any country where such an option would require registration with or approval from local stock market authorities. Shareholders that are resident outside of France must familiarize themselves with and comply with any local restrictions.

For tax aspects relating to share-based dividend payments, shareholders are invited to check their specific circumstances with their usual tax advisor.

If they decide to opt for their dividend to be paid in shares, shareholders must take into consideration the risks associated with investing in shares. For any further information concerning the Company, its business, its strategy, its financial results and the risks relating to the Group, refer to the "Risks" section in the Company's 2017 Reference Document (available on Gecina's website, www.gecina.fr).

Gecina, living the city in a different way

Gecina owns, manages and develops property holdings worth 19.6 billion euros at end-2017, with nearly 93% located in the Paris Region. The Group is building its business around France's leading office portfolio and a diversification division with residential assets and student residences. Gecina has put sustainable innovation at the heart of its strategy to create value, anticipate its customers' expectations and invest while respecting the environment, thanks to the dedication and expertise of its staff.

Gecina is a French real estate investment trust (SIIC) listed on Euronext Paris, and is part of the SBF 120, CAC Next 20, CAC Large 60, Euronext 100, FTSE4Good, DJSI Europe and World, Stoxx Global ESG Leaders and Vigeo indices. In line with its community commitments, Gecina has created a company foundation, which is focused on protecting the environment and supporting all forms of disability.

www.gecina.fr

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180606006147/en/

Contacts:

GECINA CONTACTS

Financial communications

Samuel Henry-Diesbach

Tel: +33 (0)1 40 40 52 22

samuelhenry-diesbach@gecina.fr

or

Virginie Sterling

Tel: +33 (0)1 40 40 62 48

virginiesterling@gecina.fr

or

Press relations

Julien Landfried

Tel: +33 (0)1 40 40 65 74

julienlandfried@gecina.fr

or

Armelle Miclo

Tel: +33 (0)1 40 40 51 98

armellemiclo@gecina.fr


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - After ending the previous modestly higher, treasuries showed a notable move back to the downside during the trading day on Wednesday.



Bond prices came under pressure in morning trading and remained firmly negative throughout the afternoon. Subsequently, the yield on the benchmark ten-year note, which moves opposite of its price, climbed by 5.6 basis points to 2.975 percent.



The weakness among treasuries came after European Central Bank chief economist Peter Praet indicated the ECB will discuss ending its bond purchasing program at a meeting next week.



'Next week, the Governing Council will have to assess whether progress so far has been sufficient to warrant a gradual unwinding of our net purchases,' Praet said in a speech in Berlin.



He added, 'In making its assessment, it will consider the underlying strength of the euro area economy and the pass-through to wage and price formations.'



Amid ongoing concerns about a global trade war, the Commerce Department released a report this morning showing the U.S. trade deficit unexpectedly narrowed in the month of April.



The Commerce Department said the trade deficit narrowed to $46.2 billion in April from a revised $47.2 billion in March.



Economists had expected the deficit to come in unchanged compared to the $49.0 billion originally reported for the previous month.



A separate report from the Labor Department showed labor productivity in the U.S. increased by less than previously estimated in the first quarter.



The report said labor productivity rose by 0.4 percent in the first quarter compared to the previously estimated 0.7 percent growth. Economists had expected the increase in productivity to be downwardly revised to 0.6 percent.



Meanwhile, the rate of growth in unit labor costs in the first quarter was upwardly revised to 2.9 percent from 2.7 percent. The increase in costs had been expected to be revised to 2.8 percent.



On Thursday, the Labor Department is scheduled to release its report on initial jobless claims in the week ended June 2nd. Jobless claims are expected to inch up to 225,000 from 221,000 in the previous week.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
LONDON, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

A new course being run by The University of Manchester School of Law this January will teach law students how to re-imagine the delivery of legal services. The University has partnered with Neota Logic and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer ('Freshfields') to offer participants the opportunity to learn how to build smart applications that improve access to justice.

The course, Legal Tech and Access to Justice, will be introduced in this coming academic year as an optional module for undergraduate students in final year and has been made possible by Freshfields' generous sponsorship of the software licence and course materials. As part of the capstone project for the semester, students will engage with non-profit organisations that promote access to justice to build an application that is specific to their needs - to drive efficiency in the organisation and free up resources. Through the subject, students will learn how technology can be used to provide fast and accurate answers to common legal problems.

Freshfields hosted a legal apps hackathon last week in Frankfurt, also with Neota Logic.

Isabel Parker, Chief Legal Innovation Officer at Freshfields, said: "As the landscape of legal service delivery continues to evolve, an important priority for us is training the next generation of lawyers to be confident in using tools like Neota, which both allow us to support our clients' digital agendas and to leverage the most innovative technology."

With the introduction of the SQE fast approaching, the University of Manchester has been exploring ways to take advantage of the flexibility this new format gives to institutions to offer courses in innovation and technology to law students. Professor Toby Seddon, Head of the Law School said "We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with Neota Logic and Freshfields on this exciting new course for our undergraduate students. We're proud that Manchester is leading the way amongst UK universities in introducing legal technology into the LLB curriculum. The world of legal services is changing and law students need to be learning about it."

"Legal technology has seen a surge in interest lately, and we don't see that trend slowing down," said Maeve Lavelle, Director of Education at Neota Logic, EMEA. "Manchester have a robust legal tech pipeline for their students. We're very excited to be working with them and Freshfields to bring our educational programme to the UK for the first time and give students the opportunity to explore legal careers outside of the traditional path."

Notes to the editor:

Neota Logic has offices in New York, London and Melbourne. The company's award-winning technology consists of an AI-powered platform and comprehensive toolset that allows professionals to rapidly build and deploy application solutions that automate their expertise, increasing productivity, improving client satisfaction and creating new business opportunities. http://www.neotalogic.com

The University of Manchester is a university of world firsts and academic discoveries - from splitting the atom to creating the first stored program computer. The School of Law is ranked 28th in the world and 6th in the UK for Law in the Times Higher Education World Rankings; we are committed to delivering internationally recognised education and a stimulating environment for research and business collaborations. We offer a rich student experience to those who study with us and the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the legal and societal challenges facing the world. https://www.law.manchester.ac.uk/

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Freshfields is a global law firm with a long-standing track record of successfully supporting the world's leading national and multinational corporations, financial institutions and governments on ground-breaking and business-critical mandates. Our 2,800 plus lawyers deliver results worldwide through our own offices and alongside leading local firms. Our commitment, local and multi-national expertise and business know-how means our clients rely on us when it matters most.

Media contacts:

Maeve Lavelle, Neota Logic, lavelle@neotalogic.com, 07835461842



Andrew Pantaleo, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, andrew.pantaleo@freshfields.com , 02074273242



William Bevin-Nicholls, The University of Manchester School of Law, william.bevin-nicholls@manchester.ac.uk , 01612750347

Teaching and Learning contact:

Claire McGourlay, The University of Manchester School of Law, claire.mcgourlay@manchester.ac.uk, 01612750347
Regulatory News:

In connection with AP Alternative Assets, L.P.'s ("AAA"; Euronext Amsterdam: AAA) equity investment in Athene Holding Ltd. ("Athene"; NYSE: ATH), AAA informs its investors that Athene has furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") a current report on Form 8-K regarding its 2018 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. A copy of the report is available for free on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

About AP Alternative Assets

AAA was established by Apollo Global Management, LLC and its subsidiaries ("Apollo") and is a closed-end limited partnership established under the laws of Guernsey. Apollo is a leading global alternative investment manager with 27 years of experience investing across the capital structure of leveraged companies. AAA is managed by Apollo Alternative Assets, L.P. For more information about AAA, please visit www.apolloalternativeassets.com.

This announcement does not constitute or form part of an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to future events and circumstances. Such statements are based on currently available operating, financial and competitive information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from the historical experience and expressed or implied expectations of AAA. Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and AAA does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements unless required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180606006427/en/

Contacts:

AP Alternative Assets

Gary Stein (New York), +1 (212) 822 0467
Posted Tuesday, June 5, 2018 1:39 pm

The City of Marshfield received a stellar report from its independent auditor at the Thursday meeting of the Board of Aldermen.

Marshall Decker of the Springfield-based Decker & DeGood CPA firm presented the report to the board, and he described it as stellar. He directed their attention to the opinions section of the report, which states that the financial statements submitted represent fairly, in all respects, the financial position of the government and all of its funds. The records conform to generally accepted accounting principles, the report continued.

East Ward Alderman Rob Foster, standing in for absent Mayor Robert Williams to chair the meeting, explained afterwards that the audit was stellar, with everything looking straightforward and good. He credited financial clerk Monica Robinson with the good work

During the meeting, Decker praised the city for its hard work in its financial reporting. Youve made a lot of progress, looking back to where weve come from, he said.

Decker added, If it sounds like everythings rosy, thats because it is. Id give it to you straight even if it wasnt.

Decker noted that Robinsons team has worked on a more comprehensive annual report than required, one that looks both backward and forward for a clear financial picture. He noted during his report that the citys cash balances looked good.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 6, 2018) - Caza Gold Corp. (the "Company" or "Caza") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding business combination agreement (the "Agreement") with Arctic Blockchain Ltd. ("Arctic") whereby Caza will acquire all of the securities of Arctic by way of a three-cornered amalgamation, subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement (the "Transaction"). The Agreement will be filed under Caza's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Pursuant to the terms of the Transaction, Arctic will amalgamate with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Caza, and Caza will change its name to Hydro66 Holdings Corp. As a result of the Transaction, the Company will continue on with the business of Arctic's wholly owned subsidiary Hydro66 UK Limited. Further the Company is also pleased to announce it has received conditional approval from the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") to list the common shares of the resulting issuer on the CSE. The Company will announce the listing date in a press release at a later date but expects to be listed on or around June 15, 2018.

Caza is a reporting issuer in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Nova Scotia and its common shares (the "Caza Shares") are not currently listed on any exchange or market. As contemplated by the Agreement, Caza and Arctic have applied to the CSE for the listing of the Caza Shares (the "Listing"). Caza has no commercial operations, no assets and minimal liabilities.

Resulting Capitalization

In connection with the Transaction, Caza completed a consolidation of its common shares on a 1 for 76.3945 basis, whereby as of the date hereof there are 2,000,000 Caza Shares issued and outstanding. After completion of the Transaction, an aggregate of 127,000,000 Caza Shares will be issued and outstanding with former securityholders of Arctic holding 125,000,000 Caza Shares, which includes the issuance of 20,000,000 Caza Shares on conversion of certain securities of Arctic, representing approximately 98.43% of the then outstanding Caza Shares and the original shareholders of Caza holding 2,000,000 Caza Shares, representing approximately 1.57% of the then outstanding Caza Shares. The closing date for the Transaction is expected to be on or around June 8, 2018.

Upon completion of the Transaction, the board of directors and management of the resulting issuer will consist of the persons identified below:

David Rowe - Chairman and Director;

Anne Graf - CEO and Director;

Juliet Pedrazas - CFO;

Richard Croft - Director;

Richard Patricio - Director;

Michael Hudson - Director; and

Nick DeMare - Corporate Secretary.

David Rowe - Director and Chairman

David Rowe is the CEO of Black Green Capital, a Venture Capital investment company based in London specialising in disruptive digital transformation. Companies in the portfolio include: Verasity.io, hydro66.com, sendwyre.com, and message.io. David was CEO and founder of Easynet Group, a UK listed global Enterprise Cloud services business sold to BSkyB in 2006. David subsequently headed up B2B at BSkyB.

Anne Graf - Chief Executive Officer and Director

Anne Graf is the CEO of Hydro66 and has significant regional expertise in electricity supply markets and data center planning regulations. She has lived and worked in the UK, Belgium and Germany. Anne is also chair of Meramedia, a Swedish communications agency.

Richard Patricio - Director

Mr. Patricio is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Mega Uranium Ltd., a uranium investment and development company. From 2005 to 2016, Mr. Patricio managed Pinetree Capital Ltd. (being its Chief Executive Officer from 2015), a venture capital investment company focused on mining and technology. Previously, Mr. Patricio practiced law at Osler LLP in Toronto and in-house for a global manufacturing company. Mr. Patricio has built a number of companies, primarily in the mining and investment sectors, with global operations and holds and has held senior officer and director positions in several companies listed on stock exchanges in Toronto, Australia, London and New York. Mr. Patricio received his law degree from Osgoode Hall and was called to the Ontario bar in 2000.

Richard Croft - Director

Richard Croft is a solicitor with more than 20 years' experience of corporate and commercial law. Richard's current directorships include Maistro Plc, Croft Legal Services Limited, Black Green Capital Limited and Hydro66 UK Limited. His initial career was at GEC and as general counsel for Easynet Group. Richard specialises in TMT and new media commercial law.

Michael Hudson - Director

Mr. Michael Hudson, B.Sc. (Hons 1st) GDipAppFin, FAusIMM, MSEG, MAIG, is an explorationist, geologist and entrepreneur. He started his career in 1990 working in mines as an underground and exploration geologist. Over the last 18 years he has developed and financed mineral exploration properties on four continents. In 2004 he founded and has subsequently headed Mawson Resources Ltd (TSX:MAW), a gold exploration company in Sweden and Finland as Chairman & CEO. Mr. Hudson is also a founder and director of both Leading Edge Material Ltd (TSXv:LEM), a battery raw material supply company in Sweden and Hannan Metals Ltd (TSXv:HAN), a zinc exploration company in Ireland.

Juliet Pedrazas - Chief Financial Officer

Juliet Pedrazas is a chartered accountant with 18 years' experience. Juliet trained as an auditor with PwC. Prior to Hydro66, Juliet was Head of Finance for Easynet Group.

Nick De Mare - Corporate Secretary

Mr. DeMare, a chartered professional accountant, has been President of Chase Management Inc. since 1991, providing accounting, management, securities regulatory compliance and corporate secretarial services to private and public-listed companies. Mr. DeMare also serves as an officer and/or director of a number of public-listed companies. Mr. DeMare holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia and is a member in good standing of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia.

Further details about the Transaction and the resulting issuer will be provided in the listing statement to be filed on SEDAR in respect of the Transaction.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the disclosure document 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

About Arctic

Arctic is the sole shareholder of Hydro66 UK Limited ("Hydro66"), a company with operations in Boden, Northern Sweden, an award-winning datacenter company that has been operating since 2014 which offers colocation services to enterprise and cryptocurrency customers. Hydro66 has installed operating capacity of 11MW with an additional 8MW of capacity under construction. The site has potential capacity and reserved power of 42MW. The site uses 100% hydro-power and an innovative building and cooling system.

For more information please visit: www.hydro66.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Lisa McCormack

Chief Executive Officer of Caza

Tel: (416) 361-2515

or

Paul Morrison

Chief Commercial Officer of Hydro66 UK Limited

Tel: (+44) 7789 915 147

or

Jason Atkinson

Jason.atkinson@hydro66.com

647-938-5266

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities laws.
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Australia will on Thursday release April figures for imports, exports and trade balance, highlighting a modest day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. The trade balance is expected to show a surplus of A$1 billion dollars, down from A$1.527 billion in March. Australia also will see May results for the Performance of Construction Index from AiG; in April, the index score was 55.4. Japan will provide preliminary April figures for its leading and coincident indexes. The leading index is expected to see a score of 105.6, up from 104.4 in March. The coincident is pegged at 117.8, up from 116.3. The Philippines will provide April data for imports, exports and trade balance. In March, imports were worth $8.12 billion and exports were at $5.51 billion for a trade deficit of $2.61 billion. 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.
There are around 2.6 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks working across country

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved raising the basic salary of Gramin Dak Sevaks to up to Rs 14,500 per month.

"Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) who were getting Rs 2,295 per month will get Rs 10,000. Those who were getting Rs 2,775 will get Rs 12,500. GDS who were paid Rs 4,115 will get Rs 14,500 per month," Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

He said the revised wages will come with arrears with effect from 1 January, 2016.

He said that allowances will be over the basic pay and the Cabinet has also additionally for the first time approved risk and hardship allowances for GDS.

There are around 2.6 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks working across country.

The minister said GDS will now work in two shifts instead of three.

The Cabinet has also approved compensatory appointment of a dependent of GDS which was not allowed earlier, Sinha said.
The government has simplified the rules for startups, Modi said.

There was much bonhomie in the conversation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with startup entrepreneurs from several cities across the country. There was an endorsement for the government of the pains and bottlenecks it has been able to remove from the path of entrepreneurs while starting up a venture. Modi expressed his appreciation by clapping spontaneously at some of the comments and ideas of the entrepreneurs, and also when some of the governments schemes were lauded by the participants.

At the outset, Modi reiterated his oft-expressed thoughts on the startup ecosystem and entrepreneurship at the start of the talk which was conducted on YouTube by stating that Startup India was started for the benefit of the youth. And for that capital and courage is required. Initially, only digital and IT was associated with startups and were centric to tier-I cities. But we changed this mindset. We included manufacturing, agriculture to the purview of startups and spread them to tier-II and tier-III cities, Modi said.

India has distinguished itself in the global start-up eco-system: PM @narendramodi #InnovationKiBaatPMKeSaath  PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 6, 2018

The PM reeled off statistics. He said 45 percent of the startups in the country are started by women. That a startup aids employment by giving jobs to 12 persons. India has now established a stronghold in the startup ecosystem, he said. Startups are no longer restricted to large cities but small cities too have picked up pace, noted Modi.

Start-ups are no longer only in big cities. Smaller towns and villages are emerging as vibrant start-up centres: PM @narendramodi #InnovationKiBaatPMKeSaath  PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 6, 2018

Startup entrepreneurs from Bengaluru, Guwahati, Jharkhand, school students from Thoothukudi participated in the event.

Each of them highlighted the advantages they have been able to capitalize on which has made the entrepreneurial journey easier for them.

Tax exemptions: Some like Kaushik, a co-founder of a hardware startup in Bengaluru highlighted the tax exemptions that were available because of DIPP, including income tax given to startups. As a hardware startup, we have got many exemptions and are able to focus research and development, he said.

Facilitating patents: Kaushik said earlier the startup had to pay more (around Rs 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh) to get a patent which was now down to only Rs 18-20,000 due to DIPP. A lot of help was given by the government for patent facilitation, he said. Since the time span was reduced, the PM asked if the team was confident about coming out with new products. Kaushik was positive they could.

Avinash, another entrepreneur too spoke about the ease at which filing patents was made possible by the government. The time had come down from 3 years when the proposal was pending to within a few months he said and subsequently the costs went down too. Our vision is to build a indigenous technology company and provide solution to tech companies," he said.

Modi told the entrepreneur he was trying to understand his innovation and asked the entrepreneur to send a clipping of the conversation and send it to all mobile companies and even promised to become the ambassador for it.

The prime minister said, in the previous regime, it would take 75 forms to be filled to get a trademark. Now it has been reduced to 8 forms. Citizens can acquire trademarks and register patents online and be assisted through video conferencing. The process has now become speedy and simple. This year, 11,000 people have registered for patents as against 4,000 during the previous year, he said.

The government has simplified the rules for startups, Modi said. As many as 21 regulatory laws have been simplified. For startups, 6 labour laws and 3 environmental norms have been exempted. Income Tax has also been exempt for startups for three years. Now, the youth can get capital, patents, investments because of the ease of doing business that the government has provided, the PM said.

Availability of govt funds: Rajat, a founder of the smallest ECG which he claimed could fit into a matchbox, said the government has supported the startup with investments. We were awarded Rs.50,000 cash price and Rs 25 lakh seed support as a part of a competition organised by the government. We never had to step out of the house for investments and used the capital for reasearch and development, he said.

Congratulating the team for its big innovation, the prime minister said that he was optimistic that doctors listening to the program would approach them.

The prime minister tweeted that 'fund of funds' was started to facilitate youngsters to innovate and ideate.

We in the Government understand that youngsters may face shortage of funds for their start-ups. That is why a 'fund of funds' has been started by the Government to facilitate more youngsters to innovate and ideate: PM @narendramodi #InnovationKiBaatPMKeSaath  PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 6, 2018

Mentoring from Startup India: Swati, a co-founder on a menstruation pain relief device from Dehradoon said as a woman she found that her ideas were not entertained by people. But she said she received support from Startup India program. We got a lot of mentoring support from Startup India for not only starting the business but also getting intellectual property rights for my device, she said. The prime minister exhorted entrepreneurs to tap the potential available in the regions they were operating from. Citing the example of Chhattisgarh while talking with Chhattisgarh Infotech Promotion Society (CHIPS) in Raipur he asked them to encourage entrepreneurship by permitting students of class 10 and class 12 to visit startup incubators and make them aware of the ecosytem. "They [students] should know that this is a viable and futuristic field," he said. The prime minister suggested to entrepreneurs in Chhatisgarh to help handicrafts made by tribals would get a global exposure. He tweeted about it:

Handicrafts sector, art of tribal communities in Chhattisgarh is invaluable. I urge innovators in Chhattisgarh to think of ways to make these things more popular globally, through the world of start-ups. We should give a global platform to tribal communities of Chhattisgarh: PM  PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 6, 2018

The prime minister spoke about the new developments that have been brought in to boost the startup ecosystem. He mentioned the various programs that are in the pipeline like the Agriculture Challenge. "We have started an Agriculture Grand Challenge. We invite more youngsters to ideate on how to transform our agriculture sector," he added.

Catching 'em young: The government is establising eight research parks for encouraging innovations in various Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institute of Science (IISC), he said. Modi said the government was keen to expose school going children from class 6 to class 12 to the concept of entrepreneurship. "We are providing not only monetary assistance but also striving to change the mindset of people viz-a-viz startups. We are also establishing Atal Tinkering Labs for students from class 6 to class 12," he said.

Hackathons with Israel, Singapore mooted

The government is also promoting hackathons, the prime minister said. "We had started India Israel innovators summit where we encouraged innovative ideas to come forth through the medium of competition. For this purpose, Atal New India Challenge has been started all across India, where competitions will be held and winners will get a cash prize of Rs 1 crore. We also started hackathons in association with Singapore. The Prime Minister of Singapore has agreed to start work on heckathons with India in 2018-19," he said.

The Make In India is a brand that the world talks about, said Modi. Citing an example, he said, four years ago, there were only two factories that manufactured mobile phones which had since increased to 120, he said. "We also want to start "Design India" in tandem with Make in India. I feel its the need of the hour now that Make in India is well established," he said.
SYDNEY (Reuters) - The head of Qatar Airways apologised on Wednesday for saying that a woman could not do his job.

SYDNEY (Reuters) - The head of Qatar Airways apologised on Wednesday for saying that a woman could not do his job.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said his remarks at the closing of a major airlines gathering had been intended as a joke and had been taken out of context.

He defended his airline's record of gender diversity, saying 44 percent of its staff were female.

"Quite frankly I think the press took it out of context.

It was just a joke ... I apologise for it," Al Baker told the CAPA-Centre for Aviation airlines conference in Sydney.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher, Victoria Bryan; editing by Stephen Coates)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
This year, TCS had already given out job offers to 20,000 on-campus candidates which had been the same as in the previous year

Kolkata: IT services major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) would go for agile recruiting, or on-demand hiring, owing to increased automation in the software delivery process, a company official said on Wednesday.

This year, the company had already given out job offers to 20,000 on-campus candidates which had been the same as in the previous year.

Off-campus hiring had been 4,000, the official said.

"Analytics, IoT (Internet of Things) and automation is changing the entire delivery process. We are going for hiring in an agile way which is on-demand," Global HR head and EVP of TCS Ajayendra Mukherjee said.

TCS has a total headcount of 3.94 lakh globally with presence in 50 countries and delivery centres spread worldwide.

Referring to hiring in the US and other developed markets, he said TCS had been facing challenges as younger generation was not taking STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects as their choice in these markets.

"We have started two CSR programmes named 'goIT' and 'Ignite My Future' to encourage students in the ninth standard to opt for STEM subjects," he told reporters at a news conference in Kolkata.

He said that the problem is a temporary one and the hiring in the US had not gone down.

For TCS, it was more cost-effective to give training for re-skilling people in-house rather than hiring from outside.

"So far, 2.10 lakh people had been trained and skills upgraded," he said.

However, Mukherjee ruled out any chances of lay-offs, going forward.

In the last quarter of FY'18, TCS' dollar terms growth had been 11.7 percent and margins stood at 25.4 percent, which were lower than expectations rpt expectations due to currency fluctuations, he said.

Asked if increased automation would lead to slow-down in the hiring process in the future, Mukherjee said that would be determined by growth.
Walmart has had a chequered performance across the planet because what is good for the US may not necessarily be good for other countries.

Two significant protests are currently raging across India, and both of them indirectly have a bearing on Walmart, the US-based giant retailer which has two separate footholds in India -- one through a $17 billion effective buyout of online retailer Flipkart and the other through the so-called cash-and-carry business through which it takes part in wholesale trade. While farmers have been dumping milk and vegetables on the streets as part of nationwide protests to seek remunerative pricing, traders who are upset that Walmart may steamroller millions of mom-and-pop shops across the country are up against the multinational giant.

It is Walmart's moment of reckoning on what it should do, though on paper it is committed to India for the long-term. Permission for foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail trade may be a while away but there is little doubt that the Baron of Bentonville has a not-so-subtle hope that it will happen sooner than later.

FDI is already allowed fully in food retail and Walmart has fewer miles to go than it might seem to the casual observer.

The most prominent argument in favour of Walmart entering India is in the belief that it will offer better prices to farmers using its supply chain clout and purchasing power, while the argument against is that it may in the process squeeze out traders and/or shopkeepers and in the future, even farmers.

If there is one thing that this icon of American capitalism can learn, it would be from another major icon of American capitalism: McDonald's. The fast food chain has won hearts and minds in India with what seems like a simple slogan: When in India, be Indian.

Walmart has had a chequered performance across the planet because what is good for the US may not necessarily be good for other countries. In the US, Walmart has typically thrived on the consumer boom led by industries and used its supermarket format to sell huge volumes of goods while using its procurement power. But the US has been a developed market in which middle class salaries are high, distances are often huge, time is a scarce commodity and real estate often cheap as a proportion of overall costs. Similar conditions do not apply in India.

McDonald's does not sell beef burgers in India. Instead it invented the aloo-tikki burger as a multinational product. It swapped its typical drive-in sales for home delivery. Above all, as a franchisee of the fast food giant once told me, McDonald's real deal is not in the burger or meat but in the idea of family dining at affordable prices in clean conditions. So this "value plus hygiene" formula is now suitably Indianised, with reasonable success.

What can Walmart do to steal a leaf out of the Big Mac's book? Simply, it has to bear in minds two factors. First, that India's government has a fiscal deficit problem that makes high minimum support prices a budgetary challenge, while the banking system is led by public sector behemoths that often end up struggling with mountains of bad industrial loans or unsustainable farm loans that are waived under political pressure. Secondly, shopkeepers in India form part of an economic ecosystem in which jobs are not easy to come by while they serve local markets often as last mile players, ferrying stuff from the wholesale to intermediate markets and then on to homes.

Walmart can dramatically improve its prospects in India and reduce the doubts and hostilities that plague it if it becomes a partner than a predator. This means that Walmart has to do some stuff that a bank or a non-banking financial company might do in India, such as giving out loans. It may not necessarily give crop loans but it can partner banks to underwrite some of the risk, using its increasingly sturdy data science clout. Or it may extend supplier credit -- something like an advance salary for farmers deductible against future deliveries. Given the vagaries of the monsoon and the vulnerability of India's banking system, Walmart can be a de facto financial partner if it tries some smart innovation. This can potentially be to Indian farmers what the aloo-tikki burger was to McDonald's when it went to woo India's lower middle class in the difficult 1990s.

Let us go back a step further in the 1990s when PepsiCo entered India with much fanfare and even greater opposition. What is somewhat forgotten is that the cola giant also had to fulfill some export obligations linked to farm goods. Pepsi later got into contract farming in Punjab, buying potatoes from farmers and driving abundance in the local mandis. Walmart just has to take a similar initiative and scale it up. Its profit margins may be lower than usual, but in the process, it may win more local support than it can imagine now. PepsiCo's "collaborative farming" that includes banking and financial support is a role model for anyone who sees industry at loggerheads with farming.

On the other hand, shopkeepers and traders may be roped in by Walmart as logistics partners through innovative arrangements that might make them warehouse owners and delivery agents. Right now, Walmart has a programme called Mera Kirana that is out to modernise India's mom-and-pop groceries as part of its cash-and-carry business, but its utility may be limited unless it systematically scales up the shops in large numbers as logistics partners. It can use its financial clout and data science strength to help both farmers and shopkeepers if it agrees to regulatory supervision as a healthy intermediary than a Western cowboy out to shoot the natives.

Flipkart has its subsidiary called eKart Logistics, which describes itself as "India's largest logistics and supply chain company delivering shipments across 3800+ pin codes." Walmart evidently had its eye on this less-talked-about unit when it made its acquisition but eKart has to become more rural and more of a facilitator than competitor for local shopkeepers to fit into a scheme that might help Walmart connect the dots between the farm and the fork in India. Notably, eKart received more than Rs 1,600 crore in funding from Singapore-based Klick2Shop Logistics Services last January in what appears to have been a slow-motion run to win over Walmart.

Charming the farmer is part of Walmart's strategy in India, but befriending the shopkeeper is not something visible. If the giant wants to win India, it has to show some affection to match its strengths.



(The writer is a senior journalist. He tweets as @madversity)
Five people have been arrested from Mumbai, Nagpur and Delhi by the Pune Police in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence in January.

Five people have been arrested from Mumbai, Nagpur and Delhi by the Pune Police in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence in January. All the five have been arrested for allegedly spreading controversial pamphlets and delivering hate speech under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The accused are to be presented at the Pune Sessions Court around 3pm on Thursday, reported CNN News18

Sources told Firstpost that Dalit writer and editor of Vidrohi magazine Sudheer Dhawale has been arrested from Govandi in Maharashtra early on Wednesday morning and investigation is underway after which he will be taken to Pune. According to India Today, the FIR says that Dhawale has been charged under Section 153A which deals with promoting enmity between different groups on various grounds. He has been accused of raising "anti-Peshwa slogans".

While in Maharashtra, the Pune Police has arrested an advocate named Surendra Gadling on Wednesday morning from Nagpur. With the help of Delhi Police Special Cell, Pune police has also arrested Rana Jacob Wilson from Delhi under the same charges. According to ANI, he has produced before the Patiala House Court. Earlier, the police had conducted a search at Wilson's house and seized documents and his laptop, according to a report in the Times of India.

Additionally, police teams raided the homes of other activists like Shoma Sen in Nagpur, and Mahesh Raut in Mumbai, IANS reported and they have also arrested. More arrests are expected to follow.

Last April the Pune police had raided homes and offices of these activists in different parts of the country and even questioned them for their involvement in various activities.

According to Times Now, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) claims to have seized Maoist literature in Pune and is keeping a watch on the Elgaar Parishad for wanting to incite communal tension.

Meanwhile, sources said, that the Bhima Koregaon Shaurya Din Prerana Abhiyan which constitutes of 250 Dalit groups and activist organisations is planning a mass protest against the arrests on Wednesday.

According to a report in Pune Mirror, the riot victims had decided to stage a protest in front of the district guardian minister Girish Bapats home, in order to demand his resignation on Wednesday.
The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) is expected to declare the results for Class 10th board examinations at 4.30 pm on 26 June. Students can check the result on biharboard.ac.in.

The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has released the results for Class 10th board examinations at 4.30 pm on 26 June. Students can check the result on the official board website, biharboard.ac.in. Students can also check their results at News18Bihar.com.

The board had announced the Class 12th results on 6 June.

The Bihar board Class 10th results were initially scheduled to be released on 10 May whereas the HSC +2 results were scheduled to be released on 12 May. The Class 10th result was then postponed to 20 May and Class 12th result postponed to 18 May.

A total of 17,70,42 lakh students sat for the BSEB Class 10th exams and 12,07,986 students appeared for the BSEB Class 12th board exam in 2018. The Class 10th exams were held from 21 to 28 February, while the Class 12th exams were held from 6 to 16 February.

Here is how Class 10th and Class 12th students can respectively check their results:

- Go to the board's official website: biharboard.ac.in.

- Click on the link displayed on the site for Class 10th results.

- Enter your roll number and other details and press submit.

- Take a printout of your results for future reference.

NDTV reported that this year, the Bihar board used bar-coded answer sheets instead of the normal ones to avoid cheating and other unfair practices. The board had also introduced 50 percent objective questions for which students were provided with a different OMR sheet. Officials have completed evaluating the answer sheets and are now decoding the same, the report adds.

According to a report in DNA, the BSEB conducts Annual Secondary School Examinations every year in the month of February/March and Supplementary School Examination in the month of August/September on the basis of course/syllabus as prescribed by the state government.

As has been observed over the course of the past few weeks, the dates and times of result announcements have been frequently changed around. The information above has not been independently verified. However, this article will continue to be updated to reflect official updates as and when they come in.
Former finance minister P Chidambaram was questioned by the CBI on Wednesday about irregularities in the clearances in foreign investment given to INX media.

New Delhi: Former finance minister P Chidambaram went to the CBI headquarters, on Wednesday for questioning regarding foreign investment clearances given to INX media during his tenure.

The agency had alleged irregularities in the clearance of foreign investment in INX media, a venture promoted by former media baron Peter Mukerjea and his wife Indrani, sources said.

Chidambaram's alleged role came under the scanner of investigating agencies in connection with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance of Rs 305 crore.

The CBI had registered an FIR on 15 May, 2017 for alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the finance minister during the UPA-1 government.

Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram was also arrested in the case for allegedly receiving funds to the tune of Rs 10 lakh.

The other accused in the case include then INX media director Indrani Mukerjea and then INX news director Peter Mukerjea, both in jail for alleged murder of their 24-year old daughter Sheena Bora.
Qatari citizens and expats in the tiny Gulf country have been allowed to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia amid year-long diplomatic row opposing the gas-rich country and its neighbors namely Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain plus Egypt.

The Saudi Hajj and Umrah ministry in a statement relayed by state-run news agency Saudi Press Agency (SPA) has cleared the way for Qatari citizens to perform the religious ritual.

Based on the negative attitude and intransigence of the Qatari authorities to enable citizens and residents of Qatar to perform Hajj and Umrah rituals, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah welcomes the Qatari people to perform Umrah rituals following a completion of registering their legal information upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, the ministry said.

Expats in Qatar will go through the same process.

The ministry also indicated that those wishing to travel to the kingdom for the religious purpose can use any airline save Qatar airways banned from the Saudi air space.

Qatar has been facing a year-old sea, ground and air blockade imposed since June last year by the quartet over Dohas alleged support for terrorism. Qatari authorities have rushed off the charges.

This is the second time this year that Saudi authorities have allowed Qatari citizens to land on Saudi soil.

A low key Qatari delegation was allowed to attend the Arab League summit in the kingdom.

The diplomatic feud seems far from an end after Doha last week banned food commodities imported from the boycotting countries.
Former police officer D G Vanzara's lawyer told a special court on Tuesday that it appeared the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) wanted to 'implicate' the then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi and his former cabinet colleague Amit Shah in the 2004 Ishrat Jahan encounter case.

Ahmedabad: Former police officer D G Vanzara's lawyer told a special court on Tuesday that it appeared the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) wanted to "implicate" the then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi and his former cabinet colleague Amit Shah in the 2004 Ishrat Jahan encounter case.

Arguing for his client's discharge plea filed in the court of special judge J K Pandya, Vanzara's lawyer V D Gajjar said going by the statements of witnesses recorded by the CBI, it appeared the "intention of the investigating agency was to implicate" Modi and Shah in the case. "Fortunately" this did not happen, Gajjar said.

Modi, now the prime minister, was the chief minister of Gujarat during the time and Shah served as Minister of State for Home under him. The CBI had in 2014 given a clean chit to Shah, now BJP president, citing insufficient evidence against him.

In his submission, Gajjar said the charge sheet filed against his client was "concocted" and there was no prosecutable evidence against him. He said statements of witnesses in the case were not reliable as accused like Bharat Patel and I K Chauhan, among others, were made witnesses without following due process. The lawyer maintained the encounter was "genuine" and that the fake encounter story was "concocted".

Vanzara, out on bail in the alleged fake encounter case, said in his discharge application that Modi was secretly interrogated by the investigating officer of the case. "However, such material was not placed on record of this case," the former IPS officer said.

Vanzara, the former Deputy Inspector-General of Police, has presented this as one of the points to press for his discharge in the case. The CBI has opposed his plea along with that of another former Gujarat Police officer N K Amin, a co-accused, who has also moved a discharge plea in the same court. The central agency has claimed it has enough evidence to establish its charges against Vanzara and Amin. The court, which has concluded hearing the plea of Amin, a retired superintendent of police, fixed 15 June for further hearing of Vanzara's petition.

Jahan, a 19-year-old college girl from Mumbai, and three others  Javed Shaikh alias Pranesh Pillai, Amjadali Akbarali Rana and Zeeshan Johar  were killed in an encounter with the police on Ahmedabad's outskirts on 15 June 2004. The Gujarat police had then claimed they had terror links and plotted to kill the then chief minister Modi.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the Gujarat High Court, had concluded that it was a "fake" encounter. Following the finding, the HC had transferred the case to the CBI.

In the first charge sheet filed by the CBI in 2013, seven Gujarat police officers were named as accused, including IPS officers P P Pandey, Vanzara and G L Singhal. They faced charges of kidnapping, murder and criminal conspiracy. Pandey had been discharged in the case. The CBI had named four IB officials, including special director Rajinder Kumar and officer M S Sinha, in the supplementary charge sheet. However, the Centre is yet to give its sanction for their prosecution.

Vanzara was last year discharged in the 2005 Sohrabuddin Sheikh and Tulsiram alleged fake encounter cases along with Rajasthan IPS officer Dinesh M N.
67 lifers who served 10 years at the Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai were released following an announcement made on MGR's birth centenary

Chennai: The first set of 67 life convicts, lodged in Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai, who had completed 10 years of imprisonment were released on Wednesday.

The Tamil Nadu government had on June 4 announced the premature release of these convicts to commemorate the birth centenary of late Chief Minister M G Ramachandran.

"We received the GOs (Government Order) yesterday in the evening. And we are implementing it in the morning," a prisons department official said.

During the release, a police official announced that the prisoners, whose sentences have been commuted, had the option of getting employed in petrol stations in different districts  Vellore, Coimbatore, Pudukkottai and Palayamkottai and others.

"Initial salary will be Rs 10,000 per month and there will be annual increments. Each petrol bunk would employ 15 members and those interested can approach us. All arrangements have been made," the official said.

Law Minister C V Shanmugam had said in the assembly the release of prisoners, being proposed by the state government was a "continuing task."

"The government will be making similar announcements in the coming months for others prisoners lodged in jails across the state," an official said.

In the first phase, 67 convicts who have served 10 years, in prisons across the state, as on 25 February would be released, an official release had said.

According to Article 161 of the Constitution, which empowers a governor to grant pardons and to commute sentences and the guidelines of the Supreme Court and High Courts on the issue of pre-mature release, two Government Orders were issued, it had said.

The decision had been announced by Chief Minister K. Palaniswami during an MGR birth centenary event at Dindigul in December 2017.

Prisoners were evaluated for release on factors like the length of their detention (if it was 10 or 20 years) in prisons and if they faced serious ailments.
Two warden from the Central Jail in Coimbatore have been suspended after an inmate was beaten to death by another prisoner.

Coimbatore: Two wardens at the Central Jail here were placed under suspension for negligence of duty, on Wednesday after a prisoner was killed by another inmate on Tuesday, the police said.

The 46-year-old Ramesh was beaten to death by a teenager, reportedly after some quarrel, with a big stone, they said.

According to police, Ramesh was under treatment for some mental problem, while the teenager was on de-addiction treatment and lodged in the cell at 3rd Block.

Pending departmental inquiry into the incident, chief warden Munusamy and another warden Karuppasami were placed under suspension, they said.
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismisses a lawyer's PIL seeking probe into alleged lapses by Centre in saving 39 Indians killed by Islamic State in Iraq in 2014.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a lawyer's PIL seeking a probe into alleged lapses by the Centre in saving 39 Indians killed by Islamic State in Iraq in 2014. The high court observed that there is no public interest in the plea, while imposing a Rs 1 lakh fine on the lawyer for wasting the judiciary's time.

The court had on 31 May reserved its order on the PIL, which sought a "detailed investigation" into the matter. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar were hearing the matter.

The petitioner  advocate Mehmood Pracha  contended that the Centre was aware long back that the abducted Indians had been killed by the terror outfit, but had chosen not to disclose it and kept taking the stand that they were alive. He claimed that there were glaring anomalies in the statement made by the External Affairs Minister on the floor of Parliament.

Advocate Manik Dogra, appearing for the Centre and the Intelligence Bureau, argued that there was no public interest in this petition which should be dismissed with cost. He highlighted the efforts made by the government to rescue the Indians, who were taken hostage at Mosul and said helplines were also set up by the Indian embassy.

During the hearing, the bench asked Pracha whether he could tell who had killed those Indians. The petitioner said he was seeking an investigation for this purpose only as he wanted to know when and how the Indians were killed. He had earlier said when the bodies were brought back to India in March this year, the government did not allow the families of the victims to open the caskets.

The Centre's counsel had earlier said that the government does not say "missing, presumed dead". He had added that "till 100 percent confirmation of death, we continue to believe they are alive." Pracha had in 2015 moved the court challenging a look-out circular issued against him to prevent him and his delegation from going to Iraq.

In his PIL, he has claimed that the reason he was stopped from travelling to Iraq was to ensure that his delegation did not find out about the fate of the 39 Indians, whose bodies were recently exhumed from a mass grave in Badosh, a village near Mosul, and brought back.

As many as 40 Indians, who had gone to Iraq to earn their livelihood, had been missing since 2014. The group of labourers, mostly from Punjab, was taken hostage by the Islamic State when it overran Iraq's second largest city, Mosul, in 2014. The workers were reportedly trying to leave Mosul when they were intercepted. Later, one of them escaped posing as a Muslim from Bangladesh. Swaraj declared the remaining 39 dead on 20 March on the floor of the House, after their bodies were exhumed from Badoosh.

With inputs from PTI
Indian envoy Gautam Bambawale has said that India and China will soon sort out differences and work on their progress and prosperity

Beijing: India and China will work out their differences to ensure that they progress and prosper together, Indian envoy Gautam Bambawale in China said on Wednesday, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral talks with Chinese president Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Summit this week- their second meeting in less than two months.

"Of course, there are certain differences between us, but we will work at the differences to ensure the two countries will progress and prosper together. We are not going to be going away from each other or apart from each other. We are going to do this together," he said in an interview to China's state-run CCTV.

The informal summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi in April at the Chinese city of Wuhan was an "effort by the leaders of India and China, two large countries with huge populations, to talk to each other, understand each other to promote cooperation between the two countries", Bambawale said.

"Most importantly, it (summit) was a strategic communication between the leaders of the two countries. As a result of their discussion in Wuhan, the two leaders have arrived at a certain consensus: the first and most important consensus is India and China are partners in progress and economic development: the second most important consensus is that there are many more commonalities between India and China than differences," the envoy said.

"They will work together on these commonalities," he added.

On the success of Indian films in China and promotion of people-to-people contacts, the envoy said India and China should have more people-to-people exchanges. One of the ways to that is through movies.

"We are happy to see that Bollywood movies are becoming popular. The important point is by seeing the movies Chinese people will come to understand India better. By understanding India better there will be more mutual trust between people of India and China," he said.

"Similarly, we want to see more Chinese movies also so that we can understand China better," he added.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court today dismissed the bail plea of a 16-year-old student, accused of killing a seven-year-old boy in a Gurgaon school.

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court today dismissed the bail plea of a 16-year-old student, accused of killing a seven-year-old boy in a private school in Gurgaon. Justice Daya Chaudhary rejected the accused's submission that he deserved the benefit of statutory bail, on the ground that the Central Bureau of Investigation has failed to conclude its probe within the prescribed limit of 60 days. The judge held that the time period available to the investigating agency to complete the probe in the case would be 90 days and not 60 days.

The accused had challenged the 5 February order of a Gurgaon sessions court which had rejected his plea saying that the stage was not fit for granting bail. "In view of the facts and the law position..., it is apparent that the appellant is not entitled to be released on statutory/default bail as no indefeasible right has accrued to him under Section 167(2) CrPC and the present appeal being devoid of any merit is, hereby, dismissed," the court said. Section 167(2) CrPC provides that a court can extend the detention period of an accused for a term not exceeding 15 days.

Advocate Sushil Tekriwal, appearing for the victim, said the high court verdict vindicated their stand. "The interpretation given by the high court in its historic verdict today that the sentence of life imprisonment can always be imposed on the accused and, hence, the charge sheet has to be filed in 90 days by the CBI," he said. "This is consistent with our contention in the high court while opposing the bail appeal of the accused involved in the heinous offence of murdering seven-year-old Bholu, Tekriwal said. The victim's father also welcomed the high court order and said the juvenile would have been a threat to the society if he was granted bail.

On 21 May, the sessions court had held that the 16-year-old student would be tried as an adult in the murder case. Upholding the decision of the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), the court had said the juvenile board took into consideration all the material placed before it to establish "the physical and mental capacity (of the accused) to commit the crime" and there was no need for any intervention. The accused had challenged the 20 December order of the JJB that had held that the teenager would be tried as an adult.

The CBI, in its charge sheet, had alleged that the teenager had murdered the student on 8 September, 2017 in a bid to get exams postponed and a scheduled parent-teacher meeting cancelled. The victim's body, with the throat slit, was found in the washroom of the school at the Bhondsi area of Gurgaon. The juvenile board had passed the order based on the sociological, psychological and physiological reports of the accused, who was a Class XI student.

The court had earlier granted time till 4 July to the CBI to file a supplementary charge sheet in the murder case. Earlier, the court had barred the media from using the name of the victim, the accused and the school and asked it to use fictitious names instead.

While the victim was named "Prince" by the court, the accused was named "Bholu" and the school was referred to as "Vidyalaya".

The probe agency had given a clean chit to school bus conductor Ashok Kumar, who was arrested by the Gurgaon Police, saying there was no evidence to prove his involvement in the crime. The CBI had taken up the case from the Gurgaon Police on 22 September, following a nationwide uproar over the killing.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on Tuesday that his state will not be able to supply additional water to the national capital.

Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on Tuesday that his state will not be able to supply additional water to the national capital.

"Haryana is already supplying to Delhi 120 cusecs more than its allocation of water and will not be able to supply more up to 30 June. Thereafter, the situation would depend on the availability of water," Khattar said in New Delhi after his meeting with Union Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Minister Nitin Gadkari.

Apprising Gadkari about various water-related issues Haryana had with other neighbouring states, Khattar sought the Central government's intervention in solving them and was assured that it would help, a Haryana government spokesman said.

Khattar also urged the Central government to accelerate the pace of construction works of dams namely, Renuka, Kisau and Lakhwar in Himachal Pradesh for the supply of water to Haryana and Delhi.

"With the construction of these dams, there will be more availability of water in Yamuna River," he pointed out.

The chief minister apprised Gadkari about the written communication sent to the Punjab chief minister regarding construction of dams to stop the water that is flowing to Pakistan. "The Central government should discuss take up this matter with Punjab government," he added.
As per the security guidelines, the local police requests for the personnel of CRPF to be made available for 'riot control' and the deployment of the number of people and the places assigned for duty are decided by the police.

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Police have written to the CRPF seeking an explanation that why a lone CRPF vehicle moved through the Nowhatta area of Srinagar where it was decided that there will be no deployment of security forces on last Friday after clashes left at least 20 youth injured on 25 May.

Two youths were run over by an armoured vehicle of the CRPF which left one of them dead and another wounded and the family of the deceased has sought that a murder case should be pressed against the Central force personnel.

Police officials said that after clashes left many youths injured the previous Friday, 25 May, as forces fired pellets at the mob, it was decided that there would be no deployment at the Jamia mosque during prayers the next Friday, when separatist leader and Hurriyat (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, was to deliver the sermon.

The relaxation was also in line with the policy of the PDP-BJP government to declare a unilateral ceasefire and create conditions for dialogue with Hurriyat. The police which is headed by the chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti, who oversees the portfolio of home department, sees this incident of a vehicle moving through Nowhatta area as a "security nightmare".

On 1 June, it was decided that instead of deploying the forces at the mosque, the police and the CRPF will remain stationed at Nowhatta police station, which lies at some distance away from the mosque, to prevent attacks by youth on the police station.

We reconstructed the sequence of events that followed based on conversations with seven eyewitnesses, CRPF and police officials.

Friday prayers concluded at 2.30 pm, following which the mosque, which holds about 30,000 people, emptied out. As is the norm on Fridays, a few hundred protesters gathered outside the building and began to raise slogans. At 3.45 pm, a CRPF Gypsy containing five armed personnel besides the driver drove down Khwaja Bazar Road, from the direction of Lal Chowk and stopped a few hundred metres from the mosque. Fayaz Ahmad Shah, who sells fez caps and caraculs near the mosque said the Gypsy headed towards the mob, which attacked the vehicle with stones and other objects. Five other eyewitnesses, who did not wish to be named, corroborated Shah's account. Video footage of the incident, which Firstpost couldn't verify independently, shows the men leaping atop the vehicle and launching an attack against it. The Gypsy then ran over one of the young men, Kaiser Ahmad, angering his fellow protesters. One other young man, Younis Ahmad, came under its wheels before it sped away in the direction of Nowhatta police station.

Police officials later lodged complaints against the young men as well as the CRPF driver; the former for rioting and attempted murder and the latter for rash and negligent driving.

As per the security guidelines, the local police requests for the personnel of CRPF to be made available for "riot control" and the deployment of the number of people and the places assigned for duty are decided by the police. This is being done as CRPF personnel are mostly from outside the state and are not acquainted about the roads and different localities in Kashmir.

When asked what a lone CRPF vehicle was doing in a volatile neighbourhood on 1 June, reserve police force spokesperson Sanjay Sharma said the CRPFs 28 battalion second-in-command, who was the ranking officer in the Gypsy, was deployed on permanent duty at the Zakoora camp which lies several kilometres from Nowhatta and that he was "returning after checking deployment of CRPF personnel in that neighbourhood (Nowhatta)."

Inspector General of CRPF, Ravideep Sahai, admitted that the "officer was moving in the area for non-operational duty". "The officer was not involved in any kind of riot control or crowd control. He was just moving from one place to another to check deployment at Nowhatta," he said.

He said that the CRPF companies were deployed for the assistance of law and order duties to police at the Nowhatta police station. Sahai said that when the officer had gone to the area there was no mob and it was that when "the vehicle was returning and it came under the mob attack". He said that the "officer was checking the deployment which was not close to the mosque". "The deployment was made at Nowhatta police station area away from the mosque."

However even as the CRPF officials said that the mob may have lynched the officer if the doors of the vehicle were opened, witnesses said that the vehicle came from Khawaja Bazar and took the road to the mosque where both the CRPF and police had decided that there would be no deployment.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar, Imtiyaz Ismael Parray, said that the police was investigating as to "what the vehicle was doing in the area".

A senior police official said that they have written to the CRPF seeking any explanation and contradicted the version of the Central forces by stating that the vehicle was coming to the Nowahatta police station.

"We are investigating the matter and have written to the CRPF to explain its position, he said.

Attempts to reach out to the CRPF driver, who is facing a case of rash and negligent driving and could be arrested by police, remained unsuccessful as the CRPF restricts its personnel from directly talking to media. CRPF spokesman, Sharma, said that the "case of rash and negligent driving by police was baseless".
A Keralite man working in the Gulf has been booked for allegedly threatening to kill Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a social media post, prompting his employer to sack him even as he tendered an apology

Kochi: A Keralite man working in the Gulf has been booked for allegedly threatening to kill Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a social media post, prompting his employer to sack him even as he tendered an apology. Police registered a case against the man, who identified himself as Krishnakumaran Nair.

In a live video on the Facebook recently, the man purportedly said he had decided to return to India from the Gulf to kill Vijayan and attack his family, police said. Nair said he was working in the West Asia to amass money to kill the chief minister. He also allegedly hurled expletives at Vijayan, his family and some of his ministerial colleagues, police said.

After the video was shared on the social media, the accused posted another video, apologising to Vijayan, his family, state Electricity Minister MM Mani and the Keralite community, saying his earlier remarks were made in an inebriated state, they said.

Nair, in his late 50s, is seen in the second clip appealing to the chief minister with folded hands to forgive him, considering his age, they added. In another video later today, the Keralite said he had been fired by his employer for his act and he will soon return to Kerala to face the legal action initiated against him.

"When I reached office today I came to know that I have lost my job. I am returning to Kerala. I am ready to accept whatever punishment as per the law for the crime that I have committed," he added. The case against Nair has been registered under IPC Section 500 (punishment for defamation) and relevant sections of the Kerala Police Act. The case was lodged suo motu by the police in Ernakulam.
Union Minister KJ Alphons expressed serious concerns over Varanasi's cleanliness, along with the negative effects of the city's raging traffic on tourism.

Union Minister of State for Tourism KJ Alphons has called Varanasi, the Lok Sabha constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a "dirty city" which "needs to be cleaned." Alphons on Wednesday expressed serious concerns over the city's sanitation and cleanliness, along with the raging traffic which plagues the city. After the Union minister inspected the sewage plants and ghats in Varanasi with a team of Centre and state officials, he also discussed the extensive dirt and pollutants piling up in the Ganga.

A Financial Express report quoted Alphons as saying that Varanasi has the potential to attract many visitors and tourists, but the unclean surroundings have resulted in a significant drop in the number of tourists. India Today added that Alphons, who came to Varanasi on a two-day visit, also said that "only five lakh tourists are coming here and at Sarnath every year, which is very less. In the next two years, our focus is to double the tourists to at least 10 lakhs."

He also expressed concerns about Varanasi's narrow roads, which contribute to traffic jams. The roads here are congested which results in traffic jams and is a cause of concern," news agency ANI quoted him as saying.

According to India Today, he also expressed concerns over people disposing of milk and flower petals in the Ganga while offering prayers. The Union Minister spoke of the governments efforts to clean the river, saying that the administration had installed three sewage plants for this purpose. This contradicts previous reports of the success of the "Clean Ganga Mission", which was a dream project from Modi's parliamentary constituency.

The Union minister's comments on Varanasi are particularly embarrassing for Modi, who has been talking extensively about unprecedented development work in Varanasi. He has also been advocating to make the holy city like Kyoto, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Japan.

Financial Express reported that Alphons' comment has received backlash from the Samajwadi Party spokesperson Juhie Singh who said that neither the Centre nor the Yogi Adityanath government has done any development work in the prime minister's constituency. Now the BJP minister has started criticising the ground situation in Varanasi. It is imminent now that the governments both at the Centre and in Lucknow have not done any development work and PM also knows about it," she said.

The BJP, however, defended Alphons statement saying that the situation in the city has improved a lot after Modi won the elections from there. Party spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said the Minister is from the south and the cities there are more developed. The situation in Varanasi has improved and people of the city are also acknowledging the changes".

Alphons has a history of controversial comments, where he has made statements about the BJP "not really having a problem" with beef still making its way into Kerala and Goa. He subsequently retracted that statement, telling foreigners to eat beef in their own country and come here," according to The Wire. He has been very candid about his comments, telling The Times of India that he cannot be diplomatic, despite needing to do so.
Doha-based news network al Jazeera has shed several jobs and emerged a number of departments as part of a restructuring program at the time the network faces regional boycott, Bloomberg reports.

The New York-based media notes that dozens of departments and management positions have been merged or eliminated, including the heads of technical and editorial standards, training, and other roles across 10 divisions.

The trimming was decided last month in light of an official document signed May 24 by al Jazeeras acting Director General Mostefa Souag.

500 workers had been laid off over the past three years as authorities seeks to harmonize spending, one way over the sharp fall of oil revenues, Bloomberg notes.

Al Jazeera also in 2016 shut down its US television operations.

The networks licenses in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have been revoked after Qatar fell out with its neighbors last June.

The four ordered Doha to close down the network as part of 13 conditions to fulfil before Qatar returns to the Gulf fold.

The four have accused Doha of sponsoring terrorism and using al Jazeera to fan rebellions and revolutions in the region.
Adivasi groups have been asserting that Lambadis in Telangana enjoy a disproportionate share of the benefits meant for tribals.

The conflict between Lambadis and Adivasis in Telangana is assuming grave proportions. Several Adivasi organisations have banned officials, including teachers belonging to the Lambadi (Nayak) community, from entering Adivasi villages, declaring them self-ruled. The government and political parties have been impassive towards resolving the issue, fearing the loss of either vote bank.

Adivasis have been demanding the exclusion of Lambadis from tribal reservations. Their main contention is that Lambadis disproportionately benefit from education and employment reservations and government schemes meant for tribals. The two Telugu states are already witnessing struggle for categorisation of scheduled caste as Madigas express similar apprehensions that Malas are walking away with the benefits of reservations.

Under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Act, 1976, Banjaras (Lambadis and Sugalis) were recognised as Scheduled Tribes in the united Andhra Pradesh. As Banjaras or Lambadis are classified differently across states and also for access to the benefits of a tribal status, people from these communities migrated in a large scale to pre-bifurcated Andhra Pradesh from states such as Maharashtra, Rajasthan and other parts of North India.

As the Assembly elections draw near, the Lambadi-Adivasi conflict may take a turn for the worse because of competitive political populism, a non-committal state leadership and with leaders and parties taking an ambivalent stand on the matter.

Disproportionate rise in population and reservations

Telangana has a large tribal population. It rose from 2.81 percent in 1961 to 8.19 percent in 1981 and further to 9.34 percent in 2011, which is higher than the national average. The increase can be primarily attributed to the inclusion of certain castes under the Scheduled Tribes category. This indiscriminate rise in the tribal population indicates the impact classifying Lambadis as Scheduled Tribes has had on the overall increase in the ST population in Telangana. According to estimates, the fraction of Lambadis in the total tribal population has risen several fold since 1976.

Reservations for tribals have not increased commensurate to the rise in the share of their numbers in Telangana, and a Bill to this effect is pending before the central government. As a result, more tribals have started competing for reserved seats, and Lambadis enjoy the lion's share of the benefits, detrimental to the interests of Adivasis.

Boards with the slogan "Maava Naate, Maava Raj" (Our Village, Our Rule) were erected in several villages in North Telangana, including in Adilabad, indicating that the rift between Adivasis and Lambadis was widening.

The main demand of Adivasis, especially members of the Gond and Koya sub-castes, is to have Lambadis de-listed as Scheduled Tribes in the state as they are categorised under different castes in different parts of India. They have been asserting that anyone who migrates to Telangana should be categorised as per their status in their native state, instead of how that particular community is categorised in Telangana.

For instance: In Maharashtra, Lambadis are listed under the Other Backward Caste category. Over the years, they migrated to the then united Andhra Pradesh and now Telangana, especially to Adilabad district, and obtained fake ST certificates in collusion with corrupt local officials. This is causing a lot of distress among Adivasis and is the epicentre of their struggle in Adilabad.

As a result, Lambadis, who are considered more developed than Adivasis, enjoy a disproportionate share of reservation benefits not just in education and employment but also in political posts.

The growing political clout of Lambadis is evident from the fact that political parties  both ruling and Opposition  refuse to take a clear and unambiguous stand on the matter even though the Adivasi struggle is assuming grave proportions.

Land deals and welfare schemes

Land deals made the rift between Adivasis and Lambadis much more serious. Non-tribals are legally barred from purchasing land from tribals in Scheduled areas. This rule is aimed at preventing large-scale alienation of tribal lands. However, as Lambadis are categorised as tribals in Telangana, they are legally eligible to purchase land form Adivasis, even by migrating to Scheduled areas. There are also reports of corrupt officials issuing fake agency certificates to list them as natives in Scheduled areas. Given the impoverished conditions of Adivasis and their relative backwardness, they are losing control over their land.

Moreover, Adivasis also argue that Lambadis are getting greater access to government welfare schemes meant for tribals, as well as tribal sub-plan funds. A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court on behalf of Adivasis, seeking to have Lambadis de-listed as Scheduled Tribes and to declare the 1976 amendment as ultra vires to the Constitution.

As can be expected, the Adivasi agitation is witnessing strong opposition from Lambadis, and their concerns cannot be summarily dismissed. They argue that their community, too, is socially and economically marginalised and vulnerable, and that the constitutional status extended to them cannot be withdrawn.

Possible solutions to the rift

The political system that thrives on populism cannot, in any way, withdraw access to benefits such as reservations once granted to a community. The more justified, and perhaps feasible, solution to the ongoing tussle could be to categorise the tribals into different groups, as is already observed with regard to Other Backward Classes. This will allow both Adivasis and Lambadis access to benefits separately and in proportion to their share in population. Tribal reservations should also be increased as per their share in the population of the newly-formed state.

While Lambadis should accept the fact that Adivasis are losing out as they garner a disproportionate share of reservations, Adivasis should realise that no political party would dare to exclude Lambadis from the tribal category because they make up a large chunk of the Telangana population. Categorisation should protect the interests of Adivasis in education and employment, as well as in political posts. The Supreme Court has even appreciated such categorisation in many of its judgments. The government should design development schemes ensuring that vulnerable tribal groups are not put at a disadvantage. The land question needs further study to find a mutually acceptable and rational solution to the problem of Adivasi land being alienated by dominant tribal groups. The need for such protection is much higher for primitive tribal groups.

Justice for tribes among tribes is the reasonable solution to resolve the rift.
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan is likely to accept the resignations of five YSR Congress MPs from the House after they met her on Wednesday and ruled out any rethink of their decision, official sources said.

New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan is likely to accept the resignations of five YSR Congress MPs from the House after they met her on Wednesday and ruled out any rethink of their decision, official sources said.

A notification to this effect is likely to be issued soon, the sources said.

Mahajan told them she would accept their resignation after they stuck to their stand, they said.

The five Lok Sabha MPs from Andhra Pradesh's main opposition party had resigned to protest the Centre's decision to not grant special category status to the state. The speaker had met them earlier as well, asking them to reconsider their decision.

The Telugu Desam Party, which is in power in the state, had broken ties with the BJP over the special category issue.

The state is scheduled to go to the assembly polls along with the Lok Sabha elections next year. Both parties are seen to be taking positions on an issue they believe has an emotional connect with the masses in the state.
A man was shot dead at his house in Uttar Pradesh by armed assailants on Tuesday. Police attribute the crime to old enmity.

Muzaffarnagar: A 40-year-old man was shot dead allegedly by five men who barged into his house, in Bhojaheri village, police said on Wednesday.

Abad Hasan was shot dead by the men who entered into his house and opened fire on him on Tuesday, they said.

According to the police, he was rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead, adding that old enmity was stated to be the reason behind the killing. A case was registered against the five people, they said.

In another incident, a half-burnt body was found in Khedi Sarai village, they said.

The identity of the victim, who was first strangulated and later burnt, has not been established yet.
In another incident of police apathy in Kerala, a man was allegedly thrashed by a group of policemen following a minor accident in Edathala, police said.

Kochi: In yet another incident of police apathy in Kerala, a 38-year-old man was allegedly thrashed by a group of policemen following a minor accident in Edathala near Aluva, police said on Wednesday. While relatives of Usman allege that he was taken to Edathala police station after the incident on Tuesday, and "physically tortured" in custody, the police have denied the charges.

The incident occurred when the police personnel, in mufti dress, were reportedly returning to the police station in a car, after nabbing an accused in a POCSO case, they said. Usman was allegedly attacked by the police personnel when he protested after his motorbike was hit by their car near a government school in Edathala. An altercation occurred following the incident and Usman was forcefully taken to the Edathala police station in their car.

Usman, who suffered a broken cheekbone in the altercation, has been admitted to a private hospital near Kochi, police said. Usman's relatives alleged that he was brutally tortured in the custody too. He was taken to hospital after people reached the police station in large numbers last evening, protesting against the incident. Four personnel have been booked in connection with the incident, according to reports.

They have been charged under IPC Section 325, which is the punishment for voluntarily causing grievous hurt. The incident occurred at a time when the police were facing allegations of laxity in its investigation in various cases relating to Dalits and women.

The opposition has alleged that the "laxity and lapse" on the part of the local police was the reason for the alleged incident of honour killing of a Dalit Christian man in Kottayam in May this year. On 9 April, a 26-year-old man died of alleged torture in police custody in nearby Varappuzha.
A farmers' union in the district has written to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, highlighting their grievances of opium farmers in Mandsaur.

"Mandsaur ki kahani Mandsaur ki durghatna par khatam nahi hoti hai, yeh baat sarkaar bana bhi sakti hai aur gira bhi sakti hai (the plight of Mandsaur does not begin or end with the incident that took place last year, and this reality can make or break a government)," said Bhagat Singh Borana, a karyakarta of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, which is fighting for farmers' rights in all 51 districts of Madhya Pradesh.

Borana was referring to the clashes on 6 June, 2017, during which six farmers were killed after the police opened fire on the protesters seeking fair crop prices. The incident had sparked violent demonstrations, which later spread to the neighbouring districts. The protests were quelled after the central government deployed more than 1,100 troopers from the anti-riot force and 600 Rapid Action Force personnel.

Last month, the Bharatiya Kisan Union tried to bring to the government's notice the obstacles opium farmers in Madhya Pradesh face in improving their yield and obtaining licences to cultivate the crop during the suitable season. They also mentioned how cases of doda chura, or poppy husk, smuggling has risen since the government stopped procuring the crop residue from farmers in 2015.

In a letter handed to Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan on 30 May, the union pointed out that opium costs around Rs 800 to Rs 2,275 per kilogram, but the price is declared as Rs 3 lakh in the cases registered when the administration seizes smuggled opium. As a result, the organisation  which has 5,000 representatives in Mandsaur alone  has appealed to the state government to raise the cost of the crop to Rs 10,000 per kilogram and also compensate farmers with this amount for the last five years of production.

Poppy husk smuggling

The farmers' union, in their note to the chief minister, have highlighted the rise in smuggling of poppy husk, which is the husk left behind after the opium is extracted from the pods. They mentioned how young men are sent to prison for smuggling the crop residue.

Mandsaur Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Singh explained that until 2015, there was a licensing policy for poppy husk. Since the government stopped procuring poppy husk from farmers, its smuggling has risen, and youngsters are convicted under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, for smuggling both opium and its derivatives, which include poppy husk.

"A kilogram of poppy husk was sold for nearly 1,000," Singh told Firstpost. "Today, it is smuggled in large quantities, and if the smuggled quantity is more than 50 kilograms, the punishment is quite rigorous." The senior police officer added that in eight districts, there are nearly 50 registered cases of opium and its derivatives under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Last year, 300-400 people were in jail, he said.

Mukesh Patidar, a member of the Bharatiya Kisan Union who works in Mandsaur's Billod village, said 70 percent of those arrested are between 18 to 30 years old. He gave a recent example of the Nahargarh Police in Sitamau Tehsil arresting four men and seizing 110 kilograms of poppy husk. The farmer also said that last year, in Khunti village in Malhargarh tehsil, a young man was caught smuggling eight quintals and 40 kilograms of the crop.

In March, the chief minister had assured farmers of Neemuch and Mandsaur that the Madhya Pradesh government would procure poppy husk from the cultivators and burn it, and that the farmers would not incur any loss in the process.

In Madhya Pradesh, the Narcotics Control Bureau has given permission to cultivate the crop in Mandsaur, Ratlam, Ujjain, Rajapur, Neemuch, Jhabua and Agar Malwa.

GN Pande, a Krishi Vigyan Kendra scientist and opium researcher in Mandsaur, told Firstpost that poppy husk also has alkaloids and can be used for commercial purposes if the government invests in infrastructure and conducts research on storage. Research centres in Mandsaur, Udaipur, Faizabad and Lucknow carry out varietal trials in opium poppy.

Land allocation delays

In their letter to the chief minister, the farmers' union also urged the government to allocate cultivable land for opium production earlier in the year as delaying it pushes the harvest into the summer, which leads to a thin yield.

The Central Bureau of Narcotics issues licences to eligible cultivators in October, and the general conditions to grant these licences are finalised between September and October. As a result, the licensing process and settlement of the accounts of previous seasons goes on even in October, and the measurement and testing of licensed fields continues till the third week of December.

This delays the yield and pushes it to March end, when summer sets in, and this results in a thin plant, rued Rajesh Patidar, a farmer from a lambardar family in Mandsaur's Badhuniya village, explaining that this delay results in an opium extract of just about one gram per plant.

The farmer also said that the government has a target of 60 kilograms per hectare but offers only Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 per kilogram, which is not enough to cover the labour cost. He revealed that this year, he had received Rs 1o,500 from the government for his produce, while he had had to pay labourers nearly Rs 28,ooo only to monitor the crucial ripening days of the crop.

Lack of technical know-how

Sandeep Patidar has a similar story. An opium farmer who holds licenses for two half-bigha plots, he confessed that he does not know which pesticides to use for the crop. Holding out an assortment of pesticides he tries at random, he said he ends up killing his plant because he doubles his usage if the yield is good. The opium farmer believes that lack of awareness about the application of new and evolving techniques is one of the main reasons for the average or below average yields of most licensed cultivators.

Furthermore, farmers such as Mahendra Patidar from Mandsaur's Suwarsa Tehsil said opium farmers bear the cost of licensing and taking precautionary measures to prevent smuggling and other wrongdoing around the crop. In the 90-day growth cycle of the poppy plant, opium is produced only in the 10 to 12 days when the pod is ripening and is slowly extracted in the form of a congealed milky latex. As elaborated on the Central Bureau of Narcotics website, "the latex that oozes out of the capsule is collected by the cultivator on a daily basis, and the weight of such opium is recorded in a register called the preliminary weighment register maintained by the village lambardar".

According to Mahendra Patidar, the process goes on for 20 to 25 days and requires precision and skilled labour. He highlighted how farmers are unaware about which grade their produce falls into. They find out about the quality of their own yield only after the District Opium Officer examines and oven tests the produce and classifies it under different grades as per the consistency of the opium.

Elaborate and strict rules around licensing and smuggling will not resolve the distress the farmers are in, a fact the union hopes to convey to the government with their letter.
'Molestation on buses is about (inappropriate) touching. It will not be picked up by the CCTVs since buses are so crowded. It is just a waste of money,' the Minister for Women and Child Development told the media.

New Delhi: Union minister Maneka Gandhi on Wednesday said that installing CCTVs in buses is a waste of public money since women face inappropriate touching on public transport, which the recorded footage will fail to point out.

"Molestation on buses is about (inappropriate) touching. It will not be picked up by the CCTVs since buses are so crowded. It is just a waste of money," the Minister for Women and Child Development told the media.

"The CCTVs are fixed and not rotating. No one is going to stand in front of the camera (to molest women). I agree that women are constantly molested in crowded buses, but CCTVs cannot do anything to prevent these molestations," she said.

Pointing out that the money spent on installing closed circuit televisions (CCTVs) belonged to the nation, the minister said it should be "spent where it will have the most effect".

The ministry put up CCTVs in some buses in Rajasthan but these did not work, she said.

The ministry had rejected a Delhi government project to install CCTVs in Delhi Transport Corporation buses from the Nirbhaya fund.
BJP general secretary Ram Madhav today said that Mizoram would be freed from the Congress' grip when the state goes to polls during the later part of this year.

Aizawl: BJP general secretary Ram Madhav today said that Mizoram would be freed from the Congress' grip when the state goes to polls during the later part of this year.

Madhav said Manipur is the only northeastern state where BJP is yet to have its share of power. Addressing a press conference here, he said the saffron party was preparing its rank and file in Mizoram to face the upcoming polls and a massive election campaign would be launched from August, after the monsoon gets over.

When asked if the BJP would forge pre-poll alliance with regional parties as was done in other northeastern states, he said the BJP has the North East Femocratic Alliance (NEDA), an alliance of all regional parties in the region, in which the Mizo National Front (MNF) is also a constituent.

"Even as the NEDA is more of a 'development alliance', it can be an electoral alliance - which time will tell," he said. Former state chief minister and Meitei Nationalist Party (MNP) chief Zoramthanga had earlier held that his party would not forge any pre-poll alliance but face the election to the 40-member state legislature on its own.
The Naveen Patnaik government in Odisha ordered a judicial inquiry after the keys were reported missing on 4 April.

Stashed inside the inner chambers of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, is the safety of the treasure trove of gold, diamond and antique jewellery and other precious gems compromised?

This is the question haunting not only priests and temple authorities but also the Naveen Patnaik government in Odisha, as no one knows who has the keys to open the doors to the treasure  believed to be worth hundreds of crores of rupees.

Officially, the doors of the inner chambers of the Ratna Bhandar have not been opened since 1985, when an inventory was made. It is not yet known when the keys went missing as the matter came to light only on 4 April, when an inspection team was examining the state of the 12th-century shrine's structure.

While the Odisha government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the case of the missing keys, the Shri Jagannath Temple Administration claims that the safety of the treasury has not been compromised as the wax-coated locks and other security systems are still intact.

Besides the king of Puri, known as Gajapati Maharaj, the Shankaracharya of Puri and the Bhandar mekap (official) are the only two others who are supposed to have the keys to the Ratna Bhandar.

A senior servitor of the temple, Rama Krushna Das Mohapatra, has asked the king to clarify whether he has the keys. After meeting the chief minister, Mohapatra said: Gajapati Maharaj (the king) is the first servitor of Lord Jagannath and also the chairman of the temple committee. He should call a meeting soon and clarify whether he has the keys. If he can share information on the missing keys, there would be no need for a judicial inquiry.

What's hidden behind the walls of the temple?

The storehouse contains antique gold and diamond jewellery and precious stones, besides silver utensils and valuable ornaments. All together, the Ratna Bhandar is believed to have more than 120 kilograms of gold and 221 kilograms of silver, all belonging to the trinity of Hindu gods Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra.

The treasure also holds historical significance as most of the jewellery and ornaments are antiques. A scripture inside the temple says that Gajapati Kapilendra Deb  the founder of the Gajapati dynasty  had donated a large amount of gold and ornaments to the temple in 1466 AD.

According to folklore, the mysterious inner chambers of the Ratna Bhandar should never be opened as it will only bring disaster. Lord Jagannath will never forgive the deed, warned 65-year-old servitor Narasingha Pujapanda, who has been working at the temple for 45 years.

Part of the Hindu 'Char Dham' pilgrimage, the Jagannath Temple  also known as Srimandir  is famous for the annual Rath Yatra, when lakhs of devotees of Hindu god Krishna crowd the temple town of Puri.

The controversy

On 4 April, on the orders of the High Court of Odisha, a 16-member inspection team reached the temple to take stock of the repair work and the state of its structure. The team included the chief administrator of the temple, the king of Puri, district officials, police officers and experts from the Archaeological Survey of India.

During the study, it was found that the keys to the inner chamber were missing and the district treasury did not have them as per norms. The chief minister ordered a judicial inquiry after the subject triggered outrage in the state. The investigation is to be completed in three months.

Attacking the Biju Janata Dal government over the issue, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee Chairman Niranjan Patnaik has demanded an inquiry into the matter either by the Central Bureau of Investigation or the Crime Branch. The Bharatiya Janata Party has demanded a response from the chief minister on the issue, which has also led to protests from several quarters.

Who governs the Jagannath Puri temple

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is administrated under the Shri Jagannath Temple Act, 1954, which saw a few amendments later, and other related legislation.

An 18-member temple management committee  comprising the king of Puri as its chairman and other officials and nominated members  is entrusted with the task of taking care of all affairs of the temple administration. It submits its reports to the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

According to reports, the collector of Puri, Arvind Agarwal, admitted at the committee meeting on 4 April that he had checked the registers on the Ratna Bhandar but did not find anything on transactions related to the treasury keys since 1970. Puri Shankaracharya Nischalananda Saraswati has also expressed concern over the issue and demanded a detailed inquiry into the matter.

Puri still hosts a king

The king of Puri is highly regarded in the temple city. Considered the first servitor of Hindu god Jagannath, he is called Gajapati Maharaj. During the Rath Yatra, he sweeps the chariots of the trinity with a golden broom and is also associated with a number of other temple rituals.

The author is a freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com.
The problem with the Narendra Modi government taking upon itself the authority to police fake news is that it will now have the key to the closet.

The problem with the government taking upon itself the authority to police fake news is that it will now have the key to the closet. The recent announcement to that effect is intimidating. It is like handing over the security of a distillery to an alcoholic seeing as how much of the fake news emanates from the political corridors of power.

Be it the shards of broken election promises, failure to follow manifestos, delayed development plans, slanging matches, hints and tips and semi-clues or simply employing corruption, nepotism and deception to line one's pockets, politicians are the purveyors of falsehood without challenge. Not even filmstars can match them.

Consequently, this sudden warm desire to save the nation from the clutches of the mean-spirited media rings a false note. And it is profoundly dangerous since this extraordinary authority can and will be supremely misused to muzzle the fourth estate and conduct witch hunts at will.

Consequently, not only can the threat be used as a bargaining chip to cower the media but every unpleasant report against the powers that be can be categorised most conveniently as fake news and the book thrown at the 'erring' individual.

Fact is that despite the current negative image of the media, most journalists are still professional in their attitude, abhor errors and mistakes and are conscientious in the pursuit of uncovering the truth. Chasing fake news is not a priority and they do put their jobs, their convictions and occasionally their lives on the line.

More importantly, in a working democracy, the estates have to enjoy a separation of powers and one cannot sit in judgement upon the other. To have the government interpret the media's efforts to play watchdog is a gigantic step towards censorship and this exercise should be curtailed right here before it becomes a weapon.

If anything, pretty much like the physician, media might do well to heal itself and pull in its renegades. That would be a good first step in the war on fake news. In this age of instant gratification and the torrent of trivia masquerading as hard news on social media platforms, there is clearly a need for monitoring and chastising those who have given the media per se a bad name.

Today, Google is spending $300 million to rid itself of fake stuff on Twitter and Facebook but it is a tough battle. The European Commission wants to take punitive action against those who spread canards. In April this year, the BBC had to deny a report that Russia had engaged in a nuclear war when a false story went viral.

And yet, fake news, be it of a VIP death kept quiet, the landings in Normandie on this day in 1944 or deception as a ploy has been used effectively through history. The Trojan horse epitomises the use of the lie for the greater good.

Those were war tactics. These are plain self-indulgent acts of vengefulness. And the conspiracy to allow it to flourish is collective and universal. It was permitted.

In this context, in all fairness, even the outdated Press Council is a better bet than the government and its agencies to stop the rot. When it suited the political firmament, they allowed fake news to turn into a game and be legitimised. TV stations even began to run programmes dedicated to fake news as a bit of a joke.

But funny 'ha-ha' turned into not so funny pettiness when it began to lacerate reputations but by then the dedicated fake news columns and the last page takeoffs had escaped the stable and were galloping about unrestrained. The labelling was seen as an escape to hurt and wound and this has become the weakest link in the media chain with the majority paying the price for a small minority that chose to discard the basic tenets of journalism. The confusion between downright nonsense and healthy satire and lampooning became so overwhelming that there was no line in the sand.

And that is a problem the media must settle from within. By discouraging any in-house efforts to ginger up fake news as a viable information option. To censor its own who use this cop-out to market falsehood. To have the journalist associations sit down and create a body that has the authority to penalise and punish. Anyone but the government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dashed the 'high hopes' of Kashmiri Pandits during his recent visit to the Valley by staying mum on the issue of their rehabilitation, the All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) said on Wednesday.

Jammu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi dashed the "high hopes" of Kashmiri Pandits during his recent visit to the Valley by staying mum on the issue of their rehabilitation, the All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) said on Wednesday.

Modi had visited Jammu and Kashmir on 19 May to inaugurate the 330-MW Kishenganga power project at Gurez in North Kashmir's Bandipora district. He also laid the foundation stone for the Srinagar Ring Road at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.

Though successive governments failed to rehabilitate Kashmiri Pandits, the community had "high hopes" from the prime minister, ASKPC general secretary T K Bhat said. "But it is unfortunate that he did not make even a passing reference about the displaced community (Kashmiri Pandits)," Bhat told reporters on Wednesday.

Expressing hope that Modi will consider the issue seriously, Bhat appealed to the Centre to make sure that the displaced people are rehabilitated together in one place. Lashing out at the Union government's decision to suspend anti-militancy operations during Ramzan, Bhat said it was done to please BJP's ally in the state, the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

He said the step will demoralise security agencies, especially at a time Pakistan is repeatedly violating the ceasefire at the border and terrorists are carrying out grenade attacks. It is wrong on the part of the Centre to announce a unilateral ceasefire under pressure of the PDP. This has demoralised the security forces and police, making them sitting ducks for the militants, he said.

"The security situation in Kashmir and on its borders is worst during this dispensation. There is a blood bath in the bordering villages due to Pakistan firing. A large number of security forces and people have got injured in grenade attacks by terrorists. Some of them have even died," Bhat said.

Forty-five people have died and over 130 injured in Pakistan shelling on the borders this year, which is the highest ever in last two decades, he said. "Every day, dozens of people get injured in grenade attacks by terrorists... This is the worst crisis in the last two decades," he added.

Asking the Centre to rethink its policy on Kashmir, the group opposed any dialogue with separatists, arguing that Kashmiri Pandits are the biggest stakeholders and must be taken into confidence. "Is the GoI (Government of India) doing their homework? They are playing with fire," said Bhat.
South Sudans President Salva Kiir has agreed to meet rebel leader Riek Machar for a face-to-face talks.

The meeting was proposed by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a committee that has been leading talks between the government and the rebels to revive the 2015 peace deal.

Kiir met Ethiopias prime minister who heads the IGAD council last week and the two leaders agreed that the regional blocs proposal for peace is viable.

The rebel leader and former vice-president, Riek Machar, fled the country and is currently in South Africa under house arrest.

His group has previously insisted that Machar must be part of negotiations for peace and stability of South Sudan.

Talks in Ethiopia to revive South Sudans failed 2015 peace pact and end the countrys civil war broke up last month without a deal.

In a statement, IGAD said the talks ended after several attempts to narrow the gaps between the positions of the parties proved fruitless.

South Sudan plunged into war in December 2013, barely two years after independence from Sudan, after a disagreement between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar.

Tens of thousands have been killed with a quarter of the countrys population of 12 million displaced.
Three youths who were trying to disrupt the ceremony to mark the 34th anniversary of Operation Blue Star in the Golden Temple were roughed up by members of the SGPC and detained by police, officials said.

Amritsar: Three youths who were trying to disrupt the ceremony to mark the 34th anniversary of Operation Blue Star in the Golden Temple were roughed up by members of the SGPC and detained by police, officials said.

The three unidentified youths were caught by the task force of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, the apex religious body of Sikhs, and beaten up before they were detained, police said.

Sikh hardliners, including a sizeable number of youths, raised pro-Khalistan slogans when the jathedar of Akal Takht, the supreme temporal seat of Sikhs, Gyani Gurbachan Singh, stood up to address the community from the takht platform.

The Sikh community all over the world will remember the wounds of Operation Blue Star, Gyani Gurbachan Singh told the gathering. He said the Centre should return the historic and ancient books taken from the Sikh Reference Library of the Golden Temple during the Army operation in June 1984 to flush out Sikh separatist militants who were hiding inside the Golden Temple.

Angry Sikhs had accused the Army of desecrating the community's holiest shrine. The jathedar also demanded that the Centre make all the documents related to the operation public so the Sikh community can know which government agencies, politicians or countries were behind it.

The president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) party and former MP Simranjit Singh Mann also attended the anniversary commemoration. Heavy security arrangements were made by the SGPC, civil administration and the police within and outside the Golden Temple.

The SGPC task force maintained vigil within the premises and the Akal Takht was heavily barricaded.

Police personnel were deployed in large numbers outside the shrine. Amritsar was also partially shut down in response to a call given by Sikh radical outfit, Dal Khalsa.
An estimated 85.49 percent candidates passed in the Class 10 board examinations of West Bengal this year, the state Board of Secondary Education said.

Kolkata: An estimated 85.49 percent candidates of over 11,02,726 students passed in the Class 10th board examinations of West Bengal this year, the state Board of Secondary Education said on Wednesday.

The pass percentage had a slight dip of 0.16 percent - 85.49 percent this year from 85.65 percent last year, it said.

Altogether 8,99,564 candidates passed the examinations.

Sanjibani Debnath of the Suniti Academy, Coochbehar ranked first getting 689 marks followed by Sirshendu Saha of the Satgachia High School, East Burdwan who got 688 marks, as part of the merit list and results announced by the WBBSE president Kalyanmoy Ganguly.

The third spot was jointly held by three students - Mayurakshi Saha, Nilabjo Das and Mrinmoy Mondal all having scored 687 marks. Saha was from a school in Coochbehar and the other two from a school in Jalpaiguri respectively.

96.13 percent students passed from East Midnapore, the highest among all districts, the Board said.

Of the candidates having appeared this year, 6,21,087 were girls.

The examinations were held from 12 March to 21 March.

The results can be accessed at wbbse.org and wbresults.nic.in sites.

Ganguly said next year's Secondary Board examinations (Madhyamik) will take place from 12 February to 22 February.
President Ram Nath Kovind will not host an Iftar party this year at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind will not host an Iftar party this year at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

"After the president took over office, he decided there would be no religious celebrations or observances in a public building such as Rashtrapati Bhavan on taxpayer expense. This is in keeping with the principles of a secular state and applies to all religious occasions, irrespective of religion," said Ashok Malik, Press Secretary to the president.

Of course the President wishes all fellow citizens on all major religious festivals. Officials and employees living in the President's Estate premises are absolutely free to celebrate any religious festival of their choice in the privacy of their homes 2/3  Ashok Malik (@MalikAshok) June 6, 2018

President's Estate has religious institutions, such as a temple, a gurudwara and a masjid, erected by and for residents. On major festive occasions, the President does visit these to wish people. For example, he recently visited the masjid to mark the holy month of Ramzan 3/3  Ashok Malik (@MalikAshok) June 6, 2018

He said the president, of course, wishes all fellow citizens on every major religious festivals.

After a gap of a decade, there will be no Iftar celebrations at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Iftar parties have been traditionally hosted at the Rashtrapati Bhavan except during the tenure of APJ Abdul Kalam, who was the president from 2002-2007, officials said.

Iftar is the breaking of the 'roza' (fast) that is observed by the Muslims during the month of Ramzan.
In Mandsaur, Congress president Rahul Gandhi lashed out at the Narendra Modi government over 2017 firing in Madhya Pradesh and said that the BJP does not care about the farmers.

Auto refresh feeds

On the first anniversary of death of seven farmers due to beating and firing by police in Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh on 6 June last year, the farmers are going to launch "Gaon Bandh" (village blockade) agitation from Friday, said a farmer representative on Thursday.

Farmer groups to observe 10- day 'gaon bandh' from Friday on first anniversary of Mandsaur violence

The main demands of farmers include waiving entire loan of farmers, pension to farmers after 55 years and Minimum Support Price (MSP) on 65 litres of milk, fruits and vegetables.

The farmers who have called for the ten-day long protest will observe 'Gaon Bandh' from 1 June to 10 June, 5 June as Dhikkar Divas, 6 June as Saheed Sahadat Divas, 8 June as Asahyog Divas and 10 June as Bharat Bandh.

The state government has deployed 89 companies of Special Armed Force (SAF) and more than 20,000 jawans to deal with any untoward situation. IG Intelligence Makrand Deuskar said that the state government has made all arrangements. He suspected that situation might turn violent in later stages of farmers protest according to intelligence inputs.

Farmers protest in Madhya Pradesh began with the state government claiming to have made appropriate security arrangements. Five farmers were killed in police firing last year on the same day in Mandsaur.

Kisan Sangh leader Shiv kumar Kakka will address the media tomorrow (Saturday) at 11am in Bhopal

Residents complain of paying more for some products including fruits, vegetables and milk that could not reach from villages in abundance

Five companies of police have been deployed. That apart, 200 CCTV cameras have also been installed besides 20 drones which have been keeping a watch.

Vegetables from Khandwa Sabzi Mandi in Maharashtra did not reach MP today. About 30 percent of the market affected due to it.

During the press conference today in Bhopal, Shiv Kumar Sharma, president of the Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh said: "The Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led Madhya Pradesh government has been trying to turn this protest violent." Sharma further added that a large section of BJP leaders also supported the movement.

If you want fruits, vegetables and milk, then come to us, and also listen to our woes, which remain unaddressed by those in power, even one year after five agitating farmers were killed in firing in Mandsaur district. This is the guiding mantra of the farmers agitation starting from 1 June which will cover all 51 districts of Madhya Pradesh, a state which witnessed violence on 6 June.

Farmers need to be heard: Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh official spokesperson Sunil Gaur

"More than 130 farmers' organisations are with us. This has now become a nationwide agitation. We have named the protest 'Gaon Bandh'. We won't go to cities, as we don't want to heckle the normal lives of the people. We have decided to observe a Bharat Bandh on 10 June till 2 pm. Would like to request all the businessmen of cities to close their shops till 2 pm and pay tribute to farmers who have lost their lives in previous years, says Shiv Kumar Sharma, president, Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh.

We won't go to cities because it hampers normal life: Shiv Kumar Sharma

Owing to farmer protests, cost of vegetables has risen by 50 percent in Punjab. Protests are going in Barnala and other parts of the state. In Barnala, farmers said they will park 500 tractors before the Deputy Commissioner to protest against rising diesel prices as well.

District administration is on alert in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh. Police is on extra vigil at 35 places identified to as "sensitive". Narmada Bachao activist Medha Patkar and representatives of the Kisan Sabha will address farmers in Sehore at 5 pm.

Sehore in Madhya Pradesh on high alert; Medha Patkar to address farmers at 5 pm

Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu is set to visit Patto village, near Chunni in Fatehgarh Sahib district today at 1.15 pm in support of demands of the farmers and purchase milk and vegetables from them.

Farmers in Badnagar in Ujjain district crawled on dusty roads among while chanting slogans such as 'Jaan denge, zameen nahi denge' (We'll give up our lives, not our land), 'Modi government is afraid of us' etc.

Milk farmers in Billod of Mandsaur district have joined the kisaan andolan because they get Rs 20-Rs 30 a litre and have been appealing to the govt that the minimum rate of milk of 26 clr should be Rs 40.- Image courtesy: Pallavi Rebbapragada

Moolchand Patidar says that he will support the farmers' protest for ten days. For now, he will distribute his stock of milk among neighbours. (Inputs by Nemichand, 101 Reporters)

Milkman Moolchand of Mandsaur says he will support the protest for 10 days

A farmer from Jaipur in Rajasthan has offered his veggies to a cow. -Input by Ram Gopal Jat, 101Reporters

The memorial was built in honour of Poonamchand who was killed last year in Mandsaur protest -Input by 101Reporters

We won't sell veggies at less than Rs 40, we will continue protest until govt agrees to our demand: Mandsaur farmers

SSP Jagdeesh Kajla says two youths have been arrested in connection with violence in Fatehabad. - Input by Sahil Rukhaya, 101Reporters

Two youths have been arrested in connection with the violence in Fatehabad

A meeting of big and small farmer organisations had a meeting with the SP and the collector of Mandsaur on the 27 May where terms for peaceful protest or 'gram bandh' were laid down.- Image procured by Pallavi Rebbapragada

Sudhir Tiwari of Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh explains the problem with the Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana that was announced by Shivraj Singh Chouhan last year is a hotbed of corruption and such schemes do not solve the real problems that farmers face. - Video by Pallavi Rebbapragada

Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh explains how govt schemes only make way for corruption

Congress leader and Deputy Speaker of Madhya Pradesh state Assembly Rajendra Singh who reached Dindori said that farmers are facing extreme problems across the country. Singh said that farmers are not getting the value of their produce. Effect of farmers protest was witnessed even in Dindori of Madhya Pradesh. No farmer was seen at the vegetable market in the area.- Input by Deepak Tarmarkar, 101Reporters

Farmers not getting value of their produce: Congress leader Rajendra Singh

President of Kisan Kranti Sena, MP unit, Mahendra Patidar informed media that Gujarats firebrand leader Hardik Patel would remain on Madhya Pradesh tour from 6-12 June. Hardik would reach Jabalpur on June 6 from where he would visit several districts to inaugurate offices of Kisan Kranti Sena including Satna, Maihar, Indore and Ujjain. Senas office would be inaugurated in Mandsaur on 11 June. While Congress president Rahul Gandhi would visit Mandsaur on 6 June, Hardik Patel would be present in Jabalpur. Sources say that efforts are on to bring Rahul Gandhi and Hardik Patel on the same platform on 6 June.- Input by Shahroz Afridi/ 101 reporters

BJP national vice-president Prabhat Jha says that Congress is politicising farmers' issues adding that Kakkaji is being used by the Congress and is not a genuine Congress leader. Input by Shahroz Afridi, 101 Reporters

ADM GP Mali and SDM Mukul Gupta visit mandi in Bhopal for surprise checking. Very low turnout of farmers have been reported at mandi compared to previous days. Image by Shahroz Afridi, 101 reporters

Narmada Bachao Andolan's Medha Patkar reaches Sehore to express support to farmers, will hold rally soon

Bhartiya Kisan Union leader Anil Yadav appeals through social media platform including Whatsapp to support farmers, emphasises on peaceful protest and farmers unity. Input by Shahroz Afridi, 101 Reporters

Congress state president Kamalnath attacks BJP saying that the government that killed innocent farmers last year in police firing is now blaming the Congress for farmers protest. Input by Shahroz Afridi, 101 Reporters

Madhya Pradesh police on Operation 240 Hours said, "About 15,000 police personnel posted at various headquarters are on 24 hours duty for 10 days. Inspector General (Intelligence) Makrand Deuskar said that though farmers have assured peaceful protest but police are taking no chances as far as law and order is concerned. Police Headquarters at Bhopal is monitoring the situation very closely. 18 districts have been identified as sensitive where extra police force has been deputed." Input Izhar Hasan, 101 Reporters

About 15,000 police personnel posted at various headquarters are on 24 hours duty for 10 days

Coming under pressure, the state government sets up swap machines for swift payment to farmers. The state government has also issued an order, on 31 May (yesterday), for revised rates of onion at Rs 865 per quintal plus Rs 400 support price from government that takes the price for farmer to Rs 1265 per quintal.

PS Agriculture issues another order for registration for buying of moong

The situation is peaceful in Mandsaur on Wednesday. Congress president Rahul Gandhi will visit the district at 1 pm. Wednesday marks the first anniversary of the police firing on 6 June 2017 which led to the deaths of six farmers during a protest.

Farmers from different parts of India reached the Boodha village in Mandsaur on Tuesday night to pay tribute to the six farmers who were killed in the 2017 police firing. The farmers are demanding loan waiver and price of the crop as per the MSP.

All the preparations related to Rahul's Kisan Samriddhi Sabha, on the occasion of first year marking 6 June Mandsaur shooting, have been completed. Three stages have been made at the Khokhra ground(in Mandsaur) and the Congress have arranged for five lakh water pouches and two lakh butter milk pouches for people coming to attend the sabha.

Farmer unions in Punjab called off strike on Wednesday in wake of increasing confrontation between protesting farmers and milk vendors in different parts of the state.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will take a helicopter from Mandsaur to arrive in Piplia Mandi's Khokhara at 1 pm. He is scheduled to meet family members of the victims of the 2017 Mandsaur firing and will also address a farmers' rally.

Single-member commission headed by retired Madhya Pradesh high court judge justice JK Jain to probe into police firing that killed 6 farmers on 6 June is yet to submit its report. The term of the commission ended on 11 May.

Panel probing 2017 Mandsaur firing is yet to submit its report

Congress leaders have said that Madhya Pradesh is the most appropriate place to release Congress Kisan Vision because the farmers' plight exists despite the state winning Krishi Karman award for past 5 years in a row.

Ahead of Rahul Gandhi's visit, senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh reached Mandsaur on Tuesday to see management. Kamal Nath, Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot and Scindia will reach on Wednesday.

Kamal Nath, Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot and Scindia to reach in Mandsaur for Rahul Gandhi's rally

Congress releases book written by former MLA Paras Saklecha based on the six farmers who were killed during Mandsaur police firing in 2017. The book claims to have other details of the farmers' unrest as well. Meanwhile, Kamal Nath and J Scindia have reached the rally ground. Input by Shahroz Afridi, 101 Reporters

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi's satyagraha andolan, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "Madhya Pradesh is deteriorating under Shivraj Singh Chouhan's rule. (Six farmers who died in 2017).. are martyrs not farmers."

Scindia also criticised Shivraj's 'Bhavantar' scheme. "Prices of all produce have dropped due this scheme. His scheme forced the farmers to throw away tomatoes, onion and garlic on roads. 'Ghosnaveer Shivraj' did nothing for farmers in state," he said.

Criticizing the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, Jyotiraditya Scindia said that the government of state forces the farmers to file bonds to maintain the law and order. "Modi does notebandi (demonetisation), Shivraj Singh Chouhan did kisan bandi," Scindia said.

3) Take back cases against 7000 farmers that was lodged last year on innocent farmers.

Making a scathing attack on Modi government over petrol and diesel prices, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said that the price of fuel are rising with speed of bullet train.

Scindia hits out at Modi govt over high fuel prices, makes five demands

"During Congress regime farmers demanded increase in MSP, but in BJP rule they are fighting to get minimum rates of their produce leave along demand of hike in MSP. Rs 200 crores are spent every month by Shivraj on publicity getting his photos published in newspapers. Why doesn't he spend this money for job employment for youth," he PCC Chief Kamal Nath asked.

He said that if Congress is elected to power, "If Congress is elected to power in Madhya Pradesh, we will waive farmer loans in 10 day of forming government," he said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP chief ministers who make statements about helping farmers. "When the farmer makes demands, the Madhya Pradesh chief minister says he doesn't have time for them," he said.

Rahul Gandhi address rally, says BJP government does not care about farmers

In Mandsaur, Rahul Gandhi demanded action against people who fired upon the innocent farmers. "The governments are of no use if they one cannot provide security to farmers and their families. A total of 1,200 farmers committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh. Did any rich person or their family member commit suicide who have lakhs of crores as debt."

'No point of our governments if we can't protect our farmers'

He hit out at the government over the issue of unemployment. "Modi promised of providing 2 crore jobs to the youth, promised Rs 15 lakh to each. Did any in the crowd got job or the money. 'Made in China' products are dominant everywhere," he said.

"Narendra Modi addresses Mehul Choksi as Mehul bhai, Nirav Modi as Nirav bhai. Modi gave them Rs 30,000 crore, which could have used to waive off loans of farmers of Madhya Pradesh," Rahul Gandhi said in his address.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not raising Doka La issue during his visit to China. "Modi rides swings with the Chinese president and then China sends its troops in Doka La. Yet Modi remained silent on issue," he said.

"We want to change lives of farmers. If voted to power, Congress would install food processing units in all districts of Madhya Pradesh. You (farmers) will get the benefit directly. A food supply chain would be developed in Madhya Pradesh," Congress president Rahul Gandhi said in Mandsaur.

Rahul promises to bring reform to allow direct payment in mandis to farmers

Making his poll pitch in Madhya Pradesh, Rahul said, "Modi ji's education is different, that is from RSS of hatred and anger but our education is different and is of love."

Asserting that the Congress would waive farm loans within 10 days of coming to power in Madhya Pradesh, Rahul Gandhi mentioned how Karnataka and Punjab government have already waived the farmer loans. "I met Narendra Modi ji and demanded justice for farmers. He waived off Rs 2.5 lakh loan of 15 people. He should also waive loans of farmers," Rahul said.

'RSS trained Modi, but we are different'

Scindia also criticised Shivraj's 'Bhavantar' scheme. "Prices of all produce have dropped due this scheme. His scheme forced the farmers to throw away tomatoes, onion and garlic on roads. 'Ghosnaveer Shivraj' did nothing for farmers in state," he said.

Criticizing the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, Jyotiraditya Scindia said that the government of state forces the farmers to file bonds to maintain the law and order. "Modi does notebandi (demonetisation), Shivraj Singh Chouhan did kisan bandi," Scindia said.

3) Take back cases against 7000 farmers that was lodged last year on innocent farmers.

Making a scathing attack on Modi government over petrol and diesel prices, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said that the price of fuel are rising with speed of bullet train.

Scindia hits out at Modi govt over high fuel prices, makes five demands

"During Congress regime farmers demanded increase in MSP, but in BJP rule they are fighting to get minimum rates of their produce leave along demand of hike in MSP. Rs 200 crores are spent every month by Shivraj on publicity getting his photos published in newspapers. Why doesn't he spend this money for job employment for youth," he PCC Chief Kamal Nath asked.

He said that if Congress is elected to power, "If Congress is elected to power in Madhya Pradesh, we will waive farmer loans in 10 day of forming government," he said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP chief ministers who make statements about helping farmers. "When the farmer makes demands, the Madhya Pradesh chief minister says he doesn't have time for them," he said.

Rahul Gandhi address rally, says BJP government does not care about farmers

In Mandsaur, Rahul Gandhi demanded action against people who fired upon the innocent farmers. "The governments are of no use if they one cannot provide security to farmers and their families. A total of 1,200 farmers committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh. Did any rich person or their family member commit suicide who have lakhs of crores as debt."

'No point of our governments if we can't protect our farmers'

He hit out at the government over the issue of unemployment. "Modi promised of providing 2 crore jobs to the youth, promised Rs 15 lakh to each. Did any in the crowd got job or the money. 'Made in China' products are dominant everywhere," he said.

"Narendra Modi addresses Mehul Choksi as Mehul bhai, Nirav Modi as Nirav bhai. Modi gave them Rs 30,000 crore, which could have used to waive off loans of farmers of Madhya Pradesh," Rahul Gandhi said in his address.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not raising Doka La issue during his visit to China. "Modi rides swings with the Chinese president and then China sends its troops in Doka La. Yet Modi remained silent on issue," he said.

"We want to change lives of farmers. If voted to power, Congress would install food processing units in all districts of Madhya Pradesh. You (farmers) will get the benefit directly. A food supply chain would be developed in Madhya Pradesh," Congress president Rahul Gandhi said in Mandsaur.

Rahul promises to bring reform to allow direct payment in mandis to farmers

Making his poll pitch in Madhya Pradesh, Rahul said, "Modi ji's education is different, that is from RSS of hatred and anger but our education is different and is of love."

Asserting that the Congress would waive farm loans within 10 days of coming to power in Madhya Pradesh, Rahul Gandhi mentioned how Karnataka and Punjab government have already waived the farmer loans. "I met Narendra Modi ji and demanded justice for farmers. He waived off Rs 2.5 lakh loan of 15 people. He should also waive loans of farmers," Rahul said.

'RSS trained Modi, but we are different'

Before addressing a farmers rally in Mandsaur, Congress president Rahul Gandhi met the family members of the six farmers who were killed in the 2017 police firing in Mandsaur. In a tweet, he said that an FIR is yet to be filed in the matter and the families are still awaiting justice.

Rahul Gandhi meets family members of 2017 firing victims, says they are still waiting for justice

Mandsaur anniversary LIVE updates: In Mandsaur, Congress president Rahul Gandhi lashed out at the Narendra Modi government over 2017 firing in Madhya Pradesh and said that the BJP does not care about the farmers. "If Congress is elected to power in Madhya Pradesh, we will waive farmer loans in 10 day of forming government," he said.

Talking to reporters, former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said that Shivraj Singh Chouhan government is not sensitive towards farmers.

According to a party statement, Rahul will address the Kisan Samriddhi Sankalp Rally at Khokhra (Piplia Mandi) in Mandsaur at 1 pm.

Rahul threw his weight behind the farmers' protest in several states between June 1 and June 10, to observe the anniversary of Mandsaur firing.

"Every day, about 35 farmers commit suicide in our country. To attract government's attention towards the agrarian crisis, farmers are forced to protest for 10 days. To stand with them in the fight for the rights of our annadata (food provider), I will address a farmer's rally in Mandsaur on 6 June," Rahul had tweeted last Saturday.

Farmers in several states, including Madhya Pradesh, are on a 10-day strike since 1 June, demanding remunerative prices for their produce and loan waiver. They have been dumping their produce on roads as a mark of protest.

The farmers of Punjab will call off their stir on Wednesday, even as the protest would continue in other states.

The decision was taken in a meeting of leaders of different farmers' organisations in Ludhiana on Monday. The meeting, presided by Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU-Rajewal) president Balbir Singh Rajewal, was attended by BKU (Lakhowal), BKU (Sidhpur), Indian Farmers Association, BKU (Kadian) and Punjab Dairy Federation Association.

The farmers had begun their agitation from June 1, as part of a nationwide stir, and had stopped supply of vegetables, fruits, milk and other items to various cities protesting the alleged anti-farmer policies of the Centre.

Rajewal said the farmers in Punjab would start supplying vegetables and milk to the cities on Wednesday after paying tributes to six farmers killed in police firing.

A group of farmers on Tuesday dumped milk and vegetables on road in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district as their nationwide agitation entered the fifth day.

The incident took place in Salamatpur, about 30 kilometres from the Raisen district headquarters. They also blocked the Bhopal-Vidisha road, disrupting traffic for at least three hours on the busy stretch.

Kisan Jagriti Sangathan secretary Irfan Jafari said their protest would continue unhindered till 10 June.

A group of farmers protested in a novel way in Bhopal. They distributed milk to the patients of the JP Hospital.
To protest against Modi's 'anti-farmer policies', Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is in Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur to participate in the ongoing farmers agitation. In a tweet on 2 May, Rahul wrote about the Centre's failure to address farmers concerns.

To protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'anti-farmer policies', Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is in Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur to participate in the ongoing farmer agitation. In a tweet on 2 May, Rahul wrote about the Centre's failure to address farmers concerns. Rahul hopes to make the most of the momentum generated by the Mandsaur agitation as the Congress eyes a comeback in the Assembly elections scheduled for this December. The Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh, a coalition of more than 100 farmer unions, has called for a gaon bandh agitation in the state from 1-10 June. With political leaders planning to hold protest rallies across party lines, farmer issues are taking centre-stage before the December 2018 elections.

A prominent demand of the agitators has been the implementation of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) conditions mooted in the Swaminathan Commission Report of 2006. This issue, however, is neither exclusive to the agitations in Mandasur, nor has it gained prominence for the first time in the country. In fact, it was addressed by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his 2018 budget speech. The dramatic price collapse of agricultural products and the ensuing nationwide protests by farmers in the months leading to the presentation of the Budget had forced the government to present a farmer-centric budget in February. Given that this was its last full budget, the government was hard-pressed to sell it as a silver bullet to agrarian distress. In light of the protests in Mandsaur, however, aspersions have been cast on government claims surrounding MSP guarantees.

In addition to keeping these protests in mind, before India goes to polls in 2019, a reasonable voter will also look back at BJPs 2014 manifesto (ensuring at least 50 percent profits over the cost of production for farmers, and cheaper agricultural credit) and the claims made by the prime minister, to determine whether these promises have been kept.

In light of this, the current MSP structure and the government's progress in ensuring a fair price to the farmers must be scrutinised.

MSP promises in light of the Budget speech

The current MSP framework, as unveiled by Jaitley on 1 February is to set the MSP for agricultural produce at 1.5 times the cost of production, thus guaranteeing farmers a profit margin of 50 percent on their produce. However, there was no clarity as to what constitutes cost. According to the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), there are three definitions of production costs: A2, A2+FL, and C2, all of which vary based on the different agricultural inputs that each definition takes into account. Since the MSP has been set at 1.5 times the cost, the final value of the MSP will significantly vary based on which of these 3 metrics is chosen to determine production cost.

Of these three metrics, C2 is the highest, which means that using it will lead to a higher MSP than using the other 2 metrics. C2 is also the most comprehensive and beneficial for farmers, as it takes into account rentals or interest foregone on owned land and fixed capital assets etc., over and above basic input costs, and unpaid family labour. This was also the metric recommended by the National Commission on Farmers, chaired by Professor MS Swaminathan.

But Jaitley was not referring to C2, as the MSPs that have been declared are far lower than C2+ 50 percent values, and according to government sources, using C2 as the metric is likely to distort the entire market by hiking prices. This means that cost, for the purposes of MSP, necessarily refers to A2+FL. This conclusion is confirmed by a subsequent statement made by Jaitley in the Rajya Sabha. But using the A2+FL approach makes the MSP aspect of the budget completely redundant, as the MSP has been well above 1.5 times A2+FL for a long time, without having any positive effect on the farmers condition. In fact, even in 2014, the MSP was already above A2+FL + 50 percent. This implies that the promise of a 50 percent net profit in the BJP manifesto could have only referred to C2, and not A2+FL. This means that claims of MSP fulfillment made by the Government are misleading at the very least, and farmers have not shied away from recognising the same. The President of the Bharatiya Kisan Union has called it a stab in the back for farmers.

Unfortunately, the problems are not limited to a suitable metric for cost. As is always the case with MSP based policies, the gap between setting the MSP, and ensuring that the farmers actually receive the benefits of this price, need to be bridged by a solid implementation scheme, which focus on factors like allocation of funds, mobilisation of procurement agencies, and co-operation between states. In the present case, even if the announcement on MSP is taken at face value, there is no such implementation scheme in place.

With respect to funds, conservative estimates have placed the cost of procurement at MSP anywhere between Rs 40,000 crore and Rs 80,000 crore. However, the budget itself does not indicate any credible allocation in this regard. Furthermore, there has been no mechanism put in place to ensure that the procurement agencies, like the Food Corporation of India, actually guarantee the MSP to the farmers by purchasing from them at that price. In many instances, due to lack of access to the fixed MSP, farmers have been forced to sell their crops at the prevailing low market price, due to sheer inaction on the part of these agencies.

In fact, the only step taken towards implementation of the MSP policy is a statement that NITI Aayog will hold consultations with various States in order to set up a framework for implementation. Such empty sentiments reflect no resolve to alleviate the worsening conditions of the farmers. As such, this part of the budget is clearly an empty promise, if it can be called a promise at all.

Implementation of MSP

The MSP was intended as a mechanism which would shield, especially the small cultivators, from the volatilities of the market and environment. Various studies have proven that MSP can be effective in raising farmer incomes. The problem however, arises from the fact that only 7 percent of the Indian farmers sell at the MSP. Understanding the prices at which farmers sell instead is key to designing policy which can alleviate chronic farmer distress.

Presently, a farmer accesses MSP by taking his produce to the closest mandi. These mandis are regulated by the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act. Presently, the coverage of mandis is abysmal at best because one mandi services an area of 462 km2 as against the APMC Act stipulated one mandi for every 5 km2. The absence of government machinery means that farmers often receive unfair prices for their produce.

A study done in 2015 by CUTS International on wheat farmers in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan came up with two telling findings. 65 percent of the farmers surveyed sold their produce to local middlemen and 55 percent of the farmers who sold in such open markets received price which was lesser than the MSP. Unless the farmer had storage capacity to take advantage of the higher prices in times of lean supply, he was at the mercy of local middlemen who gave the lowest possible prices to the farmer.

Often a significant share of the crop is also sold in a distress sale directly to the moneylenders to pay off their debts. Such scenarios see severely depressed prices, to the extent that sometimes farmers have to destroy their crops. Thus, not only is the low MSP a problem but the access of the farmer to the government set price is also a pressing concern.

Initiatives by the Union Government

It is against this context that the Center proposed the model legislation, The Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2017. It must be kept in mind that agriculture is a state subject and states are free to decide on whether they want to comply with the the Centre's policy recommendations. Notwithstanding this, a key recommendation of the model law , was the proposition to link all APMC mandis with the electronic National Agricultural Market (e-NAM). The drive here was to institutionalise a unified state and nation-wide market in which buyers and sellers from across the nation can interact freely to trade on a price which has been discovered by the balance of supply and demand, and not the whims of local traders.

It also seeks to expand farmer access to agricultural markets by designating warehouses and cold storages as market sub-yards and connecting them with the e-NAM. To the extent that the legislation seeks to expand the role of markets in a scientific price discovery of agricultural products, it must be seen positively.

Implementation of the model law, however, has been tepid at best. Increased push for the adoption of the legislation, including a call by Modi, has met with lacklustre effort on part of the states. Only 18 percent of the existing markets have been integrated with the e-NAM platform. The price realised by the e-NAM platform, therefore, is in no way representative of the formal design of the e-NAM framework.

States must accept that in addition to ensuring a fair price to the farmers, they need to increase access to this price. Steps must be taken to unshackle the farmers from the local traders and moneylenders who perpetuate a cycle of depressed prices and indebtedness. In the absence of feasible mechanisms directed towards implementation, farmers will continue to express their displeasure with the Government as they remain trapped in a systemic cycle of distress.
The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the admit cards for the recruitment exam to the post of Junior Associate (customer support and sales) in clerical cadre today (6 June)

The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the admit cards for the recruitment exam to the post of Junior Associate (customer support and sales) in clerical cadre today (6 June). Students who are going to appear for the exam can download the admit cards from sbi.co.in/careers .

The online preliminary examination is going to be conducted on 23, 24 and 30 June in various centres across the country. According to India Today, the recruitment exam is for filling up 8,301 seats in different departments.

Steps to download the admit card

-Go to the official website sbi.co.in/careers.

-Click on SBI Clerk Prelims Admit Card 2018 on the homepage

-Enter your registration id and password and click submit

-Download the admit and take a print out of the same for future use.

Procedure of selection

According to Hindustan Times, candidates will have to appear for an online preliminary exam and the main exam which will be followed by a local language test. The preliminary exam will be of one hour, and carry 100 marks which is divided into three sections: English language (30 marks), numerical ability (35 marks) and reasoning ability (35 marks). Each candidate will get 20 minutes for different sections.

The main exam is of two hours and will carry 200 marks, divided into four sections: General and financial awareness (50 marks) general English (40 marks), quantitative aptitude (50 marks) and reasoning ability and computer aptitude (60 marks).

The candidates will be allowed 35 minutes each for financial and general awareness and general English and 45 minutes each for quantitative aptitude and reasoning ability section.

The marks procured in the main exam will be the only determining factor for making the provisional selection list. It is also important for the candidates to note that there is negative marking which means one-fourth marks will be deducted for every wrong answer.

The tentative date for SBI Clerk Main Examination 2018 is 8 August, 2018, The Times of India reported.
Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday told mediapersons on Tuesday that Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and other top brasses of the force were consulted before the government decided to allow civilian access to roads in military cantonments across the country.

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman told mediapersons on Tuesday that Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and other top brass of the force were consulted before the government decided to allow civilian access to roads in military cantonments across the country.

At a press conference, Sitharaman said a total of 850 roads were closed in various cantonments, out of which 119 were blocked without following laid down procedures and now some 80 of them have been opened while 24 remain closed and rest of the 15 have been partially opened. Of the 39 roads that remain closed despite the order for their re-opening; 14, the highest, are in Secunderabad.

The defence ministry last month had decided to allow civilian access to the roads in 62 cantonments after Sitharaman held a meeting on 4 May with a group of MPs, elected office-bearers of cantonment boards and senior army officials. Post which, a country-wide signature campaign was launched by wives of army officers who appealed to the defence minister to meet them and address their concerns.

"I met the wives of the Armed Forces personnel and heard their concerns which were largely about the security. I fully appreciate that", Sitharaman said. She said that before the 4 May meeting with elected representatives, she held four meetings with senior army officials. According to an NDTV report, she said five other meetings were held including ones with Gen Rawat and Vice Chief of the Army Staff.

"The order by the ministry of defence addresses traffic related issues. Places where unit lines exist or where families of our servicemen are living, we are cautious about its security," said Sitharaman. According to a report in The Times of India, Sitharaman said, "proper procedure means that the LMA will make an announcement (one in English and two in local newspapers) and inform the cantonment board. And then close the road. LMA and concerned stakeholders will do the review. If they decide to close the roads based on intelligence input, they are welcome to do so. But due procedure needs to be followed".

The MPs and elected officials of cantonment boards had strongly pitched to allow civilians unhindered access to the roads. However, families of army officers felt the decision may expose the cantonments to security risks as military bases have recently been targeted by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.

Here is an infographic explaining the breakup of cantonment area covered under each military command across India:
Authorities in Shillong on Tuesday decided to briefly relax the curfew in the state capital on Wednesday while internet on mobile telephones remained restricted even as the situation was showing steady improvement.

Shillong: Authorities in Shillong on Tuesday decided to briefly relax the curfew in the state capital on Wednesday while internet on mobile telephones remained restricted even as the situation was showing steady improvement.

Meanwhile, the opposition Congress demanded setting up of a judicial inquiry into the issue of shifting the Sikh inhabitants from Sweepers Lane, a day after the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government decided to constitute a high-level committee to find out a permanent solution to the long-pending issue.

A delegation of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee from Amritsar also opposed the move of the Meghalaya government to re-locate the Sikhs to other parts of the city.

"We have decided not to relax the curfew on Tuesday though the situation in the area is slowly limping back to normalcy. We are keeping a close watch on the situation," Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills district P.S. Dkhar told IANS. However, some relaxation will be made on Wednesday, he added.

Curfew will be relaxed in 13 tension-hit areas under Lumdiengjri Police Station and Cantonment Beat House located near Iewduh, one of the busiest markets in the northeastern region, from 7 am to 12 noon, and then be reimposed, said Dkhar. Night curfew in the Shillong Agglomeration will be relaxed from 6 pm to 5 am with effect from Wednesday.

Two Army columns carried out a third flag march here on Tuesday to help the district administration to bring the situation under control. Curfew was imposed in some areas on 1 June following violence involving members of the Punjabi and indigenous Khasi communities.

Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma said the government has "failed" to sustain peace in the state and demanded setting up of a judicial inquiry into the issue of shifting the Sikh inhabitants from Sweepers Lane, known to the local people as Them Metor and located in the commercial area of Shillong near Iewduh, one of the busiest markets in the northeastern states.

For more than two decades, several indigenous Khasi civil society groups have demanded from the Meghalaya to re-locate Sikh residents, living there since British times, from Sweepers Lane as most of them are "illegal settlers".

"It is a sad thing that not even completing three months, they (MDA) have messed up everything. Today the name and fame of the state that we have built over the years and put the state among the top tourist destinations, has been adversely affected and this has derailed the whole momentum of growth," said the former chief minister.

Meanwhile, the SGPC delegation, led by Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, met Home Minister James Sangma and opposed the move of the Meghalaya government to re-locate the Sikhs residing in Sweepers Lane. "They (Sikh) have been staying there (Sweepers Lane) for 180 years. Therefore, the question of relocating them from the existing location is not acceptable to us. We would like the government to propose an alternative solution to it.

"There are no illegal settlers in the area. They have been settling for centuries. Sikhs are everywhere in the world, they have never been relocated whether in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran or Iraq. In fact, the Sikh community is scattered all over the world," he said.

Singh said that the Sikh community living all over the world are ready to fund for construction of multi-storied buildings in the existing location if the Government gives them permission. "We had in fact requested the Home Minister to allow them to construct beautiful apartments for the Sikhs here. So the question of the Sweeper's Colony of being unhygienic will not remain," he said.

On Monday, the Meghalaya government constituted a high-level committee headed by deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong to examine all relevant records and documents relating to the relocation of the Sweeper Colony, Sweeper Lane, Mawlong Haat and to recommend feasible solutions.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav dared the BJP government at the Centre to hold simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls in the state in 2019.

Lucknow: Buoyed by opposition victory in key Lok Sabha bypolls in Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday dared the BJP government at the Centre to hold simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in the state in 2019.

"We have no problem if the voters' list is linked with Aadhar number. We have no problems with 'one nation one election'. I ask them (BJP) to implement 'one nation one election' from 2019 itself and hold UP Assembly polls with the 2019 Lok Sabha elections," he told a press conference at the Samajwadi Party headquarters.

The 44-year-old Samajwadi Party chief virtually threw down the gauntlet at the BJP after the saffron party's defeat in the prestigious Lok Sabha by-elections to Gorakhpur and Phulpur and its recent drubbing in Kairana and Phoolpur Assembly bypoll.

While Gorakhpur is the home turf of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Phulpur was held by his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya. Even Kairana was held by a BJP MP, whose death necessitated the bypoll in which his daughter lost to the RLD, whose candidate was supported by all opposition parties.

An Uttar Pradesh panel has recommended simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, echoing a suggestion by the Law Commission of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's own view on the issue.

Akhilesh, however, rued, "No suggestion was taken from us on this issue".

A report in this regard was submitted on Tuesday by Uttar Pradesh health minister Sidharth Nath Singh, who headed the seven-member committee constituted by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

"Uttar Pradesh is the first state to push Prime Minister's idea of national debate on holding all elections up to the panchayat together. We have examined it and it is possible," Singh had said after handing over the report titled, "One nation, one election and; common electoral rolls."

Adityanath had later said, "We are forwarding the report to the Centre, and it will be good in the larger public interest. To keep the electoral rolls clean, Aadhaar numbers should be linked with names of voters to eliminate chances of duplication, as suggested by the committee."
The Tamil Nadu government will set up a fishing harbour for deep-sea fish at nearby Tiruvallur district at an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said on Wednesday.

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government will set up a fishing harbour near Tiruvallur district at an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said on Wednesday.

The move was part of the government's efforts towards creating infrastructure for handling deep-sea fish as well as due to the congestion at the existing fishing harbour here, he told the state Assembly.

"The fishing harbour at Tiruvottiyur will be set up with world class facilities to handle deep-sea fish," he said in a suo motu statement.

The existing fishing harbour in Cuddalore will be upgraded at an estimated Rs 100 crore, the Chief Minister said.

The chief minister also made a number of other announcements concerning the departments of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development.

These included provision of modern equipment to detect diseases in cattle, new veterinary facilities and upgradation of veterinary centres as multi-speciality hospitals.

He further proposed expansion and upgradation of existing milk processing centres in Chennai, Salem, Vellore-Tiruvannamalai and Thanjavur.
Tanzanias National Parks spokesman Pascal Shelutete on Tuesday said about nine lions at the world famous Serengeti National Park have been poisoned.

Officials of the park discovered the carcasses of the lions over the weekend, but the motive for the poisoning is unclear.

This is the third poisoning incident since 2015. A total of 19 lions have been killed by poisoning and shooting in community areas.

According to the head of the Investigation Department in Serengeti District, Alfred Kyebe, a thorough investigation was already underway to establish the cause of the deaths of the lions.

In neighboring Uganda, 11 lions were found dead from suspected poisoning at the Queen Elizabeth National Park in April.

Growing numbers of wild lions in Africa are slaughtered for their teeth and claws, sought in Asian countries for jewelry.

In Tanzania and widely in Africa where lions are found, the continents most recognized predator is facing a growing threat.

Conservation groups in East and Southern Africa say that during the past three years, increasing numbers of lions have been killed and mutilated to satisfy demand in China and Southeast Asia.

Wild lion populations in Africa have plunged by about 43 percent since 1993 to no more than 20,000 in 2014, according to the IUCN.
The Ministry of Women and Children Development (WCD) will be distributing specially-designed kits to all police stations and hospitals to carry out immediate medical investigation into sexual assault cases

New Delhi: The Ministry of Women and Children Development (WCD) will be distributing specially-designed kits to all police stations and hospitals to carry out immediate medical investigation into sexual assault cases, Union Minister Maneka Gandhi said on Wednesday.

The rape investigation kits are being procured by state governments with financial support under the Nirbhaya Fund, she said.

The fund, named after a Delhi rape victim, aims to support initiatives by the government and NGOs working towards ensuring safety of women in India.

For swift investigation in rape cases, the ministry is ensuring that police stations and hospitals across the country are equipped with the specially-designed rape evidence kits, Gandhi said.

She said the kit comprises essential items which will aid in furnishing evidence such as blood and semen samples in sexual assault and rape cases.

These kits will also contain instructions on the evidence that needs to be collected from the crime scene, the minister said.

The kit would be sent to the closest lab and within two months one would have the results, Gandhi said.

The minister, while listing the achievements of her government in the last four years, said the Sakshi Suraksha Advanced DNA Laboratory has been started in Chandigarh for forensic analysis of samples collected from rape victims.

Gandhi said forensic labs would come up in Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Bhopal and Guwahati.

"Once a proper identification of sexual crime has been made and all the evidence has been gathered, the time-line for rape leading to conviction could be cut by years," she said.
The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said the alliance would be ready with a formula to fight the BJP.

Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said that his party was open to an alliance with the Congress in Madhya Pradesh. At a a press conference, he said that "the BJP can be defeated" and "if they have a formula (for the Assembly elections later this year), even the Samajwadi Party and the alliance will have a formula" ready.

Last year, the Samajwadi Party and Congress had contested the Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh together. "The Samajwadi Party must have done something right to make people believe that the BJP can be defeated," Yadav said.

#BREAKING - Former Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav confirms Congress-SP alliance in Madhya Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/6nN0z9VzZi  News18 (@CNNnews18) June 6, 2018

Interestingly, the former chief minister's announcement comes at a time when Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is going to address a rally of farmers in Mandsaur marking one year since last year's police firing.

On Sunday, the Congress had alleged irregularities in the voter list in Madhya Pradesh, claiming that there are approximately 60 lakh fake voters registered. The Election Commission of India has sent a team to the state to look into the Congress' allegation that the ruling BJP has been getting the bogus voters list prepared.
Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala quickly hit back at Jaitley over his jibe at Gandhi, asking instead how much does he know, alleging that arrogance of the BJP has touched its 'zenith' as they have turned 'blind' to farm distress.

New Delhi Union minister Arun Jaitley fired back at Rahul Gandhi after his blistering attack on the Modi government on Thursday, hurling a "how much does he know?, when will he know?" jibe that ignited a new war of words with the Congress.

The Congress president's speech at a farmers' rally in Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh in which he took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi also drew another taunt from the BJP with a state minister in the poll-bound state saying it was "scripted", like the one delivered by a character in the Bollywood hit "3 Idiots".

Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala quickly hit back at Jaitley over his jibe at Gandhi, asking instead how much does he know, alleging that arrogance of the BJP has touched its "zenith" as they have turned "blind" to farm distress.

In a Facebook post in response to Gandhi's speech earlier in the day, Jaitley also rejected Gandhi's accusation during his speech that Modi has waived the loans of Rs 2.5 lakh crore of the 15 top industrialists, saying this is factually and completely false.

The government, he said has not waived a single rupee due from any industrialist. "The facts are to the contrary".

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said the allegation was the Congress chief's attempt to register his presence after a "vacation" abroad. Gandhi's speech was his first public event following his return from abroad, where he said he had gone for his mother Sonia Gandhi's regular medical check-up,

"Every time I listen to the view of Shri Rahul Gandhi, both inside and outside Parliament, I ask myself the same question  How much does he know? When will he know?"

"Listening to his speech delivered in Madhya Pradesh today reaffirms my curiosity about the answer. Is he being inadequately briefed or is he being a little too liberal with his facts," he wrote.

Jaitley said those who owed money to the banks and other creditors have been declared insolvent and removed from their companies by IBC enacted by the Modi government. "These loans were given largely during the UPA Government," said Jaitley, who is recuperating from a kidney transplant surgery.

On Gandhi's comment that Modi has given Rs 35,000 crore each to two diamond jewellers who have now escaped out of country, Jaitley said this is factually false. He added that the banking fraud started in 2011 when the UPA II was in power and it was only detected during the NDA period.

The Congress chief was apparently referring to absconding diamond jeweller Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi who have allegedly defrauded Punjab National Bank of over Rs 13,000 crore through fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs).

Gandhi has also accused the NDA government of giving loans only to industrialists and not to farmers. Responding, Jaitley said that "this was during the UPA Government, particularly UPA II".

The bulk of today's NPA or bad loans were given by the banking system during the period 2008-14, he added.

"From 2014, we have been systematically taking one step after the other to recover these monies back" the post said. On Gandhi's charge that jobs are not being created, Jaitley cited the latest GDP data to emphasis that India is the fastest growing economy in the world.

"There is a double digit growth in construction, expansion in manufacturing, an increased capital formation which indicates investment increase, large investment in physical infrastructure and increased investment in rural India. All these are job creating sectors," he said.

Separately, Jaitley tweeted that measures taken by the prime minister for welfare of farmers, betterment of economy and for benefit of every citizen of India are globally acknowledged. "Mr. Rahul Gandhi must check facts before stating the reverse which will only aggravate his party's fallibility."

The Congress president had addressed a public rally at Pipliya Mandi in Mandsaur district to commemorate the first anniversary of police firing during an agitation in which six farmers were killed.

"How much does Shri Arun Jaitley know? Has 'Arrogance of Power' reached such a zenith where BJP is blind to Farmer Distress'? How are empty worded Blogs' an answer to Betrayal of Farmers' by Modi Government?," Surjewala asked.

Surjewala also reminded the finance minister of former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's words that "facts are facts, and will not disappear on account of your likes".

In Bhopal, Minister of State for Cooperatives Vishwas said Gandhi's speech was dramatic, scripted and immature".

"His speech was like that from Bollywood film, "3 Idiots", where a character delivers a speech written by others," the BJP leader told a news conference.

He was apparently referring to a scene in the film where 'Chatur Ramalingam', played by Omi Vaidya, unwittingly delivers a hilarious speech written as a prank.
Rahul Gandhi announced in Mandsaur that the farmers' loan would be waived within 10 days if his party comes to power in Madhya Pradesh.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday announced in Mandsaur that the farmers' loan would be waived within 10 days if his party comes to power in Madhya Pradesh later this year.

"Kamal Nath (Madhya Pradesh Congress president) and Jyotiraditya Scindia (the state poll campaign committee chairman) are sitting here. I want to assure you that within 10 days of coming to power in Madhya Pradesh, the government will waive (farmers') loan," Gandhi said.

He was addressing a rally at Pipliya Mandi in Mandsaur district to commemorate the first anniversary of police firing on farmers during an agitation in which six farmers were killed.

The Congress president also promised that a government of his party in the state would take action against those responsible for the police firing on farmers on this day last year.

Gandhi questioned the delay in filing a probe report into the death of farmers in police firing, alleging that the BJP government in the state had failed to provide security to farmers and address their concerns.

He also lashed out at the state and central governments for ignoring the farm distress across the country.

"The governments are of no use if they cannot provide security to farmers and their families. A total of 1,200 farmers committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh. Did any rich person or their family member commit suicide who have lakhs of crores as debt," he said, addressing the Kisan Samriddhi Sankalp rally.

Gandhi mentioned how Karnataka and Punjab government have already waived the farmer loans. "I met Narendra Modiji and demanded justice for farmers. He waived off Rs 2.5 lakh loan of 15 people. He should also waive loans of farmers," Rahul said.

Making his poll pitch in Madhya Pradesh, Rahul said, "Modiji's education is different, that is from RSS of hatred and anger but our education is different and is of love."

"We want to change lives of farmers. If voted to power, Congress would install food processing units in all districts of Madhya Pradesh. You (farmers) will get the benefit directly. A food supply chain would be developed in Madhya Pradesh," he also said.

"Narendra Modi addresses Mehul Choksi as Mehul bhai, Nirav Modi as Nirav bhai. Modi gave them Rs 30,000 crore, which could have used to waive off loans of farmers of Madhya Pradesh," Rahul Gandhi said in his address.

He hit out at the government over the issue of unemployment. "Modi promised of providing 2 crore jobs to the youth, promised Rs 15 lakh to each. Did any in the crowd got a job or the money? 'Made in China' products are dominant everywhere," he said.

Gandhi also said that if Congress came to power in Madhya Pradesh, mobile phones with 'Made in Mandsaur' written on them would be made.

Earlier, Gandhi paid tributes to the dead farmers in Pipliya Mandi town of Mandsaur district. He also met the families of the slain farmers.

Assembly polls are due in Madhya Pradesh in November this year along with Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

With inputs from agencies
A conspiracy was being hatched by various political parties in the country and at the global level to prevent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from coming back to power in 2019, BJP MLA from Karnataka CT Ravi has claimed.

Mangaluru: A conspiracy was being hatched by various political parties in the country and at the global level to prevent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from coming back to power in 2019, a senior BJP leader from Karnataka has claimed.

The Modi fever has made political parties with divergent views come together in the country, BJP state general secretary and MLA CT Ravi said.

He alleged nations like Pakistan and China who feared Modi and political parties in India want him to lose the Lok Sabha elections in 2019.

"The thinking of Opposition parties in the country is the same as that of Pakistan," he alleged at a meet-the-press programme in Mangaluru on Monday.

"There is a conspiracy to prevent Narendra Modi from coming back to power in 2019," he said, adding, it was because some countries fear that India would become much stronger if Modi was back at the helm.

We are confident that people will support Modi in his attempt to strengthen the nation in 2019, the BJP leader said.

Describing the Congress-JD(S) government in the state as the beginning of the unholy alliance, Ravi said Congress had become stale and the regional party always had been power-hungry.

He said though the BJP could win 104 seats in the Assembly polls, it could not get to the magic majority number due to the B factor, he said, citing the partys poor performance in Bengaluru, Bijapur, Ballari, Belagavi and Bidar.
Hectic lobbying is going on in the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) for the ministerial posts in the Karnataka coalition government ahead of the cabinet expansion on Wednesday in Bengaluru.

Bengaluru: Hectic lobbying is going on in the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) for the ministerial posts in the Karnataka coalition government ahead of the cabinet expansion on Wednesday in Bengaluru.

"The list of our legislators for the 21 cabinet posts is being finalised in Delhi by our party high command and will be made public by Wednesday morning, ahead of the cabinet expansion in the afternoon," a Congress official told IANS.

Party's state president and deputy chief minister G. Parameshwara discussed the list with party President Rahul Gandhi and party's state in-charge K.C. Venugopal. "The list is being finalised keeping in view the representation for each region in the state and the caste combination that has to be maintained for balancing the ministry's composition," said the official, who did not want to be named.

According to party sources, Gandhi has suggested that the Congress ministers should be a mix of younger and senior legislators and representation for at least one woman MLA.

The legislators to be inducted were shortlisted after discussions with the party's state leaders, including the Congress Leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, party's leader in the state assembly and former chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and former Union Ministers K Muniyappa and Veerappa Moily. "We will announce names of the legislators to be made ministers after our high command approves it by Tuesday night or Wednesday morning", Parameshwara told reporters in New Delhi.

In the JD-S too, which has 11 ministers posts, lobbying was going on among the 35 legislators, party's state leaders and their supremo HD Deve Gowda. "Our list of legislators to take oath as ministers will be ready by Wednesday. I am waiting for the Congress list. Both the parties will decide if the cabinet expansion should be made in one go or in two phases when we meet on Wednesday again," chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy told reporters.

Meanwhile, the JD(S) on Tuesday withdrew its candidate from the 11 June assembly election in Bengaluru's Jayanagar assembly constituency in favour of its coalition ally Congress' contestant, a party official on Tuesday. "On the directive of party supremo H.D. Deve Gowda, Kalegowda has withdrawn from the contest in support of the Congress and to prevent division of secular votes," the official told IANS.

Sowmya Reddy is the daughter of veteran Congress leader and former home minister Ramalinga Reddy, who was re-elected from the BTM Layout segment in the city south in the 12 May assembly election. The election to the Jayanagar seat was postponed following the death of BJP candidate BN Vijaya Kumar on 4 May and re-scheduled to 11 June. Vote count is on 13 June.

The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party in the 225-member hung assembly, on 22 May nominated BN Prahlad, younger brother of Kumar, as its candidate to retain the prestigious seat. In all, 19 candidates, including nine Independents are in the fray. The other woman candidate in the contest is Nayeema Khanum of the Praja Raita Raajya Paksha.
The CM of Karnataka, the state government website will tell you, is HD Kumaraswamy. What it will not tell you is that Karnataka also has an 'unofficial CM'

The Chief Minister of Karnataka, the state government website will tell you, is HD Kumaraswamy. What it will not tell you is that Karnataka also has an 'unofficial chief minister', Vatal Nagaraj, who heads a fringe group called Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha.

Kumaraswamy alone is to blame for this impression gaining ground when he said that he personally as a Kannadiga, did not favour the release of Rajinikanth's Kaala. The film has been opposed by a handful of fringe pro-Kannada groups including Vatal Paksha because they say Rajinikanth's comments on the Cauvery dispute were anti-Karnataka. Pray why? It's because Rajini said in April whichever party comes to power in Karnataka will have to implement the Supreme Court order. Perhaps the Superstar should have said, "Elementary, my dear Nagaraj".

So these Kannada groups have decided to hit Rajinikanth where it will hurt as the Superstar's son-in-law Dhanush is the producer of the movie. The man leading the vigilante pack is former MLA Nagaraj, who draws on the Shiv Sena model of sub-nationalism and alleged extortion to fuel himself and his group. There are many roll-call outfits similar to his that have sprouted in Bengaluru, available to do a hit job in the garb of protecting Kannadiga pride.

Nagaraj is a rent-a-cause activist with the dubious claim of having organised over 10,000 protests in the past four decades. This maverick is invariably at the forefront of any issue that feeds on the tonic of linguistic chauvinism to indulge in rabble-rousing. He opposed the release of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion on the grounds that Tamil actor Sathyaraj who played Kattappa in the movie, had made comments against Karnataka over the Cauvery issue nine years ago. Sathyaraj had to apologise in order to ensure the film released in the financially important Karnataka market.

But the issue is not so much with them as it is with the establishment's response. Kumaraswamy, by saying that the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and Kannada organisations are opposing the release and that the filmmakers must oblige the opposition, has disappointed. He forgot within two weeks of taking the oath of office, swearing to uphold the Constitution of India. Today he is asking Rajinikanth and company to adhere to the Constitution of Nagaraj.

What the chief minister has also done is to legitimise the reign of terror the likes of Nagaraj perpetrate in Bengaluru. No exhibitor worth his salt would refuse to screen a Rajinikanth film, but they are forced to back off because no one wants to risk their theatres being vandalised.

It is appalling that Kumaraswamy, who has been a film producer and distributor himself, chose to react in such a manner. By letting the likes of Nagaraj be the Kannada versions of the Karni Sena who held Padmavat to ransom, Kumaraswamy has failed his first test as chief minister.

It is not so much a question of a film. Frankly, Kaala is immaterial in the scheme of things. What is distressing is the chief minister's inability to throw the rule book at the thug elements and instead, advising the others to cooperate.

It is this "swalpa adjust maadi" (a phrase used commonly in Karnataka, asking people to tolerate and adjust) attitude that will prove to be Kumaraswamy's undoing. Having tasted blood with the new chief minister, more vigilante outfits will find that derailing Bengaluru and Karnataka is a lucrative occupation, confident the law will look the other way. In fact, during one of the Karnataka bandhs over the Cauvery in 2016, when Biocon chief and eminent Bengalurean Kiran Mazumdar Shaw tweeted that Bengaluru should be renamed 'Bandh-luru', Nagaraj warned that anyone living in Karnataka will have to toe his line.

Kumaraswamy has already gone public with how he is at the mercy of the Congress party since it has a greater strength in terms of MLAs compared with his Janata Dal (Secular). But the people will still understand it as compulsions of coalition politics. What makes Kumaraswamy behave as if Nagaraj has put a gun to his head, is what the citizens of Karnataka will ask.

The larger question also is whether this is the image Karnataka wants to project where a few individuals can decide what Kannadigas get to consume.

The Karnataka High court has ordered that exhibitors cannot be forced to screen the film but if anyone chooses to, that theatre must be provided security. The saving grace is that Kumaraswamy has conceded that it is his responsibility to abide by its orders. But with his advice to the makers of Kaala in his individual capacity, he has made his intentions known.

In 2008, Rajinikanth had apologised for a comment on the Hogenakkal row, ahead of the release of his Kuselan that was similarly opposed by Kannada groups. This time, Rajini in his new avatar as a politician will have to pay a heavy price if he says sorry, as it will be seen as letting Tamil Nadu down.

In Kaala, Rajinikanth's character mocks the antagonists who have ganged up against him, asking, "Kya re? Setting aa?". He should ask the same of Nagaraj and Company.
BSP president Mayawati on Wednesday accused the Narendra Modi government of delaying the implementation of reservation in promotions for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, saying that the Supreme Court had always held it constitutional.

Lucknow: BSP president Mayawati on Wednesday accused the Narendra Modi government of delaying the implementation of reservation in promotions for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, saying that the Supreme Court had always held it constitutional.

"The Supreme Court has always held reservation for SCs/STs in promotions as constitutional but the complexities in its implementation had rendered it ineffective, especially in Uttar Pradesh, for which a constitutional amendment was brought in the Rajya Sabha, she said.

But it is a matter of regret that it is pending in the Lok Sabha for the past four years," she added.

Reacting to a Supreme Court decision on Wednesday, Mayawati said that like the previous Congress government, the BJP government led by Modi is not ready to shun its casteist attitude. "It is because of this that despite all agreeing on the matter the constitutional amendment bill it is not being passed by the Lok Sabha and like the Lokpal Bill, this issue has also been kept pending," the Bahujan Samaj Party leader said in a press release.

Alleging that like the Congress, the BJP government has been working to gain cheap publicity, Mayawati said their record of doing concrete work for the welfare of the SCs, STs and Other Backward Classes was "very poor".

She said they invoke Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar's name for Dalit votes, but have no problem in making his followers a target of their casteist mindset. The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the Centre to go ahead with reservation in promotion for employees belonging to the SC and ST category in "accordance with law".

The top court took into account the Centre's submission that the entire process of promotions had come to a "standstill" due to the orders passed by various high courts, and the apex court had also ordered "status quo" in a similar matter in 2015.

The government said there were separate verdicts by the high courts of Punjab and Haryana, Delhi and Bombay on the issue of reservation in promotion to SC/ST employees. The apex court had also passed different orders on appeals filed against those judgements, the government had argued.
Rahul Gandhi will meet the families of farmers killed in Mandsaur on Wednesday.

New Delhi: Ahead of Congress president Rahul Gandhi's rally in Mandsaur on Wednesday, the party on Tuesday accused Narendra Modi government of being anti-farmer and said the Congress chief will meet the families of the farmers killed in police firing last year.

The party also hit out at the government for putting national security at stake, saying the soldiers were now being asked to stitch their own uniform. "This government is anti-farmer, anti-poor and is also putting the security of the country at risk because of its wrong policies," said Congress leader Mohan Prakash.

"The farmers of the country are in distress. They are on strike for the past five days. They are disturbed for the past four years because prices of whatever items they need to buy have doubled. And, whatever they produce and sell, their prices have halved. But Modi government didn't get time to address these issues in the past four years."

The Congress leader slammed PM Modi, saying while farmers were committing suicide, the prime minister was busy flying kites in Indonesia in order to facilitate the business interests of Adani Group. "On 6 June 2017, six farmers in Mandsaur (of Madhya Pradesh) were killed in police firing. Tomorrow (Wednesday), all farmers will gather at that place and the Congress president will pay homage to the deceased and meet the families," said Prakash.

He said the true face of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments was visible as still there were cases against 7,000 farmers. "Last week, MP government got bonds signed by 11,000 farmers. They got 4,500 people in Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Ratlam villages sign bonds as if they are goons."

The leader said in Maharashtra, 58 farmers died due to pesticides last year and more than 1,000 farmers were admitted in hospitals. "But even now Union Agriculture Minister Radhamohan Singh and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have not been able to say what chemical or pesticide caused the death of farmers.

"A farmer wrote a note and committed suicide. He held the PM and the chief minister responsible for his death. Why no complaint was lodged? Another farmer committed suicide in a village adopted by both chief minister and prime minister. The BJP and Maharashtra government have not spoken a word about it," he added.

Prakash further said that 373 jawans had died on the borders while the primemMinister preferred to visit Pakistan uninvited to have "biryani". "Now, there are media reports that soldiers are being asked to stitch thier own uniforms. The country has gone into the hands of those who are working against its well-being. "The banking system has been weakened under the watch of the government, with the economy, pride and the self-respect of the country being badly hit," Prakash added.
Baba Ramdevs Patanjali Group's claim to move its proposed mega food park out of Uttar Pradesh to some other state would have hurt ruling BJP.

Baba Ramdevs Patanjali Group's claim to move its proposed mega food park out of Uttar Pradesh to some other state would have hurt ruling BJP in more ways than one. It would also have been a text book case of public relations and policy disaster for the Narendra Modi government at the Centre and the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh.

That was precisely the reason why both the Centre and the state reacted so swiftly to address Ramdevs concerns and grievances after the yoga gurus associate Acharya Balkrishna publicly announced their decision to withdraw their project from UP and blamed it all on the apathy of Adityanath government.

'Alls well that ends well,' says title of one of William Shakespeares play. That is also a time-tested dictum. But the happy ending came only after Ramdev side did some plain-speaking with those concerned in the power corridors.

Most analyses on the subject were rightly focused on the fact that Ramdevs shock therapy to the Adityanath government came just a day after BJP president Amit Shah  along with two general secretaries Ramlal and Anil Jain  visited the yoga guru in Delhi, touched his feet and submitted some documents on the achievements of the Modi government in four years. They also sought his blessings for the 2019 elections. But there were other important angles too.

To begin with, Ramdev is taken as an extension of the BJP. His personal rapport with top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah, is excellent. So is his relationship with other senior leaders. It was interesting to see Amit Shah landing at Ramdevs place as part of his 'Sampark Abhiyan'.

Though the yoga guru's ties with Opposition leaders like Akhilesh Yadav and Lalu Prasad Yadav are equally sound, there is little or no possibility that he would bless the Opposition for 2019.

It would have indeed been bad PR for BJP if Ramdev had pulled his Rs 6,000-crore mega food park project out of UP, not just because he is perceived to be close to the entire spectrum of BJP leadership but also because Ramdev and Patanjali are seen as messiahs of Swadeshi. They are seen as entities who had the appetite and capacity to take on mighty FMCG multinationals.

But the catch lay in what Shah said in the presence of the yoga guru. He said that by reaching the latter, he was able to tell lakhs of his followers about Modi government programs and policies.

'Ease of doing business' has been one of the Modi government's key objectives. The government and ruling BJP patted its back and praised the prime minister in October last year, when the World Bank improved Indias rating on 'Ease of Doing Business' by making it jump 30 notches. Ramdev shutting his shop, with all his perceived closeness with powers that be, and being the brand ambassador for brand Swadeshi, would have deeply hurt Modi government's tall claims on the issue. This could have provided easy fodder for Modis rivals to target him and his government at various public platforms.

Patanjali Ayurved spokesman SK Tijarawala, who has for long been associated with Ramdev, told Firstpost, "We had been given two extensions by the Centres food processing ministry and then we received another notice saying that we must provide title of the land, else our project would be cancelled. Now, who would provide title of the land? The state government. We have fulfilled all requirements from our side and knocked all doors to get clear title but we didnt get it. In the meantime, we had invested crores in constructing boundary walls, site office and fetching machinery at 425-acre project site on Yamuna Expressway. In the end, we thought that we are wasting our time and decided that before government cancels its in-principle approval for project, we should move out. We had thought of investing in pious land of Ram and Krishna but then whole of India is pious land for us. We can do business anywhere in the country. This project would benefit lakhs of farmers and generate few thousand jobs.

Engaging in business is not an easy job. Proving right conditions for ease of business is government's responsibility. The government keeps on talking about it all the time but roj roj ki mathapachhi (facing daily headaches) is not ease of doing business," he added.

Ramdev's side is also angry over the technicality, which a senior UP government minister Satish Mahana talked about in the MoU.

Tijarawala said that was a lame excuse by the UP government. They all know that the project, executor, team are the same. After signing the MoU in a hurry, the initial amount may have gone from a certain Patanjali group name but that cant be the reason to delay the project.

It must be noted that Ramdev got 425-acre land on Yamuna Expressway near Greater Noida when the Akhilesh Yadav government was in power and foundation stone was laid during that time. Bhoomi pujan was done by Ramdev in February last year when election process was still on in the state but things didnt move the way it should have after the advent of Yogi government.

Now that Yogi Adityanath has reached to Baba Ramdev assuring him of his personal attention and time-bound clearance of all pending issue, all concerned are happy and want to end it on a happy note.

Tijarawala said, Yogi Adityanath should be given full credit for resolving the issue. He perhaps had not been briefed properly. But then there is a Yogi to Yogi connect, a Yogi (Adityanath) can understand another Yogi (Ramdev) than anybody else.

There are speculations that an intervention by the Prime Minister's Office made things move at a fast pace but since the matter has been resolved to everybodys satisfaction, nobody from either side is willing to drag Modis name into the controversy.
Egypts cabinet has resigned on Tuesday following the swearing-in of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for a second term, presidential spokesman Bassam Rady wrote on his official Facebook page.

The government of Prime Minister Sherif Ismail will continue to perform its duties and responsibilities until a new government is formed, a presidency statement read.

Ismail has previously served as minister of petroleum in the interim cabinet led by Hazem Al Beblawi in 2013 until he was appointed Prime Minister on 12 September 2015.

The resignation is routine ahead of the formation of a new government after Sisis easy re-election.

Sisi won more than 97% of votes in the March election, which international and Egyptian rights organizations denounced as farcical. He faced no serious competition in his run for re-election.

His only opponent, Moussa Mostafa Moussa, was relatively unknown and a fervent Sisi supporter himself. All other political contenders were either jailed, sidelined or withdrew.

Many of his opponents and vocal members of civil society have been arrested in recent months.

Al-Sisi said in a televised address that after next weeks Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr, Egypt would see a number of great achievements that will be inaugurated. He gave no details.
Out of fashion now, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, the Congress, Samajwadi Party and rest of the opposition too ignored Iftars.

Even as the month of Ramzan heads for closure, Iftars have faded away from the political turf. Iftar marks the customary breaking of the day-long fast at the sunset.

Ramzan 2018 is seeing most Iftars taking place within the confines of customary Muslim gatherings. In an extraordinary gesture, Yashpal Saxena, father of slain youth Ankit, made an exceptional statement of harmony by hosting an Iftar in remembrance of his son who was brutally murdered for loving a Muslim girl. The RSS in Mumbai too chose to honour Muslim custom of day-long fasting. The Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), a rather obscure wing of the saffron organisation, organised an Iftar at Mumbais Sahyadri guest house. On the bank of river Saryu in Ayodhya, a templeSaryu Kunjbarely few metres away from the vexed Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya, hosted Iftar to spread a message of peace and mutual coexistence.

But in Delhi, Rashtrapati Bhavan, prime ministers home and residences of all cabinet ministers remained indifferent. When chief minister Arvind Kejriwal hosted Iftar on Monday, Congress and the rest of the opposition stayed away for some inexplicit reasons.

As such, theres nothing official about the practice but in the past, presidents, prime ministers, other Union ministers and chief ministers have been known to hold Iftars as a sign of goodwill for the Muslim community. The guest list used to include leading clerics, eminent Muslims, ambassadors of Islamic nations and assorted political personalities.

Out of fashion now, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, the Congress, Samajwadi Party and rest of the opposition too ignored Iftars. Although Ramzan has still over a week to run, Muslim community leaders do not appear too hopeful of any party bigwig organising an Iftar.

As if taking a cue, Hindi TV news channels and a number of newspapers have stopped giving out Iftar and sahri (commencement of fast at pre-dawn) timings as a scroll. It was perhaps a coincidence that these developments took place months after a change of government at the Raisina Hills.

The legacy of hosting political Iftars is attributed to prime minister Indira Gandhi who began the tradition in 1980. The secular quotient of non-Congress parties contests this claim asserting that the move to play host to rozedars was first set in motion by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Hemvati Nandan Bahugana sometime between 1973 to 1975.

The Muslim clergy is not minding it much. Over the years, many of them had become disillusioned with what they saw as a "political tamasha" laced with a display of wealth. In fact, many Muslim organisations, imams and All India Muslim Personal Law Board members had even given "boycott" calls and urged Muslims to shun "political Iftars", pointing that Ramzan was meant for prayers, piety and penance, not socialising and politics.

Past prime ministers, including Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, had occasionally given the Iftar the miss. But that happened because of national tragedies or some emergency, and they made sure that a cabinet colleague from their party hosted one instead.

In 1996, the BJP had hosted an Iftar. The then BJP president Bangaru Laxman was a generous host at the partys 11 Ashoka Road, New Delhi headquarters. However, that Iftar became the talk of the town for altogether different reasons. First, there were no arrangements for the Maghrib prayers that follow the breaking of the daylong fast. When the arrangements were hurriedly made, the namaz was offered in a different direction instead of the west.

As for Congress governments, they had treated the "tradition" as a de rigueur since Indiras pioneering effort although Sonia Gandhi, as party president, abandoned the practice after holding an Iftar in 2001.

Manmohan Singh played host at his 7 Race Course Road residence almost every year barring last year when he called the Iftar off following the Uttarakhand floods.

Vajpayee too had cancelled his Iftar in 2003, the year before a general election, citing a foreign trip but asked junior minister Shahnawaz Hussain to host one.

That year, then president APJ Abdul Kalam, a Muslim, too scrapped the annual presidential ritual, declaring the money saved would be donated to three orphanages. Kalams gesture was widely appreciated.

Iftars waning appeal in Delhi is having an impact on Bollywood too. So far, there are no Iftars where Salman Khan could be seen hugging Shah Rukh Khan before retiring to two corners for the rest of the evening.

The author is an Observer Research Foundation visiting fellow, and author of the recently released Ballot: Ten Episodes that Shaped India's Democracy.
On the day BJP president Amit Shah is slated to meet Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, the saffron party's alliance partner took a dig at its 'comprehensive contact campaign'.

On the day BJP president Amit Shah is slated to meet Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, the saffron party's alliance partner took a dig at its "comprehensive contact campaign". In an op-ed titled 'Come, let's play contact' published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the Shiv Sena on Wednesday said that it would contest the 2019 election independently and the 2019 general election can be one of the reasons for Shah's 'contact campaign'.

"The Narendra Modi government has lost its touch with those on its side and it is ideal for it to look for the reasons behind it," it said.

The Sena took a dig at BJP for relying on "poster boys" to fight elections and asked if Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, who broke TDP's alliance with the BJP, was on Shah's "contact campaign" list.

It further said that the "biggest contact scam in the world" is taking place in Bihar. "The campaigning for the 2019 Bihar Assembly election have begun under Modi and Nitish's leaderships. But Nitish's face won't work, and the JD(U) is not willing to agree with BJP to have Modi on the poster. This is how the scam has started in Bihar. Getting into alliance with the BJP means strangling one's own individuality," the Sena said. Senior JD(U) leader Pavan Varma had recently triggered a controversy for saying that Nitish Kumar "is the face of the NDA in Bihar.

The Shiv Sena hit out at the central government over issues like high petrol price, and the farmers on strike. "Now that the government's contact with farmers has broken, the work is underway to turn around their agitation," Sena said. It claimed that the BJP will use the same tactics ("love, price, penalty, discrimination") it used to win Palghar seat to twist the ongoing farmers' protest.

Amid all this, Modi is campaigning to maintain contacts across the globe, while Shah is doing it across India, the Sena said.

Shah is scheduled to meet Uddhav on Wednesday. This will be the second summit between Shah and Thackeray. The first took place exactly a year ago when the BJP chief called on the Sena supremo in June 2017 to seek his support in the presidential election.

The meeting is officially described as part of an outreach programme by the BJP to mollify its allies and build bridges before the 2019 parliamentary battle.

Modi and BJP have been bitterly targeted by Thackeray and his party in recent times.

The meeting will come a couple of days after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis exhorted his party workers to work hard for an alliance with the Sena.

The relations between the two partners plummeted to a new low when Shiv Sena 'hijacked' Shriniwas Vanga  the son of late BJP MP Chintaman Vanga from Palghar  and gave him the party ticket for the 28 May Palghar bypoll.

A raging BJP inducted former Congressman Rajendra Gavit, who defeated Vanga.

In a guarded initial reaction, Sena MP and spokesperson Sanjay Raut pointed out how the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners were not satisfied with the BJP and leaving it one by one.

But he refused to speculate whether the Sena would reconsider its oft-repeated stance of going solo in all future elections and pointed out that the party did extremely well and showed its strength in Palghar which it contested for the first time ever.

With inputs from PTI
A fortnight after becoming chief minister, HD Kumaraswamy finally expanded his two-member cabinet on Wednesday after 25 ministers took the oath of office.

A fortnight after becoming chief minister, HD Kumaraswamy finally expanded his two-member cabinet on Wednesday after 25 ministers took the oath of office. The much-awaited exercise, that caused heartburn among several lawmakers in the JDS-Congress coalition, came after intense bargaining for ministerial berths and hours of marathon meeting between the parties' leadership.

While the JD(S) kept 10 ministerial berths for itself, Congress had 12 of legislators inducted into the cabinet. Lone BSP MLA N Mahesh and the two Independent MLAsVenkataramanappa and R Shankaralso got ministerial berths in the first phase of cabinet expansion.

HD Revanna, brother of Chief Minister Kumaraswamy was the first person to take oath. According to The Hindu, Revanna, who was firm on getting both Energy and Public Works Department (PWD) settled for just PWD. The issue was sorted out after a three-hour meeting with Deve Gowda, the newspaper reported. Apart from him, JD(S)' Bandappa Kashampur, GT Devegowda, DC Thamanna, SR Srinivas, CS Puttaraju, SR Mahesh, also took the oath of office.

From the Congress camp, senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge's son Priyank Kharge and DK Shivakumar were key names. BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, who quit the JD(S) to join the Congress, was also given a cabinet seat.

The new ministers took oath after days of hectic bargaining between the ruling coalition partners, the JD(S) and the Congress. Actor-turned-politician Jaimala Ramachandra from the Congress was also sworn-in and is now the lone woman minister in the Kumaraswamy cabinet.

The cabinet expansion comes amid fresh outbreak of infighting in Congress, the larger partner in the alliance. As 12 Congress MLAs took oath as ministers, around 200 supporters of Congress MLA HK Patil protested at Chalukya circle in Bengaluru, and demanded he be given a ministerial berth. Besides, supporters of another Congress MLA Satish Jarkiholi also staged a protest near Vidhana Soudha demanding a ministerial seat for him in the state cabinet, Zee news reported

#BREAKING - Around 200 supporters of Congress MLA HK Patil protest at Chalukya circle in Bengaluru, demanding ministerial berth for him. Burn tyre, shout slogans in the middle of a busy junction. pic.twitter.com/GqWrm2NsxY  News18 (@CNNnews18) June 6, 2018

Reacting to reports about heartburn in the Congress camp, Kumaraswamy said that it was only natural for any coalition government to face teething problems in the initial stages of ministry formation. He, however, assured the people that he would give a stable government for the full five-year term.

"It is natural for any coalition government to face teething problems at initial stages of ministry formation. There was a short delay in expanding the cabinet, but both Congress and JDS parties are united and will provide stable government, which would last its full five year term," he said.

Speaking to reporters after the oath-taking ceremony of new ministers along with Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, Kumaraswamy recollected the 2008 rule of the BJP where its government faced disgruntlement among its legislators over ministry formation.

"We are all aware of what happened in Haveri, Anekal andHubbali-Dharwada, during BJP rule in 2008. The supporters of some aspirants had taken to streets after they were not inducted. So, media should not blow out of proportion such protests," he said.

He also brushed aside reports of confusion between coalition partners over portfolio sharing.

Asked how would Congress pacify its senior legislatorsincluding Roshan Baig and Ramalinga Reddy who have not beeninducted in the ministry, Parameshwara said the party would talk to them and know their desires and aspirations. "They are senior leaders and eligible for any post in the party or in the government.We are going to talk to each one of them and know what their desires and aspirations are," he said.

Earlier, Kumaraswamy said in Bengaluru that at least nine MLAs from the JD(S) would be inducted into the ministry in the first phase. The Congress finalised its names in the national capital at a meeting with party chief Rahul Gandhi, senior Karnataka leaders like former chief minister Siddaramaiah, deputy chief minister Parameshwara and party leaders Dinesh Gundu Rao and DK Shivakumar, besides AICC general secretary in-charge KC Venugopal.

Though there was no official word from the Congress, it was understood that Rahul was facing a conundrum in rewarding the Karnataka crisis manager, DK Shivakumar, who was earlier sidelined during the selection of a deputy chief minister. Even though Shivakumar, who kept the flock together while BJP was trying hard to lure away its MLA, said nothing in public, his supporters were vocal in voicing their discontent.

Rahul met the Karnataka leaders for over an hour and gave final shape to the list of ministers, while according equitable representation to all sections and regions.

The Congress was promised 22 ministerial berths while JD(S) has been allocated 12 ministerial berths as per the understanding in the alliance. However, some portfolios have been kept vacant on both sides to douse any discord in the two parties.

Governor Vajubhai Vala administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers at 2:12 pm at a ceremony at Raj Bhavan. BSP supremo Mayawati deputed its senior leader Satish Chandra Misra to attend the cabinet expansion function. This is the first time that the BSP will be a part of a government outside of Uttar Pradesh.

According to the agreement, Congress will get the portfolios of Home, Irrigation, Bangalore City Development, Industry and Sugar Industry, Health, Revenue,Urban Development, Rural Development, Agriculture, Law and Parliamentary Affairs and IT/BT, among others.

The JD(S) portfolios include Finance, Excise, Information, Intelligence, Public Works Department, Power, Cooperation, Tourism, Education and Transport.

Ever since Kumaraswamy proved his majority on the floor of the Assembly on 25 May, both parties were driving a hard bargain until Friday when they announced a power sharing agreement, giving a full five year term to Kumaraswamy.

Yielding ground, Congress had conceded the plum Finance and Power portfolio to its junior partner, resolving a thorny issue.

The power sharing arrangement, particularly giving "cart blanche" to Kumaraswamy for full five years, caused discontent in the Congress, with some of its leaders believing that it has been yielding much more than required to its junior partner.

In JD(S), several senior party MLAs were seen making a beeline to party supremo Deve Gowda's residence for ministers posts. There are also reports of some disgruntlement over the party's decision to keep members of the legislative council out of the ministry.

JDS and Congress had stitched up a post-poll alliance at the state level after the 12 May assembly polls yielded a fractured mandate, with BJP emerging as the single largest party with 104 members but falling short of the required numbers. Only Kumaraswamy, along with his deputy Parameshwara, were sworn-in on 23 May.
tech2 News Staff

Astronomers have discovered that starburst galaxies in both the past universe and near and far galaxies hold a higher number of massive stars in comparison to relatively peaceful galaxies. This contradicts the current notion of how the galaxies have evolved.

These findings have been reported in an article by the European Southern Observatory (ESO). Here is a summary of the observations made by the scientists mentioned in the article.

A team of scientists, led by University of Edinburgh astronomer Zhi-YU Zhang have used the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to find out the proportion of massive stars in four, distant, gas-rich, starburst galaxies.

Zhang along with his team developed a new method which observed the ratio of two types of carbon monoxide isotopes.

This method helped them to look through the dust in the galaxies, and for the first time, analyse a star's magnitude.

The co-author of the paper, Donatella Romano, from the INAF-Astrophysics and Space Science Observatory in Bologna explains that the ratio of 18 oxygen isotopes to 13 carbon isotopes was about 10 times more in the starburst galaxies in the early Universe than it is in galaxies such as the Milky Way.

The findings made through ALMA have been seen to be consistent with the spectroscopic measurements of 800 stars made by ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT). These observations were made by the team led by Fabian Schneider of the University of Oxford, UK, in 30 Doradus, which is a giant star-forming region in the nearby Large Magellanic cloud.

Schneider says that they found out that the stars could have birth masses of up to 300 solar masses, which challenges their initial prediction of 150 solar mass.

Knowing the proportion of the star is important for astronomers as it gives them some understanding through which they can underpin the formation and evolution of galaxies throughout the history of the Universe.

Here is link of the video talking about the proportions of the stars.
tech2 News Staff

As was recently made official, Microsoft is buying GitHub, a web-based hosting service for version control using Git, for a whopping $7.5 billion. While its users, tens of millions of developers, had no say in the acquisition, they have a lot to say about the buyout!

But before anything, a little background. The real butt of the conversation is the ironic fact that Microsoft has recently been trying to acquire everything open source, which is worrying considering that the company has a reputation for being hating everything open-source. To be fair, things have changed at Microsoft and it's certainly true that Microsoft's contribution to GitHub code exceeds that of Google, Apple and others.

Regardless, among the nerdy-nerds, this past has come forth with a pinch of distrust.

If that last bit was a shot over the head, these Twitter memes about the acquisition will help you better understand and giggle along.

Microsoft acquiring Github, and the developers running away from this like a plague. Then one came up with this early meme  pic.twitter.com/Zm5XhrRSAm  Jay Kiharani (@Kiharani) June 4, 2018

For all the people who left #github and migrated to #gitlab on a rush because you don't like Microsoft, welcome to Microsoft #Azure  pic.twitter.com/mhJSTv8HWg  Edgar Sanchez Gordon (@EdgarSanchez) June 5, 2018

While company CEO Satya Nadella assured everyone that GitHub will remain a developer first platform, some coders are now migrating to other sites!
tech2 News Staff

After several leaks Motorola has finally made official its successor to the Moto Z2 Play, called the Moto Z3 Play. The smartphone was launched in Brazil at a price tag of 2,299 Brazilian real and will soon be available in the US along with a bundled Battery Mod at $499 (approximately Rs 33,000).

The Motorola Moto Z3 Play comes with full Moto Mods support meaning that owners can slap on all existing Mods. This also means that Motorola really could not change much when it comes to design, which is a common limitation when working with a modular smartphone platform.

With that said, the Moto Z3 Play looks quite similar in overall appearance to its predecessor but adds a glass black, along with the Rolex-style camera bump that now includes a dual camera setup. The front features a display with the taller aspect ratio, which would normally mean that fingerprint reader sits at the back. Moto Mods compatibility prevented this, meaning that the fingerprint reader now sits on the right side of the device (below the volume rocker), similar to Sony's older Xperia lineup of devices.

As for the specifications, we get a 6-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution of 1,080 x 2,160 pixels. Inside, we get a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 SoC paired with 4 GB RAM and 32 GB or 64 GB internal storage options.

The cameras have now been upgraded to a dual camera setup, meaning the Z3 Play now gets a 12 MP + 5 MP sensors at the back with the 12 MP camera getting an f/1.7 aperture lens. Also available is a dual tone LED flash. There's an 8 MP camera on the front with an f/2.0 aperture lens.

Powering it all is a 3,000 mAh battery that supports Motorola's TurboPower charging.

The handset runs Android Oreo which an almost stock version of Android with the usual minor app additions like Moto Display, Actions, Camera and more.

As per a report by GSMArena, the device will be available globally in a matter of weeks. At the time of writing, there's no confirmation about the Moto Z3 Play heading to India just yet.
tech2 News Staff

Different person, different scenes, music and animation! Thats what we call the movie of the future.

University of Nottinghams Richard Ramchurn has created a 27-minute long movie, in which he is flipping the script using Artificial Intelligence (AI). Called The Moment, which viewers will be able to direct while watching it using their brains electrical activity via an EEG headset.

Seize the MOMENT with launch of new brain controlled film - The University of Nottingham https://t.co/payzUKRf8r  Richard Ramchurn (@albinomosquito) May 25, 2018

The Moment is an interactive film which is controlled via data from a EEG headset which picks up unconscious reactions and changes the narrative thread in response. The story explores three narrative threads in a dystopian future world in which brain-computer interfaces are both a source of social threat and potential revelation. As a piece of science fiction the film speaks about the present. Our relationship with each other via social media and the facilitation of rise of far right ideologies, says Richard.

This concept really takes the idea of brain-computer interface to an extreme level. If we put a number to it, then the 27-minute long series, being viewed by so many different brains would mean 101 trillion versions of those shots. The brain's impact on how the movie unfolds could be conscious or controlled. It officially launches on 7 June and will tour the UK in a specially adapted caravan that has been transformed into a mobile cinema.

You can watch the trailer of the movie below.

The MOMENT Trailer 2018 from AlbinoMosquito on Vimeo.

The Moment, however, isnt the first brain-controlled movie by Ramchurn. The first was The Disadvantages of Time Travel, which offered a blink-based control to its viewers.
tech2 News Staff

There had earlier been some speculation that Xiaomi may soon announce the arrival of the Xiaomi Redmi 6 series. The Chinese manufacturer has now released an official poster on Weibo that confirms that it will announce the Redmi 6 or Redmi 6 series smartphones on 12 June.

According to a report by GizmoChina, a mid-range phone from Xiaomi with model number M1805D1SE had earlier bagged certification from Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (CMIIT). It seems that this model could perhaps be the Redmi 6 smartphone.

There is speculation that the Redmi 6A and Red 6 Pro/Plus will also be launched.

The TENAA listing of the phone reveals that the Redmi 6 will have a 5.84-inch display with a notch and Full HD+ resolution of 2280 x 1080 pixels in an aspect ratio of 19:9.

The alleged Redmi 6 is expected to arrive in 2 + 16, 3 + 32 and 4 + 64 GB variants of RAM and storage. It is expected to house a 3,900 mAh battery.

However, The TENAA listing mentioned by 91Mobiles in their report was certified by the Chinese regulator, stated that the Redmi 6 will be powered by a 3,000 mAh battery.

The fingerprint sensor is supposed to be on the back of this metal-bodied phone. The rest of the design looks quite similar to that of the Redmi Note 5 Pro.
Reuters

ZTE Corp has signed an agreement in principle that would lift a US Commerce Department ban on buying from US suppliers, allowing Chinas No. 2 telecommunications equipment maker to get back into business, according to sources familiar with the matter.

ZTE ceased major operations since the seven-year ban was imposed on the company in April for breaking a 2017 agreement reached after it was caught illegally shipping goods to Iran and North Korea.

A Commerce Department spokesman said on Tuesday that no definitive agreement has been signed by both parties.

ZTE did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The preliminary deal includes a $1 billion fine against ZTE plus $400 million in escrow to cover any future violations, sources said, adding that the terms were in line with Reuters reporting on the US demands on Friday.

The sources requested anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter.

The Commerce Department plans to amend its 2017 settlement agreement and count the $361 million ZTE paid as a part of that, allowing the United States to claim a total penalty of as much as $1.7 billion, the sources said.

Over the weekend, ZTE signed the agreement drawn up by the United States, the sources said, but the amended settlement has not been signed.

ZTEs survival has been a topic of discussion in high-level US-China trade talks.

US President Donald Trump planned to meet with his trade advisers on Tuesday to discuss Chinas offer to import an extra $70 billion of American goods over a year as a way to defuse a potential trade war between the worlds two largest economies.

Trump tweeted last month that he told Commerce officials to find a way for ZTE to resume operations, later suggesting penalties of a $1.3 billion fine and changes to its board and top management.

As part of the deal, sources said, ZTE promised to replace its board and executive team in 30 days. It would also allow unfettered site visits to verify that US components are being used as claimed by the company, and post calculations of US parts in its products on a public website, they added.

ZTE Meets Resistance In Congress

ZTEs resuscitation with US help has met strong resistance in Congress, where both Democrats and Trumps fellow Republicans have accused him of bowing to pressure from Beijing to help a company that has been labeled a threat to US national security.

By letting ZTE off the hook, the president who roared like a lion is governing like a lamb when it comes to China, US Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement in response to Reuters report of the preliminary agreement. Congress should move in a bipartisan fashion to block this deal right away.

US companies provide an estimated 25 to 30 percent of components in ZTEs equipment, which includes smartphones and gear to build telecommunications networks.

The ban was imposed after ZTE failed to comply with an agreement with the Commerce Department in 2017, when it pleaded guilty in federal court in Texas to conspiring to evade US embargoes by illegally shipping US goods and technology to Iran. Shenzhen-based ZTE has a subsidiary in Richardson, Texas.

ZTE had agreed to dismiss four senior employees and discipline 35 others either by reducing their bonuses or reprimanding them, according to senior Commerce Department officials.

But the company admitted that while it had fired the four senior employees, it had made false statements about the others, the officials said.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Belgian police on Wednesday arrested a man who earlier had been jailed along with a convicted drug dealer who killed two policewomen and a bystander on May 29 while on day release from prison, local media reported. Belgian dailies Le Soir and La Libre named the detained man as Fouad Bennane, a 39-year-old who had spent time in prison for armed robbery along with killer Benjamin Herman and had been flagged on a list of suspected Islamist militants.

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Belgian police on Wednesday arrested a man who earlier had been jailed along with a convicted drug dealer who killed two policewomen and a bystander on May 29 while on day release from prison, local media reported.

Belgian dailies Le Soir and La Libre named the detained man as Fouad Bennane, a 39-year-old who had spent time in prison for armed robbery along with killer Benjamin Herman and had been flagged on a list of suspected Islamist militants.

Belgian authorities are still investigating the motives of Herman, a 31-year-old Belgian drug dealer who had been in jail for years but was on furlough when he went on a killing spree. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, but provided no proof.

Herman was shot dead by police at a school near the scene of the killings in the eastern Belgian industrial city of Liege.

Investigators have said that while Herman was not a perceived security threat, he had contact with Islamist militants in jail in 2016 and early 2017.

Bennane was arrested by special forces for violating terms of his conditional release from prison, La Libre cited federal prosecutors as saying.

Bennane was taken into custody in Verviers, another industrial town close to Liege, where in early 2015 police raided a safe house and killed two men who had returned from fighting with radical Islamists in Syria.

Militants in Vervier had links to a Brussels-based Islamic State cell that carried out attacks in Paris in November 2015 that killed 130 people and in Brussels in March 2016 in which 32 people died.

Belgian police and prosecutors could not be reached for comment on the media reports.

(Reporting by Alissa de Carbonnel @AdeCar)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Executive Committee members of the ruling Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) on Tuesday said the Horn of Africa nation will fully accept the 12 December 2000 Algiers Agreement between the governments of Eritrea and Ethiopia.

The two neighbors fought a war from 1998 to 2000 over the border dispute, which left about 80,000 people dead. They signed a peace agreement in 2000, which established the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC).

The boundary commission ruled that the disputed territory of Badme, the epicenter of the war, is Eritrean territory.

However, Ethiopia backtracked from its commitment and rejected the commissions decision.

The Eritrean government contended that there could be no resolution until the Ethiopians withdrew their troops from Badme, as the commission had ordered.

With the new development, Ethiopia will have to withdraw its occupying forces from all territories awarded to Eritrea. Ethiopia also called on Eritrea to reciprocate the decision and work toward bringing a lasting peace between the people of the two nations.

Ethiopias new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had promised to make peace with the countrys northern neighbor after taking power earlier this year.
By Anthony Boadle BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's centrist parties, battered by widespread voter disaffection with the political establishment, must join forces to win the October elections in a dangerously polarized field, leaders from seven parties urged on Tuesday.

By Anthony Boadle

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's centrist parties, battered by widespread voter disaffection with the political establishment, must join forces to win the October elections in a dangerously polarized field, leaders from seven parties urged on Tuesday.

A manifesto led by former president Fernando Henrique Cardoso called on centrists to unite to avoid the election becoming a fight between "radical, authoritarian and outdated" populists from the right and left.

Far-right congressman Jair Bolsonaro, with 25 percent of voter support, and leftist former governor Ciro Gomes, on 12 percent, led a poll released on Tuesday by news website Poder360, while more moderate candidates stagnated with single-digit support.

But the manifesto left open the question of who would lead a united centrist ticket, charged with defending the continuity of pro-market changes and fiscal austerity proposed by unpopular President Michel Temer.

"The question is, unite behind whom?" asked a strategist for Temer's Brazilian Democratic Movement party (MDB), who asked not to be named.

The MDB backs former finance minister Henrique Meirelles, although he musters just 1 percent support. The party is counting on the millionaire to finance his own campaign, freeing up party funds for Congressional and other races, the party insider said.

The other main centrist force, Cardoso's Brazilian Social Democratic Party (PSDB), backs former Sao Paulo governor Geraldo Alckmin, who remains stuck around 7 percent support, Tuesday's poll showed.

As the leading centrist, Alckmin is best placed to top a united ticket, but he has so far resisted an alliance with the MDB. Allies say such a tie-up could risk his campaign being tarnished by association with Temer, whose rejection rate has climbed to 88 percent of voters.

Alckmin's candidacy also divides his own party. Cardoso, who was president from 1995-2002, proposed that his party nominate TV presenter Luciano Huck instead.

Candidates must be registered by mid-August, with the parties set to decide their nomination by vote at a convention.

"The manifesto led by Cardoso is his way of saying he has no confidence in Alckmin's candidacy and maybe it should be someone else," said political scientist Leonardo Barreto of Brasilia-based consultancy Factual.

Both Bolsonaro and Gomes threaten the business-friendly policies that Temer has relied on to lift Brazil from its worst recession in decades, based on their track record of favouring state intervention in the economy.

"On the right, we have an unprecedented movement clearly inspired by anti-republican and anti-democratic ideas," the centrist leaders wrote. "On the left, a vision of backward-looking utopias, authoritarian socialism and an interventionist and omnipresent state."

(Reporting by Anthony Boadle, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Persky came under fire in June 2016 for sentencing former Stanford swim team member Brock Turner, then 20, to six months in the county jail and three years probation for three counts of sexual assault, a penalty widely denounced as too lenient.

Los Angeles: The California judge who drew worldwide condemnation for giving a six-month jail sentence to a former Stanford University swimmer convicted of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman, appeared for removal in a recall election on Tuesday.

Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky, a former prosecutor appointed to the bench in 2003 by then-governor Gray Davis, a Democrat, would become the first sitting judge recalled in the state of California in more than 80 years.

With 39 percent of precincts reporting, the campaign to unseat Persky, organised by Stanford law professor Michele Dauber, had garnered support from nearly 59 percent of the vote, compared with 41 percent opposing the recall, according to online returns posted by the county registrar.

Dauber issued a statement about 90 minutes after polls closed saying she was cautiously optimistic.

Cindy Seeley Hendrickson, the candidate she endorsed in a separate two-way race to succeed Persky, was leading with 71 percent of the vote. Her opponent, Angela Storey, trailed with 29 percent.

Persky came under fire in June 2016 for sentencing former Stanford swim team member Brock Turner, then 20, to six months in the county jail and three years probation for three counts of sexual assault, a penalty widely denounced as too lenient.

Uproar over the sentencing was fueled in part by an open letter from the victim, who remains anonymous, recounting her ordeal in graphic terms.

Predating the #MeToo movement of women speaking out publicly against sexual harassment and abuse, the outcome of the Turner case became a symbol of how the US justice system fails to take sex crimes seriously enough.

Prosecutors had asked that Turner be given six years in state prison. He had faced up to 14 years in prison, and under normal sentencing guidelines would likely have received at least two years behind bars.

Turner was released after serving just three months of his six-month term and has since appealed against his conviction, although he had to register as a sex offender in his home state of Ohio.

Californias judicial oversight commission received thousands of complaints about the sentencing but concluded in its report that Persky was unbiased and acted in accordance with a probation report.

Probation officials had recommended a moderate county jail sentence followed by three years of probation and sex offender treatment. In addition to finding no evidence of bias, the judicial commission cleared Persky of misconduct and determined the sentence was legal and within the judges discretion.

Persky, himself is a former Stanford athlete, held a news conference last month saying he had been bound by sentencing guidelines and recommendations of the probation department. He has asserted that his recall would undermine the independence of the judiciary.

We ask judges to follow the rule of law and not the rule of public opinion, he said at the time.
China has approved the first homemade, long-acting injectable HIV drug Albuvirtide, which could be a boon to thousands of HIV/AIDS patients in the country,

Beijing: China has approved the first domestically developed, long-acting injectable HIV drug Albuvirtide, which could be a boon to tens of thousands of HIV/AIDS patients in the country, the official media reported. The drug, approved by the China Food and Drug Administration, can block the fusion of the virus and host cell membranes, interrupting the HIV life cycle in its earliest stage, state-run Global Times quoted a report from Science and Technology Daily.

Albuvirtide is injected once a week and is secure, a staff from the Nanjing-based Frontier Biotechnologies Inc, surnamed Zhu, told Global Times. Compared to imported anti-HIV drugs, Albuvirtide has fewer side effects, especially on the liver, state-run Xinhua news agency reported, quoting Wu Hao, head of the infection centre at Beijing You'an Hospital. The drug is a fusion inhibitor that should be used with antiretroviral drugs to treat people with HIV condition who have received antiviral therapy, the company said.

Albuvirtide could potentially enhance patient compliance, improve quality of life and reduce treatment costs for HIV-infected patients, it wrote. Current HIV treatments used in China are either generic or imported. AIDS and HIV patients mostly took a handful of pills every day, Peng Xiaohui, a sexologist at Central China Normal University, told Global Times. Peng added that patients have to overcome psychological obstacles first since they need to inject the medicine on their own or have a doctor do it for them.

"China's first domestically developed drug offers new HIV patients a new treatment option. We hope to dispel the fact that China has not developed good anti-AIDS medicine," Xie Dong, chief scientist and former head of Frontier Biotechnologies Inc was quoted by the Science and Technology Daily as saying.

Several companies are developing long-acting AIDS drugs in China, but only Frontier's drug has been approved, the Xinhua report said.

According to official data China has 718,270 people suffering from HIV/AIDS in China. As of the end of June last year, 221,628 people had died of AIDS-related diseases in China, according to a Xinhua report of December 2017.
China has denied allegations that the Nepalese government has cancelled its agreement with Chinese companies on the West Seti hydropower project.

Beijing: China on Wednesday dismissed reports that the Nepalese government has cancelled its agreement with Chinese companies on the West Seti hydropower project, and said talks are on between the firms and Nepal on their continuation.

This report is not true," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said when asked whether the Nepalese government has decided to cancel Chinese firms' participation. "This project is a commercial one. Relevant Chinese enterprises are conducting negotiations with the Nepalese side on the economic feasibility and other relevant matters," she said.

China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported from Kathmandu about widespread concerns about possible negative impact on Chinese investment after the government announced on 29 May in its annual budget for the next fiscal year 2018-19 that the West Seti project would be developed with domestic resources.

The 750 MW West Seti hydropower project in far-western Nepal was handed over to the China Three Gorges Corporation (CTGC) in 2012.

The report came ahead of Nepal prime minister KP Sharma Oli's visit to China later in June.

During his last tenure as prime minister in 2015, Oli signed the Transit Treaty with China to end dependence on India for his landlocked country and to improve rail and road links between Nepal and China through Tibet.

The report also quoted Barsha Man Pun, Nepal's minister for energy, water resources and irrigation as saying that Nepal has not yet cancelled the deal with CTGC. He said, "The West Seti project is still with the CTGC and we are ready to continue with CTGC if it is eager to develop this project".

The report said before the Nepal government's announcement, negotiations between the two sides had been stuck on a few issues including power purchase rate.

The Chinese company had termed the power purchase rate offered by Nepal as unfeasible but Nepal refused to make any revision, according to Nepali officials, the report said.

About the cancellation of the 1,200 MW Budhigandaki hydropower project deal with a Chinese company Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) by the previous Nepalese government, Pun said the present government wants cooperation with China to develop this project despite scrapping of the deal by the previous government.

"We are willing to develop this project in cooperation with China either in the form of government-to-government cooperation mechanism or by taking soft loans from China," he was quoted as saying in the report. Despite the decision to develop these projects with its own resources, Pun said Nepal can't develop these mega projects without overseas investment or loans, adding that "we are exploring the options."
United States of America President Donald Trump has sacked an aide who said cancer-stricken Senator John McCain's opposition to a presidential nominee did not matter because 'he's dying anyway', the White House announced on Wednesday.

Washington: United States of America President Donald Trump has sacked an aide who said cancer-stricken Senator John McCain's opposition to a presidential nominee did not matter because "he's dying anyway", the White House announced on Wednesday.

The White House was roiled by bipartisan fury over the remark attributed to Kelly Sadler in May.

"Kelly Sadler is no longer employed within the Executive Office of the President", read a brief statement by deputy White House spokesman Raj Shah.

McCain, 81, had indicated he opposed the nomination of now CIA Director nominee Gina Haspel over her role in enhanced interrogation techniques under president George W. Bush.

The Arizona senator, who was held prisoner and tortured during the Vietnam War, is battling brain cancer.

CNN had quoted a White House official as saying Sadler, speaking at a staff meeting, meant the comment as a joke but that it flopped.

Another extraordinary attack against McCain that stunned Washington came around the same time from a fellow veteran, retired US Air Force lieutenant general Thomas McInerney, who said torture works because it made McCain spill sensitive information to his captors during his years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.

The attacks, remarkable for their bluntness, triggered swift reaction from across the political spectrum, with lawmakers demanding an apology from Trump that never came.

Meghan McCain, a conservative commentator on ABC's popular morning talk show "The View," delivered an eloquent defense of her father, who is battling brain cancer at home in Arizona.

"I don't understand what kind of environment you're working in when that would be acceptable and then you can come to work the next day and still have a job," she said at the time.

Her father is "all about character and bipartisanship and something greater than yourself," Meghan McCain said, before adding a stinging message to the critics: "Nobody's going to remember you". Members of Congress also rallied behind their ailing, war-hero colleague.

Trump, for his part, once mocked McCain's war service, saying during the presidential campaign that "I like people that weren't captured".
Egypt's prime minister submitted his government's resignation, three days after President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi was sworn in for a second, four-year term

Cairo: Egypt's prime minister submitted his government's resignation on Wednesday, three days after President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi was sworn in for a second, four-year term in office.

The move by Prime Minister Sherif Ismail was in keeping with political tradition that the government should resign at the start of a new presidential term. However, el-Sisi has the prerogative to use the opportunity to reshuffle the Cabinet.

El-Sissi and Ismail are known to enjoy a close working relationship, with the general-turned-president often publicly praising his prime minister.

Ismail sought medical treatment in Germany late in 2017. He returned home a month later showing considerable weight loss, some of which he has since regained. The nature of his ailment was never officially disclosed.

Ismail's resignation was announced by presidential spokesman Bassam Radi, who said el-Sisi has asked the government to stay in office in a caretaker capacity until a new one is formed.

Ismail has been prime minister since September 2015.
Eight states cast midterm primary ballots on Tuesday, with implications for control of the House and Senate and for several governor's races.

Eight states cast midterm primary ballots on Tuesday, with implications for control of the House and Senate and for several governor's races.

Votes are being tallied in Alabama, California, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota.

Women in the governor's office

In a record-setting year for female candidates across the country, women moved closer to more milestones. Voters gave Michelle Lujan Grisham the Democratic nomination for New Mexico governor, giving her a shot at becoming the first Latina Democratic governor in US history.

Lujan Grisham, a congresswoman, is trying to succeed the nation's first Latina Republican governor, Susana Martinez. Republicans also nominated a member of Congress, Rep Steve Pearce, to run for the job.

Another congresswoman, South Dakota's Kristi Noem, won her state's Republican gubernatorial primary. She would become the first female governor in South Dakota history.

Voters in Alabama and Iowa had opportunities to set up all-female matchups for governor in November.

Alabama's Republican Governor Kay Ivey avoided a runoff despite several primary challengers. But Democrats chose Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox over Sue Bell Cobb, a former state Supreme Court chief justice.

In Iowa, labor leader Cathy Glasson couldn't pull off an upset against businessman Fred Hubbell for the Democratic nomination. Hubbell will take on Republican Governor Kim Reynolds, who had no party opposition.

Both Reynolds and Ivey are vying for their first full terms after succeeding men who resigned. Reynolds is Iowa's first female governor. Ivey is the second woman to helm Alabama government, but the first in five decades.

Senator's advance

It was also a good night for incumbents in the Senate. Democratic Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey got a surprisingly strong primary challenge after a hung jury spared him a conviction in a federal bribery trial. But Menendez held on, to the delight of Republicans who want to use his troubles to tar every Democrat in the state. Menendez will face Republican Bob Hugin, a pharmaceutical executive, in the fall.

California Senator Dianne Feinstein stood her ground against criticism from the left. The 84-year-old Democrat advanced to the November ballot with a huge lead over more than two dozen challengers, including liberal state Senate leader Kevin de Leon. Incomplete returns showed de Leon still trying to fend off Republicans for the second spot on the November ballot.

In Montana, the GOP establishment's choice for Senate, State Auditor Matt Rosendale, won a competitive primary over a former state judge for the chance to face Senator Jon Tester in November. Tester is facing a tough race in a red state and Rosendale is likely get a big push from the national party.

Battle for House control

Democrats are looking to New Jersey and California as key states in their efforts to gain at least 23 more House seats and become the majority when Congress convenes next year.

There are five New Jersey GOP House seats targeted by national Democrats and establishment Democrats got their picks in a couple on the list. Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor Mikie Sherrill claimed the Democratic nomination in a district left open by the retirement of Republican Rodney Frelinghuysen. Republicans nominated state Assemblyman Jay Webber.

In southern Jersey, a conservative Democratic state senator, Jeff Van Drew, dispatched more liberal competitors in a Republican-leaning district now held by Frank LoBiondo, who is retiring. Republicans tapped Seth Grossman, an Atlantic City attorney who says he will forcefully defend Trump's agenda.

A former Obama administration aide, Andy Kim, will take on New Jersey GOP Rep Tom McArthur, and Democrat Tom Malinowski, an appointee in the Obama State Department, won the nomination to take on vulnerable Republican Rep. Leonard Lance.

California's outcomes probably won't be decided on Tuesday because the state allows mail-in ballots to be postmarked through primary day. But the focus is on seven House districts where President Donald Trump trailed Hillary Clinton in 2016.

In three of those districts, all in southern California, Democrats faced the possibility of being shut out of the top two spots because they have so many candidates. Early returns showed Democrats remained at risk of being shut out in two of the three.

In Alabama, a Republican incumbent who criticized Trump as a candidate in 2016 is headed for a runoff. Rep Martha Roby led her GOP competitors but fell shy of a required majority. She'll face former Rep Bobby Bright, whom she defeated in 2010. Bright was then a Democrat.

An Iowa state lawmaker, meanwhile, has taken the next step toward becoming the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. Abby Finkenauer, 28, won the Democratic nomination in a northeast Iowa district. She will face Republican incumbent Rod Blum.

And in New Mexico, Debra Haaland won the Democratic nomination in the congressional district opened by Lujan Grisham's run for governor. Haaland will be a heavy favorite this fall as she tries to become the first Native American woman to serve in Congress.

California governor

California Republicans dodged a bullet with Republican business executive John Cox qualifying for a November matchup in the governor's race against Democrat Gavin Newsom, the former San Francisco mayor and current lieutenant governor.

Avoiding a runoff shutout gives the state GOP an important voice at the top of the ticket in the fall. That could help drive turnout in down-ballot races, even though Newsom will be the clear favorite for the state's top job.
ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Ethiopia will 'fully accept and implement' a peace agreement with Eritrea that was signed in 2000, its ruling coalition announced on Tuesday.

ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Ethiopia will "fully accept and implement" a peace agreement with Eritrea that was signed in 2000, its ruling coalition announced on Tuesday.

The Horn of Africa neighbours have remained at odds since a 1998-2000 war over a disputed town that a boundary commission subsequently handed to Asmara but which Addis Ababa rejected.

Asmara has long felt betrayed by world powers, who they say failed to force Ethiopia, now with a population of 97 million, to abide by the boundary arbitration ruling. Ethiopia long said it wanted talks on implementation, which Asmara refused.

(Reporting by Aaron Maasho; Editing by Mark Heinrich)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
The then US president Barack Obama used his African-American card to win over Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the last phase of negotiations at the Paris summit

Washington: The then US president Barack Obama used his African-American card to win over Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the last phase of negotiations at the Paris summit in late 2015, where India was the last holdout as its officials were the toughest negotiators, says a book on his presidency.

"When we got to Paris, the main holdout was India," Obama's then top foreign policy and national security aide for eight years Ben Rhodes writes in his book 'The World at It Is: A Memoir of the Obama White House'. The book will hit stands on Wednesday. Rhodes was Obama's Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications.

Giving a blow-by-blow account of the last phase of US-India talks on climate change, Rhodes writes that at one point of time in Paris Obama himself entered into a personal conversation with two Indian officials to convince them of the need for India to be part of the deal. But he failed to cut ice with the two Indian negotiators, says the book. Then he spend nearly an hour with Modi in Paris. Nothing appeared to work till the time Obama played the African-American card, according to the book.

For nearly an hour, Modi kept underscoring the fact that he had three hundred million people with no electricity, and coal was the cheapest way to grow the Indian economy; he cared about the environment, but he had to worry about a lot of people mired in poverty. Obama went through arguments about a solar initiative we were building, the market shifts that would lower the price of clean energy," writes Rhodes in his book. "But he still hadn't addressed a lingering sense of unfairness, the fact that nations like the United States had developed with coal, and were now demanding that India avoid doing the same thing. 'Look', Obama finally said, 'I get that it's unfair. I'm African-American'. Modi smiled knowingly and looked down at his hands. He looked genuinely pained," he writes.

"I know what it's like to be in a system that's unfair," he went on. "I know what it's like to start behind and to be asked to do more, to act like the injustice didn't happen. But I can't let that shape my choices, and neither should you. I'd never heard him talk to another leader in quite that way. Modi seemed to appreciate it. He looked up and nodded," writes the former top White House official, while describing how Obama used his African-American card to convince Modi. But before it, Rhodes writes, Obama tried and could not succeed in convincing the Indian negotiators.

"We were scheduled to meet with India's prime minister, Narendra Modi. Obama and a group of us waited outside the meeting room, when the Indian delegation showed up in advance of Modi. By all accounts, the Indian negotiators had been the most difficult," he writes. "Obama asked to talk to them, and for the next twenty minutes, he stood in a hallway having an animated argument with two Indian men. I stood off to the side, glancing at my BlackBerry, while he went on about solar power," says Rhodes. This was something unprecedented and not part of the protocol. he adds.

"One guy from our climate team came over to me. 'I can't believe he's doing this,' he whispered. 'These guys are impossible'. 'Are you kidding?' I said. 'It's an argument about science. He loves this'. Modi came around the corner with a look of concern on his face, wondering what his negotiators were arguing with Obama about," writes Rhodes. "We moved into the meeting room, and a dynamic became clear. Modi's team, which represented the institutional perspective of the Indian government, did not want to do what is necessary to reach an agreement," he says.

"Modi, who had ambitions to be a transformative leader of India, and a person of global stature, was torn. This is one reason why we had done the deal with China; if India was alone, it was going to be hard for Modi to stay out," Rhodes writes in the book.
23 miners were rescued from an iron-ore mine in China after being trapped overnight. The mine shaft collapsed after an explosion, killing 11 people.

Beijing: Rescuers pulled 23 miners to safety after a blast at an iron mine in northeast China trapped them underground and killed 11 others, the government said on Wednesday.

Two workers were still missing after explosives that were being transported to a mine blew up near the entrance on Tuesday afternoon in Benxi, a city in Liaoning province, the Ministry of Emergency Management stated on its website.

The explosion damaged a mine shaft that was more than 1,000 meters deep, trapping workers who were underground. Eleven workers were killed instantly and 9 were injured in the blast. The injured miners are now being treated in a hospital, the ministry said.

China's mines are some of the world's deadliest, although steady improvements in regulations, safety training and equipment have reduced the toll. Liaoning province has seen its share of accidents, including a dust explosion in 2014 that killed 28 miners and injured 50.
TANAP Gas Pipeline to Europe via Georgia Opens in June

By Gvantsa Gabekhadze

The Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), a natural gas pipeline from Azerbaijan passing through Georgia and Turkey to Europe, is scheduled to be opened on June 12 in the Turkish city of Eskisehir.The President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili has been invited to the ceremony by his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan.TANAP, a 1,850km pipeline, will travel through Georgia to better connect Europe with natural gas from the Caspian Sea as a way to reduce Europes dependence on Russian gas.Construction on the $10 billion TANAP project began in March 2015.The first gas transportation via TANAP is planned for 2018. The 1,850km pipeline will deliver 10 bcm to Europe once it is connected to the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) by 2020. By 2023, TANAP's capacity will increase to 23 bcm per year, and by 2026 to 31 bcm.TANAP will bring natural gas from Azerbaijan through Georgia and Turkey to Europe, and from sources other than Russia.TANAP is a part of the large-scale Southern Gas Corridor project.The launching ceremony of the first stage of the Southern Gas Corridor project was held in Baku on May 29.The gas from the Azerbaijani Shah Deniz field has already gone through the first segment of the Southern Gas Corridor - from the Sangachal terminal to the expanded South Caucasus Pipeline, the Azerbaijani Trend.az news agency reported.The next stage will be commissioning of the TANAP gas pipeline, through which the gas will enter the territory of Turkey and further Europe.The Southern Gas Corridor, which costs more than $40 billion, is one of the priority projects for the EU and provides for the transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian region through Georgia and Turkey to Europe.At the initial stage, the gas produced within the second phase of development of the Azerbaijani gas condensate field Shah Deniz is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects.
France, Germany and UK have sought exemption from US Iran sanctions for European companies doing business with Tehran.

London: Britain, France and Germany have joined forces to urge the United States to exempt European companies from any sanctions the US will slap on Iran after pulling out of an international nuclear agreement.

In a letter dated Monday to US treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin and secretary of state Mike Pompeo, ministers from the three European countries said they "strongly regret" the decision by President Donald Trump to withdraw from the Iran deal. Trump, who argued that the 2015 deal was insufficiently tough on Iran, has said sanctions will be imposed on any company doing business with Tehran.

The three European countries were also signatories of the 2015 deal, which was meant to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

In their letter, made public on Wednesday, the ministers said that "as close allies we expect that the extraterritorial effects of US secondary sanctions will not be enforced on EU entities and individuals, and the United States will thus respect our political decision and the good faith of economic operators within EU legal territory."

The ministers, who included British foreign minister Boris Johnson, French finance minister Bruno Le Maire and his German counterpart Olaf Scholz, said they want the US to "grant exemptions" for EU companies that have been doing business with Iran since the deal came into force in 2016. They also said Iran should not be cut out of the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) system for international money transfers.

Many companies from Europe and the US have been steadily building up their investments in Iran in the past few years in the wake of the nuclear deal, particularly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, banking and oil. Any sanctions could be damaging, especially if they affect their business interests in the United States.

In the letter, the ministers reiterated their view that the deal with Iran remains the "best means" to prevent the country from becoming a nuclear power.

"There appears to be no credible alternatives at this time," they said.

They also warned that any Iranian withdrawal from the deal would "further unsettle a region where additional conflicts would be disastrous."

The publication of the letter comes a day after Iran said it was preparing for the resumption of uranium enrichment within the limits set by the 2015 agreement with the world powers. The modest steps appeared to be mainly aimed at signaling that Iran could resume its drive toward industrial-scale enrichment if the nuclear accord unravels.

French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian sought to downplay the implications of the move and said it was within the confines of the deal.

"It shows a sort of irritation and it is always dangerous to flirt with the red lines," he said on Europe-1 radio.

"We must keep a sense of proportion and stick to the agreement, and it must permanently be inspected by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). And today, the agreement is not broken and Iran respects totally its commitments."
French President Emmanuel Macron has told visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the 2015 nuclear deal should be preserved or security in Tel Aviv and the region would be at risk.

Paris: French president Emmanuel Macron told Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on his visit to France, that the 2015 nuclear deal should be preserved or security in Tel Aviv would be at risk.

"I reiterated my deep conviction which is shared by our European partners, that the 2015 agreement should be preserved to control nuclear activity," Macron told reporters on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported. "But it had never been considered by France as sufficient or fully satisfactory," he said, noting that "the 2015 nuclear accord is a step which needs to be completed with other post-2025 activities."

Macron called on his partners and allies to "focus efforts on regional stability by maintaining the nuclear agreement that had allowed the monitoring of Iran's activities."

Officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the agreement eased sanctions on Iran in exchange for Tehran limiting its nuclear program. US president Donald Trump decided to withdraw from the deal struck by his predecessor Barack Obama's administration. He claimed that it did not address Iran's ballistic missile program, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 or its role in conflicts in Yemen and Syria.

Tehran has threatened that in case other parties to the nuclear deal could not safeguard Iran's interests under the accord, Iran will move out of it and resume its nuclear activities at full speed. Warning of the risk of rising tensions due to the Iranian nuclear stand-off, the French president called on "everyone to stabilize the situation and not give into this escalation which would lead to only one thing: conflict."

The Israeli prime minister, who strongly opposes the nuclear accord, said: "It's time to apply measures on Iran so that it cannot go forward," because "the great threat for the world today is nuclear weapons in the hands of radical Islamic regime like Iran."
With his new tariffs increasing U.S. isolation, Trump heads to Canada on Friday for a meeting of the Group of Seven industrialized nations. The White House is expecting a chilly reception from Canada and West European countries, already frustrated over Trump's withdrawal from the Paris climate accord and the Iran nuclear agreement.

Washington: Before US President Donald Trump sits down with a notorious dictator, he will face what may well turn out to be a tougher crowd  some of America's oldest allies.

With his new tariffs increasing U.S. isolation, Trump heads to Canada on Friday for a meeting of the Group of Seven industrialized nations. The White House is expecting a chilly reception from Canada and West European countries, already frustrated over Trump's withdrawal from the Paris climate accord and the Iran nuclear agreement.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel previewed the dynamics on Wednesday, telling the German parliament that "it is apparent that we have a serious problem with multilateral agreements here, and so there will be contentious discussions."

Anticipating a tense two days in Quebec, Trump has complained about having to attend the summit, particularly since it comes just before his high-stakes meeting in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said two people with knowledge of his thinking. But the White House has signaled no change in plans.

"The president wants to go on the trip," Larry Kudlow, Trump's top economic adviser, said of the summit in Canada. "The president is at ease with all of these tough issues.

"There may be disagreements," Kudlow added. "I regard this as much like a family quarrel."

Trump also is set to hold a series of one-on-one meetings, including with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron. Trump is unlikely to back away from the nationalistic policies that have frustrated and unnerved allies but which he sees as key promises to his most loyal voters. He has highlighted his efforts on Twitter, writing Monday: "The U.S. has made such bad trade deals over so many years that we can only WIN!"

Kudlow said allies should understand that Trump "will do what is necessary to protect the U.S., its businesses and its workforce," adding that Trump "has always said, and I agree, tariffs are a tool in that effort."

Trump announced in March that he was imposing tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum, but he temporarily granted a waiver to U.S allies like Canada, Mexico and the European Union, and also to China, as his administration said trade talks were continuing. Trump ended that temporary relief this month, seeking to pressure the other countries to cut new trade agreements with the U.S. Japan was never granted a waiver, despite Prime Mininster Shinzo Abe's pleas.

Asked if the administration will respect decisions from the World Trade Organization on tariffs, Kudlow said that "international multilateral organizations are not going to determine American policy. I think the president's made that very clear."

This will be Trump's second summit of the G-7, an informal gathering that meets every year under a rotating chairmanship. The member countries are: Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Germany, the United States and the Britain. The European Union also attends.

While trade is expected to dominate, Trudeau also wants to focus on gender equality and climate change. Kudlow was vague on whether the summit will produce a joint decision or a clear outcome on trade or other issues, saying "let them meet first."

The meeting comes after a gathering of G-7 finance ministers concluded last week with a message of "concern and disappointment" to Trump from the other six countries. Describing the tense three days, Bruno Le Maire, France's finance and economy minister, said it was "far more a G-6 plus one than a G-7."

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin responded: "We believe in the G-7, it's an important group," adding that Trump looks forward to the gathering.

The increasingly critical tone from allies is a shift after leaders spent the past year and a half seeking to woo and cajole the American president. Thomas Wright, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, told reporters that for Trump's first 500 days, "these countries generally were bent over backwards not to criticize President Trump. They tried to have close relations with him. They all tried to hug him close, as we used to say about Blair and Bush."

But Wright added: "There is a feeling, I think, over the last few months, that that approach has not borne fruit, and that they haven't really gotten anything for that friendly approach."

Canada in particular has been outraged by Trump's tariffs, taking umbrage at the argument that they were motivated by national security concerns. Trudeau told NBC: "The idea that we are somehow a national security threat to the United States is, quite frankly, insulting and unacceptable."

Edward Alden, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, said this marked the lowest point in decades in Canada-U.S. relations, describing the two countries as allies that have "fought and died alongside each other" since World War I.

"This is deeply offensive to Canadians," Alden said.

Kudlow played down any conflict, saying he had "no doubt the United States and Canada will remain firm friends and allies whatever short-term disagreements may occur."
German Chancellor Merkel has said that she expects 'contentious discussions' in the G7 summit due to the differences with president Donald Trump regarding trade, climate and security.

Berlin: German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday she expected "contentious discussions" at a G7 summit this week, given differences with US President Donald Trump on trade, climate and security.

Speaking two days before the Canada meeting of the club of major industrialised democracies, Merkel also said the leaders may not necessarily manage to agree on a final joint statement.

"I think everyone knows there will be difficult discussions there, because G7 summits deal with the global economy, trade, climate protection, development- and foreign policy," she told German parliament.

Trump's decisions to quit the Paris climate and Iran nuclear deals and impose sweeping steel and aluminium tariffs showed that "we have a serious problem with multilateral agreements, and that's why there will be contentious discussions", she said.

Given the stark differences between the US and many of its partners, she argued that the meeting should not insist on hammering out a joint communique that would spell a "watering down" of previous joint commitments.

Merkel vowed to enter the talks "in good faith" but stressed that there must be "no compromise for its own sake" and that a final statement by the host Canada, rather than a joint communique, "may be the more honest way".

Speaking in a new parliamentary question time format, the veteran European leader also reiterated that, amid the simmering trans-Atlantic tensions, Europe will increasingly have to find its own way in the world.
Nearly 200 people are missing and at least 73 people were killed since Guatemala's Fuego volcano began erupting over the weekend

Alotenango: Nearly 200 people are missing and at least 73 people were killed since Guatemala's Fuego volcano began erupting over the weekend, officials said on Tuesday.

Seven communities in already devastated areas were evacuated as the volcano's activity increased, with rescue operations halted.

In the city of Escuintla, near the summit, panicked locals rushed to their cars to escape, causing chaotic traffic.

An AFP photographer witnessed a large plume of ash rise into the sky, prompting an evacuation of everyone authorities could find before the police, the military and rescuers were stood down.

And a total of 192 people remain missing since the weekend eruptions, disaster relief agency chief Sergio Cabanas told reporters.

The search for bodies in mountain villages destroyed by the eruption was progressing slowly, officials said earlier, given the nature of the terrain and the way the volcano released large amounts of boiling mud, rock and ash down the mountain.

"We will continue until we find the last victim, though we do not know how many there are. We will probe the area as many times as necessary," Cabanas told AFP.

However, the prospects of finding any more survivors was poor, he said. "If you are trapped in a pyroclastic flow, it's hard to come out of it alive," he said, adding that people who may have been caught in the flow may never be found. The latest of the 73 victims was a 42-year-old woman who died in hospital having lost both legs and an arm in the eruption.

The previous toll was given as 72. Some 46 people were injured, around half of whom are in serious condition, it said.

The 3,763-metre volcano erupted early Sunday, spewing out towering plumes of ash and a hail of fiery rock fragments with scalding mud.

Authorities said more than 1.7 million people had been affected by the disaster, including more than 3,000 ordered evacuated, many living in shelters in Escuintla, Sacatepequez and Chimaltenango since Sunday's eruption.

The speed of the eruption took locals by surprise, and could be explained by it producing pyroclastic flows, sudden emissions of gas and rock fragments, rather than lava, said volcanologist David Rothery of Britain's Open University.

President Jimmy Morales, who has declared three days of national mourning, has visited the disaster zone.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was deeply saddened by the "tragic loss of life and the significant damage caused by the eruption," and said the UN was ready to assist national rescue and relief efforts.
Qatar's foreign minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said his country is still stronger despite the Gulf crisis but is open for dialogue.

Doha: On the first anniversary of a bitter Gulf diplomatic rift, Qatar's foreign minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, on Wednesday declared his country is stronger than ever and said it was open to dialogue with its regional rivals.

Al Thani also rebuked Qatar's foes for "imaginary victories" against the small Gulf state, the target of a Saudi-led boycott. "One year on and Qatar and its people are stronger," Al Thani, one of the most prominent voices in the region's worst diplomatic crisis for years, wrote on Twitter. "(There's) a lot of talk about imaginary victories and isolating Qatar, but after one year, the reality proved the opposite as Qatar emerged as an international partner that can be trusted."

On 5 June 2017, a Saudi-led alliance including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt abruptly severed ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and Iran.

Qatar soon found its only land border closed by Saudi Arabia, its state-owned airline barred from using neighbours' airspace, and residents expelled from the quartet's countries.

Despite hopes that the rancorous rift between the former allies  which include some of the richest countries on earth  would be resolved quickly, the crisis has endured.

Qatar claims the dispute is an attack on its sovereignty and punishment for pursuing an independent foreign policy.

Diplomatic efforts led by Kuwait and the United States have so far stalled though there are tentative plans for talks in September.

Al Thani said the "door is still open for dialogue" between the Gulf rivals.

However, he also told Qatar state-funded broadcaster Al Jazeera on Wednesday that Doha would continue with its purchase of the Russian S-400 air defence missile system.

Saudi leaders have asked French president Emmanuel Macron to intervene to prevent the deal going ahead, raising fears of military action in the dispute.

Raising the military stakes yet further, Qatar's defence minister Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, said on Wednesday that Doha wanted to join NATO. "The ambition is full membership if our partnership with NATO develops and our vision is clear," he told the official magazine of the Qatari defence ministry, Altalaya.
Irans declaration that it could increase its uranium enrichment capacity if a nuclear deal with world powers falls apart, risks sailing close to the red line, Frances foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Wednesday.

Paris: Irans declaration that it could increase its uranium enrichment capacity if a nuclear deal with world powers falls apart, risks sailing close to the red line, Frances foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Wednesday.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said on Monday that he had ordered preparations to increase uranium enrichment capacity if the nuclear agreement collapsed after the United States withdrew from the deal last month.

It also informed the UN nuclear watchdog of tentative plans to produce the feed-stock for centrifuges, which are the machines that enrich uranium.

This initiative is unwelcome. It shows a sort of irritation, Jean-Yves Le Drian told Europe 1 radio. It is always dangerous to flirt with the red lines, but the initiative taken ... remains totally within the framework of the Vienna (nuclear) deal.

Tensions between Iran and the West have surged since president Donald Trump pulled the US out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran last month, calling it deeply flawed and reimposing unilateral sanctions.

European powers are scrambling to save the deal under which Iran curbed its nuclear programme in return for a lifting of international sanctions as they regard it as the best chance to stop Tehran developing an atomic bomb.

However, they have warned Iran that if it were not to abide by the terms of the deal, then they would also be forced to pull out and reimpose sanctions as Washington has done.

If they go to a higher level then yes the agreement would be violated, but they need to realise that if they do then they will expose themselves to new sanctions and the Europeans will not remain passive.

Le Drian, who said Iran was for now still abiding by its commitments, was speaking a day after Israels leader urged France to turn its attention to tackling Irans regional aggression, saying he no longer needed to convince Paris to quit a 2015 nuclear deal between various world powers with Tehran as economic pressure would kill it anyway.
Iran said it was in 'preparatory works' to restart nuclear activities in the event of the failure of the 2015 accord between Iran and world powers.

Vienna: Iran said it was in "preparatory works" to restart nuclear activities in the event of the failure of the 2015 accord between Iran and world powers.

In such a scenario, Iran could "restart its activities without any limits," Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Reza Najafi told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of the IAEA's board in Vienna.

The future of the dealknown as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)has been thrown into doubt after US president Donald Trump announced last month that the European Union would withdraw from the accord and re-impose sanctions.

The preparatory works mentioned by Najafi refer to steps to boost uranium enrichment capacity by producing new centrifuges, as outlined on Tuesday by Vice President Ali Akbar Salehi, who heads the Iranian Atomic Energy Organisation.

Najafi said that in addition Iran had notified the IAEA of a plan to restart activity at its uranium conversion facility in Isfahan to produce the UF6 feedstock for centrifuges.

The IAEA confirmed on Tuesday that it had "received a letter from Iran on 4 June informing the Agency that there is a tentative schedule to start production of UF6".

However, Najafi emphasised that the measures do "not mean that right now Iran will start any activities contrary to the JCPOA".

The remaining signatories to the pact have been scrambling to find ways to preserve the accord since Trump's announcement.

Last month a senior Iranian official said European powers had until the end of May to come up with an economic package to compensate Iran for the effects of the US withdrawal.

On Wednesday Najafi said that negotiations were still continuing at an expert level but that it could not be an "endless process" and needed to be concluded "very soon".

Asked about the IAEA's call for Iran to provide "timely and active cooperation" with the inspections mandated under the JCPOA, Najafi said that Iran had interpreted this as encouragement to extend voluntary invitations to the agency to conduct inspections.

However he said that "while Iran is not benefiting from the deal, no one should expect Iran to implement... voluntary measures".
Iran will not cooperate more fully with atomic inspectors until a standoff over its nuclear deal is resolved, its U.N. envoy said, as one signatory warned Tehran against moving ahead with preparations to boost its uranium enrichment capacity.

Vienna/ Paris: Iran will not cooperate more fully with atomic inspectors until a standoff over its nuclear deal is resolved, its U.N. envoy said, as one signatory warned Tehran against moving ahead with preparations to boost its uranium enrichment capacity.

Tehran meanwhile signalled its resolve to expand its enrichment capability by detailing plans to build advanced centrifuges -- the machines that enrich uranium.

European powers have been scrambling to salvage the agreement they signed in 2015 since U.S. President Donald Trump pulled Washington out last month and said he would reimpose far-reaching U.S. sanctions on Iran.

Foreign and finance ministers from those three countries - France, Britain and Germany - have written to U.S. officials to stress their commitment to upholding the pact, and to urge Washington to spare EU firms active in Iran from secondary sanctions.

An Iranian withdrawal from the deal, which lifted sanctions on Tehran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme, would "further unsettle a region where additional conflicts would be disastrous," the ministers wrote in the letter dated June 4 and seen by Reuters on Wednesday.

Since the U.S. pullout was announced, authorities in Tehran have sent mixed signals on whether they believe the nuclear deal's remaining signatories, which also include China and Russia, can salvage it.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said on Monday he had ordered preparations to increase uranium enrichment capacity if the agreement collapsed.

Tehran also informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N. nuclear watchdog that polices restrictions placed on its activities under the deal, of "tentative" plans to produce the feedstock for centrifuges.

In Paris on Wednesday, French Foreign Minister Yves Le Drian told Europe 1 radio that, while that initiative remained within the framework of the nuclear deal, it was unwelcome and risked sailing close to a "red line".

Emphasising that Tehran's patience with European efforts to save the deal was not unlimited, its envoy to the IAEA said it had granted the three powers a few weeks.

"A few weeks means a few weeks, not a few months," Reza Najafi said outside a quarterly meeting of the agency's Board of Governors in Vienna.

He also dismissed calls by the IAEA to go the extra mile in cooperating with the nuclear watchdog's inspectors, telling reporters that, while the standoff over the deal continued, "no one should expect Iran to go to implement more voluntary measures."

"But I should emphasise that it does not mean that right now Iran will restart any activities contrary to the (deal)," Najafi added. "These are only preparatory works."

Iran's nuclear chief on Wednesday inaugurated work on a facility in Natanz plant in central Iran designed to build advanced centrifuges and said the centre would be fully functional in a month.

"After the supreme leader's order we prepared this centre within 48 hours. We hope the facility to be completed in a month," Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation, said on state television.

Although the move was not a violation of the nuclear deal, it sent a strong signal to the West that Tehran would not succumb to the pressures.

Answering a question about a remark by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last month that Iran must halt all uranium enrichment, Salehi said: "We are far beyond that point. That man has been talking for himself."

The agency has said Tehran is implementing its commitments, but also called for "timely and proactive cooperation" on providing access for snap inspections.

Diplomats who deal with the agency say an inspection in late April went down to the wire in terms of how quickly the IAEA team gained access to one site.
Political Dimensions of the Rallies

By Levan Khutsishvili

Demonstrations started on May 31, supporting Zaza Saralidze, the father of the killed David Saralidze, who is demanding the justice and punishment of the killers of his son, is getting more and more political. From the beginning, demonstrations were partly leaded by the persons affiliated with the UNM and together with statements of punishment of killers and representative of prosecutors office, who, according to Zaza Saralidze, destroyed evidence and intimidated the witnesses; From time to time, resignation of the Prime Minister of Georgia, Minister of Justice and other members of the government were demanded. However, since Zaza Saralidzes statement, made on June 2, the main objective has become the resignation of the whole government and new parliamentary elections.Today I have already seen clearly that the government is going to put pressure on us and uses all possibilities for it. See how the agent from State Security Service of Georgia or other governmental service wants to bring the provocation on a peaceful action. I decided! Until now, I was only asking the society, now I call on the political parties of Georgia to unite their forces to collapse this system once and forever. I will not give them the right to win over the truth. The truth must prevail. Every political party, each representative of the elite, every citizen, all peasant men, every parent with a dead kid, everyone, please support me. Come together with all our forces, because today the government once again tried to protect the system by spitting into the souls of our children. This system will definitely be collapsed", said Zaza Saralidze.Some oppositional political parties already started consultations with Zaza Saralidze, Malkhaz Machalikashvili (the father of Temirlan Machalikashvili, the killed youngster during the special-operation in Pankisi Temirlan Machalikashvili) and Zviad Kuprava (one of the leaders of the demonstration). According to the official information, on the meeting, that was held in office of the National Democratic Party, representatives of the three opposition parties were attending: the Leader of the United National Movement Nika Melia, the leader of New Georgia, Giorgi Vashadze, Nika Machutadze, a representative of the party "Movement for the People" and other politicians."European Georgia" will decide whether to join the coalition after the consultations."To organize the rally, the 5-minute meeting in the tent and the exchange of opinions is not enough. We will continue the consultations. European Georgia takes responsibility on the statements we make. We will continue consultations with Zaza Saralidze as well as with political parties.The demonstrations should be continued so that the authorities do not think that something is over. At the same time, the process should continue with the maximum pressure on the government to appoint a public prosecutor and not to impose another puppet. At the same time, the investigation commission should continue its work. The Commission should reveal the facts that the society does not know. The protest and the Investigative Commission are not alternatives to each other. European Georgia will continue to stand with Zaza Saralidze and provide information to the society about murder of Saralidze and Dadunashvili , said Otar Kakhidze, one of the leaders of European Georgia.Another oppositional party, Republicans Party thinks that last days of demonstrations is the attempt of the artificial transfer of protest into the pseudo-revolutionary scenario, and they are against it."We have supported the investigation of the murder of adolescents and the immediate punishment of the guilty and their patrons and we will always support those oppressed by the state, but yesterday's events pushed the artificial transfer of this fair protest into a bipartisan confrontation.Republicans Party believes that the political parties' should be activity involved in the processes, taking place in the process of consolidation of the society and achieving concrete results, but they should consider the real demands of the society.Zviad Kuprava and other leaders of the rally will consult with interested political parties and on the demonstrations, planned on June 3, they will announce about the plans and vision about the rally. Thou, the part of the society thinks that demonstration is already politically motivated, and people openly express their protest against the processes of politicization of the rally, because of this another demonstration is announced in Vake Park, which will be free from politicians and political statements.
EU said that a 'first assessment' of Iran's plan to boost uranium enrichment capacity indicated that it did not breach commitments of the 2015 nuclear deal

Brussels: The European Union said on Wednesday that a "first assessment" indicated that Iran's announcement that it has launched a plan to boost uranium enrichment capacity did not breach its commitments under the beleaguered 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran has notified the International Atomic Energy Agency that it plans to open a centre for producing new centrifuges, the Islamic Republic's nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi said on Tuesday, drawing an angry response from arch-foe Israel.

The EU, which is working to save the 2015 agreement with Iran after the US pulled out, warned that the Iranian announcement would not help build confidence in the Iranian programme, but said it did not constitute a breach of the deal.

"Following a first assessment, the announced steps per se are not a violation of the JCPOA," Maja Kocijancic, spokeswoman for EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini, told AFP. The agreement is officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"However, at this particularly critical juncture, they will not contribute to build confidence in the nature of the Iranian nuclear programme."

Salehi stressed that his announcement was just the start of the production process and did not mean Iran was about to start assembling centrifuges.

Under the 2015 nuclear agreement that Iran signed with the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany after years of difficult talks, Tehran can build and test parts for advanced centrifuges, but specific restrictions exist on what technology can be researched and in what quantity within the first decade of the deal.

European governments have been trying to salvage the nuclear deal since the US withdrew last month and said it would reimpose sanctions on foreign companies working in the Islamic Republic by November. The remaining parties have vowed to stay in the accord but many of their companies have already started to wind down Iranian operations.

A European source said that the Iranian enrichment announcement is being interpreted as a bid to step up the pressure on Brussels to deliver on these promises.
Israeli troops shot dead a 21 year-old Palestinian stone-thrower during an arrest raid in the West Bank after he hit a soldier in the head with a rock

Jerusalem: Israeli troops shot dead a 21 year-old Palestinian stone-thrower during an arrest raid in the West Bank on Wednesday after a soldier was hit in the head with a rock, the Israeli military and Palestinian Health Ministry said.

The Health Ministry said that Izzideen Tamimi was shot dead during clashes with Israeli forces in the village of Nabi Saleh, near Ramallah. Bassem Tamimi, the casualty's uncle, said forces entered the village and were attacked by stone throwers, to which the troops responded with live rounds, rubber bullets and tear gas.

The Israeli military said its forces were attacked by a dozen Palestinians throwing rocks. After initially responding with riot-dispersal means, the military said one of the Palestinians approached from a side position and hurled a large rock that struck one of the soldiers in the head. The soldier then returned fire and killed his assailant, it added.

The incident comes shortly after an Israeli soldier was killed in similar circumstances by a block that crushed his head. The military said it was still examining Wednesday's incident, and did not mention who it had sought to arrest or if the action was completed.

Since 2015, Palestinians have killed over 50 Israelis, two visiting Americans and a British tourist in stabbings, shootings and car-ramming attacks. Israeli forces killed over 260 Palestinians in that period, most of whom Israel says were attackers.

Attacks have petered off in recent months as the Palestinian focus has shifted towards protests at the Gaza border, where Israeli troops have killed over 115 Palestinians wounded nearly 3,700 more during near-weekly protests, according to Palestinian health officials.

The casualty is a distant relative of Palestinian teen protest icon Ahed Tamimi.

Nabi Saleh is home to about 600 members of the extended Tamimi clan. The 17-year-old Ahed has drawn international attention for her arrest after slapping an Israeli soldier in the face in December.
TORONTO (Reuters) - A 54-year-old Chinese man died and four other people were in life-threatening condition on Tuesday, a day after a bus full of Chinese tourists crashed into a rock embankment on one of Canada's busiest highways, police said. A police spokeswoman would not say what caused the crash, which sent 24 people to the hospital, saying it was under investigation. The bus, which began its tour in Washington, DC, was on its way west to Toronto from Ottawa, Canada's capital, when it crashed, Aiden Liang, manager of operator Union Tour Express, told Reuters by phone.

TORONTO (Reuters) - A 54-year-old Chinese man died and four other people were in life-threatening condition on Tuesday, a day after a bus full of Chinese tourists crashed into a rock embankment on one of Canada's busiest highways, police said.

A police spokeswoman would not say what caused the crash, which sent 24 people to the hospital, saying it was under investigation.

The bus, which began its tour in Washington, DC, was on its way west to Toronto from Ottawa, Canada's capital, when it crashed, Aiden Liang, manager of operator Union Tour Express, told Reuters by phone.

The Peabody, Massachusetts-based company has been in operation for four years and never had an accident, Liang said.

All passengers on the bus were Chinese citizens, according to the Chinese embassy in Ottawa.

(Reporting by Anna Mehler Paperny; Editing by Jim Finkle and Dan Grebler)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
US President Donald Trump is complaining about media reports questioning the first lady's recent absence from public view. Trump says the press has been 'so unfair, and vicious.'

Washington: US President Donald Trump is complaining about media reports questioning the first lady's recent absence from public view. Trump says the press has been "so unfair, and vicious."

Trump tweeted Wednesday that during Melania Trump's recovery from a medical procedure: "they reported everything from near death, to facelift, to left the W.H. (and me) for N.Y. or Virginia, to abuse."

He adds: "All Fake, she is doing really well!"

Mrs. Trump recently spent five days in the hospital following a kidney procedure and stayed out of sight for more than three weeks before re-emerging at a private White House reception Monday.

Mrs. Trump will join the president for a briefing at Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters Wednesday. It would be her first appearance outside the White House since May 10.

After more than three weeks out of the public eye, the first lady strolled into a White House event Monday for military families and swept away the wild speculation that she was incapacitated or had otherwise vanished.

The White House did not allow journalists to cover the Gold Star event out of respect for the families, which meant Mrs. Trump was seen in person only by the 40 or so families and administration officials who attended. Others had to keep an eye on social media.

Video posted on Twitter showed the first lady, who wore a black sleeveless dress and her trademark stilettos, strolling into the East Room accompanied by President Donald Trump. He showed her to a front-row seat across the aisle from Vice President Mike Pence before heading to the microphone.

"She looked beautiful," said retired Sgt. 1st Class Diana Pike. Pike's son, Chief Petty Officer Christian Pike, of Peoria, Arizona, died in 2013 from injuries suffered in Afghanistan. "She just looked so beautiful."
BEIRUT (Reuters) - The militia controlling the flashpoint north Syrian town of Manbij said on Wednesday it would not accept any Turkish military deployment there, after Ankara and Washington said they had reached an agreement for administering the area. 'We will not accept that,' said a spokesman for the Manbij Military Council, which is allied to the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria, when asked by Reuters if it would accept a Turkish military presence. The spokesman, Sharfan Darwish, said the council had not yet been officially informed of the mechanisms of a Turkey-U.S

BEIRUT (Reuters) - The militia controlling the flashpoint north Syrian town of Manbij said on Wednesday it would not accept any Turkish military deployment there, after Ankara and Washington said they had reached an agreement for administering the area.

"We will not accept that," said a spokesman for the Manbij Military Council, which is allied to the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria, when asked by Reuters if it would accept a Turkish military presence.

The spokesman, Sharfan Darwish, said the council had not yet been officially informed of the mechanisms of a Turkey-U.S. roadmap for Manbij announced on Monday, but said the council was capable of preserving the security and borders of the town against any external threats.

"We are awaiting high-level visits by coalition officials to inform us of the details, and for consultations and discussions," Darwish added.

The fate of Manbij has been a focus of friction between the United States and Turkey because of the presence there of the YPG, a Syrian Kurdish militia that forms the largest part of the U.S.-backed SDF.

Turkey sees YPG as a terrorist group and an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged a three-decade insurgency on Turkish soil. Washington views the YPG as a key ally in the fight against jihadist group Islamic State.

Turkey launched a cross-border military operation into Syria earlier this year and drove YPG fighters out of the town of Afrin, further west. But it has so far held back from a threatened assault on Manbij, in an SDF-controlled zone where the United States has 2,000 special forces troops.

The YPG said on Tuesday its military advisers would leave the town. The Manbij Military Council on Wednesday said this would occur "in the coming days".

Ankara has been angered by Washington's support for the YPG-dominated SDF, and pledged earlier this year to drive the Kurdish group from Manbij by force, raising the possibility of confrontation with U.S. forces in the area.

(Reporting by Dahlia Nehme, Lisa Barrington and Angus McDowall; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg and Peter Graff)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
There have been 'no big changes' in the H-1B programme and 'nothing new' on the H-4 visa policy, the US said on Wednesday, amid the Trump administration's plan to overhaul the immigration system.

New Delhi: There have been "no big changes" in the H-1B programme and "nothing new" on the H-4 visa policy, the US said on Wednesday, amid the Trump administration's plan to overhaul the immigration system.

US deputy chief of mission (DCM) in Delhi, MaryKay L Carlson said granting employment visa and work permits is the sovereign decision of a country. The US Mission here on Wednesday observed 'Student Visa Day', an event to celebrate higher education ties between India and the United States.

"There have been no big changes in the H-1B programme and nothing new on H-4...," Carlson told reporters here. Certainly, employment visa and work permits for Indians is the sovereign decision of the US, the official said.

The Trump administration's move to end the Obama-era rule could have an impact on more than 70,000 H-4 visas holders, who have work permits. H-4 is issued to the spouse of H-1B visa holders, a significantly large number of whom are high-skilled professionals from India. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had last month said the government would make all efforts to persuade the Trump administration against such a move.

In her annual press conference on 28 May, the minister had said it was true that President Donald Trump was reviewing the H-4 visa programme and there were reports of its possible revocation.

On the occasion of 'Student Visa Day', the Mission also dedicated the day to student visa applicants who have enrolled for higher studies in different US universities.

The US Embassy in New Delhi and the consulate general of Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai, welcomed over 4,000 Indian students, who applied for visas to study in the United States. In 2017, more than 1,86,000 Indian students were enrolled in US institutions for higher education, more than double the number from a decade ago and a 12 percent increase from the year before.

India is the second leading place of origin for students coming to the US, with Indians comprising over 17 percent of the total international students in the United States, according to the US. Consular staff members wore shirts and hats from their alma maters.

Some consulates invited guest alumni speakers, while others had a video or "selfie" station.

Representatives from partners, including EducationUSA, the American Library, and recent US graduates were present at the event to give their insights and answer queries from students about studying in the United States.
A 52-year-old Pakistani journalist and activist known for her criticism of Pakistan's military was allegedly abducted by unknown men in Lahore

Lahore: A 52-year-old Pakistani journalist and activist known for her criticism of Pakistan's military was allegedly abducted by unknown men in Lahore, but was later released as netizens took to social media blaming intelligence agencies for her forced disappearance.

Gul Bukhari was on her way to the Waqt TV studio for a show when she was intercepted and abducted on Sherpao Bridge in Lahore's Cantonment area at around 11 pm on Tuesday night.

The driver of the Waqt TV cab told the police that two persons came out of a double-cabin and asked Bukhari to get into their vehicle. "When she refused they bundled her up in the vehicle and sped away," he said, adding that her abductors did not say anything to him. Later, Bukhari's family registered a missing report at a local police station.

As the news of Bukhari's abduction broke out, several people took to the social media blaming the intelligence agencies for her forced disappearance for her extreme views about the Pakistani army.

Some three hours later, Bukhari's family confirmed that she has returned home. It, however, did not talk about her abductors.

Hammad, a police official, said the police had reached Bukhari's house but she refused to record her statement at the moment. "We will visit her in the morning again for her statement," he said.

Reacting sharply on Twitter, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, expressed her shock. "Extremely disturbing and worrisome news of Gul Bukhari's abduction. This is just cruel and worst kind of oppression. A sad day", she said.

Bukhari is a vocal critic of the Pakistan army. She is presently a contributing op-ed writer at The Nation and appears as an analyst on Waqt TV show '2vs2'.

In a separate incident, journalist Asad Kharal of BOL TV was allegedly attacked by unidentified men near the Lahore airport. Kheral later posted pictures of his blood-soaked jacket and blood-stained face on his Twitter account. "I was attacked by some persons wearing masks. I am at hospital," he tweeted.

Senior police officer Bilal Zafar said, "Kharal has been tortured by unidentified persons when he was coming out of the Lahore airport." He said a case will be registered on the statement of Kheral.

Kheral's colleagues, however, blamed the PML-N for the alleged attack. "Since Kheral is a strong critic of PML-N, its involvement cannot be ruled out in the attack," Director News BOL TV Babar Dogar said.

The incidents took place amid a growing crackdown on free speech in Pakistan as the general elections are due in 25 July in the country.
By Mubasher Bukhari LAHORE, Pakistan (Reuters) - A Pakistani journalist and rights activist who openly criticised the military and its alleged meddling in politics was abducted late on Tuesday, two of her colleagues said, and one suggested she was detained by the military. The journalist, Gul Bukhari, who is a dual Pakistani-British national, has been an unusually vocal critic of Pakistan's powerful military on social media in the run-up to the July 25 general election

By Mubasher Bukhari

LAHORE, Pakistan (Reuters) - A Pakistani journalist and rights activist who openly criticised the military and its alleged meddling in politics was abducted late on Tuesday, two of her colleagues said, and one suggested she was detained by the military.

The journalist, Gul Bukhari, who is a dual Pakistani-British national, has been an unusually vocal critic of Pakistan's powerful military on social media in the run-up to the July 25 general election. She has also defended Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party founder Nawaz Sharif, who has clashed with the military.

Bukhari was on her way to record a TV programme on the late-night Waqt news show when her vehicle was intercepted in the cantonment area of the eastern city of Lahore and she was taken away, her husband and two media colleagues said.

"Gul Bukhari has been arrested. A sensitive institution arrested her from Cantt Area," tweeted Muhammad Gulsher, who is a producer on the Waqt news programme where Bukhari appears as a guest.

"Sensitive institution" is a commonly used term in Pakistan to refer to the military or its Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) spy agency.

A second Waqt media source as well as Bukhari's husband, Ali Nadir, confirmed to Reuters that she was missing.

"Some unknown guys on a double cab truck intercepted her car," said Nadir, saying that the incident occurred at 10:40 p.m. (1840 GMT).

"Since then I have been calling her cellphone and tried WhatsApp calls, but nothing is responding," added Nadir, who said his wife was a dual national.

Pakistan's military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Waqt driver who was ferrying Bukhari to the TV station witnessed the incident, according to the second Waqt source.

Rights groups have denounced the kidnappings of several social media activists over the past year as attempts to intimidate and silence critics of Pakistans security establishment.

Last year, five Pakistani bloggers went missing for several weeks before four of them were released. All four fled abroad and at least two afterwards told media that they were tortured by a state intelligence agency during their disappearance.

The military has staunchly denied playing a role in any enforced disappearances, as has the civilian government.

In the run-up to the polls, media houses have complained of growing censorship by the military establishment.

In the past six months, Bukhari, who has 69,000 Twitter followers, has penned several critical articles for the Nation newspaper about Pakistan's military and the judiciary, accusing them of overstepping their constitutional mandate and trying to interfere in the political process.

Members of the PML-N party have also accused the military of trying to weaken the party after founder Nawaz Sharif fell out with the generals.

(Additional reporting and writing by Drazen Jorgic; Editing by Leslie Adler)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Pakistan's Supreme Court issued notice to Pervez Musharraf on a plea seeking recovery of losses caused due to National Reconciliation Ordinance of 2007.

Islamabad: Pakistan's Supreme Court has issued a notice to former military dictator Pervez Musharraf on a petition seeking recovery of huge losses the country incurred after the promulgation of a controversial law in 2007 which gave amnesty to several politicians in all court cases.

Musharraf had signed the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), paving the way for a power-sharing deal with former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

The ordinance gave amnesty to Bhutto and other political leaders  except then exiled former premier Nawaz Sharif  in all court cases against them.

Through the NRO which was later declared illegal by the court, several politicians and others were pardoned and their cases quashed.

The Express Tribune reported that the notice will be published in two newspapers circulated in the UAE where Musharraf, 74, has been residing for the last two years.

Nominating Musharraf, former president Asif Ali Zardari and former attorney general Malik Abdul Qayyum as respondents, petitioner Feroz Shah Gilani had requested the court to order recovery of "huge amounts of public money" misappropriated and wasted by them through unlawful means "already on record in different judgements of the Supreme Court and high court".

He had contended that Musharraf subverted the Constitution by declaring emergency followed by the promulgation of the NRO, through which criminal and corruption cases against politicians, including Zardari, were "arbitrarily withdrawn", causing huge financial losses to the national exchequer.

"Since the Supreme Court in its landmark judgement of 16 December, 2009 declared the NRO 'void ab initio', the respondents are liable to compensate the losses and the damage suffered by the exchequer of debt-ridden Pakistan, including the loss of $60 million stashed in Swiss banks allegedly by Zardari," the petitioner said.

He had said Malik Abdul Qayyum had written a letter to the Swiss attorney general to withdraw criminal and civil proceedings against Zardari in Geneva, but the Supreme Court in its 2009 judgement held that Qayyum had written the letter in his personal capacity, against the Rules of Business, 1973.

"The actions of Musharraf and Qayyum by promulgating the NRO caused huge losses amounting to billions of rupees to debt-ridden Pakistan. Both wilfully violated the oath of office to the detriment of the country in violation of the rule of the law," the petitioner alleged.

On Tuesday, counsel for Zardari, Farooq H Naek requested the Supreme Court's three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar to give him some time for filing a reply as he had received notice of the case a day earlier.

The federal government while submitting a reply stated that the apex court's 16 December, 2009 judgement has already been complied with. The court later granted 10-day time to Naek for filing the reply.

Qayyum has already submitted the reply, in which he has defended the letter to Swiss authorities for withdrawing of Pakistan's plea to become party in the case against Zardari.
Rescue teams on Wednesday are looking for a small plane with 10 people on board that went missing north of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, the aircraft owners and the national disaster agency said.

Nairobi: Rescue teams on Wednesday are looking for a small plane with 10 people on board that went missing north of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, the aircraft owners and the national disaster agency said.

The plane, operated by East African Safari Air Express, took off from the western town of Kitale in the late afternoon on Tuesday.

It disappeared off the radar screens at Nairobi International Airport while its final destination was around 80 minutes later, the owners, Sax, said in a statement.

Searchers on the ground were being helped by a police helicopter, focussing on an area about 80 kilometres north of Nairobi, on the western fringe of the Aberdare mountains.

The search was hampered by poor visibility in rainy conditions, officials said.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday a decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to set up a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was 'brave and mature', and said that he was expecting a 'positive outcome'

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday a decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to set up a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was "brave and mature", and said that he was expecting a "positive outcome".

The historic summit will take place on June 12 in Singapore, in the latest twist in a high-stakes diplomatic drive by the United States to curtail Pyongyang's nuclear arms programme.

On Friday, Trump, in a complete reversal, said he would hold the meeting with Kim after initially cancelling it, citing what he called Pyongyang's "open hostility".

"I still hope that this meeting  a very brave and mature decision U.S. President Donald Trump has made, to have direct contacts with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un  will take place, and we all expect a positive outcome," Putin said in an interview with China Media Group.

Putin is due to take part in a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation later this week.

The Kremlin leader said last month that his own proposed meeting with Trump was not working out for now and was beset by problems.

Trump said in March that the two leaders would meet soon, but since then already poor ties between Washington and Moscow have deteriorated further over the conflict in Syria and the poisoning of a former Russian spy in Britain.

(Reporting by Darya Korsunskaya; writing by Vladimir Soldatkin; editing by Gareth Jones)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
UN agencies and Myanmar signed an agreement that could lead to the return of around 700,000 Rohingya who fled brutal persecution by Burmese security forces

Yangon: Myanmar and United Nations agencies signed an agreement on Wednesday that could lead to the return of some of the 700,000 Rohingya Muslims who fled brutal persecution by the country's security forces and are now crowded into makeshift camps in Bangladesh.

The Memorandum of Understanding promises to establish a "framework of cooperation" that aims to create conditions for "voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable" repatriation of Rohingya refugees.

Myanmar's security forces have been accused of rape, killing, torture and the burning of Rohingya homes in the western Rakhine state, where most Rohingya lived. The UN and the US have described the army crackdown that began in August 2017 as "ethnic cleansing."

Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed in November to begin repatriating Rohingya. But refugees feared their lives would be at risk in Myanmar without international monitoring while Myanmar insisted they have identity documents, which most Rohingya have been denied.

UN resident and humanitarian co-ordinator in Myanmar, Knut Ostby, said, the agreement is an important first step towards resolving the crisis.

"There is a lot of work to be done. This task should not be underestimated," Ostby said. "We are talking about approximately 700,000 people who don't only have to return, but the conditions have to be right for them to return ... in terms of their identity in society, in terms of their safety and also in terms of services, livelihoods, a place to live, infrastructure."

The UN has said the agreement provides for its refugee and development agencies to be given access to Rakhine state.

It said that will allow the refugee agency to assess the situation and provide information to refugees about conditions in their areas of origin so that they can better decide whether they want to return.

Rights groups remain pessimistic that the safe return of Rohingya refugees will ever be possible. They point to a lack of firm commitments from Myanmar and its decades of hostility towards a minority that was denied citizenship by a 1982 law that excluded them from a list of the predominantly Buddhist nation's recognized ethnic groups.

"How will the Burmese government guarantee these people will not face persecution again?" said Kyaw Win, executive director of Burma Human Rights Network.

"It is very politically convenient for the Burmese government to sign this agreement, and also never commit."
In his address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Modi expressed Indias eagerness to make Indo-Pacific the defining factor for Asia's new security architecture.

On Friday, Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) in Singapore, the first time an Indian prime minister spoke at the SLD since its inaugural edition in 2002. The SLD has, over the years, evolved into a key strategic gathering of the Asia-Pacific region.

In his address, Modi advocated free sea and air lanes, connectivity and upholding international rules and norms. He also expressed Indias eagerness to make Indo-Pacific as the defining factor for new security architecture in Asia, while describing the new geography of Indo-Pacific as a natural region ranging from the shores of Africa to that of the Americas".

The prime minister also insisted that a stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region is an important pillar of Indias strategic partnership with the US. The US is equally passionate about the Indo-Pacific. The emphasis shown by the Donald Trump administration on the Indo-Pacific can be termed as its most momentous strategic initiative towards India, as this Firstpost piece points out.

Modi calls for 'equal access' to shared maritime area

Modi called for countries to have "equal access" to shared maritime and air spaces, and for regional disputes to be settled under international law.

In a speech at the start of a security summit in Singapore, Modi described his vision of nations across the Asia-Pacific region forging closer security and economic ties.

Although the prime minister did not single Beijing out for direct criticism, he referred to China's military buildup in the South China Sea and its sweeping territorial claims across the strategic waterway.

"We should all have equal access, as a right under international law, to the use of common spaces on the sea and in the air," Modi told the Shangri-La Dialogue.

"That would require freedom of navigation, unimpeded commerce, and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law. When we all agree to live by that code, our sea lanes will be pathways to prosperity and corridors of peace," he said.

India and its regional role are taking centre stage at this year's summit as nations look to counter China's inexorable military rise, and as Washington puts new emphasis on its military ties to New Delhi and the increasing importance of the Indian Ocean in US strategic thinking.

The Pentagon is renaming its oldest and largest military command to reflect India's growing significance. From now on, the storied US Pacific Command, or PACOM, will be known as the Indo-Pacific Command.

Modi referred to the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, "irrespective of size and strength", in another apparent reference to China's actions in the region.

Still, his remarks were inclusive overall, coming after he met with Chinese president Xi Jinping in an April summit where both leaders promised to reduce border tensions after a standoff in the Himalayas last year.

Troops from both sides had come eyeball-to-eyeball in the disputed Doka La plateau in June 2017 when Chinese soldiers started building a road and India sent troops to halt the process.

A crisis was averted two months later when both nuclear-armed nations pulled back.

Manoj Joshi, a distinguished fellow at the Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation, told AFP that ultimately what matters most is how much India is ready to stake in the Indo-Pacific concept, politically and militarily.

"India has a reputation of talking big, but delivering little," Joshi said.

"No matter what he says, the issue is not about international law or trade disputes, but about raw power  China's growing power and the effort of the regional states to contain it under the leadership of the US."

China welcomes Modi's remarks

China, meanwhile, welcomed Modi's "positive remarks" on India-China relations at the Shangri-La Dialogue and expressed willingness to work with India to follow the consensus between the leadership of the two countries to maintain the momentum in the bilateral ties.

The prime minister had said that both India and China have displayed "maturity and wisdom" in managing issues and ensuring a peaceful border, adding cooperation between the world's two populous countries was expanding.

Welcoming Modi's remarks at a media briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Hua Chunying said, "We have noted the positive remarks made by Modi on China-India relations. We highly appreciate such kind of positive remarks."

Recalling the informal summit between Modi and Jinping at Wuhan in April this year, Hua said, "They had in-depth exchange of views on the international landscape and bilateral relations and reached many consensuses."

"The two sides agreed to adopt a mature and wise way to properly handle differences," she said.

"China is willing to work with the Indian side to follow the guidance of this consensus to maintain the positive momentum of the development of bilateral relations, to promote mutually beneficial cooperation, properly handle differences, maintain peace tranquillity along the border areas and thus move forward the China-India relations," Hua said.

Modi and Jinping had met in April in an unprecedented two-day 'heart-to-heart' summit in the central Chinese city of Wuhan to "solidify" the India-China relationship after the Dokalam standoff last year.

Troops of India and China were locked in the 73-day standoff in Dokalam after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese army in the disputed area.

Mattis accuses China of 'intimidation and coercion'

China's military buildup in the South China Sea and its deployment of high-end weapons systems in the disputed waterway is designed to intimidate and coerce neighbours, US defence secretary Jim Mattis said, speaking at the high-profile security summit in Singapore.

The Pentagon chief also said the US military continues to support diplomats pushing for the "complete, verifiable and irreversible" denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

Mattis said Beijing had deployed a range of military hardware  including anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles and electronic jammers -- across the South China Sea, where it has built islets and other maritime features into hardened military facilities.

Beijing has also landed heavy bombers on Woody Island in the Paracel Islands.

"Despite China's claims to the contrary, the placement of these weapon systems is tied directly to military use for the purposes of intimidation and coercion," Mattis told the Shangri-La Dialogue.

China slams US' 'irresponsible comments'

A Chinese general on Saturday lashed out at "irresponsible comments" on Beijing's military build-up in the South China Sea after the US defence chief accused China of intimidation and coercion in the disputed waters.

"Any irresponsible comments from other countries cannot be accepted," Lieutenant General He Lei said at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

It came just hours after Mattis told the security summit that China's military build-up and deployment of weapon systems in the contested sea was aimed at intimidating its neighbours.

Beijing has deployed a range of military hardware including anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles and electronic jammers across the South China Sea, where it has built islets and other maritime features into hardened military facilities.

China has also landed heavy bombers on Woody Island in the Paracel Islands. The Chinese general, however, said Beijing's actions were aimed at "national defence".

"They are for the purpose of avoiding being invaded by others... As long as it is on your own territory you can deploy the army and you can deploy weapons," he said.

China claims most of the resource-rich sea, through which $5 trillion in shipping trade passes annually, with competing claims from Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

With inputs from agencies
Shinzo Abe will head to Washington to try to make sure Donald Trump doesn't overlook Japan's security and other concerns at the trump-Kim summit next week

Tokyo: Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, unable to meet North Korea's leader himself, is heading to Washington to try to make sure President Donald Trump doesn't overlook Japan's security and other concerns at the unprecedented US-North Korea summit next week.

Abe will have less than two hours to make his points to Trump at the White House on Thursday, before both go to Canada for a G-7 summit scheduled on 8-9 June, and the American president then flies to Singapore for his 12 June meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Japan, which relied on the US for its post-World War II diplomacy and security, has been absent in the recent burst of engagement with North Korea. Chinese president Xi Jinping and South Korean President Moon Jae-in have both met Kim twice, as Abe waits his turn to raise Japan's concerns directly.

Abe doesn't want Trump to strike a compromise that would leave Japan exposed to shorter-range missiles that do not threaten the US mainland or that relieves pressure on North Korea before it takes concrete steps toward complete denuclearisation. He is expected to ask Trump once again to raise with Kim the fate of the Japanese abducted by the North in the 1970s and 1980s.

"It wouldn't be my style to have to ask the US for help on the abduction issue," said Hitoshi Tanaka, a former diplomat and head of a think tank, the Institute for International Strategy.

"It's embarrassing that a state leader has to ask another leader in resolving the sovereignty of his people."

While in Washington, Abe is also likely press Trump to remove Japan from US steel and aluminum tariffs, as well as express his opposition to threats of US tariffs on Japanese automobiles.

Japan hopes to hold talks with North Korea after a successful Trump-Kim summit. Abe has said he is open to meeting with Kim, but only if it would lead to resolving the abduction issue. He said Japan would then normalize ties and provide economic aid as rewards for a North Korean commitment to both denuclearization and resolution of the abduction issue.

Japanese analysts agree that if Abe's turn to meet Kim comes, it would be at the very end of a long process as Trump and other regional leaders deal with North Korea's denuclearisation.

"Japan eventually should develop its own diplomacy to deal with North Korea independently to resolve its problems, including the abductions," said Atsuhito Isozaki, a Keio University professor specializing in North Korea.

He said that economic aid or financial compensation for Japan's 35-year colonisation of Korea could be attractive, but noted that North Korea now has other potential sources of assistance.

"Japan's economy does not stand out in northeast Asia as it did 16 years ago," he said, when Pyongyang and Tokyo last tried to negotiate a normalization of ties. Without Japan's help, North Korea has arranged a summit with the US and possible economic cooperation from South Korea, he said this week at a briefing for media.

After a 2002 summit between then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, North Korea acknowledged abducting 13 Japanese and allowed five of them to visit Japan, though they then stayed, angering North Korea. Japan says at least 17 Japanese were abducted and possibly more.

Japanese officials are scrambling to get information on the Trump-Kim summit. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Japan will dispatch diplomats to Singapore to try to get the latest updates.

After his last meeting with Trump in April, Abe said the two leaders were in complete agreement on North Korea policy, namely to keep sanctions in place until Pyongyang takes concrete action toward verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation.

Concerns have since grown in Japan that Trump may be prioritizing holding a summit rather than the goal of full denuclearization. Abe, who has played tough on the North, also worries that a growing reconciliatory mood between the two Koreas may prompt leniency toward Pyongyang.

Trump's recent statement that he doesn't want to keep using the phrase "maximum pressure" against North Korea reinforced those fears.
By Patpicha Tanakasempipat and Juarawee Kittisilpa BANGKOK (Reuters) - On her lunch break, Bangkok office worker Chinapa Payakha emerges from a 7-Eleven store with two plastic bags. One holds a Big Gulp soft drink. The other carries her lunch, with a banana in its own plastic wrapper

By Patpicha Tanakasempipat and Juarawee Kittisilpa

BANGKOK (Reuters) - On her lunch break, Bangkok office worker Chinapa Payakha emerges from a 7-Eleven store with two plastic bags.

One holds a Big Gulp soft drink. The other carries her lunch, with a banana in its own plastic wrapper.

"For office life, plastic bags are necessary," said Chinapa, 34, whose shopping habits illustrate the challenges facing anti-plastic campaigners in Thailand, where plastic bags are handed out in abundance on any visit to a shop or market.

As World Environment Day on Tuesday takes place and the United Nations calls for the "biggest-ever worldwide cleanup" of plastic pollution, experts are focused on Southeast Asia, home to four of the world's top marine plastic polluters.

From major cities like Bangkok and Jakarta to beach resorts in the Philippines and Vietnam, plastic bags and bottles are the ubiquitous face of pollution in the region.

Globally, some eight million tonnes of plastic is dumped into the ocean every year, killing marine life and entering the human food chain, according to the U.N. Environment Programme.

Five Asian countries - China, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam and Thailand - accounted for up to 60 percent of the plastic waste leaking into the ocean, according to a 2015 report by the environmental campaigner Ocean Conservancy and the McKinsey Center for Business and Environment.

The five economies have "generated exploding demand for consumer products", the report said, but lacked the waste management infrastructure to cope with the surge in plastic garbage.

Three years on, a "trash emergency" on the Indonesian island of Bali and the Philippines' decision to close the tourist island of Boracay showed governments are recognising the impact of plastic waste, said Susan Ruffo, Ocean Conservancy's managing director for international initiatives.

"But this is not just a government responsibility - corporations, civil society and citizens all have a part to play," she said, adding that engagement was improving.

PLASTIC ADDICTION

In Thailand, where two million tonnes of plastic waste is produced a year, plastic is an "addiction," said Geoff Baker, an anti-plastic campaigner with Grin Green International.

"Everywhere you go they just throw plastic at you," said Baker, who caused a stir on social media in April when he covered himself in 700 plastic bags, walked into a 7-Eleven and stared disapprovingly at people buying plastic-wrapped bananas.

The recent death of a pilot whale in Thailand with 80 pieces of plastic rubbish in its stomach garnered headlines locally, but drew more attention outside the country.

Still, some Bangkok residents say companies are not doing enough to address the problem of plastic pollution.

Watcharapon Prabsangob, a 28-year-old engineer, emerged from a store with a small bag carrying a coffee drink and straw. He said he tried to refuse the bag but the clerk moved too fast.

He said that businesses should do more to stop customers from taking plastic bags.

CP All, which has over 10,000 7-Eleven stores across the country, said it would launch a campaign on Tuesday to reduce plastic bags in some outlets in the southern province of Satun as part of a green tourism campaign.

It made no mention of the other 76 provinces including Bangkok, where 10 million residents use 80 million plastic bags a day, the capital's administration says.

The food retailer Tesco Lotus said it would offer redeemable points from Tuesday to customers who do not take a plastic bag at check out. But the scheme runs out at the end of June.

Months after the military seized power in a 2014 coup, the junta made waste management a priority and set goals for 2021.

They included cutting the use of plastic bags and bottles in government agencies and businesses, and plastic bans in tourist destinations. A tax on plastic bags was also mentioned, along with a target to recycle up to 60 percent of plastic by 2021.

Baker said he has "yet to see any real change coming from these promises".

But a spokesman from the government said it was committed to minimising plastic use.

"We have been trying to raise awareness. People are so used to the convenience of plastic that they don't think about the consequences," said the spokesman, Weerachon Sukhonpatipak.

WAKE-UP CALL

Other governments have set ambitious goals too.

Indonesia, ranked second behind China in the 2015 study of mismanaged plastic waste from populations living near coastal areas in 192 countries, has pledged $1 billion a year to reduce marine plastic debris by 70 percent by 2025.

There have been several attempts to impose taxes on plastic packaging to help address the waste problem. Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto has opposed the tax measures, saying in January it would hurt the local food and drink industry.

In the Philippines, the threat to marine life should be a "wake-up call" for people to cut their use of plastic, said Jonas Leones, a senior official in the environmental department.

The Philippines, like its regional neighbours, has not imposed a nationwide ban on plastic bags, but some local authorities regulate their use. Some shopping malls have also replaced plastic with paper bags and encouraged reusable bags.

In Malaysia, the new housing and local government minister, Zuraida Kamaruddin, said in an interview with the local news website Malaysiakini that she wants to introduce a nationwide ban on plastic bags within a year.

Anchalee Pipattanawattanakul, an ocean campaigner with Greenpeace in Southeast Asia, said the region needs a coordinated strategy on plastic waste.

"ASEAN says the problem needs to be addressed," she said, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. "But there is no action plan that will actually decrease the use of plastic".

(Additional reporting by Fergus Jensen and Tabita Diela in JAKARTA; Erik Dela Cruz in MANILA; Kham Nguyen and Thinh Nguyen in THANH HOA, Vietnam; Writing by Darren Schuettler; Editing by Philip McClellan)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Sushma Swaraj visited the Phoenix Settlement near Durban, which served as Mahatma Gandhi's home during his stay in South Africa, and planted a tree sapling.

Durban: Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday visited the Phoenix Settlement near Durban, which served as Mahatma Gandhi's home during his stay in South Africa, and planted a tree sapling.

"Where Bapu developed his philosophy of non-violence!" the Indian Consulate in Durban tweeted and added that Sushma Swaraj visited the settlement, a South African Heritage site, "paying respect to the place that served as Gandhiji's home".

During the course of her visit, she planted a sapling of the Cape chestnut, a tree that is cultivated widely for its prolific flower display.

She also interacted with students of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Computer Education and Information Technology, a centre established by the Indian government.

Established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1904, the Phoenix Settlement is situated some 20 km north of Durban.

The settlement, devoted to Gandhi's principles of Satyagraha or passive resistance, has played an important spiritual and political role throughout its long history, promoting justice, peace and equality.

Gandhi established the settlement as a communal experimental farm with a view to giving each family two acres of land which they could develop.

He believed that communities like Phoenix which advocated communal living would form a sound basis for the struggle against social injustice.

Sushma arrived in Durban on Tuesday evening from Pretoria, where she attended the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting.

Durban is home to a significant number of people of Indian origin.

The Indian External Affairs Minister is scheduled to participate in a series of events on Wednesday and Thursday at Pietermaritzburg to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the historic incident in a train compartment that became a catalyst for Gandhi's Satyagraha movement.

On 7 June, 1893, on a train trip to Pretoria, Gandhi was ordered by a white man to move from first class to third class.

Gandhi, who had a first class ticket, refused and was thrown off the train in Pietermaritzburg.
More than a thousand people protested against bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan after a 20-year-old woman was murdered in a police station by her abductor.

Bishkek: More than a thousand people, including schoolchildren, protested against bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday after a woman was murdered in a police station by her abductor. 20-year-old medical student Burulai Turdaaly Kyzy was stabbed to death in the north of the Ccountry as she prepared to give evidence against her kidnapper. The 30-year-old killer then turned the knife on himself and ended up in hospital.

The murder in May drew condemnation from the United Nations, rights groups and Kyrgyz president Sooronbai Jeenbekov. The UN says 13.8 percent of women in the ex-Soviet republic younger than 24 years of age are forced into marriage with their abductors.

Demonstrators in the capital Bishkek's main square held white balloons and posters bearing slogans such as "We are against bride-stealing" and "Allow girls a chance to be happy". The authorities, who organised the event, put the turnout at 1,000-1,500 people. One student, who gave only her first name, Asel, called the murder "alarming". "We are all shocked that this happened inside a police station. I am 19 years old and I am also afraid of being stolen," she told AFP.

Education Minister Gulmira Kudaiberdiyeva told AFP it was time "to radically change attitudes" towards the "shameful phenomenon" of bride kidnapping. "We need to stop giving away our girls against their will," she said at the protest. "There are already good laws, but we need to work with the parents of young people to change their consciousness."

Reports of bride kidnapping have risen recently in part due to new legislation but many parents still refuse to report the crime when their daughters are stolen. Although bride kidnapping existed in Kyrgyzstan's nomadic past, many argue a surge in the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 was more closely linked to the economic depression than any cultural revival.

Turdaaly Kyzy's tragic case has trained public attention on law enforcement after police apprehended the pair, but allowed her to be kept with her kidnapper unattended inside the police station. Human Rights Watch condemned the police for showing a "horrifying disregard for the danger that (the victim) faced" when they failed to separate her from her killer. The chief of police in the northern Chui region where the murder took place was sacked while over a dozen police are facing negligence charges in connection with the killing.
Turkish nationalist Opposition led by Meral Aksener has launched a Google ad campaign targeting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government.

Istanbul: Turkey's nationalist Opposition Iyi Parti (Good Party) has launched a Google advertisement campaign with mischievous slogans targeting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government ahead of 24 June polls.

The unprecedented campaign is led by party chief Meral Aksener, who split away from Turkey's main nationalist group after it formed an alliance with Erdogan.

Google searches of certain keywords lead internet users to humourous messages redirecting them to the site of Iyi Parti.

A search for the ruling AKP (Justice and Development Party) returns a top result which leads to the message: "Now there's an even better one" a play on words associated with the Iyi Parti's name.

The campaign also targets Erdogan's hugely controversial palace in the capital Ankara, which it describes as a "1,150 room bargain palace".

A Google search for "empty rooms" leads internet users to Aksener's campaign promise to open the vast palace to the public.

A search for "VPN" brings them to Iyi Parti's website with the slogan "Don't waste your money. For internet freedoms, wait until we come to power." Many Turkish internet users use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), sometimes paying for the service, to get around official blocks on certain websites in Turkey such as Wikipedia. Typing "dream interpretation" throws up a link which asks: "are you having nightmares?".

Google AdWords is Google's advertising system in which advertisers bid on certain keywords in order for their ads to appear in the search engines results.

Aksener's election speeches are rarely broadcast on the mainstream media as well as on the state run TRT television.

The AKP is also very active on social media, networks with critics accusing the party of recruiting "trolls" to give Erdogan's opponents a tough time.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Ankara was ready to impose retaliatory tariffs on US imports from 21 June,

Ankara: Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Ankara was ready to impose retaliatory tariffs on US imports from 21 June, after Washington's steel and aluminium tariffs.

A total of 266.5 US million dollars in additional duties will be charged on 22 items of US imports, including coal, paper, walnuts, almonds, tobacco, unprocessed rice, whiskey, automobiles, cosmetics, machinery, equipment and petrochemical products, Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday.

The highest additional customs duties will be imposed on whiskey and automobiles at 40 per cent and 35 per cent respectively, said the report on Tuesday.

In March, US President Donald Trump announced imposition of a 25 per cent tariff on imported steel and a 10 per cent tariff on imported aluminium, prompting general criticism from many countries and causing turmoil in the global stock market.

Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci warned earlier that his country could take retaliatory measures.

Zeybekci also said that Turkey and the European Union decided to move together at the World Trade Organisation platform against the US.

Turkey is the world's eighth-largest steel producer and the sixth largest steel exporter to the US after Canada, Brazil, South Korea, Mexico and Russia.
By Arshad Mohammed WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States warned governments and the private sector on Tuesday to crack down on what it described as Iranian efforts to exploit them to fund its support for terrorism, destabilising actions in the region and rights abuses at home. The appeal, in a speech by the senior U.S. Treasury official for terrorism and financial intelligence, follows U.S

By Arshad Mohammed

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States warned governments and the private sector on Tuesday to crack down on what it described as Iranian efforts to exploit them to fund its support for terrorism, destabilising actions in the region and rights abuses at home.

The appeal, in a speech by the senior U.S. Treasury official for terrorism and financial intelligence, follows U.S. President Donald Trump's May 8 decision to abandon the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and to reimpose U.S. sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

"You must harden your financial networks, require your companies to do extra due diligence to keep them from being caught in Irans deceptive web, and make clear the very significant risks of doing business with companies and persons there," Under Secretary of the Treasury Sigal Mandelker said.

"Companies doing business in Iran face substantial risks, and those risks are even greater as we reimpose nuclear-related sanctions," she added. "We will hold those doing prohibited business in Iran to account."

The U.S. decision to leave the pact, under which Iran agreed to limit its nuclear programme in return for relief from economic sanctions, has antagonized its other parties: Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia.

With U.S. sanctions returning between now and Nov. 4, it is not clear how enthusiastic U.S. allies or other nations such as China may be to comply with those sanctions, particularly those requiring foreign firms to reduce their imports of Iranian oil.

The weight of the U.S. financial system and the reality of companies having to choose between selling to Iran or to the vast U.S. market, is likely to force many private firms to comply.

"To those in the private sector, I urge you to also take additional steps to ensure Iran and its proxies are not exploiting your companies to support their nefarious activities," Mandelker said. "You have to do more to make sure your compliance programs are airtight."

"The Iranian regime will deceive your companies, undermine the integrity of your financial systems, put your institutions at risk of our powerful sanctions, all to fund terrorism, human rights abuses and terrorist groups," Mandelker added.

She repeated U.S. threats to increase financial pressure unless Iran ceases actions such as supporting proxy forces hostile to the United States in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen.

"Our powerful economic authorities will give the regime a clear choice: Change its unacceptable support for terrorism, destabilising activities and human rights abuses, or face economic calamity," Mandelker said.

(Reporting by Arshad Mohammad; Writing by Eric Walsh; Editing by James Dalgleish)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Warren Strobel and Phil Stewart WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has warned its close ally the United Arab Emirates not to launch an assault on Yemen's port city of Hodeidah, which United Nations experts fear could precipitate a new humanitarian crisis, U.S. officials said on Tuesday. The warning was issued as Emirati-backed Yemeni forces moved within 10 kilometres of the Red Sea port, a lifeline for humanitarian supplies for the country's war-wracked populace.

By Warren Strobel and Phil Stewart

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has warned its close ally the United Arab Emirates not to launch an assault on Yemen's port city of Hodeidah, which United Nations experts fear could precipitate a new humanitarian crisis, U.S. officials said on Tuesday.

The warning was issued as Emirati-backed Yemeni forces moved within 10 kilometres of the Red Sea port, a lifeline for humanitarian supplies for the country's war-wracked populace. The port is controlled by Yemen's Houthi movement.

U.S. officials met at the White House on Tuesday to discuss the crisis, two sources with knowledge of the meeting said. It was unclear whether any decisions were reached.

A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said Washington opposed any effort by the Emirates and Yemeni troops it backs to seize the city.

"The United States has been clear and consistent that we will not support actions that destroy key infrastructure or that are likely to exacerbate the dire humanitarian situation that has expanded in this stalemated conflict," said the spokesperson, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the matter and asked not to be named.

"We expect all parties to abide by the Law of Armed Conflict and avoid targeting civilians or commercial infrastructure," the spokesperson said.

The United States and the Emirates are close economic and security allies, working together against militant groups in Yemen and elsewhere.

Any direct American support to an Emirate ground offensive against Hodeidah would mark a major departure from U.S. policy towards Yemen, which has sought to focus U.S. military activity against al Qaeda-affiliated militants.

The United States also has repeatedly urged the Saudi-led coalition, both under President Donald Trump and his predecessor Barack Obama, to prevent civilian casualties.

Critics of Washington, however, have said that its refuelling of Saudi-led coalition jets, arms sales and limited U.S. intelligence support make it complicit in civilian casualties caused by the coalition.

U.N. officials warned that an assault on Hodeidah, which has a population of about 600,000, would cause a humanitarian calamity. A U.N. contingency plan projects that, in the worst-case scenario of a prolonged siege, tens of thousands could die.

Yemeni political sources said on Monday that the U.N. envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, was in the capital of Sanaa to broker a deal to avert a possible assault on Hodeidah, under which the United Nations would take control of the port.

(Reporting by Warren Strobel; Additional reporting by Jonathan Landay and Yara Bayoumy; Editing by Toni Reinhold)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
The UN General Assembly elected Ecuador's Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces as its next president.

United Nations: The UN General Assembly on Wednesday overwhelmingly elected Ecuador's Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces as its next president, making her only the fourth woman to lead the 193-member world body in its 73 year history.

She defeated another woman, Honduras' UN Ambassador Mary Elizabeth Flores Flake by 128-62 with two abstentions in the secret-ballot vote.

The current council president, Miroslav Lajcak of Slovakia, announced the results to loud applause, saying, "Frankly, 4 out of 73 is not a record to be proud of, but I'm glad we are getting ourselves on track." Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who defeated several female candidates and continues the male domination of the UN's top post, echoed Lajcak, saying, "We can and we must do better."

Espinosa Garces expressed hope that gender parity continues to make progress and dedicated her election to "all the women in the world who participate in politics and face political and media attacks marked by machismo and discrimination." "I would like to pay a special tribute to the women who struggle every day to access jobs on equal terms, to women and girls who are victims of violence, to girls and adolescents who demand access to quality information and education," she said. "My commitment will always be to them."

While the presidency of the General Assembly is largely ceremonial, it is also prestigious.

The world body controls the UN budget, adopts treaties, addresses global issues from poverty to climate change, and passes numerous resolutions that while not legally binding almost always reflect global opinion.

It is also the UN organ where countries large and small can speak  and the scene of the annual gathering of world leaders in September.

The selection of the assembly president follows a regional rotation mandated by the world body, and it was the turn of Latin America and the Caribbean to preside over the next yearlong session which starts just before September's global gathering.

By tradition, the UN's regional groups usually nominate a single candidate who is then rubber-stamped by the assembly.

But this year the election was contested as it was in 1991, 2012 and 2016, according to the UN, because Latin American countries couldn't agree on a nominee.

Espinosa Garces noted after her victory that she will also be the first woman from Latin America and the Caribbean to preside over the assembly starting in September.

"I offered an open door presidency and I will hold to that promise," she said.

"I am a poet as well as a politician," Espinosa Garces said. "As such, I am fully aware that no view is useful if we do not see, and no word has any value if we do not listen. I will be ready to listen to you all and to work for you and with you."

For the first time this year, assembly president Lajcak decided to follow a new practice that was also used to choose Secretary General Guterres.

He invited both candidates to appear before assembly members for two hours on 4 May to present their vision for the presidency and answer questions from diplomats and civil society representatives.

The issues raised ranged from conflict prevention and financing UN goals for 2030 to ending poverty and sustaining the planet to transparency in the president's office, UN reforms, and gender equality.

Espinosa Garces said then that she would focus on "delivery, implementation and accountability" to bring the UN's work closer to people everywhere and convince them that what the United Nations does "touches upon their daily lives."

After Tuesday's election, she stressed that "strengthening multilateralism is not an option, it's an obligation."

Therefore, Espinosa Garces said, it's urgent that the United Nations responds to major global challenges and does more to bring the organization closer to all citizens of the world.

She told reporters later that her priorities will be to finalise negotiations for a global compact on migration, promoting action on climate change, implementing UN reforms, and looking for new ways to finance economic development.

Diplomats said before the vote that the views of the governments of Ecuador and Honduras would likely play a significant role in Tuesday's voting.

One issue they pointed to that could have an impact was December's General Assembly resolution condemning the United States for recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital, which was adopted overwhelmingly.
United Nations Security Council is expected to give its statement about backing the parliamentary and presidential elections in Libya,on Wednesday.

United Nations: The UN Security Council is expected to give its backing on Wednesday about the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya in December.

The council had scheduled a meeting to adopt a French-drafted presidential statement that would welcome "the momentum generated" by an international conference on Libya hosted by President Emmanuel Macron on 29 May.

Libya plunged into chaos following a 2011 uprising that toppled and later killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Since 2014, the country has been split between rival governments and parliaments based in the western and eastern regions, each backed by different militias and tribes.

The draft presidential statement would put the Security Council on record saying that "the current political and security situation in Libya is not sustainable." And it would note "the resounding call of all Libyans for credible, inclusive and peaceful elections in order to achieve a united and stable Libya." At the Paris conference, rival Libyan leaders agreed on a political roadmap leading to elections on 10 December.

The draft presidential statement welcomes their commitment "to work constructively with the UN to organize credible and peaceful parliamentary and presidential elections, and to respect the results." It also welcomes the parties' recognition "of the importance of developing a constitutional basis for elections." The statement further recognizes the key role of UN envoy Ghassan Salame "in consulting with Libyan parties to set the constitutional basis for elections and to adopt the necessary laws."

The draft notes the commitment of parties to the Paris agreement "to organize an inclusive political conference" under UN auspices to follow up on implementation of the roadmap.

It would also express concern at the humanitarian situation in Libya, especially in Derna where clashes have been ongoing since April, and would call on all parties "to exercise restraint."
Mike Pompeo has met Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and discussed the upcoming Trump-Kim meet.

Washington: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has met Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and discussed the upcoming Trump-Kim meet, an official said.

"Next week's US-North Korea summit shows Singapore enjoys the trust and confidence of both parties," said Balakrishnan, who was on a one-day working visit to Washington on Tuesday.

He said both nation appreciated Singapore's "ability to be an honest and neutral moderator and host" after he met Pompeo and US National Security Advisor John Bolton, the Straits Times reported.

US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are scheduled to meet at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa at 9 am on 12 June, in what is potentially one of the most significant geopolitical developments since the end of the Cold War, the report said.

Pompeo appreciated Singapore's willingness to host the meet as Balakrishnan said, "It's in a sense our contribution to world peace."

"Obviously what all of us are hoping for is it would lead to a de-escalation of tension, raise the prospects of peace, and for the sake of the North Koreans themselves improve the prospects for economic development.

"For North Korea they only need to look at China and at South East Asia to see that peace is an essential prerequisite for prosperity, so let's hope for the best but not have undue expectations," Balakrishnan added.

"I don't think one meeting next week in Singapore can certainly unlock the entire situation on the Korean peninsula, but if you can make a positive step it will be significant in its own right."
Vladimir Putin said that Russia has restored stable growth, despite the EU and US sanctions first imposed in 2014 after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea.

Vienna: Russian president Vladimir Putin has said Western sanctions against Russia are "harmful for everyone" and it is in everyone's interests to lift them. Speaking in Austria, he said Russia had restored stable growth, despite the EU and US sanctions first imposed in 2014 after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea, BBC reported on Tuesday. Russia's annexation of the southern Crimea peninsula sparked the sanctions, which were later ratcheted up as Russia helping separatists in eastern Ukraine. Putin said Russia had overcome all difficulties caused by the sanctions.

It was Putin's first trip to Western Europe in almost a year. Ahead of his visit, the Russian leader said Moscow was not trying to split the 28-member EU.

Referring to the Western sanctions, he said "These actions are harmful for everyone, both for those who initiate them and for those against whom they are directed. Everybody has an interest in getting the sanctions lifted, us too".

Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz said his country wanted to act as a bridge between Moscow and the West. But he said he would not break ranks within the EU on the sanctions issue. Moscow has hit back with counter-sanctions on food and raw materials. More than 10,000 people have been killed since the conflict began in eastern Ukraine.

A number of European liberals have expressed concern over close links between the pro-Putin United Russia party with far-right parties in the EU. The two populist parties now ruling Italy favour closer ties with Moscow and are both Eurosceptic. Italy's new government has openly called for a review of EU sanctions, starting with those that "threaten civil society in Russia".

Meanwhile, Chancellor Kurz said Vienna would "obviously maintain the decisions of the EU, including the sanctions" when Austria takes over the EU's rotating presidency on 1 July. He stressed that the situation in eastern Ukraine must improve before the sanctions could be lifted. What some call a "new cold war" between Russia and the West was also fuelled by Moscow's role in the Syrian civil war and the poisoning of a former Russian double agent, Sergei Skripal, and his daughter, in southern England. Britain blamed the Kremlin for that attack; Russia furiously denied any role in it.

Pro-Putin activists have been accused of spreading "fake news" on social media to undermine the tough Western stance on Russia, and help empower nationalists in the EU.
Mining giant BHP Billiton (NYSE:BHP) is looking to unload its U.S. shale assets due to pressure from an activist investor who has argued that they don't fit within the company's portfolio. BHP currently is exploring several options for the oil and gas properties, including splitting them up into different packages or unloading them in one transaction.

While the company is early in the sales process, it has reportedly received several multibillion-dollar bids from big-oil giants including BP (NYSE:BP), Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE:RDS.A)(NYSE:RDS.B), and Chevron (NYSE:CVX). Given the size of the portfolio and the bidders, the sales process could have an impact on the oil patch going forward.

A bold bet on shale that hasn't panned out

BHP Billiton built its shale portfolio in 2011 during what was a boom period for shale gas drilling. The company's shale buying binge began with the purchase of Chesapeake Energy's Fayetteville Shale assets and an associated pipeline system for $4.75 billion in February of that year.

The mining giant followed up that deal a few months later with the acquisition of Petrohawk Energy. BHP Billiton paid $15.1 billion for the company, including the assumption of debt, to gain access to positions in the Eagle Ford and Haynesville shale plays, as well as the Permian Basin. Overall, BHP Billiton paid roughly $20 billion to buy nearly 1.5 million acres across some of the top shale regions in the U.S. at the time.

Since then, the price of oil and natural gas has fallen significantly, taking the value of these properties with it. As a result, BHP wrote down the value of its shale assets by $2.8 billion in 2012 and another $2.8 billion in 2015 before slashing it by a whopping $7.2 billion in early 2016. While oil and gas prices have recovered a bit over the past year, BHP Billiton won't get back anything in a sale close to what it initially paid for these assets.

Big oil is among the leading bidders

This is why BHP Billiton currently is marketing its shale position as seven separate packages across three formations -- in hopes of maximizing their value -- though the company would be interested in selling the entire business to one buyer for the right price. BHP values its shale unit at $14 billion, though analysts only think it's worth $9 billion. Would-be buyers seem to agree with that lower valuation, given the initial bids the company received for the business.

According to a report by Bloomberg, BP, Royal Dutch Shell, and Chevron made bids for the entire business, valuing it between $7 billion and $9 billion. While BP made its offer alone, Chevron and Royal Dutch Shell partnered with private equity funds on their proposals. Meanwhile, several other energy companies and private equity funds have made separate bids for individual asset packages.

The presence of big oil buyers is worth noting since it adds some serious competition with strong balance sheets and industry experience. While "they won't pay too much," according to one analyst quoted by Bloomberg, "they won't pay too little" either "because they want the assets," which include the highly prized Permian Basin.

BP held assets in that fast-growing region until 2010 when the company sold its position to help pay for the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It's been seeking an opportunity to get back into the area in recent years but has yet to find a deal that would bolster earnings due to red-hot land values. Meanwhile, both Chevron and Shell see that region as an important growth driver in the coming years and could, therefore, bolster their prospects by acquiring BHP's position.

In addition to seeking buyers for its shale assets, BHP Billiton also is looking at several other alternatives to maximize the value of this unit. These options include completing an IPO or spinoff of the business or swapping shale assets for additional resources in the Gulf of Mexico. The overarching goal of this process is to extract as much value for the assets as possible.

The waiting game

Given the size and complexity of the sales process, BHP doesn't expect to announce any asset sales until the end of this year or early 2019. That time frame could slow down merger and acquisition activity in the oil patch since bidders are unlikely to be interested in other deals until they know the outcome of this sale. However, once there's clarity on what BHP will do with its assets, it could cause the losing bidders to turn their attention elsewhere, which might fuel a wave of merger activity in 2019.
Home-Based Travel Franchise Dream Vacations Christens Headquarters with Unveiling and Live Your Dream Day Proclamation

June 05, 2018 // Franchising.com // Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - In the spirit of cruising, home-based travel franchise Dream Vacations hosted a christening ceremony to celebrate the unveiling of its renovated corporate headquarters. In addition to a champagne toast and ceremony dedicating the office to Dream Vacations travel agents; the corporate employees who support them; travel customers who book vacations with them; and cruise line travel partners who make it all possible, Melissa Coningsby from the City of Fort Lauderdale was on hand to deliver a proclamation declaring June 4, 2018, as Live Your Dream Day.

This year we literally knocked down walls to accommodate doubling the size of our IT team, and in the process, renovated the entire office and brought the world of travel to our workspace, thanks to the support of our travel partners, said Debbie Fiorino, Senior Vice President of Dream Vacations.

User Interface Web Developer Ashlee Campbell oversaw the office transformation. Walls of the office are adorned with travel-themed quotes and Passport stamps on pillars, an interactive world map where employees can pin their dream vacation and conference rooms with windows showcasing beautiful scenery from the destination each room is named after. Various cruise lines sponsored select walls and rooms, including the Royal Caribbean Learning Center; Celebrity Cruises kitchen, complete with a martini bar; the Carnival Cruise Line Fun kitchen; Princess Cruises hallway with a TV monitor showcasing their exotic voyages and the Norwegian Cruise Line corridor.

Dream Vacations is looking for individuals who are passionate about travel, helping others and are eager to go into business for themselves, but not by themselves.

About Dream Vacations

Travel agents with the top-ranked home-based travel agency franchise Dream Vacations have the resources to plan and create seamless vacation experiences for their customers while offering the best value. A member of the International Franchise Association, Dream Vacations is part of World Travel Holdings and has received partner of the year, a top-ranking status, by all the major cruise lines as well as national recognition for its support of military veterans. Like Dream Vacations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise and watch its videos at www.youtube.com/user/DreamVacationsBusiness.

Media Contact:

Rachel Shapiro

PR Manager

954-958-3664

RShapiro@wth.com

SOURCE Dream Vacations

###

Comments:

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.

Disqus
The News in Brief

Press Release



On the establishment of diplomatic relations by Syria with Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia and Abkhazia.



It is Japans consistent position that peaceful resolution of the issue concerning Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia and Abkhazia in Georgia in line with the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders is essential for the peace and stability of the country and the entire South Caucasus region.



This position is by no means affected by the establishment of diplomatic relations by Syria with Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which are parts of Georgias territory. Japan opposes to any attempt to change Georgias internationally recognized borders.

(Embassy of Japan)







By Mariam Chanishvili



Streets, Vending Areas Flooded in Rustavi Town



First floors of houses and central roads were flooded by heavy rain in Rustavi, in a town located in several kilometers from the Georgian capital, causing serious problems to the local infrastructure and businesses.



The flood also damaged commercial facilities and shops, the Georgian Emergency Service Agency reported on Saturday.



Due to the mud flowing from the Lalgji Mountain, vehicles on the territory of the Rustavi automarket were flooded.



Several streets were cleaned and the water was pumped out shortly. Rescuers and the emergency service staff remain at the scene.



The discharged electricity supply has been restored.







Breakaway Abkhazia says Georgia and the US must accept its independence



The de facto Assistant Foreign Minister of Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia, Irakli Tuzhba stated that the process of recognition of independence of Abkhazia is irreversible and Georgia and the United States of America (USA) will have to accept the reality.



He noted that the Abkhazian Foreign Ministry is observing the extremely nervous, almost hysterical reaction of the US State Department about Syrias recognition of the Georgian occupied territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali as independent states.



Such reaction is not a surprise for us. On the contrary, the behavior of the US was predictable, said Tuzhba.



Syria recognized the independence of the Georgian secessionist regions on May 29. Ten years ago Russia recognized independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in the wake of the Russia-Georgia 2008 war.



Georgia suspended diplomatic relations with Syria over its decision to recognize the breakaway Georgian regions.



The US, NATO, EU and dozens of European countries have condemned Syrias decision, stating the step was illegal, contradicting the international law.




IHG Opens 30th Holiday Inn in Germany

The opening of Holiday Inn Munich - Leuchtenbergring highlights IHGs continued growth in Germany

June 06, 2018 // Franchising.com // IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the worlds leading hotel companies, is proud to announce the opening of Holiday Inn Munich - Leuchtenbergring, the brands 30th hotel in Germany.

The 279-room hotel, owned by long-standing partners UBM Development AG (UBM), is conveniently located in the citys attractive east quarter, Haidhausen, making it easily accessible via car or public transport. With free Wi-Fi, 600 square metres of meeting space and a specially designed courtyard on the third floor, the hotel also features Holiday Inns signature Open Lobby. The Open Lobby combines the front desk, lobby, restaurant, bar, lounge and business centre into one versatile area. This gives guests flexibility, whether theyre looking to eat, relax, work, or have fun in one integrated space.

The opening of the 30th Holiday Inn in Germany marks an important milestone in the brands history, with the Holiday Inn Brand Family accounting for 85% of IHGs German system size. IHGs growth in Germany has been unprecedented: in the last four years, IHG has enjoyed record breaking signings with 19 hotels signed in 2017. So far in 2018, a further two hotels have been added to the pipeline - Holiday Inn Express Goeppingen and Holiday Inn Express Munich - Olching, further cementing IHGs position as number 1 in terms of rooms in the German branded market pipeline.

Martin Bowen, IHGs Head of Development - DACH, commented: Opening our 30th Holiday Inn in Germany really illustrates the strength of such an iconic brand loved by millions around the world. In Germany, domestic travellers are increasingly choosing to stay at mainstream brands, fuelling demand for Holiday Inn which is a strong engine of growth for IHG. Longstanding partners, such as UBM, have been crucial in helping us grow at pace in Germany and were excited for guests to experience Holiday Inn Munich - Leuchtenbergring in what is a key growth city for our business.

IHG has 29 Holiday Inn hotels (6,712 rooms) currently open in Germany, with 7 hotels (1,527 rooms) in the development pipeline. In total, IHG has 77 hotels (15,632 rooms ) across Germany, with 43 hotels (7,539 rooms) in the development pipeline.

About IHG

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organisation with a broad portfolio of hotel brands, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo, EVEN Hotels, HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Holiday Inn Resort, avid hotels, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.

IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns nearly 5,400 hotels and 800,000 guest rooms in almost 100 countries, with more than 1,700 hotels in its development pipeline. IHG also manages IHG Rewards Club, our global loyalty programme, which has more than 100 million enrolled members.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Groups holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. More than 375,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally.

Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and www.ihgrewardsclub.com for more on IHG Rewards Club. For our latest news, visit: www.ihgplc.com/media and follow us on social media at: www.twitter.com/ihg, www.facebook.com/ihg and www.youtube.com/ihgplc.

SOURCE IHG

###

Comments:

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.

Disqus
Sol705 - an hilarious point and click graphic adventure has been 100% funded on Kickstarter 1 day ahead of itas deadline!





[This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Gamasutra and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press.]

Sol705 is a 2D point n click graphic adventure with a unique setting: a small town from Argentina in the 1970s. UFO sightings, progressive rock and a bunch of wacky rascals ready for all kind of challenges and puzzles are just some of the things this story has to offer. The Kickstarter Campaign The graphic adventure has been successfully funday this morning with 10000 dollars pledged by more than 250 backers all around the world. The best news is that theres 24 extra hours to still support this project and get some of the awesome rewards! The demo the team has been working on for almost a year was released a few months back and, since then, its been getting amazing reception from both the public and the press alike. The powerful sense of nostalgia that this game aims to deliver (even to those who never lived in neither Argentina or the 70s) was able to reach many people, not only because of its charming aesthetic that evokes a sense of childhood remembrance, but also because of the 5 languages this game has been translated so far (english, spanish, russian, german, portuguese and french). Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/782397044/sol705 Free demo Demo episode is free on Steam for PC and Mac or sur Itch.io for PC, Mac and Linux or sur the Appstore for iOS or Google Play Store for Android More info on the Game Website Developer: Land Patricio Based in Geneva, Switzerland Website: www.sol705.com Contact: [email protected] Social: twitter.com/@land_patricio twitter.com/@patosol705 facebook.com/sol705game Trailer https://vimeo.com/257239212 Platforms: Steam or PC, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS The plot The story will unfold during the 70s, over the course of a young boys winter break in a remote town called Tucana Lake, located on a land at the very end of the world known as Argentina. Mystery and references around every corner, a distorted reality that mixes american, european and out of this world pop culture influences and lots of amazing wacky sci-fi situations has been set to provide you hours of pure pixelated ecstasy! Join a group of eccentric friends looking to sneak out from duty and spend all their free time at their own secret extraterrestrial research club: Sol705. Making contact with an alien race? Easy. Getting a date with one of their classmates, well let just call it a top priority at the club's hidden agenda! Features 2D graphics with animations of great quality with the pixel-toon style. Exquisite hand-drawn backgrounds and dozen of ultra weird characters. An original soundtrack that goes from punk to the most awkward symphonic rock from the 70s. Super funny puzzles and amazing vintage stuff to collect and use!. Full english voiced with spanish, french, english, russian and german dialogues. This adventure plays honor to the great Lucas Arts, Sierra and Delphine software of yore. The Author Patricio Land was born in Buenos Aires (Argentina) he started programming as a hobby back in the '90s for the Sinclair Spectrum, Commodore 64 and Amiga 500. One of his early games was pirated even before finished...and he ended up buying it without knowing! Even though, those were really great times and with Sol705 he wanted to bring back those feelings of joy and madness after spending several years into game press journalism. His passion for adventure games, pop culture, manga, anime, classic sci-fi movies, cheap magazines and model making are the main influences for Sol705 the point and click adventure that now he is bringing to Kickstarter. On 2002 he moved to Geneva, Switzerland, where he lives with his wife, his 3 kids and a very bad cat.
You can bet with NYRA Bets from the state of Illinois. Advance deposit wagering (ADW) is now available in Illinois pursuant to Section 26(g) of the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. You must be a resident of Illinois and be at least 18 years old to open an account.

Internationally-licensed online racebooks are another option to Illinois residents and often feature such enticements as daily cash back offers (rebates), higher cash bonuses and anonymity as they do not report winnings to government agencies.

Sites like Bookmaker , which has been in business since 1986, also do not require you to provide your social security number.

WHERE TO BET ONLINE? CHECK OUT THE COMPARISONS BELOW

BOOKMAKER NYRA BETS 8 Percent Cash Back No Cash Back Up to $300 Free Cash Signup Bonus $200 Signup Bonus Does Not Require Social Security # Must Provide Social Security # Does Not Report Winnings to IRS Reports Tax Info to Government Offers Betting on Hundreds More Events Limited to Horse Betting Betting on Over 50 Race Tracks Betting on Over 50 Race Tracks No App Available App Available
You can bet with NYRA Bets from Ohio, however, they will require a social security number and submit your tax information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Racebooks like AmericasBookie, licensed outside the state, will not. Be sure to claim your generous welcome bonus with a maximum of $1000 .

Certainly sites like NYRA Bets have their advantages such as expedient payouts and decent enough bonuses. They also offer live streaming so you can watch the race from your laptop or smartphone.

Another advantage of NYRA Bets is the ability to place wagers via an app.

Internationally licensed racebooks do not report taxes to government agencies such as the IRS, thus making those who prefer anonymity a more enticing option.

WHERE TO BET ONLINE? CHECK OUT THE COMPARISONS BELOW

AMERICAS BOOKIE NYRA BETS 100% racebook (online horse betting) bonus on your initial deposit of $100 or more. No Cash Back 100% racebook (online horse betting) bonus on your initial deposit of $100 or more up to $1000 $200 Signup Bonus Does Not Require Social Security # Must Provide Social Security # Does Not Report Winnings to IRS Reports Tax Info to Government Offers Betting on Hundreds More Events Limited to Horse Betting Betting on Over 50 Race Tracks Betting on Over 50 Race Tracks No App Available - But Mobile Compatible App Available
According to a new, interesting and looking pretty reliable rumor, Microsoft is going to reveal a new Halo game, called Halo Infinity, later this week at its Xbox E3 2018 media briefing.

The rumor comes from Brad Sams, executive editor at Thurrott(dot)com, a well-known blog always quite informed about what Microsoft is cooking both in terms of tech and Windows, although he doesnt precise the source of it.

A new Halo game at e3, possibly called Halo Infinity, he said in a tweet, further precising in a second one shared a few moments later that obv, things could change here but thats the word the street.

So, looking at it, its just a name and nothing more, and this is the main reason why he says that things could still change in the time between his tweet and the proper reveal at E3 2018 later this week.

Infinity is the UNSC ship featured, with a pivotal role in terms of story, in Halo 4 and Halo 5, but also the place where the multiplayer modes take place in the fictional universe of the second trilogy.

The fact that the title is apparently lacking seems to suggest it might be some sort of spin-off or entry fully dedicated to the multiplayer, or to some specific multiplayer mode.

It seems a bit harder to guess that it could represent the beginning of a new trilogy. VG247 website points out it could mean that a Destiny-like game could be on its way, with a rush of content being released on a steady pace and expansions dropping each trimester.

Even though the ending of Halo 5: Guardians looked like opening something different for the franchise in terms of story, we guess 343 Industries wants to end that arc before going all in with something new from that perspective.
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.
Lenovo's Google Assistant-powered Smart Display up for Pre-orders News oi-Karan Seach giant has mentioned its first Google Assistant-powered smart display at the I/O 2018. According to B&G Photo pre-order listings, the Lenovo smart display might be up for pre-order.

Seach giant has mentioned its first Google Assistant-powered smart display at the I/O 2018. The company has mentioned that he displays will be available from July with a coalition of companies like LG, Lenovo and JBL. According to B&G Photo pre-order listings, the Lenovo smart display might be up for pre-order.

The listing shows a caption saying "coming soon" with an expected availability date of September 3. But, the price tag of the display might be a good news of many, because at CES 2018 Lenovo announced that the 8-inch model will be priced around $200 and the bigger 10-inch model will be at $249.99. On the other side, the B&H listing shows the models at $149.99 and $229.99 respectively. The new price is much more affordable than the announced one.

The all-new smart displays come in two variants, one with an 8-inch display and other will be the 10-inch Full HD display. Users can use the 10-watt full range speaker to interact with Google assistant on the Smart Display. It can stream videos directly from YouTube as well. The Smart Display comes with a feature which is similar to a digital screen saver which showcase images from a folder in Google Photos or any source of photos as per your desire.

According to the listing, the Lenovo 8-inch Smart Display comes with following highlights.

Two Dual-Array Microphones

8" Touchscreen Display

Front-Facing 5MP Camera

Make & Receive Live Video Calls

Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity

Full-Range, 10-Watt Speaker

Works with the Google Assistant

Works with Select Home Automation Brands

The Lenovo 10.1-inch Smart Display comes with following highlights.

Two Dual-Array Microphones

10.1" Touchscreen Display

Front-Facing 5MP Camera

Make & Receive Live Video Calls

Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity

Full-Range, 10-Watt Speaker

Works with the Google Assistant

Works with Select Home Automation Brands

So far we have this much information on the Lenovo Smart Display. Moreover, the listing didn't reveal any images of the displays, so its very tough to comment anything on the design of the device. Hope we will get to see the images soon.

Source1, 2

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
20 Samsung QLED Televisions to support AMD FreeSync via a software update News oi-Vivek Samsung's 2018 QLED televisions will support AMD FreeSync

Samsung in partnership with AMD has announced 20 different TV QLED TV models ranging from 55-inch to 82-inches. These TVs have 4K HDR panels and now supports AMD Radeon FreeSync technology to enhance gaming and other multi-media consumption. These Televisions support up to 1000nits of brightness with a higher refresh rate.

The FreeSync technology is developed by AMD, which works well with Xbox consoles and computers that run on AMD GPU. Currently, Xbox One S, Xbox One X supports FreeSync technology, if they are used with FreeSync certified displays like the Samsung QLED. FreeSync is a hardware plus software-based technology, which reduced the frame drop, lagging and screen tearing while gaming using a different set algorithm.

FreeSync technology is also available for the already launched Samsung QLED Televisions with the model number NU8000 / NU8500 ranging from 55-inch to 82-inch. These televisions will receive a software update as a part of automatic gamer mode update starting from the 6th of June.

Scott Herkelman, vice president, and general manager, Radeon Technologies Group, AMD said:

Whether you're a console or PC gamer, playing on a PC display or your living room TV, Radeon FreeSyncTM technology powers exceptional stutter-free gaming experiences. We launched FreeSyncTM technology with a mission to end frame tearing and dropped frames, as well as improve the experience for gamers around the world. With Samsung's FreeSyncTM technology QLED TVs, extra smooth gameplay visuals have never been so accessible, and never in such a large and appealing format.

Chu Jongsuk, senior vice president Samsung said:

From the beginning, Samsung has embraced Radeon FreeSyncTM technology and the commitment from AMD to deliver technologies based on open standards that enhance the gaming experience. Our users demand the absolute best in visual quality, and that extends to smooth gaming low latency. We're thrilled to bring the power of Radeon FreeSyncTM technology to Samsung TVs for players around the world.

Matthew Lapsen, general manager, Xbox Console Marketing said:

AMD and Microsoft have a long history of innovation, collaborating on hardware and software to bring gamers the best possible experiences. With FreeSyncTM technology support for our Xbox One platform, AMD and Microsoft brought a critical gaming technology to a broader base of gamers. We're offering a whole new caliber of smooth-looking gameplay to players on Xbox One S and Xbox One X.

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
HTTP error 404 (not found)

This happens when the page that you wish to go to doesn't exist. It usually happens when you click on a broken link or a website moves a page without taking the necessary steps to redirect it. But this error can also occur if you type the URL wrong.

The first thing that you need to do when you see a 404 is to make sure that you entered the right address. You can also perform a search on Google in order to find the right page. These can be resolved if the website owner puts in redirects on web pages that they change the URLs for.

HTTP error 401 (unauthorized)

A 401 error occurs when you need authentication in order to access a page and you don't have it. This error usually occurs when you try to access content in a website without logging in. Quite often, certain content is only available for people only if you log into a website.

If you face this, you can just go back to the main page of the site and log in again.

HTTP error 403 (forbidden)

This happens when the request you made is valid and the server won't let you complete the request because you aren't allowed to access that particular content.

A 401 does not authenticate you because you haven't logged into a site yet whereas, in the case of a 403 error, it will not allow you to access the page even if you have logged in. This usually means that the content that you have stumbled upon is private and you need to access the website administrator to get to it.

HTTP error 504 (gateway timeout)

This is a gateway timeout, this happens when a server that the website is relying on does not communicate with it fast enough. You will not be able to access the website when this error occurs until the administrators manage to resolve this issue. You will have to be patient and wait until the administrators have resolved the issue in order to access the website again.

Moto G6 and Moto G6 Play First Impressions

HTTP error 500 (internal server error)

When a server is overloaded or unable to handle requests properly, or if the website coding contains an error, the message that pops up is that there is an internal server error. You can investigate the error log in order to identify the file that is causing the issue.
Lenovo Z5 vs other smartphones with similar specs Features oi-Harish Kumar

Lenovo has introduced Lenovo Z5 which is the Chinese manufacturers latest addition in its premium segment of smartphones. The Lenovo Z5 was introduced along with the Lenovo A5 and Lenovo K5 note in an event held in Beijing yesterday.

SEE ALSO: Best Android Oreo smartphones under Rs 15,000

The smartphone packs some powerful specs like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 SoC and dual rear camera setup that comes with AI capabilities.

In this article we will be discussing about the Lenovo Z5 and also compare it with other smartphones that are available in same price segment and offers similar features.

Budget Smartphones to buy in India in June 2018

So let's get to the list and see what all devices features similar specifications.

Vivo X21 Best Price of Vivo X21

Key Specs

6.28-inch (2280  1080 pixels) Full HD+ 19:9 Super AMOLED display

Octa Core Snapdragon 660 14nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 512 GPU

6GB RAM, 64GB / 128GB internal memory

expandable memory up to 256GB with microSD

Hybrid Dual SIM (nano + nano/microSD)

Funtouch OS 4.0 based on Android 8.1 (Oreo)

12MP rear camera and secondary 5MP camera

12MP front-facing camera with f/2.0 aperture

4G VoLTE

3200mAh (typical) battery with fast charging Honor 10 Best Price of Honor 10

Key Specs

5.84-inch ( 2240 x 1080 pixels) Full HD+ LCD 2.5D curved glass display with 96% NTSC Color gamut

Octa-Core Huawei Kirin 970 with 10nm processor with Mali-G72 MP12 GPU

6GB RAM with 64GB / 128GB internal storage

Android 8.1 (Oreo) with EMUI 8.1

Dual SIM (nano + nano)

16MP primary camera and secondary 24MP rear camera

24MP front-facing camera

Dual 4G VoLTE

3400mAh (typical) / 3320mAh (minimum) battery with fast charging OnePlus 6 Best Price of OnePlus 6

Key Specs

6.28-inch (2280  1080 pixels) Full HD+ 19:9 aspect ratio AMOLED display with DCI-P3 color gamut, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection

2.8GHz Octa-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 10nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 630 GPU

6GB LPDDR4X RAM with 64GB (UFS 2.1) storage

8GB LPDDR4X RAM with 128GB (UFS 2.1) / 256GB (UFS 2.1) storage

Android 8.1 (Oreo) with OxygenOS 5.1

Dual SIM (nano + nano)

16MP rear camera and secondary 20MP camera

16MP front-facing camera

4G VoLTE

3300mAh battery with Dash Charge (5V - 4A) Motorola Moto Z2 Force Best Price of Moto Z2 Force

Key Specs

5.5-inch (1440 x 2560 pixels) Quad HD AMOLED POLED ShatterShield, shatterproof display

2.45GHz Octa-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Mobile Platform with Adreno 540 GPU

6GB / 4GB RAM

64GB storage

expandable memory up to 2TB with microSD

Android 8.0 (Oreo)

Dual SIM

12MP dual rear cameras with dual-tone LED flash

5MP front-facing camera with dual-tone LED flash

4G VoLTE

2730mAh battery with Turbo Charging Moto X4 6GB RAM Best Price of Moto X4

Key Specs

5.2-inch (1920 x 1080 pixels) Full HD LTPS IPS display with Corning Gorilla Glass protection

2.2 GHz Octa-Core Snapdragon 630 14nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 508 GPU

6GB / 4GB RAM with 64GB

3GB RAM with 32GB storge

expandable memory up to 2TB with microSD

Android 8.0 (Oreo)

Hybrid Dual SIM (nano + nano/microSD)

12MP primary camera and 8MP ultra-wide angle secondary camera

16MP Front-facing camera

4G VoLTE

3000mAh battery with Turbo Charging Samsung Galaxy A8 Plus 2018 Best Price of Samsung Galaxy A8 Plus 2018

Key Specs

6-inch (10802220 pixels) Full HD+ Super AMOLED display

Octa-Core (2.2GHz Dual + 1.6GHz Hexa) Exynos 7885 14nm processor with Mali-G71 GPU

6GB RAM

64GB storage

expandable up to 256GB via micro SD card

Android 7.1.1 (Nougat)

Dual SIM

16MP rear camera with LED flash

16MP front camera and secondary 8MP camera

4G VoLTE

3500mAh battery with adaptive fast charging Honor V10 (View 10) Best Price of Honor V10 (View 10)

Key Specs

5.99-inch (2160 x 1080 pixels) Full HD+ 18:9 FullView display

Octa-Core Huawei Kirin 970 with 10nm processor + i7 co-processor, Mali-G72 MP12 GPU

4GB RAM with 64GB storage

6GB RAM, 64GB /128GB storage

expandable memory up to 256GB with microSD

Android 8.0 (Oreo) with EMUI 8.0

Hybird Dual SIM (nano SIM + nano SIM / microSD)

16MP (RGB) + 20MP (Monochrome) Dual rear cameras

13MP front-facing camera with f/2.0 aperture

4G VoLTE

3750mAh (typical) / 3650mAh (minimum) battery with fast charging Samsung Galaxy C9 Pro Best Price of Samsung Galaxy C9 Pro

Key Specs

6-inch (19201080 pixels) Full HD Super AMOLED 2.5D curved glassdisplay

Octa Core Snapdragon 653 processor with with Adreno 510 GPU

6GB RAM

64GB Internal Storage

expandable memory up to 256GB via micro SD card

Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow)

Dual SIM (nano + nano)

16MP rear camera with dual-tone LED flash, f/1.9 aperture

16MP front camera,f/1.9 aperture

4G LTE

4000mAh battery with fast charging RealMe 1 128GB Best Price of RealMe 1 128GB

Key Specs

6-inch (2160 x 1080 pixels) Full HD+ IPS display

Octa Core MediaTek Helio P60 (MT6771) 12nm processor with 800MHz ARM Mali-G72 MP3 GPU

3GB RAM with 32GB storage

4GB RAM with 64GB storage

6GB RAM with 128GB storage

expandable memory up to 256GB with microSD

Dual SIM (nano + nano + microSD)

ColorOS 5.0 based on Android 8.1 (Oreo)

13MP rear camera with LED flash

8MP front-facing camera

4G VoLTE

3410mAh battery

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
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus E.Shestakov meets Vice-President of Venezuela

05-06-2018

On June 5, 2018 during his working visit to Venezuela, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Evgeny Shestakov, met with the Vice-President of Venezuela for Planning, Co-Chairman of the Joint Belarusian-Venezuelan Commission, Ricardo Menendez.

During the meeting, the parties discussed current level and perspectives of Belarusian-Venezuelan relations, as well as cooperation in industry, construction and agriculture.

Special attention was paid to the expansion of bilateral trade including coordination and realization of measures of the Program The Road Map of Bilateral Cooperation between the Republic of Belarus and Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for the Short-term and Long-term Perspectives.

The parties also discussed preparations for the next 8th meeting of the Joint Belarusian-Venezuelan Commission to be held in Caracas.

print version
Runaway Slaves in Britain searchable database launched

Academics at the University of Glasgow today (1 June 2018) launched a new digital database of fugitive slave adverts from 18th century UK newspapers.

The database is a result of the Runaway Slaves in Britain project and reveals hundreds of stories of enslaved and bound people who had escaped their captivity.

More than 800 advertisements from 18th century newspapers were placed by masters and owners offering rewards to anyone who captured and returned the runaways.

They represent a far larger number of enslaved and bound people, as many masters did not place newspaper advertisements, and a great many slaves and bound servants do not appear to have tried to escape.

Most runaways were of African descent, though a small number were from the Indian sub-continent and a very few were Indigenous Americans.

The advertisements paint a fascinating picture of the men, women and children who ran away in an attempt to be free of servitude providing a rich source of information about the enslaved and slavery in 18th century mainland Britain.

The written notices described the mannerisms, clothes, hairstyles, skin markings, and skills of people who otherwise would have been completely absent from the official historical records of the time.

The advertisements also include information about the work of the enslaved, their homes and situations, and the lives, businesses and homes of their masters and mistresses.

Some of the runaway slaves were employed as sailors and dock workers, as well as, craftsmen, labourers and washerwomen.

The large majority were domestic servants and workers in the households of elite and mercantile families who had spent time in or had connections with the British Empires colonies.

An advert from the Edinburgh Evening Courant dated 13 February 1727, from The Mitchell Library, Glasgow, stated: Run away on the 7th instant from Dr Gustavus Browns Lodgings in Glasgow, a Negro Woman, named Ann, being about 18 Years of Age, with a green Gown and a Brass Collar about her Neck, on which are engraved these words [Gustavus Brown in Dalkieth his Negro, 1726.] Whoever apprehends her, so as she may be recovered, shall have two Guineas Reward, and necessary Charges allowed by Laurence Dinwiddie Junior Merchant in Glasgow, or by James Mitchelson Jeweller in Edinburgh.



 Special Collections/ The Mitchell Library/Museums and Collections/Glasgow Life

The principal sources for the project are English and Scottish newspapers published between 1700 and 1780. The database covers all the regions of England and mainland Scotland.

Professor Simon Newman, Professor of History at the Universitys College of Arts, said: We do not have the words or sometimes even the names of bound or enslaved people who were brought to 18th century Britain. In many cases all that remains are the short newspaper advertisements written by masters who were eager to reclaim their valuable human property.

These advertisements are important because they remind us that slavery was routine and unremarkable in Britain during the first three-quarters of the 18th century. This is made very clear by the placement of these newspaper notices offering enslaved people for sale or seeking the recapture and return of enslaved runaways. These advertisements appeared next to the mundane and every day news items and announcements that filled the pages of the burgeoning newspaper press.

Slavery was not an institution restricted to the Caribbean, America or South Asia, and these short newspaper notices bring to life the enslaved individuals who lived, worked, and who attempted to escape into British society.

This is an important resource for the understanding of slavery and telling the stories of the enslaved and slavery in Britain.

Nelson Mundell, a research assistant on the project, said: This project shows that it wasnt an unusual thing to have slaves walking around the streets of villages, towns and cities the length and breadth of Britain.

The adverts make for sobering reading as they describe scars and markings from whips or brands.

It also shows that on occasion slaves wore collars or other manacles, sometimes with owners name engraved on them, as was the case with an 18-year-old fugitive called Ann who escaped from a house in Glasgow.

The Runaway Slaves in Britain project is based upon extensive and painstaking research into dozens of Scottish and English newspapers to locate advertisements.

While a few of these newspapers have been digitised, the quality of the original print and scans (often of microfilm) is such that digital text searching misses as much as it finds, so the research has involved combing through tens of thousands of pages of newspapers in order to find runaway advertisements.

The database contains full transcriptions of advertisements, and when possible photographic reproductions.

The projects website include a guide to further reading and web resources, as well as, resources designed to make this data useful to school teachers and their pupils.

Research from the project has already helped inspire a graphic novel (entitled Freedom Bound and due to be published later this year), the award-winning short film 1745 (2017, dir. Gordon Napier), and a variety of radio programmes and other outputs.

This project has been made possible by support from the Leverhulme Trust, and from the Universitys College of Arts.

Sample advertisements found on the new searchable Runaway Slaves in Britain database:-

Jeremiah - Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 16 March 1769, p.4.

March 14, 1769.

RAN away on WEDNESDAY Night last,

From his Master PATRICK BURK, Esq;

A Young Negro Man, called Jeremiah or Jerry, about 5 Feet 8 or 9 Inches high, large boned, well set, but not fat, has large strong Negro Features, and a large Scar on the upper Part of one of his Wrists, just upon the Joint, and supposed to be on the right Hand, slightly marked with the Small-Pox; had on when he went away a light-coloured Great Coat, dirty Leather Breeches, and White Stockings, and wore a Curl behind, that matchd the other Part of his own woolly Hair; he reads and writes badly, plays pretty well on the Violin, and can shave and dress a Wig.

Whoever delivers him to Capt. Oliver, of the Ship Coltreen, at Mill-Stairs, Rotherhithe, London; or to Messrs. Reeve, Son, and Hill, Merchants in Bristol, shall receive Twenty Guineas Reward, or Five Guineas for such Intelligence of him as may enable his Master to apprehend him.

As the said Negro knows his Masters Affection for him, if he will immediately return, he will be forgiven; if Freedom be what he wishes for, he shall have it, with reasonable Wages; if he neglects this present forgiving Disposition in his Master, he may be assured that more effectual Measures will be taken. He has been pretty much at Bath, and the Hot-Wells, Bristol, with his Master.



 The British Library Board and British Newspaper Archives (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)

Caesar - Edinburgh Evening Courant, 22 June 1771, p.3.

A BLACK SLAVE run away.

ON the 11th current there run away from the house of Col. Munro of Novar, in Rossshire, A BLACK SLAVE, a native of the East Indies, called CAESAR. He is about 25 or 26 years of age, about five feet four or five inches high, has long black hair, and was bred a cook. - Whoever secures the said Slave within any of his Majestys goals in Great Britain, upon notice to Col. Munro, by Dingwall, or to John Fraser writer to the signet at Edinburgh, shall receive FIVE GUINEAS reward. It is hoped masters of ships, and others, will be careful not to secret or carry off the said Slave, otherways they shall be prosecuted in terms of law. If the Slave himself shall return to his master's service, his offence shall be forgiven.



 The British Library Board and British Newspaper Archives (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)

Media contact:

Aine Allardyce, Communications Officer, College of Arts

0141 330 7126 or aine.allardyce@glasgow.ac.uk
Latest Headlines

New build financing gap boosts Southern Cross

Peer to peer lender Southern Cross Partners has seen an increase in investor demand as first time buyers struggle to finance new-build properties.

Wednesday, June 6th 2018, 12:04PM

by Dan Dunkley

The lender says it experienced a 10-20% increase in investor demand last year amid a lack of available funding for the construction and sale of new homes.

Southern Cross CEO Luke Jackson says would-be buyers of new homes, often first-time buyers, struggle to secure financing as banks will only lend against completed properties. The lender says builders are reluctant to begin projects without the buyer's financing in place, leaving both parties in a stalemate.

Jackson says this has created a mismatch in the market. He adds: The banks want a finished house, but the builder needs money to actually build the project. If the building company goes out and buys the land and builds the house, they become a developer and its even harder for them to get finance  very few, bar the big turnkey builders like Universal Homes, can do something like that."

Southern Cross says there is growing demand for its "bridge" financing products. Bridge financing provides builders with funds to construct a property, satisfying the banks and enabling buyers to then receive a home loan.

Jackson says a growing number of builders have contacted Southern Cross through mortgage advisers. Jackson says the demand is driven by increased awareness of P2P lending. We have built awareness that you can get secured lending using this platform. It is growing by word of mouth and people are learning about it.

Jackson says peer-to-peer investors are flooding into the market, encouraged by the investment yield on offer. According to Jackson, Southern Cross experienced 10-20% growth in investor demand year-on-year in the 12 months to March.

Special Offers

Comments from our readers

No comments yet

Sign In to add your comment
Vietnam looks set to join Miami as a new grand prix on the calendar in the near future.

Liberty Media's Chase Carey has said he wants Europe to remain the bedrock of F1 whilst expanding further into America and Asia.

"Vietnam is a very exciting country," Carey is quoted by L'Equipe as saying at an event in Manila.

"It's a country that speaks to our imagination and we want to go there."

It is believed that while Miami will join the calendar next year, Vietnam will follow in 2020.

Carey also said Liberty Media wants to look at the existing races on the calendar and improve them.

"First of all we want to make sure they are suitable tracks for great racing," he said.

"Realistically, there are circuits where we probably need to intervene."

(GMM)
Permanent representative of Belarus V.Rybakov participates in the event on population dynamics

06-06-2018

On June, 5, 2018 the Permanent Representative of Belarus to the United Nations, Valentin Rybakov, took part in a thematic side-event Population Dynamics and Sustainable Development in Europe and Central Asia co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Albania and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on the sidelines of the annual session of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS *.

Albania represents Eastern European Group at the Bureau of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS in 2018. Belarus is a member of the Executive Board until the end of this year.

During his presentation Impact of Evidence-based Family Policy on Population Dynamics V. Rybakov briefed participants of the event on modern demographic trends in Belarus and on directions of national demographic policy.

The Permanent Representative presented main outcomes of a large-scale survey Belarus: family structure, family relations, fertility in changing socio-economic conditions conducted on the basis of the international methodology of the Program Generations and Gender in Belarus in 2017.

The survey Belarus: family structure, family relations, fertility in changing socio-economic conditions was implemented within the international technical assistance project Support to the Implementation of the National Programme of Demographic Security of the Republic of Belarus funded by the Russian Federation, UNFPA and UNICEF.

The Belarusian diplomat noted that Belarus is interested in continuing cooperation with UNFPA, UNECE and UNICEF, Russia and other donors, as well as with other international partners to strengthen demographic potential and develop an effective family policy for implementation of national priorities in this area and for achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

* UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS - United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Population Fund, United Nations Office for Project Services

print version
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus O.Kravchenko meets the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania

05-06-2018

On June 5, 2018 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania hosted a meeting between the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, Oleg Kravchenko, and the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Darius Skusevicius.

During the negotiations, the sides held a substantive discussion on issues raised by Lithuania with regard to the construction of a nuclear power plant in Belarus. Along with the statement of a number of significant disagreements in the assessments of the Belarusian and Lithuanian sides, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus informed about the necessary security measures that takes Belarus during the construction and future operation of its NPP, about the fulfillment of international obligations and appropriate interaction of Belarus with the related international organizations, including cooperation with the IAEA, as well as about the ongoing process of reviewing the results of stress tests of Belarus NPP during the partner verification, which is conducted in accordance with the obligations voluntarily accepted by Belarus and in accordance with the algorithm agreed with the European Commission.

The current state of affairs and prospects for the development of Belarus-EU cooperation was also discussed. In this context a discussion on human rights issues took place.

As part of the discussion of the Belarus-Lithuania relations, the sides noted mutual interest in maintaining a high level of economic cooperation and underlined the importance of holding regular Belarus-Lithuania economic forums, the 14th of which will be held in Vitebsk on June 7-8, 2018.

   

print version
In a city where ties to communism can still wreck a career and reputation, a county commission candidate sent out an endorsement letter from Miami's first Cuban-born mayor mistakenly stating that his father had "joined" Fidel Castro's secret police in the early 1960s.

The blunder, which Eileen Higgins' campaign blamed on an editing error, butchered the truth: Xavier Suarez's father was actually imprisoned by the intelligence service in 1961 ahead of the CIA-backed Bay of Pigs invasion. But voters in Miami-Dade County's fifth district nevertheless received a letter from Suarez late last week oddly explaining that he supports Higgins and his father once teamed up with Cuba's G-2  an unforced error for Higgins, who is courting Hispanic and Cuban voters.

Im a little miffed, I suppose, said a nonchalant Suarez, who stressed that he remains supportive of Higgins. I think everybody understands from the context what happened.

The mix-up began when Suarez sent a letter of endorsement to Higgins, who's running to replace the Cuban-born Bruno Barreiro in a June 19 runoff election as the commissioner representing Miami-Dade's fifth district. Higgins' opponent is Barreiro's wife, Zoraida Barreiro, who came to Miami in the 1980s as part of the Mariel boatlift.

The letter, which Suarez provided to the Miami Herald via email, was written in Spanish. In it, he explained that his father, Manuel Suarez, was an engineer like Higgins, and compared his support for Higgins to his father's friendship with a priest who served as rector of the university where his father was dean of the school of engineering in Cuba. Suarez also mentioned that his father and Father John Kelly were detained by Cuba's military intelligence before the Bay of Pigs invasion.

But Higgins' campaign ultimately sent out an edited version that mistakenly replaced the phrase "was taken" in that sentence with "joined." Higgins' campaign blamed the mistake on hasty preparations to distribute the letter to voters as absentee ballots also hit the mail last week.

"In the process to quickly finalize the letter to reach voters in the shortened election cycle, a staff member inadvertently made a small edit to a sentence and the change was made in the wrong paragraph," said Kalynn Cook, a spokeswoman for the Higgins campaign. "The overall message and feel of the endorsement letter remains intact."

To read the rest, click here.
The recovery of the office market continues in Fairfield County  and so does the competitiveness of traditional office parks.

While many of them grapple with large pockets of vacancy  also common in city centers  office complexes outside downtowns are still retaining and attracting a range of companies. Tenants say they appreciate the open space and proximity to mass transit, while favorable leasing terms and office upgrades have also encouraged them to stay.

You always would rather have an office park that is transit-oriented, (and) Merritt 7 does have a spur line on Metro-North, said Margaret Egan, senior vice president of asset management at real estate investment-management firm Clarion Partners, which has an institutional client that owns Norwalks Merritt 7 complex. Tenants in Norwalk or less urbanized suburban markets always are thinking, Am I going to be able to attract the best employees who want to get in and out of the city?

Successes and setbacks

Office parks outside city centers accounted for two of the five largest deals in Fairfield County in the first quarter of this year, according to commercial real estate firm CBRE.

In the largest transaction, Norwalks FactSet Research Systems signed a headquarters lease for about 173,000 square feet in The Towers complex, at 45 Glover Ave., down the road from its current home at Merritt 7. Edgewell Personal Care renewed for about 55,000 square feet at 6 Research Drive in Shelton.

Leases for Charter Communications, Webster Bank and Computer Associates  all in downtown Stamford  comprised the three next largest agreements of the quarter.

In northern Fairfield County, Berkshire Corporate Park  a 17-building property that sits on 300 acres in Danbury, Brookfield and Bethel  is 100 percent occupied.

The 1 million-square-foot complex encompasses office, medical, warehouse, industrial and flex space. It houses the new headquarters for industrial-gases giant Praxair and a newly constructed medical building home for orthopedics provider OrthoConnecticut.

To have that many uses is definitely helpful because, in general, the office market is not good right now, said Michelle Steiner, a representative of the family that owns the park.

Other area office parks, however, are struggling to fill their buildings. At Danburys Matrix complex, the physical vacancy rate runs at about 84 percent.

Staying competitive

Office campuses outside city centers remain many popular with a diverse group of businesses.

Tenants without many visitors who want scenic surroundings will often opt for space in hubs such as Greenwich Office Park, in Greenwich, said Christian Bangert, executive vice president of Stamford-based commercial real estate firm Rhys.

Most office parks, in my experience, are there for aesthetic reasons, Bangert said.

Companies that operate outside downtowns also find much more affordable rents. In Stamford, annual office leases average about $27 per square foot outside the downtown, compared with around $43 in the central business district, according to CBRE.

Stamford-based Greenwich Associates announced last month it had renewed for another five years in the High Ridge Park complex, next to the Merritt Parkway, at Exit 35.

The firm takes about 42,000 square feet at High Ridge Park, where it has been based since relocating from Greenwich in 2008.

Approximately 140 work at the headquarters for the company, which specializes in market intelligence and advisory services for the financial-services industry. About 75 percent of them commute from other parts of Stamford and neighboring towns and cities in Fairfield and Westchester counties, while the remainder travel from New York City.

The talent pool remains vibrant in terms of the people we can get from Fairfield County, including Stamford, as well as reverse commuters from New York, said Greenwich Associates CEO Steve Busby. And we like the location. Its close to the Merritt  but it does have a bit of a different feel in that youre in a wooded, open complex, as opposed to a high-rise downtown.

As part of the new lease agreement, Greenwich Associates received funding from landlord George Comfort & Sons for office renovations and new furniture.

Upgrades key

Bruce Wettenstein, of Westport-based commercial real estate firm Vidal/Wettenstein, also cited the importance of capital improvements to office parks viability.

If a landlord wants to lease their space in this market, which is a dynamic market, they are going to have to really bend over backwards to do what they have to do for the tenant, Wettenstein said.

At Merritt 7, the ownership is planning major upgrades of the two southernmost buildings.

Gensler Architects plans to take advantage of Merritt 7s spaciousness to create ground-level lounge areas that connect to outside plazas, said Clarions Egan.

With Merritt 7 having attracted companies like Xerox, Aon and Hearst Connecticut Media Group since 2017, Egan said she expects plenty of prospective tenants to scope the revamped space being vacated by FactSet. She also acknowledges that downtown Stamford is vying for the same types of tenants.

We always consider Stamford our competition, Egan said. We wouldnt be doing our homework if we didnt keep on top of what was going on in Stamford.

Macaela J. Bennett, Chris Bosak, Jordan Grice and Alexander Soule contributed reporting to this article.

pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; Twitter: @paulschott
President Donald Trump on Wednesday commuted the sentence of Alice Marie Johnson after reality TV star Kim Kardashian West advocated for the woman's release during a recent White House visit.

Kardashian tweeted that it was the "BEST NEWS EVER!!!," accompanied by three praying hands emoji.

As soon as the news hit Twitter last week that Kardashian was meeting with Trump to discuss prison reform and a potential pardon for Johnson, out came the jokes, the harsh derision, the pleas to escape earth.

Tweets such as: "I'd rather live in the Upside Down," "*gets in spaceship*" and "Dear God: Please shake the Etch-A-Sketch and let humanity start over."

"Forget about the fact that Kim Kardashian is here at the White House today and what planet that is anything resembling normal, because it's not," CNN's Jim Acosta said on air last Wednesday. "She shouldn't be here talking prison reform. It's very nice that she is here, but that's not a serious thing to have happened here at the White House."

ALSO Trump commutes the life sentence of Alice Marie Johnson

Trump - who also saw his own star power propelled by reality TV -- tweeted a photo of the White House visit that the New York Post used to make not one, not two, but three Kardashian butt jokes about on their cover ("Trump meets rump" and "Kim Thong Un" among them).

Johnson's case first came to Kardashian's attention after she saw a Mic story about the 63-year-old great-grandmother on Twitter, and soon got her lawyer, Shawn Holley, involved.

Maybe those ridiculing Kardashian didn't realize she was bringing her attorney with her. Or that the main point of her visit was to bring Johnson's case to Trump's attention (Johnson was serving a life term for a nonviolent crime), not to explain intricate policy changes.

Regardless, her involvement became an easy target. Kardashian serves as an avatar for the most vapid and derided kind of celebrity. People love to hate her and her family for being famous for showing off every aspect of their ridiculous lives. (And, more recently, she's been defending her husband, Kanye West, amid controversial statements of his own.)

Kardashian did something similar to actor Sylvester Stallone, although he didn't receive nearly the same amount of public ridicule for lobbying the president.

Days before Kardashian's visit, Trump granted a long-sought-after posthumous pardon for the first black heavyweight champion, Jack Johnson. The case came to Trump's attention after Stallone personally called Trump to talk about it.

A celebrity using star power to bring attention to a serious issue isn't unique to the Trump era. Neither are the debates over whether a famous Hollywood type is really the best person to talk about serious stuff such as, say, conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, or whether such advocacy is also a self-serving promotional ploy.

So what's new? The power that celebrity advocates seem to have. Stallone and Kardashian wielded their fame for what they believed were good causes, and the president did what they wanted.

"It's funny because people will just hear something and not understand, 'Well, what does Kim have to do with prison reform?' " Kardashian told Mic after meeting with the president. "Seven months ago I saw a story on Twitter and it was about a great-grandmother that just tugged at my heart. And it was just that simple connection."

She continued: "If it takes me to go and talk to the highest person in power, the only person that can make this happen, which is President Trump, then I will definitely do that."

Apparently, that is what it takes. Maybe next time, we should all take a celebrity visit to the White House more seriously, because serious things can happen as a result - for better or worse.
Gwen Graham is launching the first TV ad of her campaign for governor today, a $1.1 million ad buy in the Orlando and Tampa markets.

And in it, the former congresswoman makes her introduction to voters: Mom. PTA president. Democrat. Daughter of former governor and senator Bob Graham.

And her father makes an appearance. Doubtless, she's hoping the elder Graham is still a familiar face in a state where he was revered when he was in office. He hasn't been on the ballot since 1998.

The ad is airing on broadcast and cable over the next two weeks.

Here's the transcript:

Announcer: Whether raising three kids or in Gwen Grahams service as a PTA president

Graham: Everything I do is through the prism of being a mom

Announcer: Democrat Gwen Graham. In Congress, Gwen applied lessons from her father, Bob Graham. Now, Gwen is running for governor.

Graham: Twenty years with one party running everything with all the wrong priorities. The Florida Legislature have not taken Medicaid expansion. They have hurt education. They have used the lottery to reduce funding. But were gonna take it back.

Announcer: For Governor  Democrat Gwen Graham

Graham is facing off against Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, Palm Beach billionaire Jeff Greene, Orlando entrepreneur Chris King and former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine in the August primary.
You may have noticed some YouTubers switching to 360 cameras  the great thing about them is that you get to rotate the camera around in post-production. Or maybe you want to shoot videos for VR headsets, either way capturing omnidirectional video can be cool.

Best Buy is currently running a promotion that will net you a free Samsung Gear 360 (2017) camera if you buy a Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+. The retailer lists the camera at $170, though if you wait for a promo you can get it as low as $100. -Still, a $100 for free is nothing to sneeze at.

The Galaxy S9 is $670 unlocked (64 GB) while the S9+ is $790. If you sign up with Verizon, AT&T or Sprint, youre looking at $20.50 and $25.50 a month respectively for a 24-month contract (Sprint offers lower prices for new accounts).

You can check out the S9 deal here and the S9+ deal here.

A bit more about the Gear 360 (2017) camera  it records 4K at 30 fps video to a microSD card. It has two 8.4 MP sensors with wide-angle lenses that combine to capture the full 360. The camera is dust and splash proof (IP53).
These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales.
The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ have been available in the UK for a few months now, as they have elsewhere. But if you wanted to pick one up in Titanium Grey, so far that was impossible, in the UK at least. This color version is finally launching at the end of the month.

There's just one caveat - it will be exclusively available at Carphone Warehouse. So if you want one, you'll need to go there, starting on June 29. The Titanium Grey phones will be in stock both online and in-store.

As you'd expect, there's absolutely nothing different about a Titanium Grey S9 or S9+ on the inside, compared to their differently colored siblings. It's just that you get a "contemporary, industrial chic shade", according to Samsung's press release.

Pre-orders aren't live yet, but you can register your interest for the Titanium Grey duo at this link, if you absolutely must be the first to know everything about them.

Source
@alextdaugherty

With Gov. Rick Scott touring the state in his official and campaign capacities at all times, Sen. Bill Nelson needs every minute he can get in Florida between now and Election Day.

Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is determined not to let that happen.

The Republican leader, who controls the schedule in the U.S. Senate, announced Tuesday that Congress' upper chamber will be in session for most of August, when senators typically travel home to campaign for reelection and raise funds.

"Due to the historic obstruction by Senate Democrats of the presidents nominees, and the goal of passing appropriations bills prior to the end of the fiscal year, the August recess has been canceled," McConnell said in a statement.

Nelson, one of 10 Democrats seeking reelection in states that President Donald Trump won in 2016, said McConnell's rationale is laughable.

"Mitch is using any excuse he can in order to hold those of us who want to be home campaigning, hold us here in Washington because we have to vote. That's what he's doing," Nelson said. "This is nothing but raw politics. He can do all of that stuff and of course I'll be here voting, which is why the people sent me here, but at the end of the day that's not going to do him any good."

Instead of taking off the entire month for campaigning, McConnell said the Senate will have a state work period during the first week of August and then will be in session for the rest of the month.

Nelson added that there's lots of important legislation that the Senate should consider during the month of August, but McConnell's decision isn't about getting more bills passed or nominees confirmed.

Scott has spent millions on television ads while Nelson has decided not to spend money so far. Outside groups from both sides have started to spend on television and digital advertising ahead of what could be the most expensive U.S. Senate campaign in history.

Update: Scott expressed support for McConnell's decision on Twitter. The Florida legislature wrapped up its regular session in March and is not expected to meet in 2018 unless a special session is called by Scott or the legislature.




Haiti - Politic : Miami donates 7 garbage trucks for Port-au-Prince





Sunday, Guy Andre Junior Francois, the Minister of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE) returning from his tour in Argentina and Chile and the Mayor of Port-au-Prince Ralph Youri Chevry welcomed at the Airport International Toussaint Louverture, the arrival of Miami District 5 Municipal Commissioner, Keon Hardemon leading a delegation, as part of a twinning program between the City of Miami and Port-au-Prince, Cite Soleil and Saint-Louis du Nord



Monday in his equipment center, Mayor Chevry received from the city of Miami a donation of 7 trucks specialized in the collection of waste. The opportunity for the Mayor of Port-au-Prince to remind the people of his commune the communal decree on the collection of waste and the penalties provided for https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-24489-haiti-flash-ranking-of-the-shame-port-au-prince-the-dirtiest-city-in-the-world.html claiming that several people have already been arrested for offenses and transferred to court.



Keon Hardemon, expressed the solidarity of his administration towards the Haitians in general and the inhabitants of Port-au-Prince in particular recalling "Just as the Miami City Council works to improve the people of its jurisdiction, the City Council of Port-au-Prince strives to improve the living conditions of the citizens of the capital."



Minister Francois, thanked the Miami city councilors who facilitated this donation of materials as well as the recognition and official recognition of the Haitian district "Little Haiti" and its geographical delimitation on the map of Miami-Dade https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-17571-haiti-politic-little-haiti-officially-recognized-as-a-miami-neighborhood.html



In addition to these 7 trucks for the city of Port-au-Prince, the city of Miami donated an additional truck to the town of Saint-Louis du Nord and another to the Town Hall of Cite Soleil.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-24489-haiti-flash-ranking-of-the-shame-port-au-prince-the-dirtiest-city-in-the-world.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-17571-haiti-politic-little-haiti-officially-recognized-as-a-miami-neighborhood.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















By Lily Lee | Published on 2018/06/05 | Source

Actress Kang Han-na is being questioned by netizens about whether she is dating Taiwanese actor Darren Wang. The question has arisen many times in the past as they were often seen together in public and abroad.

Advertisement

Kang Han-na and Darren Wang first met filming the Chinese drama "Mu Ye Gui Shi" in 2017 and since then, the two had developed a close friendship. The first suspicion on their relationship status started last year spring, when they were sighted at an amusement park together in Osaka, Japan.

On April 11th this year, they were seen together again at a seafood market place. At the time, Kang Han-na's agency, Fantagio, stated, "They are not in a relationship. They were simply shopping for the dinner with friends. The friends were also present at the market". Afterward, Darren Wang's agency also stated a clarification and denied their relationship.

However, on April 19th, Kang Han-na and Darren Wang were under fire once again just 8 days after their denial. This time, they were seen together at the Vatican Museum in Italy, and the picture of what looks like romantic getaway spread across multiple online communities in a short period of time.

While everyone's eyes are fixated on the two, Kang Han-na directly mentioned Darren Wang's name on her official Instagram account. On June 4th, Kang Han-na posted a video of herself doing the Ice Bucket Challenge. The Ice Bucket Challenge is a gesture of goodwill involving the dumping of a bucket of ice and water over a person's head, to promote awareness of the disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, aka Lou Gehrig's disease) and encourage donations to research. The challenge encourages the participant to nominate 3 other people to do the same, and Kang Han-na chose Darren Wang for one of those nominees.

Some people are saying that by Kang Han-na's blunt way of addressing her supposedly rumored boyfriend in public, it shows that she has nothing to hide and they are indeed just close friends, while many still suspect their relationship.

By. Lily Lee
Published on 2018/06/06 | Source

Added episode 5 captures for the Korean drama "Miss Hammurabi" (2018)

Advertisement

Directed by Kwak Jeong-hwan

Written by Moon Yoo-suk

Network : jTBC

With Go Ara, Kim Myung-soo, Sung Dong-il, Ryu Deok-hwan, Lee Elijah, Lee Tae-sung,...

16 episodes - Mon, Tue 23:00

Synopsis

A legal drama centering around judge Im Ba-reun, a top-notch judge who has no interest in success. Rather, he strictly follows what he believes is right.

Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2018/05/21

More
NRA lobbyist Marion Hammer.

The National Rifle Association is famous for assigning letter grades to politicians based on how they respond to the organization's questionnaire.

And this year, the NRA's chief lobbyist in Florida, Marion Hammer, is clearly still fuming over the most recent legislative session, in which lawmakers passed several gun-related reforms in the wake of the Parkland shooting.

This year's survey asks politicians whether they will repeal parts of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act (the NRA calls it the "Gun Control/School Safety" bill). It's not a popular idea and so far has limited public support.

The survey was sent to Anna Eskamani, a Democrat who's running for a state House seat in Orlando.

She noted it was sent a week before the two-year anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting, which was the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history at the time.

"Hard pass, and heading to the recycle bin," she wrote on Twitter today, along with a picture of the envelope.

The four-page questionnaire by the NRA and the Unified Sportsmen of Florida is full of defenses of the Second Amendment, and it calls out "anti-gun school administrators" who don't support concealed carry permit holders on campuses.

Here are some of the questions (and photos of the questionnaire by Eskamani are below):

1. In our view, completion of this questionnaire and signing your name is giving your word. NRA and USF members as well as other constituents in your district trust you to keep your word. Do you agree that your answers are giving your word and that we expect you to keep it?

2 (c). Do you believe elected officials commit an act of malfeasance if they violate their Oath of Office and support legislation that contains provisions that they believe are unconstitutional?

3. The 2018 "Gun Control/School Safety" bill contained gun control provisions that we believe are unconstitutional. In addition to the lawsuits that have been filed against the state to overturn these provisions, pro-gun legislators have pledged to file legislation to repeal the gun control provisions.

3 (a) The new law prohibits adults between 18-21 years of age from purchasing a firearm. Adults 18 and older can vote, sign contracts, become law enforcement officers and join the military. Will you support legislation to repeal this provision of the law?

3 (b) The new law also imposes a 3-day waiting period between the purchase and the delivery of any firearm. There is no empirical evidence that waiting periods stop crime or violence. Will you support repeal of the 3-day waiting period provision of the law?

3 (c) Additionally, the law imposes a ban on the sale, transfer and possession of bump stocks, which are used to increase the rate of fire of semi-automatic rifles AND any accessory, device or kit that can be used to increase the rate of fire of a firearm. This language, which is undefined, is so broad that it could include anything that improves the function of a firearm, including scopes, competition triggers and forgegrips, to name a few such items. The law makes anyone who sells, transfers or possesses these items, which were acquired legally, a felon. Will you support repeal of the bump stock, accessory, device and kit provision of the law?

5. Licenses to carry Concealed Weapons & Firearms are issued only to persons who are 21 years of age or older. The constitutional right of self-defense does not end when a person enters the campus of a college or university. Do you believe that anti-gun school administrators should be stopped from discriminating against persons licensed by the state to lawfully carry firearms for self-defense?
Spanish teacher gave up career in law and found a love of students and teaching, as well as confidence in herself

Havre High School Spanish teacher Marie Deegan will be retiring from teaching this year after 34 years in education, with 27 of those years working in Havre.

Deegan, who has a paralegal and law degree as well as a master's in Spanish, practiced law before changing to teaching.

"I spent a lot of time, effort and money and became a lawyer and practiced and found I liked being the judge and jury," she said jokingly.

Her decision to put law behind her and become a teacher had to do not only with being the "judge and jury" but also with having a career she enjoyed.

"(The students) are just so much fun," she said, adding that her favorite part of teaching is just being with the kids.

"I started my (education) career down the street in Chinook," Deegan said, before she moved to Havre High School as a Spanish teacher.

"They had a job and I took it," Deegan added.

Through her years of teaching, she has taught Spanish, history, law-related education and English, she said. Spanish is what was always her passion, though.

"It is musical," she added.

Peter Lanthorn, Deegan's high school Spanish teacher, was the reason she wanted to be a Spanish teacher in the first place, Deegan said.

"It's all his fault I am doing what I'm doing," she said. "He helped me love Spanish and just words in general."

Deegan said she worked at a few different schools and moved on from all of them because she "was always looking for something different; something better; something more to it, with more challenges."

"After a while you realize you have to make the challenges; you can't always go somewhere else," she added.

"The kids here, for the most part, are fairly motivated. ... We have had some very bright students who have gone here. ... They challenge you lots of ways as far as adapting (the teaching) to them," Deegan said.

"You think that your kids are going to be a success and for the most part that is what I think about most of my kids," she added.

Changes over the years

Deegan said that things have definitely changed in terms of teaching and the school in the years she spent at the high school.

"When I got here, there were over 800 kids in the high school and I was the second full-time Spanish teacher," said Deegan, who is now the only full-time Spanish teacher at the school until she retires.

Budget cuts, student population, and the population of Havre and Montana, she said, have led to the shrinking of departments.

"Things have to change," Deegan added.

Technology has also changed the way children learn and the way she needs to teach, Deegan said.

"The computer has allowed kids other ways to learn; that is nice for them, but I don't think they get quite as good of experience as if they are learning face-to-face," she added. "That is a challenge for teachers in any subject; just keeping ahead of the technology."

Fond memories and hopes for retirement

She has many good memories at Havre High over the years, but one memory sticks out, she said, that always makes her laugh.

"We used to have Lee Canter's Aggressive Discipline; you would have your rules and your expectations and consequences ... so you have five or six rules and your expectations. Well, I didn't have a sixth consequence (on the poster), so one day I walk to the back of the room where the poster is hung and some kid had written a sixth rule, 'will make me look at you naked.' It never got to that, thank goodness ... I just burst out laughing when I saw it," Deegan said.

When it comes to advice for young people who would like to be teachers, Deegan said she would like to express that it is a good profession.

"You can touch the future, as they say," she said. "Don't be put off by the naysayers."

Havre Daily News/Ryan Welch

Deegan decided this would be a good year to retire because she is now able to afford to retire as well as being able to go out while she still likes what she is doing, which, she said, she feels is important.

As far as what she looks forward most to in retirement, she said, she is happy to not have to write lesson plans for substitutes every time she takes a day off.

"I will travel as much as possible," she added. "I am taking a group (of high school students) to Puerto Rico next Tuesday. ... I am looking forward to the Bioluminescent Tour of the Bay ... and we will see the recovery from (Hurricane) Irma."

Havre High School Principal Mike Haugen said there are many positive things he could say about Deegan's time at the high school.

"She is a fine teacher, respected by her students and colleagues," Haugen said. "She is a true professional."
For picture posts from 2010 and earlier, see the Earlier Picture Posts Page
Australian companies are turning their attention to EX for a range of different reasons. For some, its the natural next step from their work on improving customer experience. Theyve seen the positive impact on engagement and loyalty from customers, so employee experience makes sense when it comes to attracting and keeping the best people.

For others, its seen as a key tool in their recruitment and retention strategy. This is the case for the Australian arm of Uber, which is using differentiated recruitment processes and in-depth listening strategies to find the best talent for their rapidly growing operations.

Meanwhile, other companies, such as LinkedIn, simply feel that it is the right thing to do. On reflecting about LinkedIns EX strategy, Laura Kendall, Snr HR Generalist said EX found its way onto the companys agenda in response to a strategic question about who they wanted to be as a company. In a market where culture and values are increasingly important, employee experience is a good fit.

Its evident that Australian organisations are at different stages of development when it comes to EX. Whilst some are far down the EX path, others are still in the early stages of exploring what it means for them. Overall, we think its fair to say that EX is still in its infancy.

But this shouldnt detract from its huge future potential. For Kim Seeling Smith, CEO at Ignite Global, employee experience is key to addressing the shortage of people with the right skills for the jobs of the future  a trend thats driven by an ageing population, globalisation and technological disruption. This new people paradigm will be here sooner than we think  with Australia likely to have 1.4 million unfillable jobs by 2025. Teams who have started implementing EX initiatives are already starting to report positive outcomes such as a reduction in employee turnover as well as an increase in employee engagement and productivity.
Plans to build a large apart-hotel on the site of a once-iconic city pub have been blocked by An Bord Pleanala (ABP).

An application had been made to demolish legendary Dublin watering hole Scruffy Murphy's at Grand Canal Dock and build a six-storey apart-hotel.

The complex, which would have included 36 suites, along with a restaurant, bar and cafe, was turned down for a number of reasons, one being the negative effect on local residents.

ABP recognised that while there would have been a large concentration of people before the pub closed in 2016, the planned development would "lead to an intensification of activity in this predominantly residential area".

Viability

The decision comes after Dublin City Council had given the plan the go-ahead and an inspector within ABP also advised that the development be given the green light, subject to a number of conditions.

The inspector had initially said the number of floors in the development would have to be reduced.

This was appealed by the applicant, Tim O'Connor, who said it would decrease the number of suites by eight and would therefore be a concern for the project's commercial viability.

An appeal had been made by a third party, which highlighted the impact that such a development would have on local residential properties.

Among a list of issues, the appeal said it will "not benefit from a close relationship with the immediate community as it is commercial in nature for very short-stay tourists".

Labour senator Kevin Humphreys told the Herald he backed the decision reached by ABP.

Mr Humphreys said such a development would "bring down the quality of life for local residents".

Meanwhile, a large hotel at Portobello plaza has been given planning permission, despite local opposition and an online petition against the development.

The 179-bedroom hotel at Portobello Harbour and Portobello College was approved by Dublin City Council last week.

It is expected this will be appealed, with Mr Humphreys insisting he will back any such move.
The trial of a late billionaire's son who was accused of unlawfully possessing more than 1,200 bullets has collapsed at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Cormac Quinn told the jury that the prosecution had not proved how many rounds of ammunition Patrick James (PJ) Mansfield was entitled to possess.

He said that because of this, the jury would be speculating on how many rounds Mr Mansfield (41) was not entitled to possess, and directed them to return a not guilty verdict on day three of the trial.

Mr Mansfield had denied possessing 1,252 rounds of .22 calibre ammunition without the relevant firearms licence at his former home in Coldwater Lakes, Saggart, Co Dublin, on January 29, 2015.

Mr Mansfield, whose current address was given as Saggart House, Saggart, has no previous convictions.

Judge Quinn told the jury that Mr Mansfield had been permitted by a firearms certificate to hold a Walther .22 pistol and a certain amount of .22 calibre ammunition.

He said gardai thought this number was 300 bullets.

Witness

Judge Quinn reminded the jurors that they had seen a photo of one side of Mr Mansfield's firearms certificate which showed he had been authorised to hold the gun.

The judge said a photo of the other side of the certificate, which had not been produced, would have shown how many rounds of ammunition Mr Mansfield had been permitted to hold.

He added that the person who had authorised the certificate had also not been produced as a witness in Mr Mansfield's trial.

The judge said there were "stringent requirements" with prosecuting a case, and a jury was not allowed to speculate on any issue.

Judge Quinn thanked the jurors for their diligence in the case and said he hoped that they had found it an "instructive experience".

During the trial, the jury heard evidence that Mr Mansfield was an authorised member of a gun club and a person "of good character".

After his arrest, he told gardai he did not know he had that much ammunition in the house.

The trial heard that during an earlier audit inspection of firearms licensees, gardai checked out all the firearms licensed to Mr Mansfield but never asked for any ammunition to be produced.
A helicopter pilot flying to Dublin should have turned back before descending into low cloud brought on by a "complex weather system" in the Snowdonia mountains, an inquest has heard.

Company director Kevin Burke (56) did not see the fast-approaching Rhinog Fawr mountain and "inevitably" struck the side of it.

He was killed instantly, along with his wife Ruth (49), brothers Donald (55) and Barry (51) and sister-in-law Sharon (48), who was married to Donald.

The family members, all from the Milton Keynes area of England, were heading to Dublin on the afternoon of March 29 last year for a surprise party.

A hearing at Caernarfon into their deaths was told that "very experienced" pilot Kevin Burke had set off in good conditions near their home, but as they passed North Wales they came across thick cloud and turbulence.

Turbulence

The alarm was raised in the early evening when Mr Burke's privately-owned Twin Squirrel aircraft did not land at Dublin's Weston Airport at 2.30pm as expected.

The victims' bodies were later found with the wreckage of the destroyed helicopter in the remote Rhinog mountains, near Trawsfynydd.

Investigators concluded that fellow company director Ruth was in the front passenger seat next to her husband. Both were from Hulcote. Property developer Donald and his wife, Sharon, both from Bletchley, and Barry, a self-employed property maintenance man, from Oldbrook, sat in the rear.

Consultant forensic pathologist Dr Brian Rodgers said all five suffered massive impact trauma from the collision shortly before 1pm and were identified from their dental records.

He said toxicological tests on Kevin Burke showed he had consumed cocaine at some point before the crash, but Dr Rodgers said he thought the usage was non-recent and ruled it was "highly unlikely" the pilot was under the influence of the drug at the relevant time.

The inquest was told that Mr Burke would fly the Twin Squirrel - which was properly maintained and in good condition - at least once a week for business or pleasure.

He held a private pilot's lic- ence, was "very experienced" and had flown the route to Dublin before, said the UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) senior inspector Paul Hannant.

The terms of his licence did not allow Mr Burke to fly in cloud, but he had recently undertaken a proficiency test in which he satisfactorily turned away in similar poor visibility.

"The main point about the weather on that day was to begin with it was good, but as you got to Wales there was a complex system of weather which brought down the cloud and created turbulence," Mr Hannant said.

He said Mr Burke should have completed a 180-degree turn away from the rising ground instead of continuing to descend.

"The aircraft should've turned round. Sadly, it did not and struck the mountain," he added.

In conclusion, coroner Dewi Pritchard Jones said Mr Burke's training and licence was for flying in conditions where he was able to see the terrain and that "ideally" he should have turned back in the thick cloud.

Confidence

He pointed out that near Trawsfynydd there was an area of "relatively flattish land".

"Had he seen that through the cloud I am certain that would have given him the false confidence that he was at a good and safe height above ground level," Mr Jones said.

"Unfortunately, Rhinog Fawr is not a mountain that gradually increases in height. It is more a series of walls of steep ridges and rocks. My belief is that his instruments would not have given him much warning of the ridges.

"Being at the height he was, it was inevitable he would hit that ridge. It led to the complete destruction of the aircraft."

Recording verdicts of misadventure for all five deceased, he added: "Here we have a situation of sheer bad luck. This aircraft was not greatly below its safe height. It just clipped the mountainside."

Family members attended and were legally represented but did not comment at the end of the inquest.
Scene of the shooting at Avondale House flats in 2016

A Dublin man accused of murdering Gareth Hutch was overheard making a threat that he was going to kill him, a trial has heard.

Jonathan Keogh (31) was allegedly involved in a "heated exchange" with Hutch the day before the killing, but it appeared to end with both parties shaking hands.

It was later that day that Mr Keogh was allegedly overheard expressing his intention to kill Hutch, who was the nephew of Gerry Hutch.

Mr Keogh, his sister Regina Keogh (41), and Thomas Fox (31), have all pleaded not guilty before the Special Criminal Court to the murder of Hutch.

Mr Fox, of Rutland Court, Dublin 1, also pleaded not guilty to possessing a Makarov handgun in suspicious circumstances.

Hutch was shot dead as he was getting into his car outside Avondale House flats, on North Cumberland Street, Dublin, on May 24, 2016.

Expand Close Gareth Hutch / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Gareth Hutch

In his opening address to the court, prosecuting counsel Paul Burns said the "brutal and callous murder" was not a "spur of the moment attack" but was "pre-mediated" and a "significant amount of planning" went into it.

Mr Burns said the three co-accused each had "their own part to play in bringing about the killing of Mr Hutch".

Handguns

The court heard that Mr Keogh, of Gloucester Place, Dublin 1, was one of the two gunmen, together with another man known as Mr AB.

Mr Burns said Regina Keogh lived in the same flats complex as Hutch and that Mr Fox and Mr Keogh knew each other well.

The barrister said Ms Keogh and Mr Fox were "instrumental" in the planning of the attack.

He said the evidence of Mary McDonnell, who had a flat at Avondale House, would be "important" as the accused had gathered in her home in the hours before the murder.

Her kitchen window had a view into Hutch's flat, the court heard.

The non-jury court heard there would be evidence of "a heated exchange" between Hutch and Mr Keogh in the car park of Avondale House on the day prior to the killing.

Later that day, while in Ms McDonnell's flat, Mr Keogh was heard on the phone with a member of the extended Hutch family.

It is also alleged that, separately, he was heard expressing his intention to kill Gareth Hutch.

Around 10.40pm on the night before the killing, Mr Burns said Mr Fox and Mr Keogh arrived at Ms McDonnell's flat and produced two handguns and silencers.

She was asked for wipes to clean the guns and for plastic bags to put them in.

Mr Burns said the men left Ms McDonnell's flat and the evidence would be that Ms Keogh arrived a short time later with rubber gloves, which were to be used by the attackers.

On the day of the killing, Mr Burns said Mr Keogh and Mr AB arrived at Ms McDonnell's flat and got the rubber gloves. A BMW had been parked in the flats' car park the day before.

Mr Burns said the evidence would be that Mr Keogh was running in and out of Ms McDonnell's bedroom to ensure the BMW wasn't blocked in, while Mr AB kept watch on Hutch's flat from her kitchen.

Shortly after 10am on May 24, Mr Burns said, Mr Keogh and Mr AB left Ms McDonnell's flat and ran up to Hutch as he was getting into his car.

He was shot four times - twice in the neck, once in his back and once in his chest.

Hutch received medical attention at the scene, but he was pronounced dead at 10.36am.

Mr Burns said the court would hear that the bullets came from a single weapon and the firearms were discarded by the men in the car park.

Mr Burns said Mr Keogh and Mr AB ran to the BMW and remained in it for a minute, but then abandoned it and ran out of the flats complex.

Fingerprint

He said Ross Hutch arrived on the scene, saw Gareth Hutch on the ground and followed the two attackers for a while before turning back.

Mr Burns said the evidence would be the two attackers ran in the direction of Sean McDermott Street before getting into a silver Skoda Octavia parked on Champions Avenue.

The car drove off, and Mr Keogh jumped out on Rutland Street and fled the area.

He went to Belfast after the killing, and Mr Burns said his sister Regina arranged for money to be taken to him. He was later extradited from the UK.

The Skoda was driven in the direction of Ballymun and was later found burnt out, the court heard.

Mr Burns said Mr Fox had been parked nearby in a Ford Transit, but owing to the change of plans it was not required.

The barrister said Avondale House had a CCTV system which captured some of the comings and goings of the accused, as well as the shooting.

Mr Burns also said five vehicles were involved, and DNA and fingerprint evidence could link Mr Keogh and Mr Fox to these vehicles.

He added that Mr Keogh and Mr Fox were caught on CCTV in Tesco buying a bottle of Milton sterilising fluid on May 22, 2016 - this was later found in the Ford Transit van.

Cans of petrol were also found by gardai in the BMW and in the van.

Mr Burns said clothing in the BMW could be linked to Mr Keogh, and a plastic bag in the van could be linked to Mr Fox.

The barrister added that phones could be shown to have pinged off phone masts.

The trial before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, with Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge Michael Walsh is expected to last five weeks.
Alannah sued through mum Emma Reddin (left) after she lost some hair in the incident. Photo: Collins

A 17-year-old schoolgirl who was injured when her below waist-length hair became trapped in the wheels of a go-kart has been awarded 10,000 damages against a holiday centre.

Esther Earley, counsel for Alannah Reddin, of Maple Avenue, Ballybrack, Co Dublin, told Judge Terence O'Sullivan at the Circuit Civil Court that lumps of the teenager's locks had to be sheared off in order to release her from the rear wheels.

Ms Earley said Ms Reddin had been trapped for almost an hour while staff worked to free her before admitting that her hair would have to be cut.

Judge O'Sullivan heard that the accident happened in April last year after Ms Reddin, who was on a family holiday at Trabolgan Holiday Centre, Co Cork, decided to have a go on one of the centre's main attractions.

Ms Earley told the court that defendants Trabolgan and Hemway Ltd had not exhibited any warnings about the dangers of long hair with regard to go-karting, despite having done so in relation to other activities.

Ms Reddin, who sued the defendants through her mother, Emma Reddin, had not been instructed to tie up her hair.

Ms Earley said that given the nature of go-karting, it should have been foreseeable that especially long hair could become entangled in the wheels.

The court was told Ms Reddin had developed pain in her scalp and had suffered from headaches for a short period following the accident.

Frightening

She did not suffer any lasting problems, apart from the length of time it had taken for her hair to re-grow in areas.

Judge O'Sullivan, in approving an offer of 10,000, said Ms Reddin had suffered a very frightening experience, as well as hair loss, and he felt the figure was an appropriate amount on the basis that some contributory negligence would have come into play.

He said that since Ms Reddin would be 18 on November 12, the payment should be made directly into her bank account.

She was also awarded just over 1,000 for incidental expenses associated with her claim.
Teens  like scary stories? Learn how to write your own

lifestyle
Press conference on Present political scenario of Nepal and future direction of agitation for Hindu Rashtra

Hindu Rashtra Nepal turned secular due to conspiracy hatched by European Union and Congress Government !  Dr. Madhav Bhattarai, President, Rashtriya Dharmasabha Nepal, Kathmandu

Ramnathi (Goa) : The way Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established Hindavi Swarajya in India by fighting against Muslim invaders, in the same manner, the Emperor of Nepal Pruthvinarayan Shah united Nepal 300 years ago. When the British were rampaging India, Emperor Pruthvinarayan did not allow the British even to enter Nepal. As a result, not a single Hindu in Nepal was converted. As an act of revenge for this, the European Union is trying, since

last few decades, to destroy the culture of Nepal which never became a slave. The monarchy in Nepal was destroyed by launching agitations in the name of democracy. 95 percent of people living in Nepal today support the Hindu Rashtra. A referendum was planned to be held on this issue, but due to the conspiracy hatched by the European Union, Communists and Christians, the word secular was inserted in the Constitution of Nepal without holding the referendum. As a result, the only Hindu Rashtra on the earth was destroyed. Even the Congress Government in India has also played its part behind this, informed, the President of Rashtriya Dharmasabha Nepal Dr. Madhav Bhattarai. He was speaking on Present political scenario of Nepal and future direction of agitation for Hindu Rashtra at a press conference organised on the occasion of 7th All India Hindu Convention. Adv. Pavitra Khadka of Nepals Supreme Court, Shri. Rajendra Alakh, Director of Brahmandiya Upachari Singh and working in Nepal, National Guide of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti Sadguru (Dr.) Charudatta Pingale were also present in the press conference.

Dr. Bhattarai further said, To declare Nepal again as a Hindu Rashtra, we are uniting likeminded organisations. Along with this, we are creating awakening in Hindus through the mediums of meetings at national and regional levels, seminars of Pandits, conventions, etc. On this background, we expect moral support from devout Hindu organisations in India.

Encroachment of other religious communities on Hindus traditional land in Sri Lanka !

A senior devout Hindu of Sri Lanka Shri. Maravanpulavu Sachithananthan, who used to attend Convention every year could not remain present this year. He has sent his representatives to attend the Convention. Shri. Sachithananthan while describing the plight of Tamil Hindus in Sri Lanka states, The traditional land of Hindus region in Sri Lanka has been usurped by Muslims in last 25-30 years. For this, funds are provided from Gulf countries. The Hindu-majority Districts of Manaparai and Trincomalee have now become Muslim-majority. On the other side, thousands of Christian missionary organisations sponsored by Church are indulging in the conversion of Hindus on a large scale. We demand with the Indian Government that it should impress upon the Government of Sri Lanka to curb all inward remittances from foreign countries to missionary activities, both by Muslims and Christians. Indian Government should send expert sculptors to renovate war-damaged Hindu temples. If not, they will be converted to Churches, Mosques and Viharas.

On this occasion Sadguru (Dr.) Charudatta Pingale stated, On looking at the minority appeasement and injustice done to Hindus under the guise of secularism in India, Modi Government should work towards the withdrawal of the secular constitution of Nepal. The 7th All India Hindu Convention totally supports the Nepali peoples demand of declaring Nepal as a Hindu Rashtra. Also, the conversion of Nepali Hindus by luring them or forcible means should be stopped. We also understand the pathetic state of Tamil Hindus in Sri Lanka. The 7th All India Hindu Convention is committed to getting justice to Sri Lankan Hindus.
Second day of the 7th All India Hindu Convention

For the prosperity of Hindus, the management of temples should be with Hindus !  J Saideepak Legal Advisor, Indic Collective Trust, UP

The temples have the ability to create Hindu identity. That is why foreign forces have targeted temples and Brahmans. The temples have become a medium to unite Hindus by destroying casteism. Unfortunately, we have allowed our temples to be run by the Government which itself has lost trust of the people. No other religious places of worship other than those of Hindu are managed by the Government. Since the management of the temples is not done appropriately, Hindus do not receive the education on Dharma from the temple. Funds in the temple are not used in the interests of Hindus. Through this, Hindus are becoming economically weak. This is one of the major reasons behind conversion of Hindus. If the administration of temples once again comes to the Hindus, confidence will be created in Hindus. Funds of the temples can be used for the interests of Hindus. These funds can be used to teach Hindus many things such as training in traditional weapons, education, etc. Your high priests and Saints should keep demanding autonomy for the temples. The temple is the centre of Hindu unity. The Government will have to listen to Hindus if Hindus unite through the temples. Israel regained their honour in 60 years. The Sikhs also achieved success within a few years of the establishment of Khalsa. It is important that how much serious you are about the problem if you want to solve any problem. Now, for how many days, will Hindus have to keep their problems pending ? We must set the time limit that we would solve the problem of Government take over of the temples within 5 years, stated Mr. J Saideepak, Legal Advisor of the Indic Collective Trust, Gautam Buddhanagar, Uttar Pradesh.

To give shelter to Rohingya Muslims in the country is dangerous !  Mr. Anil Dhir, National Secretary, Bharat Raksha Manch, Odisha.

There is a sinister conspiracy behind the rehabilitation of nuisance-creating Rohingya Muslims in India and that too in the areas like Jammu. Rohingya Muslims can be more dangerous than the trained terrorists. These people, who are basically riotous, have made illegal settlements around the sensitive places of Jammu such as airports, Army camps, railway stations, important bridges, etc. The Rohingya Muslims are settling in Hyderabad and many areas in the country. In the event of emergencies, Rohingyas will be dangerous to the security of the nation. The Central and State intelligence agencies have sent a report to the Central Government many times on this issue; However, the Government is still inactive. Though the US is claiming to have sheltered the maximum refugees, there are actually more refugees in India than in the US.

Despite this, India is being pressurised by the United Nations to sign an International Refugee Treaty. The Rohingya Muslims are intruding in India because countries such as Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, etc. are not ready to give shelter to Rohingyas, said the National Secretary of Bharat Raksha Manch, Odisha Mr. Anil Dhir. He was expressing his views on the topic Infiltration of Rohingya Muslims and solutions on it.

It is our duty to help our brethren during times of calamities !  Mr. Manoj Khadye, Coordinator, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Western Maharashtra

As per the predictions made in Saptarshi Jivanadi-Patti, calamities will occur in 70 to 75 countries in the coming years. This will create a situation of anarchy. Such a situation can happen in India too. At that time, we have to help Hindus as our brethren. It will be our duty to go for their help. A calamity can occur in any form. In some places, natural calamities such as floods, earthquakes etc. can occur or war, riots can break up. To combat such calamities, we need to make preparations from now only. If the calamity is not severe, then the victims can be helped at our level. However, if the calamity is of acute nature, then we will have to get help from the Government or Army. Previously, we had extended emergency assistance in places like Uttarakhand, Nepal, Chennai, etc.

Bravery in Hindus needs to be awakened through Sam, Dam, Dand, Bhed !  Mr. Arvind Jain, Head of Regional Culture, Bhakti Andolan Manch, Uttar Pradesh

The Hindus, who ruled the world are now trying to save themselves from conflict. They must adopt an aggressive strategy, leaving defensive strategy. Our rulers tell us the problems of Hindus; however, they do not say what Hindus should do. We need to awaken bravery in Hindus. To be able to awaken bravery, efforts should be made in both direct and indirect ways. One is to be ready to fight enemies together, and another is to weaken the enemy and make ourselves strong. Hindus should make the following resolve to weaken the enemy.

1. Will not see the movies of Muslim artistes.

2. As protection from Love jihad, will not shelter any chaotic individual in the house.

3. We will not bow to other religious places except our religious places.

4. Saints and Sages in our areas should be requested to propagate warrior ideology in their religious discourse in addition to Divine plays of Deities.
Bengaluru Police constable Archana did not think twice before breastfeeding an abandoned infant.

I just couldnt bear it. I felt like my child was crying and I had to feed the baby, Archana, who was on maternity leave and joined office 15 days ago, told the BBC.

The newborn boy was found abandoned in a plastic bag in Electronics City on June 2 by a team led by assistant sub-inspector Nagesh.

The baby was in bad shape. He was covered in blood and the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck, he told The Hindu.

We were really scared for his life. He wasnt making any noise or crying and we were quite helpless then, he was quoted as saying by the News Minute.

He then took the baby to Lakshmi Nursing Home for treatment, where doctors treated him without charging anything. Nagesh and his team then brought the baby to the police station, where Archana saved the starving infant by breastfeeding him.

He is being called the governments baby, Nagesh told The Hindu, and has been named Kumaraswamy after the Karnatakas new chief minister HD Kumaraswamy.

The chief minister tweeted on Wednesday that he was deeply moved by the news and would meet the police constable who nursed the little one to life.

The baby has been handed over to the Shishu Mandir on Hosur Road, reports said.

We salute the Mother in our Lady Police Constable Archana of Bangalore City Police who rescued an abandoned new born and breastfed the infant, she had just returned from Maternity Leave, the Bengaluru police wrote on their Facebook page on Tuesday.

People have been praising Archana for her going beyond her duty to save the infant.

Its hard to find such heart warming stories during these days. I salute whole police team including Archana madam and doctors team and hospital who made this happen. Saving a life is a big thing and we as citizens really love what you have done, Yogendrah Vir commented.

Huge respect to u mam ! Long live humanity [sic], another user commented.
Bollywood actor Sonam Kapoor has clarified that she came out in support of actor Swara Bhaskar for her masturbation scene in the film Veere Di Wedding and not for her comments on Pakistan.

Taking to Twitter, she said that defending Swara has nothing to do with her comments on Pakistan. Earlier, the Neerja actor had said that Swara was being trolled as she has an opinion of her own. My defence of her has nothing to do with her comments on Pakistan! Get your fact right and stop trying to spread mischief and hate! #aproudworldcitizen #feminist #liberal, Sonam tweeted.

My defence of her has nothing to do with her comments on Pakistan! Get your fact right and stop trying to spread mischief and hate!  #aproudworldcitizen #feminist #liberal https://t.co/QlakSjBT5c  Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) June 5, 2018

I think people just like to troll her because she has an opinion and a point of view and I guess that shows how much they love her because the other side of hate is always love, so Swara you have a lot of lovers!, she said.

Earlier, Swara had called Pakistan a non-secular state after it banned Veere Di Wedding.

Shikha Talsania, Swara Bhaskar, Sonam Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor during a press conference organised to promote their upcoming film Veere Di Wedding. (IANS)

Theyre (Pakistan) a non-secular state. Im not surprised at all. Why should we hold up Pakistan, which is a failing state - I dont understand why we keep taking pleasure and feeling a sense of self-worth from all the silly things that happen in Pakistan, Swara said in an interview.

Veere Di Wedding, which also stars Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor and Shikha Talsania released on June 1.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Britains markets regulator has fined the UK division of Canara Bank 896,100 pounds ($1.2 million) and blocked it from accepting new deposits for around five months for systemic anti-money laundering (AML) failures.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said on Wednesday that the control failures at the UK division of Canara Bank, Indias fifth largest state-run lender by assets, affected almost all levels of its business and governance structure, including senior management.

The divisions AML risk management and governance framework had been not fit for purpose, risking undermining the integrity of the UK financial system - despite regulatory warnings since 2012 that its systems needed fixing, the FCA said.

Canara Bank was warned its money laundering controls were inadequate and so its failure to remediate them properly is at the more serious end of the range of sanctions, said Mark Steward, the FCAs head of enforcement and market oversight.

The bank had seconded staff from its head office in India to fill senior management positions in the UK who did not properly understand British legal and regulatory AML requirements, leading to a consistent failure to implement adequate systems and controls, the regulator said.

Canara Bank said it had now resolved the problems.

The FCA has acknowledged the deficiencies have been rectified, said Krishna Kant, the head of compliance in London.

The banks UK division was alerted to a number of problems after British regulators visited the bank in November 2012 and March 2013. But a third visit in April 2015 found remedial action insufficient - and the bank had also failed to embed a culture of compliance with regulatory requirements, the FCA said.

Regulators appointed a so-called Skilled Person in September 2015, a process that brings in independent experts to assess a business when watchdogs suspect a firm has governance or other weaknesses.

The Skilled Persons report on January 2016 highlighted failures such as an AML risk management that was not fit for purpose and an inability by the bank to identify or flag unusual transactions or recognise PEPs - politically exposed people whose public status can make them vulnerable to corruption.

These failings were endemic throughout Canaras UK operations, affecting almost all aspects of its business and suggested that Canara may not be fit and proper, the FCA said.

Such weaknesses potentially undermine the integrity of the UK financial system by significantly increasing the risk that Canara could be used for the purposes of domestic and international money laundering, terrorist financing and those seeking to evade taxation or the implementation of sanction requirements, it said.

The regulator noted that Canara Bank had made significant investments in improving systems and oversight, increased training and brought in external consultants.

It qualified for a 30% discount to the original fine for agreeing to settle at an early stage of the regulatory investigation.
The CBI on Wednesday said it will issue fresh summons to Malaysia-based AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes as he failed to appear before it in connection with an alleged bribery case to get FDI rules tweaked.

Fernandes did not appear before the agency today. We will issue fresh summons to him soon, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) official said requesting anonymity.

The agency summoned Fernandes on June 1, through email, asking him to come and record his statement before the investigators at the agencys headquarters.

The official also said the investigating agency on Tuesday questioned Sunil Kapur, chairman of Travel Foods and Services that was given a contract of in-flight catering by AirAsia.

Earlier, the agency examined Rajendra Dubey, Director of HNR Pte Ltd, Green IT Com Pvt Ltd and RRT Services India Pvt Ltd.

The CBI filed a case on May 29 against Fernandes, AirAsia India Director R. Venkataramanan and AirAsia Group deputy CEO T. Kanagalingam alias Bo Lingam and others over alleged violation of norms for getting international flying licence.

The CBIs FIR also mentions aviation consultant Deepak Talwar, Dubey and some unknown public servants of the Civil Aviation Ministry and the then Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB).

In its FIR, the agency alleged that efforts were made by Fernandes to get the 5/20 rule of civil aviation policy changed so that AirAsia could start international operations.

The rule requires that an airline must be operating in India for five years and have at least 20 aircraft in its fleet before starting international operations.

Fernandes is also accused of putting pressure on former AirAsia India CEO Mittu Chandilya to pursue changes in regulatory policies for international aviation in India which would be beneficial to the company.

AirAsia and Venkataramanan have denied the charges, saying the accusations were made with mala fide intention and will be defended in court.
With more than 100 languages and the ambition to connect even its smallest villages by air, India has become a testing ground for a new software being developed by Honeywell International Inc. that aims to make it easier to understand pilots speaking English with strong local accents.

The conglomerate is, at the behest of the government, developing software that will decipher accents and automatically transcribe whats said for air traffic controllers. The move will enhance safety at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modis push to add smaller airports to the worlds fastest-growing major market has increased the demand for pilots who could be speaking in a thick accent, thanks to more than 6,000-odd dialects spoken across the country.

One of the biggest problems in India has been that we Indians dont understand each others English because of the dialects, Neelu Khatri, who heads Honeywell International Inc.s aerospace business in India, said in an interview in New Delhi. This, we thought, works very well for the regional connectivity scheme, because you have regional pilots coming in, people dont know what he said and what he understood.

Miscommunication between air traffic controllers and pilots is a safety threat globally. A fatal 1996 crash between a Saudi Boeing 747 and the Kazakh Ilyushin-76 near New Delhi, which killed 349, was primarily blamed on a language barrier, involving pilots whose first language wasnt English.

Engineering prowess

While the project is first being implemented in India, Honeywell sees scope to expand the offering to other parts of the world, Khatri said, without giving further details. The companys engineering prowess in India allows it to customize products that cater to local needs, rather than push solutions from its global portfolio.

The Morris Plains, New Jersey-based firm employs more than 3,000 engineers in India, with centres in southern Indian cities of Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Madurai. It is working on the transcription project with state-run Airports Authority of India, Khatri said. A spokesman for AAI, which manages about 125 airports, said he wasnt aware of the development.

Air traffic in India is surging, helped by an increasing middle-class with enough disposable income to fly for the first time. Adding to that traffic is the so-called regional connectivity scheme, abbreviated in Hindi as Udan, under which the government subsidises some airline losses if they fly to remote areas, while capping airfares on those routes.

The rural connectivity scheme has already seen success with new flights to dozens of unused or under-utilised airports. Before it began, only one in every six of Indias 450 airports or airstrips was in regular commercial use.

Just wait for the Udan scheme to be completely successful, Vikas Chadha, Honeywells India CEO, said in the same interview. I can sense three years down the line, even smallest of the cities will be connected, and air force stations will be connected.
Suzuki Motor Corp., the parent of Indias largest carmaker, aims to produce as many as 35,000 electric vehicles annually in India starting 2020-21(FY 2021), when it rolls out the first of these cars in the country, two people familiar with the matter said.

Suzuki will venture into the electric vehicle market quite late compared to some of its competitors. Thats why they wanted to make sure the foray into electric should be sustainable and gradually gain volume. The battery plant was crucial and now the management has internally decided on 30,000-35,000 units per annum from FY21, said one of the two people, requesting anonymity. A spokesperson for Maruti Suzuki declined to give any guidance.

While rivals such as Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and Tata Motors Ltd are already manufacturing electric vehicles by sourcing half of the components from overseas vendors, Suzuki plans to set up the full ecosystem, starting with the lithium-ion battery plant, before unit Maruti begins selling the vehicles in India.

If all goes as planned, Suzuki is likely to be the first car maker in India to make electric vehicles with locally sourced components like lithium ion batteries.

As of now, the target is to get approximately 2% of sales in 2021 but the infrastructure that Suzuki is creating for electric vehicles will help them hit the ground running. None of the other manufacturers as of now have any such plans, said the first person cited above.

Suzuki will source technology from Toyota Motor Corp. and Denso Corp. for the development of a compact and ultra high-efficiency powertrain for India and other global markets. Suzuki also has a tripartite joint venture with Denso and Toshiba to set up a lithium-ion battery factory in Gujarat.

The EV market in India is still small, numbering 25,000 units at the end of 2016-17. Of this, nearly 92% were two-wheelers. Electric cars and four-wheelers accounted for less than 8% of the total sales, according to Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles.

Mahindras plans are more ambitious. It plans to produce 60,000 electric vehicles annually starting 2020 as it seeks to benefit from its first-mover advantage. Our electric vehicles story is poised to take off, said Pawan Goenka, managing director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, in an interview to Mint on February 6, 2018.
The rupee strengthened by 11 paise to 67.04 against the US dollar at the interbank forex market on Wednesday, ahead of the announcement of RBIs monetary policy amid fresh selling by exporters and higher opening of the domestic equity markets.

Dealers said besides fresh selling of dollar by exporters, the US dollars weakness against some currencies overseas amid lingering concerns about global trade supported the rupee.

On Tuesday, the rupee had shed 4 paise to end at 67.15 against the US dollar.

The benchmark BSE Sensex recovered by 69.38 points, or 0.19%, to 34,972.59 in opening trade on Wednesday.
When Narendra Modi took office as Indias prime minister just over four years ago, a top priority for the economic reformers who had supported his candidacy was the privatisation of Indias incredibly inefficient public sector. Among their biggest targets was the state-run airline, Air India -- a clunky, loss-making behemoth that has long been rendered irrelevant by buzzy domestic competitors. I would personally have cheered that outcome: Air India has lost my luggage almost every time Ive flown it internationally, and now Im willing even to endure a 12-hour layover in Kiev or somewhere rather than fly direct to India on our proud national carrier. Im not alone; Air India, once dominant, now has just 13% of the domestic market.

For the first few years of Modis tenure, as oil prices dropped and airlines all over the world began to head into the black, the government refused to even discuss privatising Air India. Then, after a prominent reformist was appointed as junior aviation minister, things slowly began to move. A few months ago, the airline was finally put up for sale. But last week, that process ended in the most humiliating manner possible for Air India and for the government: Not a single buyer came forward. The aviation ministrys chief bureaucrat said that they were certainly looking forward to better participation than this, an assertion that reveals a most un-Indian gift for understatement.

The problem was, perhaps, the conditions that the government had attached to the sale. For one, it insisted that not a single worker could be fired for at least a year by the new owner. Air India is hopelessly overstaffed: It has 27,000 employees and is hiring even more. Of these, 11,214 are permanent, meaning that theyre protected by labour laws that are among the most inflexible in the world -- government permission would be required to fire any of them. This huge workforce is also constantly making trouble, particularly the pilots. They tend to strike at a moments notice, encouraged historically by regulations that classified them alongside manual labourers, protecting their right to walk out. The legacy of a botched merger a decade ago means that workers dont always get along, and are always eyeing each others benefits.

Naturally, any new owner would want to fire many of these people; after all, Air India managed to add to its losses even when its nimbler private competitors were happily making profits off of lower fuel prices. It is already $7.8 billion in debt -- and the government has said that a buyer would have to take on at least two-thirds of that. These conditions, combined with Air Indias terrible reputation and continuing losses, mean that it might be too expensive even if it was given away for free.

If the government is serious about taking Air India off the books, it will have to meet bidders half-way. So far its approach isnt promising. Any buyer would be far more interested in the airlines landing rights and fleet of relatively new aircraft than in running it as-is, for instance. But the government wants the buyer to run it at arms length from its other businesses, preserving it as an independent airline. Moreover, foreign buyers are much more likely to be interested than domestic ones, yet the ruling partys ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, detests foreign capital; its head has declared that India must not cede control over its skies.

Now, instead of accepting that it has simply not made the airline look attractive enough, the government is busy blaming everyone else -- including the transaction advisers, whom it accuses of poor communication, and business in general for not wanting to take on a risky asset. For a government that was supposed to be business-friendly, the Modi administration has shown little or no understanding of what businesses actually want.

Thats been par for the course, in fact. Most major privatisation under Modi has been nothing of the sort -- state-owned insurance companies have stepped up to buy shares of state-owned enterprises, for example, merely shifting resources around on the governments balance sheet. If Modi wants to recover some of his reputation for being business-friendly as he prepares for the 2019 general elections then getting rid of Air India would be a good start -- on whatever terms he can get. Bloomberg Opinion

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.
Militants are desperately trying to sabotage the Ramzan ceasefire declared by the central government, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said on Wednesday, a day before Union home minister Rajnath Singh is expected to visit the Valley.

Mufti has been seeking an extension of the ceasefire ever since it was announced by the Centre at the request of mainstream political parties last month. Even as we see the ceasefire bringing great relief to the people of J&K, militants seem to be continuing their violent activities and desperately trying to sabotage the process. I only hope that they realise the futility of their actions soon, she tweeted hours after militants attacked an army camp at Hajin in north Kashmirs Bandipore district.

The army repulsed the attack amid sloganeering by local villagers.

Mufti is again expected to seek an extension of the ceasefire after meeting Singh, who will land in Srinagar for a two-day visit on Thursday. Sources said the Union minister may accede to her request once he has met up with top officials and reviewed security arrangements.

Although there has been a surge in militant attacks ever since the Centre took the step, with over twelve grenades being hurled at security forces, only one soldier was killed and four injured in the last 21 days. While 10 alleged infiltrators from Pakistan were killed in north Kashmirs Kupwara district, south Kashmir witnessed no militant casualty during this period.

Addressing a rally in Srinagar on Sunday, Mufti said the unilateral ceasefire has created an amiable atmosphere in the Valley and separatists should grab the opportunity to launch talks with the central government. No army man, cop or CRPF jawan can find a solution to this issue. It needs a political solution. If there has been an invitation of talks from the central government, I request you all to save Jammu and Kashmir, its honour and its economy by coming forward. We cant force you or dictate terms. We can only request your cooperation, she said.
The body of a woman from Delhi has been found in Saattal lake, over 20 km from Nainital, on Wednesday, said police.

Police said prima facie it seemed to be a case of suicide but the exact cause of her death will be known after proper investigation and once the report of the post mortem examination is out.

Investigating officer DL Arya said local residents informed them about the body of the woman floating in the Saattal lake.

When we fished out the body, we found an Aadhaar card and bus ticket from Delhi to Haldwani. Based on the Aadhaar card, she was identified as 29-year-old Uzma from Delhis Seelampur area, Arya said.

The officer said with the help of the Delhi police they contacted the womans family and spoke to her brother. The family will be arriving later in the night and the body will be handed over to them, he added.

Her brother told us that she had been been operated for fat removal a few days ago. Even before recovering from the surgery, she left the hospital and came to Nainital. Prima facie she was depressed and came here to commit suicide. Her brother said she had come here earlier also, Arya said.
With the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launching investigations into suspected money laundering in the multi-crore NH-74 land acquisition and compensation scam, more skeletons are likely to tumble out soon.

The central agency is also likely to attach properties of some of the accused who include revenue and NHAI officials, farmers, builders and brokers, officials familiar with the matter said.

The scam pertains to land acquisition for construction and widening of the 374-km long Haridwar-Bareilly stretch of national highway (NH)-74 in Uttarakhand. Farmland was shown as commercial land and some select beneficiaries procured at least 10 times more compensation from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). Most of the cases were reported from the Kashipur, Jaspur, Bajapur, and Sitarganj areas of Udham Singh Nagar district.

Initially pegged at nearly Rs 300 crore, the scam may actually run into several times the figure, as per an ED official who requested not to be named. The official said that apart from probing into the money laundering, investigations would also focus on nexus between the bureaucrats and politicians in this scam.

As per the charge sheets filed by the special investigation Team (SIT) probing this scam, various stakeholders fraudulently received 8-9 times higher compensation for the land acquired for NH 74 in Udham Singh Nagar district by changing the land use from agriculture to non-agriculture category. This was carried out through back dated orders and entries under Section 143 of UP Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950, the official said.

The change in land use, allegedly with the help of revenue officials, was mostly carried out in back dates between 2012 and 2015.

Given the amount of money involved in the scam, the ED shall, under Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, investigate into proceeds of crime and money laundering involving its concealment, possession, acquisition, or use and projecting or claiming it as legitimate property.

It was then Kumaon Commissioner D Senthil Pandiyan who blew the whistle on the scam and submitted a report. Taking cognizance of the report, chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, who took charge in March last year, suspended six state-level officers and recommended a CBI probe.

Later, the state government handed over the probe to the SIT that has since then questioned more than 225 NHAI and revenue officials, farmers, builders, and brokers. The SIT, in course of investigation, also arrested 20 people including revenue officials, farmers and four officers of SDM rank.

The Centre had last month rejected Rawats request for a CBI probe into the scam. The rejection comes a year after Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari advised against the CBI probe saying it would have an adverse impact on the morale of NHAI officials, prompting Congress to allege that the BJP governments in the state and at the Centre were trying to save some big names involved in the scam.
The Ghaziabad Police on Tuesday added provisions of murder and started investigation into the death of four-year-old Mohammad Zaid. The police have also added Indian Penal Code (IPC) section of murder in the FIR that was registered when Zaid was reported missing.

Officials said they will start questioning people connected to Zaids family and those who had access to the terrace where he was found dead.

The body of Zaid, who went missing on December 1, 2016, was found inside a wooden box on the rooftop of his neighbours house on June 3. The police have seized the box as a case property and are trying to gather evidence.

We cannot comment on the earlier investigation. We have now collected pieces of evidence and are taking help from forensic experts. Crucial evidence may have been lost during the course of time, said Rakesh Mishra, circle officer (Sahibabad).

On December 1, 2016, Zaid told his mother he was going to his fathers shop. He neither reached the shop, nor returned home in the evening. His body was recovered from the rooftop of his neighbours house on June 3. The postmortem report was inconclusive and did not determine the exact time and cause of death.

During the post-mortem, the doctors found that the death appeared to have happened at least one month ago. We could not ascertain the time limit beyond (the past month) hence help from forensic experts is required. Some remains have been preserved and sent to forensic lab in Agra, said a senior doctor from the health department.

An investigating officer said police would question a man named Raju who lived as tenant at Zaids house. He was residing with the family during the time when the boy went missing, police officials said.

Zaids family lived on the first floor while the ground floor room was occupied by Raju and his family. The other room was occupied by Asad who works with me, said Zaids father Nazar Mohammad.

Nazar said on the day when Zaid went missing, Raju had some visitors from Kolkata and they were supposed to catch a train at 4am the next day. Nazar said Raju was asked to vacate the room 2-3 months after Zaids disappearance.

Once, there was some altercation between my wife and the women in my neighbours (on whose rooftop the box was found). But the men never fought. We still dont suspect them, but it is up to police to decide, Nazar added. The family suspects it could be someone known to them who was familiar with the house. Zaid was tall and it was not possible that he locked himself in the wooden box, said Zaids uncle.
Seven policemen from Mianwali Nagar and Vivek Vihar police stations braved the scorching heat and the blazing sun for almost 18 hours between Monday and Tuesday to keep an eye on a stolen Fortuner SUV that had been parked in east Delhis Jhilmil Colony.

Dressed in plain clothes, the police personnel posed as local residents and employees of eateries nearby. The instructions from the police top brass were clear  they were not to leave the place till the thieves who parked the stolen SUV there were caught red handed.

The teams gruelling 18 hour wait finally paid rich dividends around 3am on Tuesday. They spotted three men who had come to take the stolen Fortuner SUV from the spot. The operation after that ended quickly, with one of the alleged thieves, Noor Mohammad, being shot dead, another accused, Ravi alias Kuldeep, being nabbed from the spot. A third suspect is on the run.

Noor, police said, allegedly attempted to run the SUV over the policemen. A senior officer, who had planned the operation said, The policemen were instructed not to sit together at one place. None of them were given any safety gears or automatic weapons such as MP5, or AK-47 to tackle the criminals. Instead, they were asked to carry small firearms such as pistols and revolvers. They were instructed to hide their weapons and use it only in case of emergency.

Of the seven policemen, head constables Manoj and Jaswant and constables Virendra, Virender Kumar and Satpal, were from the Mianwali Nagar police station. Constables Devendra and Puneet were from Vivek Vihar police station, where the stolen car was parked since Monday morning.

It all began with a phone call on Monday morning. The station house officer of Mianwali Nagar police station informed his counterparts in Vivek Vihar about a Fortuner SUV that had been stolen from Mianwali Nagar and its GPS location was traced to Jhilmil Colony under Vivek Vihar police station.

The beat staff was alerted and they found that the car was parked at the back of the ESI hospital. The vehicles original number plate had been replaced with a fake one, said Nupur Prasad, deputy commissioner of police (Shahdara), adding a seven-member police team was deployed near the spot.

The seven policemen divided themselves into three groups and positioned themselves at different locations from where they could easily keep an eye on the SUV without getting noticed.

They kept changing their location. If someone felt hungry or tired, he ate from the local restaurant and slept under a tree in the public park across the road, added the officer. Special commissioner of police (traffic) and chief spokesperson of the city police Dependra Pathak said the team showed exemplary courage in pulling off the operation. It was one of the finest examples of professionalism and perseverance. Delhi Police is proud to have such staff , Pathak said.

Meanwhile, police said Ravis interrogation has revealed that he was part of an organised syndicate of auto-lifters that stole luxury cars according to demand. The stolen cars are disposed of in northeastern states such as Manipur and Nagaland.
the Bihar board Class 12 examination result was declared by the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) on Wednesday.

This year more than 12,07,986 students appeared for the intermediate written exams held across 1,384 centres in the state. Students can check their results by clicking here. They can also check their results by visiting the official website of BSEB at biharboard.ac.in

Also read: Bihar board 12th result 2018 to be declared Live: State education minister to announce result

Bihar Board 12th result 2018: Heres how to check

* Visit the official website: biharboard.ac.in

* Click on the tab Results

* Click on the link for Class 12 result.

* Enter your details

* Click submit and view your result

* Download it and also take a print out

The results are being declared a day earlier than scheduled to allow students to apply for admission to colleges in Delhi University, where the last date for submitting the application is June 7. The examination was held between February 6 and 16 and practical exams were conducted between January 11 and January 25.

The examination pattern was also changed this year with the introduction of 50% objective questions that had to be solved on OMR sheets and short answer type questions as well.

Also read: Bihar Board Result 2018: BSEB 12th result at 4.30pm

To stop students from cheating this year, the Bihar School Examination Board asked students not to wear shoes or socks and enforced several other measures. Candidates were frisked at the entry gate of the exam venue and again after they sat in their allotted seats. They were monitored by video while writing the exam at all centres where extra force and home guards had been deployed.

The pass percentage of matric exam in 2017 was 50.12 as 861,000 candidates out of 17,23,911 had failed. In the intermediate exam, 30.11% science students passed, 32.13% humanities and 73.76% commerce cleared the exam.
Union School Education Secretary Anil Swarup on Tuesday said the central government would set up pre-school educational units and the NCERT was preparing a curriculum for them.

There is a preparatory work to be done before a child enters into class one. We are studying how pre-school will work in the government domain. What approach needs to be taken, Swarup said.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) was coming out with a curriculum in this regard by this year, he told reporters on the sidelines of a session on pre-school policy organised by the ASSOCHAM.

Swarup said the HRD ministry will come out with a guideline by June 30 relating to the Central governments financial assistance to the proposed pre-school units to be set up by the school education department.

Asked about the role of pre-schools set up by private bodies, he said the private sector is doing a great job and can give us ideas. Personally I believe that good work can be done in both private and public domains.

With the Samagra Shiksha programme launched last month, we plan to impart holistic education without segmentation from pre-nursery to Class 12, he said.

With Samagra Shiksha coming into effect, the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan will cease to exist separately and merge with it, he said.

We expect support from state governments for rolling out the scheme effectively, Swarup said.

On a question about corporal punishment, Swarup said, Handling a child should be different from handling an adult.
Youngsters are taking gap years for a growing number of reasons  as a breather between two phases of education, to clear the head after graduation and figure out exactly what they want next, to explore career options, work on a project or learn a new skill.

It can help bring clarity and empower you before you strike out on your own, say students whove done it, but it can also lead to loss of confidence, confusion, even a sense of hopelessness. Five young adults share their gap-year experiences - how they came around to taking a year off, what they did with their time, and the difference it made.

The deferred decision

Not all gap years are planned. Krishna Devi Shetty, 23, finished her BTech, combined with a year-long MBA, from the Mukesh Patel College of Engineering in Vile Parle in 2017, and began to hunt for a job in a manufacturing unit.

I was sure I wanted to work in a factory, so I refused campus placements. I thought that since I had studied chemical engineering, a factory would be the best fit, Shetty says. My initial plan was to work for two years, then head abroad for a Masters.

A visit to a study abroad consultant prompted her to alter course. She told me I didnt have to wait for work experience and could apply right away. From August 2017 to January 2018, I focused on preparing for the GRE and applying to universities.

At the same time, her father was setting up an aviation training business. My MBA in operations helped as we laid the groundwork for the business, she says. She also travelled, to France, Goa, Calicut and Pondicherry, attended weddings she wouldve otherwise skipped and spent more time with family and friends.

It helped me unlearn a way of living by routine and offered me a glimpse of what I would want my life to look like, she says. It opened me up to the idea of having a business, where I would have more liberty to manage my schedule.

Shetty is now preparing to fly to the University of Chicago for her Masters in industrial engineering, in August. Helping my father taught me that if you give any industry some time, you can learn about it. After my Masters, I wont be so rigid about my choices as I was after graduation, she says.

A career in the arts

There is no fixed formula to succeed as an artist, but time off can help with some basics - building an industry network and fine-tuning your craft. Pranita Pandurangi, 23, who completed a BA in English literature and anthropology from St Xaviers College in 2015, had no idea what she wanted to do after her last year. All my friends chose either a career in academia or enrolled for a Masters, she says.

She was interested in music, theatre and teaching. I wanted to pursue the arts professionally but I did not know how, she says. So she dabbled in all three. I took a month working with an education NGO, teaching music to kids in Leh. I did my first commercial play, and performed live for the first time, all in that one year, she says.

This helped immensely. Not only did I learn the reality of working as a professional artist, but performing in a Punjabi play with Sufi themes made me realise that I express myself much better in Hindi and Urdu, so I also spent the year learning Urdu, reading and writing in it, and studying Hindustani classical music.

She decided to enrol for a Masters in Ancient Indian Culture and Archaeology, of which she has completed her first year. This helps me with my research about the music of ancient and contemporary Indian cultures and gives context to the songs I write, and the stories I tell through them, she says.

Acting, teaching art and music and making music all in one year also taught me that I can pursue more than one thing at a time, instead of having to stick to a job. It also gave me clarity on what I was more inclined towards, which is music.

Pandurangi currently earns a living performing her music and conducting theatres and art workshops for school students with arts education company, The Pomegranate Workshop. Long-term, I want to continue doing what I am doing but in a more commercial way, she says.

Taking stock

A dormant aspiration of wanting to act prompted Aditi Joshi to take a break between school and college. I didnt want to jump directly from one to the other, says the 25-year-old, now an actor and model. So before doing my BA in English from Delhi University, I spent a year assisting on a film in Goa, travelling solo in south India, and learning about yoga. After having a small world in boarding school, this was a huge leap.

Even if you have planned the year carefully, you may find that you have run out of things to do. Having an activity to build on can help you stay busy and build a stronger CV. I was a city-level volunteer for SPIC MACAY (the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) in Jaipur. My time off allowed me to have greater responsibilities, and now I am involved with organising their national convention, says Prajjwal Kushwaha, 21, currently in his second year at the National University of Juridical Sciences, West Bengal.

In 2015, after finishing Class 12, all of Kushwahas friends were preparing for DU. But I felt that the month between your results and the admission process is too little time to decide what you want to do and which college is best suited for it, he says. So I decided not to apply for a BA. It took me about three months to narrow down my options and decide to study law at NUJS. I picked it because I like the subjects, the moot courts and debate societies, he says. The rest of the year went in preparing for the law entrance exam. I am glad I made this decision, even if it cost me a year, Kushwaha says.

Making it count

Around six months into the year, you may start to feel lost, Kushwaha adds. Classes for my entrance exam took up just two hours a day, he says. Your friends may also not be around, as they will have their own new routines and you may lose touch with them, adds Pandurangi.

For eight months, I would read books and watch films to keep myself distracted and not overthink whether I was doing the right thing, and how everything would work out, says Janhavi Panchal, 23, who completed her BMM course in 2016, realised publishing and mass media was not what drove her, and took time off to figure out how to pursue her real passions: art and design.

She is now in her second year of an MA in advertising and has completed an introductory course in Adobe. It was difficult to believe in myself through those months. One thing I did was talk to my mother. Her support helped, she says.

This is not unusual, says Mumbai-based psychologist Seema Hingorranay. Internal issues, not just related to academics but also personal issues like an unresolved breakup, are likely to resurface in these gaps between school and college, junior college and the undergrad years, she says.
The results of Class 10 board exam of West Bengal were declared on Wednesday morning recording a pass percentage of 85.49% that was slightly lower than the 85.65% registered last year.

The total number of class 10 examinees in 2018 stood at 10,84,178, of whom 6,06,633 were girls and 4,77,545 boys. The exams were held in 2,819 centres across West Bengal.

WB Madhyamik Result 2018: Heres the direct link to check result

Sanjivani Debnath of Suniti Academy in the north Bengal district of Cooch Behar stood first scoring 689 out of 700 (or 98.4%).

As many as 56 students featured in the top 10 ranks. However, there were only two students from Kolkata schools in this list. Out of the six students who occupied the first three ranks, three were girls.

For every 1,000 male candidates there were 1,209 female candidates this year. It proved that parents are sending more and more daughters to school and encouraging them to study at least till the Class 10 level, said West Bengal Board of Secondary Education president Kalyanmay Gangopadhyay.

The number of female candidates were more in the minority community too. There were 1,02,620 male Muslim candidates compared to 1,74,678 female candidates from the community.

Out of the 23 districts, students of East Midnapore recorded the maximum pass percentage with 96.13% followed by West Midnapore at 91.75% and Kolkata at 91.11%.

Among the differently abled candidates, the pass percentage stood at 88.82%.

The results were declared on the 77th day after the exam. The Madhyamik exams were held from March 12 to March 21 this year.

In 2017, West Bengal Madhyamik results were announced on May 27. The pass percentage of students in West Bengal Madhyamik exam last year was 85.05%.

The WBBSE Madhyamik result will be available at the following websites:www.wbbse.org, wbresults.nic.in, exametc.com, indiaresults.com, timesofindia.com, school.gradeup.co, schools9.com, vidyavision.com, jagranjosh.com, results.shiksha, westbengalonline.in.

Students can also obtain their results by sending SMS to WB10 roll number to 56070.

The marksheets will be distributed through 47 camp offices said Gangopadhyay.

Next year the Madhyamik exams will be held from February 12 to 22.
Three armed men allegedly snatched a white Volkswagen Polo car from a resident of Sector 110-A, who was returning to his residence after paying obeisance at the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Connaught Place, Delhi, on Sunday night.

According to the complainant, the incident occurred around 9.15pm when stopped at a grocery store on Rezang La Marg, Chauma road in Gurugram, to purchase a bottle of water.

Just as I got inside my car, a man slid into the passenger seat. Not realising his intentions, I told him it wasnt his car. Thats when he pulled out a gun from under his T-shirt and pointed it at me, Arvinder Singh Bhamra said.

I kept the calm and asked him what was wrong. Just then, two more men came to my side of the car, pointed a gun at me, pulled me out, beat me up, and sped away in my car, Bhamra said.

After trying to chase after the accused in vain, Bhamra reached the Palam Vihar police station and reported the incident.

A case has been registered against unknown persons under Section 392 (robbery) of IPC and relevant sections of the Arms Act. We are scrutinizing CCTV footage to trace the accused, Palam Vihar station house officer Vikram Nehra said.
The district police is working with the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) to assess a crime pattern in the city by digitising crime data from different police stations on the Geographic Information System (Gis)-based Onemapgurugram. The data will be synced with a map of the city which will shine a light on crime trends in various areas.

This will help the police analyse trends in crime in different areas. It will ensure more focused policing and give a ready overview of area-specific problems to the newly posted officers. This will be a major technological development, Sultan Singh, head of the GIS at GMDA, and a senior scientist at the Haryana Space Applications Centre (Harsac) said.

Onemapgurugram has been developed on the lines of Singapores New Onemap, but has been adapted to local conditions.

The Harsac and officials from the GMDA and Gurugram Police, will work together to sync the crime data on the city map, Singh said.

The police are also preparing a list of repeat offenders and people out on bail from various jails, including Tihar, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Jind, Hisar and Bhiwani, to crack down on gangs involved in vehicle thefts, instances of which are on the rise in the city.

We have been collating vehicle theft related data for the last year-and-a-half and have shared it with the GMDA officials. The GIS will help evolve our response to such crimes, Gurugram police commissioner Sandeep Khirwar said. Khirwar added that the police will also make a list of all offenders with their criminal history.

Citys 12 crime units are working on a plan to identify gang members active in their jurisdiction.

To increase its eyes in the city, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram is working towards installing 61 CCTV cameras.

We had identified 350 odd junctions out of which 88 were critical. The total project cost is nearly Rs 72 crore and it will take about a year to complete the process, GMDA chief executive officer V Umashankar said.

To improve police, the state police had shared a list of 3,400 proclaimed offenders with the Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh police during the inter-state crime coordination committees first meeting last month.

A decision was also taken by the police chiefs of the four states to set up an inter-state crime information Secretariat in Gurugram to create a common database for effective coordination and real-time information sharing on inter-state gangs.
The Punjab and Haryana high court on Wednesday rejected the bail petition of the 16-year-old boy accused of slitting the throat of a Class 2 student of the private school in Gurugram in September last year, the lawyer representing the victims family said.

Sushil Tekriwal, who is representing the victims family, said the bench of justice Daya Chaudhary rejected the bail petition of the accused.

The high court judgment rejecting the bail of juvenile today vindicates our consistent contention that the hyper-technical point of 60 days charge sheet by the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) in the murder case cannot sustain. This judgment is also one step forward toward final justice, Tekriwal said.

The victims father said the boy would have been a threat to the society if he was granted bail.

The father of the accused, who attended the court proceedings, broke down after hearing the order.

The accused filed the bail application on the grounds that the investigation in the matter was not completed within the prescribed period.

CBI exceeded their time period for filing the charge sheet and it was not submitted within the time period of 60 days, they submitted the charge sheet after 90 days, his lawyer Sandeep Aneja said.

The probe agencys lawyer Sumeet Goel argued against the bail petition and reiterated its stand that the accuseds search history on his mobile phone before and after the murder throws light on his conduct before the crime, his intention to commit it and his behaviour after the incident to avoid arrest.

The agency had filed a 15-page reply in the court earlier on April 5 against his bail, saying the juvenile searched and downloaded information about poisoning, various poisons, their effects and their sources in August and September 2017.

The father of the accused said they will see the order and then decide their next course of action. He had filed a petition in the high court on February 16 for his sons bail and that he should not be tried as an adult in the case.

A Gurugram special childrens court on May 21 upheld the Juvenile Justice boards (JJB) December order and adjudged that the accused should be tried as an adult. The board dismissed his bail plea on December 15 last year and the special childrens court dismissed the application on January 8.

The investigating agency has said the juvenile should not be granted a bail as its probe in the case is still pending and is at a crucial stage with witnesses yet to be examined. It has argued that he may tamper with evidence and intimidate or influence the witnesses.

He may even abscond which would hamper the course of the investigation, it added.
Star Wars star Carrie Fisher regretted opening up about her affair with co-star Harrison Ford, her brother Todd Fisher claims in a new book.

The veteran actor, who died at the age of 60, had confessed about her intense secret affair with Ford on the sets the film in her book The Princess Diarist, which released five weeks before her death in 2016.

Fisher wrote about the whirlwind three-month romance, which took place when she was 19 and Ford was a 33-year-old married father of two.

But in her brother Todds new memoir My Girls: A Lifetime with Carrie and Debbie, he claims their mother, Hollywood veteran Debbie Reynolds, had warned Fisher against making a disclosure about the affair.

Neither (Fisher and Ford) of them had any illusions that they had a future together. They were simply acting on a strong mutual attraction while making a movie together, as if thats not one of the oldest stories in Hollywood.

Todd Fisher poses with Alwyn Hight Kushner, president and COO of the TCL Chinese Theatre, beside the etched granite plaque for his sister, the late Carrie Fisher, unveiled in front of the TCL Chinese Theatre on May 24, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (AFP)

What Harrison and everyone else may not know is that Carrie went to mom right after the book became such a big deal and said, You were right, I shouldnt have told that story. For what its worth, Harrison, she really did regret telling the story of that affair, Todd Fisher writes in the new book.

Fisher died on December 27, 2016 and Reynolds, aged 84, passed away a day after her daughters demise.

Todd Fisher says their mother could not bear the thought of his sister being alone that she willed herself to die a day after.

I want to be with Carrie, he recalls Reynolds as saying.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
BJP president Amit Shah is expected to visit Bengals Purulia district, where two BJP workers were allegedly killed in a period of three days, at the end of this month.

The alleged political murders had created a huge controversy in the aftermath of the violence-ridden panchayat elections in the state.

Central leaders have told the state leadership that Amit Shah is likely to arrive in Kolkata on June 27 and proceed to Purulia the next day, said Sayantan Basu, general secretary of the BJP Bengal unit.

However, it was not sure if he would visit the houses of the slain BJP activists. We are trying to make sure that he drops by the houses of Trilochan Mahato and Dyulal Kumar, said another leader on the condition of anonymity.

While Mahato was found hanging from a tree at Supurdi village on May 31, Dulal Kumar was found on a high tension electric pole at Dabha village on June 2. Both the villages are located in Balarampur block.

Also read: Amit Shah likely to visit Purulia by month-end, say Bengal BJP leaders

Shahs visit would be crucial at a number of levels. State leaders believe that the morale of party workers in Bengal would receive a boost if a central BJP delegation were to drop by. Purulia has emerged as a veritable theatre of confrontation between the two parties, with the BJP winning 645 gram panchayat seats in the district against the ruling partys 839.

The focus is also on improving the BJPs performance in West Bengal in the Lok Sabha elections, with Shah wanting to win at least 22 of its 44 parliamentary constituencies in 2019.

State BJP leaders have been on an indefinite protest in Purulia since Tuesday, a day after party national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya announced his decision to move the Calcutta high court against the Bengal Polices improper investigation into the death of the two party workers. The Bengal polices investigation into the murders of Trilochon Mahato and Dulal Kumar is nothing but a farce. Not a single person has been arrested yet. The police are also trying to pass off Dyulal Kumars murder as suicide, the BJP leader had said at an event in West Midnapore.

The Trinamool Congress, however, shrugged off the allegations. The BJP is merely trying to create a disturbance by passing off suicide as murder. The Trinamool Congress has lost 22 supporters but we have restrained them from reacting, said Trinamool secretary general Partha Chatterjee after the saffron party intensified its stir in the district.

Also read: Amit Shahs meeting with Sena aimed at placating ally; will meet Madhuri Dixit, Ratan Tata, too

Besides denouncing the alleged murders, the Purulia agitation is also aimed at protesting the arrest of 11 Bajrang Dal activists in connection with an arms manufacturing racket in Murshidabad district. Eleven of our activists have been falsely implicated in an old case involving an illegal arms supply unit. These workers are not linked to the Murshidabad arms rackets, asserted Sayantan Basu.

All the activists were arrested between May 21 and May 23 this year on a number of charges, including posting offensive material on Facebook and indulging in violence during the Ram Navami festivities.

This is where we performed best in the panchayat polls. The Trinamool Congress wants to destroy our organisation because all indications hint at it losing this Lok Sabha seat in 2019. We will not give in without a do-or-die battle, said BJP state president Dilip Ghosh.
After weather forecast, communications, navigation system and others, the government now plans to make use of satellite imagery to get a sense of the number of participants in the events for the International Day of Yoga (IDY), to be held on June 21.

The Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) ministry has contacted Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) for the satellite imagery of the main event.

We have written to the ISRO chief and asked him if he could help us in mapping the event participation between 7am and 8am from across the country using their satellite. He is yet to formally respond to our request but he has given us in principle approval, said Rajesh Kotecha, special secretary, Ayush.

Since its inception in 2015, IDY main event have taken place in Delhi, Chandigarh and Lucknow.

Close to 50 thousand people have participated in each event, and this year, too, a huge turnout is expected at the main event, scheduled to be held at Dehradun in Uttarakhand.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the main event, that will be held at the Forest Research Institute grounds.

As per our estimates, about 10 crore people had participated last year across the globe. We are expecting nearly 100% increase this year, said Shripad Yesso Naik, Ayush minister.

The ministry has also developed a yoga protocol for 40 plus women in consultation with Indian Menopause Society (IMS).

We are taking into account health conditions of peri-, pre- or post-menopausal women. The postures will help them deal with the changes their bodies are undergoing, said Kotecha.
Police in a pre-dawn swoop on Wednesday arrested five activists including a retired professor and lawyer with alleged Maoist links for inciting people that led riots which rocked Bhima Koregaon, near Pune in January this year.

Ravindra Kadam, Punes joint commissioner of police, said that they have arrested five people based on evidence indicating links with banned Maoist outfits which Dallit leaders and Leftist organizations condemned the arrests as selective action.

Around five teams of the Pune police arrested Sudhir Dhawale, member of the Republican Panther; Surendra Gadling, prominent lawyer; Rona Jacob Wilson, activist; Mahesh Raut, former Prime Minister rural development fellow and Soma Sen, retired Nagpur University professor, from different locations.

While Dhawale was arrested from his house in Mumbai, Gadling, Raut and Sen were picked up from Nagpur and Wilson was arrested from his residence in New Delhi.

Based on the evidence gathered during searches carried out at different locations, we have arrested five persons with specific references to Maoism, said Kadam.

The five persons were arrested in the case filed at the Vishrambaug police station for inciting people during the December 31, 2017 Elgar Parishad that led to violence at Bhima Koregaon on January 1, 2018.

A large number of Dalits had gathered to commemorate the 200th anniversary of a battle they won while fighting alongside the British against the Peshwas (upper caste rulers).

A 28-year-old man was killed in the clashes and mobs damaged and torched several vehicles and shops and ransacked houses of locals on New Years day. An estimated Rs 13 crore of property was damaged or destroyed in the riots.

The mobs had damaged and torched several vehicles and shops on New Years day and the houses of local residents were also ransacked.

Dhawale was one of the organisers of the Elgar Parishad at Shaniwarwada in Pune when members of Kabir Kala Manch (KKM), a left-leaning organisation, delivered provocative speeches leading to violence at Bhima Koregaon, according to the FIR filed by the city police on January 8.

Sen, who used to teach English at Nagpur university and is reportedly a Maoist sympathiser, was arrested after her house in Nagpurs Bharat Nagar was searched in the morning. Police reportedly seized several documents, including hard disks, pen drives and books.

Kadam said that besides Indian Penal Code sections related to incitement of violence already invoked in the Vishrambaug FIR, the police have invoked the Unlawful Activities and Prevention Act (UAPA), against those arrested on Wednesday.

Pune police had carried out multi-city searches at the residences and offices of Dhawale, Wilson and Gadling on April 17. They claimed that they had found incriminating documents during those searches.

Earlier, the police had booked Dalit leader and independent Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mewani, Umar Khalid, Jawaharlal Nehru Universitys student leader; Soni Sori, Chhattisgarh activist and Vinay Ratan Singh, Bhim Army president, besides members of Kabir Kala Manch (KKM) in a separate FIR for inciting people at Elgar Parishad.

Right-wing leader Milind Ekbote was also arrested in connection with the clashes while Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis gave a clean chit to another right-wing leader Sambhaji Bhide.

Harshali Potdar, another organiser of the Elgar Parishad and a Republican Panther member, alleged a conspiracy against Dalit activists.

The police came to Dhawales residence early in the morning and arrested him without any explanation. On one hand, the police are giving a clean chit to people like Bhide while on the other, they are arresting Dalit activists, Potdar said.

Members of KKM also accused the police of being selective in their action.

The police are deliberately arresting people linked to Dalit movements, so that others will not go and depose before the judicial commission formed by the government to probe the Bhima Koregaon riots, said Jyoti Jagtap, member of KKM.
Bihar government on Tuesday approved the roll-out of an integrated crop assistance scheme to insulate farmers from losses in production on account of natural calamities, beginning Kharif season 2018.

The new scheme is a snub to the Centres scheme on the ground that it was helping insurance companies more than the farmers.

The scheme, christened Bihar State Crop Assistance Scheme (Bihar Rajya Fasal Sahayata Yojna), will be universal in nature with all categories of farmers eligible for financial assistance in case of loss in production due to vagaries of nature, including situations caused by flood, drought, lightening, hailstorm, etc.

No premium will be charged from farmers and they will be provided financial assistance for notified crops in case there is a fall in actual production due to natural calamity in comparison to set threshold limit, said Arun Kumar Singh, principal secretary, cabinet department, while briefing the media.

The significant decision aims to encourage farmers, through financial assistance, to gear up for the production of next crop, maintain continuity in their income, and ensure an increase in their income for the development of agriculture as a profitable occupation.

This scheme is totally different from the one floated by the Centre. This is a state government scheme. We are requesting the central government to contribute in our scheme, said principal secretary, co-operatives, Atul Prasad.

He said that the premium for existing crop insurance scheme was shared by the Centre and the state government in 49:49 ratio while farmers had to chip in with 2%.

But it was found that only those farmers who had availed loans were able to get some benefits. As against a premium outgo of ?495 crore by the state government, an amount of only ?221 crore was paid to the farmers during Kharif season 2016, he said.

The new scheme will not only be free and universal but also ensure that in case of a fall in production up to 20%, a sum of ?7,500 per hectare would be paid for a maximum of two hectares to each farmer. But in case of a fall of more than 20% in production, the assistance amount would be ?10,000 per hectare for a maximum of two hectares.

The state governments move comes against the backdrop of a debate between the JD (U) and the BJP on the possible alliance face in Bihar in the forthcoming Lok Sabha and assembly polls in Bihar. Senior party leaders of Kumars party, the JD (U), has been asserting that chief minister Kumar will be the face of the alliance for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in the state.

The JD(U), which broke its 17-year-old alliance with BJP in 2013, contested the 2014 LS polls on its own and won only two of the 40 seats, as against 22 of the 25 it contested in 2009 in alliance. The BJP, which won 12 of the 15 seats in 2009, swept the 2014 polls, winning 22 while its new alliance partners, LJP and RLSP, won with six and three seats, respectively.
Thousands of people on Wednesday participated in the funerals of two suspected militants in south Kashmir a night after their bodies were exhumed from north Kashmirs Tanghdar near Line of Control (LoC).

Two families from south Kashmir had approached the police on Monday with claims that two out of the five suspected militants killed at Tanghdar in Kupwara district on May 26 were their sons. They identified the youth as Sheeraz Ahmad from Pulwama and Mudasir Ahmad from Kulgam.

After district magistrate gave a go ahead, the bodies were exhumed on Tuesday and handed over to the two families after the necessary legal procedures, said Kupwara superintendent of police(SP), Ambarkar Shriram Dinkar.

Sheeraz Ahmad, 24, was missing since September 2017 while Mudasir Ahmad, reportedly a government teacher, went missing after he travelled to Pakistan on a valid visa in March 2017. On May 26, army had said five militants were killed while they were trying to cross Line of Control in Tanghdar.

The SP said that their investigations including the process of identification continued. We have taken their DNA samples, he said.

After exhumation, their bodies reached their native villages at Lajoora, Pulwama and Parigam, Kulgam in the wee hours. The distance between Kulgam, which is 50 km south of Pulwama, and Tanghdar is around 200 kms.

Thousands of emotionally charged people, shouting pro freedom slogans, participated in multiple funerals of the youth at their respective villages before their burial. Parts of Pulwama and Kulgam also witnessed a spontaneous shutdown.

Army Brigadier PK Mishra, Commander Tanghdar Brigade had told the media that they detected their movement on May 24 on the icy peaks prompting the army to lay ambush at several places triggering a gun fight.

The army also claimed that latest weaponry was seized from the infiltrators. The army was not sure about the identities of the militants but had suspected them to be foreigners affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba. The bodies were buried at Badwan in Tanghdar on May 27.

The SP Kupwara Dinkar said that the identities of the other three were also not yet clear.

Meanwhile, army on Wednesday said that they foiled an infiltration bid in Machil sector of Kupwara in which three militants were killed. Army spokesman, Rajesh Kalia said that the searches in the area continued.
Former finance minister P Chidambaram was questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for nearly four hours on Wednesday in connection with alleged irregularities in clearances to foreign investments in INX Media during his tenure.

The agency has alleged irregularities in the clearance of foreign investments in INX Media, a venture promoted by former media baron Peter Mukerjea and his wife Indrani, both probed by the CBI in connection with the murder of their daughter Sheena Bora, sources said.

After coming out of the CBI headquarters in New Delhi, Chidambaram said he had appeared before the agency and the FIR did not contain any allegations against him. Questions and answers were based on the files of FIPB. Hence there was little to add to the record, the Congress leader said on Twitter.

Questions and Answers were based on the files of FIPB. Hence, there was little to add to the record  P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) June 6, 2018

Chidambarams alleged role has come under the scanner of investigating agencies in connection with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance of Rs 305 crore given to INX media.

The CBI had registered an FIR on May 15 last year for alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the finance minister during the UPA-I government.

Chidambarams son Karti was also arrested in the case for allegedly receiving funds to the tune of Rs 10 lakh.

The other accused in the case include then INX media director Indrani Mukerjea and then INX news director, Peter Mukerjea, both in jail in the murder case of 24-year-old Sheena Bora, who was Indranis daughter from previous marriage.
The union home ministry wants to use local trains in Jammu and Kashmir for transporting paramilitary forces posted in the strife-torn state, senior officials said on Monday, detailing a move that is aimed at preventing vehicular convoys coming under attack by protesters  and the ensuring reaction from the forces that further exacerbates the situation in the strife-torn Valley.

The state has a 345 km network of local rail routes, starting from Baramulla district of Kashmir and ending in Jammu. Of this, 120 km runs through the Valley. The Kashmir region has a total of 16 railway stations located in north, south and central Kashmir.

The proposal was aired at a security review meeting held in late March under the chairmanship of national security adviser Ajit Doval, home secretary Rajiv Gauba, director of Intelligence Bureau, Rajiv Jain, director general of J&K police SP Vaid and director general of National Investigation YC Modi.

Experts remain sceptical about the practicality of the proposal. Retired IPS officer and former CRPF DG Dilip Trivedi said using local rail routes will open up a whole new front with militants and stone pelters. Fortunately local railway has been never targeted by militants or stone pelters. I am not too sure about the idea as Kashmir is a high risk zone, Trivedi said.

A senior home ministry official and a J&K police official both confirmed that the idea is under consideration and that the central government will establish a joint team to look into the modalities of using local rail routes for troop movement. The team, comprising officials from the Indian Railways, Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Jammu and Kashmir police, will assess the merits of the proposal.

A very important consideration of the team would be to assess the security risks that come with using rail routes, the senior home ministry official said on condition of anonymity. Currently, paramilitary forces rely heavily on the National Highway network within the state and travel in long convoys that have come under attack frequently. Nothing will be finalised till we can be sure of the safety of our troops, he added.

The transportation of paramilitary forces was high on the agenda of the March review. Officials familiar with the happenings at the meeting said several other proposals including the creation of a pool of bulletproof buses for movement of security forces in vulnerable areas were also discussed.
Amid veiled criticism of the Modi government by two archbishops, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Wednesday accused churches in India of conspiring with the Vatican as contract killers to destabilise elected governments and prop up puppet ones.

Weeks within his Delhi counterpart stirred up a debate, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman Father Filipe Neri Ferrao on Monday wrote a letter to churches saying that the Constitution is in danger and most people are living in insecurity.

Reacting sharply to these letters, VHP joint general secretary Surendra Jain said it is now amply clear that churches in India are in collusion with the Vatican and are trying to create an atmosphere of distrust against the present government.

On the contrary, the Constitution of India is in danger because of the political stand of the church and its agenda of religious conversions, he alleged.

This is not the churchs view-point, but a conspiracy to install governments which can run on the directions of the Vatican. Like the award wapsi gang, the church too is acting like a contract killer to destabilise the elected governments, Jain claimed, referring to a group of artists and academicians who returned government awards protesting intolerance.

Jain further said that the Vatican not only denigrates Hindus all over the world but also India as a nation, and Indian churches are acting as puppets in their hands.

The same church remains a mute spectator when Emergency was imposed in the country, Kashmiri Hindus were brutally killed in the Valley and Sikhs were butchered in the 1984 riots. For the Church, these events do not put the Constitution in danger, Jain said.

He also questioned why the church behaves in this fashion only when a BJP-led government is in office.

A malicious campaign about attacks on churches was made by these people when Modi ji took over as Prime Minister. When their falsehood was exposed, they did not show the courtesy by apologising, Jain added.

In a controversial letter addressed to all the churches in the national capital, the Archbishop of Delhi had last month said there is a turbulent political atmosphere in the country which threatens democracy and secularism.

Archbishop Anil Couto, in his letter dated May 8, had also urged all the priests in Delhi to pray for the country ahead of the crucial 2019 Lok Sabha election in which the BJP hopes to retain power.

We are witnessing a turbulent political atmosphere which poses a threat to the democratic principles enshrined in our constitution and the secular fabric of our nation, Archbishop Couto had said in his letter.

The letter had triggered a sharp response from the ruling BJP.
The Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) may have resolved their differences over power-sharing in Karnataka and even announced an alliance for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, but the Karnataka experience has once again exposed the fault lines in the grand old partys strategy when it comes to alliances.

After days of intense negotiations, the Congress conceded to the demands of the JD(S) and handed over to it the key portfolios of finance, excise, power and public works department apart from the all-important post of the chief minister. The Congress was willing to make compromises despite having secured more seats than the JD(S). With the victory in RR Nagar, the Congress took its tally to 79 seats in the 224-member Karnataka assembly. The JD(S)-BSP combine won from 38 constituencies while the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats. Congressmen believe their party made the right decision.

It was a bold step on the part of our leadership. We made the sacrifice in the larger interests of the people who wanted to see a secular and stable government in the state. It is an all inclusive government, said Karnataka Congress leader Shakir Sanadi.

Congress-JD(S) is a winning combination and we will definitely sweep the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The main purpose is to oust the BJP from power at the national level in 2019, he said.

His party colleague Manickam Tagore agrees. There was also a perception that the Congress has a big brother attitude towards its alliance partners. By offering the lead role to the JD(S), the Congress has shown that unlike the BJP, it treats its allies as equals and even superiors at times, said Tagore, an AICC secretary.

History shows that Tagores comment is accurate, but that it doesnt always benefit the Congresss own interests in the long term.

In Bihar, the Congress remained a dominant political force till 1990, when it was ousted from power with the emergence of Mandal (reservation) politics championed by RJD chief Lalu Prasad. It stitched an alliance with the RJD for the first time in the 1998 Lok Sabha elections. The accord continued for 1999 and 2004 Lok Sabha and the 2005 assembly elections as well.

In 1998, the Congress won five seats with a vote share of 7.72%, which slipped to 4.78% in 1999 when it won only four seats. With a vote share of 4.8%, the party won only three seats in 2004.

And when the Congress decided to sing the Ekla chalo (go it alone) tune in 2009 Lok Sabha and the 2010 assembly elections, in the state, it had to eat humble pie. The party won just two out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in 2009 polls and only four seats in the 2010 assembly elections.

Once we agreed to play a junior partner to RJD, the people stopped taking us seriously. At the same time, we have not paid any attention to strengthening our party at the grassroots level or empowering the workers, senior Congress leader Kishore Kumar Jha said.

It is sad to see that a party that ruled the state for decades has been reduced to a marginal player, he added.

In Maharashtra, the Congress struck an alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) of Sharad Pawar in 1999 to form a coalition government. Since then, the two parties have been engaged in a battle of one-upmanship.

Despite winning more seats in 1999 and 2004 assembly elections, the NCP conceded the chief ministers post to the Congress in return for more ministerial berths. But the worry for the Congress has been the ever growing ambition of the NCP to expand its base across the state. After becoming a dominant player in western Maharashtra, Pawars party has made deep inroads into the Congress bastion of Vidarbha . It is already on an equal footing in the Khandesh and Marathwada regions.

The two parties parted ways on a bitter note in 2014, resulting in the victory of the BJP in the assembly elections. The Congress won 42 seats in the 288-member assembly and the NCP, 41 with a vote share of 17.95% and 17.24% respectively.

However, they have once again joined the hands. While the Congress lost Palghar Lok Sabha seat, the NCP won from Bhadana-Ghondiya constituency in the May 28 by-elections.

In Jharkhand, too, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has always driven a hard bargain in its dealings with the Congress, its on-off partner in the state. In 2013, the JMM had toppled the BJP-led government and sought the support of the Congress in ruling the state. Though the Congress initially wanted to lead the coalition, it eventually agreed to allow the JMM to do this.

The two parties jointly fought the last Lok Sabha elections but soon parted ways and separately contested the 2014 assembly polls. The Congress could manage to win just 6 seats with its candidates forfeiting their deposit in 42 of the 62 constituencies the party contested . The JMM won 19 seats and the BJP, with 37 went on to form a government with the support of the All Jharkhand Students Union or AJSU Party, which emerged victorious in five constituencies. The Congress and the JMM have now decided to join hands once again to prevent the repeat of 2014.

Still, the Congress has not benefited from staying away from alliances, as its experience in the politically important state of Uttar Pradesh indicates. And when it did go for a tie-up with the SP for the first time in 2017, the grand old party registered its worst-ever electoral performance. After being thrown out of power in UP in 1989, the Congress has been relegated to the political margins of the state, behind the BJP, SP, and the BSP.

However, Congress leaders cite the vote share of different parties to pitch for a Bihar-style grand alliance in UP in future elections. In the 2017 assembly elections, the BJPs vote share stood at 39.7%, the BSPs was 22.2%, SP 21.8% while the Congress got 6.2%. The combined vote share of the three non-BJP parties added up to 50.2%.

Political observers view the Congress strategy as one in keeping with its so-called Shimla formula of cultivating partners and alliances. Federal coalitions involve granting political space to partners at the state level. It is a wise political strategy provided the favour is returned at the national level, said Delhi-based political analyst Balveer Arora.
A special CBI court on Wednesday awarded 10 years imprisonment to five persons, including a former DIG of the Border Security Force (BSF), a former DSP and three others in a twelve-year-old sex scandal in Jammu & Kashmir which involved a minor.

A fine of Rs 1 lakh each was also imposed on BSF ex-DIG KC Padhi, former deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Mohammad Ashraf Mir while the three other convicts  J&K residents Shabbir Ahmed Laway, Shabbir Ahmed Langhoo and Masud Ahmed  were fined Rs 50,000 each. The amount will be used to provide relief to the victim for the loss of her reputation, dignity and an opportunity for education, ruled the court.

The sex scandal came to light in 2006 after the police recovered some video CDs of minor Kashmiri girls being sexually exploited by the police officials, ministers and other influential people. Calling poverty a form of structural violence, judge Gaganjit Kaur observed, Most girls of poor families become prey to satisfy the lust of a man for a petty amount to ruin their lives it is the system which is responsible to bring poor minor girls in such a muddy profession of flesh trade...

The court dismissed the argument that the convicts did not know the survivors age. Court said contention by convicts regarding not having knowledge of the victims age held no weight. Even in case of rape where the victim is major and is alleged to have been previously accustomed to sexual intercourse, it cannot be a determinative question because even if it is proved the victim lost her virginity earlier, it does not give a license to anyone to rape her.

The court, while convicting five people on May 30, had acquitted two persons named in the scandal, former additional advocate general Anil Sethi and Mehrajudin Malik.

The kingpin of the scandal, Sabeena, and her husband died during trial. The then chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had handed over the case to the CBI.
A day after Yoga guru Ramdevs Patanjali Ayurved Private Ltd threatened to move its multi-crore food park out of Uttar Pradesh (UP), the state government convened a high-level meeting on Wednesday.

Under no circumstances will we let Patanjali move its mega project out of the state. The chief minister, whose government is eyeing big investment in the state after the UP Investors Summit, has already spoken to Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, the companys MD, and the matter will be sorted out possibly by the next cabinet meeting, UPs industrial development minister Satish Mahana said after the meeting.

The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) had on November 2, 2016 allotted 455 acres of land to Patanjali Ayurved with then CM Akhilesh Yadav laying the foundation for the Patanjali Food & Herbal Park in Noida.

There was a flurry of activity since Tuesday, when Balkrishna accused the Yogi Adityanath government of non-cooperation and threatened to move the project out of the state.

First, Adityanath assured both Ramdev and Balkrishna of cooperation from his government and directed officials to get the project cleared. Interdepartmental consultations followed, infrastructure and industrial development commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey said.

Since the matter pertains to transfer of land from one entity to another and there is the issue of sublease from one company to another, there are a few technical steps that need to be cleared... Only the state cabinet is empowered to make changes, Pandey said. The land was allotted under the condition that only 20% (91 acres) could be subleased by the parent company for seven years from the date of allotment, officials said.

On March 23, 2018 Patanjali Ayurved applied for transferring land to Patanjali Food and Herbal Park. Of the 455 acres, 430 acres was originally allotted to Patanjali at a discount of 25%, while the remaining 25 acres was identified for institutional use. After the food park was allotted to them, Patanjali wanted to develop it in 60 acres, of which, it wants to sublease 30 acres.

Of the remaining 370 acres, it has sought permission to sublease another 56 acres.

Besides, they have also sought the same concessions for the food park that were allowed to them in 2012... Since the issue traverses tenures of two different governments and is linked to sublease of land from one company to another, its taking some time... an officer said.
The Madras high court on Wednesday sentenced former minister Kadaladi V Sathyamoorthy to five years rigorous imprisonment in a disproportionate assets (DA) case.

Justice G Jayachandran delivered the judgment on an appeal filed by the Ramanthapuram vigilance and anti-corruption department. The judge also sentenced V Chandra, wife of Sathyamoorthy, to two years imprisonment.

Sathyamoorthy is the third person to be convicted in DA case, after the AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa and another popular leader V Selvaganapathy, who also served as a minister in Jayas first cabinet from 1991 to 1996. The judge, who set aside the trial court order dating back to 2000, observed that the trial court has projected the whimsical reasons to discredit the prosecution witnesses.

Sathyamoorthy was an MLA in the AIADMK regime from 1991 to 1996 from Ramanthapuram district and he was elevated as a minister by Jayalalithaa in 1993. .
The ground is being laid for a meeting between the Centres special representative to Jammu and Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma, and the separatist leadership in the Valley, government officials and the separatists have independently confirmed, even as New Delhi makes renewed efforts to restore peace in a region where violence has peaked in recent weeks.

The meeting between Sharma and the separatists may happen after Eid following a review of the governments initiative to halt operations against militants in the Valley during Ramzan. The review will also have bearing on the any decision to extend period for halt on operations in the Valley, said a government official familiar with the deliberations on the issue, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The review of the unilateral cessation of operations of security forces during Ramzan, declared on May 16, will be conducted in the presence of home minister Rajnath Singh, who visits the state on Thursday. Singh confirmed to reporters in Delhi on Tuesday that any discussion on the extension of ceasefire will take place during his visit.

During the meeting, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti is expected to strongly recommend extending the so-called ceasefire for another two months. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesperson Rafi Ahmad said Singh will also meet a delegation of young people and sportspersons to discuss how young people in the state can be discouraged from joining militants.

A senior PDP leader close to the chief minister said Mufti has consistently called for a ceasefire and a dialogue with the separatist leadership. Both may have some impediments in the beginning but will have a gradual impact on ground and Mufti will convey to the home minister about the benefits in the long run, the leader said on the condition of anonymity.

In Delhi, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the army is honouring the temporary suspension of counter-terror operations but that the force had been given room to respond if there is an unprovoked attack.

Asked about the possibility of an extension, she said, Well, it has been announced for Ramzan and if there is anything (extension) I will come back to you.

Kashmir has witnessed a violent week after the director generals of military operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan agreed on May 29 to strictly enforce a ceasefire declared in 2003 along the Line of Control and stop shelling along the de facto border. But since then, there have been 12 grenade attacks that have left scores injured. On Monday, sector-level commanders of both countries met at a flag meeting even as Srinagar remained on edge after a 21-year-old man was crushed by a paramilitary vehicle that was targeted by stone-pelting protesters last Friday.

The Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Jammu and Kashmir in-charge, Ram Madhav, has also indicated that the government was willing to talk to the Hurriyat. Once we come to the end of Ramzan, we will take realistic assessment of the situation and certainly the government will take a view, he told CNN News 18.

Senior separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who is also part of the Joint Resistant Leadership (JLR) of the Hurriyat Conference, along with Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Yasin Malik said, Let GOI (government of India) come with clarity on what it wants to talk about, we are ready to reciprocate. Mirwaiz added that the people of Kashmir have the biggest stake in peace as they are at they are at the receiving end of the conflict.

Being the worst affected, we are most keen to find a solution and hence have always advocated that being a political and human issue it needs to be addressed likewise and dialogue among the three stakeholders is the best process and option available. Hurriyat stands for dialogue and we urge the government of India to shun its military approach to the issue and rather than vaguely talking about development and peace we need to focus on resolution and negotiations, he said.

On May 29 when the DGMOs spoke, the JLR issued a statement asking the Indian government to provide clarity on what it wanted to talk about and speak in one voice.

A top separatist said on the condition of anonymity that the statement was issued after internal deliberations for two days.

Every word in the statement was reviewed and re-reviewed. We avoided mentioning the United Nations resolutions (on Kashmir that calls for a referendum). Hurriyat has always been for resolution of the Kashmir dispute through democratic means, said a senior separatist leader who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The separatist leader added that Hurriyat understands the import of the announcement halting operations in the Valley and also the import of the Indo-Pak decision to re-emphasise the 2003 ceasefire at the Line of Control and the International Border.

In Delhi, Sitharaman said there had been no U-turn in the governments approach to Kashmir or its policy towards Pakistan.

We shall keep our borders safe. We shall be alert and we will ensure that no unprovoked attack goes without a response. she added.

Sitharaman was responding to a question on mounting tensions despite both armies agreeing to implement the 2003 border truce. She said the governments stand was clear that terror and talks with Pakistan cannot go on hand in hand.

They cant go on simultaneously.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced that the farmers loan would be waived within 10 days if his party comes to power in Madhya Pradesh.

He was addressing a rally at Pipliya Mandi in Mandsaur district to commemorate the first anniversary of police firing on farmers during an agitation in which six farmers were killed.

Here Kamal Nath (MP Congress President) and Jyotiraditya Scindia (the State poll campaign committee chairman) are sitting. I want to assure you that within 10-days of coming to power in Madhya Pradesh, the government will waive (farmers) loan, Gandhi said.

The Congress president also promised action against those responsible for the police firing on farmers last year.

We want farmers to get the respect they deserve.I will not say that I will give you Rs 15 lakh. But I will do what I say. I will not tell you my mann ki baat but I will listen to yours, Gandhi said.

Targeting Prime MInister Modi, the Congress president said, The truth is PM Modi and BJP are not concerned about farmers. Helping their rich businessmen friends is their only priority.

Assembly polls are due in Madhya Pradesh in November this year, along with Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.
A 28-year-old Indian national who spiked his female flatmates drink with the intention to rape her was on Wednesday sentenced to two years and 10 months in jail and three strokes of the cane.

Annadurai Prabakaran, a private bus driver who has worked in Singapore for more than seven years, started having thoughts about sexual relations with his flatmate, a 21-year-old, on December 8 last year, according to court documents.

He thus planned to drug her and have sexual intercourse with her while she was asleep, the Channel News Asia reported, citing court documents. The next day, he bought two of what he thought were sleeping pills for two dollars.

He used one pill to do a test to ensure that the pill would be colourless when dissolved. Three days later, he put the other pill into a bottle of water that his flatmate had left unattended. The victim took a sip of the water and spat it out when she realised it tasted bitter, according to the report.

Suspecting that Annadurai might have put something into her water, which appeared cloudy, she called her uncles friend. The friend, a female, turned up at the house with a man.

Annadurai admitted to them that he had put the pill in the water and pleaded for forgiveness, according to the documents. He grabbed the water bottle and poured the water out.

The man who had turned up at Annadurais house called police, and a small amount of water that remained in the bottle was sent to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for analysis, the court heard.

The HSA toxicology report revealed that the contaminated water contained Sildenafil, a drug for erectile dysfunction treatment. It may cause effects such as headache and nausea.

Annadurai also pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice. His lawyer pleaded for his client to be given the minimum possible sentence. However, Annadurai was sentenced to two years and 10 months jail and three strokes of the cane.
Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy will carry out the first expansion of the cabinet on Wednesday, but neither the Congress nor the Janata Dal (S) will fill up all the berths while the lone Bahujan Samaj Party MLA N Mahesh is set to take oath as a minister.

The oath-taking ceremony, two weeks after Kumaraswamy took charge, is set to take place at 2:12pm at the Governors residence, which is an auspicious time, a senior Congress leader said.

News agency ANI reported that Congress DK Shivakumar, KJ George and Priyank Kharge will also take oath as ministers.

With intense lobbying by MLAs on both sides, the parties have decided to expand the Cabinet in two phases, said JD(S) national secretary general Kunwar Danish Ali.

BSP legislator Mahesh is set to become the first member of that party outside Uttar Pradesh to become a minister in a state government. As they were our pre-poll allies we have decided that they should be included in our Cabinet, Ali said.

Senior Congress leaders from the state, including former chief minister Siddaramaiah and party strongman DK Shivakumar, met party president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Tuesday to finalise the portfolios.

The two parties had decided to split the 34 ministries in the ratio of 2:1. As a result, the Congress will get 22 ministries and the JD(S) 12, including the chief ministers post.
The 15-day-old HD Kumaraswamy cabinet in Karnataka was expanded on Wednesday with the induction of 25 ministers -- 14 from the Congress, nine from Janata Dal (Secular) or JD (S) and one each from the Bahujan Samaj Party and the KPJP.

While forming the alliance government, both parties had agreed to share the 34 portfolios in the ratio of 2:1, with the Congress getting 22 and the JD(S) 12, including the chief ministers post. Along with chief minister HD Kumaraswamy and deputy chief minister G Parameshwara, the cabinet strength stands at 27 at present. However, the portfolios of the ministers have not yet been announced.

Of the 25 newly inducted ministers, 11 are from the Old Mysuru region, three each from Bengaluru City and Coastal Karnataka regions, and four each from the Hyderabad-Karnataka and Mumbai-Karnataka regions.

The JD(S), reputed to be a party dominated by Vokkaligas, named six from the community among its ministers. The Congress has named two from the community, taking the tally for representatives from the community to nine (including the CM), the highest for any caste.

Read: Karnataka cabinet expansion: Full list of ministers sworn in today

While much of the election campaign had focused on the previous governments decision to accord minority religion status to the Lingayat sect, only four from the community took oath, two each from the JD(S) and Congress.

Three Dalits, one MLA from the Scheduled Tribe and four from Other Backward Class communities became ministers. Among minorities, one Christian and two Muslims took oath on the day.

Among the 25, only one woman took oath. Congress leader and film star Jayamala, a member of the Legislative Council, became the only woman to take oath as the minister.

N Mahesh became the first BSP MLA to become a minister outside the state of Uttar Pradesh. Among those who took oath, he was the only one to swear in the name of Dr BR Ambedkar and Gautama Budha. He was also one of three MLAs who took oath in the name of Basavanna.

This Kumaraswamy cabinet also saw 13 first-time ministers. The lone Independent MLA, R Shankar, became a minister on his first stint as MLA.

The supporters of senior leaders who missed out on ministerial posts protested against their exclusion. They are former ministers HK Patil and MB Patil, who hail from the Mumbai-Karnataka region. Additionally, senior JD(S) leader Basavaraj Horatti, a Lingayat MLC who hails from the Mumbai-Karnataka region, also expressed displeasure over his exclusion.

At present, there are six vacancies in the Congress share of ministries and one in the JD(S).

Political analyst Narayana A said with the cabinet expansion exercise is not yet complete it would be premature to draw definitive conclusions. Two significant trends do emerge, the overrepresentation of Vokkaligas and the bias towards the Old Mysuru region, he said.

On the question of Vokkaligas, Narayana said, this was because the JD(S) was a predominantly Vokkaliga party, as witnessed by six of those sworn in by the party hailing from the community. The over-representation of ministers from the Old Mysuru region was similarly unavoidable because both parties won more seats in the region as against the other regions of the state, he said.

Narayana said the onus was now on the Congress to ensure a more representative council of ministers. Be it in terms of ticket distribution or cabinet berths it is the Congress that is always in a bind as it draws support from across the state. These problems do not necessarily exist in this manner for the JD(S) or the BJP, which are concentrated in some regions.
The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) on Wednesday claimed responsibility for the attack on the Hajin army camp in Jammu and Kashmirs Bandipora district.

Abdullah Ghaznavi, spokesman of the LeT, called a news agency in Srinagar claiming responsibility for the attack.

Ghaznavi said the LeT had carried out the Fidayeen (suicide) attack at the Rashtriya Rifles camp in Hajin in which three soldiers were killed.

Dispelling rumours of the suicide attack at the camp, the police had earlier said: Militants fired grenades at the camp and used heavy volume of automatic gunfire which was retaliated by the guards at the camp.

No loss of life has been reported during this attack. The area has now been surrounded for searches.

Militants had attacked the camp late on Tuesday and the exchange of fire had continued for several hours.
Even before it could open its offices in all district headquarters amidst complaints of serious fund crunch by state leadership, the BJP is confident it will wrest Mizoram from the Congress in the assembly elections this year.

Mizoram for us is an unfinished agenda which we will be completing this election, said Ram Madhav, BJPs general secretary in-charge of North-East, after the state executive meeting in Aizawl on June 6.

Mizoram is the only remaining state where the BJP is to take over the power, said Madhav as he explained how the partys cadres have been directed to spread the message that Mizoram deserves better than Lalthanawla.

Madhav said how there are corruption cases against Lalthanawla and his ministers and yet the chief minister has on-record accepted that he cannot do much about corruption. This doesnt only show his inefficiency but also his complicity, Madhav said.

BJP state president JV Hluna said Mizoram has nearly 20,000 active party workers. Madhav said the party will actively start its campaign in August after the monsoons, and the target was to organise a booth-level workers conference in August to be attended by BJP president Amit Shah.

The BJP is yet to open its offices in all the district headquarters. A lot of money goes in house rent for the offices in Lunglei, Saiha and Kolasib districts, Hluna said pointing at fund crunch the party faces locally.

The academic, who has been heading the party in the state, flashed a booklet written in Mizo titled BJP and Christianity that was published to counter the Congress and Churchs offensive against the Communal BJP.

We published one lakh booklets, each costing Rs 10. Only recently we managed to pay off the printer after much difficulty in raising the funds, Hluna says narrating how Delhi refused to foot the bill.

Madhav, meanwhile, assured that the funds will be taken care of. Election-bound state is always a priority, he said.
It all started a year ago, with a clash between traders and farmers at Piplya Mandi, in Madhya Pradeshs Mandsaur district.

On June 1, farmers in the state started a peaceful protest, demanding loan waivers and better crop prices. Five days later, the situation turned violent.

According to a report compiled by the state government and submitted to the Union home ministry last year, the protesting farmers turned into a violent mob that the police tried to control first with a lathicharge and then with tear gas shells. Finally, they opened fire. On June 6, three farmers were killed in Piplya Mandi and two, in Bhai Choupati.

A year later

The families of those who were killed maintain that the farmers had done nothing to provoke police fire.

Dinesh Patidar, father of 17-year-old Abhishek, who had died in the police firing on June 6, said, We are still angry that no action has been taken against the policemen who killed my son.

Of the five who lost their lives last year, four are from the dominant Patidar community. The Patidars are also angry because the government has not withdrawn the cases registered against about 2,000 people for participating in the protests despite repeated assurances. Some of us had to go jail even though the police did not have any evidence against us, said farmer and leader Amrit Lal Patidar, who has 23 cases against him. Protesting is not a crime, he said.

Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana

A year later, Piplya Mandi remains tense, with farmers continuing to eye traders with suspicion. Nothing has changed at the mandi, said Rajesh Patidar, a farmer leader. The traders are still cheating us.

Yet in August 2017, when Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana (BBY) was announced by the state government, it seemed like things were looking up for farmers in Madhya Pradesh. Under the BBY, the government would pay farmers the difference between the average wholesale price and the minimum support price (MSP) of the produce sold.

Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana covered seven major kharif crops  soya bean, black gram, maize, green gram, sesame, niger seed and groundnut. Since August 2017, over 6.35 lakh farmers have registered themselves for BBY and Rs 1,900 crore has been distributed till March 2018.

Of prices and protests

However, the impact on the ground is not what either the government or the farmer would have expected when BBY was inaugurated.

Madhya Pradeshs farmers are again on strike and have blocked fruits, vegetables and milk to cities, demanding better price for their produce.

They say BBY benefits the traders more than it does them.

Before garlic came under Bhavantar scheme it was selling at Rs 8,000 per quintal in January this year, but now the price is only around Rs 2,000 per quintal and it came down to Rs 200 per quintal in May, said Satyanarayan Bhanej of Balaguda village, which is approximately 20 km away from Mandsaur city.

What had originally been welcomed as a scheme by which the government would compensate farmers for losses incurred by selling crops at prices lower than the MSP, is now seen a catalyst for ruin. Farmers said the scheme encouraged distress selling because BBY compensations could only be availed for produce sold within a certain window.

Once the traders come to know that a particular lot of garlic is under Bhavantar they will never raise the price. The Rs 800 per quintal we get under the Bhavantar scheme is not even enough to cover the cost of production. Wait and see once purchase of garlic under Bhavantar scheme ends, its prices will shoot up and traders will benefit, said Bhanej.

A cap was introduced on how much would be compensated under the scheme and there was also no clarity on when the money would be received by the farmers.

Amrit Patidar, who is involved in the ongoing strike, said, The gulf between the farmers and traders has increased because we believe that all policies of the government finally benefit the trader at the cost of the farmer. The trader mints money due to his financial muscle and the farmer who toils hard gets pittance for his effort. Traders dont agree. Bhavantar is not helping us either and the allegation of cartelisation is a myth, because there is no unity among the traders, says Sunil Ghatiya, president of traders association in Piplya Mandi.

Bharatiya Janata Partys state general secretary Bansilal Gujar said despite some problems, overall BBY has helped farmers.

He did admit, however, that there is a perception among the farmers that this scheme has helped the traders more than the farmers.

Congress leader and former minister in the Digvijay Singh government, Narendra Nahata alleged the failure of BBY was evident in the low price of soya-bean, Madhya Pradeshs biggest cash crop of the state.

He claimed the price of soya bean rose from Rs 2,200-2,500 per quintal to Rs 3,500 per quintal after the BBY window closed.

Farmers are now worried that sale of rabi crops will be affected just like the kharif crops were.

On the anniversary of the police firing that killed five, some mandis of Madhya Pradesh saw less vegetables, while many traders stocked up in advance to make sure they met their demand.

A year later, what remains constant for the farmers is their anxiety over how much loss they must accept as normal.
Former president Pranab Mukherjee will arrive in Nagpur on Wednesday evening to attend a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) event amid criticism from opposition parties over his decision to accept the invite.

Mukherjee is slated to address the valedictory function of the RSSs third-year officers training camp at its headquarters in Reshimbagh on Thursday. According to sources, he will stay for two nights at the governor house before leaving for the national capital on Friday noon.

Around 700 swayamsevaks from places across the country will participate in the camp, also known as the Sangh Shiksha Varga (Sangh training class). The RSS said it had invited the former president in keeping with a tradition of calling eminent people to the annual event.

The Congress leaders decision to accept the invite has created a flutter in his party, with certain sections stating that doing so is akin to legitimising the Hindutva fountainhead. Mukherjee was a minister in almost every Congress government elected from the time Indira Gandhi was the prime minister.

However, another section in the Congress felt that bridging the political divide was the need of the hour in a democracy so fragmented that it even hurts national interests at times.

Senior swayamsevaks said there was nothing odd about Mukherjee accepting the invite, considering that he had called RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to the Rashtrapati Bhavan during his tenure as president despite their ideological differences. He had also invited top RSS leaders to his book launch in Delhi earlier this year.

Atul Pingle, prachar pramukh of the RSS (Vidarbha region), said Mukherjee was invited to the RSS headquarters for a first-hand look at the organisations work because he had often evinced interest in its functioning.

Former RSS spokesman and ideologue MG Vaidya pointed out that this was not the first time a prominent figure from outside would be attending an event organised by the RSS. In 1934, Mahatma Gandhi attended a Sangh Shibir at Wardha and held discussions on the countrys future with RSS founder Dr KB Hedgewar, he said, adding that Mukherjees acceptance of their invite sends out a message that adversaries are not necessarily enemies.

This also proves that RSS is not a political organisation, he said.

In an article written for Sangh mouthpiece Tarun Bharat, RSS additional general secretary Dr Manmohan Vaidya praised Mukherjee for accepting the invitation to Nagpur and dubbed both the Congress and the Left as intolerants.

As per information reaching here, a small team led by Sangh city head Rajesh Loya will receive Mukherjee at the Nagpur airport on Wednesday evening. He is expected to spend four hours  from 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm  at the RSS headquarters. It is yet to be seen if the former president will visit the Smruti Mandir, the memorial of RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, which is located in the same venue.

Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama, former Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson Rajabhau Khobragade and veteran journalist Arun Shourie are some of the prominent personalities who attended RSS events in the past.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched his partys campaign for the upcoming assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh by promising to waive farm loans in ten days if the party is voted to power.

He also said that if the Congress forms the government, it would act against those responsible for the death of six people in Mandsaur in police firing during last years farmers agitation. These have been the two main demands of the farmers who are on a 10-day statewide strike.

At a farmers rally at Pipliyamandi near Mandsaur to mark the first anniversary of the police firing, Gandhi said farm loan waiver worth Rs 70,000 crore was given by the UPA government and lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ignoring farmers.

Modi will only waive loans of rich industrialists and refused to waive farmers loans when I requested him. But the Congress governments in Karnataka and Punjab, which has Congress governments, have waived farm loans, showing that the party is with the farmers, he said.

For the first time, Gandhi also laid out his partys vision for providing employment to farmers and youth of the country. We will set up food processing units near farms where the farmers will sell their goods directly and their children will get employment in these factories, he said.

While some BJP ruled states such as Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have announced farm loan waivers to a certain limit, the Madhya Pradesh government did not make any such announcement. Instead, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced a new incentive scheme in which a farmer gets 10% subsidy on the principal amount while repaying the loan.

Defending the state governments decision, BJP spokesperson Rajneesh Agrawal said because of pro-farmer policies, farmers in Madhya Pradesh were not in debt, and hence there is no need for a loan waiver.

We have spent Rs 20,000 crore on providing financial aid to farmers in one year, and we give loans at minus 10%. Only 24% farmers have defaulted on loans, and for them too, we have given interest waiver, and have come out with one-time settlement policy, Agrawal said.

Rising unemployment among the youth is being seen as a failure of the National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre after the BJP promised to create two crore jobs a year. The Centre has, however, claimed that there is no robust methodology to evaluate the jobs being created.

At his Pipliyamandi rally, the Congress president also accused Modi of selling out to China. Our Indian shops are full of Chinese goods, he (Modi) wears a Chinese watch, he sits in the swing with the Chinese president in Gujarat and then China attacks India at Doklam and Modi says nothing.

Gandhi said it is his dream that the next time he comes to Mandsaur, I should be able to carry a phone marked Made in Mandsaur, and people in China should be consuming garlic produced in Mandsaur.

Gandhi also met families of farmers who were killed in police firing last year.

Madhya Pradesh Congress unit president Kamal Nath and campaign committee chairman Jyotiradiya Scindia who also spoke on the occasion tore into the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government highlighting its failure to tackle the farm distress that has hit the state.

Scindia alleged that the Bhavantar scheme, hailed as panacea for all problems of farmers in the state, has failed and farmers were getting lower price for their produce when compared to when Congress was in power. He accused the Chouhan government of having farmers blood on its hands and promised that the Congress would give justice to the farmers.

Kamal Nath attacked the government for its lack of progress in developing the state. The youth want work, but this government has failed to bring industries, rather they are closing down, he said.
The Odisha government on Wednesday appointed retired Orissa High Court judge Raghubir Dash as the chairman of the inquiry commission constituted to probe the case of missing keys of the Jagannath temple treasury.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik approved justice Dashs name for the post and the commission will submit its report in August after the annual Ratha Yatra festival on July 14.

The Odisha government had on June 4 announced setting up of a judicial commission to inquire into the circumstances under which the keys of the Ratna Bhandar disappeared.

The state governments announcement was made in the face of a state-wide outcry over the missing keys of the Bhandar. Opposition political parties had demanded a clarification on it from Patnaik.

The judicial commission during its inquiry will focus on the circumstances under which the Ratna Bhandars keys went missing and why it was not found, an official said.

The term of reference for the commission will be published soon, the official said.

The Shri Jagannath Temple Rules, 1960, state that the audit of the ornaments inside the Ratna Bhandar should be conducted every six months. The rules also mention who is the custodian of the ornaments, how the audit should be conducted and who will be in charge of the keys.

However, according to the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), it has not been opened since 1985, BJP spokesman Pitambar Acharya claimed.

As per the practice of the 12th Century shrine as well as the rule book, the ornaments that are not being used are kept in the inner chamber of the Ratna Bhandar. The chamber has two locks that are sealed.

The locks can be opened only with the special permission of the state government. The keys of the locks are to be submitted by the temple administration at the government treasury, as per practice and rules.

The chamber containing the ornaments used during festivals will also be secured with two locks. One of the keys would be with the SJTA chief administrator and the other with Pattajoshi Mohapatra, the person appointed to deal with the temples affairs, according to the practice.

The keys of the chamber containing the ornaments adorned by the Trinity during daily rituals should be with the Bhandar Mekap, the caretaker of the deities ornaments and clothes.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stay release of Rajinikanth-starrer Kaala which is scheduled to hit the screens on June 7.

A vacation bench comprising Justices AK Goel and Ashok Bhushan refused to entertain a plea by KS Rajashekaran, who sought an injunction against release of the movie.

You want an injunction against the release of the movie. Everybody is waiting for the film to be released, the bench told the counsel appearing for the petitioner.

Rajashekaran claimed that his copyright work was used by the producer without prior permission without prior permission. The top court said if the petitioner is the original copywriter he is entitled to damages, which he should claim from the high court.

The petitioner had approached the Supreme Court against the May 16 order of the Madras High Court which has posted his plea against the release of the movie for hearing on June 16.

(With PTI inputs)
Hours before Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackerays meeting with BJP president Amit Shah, the party mouthpiece Saamna criticised its allys outreach programme Sampark for Samarthan and reiterated that it would contest the 2019 polls independently.

An editorial Saamana on Wednesday questioned the reason behind Shahs meetings with the NDA allies and pointed to the BJPs poor performance in the Lok Sabha and Assembly bypolls. The Shiv Sena showed its strength in the Palghar bypoll. In such a situation, the 2019 Lok Sabha polls can be one reason behind the BJP chiefs Sampark Abhiyan, the editorial said.

Making fun of the BJP, the Sena said the party has launched a global outreach programme, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a world tour and Shah on a domestic one. The BJP has lost sampark [contact] with the people of the country, and it should introspect why it has happened, the Marathi daily said, pointing out that the BJP won just one of the four Lok Sabha seats and one of the 10 Assembly seats where bypolls were held in May.

In the Palghar bypoll, the Sena had for the first time fielded a candidate for a seat held by its ally. It lost the sea to the BJP, but Thackeray refused to term the results a defeat for his party, instead blaming malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines, and making cash-for-votes complaints against the BJPs workers.

In 2019, a change of power is certain in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh after the Assembly elections, the editorial went on to claim, and mocked Shah, who has pledged to build the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya if the BJP wins 350 Lok Sabha seats on its own.

The editorial also remarked that the BJP makes businessman-like calculations about whom to stay in touch with and whom not to.

The meeting between the two leaders is scheduled to be held at Sena chief Uddhav Thackerays residence in Matoshree, Bandra (east), on Wednesday evening.
The government is carefully reviewing the gains made during an unilateral cessation of security operations during Ramzan in Jammu and Kashmir before taking a call on an extension.

As part of the process, Union home minister Rajnath Singh will be in Srinagar on Thursday to sit with chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, governor NN Vohra and key security officials.

The data available with security agencies shows during the first 16 days of Ramzan in 2017, there were 195 incidents of stone pelting in the Valley whereas in the first 16 days of Ramzan this year, the incidents came down to 39.

We have confirmation of about only five boys from the Valley who joined the ranks of militants in this period of halt on operations, said a Srinagar-based security official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

More than one local a day was joining the ranks of militants in April and early May.

This year alone, around 90 young men joined the ranks of militants in the Valley. Among them 43 were from South Kashmir which is hotbed of militancy. Between April 1 and May 31, we understand there were 65 boys who went missing to join the ranks of militants. But the Ramzan halt on operations has brought the number of new recruits significantly down, said an Anantnag-based based field commander who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The commander agreed that given the cessation of operations, it was frustrating for security forces to not act on intelligence on the movement of militants.

Our cordon and search operations (CASOs) are off. We used to have four to five CASOs every 24 hours before the operations were halted. We have given huge respite to militants just before the crucial Amarnath Yatra slated to begin from June 28. (Even if) the Ramzan ceasefire is not extended beyond Eid, we will get only 11 days to ensure that militants do not harm Yatra, this person added.

There are currently around 144 active militants in South Kashmir , he said.

Among them 131 are local boys and 13 are foreign terrorists. Among the local boys, the most, 84 are affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen. The militancy is now predominantly local in character, the commander added.

Many say the predominantly local character of militancy forced the government to announce a halt on operations.

Funerals of local militants killed in security operations had become the biggest reason for new recruits joining militancy. We saw fathers of dead militants coming together and raising hands together. Even a mother of dead militant was handed over an assault rifle and her fingers were put on trigger to fire. But with halt on operations there are no frequent funerals and no memorial services, said a key government official who is a part of the review process.

The last time a unilateral cessation of operations was declared was in 2000; it began on November 28 and extended three times  December 28, January 27 and February 27. It remained in force for 185 days and the level of violence was much higher than this time around.

CPI(M) member of the J&K assembly MY Tarigami said violence has adversely affected Kashmir society, its ethos and day-to-day life and therefore the ceasefire should be persisted with even if there were risks involved.

The Ramzan ceasefire has provided some relief to the common man. Despite provocations this initiative has generated a ray of hope which should not in no way be clouded even if some risk is involved, said Tarigami.

Jammu and Kashmir police chief SP Vaid said the recruitment of new militants is still a matter of concern. We are working with families to bring them back to mainstream. The overall recruitment of militants is almost the same as that last year. It is too early to say whether the number of new recruitments is down due to halt on operations. We are adhering to a ceasefire but militants are not, said Vaid.
Evidence cited by the police, including the statement of Congress MP Shashi Tharoors domestic help, bruises on his wife Sunanda Pushkars body and an email sent by Pushkar to her husband expressing no desire to live led a city court on Tuesday to summon Tharoor on July 7 to face trial on the charge of abetment to suicide.

Pushkar was found dead in the Leela Hotel on January 17, 2014.

In a statement on Tuesday, Tharoor said, I would like to point out that, from the very start, I have fully cooperated with the investigating team and will continue to maintain that due legal process must be followed in all aspects related to this case.

I would like to reiterate my position that I find the charges preposterous and baseless, the product of a malicious and vindictive campaign against myself. I will continue to vigorously contest these charges and maintain my steadfast conviction that ultimately the truth will prevail through the judicial system that we are privileged to have in our country, the statement read.

Earlier, the Delhi Police had told the court that Pushkar (51) died because of poisoning and that 27 Alprax anti-depressant tablets were found in her suite but it was not clear how many pills she had consumed prior to her death. The court had then reserved its order for June 5, on whether to summon Tharoor as an accused in the case.

In a 3,000 page charge sheet, filed by the Delhi Police on May 14, Tharoor was charged with cruelty and abetment to suicide under Indian Penal Code sections 498A and 306. The police also attached a statement of Tharoors help Narayan Singh, as evidence of cruelty. He had allegedly claimed that he had witnessed the couple fighting.

The charge sheet also had statements from Tharoors domestic staff and hotel employees. When the Delhi Police submitted the charge sheet, Tharoor had tweeted that it was preposterous.

No one who knew Sunanda believes she would have committed suicide, let alone abetment on my part, he had said.

He added, It does not speak well of the methods or motivations of the Delhi Police. In Oct 17, the Law Officer made a statement in the HC that they have not found anything against anyone & now in 6 months they say that I have abetted a suicide.
The Army on Wednesday foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Macchil sector of Jammu and Kashmir, killing three militants.

Troops noticed suspicious movement along the LoC in Macchil sector in Kupwara district and challenged the infiltrators, an Army official said.

Three militants were killed in the ensuing gunfight, he said, adding search operations were on in the area.
Police in Uttar Pradesh have increased security at major railway stations and two religious places after a letter purpotedly written by a Pakistani terrorist warned of attacks on Wednesday and later this week.

The letter to the divisional railway manager of North Railways in Delhi on June 1 was sent by Maulana Ambu Sheikh, the self-styled area commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Pakistani terrorist group blamed for carrying out the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

A polic alert said Lashkar may target railways stations in Saharanpur, Hapur and other railway stations on June 6. Religious places like the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi and Krishna Janmbhoomi in Mathura could be targeted between June 8 and 10, the police warned.

District police chiefs have been alerted about the threat, said Anand Kumar, additional director general of police, law and order. He said the letter seems to be a prank but could not be taken lightly.

.
The director of the national health mission has warned officials of 50 out of 96 blocks in 14 districts in Rajasthan that have a high total fertility rate, to improve services.

The blocks which were identified as super focus blocks due to its poor performance in family planning services when the mission parivar Vikas (MPV) was launched on December 2016 in the 14 districts for having high total fertility rate (TFR).

At a review meeting on Monday, the performance the 50 blocks was to be poor, officials said.

State health department secretary and mission director of the national health mission Naveen Jain warned officials to improve the services and performance.

The performance of family planning services in non-MPV districts has been better than MPV districts, he said.

Fifty blocks were taken on priority and officials were directed to work on the principle of management by exception in corporate style.

According to the corporate style of functioning, the management of exception is to focus on detecting and managing cases that get deviated from the norms.

The reasons for poor performance in the districts are many, but shortage of staff, ineffective leadership and remoteness of the areas are some of the reasons, Jain said.

The 14 districts that have high TFR where the MPV was launched include Banswara, Baran, Barmer, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Dungarpur, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Karauli, Pali, Rajsamand, Sawai Madhopur, Sirohi and Udaipur.

The TFR is the average number of children expected to be born per woman during her entire span of reproductive period.

The Sample Registration System, 2013, states that Indias TFR is 2.3 and has to be reduced to 2.1 in sustainable development goal. The TFR of the14 districts is 3 and above.

Achievement of sterilization, postpartum intrauterine contraception device (PPIUCD) and Antara contraceptive injection was reviewed for 2016-17 and 2017-18 and the performance was poor.

In the case of sterilization, all the 14 districts failed to achieve what they achieved during the corresponding period, Jain said.

In Pali, 11,596 cases of sterilization were carried out in 2016-17 and in 2017-18 only 9,742, which was lower by 29%, he said adding that the difference is minus 4% to 29% in these districts.

Similarly, in the case of PPIUCD, the difference has been minus 1% to 7% while comparing 2016-17 and 2017-18.

The PPIUCD is intrauterine contraceptive which is inserted within 48 hours of delivery in eligible couples.

In regard to Antara, Jain said: Follow up of beneficiaries who were given first dose of Antara injection was not done so officials have been directed to be more serious in follow ups and inject the beneficiaries on time.

Antara has Deoxy Medroxy Progestrone Acetate (DMPA), an injectable drug that prevents pregnancy for three months.
Rajasthan home minister Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday inaugurated Abhay Command Centre at Rajasthan Police headquarters in Jaipur . He also flagged off 20 interceptors and 14 motorcycles equipped with GPS.

The working capacity of traffic police will increase by the resources obtained from road safety fund, Kataria said. Every year almost 10,000 people lose their lives to road accidents in the state, which leads to a very serious situation for their near and dear ones, Kataria added.

He said 35 per cent of road accident victims drive two-wheelers. Kataria added that 30 per cent of the accidents take place due to drunk driving.

He said this year chief minister Vasundhara Raje has paid special attention towards increasing resources and ensuring that police personnel have access to the necessary facilities. Mess allowance has been increased from Rs 1600 to Rs 2000. A home guards per day allowance has also been increased to Rs 693 from Rs 350. This will not only help improve the personnels capacity building, but will also boost their morale, Kataria said.

Common man brings his grievance to senior police officials without any fear, There is a need for such an environment in police stations as well.

Policemen check out the equipment set up in an interceptor vehicle in Jaipur on Wednesday. (Prabhakar Sharma)

DGP O P Galhotra said for the first time that Rs 7.76 crore have been allocated to the police from road safety fund. After purchasing 20 new interceptors worth Rs 3.2 crore, police now has a total of 76 interceptors. Now every district will have at least one interceptor, Galhotra said.

Galhotra informed that Rs 45 lakh from the fund have been used to purchase five portable speed laser guns. He said these will be made available to both commissionerates and three other districts. Each police station has been given Rs 10,000 each for purchasing equipment and repair works. A total of Rs four lakh have also been issued for training, Galhotra said.

He said five handheld e-challan devices costing Rs 2.05 crore have also been purchased. Apart from Jaipur and Jodhpur, these devices will also be made available to 12 other districts, Galhotra said.

On the initiative of IT department, Abhay Command Centres have been established at every divisional headquarters, Galhotra said. Apart from installing 504 cameras in Jaipur, 1575 cameras have also been installed at all seven divisional headquarters, Galhotra added. He also said the number of cameras will be increased to over 12,000.

After inaugurating the Command Centre, Kataria also got a detailed insight into its working. He expressed confidence that the centre will prove useful in the monitoring of police vehicles as well as taking preventive measures with regard to criminal activities in the state.
With less than five days to go before the BJP launches a statewide yatra aimed at offsetting anti-incumbency against the Vasundhara Raje government, no one in the ruling party is willing to take ownership of and oversee the preparations for the mass outreach programme.

For the records, the BJP is yet to finalise a name to head the party in Rajasthan, which goes to polls later this year. The post of state BJP president is lying vacant since April 18 when Ashok Parnami resigned after he was made a member of the partys national working committee.

In a recent meeting called to discuss the strategy for the assembly elections scheduled for later this year, the party had decided to launch a yatra from June 11, However, no schedule or detail of the tours have been chalked out nor have the groups of ministers, who are supposed to lead the programme, been formed. In fact, the party is yet to decide the name of the yatra. It may be christened Gaurav Yatra, Vikas Yatra or Suraaj Sandesh Yatra.

Parnami had earlier said that instead of the chief minister, ministers will travel across the state in groups of three. One group each would be assigned to each of the seven district headquarters. Jaipur and Jodhpur districts due to their large size would have two groups of three ministers, Parnami had said.

The ministers have the mandate to interact with the public and inform them of the welfare policies implemented by the BJP governments at the state and Centre.

For this, they will hold nukkad sabhas at three locations in every assembly constituency and a public meeting in the evening. They also have to meet with local party leaders and booth level workers and address any issues that they are facing. The ministers will have to stop for dinner at a local party workers residence.

The party aims to invigorate and energise the workers and reach out to sidelined party workers and former office bearers as well as the public to offset the anti-incumbency and create a mood in favour of the BJP. Parnami said Raje too would visit each district headquarter at the conclusion of each yatra.

Party sources say that the absence of a state party president is affecting the partys functioning. Insiders say the president oversees preparations for the yatra, decides on the routes and locations where public meetings will be held and logistics en route. In the absence of a president there is no one to organize and manage the event.

Several leaders feel that taking out a yatra in the absence of a state president will not serve any purpose. The appointment of the state president has been hanging fire since the last 50 days due to the tussle between the central and state leadership over the right candidate.

Officially leaders deny that the absence of the state president has affected the partys functioning but there are murmurs within the party that the programmes are being affected.

State media incharge Anand Sharma said the ministers are busy with the loan waiver camps due to which the programme for the yatra has been delayed. The schedule for the programme will be decided soon, he said.
The Rajasthan government will launch Bhamashah Techno Hub, one of the largest incubation centres in the country with a capacity to accommodate 700 start-ups, to give innovation a boost, officials said.

Chief minister Vasundhara Raje will inaugurate the hub, spread over more than one lakh square feet area, in July. The aim is to provide a platform to boost start-ups in Rajasthan by providing world-class infrastructure, advisory support and funding  all at one place and free of cost.

Providing state-of-the-art facilities free of cost to start-ups will give a jump-start to entrepreneurs of Rajasthan and enable them to prove their mettle to be leaders not just in India, but across the world, said Akhil Arora, principal secretary of the state department of information technology and communication.

To state government has also announced a Rs 500-crore fund to strengthen the startup ecosystem in Rajasthan. The start-ups will be innovative, knowledge-based and emerging technology ventures. Selection of start-ups is currently underway and the department has so far received more than 350 applications.

Every start-up is assessed using the Qrate assessment framework; they are assessed based on a set of parameters before they are given space, said an IT department official.

The facilities at the hub will include high-speed internet, world-class workspaces, video-conferencing rooms, individual and shared offices, apart from other infrastructure.

The state government will also provide full-time onsite mentors for the overall growth and promotion of start-ups. Mentors are experts with a background in having set up or worked for start-ups.

Officials say the free-of-cost facility will allow the start-ups to focus on expanding their business. The hub will also have tinkering labs to foster curiosity, creativity and imagination in budding entrepreneurs and inculcate skills, such as adaptive learning computational thinking and physical computing through do-it-yourself mode.

The state governments flagship start-up programme, iStart, of which the Bhamaashah Techno Hub is a part, employs a three-pronged strategy to help start-ups gain momentum. Under iStart, about 70 start-ups are being currently incubated in Jaipur, Udaipur, and Kota.

The government is in touch with VCs, angel investors and financial institutions. Start-ups also get the opportunity to showcase their ideas and ventures at international industry events abroad.

Participating start-ups will be initially housed at the Bhamashah Techno Hub for four months, which can be extended after evaluation.
After playing a pivotal role in the Janata Dal (S)-Congress post-poll alliance, as well as the formation of the coalition government, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is all set to join the alliance government in Karnataka.

Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy will expand his two-member cabinet today. Along with 20 new ministers, lone BSP MLA N Mahesh, will be inducted into Kumaraswamy cabinet.

For the first time outside UP, BSP will be part of the government since its formation in 1984. Senior BSP leaders, national general secretary SC Mishra and in-charge of southern states Ashok Siddharth are likely to attend the oath ceremony.

There was hectic parleys and bargaining between the JD (S), Congress and BSP leaders on Tuesday for a share in the government. Sources said the Congress will get a major share in the government. BSP chief Mayawati and SC Mishra had several rounds of talks with top Congress and JD (S) leaders over the issue.

JD (S) national general secretary Danish Ali said BSP was a pre-poll ally. To strengthen the alliance the lone MLA of the BSP will be inducted in the ministry, he said.

Mayawati had attended the oath ceremony of Kumaraswamy on May 23.

The BSP opened its account in Karnataka by securing victory on Kollegal assembly seat. N Mahesh defeated his nearest rival AR Krishna Murthy of Congress by margin of 19,454 votes. Mahesh who is president of BSPs Karanataka unit had rejected the BJPs offer to support BS Yeddyurappa. He told them to contact party national president Mayawati. Mahesh got the reward of his loyalty to the BSP chief and JD (S), a senior BSP leader said.

Mayawati had played important role in stitching JD (S)-Congress alliance when it became clear that there will fractured result.

Political observer RK Gautam said though BSP was a small player in the Karnataka, the formation of a non-BJP government has added to the stature of Mayawati. The ministerial berth in Karnataka government has given a boost to Mayawatis strategy, he said.

After three consecutive defeats in 2012 assembly election, 2014 Lok Sabha election and 2017 assembly election Mayawati is opting for alliance politics to regain the lost ground.

After Karnakata, the BSP chief is now gearing the party for electoral battle in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh where assembly elections are due this year-end.

She is camping in Delhi to finalize candidates for the assembly elections in three states as well as giving final touches to the strategy for the crucial 2019 Lok Sabha election.
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has welcomed the proposal drafted by the Yogi Adityanath government for holding parliamentary and assembly elections simultaneously, albeit with a rider that UP assembly elections should also be held along with Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

The SP is battle-ready for one nation one poll electoral system. In fact, I have already hit the road with my cycle in Lucknow (referring to his morning bike rides). It would have been better if the BJP government had also consulted us and other opposition parties on the proposal, quipped the former CM adding, But then in drafting the proposal, the BJP government in UP has extended its own tenure.

On Tuesday, UP cabinet minister Siddharth Nath Singh had submitted a report to Adityanath, suggesting implementation of simultaneous polls in the country in two phases.

The proposal suggests that states where assembly elections are due on or before December 31, 2021 may be clubbed with 2019 Lok Sabha elections, and others where assembly elections are due after 2021 may go to polls with 2024 general elections.

The proposal, if accepted, stands to benefit states like UP, Gujarat, Punjab and Karnataka, whose tenure would get extended by one to two years. On the other hand, assembly elections in nine states, including West Bengal, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, and Tamil Nadu would be advanced.

Yadav, who was speaking at a press conference, said the decision to club assembly and parliamentary polls would have far-reaching ramifications for regional parties, which, unlike the BJP, did not possess requisite wherewithal and resources.

Akhilesh said those batting for the one-nation-one-poll idea should also ensure only one voters list across the country by linking voters ID with Aadhar card. When you have made Aadhar mandatory and linked with almost all public services and documents, why not also link it with the electoral roll, he said.

We constituted a team under the health ministry in UP in this regard and asked them to see if its possible to hold only one election and link voters list to Aadhar so that new voters automatically get added to the list when they turn 18, he pointed out.

Newly elected Rashtriye Lok Dal (RLD) MP from Kairana Tabassum Hasan and SPs Naim ul-Hasan, who won the Noorpur assembly seat in the by-polls recently, were also present on the occasion.

The recent electoral victories by united opposition in Gorakhpur, Phoolpur, Kairana and Noorpur, is a precursor of the growing disenchantment of the people with the BJP, said Akhilesh, who facilitated both the winners.

I am glad those who always talked about a lack of narrative in the unity among opposition parties, no longer used this term, he said adding that elections would be fought on issues like demonetization, GST, jobs-creation and farmers welfare.

On scrapping of Purvanchal E-way bids

Akhilesh said his government had built the Agra-Lucknow Expressway in record 19 months but the BJP government was not even able to finalise the tender documents of the Purvanchal Expressway after more than a year.

I had laid the foundation stone of the Purvanchal E-way and much of the land acquisition for it was done in our regime. I once mentioned in the media that the same companies which had built the Agra-Lucknow Expressway would now also develop the Purvanchal Expressway. Perhaps, it could be one of the reasons for cancelling the bids, the former chief minister said.

The e-way was not alone, Yogi Government, he said, was yet to deliver on the promises to the people, be it free laptops and data to students or clearing payment of farmers or jobs to youths.

On BJP MLA Rajbhars remark on Yogi

Why is he telling this to you and me? He should say all this in the partys meetings, the SP chief said when asked to comment on UP Minister OP Rajbhars remarks that mandate in UP was for Keshav Prasad Maurya as CM candidate instead of Yogi Adityanath.
Kanpur: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday reiterated that all drains will be stopped from discharging sewage into the Ganga from December 15 to ensure a pollution-free river.

The chief minister, who had made a similar announcement in Haridwar last week, also declared the Ganga will be made a polythene-free zone.

He was addressing a gathering at the Chatrapati Shahu JI Maharaj University (CSJMU) auditorium here on the World Environment Day.

We call the Ganga mother. Hence, it becomes the pious duty of its sons to protect it from being polluted, he said.

He said the Central and the state governments were trying to make the river pollution free, but this goal could not be achieved without the peoples support.

Urging people to cooperate, he said it was every citizens duty to protect the rivers purity.

He advised people to pledge not to bathe in the river, nor pollute its water by throwing plastic, polythene bags and flowers into it.

He added it was encouraging to note that the Kanpur Municipal Corporation (KMC) had been declared open defecation free.

The chief minister also said all possibilities for the growth of tourism in the city should be explored.

He claimed his government was more concerned about farmers welfare than previous regimes.

His government had waived farmers loans and increased the limit for direct purchase paddy from five lakhs tons to 37 lakh tons in order to check cultivators exploitation by farmers, he added in support of his claim.

Earlier, the chief minister inaugurated eight clean water ATMs set up in Nanarao Park, Bara Chauraha, Naveen Market, MotiJheel campus, Musical Fountain in Kidwai Nagar, Manas park in Kakadeo and Gutayyia crossing.

Another clean water ATMs was kept near the CSJMU auditorium for inauguration. It will be shifted to another place in the city later, said municipal commissioner SK Sharma.

He also dedicated the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) set up at 10 model crossings of the city. The model crossings include Naubasta, Yashoda Nagar, Tatmill crossing, Zarib Chowki, Rawatpur, Moolganj, Carset crossing, Vijay Nagar, Narona and Bara Chauraha crossing.

The chief minister felicitated the prominent citizens spearheading the Ganga Haritma Abhiyan and the meritorious students.

He also dedicated the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) set up at 10 model crossings of the city. The model crossings include Naubasta, Yashoda Nagar, Tatmill crossing, Zarib Chowki, Rawatpur, Moolganj, Carset crossing, Vijay Nagar, Narona and Bara Chauraha crossing.

The chief minister felicitated the prominent citizens spearheading the Ganga Haritma Abhiyan and the meritorious students.
Unidentified gunmen shot up the vehicle of Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Urgasen Mishra, killing his nephew Durgesh and seriously injuring another relative in Chitrakoot district of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, police said.

Mishra, who allegedly has links with the mining mafia , escaped unhurt in the attack. He told police that the attack was sudden and his bodyguards could not respond.

Superintendent of police, Chitrakoot, Manoj Jha, said several teams are working to nab the killers who sped off in a black Mahindra XUV towards Allahabad.

The attack on Mishra was allegedly executed to avenge the killing of former block pramukh Dwarka Prasad alias Pappu Dwivedi recently, people familiar with the matter said.

Mishra was in Mau tehsil to meet block pramukh Pankaj Yadav and circle officer (Mau) Rajneesh Yadav. He left the COs office in a Scorpio. As the vehicle reached the highway, the assailants fired more than 20 shots.
Uttar Pradesh government will provide RuPay credit cards to 90 lakh small and marginal farmers so that they could avail the facility of agriculture loan for farming.

Discussing ways and means to improve income of farmers during divisional Kharif produce meeting held here on Monday, states agriculture produce commissioner Raj Pratap Singh said that 90 lakh small and marginal farmers in the state have no access to agriculture loans.

He said that state government has decided to provide them RuPay credit cards by seeking help of NABARD. He informed that district magistrates have been asked to finalize the list of these farmers by June 30 so that cards could be distributed to them in the first week of a July.

Singh said that Neeti Ayog has supported contract farming and process has begun to launch this concept which would be beneficial for farmers. Sharing his views over declaring agriculture as industry, he said it would deprive farmers from benefits of rebate, subsidies and income tax.

Principal secretary, dairy development, Sudhir M Bobde said that a three layer policy has been formulated for stray livestock in the state. In short term policy castration would be carried out of livestock of age less than three months. In mid-term policy, cow shelters will be established in the districts to keep stray animals and government has allocated Rs32 crore for it. In long term policy, classified semen centres will be opened and a similar centre will be established in Babugarh of district Hapur for quality breeding of livestock.

Principal secretary, sugar industry and sugarcane development Sanjay R Bhoosareddy informed that 16 out of total 119 sugarmills of the state are still operational. He said state government is committed for payment of farmers sugarcane dues.

Principal secretary, agriculture, Amit Mohan Prasad said that Kisan Pathak will be organised for farmers in two phases beginning from June 21 in order to update them with new technologies and other aspects required for better farming.

Commissioner of Meerut division stressed on multiple cropping and soil testing for increasing produce.

A group of farmers from different districts of Meerut and Saharanpur divisions were also invited in the meeting. Farmer Bharat Bhusan Tyagi of Syana in district Bulandshahr suggested to encourage organic farming and teach farmers to produce maximum crop at minimum price.
The idea of one-nation, one-poll got a boost when an electoral reforms committee of the Uttar Pradesh government endorsed the demand for simultaneous polls to Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

The practice of simultaneous polls was prevalent till 1967.

The committee has recommended that for those state assemblies, whose terms are ending before December 31, 2021, their terms may be curtailed and elections held along with the Lok Sabha elections in 2019.

The committee, chaired by health minister Siddharth Nath Singh, presented its report to chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday, in which it has sought to delink local body polls from the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls. The committee has said that only around 2029 would the system be ready to include local body polls in one-nation, one-poll system.

Later Adityanath said the report would be sent to the centre and added that the concept of simultaneous polls would be in larger public interest.

UP is the first state to give the go-ahead to simultaneous polls that has found favour with President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi but has drawn mixed views from the opposition, the health minister said.

A 2015 report by Parliaments standing committee, too, suggested holding simultaneous elections to save public money. It had put the cost of holding elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies at a staggering Rs 4,500 crore.

The UP committee also suggested linking voter names with Aadhaar to eliminate duplication.

While parliamentary polls are scheduled for 2019, assembly elections will be due in eight states in September 2018. Polls in Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan are slated for end of 2018 and early 2019 while the remaining four states polls are slated to be held with the general elections.

The Election Commission has already said it was in a position to conduct simultaneous polls after September 2018. In April the Law Commission, too, had agreed on the need for a constitutional amendment for conducting simultaneous polls and had decided to build a larger consensus by seeking opinion of all stake holders, including various political parties on the issue.

Elections have their own dynamics and impact on the environment ... Electioneering takes away time from the normal requirements of governance. It is also natural that various situations would get viewed through the prism of doing well in the elections, which may not always coincide with the larger and long term objective of good governance, the report states.With frequent elections to different bodies the voter also has a tendency to develop a certain amount of apathy towards the electoral process. The committee, having carried out analysis as above, felt that there is a convincing case for the country to get out of the continual election mode that it has got into. We need to strike a fair balance between the time, energy and effort we spend on the conduct of elections with the needs of providing good governance, the report says while building a strong case for simultaneous polls.
A 49-year-old stock broker allegedly committed suicide on Wednesday by jumping from a six-storey building in Tardeo.

According to the Tardeo police, Sanjay Shah lived with his family in Anand Nagar building on Forjett Street. Officers said Shah allegedly jumped from the building terrace at 3pm after eating lunch at home and allegedly leaving for work. His wife found his body on the building premises.

The statements of Shahs family members revealed that he was tensed over some financial dealings for the month. He was rushed to Bhatia Hospital, where he was declared dead before admission. The police registered a case of accidental death.We have not found any suicide note, said Sanjay Surve, senior inspector.
Motorists from Kalyan-Dombivli will continue to face a tough time while commuting to Bhiwandi, Thane and Mumbai, thanks to the delay in the completion of the six-lane Durgadi bridge in Kalyan (West).

The bridge was supposed to be completed in January. Authorities said that new deadline for the bridge is May 2019.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) cites changes to the project for the delay.

There are some changes in the entire plan as per the requirement by the maritime board. This has delayed the project. The new deadline for the project is May 2019, said an MMRDA official, who did not wish to be named.

The bridge will come up on the Ulhas creek, the work for which was given to contractors on March 12, 2016.

The MMRDA was supposed to start the work in April 2015 and complete it in two years. The finalisation of the contractors itself got delayed. In July 2016, the layout was approved by the MMRDA. The work to construct the bridge began after the monsoon in 2016.

In May 2017, the maritime board asked for an increase in the length and height of the two navigation span (span is the distance between two intermediate supports for a structure).

A new layout was prepared according and approve by June 2017.

All the changes caused the delay in the work. We have decided to speed up work and complete it before next monsoon, added the official.

Hardly 10% of the work has been completed in 18 months.

Motorists and bikers complain that during monsoon it is difficult to use the existing two-lane bridge as it is congested and causes traffic snarls during heavy rain.

The traffic movement is affected badly during monsoon between Shivaji Chowk and Durgadi stretch. Sometimes it takes an hour to cross the bridge from Shivaji Chowk, although the bridge is minutes away from the Chowk, said Santosh Gupta, 34, a biker, who takes the bridge every day to go to Bhiwandi.

This new six-lane bridge will be the third bridge across the creek.

The 380-metre bridge will be an alternative to Kalyan, Bhiwandi and Thane, reducing the burden on the existing two-lane Durgadi bridge in Kalyan (West).

The existing bridge across Ulhas creek connects Kalyan to Mumbai-Nashik highway and ends near Durgadi fort. It leads to National Highway 222 as well as Kalyan-Shilphata-Bhiwandi road and Thane.

Built by public works department (PWD), the bridge was opened to the public on May 10, 2002.

Since then, the volume of traffic has multiplied. At least 50,000 vehicles use the bridge every day, sometimes causing traffic jam up to 2km on both the sides of the bridge.

Huge trucks and cargos ply through the bridge. I get stuck in traffic almost every other day, and reach work late, even if I start my journey early, said Pramod Patil, 34, a motorist who takes the bridge daily to reach Thane.

The bridge is a vital link to enter and exit the city. We have to take measures during monsoon to control the traffic on the bridge as it gets congested. We deploy more police personnel for the smooth flow of traffic, said Sambhaji Jadhav, senior traffic police officer, Kalyan (West).

He added, Sometimes, the old bridge develops potholes during monsoon, leading to slow traffic movement.

Another bridge over the Ulhas creek, which was constructed by Richardson and Cruddas Company in 1914, was shut down because of its poor condition.

However, people walk on this bridge and a few two-wheelers also ply over it to avoid congestion on the two-lane bridge.
A mandatory agreement between tenants and owners to protect the rights of the former, and scientific structural audits  these are some of the rules the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has notified to hasten the stalled redevelopment of dilapidated buildings.

Tenants of such buildings are often unwilling to vacate their houses for fear of losing them after redevelopment.

There have been cases of tenants living in transit camps for long, even though buildings are ready and flats are sold in the open market.

Now, it is a must for owners to enter into an agreement with tenants and assure them alternative accommodation if their building is slated for redevelopment.

According to the rules, the BMC will not issue commencement certificate, if the said agreement is not produced.

The policy will help secure tenants rights and also speed up the redevelopment of dilapidated buildings in the city, said Nidhi Chaudhary, deputy municipal commissioner.

The policy assumes significance following several building collapse incidents recently. It will help redevelop 619 extremely dilapidated buildings in the city. These buildings, identified in a pre-monsoon survey by the BMC, need to be demolished.

While landowners and developers rush to revamp old structures to get more floor space index (FSI), the new policy mandates structural audits before declaring them dangerous.

Once a structural audit indicates a building is extremely dangerous, the owner will have to compulsorily notify their tenants by displaying this on a society notice board.

The BMC has also uploaded the format of the inspection report that all structural engineers have to follow.

The move comes after it was observed that buildings were categorised as dangerous based on visual inspections.

Under the policy, the BMC has introduced five new technical advisory committees of experts for the suburbs, the island city and municipal buildings.

This will also help in a quicker resolution of disputes between tenants and owners.

Currently, there is only one committee that is burdened with all disputes related to dilapidated structures. This has led to further delay in determining their condition.
Admissions to medical and dental seats under the 85% state quota seats are likely to face some legal trouble once again.

Going against the rules for state domicile quota seats that were followed last year, the Directorate of Medical Education & Research (DMER) has once again demanded that only students who have cleared Class 10 and Class 12 from the state and possess a valid domicile certificate (proof of living in the state for 15 years) will be eligible for admissions to the 85% seats in government and private medical and dental colleges.

This same rule was meant to be implemented by DMER last year, but was stayed by the Bombay high courts Aurangabad bench. Last year, two out of the three criteria were accepted at the time of admissions.

However, despite agreeing to continue the same rule this year, the recently released information brochure for 2018-19 admissions makes it compulsory for all students to follow all three criteria to be eligible for state quota seats.

A group of parents and students are meeting lawyers to file a petition against the domicile criteria in the Bombay high court.

Since no one has complained against the criteria as yet, we are going to go ahead with the compulsion on SSC, HSC and domicile certificate for admission eligibility. Anyone who has a problem with it will have to go to court, said Dr Pravin Shingare, director, DMER.

He said he is also open to discussions with parents and students.

Students are already unhappy with this rule. My daughter has a valid domicile from Maharashtra and also finished her Class 12 education from the state. However, due to work my commitments, we had shifted to another state during her Class 9 and 10 and therefore she completed Class 10 from another state, which makes her non-eligible for state quota seats, said a parent.

Parents were also unhappy about the last minute changes to eligibility rule introduced by DMER.
Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam has raised objections to his movements allegedly being restricted by police officials, in the wake of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shahs visit to the city on Wednesday.

Nirupam alleged that police officials have been keeping a watch on him since morning, in anticipation of a protest against Shah and the BJP.

Initially, Nirupam claimed that he was under house arrest, but later clarified that a team of police officials were following him around and keeping watch, in violation of his fundamental rights.

Home department sources, however, said it was routine practice to keep Opposition leaders, who are probable trouble-makers, under watch during VVIPs visits, to prevent untoward incidents.

I was not given any reason for a police van following my car when I was on my way to the party office at Azad Maidan. When I asked the officers, they were unable to give any reason and merely said they are doing it on orders of higher-ups, he said. I believe these steps are being taken as Amit Shah is visiting Mumbai, and they anticipate that I may create trouble.

Nirupam has been placed under actual house arrest by the Mumbai police in the past  in December 2016, he was not allowed to step out of his Andheri house after he planned a silent protest at Bandra-Kurla Complex on the sidelines of the bhoomipujan of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in the Arabian sea by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The weather bureau on Wednesday said that the southwest monsoon is expected to reach Maharashtra by Friday, and Mumbai between June 9 and June 11.

The earlier prediction by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) was that the southwest monsoon was expected to reach the state between June 6 and June 8.

Conditions are favourable for further advance of southwest monsoon into Maharashtra and rest of Karnataka in 48 hours from Wednesday. Conditions are also favourable for further advance over remaining parts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, between June 9 and June 11, read IMDs weather advisory.

Madhavan Rajeevan, secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, tweeted on Wednesday that very heavy rains were expected over the Konkan coast on June 10 and chances of flooding cannot be ruled out.

The weather bureau has issued an extremely heavy rainfall alert for the city from June 9 to 11, and asked citizens to stay indoors as much as possible on these three days.

Widespread rainfall activity with over 75% of weather stations reporting heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over south Konkan and Goa from June 7 onwards. Weather systems will gradually extend over north Konkan, including Mumbai, from Friday onwards, and continue till June 12, said KS Hosalikar, deputy director general, western region, IMD.

Between Saturday and Monday, the maximum intensity of rainfall is expected over Mumbai and the surrounding areas, with heavy to very heavy rain; the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas cannot be ruled out.

The advisory released by the IMD reads: Active to vigorous monsoon conditions are likely to prevail, leading to persistent very heavy rainfall along the west coast, especially between June 10 and 11. In view of intense rainfall forecast, people are advised to abstain from outdoor activities as much as possible during the period and also watch for weather updates from Regional Meteorological Centre, Mumbai.
The weather bureau has issued an extremely heavy rainfall alert for the city from June 9 to 11 (Saturday to Monday), and has asked citizens to stay indoors as much as possible on these three days.

Under the India Meteorological Departments (IMD) classification, 15.6mm to 64.4mm of rainfall in 24 hours is considered moderate, 64.5mm to 115.5mm is heavy, 115.6mm to 204.4mm is very heavy and more than 204.5mm qualities as extreme.

Widespread rainfall activity with over 75% of weather stations reporting heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over south Konkan and Goa from June 7 onwards. Weather systems will gradually extend over north Konkan, including Mumbai, from Friday onwards, and continue till June 12 [Tuesday], said KS Hosalikar, deputy director general, western region, IMD. Between Saturday and Monday, the maximum intensity of rainfall is expected over Mumbai and the surrounding areas, with heavy to very heavy rain; the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas cannot be ruled out.

The advisory released by the IMD reads: Active to vigorous monsoon conditions are likely to prevail, leading to persistent very heavy rainfall along the west coast, especially between June 10 and 11. In view of intense rainfall forecast, people are advised to abstain from outdoor activities as much as possible during the period and also watch for weather updates from Regional Meteorological Centre, Mumbai.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also forecast in central Maharashtra between Thursday and Friday, as well as heavy showers in some parts of Marathwada and Vidarbha, the weather bureau said.

Last year, IMD had issued similar rainfall alerts on August 29 and September 19  two days when rain brought the city to a standstill, with over 300mm rainfall recorded over 24 hours.

Till Wednesday, the city had witnessed two bouts of pre-monsoon showers, both of which affected flight operations and caused water-logging in parts of the island city as well as the suburbs.

IMD officials said the southwest monsoon has now reached parts of Karnataka, and is gradually moving towards the Konkan coast. Hosalikar said it is still not clear when the monsoon will arrive in Mumbai, but conditions appear favourable for between June 9 and 10. Previously, the IMD had said that monsoon was expected over the city by June 7, three days before its normal onset date.

The city recorded no rainfall on Tuesday, but the weather bureau has issued a forecast for rain or thundershowers over north Konkan, including Mumbai, on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Bombay high court on Wednesday granted bail to Sameer Bhujbal, nephew of former state public works department (PWD) minister Chhagan Bhujbal, in connection with the money laundering case in which the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader himself got bail about a month ago.

Justice AS Gadkari granted bail to Sameer primarily because his politically heavy-weight uncle was granted bail on May 4 by another HC judge in the same case. Besides, the judge also considered the fact that Sameer was arrested on February 1, 2016, and has spent nearly one-third of the maximum sentence (seven years) prescribed for the offences that he is charged with.

Justice Gadkari directed Sameer be released on cash bail of 5 lakh. He has been asked to meet the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as and when called for and also the Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court on scheduled dates. Besides, he has been restrained from venturing out of jurisdiction of the HC without prior permission.

The ED case against the Bhujbals is based on the number of cases registered by the Maharashhtra anti-corruption bureau (ACB) in June 2015. According to the ACB, Chhagan Bhujbal, the then PWD minister had granted the contract for construction of Maharashtra Sadan at New Delhi to KS Chamankar and Enterprises for illegal gratifications, which they subsequently laundered. The ED had alleged that Sameer set up 30 to 40 shell companies through which the purportedly ill-gotten money was siphoned off.

Sameer had approached the HC seeking enlargement on bail contending that he cannot be kept behind bars indefinitely, as charges were yet to be framed against him, and the trial was not likely to start in near future. Besides, he argued that the huge number of witnesses and accused persons implied that the trial would take longer time to conclude.

The ED had strenuously opposed his bail plea. Additional solicitor general Anil Singh argued that Section 45(1)(ii) of the PMLA Act, 2002, required that notice must be issue to the public prosecutor concerned before granting bail to any person accused of offence under the PMLA and bail can be granted to such an accused only if the court is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing he is not guilty of the offence charged and he is not likely to commit any offence while on bail.

Justice Gadkari, however, rejected the contention noting that the section has been struck down by the Supreme Court and the rigours have not been brought back on the statute book. However, Singh maintained that a subsequent amendment to PMLA has made the SC ruling ineffective.
Two images featuring two totally different avatars of chef Vicky Ratnani in the same week. The quintessential Bandra boy had sent us the first from Delhi, where he had gone for the launch of what appears to be the latest instance of social media sloganeering, so popular in these times. Baba Ramdev kicked off a press conference for Mission Fit India, said Ratnani adding, And, all the trainers, along with Suniel Shetty and Ramdev, did a yoga session on stage. As for the second picture, featuring him with old pals and neighbours, Sanjay Dutt and his brother-in-law, music impresario Owen Roncon, he says, It was an evening about food, music and great company.

Guess some more yoga sessions would be called for after that one.

TRUE LIES

We all know of men who have behaved abominably and atrociously with the women of their families: brothers with a grotesque senses of entitlement who use manipulative cunning to trample over their sisters; uncles who molest their young nieces; and of course, husbands who cheat on and mistreat their wives on a daily basis. What is saddest about this is that wealth and fine education make no difference, and that misogyny and patriarchy are equal opportunity offenders, unaffected by pedigree and position. But, this latest act of unkindness has taken even the most cynical in the city by surprise for the sheer viciousness of its intent. It concerns a billionaire businessman and his glamorous wife, once noted for their jet-setting lifestyle and parties. Apparently, now that the two are estranged over the formers alleged affair with a much younger woman, there is no love lost between them and the husband is doing all he can to humiliate and upset her. Recently, social circles were aghast, when he is said to have sent an official letter to members of an exclusive club requesting them to prevent her from participating in an upcoming annual event, of which she had been a regular fixture till now. That he would put this down in writing, demonstrates the extent to which the bitterness and disrespect go, said an insider, adding, What makes people so callous, petty? Indeed.

WTS WTM

What They Say 

Actress Kangana Ranaut is advocating a ban on plastic.

 News report in yesterdays papers

What They Mean 

Of course, knowing Kangana, what she means is that audiences should avoid watching films featuring certain plastic-looking actresses in Bollywood; and producers should stop signing them for future projects too.

STRIKING AND SENSITIVE TREATMENT

A still from the film First Period.

I was approached by the NGO Dasra in association with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which was keen to make a film where men were involved in the conversation about menstrual hygiene, says film-maker and aesthete Mozez Singh, whose short digital film, First Period, released this week is receiving accolades from across the world. So, my writer, Ishani Banerji, who had also written Aligarh, decided to flip the concept and write a story about a surreal dystopian place where only men exist and they have periods and how amazingly and efficiently they deal with it, Singh said.

Mozez Singh.

First Period, with its striking story-line and sensitive treatment is an eye-opener for sure, in as much as it challenges the preconceived notions and provokes a strong response. We wanted that comparison with the normal world to be hard-hitting, he says. Men need to be part of the conversation, so that it could be a universal conversation and not just one about shame and whispers amongst women.

Once the film had been made, Singh had sent it to Twinkle Khanna , whose support he says has been invaluable. She loved it and decided to come on board to launch it. She has written a beautiful story in her first book about this issue and also made a feature film on it, and has been a very inspiring voice in the conversation about menstrual hygiene, he says. Since its release, Singh has received congratulatory messages saying he has delivered a very powerful comment on the subject. Everyone needs to know that menstrual hygiene is a very serious issue and that it needs to be dealt with urgently and in a manner that will create an impact, says the erstwhile Delhi boy, the scion of a well-heeled clan who had left it all behind to pursue his creative dreams in Mumbai, almost two decades ago.
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai police has registered a first information report (FIR) against businessman Yudhisthir Khatau, his wife Neerja Khatau, and Sumegh Modi, the director of Yudhishthirs firm, Varun Corporation Limited, for allegedly cheating a Mauritius bank of $30 million  around  200 crore.

When HT contacted Yudhisthir Khatau, he denied the allegations. We have not received any papers on this issue either from the Mauritius Commercial Bank or the Mumbai police, and are therefore, totally unaware of either the complaint or the case details.

The case goes back to December 21, 2008, when the Mauritius Commercial Bank agreed to give $30 million to Real Point Mauritius Limited (RPML).

RPML is a subsidiary of Varun Corporation Limited in Mauritius. Sources claimed RPML was a shell company.

The bank filed its complaint through its authorised signatory, Anshul Sehgal. According to the complaint, the bank disbursed the amount after Varun Corporation gave it a corporate guarantee. However, in 2012, Real Point Mauritius Limited defaulted on its payment, the bank said. After this, the bank began proceedings against the firm and Varun Corporation Limiteds director in the Mauritian Supreme Court.

Around the same time, the bank also filed an insolvency petition against Varun Corporation Limited in the National Company Law Tribunal in Mumbai. In his response to this plea, Yudhisthir Khatau denied to have given any corporate guarantee, and also said he produced audited annual reports for the financial year 2008-09.

The bank, however, alleged that these annual reports and the corporate guarantee were forged so that RPML could get the money. The bank said, in this way, Varun Corporation Limited and its functionaries had cheated it.

The Mauritius Commercial Bank later also moved a magistrate court in Mumbai. The banks counsel, Sanjeev Kumar, said, The magistrate was prima facie convinced that the complaint ought to be investigated by either the Azad Maidan Police Station or through the EOW, and such directions have accordingly been passed.

Considering the nature of the alleged crime, the senior officers of the Mumbai police decided to transfer the case to EOW. This procedure took time, and the EOW has only recently started its investigation. For now, it has registered a case under sections 409 (Criminal breach of trust by public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent), 420 (cheating), 468 (Forgery for purpose of cheating), 477-A (Falsification of accounts), 107 (Abetment), 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, based on a magistrate courts order.

Relevant documents pertaining to the loan agreement and the alleged forgery are being collected and scrutinised and evidence is being gathered. We have also started recording statements of witness, but are yet to make an arrest, said an officer privy to the probe.

Yudhisthir Khatau maintained that he did not know of the case, but added, Being directors of the company, we are fully aware of the affairs of the company and therefore can simply state that the guarantee in question was not approved or taken on record by the Reserve Bank of India, and therefore, there was no valid guarantee issued to the bank.

Khatau added that all accounts given to the bank had been signed by the firms auditors and directors. Therefore, there is no issue of falsification at all, he said. Khatau added, Based on this guarantee that the bank claimed existed, it last year (2017) moved the NCLT, which after hearing the matter, concluded that irrespective of whether RBI approved the guarantee or otherwise, the banks claim should be admitted and therefore the effect of the guarantee has already been given by the NCLT to MCB (the bank).

We fail to understand what further remedy MCB is seeking through a criminal complaint, as the existence of a valid guarantee was the matter of a civil suit, which has already been concluded and disposed of, Khatau said.
With extremely heavy rainfall warning by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) from June 9 to June 11, the BMC is on high alert.

The civic body has directed all seven deputy municipal commissioners, 24 ward officers and concern head of departments to be available in headquarters, even on holidays.

In addition, three teams of National Disaster response force are on alert at three areas in the city - Parel, Mankhurd and Andheri with flood rescue equipment. The Navy has also been positioned at Colaba, Worli, Ghatkopar, Trombay and Malad for flood rescue if required.

Six fire brigade flood rescue teams along with City Disaster Response Force and police are deployed on six beaches across the city.

For better coordination, representatives from emergency support functions will be stationed in BMC head office.
The Internal complaints committee (ICC) of a Matunga college probing molestation charges against a professor by a first-year BTech student said it could not find any proof of the alleged act.

In its report, submitted last Wednesday, the eight-member panel said it is a very serious case of alleged sexual harassment and advised the complainant to lodge a police complaint  which has already been done. The committee also recommended that the professor should not be allowed to serve as an examiner for tests in which the complainant appears, which has been implemented by the college. It also suggested that all doors in the college be installed with glass panels. HT has a copy of the report.

HT had reported that a 20-year old student claimed she was molested by the professor inside his cabin at the institute on May 18. In her complaint to the institute director, the student said the professor touched her inappropriately and forcefully kissed her when she went get his signature on a form.

In the aftermath of the alleged incident, the college sent the professor on forced leave to avoid confrontations with the complainant. Later, the ICC was directed to conduct an inquiry into the matter. The city police also booked the professor after the college informed them about the incident.

According to the report, the committee conducted four meetings between May 22 and 30. The professor, who appeared before the committee in the first meeting, said the allegations against him were baseless.

Around 3:35 pm [the complainant] came to get [the professors] signature on the summer term form. She was told to correct the subject code. At that time, she started talking about her personal problems and hence her inability to study, the report quotes the professor as saying.

The professor told the panel the girl again entered the cabin after 15-20 minutes, but was asked to wait outside. When she called in to get her form signed, she again stated some problems and left, the professor told the panel. The professor added he spotted the student outside his cabin and therefore called her. She enquired about her re-examination before leaving.

However, the complainant, who appeared before the panel in the next meeting with her father, said the professor molested her after signing her form at 5 pm. She told the committee that from 3 to 5 pm, she was told to wait outside the cabin by professor. During this interval, she went in the cabin four times, reads the report.

The panel also interviewed several other students and staffers of the college. In its findings the panel stated that despite requests and clear instructions, the complainant didn't give her statement in writing to the committee.

Despite repeated attempts, institute director and complainant remained unavailable for comments.
The Mumbai Police has arrested six men for cheating and posing as dummy candidates writing the constable-recruitment exam for the police force. They are on the lookout for four more suspects in the same case.

Additional commissioner of police, south region, Pravin Padwal who was in charge for the written examinations told HT, Five cases have been registered against 10 persons at Malad, MHB, LT Marg, Bhandup and Vakola.

Out of the six arrested, five were posing as candidates while one was the person who hired a proxy candidate to be sent to the exam hall.

A police official at one of the examination centres said, One of the arrested accused had forged the hall ticket with his photo. But we managed to catch his bluff. He and the candidate for whom he sat for the exam have been booked for forgery as well.

In another case, the dummy was the friend of the candidate.

Most of the proxy candidates had started writing their exam when a check by invigilators revealed that a photo on the hall ticket did not match with the candidates face.

The written exam was being conducted for those candidates who had cleared the physical test. Several thousands of people across Maharashtra apply for the job of a constable but only a small fraction manages to actually get it.

The five FIRs (for impersonation, cheating and forgery) have been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices at University and Examination Act.
The Bombay high court on Monday granted bail to a medical practitioner from Solapur district who was booked for performing illegal abortions.

Justice Sadhana Jadhav asked Dr Ashwini Jadhavar to furnish an undertaking to the Medical Council of India, Sangola police station where the first information report (FIR) was registered, and the district surgeon of Solapur that she will not practise medicine till the conclusion of trial.

Dr Jadhavar was arrested on February 8, 2018 under sections 312, 315 and 201 read with section 34 of the Indian Penal Code, and section 5 of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.

Assistant public prosecutor Vinod Chate said the FIR was registered after a complaint by medical officer of Sangola, Dr Sandeep Belapure, referring 13 cases of alleged illegal termination of pregnancies at New Dhanashri Hospital and Maternity Home, run by her and her husband, Dr Suhas Jadhavar. The nursing home is in Solapur districts Sangola, 375km south-east of Mumbai,

The couple was tried in 2006 for alleged contravention of provisions of the Preconception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques Act. She was acquitted, while her husband was convicted after which the Medical Council of India had cancelled licence of 'Dhanashri Hospital and Nursing Home'. Later, the couple started running another hospital  New Dhanashri Hospital and Nursing Home  and illegal abortions were carried out there, Chate added.

The defence, however, argued that pregnancies were terminated on medical grounds, and therefore there was no violation of the MTP Act.

Justice Jadhav granted bail to the woman doctor as some of the cases referred involved low gestation period ranging between 8th and 10th week. She was asked to furnish a bond of Rs 50,000 with one or two sureties of the same amount.
Sudhir Dhawale, who was arrested from Govandi for alleged Maoist links, is an activist fighting against Dalit atrocities and innocent, claimed the members of his group, Republican Panthers Caste Annihilation Movement.

Dhawale has been actively participating in protests since Rohith Vemulas death and against the atrocities meted out against Dalits. He has been framed to save the real perpetrators behind the Bhima-Koregaon violence, Sharad Gaikwad, president of the movement told HT from Govandi, where Dhawale was picked up at 6am by a team from the Pune police.

Dhawale and four others were held from different places in the country for their role in inciting people that led to the violence at Bhima-Koregaon in January after a first information report was lodged against them at Punes Vishram Baug police station.

Dhawale was earlier booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2011. He was jailed for 40 months from January 2, 2011 till May 15, 2014 when a sessions court released him, said Gaikwad.

A day before the violence, a yalgar parishad was held in the historic Shaniwar Wada area of Pune to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Koregaon in which the army of Peshwa Bajirao II was defeated by the East India Company, whose regiment comprised of a large number of Mahar Dalits.

The conference saw power-packed speeches by several prominent personalities, including newly-elected Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani, Jawaharlal Nehru University student Umar Khalid and Radhika Vemula.

It was at this parishad when we pledged to not vote for the BJP, said Gaikwad. They have now made a story (of his Naxal links). He was innocent during his arrest in 2011 and he is innocent now as well. He has penned down books and notes of our movement which is now being portrayed as Naxal material.

Gaikwad also said peoples attention was being diverted from the Bhima-Koregaon probe to Dhawales arrest. A fear is being created in peoples minds against Dhawale by branding him a Naxal.
A day after the Thane police busted the cryptocurrency racket, a 26-year-old employee of the Ghodbunder Road company was arrested.

Taha Kazi, a resident of Mumbra, was the technical head and director of the Flintstone Group, an alleged real estate company. He had created the software application for the company.

The police said that more than 25,000 investors were cheated of more than 500 crore.

Three accused in the cryptocurrency racket are still at large. In 2017, the accused introduced 10.5 crore coins but the demand went up to 12 crore, said Thane police commissioner Parambir Singh.

The mastermind, Amit Lakhanpal, is hiding in Dubai, said the police.

The police said Lakhanpal has studied till Class 8 but showed fake doctorate certificates. Many well-known magazines have featured Lakhanpal.

It was also found that an assistant police inspector from Thane police is also involved in the racket.

On Monday, the police raided two offices  one at Thane and another at Vikhroli  and busted the racket.

Singh said, Many had invested in crores but none of them got any returns. A Delhi-based businessman Pravin Agrawal, 40, lodged a complaint with the police. He had invested 1.7 crore on the maturity date, his account used to have technical problems. He could only see that rates of the coins had increased by 5,000 times. We raided the offices after the complaint was lodged.

The police had detained two people but after verifying their role, Kazi was arrested.

Flintstone Groups cryptocurrency was called Money Trade Coin (MTC). Lakhanpals aides cheated people promising 20 times return in six months. After the maturity date, they kept giving excuses to the investors.

We also found a certificate of a fixed deposit of a private bank which shows balance of 2,500 crore and a standby amount certificate of 1,750 crore. This was to gain the trust of investors, said Singh.

The investors were promised flats and citizenship in African and Caribbean countries. They were given a swipe card to purchase online products.

Last month, Kazi lodged a complaint with the Chithalsar police station, saying that their agent has cheated them of the invested money. This was done to mislead the investors, said Singh. The police said they would send a team to Dubai to arrest Lakhanpal. The cryptocurrency was launched at a price of $3 (USD) and Lakhanpal told investors that it would increase to $2,500.
Sceptics often raise the Malthusian argument that organic farming has lower food production. But it is a sector that is posting impressive growth all over the world. The US is its largest market, and India has the highest number of organic farmers. For the farmer, it presents a low-external-input, low-debt approach, with farm-level resilience improved through diversity-based cropping. And we are yet to come across an organic farmer who has committed suicide in this country due to agrarian distress. In the era of climate change, organic farmings approaches are suitable for both mitigation and adaptation. For the consumer, organic food production, especially accompanied by traditional seed varieties, means safer and nutritious food. Organic farming enterprises also take up eco-friendly food processing, while retaining the nutritional qualities of the produce.

The government had recently brought in large flagship programmes to promote organic farming. The recent growth in formally-counted organic farming areas and the number of farmers is reflective of the investments being made. As per reports, the year-on-year growth rate of the organic sector is anywhere between 20% and 25%.

While this is ecouraging, organic farming accounts for just 1.7% of Indias cultivated area, and the organic food is not even 0.1% of Indias $300 billion annual food consumption.

Thats why the recent regulations around organic farming brought by The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) raise many questions. They will come into effect next month.

The regulation requires organic food sold in the market to have a certification  either from a third party or Participatory Guarantee System (PGS). It exempts only small producers or the producer organisations who sell directly to consumers.

Its ironical that in spite of using toxic chemicals, producers in the conventional non-organic sector do not have to spend to guarantee compliance with food safety regulatory requirements. Additionally, the countrys Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, doesnt apply to farming operations, farmers or their crop products at the farm level.

FSSAI does not seem to realise that organic farming, by its nature, will go a long way in fulfilling the regulators primary mandate of securing food safety. A nascent industry like organic farming needs as much facilitation and promotion as possible. The haste with which the FSSAI moved forward to regulate the countrys 0.1% food production is very uncharacteristic and inexplicable compared to the speed with which it sought to regulate actually-unsafe food.

To ensure that fake organic items are not sold is indeed a noble objective and prevents misbranding. But misbranding of organic food is no more unsafe than the food citizens access routinely.

To equate quality assurance with certification is faulty. Certificates can be purchased. How do you explain reports of chemical residues in certified organic food or rejection of certified export consignments? It should be noted that certifiers have an inherent conflict of interest in wanting to expand their business by certifying more farms as organic. Increase in fake organic produce is a matter of concern not just for consumers but for organic farmers too. Food regulators should focus on stopping really unsafe foods rather than go after organic ones.

The regulatory guidelines raise many other questions. For selling to consumers directly, why is exemption provided for only small organic producers whereas all organic farmers should be exempt? The consumer has a right to know the producer in all cases, anyway. Besides, its not clear what defines a small organic producers organisation.

Organic farming will need proper marketing opportunities. Bringing in onerous regulations for individual farmers instead of providing free and timebound certification to farmers is unwarranted. Most organic farmers do not have the ability to sell their products to consumers directly. They need alternative supply chains which are mainly in the form of producer-to-retailer-to-consumer. Therefore, without exempting one-step-away-from-consumers retail sales, exempting only direct sales, that too only for small producers is a meaningless proposition.

Its not an argument against regulation of organic farming but an advocacy for a win-win situation for both organic producers as well as consumers.

Kavitha Kuruganti is national convenor, Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture

The views expressed are personal
Police in Bihars Banka district said on Wednesday they were investigating whether the family of the man, who was allegedly in a relationship with the mother of the three girls killed a day earlier, were behind the murders.

A police officer leading the probe, who did not wish to be named, said there was a possibility that the crime could have been committed with an intention to teach the woman a lesson.

Banka superintendent of police Chandan Kumar Kushwaha said the eight people named as suspects by the victims mother were related to her alleged paramour. Two of the suspects had been detained by the police for interrogation.

Kushwaha said a three-member special investigation team has been constituted to crack the case. The investigation was underway and the culprits would be nabbed soon, he said.

The SP said the forensic report, on the basis of circumstantial evidence, has corroborated an incident of rape at the place where the victims were murdered. However, the report does not specify whether one or all the three victims were raped.

It will be premature to say anything convincingly at the moment. We are awaiting the medical reports, he added.

The bodies of three sisters, aged between 10 and 14 years, were found in their house at a village in Katoria police station area of Banka district, 240 km southeast of state capital Patna, on Tuesday morning.

Police said they were killed with sharp-edged weapons and suspected that the girls were raped before being murdered.

The girls were alone at home at the time of the incident as their father worked as a labourer in West Bengal and mother had gone to a village near Jasidih in neighbouring Jharkhand.

Their bodies were discovered after the mother returned home on Tuesday morning and found the house locked from outside. The neighbours broke open the lock and found the bodies.
With privately run power plants in Punjab facing a severe shortage of coal, Punjab power minister Gurpreet Singh Kangar on Wednesday accused the Centre of discriminating with the state with regards to allocation of coal for electricity generation.

The Centre is creating hurdles in the way of smooth operations of power plants in Punjab as coal supply has become erratic, said Kangar, who was at the Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) head office when its new chief managing director (CMD) Baldev Singh Sran assumed charge.

The minister said the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is in cahoots with its coalition partner Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to stop the coal supply through Coal India Limited to create hurdles in power generation.

Since the Congress formed government in the state, the coal supply to Punjab plants has come down drastically. Larsen and Toubro (L&T)s Rajpura plant is running at half of its capacity. I have taken up the matter with the Centre that they need to ensure proper coal supply to Punjab. In neighbouring Haryana, all power plants have enough coal stock, which means that the Centre is doing this deliberately, he said.

He said despite all the problems, the Punjab government will ensure 8-hour regular supply to farmers during the paddy season. The government will take a decision on third party audit of all power plants, he said.

He said that the decision of shutting Bathinda Power Plant was taken during SAD-BJP regime, which is now shedding crocodile tears. WE have just implemented the decision, he justified. He said that the PSPCL will soon open new requirement to fill vacant posts.
Mission Tandarust Punjab, a brainwave of chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh to make the state healthiest in the country, failed to get a hearty response from Congress MLAs on its launch on Tuesday.

The main event was presided over by the CM in Mohali and by ministers in district headquarters. All MLAs were sent invites by the respective deputy commissioners but several of them gave the function a miss.

Resentment is still brewing among Congress legislators over the cabinet expansion. Around 15 MLAs converged in Chandigarh for a meeting, ignoring the governments invite. The MLAs who attended the meeting refused to divulge their names and also what was discussed at the meeting.

With Doaba being allotted just one berth in the council of ministers, just one of four MLAs turned up at the official function in Jalandhar presided over by MP Santokh Chaudhary. Three MLAs Pargat Singh, Bawa Henry and Rajinder Beri were not present.

Sultanpur Lodhi MLA Navtej Cheema was not present at the function held in Kapurthala, while Urmur MLA Sangat Singh Gilzian did not attend the official function at Hoshiarpur presided by industry minister Sunder Sham Arora, who is the only one to bag a cabinet slot from Doaba.

Gilzian, when contacted, said he was in Chandigarh due to a personal engagement. Cheema said he was in Chandigarh for swearing-in of Hardev Singh Ladi who won recently from Shahkot seat.

In Fatehgarh Sahib, food and supplies minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu was deputed to preside over the function but Amloh MLA Randeep Singh Nabha was not present. Nabha, when contacted, said the invite came late and he had prior engagements. He was among the MLAs who met Congress president Rahul Gandhi last month to express their resentment over seniority being ignored in the cabinet expansion.

Samrala MLA Amrik Singh Dhillon also skipped the programme at Ludhiana presided over by health minister Brahm Mohindra. He too had met Rahul along with Nabha. Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Rakesh Pandey and Gurkirat Kotli too were not present in district-level functions.

With many Dalit and backward class MLAs too being angry over their communities being ignored for ministerial positions, a party MLA present at the meeting said: We will also reach out to SC and backward class legislators and ask them to join ranks against the indifference and open favouritism being shown by the state leadership.

Tandarust Punjab is Captains answer to #HumFitTohIndiaFit campaign of the Centre to underline the importance of staying fit.
June 6 marks the 34th anniversary of Operation Bluestar, codename for the army action that was aimed at neutralizing militant Sikh preacher Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale and his band of armed supporters ensconced in the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar.

The three-day operation led to over 700 casualties, including 90-odd armymen, and caused extensive damage to the Akal Takht, the temporal seat of the Sikh faith. Here are the seven people who played a key role in the catastrophic chapter in Punjabs recent history.

Indira Gandhi: Then Prime Minister, she ordered the operation to flush out the militants, who had taken sanctuary in the temple, after a series of talks with the moderate Akalis failed to break the logjam. Four months later, on October 31, 1984, she was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards Beant Singh and Satwant Singh to avenge the army assault on the Golden Temple.

The-then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visiting the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple shortly after Operation Bluestar. (HT Archives)

Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale: The 37-year-old preacher, who fortified the Golden Temple and waged a war against the state, was born to a farmer of Rode village in Faridkot district. The youngest of seven brothers, he was sent to Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal that he finally rose to head. His fiery speeches and amrit prachar( baptism) movement got him a large following in the countryside. In 1983, he shifted his base the Golden Temple and was killed during the operation.

Amrik Singh: Son of former Damdami Taksal chief Sant Kartar Singh, who was succeeded by Bhindranwale, Amrik Singh belonged to Bhura Kohna village near the India-Pakistan border. As the president of the All India Sikh Students Federation, he became the right hand man of Bhindrawale and was killed in the Op Bluestar.

Maj Gen Shabeg Singh: Belonging to village Khiala in Amritsar, this army officer was a master of guerrilla warfare and had trained the Mukti Bahini, a covert militia group, against Pakistan in the 1971 war. He was cashiered from the army a day before his retirement. Anguished, he joined the fold of Bhindranwale and played a key role in fortification of the Golden Temple and training of Sikh combatants in the run-up to Operation Bluestar. He was killed during the operation.

Gen Krishnaswamy Sundarji: As head of the armys Western Command, he masterminded Operation Bluestar. He is said to have been confident of flushing out the militants in a day, a fatal miscalculation that led to disastrous consequences of the army assault on the holiest Sikh shrine. Called the thinking mans general, he went on to become the army chief.

Armymen take positions from a building adjoining the Golden Temple during Operation Bluestar. (India Today Group/Getty images )

Maj Gen Kuldip Singh Brar: An alumnus of Doon School, Brar was commanding 9 Division based in Meerut, as a major general when he was tasked with leading the operation. Known among his colleagues as Bulbul Brar, the Jat Sikh officer, like Bhindranwale, belonged to Faridkot and also shared his surname with militant preacher against whom he was pitted in the Operation Bluestar. He wrote a book Operation Bluestar: The True Story after his retirement. Describing the operation as most traumatic, most painful, he insisted that it was necessary.

Gen A S Vaidya, MVC Bar: A highly-decorated soldier, he was the army chief who supervised Operation Bluestar to flush out militants occupying the Golden Temple. He was shot dead by two Sikh militants while driving his car home from a market in Pune in August 1986, months after his retirement.

Replug | Time to heal Punjabs wounds: Lt Gen KS Brar
Reduced to ashes 34 years ago during Operation Bluestar that the Indian Army carried out against Sikh militants in the Golden Temple complex, Sikh Reference Library is struggling to rebuild itself. The key fight is for recovery of rare manuscripts and documents taken away allegedly by the army.

Established by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in 1946, the library, adjoining Golden Temples deodhi (entry gate) from the Atta Mandi side, lost its precious repository of rare manuscripts of Guru Granth Sahib, original hukamnama (edict) records of the gurus, besides other literature, as the building was burnt. While army authorities maintained the library caught fire during exchange the battle with militants who had taken shelter on the premises of the shrine, SGPC says the army deliberately set the library on fire after taking rare material away.

The issue hangs fire even as June 6 marks the anniversary of the 1984 operation that is considered a dark day by many in Sikh circles and beyond.

There have been reports that those library contents were confiscated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), but no progress has been made despite a case in the high court too.

Heritage lost and found: Before Bluestar Handwritten rare manuscripts of Guru Granth Sahib: 512 Total approx manuscripts of Sikh scriptures: 2,500 Rare books, including other manuscripts: 12,613 Hukamnamas (edicts) issued, signed by gurus: 20-25

In 2002, during the BJP-led central regime of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a statement by the then defence minister George Fernandes and a reported disclosure by Ranjit Singh Nanda, a former CBI inspector who was in a five-member committee examining the seized library material, endorsed the theory that CBI had the material. Nanda said the manuscripts, edicts, and books were taken in gunny bags and trunks to an unknown place after Operation Bluestar.

Besides efforts made by the SGPC through legal proceedings, media statements and meetings, a man named Satnam Singh Khanda also filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana high court in 2002 seeking return of the material. The court in 2004 ordered the Centre and other agencies concerned to return it. However, nothing concrete has been done by the government and SGPC, which kept on emphasising the loss but not the demand for return of the repository in court, Khanda told HT.

SGPC spokesperson Diljit Singh Bedi said they wrote to the then President Pranab Mukherjee seeking recovery of the material seized. Besides, SGPC passes resolutions in this regard in every meeting, and raises the issue through media. It is also a part of a case pending in Delhi high court filed by SGPC, he added.

For the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which controls the SGPC and is also a partner of the BJP in the central government, spokesman Daljit Singh Cheema did not remember the exact date when the party leadership met the central authorities in this regard, but he said, We take up the issue with the Centre time to time, at every stage. Yes, the issues remains unresolved, but the SAD is sincere to ensure recovery of the literature.

How it happened

The lone survivor staffer of the library from 1984, Hardeep Singh, who served as a helper there from August 1981 to June 4, 1984, and then from 1989 to 1993, said he was in the library with Davinder Singh Duggal, the then in-charge, till 11 pm on June 4. After that, the army intensified the attack and imposed restrictions on civilians entry. It was impossible to go to the library in such a terrible situation.

A staffer examining archives of the Hindustan Times at Sikh Reference Library at Golden Temple in Amritsar on Tuesday. (Sameer Sehgal/HT)

As my residence was in proximity of the Golden Temple, I came to know that the librarys building was safe till June 6, but the material had been taken out from it. The army set the building on fire on June 7 at 10 am, he said.

Hardeep was arrested by the army on June 7 afternoon from his residence at Mahant Mool Singh Bunga, and along with others he sent to a jail in Jodhpur from where he was released in 1988.

He recalled another incident alter to underline his claim. After his retirement in 1991, (former CBI inspector) Nanda came to meet the then SGPC secretary Manjit Singh Calcutta and handed over a bag containing some documents. Calcutta immediately called me from the library and asked us to register these documents. When I saw the bag, I found numbering on the documents that had been given in the library before the army action. This established that the material was not burnt but was is in custody of the government, he said.

There was some hope following that. After coming to know that the material is in CBIs custody, SGPC wrote to the Centre seeking recovery. The CBI accepted to return a small portion of the seized material, which also contained three of four entry registers. On the basis of these registers, the loss was assessed to a certain extent, he said, explaining, Approximately 2,500 handwritten rare manuscripts of Sikh scriptures, including those of Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth, were there in the library. However, the number of registered ones was 512.

Whats lost

Noted Sikh scholar Shamsher Singh Ashok also wrote in an article: From November 24, 1920, to 1984, all records were well-preserved in the library. This included registers of SGPC proceedings. Handwritten rare manuscripts of Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth were also repositories of different types of handwriting that prevailed in old times. Apart from Gurmukhi (script now use for Punjabi), scriptures in Persian, Arabian and Tibetan (scripts) were also kept in the library before 1984.

He specifically mentioned a rare handwritten copy of Kartarpuri bir of Guru Granth Sahib, besides copies of Mangat Wali Khari bir and two copies of Damdami bir. Guru Gobind Singh got Damdami bir authored by adding bani of Guru Teg Bahadar ji in Samvat 1739, wrote Ashok, who served as a scholar at Sikh History Research Board that is also in the same building, from 1964 to 1981.

As for other texts, the library had 12,613 books with 10% of those being on general issues. Plus, it had 512 registered manuscripts of Guru Granth Sahibs birs (copies), as per data assessed by HT from the library. Rare journals and periodicals, 18 volumes pertaining to paintings, and other material is also still missing.

Khanda said, There were also copies of Hindu texts, such as Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Gita, besides the Quran Sharif and literature of other faiths as well. A few rare documents pertaining to Indias struggle for independence were also there.

Revival by people

Hardeep further told HT, After I resumed duty upon being released from jail, I found that there were rare books and documents in the library, though it was difficult to revive it without recovery of the material taken away in 1984.

Since the library made headlines for the arson it faced in the operation, people started donating more documents and books, said Bagicha Singh, present in-charge of the library. In the last 34 years, 550 manuscripts of Guru Granth Sahib have been collected, besides 24,000 other books and documents, and 1,300 general manuscripts. While the SGPC collected some books on its own, individuals too donated, prominent being Prof Surjit Singh, Prof Parkash Singh, and historian Sangat Singh, who donated 3,000, 450 and 750 books, respectively.

Heritage lost and found: After Bluestar Manuscripts of Guru Granth Sahib: 550 Manuscripts of Dasam Granth:75 General manuscripts: 1,295 Rare books: 24,000 Hukamnamas (edicts): None

Around 5,000 books were shifted from Guru Ram Das Library, also run by the SGPC near the Golden Temple, to this library. Many rare manuscripts were provided by a man named Narinder Singh. Further, Gursagar Singh, owner of a publishing house, Singh Brothers, said, We got emotional after the attack and destruction of the library, so we donated all our publications to this library.

Digitisation on

The library is now headed for a digital step, which will help counter any future loss. SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal said more than 15% of the collections have been digitised since 2008.

The SGPC had assigned the project to a private agency, which did not work properly; it restarted work on its own in 2013. Besides appointing technical experts, it set up a studio in the library that has two cameras and a scanner besides other equipment. The process is on six days a week, 10am to 5pm, and turns six books into PDF format everyday. Of the 4,500-odd documents that have been digitised, 800 are general manuscripts and 300 are copies of Guru Granth Sahib.

Recently, Longowal said the SGPC has decided to digitise rare documents available with historian Harwinder Singh Khalsa, too, under the project. He made an appeal to those having rare documents or books to contact the SGPC for preservation.

Also, as the paper of manuscripts in particular is affected by micro-insects and moisture, the library has a treatment plant equipped with a fumigation chamber to preserve these as well. Guru Nanak Dev University, too, has installed such a chamber on its lines.

Files of newspapers at the Sikh Reference Library in Golden Temple in Amritsar. (Sameer Sehgal/HT)

Plan for new building made amid opposition

As for its building, until 1984 the library was a small, two-storey building. With the stock having increased, SGPC later expanded it to include a a sizeable adjoining portion. However, SGPC recently resolved to shift the library from the Golden Temple complex to Bhai Gurdas Hall situated in the neighborhood. The plan is facing opposition from some Sikh bodies which say that the library is a witness to what happened during the army operation and thus should be kept intact to remind devotees of the episode.
Female neighbours of Savitri Devi, who allegedly died of starvation in Magargaddi village of Jharkhands Giridih district on Saturday, gheraoed district administration officers on Wednesday morning when the team visited the family as part of an extensive probe into her death.

The incident occurred around 11.30 am when the team reportedly asked the women to sign on documents as witnesses in the case but refused to show them the contents of the papers. The infuriated women then gheraoed the officials before other villagers intervened and convinced them to let the officials do their work. They finally let the officials go after about 15 minutes.

On Monday, chief minister Raghubar Das had ordered the district administration to probe Savitri Devis death.

Additional collector Ashok Kumar Sah, who was leading the team, told reporters, I had asked Hiralal Mahto and Hulas Mahto, sons of the deceased, to sign about the number of family members they had.

Sah, circle officer RK Pandey and marketing officer of the governments supply department Sheetal Prasad Kasha reached Savitri Devis house in Magargaddi village in the morning for further investigation into her death.

After the two sons signed on the paper, the officers asked the women, who were Savitiri Devis neighbours, to sign as well which is when they became angry and gheraoed them.

On Tuesday, an initial report of an investigation by the specially-constituted district administration panel said that Savitri Devi did not die of starvation, as was being alleged, and she had a bank account with a balance of Rs 2,375.

Ruling out hunger as the reason behind her death, the report said the woman was on death bed as she was suffering from haematoma and she underwent treatment for the disease at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi in January.
Pa Ranjiths style of infusing politics into slice-of-life characters was how he came to be known as a director to watch out for. His second film Madras, starring Karthi, received an especially great response although it was initially misunderstood by many. The underlying current in the movie  about the oppression of Dalits and how one man from the community tries to change the way things work  is buried in the everyday lives of characters Kaali (Karthi) and Anbu (Kalaiarasan).

You might miss this layer completely if you are not aware of the ground reality of people who live in North Chennai. The film centres around characters, mostly middle-class or lower-middle-class people who had converted to Christianity earlier on to escape oppression by upper-caste Hindus, living in a neighbourhood populated with housing board flats.

We see one such family at Anbus home. On the surface, Kaali is a sales executive who only wants to concentrate on his personal well-being. He tries to influence his best friend, Anbu, to think that way too. However, other details such as the oppression of Dalits in Andhra Pradesh and the photograph of Ambedkar in Anbus house emerge, and the conversations between the two take on a whole new meaning. It is thus that Pa Ranjiths political commentary comes into play. The director has always spoken up for Dalits and voiced his opinions on every issue, and this strength and conviction is seen in the film too.

His debut movie Attakathi, by contrast, was a dark romantic comedy. It spoke of how any small thing can make men believe that women are interested in them and lead them on a mad pursuit of their romantic goals. Only, Pa Ranjith gave this creepy stalkerish tone a little twist and we got Attakathi. Literally translating to a blunt knife, the lead actor  Dinesh  is addressed as Attakathi because he is the kind who makes a lot of noise but provides no concrete action. This film also has a layer of dark humour. For instance, when Dinakaran (Dinesh) writes a love letter in blood, the background song from Vijays film Shahjahan gives us a clue as to where this rom-com is heading.

Pa Ranjiths third film and his first with Rajinikanth was Kabali. It had all the makings of a classy yet down-to-earth film about the oppression of the Tamil people in Malaysia, but a majority of Rajinikanths fans believe he missed his cue somewhere down the line. They did not see their favourite star perform any of his trademark moves or unbelievable stunts; instead, they watched him walk out of jail after two long decades to win his throne and find his queen.

While the amalgamation of love and ideology was splendid in Madras, it turned a bit rocky in Kabali. Still, Pa Ranjith scored among members of the audience who did not see the film through the prism of Rajinikanths superstardom.

Now, Pa Ranjiths next film with the superstar  titled Kaala is set to release on June 7. From the teasers and trailers released so far, we see the film combining Pa Ranjiths passion with Rajinikanths style. Since the idea of oppression was explored in their previous cinematic collaboration, speculations of a Kabali hangover in Kaala have also been on the rise. Hard-hitting songs and emotionally draining dialogues are expected to be the highlights of the film produced by Dhanush.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop
Actor Rajinikanths comments on decades-old festering Cauvery dispute has cast an uncertainty over the June 7 release of his latest film Kaala in Karnataka.

Rajinikanth, who announced his entry to politics in December last year, asked Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy to release Tamil Nadu its share of the water as mandated by the Supreme Court.

The Cauvery Management Board should be formed as soon as possible. If the Centre does not do that, it may face the wrath of entire Tamil Nadu, he said in April.

Pro-Kannada groups have been protesting the films release as they say they were offended by Rajinikanths comments about Kannadigas during the protests over the Cauvery river waters.

Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha president Vatal Nagaraj, who is leading the protest against Kaala, has sought an apology from the superstar.

We will not allow the release of any old or new films of Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan until they apologise and withdraw their remarks, which are against our interests in the sharing of the Cauvery water with Tamil Nadu and other states, Nagaraj was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce also supported the protests. While they did not ban Kaala, they did say that releasing the film at this time might not be a good idea.

We will not be responsible for any damage caused to theatres and cinema halls if they want to screen Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan films, the chambers president Sa Ra Govindu said.

Saurav Sharma, the distributor of the film in Karnataka also backed out, saying there was no solution to the problem in sight before the films scheduled release.

We held discussions with the film chamber. The chamber has asked all its members to not release the film in the state. We have voluntarily decided not to release the film considering the sentiments of the people in the state. From what we see, it doesnt look like this issue is going to be resolved before the movie releases, Sharma earlier told IBTimes.

Producer Dhanush and his wife Aishwarya Rajinikanth then filed a petition with the Karnataka high court to seek the release of Kaala in the state and security for those who would come to the theatres to watch the film.

The high court on Wednesday asked the state to provide security to the centres screening the movie. However, chief minister Kumarasamy said the makers of the film should avoid releasing it in the state considering the situation.

It is the governments duty to respect the high courts orders. However, my personal opinion, as a Kannadiga, in such situation where there is opposition, it is ideal if they will not release the movie, he said hours after the high courts order.

Rajinikanth is hopeful that Kaala would not face any issues in Karnataka.

Not just Tamil people in Karnataka, but people who speak other languages also wish to watch the movie. I believe the Karnataka government will provide adequate protection to theatres and audience, Rajnikanth told reporters.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop
Kaala, directed by Pa Ranjith, will release in Karnataka on Thursday after facing hurdles in the state over its lead actor Rajinikanths allegedly offensive comments against Kannadigas during protests over the distribution of Cauvery river waters.

#Kaala gets a new distributor in #Karnataka at the last minute as #GoldieFilms back out. The new distributor is the veteran #KanakapuraSrinivas producer and distributor. Release June 7, trade analyst Sreedhar Pillai tweeted.

#Kaala gets a new distributor in #Karnataka at the last minute as #GoldieFilms back out. The new distributor is the veteran #KanakapuraSrinivas producer and distributor. Release June 7 pic.twitter.com/cJiajPQ4tr  Sreedhar Pillai (@sri50) June 6, 2018

Srinivas will be releasing the film in over 130 screens across the state. The Karnataka high court has ordered the state to provide security to the theatres screening the movie.

The movie was supposed to be released by Goldie Films, which backed off after the protests by pro-Kannada groups heated up.

The buzz about the film is low compared to Rajinikanth and Pa Ranjiths previous film Kabali and reports say the advance booking for Kaala is moderate. The fact that Kaala missed the holiday season release due to the protests in April also doesnt help.

The industry, however, hopes the big-ticket film about the life of a Dharavi don, Kaala Karikaalan, who fights against oppression, will bring the audience back to the theatre in full swing.

Kaala also stars Huma Qureshi in a pivotal role along with Pankaj Tripathi, Nana Patekar, Easwari Rao and Samuthirakani.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop
A popular Gurdwara and a Mosque in Leeds were set on fire at almost the same time, with the police treating the attacks as hate crimes, British media reported.

The Jamia Masjid Abu Huraira Mosque in Hardy Street, Beeston, was attacked along with the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Gurdwara in Lady Pit Lane, the BBC reported.

The main door of the mosque, located south of the city centre, had been set on fire at about 3:45 am on Tuesday. A few minutes later, the door of the Gurdwara was also set on fire, the report said.

The Sikh Press Association said a bottle filled with petrol had been set alight at the doorstep of the Gurdwara, triggering a smoke alarm. Residents called the fire brigade and the police who quickly dealt with the fire.

Detective Inspector Richard Holmes, of Leeds District CID, said: We are treating both these incidents as linked given the closeness of the locations and the similar times that they have occurred.

While our investigation is still at a relatively early stage, we do believe these premises have been specifically targeted as places of worship and we are treating both incidents as arsons and hate crimes.

We are currently carrying out extensive enquiries, including checks on CCTV in both areas, and we would like to hear from anyone who has witnessed any suspicious activity or seen any person or vehicles in the areas around the time these incidents have occurred.

Clearly we will always treat incidents of this nature very seriously and will be doing everything we can to identify those responsible and bring them to justice, he added.

In a statement, representatives of the Gurdwara said: We have attended a police emergency meeting and have been assured by the chief of Police that they are doing all they can to catch the criminals and will add extra police patrols in the area.

Inspector Ian OBrien, who heads neighbourhood policing for south Leeds, said: These incidents will cause an understandable level of concern in both the Muslim and Sikh communities in this area and we are working closely with key representatives from those communities to reassure them.

Although it appears both locations have been specifically targeted as places of worship for these communities, there is nothing at this stage to suggest they are part of any wider pattern, he added.

Nadeem Murtuja, interim director of Just Yorkshire which promotes racial justice, human rights and equality, said such acts of hate were worrying.

Mosques, gurdwaras and other places of worship repeatedly open doors to people of faith, no faith and all diversities to improve understanding, yet despite these positive actions, hate crimes continue to rise and the police continue to provide support and assurance, he said.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, unable to meet North Koreas leader himself, is heading to Washington to try to make sure President Donald Trump doesnt overlook Japans security and other concerns at the unprecedented US-North Korea summit next week.

Abe will have less than two hours to make his points to Trump at the White House on Thursday, before both go to Canada for a G-7 summit on June 8-9, and the American president then flies to Singapore for his June 12 meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Japan, which relied on the US for its post-World War II diplomacy and security, has been absent in the recent burst of engagement with North Korea. Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Moon Jae-in have both met Kim twice, as Abe waits his turn to raise Japans concerns directly.

Abe doesnt want Trump to strike a compromise that would leave Japan exposed to shorter-range missiles that do not threaten the US mainland or that relieves pressure on North Korea before it takes concrete steps toward complete denuclearization. He is expected to ask Trump once again to raise with Kim the fate of Japanese abducted by the North in the 1970s and 1980s.

It wouldnt be my style to have to ask the US for help on the abduction issue, said Hitoshi Tanaka, a former diplomat and head of a think tank, the Institute for International Strategy. Its embarrassing that a state leader has to ask another leader in resolving the sovereignty of his people.

While in Washington, Abe will also likely press Trump to remove Japan from US steel and aluminum tariffs, as well as express his opposition to threats of US tariffs on Japanese automobiles.

Japan hopes to hold talks with North Korea after a successful Trump-Kim summit. Abe has said he is open to meeting with Kim, but only if it would lead to resolving the abduction issue. He said Japan would then normalize ties and provide economic aid as rewards for a North Korean commitment to both denuclearization and resolution of the abduction issue.

Japanese analysts agree that if Abes turn to meet Kim comes, it would be at the very end of a long process as Trump and other regional leaders deal with North Koreas denuclearization.

Japan eventually should develop its own diplomacy to deal with North Korea independently to resolve its problems, including the abductions, said Atsuhito Isozaki, a Keio University professor specializing in North Korea.

He said that economic aid or financial compensation for Japans 35-year colonization of Korea could be attractive, but noted that North Korea now has other potential sources of assistance.

Japans economy does not stand out in northeast Asia as it did 16 years ago, he said, when Pyongyang and Tokyo last tried to negotiate a normalization of ties. Without Japans help, North Korea has arranged a summit with the US and possible economic cooperation from South Korea, he said this week at a briefing for media.

After a 2002 summit between then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, North Korea acknowledged abducting 13 Japanese and allowed five of them to visit Japan, though they then stayed, angering North Korea. Japan says at least 17 Japanese were abducted and possibly more.

Japanese officials are scrambling to get information on the Trump-Kim summit. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Japan will dispatch diplomats to Singapore to try to get the latest updates.

After his last meeting with Trump in April, Abe said the two leaders were in complete agreement on North Korea policy, namely to keep sanctions in place until Pyongyang takes concrete action toward verifiable and irreversible denuclearization.

Concerns have since grown in Japan that Trump may be prioritizing holding a summit rather than the goal of full denuclearization. Abe, who has played tough on the North, also worries that a growing reconciliatory mood between the two Koreas may prompt leniency toward Pyongyang.

Trumps recent statement that he doesnt want to keep using the phrase maximum pressure against North Korea reinforced those fears.
Nearly 200 people are missing and at least 73 people were killed since Guatemalas Fuego volcano began erupting over the weekend, officials said today.

Seven communities in already devastated areas were evacuated as the volcanos activity increased, with rescue operations halted.

In the city of Escuintla, near the summit, panicked locals rushed to their cars to escape, causing chaotic traffic.

An AFP photographer witnessed a large plume of ash rise into the sky, prompting an evacuation of everyone authorities could find before the police, the military and rescuers were stood down.

A new smoke column billows from the lower part of the Fuego Volcano forcing rescue operations to be suspended and the evacuation of everyone in the village of San Miguel Los Lotes, in Escuintla Department, about 35 km southwest of Guatemala City, on June 5, 2018. (AFP)

And a total of 192 people remain missing since the weekend eruptions, disaster relief agency chief Sergio Cabanas told reporters.

The search for bodies in mountain villages destroyed by the eruption was progressing slowly, officials said earlier, given the nature of the terrain and the way the volcano released large amounts of boiling mud, rock and ash down the mountain.

We will continue until we find the last victim, though we do not know how many there are. We will probe the area as many times as necessary, Cabanas told AFP.

However, the prospects of finding any more survivors was poor, he said. If you are trapped in a pyroclastic flow, its hard to come out of it alive, he said, adding that people who may have been caught in the flow may never be found. The latest of the 73 victims was a 42-year-old woman who died in hospital having lost both legs and an arm in the eruption.

The previous toll was given as 72. Some 46 people were injured, around half of whom are in serious condition, it said.

The 3,763-metre volcano erupted early Sunday, spewing out towering plumes of ash and a hail of fiery rock fragments with scalding mud.

A firefighter carries a dog found in the ash-covered village of San Miguel Los Lotes, in Escuintla Department, about 35 km southwest of Guatemala City, on June 5, 2018, two days after the eruption of the Fuego Volcano. (AFP)

Authorities said more than 1.7 million people had been affected by the disaster, including more than 3,000 ordered evacuated, many living in shelters in Escuintla, Sacatepequez and Chimaltenango since Sundays eruption. The speed of the eruption took locals by surprise, and could be explained by it producing pyroclastic flows, sudden emissions of gas and rock fragments, rather than lava, said volcanologist David Rothery of Britains Open University. President Jimmy Morales, who has declared three days of national mourning, has visited the disaster zone.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and the significant damage caused by the eruption, and said the UN was ready to assist national rescue and relief efforts.
There have been no big changes in the H-1B programme and nothing new on the H-4 visa policy, the US said on Wednesday, amid the Trump administrations plan to overhaul the immigration system.

US deputy chief of mission (DCM) in Delhi, MaryKay L Carlson said granting employment visa and work permits is the sovereign decision of a country.

The US Mission in New Delhi on Wednesday observed Student Visa Day, an event to celebrate higher education ties between India and the United States.

There have been no big changes in the H-1B programme and nothing new on H-4..., Carlson told reporters in New Delhi.

Certainly, employment visa and work permits for Indians is the sovereign decision of the US, the official said.

The Trump administrations move to end the Obama-era rule could have an impact on more than 70,000 H-4 visas holders, who have work permits.

H-4 is issued to the spouse of H-1B visa holders, a significantly large number of whom are high-skilled professionals from India.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had last month said the government would make all efforts to persuade the Trump administration against such a move.

In her annual press conference on May 28, the minister had said it was true that President Donald Trump was reviewing the H-4 visa programme and there were reports of its possible revocation.

On the occasion of Student Visa Day, the Mission also dedicated the day to student visa applicants who have enrolled for higher studies in different US universities.

The US Embassy in New Delhi and the consulate general of Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, welcomed over 4,000 Indian students, who applied for visas to study in the United States.

In 2017, more than 1,86,000 Indian students were enrolled in US institutions for higher education, more than double the number from a decade ago and a 12 per cent increase from the year before.

India is the second leading place of origin for students coming to the US, with Indians comprising over 17 per cent of the total international students in the United States, according to the US.

Consular staff members wore shirts and hats from their alma maters.

Some consulates invited guest alumni speakers, while others had a video or selfie station.

Representatives from partners, including EducationUSA, the American Library, and recent US graduates were present at the event to give their insights and answer queries from students about studying in the United States.
A day after a veiled threat from the Pakistani militarys chief spokesman that the media and rights activists should stay within limits in their criticism of the armed forces, two journalists became the apparent targets of powerful intelligence agencies.

Columnist Gul Bukhari, who writes for The Nation newspaper and has openly criticised the military and its perceived meddling in politics, was abducted by unidentified men in Lahore late on Tuesday night while she was being driven to a television studio.

She returned home several hours later. Journalist Munizae Jahangir, quoting Bukharis family members, confirmed she had come back home safe and sound.

The unidentified men intercepted Bukharis vehicle within the Cantonment area of Lahore and took her to an undisclosed location. Bukhari was told by her captors that her social media accounts were being investigated, according to reports in the Pakistani media.

Also on Tuesday, Asad Kharal, a pro-establishment journalist, was reportedly attacked and injured by masked men near Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore.

Kharal, who hosts a show on a local news channel, was targeted soon after he left the airport for his home. Some unidentified men intercepted his car, pulled him from the vehicle and assaulted him. He was taken to the Lahore Services Hospital for medical aid.

Bukhari has dual British and Pakistani citizenship, and the British high commission in Islamabad expressed concern at her abduction and said it was reaching out to her with consular assistance.

Later, the UK minister of state for Asia, Mark Field, said in a tweet he was deeply concerned by reports of Bukharis abduction. A relative of Bukhari tweeted a message from her in which she confirmed her well-being and requested privacy.

The incident was criticised by leading journalists such as Najam Sethi and politicians such as ousted premier Nawaz Sharifs daughter Maryam Nawaz and former minister Sherry Rehman.

During a news conference on Monday, chief military spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor had said the army is monitoring the social media accounts of many journalists and activists. His briefing included a chart with the images of several top journalists  a move that drew widespread criticism in Pakistan and abroad.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has named India, China and his own country as major players in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), days ahead of the blocs summit in the eastern Chinese coastal city of Qingdao.

Putin said the eight-member bloc has evolved from a group that was launched to resolve border issues between China, Russia and erstwhile constituents of the Soviet Union into a powerful organisation with substantial resources.

The SCO member states account for one-fourth of the worlds GDP, 43% of the international population and 23% of the global territory, Putin told China Media Group, which includes the CGTN English channel. He stressed on the rapid economic growth of China, India and Russia, all of which are major players in the organisation.

India and Pakistan are set to participate in the latest summit, to be held on June 9 and 10, as full members . It is widely believed that while Russia pushed for Indias membership, Pakistans entry into the bloc was backed by China.

The SCO was founded at a Shanghai summit in 2001 that featured the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet Putin on the sidelines of the Qingdao summit. If the bilateral meeting does take place, it will be their second such interaction in three weeks after the informal summit at Sochi in May.

Russia is Indias old-time friend. We share long-standing historical ties, and Mr President (Putin) is my personal friend and a friend of India, Modi had said after a summit at the Black Sea resort of Sochi. For the past four years, you and I stood side by side in the bilateral format and on the international stage... I am very glad that it was so.

Modi also declared on Twitter: The friendship between India and Russia has stood the test of time. Our ties will continue to scale newer heights in the coming years.

The external affairs ministry has issued a statement that said Putin and Modi are in agreement about the important role both countries have to play in contributing to an open and equitable world order.

Russia will likely be Indias key ally in the SCO, given New Delhis history of hostility with Islamabad and differences with Beijing.

Referring to international issues, Putin spoke about the future of ties between Russia and those in the West.

While I am hoping for a positive relationship, we are neither surprised nor scared by the current limitations and sanctions (imposed on Russia). We will never give up on the path to independence and sovereignty, Putin said, adding the sanctions were hurting not just Russia but also the ones imposing them.

Those countries who followed Americas actions have themselves suffered losses, Putin said. It has been proven that these means are not at all powerful.
Appointment

6 June 2018

BENCHMARK, a global hospitality company, has appointed Stephen Cullen area general manager for the Copley Square Hotel and the Ames Boston Hotel, a member of the Curio Collection by Hilton. Both properties are located in the historic center of Boston, Massachusetts. Greg Champion, Benchmark's president and COO, made the announcement.

"It is a pleasure to announce Stephen's new position within our company," said Mr. Champion. "He has done an outstanding job leading the Copley Square Hotel and now also brings these skills to the Ames Boston Hotel. We look forward to his leadership in the Boston market, and to the successful operation of both of these hospitality gems."

This represents a promotion for Stephen Cullen, having previously served as Benchmark's general manager for the Copley Square Hotel. He joined the company when Benchmark merged with Gemstone Hotels & Resorts in 2016. While with Gemstone, Mr. Cullen formerly held the position of director of operations for the company's Carlton Hotel located in New York City. He also served as general manager at the Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel in New York.

Mr. Cullen is a native of Ireland, where he attended Dublin Institute of Technology. He currently resides in Boston.
External Article

6 June 2018

Which ads should we buy? How much should we pay for each ad? How should we measure the performance of each ad? We built a marketing system to help answer these questions.

Belonging is at the core of Airbnb's mission. One essential step to make people feel like they can "belong anywhere" is to have homes where people can stay around the world. Airbnb is a community-driven super-brand, and acquiring hosts through the community's word of mouth has been an important channel for growth. However, as we have continued to grow our business, we need to find new ways to acquire hosts and homes, and to find ways to truly help people "belong anywhere"  which means not only in big cities like San Francisco, London and Paris, but also in less populous countries such as Bolivia and Nepal, where only very few people may have heard about Airbnb.
Press Release

6 June 2018

The Middle Eastern state of Saudi Arabia is gearing up for some serious development in the coming years. We take a look inside the busy project pipeline for Saudi Arabia over the next few years.

Advertisements

Saudi Arabian appeal

Saudi Arabia is perhaps not as associated with tourism as its neighbours Dubai or Qatar, but tourism in the area has been increasing in recent years. Previously, most of the visitors to Saudi Arabia came on religious pilgrimages, to visit the many sacred sites located in the country. Mecca in particular draws over three million pilgrims during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah in Hajj, and around two million during the month of Ramadan in Umrah, two Muslim festivities according to the Islamic calendar. A swathe of new hotel projects in the pipeline points to a growing tourism industry, and the next few years are set to be busy for the wealthy Middle Eastern country.

Project Pipeline

Over the next few years, between 2018 and 2021 and beyond, a total of 144 new projects are slated to be built, most of them concentrated in the Saudi Arabian cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Makkah, each of which will receive 40, 34 and 22 new hotels respectively. These 144 hotels will bring an additional 56,106 new guest rooms and suites to the Middle Eastern country, helping to greatly increase the accommodation offerings for potential tourists who plan on visiting.

Being that Saudi Arabia is a wealthy nation with some of the most luxurious properties in the world, it is perhaps no surprise that the new hotels will be high end properties. 85 projects will be of a first class standard, while the remaining 59 will be luxury hotels. This year will see an incredible 64 new hotels opening their doors to the public, while next year will bring an additional 44 properties to Saudi Arabia's hotel roster. 15 hotels will open in 2020, and a further 21 projects are planned for 2021 and beyond. Most of the project are currently under construction, with building works happening on 63 projects right now. Planning and pre-planning stages are in progress for 41 and 9 hotels respectively, while 31 projects are in the pre-opening stages.

Let's take a look at a few projects currently underway in Saudi Arabia:

Dammam Marriott Hotel and Apartments

The Dammam Marriott and the 50-unit Marriott Executive Apartments, Dammam will be located at the intersection of Khalij and Amir Muhammad Bin Fahad Bin Abdul-Aziz Roads [READ MORE]

One&Only Resort Jeddah

This resort will combine a health spa and world-class dining with expansive meeting facilities to create a 95,000m business and leisure epicentre in Obhur [READ MORE]

Sofitel Riyadh  King AbdullahFoundation Hotel

Set in an ideal location in a fast-growing area of the capital city, in close proximity of many key business drivers such as the central business district on King Fahad Road, the King Saud University and the Diplomatic Quarter [READ MORE]

More information on hotel projects in Saudi Arabia can be found in the

TOPHOTELPROJECTS database.

TOPHOTELPROJECTS is the specialized service provider of cutting-edge information of the hospitality industry.
While Chief Keef has been justifiably busy in his "Terminator"-like quest to track down Tekashi 6ix9ine after his crew allegedly bucked shots at Keef during a visit to NYC, he hasn't neglected his fans who are waiting for new music.

Keef's manager, Peeda Pan, went on Twitter today to release details about a new EP from Keef, titled Ottopsy. The front cover, the back cover, and the full tracklist are pictured.

The cover depicts a neon-blue skeleton, surrounded by word from an autopsy report. The skeleton is sporting Chief Keef's signature hairstyle, and wearing numerous gold chains. The cover feels very reminiscent of a corny montage from an episode of CSI. The back cover is similar, though it includes a few more details (for instance, the broken heart of a THOT).

The tracklist has also been revealed, though without having heard the tape there isn't too much to go on yet. Considering it's only an EP, Ottopsy will be a short project, only five songs long. Chief Keef will handle most of the tracks alone, with Tadoe featuring on the closing song, "Randomly."

The EP is confirmed to be dropping tonight, at midnight. The EP is already available in the New Zealand iTunes store, and the page features a release date of the 6th of June.

Given all the attention placed on Chief Keef recently, it will be interesting to see what kind of music he decides to put out. You can check out both covers and the tracklist for his Ottopsy EP below.
The name Grafh might not ring bells in certain circles. It's not surprising, considering the rapper has undergone a tumultuous career of peaks and valleys. I remember first hearing him on "Food" well over a decade ago, being impressed by his effortless flow and bravado. Unfortunately, he went on to be plagued by a variety of industry ailments, and for that reason, was relegated to folk hero status. In fact, Grafh ultimately went on to join the case of Love And Hip-Hop, which he alludes to in this very song.

"After love and hip-hop, the hoes 'hey baby," raps Grafh, "they just discovered a n***a like Drake's baby / J. Cole said that show was as good as over, I was blackballed so for me it was good exposure." He continues along those lines, showcasing the same flow that drew attention all those years ago. Should Grafh's name ring bells, be sure to check for this one.

Quotable Lyrics

After Love and Hip-Hop, the hoes 'hey baby,

They just discovered a n***a like Drake's baby

J. Cole said that show was as good as over

I was blackballed so for me it was good exposure


This Drake and Pusha T beef has been going on for several years but it reached a new height when Pusha T released his album, Daytona. On the album closer, Push takes shots at Drake which resulted in the Toronto rapper to respond with "Duppy Freestyle." Shortly after, Pusha T fired back on "The Story Of Adidon" which some might consider the closest thing we'll get to an "Ether" in 2018. While the beef has since been called off by Kanye West and Drizzy's mentor, J Prince, it looks like Young Money isn't ready to stand down just yet. Lil Twist comes through with his latest track, "Message 2 G.O.O.D Music."

Lil Twist involves himself in the Drake and Pusha T beef on his new song, "Message 2 G.O.O.D Music." His latest track seems to take more of an aim at Pusha T than Kanye West. Twist hops on a dark beat that's led by a haunting piano progression.

The release of "Message 2 G.O.O.D Music" follows his collaboration with Lil Wayne and Trippie Redd on "Fires & Desires."

Quotable Lyrics

Pushin' me, ain't no fuckin' pushin' me

Take a n*gga to the cliff and push 'em off, Pusha T

Who is he? Shit I heard 'bout where he chill, shit I heard about where he live

And now you heard is how I run all off a n*gga crib
Last week, former That's So Raven star Orlando Brown was showing off his brand new ink for the 'gram and, likely not for the reasons he wished, everybody was discussing the photos. When you get a new tattoo, some people's first instinct is to share it with your friends and get their thoughts, which is exactly what Orlando did. However, the public response was almost entirely negative. His new piece depicts his former co-star Raven-Symone on his neck and chest, covering a lot of space. The worst part is not even the concept - the execution of the piece is horrendous.

Although his love for Raven is to be admired, the actor has had a lot of trouble with the law in recent years, getting arrested for a domestic dispute in January. While he may have been attempting to put his legal trouble behind him, it was revealed by TMZ that he was arrested yet again. This time, he was nabbed in Las Vegas for narcotics possession, drug paraphernalia, and resisting arrest after he was caught with meth and a pipe on him. Brown is reportedly still locked up after he was taken in yesterday. Cops allegedly witnessed the actor enter and exit a motel in a "high drug and prostitution" area, which led to his arrest.

Now becoming infamous for his epic mugshots, Orlando Brown has done it again, exaggerating his frown while keeping his Raven tattoo on full display. In my opinion, whoever did Orlando's tattoo should also be arrested but I guess the authorities will let that slide. Check out the mugshot here.
Smokepurpp will be the first to tell you that he birthed an entire generation of "SoundCloud rappers." While he certainly has a point in that his style influenced a core of artists coming up out of Florida, some artists may not agree with the bold statements he has made in the past. Regardless, Purpp has shown that he will continue to take credit for the inception of a new sound whether or not it's factual. Much of his clout was solidified through his Deadstar mixtape and, according to Lil Purpp's claims from earlier today, the sequel is on the way.

Recently caught up in the Lil Pump & J. Cole beef, Smokepurpp has a lot of extra buzz around his name and he's decided to take advantage of it. Dropping off a brand new leak from the upcoming Deadstar 2, Purpp was in the mood to share some new music, letting his fans know ahead of time that he was thinking of throwing up a song on SoundCloud. An hour later, "Deadstar Lifestyle" arrived on his page, affirming that the project is still on the way. Holding his fans over until the official drop, Purpp clarified that this is simply a quick freestyle. The drug-fueled lyrics are nothing new for the Florida rapper, staying in a lane he knows how to operate and working his charm within it.

Will you be on the lookout for Deadstar 2?

Quotable Lyrics:

We like doing drugs in the night

Blackout ah, that's for the night

In the 6

Brand new whip

Brand new Rollie ah, that's a brick




Randalls -- once the go-to store for grocery shopping in Houston -- has been edged out over the years by its competitors offering lower prices and wider selections.

The homegrown company, now a subsidiary of Albertsons, has closed 25 stores since 2005, including three this year.
In the 1950s, scholars worried that, thanks to technological innovations, Americans wouldnt know what to do with all of their leisure time.

Yet today, as sociologist Juliet Schor notes, Americans are overworked, putting in more hours than at any time since the Depression and more than in any other in Western society.

Its probably not unrelated to the fact that instant and constant access has become de rigueur, and our devices constantly expose us to a barrage of colliding and clamoring messages: Urgent, Breaking News, For immediate release, Answer needed ASAP.

It disturbs our leisure time, our family time  even our consciousness.

Over the past decade, Ive tried to understand the social and psychological effects of our growing interactions with new information and communication technologies, a topic I examine in my book The Terminal Self: Everyday Life in Hypermodern Times.

In this 24/7, always on age, the prospect of doing nothing might sound unrealistic and unreasonable.

But its never been more important.

Acceleration for the sake of acceleration

In an age of incredible advancements that can enhance our human potential and planetary health, why does daily life seem so overwhelming and anxiety-inducing?

Why arent things easier?

Its a complex question, but one way to explain this irrational state of affairs is something called the force of acceleration.

According to German critical theorist Hartmut Rosa, accelerated technological developments have driven the acceleration in the pace of change in social institutions.

We see this on factory floors, where just-in-time manufacturing demands maximum efficiency and the ability to nimbly respond to market forces, and in university classrooms, where computer software instructs teachers how to move students quickly through the material. Whether its in the grocery store or in the airport, procedures are implemented, for better or for worse, with one goal in mind: speed.

Noticeable acceleration began more than two centuries ago, during the Industrial Revolution. But this acceleration has itself  accelerated. Guided by neither logical objectives nor agreed-upon rationale, propelled by its own momentum, and encountering little resistance, acceleration seems to have begotten more acceleration, for the sake of acceleration.

To Rosa, this acceleration eerily mimics the criteria of a totalitarian power: 1) it exerts pressure on the wills and actions of subjects; 2) it is inescapable; 3) it is all-pervasive; and 4) it is hard or almost impossible to criticize and fight.

The oppression of speed

Unchecked acceleration has consequences.

At the environmental level, it extracts resources from nature faster than they can replenish themselves and produces waste faster than it can be processed.

At the personal level, it distorts how we experience time and space. It deteriorates how we approach our everyday activities, deforms how we relate to each other and erodes a stable sense of self. It leads to burnout at one end of the continuum and to depression at the other. Cognitively, it inhibits sustained focus and critical evaluation. Physiologically, it can stress our bodies and disrupt vital functions.

For example, research finds two to three times more self-reported health problems, from anxiety to sleeping issues, among workers who frequently work in high-speed environments compared with those who do not.

When our environment accelerates, we must pedal faster in order to keep up with the pace. Workers receive more emails than ever before  a number thats only expected to grow. The more emails you receive, the more time you need to process them. It requires that you either accomplish this or another task in less time, that you perform several tasks at once, or that you take less time in between reading and responding to emails.

American workers productivity has increased dramatically since 1973. What has also increased sharply during that same period is the pay gap between productivity and pay. While productivity between 1973 and 2016 has increased by 73.7 percent, hourly pay has increased by only 12.5 percent. In other words, productivity has increased at about six times the rate of hourly pay.

Clearly, acceleration demands more work  and to what end? There are only so many hours in a day, and this additional expenditure of energy reduces individuals ability to engage in lifes essential activities: family, leisure, community, citizenship, spiritual yearnings and self-development.

Its a vicious loop: Acceleration imposes more stress on individuals and curtails their ability to manage its effects, thereby worsening it.

Doing nothing and 'being'

In a hypermodern society propelled by the twin engines of acceleration and excess, doing nothing is equated with waste, laziness, lack of ambition, boredom or down time.

But this betrays a rather instrumental grasp of human existence.

Much research  and many spiritual and philosophical systems  suggest that detaching from daily concerns and spending time in simple reflection and contemplation are essential to health, sanity and personal growth.

Similarly, to equate doing nothing with nonproductivity betrays a short-sighted understanding of productivity. In fact, psychological research suggests that doing nothing is essential for creativity and innovation, and a persons seeming inactivity might actually cultivate new insights, inventions or melodies.

As legends go, Isaac Newton grasped the law of gravity sitting under an apple tree. Archimedes discovered the law of buoyancy relaxing in his bathtub, while Albert Einstein was well-known for staring for hours into space in his office.

The academic sabbatical is centered on the understanding that the mind needs to rest and be allowed to explore in order to germinate new ideas.

Doing nothing  or just being  is as important to human well-being as doing something.

The key is to balance the two.

Taking your foot off the pedal

Since it will probably be difficult to go cold turkey from an accelerated pace of existence to doing nothing, one first step consists in decelerating. One relatively easy way to do so is to simply turn off all the technological devices that connect us to the internet  at least for a while  and assess what happens to us when we do.

Danish researchers found that students who disconnected from Facebook for just one week reported notable increases in life satisfaction and positive emotions. In another experiment, neuroscientists who went on a nature trip reported enhanced cognitive performance.

Different social movements are addressing the problem of acceleration. The Slow Food movement, for example, is a grassroots campaign that advocates a form of deceleration by rejecting fast food and factory farming.

As we race along, it seems as though were not taking the time to seriously examine the rationale behind our frenetic lives  and mistakenly assume that those who are very busy must be involved in important projects.

Touted by the mass media and corporate culture, this credo of busyness contradicts both how most people in our society define the good life and the tenets of many Eastern philosophies that extol the virtue and power of stillness.

French philosopher Albert Camus perhaps put it best when he wrote, Idleness is fatal only to the mediocre.

Simon Gottschalk is Professor of Sociology at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Examine the rationale behind your frenetic life. Get the Gray Matters newsletter.
A Montgomery County woman with multiple sclerosis and her husband are suing the county in federal court, saying they were falsely arrested at a concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands last June when employees there accused them of being drunk.

Janet Prim said she was dealing with MS symptoms and her husband, Eric Prim, was helping her, when workers at the pavilion wrongly accused them of being drunk and summoned Montgomery County Sheriffs Office deputies to arrest them on charges of public intoxication, the couples lawsuit states.

While the charges were eventually dismissed, the couple filed suit under the Americans with Disabilities Act, claiming false imprisonment, assault with offensive bodily contact, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The suit, filed on Wednesday, names Montgomery County, individually named deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office and the Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands, the owner of the pavilion.

The couple is being represented by Houston-based attorney Randall Kallinen, who did not return calls seeking comment.

Montgomery County Attorney J D Lambright said his office plans to defend the county agencies.

There is little resemblance of what happened that night to what is alleged in this lawsuit, Lambright said. Shortly after this incident, they filed a complaint with the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office on the deputies involved. This was thoroughly investigated by the offices internal affairs department that found no merit.

Lambright and Cameron Klepac, of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, said that as of Tuesday, they had not been served with the suit.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society defines MS as an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain and between it and the body.

According to court documents, the Prims attended a concert at the pavilion on June 18, 2017. Janet, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1987, began to have an MS-related flare-up of symptoms, prompting the couple to begin to leave.

Eric, her primary caregiver and husband, escorted her through the pavilion so they could walk home, court documents state. Janet stumbled due to her MS and a CWMP employee saw her stumble and investigated, insisting they were drunk. The Prims told the employee she had MS and that was why Janet was unsteady.

The couple tried to explain to the employee that Janet was experiencing a flare-up, they said.

Despite this, CWMP employees grabbed the plaintiffs against their wishes and forced them to a secluded room alleging public intoxication, court documents alleged. Eric and Janet were not intoxicated. The multiple sclerosis was explained to the employees by Janet and Eric at the scene several times, but the employees summoned Montgomery County Sheriffs Office deputies to arrest them.

Lambright stated that video from the incident showed deputies and a pavilion employee treating the Prims with respect, but they were not cooperating with anyone there, were not answering questions and continued to insist they walk home from the pavilion. By their own admission, they stated they had alcohol.

The suit also alleges that during the incident, Eric Prim repeatedly asked to be allowed to call his son, who is an attorney, but was refused. The couple also each requested a breath analysis, but were denied, the suit says.

Instead, the MCSO deputy performed a Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test on Eric, court documents state. Eric was confused by the instructions and was unable to complete the test initially, but was not allowed to perform the test once he understood the instructions.

The Prims were transported from the pavilion to the Montgomery County jail for booking on a charge of public intoxication where they remained until they were released the next day.

According to the court documents, a complaint was filed with the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office and was investigated internally.

After reviewing the evidence presented, the department determined that no policy was violated during the interaction with Janet and Eric, court documents stated.

The couple is seeking damages of an undisclosed amount and for Montgomery County and the Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands to implement policies and train employees in recognizing MS and accommodating the disability.

A pretrial conference is scheduled for Sept. 10 in front of U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes.

jennifer.summer@hcnonline.com
7:00 p.m. UPDATE:

The shooting suspect, 55-year-old Able Guzman, was pronounced dead at the hospital, Pearland police wrote in a press release. His next-of-kin has been notified and investigations are ongoing.

ORIGINAL STORY: Pearland police officers opened fire on a suicidal man in a Walmart parking lot Tuesday afternoon, police said.

Officers were called to the store in the 1900 block of N. Main Street to reports that someone had discharged a weapon. When they arrived, they found a suspect who was carrying a gun, police said.

The man raised the gun to one of the officers, at which point multiple officers opened fire  striking the suspect.

SUSPECT FLEES: Search on for man after officer-involved shooting

Now Playing: Texas News & Crime Video: Houston Chronicle

He was rushed to Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital in an unknown condition, police said.

No other information was available. Check back for updates on this developing story as they come in.

Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message.

Jay R. Jordan is a breaking news reporter at Chron.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan.


NASA spent $100 million on a lunar rover before deciding to scrap the program for parts, the third space project now in limbo because of delays and cancellations.

That rover, called Resource Prospector, was abruptly canceled in April, with officials saying it no longer suited the agencys exploration campaign. The decision stunned scientists and researchers alike, especially given the recent push by President Donald Trumps administration to return Americans to the moon as a stepping stone for a mission to Mars.

The space agency has since announced it will be relying on commercial companies for future robotic missions to the lunar surface  missions that will use parts from the canceled rover, such as its ice drill, a system to search for hydrogen below the lunar surface, and a tool to quantify water extracted from the moon.

But the decision to scrap the rover for parts wasnt made until the agency had spent more than four years and almost half of the projects $250 million budget. The rover was being built to find water on the moon.

The work on Resource Prospector will help inform future missions, Cheryl Warner, a NASA spokeswoman, told the Houston Chronicle.

Along with the rover, two telescopes also are in limbo, faced with repeated delays, growing costs and threatened cancellations. Those telescopes are the James Webb Space Telescope, the successor to Hubble, and the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), meant to follow the Webb.

The telescope-related problems have been so significant that NASA on Tuesday announced projects proposed in the upcoming 2020 Decadal Survey for Astrophysics  a list of missions compiled every 10 years by the the National Academy of Arts and Sciences indicating what they think NASA should work on  must be capped at $5 billion each. Both Webb and WFIRST were suggested in previous surveys.

With recent delays and budget constraints surrounding the two major flagship missions, the new direction will better ensure that the next flagship mission be executed on time and within budget, according to a NASA statement on Tuesday.

Resource Prospector

Scientists discovered the presence of water on the moon almost a decade ago, but Resource Prospector would have been the first probe to actually drill for samples there.

And if it found enough water, the hydrogen could be used to refuel rockets on the way to Mars, for example, and the oxygen could be used to refuel life support for astronauts. This would not only make deep-space travel easier, it would make it cheaper.

Launching 1 pound of any material into space costs thousands of dollars, NASAs website states. One gallon of water weighs more than 8 pounds, so the ability to generate water, air and fuel in space could represent enormous cost savings for future deep-space missions.

Before its cancellation, Resource Prospector was slated to fly in 2022 or 2023. Now, NASA officials are saying they think commercial partners could get a robotic mission to the moon as early as next year. These partners have not yet been announced, but officials said they plan to award several contracts throughout the next decade.

Although contract missions are expected to begin as soon as 2019, NASA plans a first delivery on the surface no later than Dec. 31, 2021.

Much of the work on Resource Prospector was being conducted at Houstons Johnson Space Center. NASA previously told the Chronicle that all 90 employees working on the rover mission would be reassigned to other opportunities within the agency.

James Webb Space Telescope

The $8 billion James Webb telescope is already 13 years behind schedule and billions of dollars over budget, but NASA officials said this week the launch and cost is changing once again.

That change, which will be announced later this month, comes after a 10-member Independent Review Board evaluated the project and made recommendations to top NASA officials.

After the launch date is established, NASA will be able to provide a new cost estimate, NASA officials said Monday.

The telescope, the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, is meant to revolutionize the worlds understanding of planet and star formation. Initially expected to launch in 2007, the telescope has faced repeated delays and burgeoning costs. The launch date most recently was delayed to May 2020, which would likely push project costs over the $8 billion cap set by Congress in 2011.

Last month, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine told U.S. senators that the space agency may ask for more money beyond that cap..

We have spent so much money at this point that its important we continue, Bridenstine said during a U.S. Senate committee meeting. We have to come to a meeting of the minds and figure out how do we go forward with the program if we need to go above the cap set by Congress.

Trumps budget proposal for NASA in the coming budget year includes funds to keep the project on track.

Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope

The successor to the Webb Telescope also faces uncertainty in the coming year. WFIRST, the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope, was being built to study dark energy, exoplanets and infrared astrophysics.

But Trumps fiscal year 2019 budget calls for the cancellation of WFIRST, in large part because of its cost. The project is set to launch in the mid-2020s, but the cost has ballooned to $3.9 billion, well above the initial projection of less than $2 billion.

Since Trumps proposed budget must be approved by Congress, work on WFIRST is continuing in the interim. So last month, NASA announced that it had awarded a contract to Colorado-based Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp. for the telescopes primary instrument components. The $113.2 million contract runs through June 2026.

Managed by NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. WFIRST is fully-funded for fiscal year 2018, a NASA news release stated. Work will continue on the mission in this time period until appropriations for fiscal year 2019 have been determined.

Meanwhile, those compiling the upcoming decadal survey will be adjusting their course to take into account the new funding caps. Studies began in 2016 to prioritize telescope projects and final mission concept reports must be submitted to NASA by June 2019.

alex.stuckey@chron.com

twitter.com/alexdstuckey
The legal fight over the striptease business in Houston has heated up again.

Two topless bars are suing the city of Houston over a controversial, years-old legal settlement they say unfairly hampers business at all but a select group of clubs.

In a June 1 filing, lawyers for Chicas Cabaret and Penthouse Houston argued that the 2013 settlement  which allowed sixteen strip clubs to skirt the citys sexually-oriented business ordinance by making annual payments to fund an anti-human trafficking unit in the Houston Police Department  amounts to a commercial bribery scheme.

The two north Houston clubs argue the settlement is unlawful, unfair, and anti-competitive in nature, and impacted their ability to do business.

Our position is that discriminating against some clubs and showing favoritism toward others is just plain wrong under the Constitution and Texas law, said Spencer Markle, attorney for Chicas Cabaret and Penthouse Houston. Thats why were taking them to task.

The strip clubs are seeking a restraining order that would either prevent city officials from allowing the sweet 16 clubs to avoid the citys sexually-oriented business ordinance, or allow Chicas and Penthouse to join the agreement under the same terms.

READ MORE: Longtime Houston strip club challenges city's rules on sexually oriented businesses

We just dont want to be at a business disadvantage compared to the other clubs that are similarly situated, Markle said.

City officials said they could not comment on the lawsuit because they had not yet seen it.

The 2013 settlement was meant to resolve a series of similar, costly lawsuits filed against the city by 16 clubs protesting regulations that prevented topless dancers from being closer than three feet to patrons. Under the agreement, the clubs received a waiver from those requirements in exchange for making about $1 million in annual payments to the citys Human Trafficking Abatement Fund. They were also required to remove their private or VIP rooms, and agreed to report prostitution, indecent exposure and drug use, and the names, ages and immigration status of their employees.

Since 2013, the number of clubs permitted in the agreement has grown to 21, and the city has collected more than $5.4 million from the clubs allowed to participate in the 2013 agreement, according to city records.

RELATED: Experts raise questions about city settlement with topless clubs

When the city announced the agreement, just a few of the 289 clubs, massage parlors and bookstores city officials believed were sexually oriented businesses, agreed to be regulated under the ordinance. Then-City Attorney David Feldman said at the time that the settlement would free up vice officers from spending most of their time at the largest clubs to focus more on rogue clubs operating in brazen violation of the law and harboring human trafficking.

If all we required was that they contribute money, then I would agree with that depiction, but theyre required to do much more than that, he said at the time. One of the things we were able to accomplish in this agreement that no one thought wed ever get them to agree to was to eliminate the private rooms, the private areas and the de facto enclosures. That was the most difficult part of this to negotiate.

Currently, there are 11 other strip clubs in Houston licensed as sexually oriented businesses, according to the city attorneys office.

Legal experts said the citys recent settlement with Fantasy Plaza and the new lawsuits raised renewed questions about the citys sexually-oriented business ordinance and the way it regulates sexually oriented businesses.

SUIT: Controversial Houston strip club reaches settlement with city, can reopen, for now

Why is the city keeping an the ordinance on the books and basically exempting (businesses) from it? said Josh Blackman, a professor at the South Texas College of Law Houston. Normally the point of a statute is to enforce it equally. And if they're just cutting deals with every strip club that asks for it, just repeal the damn statute.

Markles suit echoes the same argument made by lawyers for Fantasy Plaza Cabaret when they sued the city of Houston earlier this year.

The Fantasy Plaza suit began when authorities in Houston and Harris County sued to shut down the strip club claiming it was a nuisance business establishment and a den of prostitution and violence.

When Fantasy Plaza countersued in federal court against the city of Houston and Harris County, U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes accused city officials of engaging in a concerted and arbitrary effort to kill the business.

Although the strip club reached a settlement in its federal case  which has since been dismissed  it still has to contend with the nuisance suit. Court records show the case is set for trial in September.

st.john.smith@chron.com

twitter.com/stjbs
Nearly half of Americans polled are opposed to NASA astronauts returning to the moon, an opinion that stands in direct contrast with the Trump administration's goals.

Instead, Americans believe the space agency should focus more on climate monitoring, according to a Pew Research Center study released Wednesday.

"Missions for human astronauts to explore Mars and return to the moon are among NASA's most high-profile programs," the center stated. "However, compared with other NASA programs, fewer Americans say such space exploration should be a top priority."

The Center's study, which is based on the responses of 2,500 Americans between March 27 and April 9, comes at a time of heightened focus on human exploration.

Since taking office, President Donald Trump has made it clear that returning to the moon for the first time since 1972 is a priority for his administration.

His $19.9 billion NASA budget proposal for the coming fiscal year tasks NASA with launching the first flight without a crew for Orion -- the spacecraft meant to take humans to Mars -- by 2022, followed by a launch of Americans around the moon in 2023.

READ MORE: Trump's proposed NASA budget focuses on human exploration, eliminates education office

NASA officials hope to launch the uncrewed flight in December 2019, but that will likely slip to June 2020 in part because of construction delays for the rocket that will carry Orion into space.

Additionally, Trump's proposal would allow the agency to begin working on the foundation of a Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway, saying it would "give us a strategic presence in the lunar vicinity that will drive our activity with commercial and international partners and help us further explore the moon and its resources and translate that experience toward human missions to Mars."

But the center's study found that traveling to Mars also is not important to Americans. Only 18 percent think it should be top priority for NASA, while 63 percent think the agency should focus on monitoring the Earth's climate system.

This finding comes as Trump's budget calls for the elimination of five climate change projects in the agency's budget. Trump's budget still must be approved by Congress.

RELATED STORY: Trump calls for a $2.7B space station to orbit the moon

His budget also calls for an end to federal funding for the International Space Station after 2024, the year funding for the space station is already scheduled to stop. For fiscal year 2017, NASA's budget for the space station was $1.45 billion.

Instead, Trump would transition the activities on the space station to commercial entities.

The center's study showed that 80 percent of those polled felt the space station was a good investment and one-in-four Americans have a "great deal of confidence" that private companies will build safe and reliable spacecraft and rockets.

But 65 percent believe that NASA's continued involvement in space exploration is "essential," the study continues.

"Although most Americans believe that NASA still has an essential role to play in the exploration of space, they also express confidence that private companies can make meaningful contributions in such areas as developing safe spacecraft and conducting research to expand scientific knowledge," according to the study.

Privatization of the space station currently is being discussed by Congress. The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Space, Science and Competitiveness will be holding its second meeting on the future of the space station at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The livestream can be watched here.

Alex Stuckey covers NASA and the environment for the Houston Chronicle. You can reach her at alex.stuckey@chron.com or Twitter.com/alexdstuckey.
Mark Lenzi and his family started noticing the noises in April 2017. He would later describe to me hearing something like "marbles bouncing and hitting a floor then rolling on an incline with a static sound." At first, he and his wife thought that their neighbor - a fellow Foreign Service officer in the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China - was responsible. The neighbor denied having anything to do with it.

A few months later, the headaches started - excruciating pain that lasted for days at a time. Lenzi, his wife, and their 3-year-old son experienced the same symptoms, which soon included chronic sleeplessness as well. Lenzi says that he asked his superiors for help but that they dismissed his concerns. Consulate doctors prescribed painkillers and Ambien, which did nothing to address the underlying causes of the problem.

And then, last month, Lenzi was shocked to learn that his next-door neighbor had been evacuated from their building and flown back to the United States for a thorough medical assessment, which soon determined that the person in question was suffering from "mild traumatic brain injury." On May 23, the State Department issued its first public remarks on the case, a health warning stating that an unnamed "U.S. government employee in China recently reported subtle and vague, but abnormal, sensations of sound and pressure," and urging anyone with "concerns about symptoms or medical problems that developed during or after a stay in China" to "consult a medical professional."

The statement also said that the U.S. government was unaware of any other cases - a point strongly disputed by Lenzi, who insists that he had repeatedly informed both the embassy in Beijing and State Department headquarters in Washington of his family's predicament. "Mark is a very capable guy," says political consultant Michael Getto, a longtime friend of Lenzi's. "If he says something is wrong or amiss, then it is."

Asked to comment, a spokesperson for the State Department responded: "Due to medical laws and privacy concerns, we do not comment on specific cases or individuals."

The situation in Guangzhou is eerily reminiscent of an episode in Havana, where, starting in the fall of 2016, at least 24 staffers at the U.S. Embassy incurred brain injuries after exposure to an equally mysterious source. Despite considerable speculation about microwaves or a "sonic weapon" deployed against the diplomats, scientists have yet to determine - at least publicly - precisely what caused the damage. Most of those affected now seem to have recovered.

The political fallout was considerable. The State Department dispatched many embassy staffers home and expelled 15 Cuban diplomats from the United States. On the day of the first revelation about the case in Guangzhou on May 23, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo drew an explicit comparison to the Cuban case during a House hearing: "The medical indications are very similar, and entirely consistent with, the medical indications that were taking place to Americans working in Cuba."

Needless to say, this is a particularly fraught moment in U.S.-China relations. The Trump administration has been pressing Beijing hard on trade, even as it has been relying on the Chinese to help bring North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to the negotiating table. A widening scandal involving the possible mistreatment of U.S. diplomats couldn't come at a worse time. (The State Department spokesperson told me that "the Chinese government has assured us they are also investigating and taking appropriate measures.")

So far, the fact that only a single staff member is publicly known to have been affected has allowed the Trump administration to play down the Guangzhou case. That may no longer be possible if more victims present themselves - and Lenzi, for one, is not prepared to go away quietly. A former staff member on John McCain's 2008 primary campaign, he is well-connected in Washington and says he has already been calling internally for the resignation of the U.S. ambassador to Beijing. He says that the State Department revoked his security clearances not long after he began to speak up more forcefully about the treatment of his family, essentially neutralizing his capacity to continue his work at the consulate.

There is some good news. On May 31, a high-level medical team arrived in Guangzhou to examine any consulate employees who so request, including Lenzi and his family, who have been told that they are likely to be sent to the United States for detailed brain analysis. Deputy Undersecretary for Management Bill Todd and several other senior State Department officials also came to Guangzhou "to address employee concerns and to conduct an assessment of Post conditions," as the spokesperson put it.

Lenzi says he believes that the number of those affected will turn out to be higher than Washington expects. If he's right, U.S.-Chinese relations could start to enter a rocky patch.

- - -

Caryl is editor of the DemocracyPost blog.
The amateur video shot outside an abandoned store in Brownsville is crude. Wind blows into the microphone, the sound cuts in and out and the picture is occasionally obscured by the setting sun. None of that matters. Whats important isnt what the camera sees, but whats hidden from view.

A U.S. senator had tried to work through proper channels, hoping to tour a building where taxpayer dollars are being used to house an untold number of migrant children, but he explains that Homeland Security Department officials had rebuffed his request. So he flew to South Texas, personally walked up to the building and asked to speak to a supervisor. Instead of letting the senator look inside the building, the government contractor running the facility called the cops.

RELATED: ICE needs to be put on trial

ALSO: Immigrant detention policy repeating mistakes of failed Hutto center

I think its unacceptable that a member of Congress is not being admitted to see whats happening to children whose families are applying for asylum, said Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, on the Facebook Live video of the incident.

Weve seen this movie before. The plot is pretty simple: The government doesnt want taxpayers to see what its doing with children caught crossing the border illegally. The story started back in the Obama administration and its continuing in the Trump era, but its time for this secrecy surrounding juvenile detention on the border to come to an end.

The junior senator from Oregon who showed up in South Texas on Sunday has been an outspoken critic of a Trump administration policy to separate children from their parents if they cross the border without documentation  many seeking humanitarian asylum. It is a policy that has no place in a civilized society.

RELATED: Immigration detention centers are no place for children

EARLIER: Asylum-seeking families need help, not detention

A spokesman for Merkley said the senator toured a Border Patrol processing center in McAllen and saw children in cages, but he was denied a request to tour a Brownsville shelter for unaccompanied minors housed in a building that used to serve as a Walmart store.

We laughed when Jade Helm conspiracy theorists speculated the federal government planned to use tunnels beneath abandoned Walmart stores as detention centers for political dissidents. Now it turns out the feds are stashing children in an abandoned Walmart in Brownsville, and they wont let a member of Congress look inside.

As much as we would all like to think those children are being treated properly, history gives good reason for suspicion. Four years ago, when an influx of undocumented immigrant children flooded into this country, federal authorities refused to reveal not only the locations of shelters, but also how many children were being detained in those facilities. U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, got his hands on some disturbing photographs showing undocumented immigrant children kept in crowded conditions behind chain-link fences.

EDITORIAL: Trump tempts a humanitarian crisis by splitting parents from kids at the border

It doesnt matter what you call them  shelters, temporary housing or detention facilities  children are being held in these buildings against their will at the behest of the federal government. It doesnt matter if theyre located on military bases or in old retail buildings, these buildings have essentially become jails. And in this country, we dont believe in secret jails.

What the senator from Oregon did in Brownsville this week was a stunt, a piece of political theater, but it raised a legitimate point and delivered a serious message. Children separated from their parents are being detained in government financed facilities at taxpayer expense. Homeland Security officials should open all of those facilities for reasonable scrutiny. Instead of calling the cops on members of Congress and the press, they need to roll out a welcome mat.
For years, The New York Times reported, Donald Trump's employees would tell each other a joke. The boss is like New York Citys First Avenue  a one-way street. Trump was never the kind of person to jaw at length about shared prosperity. His success in the world of New York real estate was dependent, as he told it, on cutthroat negotiating tactics and a well-honed sense of self-interest. In Trumps world, everyone else is out to take advantage of you, and sentiment or selflessness is the trait of a sucker.

Trumps decision to employ punitive tariffs on some of Americas most important friends  Canada, Mexico and the European Union  fits neatly with that world view. It accords with many of Trumps statements since taking office, like his belief that American allies ought to reimburse the country for its defense umbrella. Insult was added to injury by the presidents declaration that the tariffs on our geopolitical allies were the result of a national security threat to the United States.

RELATED: Trump trade talk ignores U.S. services surplus against China

ALSO: Trump's trade war with our closest allies continues

EDITORIAL: Houston needs help from free trade Republicans

Meanwhile, Houston is left to worry about slowing trade at the port, pricier raw materials for our pipelines and whether a trade war will stifle LNG exports.

But tariffs arent the only ways the Trump administration has been unkind to our friends. The administrations declaration that the country would abandon the Iran nuclear agreement and our climate change obligations infuriated Europe. After he was elected, Trump promised the United Kingdom a free trade agreement to ease its way out of the EU. It seems clear that is no longer in the cards.

Weve come a long way from the time President Barack Obamas decision to move a bust of Winston Churchill out of his office became a transatlantic scandal.

Since the campaign, Trump has been preoccupied by the belief that Americas allies are taking advantage of us, and that the country has much to gain by taking a harder line. Its a belief that misunderstands both Americas role in the world, and what diplomacy means. It puts much at risk.

EDITORIAL: Congress should stop Trump's trade war

EARLIER: While Putin expands his reach, Trump orders a trade retreat

The cornerstone of Americas modern relationship with Europe is the Marshall Plan, which, by the standards of New York real estate, was a flop, because it looked at first to be a poor return on investment. In four years, America pumped what would today, as a proportion of GDP, amount to more than half a trillion dollars into the crushed post-war economies of western and southern Europe. That sped their recovery, and bound them closer together and closer to the United States. It was no charity program, but its true benefit was not immediately visible on paper, and would not be clear for many years.

To senators like Joseph McCarthy, though, the Marshall Plan was a massive and unrewarding boondoggle that turned the country into the patsy of the modern world, or, as one of his colleagues put it, Uncle Sap. But by encouraging international trade, setting the stage for European integration, and creating the foundation of a tight transatlantic friendships, the Marshall Plan now ranks among the wisest expenditures in American history.

EDITORIAL: U.S. lacks a foreign policy fit for the 21st century

EARLIER: Trump's retreat crafts a global order without the U.S. at a familiar spot - the center

Diplomacy is not transactional. It is the art of finding areas of long-term mutual interest, and thats not easily quantified. Over many years, the United States has built a relationship of trust with its closest friends that is worth far more to the country than any of its individual components. That trust is the key guarantor of Americas privileged place in the world, and trust is an easy thing to lose.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed hope last week that the two countries would rebuilt their relationship of trust, addressing the American people directly on Twitter. Americans remain our partners, friends, and allies, he wrote. We have to believe that at some point their common sense will prevail. But history only gives a country a certain amount of do-overs, and Americas friends dont need it as much as they did in 1948. The nation may wake up someday soon to find that our partners have moved on, and find ourselves adrift in a new, multilateral world. When we do, we will face worse threats than German steel and Canadian aluminum.
I am deeply grateful for the school safety leadership provided by Gov. Greg Abbott and especially pleased for the much-needed resources afforded schools. Schools are in great need of additional safety resources, and there is another need that I believe to be just as great. That need is to reposition thinking about school safety to a much higher priority. There must be a mindset shift that places safety above all else.

This is not to say that school personnel and citizens have not previously considered school safety to be important. They clearly have. However, we may not have fully considered how societal changes of the last several decades have increased the likelihood of events such as the recent school shooting in Santa Fe.

RELATED: Special session on guns would be a waste of time

EDITORIAL: A call for special session on guns

Between the April 20, 1999, Columbine High School massacre and the May 25, 2018, Noblesville, Ind., middle school shooting, there have been 220 school shootings in which 300 individuals were killed and 430 persons were injured. We must face the fact that such events have become part of our national reality and will not go away until they are solidly addressed. School safety must become a higher priority in all school operations, even reflected in the districts vision, mission statement and core values.

During the mid 1990s, the Houston Independent School District had six core values, the first of which was Safety Above All Else. This was not just a slogan, but a truth that underpinned all operational decisions. Allow me to provide an example of how HISDs core values influenced an important decision that placed safety above a sharp financial loss to the school system.

EDITORIAL: Gov. Abbott changed his tone after Santa Fe, and action on guns must follow

During a cabinet meeting, administrators were discussing the news that inspectors had discovered mechanical issues on several HISD buses that represented a danger to riders. Obviously, the buses with mechanical issues would be taken out of service. Since only a small number of the districts more than 1,400 buses had been examined, there was the possibility that some of the unexamined buses had similar mechanical issues. The question was whether the unexamined buses should be allowed to continue operating and taken out of service only after being examined and found to be defective. Or, should the entire fleet be shut down for inspection, and only the buses that were examined and found safe be allowed to operate. The latter option would cause the district major attendance loss, and consequently, major financial loss, because the state funds school districts based on attendance.

At that time, HISDs bus fleet covered 1,068 routes, provided transportation for 41,665 of the districts nearly 200,000 students. It would take weeks for the small staff of mechanics to examine the entire fleet, and there were not nearly enough spare buses to fill in while buses were down for examination.

RELATED: A Texas Ranger calls for gun sense

ALSO: A high school senior speaks out for gun rights

The heated discussion regarding how the district should proceed centered mostly on protecting the districts funding. After approximately 40 minutes of impassioned comments, the following statement was offered:

Ladies and gentlemen, here at HISD, the first of our six core values is Safety Above All Else. That means at HISD nothing supersedes safety. A parent may forgive us if a student doesnt learn, but there is no forgiveness for a child getting injured due to incompetent behavior on our part. Therefore, there will be no further discussion of this matter. No HISD bus which has not been thoroughly inspected and found to be safe will be allowed to transport any HISD child, no matter how long it takes, or how much it costs. This meeting is adjourned. Members of the transportation department are asked to remain to discuss how this directive will be implemented.

It is time for us to position thinking about school safety as a central element in school operations. Tragic school events are more frequent, and in many cases deadlier, in todays world. It is time to adjust our thinking so that it becomes consistent with todays reality. The safety of school children and staff must supersede all other concerns and become a core element in district operations.

PULITZER FINALIST: We, the (gun) people

There is no magic solution. Only after collaboratively establishing the place of safety in the districts vision, mission and core values, should school personnel identify the tactics and procedures to be implemented. Each school district will require action based on its unique circumstances, but overall, school operations should be based on the principle of safety above all else.

Paige is the former secretary of education and HISD superintendent.
Fair Pay Agreements will help lift wages and conditions and ensure good employers are not disadvantaged by paying reasonable, industry-standard wages, said Lees-Galloway.

The best way to create a high-wage economy is through productivity growth, and we must ensure that workers and businesses benefit from economic growth.

Lees-Galloway added that while wages have generally grown in the top-two and bottom-two deciles, wages for middle New Zealand have not kept up and they "feel squeezed by rising costs, particularly in housing".

We can and must do better for middle New Zealanders. Fair Pay Agreements will establish a framework for employers and employees to work together constructively to lift wages and productivity, he said.

Mr Bolger will lead the team of ten to develop recommendations on the design of a Fair Pay Agreement system, which is due to report back by the end of the year, and we will work closely with businesses, organisations and workers to develop a new and enduring framework that is good for employers and workers.
Page Content

Malabo, 4 June 2018  During an official ceremony held at the Office of the President and Head of State of Equatorial Guinea, on 1 June 2018, the President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu presented His Excellency, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, with an ICAO Council President Certificate in recognition of significant recent advances made by Equatorial Guinea in resolving aviation safety oversight deficiencies and improving the effective implementation (EI) of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). The new and improved Equatorial Guinea safety results were measured through ICAO Coordinated Validation Missions conducted in 2016 and 2017.

In delivering the award, the Council President emphasized that conformity with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices is a major enabler towards enhancing the effective participation of States in international air transport, and that this is particularly important for Small Island Developing States and emerging economies such as Equatorial Guinea.

President Aliu also applauded the decisive and effective actions taken by Equatorial Guinea to bring positive changes into its aviation sector, through airport, air navigation and airline infrastructure modernization and expansion, training and capacity building for aviation personnel, and safety oversight system enhancement. He indicated that such commitment shown by the Government of Equatorial Guinea demonstrates its appreciation of the crucial role of air transport for the socio-economic development of the country and its integration with the rest of the world to the benefit of its people and businesses.

As safety enhancement and aviation development in general are a continuous process, Dr. Aliu encouraged the authorities of Equatorial Guinea to continue on the same track by actively implementing the States corrective action plan (CAP) and continuing to update ICAO on progress being made. He expressed deep appreciation for Equatorial Guineas excellent cooperation and collaboration with ICAO, and reaffirmed the commitment of ICAO to continue to assist Equatorial Guinea in areas such as Aerodrome Certification, Search and Rescue organization, Safety Management implementation, Aviation Security and Facilitation, and Environmental protection.



President Nguema thanked Dr. Aliu and ICAO for the support and assistance given to Equatorial Guinea, noting that this recognition through the ICAO President Certificate was an historic event. He reiterated his Governments commitment to making aviation a priority and to pursue continuous improvement and advancement of air transport. He also commended Dr. Aliu for his good work as ICAO Council President. Highlighting the challenges associated with a lack of adequate manpower, despite significant efforts by Equatorial Guinea, he requested ICAOs assistance in the development of young aviation professionals and to facilitate the acquisition of aircraft equipment.

The Council President thanked President Ngeuma for his leadership, and encouraged the government to ratify the Cape Town Convention for cost effective aircraft acquisition, and other relevant international air laws such as the Beijing Convention. Dr. Aliu noted the various civil aviation initiatives and programmes embarked upon by Equatorial Guinea and offered ICAO assistance to ensure effectiveness and compliance with international standards. He thanked the government for all the support it has provided to ICAO initiatives, in particular, the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) for Africa.

Dr. Aliu was honoured at the end of the ceremony with a decoration of the Commendatory Medal of the order of Independence of Equatorial Guinea.

At the invitation of the Government of Equatorial Guinea and accompanied by the ICAO Regional Director for Western and Central Africa, Mr. Mam Sait Jallow, and the Representative of Equatorial Guinea to ICAO, Mr. Estanislao Esono Anguesomo, the Council President visited the States capital of Malabo from 30 May to 2 June 2018.

During the visit, the Council President held further discussions with His Excellency the President and Head of State of Equatorial Guinea, the Hon. Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr. Leandro Miko Angue, and senior government officials and diplomats. He also visited the new passenger terminal of Malabo international airport which is nearing completion.



Resources for Editors

About ICAO

A specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO was created in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency, capacity and environmental protection, amongst many other priorities. The Organization serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among its 192 Member States.

ICAO's Aviation Development priorities

Contacts



Anthony Philbin

Chief, Communications

aphilbin@icao.int

+1 514-954-8220 +1 438-402-8886 (mobile)

Twitter: @ICAO

William Raillant-Clark

Communications Officer

wraillantclark@icao.int

+1 514-954-6705 +1 514-409-0705 (mobile)

Twitter: @wraillantclark

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/raillantclark/


Page Content



MONTREAL, 6 JUNE 2018  ICAO Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu addressed the 74th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Sydney, Australia yesterday, raising a number of points with the attending airline CEOs on the events main topics, which this year include constantly evolving security threats, the increased use of sustainable alternative fuels, airport privatizations, and sector-wide gender equality.

Against the backdrop of an unpredictable global security environment, and the significant forecast passenger and cargo growth which is top of mind for all of us, our sector will continue to be faced with serious security risks from terrorist groups, radicalized individuals, and other threat sources, Dr. Liu remarked. It is ICAOs view that the highest-priority threats requiring our vigilant focus today are improvised explosive devices (IEDs) carried by passengers, landside security in public airports, cyber-attacks on mission-critical air transport systems, and the potential for malicious deployments of Remotely-Piloted or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (RPAS/UAS).

On the topic of sustainable alternative aviation fuels, Dr. Liu noted that ICAO has been encouraged that many airlines have committed to increase their adoption and deployment of green fuel alternatives, stressing that ICAO supports this progress through its Global Framework for Aviation Alternative Fuels, and the platform it provides for related policy, data, best practices and other resources to be shared.

Shifting her focus to airport privatization, Dr. Liu recalled that a change in ownership structure in no way diminishes a governments responsibility to fulfil its related ICAO compliance obligations.

These include safety, security, and efficiency standards, as well as airport and air navigation service charges, and pertains to both facilities which are entirely privately owned, or which are managed under Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), she commented, Airlines can greatly assist this process by providing advance planning data on the future types, characteristics and numbers of aircraft expected to be in use, as well as the anticipated growth in flight, passenger and cargo volumes.

With respect to aviation gender equality, a priority emphasized by ICAO Member States at ICAOs last Assembly in 2016, Dr. Liu emphasized that while air transport connects people, cultures and businesses across the globe, and strengthens socio-economic development worldwide, at the same time it has not been very successful at providing an open, inclusive working environment for women.

In China for instance there is a proverb which states that women hold up half the sky, but in aviation today, whether we are talking pilots or airline CEOs, women are only making up one twentieth of these positions, Dr. Liu underscored. She called on the airline CEOs to make gender parity a personal priority, stressing that it must be driven from the top in any organization, and highlighted ICAOs new Gender Equality Programming and upcoming Summit on the topic jointly hosted with South Africa in Cape Town this August.

During her stay in Sydney, Dr. Liu met with Australias Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, and Shane Carmody of Australias Civil Aviation Authority for discussions on issues of common interest and strengthened partnership between ICAO and Australia.

Resources for Editors

About ICAO

A specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO was created in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency, capacity and environmental protection, amongst many other priorities. The Organization serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among its 192 Member States.

ICAOs Global Aviation Security Plan

The ICAO Global Framework for Aviation Alternative Fuels

ICAOs website for Air Transport Policy and Regulation

ICAOs Women in Aviation website

ICAO's No Country Left Behind initiative

Contacts

Anthony Philbin

Chief, Communications

aphilbin@icao.int

+1 514-954-8220

+1 438-402-8886 (mobile)

Twitter: @ICAO

William Raillant-Clark

Communications Officer

wraillantclark@icao.int

+1 514-954-6705

+1 514-409-0705 (mobile)

Twitter: @wraillantclark

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/raillantclark/




Tanzania: Harmonise mainland and Zanzibar laws on fisheries, govt advised

June 03,2018 | Source: AllAfrica

A parliament probe team has advised the government to harmonise fishing regulations in the Mainland and Zanzibar as part of efforts to curb crime in the deep waters.



The call was made yesterday by Ms Anastazia Wambura, the chairperson of the Deep Sea Fishing Committee, who yesterday submitted findings of an investigation into the fisheries sector to the National Assembly Speaker, Mr Job Ndugai.



According to the findings of the probe team, there are two systems for managing and supervising the fisheries sector. This, Ms Wambura noted, was a weakness allowing criminal activity.

 2018 AllAfrica

Theme(s): Fisheries Development and Aquaculture.
Imperial Valley News Center

Atomic Clock Comparison Confirms Key Assumptions of Einsteins Elevator

Washington, DC - By comparing different types of remote atomic clocks, physicists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have performed the most accurate test ever of a key principle underlying Albert Einsteins famous theory of general relativity, which describes how gravity relates to space and time.

The NIST result, made possible by continual improvements in the worlds most accurate atomic clocks, yields a record-low, exceedingly small value for a quantity that Einstein predicted to be zero.

As described in a Nature Physics paper (link is external) posted online June 4, NIST researchers used the solar system as a laboratory for testing Einsteins thought experiment involving Earth as a freefalling elevator. Einstein theorized that all objects located in such an elevator would accelerate at the same rate, as if they were in a uniform gravitational fieldor no gravity at all. Moreover, he predicted, these objects properties relative to each other would remain constant during the elevators free-fall.

In their experiment, the NIST team regarded Earth as an elevator falling through the Suns gravitational field. They compared recorded data on the ticks of two types of atomic clocks located around the world to show they remained in sync over 14 years, even as the gravitational pull on the elevator varied during the Earths slightly off-kilter orbit around the sun. Researchers compared data from 1999 to 2014 for a total of 12 clocksfour hydrogen masers (microwave lasers) in the NIST time scale with eight of the most accurate cesium fountain atomic clocks operated by metrology laboratories in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy.

The experiment was designed to test a prediction of general relativity, the principle of local position invariance (LPI), which holds that in a falling elevator, measures of nongravitational effects are independent of time and place. One such measurement compares the frequencies of electromagnetic radiation from atomic clocks at different locations. The researchers constrained the violation of LPI to a value of 0.00000022 plus or minus 0.00000025the most miniscule number yet, consistent with general relativitys predicted result of zero, and corresponding to no violation. This means the ratio of hydrogen to cesium frequencies remained the same as the clocks moved together in the falling elevator.

This result has five times less uncertainty than NISTs best previous measurement of the LPI violation, translating to five times greater sensitivity. That earlier 2007 result, from a 7-year comparison of cesium and hydrogen atomic clocks, was 20 times more sensitive than the previous tests.

The latest measurement advance is due to improvements in several areas, namely more accurate cesium fountain atomic clocks, better time transfer processes (which enable devices at different locations to compare their time signals), and the latest data for computing the position and velocity of Earth in space, NISTs Bijunath Patla said.

But the main reason we did this work was to highlight how atomic clocks are used to test fundamental physics; in particular, the foundations of general relativity, Patla said. This is the claim made most often when clockmakers strive for better stability and accuracy. We tie together tests of general relativity with atomic clocks, note the limitations of the current generation of clocks, and present a future outlook for how next-generation clocks will become very relevant.

Further limits on LPI are unlikely to be obtained using hydrogen and cesium clocks, the researchers say, but experimental next-generation clocks based on optical frequencies, which are much higher than the frequencies of hydrogen and cesium clocks, could offer much more sensitive results. NIST already operates a variety of these clocks based on atoms such as ytterbium and strontium.

Because so many scientific theories and calculations are intertwined, NIST researchers used their new value for the LPI violation to calculate variations in several fundamental constants of nature, physical quantities thought to be universal and widely used in physics. Their results for the light quark mass were the best ever, while results for the fine structure constant agreed with previously reported values for any pair of atoms.

The work was funded in part by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Imperial Valley News Center

Support for Ongoing Defeat ISIS Operations in Syria

Washington, DC - Secretary of State Mike Pompeo: "We welcome the launch on Sunday of operations by the Syrian Democratic Forces against ISIS terrorists in Dashisha, Syria. Dashisha is a notorious ISIS stronghold in northeast Syria from which ISIS has terrorized the Syrian and Iraqi people for many years. These operations have been planned over many months in coordination with Iraqi forces across the border to ensure ISIS terrorists have no escape. The Department of State has been proud to lend diplomatic support through this planning process together with our Department of Defense colleagues and Coalition Partners.

"The Department of State is also focused on the phase after ISIS. We will help ensure that the Government of Iraq has the support it needs to fully secure it borders against ISIS and other terrorist threats, pursuant to our Strategic Framework Agreement with Iraq. We will also work to ensure that all the diverse people of northeast Syria, including Arabs, Kurds, Christian, and Turkmen, have an appropriate say in defining the future of Syria pursuant to the political process set forth in the UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

"The fighting over the days ahead will be extremely difficult. We have full confidence in our partners, the Syrian Democratic Forces, and we are proud to work with them to rid Syria from the scourge of ISIS and help build a better future for all Syrians. President Trump has acknowledged that there is more work to be done to complete the defeat of ISIS and he is committed to finishing the job as quickly as possible while setting the conditions that will prevent its return.

"In that regard, we continue to call on Coalition members, our regional partners, and allies to share the burden for ongoing stabilization efforts that are critical to preserving the military gains that have been achieved."
Imperial Valley News Center

Optimism drives farmer sentiment higher; producers weigh-in on farm bill and crop insurance

Chicago, Illinois - Agricultural producer sentiment rose last month to its highest level since January 2017, as producers expressed an improved view of current conditions and future expectations of the U.S. agricultural economy, according to the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer.

The May barometer reading of 141 was 16 points higher than April. The rise in the barometer, a sentiment index derived from a monthly survey of 400 agricultural producers across the U.S., was driven both by producers improved view of current conditions in the production agriculture sector and, especially, their more optimistic view of the future.

The Index of Current Conditions increased to 132 during May, 9 points higher than in April, while the Index of Future Expectations climbed to 145, 19 points higher than a month earlier, making it the highest future expectations reading since February 2017.

Driving that optimism was a large improvement in producers expectations regarding the future for both the U.S. ag economy and their own farms financial conditions.

Over the last month theres been a relaxation in international trade tensions with China, and that seems to be playing a role in how producers are viewing their financial future, said James Mintert, the barometers principal investigator and director of Purdue Universitys Center for Commercial Agriculture. The rise in the Index of Future Expectations was the largest one-month increase since January 2017. This was in contrast to last months reading when, in the midst of deteriorating trade relations, there was a decline in sentiment toward the agricultural economy as a whole and with respect to producers own farming operations.

Despite the improvement in sentiment, producers perspectives on making large investments on their farms changed very little with only 27 percent of producers saying now is a good time to make large farm investments.

Producers also weighed in on the farm bill debates taking place in Congress. When asked whether the current 2014 version of the U.S. farm bill provided producers with a financial safety net, only 25 percent of respondents said it was effective. More specifically, when asked about the current ARC-County (Agricultural Risk Coverage) and PLC (Price Loss Coverage) income support programs included in the 2014 farm bill, only one-quarter of the respondents said these programs were effective in providing a financial safety net, and nearly one-third said they were not effective.

When asked about crop insurance, an integral part of current farm bill discussions, nearly two-thirds of producers considered the crop insurance program to be effective in providing a financial safety net.

Lastly, the May survey asked what actions, if any, a producer would take if changes to the crop insurance subsidy caused insurance premiums to increase by 50 percent. More than half of producers said they would change either the insurance product they purchase or their coverage level, and just over a quarter of respondents said they would not purchase crop insurance next year if their cost increased by half.
Connecting rural communities to high-speed internet

Sacramento, California - The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear about issues related to connecting rural communities to high-speed internet at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street  Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814. The board will also hear from the state director of the California Farm Service Agency who will provide a report on current activities.

The digital divide exists for rural communities in California, said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. The more we can bring visibility to the issue and address the challenges to implementation, the sooner we can bring the opportunities of Silicon Valley to the Central Valley.

Invited speakers include: Aubrey Bettencourt, USDA Farm Service Agency; Robert Tse, USDA Rural Development; Greg Norton, Rural County Representatives of California; Commissioner Martha Guzman Aceves, California Public Utilities Commission; Sam Bloch, the New Food Economy; Kaleigh Rogers, Motherboard (Vice Magazine); Sunne Wright McPeak, California Emerging Technology Fund; and Robert Gore, The Gualco Group.

In February 2018, the Federal Communication Commission released the 2018 Broadband Deployment Report that indicated that over 24 million Americans lacked access to fixed high-speed internet. In California, it is estimated that more than 1.4 million individuals lack access to wired broadband internet at any speed.

As a farmer in the Central Valley, Im well accustomed to the challenges of internet access, said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. High-speed connectivity is critical foundation for economic development and education within our rural communities.

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and the CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The state board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials, agricultural representatives and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture.

All meetings are open to the public and attendance is welcome.
Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Brazilian Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes Ferreira

Washington, DC - Secretary Pompeo met with Brazilian Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes Ferreira. The Secretary remarked on the importance of our strong bilateral relationship and expressed appreciation for Brazils support in advancing mutual priorities in the region and globally.

The Secretary reaffirmed the importance of the recent launch of the U.S.-Brazil Permanent Forum on Security, our ongoing joint bilateral law enforcement initiative to address transnational crime. During the meeting, they discussed how best to address the deteriorating situation in Venezuela, especially the lack of credibility and legitimacy of the elections on May 20.
Suicide Bombing on Ulema Council Meeting

Washington, DC - The United States condemns the suicide attack on religious leaders and scholars in Kabul who gathered in the name of peace. Prior to the bombing, Afghanistans ulema issued a fatwa that rejected any justification for jihad against the Government of Afghanistan, denied the legitimacy of suicide attacks under Islamic law, and called on all parties to halt fighting. Todays attack targeting civilians and those religious leaders working towards peace in Afghanistan exposes the terrorists inhumanity and contradicts the Islamic principles and legitimacy they claim to defend.

The United States stands by the Afghan government, Afghan security forces, and supports the Afghan ulema in their efforts to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan. We remain committed to supporting the Afghan peoples efforts to achieve peace, security, and democracy for their country.
Sweden National Day

Washington, DC - Secretary of State Mike Pompeo: "On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer congratulations and happiness as you celebrate the 209th anniversary of your constitution on June 6th.

"The Swedish-U.S. relationship dates back centuries, to 1638 when the first Swedish immigrants arrived at Nya Sverige on the Delaware River. We are proud to have 200 years of unbroken diplomatic relations. Our special friendship is strengthened by the daily contributions of Americans of Swedish heritage to so many areas of American life: technology, culture, sports, science, and more. Your constitution reflects many of our bedrock, shared values of democracy and freedom.

"Together, we work as partners to defeat ISIS, to bolster economic and human rights-based development in the world, and to prosper from joint trade and investment. As a valued NATO Enhanced Opportunities Partner, you are a leader on the global stage, and Swedens commitment to addressing world development challenges makes you one of our strongest bilateral partners. In the Arctic, your contributions to research and development have strengthened global knowledge of the region.

"As you mark this special day with friends and family, the United States wishes you peace and prosperity in the coming year."
From Alexander Graham Bell to Tesla's Elon Musk, foreign-born entrepreneurs have historically been a key driver of American innovation--and their presence has grown steadily in recent decades.

According to the Entrepreneurship Rate indicator of the Inc. Entrepreneurship Index, Inc.'s proprietary benchmarked score representing the health of American startups, the percentage of entrepreneurs who are immigrants is currently close to a 20-year high. Today, they are a large reason the Inc. Entrepreneurship Index has remained relatively stable at 87 out of 100 in the first quarter of 2018, down almost imperceptibly from 88 out of 100 in the quarter prior. It's no coincidence then that the heart of America's startup scene--Silicon Valley--is San Jose. With the highest percentage of immigrant entrepreneurs in the U.S., it leads Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York.

The most prolific startup markets in the country are flush with foreign-born founders

Percentage of immigrant entrepreneurs among U.S. metro areas

While the overall 20- to 35-year-old U.S. population lacks the desire their parents had to start a business for themselves, immigrant entrepreneurs of all ages are taking advantage of healthy access to capital and forging on through remarkably tight labor conditions. (Currently, the unemployment rate is just 3.9 percent, the lowest since 2000.) Data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs shows that the percentage of immigrant-owned businesses with employees has gone up from 14.3 percent in 2007 to 16.1 percent in 2015--the most recent year for which data is available.

That's a big surge of economic activity, and it's not limited to small firms. Immigrants start and run businesses of every type and scale, from small shops in Main Street to high-growth tech companies and major corporations. Forty-three percent of Fortune 500 companies--the 500 private and public American companies with the highest annual revenue--were started by immigrants and their children. Moreover, the National Foundation for American Policy reports that over half of billion-dollar tech unicorn companies have an immigrant co-founder.

Foreign-born entrepreneurs aren't just difference makers in the American economy. The Global Startup Ecosystem Report launched by Startup Genome, where I lead research, found that about 20 percent of the world's tech founders are immigrants, even though immigrants only make up about 4 percent of the world's population.

"Immigrants have been and will continue to be necessary for top American ecosystems to grow more than local resources alone would allow--and therefore create more jobs and economic activity," says J.F. Gauthier, an immigrant and founder of the analytics and advisory Startup Genome. "Immigrants also bring global relationships, the other key ingredient to the production of billion-dollar startups, and even more jobs."

As you would expect, the NVCA isn't pleased. Policymakers should be working to "make the United States the hands-down best place in the world to start a high-growth company," says to Jeff Farrah, general counsel at the National Venture Capital Association. "Immigration policy is a key component of that, but disturbingly our country is pushing entrepreneurs away rather than welcoming them."

Canada's Gain

America's loss is poised to become Canada's gain, as our neighbors to the north have launched something of an international talent grab--fast tracking skilled worker visas and actively marketing to international hires on American soil. Now-notorious billboards in San Francisco encouraged professionals with H-1B visa problems to "pivot to Canada." With a strong network of universities feeding talent into the workforce, both Vancouver and Toronto-Waterloo are among the top 20 startup ecosystems in the world, according to Startup Genome's 2017 annual report. And now, cities like Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec City are also beefing up their own startup infrastructures.

Top venture capitalist Brad Feld has been one of the more outspoken proponents of an American startup visa and echoes the belief that American backpedaling on the issue has given Canada the chance to become the "next great entrepreneurial tech country." Writing on his experiences as a startup investor and advisor, Feld has noted that companies he works with are looking into opening their first Canadian offices as a work-around for the U.S. visa problem. Similarly, we see high-growth companies in Canada reporting an increase in U.S.-based job applicants, and tech firms citing the expedited Global Skills Strategy, an expedited approval process for international skilled workers, as an important component of their activities in Canada.

The import of this global skills program--and the U.S.'s embattled H-1B visa program--can't be understated. After all, the benefits of welcoming workers from around the world are not always immediate. Immigrants who eventually become entrepreneurs come here to establish themselves, but they may not start businesses right away. Consider After William and Margarate Carnegie, who came to the U.S. from Scotland. They labored at low-paying jobs in America, often trading places as the family breadwinner, and never saw even a measurable fraction of the success their son, famed industrialist Andrew Carnegie, achieved here. While Yevgenia and Mikhail Brin were both accomplished academics and researchers when they emigrated with their family from Russia to escape religious discrimination, there was no indication of the entrepreneurial skill their young son Sergey would exhibit when he grew up to co-found Google.

Similarly, research from Stanford University's Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative, where I have a data science appointment, found that 86 percent of fast-growth Latino immigrant-owned businesses--those with over $1 million in revenue--are owned by millennials who immigrated to the U.S. as children.

A Way Forward

While the federal government has worked to limit immigration to the U.S., some business communities have organized at the local level to make clear to immigrants that they are wanted. Welcoming America, a non-profit that started in Tennessee to celebrate immigrants' contributions to Nashville's economy, is now in 50 cities supporting refugees and immigrants with services like small business training and school inclusion programs for kids. Recently, the Kauffman Foundation reported on Columbus Junction, Iowa--a small town that has been rejuvenated after actively courting waves of immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, as well as refugees from Myanmar.

Whether it's Silicon Valley or small town America, opening the door to global talent brings new skills and makes the hiring pool more competitive. In the history of this country, it's a strategy that has never failed. International talent has fueled the U.S.'s rise as the global hub for technological innovation, and losing this advantage will come at a cost. A U.S. economy without immigrants will be a U.S. economy without the next Google, Tesla, and SpaceX--and without 860,000 additional job-creating businesses. Several years ago, the idea of "stapling a green card to every STEM advanced degree diploma" got some traction. It might be time to consider stapling one to every venture capital term sheet as well.

About the Inc. Entrepreneurship Index

The Inc. Entrepreneurship Index measures American entrepreneurship every quarter with public data as well as data courtesy of Paychex and Biz2Credit. You can read more on the methodology here.

Biz2Credit is a safe and transparent online credit solutions platform for over 150,000 small- and medium-size- business users and more than 100 major banks, credit rating agencies, and SMB service providers. Learn more about Biz2Credit by visiting biz2credit.com.
It looks like maybe Pyongyang is getting a McDonald's.

It was revaled ruing the negotiations between North Korea and the United States about the summit scheduled for next week, that Kim Jong Un wants to build a "Western hamburger franchise" in his country's capital.

The front-runner restaurant? Who else but McDonald's, according to several published reports. It does make sense on a few levels:

Both Kim and his late father are/were fans of McDonald's; the ex-"Dear Leader" reportedly had Big Macs flown in from China on Air Koryo airplanes.

Koryo President Trump's affinity for the Golden Arches is well-known. If Kim wants the idea to be a bit of a nod to Trump, it's the obvious choice.

Finally, McDonald's has long served as a sort of symbol for American or Western influence on cloistered nations. Just check out the 28-year-old footage at the end of this story, of the incredibly long lines outside the first McDonald's in Moscow, on the day it opened.

Certainly, it would become the most exotic of the 36,000 world's McDonald's restaurants. However, there's a big problem from the perspective of Americans who might want to visit it.

Actually there are a whole lot of moral problems--but for now we'll focus on the key legal one: "Do not travel to North Korea due to the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals," the State Department website warns.

In fact, pretty much the only American who's been allowed to travel to North Korea in the last 18 months is U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last month, along with his entourage. For the rest of us--your passport isn't valid for travel there, and if you manage to pull off a trip anyway, you could wind up in federal prison when you get home.

Even before the U.S. prohibited most American travel to North Korea last year, the so-called Hermit Kingdom was one of the State Department's list of Level 4 countries, which are the ones to which Americans are warned not to travel, even if it's not technically illegal.

Also included on the list are countries like Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria and Somalia. And, if you insist on going to them anyway, the State Department gives you some helpful advice, like "draft a will," and "discuss a plan with loved ones regarding ... funeral wishes, etc."

Also, be sure to appoint a family member who "serve as the point of contact with hostage-takers," "establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones," and "leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them."

The point being: It's a lot to go through for a Quarter Pounder with Cheese. So, the ruling class and privileged middle class of Pyongyang will constitute the customers for any future North Korean McDonald's.

I'd just be curious to see how the franchisees fare at Hamburger University.

Here's the video of the first McDonald's opening in the former Soviet Union.
What the hell is going on, people? yells US president Jonathan Lincoln Duncan for the 512th time (on almost every page) as he urgently tries to stop an annihilating cyberattack on America.

The commander-in-chief dreamed up by former US president Bill Clinton and James Patterson, the worlds bestselling author, is fifty years old and rusty, a war hero with rugged good looks and a sharp sense of humour. The hell that is going on for the reader is a perfectly absurd and terrifically boring actioner in which Duncan frantically attempts to thwart a devastating stealth wiper virus.

The nefarious plot to reboot the world has been cooked up by Suliman Cindoruk, the most dangerous and prolific cyberterrorist in the world. Hes Turkish-born but not Muslim and yet nonetheless confusingly leads an organisation known as the Sons of Jihad.

Duncan is facing possible impeachment for allegedly having a telephone conversation with Cindoruk and striking some kind of deal after letting him escape during a special forces attack. Did he? And why? A house select committee wants to know.

All becomes tediously clear soon enough. Duncan is a stoic boy scout. A former governor of North Carolina, he served and was wounded in Iraq. Hes also a widower with a daughter and suffers from immune thrombocytopenia, a debilitating blood disorder. Choosing to carry the burden of the ghastly truth about Cindoruks conspiracy  codenamed Dark Ages  on his own, Duncan decides to sneak out of the White House in a disguise to tackle the threat.

This central concept  I havent opened my own car door for a decade, says Duncan, stepping into the real world  is a potentially interesting one. Having him narrate most of the book from his point of view is also promising. But he doesnt go missing, not really, and what unfolds is fantastically silly  the elderly authors resort to monkey emojis at one point to flag their nowness  and unintentionally comedic.

Far from confronting Cindoruks plot on his own  which the Russians might be behind  Duncan is in fact surrounded by an army of staff and helpers almost the whole time. These include a couple of international hackers, one a cross between a Calvin Klein model and a Eurotrash punk rocker.

He is also being hunted by one of the most preposterous assassins committed to print, the Bosnian half-Muslim Bach, so named for her proclivity for listening to the mighty Johann Sebastian during her wet jobs. Sexy, and allowing just enough bounce in her girls [sic], as she strides around in her knee-high chocolate leather boots, she names her favoured weapon Anna Magdalena ... a thing of beauty, a matte-black semiautomatic rifle capable of firing five rounds in less than two seconds.

Shes also unconvincingly pregnant, through a somewhat callous affair in which she slept with the father no more than three times a week, to maximise his potency.

Anyone expecting anything juicily salacious from the 42nd president will also be disappointed. Duncan simply doesnt have the bandwidth. Or the inclination. The closest he comes to is with the prime minister of Israel at a summit at a Camp David-like ranch: If I had the time Id give you a tour. What  a tour? Its a cabin. Ive seen cabins before. The only person who seems to be getting any is Cindoruk: There is nothing so sexy as a good, destructive overwrite, he concludes.

The whole fatuous and bizarrely written shebang almost seems to have been constructed as the foundation for a long-winded and desperately earnest sermon clearly voiced by Clinton at the end of the book. Its a pity that he couldnt have spent more time making his insider knowledge more compelling. But thats whats happening here, people.

The President Is Missing is published by Century
Benedict Cumberbatch has spoken out about the incident in which he saved a Deliveroo rider from being mugged.

The Doctor Strange star was branded a real-life hero after jumping out of the back of an Uber to scare off four potential muggers from attacking the driver in central London. He was travelling with his wife Sophie Hunter at the time.

Speaking at the Hay Literary Festival, the actor insisted he is no hero, telling The Sun: There are real-life heroes out there and Im not one of them.

The driver of Cumberbatch's Uber, Manual Dias, told how he the brave and selfless' actor fought the attackers off near London's Baker Street - the fictional home of the character Sherlock Holmes he famously portrayed in BBC series Sherlock.

The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch Show all 12 1 /12 The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch The role that catapulted him to global fame: As a modern-day Sherlock Holmes in BBC drama Sherlock BBC The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch Benedict Cumberbatch stars alongside Keira Knightley in Alan Turing biopic The Imitation Game StudioCanal The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch Cumberbatch bore an uncanny resemblance to Wikileaks founder Julian Assange in The Fifth Estate (2013) Frank Connor/DreamWorks The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch As Stephen Hawking in the 2004 BBC television film following the physicist's early years at Cambridge University YouTube/BBC The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch Benedict Cumberbatch dresses ominously as Richard III for The Hollow Crown: War of the Roses sherlock-series.livejournal.com The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch Jonny Lee Miller as the Creature and Cumberbatch as Dr Frankenstein at the National Theatre in 2011 Rex The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch Cumberbatch took on the role of tortured artist Vincent van Gogh in Alan Yentob's 2011 BBC drama-documentary Van Gogh: Painted With Words YouTube/BBC The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch Benedict Cumberbatch as the idealistic Christopher Tietjens in 2012's Parade's End Rex The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch Looking sharp as John Harrison in Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) Zade Rosenthal The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch With Adelaide Clemens in BBC Edwardian period drama Parade's End Nick Briggs/BBC The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch Alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor in Steve McQueen's 12 Years A Slave, which won Best Film at the 2014 Oscars AP The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch The many faces of Benedict Cumberbatch As confectionery millionaire and rapist Paul Marshall in Atonement (2007); Sherlock creator Steven Moffat said he wanted Cumberbatch for the detective series after watching the film YouTube/Universal Pictures

Witnesses say the 41-year-old began by shouting leave him alone before getting involved, dragging the four potential muggers off the victim.

Cumberbatchs actions are said to have stopped serious injuries to the cyclist, who had been hit over the head with a wine bottle.

He continued: They tried to hit him but he defended himself and pushed them away. He wasnt injured. Then I think they also recognised it was Benedict and ran away.

He asked the rider how he was and when he said, Im OK Benedict just hugged him.

The police have since confirmed they were called to the scene at Marylebone High Street, just half a mile from Baker Street, in November.

Cumberbatch can currently be seen in Sky Atlantic TV series Patrick Melrose.
Hurricanes and typhoons are slowing down due to rising global temperatures, meaning storms have more time to wreak havoc in the areas they strike.

Over the past 70 years  a period in which the planet warmed by 0.5C  the speed at which these enormous weather systems moved across the planet declined by around 10 per cent on average, according to new research.

This effect was particularly pronounced in the northern hemisphere, and is caused by the weakening of winds that drive their movement across the planet.

The stalling of these storms  known collectively as tropical cyclones  was on shocking display during Hurricane Harvey.

Dubbed the hurricane that refused to leave, the enormous storm which devastated Texas towards the end of 2017 dumped 50 inches (127cm) of rain on Houston over just five days.

Not only were 89 people killed by the cyclone, the ensuing flooding displaced 30,000 people and damaged or destroyed over 200,000 homes and businesses.

According to Dr James Kossin, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration researcher behind the study, as little as a 10 per cent slowdown in tropical cyclones could double future rainfall and flooding impacts.

These results were published in the journal Nature.

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Show all 19 1 /19 The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A tattered U.S. flag damaged in Hurricane Harvey, flies in Conroe, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Lisa Rehr holds her four-year old son Maximus, after they lost their home to Hurricane Harvey, as they await to be evacuated with their belongings from Rockport, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People line up for food as others rest at the George R. Brown Convention Center AP Photo/LM Otero The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Volunteers with The American Red Cross register evacuees at the George R. Brown Convention Center Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Soldiers with the Texas Army National Guard help the residents of Cyprus Creek Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents wade through floodwater Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents walk along the flooded roadway of Texas 249 as they evacuate their adjacent neighborhoods EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A man floats past a truck submerged on a freeway flooded by Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued by airboat as they evacuate from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey James Archiable carries his bike through the flooded intersection at Taylor and Usenet near downtown Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A massive sinkhole opened up on a motorway in Rosenburg, a city 25 miles southwest of Houston, Texas Rosenberg Police The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in an armored police mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey on a boat in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees are airlifted in a US Coast Guard helicopter after flooding due to Hurricane Harvey inundated neighborhoods in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees leave a US Coast Guard helicopter after being rescued from flooding due to Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents look on at a submerged motorway during a break in the rain in Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People photograph the submerged motorway interchange EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Debris lies on the ground after a building was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in Aransas Pass, Texas AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Dominic Dominguez searches for his boat in a boat storage facility that was heavily damaged by Hurricane Harvey near Rockport, Texas EPA

Dr Kossin described his findings, which add to existing evidence that climate change is increasing the likelihood and severity of natural disasters, as being of great importance to society.

Tropical cyclones already rank among the most deadly and most expensive of natural disasters.

Not only do their strong winds cause widespread destruction, the associated rainfall and storm surges add to the chaos by triggering floods and mudslides.

The longer a cyclone lingers over a particular region, the more damage it will inflict in that area.

Recommended Natural disasters increasingly linked to climate change

Tropical cyclones over land have slowed down 20 per cent in the Atlantic, 30 per cent in the northwestern Pacific, and 19 per cent in the Australian region, said Dr Kossin.

These trends are almost certainly increasing local rainfall totals and freshwater flooding, which is associated with very high mortality risk.

Findings presented at the American Geophysical Union meeting in December found that global warming increased Hurricane Harveys rainfall by nearly 20 per cent.

Increasing temperatures boost the capacity of the atmosphere to hold water vapour, which in turn leads to higher rainfall.

Stalling storms resulting from higher temperatures disturbing the Earths atmospheric circulation will likely exacerbate this effect.

The observed 10 per cent global slowdown occurred in a period when the planet warmed by 0.5C, but this does not provide a true measure of climate sensitivity, and more study is needed to determine how much more slowing will occur with continued warming, said Dr Kossin.

Still, its entirely plausible that local rainfall increases could actually be dominated by this slowdown rather than the expected rain-rate increases due to global warming, Kossin remarks.

Until relatively recently, the link between global warming and natural disasters was not clear-cut, but better understanding and data availability has allowed scientists to make a strong case for this link.

According to Richard Black, director of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, an influx of studies from the past two years shows that climate change is affecting heatwaves, droughts and rainfall right now.

In a commentary on Dr Kossins research, Dr Christina Patricola from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory noted that to strengthen the resilience of coastal and island communities to tropical cyclones, it is crucial to quantify and understand variability and change.

Kossins work paves the way towards developing this understanding.
An expedition to bury cryptocurrency on top of Mount Everest has resulted in a sherpa guides death.

Seeking to get in on the burgeoning cryptocurrency marketplace, the social networking company ASKfm organised an expedition in which a team of professional alpinists left a cache of $50,000 (37,314) worth of crypto tokens at one of the highest points in the world.

One Ledger wallet is officially up there for the bravest to grab, the company said in a Medium post trumpeting the successful journey.

But after reports in multiple publications suggested that one of the sherpas aiding the mountaineers died en route, ASKfm released a statement confirming that Sherpa Lam Babu is missing and presumed dead, citing Nepalese authorities and a contractor called Seven Summit Treks that the expedition enlisted.

After the mountaineering team reached the summit of Mt Everest, ASKfm said, the climbers swiftly descended in an effort to outrun worsening weather - leaving behind their three sherpa guides.

Two of the Sherpas made it to camp 4 from the summit lagging behind the mountaineers, however, the news of missing Sherpa was not discovered until the next morning, ASKfm said. The two remaining Sherpas on this leg of the expedition were the last people to see the Sherpa that subsequently went missing.

The five-mile high octogenarian contest: 80-year-old man begins quest to become oldest man to climb Mount Everest... but 81-year-old rival also seeks title Show all 2 1 /2 The five-mile high octogenarian contest: 80-year-old man begins quest to become oldest man to climb Mount Everest... but 81-year-old rival also seeks title The five-mile high octogenarian contest: 80-year-old man begins quest to become oldest man to climb Mount Everest... but 81-year-old rival also seeks title web-octogenarians-ap.jpg AP The five-mile high octogenarian contest: 80-year-old man begins quest to become oldest man to climb Mount Everest... but 81-year-old rival also seeks title everest-epa.jpg EPA

Seven Summit Treks did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In an interview with Finance Magnates magazine, ASKfm CEO Maxim Tsaryk said his company was saddened and horrified by the outcome.

We can argue about if this was a good marketing ploy, but we cant argue about the fact that anyones life being taken is horrible, Mr Tsaryk said, adding that from a PR view, this event progressed in the wrong direction, but more importantly, this is tragic and horrifying.

 Mount Everest base camp hours after avalanche

Drawing a parallel with companies like RedBull and GoPro that sponsor extreme sports, Mr Tsaryk argued that his company was embracing a common publicity model. And he condemned media outlets for took advantage of this unfortunate event to mock us, referencing widespread scepticism about cryptocurrency.

The death of a person is a tragedy and should not be speculated on to gain readership or create news, he said, going on to quote former South African anti-apartheid leader and president Nelson Mandela.
In a notice this week the European Commission has advised continental European businesses to think twice before using parts and components made in Britain.

Its reported that European firms might need to look elsewhere for parts if they wish to continue benefiting from EU free trade agreements with other countries such as South Korea and Mexico.

But why is the commission issuing this advice? How serious are the economic implications for UK companies? And is there any way around it?

Why is this happening?

Its a direct consequence of Brexit.

Leaving the EU automatically means that the UK becomes a third country to the bloc.

When the EU did some 40 free trade deals with the likes of South Korea, Mexico and South Africa the agreements stipulated that any produce or manufactured good which passed between them tariff-free had to have genuinely originated in the two signatory countries or blocs.

This stipulation was necessary to prevent other countries essentially free-riding on the deal. For instance, a firm in a third country could export their goods to one of the two parties to the free trade agreement and then re-export goods to the other party without paying the applicable tariffs.

To prevent this happening the two countries in the deal impose rules of origin checks on imports. For the UK, while its in the EU, this is not a problem. Any UK goods pass through fine. Also, any UK components in EU goods are not a problem at all.

But with the UK out of the EUs customs union the situation is potentially very different. Rules of origin specify that a certain proportion of a good has to have been made in the country or bloc to qualify. The proportion varies with the good in question, but its often around 50 per cent. For cars the requirement is 60 per cent.

If, after Brexit, an EU business has used components sourced in the UK, that could potentially push the proportion of the exported EU good under the threshold, meaning it would fail the rule of origin requirement and be forced to pay the standard tariff.

This is why the commission has issued its warning to EU firms to be wary about using UK manufactured goods if they dont want to have a nasty surprise when they seek to export to third countries with which the EU has a trade deal.

How serious is this for the UK?

Potentially very serious, because the UK is firmly embedded in pan-European corporate supply chains. The UK sends around 44 per cent of its exports to the EU. Among the biggest categories of goods exported are chemicals, pharmaceuticals, aerospace and vehicles.

And research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies found the share of the EUs imports from the UK that were intermediate goods and services (ie components) was 69 per cent in 2014, up from 61 per cent in 2000.

Not all of those imports will be baked into products and re-exported from the EU, but a fair amount will.

Sam Lowe of the Centre for European Reform think tank says that sectors which traditionally find rules of origin burdensome include textiles, food, machinery and vehicles.

To give one high profile example of a UK component of an EU export, the wings of the Airbus are currently manufactured in Broughton, North Wales. They are exported and the plane is assembled in Toulouse and then sold all around the world.

Is there any way around this problem?

The natural way to solve the rules of origin problem would seem to be for the UK to form a new customs union with the EU and to grandfather, or roll over, the EUs existing free trade agreements so that they are applicable to the UK, as well as the EU, after Brexit.

However, both are far more easily said than done. The UK cabinet is split on what sort of long-term customs arrangement it wants to push for with the EU  and both schemes they are considering have already been rejected by the EU.

There is also no guarantee the third countries will simply agree to roll over their trade agreements with the EU for the UK  some may wish to take the opportunity to reopen them.

For instance Mr Lowe of the CER reports that Korea is asking, in return, for Chinese inputs to its own cars to be treated by the UK as though they were Korean.

And even if they did grandfather their trade deals, as Peter Holmes and Michael Gasiorek of the UK Trade Policy Observatory have pointed out, when it comes to solving the rules of origin problem the UK would, for various technical reasons, often require not just the agreement of the third country but also the EU as well.

Given all these hurdles, it would hardly be surprising if EU firms currently using UK components became nervous about these multiple deals not, ultimately, materialising.

What about the transition?

The two-year transition deal due to kick in in March 2019 should, in theory, delay the day of reckoning because it is assumed the EU will ask countries with which it has a free trade deal to treat the UK as if it is effectively still an EU member. But it cannot be taken for granted that those countries will agree to do this, adding another layer of uncertainty for Continental firms.

Faced with this uncertainty EU firms may well start to source inputs from elsewhere because they dont want to risk not getting originating status, says Dr Gasiorek.

This matters most where the tariffs that the EU would face on its exports are high. For some industries where supply contracts may have a long duration, I would expect this to already be an issue.

However, Alan Winters of Sussex University thinks more firms will delay drastic decisions. My sense is that there will be some re-sourcing but a lot of these supply chain are pretty complicated and its quite expensive to do so, so they may wait and see, he says.

Mr Lowe points out that the incentive for the European Union side to solve the Brexit rules of origin problem might be blunted due to the fact that if EU companies do start sourcing more in the rest of the EU thats a potential spur to growth and jobs within the bloc.

Of course, the same post-Brexit rules of origin problems work in the other direction and British firms are likely to feel pressure to replace some EU-sourced components with UK-sourced ones.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers, for instance, has pointed out that only around 40 per cent of the average UK-made car is currently local content, potentially complicating any future trade deals the post-Brexit UK might seek to strike.
The UK recorded the biggest economic loss from terrorism among all the countries in the EU between 2004 and 2016, according to new data, with attacks costing the country an estimated 43.7bn (38.3bn) in GDP growth during that period.

The study, carried out by research institute RAND Europe, looked at the effect terrorism had on GDP growth across the EU, and used econometric modelling to estimate the potential impact attacks had on the economy.

Researchers found that while consumer purchasing habits remained similar in the aftermath of an attack, investments tended to go down, partly because people place less value in saving for the future and adopt a more live for the moment attitude.

Companies economic behaviour can also change following terror attacks, and lower investment and spending by business eats into economic output.

Recommended Memorial held for anniversary of London Bridge attack

The data showed that the five terror attacks that took place in the UK in 2017  at Westminster, Manchester, London Bridge, Finsbury Park and Parsons Green  potentially led to a loss in economic output of 3.5bn.

The research also revealed France suffered the second biggest loss over the 12 year period, at 43bn, followed by Spain, which lost 40.8bn. The cost for the EU overall between 2004 and 2016 is estimated at 180bn.

RAND also said that the extensive coverage of terrorist attacks through multiple traditional media and social media channels has substantially increased the amount of people and companies that could be psychologically affected, which has had an impact on economic behaviour.

Marco Hafner, a senior economist at RAND Europe who led the analysis, said: A clear message from the report is that terrorist attacks can lead to a range of psychological effects that mean people and companies change their economic behaviours. For instance, some people may value their future less and live in the moment more.

These effects can impact how people consume and save, potentially leading to an increase in consumption and decrease in savings and investment rates by companies. The end result is economic losses across Europe.

He added: Besides the obvious physical devastation and emotional trauma, there is a negative impact on economic growth in the countries where these terrorist attacks take place. When you bear in mind the infrequent nature of terror events in Europe, the GDP losses that occur to national economies are notable.
A free school costing 9m is to close just four years after opening due to concerns over safeguarding.

The Discovery School in Newcastle  which left a pupil behind on a trip to London earlier this year  has also admitted problems with poor teaching and leadership.

The specialist science and technology free school will close at the end of the academic year after the Department for Education (DfE) pulled its funding.

The school, which opened in 2014, has the capacity for 700 students but has fewer than 200 pupils on its roll.

In March, the school made the news when a student was left alone in London after a trip as the rest of the group headed back to Newcastle on the train.

Headteacher Gareth Rowe said at the time there was no excuse.

The pupil, believed to be 14, immediately alerted station staff at King's Cross and was put on the next service north, accompanied by train staff in first class, and was met by a teacher in York.

Following the error, the school approached Newcastle City Council  and the council contacted the Regional Schools Commissioner and Ofsted.

A snap inspection was carried out and the result was expected to be a rating of inadequate.

A spokesman for the school said: We regret this is the outcome but it is clear the school is simply not working for students, parents and staff.

Our first duty is to the pupils who are entitled to be safe, well and to get the best education they can.

We realise this will be upsetting for pupils and parents  and for staff who will be made redundant  however we cannot allow the situation to continue and believe that in the long term this will be for the best.

It is very early days and in the next few weeks there will be a lot of activity to ensure that the process of closure, and finding new schools for pupils, is as straightforward as possible. We will offer full support to those families affected.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 13 October 2021 Police officers detain a man as Insulate Britain activists block a roundabout at a junction on the M25 motorway during a protest in Thurrock Reuters UK news in pictures 12 October 2021 The aerial climate installation by Swiss artivist Dan Acher 'We Are Watching' is unveiled at Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2021 A young girl is helped by a Border Force officer as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, following a small boat incident in the Channel. PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2021 People walk past a life-size sculpture of British singer John Lennon entitled "Imagine", by sculptor Lawrence Holofcener, displayed to mark what would have been the 81st birthday for the former member of the Beatles in Carnaby Street Reuters UK news in pictures 8 October 2021 WW II veteran, 96-year-old Lorna Cockayne, who served in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS), popularly and officially known as the Wrens, as a Bletchley Park codebreaker, poses for a photograph with the Legion d'honneur after receiving it during a ceremony at the Pear at Parley in Ferndown, Bournemouth PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2021 British comedian Jo Brand poses with cut-out silhouettes representing women outside the Metropolitan Police headquarters New Scotland Yard, to highlight violence against women by male police officers or former police officers AFP via Getty 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

Nick Forbes, the Labour leader of Newcastle City Council, said the closure was a damning indictment of the government's high-risk experiment in our education system.

He said: Councils are faced with a ludicrous system where all new schools must be academies or free schools, without any local accountability.

This is the only way government will provide funding for the new schools our growing population needs.

We still don't fully know what went wrong at the school, and it is vital parents and councillors are informed so we can prevent a repeat of this in other government-backed schools.

Earlier this year, a report called on the government to review its flagship free schools policy after research suggested it has failed to fulfil its original purpose of providing parent-led schools.

Free schools also take a disproportionately low number of disadvantaged pupils from their catchment areas, the damning study by charity Sutton Trust found.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: As Discovery School has said, the first duty of a school is to give the pupils the best education they can  we dont think this is happening which is letting down pupils, parents and teachers.

"We have therefore decided to close the school as we do not believe the Academy is able to make the improvements needed to ensure pupils receive the education they deserve.

"The Regional Schools Commissioners office is now working with the trust, Newcastle City Council and other local authorities to make sure pupils find suitable alternatives to continue their studies with as little disruption as possible.

With additional reporting by PA
Italys incoming right-wing populist prime minister has used his maiden speech to call for the lifting of sanctions against Russia, opening a rift with the countrys EU allies on the issue.

Giuseppe Conte, who leads a coalition of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement and far-right League, said his government would promote a review of the sanctions system in meetings with other EU leaders.

In his first speech to the Italian senate, Mr Conte outlined his administrations priorities, including a crackdown on irregular migrants and an end to austerity economic policies.

Mr Contes government won its first vote of confidence in the senate and is expected to also be approved by the lower house of parliament, the chamber of deputies. Under Italys unusual political system, the confidence of houses is required to form a government.

A lawyer with practically no political experience, Mr Conte was the PM choice of League leader Matteo Salvini and Five Star leader Luigi di Maio. The two politicians will now serve as his deputy prime ministers.

We will be the advocates of an opening towards Russia, Mr Conte told senators.

A Russia which has consolidated its international role in recent years in various geopolitical crises.

We will promote a revising of sanctions, starting with those that demean Russias civil society. Giuseppe Conte, Italian prime minister

We will promote a revising of sanctions, starting with those that demean Russias civil society.

Mr Contes intervention on Russia comes as Vladimir Putin visits neighbouring Austria, where a right-wing coalition government also favours closer ties to Moscow.

We need to build cooperation with the EU. We do not aim to divide the EU. Mr Putin told Austrian broadcaster ORF during this visit.

Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros this week accused Italys junior coalition partner, the League, of potentially being Kremlin-funded, arguing that Italian public opinion has the right to know.

Vladimir Putins Russia has been hit by sanctions (AP)

Mr Salvini, who has repeatedly visited Moscow, angrily denied the suggestions stating that he had never received a lira, a euro or a rouble from Russia. He said that he was an admirer of the Russia president, and believed Mr Putin was one of the best statesmen.

The EU decided to impose sanctions on Russia in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and deliberate destabilisation of a neighbouring sovereign country, namely Ukraine.

The sanctions include diplomatic measures, such as holding summits without Russia, asset freezes and visa bans on 149 individuals and 38 entities, and an economic blockade on Crimea and Sevastopol.

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

Italys populist government is the latest in a series of right-wing regimes to spring up across Europe. In Hungary, Viktor Orban has cracked down on civil society, while in Poland the Law and Justice party has moved forwards with controversial constitutional reforms that critics say would give the government political influence over judges and courts.

In other countries, right-wingers have also made strides, with the Front Nationals Marine Le Pen coming second in the French presidential election, and a far-right anti-Islam party, the AfD, gaining representation in the Bundestag for the first time in decades. In the US, Donald Trump has been accused by liberal critics of collusion with Russia.
Its 1929 and two Republican politicians, Reed Smoot of Utah and Willis Hawley of Oregon, are co-sponsoring legislation to keep foreign goods out of the United States. This act of protectionism, the pair promise, will boost domestic employment and protect the living standards of the ordinary American working man.

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff is met with a thunderous wave of condemnation from the economics profession. More than a thousand academics and practitioners petition President Herbert Hoover to veto the legislation.

But to no avail. Hoover, who campaigned on a protectionist ticket, signs the bill into law and import levies on some 20,000 items are jacked up to an average of 40 per cent. Americas great industrial tariff wall goes up  and it will not properly fall again until after the smoke and chaos of the Second World War clears some 15 years later.

Recommended UK CEOs warn protectionism is biggest threat to business growth

Who says history doesnt repeat itself? Skip forward 88 years and Donald Trump is being sworn in as US president in front of the same Congress building that witnessed the passage of Smoot-Hawley. Protection will bring great prosperity, the real estate tycoon and reality TV star declares before the relatively meagre crowd on the National Mall.

Economist jaws, once again, fall in horror. A poll earlier this year shows that virtually everyone in the profession believes tariffs will be damaging rather than beneficial for the US economy. Its a conviction that spans the political spectrum. Economists who virulently disagree over deficits, tax cuts and regulation find themselves united on this single point about the merits of free trade. But, once again, the academic consensus does no good. The massed ranks of pointy-heads are disregarded. Trumps bite is matching his bark.

First he went after China, hitting imports of robots and high-speed trains. Then, last week, he crossed a fateful threshold. The Trump administration imposed 25 per cent levies on steel from Europe, Canada and Mexico. And, in what felt like a grave insult to these historic US allies, this was justified on national security grounds.

Dignitaries at the Royal Victoria Dock in London welcome the first shipment of Caribbean sugar made under the Marshall Plan of US aid for Europe (Getty)

Nor is this the end. Next in Trumps sights are imports of foreign cars. And after that  who knows? Meanwhile, Europe and Canada, knowing that a man like Trump will mistake patience for weakness, are already hitting back with countervailing tariffs against American goods, from blue jeans to bourbon. Beijing seems to be halting its massive purchases of American soybeans, striking at the agricultural heartland of Trump support. And so the 1930s cycle of retaliation, economic pain, popular anger and evaporating trust seems to emerge from the darkness, like the ghost of trade wars past.

The US will cut an isolated, even reviled, presence at the G7 meeting of the leaders of top economies in Quebec this weekend. Some even question whether the multilateral framework governing global trade can survive a lurch into naked protectionism from the worlds largest economy and the post-war driving force behind liberalisation and openness.

Comparatively speaking

Ever since a British thinker and politician called David Ricardo outlined a revolutionary idea of comparative advantage in 1817, using an example of Portuguese wine and English cloth, economists have been convinced of the theoretical merits of free trade.

Ricardo argued that productive efficiency in every nation is maximised when people focus on producing what they are best at producing and exchange the results. The intellectual revolution lay in the word comparative. Ricardo demonstrated that any given country could drive up its prosperity, not necessarily by being a world beater in any particular category of export, but simply by focusing on its resources on what it could produce most efficiently (whether because of the natural fertility of its land, or its abundant supplies of cheap labour or its technological resources).

The theoretical implication was that every nation could benefit from trade. Ricardo thus demolished the credibility of rival theories of autarky, the idea that a nation should consume only what it can itself produce, and mercantilism, the theory that one nations export represents another nations economic loss.

Economist and MP David Ricardo's ideas convinced economists of the theoretical merits of free trade (Getty)

Biggest business scandals in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Biggest business scandals in pictures Biggest business scandals in pictures Volkswagen emissions scandal VW admitted to rigging its US emission tests so that diesel-powered cars would looks like they were emitting less nitrous oxide, which can damage the ozone layer and contribute to respiratory diseases. Around 11 million cars worldwide were affected. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Martin Shkreli and Turing Pharmaceuticals Martin Shkreli became known as the most hated man in the world after his drug company, Turing, increased the price of a 62-year-old drug that treated HIV patients by 5,000% to $750 a pill. He was charged with illegally taking stock from Retrophin, a biotechnology firm he started in 2011, and using it pay off debts from unrelated business dealings. Shkreli, who maintains he is innocent, and says there is little evidence of fraud because his investors didn't lose money. Biggest business scandals in pictures Panama Papers: Millions of leaked documents expose how worlds rich and powerful hid money - April 2016 Millions of confidential documents have been leaked from one of the worlds most secretive law firms, exposing how the rich and powerful have hidden their money. Dictators and other heads of state have been accused of laundering money, avoiding sanctions and evading tax, according to the unprecedented cache of papers that show the inner workings of the law firm Mossack Fonseca, which is based in Panama. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Google's tax avoidance Google reached a deal with the HM Revenue and Customs to pay back 130 million in so-called back-taxes that have been due since 2005. George Osborne championed the deal as a major success. But European MEPs have since called for the Chancellor to appear in front of the committee on tax rulings to explain the tax deal. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Rogue trader A French court cut the damages owed by rogue trader Jerome Kerviel from 4.9bn (4.2bn) to just 1m (860,000). The court ruled on that Kerviel was partly responsible for massive losses suffered in 2008 by his former employer Societe Generale through his reckless trades. Kerviel has consistently maintained that bosses at the French bank knew what he was doing all along. AP Biggest business scandals in pictures Barclays CEO under investigation for trying to identify whistleblower - Monday Paril 10 Authorities have launched an investigation into Barclays chief executive officer Jes Staley for trying to identify a whistleblower, the bank said on Monday. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) are both investigating Mr Staley after the bank notified them that Mr Staley had tried to identify the author of two anonymous letters, which were sent to the board and a senior executive in June 2016. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures UK to crack down on bank money laundering after reports of 65bn Russian scam, City minister says - March 2017 The Economic Secretary to the Treasury has vowed that the Government will crack down on money laundering practices, after several of the UK's biggest banks were accused of processing money from a Russian scam, believed to involve up to $80bn (65bn). Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Former HBOS bankers convicted of bribery and fraud over 245m loan scam - February 2017 Two former HBOS bankers were among six people found guilty of bribery and fraud that cost customers and shareholders hundreds of millions of pounds, the BBC reports. Lynden Scourfield, 54, a manager at HBOS, forced struggling clients to use the services of his friends David Mills, 60, and Michael Bancroft, 73. In return, the two businessmen arranged sex parties, cash and lavish gifts. On Monday, the three were convicted at Southwark Crown Court on accounts including bribery, fraud and money laundering. Mark Dobson, another manager at HBOS, Alison Mills, and John Cartwright were also convicted. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Lloyds chief apologises for damage caused by affair allegations - August 2016 Antonio Horta-Osorio, the chief executive of Lloyds Bank, has broken his silence over allegations about his private life admitting he regrets any "damage done to the group's reputation". In a message sent to the bank's 75,000 employees, the banker said that anyone can make mistakes while insisting that staff had to maintain the highest professional standards. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Christine Lagarde faces court over 340m Bernard Tapie payment - July 2016 The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde, must stand trial in France over a payment of 403 million (now 340m, then 290m) to tycoon Bernard Tapie, a France's highest appeals court has ruled. The court rejected Ms Lagarde's appeal against a judge's order in December for her to stand trial over allegations of negligence in her handling of the affair. Ms Lagarde could risk a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of 15,000 euros if convicted. Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures HSBC senior manager arrested in FX rigging investigation at JFK airport in New York - July 2016 A senior executive at HSBC has been arrested at New York's JFK airport for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to rig currency benchmarks, according to reports. Mark Johnson, global head of foreign exchange cash trading in London, was reportedly arrested on Tuesday. He will appear before a federal court in Brooklyn on Wednesday charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Bloomberg said. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Former PwC employees found guilty in 'Luxleaks' tax scandal - June 2016 Two ex- PricewaterhouseCoopers staffers were found guilty in Luxembourg of stealing confidential tax files that helped unleash a global scandal over generous fiscal deals for hundreds of international companies. Antoine Deltour and Raphael Halet face suspended sentences of 12 months and 9 months and were ordered to pay fines of 1,500 (1,230) and 1,000 (822) for their role in the so-called LuxLeaks scandal. Despite the minimal sentences, the ruling was described by Deltours lawyer as shocking and a terrible anomaly. The ruling puts on guard future whistle-blowers, Deltour told reporters.The LuxLeaks revelations sped beyond Luxembourg, causing European Union regulators to expand a tax-subsidy probe and propose new laws to fight corporate tax dodging, while EU lawmakers created a special committee to probe fiscal deals across the 28-nation bloc. Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Goldman Sachs dealmakers lavished Libyan officials with prostitutes to win contract - June 2016 A former Goldman Sachs dealmaker trying to persuade Gadaffi-era Libya to invest $1 billion with the investment bank procured prostitutes and invited Libyan officials to lavish parties in the hope of winning the business, the High Court heard on Monday June 13.The Libyan Investment Authority sovereign wealth fund is suing Goldman Sachs for inappropriately coercing its naive staff into giving its sovereign wealth fund cash to the bank to invest in products they did not understand. The products were designed to generate big profits for Goldman, the LIA claims.Goldman denies wrongdoing and says the LIA was treated as an arms-length customer Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Former boss of BHS said his life was threatened - June 2016 Darren Topp, the former boss of BHS, has said former owner Dominic Chappell threatened to kill him when he challenged him over a 1.5 million transfer out of the business. MPs on the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee asked Mr Topp about a 1.5 million transfer Mr Chappell made from BHS to a company called BHS Sweden. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley admits paying workers below the minimum wage - June 2016 Mike Ashley admitted paying Sports Direct employees below the minimum wage at a hearing in front of MPs. The company founder said that workers were paid less than the statutory minimum because of bottlenecks at security in an admission that could result in sanctions from HMRC. Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Mitsubishi admits improper fuel tests - April 2016 Mitsubishi has admitted to using false fuel methods dating back to 1991. The scale of the scandal is only just coming to light after it was revealed in April that data was falsified in the testing of four types of cars, including two Nissan cars. AP Biggest business scandals in pictures Quindell, the scandal-ridden insurance firm Quindell was once a darling of AIM but its share price fell in April 2014 when its accounting practices were attacked in a stinging research note by US short seller Gotham City. In August the group was forced to disclose that the 107 million pre-tax profit it had reported for 2013 was incorrect, and it had in fact suffered a 64million loss. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Toshiba Accounting Scandal The boss of Toshiba, the Japanese technology giant, resigned in disgrace in the wake of one of the countrys biggest ever accounting scandals. His exit came two months after the company revealed that it was investigating accounting irregularities. An independent investigatory panel said that Toshibas management had inflated its reported profits by up to 152 billion yen (780m) between 2008 and 2014. Biggest business scandals in pictures FIFA Corruption Scandal Fifa, football's world governing body, has been engulfed by claims of widespread corruption since the summer of 2015, when the US Department of Justice indicted several top executives. It has now claimed the careers of two of the most powerful men in football, Fifa President Sepp Blatter and Uefa President Michel Platini, after they were banned for eight years from all football-related activities by Fifa's ethics committee. A Swiss criminal investigation into the pair is ongoing. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Libor fraudster City trader Tom Hayes, 35, has become the first person to be convicted of rigging Libor rates following a trial at London's Southwark Crown Court. Hayes worked as a trader in yen derivatives at UBS before joining the American bank Citigroup in Tokyo. He was fired from Citigroup following an investigation into his trading methods. He returned to the UK in December 2012 and was arrested following a two-and-a-half year criminal investigation by the SFO. Getty

Economic historians have tended to present a united front on free trades merits in practice too. They disagree over how much economic damage Smoot-Hawley actually did on top of the monetary and fiscal policymaking blunders of the Great Depression of the early 1930s, but virtually none argue that protectionism and tariffs made things any better.

And, for the period since the Second World War, views are even more categorical. Its widely agreed that the US Marshall Plan, which lent generously to the bombed-out economies of Europe and dismantled trade barriers, helped to lay the foundation for Germanys Wirtschaftswunder (economic miracle) and Frances Trente Glorieuses (30 glorious years). Chinas assimilation into the global economy after the death of Mao Zedong in the late 1970s, and its emergence as a global export powerhouse, has helped to yank hundreds of millions of Chinese out of destitution.

The world trading system has been fundamental to the post-war success of the world economy which has seen large increases in incomes and, for the first time in history, an absolute fall in world poverty, states L Alan Winters of Sussex University, neatly encapsulating the contemporary consensus of the profession.

Leaning by doing

Yet there are wrinkles in this story of all-conquering trade liberalisation as a driver of prosperity. Not everything fits neatly into the parable of comparative advantage. During their rapid industrialisation phases of the second half of the 19th century, countries such as Germany and the United States erected lofty tariff walls to protect their domestic manufacturers from intense competition from the industrial superpower of the day, Great Britain.

The Cambridge economist Ha-Joon Chang notes that most of todays rich countries actually practised significant degrees of protectionism for substantial periods during the 19th and 20th centuries. Free trade advocates can say things might have been even better for these states, but there is little reason to conclude that protectionism held back Bismarcks Germany or Ulysses Grants United States, at least to any significant extent.

And there are examples from the post-war era too. South Koreas industrial takeoff in the 1960s happened behind high tariff walls. Japan protected its nascent domestic car industry from foreign competition for 40 years after the Second World War. It was a similar story in Taiwan. Again, there is little evidence that protectionism did major damage to these states; their growth rates were some of the highest in human history.

Indeed, a combination of trade barriers and industrial subsidies actually seemed to help these Asian nations reach their economic potential. Protecting industries like steel manufacturing and shipbuilding, this argument goes, builds industrial capacity, which can then be the basis for other higher-value added technological development. Protectionism enables learning by doing for domestic managers and the bureaucrats who set policy  opportunities that would not be available in a world of totally open trade.

As Ha-Joon Chang points out, South Koreas apparent comparative advantage back in in the 1950s was in fishing and low-grade wig-making, not shipbuilding or consumer electronics. If South Korea had merely stuck to what it was good at 60 years ago and waited, would we today have Samsung? Would we have Toyota? Or Taiwans Acer?

Many are sceptical of any general applicability of such lessons for poor countries. And there are plenty of countervailing examples of developing states where protectionism has resulted in waste and corruption. Yet there is a powerful weight of historical evidence that a degree of protectionism can, under certain conditions and alongside certain other policies such as export promotion, play a positive role in development.

Breaking bargains

That is not the only wrinkle. We are not merely economic animals. The Harvard economist Dani Rodrik argues that its important to think about social fairness when it comes to trade, not just pure Ricardian efficiency effects.

Overproduction of steel in China, dumped in world markets at prices below the true cost of production for the past decade, might have meant cheaper inputs for Western manufacturing firms and thus more productive industry, extra aggregate jobs and higher incomes in rich countries. But when it undermines intangible but crucial social bargains between a Western government and its domestic steel workers, who risk losing their jobs because of cheap steel dumping, people quite reasonably feel aggrieved.

Similarly, if corporate offshoring occurs not because production is more efficient overseas but because companies take advantage of laxer health and safety regulations, that too can represent a breach of the broader publics sense of fairness.

It was this sense of a broken social contract that Trumps American carnage inaugural address touched on when he raged that one by one, the factories shuttered and left our shores, with not even a thought about the millions upon millions of American workers left behind.

The wrong lessons

So are these wrinkles enough to salvage some respectability for Trumps protectionist crusade? Alas, no. America is on the technological frontier. Those learning by doing development effects are hardly relevant for the most productive economy in the world.

The social bargain argument does make a strong case for facing up to and tackling Chinese overproduction and other forms of industrial dumping  more than many economists and politicians accept. And this blind spot among the policymaking establishment is probably one of the reasons why populists like Trump have won an audience.

A shipyard in Nantong in China's eastern Jiangsu province. China is hitting back after punitive trade measures imposed by Donald Trump (AFP/Getty)

Yet the fact remains that tackling this evil can only be done sustainably through multilateral organisations like the World Trade Organisation. A free for all threatens the whole system, at huge potential economic cost.

Moreover, Trumps anger over trade extends far beyond unfair dumping. He and his advisers want to keep out imports in general, under the primitive mercantilist believe that the raw size of the USs goods trade deficit represents a measure of the extent to which America is being taken advantage of by swindling foreigners. Ricardo must be turning in his grave.

Back in 1929, the industrialist Henry Ford was one of those who pleaded with President Hoover not to impose Smoot-Hawley. But, when it comes to trade, the current White House incumbent seems to have absorbed a separate and simpler view expressed by Ford many years earlier: History is bunk.
A man wanted in connection with the stabbing of a baby in west London has been arrested, the Metropolitan Police has said.

Rehan Khan, 25, handed himself in late on Wednesday morning and is now in custody.

An 11-month-old boy suffered life-threatening injuries in an attack in Hanworth on Monday, and is now in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

A 32-year-old woman was also injured in the stabbing attack on the Oriel estate, which police are treating as attempted murder, but her wounds were not life-threatening.

Police cordoned off the house in Swinfield Close where it took place some time after 7pm on Monday.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 14 October 2021 A red deer stag during rutting season in Bushy Park, Richmond, south west London, which is home to over 300 red and fallow deer PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2021 Police officers detain a man as Insulate Britain activists block a roundabout at a junction on the M25 motorway during a protest in Thurrock Reuters UK news in pictures 12 October 2021 The aerial climate installation by Swiss artivist Dan Acher 'We Are Watching' is unveiled at Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2021 A young girl is helped by a Border Force officer as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, following a small boat incident in the Channel. PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2021 People walk past a life-size sculpture of British singer John Lennon entitled "Imagine", by sculptor Lawrence Holofcener, displayed to mark what would have been the 81st birthday for the former member of the Beatles in Carnaby Street Reuters UK news in pictures 8 October 2021 WW II veteran, 96-year-old Lorna Cockayne, who served in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS), popularly and officially known as the Wrens, as a Bletchley Park codebreaker, poses for a photograph with the Legion d'honneur after receiving it during a ceremony at the Pear at Parley in Ferndown, Bournemouth PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2021 British comedian Jo Brand poses with cut-out silhouettes representing women outside the Metropolitan Police headquarters New Scotland Yard, to highlight violence against women by male police officers or former police officers AFP via Getty 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

Paramedics and the air ambulance were also called.

Police officers flooded the area and dog handlers were sent in.

Detectives from the Met's West Area Safeguarding Team are investigating and their enquiries are ongoing, the force said.
A 14 year-old boy has been charged with murder after a man was stabbed to death in west London.

The teenager, who cannot be named because of his age, was arrested five days after last week's attack on 41-year-old Mark Fontaine in Chelsea.

Mr Fontaine, from Walthamstow, east London, collapsed in Cathcart Road at around 10.20pm and was pronounced dead at the scene 40 minutes later.

A postmortem confirmed he died of multiple stab wounds.

The 14 year-old suspect appeared at Highbury Magistrates court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Thursday.

Another boy, aged 17, was arrested on suspicion of murder on 4 June and remains in police custody.

After the incident, London's mayor said in a statement he was "deeply saddened" and added: "My thoughts are with his friends and family."

The killing is believed to be the 43rd fatal stabbing in London this year and one of around 70 murder investigations launched by London's Metropolitan Police this year.

Figures released by the force this month showed that in the year to March there has been a 23 percent increase in gun crime and a 21 percent rise in knife crime.

The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Show all 21 1 /21 The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Oluwadamilolda Odeyingbo Oluwadamilolda Odeyingbo, 18, was killed in a fight in Chislehurst on 10 January 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Hasan Ozcan Hasan Ozcan, 19, was stabbed to death on the Gascoigne Estate in Barking on 3 February 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Sabri Chibani Sabri Chibani, 19, was stabbed fatally in the chest in Streatham on 11 February 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Promise Nkenda Lord Promise Nkenda, 17, was stabbed to death in Canning Town on 14 February 2018 Facebook The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Lewis Blackman Lewis Blackman, a 19-year-old rapper from Kentish Town, was stabbed to death in Kensington on 18 February 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Abdikarim Hassan Abdikarim Hassan, 17, was stabbed to death near his home in Camden's Peckwater estate on 20 March - less tahan two hours before another man was stabbed to death nearby Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Kelvin Odunuyi Kelvin Odunuyi, a 19-year-old rapper known as DipDat and Lampz, was shot dead in Wood Green on 8 March Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Lyndon Davis Lyndon Davis, 18, was chased down and stabbed to death in Chadwell Heath on 14 March Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Tanesha Melbourne-Blake Tanesha Melbourne, 17, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Tottenham on 2 April PA The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Amaan Shakoor Amaan Shakoor, 16, was shot dead in Walthamstow on 2 April Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Israel Ogunsola Israel Ogunsola, 18, was stabbed to death in Hackney on 4 April Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton, a 17-year-old rapper and aspiring architect, was shot dead in a Kennington Street on 5 May Handout The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Jordan Douherty Aspiring rapper Jordan Douherty died of his injuries outside a birthday party in Romford on 23 June Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Katrina Makunova Katrina Makunova, 17, was stabbed to death in Camberwell on 12 July 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Latwaan Griffiths 18-year-old Latwaan Griffiths was fatally stabbed on 25 July and died in hospital after being thrown off the back of a moped in Camberwell Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Guled Farah Guled Farah, 19, was shot in Walthamstow on 22 September Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Ethan Nedd-Bruce Ethan Nedd-Bruce, 18, died after he was shot outside a party at a flat in Greenwich, south-east London, on 22 October. He had also been stabbed, but the gunshot wound was the cause of death. Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Jay Hughes Jay Hughes, 15, died was fatally stabbed outside a chicken shop in Bellingham, south-east London, on 1 November Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Malcolm Mide-Madariola Malcolm Mide-Madariola, 17, was found suffering from a stab wound outside Clapham South Tube station on 2 November Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 John Ogunjobi John Ogunjobi, 16, died in front of his parents after he was stabbed in Greenleaf Close, Tulse Hill, on 5 November Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Aron Warren Aron Warren, 18, was found stabbed in a flat block in Greenwich on 8 December and died at the scene Metropolitan Police

Crimes involving knives and sharp instruments across England and Wales are at their highest level since 2011, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Witnesses are being asked to contact the police incident room on 020 8358 0200 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A 100-year-old woman whose neck was broken during a street robbery in Derby has died, police have said.

Zofija Kaczan was walking to church when she knocked over from behind last week by a mugger who stole her handbag.

She suffered multiple injuries and died in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Derbyshire Police said.

This crime is absolutely horrific, said detective chief inspector Darren Death.

Mrs Kaczan was a well-loved member of the community and that she was targeted in this way is disgusting.

A 39-year-old man arrested in connection with the robbery was released under investigation earlier this week.

Ms Kaczan also suffered a fractured cheek and facial bruising after she was targeted in the Normanton area of the city at 8.45am on Monday, 28 May.

She is reported to have been a widower and former factory worker who moved to the UK with her husband following World War II.

Police want to speak to anyone who saw a Seat Leon near the scene of the robbery (Derbyshire Police)

Police said last week that Ms Kaczan was in a stable condition and appeared to be recovering following the robbery.

She is sitting up and talking which is very positive, detective inspector Chris Whiteley told the Derby Telegraph.

However, her condition deteriorated and she later died.

Before her death, gave police a description of the thief who she said approached her from behind, knocked to the ground and stole her handbag.

The bag, which is green, made of fake leather and has gold clasps, was later found nearby at the junction of Moore Street and Normanton Road.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 14 October 2021 A red deer stag during rutting season in Bushy Park, Richmond, south west London, which is home to over 300 red and fallow deer PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2021 Police officers detain a man as Insulate Britain activists block a roundabout at a junction on the M25 motorway during a protest in Thurrock Reuters UK news in pictures 12 October 2021 The aerial climate installation by Swiss artivist Dan Acher 'We Are Watching' is unveiled at Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2021 A young girl is helped by a Border Force officer as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, following a small boat incident in the Channel. PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2021 People walk past a life-size sculpture of British singer John Lennon entitled "Imagine", by sculptor Lawrence Holofcener, displayed to mark what would have been the 81st birthday for the former member of the Beatles in Carnaby Street Reuters UK news in pictures 8 October 2021 WW II veteran, 96-year-old Lorna Cockayne, who served in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS), popularly and officially known as the Wrens, as a Bletchley Park codebreaker, poses for a photograph with the Legion d'honneur after receiving it during a ceremony at the Pear at Parley in Ferndown, Bournemouth PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2021 British comedian Jo Brand poses with cut-out silhouettes representing women outside the Metropolitan Police headquarters New Scotland Yard, to highlight violence against women by male police officers or former police officers AFP via Getty 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

There are people in Derby who know the person responsible for this crime and I would urge them to come forward with any information that can help bring those responsible to justice, said Mr Death.

We have a number of leads that we are pursuing and a post-mortem will take place to determine a cause of death.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who saw a beige Seat Leon close to the where the robbery took place, near the junction between Empress Road and St Chads Road. The car was found abandoned in a car park in Jackson Street, Stockbrook, two days after the robbery.

Detectives are also seeking anyone with information of the vehicle or who may have CCTV or dascham footage that shows it with the registration plate SL02 KVZ.
A teenager was stabbed outside Liverpool Street station during rush hour in London.

The 17-year-old was rushed to hospital with serious knife wounds, police said.

He remains in Royal London Hospital recovering from his serious but not critical injuries.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the attack.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 13 October 2021 Police officers detain a man as Insulate Britain activists block a roundabout at a junction on the M25 motorway during a protest in Thurrock Reuters UK news in pictures 12 October 2021 The aerial climate installation by Swiss artivist Dan Acher 'We Are Watching' is unveiled at Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2021 A young girl is helped by a Border Force officer as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, following a small boat incident in the Channel. PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2021 People walk past a life-size sculpture of British singer John Lennon entitled "Imagine", by sculptor Lawrence Holofcener, displayed to mark what would have been the 81st birthday for the former member of the Beatles in Carnaby Street Reuters UK news in pictures 8 October 2021 WW II veteran, 96-year-old Lorna Cockayne, who served in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS), popularly and officially known as the Wrens, as a Bletchley Park codebreaker, poses for a photograph with the Legion d'honneur after receiving it during a ceremony at the Pear at Parley in Ferndown, Bournemouth PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2021 British comedian Jo Brand poses with cut-out silhouettes representing women outside the Metropolitan Police headquarters New Scotland Yard, to highlight violence against women by male police officers or former police officers AFP via Getty 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

A spokeswoman for the City of London Police said: We were called to Aldermans Walk near Liverpool Street at 5.59pm on Tuesday (5 June 2018) to a report of a stabbing.

Officers from the City of London Police and London Ambulance Service paramedics attended the scene and the victim, a 17-year-old male, was taken to the Royal London Hospital with serious but not critical injuries.

He currently remains in hospital.

A road closure was briefly put in place while emergency services dealt with the incident.

A 17-year-old boy from East Ham has been arrested and currently remains in custody.

It comes amid a spate of stabbings in London, with recent statistics released by the Metropolitan Police showing a 21 per cent increase in knife crime in 2018 so far.
Legendary civil rights campaigner Reverend Al Sharpton has condemned Oxford University for failing to admit enough black students, arguing the institution has an exclusionary admissions strategy.

The acclaimed TV and radio talk show host, who spoke at the Oxford Union on Tuesday night, questioned how such a prestigious institution could have what he described as a retrograde racial diversity policy.

Rev Sharpton, who was a White House advisor to former president Barack Obama, said that 95 per cent of the crowd he addressed at the union was white.

His comments come after it was revealed that more than one in four of Oxfords colleges failed to admit a single black British student each year between 2015 and 2017.

Last month, figures revealed several of the most prestigious colleges  including Balliol, University and Magdalen  each admitted two black British students as undergraduates during the three-year period.

Overall, white British applicants were twice as likely to be admitted to undergraduate courses as their black British peers. While 24 per cent of the former gained entry, only 12 per cent of the latter did.

You see places as prestigious as Oxford with an exclusionary admissions strategy, Rev Sharpton told The Independent.

Oxford can figure out the most difficult aspects of philosophy and explore the intricacies of science but cant figure out how to get admissions of black students. It seems contradictory  how could you be so bright and so dumb at the same time?

Ninety-five per cent of the crowd was white. I told them they need to work with groups like Operation Black Vote, who I have been coming to the UK with since 1991.

Operation Black Vote is a non-partisan, non-profit national organisation that was established in 1996 to tackle the black British and ethnic minority democratic deficit. It centres its energies on voter registration, lobbying politicians and mentoring schemes.

In Oxford, out of 29 colleges, eight colleges did not have one black undergrad admitted between 2015 and 2017, Rev Sharpton, who Mr Obama described as the voice of the voiceless and a champion for the downtrodden, said.

Last night I said that we have the great symbolic heartwarming picture of a person of colour marrying into the royal family which we all support, but you have the undercurrent of exclusion in places like Oxford.

While about 3 per cent of the British population is black, according to the most recent census, only 1.9 per cent of the roughly 3,200 students admitted to Oxford in 2017 identified as black Britons.

Oxford University  which has been contacted for comment  admitted it needed to do more to improve student diversity after the latest figures were unearthed last month.

Samina Khan, Oxford Universitys director of undergraduate admissions, said the university was working hard to change.

The reason for that is that you are looking a very different applicant pools. One is very large  that is the white pool in terms of who gets three As and above (at a A-level)  and the other one is very small, she told the Today programme.

We are not getting the right number of black people with the talent to apply to us and that is why we are pushing very hard on our outreach activity to make sure we make them feel welcome and they realise Oxford is for them.

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

David Lammy, Labour MP and the former higher education minister, said: The truth is that Oxford is still a bastion of white middle-class southern privilege. That is what it is.

They have to explain why you are twice as likely to get in if you are white as if you are black and why you are more likely to get in if you are from the south than the north of England when you apply.

Earlier this year, The Independent revealed black students pursuing a place at university were 21 times more likely to have their applications investigated for suspected false or missing information than their white counterparts.

Ucas said it was extremely concerned by the figures, released under freedom of information rules, and had launched an investigation.
A doctor who caused a baby to be decapitated during birth has been cleared of misconduct and can return to work.

Dr Vaishnavy Vilvanathan Laxman wrongly proceeded with a regular delivery with a 30-year-old first-time mother who was 25 weeks pregnant at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee in March 2014.

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MTPS) panel said "the only appropriate course" was a caesarean section as the baby - known as baby B - was in the breech position, with a prolapsed cord and low heart rate, and the mother's cervix was less than 4cm dilated.

The baby's head became trapped during the birth and various techniques were tried to free it, but during this his "head became detached from his body".

By this time he was already dead, said the panel.

On Tuesday the tribunal cleared Dr Laxman of serious misconduct and said her fitness to practise was not impaired.

It ruled the decision to proceed with a natural birth was "negligent and fell below the standards ordinarily to be expected" but did not amount to serious misconduct.

The panel's written decision said: "The failing which the tribunal has found proved was not sustained, persistent or repeated, but rather a single error of judgement made in very difficult circumstances.

"The tribunal was satisfied that throughout the attempted delivery of baby B, Dr Vilvanathan Laxman believed that she was acting in both patient A's and baby B's best interests, and that she genuinely believed that proceeding with a vaginal delivery was the optimum course to take in the circumstances which existed at the time."

The panel added: "The tribunal is satisfied that Dr Vilvanathan Laxman has expressed genuine and appropriate remorse for what happened, and she candidly accepted responsibility as the consultant in charge in theatre that day.

"Further, at no point has Dr Vilvanathan Laxman sought to blame others for what happened or to minimise her actions."

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 10 October 2021 A young girl is helped by a Border Force officer as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, following a small boat incident in the Channel. PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2021 People walk past a life-size sculpture of British singer John Lennon entitled "Imagine", by sculptor Lawrence Holofcener, displayed to mark what would have been the 81st birthday for the former member of the Beatles in Carnaby Street Reuters UK news in pictures 8 October 2021 WW II veteran, 96-year-old Lorna Cockayne, who served in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS), popularly and officially known as the Wrens, as a Bletchley Park codebreaker, poses for a photograph with the Legion d'honneur after receiving it during a ceremony at the Pear at Parley in Ferndown, Bournemouth PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2021 British comedian Jo Brand poses with cut-out silhouettes representing women outside the Metropolitan Police headquarters New Scotland Yard, to highlight violence against women by male police officers or former police officers AFP via Getty 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

It was ruled Dr Laxman should not receive a formal warning over the case and an interim order on her medical registration has now been revoked.

The report said: "In all the circumstances, the tribunal has concluded that Dr Vilvanathan Laxman's conduct did not fall so far short of the standards of conduct reasonably to be expected of a doctor as to amount to serious misconduct.

"In respect of patient safety, the tribunal was satisfied that Dr Vilvanathan Laxman does not currently present a risk to patients.

"Dr Vilvanathan Laxman's wrong decision related to an isolated, single incident in an otherwise unblemished career."

The panel concluded: "Nothing in this determination should detract from the fact that on March 16 2014 Dr Vilvanathan Laxman made a significant error of judgement which had serious consequences and a profound impact upon patient A and for which Dr Vilvanathan Laxman bears a heavy responsibility."

Press Association
The government is being challenged in the High Court over a racist policy which forces landlords in England to check the immigration status of potential tenants.

Cross-party MPs, landlords and immigration lawyers have raised concerns about the Right to Rent scheme, a key branch of the governments attempt to create a hostile environment for illegal immigrants, warning that it risks putting people at risk of homelessness and exploitation.

The policy was introduced as part of Theresa Mays hostile environment measures in 2015, and requires landlords to check that a tenant or lodger can legally rent a residential property in England. Assurances had been given to parliament that it would be thoroughly and transparently evaluated  but no such evaluation has yet taken place.

The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI), which is launching the legal challenge, warned that forcing landlords to check the immigration status of potential tenants incentivises discrimination in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights and must be reviewed before it is rolled out any further.

Chai Patel, the legal policy director at JCWI, told The Independent the policy created a system which incentivises landlords to act in racist ways and accused the ministers of burying their head in the sand by failing to monitor how its working in practice.

Even if landlords have no desire to discriminate or be prejudiced, because theyre risking fines or having to find a new tenant, many landlords will pick people with British passports over people who dont have them, he said.

Its systemic discrimination. At a time when lots of people cant find housing, ethnic minorities and people who are not British are being put at a further disadvantage. That might mean people become homeless, it might mean they get forced into accommodation with landlords who are exploiting them.

At the very least the government should evaluate the scheme and start monitoring in properly before it extends it to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. As we saw from Windrush, immigration status can be really difficult to ascertain.

It comes as a cross-party group of MPs has written to the home secretary requesting a review of the controversial scheme, urging him to bring it to an immediate end.

In their open letter to Sajid Javid, MPs including Diane Abbott, Harriet Harman, Caroline Lucas and Tom Brake warned that the Right to Rent scheme risked putting people at risk of homelessness and may increase the risk of modern slavery and trafficking.

Whilst we believe that the government should bring this policy to an immediate end, the government must, at the very least, commit to evaluating this scheme thoroughly, particularly as it risks putting people at risk of homelessness and may increase the risk of modern slavery and trafficking, said the MPs.

We, therefore, ask that you implement the recommendations set out by the ICIBI [Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration] as a matter of urgency and we look forward to hearing your thoughts on this matter.

They said the Windrush scandal had provided a stark warning of the consequences that can be expected when ministers and officials fail to respond to repeated warnings of experts about the impact of their policies.

A report on the Right to Rent scheme by the ICIBI in March found the scheme had yet demonstrate its worth as a tool to encourage immigration compliance.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 10 October 2021 A young girl is helped by a Border Force officer as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, following a small boat incident in the Channel. PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2021 People walk past a life-size sculpture of British singer John Lennon entitled "Imagine", by sculptor Lawrence Holofcener, displayed to mark what would have been the 81st birthday for the former member of the Beatles in Carnaby Street Reuters UK news in pictures 8 October 2021 WW II veteran, 96-year-old Lorna Cockayne, who served in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS), popularly and officially known as the Wrens, as a Bletchley Park codebreaker, poses for a photograph with the Legion d'honneur after receiving it during a ceremony at the Pear at Parley in Ferndown, Bournemouth PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2021 British comedian Jo Brand poses with cut-out silhouettes representing women outside the Metropolitan Police headquarters New Scotland Yard, to highlight violence against women by male police officers or former police officers AFP via Getty 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

The watchdog was particularly concerned with the lack of any monitoring or evaluation mechanisms that would allow the government to ascertain whether the scheme was having its intended effect, and recommended ministers create a new consultative panel to take on this task  but the government rejected the ICIBI recommendations.

A separate independent evaluation of the Right to Rent scheme, carried out by the JCWI, found no evidence that the policy will achieve its stated aim to deter irregular migration but does increase discrimination against those who look or sound foreign.

This is supported by evidence from Shelter and the Residential Landlords Association which consistently shows almost half of landlords declaring that they will engage in unlawfully discriminatory practices as a result of the Right to Rent scheme.
A Home Office policy is leaving newly recognised refugees homeless within days of them being granted asylum, charities have warned.

A new report seen exclusively by The Independent suggests more than one in four homeless people using night shelters are refugees, with some going to shelters as early as one week after being evicted from asylum accommodation.

The research, carried out by charity the No Accommodation Network (NACCOM), finds that 28 per cent of guests in a sample of night shelters had been granted refugee status. Although some of the shelters catered only for immigrants, the figure shows a large number of refugees are being affected.

The findings identify a direct link between the Home Office policy of giving newly recognised refugees only 28 days to vacate asylum accommodation  known as the move-on period  and the high prevalence of homelessness among refugees in the UK.

At Boaz Trust shelter in Manchester, 29 per cent of refugees surveyed were known to have left their asylum accommodation within the previous six months, while at another shelter in London, the figure stood at around 50 per cent.

The proportion of homeless people who are refugees is considerably higher than the overall proportion of refugees in Britain, with the number of people seeking asylum and recognised as refugees comprising less than 0.25 per cent of the total UK population, according to UNHCR  the UN's refugee body  data.

NACCOM accuses the Home Office of implementing policies that are drastically out of sync with efforts by other government departments to prevent homelessness, reduce rough sleeping and support the integration of refugees into British society.

The report recommends that the move-on period is extended to 56 days, giving newly recognised refugees longer to access housing support and find accommodation before they are evicted, which it says would bring Home Office policy in line with wider legislative changes.

Refugees have fled war, torture and the most horrific disasters. They have every right to be here and deserve to be welcomed Thangham Debbonaire, Labour MP and chair of All-Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees

Under the Homelessness Reduction Act, a new law brought in last month, the period of time that someone can be deemed threatened with homelessness is extended and allows local councils more time to reduce risks by developing personal support plans and providing free advice.

The research highlights how refugees cannot benefit in the same way as other applicants to these changes because they only have 28 days before eviction, and they have no way of knowing when their decision will come.

Thangham Debbonaire, Labour MP and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees, told The Independent the report was a devastating indictment of the governments refugee policy.

Refugees have fled war, torture and the most horrific disasters. They have every right to be here and deserve to be welcomed, she said.

When people have their refugee status confirmed, it should be a day of joy and celebration, after an arduous journey and a long bureaucratic process. Yet for too many, it is a day of distress as they have nowhere to go and often end up on the streets.

Hazel Williams, NACCOMs national director, said: This report shows the shocking reality that people who come here in search of safety and are indeed granted that protection from the UK government are then forced into destitution. The work of our members to prevent this from happening is commendable but should not be necessary.

Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis Show all 7 1 /7 Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis The Solidarity With Refugees group said Saturdays protest aimed to show our Government and the world that Britain is ready to welcome more refugees. Rex Features Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis People march through central London as they take part in a protest rally organised by Solidarity with Refugees in a bid to urge the Government to take more action on the migrant crisis Press Association Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis The protest comes days before world leaders meet to discuss crisis at UN General Assembly Press Association Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis Demonstrators made their way from Park Lane to Parliament Square in London on Saturday afternoon Press Association Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis Marchers chanted refugees are welcome here and waved banners reading no-one is illegal and lets help people Press Association Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis The march was supported by charities and groups including the Red Cross, Asylum Aid, Save the Children, Hope Not Hate, Oxfam and the UN Refugee Agency Rex Features Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis In the wake of Alans death, David Cameron pledged to resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees in the UK over the coming five years but there have been additional calls to re-home those who have already reached Europe, as well as asylum seekers coming from other conflict zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan Rex Features

The UK governments insistence that refugees need just one month to access benefits and housing, sometimes after years of waiting for a decision without being able to work or access mainstream support, is unrealistic and outdated.

Against a backdrop of limited social housing, hostile policies towards migrants trying to access private housing, rising street homelessness and delays with Universal Credit, extending it would be a simple, humane response with a lasting impact.

A Home Office spokesman said: The UK has a proud history of granting asylum to those who need our protection.

If an asylum seeker is granted refugee status or humanitarian protection they have immediate and unrestricted access to the labour market and many mainstream benefits. Failed asylum seekers are expected to return to their home country, but if there is a genuine obstacle preventing them from returning they can apply for continuing support from the Home Office.

The department works closely with the Department for Work and Pensions, it added, to ensure that newly recognised refugees engage promptly with Jobcentre Plus and the local authority about these matters.

It said refugees aged 18 or over could apply for integration loans to pay rent deposits.
 Close Smoke pours from Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Knightsbridge, London

A huge fire that broke out at a luxury hotel in Knightsbridge, central London, was tackled by more than 120 firefighters.

Staff and guests of the Mandarin Oriental were evacuated and a column of thick black smoke thrown up by the blaze in its upper levels was widely visible.

London Fire Brigade said it was a very large fire but the London Ambulance Service later tweeted that its paramedics had "not treated any patients" and they remained on the scene as a "precaution".

For all the updates as they happened, read our live blog from the afternoon below.

The building underwent an extensive restoration ending late last month and costing several million pounds, its owner company Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group said in May.

The hotel is connected to the prestigious One Hyde Park development, which has the most expensive addresses in London.

Apartments there have been known to go on the market for as much as 75m and guests can use the facilities at the neighbouring hotel, including the private cinema.

They can also order room service from Heston Blumenthals restaurant Dinner.
Staff and guests were evacuated from an an exclusive central London hotel after a large fire that sent thick plumes of smoke billowing above the capital took hold.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) sent 20 fire engines and 120 firefighters to tackle the blaze at the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge on Wednesday afternoon after receiving more than 40 emergency calls from the public.

Paramedics also attended but a London Ambulance Services spokesman said no one at the scene had required medical attention.

Staff were evacuated to Hyde Park, alongside people from neighbouring buildings.

LFB was first called to the William Street hotel at 3.55pm. Fire crews from Kensington, Hammersmith, Battersea and Chelsea were sent to the 155-year-old, 12-storey property, it said.

The Sloane Street entrance to Knightsbridge station was closed at the request of emergency workers.

The cause of the fire is unknown and LFB crews were likely to be on the scene throughout the night, the body said.

I was walking outside and I saw this very heavy smoking, very heavy, and people were shouting the hotel is burning, the Mandarin is burning, Ahmed Abid, owner of a nearby salon told The Independent.

It is a very famous hotel, very expensive.

People were worried but immediately the ambulance and the police were coming and they closed off the road. They got everyone out of the hotel very quickly and into Hyde Park.

I did not see any flames, just very dense smoke, it was extremely thick.

The building underwent an extensive restoration ending late last month and costing several million pounds, its owner company Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group said in May.

A column of dark smoke could be seen billowing from the upper levels of the period hotel, which has 181 suites and is between Hyde Park and Knightsbridges shopping district, which includes Harrods.

London Ambulance Service said it had sent multiple crews including its hazardous area response team, while the Metropolitan Police also attended the incident.

London fire: Blaze at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Knightsbridge Show all 8 1 /8 London fire: Blaze at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Knightsbridge London fire: Blaze at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Knightsbridge PA London fire: Blaze at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Knightsbridge Getty Images London fire: Blaze at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Knightsbridge PA London fire: Blaze at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Knightsbridge Getty Images London fire: Blaze at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Knightsbridge REUTERS London fire: Blaze at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Knightsbridge PA London fire: Blaze at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Knightsbridge PA London fire: Blaze at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Knightsbridge PA

I was sat in my shop and I saw it was smoking so much and I asked next door if there was something wrong inside - they told me something was happening outside, said shopkeeper Joseph Suliaman.

I saw more and more smoke and I had no idea what was going on, it was really bad, inside you could smell it, even in Harrods they could smell it, 10 minutes walk away you can smell it.

People were nervous a little bit of course, it smelt very bad, very strong.

The hotel is connected to the prestigious One Hyde Park development, which boasts the most expensive addresses in London.

The apartments have been known to go on the market for as much as 75m and guests can use the facilities at the neighbouring hotel, such as the private cinema. They can also order room service from Heston Blumenthals restaurant Dinner  famous for its innovative menu.

Emergency services, including fire engines and ambulances, were still arriving at around 4.45pm. Flames could be seen around the top of the hotel, and extended ladders were erected to access that area of the building.

A local businesswoman, who asked not to be named, said: The fire was in the middle of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. There was a lot of smoke. I couldnt see anyone being evacuated but they had closed off the whole road.

Its quite a lot of smoke, you could smell it. I could see a lot of fire engines and police cars and some ambulances as well.

Additional reporting by PA
Theresa May will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks on Wednesday amid tensions over the Iran nuclear deal.

US president Donald Trump has already pulled out of the agreement with Tehran and Mr Netanyahu has lobbied for European leaders to follow suit.

But the British prime minister has remained committed to the deal, insisting it has helped make the world a safer place by reining in Irans nuclear ambitions.

Mr Netanyahu started his European trip by meeting German chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday before talks with French president Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday.

At a news conference in Paris the two leaders stuck to their opposing views on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) deal.

Mr Netanyahu warned that a nuclear-armed Iran was the greatest threat to the world and claimed Tehran had lied to the world about its weapons programme.

But Mr Macron questioned how a total absence of controls and commitments is better than the 2015 framework under the JCPOA.

As well as Iran, the situation in Gaza is also likely to feature in talks between Mrs May and Mr Netanyahu in Downing Street.

Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Show all 10 1 /10 Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Iranian MPs burnt a US flag in parliament after Donald Trump announced America's withdrawal from the nuclear deal. AFP/Islamic Consultative Assembly News Agency Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal US President Donald Trump displays a presidential memorandum after announcing his intent to withdraw from the JCPOA Iran nuclear agreement in the Diplomatic Room at the White House. Reuters Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Some Iranian MPs reacted after Trumps decision by shouting 'death to America'. AFP/Islamic Consultative Assembly News Agency Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Iranian lawmakers prepare to burn two pieces of papers representing the US flag and the nuclear deal. AP Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Iran said it will hold talks with signatories to the nuclear deal after Trump's decision to withdraw from the accord, which it branded "psychological warfare". AFP/Islamic Consultative Assembly News Agency Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Several Iranian MPs stood chanting in the Tehran parliament. AFP/Islamic Consultative Assembly News Agency Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Iranian MPs burning a US flag AFP/Islamic Consultative Assembly News Agency Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal President Hassan Rouhani addressed the nation in a televised speech in Tehran. He said he'd send his foreign minister to negotiate with countries remaining in the nuclear deal after Trump's decision to pull America from the deal, warning he otherwise would restart enriching uranium "in the next weeks." Iranian Presidency Office via AP Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Iran's press condemned Trump's withdrawal from a multi-party nuclear deal but was divided over whether Tehran should react with patience or withdraw itself. AFP Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Trump announced the US withdrawal from what he called the "defective" multinational nuclear deal with Iran, and said Washington would reinstate sanctions against the Islamic republic. AFP/Getty

Ms May said last month that the loss of life in the Gaza protests was tragic and extremely concerning and urged Israel to show restraint.

While accepting that Israel had the right to defend its borders, she said its use of live ammunition was deeply troubling.

James Sorene, CEO of Israel and Middle East think tank Bicom, said: Netanyahu will be looking for support from Britain for Israeli action in Syria against Iran, sympathy for Israels terrible dilemma on the Gaza border and a willingness to listen to what Israeli intelligence unearthed about Irans nuclear secrets.

Theresa May wants to save the nuclear deal in some form and will ask tough questions about recent Palestinian deaths in Gaza.

For both leaders this is an opportunity to consolidate booming trade ties and compare notes on counter-terrorism.

Press Association
Temperatures across the British Isles are set to soar well above average this week, before bursting into thunder, lightning and rain late on Thursday.

Wednesday will see the fresher weather and white skies of the first half of the week replaced by a firmament of dazzling blue and powerful sunshine in most areas. Temperatures will rise into the twenties, with some parts of the southeast experiencing highs of 25C, forecasters said.

But by Thursday warm air creeping across the English Channel from France will see more cloud begin to billow up the country, creating more humid air.

Weve had a lot of thundery weather across Europe for the last four or five days, and that will start to edge its way into the southern UK in the second half of Thursday, Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge told The Independent.

He added: In the afternoon theres the potential to see some heavy thundery showers anywhere across the southern third of the UK.

This could bring dangerous travel conditions on some roads, he warned.

Theres potential we could see some localised surface water problems  surface water on major roads, which could bring hazardous spray for drivers. Potentially some very localised flooding  details of which we will have to look at closer to the time. Thats from Thursday afternoon through to the evening.

On Friday the outlook is similar with high temperatures well above average for the time of year, along with tropical humidity and the potential for outbreaks of thunder and lightning.

That warmer air edges its way further northwards and then were looking at the risk of thundery showers in the afternoon once things warm up a touch  this will affect areas from the Pennines southwards, and therell be a bit more cloud around, Mr Partridge said.

The return of the hot weather follows a week of unusually high temperatures which saw May smash records for heat.

Provisional Met Office statistics gave an average maximum temperature of 17C, making it the warmest May since 1910, and beating 1992s 16.9C.

Though temperatures are above average, there will be too much cloud to see more records broken this week, Mr Partridge said.

Average maximum temperatures for London at the moment should be around 19 degrees, but were going to be seeing around 26C later this week  well above average, he said.

Lightning strikes in pictures: Rio de Janeiro Jesus statue damaged in storm Show all 5 1 /5 Lightning strikes in pictures: Rio de Janeiro Jesus statue damaged in storm Lightning strikes in pictures: Rio de Janeiro Jesus statue damaged in storm Jesus Statue The lightning pictured at a distance as it struck on Thursday evening Lightning strikes in pictures: Rio de Janeiro Jesus statue damaged in storm Jesus Statue The moment lightning hit the statue, damaging its thumb ANTONIO LACERDA/EPA Lightning strikes in pictures: Rio de Janeiro Jesus statue damaged in storm Jesus Statue The storm as it lights up the Christ the Redeemer statue AFP/Getty Images Lightning strikes in pictures: Rio de Janeiro Jesus statue damaged in storm Jesus Statue Lightning flashes over the Christ the Redeemer statue on top of Corcovado Hill AFP/Getty Images Lightning strikes in pictures: Rio de Janeiro Jesus statue damaged in storm Jesus Statue The powerful lightning and rain storm swept across the city, flooding streets and knocking out power in some neighbourhoods

Despite the soaring mercury, many coastal areas have been swaddled in haar  sea fog. Though most parts of Britain will see improving weather on Wednesday, the haar is forecast to roll in to cover the northeast coast of England and the southeast coast of Scotland, Mr Patridge warned.

Haar is a problem as water temperatures remain cool as low as 10 degrees even in some southern areas, he said.

Speaking about recent sea fog on the south coast, he added: We have this warm humid air across the continent, and as that moves across the English Channel the fact that the water is that bit cooler than the land, cools the air and it condenses into mist.

Its common at this time of year with land temperatures being that bit warmer than the sea.
Desperate pleas from Windrush citizens who were wrongly detained have been revealed after the Home Office was forced to release previously undisclosed files showing its correspondence with the individuals affected.

Paulette Wilson, who was detained twice last year despite having been in the UK since the age of 10, wrote a letter to the government simply stating: Please help me, this is my home.

Anthony Bryan, a Jamaican man who was detained despite having been in Britain for decades, pleaded: Ive got nothing in Jamaica.

The files, released by the Home Office on request of the Human Rights Committee, also contain numerous documents submitted to the department demonstrating consistent and holistic proof of their British residency, including national insurance numbers, letters from the Jamaican High Commission and pay slips.

They were published ahead of a hearing in which the committee probed the home secretary, Sajid Javid, and director-general of the Home Offices Border Immigration and Citizenship System, Glyn Williams, in which they conceded that mistakes were made by the department in both cases and promised that lessons would be learnt.

The case files of Mr Bryan, who arrived in the UK in 1965, reveal that he provided more than a dozen pieces of evidence, including a letter from HMRC in 2013 as well as birth certificates, payslips and photos demonstrating his life in the UK.

Yet in 2016, he was served with a deportation notice and taken into detention where he remained for 18 days, despite numerous statements from his partner, birth certificates of his UK-born children, more national insurance records and a letter from his MP being sent to the government during that period.

Among the documents in the files submitted by Mr Bryan was a letter from his son stating: My father has lived in this country for over 45 [years]. During this time he has always been in employment and always taught me wrong from right.

I have never been in trouble with the law and have a clean criminal record. This is all down to the way I was raised by my parents. Words cant express what my father has done. The relationship he has with my children is fantastic.

I hope this letter will give you an idea of what my father is about.

During the hearing, Labour MP Karen Buck also revealed that when Mr Bryan was at the point of being deported and was asked which airport he wanted to fly to, he replied: I dont know any airports in Jamaica, I dont know Jamaica.

In the case of Ms Wilson, who came to the UK in 1968, her files show that in March 2017, a letter to the Home Office from the Jamaican High Commission confirmed that she entered the UK as a small child and that her family was based in Britain.

She also submitted 35 years of national insurance records, as well as medical records and evidence from a childhood friend.

Yet the 61-year-old was detained on two occasions last year on the basis that there was no current evidence of her lawful entry.

Asked to respond to her case, Mr Javid said he sympathised with Ms Wilson and conceded that the Home Office was wrong to put the entire burden of proof on the individual.

Please help me, this is my home That says it all, really. So, she was asking for help and she didnt get it, and obviously its her home. Its the only home she knew, Mr Javid told the committee.

Because I am new to the job I hope to bring a fresh set of eyes to these cases, because obviously something went wrong. What happened has happened, and were all sorry for it, but how can we prevent it from happening to others.

Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Show all 15 1 /15 Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' arriving at Tilbury Docks from Jamaica, with 482 Jamaicans on board, emigrating to Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaican immigrants being welcomed by RAF officials from the Colonial Office after the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' landed them at Tilbury. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner who arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex, speaking at his home in Leeds PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner in Leeds shortly after he arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Gardner was 22 years old when he boarded the ship in Kingston, Jamaica, with his brother Gladstone before they and hundreds of Caribbean migrants called on to rebuild post-war Britain disembarked the ship in Tilbury Docks PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner (right), during his RAF service in 1947 PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The son of Ruth Williams, a Windrush-generation immigrant, wants to the leave the country after threats of deportation. According to his mother, Mr Haynes applied for British citizenship in 2016 but was rejected, despite Ms Williams having lived in the UK almost permanently since arriving from St Vincent and the Grenadines in 1959. Ruth Williams, 75, said she felt "betrayed" by Britain after the Home Office twice turned down applications for her 35-year-old son, Mozi Haynes, to remain in the country. Ms Williams is understood to have cancer and said she relies heavily on her son for support. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The British liner 'Empire Windrush' at port in 1954. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Ruth Williams, 75, with her British passport. "I feel betrayed and a second class citizen in my own country," she said. "This makes me so sad and the Home Office must show some compassion. "I am unwell and almost 75, I live on my own and I need my son to stay here. I need my family around me and I cant face being alone. He has applied to the Home Office and been refused twice." PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK From the top, hopeful Jamaican boxers Charles Smith, Ten Ansel, Essi Reid, John Hazel, Boy Solas and manager Mortimer Martin arrive at Tilbury on the Empire Windrush in the hope of finding work in Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaicans reading a newspaper whilst on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' bound for Tilbury docks in Essex. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK After half a century in Britain, Anthony Bryan decided it was time to go abroad. But the decision set off a nightmare that saw him lose his job, detained twice and almost deported to Jamaica. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaica-born Anthony Bryan poses outside his home in Edmonton, north London. Now 60 and a grandfather, Bryan thought the issue could be resolved swiftly, as he legally moved to Britain with his family as part of the Windrush generation of Caribbean migrants after World War II. In 1948, the ship Windrush brought the first group of migrants from the West Indies to help rebuild post-war Britain, and many others followed from around the Commonwealth. A 1971 law gave them indefinite leave to remain, but many never formalised their status, often because they were children who came over on their parents' passports and then never applied for their own. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Three Jamaican immigrants (left to right) John Hazel, a 21-year-old boxer, Harold Wilmot, 32, and John Richards, a 22-year-old carpenter, arriving at Tilbury on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush', smartly dressed in zoot suits and trilby hats. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Newly arrived Jamaican immigrants on board the 'Empire Windrush' at Tilbury in 1948. Getty

The whole immigration enforcement system is not set up for a situation where people have deemed leave. When the compliant environment comes into contact with people who are deemed leave, the system isnt able to respond to that, and even when that individual gets in touch with the system, the system puts the entire burden of proof on the individual.

He said this was wrong when the Home Office has easy access to DWP records, school records and HMRC, adding: Theres absolutely no reason why anyone who has deemed leave from the Windrush generation would have had to keep their documentation.

When Mr Williams was asked to respond to Ms Wilsons case, he said: I do think that was a mistake by us and we should have engaged more proactively and sympathetically with her, because I can see from the record that she was probably bewildered by the situation she had found herself in.
The European Commission has advised EU businesses to think twice before using parts and components made in Britain, because of a decision by Theresa May to take the UK out of the blocs customs union.

The advice, which has the potential to seriously harm Britains automotive industry, instructs European businesses like car manufacturers to look elsewhere for parts if they want to continue benefiting from EU free trade agreements.

Most free trade agreements have rules of origin which mean a product can only benefit from the low tariffs the deal negotiates if it can be proven to mostly originate from the place that signed the deal  in this case the EU.

But because Britain is leaving the EU customs union as part of Brexit, anything made in Britain will no longer count as being made in the EU customs area.

For car manufacturers based on the continent, this means using British-made components could now harm their access to dozens of countries the EU has free trade agreements with  making their exports uncompetitive compared to businesses that use EU-sourced components.

Economic operators are reminded of the legal repercussions concerning rules of origin for preferential treatment of goods, which need to be considered when the United Kingdom becomes a third country, the note from the European Commission says.

In particular, as of the withdrawal date, the EU preferential trade agreements with third countries in the field of the common commercial policy and customs no longer apply to the United Kingdom.

Economic operators are reminded of the legal repercussions concerning rules of origin for preferential treatment of goods, which need to be considered when the United Kingdom becomes a third country European Commission note to businesses

It continues: EU27 exporters and producers intending to claim preferential tariff treatment in an EU FTA [free trade agreement] partner country as from the withdrawal date, are advised to treat any United Kingdom inputs as non-originating when determining the EU preferential origin of their goods and take appropriate steps to be able to prove the EU preferential origin of their goods, in case of subsequent verification, without taking account of any United Kingdom inputs as EU content.

If a company sources a significant part of its product from the UK, appropriate steps would entail sourcing those components elsewhere to keep benefiting from EU free trade agreements.

Sky News has also reported a separate note sent from the Dutch government to businesses echoing the European Commissions advice. A car industry executive told the broadcaster that the change was a catastrophe for the car industry.

The hard Brexiteers have built a bomb under the UK automotive industry and the EU have lit it, they said.

Exit from the customs union and the subsequent changes to rules of origin are also likely to be disruptive for British businesses in other ways. UK exporters selling into the EU under any future free trade agreement would have to prove they originate from the UK, which can be a costly and bureaucratic procedure, reducing the competitiveness of British goods compared to EU ones. UK businesses that use components sourced from outside the EU may also not gain preferential access if they are found to be mostly worked on elsewhere.

 What is still needed to complete a deal with the EU?

In most cases, a manufacturer needs to show that around 55 per cent of its value was created in the EU. The rules, which are a standard feature of all trade agreements across the world, are in place to stop countries re-exporting goods produced elsewhere on favourable terms.

Staying in the EU customs union would remove all of these issues because the UK would continue to coordinate its trade policy with the EU.

Commenting on the new warning, the EUs deputy chief negotiator Sabine Weyand said: Preferential rules of origin were the subject of my very first meeting on my very first day in the European Commission back in 1994. They have not become any simpler since.

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

A UK government spokesperson said: This is simply dealing with what would happen in a no deal scenario.

We are in the process of discussing our future partnership with the EU, and in March we reached agreement on the terms of an implementation period that will start on 30 March 2019 and last until 31 December 2020, which will see our market access continue on current terms.

A clear priority is to maintain continuity in our relationships with third countries as we exit the EU, and weve agreed with the EU that they will notify the other parties to international agreements that, during the implementation period, the United Kingdom is to be treated as a member state for the purposes of these agreements.

This is in line with the draft withdrawal agreement text published before March European Council.
Labour is too divided on staying in the single market to win a crunch Commons vote next week, Keir Starmer has argued  as he defended his own wrecking amendment.

The partys Brexit spokesman hit back at pro-EU Labour MPs, insisting they were wrong to claim the chance to defeat the government on the key issue is being tossed away.

Sir Keir has come under fire after tabling an amendment that stops short of staying in the European Economic Area (EEA)  while Labour MPs will be ordered to abstain in a separate vote on the EEA.

But he said a significant number of rank-and-file Labour backbenchers  as well as Jeremy Corbyn and his allies  opposed this Norway option, which made defeating the Tories impossible.

Prominent MPs from Brexit-backing northern seats, including Caroline Flint, John Spellar and John Mann, have ruled out the EEAs requirement to keep free movement of citizens.

Sir Keir said he wished he could report complete unanimity, but said there were very divided views on the EEA, which would effectively keep the UK in the single market.

Turning on critics including Chris Leslie and Chuka Umunna, he said: Their own colleagues in the party were indicting they were not prepared to vote for it.

The pretence that somehow everybody in the Labour party is in the same place on this, and therefore it is winnable, is a pretence and really doesnt help.

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

Sir Keirs amendment  demanding the government pursue full access to the EU single market  is seen as a further shift to the softest possible Brexit.

However, it is certain to fail in next weeks vote, because Tory rebels will not support it  whereas the amendment for EEA membership, already passed by the Lords, was seen as having a greater chance of success.

The Blairite group Progress attacked a wrecking amendment, while Mr Leslie said: Just as its within the grasp of the Labour party to defeat the government, the leadership drops the ball and turns away.

Mr Umunna said: All the way through the passage of this bill, the only amendments which have commanded support on both sides of the House, and passed, are cross-party backbench ones.

But Sir Keir, speaking on BBC Radio 4s Today programme, denied he was putting party unity before what was right for the country, saying: Im injecting some honesty about where we are in the Labour Party.

The new policy  to adopt EU standards, rights and protections and rule out any new impediments to trade  is seen as a soft Brexit shift, while trying to keep Leave-backing Labour supporters on board.

Sir Keir will also hope to minimise his partys split by cutting the number of Labour rebels on the EEA amendment below the mooted 60-80.

However, the EU would be certain to reject full access to the single market if Labour refused to accept its much prized four freedoms  including the free movement of people.

Yesterday, the Norwegian prime minister, Erna Solberg, expressed surprise that the UK would wish to adopt her countrys half in, half out relationship with the EU.

Why should you leave the EU if you are accepting that? she asked, in an interview with the Politico website.

She suggested the Norway model would not fulfil the 2016 referendum result.
Ministers are being urged to ditch the "fallacy" of securing easy trade deals after Brexit amid fears the UK will be forced to accept reduced standards as well as tough trade-offs on visas and tariffs.

Ahead of a major Commons battle over Brexit next week, pro-EU campaigners will publish detailed analysis of Britain's future trading prospects with major global players such as India and China.

Senior Remain-backing MPs will warn that Britain risks "crippling" its reputation as a top trading nation if it leaves the EU's customs union and single market and is forced to surrender on trade terms to powerful allies like the United States.

Liam Fox, the international trade secretary, previously argued that securing a trade deal with the EU would be the "easiest in human history" but critics have cast doubt on his optimism about securing new deals for Britain for the first time in decades.

The intervention comes as it emerged that Theresa May will seek to overturn all 15 amendments to her flagship Brexit legislation in a single day, including key battlegrounds such as the Irish border, and leaving the customs union and the single market.

Launching the Open Britain report on Wednesday, Tory backbencher, Anna Soubry, will say: It's a fallacy that we're better off out chasing unicorn deals on our own and that's recognised by the government.

"Its own assessments show even if we got a deal with every available country it wouldn't make good the harm we will do by walking out of the customs union and putting up custom barriers with the EU."

Australia and American negotiators will put pressure of the UK to drive down standards in food and farming, opening the door for products that are currently banned in the EU such as chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-fed beef, according the paper.

Both China and the US are traditionally reluctant to open up their services sectors to overseas workers, limiting the benefit for British expats who want to work in areas such as hospitality, the report found.

In the wake of Donald Trump's decision to slap punitive tariffs on US steel imports, the group said changes to tariffs could price British producers out of tight markets, adding that a possible deal with New Zealand for lamb could have a major impact on Cumbrian and Welsh farmers.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable will warn that trade negotiations are "nasty, brutish and long" and claimed the government had made no attempt to explain the implications to the public.

The notion that a raft of new deals can be done swiftly or bring overall benefit to the UK economy has now been exposed as a fantasy," the former business secretary said.

"And with President Trump imposing swingeing tariffs on our steel, the delusion that his administration will come to our rescue can shortly now be laid to rest.

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

His concern is set to be echoed by Labour's Chuka Umunna, who urged his own party to stop "parroting Tory Brexiteers excuses" for keeping the UK in the European Economic Area (EEA).

Mr Umunna is due to say: "Next week crucial votes will take place on our future relationship with the European Union and they offer the chance to defeat a hard Brexit once-and-for-all.

I know a growing number of my colleagues on the Labour backbenches are determined to use this opportunity to promote social justice, protect our trade, jobs and investment, and to safeguard peace and stability in Ireland, by backing all the Lords amendments.

Antonia Romeo, the top civil servant at the Department for International Trade (DIT), previously acknowledged Britain could suffer a loss of trade with around 40 countries on Brexit day.

However a DIT spokesperson later added to her remarks, saying rolling over trade deals was a technical exercise and high level talks have been held with around 70 countries.

A Department for International Trade spokesperson said: As we leave the EU we will create a future independent UK trade policy which supports the whole of the country. And, as the Prime Minister has said, Britain needs to be free outside of a customs union to take advantages of the opportunities of the fastest growing global markets.

"The IMF estimates, in the next 10 to 15 years, 90 per cent of global economic growth will originate from outside the European Union.

Many countries have repeatedly made clear that they want to secure new agreements with the UK which will drive growth and deliver strong benefits for consumers and businesses alike.

While we are committed to mutually beneficial economic trading arrangement with new partners, we have made very clear that the UK will maintain its strong consumer, food and animal welfare standards in all trade agreements the UK is party to.
 Close David Davis wants post-Brexit relationship with Europe that 'recognises the history' and 'stands the test of time'

David Davis has accused the EU of "shooting itself in the foot to see if the gun works" by weakening security ties with the UK after Brexit.

In a speech in London, the Brexit secretary criticised the European Commission for putting legal precedents ahead of practical considerations, after it emerged that Brussels has threatened to kick Britain out of its Galileo satellite navigation programme, which it helped to fund.

He also revealed the cabinet was still split over the "backstop" proposals, which would keep the whole of the UK in the customs union until a permanent solution is found to the Irish border issue.

Recommended Starmer insists Labour could not win single market vote

It comes as Jeremy Corbyn criticised Theresa May over the government's delay in laying out its Brexit plans in more detail, demanding when the government will publish its white paper on the UK's future relationship with the EU.

Labour is facing its own Brexit troubles as splits emerged over plans to shift its approach to leaving the EU.

Ahead of a Commons showdown on the government's flagship legislation, the Labour leadership has sought to quell pro-EU rebels in the ranks, by tabling a bid for a Norway-style deal where Britain retains full access to the single market.

However critics said the efforts were "nowhere near enough", and called for support for a cross-party amendment from the Lords, which could effectively keep Britain in the single market.

See below for live updates
David Davis has joked that he was not appointed to his job for my intellect, risking fresh accusations that he is not up to delivering Brexit.

A TV documentary on life in the European Parliament caught the Brexit Secretarys response when he was asked if he was finding the negotiations gruelling.

Well, Im really probably employed for my character more than my intellect, he replied with a chuckle.

Recommended Starmer insists Labour could not win single market vote

The comment follows Mr Davis raising eyebrows last year, when he told a radio interviewer that he "doesn't have to be very clever" to do his job.

Even before taking up his post, in July 2016, he was under fire for appearing not to understand how EU trade deals work.

Despite being a former Europe minister, he had called for Britain to negotiate lucrative individual trade deals with other EU countries after leaving.

In fact, it is a basic EU rule that member countries cannot seek out one-to-one trade deals with third countries but must negotiate as a bloc of 28, soon to be 27.

On LBC Radio last December, Mr Davis said: What's the requirement of my job? I don't have to be very clever, I don't have to know that much, I do just have to be calm.

That comment followed the Brexit Secretarys claim that the pre-Christmas agreement with the EU was not legally enforceable without a future trade deal - which he later dropped.

Mr Davis was also caught up in the furore over his boast of 58 sector-by-sector Brexit impact assessments, which he then acknowledged did not exist.

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 former head of the Vote Leave campaign, Dominic Cummings, once branded the Brexit Secretary as thick as mince and as lazy as a toad.

The latest gaffe comes in the final episode of Channel 4s Carry on Brussels documentary, to be broadcast on Wednesday.
Theresa May has told the Israeli prime minister of the UKs concern at the shooting of Palestinian protestors in Gaza.

The prime minister used a Downing Street meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu to ask the him to try to resolve the situation following a series of violent clashes.

Mr Netanyahu said the violence was a result of protests by militant group Hamas and that Israel was doing its best to minimise casualties.

Recommended May set for talks with Israeli counterpart Netanyahu

The pair also disagreed on the matter of the Iran nuclear deal, which the UK supports but Israel opposes.

Rival groups of protesters gathered outside Downing Street waving Palestinian and Israeli flags ahead of Mr Netanyahus arrival.

Ms May told him the UK was concerned about the loss of Palestinian lives in the recent Gaza protests.

She said the UK absolutely recognises the right that Israel has for self-defence against the activities of extremists and terrorists.

But with 100 Palestinian lives lost and a deteriorating situation in Gaza I hope we can talk about how we can alleviate that situation and how we can ensure that we can get back to a position where we are able to find a way through to talk about a two-state solution.

Mr Netanyahu insisted protesters were being paid for and pushed by Hamas to try to break through the border and kill Israelis.

This is not a non-violent protest, quite the contrary, he said.

We are doing everything we can to both minimise casualties and at the same time protect Israeli lives.

Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Palestinian mourners carry the dead body of Mukhtar Ebu Hamas, 25, killed by Israeli forces in Gaza on 14 May Getty Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures A Palestinian woman flashes a victory sign during a protest near the border fence AFP/Getty Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Israeli soldiers guard on top of a watch tower along the Israel-Gaza border AP Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Palestinian demonstrators react to fired tear gas Reuters Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Palestinian demonstrators run for cover Reuters Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures US President's daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Senior White House Advisor Jared Kushner arrive for the controversial inauguration of the US embassy in Jerusalem. The United States moved its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem after months of global outcry, Palestinian anger and exuberant praise from Israelis over President Donald Trump's decision tossing aside decades of precedent. AFP/Getty Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Palestinians carry a demonstrator injured during clashes AFP/Getty Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman speaks during the dedication ceremony of the new US embassy in Jerusalem Reuters Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures A Palestinian man walks in the smoke billowing from burning tyres AFP/Getty Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu waves as he arrives ahead of the dedication ceremony of the new US embassy in Jerusalem. Reuters Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Palestinian protesters lying on the floor during clashes Rex Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Palestinian protesters burn tires AP Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his wife Sara, Senior White House Advisor Jared Kushner, US President's daughter Ivanka Trump, US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and US ambassador to Israel David Friedman attend the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem. AFP/Getty Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures A Palestinian man assists a wounded protestor AFP/Getty Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures A Palestinian man holding his national flag walks in the smoke billowing from burning tyres AFP/Getty Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Ivanka Trump unveil an inauguration plaque during the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem AFP/Getty Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Palestinians carry a protester injured AFP/Getty Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Ivanka Trump and US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin stand next to the dedication plaque at the US embassy in Jerusalem Reuters Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures A Palestinian demonstrator uses a sling to hurl stones at Israeli troops during a protest against U.S. embassy Reuters Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures A female Palestinian demonstrator stands amidst smoke Reuters Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Ivanka Trump attends the opening ceremony of the new US embassy in Jerusalem AP Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Palestinian medics and protesters evacuate a wounded protester AP Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures An Israeli soldier aims his weapon at Palestinian demonstrators Reuters Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Gazans carry an injured protestor Rex Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Protestors gather to demonstrate Reuters Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures An Israeli soldier fires tear gas at demonstrators Reuters Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures A Palestinian demonstrator poses with a slingshot Reuters Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Protestors carry tires Reuters Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures A demonstrator kicks a burning tire Reuters Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Palestinians congregate prior to their demonstration against the US moving their embassy to Jerusalem Reuters Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Female Palestinian demonstrators react to tear gas fired by Israeli troops Reuters Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures A Palestinian demonstrator reacts Reuters Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures A Palestinian man throws leaflets dropped by the Israeli military during a protest against the US embassy move to Jerusalem and ahead of the 70th anniversary of Nakba, at the Israel-Gaza border, east of Gaza City Reuters Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures A boy holds a Palestinian flag as he stands amidst smoke Reuters Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures A Palestinian demonstrator tries to put out a fire caused by objects dropped from Israeli drones during a protest against the US embassy move to Jerusalem and ahead of the 70th anniversary of Nakba, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip Reuters Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures A Palestinian demonstrator with a slingshot REUTERS Gazans protest as US embassy moves to Jerusalem  in pictures Protesters look up at falling tear gas cannisters dropped by an Israeli drone AFP/Getty

Mr Netanyahu has lobbied for European leaders to follow Mr Trumps example and pull out of the Iran deal.

But Ms May said: Along with France and Germany the UK continues to believe that is the best route to preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.

We will remain committed to it as long as Iran meets its obligations.

But we do recognise that there are other issues that need to be addressed in relation to Iran  its destabilising regional activity in countries like Syria and Yemen and also the the proliferation of ballistic missiles.

Mr Netanyahu told Ms May he was focused on making sure Iran did not get a nuclear weapon and how to roll back Irans aggression in the region.

I think we can find ways to work together to achieve both goals, he said.

Additional reporting by PA
Labour is seeking to change the law to significantly reduce the amount that landlords are allowed to charge renters as a deposit.

The party wants to amend a new law in order to cap the maximum deposit at three weeks rent  an average of 575 for renters in England.

Under government proposals currently before Parliament, the maximum deposit landlords could charge would be limited to six weeks rent  meaning, on average, 1,150.

Labour claims the governments six-week limit would do nothing to help most tenants, because the average deposit is already less than five weeks' rent.

The party said its plans would save tenants 575 compared to the governments proposals  rising to 928 in London.

It has tabled an amendment to the Tenants Fees Bill, which is currently before parliament. The bill seeks to restrict the fees that landlords and letting agents are allowed to impose on tenants.

Melanie Onn, Labour's shadow housing minister, said: "Labour is fighting for a fairer deal for all renters.

"We recognise the private rented sector is the fastest growing area of housing, and it is right that they are not exploited by unfair fees.

"This government has failed renters for the last eight years. Labour will hold them to account to make sure the power between landlords and tenants is rebalanced."

According to the governments impact assessment for the Tenant Fees Bill, the average rental deposit stood at 1,161 as of last March. It has risen from 979 in 2012 - a19 per cent increase in five years.

The document admits: In many cases the amount of deposit taken is much greater.

The world's least affordable cities for housing Show all 10 1 /10 The world's least affordable cities for housing The world's least affordable cities for housing Hong Kong The world's least affordable cities for housing Sydney The world's least affordable cities for housing Vancouver The world's least affordable cities for housing Auckland The world's least affordable cities for housing Melbourne The world's least affordable cities for housing San Jose The world's least affordable cities for housing San Francisco The world's least affordable cities for housing London The world's least affordable cities for housing San Diego The world's least affordable cities for housing Los Angeles

It continues: As with letting fees, tenants are often forced to accept the terms of the deposit as set out by the landlord otherwise they will risk losing the property. Tenants can therefore be required to pay unreasonable deposits that are incommensurate with the landlords risk.

Tenants have little bargaining power to influence this level of deposit, which is further indication that the lettings market is not functioning in accordance with true market forces.

Government intervention in the form of a cap on tenancy deposits at six weeks rent is necessary to ensure that the level of deposit required by landlords is financially manageable for tenants and commensurate with the landlords financial risk. This will result in the money being available to tenants to spend, leading to wider economic benefits."

Three in four private renters are asked to pay a deposit when moving to a new property. On average they have only 77 per cent of the sum returned to them.

Hefty deposits are a major barrier to many homeless people finding an affordable property.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: Our new measures will save hard-working renters an average of 200 every time they move, and in some cases much more.

Landlords will be allowed to charge a maximum of six weeks rent and we expect them to consider what is the right deposit to take on a case-by-case basis.
Two Jewish groups have backed calls for an inquiry into allegations of Islamophobia in the Conservative Party.

The Jewish Council For Racial Equality (JCORE) and the Union of Jewish Students (UJS) have endorsed the appeals made by the Muslim Council of Britain and 11 other Muslim councils across the UK.

The endorsement comes as the chairman of the Conservative Partys own Muslim forum accused the Tories of failing to root out Islamophobia because they are scared of damaging their political power.

Speaking exclusively to The Independent, Mohammed Amin, the chairman of the Conservative Muslim Forum (CMF), said it was a serious issue and that it had been raised several times.

Now, JCORE and UJS have put their weight behind the calls for an inquiry into the issue.

Dr Edie Friedman, executive director of JCORE said: We welcome the call for Islamophobia to be investigated within the Conservative Party.

In the same way as there is a focus on combatting antisemitism including within the Labour Party, it is incumbent on all groups and communities to come together to look at how we can be more effective in combatting hate speech and behaviour across the entire political spectrum.

This requires action from the leadership and grassroots of all political parties, religious organisations and civil society.

The UJS said it wanted to express its support for the UK Muslim community in tackling the scourge of anti-Muslim hatred.

A spokesperson for the group added: When the Jewish community stood outside parliament and demanded enough is enough with antisemitism in the Labour Party, we were grateful to be joined by allies from other minority communities, and so it is only right that when the Muslim community is facing abuse, our community too stands behind them.

We call on the leadership of the party to take a hard line against this insidious form of hate, act swiftly in disciplining those responsible appropriately and, echoing the call of Tell MAMA over two years ago, to commission an inquiry into anti-Muslim hatred in the Conservative Party.

Tell MAMA is a national project which monitors Islamophobic incidents across the UK.

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

There have also been a number of incidents of Islamophobic and racist content posted on social media by councillors and party members, with 12 reports in the past two months.

In response to calls for an inquiry, a Conservative Party spokesperson said: We have introduced a new code of conduct covering all forms of discrimination and we take all allegations seriously.

The party has acted quickly when presented with evidence of inappropriate behaviour, suspending those involved and launching immediate investigations.
As the school year wound down this week at St. Cornelius Catholic School in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, eighth-grade students were handed a gift meant to prepare them for their transition to high school  a bullet-resistant shield that can fit in their backpacks.

It is their life now, which is very sad, Barbara Rosini, the school principal, said in an interview on Tuesday. But if it is something that will help keep our kids, or any child or any adult, safe, that is unfortunately where we are now.

I never thought I would need this, Jacob Nicosia, one of the students graduating, told a local television station during the distribution event Monday.

The small private school in a small semirural community west of Philadelphia, with several hundred students from pre-kindergarten through middle school, is not alone in its attempt to address the multiple school shootings over the years.

Since a gunman killed 20 first-graders and six adults with an assault rifle at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, there have been at least 239 school shootings nationwide, according to an analysis in February of figures provided by the Gun Violence Archive. In those episodes, 438 people were shot, 138 of whom were killed.

As more schools try to tighten security in response to school shootings, educators, legislators and some parents are considering military-style gear as much a part of safety routines as other precautions, such as lock-down drills and metal detectors.

On 23 May, Gov. John Bel Edwards of Louisiana signed a bill into law allowing students to wear bulletproof backpacks in schools. That gun bill was one of several filed after 17 people were killed on 14 February in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Other schools are considering new safety measures, such as covering windows with resistant film or installing metal detectors  all steps that have their own vulnerabilities.

March for Our Lives  in pictures Show all 13 1 /13 March for Our Lives  in pictures March for Our Lives  in pictures Demonstrators chant during the protest for gun legislation and school safety AP March for Our Lives  in pictures Trevon Tre Bosley, 19, of Chicago, the brother of Terrell Bosley who was killed in 2006 in a case of mistaken identity, speaks during the rally AP March for Our Lives  in pictures Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Delaney Tarr speaks at the rally AFP/Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Protestors line the streets in Washington Getty Images March for Our Lives  in pictures People arrive for the March For Our Lives rally against gun violence in Washington, DC AFP/Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Protestors carrying placards in Washington AFP/Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Protestors hold up placards in Washington AFP/Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Schoolchildren wear targets ahead of the rally Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Attendees congregate in preparation for the march Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Students brought a host of innovative placards AFP/Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures The movements main demand is the banning of assault rifles Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Since the Florida shooting, students have called for urgent gun reform AFP/Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures In the wake of the Florida attack, President Donald Trump called for teachers to be armed AFP/Getty

The idea that the nations schools should give out bullet-resistant gear, rather than take other measures, points to a lack of action by legislators, gun control advocates say.

We should never tolerate an America where we make children protect themselves while letting elected officials get away with doing nothing, said Peter Ambler, the executive director of Giffords, a gun control group founded by Gabrielle Giffords, the former congresswoman who was shot in the head in 2011.

Others say it is misguided.

I have never recommended it in my business at all, Curtis S. Lavarello, the executive director of the School Safety Advocacy Council, a training provider, said of bulletproof backpacks. I think it creates a false sense of security for the student and the school itself.

Mr Lavarello, whose work takes him to up to 300 campuses a year, said improving communication strategies, like anonymous texting, with students was a better approach to school safety.

Honestly, it is probably a sad statement that it sounds as though we are going to start equipping students as we do law enforcement officers, he said. I would prefer to see money in areas with better results.

Companies have ramped up their marketing to school safety officials in the wake of the Parkland shooting in particular. But school districts have little guidance from government agencies or independent consumer groups on which equipment would actually protect their students.

Ms Rosini, the St. Cornelius principal, said the school already had special bolts on doors and conducted lockdown drills. She said she discussed the idea of bullet-resistant gear with Robert Vito, whose daughters attend the school, about a year ago because his Unequal Technologies Co. makes protective gear for athletes, law enforcement officers and professional stunt performers.

In an assembly Monday, Mr Vito presented the shields, which were tested at military laboratories and are known as SafeShields, to 15 students and 25 faculty members. A shield would not resist an AR-15 bullet, but it has been tested to stop handgun bullets and shotgun shells, as well as provide protection against stabbing, he said in an interview.

Mr Vitos 14-year-old daughter was among those graduating Tuesday who received the donated SafeShields. Made of a Kevlar composite, they measure about 10 inches by 12 inches and weigh about as much as two 8-ounce cans of soda.

Sadly, this is the sign of the times, Mr Vito said. The parents have to take responsibility for their childs safety.

Mr Vito said the company was talking to schools in Atlanta and Texas about supplying the shields, which could cost $99 each for schools and be passed from graduating to incoming students like a textbook.

This is not the only solution, Mr Vito said. This is part of it.

Tammy Brogan, a teacher at the school, said she showed her 9-year-old daughter, Juliana, a student there, how to slip one of the shields into her school bag, making room for it among the books and a water bottle.

She took it, Ms Brogan said. But, she added, I dont know if she fully understands the impact.

The New York Times
The California judge who evoked national outrage after sentencing Stanford University swimmer Brock Turner to six months in jail for sexually assaulting an unconscious student was ousted from office Tuesday night following a tempestuous recall campaign, the Associated Press reported.

Voters in Santa Clara County removed Superior Court Judge Aaron Perksy from the bench in a victory for the campaign that argued Perskys leniency in the sexual assault case was an affront to the victim and all survivors. As of 12:30 Pacific Time, 59 per cent of voters supported recalling Persky, with 51 per cent of precincts reporting, according to the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters.

Perksy, 56, had served on the court since 2003.

His supporters had argued that removing a duly elected judge over disagreement with a controversial but lawful sexual assault sentence would both erode the democratic process and cause judges everywhere to impose lengthier sentences for fear of public backlash.

Tonight many, many voters voted against the culture of impunity for high-status perpetrators of sexual assault or domestic violence, Michele Dauber, a Stanford University professor and chair of the Recall Judge Aaron Persky Campaign, told The Washington Post. This election expresses clearly that sexual assault, sexual violence is serious and it has to be taken seriously by elected officials. Its a historical moment when women across all sectors of society are standing up saying enough is enough.

Persky could not immediately reached for comment.

The effort to recall Persky unfolded in the months after Turner was convicted of three felonies in connection with the sexual assault of a woman, identified only as Emily Doe, while she laid unconscious behind a dumpster after a party at a fraternity in 2015. At the time of the attack, Turner was a freshman on Stanfords swim team.

Does victim-impact statement reverberated across the country with its piercing details recounting the horror of waking up in a hospital to learn she had potentially been penetrated by a stranger  and in her direct confrontation of Turner.

Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy Show all 21 1 /21 Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy Stanford student Paul Harrison (C) carries a sign in a show of solidarity for a Stanford rape victim during graduation ceremonies at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016. Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy A woman carries a sign during the "Wacky Walk" to show her solidarity for a Stanford rape victim during graduation ceremonies at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016. Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy Stanford students carried signs in solidarity for a Stanford rape victim during graduation ceremonies at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016. Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy A man carries a sign during the "Wacky Walk" to show his solidarity for a Stanford rape victim during graduation ceremonies at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016. Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy Stanford students Miriam Natvig (L) and Jemima Oslo (R) carried signs in solidarity for a Stanford rape victim during graduation ceremonies at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016. Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy Alizabeth McGowan wears a 1/3 sign on her mortarboard to show solidarity for a Stanford rape victim during graduation ceremonies at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016. Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy Stanford students wear a 1/3 sign on their caps to show solidarity for a Stanford rape victim during graduation ceremonies at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016. The 1/3 represents a statistic that claims one in three students will experience a sexual assault by the time they graduate college. Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy Signs against protesting a rapist are seen during the commencement ceremony at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016. Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy Signs against protesting a rapist are seen during the commencement ceremony at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016. Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy Signs against protesting a rapist are seen during the commencement ceremony at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016. Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy Signs against protesting a rapist are seen during the commencement ceremony at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016. Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy Stanford student Paul Harrison (C) carries a sign in a show of solidarity for a Stanford rape victim during graduation ceremonies at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016. Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy Stanford student Paul Harrison (C) carries a sign in a show of solidarity for a Stanford rape victim during graduation ceremonies at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016. Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy Stanford student Paul Harrison (C) carries a sign in a show of solidarity for a Stanford rape victim during graduation ceremonies at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016. Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy A woman carries a sign in solidarity for a Stanford rape victim during graduation at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016. Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy A woman carries a sign in solidarity for a Stanford rape victim during graduation at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016. Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Stanford University holds commencement amid sexual assault controversy Stanford students John Lancaster Finley(L) and Brandon Hill(C) carry signs during the "Wacky Walk" to show their solidarity for a Stanford rape victim during graduation ceremonies at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016. Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty

You have dragged me through this hell with you, dipped me back into that night again and again, she said. You knocked down both our towers. I collapsed at the same time you did. Your damage was concrete, stripped of titles, degrees, enrolment. My damage was internal, unseen. I carry it with me.

Outrage over the case exploded after Perksy said he took the victims statement into account then sentenced Turner to six months in jail and three years probation in June 2016. He said he was following the advice of the probation department, which did not recommend prison time. Prosecutors had argued for a six year prison sentence.

Turner was released after serving only three months. He was also required to register as a sex offender.

Perksy said at the sentencing hearing that he considered the fact that Turner was drinking as a mitigating factor in his sentence. But some, including the Recall Judge Aaron Persky Campaign, charged that Turners status as an elite, white young athlete at a prestigious university also factored into Perksys decision to be lenient.

In a statement submitted to the Santa Clara County Registrar and that appeared on the ballot, Persky defended himself by saying, As a prosecutor, I fought vigorously for victims. As a judge, my role is to consider both sides. California law requires every judge to consider rehabilitation and probation for first-time offenders. Its not always popular, but its the law, and I took an oath to follow it without regard to public opinion or my opinions as a former prosecutor.

Turners six-month jail sentence inspired the California legislature to reform its penal code to require judges to sentence sexual assault perpetrators to prison time rather than probation or jail, as in Turners case. The opposition to the recall effort  including the Santa Clara County district attorney, its presiding judge and multiple former judges  argued that this was the proper democratic response to the controversial jail sentence, rather than removing the judge himself.

In a commentary in the Mercury Sun, the presiding judge, Patricia Lucas, and two former judges argued the recall threatened judges judicial independence.

It certainly appears the goal is to teach judges, all judges, some lessons: if you want to keep your job as a judge, keep an eye on media reports of public sentiment when you are exercising your sworn duty to sentence a defendant in light of the law and the facts, they wrote.

Tuesdays vote marked the first time a California judge was recalled from the bench in 87 years, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

The Washington Post
Canada is poised to legalise recreational marijuana across the country this week, making it the first G7 country to do so.

The Canadian Senate is due to vote on Thursday on bill C-45, which would legalise the use and purchase of marijuana for people over 18. The bill has already passed the House of Commons, and is supported by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The Senate has studied the bill for six months and is expected to pass it.

Sales of legal cannabis will not be permitted until two to three months after the legislation passes, the countrys health minister has said.

Canada would be the first of the G7 countries  a group of seven of the worlds largest economies  to legalise the drug nationwide. Some of the countries, including Canada, have passed legislation allowing marijuana for medical use. Several US states have legalised recreational use of the drug.

Becoming a leader in legalisation could have major impacts on Canadas economy. Legal marijuana is expected to me a more than $6bn business, according to a report by financial services company Deloitte, with $4.3bn coming from recreational sales and $1.7bn from medical.

In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Show all 26 1 /26 In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies A man wears a marijuana leaf mask during the annual 4/20 cannabis culture celebration at Sunset Beach in Vancouver, British Columbia AP In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies A lady smokes marijuana on Parliament Hill on 4/20 in Ottawa, Ontario Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies James Reed smokes a joint during the Denver 420 Rally at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies People sign a 4/20 sign on Parliament Hill on in Ottawa, Ontario Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies A woman smokes marijuana on Parliament Hill on 4/20 in Ottawa, Ontario. Polling released showed strong support in Canada for a government drive to legalise recreational use of marijuana, but many would like the proposed minimum age for consumption to be raised. Sixty-three percent of respondents told the Angus Reid Institute they support legalisation Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies A man smokes marijuana during the annual 4/20 marijuana rally on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Reuters In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Demonstrators smoke marijuana during the '4/20 Santiago' rally in favour of legalisation in front of the La Moneda presidential palace in Santiago, as part of the Global Marijuana March which is being held in hundreds of cities worldwide Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies People play with a mock marijuana joint during a 4/20 party to demand legalisation and to celebrate marijuana culture outside the Senate building in Mexico City, Mexico Reuters In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Adam Eidinger, co-founder of DCMJ, hands out free marijuana joints to DC residents who worked on Capitol Hill as part of the 1st Annual Joint Session to mark '4/20' day and promote legalising marijuana on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Police arrest Rachel Ramone Donlan after she handed out free marijuana joints to DC residents who worked on Capitol Hill as part of the 1st Annual Joint Session to mark '4/20' day and promote legalising marijuana on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Police arrest Rachel Ramone Donlan after she handed out free marijuana joints to DC residents who worked on Capitol Hill as part of the 1st Annual Joint Session to mark '4/20' day and promote legalising marijuana on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Thousands of people gather to smoke marijuana during the '420 Santiago'rally in front of the La Moneda presidential palace in Santiago Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies People attend the Denver 420 Rally at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Kevin Barron and Lasean Moore of Raleigh, North Carolina, share a joint during the Denver 420 Rally at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Nic Ruhl takes a pull on a giant hand rolled joint at precisely 4:20pm MDT during the Denver 420 Rally at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Various cannabis paraphernalia on display at a vendor's stall during the Denver 420 Rally at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Mo Banez, of Austin, Texas, lights a joint during the Denver 420 Rally at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies A man displays a large container of cannabis during the Denver 420 Rally at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado. The rally, held annually, is a celebration of both the legalisation of cannabis and cannabis culture. Colorado is one of twenty-six U.S. states along with the District of Columbia that has legalised the use of cannabis either recreationally or medically AFP/Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Sitting in small groups on mats shaded by trees in the Rose Garden just across from the Knesset, participants lit up as the clock struck 4:20 for the local version of the traditional worldwide April 20 pro-marijuana events, known as '420' rallies Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies An Israeli smokes a marijuana joint in Jerusalem during a rally at the Rose garden Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Sitting in small groups on mats shaded by trees in the Rose Garden just across from the Knesset, participants lit up as the clock struck 4:20 for the local version of the traditional worldwide April 20 pro-marijuana events, known as '420' rallies Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies An Israeli girl poses with a mock marijuana joint in Jerusalem during a rally at the Rose garden, to celebrate 420 and to express their defiance of current laws Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies aelis pass around a marijuana joint in Jerusalem during a rally at the Rose garden, to celebrate 420 and to express their defiance of current laws Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies An Israeli smokes a marijuana joint in Jerusalem during a rally at the Rose garden, to celebrate 420 and to express their defiance of current law Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies An Israeli smokes a marijuana joint in Jerusalem on April 20, 2017 during a rally opposite the Knesset to celebrate 420 and express defiance of current laws AFP/Getty Images

Legal cannabis will be heavily regulated, however. Under guidelines from Canadas public health agency, marijuana products will be sold in plain packaging with limited branding. Packaging will include a yellow health warning and a red stop sign indicating that the product contains cannabis, as well information on the particular strain and THC content.

Under the current legislation, adults will only be allowed to carry up to 30g of dried cannabis. Exceeding this amount in a public space  including an individual's own vehicle  will be punishable by up to five years in prison.

Driving under the influence of cannabis will also be highly punishable. The current proposal puts the penalty for a first offence at a minimum $1,000 fine, with a minimum of 30 days imprisonment for a second offence. Third and subsequent offences will be punishable by a minimum of 120 days.

 Oregon is producing three times more marijuana than it can consume

The details of the legalisation effort will be handled at a provincial level. Some provinces, for example, plan to ban home cultivation of marijuana, even though the current legislation allows for it on a federal level. Provincial law also varies widely on smoking in public, according to CTV News.

"We've had to amend our zoning here in the city in order to accommodate retail stores, we've had to adjust our business licensing, and amending our smoking and vaping bylaw," Matt Zabloski, the City of Calgary's project lead for the legalisation of cannabis, told CBC News.

He added: "There's a myriad of other effects, we're looking at events and festivals and just really preparing to make sure people know what's coming down the pipe."
A bloody blanket was among the items returned to a New York man whose dog died while travelling with Delta Air Lines, the man's lawyer said.

Eight-year-old Pomeranian dog Alejandro was found dead in its carrier during a stopover at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, en route from Phoenix to Newark, New Jersey last Wednesday.

On Monday, Evan Oshan, a lawyer for the dogs owner, said he was still awaiting the results of a necropsy on the pet.

Recommended Family of dog who died on United flight speak out

Mr Oshan said Alejandro had been flying alone in the cargo section.

The lawyer said he was confused by the bloody blanket.

"It was wet. They couldn't get the blood stains out. There was an attempt to clean it," he said.

Mr Oshan said he wondered whether someone was attempting to cover up what happened.

He said the dog's carrier was also washed - potentially eliminating evidence.

Delta told WXYZ-TV a flight attendant checked in Alejandro at about 6am. The dog was dead just two hours later.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

"We lost a family member," owner Michael Dellagrazie, of Staten Island, New York, said.

A Delta spokesman said in a statement the airline was focused on the wellbeing of all the animals it carries.

He said: "Delta is conducting a thorough review of the situation to ensure this does not happen again and have been working directly with Alejandro's family to support them however we can.

The spokesman added that Delta offered to have the dog evaluated by a veterinarian to find out why it died but the family did not agree to it.

"The family now has Alejandro and we continue to offer our support," he said.

Mr Oshan said the dog passed a physical test before getting on the flight from Phoenix.

The owner of the dog has called for answers. "I got the phone call from my girlfriend ... and then she gave me the number to call Delta," Mr Dellegrazie said in an interview with ABC News' Good Morning America.

This is not the first time animals have been hurt in transit.

In March this year a 10-month-old puppy died on a United Airlines flight after an attendant allegedly forced the owners to put it in an overhead bin, despite guidance stating the animal should be placed under the seat of the passenger in front.

In 2017, US airlines transported over half a million pets. Of these, 24 died, 15 were injured and one was lost, according to data released by the US Department of Transportation.

Additional reporting by Associated Press
Bermuda is poised to again permit same-sex marriages after a high court reversed a ban on the unions.

Earlier this year, the British territory made the unprecedented decision to repeal the right of gay couples to marry - making it the first nation to extend and then revoke that right.

Governor John Rankin signed a measure banning same-sex marriage after a referendum found a majority of Bermudans opposed them, seeking to override a Supreme Court decision allowing same-sex unions.

Gay Bermudians sued, saying Parliament lacked the power to reverse the high court. Chief Justice Ian Kawaley sided with them, writing in his decision that Parliament cannot impose the religious preferences of any one group on the society as a whole.

One side of the freedom of conscience coin is that as a general rule no one can be compelled to participate in activities which contravene their beliefs, Mr Kawaley wrote. The other side of the same coin is that the State cannot use the legislative process to pass laws of general application which favour some beliefs at the expense of others.

The ruling does not take effect immediately. Bermudas government has a six-week window in which two decide whether to appeal.

Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Show all 15 1 /15 Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Same-sex marriage legalised across the US U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Constitution provides same-sex couples the right to marry Reuters Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Ariel Olah of Detroit, left, and her fiancee Katie Boatman, are overcome by emotion outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Friday, June 26 AP Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Lori Hazelton and Stephanie Ward are the first same-sex couple to receive their marriage license on Friday, June 26, 2015, in Muskegon, Mich AP Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Wedding cakes provided by All Saints Episcopal Church of East Lansing are cut inside the Ingham County Courthouse in Mason, Mich PA Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Ariel Cronig (L) and Elaine Cleary embrace outside of the US Supreme Court after the ruling in favor of same-sex marriage Getty Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Reverend Laura Barclay, right, officiates the marriage of Tadd Roberts, left and Benjamin Moore at the Jefferson County Clerks Office Friday AP Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Beth Sherman (L) and her wife Karen Hawver (R) celebrate with their children Ben and Emma (C) the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark ruling of legalizing gay marriage nationwide Reuters Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Same-sex marriage legalised across the US People celebrate in front of the U.S. Supreme Court after the ruling in favor of same-sex marriage June 26, 2015 in Washington, DC Getty Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Eric Hause of Norfolk, center, hugs Claus Ihlemann and Robert Roman in the lobby of the Slover Library Friday morning, June 26, 2015 AP Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Spencer Trzybinski hangs a rainbow flag, a symbol of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender movement, at the Dunes Resort and Entertainment Complex in Douglas, Mich AP Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Angela Boyle, left, and Laura Zinszer take a selfie after receiving their marriage license at the Boone County Recorder of Deed's office on Friday, June 26, 2015, in Columbia, Mo AP Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Same-sex marriage legalised across the US After 54 years as a couple, George Harris, 82, and Jack Evans, 85, are married by Judge Denise Garcia on Friday, June 26, 2015 at the Dallas County Records Building in Dallas, Texas AP Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Newlyweds, Colby Roanhorse, left, and Zachary Roanhorse celebrate after applying for a marriage license from the Kent County clerks office, Friday, June 26, 2015, in Grand Rapids, Mich AP Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Same-sex marriage legalised across the US A couple kiss to celebrate the US Supreme Court's historic decision on same sex marriage during a rally outside the Stonewall Tavern in the West Village in New York on June 26, 2015, after the US Supreme Court's historic decision on same sex marriage AFP Same-sex marriage legalised across the US Same-sex marriage legalised across the US A demonstrator arrives at a rally in Greenwich Village to celebrate the Supreme Court's ruling on gay marriage, Friday, June 26, 2015, in New York. AP

Gay rights advocates reacted to the decision with joy, saying it vindicated the steady advancement of same-sex marriage legalisation.

 Chris Bryant questions why the Government has allowed same-sex marriage to be outlawed in Bermuda

This ruling will encourage and empower legal challenges to criminalisation and marriage inequality across the Caribbean, many of which are bound to succeed, LGBT activist Peter Tatchell said in a statement. It is indicative of the unstoppable global trend towards LGBT+ equal human rights.
Nearly 200 people remain missing after the Fuego volcano in Guatemala erupted late on Sunday, killing at least 75 people.

The Volcan de Fuego erupted again on Tuesday, forcing half a dozen communities near the mountain to evacuate and closing a national motorway.

Rescue workers, as well as police and journalists, were hurried to leave the area as sirens wailed and loudspeakers blared: Evacuate!

Many local residents took no chances after they were given little to no warning before the volcanos earlier eruption.

Dozens of people walked along roadsides carrying children or a few belongings beside paralysed traffic in parts of Escuintla township, which sits south of the volcano.

While only some communities in Escuintla are under an evacuation order, many businesses have closed and people are leaving.

Mirna Priz wept as she sat on a rock at a crossroads, with a suitcase in front of her and her 11-year-old son, Allen, and their dog Cara Sucia by her side.

You feel powerless, she said. I dont know where Im going to go. To leave my things, everything I have.

But after seeing what happened on Sunday, she was afraid to stay.

Guatemala volcano: dozens dead after Volcan de Fuego eruption Show all 16 1 /16 Guatemala volcano: dozens dead after Volcan de Fuego eruption Guatemala volcano: dozens dead after Volcan de Fuego eruption Guatemalan police evacuate people in the village of El Porvenir following the eruption of Volcan de Fuego EPA Guatemala volcano: dozens dead after Volcan de Fuego eruption A rescue worker helps a woman covered with ash Reuters Guatemala volcano: dozens dead after Volcan de Fuego eruption Volcano Fuego during an eruptive pulse AFP/Getty Guatemala volcano: dozens dead after Volcan de Fuego eruption Emergency personnel rescuing a person EPA/Ministry of Defense Guatemala Guatemala volcano: dozens dead after Volcan de Fuego eruption Residents take refuge in a shelter south of Guatemala City following the eruption of Volcan de Fuego AFP/Getty Guatemala volcano: dozens dead after Volcan de Fuego eruption The eruption of Volcan de Fuego is captured from Alotenango, southwest of Guatemala City AFP/Getty Guatemala volcano: dozens dead after Volcan de Fuego eruption AFP/Getty Guatemala volcano: dozens dead after Volcan de Fuego eruption Residents stand behind a safety cordon following the eruption of Volcan de Fuego Reuters Guatemala volcano: dozens dead after Volcan de Fuego eruption Relatives react as volunteers carry a coffin with the body of Sergio Vasquez who died following the eruption AFP/Getty Guatemala volcano: dozens dead after Volcan de Fuego eruption People flee the ash covered village of El Rodeo, south of Guatemala City AFP/Getty Guatemala volcano: dozens dead after Volcan de Fuego eruption Police officers in protective masks guard the area around the village of El Rodeo following the eruption of Volcan de Fuego Reuters Guatemala volcano: dozens dead after Volcan de Fuego eruption An ash covered child is rescued in the village of El Rodeo following the eruption of Volcan de Fuego Reuters Guatemala volcano: dozens dead after Volcan de Fuego eruption Soldiers sweep up ash at La Aurora International Airport Reuters Guatemala volcano: dozens dead after Volcan de Fuego eruption A young girl is carried by a rescue worker in the village of El Rodeo following the eruption of Volcan de Fuego EPA Guatemala volcano: dozens dead after Volcan de Fuego eruption Reuters Guatemala volcano: dozens dead after Volcan de Fuego eruption Fuego volcano after it erupted violently Reuters

The Central American countrys seismology and volcanology institute said smoke billowing from the volcanos summit could produce a curtain of ash which could reach 20,000 feet above sea level, putting air traffic in danger.

When Fuego erupted on Sunday, super-heated volcanic debris swept through small communities near the volcano, with little warning for residents. (Super-heating occurs when a liquid is hotter than its boiling point, but doesnt boil.)

It also blasted columns of ash and smoke 6.2 miles into the sky.

Thousands of people have been evacuated as a result, the national disaster agency, Conred, said.

Of the 75 bodies which have been recovered, only 23 have been identified, the countrys National Institute of Forensic Sciences said, while 192 people were listed as missing.

Among those fleeing was retiree Pantaleon Garcia, who was able to load his grandchildren into the back of a pickup with a jug of water and some food. They were heading to the homes of relatives in another town.

You have to be prepared, for the children, he said.

 Guatemala volcano: Satellite video shows what eruption looked like from space

Volcan de Fuego, which means Volcano of Fire in Spanish, is one of several active volcanoes among 34 in total in Guatemala.

It lies near the colonial city of Antigua, a Unesco world heritage site that has survived several major eruptions.

The latest activity has been mostly on the far side of the volcano, which faces the Pacific coast.

Additional reporting by agencies
The sight of a volcanic tornado has been captured on camera over a fissure at the foot of an erupting volcano on Hawaiis Big Island.

The rare phenomenon came as lava from Kilauea destroyed hundreds more homes overnight, overtaking two oceanfront communities advised to evacuate last week.

The lavanado  which does not have an official name among volcanologists  was captured by photographer Anthony Quintano during a tour by the Hawaii National Guard of an area known as Leilani Estates.

The fountain was shooting 200 feet in the air and it was roughly a half a mile away from where we were standing, he said of the tornado, which formed over Fissure 8.

A spinning vortex of air, the volcanic tornado is formed by the intense heat, which causes air to rise rapidly and stretch to form a column.

If it is within a boundary where surface winds are converging, this column can begin to rotate, creating a twister that can potentially fling bits of lava out of its interior.

The homes lost on Tuesday night were in addition to at least 117 destroyed and reported by county officials since lava began spilling from cracks in the ground that opened up last month.

"We don't have an estimate yet, but safe to say that hundreds of homes were lost in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland last night," Janet Snyder, a spokeswoman for Hawaii County, said on Tuesday.

A morning overflight confirmed that lava completely filled Kapoho Bay, inundated most of Vacationland and covered all but the northern part of Kapoho Beach Lots, scientists with the US Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said.

 Hawaii volcano: Aerial footage shows rivers of lava reaching the ocean

Lava early on Tuesday claimed Big Island Mayor Harry Kim's second home in Vacationland, Ms Snyder said.

County managing director Wil Okabe said his own vacation home in Kapoho Beach Lots was also threatened. Mr Okabe described the area as a mix of vacation rentals and year-round residences.

"For us it's more of a vacation area, but for those who live there permanently, they're trying to figure out where they're going to be living," he said.

Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Show all 30 1 /30 Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Channelized lava emerges on Kilauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone on Hawaii. The USGS said on its website that "a fast-moving pahoehoe lava flow that emerged from fissure 20... continues to flow southeast," with the quickest of three "lobes" progressing at 230 yards (210 meters) per hour. AFP/US Geological Survey Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Lava erupts and flows from a Kilauea volcano fissure in Leilani Estates, on Hawaii's Big Island Getty Images Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures A plume of ash rises from a crater in the Mount Kilauea volcano after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the area, near Pahoa, Hawaii EPA/USGS HANDOUT Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Kilauea has opened 14 lava-and-gas spewing fissures in total Rex Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures United States Geological Survey Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Lava from a Kilauea volcano fissure advances up a residential street in Leilani Estates, on Hawaii's Big Island, on May 27, 2018 in Pahoa, Hawaii Mario Tama/Getty Images Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures A massive flow of lava consumes houses in Leilani Estates EPA/PARADISE HELICOPTERS Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Lava flows past trees on the outskirts of Pahoa during ongoing eruptions of the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii. REUTERS Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures A plume of ash rises from Kilauea Volcano after a series of earthquakes over the last couple of days USGS/Handout via Reuters Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Lava emerges from the ground after Kilauea Volcano erupted Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Steam rises from a fissure on a road in Leilani Estates subdivision on Hawaii's Big Island AFP/Getty Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures This thermal image (looking south) shows the active overflows from the lava lake (upper left) onto the Halema'uma'u crater floor. View is toward the south. Rex Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures The results of the eruption from Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii's Big Island AP Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Lava is seen coming from a fissure in Leilani Estates subdivision on Hawaii's Big Island FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures An aerial view of a flow of lava moves to the doorsteps of the Puna Geothermal Venture facility after a new fissure eruption within Leilani Estates sending a fast moving flow of lava began to consume homes and property, near Pahoa, Hawaii EPA/BRUCE OMORI/Paradise Helicopters Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Smoke rises from the Pu'u 'O'o crater on the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii EPA Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Up to 10,000 people were ordered to evacuate as flows of red lava entered residential areas Reuters Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures A fissure erupts in Leilani Estates, one of the communities most vulnerable to Hawaii's Kilauea volcano AP Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Smoke billows from Pu'u 'O'o crater on the Hawaii's Big Island EPA Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Remote image released by U.S. Geological Survey, shows a new lava fissure on Kilauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone on Makamae and Leilani Streets USGS via AP Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Kilauea volcano's Pu'u O'o vent on Hawaii's main island AP Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Lava flows over a road in the Puna District as a result of the eruption from Kilauea on Hawaii's Big Island Byron Matthews via AP Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Kilauea volcano erupts AP Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Lava flowing over Mohala Street in the Leilani Estates area near Pahoa Hawaii Electric Light via AP Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures An aerial view of a massive surface flow entering the sea at Malama Flats EPA Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Satellite photo provided by DigitalGlobe shows lava coming out of fissures caused by Kilauea AP via DigitalGlobe Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures The fissure complex, pictured in the upper right, continues to feed a meandering lava flow (in the center). into the Pacific Ocean in southeast of Pahoa during ongoing eruptions of the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii REUTERS Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Lava erupts from a Kilauea volcano fissure Getty Images Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures A U.S. National Guard soldier (R) takes photos as lava erupts and flows from a Kilauea volcano fissure in Leilani Estates, on Hawaii's Big Island Getty Images Hawaii Kilauea volcano eruption: in pictures Getty Images/iStockphoto

"He was very depressed," Mr Okabe said of how Mr Kim felt about losing his vacation home. Mr Kim and Mr Okabe live in Hilo, the county's seat, which is more than an hour's drive from the Kapoho area.

Those who live or vacation in the area were mourning the loss of popular tide-pools where children enjoyed swimming.

Thousands in the Puna area had to evacuate after the first fissure opened on 3 May. Officials had issued mandatory orders for residents of Leilani Estates, and those in Kapoho Beach and Vacationland were advised to leave by last Friday or risk being trapped and unreachable by emergency crews.

Homes in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland are on smaller lots and are closer together than in other parts of the Puna district. Mr Okabe estimated there are several hundred homes in each of the two subdivisions.

Additional reporting by AP.
A pizza delivery man is facing deportation after being arrested while making deliveries to a New York military base, local officials said.

Military officials stopped Pablo Villavicencio  an immigrant from Ecuador and father of two  after he delivered pizza to the Fort Hamilton Army base on Friday, according to New York City Councilman Justin Brannan.

When Mr Villavicencio failed to provide adequate identification, Mr Brannan said, the officers passed him to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The 32-year-old remained in ICE custody on Monday, pending his removal from the country.

Recommended US immigration workplace raids spread fear and tear families apart

Eric Adams, the borough president for Brooklyn, said Mr Villavicencio's arrest set a "dangerous precedent".

It is unimaginable that a person can go from a pizza to prison, he said at a press conference.

An ICE spokesperson confirmed Mr Villavicencio had been detained, and was being held in custody pending his removal. The spokesperson said Mr Villavicencio had failed to comply with a 2010 voluntary departure order and was considered a fugitive.

Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border Show all 14 1 /14 Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border Immigrant children, many of whom are separated form their parents, are housed in Texas' tent city Reuters Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border A two-year-old Honduran asylum seeker cries as her mother is searched and detained near the US-Mexico border Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border Undocumented migrants ride on the top of a freight train referred to as the beast, or La Bestia Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border A cage inside a US Customs and Border Protection detention facility in Texas Reuters Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border US Border Patrol Academy All new agents must complete a months-long training course at the New Mexico facility before assuming their posts at Border Patrol stations, mostly along the US-Mexico border Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border US-Mexico border fence A group of young men walk along the Mexican side of the US-Mexico border fence in a remote area of the Sonoran Desert Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border US-Mexico border fence in the US Man looks through US-Mexico border fence into the US in Tijuana, Mexico Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border US-Mexico border fence US Border Patrol agent Sal De Leon stands near a section of the US-Mexico border fence while stopping on patrol on in La Joya, Texas Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border US Border Patrol Academy US Border Patrol instructor yells at trainees after their initial arrival to the academy Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border Memorial service in Guatemala Families attend a memorial service for two boys who were kidnapped and killed in San Juan Sacatepequez, Guatemala. Crime drives emigration from Guatemala to the United States, as families seek refuge from the danger Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border Arrests on the border Undocumented immigrants comfort each other after being caught by Border Patrol agents near the US-Mexico border Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border Detention holding facility A boy from Honduras watches a movie at a detention facility run by the US Border Patrol Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border Mexican farm workers Mexican migrant workers harvest organic parsley at Grant Family Farms in Wellington, Colorado Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border Mexican family in Arizona A Mexican immigrant family sits in the living room of their rented home in Tuscon, Arizona. The family that Arizona's new tough immigrant law had created a climate of fear in the immigrant community. Getty

Mr Villavicencio has lived in the US for 10 years, according to his wife, Sandra Chica. Ms Chica told reporters that she and the couples two children, ages 2 and 3, are both US citizens.

Mr Villavicencio supported the family with his job at the pizza restaurant, Ms Chica added. She didnt know what they would do if he was deported.

Mr Brannan said Mr Villacencio had filed papers for a green card and was awaiting permanent resident status. He had a New York City identification card, Mr Brannan said, which he had used to gain entry to the military base before. It was unclear why he was stopped on Friday.

Does the Army now have some new policy that demands all non-military personnel show proof of citizenship to gain access onto the army base? Mr Brannan asked. Otherwise what happened here? Is this part of some new Donald Trump deportation strategy?

 US Senator Jeff Merkley denied access to immigration detention centre where parents were separated from their children

The Trump administration has cracked down on undocumented immigrants, ordering ICE to target everyone in the country illegally  even those without a criminal record. ICE arrests surged by 40 per cent in the first year Mr Trump took office, and the number of workplace immigration raids has doubled in the last seven months.

But Mr Brannan questioned on Wednesday whether this new policy was making the US more secure.

Is our city, state, and nation any safer today because they took a pizza delivery guy off the street? he asked. This is absolutely ridiculous. Were tearing families apart, and for what?

The military base did not respond to a request for comment.
A soldier stole an armoured personnel carrier (APC) from a National Guard base in Virginia and led police on 60-mile chase.

State police said the unidentified thief took the vehicle, which runs on tracks like a tank, from Fort Pickett, an Army National Guard base in the city of Blackstone.

At speeds of around 40mph, he then used main roads to head towards the commonwealths capital, Richmond, they said.

Several squad cars gave chase as it headed towards the Capitol building.

Parker Slaybaugh, the PR director for the speaker of Virginias House of Delegates, tweeted a video of the extraordinary chase.

He said: This is INSANE! Someone has hijacked a Tank-like vehicle from Fort Pickett and just drove it by our apartment! This is on Broad Street in the Fan.

State Police Sergeant Keeli Hill told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that the driver "pretty much just stopped on his own accord.

Surrounded by police, he was eventually shot with a Taser and arrested.

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

No crashes or injuries occurred during the incident, state police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said.

She added that charges are pending against the man, who was in state police custody.

Additional reporting by Reuters
President Donald Trump has commuted the sentence of Alice Marie Johnson, a 63-year-old grandmother who has been serving a life prison sentence for a non-violent, first-time drug offence.

The commutation comes just a week after Mr Trump met with businesswoman and celebrity Kim Kardashian, who has championed Johnsons case after learning about the issue through a viral video produced by Mic.

BEST NEWS EVER!!!! Kardashian wrote on Twitter after the commutation, alongside several praying emojis.

Recommended Meek Mill pulls out of Trump panel on prison reform

In a statement announcing the commutation, the White House said that the administration remains tough on crime but that the president believes that individuals who have paid their debt to society should be allowed to return to civilian life.

Ms Johnson has accepted responsibility for her past behaviour and has been a model prisoner over the past two decades. Despite receiving a life sentence, Alice worked hard to rehabilitate herself in prison, and act as a mentor to her fellow inmates. Her Warden, Case Manager, and Vocational Training Instructor have all written letters in support of her clemency. According to her Warden, Arcala Washington-Adduci, since [Ms. Johnsons] arrival at this institution, she has exhibited outstanding and exemplary work ethic. She is considered to be a model inmate who is willing to go above and beyond in all work tasks. the statement reads.

The commutation means that Johnson will walk free after her conviction on non-violent drug charges in the 1990s gave her a life sentence, but the felony will remain on her criminal recor

(Clemency for All Nonviolent Drug Offenders (Clemency for All Nonviolent Drug Offenders)

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

She is currently being held in Aliceville, Alabama.

Mr Trump has reportedly become fascinated with his pardoning powers as president, which are almost completely unchecked by mandate from the Constitution.

In recent weeks, Mr Trump has made controversial statements that he was considering pardoning or commuting the sentences of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who is serving time in federal for prison for soliciting bribes in exchange for a US Senate seat, and for businesswoman Martha Stewart, who is not in prison but was convicted for financial crimes in the mid-2000s after she sold her entire stake in a company just a day before its stock dropped considerably.

Those comments came just after Mr Trump announced he was giving a full-pardon to conservative author and filmmaker Dinesh DSouza, who was convicted on charges of violating federal campaign finance laws. Mr DSouza had previously admitted in court to having knowingly broken campaign finance laws, but the White House said that he was treated unfairly by prosecutors. Prosecutors on the case have denied there was any bias in bringing charges against Mr DSouza.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which has represented Ms Johnson in her clemency application, responded to the decision by thanking the president and Kardashian, and by urging the White House to consider more cases like Johnsons.

Alice Marie Johnson was convicted of a nonviolent drug offense in 1996 and received a sentence far too severe for the crime: life without the possibility of parole. Alice has become a grandmother and a great-grandmother while behind bars, and she has talked to me about the pain of being kept from her family with no hope of ever rejoining their lives. Im grateful to the president for allowing Alice to go home after 21.5 years in prison and to Kim Kardashian for her advocacy on Alices behalf, Jennifer Turner an attorney with the ACLU who is working on Johnson's case, said in a statement.

I urge the president to do the same for other federal prisoners serving extreme sentences that dont match the offences, while reforming our Draconian sentencing laws that produce these senseless punishments.

Ms Turner cited a 2013 report conducted by her organisation that found that at least 3,278 people are serving sentences of life without parole for relatively minor offences. That includes cases like one where an individual received the sentence after stealing a $159 jacket, and another where an individual was sentenced to life without parole for acting as a middle-man for the sale of $10 worth of marijuana.

The ACLU estimates that roughly 65 per cent of those individuals are black, and that many of them struggle with drug addiction or mental illness. The civil rights organisation argues that these incarcerations cost the US government "billions" of dollars to maintain.

Mr Trump's decision to grant clemency to Johnson was met with wide praise, but the president has shown little appetite for these sorts of measures compared to his predecessor. President Barack Obama pushed for commutations for non-violent drug offenders during his time in office, and commuted 330 individuals who were in that category on his last day in office. Mr Obama granted clemency to more people than the 12 presidents who preceded him combined, including nearly 600 people with life sentences.
Both Republicans and Democrats have averted disaster scenarios in a California primary election seen as critical to who will control Congress in 2019.

A crowded field of Democratic challengers were vying to claim a cluster of Republican-controlled seats. Since California election rules allow the top two vote-getters to advance regardless of party, Democratic officials worried that candidates would fragment the vote and allow Republicans to claim both general election spots in a number of districts.

But Democrats were poised to win one of the top two spots in those districts, allaying fears that the party would fumble away key pickup opportunities.

For Republicans looking to defend their seats, the paramount concern was that no Republican would win a top spot in the race to be Californias next governor - thus denying voters a top-of-the-ticket option and suppressing turnout.

But Republican businessman John Cox came in second, buoyed by a late endorsement from Donald Trump, and will be the underdog challenger to Gavin Newsom, the Democratic lieutenant governor and top vote-getter.

Congratulations to John Cox on a really big number in California. He can win, Mr Trump tweeted the following morning.

In a sign of how heavily Mr Trump's presence will inform the race, Mr Newsom - a vocal critic of Mr Trump - responded by urging the president to continue weighing in, which would allow Mr Newsom to sharpen his contrast with the president.

Please come campaign for him as much as possible, Mr Newsom replied on Twitter.

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

Republicans will be locked out of a US Senate race in California, where incumbent Sen Dianne Feinstein coasted to a spot in the general election. She will face off against a fellow Democrat, former state Senate leader Kevin de Leon, who has positioned himself to Ms Feinsteins left.

California was only one of eight states that held primary elections, and the results will shape November contests that could determine control of Congress and the shape of Donald Trumps presidency.

In Montana, state auditor Matt Rosendale secured the Republican nomination in a critical US Senate race against incumbent Democrat Jon Tester.

Given the states conservative lean, Mr Tester is seen as one of the most vulnerable Senate Democrats. Mr Trump has repeatedly assailed Mr Tester, and Mr Rosendale aligned himself with Mr Trump - backing the presidents proposal for a border wall - while picking up endorsements from top conservatives.

 Donald Trump: current Mexico border wall is 'lousy'

There were also signs of trouble for incumbent New Jersey senator Bob Menendez, who was rebuked by a Senate ethics committee for taking gifts. While Mr Menendez won the Democratic nomination, nearly 40 per cent of party voters went for another Democrat - suggesting Mr Menendez may need to surmount an enthusiasm gap as he squares off against Republican Bob Hugin.

Democratic women registered a string of victories in competitive primaries across the country, securing the chance to challenge incumbent Republicans.

Female candidates secured their partys nomination in a pair of contested Iowa districts; in Montanas sole House district, where Democrats are keen to knock out recently elected Republican Greg Gianforte, who assaulted a reporter during a contentious special election contest; and in New Mexico, where Democrat Xochitl Torres Small won a chance to seek a seat that opened up when incumbent Republican Steve Pearce decided to run for governor.

New Mexico is also poised too send the first Native-American woman to Congress after Deb Haaland secured the Democratic nomination in a heavily Democratic district.
A White House staffer who reportedly mocked Senator John McCains terminal illness has left her job.

Kelly Sadler is no longer employed within the Executive Office of the President, deputy White House press secretary Raj Shah said in a statement.

The Trump administration has been on the defensive since it was leaked that, during a conversation on rounding up enough votes to confirm Gina Haspel as CIA director, Ms Sadler said Mr McCains opposition did not matter because the Arizona Republican was dying anyway.

It has been a little under a month since the comment was first revealed. The White House initially declined to comment, saying it would not verify a leak, and has not issued a public apology.

After Mr Shah said last month Ms Haspel had called the McCain family to apologise, he declined to elaborate further on an internal matter.

If you aren't able, in internal meetings, to speak your mind or convey thoughts or say anything that you feel without feeling like your colleagues will betray you, that creates a very difficult work environment, Mr Shah said.

McCain's last stand Show all 2 1 /2 McCain's last stand McCain's last stand 65498.bin Getty McCain's last stand 65500.bin EPA

Among the more vocal critics of the remark was Mr McCain's daughter Meghan, who said she did not understand how Ms Sadler could still have a job

Mr McCain, a former prisoner of war in Vietnam and ardent opponent of CIA-sponsored torture of suspects was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer last year.

He has been a persistent antagonist of the Trump administration, criticising its foreign policy and casting the decisive vote to derail an effort to repeal the healthcare law championed by Barack Obama.

Donald Trump has responded by signalling his disdain for Mr McCain, whom he mocked during the presidential campaign by saying I like people that weren't captured.
Donald Trump has broken his silence about the conspiracy theories surrounding his missing wife, saying she was recovering from surgery and had not been abused or had a facelift, and had neither left the White House or him.

After having not been seen in public for more than three weeks after she underwent kidney surgery, First Lady Melania Trump attended a White House event on Monday evening to honour military families who have lost relatives - so-called Gold Star Families.

While the event was closed to the press, the Associated Press obtained and verified a blurred image of her. The conservative website, the Daily Caller, also obtained images of the First Lady.

 Excruciating moment Melania refuses to hold Donald Trump's hand before finally giving in

Ms Trump, who was seen wearing a sleeveless black dress and walking in the East Room accompanied by President Trump, tweeted: Tonight @POTUS & I were honoured to pay tribute to our fallen heroes. Thank you to the Gold Star families that joined us in celebration & remembrance.

While Mr Trump had previously said his wife was recovering well after her surgery, his comments on Wednesday morning were the first to address the flurry of rumours and theories triggered by the fact she had not been seen since May 10, when the president travelled to Andrews Air Force Base. He had gone there in the early hours to welcome home three Americans freed by North Korea.

The rumours received additional oxygen when it was announced she would not be accompanying Mr Trump to Singapore for his June 12 summit with Kim Jong-un.

The Fake News Media has been so unfair, and vicious, to my wife and our great First Lady, Melania. During her recovery from surgery they reported everything from near death, to facelift, to left the WH (and me) for NY or Virginia, to abuse. All Fake, she is doing really well, he wrote.

He added: Four reporters spotted Melania in the White House last week walking merrily along to a meeting.

They never reported the sighting because it would hurt the sick narrative that she was living in a different part of the world, was really ill, or whatever. Fake News is really bad!

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

Ms Trump entered hospital four days after appearing with her husband to welcome the freed hostage. She was released from the hospital with no complications on 19 May.

Great to have our incredible First Lady back home in the White House. Melania is feeling and doing really well, Mr Trump tweeted at the time, having deleted an earlier tweet in which he had spelled his wifes name incorrectly.
Today marks 50 years since the assassination of Robert F Kennedy at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.

The aspiring Democratic presidential candidate, 42, who had just defeated Eugene McCarthy to win the California presidential primaries, was attempting to leave a campaign rally in the venue's ballroom by a kitchen corridor when he was shot shortly after midnight on 5 June 1968.

His assailant was Sirhan Sirhan, 24, a Palestinian holding Jordanian citizenship, who burst through the crowd of well-wishers to fire a .22 calibre Iver Johnson Cadet revolver at Kennedy.

The candidate, mobbed by jubilant supporters overjoyed by his victory, was shaking hands with hotel dishwasher Juan Romero, 17, at the time, and fell to the ground immediately when Sirhan started shooting.

Five others were injured in the melee that ensued: journalists William Weisel and Ira Goldstein, United Auto Workers union representative Paul Schrade, Democratic activist Elizabeth Evans and campaign volunteer Irwin Stroll.

Sirhan was punched twice and disarmed by Kennedy's bodyguard, former FBI agent William Barry, and restrained by writer George Plimpton and others.

As the injured candidate lay on the ground, Barry laid his jacket over him while Romero cradled his head, clutching a rosary.

"Is everybody OK?" Kennedy asked.

"Yes, everybody's OK, " Romero replied. "Everything's going to be OK."

The moment was captured by photographers Bill Eppridge and Bill Yaro of Life magazine and The Los Angeles Times respectively, their pictures among the most famous press photographs of the 20th century.

The sea of shocked supporters parted to allow the candidate's wife Ethel Kennedy through (then three months pregnant) to comfort her dying husband. Journalist Peter Hamill reported noticing "a sweet accepting smile" on Kennedy's face.

"Don't lift me", Bobby said, as paramedics attempted to move him onto a stretcher, an expression of agony that would prove to be his final words in this life.

Taken first to the nearby Central Receiving Hospital before being transferred to the Hospital of the Good Samaritan for emergency surgery, Kennedy was operated on for almost four hours to no avail.

Robert F Kennedy was pronounced dead at 2am on 6 June, almost 26 hours after the attack had taken place, killed by three bullet wounds to the head, neck and chest. History had repeated itself in the cruellest fashion less than five years on from the death of his brother John in Dallas, Texas.

Bobby's body was taken to St Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan, New York City, where it lay for public viewing until his funeral on 8 June.

The last surviving Kennedy brother, Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy, voice quavering, gave a moving eulogy, speaking in simple and clear language:

"My brother need not be idealised, or enlarged in death beyond what he was in life; to be remembered simply as a good and decent man, who saw wrong and tried to right it, saw suffering and tried to heal it, saw war and tried to stop it. Those of us who loved him and who take him to his rest today, pray that what he was to us and what he wished for others will someday come to pass for all the world.

"As he said many times, in many parts of this nation, to those he touched and who sought to touch him: 'Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not.'"

Kennedy's coffin was subsequently conveyed to Washington, DC, by rail  thousands of mourners lining the tracks  and buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in close proximity to John's grave.

Vice president Hubert Humphrey secured the Democratic presidential nomination that might have been Kennedy's, only to lose the 1968 election to Republican Richard Nixon.

For his part, Sirhan  still alive today and serving out a life sentence at the Richard J Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego  was an unstable man who had become fixated on Bobby, writing in his journal of his "determination to eliminate RFK" over his support for Israel.

The tragedy of Bobby Kennedy's murder was nothing less than the death of hope.

Following the assassinations of his sibling  the first sitting president to be killed in office since William McKinley in 1901  and of civil rights leader Dr Martin Luther King Jr, about whom Bobby had spoken so movingly earlier that spring in Indianapolis, the Sixties dream of a better tomorrow seemed lost.

"My thanks to all of you; and now it's on to Chicago, and let's win there!" he told the crowd in California on the night he was shot, his last public address.

Bobby may not have been the shining prince of Camelot he was made out to be  some felt he remained compromised by his early career as an aide to Communist witchfinder-general Joseph McCarthy  but many sincerely believed in him as an idealist who felt that peace was achievable and worth fighting for.

The young New York senator's clothes were torn at on the campaign trail by excited fans, his motorcades passing through town always whipping up a feverish atmosphere akin to Beatlemania, a source of nagging concern to his security detail who feared they could not control the crowd when Bobby waded into their midst to shake hands.

Kennedy's work in support of California's immigrant farm labourers from Mexico, the coal miners of Appalachia and the inner city poor was part of a wider sympathy for minorities he felt deeply as a devout Catholic.

He hoped to withdraw America from its unwinnable war in Vietnam and believed that tackling racial prejudice and job creation were the priorities the country needed to focus on to restore present stability and future prosperity in a moment of national conflict and rioting.

In truth  and despite the superb campaigns he ran for senate and the presidency on behalf of John  the handsome young man who stood for reconciliation and law and order may have struggled to win the White House.

A Day That Shook The World: John F. Kennedy assassinated Show all 8 1 /8 A Day That Shook The World: John F. Kennedy assassinated A Day That Shook The World: John F. Kennedy assassinated 499321.bin Getty Images A Day That Shook The World: John F. Kennedy assassinated 499320.bin Getty Images A Day That Shook The World: John F. Kennedy assassinated 499318.bin Getty Images A Day That Shook The World: John F. Kennedy assassinated 499323.bin Getty Images A Day That Shook The World: John F. Kennedy assassinated 499319.bin Getty Images A Day That Shook The World: John F. Kennedy assassinated 499322.bin Getty Images A Day That Shook The World: John F. Kennedy assassinated 499317.bin Getty Images A Day That Shook The World: John F. Kennedy assassinated 499316.bin Getty Images

He had alienated President Lyndon Johnson with stinging criticism, upset the unions as attorney-general with his investigation into organised graft and alarmed corporate America with his ever-more leftist stance.

As a wealthy Bostonian outsider, the power of his appeal to unite America's minorities under a centrist coalition of the downtrodden has been doubted while the anti-war generation seemed likely to prefer his professorial Minnesota rival Eugene McCarthy as party candidate for president, the latter much stronger in denouncing American involvement in Vietnam.

Nevertheless, the myth of Bobby Kennedy endures. He stands for all unrealised possibilities, every promise cruelly snatched away and denied the chance to grow to fruition.

An America of cynicism, division and paranoia, of Charles Manson and Watergate, lay ahead for the world he left behind.
A school safety panel established after the Parkland, Florida school shooting will not be looking into the impact of guns on school shootings, the US education secretary announced.

Betsy DeVos had set up the federal school safety commission in the wake of the 14 February shooting that left 17 people dead at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. But, during testimony in front of Congress Ms DeVos said guns were not part of the commissions charge, per se.

Though pressed further for answers, Ms DeVos only said that the commission will look into school safety and how we can ensure our students are safe at school. However, the White House issued a statement when the group was established that said "age restrictions for certain firearm purchases would be one of its agenda items.

Recommended Parkland high school students were not impressed by Betsy DeVos

According to CNN, the first meeting of the commission involved touring a Maryland elementary school that focuses on positive behavioural intervention, which focuses on mentoring and counselling as opposed to punitive discipline practices. Possible changes to gun laws were not discussed.

US Department of Education spokesperson Elizabeth Hill told the Huffington Post that though Ms DeVos seemed to suggest the commission would not touch the issue of guns, recommendations regarding age restrictions on firearm purchases are one of the 27 items to be addressed by the report that Ms DeVos said should be done by the end of the year.

Ms Hill also noted that the commission cannot create or amend current gun laws  that is the Congress job.

 Betsy DeVos says guns can be used in schools because of grizzly bears

After the Parkland shooting, student survivors organised, staged sit-ins, attended a forum at the White House, and held a massive march in several cities around the country to support amending gun control laws.

At the time, President Donald Trump had suggested that arming teachers was one method of reducing school shootings. Since his comment, scores more have been injured at 10 people died in school shootings in Indiana and Texas.

March for Our Lives  in pictures Show all 13 1 /13 March for Our Lives  in pictures March for Our Lives  in pictures Demonstrators chant during the protest for gun legislation and school safety AP March for Our Lives  in pictures Trevon Tre Bosley, 19, of Chicago, the brother of Terrell Bosley who was killed in 2006 in a case of mistaken identity, speaks during the rally AP March for Our Lives  in pictures Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Delaney Tarr speaks at the rally AFP/Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Protestors line the streets in Washington Getty Images March for Our Lives  in pictures People arrive for the March For Our Lives rally against gun violence in Washington, DC AFP/Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Protestors carrying placards in Washington AFP/Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Protestors hold up placards in Washington AFP/Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Schoolchildren wear targets ahead of the rally Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Attendees congregate in preparation for the march Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Students brought a host of innovative placards AFP/Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures The movements main demand is the banning of assault rifles Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures Since the Florida shooting, students have called for urgent gun reform AFP/Getty March for Our Lives  in pictures In the wake of the Florida attack, President Donald Trump called for teachers to be armed AFP/Getty

Ms DeVos had voiced support for the idea as well.

Other suggestions made by members of Congress and other politicians - many of whom receive millions in campaign contributions and assistance from the National Rifle Association (NRA) - are to reduce violence in video games, reduce the number of doors in schools, and restricting access to pornography.

Teachers in the meantime offered other suggestions in the form of the hashtag #ArmMeWith. Several posted pictures with signs that said what they really need for their students is better mental health counselling, up to date textbooks and technology, and overall better working and learning conditions in school buildings.
The mayor of San Juan says that the US hasnt adequately responded to the disaster that befell Puerto Rico last year, just as President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency with his wife, Melania, to be briefed on the upcoming hurricane season.

Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz said that the Trump administration  which defended its Puerto Rico response on Tuesday  has largely failed the island, and a recent study by Harvard showing that the death toll on the island is as much as 70 times higher than the governments official estimate illustrates that fact.

The fact is that the Trump administrations bureaucracy and neglect created a climate of inefficiency that cost lives. Their inability to meet our needs and their lack of empathy continues to be responsible for the slow pace of our recovery, Ms Cruz told Yahoo News, adding, If they think they did everything they could, they are admitting they did not do enough. They cannot acknowledge the hundreds and thousands dead because those lost souls are irrefutable proof of their inadequate response.

The Harvard study, released last year, estimated that 4,645 people were killed as a result of the landfall of Hurricane Maria  which slammed into Puerto Rico on 20 September, wiping out infrastructure for the island and leaving vulnerable populations with dwindling supplies of life saving medications and access to electricity and clean water.

Other estimates from The New York Times and the Puerto Rican government peg the death toll at around 1,000 people. The US government says just 64 people were killed by the storm.

The discrepancy has led to a court order for the Puerto Rican government to release all death records in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, even though those records are technically public anyway.

 Donald Trump: Our response to Puerto Rico was ten out of ten

Bringing aid to Puerto Rico Show all 20 1 /20 Bringing aid to Puerto Rico Bringing aid to Puerto Rico Crew chief Kenney shelters under the blade of an HH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from 101st Airborne Division's "Dustoff" unit preparing to take off during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria, in Isla Grande, Puerto Rico, October 6, 2017 Reuters/Lucas Jackson Bringing aid to Puerto Rico An HH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from 101st Airborne Division's "Dustoff" unit takes off behind Crew Chief Alexander Blake and his fellow soldiers during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria, in Morovis, October 5, 2017 Reuters/Lucas Jackson Bringing aid to Puerto Rico Crew member Bynum stands in tropical rain as a HH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from 101st Airborne Division's "Dustoff" unit prepares to take off during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria, in Isla Grande, October 6, 2017 Reuters/Lucas Jackson Bringing aid to Puerto Rico UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter pilot Chris Greenway receives a hug from a woman thanking him for water as he works with the First Armored Division's Combat Aviation Brigade during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria, in Verde de Comerio, October 7, 2017 Reuters/Lucas Jackson Bringing aid to Puerto Rico A man carries a case of water away from an HH-60 Blackhawk helicopter after soldiers working with 101st Airborne Division's "Dustoff" unit dropped off relief supplies during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria, in Jayuya, October 5, 2017 Reuters/Lucas Jackson Bringing aid to Puerto Rico Crew chief Alexander Blake from 101st Airborne Division's "Dustoff" unit loads water into a helicopter during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria, in Isla Grande, October 5, 2017 Reuters/Lucas Jackson Bringing aid to Puerto Rico Residents wait for soldiers in UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from the First Armored Division's Combat Aviation Brigade to deliver food and water during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria, in San Lorenzo Reuters Bringing aid to Puerto Rico An HH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from 101st Airborne Division's "Dustoff" unit lands in a field to avoid lightning during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria, in Manati, October 5, 2017 Reuters/Lucas Jackson Bringing aid to Puerto Rico Residents hold their hands aloft to signal that they need water as UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from the First Armored Division's Combat Aviation Brigade fly past during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria, near Ciales, October 7, 2017 Reuters/Lucas Jackson Bringing aid to Puerto Rico Tropical rain splashes on a runway as HH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from 101st Airborne Division's "Dustoff" unit wait for weather to clear during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria, in Isla Grande, October 6, 2017 Reuters/Lucas Jackson Bringing aid to Puerto Rico Pilot Eldwin Bocanegra Torres speaks with residents isolated by landslides in the mountains after unloading water and food from a helicopter during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria, near Utuado, October 10, 2017 Reuters/Lucas Jackson Bringing aid to Puerto Rico Residents stand in front of wind-damaged trees as they wait for soldiers in UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from the First Armored Division's Combat Aviation Brigade to deliver food and water during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria, in San Lorenzo, October 7, 2017 Reuters/Lucas Jackson Bringing aid to Puerto Rico The contents of a home are seen from the air during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria near Utuado, October 10, 2017 Reuters/Lucas Jackson Bringing aid to Puerto Rico Thomas looks out of the window of an HH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from 101st Airborne Division's "Dustoff" unit, loaded with relief supplies, during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria in Isla Grande, October 6, 2017 Reuters/Lucas Jackson Bringing aid to Puerto Rico A message written on the rooftop is seen from the air during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria near Humacao, October 10, 2017 Reuters/Lucas Jackson Bringing aid to Puerto Rico A HH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from 101st Airborne Division's "Dustoff" unit lands in a field during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria in San Sebastian, October 6, 2017 Reuters/Lucas Jackson Bringing aid to Puerto Rico Sergeant First Class Eladio Tirado, who is from Puerto Rico, looks for a landing spot for a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from the First Armored Division's Combat Aviation Brigade, during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria near Ciales, October 7, 2017 Reuters/Lucas Jackson Bringing aid to Puerto Rico Boys carry water away from an HH-60 Blackhawk helicopter after soldiers working with the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division's "Dustoff" unit dropped off relief supplies during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria, in Jayuya, October 5, 2017 Reuters/Lucas Jackson Bringing aid to Puerto Rico Sergeant First Class Eladio Tirado from the First Armored Division's Combat Aviation Brigade, who is from Puerto Rico, speaks with residents as he helps during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria, in San Lorenzo, October 7, 2017 Reuters/Lucas Jackson Bringing aid to Puerto Rico Residents peek through a fence at helicopters from 101st Airborne Division's "Dustoff" unit that had parked in a locked field during recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria, in Lares, October 6, 2017 Reuters/Lucas Jackson

The information  is public by nature, Judge Lauracelis Roques wrote in that order this week. People still dont have a clear picture as to how many lives were lost due to a lack of food, medicine, health services or simply because of an ineffective response to an emergency. Thats why its urgent to shed light on all components of government preparedness and response.

In response to a request for comment, a FEMA spokesperson told The Independent that FEMA will be in Puerto Rico for years to come, supporting Puerto Rico and their recovery goals. Recovery progress continues with the full support of FEMA and the federal government, but did not otherwise comment on Ms Yulin Cruzs comments or the death toll estimates.

Last years hurricane season was historic, but so has been the effort by FEMA and our numerous federal, state and local partners, the spokesperson said. To date FEMA has provided more than $1.3 billion in support to survivors of Hurricane Maria and obligated more than $2.2 billion of support to Puerto Rico for Public Assistance projects.

A request for comment sent to the White House was not immediately returned.
Afghanistan needs the renewed long-term military and political support of the international community to combat a violent insurgency threatening the stability of the whole region, one of the countrys leaders has stressed on a visit to London.

The Afghan governments chief executive, Abdullah Abdullah, was speaking as Western states, including Britain, prepared plans to send additional forces to his country.

That plan comes after US President Donald Trump recently called for Nato to help the US mission there, engaged in a conflict which has seen an increasing presence of Isis and al-Qaeda, as well as the Taliban.

Dr Abdullah, who is in a power-sharing administration with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, is due to meet Theresa May, the prime minister, and her foreign secretary Boris Johnson on Thursday.

He praised the contribution made by Britain since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001 not just in defence, but also in forming civic society and public institutions. It is a country which has stood by us and made great sacrifices.

Recommended Afghan officials blame Trump administration for wave of terror attacks

Speaking of the 12 years of UK deployment which followed, he added: Were the great sacrifices of the British forces made in vain? I dont think so: they helped to prevent the whole region from slipping into chaos.

New strategies being put in place by the Afghan government with Western help include the expansion of the air force, doubling the size of the special forces and setting up a territorial army (TA) from local communities.

British SAS and SBS  naval special forces  units have been in action in the country since the withdrawal of the US-led international forces at the end of 2013, while members of the UKs TA played a significant part during the British deployment in Helmand.

At a Nato defence ministers meeting, which began in Brussels on Wednesday, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: Allies and partners are stepping up  with forces and funding  in Afghanistan, adding that around 3,000 more trainers will be sent to the mission and discussions were underway to extend funding for the Afghan forces beyond 2020.

The ministers will focus on Afghan commitment in the final session of the meeting.

Detailed proposals are due to be presented at the Nato summit, attended by Mr Trump, in the second week of July.

All the Taliban and their backers in the region needed to do was make sure that they avoided engagement with Nato for those years and prepare to come back after that and restart their violent campaign Abdullah Abdullah, chief executive of Afghan government

The US president will fly to the UK, his first visit since arriving at the White House, directly from the Brussels meeting, when he will meet Ms May to discuss the bilateral special relationship and have tea with the Queen.

The additional Afghan commitment by Britain is expected to take place at the Nato summit. There are around 600 UK personnel in the country at present, most involved in training and providing logistical support, and up to another 700 may be sent with more of them, including additional special forces, engaged in combat.

There are currently around 15,000 US troops deployed in Afghanistan and some progress has been made under its commander General John Nicholson.

US planners hold that additional forces are needed and Mr Trump wants Nato allies to provide them.

The longer-term strategy of the US, however, remains unclear, with an administration in Washington which has been marked by constantly changing senior personnel and shifting positions.

Lieutenant General HR McMaster, who as Mr Trumps national security advisor anchored the Afghan policy, has been replaced by John Bolton, who is more focused on Iran and North Korea.

War artists in Afghanistan Show all 6 1 /6 War artists in Afghanistan War artists in Afghanistan Work by Matthew Cook Matthew Cook War artists in Afghanistan War artists in Afghanistan Work by Jules George Jules George War artists in Afghanistan Embedded: Jules George War artists in Afghanistan Work by Jules George Jules George War artists in Afghanistan Trooping the colours: Jules George was inspired by his father and grandfather to witness and document war, if not to wage it Jules George

There is also uncertainty about interaction with regional powers. Mr Trump had taken a harder approach with Pakistan  whose military and secret police have been accused of colluding with the Taliban and other insurgent groups  than his predecessors.

But moves such as Mr Trumps freezing of up to $2bn in military aid has not led to the Pakistanis taking any significant measures against the insurgents, and the White House is said to be considering other punitive measures such as visa bans on individual members of the military and the secret police (ISI), and permanently cutting off the flow of military aid.

However, there is doubt that the tough policies will be followed up with the regularly changing focus of the Trump administrations foreign policy.

Dr Abdullah said he fully appreciated that it was up to individual states to decide whether they wanted to deploy forces to Afghanistan and what form that would take.

The need he wanted to stress was for long-term commitment, pointing out the harm done when it was announced in 2011 that international forces would pull out in three years.

All the Taliban and their backers in the region needed to do was make sure that they avoided engagement with Nato for those years and prepare to come back after that and restart their violent campaign, he said.

We cannot afford to make the same mistake again.
The Indian government has pledged to ban all single-use plastics by 2022, in a move which has been welcomed by both the United Nations and grassroots groups.

The UN environment agency described the policy as unprecedented. It was announced during a World Environment Day summit hosted by the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi.

India was providing global leadership where the rest of the world was falling short, said UN Environment chief Erik Solheim. A new report from the agency highlighted more than 50 nations taking some action to tackle plastics, but added that much more needed to be done.

In some countries  India among them  rules exist but are not always enforced. In others, pledges have been criticised for not going far enough. Theresa May declared earlier this year that the UK would eliminate avoidable plastic waste  where it is economically practical to do so  by 2042.

Harsh Vardhan, the Indian environment minister, used the summit in New Delhi to announce on a personal front that he would give up single-use plastic in his own daily life.

And speaking for the government, he said: On this historic occasion we make a solemn pledge that by 2022 we shall eliminate all single-use plastics from our beautiful country. He described the policy as part of Mr Modis vision to create the India of our dreams.

Indias 1.3 billion population currently produces 25,000 metric tons of plastic per day. The government claims that around 60 per cent of that is recycled, but civil society groups put the figure closer to 40 per cent.

The choices that we make today will define our collective future, Mr Modi told the summit.

The choices may not be easy. But through awareness, technology and a genuine global partnership, I am sure we can make the right choices. Let us all join together to beat plastic pollution and make this planet a better place to live.

Plastic pollution blights Indias cities and towns, but also key tourist attractions, historic landmarks and coastal resorts. Mr Modi announced that 100 national monuments  including the Taj Mahal  would be made litter-free.

And he also used World Environment Day to announce that India would be joining the UNs Clean Seas campaign, which will establish programmes to monitor and tackle pollution along the countrys 7,500km coastline.

Achieving zero single-use plastics by 2022 may actually be more achievable than it first appears. Both Mr Solheim and Mr Vardhan noted that India has a long history of sustainable lifestyles.

The pledge is also seen as referring to evidently wasteful items such as plastic straws, cutlery and ultra-thin bags, all of which have established sustainable alternatives.

It is not seen as including so-called multi-layered packaging  things like chocolate bar wrappers and crisp packets, which use plastic in tandem with other materials and which are much more difficult to replace.

Ways to reduce your single-use plastic Show all 6 1 /6 Ways to reduce your single-use plastic Ways to reduce your single-use plastic Plastic water bottle for a reusable beverage container Instead of continually buying drinks in plastic bottles you can switch to a reusable beverage container and reduce your single-use of plastics. Selfridges' Bobble 550ml filtered water bottle costs 12.95 and includes a replaceable carbon filter that filters water as you drink, removing chlorine and organic contaminants in the process. You can buy it from selfridges.com Getty/Selfridges Ways to reduce your single-use plastic Coffee cup for a Travel coffee mug It is estimated that the UK throws away around 2.5bn disposable coffee cups a year and almost all are incinerated, exported or sent to landfill because their plastic lining makes them expensive to recycle. The new Latte Levy in the UK means there will now be a 25p charge on every disposable coffee cup bought by consumers. Pret A Manger announced that it will double its discount to 50p in an effort to reduce waste. By swapping to a reusable cup you will be able to help cut the cost of disposable coffee cups. This Keep Cup Brew, cork edition, travel cup in Fika is just one of the many available to purchase. It fits under most commercial coffee machines, is splash-proof and ideal for transporting your coffee whilst on the go. You can buy this particular cup for 19.99 from trouva.com. Getty/Trouva Ways to reduce your single-use plastic Plastic bags for reusable cloth bags An eco-friendly alternative to an ordinary plastic bag is this lightweight shopping bag. It comes with a practical pillowcase pocket and features a black and white ink splatter design. Convenient and durable it also has a matte black spring clip to attach it where you need it. You can buy this from paperchase.co.uk for just 5.00. Getty/Paperchase Ways to reduce your single-use plastic Coffee pods for a pot of coffee Cut your plastic coffee pod usage with a cafetiere. This Barista and Co, 3 Cup Gold Cafetiere, from Habitat offers a simple way to brew and serve in style. Made from borosilicate glass and plated stainless steel with an ergonomically designed handle, the cafetiere is built to last and a pleasure to use; a fine metal filter produces a smooth coffee that retains its natural oils. You can buy it for 30 from habitat.co.uk. Getty/Habitat Ways to reduce your single-use plastic Balloons for eco-friendly decorations Instead of using plastic balloons at your party try swapping them for some eco-friendly bunting. Handmade in Scotland, the bunting comprises thirteen brightly coloured pennants which spell out the words 'Happy Birthday', and uses lettering that has been printed onto 100 per cent recycled card. Included is 11ft of natural jute twine to hang the pennants on, and everything comes packaged in a cello bag. You can buy this bunting from Little Silverleaf on notonthehighstreet.com for 12.50. Getty/notonthehighstreet Ways to reduce your single-use plastic Plastic straw for a reusable bamboo one Swap plastic straws for reusable ones made of bamboo. These straws are handmade in Bali and crafted by local balinese artisans. Made of organic and natural materials they are the best eco-friendly alternative to plastic, steel or glass straws. You can purchase them from Bali Boo on Amazon.co.uk for 13.99. PA/Bali Boo/Amazon

Nonetheless, the pledge was welcomed by Chintan, a Delhi-based NGO fighting for sustainable consumption. Rajat Rai Handa, the groups advocacy manager, told The Independent it was ambitious but I would not say impossible.

It will be very difficult [to phase out single-use plastics], but if everyone works together we hope it can be made a reality, he said.
A luxury hotel designed by a British architect and located on a former pirates hideaway is to host the historic meeting between Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

After weeks of speculation over where the 12 June summit would be held, the White House revealed that the Capella hotel on Sentosa, an island located a quarter of a mile off the coast of Singapore, would play host to the event.

UPDATE: The venue for the Singapore summit between @POTUS and Leader Kim Jong Un will be the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders wrote on Twitter. We thank our great Singaporean hosts for their hospitality.

In Singapore, reporters have been visiting the various hotels rumoured to be among those being considered as potential venues, including the Shangri-La and the Marina Bay Sands. At this point, they reported, the hotels seemed calm and quiet, with no sign of the huge security presence expected next week.

Earlier, the president had told reporters preparations for the meeting were going well, despite him at one point cancelling the event after claiming the North Koreans were not taking the issue seriously. Mr Trump announced last Friday that the summit was back on the calendar, after meeting a senior North Korean envoy, General Kim Yong-chol, at the White House.

The Capella Singapore incorporates buildings dating from the 1880s (Reuters)

The general delivered Mr Trump a large envelope said to contain a letter from the North Korean leader himself, underscoring his commitment to the meeting. Mr Trump said this week that preparations for the meeting were moving along very well.

A lot of relationships being built, a lot of negotiations going on before the trip, he said. Well see what happens. But its very important  itll be a very important couple of days.

 Top North Korean official arrives at the White House to deliver letter from Kim Jong Un

Mr Trump, who is seeking to persuade Mr Kim to shut down a nuclear missile programme that he says now threatens the United States, said last week he expected an eventual very positive result with North Korea but dampened expectations for a breakthrough in Singapore, saying it could take several meetings to reach an agreement.

He said one thing that could come out of the summit was an agreement formally ending the 1950-53 Korean War, which was concluded only with a truce, not a peace treaty.

Clues that Sentosa had been selected as the venue included the fact that Mr Trumps deputy chief of staff, Joe Hagin, and Mr Kims de facto chief of staff, Kim Chang Son, had been holding pre-summit discussions on the island in recent days. The hotel was designed by celebrated British architect Sir Norman Foster.

On Monday, Singapore declared a central region that is home to its foreign ministry, the US embassy and several hotels, as a special zone from 10-14 June. In its online gazette, the government amended the area to include Sentosa and an area of the sea stretching more than half a mile off its southwestern shore.

The Singapore government has said police would make stricter checks of people and personal belongings and items such as public address systems and remotely piloted aircraft system would be prohibited in the area.

Before Britain seized control of Singapore in 1824, the island was a flourishing trade centre, frequented by merchants and traders and known for its piracy. At the time, Sentosa was known as Pulau Blakang Mati, which directly translates as the island where death lurks from behind.

After Singapore fell to Japanese forces in 1942, it was given a new Japanese name  Syonan, meaning Light of the South.

Thousands of people were killed under an operation to purge anti-Japanese elements from the ethnic Chinese community.

North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border Show all 20 1 /20 North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border People have their picture taken with North Korea in the background, in Tumen, China. In the Chinese city of Dandong, signs of neighbouring North Korea are pervasive. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border A North Korean woman is photographed from the Chinese side of the Yalu River near the town of Changbai, China as she walks between houses in the North Korean town of Hyesan. A week-long road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea revealed stark contrasts between China's bright towns and North Korea's dark villages. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border North Korean souvenirs are displayed for sale on the banks of the Yalu River in Dandong in Liaoning province, China. In the Chinese city of Dandong, signs of neighbouring North Korea are pervasive. Reuters North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border A large screen, which faces North Korea, broadcasts propaganda videos on an island on the Yalu River between North Korea and China, in the town of Linjiang in Jilin province, China. A week-long road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea revealed stark contrasts between China's bright towns and North Korea's dark villages. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border A piece of clothing is used to make a gap in barbed wire near the closed bridge over the Yalu River on the Chinese side of the border with North Korea between towns of Ji'an and Linjiang, China. A week-long road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea showed places where it is porous. Reuters North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border A tourist uses binoculars to look across to North Korea from a tower built on the Chinese side of the border between Russia (L), China (C) and North Korea (R) near the town of Hunchun in China. Reuters North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border North Koreans are photographed from the Chinese side of the border as they stand next to the freezing Yalu River near the town of Linjiang, China. On a road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea, reporters found a group of North Koreans diving in the Yalu river who the Chinese locals said were searching for gold. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border Women participate in a group dance exercise close to the Yalu River which runs between China and North Korea, in the town of Linjiang in Jilin province, China. A week-long road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea revealed stark contrasts between China's bright towns and North Korea's dark villages. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border A sign reading, "Take the initiative to preserve order along the border," stands in a field at the border between China and North Korea just outside Dandong, Liaoning province, China. Reuters North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border A couple prepare for a wedding photography session on a boat which takes tourists on sightseeing tours from the Chinese side of the Yalu River, close to the shores of North Korea, near Dandong, Liaoning province, China. In the Chinese city of Dandong, signs of neighbouring North Korea are pervasive. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border Tourists travel on a boat taking them from the Chinese side of the Yalu River for sightseeing close to the shores of North Korea, near Dandong, Liaoning province, China. In the Chinese city of Dandong, signs of neighbouring North Korea are pervasive. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border North Koreans are photographed from the Chinese side of the border as they stand next to the freezing Yalu River near the town of Linjiang, China. On a road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea, reporters found a group of North Koreans diving in the Yalu river who the Chinese locals said were searching for gold. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border Women walk across a bridge from an island on the Yalu River, dividing North Korea and China, in the town of Linjiang in Jilin province, China. A week-long road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea revealed stark contrasts between China's bright towns and North Korea's dark villages. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border A North Korean soldier and locals are photographed from the Chinese side of the border north of Dandong, China as they stand on the banks of the Yalu River, north of Sinuiju, North Korea. A week-long road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea revealed stark contrasts between China's bright towns and North Korea's dark villages. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border North Korean girls are photographed from the Chinese side of the border as they collect water from the frozen Yalu River near Linjiang, China. A week-long road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea revealed stark contrasts between China's bright towns and North Korea's dark villages. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border A man looks through binoculars towards North Korea on the Broken Bridge over the Yalu River that connects the North Korean town of Sinuiju and Dandong in Liaoning Province, China. In the Chinese city of Dandong, signs of neighbouring North Korea are pervasive. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border North Koreans are photographed from the Chinese side of the border as they stand next to the freezing Yalu River near the town of Linjiang, China. On a road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea, reporters found a group of North Koreans diving in the Yalu river who the Chinese locals said were searching for gold. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border North Korean fishermen are seen as a Chinese flag flutters from the Broken Bridge as the sun sets over the Yalu River between the North Korean town of Sinuiju and Dandong in Liaoning Province, China. In the Chinese city of Dandong, signs of neighbouring North Korea are pervasive. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border North Koreans are photographed from the Chinese side of the border as they stand in the freezing Yalu River near the town of Linjiang, China. On a road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea, reporters found a group of North Koreans diving in the Yalu river who the Chinese locals said were searching for gold. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border Women, photographed from the Chinese side of the border, are seen through binoculars fixed on a building on the Chinese side of the border for sightseers to look across to North Korea, as they cross the bridge from Namyang in North Korea towards the town of Tumen in China, Reuters

After Singapore gained independence in 1965, the island was renamed. A 1972 contest organised by the Singapore tourist promotion board resulted in it being named Sentosa, a Malay word meaning peace and tranquility.

The revelation that Sentosa had been selected as the venue for the talks came as Republican and Democratic members of the US House of Representatives introduced a bill that would require Mr Trumps administration to provide a detailed report on North Koreas nuclear programme to set a baseline for progress on talks with Pyongyang.

The bill, seen by Reuters, is one of a series of efforts by members of congress to have some say in negotiations ahead of next weeks summit.

Some member of congress have expressed concern that Mr Trump is so eager for a deal that he will concede too much.

The North Korea Nuclear Baseline Act was introduced by Representative Eliot Engel, the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as politicians including Republican Representative Mike McCaul, chairman of the Homeland Security Committee and a senior member of the foreign affairs panel.

It would require the administration to transmit to congressional national security committees within 60 days of its enactment a report on the status of North Koreas nuclear programme.
When it comes to planning a city break in Poland, Gdansk may not roll off the tongues of most UK travellers, but this gem on the Baltic Coast is one of the most scenic, cultural and historically significant cities in the country.

Increasingly popular with young Poles keen to live by the sea, it has some of Polands finest museums, while burgeoning regional food and nightlife scenes make Gdansk a great choice for a budget short break.

What to do

Check out the street art

Just four stops from Gdansk Glowny is the Gdansk Zaspa district. This largely residential area may not have many traditional attractions, but the facades of its communist-era tower blocks are painted in intricate and often colourful murals  an ideal stop-off point for photographers.

Visit the museums

Gdansk has some of the best museums in Poland. The European Solidarity Centre tells the story of a steelworkers strike which set in motion a cultural movement that spread around Poland and ultimately led to the fall of communism. Poignant and stunningly designed, it also has a rooftop looking out over the shipyard and Old Town. The Museum of the Second World War, which opened last March, is even more extensive, giving detailed insight into the 20th centurys biggest conflict, which began in the city (then named Danzig) in 1939.

Gdansk's Second World War museum is a must-visit (Getty) (Getty Images)

Head to the theatre

Gdansk was a key stop-off point for travelling actors in the first half of the 17th century and the city is reported to have been the first outside England where Shakespeares plays were performed. Gdansk now has its own Globe Shakespeare Theatre, which hosts troupes from around the world; many plays are performed with English subtitles.

Explore the Old Town

While undeniably the most touristy (and busiest) part of the city, Gdansk Old Town is beautiful and a walk around is an essential part of any visit. Each building carries a story, from the seemingly medieval facade close to the Golden Gate (which was actually painted by Soviet authorities), to the statues atop buildings rebuilt after the Second World War. A walk alongside the marina is a must when the weather is good, and the historic Soldek ship is also worth checking out.

The pretty Old Town is popular with visitors (Getty Images)

Take a food tour in Gdynia

Gdansk is part of the Tricity region which includes nearby Gdynia and Sopot. The former is just a 30-minute train ride on the SKM railway and well worth a visit. A former fishing village, it was founded in 1926 and became a salubrious part of the region with its modernist architecture and seaside location. The Eat Polska food tour is excellent, including a pitstop for fresh cod aboard a Baltic boat and soup at Sztuczka, a fairly new restaurant recognised by Gault & Millau for its excellence.

Where to stay

Puro Hotel in Stare Mesto (Old Town) is a short walk from the citys iconic St Marys Church (currently under renovation) and right beside the Motawa river. The design is chic and modern, beds are comfy and staff are friendly and accommodating. Moreover, guests can enjoy a sauna or treatments at the Prisma Spa and grab a cocktail at one of the hotels two bars on the ground floor and rooftop. Doubles from 69, B&B.

Three-star Hotel Number One is located in the same area of Old Town as Puro, and boasts a wellness zone and a daily changing breakfast buffet. Doubles from 30, B&B.

Find more hotels in Gdansk

Trendy Puro is in a great location (Puro)

Where to eat

Duga ulice, a street which runs from the citys historic Golden and Green Gates, has numerous restaurants serving both traditional Polish and international cuisine. However, for a less touristy experience, its easy to veer away from the main thoroughfare without having to traipse too far.

Along the waterfront, Brovarnia Gdansk is famed for its excellent beers, made onsite, but is also a great spot for food  the fresh cod in Prosecco sauce with bavarian mustard is particularly good.

Paulo Gelateria has a number of organic ice creams in weird and wonderful flavours, including pumpkin seed oil.

Try traditional dishes like pierogi (Getty) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Healthy eaters should head for Guga Sweet and Guga Spicy, two adjacent cafes which specialise in vegan and vegetarian food.

Piwna 47 is an excellent restaurant in the Old Town, with a fine selection of meat, fish, pasta and salad dishes, and the option to sit outside or in the elegant conservatory.

To try traditional Kashubian food (Gdansk is the capital of the Kashubian region) try Tawerna Mestwin  dishes include pierogi and soup in a bread bowl.

Where to drink

Locals consider nearby Sopot (part of the Tricity region) as the areas nightlife hotspot, but Gdansk itself has plenty of good cafes and bars. For coffee, Pi Kawa is a centrally located cafe with an extensive menu of hot drinks and desserts.

Cafe Josef K is a buzzy place for a drink (Cafe Josef K)

Cafe Josef K is a lively evening spot with dimly lit interiors and a pleasant outdoor seating area, while Cathead Multitap has a rotating list of craft beers and stouts and an outdoor seating area which looks out over the citys refurbished granary buildings.

Where to shop

Ulica Mariacka in the city centre retains its pre-Second World War terraces and is now home to a number of artisan shops selling amber jewellery, for which Gdansk is famous.

Mariacka street is great for shopping (Getty) (Getty Images)

Large, mall-esque shopping centres have flourished in Poland in the post-Communist era. Galeria Batycka is a new centre just a short walk from Gdansk Wrzeszcz station, with over 200 shops, bars, cafes and restaurants.

Architectural highlight

The intricate design of the Solidarity Museum takes first place.

The Solidarity Centre is architecturally stunning (Getty) (Getty Images)

Nuts and bolts

Cheapest time to fly

What currency do I need?

Polish Zloty

What language do they speak?

Polish. English is widely spoken.

Should I tip?

Tipping around 10 per cent is generally expected, 15 for excellent service.

Whats the time difference?

Gdansk is GMT+1

Whats the flight time from the UK?

Direct flights from London take one hour and 50 minutes.

Whens best to go?

The weathers best between May and October.

Public transport

Gdansk is easily walkable, but the tram and train infrastructure is very good.

Best view

The viewing tower at St Marys Basilica is generally considered to be the best in the city. Other great spots include the deck at Solidarity museum and the rooftop bar at Puro Hotel, while the citys seasonal ferris wheel provides excellent panoramic views.

Insider tip

If youre interested in the museums, allow plenty of time for each as the exhibits are extensive and thorough.

Click here for First Choice discount codes
Greece is the latest in a string of European countries fighting to maintain the fine balance between sustainable tourism and overtourism - with one prominent politician saying the country is feeling the strain.

This year, the country is expected to welcome 32 million foreign travellers  an almost 100 per cent increase from the 15 million visitors in 2010 and over five times the amount of visitors from 10 years ago.

The tiny island of Santorini has felt the strain more than anywhere else. At just 76 square kilometres, it has reportedly struggled with traffic jams and overcrowding, alongside rising water and energy consumption. This has led to the introduction of a daily cap on cruise passengers to the island in an attempt to restrict the number of visitors.

Recommended What not to do in Barcelona

For a country that has recently been on the brink of bankruptcy, the heavy flow of tourists has arguably been a necessary evil in keeping its economy afloat. But, is there a limit to the countrys global popularity?

Nikos Chrysogelos, the Greek politician and environmentalist, thinks so. We can't keep having more and more tourists, he told the Observer. We can't have small islands, with small communities, hosting one million tourists over a few months. There's a danger of the infrastructure not being prepared, of it all becoming a huge boomerang if we only focus on numbers and don't look at developing a more sustainable model of tourism.

Nikos Zorzos, the islands mayor, told the Guardian: Santorini has developed the problems of a city. We have built numerous desalination plants and are in the process of erecting the biggest one in Greece, but in five years time I worry even that wont be enough. We cant keep having more and more tourists.

A report published by the World Travel and Tourism Council last year, entitled Coping with Success: Managing Overcrowding in Tourist Destinations, acknowledges the challenges that can arise from a rapid increase in tourists.

The report identifies five key consequences of overtourism: Alienated local residents, degraded tourist experiences, overloaded infrastructure, damage to nature and threats to culture and heritage. Alienated local residents is perhaps the most telling factor when it comes to overcrowding as its broken into two parts: Density of tourism, which is the number of visitors per square kilometre, and tourism intensity, which is the number of tourists per one resident.

With one in five Greek people working in the tourism sector, achieving an equilibrium that benefits residents and tourists will be a delicate business.

Click here for easyJet discount codes
If youre looking for your favourite Brexit-as-Pulp-Fiction moment  and frankly, why wouldnt you be?  then David Davis going back to the same room where Theresa May was launching her leadership bid right at the moment Michael Gove simultaneously knifed Boris Johnson in the back and himself in the front and then reading out David Camerons 2016 referendum stump speech would have to be it.

The speech had been billed as the Brexit secretary discussing the future security partnership between the UK and the EU, which Davis said would be one that recognises the history with Europe that we share.

He said these words in the library of the Royal United Services Institute on Whitehall, surrounded by, at a conservative estimate, 4.5 billion words exclusively dedicated to the subject of how the nations of Europe have blunderbussed, bayoneted, machine-gunned and generally bombed the shit out of one another over the last several hundred years.

The speech was, in its way, a work of art. Davis went on a guided tour of all the current security arrangements between the UK and the EU, and the enormous benefits they provide. He spoke at great length about the European Arrest Warrant, which had allowed the UK to extradite the failed 21/7 bomber, Hussein Osman, from Italy.

It was not quite deja vu, because no one was in any doubt about where theyd heard it before. Theyd all heard it approximately 10,000 times before, when David Cameron said it literally every day while campaigning for Remain.

We heard of how, before the launch of the European Arrest Warrant in 2004, only 60 criminals a year were extradited from the UK to face trial in their own country. That number is now 10,000.

It was as if Davis was guiding his audience around the remarkable battle scenes on some ancient Grecian urn, pointing out the beautiful carvings, the intricate wonder of it all, and somehow hoping no one would notice that the urn was in pieces on the floor, because Davis himself had just deliberately picked it up and smashed it.

One aspect of the backdrop to all this is the possible exclusion of the UK from the EUs new Galileo satellite navigation system, a multibillion-pound project to which the UK has contributed both money and expertise. Now, it has been suggested, Britain cant be trusted with sensitive security information.

Anyone who suggests the UK cant be trusted and isnt the proven friend of every European country needs to study their history, Davis said, in a message for his opposite numbers in Brussels, all of whom are entirely familiar at least with Britains very recent history, in which David Davis has shown on at least 20 occasions that he has not the faintest idea what he is talking about.

Oh, David Davis. The history isnt the problem. No one is doubting Britains past role as a leading member of the European continent. For long decades  centuries, even  Britain has been the home of good and practical government, of flexibility, common sense. The problem is the present. The bit David Davis is personally responsible for.

For Davis to invoke Britains proud past as some kind of comfort blanket for its perilous and profoundly humiliating present is the kind of magnificent bravado of which possibly only he is capable. It is like a pissed stag party member storming the easyJet cockpit, punching the captain unconscious and declaring over the intercom, Dont panic, everything will be fine! An actual pilot used to fly this thing!

Still, his final words were clear enough: When Britain loses, Europe loses too, he said. Which is, of course, precisely what Donald Tusk, Jean Claude Juncker, Michel Barnier and absolutely everyone in Brussels has been saying for more than two years, because that is the inevitable, unavoidable end state of Brexit.

And yet it still appears to be a lesson that Davis the Great Historian will have to wait to learn in the present, at some point very soon after March 2019, when it will be even more far too late than it already is.
The corruption of what used to be a support movement into a hate group means that young lonely men seeking a community are at risk of misogynistic radicalisation and recruitment into communities that glorify rape and paedophilia. In order to understand how this is happening, you need to understand Nathan Larson.

Its 2018, which means its unsurprising that a self-described white supremacist and paedophile is running for Congress in Virginia. Nathan Larson wants to legalise child pornography and incestuous marriage, and repeal the Violence Against Women Act so that women can be classified as property, initially of their fathers and later of their husbands. He also established a number of forums on which he posted under the pseudonyms Lysander and Leucosticte, advocating for the rape of women and graphically describing child pornography.

Larson was recruiting from the incel community, which was brought to prominence following an incident earlier this year in which one of their number is alleged to have driven a van along a pavement in Toronto, killing 10 people and wounding more than a dozen others.

Incel, which stands for involuntarily celibate, is nominally a label adopted by men who want to have sex or a relationship but are unable to find one, but in practice it describes a set of toxic communities in which lonely, vulnerable young men who need support find nothing but misogyny, self-loathing and nihilism.

A typical post on an incel community sees users attributing their misfortune to inalterable aspects of appearance. Any attempts at self-improvement are mocked as copes.

The websites Larson created have been taken down after a campaign from the activist group r/IncelTears and Babe.net, but Larson is already looking for alternative hosting. As with the white supremacist sites Stormfront and Daily Stormer, its likely hell be able to acquire it, even if it is on the dark web. Hes found no shortage of support from forums like incels.me, the main incel community since they were banned from reddit in November last year for inciting violence.

While the story of an admitted paedophile running for Congress might seem warped enough, the bigger issue here is this. Young men turning to forums for support and finding themselves radicalised into misogynist extremists, advocating for the sexual enslavement of women. But moreover, men like Larson (who is not involuntarily celibate by any stretch of the imagination, given that he has been married twice and has a daughter who is out of his custody) make accounts on these forums specifically in order to recruit people they think will be sympathetic to their cause. In the words of one reddit user, the incelocalypse owner is only part of the incel community because he sees it as a place where being a child molester isnt considered a non-starter. Its a great recruitment spot for him.

Unfortunately, theyre right. Incel forums, which began as support groups in the late 1990s, now ubiquitously accept the concept of the blackpill, which says that a mans life chances are fundamentally determined by his attractiveness, and nothing they can do will change their fate. The only options left to them, then, are living in misery or taking violent action against themselves and others. They feel wronged by the world and they blame women, whom they hold responsible for not giving them the affection they believe they are entitled to.

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

Many of them advocate the rape or enslavement of women, or for the state to allocate women to them as property. Some of them want to lower the age of consent or abolish it entirely. Its unsurprising, then, that in this community a paedophile like Nathan Larson might find common cause. In this barely regulated environment where the most extreme opinions are given the most credence, he is barely saying anything new. That means that people like him are getting a free platform to access vulnerable men and expose them to 3,000 word essays on How to psyche yourself up to feel entitled to rape.

It might seem like theres not much that can be done to prevent this. White supremacist sites seem to find new homes whenever theyre brought down. But its worth noting that every time a community like Incelocalypse is shut down, it loses members. The old incels subreddit had more than 40,000 subscribers, its successor has just over half that, and incels.me has just 6,000 registered members. As these sites are driven further and further from the accessible surface of the internet, they become harder for potential new recruits to stumble upon.

Their location in grotty corners of the dark web or on slow servers hosted by Chinese domain registrars makes them seem less credible and more like the extremist fringe groups they are. If lonely men looking for support find only the incels, then recovery, self-acceptance and self-improvement become vanishingly unlikely. But if they find genuine support groups  and they are out there  then theres hope for them. The only way to prevent the radicalisation of more men into world views that dehumanise women is to make sure that one kind of group is far more visible, welcoming and accessible than the other.

Tim Squirrell is a PhD researcher, into online communities, at the University of Edinburgh
Britain is experiencing a crime wave, and the headlines are shocking. London has for the first time ever passed New York in the number of murders so far this year. The Evening Standard has just reported that London gangs including the Mali Boys are becoming more organised, ruthless and driven by drugs profits. There has just been a horrible stabbing in Liverpool Street station. And there are now some 60 moped raids a day, which, according to the BBC, is 30 times more than five years ago.

It is not just London. Rising crime in Greater Manchester means that people in the Northwest are more likely to be crime victims than anywhere else in England and Wales. There has been a surge in crime in Birmingham, and the home secretary is meeting West Midlands MPs to discuss the spate of murders and stabbings in the region. Whats happening?

There has been the usual string of explanations, including cuts in police numbers, an out-of-touch judiciary, immigration from high-crime countries, closure of youth clubs, rising middle-class drug use, and so on. I dont think it is very helpful to add to this litany here.

BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Show all 21 1 /21 BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto Adam Corbett / @adamcorbettphoto BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Ollie Trenchard / @ollie.trenchard Ollie Trenchard / @ollie.trenchard BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Ollie Trenchard / @ollie.trenchard Ollie Trenchard / @ollie.trenchard BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Ollie Trenchard / @ollie.trenchard Ollie Trenchard / @ollie.trenchard BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Ollie Trenchard / @ollie.trenchard Ollie Trenchard / @ollie.trenchard BikeStormz Ride Out against knife crime London 2018 Ollie Trenchard / @ollie.trenchard Ollie Trenchard / @ollie.trenchard

What needs to happen  and will happen, because this is intolerable  is to go through the evidence and calmly develop effective counter strategies. Meanwhile we should all hold in our thoughts the victims of violent crime. As the poet John Donne wrote 400 years ago: Any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind.

However horrible this crime wave is, however, it should be set against a long-term decline in almost all violent crime in almost all developed countries, and in much of the emerging world too. That we use the word wave suggests that this is something that comes and goes. The long-term trend is for crime to go down, and down massively.

The best discussion about this that I have seen comes in a book published earlier this year. It is Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker. I heard him in London a couple of months ago talking about it with Stephen Fry, and he was rather wonderful. The message  really a development of themes established in his earlier work, The Better Angels of Our Nature  is about the values of the Enlightenment, in particular the triumph of reason. As a result our lives have become longer, healthier, safer, happier, more peaceful, more stimulating and more prosperous  not just in the West, but worldwide.

Some people find this quite hard to accept and there was a bit of pushback during his talk. Some of the writers he criticised have also attacked back. But the section on crime is really worth reading for anyone depressed by the goings-on right now.

The basic story is this. On a very long view, crime, and in particular violent crime, is in steady decline. Since the Middle Ages, murder rates in Europe have plunged. They are much lower now in the US than they were in New England in the 1600s, and in the southwest US in the late 1800s. (If you want an example of how prominent Americans killed each other for the most trivial of reasons, go to smash-hit musical Hamilton.)

Recommended Teenager stabbed in broad daylight during busy London rush hour

What is true is that there was a surge in homicides in the US and many other developed countries in the 1960s onwards, which then reversed from the 1990s  very sharply in New York. In some places murder rates are still very high (Latin America has 8 per cent of the worlds population but 33 per cent of all its murders.) But violent crime is, Pinker argues, a solvable problem. Actually some cities in Latin America have recently seen dramatic drops in murder rates  and he points to some principles to guide the authorities on how to do so.

Why, if the long-term trend of crime is downwards, do many people think the reverse? Here, the best explanations I have seen come from another new book, Factfulness, by Hans Rosling (who sadly died last year) and his son and daughter-in-law Ola Rosling and Anna Rosling Ronnlund. His book, and I would urge you to buy it, is about facts that show the world is getting better, and the negative bias we have towards those facts. The better-educated people are, the greater the bias, and as a result the worse their answers to questions about life expectancy, access to electricity, womens education and so on. The elite at Davos were particularly poor at answering some of his questions. People are also bad at accepting that crime is falling.

Rosling attributes the negativity bias to a number of things. They include the medias selective reporting (sorry about that), feeling rather than thinking about the past (it wasnt so great), an lack of awareness in the West of the progress being made in the developing world, and difficulty in understanding orders of magnitude. Pinker adds intellectual fashion (to be positive is dismissed as heartless or Panglossian, whereas to be pessimistic is to be sage). I would add the work of some pressure groups: they have to say things are terrible to raise enough money to keep themselves going.

None of this, none of this at all, should diminish the awfulness of what is going on in our land right now. There is a crime wave. It is dreadful. It needs to be tackled. But we can do things to tackle it, and we will.
Planning permission for the much-anticipated Central Plaza project in the heart of Dublin City Centre has been granted.

When complete, the plaza is expected to consist of 33,000 sq ft of retail, restaurants and cafes at street and basement level.

Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp

The former Central Bank HQ will also allow 73,100 sq. ft of commercial office space across eight floors, which will comprise of open plan and breakout areas.

Restoration of the iconic building's interior is already well underway but plans to access its 6m-high entrance lobby from the plaze via a grand staircase have now been given the green light.

A new streetscape towards College Green and along Fownes Street and Cope Street is planned to create a link between Grafton Street, College Green, Trinity College and Temple Bar.

The Central Plaza is part of an overall plan which includes adjoining properties 6-8 College Green, No. 9 College Green, and both the Annex and Commercial buildings on Dame Street.

Brian Moran, Senior Managing Director of Hines, said the firm are delighted An Bord Pleanala has given the go-ahead for the project.

"With planning permission now granted it means full steam ahead for this exciting city centre project that will accommodate over 1,300 office professionals and create more than 300 new full and part-time retail and hospitality jobs across the 5 buildings that make up the Central Plaza complex," he said.

Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp

Amtrust Financial will begin occupying the 12,500 sq. ft office component of 6-8 College Greenspace in Q3 2018.

The 10,000 sq. ft ground floor retail unit in 6-8 will also be completed later this year and the scaffolding on this building will be removed in the coming weeks.

BNP Paribas have been engaged as letting agents of the retail and hospitality offering for Central Plaza while Knight Frank are the office agents for the project.
A 280m plan to redevelop Waterford Citys North Quays has got the green light after objections to the project were withdrawn.

The dramatic eleventh-hour withdrawal of objections paves the way for what is being described as the most significant development in the history of Waterford and the South East.

An Bord Pleanala had been due to hold a public meeting to hear oral submissions by two objectors to the regeneration project this morning.

However, yesterday evening it emerged one of the objectors had withdrawn from the process. Then this morning, just before the hearing was due to begin, it emerged the second objector had entered discussions with the local authority.

At 10.30am Inspector Hugh Mannion from An Bord Pleanala told those assembled at the hearing that with both objections withdrawn, there was nothing for the body to determine and that the long awaited North Quays development could proceed as planned.

Waterford Senator Paudie Coffey, who played a major role in getting the North Quays project designated as a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) during his time as Minister of State for Housing and Planning, today said the latest developments had removed the final obstacle to a landmark development that will initially create up to 6,000 jobs in the region.

Senator Coffey said: "This is a significant step towards the regeneration of the North Quays. This is the first SDZ that has been passed without an objection and sends a clear message to investors from the wider public and local community who want to see the site rejuvenated and new commercial and employment opportunities for our city and region."

He added: Waterfords day has now come and its time now for us all to grasp the opportunity before us so that our citizens, businesses and future generations benefit from this major investment opportunity.

The Government investment in the North Quays confirmed in Project Ireland 2040 will unlock more than 280m of private investment by the Saudi Arabian Fawaz Alhokair Group.
Farmers may frustrated at their co-ops and blame them for the price of milk, or cattle, but they need to remember that the co-op model delivers, outgoing ICOS President Martin Keane.

He said that while it is sometimes tempting to disregard the value of owning and controlling those businesses; maybe we get a bit frustrated because the price of milk, or grain, or of cattle in the ring, as they may might not be to our liking, it's easy to lay blame on the co-op.

"But we should always remember the value of having those tough decisions made by ourselves, ordinary elected members, trying to do our best by the business, and by the members.

"If we want to see the alternative to farmer ownership and control, we just have to look at the weak position of dairy farmers in the UK; where the lack of a co-op culture, and strong farmer control has led to weakness and uncertainty."

Speaking at the ICOS agm, he said if there was ever any doubt as to the strength of the co-op model, then then the past winter should dissipate it.

He said that after an almost non-existent summer, particularly in the west, with very poor grass utilisation, or conservation, followed by a hurricane, an extraordinarily wet winter, then, when cows should have been moving out to grass, a record snow event, followed bitter cold weather, and then a disastrously wet Easter time, farmers were under huge physical and mental pressure.

"Whilst we couldnt solve many of the problems, and farmers had to face many of the difficulties alone; nonetheless, the Co-operative movement put in a huge effort, sourcing and fodder, locally and overseas, providing discounted feed, working round the clock, in mills, and delivering feed and fodder, and ensuring that milk could be collected and processed."

However, he said that the work of co-ops is only possible with replenishing the system by investing in leadership and governance system; to ensure to continue to retain control over our businesses.

"We have to constantly challenge ourselves, to ensure that our Co-op structures are robust and relevant.

"Were not, nor should we be, looking for blind loyalty from members.

"They should be challenging to us, to ensure were always doing the right thing by our co-operatives."

He said that there are two particular challenges at present, namely getting younger people to engage with the co-op movement and the running and management of business that have grown dramatically in scale and sophistication.

"Our governance model evolved at a time when co-ops were smaller, products and processes were simpler, and a price move of a penny a gallon was big news.

"We are now expected to provide strong governance, and to oversee the management of extraordinarily complex businesses, where the stakes involved are very high, and where mistakes are very expensive."

To do this, he said, co-ops must employ increasingly more highly trained and motivated management teams, and it must, if it is to retain control of our businesses, demonstrate strong leadership, and competence.

"While most farmers actually underestimate their own skills, derived from managing their own, increasingly complex farming businesses; we would be naive to think we can just walk into a boardroom and immediately demonstrate our competence and authority.

"We need to invest in training and development structures for current boards, and right down through our representative structures.

"If we dont invest in structures which will provide a pipeline of motivated, committed, educated, current and potential leaders, we will lose control of our businesses, and they will ultimately fail to deliver what we need from them."
Professor Thia Hennessy, Dean of Cork University Business School (CUBS) at UCC has been appointed to the Teagasc Authority by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD.

Congratulating Professor Hennessy on her appointment, Chairman of Teagasc, Dr Noel Cawley said: Thia brings enormous knowledge of research and education, coupled with a deep understanding of the structure and economics of Irish farming and agriculture to the Authority. I look forward to working with her. 

Professor Hennessy has a BA in Economics and Finance from NUI Maynooth, a Masters in Business Studies from the Smurfit Business School (UCD), a PhD from the University of Reading (UK) and is a recent graduate of the Harvard Business School Agri-business Programme. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Irish Management Institute, Cork Chamber and a former Director of Animal Health Ireland.

Professor Thia Hennessy is also Professor and Chair of Agri-Food Economics in UCC. Her research interests include the sustainable development of the agri-food sector with a particular interest in the impact of public policy on the viability of the farm sector. She has published widely in both the academic literature and mainstream media.

Prior to joining UCC in 2016, Professor Hennessy was head of the Teagasc Agricultural and Environmental Economic Research Department. She was also responsible for the Teagasc National Farm Survey. She is from a farming background in county Cork.

Dr Cawley acknowledged the contribution of Dr Karina Pierce who stepped down after a term on the Teagasc Authority. Dr Cawley said: I would like to thank Karina for her significant contributions to Teagasc during the past five years. As chair of the Research Committee of the Teagasc Authority, she played an important role in leading the direction of the organisations research across the wide range of areas we are involved in.

Brendan Gleeson, DAFM and Professor Gerald Fitzgerald, UCC, have both been reappointed for second terms on the Teagasc Authority.

Authority Vacancy

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine invites applications from candidates to Chair the Teagasc Authority. More information and application on State Boards website at http://www.stateboards.ie/stateboards/campaignAdvert/83880.htm

The closing date for receipt of applications is 3.00pm on Monday, 11 June 2018.

Dr Noel Cawley will have completed his second term as Chairman of the Teagasc Authority in September of this year.
A jury has convicted a man of the aggravated burglary, assault and robbery of an 81-year old farmer in north Dublin in July 2016.

Adam Marlowe (23) of Walkinstown Drive, Walkinstown, Dublin had pleaded not guilty to aggravated burglary and assaulting Malachy Turley causing him harm at Kettles Lane, Kinsealy, Dublin, on July 29, 2016.

After a four day trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a jury of eight men and two women returned unanimous guilty verdicts on all counts. The jury had deliberated for approximately one hour.

Judge Melanie Greally remanded Mr Marlowe in custody for sentence on July 6th.

The trial heard evidence that Marlowe's DNA profile was found on blue latex material located in the home of the elderly farmer who was beaten with bats in his bed by three people wearing balaclavas. The material was described as the fingertip of a latex glove.

Antonia Boyle BL, prosecuting, told the jury that investigators recovered the blue material in Mr Turley's bedroom and that DNA recovered from this matched the accused.

It was the State's case that Mr Marlowe was one of the three men who entered the victim's home, attacked him and robbed him.

With only one piece of DNA evidence available to the jury, Judge Greally had told the jury to approach this evidence with care.
Suspected botulism outbreaks are understood to be under investigation following animal deaths on farms in Meath and Kildare.

The cost of the outbreak in Kildare is being put at between 25,000 and 30,000 and it is believed to have been the worst case in this country for a considerable period.

Veterinary laboratory tests have confirmed botulism was found in a number of carcases of animals from a farm in Kildare where it is understood nearly 20 animals died.

Meanwhile, botulism is suspected to be the cause of death of up to 10 animals on two farms in Meath in recent weeks.

The Farming Independent has been unable to get confirmation on reported cases from other parts of the country, because botulism is not legally notifiable in Ireland but the Department of Agriculture website still states that "cases should be reported".

Botulism, which is usually associated with poultry litter, is rated the most deadly known toxin in the world.

It is so deadly, that "sniffing 13 billionths of a gram can be lethal", and once ingested by an animal is fatal within hours.

The Department of Agriculture officials visited the farm in Co Kildare, inspected the animals and made special arrangements for disposal of carcases. Monitoring of the movement of 'clean' animals is continuing.

The Farming Independent has seen Department of Agriculture Lab test findings which confirmed that "botulism toxin detected . . . suggesting the animals ingested the spores".

Contacted on the possible origin of the poultry litter suspected as the botulism carrier, the Department confirmed that botulism infection had recently caused animal deaths but the spokesperson said it did "not comment on individual cases" which were being investigated.

Approval

The poultry industry is highly dependent on off-farm outlets for re-use of the litter, which is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, but poses risk to human and animal health if not re-used properly.

Monaghan Co Council have pointed out that registered and approved contractors must be used for transport of poultry manure and detailed records maintained on operations for inspection.

Import of poultry litter from Northern Ireland, where multiple cases of botulism have been reported in recent years, must have pre-approval from the Department of Agriculture.

Each load must secure veterinary certification pre-dispatch, and a veterinary certificate must accompany the litter to the destination.

ICMSA president, Pat McCormack, said that any suspected botulism infection is "extremely concerning" to livestock farmers and that "there just isn't room for complacency".

"Farmers will expect clear and categorical conclusions on what happened and how any repeat can be avoided from the Department of Agriculture urgently," said Mr McCormack.

If there was a "gap" in the regulation, distribution and supervision of poultry litter then the onus was squarely on the Department of Agriculture to "get to grips" with the situation, Mr McCormack maintained.

The ICMSA leader said there was "far too much at stake in terms of animal health and our reputation for maintaining the most stringent standards" to risk any further incidents.

New case under investigation following outbreak in Meath
Bloomberg founder and former Mayor of New York Mike Bloomberg told Donald Trump to hire people more intelligent than himself after the businessman and reality TV star was elected US President.

Mr Bloomberg was speaking in Dublin yesterday at the launch of a new 80m building at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), designed to provided advanced healthcare education.

The Boston-born businessman (76) is one of the wealthiest people in the world and has embarked on a major philanthropic programme.

"The only time I talked to Donald Trump after he got elected was he let it be known that he wanted to get a call from me, so I called him," Mr Bloomberg told an audience at RCSI yesterday.

"He said what should he do and I said, 'Build a team. Hire the best people because you don't know anything about this job'."

"He said, 'Yes, I do', and I said, 'No, you don't. You're somebody coming in from outside, but there are ways that you still can be effective if you get the right people. So go out and get the smartest people, get people who are smarter than you are. And he informed me that there was nobody that fit that bill."

Expand Close Michael Bloomberg, right, is greeted by businessman Dermot Desmond, centre, and Professor John Hyland, president of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, as he arrives at the new 80m building on York Street / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Michael Bloomberg, right, is greeted by businessman Dermot Desmond, centre, and Professor John Hyland, president of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, as he arrives at the new 80m building on York Street

Mr Bloomberg founded the financial data, software and media company that bears his name in 1981, building it into a vital cog in the business world's infrastructure. Public health is an important part of his philanthropy.

He said the RCSI building, located at 26 York Street in Dublin, would "help raise the bar for teaching institutions around the world, which can save millions of lives".

He added that decreasing preventable deaths - from illnesses caused by smoking for example - was "the most urgent healthcare challenge of our time".

"It's hard to raise money for public health. Nobody pays for the preventive stuff although it makes a lot more sense to do that than to try and cure you afterwards," Mr Bloomberg said.

"The school of public health is my great love. We have a slogan - 'saving lives a million at a time' - and you really do make a difference."

Mr Bloomberg said the number of cranes on the Dublin skyline was a positive sign.

"Things must be going well, that's a good measure... you've got to have people wanting to build, wanting to invest, wanting to try new things."
The secretive Bilderberg Group of business and political leaders is meeting in the Italian city of Turin for three days, from June 7 to June 10, with Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary sitting on its organising steering committee.

As the Irish representative on the steering committee, Mr O'Leary has invited Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Eamonn Brennan, the director general of the air traffic control organisation Eurocontrol, to participate.

The annual Bilderberg conference brings together a mix of senior politicians, financiers and business people. This year's event will feature four prime ministers, the secretary general of Nato, and the secretary of state of the Vatican and the King of Holland.

CEOs from Airbus, Shell, Total and Vodafone are also due to attend. Presiding over the event is the group's president, Henri de Castries, the vice-chairman of Nestle and a director of HSBC.

Ireland traditionally holds a single seat on the 33-strong steering committee.

For many years it was taken by the late Peter Sutherland, who first introduced Mr O'Leary to the group in 2015. The Ryanair CEO quickly joined the group's steering committee, to replace the ageing Mr Sutherland.

Top of the agenda for the 2018 summit is: "Populism in Europe". Also being discussed at the Turin conference will be "Saudi Arabia and Iran", "Russia", "Artificial Intelligence", "Free trade", "The 'post-truth' world" and "US world leadership".

Transparency campaigners argue that having politicians sequestered away in a highly-guarded hotel for three days with corporate CEOs, hedge-fund moguls and no press oversight can lead to corruption.
Agreement to lease a network of 43 petrol filling station sites from CrossAmerica Partners LP, all located in Florida. Stock photo

Severe weather affected Applegreen's business, particularly in Ireland, despite a 'positive start' to the year.

According to the company, which will be holding its AGM at 11am this morning, improved trading results year-on-year were impacted.

"The severe weather in March however affected business across all our markets but particularly in Ireland, while recent international fuel price increases have adversely impacted on fuel margins," Chairman Daniel Kitchen will announce at the Herbert Park Hotel meeting.

Applegreen has added some 24 sites to its portfolio since last December, with seven new sites in Ireland, two of these service stations. The other sites are based in the UK and the US.

Mr Kitchen said that the group has also reached an agreement to lease a network of 43 petrol filling station sites from CrossAmerica Partners LP, all located in Florida.

"Under the terms of the arrangement, Applegreen will enter into a long-term agreement to lease the property assets from CAP. This transaction is expected to complete, subject to a number of conditions, in Q3 2018," he said.

Applegreen also intend to pay a final dividend of 0.80c per share on July 5, subject to shareholder approval, bringing the total dividend for the financial year 2017 to 1.40c per share.
Donegal software business CloudRanger has been sold to a Silicon Valley buyer for an undisclosed sum.

The purchaser is Druva, which itself has only been in existence since 2008. It has raised around $200m (170.7m) from investors including venture capital giant Sequoia.

CloudRanger provides IT backup and disaster recovery services.

Druva said the Letterkenny-based business "simplifies management and reduces costs" for companies looking to keep their data safe.

As more and more business is done online, the companies are hoping to reap the benefits from customers who have more complex requirements when it comes to storing data.

The Irish business has more than 300 customers (including American motor racing competition Nascar and Vanderbilt University) and experienced 300pc revenue growth in the last six months, according to Druva.

CloudRanger had previously been backed by Enterprise Ireland (EI), the State body which supports indigenous companies in their efforts to grow in foreign markets.

CloudRanger announced a $1.1m (940,000) seed round last September, with EI contributing alongside private investors.

At the time, EI said the company "offers an innovative solution to companies to help them be successful in the cloud, and is a great example of how innovation can drive an early stage growth company".

Druva, which provides protection services for data stored in the cloud, said the acquisition would significantly expand its platform.

"This is an important step in achieving our vision to provide a solution that addresses the challenges our customers face as part of the very real and necessary journey of moving to the cloud," said Druva's founder and chief executive Jaspreet Singh.

CloudRanger is the brainchild of its chief executive David Gildea, who said the companies' combined offering would provide better value to customers.

"Global on-demand protection, substantial cost savings, and ease of use are key requirements from IT leaders," he added.

Alongside the Letterkenny office, CloudRanger also has an office in Chicago.
Newly appointed Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte speaks during his first session at the Senate in Rome. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

European shares reversed earlier gains yesterday to post a decline as concerns, including the new Italian government, continued to cloud the equity outlook.

The ISEQ index of Irish shares lost 0.29pc, led lower by Smurfit Kappa, which lost almost 7pc as suitor International Paper looked set to walk away from takeover attempts.

The Stoxx 600 index of European shares erased its advance as US stocks also lost momentum, with the S&P 500 trading lower.

Italian bonds declined for the first time since they blew up a week ago as new prime minister Giuseppe Conte pledged in his maiden speech to pursue a programme of fiscal expansion. The euro gained after he later said that an exit from the shared currency is not under discussion and has never been a target for his government.

"Today, we're taking a pause," said Chris Zaccarelli, chief investment officer of Independent Advisor Alliance. "The market is reassessing what's going to happen from here. [There are] continued concerns over what will happen with trade, and I think that's the biggest overhang to the stock market right now."

The outlook for global equities had taken an upward turn in recent sessions, not least because stronger-than-expected data from the US showed the world's largest economy is in rude health.

It's a relief to investors after weeks of turmoil, though with US President Donald Trump stepping up his aggressive trade policies, reasons for caution remain.

Ernie Cecwilia, chief investment officer at Bryn Mawr Trust Company, said: "You have good fundamental data, whether it be on the macro side or the micro side...then you have underlying fiscal policy as stimulative and monetary policy more restrictive than it has been."
A blame game is now threatening to erupt over International Paper's (IP) aborted bid for Smurfit Kappa as shareholders in the Dublin-based giant question why the board refused to engage with its US suitor.

Smurfit Kappa shares plunged over the past two days as Memphis-headquartered IP looks set to sit on its hands as today's deadline for a final offer passes, thwarting investor hopes of a 9bn takeover.

Close to a fifth of Smurfit Kappa's shareholders reportedly favoured the board entering into discussions with IP following two rebuffed offers that valued the company at just under 40 a share.

As the prospect of a deal faded, shares in Europe's largest box-maker plummeted - falling as much as 8.4pc yesterday .

Expand Close Smufirt Kappas Tony Smurfit. Photo: Maxwell Photography / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Smufirt Kappas Tony Smurfit. Photo: Maxwell Photography

One investor who holds the stock said the pressure was now on the board to justify how it could deliver an increase in valuation to match the 31pc bounce the shares had seen after IP's approach.

In early March, when Smurfit Kappa revealed the first takeover offer, CEO Tony Smurfit described the proposal as "very opportunistic" in an interview with the Irish Independent. He claimed the US firm was attempting to "take advantage" of a valuation gap that was yet to close fully in advance of "the fantastic plans that we have".

However, sources close to IP said the company had signalled its intention to sweeten the terms.

Last month, the Irish Takeover Panel set 7am on June 6 as a deadline for the world's largest paper maker to make a binding offer for Smurfit.

While there was still time last night for the sides to come together, once the deadline passes IP won't be able to rebid for a year - unless an offer is tabled by a third party.

In a note last week, Wells Fargo Securities analyst Chris Manuel put the probability of a deal going ahead at less than 20pc. Smurfit rejected as too low the earlier offers from IP, which last month ruled out a hostile bid.

The company rejected a first cash-and-stock proposal of 36.46 a share on March 6, and turned down a second, sweetened offer of 37.54 on March 26. Shares closed at 33.24 each.

Smurfit Kappa Group plc (Smurfit Kappa, SKG or the Group) notes the announcement by International Paper Company that it does not intend to make an offer for Smurfit Kappa and that it is now bound by the restrictions under Rule 2.8 of the Irish Takeover Rules.

A statement released from the company on Wednesday morning states that it believes Smurfit Kappa has "superior prospects" as a standalone business and it remains "excited" about short, medium and long-term prospects.

Smurfit Kappa Group CEO, Tony Smurfit, added:

"We continue to see the benefits from our investments in recent years and we are now executing a central element of our Medium Term Plan with the acquisition of Reparenco," CEO Tony Smurfit added.

"The acquisition of Reparenco will have a positive impact on our integrated model and we are targeting delivery in excess of 30m of synergy benefits. Strong business conditions and a positive operating environment together with significant and early progress against our Medium Term Plan reaffirms our confidence that 2018 EBITDA will be materially better than 2017.

"We expect the second quarter to represent another strong performance and we will provide a further update at the time of our half year results on August 1st."
Chris Pratt (left), Bryce Dallas Howard and Jeff Goldblum (right) attending a photocall for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, held at the More, London. (Ian West/PA)

Its finally here. The fifth film in the Jurassic Park series has roared its way into UK and Irish cinemas.

Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard star in the sequel to 2015s Jurassic World, which contains a cameo appearance from a well-known face from the series previous films.

Does it succeed in pleasing the fans of Steven Spielbergs 1993 original while winning over a herd of new followers?

Or will audiences be left wishing the franchise was extinct?

Expand Close Jeff Goldblum also appeared in Steven Spielbergs 1993 film Jurassic Park (Ian West/PA) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Jeff Goldblum also appeared in Steven Spielbergs 1993 film Jurassic Park (Ian West/PA)

Here is the Press Associations film critic Damon Smiths take

If you follow the lead of Jurassic Parks hubristic scientists and splice the creative DNA of Steven Spielbergs 1993 behemoth with the rumbustious 2015 reboot Jurassic World, the resultant hybrid would roar, rampage and ultimately stumble like this muscular fifth instalment.

Directed at a gallop by Spanish filmmaker JA Bayona, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is a slick yet soulless greatest hits of monster-munching mayhem, bolted together with overblown set pieces that hark back to earlier episodes.

A cute grandchild in peril, a T-Rex roaring triumphantly over its domain as composer John Williamss familiar theme swells, a reflection of objects in the mirror are closer than they appear, Jeff Goldblums chaos mathematician foreshadowing wanton bloodshed with sage words about evolutionary order.

We altered the course of natural history. This is the correction, he growls at a Senate hearing to determine the fate of dinosaurs on Isla Nublar, which is about to be swamped by lava from a volcano, rendering the majestic beasts extinct.

Video of the Day

Again.

Expand Close Chris Pratt plays Owen Grady, a Navy veteran, and former dinosaur trainer for Jurassic World in the franchises latest instalment (Ian West/PA) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Chris Pratt plays Owen Grady, a Navy veteran, and former dinosaur trainer for Jurassic World in the franchises latest instalment (Ian West/PA)

Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connollys script takes a velociraptors claw to character development, meekly sketching a rogues gallery of computer hackers, palaeobotanists and Machiavellian men in suits before the chomping of human flesh begins in earnest.

There are undeniable thrills and entrails spills, and Bayona choreographs the carnage with flashes of directorial brio, but the jump scares and blood-curdling screams are largely second-hand.

Mount Sibo, which towers over Isla Nublar, growls with molten fury and Benjamin Lockwood (James Cromwell), former business associate of John Hammond, implores Jurassic Worlds manager Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) to oversee a daring rescue mission.

She persuades old flame Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) to return to paradise to transplant the stricken wildlife to a new home, aided by her Dinosaur Protection Group colleagues Zia (Daniella Pineda) and Franklin (Justice Smith).

Gun-toting expedition facilitator Ken Wheatley (Ted Levine) chaperones Claire and Owen at the behest of Lockwoods right-hand man, Eli Mills (Rafe Spall).

However, there are dark forces working against the rescuers, including duplicitous Dr Henry Wu (BD Wong).

Expand Close Bryce Dallas Howard reprises her role as Claire Dearing, the Jurassic World operations manager (Ian West/PA) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Bryce Dallas Howard reprises her role as Claire Dearing, the Jurassic World operations manager (Ian West/PA)

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom confidently accomplishes everything youd expect from a rollicking romp in the series, and therein lies the problem.

We have been here before, and Bayonas film seems content to rest on mouldering laurels and neatly tee up a sequel.

The scripts sole moment of intrigue  a nightmarish yet obvious next step in sciences abusive relationship with genetics  is casually tossed away as a plot twist in a chaotic final act.

A new dinosaur cross-breed  the voracious Indoraptor  fails to make an impact but does create one comic highlight with a characters wayward hair-piece.

These creatures dont need our protection. They need our absence, sermonises Cromwells ailing philanthropist.

The computer-generated critters certainly wont be absent from multiplexes for long with another film poised to sink its teeth into the 2021 summer blockbuster season.

Welcome to Jurassic World and bid farewell, for now at least, to originality.

RATING: 7/10
Nick Cave wants to talk. On the eve of a Dublin appearance with The Bad Seeds alongside Patti Smith, he takes to the stage at our national theatre for an intensely intimate Q&A and solo piano performance. It becomes a fascinating no holds barred conversation about his creative process, the tragic loss of his son, the transformative power and catharsis of playing live, the contentious issue of playing in Israel, and so much more.

Surprisingly, there is no moderator or chairperson for the evening. Fans are free to ask Nick quite literally whatever the hell they like. Before he opens the floor for questions, Cave performs Sad Waters alone at the piano, the opening track from arguably his finest album, No Funeral, My Trial.

The first question from the audience goes very, very deep. A mother of a special needs son asks Nick about being a sixth member of her family, and a constant amongst chaos. Cave fields such questions very candidly and soon talks about the tragic loss of his son, Arthur, at the tender age of 15. This might sound terrible but grief changes your life for the better, it really does, Cave says. Its hard to imagine any artist alive doing anything like this.

'So, What Do You Want to Know?' is not all about loss and bereavement, and there's several strange twists during an immensely moving, revealing, and frequently hilarious conversation about love and music. Cave talks warmly about his friend Shane MacGowan and claims he urged Cave many years ago to become a crooner rather than belting out his songs. Another question comes from someone who claims their child was conceived to a Cave song called Love Letter. After how many minutes? Cave chuckles. Lets just say it was on repeat, the questioner responds.

When asked about his faith, Cave replies that it is integral to his creative process and part of his being, while also mentioning the Magdalene Laundry women. He says he adores the work of Samuel Beckett, and lovingly talks about his wife Susie Bicks, who he met at a fashion show in London. Cave is clearly besotted with her after all these years.

One of the most surreal moments of the evening comes as someone tells Cave they first heard his music on Dave Fannings radio show, and that their favourite song is The Ship Song. Fanning happens to be in the audience, and Cave spontaneously performs The Ship Song for the girl in question. She'll probably be pinching herself for the rest of her life.

When asked about playing in Tel Aviv last year, and whether hed do it again in the light of recent events, Cave gives a long and considered answer, expressing his shock, horror and revulsion at events in the region since the re-location of the US embassy to Jerusalem and the slaughter of Palestinian protesters at the country's bloodied borders. He says hed still play in Israel, and mentions benefit shows he has done for Palestinian charities.

For more than two and half hours, Cave engages in a fascinating and freewheeling conversation. While there are shades of his 1999 talk in the Gaiety theatre, The Secret History of the Love Song, this is an entirely different animal. Cave gently brushes aside a query about what happens when he plays his last concert, or releases his final album. At 60, Cave is making some of the finest music of his career, and reaching out to audiences in ways that have never been done before.

Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds play the Royal Hospital Kilmainham with Patti Smith tonight (sold out).
Millions more euro than budgeted for will have to be pumped into the roll-out of broadband in the coming years, an EU report indicates.

The audit of Ireland's progress in delivering broadband to every home says it is "highly unlikely" the 275m set aside by the Government will be enough.

It also warns the impact of bidders pulling out from the tendering process is still "unclear".

Enet is now the sole bidder for the project, which should result in 540,000 premises being connected to the National Broadband Plan.

Ireland has received 75m from the European Regional Development Fund to help bridge the "financing gap" between investment from private operators and the full cost of the broadband roll-out.

The Government has budgeted 200m, but the audit report states: "Although the tendering process has not been completed at the time of the audit, this sum is highly unlikely to be sufficient to bridge the financing gap."

Today's report from the EU Court of Auditors (ECA), which is the equivalent of the Irish Controller General, raises tough questions for Communications Minister Denis Naughten.

The auditors also highlighted "weaknesses" which have resulted in "competitive issues".

"The limitations on the power of the national regulator authority [ComReg] to enforce its decision were seen as a possible means to reduce the scope for effective competition," it says.

The report concludes Ireland is unlikely to reach a target of having 30Mbs broadband available to all citizens by 2020.

"However, if the current plans are implemented as intended, Ireland will be better placed to achieve the 2025 targets," it says.

By then the EU expects all households should have access to ultra-fast broadband, upgradable to 1Gbs.

Dublin MEP Brian Hayes, who sits on the Budget Control Committee of the European Parliament, welcomed the report but said its findings were "mixed".

"On a positive level, it highlights that Ireland has made significant progress, especially in recent years delivering fast broadband connectivity.

"What is worrying are outstanding issues concerning the Investment Ireland plan for broadband. According to the ECA, this cannot be delivered on time. Equally worrying is the 'financing gap'."
David Drumm is the fourth person to be found guilty of an offence related to the conspiracy to make it appear Anglo Irish Banks deposits were 7.2bn larger than they were in 2008.

Three others were convicted and jailed in 2016, following what at the time was the longest criminal trial in Irish legal history.

The three jailed were former Anglo finance director Willie McAteer, who was sentenced to three-and-a-half years for conspiracy to defraud, former Anglo head of capital markets John Bowe, who was jailed for two years, and former Irish Life & Permanent (IL&P) chief executive Denis Casey, who received a sentence of two years and nine months.

The sentences were handed down by Judge Martin Nolan.

The judge said the starting point for their sentences was eight years and that the public was entitled to rely on the probity, honesty and integrity of blue chip firms and banks.

However, in sentencing he took into account that the offences took place in the context of a dysfunctional financial market where people were acting under stress.

He said the men did not gain any direct profit from their crimes and took into account their achievements, their contribution to their communities and families and the fact they had suffered badly, losing their positions and being subjected to public odium and ridicule.

Former IL&Ps finance director Peter Fitzpatrick was found not guilty of conspiracy to defraud by the same trial jury.

Although suspected of the same offences, Mr Drumm was not a defendant in that trial. He had been living in the US and would only be charged in March 2016 after dropping a legal challenge to his extradition.

Bowe and Casey both appealed their convictions.

However, last year the Court of Appeal upheld the convictions.

The three-judge court, comprising Mr Justice Sean Ryan, Mr Justice George Birmingham and Mr Justice John Edwards, issued a 138-page judgment saying it was satisfied that the men's trial was satisfactory and their convictions safe.

The Irish Independent understands Bowe was released from prison six months ago, having completed his term.
An Irish child is entitled to child benefit despite her mother not having residency status in Ireland, a court has ruled.

The case centres on a three-year-old girl who lives in direct provision with her Nigerian mother.

Her father is a naturalised Irish citizen but the couple's relationship broke down some time after her birth.

Her mother sought child benefit in October 2015 but was refused it until she was given residency status in January 2016.

The mother said her daughter had a hereditary blood disease and they were living in difficult circumstances in direct provision with a weekly allowance of 43.

Yesterday, the Court of Appeal found the provisions of the Social Welfare Act, which prevented payment of child benefit to the girl until her mother was granted residency, was unconstitutional.

Child benefit is "designed for the benefit of the child", even if it was made payable to the qualifying parent, Mr Justice Gerard Hogan said.

He found the failure to treat the girl equally to other Irish citizen children breached the equality provisions under Article 40.1 of the Constitution.

The court suspended the formal declaration of unconstitutionality until February 1 next year.

However, the judge directed that the small amount of backdated child benefit covering the period from October 2015 to January 2016 should be paid.

The court also looked at a related case involving an Afghan couple and their four children who were also living in direct provision.

They got permission to remain here on the basis of their youngest child securing refugee status.

Mr Justice Hogan ruled that because the now five-year-old boy is not a citizen, he was not entitled to child benefit until he was recognised as a refugee in January 2015.

There was no entitlement to claim child benefit for the couple's three other children prior to the September 2015 decision permitting the family remain here, Mr Justice Hogan also held.

The State "cannot generally be expected to make social security payments to persons with no right to reside here", he said.
Former CEO of Anglo Irish Bank, David Drumm (51), with an address in Skerries, Co Dublin, pictured at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court earlier this week. Photo: Collins Courts.

IF David Drumm's rise in the world of banking was meteoric, his downfall has been a long, drawn-out affair.

The jury verdict on Wednesday, finding him guilty of false accounting and conspiracy to defraud depositors and investors, comes almost a decade after he resigned as chief executive of Anglo Irish Bank as it teetered on the brink of nationalisation.

He spent most of the period between these two events living in the US, where he endured a lengthy bankruptcy process and battle against extradition.

On Wednesday, he was found guilty of conspiring to defraud and false accounting in a 7.2bn "confidence trick" on the markets during the financial crisis.

Drumm had pleaded not guilty to conspiring to defraud by dishonestly creating the impression that Anglo's customer deposits were 7.2bn larger than they really were in September 2008.

He had also denied false accounting, by providing misleading information to the market on December 3, 2008.

Expand Close David and Lorraine Drumm / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp David and Lorraine Drumm

But the jury delivered guilty verdicts on both counts - after an 86-day trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

The 51-year-old is a native of the seaside town of Skerries in north Co Dublin.

Drumm will be sentenced later this month.

He was educated by the Christian Brothers and joined Deloitte and Touche from school, where he trained as a chartered accountant.

In 1988 he joined Enterprise Equity, the venture capital arm of the International Fund for Ireland that assisted start-up companies on both sides of the Border.

Five years later he made a short-lived move to accountants Bastow Charlton, but quickly jumped at a chance to join Anglo as an assistant manager.

The lender was then very much a boutique bank, often catering for borrowers who were refused finance elsewhere.

The bank was impressed with what they saw and by 1995 he had been promoted to manager.

His big break came in 1997 when he was dispatched to the US to grow Anglos operation there.

Anglo quickly became a big player in Bostons real estate market financing major projects, including the $300m (255m) Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Anglos US operation was seen as being exceptionally responsive to customers, gaining a reputation for making decisions quickly.

The success marked out Drumm as a potential successor for then chief executive Sean FitzPatrick.

He was appointment head of Irish lending in 2002 at the age of 35 and when Mr FitzPatrick announced his retirement two years later, Drumm beat more fancied candidates for the role.

Under his leadership, Anglo became synonymous with the financing of property developers.

Lending grew and so did profits, but the bank was hopelessly exposed when the global economic crash hit in 2008.

It emerged that December that Mr FitzPatrick, by then Anglos chairman, had not been disclosing tens of millions of euro in loans he had from the bank. Mr FitzPatrick resigned and Drumm followed him quickly out the door.

Drumm and his family moved back to Massachusetts, living for a time in Cape Cod before moving to another home in a suburb of Boston.

Trouble soon followed Drumm across the Atlantic. He had borrowed heavily from Anglo to buy shares in the bank. These were now worthless and loans of 8.5m were being called in.

He filed for bankruptcy in the US in 2010.

In January 2015 a US bankruptcy judge refused to discharge Drumm from his debts, which amounted to around 10.5m. This denied Drumm a fresh financial start.

By that stage US authorities were also examining an extradition request for Drumm after the Director of Prosecutions decided he should face charges for a number of offences linked to his tenure at Anglo.

While in the US Drumm had been asked to return home to assist a Garda inquiry, but had not done so.

That October he was arrested on foot of an extradition warrant and he would spend much of the following five months in a maximum security prison south of Boston as he fought against being repatriated to Ireland.

His time there included a period in solitary confinement while prison authorities worked out a safe place to put him. He complained about uncomfortable prison conditions while unsuccessfully seeking bail.

Eventually he dropped his fight against extradition and was returned to Ireland in March 2016, almost seven years after his departure.

After a series of delays he finally went on trial in February of this year.

He is due to be sentenced on June 20 next.
Former Anglo Irish CEO David Drumm leaves the Criminal Courts of Justice after the guilty verdict. Photo: Tony Gavin

ANGLO Irish Banks former CEO, David Drumm has been found guilty of conspiracy to defraud and false accounting in a 7.2bn confidence trick on the markets during the 2008 financial crisis.

A jury on Wednesday delivered its verdict on both counts, after one of the longest-running criminal trials in the history of the State.

Drumm, who had denied the charges, stared impassively but open-mouthed at the jury as the verdict was read out, but showed no other reaction.

Judge Karen OConnor remanded him on bail for sentencing on a date later this month, after his defence made a bail application on humanitarian grounds.

Expand Close Former Anglo Irish CEO David Drumm leaves the Criminal Courts of Justice Photo: Tony Gavin / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Former Anglo Irish CEO David Drumm leaves the Criminal Courts of Justice Photo: Tony Gavin

The gardai had objected, saying they considered Drumm a flight risk.

He faces an unlimited maximum potential jail term on one charge and 10 years in prison on the other.

The three women and nine men of the jury reached their unanimous verdicts after deliberating for 10 hours and 32 minutes, following a trial that lasted 87 days.

Drumm (51) had pleaded not guilty to conspiring to defraud by dishonestly creating the impression that Anglo's customer deposits were 7.2bn larger than they really were in September 2008.

He conspired with Anglos former Finance Director Willie McAteer and head of Capital Markets John Bowe, as well as Irish Life and Permanents then-CEO, Denis Casey, and others.

The case centred on a series of interbank deposits which circulated between Anglo and ILP.

Drumm had also denied false accounting, by providing misleading information to the market.

Shortly after 3pm today, after more than a week since the jurors retired to begin deliberations, their minder told the court registrar: We have a verdict.

Minutes later, at 3.12pm, the jurors filed back into the courtroom and the registrar asked the forewoman if they had reached verdicts.

She replied that they had and handed the registrar the issue paper on which the verdicts had been recorded.

You say the accused, David Drumm is guilty on count number one, he said, and the forewoman confirmed that this was unanimous.

The verdict on the second count was the same.

Drumm, dressed in a black suit with an open-necked blue shirt remained seated and looked at the jury as the verdicts were read out.

Mouth slightly open, he showed no emotion and looked down at one point before moving his gaze to Judge Karen OConnor as she began to address the jury.

Judge OConnor thanked the jurors for the time and commitment they had given and excused them from further jury service for life.

She said they had continued with their work on the jury despite some personal difficulty and added that one of them had had to attend the funeral of a very very close family member.

Judge OConnor said it was not an easy task to go into a jury room and to deliver a verdict, and she imagined they were all tired at the end of the trial.

After the jurors had left, Prosecutor Paul OHiggins SC said he was in a position to call evidence for sentencing should the court wish to proceed.

However, Brendan Grehan SC, defending, asked for time to consult Drumm in light of the verdict.

His immediate family arent in the country, Mr Grehan said.

He may be looking for the matter to go back for some little time, he has been here since his return to the country.

The case was let stand and when the judge returned, Detective Sergeant Michael McKenna gave evidence of his objections to continued bail.

He said Drumm had enjoyed a presumption of innocence during the trial but had now been found guilty of two serious offences.

He had been under strict bail conditions since he was arrested in March 2016, having been extradited from the US. Drumm was acutely aware that the individuals whom he had been found guilty of conspiring with have received substantial terms of imprisonment for their roles in the conspiracy.

I firmly believe he poses a serious flight risk, Det Sgt McKenna said.

Drumm was in custody in the US for a number of months but did ultimately agree to come back, he said.

It was a significant fact that Drumm had consented to return to this jurisdiction, Mr Grehan said.

He had now been here for over two years and had abided by bail conditions at all times.

His wife had returned here from Boston during that time but because of the length of the trial, she was now back there at the graduation of one of their children.

Mr Grehans application for bail was on humanitarian grounds because his wife and children were not in the country and also to give him time to access documents before sentencing.

He was seeking the indulgence of the court for two weeks.

He had already spent five months in custody in a federal penitentiary in the US.

Judge OConnor observed that the court had taken a break over Easter and Drumms signing on conditions had been reduced.

Because he had adhered to his bail conditions, she remanded him on bail to June 20, for sentencing. Conditions are that he signs on daily at Balbriggan Garda Station, does not apply for a new passport and is contactable by phone at all times.

During the course of the trial, the jury heard how Anglo, as the countrys biggest property lender had been particularly badly affected by the 2008 global financial crisis.

With money to pay for its loans running out and the Central Bank asking it to look at how the Irish banks can help each other, it entered into a series of circular transactions with ILP, aimed at bolstering Anglos customer deposits figure on its year-end balance sheet.

This, the prosecution said, was aimed at making Anglo look stronger and more stable than it really was and was and convincing depositors and investors to keep their money in the struggling bank.

The deal involved Anglo placing cash with ILP, which then passed the money through its non-banking subsidiary Irish Life Assurance back to Anglo.

Because ILA was an assurance company rather than a bank, Anglo was able to re-categorise the cash as having come from a corporate customer. This would be seen by the markets as a better source of funding than interbank lending.

Anglo placed an initial 1.2bn with ILP but after that, the prosecution said, the money merely went around in a circle. The timing of the deal was designed so that rather than cancelling each other out, the transactions would be recorded. Over the course of three days, the figures eventually added up to 7.2bn, which was disguised as customer deposits.

When the year end results had to be reported to the markets on December 3, Anglo included the 7.2bn in its total 51.5bn customer deposits figure, but did not disclose where it had come from. Drumm was among the signatories.

Anglos external auditors Ernst & Young signed off on the accounts as being true and fair.

However, the only prosecution expert witness in the trial said it had been inaccurate and misleading for Anglo to include the 7.2bn in the deposits figure.

That accountant, Dan Taylor, said the transaction had no commercial substance.

The defence maintained that the deals were viewed as legitimate balance sheet management, Drumm had togged out for Ireland and was acting in good faith in trying to save the bank.

He was captain of that particular ship heading into a storm and he did what he had to do to get that ship through the storm, defence barrister Brendan Grehan said.

Although Anglo was "one of the most reviled institutions in recent living memory in this country, the trial was not about all the ills that had been attributed to or were perceived to have been caused by Anglo, real or otherwise to this country, he said.

It was about specific transactions and Drumm had never denied anything that he did in 2008 in relation to them. He admitted everything but dishonesty.

The case was missing all the hallmarks of conspiracy with no trickery, deception, skullduggery or secrecy, the defence argued.

Neither the banks own audit committee, the external auditors, the Financial Regulator or the Central Bank had raised any red flag about the transactions before they were reported to the market.

However, the prosecution said what Drumm had taken part in was a massive con and Drumm as the man who called the shots in Anglo knew full well that the customer deposit figure was false.

He chaired and drove the banks funding initiative meetings and was heard discussing the ILP transactions on a series of taped phone calls played to the jury.

In one, the circular nature of the deal was explained to Drumm and he replied: I know how it works.

Judge OConnor told the jury anything the auditors, audit committee or banking authorities knew was irrelevant as they could not condone a crime.

The scheme did not have to succeed and as long as the intent to defraud was there, nobody had to actually lose or gain anything from it to prove conspiracy.

If Drumm knew the account was false, misleading and deceptive when he signed off on it, he was also guilty of the second charge, the jury was told.

Trying to save the bank did not exonerate him any more than stealing bread for a hungry child exonerated a thief, prosecutor Mary Rose Gearty said, and Drumm was involved in was monumentally fraudulent.

Today, the jury agreed and found him guilty.

After Mr Drumm had exited the court Detective Superintendent Gerard Walsh of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) addressed the press.

Det Supt. Gerard Walsh said the verdict emphasised the importance of corporate responsibility and the need to conduct business with honesty and integrity.

He said the investigation had been highly complex and involved members of the National Garda Economic Crime Bureau combing through hours of phone calls and hundreds of thousands of files.

He said: the verdict today is the culmination of a criminal investigation which commenced over nine years ago and a criminal trial that began almost five months ago.

I would like to thank the jury for their patience and perseverance they showed throughout the court process. A previous trial in 2016 saw three other individuals convicted in the same set of circumstances.

This investigation was one of the more complex investigations under taken by An Garda Siochana and was conducted by a dedicated investigation team from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau which was formerly the Garda Bureau Fraud Investigation.

During the course of the investigation detectives listened to tens of thousands of telephone calls and uplifted almost one million files which required detail analysis.

Thousands of other enquiries were conducted by this team both in Ireland and other jurisdictions including the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Over 400 interviews were conducted during the course of the investigation and I would like to personally thank many witnesses who assisted in the investigation and gave evidence in court.

Statistics show that economic criminals are increasingly targeting business, however business needs to be aware that wrong doing can come from within.

Todays verdict emphasises the importance of corporate responsibility at all levels, and the very real obligation to conduct business with honesty and integrity at all times.

Finally I would also like to thank the office of director public prosecutions, the courts services, and council for preparing this case for trial and their expertise in presenting this evidence.
Alannah Reddin and her mother Emma at court after she was awarded 10,000 damages. Photo: Collins Courts

A 17-year-old schoolgirl who was injured when her below-waist-length hair became trapped in the wheels of a go-kart has been awarded damages against a holiday centre.

The Circuit Civil Court in Dublin was told that lumps of Alannah Reddin's treasured locks had to be sheared off in order to release her from the go-kart's rear wheels.

The teenager, of Maple Avenue, Ballybrack, Co Dublin, was on a family holiday at Trabolgan Holiday Centre in Cork in April 2017 and decided to have a go on one of the centre's main attractions when the accident happened.

Counsel for Alannah, Esther Earley, told Judge Terence O'Sullivan the girl had been trapped for almost an hour as staff worked to free her before admitting that her hair would have to be cut to release her.

Ms Earley told the court that Trabolgan and Hemway Limited had been responsible for organising a number of activities at their premises but with regard to go-karting they had not exhibited any warnings about the dangers of long hair, despite having done so in relation to other activities.

Alannah, who sued the defendants through her mother Emma Reddin, had not been instructed to tie up her very long hair. Ms Earley said that given the nature of go-karting it should have been foreseeable that participants' especially long hair could become entangled in the wheels.

The court was told Alannah had developed pain in her scalp and had suffered headaches for a short period following the accident. She did not suffer any lasting problems apart from the length of time it had taken for her hair to re-grow in areas.

Judge O'Sullivan, approving a settlement offer of 10,000, felt the figure was an appropriate amount of compensation on the basis that some contributory negligence would have come into play.
A man who sued a GP and the HSE after his wife died just a day after a blood test showed she had low levels of potassium has settled his High Court action for 850,000.

The court was told that mother-of-four Maureen O'Sullivan, who was in her 50s, should have been sent immediately to hospital after a test showed she had low levels of potassium. Counsel for her widower, Donal O'Sullivan, said the low levels of the mineral were "a recipe for disaster".

Mr O'Sullivan of Lower Belmont, Crookstown, Co Cork, sued GP Therese Crotty of Main Street, Ballincollig, Co Cork, and the HSE over the death of his wife on November 8, 2011.

It was claimed that on the previous November 4, Ms O'Sullivan had attended Dr Crotty complaining of palpitations. A blood test was taken and sent for analysis at Cork University Hospital. On November 7 the result indicating severe hypokalaemia, a low level of potassium, was telephoned to the GP's surgery.

It was claimed the GP failed to arrange to admit Ms O'Sullivan to hospital right away on learning she suffered severe hypokalaemia and failed to advise her to attend hospital immediately.

It was claimed against the HSE there was a failure to adequately communicate the significance of the abnormal blood test results to the GP and a failure to have in place or to implement appropriate systems.

It was further claimed the HSE had relied on a clerical officer to communicate the test results that they required urgent clinical attention.

Dr Crotty and the HSE, in a letter read to the court, apologised unreservedly for the part they played in the events leading up to Ms O'Sullivan's death.

The letter to the O'Sullivan family, signed by Dr Crotty and the HSE, said: "I deeply regret the tragic circumstances that led to the death of your wife, mother and sister Ms Maureen O'Sullivan.

"I apologise unreservedly for the part I played in the events leading up to her death."

It added: "I am acutely conscious of the pain and suffering which this has caused to you all."

The court was told liability in the case was admitted in the past few weeks.

Mr Justice Kevin Cross approved the settlement.
THE High Court will hear the corporate watchdog's application for the appointment of inspectors to Independent News & Media (INM) next month.

The Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (INM) wants inspectors with wide-ranging powers to examine a number of corporate governance issues at the countrys largest media group.

These include a major suspected data breach at the company in 2014, where it is feared the emails of several people, including high-profile journalists Brendan OConnor and Sam Smyth, may have been accessed.

High Court President Mr Justice Peter Kelly today set hearing dates of July 10 and 11 for the application by the watchdog.

The court heard the case may run to a third day.

Mr Justice Kelly also made an order granting the Central Bank access to relevant documentation filed in the case by both the ODCE and INM.

The court heard the bank wanted access to documentation relating to allegations of potential market abuse.

Mr Justice Kelly said it would be free to use this documentation for the purpose of carrying out its statutory functions in relation to the policing of EU market abuse regulations.

Margaret Gray BL, for the Central Bank, said her client had been informed by INM that it would receive relevant documents within 48 hours.

Neil Steen SC, for the ODCE, said he had no objection to this.

Mr Justice Kelly said that in the event of any difficulty arising, the bank could come back to the court.

The judge also set out a timetable for the exchange of affidavits and for submissions to filed to the court in advance of the inspectors application hearing.

Todays hearing came just days after INM issued proceedings against its former chairman Leslie Buckley.

It is understood the company is claiming to have suffered damage as a result of the alleged actions of Mr Buckley, who left INM in March.

Mr Buckley has pledged to defend himself against each and every allegation.

He has been a central figure in matters investigated by the ODCE in the run up to its decision to seek the appointment of inspectors.

The issues Mr Buckley is caught up in include the removal of IT back-up tapes from the companys premises to a site abroad.

INM has confirmed the tapes were given to a third party service provider on the instructions of Mr Buckley.

He has claimed he was looking for information about a contract he hoped to renegotiate, but INM says ODCE correspondence suggests the data may have been searched more extensively and for a different purpose.

The ODCE has also alleged Mr Buckley shared information with INMs largest shareholder, businessman Denis OBrien that may well fall within the definition of inside information under EU market abuse rules.

Today, Mr Steen said the ODCE had seen media reports that INM was suing Mr Buckley. He said the ODCE would like to see copies of those proceedings.

Shane Murphy SC, for INM, said this would be addressed in affidavits INM plans to file.

The ODCEs investigation was prompted by protected disclosures made by former INM chief executive Robert Pitt in 2016 and 2017.

It has alleged the range of potentially unlawful conduct that may have taken place within the company is extensive.

As well as the data breach and market abuse issues, the ODCE has also been examining the proposed purchase by INM of Newstalk, a radio station owned by Mr OBrien.

Also under scrutiny is a proposed success fee for Island Capital, a company owned by Mr OBrien, in connection with the sale of INMs shares in Australian media group APN in 2015.

The Newstalk deal did not go ahead and no success fee was paid in connection with the APN share sale, but concerned were raised by Mr Pitt in relation to both matters.

Last week, another High Court judge dismissed judicial review proceedings taken by INM seeking to quash the ODCEs decision to seek the appointment of inspectors.

The company had argued it had a right to be consulted before the decision was made.

The decision by Mr Justice Seamus Noonan paved the way for the application hearing to proceed before Mr Justice Kelly.

INM is opposing the appointment of inspectors, given the impact it would have on the company.

It has also argued that the ODCE can investigate the matters it is concerned about without recourse to inspectors and that the data breach issue is being investigated by the Data Protection Commissioner.

However, the ODCE contends there is a "compelling public interest" for inspectors to be appointed.
The entrance to the new 30m Maynooth Education Campus that was being built by the Sammon group, which has now gone into liquidation. Photo: Frank McGrath

Major school building projects face delays following the appointment of a liquidator for the family-owned construction company Sammon Contracting Ireland.

The Co Kildare-based construction group employs about 200 people directly and many more subcontractors indirectly.

Among those affected is the largest schools project in the history of the State, two 1,000-pupil post-primary schools being built on a single campus in Maynooth due for completion in May 2019.

The 30m Maynooth job must now be retendered and the prospect of a longer wait has caused dismay among parents and the school staff.

The principals of Maynooth Community College and Maynooth Post Primary School, Siobhan McCauley and Johnny Nevin, have expressed their "extreme disappointment".

Education Minister Richard Bruton requested his officials to provide him with a critical path for the completion of this project - and asked them to consider how it could be delivered as quickly as possible.

A successful building company of more than 30 years, Sammon is a victim of the collapse, earlier this year, of the UK construction giant Carillion, with 8m owed to the Irish firm.

Sammon was part of an 87m joint venture with Carillion and the Dutch Infrastructure Fund (DIF) to build five schools and a college of education - in Bray, Wexford, Carlow and Kells - in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) deal.

Work on the PPP contract ceased following Carillion's collapse and, in April, three companies within the Sammon group entered into examinership.

Company founder and CEO Miceal Sammon said they were "devastated" at the appointment of a liquidator. He said they made every effort from the day Carillion collapsed to get the PPP contract restarted.

Mr Bruton said that the liquidation added additional complexity to the process of confirming the arrangements for completion of the PPP schools.

DIF said last night the Wexford school was awaiting final certification, and both schools in Bray were also very far advanced with small finishing works and certification remaining.

However, the schools in Kells and Carlow require substantially more work, as does the further education centre.

As well as the Maynooth job, separate from the PPPs Sammon was also contracted for projects at St Colman's Community College, Midleton, and Colaiste an Chraoibhin, Fermoy, both in Cork, which are already out for retender, as well as Gaelscoil Bharra, Cabra, Dublin, where outstanding work is expected to be completed in time for the start of the new school year.

Yesterday, Mr Justice Robert Haughton ordered the liquidation of two Sammon companies after the examiner Michael McAteer said he was unable to formulate proposals to allow them to survive. Mr McAteer will continue to act as examiner for the third company, Miceal Sammon Woodcraft Ltd.
Former CEO of Anglo Irish Bank, David Drumm (51), with an address in Skerries, Co Dublin, pictured at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court earlier this week. Photo: Collins Courts.

IN most criminal trials, the dramatic moments usually come from the live evidence - a witness testifying about a crime or coming under the pressure of a round of cross-examination.

But, dominated by extended discussions about the financial world and the dry language of money markets, boardrooms and balance sheets, the witness box was not usually a place of high drama in David Drumms trial.

We know that 2008 was a calamitous time for everyone involved in the case but there was often precious little colour to their accounts of what happened, and it was sometimes difficult to gauge the significance of the facts and figures being listed off.

It was only in the now-infamous Anglo tapes that this trial really came to life.

These were phone calls between the bankers; most knew they were being recorded as part of standard practice but it's impossible to know how alert they were to this in the white heat of the unfolding crisis.

As their decade-old conversations were played back to the jury, from the end of crackly phone lines and through streams of fast-talking, often foul-mouthed bravado and gales of nervous laughter, the players in this debacle finally came into focus.

In one of the most revealing calls, Drumm was heard describing Financial Regulator Patrick Neary as f**king Freddie f**king Fly and the Central Bank as a shower of clowns.

This was on September 19, before Anglo got emergency funding during the financial crisis, the jury heard.

He and Head of Capital Markets John Bowe were heard discussing getting cash from ILP. On this call, Drumm was not aware he was being recorded.

You cant take it off f**king Freddie f**king Fly down there, the Financial Regulator because it will appear on the balance sheet, he said.

Drumm also spoke about getting money from the Central Bank, first referring to the stress Anglo was under.

"We'll be saying, 'Yeah, a stress because HBOS were f**king sold and Lehman's went bust and f**king Bank of America f**king took over Merrill's and other f**king non-normal things happened, Drumm said.

We need the f**king loan because we are running out of money, he said.

He said he was going to keep it simple.

I'm going to keep asking the thick question: 'When, when is the cheque arriving?', he said, adding: if we say it in their language, nothing will happen. You have it, so you're going to give it to us and when would that be? We'll start there," he said. "If they don't give it to us on Monday they have a bank collapse. If the money keeps running out the door, the way it has been running out the door."

On September 22, the two men again discussed the banks situation and Mr Drumm at one point asked about what would happen if they got 4bn or whatever from that f**king shower of clowns down on Dame Street.

Drumm himself spoke frequently about the seriousness of Anglos troubles, describing sending a letter to the Financial Regulator about a breach of liquidity rules as signing a death warrant.

Elsewhere, he predicted, were f**ked, even including the 6bn fixeshe said were confirmed by Mr f**king Denis - a reference to ILPs Denis Casey, according to the prosecution.

If this photo is ever going to be published on f**king Bebo, its not going to look that great, Mr Drumm said of Anglos upcoming end of year balance sheet - known in the business as a snapshot.

He said it did not look doable that you could fix the poxy balance sheet over the year end.

Drumm wasnt alone in his use of colourful turns of phrase on the phone to his colleagues.

In September 2008, CFO Matt Moran and Mr Bowe were heard discussing an upcoming meeting with Ewen Stevensen of Credit Suisse and how a proposed deal with that bank would be broached.

If I can get a bit of drink into him, I might say to him, Id like about 5bn before the 30th, Mr Moran said.

Get him to sign the beer mat, Mr Bowe said. Do you think hed be prepared to give us a little kind of one night stand?

If I can promise him theres no f**king STD out of it, Mr Moran said.

Its a dance, Mr Moran said and the pair discussed the proposed transaction.

Its sort of the cherry on the cake, plus a bit of the cake as well, Mr Bowe said, to laughter. And the f**king tin as well. And the bloody oven.

Its two f**king layers, Mr Moran said.

The jury heard how the earlier March 2008 deal with ILP- the prototype for the the September transaction - was set up.

You put the stuff into us and we put it straight back through the other boys, David Gantly of ILP said to his Anglo counterpart Matt Cullen.

After laughter, Mr Gantly said: Im purposely not using names here. The walls have ears in this climate.

I can vouch for my own people, I know because of them, you have to be tight as a ducks arse here, he added.

The jury heard this was a reference to fears that the deal would get out to the market.

Often the financial jargon had to be translated for the jury.

I know I cant do f**king six yards worth of funny stuff, Ciaran McArdle was heard saying to Paul Kane in a September 25 call, for example.

The court heard a yard was banking term for billion, but nobody ventured a definition for funny stuff.

Likewise, there were various references to rinky dink deals and figures, with the jurors left to ponder the precise meaning.

Nearly everyone referenced in the calls was easily enough identified from context, despite the bankers fondness for nicknames - Drummer, Johnny Wonder, Kaner, Gants or, less cordially, Mr F**king Denis.

But exactly who the rock star or the badger were, both referenced in the same call, was again left the jurys imagination.

Elsewhere, the tapes allowed the prosecution to show the jury how deals had been spoken about by those in the bank.

The jury heard a September 25, 2008 call between Mike DArcy from Anglos Treasury department and Vincent Hibbert, a finance manager in the banks Isle of Man division.

Mr Hibbert asked a question about the rationale of a transaction.

Do you want the answer to tell the auditor or do you want the answer? Mr DArcy replied, before going through the transaction, adding: thats what it is.

This was one of the excerpts that was strongly challenged by the defence, who tried to have it ruled inadmissible.

After it was heard by the jury, Mr DArcy said in evidence that this was a joke.
A former Garda press officer claimed his phones were seized because then-commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan wanted to get her hands on the "smoking gun" linking her to a smear campaign against whistleblower Maurice McCabe, the Disclosures Tribunal has heard.

Journalist Michael Clifford said Supt Dave Taylor made the allegation to him in 2016, while the superintendent was suspended from duty.

The Irish Examiner correspondent, who has written a book on Sgt McCabe, said he was given the impression by Supt Taylor that there were texts on the phones which would implicate Ms O'Sullivan.

Supt Taylor surrendered two phones, and was arrested and questioned the previous year as part of a Garda probe into the unauthorised disclosure of information to journalists.

According to Mr Clifford, Supt Taylor alleged Ms O'Sullivan was the cause of his being arrested and suspended.

He said Supt Taylor's whole thesis was that Ms O'Sullivan "wanted to get her hands on his phone because that was what you might call a smoking gun".

Supt Taylor was moved from the Garda press office to the traffic bureau by Ms O'Sullivan shortly after she became commissioner in 2014, and it was clear to Mr Clifford that he had "an animus" towards her and was aggrieved the move did not involve a promotion.

The tribunal is investigating claims made by Supt Taylor that he was ordered in 2013 by then commissioner Martin Callinan to negatively brief journalists that Sgt McCabe had been investigated over a child sexual assault allegation.

While it was true Sgt McCabe was investigated, the DPP found in 2007 that even if the disputed claim was correct, it did not constitute a crime.

Supt Taylor alleged the smear campaign was conducted with the knowledge of Ms O'Sullivan, the-then deputy commissioner.

Both Mr Callinan and Ms O'Sullivan deny the allegations.

Supt Taylor made the claims in a protected disclosure in September 2016, at a time he was suspended and on reduced pay. He was reinstated the following year and did not face charges.

Mr Clifford said Supt Taylor felt his arrest was "humiliating".

The journalist said: "If he hadn't encountered his problems, I doubt very much any of us would be here."

Mr Clifford said he met Supt Taylor twice in 2016. The first meeting was in late August or early September. The journalist said Supt Taylor told him Mr Callinan would send him derogatory texts about Sgt McCabe. Mr Clifford said he believed these were passed on to other senior officers and to the media.

"I cannot tell you 100pc that he said he texted the media or spoke to them verbally. What I am absolutely sure of is the centrality of these text messages," said Mr Clifford. The tribunal has previously heard evidence contradicting this from Supt Taylor. He claims text messages were not circulated to journalists.

His evidence is that the only role the texts played was that he used them to inform Mr Callinan and Ms O'Sullivan when an item about Sgt McCabe appeared in the media.

However, Mr Clifford said that during a second meeting, in October 2016, Supt Taylor confirmed to him texts were part of the campaign.

The tribunal has previously heard the seized phones were not the ones used by Supt Taylor at the time of the alleged smear campaign. Out of 15 phones used by Ms O'Sullivan, Mr Callinan and Supt Taylor in the period under examination, 12 are missing and could not be provided to the tribunal.

Meanwhile, RTE journalist John Burke told the tribunal he was "mystified" over why Supt Taylor named him as one of 11 reporters the superintendent claims to have negatively briefed. "It didn't happen," said Mr Burke.
TWO men charged over an alleged drunken boat chase along the River Liffey will go on trial in January after a judge refused to throw out their case today.

Emergency services were alerted to an incident at about 6am on June 1 last year when a boat left its mooring at a south Dublin bank sailing club.

Following a pursuit on the Liffey, it was brought to a halt and later two Dublin men were arrested.

Brian Stacey (45) of Derry Drive, Crumlin and Ronan Stephens, 41, from Captains Road also in Crumlin face charges under the Maritime Safety Act and the Public Order Act in connection with the alleged boating incident.

They have pleaded not guilty and appeared again at Dublin District Court today. Judge Fiona Lydon was told a garda witness was not able to attend having been injured on duty earlier this week and she noted the defence had been put on notice.

The prosecution asked for an adjournment.

Mr Staceys solicitor Michael Kelleher applied for a strike out telling the court the case had been going on some time and was a great source of worry for his client. Counsel for the co-accused also asked for the proceedings to be struck out.

However, Judge Lydon refused and ordered that the trial would take place on a date in January next year.

They were charged with being under influence of alcohol and failing to stop for gardai at Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club while being the operator of a boat, navigating the craft without due care and attention and endangerment of a RNLI lifeboat crew at the Shipping Lane on the River Liffey and breach of the peace.

Boat theft charges were dropped earlier after Mr Staceys lawyers contacted the DPP and explained he was the owner of the boat and had a receipt.

At their first court appearance last year, Garda Paul Moody said Mr Stacey made no reply when he was charged. He said the incident began in the early hours of June 1, 2017 and was on-going when he took up duty at 7am. Mr Stacey was arrested at 8.25 am at Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club.

Garda Moody said it was alleged the incident happened at the Shipping Lane of the River Liffey at the East Link Bridge coming into Dublin city.

At the same hearing, Garda Patrick Collins had told the court that the co-defendant Ronan Stephens also made no reply after caution when he was charged. He was arrested at Sir John Rogersons Quay.
Former leading obstetrician and gynaecologist Gerry Rafferty, who worked for years in Dublins private Mount Carmel Hospital before its collapse in 2014, today lost the plush Dublin 6 Victorian home he bought 10 years ago for 2.5 million.

Barrister John Donnelly told the Circuit Civil Court that Dr Rafferty, of Kenilworth Square, Rathgar, who no longer practices medicine, owed Promontoria (Oyster) dac 2,394,000 on a mortgage which included 428,000 arrears.

Granting Promontoria an order for possession against Rafferty and his second wife, Margot OGorman, who was made a notice party to the proceedings, Judge Jacqueline Linnane said he had not paid a penny off the mortgage since September 2012.

Rafferty had gone in and out of bankruptcy between 2014 and 2016.

Rafferty, who personally represented himself and his wife in court, worked for more than a decade in the Mount Carmel Private Hospital which went into liquidation in January 2014. He charged 3,000 for his professional services during pregnancy and delivery. His area of special interest was difficulty in conceiving and maintaining pregnancy.

Mr Donnelly, who appeared with Hugh J. Ward Solicitors for Promontoria, told the court that Dr Rafferty had taken out a loan of 2,530,000 with Ulster Bank to buy 10 Kenilworth Square in July 2007 and by February 2015, due to mounting arrears, the bank issued a letter demanding full repayment of an outstanding debt of 2,394,032.

No payments had been made against the mortgage since 2012 and when the banks demand had not been met it had issued possession proceedings in July 2015. The mortgage and debt had then been sold to Promontoria (Oyster) which had taken over the legal proceedings.

Mr Donnelly said that despite not making repayments against the mortgage Dr Rafferty offered to give Promontoria 750,000 in full and final settlement of the 2.4million debt. Following rejection of his offer he had increased it first to 800,000 and then to 825,000 but this had also been turned down.

Rafferty told Judge Linnane he faced considerable debts following the break-up of his medical practice. The break-up had been due to high profile court cases with which he had been associated and High Court proceedings involving the Medical Council and his loss of admitting rights to Mount Carmel Hospital. Publicity then surrounding his life had caused him great stress.

He said he had come to court seeking an adjournment of the possession proceedings to allow him more time in which he could negotiate a settlement with Promontoria. It had always been his genuine intention to reach a settlement.

Asked by Judge Linnane where he would get this money from, because no financial institution wold consider giving him a loan, he told the court a member of his family, a cousin, had offered to give him a loan. Later he told Judge Linnane there was still some negotiation to be carried out with his cousin about an advance of funds.

Rafferty told the court his first marriage had broken up and he had re-married and was living with his second wife, Margot, in the Kenilworth Square mid-terrace property which, Mr Donnelly stated, had now been given a desk top valuation of between 1.25m and 1.5million.

He told the court he felt he could, if given an adjournment, still reach a settlement with Promontoria. Judge Linnane told him the bank had rejected his offer of 825,000 in full and final settlement of a debt that had now reached just under 2.4 million and rising.

She granted Promontoria an order for possession of the property with a stay of four months to facilitate Mr Raffertys possible financing of a future settlement or finding new accommodation. She said the best way of finding out the value of a property was to put it up for sale to see what potential purchasers were prepared to offer for it.

She also awarded Promontoria its legal costs which Rafferty said he had no way of paying.
After months of hours spent in and outside of the classroom, studying, prepping and cramming for the inevitable arrival of Leaving Cert exams, 55,770 students took to classrooms and examination centres across the country to face their first exam.

Testing began at 9.30am this morning for English Paper 1 in over 5,223 exam centres. This years state-wide testing will cover 91 subjects, including higher, ordinary and foundation levels.

Independent.ie spoke to students from Dublins Loreto College about their experience tackling the first of what will be a series of exams in the next three weeks. The general consensus from students was the first English paper was relatively straight forward, with a minor surprise of topics expected to be in English paper 2 cropping up in todays exam.

One girl told Independent.ie: "There are questions on English Paper 2 about the poetry and the comparative and that came up today on Paper 1, that doesn't normally happen, it was weird."

Her friend added: "There was a girl who said she looked through papers from the past twenty years and that never happened."

Overall students seemed relieved to have their first exam over with and most agreed that it went well.

"I thought it went really well, everything that I prepared for came up so I'm happy, it wasn't too bad, I think it went okay.

English Paper 2 will commence state-wide tomorrow at 2:00 pm and exams will continue through until June 22.
Leaving Certificate English higher level students kicked off the exams today with "a radical paper in its approach to the subject," according to teacher Jim Lusby.

He said it contained "a long overdue and extremely welcome development - for the first time ever, a compulsory link with English Paper 2."

Mr Lusby noted that Question 2 on each of the three set texts asked candidates to draw material from their studies in the prescribed literature for Paper 2.

A teacher at Dublins Institute of Education, he said it introduced what should be obvious, but can be obscured by setting separate English papers: there is no division between language and literature.

To facilitate this radical development, Mr Lusby said the texts on the paper avoided being problematic in any way.

They were on the theme of young writers and he described the texts as relevant, but accessible.

They included an extract from Irish novelist Colum McCanns book of advice to young writers, an extract from the 2017 Booker Prize shortlisted novel by young English writer Fiona Mozley, and an illustrated poem by First World War poet, Isaac Rosenberg, who was killed on the Western Front in 1918.

Mr Lusby went on to say that to complement this perfect balance between texts and tasks in the Comprehension section, the range of essays in the Composing section is undoubtedly the most intelligent ever.

He said each title invites, and will reward, the thoughtful and creative use of language  surely the primary objective of any English examination.

They include stimulating, and precisely described, short stories, discussions, personal essays and descriptive exercises.

Overall, he said it was an examination paper that restores the balance between expression and study, between reading and writing, between language and pleasure.

Yeats College Galway teacher Sinead Caslin Cregg said, overall, students were pleased with the paper, the theme of which was young writers.

While the link to Paper 2 threw some students, she said questions were manageable once the candidates gathered their thoughts.

According to Ms Caslin "apart from this slight curveball, the paper was actually very fair and reasonable" with "lovely comprehension texts" and essay titles that were "very fair and offered lots of choice".

She said a discursive essay on leadership was a lovely topic for students who enjoy writing on current affairs, while the one on writing a speech was a popular choice.

Meanwhile, an enjoyable examination paper for ordinary level students was how teacher Jim Lusby described Leaving Certificate English Ordinary Level paper 1.

Mr Lusby, of Dublins Institute of Education, said the reading texts offered a wide range of topics and perspectives, "although with an amusing bias towards County Cork."

He said each text was engaging in itself and included extracts from the speech given at the United Nations by disability campaigner Joanne ORiordan from Millstreet, Co Cork, when she was 16; an interview with Olympic rower, Gary ODonovan, from Skibbereen, also Cork; and an interview with Nobel Peace Prize winner, Kailash Satyarthi.

"The questions set on each text were stimulating, without containing any unwelcome surprises, and the range of essays in the Composing section was generous," he said.
The plan commits 8.8bn to the primary and post-primary sectors between now and 2027 (Stock image)

There is no Irish university in the worlds top 100 as the countrys higher education sector falls further in global rankings.

Trinity College Dublin has dropped from 88th to 104th, while the countrys largest university, UCD is down 25 places to 193rd.

Five of the seven universities, as well as Dublin Institute of Technology, have dropped in the QS World University Rankings 2019. The University of Limerick and Maynooth University have held their own.

It has a sparked a new round of warnings about how a funding shortage and staffing controls are damaging Irelands universities and the countrys reputation.

As other countries spend increasing amounts on higher education, austerity-era cuts in funding as well as staffing controls in Irish universities, which have not been reversed, is leaving Ireland trailing behind.

Expand Close A sharp fall in applications to Trinity College Dublin from students from the North has been blamed on Brexit. (Stock picture) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp A sharp fall in applications to Trinity College Dublin from students from the North has been blamed on Brexit. (Stock picture)

According to QS, an indicator-by-indicator performance indicates that the challenges facing Irish higher education are myriad.

Seven of the countrys eight institutions saw their rank for academic reputation drop, while all eight receive lower ranks for employer reputation.

This suggests that institutions in other nations are receiving an increasing share of global academic and employer recognition, at the expense of Irish institutions the rankings agency said.

Seven of the countrys eight universities also receive a lower rank for citations per faculty, indicating that Irish research impact has declined relative to universities in other nations. It leaves Irish universities are no longer ahead of the average, but level with it.

UCD president Prof Andrew Deeks said while the Government perseveres with austerity level funding, countries like China were investing billions.

Prof Deeks pointed out that, in 2008, UCD ranked 86th in the world in QS in terms of student:teacher ratio but now it was in 536th position, down 70 on last year alone.

He said a continuing deterioration in UCDs student:teacher ratio can no longer be endured and said a range of options to tackle this issue EMBAR were being brought before the next meeting of its Governing Authority.

Irish Universities Association (IUA) director general Jim Miley said it was time to stop delaying a decision on a proper funding model for Irish third-level education.

While there was some comfort for Trinity in being ranked Irelands leading university, its dean of research, Prof Linda Doyle said Irish universities are sliding because we cant compete on funding.

Expand Close Education Minister Richard Bruton. Photo: Tom Burke / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Education Minister Richard Bruton. Photo: Tom Burke

Education Minister Richard Bruton ignored the downward trend and said the rankings reflected a strong performance overall by Ireland.

He said that such rankings did not consider the quality of teaching or the quality of learning, or measure how universities tackled educational disadvantage, or support students with special educational needs.

Globally, Massachusetts Institute of Technology is named the worlds leading university for a record-breaking seventh consecutive year.

University of Oxford (5th) has usurped its longtime rival, the University of Cambridge (6th) to be the UKs top institution

The UK and the USA have seen their performance stabilise, with slightly more improvements than drops.

Continental Europes best university remains ETH Zurich.

World University Rankings 2019: Ireland

2019 2018 Institution Name 104 88 Trinity College Dublin (TCD) 193 168 University College Dublin (UCD) 260 243 National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) 388 283 University College Cork (UCC) 422 391 Dublin City University (DCU)

511-520 501-550 University of Limerick (UL) 701-750 701-750 Maynooth University 751-800 651-700 Dublin university of Technology (DIT)
A father-of-two who died in a workplace incident at Dublin Port today has been described as an "amazing guy" and "top bloke" by friends.

The man, who was in his late 30s and from Dublin, was rushed to the Mater Hospital this morning following an accident but was later pronounced dead.

While the exact details of the incident are as yet unknown, it is believed work on moving steel beams may have been taking place at the time.

It is understood that gardai are still trying to inform some family members about his tragic death.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Authority is now set to get underway into the fatal workplace accident.

A friend and former colleague told Independent.ie he was "an absolutely amazing guy".

"He was just a great guy, really amazing. I am still in shock at the news. He will be a really big loss."

Another friend also paid tribute to the young dad.

"A top quality bloke who always made me feel welcome when I started."

Meanwhile, co-worker Andrew Slevin said; "He was always a great worker and always there to lend a hand and advice if anyone needed it. Such a gentleman and a lovely man."

Gardai and emergency services were called to the scene at Ocean Pier shortly after 11.30am.

An examination of the scene was carried out by gardai and enquiries are ongoing.

"Gardai in Store Street are investigating the sudden death of a man in his 30s following a workplace incident in Dublin Port," a garda spokesman said.

"The Health and Safety Authority and the local Coroner have been notified."
A combination of sleep, exercise and alcohol could help prevent the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Scientists have discovered that a good night's sleep, increasing heart rate through exercise and 25ml of wine per day can help stimulate the brain's own cleaning system.

Previous studies have shown that Alzheimer's disease is associated with the toxic build-up of proteins in the brain, which causes the neuron cells to die.

Studies are now focusing on the link between the brain's self-cleaning, known as the glymphatic system, and the formation of proteins that leads to the cell death linked to the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Dr Ian Harrison, from University College London, told the Cheltenham Science Festival that research was now focusing on finding ways of preventing the glymphatic system from failing.

He said studies on the cerebrospinal fluid of mice had shown that a combination of sleep, exercise and alcohol stimulated the brain's self-cleaning.

"A paper came out a couple of years ago where the researchers studied the brains of mice when they are asleep and mice when they are awake," he said.

"What the researchers did was inject a dye into the cerebrospinal fluid and see where it goes.

"In the mice that were awake, that cerebrospinal fluid starts to go into the brain but only resides on the surface and doesn't go deep into the brain tissue.

"In the same animal when it fell asleep, that cerebrospinal fluid goes far deeper into the brain.

"When they quantified this in the animals that were asleep, this glymphatic system was far more active - 60% more active than in the animals that were awake.

"This is good evidence that the glymphatic system is active during sleep. If that is anything to go by we should all be sleeping a lot more than we are.

"That kind of makes sense because, if you think about it, when your brain is active during the day these brain cells are going to be actively producing all these waste products, so it is only at night when our brain switches off that it has the chance to switch on our glymphatic system and get rid of all these waste products."

Dr Harrison said there were comparable results with exercise.

"In the sedentary animals, the cerebrospinal fluid penetrates the brain but when the animals have voluntary access to exercise there is massive increase in the amount of lymphatic function," he said.

"The research has postulated that it is the increase in heart rate that drives this cerebrospinal fluid into the brain."

They also treated mice with low-level, intermediate and high-level doses of alcohol for 30 days and looked at the impact upon the glymphatic function.

He said that with low-level doses of alcohol - the equivalent of a third of a unit a day - there was a 30% to 40% increase in the brain's self-cleaning but a corresponding reduction following exposure to both intermediate and high-levels of alcohol.

"So 25ml of wine could actually increase your glymphatic system, according to this mouse study," Dr Harrison said.

"But the intermediate dose of one unit of alcohol - a small dose of wine - suggests that if the mouse data can be extrapolated the lymphatic system can be lowered.

"So, sleep more, exercise and, as the data suggests, you can have a drink, but only a third of a unit of wine per day."
Former Stormont health minister Jim Wells has said that more people have been killed through abortion in the United Kingdom since 1967 than died during the Holocaust.

Mr Wells, who had the party whip withdrawn last month over criticism of the DUP leadership, was speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show on Wednesday.

Around six million Jews died in Concentration Camps run by the far-right Nazi regime during the second world war.

The show was holding a discussion on comments from DUP MP Sammy Wilson who said following aborted fetuses were "discarded and put in a bin."

Host Stephen Nolan and Mr Wells were joined by journalist Malachi O'Doherty.

"What comes across is a huge cultural division between the DUP's attitude to abortion and moral issues and the ordinary British parliamentarian," Mr O'Doherty said.

"If the DUP does (see abortion as murder) then you are saying that these people are effectively like the Nazi's, that there's something worse than the holocaust happening in England."

"I don't think he's too far wrong," Mr Wells replied.

"9.2m people have had their lives terminated through abortion in Britain since 1967, that is actually more than the number of lives murdered in concentration camps.

"It is a ghastly situation. We are killing human beings. These are sentient human beings that have every right to life and every right to be protected."

Host Stephen Nolan asked Mr Wells if it was fair comparison to draw with the Nazis.

"I think the numbers are a fair comparison because these human beings have been killed," the South Down MLA said.

"I said yes in the sense that the number of human beings who have been killed in the rest of the UK far exceed the ghastly concentration camps of Germany."

"These are human beings, they are people who have been killed in the womb. I don't support the killing of any human being and abortion has got completely out of control in the United Kingdom.

"200,000 human beings are killed each year. I believe the child in the womb is a person, a person who's got rights and a person who is given no choice when the decision is made to terminate their lives."

"98.8% of these people are healthy normal babies."

Later in the programme Mr Wells clarified that he didn't believe women who had abortions were like Nazis but that the number of lives lost was comparable. He called it a "staggering loss of life".

South Down MP Chris Hazzard criticised Mr Wells' comments on Twitter.

"I'm happy to say that Jim Wells archaic views do not reflect the vast, vast majority of #SouthDown community," Mr Hazzard said.

"He is increasingly unfit to be a political representative in 2018."
Gene outside St Rita's - See Mike Milotte adoption story Mike Milotte is the author of Banished Babies: the secret history of Irelands baby export business, published by New Island at 16.99

Twenty-odd years ago, while writing a book about the 2,000 and more Irish children dispatched to America for adoption, I received a letter from a man in Texas called Gene Autry that was to lead me deep into the world of falsified birth records and bogus birth certs.

Gene had just discovered, at the age of 44, that he wasnt the biological child of Wesley and Mary Autry, the people he had always called mom and dad, but had in fact been born in Ireland, in a nursing home called St Ritas. Wesley Autry had been in the US airforce and based in England at the time.

Gene was in shock but desperate to trace his Irish roots, and I offered to help.

I knew a little about St Ritas already and had obtained a copy of a 1954 Garda report from the National Archives into the goings-on there. The police had found that Mary Keating, St Ritas owner, was forging the registry of births and giving Irish babies to Americans, complete with official birth certs in their own names.

Before releasing the report to me, all the names in it were to have been redacted, but one had been overlooked and, by an astonishing coincidence, it was "Autry". Genes parents had been caught up in the St Ritas investigation along with many others from the same US airforce base.

Mrs Keating was engaged in forgery on a grand scale, committing a serious criminal offence in the process.

With little snippets of information, I was able to discover that a friend of Genes, Lynda Harden, was another of the St Ritas babies. Her parents, Major and Mrs Harden, had actually acquired two children from St Ritas, Lynda and her brother David.

Expand Close Major and Mrs Harden in the 1950s / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Major and Mrs Harden in the 1950s

Forging the registry of births is usually seen as a way of helping unmarried women fall below the radar - because there is no record of them ever having given birth - but I soon realised that what Mrs Keating was doing was procuring children for people who couldnt adopt legally.

Both the Hardens and Autrys had been unable to adopt in America but had no difficulty in getting babies from Mrs Keating, without questions and without vetting.

A priest on the airforce base had directed Mrs Harden to St Ritas, and when she contacted Mrs Keating she was told two babies were available. They had been born two days apart to different mothers, but Mrs Keating would forge the paperwork to make it appear that Mrs Harden had given birth to twins.

Expand Close Lynda and David's second birthday / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Lynda and David's second birthday

At the age of 13 Lynda discovered she wasnt the Hardens natural child, but she was in her 30s before she found out David wasnt her brother - traumatic discoveries, made more painful by the fact that her parents refused to discuss things openly.

Lynda told me her childhood was full of friction and tension that she believes started with the "illegal mess" surrounding her and Davids acquisition. She grew up angry because she knew dark secrets were being kept from her.

"I simply wanted to know what happened and who I was", she said. But her parents took their secrets to the grave.

Back in 1953, it was the Hardens who told Mary and Wesley Autry about St Ritas, and following her initial enquiries, Mrs Autry received a letter in March 1953 to say a baby was available but there was a complication: the mother was ill and might have to go into hospital. This, the letter explained, would cause problems because "in our home we would register the baby in your name, but in the hospital the babies are registered in their mothers name."

This was indeed a candid admission of criminal intent.

A few days later Mrs Autry got a call: another baby was available. She went immediately, and was soon on her way home with baby Eugene. Mrs Keating, as promised, registered the birth as if the Autrys were Genes natural parents.

Decades later Lynda Harden discovered that her natural mother had known nothing about the fabricated birth records until the police told her during their investigations into the matter. Angry and upset, she went to the registry office and demanded that the record be corrected, but her request was refused.

Someone, however, noted her name - Vivian - in the margins, the clue that helped Lynda find her, although it still took years of searching.

When they eventually met, Vivian told Lynda that she had been heartbroken by her experience at St Ritas for although she had agreed to part with her baby, Lynda had been taken from her as she slept.

Expand Close Lynda and her daughter today / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Lynda and her daughter today

Back in 1997 Gene told me his American parents had lived in dread of losing him because of the web of illegality theyd been involved in. This, in turn, took its toll on Mary Autrys health with a series of stress related illnesses. Only on his deathbed, in 1997, did Genes father offer the first hint of the familys dark secret.

When Gene started looking for his natural mother, the authorities in Ireland offered no help, although they had known her the true identity since the Garda inquiry of 1954.

Gene eventually persuaded one official to tell him the first letter of his mothers name. Another revealed the number of letters. Like solving a crossword, he eventually uncovered her name, and with a lot of luck he finally found her.

What he discovered next was astounding. After his birth, Genes natural parents had married and had seven more children, his full siblings. In the years since new bonds have grown. Then Genes Irish mother made the trip to Texas and met her grandchildren, finally exorcising the deception that had plagued her adult life.

Yet while Gene and Lynda succeeded in uncovering their true identities, they did so without help from official Ireland. Time is rapidly running out for the State to mend its ways.
Tributes have been paid to the late Stephen Swift

Tributes have been paid following the death of "beloved" Irish actor Stephen Swift.

Stephen (44) passed away yesterday and has been remembered fondly this evening by stars such as comedian David O'Doherty, actress Aoibhin Garrihy and leaders in the Irish theatre industry.

He had roles in TV hits such as Games of Thrones, The Tudors, Fair City and The Clinic, he was also well-known for his extensive theatre work.

The Dubliner is survived by his wife Deirdre, their two young sons Milo and Luke, his parents, brothers, sister and extended family and friends.

Comedian David O'Doherty said in a touching Twitter post: "Lost one of my best pals yesterday - Stephen Swift.

"A friend, collaborator and sidekick. Always with me. Huge love to his family and friends."

Aoibhin Garrihy also shared pictures from her time working with Swift on a stage production of Pride and Prejudice.

She said: "I had the absolute pleasure & honour of playing Jane Bennet to Stephens Mr Bingley @GateTheatreDub & a gentler soul on and off the stage you could not meet.

"Stephen, you were a true gent and will be forever remembered for your kindness,sense of fun & sheer warmth."

A tribute on the Abbey Theatre's official twitter account read: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Stephen Swift  phenomenal actor, beloved friend and respected colleague."

While the Gate Theatre called Swift "a much loved figure who will be dearly missed."

His funeral service is due to take place at 11am on Saturday morning at Christ Church on the Park Road in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin.
Survivors of Magdalene Laundries have called on the state to erect a statue on O'Connell Street for "future generations" to hear their stories.

Hundreds of women who survived Magdalene Laundries were welcomed to Dublin yesterday for a two-day event organised by voluntary group Dublin Honours Magdalenes.

For the first time, survivors of the Magdalene Laundries from Ireland, the UK and further abroad gathered in Aras an Uachtarain and Mansion House for a special gathering.

Some of the survivors say they would like to see a statue put up on Dublin's O'Connell Street, as well as a plaque in every town that had a Magdalene Laundry.

One woman, who was taken from a hospital in Longford, explains how they were forced to eat scraps from the nuns' dinners.

"In Galway we had to light the fire at 6 o'clock every morning and we had to have the water ready for the nuns' breakfast and tea. We got no food, we cleaned the nuns' tables away and when they finished their food we'd take it and put it in a bag and throw it out where it's supposed to go.

"Then it'd be brought out to the farm to give to the pigs, but I didn't give it to the pigs, I took it out and gave it to all the other girls and myself."

Another survivor tells of her time in a Magdalene Laundry in Cork, where her mother was advised to give her up so "life would be a bit easier" for her.

"My mother came up at 7 o'clock and she told the nun, 'I want to take her out', and the mother superior said, 'no you can't pick her out, her father signed her in'.

"Mum started crying and the nun said 'Mrs. Doyle, you can come back tomorrow and see her'. Of course tomorrow, when mum arrived up at the convent, I was gone to Cork."

On Tuesday, the President of Ireland apologised to women who were forced to work in Magdalene Laundries after they were "failed" by the state.

At an afternoon gathering in Aras an Uachtarain, Michael D Higgins said stories of "forced labour and injustice" had left a "deep stain" on society.
Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty has made a series of expensive promises to parents - without saying where the funding is coming from.

The minister's stance undermines Fine Gael's attempt to attack Fianna Fail spending demands.

Ms Doherty performed a spectacular U-turn yesterday as she ruled out means-testing child benefit as part of the effort to reduce childcare costs.

Just days earlier, she indicated she was prepared to examine cutting child benefit for higher earners to pay for childcare.

Yet, the minister listed a string of promises including providing "free childcare, pre-education, free healthcare and free parental leave".

However, it is now unclear how she will pay for any of them having now ruled out means-testing child benefit.

No further information was forthcoming from the Department of Social Protection last night on how much the minister envisages being spent to provide these free measures in the short term or how that investment will be paid for.

Ms Doherty opened up the child benefit means-testing debate while attending a conference last Friday. But her commitment to reassess an expert report on the issue from 2012 was badly received by Government colleagues.

The Mangan Report suggested a two-tier system, whereby all families would receive a universal payment but low-income parents would get a significant top-up.

At the event organised by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA), Ms Doherty took note of a suggestion from a business representative who suggested childcare costs needed to be the Government's focus.

The minister said she would look at households who "earn over 100,000 and are paid the children's allowance".

However, last night Ms Doherty's office told the Irish Independent means-testing "is not being considered by Government and is not in the Programme for Government".

"Minister Doherty supports the universality of the child benefit payment, and the principle that all families with children should receive this income support."

A spokesperson added the Government's policy is "to provide additional supports for parents and their children through increased services rather than increased cash transfers".

The Department does not hold information on parents' income.

"While it would be possible to means-test any benefit or assistance, the administrative work involved and the supporting systems required to facilitate the work may render it unfeasible," they added.

Fianna Fail children's spokesperson Anne Rabbitte accused the minister of causing "major concern and frustration for parents".

"Once again we see this Government's obsession with spin come to the fore. On the one hand we have a proposal being floated and only hours later we have the minister dampening down those same proposals," she said.

"This is leading to confusion, frustration and anger amongst parents, particularly those middle income earners who would be earmarked for means-testing if this proposal were to come to fruition."

"Childcare costs have fallen down this Government's agenda and parents are being let down by the lack of action on this issue.

"We need to see a concrete plan brought forward that lowers childcare costs and eases the pressure on already overburdened families."

Labour Party senator Ged Nash described the minister's contribution to the IIEA as "alarming".

"In the worst of times, Labour successfully fought the Troika to defend the principle of child benefit as a universal payment," he said.

Meanwhile, relations between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail are continuing to plummet after it emerged Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been keeping tabs on demands coming from the Opposition benches.

The Irish Independent revealed yesterday a working group has put a "conservative" price of 1.5bn on spending demands made by Fianna Fail representatives so far this year.

Fine Gael plans to portray Fianna Fail as a "populist" party with "roulette wheel economics".

But Fianna Fail welfare spokesman Willie O'Dea rejected the charge, claiming Mr Varadkar is running "a right-wing agenda".
The image was posted on social media as the Leaving Cert exams get underway in Ireland today

Ryanair has been "encouraging binge drinking as normal behaviour" with a controversial advertisement ahead of holidays for students taking exams, it has been claimed.

As 55,770 students began their Leaving Certificate exams yesterday, Ryanair shared a picture online of a young man lying on a beach with an empty bottle of wine beside them.

It was captioned: "To all Leaving Cert and A-Level students: plan your dream summer holiday now so you have something to look forward to.

"Book on Ryanair.com in between 'studying' tonight. This could be you."

To all #LeavingCert and #ALevel students: plan your dream summer holiday now so you have something to look forward to



Book on https://t.co/LTBSLn5QzB in between studying tonight. This could be you: pic.twitter.com/EfRI465rIW  Ryanair (@Ryanair) June 6, 2018

Many Twitter users criticised the airline for being "irresponsible" and for "encouraging binge drinking and beach littering".

Dual Diagnosis Ireland, an organisation helping people with both substance abuse and mental health problems, said they thought the post sends a bad message.

"Encouraging binge drinking as normal behaviour when three people die a day from alcohol harm is shameful.

"It's very irresponsible of Ryanair. It's a serious issue, we really do not fully understand the harm alcohol can have on our bodies," a spokesperson for the registered charity told Independent.ie.

Ryanair have brushed off the negative comments, saying the tweet was posted by staff members "reminiscing" on their own Leaving Cert holiday antics.

"Our social media team were merely reminiscing about their own first lads/girls trip away, and recalling all the wonderful sightseeing, singsongs and cultural activities they enjoyed as teenagers," a Ryanair spokesperson said.

Drinkaware said that the advert was "surprising" and they are encouraging students to drink in moderation.

Getting so drunk that you pass out is bad for your health, your safety and that of other people and your pride.

Its surprising that this is Ryanairs idea of a dream summer holiday and we would urge the airline to look again at this advert and the message it sends," Ben Butler, content and communications director at Drinkaware said.

Binge drinking in particular can be extremely dangerous as your body can only process about one unit of alcohol an hour, and when youre in a hot country, you need to be extra mindful of staying hydrated. Drinking a lot in a short space of time can lead to serious consequences, and could stop the body from working properly."

Last year, Ryanair called on UK airports to impose a two-drink rule for passengers, as well as banning the sale of alcohol before 10am.

Customers flying to Ibiza from the UK are no longer allowed to bring duty-free alcohol on board the aircraft, but alcohol is still available on the in-flight menu.

"Its completely unfair that airports can profit from the unlimited sale of alcohol to passengers and leave the airlines to deal with the safety consequences.," Ryanair's Kenny Jacobs said in August 2017.

"This is a particular problem during flight delays when airports apply no limit to the sale of alcohol in airside bars and restaurants. This is an issue which the airports must now address and we are calling for significant changes to prohibit the sale of alcohol at airports, particularly with early morning flights and when flights are delayed."
Ewoud and Jantje Van Den Berg - known as Ed and Jane to their Irish friends - first came to live in Ireland in the 1970s.

"I remember arriving at Dublin Port off the ferry in the early hours of the morning in 1974," recalls Ed. "We got lost in the city centre and came across a herd of cattle being driven down the street. Those were very different times, and it felt like a very different place."

The couple spent six happy years living near Mullingar with their two daughters, before Ed's parent company called him back to Holland. When it came to the time for him to retire in 2001, though, he and Jane made the decision to return to Ireland.

"The thing about Holland," explains Ed, "is that it's half the size of Ireland and now has a population of 17 million people. It's very crowded. There is nowhere that you can find the complete silence that you have in Ireland. You can always hear roads or radios or people, whereas here there is complete solitude and tranquility."

Expand Close The former Franciscan monastery dating from 1857 has been home to the couple since 2001 and includes a Great Hall, a tower, orchard with teahouse and 20 acres of land. / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp The former Franciscan monastery dating from 1857 has been home to the couple since 2001 and includes a Great Hall, a tower, orchard with teahouse and 20 acres of land.

"'Here' is Highlake House in Ballinaheglish, Co Roscommon, a former Franciscan monastery dating from 1857, which has been home to Ed and Jane since 2001.

It is a fine two-storey, four-bedroom period residence, centrally situated on 20 acres of elevated land. In contrast to other, larger monasteries, Highlake was only ever home to 14 brothers, and its relatively modest scale has adapted well to being used as a private residence.

The foundation stone for Highlake was laid in 1857, when Co Fermanagh man Brother Hugh Farmer was given 40 acres of land by Lord de Freyne. Continuing a monastic tradition that had existed for centuries, the Franciscan monks worked as educators, providing local children with training in farming, horticulture and woodwork, until the last ties with the religious order were severed in the late 1960s when the monastery and nearby school closed, with the monastery being sold to a local farmer keen to acquire the land on which it stood.

In 1996, Highlake was sold to a couple who embarked upon the process of renovation, before coming into the ownership of Ed and Jane in 2001.

"We set about continuing the renovation with a keen eye to the history of the buildings," says Ed.

The work involved the re-plumbing, re-wiring and insulating of the main house, and - after a discovery of dry rot - the virtual re-building of the stable wing, where there are a series of rooms on the first floor above the stables. In the end, the work turned out to be much more extensive than the Van Den Bergs had originally envisaged.

Expand Close The former Franciscan monastery includes a Great Hall, a tower, orchard with teahouse and 20 acres of land. / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp The former Franciscan monastery includes a Great Hall, a tower, orchard with teahouse and 20 acres of land.

"At one point," says Ed, "I did ask myself what on earth we were doing! But now the house is very liveable. Of course, new owners may want to do more, but it works well as it is and we find it very comfortable."

Among the many unusual features of Highlake House is its private chapel, or Great Hall, with frescoed walls featuring a unique Celtic serpent motif that is an ancient symbol of healing and wisdom, and an altar salvaged by Ed from a church in Holland that was bombed in World War Two.

Ed and Jane hire out the chapel for private ceremonies - weddings, baptisms, blessings and the like - and say that they enjoy sitting there for a quiet half hour on Sundays, listening to chanting on the sound system.

"The acoustics are enormous," says Ed.

Although the chapel is listed, it does not have to be used as a chapel and there is permission for a change of use to a drawing room.

A tower room and bell room date from the 1900s - the bells are set to ring on the hour but can also be rung manually - and a 36sqm double-height studio with a catwalk and large Georgian window facing south to the formal inner yard is where Jane, an artist, likes to paint.

Expand Close Ewoud and Jenny van den Berg in the chapel at Highlake House, Ballinaheglish, Co Roscommon. Photo: Brian Farrell / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Ewoud and Jenny van den Berg in the chapel at Highlake House, Ballinaheglish, Co Roscommon. Photo: Brian Farrell

In total, the main house has 277sqm of living space. The living and dining room both have working fireplaces and, adjacent to the kitchen are the pantry, laundry, flower room - every civilised home should have one - and office, ancillary spaces that make the business of living comfortably so much easier.

There are four bedrooms, two of which are en suite; the main bedroom also has a dressing room.

A plethora of outbuildings includes a workshop, store-rooms, barn and stable. An orchard with teahouse extends to over an acre, and there is plenty of room to grow vegetables, keep chickens and achieve a good level of self-sufficiency.

The rest of the land - an 8.8 acre field to the west of the house, a 1.8 acre field to the north and a 3.5 acre field to the east - is rented out for grazing to a local farmer on a month to month basis.

A further 6.7 acres located opposite the main entrance has full planning permission for a four-bedroom bungalow and garage and is available by separate transaction.

Ed and Jane have two daughters, one living in Cavan and the other in Holland, and they are selling Highlake with the intention of buying a smaller house in Ireland and an apartment in Holland, allowing them to have a foot in both camps.

"One of our favourite things to do is to drive on the back roads through Connemara and stop and picnic on the side of the road," says Ed. "Often we never see another person. That's one of the reasons we love Ireland so much."

New owners could of course continue to enjoy Highlake as Ed and Jane have done for the past 17 years, as a private residence, but the property also clearly has the potential to be used as a wedding venue, boutique hotel or guesthouse, or as a base from which to grow an equestrian business or stud farm.

Agent: Sherry FitzGerald P Burke (090) 662 7200

Expand Expand Previous Next Close An idyllic spot at Highlake House. Highlake House, Ballinaheglish, Co Roscommon. / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp An idyllic spot at Highlake House.

Viewing: Strictly by appointment
'Try to strike a balance between expectations and market value'

As you probably know we here at Independent Motors get, and answer, a lot of queries every day/week from people thinking of buying a car.

Most of them are looking at buying a secondhand motor.

It is one of the great privileges and pleasures for me to be in a position to maybe, in a small, way give a little guidance.

The amazing thing is how many people are worrying about the same things.

They include trading in their own car, wondering what it is really worth, should they buy here or import? - and so on.

So on the basis of such a high and continuous level of demand for straightforward advice I've come up with 10 things, in random order, that I think could help you make the right decision.

1 Being able to buy 'straight' is always a big advantage. Not having a car to trade-in means a dealer doesn't have to worry about disposing of yours and that should save you money.

If you can dispose of your car privately - even at a bit of a moderately reduced price - it can help get you a better newer-car deal.

By the same token, trying to sell privately has its pitfalls.

Apart from having to take a potentially lower price, you may have the car on your hands for longer than you'd have liked.

One thing testing the private-sale route is good for is knowing what the car is really worth at a given time.

It should help to clearly discern which is the better route - private or trade-in - for you to take.

2 Always remember when buying secondhand you are doing just that - purchasing something that has been used, well or badly, by its current/previous owner(s).

So there will be wear and tear; there will be signs of use. What you have to do it assess if the use is of an acceptable level for the age of, and mileage on, the car.

I've always gone on gut instinct. A car with 70,000km on the clock with heavily worn brake, clutch and accelerator pedals should have you wondering if it hasn't been clocked.

Be cautious and wary especially if buying privately. Just be extra careful.

3 Be realistic in valuing your car. Check ads, websites etc and see what is being asked for models approximating yours in the major areas.

Just remember some asking prices are seriously inflated. There can be large differences in what is paid.

Try to strike a balance between expectations and market reality. Don't give your car away but holding out for every last euro could mean you have it on your hands for a long time too.

4 As ever, shop around energetically. It's such an obvious thing to do and makes so much sense but people often just stay with the outlet they've bought from before.

I'm all for loyalty and there is much to be said for a long-term relationship.

But a bit of research can strengthen your hand in any deal - be it with an old or new dealer.

I usually advise people to buy locally and from a reputable dealer. That doesn't stop you from shopping around though, does it?

5 And shop around for finance. It's really competitive out there at the moment, but I still say give your local credit union and banks a chance to see what they can offer.

There is an increase in PCP deals for newer/fresher cars that are worth considering too if you're in that area of the market.

Above all, make sure you know what you're signing up for.

I always urge people to take a day or two to take all the figures into consideration.

And remember if a dealer can't do you a better price on a car, maybe he or she can cut the APR rate a little.

You won't know until you ask.

6 It is worth spending a few euro on getting a full, verified history check from a reputable data provider.

There is an old adage often quoted by my erstwhile colleague Aidan Timmons: "If you think a good car costs a lot of money, wait until you buy a bad one."

If the history check turns up anything remotely dubious, then walk away.

That's especially the case if the car is being bought privately.

Buying cheaper cars on the private market poses greater risks (and you have limited legal comeback) so a history check is essential.

7 Should you buy an import from a local garage and/or travel to seal your own deal up North or across the water?

The answer is yes if it makes real financial sense to take one or all routes.

But, again, I advocate giving your local dealer a chance to do business (many have imports anyway).

Imports - all projected 100,000-plus of them this year - need to be extensively checked and proven to be clean and clear just like any other car.

You need everything from the seller to the car's history.

8 There is a big, big volume of used cars out there now. That's good if you're buying and not so good if you are selling.

But don't get caught up in thinking you are taking a hit on yours.

The only thing that matters is what the next car is going to cost you NET of trade-in.

The Cost of Change is your only barometer of a deal.

The less the better. Concentrate on that.

9 I get some sad stories from people who could almost certainly have avoided a lot of trouble if, before shaking on a private deal, they got someone, preferably a mechanic, to give it a good checkout.

Along with a history check a physical, on-the-ground assessment is invaluable before you commit to parting with your money.

10 If buying from an established dealer (and that would be my preference for most people) go for as long a warranty as is feasible; even if it costs a few euro more. Be clear on what is covered - parts and labour or just parts?

Asking questions beforehand is one of the great ways to avoid misunderstandings and disappointment when trouble brews.
The search for good-value motor insurance is an ongoing battle for car owners.

Insurance companies have increased premiums in the past few years and are now hoping we will come to accept the elevated costs.

Official figures indicate that premiums costs are falling slightly - but that is after three years of relentless increases.

However, that is not the experience of many drivers.

Many of them are getting renewal quotations that are higher than they paid last year.

And that brings me to the first important point to take note of: a renewal quote is often a try-on. Remember that.

Insurers know that a good proportion of drivers will not quibble (hard and all as that is to believe) with the expensive renewal quote and that they will just go ahead and pay it.

No. You should always challenge the renewal quote and go to a good broker to get better value.

One good tip in that regard is to seek quotes giving details of your driving record, car and claims history - but do not reveal what you are currently paying for insurance.

By doing this, you might be surprised to find yourself ending up with a lower quote than the premium you paid last year.

This situation leads some to conclude that insurers pull renewal quotation figures out of the air.

So here are a number of ways to fight back against premium rate rises and save yourself a considerable amount of money in the process:

1. Switch

If you are claims-free, it makes sense to regularly switch insurer.

Compare rates from different insurance companies by ringing them or going online. It is worthwhile using a broker.

It won't cost you any more than going directly to the insurer as the broker is paid by the company.

You may be entitled to a discount if you have more than one type of insurance policy with the same company.

Also ask if there are other discounts you might be able to get.

2. Consider the security systems

A car with an alarm will be cheaper to insure than one without, for example.

3. Don't over insure

Other tips to keep the costs down include being conservative with the car's value.

This is important as you can only claim what the vehicle is deemed to be worth by the insurance company's assessor.

People often overvalue their car. Check motor sales adverts to get a good market indicator of your motor's value.

Alternatively, the Revenue Commissioners website (www.revenue.ie) has a valuation tool for each model and year of manufacture, put in place for vehicle registration tax purposes.

4. Check the excess

Be careful about the excess. This is the amount you have to pay before you can make a claim. Lately, insurers are imposing higher and higher excesses. This reduces the risks for them, but means you end up not claiming for small accidents.

Excesses of 500 are not uncommon these days, but when they get to that level, they rather negate the value of having insurance in the first place - though of course it is a legal requirement to have cover.

5. Get a discount by using telematics

Telematics is a way of monitoring the location, movements, status and behaviour of a vehicle. You can do it with a smartphone. Insurer AIG offers discounts of up to 20pc on motor cover for using an app that monitors driving style.

AIG says it aims to reward better driving behaviour with potential savings of up to 25pc on car insurance premiums.

Customers who use the app will be given a 20pc discount on their premium immediately and further discounts of up to 5pc will be applied to the premium after three months' use, subject to the scores achieved.

6. Men: get insured with Its4women

Online insurer Its4women markets its motor insurance at women, but the law means it cannot refuse to cover men.

Because most of its customers are women - who are safer drivers and also have fewer claims - it tends to be more competitive than motor cover sold equally to both sexes.

A recent European Union gender directive, which became law in this country, means that men and women can't be discriminated against in terms of the price of insurance. Dublin student Shane Spain was able to reduce the cost of his cover from 810 to 500 by opting for Its4women.

7. Don't modify

Avoid modifying your car, unless you are increasing its safety. Even a small modification, such as new alloys, can cause your premiums to shoot up. Any changes should be discussed with your insurer first. However, any modification that increases safety, such as installing an alarm or immobiliser, can help you cut costs.

8. Small engine

Choose your car wisely. The more expensive your car and the bigger its engine, the more you are likely to pay. You may also have to pay more if your car is imported or if there are more theft claims on your model of car.

Check with your insurer before you buy a car, so you can estimate insurance costs.

9. Pay annually

Pay for your cover annually if you can afford to do this. Paying for cover monthly is the same as taking a high-interest loan from your provider, with interest as high as 20pc imposed on top of the premium for paying by instalments.

10. Park in a garage

If your vehicle is secure when you are not using it - in a garage - it is less likely to be stolen or hit by other cars.

Tell your insurer if you park in a garage and see if you can get a price break as a result.

11. Add another driver

Many motorists are unaware they could bag themselves a further discount by adding a spouse or a partner to their policy, according to AA Ireland.

Some insurance providers offer a discount of up to 20pc just for adding your spouse or partner, so it is certainly worth inquiring.

12. Keep a clean licence

Penalty points or convictions will increase the cost of your car insurance.

If you are sensible and drive safely it should pay dividends in terms of a lower premium.
Comedian David Spade and his sister Kate Spade attend a gallery exhibition of photographer Slim Aarons' work curated by Kate Spade at Fred Segal Cafe on February 16, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matthew Simmons/Getty Images)

Actor David Spade has expressed his shock and sorrow at his sister-in-law Kate Spade's death.

The iconic fashion designer was found dead in her New York City apartment in what is believed to be a suicide. She was 55 years old.

Expand Close Comedian David Spade and his sister Kate Spade attend a gallery exhibition of photographer Slim Aarons' work curated by Kate Spade at Fred Segal Cafe on February 16, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matthew Simmons/Getty Images) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Comedian David Spade and his sister Kate Spade attend a gallery exhibition of photographer Slim Aarons' work curated by Kate Spade at Fred Segal Cafe on February 16, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matthew Simmons/Getty Images)

The television star took to social media on Wednesday to share his favourite qualities about the late designer, who was married to his brother Andy, the co-founder of her eponymous lifestyle empire, for 24 years.

Alongside a photograph of him and Kate at a family gathering over the festive period, he wrote: "Fuzzy picture but i love it. Kate and I during Christmas family photos. We had so much fun that day. She was so sharp and quick on her feet. She could make me laugh so hard. I still cant believe it. Its a rough world out there people, try to hang on. (sic)"

Kate and Andy have a 13-year-old daughter Frances. Kate sold her ownership stake in the brand in 2006, and in 2016 she revealed she had taken time away from designing in order to focus on raising her child.

The Spades released a statement on Wednesday after news of her death was made public, in which they pleaded for privacy.

We are all devastated by todays tragedy, her family said via the New York Daily News. We loved Kate dearly and will miss her terribly. We would ask that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this very difficult time.

Expand Close Tributes paid to Kate Spade following fashion designers death at 55 (Bebeto Matthews/AP) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Tributes paid to Kate Spade following fashion designers death at 55 (Bebeto Matthews/AP)

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article please contact Samaritans helpline 116 123 or Aware helpline 1800 80 48 48 or Pieta House on 1800 247 247.
Pippa O' Connor at the opening night of H&Ms flagship store in College Green,Dublin. Photo: Gareth Chaney Collins

Nadia Forde at the new H&M flagship store in Ireland on Dublin's College Green

Fashion fans queued through the night at the H&M store on Dublins College Green

A view of the new H&M store during H&M and Cara Delevingne to celebrate the opening of a new location at Westfield World Trade Center at H&M on November 17, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for H&M)

The bargain shopping game is about to get even more exciting.

H&M is the parent company which also owns & Other Stories, COS and Arket, and they are launching a new chain of multi-brand discounted stores named Afound.

The brand is expected to stock all pieces from the H&M stable at a discounted rate, which will be launching on June 14.

The first two stores will open in the company's home cities of Stockholm and Malmo, and is labelling itself as a "style and deal-hunting paradise", which is essentially an outlet store including some of their best-selling brands.

The idea was to create an innovative marketplace in the off-price sector, creative director of the brand Mattias Ekberg told WWD.

Some people might call us an outlet, but our vision is for the customer to experience a style and deal-hunting paradise.

Expand Close Kenzo x H&M / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Kenzo x H&M

Marketing director Fredrik Svartling said he understands the need for immersible digital shopping experiences, which means the collections will be available online with international shipping so that Irish shoppers can access discounted pieces which will be "tailored to local demand".

It's a bold move in recognition with online shopping experiences as H&M only launched its e-commerce site two years ago.

H&M already has a strong presence on our shores with 15 stores and a 25,000 square foot flagship premises on Dublin's College Green, five COS stores and last year, & Other Stories opened its first Irish retailer on Grafton Street.

It is the second biggest clothing firm in the world, coming in second to Zara's Inditex.
A baby seal has been flown to the mainland for specialist treatment after she was found abandoned on an island.

The harbour seal pup, which is less than two weeks old, was rescued on Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides by local vet David Buckland after occupants of a house overlooking Princes Beach discovered her on June 1.

Mr Buckland provided her with plenty of fluids as she was extremely malnourished.

It is not known what happened to her mother.

Once she was fit to travel, the seal was flown to Glasgow by Loganair, free of charge, and then taken to the Scottish SPCA National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fischcross, Clackmannanshire, to continue her recovery.

Mr Buckland, from the Southern Isles Veterinary Practice, accompanied the pup on her journey on Monday evening.

Loganair managing director Jonathan Hinkles said: It was a pleasure to make arrangements to fly the baby seal pup to Glasgow, and make sure she was given first-class service for her first time on board an aircraft.

The Highlands and Islands is our heartland and were always glad to help where we can.

The rescue centre is also caring for a young male pup rescued from the Isle of Eigg and both seals will be looked after together until they are ready to be released back into the wild.

Scottish SPCA centre manager Colin Seddon said: We have received a young female harbour seal at our centre in Fishcross, who seems to be in reasonably good health.

She was found on a beach in Eriskay and appeared to be dehydrated.

Harbour seals are very vulnerable, and we will be keeping a close eye on her while she remains in our care.

We also received a male harbour seal of around the same age from the Isle of Eigg. He has improved overnight but will require round-the- clock care over the coming days.

Having two pups in at the same time is great for socialisation and the pair will be reared together.

When they are ready to go back into the wild we will be able to release them at a suitable location on the west coast together.

Loganair has launched a competition on social media to name the pups, with the choices in line with SSPCAs Disney/Pixar theme for 2018: Ariel and Eric, Nala and Simba. or Dory and Marlin from the films The Little Mermaid, The Lion King and Finding Nemo.

Loganair is no stranger to carrying unusual animals, particularly having flown Shetland ponies to Fair Isle in the 1970s.
German prosecutors are investigating a suspected former member of Adolf Hitler's mobile killing squads for involvement in Second World War massacres.

The case against 95-year-old Wilhelm Karl Friedrich Hoffmeister is part of an 11th-hour effort to bring elderly ex-Nazis to justice, the Associated Press has learned.

It is the third case opened in Germany in recent months targeting individuals believed to have been part of the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

All three are being investigated under a new legal argument, recently upheld by the country's top criminal court, that someone who helped the Nazi killing machinery run can be convicted of accessory to mass murder, even if they cannot be linked to specific deaths.

Efraim Zuroff, the head Nazi hunter at the Simon Wiesenthal Centre in Jerusalem, who alerted German authorities about the new suspects.

"It was a very significant decision, but it's only one that has been reaching fruition in recent months after we helped them find now three people who fit the category," he said.

Extending the legal standard on complicity from death camp guards to the Einsatzgruppen raises the possibility of a fresh wave of investigations, said Efraim Zuroff, the head Nazi hunter at the Simon Wiesenthal Centre in Jerusalem, who alerted German authorities about the new suspects.

"It's not exactly clear why it took them so long."

The Einsatzgruppen were the Nazis' opening salvo in the Holocaust - SS units and police personnel who followed the regular army as it pushed into the Soviet Union in 1941, slaughtering perceived racial or political enemies in mass executions.

Estimates vary, but experts agree they were responsible for more than a million killings.

The Nazis later established their system of death camps partially due to concerns about the psychological effects the up-close mass killings were having on the Einsatzgruppen troops.

"The death camps and concentration camps ... became the iconic images of the Holocaust, but it was the Einsatzgruppen that were maybe even a more stark manifestation of the Nazi ideology and the Final Solution," Mr Zuroff said.

"The number of active (Einsatzgruppen) participants is much greater than the number who actually carried out the murders in the death camps."

Hoffmeister, a former SS Rottenfuehrer - roughly equivalent to corporal - is suspected of serving with one of the death squads in Ukraine.

Einsatzgruppe C was responsible for the shootings of nearly 34,000 people at Babi Yar, a ravine north west of Kiev, on September 29 and 30 1941 - one of the largest and most notorious of the mass executions by Einsatzgruppen.

The German federal prosecutors' office in Ludwigsburg that investigates Nazi war crimes has established that Hoffmeister was in Ukraine with the unit around that time, but has not linked him to any specific killings, said Jens Rommel, the head of the office.

"We don't know what he did on what day," Mr Rommel said.

His office does not have authority to file criminal charges, but determined there was enough evidence to recommend that prosecutors based near where Hoffmeister lives in a retirement home pursue accessory to murder charges against him.

Serving in the unit would not be enough on its own to secure a conviction, even under the updated evidentiary standard, so the prosecutors in Braunschweig need proof that Hoffmeister was present in some capacity when Einsatzgruppe C committed atrocities.

The argument that Germans who enabled war crimes could be charged with accessory to murder even if they did not personally pull a rifle trigger or put the poison in the gas chamber was first used successfully against former Ohio car worker John Demjanjuk in 2011.

Demjanjuk was convicted in Munich on allegations he served as a Sobibor death camp guard, which he denied. He died before his appeal could be heard.

The 2015 conviction of former Auschwitz guard Oskar Groening using the same argument was upheld the next year by Germany's top criminal court on appeal, cementing the precedent.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and U.S. Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis attend a NATO defence ministers meeting at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir/File Photo

The United States is pressing European allies to ready more Nato troops, ships and planes for combat in a fresh move to shore up the alliance's deterrence against a potential Russian attack.

US Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis will seek broad agreement for the plan in Brussels tomorrow when defence ministers meet, laying the ground for endorsement by Nato leaders in July, officials said.

The plan would require Nato to have 30 land battalions, 30 air fighter squadrons and 30 navy ships such as destroyers ready to deploy within 30 days of being put on alert. It does not discuss specific troop numbers or a deadline for setting up the strategy.

The size of battalions varies across Nato, from 600 to 1,000 soldiers.

Challenge

This lays down a challenge for European governments, pilloried by President Donald Trump for slashing military spending after the Cold War, to remedy long-running problems with helicopters and jets that are grounded for lack of parts.

Expand Close US President Donald Trump is angry about defence cuts. REUTERS/Carlos Barria / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp US President Donald Trump is angry about defence cuts. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

"We have an adversary (Russia) that can move quickly into the Baltics and Poland in a ground attack," said one senior Nato diplomat who was briefed on the US plans.

"We don't have the luxury of taking months to mobilise," the diplomat said, saying the US idea was known as 30-30-30-30.

One US official said the initiative was primarily aimed at countering Russia and fitted with the Pentagon's 2018 National Defence Strategy, which accuses Moscow of seeking to "shatter the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation".

Russia's war games last year, involving an estimated 100,000 troops, also prompted concerns about accidental conflicts that could be triggered by such exercises, or any incursions into Russian-speaking regions in the Baltics.

The Kremlin firmly rejects any such aims and says it is Nato which is the security threat in eastern Europe.

Wrong-footed by Moscow with Russia's seizure of Crimea in 2014 and its intervention in Syria's war in 2015, the US is distrustful of the Kremlin's public message and wants to be ready for any eventuality.

With more than two million troops, Nato's forces outnumber those of Russia, whose active duty members are around 830,000, according to the International Institute of Strategic Studies, a British-based military think-tank.

Russia's annexation of Crimea prompted Nato to set up a small, rapid-reaction "spearhead" force and put four battalions in the Baltics and Poland, backed up by American troops and equipment.

But it is unclear how fast the alliance could move large troop numbers to its eastern flank and how long it could sustain them for, with France already stretched in Africa and British cutbacks reducing the size of deployable forces, officials said.

According to a 2016 study by the Rand Corporation, Britain, France, and Germany could each muster a brigade of three or more battalions along with battle tanks and other armour in around a month. But their resources would be badly strained, leaving little capacity for any other conflicts.

Another unknown is how the 30-30-30-30 proposal would fit in with other initiatives which are aimed at improving European military combat readiness and to address shortfalls in weaponry and other military assets.

The European Union last December launched a defence pact to develop crisis-response forces and work together to develop new helicopters and ships.

French President Emmanuel Macron aims to set up a new French-led European "intervention force".

"We only have a certain amount of forces in Europe, and they cannot be committed to every military proposal," a second senior Nato diplomat said.
Rudy Giuliani has been acting as an attorney for President Donald Trump (AP)

Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani has said US special counsel Robert Muellers team is trying to frame President Donald Trump.

Mr Giuliani, who has been serving as Mr Trumps lawyer amid the Russian collusion scandal, said in Israel that Mr Muellers team includes 13 highly partisan Democrats  (who) are trying very very hard to frame him to get him in trouble when he hasnt done anything wrong.

Speaking to the Globes capital market conference in Tel Aviv, Mr Giuliani said the US leader has the power to pardon himself, but will not, because he is innocent.

Expand Close Mr Giuliani said there were several partisan Democrats on Mr Muellers team (AP) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Mr Giuliani said there were several partisan Democrats on Mr Muellers team (AP)

The speech marks the latest in Mr Giulianis often contradictory comments surrounding the probe into Russias potential meddling in US elections.

Mr Trumps team and allies have waged a public relations campaign against Mr Mueller and the Justice Department to discredit the investigation and soften the impact of the special counsels potential findings.

Expand Close Mr Giulianis comments have sparked the presidents ire before (AP) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Mr Giulianis comments have sparked the presidents ire before (AP)

Mr Giuliani said of the Democrats on Mr Muellers team: They cant emotionally come to grips with the fact that this whole thing with Russian collusion didnt happen. They are trying to invent theories of obstruction of justice.

They have revealed no evidence that President Trump has done anything wrong, he added. None.

Mr Mueller is investigating whether Trump associates coordinated with Russia during the 2016 presidential election and whether Trump took steps to shut down that investigation through actions, including the firing of FBI Director James Comey.

Though Mr Trump insists he did nothing wrong, the statements from him and his lawyers have made clear that much of their defence revolves around establishing that he was constitutionally empowered to take the actions he took.

On Mr Trumps ability to pardon himself, Mr Giuliani said: The law of the United States is that the president of the United States has unlimited, unreviewable power to pardon people from federal crimes even before they are convicted.

Does he have the power to do it? Yes. Is he going to do it? No. Hes innocent. He hasnt done anything wrong.

Expand Close Mr Giuliani said the North Korean leader had begged on his hands and knees over the proposed US summit (AP) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Mr Giuliani said the North Korean leader had begged on his hands and knees over the proposed US summit (AP)

Mr Giuliani also boasted that the president had brought North Koreas leader to his hands and knees after cancelling a high-profile summit.

He said Mr Trumps tough line had forced North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to plead to reschedule their summit.

The former New York mayor said there was no choice but to cancel the June 12 summit after Mr Kim insulted the US vice president and national security and threatened nuclear war.

We said, Well, were not going to have a summit under those circumstances,' Mr Giuliani said.

Well, Kim Jong Un got back on his hands and knees and begged for it, which is exactly the position you want to put him in.

The summit is now back on for next Tuesday in Singapore.

Mr Giuliani suggested similar tactics should be used with the Palestinian Authority, which has cut off ties with the US in protest over Mr Trumps decision to recognise contested Jerusalem as Israels capital.

They have to be seeking peace. You gotta change the dynamic and put the pressure on them, he said.
The Fuego Volcano in eruption, seen from Alotenango municipality, Sacatepequez department, about 65 km southwest of Guatemala City. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Jose Antonio Rivera counted to nine on the fingers of his grey, ash-encased hands as he tallied relatives who had vanished in the torrent of mud and fire.

"My children are gone. There is just me, my wife and one son left," he said amid apocalyptic scenes in the shadow of Guatemala's El Fuego volcano.

The massive eruption blasted smoke more than 6km into the sky and set off a pyroclastic surge of the kind that destroyed the ancient city of Pompeii in AD79.

Such a surge - a mixture of ash, sand and gas - can reach temperatures of 700C and travel at more than 100km per hour.

Hilda Lopez described how it swept into her village of San Miguel Los Lotes during a party.

Expand Close Volunteer firefighters carry the coffins of two children who were killed by El Fuego volcano in Guatemala. Photo: AFP / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Volunteer firefighters carry the coffins of two children who were killed by El Fuego volcano in Guatemala. Photo: AFP

She said: "We were at a party, celebrating the birth of a baby, when one of the neighbours shouted at us to come out and see the lava that was coming.

"We didn't believe it, and when we went out the hot mud was already coming down the street.

"My mother was stuck there, she couldn't get out."

One group of villagers gathered on a bridge to watch what they thought would be a slow lava flow, only fleeing at the last minute as the bridge was suddenly overwhelmed.

Expand Close Guatemalan policemen during search operations around Volcano Fuego after an eruption. Photo: HO/AFP/Getty Images / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Guatemalan policemen during search operations around Volcano Fuego after an eruption. Photo: HO/AFP/Getty Images

The official death toll of 69 was expected to rise as rescue workers combed the worst affected area 40km southwest of the capital Guatemala City.

The village of El Rodeo was "buried", the rescuers said. They described finding bodies so cased in ash they looked like statues.

Some rescuers had to return to their bases after their shoes melted. Others managed to dig out 10 survivors.

"We are looking for people who are missing, but we don't know how many there are," said Mario Cruz, spokesman for the fire brigade.

Six children and their pregnant mother had been rescued from their home and taken to a local hospital where survivors were being treated for burns and breathing difficulties.

President Jimmy Morales declared three days of mourning but his government was already facing criticism for not acting sooner.

The slow reaction may have been related to the fact Guatemalans are used to seeing El Fuego, one of Central America's most active volcanoes, spit burning material into the sky.

Camilo Toledo, a tour guide, blamed the destruction on rivers being already overflowing and filled with mud, meaning the pyroclastic flow became far more dangerous.

"The rain made it far more deadly," he said. "It also meant the evacuation effort was much more difficult." ( Daily Telegraph, London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
Iranian authorities have said that if the European countries failed to keep the pact alive, Tehran had several options, including resuming its 20pc uranium enrichment. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

A war of words between Israel and Iran escalated sharply yesterday after Tehran informed the UN's nuclear watchdog it was beginning the process of increasing its capacity to enrich uranium.

Yisrael Katz, Israel's intelligence minister, immediately called for a military coalition against Iran if the Islamic Republic was to defy the world powers who signed a nuclear deal with Iran.

"If the Iranians don't surrender now, and try to return" to unsupervised uranium enrichment, "there should be a clear statement by the president of the United States and all of the Western coalition," he said.

The message should be that "if the Iranians return" to enriching uranium that could enable them to build a nuclear bomb, "a military coalition will be formed against them," Mr Katz told Israeli public radio.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's ultimate authority, said on Monday he had ordered preparations to increase uranium enrichment capacity if the 2015 nuclear deal falls apart following President Trump's heavily criticised decision to withdraw from it last month.

Under the agreement with the US, France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China, Iran strictly limited uranium enrichment capacity to satisfy the powers that it could not be used to develop atomic bombs.

Expand Close Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer

In return, the Islamic Republic saw a partial lifting of US and international sanctions. Tehran is permitted to increase its enrichment efficiency by the end of the next decade just before the deal is set to expire.

But speeding up preparations now could allow Iran to ramp up production more quickly after that date.

Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's atomic energy organisation, said work had begun on the infrastructure for building advanced centrifuges at Natanz facility.

Mr Salehi said they would remain within the framework of the 2015 accord but that it marked an increase in the pace of the nuclear programme.

Diplomats said they viewed it as a "warning shot" to Europe.

"Following a first assessment, the announced steps per se are not a violation of the JCPOA (the acronym for the accord)," said a spokesman for Federica Mogherini, European Union policy chief.

"However, at this particularly critical juncture, they will not contribute to build confidence in the nature of the Iranian nuclear programme."

Iranian authorities have said that if the European countries failed to keep the pact alive, Tehran had several options, including resuming its 20pc uranium enrichment.

Tighter

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, yesterday began a three-tour charm offensive of Europe with the aim of convincing the signatories to back out of the accord and support his push for tighter measures on Tehran.

During a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin she said that, while she had concerns about the 2015 deal, it remained the best option available to prevent an arms race in the region.

Mr Netanyahu is to meet Emmanuel Macron, France's president, in Paris, later today and British Prime Minister Theresa May tomorrow. ( Daily Telegraph, London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
Melania Trump has attended her first public engagement after more than three weeks out of the public eye.

The first lady's appearance at the event for military families, her first public engagement since a kidney procedure last month, came after it emerged she would not accompany her husband to the G7 summit in Canada, or the Singapore meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The White House did not allow journalists to cover the Gold Star event out of respect for the families, which meant Ms Trump was seen only by the 40 or so families and administration officials who attended.

Video posted on Twitter showed the first lady, who wore a black sleeveless dress and her trademark stilettos, strolling into the East Room accompanied by President Donald Trump.

He showed her to a front-row seat across the aisle from Vice President Mike Pence before heading to the microphone.

"She looked beautiful," said retired Sergeant Diana Pike.

Her son, Chief Petty Officer Christian Pike, died in 2013 from injuries suffered in Afghanistan. "She just looked so beautiful."

Ms Trump told the families: "To all those who have lost loved ones in service to our country, our nation grieves with you.

"It is a solemn reminder that we, the American people, are able to live as freely as we do because of the selfless sacrifices of our men and women in uniform.

"We remain indebted to each of them and we honour them today, together, with their families."

Ms Trump's absence out of the spotlight had fuelled wild speculation as to her whereabouts - to which Mr Trump alluded in his remarks.

Mr Trump joked about all the speculation that his wife had supposedly left him but said she was doing fine, Sgt Pike said.

The first lady later tweeted several photos of the event, including two of her seated alongside the president.

Before Monday night, Ms Trump's last public appearance was on May 10 when she accompanied her husband to Andrews Air Force Base to welcome home three Americans who had been held prisoner in North Korea.

On May 14 she was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in Maryland for the kidney procedure.

Ms Trump underwent an embolisation, frequently used to cut off the flow of blood to a tumour or growth.

The White House has given few details of the condition but has said it was "benign". She returned to the White House on May 19.

The first lady's popularity was on the rise, according to a recent poll, growing more comfortable in the spotlight, hosting her first official state dinner and announcing formal initiatives.
Paul Manafort, former campaign manager for U.S. President Donald Trump. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo

US prosecutors have accused President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort - facing multiple charges of money laundering, bank fraud and illegal lobbying - of attempting to tamper with witnesses.

A motion submitted by special counsel Robert Mueller, who is heading up the main investigation into alleged Russian election meddling, said Mr Manafort had contacted witnesses by phone and encrypted text messaging for the purpose of securing "materially false testimony."

It added that such activities amounted to a violation of his bail terms, which "triggers the statutory presumption in favour of detention", meaning he could face jail ahead of his trials.

Mr Manafort has been under home confinement since he was charged in October.

According to the court document, he had sought to suborn perjury from witnesses who would be called to testify regarding the activities of the so-called "Hapsburg group" which allegedly carried out unlawful lobbying for Ukraine.

In February, the 69-year-old pleaded not guilty to charges of money laundering, illegal lobbying and lying, setting up the first trial to result from Mr Mueller's investigation, due to begin on September 17.

Then in March he pleaded not guilty to charges of bank and tax fraud, setting up a separate trial for July 10.

Mr Mueller's investigation has now entered its second year and continues to dominate US politics while menacing Trump's presidency.

So far the investigation has issued 22 indictments - 16 for Russian individuals and companies associated with online meddling in the 2016 election.

The remaining include Michael Flynn, Mr Trump's erstwhile national security advisor, who admitted guilt to one count of lying to investigators on December 1; Mr Manafort's long-time partner and deputy campaign chair Rick Gates and campaign foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos.

All three worked out plea deals and have pledged to co-operate with the investigation.

Mr Trump has downplayed Mr Manafort's role in his election and complained the FBI should have informed him his chairman was being probed.

"As only one of two people left who could become president, why wouldn't the FBI or Department of 'Justice' have told me that they were secretly investigating Paul Manafort," he asked.

"Paul Manafort came into the campaign very late and was with us for a short period of time."
Harvey Weinstein (second from right) leaves court in Manhattan yesterday. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Movie mogul Harvey Weinstein pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges of rape and sexual assault in the first cases involving the disgraced producer to be tested in criminal court since scores of accusers emerged last year.

Weinstein (66) entered his plea in Manhattan Supreme Court, the 'New York Daily News' reported, after a grand jury indicted him last week in two cases.

Weinstein turned himself in at a New York police station on May 25, and was taken to court in handcuffs for his initial arraignment.

A judge ordered him released on a $1m (850,000) cash bail on condition that he surrender his US passport and agree to wear a location-tracking device.

He was ordered to remain in New York state or Connecticut.

More than 70 women have accused Weinstein, the co-founder of the Miramax film studio and The Weinstein Co, of sexual misconduct, including rape, with some allegations dating back decades, all of which he has denied.

Prosecutors from the Manhattan district attorney's office did not name the two women accusing Weinstein of sexual assault in the criminal complaint filed against him.
A Pakistani journalist and rights activist who openly criticised the military and its alleged meddling in politics was freed early on Wednesday, several hours after being abducted.

The journalist, Gul Bukhari, who is a dual Pakistani-British national, has been a vocal critic of Pakistan's powerful military on social media and in her articles in the run-up to a July 25 general election.

She has also defended ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who clashed with the military before the Supreme Court forced him from office last year over an undeclared source of income.

Bukhari was on her way to record a television programme late on Tuesday for the Waqt news programme in the city of Lahore when her vehicle was intercepted and she was taken away by unidentified men, her husband and media colleagues said.

After her release, she said in a statement posted on Twitter by a family member that she was well, and she asked for privacy.

"I would like to express my deep gratitude and love to my friends, family, colleagues & supporters in civil society, journalism and politics across the board, for coming together in solidarity in concern for my wellbeing last night," she said.

Rights groups have denounced the kidnappings of several social media activists over the past year as attempts to intimidate and silence critics of Pakistans security establishment.

Last year, five bloggers went missing for several weeks before four of them were released. All four fled abroad and at least two afterwards told media that they were tortured by a state intelligence agency during their disappearance.

The military has staunchly denied playing a role in any enforced disappearances, as has the civilian government.

The military did not respond to a request for comment on Bukhari's case.

The British High Commission in Islamabad said in a message on Twitter it was offering Bukhari consular assistance.

"We are very concerned at reports of Gul Bukharis abduction last night," it said.

Earlier, Muhammad Gulsher, a producer for the Waqt news programme where Bukhari appears as a guest, told Reuters that she had been abducted when a group of pick-up trucks stopped her vehicle and men in plain clothes dragged her away while other men in "army uniforms" stood guard.

We are very concerned at reports of Gul Bukharis abduction last night. As a dual Pakistani-British national, the British High Commission is reaching out with consular assistance.  UKinPakistan (@ukinpakistan) June 6, 2018

"They put a black mask on her face and took her," he said, adding that he was basing his information on an account from Bukhari's driver.

The abduction drew widespread outrage on social media with many activists swiftly pointing the finger at the military, calling it part of efforts to stifle dissent.

"If true, this would be a most audacious attempt to silence a known critic. Is this Pakistan or Kims North Korea or Sisis Egypt?" tweeted Syed Talat Hussain, a prominent journalist.

Media organisations have complained of growing censorship by the military establishment in the run-up to the July election.
Mr Johnson joined the finance ministers of France and Germany in the call (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

The UK, France and Germany have joined forces to urge the United States to exempt European companies from any sanctions the US will slap on Iran after pulling out of an international nuclear agreement.

In a letter to US treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin and secretary of state Mike Pompeo, ministers from the three European countries, including Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, said they strongly regret President Donald Trumps decision last month to withdraw from the Iran deal.

Mr Trump has said sanctions will be imposed on any company doing business with Tehran.

Expand Close Mr Trump announced last month that the US would withdraw from the deal (AP) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Mr Trump announced last month that the US would withdraw from the deal (AP)

The three European countries were also signatories of the 2015 deal, which was meant to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

In their letter, the ministers said that as close allies we expect that the extraterritorial effects of US secondary sanctions will not be enforced on EU entities and individuals, and the United States will thus respect our political decision and the good faith of economic operators within EU legal territory.

The ministers, including French finance minister Bruno Le Maire and his German counterpart Olaf Scholz, said they want the US to grant exemptions for EU companies that have been doing business with Iran since the deal came into force in 2016.

 We ask the American authorities, in a letter signed with Germany, the UK and @eu_eeas to exempt European businesses doing legitimate trade in Iran from all extraterritorial American sanctions. Those businesses must be able to pursue their activities. pic.twitter.com/mDZP42gb0b  Bruno Le Maire (@BrunoLeMaire) June 6, 2018

They also said Iran should not be cut out of the SWIFT system for international money transfers.

Many companies from Europe and the US have been steadily building up their investments in Iran in the past few years in the wake of the nuclear deal, particularly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, banking and oil.

Mr Le Maire tweeted that EU businesses must be able to pursue their activities.
Religion: A matter of faith, not reason

By Elizabeth Cook-LynnNative Sun News Today Columnist

Almost anything that a writer like myself wants to say about religion ends up being slander because religion is a matter of FAITH, NOT REASON, and even though it may be, therefore, exempt from rational debates, any writers position still may be accused of slander if its conclusions offend.

I understood this as soon as I learned to read English and, later, when I began to write English. In this commentary, it is not my intention to slander anyones faith but it is an effort to explain how it is that a journey into religion or faith might become a journey toward a different state of being, i.e., politics.

I have not carried on much challenging study of the Bible and can barely distinguish the differences between the authors of the Old Testament and the New Testament, so this commentary may be faulty but it is not meant to be slanderous.

Recently, when I read some history (purely by chance), a narrative which is said to be deeply embedded in the faith called American Evangelicalism (Jeremiah 29:11), I renewed my speculation about faith as well as slander.

It seems that in such Bible narratives as mentioned here, there is a cycle available that suggests an important cycle of survival for religion in Christ, and it does it in this way: Captivity (in Babylon), Deliverance by God, and Restoration through Faith which takes hold when the people are convinced that God will bring believers back to the place from which they went into exile.

Elizabeth Cook-Lynn

This means, I guess, that believers are often called to live in exile and then when things go bad, there is the hope that they will be delivered if their Faith (for Christians) is strong enough. These deliverance themes were explained to me during some of my elementary schooling when I was nine years old and even later when I briefly attended a Catholic middle school as well as the transfer to an Episcopal girls school and then the public schools took over. We were told that this deliverance awaits only those who are willing to accept Jesus as their "personal savior."

Ive really spent little time in those religious school venues which means that since the time of that early schooling, I have been done with organized religion. As a writer, I turned elsewhere: to Politics and fiction and poetry.

Today I am reading that a religionist known as Ben Netanyahu, the Jewish leader of Israel for the last dozen years re-arranged an embassy dedication recently, and it took place as he moved the United States Embassy-home citadel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv on the West Bank where it has been for decades.

His rationale for this shocking action was his faith as a Jew. The Netanyahus government now assigns itself and its strange bedfellows, conservative Christian allies (the Evangelicals) to this historic shift so that some of his supporters (but not all) can wait for the biblical prophecies about a Second Coming of Christ.

History has shown that the founding of the State of Jewish Israel 70 years ago (largely supported by the U. S.) has left the Arab/Palestinian indigenous population without a homeland and a continuous war in the region has been the result. Millions of Palestinians have been slaughtered in the fifty years since, starved and disappeared.

The odd alliance of the Jewish State of Israel with the Christian-influenced U. S., and European Evangelicals whose numbers are estimated at 600 million worldwide, has revived old animosities and many fear that more massacres will result.

These warring factions have been the subject of many studies and certainly have been of interest to contemporary American Indians who know a lot about sacred narratives and oral traditionsand faith..and sacred landscapes as well as an understanding of the natural world which is usually the basis of belief systems.

The problem with Netanyahu and his ilk is that he has turned it all now into the importance of his own government and he even assigns to his conservative Christian allies (called Fundamentalists), public recognition that might include other less willing consorts. Never mind that millions of Palestinians who live in Israel are angered by this measure and have shown the world for generations that they will persist. Aggressive conservatives are everywhere, we are told, Guatemala, Paraguay and Honduras who are said to be already thinking of following the US in announcing their intention to move their embassies to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.

All of this dilemma was brought closer to me last week by my surprising and brief and unexpected encounter with a small downtown circle of sign carriers. At the corner of the Mount Rushmore turnoff in downtown Rapid City I saw a gathering of six young American men silently holding huge colorful flags high, flags which said: WE STAND WITH THE PALESTINIANS. I went around the block so I could drive by twice. I honked my horn and held up my outstretched hand, not knowing exactly why.

It is true that no one knows more about the clash of religious views, and faith, and, yes, even slander than American Indians. No one knows more about how Devout Christians" in America and across the world are generally thought to be in support of Israel, that tiny, troubled place in the middle of Arab country; to say nothing about their willingness to stamp out native religions right here in our homelands (the Northern Plains) a hundred years ago. This reality, of course, continues in many regions, but Sioux Indians, also, persist.

Because of Middle Eastern history, the displacement of the Palestinians (whose religious views of the world are not in compliance), and the treatment of them as non-existent by the Israeli government in this troubled age, may not be as bipartisan to American Indians (a lip-service claim by the US Congress), as one might think.

There is, after all, in U.S./Indian history a mass murder and removal we do not talk about ... the millions of indigenous peoples in The Americas who were wiped out in fewer than a hundred years and the passing of many subsequent genocidal laws. By whom? Some say it was the power and obsession of religious people, colonists, capitalists, long-standing powerful European nations.

Copyright permission Native Sun News Today

Join the Conversation
Arguments at a restaurant are seen quite frequently everywhere, mostly about the price of a dish, or quality of food. However, it rarely happens that the argument settles only when someone dies by the end of it.

representational / reuters

Something similar happened to the owner of an eatery in West Bengal who was shot dead on Sunday evening. The man's crime was that he demanded Rs 190 for a plate of biryani from four customers. After he asked for money, a fight erupted and one of the customers shot the eatery owner, according to the police. Sanjay Mondal was declared dead in hospital. The incident took place in the 24 Parganas district.

Police officers told IANS that they had lodged a complaint and arrested one of the suspects, but the others are missing. "An FIR was lodged and we have arrested the accused Mohammad Firoz," said the officers, adding that they were looking for the other accused.

Though they suspect that the shooting was provoked by the fight over the price of biryani, the police are also investigating any other possible motive. "As of now we think it is related to biryani only but our investigation is on," said an officer.

Mondal's brother named the customers who started the fight and said the family was living in terror of the shooter, believed to be a man called Firoz. "Firoz shot my brother. There were four people: Raja, Firoz, Mogri and Salman. They are hooligans," he said, according to IANS. "We all are very scared and don't know how to run our business peacefully," he added.
Just a day after our planet celebrated World Environment Day, an image of a high-profile government meeting has gone viral which has exposed the irony that is our Indian state of affairs.

The image has not gone down too well with the netizens, especially those who are advocating for the cause of beating plastic pollution.

knn facebook

Also read: To Stop Plastic Pollution, Fully Biodegradable Low-Cost Sanitary Pads Launched For Girls

Shared by Twitter user Faheem, another photo shows Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis holding a 'no plastic' with well, plastic bottles on the table!

Irony was choked to death inside the plastic bottle. @Dev_Fadnavis pic.twitter.com/8xf8DYiR2G  Faheem (@stoppression) June 5, 2018

It was only a while ago that Maharashtra introduced a complete ban on plastic bags and other plastic items. But the images expose the hypocrisy rooted deep into the system.

Here's how the netizens reacted.

The joke makes me choke   arati mohan (@aratimohan) June 6, 2018

@Dev_Fadnavis uh oh! Plastic bottles on the table Mister   Aaditi Deb (@aaditi_deb) June 5, 2018

Drinking water from plastic bottles in the meeting? Why all this act?  m (@im4dhu) June 6, 2018

You missed the plastic inside their disposable brains.  Manju Nair (@MGNTheTwin) June 5, 2018

Also read: Sand Artist Sudarsan Pattnaik Makes A Turtle With Plastic Bottles On World Environment Day

If this isn't embarrassing, we don't know what is. At least, preach what you practice first!
Switch the Market flag

Open the menu and switch the

Market flag for targeted data from your country of choice.

for targeted data from your country of choice.
The hearing was deferred at the request of the Reserve Bank to allow any stakeholders the opportunity to present such options and for the Reserve Bank and the interim liquidators to consider those options properly, it said.

On April 27, an affidavit was reportedly filed by CBL Insurance directors Peter Harris and Alistair Hutchinson with the Auckland High Court claiming the company is solvent. It was also revealed that their assertion would be addressed when the liquidation claim is heard.

On February 23, the High Court appointed interim liquidators to CBL Insurance following a request from the RBNZ. It was later revealed that CBL Insurance breaching directions made by RBNZ prompted the regulators move against the company.

Voluntary administrators of CBL Insurances parent company CBL Corporation, meanwhile, on May 18 adjourned the creditors watershed meeting to keep the specialist insurer in voluntary administration. The administrators advised that the meeting will be held no later than July 02, or any date prior to giving all creditors no less than five working days notice of the proposed meeting date. They also said that the resolution to place the insurer in liquidation will continue.

AssetInsure, based in Australia, continues to trade as normal.

Related stories:

'Normal' operations for Assetinsure after CBL Corporation's creditors' meeting

Assetinsure to take on banks in "very specialised" market
Gallagher continues to make investments in communications and marketing, said Gallagher global chief marketing officer Christopher E. Mead. Todds proven track record of building global communications strategies will support Gallaghers growth as well as strengthen our reputation.

Woodward was most recently vice-president, corporate and brand marketing communications at Amway Global. He was also an associate vice-president, marketing communications for the University of Notre Dame from 2006 to 2011. Prior to serving the University of Notre Dame, Woodward was an executive vice-president at Weber Shandwick, based in Chicago.

He is an alumnus of the University of Notre Dame, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

This is an exciting time to be joining Gallagher, one of the premier global insurance brokerages, Woodward said in a statement. As Gallagher continues to expand its global footprint, I look forward to aligning the communications function to help support that growth as well as continue to enhance the firms reputation.

In his new role, Woodward will be based in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.

Related stories:

Gallagher names latest senior addition

Gallagher sponsors Adelaide event
Im delighted the NBB have approved our application to re-domicile to Brussels, as this supports our strategic vision of placing AISE at the heart of the EU, commented AISE chief executive Kim Hvirgel. Brexit inevitably creates uncertainty for clients and brokers alike, but this move means MS Amlin will continue to be well placed to provide innovative solutions to our clients in the European Economic Area during the Brexit transition period and beyond.

MS Amlin described the approval and licensing as a significant milestone as the business prepares for the UKs departure from the European Union. However, it made clear that the development will have no effect on the day-to-day operations of any of MS Amlins trading entities.

AISEs branches in the EEA include offices in the Netherlands and France.

Part of the global insurance group MS&AD, MS Amlin has operations in the Lloyds, UK, Continental European, and Bermudian markets. It employs more than 2,200 people in 26 locations worldwide.

Related stories:

Newline Group declares post-Brexit choice

QBE gets go ahead for European operations
A Brisbane-based underwriting agency has launched a new division and appointed a former Beazley Underwriting leader as its new head.

Woodina Underwritings new accident and health division commenced operations this June, led by Suzie White, previously head of Beazley Underwriting in Australia.
The US Supreme Court has declined claims by Liberty Mutual and its subsidiaries that the state of New York violated its constitutional rights.

In 2013, Liberty Mutual filed a lawsuit claiming that an amendment to New Yorks workers compensation law  generated by Gov. Andrew Cuomos 2013-2014 budget plan  would cost insurers and self-insured employers up to $1.6 billion in unfunded liability. Much later, the insurer requested the Supreme Court review a 2017 New York Court of Appeals ruling, which stated that the amendment did not interfere with the company and its subsidiaries contracts to provide workers compensation insurance to employers.
USI Insurance Services (USI), an insurance brokerage and consulting firm, has named Danette Beck as its National Construction Practice leader.

Beck will be responsible for growing USIs construction practice, which delivers services across a range of clients including general contractors, trade contractors, property owners, investors and construction professionals. She will be relocating to the New York metro area to work in the USI corporate headquarters, based in Valhalla, N.Y.

Beck comes to USI from Marsh, where she was the West Zone Construction Practice leader for the past seven years. Prior to that, she was with AON in its construction practice for more than 14 years.

Source: USI Insurance Services

Topics New York Leadership Construction
A two-story home being demolished in Philadelphia, Penn., partially collapsed Monday, killing one of two contractors who had been trapped, officials said.

Two men were working on the building shortly before 11 a.m. when the rear of the property collapsed, trapping them, police said. One worker was able to escape, but the other, a 60-year-old, remained trapped under the rubble and was pronounced dead shortly after 11 a.m.

Fire commissioner Adam Thiel called it a very difficult afternoon here, for our responders as well as everybody whos affected by this incident. He said the building is still very unstable, which is why were not inside of it anymore.

The city Department of Licenses and Inspections was at the scene, along with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, to investigate the cause of the collapse.

City property records listed the home as structurally compromised, and the demolition permit said the masonry building was to be completely demolished by hand-method only to resolve dangerous case.

The collapse happened just one day before the fifth anniversary of the collapse of another building in the city that left six people dead and 13 injured. A towering brick wall left unbraced during a demolition project fell and crushed an adjacent Salvation Army thrift store on June 5, 2013.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Pennsylvania
Pembroke Syndicate 4000 has developed an endorsement for its Investment Management Insurance (IMI) policy offered by the Financial Institutions unit in London. Pembrokes new endorsement will accompany the standard IMI policy wording to clarify and expand the scope of protection against cyber risks.

Pembrokes IMI policy is designed to protect fund manager entities, investment funds and their directors against the risk of civil liability to third parties and also provides cover for fund manager entities and investment funds against the risk of loss due to a dishonest act committed against the fund manager entities by an employee or a third party.

The IMI endorsement affirms protection for allegations of civil liability with regard to publicity, security and privacy issues. Also, the endorsement offers coverage for reimbursement of expenses following a security breach, including the cost of notifying individuals whose private information may have been compromised.

Sukh Chana, divisional head of Financial Institutions, said the development of the IMI endorsement was driven by client concern over the expansion of data privacy obligations imposed by the new legislation. He added the financial institutions team in London anticipates increased demand for breach costs coverage now that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is in force.

Pembrokes IMI endorsement is available for an additional premium. Policy limits of up to 15 million (USD/GBP/EUR) are available which may also form part of a larger program through a syndicated placement.

Pembrokes IMI endorsement applies to fund manager entities and investment funds worldwide, excluding the U.S.

Financial Institutions programs are underwritten on behalf of Lloyds Pembroke Syndicate 4000. Pembrokes Financial Institutions unit, based in London, offers insurance coverages for all financial institutions operating in a regulated financial regime, including banks, fund management, private equity and financial exchanges.

Ironshore, a Liberty Mutual company, provides broker-sourced specialty property and casualty insurance coverages for varying risks located throughout the world. Select specialty coverages are underwritten at Lloyds through Ironshores Pembroke Syndicate 4000.

Topics Cyber London
People of the villages skirting Guatemalas Volcano of Fire have begun mourning the few dead who could be identified after an eruption killed dozens by engulfing them in floods of searing ash and mud.

Mourners cried over caskets lined up in a row in the main park of San Juan Alotenango on Monday evening before rescuers stopped their work for another night.

There was no electricity in the hardest hit areas of Los Lotes and El Rodeo, so most searching continued only until sunset. As dawn broke Tuesday, the volcano continued to rattle, with what the countrys volcanology institute said were eight to 10 moderate eruptions per hour  vastly less intense than Sundays big blasts.

Guatemalan authorities put the death toll at 69, but officials said just 17 had been identified so far because the intense heat of the volcanic debris flows left most bodies unrecognizable.

It is very difficult for us to identify them because some of the dead lost their features or their fingerprints from the red-hot flows, said Fanuel Garcia, director of the National Institute of Forensic Sciences. We are going to have to resort to other methods  and if possible take DNA samples to identify them.

Sundays eruption caught residents of remote mountain hamlets off guard, with little or no time to flee to safety.

Using shovels and backhoes, emergency workers dug through the debris and mud, perilous labor on smoldering terrain still hot enough to melt shoe soles a day after the volcano exploded in a hail of ash, smoke and molten rock.

Bodies were so thickly coated with ash that they looked like statues. Rescuers used sledgehammers to break through the roofs of houses buried in debris up to their rooflines to check for anyone trapped inside.

Hilda Lopez said her mother and sister were still missing after the slurry of hot gas, ash and rock roared into her village of San Miguel Los Lotes, just below the mountains flanks.

We were at a party, celebrating the birth of a baby, when one of the neighbors shouted at us to come out and see the lava that was coming, the distraught woman said. We didnt believe it, and when we went out the hot mud was already coming down the street.

My mother was stuck there, she couldnt get out, said Lopez, weeping and holding her face in her hands.

Her husband, Joel Gonzalez, said his father had also been unable to escape and was believed to be buried back there, at the house.

Conred spokesman David de Leon said the volcano first erupted around midday Sunday, billowing smoke and ash miles into the sky. Then around 2 p.m., came a new, more powerful explosion.

Soon, searing flows of lava, ash and rock mixed with water and debris were gushing down the volcanos flanks, blocking roads and burning homes.

It traveled much faster. It arrived in communities right when the evacuation alerts were being sent out, de Leon said.

Authorities scrambled to issue an evacuation order. Some communities emptied out safely. But in places like Los Lotes and the village of El Rodeo, about eight miles (12 kilometers) downslope from the crater, it was too late for many.

The fast-moving flows overtook people in homes and streets with temperatures reaching as high as 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit (700 Celsius), and hot ash and volcanic gases that can cause rapid asphyxiation.

As soon as we received the information around 6 a.m. that the volcano was in an eruptive phase, the protocol was initiated to verify with different sectors and also talk to the communities, to community leaders, De Leon said. We had the information from our scientific service, and they told us the trend was that the activity was diminishing.

In El Rodeo on Monday, heavily armed soldiers wearing blue masks to avoid breathing in ash stood guard behind yellow tape cordoning off the disaster scene. Helmeted workers carried bodies away on stretchers, and smoke was still rising from some parts of the ashen landscape strewn with boulders and other debris.

President Jimmy Morales traveled to survey the disaster area.

Emergency crews in helicopters managed to pull at least 10 people alive from areas cut off by the flows. Conred said 3,271 people had been evacuated.

__

Associated Press writers E. Eduardo Castillo and Peter Orsi in Mexico City contributed to this report.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters
Associated Banc-Corp (Associated) subsidiary, Associated Benefits and Risk Consulting (ABRC), has closed its acquisition of Anderson Insurance & Investment Agency Inc. (Anderson), an independent insurance agency based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Anderson will be part of ABRC, a multi-line insurance and Midwest-based consulting firm with 400 employees. Based on 2017 financials, and the March 1, 2018, acquisition of Diversified Insurance Solutions, the company believes the addition of Anderson will solidify ABRCs position among the United States top 45 insurance brokerage firms.

Anderson, which was founded in 1927, adds a range of complementary services and significant expertise in workers compensation and executive risk management services.

The Anderson team will gain access to Associateds comprehensive banking and financial services and can further help business owners and executives manage their daily business, take care of employees and achieve all of their financial goals.

Key Anderson executives will continue in leadership roles and work with ABRC senior leadership to ensure the thoughtful integration and expansion of the business going forward.

Associated Banc-Corp is headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Topics Mergers Minnesota
POWERS Insurance and Risk Management, based in St. Louis, Missouri, has added Jacki Malone as commercial lines account manager.

Malone is responsible for the ongoing management of commercial clients, retaining new and renewal clients, and assisting the companys producers in order to enhance business development.

Malone has nearly 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. Prior to joining POWERS Insurance and Risk Management, she worked on the personal lines side of the industry. She previously managed a commercial lines book of business for various assisted living facilities.

POWERS Insurance and Risk Management provides personal and business insurance, surety, risk management and employee benefits.

Source: POWERS Insurance and Risk Management

Topics Missouri Risk Management
St. Vincent Hospital and Health Care Center Inc. in Indiana must pay $15,000 and furnish other relief to resolve a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency announced.

The EEOC had charged that the hospital violated federal law when it failed to provide its employee with a reasonable accommodation of a transfer to a vacant position for which she was qualified.

According to the EEOCs complaint, when St. Vincent learned that Latoya Moores lifting restrictions caused by her disabilities were indefinite, St. Vincent required Moore to take leave at reduced pay, even though she wanted to continue working.

Instead of transferring Moore to vacant positions she was qualified for and could perform, St. Vincent fired her, the EEOC charged.

The EEOC brought the suit under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits employers from discriminating against an individual because of disabilities. Under the ADA, it is illegal for an employer to refuse to provide a reasonable accommodation to a qualified individual with a disability unless the employer can demonstrate the accommodation would impose an undue hardship. Transfer to a vacant position for which the employee is qualified can be a reasonable accommodation.

The case (EEOC v. St. Vincent Hospital and Health Care Center, Inc., Civil Action No. 1:17-cv-3426-RLY-DML) was filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division on Sept. 26, 2017.

Under a consent decree settling the suit, entered by the court on May 24, St. Vincent will pay Moore $15,000 in lost wages and compensatory damages. In the future, the hospital will be required to notify employees whose disabilities prevent them from performing the essential functions of their existing positions that reassignment to a vacant position for which they are qualified is a reasonable accommodation under the ADA.

St. Vincent will also be required to provide training on the ADAs requirements to appropriate personnel, and submit annual compliance reports to the EEOC during the decrees two-year term.

Source: EEOC

Topics Lawsuits Indiana
Two Westar Energy employees in Kansas have died after suffering severe burns at the utilitys largest plant for generating electricity.

The company said the plant was shut down following the accident.

Westar spokeswoman Gina Penzig confirmed that the two workers died Sunday night at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

The workers were flown by helicopter to the Medical Center after the accident late Sunday morning at the Jeffrey Energy Center, about 30 miles northwest of Topeka.

The company identified the workers as Operations Supervisors Craig Burchett of Overbrook and Jesse Henson of Manhattan but did not provide additional details about them. Westar said equipment with high-pressure steam behind it apparently failed.

Westar said the plants three coal-fired generating units are shut down while the full circumstances are reviewed.

Westar is the largest electric utility in Kansas. Jeffrey has three coal-fired units and accounts for nearly 26 percent of the utilitys generating capacity.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Kansas
Les lunettes de marque ne sont pas ce qui manque dans les commerces. Il y en a de toutes les sortes dont les lunettes de []
Coalition, a technology-enabled cyber insurance provider, has launched a new cyber insurance offering specifically designed to address emerging risks, such as the internet of things (IoT), facing real estate developers, property managers, and other businesses across the real estate industry.

Backed by Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and Argo Group, Coalition provides a full suite of cyber security apps and up to $10 million of cyber insurance coverage to businesses across the real estate industry.

Features of Coalition for Real Estate include:

Risk Aassessment: Coalitions underwriting platform utilizes tens of thousands of data points to assess the risk surface of a company or smart building, including a review of exposed internet-connected IoT devices. Risk assessments are made available to all clients and include remediation assistance.

Coalitions underwriting platform utilizes tens of thousands of data points to assess the risk surface of a company or smart building, including a review of exposed internet-connected IoT devices. Risk assessments are made available to all clients and include remediation assistance. Premium discounts: Existing security controls and measures are taken into account automatically during the underwriting process and may result in a reduction of the policy premium.

Existing security controls and measures are taken into account automatically during the underwriting process and may result in a reduction of the policy premium. Bespoke policies: All Coalition policies can be customized to the specific exposures of a firm or building, including coverage for data breach, bodily injury, property damage, and pollution in the event of a security failure. IoT devices are affirmatively covered across all coverages.

All Coalition policies can be customized to the specific exposures of a firm or building, including coverage for data breach, bodily injury, property damage, and pollution in the event of a security failure. IoT devices are affirmatively covered across all coverages. Coalition apps patform: All policies include several cyber security tools available at no additional cost : Threat monitor app: identifies and alerts customers to new IoT devices on their properties and networks that are exposed on the internet, and Patch monitor app: scans for out-of-date software, and alerts customers when new vulnerabilities, updates, and patches are announced, Among other apps.

All policies include several cyber security tools available at no additional cost Security expertise: Coalitions team of security specialists proactively assist policyholders and help ensure resiliency in the event of a cyber security failure.

Coalition combines insurance and cybersecurity tools to help businesses manage and mitigate cyber risk. Backed by Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and Argo Group, Coalition provides companies with up to $10 million of cyber and technology insurance coverage in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Coalitions cyber risk management platform provides automated security alerts, threat intelligence, guidance, and tools.

Topics Cyber
Republicans are considering a fix to a provision in their new tax law that they acknowledge could inadvertently penalize victims of sexual harassment in the workplace.

But congressional gridlock before midterm elections in November means theres no guarantee that the problem will be corrected quickly, if at all.

President Donald Trumps tax overhaul eliminates the deduction companies used to be able to take when they settled sexual harassment cases and included non-disclosure agreements, which generally keep details secret as a condition of the payout. A misplaced word by Republican tax writers may mean that victims of accused sexual predators like Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein also lose the ability to deduct their legal expenses.

A senior House Republican aide who works on tax policy acknowledged the provision has unintended outcomes and is being discussed as a so-called technical correction to the tax law. A senior Senate Republican aide said lawmakers are examining the issue. Both aides were granted anonymity to discuss private conversations.

In the meantime, plaintiffs attorneys are buzzing about how the laws ambiguity is worrying their clients, who fear that coming forward about sexual harassment could come at a much greater cost.

Theres this concern that because of the 2017 tax act, that somehow were going to get back to that original system which obviously penalizes, to an extraordinary extent, against the victim, said Genie Harrison, who represents one of Weinsteins formal personal assistants in a sexual harassment lawsuit.

NDA Backlash

Thats not what the law was supposed to do. Republican lawmakers on the Senate Finance Committee agreed in mid-November to include an amendment from Senator Bob Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, to help make the use of NDAs less attractive following a flurry of sexual misconduct allegations.

The backlash against NDAs has been fueled by examples such as Weinstein and former Fox News anchor Bill OReilly where the contracts helped hide ongoing harassment. Alaska, California, and Washington are among more than a dozen states considering laws that prohibit confidential settlements entirely or add new limits.

So far, about 300 executives and other high profile leaders, mostly men, have been accused of sexual harassment or other improper behavior related to the so-called #MeToo movement, according to New York crisis counseling company Temin & Co., based on an ongoing count of actions pulled from media coverage and other public information. That doesnt include actions taken that werent made public, according to Temin.

The original provision made clear that the deduction change only applied to the company, not the victim, according to Steven Sandberg, a spokesman for Menendez. Republican tax writers used the word chapter rather than section in the amendment, which could be interpreted as broadly applying the elimination to victims.

Senate Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch, a Utah Republican, is continuing to meet with members to address any concerns with the new law and examine potential technical corrections, should they be needed, said Julia Lawless, a spokeswoman for the panel.

Menendez is trying to get an amendment through the Finance Committee or a new law passed to make that clear, Sandberg said in an email. The proposed bill to clarify that victims write offs are exempt is called the Repeal the Trump Tax Hike on Victims of Sexual Harassment Act of 2018.

Funding Bill

With the midterm elections looming, the prospects of a technical revision to the tax law  passed without a single Democratic vote  are far from certain. The Republicans control 51 seats in the Senate, and 60 votes would be required for a bill to correct any errors. Democrats have signaled theyre reluctant to approve any legislation that would fix a tax bill they never signed on for  much like Republicans did after Democrats tried to modify the Affordable Care Act. Or they may ask for something in return that Republicans are unwilling to provide.

Another option may be tacking a fix onto the government funding bill that has to pass by the end of September to avert a government shutdown. The previous funding bill, which Trump signed in March, included a correction to a measure in the tax law affecting farmers  so far, the only other time Republicans have highlighted a specific provision in need of a change. Some Democrats agreed to back the spending bill since it included other changes viewed as policy victories for both parties.

If the rule isnt clarified soon, theres a risk future victims will stay silent, said Harrison, who practices in Los Angeles. Theres less incentive if winning the case means an untenable tax burden, she added.

For example, in a $100,000 settlement, costs and fees might take $45,000 with $55,000 going to the victim. Without the deduction, the victim would pay taxes on the entire $100,000, which may mean a tax bill equal to or larger than their payout, she said. Defendants this year have said they arent willing to add additional money to compensate for the potential added tax penalty, she said.

Other Claims

Its also unclear what happens in cases that include both sexual harassment and other claims, such as pay bias or gender discrimination, said Bruce Schwartz, a benefits and tax law attorney at Jackson Lewis in White Plains, New York. Legal costs associated with settlements for other forms of bias should still be tax deductible, but the ratio may be unclear, he said.

Trying to change behavior through tax law isnt a new idea, nor is it usually very effective, said Schwartz. When voters were upset about the high salaries paid to chief executive officers, lawmakers limited the deductibility of CEO pay to the first $1 million. Companies then just shifted more of the compensation away from salary, he said.

Its what I would I would call Congress legislating in response to newspaper headlines and using the internal revenue code to enforce social policy, Schwartz said. To use the internal revenue code to do that is useless.

Even if the non-disclosure ambiguity is fixed by Congress, the broader rule could still keep many victims quiet. Thats because it will be more expensive for a company to keep the details of the case confidential  an option some victims may actually prefer, said Elisa Lintemuth, an employment lawyer at Dykema Gossett in Grand Rapids, Michigan, who represents companies in cases.

I do think it will change how cases are litigated and settled, said Lintemuth, who discussed uncertainty on a recent conference call with company clients. If a company can no longer deduct its settlement and attorney fees, they might be more likely to roll the dice and proceed with litigation even if attorney fees will be more expensive. They can have the option of being vindicated in court and deduct all their fees.

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Legislation Politics
Weinstein Co. must return to New York court to face a lawsuit by women who say the firm is responsible for alleged sexual misconduct by founder Harvey Weinstein, a federal judge ruled.

The bankrupt film company is no longer shielded from the lawsuit because it plans to sell all of its assets and is no longer in business, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Mary Walrath ruled. The decision could help a group of women who say they want to represent potentially hundreds of plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit who may have been sexually abused by Weinstein.

During the hearing in Wilmington, Delaware, the Weinstein Co. also lost its fight to keep Harvey Weinsteins employment contract secret. That document shows that Harvey Weinsteins actions were facilitated by the company, Jeffrey Waxman, a bankruptcy lawyer for the alleged victims, said in court. Weinstein Co. attorney Paul Zumbro declined to comment.

Weinsteins widespread sexual misconduct did not occur without the help of others, lawyers for the women said in a court filing. The Weinstein Co. is responsible for Weinsteins sexual offenses because Weinstein acted within the scope of his employment and/or TWC ratified or concealed Weinsteins conduct.

The motion granted today brings victims one step closer to the day in court we deserve, in allowing our case to move forward, Melissa Thompson, one of the women who have sued Weinstein, said in an email. I am overwhelmingly grateful as this decision marks another important milestone toward a new standard of accountability to abuses of power.

Weinstein Co. had objected to the suits proceeding in New York district court, saying they would distract the company from an efficient and orderly liquidation process. Weinsteins attorney has said he will plead not guilty to charges of felony sex crimes by Manhattans district attorney.

The bankruptcy case is The Weinstein Company Holdings LLC, 18-10601, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware (Wilmington)

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Legislation Claims
Digital agency Pie Insurance has begun selling its low-cost small business workers compensation insurance policies online in Colorado, Louisiana and Texas.

That brings the total states for Pie to seven as in March it began selling in Illinois, Georgia, Tennessee and Arizona.

The pitch from Pie includes the claim, based on research from its partner Valen Analytics, that a majority of business owners are overpaying for workers compensation. The agency offers small businesses a Pie Price Predictor Tool that tells them about what they should be paying for coverage versus the market average. Valen Analytics powers the tool, which customers can use at no charge.

Small business owners shoulder an unfair burden, with our proprietary data suggesting that 80 percent overpay for workers compensation insurance by up to 30 percent as a result of most insurance companies antiquated business models, said John Swigart, co-founder and CEO of Pie.

The insurtech will write firms with premium up to $25,000 but its sweet spot starting out is businesses with premiums of $5,000 and below, according to Swigart, who has said one of the biggest opportunities for Pie is low risk, start-up offices. In addition, Pies website invites business from construction, restaurants, healthcare and retail.

Pie operates as a full-stack managing general agency with backing from global insurer Sirius Group. Sirius is owned by the Singapore-based division of China Minsheng Investment Corp. Ltd., run by private investors, which bought it from Bermuda-based financial services holding company White Mountains Insurance Group in 2016 for $2.6 billion.

Swigart, Pies co-founder and CEO, served on the Esurance executive team for 13 years where he initially led all the financial functions and then became the companys first chief marketing officer.

Pie has said it also plans to eventually sell through large agency partners, and Swigart said that there is strong interest in the partner channel.

In October 2017, Pie closed a $4.3 million seed round of funding. Investors include Sirius Group and venture capital firms Moxley Holdings and Elefund.

Related:

Topics Workers' Compensation New Markets
A woman whose body was found 11 days after she made a frantic cellphone call from a Houston hotel elevator as floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey rushed in exited the elevator in the basement only to struggle against a strong waist-high current strewn with debris, a lawsuit filed on June 4 says.

Jill Renicks family filed a civil lawsuit in district court in Dallas, saying there wasnt proper planning for flooding at the Omni Houston Hotel, where Renick worked and where flooding had occurred before. The lawsuit, which lists Omni Hotels and Resorts and Otis Elevator Company among the defendants, reveals new details of what happened in the moments leading up to the drowning of 48-year-old Renick.

Renick suffered a terrifying and horrific death that was unnecessary and easily preventable, according to the lawsuit.

Its just inexcusable for a hotel operation of this size to be that irresponsible, said Rob Crain, the lead attorney for the family.

The fate of Renick, who was the director of spa services at the hotel, was one of the most perplexing mysteries that came out of Harveys devastating flooding. She disappeared in the early morning hours of Aug. 27 as floodwaters inundated Houston. Her body was finally discovered on Sept. 7 in the ceiling of the hotels basement.

I dont want this to happen to anybody again  employee or guest, said Renicks sister, Pam Eslinger.

Renick, who spent the night with her dog in a room on the hotels third floor, was called by a staffer around 5:15 a.m. on Aug. 27 and told to come downstairs, Crain said.

Weve asked for more specificity as to what she was told and we were told that thats pretty much it: that she was told to come downstairs, Crain said.

The lawsuit said theres no indication she was told the basement and elevator shafts were flooding, or that she was told to avoid the elevators. The lawsuit also adds that the elevators werent disabled, nor were they barricaded to prevent passengers from entering.

She was not given any indication that anything was remiss or dangerous for her to go downstairs, Crain said, adding, There was not a coordinated plan that was being implemented.

About 5:40 a.m., Renick made the call for help. The lawsuit says that according to the hotel, Renick said she was trapped in the basement service elevator and water was coming in. The lawsuit also says Renick was heard screaming and clamoring for help by people on the first floor.

The lawsuit notes that the third floor, where she was staying, doesnt have access to the service elevator so she would have likely had to access it from the first or second floors.

According to the lawsuit, she was somehow able to exit the elevator into the basement. Video footage provided by the hotel to her familys attorneys shows her coming from the area of the service elevator at 5:44 a.m.

We see her going against the flow of the floodwaters. We also see her shortly thereafter coming back with the flow of the water, said Crain, who added, It is clearly somebody who is trying to find a way out of this horribly terrifying condition.

The video ends at 5:45 a.m. and Renick isnt seen alive again. She desperately searched for a way out before climbing above the ceiling tiles and ceiling joists for the last pockets of air, says the lawsuit, which adds that floodwaters eventually rose to the hotels first floor.

The lawsuit says that before Renick was called in her room it was known that the basement and elevator shafts were flooding, noting that in that time period, people who appear to be hotel employees can be seen on the video walking through the accumulating water in the basement.

The hotel, located near the Buffalo Bayou, has a history of flooding and is located in a flood plain, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit also alleges that Otis Elevator, which had a contract with the hotel to maintain and service the elevators, shouldve installed flood sensors and warned users of the dangers of operating an elevator in flooding.

Spokeswomen for both Omni and Otis said they dont comment on pending litigation.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration in February fined the hotel for a violation, saying that the elevators being kept operational during flooding exposed employees to drowning.

The hotel is currently undergoing a $30 million renovation and is set to reopen in November.

Eslinger described her sister as the kind of person who everybody gravitated to.

She was wonderful and shes missed terribly every day, Eslinger said.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Texas Flood
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has completed the acquisition of Brownsville, Texas-based managing general agency (MGA), broker and claims administrator Pronto Insurance.

Prontos primary business is the placement of personal automobile insurance for consumers in Texas, California and Florida, with a special focus on serving the rapidly growing Hispanic market. It operates an omni-channel distribution network of Pronto-owned agencies, franchise agents, independent agents and a direct-to-consumer eCommerce platform.

Pronto will continue to operate from its current locations as a subsidiary of Risk Placement Services, Inc. (RPS), Gallaghers wholesale and MGA operation.

Source: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Topics Mergers Texas Insurance Wholesale A.J. Gallagher
A South Carolina jury has awarded $12 million to the family of a high school senior who died after an axle fractured on her SUV almost six years ago.

The Greenville News reports an Anderson County jury ruled in the case of Lacee Dial against Toyota Motor Corp. and two other defendants. The lawsuit said Toyota knew or should have known of other fractures on Toyota 4Runners.

A lawsuit filed in 2013 said Lacee Dial was driving near Williamston on Sept. 15, 2012, when the left rear axle fractured and the wheel came off. The SUV rolled and hit a utility pole, trapping Dial for about two hours before she died.

A Toyota spokesman said the company still does not believe the accident resulted from a defect in the vehicle.

Topics Lawsuits South Carolina
California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has approved the first Cannabis Business Owners Policy in the State of California.

The American Association of Insurance Services designed the new CannaBOP program for cannabis dispensaries, storage facilities, processors, manufacturers, distributors, and other cannabis-related businesses operating in the state.

Cannabis businesses need insurance coverage to help them recover when something goes wrong just as any other legalized business does, Jones said in a statement. This first-of-its-kind Cannabis Business Owners Policy or CannaBOP program will make it easier for more insurers to enter the market and fill coverage gaps for cannabis businesses. I encourage insurers to take advantage of this new standardized CannaBOP program to file more cannabis insurance products with the department to meet the needs of this emerging market.

AAIS developed a California-specific business owners policy (BOP) program for the cannabis industry, complete with forms, rules and rating information. The CannaBOP program provides a package policy containing both property and liability coverage for qualifying California cannabis dispensaries, storage facilities, distributors, processors, manufacturers, and other businesses participating in or supporting the California cannabis industry.

Commissioner Jones launched an initiative last year to encourage commercial insurance companies to write insurance to fill coverage gaps for the cannabis industry. The first filing and approval of commercial insurance for the cannabis industry from an admitted carrier was announced in November of last year, the first surety bond program for the industry was announced in February and the first coverage for commercial landlords for the industry and a product liability and product recall program for the industry were announced last month.

There are also roughly 20 surplus lines writers offering cannabis insurance.

Related:

Topics California Cannabis
It could be an understatement to say Amber Lopez, principal at Pacific Island Insurance LLC in Hawaii, has been busy over the past month as the island states erupting Kilauea sends lava flows throughout neighborhoods.

Lava has burned down some 117 homes in a rural Big Island district, according to Hawaii County officials.

Lopez, whose Pacific Island Insurance has an office in Hilo and another in Pahoa close to the ongoing eruption, said a percentage of affected property owners are her clients, who her agency is assisting through the claims process.

Id say 30 were talking to with claims, and were probably talking to about 10 with total loss, Lopez said.

And she has several clients who dont yet know if their properties have been impacted, as thousands of area residents have been displaced.

Lava has covered a total of 8 square miles, according to scientists. The U.S. Geological Survey stated earlier this week that parts of the flow from a fissure were starting to break out and move north.

Most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has been closed since May 11 due to earthquakes, including a magnitude 5.5 quake on Sunday, as well as explosions from the volcanos summit crater.

Coverages and exclusions for lava damage in these Hawaii neighborhoods vary from policy to policy.

Some of Lopez clients have property coverage that includes damage from lava, while others may not be covered. However, she said shes filing claims for all of them and letting the carriers sort that out.

A few carriers Lopez firm is dealing with have started to release money to a few of her clients, and while most of her clients are waiting to hear from carriers, its been so far, so good for Lopez and her clients.

I havent had a declination yet, Lopez added.

Up until recently, most of the properties affected by lava were located in what is known as Zone 1, an area deemed to be at most risk from eruption and lava flow.

According to Lopez, surplus lines and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association, which was created in 1991 by the Hawaii legislature as a backstop, are the primary writers of insurance in Zone 1. In that area most policies have a lava exclusion.

Now a number of homes in Zone 2 are being affected by lava. That is also primarily covered by the surplus lines industry and HPIA, however insurance sans the lava exclusion is available to property owners in that zone.

Lopez is regularly fielding calls from clients to help them sort this out, as well as from property owners in the area trying to procure insurance without the lava exclusion.

Were doing a lot of quotes for people right now, Lopez said.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige last month signed a bill to lift any moratorium on the issuance of residential property insurance within certain high-risk lava zones, so HPIA is accepting new business applications and coverage increase requests with a six-month hold for policies to take into effect.

Since then, the calls have been flowing into Lopezs office from property owners asking for help with HPIA coverage requests.

I have two people that weve already submitted for, Lopez said.

One person had coverage that had a lava exclusion, and the other had no coverage. Her firm secured a policy for both, and they are now in the waiting period, she said.

The situation in the lava-affected areas remains confusing as property owners sort out whether their properties are still standing, or rendered unusable, or if they are or are not covered.

Yet there are still even more insurance nuisances to be considered, according to Dave Thomas, an attorney specializing in insurance recovery and complex commercial litigation with Blank Rome.

Some property losses may not be merely from fire due to lava flow, but losses might be due to multiple causes, or concurrent causation, Thomas noted.

Its something that I would be shocked if it did not play a role in, Thomas said.

Although, in his experience, many policies have an anti-concurrent causation provision, or ACC, efficient proximate cause is also a factor thats likely to come into play as insurers and policyholders sort out the mess from the lava damage.

Efficient proximate cause became a big issue in mudslides that followed last years massive California wildfires. Most insurers have agreed to cover damage in the Montecito mudslides, but it was enough of a concern that the states insurance commissioner and Legislature took steps to try and ensure recovery for future victims where efficient proximate cause came into play.

The ACC provisions, which apply even if the uncovered peril is not the efficient proximate cause of the loss, Thomas noted, are enforced in a majority of states.

In Hawaii, its a bit unsettled, he said. The case law from what Ive seen is sparse.

However, he believes a judge can be influenced by the court of public opinion, knowing a decision on an ACC provision is ruling that could leave homeowners uncompensated for their losses.

It would be interesting to see how that gets tested in court and how the court might rule, Thomas said.

The court of public opinion could also persuade carriers to pay out losses, he added.

There is a public relations issue that carriers have as well, he said.

Related:

Topics Carriers Agencies USA Property
What is the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA)

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) represents interstate, intrastate, and international motor carriers. NMFTA is a nonprofit voluntary membership organization. Since 1956, the NMFTA has served the interests of the motor carrier industry, specifically less-than-truckload carriers.

The NMFTA is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, and helps set industry standards in commodity packaging and transport.

BREAKING DOWN National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA)

NMFTA is the publisher of the national motor freight classification (NMFC), which provides a comparison of all commodities shipped. The scale classifies products and groups them into one of eighteen classes. The designation has a basis on the density, handling, stability, and liability associated with any particular commodity. Used by both carriers and shippers, the NMFC is the standard for shipping negotiations.

The NMFC guidelines provide minimum packaging requirements to protect the particular goods and ensure the products can withstand the less-than-truckload environment. The publication contains the Uniform Straight Bill of Lading and a variety of rules regulating the packaging of commodities. Also included are procedures for the filing and disposition of claims and systems governing interline settlements.

Any transportation company that references the national motor freight classification (NMFC) in its contracts or rates is required to be a National Motor Freight Traffic Association participant or member. NMFTA membership involves the payment of an annual fee and the completion of a licensing agreement. The Association has an online version of the publication, called ClassIT, which provides additional features such as multiple search parameters, user- and company-defined synonyms, and package and shipment density calculators.

The NMFTA and the Standard Carrier Alpha Code

Since the 1960s, the NMFTA has created and managed a unique set of identifiers for transportation companies, called the Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC). The SCAC assigns two to four letter codes to each shipping company.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the United Nations EDIFACT system, and the Surface Transportation Board (STB) recognize the shipping standard. Also, The SCAC coding is mandatory when doing business with all U.S. government agencies and most commercial shippers. SCAC reserves specific codes for particular purposes. As an example, all freight containers codes end with the letter U, all privately owned railroad cars end with X, and "Z" identifies truck chassis and trailers used in intermodal service.

The NMFTA and the Standard Point Location Code

NMFTA further assigns a unique code to major geographic locations in North America which are involved with shipping and receiving goods. This location coding is the Standard Point Location Code (SPLC). The classification is similar to the codes assigned to airports so individuals can quickly identify destinations. Each identifier is nine digits long and defines the region, state, province or territory, as well as county and area within the county.
What Is Phishing?

Phishing is a method of identity theft that relies on individuals unwittingly volunteering personal details or information that can be then be used for nefarious purposes. It is often carried out through the creation of a fraudulent website, email, or text appearing to represent a legitimate firm.

A scammer may use a fraudulent website that appears on the surface to look the same as the legitimate website. Visitors to the site, thinking they are interacting with a real business, may submit their personal information, such as social security numbers, account numbers, login IDs, and passwords, to this site. The scammers then use the information submitted to steal visitors' money, identity, or both; or to sell the information to other criminal parties.

Phishing may also occur in the form of emails or texts from scammers that are made to appear as if they are sent from a legitimate business. These fake emails or texts may install programs like ransomware that can allow scammers to access a victim's computer or network.

Key Takeaways Phishing is a type of data theft that involves people unknowingly volunteering their personal information to a bad actor.

A phishing attempt may utilize an official-looking website, email, or other forms of communication to trick users into handing over details like credit card numbers, social security numbers, or passwords.

Phishing websites can appear identical to official websites, prompting users to input their real credentials on the malicious website.

1:35 What Is Phishing?

Understanding Phishing

Phishing scammers create a false sense of security for their targets by spoofing or replicating the familiar, trusted logos of well-known, legitimate companies, or they pretend to be a friend or family member of their victims. Often, the scammers attempt to persuade victims they need personal information urgently, or the victim will experience a severe consequence, such as frozen accounts or personal injury.

A classic example of phishing is an identity thief setting up a website that looks like it belongs to a major bank. Then, that thief sends out many emails that claim to be from the major bank and request the email recipients to input their personal banking information (such as their PIN) into the website so the bank may update their records. Once the scammer gets a hold of the needed personal information, they attempt to access the victim's bank account.

$57.8 billion Phishing scams are some of the most common attacks on consumers. According to the FBI, more than 114,700 people fell victim to phishing scams in 2019. Collectively, they lost $57.8 million, or about $500 each.

Protecting Yourself from Phishing Attacks

The following highlights signs of phishing, and how to protect yourself.

Exceptionally good deals or offers. If an email touts offers that are too good to be true, they probably are. For example, an email claiming you've won the lottery or some other lavish prize may be luring you in to get you to click a link or relay sensitive personal information. Unknown or unusual senders. Though phishing emails may look like they originate from someone you know, if anything seems out of the ordinary, be cautious. When in doubt, hover over the email address of the sender to ensure the email address matches the email address you expect. Place a phone call to the company if you are unsure of an email or website. Don't respond to emails with any personal information. (See the image below for an example of an unusual sender's email address). Hyperlinks and attachments. These are particularly concerning if received from an unknown sender. Never open links or attachments unless you are confident they are from a safe sender. Type in the link address rather than clicking the link. Incorrect spelling in the web address. Phishing sites often use web addresses that look similar to the correct site, but contain a simple misspelling, like replacing a "1" for an "l". Immediate pop-ups. Be wary of websites that immediately display pop-up windows, especially those asking for your username and password. Use two-factor authentication, a browser with anti-phishing detection, and keep security on your systems up-to-date.

A phishing email. Note the suspicious return email address that has nothing to do with Netflix.

Phishing Attempts

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), phishing emails and text messages frequently tell stories to trick people into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. For example, phishing attempts may:
By Padraig Hoare

More than 1,300 concerns or complaints have been made to the Data Protection Commission since the General Data Protection (GDPR) became law last month, while firms have logged 60 breaches of peoples personal data with the watchdog.

The watchdog said it began receiving the first complaints from individuals since the law was implemented on May 25, and also its first notifications from organisations relating to personal data breaches, which are being dealt with under the GDPR.

It said: In addition, the DPC team has been addressing a substantially increased number of telephone and email queries received both from members of the public and from organisations.

Between May 25 and May 31, the DPC received around 700 telephone calls and over 650 emails to its information service. These include contacts from both individuals raising concerns or making complaints to the DPC and queries from organisations.

The DPC said there are 10 cases so far in its assessment stage, which fall under GDPR. The rest of the complaints, which deal with cases before May 25, fall under previous Irish data protection laws.

These [10 cases] relate to both national and multinational organisations. In addition, since May 25, the DPC has been notified of three cases by other EU data protection authorities under the new EU one stop shop cooperation mechanism.

Since May 25, the DPC said it has seen an increase in the number of personal data breach notifications received. The GDPR compels organisations to report personal data breaches where the breach presents a risk to the affected individuals within 72 hours of becoming aware of it.

To date the DPC has logged around 60 notifications. Of these, just over half relate to data breaches which occurred post-25 May and these are being dealt with under the GDPR framework.

The remainder relate to data breaches which occurred prior to 25 May and are consequently being progressed under the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003.

The GDPR was ratified in 2016 following four years of negotiation, replacing the existing directive on data protection.

Unlike an EU directive, which can be implemented over a certain time, the regulation was made law once it began on May 25, meaning penalties can be imposed from the beginning.

The regulation is designed to harmonise data privacy laws across Europe and to protect citizens data privacy. It not only applies to organisations within the EU but also to firms that do business inside member states.

If companies fail to comply with the regulation, they can be fined up to 4% of annual global turnover, or 20m.

Chief executive of cybersecurity firm Ward Solutions, Pat Larkin said the figures were evidence that people had become more aware of their rights since May 25, as well as firms taking data breaches more seriously.

Historically, there has been an under-reporting of data breaches. That under-reporting has now disappeared because of the GDPR. Even relatively insignificant breaches are now being taken more seriously, said Mr Larkin.

It has led to better practice to be put in place, and consumers now have more rights, which they are asserting. It is in effect the rebalancing of excessive power, which can only be a good thing for citizens.
By Gordon Deegan

Planning permission has been granted for a new 40m hotel at Portobello in Dublin in spite of opposition from comedian, David McSavage and scores of other local residents.

The applicants for the 178 bedroom six storey hotel, MKN Property Group and Tifco Ltd have secured planning permission after earlier this year submitting revised plans.

The Dublin City Council planners report into the application stated that the applicants proposed a marginal reduction in height.

The planner recommended planning be granted in the case after stating that the alterations proposed are considered to be an acceptable design approach in terms of setting and character of the area.

The planner as a result stated that the proposed development would not adversely affect the character and setting of the street scape and would not seriously injure the amenity of property in the vicinity.

The planning battle may not be over yet as locals can appeal the City Council decision to An Bord Pleanala.

One of the objectors to the plan was Mr McSavage best known for his RTE show, The Savage Eye.

In total, just under 60 objections were lodged against the proposal, from mainly locals, living in the area have been lodged with the City Council.

Planning consultant for the applicants, John Spain & Associates stated that the plan will contribute significantly to the further development and regeneration of Portobello Harbour.

Mr Spain also stated that the hotel will provide the catalyst for future development and provides facilities and services in the area while the scale and massing of the proposal have been carefully considered.

In 2016, the MKN Property Group spent 10m on purchasing Portobello House and adjoining lands at the location.

In his objection, Mr McSavage stated that the planned hotel "is far too big in comparison to other buildings in the area.

Mr McSavage also claimed that the planned hotel will alter the neighbourhood feeling of Portobello; lead to a massive increase in parking issues and result in even more traffic congestion in an already congested area.

Fianna Fail justice spokesman and local TD, Jim O'Callaghan also opposed the plan along with An Taisce.

In its objection, Kevin Duff of the Dublin City Association of An Taisce told the Council that the size of the proposed hotel is out of proportion to the intimate scale and character of the surrounding area.

In his strident objection, Deputy OCallaghan said that it is his belief that such a large scale commercial development in a residential area is inappropriate.

The height and size of the proposed hotel is inappropriate in light of the fact that the surrounding area is terraced residential. Portobello is also a very distinctive and historic part of Dublins inner city residential area.

Deputy OCallaghan stated that there is a significant shortage of housing in the area and throughout the city. The area should be developed for apartments as the country in the midst of a housing crisis.

Deputy OCallaghan stated that residents of Portobello have huge difficulty getting parking in the area and this will get worse if permission is granted for such a large hotel which has no parking.

However, the planned development received the support of Failte Ireland.

In a submission on behalf of Failte Ireland, Mary Stack said that the hotel would be a valuable addition to the accommodation stock in Dublin.

Ms Stack stated that there is a major threat to tourism growth in the capital because of the acute shortage of hotel bedrooms in the city centre.

Ms Stack further stated: The current demand far exceeds the supply and inevitably in a scenario such as as this, prices are inflated giving the message internationally that Dublin is not a competitive destination.
By Ann O'Loughlin

A descendant of composer Peadar Kearney has withdrawn his application for an injunction against a fund appointed receiver over the return of items including a signed original copy of Amhran na bhFiann.

Lorcan Bourke sued receiver Anne O'Dwyer of Duff Phelps Ireland Ltd who took charge of a property where he had operated Bourke's Bar at Catherine Street, Limerick until its closure in 2014.

Last March he was given permission to seek a High Court injunction restraining the receiver from selling his chattels in the pub, including the original copy of the national anthem until the case was resolved.

The application was opposed by the receiver.

Today his counsel Vincent P Martin SC told Ms Justice Caroline Costello his client was withdrawing the injunction application as he now knew the new owners of the bar, which was sold in December 2017.

Counsel said it had been necessary to bring the injunction in order to find out the name of the new owners and said that communication to his client from the receiver had been poor.

Counsel said the case would now proceed to a plenary hearing, and asked that no order for costs be made against his client in regards the injunction proceedings.

Garvan Corkery Bl for the receiver said It was not accepted Mr Bourke needed to bring the injunction application against his client, or that he needed to know the identity of the new owners.

Mr Bourke and his representatives knew the premises were up for sale long before the sale occurred.

The receiver had made it clear Mr Bourke could have come to collect any items in the bar, adding that his client never had possession nor did anything with the chattels in the bar.

In light of the withdrawal, Mr Corkery said his client was entitled to an order for her legal costs for the injunction proceedings against Mr Bourke.

In her ruling, Mr Justice Caroline Costello accepted Mr Corkery's arguments and said Ms O'Dwyer was entitled to her costs of the injunction application.

The Judge, who put a stay on the costs order pending the outcome of the plenary action, urged both sides to consider resolving the dispute, and adjourned the matter.

Mr Bourke, who is a great grand nephew of Peadar Kearney who wrote the lyrics of the national anthem, brought proceedings over items that had been on display in the bar including the signed copy of Amhran na bhFiann.

He claims the copy was dedicated by Peadar Kearney to Mr Bourke's grandfather also called Lorcan Bourke and has been in his family for many years.

Mr Bourke, who claims he does not know where the items currently are, was in talks about getting the items returned and attended at the property last September.

He assumed he would be allowed take what he says are his possessions with him.

While inspecting the premises he noticed several items were missing and a security guard at the premises refused to allow him to remove any property from the premises.

The pub had to close after the firm he had leased the premises from got into financial difficulties with its bankers.

He said his former landlord's debts were acquired by a fund called Penture Property Finance DAC, who he said appointed Ms O'Dwyer as receiver over the premises in January 2017.

He said following the pub's closure he had to move to Dublin out of economic necessity. Arranging for the removal of all of his items in the pub was extremely difficult.
By Aoife Nic Ardghail and Declan Brennan

The trial of a late billionaire's son who was accused of unlawfully possessing over 1,200 bullets has collapsed at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Today Judge Cormac Quinn told the jury that that the prosecution had not proved how many rounds of ammunition Patrick James (PJ) Mansfield was entitled to possess.

The judge said because of this, the jury would be speculating on how many rounds Mr Mansfield (41) was not entitled to possess. He directed the jury to return a not guilty verdict on day 3 of the trial.

Mr Mansfield had denied possessing 1,252 rounds of .22 calibre ammunition without the relevant firearms licence at his former home in Coldwater Lakes, Saggart, Co Dublin on January 29, 2015.

Mr Mansfield's current address was given as Saggart House, Saggart. He has no previous convictions.

Judge Quinn told the jury that Mr Mansfield had been permitted by a firearms certificate to hold a Walther .22 pistol and a certain number of .22 caliber ammunition. He said gardai thought this number was 300 bullets.

Judge Quinn reminded the jurors that they had seen a photo of one side of Mr Mansfield's firearms certificate which showed he had been authorised to hold the gun. The judge said a photo of the other side, which had not been produced, would have shown how many rounds of ammunition Mr Mansfield had been permitted to hold.

He added that the person who had authorised the firearms certificate had also not been produced as a witness in the case. The judge said there were stringent requirements with prosecuting a case and a jury was not allowed to speculate on any issue.

Judge Quinn thanks the jurors for their diligence in the case and hoped they had found it an instructive experience.

During the trial, the jury heard evidence that Mr Mansfield was an authorised member of a gun club and a person of good character.

After his arrest Mr Mansfield told gardai that he didn't know he had that much ammunition in the house.

The trial heard that during an earlier audit inspection of firearm licensees, gardai checked out all the firearms licensed to Mr Mansfield but never asked for any ammunition to be produced.
The housing crisis is contributing to bottlenecks in the application process for asylum seekers.

According to research by the ESRI think tank, people seeking asylum here are now waiting an average of 18 to 20 months to complete the first stage of the process.

That is up from a waiting time of around 11 weeks in 2015.

The research points to a lack of options in the housing market as a reason why asylum seekers struggle to leave Direct Provision centres.

Emma Quinn from the ESRI says the system is under strain.

Ms Quinn said: "We found that there was a range of positive measures introduced in Ireland that responded to the humanitarian situation during that period.

"But we also found that the system for processing asylum applications is showing strain and that the system for providing accommodation for asylum applicants is also nearing capacity."

Ireland received an increased number of applications for asylum seekers recent years.

In 2014 there were 1,448 applications, but this more than doubled to 3,276 in 2015. In 2016, there were 2,244 applications and in 2017, there were 2,926 applications.

The majority of applicants in 2017 were from Syria, followed by Georgia, Albania, Zimbabwe and Pakistan.

Ms Quinn said: In many respects the Irish response to the 2015/2016 EU migrant and refugee crisis was encouraging, in particular the establishment of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme and increased engagement by government ministers in the issue.

"However, our report finds significant underlying bottlenecks, which mean that the system currently faces challenges in processing protection applications in a timely manner.

The report highlights that preparing for future arrivals requires sustained planning and infrastructure.

- Digital Desk
By Ann O'Loughlin

A mother and her three Irish children will not have to return to Pakistan where their father wants them to live following a Supreme Court ruling.

The woman fears she will be killed if she were to return to Pakistan where, while living there, she says she was beaten by her husband and his two brothers because of her efforts to get back with her children to Ireland.

She fled Pakistan with her children in November 2015.

She has since then been opposing legal efforts by her husband seeking the childrens' return on foot of an order issued by a court in Lahore.

In May 2017, the High Court rejected his case. The Court of Appeal also rejected it last March.

Last month the Supreme Court, in a written determination, refused to grant him a further appeal saying the interests of justice did not justifying doing so.

The High Court heard that in the early 2000s, the then-18 year old woman underwent an arranged marriage with her 32 year old husband in Pakistan.

They lived in Ireland where he worked in a professional capacity. They had three children, all born in Ireland, two of whom are now teens.

She described the marriage as having no friendship, that she saw him as superior and never questioned what he told her to do at least in the early days.

He was very anxious that the children would live in an Islamic culture for a period of time, she said.

The husband said that in the 18 months the children lived in Pakistan, between 2014 and 2015, they were habitually resident there, went to a private school and were "treated like royalty" by his extended family with whom they lived.

He claimed she made efforts to alienate the children from him, that there had been no true access to them for him since their arrival in Ireland and that they could only have a meaningful relationship with both parents if they return to Pakistan.

He also claimed his wife had made multiple suicide attempts in the presence of the children, regularly beat them and, in general terms, she was unstable.

The High Court judge who refused his application said he also felt he ought to have been praised for the "sacrifice in terms of lack of sexual intercourse" with his wife and he noted that, in his culture, a wife does not have an entitlement to refuse sex with her husband.

She told the court there had never been a set date during conversations about plans to go to Pakistan until after she obtained a protection order against him here.

He threatened to leave her and to stop giving her money if she refused to go.

She described a stark change on her arrival in Pakistan where, although they had a new house, they did not move into it and she lived with her mother-in-law and extended family.

In an April 2015 incident when she demanded the children's passports, she said her husband and his brothers slapped and kicked her until she passed out.

The children witnessed this and cleaned blood from her face, she said.

The husband claimed he "manually handled" her, and slapped her, but did not kick her, during this incident because he was trying to take a knife from her after she threatened to commit suicide.

She denied this and said she never attempted suicide because she would not want to leave her children behind.

With the help of her own family she managed to get temporary passports for her children and got herself and them back to Ireland in November 2015.

She was not aware or informed of an order from a Lahore court preventing her removing the children, she said.

A court-appointed independent assessor from Bernardos reported that the best interests of the children would be served by remaining in Ireland.

The High Court found the children had a more substantial degree of connection with Ireland than Pakistan.

The Court of Appeal (CoA), in one of its unanimous judgments rejecting his appeal, was critical of the delay in the case being dealt with by the High Court and of the unsatisfactory and unfair interventions made by the judge during the husband's cross-examination of his wife.

However, in two concurring judgments, the CoA said it was in the interests of the children that the appeal be rejected.
Teachers are taking up the call to bring critical thinking into schools, facilitating the development of a community of inquirers, writes Alissa MacMillan.

The following questions will not be on the Leaving Cert exam: Can machines be as creative as human beings? Is pet ownership domination in disguise? If youre not on social media, do you exist?

However, these are some of the questions engrossing students in Pamela OLearys classes at Cork Educate Together Secondary. OLeary is one of several teachers across Ireland taking up the call to bring philosophy into schools, facilitating, as she puts it, the development of a community of inquirers.

Its a little bit like being in ancient Greece, she says.

With the addition of philosophy as a Junior Cycle short course last year, the well-publicised launch of the Philosophy Ireland initiative in 2016 was supported by President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina.

The push continues this September with the increase in hours for wellbeing classes, which can include philosophy. Another encouraging sign came at Our Ladys School in Dublin, where Elizabeth OBriens 8 week transition year course was oversubscribed; they could take 90 students and had to turn some away.

More Socratic than top-down, the method being used is philosophy for children, P4C, with a focus on critical and collaborative thinking, group discussion, listening, patience, and creativity. It is a method that reflects a different view on philosophy.

[Its] moving away from the idea that philosophy is isolationist, egotistical, one person sitting in a chair notengaging, retreating into themselves, explains Aine Mahon, co-founder of Philosophy Ireland and lecturer in philosophy of education at UCD. She says that, instead, its democratic, communal, about being responsive as much as about being assertive.

As group conversation rather than debate club, students might still come to Kant and Wittgenstein, but from another direction, by letting a question drive the discussion  for example, what is it to be a good person?  and letting the discussion lead to possible answers in texts from the history of philosophy, such as from Aristotle.

However, its not just armchair philosophy. The questions matter, Mahon says, something important is at stake here, such as the kind of person students might be and become.

Aislinn ODonnell, Philosophy Ireland co-founder and professor at Maynooth sees philosophy as opening the world and giving students a voice: You belong to this community, youre taken seriously, recognised as a thinker, and thats what matters.

It also helps students develop richer, fuller, more thoughtful lives, both as individuals and as citizens, a kind of flourishing described by ancients such as Plato, says Angie Hobbs, professor of the public understanding of philosophy at the University of Sheffield.

She is working to get philosophy into secondary and primary schools in the UK. It extends a childs sense of imaginative possibilities about how to live.

Its also fun, she adds, and flourishing isnt just for later in life, philosophy is a means for flourishing now, in school years, which is also life.

The initiative might be new, and the concern the long view, but some of the benefits are already apparent. OLeary sees more confidence and empathy in her students, listening skills are sharpening, while students with autism are among the best at getting to the core of questions.

Its the best thing Ive done for my teaching, she adds. OBrien, a science and maths teacher, also finds its been enriching for everyone involved.

One student told her:

You make a lot more sense now. She admits she makes more sense to herself. Its humbling for me. Ive learned to step back.

Its also transformed their school community and enlivened conversation in the staff room. Meanwhile, students linger to discuss questions that might be left on the board.

They also recently received a gift to start a philosophy section in the library, OBrien was keen to add Sophies World, a global bestselling novel about a teenage girl and a philosopher.

If you needed any more evidence of the enthusiasm, on May 18 the Irish Young Philosopher Awards brought together hundreds of students, teachers, and the public in Dublin for a talk from President Higgins on philosophys far-reaching value.

There was also a lively philosophy competition (though some of OBriens students are, philosophically, against exams and awards in philosophy).

The philosophy department at UCC also has a relationship with OLearys school, with the faculty visiting classes and one of OLearys classes recently presenting to the department. It was a hit, says Adam Loughnane, lecturer in philosophy.

Students led the way on topics that included social media and the self. Loughnane and his colleagues are now working on a Canadian-funded platform launching in the next year or so, seeking to connect university and secondary school faculties, providing a means to share knowledge.

Perhaps in anticipation of a new generation of thinkers, DCU is adding philosophy on their BA course this autumn.

The philosophical sensibility extends across the curriculum to some of the urgent challenges of

citizenship. Students say: I do business. That has nothing to do with philosophy. But they see quite quickly it has everything to do with philosophy, says ODonnell.

In a society thats changing so rapidly, we need some sort of framework to teach children how to be appropriately democratic citizens, Loughnane explains, pointing to Irelands rapid secularisation, while schools remain mostly denominational.

Philosophy is a possible resource to fill this gap.

Democracy has only been around a few hundred years and its a very fragile thing, notes Hobbs. It requires informed, tolerant, critical, reflective, resilient, imaginative citizens.

Getting it into the schools also requires passion and enthusiasm, Mahon explains. We need individual teachers, pioneers, to push this forward, to go to principals. Its up to them to say, Id like to teach philosophy, with Philosophy Ireland there to train and support them.

As of now, its an amazing grassroots movement, says Loughnane, one situated really perfectly to be a model for what education can be in Ireland. In terms of catching up with the EU, it seems like we might slingshot ahead and could have a really progressive education system that includes philosophy.

You are leading the field, adds Hobbs. We are all very envious.
Its been a rollercoaster ride for anyone following plans for a June 12 summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un. The actors were contradictory, the stage sets numerous, and the messages chaotic.

Within days of Trumps May 24 cancellation of the Singapore meeting  and then the withdrawal of his withdrawal  South Korean president Moon Jae-in met with the US president in Washington and with the North Korean leader on the northern side of the demilitarised zone (DMZ) to help keep the summit alive.

Meanwhile, US officials flew to the DMZ and Singapore and a top North Korean official came to New York to plan (again) for the encounter.

As riveting as this turbulent drama may be, such external events are not the drivers of Pyongyangs decision-making.

Since the beginning of 2018, when Kim began his active campaign to portray his regime as a serious international player and hypothetically co-operative partner, analysts and commentators have been obsessed with whether Kim is sincere or staging an elaborate hoax.

No one can know Pyongyangs real intentions. But we can look inside the North Korean society for clues.

The reports this week that Pyongyang shuffled top military leaders before the Singapore summit gives us hints about possible power politics within North Korea and the complexity of managing domestic and foreign policy for the Kim regime.

Without doubt, the militarys blessings and support is essential to any plans for even minimal denuclearisation or significant efforts at warming up relations with Seoul, Washington, and Beijing (and possibly Tokyo in the near future).

The Kim-Moon summit of April 27 offered visual evidence of support from the highest ranks of the military for Kims new diplomatic overtures.

There were no economic experts in the DPRK delegation, but three of the nine members not related to Kim by blood were literally the top brass: General Pak Yong Sik, Minister of the Peoples Armed Forces; General Ri Myong Su, chief of the General Staff of the Korean Peoples Army; and General Kim Yong Chol, the former spy chief who reportedly masterminded the torpedoing of a South Korean naval vessel in 2010.

Additionally, Ri Son Gwon, who heads the bureau akin to South Koreas Ministry of Unification, is an expert on the militarys interests and priorities; he served as the head of the National Defense Commissions policy department before assuming his current position in 2016 and has been a negotiator on military matters with the South since 2006.

In contrast to the two earlier inter-Korean summits in 2000 and 2007, which did not include military officials in the formal list of DPRK delegates, the April meeting was starkly different. The generals wore their crisp uniforms, amply adorned with medals and ribbons.

For me, the most surprising image was the military salute Generals Ri and Pak  two of the generals now reported to have lost their jobs  gave Moon.

The message from the optics was clear: Kims DMZ-crossing and diplomatic engagement with arch-enemies have the full backing of the armed forces.

However, buy-in at the top should not be equated with the military and nuclear establishments support from the bottom up.

A 2016 report titled A Study on the Party-Military Relations of the Kim Jong Un Regime, commissioned by the South Korean Ministry of Unification, noted that the DPRK military might seek a military-centric government or intervene to reshape the countrys struggling economy if the Kim leadership failed to provide economic relief (partially from international sanctions).

In February 2018, South Koreas National Intelligence Service briefed the national legislature that that discontent was brewing in the DPRK military.

Recently, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, a South Korean government think tank, reported that hawks in the DPRK military are upset that, after years of sacrifices imposed on soldiers for the sake of the nuclear programme, including insufficient food, Kim may be walking away from the DPRKs treasured sword  the arsenal deemed a source of national pride and necessary defense against foreign aggression.

With 6,445,000 total military personnel, including about a million on active duty, maintaining organisational discipline and loyalty is key to sustaining Kims fledgling steps toward peace diplomacy and his own political survival.

In April 2018, at a plenary meeting of top officials in the Workers Party, Kim officially ended the byungjin (parallel progress) strategy that had prioritised military and nuclear development as a platform for economic development, and instead emphasised his passion for economic and scientific development.

According to the New York Times, he has promoted Pyongyangs nuclear scientists as heroes, even building them their own Future Scientists Street  a Pyongyang residential complex of gleaming steel and glass towers constructed in 2015.

In various speeches, such as the 2018 New Years Day address, he has showered praise and adulation for those advancing science and technology, especially the countrys defence scientists and workers who made devoted efforts all the year round.

If denuclearisation were to progress, how would scientists and technicians feel after having been lauded and feted as indispensable to the DPRKs existence? Recent lessons from the disintegration of the Soviet Union provide some answers.

When Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons after signing the 1994 Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances, its massive missile factory, Yuzhmash, lost thousands of workers.

Many reportedly went to North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan to work in the nuclear industry; some stole and sold missile parts illegally. Individual survival replaced national interests, what Yuzhmash in-house historian Vladimir Platonov called our pride in keeping the Americans up at night.

Preventing nuclear proliferation via loose scientists, not just loose nukes, must be integrated into any North Korean denuclearisation strategy.

Although outside critics of the April Kim-Moon summit lamented that North Koreans were kept in the dark about the historic meeting and subsequent developments, the regime has been highly active informing its citizens to expect big changes.

North Korean state media covered the Panmunjom meeting quite elaborately the day after the summit, in contrast to the more subdued descriptions that accompanied the previous inter-Korean summits in 2000 and 2007.

Generally, the state media has promoted optimistic interpretations of inter-Korean relations and created propaganda posters and other public messages to emphasize key points in the joint Panmunjom Declaration: peace, co-operation, and unity.

Of course, propaganda can always be changed at will in a dictatorship. However, the masses are not unthinking

automatons.

For the DPRK, dismantling the political rhetoric, organisational investments, and personal interests associated with the nuclear program will be a necessary component of any denuclearisation process.

North Koreans will require basic explanations for why, after decades of living one way  with nuclear aspirations reigning supreme and readiness for war as a legitimate sacrifice  they now need to put these ambitions aside and make friends with foes.

There is much speculation about why Kim dumped Generals Pak and Ri for younger officers: Suspicion of insufficient loyalty and the related fear of a coup when he departs for the meeting with Trump; continuing trust in the

two elders to prevent a coup while he is away; and a general reshuffling of the armed forces top leadership, which had already begun in late May.

There is also the possibility that the two replacements, General No Kwang Chol as defence minister and Ri Yong Gil as the chief of the Korea Peoples Army, simply are politically more savvy and technically more competent to assist in the summit diplomacy and the upcoming high-level negotiations with the South Korean military on a range of issues from improving military-to-military communications to cooperation and peace in the West Sea and the Northern Limit Line (disputed and conflict-ridden maritime areas), to reducing armaments and guard stations along the DMZ.

We will probably see more personnel changes in various bureaucracies if diplomacy picks up momentum. Political rhetoric that is contradictory and confusing to the outside world also will likely grow if the regime earnestly tries to chart a new path.

Even a dictator like Kim needs to get minimal buy-in from the 25m people in his country, especially the military establishment, and his iron fist does have limits. If his regime fails to manage the DPRKs changing internal politics, Kims efforts at external outreach will be in danger.

Katharine HS Moon is a political science professor at Wellesley College and a non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. @KathyHSMoon
Judge Gerard OBrien described the practice as dangerous and irresponsible and was particularly concerned about evidence that the active component of two of the drugs could not be identified on forensic examination.

Liam Quinn, aged 32, of 5 Evergreen Close, Evergreen St, Cork, was interested in bodybuilding from his teenage years and began to use anabolic steroids as a means to growth promotion and performance enhancement.

He eventually got involved in supplying them to a circle of friends with similar interests, said Donal OSullivan, defending, yesterday. He also stated that Quinn no longer used such substances.

After hearing all of the evidence and that the accused had no previous convictions, Judge OBrien said he would give him the benefit of a dismissal under the Probation of Offenders Act and recommended that he pay 400 to the Merchants Quay Project, which offers homeless and drug-related services.

The judge said he was applying the probation act with some degree of hesitation and he said this order should not be taken as a precedent.

Mr OSullivan said the defendant had an exemplary work record in the Defence Forces.

If he does manage to keep his position he will face a disciplinary process in the Defence Forces, he said.

Det Garda Paul Leahy testified yesterday about the background to the case.

He said gardai went to the home of the accused with a search warrant on April 9, 2016. The accused was present at the time. He was asked from the outset if he had anything illegal in his house.

He handed over two plastic containers in the house and large plastic bag from a car parked outside.

The containers and bag contained suspected anabolic steroids which were sent off for analysis.

Gardai seized an iPhone and two logbooks detailing the sale of anabolic steroids over several months up to April 2016. The phone contained group texts about prices and new steroids becoming available.

Det Garda Leahy said Quinn admitted ownership of the steroids at the scene. He told gardai he had 20 customers. He said about 30% of what was seized was for supply purposes and the remainder was for his own use. The steroids were valued at 1,200.

Quinn told investigators he was making 400 to 500 per month through this activity.

The active ingredient could not be identified in two of the products when examined in the state laboratory, Det Garda Leahy said.

They could not determine what was in the drugs, he said. Judge OBrien was particularly concerned about this.

Det Garda Leahy said that when he formally arrested and charged the accused man with the three counts at Cork District Court yesterday, the defendant made no reply to the charges.
Even though the cases involve applications for care orders to remove children from risk, they can take up to three years to conclude, often with multiple lawyers, and multiple expert witnesses involved.

The deficiencies in the process are highlighted in a new report by the Child Care Law Reporting Project (CCLRP) which looked at 10 lengthy complex cases and interviewed 40 of the key personnel involved.

Among its findings were:

Inadequacy of social worker training, particularly in relation to the assessment of sex abuse symptoms and allegations;

Shortage of specialist nterviewers to follow up sex abuse suspicions or allegations. Some parts of the country have no access to specialist assessments;

Poor case preparation;

No consistent cooperation between the gardai and child protection services in relation to collecting evidence on child sex abuse;

Contention around the use of hearsay evidence;

Not enough judges and insufficient support services in the district court in view of the responsibility involved.

Report author and director of the CCLRP, Dr Carol Coulter, said it would require a multi-pronged approach to resolve the problems, that goes beyond the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, and the Child and Family Agency (CFA).

Government policy in relation to resourcing the judiciary and the courts, the priority given to services in other government departments which bear on vulnerable children, along with legislation, policy and practice in child care and the courts, will all play a major role, she said.

Childrens Minister Katherine Zappone said the report, launched by the Hon Mr Justice Frank Clarke, Chief Justice, provides empirical evidence for the complexities that can arise in child care proceedings.

It identifies the challenge in coordination between government agencies, delays in securing psychological and sexual abuse assessments for children at the centre of proceedings, and contention around the use of hearsay evidence as among some of the difficulties that can arise at the interface of the child protection and the courts systems.

Ms Zappone said the report was timely as her department is undertaking a review of the Child Care Act 1991 and the Department of Justice is preparing the heads of a Family Courts Bill.

She said these developments provide a unique opportunity and potential gateway to address the challenges identified in the report.

The report makes a series of recommendations including that the government appoint a sufficient number of district court judges to ensure child care cases can be prioritised, with dedicated child care days, in all areas.

The report says where cases are routinely heard by the same judge who is very clear on what he or she requires, it is much easier for the social workers and their legal team to focus on the threshold and the evidence needed to support it.

It points out that in Dublin Metropolitan District Court, three judges are assigned on a full-time basis to hearing child care law, and they have built up a huge amount of expertise, while in Cork and Limerick, where the District Court has more than one sitting judge, one is allocated to child care cases and two days a week set aside to hear them.

The report says not all child care cases are heard by a regular judge on dedicated child care days, leading to uncertainty and inconsistency in the presentation of cases.

It calls for careful case preparation by the CFA, adding that a universal case management system, with deadlines for the production of reports and affidavits, the narrowing of the issues to those in dispute, the winnowing of witnesses so that only necessary evidence is given, meetings between experts so that they could present agreed evidence separately from what was disputed, would all help.

One case ran for almost three years

Of 10 child protection cases examined by the CCLRP:

One ran for almost three years, with 52 days in court and multiple adjournments. It involved an application for care orders for two children where the main grounds were neglect and sexual abuse. Ten lawyers were involved. The application was withdrawn by the Child and Family Agency (CFA).

A case involving an application for care orders for eight children on the grounds of alleged physical and sexual abuse and neglect ran for more than two years (27 months) with 45 days in court and 22 adjournments. Six lawyers were involved. Care orders were granted.

A case that ran for six months, with 17 days in court, involved 13 expert witnesses and nine lawyers.

A case involving an application for care orders for four children on the grounds of neglect and sexual abuse had been running for 26 months, with 51 days in court and multiple adjournments.

There were 24 witnesses called in a case involving an application for care orders for five children on the grounds of neglect and sexual abuse. The case moved, on appeal, from the District Court to the Circuit Court, with 67 days hearing in the District Court and 47 days in the Circuit Court over the course of a year. There were 12 adjournments, 10 in the district court and two in the circuit court. Twenty-three of the 24 witnesses were from the Child and Family Agency.

Seven of the prolonged cases were heard outside Dublin, with six of them heard by moveable judges.

Recommendations from Child Care Law Reporting Project

The Government

Should appoint a sufficient number of district court judges to ensure that child care cases can be prioritised

Provide sufficient resources to the district court to enable judges institute a national system of case management for child care cases.

Adequately resource all State agencies involved in providing assessments of children and parents in care proceedings so that they can provide them in a timely manner.

The Child and Family Agency/Tusla

The CFA should consider developing a strategy to identify early cases with potentially complicating features, so they can be referred to an appropriate senior level within the CFA and the necessary resources brought to bear. This should include a unified national legal strategy in child protection cases, covering such areas as the preparation of cases for court, the identification of appropriate experts, the approach to the exchange of reports and documents and the approach to the issue of hearsay evidence.

The CFA should consider developing a specialism to deal with child sex abuse, which, along with other appropriate agencies, could establish multi-agency centres available to all CFA areas when allegations of child sex abuse are made in the context of child protection proceedings. This should include the development, in cooperation with the Garda Siochana and the HSE, of a national child sex abuse assessment and intervention practice, following the recommendations in the Garda Inspectorate 2017 report, Responding to Child Sexual Abuse.

(Currently Tusla is on an interagency group looking at developing multi-agency responses where services would be delivered to child victims of sexual abuse.)

The Department of Justice

Should consideration legislating to permit district court judges to decline jurisdiction in complex child care cases, and refer them to a higher court, as happens with criminal matters.

Should consider including a reference in the forthcoming Judicial Council Bill to the need for the education of relevant judges in child protection as well as information technology.

The Courts

Should consider the establishment nationally of dedicated child care days, heard by the same judge, in all district court areas or in regions.

Should examine the development of a case management template for all district court areas.

In cooperation with the Government, should provide additional administrative resources to the district court to assist in the rolling out of case management policy and practice.

Legal practitioners
The Cabinet approval, which will see the citys population rise from around 125,000 to just under 210,000, will bring to an end a dispute over the boundary change.

Local Government Minister Eoghan Murphy will ask his Cabinet colleagues to approve the bill for the extension, which will account for around 70% of the population of Metropolitan Cork.

The actual Local Government Bill is expected to be published later this month.

Changes will bring Ballincollig, Blarney, Tower, Cork Airport, and Glanmire, into the city.

The legislation will give effect to the compromise which emerged on December 6, after talks between representatives of Cork city and county councils overseen by the Implementation Oversight Group (IOG), in a bid to break the deadlock over a larger extension proposed in the Mackinnon report.

When the group issued its report to Mr Murphy, he urged both councils to agree on the boundary line, which would allow him use a ministerial order to give effect to the extension.

A compromise emerged in December after weeks of negotiation between the city and county councils. Nonetheless, concerns remain about the move among residents in areas of the county. It is thought the deal allows for a review in 12 to 15 years.

One concern centres on rates and losses in revenue for the county. It is thought the Cork County will retain the commercial rates-rich industrial area of Little Island as well as Carrigtwohill.

Mr Murphy will also seek approval today for the integration of Galway City and County Councils. An expert group earlier this year unanimously recommended the establishment of a unified Galway authority rather than boundary changes or retaining of the status quo.

A separate decision on changes to electoral areas in counties is not expected to go to Cabinet until next week.

There have been calls for Cork City to get more councillor positions, given it is the first boundary change since 1965. This is especially so given that the citys population is set to increase by up to 100,000 and that Cork City Council would retain only 31 seats.

This review of boundary changes is being separately conducted by John Paul Phelan, minister of state for Local Government and Electoral Reform.
The OPW insists the round-the-clock closure, due to last until February 2019, of a section of the Clonakilty to Ring village road, is necessary for health and safety requirements.

A caravan-campsite business, along with a top restaurant, pubs, and harbourside residents will be affected by diversions, ranging from 5km to 20km.

However, a senior executive engineer with Cork County Council also warned of serious knock-on effects for Clonakilty as steel piling works began in earnest yesterday, on the towns bypass.

Engineer Michael Tobin said the OPW had agreed to certain concessions with the Clonakilty business community to ease some traffic concerns.

Mr Tobin, however, also said that major works between Clonakilty and the towns Jones Bridge area, on the main N71 route to Bandon, are due to commence shortly, exacerbating traffic snarl-ups over the summer.

A public meeting in Ring village this week demanded the OPW make some provision to keep the main link open to Clonakilty.

Fine Gael councillor John OSullivan warned of the impact on businesses but also highlighted the lack of pedestrian facilities during the lengthy road closure, due to commence in early July.

However, Mr Tobin yesterday told the West Cork Municipal District the OPW is the driving force behind the scheme, which had ministerial approval, and the agency was not for changing. For ecological reasons and health and safety, there were time restraints on the projects, he said.

Certain works in the harbour had to be done by September due to its scientific conservation status. He said the road was too narrow and twisty to consider vehicular or pedestrian access.

Sinn Fein councillor Paul Hayes said locals already had concerns about a likely eight-week closure during the summer but a road closure advert signalling a July-February closure had alarm bells ringing.

Why in the name of God is eight months closure required? he asked.

Can we explore options to keep one lane open? From what we can gather, the construction company is willing to explore options so works will not impact on the tourist season but it is flagging cost implications.

Mr Hayes said the OPW can expect an avalanche of submissions for tomorrows closing date for the publics response.
About 68% of Irish adults will take one holiday this year and Europes beaches are the biggest lure.

However, Switcher.ie, an independent price-comparison and switching service, is concerned at the lack of holidaymakers financial planning.

Holidaymakers are at risk of being burned, and not just by the sun.

One in three of them said their holiday spend often or always went out of control and a quarter of them said they had come home in debt.

Some 38% of holidaymakers will set a firm budget and stick to it when abroad, but 50% of them are unsure about the charges for using debit cards in other countries.

The most popular destination area this year is the EU (72%), with 59% heading to the beaches.

Meanwhile, about 29% are planning to travel to countries outside of the EU. Popular far-flung destinations include Russia, South America, Dubai, New Zealand, and Australia.

The main reason people gave for heading abroad is guaranteed sunshine (51%).

However, cost is a big determiner: 34% said the cost of holidaying abroad was the same price as, or cheaper than, staying in Ireland.

Also, 32% found that the food and drink abroad was cheaper than what was available at home.

Meanwhile, 49% plan to take a small amount of cash with them abroad, but will mostly use ATMs.

However, 55% admitted to being unsure about charges for withdrawing money from ATMs when abroad, or when making payments in shops and in restaurants via credit or debit cards.

Eoin Clarke, the managing director of Switcher.ie, said that as peoples departure date nears, thoughts of sunshine begin to eclipse less exciting matters, like their finances.

When it comes to holiday spending, it can be tempting to forego the budget and throw caution to the wind, but this can lead to a financial headache that will last much longer than your tan, Mr Clarke warned.

The last thing anyone wants is to come home from holidays in debt, so take some time, before you go, to plan out a daily budget for when youre away, including expenses like food and drink, tours and other activities.

If youre travelling outside the eurozone, its also important to find out about charges for using ATMs and for using your debit and credit cards in shops or restaurants, Mr Clarke said.

These charges can quickly add up, so we would urge holidaymakers to know before you go, especially if youre travelling outside the Eurozone, where these bank fees will be even steeper.

When a credit or debit card is used outside the Eurozone, there is usually a charge, which is a percentage of the transaction value.

There may be additional charges for commission and for the exchange rate.
These are the words of Mary Merritt, a survivor of the Magdalene laundries.

She was speaking on the steps of Aras an Uachtarain yesterday, as President Michael D Higgins welcomed 230 Magdalene laundry women to his official residence as part of a series of events called Dublin Honours Magdalenes.

Mary, who is 87 years old, spent 14 years of her life in a laundry. Yesterday she paid tribute to the women who also suffered but who took their stories to the grave.

We have to remember also the people who are not with us today, that are all up in mass graves up in Glasnevin and all over Ireland, she said. They couldnt even give them the dignity of their own grave with their own name and their identity on them so we have to think of those women today.

I worked with some women in High Park [laundry] who spent 52 years there. I spent 14 years  it was little compared to them. So we have to think of those people that are not able to be with us today and, through the nuns, they killed them and the Church has never, never apologised to any of us.

Mary Merritt was accompanied by Mary Smith, from Cork, who was born in a laundry and who, at 16 years of age, re-entered one as she had met a boy.

She, too, spoke on the steps of Aras an Uachtarain, and again dedicated her words to a woman who was not there to tell her own story  her mother.

My mothers name was Eileen Smith and unfortunately she went into the Magdalene laundries when she was three months pregnant on me, she said. Im just thinking of my mother. It was on the Peacock Lane in Cork and it was appalling what they did to her. A priest locked her up.

No one gave the authority to take my mother away from me and leaving me alone and leaving me an orphan. Then there was no record of me for three months on this planet. Then I was put straight to work in Clonakilty.

It was pure hell. No school, no nothing, just beatings, and because I met a boy at about 16, or whatever, I was locked up then as well in a Magdalene laundry where I was never to come out of there again.

She said the experience shattered her life and that the laundries were worse than prisons.

It has left me shattered for the rest of my life, because it was soul-destroying what they did to me, and the same thing to happen to my mother as well. Somebody should be responsible for this.

There should be one day a year, remembering those people who suffered and were tortured in these places, they were worse than prisons, worse than prisons. Your name was changed, your identity was taken from you and you were never to come outside of those doors.

Supporting the two women was Elizabeth Coppin, who spoke briefly to the waiting media to put on record that children were sold to America.

We were trafficked, dont forget, and some of the children were sold to America, dont forget, said Elizabeth. They were given false passports. They should be remembered always, one because its Irish history and what they did to Irish citizens.

We were all Irish citizens, no matter where we went in the world. We were all born here.

Other women also spoke yesterday, describing what they had been through.

Cork woman Josie Keane, 68, was separated from her twin sister when they were seven years of age because they were sent from an orphanage to different laundries. Again, like the other women, she used her voice to remember someone else.

My twin sister died three years ago so Im sad she isnt here, said Josie. Were twins and she was in Cork and I was in Limerick because, at that time, they were separating sisters and everything. They wouldnt let me go to Cork. It was terrible because we never met until we were 21.

She found me working in the Imperial Hotel and I dont know how she ever found me. We were pure strangers to one another and they made me very bitter then. Even if I could have gone and lived with her when I was 15, it would have been nice.

Josie said that the people of Ireland and future generations should be informed about the history of the laundries because, for years, no one knew what was going on with any of us inside those closed doors.

President Higgins, in his speech to the women, said Ireland had failed them. He spoke of a collusion of silence within society, that assisted in their incarceration.

You were also failed by a society that actively colluded, by their silence, in your incarceration and treatment or chose to look the other way, averted their gaze, as vulnerable girls and women were subjected, in so many cases, to further abuse and degradation.

He ended his speech on the theme of forgiveness and, quoting Bishop Demond Tutu, said: We dont forgive for others. We forgive for ourselves.

The Presidents final remarks were met by a long standing ovation as each and every woman present stood from their chair to acknowledge his words and their past.

In total, 11,000 Irish women spent time in a Magdalene laundry.
Charlie Flanagan addressed hundreds of former residents of the religious institutions and their companions at a special gathering in Dublins Mansion House yesterday evening.

Recognising that the State had gravely failed to care for the women, the minister delivered a frank apology while also committing to resolve outstanding problems for the surviving women.

More than 220 survivors of the Magdalene Laundries attended the gala dinner last night, marking the first time survivors from Ireland, the UK, the US and Australia have been brought together.

The gathering honours a commitment by the last government led by Enda Kenny to bring the women together and also to hear how those who were incarcerated in the institutions should be remembered.

Mr Flanagan told the gathering that the State had let each and every one of the women down:

This State allowed you be incarcerated, and made to work in Magdalene Laundries. We had a duty of care, we had a job of inspection, and we failed. Indeed we even took on the role, in some cases of referring agent.

Women this week have told their stories of how they fought to get out of the laundries and in some cases escaped. The Ombudsman recently criticised the Department of Justice for wrongly refusing some Magdalene laundry survivors access to redress payments.

Mr Flanagan recognised that the surviving women gathering in Dublin might get some peace from meeting others. He acknowledged the failings of the State as well as his department:

Official Ireland took its time and the truth is that you had to wait far too long for acknowledgement, recognition and an official apology. I am proud that Enda Kenny was the Taoiseach who finally made that State apology and, following the Ombudsmans report, I need to add my own.

My department worked hard to administer the redress scheme but we didnt always get it right and I am sorry for that. I apologise to you.

He acknowledged those who had campaigned for survivors and all women who went into the institutions. This includes Maeve ORourke, Katherine ODonnell, Claire McGettrick and Mari Steed from the advocacy group Justice for Magdalenes as well as Irish Examiner journalist Conall O Fatharta.

Efforts are also being made to resolve outstanding problems regarding the lengths of stay women had endured as well as disputes over decision making capacity. The minister added:

I am very glad that just last week Cabinet agreed to admit the women who worked in laundries while living in an adjoining institution, into the scheme.

"I wish we had done it sooner, and I hope ... the other issues highlighted by the Ombudsman will be sorted very soon. An experienced senior counsel is working hard on behalf of Government to resolve complex difficulties and I expect real progress soon.

Justice for Magdalenes this week told the Irish Examiner they welcome the apology from the minister. But it emphasised redress for past institutional abuse must begin with access to records, public and private archives, and information.
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in Ireland, with 2,500 diagnosed with the disease each year.

Scientists here and in the Netherlands, part of the AngioPredict research consortium, discovered the bio-marker.

The international research team was led in Ireland by Prof Annette Byrne from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and in the Netherlands by Prof Bauke Ylstra and Dr Nicole van Grieken from VU University Medical Centre Amsterdam.

Prof Byrne said the study has identified a potential biomarker that could be used by doctors in the future to distinguish between patients who will benefit from Avastin and patients who would not respond.

Further research is ongoing to develop a laboratory test so that the biomarker can be applied in clinical daily practice, she said.

Our overall goal is to improve the standard of care for colorectal cancer and to make sure that patients only receive drugs that will work specifically in the setting of their own disease. This will reduce side-effects, treatment costs, and improve patients outcomes.

Half of colorectal cancer patients develop metastatic cancer  where the disease spreads to other parts of the body, for which Avastin is a key component of therapy.

The scientists analysed genetic alterations from archival tumour samples from patients with advanced colorectal cancer for which the complete disease course was known.

Patients with tumours that lost part of chromosome 18 had a higher survival rate when treated with Avastin, but those with an intact chromosome 18 did not.

The research is published in the prestigious international Journal of Clinical Oncology.

More than three in five people (63%) with bowel cancer will survive for at least five years and 95% of those diagnosed at stage one will survive the disease. Bowel cancer most commonly occurs in people over 60 years of age.

Meanwhile, the RCSI has opened a new 80m medical education building in Dublin. It is the largest and most modern facility of its kind in Europe.

The centrepiece is a simulation centre laid out over three floors where students and healthcare professionals have access to a world-class surgical and training suite with clinical skills laboratories, a mock operating theatre, and clinical training wards.

RCSI chief executive, Prof Cathal Kelly, said students will achieve the highest clinical skills standards before working directly with patients.

It will also focus on character development, building resilience, and leadership, he said.
Abortion is now a matter of legislative detail. The principle is decided. The consequence of Brexit, however, is not simply Britains exit, its the survival of British identity itself, after 500 years.

That issue, if destined for decades more in the making, is ultimately more important than the imminent exit.

English nationalism, showboating Brexit as a strategy for resurgence, is the greatest threat to British unity and identity since it was originated as a political strategy by King James VI & I.

Succeeding to the English throne in 1603, he embodied a personal union of crowns, but wanted a firmer political union.

The English parliament refused to interlope with Scottish carpetbaggers. The powerful wool trade particularly was opposed, but there was much more to it.

In the event, Jamess actual British polity was not first founded on the island which bears the name, but in Ulster and Virginia.

There, at the start of the 17th century, what came to be a specifically British identity was rooted in plantation.

British identity originated as a colonial project to civilise wild places and people.

What began in outposts only subsequently naturalised at the centre. One driver was the shared interest of its constituent parts in colonisation.

Much later, on the eve of the American Revolution, Thomas Jefferson, a burgess of the Virginia legislature, articulated, in 1774, the fervent prayer of all British America in a humble application to the imperial throne for rights and free trade.

Irony now abounds in the age of Donald Trump and Boris Johnson. But Jeffersons terms of reference show how something once tenuous in terms of identity took hold, and was then cast off.

Just as competing English and Scottish interests subsumed into British identity, so eventually did bitterly conflicting Anglican and Presbyterian ones.

Pan-Protestantism was a cornerstone that signified Britain in opposition to Catholic Europe, and the Catholic Irish.

In Ulster, internecine protestant sectarianism solidified into a broad front with the early years of Union, after 1801 and the defeat of the United Irishmen in 1798.

In that sense, Britain in Ulster, and the completion of the union flag motif across the three kingdoms, was 200 years in the making. After Brexit, it may be quicker in its undoing.

Britain is compounded from separate elements.

Time and empire gave it the sheen of apparent immutability. In Ulster, unlike in Virginia, failure to extirpate the native population meant it remained, to a degree, a fortress community on a frontier.

Crown, Protestantism and empire, and the afterglow of all, ensured the ideal of Great Britain continued into the 21st century.

Brexit now is an outright threat to that. If the British construct weakens or dissolves, the whole context for Ireland changes completely.

The harder Brexit is, the more likely Scotland breaks from the United Kingdom. Contrary to all talk about border polls here, it is far more likely that the decisive rupture will be with Scotland.

In that eventuality, or more prosaically, regardless of the eventual direction for Scotland, years of uncertainty will come first and this of itself is destabilising. In a history that on this page has skipped centuries in paragraphs, single decades might seem hardly worthy of a phrase. But they are the meagre span entire lives are made of.

Northern Ireland and the UKs Exit from the EU: What do people think?by academics John Garry, Kevin McNicholl, Brendan OLeary, and James Pow, published last month, shows up the chasm between where people want to go and where they are being led. Specifically on a border poll:

There is a widespread reluctance to hold a referendum on Irish unity in the short-term. Instead, most people would like to move beyond the UKs exit from the EU, before considering any further constitutional change. That said, there is considerable openness to the idea of a referendum in at least ten years time.

Conclusions from the survey and deliberative forum also found: For a sizeable number of Catholics, their voting intention in any future referendum on re-unification is dependent on the outcome of negotiations between the UK and the EU-27.

A soft exit appears to make little impact on their reported preference, whereas a hard form of departure would make Catholics significantly more likely to support a united Ireland.

Demographics are changing in Northern Ireland. The next census, in 2021, may make the Boundary Commission of 1925 look, in hindsight, as a missed opportunity for unionism.

But that misses the point, because it completely misunderstands the challenge, which demands for a border poll now do, too. The potential passing of a Protestant majority in Northern Ireland does not make a majority for a united Ireland. Firstly, time is a factor, because neither newborn babies nor children vote.

Secondly, there is no absolute alignment between Catholicism and ardent nationalism. In any event, there is a growing gap between cradle confessionalism and any mature religious affiliation.

Clearly, however, the context of Brexit matters as much in Northern Ireland as in Scotland. The harder the exit, the tougher a likely reaction is afterwards.

What is happening now is that the middle is being eaten at either side. That is demonstrated by the hardening of attitudes among DUP and Sinn Fein supporters on Irish language legislation. There is a growing shrillness.

In unionism, as the quality of its leadership and sense of strategic direction deteriorates, so does resentment at the success of Sinn Fein and an as yet unspecified determination to do something to stop it.

As recently as the 1950s, unionism was resplendent. In 1951, Churchill returned to power with the support of 35 Scottish Tory MPs, as many as Labour mustered. In any event, all were solidly British in outlook.

In Northern Ireland, the Ulster Unionist Party was a true cross-class coalition. Its a bygone age. The remnants of empire have vanished. Staunch Protestantism has receded across Northern Ireland, except within the DUP.

The DUP may have its first woman and first Episcopalian leader, but its in full retreat from Peter Robsinsons 2011 plan to appeal to Catholic voters, which came to nothing, ironically just as native papists abandoned Rome.

At the moment, the British hinterland, an idea as much as a place, faces its greatest test since it was first planted. The mistake of unionism is its failure to capitalise on opportunities inherent in the Good Friday Agreement.

Meanwhile, English nationalism feeds off the European Union as if it were the threat of a new armada.

Maybe Britains prime minister, Thersea May, can muddle Britain into interminable transition. Limbo seems heaven now. If not and there is a hard exit, Scotland will likely break, too. Great Britain will break apart at the source.

The view from Antrim across the Moyle would no longer be a British vista.
Wednesday, June 6th, 2018 (12:01 am) - Score 1,731

Mobile operator EE has today announced that it will switch on the UKs first live trial of their new prototype 5G based ultrafast wireless broadband network at 10 sites around Londons Tech City area during October 2018, including five small businesses and five homes. Gigabit speeds are predicted.

Apparently some of the local areas that will see the new service include City Road, Old Street, Hoxton Square and Chiswell Street. Meanwhile EE intends to use their social media channels in order to find the first willing 5G trialists to support their test of the new technology.

The announcement comes shortly after BTs Group CEO, Gavin Patterson, promised that EE would lead the market to 5G by looking to have a commercial product launched within the next 18 months (i.e. by the end of 2019). Rival O2 UK recently suggested that this would only be a lite version of 5G without key features, although EE has since defended their plan (here).

Marc Allera, CEO of BTs Consumer Business, said: This live trial is a big step forward in making the benefits of 5G a reality for our customers, and in making sure that the UK is at the front of the pack for 5G technology. Were focusing our resource and experience across EE and BT to ensure that we continue to lead the UK market with a mobile network that keeps giving our customers the best speeds and the best coverage. 5G is a fundamental part of our work to build a converged, smart network that keeps our customers connected to the things that matter most.

Margot James MP, UK Minister for Digital, said: We want the UK to be a global leader in 5G as part of our ambition to create a world-leading digital economy that works for everyone. Together with the Governments own test beds and trials programme, industry initiatives like this will help deliver the benefits of this new revolutionary technology to businesses and consumers across the UK.

Sadly the press release doesnt include any solid information about what flavour of 5G and performance we can expect. The official specification for the technology has often highlighted its potential for peak shared capacity speeds of 20Gbps (Gigabits per second), although initial deployments will not get anywhere close to that level (mobile technology usually takes a few years to reach its target performance).

However the fact that EE will target premises, rather than people, confirms that theyre trialling a Fixed Wireless Broadband ISP style connection instead of a solution for the mobile environment, which would be in keeping with other early trials. Part of the reason for that is because you cant actually buy a 5G capable Smartphone in the shops yet, which may not change until 2019.

We can also confirm that EE will adopt a 3.5GHz (spectrum band) based setup for the trial (not the recently acquired 3.4GHz band), which is the same as theyve used in lab tests before. Earlier tests in this band have shown that such a setup, when combined with 6464 MIMO and plenty of spectrum frequency (100MHz), could achieve a wireless broadband speed of 2.8Gbps (and sub-5ms latency) over short distances.

Since this is a live test then we can speculate that a target speed of around 1Gbps might be a more realistic prediction, which is the same sort of performance as youd get from many Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) providers and its unlikely that any of those on the residential side could take full advantage of that. This is all probably going to be based off the 3GPP Release 15 Option 3 standard.

Meanwhile Three UK has said we will start doing 5G trials in early 2019.
Wednesday, June 6th, 2018 (9:16 am) - Score 1,731

The European Commission has approved a new Electronic Communications Code (ECC) that could boost investment in full fibre (FTTP/H) and 5G mobile. At the same time a new report from the European Court of Auditors confirms that their original target for ultrafast broadband (100Mbps+) take-up will be missed.

The EU set its first major broadband targets all the way back in 2010 as part of their Digital Agenda for Europe (DAE) strategy, which among other things aimed to ensure that every household in the EU could access a 30Mbps+ capable Next Generation Access (NGA) superfast broadband connection (plus 50% subscribed to an ultrafast 100Mbps+ service) by the year 2020.

At the time we speculated that this would be very difficult for many countries to achieve and that the 50% take-up figure for 100Mbps+ looked particularly unachievable, not least because it combined the challenge of coverage with ensuring that people actually purchased the service once it was available (take-up of new networks can take years to grow when done organically).

In keeping with that a recent 2018 progress report (here) suggested that only some counties, including the UK, may actually achieve or get close to the 30Mbps+ coverage goal and the 100Mbps+ take-up aspiration of 50% could be missed by nearly everybody (the EU average is currently only 15.4% or 14.6% in the UK).

Now a new report from the European Court of Auditors has confirmed that not all targets set for 2020 will be met and the goal of ensuring that half of European households have ultra-fast broadband connections by 2020 is significantly behind target. As usual rural areas remain problematic in most Member States (14 out of all 28 Member States had less than 50% fast broadband coverage in rural areas).

Iliana Ivanova, Member of the EU Court of Auditors, said: For Europe to remain competitive in the global economy, and for the benefit of citizens and government, the good levels of internet speed and access provided by broadband are essential. It is important that the EU sets itself challenging and realistic targets for broadband in the future  and meets them. We make recommendations in the areas of strategic planning, the regulatory environment and fostering competition.

The report also noted that financing needs for broadband infrastructure in rural and suburban areas were not always properly addressed and the European Investment Bank support did not focus on areas of greatest need. According to the European Commission, up to 250 billion will be required to achieve the Europe 2020 targets for broadband across all Member States. About half of this amount may be needed for rural areas.

Report Recommendations  Member States should develop new plans for the period after 2020;  The European Commission should clarify the application of State Aid guidelines and support Member States efforts to foster more competition in broadband;  The European Investment Bank should focus its support on small- and medium-size projects in areas where public sector support is most needed.

Speaking of new plans, in 2016 the European Commission proposed a new non-binding Gigabit Society target for all European households to get a minimum download speed of 100Mbps+ by 2025, with businesses and the public sector being told to expect 1Gbps+ (here). Since then this seems to have been swept under the carpet and that may be because its difficult to raise a new target when you havent met the first ones.

Meanwhile the European Commission appears to have reached an agreement on the revised European Electronic Communications Code (EECC), which is similar to the ECC in the UK in that it also governs the rules around how telecoms operators access public or private land in order to build new networks.

The UK has already revised its ECC rules to encourage investment in new fibre optic and mobile networks, thus we suspect that the EUs changes will follow a similar approach. Certainly the FTTH Council Europe seems to support the changes, not least because the new code appears to be centred around encouraging fibre optic infrastructure.

Erzsebet Fitori, Director General of the FTTH Council Europe, said: There is clearly a momentum for fibre investment. We see a lot of the emerging wholesale-only vehicles backed by new types of investors and now there is also more room for step change investments made in a safeguarded competitive structure to be governed by a commercially driven scheme. There is opportunity in the new Code for full fibre investors and a win-win for end-users, who will benefit from fibre based connectivity and long-term competition.

At the time of writing we have not yet been able to see the new code in order to judge how it differs from the UKs revision, although Brexit could soon make any debate about all this somewhat moot.

UPDATE 10:58am

The European Parliament and the Council have now put out their own press releases on the new telecoms rules / EECC, which were agreed last night. Sadly we dont get much additional detail but there is a useful summary.

The new Electronic Communications Code will: Enhance the deployment of 5G networks by ensuring the availability of 5G radio spectrum by end of 2020 in the EU and providing operators with predictability for at least 20 years in terms of spectrum licensing; including on the basis of better coordination of planned radio spectrum assignments. Facilitate the roll-out of new, very high capacity fixed networks by making rules for co-investment more predictable and promoting risk sharing in the deployment of very high capacity networks; promoting sustainable competition for the benefit of consumers, with a regulatory emphasis on the real bottlenecks, such as wiring, ducts and cables inside buildings; and a specific regulatory regime for wholesale only operators. Moreover, the new rules will also ensure closer cooperation between the Commission and the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (includes Ofcom in the UK) in supervising measures related to the new key access provisions of co-investment and symmetric regulation. Benefit and protect consumers, irrespective of whether end-users communicate through traditional (calls, sms) or web-based services (Skype, WhatsApp, etc.) by: * ensuring that all citizens have access to affordable communications services, including universally available internet access, for services such as egovernment, online banking or video calls;

* ensuring that international calls within the EU will not cost more than 19 cents per minute, while making sure that the new rules would not distort competition, innovation and investment;

* giving equivalent access to communications for end-users with disabilities;

* promoting better tariff transparency and comparison of contractual offers;

* guaranteeing better security against hacking, malware, etc.;

* better protecting consumers subscribing to bundled service packages;

* making it easier to change service provider and keep the same phone number, including rules for compensations if the process goes wrong or takes too long;

* increasing protection of citizens in emergency situations, including retrieving more accurate caller location in emergency situations, broadening emergency communications to text messaging and video calls, and establishing a system to transmit public warnings on mobile phones.

Member States will now have 2 years to transpose the new code into national law and thats after Brexit, although Ofcom have either already implemented or is considering similar changes in the UK.

On top of that the next long-term EU budget 2021-2027 has today proposed to renew the Connecting Europe Facility, with 42.3 billion to support investments in European infrastructure networks, although most of that will go toward transport (30.6 billion), energy (8.7 billion) and digital only gets 3 billion.
Australian ecommerce platform BigCommerce has integrated WordPress into its platform in a move which it says gives merchants the ability to grow an online business at scale without compromising site content or user experiences.

The launch of BigCommerce for WordPress coincides with the companys unveiling of a new, API-driven Commerce-as-a-Service initiative designed to allow brands to seamlessly deliver commerce experiences through custom and commercial content management systems, while centrally managing catalogue, customer and order data through BigCommerce.

WordPress powers the Web presence of millions of businesses in Australia and around the world, allowing them to bring their brands and content to life. Our WordPress integration enables retailers to combine the worlds most popular content management system with the worlds best cloud commerce platform, said Jimmy Duvall, chief product officer for BigCommerce.

Through our Commerce-as-a-Service offering, we are further demonstrating to customers our commitment to delivering the industrys most open SaaS ecommerce platform.

According to BigCommerce, Australia has about 67% of content management system market share and the fourth highest share of WordPress hosting in the world, compared to 30% of all websites powered by WordPress globally.

Duvall said that through BigCommerce for WordPress, content-first brands would gain the ability to build and manage commerce experiences directly on the WordPress platform through a single plug-in, improving storefront performance and streamlining storefront management tasks.

WordPress developers can quickly integrate end-to-end commerce capabilities to an existing site experience using BigCommerces robust ecosystem of apps and sizeable catalog of fully-integrated payment and shipping methods to build an ecommerce offering that is tailored to their business needs, BigCommerce says.
If Microsoft thought that selecting Nat Friedman to head its new acquisition, GitHub, would help burnish its open-source credentials, then it has made a big mistake.

Members of the free and open source software community have very long memories and the contribution made by Friedman and his great friend and business partner, Miguel de Icaza, now also an employee of Microsoft, to numerous incidents many years ago that split the community have not been forgotten.

For those who have been hiding under a rock, Microsoft on Monday (US time) announced that it was buying GitHub for for US$7.5 billion (A$9.79 billion) in Microsoft stock.

Ever since the low-key Satya Nadella took over as chief executive of Microsoft four years ago, the company has tried very hard to play down its image as an aggressive outfit that was out to rub everyone, especially free and open-source software users and developers, the wrong way. Instead, Nadella has tried to cultivate a touchy-feely image and make steps to break the impasse with FOSS developers.

The India-born Nadella has ensured that some of Microsoft's products have been open-sourced. His tone, and the tenor of debate between Microsoft and other companies, has been moderate, unlike in the days of Bill Gates or Steve Ballmer when conflict was the preferred option. But the company's old policy of "embrace, extend, extinguish", still seems to be very much part of its strategy.

For example, in the case of SQL Server, a Linux version of which was released with much brouhaha, only a subset of features are available in this version, compared to that which runs natively on Windows. And Microsoft, while providing versions of its its well-known Office software for competing platforms like Android, has still to make any move to open source its crown jewels: Windows and Office.

All the emphasis on its cloud operations cannot hide the fact that Microsoft is yet to sign up to any patent deals, such as the Open Invention Network or the LOT Network, that make the use of Linux safer.

The OIN holds a pool of patents that can be used against any company which threatens to sue Linux or applications that are essential to its functioning. The latter provides three free patents to any member to use against patent attacks by so-called patent trolls.

These organisations were set up after SCO, the former Caldera, sued IBM in March 2003 over "misappropriation of trade secrets, tortious interference, unfair competition and breach of contract."

SCO also claimed that Linux was an unauthorised derivative of Unix and warned commercial Linux users that they could be legally liable for violation of intellectual copyright. SCO later expanded its claims against IBM to US$3 billion in June 2003 when it said it was withdrawing IBM's licence for its own Unix, AIX. Nothing came of the case, but remnants of it are still dragging on, with only lawyers having benefitted.

Microsoft was long suspected to have financed SCO in this lawsuit.

Thus, open source developers have not been exactly enthusiastic about GitHub being taken over by an old enemy.

And then there is the Friedman factor. His close mate De Icaza was a co-founder of the GNOME Desktop Project in 1997, a DE that runs on Linux. Yet, De Icaza was one of the biggest proponents for Microsoft.

The apparent reason behind the emergence of GNOME, when there was already one thriving Linux desktop environment, KDE, was because KDE used QT, a toolkit from Trolltech which was not under a free software or open source software licence. KDE got underway in 1996 and, by the time GNOME came along, was already quite a good desktop for GNU/Linux and UNIX. (QT was later released under the GNU General Public Licence as well).

Along with Friedman, De Icaza started a company in 1999; called International Gnome Support in the planning stages, it was better known as Helix Code and later as Ximian. The aim of the company was to market the GNOME desktop commercially. It was bought by Novell in August 2003.

De Icaza and Friedman were acquainted before they met - at Microsoft in 1997 where Friedman was an intern on the IIS team. De Icaza interviewed for a job at Redmond, to join the team that was porting the company's Java VM to the Sparc, but was unsuccessful.

In the past, talk about KDE and GNOME used to often degenerate into a flamewar. The two projects were supposedly co-operating on some aspects of desktop development; according to Wikipedia, both were participating "in Freedesktop.org, an effort to standardise Unix desktop interoperability, although there is still some friendly competition between them."

In 2001 Ximian quietly used terms as "kde", "konqueror", "dcop" (the KDE "Desktop Communications Protocol"), and kparts (the KDE component model) as Google adwords for its own ads. When KDE developers Kurt Granroth and Andreas Pour published an article titled "'Business Ethics' in the Open Source Community?" which chastised Ximian for this deceitful practice, Friedman had sufficient chutzpah to say: "We knew what we were doing," noting that Ximian's goal was to ensure "as many users for Ximian GNOME as possible," within the context of "friendly competition." Bizspeak at its finest.

When de Icaza was cast aside by Novell after it was bought by the Attachmate group in 2010  Attachmate chief Jeff Hawn told me that Mono had a very small number of loyal customers, all primarily in the gaming sector  he set up a company called Xamarin along with Friedman to continue with Mono development.

De Icaza's constant pushing of Microsoft technologies made him an object of scorn in FOSS circles. When Microsoft threw him a bone in March 2016 by purchasing Xamarin, many in the FOSS community breathed a sigh of relief.

He began developing Mono with the claim that it would pull open source developers to build software using .NET technologies. He was obsessed with Microsoft from the time he interviewed for a job there and was not chosen. He was acquainted with Friedman before the pair met at Microsoft where the latter was an intern on the IIS team.

But tailgating Microsoft has benefitted De Icaza financially. He got his first payday when Ximian was bought by Novell. He became a vice-president at Novell, but found himself without a home seven years later when the Attachmate group bought Novell, took it private, finding Mono to be of no use in its strategy.

De Icaza then started Xamarin to continue with Mono development, and managed to attract US$82 million from venture capital firms.

As with .NET, de Icaza was besotted with Microsoft's Silverlight technology which the company once claimed would become a replacement for Adobe's Flash. he was so much in love with Silverlight, that he started an open-source effort to clone it, called Moonlight.

But he was blindsided when Microsoft decided to ditch Silverlight as it was not gaining sufficient traction. When parts of .NET were open-sourced in 2014, de Icaza had to again manufacture an explanation for continuing with Mono.

Had not de Icaza had all this history one has no doubt that Microsoft would have picked him to head GitHub. Instead they have chosen Friedman, a silent partner in all de Icaza's ventures. But the FOSS community still remembers what went on during those years. And, if anything, Friedman's heading GitHub will lead to developers moving away, rather than attracting them.
HR company PageUp People has suffered a huge data breach due to a malware infection and could have leaked details of personnel from a number of companies which are its clients: the Commonwealth Bank. the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Telstra, NAB, Coles, Aldi, Medibank, Australia Post, Target, Reserve Bank of Australia, Officeworks, Kmart, Linfox, AMP, Asahi, Sony, Newcrest, the University of Tasmania and Lindt.

The company said in a statement on its website that the breach had been noticed on 23 May and five days later investigations showed that client data may have been compromised.

Chief executive and co-founder Karen Cariss said a third party was providing assistance in a forensic probe into the breach.

"...we can share that the source of the incident was a malware infection," Cariss said. "The malware has been eradicated from our systems and we have confirmed that our anti-malware signatures can now detect the malware. We see no further signs of malicious or unauthorised activity and are confident in this assessment."

Wonder what the odds are this would have been reported without mandatory data breach notification laws...  Shogun Cybersecurity (@ShogunCySec) 6 June 2018

She said that if personal data had been leaked, then it could include name, contact details, ID and authentication data such as usernames and passwords which had been encrypted.

FFS. PageUp has no business retaining TFNs at all. They can collect and pass off to employer but retention is balls out dumb. https://t.co/jjfuGSMaNa  Cail Young ? (@cailyoung) 6 June 2018

The Australian Cyber Security Centre, Australia's CERT, and the UK National Cyber Security Centre had been informed, Cariss said, adding that PageUp was liaising with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

Australia Post said it was "managing an issue following advice from PageUp, a third-party supplier that has helped us process external job applications since October 2016, that theyve experienced a system breach".

It added that it had shut down its careers website. Also shutting down jobs websites were Telstra and AGL.

Coles said it had suspended all connections between its systems and those of PageUp until it gauged the extent of the breach.

"We have asked for urgent responses from PageUp and are also conducting our own investigations," the supermarket said in a statement.

"Coles is not currently aware of any fraudulent activity relating to anyone's data occurring as a result of the security breach.

"However, we recommend that any person who has applied online for a position with Coles in the past 18 months check to ensure that there has been no recent unusual activity concerning their personal information and maintain a close watch on the use of their personal information."

Commenting on the breach, Tony Smales, chief executive of security outfit Forticode, said: "An unfortunate side-effect for them will be the loss of trust in their brand and service."

He said as PageUp had a global customer base, the company would come under both Australia's mandatory data breach law and also the General Data Protection Regulation in the EU "where the fines can be significant  especially if health, financial or government associated information is breached such as social security".

Smales said as people would have provided personal and identifying information (such as past workplaces, contact details for referees, birthplace and addresses) to PageUp, the breach would directly affect not just them, "but the entire industry which places trust in these services".

Additional implications were the fact that a complete profile could be built from the data that had leaked, he said. "A thought I often have in this age is when such a fraud event occurs, who will the insurance companies come after? This is on top of any legislative events or fines issued by government.

"If Company A loses your TFN and then a fraud event happens with the ATO, using that TFN, who should ultimately shoulder the accountability associated to that event? The company that asked you to put your information into Company A? Company A itself? The Insurer? You? Or the ATO? Its a bit of a hornets' nest."

Smales added that it would be possible for those whose details had been leaked to be easily drawn into phishing scams.
Queensland-based company Byte Power Party has lost US$6.6 million in cryptocurrency, due to a backdoor in the currency, after a deal with Singapore's Soar Labs soured.

A report in Bankinfosecurity said Queensland police had launched a criminal investigation into the case. The two companies settled outside court last week.

Limited details about the case have been made public, but more of the story emerged at last week's AusCERT conference on the Gold Coast when an officer with Queensland's Financial and Cyber Crime Group mentioned the criminal probe, keeping the names of the companies out of his talk but pointing to the case as one that illustrated the risks of doing business deals with cryptocurrencies.

Bankinfosecurity said it had consulted many security professionals to try and ascertain the details and Rendition Infosec chief Jake Williams, a former NSA hacker, has discovered the business deal between Byte Power Group and Soar Labs. The details had been confirmed by the Queensland Police on Tuesday.

Soar Labs issued its own cryptocurrency in July 2017 with soarcoin being based on ethereum. The company announced about a month prior to the ICO that it would be taking a 49% stake in Byte Power Party, a subsidiary of Byte Power Group, and as part of the deal a cryptocurrency exchange would be set up in Australia.

While the 49% stake was valued at US$5 million, Soar Labs only contributed US$100,000 in cash with the balance paid as 306 million soarcoins; at that time a soarcoin was worth US$0.016.

Problems arose in January this year, with Byte Power Group informing the ASX that 79.2 million soarcoins held by Byte Power Party and another 34.6 million soarcoins held by its chief executive, Alvin Phua, had been temporarily suspended.

Two days before this, Soar Labs had claimed that Byte Power Group had not sold the soarcoins it owned at "manageable levels" and using what it obtained to pay off debts, which included pending salaries of directors.

The ASX was informed by Byte Power Group on 2 February that the soarcoins had been pilfered from its e-wallets on January; it said 214 million soarcoins worth about US$6.6 million at the time had been taken.

The Singapore High Court came into the picture when Byte Power Group sought and obtained an injunction against Soar Labs, freezing some of its bank accounts and e-wallets.

The method by which Soar Labs took the soarcoins was by using a backdoor in the soarcoin code, according to Queensland Police. This was confirmed by a German company.

A spokesperson for Byte Power Group said it could not provide any more details apart from what it had provided to the ASX. But the spokesperson was willing to say that "the way in which the smart contracts were written allowed them [Soar Labs] to remove the coins, which the company itself wasn't aware of at the time until the coins were actually taken".

Bankinfosecurity said it had asked Nicholas Weaver, a researcher with the International Computer Science Institute, to look at the soarcoin code. He quickly discovered a zero-fee transaction function that could only be accessed by the owner of the smart contract  Soar Labs.

Said Weaver: "If I'm the account owner, I can call that function and transfer a balance from anybody to anybody. It's best described as a backdoor hiding in plain sight."

He added that the code meant the owner of the contract could rewrite balances at will.

Under a settlement reached by the two companies, Soar Labs will transfer its 49% stake in Byte Power Party to Byte Power Group, pay US$1.7 million and also give Byte Power Group five million soarcoins.
Researchers have discovered that malware dubbed VPNFilter affects many more brands of routers than first thought, adding six more names to the list they enumerated on 23 May. They have also found that it can deliver exploits to endpoints.

Cisco's Talos Intelligence Group researcher William Largent said on Wednesday that it was now known that routers made by ASUS, D-Link, Huawei, Ubiquiti, UPVEL, and ZTE were also susceptible to infection by the malware that Cisco has said it suspects of being backed by a nation-state.

No indication was given as to the current extent of spread of the malware; the first advisory had said that about half-a-million devices were infected.

When the first report was released, it was mentioned that a majority of the devices that were infected happened to be in Ukraine. The FBI then announced that it had seized control of the domain for the secondary command-and-control server, thus making a reboot a method of preventing infection.

But the agency's advice, for everyone to reboot their routers in order to avoid infection, came in for criticism from well-known researcher Robert Graham, the head of Errata Security, who"moronic".

The malware infects an IoT device and then downloads code from two C&C servers sequentially in order to be present in its fully functional state. The first-stage server was taken offline before the FBI seized control of the domain for the second.

In Wednesday's update, Largent said he had also found that new models of Linksys, MikroTik, Netgear, and TP-Link routers were susceptible to infection.

He said a new stage 3 module, that injected malicious content into Web traffic as it passed through a network device, had been found.

"At the time of our initial posting, we did not have all of the information regarding the suspected stage 3 modules. The new module allows the actor to deliver exploits to endpoints via a man-in-the-middle capability (e.g. they can intercept network traffic and inject malicious code into it without the user's knowledge)," Largent said.

"With this new finding, we can confirm that the threat goes beyond what the actor could do on the network device itself, and extends the threat into the networks that a compromised network device supports."

He said in addition, an additional stage 3 module, that provided any stage 2 module that lacks the kill command the capability to disable the device, had been discovered.

"When executed, this module specifically removes traces of the VPNFilter malware from the device and then renders the device unusable," Largent noted.

For the nerdy, Largent has provided a detailed technical explanation of his new findings.

The updated list of vulnerable devices is:

Asus

RT-AC66U (new)

RT-N10 (new)

RT-N10E (new)

RT-N10U (new)

RT-N56U (new)

RT-N66U (new)



D-Link

DES-1210-08P (new)

DIR-300 (new)

DIR-300A (new)

DSR-250N (new)

DSR-500N (new)

DSR-1000 (new)

DSR-1000N (new)



Huawei

HG8245 (new)



Linksys

E1200

E2500

E3000 (new)

E3200 (new)

E4200 (new)

RV082 (new)

WRVS4400N



MikroTik

CCR1009 (new)

CCR1016

CCR1036

CCR1072

CRS109 (new)

CRS112 (new)

CRS125 (new)

RB411 (new)

RB450 (new)

RB750 (new)

RB911 (new)

RB921 (new)

RB941 (new)

RB951 (new)

RB952 (new)

RB960 (new)

RB962 (new)

RB1100 (new)

RB1200 (new)

RB2011 (new)

RB3011 (new)

RB Groove (new)

RB Omnitik (new)

STX5 (new)



Netgear

DG834 (new)

DGN1000 (new)

DGN2200

DGN3500 (new)

FVS318N (new)

MBRN3000 (new)

R6400

R7000

R8000

WNR1000

WNR2000

WNR2200 (new)

WNR4000 (new)

WNDR3700 (new)

WNDR4000 (new)

WNDR4300 (new)

WNDR4300-TN (new)

UTM50 (new)



QNAP

TS251

TS439 Pro

Other QNAP NAS devices running QTS software



TP-Link

R600VPN

TL-WR741ND (new)

TL-WR841N (new)



Ubiquiti

NSM2 (new)

PBE M5 (new)



Upvel

Unknown Models* (new)



ZTE

ZXHN H108N (new)
Sydney June 5, 2018 -- Digital experience company Acquia today announced it is rolling out voice-enabled search technologies to government agencies and global brands through development work within Acquia Labs. Focused on improving the accessibility of Georgia.gov, the state agency was the first to roll out voice search capabilities from Acquia Labs last year.

Initial usability metrics were strong, as 79% of searches were completed successfully in the first eight months. Vehicle registration, drivers licences, and state sales tax were among the most popular voice search topics. Acquia Labs has continued developing these capabilities, recently helping a global pet nutrition brand also launch voice search on its digital properties.



Voice search is increasingly becoming a paramount concern for marketing teams that are conscious about reducing friction for their customers. As early as May 2016, Google reported that a fifth of searches on mobile are now conducted by voice. Voice searches are valuable for speed, hands-free convenience, and providing a new level of accessibility in cases where typing long or difficult-to-spell phrases would be challenging.



New channels, technology trends, and devices provide organisations the opportunity to reimagine their customer experience. Developing cross-channel experiences that bypass the browser is increasingly an imperative for global brands, said Dries Buytaert, Acquia co-founder and CTO. Our in-house R&D team helps organisations accelerate their innovation and extend experiences to conversational interfaces, digital signage, augmented and virtual reality, and more.





Acquia Labs serves as an R&D lab looking to redefine user experiences and use cases for the web, far beyond the browser. Acquia Labs is composed of a tight-knit team of innovators focused on solving the Internets biggest and most exciting user engagement challenges for Acquia customers.

To see a video of Georgia.govs Alexa skill in action, or to learn more about working with Acquia Labs, visit https://www.acquia.com/resources/acquia-labs.

Acquia is currently hosting Acquia Engage London.
Philippe Le Corre: "In China, the views about data are quite different from the views in the West. "

A French expert on China says that while there is no public evidence that Chinese telecommunications company Huawei has conducted espionage on behalf of Beijing, countries in the West should be careful because "China is not a country like Australia or the UK or the US".

Philippe Le Corre, a former adviser to the French Government and currently a senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School Centre of Business and Government, told Radio National's Breakfast program from Washington that "there is a possibility when you build infrastructure for a civilian operation to use backdoors in order to obtain certain data".

The interview was broadcast on Tuesday, with interviewer Hamish Mcdonald having interrogated Huawei Australia chairman John Lord on Monday about the company's operations and the numerous accusations it faces in the US and elsewhere.

Asked whether, based on what he knew about Huawei's operations around the world, Australia should be concerned that the company was seeking to play a role in the rollout of the 5G network, Le Corre said Canberra should indeed be concerned.

"Well, indeed it should. I mean, of course you have this presence in 170 countries and indeed I hear what (John) Lord said about being a private company and operating in all these countries. You know, there's been evidences of links of this company Huawei with the Chinese government at least not capitalistically but, you know, they have strong connections," he said.

"And the fact that Huawei is now the number one telecom infrastructure builder and owner in China means that it has a lot of political connections. And as far as the rest of the world is concerned, it is now trying to develop its device business. But it has provided a number of utilities, infrastructures, to governments.

"The market in Europe in particular seems, at least half of the market (is) owned by Huawei. Some countries have been easier than others, certainly the UK and somewhat Germany. But there is some concern, first about the possible connections between Huawei and the Communist Party and the Chinese state, that's one thing.

"And secondly there's been this long-term issue of state aid which has helped Huawei to develop its business in Europe in what's been seen as as unfair competition by the European Commission in particular which tried to take some action a few years ago."

In Australia, nearly six years ago, Huawei was denied any role in supplying equipment to the country's national broadband network project, following advice by ASIS, one of the country's spy agencies.

Mcdonald asked about the accusations made regularly by US intelligence and some US politicians that Huawei helps the Chinese Government conduct espionage activities and adding whether there was any actual evidence "that we know of publicly, that supports that?"

Le Corre answered that there was nothing in the open space. "Well, there's no... it's not in the open space but there is... the founder of the company was a senior colonel in the People's Liberation Army and the current chair is also a former military engineer," he responded.

"And they have connections with military regions across China and indeed with Chinese embassies around the world. Now you might say that any company has connections with embassies, but as it happens China is not a country like Australia or the UK or the US. It does have, you know, a certain set of principles that are not necessarily the same values as we have in the West."

Le Corre said the question raised the issue of backdoors. "As far as the question you asked there's this issue of backdoors. I'm not a technical person or expert myself, not a telecom expert, but there is a possibility when you build infrastructure for a civilian operation to use backdoors in order to obtain certain data," he said.

"I think that's what's of high concern to people here in the US and increasingly, I would say, in Europe. Obviously they have developed a number of research facilities for 5G and I think that's the issue in Australia and, in fact, very few people have invested in this domain quite sadly.

"Which means that the number of competitors may not be, you know, a lot. Having said that, it doesn't mean we shouldn't pay attention to what this company is and to the sort of lack of transparency that's been characterising its rise over the past 10 years in these 170 countries. I mean, you could name any region in the world, Huawei is quite involved there, from Africa to Latin America."

Mcdonald pointed to the answers provided by Lord about Huawei operating within the law in whichever country it was operating.

"But there are these new Chinese national intelligence laws introduced last year which suggest that the national intelligence agencies can call on any individual or organisation to co-operate with espionage activities," he said.

"How is it possible for this company to be compliant with Chinese laws and compliant with laws in the countries where they are operating in circumstances where they might contradict - and it's pretty obvious in that case where they might contradict?"

Lord seized on this. "Well, exactly," he said. "You see what's happening in China now is the current regime has become more authoritarian than the previous one over the last 30 years, You now have a regime which has been dealing with the Chinese diaspora around the world and tried to use different networks to get information about the rest of the diaspora and also, as you referred, on intelligence issues.

"There have been cases of Chinese experts or academics involved in such espionage around the world. As far as a company like Huawei is concerned, they will have to be very cautious about doing that, but again the laws that you refer to and the connections with the state and the government and we're talking about sensitive fields which is about accessing data.

"In China, the views about data are quite different from the views in the West. You can basically access big data in China when you are a senior government official which is not the case in Australia or in the rest of the Western world. For that reason, I would be incredibly cautious."

Huawei faced problems in the US in January, with a deal for AT&T to sell its phones on plans being cancelled at the last minute.

And following this, Verizon was reported to have yielded to pressure from the US Government to stop selling Huawei devices. In February, US intelligence chiefs warned against the use of Huawei equipment.

Mcdonald then raised the way the UK deals with Huawei. "You pointed out that the attitude in Europe towards this company has been different. We're interested in the idea that in the UK there's something called the Cell. It's part of Huawei somewhere in Oxfordshire it's a cyber security centre that exists to ensure its technology can't be compromised for nefarious purposes. It seems to be effectively oversight by the spy agency GCHQ. Can you explain whether that is what makes a country like the UK more comfortable with Huawei's involvement in the network?" he asked.

Le Corre did not appear to be convinced by the arrangement. "Well, I don't think it is that comfortable to be honest. Originally it was announced about 10 years ago or perhaps eight or nine years ago... You're right, it is the GCHQ which is a cabinet-level agency in Downing Street. They are sort of supervising Huawei materials that are coming into the UK and operating infrastructure for BT or for Vodafone, for example.

"But it doesn't mean everything has to go through that cell, that mechanism and then again, we live in the world of cloud computing and big data. I don't believe having this lab, it's kind of a lab really, means that the whole of the UK is protected from an outside operator.

"And again, there's this issue of values, and conflicts of interest which are essential to the UK. So there's been actually quite a bit of discussion within the House of Commons and I was actually referring to it in my book that came out two years ago China's offensive in Europe. And you know the House of Commons Select Committee on National Security issues was quite dubious about the efficiency of the mechanism used."
Windows 10 breached the 70% share barrier last month when calculated as a portion of Windows-only desktops and laptops, putting the operating system on track to account for three out of every four Windows PCs by the end of January.

According to U.S. analytics vendor Net Applications, Windows 10's share jumped by 2.8 percentage points, the most since January, and ended October on 64% of all systems. When figured as a fraction of Windows-only machines, Windows 10 accounted for 72.2%, a record for the five-year-old OS. This second number is the more important of the pair, as it provides the most accurate representation of Windows 10's position within the business universe, where runs-on-Microsoft remains central.

(Windows 10's percentage of only Windows PCs was larger than the percentage of all personal computers because Windows did not power every system last month. In October, Windows was the OS on 88.8% of all PCs worldwide, up one-tenth of a percentage point from September. Of the remaining 11% and bits, all but a picayune 10th of a point ran macOS, Linux or Chrome OS.)

Windows 10 has been piling up the share this year, pandemic and business chaos be damned. Through the first 10 months of 2020, Windows 10 has added 10.7 percentage points of share, representing a 20% increase.

Meanwhile, Windows 7 took a dive almost as steep as Windows 10's climb.

Windows 7 lost 2.4 points of share, plummeting to 20.4% of all personal computers, representing 23% of Windows-only PCs. The downturn was the largest one-month decline since January 2020 and the final number was a record low for Windows 7 on its post-2015 swan song.

So far this year, Windows 7 has shed 9.2 points of share, which represents a 31% decline in the operating system since January 1.

Windows 10 shoots for 80% by mid-2021

The major changes to Windows' shares upended the forecasts Computerworld made as recently as a month ago.

Windows 10's prognostication skewed upwards compared to the one issued at the beginning of October. By April, Windows 10 should account for more than 78% of all Windows, up two percentage points from the previous prediction. Come June 2021, Windows 10 should own 80% of all Windows editions, a point above the former forecast.

On the other hand, Windows 7's decline-of-doom will continue. The now-retired OS will slip under the 20% mark (of all Windows) in February 2021, two months sooner than had been expected. And by August, the operating system should be below 15%, two points lower than the forecast of a month ago. (At the end of January 2021, near the one-year anniversary of its retirement, Windows 7 will account for about 20% of all Windows, a couple of points under October's estimate.)

Elsewhere in Net Applications' numbers, Linux rebounded after two consecutive months of losses, adding seven-tenths of a percentage point and bringing its total share up to 2.2 points. While that was below its peak of 3.6 points in June and July 2020, it put paid to the Computerworld theory that the sudden growth of the OS (Net Applications tallies all distributions) was little more than the aftereffects of an open-source daydream.

As Linux again jumped, macOS took a drubbing, losing 1.3 points  a one-month record  to end up licking its wounds at 8.4%, the lowest mark of the last three years.

Net Applications calculates operating system share by detecting the agent strings of the browsers used to reach the websites of Net Applications' clients. The firm tallies visitor sessions of those browsers to measure global operating system activity.

Or it used to.

At the same time it published October's share numbers, Net Applications announced that it was pulling the plug on its OS metrics. "October 2020 is the last month of data," the company said. "Why? An upcoming change in browsers will break our device detection technology and will cause inaccuracies for a long period of time."

The change Net Applications cited would remove much of the agent string information used not only to compile analytics such as operating system share, but also by advertisers and/or scammers to "fingerprint" individuals so that they can be more thoroughly tracked as they conduct their online lives.

Computerworld has not yet decided whether to continue the "Windows by the numbers" series, and if so, which alternate data source might be used.

Stay tuned.
ABC News(GUATEMALA CITY) -- With the death toll from one of the most violent volcano eruptions in Guatemalan history climbing to 75, rescuers said hope was dwindling of finding survivors.



As the Volcan de Fuego continued to belch and rumble, hundreds of rescuers in hard hats and with shovels fanned out to search for the missing, combing through ash and rock that cascaded down the volcano's steep slopes on Sunday and buried villages and vehicles.



"We don't rule out the possibility of some person alive, but the condition in which the homes are [in] makes that possibility pretty unlikely," Julio Sanchez, a spokesman for the fire department in Escuintla, told reporters.



Officials said 192 people were still unaccounted for.



The U.S. military was expected to fly children burned by hot ash and volcanic debris to the Galveston Shriners Hospital pediatric burn center in Galveston, Texas.



The volcano, about 25 miles from Guatemala City, the country's capital, is one of the most active in the region. But locals said they have never witnessed an eruption as powerful as the one that occurred around 2 p.m. on Sunday.



When the Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii erupted May 6 and sent a river of hot lava flowing over roads and houses as it cut a wide swath to the Pacific Ocean, many people had already heeded evacuation orders and escaped danger.



But authorities in Guatemala said that while they had been monitoring the volcano since early Sunday morning, they never expected it would explode with such violence. No evacuation orders were issued until it was too late for many, officials said.



The eruption sent a plume of smoke and fire soaring more than 3,000 feet in the sky and sent 1,300-degree ash and volcanic particles cascading down the slopes of the 12,346-foot volcano.



Homes and structures in villages at the foot of the volcano, including hard-hit El Rodeo, were covered in ash and mud, leaving the once lush, green vegetation coated in gray.



Officials are also worried that rain in the forecast could trigger mudslides like one in the San Pedro Soloma area that killed 12 people a year ago, and another that struck in the mountain Village of El Cambray in October 2015 that killed 280 people and destroyed more than 200 homes.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Reddit 135 Email 976 Shares

Richmond, Va. (Informed Comment)  Alongside their throttlehold over which reporters can visit what parts of Yemen, and thus what story they can tell, Saudi and Emirati investments in public relations, lobbying, think-tanks, and political consultants are shaping the narrative about their war there. Headline writers, pundits, Wikipedia, news correspondents, and even some so-called experts frame the asymmetric conflict as a proxy war. Sunnis nations led by Saudi Arabia are battling Shi`a Iran and its regional proxies, the story goes; the worlds worst man-made humanitarian disaster thus appears as un-named collateral damage.

The word proxy, incongruously accompanied by the label of a civil war between an internationally recognized government and Iranian-backed militia, rationalizes the unwarranted, unprovoked Saudi-UAE intervention in Yemen. Some headlines and stories reflect sloppy journalism and the tendency to mindlessly reiterate hackneyed tag-lines. However, make no mistake: big petrodollar spending around DuPont Circle systematically produces a story-line that exonerates the murder and starvation of Yemenis who are not even Shi`a in the name of countering overblown Iranian influence.

A proxy war is a clash between contending powers that do not engage directly in combat. Rather, rivals arm, train, and goad third parties in smaller countries to fight one another. The classic Cold War cases were civil or cross-border wars in Central America and southern Africa where communist or socialist forces battled US clients. In the big antagonism between patrons  the Soviet Union and the United States  the battlefield was in the so-called Third World. Some sources (like Wikipedia) characterize the Korean and Vietnam wars as proxy conflicts, because the American objective was to defeat communist proxies; but these conflicts, named for the places US forces engaged, are more commonly, and accurately, recalled as direct American interventions, or instances of American imperialism. Like scores of US interventions during the era of bipolar competition, they reflected a hegemonic urge to insulate friendly allies from popular revolutions, and to perpetuate dependent regimes.

The US- and UK- supported Saudi and UAE dynasties and their hired analysts insist that their Yemeni adversary is a proxy of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The inference is that Arab Gulf monarchies righteously resist Iranian  or Shi`a  influence in the Peninsula. Therefore, forty months of relentless bombing and blockade are justified as self-defense.

Poppycock. Sure, the Houthi militia have ex post facto Iranian support  not in their several pre-2011 rebellions against the Salih government, but more recently. When they swept into Sana`a in 2014, with the turncoat support of Salih and his regiments, they instigated regular flights to and from Tehran. This infuriated the Saudi and Emirati governments, who ordered the bombing of Sana`as runways and the indefinite shutdown of the airport. Improbably and irrationally, given the domestic roots of their grievances, the Houthis adopted Iranian slogans death to America, death to Israel. PressTV and other Iranian propaganda outlets champion the Houthi cause.

Civilian transport and propaganda do not, however, proxies make. The evidence of Houthis receiving Iranian arms despite the strangling Saudi-led, US-backed air and naval blockade is thin; the missiles they fire are low-tech and antiquated, mostly leftovers from the Soviet era. Iranians have not been filmed inside of Yemen. If anything, cries of Iranian-backed grossly inflate Tehrans influence, and even that is more self-fulfilling after-the-fact prophesy than casus belli. No reasonable claim can be advanced that the Houthis take their marching orders or even their inspiration from the Islamic Republic. Two rather aside points in this regard: first, until recently the Persian Twelvers did not even consider the Zaydi Fivers as Shi`a; and secondly, the cold war between Tehran and Riyadh is as much about republican vs. royal visions of an Islamic state as it is a denominational confrontation between the two great branches of Islam.

Moreover, the internationally recognized government has been in comfortable exile in Riyadh since March or April of 2015. Internationally recognized is another way of saying that the so-called government of Abdarrubuh Mansur Hadi  often portrayed as a puppet  has no domestic mandate or following, only Gulf sponsors. These patrons, particularly Saudi Arabia, have a history of meddling in Yemen against popular movements and democratic impulses. Among other instances, the House of Saud backed the Zaydi Imamate against republican officers in North Yemen during the 1962-1970 civil war: then, and perhaps now, the fear of republicanism over-rode any antipathy towards Zaydi Shi`ism. The Gulf patriarchies worried about uprisings in North Africa; the mass protests in Yemen in 2011  led, incidentally, by women  caused genuine panic in the palaces.

The most dangerous aspect of the proxy war against Iranian-backed militia narrative is that it deflects attention away from indisputable war crimes. The Saudi-led coalition is now making a push on the strategic Red Sea port of al-Hudaydah, which has already been out of commission for three years and remains occupied by Houthi rebels. Al-Hudaydah port and the governorate of al-Hudaydah lie along the Red Sea coastal plain known as the Tihama. The people of the Tihama, residents of fishing, herding, pottery-and-basket-making, and sharecropping communities who have already suffered disproportionately from Saudi-led bombing and the naval blockade, are dark-skinned Yemenis of mixed Arab and African ancestry. Spiritually, they identify with the Shafi`i denomination of Sunni Islam. Socially, they are the poorest of the poor. Politically, they have no sympathy for the Houthis, much less Iran.

The victims of the coming  or current  onslaught are not proxies of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. They are starving children under attack by filthy-rich monarchies wielding the most advanced weapons Britain and the United States have to sell.

-

Bonus video added by Informed Comment:

Yemen: the world looks away | DW Documentary
Reddit Email 79 Shares

Detroit (The Conversation)  War in Syria and the refugee crisis have been the subject of a heated debate in United States politics, leading to a travel ban and drastic reduction in the number refugees to the U.S. this year. We occasionally hear about brutal deaths and starvation of civilians in Syria from the news, as a far concept happening in another world. This is a group of people who may justifiably feel betrayed by the world.

Two refugee children play at Tolan Park, a research and treatment center in Detroit, the site of the authors research.

David Dalton/Wayne State University, CC BY-SA



But what do we know about those who made it to the U.S. before the travel ban? How hard were they hit by the horrifying experience of war, torture and living in refugee camps? And how are they coping with years of exposure to trauma and stress prior to arrival in the U.S. and the stress of migration?

Our research team, Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic STARC at Wayne State University, has been exploring the psychological impact of traumatic experiences in Syrian adult and children refugees. We believe our findings underscore the need for immediate attention to the mental health of this population.

Their experience before landing in the US

Before the civil war, Syria was a relatively stable country. In a short period, Syrian civilians found themselves in the chaos of a very confusing disaster. Access to food, water and medical care became extremely limited, and people survived  and still do  day by day.

It is hard to know which group is fighting which, and what they want from civilians within their momentary territory. Children and adults are often exposed to explosions, direct threat of death, sight or news of death, mutilation, or torture of their loved ones.

Those who had enough resources to leave, and the luck of surviving the flight, ended up in refugee camps in Turkey, Greece or other nearby countries. There, they often lived in terrible conditions for a couple of years, having left their dead or living family members and belongings in Syria.

A very small group, who have gone through a detailed vetting, have ended up in European countries, and a much lower number have in the U.S. (less than 0.5 percent). Those who end up in the U.S. have been in a camp for about a couple of years. So, despite what some may believe, getting a refugee status in the U.S. was not easy before the travel ban.

What is post-traumatic stress disorder?

Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a consequence of exposure to extreme traumatic experiences such as combat, torture, assault, rape, robbery or serious motor vehicle accidents. Such experiences switch the brain to survival mode, attempting to avoid re-traumatization. Symptoms include high anxiety, avoiding reminders of trauma (sights, sounds, smells, memories), emotional numbness, hyper-vigilance, frequent intrusive memories of the traumatic experience, nightmares and flashbacks.

PTSD is often accompanied by depression, which by itself is one of the most debilitating medical conditions. One could imagine how hard it is for a person with the above symptoms, to venture out and explore the new environment, which is an important behavior needed for successful assimilation.

What do we know about their mental health?

Focus of resettlement of Syrian refugees has been on immediate minimum housing and financial and physical health care needs. Mental health, which requires greater language and cultural familiarity, has typically not been a priority before and after arrival in the U.S.

Our bilingual team at STARC, many of whom are refugee doctors, took the challenge of screening Syrian and Iraqi refugees for common consequences of exposure to extreme traumatic experiences and stress of migration. Screening happened within the first month of arrival in the U.S., after a mandatory physical health screening.

Our findings are alarming: 1 in 3 men and women screen positive for PTSD (similar to the lifetime prevalence in Vietnam War veterans), nearly half show a high level of depression, and half exhibit high anxiety. Half of children show high anxiety. Nearly 80 percent separation anxiety in children restricts their ability to go to school and explore their new world. The number one concern expressed by teachers is their difficulty attending school because of high separation anxiety. This is especially critical because cumulative research shows serious negative effects of untreated childhood trauma on mental and physical health in adulthood.

What are we doing for them?

The situation of refugees is complicated by chronic stress of migration, lack of resources, and difficulty navigating the complicated U.S. medical system.

PTSD, and other consequences of trauma, are treatable, and we have effective methods of addressing them. However, access is limited by lack of providers skilled in treatment of trauma who are fluent in culture and language. That has led to efforts in using creative methods of addressing trauma and stress in refugees.



David Dalton/Wayne State University , CC BY-SA



Despite the unwelcoming attitude of the current administration toward Muslim refugees, the state of Michigan has been more hospitable, providing support for a few projects addressing trauma in refugees. Our group has focused on less costly, more easily disseminated methods of addressing stress, specifically for children.

With support from the state and a few foundations, and in collaboration with the community, we provide mindful yoga to mothers and art, dance and movement therapy for children in a culturally familiar context, with a focus on emotional stress. Our pilot data shows feasibility, participation by refugees and community building. These interventions have led to reduction in symptoms of stress, especially separation anxiety symptoms.

One of our most touching experiences was when we learned that a Holocaust survivor wants to donate to our research. I identified with them and I identified with the children. My heart was breaking for these people, so it brought back memories. I was a refugee child, the person told us.

Bottom line

Migration has always happened for happy or sad reasons, and it will continue. We can do a lot to protect the refugee families, and those children who will be future American adults, against the profound lifelong negative impact of trauma, depression and forced migration. These measures can assure a productive, functional and well-assimilated future for them. We as citizens may have to take charge and make that decision, before it is too late.

Arash Javanbakht, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Wayne State University

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Featured Photo: Shazia Siddiqi, a social worker with STARC, talks to a refugee child at Tolan Park.Source: David Dalton/Wayne State University. CC BY-SA
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Americas Silver Corporation (TSX: USA) (NYSE American: USAS) (Americas Silver or the Company) is pleased to provide an update on exploration activities at its two operating properties, the 100%-owned Cosala Operations in Sinaloa, Mexico and the 100%-owned Galena Complex in Wallace, Idaho and a brief update on its new San Rafael Mine. The Cosala Operations includes the Zone 120 deposit, adjacent to the San Rafael Mine.

Exploration Highlights

Cosala Operations - Zone 120

Hole SR-435 with multiple intervals including: 20.13 1 meters grading 249g/t Ag, 0.38g/t Au, and 0.76% Cu ( 362g/t AgEq 2 ) 29.94 meters grading 203g/t Ag, 0.31g/t Au, and 0.61% Cu ( 295g/t AgEq ) 10.65 meters grading 123g/t Ag, 0.16g/t Au, and 0.27% Cu ( 166g/t AgEq )

Hole SR-438 with 6.20 meters grading 620g/t Ag, 0.75g/t Au, and 1.32% Cu ( 825g/t AgEq ) including 1.05 meters at 1,051g/t Ag, 1.42g/t Au and 2.33% Cu ( 1,419g/t AgEq )

) including 1.05 meters at 1,051g/t Ag, 1.42g/t Au and 2.33% Cu ( ) Hole SR-439 with 5.15 meters grading 166g/t Ag, 0.15g/t Au, and 0.06% Cu (184g/t AgEq)

Galena Complex

3200 Level  Strike extension of Upper Country Lead Zone Hole 32-055 with 6.65 meters grading 160g/t Ag and 8.20% Pb ( 488g/t AgEq ) Hole 32-059 with 3.17 meters grading 387g/t Ag and 11.41% Pb ( 843g/t AgEq )

4300 Level  Vertical extension of the 366 Foot Wall (FW) structure Hole 43-188 with 24.09 meters grading 107g/t Ag and 5.25% Pb ( 317g/t AgEq ) including 6.83 meters at 158g/t Ag and 8.11% Pb ( 482g/t AgEq ) Hole 43-189 with 4.57 meters grading 100g/t Ag and 7.26% Pb ( 391g/t AgEq )



These excellent drill results at both of our operating complexes continue to expand our silver resources allowing for future low capital and operating cost production, said Darren Blasutti, President and CEO of Americas Silver Corporation, With the San Rafael mill processing 1,650 tonnes per operating day with further ramp up expected, our cash costs and all-in sustaining costs will continue to reduce over the remainder of the year.

San Rafael Update

The mine and mill continued to make steady progress through the end of May, 2018. Ore production is exceeding mill feed requirements with development into the Main and Upper Zones remaining on plan. The mill is treating 1,650 tonnes per operating day and building consistency at this level; throughput is targeted to reach 1,700 tonnes per operating day by the end of the second quarter.

Cosala Operations - Zone 120 Exploration Results

Drill results are now available for holes SR-433 through SR-441. Significant intercepts in excess of 100g/t AgEq and with widths greater than 4 meters are shown in Table 1. A complete summary of the drill results can be found on the Companys website at www.americassilvercorp.com.

Table 1: Zone 120 Drill Results

Hole From To True Width Ag Au Cu AgEq (m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (g/t) SR-435 261.90 273.30 10.65 123 0.16 0.27 166 Including 263.20 264.65 1.35 334 0.24 0.75 437 SR-435 295.70 317.25 20.13 249 0.38 0.76 362 Including 303.95 305.10 1.07 491 0.75 1.46 712 Including 311.00 312.45 1.35 727 0.91 2.17 1,041 SR-435 295.70 327.75 29.94 203 0.31 0.61 295 SR-438 319.05 325.55 6.20 620 0.75 1.32 825 Including 321.05 323.70 1.05 1,051 1.42 2.33 1,419 SR-439 15.90 21.40 5.15 166 0.15 0.06 184

These latest results conclude the planned 12,000 meter drill program at Zone 120. Analysis of data is underway as part of a mid-year resource estimate. The Company has begun evaluating development alternatives for the project with the goal of prioritizing preferred options by the end of the third quarter.

The Zone 120 deposit is characterized by steeply dipping parallel lenses of Ag-Cu-Au skarn mineralization developed in volcanically derived calcareous sediments adjacent to intermediate intrusive dikes and sills. Skarn mineralization is characterized by disseminated chalcopyrite and tetrahedrite. The mineralization is similar to that at Americas Silvers nearby El Cajon mine which has been mined and processed in the past. Mineralization at Zone 120 has been found over an area greater than 500 meters in length, 300 meters in width and down to a depth of 550 meters. Individual lenses have widths up to 60 meters.

Galena Complex Exploration Results

Exploration drilling at Galena is continuing to successfully expand areas of mineralization near existing underground mine infrastructure. The most recent results have benefited the Upper Country Lead Zone in the 3200 level and identified a possible up-dip extension of the 366 Foot Wall which was mentioned in the press release of April 5, 2018. Significant intercepts for this drilling are shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Galena Complex Drill Results

Hole Area From

(m) To

(m) True Width

(m) Ag

(g/t) Pb

(%) AgEq

(g/t) 32-055 B-Branch 30.18 36.83 6.65 160 8.20 488 32-056 B-Branch 37.20 39.63 2.44 145 7.66 452 32-059 2A Vn 2.44 6.10 3.17 387 11.41 843 32-060 2A Vn 4.27 6.71 2.10 169 5.13 374 32-071 2A Vn 24.39 25.52 1.13 214 13.20 742 32-071 B-Branch 35.06 37.50 2.44 67 3.49 207 43-188 Poss. 366 FW 33.54 57.62 24.09 107 5.25 317 Including 46.22 53.05 6.83 158 8.11 482 43-189 Poss. 366 FW 53.35 57.93 4.57 100 7.26 391 43-189 Poss. 366 FW 67.99 70.67 2.68 171 11.77 642

Development of the Upper Country Lead Zone on the 3200 Level is progressing well. Exploration drifting over the past twelve months has been supported by ongoing diamond drilling to better define and validate the geological model. A total of 391 meters of vein development has identified silver-lead mineralization with an average mined width of 2.6 meters at typical mined grades of 180g/t Ag and 6.2% Pb. Data from the recent diamond drill holes has improved delineation of the eastern extent of the resource and identified new exploration targets along the B-Branch fault zone. Incorporated into the geological model, these drill results have the potential to add a further 362 meters of strike length to the 3200 level exploration project while providing vital structural information to the benefit of production currently sourced from the 3400 level.

The 366 FW zone was first identified in 2017 from drilling on the 4900 Level. Recent drilling from the 4300 Level has identified the possible up-dip extension of this mineralized structure which, if confirmed, could nearly double the size of the zone to approximately 200 meters in height and 180 meters in length and 3.8 meters in width. As presently defined the structure remains open in both vertical directions. Given the zones proximity to existing underground infrastructure on the 4900 Level, development has reached the area and initial production results have been positive.

Technical Information

Drill core samples from the Cosala operations are prepared at the Companys secure facility in Cosala, Sinaloa. Assaying was done by ALS Chemex Labs in Hermosillo, Sonora.

Drill core samples from the Galena Complex are prepared and assayed at American Analytical Services Inc. in Osburn, Idaho. The Company has a QA/QC program supervised by a Qualified Person.

Daren Dell, Chief Operating Officer and a Qualified Person under Canadian Securities Administrators guidelines, has approved the applicable contents of this news release. For further information please see SEDAR or americassilvercorp.com.

About Americas Silver Corporation

Americas Silver is a silver mining company focused on growth in precious metals from its existing asset base and execution of targeted accretive acquisitions. It owns and operates the Cosala Operations in Sinaloa, Mexico and the Galena Complex in Idaho, USA. The Company holds an option on the San Felipe development project in Sonora, Mexico.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information:

This news release contains forwardlooking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forwardlooking information includes, but is not limited to, the Companys expectations intentions, plans, assumptions and beliefs with respect to, among other things, the realization of exploration, operational and development plans, the Cosala Operations and Galena Complex as well as the Companys financing efforts. Often, but not always, forwardlooking information can be identified by forwardlooking words such as anticipate, believe, expect, goal, plan, intend, estimate, may, assume and will or similar words suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions, or statements about future events or performance. Forwardlooking information is based on the opinions and estimates of the Company as of the date such information is provided and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking information. This includes the ability to develop and operate the Cosala and Galena properties, risks associated with the mining industry such as economic factors (including future commodity prices, currency fluctuations and energy prices), ground conditions and factors other factors limiting mine access, failure of plant, equipment, processes and transportation services to operate as anticipated, environmental risks, government regulation, actual results of current exploration and production activities, possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, permitting timelines, capital expenditures, reclamation activities, social and political developments and other risks of the mining industry. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. By its nature, forward-looking information involves numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, and projections of various future events will not occur. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or other such factors which affect this information, except as required by law.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors regarding mineral resources:

The terms mineral resource, measured mineral resource, indicated mineral resource, inferred mineral resource used in the press release are Canadian mining terms used in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects under the guidelines set out in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

While the terms mineral resource, measured mineral resource, indicated mineral resource, and inferred mineral resource are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, they are not defined terms under standards in the United States and normally are not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC). As such, information contained in the Company's disclosure concerning descriptions of mineralization and resources under Canadian standards may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S companies in SEC filings. With respect to inferred mineral resource there is a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and a great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves.

1 True widths reported.

2 Silver equivalent grade (AgEq) calculated using metal prices of $18.00/oz Ag, $1,300/oz Au, $1.05/lb Pb and $3.00/lb Cu
Vancouver, BC / TheNewswire / June 6, 2018 - NORTEC MINERALS CORP. (the "Company" or "Nortec") (TSXV: NVT) - is pleased to announce that Dr. Serigne Dieng Ph.D., M.Sc., AusIMM, has joined the Company's technical team as Senior Consulting Geologist to provide exploration services in connection with the Company's earn-in joint venture of the Tomboko Project and other holdings in North-eastern Guinea, West Africa. He has over 20 years' experience in geological and structural interpretation, modelling and target generation of various types of deposits in West Africa and Canada.

Dr. Dieng received his Ph.D. in Structural Geology, Exploration Geochemistry and Ore Deposit Genesis from Queens University, Kingston, Ontario. He is a registered professional geoscientist in accordance with NI 43-101 and JORC standards. Dr. Dieng will be reviewing and compiling all the diamond core, RAB and trench sampling data and results received to date. He will also carry out structural analysis and interpretation to define targets for future work programs. He is well-versed with the Tomboko, Kouroussa and Badamako projects having worked on the permits from January 2012 to October 2014.

Serigne said: "I am pleased to be joining the Tomboko Project team and to be leading the exploration programs and potential future development on their Guinea project portfolio. I have extensive experience in the discovery of the Tomboko, Kouroussa and Badamako large gold targets and other deposits in North-eastern Guinea and I'm confident in the Company's ability to develop their projects to the next level."

Mohan Vulimiri, Chairman and CEO said: "We are pleased to have Serigne joining our Tomboko team and leading the target definition and potential future development of our Guinea Projects."

Other News

Further to the Company's press release dated February 26, 2018, announcing the closing of the Private Placement, Nortec announces an additional subscription agreement of 180,000 shares for proceeds of $19,800. Private placement funds raised totals $1,006,329.95 consisting of 9,148,454 units at a subscription price of $0.11. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one transferable common share purchase warrant ("Warrant") to acquire one additional common share for a period of two years at an exercise price of $0.24 per share.

Mohan R. Vulimiri, M.Sc., P.Geo., CEO, Nortec Minerals, is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Vulimiri has approved the corporate and technical content contained in this press release

About Nortec Minerals Corp.

Nortec is a mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Nortec earned a 51% interest in the Tomboko project and is earning an 80% interest in The Golden Rule Limited's other holdings in Diguifara, Badamako and Kouroussa permits in Northeastern Guinea, West Africa. The Tom 1, Tom 2 and Tom 3 targets are located in the Tomboko Permit where Phase I drill returned results of up to nine metres of 2.74g gold.

The Company also has a 20% interest in the Tammela Lithium and Gold Project in South-West Finland. Sunstone has completed more than 3,000 meters diamond drilling on the Kietyonmaki Lithium prospect and the Satulinmaki and Riukka gold prospects that comprise the Tammela Project.

Detailed information on the Company's projects have been posted on the Company's website www.nortecminerals.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Nortec Minerals Corp.

"Mohan R. Vulimiri" Mohan R. Vulimiri, CEO and Chairman

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept the responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This press release contains certain forward looking statements which involve known and unknown risks, delays and uncertainties not under the Company's control which may cause actual results, performances or achievements of the Company to be materially different from the results, performances or expectations implied by these forward looking statements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States.
Vancouver, British Columbia / June 6, 2018 / JMN Wire / Altus Strategies Plc (AIM: ALS / TSX-V: ALTS), the Africa focused exploration project generator announces that the ordinary shares of the Company (the Shares) will commence trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) at market open today (the Listing Date), under the symbol ALTS. The Shares will continue to trade on the AIM market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange.

David Netherway, Chairman of Altus, commented:

We are delighted to have secured the dual listing of the Companys shares on the TSXV. This follows our successful Plan of Arrangement with Legend Gold for its strategic gold assets in Mali and recent C$4.1m capital raise, which was largely placed with North American based investors.

The board and team at Altus collectively have a strong track record of making and monetising economic mineral discoveries across Africa. Altus currently has 19 exploration projects, diversified across six African countries (Morocco, Mali, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Cameroon and Liberia) and several commodities, including gold, copper, silver, bauxite, iron ore and zinc. We also have two active joint venture partnerships, with ASX listed Resolute Mining Ltd on our Pitangoma Est gold project in southern Mali and with ASX listed Canyon Resources Ltd on our Birsok bauxite project in central Cameroon.

Our TSXV listing marks another significant milestone in the Companys growth. We believe that Altus now creates a rare opportunity for North American based investors to participate in a well-established and purely Africa-focused project generator.

Recent Non-Brokered Private Placement

No new securities of Altus are being distributed concurrently with the listing of the Shares on the TSXV. On 18 April, 2018 the Company completed a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of 27,391,616 units (the Units) of the Company at a price of C$0.15 (0.0846) per Share for gross proceeds of C$4,108,742.40. Each Unit is comprised of one Share and one share purchase warrant of Altus ("Warrant") exercisable to purchase one Share for five years from the closing of the Offering (the "Closing Date") at an exercise price of C$0.30. The Company paid finders fees on a portion of the Offering, consisting of a cash fee of up to 6.0% of the gross proceeds received from the sale of the Units sold to investors introduced by the finders and that number of non-transferrable share purchase warrants (the "Finder Warrants") equal to 5.0% of the number of Units sold to investors introduced by the Finders, each Finder Warrant entitling the Finder to purchase one Share for three years from the Closing Date at C$0.225.

Issued share capital

As at the Listing Date, the Company had 176,132,686 Shares in issue and had granted Warrants to purchase 36,977,331 Shares.

Company directors and officers

The directors of the Company consist of David Netherway, Steven Poulton, Matthew Grainger, Robert Milroy and Michael Winn. Mr. Netherway serves as the Companys Non-Executive Chairman, Mr. Poulton as Chief Executive and Mr. Grainger as Executive Director and Corporate Secretary. Mr. Milroy and Mr. Winn serve as Non-Executive Directors. David Miles, who is not a director, serves as the Companys Chief Financial Officer.

Lock-in arrangements

A total of 43,852,669 Shares (the Principal Shares) held by David Netherway, Steven Poulton and Matthew Grainger and their associates (collectively, the TSXV Locked-in Shareholders) are subject to a lock-in agreement dated 31 May 2018 between the Company and the TSXV Locked-in Shareholders. As at the Listing Date, 25% of the Principal Shares are released from the lock-in and the remaining 75% of the Principal Shares are to be released in 15% increments every six months commencing on 10 August 2018. The TSXV Locked-in Shareholders are also subject to Lock-in and Orderly Market arrangements in respect of the Companys listing on AIM. Specifically none of the Principal Shares held by the TSXV Locked-in Shareholders can be sold until the first anniversary of the listing of the Companys shares on AIM, which occurred on 10 August 2017 (Admission). Thereafter and until the second anniversary of Admission, no Principal Shares which may be released from the lock-in can be sold by the TSXV Locked-in Shareholders without the prior written consent of SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP, being the Companys Nominated Advisor and Broker on AIM.

Risk factors

Certain risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to Altus, the business of Altus and its securities, which could influence actual results are disclosed in, or incorporated by reference into, the Companys application to list on the TSXV (the Listing Application). Subject to the detailed information contained in the financial statements of Altus, and notes thereto, selected financial information is available in the Company Listing Application. The selected financial information is derived from and should be read in conjunction with the Companys audited financial statements for the fiscal years ended 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2017. A copy of the Listing Application together with additional information on Altus is available on the Companys website at www.altus-strategies.com and through SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Stamp Duty Reserve Tax

As of the Listing Date the exemption from payment of the 0.5% charge to stamp duty ("Stamp Duty") and stamp duty reserve tax ("SDRT") that currently exists on transfers of the Company's ordinary shares will no longer be available. The exemption is available on transfers of a company's securities that are admitted to trading on a Recognised Growth Market (such as AIM) provided that the securities are not also listed on a Recognised Stock Exchange (such as TSX-V). Therefore once the Company's Shares are traded on both AIM and TSX-V they will become subject to the UK Stamp Duty and SDRT regime and will no longer be eligible for the exemption.

Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure

Certain information contained in this announcement would have been deemed inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 until the release of this announcement.

For further information you are invited to visit the Companys website www.altus-strategies.com or contact:

Altus Strategies Plc

Steven Poulton, Chief Executive Tel: +44 (0) 1235 511 767

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. SP Angel (Nominated Adviser)

Richard Morrison / Soltan Tagiev Tel: +44 (0) 20 3470 0470 SP Angel (Broker)

Richard Parlons Tel: +44 (0) 20 3470 0471 Blytheweigh (Financial PR)

Tim Blythe / Camilla Horsfall / Nick Elwes Tel: +44 (0) 20 7138 3204

About Altus Strategies Plc

Altus is a London (AIM: ALS) and Toronto (TSX-V: ALTS), diversified and Africa focused mineral exploration project generator. Through our subsidiaries we discover new projects and attract third party capital to fund their growth, development and ultimately exit optionality. This strategy enables Altus to remain focused on the acquisition of new opportunities to be fed into the project generation cycle and aims to minimise shareholder dilution. Our business model is designed to create a growing portfolio of well managed and high growth potential projects, diversified by commodity and by country. Altus currently has seventeen projects in six commodities across six countries. We aim to position our shareholders at the vanguard of value creation, but with significantly reduced risks traditionally associated with investments in the mineral exploration sector.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release contain forward-looking information. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include without limitation the completion of planned expenditures, the ability to complete exploration programs on schedule and the success of exploration programs. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking information, which speak only as of the date of this news release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 6, 2018) - MAX RESOURCE CORP. (TSXV: MXR) (OTC Pink: MXROF) (FSE: M1D) ("MXR" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has filed five initial mineral license applications covering a total area of 9,384 hectares, located within the Gachala sedimentary copper basin of Eastern Colombia, approximately 60kms east of Bogata (Refer: Gachala Project Area map).

MXR's Gachala 100% owned license applications encompass an aggregate total of 27 line kilometres of the 250km by 120km belt of Devonian through Cretaceous age rocks in a geological setting conducive to hosting sedimentary copper deposits, believed to be analogous to the Zambian Copper Belt of Africa. (Source: Rodriguez and Warden (1993). Overview of some Colombian gold deposits and their development potential. Mineralium Deposita Volume 28, pages 47-57). The Gachala mineralization appears to be localized at the contact between the Devonian-Permian red beds overlying Cretaceous reducing black shales, one of the settings typical of these copper deposits.

Brett Matich, MXR Chief Executive Officer, commented: "I am excited with our early success in developing MXR's strategy of identifying sedimentary copper hosted mineralization within the Gachala region. We believe the underexplored Gachala region has the potential to become the world's next copper frontier."

Three of the license applications cover a 19 kilometre long continuous section of the Cano Negro area, where historic sampling has identified a 25 kilometre strike length of copper enrichment with grades ranging from 0.6% to 13% copper. (Source: C. Rodriguez and A.J.Warden. 1993 Overview of Some Colombian Gold Deposits and Their Development Potential. Mineralium Deposita Volume 28, pages 47-57.) The Cano Negro area appears to lie on the eastern limb of the 32 kilometre "Anticlinal Montecristo".

The remaining two license applications cover the western limb of the "Anticlinal Montecristo" in the area adjacent to and immediately north of the Sinai Property where Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited completed stream sediment and limited rock sampling in 1999. They took a total of 47 rock samples with 12 returning values in excess of 1% copper, ranging from 1.6% to 7.82%. (Source: E.E.Vargas Ruiz, 1999. Exploracion Geoquimica Chivor Colombia Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited.) MXR cautions investors that mineralization on the Sinai Property is not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization on the MXR license applications. MXR's Gachala license application areas were visited by MXR Geologist R. Tim Henneberry, P.Geo. and Colombian Geologist Carlos Gaviria at the end of May during an initial reconnaissance. A Colombian exploration team under Mr. Gaviria will commence surface survey exploration programs mid-June to confirm the 1993 and 1999 sampling results and locate and identify bedrock copper mineralization for following up trenching and diamond drilling.



Gachala Project Area map



About Max Resource Corp.

Max Resource Corp., a Canadian-based exploration company, is focussed on identifying advanced exploration projects which are located within the under-explored northern section of the richly endowed Andean Copper Belt of Colombia. The Company is currently reviewing a number of exploration opportunities in Colombia, both in base and precious metals.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF MAX RESOURCE CORP.

"Brett Matich"

Brett Matich, CEO and President

Tim Henneberry, P. Geo (British Columbia), a member of the Max Resource Corp. Advisory Board, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release on behalf of the Company.

Further information regarding the Company can be found on SEDAR at www.SEDAR.com, or by contacting the Company directly at (604) 365 1522.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed as "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements pertaining to completion of the Acquisition and any approvals required in connection with the Acquisition. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include: changes in market conditions, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in the price of commodities (particularly copper), unanticipated changes in key management personnel and general social, economic or geo-political conditions. Mining exploration and development is an inherently risky business. Accordingly the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. his list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.
TORONTO, June 6, 2018 /CNW/ - Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison" or the "Company") (TSX: DML) (NYSE MKT: DNN) (NYSE American: DNN) is pleased to announce summer 2018 drilling plans, and report assay results from the winter 2018 drilling program, for the Company's 63.3% owned Wheeler River project in northern Saskatchewan. View PDF Version

Summer 2018 Drilling Program

The summer 2018 diamond drilling program for Wheeler River is scheduled to commence this week and is expected to include approximately 20,500 metres in 28 drill holes. The drilling program is planned to focus on the following target areas:

K-North - Follow-up of high-grade uranium mineralization discovered during the winter 2018 drilling program at 600 metres and 1 kilometre to the northeast of the Gryphon uranium deposit (see Winter 2018 Assay Highlights below).

- Follow-up of high-grade uranium mineralization discovered during the winter 2018 drilling program at 600 metres and 1 kilometre to the northeast of the Gryphon uranium deposit (see Winter 2018 Assay Highlights below). H igh-P riority Regional - Testing of high-priority targets along known fertile trends (Q Central, K-West) and reconnaissance exploration of high-priority targets generated from previous ground geophysical surveys (K-South and Q South).

- Testing of high-priority targets along known fertile trends (Q Central, K-West) and reconnaissance exploration of high-priority targets generated from previous ground geophysical surveys (K-South and Q South). Gryphon Unconformity - Testing of targets immediately along strike of the Gryphon deposit at the sub- Athabasca unconformity, including extensions of the E series lenses to the northeast and the up-plunge extents of the D series lenses to the southwest.

Dale Verran, Vice President Exploration of Denison commented, "The summer 2018 drilling program will largely be results driven, focused on high-priority regional targets outside of the immediate Gryphon resource area, and will include both the follow-up of high-grade mineralization and the testing of geophysical anomalies on geologically favourable trends. With 3 drill rigs turning on the project we are looking forward to a productive summer with the potential to deliver the next discovery at Wheeler River."

A location map of the summer 2018 drilling target areas is provided in Figure 1. View Figure 1

Winter 2018 Assay Highlights

Chemical assay ("U 3 O 8 ") results have been received for the Wheeler River winter 2018 drilling program, which included 21,153 metres of drilling in 29 diamond drill holes. The assay results were on average 26% higher, in terms of combined grade and thickness, than the preliminary equivalent uranium ("eU 3 O 8 ") results reported previously (see Denison's press release dated April 18, 2018). The program was focused on step-out drilling from the Gryphon deposit and regional exploration along the K-North and K-West trend.

Regional Exploration: Assay results confirmed high-grade intercepts from reconnaissance drill holes targeting the sub- Athabasca unconformity, to the northeast of Gryphon, along the K-North trend. Highlight assay results include:

1.4% U 3 O 8 over 5.5 metres, located 600 metres northeast of Gryphon, including 7.2% U 3 O 8 over 1.0 metre in drill hole WR-704; and 1.1% U 3 O 8 over 3.0 metres, located 1 kilometre northeast of Gryphon, including 2.8% U 3 O 8 over 1.0 metre in drill hole WR-710D1.

The results confirm the continuation of the Gryphon mineralizing system to the northeast, and highlight the potential for the discovery of an additional high-grade uranium deposit within the basement or at the unconformity along strike of Gryphon.

Gryphon Exploration: Multiple basement uranium intercepts were confirmed from step-out drilling on 50 to 100 metre centres immediately along strike to the northeast of the Gryphon deposit. Assay highlights from the Gryphon step-out drilling include:

Intercepts of upper basement mineralization extending the E series lenses to the northeast: 2.9% U 3 O 8 over 1.5 metres in drill hole WR-696; 1.2% U 3 O 8 over 1.5 metres in drill hole WR-709; and 0.29% U 3 O 8 over 3.0 metres in drill hole WR-702; and Intercept of basement mineralization, 100 metres along strike to the northeast of the previous down-plunge extent of A series mineralization for the Gryphon deposit, including: 0.85% U 3 O 8 over 5.0 metres, including 2.6% U 3 O 8 over 1.0 metre in drill hole WR-698.

The results confirm potential to continue to expand the Gryphon mineral resource outside of the current extents of the deposit.

Comprehensive drilling tables of composited assay results are provided in Table 1 and 2 below. The location of the drill holes and the highlight assay results are shown in Figure 2. View Figure 2

Table 1: Composited assay results from the winter 2018 regional exploration drilling program.

Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m)5 U 3 O 8 (%)1,2,4 Previously

Reported

eU 3 O 8 Result6 Zone WR-697D1 557.7 558.7 1.0 0.09 0.09% / 1.0 m K-North - 400 m

NE of Gryphon and 665.0 666.0 1.0 0.16 0.23% / 1.0 m WR-700 Below assay cut-off 0.11% / 1.0 m WR-701 No significant mineralization K-North - 600 m

NE of Gryphon WR-704 562.2 567.7 5.5 1.4 0.55% / 5.6 m including3 565.2 566.2 1.0 7.2 2.3% / 1.0 m WR-705 No significant mineralization K-North - 800 m

NE of Gryphon WR-708 No significant mineralization. Anomalous geochemistry. WR-710 No significant mineralization. K-North - 1 km

NE of Gryphon WR-710D1 567.3 570.3 3.0 1.1 0.94% / 3.5 m including3 569.3 570.3 1.0 2.8 2.7% / 1.0 m WR-714 No significant mineralization. Anomalous geochemistry. K West WR-716 No significant mineralization WR-715 No significant mineralization. Anomalous geochemistry. WR-717 No significant mineralization

Notes: 1. U 3 O 8 is the chemical assay of mineralized split core samples. 2. Composited above a cut-off grade of 0.05% U 3 O 8 unless otherwise indicated. 3. Composited above a cut-off grade of 1.0% U 3 O 8 . 4. Composites compiled using 1.0 metre minimum mineralization thickness and 2.0 metres maximum waste. 5. As the drill holes are oriented steeply toward the northwest and the unconformity mineralization is interpreted to be flat-lying, the true thickness of the mineralization is expected to be approximately 75% of the intersection lengths. 6. Previously reported radiometric equivalent U 3 O 8 result ("eU 3 O 8 ") derived from a calibrated total gamma down-hole probe (see Denison's press release dated April 18, 2018).

Table 2: Composited assay results from the winter 2018 Gryphon exploration drilling program.

Section Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m)5 U 3 O 8 (%)1,2,4 Previously

Reported

eU 3 O 8 Result6 Zone 5350GP WR-698 777.0 782.0 5.0 0.85 0.82% / 3.9 m A/B/C

Lens including3 777.5 778.5 1.0 2.6 2.1% / 1.0 m including3 779.5 780.5 1.0 1.3 and Merged with above interval 0.05% / 1.0 m WR-698D1 783.4 784.4 1.0 0.05 0.06% / 1.0 m 5400GP WR-703 806.5 809.0 2.5 0.48 0.35% / 2.3 m and 814.0 815.0 1.0 0.09 0.08% / 1.0 m WR-703D1 No significant mineralization 5450GP WR-707 802.5 803.5 1.0 0.23 0.15% / 1.0 m 5325GP WR-696 Below assay cut-off 0.28% / 1.2 m E Lens and 595.2 596.7 1.5 2.9 2.5% / 1.3 m including3 595.2 596.2 1.0 4.1 3.3% / 1.0 m and Below assay cut-off 0.06% / 1.0 m and 624.6 625.6 1.0 0.19 0.09% / 1.0 m and 665.0 666.0 1.0 0.30 0.42% / 1.2 m 5350GP WR-699 No significant mineralization WR-699D1 604.7 605.7 1.0 0.06 0.06% / 1.0 m and 606.7 607.7 1.0 0.05 and 620.4 621.4 1.0 0.06 0.07% / 1.0 m 5400GP WR-702 543.4 546.4 3.0 0.29 0.38% / 2.8 m and 552.8 553.8 1.0 0.05 and 579.9 580.9 1.0 0.07 and 705.4 706.4 1.0 0.09 0.09% / 1.0 m and 715.5 716.5 1.0 0.26 0.44% / 1.0 m WR-702D1 556.2 557.7 1.5 0.38 0.26% / 1.0 m 5450GP WR-706 No significant mineralization 5500GP WR-709 580.6 582.1 1.5 1.2 0.86% / 1.9 m including3 580.1 581.1 1.0 1.2 1% / 1.0 m WR-709D1 No significant mineralization 5550GP WR-712 Below assay cut-off 0.09% / 1.0 m 4975GP WR-718 No significant mineralization. D Lens 5000GP WR-713 669.0 671.0 2.0 0.09 0.16% / 2 m 5025GP WR-713D1 No significant mineralization. 5075GP WR-711 Below assay cut-off 0.06% / 1.0 m and 635.0 637.5 2.5 0.24 0.06% / 1.0 m and Merged with above interval 0.46% / 1.1 m

Notes: 1. U 3 O 8 is the chemical assay of mineralized split core samples. 2. Composited above a cut-off grade of 0.05% U 3 O 8 unless otherwise indicated. 3. Composited above a cut-off grade of 1.0% U 3 O 8 . 4. Composites compiled using 1.0 metre minimum mineralization thickness and 2.0 metres maximum waste. 5. As the drill holes are oriented steeply toward the northwest and the unconformity mineralization is interpreted to dip moderately to the southeast, the true thickness of the mineralization is expected to be approximately 75% of the intersection lengths. 6. Previously reported radiometric equivalent U 3 O 8 result ("eU 3 O 8 ") derived from a calibrated total gamma down-hole probe (see Denison's press release dated April 18, 2018).

Sampling and Assay Procedures

Drill core with anomalous total gamma radioactivity (>300 counts per second using a RS-120 or RS-125 scintillometer) was sampled over 0.5 metre intervals. Sampling is undertaken on site by splitting the core in half, with one half submitted for analysis and the other half retained in the core box for future reference. Uranium chemical assays are performed by the Saskatchewan Research Council ("SRC") Geoanalytical Laboratories located in Saskatoon. Sample preparation involves crushing and pulverizing core samples to 90% passing -106 microns. Splits of the resultant pulps are initially submitted for multi-element ICP-MS analysis following partial (HNO 3 :HCl) and total (HF:HNO 3 :HClO 4 ) digestions. Samples with  1,000 ppm U (partial digest) are re-assayed for U 3 O 8 using an ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accredited method for the determination of U 3 O 8 weight %. Pulp splits are digested using aqua-regia and the solution analyzed for U 3 O 8 weight % using ICP-OES. In addition to internal checks by SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories, the Company has rigorous quality assurance and quality control ("QAQC") procedures including the insertion of standard reference materials, blanks and field duplicates. The assay data is subject to verification procedures by qualified persons employed by Denison prior to disclosure. For further details on the assay, QAQC and data verification procedures please see Denison's Annual Information Form dated March 27, 2018 filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).

Qualified Persons

Dale Verran, MSc, P.Geo, Pr.Sci.Nat., Denison's Vice President, Exploration, who is a Qualified Person in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101 has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release.

About Wheeler River

Wheeler River is the largest undeveloped high-grade uranium project in the infrastructure rich eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin region, in northern Saskatchewan  including combined Indicated Mineral Resources of 132.1 million pounds U 3 O 8 at an average grade of 3.3% U 3 O 8 , plus combined Inferred Mineral Resources of 3.0 million pounds U 3 O 8 at an average grade of 1.7% U 3 O 8 . The project is host to the high-grade Gryphon and Phoenix uranium deposits (discovered by Denison in 2014 and 2008, respectively), and is a joint venture between Denison (63.3% and operator), Cameco Corp. ("Cameco") (26.7%), and JCU (Canada) Exploration Company Limited ("JCU") (10%).

A Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") was initiated for the Wheeler River project in Q3'2016 and is expected to be completed during 2018. Prior to initiation of the PFS, a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") was completed in 2016, which considered the potential economic merit of co-developing the high-grade Gryphon and Phoenix deposits as a single underground mining operation. The PEA returned a base case pre-tax Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 20.4% based on the then current long term contract price of uranium (US$44.00 per pound U 3 O 8 ), and Denison's share of estimated initial capital expenditures ("CAPEX") of CAD$336M (CAD$560M on 100% basis).

The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

In January, 2017, Denison entered into an agreement with its Wheeler River Joint Venture partners, Cameco and JCU, to fund 75% of Joint Venture expenses in 2017 and 2018 (ordinarily 60%) in exchange for an increase in Denison's interest in the project to up to approximately 66%. Under the terms of the agreement, Cameco will fund 50% of its ordinary 30% share in 2017 and 2018, and JCU is expected to continue to fund its 10% interest in the project. Pursuant to the agreement, as at December 31, 2017, Denison had increased its interest in the Wheeler River project from 60% to 63.3%.

Further details regarding the Wheeler River project are provided in the NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Wheeler River project titled "Technical Report with an Updated Resource Estimate for the Wheeler River Property, Northern Saskatchewan, Canada" dated March 15, 2018 with an effective date of March 9, 2018. A copy of this report is available on Denison's website and under its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.

About Denison

Denison is a uranium exploration and development company with interests focused in the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan, Canada. In addition to its 63.3% owned Wheeler River project, which ranks as the largest undeveloped high-grade uranium project in the infrastructure rich eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin region, Denison's Athabasca Basin exploration portfolio consists of numerous projects covering approximately 353,000 hectares. Denison's interests in Athabasca Basin also include a 22.5% ownership interest in the McClean Lake joint venture ("MLJV"), which includes several uranium deposits and the McClean Lake uranium mill, which is currently processing ore from the Cigar Lake mine under a toll milling agreement, plus a 25.17% interest in the Midwest and Midwest A deposits, and a 65.45% interest in the J Zone deposit and Huskie discovery on the Waterbury Lake property. Each of Midwest, Midwest A, J Zone and Huskie are located within 20 kilometres of the McClean Lake mill.

Denison is also engaged in mine decommissioning and environmental services through its Denison Environmental Services division and is the manager of Uranium Participation Corp., a publicly traded company which invests in uranium oxide and uranium hexafluoride.

Follow Denison on Twitter

@DenisonMinesCo

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian legislation concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Denison. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes", or the negatives and/or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential to". In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the following: exploration (including drilling) and evaluation activities, plans and objectives; potential mineralization of drill targets and identified trends; estimates of Denison's mineral resources and the results of its PEA; plans and objectives with respect to preparing a PFS to assess on a preliminary basis the potential for mine development an whether to proceed with a detailed feasibility study; and Denison's percentage interest in its properties and its plans and agreements with its joint venture partners, as applicable. Statements relating to "mineral reserves" or "mineral resources" are deemed to be forward-looking information, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions that the mineral reserves and mineral resources described can be profitably produced in the future.

Forward looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Denison to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Factors, such as environmental impacts, stakeholder approvals, and capital needs can significant alter plans and achievements. Denison believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be accurate and may differ materially from those anticipated in this forward looking information. For a discussion in respect of risks and other factors that could influence forward-looking events, please refer to the factors discussed in Denison's Annual Information Form dated March 27, 2018 under the heading "Risk Factors". These factors are not, and should not be construed as being exhaustive. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking information and the assumptions made with respect thereto speaks only as of the date of this press release. Denison does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this press release to conform such information to actual results or to changes in Denison's expectations except as otherwise required by applicable legislation.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources: This press release may use the terms "measured", "indicated" and "inferred" mineral resources. United States investors are advised that while such terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves. United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.
VANCOUVER, B.C., June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AZINCOURT ENERGY CORP. (Azincourt or the Company) (TSX.V:AAZ) (OTC:AZURF) is pleased to announce in conjunction with its JV partner, New Age Metals (TSX.V:NAM), the acquisition of the Cat Lake Lithium Project.

The new Cat Lake Lithium Project consists of nine claims for a total of an approximately 2000 hectares located directly north of the Companys Lithium Two Project. The Lithium Two Project contains several lithium bearing pegmatites with a historic non-43-101 compliant drilled resource on the Eagle Pegmatite of 545,000 tonnes of 1.4% Li2O to a depth of 60 meters. Historical reports have suggested that the Eagle Pegmatite is open to depth and along strike.

The new acquisition increases the Companys presence in the Cat Lake area which has seen a rise in recent exploration activity from companies such as Quantum Minerals, Mustang Minerals and Equitorial Exploration. The new claims are situated north of Quantum Minerals recent claim acquisition. They are staked over portions of the greenstone belt at Cat Lake and along the trend that hosts the Irgon Pegmatite (Quantum Minerals), both of which host lithium-bearing pegmatites.

Were pleased to add this ground, which we consider highly prospective, said president & CEO, Alex Klenman. The area in and around Cat Lake contains known lithium-bearing pegmatites and historical resources. This specific addition, with all the work being done in the area, adds considerable upside to the overall portfolio. We now control a sizeable footprint in a growing lithium exploration district and we look forward to unlocking its potential, continued Mr. Klenman.

The pegmatites in this region of southeast Manitoba are described as being a part of the Winnipeg River Pegmatite Field. Several large lithium-bearing pegmatites exist in this region and exploration activity in the region is increasing. This pegmatite field is host to the world-class Tanco Pegmatite, which is a highly fractionated Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum (LCT Type) pegmatite and has been mined in varying capacities since 1969. The LCT-type pegmatites can contain large amounts of Spodumene (one of the primary ores used in hard rock lithium extraction) and are a primary geological target in hard rock lithium exploration. They also can contain economic qualities of tantalum and cesium as well as other lithium bearing minerals such as mica.

The acquisition of this new project and other recent acquisitions has made the New Age Metals/Azincourt Energy Joint Venture the largest claim holder for Lithium Projects in the Winnipeg River Pegmatite Field. At present, the Joint Venture has eight projects totalling over 14,000 hectares in the Winnipeg River Pegmatite Field.

Work Program Update

Preliminary field work and additional ground proofing is currently underway on the Lithium 2 Project. Field work here, and on all of the targeted projects, consists of prospecting, mapping and sampling that will generate data on the lithium-bearing properties of the pegmatites contained in the New Age/Azincourt project portfolio.

A primary objective of this work at Lithium 2 is to finalize drill plans and initiate the 2018 drill program. A 3000-meter preliminary drill program is scheduled to commence this summer at both the Lithium 1 and Lithium 2 projects. Management of both companies plan to update their shareholders and interested parties with regular updates from the ground over the coming weeks and months.

Terms

This addition to the original JV agreement with New Age Metals commits Azincourt to an additional $250,000 worth of exploration spend over the life of the partnership and has increased the 2018 exploration budget by $100,000. New Age Metals will also receive an additional 250,000 shares of Azincourt as part of the terms of the deal. For complete terms of the existing agreement please refer to the Azincourt news release dated January 15, 2018.

Qualified Person

The contents contained herein that relate to Exploration Results or Mineral Resources is based on information compiled, reviewed or prepared by Carey Galeschuk, a consulting geoscientist for New Age Metals. Mr. Galeschuk is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release.

About Azincourt Energy Corp.

Azincourt Energy is a Canadian-based resource company specializing in the strategic acquisition, exploration and development of alternative energy/fuel properties, including uranium, lithium, cobalt and other elements.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF AZINCOURT ENERGY CORP.

Alex Klenman

Alex Klenman, President & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release includes forward-looking statements, including forecasts, estimates, expectations and objectives for future operations that are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Azincourt. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information represents managements best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially.

For further information please contact:

Alex Klenman, President & CEO

Tel: 604-638-8063

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Azincourt Energy Corp.

1430  800 West Pender Street

Vancouver, BC

V6C 2V6

www.azincourtenergy.com
Experienced administrator, educator next provost of Kansas State University

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

MANHATTAN  Charles Taber, the vice provost for graduate and professional education and dean of the Graduate School at Stony Brook University, New York, has been named the new provost and executive vice president of Kansas State University.



Taber's appointment was announced by Richard Myers, university president. He will assume his new duties on Aug. 15.



"Charles Taber is ideally qualified to become the next provost and executive vice president of Kansas State University," Myers said. "Along with his extensive academic leadership and teaching experience, Dr. Taber brings expertise on two major initiatives facing Kansas State University: strategic enrollment management and budget modernization."



Taber will play an essential role in the implementation of both initiatives as the university works to stabilize and build enrollment and adopt a new budget model to better address the many funding challenges facing higher education. As the higher education landscape continues to evolve, he will address and identify opportunities to advance K-State's land-grant mission.



"I am excited to be joining the K-State family, especially because of the strong commitment to community," Taber said. "It's easy to see why K-State has been on such a positive trajectory. I am looking forward to working with the leadership team, faculty, staff, and students to tackle our remaining challenges and opportunities. The future is bright at K-State and I am thrilled to be part of it!"



As the university's chief academic officer, Taber will report directly to Myers, serving as a close advisor and strategic leader on all aspects of university governance and the academic enterprise. He also will serve as the university's chief executive officer in the president's absence.



Taber will provide strategic oversight for academic planning, resource allocation and innovation in all academic programs while ensuring excellence and relevance in the design of the curriculum. He will focus on the quality of teaching and learning; providing global perspective and strategic direction to successfully manage operating budgets; and enhance the quality of the student experience at all levels.



Taber has served in his current position since 2013. He joined Stony Brook in 1989 as an instructor of political science, earning a promotion to full professor in 2008. He has served in many administrative positions at the university, including associate dean for postdoctoral affairs, dean of the School of Professional Development and interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. At Stony Brook, he has been involved with graduate enrollment management and addressing budget challenges in higher education.



A leading scholar in the fields of political psychology and computational modeling, Taber has more than 50 scholarly publications. His work has earned millions of dollars in grant funding from the National Science Foundation. His research has contributed to the growing literature on the psychological mechanisms that drive public opinion. In 2000, he received the Paul Lazersfeld outstanding paper award from the American Political Science Association for a paper on the causes of bias in political reasoning, published in the American Journal of Political Science. Along with Milton Lodge, Taber developed an influential theory of unconscious thinking in political behavior. Their 2013 book, "The Rationalizing Voter," from Cambridge University Press, won the Robert E. Lane Book Award and the Book of the Year Awards from the Experimental Politics and Migration and Citizenship Sections of the American Political Science Association.



His teaching and research interests include diversity in higher education, budgeting in higher education, political psychology, public opinion and international relations. Taber earned his doctorate and master's degree in political science from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and a bachelor's degree in political science from East Tennessee State University.



Taber replaces April Mason, who is leaving the university at the end of June after serving as provost and senior vice president since 2010.






181 Shares Share

A guest column by the American College of Physicians, exclusive to KevinMD.com.

Her name is Wanda Poltawska. She is currently 96 years old and showing the physical signs of advanced aging, but remains mentally sharp and insightful.

What makes her special is that in 1941, at 19 years of age, she was sent to a concentration camp in Germany, and while there was subjected to medical experimentation by Nazi physicians. She was administered multiple drugs and underwent a variety of non-indicated procedures. And because she was Polish and imprisoned for subversive activities, using her as a subject for medical experimentation was considered completely acceptable by the greater German physician community. Amazingly, she survived both the experiments and the war, although she was one of the few. She ultimately went on to become a psychiatrist and has written extensively and conducted research on the effects of incarceration on children in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Medical Review  Auschwitz: Medicine Behind the Barbed Wire conference in Poland where I met Dr. Poltawska. This conference focused on the pseudo-medical experiments carried out on the prisoners of Nazi concentration camps by physicians, the consequences of imprisonment to inmates health, and most importantly, the ethical implications of Nazi medicine for contemporary medical practice. Appropriately, the conference took place in Krakow, a beautiful city only 65 kilometers from the Auschwitz-Birkenau site where many of the most egregious medical experiments took place, not to mention the wholesale extermination of well over a million mostly Jewish people as part of the Nazi Final Solution. To visit the camp site and view where so many of these tragic events occurred is both personally and professionally jarring, and cuts to the core of what it means to be a physician.

From where we sit today, it is relatively easy to say that the behavior of physicians in the Nazi regime over 70 years ago was an extreme aberration and limited to only a few high profile doctors (such as Josef Mengele). However, what is less appreciated is that the beliefs, values, how patients are viewed, and the accepted role of the physician underlying these horrible behaviors were not limited to only several individuals, but rather had relatively widespread acceptance within the broader physician community. A significant percentage of German doctors participated willingly in selecting individuals for experimentation or extermination, or remained silent while they took place.

And it has not only been in mid-20th century Germany where such significant shifts in the ethos underlying medicine have occurred, deviating from what most consider the traditional values of medicine and how we physicians approach the care of our patients. Examples range from doctors in the U.S. and other countries actively participating in eugenics-based forced sterilization programs that predated World War II, carrying out ethically-flawed medical interventions or experiments without the knowledge or consent of patients as seen in the Tuskegee syphilis experiments and the case of Henrietta Lacks, and most recently, physician participation in enhanced interrogation techniques of suspected terrorists.

What this history tells us is that the traditionally-accepted core values of medicine that guide our practice  the physicians obligation to always favor the well-being and interests of the patient (beneficence) and the mandate to relieve suffering, heal when possible, and comfort always  are not immutable, but in fact are vulnerable to distortion and subversion by a variety of different forces ranging from personal biases and agendas to societal, state, and business interests. And that these distortions can translate into behaviors that expose those we have committed ourselves to serve to tremendous suffering and harm.

What this also means is that we must be ever alert to challenges to the integrity of the ethical foundations upon which we base our profession, and be vigilant in understanding why we do the things we do as physicians.

Medicine is a highly moral enterprise and many of the decisions we make frequently occur in the gray area between what is right and wrong. And particularly with newer knowledge in medicine and dramatic technological advances, we can do things that were inconceivable even a decade ago. However, these potentially beneficial opportunities also pose great challenges to how we choose to apply them our patients in a way that is consistent with the core values of medicine. For example, many of us struggle on an almost daily basis with issues such as the physician role in end-of-life care, including provision of potentially futile interventions to the controversies around physician-assisted suicide. And on a larger scale, our increasing ability to manipulate the human genome opens up an entirely new realm of ethical controversy. And there are and certainly will be many more.

Dr. Poltawska is one of the last survivors of this extreme breach of medical ethics by physicians, and one of the few who can still voice what it was like to be so cruelly harmed by those she had believed were dedicated to the healing arts and could be trusted to care for her as a human being. Unfortunately, she will not be around much longer to continue reminding us of what happened to medicine at that time and force us to confront the impact it had on so many personal lives and our culture in general; it is therefore incumbent upon us to carry forward the process of professional ethical and moral self-examination. And what happened during the Holocaust provides an extreme but incredibly helpful lens through which we can understand how and why the values of physicians in the past drifted away from what we consider the core foundation of our profession, and help us examine the ethical challenges we face as medicine progresses.

At one of the places where medical experiments were performed on prisoners at Auschwitz-Birkenau are inscribed the words of the philosopher George Santayana  those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. What is clear is that as physicians, it is imperative that we constantly remember our past in order to protect the future of medicine.

Philip A. Masters is vice-president, Membership and International Programs, American College of Physicians. His statements do not necessarily reflect official policies of ACP.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
The emotion was palpable on the top floor of County Hall in the Council chamber on John Street, as local representatives responded to Vicky Phelans profound address.

Many councillors choked back the tears as they spoke directly to one of the most important and courageous women this country has ever seen.

It wasnt her bravery, her valour that shone through on that clammy Friday evening; were all too familiar with those qualities of Vicky.

No, it was something else. Something you almost couldnt believe; in light of what she has taken on, in light of what she has achieved already for the women of Ireland.

It was a realisation that makes Vicky all the more endearing. Whether speaking to a room full of dignitaries or speaking one to one, a simple notion came to mind. She was normal.

A working mother-of-two who made a decision because she knew it was the right thing to do, not for herself, but for others.

And in that simple, altruistic act, Vicky could well have changed the future of Irish healthcare.

It was impossible not to well up with tears listening to her speak and the candour with which she spoke.

Thats her, the woman that spoke so beautifully, thats the heroine, a wonderfully normal woman doing extraordinary things for our daughters and our sons.

Cllr Pat Dunphy, who proposed the special reception for the Mooncoin native, began the councillors retorts and did so eloquently.

He said: I hope and pray things turn out good for you and on behalf of the people of Mooncoin, Kilkenny, Ireland, thanks on all their behalf.

Thanks for what youve done in spite of what youre going through.

The tone had been set and Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh followed, she said: As a woman, as a mother and grandmother, and as a public representative, I want to thank you for being here with us. Your immense courage and your deep sense of justice and civic responsibility are your hallmarks - and an inspiration to all.

You have spoken publicly about your most personal traumas and private pain and your willingness to do this will undoubtedly save lives.

Cllr Eamon Aylward added: It isnt every day we have a hero in this chamber, to me thats what you are. Its hard not to be emotional listening to you there.

Because of your courage, you exposed things that might never have come to light.

The easiest thing for you wouldve been to sign that confidentiality agreement and you didnt. Thank you.

I hope you get the answers youre seeking.

Cllr Tomas Breathnach said there is power in words Vicky did not consent to silence and when she said no, the power of that reverberated around the HSE, the county and country.

You shook the system and changed attitudes, particularly to womens health. You have made a stand and our presence here says we stand with you.

Cllr Sean Tyrrell said Vicky had shone a spotlight on where womens health should be while Cllr Malcolm Noonan said the country was deeply indebted to her.

Cllr Breda Gardner said Vicky is proof that if you stand up to injustice, great change can come about.

Meanwhile, a protest march was held outside City Hall in Kilkenny on May 30 - as part of a series of demonstrations held nationwide - in solidarity with the women affected by the CervicalCheck scandal.
The Port of Waterford has confirmed that the contract held by DFDS with Irish Rail to operate a freight train between Belview Port and Ballina, Co Mayo stopped last week for commercial reasons.

Frank Ronan, Chief Executive, Port of Waterford said: We will be sorry to see the service stop. It was an addition to our portfolio and it was great to be able to provide a port service to stakeholders in the northwest region.

As the volumes involved were relatively small and likely to be replaced, we do not expect that our throughput of containers will be negatively impacted, he said.

However, it is a shame to see something that can take trucks off the road and reduce carbon emissions ceasing rather than growing and prospering.

All of us (DFDS/Irish Rail/Port of Waterford) have worked to try to make the service a success but unfortunately the commercial proposition was not stacking up for the operator (DFDS).

We will continue to seek alternative opportunities for rail access at Belview which is the only Port outside of Dublin that has this capability,2 he added.

John Coleman, Managing Director of DFDS said: Several years ago, DFDS, in collaboration with the Port of Waterford and Irish Rail, carried out a project to serve our clients in the northwest with a container rail link between Ballina and the Port of Waterford

This then connected cargo to DFDSs twice-weekly container service to and from continental Europe.

Late last year, DFDS reduced the rail service to one departure per week to seek to minimise losses while keeping the rail service going.

Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of all parties involved, DFDS have now concluded that the rail service cannot continue in its current form and we must cease to operate it, he said.
The new water mains have now been installed on Patrick Street in Kilkenny City, but works to connect local premises to the new system will take another three weeks to complete.

The works, which began in April, saw diversions put in place and the city centre route reduced to one-way as large excavations took place. The schemes purpose is to upgrade the water mains network, with almost 500 of old and damaged cast iron water mains replaced.

However, a number of local businesses on the street criticised the notice they were given, the signage put in place, as well as the disruptive effect the work had on their footfall.

Irish Water now says the largest and most difficult part of the project has now been successfully completed. The remaining works involve disconnecting local properties from the old water main network and re-connecting them to the new network.

It had been hoped to carry out the connection works at night time using additional crews working in parallel with the mains laying crews, however this was ruled out following consultation with local businesses, said a spokesperson for Irish Water.

It will take a further three weeks to successfully complete these connection works. During this time, Patrick Street will be open to two-way vehicular and pedestrian traffic and the connection works will be carried out by a single crew operating in a confined working area.

We are continuing to engage regularly with local businesses to keep them informed of the progress of the works and to work with them in order to minimise disruption while these vital water network improvement works are being carried out. We would again like to thank those businesses and the public for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience as we work to complete this essential project.

The bottom of Ormonde Street was also opened up as part of the project to connect to existing mains.

Meanwhile, senior engineer for Kilkenny County Council Seamus Kavanagh has explained that the work which took place on Friary Street last week was a road crossing for broadband. He also said that re-instatement works have taken place on Kieran Street after broadband works there.
This weeks Kilkenny People has details of a wide range of positions in the recruitment section.

Gittens Murray Architects has two vacancies. Theyre looking for a year out student of architectural technology as well as a junior qualified architectural technician with at least three years of experience.

Aut Even Hospital Kilkenny want a medical scientist. Applicants must hold the relevant qualifications as per the Department of Health standards. They must also be a member of or be eligible for membership of The Academy of Medical Laboratory Science.

Glanbia require seasonal general operatives. Applicants must have at least two years experience of working in a fast paced, highly automated manufacturing environment and/or a qualification in an industrial trade such as electrician, instrumentation technician or mechanical fitter.

PRL are looking for a full time artic driver, and a part time/weekend artic driver. All applicants must have a full licence, a digital tachograph driver card and all driver CPC modules completed.

Munster Joinery wish to recruit a service engineer who has a full clean drivers licence. They will provide full training.

David Buggy Motors are looking for either a qualified mechanic or a fourth-year apprentice. Additionally, they also need an apprentice mechanic.

The Sisters of Mercy in St Leos Convent in Carlow require a part-time house manager. Previous management experience is essential.

Teagasc, the Irish agricultural and food development authority, are looking for an ICT technical services manager.

The HSE are searching for a mental health staff nurse, while First choice Interior Sprayers want an apprentice painter.

Those who wish to apply to be a part time cleaner/housekeeper should send their CV to trish@bookkilkenny.ie. Applicants must be fluent in English and have previous experience.

For more information and contact details about all of these positions, be sure to pick up this weeks edition of the Kilkenny People.
The Herald reports:

A play area will be built on the front lawn of Parliament, but without the usual bright play equipment often associated with playgrounds.

Instead, images released by Speaker Trevor Mallard show a natural-looking area designed to blend in with the surroundings of Parliaments smaller front lawn.

Mallard said it was hoped the play area, which consists of a slide, a pole maze and balance beams, would encourage families to visit Parliament, and to make the experience more welcoming, enjoyable and accessible.

The play space will also help to meet the rapidly growing need for play spaces in Wellington as inner city apartment living becomes more common for young families, he said.
Joshua John Morrison is a second striker. Based in the Bay of Plenty, he is a repeat bank robber, recidivist burglar and sexual offender. He has at least 6 convictions for burglary for which he has served numerous sentences of imprisonment. With police clearance rates for burglary at between 10-15% of reported burglaries, Morrison may have in fact burgled dozens of houses in his busy criminal career. Currently aged around 26, he is a high risk offender and has many years of serious burgling ahead of him.

His second strike offences were the aggravated robbery of a Tauranga bank just 5 days after the aggravated robbery of a local dairy in which he used a double-barrelled shotgun. He in fact loaded the shotgun in front of the dairy worker, ensuring the threat was very real. For these crimes, he was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment. He committed these second strike aggravated robberies while on bail for his first strike offence. Aggravated robberies of dairies can have devastating consequences for the victims. The psychological impact is often huge, especially being threatened with a weapon, and financially can be crippling on people often barely able to eke out a living from running their dairy, working long hours, 7 days a week.

His first strike offence was for unlawful sexual connection with a young person, an extended member of his own family, an offence carrying a maximum sentence of up to 10 years, but for which he received just 6 months imprisonment.

By age 22, Morrison had at least 21 criminal convictions including male assaults female, wilful damage & assault.

He appears to have a strong sense of entitlement to do as he pleases, whether it is breaking into peoples homes, relations with underage girls, assaulting people or helping himself to other peoples money at suburban banks at the end of a shotgun.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Justice Minister Andrew Little want the Parole Board to be able to let him out early to continue burgling and committing aggravated robberies.

Under Three Strikes, Morrison will remain in prison, ineligible for parole, until at least July 2020. Without it, he might already be out.

Share this: Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

More

Reddit

Pinterest



Print

Tumblr




Stuff reports:

If she is wearing your threads, Cabinet rules allow designers to cash in on Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on social media. But they must call her the Labour leader, or only by her name  not refer to her ministerial warrant. Ardern, an avid follower of New Zealand fashion, has spent time in the front row at New Zealand Fashion Week, and is friendly with a few local designers. Luxury clothing label Harman Grubisa was called on by the Prime Minister to create her outfit to meet the French president Emmanuel Macron. They have used the images of Ardern in their clothes to promote their brand across their companys social media accounts. And jewellery designer Cathy Pope has also used Arderns image in social media accounts. A spokeswoman said that where the Prime Ministers Office learnt that her image was being used in such a way, they would ask for such marketing to be stopped. Often that meant simply tweaking the language so it was not seen as her endorsing whatever the product is. But on Sunday, both companies were still displaying Arderns image wearing their clothes, identifying her in her capacity as prime minister.

It can be a fine line between promoting and endorsing.

But political pundit David Farrar says the use of her image is not quite cut and dry. The Cabinet Manual, which sets out rules for Ministers of the Crown, talks about endorsements of products and services. Photos of a minister may not be used to endorse a product. Farrar acknowledged the designers should not be expected to know the rules set down in the Cabinet Manual. Its a bit ridiculous to say you cant use photographs of her wearing clothes. You need to wear clothes every day. I suspect the Royal Family run into this problem all the time, he said. Its a hard one to police, but having said that there may be implicit endorsement coming through. Farrar noted that all that may be needed is a tweak to language  the title of prime minister should not be mentioned, but the name Jacinda Ardern still can be.

Stuff approached me on this story. I actually semi-defended the PM and said that she cant stop designers highlighting the fact she may be wearing their clothes.

I also said there is a line between wanting to promote NZ brands overseas, however not endorse a particular company in the NZ domestic market (as that is unfair to their competitors).

In the end all that may be needed is for the PMO or DPMC to ask those companies using her image, to make clear it is not an endorsement. I know this has happened in the past.

Share this: Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

More

Reddit

Pinterest



Print

Tumblr




Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris is ready to relinquish her current role for the vacant Nairobi Deputy Governor post.

Passaris, who is one of the favorites for the job, has officially thrown her hat in the ring. She made known her interest for the job saying Governor Mike Sonko need an able deputy like herself.

The governor needs a deputy and if he cannot find one, then I am willing to take the position to help him and in the spirit of the handshake we can have a Jubilee-Nasa partnership, she said.

The former Adopt-A-Light chief executive officer noted that the citys problems and challenges are dire.

If we dont take care of the poverty in this city and other critical services then we are all doomed. The state of hopelessness is too high, he therefore needs an able deputy, Passaris added.

She, however, set one condition for Mike Sonko if she were to take up the job in the foreseeable future.

I can only go there if I am given clear departments to run, declared Passaris.

I want environment, water, education, and trade. I have to have an impact and I can achieve this if I have the executives and make sure they work, she said.

The Deputy Governor position was left vacant after the abrupt resignation of Polycarp Igathe in January. He claimed that he had failed to earn the trust of Mike Sonko.
Barely hours after Education CS Amina Mohammed dissolved Moi Girls School, Nairobi, Board and Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) over the alleged rape of a student, another similar incident has been reported at Moi Girls Kamusinga School.

Speaking to the press, the victim, a Form Two student, alleged that a classmate informed her that her teacher had summoned her and on arrival in the office, he began making advances at her.

He told me he had missed me and I told him the only relationship I would have with him was teacher-student, said the girl as quoted by Citizen Digital.

The 14-year-old student recounted how she tried to get out of the office but the teacher ordered her back telling her that only he had the right to allow her to leave.

That was when he pulled me back in, forcefully bent me over and raped me, said the student.

Kimilili Sub-county Assistant Commissioner Reuben Loyotoman confirmed the incident saying the suspect, identified as Willy Masiokari Wanyonyi, committed the act on Sunday afternoon June 3, 2018, at his office within the schools Chemistry Department.

The teacher is said to have jumped over the fence and fled after committing the act.

The police boss said a manhunt had been launched. He, however, noted that he suspects there might have been consent.

I think there must have been some consent but since this lady realized that the story has gone out, she now changed the story to be rape, but I think they must have been friends for sometimefrom the way were getting the whole story, said the assistant commissioner.

Area OCPD Gladys Rutere urged residents to remain calm saying police were already in pursuit of the suspect.

Similar sexual assault incidents have also been reported at Huruma Girls school in Nairobi and Homa Bays Rusinga Girls High school.

In the Huruma incident, a student claims that the schools cook touched her indecently on May 19. She claimed that the cook pushed her friend out of the kitchen, closed the door, and forcibly groped her.

Principal Margaret Owenje told KTN that the cook switched off lights in the kitchen after the students had gone to fetch water. She denied claims that she accused the girls of seducing the cook and stated that she had warned them against going to the kitchen.

At Homa Bays Rusinga Girls High school, a man reportedly gained access to the girls dormitory on Monday night.

Homa Bay County Police Commander Marius Tum said the school has been without electricity supply for four months after a transformer serving the area blew up.

The suspect was not identified.the school has one guard manning the premises at night.

The school management reported the matter to the area chief and the institutions board of management, Tum said.

Principal Herine Owuonda did not respond to calls for a statement on the incident.
Citizen TV news presenter Lillian Muli is off to Diani beach for a babymoon.

Muli, who has been sharing her pregnancy journey with fans and fellow expectant mothers, said in a post that she landed in Mombasa on Monday, June 4. She checked in at the high-end, five-star luxury Swahili Beach hotel in readiness for some much-needed downtime.

Im totally in Love with this place, she posted after checking in one of the suites with traditional Arab and Swahili decor.

Suite fit for a queen because mummy needs this, she added.

Taking to the gram on Tuesday to remind other expectant mothers on the importance of taking a babymoon vacation, Lillian said: Lets face it: These next few weeks are probably your last chance for some real alone time. Common sense dictates that your health (and that of your growing baby) are paramount as you plan your trip: consider the availability of healthcare wherever youre going, make sure that you have appropriate insurance or access to money and talk to your midwife and doctor before you book. You can choose to head off on holiday with either your partner, friend or a loved one before baby comes.

Lillian further shared stunning pictures of her breathtaking babymoon vacation that was sponsored by Bonfire Adventures.

Check her out
President Uhuru Kenyatta has poached Citizen TVs Kanze Dena from the Royal Media Services television channel for a plum job at State House.

The celebrated Swahili news anchor, who doubled up as Citizen TVs Swahili News Editor, is the new deputy State House spokesperson.

Kanze Dena will now take leadership of the core communications teams, including digital, messaging, research, branding, and press.

She has also been tasked to focus on President Kenyattas brand positioning, media relations and messaging with respect to the delivery the Big Four agenda.

The appointment was announced in a statement by State House spokesperson Manoah Esipisu.

Esipisu added that former KTN senior reporter Munira Mohamed has also been elevated to the position of deputy head of PSCU and head of the presidential library.

Ms. Mohamed will lead a team to design and develop the library; develop storylines and themes for both permanent and temporary public exhibitions; carry out research work and collect material relevant to the Presidential Library, Museum and Exhibition Centre.

In this new role Ms. Mohamed will work closely with the families of Kenyas first three Presidents, as well as the State Department of Heritage, to decide on important speeches, papers, books, artworks, artifacts and other materials to preserve and exhibit, the statement reads.

Ms Mohamed will also be in charge of all broadcast and media production.

President Kenyatta exuded confidence that the two women leaders will bring diversity, dynamism and infuse new energy in to the PSCU whilst improving overall media relations with external stakeholders.
Kenyas clown of the year, gospel artiste Alex Apoko alias Ringtone, is not yet done milking publicity from Diamond Platnumz break up with Zari Hassan in February.

Just when we thought his attention-seeking pursuit of Zari Hassan had ended after he was turned down last month, Ringtone has returned with an open letter to the Ugandan businesswoman.

Taking to social media last night, the This Year hitmaker warned Zari against going back to Diamond.

Dear Zari. You cant continue reading pages of a book that you already know how it will end, wrote Ringtone.

He further compared Diamond Platnumz to biblical Egypt, saying: You left Egypt for Canaan it will be sad if you quit and go back.

What will happen to all the millions of girls who you told you building ZARI?

Ringtones advice? This is the time You need to seek the face of God. Go into prayer and fasting ask God to give you direction.

He concluded by saying: Meanwhile since we all know you wont go back to Diamond we are not worried.

Ringtones sentiments on Instagram were accompanied by a picture of himself seemingly making a call outside his home in Runda, Nairobi.

His letter comes in the wake of reports that the once It couple was working towards reconciling after Diamond featured Zari in his latest music video for Iyena featuring Rayvanny.
Kiambu County Governor Ferdinand Waititu has brushed off Deputy James Nyoros claims that his boss is running the county all by himself.

Speaking during a function to mark World Environment Day on Tuesday, the self-proclaimed Baba Yao further denied claims that he has sidelined Nyoro in decision making.

Waititu accused his deputy of lying and skipping cabinet meetings without reason. He claimed that Nyoros remark on lack of offices was a political lie and that he has two in Kiambu and Thika.

The one is Kiambu is undergoing rehabilitation, said Waititu.

Saying he doesnt have an office is a broad daylight lie. There are enough offices. You cannot come to push me in my office. You have to serve in the office you were elected to be in.

Baba Yao further claimed that Nyoro wanted a new vehicle yet the ones acquired from Kabogos government were still in good shape.

I am still using the one handed to me by my predecessor William Kabogo. The problem with our people is that they want new vehicles which are very expensive.

On decision making, Waititu said Nyoro skips county meetings without reason.

If someone stays away without a good reason, we cannot stop serving residents and wait for him, he said.

How many people did I invite here? All of you came willingly. There are officers from our government you cannot see here. No one chased, sidelined or failed to invite them.

Nyoro had claimed that he had gone through torture and hell at the hands of Waititu.
One would think that the prudent thing would be to leverage our interests with those of China as we have done with Russia and many other nations around the world. But short-sighted legislation and targeted xenophobia currently prevents this.

Meanwhile NASA is trying to rid itself of the ISS through various half-hearted efforts to commercialize this amazing resource that rely on smoke and mirrors and faith-based funding plans. NASA is also puffing itself up again for the third time in less than 20 years to #GoBackToTheMoon or something with budgets that do not come close to making such a thing possible. Oh by the way #JourneyToMars is still on the books.

Keith's note: China is getting ready to launch a new space station which, when complete, will be on par with Mir with many capabilities similar to those offered by the ISS. China is openly seeking governmental and commercial participation. Meanwhile they are about to land a rover on the far side of the Moon as part of a methodical plan to land humans there.

I was working at NASA in the 1990s when we were tasked with planning to bring the former USSR/Russia into the space station program. Xenophobia abounded. Indeed, you can take everything that circulated back then about how awful the Russians were and just replace that with "China". But we made it work and the ISS is a stunning physical manifestation of what nations can do when they elevate something like space exploration above petty politics.

Interestingly, every time the bad relationship between the U.S. and Russia gets worse there is no mention of altering U.S./Russian cooperation in space. Somehow NASA, Russia, and all of the other ISS partners have managed to construct a working relationship on Earth as well as in space that is able to function despite terrestrial political difficulties. Indeed some people have made a serious effort to nominate the ISS for the Nobel Peace Prize for this multi-decade peaceful international cooperative venture.

Why is space seen as a venture that seemingly transcends terrestrial politics - indeed, one where peaceful collaboration regularly prevails over less desirable behavior? There is a precedent: Antarctica.

A new NASA Administrator and an embryonic space policy being formulated by the National Space Council will have to deal with the issue of China. They have a plan and they are sticking to it with steely determination. Do we just pretend they are not there or do we look back at history's successes and embrace China - and other nations - in the exploration and utilization of space? And for those xenophobes who throw up reasons not to engage with China - just use the word "Russia" instead and then ask yourself if you are being consistent.

The more all nations rely on a space infrastructure that is interlinked, cross-standardized, and inherently multi-national - with their own citizens living in orbit and elsewhere - one would think that the less likely it will be that one nation is going to try and disrupt that infrastructure.

Or we can just ignore China and sit back while they go and develop an extensive international relationship - without us.

China Is Seeking Users For Their New Space Station, earlier post

China Reminds Washington About Their Space Program, earlier post

Will Terrestrial Politics Soon Have An Offworld Impact? (Update), earlier post

The Curious Geopolitical Immunity of the International Space Station, earlier post
Managua, Jun 6 (AFP) At least 121 people have been killed in a wave of protests since April 18 against President Daniel Ortega's government, Nicaragua's main human rights group said today.

The latest toll includes a young boy killed by gunfire during clashes today in the city of Granada between anti-government protesters and riot police, the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights said.

It said 1,300 people had been wounded in the violence. A parish priest, Wilmer Perez, earlier told the 100% news channel that the boy was killed in a confrontation between demonstrators and pro-government supporters trying to clear a barricade in the city, 45 kilometers south of the capital Managua.

Ten people were killed in running battles over the weekend in the flashpoint city of Masaya, the center said.

Residents armed with homemade mortars and slingshots faced off in clashes with what they said were paramilitary forces and riot police loyal to Ortega, who has dominated the Central American country's politics for four decades.

The Catholic Church initially tried to mediate the conflict, but called off the talks after a crackdown on a march led by victims' mothers on Wednesday left another 16 people dead.

On Monday, Ortega's wife and vice president, Rosario Murillo -- a figure widely reviled by the protesters -- made an appeal to return to dialogue. "We all want peace, we want dialogue, we want to work together and listen to each other, discuss all issues, because there's a solution for everything," she told state media.

"Let's not keep suffering losses, pain, mourning in our families." The Church has said talks are impossible as long as "the people continue to be repressed and killed" by "groups close to the government." (AFP) AQS

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
United Nations, Jun 6 (AP) The UN Security Council is expected to give its backing today to the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya in December.

The council has scheduled a meeting to adopt a French-drafted presidential statement that would welcome "the momentum generated" by an international conference on Libya hosted by President Emmanuel Macron on May 29.

Libya plunged into chaos following a 2011 uprising that toppled and later killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Since 2014, the country has been split between rival governments and parliaments based in the western and eastern regions, each backed by different militias and tribes.

The draft presidential statement would put the Security Council on record saying that "the current political and security situation in Libya is not sustainable." And it would note "the resounding call of all Libyans for credible, inclusive and peaceful elections in order to achieve a united and stable Libya." At the Paris conference, rival Libyan leaders agreed on a political roadmap leading to elections on December 10.

The draft presidential statement welcomes their commitment "to work constructively with the UN to organize credible and peaceful parliamentary and presidential elections, and to respect the results." It also welcomes the parties' recognition "of the importance of developing a constitutional basis for elections."

The statement further recognizes the key role of UN envoy Ghassan Salame "in consulting with Libyan parties to set the constitutional basis for elections and to adopt the necessary laws." The draft notes the commitment of parties to the Paris agreement "to organize an inclusive political conference" under UN auspices to follow up on implementation of the roadmap.

It would also express concern at the humanitarian situation in Libya, especially in Derna where clashes have been ongoing since April, and would call on all parties "to exercise restraint." (AP) AQS

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
The tussle between the apex court and the Centre over judicial appointments began in 2015, after the government passed the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Bill | File Image | (Photo Credits: IANS)

Patna, June 6: Amid the ongoing rift between the government and the judiciary over the appointment of judges, a senior Minister of the NDA regime condemned the Supreme Court's Collegium, calling it a "blot on our democracy".

The remarks were made by Upendra Kushwaha, Union Minister of State For Human Resource Development (HRD). While speaking at an event in Patna on Tuesday, Kushwaha said the Collegium group aims to uphold the hegemony of privileged class.

"According to the attitude of the judiciary, in the present time, judges don't appoint other judges, they actually appoint their successors. Why do they do that? Why was this made a system to choose successors," he said.

"People oppose reservation, say it ignores merit but I think collegium ignores merit. A tea-seller can become PM, a fisherman's child can become a scientist and later President. But can a maid's child become a judge? Collegium is a blot on our democracy," added Kushwaha, who heads the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) based in Bihar.

The tussle between the apex court and the Centre over the appointments in judiciary began in 2015, after the government passed the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Bill. As per the new legislation, the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, Lok Sabha Speaker and "eminent personalities" will have a say in the appointment of judges apart from the Chief Justice of India.

The law was opposed by the judiciary, which exercised it powers to strike down the legislation on constitutional grounds.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 06, 2018 10:38 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New Delhi, June 6: Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram today went to the CBI headquarters for questioning regarding foreign investment clearances given to INX media during his tenure. The agency had alleged irregularities in the clearance of foreign investment in INX media, a venture promoted by former media baron Peter Mukerjea and his wife Indrani, sources said.

Chidambaram's alleged role came under the scanner of investigating agencies in connection with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance of Rs 305 crore. The CBI had registered an FIR on May 15 last year for alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the finance minister during the UPA-1 government.

Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram was also arrested in the case for allegedly receiving funds to the tune of Rs 10 lakh. The other accused in the case include then INX media director Indrani Mukerjea and then INX news director Peter Mukerjea, both in jail for the alleged murder of their 24-year old daughter Sheena Bora.
Mumbai, June 06: Sanjay Nirupam, President of Mumbai Congress Committee, came down heavily on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah, earlier today. Expressing his dismay, the senior Congress leader took to his social media account on Twitter and said that the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance has failed the citizens of Mumbai city on every front. Criticising the BJP chiefs visit to the city, Nirupam said, Amit Shahs visit to Matoshree is being hyped just to divert the attention of people from basic issues.

Talking to the media, Sanjay Nirupam said, "I am not aware of the reasons but the police have been stationed outside my residence. What crime or illegal activities have I committed?" Nirupam also asked that why only today has the administration has decided the deployment of police outside my house.

See video of Sanjay Nirupam talking about Police deployment outside his house:

Accusing the Shiv-Sena BJP alliance in Maharashtra of playing out the mutually agreed melodrama, Sanjay Nirupam said, Amit Shah's visit to Matoshree is being hyped just to divert attention of people from basic issues. Mumbai has been let down by Shiv Sena-BJP. They have failed Mumbaikars on every front. Infra, cleanliness, healthcare and water supply. Their mutual fight is mutually agreed melodrama.

Read what Sanjay Nirupam tweeted:

Amit Shah's visit to Matoshree is being hyped just to divert attention of people from basic issues.Mumbai has been let down by ShivSena-BJP. They have failed Mumbaikars on every front. Infra,cleanliness,healthcare and water supply.Their mutual fight is mutually agreed melodrama.  Sanjay Nirupam (@sanjaynirupam) June 6, 2018

Lambasting Amit Shah on his brief visit to the city, Sanjay Nirupam said that the police was deployed outside their homes. A rough translation of his tweet reads, Amit Shah is in our city today and the police has been deployed outside our homes. Why? Why are they fearing our questions so much? Or maybe all of the lies have been unmasked, and hence the worry? Or this is a new way of sampark for samarthan programme?

Read Sanjay Nirupams tweet here:

                 ?       ?            ?           ?  Sanjay Nirupam (@sanjaynirupam) June 6, 2018

Nirupam also said that the police was following him, without any reason. He tweeted, Police following me in my car. Dont know why?

Read Sanjay Nirupams latest tweet here:

Police following me in my car. Don't know why? https://t.co/jhyis6WUL7  Sanjay Nirupam (@sanjaynirupam) June 6, 2018

The BJP supremo is on a short visit to the Mumbai city where he is scheduled to meet Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray  BJPs coalition partner in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in both Centre and Maharashtra state. The Shiv Sena-BJP coalition has been on a threshold for a long time now. Amit Shah, in his mega public drive sampark for samarthan will, hence, be meeting Sena chief in order to set things in order. Also, Shah will be meeting Ratan Tata, Madhuri Dixit, and Lata Mangeshkar later in the day.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 06, 2018 12:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has paid glowing tributes to Keralas young nurse Lini Puthussery, who died of Nipah virus infection last month, after treating one of the patients. Lini died on May 21 after being infected by a patient, whom she treated initially at the Perambra Taluk hospital, where she was a nurse. In a tweet, WHOs Health Workforce Director Jim Campbell said: Remember them, lest we forget: Razan al-Najjar (Gaza); Lini Puthussery (India); Salome Karwah (Liberia). #WomeninGlobalHealth, #NotATarget.

The nurse, in a poignant letter scribbled from her deathbed to her husband Sajeesh, had said ..am almost on the way. I dont think I can meet you again.... The letter had evoked an emotional response from across the world after it went viral on the social media.

The Kerala government has offered her husband a government job and financial assistance of 10 lakh each to her sons aged five and two.

Razan al-Najjar, a 21-year-old paramedic, was shot dead, allegedly by Israeli soldiers on June 3 while trying to aid wounded protestors in Gaza.

Salome Karwah from Liberia, who was named by Time as Person of the Year in 2014 for her work fighting Ebola in West Africa, died in February last year from childbirth complications in a hospital in Liberia after hospital staff allegedly refused to help her due to the stigma that still surrounds the disease.
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.
Objections have been lodged with Laois County Council against fast food tycoon Pat McDonaghs plans for the construction of a new motorway service station at Togher in Portlaoise.

Mr McDonagh, whose fast food business Supermac's comprises over 100 outlets nationwide, has applied for permission to build a two-storey building with a retail unit, a food court and drive-thru, communal seating area, office, toilet and kitchen facilities, adjacent to Junction 17 of the M7 at Togher, Portlaoise.

The development will include six filling pumps, two totem pole signs, and a new vehicular entrance and egress road, with improvement works to the existing road network at Togher.

However, a number of submissions have been made to county hall against the plans.

Alan Meredith, on behalf of Petrogas Group Ltd, Parkwest, Dublin 12, said that it appears the proposal forms part of a much wider masterplan for the Togher area.

It is claimed that the applicant controls much of the land in the area and intends to work very closely with the council to develop all of the property over time.

We are not aware of any relaxations in traffic standards that would allow a new service area to be safely delivered without the previously required motorway upgrades being in place in advance, said Mr Meredith.

There is an existing facility currently operated by Applegreen and Mr Meredith said that the sustainability of another major facility at the same location providing more or less the same services, but without the motorway upgrades previously deemed necessary, is an area of some concern.

We would hope the applicant can address the major issues of need, traffic safety and policy compliance in the first instance, he said.

Mr Frank Dunne, Togher, Portlaoise, made a submission saying that noise levels are already high and the traffic volumes will increase.

As the local road will now have to accommodate traffic from the national road system, he asked is the design safe.

And a further submission was made by James Warren, Hillcrest, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare.

There are enough motorway service areas in existence and another one is not needed, he said.

Mr Warren said that the TII policy is that there should be 60km between service areas, but there is already planning permission granted for a service area within 1.5km of this site

He also said that the traffic created will have an adverse effect on the functioning of the motorway roundabout.
A new bereavement room, The Willow Suite, within the maternity services at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise was officially opened recently.

The HSE says the suite is a purpose built, en-suite room for parents and families who have experienced a pregnancy loss and require in-patient care. It has been designed to provide a private environment, within which, the sensitive individuality of each bereaved parents needs are respectfully cared for.

It is anticipated that the suite will enable a womans partner to remain with her overnight and during their hospital stay if they so wish. The Willow Suite has also been furnished to facilitate family members who may wish to visit to support bereaved parents.

The 2016 HSE National Standards on Bereavement Care following Pregnancy Loss and Perinatal Death, recommended nationally, the development of in-patient rooms, purposefully designed for bereaved parents and their families.

Maureen Revilles, Director of Midwifery, Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise said it will help to deliver compassionate care.

Pregnancy loss and bereavement care are uniquely personal experiences for parents and their families. We, at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, are committed to providing care and compassion at these times in parents lives. The Willow Suite provides a protected and comfortable space for parents and their families.

"We were delighted to be awarded the funding by the Design and Dignity programme and would like to thank the Irish Hospice Foundation for their support and funding, she continued.

Michael Knowles, General Manager, Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, thanked those who have supported the project.

I would like to acknowledge the work of the maternity services and the support of the Irish Hospice Foundation for this dedicated room. This project has been nurtured by engaging with parents and families bereaved by pregnancy loss, and listening to their experiences," he said.

Laois woman Sharon Foley is CEO of the Irish Hospice Foundation.

"The essence of Design & Dignity projects is to convey a sense of reverence and respect for life, death and bereavement. We are very pleased this project has come to fruition in the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise and would like to acknowledge the work undertaken by the maternity services in implementing the national bereavement standards, she said.

MORE BELOW PICTURE

Michael OConnell is Clinical Director for Integration at Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital and Portlaoise Maternity Services.

The Willow Suite has also been a very important development for staff caring for bereaved parents and families within our maternity services. Person centred bereavement support is integral in the care we provide to parents and families bereaved by pregnancy loss. We are delighted and honoured to provide a kind and compassionate space, within our bereavement care and support services," he said.

The project was funded by the Design and Dignity Grant Fund which is operated and co- funded by the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) and the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise is one of over 48 hospitals in Ireland linked into the Hospice Friendly Hospitals (HFH) Programme. The HFH Programme is an initiative of the Irish Hospice Foundation.

It seeks to ensure that palliative, end of life and bereavement care are central to the core values of care within hospitals.
Electric Picnic 2018 is coming up at the end of August and tickets will be flying around in all directions pretty soon.

The Portlaoise Order of Malta Unit has secured two weekend tickets to Electric Picnic that they are giving away in a raffle.

Only 300 entries will be allowed into the raffle so the chances of winning are good!

Tickets for the raffle are 10 or 15 for two. They can be purchased from any unit member or by messaging the Facebook page for more information.

The draw will take place on July 19, at 9pm.

If you're not in you can't win!

Go to the Order of Malta Facebook page here.

As one of Irelands largest voluntary organisations, the Portlaoise Order of Malta make a positive contribution to hundreds of local communities in Ireland.

With nearly 4,000 members volunteering their time nationwide to provide first-aid medical services at national and local community events, training in life-saving skills and delivering community care initiatives, the Order of Malta continue to save, touch and change thousands of lives across all our charitable works.

Visit the Portlaoise Order of Malta website here.

During the Beast from the East snow in March, the local unit carried out heroic work for local people. READ MORE HERE.
The Laois community is being invited to join a morning sponsored walk for the Laois Alzheimers Society, in the beautiful surrounds of Derryounce Walkway in Portarlington.

The walk will be held on Monday June 18 at 10am, and has been organised in conjunction with healthcare students at the Further Education College in Portarlington.

It came about after a visit last September by the Laois Alzheimer's mobile unit to the FEC in Port, when their members gave a talk about dementia to the students, who then wanted to help.

Almost 3,000 raised for Laois man's cancer treatment

The walk starts at the entrance to Derryounce Walkway, on the Bog Road, Portarlington, on Monday 18 June at 10am.

Jacintha Byrne is the Public Relations Officer for the Laois Alzheimer's branch.

"We hope people will come and join the students from Further Education College and some of the branch members who can walk on the day. If you are affected by dementia we would love if you came along to join us," she said.

Contact Jacintha on 087 2511300 for sponsorship card.

Next month they hope to open a new Resource Centre on Main Street in Portlaoise.

"We are trying to get better services in Laois for people with dementia," she said.

Laois Alzheimer's Society is a homecare service for Laois people who are living with Dementia. They look after their daily needs, and help make life easier for their families.

They hold Social Clubs are on the second and fourth Thursday of every month at 2.30 to 4.30pm for people with Dementia and their carers. The relaxed events include activities, fun and chat over a cup of tea. The club goes 'on tour' around Laois, see Leinster Express area notes for updates.

The next stops are on June 14 at Droimnin Nursing Home in Stradbally, and om Thursday June 28 2.30pm  4.30pm in Ballard Lodge Nursing Home, Borris Road, Portlaoise.

The society also holds a Family Support Club on the third Wednesday of every month between 7.30 and 9pm in the Old Parochial House, Portlaoise.

For any information on dementia contact Ann Munnelly on 057 866 3398/086 8372168

Home-care Coordinator Old Parochial House, Dublin Road Portlaoise Co Laois

Email laois.branch@alzheimer.ie
Terra Liquid Minerals in Athy have been named the winner of Googles Adopt A Startup Spring Programme.

Joining alumni such as Veri, FoodCloud, NewsWhip, CoderDojo and Jobbio, Terra Liquid Minerals were crowned winners following a dragons den style finale held in The Foundry at Googles EMEA Headquarters in Dublin last night.

Googles Adopt A Startup programme was set up to provide the Irish startup community with the insights and knowledge needed to help them grow their companies on a global scale. This year, over 100 startups applied for one of 30 spaces available on this years Spring programme.

Terra Liquid Minerals is an automated dispensing system for animal liquid supplements and medication. They work with farmers to improve herd health using agtech and automation to accurately feed minerals in water.

The seven other finalists who competed against each other on the night were CarTow.io, Dobiquity, Equine MediRecord, Huggnote, Kollect, Mummy Cooks and Openback.

Padraig Hennessy, CEO, Terra Liquid Minerals said Were delighted to be named winner of Googles Adopt A Startup programme and feel it validates the hard work weve put into the programme over the past twelve weeks. We set a number of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) at the outset of the programme and we achieved them with significant results with the help from our team of Googlers.

He added, Our business provides smart technology to farmers across the country to ensure their herds are receiving the correct minerals on a daily basis. At the moment, the majority of our sales leads are in Ireland which is why one of our objectives for the Adopt A Startup programme was to increase the number of targeted hits to our website from International users to help us scale globally. We found out that of the international hits we already had, there was a high bounce rate because of our .ie domain, to combat this we started to localise our website domain to different jurisdictions such as .co.uk which helped us increase the number of international visitors we had.
A local TD has called on the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, to prioritise the completion of the Maynooth Post Primary Schools project.

Catherine Murphys comments came in the wake of the liquidation of Sammon Contracting which was approved in the High Court yesterday.

She feared that the the domino effect of school projects being halted has impacted far too greatly not only in North Kildare but across Ireland and the education of young people is being hindered because of contractual arrangements between the Department and these private companies.

Deputy Catherine Murphy

This, she said, was unacceptable. The Department has a duty to ensure adequate facilities are provided to communities to educate our youngsters.

Read more: New contractor needed to complete Maynooth Education Campus after builder collapse

Minister Bruton needs to ensure that the Dutch Infrastructure Fund appoint a new contractor as soon as possible to avoid any undue delays in delivering vital school buildings which communities are relying on."

Meanwhile her fellow Kildare North TD Bernard Durkin noted that while the news was very disappointing and a setback for schools like Maynooth Post Primary School and Maynooth Community College, nonetheless, it is to be hoped that every effort will be made during the summer break to advance the tendering process for the completion of all the works concerned as soon as possible.

Read more: Liquidator appointed to two companies in Kildare building contractor Sammon Group after Carillion collapse
Leitrim held the only Standing 4 Women protest in the North West in Manorhamilton last Wednesday, May 30.



While just 32 people attended, those 32 represented many more who could not make it, who sent messages of support and who wore red in solidarity with the women affected by the CervicalCheck scandal.



The protest at Manorhamilton Fire Station at 5pm last week was one of 25 national demonstrations.

Local organiser Rosa Carr from Drumkeerin addressed the rally. She said, Thanks for coming - for wearing red - for making or bringing or holding a banner.

We are here to Stand up for Women, for Vicky, for Emma, for Irene, for Catherine, for Orla, for Julie, for Rosie, for Debbie, for Ann, for Carol, for those speaking up daily, for all 18, for all 209, who suffered a missed diagnosis and delayed treatment because of inaccuracies in the testing of their cervical check samples. And for their families. I want to express my condolences to the families of the 18 women who have passed away following a misdiagnosis.



A minute's silence was held in respect of the women.



Ms Carr stated, We will keep holding similar rallies until we are happy with the work the government and the HSE undertake to right this wrong.

We appreciate the support today, of each and every one of you being here.



She asked those present and those who could not make it to share photos and messages of support online and there is also a book of support that can be signed.



The national movement received plenty of press coverage and there seems to be appetite from the public for more demonstrations.

On Friday June 29, Leitrim women are being asked to travel to Dublin's Phoenix Park at 9am to march with Emma Mhic Mathuna in support of her, and in public response to the breaking of the promise from Irish government that no person affected by the Cervical Check scandal would need to be in court over it.



The group are also planning a symbolic demonstration to represent all of the women and families affected in the next few weeks. There may be more protests planned for Co Leitrim as part of the national movement.
International Retail Solutions company E3 Retail are to establish a Software Development & Sales Centre in Sligo, creating 40 jobs

The project is supported by the Government through IDA Ireland, with E3 Retail planning to create 40+ jobs in 5 years. This includes key roles such as Technical Director, Marketing, and a new software development team (senior full stack cloud developers, cloud data storage architects, .net core and Angular 5+ UI developers, QA analysts, DevOps).

The company will initially locate in the Innovation Centre in Sligo IT.

Speaking at todays announcement, E3 Retails Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder Barry Henderson said, After working with the IDA to evaluate the technical talent in Ireland and appreciating the wonderful community spirit alive in Sligo, we are both honoured and excited to create a new centre in Sligo. We look forward to expanding our global technology team, as we concurrently look to expand our product offerings and consulting services into Europe.

E3 Retail is hosting a walk-in information session this Saturday, June 9 from 2-4 pm at the Building Block in Sligo for those interested in learning more about the new roles.

Also read: 350 new jobs announced for Sligo

The company is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. E3 Retail also has sales and development centres in San Diego, California and New Delhi, India. The company provides innovative, omni-channel retail solutions to the enterprise.

E3 Retail was rated among the top twenty most promising retail technology solution providers in 2016 by CIO Review.

Sligo Leitrim Fine Gael Deputy Tony McLoughlin welcomed the new jobs and said,This takes the number of new jobs created with the support of both the IDA Ireland and

Enterprise Ireland in Sligo in 2018 to almost 600."



Todays positive news comes from E3 Retail comes on the back of other positive announcements

in 2018 by companies such as Abbvie, Abbott, LiveTiles, Abtran, and Verus Precision.



The trend we have seen in 2018, is further evidence of the importance which the Fine Gael led

Government have placed on creating new jobs in Sligo, as it set out to do under the Ireland 2040

Project and the Regional Action Plan for Jobs.

This announcement today by E3 Retail and yesterday by Abtran, further reaffirms the quality of

Sligo as a destination for job creation.



I wish to pay tribute to the local staff and IDA Ireland and indeed Minister Heather Humphreys

who have all played a part in helping this FDI business to choose Sligo and the North West as its

new location for this major development.

As a TD who on a weekly basis raises the issue of job creation in the Dail, I am delighted with this

weeks news and I fully expect there to be even more jobs announcements for Sligo and the region

in the coming weeks and months concluded McLoughlin.
A statement from Irish Water this afternoon states "Irish Water, working in partnership with Leitrim County Council, would like to advise customers supplied by the Carrick-on-Shannon Water Treatment Plant that the plant is now fully operational following a failure at the plant over the weekend."

However a number of locals disagree with this statement. Francie Gilmartin told the paper today that at least 12 homes on the Drumbranad Group Water Scheme are still without water, having been cut off on Monday, June 4.

He said "This is the third time in the past 4-5 months that the area around Kilclare/ Letterfine and Gowel have been without water for a number of days." Mr Gilmartin who was a former Fianna Fail Leitrim County Councillor said when he contacted Leitrim County Council they didn't know they were without water for three days.

Mr Gilmartin said at homes with young children and people over 90 years have been affected, he added "no one is offering us bottled water."

"It is 25 degrees today and we don't have water to wash our teeth," he commented.

He said their group water scheme needs to be hooked up to Keshcarrigan or a new pump in needed. Mr Gilmartin added that when Leitrim County Council was over the water this issue was "seldom."

In reponse to this a spokesperson for Irish Water told the paper, "These customers need to contact the operators of the Group Water Scheme. The Group Water Scheme is not operated by Irish Water. Customers who are supplied from the public water supply have their water restored at this point."



Irish Water says "All customers should be receiving a full supply of water and the alternative water supplies that were provided for customers have now been removed.



"The plant returned to full production on Monday afternoon and reservoir levels have replenished. Irish Water would like to thank customers for adhering to our appeal to conserve water while the reservoirs were recharging.



"Customers are asked to continue to conserve water while this warm weather continues by turning off taps in properties and farm buildings and avoiding the use of hoses to wash cars or water lawns. More water conservation tips can be found on the Irish Water website at https://www.water.ie/for-home/ conservation/be-water-smart/

"Irish Water and Leitrim County Council would like to apologise for any inconvenience as a result of this issue and thank customers for their co-operation in conserving water at this critical time. We would also like to thank the local authority staff for their efforts in restoring the Carrick on Shannon Water Treatment Plant to production."



Customers can contact the Irish Water customer care helpline 24/7 on 1850 278 278 or on Twitter @IWCare. Updates will be posted on our website at www.water.ie

Also read: Water disruptions expected tomorrow
Scoil Mhuire NS Swanlinbar from Cavan claimed the top prize as they were crowned Eco Rangers School of the Year while Drumlease NS won a gold award at the 1st Annual Eco Rangers Awards which took place in Lough Boora Discovery Park on Wednesday.

The awards saw 12 of the best schools come together to celebrate their outstanding efforts and hard work throughout the programme. This year, the Bord na Mona Eco Rangers schools programme saw a record number of 660 schools sign up across the country, with over 50,000 children participating in the programme this year.

Drumlease NS won a gold award for the Best Creative Interpretation while St Michael's School in Castlerea won an award for Best Habitat Map

Commenting on the announcement, Sara Byrne, Brand Manager at Bord na Mona said The introduction of the awards this year mean that we can recognise the efforts of the schools across the country. We were overwhelmed by the quality of the entries for the awards at each level and it was a tough decision trying to pick a winner for School of the Year.

Scoil Mhuire National School Cavan demonstrated whole school involvement in the programme and the creativity in their submission was truly fantastic.

Schools from Kildare, Offaly, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, Longford, Roscommon, Leitrim and Cavan were shortlisted for the awards. The Eco Rangers programme is about encouraging schools to make a small change and to get back outside, reconnect with nature and to protect the habitats near them.

The programme is linked to the school curriculum but by incorporating more time out in outside through playful exploring, it makes learning more enjoyable.

Eco Rangers aims to reconnect children with nature and teaches them the importance of protecting nature through a series of educational and fun elements.

Teachers are provided with all the tools they need such as teachers packs, lesson plans, classroom games and access to the Eco Rangers website with all the resources they need.

This enables classes to embark on Eco Safaris, nature walks, where they can map out nature trails, look at and investigate flora and fauna, take photos or draw pictures and document what they see.

Eco Rangers aims at encouraging children to learn about different habitats and ecosystems and recognise the importance of protecting them to eventually become Guardians of the Land.

While the emphasis is on schools to participate in Eco Rangers, the introduction of the awards has resulted in the Eco Rangers website being populates with over 140 Eco Safaris across the country which can be enjoyed outside school hours by children and parents and the wider communities around Ireland.
A JUDGE has rejected an offer of more than 32,000 in damages in the case of a pedestrian who suffered life threatening injuries after he was knocked down in Limerick city centre.

Limerick Circuit Court was told the man, who suffered a brain injury when he was a child, was struck by a car while he was crossing the road near St Johns Cathedral almost three years ago.

The plaintiff, the court heard, spent eight days in hospital following the accident which happened at a pedestrian crossing in September 2015.

Barrister Sinead Garry told Judge Gerald Keys that having considered the offer, she was not recommending that it be approved by the court given the injuries her client sustained in the accident.

She said he sustained serious rib injuries and his condition deteriorated a number of days afterwards.

She said a hemothorax which developed as a result of the accident had to be drained by doctors at UHL.

Ms Garry said her client, who sued the driver of the car through his father, has a permanent 3cm scar on his chest as a result of the draining procedure.

Judge Keys was told that following the accident the plaintiff found it hard to breathe and that because of his brain injury, the injuries were considered to be life threatening.

He was also unable to properly communicate how he felt to his family and to doctors.

Ms Garry said still suffers some pain and discomfort and is not back to normal.

She said he is a very vulnerable plaintiff and that what happened has had a significant impact on both him and his family who care for him.

Judge Keys was told the man lives with his father and that he was more able to care for himself prior to the accident.

She said her clients daily routine was upset after he was knocked down and that this had severely affected him as his routine is important given his disability.

Referring to the Book of Quantum which sets guidelines for courts and judges in relation to personal injuries claims, the barrister submitted her client is entitled to a higher payout.

Having considered the matter, Judge Keys agreed saying he was of the view the sum offered is small bit light although he commented that he did not agree with the figure which Ms Garry had suggested.

Accordingly, he formally rejected to offer and awarded the plaintiff his costs.

Because the man cannot independently manage his own affairs, by law any increased offer must come before the court for approval.

Liability in relation to the accident is not an issue.
THE University of Limerick is to confer an honorary doctorate on Vicky Phelan in recognition of her exceptional commitment to improving womens healthcare in Ireland.

Annacotty woman Vicky, whose High Court case exposed the CervicalCheck scandal in which hundreds of women were not informed of smear test reviews, is a graduate and former employee of UL.

I am so honoured to be nominated for an Honorary Doctorate and am very much looking forward to the occasion.  Vicky Phelan (@PhelanVicky) June 6, 2018

The 43-year-old mother-of-two, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in January, struck a 2.5m High Court settlement with a US laboratory in April that in turn exposed the CervicalCheck scandal.

A UL spokesperson said Ms Phelan had shown tremendous courage and determination since her diagnosis of terminal cervical cancer.

Erudite, articulate and forthright, Vicky has contributed to uncovering a scandal which has affected the lives of hundreds of women and their families, and in doing so has given immeasurable service to the women of this country.

As a result of her dedication to helping other people in similar circumstances, an investigation of the shortcomings of the current system is taking place so that in future, Ireland will have the benefit of a service corresponding to the highest international standards.

Underpinning her commitment to womens health, despite her own situation, Vicky has continued to call on women to participate in the cervical screening programme, the spokesperson added.

Vicky will be conferred with an honorary doctorate of letters at UL on Tuesday, June 26, at the Irish World Academy.

Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee recently, she said she wants action taken to ensure what happened to her does not happen to anybody else.

The big thing for me is patient safety. Im not interested in any kind of revenge, thats not what Im here for. I do want to see accountability and I would like to see a legacy  a legacy that this will never happen again to any woman, man or child in this country because this is not just a woman issue.

"This is affecting men and children who are without their mothers and their wives. I never want to see this happen again, said Ms Phelan, who was accompanied by her solicitor Cian OCarroll throughout the hearing.

If I do die, I want it to be not in vain and I want to ensure there are protocols put in place  sanctions for people who made these mistakes and are held accountable and the HSE is overhauled  and I mean overhauled from the ground up - so that people are held accountable and that this will never happen again in any shape or form.
A TEENAGER from Limerick has been jailed for his role in an 11-hour rampage at a juvenile detention centre during which millions of euro worth of damage was caused.

Jack Walsh, aged 19, who has an address at Woodlawn Park, Ballysimon Road, was one of five juveniles who prosecuted in relation to an incident at Oberstown Children Detention Campus on August 29, 2016.

The defendant, who has a large number of previous offences, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to violent disorder and two charges of criminal damage.

He was serving a sentence at the time relating to a theft offence which happened in Limerick.

During a sentencing hearing, evidence was heard that the teenagers escaped from their rooms after threatening staff and demanding keys from them.

Having escaped they climbed onto the roof of one building, smashed up roof tiles and fired them at staff, gardai and fire officers who arrived to put out a blaze they had started.

The court was told that 3 million worth of damage was caused to a unit at Oberstown and that further 500,000 worth of damage was caused to other units.

Imposing sentence, Judge Martin Nolan noted that Walsh was the only defendant who was not charged with arson and he accepted he probably wasnt as bad as some of the others who were involved.

He imposed a five year prison sentence, suspending the final two and a half years of the sentence.

Judge Nolan commented that the teenagers had gone on a rampage and had caused significant damage. It was a very frightening situation for everyone involved, he said.
UNIVERSITY Hospital Limerick is awaiting HSE approval in its bid for a second MRI scanner as demand for the service has increased in recent years, the Limerick Leader has learned.

UHL has just one MRI scanner which is the only one of its kind in the Mid-West for public patients.

From January to April, a total of 1,608 scans have been carried out at UHL which operates the MRI service on weekdays from 8.30am to 5pm, while 210 were performed by Alliance Medical offsite.

A total of 419 scans were performed by Global Diagnostics, a private firm that runs the scanner in the evenings.

But despite these initiatives, the UL Hospitals Group said, there is an average of 100 MRI orders every month that the radiology department are unable to schedule.

A spokesperson has told this newspaper that it has submitted a proposal to the HSE for a second MRI scanner, capital works to fit the unit, and a number of new staff to run the second machine.

It has submitted a number of business cases to tackle the waiting list problem in the interim.

UL Hospitals Group believes there is a convincing case to be made for a second MRI scanner at UHL to meet current and future demand. The Group is also cognisant of competing demands for finite resources from health and social care providers around the country.

He said that this rise in requests is down to a number of factors, namely the ageing population in the Mid-West, and some patients with complex conditions are requiring in-depth imaging.

As there is only one MRI scanner currently in UHL, priority is given to inpatients and to urgent outpatient, including oncology, requests. All MRI requests are vetted according to the clinical detail provided on the request form. Those deemed to be the most urgent cases clinically are scanned first.

The waiting numbers have reduced considerably from May 2016, when there were 3,082 people on a waiting list, to May 2018, when there were 847 patients on a list.
A LIMERICK MAGDALENE Laundry survivor has said that what happened to women should never be forgotten, as a commemorative event for more than 200 women took place this week.

Breda Duffy, aged 72, was one of 200 women from Ireland, the UK, Australia and the USA to be united and received by President Michael D Higgins at Aras an Uachtarain this Tuesday.

In a press interview, Ms Duffy who escaped a Magdalene institution, aged 21, in a laundry van said that Ireland must never forget us.

Four years ago, Ms Duffy was reunited with Martha Osmonde, with whom she spent time at the Limerick laundry after a number of years at an industrial school in Waterford.

She told the Irish Independent: One way Id look at this is Ireland is recognising what happened to us. What happened in the Magdalene Laundries should go down in history, it should never be forgotten, it should never have happened, it can never happen again.

The young people should know what harm was done to women in Ireland. Our identities were taken, we were locked up. Our hair was cut short, our names were taken.

Ms Osmonde, at the age of 17, had been thrown into a laundry in Limerick after a teenage girl told nuns that she had been talking to her boyfriend.

Wed rise at 6am to work and I had to operate this huge industrial washing machine, she said. Wed work right through until 5pm or 6pm. My sister and I never had a father and we suffered for my mothers sin.

President Higgins said that shame, stigma and an unreceptive society prevented survivors from sharing their traumatic experiences.

In recent years the silence has been broken and you all have helped to let the light into some very dark corners of our shared past.

You have presented us with what makes a very harrowing and deeply uncomfortable reflection of an Ireland some would prefer not to be able to recognise, but which has to be acknowledged, transacted and to which a response must be made.

President Higgins said: You are Irish citizens who have been greatly hurt and wounded by the past experiences inflicted on you. But you are also women who refuse to be defined by such experience.

I truly hope that the public addressing and redressing of the consequences of those experiences, and the commemorations that acknowledge the sufferings of so many thousands of women, will help to ease the burden of those past wrongs, a burden that some of your fellow citizens have striven to shoulder with you in recent years.

The event was organised by Dublin Honours Magdalenes.
THE Limerick Chamber has this Wednesday confirmed it has appointed well-known businesswoman, marketeer and Limerick native Deirdre Ryan as its new chief executive.

Castleconnells Ms Ryan will take up the role in August suceeding Dr James Ring, who is vacating the role to take up a senior role in consultancy firm Ingenium.

An honours degree graduate in business studies from UL and a holder of a post graduate diploma in digital marketing from the Digital Marketing Institute, Ms Ryan brings a wealth of experience to the role.

This includes as the founder and chief executive as Spark Marketing and a former executive director of aid agency Bothar.

Chamber president Dr Mary Shire said: Deirdre brings a breath of experience to the Chamber and we were struck by her enthusiasm for the post, her passion for Limerick but even more importantly by her vision for the Chamber and her innovative ideas.

"As founder of her own company Deirdre understands what it is like to do business in the region and the challenges and opportunities of running an SME. The Chamber has gone from strength to strength in the past number of years but we need to continue to be relevant to our members in a fast changing business environment.

Ms Ryan said: Im delighted and honoured to have been offered the role as chief executive of the Limerick Chamber. As a proud Limerick person, I have watched on with great pleasure as the economic revitalisation of Limerick has taken hold over recent years.

It's always great to see good things happen to good people and @deecorbettryan is certainly one of those. She will bring energy and experience to the role and I look forward to working with her to support local #Limerick business. https://t.co/zCbzFjl8kA June 7, 2018

She said her role is to carry this momentum forward, and ensure impetus is enhanced.

Fine Gael councillor Daniel Butler has welcomed the appointment, saying: "She is a well-established businesswoman in the city, who I believe will bring huge energy and experience in the role. Also I think it's hugely important to see a woman assuming the role. I think that will bring a different angle to it. I have no doubt she'll be a massive success."

- For more, see the weekend edition of the Limerick Leader
THREE men and a youth who are accused of producing slash hooks and a sword during a violent incident in County Limerick are to contest multiple charges relating to the incident, it has been confirmed.

Jamie McNamara, aged 34, of OMalley Park, Limerick; David Hannon, aged 19, of Cul na Greine, Kilteely; David Leamy, aged 36, of Main Street, Kilteely, and a 17-year-old, who cannot be named, first appeared before Kilmallock Court in February in relation to the incident in Kilteely.

All four are charged with violent disorder under the Public Act.

It is alleged Mr Hannon, Mr Leamy and the teenager produced slash hooks during a course of the dispute which occurred at 6pm on May 21, 2017.

Mr McNamara is charged with producing a sword. Mr Hannon, Mr Leamy, and the teenager are all charged with assault. Mr Hannon and Mr Leamy also face criminal damage counts.

Garda Brendan Daly said Mr McNamara made no reply to the charges. Detective Garda David Gee said Mr Hannon replied Ive done nothing wrong after being charged.

Garda John Ryan said Mr Leamys reply to each charge was I didnt do anything". The teenager said Ive done nothing wrong after he was charged.

At Kilmallock Court last week barrister Liam Carroll said all four defendants were all pleading not guilty to all of the charges.

He sought to have his clients sent forward to Limerick Circuit Court where they will face trial on indictment.

The matter was adjourned to next month to allow for the preparation of books of evidence.
THE mother of a Limerick teen left waiting on scoliosis treatment for two years says she has gone private to spare her son the same experience.

Sharon Ryan, whose 14-year-old daughter Megan Halvey-Ryan sparked national outrage last year when she revealed she had been living with a painful twisted spine in her wait for treatment, has refused to put her son Aaron, 10, through the same  and insisted he be referred to private rooms for treatment on his tonsillitis.

She urged her doctor pass the St Pauls National School student to a private consultant after being told he would have to wait more than two years otherwise.

I didnt even go near the HSE waiting list as I found out it was so long. Its awful to think we cannot depend on the HSE. He is so sore and so sick. I feel I have no option but to pay. There is no option of me waiting up to three years to see a consultant publicly, Sharon said.

Aaron has been on antibiotics, and missed school as a consequence of his tonsilitis, Sharon says, adding the youngster cannot even swallow his saliva when he gets a severe bout of the condition.

Sharon says she is lucky in the sense she can afford to see a consultant privately for her son.

But, she added: Every child should be entitled to timely healthcare. It shouldnt be dependent on whether you have insurance, or whether you can afford to pay privately. Its a ridiculous system.

The Dooradoyle woman described the health service as a shambles, adding the scoliosis treatment her and her daughter raised awareness of has gone on the back burner once more.

I think the HSE is falling apart at the seams at the moment. No-one seems to be taking any responsibility. Waiting to see a consultant for scoliosis is increasing again. A consultation in Crumlin can take anything up to three years, she said.

Back in February 2017, Megan initially appeared on the RTE documentary Living on the List, sparking a national debate on waiting times for children suffering from extreme pain due to conditions like these.

Upon seeing the show, health Minister Simon Harris admitted he felt ashamed and heartbroken at the delays.

He immediately pledged swift changes so young people like Megan were not waiting for such long periods in pain.

A spokesperson for the health service said as a policy, it does not comment on individual cases.

However, they pointed out 97% of child patients on the outpatient waiting list are waiting less than nine months.

"In 2018, a particular focus is being placed on the validation of paediatric outpatient waiting lists in line with national plans to address wait times for patients. We expect that this will result in a significant reduction in the number of patients, particularly those who are waiting the longest. As part of the validation process, hospitals will be contacting all patients waiting over 6 months to see if they wish to remain on the waiting list, to ensure existing resources are optimised and that we improve overall access times for patients," the spokesperson added.

The HSE is also appealing to patients to let their hospital know as soon as possible if they cannot attend scheduled appointments. It comes after almost 500,000 outpatients did not attend their appointments during 2016.
THE manager of Limerick City and County Council Conn Murray has announced a reshuffle of mangement positions in the authority.

The changes, which come into effect on July 1 next, follow a review of the last four years of the amalgamated council.

Mr Murray has re-aligned the existing directorates and functions, creating new roles focused on housing development and capital investment.

There are no new faces in Mr Murrays new top team, with the new roles being filled from the existing compliment of directors.

But there are a number of new people at senior executive level following a recruitment contest.

In terms of the new departments, Joe Delaney will lead the capital investment directorate, which is responsible for the design and delivery of public infrastructure projects.

Responsibility for public housing schemes will fall to Aoife Duke, who has taken on the newly created housing development portfolio.

Dr Pat Daly will continue to serve as deputy chief executive, and the councils economic director. The director of physical development is Brian Kennedy, while Gordon Daly is head of social development.

In terms of the operational and support directorates, Kieran Lehane is in in service operations, while Sean Coughlan is support services director.

And Caroline Curley moves from culture to the national and regional shared service centre.

Mr Murray said: One of the strengths of the new authority has been our capacity to respond to the needs and demands of our changing environment and this re-focusing is a direct result of that. These changes are being implemented to allow the council to adapt to the new challenges that lie ahead over the next decade.

New appointments at senior executive officer level include Rob Lowth, in housing support services, Sean McGlynn, who is responsible for the implementation of the Regeneration process, and James Clune in corporate support services.

They are joined by Elaine OConnor, who will work as a senior executive in support services/HR business improvement.
Many people groggily pour a cup of coffee in the morning to wake themselves up. But exactly how much caffeine should you consume  and when should you take it  to achieve "peak" alertness?

A new algorithm aims to answer that question.

The algorithm, developed by U.S. Army researchers, takes into account people's sleep schedules and identifies how much caffeine they should consume, and when, to achieve optimal alertness. [10 Interesting Facts About Caffeine]

The researchers found that, by using this algorithm, they could improve people's performance on an attention task by up to 64 percent, even though people were consuming the same total amount of caffeine as they did before. (The algorithm may recommend, for example, a specific amount of caffeine at one time, and then a different amount later in the day.) The study also found that, by following the algorithm's dosing schedule, people could reduce their caffeine consumption by up to 65 percent, and still achieve the same level of performance.

"We developed algorithms that work together, and they essentially allow us to determine, at the individual level, when and how much the individual should take caffeine to achieve peak performance at the desired time, for the desired duration," said study senior author Jaques Reifman, director of the DoD Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command in Fort Detrick, Maryland.

For example, if you're a student who has been sleep-deprived for the last week while cramming for an upcoming exam, the algorithm aims to tell you when to take caffeine "so you are as alert as possible during the exam," Reifman told Live Science.

The researchers have already used their technology to develop a web-based tool and a smartphone app, called 2BAlert, which can predict a person's alertness based on their sleep time and caffeine consumption. The web tool provides a result for the "average Joe," while the smartphone app learns over time how an individual responds to sleep deprivation and caffeine, Reifman said.

Currently, the publicly available version of 2B-Alert doesn't tell people when and how much caffeine to take to achieve peak performance. This aspect of the work is still being validated in studies on U.S. soldiers.

Ultimately, although the work is being developed for the military, Reifman hopes it can also benefit the lay public, including shift workers, air traffic controllers and even students cramming for a test. "We all suffer from sleep deprivation" from time to time, Reifman said.

The study was published May 28 in the Journal of Sleep Research.

Caffeine and timing

The effectiveness of caffeine depends not just on how much you consume, but when you consume it  for a sleep-deprived person, a single cup of coffee in the morning may not prevent drowsiness later in the day.

Previously, the researchers developed a mathematical model, called the unified model of performance (UMP), which could predict the effects of sleep loss and caffeine consumption on a person's performance. But this model didn't tell people exactly when and how much caffeine they needed to take to achieve their peak performance.

To address this issue, the researchers combined the UMP with an "optimization algorithm." The new algorithm used a person's sleep schedule as the input and provided a "caffeine-dosing strategy" (when and how much caffeine to take) as the output.

The researchers then tested their algorithm using data from previous studies on the effectiveness of caffeine on people who were sleep-deprived. In these earlier studies, people were deprived of sleep for certain amounts of time and given specific doses of caffeine. Then, the researchers measured how well the caffeine improved their performance on a simple task that measured attention and reaction time.

In the new study, the researchers ran computer simulations to examine people's performance using the caffeine dosing strategies in the original studies, as well as the dosing strategies determined by the new algorithm.

They found that the dosing strategies from the new algorithm could improve people's performance by 16 to 64 percent and reduce total caffeine consumption by 17 to 65 percent, compared with the earlier studies.

How was this possible? For example, in one study, participants consumed 400 milligrams of caffeine at the same time each day, for five days, for a total of 2,000 mg. But because the participants were sleep-deprived  getting just 5 hours of sleep a night  they gradually accumulated a "sleep debt" that hurt their performance, particularly later in the day. So the optimization algorithm determined that participants needed more caffeine later in the week (particularly later in the day)  and less caffeine at the beginning of the week  to optimize their performance.

While the current study was retrospective (meaning it used previous data), the researchers are planning another study that will test the algorithm in real time. In this future study, soldiers will be deprived of sleep for a certain amount of time. About halfway through this period, the algorithm will determine how much caffeine each solider needs, and at what time, so that they achieve at least a certain level of alertness, Reifman said.

Reifman said the optimization algorithm should be available on the 2B-Alert platform sometime before the end of the year.

Original article on Live Science.
Compare the lightning from a 2018 thunderstorm in Srinagar, Kashmir (left) with the illustrated lightning in "American Painting of Running Before the Storm."

If you draw lightning bolts like crooked zigzags, then you're doing it wrong  but at least you're in good company. Artists have drawn lightning incorrectly for hundreds of years, a new study finds.

When researchers looked at 100 paintings of lightning bolts and then compared them to photos of actual lightning, they found that artists tended to paint lightning with fewer branches than the electrified bolts have in reality  possibly because earlier artists were influenced by Greek sculptures of Jupiter's nonbranching, zigzag lightning bolt, the researchers said.

However, thanks to modern photography, artists nowadays tend to draw lightning with more branches, although that number is usually still lower than it is in nature, the researchers found. [Elves, Sprites & Blue Jets: Earth's Weirdest Lightning]

To remedy this, artists should "study a number of photos of real lightnings and memorize their most important morphological characteristics  namely, the typical number of branches and the tree(fractal)-like zigzagness," study senior researcher Gabor Horvath, the head of the Environmental Optics Laboratory at Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest, Hungary, told Live Science in an email.

The idea for the study took root after Alexandra Farkas, a doctoral student in biological physics at Horvath's lab, told her colleagues about William Nicholson Jennings (1860-1946), a pioneer of photography who took the first usable photos of lightning, in 1882. (For the historians out there, Thomas Martin Easterly actually made a daguerreotype of lightning in 1847, but Jennings usually gets credit for being the first photographer of the lightning bolt.)

Jennings' photos showed that lightning doesn't make the predictable zigzag illustrated in storybooks and paintings. This made Horvath wonder: Did artists begin painting lightning more accurately after Jennings' photos?

To find out, he and his colleagues looked at 100 paintings of lightning created between 1500 and 2015, and also analyzed 400 photos of real lightning.

Painted lightning bolts, they found, have fewer branches than real lightning bolts do. The maximum number of branches found on a painted lightning bolt was 11, while the photographed lightning bolts had up to 51 branches, the researchers said. Moreover, painted bolts that did have branches usually had between two and four branches, while real lightning bolts usually had between two and 10 branches, Horvath said.

Next, the researchers did a small experiment, showing 10 people photos of lightning that quickly flashed on a computer screen. Quantity mattered, they found: The participants could correctly guess the number of branches if there were fewer than 11.

If there were more than 11 branches, people "strongly underestimated" the number of branches, which might explain why artists usually illustrated lightning bolts with fewer than 11 branches, Horvath said.

Since 2000, artists have improved in this regard, likely because digital images of lightning bolts have become more accessible, and so artists paint them with greater accuracy, Horvath said. "However, due to the above-mentioned underestimation, the maximum number of branches of painted lightnings (11) is much lower than that of real lightnings (51)," he noted.

The study will be published online Wednesday (June 6) in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

Original article on Live Science.
Using mathematical models, astrophysicists simulated how various alien civilizations might rise and fall as they used up their planet's natural resources.

Did climate change already kill all the aliens we've been searching for?

According to astrophysicist Adam Frank, it's certainly a possibility  and whether humans are doomed to the same fate may already be out of our hands.

Frank, a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Rochester in New York, is the lead author of a new paper published May 1 in the journal Astrobiology that aims to take what Frank calls a "10,000-light-year" view of anthropogenic (human-caused) climate change. Using mathematical models based on the disappearance of a real-life lost civilization here on Earth (the former inhabitants of Easter Island), Frank and his colleagues simulated how various alien civilizations might rise and fall if they were to increasingly convert their planet's limited natural resources into energy. [12 Possible Reasons We Haven't Found Aliens]

"The laws of physics demand that any young population, building an energy-intensive civilization like ours, is going to have feedback on its planet," Frank said in a statement. "Seeing climate change in this cosmic context may give us better insight into what's happening to us now and how to deal with it."

The results, as you might expect, were generally pretty grim. Of four common "trajectories" for energy-intense civilizations, three ended in apocalypse. The fourth scenario  a path that involved converting the whole alien society to sustainable sources of energy  worked only when civilizations recognized the damage they were doing to the planet, and acted in the right away.

"The last scenario is the most frightening," Frank said. "Even if you did the right thing, if you waited too long, you could still have your population collapse."

Three paths to apocalypse

For Frank, the path to modeling an apocalypse starts with Easter Island.

"Easter Island presents a particularly useful example for our own purposes since it is often taken as a lesson for global sustainability," Frank and his colleagues wrote in the paper. "Many studies indicate that Easter Island's inhabitants depleted their resources, leading to starvation and termination of the island's civilization."

Working from previous equations that modeled the fall of Easter Island's population alongside the depletion of its resources, the team found four possible end points for a hypothetical alien civilization similarly constrained by limited natural resources.

Researchers simulated four common scenarios for the end of a high energy-use civilization. Three of them resulted in massive population losses. (Image credit: University of Rochester illustration / Michael Osadciw)

"The first trajectory we found is what we call the die-off," Frank said.

In this scenario, the civilization's population skyrockets over a short period of time, and as the aliens guzzle energy and belch out greenhouse gases, the planet's temperature spikes, too. (In this study, temperature was used to represent human-made impacts on the planet's habitability via greenhouse gas pollution.) The population peaks, then suddenly plummets as rising temperatures make survival harder and harder. The population eventually levels off, but with a fraction of the people who were around before. [Doomsday: 9 Real Ways the World Could End]

"Imagine if seven out of 10 people you knew died quickly," Frank said. "It's not clear a complex technological civilization could survive that kind of change."

The second scenario is sustainability. Here, both the planet's population and its global temperature climb rapidly but then level off when the civilization recognizes how its resource management is affecting nature. To reach an equilibrium, Frank said, the population would need to switch from resources that take a high toll on the planet (like oil) to more sustainable resources (like solar energy). Civilization is saved!

Both the third and fourth scenarios are called "collapse." Here, as in the "die-off" scenario, both the planet's population and the planet's temperature rise dramatically over a short period. But this time, when people start dying from a lack of basic resources, there are no survivors. Whether a civilization merely dies off or totally collapses depends on how sensitive the environment is and how quickly it responds to rising populations.

Even if the civilization realizes it's damaging the environment and makes attempts to switch to sustainable resources  a scenario called "collapse with resource change"  it's too late. The civilization might see a temporary slowing in the population decline, but eventually, it drops to zero anyway. The damage is done; civilization is doomed.

Act now while civilization lasts

The difference between a sustainable future and a deadly collapse was largely dependent on a population's foresight  how soon they realized they were destroying their planet, and how quickly they took action. According to Frank, this difference should motivate humans to take climate change seriously.

"Across cosmic space and time, you're going to have winners  who managed to see what was going on and figure out a path through it  and losers, who just couldn't get their act together and their civilization fell by the wayside," Frank said.

"The question is, which category do we want to be in?"

Originally published on Live Science.
The three-person Expedition 56/57 crew launched into space from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan this morning (June 6). On their way to the rocket, the crew  or at least Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev  did something odd: Reportedly, as in the past, the bus transporting them would stop, and the male crewmembers will urinate on the back-right tire of their ride.

(Apparently, female crewmembers splash urine from a cup onto the wheel.)

Why? Apparently, they were paying tribute to the first human in space  Yuri Gagarin. The cosmonaut, who launched April 12, 1961, from the same cosmodrome, had to "go" on the way to the rocket  and the rest is history.

Various other Gagarin tributes also come into play for launch crews  they also visit Gagarin's grave in the Kremlin Wall Necropolis in Moscow. And after arriving in Baikonur, they plant a tree in the same grove where Gagarin planted his; and they visit his office, which has been preserved since his death in 1968.

Gagarin's achievements mark an important milestone in Russian space history. However, today, his story is about much more than the actual biographical facts  it transcends the living person and becomes something more mythological. Why is that? And can we say the same about any famous American astronaut, such as Neil Armstrong  the first person to walk on the moon?

"I don't think there is a comparison. Gagarin fulfills the function of national hero and personal example in a way that is not true for American astronauts, at least now," Andrew Jenks, a history professor at California State University, who wrote a 2012 biography on Gagarin called "The Cosmonaut Who Couldn't Stop Smiling" (Northern Illinois University Press), told Live Science.

"So, most of my students, at least, know very little about space travelers of any nationality, including Americans," he continued. "Gagarin, on the other hand, is presented as a model to follow and [an] example of national character  optimistic, sober, diligent, loyal and patriotic, a great son, husband and father, etc. Of course, this image clashes in many ways with the real Gagarin, which is one reason that Russians don't like foreigners like me challenging the mythological Gagarin, and also why many prefer the myth to the man."

Jenks added, "So, unlike American space heroes, Russian space heroes have acquired a broader sociological and political significance, and for this reason, it is hard to make a comparison."

He explained that Gagarin's unique status not only developed because he was the first man in space and someone who personified technological achievement, but also because his modest background and ability to perform on the public stage were perfect for embodying Soviet power  much like the military heroes from World War II. Gagarin also showed the promise of being able to succeed, even after the Soviet Union was devastated by that war, Jenks said. "He was, in short, the son that every mother might want, and in the context of so many sons going off to war and dying, this was very important, indeed."

Copying Gagarin's rituals before a Russian launch, he added, helps the crews to make a dangerous mission more routine, at the same time that it honors Gagarin's contribution. The Russians are now talking about moving human missions in the coming decades to an eastern Russian launch pad called Vostochny. Jenks said the rituals will likely change if that move occurs, but Gagarin's stature will not diminish in importance.

"I am confident that Gagarin will remain a revered mythological figure, both within and beyond the Russian space program. He was, after all, the first in space and that will never change. In addition, under [Vladimir] Putin in the last five years, there has been a rigorous renovation of space exploration and Gagarin's mythology to counteract the perceived attack on Russian pride and culture in the years following the Soviet collapse," he said.

Gagarin, of course, also fulfills an important role in space communities around the world. In this arena, he is not championed so much for his hero status as he is celebrated as a symbol of our human quest to continue exploring the cosmos.

A prominent example of this is Yuri's Night, a worldwide celebration that takes place every April 12, when individual communities commemorate Gagarin's achievement. Created in 2001, the celebration attracts thousands of space lovers worldwide. Astronauts even attend some of the parties or mark the occasion while orbiting on the International Space Station.

In 2012, American filmmaker Chris Riley created a film called "First Orbit," in which he tried to re-create what Gagarin saw during his orbit of Earth. Riley spoke with the European Space Agency and discovered that the ISS shows a view that is similar to Gagarin's every six weeks, including the same position and the same lighting at the same time of day.

Riley eventually got the footage he needed by partnering with European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli of Italy, who captured footage from the Cupola  a 360-degree ISS window  during his mission between December 2010 and May 2011. Riley also found the audio archive of what Gagarin said while he was in space.

"I kind of felt like I got to know [Gagarin] a bit making this film, hearing him talking in my ear," Riley told Space.com in 2012. "I think he would have been thrilled how, half a century on, his story and this extraordinary moment in human history have continued to live on in this new media age."

Originally published on Live Science.
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is being forced to back up his claims with evidence. You know, like in science.

A federal court has ruled that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt must actually do his job.

Pruitt has publicly claimed that carbon dioxide is not known to be a major cause of climate change. Now, according to Ars Technica, a U.S. district judge for the District of Columbia ruled on Tuesday (June 5) that the EPA must comply with a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to disclose any evidence it has supporting that claim.

The case dates back to a March 2017 television appearance Pruitt made on the CNBC show "Squawk Box," during which he claimed that "there's a tremendous disagreement about of [sic] the impact" of "human activity on the climate," and that human-made carbon emissions are not "a primary contributor to the global warming that we see."

The administrator's claims flatly contradicted previous scientific reports released by the EPA before Pruitt took office, as well as mountains of evidence supported by an overwhelming majority of climate scientists.

A nonprofit group called Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) heard Pruitt's surprising claims and, the next day, filed an FOIA request asking the EPA to disclose any documents that Pruitt used to reach his conclusions. When the EPA refused to comply, PEER sued the agency. (This is not the only lawsuit against Pruitt's EPA.)

At the trial, the EPA argued that the FOIA request was unreasonable and that it "would require EPA to spend countless hours researching and analyzing a vast trove of material on the effect of human activity on climate change," according to a summary released by the court. (Cynics might confuse the EPA's description of responding to an FOIA request as just part of the agency's job).

Judge Beryl A. Howell was unmoved by the EPA's excuses, calling the agency's resistance to a simple request for supporting evidence "both misplaced and troubling."

Howell ultimately ruled that the EPA must comply with PEER's FOIA request and share any documents it has supporting Pruitt's claim that human-made carbon dioxide is not a significant contributor to global climate change. The EPA must comply with the request by July 2 and, if it cannot provide any documents, release a report explaining their absence by July 11.

"When the head of an agency makes a public statement that appears to contradict the published research and conclusions of that agency, the FOIA provides a valuable tool for citizens," Howell concluded. "Compliance with such a request would help ensure an informed citizenry, vital to the functioning of a democratic society."

Failure to comply with this ruling could result in further court appearances, the summary said. On the flip side, failure to reduce global carbon emissions could result in 10,000 years of catastrophe.

Original article on Live Science.
Modern men's genes suggest that something peculiar happened 5,000 to 7,000 years ago: Most of the male population across Asia, Europe and Africa seems to have died off, leaving behind just one man for every 17 women.

This so-called population "bottleneck" was first proposed in 2015, and since then, researchers have been trying to figure out what could've caused it. One hypothesis held that the drop-off in the male population occurred due to ecological or climatic factors that mainly affected male offspring, while another idea suggested that the die-off happened because some males had more power in society, and thus produced more children.

Now, a new paper, published May 25 in the journal Nature Communications, offers yet another explanation: People living in patrilineal clans (consisting of males from the same descent) might have fought with each other, wiping out entire male lineages at a time. [Image Gallery: Our Closest Human Ancestor]

That ratio of 17 females for every one male "struck us as being very extreme, and there must be another explanation," said senior study author Marcus Feldman, a population geneticist at Stanford University in California. According to their new explanation, the male population didn't take a nosedive, but rather the diversity of the Y chromosome decreased due to the way people lived and fought with each other. In other words, there weren't actually fewer males, just less diversity among the males.

Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes that carry most of our genes. Of these, the 23rd pair is what determines our sex: Whereas females have two X chromosomes, males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome.

Because offspring inherit one chromosome from each parent, genes usually get shuffled around, increasing the diversity across species. But the Y chromosome, having no female counterpart, doesn't get shuffled, so it stays pretty much the same from grandfather to father to son (save for any mutations that occur, which explains why the Y chromosome does differ among males).

War might've caused the Y chromosome bottleneck

To test their theory, the researchers conducted 18 simulations in which they created different scenarios for the bottleneck that included factors such as Y chromosome mutations, competition between groups, and death. Their simulations showed that warfare between patrilineal clans could have caused this so-called "Y chromosome bottleneck," because the members of each patrilineal clan would have very similar Y chromosomes to each other. So, if one clan killed off another, it would also slash the chance of that family's Y chromosome moving on to offspring.

In the researchers' simulations in which patrilineal clans didn't exist, however, the bottleneck didn't occur.

What's more, there was no such bottleneck in the women of the time, as is shown by mitochondrial DNA  a type of DNA that's passed down only from mother to child.

"In that same group, the women could have come from anywhere," Feldman told Live Science. "They would've been brought into the group from either the victories that they had over other groups, or they could've been females who were residing in that area before."

As an example, he added, if you look at colonization throughout history, people generally "killed all the men and kept the women for themselves."

Monika Karmin, a population geneticist at the University of Tartu in Estonia who was not part of the new study, told Live Science that the "beauty of their study" is the way the researchers framed their hypothesis and demonstrated that "fighting clans are indeed likely to cause a drastic drop in male genetic diversity. [Gallery: Ancient Chinese Warriors Protect Secret Tomb]

"However, we do have to keep in mind that there is very little information on the actual societal organization from that time," said Karmin, who was the lead author of the 2015 study that first proposed the bottleneck. So, there could have been other "sociocultural" forces at play, she said.

The researchers did "careful computer simulations, whereas the previous papers had not," said Chris Tyler-Smith, an evolutionary geneticist at the Sanger Institute in the United Kingdom who was not involved with the study. "The assumption that [the cause of the bottleneck] was warfare is a reasonable one," especially given the time period, he added.

People were still living in small clans doing small-scale farming 5,000 to 7,000 years ago, a time right before people moved into larger societies and built large cities. It was a "transition between early farming using stone tools and later farming in societies using metal tools," Tyler-Smith told Live Science.

But after this bottleneck, "you see the start of societal organizations and the shift from small-scale societies to having cities and organizations of people into groups that are not so intent on maintaining the Y chromosome lineage," Feldman said. During this time, the male population bounced back, he added.

Normally, researchers focus on behavior that may have a genetic basis but not on behavior that influences genes, Feldman said. The new finding is "an example of what a cultural preference can do in changing the level of genetic variation."

Originally published on Live Science.
Creepy, creepy, creepy. Writer-director Ari Aster makes an impressively unnerving debut with "Hereditary," a meticulously crafted horror thriller starring Toni Collette.

As Annie, the harried, confused artist at the center of this domestic dystopia, Collette delivers the most all-in performance of her recent career, plunging headlong into her character's increasingly terrorized and terrified psyche. Benefiting from equally assured turns from Gabriel Byrne, as Annie's impassive husband, Steve, and the young actors Alex Wolff and Milly Shapiro as their kids, Peter and Charlie, "Hereditary" elaborates on the familiar theme of haunted houses and cursed families with precision and imagination - at least until its chaotic endgame. At that point, the allusions Aster has so tantalizingly built up disintegrate into graphic gore and on-the-nose literalism.

Until that unfortunate turn, though, horror fans are in for one wild ride. "Hereditary" begins with the funeral of Annie's mother, described in her daughter's less-than-effusive eulogy as one prone to "secret rituals" and emotional withholding. Upon returning to their gorgeous Craftsman home - "Hereditary" was filmed in Utah, taking full advantage of the countryside's lush scenery - Annie, Steve and their children disperse and atomize, with Annie retreating to her studio to work on the dollhouse-like art installations that are her specialty.

Those miniaturized versions of her life, which recall the work of photographer Laurie Simmons, are clearly Annie's way of processing grief, ambivalence and more profound losses that she can't quite name. Despite her family's obvious prosperity, all is not well with Annie and her family. Charlie, who is given to making disturbing sculptures and odd clucking noises with her tongue, seems to have withdrawn into her own world. Meanwhile, Peter focuses on getting stoned in his bedroom and bickering with his mom.

"Hereditary" is punctuated midway through by an event that is shocking, both in and of itself, but also in its aftermath. The degree to which the audience buys into what ensues will differ with each viewer's threshold for disbelief. But even as the core story goes crazily off the rails, Aster evinces a fine eye for world-building and detail, his carefully constructed environments echoing Annie's own precious but often disquieting tableaus.

Although "Hereditary" is most notably a showcase for Collette, who calibrates Annie's unease and rising hysteria with the steady accuracy of a surgeon, Wolff and Shapiro deserve praise for depictions of adolescent angst that feel both lived-in and otherworldly. This is the kind of movie that draws immediate comparisons to the everyday surrealism and psychological dread of Roman Polanski and David Lynch, while forging its own weird aesthetic path.

What does it all mean? Maneuvering the camera like an unseen spirit, Aster provides some bread crumbs along the way, including an unsubtle reference to the sacrifice of Iphigenia in Greek mythology in one of Peter's high school classes. (Perhaps not coincidentally, Wolff possesses a fine-featured face that would be right at home on a classical frieze). Whereas "Hereditary" at first seems to be of a piece with such recent films as "The Babadook," "The Witch" and "Raw," it takes a pulpy, supernatural turn that effectively stops any allegorical potential in its tracks.

"Hereditary" is staged, photographed and acted so brilliantly, and brings up issues of motherhood, resentment and creativity with such subtlety, that it's tempting to overlook its alternately astonishing and laughable excesses. For a while there, this movie is going places, even if the final destination isn't nearly as fascinating as the journey.

---

Three stars. Rated R. Contains horror violence, disturbing images, coarse language, drug use and brief graphic nudity. 123 minutes.

Ratings Guide: Four stars masterpiece, three stars very good, two stars OK, one star poor, no stars waste of time.

Advance for fri june 8
A diverse group of around 100 people  from Catholic sisters to drag queens  gathered at TAMIU's Western Hemispheric Trade Center on Tuesday night to celebrate Laredo's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community.

Talk of the gay conversion seminar a few buildings over was sparse and vague. Instead the speakers and participants focused on support and coalescence with each other.

Chema Villarreal, co-founder of TAMIU's Campus Ally Network, stepped up to the mic in a cyan sequin dress and high-healed booties. He said he never thought he would be hosting a gay pride event with the university during the summer.

"I was thinking I would be back home, relaxing, not worrying about this. But then, something came up. That's why we're here, and it's amazing that we could all unite together tonight," Villarreal told the crowd.

READ MORE: Planned event at TAMIU draws criticism from LGBTQ

His goal for the Campus Ally Network is to organize with people outside of TAMIU and become a true support network.

This sentiment was realized throughout the night as members of Equality Texas, LULAC Council 12, Laredo BorderSlam Poetry, and anyone else who cared to participate, spoke before the crowd.

Equality Texas is a nonprofit that advocates and lobbies for the elimination of discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

Enrique "Kike" Lobo was appointed to their board to represent Laredo last June.

At Tuesday night's event, he introduced the 13 members of the steering committee for Equality Texas' Laredo arm. They can be a resource for the local LGTBQ community, he said.

One of these committee members is attorney Armando X. Lopez. His son was gay and was bullied for it, Lopez said. Years after it had happened, Lopez's son told him that he had even been held down on Arkansas Avenue by some kids who said they would hold him there until a car ran over him.

"It's easy to fight for the ones we love or the ones we know. But the true character comes from when you fight for people who you're not connected to," he said.

Lopez said the most important part of this event is that it shows people that they are not alone, that they are there for each other.

Sister Rosemary Welsh is also a new committee member for Equality Texas Laredo. She said she and the rest of Laredo's Sisters of Mercy want every single person who comes through the doors of their domestic violence shelter, Casa de Misericordia, to know that they are welcome.

The LGBTQ community is underserved, and more needs to be done about that, Welsh said.

After serving for years in Guatemala, Welsh said she came back to the U.S. in 1992 when many people were dying of AIDS.

"We needed people that would journey with them in their last days. People that weren't afraid to touch them, hug them, kiss them, be with them, eat a hamburger with them, share french fries with them, the whole nine yards," she said.

Welsh said she was privileged to meet so many people this way, in their dying days.

One such man, who she called Juan, said he was upset and afraid because he didn't think he was going to see God when he died.

READ ALSO: Instagram captures TAMIU's happy graduation day

Juan was a great uncle, brother, cousin, son and friend, Welsh said. He told her that he tried for years to be different but couldn't do it, and he had to be true to himself. And someone had told him he would not see God's face when he died because he was gay.

Welsh told him that God was waiting for him with open arms, that he is loved and a good person. She asked him to forgive the person who had told him he would not see God. He died a few hours later.

"Know God is love. And if you don't believe in God you believe in something. And it's up to every person in this room to make sure that no one is ever told anything that horrific, that stupid and that hurtful," Welsh said. "So we need to be there to tell them, 'You are loved, God is waiting for you and you are not alone. You just have to reach out to those who care.'"
A man has been accused of pocketing about $30,000 that he was supposed to use to buy materials for construction work, according to Laredo police.

Jose Antonio Torres, 62, was served with an arrest warrant that charged him with felony theft.
Jesus M. Dominguez, a candidate running for Municipal Court judge in the November election, was approved by City Council on Monday to serve as the court's associate judge on an as-needed basis.

Dominguez's political opponent and a couple of City Council members contested the appointment.

Municipal Court Judge Rosie Cuellar, who will term out of the position this year and then fill the role as Webb County tax assessor/collector, said she hasn't had an associate judge for the past three years.

"I have not had a vacation in over three years. Luckily, I don't get sick. But what if I do have an upcoming medical procedure? My question to you is, what if something does happen and I need that person? That's the reason why I'm asking for this," she told City Council.

READ ALSO: City Council pass resolution in support of $300M international bridge

Cuellar asked council to ratify her appointment of Dominguez to the position.

He and Rodolfo "Rudy" Morales III are the only two people who have filed thus far for candidacy for the municipal judge seat.

Morales addressed City Council too, noting that the City of Laredo is facing a $14.7 million shortfall next year and a hiring freeze. An associate judge is not a critical position, he said.

"The million-dollar question for me is why are we doing this right now? The court has been operating without an associate judge. In fact, the current judge just ran an election, and she was able to manage the job. She's doing a fantastic job. There's no reason for an associate judge," Morales said.

As a candidate, he just wants this to be fair, he said.

The City Charter states that the municipal court judge may recommend an associate judge to City Council. Cuellar said this decision is her right.

She noted that when she first ran for municipal court judge she ran against an associate judge who had been there for 10 years, and she won.

"And certainly I did not once complain about that, I did not cry about that, I just dealt with it. So it would not be an unfair advantage to anyone," Cuellar said.

Councilwoman Nelly Vielma said she did not want to influence an election in any way, and suggested hiring someone "neutral" if there was a dire need to fill the associate judge spot.

Deputy City Manager Cynthia Collazo told council that they have budgeted 520 hours for two associate judges at $51 per hour, or $26,520 total, with no benefits.

READ ALSO: Sames Motor Co. secures naming rights for Laredo Energy Arena

Councilman Alberto Torres noted that the financial impact of reinstating this position would be minimal since it would be on an as-needed basis and there are only three months left of this budget year.

During the city's last budget review session in August, council voted unanimously on a $15,000 raise for Cuellar, bumping her salary up to $150,000. This was also proposed by Torres. He said it was wrong for the Municipal Court judge to be making less than the city attorney.

This was brought up several times at Monday's meeting. Cuellar noted that other cities spend over $750,000 on municipal court judges and associate judges, and that what she is getting is fair.

Council members Vielma and George Altgelt were the only ones to vote against the associate judge appointment.

Julia Wallace may be reached at 956-728-2543 or jwallace@lmtonline.com
Theres a good heart behind The Valley, a movie about an Indian American Silicon Valley executive who investigates the suicide of his college-age daughter. But any potential has been quashed by the inept script and direction of a film that, at best, seems like one of those cliched life-lesson movies on the Lifetime channel.

Too bad, because it is shot in the valley and has a good message  that perhaps the long hours involved in making a tech startup a success take too high a personal toll.

Written and directed by Saila Kariat, it is about Neal Kumar (Alyy Khan), founder of Auger, a startup with an app called Virtually You that mines a virtual incarnation of most people as a means to better communication.

As the movie opens, he is looking over a rather tall cliff at the ocean; he pulls out a gun and looks at it. Is he about to commit suicide (perhaps by shooting himself and jumping)?

Flashback to a year earlier, and the suicide of his daughter Maya (Agneeta Thacker). This is surprising, because she is the most vibrant member of this strangely introverted family. Neal has his mind constantly on his work; his wife, Roopa (Suchitra Pillai), a homemaker, is adrift in the cosmos after her children leave for college.

Neal wants answers. Why did Maya commit suicide after all Ive done for this family. Private schools. Beautiful house. Everything Ive done was for her.

If you cant figure out that his emotional aloofness has made his family unhappy for years, you havent seen enough movies.

Nonetheless, Neal travels to Mayas college to piece together her last months. He interviews her roommate, who ran in different circles. He grills a guy who might have raped her at a party.

More Information The Valley Drama. With Alyy Khan, Suchitra Pillai, Barry Corbin. Directed by Saila Kariat. (R. 95 minutes.) See More Collapse

And so it goes, all rambling toward an unsatisfying conclusion.

Among the films many points is how social media technology is not bringing us closer on a human scale, but driving us further apart. But Kariat never shows that. Its hard to think of a recent film set in contemporary society that has less smartphone and social media use.

Odd that a film set in Silicon Valley could be without any tech savvy.

G. Allen Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ajohnson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BRfilmsAllen
Offered an opportunity for a "do-over," former president Bill Clinton acknowledged Tuesday night that his testy response this week to questions about Monica Lewinsky "wasn't my finest hour."

Clinton's appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" was his latest stop on a book tour to promote a novel co-written with author James Patterson. The tour has become mired in questions about his dalliance 20 years ago with a White House intern.

Colbert referenced the tour's kickoff Monday on NBC's "Today" show, where Clinton's responses to questions about whether he had apologized to Lewinsky were widely panned as tone deaf in the era of the #MeToo movement.

"I noticed you did not enjoy that entire interview," Colbert said. "I want you to enjoy this one, but I do want to ask you something: Would you like a do-over on that answer? Do you understand why some people thought it was a tone-deaf response?"

Clinton explained he was frustrated because he thought it came across as though he had not apologized; he said he had done so in public statements. But, he conceded, after watching the interview, "I was mad at me - not for the first time."

After the crowd laughed, Clinton continued: "Here is what I want to say: It wasn't my finest hour."

He went on to characterize the Lewinsky episode, which led to his impeachment by the House but acquittal by the Senate, as a "very painful thing that happened 20 years ago."

"And I apologized to my family, to Monica Lewinsky and her family and the American people," Clinton said. "I mean it then; I mean it now. I have had to live with the consequences every day since. I still believe this #MeToo movement is long overdue, necessary and should be supported."

Speaking at another stop on his tour Tuesday - to a crowd of New York Times subscribers at a TimesTalks event - Clinton was critical of Craig Melvin, who interviewed him on the "Today" show, according to an account by BuzzFeed.

Clinton said he grew angered by Melvin's "flat-out assertion that I had never apologized." In fact, Melvin asked Clinton if he had ever apologized privately to Lewinsky.

"I should have remembered that man is young enough to be my son," Clinton said at the TimesTalks event of Melvin, who is 39.

"I messed up, and I own that, and no mistake by anybody else - including that young man aggressively saying I didn't apologize - can justify the fact that I got mad when I should have been saying, 'I've got a chance to tell a whole new generation that the journey I've been on the past 20 years is one the country has to take, and that #MeToo is demanding we take it, and the sooner the better.' And that's what I think," Clinton said.
A tentative deal to revamp U.S. biofuel policy appeared to collapse Tuesday when the White House indefinitely delayed an expected announcement of the planned changes, according to three people familiar with the move.

The postponement of a directive outlining the deal may mark the end of the latest effort to overhaul the American renewable fuel mandate with an eye on lowering costs for refiners forced to blend biofuels into gasoline, said the people, who asked not to be named to discuss internal deliberations.

Despite months of negotiations, the Trump administration has struggled to find a balance on a contentious issue that divides two of the president's key constituencies: Midwest farmers and refiners in Pennsylvania. On the campaign trail in 2016, Donald Trump promised to support ethanol, a pledge embraced by farmers who grow the corn used to produce it.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa who threatened to call for Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt's resignation over the dispute, cheered the proposal's apparent failure with a post on Twitter. "Pres Trump helped farmers by rejecting bad ethanol deal," Grassley said. "I appreciate. GREAT NEWS."

The planned directive -- in the works for weeks -- was meant to specifically outline planned changes that have been contested since the tentative deal was struck at the White House last month.

Even before Trump was presented with the draft document, farm state senators were attacking the proposal. Grassley told reporters Tuesday he thought Pruitt had "betrayed the president" with his agency's handling of the biofuel mandate.

Sen. Joni Ernst, also an Iowa Republican, accused Pruitt of "breaking our president's promise to farmers" in remarks to the S&P Global Platts Energy Podium in Washington on Tuesday. Ernst later wrote on Twitter that Trump "just assured me he won't sign a deal that's bad for farmers."

The plan's apparent demise was celebrated by biofuel producers. Bob Dinneen, president of Renewable Fuels Association, said the group was "happy the president continues to recognize the importance of our industry to America's farmers and rural economies across the nation."

This may not be the end of the debate. Lawmakers are developing legislation to overhaul the Renewable Fuel Standard. The politics of the issue can shift along with gasoline prices. And some refiners that have been seeking lower compliance costs for years are unlikely to stop pushing for changes, leveraging the concerns of organized labor to help make their case.

"The president has heard the voices of hard-working union refinery workers that helped elect him," said Frank Maisano, a founding partner of Bracewell's Policy Resolution Group, who works with refiners. "We fully expect the president will deliver a common sense, win-win plan that provides new markets and opportunities for ethanol advocates and much-needed relief for refinery workers."

Refiners' concerns generally center around the cost of compliance credits known as renewable identification numbers, or RINs, which they use to prove they have satisfied annual biofuel quotas. Even without formal changes, news reports about potential alterations to the mandate have caused the value of RINs tracking ethanol blending to plummet to a five-year low.

Trump administration officials previously agreed to lift summertime restrictions so a higher ethanol blend of gasoline known as E15 could be sold year round.
California Democrats on Wednesday were poised to claim slots on nearly every House ballot on the year's biggest day of primary elections, a major step forward in the party's pursuit of the majority in November.

In a state heavily antagonistic toward President Donald Trump, Democrats spent millions targeting roughly a half-dozen Republican-held House seats that could give them a chunk of the 23 seats they need to flip to gain majority control of the chamber.

Opposition to Trump and his policies produced scores of candidates, which complicated Democratic efforts in a state with an unorthodox primary system whereby the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party. But by Wednesday morning, it was clear that Democratic candidates would compete in nearly all of the 53 districts.

Absentee ballots and a handful of close races meant that the outcomes of some key contests were up in the air and could remain undecided for days.

Voters chose nominees in seven other states in congressional, statewide and local contests on Tuesday.

Two well-known Democrats prevailed in marquee California races.

Dianne Feinstein, at 84 making another bid for the Senate seat she has held since 1992, was projected the winner, as several candidates vied for the second slot. Gavin Newsom, the state's lieutenant governor, was projected the winner of the race to succeed the term-limited Gov. Jerry Brown, D, and will face Republican John Cox in November's election.

Newsom's primary victory ensures that the general election will focus largely on how the next California governor will relate to Trump and his policies. The president's endorsement of Cox was widely seen as providing the Republican candidate with a bounce late in the primary.

"We're engaged in an epic battle, and it looks like voters will have a real choice this November between a governor who's going to stand up to Donald Trump and a foot soldier in his war on California," Newsom said.

The Democrat offered a new slogan for his candidacy: "Resistance with results."

Cox, an accountant who did not support Trump in 2016 but has embraced the president's backing this year, used his election night speech to blast Newsom for criticizing Trump.

"It wasn't Donald Trump who made California the highest tax state in the country," Cox said. "It was Gavin Newsom and the Democrats."

Feinstein, who in the past has broken with her party on issues that include the death penalty and the Iraq War, has run as the candidate of "California values" and built a huge lead over more than 31 challengers by emphasizing her leadership role and moving to the left on a number of issues. State Sen. Kevin de Leon, who hoped to consolidate support from the more liberal left, is not assured a runoff slot.

Both Feinstein and Newsom, representing different generations and clashing styles of the party's politics, will enter November's election as clear favorites. But perhaps more attention was directed down the ballot, where Tuesday's results provided new insight into Democrats' chances for retaking congressional majorities.

In interviews at polling places in California on Tuesday, numerous voters said they had cast their votes strategically with an eye toward November.

James Woeber, a 48-year-old leadership consultant voting in the San Diego-area 49th Congressional District, said he voted for Doug Applegate - a well-known candidate with a military background - over two more liberal Democratic challengers he also liked.

"I think he's got the best chance in November," Woeber said. "We need that seat."

Final results may not be known for days, given the state's high proportion of mail-in ballots, which must be hand-checked before they are certified - a time-consuming process.

A further complication emerged Tuesday evening when elections officials in Los Angeles County announced that a "printing error" left more than 100,000 voters off the rolls, forcing them to cast provisional ballots - if they voted at all.

The error could affect counting in a number of closely watched races - including in the 39th Congressional District, where the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has sought to get Navy veteran Gil Cisneros into a runoff.

Returns showed Cisneros in second place behind Republican Young Kim, but he led another Republican by more than 4,600 votes.

In Alabama, GOP voters delivered a rebuke to incumbent Rep. Martha Roby after she angered constituents by un-endorsing then-candidate Donald Trump after the 2016 release of the "Access Hollywood" tape in which he bragged about groping women.

Roby is headed for a runoff against former congressman Bobby Bright, whom she defeated in 2010 when Bright held office as a Democrat. In TV ads, Bright accused Roby of "[turning] her back on President Trump when he needed her the most."

In New Jersey, Democrats' favored candidates easily won House primaries. Well-funded former assistant secretary of state Tom Malinowski emerged from a three-way primary to win the right to challenge 7th Congressional District incumbent Rep. Leonard Lance, R. In the 11th Congressional District, which Republican Rodney Frelinghuysen is leaving after 24 years, Navy veteran and attorney Mikie Sherrill won an overwhelming victory.

And in the 2nd Congressional District, which is being vacated by retiring GOP congressman Frank A. LoBiondo, Democratic voters nominated Jeff Van Drew, a conservative Democratic legislator whom the party had recruited for years, while Republicans nominated a local politician who had raised just $22,529 and had been ignored by the national party.

New Jersey voters did deliver a wake-up call to Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., who is running for reelection months after the Justice Department dropped a bribery case against him and the Senate Ethics Committee admonished him for improper dealings with a longtime donor.

Menendez won only 62 percent of the primary vote against Lisa McCormick, a Democratic challenger who raised virtually no money and had not actively campaigned against him. Menendez will face Republican Bob Hugin, a retired pharmaceutical executive who is self-funding his campaign, in November.

In Montana, State Auditor Matt Rosendale was the projected winner of the GOP nomination to take on incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester, in a state that voted overwhelmingly for Trump. Rosendale had been the top choice of national Republican leaders, but some GOP operatives fear the Maryland-born Rosendale could be vulnerable to charges that he is not Montanan enough.

Incumbent Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., will face Kathleen Williams, a Democrat, for the state's at-large House seat.

The New Mexico governor's race will be a battle of House veterans: Primary voters nominated Democratic Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Republican Rep. Stevan Pearce. Despite Lujan Grisham's departure, the state's congressional delegation stands to gain another woman, with female candidates winning both parties' primaries to replace the two gubernatorial candidates.

Debra Haaland, who won the Democratic primary for Lujan Grisham's seat, could become the first Native American woman to serve in Congress.

South Dakota Republicans nominated another woman, longtime Rep. Kristi L. Noem, for governor. She will face Democrat Billie Sutton, a state senator who entered politics after he was paralyzed in a rodeo accident.

And in Iowa, Democrats were set to nominate women to challenge two vulnerable incumbent House Republicans. State Rep. Abby Finkenauer will face Rep. Rod Blum in the 1st Congressional District, while business executive Cindy Axne is set to meet Rep. David Young in the Des Moines-area 3rd Congressional District.

The California races could remain unsettled for days as ballots are counted.

In the 49th, the party was encouraged after Republicans rallied around Diane Harkey, a county official endorsed by retiring Rep. Darrell Issa, R. She finished ahead of a trio of Democrats - Applegate, attorney Mike Levin and former Obama administration staffer Sara Jacobs - competing for the second slot.

In the 48th, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has spent more than $1 million to boost businessman Harley Rouda and attack Republican Scott Baugh; the party is hopeful that Rouda can climb over Baugh to make a runoff with Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher. The complication in that race: the continuing presence of Democrat Hans Keirstead, a scientist lured into the race by Democrats before they sided with Rouda.

Rouda occupied the second slot behind Rohrabacher on Wednesday, with Keirstead running third and Baugh fourth.

Democrats were more confident about making runoffs in Central Valley races against Republican congressmen David Valadao and Jeff Denham and bullish on two Los Angeles-area districts with Republican incumbents in the seats: the 25th, held by Rep. Steve Knight, and the 45th, held by Rep. Mimi Walters. TJ Cox, a Democrat, will face Valadao in November.

- - -

The Washington Post's Tony Perry in Encinitas, Calif., and William Dauber in Huntington Beach, Calif., contributed to this report.

---

Video Embed Code

Video: California Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom was the top vote-getter in the primary for governor of California on June 6. Newsom will face Republican businessman John Cox in the general election.(Jordan Frasier/The Washington Post)

Embed code:
"I have full confidence in your courage and devotion to duty and skill in battle." - General Dwight D. Eisenhower, in a message to troops before D-Day.

- - -

Courage. Devotion. Duty.

They are the words most often used to describe the brave - to add another adjective - Allied troops who landed on Normandy 74 years ago and helped win World War II.

Not to be forgotten, though, is this word: Technology.

World War II was won not just with courage, devotion and duty, but with American and British technological advances that gave Allied troops the upper hand in many facets of battle.

The most famous and fearsome: the Manhattan Project atomic bombs that led to the surrender of the Japanese in 1945. But there were many others.

Radar helped the Allies know what was coming at them from the enemy.

Bombsights employing complicated gyroscope technology allowed planes to pinpoint bomb attacks. Before WWII, pilots simply dropped bombs by hand and hoped for the best.

Nylon, the synthetic material invented by DuPont for women's stockings, was used to make parachutes, glider tow ropes, aircraft fuel tanks and flak jackets, according to Smithsonian magazine. Some people dubbed it "the fiber that won the war."

But one of the most crucial bits of technology, the one that helped the Allies launch the surprise attack on Normandy, was the hull of a boat - the Higgins boat.

You have probably seen pictures of this hulking nautical miracle, the one that carried troops right onto Normandy's beach.

It was built by a wily, hard-drinking inventor named Andrew Higgins, the man Dwight D. Eisenhower once credited with winning World War II.

"It is Higgins himself who takes your breath away," Raymond Moley, a former FDR adviser, wrote in Newsweek in 1943. "Higgins is an authentic master builder, with the kind of will power, brains, drive and daring that characterized the American empire builders of an earlier generation."

Higgins grew up in Nebraska, where, at various ages, he was expelled from school for fighting. Higgins' temperament improved around boats. He built his first vessel in the basement when he was 12. It was so large that a wall had to be torn down to get it out.

He moved South in his early 20s, working in the lumber industry. He hadn't thought much about boats again until a tract of timber in shallow waters required him to build a special vessel so he could remove the wood. Higgins signed up for a correspondence course in naval architecture, shifting his work from timber to boats.

In the late 1930s, he owned a small shipyard in New Orleans. By then, his special shallow-craft boat had become popular with loggers and oil drillers. They were "tunnel stern boats," whose magic was in the way the "hull incorporated a recessed tunnel used to protect the propeller from grounding," according to the Louisiana Historical Association.

Higgins, who died in 1952, called it the "Eureka" boat. The war brought interest by U.S. forces in a similar style vessel to attack unguarded beaches and avoid coming ashore at heavily defended ports. The Marines settled on the Higgins boat, transforming what had been a 50-employee company into one of the world's largest manufacturers.

Though Eisenhower and even Hitler acknowledged the importance of the Higgins boat - military leaders came to call it "the bridge to the beach" - its builder went mostly unmentioned in histories of the war. That is, until 18 years ago, when the World War II Museum opened in New Orleans and recognized Higgins' life, displaying a reproduction of his boat.

Still, there's been just one biography written: "Andrew Jackson Higgins and the Boats that Won World War II," by historian Jerry Strahan.

"Without Higgins's uniquely designed craft, there could not have been a mass landing of troops and materiel on European shores or the beaches of the Pacific islands, at least not without a tremendously higher rate of Allied casualties," Strahan wrote.

Courage. Radar. The Higgins boat. Victory depended on all of them.
David Koch, one of two billionaire brothers whose powerful conservative network transformed Republican politics, is retiring from business and political life because of declining health, potentially testing the staying power of an organization that was already changing in dramatic ways.

Charles Koch announced in a letter to employees of Koch Industries on Tuesday that his brother's health had deteriorated since a hospitalization last summer. He was not specific about the illness, though his brother is a cancer survivor. David Koch will retire from his family's conglomerate and step down as chairman of the Americans for Prosperity Foundation.

"Unfortunately, these issues have not been resolved and his health has continued to deteriorate," Charles Koch wrote in the letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Washington Post. "As a result, he is unable to be involved in business and other organizational activities. . . . David has always been a fighter and is dealing with this challenge in the same way."

David Koch's departure comes at a pivotal time for one of the most active and well-funded political forces in the country. For years, it has helped set the Republican agenda, and it was instrumental in securing and maintaining GOP majorities in Congress and in state legislatures across the country.

The brothers' reach has been so wide that they became a household name - and have often been the subject of attack ads paid for by liberal groups that highlighted the scale of their contributions.

In recent months, however, the libertarian-leaning network had sought to remake itself as independent of the GOP.

On Monday, it announced a multiyear, multimillion-dollar campaign to oppose tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imports. Through the allied Libre Initiative and Freedom Partners, it recently launched a campaign aimed at pushing congressional leaders to protect "dreamers" - people brought into the country illegally as children.

And last week, Americans for Prosperity unveiled a digital ad buy in North Dakota to thank a Democrat, Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, who is in a tough reelection fight, for voting to roll back elements of the Dodd-Frank financial-services law. That show of independence privately irritated congressional Republicans, but in a show of just how powerful the Kochs have grown, those Republicans have said little in public.

Frank Baxter, a longtime Koch donor from California, described the Koch network as "evolving." He likened it to a "teenager" during the early years of the tea party revolution, when securing Republican majorities was the top priority. "Now, it has grown up and realized that life's a lot more complex," he said. "To really accomplish our goals of improving society, there are other things that we need to do."

Baxter also said he had no doubt that the network will continue to thrive without David Koch. "My heart goes out to the family, but certainly the movement isn't going to be mortally wounded or even wounded at all," he said. "The movement now transcends the Kochs."

Through a constellation of aligned groups, the network still plans to spend between $300 million and $400 million on politics and policy during the 2018 election cycle. That is up from $250 million in the 2016 elections.

David Koch, 78, and Charles Koch, 82, are tied as the country's eighth-richest men. According to Forbes magazine, each is worth about $60 billion.

There are now 700 members of the Koch network, whose formal name is the Seminar Network. Each commits at least $100,000 per year to Koch-affiliated groups. The brothers refer to them as "investors" - not donors - because they view the contributions as an investment in politics.

Pooling their money this way has increased their power. Last year, the network almost single-handedly killed a tax on imported goods, known as the border-adjustment tax, that House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., wanted to use to pay for cuts to corporate and individual tax rates. Then, Americans for Prosperity spent more than $20 million to help pass the version of the tax bill that the Kochs liked, one that brought the corporate rate down from 35 percent to 21 percent. Several former staffers of the Koch network now work in the Trump administration, including White House legislative liaison Marc Short, ensuring that the allied groups have a seat at the table.

After pointedly declining to support Donald Trump during the 2016 campaign, the Koch brothers decided to embrace pieces of the administration's policy agenda after he won the election. In addition to the tax cuts, they also benefited from major deregulation and the appointment of scores of business-friendly judges.

But they have become more outspoken in recent months as President Donald Trump has followed through on some of the protectionist and populist rhetoric that made them leery of him in the first place.

David Koch, who now lives in New York, was raised in Wichita. He earned two degrees in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the early 1960s. He and his wife, Julia Flesher Koch, have been married more than 20 years and have three children.

He was diagnosed with prostate cancer 25 years ago, and he has given vast sums toward cancer and medical research since then. He provided $217 million to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, including $150 million for a new outpatient medical facility. He gave $128 million to New York-Presbyterian Hospital, $26.5 million to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, $26.2 million to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, $20 million to Johns Hopkins University, $10 million to Mount Sinai Medical Center and $10 million to the children's hospital at Stanford University for allergy research.

According to an official bio, he has pledged or contributed more than $1.3 billion to assist various causes, including educational, arts and cultural institutions and public policy organizations. The money has come through personal gifts and the David H. Koch Foundation.

His representatives say he has provided more than $300 million in additional charitable support, beyond the $1.3 billion, for other causes - including help for victims of Hurricane Harvey last year.

But while the Koch name is on a lot of buildings, David Koch is best known for wading heavily into politics. In 1980, he was the Libertarian Party's nominee for vice president. His ticket, with Ed Clark, received just 1 percent of the popular vote. Ronald Reagan won.

Several of the ideas Koch ran on that year, then seen as fringe, have subsequently become GOP orthodoxy. And the investments that the Kochs have made to build up think tanks, including the Cato Institute, and promote libertarian-leaning scholars at universities are an important part of the story of how the right moved their way.

Charles Koch, who will stay on as chairman and chief executive of Koch Industries, said his brother was "instrumental" in expanding the business they inherited from their father "1,000 fold" and branching out beyond energy into a host of other products. The company, with annual revenue of $100 billion, operates pipelines, produces fertilizer and manufactures products such as Dixie cups and Quilted Northern toilet paper. It is the second-largest privately held company in the United States. Charles Koch said David Koch will now hold the title of "Director Emeritus."
The Trump administration's "zero-tolerance" crackdown on migrant families is inflaming tensions over immigration as some Republicans express unease with a practice that President Donald Trump has misleadingly tried to pin on Democrats.

The ongoing controversy over separating families came to a head over the weekend when a U.S. senator tried to gain access to a government facility in Brownsville, Texas, that holds migrant children but was barred from entering. On Tuesday, Trump again tried to hold Democrats responsible, although his own administration's policy toughening consequences for those who cross the border illegally was prompting the separations.

Increased scrutiny of administration policy comes as House Republicans are already locked in a battle over the fate of young, undocumented immigrants that has driven a significant wedge into their ranks, plunging Washington deeper into a divisive fight over immigration that was not on the political radar barely a month ago.

Concerned over the new border practice, Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., said he has requested information from the Department of Homeland Security about why families are being separated and other details about the policy.

"There is no easy set of answers here," Lankford said. "You don't want a child trafficked, you don't want a child traveling with someone who's not a family member and you don't know what the relationship is there, but you also don't want to separate families. So we're asking questions."

No law requires that migrant families be separated at the border, as Trump has falsely asserted in recent tweets. In explaining Trump's comments, administration officials have pointed to an anti-trafficking law and court rulings that, together, limit the detention of children and put unaccompanied migrant children in the care of the Department of Health and Human Services as they await court hearings.

That means that under the administration's "zero-tolerance" policy detailed last month, every adult who tries to cross the border illegally will be referred to the Justice Department for prosecution, in effect separating children from adults with whom they are traveling because minors cannot be held in criminal detention.

"Only in Washington can someone who is the cause of the separation blame someone else, and only under the Trumpian world could that happen," Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said Tuesday. "The reality is, is that there is no law that requires that. It is purely a decision by the Trump administration. It is the Trump administration that is tearing families apart. At the end of the day, you can only lie so much."

The two immigration issues confronting Washington - a legislative remedy for young undocumented immigrants, as well as administration efforts to confront an increase in migrant arrivals at the border - had largely run on separate tracks. But a top White House official said Tuesday that the administration was urging House Republicans to deal with the migrant issue in their ongoing talks on "dreamers."

"The Flores issue is one that we've asked them to address," White House legislative director Marc Short said in an interview Tuesday, referring to the 1997 settlement that requires government officials to hold migrant children in the least restrictive conditions available.

Short added: "We recognize that not everything will get fixed here, but we think that one's important enough."

But that may further complicate an already messy fight that has unfolded within House Republican ranks since a band of renegade GOP moderates launched an effort to circumvent their leadership and force votes on immigration bills.

Those moderate Republicans inched closer to their goal Tuesday when two Texas Democrats who had previously refused to sign their "discharge petition" announced that they had changed their minds after meeting with dreamers and clergy in their districts along the U.S.-Mexico border. Reps. Vicente Gonzalez and Filemon Vela had previously refused to join the effort out of fear that any resulting bill would authorize money for the border wall that they strongly oppose.

"No means no, until you talk to the bishop for an hour and a half," Vela said.

With 190 other Democrats and 23 Republicans already having signed the petition, that leaves the discharge backers three members short of success.

GOP leaders have urged lawmakers to hold off on signing the petition until after a Republican-only meeting Thursday at the Capitol, where they are hoping to lay out an alternative course that would give the moderates a vote on a bill meeting their demands - a path to permanent legal residence, and eventually citizenship, for the dreamers.

But conservative hard-liners continue to object to votes on any legislation that would create a "special path to citizenship" for anyone in the country illegally, whether the person entered as an adult or child.

White House officials, according to congressional aides familiar with the discussions, have been engaged in the talks involving House Republicans to ensure that Trump's priorities are dealt with in any legislation that comes to a vote, including an end to "catch and release" policies whereby federal authorities have for years generally allowed immigration offenders to remain in the United States pending court hearings rather than detaining them or returning them to their home countries.

Administration officials continued Tuesday to defend their "zero tolerance" policy on the border, even under heated questioning from fellow conservatives about the effect on the migrant children, some as young as infants and toddlers.

"We don't want to do this at all," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday on conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt's radio show. "If people don't want to be separated from their children, they should not bring them with them."

But several Senate Republicans were clearly uncomfortable with the impact of the practice, which has put HHS facilities at near capacity with migrant children at a time when illegal border crossings may only continue to rise.

Administration officials and Border Patrol agents indicated late last week that the number of migrants trying to cross illegally into the United States remained high in May.

"I don't think it's right to separate families this way, particularly those in asylum cases. They haven't broken laws. They're availing themselves of the legal avenues that are there," Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., said. "This isn't the responsibility or the fault of any one administration. This is a number of policies."

Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, who has led hearings on the issue of unaccompanied migrant children, said he was working on legislation meant to minimize potential exposure to abuse or trafficking, while trying to improve the chance that the minors would show up for their court hearings.

"As a rule, I think it's bad policy to separate the children from the families," Portman said. "But I think we need to help the administration on this Flores decision. I think it'll have to be legislation."

Others staunchly defended the administration's border policy: "I agree with Secretary [Kirstjen] Nielsen when she says law enforcement separates a parent from their children all the time when you're arresting someone for committing a crime, which is what people are doing," said Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., who chairs the Senate committee overseeing the Department of Homeland Security.

Democrats, meanwhile, have grown only angrier at the administration as it defends its practice.

Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., who tried to gain access to a migrant facility over the weekend, said Tuesday he was drafting legislation that would give lawmakers access within 24 hours to a migrant center run by the government. Though he was able to tour a DHS processing center for the migrants, Merkley had been blocked from a separate facility overseen by Health and Human Services that was holding children.

An official with HHS's Administration for Children and Families said Merkley had tried to enter the shelter unexpectedly, and "no one who arrives unannounced at one of our shelters demanding access to the children in our care will be permitted, even those claiming to be U.S. senators."

"Members of Congress have top-secret clearances," Merkley said. "It shouldn't be secret as to how we're treating children inside our borders."
After several failed attempts to bring a halal meat processing plant to Southeast Texas, new investors are forgoing the religious designation to secure a location for the facility in Tyler County.

Concerns based on assumptions that the facility will adhere to Muslim law in its meat preparation are unfounded, according to Greg Gray, a local investor involved in management of East Texas Packing's project.

"The facility is not halal, was never planned to be halal," Gray said.

The Enterprise previously reported incorrectly that the facility would adhere to halal requirements.

Earlier attempts to locate a halal meat processing facility in Port Arthur, Winnie and several Hardin County communities were met with heavy backlash fueled by environmental and religious concerns.

"The company who was trying to do this previously gave up because they were never getting any traction, so several other investors got involved and decided it would be a non-halal meat processing plant," Gray said.

"This is a different company," though it has some of the same financial backing, Gray said.

Gray said the company already has purchased $5 million to $6 million in equipment, including unassembled metal buildings in Winnie and processing equipment in China. He estimated the total investment at between $7.2 million and $7.5 million.

Meat processing will be automated and "follow all the rules of the USDA," Gray said.

Among the backers of the project is the Javed family, which owns the Beaumont-based Starco Implex national distribution network in addition to Riceland Healthcare in Winnie and Riceland Farms. The family was involved in the previous efforts to site a halal facility.

East Texas Packing CEO Danny Stanley said in a statement on Tuesday that the facility is expected to begin operations this fall. The company is ready to accept local bids for construction at its Tyler County Industrial Park site, he said.

The 39-acre tract of land in the Tyler County Industrial Park where the facility will be located was sold to East Texas Packing by the Tyler County Industrial Corp. on April 19.

Woodville's city council approved a memorandum of understanding with East Texas Packing on Feb. 6 that addressed providing utilities to the site, Gray said.

Tyler County residents have been vocal in their opposition of the facility.

A Change.org petition started Tuesday asking Woodville residents to say no to the facility has received over 700 signatures. Will update number.

Tyler County Judge Jacques Blanchette and U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-Woodville) have publicly opposed the facility.

Blanchette said in a statement Tuesday that county government has no authority to stop the building of the facility, but he encouraged Tyler County residents to fight it.

Babin, a Woodville native, "strongly opposed" the meat processing plant in a Facebook post on Sunday.

"We encourage our citizens to appeal to the owners who wish to build their facility here in the hopes they will withdraw their intentions of locating in Tyler County," Blanchette said.

"This facility has been purposefully designed to fit the needs of Tyler County, and we look forward to being a good neighbor, a good employer and a growing business in East Texas," Stanley said.

In his statement, Stanley said the company "will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, age, disability, or genetics" in hiring.

Stanley said the facility will initially employ 65 to 100 people, all of whom will be hired locally, he said.

"We have guaranteed we will hire local people," Gray said.

DShapiro@BeaumontEnterprise.com

Twitter.com/DannyShapiro13
WASHINGTON - The Obama administration went out of its way in early 2016 to help Iran recoup previously sanctioned oil revenue stranded in an overseas account after the nuclear deal went into effect and actively misled Congress regarding those efforts, according to the results of a nearly two-year Republican investigation released early Wednesday.

The majority report of the Senate's Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations comes as President Donald Trump, who scorned the agreement from its inception, last month ended U.S. participation in what he called a "horrible, one-sided deal."

By lifting certain sanctions in exchange for restrictions on Iran's nuclear activity, "this disastrous deal gave this [Iranian] regime - and it's a regime of great terror - many billions of dollars, some of it in actual cash - a great embarrassment to me as a citizen and to all citizens of the United States," Trump said in announcing the withdrawal.

But the unfreezing of Iran's U.S. accounts would be the end of it, the Obama administration said at the time. Both before and after the deal was implemented, officials repeatedly told Congress that Iran, under remaining non-nuclear sanctions, would have no access whatsoever to the U.S. financial system or institutions.

The subcommittee believes it has found at least one example where that was not the case, and where Obama's Treasury and State departments went out of their way to bend the rules for Iran.

The report chronicles the previously unpublished saga of Bank Muscat in the Persian Gulf state of Oman, which, as the agreement was implemented in January 2016, found itself holding $5.7 billion belonging to Tehran. The money was payment from countries that purchased Iranian oil under a partial, pre-deal easing of sanctions.

Under the nuclear agreement, Iran was entitled to withdraw the funds, but it had made the mistake of having them held in Omani rials, one of the least convertible currencies in the world.

Tehran wanted euros. The most viable path to convert such a large amount of rials, for reasons having to do with the obscurity of the Omani currency and the massive U.S. role in the global financial system, was through the U.S. dollar and an American bank, preferably one of two American banks that had corresponding relationships with Bank Muscat.

It would take only seconds, and Iran wouldn't even be directly involved. A computer message from Oman would arrive at the U.S. institution, which would then send a message to another bank in Europe.

To facilitate the transaction, Obama officials engaged in lengthy discussions with Iranian and Omani officials; appealed to the two American banks to undertake the transfer; privately issued a special Treasury license that would guarantee it was allowed under still-existing U.S. sanctions; and even approached the New York Federal Reserve Bank for help.

At the end of the day, nothing worked. Eventually, according to the report, Oman took a slower and more complicated route, gradually buying small amounts of euros in Europe that could be transferred to Iran. No one involved seems certain whether Iran has yet received all of its $5.7 billion.

But in undertaking the effort and not disclosing it to Congress, subcommittee Chairman Rob Portman, R-Ohio, said in an interview, "the Obama administration misled the American people by saying that Iran was not going to be granted access to the U.S. financial system. I think they did it because they were so eager to get an agreement with Iran."

Such access, said Portman, a longtime opponent of the Iran deal, "is the crown jewel, what all these countries would love. Yet our government offered it, while at the same time telling the American people they weren't offering it."

One former Obama official countered that issuing a "narrow specific license" for the transaction "cannot be described as granting access to the U.S. financial system.'" Administration actions did not authorize Iran to conduct dollar transactions or business with U.S. banks or provide entry to the U.S. system.

The nuclear agreement committed signatories "to give Iran access to pools of its money held overseas." U.S. efforts in this case, the former official said, were "aimed solely to allow the movement of Iran's own funds" from a third country to a European bank, "where Iran could then make use of them."

Although the subcommittee's Democratic minority sat in on many of the investigation meetings, which began in the summer of 2016, it did not sign on to the report. "This was something that definitely was a Portman majority priority that we were just monitoring. He did this work, and he can release it," a minority staff member said.

Sen. Thomas R. Carper, D-Del., the ranking Democrat on the subcommittee and a longtime supporter of the nuclear agreement, said in a statement that "the Obama administration followed the law and worked to ensure the U.S. upheld our international commitments to the historic Iran deal, which stopped Iran from developing a nuclear weapons. That's what leaders do."

By withdrawing from the deal, which was also signed by France, Britain and Germany, Carper said, "President Trump has abandoned our allies, put our national security at risk and weakened our standing in the world." Focusing now on the unsuccessful Oman effort, he said, "doesn't seem to be the most pressing priority."

The 52-page report makes its case with public testimony in 2015 and 2016 - primarily by then-Treasury Secretary Jack Lew and then-acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence Adam Szubin - letters between the administration and Congress, and interviews with officials still in government, along with internal communications they apparently made available.

It does not accuse anyone of lying. Instead, it lays out the details of anxious, behind-the-scenes administration attempts, in the early months of 2016, to resolve an unforeseen kink in the agreement and carefully parsed public statements that are disingenuous if not false.

Three days after the deal was implemented on Jan. 16, Bank Muscat contacted Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to request its help in meeting an Iranian request to get its money in euros. The funds were part of about $13.4 billion in oil earnings Iran had stashed in escrow accounts around the world to which the agreement gave it unrestricted access.

After 10 days in which nothing happened, a lead Iranian negotiator wrote to State and Treasury officials in dismay, saying that they had "expected free access and use of our funds abroad," according to the report. Internally, OFAC officials exchanged messages for specifics of U.S. obligations.

"Yikes," one official emailed another after being informed of wording in the agreement. "It looks like we committed to a whole lot beyond just allowing the immobilized funds to settle out."

By early February, as a high-level Omani delegation was planning a trip to Washington in search of answers, an OFAC official messaged that "we've been working on the issue through the weekend....The Iranians have been emailing me daily." Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, the report says, raised the issue in a letter to then-Secretary of State John F. Kerry.

Oman did not want to move the money in its possession into one of the U.S. banks, which are not identified in the report, without assurance that it was protected, in the form of a "specific license" from OFAC. Such licenses - normally kept private - are issued for one-off sanctions waivers deemed in the national interest.

After much agonizing, OFAC issued the specific license to Oman. But the American banks, despite direct administration urging and assurances that no problems would befall them, refused to participate in the transaction, according to their representatives who spoke to the subcommittee. The license was never used.

A month later, in the absence of progress, the report notes an email in which an unidentified "Senior State Department Official" told his complaining Iranian counterpart that the failure to convert the assets "is not because of any fault of the U.S. government in not lifting sanctions." Issuance of the OFAC license, the official wrote, "exceeded our commitments" and the administration was already under political pressure because of perceived "concessions" while Iran continued to behave badly in terms of missile launches and interference in Yemen's civil war.

Nevertheless, the official said, the administration remained committed to ensuring Iran got "all the benefits it should receive in exchange for taking the historic measures" in the deal.

As the administration tried and failed in other ways to make the transfer happen, and Oman and Iran unsuccessfully appealed to European-based financial institutions to do something, Lew and Szubin were confronted in congressional testimony with concerns that the administration had gone beyond the bounds of the deal, and sanctions that remained in place, to help Iran recoup blocked assets.

Although Lew, according to documents reproduced in the report, had been given Treasury talking points explaining the Omani conundrum, he chose not to mention it in a House hearing in late March. Both officials repeated that, while the administration was committed to providing access to money Iran had a right to, "Iran will not have access to our financial system."

Portman, echoing the report's two primary recommendations, called for more executive branch transparency, including information about specific licenses, and warned that no administration should be "so desperate to reach a deal that you cut corners."

Those principles, he said, should apply to any future agreements with Iran and North Korea.

---

The Washington Post's Shane Harris contributed to this report.
Lora Goff drove down Main Street in downtown Warrenton, Virginia, on her lunch break from a nearby law firm when she heard a rattling sound.

The office manager looked down next to the steering wheel of her Cadillac SRX and saw a snake slithering out of the air vent. Trying to stay calm, she pulled off the road, jumped out of the SUV and dialed 911.

And like anyone these days who has a unique event unfold before them, she snapped a picture: "I thought, 'Nobody's going to believe this.' "

When animal control arrived, the officer confessed that he, too, was scared of snakes.

"I said, 'I'm in trouble now,' " Goff recalled of her Monday incident.

The snake, which she later estimated to be a garter snake that measured about 2-feet long, had gotten tangled in her phone cord charger.

"At first," she said, "I was in disbelief. I was like, 'Oh, my God.' "

"The thing that caught my attention is it made a noise. That's when I saw it coming out," she said.

Goff said the animal control officer tried to use a piece of equipment, similar to a long pole, to catch the snake but couldn't. Then the snake came farther out of the air vent and started to move around the car. It then fell down under the front seat.

"He looked and looked and looked," Goff said of the animal control officer, "and he couldn't find it."

By then, she said, her lunch break was over and she needed to get back to work, so she drove back to her office with the snake still somewhere in her SUV. When she got back to the office, she said, she told her colleagues, and they suggested a variety of techniques: Turn the air conditioning on cold so it would come out on the seat and sun itself. Turn the air on hot so it would come out.

Goff searched the internet and found a tip that said to use sticky glue traps for rodents. She borrowed a friend's car, went to a nearby hardware store, got some and put them under her seat. She worked her full day, and by 5 p.m. she went out to her car.

As she was driving home, she said, she kept moving her feet and making noise in the hope of keeping it from coming out.

She checked the traps and found no sign of the snake. Although she said she was scared that the snake was still in her car, she drove it - nervously, she said - the 10 minutes to her home in Rappahannock County.

Overnight, she said, she didn't think about it. The next morning, she and her husband went outside to check and found the snake. It was stuck to the glue pad but not dead.

Her husband threw it in the back of his truck, Goff said. What he did with it, she said, she doesn't know and doesn't want to know.

"I don't want to see that thing anymore," she said.

Her tale of the snake encounter was first reported by other outlets, including Fauquier Now and Fox 5.

On Wednesday, officials with the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office said one of its animal control officers responded to the call. Garter snakes are fairly common in the area.

Sgt. James Hartman, a spokesman for the sheriff's office, said that while the department does get "snake calls from time to time," it is typically about a snake at or near a home or in a barn or shed.

"It's rare that it comes from someone who is driving down the road, and a snake comes out of the air vent," Hartman said.

More for you Decapitated rattlesnake bites Texas man

Of the snake in the SUV, Hartman said, the recent heavy rains meant the snake was probably looking for a dry spot for refuge and a "nice warm car was a good place to go." He said it likely crawled into the car's hood overnight, as an engine often stays warms for a while.

He said the animal control officer who responded was probably "more afraid of the snake" than Goff was, "even though he's in the animal control business."

Goff wasn't the only one in the region to encounter a snake.

In Laurel, Maryland, the police department has posted photos of its snake encounters. One of its officers helped a family after they found a snake near their home. The family wrote and the department posted on Facebook, "Thank you to officer E.X. Eagle for," saving "the day . . . and the snake too :)."

And that same officer in Laurel had also helped in late May in an incident on Haynes Road where there was a report of "an unwelcome guest."

It turned out, according to the department, that it was a baby Maryland brown snake. It was found hiding under a bucket in a family's living room. The police officer safely took the snake to a park and released it "without incident," according to the department's Facebook page.

The department warned, "because of recent storms, keep an eye out for small creatures looking for a dry place to hide them from the rain."

As for Goff, she's no stranger to wildlife. Living in a rural area, she said, her family has seen "critters chewing on wires" or squirrels trying to hide their nuts in car engines but never a snake in a car.

She said, "I never thought in my wildest dreams something like this would happen."
A bid by South African authorities to tackle the corruption that marred former President Jacob Zuma's tenure may drag on for years, with no guarantees of successful prosecutions or recouping billions of rand pilfered from the state.

The government's ability to halt "state capture," a local term used to describe the alleged looting, and return the funds will be a key test for President Cyril Ramaphosa's drive to restore the trust of the electorate and investors in public institutions. About 100 billion rand ($8 billion) may have been stolen, according to Pravin Gordhan, a former finance minister who now oversees state companies.

A high-powered judicial panel led by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo that was initially supposed to sit for six months says it needs at least two years to expose wrongdoing -- and it doesn't have the power to arrest anyone or seize assets. Those tasks will fall to a police force and prosecution service that have been gutted of senior staff over recent years and have had a dismal record in securing convictions of the rich and powerful.

"The sheer scope of the challenge facing the state capture investigation team defies comprehension," Bart Henderson, chief executive officer of the Africa Institute of Corporate Fraud Management, said by phone from Johannesburg. "Who says it's going to lead anywhere? When it comes to getting stolen money back, I wouldn't hold my breath."

The extent of the graft was laid bare in separate probes conducted by the nation's graft ombudsman, a group of leading academics and panels of lawmakers. They placed members of the Gupta family, who were in business with one of Zuma's sons, and their allies at the center of the corruption that Zuma and several Cabinet ministers and senior officials allegedly facilitated.

Zuma, who is due in court on Friday to face charges of accepting bribes from arm dealers dating back to the 1990s, and the Guptas, who have fled the country, deny wrongdoing. Two attempts by the National Prosecuting Authority's asset forfeiture unit to seize vehicles and properties belonging to the family to recoup funds illegally diverted from a state-funded dairy project have been overturned by the High Court due to a lack of evidence.

Ramaphosa, who took office in February after the ruling African National Congress forced Zuma to resign, has said his administration is committed to stamping out state capture and prosecutors won't wait for the Zondo commission to wrap its work up to charge those responsible.

He's appointed a new police chief and head of the elite Hawks corruption investigative unit, while the boards and management of several state-owned companies have been replaced. Chief prosecutor Shaun Abrahams, who opposition parties accuse of obstructing cases against Zuma allies, has retained his post while a lawsuit filed by a civil rights group that aims at removing him because his predecessor's removal was unlawful runs it course.

Justice Minister Michael Masutha said in a June 4 interview that he's instructed the prosecutions agency to cooperate with Zondo's commission to ensure investigations aren't duplicated and prosecutions are fast-tracked. The government may request the United Arab Emirates to extradite members of the Gupta family who are based there, he said.

Zondo said his panel intends to start holding public hearings in August, and any evidence collected will be admissible in future legal proceedings.

"We will be working flat out to make sure this investigation doesn't take one day longer than it should," he told reporters in Johannesburg on May 24. "We will be trying to make sure that we strike a fair balance between not delaying too much but at the same time making sure that we do a proper job."

The panel was allocated 230 million rand for its first six months of work, Zondo told Johannesburg-based Talk Radio 702.

David Lewis, the executive director of South African transparency group Corruption Watch, said Zondo's commission could unearth new evidence on state capture, help explain how it came about, identify systemic weaknesses and propose policy measures that could prevent it from happening again.

"I think some big names are going to ultimately go to jail," Lewis said. "But not everybody who deserves to go to jail is going to go. That is not a uniquely South African phenomenon."
Central Japan Railway Co. showed a new shinkansen bullet train model to the media during a test run on Tuesday.

The railway operator known as JR Tokai started daytime test runs of the new N700S series Monday, having conducted test runs at nighttime starting in March.

The latest model features a distinctive nose shape for superior aerodynamic performance compared with the current N700 series.

The model was shown to the media at Mikawa-Anjo Station in Aichi Prefecture during a test run involving a 600-km round trip between the company's Hamamatsu plant in Shizuoka Prefecture and Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka Prefecture.

The test run was mainly conducted to check acceleration, braking and swaying when passing oncoming trains.

The train was set to make stops at Toyohashi, Mikawa-Anjo, Nagoya and Kyoto stations during the test run. - Japan Times
Gov. Greg Abbott should call a special session of the Texas Legislature this summer to address school and gun safety.

It is too important an issue to delay action until the 86th Legislature convenes in January.

Waiting means this pressing issue will be competing for priority attention with the multitude of other matters awaiting a legislative body that only meets in regular session for five months every two years.

In every legislative session, hundreds of bills die in committee without making it to the floor of the House or Senate for a vote. Texas cannot afford a repeat of the last session when it comes to school safety.

In 2017, state lawmakers spent much of their valuable time in Austin grandstanding on political issues and failed to address the states public school finance woes, which everyone had agreed was a top priority.

That was allowed to happen even though legislators received a strongly worded recommendation from the highest court in Texas advising them to address the inadequacies of the school finance system. Regrettably, today, four school semesters later, the issue remains unresolved.

Abbott has indicated he may call lawmakers into session if legislators agree they can reach a consensus on bills, but he says he does not want it to be a debating session.

We agree. This issue merits bipartisan attention and cannot be allowed to be used for political posturing with an eye toward the next election.

In the 40-page plan Abbott released last week  following three days of roundtable discussions with survivors of recent Texas mass shootings, mental health experts, law enforcement, educators and others  he proposed a range of initiatives that would enhance safety on public school campuses.

Abbotts suggestions have opened an important public dialogue on the issue and prompted much debate. There will never be a unified voice on issues such as gun regulations, red flag laws and arming school teachers, but there are plenty of areas in which common ground can be found.

Abbott does want to address mental health issues among public school children and establishing two classes of school counselors  one to deal with academics and another to handle students mental health. This has benefits  though, by and large, people with mental illness are not violent or dangerous.

The mental health of children in schools has been a concern for years, but the issue has never been properly addressed. Its a good launching point for a mutually agreeable agenda for a special session, provided the outcome doesnt stigmatize those with mental illness.

But the need exists. A report presented to the Legislature in January 2017 by the Texas House Select Committee on Mental Health indicates 1 in 5 school-age children in the U.S. have symptoms that meet criteria for mental illness.

Children with untreated mental illness are more likely to fail school, interface with juvenile justice and engage in high risk behavior, according to the report.

He also proposes training teachers to help them assess potentially dangerous students and intervene before matters escalate.

And Abbott is proposing more security presence in schools, zero tolerance for students engaging in violent behavior at school, and strengthening firearm storage laws.

Some campus security proposals will need to wait until the regular session so legislative committees assigned to study them specifically and in detail can report back, but there is much that can be done now.

Lets not wait for the next school shooting.
Southerland Communities, one of Texas premier land developers, continues their fast-paced, success story with their new custom home community, The Canyons at Scenic Loop. Specializing in bringing gorgeous, yet affordable properties to the Texas market for over twenty years, Southerland Communities, along with its affiliate National Land Partners (the nations largest and most successful buyer and seller of recreational and residential properties), are well-known for creating communities with an incredible attention to detail and a total commitment to excellence. Since opening The Canyons in February 2012, Southerland Communities has sold over 300+ acreage homesites in the Northside of San Antonios Hill Country, making The Canyons at Scenic Loop one of the best-selling and fastest growing, new custom home communities in the area!

About The Canyons at Scenic Loop

The Canyons at Scenic Loop continues to be the hottest selling, custom home community in San Antonio and the prime setting is the reason why! With the newest phase of high-elevation acreage homesites, on sale now, many are flocking to the most sought after area of San Antonios Hill Country to begin creating the magnificent custom home of their dreams.

Ideally located, within minutes of Fiesta Texas, The Rim and La Cantera shopping centers, UTSA, the premier medical center, and much more, The Canyons is a great place to experience the Hill Countrys finest location and most picture perfect, panoramic views that have ever been offered. Excellent financing options, with low down payments, make these New Acreage Estate Homesites an attainable and affordable reality for families searching for the ideal place, in the peaceful countryside of San Antonio, to call home.

The Canyons at Scenic Loop offers homesites from 0.5 to 1 acre. These affordable properties are the last of their kind IN SAN ANTONIO and once theyre gone, there wont be unspoiled, long-range views like this again!

If youre in the market for premium Texas acreage in San Antonio, make plans to visit The Canyons at Scenic Loop this weekend and see everything this exquisite community has to offer you and your family! Custom build your dream home surrounded by the hills of the beautiful Texas Hill Country and the most relaxing views San Antonio has to offer.

Even if youre not ready to build your dream home, now is the time to get the best selection of New Acreage Estate Homesites at The Canyons and take advantage of the Buy Now, Build Later Program. At The Canyons, the stressful timeframe requirements many developers impose on new property owners, detailing when they have to start building their new home, are eliminated. Buy now and build when you are ready at The Canyonswhether it is six months, one year, or ten years from now, you have the flexibility to choose when you begin your new home construction and can select the custom home builder you prefer!

David McCumber, the Project Manager at The Canyons at Scenic Loop, has a genuine enthusiasm for the community and its contagious. Many of the customers that venture out here each week, cant help but fall in love with all the benefits and advantages that comes with owning property at The Canyons. McCumber states, Business is booming here at The Canyons and I would like to personally invite you to come and explore our newest, high-elevation estate homesites, with incredible thirty mile views of the Hill Country and San Antonio! Were open seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. till dark and would love to take you around our beautiful community here on the Northside of San Antonio!

Drive out to the Canyons at Scenic Loop this weekend!

Take IH-10West past 1604 to Boerne Stage Road. Turn left on Boerne Stage Road to Scenic Loop Road. Turn left and follow for 1 mile. The Canyons is on the right.

Call 877-333-7925 to schedule your personal one-on-one visit to The Canyons at Scenic Loop or learn more online at www.TheCanyonsTX.com.

About Southerland Communities

Southerland Communities is one of Texas premier land developers. They specialize in bringing gorgeous, yet affordable properties to market with incredible attention to detail and a total commitment to excellence. Let Southerland Communities help you discover beautiful homesites and lots for sale in acreage communities across the Texas Hill Country. Choose from breathtaking riverfront, hilltop, meadow, and woodland acreage, near some of the most desirable towns and cities in Texas, such as New Braunfels, San Antonio, Austin, Bandera and Dallas.

About National Land Partners

With over 50 years of experience, National Land Partners (NLP) helps everyday people navigate the journey of land ownership and ensure the land buying experience is one they will enjoy and remember for years to come. NLP has also bought and sold more parcels of land than any single company in the industry, which includes over 450,000 acres of raw land. Every single piece of land that is cultivated contributes to the companys reputation for integrity and reliability. The goal for National Land Partners, when acquiring a new piece of property, is to enhance the natural beauty and assets of the land, paying close attention to the appropriate land use and environmental impact.

For a complete list of all available communities, across the nation, where NLP has land for sale, please visit www.NationalLandPartners.com.

Editors Note: This content is made possible by The Canyon. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at www.hearstmediasanantonio.com.
Local News, Business & Finance, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: June 06 2018

"With high school graduation season upon us, many young Long Islanders are opting to pursue a skilled career, union apprenticeship, or a new course of study at a trade or vocational school."

Huntington, NY - June 6, 2018 - Last night Congressman Tom Suozzi (D  Long Island, Queens) hosted an event at the Laborers 66 Union Hall in Last night Congressman Tom Suozzi (D  Long Island, Queens) hosted an event at the Laborers 66 Union Hall in Melville to recognize and celebrate young people who have chosen to pursue the American Dream with a career in skilled labor.

Sixty percent of Americans do not go to college, and out of those that do, forty percent of them do not graduate. For a long time, emphasis has been placed on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs, however there are six million unfilled jobs in America and many of them do not require a college degree, but do require some type of technical or vocational training, said Congressman Suozzi.

Last year Congressman Suozzi started Tom and the Trades, an initiative where he spends a day on the job, learning a new skill, and then performing the work. To date he has done over a dozen jobs with electricians, butchers, welders, auto mechanics, etc.

With high school graduation season upon us, many young Long Islanders are opting to pursue a skilled career, union apprenticeship, or a new course of study at a trade or vocational school. The success stories of these young women and men, who are working hard to become machinists, plumbers, chefs and more, reveal a great deal about how to super-charge the American economy. Creating bigger and bolder opportunities for good wage and good benefit jobs in the skilled labor economy is the key to rebuilding the middle class, said Congressman Suozzi.

Last nights event honored recent graduates who have participated in union apprenticeship programs with Laborers Local 66; Local 5, Boilermakers; Local 25, IBEW; Local 28, Sheet Metal Workers; Locals 30 and 138, IUOE; Local 200, Plumbers; Locals 361 and 40, Structural Iron Workers; Local 580, Ornamental Iron Workers; Local 638, Steamfitters; Local 1049, IBEW; DC 9, IUPAT; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; Nassau BOCES; and Opportunities Long Island.

We want to thank Congressman Suozzi for his efforts in promoting union apprenticeship programs as one of the pathways leading to success. He recognizes the hard work, dedication and skill set required by our men and women in the building trades, who are essential in maintaining our vibrant economy and the backbone of the middle class, said Matthew Aracich, President of the Building Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk.

Also honored were high school graduates from Walt Whitman High School, Bethpage High School, Harborfields High School, Half Hollow Hills West High School, Huntington High School, and Plainview Old Bethpage JFK High School who are entering trade and vocational schools.
Local News, Health & Wellness, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: June 06 2018

Legislation raises the legal minimum age for the purchase of tobacco products to 21.

Nassau County, NY - June 6, 2018 - Nassau County Executive Laura Curran today joined with Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello, Legislator Arnold Drucker, members of the Nassau County Legislature, health professionals, and family members of former Legislator Judy Jacobs, for the signing of the Tobacco 21 Legislation which raising the legal minimum age for the purchase of tobacco products to 21. The bill was originally introduced by the late Legislator Judy Jacobs, and this year was supported by all 19 members of the legislature.

I am proud to be signing this Tobacco 21 Legislation, in the name of the late Legislator Judy Jacobs, said County Executive Laura Curran. This legislation is more important than ever with the rising tobacco and nicotine trends among our youthwhether it is cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or vaping pens, this legislation can keep carcinogens out of young peoples hands and lungs, and hopefully save lives.

Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of preventable death in the United States, and those who do not start smoking by the age of 21 are much less likely to ever start. Prohibiting the sale of tobacco and vaping products to people under the age of 21 is an important step in protecting the health and well-being of Nassau residents, said Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello.

By enacting Tobacco 21 legislation, Nassau County has taken a life-saving step toward deterring young people from dangerous, addictive tobacco and nicotine products, Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams (D  Freeport ) said. We are particularly grateful for the foresight and compassion of the late Judy Jacobs, whose leadership on this issue was a major factor in bringing us to this momentous occasion.

"As the successor to Judy Jacobs, of blessed memory, who served the residents of Nassau County with honor and distinction for so many years, I am extremely proud to witness this historic day in Nassau County in which this measure, which was first introduced by Judy, has finally become law, immediately resulting in the saving of lives by possibly preventing countless teenagers from picking up this dangerous habit and virtually guaranteeing themselves a lifetime of poor health, addiction, inordinate expense, and a loss of the ability to enjoy life to its fullest said Legislator Arnold Drucker.
Local News, Crime, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: June 06 2018

With Passage of Extreme Risk Protection Order Bill, New York Would Be First State in the Nation to Empower Teachers and School Administrators to Prevent School Shootings by Pursuing Court Intervention.

Albany, NY - June 6, 2018 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced an extreme risk protection order law that would prevent individuals determined by a court to be likely to engage in conduct that would result in serious harm to themselves or others from purchasing, possessing, or attempting to purchase or possess any type of firearm, including hand guns, rifles, or shotguns. Building on New York's already strongest in the nation gun laws, this Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced an extreme risk protection order law that would prevent individuals determined by a court to be likely to engage in conduct that would result in serious harm to themselves or others from purchasing, possessing, or attempting to purchase or possess any type of firearm, including hand guns, rifles, or shotguns. Building on New York's already strongest in the nation gun laws, this legislation , which builds on prior legislative efforts, would make New York the first state in the nation to empower its teachers and school administrators to prevent school shootings by pursuing court intervention.

"While the conservative leadership in Washington remains immobilized by the NRA, in New York we refuse to be intimidated by the gun lobby and will continue to take action to protect the people of our state," Governor Cuomo said. "Across the nation, students and communities are taking to the streets to demand change, and we are once again picking up the mantle of leadership from Washington with common sense measures to target the roots of school shootings, and prevent gun violence, tragedies and heartbreak."

The Governor was joined by Randi Weingarten, AFT President, Andy Pallotta, NYSUT President, Michael Mulgrew, UFT President, Rebecca Fischer, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence Executive Director, Aalayah Eastmond, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student and representatives from March For Our Lives and Moms Demand Action to announce this landmark reform. This announcement is part of Gun Violence Awareness Month

"By expanding background checks and extreme risk protection orders, New York is once again demonstrating the leadership we need to address our nationwide epidemic of gun violence," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "These bold actions take the next step forward and address the continued threat of gun violence. No person should ever fear going to school, or a concert, or a house of worship. While Washington refuses to act to save lives, New York will lead the way to enact commonsense reforms to prevent senseless tragedy."

Establishing Extreme Risk Protection Orders to Save Lives

Under current state law, firearms may be removed from a person subject to a temporary order of protection issued by a criminal or family court, but a court can only issue a temporary order of protection in connection with a criminal or family offense proceeding. No law currently exists in New York State that enables a court to issue an order to temporarily seize firearms from a person who is believed to pose a severe threat of harm to himself, herself, or others unless that person has also been accused of a crime or family offense.

This shortcoming in the law persists, despite the fact that family members often contact law enforcement when they fear that a loved one poses a threat of violence to others or themselves. In addition, no state in the nation currently empowers its teachers and school administrators to prevent school shootings by pursuing court intervention.

The law would provide all necessary procedural safeguards to ensure that no firearm is removed without due process while ensuring that tragedies like the school shooting in Parkland, Florida and the mass killing at the Waffle House in Nashville, Tennessee are not repeated. In both of those cases, the shooter was reported by multiple sources to be disturbed and dangerous yet was allowed to purchase and possess deadly firearms. An extreme risk protection order could have prevented countless, needless deaths.

Extending the Background Check Waiting Period

Governor Cuomo previously advanced legislation to establish a ten-day waiting period for individuals who are not immediately approved to purchase a firearm through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Current federal law requires gun dealers to conduct the NICS background check on a potential purchaser prior to selling a firearm, which immediately provides the dealer with one of three possible notifications. These notifications include "proceed", "denied", or "delayed". In the case of a "delayed" response, the dealer must wait three days before the sale is eligible to go through, even though the FBI continues to investigate these individuals past the three-day timeframe. Oftentimes, by the time it has been determined that the potential purchaser was, in fact, ineligible, the individual has already been sold the firearm upon completion of the three-day waiting period. Extending the waiting period to ten days would allow sufficient time to complete the background check and builds on legislative efforts to ensure that only those eligible to purchase and own a firearm are able to do so.

AFT President Randi Weingarten said, "I've spoken with many educators in Parkland, Florida and heard repeatedly that the shooter showed clear signs that he was a troubled soul. It's no surprise as the Brady Campaign reports 42 percent of mass shooters exhibit warning signs beforehand. That's why the legislation Governor Cuomo is proposing today is so important as a part of combatting the gun violence epidemic and protecting students and teachers. Schools should be safe sanctuaries, not armed fortresses. Teachers don't want to be armed, we want to teach and we want to protect kids. This smart new law would empower educators and school staff to act and be heard when they suspect danger while still protecting students' due process right. We're proud to stand with the Governor to announce today's proposal."

Michael Mulgrew, President of the United Federation of Teachers, said, "Our children and educators have to be safe in school. If Washington DC won't take on the gun lobby, we here in New York will."

Mark Cannizzaro, President of the Council of Supervisors and Administrators, said, "Gun violence has plagued our nation for too long, and federal gun control legislation is long overdue. While the federal government ignores this tragic issue, Governor Cuomo has time and again enacted real change to protect New Yorkers. By raising the age to own a firearm to 21, this common sense legislation will protect our children and the general public. Our nation is at a crossroads, and I am proud to stand with Governor Cuomo."

Under Governor Cuomo, New York has passed the strongest gun control laws in the nation, including the SAFE Act which keeps guns out of the hands of convicted felons and the dangerous mentally ill, ensures private gun sales are subject to a background check, bans high-capacity magazines and assault weapons, and toughens criminal penalties for illegal gun use. The Governor also recently enacted a law targeting the well-known link between domestic abuse and deadly gun violence. The Governor has also championed evidence-based gun violence reduction efforts which have received national recognition, such as the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative and SNUG program, which together work to support both law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations in the prevention of shootings and homicides involving firearms. The GIVE initiative provides funding to support technical assistance, training, equipment, and personnel - such as prosecutors and crime analysts - to help local law enforcement agencies reduce gun violence in the 17 counties outside of New York City that experience the majority of violent crime. The SNUG program provides funding and training for community-based organizations that manage street outreach programs in 11 communities where individuals disrupt the cycle of gun violence by responding when disputes escalate within their community and connecting high-risk individuals with essential social and support services.
Local News, Community, Charity & Cause

By Long Island News & PR Published: June 06 2018

Lindsay: "It is imperative we show our support to the men and women who selflessly risk their lives every day to protect our freedom."

Holbrook, NY - June 6, 2018 - Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay recently launched an initiative to show his gratitude to active members of our military. Hospitality for Heroes will be an ongoing initiative to encourage community members to donate items for military care packages. Legislator Lindsay joined together with the Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay recently launched an initiative to show his gratitude to active members of our military. Hospitality for Heroes will be an ongoing initiative to encourage community members to donate items for military care packages. Legislator Lindsay joined together with the Bayport Junior Civic and organized a care package for U.S. Navy Sailors in Africa. The students collected over 25 pounds worth of supplies such as snacks, shaving cream, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, puzzles, cards, and dice. They also showed their support for the sailors by writing them heartfelt letters filled with gratitude to express that their service is appreciated back home.



Legislator Bill Lindsay dropping off the Hospitality for Heroes care package at the Post Office. Photo Credit: Office of Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay III



I am amazed by the students of the Bayport Junior Civic for stepping up and showing their gratitude for these sailors by putting together this care package, said Legislator Lindsay. It is imperative we show our support to the men and women who selflessly risk their lives every day to protect our freedom. It was a pleasure to do this for them when they have done so much for us. I look forward to collecting more supplies, engaging our community, and sending Hospitality for Heroes packages to active military members throughout the year.
Local News, Crime

By Long Island News & PR Published: June 06 2018

Sixth Squad detectives believe Jovani Ligurgo is in the company of his father, who may have fled the state.

SCPD are seeking (L to R) Jovani Ligurgo, 2, who was last seen with his father John Ligurgo III, 43.

UPDATE - June 6, 2018 - A similar vehicle bearing New York license plate GAV4699 has been found in Rockbridge County, Virginia with two deceased occupants who are believed to be 2-year-old Jovani Ligurgo and his father, John Ligurgo III, 43. A positive identification is pending.

Suffolk County Police Department Commissioner Geraldine Hart, Chief of Department Stuart Cameron and Chief of Detectives Gerard Gigante will be available to provide an update today at Suffolk County Police Department Headquarters in Yaphank

Below is the original report.

Coram, NY - June 6, 2018 - Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the publics help in locating a 2-year-old boy who was last seen with his father in Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the publics help in locating a 2-year-old boy who was last seen with his father in Coram

Jovani Ligurgos mother dropped him off at his fathers residence on Bretton Woods Drive in Coram at approximately 7 a.m. on June 5. When the child, who resides with his mother in Smithtown , was not returned to his mothers custody at the predetermined time, 3:30-4 p.m., the mother called police.

Officers responded to a call of a house fire at approximately 3:35 p.m. at a residence on Bretton Woods Drive, where the boys father, John Ligurgo III, 43, resides. The residence was unoccupied.

Sixth Squad detectives believe the child is in the company of his father, who may have fled the state in his black Jeep Grand Cherokee, New York license plate GAV4699. Ligurgo III may be in possession of a hunting rifle.
It looks like iOS 12 may shape up to be one of Apples best releases in years. Its not a complete overhaul of the iOS ecosystem, but rather a welcome refinement on iOS 11. It takes the big steps from the iPhone X and iOS 11like Animoji and ARKitand extends them in ways that make them truly useful.

Weve got a list of all the big iOS 12 features, and even a list of major features that Apple didnt talk about during its WWDC keynote presentation. But theres a lot more to unpack. There are a host of small changes, tweaks, and features that should bring smiles to your faces, reminding all of us us that little bits of polish and refinement are what make iOS a delight to use. Heres a list of hidden delights awaiting you in iOS 12.

IDG Are the days of being nagged to install iOS updates almost behind us?

After upgrading to iOS 12, youll find a new menu item labeled Automatic Updates, which defaults to being enabled. Will iOS 12 be the first to allow your iPhone to just update itself silently in the background (probably when plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi)? Does this mean no more nagging users to install minor point releases and security patches? We look forward to seeing what Automatic Updates delivers.

More Siri accents

In iOS 11, you can change Siris voice to be male or female, and to have one of three different accents (in U.S. English): American, Australian, or British. Just head to Settings > Siri & Search > Siri Voice.

IDG Siri picks up an Irish brogue and a South African accent, too.

In iOS 12, that same menu has five accents listed; the additional accents are Irish and South African. Imagine getting your traffic report in an Irish brogue.

Closing apps on iPhone X made easy

IDG Closing apps on iPhone X with iOS 12 works just like it does on other devices.

One of the odd quirks of the iPhone Xs gesture interface is the way you close apps. In iOS 11, you have to swipe up from the bottom of the screen to show all your app cards in the multitasking menu. Then, if you swipe up on one, it doesnt close the app as the similar gesture does on any other iPhone or iPad.

Rather, you have to press and hold on the stack for a second until the little close icons appear in the upper left. Then you can tap on those or swipe up on app cards to close the app. If you just swipe up on a card, it closes the multitasking menu without closing the app.

That behavior is gone in iOS 12. Once you bring up the multitasking menu, swiping up on a card immediately closes the app, as you would expect it to. This is in line with the way other iPhones and iPads operate.

iPad gestures match iPhone X

In iOS 11, the iPad got a series of gestures that are somewhat unique. Swipe up from the bottom edge, just a little, to show the dock. Swipe up a lot and you see the multitasking menu with all your running apps, along with the Control Center on the right.

With iOS 12, swiping up anywhere on the dock will bring you back to the home screen. Thats not exactly like the iPhone Xs home area swipe, but its very close (and the expanded swipe area makes sense on the larger iPad devices). To open the Control Center, you swipe down from the upper-right edge, just as you do on the iPhone X.

This brings some unity to the gestures on iOS devices, but it also gives us a hint of the future of the iPad. If Apple was going to release a new iPad Pro that has Face ID and no more Touch ID (and thus no home button), it would need a return to home screen gesture just like this one.

Swipe up to retry Face ID

One frustration of the iPhone Xs new Face ID unlocking feature: If your iPhone tries to read your face before youre ready and it failsmaybe because youre covering your mouthyoure stuck looking at a passcode screen. You have to either put your iPhone X to sleep and wake it up again to re-try Face ID, or deliberately turn it far away from your face and back again.

IDG Re-trying a Face ID unlock is easier in iOS 12.

Its a small annoyance, but one that is nonetheless smoothed out considerably with a simple design change in iOS 12. If Face ID tries and fails, youll still get the passcode screen, but with a prompt to simply swipe up to try Face ID again. After three failed Face ID attempts, you have to enter your passcode, though.

Alternate appearance for Face ID

Speaking of Face ID, theres a new Appearances section in the Face ID settings page, with a single option: Set Up an Alternate Appearance.

IDG If you want to give two different faces access to your iPhone, you can.

It seems intended to make Face ID more reliable for those who tend to dramatically change their look more radically than the learning algorithm in Face ID can cope with. On face value alone, it wouldnt seem to offer the flexibility of Touch IDs ability to register 10 different fingerprints, but its certainly enough to allow you and, say, your spouse to have access to the same iPhone X.

Locking out USB accessories

Update 07/09/18: Apple surprised us by shipping this feature in the iOS 11.4.1 point release.

Law enforcement groups (and who knows what other groups) have been using devices like GrayKey to gain access to locked iPhones without the passcode. Theres no telling what other similar devices can break into your locked, encrypted iPhone.

IDG iOS 12 can disable all USB access if your phone has been locked for an hour.

The latest salvo from Apple in the never-ending battle for your privacy is a new feature in iOS 12 that disables access from all USB devices if your device has been locked for more than an hour.

Its an important security advancement: One hour is plenty of time for regular users to do USB-related functions like backup or restore, but almost certainly not enough time for USB-based iPhone cracking devices to break into your phone.

Call and FaceTime shortcuts in Messages

Have you ever been messaging someone and decide you want to call or FaceTime them? If you tap the little info button next to their name, it pulls up a whole contact card full of information, past photos of the person, you name it. Its a mess, when all you want to do is take this text conversation face-to-face.

IDG Now you can more easily call or FaceTime someone right from a Messages conversation.

Messages in iOS 12 streamlines this. The icon for the person youre messaging appears at the top center of the screen, as usual. Tap on it to expand a little menu of handy shortcuts: audio call, FaceTime, or info.

Lyrics search in Apple Music

Apple Music remains largely unchanged in iOS 12but now you get the ability to search for songs by lyrics! There are millions of tracks in Apple Music that have lyrics data, and if you dont know the name of a song but know how it goes, iOS 12 makes it a whole lot easier to fins!

IDG If you dont know the name of that song but know how it goes, you can probably find it in Apple Music.

Hey, its not crossfade or smart playlists or the interface redesign we want. But there are millions of tracks in Apple Music that have lyrics data, and if you dont know the name of a song but know how it goes, iOS 12 makes it a whole lot easier to find.

Favicons on Safari tabs

Weirdly, Safari on macOS and iOS does not show Favicons (those little site-specific icons) in tabs. Its a frustrating bit of interface weirdness that Apple users have had to deal with for ages, because theyre supported by every other modern browser.

IDG Favicons! In Safari! We thought we would never live to see this day.

Thats finally getting fixed in macOS Mojave and iOS 12. If you enable a Show Icons in Tabs toggle in Settings, youre browsing like its the year 2000.

Notification grouping settings per app

One of the best features of iOS 12 is that apps are grouped by app (or sometimes by type, like a message thread). This is not an on-or-off, all-or-nothing affair, though!

IDG Notifiction grouping isnt just on or off. You can adjust it per app.

You can toggle notification grouping per app by looking in each apps notification settings. This means youll be able to have most of your notifications groups, but ungroup some apps (like your video doorbell or security cameras, for example) if you want to see all their notifications in a row.
Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell added his powerful voice to the growing majority of athletes and members of the sporting community who stood up for the Philadelphia Eagles in the wake of President Donald Trump rescinding the team's White House invite on Tuesday.

Russell posted a photo of himself kneeling -- which he has tweeted out before -- with a message of support, saying that getting uninvited was the "best thing that happened" to the team since winning the Super Bowl.

Russell's message about the players taking a knee was echoed by multiple Philadelphia players, who noted that the entire team stood for the anthem all year. Wide receiver Torrey Smith, who now plays for the Carolina Panthers, tweeted that "the President continues to spread the false narrative that players are anti military."

"Simply google: 'How many Philadelphia Eagles knelt during the national anthem last season?' and you find that the answer is zero," Malcolm Jenkins added in a screen-capped statement via Twitter. "A similar google search will show you how many great things the players on this team are doing and continue to do on a daily basis."

Russell has long been an advocate for social justice. He was awarded the Medal of Freedom by former President Barack Obama in 2011.
Dr. Seuss's Super-Dee-Dooper Bus Tour pulls into Theodor Geisel's hometown of Springfield on July 1-2.

Traveling across the country visiting bookstores, schools, libraries, and festivals, each stop will be a special Seussian celebration for the entire family. Events will feature a walk-through interactive exhibit starring Dr. Seuss's books and characters, kid-friendly activities, photo ops with the Cat in the Hat. It is sponsored by Random House Children's Books and Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

"Fun and learning go hand in hand in the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss," said Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises. "The Super Dee Dooper Bus Tour is an incredible way to bring this world directly to families across the country."

In Geisel's birthplace, it will visit the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum at the Quadrangle.

The tour has already visited Jackson, Mississippi, New Orleans and Houston.

Dr. Seuss's books have sold over 650 million copies in 95 countries and have been translated to 30 languages.

"Dr. Seuss dedicated his life and career to instilling a love of reading in children," said Cathy Goldsmith, president and publisher of Dr. Seuss & Beginner Books. "The Dr. Seuss bus will ensure that we reach more readers than ever and inspire a new generation to find joy in books."
Long before there was drag queen and LGBTQ pioneer RuPaul, there was Charlotte von Mahlsdorf.

Born Lothar Berfelde, von Mahlsdorf survived both Nazi Germany and Soviet controlled Berlin as a transgender woman who was openly gay and dressed in drag. A celebrated antiques dealer, von Mahlsdorf was also accused of colluding with the Stasi.

For two evenings on Wedneday and Thursday, June 13-14, at The Majestic Theater in West Springfield, Rylan Morsbach will portray over 30 characters in the one-man tour-de-force performance of "I Am My Own Wife." The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning modern classic tells von Mahlsdorf's true life story.

The play is being produced by Pauline Productions, whose artistic director, Jeannine Haas is bringing the play to The Majestic after its run in Goshen.

"I Am My Own Wife" is written by playwright Doug Wright, the Obie Award-winning author of "Quills. His other plays include "Interrogating the Nude," "Watbanaland," "The Stonewater Rapture, Dinosaurs," and a musical, "Buzzsaw Berkeley." He also wrote the book for the Broadway play, "The Little Mermaid" from Disney. Wright has a bachelor's degree from Yale University and an M.F.A. from NYU. A member of the Dramatists Guild and the New York Theatre Workshop, he has taught playwriting at NYU and Princeton University.

"The play was performed in Hartford years ago, and I was very interested in seeing it, but couldn't get there. The book tells of the playwright's pursuit in understanding Charlotte's life, and tells an interesting and complex story of how Charlotte survived in Germany back then in plain sight of the Nazis and communists," said Haas.

Haas has brought back Rylan Morsbach to portray von Mahlsdorf after a highly-successful and acclaimed one-man performance of "Scaramouche Jones" in Ashfield, and once again later at The Majestic.

"Rylan was a student of mine....a great student....at the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts High School where his senior thesis was working on and performing 'Scaramouche Jones,'" Haas said about the one-man play in which the white faced clown tells his journey from a Trinidad whorehouse to The Big Top just as the clock is about to welcome in the 21st century.

"I Am My Own Wife" is not new to Morsbach who, coincidentally, also incorporated the play as his senior project at the University of North Carolina.

"I've stayed in touch with Rylan over the years and saw him recently performing in 'The Music Man.' I spoke with him afterwards and asked him if he would be interested in coming back to Ashfield to perform. I was hoping he would do 'Scaramouche' again since it was so successful. But, he told me about his desire to bring "I Am My Own Wife" to our stage," Haas said.

"What you are seeing now is the fruits of our labor. The word is out that Rylan is back and audiences have flocked to his performances in Ashfield. He is a really terrific performer and there is something magical about him. Don't miss him as we bring this very special performance of his to The Majestic," she added.
Flickr/Eric Brumble

By Kristin LaFratta | MassLive

Boston officials pledged not to stand idly by in the face of climate change. On Thursday, the city will host an international meeting of mayors to discuss the challenges presented by a shifting climate.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced earlier this year that the city will host a single-day international summit on climate change. The event will take place on Thursday, one day ahead of the United States Conference of Mayors' 86th Annual Meeting.

Here's what to know about the unique global event being held in the Commonwealth's capital.

Don't Edit

(Flickr/Eric Kilby)

What does an International Mayors Climate Summit entail?

The program, officially called the "International Mayors Climate Summit," will take place all day from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Boston University on Thursday, June 7, 2018.

Mayor Walsh's office says the meeting will link together mayors and leaders from both the public and private sectors to identify the best practices cities should take to address climate change. The summit aims to promote the idea of collaboration and a belief that climate change is not an issue a city can solve on its own.

At the summit on Thursday, "mayors will convene on strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as the acceleration of renewable energy, and how to prepare for the impacts of climate change" and more, including discussions on transportation.

Don't Edit

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (AP Photo/Saurabh Das)

Who will be there?

It is unclear how many mayors will be in attendance at the international summit. The day's agenda includes discussions between mostly American mayors, with a handful of city leaders from Canada, England and France.

Several nationally recognized officials and business leaders are also slated to participate.

Speakers at the summit will include: former US Senator and Secretary of State John Kerry, President Obama's EPA chief Gina McCarthy, Bank of America vice chairman Anne Finucane and Zipcar president Tracey Zhen.

Don't Edit

(AP Photo/Andy Wong, Pool)

Why Boston?

Boston is hosting the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Annual Meeting on June 8-11, just after the 1-day climate summit in the city. But there's a little more to the planning than just good timing.

Boston was scheduled to host a third-annual U.S.-China Climate Leaders Summit in 2017, a meeting established under former President Barack Obama that Mayor Walsh had attended previously.

But Walsh said last year that the State Department under President Donald Trump was unresponsive in planning the third U.S.-China summit.

With a lack of support from the State Department, Walsh's office devised a new plan for an international climate meeting. It is unclear if the climate summit this Thursday will host any city leaders from China or eastern countries.

Don't Edit

(Kristin LaFratta/MassLive)

How is Boston fighting climate change?

City officials have pushed their own series of clean initiatives, including a goal to reduce emissions and be carbon-neutral by 2050.

"Look what happened down the waterfront in January, when the tide came in," Mayor Walsh told reporters Tuesday, pointing to well-documented instances that occurred during the winter storms earlier this year. "We had a dumpster floating down Seaport Boulevard in South Boston."

Walsh also said that his city budget has included money for seawalls in East Boston and raising a park in the North End above sea level.

"I think there'll always be criticism that we're not moving fast enough. I think in the city, at least under my administration, the administration before me, there was a lot of work put into this, a lot of planning," he said.

"I think it's now coming down to actually laying down the foundation, and doing the work."

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Flooded waters in Lynn. (Kristin LaFratta/MassLive)

Can I watch the summit?

The event is invitation-only, but the City of Boston plans to live-stream the day's events on its website. Click here for the link.

Don't Edit

A fireworks display illuminates Boston Harbor. (Kristin LaFratta/MassLive)

Will there be any public celebration in Boston?

In conjunction with the US Conference of Mayors, which is happening the day after the summit, there are several free events (including a fireworks show) being held in the city to "showcase the best of Boston" and to let residents share the excitement, in the words of Mayor Walsh.

The city even created a "Spotify/Sonos Welcome to Boston Playlist."

Events throughout the weekend include:

June 8-11: Boston Bookstore Pop-up in Copley Place featuring Boston-based authors who write on urban themes. Hosted in partnership with Trident Booksellers & Cafe



June 8 at 9:30 p.m.: Boston Harbor Fireworks Display over Dorchester Bay (viewable from beaches along Dorchester and South Boston)



June 10 at 8:15 p.m.: Free Concert by The Grammy Award Winner Pointer Sisters in Copley Square
Flickr/Eric Brumble

About one quarter of the leaders invited to Boston's International Mayors Climate Summit on Thursday come from outside the United States.

As of Wednesday, 25 mayors pledged to attend the climate summit at Boston University. The City of Boston scheduled the event to take place one day before the US Conference of Mayors, an annual national meeting which will also be held in Boston for its 86th year.

Mayor Marty Walsh's office says the point of a separate climate summit is to bring mayors together to discuss strategies against climate change, with focuses on how to reduce in greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for extreme weather events.

Don't Edit

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh (Kristin LaFratta/MassLive)

Walsh and his administration chose to pursue plans for an original climate summit after learning that the State Department under President Donald Trump had no plans to finalize the third annual U.S.-China Climate Leaders Summit, a global meeting that was, under President Barack Obama, slated to be held in Boston in 2017.

At least one municipal leader from China, Deputy Secretary General Diao Ailin, of Guangzhou, plans to attend the Boston climate summit. The Guangzhou city, northwest of Hong Kong, has a population of about 14.5 million and is regarded as an important industrial hub there. It is also known to have one of the top metro systems in the world. Ailin is one of a handful of leaders from outside U.S. borders who plans to come.

RELATED: Boston hosts International Mayors Climate Summit: Here's what to know

Other international leaders, according to Mayor Walsh's office, include mayors from Strasbourg in France, Verdun Borough (a borough of Montreal) in Quebec, Canada, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in England, and Edmonton in Alberta, Canada. Chantel Marion, Vice President of the Montpellier district in southern France, will also attend.

As for the U.S. mayors on the guest list, there are some city leaders hailing from places that are familiar with the destruction extreme weather events can wreak: Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez are among the 19 American mayors who plan to attend. In the last year alone, the mayors and the communities they represent experienced severely damaging mudslides and hurricanes, respectively.

Local Massachusetts mayors include Marc McGovern, of Cambridge, Stephanie Muccini Burke, of Medford and Mike Cahill, of Beverly.

Here is the official attendee list, provided by the City of Boston:

Don't Edit

(LAMayor.org)

Mayor Eric Garcetti, City of Los Angeles

Don't Edit

(Photo/Richard Carson)

Mayor Sylvester Turner, City of Houston

Don't Edit

Mayor Madeline Rogero, City of Knoxville

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Mayor Buddy Dyer, City of Orlando

Don't Edit

(KLCC.org)

Mayor Lucy Vinis, City of Eugene

Don't Edit

(Twitter)

Deputy Secretary General Diao Ailin, Guangzhou

Don't Edit

(Wikimedia.org)

Mayor Steve Benjamin, City of Columbia

Don't Edit

(CambridgeMA.gov)

Mayor Marc McGovern, City of Cambridge

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

(AFSC/Jon Krieg)

Mayor Frank Cownie, City of Des Moines

Don't Edit

Mayor Don Iveson, City of Edmonton

Don't Edit

(Pitt.edu)

Mayor Bill Peduto, Mayor of Pittsburgh

Don't Edit

(wpb.org)

Mayor Jeri Muoio, City of West Palm Beach

Don't Edit

(Wikimedia.org)

Mayor Sly James, Kansas City

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

(ClimateOne.org)

Mayor Francis Suarez, City of Miami

Don't Edit

(secca.org)

Mayor James Palmer, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Don't Edit

(CityOfRochester.gov)

Mayor Lovely Warren, City of Rochester

Don't Edit

(Wikimedia.org)

Mayor Jackie Biskupski, Salt Lake City

Don't Edit

(Twitter)

Mayor Kirk Caldwell, City of Honolulu

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

(montpellier.fr)

Vice President Chantel Marion, Montpellier

Don't Edit

(Strasbourg.eu/Jerome Dorkel)

Mayor Roland Ries, City of Strasbourg

Don't Edit

(MedfordMA.org)

Mayor Stephanie Muccini Burke, City of Medford

Don't Edit

(BeverlyMA.gov)

Mayor Mike Cahill, City of Beverly

Don't Edit

(Wikimedia.org)

Mayor Jim Brainard, City of Carmel

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

(Wikmedia.org)

Mister Jean-Franois Parenteau, Verdun Borough
With Pride Month in full swing, Samuel Adams is celebrating the LGBTQ community with a new brew -- the aptly named Love Conquers Ale.

"The Blackberry Basil Lime Gose celebrates all of the color, unique sprit and undeniable energy of Pride Week," the Boston-based company said in a news release.

One dollar of every pint sold will benefit Boston Pride.

The brew is on draft at Sam Adams' Boston brewery taproom and available to take home in crowlers, while supplies last.
Hilary Sargent, the former Boston.com employee who has accused top Boston Globe editor Brian McGrory of sexual harassment, reached out to the company at least twice before going public with her allegations last month.



In an email sent to Boston Globe CEO and President Vinay Mehra on Nov. 7 Sargent wrote: "sexual harassment within the Globe isn't a new thing, nor is it just an old thing. It's both."



"One of the things that is most admired about the Globe is how the newspaper approached the investigation into sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. I truly hope that the Globe will have the same relentless curiosity when it comes to examining its own current problems as well as its own long history with sexual harassment," she wrote, according to an attachment filed in Suffolk Superior Court Tuesday.

The next month, she sent Boston Globe owner John Henry a message.

"At the least, I truly think you both should know what happened to me there. I'm sure you've heard pieces of it second hand, but I'm also sure that if you heard it from me you would understand why I feel so passionate about this topic," she wrote.

Neither Henry nor Mehra responded, Sargent said.

Read the emails below.
A lawyer for Hilary Sargent, who has accused Boston Globe editor Brian McGrory of sending her inappropriate text messages, says the newspaper is "bullying" his client into silence through litigation and a smear campaign.



"The Globe continues to spin this situation in the media and thereby propagate the so-called harm they claim to suffer. Any harm to the Globe (which there is none), moreover, pales in comparison to the injury the Globe is inflicting on Ms. Sargent's reputation by publicly stating that she is a liar and refusing to cooperate," Jack Siegal, Sargent's lawyer, wrote in a court filing.

On May 20 Sargent posted a screenshot of text messages she said are from McGrory, according to court documents. This was after she reached out to the Globe's CEO in November and its owner John Henry in December by email, according to an affidavit filed June 5. They never responded, she said.



In the text exchange, she appears to be asking for advice about a story she is writing. The person responds: "What do you generally wear when you write?"

"The purpose of my May 20-21 tweets was to bring public awareness to what I consider to be McGrory's inappropriate behavior, and -- more importantly -- to bring attention to the Globe's leadership my concerns and view that this type of inappropriate behavior is a long-standing and pervasive problem at the Globe," Sargent says in her affidavit.



Five days after Sargent posted the screenshot, the Globe sought an injunction against Hilary Sargent, a former staffer, saying that she has "blocked" the newspaper's investigation into her allegation against McGrory.

Hilary Sargent.

Sargent worked for the Globe as an intern from 1998 to 1999 and later, from 2014 to 2016, as an editor and writer of Boston.com, the Globe's free website. She said she does not remember if the text exchange happened while she was employed at the Globe or after - when McGrory often sent her inappropriate and sexually suggestive messages, she claims.



McGrory and Sargent had a "dating relationship" that began late 90's, Sargent said.



Siegal said the messages have no time stamp because Sargent had printed them previously and did not screenshot them immediately before posting to Twitter.



When Sargent left The Globe, she signed a separation agreement saying she would cooperate with "any reasonable by the Company in connection with any matter with which you were involved or any existing or potential claim, investigation, administrative proceeding, lawsuit or other legal or business matters that arose during your employment by the Company," in exchange for 13 weeks pay, according to a copy of the agreement.



The Globe argues that Sargent has breached this agreement in not immediately responding to the newspaper's attorneys or requests for more information.



Siegal says that this is unfair.



"The Globe's suggestion that Ms. Sargent has not cooperated is pure fiction: she raised her concerns privately to upper management months ago. Now the Globe reproaches Ms. Sargent for not cooperating when they know full well that she (a single mother) scrambled to obtain counsel after (a) being threatened with a lawsuit by the Globe's general counsel and (b) having multiple Globe attorneys attempt to contact her. The Globe's scorched earth approach is not conducive to cooperation, let alone reasonable cooperation in a way fair to Ms. Sargent," he wrote in an opposition to the Globe's injunction. "Simply put there is no breach and there is no refusal to cooperate."



Sargent said she would be willing to speak with the Globe's attorneys, but wanted to secure her own counsel first. To meet with them without representation is unreasonable, she said in her affidavit.





Siegal highlights the Globe's aggressive legal tactics in an email from attorney Danielle J. Moss, of Proskauer Rose. Moss emailed Sargent's temporary counsel Bill Kennedy on May 31 Sargent to meet with her.



Six hours later Moss emails again: "Given the fact that your client viewed my LinkedIn profile several hours ago, it is clear you are being uncooperative by failing to respond to me while you are plainly in contact with your client."



A Superior Court judge will decide whether to enforce Sargent's separation agreement on Thursday.
[June 06, 2018] Companies Face Major Challenges in the Fourth Industrial Revolution DUBAI, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Kinetic Consulting Services, the leading boutique consulting company for business strategy, A.I., customer experience, and transformation released a new paper titled Business 4.x. The fourth industrial revolution, characterised by disruption on multiple levels, requires organisations to adapt their business practices to become more competitive. Business 4.x is a paper released by Kinetic Consulting Services and it highlights ten essential principles that organisations should adopt to develop a new operating mode capable of successfully tackling the constant change brought about by disruption due to high technology. Business 4.x is designed to highlight the importance of the X-factor in a high-performance organisation operating in a world shaped by the fourth industrial revolution. Technology has reached an evolutionary stage where almost anything is possible, and this is what makes the fourth industrial revolution so unique and dangerous for market incumbents. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Blockchain, Internet of Things, Augmented Reality, and 3-D printing are some of the technologies enabling organisations to create products, services, and new business models that deliver greater value than previously offered in the third industrial revolution. Whilst many have written about the importance of having an agile organisation, the survey results highlight that most organisations are struggling with the concept of agility. In a 2017 survey, only 4% of respondents were able to claim an entirely agile organisation, nd less than 25% said their internal performance units were agile.1 "Business 4.x proposes an operating model that captures the energy, know-how, and courage of cross-functional teams. The culture must enable self-regulatory management of team members, and empower team members to make customer-centric decisions without referring to multiple levels in a hierarchy," said Joe Tawfik, CEO of Kinetic Consulting Services. The business practices in Business 4.x deliver speed, agility, focused execution, and self-regulated performance management of team members, leading to high performance. Many of the practices detailed in Business 4.x require organisations to challenge and abandon traditional thinking as to how businesses should operate. It's only when they abandon traditional thinking, can they hope to create an X-factor that will enable them to differentiate themselves from the competition, and outperform in an environment where constant disruption is the norm. About Kinetic Consulting Services: Kinetic Consulting Services is a boutique management consulting company providing services in a broad range of disciplines to commercial and government organisations. The company has offices in Dubai and Sydney Australia where it services clients all over the world. The key areas of expertise are strategy, AI, Customer Experience, and business transformation. The company's focus is to help clients accelerate business growth. Website: www.kineticcs.com Paper download: https://www.kineticcs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Business-4.X_Kinetic.pdf For more information, please contact:

Media Officer

E: 196668@email4pr.com Contact:

U.A.E.: +971 4455 8410

Australia: 1300 780 556

U.S.A: +877-318-6826 1 https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/how-to-create-an-agile-organization View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/companies-face-major-challenges-in-the-fourth-industrial-revolution-300660631.html SOURCE Kinetic Consulting Services

[ Back to the Next Generation Communications Community's Homepage ]
SPRINGFIELD -- Massachusetts State Police cited 21 people with trespass on state property Monday afternoon after some 70 demonstrators from a rally on Court Square marched to the State Office building at 436 Dwight Street.

The Rally for the Right to Health and a Healthy Planet: Ecological Devastation and Health Care drew an estimated 150 to 200 people to the Court Square area in a call for economic, environmental and healthcare justice early Monday afternoon.

However, later in the day the State Police estimate some 70 demonstrators marched to the Dwight Street state office building to continue the protest there.

State Police spokesman Sgt. Paul Sullivan said 21 people entered the building and were asked to leave. When they did not, each was cited for trespass and escorted from the premises.

The demonstrators will be summoned to court at a later date.
SPRINGFIELD -- Roberto Santiago was showing his girlfriend's sister his gun when he pointed it at her and pulled the trigger.

Hampden Assistant District Attorney Curtis B. Frick said Santiago had taken off the magazine, but forgot there was a bullet in the chamber of the gun he had in his West Springfield apartment on April 10, 2017.

Seconds later, 18-year-old Delilah Santiago of Holyoke, who was visiting her sister Sharleen Santiago and Roberto Santiago, was dead, one bullet in her head.

Roberto Santiago, who was 19 at the time of his arrest, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Hampden Superior Court to involuntary manslaughter, illegal possession of a firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

The victim's mother left the courtroom in anguished tears.

Two rows of Roberto Santiago's family members, including grandparents, sat in the courtroom.

Elizabeth Rodriguez-Ross, Roberto Santiago's lawyer, said he had been with Sharleen Santiago since high school and the two families had been very, very close.

Judge Tina S. Page sentenced Roberto Santiago to five to seven years in state prison. That was the recommendation agreed upon by Frick and Rodriguez-Ross and one approved by Delilah Santiago's family.

Rodriguez-Ross said Roberto Santiago made a mistake when he accidentally shot Delilah Santiago at the 25 Highland Ave. apartments at about 12:30 p.m.

Page said that was the only thing the defense lawyer said with which she didn't agree. "He made a mistake on the day he decided to carry a weapon," Page said.

Sharleen Santiago has denied a charge of misleading police in the matter, and her case is still pending. Frick said Sharleen Santiago did not tell the truth about what happened in her initial interview with police.

Roberto Santiago was arrested the night of the shooting at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut after law enforcement officials learned from family members in New Jersey he was trying to board a flight to Puerto Rico.

He has 422 days credit on his sentence for days spent in jail awaiting trial.
Massachusetts lawmakers are turning up the pressure in their push to remove Superior Court Judge Timothy Feeley.

Feeley made a decision to put a repeat drug dealer back on the street based partly on his immigration status that made him subject to deportation, the lawmakers said.

State Rep. Geoff Diehl, a Republican running for US Senate, said a transcript of discussions recently made public between the judge and the defendant's attorney, show Feeley saying he would have sentenced Manuel Soto-Vittini to prison time instead of probation if he had been a US citizen.

Diehl criticized Soto-Vittini, a Dominican man, for getting two years of probation after dealing drugs, noting the state is struggling with an opioid epidemic.

"The judgment of Judge Tim Feeley obviously was compromised and we feel that based on this and several other decisions recently, he does need to step down from the bench, whether it's voluntarily as a resignation or whether it's through an impeachment," Diehl said during a State House press conference.

Several lawmakers have launched a petition to impeach Feeley. The state Legislature, through majority votes in the House and the Senate, can vote on the petition to remove him from the bench.

Gov. Charlie Baker called Feeley's decision "outrageous," and said he and House Speaker Robert DeLeo have asked the Supreme Judicial Court to look into Feeley's actions.

"But as far as I'm concerned, the fact that Feeley did not give this drug dealer, this death merchant, time in jail because he wasn't supporting an addiction and because he was in fact here illegally is just bizarre, and I really hope the SJC takes seriously the concerns that many of us have raised about this," Baker told reporters.

Others have defended Feeley, including retired federal judge Nancy Gertner.

"No one called for his impeachment in case after case in which he followed prosecutors' recommendations; no one ever does," she wrote in an opinion piece for the Boston Globe. "No one thought to look at his distinguished record as a federal prosecutor for decades; again, no one ever does."

Diehl pointed to two other cases involving Feeley, in which he reduced bail on John Williams, a man who later went to Maine and allegedly killed a sheriff's deputy, and another case in which he reduced bail on a sex offender.

After majority votes in the House and Senate, the removal petition would then go to the governor and the Governor's Council, an independently elected body that vets the governor's judicial nominations.

Rep. Jim Lyons, an Andover Republican and among the lawmakers pushing for Feeley's removal, said six Massachusetts judges have been removed from the bench in the state's history.

State lawmakers are acting as a "check and balance" on the judiciary, according to Lyons.

"Clearly, this judge crossed the line," Lyons said.
WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Mayors from across Western Massachusetts were in West Springfield on Wednesday to explain why they have joined a federal lawsuit that blames the opioid crisis on the pharmaceutical drug industry.

"It's clear that the opioid epidemic is a public health crisis and is a scourge on all of our communities, regardless of the size of the community," said Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle.

"But what also is clear is that the epidemic can be traced back to opioid manufacturers and distributors," said LaChapelle, accusing them of putting profits before public health and safety.

"The manufacturers and distributors chose profits and lining their own pockets over public health, and betrayed the public confidence by refusing to warn us about the addictive drugs they let loose in our communities," LaChapelle said.

From January through March of this year, there were 500 reported opioid overdose deaths in Massachusetts, according to data from the state Department of Public Health. By comparison, a total of 379 people fatally overdosed on opioids in the year 2000.

LaChapelle was joined at the J. Edward Christian Municipal Office Building in West Springfield by the city's mayor, Will Reichelt, and fellow mayors Bill Martin of Greenfield, Bill Sapelli of Agawam, and Tom Bernard of North Adams.

The municipalities are among 100 Massachusetts cities and towns that are working with a consortium of national law firms on the case. Locally, the effort is being led by MOLA -- the Massachusetts Opioid Litigation Attorneys -- a coalition of law firms that includes Sweeney Merrigan Law, Rodman, Rodman & Sandman, and KP Law.

To date, around 50 of the 100 municipalities have filed suit with more joining every week, according to attorney J. Tucker Merrigan, a partner at Sweeney Merrigan, which has offices in Boston, Falmouth and Greenfield. Merrigan's law partners include his brother, Peter M. Merrigan, and their father, retired Massachusetts District Court Judge Thomas T. Merrigan.

"Nothing is more patriotic or captures the essence of democracy in this country than casting a vote," said Tucker Merrigan. "And that's what we are doing to say to corporate America and Big Pharma, 'Not in our community, not in our backyard. You cannot have a business plan that lines your pockets at the expense of the lives of our own community members, of our own families.'"

The lawsuit alleges that the drug manufacturing companies pushed highly addictive, dangerous opioids, falsely representing to doctors that patients would only rarely succumb to drug addiction. The suit also alleges that the distributors breached their legal duties to monitor, detect, investigate, refuse and report suspicious orders of prescription opioids.

"They knew what they were doing when they put those pills -- the millions and millions and millions of pills -- into the streets and into the black market," Merrigan said.

Agawam was "more than anxious to join in on this particular federal lawsuit," said Sapelli. "These pharmaceutical companies have been distributing these pharmaceutical opioids with reckless abandon."

Wednesday's press conference coincided with news of the latest casualty in the heroin crisis -- a fatal overdose in West Springfield just before 8 a.m.

"My fire chief, who will speak more on this this morning, just told me that we lost a 20-year-old to an overdose on Riverdale Street," Reichelt said.

Fire Chief Bill Flaherty confirmed the death in West Side, which responds to an average of 136 overdose calls a year.

"Opiod abuse has put a large burden on the West Springfield Fire Department," said Flaherty. "These overdose calls require a response of an ambulance and an engine company -- five personnel, which is one-third of our on-duty staff."

West Springfield Police Chief Robert Duffy says the epidemic affects everyone and can strike anywhere at anytime.

"Although it's a beautiful morning, it's not a good morning," he said. "Our city lost another person to this terrible, terrible epidemic, and we're all feeling this."

Duffy pinned the blame on Big Pharma, claiming the industry has failed to "care for the people they are in charge of and regulated to take care of," he said.

"I hope that this lawsuit goes forward and holds them accountable," Duffy said.
SPRINGFIELD -- Family members of two women whose bodies were found last week at a still-active crime scene on Page Boulevard have launched online crowd-funding campaigns to finance their funerals or memorial services.

Mari Canales, 41, of Westfield, started a GoFundMe page last night to raise money for a service for her younger sister, America Canales, 34, of Springfield. Friends of Kayla Escalante, 27, of Ludlow, started a similar digital effort.

Supporters of America Canales, who disappeared last summer, have raised $395 toward a $6,000 goal. Escalante's campaign raised nearly $2,800 of a $15,000 goal in one day, the fundraising page showed Wednesday afternoon.

The two women's bodies were recovered along with that of Ernestine Ryans, 47, a Hartford, Connecticut native who recently moved to Springfield. No one has been charged in connection with their deaths.

Investigators made the discoveries May 31 at the 1333 Page Blvd. home and yard of Stewart Weldon, arrested by police four days earlier.

Weldon is being held behind bars on $2 million cash bail on kidnapping and other charges in separate cases involving two women.

The small parcel on a busy street has been teeming with police investigators for nearly a week. The investigation has included underground imaging technology and cadaver dogs.

While Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni confirmed the discovery of the bodies and the identities of the women, he has yet to announce their causes of death or how long each body had been at the property.

Both crowdfunding campaigns reference the horrific nature of the burgeoning investigation and the national media focus on the victims.

"Some of you might have heard of a gruesome discovery Springfield PD made last week in one of the city's houses. (you can read about it here )," Escalante's page says, referring to a profile of the victims published by The Republican / MassLive.

The page adds that Escalante was a daughter, friend and mother of a 3-year-old daughter.

It also notes that Escalante's 27th birthday fell during the week her body was found. Her birthday, May 30, was the day police began the investigation at the Page Boulevard home.

"The reality of her being gone is slowly and sadly settling in. Her death is shocking to everyone who loved and cherished her. There is not enough words to describe how devastated her family and friends are," it reads.

The woman listed as the fundraiser's organizer could not be reached Wednesday afternoon.

During an interview with The Republican on Monday, Mari Canales said police informed her of her sister's death on Sunday. She filed a missing person's report for America Canales -- officials have said she also used the last name Lyden -- on Dec. 1. Mari Canales said her sister had missed a lunch date in August and no one had heard from her since.

America Canales lived an erratic lifestyle at times, her sister said, but usually reemerged and reached out to family. The five-month stretch was the most troubling period of silence she had experienced, Mari Canales said.

Instead of reconnecting with her younger sister as she always had before, she instead helped police detectives identify her sibling's body.

The family hopes to hold a memorial service for America, according to the fundraising page.

"America Canales (America Lyden) was a loving mother, sister and friend. She was also unfortunately a victim of a heinous crime which ended her life way too soon. A horrible tragedy which made national headlines," it reads.



"However, her loved ones choose to remember America in a different light; as a young, vibrant, caring human being who loved life."

The family said it hopes to not only reach its fundraising goal but to exceed it, and to donate any additional proceeds to "Futures Without Violence," a charity for women and children affected by violent crime.

James Leydon, a spokesman for Gulluni, has said the investigation is ongoing.
Just two days after an appeal filed by victims of convicted child rapist Wayne Chapman was denied, clearing the way for the 70-year-old's release from prison, Chapman has been arrested for indecent exposure, officials said.

Chapman is believed to have attacked at least 100 children but was deemed safe to be near children by mental health examiners, who ruled that he was "no longer sexually dangerous."

With that ruling, the state's Supreme Judicial Court on Monday denied the petition filed by Boston attorney Wendy Murphy that would've delayed the Level 3 sex offender's release.

But on Wednesday morning, Chapman was arrested by State Police, according to the Massachusetts Department of Correction.

Chapman was arrested for alleged indecent exposure, lewd, wanton and lascivious acts and open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior which stemmed from incidents at the MCI-Shirley prison on June 3 and 4, the department said.

The department is seeking an arraignment Wednesday in Ayer District Court.

Chapman remains in Department of Correction custody.

Chapman has been in prison for decades and was civilly committed as a sexually dangerous person. He was convicted of raping two Lawrence boys in 1975 and has admitted to raping as many as 100 children.

He's also a suspect in the 1976 disappearance of 10-year-old Lawrence boy Andy Puglisi.

In the decision to deny the petition against Chapman's release, Justice Scott Kafker wrote that two qualified examiners determined that the rapist was no longer sexually dangerous.

"As both qualified examiners concluded he was no longer sexually dangerous, the lawyers representing the Commonwealth, who have vigilantly and successfully objected to his release for decades, recognized that Chapman is entitled to be released according to the laws of the Commonwealth, and do not contest his release here," Kafker wrote. "The petitioners, victims of Chapman's horrible crimes, are understandably upset and frightened by the possibility of Chapman's release."

Murphy has filed an appeal.

On Tuesday, Gov. Charlie Baker said he plans to file legislation this week to increase penalties on serial child rapists and change the review process for their potential release.

"The fact that somebody who has admitted to somewhere between 50 and 100 rapes of a child, I mean, this guy should never get out," Baker said.

However, Baker's bill would not have an effect on Chapman's case.

The governor also called for reports on Chapman to be released.
A West Bridgewater man has been called a "hero" in the weeks that have followed since he rescued two people at a Bermuda beach.

Allen Yannone, of West Bridgewater, told the Brockton Enterprise he helped return Paul Trenholm and his sister Anita Trenholm to shore after strong waves pinned them against a rock while they were snorkeling at Church Bay in Bermuda.

Yannone told the Enterprise that the siblings were a bit cut up and bleeding from being trapped near the rocks. He said he tried to calm them, gave them his life vest and guided them walking over the rocks before they all swam back to shore.

Patricia Trenholm, wife of Paul and sister-in-law to Anita, posted a photo to Facebook in the hopes of re-connecting with the West Bridgewater man, who was reportedly in Bermuda with his wife on a Norwegian cruise. On May 30, she announced the Internet world had helped the family find "Allen Y. from Boston."

"We owe him a huge debt of gratitude...People had Passed this around and the Trenholm family found our hero! Thanks to all of you for sharing," Patricia wrote in a post.

Yannone told the Enterprise he does not view his actions as heroic. Instead, he said, "if anyone takes away anything, it's just do the right thing."
Three Massachusetts residents were arrested in West Virginia after binding themselves to equipment in protest of a new natural gas pipeline.

West Virginia State Police Sgt. C.K. McKenzie told media that the protesters locked themselves to tunnel and earth-moving machinery Monday, the Boston Herald reported. They were trying to halt construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline, a natural gas pipeline system that spans approximately 303 miles from northwestern West Virginia to southern Virginia.

McKenzie said it took nearly two hours to free the protesters, who were charged with trespassing, obstructing an officer and resisting arrest. They have been identified as Sydney Patricia White, 18, Evin Tyler Uber, 21, and Maxwell Harry Shaw, 25.

Each was released on a $1,500 bond, according to the Herald.
CORRECTION: Pioneer Valley Project clarified that 100 people - not 100 families - had boarded the two buses heading to Washington D.C. on Wednesday. Organizers noted that those taking part in the lobbying effort included many families.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Families who remain in Western Massachusetts hotels nearly nine months after Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico, headed to Washington D.C. early Wednesday to press federal lawmakers for help in finding long-term housing.

About 100 Western Massachusetts residents displaced by the September 2017 storm boarded D.C.-bound buses outside the Clarion Hotel in West Springfield for what organizers cast as a last-ditch effort to push for housing solutions before evacuees lose Federal Emergency Management Agency temporary shelter benefits.

More than 4 hours in and the families are determined to make their presence and voices known in Washington! #DHAPnow #BoricuasSonAmericanos #HomesNotHotels #25DaysLeft pic.twitter.com/Lh6BcH73bQ  PVP Springfield (@pvpspringfield) June 6, 2018

Tara Parrish, director and lead organizer for the Pioneer Valley Project whose group set up the trip, said evacuees will sit down with several members of Massachusetts' congressional delegation, as well as lawmakers from Florida, New York, Illionis and Pennsylvania, to lobby for more federal support ahead of the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program's June 30 end date.

Specifically, she said, Western Massachusetts hurricane survivors will press lawmakers to support legislation requiring FEMA to activate the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Disaster Housing Assistance Program, which could provide subsidies to help displaced families pay rent, put down security deposits or pay utilities.

Although Parrish acknowledged that the bill, which U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, introduced last week, is likely to face challenges in the Republican-controlled Congress, she said she hopes attention surrounding the hurricane evacuees' trip will push FEMA to activate the program on its own -- an action which the agency has previously refused to take.

"We're going to ask our legislators to push hard on the legislation, but we're also going to ask them to push really hard on FEMA publicly because we want to have as many paths to housing as possible," she said in an interview. "We know that legislation takes longer. ... Part of the goal of these next two days is to say, 'Look, you can fix this, or you can sleep at night knowing you made thousands of people -- thousands of Americans -- homeless for no good reason."

Jose Rivera, who has been living in a West Springfield hotel since being displaced by Hurricane Maria, stressed that evacuees are "running out of time."

"We are taking our fight to Washington D.C. on behalf of our families and also on behalf of the thousands of displaced people from Puerto Rico living in hotels across the country, who are facing the same deadline," he said in a statement. "We will be seen and we will be heard and we are expecting our senators to be our champions as we fight for our lives and our futures here on the mainland. We are doing what any other Americans would do."

With FEMA's temporary shelter benefit set to expire at the end of June, Parrish argued that hundreds of hurricane evacuees -- including an estimated 300 in Massachusetts alone, could face homelessness, as current efforts to connect them with long-term, stable housing have largely stalled.

She, for example, offered that some Western Massachusetts residents displaced by the Puerto Rico hurricane have applied for low-income housing supports, but remain on wait lists. Others, meanwhile, have received rent vouchers from charitable groups -- support many landlords refuse to accept, Parrish said.

Also complicating efforts, Parrish offered, is the fact that many lack the paperwork needed to get driver's licenses, struggle to find jobs that are accessible by public transportation and face challenges in finding child care so they can work.

"These are barriers that sort of all lead back to a lack of stable housing," she said. "The families are fighting really hard for this because it leads to other opportunities that they currently don't have access to."

Parrish added that while FEMA has offered to cover the costs of relocating hurricane evacuees back to Puerto Rico, those who still remain in the mainland United States are unlikely to return to the island, which continues to face power outages and issues with its schools and hospitals.

"Every time we meet with the families, people are like, 'Yeah, I got a third call from FEMA.' That's certainly an aggressive tactic that FEMA's taking for survivors of a natural disaster who are Americans," she said.

Parrish said Western Massachusetts hurricane evacuees will meet with Warren and Markey, as well as U.S. Reps. Richard Neal, D-Springfield; and Jim McGovern, D-Worcester; among other lawmakers, while in Washington.

Evacuees who relocated to Florida after Hurricane Maria will also be on Capitol Hill to press lawmakers for long-term housing solutions, while others push the issue on social media, she said.

If the effort is unsuccessful in pushing FEMA to activate DHAP, Parrish said the Pioneer Valley Project is working with faith leaders and others to ensure Western Massachusetts families still have roofs over their heads when their temporary shelter benefit runs out.

"We're not going to let anyone become homeless," she said.
Although Heidi Wellman failed to garner enough support for her U.S. Senate bid to make Massachusetts' September primary ballot, the Marlborough Republican is not done campaigning for the 2018 election just yet.

Wellman, who left the U.S. Senate race in April, announced this week that she has taken over as the communications director for Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Lively's campaign.

The Republican said she jumped at the opportunity to join Lively's campaign after taking time some to recover from her own run, which ended when she did not receive the minimum 15 percent of the vote from delegates at the state GOP convention to qualify for Massachusetts' Republican primary.

Wellman, who said she turned down Lively's previous offer of serving as his lieutenant governor running mate due to her own campaign, offered that she supports his commitment to fighting political corruption, as well as his grassroots approach.

"I've been endorsing him all along because we (were) part of a trifecta of candidates -- together with Jay McMahon -- who are committed to anti-corruption and trying to clean things up," she said. "We're trying to support each other in doing that. Obviously, I didn't proceed forward, but the other two did, and so in any capacity that I'm able to help either of those candidates, I welcomed it."

Wellman further touted Lively's commitment to representing all of Massachusetts -- especially the western part of the state -- if sent to Beacon Hill.

Wellman said she is part of a team of nine campaign staff members who will oversee Lively's bid to unseat incumbent Gov. Charlie Baker.

In addition to that team, the Lively campaign will have "an army" of volunteers, organizers and others who will be deployed across Massachusetts to drum up support for his bid.

Wellman, who campaigned on a platform of getting money out of politics, noted that she will not be paid for her work for the campaign.

"I wouldn't work for money," she said. "I believe that if you believe in a candidate you should work for free. ... that's the whole point of grassroots organizing."

Lively, a Springfield-based pastor who is best known for his virulent anti-gay rhetoric, surprised political observers by winning support from 626 of the 2,000-plus Massachusetts GOP convention delegates -- nearly double the 15 percent threshold needed to appear on the September ballot.

He filed a $7 million lawsuit against Baker and the Massachusetts GOP this week, alleging that the state party violated its own bylaws by endorsing and helping Baker's re-election effort before the Sept. 4 primary.

Wellman said Lively hopes the lawsuit will shine a light on issues that exist within the Massachusetts Republican Party.

"That's how far the corruption has gotten. So Lively's trying to make people aware of it," she said. "If the rules apply to one person, they should apply to everyone equally."
State Rep. Geoff Diehl, a Whitman Republican running for U.S. Senate in 2018, called this week for increased access to addiction treatment, alternative pain management practices and other solutions to combat opioid abuse, as he announced his plan tackle the epidemic, which kills thousands of Americans each year.

Diehl, who stressed his commitment to combatting drug addiction during a Tuesday event in Lawrence, said his plan -- entitled "Hope" -- looks to address the issue at its roots, enhance current infrastructure and alleviate factors that contribute to opioid abuse.

"We can fight this epidemic and win," he said in a statement. "As your next United States senator, I will put in the long hours working with the good people of Lawrence and the other communities ravaged by this epidemic. My focus will be to win this life and death battle."

Taking issue with incumbent Democrat Elizabeth Warren's response to the opioid epidemic, the Republican U.S. Senate hopeful argued that he's "not going to ignore the problem for years."

"I will get to work on day one. That's why I have developed this comprehensive plan," he said.

Diehl said his plan focuses on four main areas: increasing access to addiction treatment across Massachusetts; supporting research for alternative pain management practices; encouraging responsible prescriber practices and prescription management; and stopping the flow of illegal opiates across the United States' and Massachusetts' borders.

Contending that many Massachusetts residents are sent to expensive and ineffective out-of-state addiction treatment centers, Diehl said he supports funding an increased number of in-state facilities that host inpatient programs, as well as walk-in consultations for those seeking help.

Such funding, he argued will alleviate wait times at treatment facilities, allow patients to remain in-state and enhance continuity of care after inpatient stays.

In addition to making it easier for Massachusetts residents to enter treatment, Diehl said his plan would further support efforts to cut down on prescriptions for common pain medications, which have been linked to the opioid crisis.

Diehl called for funding additional research into FDA-approved chronic pain management alternatives, arguing that it's needed to prevent opioid addiction relapses.

The Republican said he also supports a "restrained approach" to opioid prescriptions, which requires a physician's authorization before refills, limits initial prescriptions to seven days and encourages doctors to talk with patients about the dangers associated with opioids.

Arguing that there's "a clear link between a lack of border security and an increase in the flow of illegal opiates into the United States," Diehl further said he'd like to see additional training for border patrol to better identify and stop suspicious transfers, as well as harsher penalties for those who traffic opioids and other drugs -- including the death penalty for some repeat offenders who intentionally lace cocaine and heroin with synthetically altered drugs.

The Republican added that he supports enacting a federal level mandatory minimum life sentencing policy for traffickers found with over 30 kilograms of opioid substances in their possession.

Diehl, who is among three Republicans looking to unseat Warren this fall, criticized the Democrat's opposition to the 21st Century Cures Act -- legislation signed into law in December 2016, which included nearly $1 billion in grants to help states fight opioid abuse.

Warren cast the legislation as benefitting Big Pharma in November 2016 remarks, arguing that it "has only a tiny fig lead of funding ... for the opioid crisis" -- most of which depends on Congress passing future bills.

The senator, meanwhile, has recently offered a bill that would require Congress to respond to the opioid crisis, like the HIV/AIDs epidemic by passing a modern version of the Ryan White CARE Act.

Diehl, who will face off against Beth Lindstrom, a longtime political operative, and John Kingston, a Winchester businessman, in Massachusetts' Sept. 4 Republican primary, announced his plan months after President Donald Trump ordered a federal response to the opioid epidemic.
BOSTON -- While the name of first-round pick Triston Casas might be new to Red Sox fans, it's not unfamiliar to one prominent major-leaguer.

Padres first baseman Eric Hosmer, who attended the same high school as Casas at American Heritage High School in Plantation, Fla., has been considered himself a fan of the Red Sox' newest prospect for years. Casas, along with a group of other high school prospects in the area has taken hitting lessons with Hosmer's brother, Mike at the Hosmer family home.

Through that connection, Casas has come to regard Hosmer as one of his mentors.

"He's invited me over his house a couple times and kind of taken me under his wing," Casas told MLB Network's Scott Braun on draft night. "I'm pretty appreciative of that."

Hosmer, a World Series champion and former All-Star, actively tries to serve as a mentor for amateur prospects from South Florida. Hosmer works with fellow major-leaguers like Orioles shortstop Manny Machado, Royals outfielder Jon Jay and Indians first baseman Yonder Alonso to create a strong support system for area players.

"We want all those kids who get drafted and get to pro ball to feel like we're there for them," Hosmer said Tuesday. "It's kind of our little team down there in South Florida. Any time they want to reach out, they can."

The similar path to the big leagues between Casas and Hosmer, who are joined by former Red Sox Deven Marrero, White Sox prospect Zack Collins and Red Sox prospect C.J. Chatham as American Heritage alumni who were selected in the MLB Draft, made it an obvious choice for Hosmer to want to help Casas.

"For me, Triston hits home," Hosmer said Tuesday. "A first baseman, from my same high school. I've heard nothing but good things... and a lot of people have been telling me about him."

Hosmer, who has watched Casas hit on multiple occasions, sees some differences between his swing and Casas'. Instead, he was quick to compare Casas to another power-hitting first baseman in the National League.

"Any time he's in the cage taking swings, I immediately think of [Braves first baseman] Freddie Freeman," Hosmer said. "Just with his whole setup and how he looks in the box."

As impressed as he has been by Casas' bat, Hosmer has been even more impressed with the 18-year-old's off-field demeanor.

"Mentally, he's about as advanced of a high-school kid as I've ever seen," Hosmer said. "He's extremely smart and asks the right questions. There were usually around four or five kids there [when we hit] and he never tried to act any different or think that people should act differently toward him. He's extremely humble. It's the work that he, his brother and his dad all put in to put him in this position to start his career. Overall, for me, from the outside looking in, I've seen the workload this kid has and I'm extremely happy and extremely proud of him and his family."

Hosmer, who was a first-round pick (3rd overall) himself back in 2008, reached out to Casas before the draft to tell him to enjoy the day with his family and not worry about where he'd come off the board.

"He knew he was going to be a first-round guy, so I told him the same thing I always say," Hosmer said. "It doesn't matter the number where you get drafted; it's about where you get drafted and the situation you have. I think his situation being in Boston is pretty ideal."

Being in the first season of the eight-year deal he signed with San Diego last winter, Hosmer might get the chance to face off against Casas at some point down the road. And in the words of his mentor, Casas could make an impact sooner than some predict.

"I'm extremely happy for him," Hosmer said. "He's a guy that in two or three years could be a household name."
Report Brief: The report covers forecast and analysis for the Global IoT Healthcare Market on a global and regional level. The report includes the positive and the negative factors that are influencing the growth of the market. Detailed information about the market opportunities are discussed. The key target audience for the market has been determined in the report. The revenue generated by the prominent industry players has been analyzed in the report. The market numbers have been calculated using top-down and the bottom-up approaches. The Global IoT Healthcare Market has been analyzed using Porters Five Forces Analysis. The market is segmented on the basis of Component, applications, connectivity and end user, which in turn bifurcated on regional level as well. All the segments have been evaluated based on the present and the future trends. The report deals with the in-depth quantitative and qualitative analyses of the IoT Healthcare Market. The report includes the detailed company profiles of the prominent market players Market Summary

Overview

Global IoT Healthcare Market is a part of IoT industry. The sensors used in IoT healthcare devices provide interconnectivity and sharing of data for better and in-depth analysis of healthcare reports. In developed countries, where IoT devices are used extensively, remote monitoring and telemedicine like advanced healthcare facilities are being practiced.

Value

The global IoT Healthcare Market was valued at around USD 5800.0 million in the year 2014 and it is expected to reach approximately USD 14000.0 million by 2024. The global IoT Healthcare Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 12.2% between 2017 and 2024.

Drivers and Restraints

The major factor driving the growth of IoT Healthcare Market is the increasing implementation of cloud computing across the healthcare facilities. The cloud computing provides access to the patient data to the manufacturer of the devices and also to the services provider. Hence the analysis of the patient data can be done from a remote location as well. Owing to increasing adoption of IoT in healthcare, the services are becoming more cost-effective. These factors are likely to boost the growth in the IoT healthcare market over the forecast period.

Reduction in the cost of connected devices is the opportunity for the market. The lack of consistency in interconnectivity, interoperability, and security issue is the challenging factors for the growth of the IoT devices market.

Request Sample Report at https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3214474-iot-healthcare-market-by-component-medical-devices-services

Segmentation

Systems and Software is one of the important component type segment which is growing with a CAGR of 12.6% over the forecast period. The systems and software consist of IoT sensor and required software for the functioning of the medical devices. There are several types of sensors available in the market such as temperature sensor, heart rate sensor, blood pressure sensor etc. Heart rate sensors enable individuals to obtain real-time data and allow tracking their heart rate from anywhere anytime.

Telemedicine sector is dominating the IoT Healthcare Market by application type segment which is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.7% over the forecast period. As Telemedicine allows rapid deployment of healthcare to a developing population through relatively low-cost clinics, it is likely to grow at higher CAGR and reach USD 4164.3 Million by 2022. Remote Patient Monitoring which is an application subtype of telemedicine is estimated to reach USD 2297.7 by end of 2022 owing to higher adoption in the developed countries.

Wifi is growing at a CAGR of 12.0% from 2017 to 2022, owing to its cost-effectiveness. As Wifi offers major benefits of coverage, ease of use and capacity, it is being widely used in the Healthcare IoT devices. Wifi is estimated to reach USD 4612.6 Million by end of 2022. Hospitals, Surgical Centers, and Clinics end-user type segment is like to contribute a maximum share of the Global IoT healthcare market over the forecast period. It is likely to cross a benchmark of USD 5473.4 million by end of 2022.

North America contributes a share of 40.3% of the total IoT healthcare Market in 2016, owing to the advanced healthcare facilities. In the region of North America, U.S. holds the maximum share of 73.7% in 2016.followed by North America, Europe holds the maximum share of the global IoT healthcare market and is likely to grow at a CAGR of 11.7% over the forecast period.

Industry Players

The report includes detailed profiles of the prominent market players that are trending in the market. The list of the players that are compiled in the report is Cerner Corporation., Diabetizer Ltd. Co. KG , Infosys Limited, Medtronic Public Limited Company, Microsoft Corporation, Proteus Digital Health, Inc. among others.

The prominent market players maintain the competitive edge in the global market by making investments in the mergers and acquisitions and by increasing their product portfolio. In October 2017, Medtronic care and American Well announce the strategic partnership to integrate Telehealth capabilities. In April 2017, Castlight Health, Inc. announced that it has completed its acquisition of Jiff to create the most comprehensive health benefits platform in the industry.

Table of Content

Chapter 1 Preface

Chapter 2 Executive Summary

Chapter 3 IoT Healthcare Market Industry Analysis

Chapter 4 Competitive Landscape

Chapter 5 IoT Healthcare Market Component Type Segment Analysis

Chapter 6 IoT Healthcare Market By Application Segment Analysis

Chapter 7 IoT Healthcare Market By Connectivity Segment Analysis

Chapter 8 IoT Healthcare Market By End-User Segment Analysis

Chapter 9 IoT Healthcare Market Regional Analysis

Chapter 10 Company Profiles

About Us:

Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.

Contact Us:

NORAH TRENT

sales@wiseguyreports.com

Ph: +1-646-845-9349 (US)

Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)
by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, June 6, 2018

Sephora is turning 20, and the beauty retailer  already a leader in customer experience  is throwing itself a party in October, a two-day beauty convention that promises shopping innovations unlike any seen before. The chain, owned by luxury giant LVMH, also says it is kicking off a new marketing campaign this month as part of the celebration.

Called Sephoria, the Los Angeles event will immerse shoppers in customized activities with more than 50 of its best-selling prestige brands, the company says.

In its 20 years in the U.S., weve drawn from our deep understanding of the kinds of physical and digital beauty experiences clients love from Sephora, says Deborah Yeh, senior vice president of marketing and brand in its announcement, and set out to create the ultimate event that fuses fun, education and inspiration, and gives our community a place where they can live out all of their beauty fantasies.

advertisement advertisement

New ads promoting the event are scheduled to begin this month, and its also working with its influencer network to build buzz.

While LVMH doesnt break out Sephora results in its financial reports, it says that in the most recent quarter, Sephora continued to gain market share around the world, offering an ever more innovative and interactive experience to its customers.

The brand is continuing to roll out its new store format in France, where the brand was launched back in 1969. Called the New Sephora Experience, it features a beauty hub with digital apps for testing products, shoppable connected terminals, an area for beauty tutorials, makeup classes and Snapchat geofilters.

Separately, as part of Pride Month, Sephora introduced Bold Beauty for the Transgender Community, a free in-store class for those who identify as transgender or non-binary. Part of its Classes for Confidence program, the 90-minute interactive class lets people explore techniques and skincare with Sephora instructors, some on their own gender journey.

We stand with all members of the LGBTQA [adding asexual/aromantic] community and are committed to providing these individuals with the tools they want to feel confident and beautiful every single day, the company says in its announcement. We believe beauty is yours to define, and ours to celebrate.
by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, June 5, 2018

.

Jack Links has debuted its new Fueling The Front Lines marketing campaign, a cause-related effort that hooks up with Team Rubicon and its mission of ongoing disaster relief for areas that have suffered catastrophic events but are no longer in the headlines.

The campaign includes in-store retail activations (from Integer), a national TV spot (from Tongal), social media support, PR and a custom website where consumers can donate to support Team Rubicon. You can view the 30-second TV spot here.

Over the next couple of weeks, company staffers will complete service projects, create awareness and raise funds for Team Rubicon, and its mission of ongoing disaster relief.

advertisement advertisement

The travel to different disaster sites covers 1,300 miles and the journey will conclude in Houstonwhich sustained severe damage from Hurricane Harvey last summeron June 12.

In addition to donating via the new website, Jack Links fans can support Team Rubicon by participating in a text-to-give component of the campaign, with details provided on specially marked packages of Jack Links protein snacks. Each text will trigger a $2 donation to relief organization.
by Tanya Gazdik , June 6, 2018

Barnes & Noble College has added Toms of Maine to its roster of clients.

BNC will help Toms of Maine increase brand awareness among Gen Z college consumers via an integrated, back-to-school in-store and digital campaign. BNC is a Barnes & Noble Education company that connects brands with the coveted Gen Z consumer where they live, learn and socialize  at campus bookstores nationwide.

Toms of Maine, founded in 1970, became part of the Colgate-Palmolive family in 2006. The brand is committed to forging relationships with college students as they explore brands that might differ from those they used growing up, says Nancy Pak, vice president and general manager of Toms of Maine.

As the Gen Z demographic is committed to social good and companies that are purposeful corporate citizens, the fit for the Kennebunk, Maine-based natural personal care products company on U.S. campuses is a natural.

advertisement advertisement

The natural toothpaste and deodorant company donates 10% of profits to nonprofit organizations committed to health, kids, and the environment. Company employees can donate 5% of their time one full day each month  to volunteering in their communities. The company's philanthropic legacy is one Gen Z consumers embrace.

Like Millennials before them, Gen Z is scrupulous about the companies they support, Pak tells Marketing Daily. They demand transparency and to know that their hard-earned dollars are supporting companies committed to making this world a better place. We are excited for this opportunity to introduce Tom's to collegiate students looking for natural, purpose-driven brands.

BNC is the flagship business of Barnes & Noble Education. Barnes & Noble Education was spun off from Barnes & Noble Inc. in August of 2015. The company creates activations for brands at 750+ college and university campuses nationwide including Clif, Target, HBO, DirectTV, GEICO, Verizon, M&M/Mars, The New York Times and Clinique.

Customizing campus bookstores, creating e-marketing campaigns with the students, and creating experiences on campus are among the ways BNC helps brands reach college consumers.

Under BNC CMO Lisa Malats watch during the past 12 months, BNC partnership sales have doubled year-over year via the execution of 71 marketing programs for 41 brands. Marketing program renewal rate is 64%.

Malat also is leading the fast-paced growth of the companys proprietary research platform, Barnes & Noble College Insights, which provides the data that drives strategic integrated-marketing programs. These insights have attracted new clients and helped brands deliver their campus programs with precision.

BNCs recent College Grad Guide revealed the industry sectors where the Class of 2018 plans to spend discretionary funds (cars/travel/electronics) and created a roadmap for marketers looking to get their brands to the top of grad gift lists. The report discovered where grads will live, what theyll do, and where and how they will spend.
More than three in four American voters believe Roseanne Barrs tweet that led to ABC canceling the revival of Roseanne was racist, according to results of a Politico and Morning Consult poll of 1,190 registered U.S. voters.

The tweet directed at former Obama Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, an African American, 
by Ray Schultz , June 6, 2018

Over 92 million email addresses were exposed in a breach of the MyHeritage genealogy site.

This included the addresses and hashed passwords of people who had signed up with the firm up to October 26, 2017, the company said in a blog post on Monday.

The firm, which traces family trees through DNA, believes the intrusion is limited to the email addresses. It says there is no evidence that the data has been used by the perpetrators.

The breach was discovered by a security researcher who had found a file called myheritage on a private server outside of MyHeritage, containing the email addresses and hashed passwords. The researcher alerted the companys information security officer.

DNA data and family tree information are stored on separate systems, and credit card information is stored with such third-party billing providers such as BlueSnap and PayPal, the firm continues.

The firm says it is taking the steps to inform relevant authorities as per GDPR. It urges users to change their passwords.

It is also introducing a two-factor authentication feature, and is advising consumers to use it.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, June 6, 2018

Facebook is asking a federal judge in New York to dismiss a lawsuit accusing the company of violating housing laws by facilitating ads that discriminate against women and families with children.

The social networking service argues in court papers filed this week that the federal Communications Decency Act broadly immunizes Web services providers from liability for material posted by users, including discriminatory ads.

"What makes the content at issue allegedly unlawful is controlled by third-party advertisers who create the housing ads and then target them in ways plaintiffs claim are discriminatory," Facebook writes in a motion filed this week with U.S. District Court Judge John Koeltl in New York. "But Plaintiffs do not and cannot allege that Facebook makes these decisions."

Facebook's papers come in response to a lawsuit filed in March by the National Fair Housing Alliance and other groups over housing ads. The organizations allege that Facebook enables landlords and brokers to prevent ads from being shown to women, families with children, and users with interests suggesting a disability or particular national origin. It is illegal to publish housing or job ads that discriminate based on factors including race, religion, sex and national origin.

advertisement advertisement

The housing advocates allege that between December 14, 2017 and February 23 of this year, Facebook accepted 40 ads that excluded home seekers based on their sex or family status. Facebook also allegedly allows housing advertisers to exclude certain categories of users -- like people who are interested in disabled parking permits, or in broadcasting company Telemundo -- from seeing ads.

This week, Facebook filed papers seeking to transfer the case to its home turf -- the Northern District of California. But the company alternatively is asking Koeltl to dismiss the matter outright, due to the Communications Decency Act.

"The CDA prohibits plaintiffs fro seeking to impose liability on Facebook for publishing third-party content they allege is discriminatory," the company writes.

That law protects interactive service providers from liability for users' content, but has some exceptions, including one that could apply to Facebook's housing ads. In 2008, a federal appellate refused to dismiss a lawsuit against Roommates.com, which was accused of offering discriminatory housing ads. In that case, the court ruled that Roommates.com may have helped to "develop" the ads; if so, the site would lose its protection from liability.

Facebook argues that its situation differs from Roommates', because the ad-targeting options it offered were neutral. "The targeting tools challenged by Plaintiffs are exactly the type of neutral tool[] protected by the CDA," Facebook contends.

Allegations that Facebook's targeting platform facilitated illegal ads surfaced in 2016, when ProPublica reported that Facebook enables advertisers to prevent ads from being shown to users who belong to certain "ethnic affinity" groups -- including people Facebook has identified as having an ethnic affinity of black, Asian-American and Hispanic.

After that report appeared, Facebook updated its ad guidelines to strengthen prohibitions against discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family status, disability, or medical or genetic condition. The company also said it would require advertisers offering housing and employment ads to certify compliance with anti-discrimination laws. Despite the company's move, ProPublica reported last November that the company still allowed advertisers to prevent minorities from viewing housing ads.

The company currently a separate lawsuit by users who allege the company enables advertisers to block minorities from seeing housing and job ads.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, June 6, 2018

The parent of a young YouTube user who allegedly was tracked by Google for ad-targeting purposes has no grounds to bring a privacy lawsuit, the company argues in a new legal filing.

"Courts have repeatedly held that the conduct at issue -- defendants alleged collection of user information, IP addresses, cookies, and device identifiers, in accordance with their Terms of Service and Privacy Policy -- does not constitute a breach of social norms or an intrusion into intimate affairs sufficient to state a claim for violation of state privacy laws," Google writes in papers filed this week with U.S. District Court Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks in Charleston, South Carolina.

Google makes the argument in response to a class-action complaint brought in April by South Carolina resident Sirdonia Lashay Manigault-Johnson and her child, identified only by the initials "R.R."

advertisement advertisement

The complaint alleges that Google's alleged tracking violates a principle prohibiting "intrusion upon seclusion," as well as a California privacy law. Manigault-Johnson also claims that Google is violating the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, which prohibits web companies from collecting personal data from children under 13 without their parents' consent.

The Federal Trade Commission, which is tasked with enforcing COPPA, said several years ago that persistent cookies and device identifiers fall within the law's definition of personal data.

COPPA doesn't empower individuals to sue for damages, but Manigault-Johnson contends that Congress' decision to pass the law, combined with Federal Trade Commission regulations, demonstrate that the alleged data collection is "highly offensive."

Google argues that the complaint should be dismissed for several reasons, including that the allegations don't support a finding that Google engaged in the kind of extreme conduct that runs afoul of California's privacy law -- which is enshrined in the state constitution. Google argues that people suing companies over violations of California's privacy law must prove that they engaged in "an egregious breach of social norms" -- such as by disclosing someone's HIV status.

"The conduct described in the complaint relates to defendants purported collection, use, or disclosure of information connected to R.R.s use of YouTube," Google writes. "Far from being an 'egregious breach of the social norms,' California courts have consistently held that collecting and disclosing information related to an individuals digital or Internet footprint is 'common' among website operators and therefore does not violate the California Constitution."

Google also argues that the lawsuit should be dismissed on the grounds that Manigault-Johnson didn't allege that she or her child were injured as a result of the alleged tracking.

Manigault-Johnson filed suit one week after a coalition of advocacy groups alleged in an FTC complaint that YouTube was violating COPPA by collecting personal information from children younger than 13. The terms of service for YouTube.com say the site isn't intended for children younger than 13. Instead, Google offers a child-focused video site, YouTube Kids, which doesn't allow behaviorally targeted ads.
Glioblastoma multiforme is the commonest type of brain cancer, with in-built defense mechanisms that lend it resilience. Will new discoveries about the defenses help to eliminate this cancer more efficiently? Share on Pinterest How do brain cancer cells evade destruction, and can their defense mechanism be disrupted? Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a type of brain cancer that develops from nonneuronal cells found in the central nervous system. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimate that in 2018, there will be 23,880 new diagnoses of GBM and other cancers of the central nervous system in the United States. GBM is challenging to treat. This is because the cells that form it are often therapy-resistant, and the damage they do to adjacent healthy tissue is usually permanent, since the brain cannot easily repair itself. This is why researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond have been studying the mechanisms through which cancer cells protect themselves, in the hopes of identifying new ways of disrupting them that might lead to improved treatments in the future. In a study  the results of which are now published in PNAS  the scientists were able to identify the mechanism through which glioma stem cells avoid cell death and how to disrupt it.

How cancer stem cells avoid destruction Study author Paul B. Fisher and team explain that glioma stem cells are able to avoid anoikis , which is a type of cell death (or apoptosis) that occurs when a cell detaches from the extracellular matrix. This is the scaffolding that supports cells and helps to regulate stem cell differentiation and homeostasis . Glioma stem cells resist anoikis through protective autophagy, in which the cells eat and recycle their own cellular detritus. What the researchers discovered was that, in the case of glioma stem cells, protective autophagy is regulated by a gene called MDA-9/Syntenin, which was originally identified by Fisher. This gene, as Fisher and others have previously shown, also happens to be overexpressed in many different types of cancer. In this study, the team was able to ascertain that inhibiting MDA-9/Syntenin expression seemed to deactivate glioma stem cells defense mechanism. We discovered that when we blocked the expression of MDA-9/Syntenin, glioma stem cells lose their ability to induce protective autophagy and succumb to anoikis, resulting in cancer cell death. Paul B. Fisher Specifically, Fisher and research collaborator Webster K. Cavenee  of the University of California, San Diego  alongside their colleagues noticed that MDA-9/Syntenin supports autophagy by activating another gene, BCL2 , which is responsible for inducing and inhibiting cell death.
The composition of bacteria in the vagina could be an important factor in the development of cervical cancer, according to a recent study. Share on Pinterest How are vaginal bacteria and cervical cancer linked? Infection with some particular strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) is a well-known risk for cervical cancer. However, researchers at the University of Arizona in Phoenix suggest that other factors may also be relevant because of their influence on the condition of the cervix. A paper now published in the journal Scientific Reports describes how they found that women with cancer or precancer of the cervix had different vaginal bacteria to women who did not have cervical tissue abnormalities. The finding suggests that there might be a direct link between good bacteria and a healthy cervix, and bad bacteria and raised risk for cervical cancer. In cancer and precancer patients, explains senior study author Melissa M. Herbst-Kralovetz, who is an associate professor in the College of Medicine at the University of Arizona, lactobacilli  good bacteria  are replaced by a mixture of bad bacteria.

Cervical cancer and HPV Cervical cancer starts when cells in the cervix, or the entrance to the uterus from the vagina, grow abnormally and become a tumor. The presence of abnormal cells is known as precancer. If the abnormal cells become cancer cells and spread into neighboring tissue, it becomes cervical cancer. Precancerous tissue should be removed to prevent cancer. This can normally be done without harming unaffected tissue. Estimates for the United States suggest that, at some point during their lifetime, approximately 0.6 percent of women will be told that they have cervical cancer. New cases of cervical cancer in the U.S. dropped by at least 50 percent in 19752010 and statistics for 20082014 show that more than 66 percent of women survive for more than 5 years after diagnosis. HPV spreads through  intimate skin-to-skin contact , such as during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. There are more than 150 types of HPV, of which only some can give rise to cancer in men and women. Usually, the immune system can clear the virus without causing any harm. But if the virus persists, it can cause genital warts and cancer. In both sexes, HPVs can cause cancer of the mouth, throat, anus, and rectum. In men, they can also cause cancer of the penis. In women, HPVs can cause cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva.

Impact of vaginal bacteria Prof. Herbst-Kralovetz and her colleagues studied the relationship between HPV, certain conditions in vaginal tissue, and the severity of growths in the cervix. The team recruited 100 premenopausal women with low- and high-grade cervical abnormalities, invasive cervical cancer, and healthy controls. The latter did not have any cervical abnormalities or cancer and included women with and without HPV. The team found that Lactobacillus bacteria were reduced in line with increasing severity of cervical abnormalities. This type of bacteria has previously been found to boost vaginal health. It is related to, but not the same as, the bacteria that constitutes live culture in yogurt. Conversely, the results also showed that increases in another type of bacteria called Sneathia was linked to infection with HPV, cervical precancer, and cancer. Sneathia bacteria are linked with miscarriage, vaginosis, preterm labor, and other gynecological problems. They have also been tied to HPV infection and precancer in the cervix. The new study is significant because it is the first to show that a high level of Sneathia bacteria in the vagina is linked to all phases of cervical cancer, from initial infection with HPV, through precancer to invasive cancer. However, what is not clear is whether the high levels of Sneathia bacteria drive the cancer process or are just a byproduct of it. Prof. Herbst-Kralovetz explains that they are actively investigating this question as there is little published research on how Sneathia functions in the reproductive tract.

The role of ethnicity Around half of the women in the study were of Hispanic origin and the rest were not. The authors cite evidence of higher rates of cervical cancer among Hispanic women, and they were keen to discover any ethnic factors that might lie outside of lack of screening or unequal access to healthcare. They did find some evidence to suggest that this may be the case. For example, Hispanic women who took part in the study were more likely to have reduced vaginal populations of Lactobacillus and higher populations of Sneathia bacteria. This suggests, perhaps, that the different composition of vaginal bacteria in Hispanic women may be a factor in potentially raising the risk of cervical cancer in this population.
Advertisement

Twenty percent of the kids with respiratory viruses did not respond to the asthma medications and needed to be hospitalized

The children with influenza or parainfluenza had a thirty-seven percent or more chance of not responding to asthma medication, compared to thirteen percent of children without a virus

Kids with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also had high failure rates

Kids infected by strains of human rhinoviruses (HRVs) which is the usual cause of common cold responded well to asthma medication; a positive outcome since HRVs are the most frequent trigger of asthma attacks that take the kids to ER

Researchers Offer a Simple Solution

Asthma

Joanna Merckx, Francine M. Ducharme, Christine Martineau, Roger Zemek, Jocelyn Gravel, Dominic Chalut, Naveen Poonai, Caroline Quach. Respiratory Viruses and Treatment Failure in Children With Asthma Exacerbation. Pediatrics, 2018; e20174105 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2017-4105 Asthma - (https://acaai.org/asthma/about)

"These kids should get their flu shot and they should get it systematically - it's worth it," said study co-author Francine Ducharme, a pediatrician and clinical epidemiologist at CHU Sainte-Justine who is a professor of pediatrics at UdeM.The study is published in the journal Pediatrics.The study was conducted by Ducharme and colleagues between 2011 and 2013 with funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.The researchers looked at around 1,000 children treated for moderate or severe asthma attacks in emergency rooms at Sainte-Justine, the Montreal Children's Hospital, and three other Canadian hospitals. They took nose swabs from the children and analyzed them to see if the children were also infected by the flu or other respiratory viruses when they came to the ER. To their surprise, they found infections in around two-thirds of the kids.The kids were treated with standard treatments for their asthma attacks (oral corticosteroids and inhaled bronchodilators)."We now know that if these kids get the flu the risks are very high that emergency treatment for an asthma attack will fail," said Ducharme. "Instead of having an overall 17-per-cent risk of treatment failure, with flu their risk rises to almost 40 percent."says Caroline Quach, an associate professor of microbiology and infectious diseases at UdeM, chair of the Quebec Immunization Committee and chair of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization of the Public Health Agency of Canada. This study is the first to determine the risk associated with not responding to asthma medication with specific viruses like influenza and rhinovirus. Influenza is the only respiratory virus that is vaccine-preventable, and it would be wise for kids with asthma to get vaccinated yearly, in the fall, before flu season starts. In Quebec, where the study was conducted every child who is diagnosed with asthma is eligible for influenza vaccination but many parents do not make use of the opportunity due to accessibility issues and the time taken to make an extra trip to a CLSC or public-health clinic.Only 60 percent of the people get the shot nowadays. Quach feels that this issue can be solved if the flu vaccine is available on site at the asthma, respiratory or general pediatric clinics at Sainte-Justine.In fact, Quach and her student Joanna Merckx, then a McGill clinical fellow in pediatric infectious diseases have already run a free flu-vaccination clinic in the premises of the Montreal Children's Hospital from 2012 to 2014 and had great success immunizing 2,640 kids who had high-risk conditions like asthma. It was easier to get hold of children coming in for their regular visits and give them the flu vaccine.The chronic disease often starts in the pre-school years, even before the kid reaches six years of age."Everybody who has an asthmatic child should hear that influenza is bad news - the child might have an attack that needs hospitalization," Quach said. "They need to ask for the flu vaccine yearly."Asthma is a chronic condition where the bronchial tubes (the main passageway through which air enters and leaves the lungs) get inflamed and becomes narrow making it difficult for the person to breathe. The condition is characterized by. The symptoms affect around 26 million Americans and 3 million Canadians. It is one of the leading causes of absences from work and school.There are two types of asthma. One iscaused by exposure to an allergen such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold. The other kind of asthma iscaused by triggers such as stress, exercise, colds, the flu, extreme weather conditions, irritants in the air like smoke and chemical fumes or certain medications and food additives.Asthma is best managed by prevention; a person prone to an asthma attack should be aware of what situations can trigger an attack and try to avoid them.Source: Medindia
India's start-up culture is praised all over the world for being inclusive, innovative and inventive. The early success stories of India's own entrepreneurs sowed the seeds of a highly competitive Indian marketplace and it has really set up the pace for the next generation of Indian start-ups. Here we take a look at journey of five inspirational Indian men and entrepreneurs who redefined how traditional Indian businesses are run and found ways to innovate and set up new ventures.

1. Sohrab Sitaram, Keventers

 YouTube

How do you reinvent a brand that is stuck in an endless time-loop? Back in 2014, Keventers was in doldrums. The millennials were not taking up to the re-branding well and the older generation wasn't enough of a market space to play around and make big bucks. Enter, Sohrab Sitaram. The new age CEO of a freshly re-minted milkshake brand turned the tables to reinvent the decades old business. Taking over from Agastya Dalmia and Aman Arora, Sitaram made sure that the brand appealed to the younger generation and helped transform it into an aspirational brand. The fact that Keventers now has over 200 outlets around the country and is growing by 20 outlets a month is a testament to Sohrab Sitaram's incredible journey as a new age entrepreneur. We cover this in greater detail as part of our new web series 'Stories Of The Newhood.'

2. Zorawar Kalra, Massive Restaurants

 Twitter

Zorawar Kalra is popularly identified by the masses as a Masterchef judge and the owner of popular restaurant brands like Farzi cafe and Punjab Grill, but not many know of his humble roots and how he became a culinary maestro. Kalra came back from the US in 2006 after completing his MBA from Boston's Bentley University. After dabbling in the F&B industry for almost six years, he sold off Wrapster Foods and set up Massive Restaurants in order to serve innovative food to the burgeoning Indian middle class. Today that same venture generates a revenue of Rs 200 crores and Zorawar Kalra is single-handedly responsible for introducing Indians to molecular gastronomy in everyday foods.

3. Munbir Chawla, Magnetic Fields

 festival sherpa

Munbir Chawla brought live electronic music to India through the Magnetic Fields Festival which is one of the most sought-after music festivals in India right now. After studying in London, Munbir along with his wife set up an online music magazine called, 'Wild City'. It tuned into a gateway for something much bigger and as a music and events company, Wild City's success story shows how these concepts have an incredible space to grow in India.

4. Deep Kalra, Make My Trip

 livemint

A St Stephens graduate and an IIM-A alumni, Deep Kalra was set for life after he started working with a bank at a good yearly package. All of just 23 at the time, life couldn't have been better. Deep Kalra, though, took a break for a year in order to figure out what he actually wanted to accomplish in life. After experimenting in multiple businesses, the travel industry caught Kalra's eye. He saved a good amount on his online bookings to Thailand, and thus Kalra made a well thought out decision to enter the ecommerce space. Since it was just the beginning of the internet boom, MakeMyTrip was born in 2000. The same enterprise now posts annual revenues of $152 million.

5. Siddhartha Lal, Royal Enfield

 Twitter

Siddhartha Lal is fondly referred to as the bullet man who saved Royal Enfield. Back in 2000, Enfield's sales were not flattering and it was almost on the brink of shutting shop. Siddhartha, however, decided to close 14 other businesses instead and decided to focus just on the automobile sector. Over the next five years, Royal Enfield re-established itself as an aspirational brand and its rugged cool bike appeal helped improve the sales. From selling just 25,000 bikes in the year 2005, the Royal Enfield sold 67,000 units in November of 2017.
In a horrific incident, a mobile phone exploded in a man's pocket while he was having lunch at a restaurant in Mumbai. The incident took place on June 4th at a local restaurant in Bhandup area of Mumbai.

In the video, it can be seen that the man immediately jumps and tries to remove the phone from his pocket after he sees the smoke billowing from it. He immediately throws away the burning phone and proceeds to evacuate, while other panicked patrons of the restaurant are also seen rushing out of the hotel owing to the fire hazard.

#WATCH: Mobile phone blasts in man's pocket in Mumbai's Bhandup. (Source: CCTV Footage) (4.6.2018) pic.twitter.com/2oC9uudHq6  ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2018

The owner of the phone suffered minor injuries and had to be admitted to a local hospital, according to news agency ANI. In the video, we can see the explosion left a big hole in the man's pocket. Unfortunately, the details about which phone was involved in the incident aren't available as of now.

This isn't the first time we have come across reports about mobile phone explosions. The major reason behind these explosions has usually been a faulty battery. Researchers and manufacturers have been trying their best to prevent these incidents, but sometimes things just aren't ideal. Back in 2016, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 had been in the news for its sensitive batteries that were prone to an explosion.

 Samsung Galaxy Note 7 / The Independent

With the Galaxy Note 7 and Samsung, various reports confirmed that the issue was caused when the device was charging. This is the reason why it is recommended to never overcharge our mobile phone batteries. Secondly, excessive heat can cause internal short circuit within the battery by breaking down the internal cells. This is the reason why it is always suggested to never keep the battery directly under sunlight.

 Gizmodo

Lastly, it is always recommended to use original charging accessories like the cable and adapter, to make sure you are not putting any unnecessary load on the battery. Cheap knock-off products aren't worth buying and risking yourselves serious burns.

Earlier in March, a teenager died in Kheriakani district in Odisha while using a phone. The teenager was on a call with a relative while the phone was plugged in for charging and reportedly exploded.
Apple announced iOS 12 for the iPhone and iPad at WWDC 2018 earlier this week and even though the improvements in the operating system aren't revolutionary, they still work on different iPhone models. Now before Android keyboard warriors lash out at this statement, there's one thing every Android users will agree, OS updates on Android sucks. This statement is even more true for smartphones that are older than 3 years or more which forces users to upgrade their smartphone regularly.

 BCCL

For example, the iPhone 5S was launched 5 years ago with iOS 7 and even though the smartphone has been discontinued, it continues to get the latest firmware and OS update today. The same can't be said about an Android smartphone that was purchased in 2013. The Samsung Galaxy S4 was launched in the same year that is yet to receive the Android 6.0 update and chances of Android P running on the device looks impossible.

 Apple

The adoption of latest Android software on older devices is abysmal, some 6% of all Android smartphones are currently using Android 8.0 Oreo. This is not our number, this is according to Google's data fetched from the official Play Store. Compare that to iOS devices, over 80-percent of Apple's products that use the operating system installed iOS 11. That's a giant number. Granted that the iPhone 5s will not deliver the same experience as a brand new phone, but the fact that it has the same UI as the iPhone X is not a small feat. A feature that cannot be achieved by most old Android smartphones.

The reason why this is important is that customers spend a lot of money on smartphones, especially if you invest in a flagship device. As customers, we expect the smartphone to get regular updates that will make it work with optimum performance with the latest operating system. Android users can get the same experience if they purchase the Pixel smartphones; however, people who own smartphones from other companies are often left behind.

I love Android smartphones for bringing groundbreaking features to the latest smartphones. Some features help in multi-tasking while others improve the overall experience. Android tends to bring sensible features first which is later adopted by Apple. However, not all of them make way to smartphones that are even a year older than the latest generation. It would be nice to see these features make an appearance on older Android smartphones too. Not everyone can afford to buy a smartphone every year to get all the latest features. This is one area where Apple excels and makes sure older devices get the same experience that is coming on latest devices  as long as the hardware can support it.

Apart from features, new OS also adds additional security features that can affect your privacy. As of now, older Android devices are vulnerable to security threats as these smartphones have not received the latest version of Android. Due to the lack of an updated Android operating system, many new apps can't be used on the smartphone as these apps often don't support older firmware.

An older iPhone, say the iPhone 5s, gets the same level of security as the iPhone X and can also run apps that are fairly new. The fact that the iPhone 5s can run the same apps, have the same security level and have the same UI as Apple's latest offering, it is quite impressive.

 Google

Google is trying hard for manufacturers to push out latest updates to smartphones thanks to Project Treble. However, we are yet to see a device that gets the same update at the same device as the Google Pixel. In fact, by the time Android P is made available to manufactures, it will take companies at least 6 months to implement the new Android OS on upcoming smartphones. Whether it would make way for an Android device from last year is a different story altogether. Even though Project Treble exists, Google does not force companies to push out the latest update.

Everything said above hints at only one obvious notion: it is safer and more sensible to buy an iPhone today than any Android smartphone. At least you will get regular updates for a device you plan to use for a few more years and have everything run on the phone. Your purchased apps will work like before and you will even get latest features like Augmented Reality. The most crucial feature i.e. security patches will be the same across the board. The Android platform and companies still have a lot to learn from Apple  whether it comes to OS updates or features, the platform still has a long way to go.
The ancient theatre of Dion is an emblematic venue  An excellent time for the Czech Republic to be the country of honour at the Olympus Festival

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a pleasure and honour to be participating in the presentation of the artistic programme of the 47th Olympus Festival, with the Czech Republic as the honoured country, and it will be one of the top cultural events of 2018.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Culture expresses the many achievements, images, ideas and visions of a nation. An imaginary line that travels through time, carrying peoples dreams and memories.

At the same time, culture is the foundation and continuation of centuries-old universal human principles and values, defining the universality of the human spirit.

As Greeks, this would suffice to make us proud of our culture. But it is an additional honour and responsibility to remain the curators of a culture that is intrinsically linked with democracy and freedom, to such a degree that the two notions seem identical. Ancient Greek culture reached its peak during a time of democracy.

This distinct quality of Greek culture continues to impact us thousands of years later in the choice of emblematic Greek archaeological sites from which leaders from all over the world and cultural events can address a global audience, pointing up the common cultural ground that unifies people across geographical boundaries.

The ancient theatre of Dion, where the events of the Olympus Festival are being held for yet another year, with the honoured country being the homeland of eminent writers and artists, such as Kafka and Kundera, is emblematic.

Still contributing greatly to world theatre thousands of years after Euripides The Bacchae was presented for the first time here at Dion, which is real proof of the power of culture to create insuperable ties between people.

In this context, it is an excellent time for the honoured country at the Olympus Festival to be the Czech Republic, which is this year celebrating 25 years since the founding of its republic.

With these thoughts I wish the Festivals events every success.

Thank you."
You are here

Schuette Charges Michigan State U. Health Physicist with Bestiality

Schuette Charges Michigan State U. Health Physicist with Bestiality

Andrea Bitely, Megan Hawthorne; 517-373-8060

June 4, 2018

LANSING  Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette today charged Joseph Hattey, 51, of Holt, with two counts of committing a crime against nature (bestiality), a 15-year felony for allegedly penetrating a dog with both his hand and penis.

Hattey, an employee of Michigan State University, is not alleged to have conducted the acts on campus or with an animal owned by the university.

Charges were authorized by Magistrate Mark Blumer of the 55th District Court. Arraignment to follow.

BACKGROUND

The investigation was conducted by Ingham County Animal Control in conjunction with the Ingham County Sheriffs Department.

The dog has been removed from harm and is currently in the custody of Ingham County Animal Control.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

###
BAD AXE  Gov. Rick Snyder recently signed a bill that increases funds for recreation opportunities across the state.

Under the bill, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund will receive an additional $49.9 million for acquisitions and development projects.

Among the 97 communities benefitting from the legislation is the City of Bad Axe, which secured $140,000 through the fund. With a $60,000 match, the city will have $200,000 to spend on its Bad Axe Trail improvement project.

The trail starts at the end of Buffalo Street, and makes its way through the surrounding wooded area.

The project will renovate the existing 3,670-foot long trail made from wood chips. It will include making it an ADA-accessible paved walking trail, with signage and lighting.

Were hoping that its going to be started this summer, Bad Axe City Manager Dale VanDeVusse said of the project. Thats the plan as of right now.

VanDeVusse said if everything goes well, officials hope to have the entire project completed by fall.

Formerly Senate Bill 883, the bill is now known as the Public Act 165 of 2018.

"The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has provided a variety of opportunities to Michiganders to experience our states world-class natural resources, Snyder stated. "Im happy to sign legislation that will help provide the resources needed to continue their work.
HARBOR BEACH -- Zion Lutheran School of Harbor Beach has recently been recommended for National Lutheran School Accreditation -- accreditation they have held since 1992.

The accreditation is good through 2023 and will mark more than three decades of being in good standing with the National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA).

Information supplied by the school stated, "In order to become accredited in good standing with NLSA, a school must comply fully with 30 required indicators of success."

In addition, Zion needed to be evaluated in seven specific standard areas.

The areas included purpose, relationships, governance, professional personnel, student services, teaching and learning and facilities. As part of the process, the NLSA sent a team to Zion to investigate their compliance with all of the rules and regulations. The accreditation is not an easy process.

Statistics supplied by the school show a mere 40 percent of Missouri Synod Schools have accomplished this fete.

"They spent two days in our buildings. The went through our records, and they spent time in the classrooms," said Zion Lutheran School Principal Cindy Brown. "They looked at our relationships in the community, our relationship with our congregation, and at our school climate."

Brown has been principal of the Lutheran School since 1990, and she was instrumental in having the school accredited in 1992. Zion Lutheran School has been in existence for over 135 years, and Brown feels blessed to have been part of their long tradition of educating students.

Parents in the surrounding area must also have strong feelings for this educational facility. Most of the students are from Harbor Beach and the eastern side of the Thumb. Nonetheless, some come long distances to be educated at Zion.

"We have (some) that come from the Bad Axe area and some are from Port Hope," Brown said.

This year, the school had 68 students and six teachers in grades kindergarten through eighth, and they had 27 students and two teachers in preschool.

"Our preschool is pretty well established," Brown said. "We're full for next year."

For further questions, contact the school at 989-479-3615.
 All of the Thumb's villages, towns and cities that recently honored and recognized veterans during Memorial Day observances.

 Adrian Koepf, Utah Gusa, Alexis Muether, Kyra Beaver, Carter Kosinski, Anna Greyerbiehl, Emma Smally, Haley Hernalsteen, Clair Van Tol, Jordan Dooley, Nicholas Clarent, Leah Stringer, Rachel Sattelberg, Sydnee Sutliff, Autumn Tait and Allison Stein, who were all named Huron Area Writers Group (HAWG) Contest winners during HAWG's annual Author's Day celebration.

 Mason Lackie, a 2018 graduate of Caseville High School, who received a $180,000 NROTC (Marine Option) Scholarship  which is a full-ride, four-year scholarship to a prestigious university.

 Harbor Beach graduate Allison Stein, who was named the Republic Party Scholarship recipient.

 The Bad Axe Knights of Columbus Council 1546, which recently gathered and presented donations from the MI Drive  Tootsie Roll campaign  to organizations that serve those with challenged physical and intellectual disabilities. The proceeds were donated to seven organizations with a group total of $6,728.

 The Port Hope Retirees group, which recently gathered to take care of its monthly business.

 The nine students from North Huron High School who wrote World Food Prize papers. The World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute offers young people an opportunity to be part of the solution to food insecurity.

 Ubly graduate Skyler Lesoski, who was recently selected as the recipient of the 2018 Ubly Lioness Scholarship Award. Lesoski will be attending Saginaw Valley State University in the fall.

 Claire Martin, of Filion, who is a 2014 graduate of Bad Axe High School who received her bachelor of music in flute performance with honors from Hope College.

 Owendale-Gagetown graduates who tossed their hats high after receiving their diplomas at their graduation ceremony.

 Local filmmakers David and Jaclyn Siev, who recently claimed Best Narrative Short for their film, Year Zero, at the DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival.
NEW HAVEN  The New Haven Port Authority announced Wednesday it received funding to study future connections between the Port of New Haven and regional freight rail service, which would potentially increase cargo transportation in the port.

The State Bond Commission allocated $500,000 to fund the study, which is the first step in plans to modernize connections between the port and inland distribution streams, such as freight trains and trucks. The study will analyze how to move cargo from ships in the port to trains and the cargos ultimate destination.

Were determined to expand the use of this deep water harbor and transfer more cargo from ships directly onto freight trains, Mayor Toni N. Harp said. New Haven has been very fortunate as a commercial hub, a trading center throughout its history...The advantages to be realized are self evident.

The grant will fund an analysis of existing rail infrastructure and provide a plan for future investment in rails.

Connecticut Port Authority Chairman Scott Bates said that with better connectivity between the port and the rail lines, more business will be attracted to taking advantage of deep water shipping. This would provide an economic boost to the city and region as more jobs are created to handle the volume and connect the city and state to commerce across the country.

What weve been able to do with this grant is make a master plan of how freight rail will be used in this port district, Bates said. A port is nothing unless you can get the cargo moving back and forth. This is a supply chain that starts in New Haven and really connects Connecticut and New England with the world. Thats why this investment is so important. This city has tremendous potential.

The study will evaluate the existing infrastructure and provide the New Haven Port Authority with an investment plan that identifies those improvements. It will largely look at how to improve both on-dock and near-dock staging areas. The goal is to maximize the safety, efficiency and competitiveness of all rail routes in New Haven, said Judi Sheiffele, executive director of the Port of New Haven.

After the rail study identifies the improvements, they can look for funding to move forward with a construction project.

The port is already working with the Army Corps of Engineers to determine whether the channel of the port should be deepened and the economic benefit that could be gained from such a change.

Beyond just economic growth, allowing more cargo to be loaded to freight trains means fewer trucks on city streets state roads and highways, Harp said, and it would in turn reduce wear and tear on the states infrastructure. Overall, when shiploads of freight cargo are removed from state highways the transportation system can be more efficient.

New Haven is the busiest port in Connecticut for a reason, said Sen. Martin Looney, D-New Haven. The port has the potential to be a significant economic driver for the city and the region and that potential has been recognized for a long time without being realized and our hope is that we are now moving closer to realization. Improved freight rail access to Connecticut will bring more business to the port and more jobs to our state. Expanding freight rail service will help get more trucks off our highways, leading toward something that can be a real economic engine not only for New Haven but for the entire state of Connecticut.

The port mainly receives cargo such as alcohol, steel, salt, ash, scrap metal and petroleum, Sheiffele said. After the study analyzes what improvements to the existing infrastructure can be made, an estimate of the economic impact of the improvement can be determined, she said.

So when you take these things together all it does is point out the obvious fact that is New Haven is the gateway to New England and New Haven has the greatest economic potential to drive the economy of Connecticut, Bates said. And how do we get there? Its making the most efficient use of our port district.

We need to do all that we can do to make sure were taking full advantage of New Havens natural strategic location near Long Island Sound, state Rep. Alphonse Paolillo, D-New Haven, said. Weve made great progress in the last few years to change that in making a Connecticut Port Authority, which is helping get our ports back up to speed. The results have been tremendous and this $500,000 for this study will help build on this momentum.

New Haven is one of Connecticuts three deep water ports and the busiest port between New York and Boston.

mdignan@hearstmediact.com
MIDDLETOWN  A Facebook post by city police that reminds people to heed rules when parking in a private lot downtown  or face a tow and hefty charge  is drawing a strong reaction.

The lot is at Metro Square, a bi-level shopping area bordered by Dingwall Drive, Main Street, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way and deKoven Drive, includes Metro Movies 12, Cafferys Dance and Gymnastics School, Herd Restaurant, Metro Spirits and Wayback Burger.

In less than 24 hours, the social media post garnered 108 comments, 222 shares and 79 reactions of all types.

There are four signs on one of the entrances that say, Dont park here, youre going to get towed if you dont [patronize] the business, said Middletown Police Lt. Heather Desmond.

Police are leasing a few spaces there now, she said.

Its clearly labeled. Theyre watching and theyre videotaping. So, theyre following, because if you are going up to Hop Knot or Wayback Burger and going into that business, theyre not going to tow you. But if youre going up the stairs and across the street to First & Last, theyre going to tow you, Desmond said.

Property Manager Brian Herschberger has D&L Auto Body & Towing of Berlin monitoring the lot for violators. He declined to comment for this story.

The recent crackdown on those illegally parking in the Metro Square parking area is due to the closing and demolition of the Court Street parking arcade last month , Desmond said. It was knocked down during the first two weeks of May. The gravel lot, which will open shortly as a temporary measure, will help compensate for the 180 spots lost when the arcade was shut down.

The parking office has been adding additional spaces for vehicles along Main and Court streets, Melilli Plaza and other areas.

Do not park in the parking lot at Metro Square unless you are doing business within the property, Desmond wrote on Facebook Tuesday at 2 p.m. This is a private parking lot not under the control of the city. Parking is for patrons of the adjoining businesses only. We cannot stress this enough. There is a tow truck on standby to tow the violating vehicles. They have spotters watching to see if someone leaves the property.

Mayor Dan Drew responded to the dozens of replies that began to flood in soon after.

Unfortunately, this is private property and city government doesnt have jurisdiction or any legal authority to force the end of towing practices. The Middletown Police were correct to warn the public to head off any potential trouble. I understand the frustration completely, but we just dont possess the legal authority to stop this practice, he wrote.

The property owner is mostly carting away vehicles parked there by those headed to Superior Court, Desmond said.

If youre only going to a movie, then moving to another restaurant afterward, you should park somewhere else, she added.

Rebecca Czlapinski and a friend recently parked in the lot and headed up the stairs to Hop Knot. A man came out and asked them what shop they were visiting. Czlapinski said she didnt have an issue with the interaction.

Ive never been questioned about where I was going or what I was doing. I thought it was kind of weird, she said.

Czlapinski said she is not clear about what businesses are considered part of Metro Square, specifically those on Main Street.

Does the property owner own the entire building? People are saying they were in the movie theater and had gotten towed, she said. We went to a movie, were actual paying patrons, and we just happen to say, after the movies, Lets get lunch downtown. Im not going to move my car, its beautiful out.

Its not like Im going there and its a free parking lot. Ive actually paid to go somewhere there and just happen to want to enjoy a little bit more of downtown, Czlapinski said.

Sherri Condon has visited the plaza in the past up to three times a week to frequent the hair salon that used to be on the upper level at Main Street.

A man would follow me, Maam, maam, maam, and shed tell him she was going to Cover Girl. I need to find out where youre going. How long are you going to be there? Condon said she was asked.

I dont know, she told him.

For me, it was harassment, Condon said, contending the man would hang out to see what she was doing. Ive seen them follow people when they went to Dunkin Donuts when it was there to make sure patrons werent going to Brew Bakers across the street.

Shes seen a movie, then gone to Hop Knot for a snack afterward, but it was packed. People go across the street because Tuscany [Grill] is not that busy. And [a Metro Square spotter sees] you walking across the street. They immediately call the tow truck to come get your car.

Stefanie Smith, who works in sales, parked in Metro Square to drop in those businesses and offer her services.

I walked one street over to meet my co-worker, who is in town from Boston and has never been to Middletown. In the time I walked over to meet him, and came back, they had towed my car, she said.
A Connecticut man was sentenced to five years in prison Wednesday for trafficking narcotics, federal officials said in a release.

Shane Blake, 35, of Meriden, also was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant to serve four years of supervised release, the release said.

The case arose from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force into a central Connecticut cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking ring, the release said.

The probe included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of crack cocaine and seizures of cocaine and cash proceeds, the release said. It revealed that Carlos Roman, also known as Frizz, of Middletown served as a primary distributor of narcotics for the organization, and that he regularly converted, or cooked, cocaine into crack cocaine, the release said. An undercover officer made five controlled purchases of redistribution quantities of crack from Roman, the release said.

When Roman was arrested on April 11, 2017, he was in possession of about 500 grams of cocaine, and had a handgun at his home, the release said. Blake helped the drug trafficking organization by obtaining cocaine and converting it to crack cocaine for distribution while Roman was in custody, the release said.

A grand jury in New Haven returned a nine-count indictment on July 20, 2017 charging Blake, Roman and nine other individuals with various offenses.

Blake has been in custody since his arrest last July and on March 8 pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base, according to the release.

Roman was sentenced to 10 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to one count of with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, the release said.

The case was investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Middletown and New Britain Police Departments. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service, the release said.
Stop me if youve heard this one. A millionaire, an Asian-American, an African-American and two white women walk into a barbecue joint ...

All they needed was the gay guy, who in this case was state Comptroller Kevin Lembo, who could not attend the unity/diversity lunch summit at a downtown Hartford restaurant the other day. Maybe he was wondering  like I  what the point was of a photo op on a sizzling sidewalk.

The sun, unlike this endorsed Democratic ticket, was dazzling.

So, there was Ned Lamont, ordering a salad in a rib place? In fact, there wasnt even a drop of hot sauce on any of the shirt or suit fronts of these five candidates, led by the rich guy from Greenwich.

There was Lamonts designated running mate, Susan Bysiewicz, a former secretary of the state whose political career will be really, truly snake-bitten if she loses the August primary for lieutenant governor in what would be a protest vote on the issue of diversity on the ticket that emerged after Lamont anointed her in the run-up to the convention.

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, in a spring-green linen suit, was along for this PR ride.

Maybe the two candidates who benefited the most from the event, staged for TV and print reporters in the commercial zone between UConns Hartford campus and the Connecticut Convention Center, where they won their endorsements a couple weeks earlier, was state Rep. William Tong and Shawn Wooden, who represent actual diversity.

Tong, a Connecticut native born to Chinese immigrant parents, whose father was given special dispensation to stay in the United States by none other than Richard M. Nixon, won the endorsement for attorney general. Wooden, a tax attorney in Hartford, is black and got the endorsement for treasurer.

Both face what could be stiff challenges in the Aug. 14 primary. Wooden, of Hartford, is running against Dita Bhargava of Greenwich, a newcomer, a recently former candidate for governor who is flowing toward the perceived path of least-resistance.

We do have a great ticket, Wooden said. I absolutely agree that as a state, as a party, as a country we need to look at diversity and what that means. But I do not believe that we should let the discussion of diversity obscure the great talent that we have on this slate right here.

Tong, of Stamford, has two primary opponents: his co-chairman on the legislative Judiciary Committee, Sen. Paul Doyle of Wethersfield; and Chris Mattei, a former federal prosecutor from Windsor.

It wasnt just a historic slate of candidates, Tong said. It was a historic convention and I think we presented at the convention the most diverse group of candidates that weve ever seen in this state by any party.

It didnt take Mattei long to take umbrage at the optics, with the five endorsees walking up the sidewalk toward the TV cameras in one of the least-candid moments I hope to see on the 2018 campaign trail.

Its disappointing to see party insiders presumptuously declare were the Democratic Party long before actual voters get the chance to do so in August, Mattei declared. This is exactly the type of establishment, top-down politics that voters in Connecticut have been frustrated with for years.

Thats kind of an amusing assessment of the process by which town committees select delegates to represent them at conventions and to cast ballots for those candidates they think can or should win in the primaries and general elections.

Its even more interesting in the sour-grapes/spilled-milk subcategory of political quantification, when I remember that a few days earlier and less than a block away, Mattei gathered about half the delegate support that Tong won in what was bordering on a nasty little floor fight, as Matteis people whispered that Tong didnt have enough legal experience to satisfy the statutory requirements for attorney general.

But the big red herring this summer among self-loathing Democrats will be the issue of diversity.

So, for starters, the top-of-the-ticket is way more reflective of Connecticut demographics than the all-white conservatives who emerged from the secondhand smoke-filled convention center at Foxwoods last month.

But I am looking forward to see how the Democrats frame the self-funding Lamont, who is likely to oppose a Republican participating in the voluntary Citizens Election Program. Hes not in the 1-Percent, the Dems might say. Hes a minority.

Ken Dixon, political editor and columnist, can be reached at kdixon@ctpost.com. Visit him at twitter.com/KenDixonCT and on Facebook at kendixonct.hearst.
The Veterans Choice Program for private health care is in such bad shape that the bill backed by President Donald Trump to fix it will be difficult to implement even if done right, according to the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office.

The Choice program was aimed at reducing wait times through increased access to private health care, but the GAO's performance audit conducted from April 2016 through May 2018 found that, in many cases, veterans would have been better off making appointments at VA facilities.

"Timeliness of appointments is an essential component of quality health care," the report released Monday said, but poor management and bookkeeping under the Choice program can result in veterans waiting up to 70 days to see a private doctor.

In 2016, the average wait for a private appointment was 51 days, the GAO said, although the VA eligibility rules made private care an option when the veteran had to wait 30 days to see a VA doctor.

"Delays in care have been shown to negatively affect patients' morbidity, mortality, and quality of life," the report said, and the "VA lacks assurance that veterans are receiving care from community providers in a timely manner."

At a White House ceremony Wednesday, Trump is expected to sign the VA Mission Act, which provides $4.2 billion to overhaul and expand the Choice program for private care while consolidating its seven existing care options into one.

The GAO report warned that staff shortages, bureaucratic roadblocks and poor communication between the VA and private doctors under the existing Choice program make a quick fix unlikely.

"To the extent that these factors persist under the consolidated community care program that VA plans to establish, they will continue to adversely affect veterans' access to care," the GAO said.

Citing the problems with Choice detailed in the report, the GAO said, "Ignoring these lessons learned and the challenges that have arisen under the Choice Program as [VA officials] design the future consolidated program would only increase VA's risk for not being able to ensure that all veterans will receive timely access to care in the community."

VA Pledges Action to Correct Problems

The blizzard of acronyms used by the GAO in its report, and by the VA in its response, illustrates the difficulty the individual veteran has in navigating the system.

The GAO called for better coordination among the VA's Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the VA medical centers (VACMs), the VHA's Office of Community Care (OCC), third-party administrators (TPAs), the Computerized Patient Record Systems (CPRS), the Community Care Network (CCN) and private doctors themselves, who often complain of late payments.

In its response to the GAO report, the VA concurred with four of the five recommendations for improving the transition from the Choice program to the VA Mission Act but disagreed with the GAO on urgent care.

The GAO found that "VAMCs and TPAs do not always categorize Choice Program referrals and authorizations in accordance with the contractual definition for urgent care."

The GAO said that a referral to private care is to be marked "urgent" when a VHA doctor determined that it was essential and "if delayed would likely result in unacceptable morbidity or pain." However, the GAO found that some referrals originally marked as routine were changed to urgent to speed up the slow appointment process.

Even that conclusion was difficult to reach because of the VA's lack of reliable records and data, the GAO said. "Without complete, reliable data, VHA cannot determine whether the Choice Program has helped to achieve the goal of alleviating veterans' wait times for care," the GAO said.

In its response to the report, the VA said that the GAO's recommendation on urgent care "is no longer needed because VHA has resolved the issue with the new CCN (Community Care Network) contract."

Under the new contract, VHA staff will have responsibility for scheduling community care appointments with providers, as opposed to the old system in which administrators routed referrals to the TPAs (third-party administrators), the VA said.

In the transition from Choice to the VA Mission Act, the VA will also set up a new referral and authorizations system that will be called "Health Share Referral Manager (HSRM)."

The VA said that HSRM will "measure the time it takes to review and accept consults, prepare referrals and schedule veterans community appointments."

The VA in Flux

The VA Mission Act has been estimated to cost as much as $55 billion over five years. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Georgia, chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, has said that funding sources have yet to be identified, but he was confident they would be found.

When Trump signs the bill Wednesday as one of the major achievements of his administration, he will not have a VA secretary looking over his shoulder.

Robert Wilkie, who had been the Pentagon's undersecretary for personnel and readiness, was named acting secretary after Trump ousted former VA Secretary Dr. David Shulkin in March.

However, Wilkie stepped down as acting secretary last week to get around a law that made it questionable whether an acting secretary could succeed to the permanent post.

Trump has said that he intends to nominate Wilkie to the permanent job, but the Senate has yet to set a date for his confirmation hearing. In the meantime, Peter O'Rourke, who had been the VA chief of staff, has become acting secretary temporarily.

Its major proponents have acknowledged that the VA Mission Act and the overhaul of Choice will be difficult to implement.

At a panel discussion last month sponsored by the Concerned Veterans for America, which lobbied hard for the expansion of private care, Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tennessee, chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, said that putting the VA Mission Act into effect will sorely test the VA.

"Let me tell you, it is a painful thing to do," Roe said. "This is a massive undertaking. It could be very disruptive to the VA. It's humongous."

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
U.S. Army officials are in the final stages of screening possible U.S. cities in search of a location to stand up the service's Futures Command.

In the past three months, a special task force has whittled down a list from 30 to 15 major U.S. cities that could offer the right mix of high-tech industry and academia to place the command that will lead the Army's new modernization effort.

Small teams have started visiting potential cities in an effort to select a handful of recommended sites to present to Army senior leaders for a decision, officials said.

Recent news reports have said the Army had reduced the list to five cities, but Col. Patrick Seiber, spokesman for the Futures Command task force, told Military.com there has been no official decision to reduce the list of 15 potential cities selected a month ago.

Those cities are Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Denver, Dallas, Austin, Houston, Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles.

Army officials have been reluctant to talk on the record about details of the search, but Seiber did confirm that service met with city officials in Boston and Raleigh recently. Citing a source and a letter from Under Secretary Ryan McCarthy, Bloomberg reported this week that both cities were finalists in the Armys search.

Secretary of the Army Mark Esper wants to announce the city selected for Futures Command headquarters by the end of June, Seiber said, adding that the service will not guarantee that all 15 cities on the list will be visited before a decision is made.

Under Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy first announced the plan to select a city for Futures Command HQ in March. The location must have a strong presence of industrial innovation, as well as academic leaders willing to work with Army leaders on the service's massive modernization effort, officials said.

The Army announced its plan in October to build a future force that will ultimately replace its Cold-War era, Big Five combat platforms -- the M1 Abrams tank, Bradley fighting vehicle, Black Hawk helicopter, Apache attack helicopter and Patriot air defense system.

To accomplish this, the Army named six modernization priorities: long-range precision fires, next-generation combat vehicle, Future Vertical Lift, a mobile network, air and missile defense, and soldier lethality.

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.
Absorbing multiple hits from enemy Luftwaffe planes, maneuvering to avoid dangerous Nazi ground weapons and attacking German targets with .50-cal guns, hundreds of United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) B-17 Flying Fortress bombers launched a massive coordinated assault just prior to the D-Day Invasion.

The mission, called Operation Argument, took place on February 20-25, 1944 and was an aggressive Allied bombing attack on German aircraft assembly facilities and factories just months before the D-Day invasion in June 1944. The operation, also called the Big Week, targeted Nazi targets in Poland, Austria and Germany.

The thinking behind the plan was straightforward: entice Germanys Luftwaffe planes into combat by threatening aircraft production facilities in Germany, and use the opportunity to take out as many fighters as possible, establishing air superiority in advance of the D-Day landings.

By the time Big Week ended on the 25th, approximately 3,800 sorties by B17 Flying Fortresses and B24 Liberators had dropped almost 10,000 tons of munitions, roughly the tonnage dropped by Eighth Air Force during the previous year, Dr. Robert Oliver from the U.S. Air Force Historical Support Division told Military.com. Although the damage to factories from the attacks was relatively light, they also resulted in heavy German fighter losses, with U.S. air crews claiming more than 500 German fighters destroyed. Even though that number has been disputed, there is no doubt that Germany lost a large number of planes and pilots that it could not easily replace.

Ultimately, Big Week amounted to an early, unofficial start to the air portions of the Normandy invasion, with the positive outcome of Germany spreading its facilities further apart after the attacks. The raids caused German industry to disperse, introducing inefficiency and rendering the assembly chain vulnerable to disruptions in transportation, Oliver said.

Big Week Leads to the Big Day

More than 10,000 Allied aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, fortified by the successes of the previous Big Week attack.

USAAF A20s, B17s, and B24s attacked beach defenses and launched raids on chokepoints behind the landing zones, as well as dropping warning leaflets for the benefit of the French population, Oliver writes.

Known for an ability to bring air crews home alive despite catastrophic battlefield damage, B-17s were cherished by U.S. and British forces as effective, durable weapons. At the same time, the bombers were supported by Allied P-47 and P-51 fighter aircraft which attacked Nazi guns, and troop formations while helping Allied ground troops.

Air Force historian Billy Harris also cites the Allied air campaigns activities during the Big Week as something which became a decisive factor in the successful D-Day invasion. Harris, a U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa historian, wrote that Allies hit German airfields within 350 miles of the beachhead, forcing the Germans to withdraw fighters to protect Germany itself.

The Allies disrupted aircraft production, said Harris. More importantly, they inflicted severe losses on the Luftwaffe in air-to-air combat as it tried to defend the factories.

A now-historic USAAF C-47, named Thats All, Brother as a message to Hitler, was the transport plane that led the D-Day invasion, according to a report several years ago by Foxtrot Alpha.

Leading a formation of more than 800 aircraft that dropped 13,000 paratroopers behind enemy lines, it was part of one of the biggest aircraft armadas ever, the report states.

Absorbing multiple hits from enemy Luftwaffe planes, maneuvering to avoid dangerous Nazi ground weapons and attacking German targets with .50-cal guns, hundreds of United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) B-17 Flying Fortress bombers launched a massive coordinated assault just prior to the D-Day Invasion.

The mission, called Operation Argument, took place on February 20-25, 1944 and was an aggressive Allied bombing attack on German aircraft assembly facilities and factories just months before the D-Day invasion in June 1944. The operation, also called the Big Week, targeted Nazi targets in Poland, Austria and Germany.

The thinking behind the plan was straightforward: entice Germanys Luftwaffe planes into combat by threatening aircraft production facilities in Germany, and use the opportunity to take out as many fighters as possible, establishing air superiority in advance of the D-Day landings.

By the time Big Week ended on the 25th, approximately 3,800 sorties by B17 Flying Fortresses and B24 Liberators had dropped almost 10,000 tons of munitions, roughly the tonnage dropped by Eighth Air Force during the previous year, Dr. Robert Oliver from the U.S. Air Force Historical Support Division told Military.com. Although the damage to factories from the attacks was relatively light, they also resulted in heavy German fighter losses, with U.S. air crews claiming more than 500 German fighters destroyed. Even though that number has been disputed, there is no doubt that Germany lost a large number of planes and pilots that it could not easily replace.

Ultimately, Big Week amounted to an early, unofficial start to the air portions of the Normandy invasion, with the positive outcome of Germany spreading its facilities further apart after the attacks. The raids caused German industry to disperse, introducing inefficiency and rendering the assembly chain vulnerable to disruptions in transportation, Oliver said.

Big Week Leads to the Big Day

More than 10,000 Allied aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, fortified by the successes of the previous Big Week attack.

USAAF A20s, B17s, and B24s attacked beach defenses and launched raids on chokepoints behind the landing zones, as well as dropping warning leaflets for the benefit of the French population, Oliver writes.

Known for an ability to bring air crews home alive despite catastrophic battlefield damage, B-17s were cherished by U.S. and British forces as effective, durable weapons. At the same time, the bombers were supported by Allied P-47 and P-51 fighter aircraft which attacked Nazi guns, and troop formations while helping Allied ground troops.

Air Force historian Billy Harris also cites the Allied air campaigns activities during the Big Week as something which became a decisive factor in the successful D-Day invasion. Harris, a U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa historian, wrote that Allies hit German airfields within 350 miles of the beachhead, forcing the Germans to withdraw fighters to protect Germany itself.

The Allies disrupted aircraft production, said Harris. More importantly, they inflicted severe losses on the Luftwaffe in air-to-air combat as it tried to defend the factories.

A now-historic USAAF C-47, named Thats All, Brother as a message to Hitler, was the transport plane that led the D-Day invasion, according to a report several years ago by Foxtrot Alpha.

Leading a formation of more than 800 aircraft that dropped 13,000 paratroopers behind enemy lines, it was part of one of the biggest aircraft armadas ever, the report states.
During World War II, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill were responsible for leading their nations to victory and jointly planned strategies for the cooperation and eventual success of the Allied armed forces. Roosevelt and Churchill had already agreed early in the war that Germany must be stopped first if success was to be attained in the Pacific. They were repeatedly urged by Stalin to open a "second front" that would alleviate the enormous pressure that Germany's military was exerting on Russia. Large amounts of Soviet territory had been seized by the Germans, and the Soviet population had suffered terrible casualties from the relentless drive towards Moscow. Roosevelt and Churchill promised to invade Europe, but they could not deliver on their promise until many hurdles were overcome.

Initially, the United States had far too few soldiers in England for the Allies to mount a successful cross-channel operation. Additionally, invading Europe from more than one point would make it harder for Hitler to resupply and reinforce his divisions. In July 1942 Churchill and Roosevelt decided on the goal of occupying North Africa as a springboard to a European invasion from the south.

In November American and British forces under the command of U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower landed at three ports in French Morocco and Algeria. This surprise seizure of Casablanca, Oran, and Algiers came less than a week after the decisive British victory at El Alamein. The stage was set for the expulsion of the Germans from Tunisia in May 1943, the Allied invasion of Sicily and Italy later that summer, and the main assault on France the following year.

Because of this success, Eisenhower was named commander of all Allied forces in Europe in 1943. When in February 1944 he was ordered to invade the continent, planning for "Operation Overlord" had been under way for about a year. Hundreds of thousands of troops from the United States, Great Britain, France,Canada, and other nations were assembled in southern England and intensively trained for the complicated amphibious action against Normandy.

In addition to the troops, supplies, ships, and planes were also gathered. One photograph shows some of the equipment that was stockpiled in this manner. Countless details about weather, topography, and the German forces in France had to be learned before Overlord could be launched in 1944.

General Eisenhower's experience and the Allied troops' preparations were finally put to the test on the morning of June 6, 1944. An invasion force of 4,000 ships, 11,000 planes, and nearly three million soldiers, marines, airmen, and sailors was assembled in England for the assault. Eisenhower's doubts about success in the face of a highly-defended and well-prepared enemy led him to consider what would happen if the invasion of Normandy failed. If the Allies did not secure a strong foothold on D-Day, they would be ordered into a full retreat, and he would be forced to make public the message he drafted for such an occasion. View a large version of the letter here.

As the attack began, Allied troops did confront formidable obstacles. Germany had thousands of soldiers dug into bunkers, defended by artillery, mines, tangled barbed wire, machine guns, and other hazards to prevent landing craft from coming ashore. Document 3 featured with this lesson shows some of the ferocity of the attack they faced. About 4,900 U.S. troops were killed on D-Day, but by the end of the day 155,000 Allied troops were ashore and in control of 80 square miles of the French coast. Eisenhower's letter was not needed, because D-Day was a success, opening Europe to the Allies and a German surrender less than a year later.
Mineral List

Rock Types Recorded

Note: this is a very new system on mindat.org and data is currently VERY limited. Please bear with us while we work towards adding this information!

Select Rock List Type Alphabetical List Tree Diagram

Regional Geology

Located 7.5 km south south east of Kundip.References: Lead, Zinc and Silver Deposits of Western Australia by K.M. Ferguson, published by the GSWA 1999.This site was missed by the historic miners of the early Twentieth Century.Discovered 1997 by Homestake and Tectonic Resources.In 2011, Tectonic Resources announced the results of its exploration programme at the site. It was described as a sed-ex style base metal and precious metal deposit hosted in Proterozoic graphitic shales. It contains copper, gold, silver, lead and zinc. The mineralisation comes in two distinct forms of either copper/gold or copper/gold/silver/lead/zinc.The deposit (according to Ferguson) is located on the south flank of an overturned refolded syncline. Hosted by the Kybulup Schist of quartz-sericite-chlorite, and phyllite, locally muddy dolomite. The anomaly is 3 kms by 500 metres as a sheet or tabular lode, up to 50 metres thick, dipping south-east 30 degrees, striking 400 metres, 30 to 200 metres below the surface.There are three closely spaced ore bodies near the surface, 10-30 metres wide, dipping moderately to the east.Tectonic Resources announced in 2011 a detailed plan to open a processing plant at the site, with an open pit and later small underground mine, with an expected life span of 10 years. Ore from its leases at the nearby Kundip field would also be mined and processed at the plant. However, in June 2012, the leases were sold to Silver Lake Resources, who have announced it would not be developing Trilogy.4 valid minerals.

This geological map and associated information on rock units at or nearby to the coordinates given for this locality is based on relatively small scale geological maps provided by various national Geological Surveys. This does not necessarily represent the complete geology at this locality but it gives a background for the region in which it is found.

Click on geological units on the map for more information. Click here to view full-screen map on Macrostrat.org

ultramafic rocks 74480 Age: Archean (2500 - 4000 Ma) Description: Komatiite, peridotite, ultramafic schists, serpentinite, pyroxenite, dunite, amphibolite after pyroxenite; silica cap rock; local u/m pyroclastics; dolerite-textured high-Mg basalt, metapyroxenite and serpentinised peridotite Comments: igneous ultramafic intrusive; igneous ultramafic volcanic; synthesis of multiple published descriptions Lithology: Igneous ultramafic intrusive; igneous ultramafic volcanic Reference: Raymond, O.L., Liu, S., Gallagher, R., Zhang, W., Highet, L.M. Surface Geology of Australia 1:1 million scale dataset 2012 edition. Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia). [5] Archean crystalline metamorphic rocks Age: Archean (2500 - 3200 Ma) Comments: Yilgarn Craton Lithology: Gneiss Reference: Chorlton, L.B. Generalized geology of the world: bedrock domains and major faults in GIS format: a small-scale world geology map with an extended geological attribute database. doi: 10.4095/223767. Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 5529. [154]

Data and map coding provided by Macrostrat.org, used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License

This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.

References

External Links
Key

Select Mineral List Type Standard Detailed Gallery Strunz Dana Chemical Elements

Detailed Mineral List:  Asbolane Formula: (Ni,Co) 2-x Mn4+(O,OH) 4  nH 2 O Reference: Putzolu, F., Balassone, G., Boni, M., Maczurad, M., Mondillo, N., Najorka, J., & Pirajno, F. (2018). Mineralogical association and Ni-Co deportment in the Wingellina oxide-type laterite deposit (Western Australia). Ore Geology Reviews.  Birnessite Formula: (Na,Ca) 0.5 (Mn4+,Mn3+) 2 O 4  1.5H 2 O Reference: Putzolu, F., Balassone, G., Boni, M., Maczurad, M., Mondillo, N., Najorka, J., & Pirajno, F. (2018). Mineralogical association and Ni-Co deportment in the Wingellina oxide-type laterite deposit (Western Australia). Ore Geology Reviews.  'Chlorite Group' Reference: Francesco, P., Santoro, L., Maria, B., Balassone, G., Abad, I., Cappelletti, P., ... & Najorka, J. (2019). Genesis of phyllosilicates in the Wingellina Ni-Co laterite deposit (Western Australia). In Congresso SIMP-SGI-SOGEI 2019-Il tempo del pianeta Terra e il tempo delluomo: Le geoscienze fra passato e futuro (pp. 119-119). Societa Geologica Italiana.  Chromite Formula: Fe2+Cr3+ 2 O 4 Reference: Maier, W. D., Howard, H. M., Smithies, R. H., Yang, S., Barnes, S. J., O'Brien, H., ... & Gardoll, S. J. (2014). Mafic-ultramafic intrusions of the Giles event, Western Australia: Petrogenesis and prospectivity for magmatic ore deposits. GSWA Report 134  'Chrysoprase' Colour: pale green Description: Veins cutting the laterites Reference: Outback Mining Company; Maier, W. D., Howard, H. M., Smithies, R. H., Yang, S., Barnes, S. J., O'Brien, H., ... & Gardoll, S. J. (2014). Mafic-ultramafic intrusions of the Giles event, Western Australia: Petrogenesis and prospectivity for magmatic ore deposits. GSWA Report 134  Ernienickelite Formula: NiMn 3 O 7  3H 2 O Reference: Putzolu, F., Balassone, G., Boni, M., Maczurad, M., Mondillo, N., Najorka, J., & Pirajno, F. (2018). Mineralogical association and Ni-Co deportment in the Wingellina oxide-type laterite deposit (Western Australia). Ore Geology Reviews.  'Fayalite-Forsterite Series' Reference: Maier, W. D., Howard, H. M., Smithies, R. H., Yang, S., Barnes, S. J., O'Brien, H., ... & Gardoll, S. J. (2014). Mafic-ultramafic intrusions of the Giles event, Western Australia: Petrogenesis and prospectivity for magmatic ore deposits. GSWA Report 134  Forsterite Formula: Mg 2 SiO 4 Reference: Maier, W. D., Howard, H. M., Smithies, R. H., Yang, S., Barnes, S. J., O'Brien, H., ... & Gardoll, S. J. (2014). Mafic-ultramafic intrusions of the Giles event, Western Australia: Petrogenesis and prospectivity for magmatic ore deposits. GSWA Report 134  'Garnierite' Reference: Francesco, P., Santoro, L., Maria, B., Balassone, G., Abad, I., Cappelletti, P., ... & Najorka, J. (2019). Genesis of phyllosilicates in the Wingellina Ni-Co laterite deposit (Western Australia). In Congresso SIMP-SGI-SOGEI 2019-Il tempo del pianeta Terra e il tempo delluomo: Le geoscienze fra passato e futuro (pp. 119-119). Societa Geologica Italiana.  Gibbsite Formula: Al(OH) 3 Reference: Maier, W. D., Howard, H. M., Smithies, R. H., Yang, S., Barnes, S. J., O'Brien, H., ... & Gardoll, S. J. (2014). Mafic-ultramafic intrusions of the Giles event, Western Australia: Petrogenesis and prospectivity for magmatic ore deposits. GSWA Report 134  Goethite Formula: -Fe3+O(OH) Reference: Maier, W. D., Howard, H. M., Smithies, R. H., Yang, S., Barnes, S. J., O'Brien, H., ... & Gardoll, S. J. (2014). Mafic-ultramafic intrusions of the Giles event, Western Australia: Petrogenesis and prospectivity for magmatic ore deposits. GSWA Report 134  Jianshuiite Formula: (Mg,Mn,Ca)Mn 3 O 7  3H 2 O Reference: Putzolu, F., Balassone, G., Boni, M., Maczurad, M., Mondillo, N., Najorka, J., & Pirajno, F. (2018). Mineralogical association and Ni-Co deportment in the Wingellina oxide-type laterite deposit (Western Australia). Ore Geology Reviews.  Kaolinite Formula: Al 2 (Si 2 O 5 )(OH) 4 Reference: Maier, W. D., Howard, H. M., Smithies, R. H., Yang, S., Barnes, S. J., O'Brien, H., ... & Gardoll, S. J. (2014). Mafic-ultramafic intrusions of the Giles event, Western Australia: Petrogenesis and prospectivity for magmatic ore deposits. GSWA Report 134 Francesco, P., Santoro, L., Maria, B., Balassone, G., Abad, I., Cappelletti, P., ... & Najorka, J. (2019). Genesis of phyllosilicates in the Wingellina Ni-Co laterite deposit (Western Australia). In Congresso SIMP-SGI-SOGEI 2019-Il tempo del pianeta Terra e il tempo delluomo: Le geoscienze fra passato e futuro (pp. 119-119). Societa Geologica Italiana.  'Limonite' Reference: http://www.metalsx.com.au/ Francesco, P., Santoro, L., Maria, B., Balassone, G., Abad, I., Cappelletti, P., ... & Najorka, J. (2019). Genesis of phyllosilicates in the Wingellina Ni-Co laterite deposit (Western Australia). In Congresso SIMP-SGI-SOGEI 2019-Il tempo del pianeta Terra e il tempo delluomo: Le geoscienze fra passato e futuro (pp. 119-119). Societa Geologica Italiana.  Lithiophorite Formula: (Al,Li)MnO 2 (OH) 2 Reference: Putzolu, F., Balassone, G., Boni, M., Maczurad, M., Mondillo, N., Najorka, J., & Pirajno, F. (2018). Mineralogical association and Ni-Co deportment in the Wingellina oxide-type laterite deposit (Western Australia). Ore Geology Reviews.  'Manganese Oxides' Reference: http://www.metalsx.com.au/  Manganite Formula: Mn3+O(OH) Reference: Putzolu, F., Balassone, G., Boni, M., Maczurad, M., Mondillo, N., Najorka, J., & Pirajno, F. (2018). Mineralogical association and Ni-Co deportment in the Wingellina oxide-type laterite deposit (Western Australia). Ore Geology Reviews.  Montmorillonite Formula: (Na,Ca) 0.33 (Al,Mg) 2 (Si 4 O 10 )(OH) 2  nH 2 O Reference: Francesco, P., Santoro, L., Maria, B., Balassone, G., Abad, I., Cappelletti, P., ... & Najorka, J. (2019). Genesis of phyllosilicates in the Wingellina Ni-Co laterite deposit (Western Australia). In Congresso SIMP-SGI-SOGEI 2019-Il tempo del pianeta Terra e il tempo delluomo: Le geoscienze fra passato e futuro (pp. 119-119). Societa Geologica Italiana.  Nontronite Formula: Na 0.3 Fe 2 ((Si,Al) 4 O 10 )(OH) 2  nH 2 O Reference: Francesco, P., Santoro, L., Maria, B., Balassone, G., Abad, I., Cappelletti, P., ... & Najorka, J. (2019). Genesis of phyllosilicates in the Wingellina Ni-Co laterite deposit (Western Australia). In Congresso SIMP-SGI-SOGEI 2019-Il tempo del pianeta Terra e il tempo delluomo: Le geoscienze fra passato e futuro (pp. 119-119). Societa Geologica Italiana.  'Olivine Group' Formula: M 2 SiO 4 Reference: Francesco, P., Santoro, L., Maria, B., Balassone, G., Abad, I., Cappelletti, P., ... & Najorka, J. (2019). Genesis of phyllosilicates in the Wingellina Ni-Co laterite deposit (Western Australia). In Congresso SIMP-SGI-SOGEI 2019-Il tempo del pianeta Terra e il tempo delluomo: Le geoscienze fra passato e futuro (pp. 119-119). Societa Geologica Italiana.  'Plagioclase' Formula: (Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi 2 ]O 8 Reference: Maier, W. D., Howard, H. M., Smithies, R. H., Yang, S., Barnes, S. J., O'Brien, H., ... & Gardoll, S. J. (2014). Mafic-ultramafic intrusions of the Giles event, Western Australia: Petrogenesis and prospectivity for magmatic ore deposits. GSWA Report 134 Francesco, P., Santoro, L., Maria, B., Balassone, G., Abad, I., Cappelletti, P., ... & Najorka, J. (2019). Genesis of phyllosilicates in the Wingellina Ni-Co laterite deposit (Western Australia). In Congresso SIMP-SGI-SOGEI 2019-Il tempo del pianeta Terra e il tempo delluomo: Le geoscienze fra passato e futuro (pp. 119-119). Societa Geologica Italiana.  'Pyroxene Group' Formula: ADSi 2 O 6 Reference: Francesco, P., Santoro, L., Maria, B., Balassone, G., Abad, I., Cappelletti, P., ... & Najorka, J. (2019). Genesis of phyllosilicates in the Wingellina Ni-Co laterite deposit (Western Australia). In Congresso SIMP-SGI-SOGEI 2019-Il tempo del pianeta Terra e il tempo delluomo: Le geoscienze fra passato e futuro (pp. 119-119). Societa Geologica Italiana.  Romanechite Formula: (Ba,H 2 O) 2 (Mn4+,Mn3+) 5 O 10 Reference: Putzolu, F., Balassone, G., Boni, M., Maczurad, M., Mondillo, N., Najorka, J., & Pirajno, F. (2018). Mineralogical association and Ni-Co deportment in the Wingellina oxide-type laterite deposit (Western Australia). Ore Geology Reviews.  Saponite Formula: Ca 0.25 (Mg,Fe) 3 ((Si,Al) 4 O 10 )(OH) 2  nH 2 O Reference: Francesco, P., Santoro, L., Maria, B., Balassone, G., Abad, I., Cappelletti, P., ... & Najorka, J. (2019). Genesis of phyllosilicates in the Wingellina Ni-Co laterite deposit (Western Australia). In Congresso SIMP-SGI-SOGEI 2019-Il tempo del pianeta Terra e il tempo delluomo: Le geoscienze fra passato e futuro (pp. 119-119). Societa Geologica Italiana.  'Serpentine Subgroup' Formula: D 3 [Si 2 O 5 ](OH) 4 Reference: Francesco, P., Santoro, L., Maria, B., Balassone, G., Abad, I., Cappelletti, P., ... & Najorka, J. (2019). Genesis of phyllosilicates in the Wingellina Ni-Co laterite deposit (Western Australia). In Congresso SIMP-SGI-SOGEI 2019-Il tempo del pianeta Terra e il tempo delluomo: Le geoscienze fra passato e futuro (pp. 119-119). Societa Geologica Italiana.  'Smectite Group' Formula: A 0.3 D 2-3 [T 4 O 10 ]Z 2  nH 2 O Reference: Francesco, P., Santoro, L., Maria, B., Balassone, G., Abad, I., Cappelletti, P., ... & Najorka, J. (2019). Genesis of phyllosilicates in the Wingellina Ni-Co laterite deposit (Western Australia). In Congresso SIMP-SGI-SOGEI 2019-Il tempo del pianeta Terra e il tempo delluomo: Le geoscienze fra passato e futuro (pp. 119-119). Societa Geologica Italiana.  Talc Formula: Mg 3 Si 4 O 10 (OH) 2 Reference: Francesco, P., Santoro, L., Maria, B., Balassone, G., Abad, I., Cappelletti, P., ... & Najorka, J. (2019). Genesis of phyllosilicates in the Wingellina Ni-Co laterite deposit (Western Australia). In Congresso SIMP-SGI-SOGEI 2019-Il tempo del pianeta Terra e il tempo delluomo: Le geoscienze fra passato e futuro (pp. 119-119). Societa Geologica Italiana.

Gallery:

References

Sort by Year (asc) Year (desc) Author (A-Z) Author (Z-A)

Maier, W. D., Howard, H. M., Smithies, R. H., Yang, S., Barnes, S. J., O'Brien, H., ... & Gardoll, S. J. (2014). Mafic-ultramafic intrusions of the Giles event, Western Australia: Petrogenesis and prospectivity for magmatic ore deposits. Hinckley Range Pty Ltd (2015) Wingellina Nickel Project Public Environmental Review Putzolu, F., Balassone, G., Boni, M., Maczurad, M., Mondillo, N., Najorka, J., & Pirajno, F. (2018). Mineralogical association and Ni-Co deportment in the Wingellina oxide-type laterite deposit (Western Australia). Ore Geology Reviews. Francesco, P., Santoro, L., Maria, B., Balassone, G., Abad, I., Cappelletti, P., ... & Najorka, J. (2019). Genesis of phyllosilicates in the Wingellina Ni-Co laterite deposit (Western Australia). In Congresso SIMP-SGI-SOGEI 2019-Il tempo del pianeta Terra e il tempo delluomo: Le geoscienze fra passato e futuro (pp. 119-119). Societa Geologica Italiana.

External Links

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.

Oxidic iron-rich nickel-cobalt deposit in deeply weathered ultramafic rocks. Discovered in the 1970s.Located on Aboriginal land in the remote central east sector of Western Australia close to the South Australian border.One source states discovered in 1950's and the other 1970's both by Inco. ( it also states Tollu discovered in 1957 by Inco). Little more was done for 25 years due to a ban on mining by the local aboriginal land council. This has been relaxed in recent years. Metals X presently controls the deposit, along with Claude Hills in South Australia, 30 kilometres to the east. Wingellina is one of the world's largest nickeliferous oxide limonite deposits. Metals X is seeking a financial partner to develop the site, however its remoteness, lack of infrasture and distance from a port has prevented any such developments.The band of mineralization occurs up to 600 metres wide along a 10 kilometre strike and usually 80-100 metres below the surface. The band trends north-west to south-east immediately north-east to east of the Wingellina indigenous community. The resource is 167 MT at 1% Ni and 0.08% Co. Should a mine ever develop, its estimated life would be 46 years producing 40,000 tonnes of nickel and 3000 tonnes of cobalt per annum.Such an important mineral occurrence should have more geology information printed about it, however its apparent simply geology being nickel grades in clay seems to discourage scientific investigation. The prospect is hosted within ultramafic rocks of the Wingellina layered intrusive complex. The deep oxidation of the ultramafic rocks has resulted in the formation of significant iron-rich nickel/cobalt oxides. The exposure of ocherous clays highlights the presence of outcropping nickel oxide mineralization over wide areas of the deposit.Nickel grades are associated with yellow-brown and red-brown ochre stained iron-rich clays, developed over dunite in the layered sequence. High-grade cobalt bands are associated with discrete manganese oxides within the oxide profiles.One source states gem quality chrysoprase is associated with the ocherous clays. The gemstone also occurs at the nearby Wingellina prospect, and in the region at Jamieson and Claude Hills.Access is not possible as the sites are on aboriginal reserves.
Mineral List

No mineral species recorded.

Rock Types Recorded

Note: this is a very new system on mindat.org and data is currently VERY limited. Please bear with us while we work towards adding this information!

Select Rock List Type Alphabetical List Tree Diagram



Entries shown in red are rocks recorded for this region.

Superficial deposit Residual deposit  Bauxite

Entries shown in red are rocks recorded for this region.

Regional Geology

10 kilometres east of Dwellingup. Site of the 1957 exploration pit which verified the extensive and economic bauxite deposits across the Darling Range. A new company called Alcoa was formed, and the first mine opened near Jarrahdale in 1963, sending ore to a new refinery on the coast near Kwinana.Most bauxites in Australia are lateritic, formed by intense weathering of various rock formations. The alumina in lateritic bauxite is mainly in the form of gibbsite, an aluminium oxide trihydrate.The Darling Range region produces 16% of the world's alumina. Australia has huge deposits of bauxite, the mineral also mined at Weipa in northern Queensland, and Gove, an island in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Northern Territory. The Mitchell Plateau deposit in the Kimberley, Western Australia, remains undeveloped due to the region's remoteness.Plavin's Pit is signposted from the Dwellingup to Boddington Road, with information boards explaining the discovery of the ore at the site.

This geological map and associated information on rock units at or nearby to the coordinates given for this locality is based on relatively small scale geological maps provided by various national Geological Surveys. This does not necessarily represent the complete geology at this locality but it gives a background for the region in which it is found.

Click on geological units on the map for more information. Click here to view full-screen map on Macrostrat.org

Archean crystalline metamorphic rocks Age: Archean (2500 - 3200 Ma) Comments: Yilgarn Craton Lithology: Amphibolite/granulite grade orthogneiss Reference: Chorlton, L.B. Generalized geology of the world: bedrock domains and major faults in GIS format: a small-scale world geology map with an extended geological attribute database. doi: 10.4095/223767. Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 5529. [154] felsic intrusives 74292 Age: Archean (2500 - 4000 Ma) Description: Undifferentiated felsic intrusive rocks, including monzogranite, granodiorite, granite, tonalite, quartz monzonite, syenogranite, diorite, monzodiorite, pegmatite. Locally metamorphosed, foliated, gneissic. Local abundant mafic and ultramafic inclusions Comments: igneous felsic intrusive; igneous intermediate intrusive; synthesis of multiple published descriptions Lithology: Igneous felsic intrusive; igneous intermediate intrusive Reference: Raymond, O.L., Liu, S., Gallagher, R., Zhang, W., Highet, L.M. Surface Geology of Australia 1:1 million scale dataset 2012 edition. Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia). [5]

Data and map coding provided by Macrostrat.org, used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License

This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.

References
Key

Select Mineral List Type Standard Detailed Strunz Dana Chemical Elements

Detailed Mineral List:  Azurite Formula: Cu 3 (CO 3 ) 2 (OH) 2 Reference: Visual ID specimens Kim Macdonald/various historic newspaper reports  Chalcopyrite Formula: CuFeS 2 Reference: Simpson, E.S. (1948), Minerals of Western Australia, Vol 1, p 441  Gold Formula: Au Reference: Visual ID specimens Kim Macdonald/various historic newspaper reports  Malachite Formula: Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 Reference: Visual ID specimens Kim Macdonald/various historic newspaper reports  Quartz Formula: SiO 2 Reference: Visual ID specimens Kim Macdonald/various historic newspaper reports

List of minerals arranged by Strunz 10th Edition classification Group 1 - Elements  Gold 1.AA.05 Au Group 2 - Sulphides and Sulfosalts  Chalcopyrite 2.CB.10a CuFeS 2 Group 4 - Oxides and Hydroxides  Quartz 4.DA.05 SiO 2 Group 5 - Nitrates and Carbonates  Azurite 5.BA.05 Cu 3 (CO 3 ) 2 (OH) 2  Malachite 5.BA.10 Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2

List of minerals arranged by Dana 8th Edition classification Group 1 - NATIVE ELEMENTS AND ALLOYS Metals, other than the Platinum Group  Gold 1.1.1.1 Au Group 2 - SULFIDES A m B n X p , with (m+n):p = 1:1  Chalcopyrite 2.9.1.1 CuFeS 2 Group 16a - ANHYDROUS CARBONATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN  Azurite 16a.2.1.1 Cu 3 (CO 3 ) 2 (OH) 2  Malachite 16a.3.1.1 Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 Group 75 - TECTOSILICATES Si Tetrahedral Frameworks Si Tetrahedral Frameworks - SiO 2 with [4] coordinated Si  Quartz 75.1.3.1 SiO 2

List of minerals for each chemical element H Hydrogen H  Azurite Cu 3 (CO 3 ) 2 (OH) 2 H  Malachite Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 C Carbon C  Azurite Cu 3 (CO 3 ) 2 (OH) 2 C  Malachite Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 O Oxygen O  Azurite Cu 3 (CO 3 ) 2 (OH) 2 O  Malachite Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 O  Quartz SiO 2 Si Silicon Si  Quartz SiO 2 S Sulfur S  Chalcopyrite CuFeS 2 Fe Iron Fe  Chalcopyrite CuFeS 2 Cu Copper Cu  Azurite Cu 3 (CO 3 ) 2 (OH) 2 Cu  Malachite Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 Cu  Chalcopyrite CuFeS 2 Au Gold Au  Gold Au

References

Sort by Year (asc) Year (desc) Author (A-Z) Author (Z-A)

Western Argus newspaper (Kalgoorlie) (1933): Mining Yilgarn District Mr Cornell's Tour (01 Aug 1933) The Argus newspaper (Melbourne) (1934): Fatality at Mine (23 Jan 1934) Western Mail newspaper (Perth) (1910): The Phillips River Field (19 Nov 1910) The West Australian newspaper (Perth) (1934): Raventhorpe Activities (22 Apr 1934) Kalgoorlie Western Argus newspaper (1907): Ravensthorpe Mining (19 Feb 1907) Kalgoorlie Miner newspaper (1938): Phillips River Field (21 Oct 1938) Western Mail newspaper (Perth) (1901): Phillips River Goldfield Wardens Report for 1900 (23 Mar 1901)

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.

There are many small historic mines in the Ravensthorpe district, but most have been lost to time. The Maori Queen Mine is considered the pioneer lease on the field, being the first applied for in the Warden's Court. It is at the northern end of the field, approximately 5 kilometres north north-east of Ravensthorpe at the base of the ranges.The mine was established sometime in 1900 by Melbourne based Phillips River Gold Mining Company. A ten head battery, small cyanide plant, small headframe, dam, and a shaft sunk eventually to 67 metres went in. In 1902 a very rich chute was encountered at the 14 metre mark, but little ore was found below this. It appears the mine closed around 1905, and from this point on it was worked as small enterprises of individuals or pairs of prospectors.The mine re-opened in 1907 by propectors Heatherhill and Hughes. The lease, battery and plant was purchased by Paul Cherighan in November 1910 for 115 pounds. The mine closed again in 1913.In 1933 the battery was removed to Kundip.Encouraged by high gold prices, the lease was taken up by Norman Bateman and P O'Shea later in 1933. In January 1934, Bateman was killed at the mine in a rockfall.In 1938, a further two prospectors called Webb and Trapp were working the old mine, and planned to follow shoots south from the shaft. They were also retreating the old mullock pile. A mine inspectors report for that year notes: the Maori Queen Mine is showing very indifferent results, and a small portable compressor is in use. The mine was permanently abandoned shortly after.
Jake Crandall

By Taylor DesOrmeau

BROOKLYN, MI -- Last-lap passes, a bar on wheels, retiring legends and trips to prison highlighted the 2017 season at Michigan International Speedway.

NASCAR rolls back into the Irish Hills for the first of two 2018 race weekends, with the FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday, June 10.

Here's a reminder of the top storylines from last year.

Don't Edit

Jake Crandall

Larson sweeps Michigan

Using a pair of perfectly-timed passes on restarts, Kyle Larson took both NASCAR Cup Series races at MIS in 2017. He outmuscled Kyle Busch to win in June and made a risky four-wide move to steal the lead late in the August race.

Larson, 25, has three consecutive wins at MIS -- one shy of the record set by Bill Elliott in 1985 and 1986.

June: Kyle Larson 'plays chicken' on late restart, drives Lightning McQueen car to victory

August: Dicey four-wide pass helps Kyle Larson 'steal' third straight win at MIS

Don't Edit

Jake Crandall

Rochester Hills native wins first MIS pole

Brad Keselowski is still without a Cup Series win at his home track, but grabbed a consolation accolade in August. With an average speed of 203.097, the Rochester Hills driver earned the top starting spot for the Pure Michigan 400, but would finish the race 17th.

"When I saw that we were going to win the pole those last few seconds of qualifying, it put chills down my body," Keselowski said. "It's a great feeling. It's a special track for me to have any kind of success at."

His lap also marked the fastest qualifying speed at any track in 2017.

Michigan's Brad Keselowski gets 'chills' winning first career pole at MIS

Don't Edit

Jake Crandall

Earnhardt Jr. says farewell

In his final trips to MIS before retiring, Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished ninth and 14th. Two of his 26 career wins came in the Irish Hills, in 2008 and 2012.

The goodbye tour didn't move through without fanfare -- the track gifted him a framed photo of the driver posing at MIS with his father and brother in 2000. It was the only time the three raced together in the same Cup Series event.

Earnhardt Jr. also reminisced about an International Race of Champions MIS race in 1999, where he battled his father in the waning laps for a victory. The elder Earnhardt took the lead on the final lap and won by 0.007 seconds.

"I went into victory lane and he would not even acknowledge that I almost beat him," Earnhardt Jr. said. "He was like, 'Yeah, look at me, my trophy. How about that, Dale Jr.?'"

While Earnhardt Jr. won't be in a race car, he will be back to MIS in August as part of NBC's broadcast team.

Don't Edit

Jake Crandall

A different set of wheels

Not everything at MIS is powered by gasoline.

An Ann Arbor-based business was a hit in the infield, boasting a bar on wheels. High Five Pedal Tours brought its bicycle bar to the track, allowing fans to stroll around the pits while sitting around a bar with buddies.

The mobile bar is powered by patron pedaling -- although the battery can be utilized when needed.

Take a ride on the bicycle bar through the infield at MIS

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Jake Crandall

People-watching finds

The bicycle bar wasn't the only odd find in the campgrounds of MIS in 2017.

Other artifacts included modified old school buses, couches on wheels, tricycles equipped with race tires and decked out RVs.

Hillbilly to high-end: 21 people-watching finds at MIS

Earnhardt to heartburn: Odd items found around MIS campgrounds

Don't Edit

Jake Crandall

Ash-spreading on the asphalt

While NASCAR fan Mark Wilson died from lung disease earlier in 2017, his presence found a way to the track in June.

Wilson's ashes were spread across the start/finish line and near the scoring pylon. Friends said they planned to take a drink in his honor every time the TV showed either spot.

Don't Edit

Jake Crandall

First black driver to win at MIS

A three-wide pass propelled Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr. to the lead with 11 laps to go in the Truck Series race in 2017. He'd hold on to win, becoming the first black driver to win a NASCAR race at MIS.

Wallace lost his Xfinity Series ride partway through the season and was signed on for one week to race the truck.

He eventually earned a Cup Series ride with Richard Petty Motorsports for 2018. Wallace finished second in this year's Daytona 500.

Unemployed a week ago, Darrell Wallace Jr. becomes first black driver to win at MIS

Don't Edit

Jake Crandall

Second-closest finish in MIS history

Making a pass in the final corner of the final lap, Denny Hamlin defeated William Byron by 0.012 seconds in the Irish Hills 250 Xfinity Series race in 2017. The pair of drivers swapped the lead multiple times on the final lap.

Byron would earn his first career win the following week, and go on to win four races, the Xfinity Series championship and earn a Cup Series ride in the Hendrick Motorsports No. 24 car for 2018.

In closest Xfinity finish in MIS history, Denny Hamlin tops 19-year-old rookie

Don't Edit

Jake Crandall

'Encumbered' victories

Both Wallace's and Hamlin's MIS victories came at a cost, as both cars failed post-race inspection.

The victories were determined to be "encumbered," which led to fines, suspensions and a loss of points for both teams. But their names in the record books remain unchanged.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Claire Abendroth

A free ride to prison

Many willing race fans hopped aboard a bus headed for prison -- as the track hosted tours to Jackson's Cell Block 7 prison museum. In an effort to enhance the race-week experience, MIS also took fans to the Jackson County Fair and Jackson's Grand River Brewery.

"I ran into a guy here that had been coming for 46 years and had never left the track property. He said the bus ride for him was the difference," MIS President Rick Brenner said. "You pitch your campsite, you have a few beers and you're not going to get in your car."

The bus tours are returning in 2018, with June trips to a golf outing and the prison museum.

Don't Edit

Jake Crandall

Detroit Lion sits atop pit box

Detroit Lions safety Don Carey took in his first MIS race during the ARCA Racing Series Friday night event, sitting on Kyle Weatherman's pit box. Logos from Carey's REECH Foundation decorated the left and right rear quarter panels on Weatherman's race car.

Weatherman led most of the race before smacking the wall in the final laps, allowing Brandon Jones to take the win.

"I'm just excited to take in the entire experience. I don't know really what to expect, but I know I'm going to be excited," Carey said before the race. "This is my first race. If we win today, (I guess) I'm the good luck charm."

Detroit Lion takes in MIS race on pit box, has foundation logo on race car

Don't Edit

Jake Crandall

Michigan rookie nearly snags first victory

Following a 13th place finish in his first Cup Series race at MIS, Byron's Erik Jones had a strong showing in the August event.

With two laps to go, Jones lined up in second place for the final restart. After going four-wide into Turn 1, he'd drop a spot to finish third. It marked Jones' best career finish, although he'd finish second the following week at Bristol.

Jones returns to MIS in 2018 with a new team, switching from the No. 77 Furniture Row Racing Toyota to the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota.

Keselowski, Jones fall short of becoming first Michigander to win at MIS

Mulleted Michigan rookie starting to show personality, speed on NASCAR circuit

Don't Edit

MLive file photo

TV ratings dip

Attendance figures are no longer released, leaving the next best measuring stick to be television ratings.

The June and August races had 3.14 million and 3.16 million viewers, respectively -- both down slightly from 2016. The June 2018 numbers could see an artificial spike, however, as the race will be broadcast on Fox instead of FS1.

Don't Edit

Jake Crandall

2018 schedule

Here's the schedule for this weekend's events at MIS:

Cup Series qualifying: 4:10 p.m. Friday

ARCA Racing Series Zomongo 200: 5:30 p.m. Friday

Xfinity Series LTi Printing 250: 1:30 p.m. Saturday

Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400: 2 p.m. Sunday

Don't Edit
live bse live

nse live Volume Todays L/H More 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday gave its approval for Capital First Ltd.s merger with IDFC Bank. The merger is expected to be completed in the next 4-5 months.

After the RBI approval, now we have NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal) and shareholder approval that is pending4-5 months is what we are expecting to get the NCLT process to go through. There are usual caveats in place and we are hopeful it will get through, said V. Vaidyanathan, founder and executive chairman, Capital First, told Moneycontrol.

The banking regulator conveyed no objection for the voluntary amalgamation of Capital First, Capital First Home Finance and Capital First Securities with IDFC Bank, subject to compliance with the terms and conditions specified therein, the Mumbai-based non-banking financial company (NBFC) said in a statement to the exchanges.

The merger process remains subject to approval from the respective shareholders and creditors of the amalgamated company and the amalgamating companies, NCLT and other statutory and regulatory approvals, if any.

Apart from the RBI, the merger process has got approval from Competition Commission of India (CCI), National Housing Board (NHB), NSE, BSE and markets regulator SEBI.

The merger, first announced on January 13, will create a lender with a portfolio diversified across large corporate lending largely from IDFC Banks books and small and medium enterprise loans and retail portfolio, the strength of Capital First.

Vaidyanathan will succeed Rajiv Lall to be the chief executive officer and managing director of the merged bank, which is yet to get a new name.

Also Read: A dream come true for Capital First, but challenges ahead for Vaidyanathan

Shareholding pattern

As per the agreement, IDFC Bank will issue 139 shares for every 10 shares of Capital First. The assets under management (AUM) of the combined entity are pegged at Rs 88,000 crore.

In the merged entity, IDFC Ltd (holding company of IDFC Bank) will need to hold 40 percent as per RBI requirements. Under the current scheme of arrangement, IDFC Ltds stake in the merged entity will stand at 38 percent.

Before the merger is consummated, as in, before the shares of swapped, they (IDFC) will have to buy from the market or any other route, maybe bilaterally, Vaidyanathan said.

Capital First will not raise any fresh equity for the same.

The deal will allow IDFC Bank to grow its retail book, which it has been unable to do in the last two-and-a-half years since it started its banking operations.

On the growth ahead once the merger is complete, Vaidyanathan said, Liabilities is what we will focus on, in the first phaseIts just a starting up stage but the opportunity to grow is huge.
(Image: Reuters)

live bse live

nse live Volume Todays L/H More 

For the second year in a row, drugmaker Natco Pharma has rewarded its employees with a one-time special bonus even as peers, both large and small, are tightening their purse strings besieged with pricing pressure in the US coupled with lacklustre growth in domestic formulation market.

The bonus payout coincides with Natco's dream run with profits and sales for the consecutive year.

In FY17  the net profit rose three-fold to Rs 486 crore on YoY basis, and in FY18 it further jumped 43 percent to Rs 695 crore against a Rs 2,242-crore revenue. EBITDA margins stood at 33.5 percent and 43.2 percent in the last two years respectively  the highest among the peers.

Natco reaped those profits and margins on the back of windfall gains it made on 75 -days marketing exclusivity of generic Tamiflu in FY17 and limited competition of generic Copaxone in US.

Roche's Tamiflu generically called as Oseltamivir is an antiviral drug to treat flu caused by influenza virus, Teva's blockbuster drug Copaxone called Glatiramer Acetate is used in treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Copaxone is expected to deliver another windfall in FY19 for Natco, before tapering-off slowly in FY20 with the launches from other generic rivals.

That windfall hasn't come easy. It came with a decade of trials and tribulations. Copaxone is considered to be highly complex and difficult to copy. The drug is built on peptide chemistry or chemically synthesising protein (biological) molecules.

One analyst even said the approval was a learning curve for USFDA itself given the characterisation challenges.

Litigation was another hurdle to scale for Natco. It had to overcome the might of Teva for which Copaxone is a cash cow. Teva pooled in all of its legal resources to block the generic's entry as Copaxone generates 50 percent of the company's profits.

Near death

Natco isn't a new kid on the block. The company was founded in 1981 by US-returned technocrat-turned-entrepreneur Chowdary V Nannapaneni, three years before Dr Anji Reddy set up Dr Reddys Laboratories.

Led by Nannapaneni, a formulation scientist, the company was never short of chemistry know-how and strategies required to succeed in the generic industry. It, however, lost its way as the bet to get into bulk drugs or active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) failed to take-off.

Adding to that the unrelated diversification into infrastructure in the late '90s also took away the focus of the top management. Though the company won a bid to set up port at Krishnapatnam in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, it had to shelve the project due to financial difficulties.

"They were far ahead of every other company in sustained and controlled release formulation technologies at one point of time, they developed popular brand medication called Coldact. They mastered the pellet technology (the drug release is faster in pellet), they were doing pretty well," said Srinivas Lanka, pharma consultant who has had large stints at several large Indian drug makers.

"Somewhere in 1998-99, they became ambitious  they got into bulk drugs, biotechnology through fermentation plant. They established vitamins manufacturing plant near Chennai, put up major R&D centres in Hyderabad. They got into diversification with Krishnapatnam port development. The growth that they were expecting, however, didn't come through. They had a lot of problems with bankers, they became NPA," Lanka said.

The company was on the verge of being referred to the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR). A change in business strategy with some financial re-engineering lent the company a new lease of life. The company sold off its key brands to Sun Pharma in 1998, and became a contract manufacturer.

Lanka was executive director at Sun Pharma when the sale took place.

"Nannapaneni was a benevolent man. People loved working for him and in all those difficult years he never fired anyone," Lanka added.

The recovery was a slow and painful process. Even as its Hyderabad-based counterparts Dr Reddy's, Aurobindo Pharma and Divis Labs surged ahead becoming billion dollar companies in sales in the ensuing decade, Natco remained stagnant.

Recovery and growth

But it was Nannapaneni's son Rajeev who changed the direction of the company. The Tufts University graduate joined Natco in 2000, put an end to company's diversification plans and decided to re-enter formulation business taking advantage of the injectable plant at Nagarjuna Sagar, then part of Andhra Pradesh.

To make a mark in the highly competitive domestic formulation business Natco decided to pursue oncology, which is considered to be specialty therapeutic area with fewer competitors but largely an institutional business.

There was no way to catch up with rivals in generics business who were deep-pocketed and years ahead in the US market. Instead, Natco decided to focus on development of generic portfolio leaning towards complex generics and litigation-heavy para-IV filings.

In order to mitigate high litigation costs, regulatory filings and distribute the drugs in US, Natco entered into partnerships with big generic drugmakers on profit sharing basis. For generic Copaxone it partnered with Mylan, generic Tamiflu - Alvogen, generic Lanthanum Carbonate - Lupin and generic Doxil - Dr Reddy's.

Our whole model is litigation funded by partners, Rajeev once said.

It's first success in the domestic market came with Veenat, the generic version of Swiss multinational Novartis' anti-cancer drug Gleevec in India at one-tenth the cost of the listed price. The next success was in 2013 when it beat Novartis in its patent protection battle for the drug.

Natco's comeback strategy somewhat mirrors that of Sun Pharma's Dilip Shanghvi's  to focus on oncology to deliver industry-beating margins.

It's no surpise that Rajeev considers Shanghvi as his inspiration in the industry. Shanghvi holds a 3.12% in Natco as on March 31, 2018, in his personal capacity. Shanghvi bought 3.5% stake for Rs 25 crore in Natco in 2011 by subscribing to company's Rs 67.5 crore QIP meant to fund the development of Copaxone.

In today's value, Shanghvi's investment is now worth around Rs 437 crore

appreciating five-fold in a span of seven years.

Prolific litigant

The year 2012 was a watershed moment for Natco. The company won compulsory license from Indian patent office to produce and sell a generic version of Bayer's patented cancer treatment Nexavar in India at a fraction of the price charged by the German firm.

The patent office, exercising one of the flexibility in the WTOs agreement on intellectual property, granted compulsory license citing the life-saving drug was not available at a reasonably affordable price in the country.

Indian patent office decision became global headlines with MNCs and developed nations deriding India, while healthcare activists and patients groups hailing the decision in the interests of patients dying without access to life-saving drugs.

Nexavar revenues aren't big contributor for Natco, but they brought it a wide coverage from western press, much of it negative.

Natco won yet another patent challenge in January 2015  this time Indias patent office had rejected an application from US-based Gilead Sciences for its Hepatitis C drug Sovaldi, paving the way for local drug makers to launch cheaper generic versions of the USD 1,000-a-pill medicine in the US.

The application had been opposed by Natco and New York-based Initiative for Medicines, Access & Knowledge (I-MAK) on the grounds that the drug, chemically called Sofosbuvir, is not inventive enough compared with a previous formulation.

A year later, the Indian patent office revoked its earlier decision and granted patent on Sovaldi. The damage was done to Gilead.

Gilead licensed the drug to 11 generic manufacturers including Natco in India for distribution of the drug in 101 developing countries. Now the drug sells at USD 14 a pill. Natco now is among India's top-3 players in Hepatitis-C segment.

What next for Natco?

There are a few windfall opportunities in the pipeline like generic version of Celgene's chemotherapy drug Revlimid and generic Nexvar but they may take easily another 2-3 years for launch.

Natco knows that the current party can't go on forever and it's foolish to hedge all its bets on US, given the cutthroat competition, price erosion and channel consolidation in that market. Moreover, Natco's isn't as large as some of India's big drugmakers to be able to play the commodity game.

The Natco management indicated that beyond FY19 it is looking to significantly ramp up revenues from emerging markets especially from the three markets of India, Canada and Brazil to make up for the loss in revenues and profits from generic Tamiflu and generic Copaxone.

The company recently raised Rs 915 crore of funds via QIP. The proceeds of the QIP has been utilised to pay off certain debts and fund some amount of capex for the company.

"We're probably one of the first ones to say that we want to de-emphasise the US. We did that almost 12 months ago. And we largely focus our strength on these three markets (India, Canada and Brazil). I think we're going to see a lot of this coming to fruition," Rajeev said

The company said it looking for acquisitions to expand in the three chosen markets, even as it hones its complex pipeline in its R&D labs targeting US market.

Analysts are buying Natco's story.

"With proven R&D capabilities post successful launch of multiple complex generics and a much stronger balance sheet, Natco has now created a strong platform to make relatively aggressive investments (vs the past) to move into the next growth orbit. Along with Copaxone, anticipated launches of Nexavar and Revlimid accompanied with the scale-up in India and RoW markets will keep up the earnings momentum over the next 3-5 years," said IDFC Securities in its report.
live bse live

nse live Volume Todays L/H More 

After the successful acquisition of Italy's Aferpi, and the winning bid for Monnet Ispat in the domestic market, Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Steel is looking for more distressed assets in India and overseas.

This is part of the company's larger roadmap to reach 50 million tons in annual capacity by 2030.

"The plan is to have 40 million tons of capacity in India, and the rest overseas," a senior official told Moneycontrol.

JSW Steel signed up the deal to buy Aferpi last month, adding two million tons to its total capacity. At Rs 441 crore, the company's facilities that supply specialised steel to the auto industry have come cheap.

In March, JSW Steel acquired US-based Acero Junction Holding, whose facility - including a 3 million ton hot strip mill - makes steel that are used in white goods and auto industries. Analysts valued the acquisition at $155 EV/ton, much cheaper than what the company would incur otherwise in setting up a similar facility.

The acquisition will add to JSW's plates and pipes making assets in the US. Located in Texas, the facility is being expanded and will now include a steelmaking unit with a capacity of one million tons a year.

A source in the industry added that the company is evaluating more distressed assets in the US and Europe. "Talks are on with another steel company in Europe," said the executive.

Financial rational

"The strategy to look for such assets is because the company don't want to buy assets at higher value, which would eventually stretch the balance sheet," said the senior executive cited above.

The steelmaker's debt to EBITDA ratio stands at 2.75, and the company wants to keep it below 3. And net debt to equity ratio is 1.38.

The company's net debt reduced to Rs 38,019 crore as on March 31, 2018, from Rs 42,068 crore in December 31, 2017.

"With a distressed asset, funding doesn't become an issue," added the executive.

That was one of the reason the company stepped away from the auction of Bhushan Steel and Bhushan Power & Steel, both of whom were referred to insolvency courts.

In Bhushan Steel, JSW Steel's bid of Rs 29,700 crore was topped by Tata Steel's at over Rs 35,000 crore.

On the other hand, for Bhushan Power & Steel, JSW Steel bid about Rs 13,000 crore, against Tata Steel's Rs 24,500 crore. UK's Liberty House has now put in a bid higher than Tata Steel's.

The Jindal company is now instead focusing on Usha Martin's specialty steel business, which has been put on the block. The unit is backed by captive iron ore and coal mines. Vedanta Resources is also said to be interested in the asset.

JSW Steel, which at present has a capacity of 18.1 million tons in India, plans to increase its capacity by nearly 40 percent in two years, taking its volume to 24.7 million tons by 2020.

The company's capacity could even reach the 40-million-ton mark in another three years, as it plans to further expand capacity at its facilities at Vijayanagar in Karnataka, and has drawn up a plan to set up a new facility in Odisha.
Ahead of the 2019 polls, which will be an intense political battle for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a welfare scheme for 500 million working citizens is on the cards which could translate into significant political gains, reports Business Standard.

All about the welfare scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to initially provide three programmes  old age pension, life insurance and maternity benefits, while leaving out unemployment, child support and other benefits  to most working citizens, said government officials.

The government has drafted a bill to extend benefits to all workers, including those in informal employment, by merging and simplifying 15 federal labour laws into one. It plans to present the bill in July in the upcoming session of Parliament, Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar told Bloomberg News, while remaining non-committal on a full-fledged rollout before the national poll.

The plan will be one of the largest mass benefit programmes in the country of 1.3 billion people and comes after the February announcement of a health protection plan targeted to cover 100 million poor families, dubbed Modicare.

The government plans to pilot the project in six districts in the months leading up to the general elections due in May next year, officials said.

Impact of the scheme on the economy

The government's plan of higher social spending would add to fiscal stress and limit the scope for infrastructure development.

The whole issue is should the government be doing it? The answer is yes. Can the government do it? The answer is no, because it does not have the money for it, said Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at Care Ratings. If the government does not spend a substantial amount, it will not be a proper social security plan. If it spends a good amount, the fiscal deficit will be pressured.

Providing minimum social security to the lower half of the working class, who make up about a fifth of the countrys population, would cost the government 0.38 percent of GDP or about Rs 500 billion annually, Santosh Mehrotra, an economics professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, said in an interview.
A man works at the site of the Thilawa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project at Thilawa May 8, 2015. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun/File Photo

live bse live

nse live Volume Todays L/H More 

The government has constituted a group headed by Bharat Forge Chairman Baba Kalyani to evaluate policy on the countrys special economic zones (SEZs) and suggest measures to help exporters in the current economic scenario.

The group will also ensure that the policy is World Trade Organisation (WTO) compatible, make comparative analysis of the SEZ scheme and dovetail the policy with other similar schemes, the commerce ministry said in a release today.

An SEZ is an area with economic regulations different from other areas of the same country and are generally export hubs. Such regulations are conducive for foreign direct investment and as SEZs are much easier to do business in. Companies operating in SEZs receive tax benefits and an opportunity to pay lower tariffs.

The group comprises top government officials and corporates including Ravindra Sannareddy, MD, Sricity SEZ; Neel Raheja, Group President, K. Raheja Group; Arun Misra, MD, Tata Steel SEZ. It has to submit its recommendation within three months.

The SEZ Policy was first implemented from April 1, 2000. Subsequently the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005 was passed by Parliament in 2005 and the Special Economic Zone Act was enacted. The SEZ Act, 2005, supported by SEZ rules, came into effect on February 10, 2006.
A group of farmers today dumped milk and vegetables on road in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district as their nationwide agitation entered the fifth day. The incident took place in Salamatpur, about 30 kms from the Raisen district headquarters.

They also blocked the Bhopal-Vidisha road, disrupting traffic for at least three hours on the busy stretch.

Farmers in several states, including Madhya Pradesh, are on a 10-day strike since June 1, demanding remunerative prices for their produce and loan waiver. They have been dumping their produce on roads as a mark of protest.

Kisan Jagriti Sangathan secretary Irfan Jafari said their protest would continue unhindered till June 10.

A group of farmers protested in a novel way in the state capital. They distributed milk to the patients of the JP Hospital.

Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence) Rajiv Tandon said no untoward incident was reported from any part of the state during the farmer agitation.
India will soon be able to manufacture lithium-ion batteries and will not be dependent on China for importing the key component used in electric vehicles as the government accords "top priority" to pushing e-mobility, Union Minister Anant Geete said today. The minister said steps have already been taken up by the government to start manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries in India.

At present the world needs to import lithium ion batteries from China and Rs 50-60 lakh is only the cost of the battery (for buses). If the battery cost is reduced the total cost of electric vehicles will become affordable and commuters will also have to pay less," Geete told reporters here on the sidelines of launch of electric bus by Goldstone-BYD.

He further said, "My ministry has made efforts in this direction and soon we will be able to manufacture lithium-ion batteries in India.

The minister launched Goldstone-BYD's eBuzz K6' electric feeder bus, the first made in India electric bus to be exported to Nepal.

A panel headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha had recommended commercial use of ISRO's lithium-ion battery technology under the 'Make In India' initiative for electric vehicles, official sources said.

Besides, the minister said a good policy is being formulated under the FAME II scheme to boost electric mobility in the country.

He said there is a need to migrate from petrol and diesel to electric mobility in view of rising pollution concerns.

The minister said the government has accorded top priority to convert public transport to electric mobility under FAME II.

Replying to a query on the expression of interest (EoI) floated earlier for electric buses, Geete said, We received EoIs from 10 states and around 400 buses have been allotted to these 10 states. However, Delhi did not accept it, this is the reality and therefore we were unable to allot electric buses to Delhi.

According to the minister, demand has to come from state government and the Centre can only provide incentives.

"Therefore the initiative has to come from the state," Geete said.

The department of heavy industries had in December last year sanctioned Rs 440 crore to 11 states for procurement of electric buses, electric taxis and e-autos as a pilot project under FAME India scheme for public transportation.

Joint Secretary in the Heavy Industries Ministry Vishvajit Sahay said the government looks forward to value addition in India by Chinese EV major BYD so that it becomes eligible for incentives by the government.

BYD has a tie-up with Goldstone Infratech in the country.

Elaborating on the company's plans in India, Executive Director of BYD Zyang Jie said: We are going to introduce and adopt the latest technology (in electric mobility) to India, make the product in India and export overseas.
SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son is expected to land in India next week for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss his multi-billion dollar investment plans in the countrys solar energy sector, an official familiar with the development told Moneycontrol. The Japanese giant plans to invest $60 billion (Rs 4.02 lakh crore) in manufacturing solar equipment as well as generation of the renewable power against promise of a sovereign guarantee from the government.

The group, whose investments in India include Paytm, Ola and Oyo, plans to pump in the money by 2030 with prospects of generating jobs for 2,00,000 people.

Of the $60 billion (Rs 4.02 lakh crore), as much as $45 billion -50 billion (Rs 3.02 lakh crore-3.35 lakh crore) is proposed to go into manufacturing of solar cells and modules. A large amount of this will go into making storage products. Rest $10 billion -15 billion will go into generation of solar power, the official said.

The official said while the demand for a sovereign guarantee was being discussed at the highest levels amongst the various ministries, it was unlikely to find acceptance.

He said Son, who is also SoftBanks Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, is expected in India between June 10 and June 17 and a meeting with Modi is on the cards. The official said SoftBank is promising to invest big money in making batteries and other storage products, the missing link in the Indian solar sector.

Currently, SoftBanks investments in the Indian energy sector are routes through its vehicle called SB Energy. Its a three-way joint venture of the Japanese major, Sunil Mittals Bharti Enterprises and Foxconn Technology Group, the Taiwanese company famous as a manufacturer of Apples iPhones.

Manoj Kohli, the former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bharti Airtel, Bharti Enterprises listed mobile business, is the Executive Chairman of SB Energy.

SoftBank is betting big on Indias solar energy sector where the government push for renewables has eliminated the gap between cost of power from conventional and renewable sources. Currently, SB Energy bids for tenders, floated by various state governments under the Central governments National Solar Mission, to set up solar projects. The tender is awarded to the lowest bidder for a 25-year tariff.

The Modi government aims to achieve 175 GW of renewable energy generation capacity by 2022. Of this, 100 GW from solar, 60 GW from wind, 10 GW from bio energy and 5 GW from small hydro power plants (plants up to 25 MW in capacity) is targeted.

The year 2016 was the first time when the annual renewable power capacity addition exceeded that of thermal sources. As on April 30 this year, India had a total installed power capacity of 343,788 MW. Of this, renewable had a share of 20 percent.

(Conversion rate: $1 = Rs 67.04)

dhirendra.tripathi@nw18.com
The government is not keen on a strategic sale of its shares in IDBI Bank, and might instead sell preferential shares, The Economic Times reports.

"We are looking at various options as there is a concern that there may not be enough interest given the bad loans on the book of the lender," a senior government official told the paper.

The government's revaluation of its strategy to sell its IDBI stake could be due the failed Air India divestment.

The government currently has an 81 percent shareholding in IDBI.

The mandatory 52 percent government stake rule in state-run banks does not apply because IDBI falls under a separate law. This means the government can lower its stake to below 52 percent without facing legal consequences.

Also read - Government is considering merger of 4 public sector banks: Report

A structure similar to Stressed Asset Stabilisation Fund (SASF) is another option that could be considered.

"It is too early, but given the banks exposure to most corporate loans that are already being resolved through the Bankruptcy Code, such a structure also looks feasible," a source told The Economic Times.

In 2004, the government had transferred IDBI's bad loans when it transformed from a financial institution into a bank. But the government is not looking to transfer IDBI's stressed assets to another state-run bank.

Incidentally, IDBI Bank is one of the four state-run banks the government is reportedly trying to merge. The government is planning to bring together IDBI Bank, Bank of Baroda Oriental Bank of Commerce and Central Bank of India , media reports suggest.
Rising oil prices and global liquidity are the biggest risks for Indian equity markets, according to Alok Singh, Chief Investment Officer, BOI AXA Mutual Fund.

The foreign portfolio outflow in April stood at Rs 15,561 crore and Rs 29,775 crore in May, taking the aggregate for the first five months of this year to a net outflow of Rs 32,078 crore.

On the other hand, last year the FIIs were net buyers in the same period, with net inflow of Rs 51,000 crore.

Brent crude rose 27 cents to $75.65 a barrel on Tuesday, with oil prices hitting two year highs in the first half of the year.

In a freewheeling interview with Moneycontrol, Singh tells that the fund house follows a bottom up stock selection strategy and is optimistic on consumer discretionary, metals, NBFC and industrials, while its avoiding corporate lenders and pharma shares for investments.

In case of government bonds, Singh envisages that the 10 year government bond will continue to trade around 8 percent yield as at this level it is already discounting lot of negatives.

Singh expects the Rupee, which was depreciating along with other emerging market currencies in the last few weeks, to start appreciating. Indian unit was trading at 67.08 levels today.

The fund house is sitting on minimum cash levels of 5-7 percent, in line with industry average. Fund managers usually keep cash levels of 3-7% depending on the market outlook. If they believe that the market is bottoming out and is poised for a rise, they reduce the cash pile and make a beeline for stocks.

Excerpts:

Yes, the market is more worried about macro-economic conditions, both local and global. This has taken away the attention of the market from the result season; though the results season has not been very exciting on an overall basis, they have shown huge divergence. On one side there are corporate lenders with high NPA provisioning pulling down the profitability, and on the other side there are consumer durables, metals delivering excellent results. We think that this will continue for a few more quarters.The Indian rupee depreciated along with other EM currencies in the last few weeks, mainly because of the dollar strength. We have seen some reversion in that trend after the Italian political crisis got settled. We expect the INR to further appreciate from here.Singh:Rising oil prices is a big concern for the Indian economy. Post OPEC lifting the production curb, crude prices have seen some moderation and we expect this easing trend to continue.Yes, the flows to mutual funds have moderated a bit in the last few months but they are still much higher than the long term averages. We dont think that the domestic flows are going to stop so soon.The midcaps outperformed the large cap with great margin, therefore when the market is seeing the correction, it is more in midcaps. But that doesnt mean that the business fundamentals of all the midcaps have changed. Many of them remain a long term story.Oil and global liquidity are among the biggest risksWe think RBI will continue to be on hold mode for some more time.As I said earlier there is huge divergence in the earnings and one needs to look at it with a bottoms up approach. Yes we think that FY19 will see earning revival.We follow a bottom up stock selection. At present, we are optimistic about consumer discretionary, metals, NBFC and industrials and are avoiding corporate lenders and pharma.We have normal 5-7 percent of cash level.We think 10 year should continue to trade around 8% for some time. At this level it is already discounting lot of negatives.We think that with correction in equity it is offering a good entry point for long term investingAs equity markets become more broad based, we think that the demand for this product will continue to increase. We are planning to raise around Rs 100-200 crore through the new fund offer.
live bse live

nse live Volume Todays L/H More 

Share price of Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) surged 7 percent intraday Wednesday as company won a contract worth Rs 737 crore.

The company in joint venture with MAX Group in Bangladesh has been awarded USD 110 million (Rs737 crore) contract by Russia's State Nuclear Company, JSC Atomstroyexport.

The contract includes civil works of Turbine Island for Unit 1 of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

The company's share in the joint venture is 40 percent (USD 44 million / Rs 295 crore).

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant 190 km northwest of Dhaka will be built with Russian technology and is equipped with two WER Reactors of 1200 MW each.

Arjun Dhawan, Director and Group CEO, HCC said, "HCC has become the first Indian company to participate in the international civil nuclear market.

We are confident of delivering this job on time with precision in quality, safety, and state-of-the-art technology. We look forward to further project awards in Rooppur NPP and expanding our infrastructure footprint in Bangladesh," he added.

At 12:36 hrs Hindustan Construction Company was quoting at Rs 14.85, up Rs 0.76, or 5.39 percent on the BSE.

Posted by Rakesh Patil
The Nifty50 is expected to open flat on Wednesday following muted trend seen in other Asian markets. The Nifty50 closed 35 points lower at 10,593 levels.

Trends on SGX Nifty indicate a negative opening for the broader index in India, a fall of 20 points or 0.19 percent. Nifty futures were trading around 10,587-level on the Singaporean Exchange.

US stocks mostly edged higher on Tuesday as technology shares extended recent gains while US Treasury yields fell on safe-haven buying after Italys new prime minister outlined new economic policies that could add to the nations debt, said a Reuters report.

Asian stocks edged up on Wednesday after tech sector strength lifted Wall Street shares, while concerns about Italys debt prompted investors to move into lower-risk government debt elsewhere, pushing US Treasury yields down from recent highs.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.1 percent, while Japan's Nikkei edged down 0.1 percent. Australian stocks rose 0.3 percent.

The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is meeting for its second bi-monthly policy review in FY19. This is the first time the committee is meeting for three days instead of the regular two days.

Some experts expect the MPC to revise the benchmark repo rate upwards. Repo rate is the rate at which banks borrow short-term funds from the RBI.

Stocks in news:

Corporation Bank to consider raising of capital by way of issuance of fresh equity shares and/or by issuance of additional Tier  I or Tier  II capital

Gujarat Ambuja Exports clarifies about NGT order for closure of its units

CG Power bags a large order of Rs 3190 million from Indian Railways

Bank of Baroda: The lender has raised lending rates by 5 bps.

Everest Industries clarifies that comapny is not involved in any infringement proceedings initiated by Ultratech Cement

Electrosteel Steels spells out steps for completion of acquisition by Vedanta

NACL Industries enters into an MoU with ATGC Biotech

Confidence Petroleum allots 1.5 cr equity shares at Rs 52 on a preferential basis through private placement

NMDC: The companys iron ore output at 4.5 MT in 2 months of FY19

Bandhan Bank appoints Harun Rasid Khan as non-executive, part time chairman of the Bank

Technical Recommendations:

We spoke to Guiness Securities and heres what they have to recommend:

Sanofi India Ltd: BUY | Close: 5068.35 | Target: Rs 5335 | Stop loss: Rs 4880 | Return: 10.89%

Axis Bank Ltd: SELL | Close: 530.90 | Target: Rs 510 | Stop loss: Rs 551 | Return: 4.85%

: The views and investment tips expressed by investment expert on moneycontrol.com are his own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
With an aim to provide impetus to early-stage startups, markets regulator SEBI has increased the maximum investment limit by Angel funds in venture capital undertakings to Rs 10 crore from the current Rs 5 crore.

In this fast changing ecosystem, wherein angels are investing much higher amounts, such increase is needed to provide more opportunities to angel funds, industry experts believe.

In a notification dated June 1, SEBI said it has made amendments to Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) regulations with respect to 'Angel Funds'.

The move comes after the board of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in March this year approved a proposal in this regard.

Angel Funds, a sub-category AIFs, encourage entrepreneurship by financing small startups at a stage when they find it difficult to obtain capital from traditional sources of finance such as banks and financial institutions.

Under the amendment,SEBI has increased the maximum investment limit by angel funds in venture capital undertakings to Rs 10 crore from the current Rs 5 crore.

However, the minimum investment by an angel investor will continue to be Rs 25 lakh.Further, the regulator has halved the minimum corpus size required for an Angel fund to register with it to Rs 5 crore.

Besides, the regulator has raised the maximum period of accepting funds from an angel investor to five years, from three years. The move will provide angel funds more time to identify opportunities and invest in venture capital firms.

The requirement of filing of scheme memorandum to SEBI by angel funds will be replaced with the requirement of filing term sheet containing material information, as specified by the regulator within 10 days of launching the scheme.

Sebi said the provisions of the Companies Act will apply to an Angel fund, if it is formed as a company.
Urbanpod's classic pod offering at its Mumbai property. Pic credit: Urbanpod

The smart capsule-sized hotel concept, which percolated into India from Japan and Singapore, will soon find its way to airports and railway stations.

Urbanpod, India's first and only pod hotel company, is partnering with contractors who have won government projects from airport and railway authorities, to set up pod hotels on a revenue-share model.

The one-year-old startup, which currently operates only in Mumbai, plans to open one more touch point in the city and then expand to other major metros like Bangalore and Delhi.

The company is also thinking of exploring religious destinations such as Shirdi to set up franchises. While it is looking at taking the franchise route for expansion, for airports and railways the company will have to work with government-certified contractors who have won tenders.

"We are currently working on a metro location, and an airport. We will set up the pods in the near vicinity of airport, while in railways we are targeting the retiring rooms. IRCTC has been very forthcoming in this regard. We took our concept to them and they got us in touch with the contractors," said Hiren Gandhi, co-founder and director at Urbanpod.

The startup currently operates a 9,500 sq ft space with 140 pods, accommodating 150 people, in Mumbai's Andheri area. It has serviced close to 10,000 customers since its inception a year ago.

The company plans to expand rapidly and is looking to set up 800 pods at 6-7 locations over the next two years.

"We will tackle the cash burn by opting for a franchise with minimum return guarantee till it breaks even; post that we will go for 75 percent revenue share model. A single pod hotel of 5,000 to 12,000 sq ft space will attract investment of about Rs 5-15 crore, depending on the locality," said Gandhi.

The company also wants to partner with real-estate owners to explore IT parks and business hubs to introduce the concept.

Besides franchises, the company is also tapping private equity firms, venture capitalists and high-net-worth investors to raise an additional Rs 20-25 crore soon. It is currently in talks with potential investors, and expects to close the round of investment in six months.

"We are raising funds for expansion, brand-building, technology innovation, and talent-acquisition. We also have other off-shoot models that we want to explore. We want to take the concept of pod hotels pan-India," said Gandhi.

Urbanpod, founded by Shalabh Mittal and Hiren Gandhi in 2017, borrows the concept of pod hotels from a similar chain in Singapore. The concept, however, hails from Japan's popular capsule hotels started in the 1970s.

Like its predecessors, Urbanpod stays true to the concept with pods built in 50-90 sq ft space with smart connectivity tools inside. The startup, however, has improvised to suit the Indian market.

For starters, Urbanpod has dedicated 18 only-women pods with attached bathrooms. It also has suite pods with queen size beds and room to walk around.

According to Gandhi, Urbanpod will fill gap in demand for clean and hygienic accommodation at cheap prices. The company has priced its pods at an average Rs 2,000 per night.

In comparison, budget hotels in Mumbai, including OYO, offer rooms in the range of Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000. Backpacker hostels in the city are much cheaper, with tariffs ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 1,000.

Rates for a pod in Singapore, on the other hand, are priced between $20 and $55 a night, cheaper than the average three-star hotel, which can cost over $150 a night. A backpackers' hostel will cost around $40 to $100, depending on its location.

"We feel our pricing is apt. We have hit the rock bottom in terms of pricing to offer the cheapest possible. From here on it will only go upwards, depending on growth and demand," Gandhi explained.
King Mohammed VI gave instructions to the concerned departments to launch the construction of dams of different sizes across the country to secure to the inhabitants of the Kingdoms various regions drinking water, as well as irrigation water and livestock watering.

The decision was announced by the Sovereign at a meeting on water issues he chaired Tuesday in Rabat and during which he took note of the first conclusions of a commission, set up in October 2017, to address the problems of water scarcity and find adequate solutions.

After he took note of the first conclusions of the commission chaired by the Head of Government, King Mohammed gave his instructions for the construction, as soon as possible and in different regions of the Kingdom, of dams of different capacities (large, medium and small), as well as hill dams, said the Royal Office in a statement.

The Sovereign also called for considering the possible establishment of desalination plants, and for carrying on the water saving program in farming, the statement said.

Besides, an awareness campaign will be staged by the government, in partnership with NGOs and other parties involved in the water issue, in a bid to raise citizens awareness to the need to rationalize the use of water, the statement said.

Since his accession to the throne, King Mohammed VI has consolidated the policy led by the late King Hassan II to provide the Kingdom with water infrastructures to meet citizens needs. Thus, in 18 years, thirty dams of different sizes have been built.

However, due to natural hazards and rising water demand, the risk of water shortage has increased significantly.
06:22 PM IST

India ranks 137th on 2017 Global Peace Index

India has moved up four places to the 137th rank among 163 countries on the 2017 Global Peace Index, due to a reduction in the level of violent crime driven by increased law enforcement, according to a report by an Australian think tank.

Iceland remains the most peaceful country in the world, a position it has held since 2008. New Zealand, Austria, Portugal and Denmark also sit in the top five most peaceful rankings.

Syria remains the least peaceful country in the world, a position it has held for the past five years. Afghanistan, South Sudan, Iraq and Somalia comprise the remaining least peaceful countries.

The index is topped by Iceland, followed by New Zealand, Portugal, Austria and Denmark, whereas war-torn Syria remains the least peaceful country in the world, followed by Afghanistan, Iraq, South Sudan, and Yemen.

India has improved by four positions in the overall ranking from 141st to 137th. (PTI)
Patanjali (Image: Facebook)

Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved on Tuesday said it is pulling out of its proposed Rs 6,000-crore mega food processing project along the Yamuna Expressway, citing non-cooperation from the state government. However, the UP government said it has given one more month to Patanjali to meet the conditions required to get the final approval.

The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) could not get the required clearances for transfer of land from the state government, said a top company official.

The Hairdwar-based company had proposed to invest up to Rs 6,000 crore to set up a plant in 425 acres of land at YEIDA to cater the domestic and export markets through its step-down firm Patanjali Food & Herbal Park.

Confirming the development, Patanjali Ayurved Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna told PTI: "We are cancelling the project as we did not get required clearances from the UP state government."

The company now plans to shift the project to some other state, he said without disclosing further details.

Citing the reason for pulling out of the state, he said, "We did not get any cooperation from the state government for this project. We have waited for long time for the clearances but could not get from the state government. Now we have decided to shift the project."

Patanjali was given one-month extension by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries till end of June to get the requisite clearances to start the project.

When contacted Food Processing Secretary J P Meena told PTI:" Patanjali was given four months time to meet the conditions required to get the final approval. There are four to five conditions, including land and bank loans, which any party that wants to set up mega food park has to fulfil."

Meena further said, "We have not cancelled the project. We have given one-month extension to Patanjali... they have to meet the condition. In case, Patanjali does not meet the condition, we have no choice but to cancel. We have done it earlier in many projects."

Patanjali had already got support from the financial institutions for the project, Balkrishna claimed.

"We got extensions two times from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and now it (time) is lapsing as we could not get the required clearances from the state government," Balakrishna said.

Mega food parks are to be implemented within 30 months and financial assistance is provided to them by the central government.

Earlier, Patanjali had said that its Yamuna Expressway-based plant would produce goods worth Rs 25,000 crore annually if it runs to its full capacity.

It would create 10,000 direct jobs, Patanjali had said.

Patanjali is presently investing in mega food park projects, including Nagpur (MP) and Tejpur (Assam).
Moroccan subsidiary of French diary company Centrale Danone has announced heavy losses estimated at 150 million Dirham for the first half of the year due to a continuing consumer boycott.

The boycott was launched on April 20 and caused the company to suffer a steep deficit after posting 56 million Dirham profits the same period last year.

The companys revenue shrank by 50 percent as a result of the boycott.

The online boycott campaign prompted the company to layoff 886 temporary workers and slash by 30% the quantity of milk that it collects.

The scaling down of operations will impact the revenue of 120,000 farmers who provide milk for the company.

Government officials are now calling for an end of the boycott warning of a severe impact on the dairy sector.

Morocco satisfies 96% of its diary needs with the milk industry being a key part of the Green Morocco Plan.

The North African Kingdom was one of the countries who supplied milk to Qatar after the Saudi-led blockade.

The Boycott was launched on Facebook and was later largely endorsed. In addition to Centrale Danone, the boycott targets Afriquia gas stations and Sidi Ali bottled water brand, owned respectively by Agriculture minister Aziz Akhannouch and powerful businesswoman Meriem Bensaleh.
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry and Prasar Bharati, which runs Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR), have inked an MoU required for the release of financial allocation to the broadcaster, a source said.

The MoU was signed between the broadcaster and the ministry in the last week of May, the source added.

Autonomous bodies getting grants-in-aid from the government are required to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the ministry concerned for the release of the financial allocations.

Besides Prasar Bharati, the ministry has also signed MoUs with Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in the last week of May, the source added.

In April, the ministry released Rs 365 crore to Prasar Bharati after it signed the MoU following months of standoff between the two sides on various contentious issues.

The ministry releases an amount of around Rs 200 crore to Prasar Bharati every month and a major share of it goes to payment of salaries.

The I and B Ministry had earlier released Rs 1,989 crore to Prasar Bharati as grants-in-aid for payment of salaries to its employees.

In early March, Prasar Bharati CEO S S Vempati, in response to media reports, had said that Rs 208 crore released by the public broadcaster towards payment of salaries to its staff on February 28 were from its own reserves.

Reacting to the news report, the ministry had issued a statement saying that the Prasar Bharati had not signed an MoU as required by autonomous bodies for getting grants-in-aid.
India has laid the foundation for the construction of 250 more houses for Sri Lanka's Indian-origin Tamils in the country, the High Commission said here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Sri Lanka in May last year announced the construction of additional 10,000 houses in upcountry areas and the extension of Emergency Ambulance Service.

India has committed a total of 14,000 houses in the plantation areas in the Southern Province. Around 1000 houses out of these are nearly complete. The UN Habitat is the implementing agency for the housing, the High Commission said.
(Representative image: PTI)

Temasek and Ascendas-Singbridge Group have jointly committed Rs 20 billion to invest in logistics and industrial real estate in key locations in India, says a company release.

Ascendas-Firstspace, the platform established by Ascendas-Singbridge and Firstspace Realty in 2017, will execute the investment strategy for the logistics programme.

Ascendas-Singbridge, a sustainable urban development and business space solutions provider, has launched Ascendas India Logistics Programme. It targets developing a portfolio of 13 to 15 million sq ft of space. It will invest in projects in key warehousing and manufacturing hubs in Mumbai, National Capital Region, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, among others, a company release said.

Temasek, a global investment company headquartered in Singapore, is a principal investor in the programme.

To date, the programme has two seed assets with 1.25 million sq ft of operational space and over 4 million sq ft in development potential, the release said.

The commitment of capital for the programme follows the recent establishment of Ascendas-Firstspace, a joint venture between Ascendas-Singbridge and Firstspace Realty, to deliver state-of-the-art logistics and industrial facilities across major warehousing and manufacturing hubs in India.

Ascendas-Singbridge has over 20 years of experience in India and we are committed to Indias real estate growth story. Given strong domestic consumption trends, investments in high quality logistics and industrial facilities are necessary to support Indias economic growth in the years to come. We welcome Temaseks support and investment in the Programme, which will leverage Ascendas-Firstspaces global customer base and local execution capabilities to meet the needs of the future economy, said He Jihong, Ascendas-Singbridge Group Chief Investment Officer.

We view the logistics and industrial sector as a good proxy to growing middle-income populations and transforming economies. The positive momentum of the sector, underpinned by the Indian governments Make in India vision as well as healthy consumption trends, present opportunities for us to further invest in Indias continued growth. We are pleased to partner with Ascendas-Singbridge in this new venture which will help address the growing demand for quality logistics and industrial space, and provide companies with the support they need to scale and succeed in India, says Promeet Ghosh, Managing Director, India, at Temasek.

With its institutional backing and local execution ability, Ascendas-Firstspace is the leading player in Indias logistics and industrial real estate sector. We are excited to further strengthen our position, and are privileged to have the support of Ascendas-Singbridge and Temasek, says Aloke Bhuniya, Chief Executive Officer of Ascendas-Firstspace.
This week a minor, but important, event took place in Delhi. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. At the event, the PM held steady on his goal of seeing a roof over the head of every Indian by the year 2022. "The Awas Yojana is not merely about brick and mortar. This scheme is about a better quality of life ensuring that every Indian has a home by 2022, when India marks 75 years since Independence," said Modi.

This is significant because it is a step along the way for one of the biggest welfare programmes in India worth 30$ billion in total. Some analyses say it could be the catalyst for a $1.3 trillion housing boom. Do I have your attention now?

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana was launched in June 2015 with the aim of providing affordable housing to the urban and rural poor in India. And its target is lofty to say the least. Two crore houses for the poor - 1 crore each in urban and rural areas - that includes low income groups and economically weaker sections. Urban Indias present population is 377 million. Thats 32% of the countrys population. This number is expected to swell to 40% or approx. 600 million urban dwellers by 2030. If you have been through any of the slums in India, youll know that the Prime Minster Awas Yojana has set itself an imposing, if not impossible, challenge.

The nuts and bolts of the Yojana go something like this: the scheme will provide an interest subsidy of 6.5% on housing loans taken by the beneficiaries/participants for a period of 20 years under credit link subsidy scheme (CLSS) from the start of a loan. The govt claims these houses will be built with technology that is eco-friendly. The minimum size of the house has been increased to 25 sq. mts in the rural scheme, from the earlier 20 sq. m. and includes a hygienic cooking space. Further, when allotting ground floor occupation under PMAY, preference will be given to differently abled and older beneficiaries.

To kick off the scheme, the government approved an investment of $6.5 billion for the construction of 6,83,724 houses. This included a central assistance commitment of US$1.5 billion by April 2016.

The eligibility criteria are pretty simple  the beneficiary must be below 70 years of age, average annual income of less than 3 lakhs for EWS beneficiaries and 3-6 lakhs for LIGs. And, of course, the person should not have a house in his or her name anywhere in India. Theres another stipulation that stands out: houses given under this scheme will be owned by females or jointly with males. The government has identified cities and towns in 26 states to begin construction of houses. The stated goal is to build 20 million homes within the next 4 years! The Economic Times reported that the Centre is providing money to implementing agencies and urban local bodies through states to build these affordable houses in 4,025 cities and towns. This years Budget, announced in February, committed assistance for building 3.7 million houses in urban areas in 2018-19. Some private lenders are also providing subsidised home loans under this scheme.

The centre has given top billing to housing and put it on a growth trajectory by offering tax and fiscal incentives for builders and consumers. Its own efforts, of course involve a systemic overhaul  For instance, structural reforms and single window clearances that they claim will improve transparency and disclosures to attract domestic and foreign investments.

So how are things progressing for this grand welfare scheme, and how is it helping the dormant real estate sector?

During this weeks interaction, the PM claimed over one crore houses have been constructed. A report in Financial Express says more than 1,65,000 people have availed the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme or CLSS vertical of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) during 2015-18, according to the housing and urban affairs ministry.

However, financing affordable homes in India is a complicated process. A majority of low-income households are employed in the informal sector and do not possess reliable documentation of income. This makes it difficult for them to obtain housing loans from banks and traditional housing finance companies. In addition to these, there are other inadvertent barriers. While the subsidy has reached thousands of needy borrowers, some analysts say it has had little impact on affordability because customers only know whether they are getting the CLSS after receiving a loan, and hence cannot factor it into their home purchase decision.

In order to assess the income, assets and repayment capability for such customers, they (affordable housing finance companies) developed field-based, detailed credit assessment and verification processes, says a report by FICCI or the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. So while there exists a demand-supply gap of 20 million in the housing sector, it will take between eight and ten years to fill the demand-supply gap, according to Rashesh Shah, president of FICCI.

FICCI noted that AHFCs have grown from a combined loan book of close to Rs1,000 crores in March 2013 to more than Rs27,000 crores by December 2017. That is an average loan ticket size of Rs9.3 lakhs. They have facilitated the ownership of more than 230,000 affordable homes, the report noted, adding that the potential continues to be huge.

While the govt, via this years Budget, has allocated Rs6,500 crore through Gross Budgetary Support and Rs. 25,000 crore through Internal and Extra Budgetary Resources, the total requirement requires support from market investment on a large scale. If an average house under this scheme costs Rs 10 lakh, with Centre and State Government subsidy components coming to approx. Rs4 lakh, were looking at an investment requirement of about 2.2 lakh crore in just FY19 alone. Affordable housing finance, in total, is estimated to be a 6-lakh crore business opportunity by 2022, according to the Indian Express.

For their part, industry leaders are making all the right noises. Ravindra Sudhakar, co-chairman, ASSOCHAM National Council on Affordable Housing, told Moneycontrol, While the progress made in housing sector development is commendable, it must be driven at an accelerated pace We - financiers, builders, banks -must accelerate our efforts... He also makes another interesting observation. He suggested the area caveat be done away with so more people could benefit from the CLSS scheme. those wanting to upgrade to bigger homes should be allowed to avail of the benefits under the scheme. This would be a large number, almost double the current number," he claimed.

Problems in implementation aside, the centres push for affordable housing could be just the shot in the arm the real estate sector requires. If there is one industry that has weathered a tumultuous time these last couple of years, it was real estate. Especially the residential segment. The residential market has suffered a slowdown due to inflated prices, projects launched based on over-estimations of the size of the luxury market and the consequent unsold inventories, and a slowdown in rentals. These led to an overall disinterest from homebuyers.

The sector was then rocked by the introduction of RERA or the Real Estate Regulation Act. Experts have called RERA arguably the single most important legislation towards corporatisation of the real estate sector. Before RERA, the deck was heavily stacked in favour of developers and customers had little recourse and often at the mercy of the developers. RERA changed the way this sector went about its business. Under the new law, developers had to ensure they had all approvals prior to launch; separate bank accounts and escrow mechanisms to ensure that monies collected from customers would be spent primarily on construction; changes in the way monies could be borrowed and repaid to lenders; ensure last mile funding even if sales were not going to be adequate, etc. Delays will be held accountable and penalties for transgressions are hefty. All this meant a large investment in people, systems and new processes.

GST and demonetisation were the two big events that dealt blows to the sector before RERA came along. Many projects had ground to a halt for a while during demonetisation. GST too involved new systems and processes. Now, loans taken by real estate developers are being exchanged for newer ones, often with higher amounts, and longer moratoriums to deal with changed scenarios. While rates as a whole have declined, bank loans are being replaced with loans from NBFCs at a higher cost. It is clear now that the size of the luxury market was overestimated and products aimed at the mid-segment are more in demand and display better sales traction. Developers have gone back to the drawing board designing smaller, more practical units, which would bring these within the realms of affordability. This is where the PMAY could act as a savior, to some extent. But there could be challenging times ahead.

The governments drive for Housing for All by 2022 has pushed several big real estate firms to venture into affordable housing. However, most remain reluctant to bet on low-cost homes for those who are classed as economically weaker sections (EWS), the group with the highest demand for housing. Under the affordable housing platform, most large developers are building homes with prices ranging from Rs30 to 80 lakhs. These are technically not low-cost housinghomes catering to EWS for anywhere in Rs3-25 lakh range.

We haven't really gone into the depth where the real demand is. The real demand comes from people whose annual household income is sub-Rs3 lakh. These are the people who can afford homes for Rs7-8 lakh. Ninety-five percent of the demand is low-income group (LIG) and EWS, said Saurabh Mehrotra of Knight Frank Ltd, a property consultant firm.

At present, only a few builders like Tata Housing Development Co., Mahindra Lifespaces Developers Ltd and Brick Eagle Group operate in the low-cost space. Others like Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate, Puravankara Ltd, Hiranandani Communities and Brigade group have launched homes costing up to Rs60 lakh under the affordable housing platform.

Margins for low-cost homes range up to 20% while in mid-income and luxury housing, it can go up to 35%, according to developers. Despite the governments decision to raise the carpet area applicable for interest-linked subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U), builders are hesitant about building low-cost homes because the buyer base is unorganized, coupled with funding and infrastructure challenges. Instead, mid-income projects, between Rs25-50 lakh have emerged as the sweet spot.

Lack of funding from bankers and private equity investors has also led developers staying away from building LIG and EWS homes. Even as housing finance firms and banks focus on retail loans, they have not been attracted to finance LIG projects due to a low rate of return and the risks involved.

Margins are low and if a project gets stalled, it eats into the entire margin. It is riskier. Pure project finance is difficult and there is no vibrant market there, said Ashwini Kumar Hooda of Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd.

Rajesh Krishnan, founder and CEO, Brick Eagle group, said funding has been a big challenge as banks are tilted toward lending to premium homes. There is enough demand for low-cost homes but the challenge lies in executing the projects. Not having the right regulatory framework, lack of large land parcels and not enough support for local developers are a few of them, he said.

Reports indicate that affordable housing reflected a y-o-y growth of 27% between January and September 2017. The share of housing supply in the housing segment with capital value below Rs 4,000 per square foot has increased to 28 per cent in 2017 from 23% in 2016. The housing shortage, earlier projected at 18.78 million in 2011, has been revised to approx. 10 million units as of 2017 through subsequent assessment by the govt. All things considered, the affordable housing segment is on an upward growth trajectory.
airports

The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday said that Rs 4,000 crore will be spent towards land acquisition for the Noida international Greenfield airport near Jewar.

Out of Rs 4000 crore, Rs 1500 crore will be made available by budget allocated to state civil aviation department, while another Rs 1500 crore will be provided by Noida. An amount of Rs 500 crore each, shall be shared by Greater Noida Authority and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) respectively, a statement issued by the state government said here.

In a bid to fasten work towards the development of much-awaited greenfield Jewar International Airport and for creating a JV company, the Uttar Pradesh government on May 29 had signed a pact with YEIDA, Noida and Greater Noida Industrial Development Authorities.

"The concessionnaire for setting up the airport under PPP mode will be selected via global bidding mechanism. The state government is committed to finish all necessary formalities for setting up the airport," says Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi, minister for civil aviation.

As for passenger capacity of the Jewar Airport, once it starts operations in 2022-23, its initial capacity would be of 60 lakh passengers and with year-on-year increases its annual passenger capacity is expected to reach up to 10 crore by the year 2050, as estimated by PWC. Earlier, a detailed PWC report on the projects feasibility and sustainability highlighted that 85 percent of flyers will be domestic and the rest international.

Apart from the socio-economic benefits to the NCR region, Jewar Airport is expected to be a boon for the Delhi Airport. Delhi (IGI) Airport is soon expected to reach its (peak) passenger handling capacity. With the aviation sector growing at almost 15 percent, Delhi Airport is expected to handle almost 10 crore passengers per year by 2022.
live bse live

nse live Volume Todays L/H More 

Shares of Capital First and IDFC Bank rose 3-5 percent in the opening trade on Wednesday on the bank of RBI approval for amalgamation of companies.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conveyed no objection for the voluntary amalgamation of Capital First, Capital First Home Finance and Capital First Securities with IDFC Bank, subject to compliance with the terms and conditions specified therein.

The Scheme remains subject to receipt of approval from the respective shareholders and creditors of the amalgamated company and the amalgamating companies, National Company Law Tribunal, and other statutory and regulatory approvals, if any.

After the RBI approval, now we have NCLT and shareholder approval that is pending.

In the merged entity, IDFC will need to hold 40 percent as per RBI requirements. Under the current scheme of arrangement, IDFC Ltds stake in the merged entity will stand at 38 percent.

Before the merger is consummated, as in, before the shares of swapped, they (IDFC) will have to buy from the market or any other route, maybe bilaterally.

Well, 4-5 months is what we are expecting to get the NCLT process to go through, V. Vaidyanathan, founder and executive chairman, Capital First

At 09:19 hrs Capital First was quoting at Rs 547.70, up 2.76 percent and IDFC Bank was quoting at Rs 39.90, up 4.31 percent on the BSE.

In the last one year, the shares of Capital First shed 24 percent, while IDFC Bank was down 33 percent.

Posted by Rakesh Patil
Global investment firm Temasek and Singapore's Ascendas-Singbridge today announced plans to invest Rs 2,000 crore in India's logistic and industrial real estate segment. Ascendas-Singbridge has launched Ascendas India Logistics Programme, in which Temasek is a principal investor.

"Temasek and Ascendas-Singbridge Group have jointly committed Rs 20 billion (approx Singapore dollar 400 million) to invest in logistics and industrial real estate in key locations in India," Ascendas said in a statement.

Ascendas-Firstspace, the platform established by Ascendas-Singbridge and Firstspace Realty in 2017, will execute the investment strategy for the programme, it added.

Logistic and industrial real estate has been able to attract huge investments in the last few years on the back of growing e-commerce business. The new GST regime has also helped in growth of this segment.

Ascendas-Singbridge Group is Asia's leading sustainable urban development and business space solutions provider with assets under management exceeding S$20 billion.

Jointly owned by Temasek Holdings and JTC Corporation through a 51:49 partnership, the group undertakes urbanisation projects spanning townships, mixed-use developments and business/industrial parks.

Ascendas-Singbridge has projects in 28 cities across 9 countries in Asia, including Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Singapore and South Korea.

The commitment of capital for the programme follows the recent establishment of Ascendas-Firstspace to deliver state-of-the-art logistics and industrial facilities across major warehousing and manufacturing hubs in India, the statement said.

"Ascendas-Singbridge has over 20 years of experience in India and we are committed to India's real estate growth story. Given strong domestic consumption trends, investments in high quality logistics and industrial facilities are necessary to support India's economic growth in the years to come," said He Jihong, Ascendas-Singbridge Group Chief Investment Officer.

Temasek India MD Promeet Ghosh said the logistics and industrial sector is a good proxy to growing middle-income populations and transforming economies.

"The positive momentum of the sector, underpinned by the Indian government's Make in India vision as well as healthy consumption trends, present opportunities for us to further invest in India's continued growth," he added.

Tapping India's growing logistics sector, the programme will invest in projects in key warehousing and manufacturing hubs in Mumbai, National Capital Region, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, and Ahmedabad, among others.

The target is to develop a portfolio of 13 to 15 million sq ft of space. To date, it has two seed assets with 1.25 million sq ft of operational space and over 4 million sq ft in development potential.
To control rising attrition, e-commerce companies are giving delivery personnel double-digit salary hikes and perks, The Economic Times reports.

Attrition among delivery staff rose to 34 percent in 2017 from 29 percent in 2015, the report said, citing data from staffing agency TeamLease.

To retain delivery staff, e-commerce firms have been raising salaries and providing benefits such as night-shift allowance, reimbursements and hospitalisation and accident insurance. These benefits are usually given to those on the firm's payroll.

The average salary of a delivery person has improved to Rs 11,500 per month in 2017 from Rs 7,500 a month in 2014, according to TeamLease.

Difficult work conditions, such as rough weather, is the main reason for the high rate of attrition.

India's e-commerce sector is expected to employ one million delivery staff by 2022, TeamLease estimates.

"Attrition is particularly high among those who work on contracts," Rituparna Chakraborty, co-founder of TeamLease, was quoted as saying by the paper.

Attrition is also high among those who work on two-wheelers than those who use bigger vehicles, Mithun Srivatsa, chief executive of logistics company Blowhorn, told ET.

Bengaluru-based BigBasket estimates attrition of 10-12 percent among its delivery personnel, depending on the location, the publication reported.
Drug firm Zydus Cadila today said its wholly-owned subsidiary Alidac Pharmaceuticals has not received any observations from the US health regulator after inspection of its manufacturing facility located at SEZ, Ahmedabad.

"The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) inspected the manufacturing facility of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Alidac Pharmaceuticals Ltd located at SEZ, Ahmedabad from May 28 to June 5, 2018. At the end of the inspection, no observation (483) is issued," the company said in a BSE filing.

The site manufactures oncology injectables for the regulated markets, it added.

Shares of Cadila Healthcare, the listed entity of the group, were trading 1.68 percent up at Rs 354.50 per scrip on BSE.
The Congress took a dig at BJP chief Amit Shah and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray ahead of their scheduled meeting here today, saying the rendezvous was aimed at "cutting a political deal" ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan also played down reports of bickering between the two saffron parties, saying the Sena was unlikely to sever ties with the BJP.

He saw the frequent barbs hurled by the Sena at its NDA ally as a pressure tactic to get a better deal from the BJP.

"The meeting between the two leaders is aimed at cutting a political deal, nothing else. The Shiv Sena is not going to snap ties with the BJP.

"The Shiv Sena's criticism of the BJP is only a political pressure tactic used to clinch a better deal," the former Maharashtra chief minister, said.Hitting out at its alliance partner, the Uddhav Thackeray-led outfit had recently called the BJP its "biggest political enemy".

Shah is expected to meet Thackeray later in the day as part of the BJP's "Sampark se Samarthan" (Contact for Support) initiative, aimed at highlighting the achievements of the Narendra Modi government and garnering support for the party in the run-up to next year's general election.

Earlier in the day, the Shiv Sena questioned the BJP's outreach programme after suffering defeats in the recently-held bypolls and asserted that it will go solo in all the upcoming elections.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat has praised the positive contributions made by Morocco to the various UA projects and programs since the North African Kingdom rejoined the African bloc last year.

At a meeting in Rabat with Head of the Moroccan government Saad Eddine El Othmani, Mr. Mahamat, who attended Tuesday an Iftar (the breaking of the Ramadan fast) hosted by King Mohammed VI in honor of Gabons President Ali Bongo Ondimba, hailed the countrys noteworthy input to the African free trade area, the protocol of free movement of people in the continent, the African air transport agreements and the African security fund.

Chairman of the AU Commission also thanked the North African Kingdom for its initiatives on migration, its valuable contributions to the socioeconomic development of several African countries and the regularization of the situation of thousands illegal African migrants.

Mahamats talks with El Othmani also covered cooperation prospects between Morocco and the AU in the fields of agriculture, renewable energies, sustainable development, education and vocational training.

El Othmani renewed Moroccos commitment to enhancing partnership with the AU and supporting all African moves seeking to foster peace and stability in the Continent and speed up its inclusive development.

The AU Peace and Security Council approved lately a proposal made by King Mohammed VI to set up an African Migration Observatory. The Moroccan Sovereign, who was appointed by the African Union leader on the issue of migration, had called for the setting up of an Observatory to better understand, anticipate and act on migration issues.

In recent years, Morocco has become a country of destination rather than a transit country for refugees and migrants, aiming to reach Europe. In this connection, the North African Kingdom launched regularization plans for migrants and refugees, who wish to settle in the country.

Morocco has revised its national immigration and asylum strategy to make it in line with the countrys human rights commitment, guaranteeing migrants access to basic services including, education, social housing, and employment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah

Former police officer D G Vanzara's lawyer told a special court today that it appeared the CBI wanted to "implicate" the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and his former cabinet colleague Amit Shah in the 2004 Ishrat Jahan encounter case.

Arguing for his client's discharge plea filed in the court of special judge J K Pandya, Vanzara's lawyer V D Gajjar said going by the statements of witnesses recorded by the CBI, it appeared the "intention of the investigating agency was to implicate" Modi and Shah in the case.

"Fortunately" this did not happen, Gajjar said.

Modi, now the prime minister, was the chief minister of Gujarat during the time and Shah served as Minister of State for Home under him.

The CBI had in 2014 given a clean chit to Shah, now BJP president, citing insufficient evidence against him.

In his submission, Gajjar said the charge sheet filed against his client was "concocted" and there was no prosecutable evidence against him.

He said statements of witnesses in the case were not reliable as accused like Bharat Patel and I K Chauhan, among others, were made witnesses without following due process.

The lawyer maintained the encounter was "genuine" and that the fake encounter story was "concocted".

Vanzara, out on bail in the alleged fake encounter case, said in his discharge application that Modi was secretly interrogated by the investigating officer of the case.

"However, such material was not placed on record of this case," the former IPS officer said.

Vanzara, the former Deputy Inspector-General of Police, has presented this as one of the points to press for his discharge in the case.

The CBI has opposed his plea along with that of another former Gujarat Police officer N K Amin, a co-accused, who has also moved a discharge plea in the same court.

The central agency has claimed it has enough evidence to establish its charges against Vanzara and Amin.

The court, which has concluded hearing the plea of Amin, a retired superintendent of police, fixed June 15 for further hearing of Vanzara's petition.

Jahan, a 19-year-old college girl from Mumbai, and three others -- Javed Shaikh alias Pranesh Pillai, Amjadali Akbarali Rana and Zeeshan Johar -- were killed in an encounter with the police on Ahmedabad's outskirts on June 15, 2004.

The Gujarat police had then claimed they had terror links and plotted to kill the then chief minister Modi.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the Gujarat High Court, had concluded that it was a "fake" encounter. Following the finding, the HC had transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

In the first charge sheet filed by the CBI in 2013, seven Gujarat police officers were named as accused, including IPS officers P P Pandey, Vanzara and G L Singhal. They faced charges of kidnapping, murder and criminal conspiracy.

Pandey had been discharged in the case.

The CBI had named four IB officials, including special director Rajinder Kumar and officer M S Sinha, in the supplementary charge sheet. However, the Centre is yet to give its sanction for their prosecution.

Vanzara was last year discharged in the 2005 Sohrabuddin Sheikh and Tulsiram alleged fake encounter cases along with Rajasthan IPS officer Dinesh M N.
June 06, 2018 / 11:09 AM IST

Thank you, readers, for staying tuned. Here are the highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interaction with entrepreneurs and innovators from across the nation:

# Atal Tinkering Labs for students from class 6 to class 12 to encourage innovations at a young age.

# Make In India is flourishing now; and along with it "Design in India" is also essential.

# Earlier, to acquire a trademark, 75 forms had to be filled. Now it has been reduced to 8 forms.

# For startups, 6 labour laws and 3 environmental norms have been exempted. Income Tax has also been exempt for the first three years.

# Venture capital funds have been used to develop startup ecosystem in India.

# 45% of the startups are started by women. On an average one start up employs 12 persons.

# Startups have now penetrated to tier-II and tier-III cities and have spread to sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.
A 20-year old man from Rajasthans Bundi district, missing for five years, has been traced to a jail in Pakistan. This was brought to light when the authorities received an enquiry to verify the nationality of a prisoner from Pakistan.

According to a report published by NDTV, Jugraj Bheel, a resident of the Rampuria village, Bundi district in Rajasthan, had been missing for five years with no trace. While it is not clear how Jugraj strayed into Pakistan, the Bundi District Superintendent of Police, Yogesh Yadav, received an enquiry to verify Jugraj Bheels nationality.

Yadav said, We have found his family members in Rampuria village, falling in Dabi police station area.

His father, Bhairon Bheel confirmed the identity of his son, Jugraj.

The DSP added, His family members have said that Jugraj was mentally disturbed but they do not know how he strayed into Pakistan.

Last month, the Bundi District Police had received a report from the Rajasthan Police Headquarters seeking information about Jugraj Bheel.

Bhairon Bheel in a report by Times of India said, I am happy to hear about my son being traced. I am equally anxious for his safe return to home in Bundi. I would meet the Bundi district collector on Wednesday and through him would request the state and Central governments for his safe return from the Pakistan jail.

This is the second similar case in a fortnight in Rajasthan. Last month, a Jaipur man missing for 36 years was traced to a jail in Pakistan. An enquiry into the case of 68-year old Gajanand Sharma had revealed that he was lodged in a jail in Pakistan.

Gajanand had gone missing from his home in Jaipurs Brahampuri area around 36 years ago. An investigation carried out by the police confirmed his identity and traced his family members. BJP leaders had written to the External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, requesting her intervention to ensure Gajanands release from the jail in Pakistan.
Actor Rajinikanth (file image)

Actor Rajinikanth has appealed to people of Karanataka to allow the release of his latest film Kaala after the state government banned its release.



#BREAKING Ahead of Kaala release, actor Rajinikanth appeals to fans in Kannada, says have approached state govt, hope film releases with security #KaalaBlackOut pic.twitter.com/Ea96UUvCAy

 TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) June 6, 2018

According to a Times Now report, the actor has approached the state government on the matter and asked for the film to be released with the required security measures in place.

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce disallowed the films release after Rajinikanths remarks on Cauvery water issues. The actor asked the new government in Karnataka to give Tamil Nadu its share of Cauvery river water as mandated by the Supreme Court verdict.

In response, the Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy invited Rajinikanth to see the situation for himself, after which he would change his stand.

"If there is water in Karnataka it is possible for us to give them water. I request Rajinikanth, please come and see the situation in our dams, what has happened to our farmers. After seeing that, if you (Rajinikanth) still want water, let's discuss," Kumaraswamy said.

The Karnataka High Court directed the state government on Tuesday to provide the necessary security for peaceful release 'Kaala', which pro-Kannada outfits had threatened to stall over the actor's reported remarks on the Cauvery row.

Kumaraswamy further requested the distributor of Rajinikanth-starrer Kaala not to release it in "this kind of atmosphere", but said the government would follow the High Court order on the issue.

"According to my observation as an individual, not a chief minister, as a Kannaidaga....I request the producer or distributor of the movie, in this kind of atmosphere, it is not good on their part to release the movie," "Even if they release the movie... I know... I'm an experienced person.... basically I am also a film distributor and producer. It will not be useful to them financially.
The Supreme Court issued an order on Tuesday saying the government is not barred from granting promotions to Scheduled Castes and Tribes in public offices provided that they are in accordance with law, and subject to further orders.

This essentially means the government can extend reservation in promotions for any backward class, as envisaged under Article 16(4) of the Constitution. Under this article, the government is bound to make provision for reservation of appointments or posts in favour of any backward class of citizens which is not adequately represented in public services.

Also, the extension of reservation to promotion of backward classes should strictly adhere to law, which in this case would be the 2006 judgment of the Supreme Court in M Nagaraj & Others vs Union of India. The judgment upheld validity of Article 16(4), saying the government can extend reservation to promotions. However, it added the caveat that the government will have to furbish compelling data backed by proof that the concerned class of citizens is backward and doesnt have adequate representation in government offices. In addition, the government has to ensure that such a promotion will not hinder overall efficiency of the administration.

The move was welcomed by the BJP, with senior BJP leader Thawar Chand Gehlot saying, It will not only open new doors for the communities but also widen the existing scope in various arenas of employment in the government sector." The apex courts order can be seen as a shot in the arm for the NDA government, which was criticized for being anti-Dalit when the Supreme Court amended the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

It is noteworthy, though, that various high courts have had varied opinions on extension of reservation to promotion, the reason why it has been stalled for so long.

Let's take a look at the timeline:

1992: Reservation in promotions were allowed since 1955, until the Supreme Court held it unconstitutional in the landmark judgment of Indira Sawhney vs Union of India. The SC then had held that reservation could be given only for initial appointment and not in promotion.

1995: The Centre passed the 77th Constitutional Amendment Act to continue with promotion quota.

1997: Five office memorandums were issued by the Department of Personnel Training (DoPT).

2006: M Nagaraj & Others vs Union of India judgment validates reservation in promotion provided government furbishes proof of backwardness and representation of the concerned class in government offices.

Following this judgment, various high courts had quashed reservation in promotion because of dearth of proof. In 2012 and 2014, the Punjab and Haryana High Court struck down the reservation policy in various departments of government services, including the income tax department.

2012: The UPA proposed a bill in Rajya Sabha to eliminate the need for the government to furbish proof of backwardness and representation in government offices. The bill was passed in Rajya Sabha, but was opposed in Lok Sabha and has been pending since.

2017: Delhi High Court quashed the office memorandums issued in 1997 and set aside all such promotions in the last 20 years.

In November 2017, while hearing a bunch of petitions on the issue, the bench referred the Nagraj judgment to a constitutional bench on whether it needed a relook.

Hence, Tuesdays order of the Supreme Court is subject to further orders and pending further consideration of the matter.
Ola 1

A woman had a nightmarish experience after an Ola cab driver allegedly molested and forced her to strip, took pictures on mobile and even threatened to call his friends and get her gang-raped while she was en route to the airport here on June 1, police said. Based on her complaint via email to Bengaluru police, the driver has been arrested and a case registered.

According to the First Information Report, the woman, a native of Mangaluru who worked as an architect here, had booked the cab on June 1 night and left for the airport.

On the way, the driver Arun V stopped the car midway and diverted it to a secluded place. He then locked all the doors and windows and when the woman tried to raise an alarm, he threatened her with dire consequences, police said.

The driver even tried to strangle her and warned her that if she did not follow his instructions he would call all his friends and gang-rape her, the FIR said.

She alleged that he molested and forced her to strip and took her pictures using her phone and then transferred them to his mobile phone.

Later, he dropped the woman at the airport warning her that he would circulate her pictures on social media if she lodged any complaint.

"After reaching the airport she complained through mail to our commissioner that such an incident has happened.

Based on the mail transaction, we immediately registered an FIR andarrested the driver and seized the car," Additional commissioner of police Seemanth Kumar Singh said.

Singh said they also issued a notice to Ola Cab as to why police verification for the driver was not done. In a statement, an Ola spokesperson said, "We regret the unfortunate experience the customer had during the ride. We have zero tolerance for such incidents and the driver has been blacklisted from the platform as an immediate action upon receiving the complaint.

"Safety of our customers is our top priority and we are extending our full support to the police authorities in their investigation," the spokesperson said. The statement said the driver held a valid police verification check that confirmed no criminal cases had been recorded against him. "This is a mandatory process for all driver-partners who operate on our platform," it added.
Representative image

In a blow to Pakistan, the World Bank has reportedly asked it to not pursue the dispute over Kishanganga dam to the International Court of Arbitration and instead accept Indias offer of appointing a neutral expert.

A report in Pakistani English daily Dawn said World Bank president Jim Yong Kim advised the Pakistani government to stand down and defer from taking the matter to the ICA.

This is a change of stance from the earlier position taken by the World Bank. In 2016, the bank had even picked a US chief justice, the rector of Imperial College, London, and the World Bank president for appointing a chairman of the court to resolve the dispute over the dam. However, in December the Bank had paused the process of appointment.

Pakistan has continuously opposed the construction of a dam claiming it as a violation of a World Bank-mediated six-decade-old treaty on the sharing of waters from the Indus and its tributaries. The country thinks that the dam would not only alter the course of the river but also deplete the water level of the rivers that flow into Pakistan.

India, on the other hand, considers that the dam does not violate the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. It says the treaty allows a country to build run-of-river hydel projects that do not affect the flow and water level of a river.

While Pakistan has been insistent on taking the matter to ICA, India describes the issue a mere difference over the design of the dam. New Delhi had proposed the appointment of neutral experts to resolve the matter.

Quoting a source, Dawn said, Pakistan believed that acceding to Indias proposal of referring the dispute to neutral experts or withdrawing from its stand would mean closing the doors of arbitration and surrendering its right of raising disputes before international courts.

It will become a precedent and every time a dispute emerges between Pakistan and India, the latter will always opt for dispute resolution through neutral experts, the source further adds.
With the Opposition parties joining hands for a grand alliance to fight the ruling government and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) not faring well in recent Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha bypolls, the latter is now making efforts to bring together constituents of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) that claim themselves independent.

BJP president Amit Shah is reaching out to allies Shiv Sena and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to keep all allies intact ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Shah will meet Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at 6pm on Wednesday at Matoshri, which is the Thackeray residence. He will also meet former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal in Chandigarh on Thursday.

BJP leaders asked for a meeting so we have agreed. There is no question of discussion on Lok Sabha seat-sharing in Punjab. SAD is the senior partner and there would be no change in the existing seat sharing arrangement, a senior SAD leader told Mint on condition of anonymity.

However, Senas mouthpiece Saamna has called Narendra Modi and Amit Shah wilful defaulters in ally management, hours ahead of the meeting.

The magazine also went on to ask, "Why is Amit Shah meeting NDA allies after losing by-elections?"

"In 2019, the Shiv Sena will fight alone," it asserted.

But the question is whether Shiv Sena has the strength to stand alone. The party has struggled to hold onto Mumbai's municipal corporation, a hugely rich body that it has controlled for two decades. The BJP was just two seats behind. The BJP also won a series of local bodies in other parts of the state.

It is also important to note that this is the first time the BJP is reaching out to the Shiv Sena and SAD after the exit of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidus Telugu Desam Party (TDP) from the NDA in March this year.
Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamana on Wednesday mocked Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah, hours before his meeting with Sena Chairperson Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai.

The BJP president is set to meet Thackeray at 6.00 pm on Wednesday at Thackeray's residence Matoshri.

The newspaper, which is run by senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut, called Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi wilful defaulters in alliance management.

In an editorial published on Wednesday, Saamana questioned what Shah was hoping to achieve in his series of meetings with allies in the National Democratic Alliance, given that the meetings have been arranged after the party suffered multiple defeats in recent bypolls.

"Winds of change of governance are blowing in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Change of governance is inevitable in Maharashtra as well. Amit Shah intends to win 350 seats in the Lok Sabha on the BJP's own strength. He says Ram Mandir will be built then. His stubbornness needs to be saluted," the Sena said.

"After their win, Modi and Shah were back on the posters. This shows that commercial arithmetic decides who and when you keep contact with and when to break (contact)," it said.

Saamana also asserted that the Sena would be fighting the 2019 Lok Sabha polls alone.

Shah reaching out to allies

Shah is reaching out to BJP's allies, including Shiv Sena and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to keep the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) intact ahead of the 2019 general election.

Following his meeting with Thackeray on Wednesday, Shah will meet former Punjab chief minister and SAD chief Parkash Singh Badal in Chandigarh on Thursday.

First meet since Palghar bypoll

The meeting between Thackeray and Shah comes just a week after the Palghar Lok Sabha bypoll, where the two parties, constituents in the state government, had mounted an acrimonious campaign.

The BJP won the seat, with its candidate Rajendra Gavit defeating Sena's Srinivas Wanga by a margin of 29,572 votes.

In one of the sharpest attacks after the bypoll loss in Palghar, Sena Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut on Monday described the party as the biggest "political enemy" of the BJP.

The country "does not" want the Modi-Shah duo, but could "accept" the Congress or Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Deve Gowda, Raut had said.

The Sena has been consistently attacking its ally BJP over key matters including farmer issues, demonetisation and implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST), among others.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has hit back at Congress president Rahul Gandhi with a six-point rebuttal to what the latter had said at a public address in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, on Wednesday.

In an article, Jaitley said: Every time I listen to the view of Shri Rahul Gandhi, both inside and outside Parliament, I ask myself the same question  How much does he know? When will he know?

Listening to his speech delivered in Madhya Pradesh today reaffirms my curiosity about the answer. Is he being inadequately briefed or is he being a little too liberal with his facts, Jaitley said, before providing a six-point rebuttal to what Gandhi said at a rally in Mandsaur on Wednesday.

Gandhi was addressing a rally at Pipliya Mandi in Mandsaur district to commemorate the first anniversary of police firing on farmers during an agitation in which six farmers were killed.

On loan waiver of industrialists

Jaitley said that Gandhis accusation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government had waved loans of Rs 2.5 lakh crore of top 15 industrialists of the country as factually false.

The finance minister clarified that the Centre had not waived a single rupee due from any industrialist.

Instead, those who owed money to the banks and other creditors have been declared insolvent and removed from their companies by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), Jaitley claimed.

On farmers not getting loans

Replying to Gandhis charge that loans are not made available to farmers and are only available to the industrialists, the finance minister said, This was during the UPA Government, particularly UPA II, when bulk of amount constitute the NPAs today were given by the banking system during the period 2008-14. From 2014 we have been systematically taking one step after the other to recover these monies back.

Banking fraud started under UPA

Talking about the Congress presidents charge that Prime Minister Modi gave Rs 35,000 crore each to two diamond jewelers, who escaped the country, Jaitley has replied that the banking fraud started in the year 2011 when the UPA II was in power. It was only detected during the NDA period.

Case of inadequate knowledge

Responding to the Gandhi scions claim that mobile phones that are manufactured in China will be manufactured in India, if Congress comes to power, the finance minister said it was a case of inadequate knowledge.

Further, Jaitley claimed that there were only two mobile manufacturing unites in India in 2014, when UPA lost power, while the number has increased to 120 units with an investment of Rs 1,32,000 crore in 2018 as a result of Modi governments electronics policy and the incentives.

On jobs creation

Rebutting Gandhis charge that India has not been able to create enough jobs under the Modi government, the finance minister said that the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data has re-emphasised India as the fastest growing economy in the world.

There is a double digit growth in construction, expansion in manufacturing, an increased capital formation which indicates investment increase, large investment in physical infrastructure and increased investment in rural India. All these are job creating sectors, Jaitley has said.

Connecting rural and urban Madhya Pradesh

In his public address on Wednesday, the Congress president had said that if elected, the Congress would connect farms and villages to cities.

Taking a jibe at the Congress president, Jaitley said that Gandhi scions impression is of the Digvijay Singh era in Madhya Pradesh.

Madhya Pradesh had the worst set of roads in India when the Congress was voted out in 2003. Poor quality roads was one key reason for ousting the Congress. Thanks to Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Prime Minister Modi who during the NDA Government, has tripled the investment in rural roads, in comparison to what the UPA spent, there is a revolution in the Gram Sadak Yojana, Jaitley claimed.

Speaking at a public address in Mandsaur, Gandhi announced that farmers' loan would be waived within 10 days, if his party comes to power in Madhya Pradesh later this year.

Assembly polls are due in Madhya Pradesh in November this year along with Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.
1. The comment section is for discussion. Opinions are welcome. Personal attacks, trolling, name-calling and/ or bigotry will not be tolerated.



2. Posts containing links may be moderated. This blog does not accept paid advertisements and will not entertain free ones either.

3. Kindly stay on topic. Say what you think and refrain from telling others what they think.



4. Violators will be warned, deleted, and/ or banned at sole discretion of the moderator.


Congress president Rahul Gandhi will be addressing a rally at Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh today, kickstarting his party's campaign for the state's assembly elections scheduled for November this year.

The venue and the date of the rally is symbolic since Mandsaur was the epicentre of last year's farmers' agitation and had witnessed violence on June 6, when six people were killed in police firing.

This year, farmers across Madhya Pradesh joined the pan-India farmers' strike for 10 days from June 1. The strike is being led by the Rashtriya Kisan Mahasangh (RKM), an umbrella body of more than 125 farmers' organisations.

Gandhi's rally is scheduled to begin at 1pm. Around 100,000 people are expected to turn up for the rally, according to Business Standard, and security has been stepped up across the district.

What had happened in Mandsaur?

Mandsaur, a western district in Madhya Pradesh, had witnessed a farmers' strike last year due to several factors, including plummeting onion prices and inability of farmers to recover basic costs of cultivation.

Moreover, farmers were also often forced to sell their produce below cost and transportation cost exceeded the value. Demonetisation added to their woes.

To draw attention to these issues and protest against government inaction, farmers across MP launched a strike. Mandsaur became the epicentre after the protests turned violent and police had to resort to firing. The firing took place in two places  Bhai Choupati and Piplya Mandi.

This sparked further violence with farmers torching vehicles and blocking roads.

A political war of words erupted over the incident, and MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan requested for a legal investigation.

What did the investigation conclude?

Almost a week after the incident, the MP government appointed a single-member inquiry commission headed by retired High Court judge Justice J K Jain.

The investigation was to conclude in three months from the date of appointment. However, the panel sought four extensions to submit the final report and completed its term on May 11, 2018.

Three days after the incident, the state government had admitted that police had resorted to firing. "Police firing killed the farmers. It has been established in the probe,"state Home Minister Bhupendra Singh had said.

In March 2018, two CRPF constables told the inquiry commission that the firing from their side was unintentional since their guns went off during a skirmish with a mob that was trying to snatch their weapons.

What is the situation now?

Post the violence, the MP government launched a number of schemes, including Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana, guaranteeing assured income to farmers.

However, farmers remain dissatisfied with the scheme, alleging that the scheme benefits traders more than farmers.

With their demands not met, and the probe into last year's firing not yet concluded, several leaders from across the political spectrum are set to visit Mandsaur to show their support. Apart from Rahul Gandhi and senior Congress leaders, Pravin Togadia, until recently a member of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), is also slated to visit.

Togadia will be sharing stage with BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha and former Union minister Yashwant Sinha.

Meanwhile, Congress will be looking to announce its strategy for farmers in Madhya Pradesh ahead of the crucial assembly elections.
Akhilesh Yadav

Buoyed by opposition victory in key Lok Sabha bypolls in Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav today dared the BJP government at the Centre to hold simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls in the state in 2019 .

"We have no problem if the voters' list is linked with Aadhar number. We have no problems with 'one nation one election'. I ask them (BJP) to implement 'one nation one election' from 2019 itself and hold UP Assembly polls with the 2019 Lok Sabha elections," he told a press conference at the SP headquarters here.

The 44-year-old SP chief virtually threw down the gauntlet at the BJP after the saffron party's defeat in the prestigious Lok Sabha by-elections to Gorakhpur and Phulpur and its recent drubbing in Kairana and Phoolpur Assembly bypoll.

While Gorakhpur is the home turf of chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Phulpur was held by his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya. Even Kairana was held by a BJP MP, whose death necessitated the bypoll in which his daughter lost to the RLD, whose candidate was supported by all opposition parties.

An Uttar Pradesh panel has recommended simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, echoing a suggestion by the Law Commission of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's own view on the issue.

Akhilesh, however, rued, "No suggestion was taken from us on this issue". A report in this regard was submitted yesterday by UP Health Minister Sidharth Nath Singh, who headed the seven-member committee constituted by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. "UP is the first state to push PM's idea of national debate on holding all elections up to the panchayat together. We have examined it and it is possible," Singh had said after handing over the report titled, "One nation, one election & common electoral rolls."

Adityanath had later said, "We are forwarding the report to the Centre, and it will be good in the larger public interest. To keep the electoral rolls clean, Aadhaar numbers should be linked with names of voters to eliminate chances of duplication, as suggested by the committee.
BS-IV BMW G 310 GS

live bse live

nse live Volume Todays L/H More 

BMW Motorrad India will open bookings of the G 310 range of motorcycles on Friday paving the way for the official launch later in the month.

Customers will be able to pre-book G 310 R and the G 310 GS for Rs 50,000 at any of the authorised dealerships across the country.

To pre-book, the customers can either visit BMW Motorrad outlet or request a call back simply by filing up an enquiry form online at the BMW Motorrad website.

Deliveries will be done on a first come first serve basis, the company noted. Price of both the bikes will be revealed at the time of their launch. Experts are expecting the price to be between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs Rs 3 lakh.

Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said: These two motorcycles are built for the Indian roads and offer a true BMW at competitive costs. The wait is now finally over as we open pre-bookings for our customers ahead of the launch. We are confident that like elsewhere in the world, the BMW G 310 R and the BMW G 310 GS will create a successful chapter in the India story as well.

Both bikes are powered by a 313cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four valves, DOHC unit. It produces peak power of 34hp and 28Nm of torque and is paired to a six-speed gearbox. Five-spoke alloy wheels and antilock braking system are standard.

Both bikes have been under production at the TVS Motor Companys Chennai facility since the last few months. They are exported to European markets. They are also part of the first breed of models that have been jointly developed by TVS and BMW engineers. TVS has already launched its version of the bike under the brand Apache 310 RR, which starts at a price of Rs 2.05 lakh.

The BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS will be sold and serviced through the premium dealer network of BMW Motorrad that is present across Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Kochi. BMW Motorrads upcoming dealerships in Chandigarh and Kolkata will start accepting bookings of the motorcycles post launch.

To enable customers to own BMW Motorrad motorcyles of their choice, BMW Financial Services India will offer customized financial solutions. Customers can also get their loans pre-approved before delivery takes place.
tata motors

live bse live

nse live Volume Todays L/H More 

Tata Motors, Indias largest automotive maker by revenues, is open to selling stake in Tata Motors Finance, a vehicle financier fully owned by the Mumbai-based company.

The stake sale will be part of the value unlocking process kickstarted by the maker of cars and trucks even as it looks to sustain the positive momentum in sales and profitability.

As part of the process, the company has identified nearly 10 options, including shutting down of loss-making companies, winding up of unviable projects, off-loading of equity in some companies and merging of allied services.

PB Balaji, group chief financial officer, Tata Motors, said: We have taken a hard look at the subsidiaries of Tata Motors in India and looked at what was the strategic roadmap, what was the role, why do we think we will win competitively in the future. On that basis we have taken some very clear calls.

Tata Technologies, Tata Hitachi, Tata Precision, Trilix and Tata Motors European Technical Center (TMETC) are the entities which will be a part of this exercise. As for Tata Motors Finance (TMF), the profit-making company may see stake dilution by the promoter company, said Balaji.

We are very clear that we will now continue to invest as far as Tata Motors Finance is concerned. We will maintain control as far as Tata Motors Finance is concerned, but clearly there is no intention to say that we should always hold it at 100 percent, that is also clear. As far as others are concerned, the strategic review is underway, and these will be updated in due course, added Balaji.

Financial turnaround

Profit before tax of TMF stood at Rs 291 crore last financial year as against a loss of Rs 699 crore posted in 2016-17, as per financial details disclosed by Tata Motors. TMF not only managed to dramatically reduce its gross non-performing asset (GNPA) to four percent from 17.9 percent during the two years its market share stood improved to 25 percent from 22 percent.

TMFs total asset under management stood at Rs 27,932 crore last year, a 24 percent growth compared to Rs 22,517 crore. Last year saw a disbursal growth of 66 percent, the highest in its history, to Rs 15,400 crore.

Last month, Tata Motors said it had written off working capital of Rs 1,641 crore in some of the vehicle projects that it does not intend to carry forward. Nearly 60 percent of that belongs to Tata Motors, and the balance to Jaguar Land Rover. Racemo, a production-ready mini performance car, which was put on the backburner, has now been put up for sale.

The defence business the sale is in progress. We are now holding for sale our stake in Tata Technologies, Tata Hitachi as well as some of the small shareholding that we have in other companies like Tata Steel, etc. We are winding up our Spain business, which is already in final stages as well as Tata Precision that is Singapore-based business which has been wound up. Design capabilities like Trilix and TMETC are all coming together under one umbrella," added Balaji.
Salil Parekh

Infosys chief executive Salil Parekh on Wednesday said it will follow its United States localisation strategy in other markets such as Australia, New Zealand and Europe and it has hired 4,000 of its 10,000 employee target in the US.

Parekh was speaking at Morgan Stanley's 20th Annual India Summit in Mumbai.

"I think, in general what we see in many of our markets -- Europe, Australia, New Zealand, US market, independent of the current political situation, the overall sentiment is to enhance more local jobs activities," said Parekh.

He further said that in the US, Infosys has 4,000 local hires, of which 800 are college graduates.

The Bengaluru-based firm had last year announced that it will set up four technology and innovation hubs in the US, and hire about 10,000 locals by 2019.

Responding to a query on whether this focus on localisation will hurt margins, he declined to provide a long term impact, but said the company sees hiring local US graduates as a positive for margins in the "very short term".

The Indian IT industry has for long worked on the cost arbitrage model, which allowed it to keep labour costs low, employing Indian engineers to serve clients based in other geographies.

In the past couple of years, there has been a rising protectionist sentiment across the globe- from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and even parts of Asia- forcing Indian IT companies to hire locally and paying higher wages, which has impacted margins.

Responding to a question about expansion into China, Parekh said Infosys' business in the geography was very small, and that Infosys does not "have a plan to look at a large expansion in China ...at least in the three year horizon".

He also said that Infosys was on track to execute its execution strategy laid out in April.

Outlining a three-pronged strategy, CEO Salil Parekh has said in April that the focus for FY19 will be to stabilise, FY20 to build momentum, and FY21 to accelerate.

Also Read: Infosys eyes acquisitions, unveils three-pronged strategy to accelerate biz growth

Parekh said he has been meeting employees, who have shown keen interest in skilling themselves for the future. Responding to a query on how the past two years had impacted the company, Parekh said "we need a phase of calming things down and stabilising," hence the current fiscal will be spent in doing just that.
The number of jobs in artificial intelligence may see a jump of 50-60 percent, spurred by a discussion paper released by governments policy think-tank Niti Aayog that highlights the changing landscape.

Some recruiters expect a rise of about 60 percent this year itself.

The discussion paper titled National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI) details the need for upskilling and reskilling the workforce in AI, which is currently being fulfilled by internal and external means.

The paper, released on Monday, has a section dedicated to skilling, and points out that even though India has a large number of technology workers- the Indian IT industry alone employs over nearly 40 lakh people- AI is a skill gap that needs to be filled.

AI will also open up new job roles that may not be very popular right now.

A study by EY and National Association of Software and Services Companies, released in January, found that by 2022, around 46 percent of the workforce will be engaged in entirely new jobs that do not exist today, or will be deployed in jobs that have radically changed skill-sets.

The NITI Aayog paper notes: In the IT-BPM sector, traditional software developer roles are set to transition to roles such as computer vision engineers, robotic process automation (RPA) engineers and cloud architects, among others. At the same time, completely new job roles such as language processing specialists and 3D modelling engineers are set to arise as the technologies are increasingly adopted and deployed.

The industry also took a positive view of the AI paper. "In the wake of developments in AI, data sciences will be key skillset for the industry. This skillset is not just tied to Software and IT industry but applicable across all industries...Data scientists and data engineers both need to be well aware of various programming languages as well as licensed and opensource AI and machine learning platforms," said Abhay Pendse, Chief Architect, Corporate CTO at Pune-based Persistent Systems.

Data scientists and data engineers also need to be well aware of natural language processing (NLP) particularly in the Indian context as the solutions need to have regional language support, AI will complement and add a lot more efficiency and effectiveness to jobs, he added.

Moneycontrol spoke to recruitment consultants who were of the view that if artificial intelligence were to be implemented across sectors in a systematic manner, there would be at least 45-55 percent increase in the number of jobs created. However, HR experts said that while on one hand skill-gap is a challenge, on the other redeployment skilled talent into AI is the need of the hour.

Interestingly, the Obama administration in the US had also released a paper and policy document on AI in its final weeks. Those documents recognised AI as a technology with potential for driving commercial and societal change. Among the recommendations it made was training students in the US and importing talent from abroad, which was relevant for India and her huge technology workforce.

But with present President Donald Trump differing in view, it is imperative for India to harness her talent force.

Building blocks

The NITI Aayog report said that India has the necessary building blocks to develop a thriving AI research and development ecosystem, viz. availability of highly educated talent pool, world class educational institutes and an illustrious list of top notch IT companies dominating the global IT landscape.

It said that India produced a whopping 2.6 million STEM graduates in 2016, second only to China and more than four times the graduates produced by USA, thus producing the requisite talent pool to drive innovation in emerging technologies.

Disappointingly though, an overwhelming majority of this talent pool is focused on routine IT development and not so much on research and innovation, said the discussion paper.

It is natural then, that the huge impact AI is predicted to have, will impact sectors across the board, such as education, agriculture, finance and health.

Rituparna Chakraborty, co-founder & executive vice-president, TeamLease Services said that the opportunity exists and every business needs data science to be more competitive and agile in the workplace.

These jobs will get created. But the focus should be on the skills that can actually convert the opportunity into jobs. India doesnt have as much talent as required. My worry is that if the opportunity is created and companies dont find talent within the country, they will go outside to hire the right people, she added.

Nasscom has already been working with its member IT outsourcing companies to help bridge the skill gap.

The report comprehensively covers aspects of what India needs to do in AI. One is around skill, and how the FutureSkills platform can align with the growing demand for jobs in AI, another is startups, where we are already engaged, the two centres of excellence in Telangana and Karnataka will also help co-create solutions, and underlying all this is a good implementation framework, said Sangeeta Gupta, senior vice president, Nasscom.

Aditya Narayan Mishra, CEO, CIEL HR Services said that companies have already started hiring. The number of AI Jobs will see a jump of at least 25-30 percent in the next one to two years, he said.

However, Mishra added that people who pass out of engineering, computer science graduates do not have adequate skills. He said that they know the basics, and are taking use of online courses to bridge the skill gaps.
The Nipah virus is not only claiming lives in Kerala but is also impacting the business of fruit and vegetable exporters as Gulf nations have put a stop on the import of consignments from Kerala until further notice, reports BusinessLine.

Kerala ships around 150 tonnes of perishable commodities like vegetables and fruits on a daily basis to Gulf countries and to Europe. Of this, shipments from Cochin International Airport alone constitutes around 100 tonnes.

But the outbreak of Nipah virus in Kerala and its subsequent panic following a misinformation campaign on social media has hit the state's fruit and vegetable exports to Gulf.

Why the time of ban could cost the export business more?

The timing of the ban is going to impact fruit exporters in a big way as Holy Ramadan in Gulf countries is on where fruits are an essential item for iftar, said C Manoj of BVM Fruits, Kondotty, near Kozhikode who exports bananas, mangoes and pineapple through Karippur airport.

Another exporter told the paper that all Gulf countries except Saudi Arabia had embargoed perishable cargo from Kerala since the virus outbreak a fortnight ago. Now Saudi too has followed suit by stopping entry of all fresh vegetable and fruits from Kerala. However, exports to European countries are unaffected.

Exporters also pointed out that a majority of such cargo are sourced from neighbouring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu where the virus has not been detected.

How much has the Nipah outbreak cost the fruit and vegetable exporters in Kerala

According to Baby John, Executive Director of Vazhakkulam Pineapple Growers and Processors, pineapple exports to the Gulf have come to a standstill. Kerala exports 8-10 tonnes on a daily basis, garnering a revenue of Rs 3 lakh/day.

PV Hamza, president of the Association told the paper that there was an impact on the market for 10-15 days after the outbreak of the disease, resulting a 50 per cent drop in business especially for small vendors. Fruit business in Kerala is around 600 tonnes per day, about Rs 2,000 crore.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel speaks during the 2018 budget debate at the lower house of parliament Bundestag in Berlin, Germany. (Reuters)

Berlin, Jun 6 (AFP) German Chancellor Angela Merkel said today she expected "contentious discussions" at a G7 summit this week, given differences with US President Donald Trump on trade, climate and security.

Speaking two days before the Canada meeting of the club of major industrialised democracies, Merkel also said the leaders may not necessarily manage to agree on a final joint statement.

"I think everyone knows there will be difficult discussions there, because G7 summits deal with the global economy, trade, climate protection, development- and foreign policy," she told German parliament.

Trump's decisions to quit the Paris climate and Iran nuclear deals and impose sweeping steel and aluminium tariffs showed that "we have a serious problem with multilateral agreements, and that's why there will be contentious discussions", she said.

Given the stark differences between the US and many of its partners, she argued that the meeting should not insist on hammering out a joint communique that would spell a "watering down" of previous joint commitments.

Merkel vowed to enter the talks "in good faith" but stressed that there must be "no compromise for its own sake" and that a final statement by the host Canada, rather than a joint communique, "may be the more honest way".

Speaking in a new parliamentary question time format, the veteran European leader also reiterated that, amid the simmering trans-Atlantic tensions, Europe will increasingly have to find its own way in the world.
Representative Image

The European Union on Wednesday announced it will start imposing duties from July on a list of US products in response to President Donald Trump's decision to slap tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Europe.

"The new duties start applying in July," European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic told reporters. "It is a measured and proportionate response to the unilateral and illegal decision taken by the United States."

Sefcovic said that formalities in finalizing the list should be completed this month. The EU says it will introduce "rebalancing" tariffs on about 2.8 billion euros' ($3.4 billion) worth of US steel, agricultural and other products, including bourbon, peanut butter, cranberries and orange juice.

Trump imposed tariffs of 25 percent on steel imports and 10 percent on imported aluminum from the EU on June 1. He said the move is meant to protect US national security interests, but the Europeans claim it is simply protectionism and breaks global trade rules.

The EU exported some 5.5 million tons of steel to the US last year. European steel producers are concerned about a loss of market access but also that steel from elsewhere will flood in.

The EU  the world's biggest trading bloc  has also taken its case to the World Trade Organization. If the WTO rules in its favour, or after three years if the case is still going on, the EU plans to impose further tariffs of 3.6 billion euros on US products.

"The EU's reaction is fully in line with international trade law. We regret that the United States left us with no other option than to safeguard EU interests," Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said in a statement.
In an unusual election campaign, a jailed pro-Kurdish politician and presidential candidate in Turkey has delivered a speech from his prison cell via a telephone call to his wife and other family members  a video of which was later broadcast on Twitter.

Selahattin Demirtas described himself in the Wednesday speech as a "political hostage," devoid of the right to a fair trial. He asked for votes in Turkey's June 24 snap presidential and parliamentary elections, saying "anti-democratic practices" had turned the country into one of the most "unhappy and pessimistic" societies.

The 45-year-old former human rights lawyer was arrested and imprisoned in 2016 for alleged links to outlawed Kurdish militants.

He faces a 142-year sentence on charges of leading a terror organization and other crimes. Demirtas denies wrongdoing.
Ivanka Trump suddenly has a Russia problem. Photo: Jessica Rinaldi/Boston Globe via Getty Images

Unlike nearly every other member of President Trumps inner circle, Ivanka Trump has largely remained untouched by the sprawling investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Until now.

BuzzFeed on Wednesday reported that in the fall of 2015, Ivanka Trump connected her fathers personal lawyer, so-called fixer Michael Cohen, with a Russian weightlifter offering to arrange a one-on-one meeting between Trump and Vladimir Putin. The reason for the proposed meeting was unrelated to the campaign, BuzzFeed reports. Rather, former Olympian Dmitry Klokov was hoping to help facilitate the construction of Trumps long-desired Moscow high-rise.

Ivanka Trump connected Cohen and Klokov in November of 2015, a month after the Trump Organization signed a letter of intent to bring a Trump Tower to Moscow. Following Ivankas introduction, Cohen and Klokov had at least one phone call and exchanged a series of emails, BuzzFeed reports. The emails have been examined both by congressional investigators and Special Counsel Robert Muellers team.

In one of those emails, Klokov told Cohen that he could arrange a meeting between Donald Trump and Putin to help pave the way for the tower. Later, Cohen sent an email refusing that offer and saying that the Trump Organization already had an agreement in place. He said he was cutting off future communication with Klokov. Copying Ivanka Trump, the Russian responded in a final brusque message, in which he questioned Cohens authority to make decisions for the Trump Organization. Frustrated by the exchange, Ivanka Trump questioned Cohens refusal to continue communicating with Klokov, according to one of the sources.

A spokesperson for Ivanka Trumps lawyer told BuzzFeed that the First Daughter played a minor role in the negotiations surrounding the 100-story Trump tower. Her only role was limited to reminding Mr. Cohen that, should an actual deal come to fruition (which it did not) the project, like any other with the Trump name, conform with the highest design and architectural standards, the statement said. The emails obtained by investigators seem to suggest otherwise.
Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and United States President Donald Trump (Image: Reuters)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, seeking to draw on his close ties with President Donald Trump in talks on Thursday, will urge the U.S. leader not to forget Tokyo's security concerns in his drive for a historic deal with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Abe has spoken to Trump 30 times since he became president, including eight face-to-face meetings, and officials say Washington is well-aware of Tokyo's stance towards Pyongyang.

"Japan has repeatedly made clear that Japan is seeking complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all the weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges, and Japan's position has not yet changed," a foreign ministry official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

"We think the U.S. of course understands Japan's position."

Still, concerns have simmered in Tokyo that Trump, his eye on November congressional elections, could cut a deal that would allow him to boast of protecting U.S. cities from nuclear attack but leave Japan vulnerable to shorter range missiles.

Japan also fears Trump could eventually agree to reduce U.S. military forces in South Korea, leaving Japan as a frontline state against a Korean peninsula under heavy Chinese influence.

That would mean "Japan's constitution, diplomatic policies and national security policies all will have to be totally reviewed for the completely new situation," Katsuyuki Kawai, a special advisor on foreign affairs to Abe, told Reuters.

"It would be a nightmare for Japan and also for the United States," he said.

Trump suggested on Friday that the most tangible outcome of the June 12 summit could be the asigning of a documenta to end the technical state of hostilities - 65 years after the Korean conflict ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty.

Trump also said he wanted to drop the term "maximum pressure" that his administration -- and Japan -- had used to describe an approach that combined tough economic sanctions with diplomacy and military threats from the U.S. president.

The White House said on Monday that the U.S. policy had not changed, while the Japanese foreign ministry official sidestepped the question of whether "maximum pressure" was still Japan's stance.

"Japan's position is to expect the upcoming U.S.-North Korea summit will be an opportunity to advance the issues of nuclear, missiles and - most importantly - abductees," the official said.

Japan has made clear that it will not provide economic assistance for North Korea until all three issues are resolved, including the emotive matter of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents decades ago.

Abe, who has made resolving the abductees issue a keystone of his political career, will also likely seek reassurance that Trump will keep that on his agenda with Kim Jong Un, after the president said he had not discussed human rights with North Korean envoy Kim Yong Chol at the White House last week.

"I think what Mr. Abe expects is (that Trump) will at least raise this issue with Kim Jong Un when they meet," said Tetsuo Kotani, a senior fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs. Japan could seek its own summit with the North Korean leader, depending on the outcome of his meeting with Trump.

Abe's close ties with Trump have so far done little to insulate Japan from Washington's "America First" stance on trade. Trump is pressing Tokyo for a bilateral free trade agreement while Japan insists multilateral deals work best.

Japanese officials declined to speculate on whether trade would join North Korea on the agenda at Thursday's talks, but White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters that "trade issues and other matters" were expected to come up.
A woman drives a car in Saudi Arabia October 22, 2013. A conservative Saudi Arabian cleric has said women who drive risk damaging their ovaries and bearing children with clinical problems, countering activists who are trying to end the Islamic kingdom's male-only driving rules. Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world where women are barred from driving, but debate about the ban, once confined to the private sphere and social media, is increasingly spreading to public forums too. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser (SAUDI ARABIA - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY TRANSPORT) - GM1E9AM1KEQ01

Weeks before the ban on women drivers is lifted in Saudi Arabia, the country has started issuing driving licences to women for the first time in decades.

Until last September, families had to hire private drivers for travel requirements involving female members.

The Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled a programme to modernise certain parts of the Saudi society. He spearheads the Vision 2030 programme to diversify the economy away from oil. The lifting of the driving ban is a part of the Crown Princes programme.

As per a report from the BBC, ten women swapped their foreign licenses for Saudi ones on Monday. The authorities are expecting a large number of applications before June 24, when the ban is slated to be lifted.

However, womens rights activists have complained of a new crackdown by the Saudi authorities. Last month, several activists were arrested accused of being traitors and working with foreign powers. Amnesty International, a human rights group, called the arrests blatant intimidation tactics. On Sunday, Saudi prosecutors said that out of the 17 people detained, eight had been released temporarily.

In a statement, the Saudi Information Ministry said, Expectations are that next week an additional 2,000 women will join the ranks of licensed drivers in the kingdom. They also added that the 10 women who had received their new Saudi licence had made history. Saudi women are thrilled at this decision and look forward to having the option of independent movement.
A photo taken by Expedition 46 flight engineer Tim Peake of the European Space Agency (ESA) aboard the International Space Station shows Italy, the Alps, and the Mediterranean on January, 25, 2016. REUTERS/NASA/Tim Peake/Handout ATTENTION EDITORS - FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY, CONTENT, LOCATION OR DATE OF THIS IMAGE. THIS PICTURE IS DISTRIBUTED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - TM3EC311KON01

About 1.4 billion years ago the moon was much closer to the earth. This altered the way the Earth spun around its axis leading to 18-hour long days. Eventually, the moon started moving away leading to 24-hour long days.

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have published a study that says that the moon will continue to move away from the Earth and the days will get longer.

The researchers used a statistical method for the study, called astrochronology i.e. to look back on Earths geologic past, reconstruct the history of the solar system and understand ancient climate change as captured in the rock record.

Milankovitch cycles collectively refer to three dominant cycles of variations in the Earth's eccentricity, axial tilt, and precession. This is caused by the force exerted by other astronomical bodies like planets and the moon. These cycles determine Earths climate rhythms.

The professor of Geoscience at the University Wisconsin-Madison, Stephen Meyers explains, As the moon moves away, the Earth is like a spinning figure skater who slows down as they stretch their arms out. One of our ambitions was to use astrochronology to tell time in the most distant past, to develop very ancient geological timescales. We want to be able to study rocks that are billions of years old in a way that is comparable to how we study modern geologic processes.

Currently, the moon is drifting away from the Earth at the rate of 3.82 centimetres per year. If this was to be back-calculated, then beyond 1.5 billion years ago, the moon would have been close enough to the Earth that its gravitational interactions with our planet would have ripped the moon apart. But, we know that the moon is 4.5 billion years old.

Prof. Meyers and his team are seeking better ways of knowing what our planetary neighbours were doing billions of years ago.
PRO Real Estate Investment Trust has announced earlier this week that it has entered into final agreements that will see the trust acquiring 12 commercial properties in Manitoba, Quebec, and New Brunswick for a total of 368,854 square feet of leasable area, valued at approximately $45.1 million all in all.

The deal will expand the REITs total assets to around $412 million. To be acquired in the agreement are 6 industrial buildings and developable land parcels in Winnipeg, Manitoba; 5 retail buildings in Quebec and New Brunswick; and the remaining undivided interest (50%) in a Drummondville, Quebec industrial building.

Read more: Canadian RE investment firm to further expand global platform
Potential homebuyers are unlikely to get any relief either, with CoreLogics HPI Forecast calling for a 5.3% increase in prices in the year to April 2019; unless of course inventory increases.

The best antidote for rising home prices is additional supply, said Dr. Frank Nothaft, chief economist for CoreLogic. New construction has failed to keep up with and meet new housing growth or replace existing inventory. More construction of for-sale and rental housing will alleviate housing cost pressures.

40% of housing markets are overvalued

CoreLogic Market Condition Indicators is an analysis of the 100 largest metropolitan areas and highlights overvaluation in 40% of them, compared to 28% undervalued and 32% at value.

Among the top 50 metros, 52% are overvalued, 14% undervalued and 34% at value.

The MCI analysis defines an overvalued housing market as one in which home prices are at least 10% higher than the long-term, sustainable level, while an undervalued housing market is one in which home prices are at least 10% below the sustainable level.
It was a deal so big that it required a larger venue.

The Midland Development Corp. board approved by 4-0 vote a partnership with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to create a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship program in Midland, which will put the Tall City as the hub for these services in West Texas.

What it does for this region is changes lives, TTUHSC President Tedd Mitchell said during the meeting about the partnership.

The MDC will pay TTUHSC $8.4 million over the course of eight years to help fund the program, which will feature four fellows and up to 16 medical residents. The program will be housed in hospital-owned property adjacent to Midland Memorial Hospital. In the first year, the MDC will pay out $1.4 million, $400,000 of which will assist in facility renovations. Subsequent years will see payouts of $1 million. Separate from the deal, the Scharbauer Foundation will offer $600,000 to fund renovations.

In return, TTTUHSC has agreed to serve a minimum of 9,720 patients each year, or 40 per day. Texas Tech Chancellor Robert Duncan told the Reporter-Telegram after the meeting that the actual number of patients served likely will be higher.

You never know (the exact number of patients), he said. What you do is provide the opportunity for people to be seen, you market that opportunity and let the word get out. There are probably a lot more people that need services, but you have to start somewhere. This incentive program is perfect to be able to start and assess what the future needs are as we go forward. You always learn more as you develop programs and go forward with them.

Duncan added that the program could grow. Every time you start a program, you learn about the needs and see more needs. This is a program we think will be highly successful in addressing the needs of this region. These problems are not going away, and mental health issues will be at the forefront of peoples minds now, and we want to be able to provide the leadership out here in West Texas to address those needs.

The chancellor credited state Rep. Tom and Nadine Craddick for their passion for this project and for improving the Midland community. In addressing the board, Rep. Craddick said the times are right for us, and the time is right for Tech and Midland Memorial Hospital because the growing community currently cannot handle the mental health needs of young families pouring into the booming city.

Rep. Craddick revealed the project had been in the works for quite some time, citing how his wife, Nadine, who serves on the hospital board, had broached the topic two years ago.

Cory Edmondson, MMH senior vice president of strategic development, said the hospital began to recognize three years ago that mental health services nationally were lacking, which prompted the hospital to pursue improvements locally. Midland is a pioneering community, he said, adding that other communities and health programs will be jealous. Theyll try to poach our people, he said; however, he is confident Midland will be successful in training and retaining talent.

Grant Billingsley, executive director of the Scharbauer Foundation, said todays community challenges are much different. He said the project was a great collaboration between the state, city, hospital, philanthropy and Texas Tech. This collaboration could spur other partnerships.

Any time we can partner with one of our partner communities, its a celebration for us, Duncan said. We believe we were created to address the needs in West Texas, and its an honor to work with Midland to develop this program. This is an innovative idea, and Dr. Mitchell does a great job with innovation, so were looking forward to implement innovation here and start addressing these needs.

The MDC typically meets this first Monday of the month in the City Hall basement conference room. With so many elected officials, community leaders and other interested parties in attendance, the board instead met Tuesday in City Council chambers, a space with a much higher capacity. In a nod to city councilmembers and Midland residents, board members sat at the humble city staff table instead of the grand dais. Chairman Brent Hilliard said the symbolism of seating choice demonstrates the MDC recognizes itself as city staff and that the groups purpose is to serve Midland.

** ** **

AT A GLANCE

There are a lot of parts to the agreement between Midland Development Corp. and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center on a proposed child and adolescent psychiatric fellowship Here is a brief rundown of the deal, per the contract received by the Reporter-Telegram.

WHAT MDC OFFERS

 The MDC will give TTTUHSC $8.4 million to be disbursed over eight years. The first disbursement of $1.4 million will be made on or before Aug. 1; $400,000 of it will go toward renovations. Each year thereafter, the MDC will disburse $1 million on or before Aug. 1.

 The MDC can furnish more money at its discretion and agrees to hear requests by TTUHSC for increased funding.

WHAT TTUHSC OFFERS

 TTUHSC will establish a child and adolescent psychiatric fellowship program in Midland. TTUHSC must staff two fellows the first year and four each year thereafter, one assistant professor, a minimum of three essential personnel and a minimum of four or maximum of 16 residents. Residents are medical school graduates engaged in specialized practice and research under the supervision of TTUHSC.

 The program will support 9,720 patients per year, or about 40 patients per day.

 TTUHSC will lease the facility at 2301 W. Michigan Ave., adjacent to Midland Memorial Hospital, from the Midland County Hospital District. Equipment and furnishings must be purchased in the city of Midland.

 TTUHSC must annually provide the MDC invoices, receipts and other documentation for promotional expenditures made for the program. Promotional expenditures must not exceed $400,000 annually.

 TTUHSC will set aside 1 percent of its yearly distribution for miscellaneous renovation costs.

IF THE REQUIREMENTS ARENT MET

 If TTUHSC fails to meet its payroll requirements, the MDC has the option to reduce the next years payment in a proportional amount. If the failure occurs after year eight, the MDC can request a refund equal to the amount that TTUHSC budgeted for but otherwise failed to comply.

BY THE NUMBERS

The following is the proposed budget for a child and adolescent psychiatric fellowship program to be established in Midland.

Year one Year two Year three Year four Year five Year six Year seven Year eight Base rent $68,544 $69,914.88 $71,285.76 $72,713.76 $74,141.76 $75,626.88 $77,112 $78,654.24 Utilities $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 Initial renovation, furniture and equipment $400,000 Assistant professor (salary plus expenses) $312,500 $312,500 $312,500 $312,500 $312,500 $312,500 $312,500 $312,500 Fellows (salary plus expenses)* $160,000 $326,400 $332,928 $339,587 $346,379 $353,307 $360,373 $367,580 Program coordinator (salary) $45,000 $45,900 $46,818 $47,754 $48,709 $49,683 $50,676 $51,689 Nurse (salary) $32,000 $32,640 $33,292 $33,957 $34,636 $35,328 $36,034 $36,754
Energy companies in Houston and elsewhere have ramped up hiring as oil prices hover at their highest levels since 2014, according to LinkedIn's monthly workforce report.

Hiring in the oil and gas industry increased by 5.2 percent within the past year. In Houston, it grew by 12.4 percent.
Best Best, Kelly Sadler. Photo: REX/Shutterstock/REX/Shutterstock

Last month White House communications aide Kelly Sadler quipped during a meeting that they didnt need to worry about Senator John McCains opposition to President Trumps nominee for CIA director because it doesnt matter, hes dying anyway. On Tuesday evening, deputy press secretary Raj Shah said in a statement: Kelly Sadler is no longer employed within the Executive Office of the President.

Under normal circumstances one would expect the White House to quickly fire an aide who mocked a senator battling brain cancer, but thats not what happened. Sadler made the remark nearly a month ago, and the White House has refused to apologize or discipline her, even as McCains family members and GOP lawmakers called on them to do so. Meghan McCain, the senators daughter, said that Sadler called her to say she was sorry and promised to apologize publicly as well, but never did.

Just to make sure no one confused Sadlers exit with an expression of remorse over insulting McCain, an anonymous White House official spoke to the Washington Post, pinning it on the chaos within the Trump administration:

An official said the departure was not spurred by her McCain comments but instead was fueled largely by an internal dispute with the White House director of strategic communications, Mercedes Schlapp, over the fallout from the comment about McCain. It was not clear whether Sadler was fired or forced to resign.

It seems this internal dispute was sparked by Sadler openly accusing her boss of leaking during a meeting with the president:

Trump, who was infuriated by the release of the information to the news media, called Sadler and other communications staffers into the Oval Office to ask who might have leaked Sadlers comments. He did not chastise Sadler for her remarks about McCain, White House aides said. At the meeting, Sadler accused Schlapp, her boss, of leaking the material, causing a rift between the two. Schlapp, who was in the room when Sadler made her comment, denied being the source of the leak.

The White House became even more fixated on leaks after the McCain comment got out, and Sadlers exit is reportedly the first step of a planned restructuring of Trumps communications team, which will involve many firings. According to Politico, this leak-prevention plan involves slowly whittling the team down  and the dismissals may not be confined to lower-level staffers:

But instead of a mass exodus, people are expected to leave one by one or in small groups as the White House tries to avoid a spate of negative headlines, or the impression that its firing people for allegedly leaking information without any tangible evidence.

Trump recently told people close to him that its not just the junior people in the press or communications shop whom he suspects of leaking information, leading some Republicans close to the White House to wonder whether the reorganization could also affect more senior-level staff.

Sadlers exit underscores the idea that no one is safe, as Trump had directly assured her that she wouldnt be fired.

The reaction isnt good, said one Republican close to the White House, describing the current mood. If the president telling you your job is safe isnt enough for you to keep your job, then what is? Things have spiraled completely out of control.

But people who dont trust their co-workers and think theyre about to be fired rarely leak, so the White House should be good.
A ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming decides to ban rappers after Kanye West held his listening party there for Ye. The owner of the venue calls the gathering very "confusing."

Jane Golliher, the owner and operator of the Diamond Cross Ranch, said that as much as they appreciated the exposure for the business, they had trouble working with West.

Ranch Owner Struggled With Working With Kanye West

She said that the rapper changed his mind about where he wants to hold the listening party every 30 minutes. West, later on, chose to play his songs outside, and he blasted the tracks very loudly. However, there is a local county ordinance that requires any sound played after 10 p.m. to be below 80 decibels.

Golliher also revealed that the listening party was supposed to wrap up at 10 p.m., but it did not even start at 9:30 p.m. Prior to West's arrival, the rapper's team told Golliher that the artist does whatever he likes. Golliher soon found out that they were true.

No Rappers Allowed

The ranch owner's husband even threatened to cut the power at one point if the event did not end immediately. The staff at the ranch were also asked to talk to neighboring lodges to make sure that no one will call the county officials.

Golliher declared that no rappers will be allowed to hold listening parties at the Jackson Hole. However, artists with more mellow sounds are still welcome at her ranch.

Kim Kardashian Cried Over Husband's Slavery Comments

In other news, West's wife Kim Kardashian reportedly cried over his recent comments on slavery. During a recent interview, the reality TV star was asked to share her thoughts while at the CFDA Fashion Awards.

"Did I scream about it? Did I cry about it? Did I fight about it? Yeah. [We] have different views at times," said Kardashian.

Weeks ago, West spoke to TMZ about slavery and said that he thinks it is a choice.

"When you hear about slavery for 400 years... 400 years? That sounds like a choice," said West.

Kris Jenner Defends Son-In-Law

Following his interview, West's mother-in-law Kris Jenner appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to defend him. She said that she does not think West's intentions are bad.

Jenner added that when the time is right, West will be the one to explain himself. The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star also said that West did not mean to hurt anyone.

 2015 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was one of several major Democratic candidates who had a bad night in Californias top-two primary. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

In the June 5 primary in a state where Democrats want and need to pick up a boatload of House seats this year, the good news for the Donkey Party is that they have (apparently) avoided the much-discussed calamity of a general election lockout in three Southern California districts where a plethora of Democratic candidates meant Republicans might finish first and second and take both spots on the ballot in November. Which is to say, Democrats will be on the ballot in several key U.S. House races in November  an outcome that was not a given under the Golden States unorthodox new top two voting system, which advances the pair of candidates with the largest vote tallies in the primary, regardless of party.

I say apparently, because even though a Democrat is currently in second place in the 39th, 48th, and 49th Districts  the flippable Southern California districts that were most vulnerable to a lockout scenario  there are enough outstanding ballots to create some doubt in the 39th and 48th. And Democrats arent out of the woods in the 10th District (located in the Central Valley), where another Republican is running a close third in the district being defended by the GOPs Jeff Denham. In the San Diegos 49th District, now represented by the retiring Republican Darrell Issa, it is clear that one of three Democrats (Mike Levin, Sara Jacobs, and Doug Applegate) will have a general election spot opposite GOPer Diane Harkey. But California counts mail ballots postmarked by primary day and received in county election offices by Friday, June 8. So theres no telling how many votes are still out there. Eleven million mail ballots were sent out to registered voters who are either permanently registered to vote by mail, or who requested mail ballots for this primary. As of this morning, roughly 2.7 million had been returned, and its unclear exactly how many have been counted.

Aside from the order of finish in various races around the state, the outstanding mail ballots hold the mystery of total turnout in the primary. At this point, a good guess is about 30 percent, which is better than the record low 25 percent in 2014, but hardly what youd expect if voters are indeed excited beyond all reality by the opportunity to vote for or against Donald Trumps presidency. There was no apparent blue wave in the primary either: it looks like the partisan breakdown of primary voters was roughly 60/40, which is what youd normally expect (it was precisely the split in the 2014 governors race here), but nothing out of the ordinary. It will be a while before ethnic breakdowns are available, but the poor showing of statewide Latino candidates Antonio Villaraigosa (who missed the top two in the governors race by a mile) and Kevin de Leon (who finished second in the Senate race to Senator Dianne Feinstein, but nearly lost his general-election spot to a random Republican) suggest Latinos did not show up proportionately.

At last count Villaraigosa was being beaten nearly two-to-one by Donald Trumps candidate John Cox. Now, barring some really strange development Cox is not going to beat first-place finisher Gavin Newsom in November. And its clear both Newsom and many of his progressive supporters are happy to be facing a Republican instead of a Democrat in the general election. Some Democrats even believe its better for the party because progressive money can be spent on down-ballot contests. But a lockout of Republicans in both the top statewide races might have been a real downer for GOP turnout in November, and now MAGA-people will have the option of voting for someone personally blessed by POTUS.

The real losers in the governors race last night were the group of billionaires who largely bankrolled Villaraigosas campaign in a proxy war with teachers unions over charter school laws in the state. They do have a candidate in the nonpartisan Superintendent of Public Instruction race, Villaraigosa ally Marshall Tuck, who will face union-backed Tony Thurmond in November. It remains to be seen how much they are willing to spend on that largely symbolic post.

Aside from losing the lockout of Republicans in the governors race, there were other clouds obscuring the sun for Democrats in the primary results. In Orange County, which is where several of the red-hot U.S. House races are occurring, Democratic state senator Josh Newman was recalled by a decisive vote after a campaign that focused on his allegedly treacherous vote for a big gas tax increase (linked to horribly overdue road repairs) last year. This was basically a trial run for a November ballot initiative aimed at repealing the gas tax, which Republicans hope will be their big turnout generator, in Orange County and elsewhere. More immediately, Newmans loss costs Democrats the supermajority they held in the state senate (necessary for tax increases and certain other measures), though they could get it back in November.

Perhaps not coincidentally, Republicans are at this point winning a majority of the primary vote in the three competitive Orange County districts: the aforementioned 39th and 48th, and in Representative Mimi Walterss 45th. (In the 49th, which runs down to San Diego County, Democrats have a slight majority, probably because they have three candidates who spent heavily on the race.) The general electorate typically skews more to the left than the primary electorate, so theres hope yet for Democrats in November. But with all their issues, Golden State Republicans arent going to just surrender. Democrats need to kick it up a notch, and may have the resources to do so after the long waking nightmare of this years top two.
NEW YORK  Four more deaths have been linked to a national food poisoning outbreak blamed on tainted lettuce, bringing the total to five.

Health officials have tied the E. coli outbreak to romaine lettuce grown in Yuma, Arizona. The growing season there ended six weeks ago, and its unlikely any tainted lettuce still is in stores or peoples homes, given its short shelf life. But there can be a lag in reporting, and reports of illnesses have continued to come in.

In an update Friday on the nations largest E. coli outbreak in a decade, health officials said 25 more cases have been added, raising the total number of illnesses to 197 in 35 states. At least 89 people were hospitalized.

Previously one death had been reported, in California. On Friday, health officials said they had learned of four more  one in Arkansas, one in New York, and two in Minnesota.

The first illnesses occurred in March, and the most recent began May 12, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Many of the new cases were people who became ill two or three weeks ago, when contaminated lettuce still was being sold. Some said they did not eat romaine lettuce but were in close contact with someone who got sick after eating it.

Most E. coli bacteria are not harmful, but some produce toxins that can cause severe illness. People who get sick from toxin-producing E. coli come down with symptoms three or four days after swallowing the germ, with many suffering bloody diarrhea, severe stomach cramps and vomiting.

Most people recover within a week, but some illnesses can last longer and be more severe.
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Fred Hubbell is one of several candidates seeking to lead a Donkey comeback in a red-trending state. Photo: Charlie Neibergall/AP/REX/Shutterstock

California was the Big Kahuna of June 5 primary states. And New Jersey has four competitive House races going on this year.

But its another June 5 primary state, Iowa, that may wind up being the more important bellwether heading into autumn.

Democrats there are targeting two House seats and the governorship, along with other statewide offices and the legislature. But just as importantly, they are challenging the trend of the last two election cycles, in which Iowa tilted red at an alarming pace.

Entering 2012, Iowa was a classic battleground state, with one senator from each party (an arrangement Iowans seemed to like because it protected them against party swings in Washington), a governorship that had gone back and forth since 1998, a legislature with control divided between the two parties, and a three-Democrat, two-Republican House delegation. Thanks to redistricting, a Democratic and Republican House incumbent were forced to face off, and the Republican won. Barack Obama carried the state by just under 6 percent.

In 2014, the Harkin seat in the Senate (in which U.S. House Democrat Bruce Braley was the front-runner to succeed the retiring Harkin) went to Republican Joni Ernst by nearly nine points. GOP governor Terry Branstad was reelected by an astonishing 22-point margin. Braleys First Congressional District, which he had held since 2006 fell to a very conservative Republican, Rod Blum. It was a terrible year for Democrats.

And then it got worse. Of the six states that flipped from Democrat to Republican in the presidential elections of 2012 and 2016, Iowas had by far the largest shift in popular votes: from D+6 to R+9 (Ohio was second with a net 11-point shift). From being a classic battleground state for years with most recently a distinct Democratic advantage (Obama carried it by 8.5 points in 2008), Iowa was suddenly more Republican than Texas. (This was particularly astonishing because Iowa was one of the few states Trump lost in the nominating contest.) The GOP also won undivided control of Iowas state government for the first time since 1998.

It was reasonably clear at the time that demographics were a big factor in Iowas lurch. As I said in 2016 in a piece headlined Iowa Is So White Its Turning Red, Iowa was a microcosm of some important national trends:

Iowa, once a classic blue-leaning battleground state (it went for Obama handily in 2008 and 2012), is moving toward the GOP and particularly Trump because of its high concentration of conservative white working-class voters and its small minority population. To put it another way, Democrats in both presidential and state elections have had to rely in Iowa (as in other Upper Midwestern states) on winning a relatively high percentage of the white vote. The Obama Coalition in its full glory just doesnt exist there. And as Democratic support among white voters  especially evangelicals, and especially non-college-educated people  has gradually eroded, it has gradually made Iowa more hospitable to Republicans, who won a very big midterm victory in the state in 2014.

If Democrats are going to mitigate or reverse their losses among white voters (and especially non-college-educated white voters), states like Iowa are a great place to start. And Iowa Democrats have some good indicators. For one thing, their front-running candidates in three big, competitive races won their primaries easily: wealthy businessman Fred Hubbell in the governors race, state legislator Abby Finkenauer in the northeast Iowa First Congressional District, and small-business owner Cindy Axne in the southwest Iowa Third Congressional District. For another, the early signs sure dont indicate another easy GOP year. A February 2018 Iowa Poll from the very reliable Selzer & Company showed incumbent Governor Kim Reynolds with a narrow 42/37 lead over Hubbell, who isnt remotely as well known (but who has the resources to make up for that). In May, Roll Call named First District incumbent Representative Rod Blum the countrys most vulnerable House incumbent. Finkenaeuer has been out-raising him, and a late 2017 generic congressional poll of the district showed Democrats with a huge 18-point lead. Third District incumbent David Young isnt in as much trouble as Blum, but Cook Political Report calls the race competitive (Leans Republican). Democrats also think they can make gains in the Iowa House, which is being targeted by the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.

Such gains are a matter of sheer conjecture at this point, and the demographic factors that tilted Iowa red in the last two cycles have not gone away. But theres no better laboratory for how to undermine the Trump coalition. In November, not just the wins and losses, but the exact numbers will be of great interest to analysts on both sides of the partisan barricades.
America faces many threats, from Syria to North Korea to ISIS. But as former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice noted at the George W. Bush Presidential Centers recent Forum on Leadership, we face a broader threat that links many of our challenges. She called it a crisis of confidence in the international political, military and economic structures that America largely built in the seven decades after World War II.

Now, that world order is being neglected and at risk of collapse.

Consider international trade. Governed by shared principles and multilateral institutions, the system of global trading that emerged after the war helped rebuild prosperity and anchored democracy in the vanquished Axis powers of Germany and Japan. It also helped propel growth in the United States and the allied nations that defeated them.

In a relatively short span of time, hundreds of millions of people were lifted out of poverty and despair. South Korea is a perfect example, illustrating how being part of the larger global order has lifted a nation to a new stage of development. Why would we want to backtrack?

Yet today, international trade is seen by some as a zero-sum game. The approach to global trading seems to be shifting toward an attitude that your nation must lose for my nation to win. And my nation will lose if your nation wins.

Just as long-held economic principles are being challenged, so too are Americas political and security relationships. Questioning the value of NATO or seeming to prefer autocracies like China over some of our closest allies like Australia breaks with decades of policy. Little wonder that foreigners and Americans alike are feeling less certain about Americas place in the world.

To be certain, some Americans are weary of the burdens of global leadership and this administration clearly recognizes it. The problem is, if the United States walks away from its role as a global leader, other democracies like Europe or Japan wont fill the gap. Adversaries like Russia, China and Iran will seek to take advantage.

Thats why great powers cant get tired, as Rice put it. In the same vein, her predecessor, Madeleine Albright, rightly calls America the indispensable nation.

The combination of democracy, free markets and American military power brought freedom and prosperity to places like Europe, Japan and South Korea; kept the sea lanes open for trade; and brought much of the world peace for 70 years. These principles anchored Americas worldview through Republican and Democratic administrations alike because they also brought peace and prosperity to our own country.

Today, we need to act with a renewed sense of principle and even compassion in how America interacts with the world. Initiatives like the Marshall Plan, the Peace Corps, the Alliance for Progress, and the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief are emblematic of the best of America. These programs and others like them not only improve the human condition, but repay America many times over through an outpouring of goodwill.

For those who believe that American leadership in the world is essential, we clearly need to do a better job of articulating why that is. Many Americans no longer share that view and the old arguments may not be helpful.

As part of a public opinion research project commissioned by the Bush Institute, I observed a series of focus groups in Indianapolis this spring. These discussions included individuals with a wide variety of political leanings, from all sorts of ethnic, economic and social backgrounds. Among the topics discussed was the question of whether America should support human rights and democracy overseas.

Some  a minority  rejected the notion out of hand, arguing that the United States has no right to preach to the world. Most, however, agreed in the abstract that we should support human rights and democracy, but not until our problems at home had first been resolved. There was also enormous skepticism that there was anything effective that we could do to advance that goal.

Of course, we will never resolve all of our domestic problems. But we should speak out on how withdrawing from the world will only make things worse.

In the debate between internationalism and nationalism, I am firmly in the internationalist camp. We cannot step away from an increasingly interconnected world and expect our people to prosper or that tyrannical powers like Russia and China will lead the world in a way that benefits Americans.

But given the angst in our society, we do need to rethink how we talk about these issues. Those who oppose vigorous American leadership offer simple  or even simplistic  answers.

For those who believe we must engage, we must be able to connect the problems and challenges of ordinary Americans to the imperatives of global leadership.

Lindsay Lloyd is deputy director of human freedom at the George W. Bush Institute.
To experience more giddiness and excitement over finances than what has been seen in Springfield the past few days would require hanging out for the ball drop at a Fiscal New Years Eve party.

Some of it is warranted.

Lawmakers were able to do this year what has seemed impossible since Bruce Rauner placed the Governor nameplate on his desk  pass a budget.

They also were able to get the governors approval.

Gone was the messy rancor of budgets past and the mystery of what would happen to desperately needed funding after the current budget ended June 30.

The compromise that it took from all sides is admirable.

There was no increase in taxes, lawmakers point out in self-congratulations. Of course, after last years massive $5 billion hike in personal and business income tax, theres not a lot more to take. Plus, if we were being cynical, we would say that this being an election year helped sidestep that issue.

Funding also is improving for some of the groups that were hardest hit by two years of budget impasses. Education and social services dont seem to be held hostage to Draconian cuts quite as much as in previous years.

Unfortunately, when looking into the numbers, it becomes apparent theres a lot of smoke and mirrors involved.

First, there is a lack of revenue estimates. That portends a lack of change to one of the real problems with Illinois finances: Out-of-control spending.

Without this element, this is not so much a budget as a $38.5 billion spending plan. It fails to address the significant problems that will continue to erode the states financial footing, key among them spending restraints.

There also is little to resolve the deeply rooted problem of a $130 billion pension shortfall or to alleviate a pile of overdue bills that now is $6.6 billion tall.

Its also a stretch to call this a balanced budget  something the state hasnt seen since 2001  without having the revenue side of the equation.

Thats where critics worry the plan will start to unravel. They see a lot of accounting gimmicks  especially a reliance on revenue expectations that are optimistic at best and unrealistic at worst  being used to portray a better fiscal snapshot than what really exists.

This budget is a start  and thats more than Illinoisans have seen in a long time.

Illinois needed a win, Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady told reporters after Rauner signed the plan this week.

Thats absolutely true.

The question now is whether it truly is a win or just a delay in the emergence of the same old problems.
Pablo Villavicencio was detained at the Brooklyn military base on Friday. Photo: LunchboxLarry/CC BY-SA 2.0

A pizza delivery man in New York City is on the path to deportation after staff at the Fort Hamilton military base in Brooklyn called ICE on him while he was there to deliver a pizza.

Pablo Villavicencio rode his bike to the Army base Friday, just like hes done many times before. But, as he told the New York Post, the security guard hes used to encountering wasnt there Friday. Last Friday there was a different security guard and he told me I needed to go get another pass to enter, the 35-year-old Ecuadorian immigrant told the Post. And I proceeded to do that. A tall man with dark skin started to ask me many questions, he asked me about why I didnt have any social security card.

He called the NYPD and the NYPD told him I didnt have any record, that I was clean. But the man said I dont care, he said I need to keep waiting and he called ICE, Villavicencio said.

Fort Hamilton spokesperson Cathy SantoPietro told BuzzFeed in a statement that Villavicencio lacked valid Department of Defense identification when he entered the base on Friday. When staff conducted a background check on him, they found an active Immigration and Customs Enforcement warrant, she said.

Villavicencio was ordered to leave the U.S. in March of 2010, ICE spokesperson Rachael Yong Yow told BuzzFeed. Because he failed to do so, he became an ICE fugitive, she said.

Villavicencios wife, Sandra Chica, said that her husband has been in the U.S. for around a decade. Chica is an American citizen, as are the couples two daughters, who are 2 and 3 years old. At a press conference Wednesday, Chica said her husband recently applied for a green card.

In one day, your life changes. Now Im alone with the kids  I need to give not only emotional support but economic support, she said. In one day, hes not here, just because he doesnt have the papers.

Several politicians were on hand at Wednesdays press conference, including Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, who said Villavicencios detainment after producing his IDNYC card is sending shock waves through the citys immigrant community. For undocumented immigrants, the municipal identification card is supposed to provide a measure of security against deportation.

City Council member Justin Brannan, also at the press conference, criticized ICE for detaining Villavicencio, who gave no indication that hes a threat to anyone. This is absolutely ridiculous, he said. Youre tearing families apart. For what?

Is our city, state and nation any safer today because they took a pizza delivery guy off the streets?
Pruitt saw a yummy opportunity for his wife. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is becoming a cartoon character. In his brief tenure in office, he seems to have devoted a remarkable amount of energy and public resources to self-aggrandizement and lavish perks. The latest incident originally arose just three months after his swearing-in. Apparently Pruitt fell off the turnip truck somewhere between Oklahoma City and Washington and discovered that maintaining homes in both places was going to be expensive. So he became very concerned about his wife pulling her weight by bringing in a good income. Its unclear whether he considered letting her make her own career plans, but in any event, both he and his staff got very involved, according to a Washington Post report:

Three months after Scott Pruitt was sworn in as head of the Environmental Protection Agency, his executive scheduler emailed Dan Cathy, chairman and president of the fast food company Chick-fil-A, with an unusual request: Would Cathy meet with Pruitt to discuss a potential business opportunity?

A call was arranged, then canceled, and Pruitt eventually spoke with someone from the companys legal department. Only then did he reveal the opportunity on his mind was a job for his wife, Marlyn. The subject of that phone call was an expression of interest in his wife becoming a Chick-fil-A franchisee, company representative Carrie Kurlander told The Washington Post via email.

Now its worth knowing that getting a Chick-fil-A franchise is an unusual process, costing relatively little in the way of cash money but requiring a lot of personal vetting:

For most fast-food chains, the biggest roadblock to becoming a franchisee is cost. For example, if you want to be a franchisee at McDonalds  another notoriously selective company  you need at least $750,000 in liquid assets and a background in business. Startup costs range from $955,708 to $2.3 million, including a $45,000 franchise fee.

Conversely, it only costs $10,00 to open a new Chick-fil-A, with no threshold for net worth or liquid assets. Chick-fil-A pays for all startup costs, including real estate, restaurant construction, and equipment. The chicken chain reports that it receives more than 20,000 inquiries from franchisee candidates every year. Of those candidates, Chick-fil-A selects just 75 to 80 new franchisees annually, according to spokesperson Amanda Hannah.

Without casting any aspersions on the chicken-sandwich purveyors integrity, you can imagine that a famously conservative Christian dude like Pruitt might have figured he could get his wife to the front of the line, with some help from his staff and his position in the presidents Cabinet. And then with a small outlay, the money would start rolling in.

It didnt work out, but Pruitt had some other ideas for Marlyn:

Pruitts efforts on his wifes behalf  revealed in emails recently released under a Freedom of Information Act request by the Sierra Club  did not end with Chick-fil-A. Pruitt also approached the chief executive of Concordia, a New York nonprofit organization. The executive, Matthew Swift, said he ultimately paid Marlyn Pruitt $2,000 plus travel expenses to help organize the groups annual conference last September.

Needless to say, this is beyond sketchy:

Federal ethics laws bar public officials from using their position or staff for private gain. A Cabinet-level official using his perch to contact a company CEO about a job for his wife raises the specter of misuse of public office, said Don Fox, who was head of the federal Office of Government Ethics during the Obama administration. Its not much different [from] if he [had] asked the aide to facilitate getting a franchise for himself.

The more we learn of Scott Pruitts quite comprehensive abuses of his office, the more you wonder when he found the time to do his actual job, although blowing up his predecessors regulations and policies probably isnt all that taxing. At some point, his accumulated issues could attract something more dangerous than laughter.
Dianne Feinstein and John Cox View Photos

Tuolumne County, CA  See how Mother Lode voters cast ballots in the US Senate and Governors race compared to the rest of the state.

Senate and Governor were the two most high profile seats on Tuesdays primary ballot.

The current statewide results indicate two Democrats will likely go head-to-head in the race for Californias US Senate seat this November.

With just under 100-percent of the precincts reported, incumbent Dianne Feinstein has 43-percent of the vote. Early returns yesterday showed Republican James Bradley in second place, hovering near 10-percent. However, the latest figures this morning have Democrat Kevin De Leon jumping into second with 11-percent and Bradley in third with just under 9-percent.

The top two vote getters, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the General Election.

In Tuolumne County, Feinstein is also the leader with 32-percent of county votes, Bradley has 16-percent and De Leon has only 5-percent. Feinstein also leads among Calaveras County voters with 29-percent to Bradleys 17-percent.

As reported earlier there will be a Democrat and Republican in the race for California Governor in November. Democrat Gavin Newsom has 33-percent of the statewide vote and Republican John Cox has 26-percent. They are followed by Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa with 13.5-percent, Republican Travis Allen with 9.7-percent and Democrat John Chiang with 9-percent.

Tuolumne County voters have a different opinion of the Governors race. Cox leads the way locally with 36-percent, Newsom has 28-percent, Allen has 15-percent and Villaraigosa and Chiang both have 5-percent. In Calaveras County, Cox has 37-percent compared to Newsoms 24-percent.

To read an earlier story about local election results, in races like board of supervisor, tax collector and city council, click here.
The State Fair of Texas is one of the state's most anticipated annual events.

Each year thousands of people gather at Fair Park in Dallas to see the iconic 55-foot cowboy known as Big Tex and experience days of food, fun, and free concerts.
Texas universities and their students are fiercely competitive with each other, but now they can see how they fare against the rest of the world.

A new study by the Center for World University Rankings pitted 1,000 of the globe's top schools against eachother, ranking them by the quality of education and faculty, as well as alumni employment.
San Antonio police found a missing teenager on Tuesday on a bus headed to Mexico, Carrollton police said.

Carrollton police had issued a warning earlier Tuesday to find the missing 15-year-old girl, who they believed ran off with Luis Manrique, 24.

RELATED: BCSO investigating family violence incident involving deputy

Both were found unharmed and Manrique was taken into custody, police said.

Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: FaresInSA
WASHINGTON - NASA is talking to several international companies about forming a consortium that would take over operation of the International Space Station and run it as a commercial space lab, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said in an interview.

"We're in a position now where there are people out there that can do commercial management of the International Space Station," Bridenstine said in his first extensive interview since being sworn in as NASA administrator in April. "I've talked to many large corporations that are interested in getting involved in that through a consortium, if you will."

The White House touched off a heated discussion about the future of the orbiting laboratory earlier this year when it said it planned to end direct government funding of the station by 2025, while working on a transition plan to turn the station over to the private sector.

Some members of Congress said they would vigorously oppose any plan that ends the station's life prematurely. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said the decision to end funding for it was the result of "numskulls" at the Office of Management and Budget.

And it was unclear, who, if anyone, would want to take over operations of the station, which costs NASA about $3 billion to $4 billion a year and is run by an international partnership that includes the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada and the European Space Agency. An orbiting laboratory that flies some 250 miles above the Earth's surface, it has been continuously inhabited by astronauts since 2000.

In unveiling its plan to commercialize the station earlier this year, the White House offered few details of how exactly it would work. As it prepares a transition plan, the White House said it "will request market analysis and business plans from the commercial sector and solicit plans from commercial industry."

The international nature of the station could make it tricky, though perhaps there could be an international commercial partnership with some sort of a government role, said Frank Slazer, the vice president of space systems for the Aerospace Industries Association.

"It will be very hard to turn ISS into a truly commercial outpost because of the international agreements that the United States is involved in," he said. "It's inherently always going to be an international construct that requires U.S. government involvement and multinational cooperation."

Bridenstine declined to name the companies that have expressed interest in managing the station, and said he was aware that companies may find it "hard to close the business case." But he said there was still seven years to plan for the future of the station, and with the White House's budget request "we have forced the conversation."

A former congressman from Oklahoma, Bridenstine, was confirmed by the Senate by a narrow 50-to-49 vote this spring, after the post had remained vacant for 15 months. Democrats had rallied against his nomination, saying he lacked the managerial and scientific background for the job.

Many had labeled him a climate-change denier over controversial comments Bridenstine, a conservative Republican, had made in the past.

But during a Senate hearing last month, he said his views had evolved, and that he believes human activity is the leading cause of climate change. That earned him plaudits from Democrats, such as Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, who had opposed his nomination.

"I have come to the conclusion that this is a true evolution," Schatz said. "That you respect people with whom you work, you respect the science, you want their respect."

In the interview, Bridenstine said there was no single event that cause him to change his thinking. As chairman of the Environment subcommittee, he said he "listened to a lot of testimony. I heard a lot of experts, and I read a lot. I came to the conclusion myself that carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that we've put a lot of it into the atmosphere and therefore we have contributed to the global warming that we've seen. And we've done it in really significant ways."

In the wide-ranging interview, Bridenstine also listed a return to the moon and the restoration of human spaceflight from United States soil as two of his top priorities. NASA has proposed building an outpost in the vicinity of the moon that could be inhabited by humans from time to time, with landers that could ferry supplies to the lunar surface.

Known as the Lunar Orbiting Platform Gateway, the system would be built by NASA in partnership with industry and its international partners, he said.

"I've met with a lot of leaders of space agencies from around the world," he said. "There is a lot of interest in the Gateway in the lunar outpost because a lot of countries want to have access to the surface of the moon. And this can help them as well and they can help us. It helps expand the partnership that we've seen in low Earth orbit with the International Space Station."

But the first element of the system wouldn't be launched until 2021 or 2022, he said.

Perhaps as early as this year, Boeing and SpaceX, the companies hired by NASA to fly its astronauts to the space station, could see their first test flights with people on board, though it's possible they could be delayed to next year.

Since the space shuttle was retired in 2011, Russia has flown NASA's astronauts to the station, charging hundreds of millions of dollars over that time. Bridenstine said that it is "a big objective is to once again launch American astronauts on American rockets from American soil."

Both Boeing and SpaceX have had delays and setbacks in their programs. Government watchdogs have said they were concerned about an issue with Boeing's abort system that may cause its spacecraft to "tumble," posing a threat to the crew's safety. Boeing has said it has fixed that problem, as well as a concern with the heat shield that the Government Accountability Office said last year could disconnect "and damage the parachute system."

John Mulholland, Boeing's commercial crew program manager, told Congress earlier this year that the company's "analyses show that we exceed our requirements for crew safety."

As administrator, Bridenstine and his staff will also have to sign off on SpaceX's decision to fuel its Falcon 9 rocket after the crews are on board -- which some have said could put astronauts at risk. But during a recent NASA safety advisory panel, some members said they thought the procedure could be a "viable option" if adequate safety controls are in place.

SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk told reporters last month that he did not think the fueling process "presents a safety issue for astronauts. But we can adjust our operational procedures to load propellant before the astronauts board. But I really think this is an overblown issue."

In the interview, Bridenstine said no decision had been made yet about the fueling procedures. "I haven't signed off on anything at this point," he said. "We're going to make sure we test it every which way you can possibly imagine. And that's underway right now. We're not going to put anybody in any undue risk."
Reviewers lauded this cooler sleeve as an inexpensive, travel-friendly option thats perfect for keeping wine cool at picnics and parties. We love these items when we do picnics at wineries, one reviwer writes, explaining, We bring it in a cooler with some ice packs and when we arrive at the winery and purchase our bottle, we slip this baby over it and it keeps the bottle cold the whole time we are picnicking, even in hot weather. They note that its also good for parties: We also use it if we are bringing a bottle of white wine to a party. When you arrive, its still as cold as it was when you took it out of the fridge. And reviewers found that despite the very affordable price, this cooling sleeve gets the job done: Did not expect these to perform that well but they sure do, 15 minutes around a bottle and close to perfectly chilled. Will keep it that way for a bit too, says one reviewer. Another says, Ive had two of these in my freezer for 15 years, and they still work wonderfully well. And its so good at keeping liquids cold that at least one reviewer used it for a non-alcoholic beverage: It even worked on my protein shake I had in a tall glass with a lid. Needed to keep it cold in my car for about half an hour and it actually froze it a little. I was thrilled! I would buy this again and probably buy as gifts too.
Justin Brasell has been appointed executive vice president at Transwestern to lead the companys healthcare advisory services team in Houston.

CBRE has appointed Chris Bone to lead project management as senior managing director for the Texas-Oklahoma region.

Tim Gregory has joined JLL as a senior vice president in its health care practice where he will focus on medical office building and ambulatory surgery center leasing.

Scott Fikes has joined JLL as a senior vice president on its office agency leasing team.

The Kinder Foundation announced that Sarah Newbery has joined the foundation as director of parks. Guy Hagstette has been elected vice president of parks and civic projects.

Warren W. Harris, a partner at Bracewell, is the new president of the Houston Bar Association.

Jarrad Evans has been named senior vice president, business development and strategy at Benchmark, a global hospitality company.

Jim Bartlett has joined Okin Adams in its commercial litigation practice.

Lee Tuttle has joined MMI Agency as vice president, delivery.

David Nierenberg, founder of Nierenberg Investment Management Co. of Camas, Wash., has joined the board of directors of Flotek Industries.

Kimberly Boone has been appointed to the board of directors at Energistics Consortium, the upstream oil and gas industry's data standards body. Boone is general manager of the technical computing department at Chevron Energy Technology Co.

Karla Miller has joined John Daugherty, Realtors as a sales associate.

katherine.feser@chron.com

twitter.com/kfeser
WASHINGTON - An expected order from the White House that would provide relief for oil refineries from the ethanol mandate appears to have been sidelined.

Sen. Chuck Grassley said on Twitter late Tuesday that President Donald Trump had rejected the plan, which sought to lower the price of the biofuel credits that refineries must buy to the meet the federal mandate if they don't blend ethanol themselves.

"Trump helped farmers by rejecting bad ethanol deal. I appreciate. GREAT NEWS," Grassley said.

RELATED STORY: White House readies for ethanol announcement, sources say

The White House has looked at an overhaul that would count the ethanol shipped overseas toward federal quotas, which would lower the price of the biofuels credits, according to sources close to the discussions. At the same time the White House had discussed waiving environmental restrictions that prevent the sale of E15, a fuel with a higher concentration of ethanol, during the summer, in a concession to ethanol producers.

But ethanol producers and their representatives in the Midwest were not sold of the deal, and furiously opposed such a move.

"We are happy the president continues to recognize the importance of our industry to America's farmers and rural economies across the nation," Bob Dinneen, president of the trade group, Renewable Fuels Association, said late Tuesday. "We look forward to working with the administration to remove regulatory barriers to continued growth."

Oil refineries had pressured the administration for months to take action on ethanol, arguing the mandate threatened refinery jobs in states like Pennsylvania, where one refinery declared bankruptcy earlier this year, citing the high costs of buying blending credits to meet the mandate. Refiners have argued that market for blending credits is thinly traded, making it an easy target for speculators and market manipulation.

But Midwestern farmers, who have benefited from the demand for corn created by ethanol producers, proved too formidable a political barrier.

On Tuesday, Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, attacked EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt for lying to her when he promised to protect the ethanol mandate, as well as "the way he spends money, the way he misuses his office," according to Politico.

Pruitt "is about as swampy as you get here in Washington, D.C.," Ernst said while speaking at an energy forum. "And if the president wants to drain the swamp, he needs to take a look at his own cabinet."
Oil slid lower after a U.S. government report showed a surprise increase in domestic crude stockpiles.

Futures dropped 1.2 percent in New York on Wednesday to the lowest level in almost two months. American crude inventories rose by 2.07 million barrels last week, confounding 12 of 13 analysts in a Bloomberg survey who were expecting supplies to decline. At the same time, gasoline stockpiles increased by the most since December as demand for the fuel weakened.

"The report is best summarized as a rough one, for bulls anyway," said Matt Sallee, who helps manage $16 billion at Tortoise in Leawood, Kansas. "No matter how you slice it and dice it, it was a pretty bearish report."

The supply situation in the U.S. is depressing oil prices already weighed down by a U.S. government request that OPEC increase output by 1 million barrels a day. Meanwhile, American imports of Saudi Arabian crude almost doubled to 1.12 million barrels a day last week, the highest since July, according to the Energy Information Administration.

West Texas Intermediate for July delivery fell 79 cents to settle at $64.73 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Brent futures for August settlement declined 2 cents to end the session at $75.36 on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The global benchmark crude was $10.66 above WTI for the same month.

Export Story

With WTI trading at a wide discount to Brent, traders were expecting a surge in domestic crude exports, but the report showed a decrease of 465,000 barrels a day.

"As exports have become a much bigger part of the story, one should expect more volatility on the week-to-week numbers," Sallee said.

The government reported gasoline stockpiles rose by 4.6 million barrels, while distillate supplies climbed by 2.17 million, the most since February. At the same time, U.S. crude production jumped to yet another record.

"The market's moving in line with the report, which was a surprise build across the board, with crude, gasoline and distillates all up more than expected," said Matthew Beck, managing director of an $8 billion oil and natural gas portfolio at John Hancock Financial Services Inc. in Boston. "You're seeing prices react to that."

Other oil-market news:

Gasoline futures dropped 1.7 percent to settle at $2.07 a gallon, the lowest since April 18.

U.S. crude exports, including condensate derived wholly from natural gas, rose to an average of 1.76 million barrels a day in April from 1.67 million a month earlier, according to Bloomberg calculations based on U.S. Census Bureau data.

A month after the U.S. re-imposed sanctions on Iran, European oil buyers say they still have no idea how much the region will be required to curb purchases from the Middle Eastern country.

2018 Bloomberg L.P.
Sears Holdings is trying to keep its Sears store at Rolling Oaks Mall open after the big-box store hit the auction block last month  and as the embattled retailer closes hundreds of locations.

Sears 133,483-square-foot store, which anchors Rolling Oaks Mall, was slated to be auctioned off in May with 15 other profitable stores through a partnership between commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield and online auctioneer Real Insight Marketplace.

A Sears Holdings spokesperson said in an email that the company is pursuing a lease-back agreement for the Rolling Oaks store. Under the arrangement, Sears would lease the property from the buyer and continue to operate the store.

The spokesperson would not provide any information on the outcome of the May auction.

Representatives for Rolling Oaks Mall and Cushman & Wakefield declined to comment.

Companies often enter lease-back agreements to raise funds without completely giving up the ability to use assets such as real estate.

Sears Holdings entered a similar arrangement with Seritage Growth Properties, a New York-based real estate investment trust, in 2015 when the company sold 265 Sears and Kmart stores to Seritage under the condition that it lease the space back to Sears Holdings. However, the lease agreement gave Seritage the right to recapture the property.

But earlier this year, Seritage decided to recapture the Sears store at Park North Shopping Center. The store will close in mid-July as a result.

Sears Holdings, which owns Sears and Kmart, announced plans last week to close at least 72 Sears and Kmart stores after losing $424 million for the three-month period ended May 5. The company said it has identified 100 stores that are no longer profitable, including those on the closure list.

Sears has two other stores in San Antonio, at South Park Mall and Ingram Park Mall. A spokesman last week said Sears had no plans to close either store.

Joshua Fechter is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | jfechter@express-news.net | Twitter: @JFreports
Courtesy of Humble ISD

Humble Independent School District has acquired a parcel of land in the Lakewood Pines subdivision in Atascocita for a new elementary school.

Houston Commercial Development, a real estate brokerage representing Humble ISD, announced the purchase of 19.9 acres in the 13000 block of West Lake Houston Parkway as the site of Elementary School #29. The land was purchased KB Home Lone Star on May 24.
A man killed in a brazen daylight shooting in San Franciscos Bayview district this week was identified Tuesday as a 26-year-old father to three young children, family members said.

Jevon Cael of San Francisco was shot and killed about 11:10 a.m. Monday on the 1500 block of Oakdale Avenue, according to the San Francisco medical examiner.

He was a sweet, caring, young man. Hes going to be truly missed, said his father, Lorenzo Cael.

Officers arrived on scene and found Jevon Caels body lying on the sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Raised in San Francisco, Jevon Cael stayed behind after his parents moved to Hesperia (San Bernardino County). He married his wife on Valentines Day in 2017.

Ive been trying to get my son to come out there and live with me out there, Lorenzo Cael said. Its too late now.

Jevon Cael was known as a devoted father to his three sons: 7-year-old twins and another 5-year-old boy, Lorenzo Cael said.

He loved his kids, his father added.

As a child, Jevon Cael often mimicked his uncle, who was a talented artist, Lorenzo Cael said.

When Jevon was 5 or 6 years old, he used to see my brother drawing and he used to copy the drawings, he said. By the time he was 10 or 11, he was drawing just like him. That was a talent I knew he had. I was trying to have him pursue that.

Lorenzo Cael said that when he and his wife, Wonda Fain, heard the news, they jumped in their car and drove to San Francisco.

They arrived Tuesday but hadnt been able to see their sons body yet.

Thats our son. Why arent we able to see our son? Lorenzo Cael asked, noting that his son got shot in the back.

George Washington Carver Elementary School, which is a block and a half from where the shooting occurred, went on lockdown immediately after the incident but the school was reopened after police searched the area.

A man in his 20s was identified as a suspect. He fled the scene and no arrests have been made. Authorities did not release a possible motive.

The slaying  the citys 15th this year  remains under investigation.

Correction: A previous version of this story misreported the location and status of George Washington Carver Elementary School. It is a block and a half from the site of the fatal shooting. The school was not searched during the aftermath of the incident.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
Preliminary election results in Sonoma County were slightly delayed after a couple of apparent last-minute voters momentarily halted proceedings Tuesday night.

More than 30 minutes after the 8 p.m. deadline, the two voters were still working their way through the California ballots, Sonoma County Clerk Bill Rousseau told a Santa Rosa Press Democrat reporter.

"Sonoma County's prelim election results won't be out for another 15-20 minutes because two last-minute (literally) voters are still filling out their ballots," tweeted Christi Warren with the Santa Rosa newspaper.

"As of 8:35 p.m., they were still working on them, said clerk-recorder-assessor Bill Rousseau," Warren continued.

Initial results were released via the county's website with a timestamp of 8:45 p.m.

Rousseau told the Press Democrat early on Tuesday he hoped for an overall turnout of 50 percent of registered voters, despite some slow returns to the county on mail-in ballots as of Monday.

"Just get 'em in," Rousseau told the paper.

State races were already starting to be called Tuesday night, despite expectations that the election will continue late into the week as mail-in ballots will continue to be counted.

One of the bigger races for the state's primary elections included the run-up to November's gubernatorial race in California. Lt. Gov. and former San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom claimed one of two spots, with GOP candidate John Cox leading in the bid for the second slot in early returns Tuesday night.
Alex Montiel, a Mexican YouTuber famous for his film reviews and celebrity interviews, left an Instagram e-trail of his recent trip to San Antonio.

The 37-year-old and his family visited a number of tourist stops, including SeaWorld San Antonio, the San Antonio Zoo, and the River Walk. They also checked in at Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, Iron Cactus, Buddy V's, and the Witte Museum, according to Instagram posts.
It can't be found on Chacho's website, there's no listed phone number and Google Maps doesn't even have an official address for it yet.

But Chacho's Fried Chicken is open.

Rumors circled six months ago that Chacho's was opening its first-ever fried chicken joint, but an exact opening date never appeared. The new restaurant, located on the U.S. 90 access road at West Military Drive, opened five days ago and is serving a limited menu as its employees finish their training.

Chacho's Fried Chicken shares some similarities with its Tex-Mex centered counterparts. It still serves Chachos' well-known margaritas and most of the items on the menu can be ordered as tacos, burritos or quesadillas. But, unlike the other Chacho's locations, there's only one kind of meat on the menu.

"Just chicken," Store supervisor David Rios said. "Just focus on the chicken."

RELATED: Snooze opening its third San Antonio location on the Northwest Side at The Strand at Huebner Oaks

Rios said they are still experimenting with the menu and have been trying different recipes for dinner rolls and biscuits over the last couple days.

Chacho's has been known as a mainstay of San Antonio Tex-Mex but Rios said the popularity of the restaurant's chicken dishes was what pushed Chacho's' owner John Burke to try something new.

"It's a different kind of hybrid concept," Rios said. "Fried chicken is something that he's been wanting to get into for quite some time."

Even without a grand opening or advertisements beyond a "now open" sign in front of the restaurant, Rios said customers have already been pouring in, even stopping by for days before the soft-opening.

"I've even seen repeat customers in here three days in a row," Rios said of the few days since the restaurant opened.

One woman, Sandy Nieto, said she drives by the chicken restaurant every day on her way home from work, so her coworkers asked her to stop by to see if it was open.

Despite being open for almost a week, the restaurant itself is still being put together. The kitchen and dining area are mostly finished but ceiling fans both inside and outside as well as a music box were still being installed Wednesday afternoon.

Chacho's Fried Chicken is also not open 24/7 just yet. But Rios said they hope to expand their hours within the next week.

"Right now, we're just working out the kinks," Rios said. "It's a completely brand-new concept that's never been done before."

In the next few months, Burke will be branching out even further with Goodfire, a barbecue joint located across the street from Chacho's and Chalucci's on Perrin Beitel Road, Rios said.

Chase Karacostas is a staff writer for mySA.com. | Chase.Karacostas@express-news.net | Twitter: @ChaseKaracostas
After more than seventy years, a San Antonio home is the new kid on the block once again after undergoing a jaw-dropping makeover.

Joshua De Los Santos is the mind behind four recent house flips in neighborhoods surrounding downtown. His most recent, at 335 Fairview Ave., is only days old and the home is already under contract to be sold.

The house-flipper, who is also a realtor and president and director of Santos & Sandberg LLC, renovated the four homes in the first year after launching his venture. De Los Santos and his contractor, Oscar Franco, worked hand-in-hand on the Fairview home to transform it from an "eyesore" to a home Chip and Joana Gaines would probably approve of.

"The sense of pride in reinvesting in the city we love and getting to see someone else enjoy our product brings us joy," De Los Santos said.

RELATED: 'Decrepit' 100-year-old San Antonio home transformed into lavish listing

He purchased the home on Feb. 4 and started work the following day. The project was completed at the end of May and now touts a completely new build out from its original 1946 plan. De Los Santos said work was done to the foundation, walls were stripped, the roof was replaced and all new electrical and plumbing was installed.

Despite the limited space  1,268 square feet  De Los Santos decided he wanted the home to have an "airy" feel. One of the tricks he used was creatively reworking the kitchen with a design that features only bottom cabinets with shelving above the sink and countertops.

De Los Santos said he creates design plans by studying recent real estate trends and Franco ensures it's all feasible. He said each home he works on has its own set of obstacles, especially when remodeling older properties like 335 Fairview.

"Luckily I work with a contractor who is able to be creative as well and work around different challenges," he said.

The end product is a like-new, $189,000 listing boasting three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two living rooms, a new front porch pergola and backdoor deck with HGTV-worthy appointments. De Los Santos said he purchased the kitchen and dinning room tile from Floor & Decor, the dining area light fixture from Home Depot and shopped Amazon for the wall sconces and kitchen hardware, including the faucet.

He estimates a similar rehab project would cost between $60,000 and $64,000.

RELATED: A peek inside one of San Antonio's swankiest Pearl apartments

Though fans may not be able to call De Los Santos latest project "home," they can follow along via Instagram for inspiration as he continues to revitalize properties close to downtown San Antonio.

"We love San Antonio, we love that area, we understand that a house isn't just a house, it's part of a community," he said, adding the Fairview home's neighbors have told him they're "elated" the residence is no longer an "eyesore."

"I think the urban area is in the beginning phases of what's happening in Austin, Dallas and Portland, but with its own San Antonio flair," De Los Santos continued. "It's nice to see new construction going on, but a lot of times that's going to price people out of the neighborhood. We're trying to give buyers a more affordable option. It's tough to find a house with a build out of this scope with this close proximity to downtown."

De los Santos said he uses as "litmus test" to gauge the success of his projects  would he live there?

"I'd be more than happy to move into my project," he said.

Would you say the same? Take a tour of the digs found inside the Fairview home and other De Los Santos flips in the gallery above.
The Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) has given government up to June 23 to drop what they describe as a selective and discriminative salary enhancement for science teachers in public schools or face an industrial action.

The ultimatum follows protracted debate around whether science teachers should receive a salary enhancement proposed by the president or get paid monthly allowances starting in the next financial year.

UNATU teachers at a meeting recently

Filbert Baguma, the Unatu general secretary, told The Observer yesterday that the teachers umbrella body has unanimously agreed with science and arts teachers to lay down their tools if no progress is realised.

We want to make it clear to government that discrimination of teachers is not the order of the day. On Saturday, June 23, we shall be awaiting any communication from government and if it does not come through, on Monday [June 25] our industrial action starts straight away without engaging government, Baguma said. We have communicated to all teachers this position and they are on standby.

In 2017, President Museveni promised to improve salaries for only science teachers on grounds that they are few and difficult to find.

Government proposed that the gross salary for science teachers with a degree be Shs 2m while an arts teacher with the same qualifications is to earn a much lesser figure of just Shs 600, 000. For teachers with diplomas, the proposed salary is Shs 1.75m for a science teacher and Shs 400,000 for their arts counterparts.

Baguma described the proposals as unfair since science teachers are already earning more than arts teachers with the same qualifications.

Recently, parliament observed that while government intends to prioritise teaching of sciences, the proposed increment will bring about salary disparities.

The amount allocated towards enhancement of the science teachers salaries should be used to recruit the 2,000 science teachers so that schools without any teachers for science subjects can be supported, reads part of a report compiled by the parliamentary committee on education and sports.

Also, UNATU national chairperson Zadock Tumuhimbise said the salary proposal is a trick by government to divide the hitherto united teaching fraternity.

In this salary enhancement, the president is even targeting science teachers in secondary schools, leaving out those in primary schools who play a vital role in helping children appreciate science subjects. So, how do you expect such a demotivated primary science teacher to motivate a learner? Tumuhimbise said, adding that there is no shortage of science teachers.

Instead, he said, most teachers are loitering on the streets due to lack of employment opportunities in government schools.

His views were backed by Farouk Wandera, a science teacher at Mbale Secondary School, who reiterates that many teachers have been transferred but their positions are not filled by the Education Service Commission. Wandera said he supports the planned strike.

MPs are pretending to fight for us but they are misleading the public. They are hypocrites and greedy. They quickly push for their enhancement but when it is our turn, they have failed to agree with government. Teachers are now confused, Wandera said.

Meanwhile, a source who preferred anonymity at the ministry of Public Service, said even the question of selective enhancement as proposed by Museveni is far from answered.

We are still undecided. We are still engaging parliament [and the] ministries of finance and education about that proposal. The truth is that there are no funds and that is why everything is not moving smoothly, said the source.

Attempts to get a government response to the looming strike were unsuccessful by press time as senior education ministry officials were said to be attending a meeting at State House yesterday.

nangonzi@observer.ug
A San Antonio man came close to breaking the world record Sunday for the largest dog snapper fish ever caught. His catch weighed in at 22.82 pounds, just 1.2 pounds lighter than the 24-pounder holding the world record.

The previous state record was 14.4 pounds.

Rene Hernandez, who caught the fish while fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, said he didn't initially realize it was even a dog snapper  much less a record-breaking one. He thought it was a red snapper, which is similar in look but slightly larger.

RELATED: Kids learn how to fish, conserve in free lesson at South Side park

"It was really once the captain came down, he came out of his chair to come see it and he bought a record book with him just to identify, and yeah, at that moment he knew. Just looking at the fish you could tell it was more than 14 pounds," Hernandez said. "He knew it was a state record for sure and they were thinking it would even be a world record."

Hernandez and his friends had been fishing for red snappers about 35 miles out from Port Aransas.

He filleted some of the meat of the fish ("It's really tender and really good") and said the rest of the fish was mounted on a plaque. Hernandez said he's taking it back to his home in San Antonio to hang up and keep for many years.

The record is "pending" with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department until it receives certification, according to a spokesman.

S. M. Chavey is a staff writer with mysa.com.
San Antonio Zoo Vice President Dante Fenolio has been going to the Amazon routinely since he was a teenager. This September, he's inviting friends of the zoo and San Antonians to join him on the trip.

In addition to exposing attendees to the zoo's conservation programs in the Amazon, the trip will also include night and day hikes, fishing for piranhas, boat trips in the morning to see freshwater dolphins, and many other activities.

"In a square mile of rainforest down there, you can have roughly the same number of tree species as you have in all of North America," Fenolio told mySA.com. "There are also more species of freshwater fish than any other on the planet. It's this treasure trove of wildlife."

RELATED: National association awards San Antonio Zoo accreditation as one of nation's top zoos

It isn't the first time the zoo has invited people to participate in an excursion abroad. About a decade ago, zoo representatives invited interested participants on yearly trips, most often to Africa.

Zoo officials this year selected the Amazon in part to show off Fenolio's efforts there: working with indigenous communities that want to keep patches of rainforest on their traditional land. The zoo sells art projects the Amazonians make in its gift shop to help fund the conservation efforts.

Adventurers who aren't able to make it this year will probably have another chance.

"I don't think this is going to be the only one we'll ever do," Zoo CEO Tim Morrow said. He said he hopes to organize trips to Africa and Asia in the future, and hopes to keep the Amazon trip on a regular rotation.

For additional details about the trip or to make a reservation, contact George Ledvina with GreenTracks at GreenTracks.com, but emailing info@greentracks.com or by calling 970-884-6107.

S. M. Chavey is a staff writer for mySA.com.
Region 12s $21.8 million budget passed at Tuesdays referendum 799 to 655.

Roxbury voters rejected the budget again, but this time Washington and Bridgewater residents were able to make up the difference.

Washington passed the budget 335 to 276 and Bridgewater passed the budget 220 to 126. Roxbury rejected the budget 253 to 244.

Its always important to pass the school budget, said Superintendent of Schools Patricia Cosentino. The first is always the best but the second is second best.

This budget is about 1.98 percent larger than the current budget but about $165,000 less than the proposal that failed in a May 8 referendum.

The lower budget is covered by eliminating an administrative position, which has not been identified yet but translates to about $150,000 in savings, and reducing the salary line for the superintendent by about $15,600.

Region 12 hired a new superintendent, Megan Bennett, this spring who is set to start July 1. Cosentino, who has held the position for six years, will take over as New Fairfields superintendent at the start of the fiscal year.

All of the funds given to our schools are used to the betterment of our students and the community to make the schools the best they can be, Cosentino said.

During the original budget vote, Roxbury rejected the budget and Washington and Bridgewater voters were unable to make up the difference causing it to fail overall 567 to 535.

The largest factor in the budget increase was an additional $526,000 for health insurance premiums. An additional $100,000 is also needed for special education and another $100,000 for teacher contracts.

During the public hearing, some said the increase, coupled with the decline in state aid money and falling enrollment made it a hard budget to approve.

This time around, Washington residents warned they would reject the Region 12 budget as a way to get a new referendum on the agriscience academy proposal or to encourage the board to abandon the program entirely.

The program will focus on agriculture and STEM subjects  science, technology, engineering and math  at Shepaug Valley School and serve students from Region 12, Danbury, Brookfield, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown and Sherman. Construction is set to start this summer with the program opening in the 2019-2020 school year.

A report from the Washington Board of Finance recently raised concerns among residents because it estimates that the agSTEM academy could cost taxpayers up to about $13 million over 20 years should it not meet Region 12s enrollment projections or if it costs more than estimated.

The program has been scaled back since the initial adoption in November 2015, including a smaller building and fewer students.
Lamar CISDs Campbell, Jackson and Ray elementary schools have been named to the 2017-2018 Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll for their high achievement and student success.

The program, sponsored by the Institute for Productivity in Education (IPE), is part of a national effort to identify higher-performing schools and districts that are improving student outcomes. The trio are among 729 public schools in Texas to be recognized.
An 18-year-old, reportedly just out of high school, has been charged with trying to rape his friend's mother during a sleepover in Tennessee.

Police said Jordan Corter and other "boys" showed up about 8:30 p.m. at the woman's home in Arlington, outside Memphis. In an interview with WREG, one resident compared the leafy neighborhood to the fictional suburbia of Mayberry, where nothing goes wrong.

The mother, whose name police did not release, may have had a different intuition. About 10 minutes after her son's friend arrived, a sheriff's investigator wrote in an affidavit obtained by WREG, she collected all the alcohol in the house and locked herself in her bedroom.

She was "awaked at 0230 hours to Jordan Corter knocking on her bedroom door."

The woman answered the door, thinking something was wrong. "Jordan forced himself into the bedroom and locked the door behind him," she later told police.

She said he pushed her to the bed and put a hand down her shorts. In a subsequent interview, the affidavit continued, Corter wept and told police "he basically forced her to do something she didn't want to do," and "should not be forgiven."

He allegedly tried to rape the woman, Fox 13 in Memphis reported, but she broke free, giving herself a black eye in the struggle. She told investigators she kneed Corter in the groin and got to a pistol she kept in the bedroom.

"Police said the woman then placed the gun in the man's face and told him to leave," Fox 13 reported.

According to the affidavit, the woman's boss noticed her condition when she went to work the next day and convinced her to phone the authorities.

Corter was subsequently arrested, charged with sexual battery and attempted rape and released on bail. He could not be contacted, and a spokesman for the Shelby County Sheriff's Office told The Washington Post no details would be released while the case is investigated.

A man who answered the door at Corter's house told WREG he had just graduated from high school and was "a good kid."

If the police account is correct, then the case is a rare example of a crime victim using a gun to successfully protect herself.

Such cases often make the news - as when two men grabbed their firearms and killed a gunman at an Oklahoma restaurant, likely saving other lives, or when an armed bystander chased down the suspect in last year's Texas church massacre. Aligning himself with the National Rifle Association and gun lobby, President Donald Trump has proposed arming teachers in an attempt to stop school massacres.

But as The Washington Post wrote in 2016, a Harvard University study found that despite the country's millions of household guns, the weapons were used in self-defense in fewer than 1 percent of crimes during a five-year period.

In those cases, the researchers wrote, they did about as much harm as good. "The likelihood of injury when there was a self-defense gun use (10.9%) was basically identical to the likelihood of injury when the victim took no action at all (11.0%)."

The leader of that research, David Hemenway, wrote in the Los Angeles Times that another study found that out of 1,100 sexual assaults, only one victim used a gun for protection.
CHESTER  The town will once again play host to the annual Connecticut Military Vehicle Collectors Club show and rally Saturday.

The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chester Fairgrounds, located at 11 Kirtland Terrace, in the northwest quadrant of routes 148 and 156 intersection.

Organizers say up to 100 military vehicles  some dating back to World War I  are expected to be on display during the event. Among expected to be on hand range from antique bicycles (used by messengers) to virtually every shape and variety of Jeep.

On view will also be weapons carriers, half-tracks (vehicles with regular tires on the front axle and tank-like treads in the rear), half- and five-ton wreckers, and the ubiquitous deuce-and-a-half.

This is a family event, said retired Lt. Col Reg Farrington, spokesman for the club. The kids can see all the different trucks that the U.S. military has used for the past 75 years.

In doing so, they can learn about the history of the machines themselves, the men who rode in or serviced them, and the events of which they were a part.

For the older folks, its a chance to reminisce, Farrington added.

And for buffs, its an opportunity to do a deep dive into the care and feeding of the historic vehicles.

In addition to the vehicles themselves, there will also be a flea market for military memorabilia and vehicle parts. Admission is $5 for adults and young adults. Kids under 10 will be admitted free of charge.

COMVEC is a nonprofit organization. Proceeds from the show go to support organizations that help veteran and their families, Farrington said.
President Milos Zeman gave the Czech Republic's billionaire prime minister, Andrej Babis, a second shot at forming a majority-backed government on Wednesday, more than seven months after he won general elections.

Babis is waiting for the Social Democrats, his former coalition allies, to decide whether they will join him in power again as other mainstream parties shun him because of an ongoing criminal probe. To muster a majority in parliament, Babis has also turned to the country's Communists for tacit support, giving the anti-NATO party its biggest influence in politics since democracy was restored in 1989.

Babis, who built his party's popularity on vows to keep Muslim migrants out of the country and displace what he said were incompetent politicians, is now promising to boost salaries for teachers, raise pensions and speed up highway construction. Still, the ex-finance minister wants to maintain one of the European Union's lowest budget deficits and debts.

Zeman appointed the second-richest Czech as premier on Wednesday, more than a week before the Social Democrats announce the result of the internal ballot on whether to join Babis in power. Critics of Babis and the president say Zeman's decision is an attempt to grab more influence for his position, which is largely ceremonial.

"Naming the prime minister before the result of the referendum is known could pressure some party units to vote to join the government," said Jakub Charvat, a political scientist at the Metropolitan University in Prague.

While the Social Democrats' leadership is in favor of teaming up with Babis, some senior members have warned that joining him before the criminal probe is over could hurt the party's popularity. Babis rejects any wrongdoing and rejects the accusations that he fraudulently used EU subsidies as an attempt by his rivals to kill his political ambitiions.

His decision to turn to the Communists for backing has also sparked a series of protests, with several thousand demonstrators marching in Prague on Tuesday.

"We've never had a scenario of the Communists supporting the government, albeit indirectly," said Josef Mlejnek, a political scientist from Charles University in Prague. "They will try to weaken relations between Czech Republic and western structures, especially with NATO."
A quartet of tech experts arrived at a little-noticed hearing at the U.S. Capitol in May with a message: quantum computing is a bleeding-edge technology with the potential to speed up everything from drug research to financial transactions.

To Rep. Adam Kinzinger, though, their highly technical testimony might as well have been delivered in a foreign language. "I can understand about 50 percent of the things you say," the Illinois Republican confessed.

Kinzinger's quip drew chuckles from his peers on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, but it also illustrated an unavoidable challenge on Capitol Hill. Increasingly, members of Congress are confronting a wide array of complex policy debates posed by inventions like artificial intelligence and problems like the rise of Russian propaganda online. And policymakers themselves admit they aren't fully prepared to deal with the issues.

Distrust of election security is bad as a real hack

To address that digital knowledge gap, some in Washington are now angling to revive the Capitol's old science-and-tech think tank, the Office of Technology Assessment, which lawmakers disbanded amid partisan squabbles in the 1990s. Its foremost advocates, emboldened by recent tech mishaps, say it could aid the U.S. government at a moment when objective advice seems to be in short supply.

"Look at what our future entails," said Democratic FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, one of the office's proponents, in an interview. "We're going to need to figure out autonomous cars, 5G wireless, gene editing, the Internet of things."

Lawmakers earned widespread ridicule in April, when they grilled Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg over charges that he had failed to protect 2 billion users' personal information. At times, Democrats and Republicans alike seemed mystified by the inner-workings of a multibillion-dollar American corporation that they're supposed to regulate. Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah essentially asked Facebook if it's funded through advertising. (It is.).

"After the hearing, I think [lawmakers] are even more cognizant that Congress really should have its own advisors," said Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., one of the lawmakers pushing to revive the Hill's tech policy shop.

Even lawmakers who know Silicon Valley well have struggled in the face of dwindling resources. In May, Democrats on a key congressional committee investigating Russia released copies of roughly 3,500 ads purchased by Kremlin-aligned trolls on Facebook during the 2016 race. One of the factors in Democrats' decision: Republicans on the panel hadn't afforded them the staff and other tools to dissect the data they obtained.

"Even if we had only this to focus on, it would be a pressing challenge," California Rep. Adam Schiff, the senior Democrat on the committee, said in an interview. "But with all the other elements of the Russia investigation, we as a small staff don't have that capacity."

Hackers warned Congress the internet was not secure in 1998. It still isn't.

To be sure, Congress has its share of tech-literate members. They can hire their own staff or seek advice from other organizations, like the Government Accountability Office, where a team of about 50 tech experts study everything from broadband access to gene editing. But limited resources often threaten to slow down work at GAO while forcing members of Congress to make troubling compromises.

"When a new member of Congress is coming in to set up an office, they'll say, 'OK, I need a scheduler, I need a chief of staff'," said former Rep. Rush Holt, who now leads the American Association for the Advancement of Science. "Nobody says, 'Oh, I need a science advisor,' It just doesn't enter their minds."

That's why Takano and fellow Democratic Rep. Bill Foster are now seeking to revive the Office of Technology Assessment. For decades, OTA, as it was known, performed research on subjects like missile defense and climate change, often trying to anticipate controversies before they became fodder for congressional hearings. But some Republican leaders saw the Hill's research hub as a dollar-sucking endeavor with a liberal tint. They ultimately eliminated its funding in 1995, but left the law authorizing it intact.

This spring, Takano and Foster rallied about 40 of their colleagues in the House - all Democrats - to sign onto a letter describing OTA as a "wise investment" that would "better prepare Congress to account for emerging technologies." Since then, they've notched an early victory: An upcoming budget bill calls for a study to determine if OTA might be useful, a step they believe could build future momentum for its resurrection.

They also plan to offer another amendment at a committee meeting Wednesday that would dedicate a meager $2.5 million for OTA in seed funding. It's a far cry from the office's peak in the 1990s, when it sported a roughly $20 million budget and about 140 science and tech experts.

Takano said he inherited the issue from Holt, who tried unsuccessfully for 16 years to restore OTA. But Takano's political epiphany came in 2016, when the U.S. government sought to force Apple to break the security of an iPhone tied to a deadly mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, near his congressional district. During the trial, Takano said his peers in Congress sought to legislate on encryption, but they weren't "fully prepared to understand all the technical issues."

Website flaw exposes real-time locations of US cellphones

Not everyone believes that new institutions are the solution. "I wholly agree that Congress can better its game on technology issues but initiative, much more than resources or a dedicated office, is the biggest factor limiting expertise," said Sen. John Thune R-S.D., the leader of the tech-focused Commerce Committee, in a statement.

Whatever the mechanism, there's still a sense within Congress that it must ready itself for the age of self-driving cars and package-delivering drones and virtual reality - and currently lacks the tech smarts to address the policy challenges they pose.

"It wasn't that long ago when you had senior members of a key committee calling the internet a 'series of tubes,'" said Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat seen as one of the Hill's most knowledgeable voices on tech issues. "Things have improved, [but] I do think a team of dedicated technology experts, that are accountable to Congress, would help members on a bipartisan basis make better choices about tech policy."
WASHINGTON - Facebook allowed Huawei, a Chinese telecom company with alleged ties to the country's government, to have special access to data about the social site's users, according to a person familiar with the matter but not authorized to speak on the record. Such a special arrangement could stoke fears that consumers' personal information is at risk.

The relationship between Facebook and Huawei was one of the special agreements brokered between the social giant and device makers over the past decade that sought to make it easier for Facebook users to access site services on a wide array of technologies.

For years, lawmakers in Congress and top U.S. national security officials have raised red flags about the security of Huawei products, fearing that the Chinese government could demand access to communications stored on their devices or servers. The company has denied the charges, but the Pentagon took the rare step this year of banning sales of Huawei smartphones on U.S. military bases.

Another firm with suspected close ties to the Chinese government, ZTE, is not believed to have had a relationship with Facebook, the person said. It does not appear that Facebook data was ever stored on Huawei servers, only directly on devices.

A spokesman for Huawei did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Facebook late Tuesday confirmed that it had worked with Huawei, as well as three other Chinese firms, Lenovo, OPPO and TCL. Facebook said those arrangements were "controlled from the get go - and we approved the Facebook experiences these companies built."

Facebook's statement followed a day of silence about its relationships with Chinese firms, which drew a sharp rebuke from Democratic Sen. Mark Warner. In response, Warner said in a statement Tuesday that Facebook's relationships with Huawei and TCL raise "legitimate concerns, and I look forward to learning more about how Facebook ensured that information about their users was not sent to Chinese servers."

In total, Facebook has said it struck special data-sharing deals with roughly 60 device makers, including more recognizable names, like Apple, HTC and Samsung. Through legal agreements and Facebook-supplied code, these and other manufacturers could directly access Facebook data so that their customers could more seamlessly perform tasks like syncing their contacts or accessing their message histories on devices ranging from smartphones to smart televisions.

In Facebook's eyes, the partnerships were merely an extension of services it already offered. In a blog post Monday, company executives said the arrangements were necessary in the early days of the mobile ecosystem, when not every smartphone company offered an app store. Facebook also stressed that many of the 60 device makers - which it did not name in full - didn't store the data on their own servers. While the social giant quietly began unwinding the program in April, it said it had no indication any Facebook data had been misused.

To privacy experts, however, Facebook's behind-the-scenes arrangements may have happened without users' full knowledge or consent. Some seized on a report from The New York Times that found at least one of Facebook's device partners, BlackBerry, had an older smartphone that could access Facebook data about device owners as well as their friends, and their friends' friends, even seemingly in cases where Facebook users had barred such sharing. In response, BlackBerry stressed in a statement: "At no time did BlackBerry collect or mine the Facebook data of our customers."

Facebook's partnerships with device makers could ultimately spell more trouble for the tech giant at the Federal Trade Commission, a U.S. watchdog agency that's already investigating the company for a series of other privacy mishaps. Because Facebook has misled consumers on its data-use policies in the past - and previously been punished by the FTC - the company could face sky-high fines if the agency finds it has erred again.

A spokesman for the FTC has declined to indicate if it is investigating Facebook's arrangements with device makers.
Dr Annette Kezaabu

On August 28, 2017, Kampala International Universitys deputy vice chancellor (academic affairs) Dr ANNETTE KEZAABU was appointed chairperson of the Pornography Control Committee (PCC).

In this interview, she tells Yudaya Nangonzi about what the committee has done so far, pending arrests of offenders, among others.

What has it been like steering the committee?

I am very motivated and so are the members. I feel great that I am steering something that I am passionate about. As a mother, I want to protect my children and others. About 78 per cent of youths in Uganda have gadgets and whatever they see and hear shapes their life. We need to start now and save money to rehabilitate them in future.

This committee is underpinned by the Anti-Pornography Act, 2014. Around 2004, many songs that were coming out sounded vulgar as well as a lot of pornographic content coming into the country. So, parliament set up a 12-member committee to research about pornography.

They moved all over the country and registered many pornographic findings which were put on the floor of parliament in 2005. Their recommendations included setting up a committee. Actually, they wanted to set up a whole commission like UCC to look into pornography.

What is the PCCs mandate? The public seems unconvinced

That is the Ugandan public and, sometimes, I find it confused. When they see something outrageous, they call, informing you that people are releasing nude pictures to the extent that you can see their uterus. This means that the public recognises that the committee is supposed to do something.

Our committee comprises representatives of the media, medical associations, lawyers, publishing houses, institutions of higher learning, cultural institutions, women, religious organisations and representatives of arts and culture.

Our contract is five years and a part-time job under the Office of the Presidents directorate of Ethics and Integrity. Our functions are basically two. First, we are supposed to take necessary measures to ensure that we detect and prohibit pornography. We have been doing a lot of sensitisation because you cannot arrest someone before educating them.

In every region, we looked out for video shops. In Mbarara, they told me one goes for Shs 5,000 yet ordinary movies are sold at Shs 1,500. When you tell people that they can be arrested, they say theres no law to hold them accountable; but serious action starts this week.

Why didnt you arrest proprietors of these shops?

I am a scholar who believes first in situation analysis. We now know all areas in the country that are highly pornographic, the video halls, cinemas. Some members also thought we should arrest people immediately but I objected because it would make others trade these things undercover.

This brings me to our other function of collecting and destroying pornographic content which we havent done yet. We also have to ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted as well as promote rehabilitation of victims.

The PCC has to operate a secretariat of between 30 to 40 staff and allocated Shs 2bn annually. How is that money spent?

We are supposed to have that number but that is not the case which remains a challenge. Even with our approved nine members, only four are operational.

With the money, we draw plans and forward them to the permanent secretary who approves our activities. This financial year, it is going to be extremely difficult because the ministry of Finance has only allocated us Shs 600 million.

By the way, according to the Access to Information Act, I am not allowed to even talk about money because we dont see and touch it.

Ethics and integrity minister, Simon Lokodo, said Shs 2 billion has to be your annual allocation

That was hullabaloo If we had been given that as promised, a lot of things would be in place by now. We spent about Shs 400 million to Shs 500 million and the rest was used to set up the committee offices, pay salaries, etc. If you want to know our spending, please get to the PS.

How big is the problem?

The problem is bigger than you can imagine. In schools, many students confessed that their studies are affected by pornography. Those in boarding schools use part of their pocket money to buy pornographic content and watch it secretly.

Theres a boy who said he got addicted while in senior two; bought prostitutes and masturbated until his body started shaking abnormally. He told us that one time they were in an examination but he couldnt complete papers without running to masturbate in the latrine.

Pornography is compulsive and can be comparable to morphine. For young people, it is a big problem and shameful  thats why many people suffer silently.

A woman also confessed that she lured her 16-year-old biological son into sex because she was a stay-home mother who watched a lot of pornography. This has since remained a top secret between the two because they had sex several times.

I look at the committee as a preventative measure for a bigger problem that can come up in the future.

A report is being compiled from different districts which we will avail to the public. However, the early findings indicate the problem is bigger with school and university-going students.

At my daughters international school, she told me her friends keep asking whether I am able to monitor what they do with their phones and tablets. This clearly shows that children are already exposed to pornographic content. Some children are engaged in soft pornography in form of novels in libraries.

The females prefer novels while males watch movies. In the process, they go into hardcore pornography to experiment. Some school head teachers pledged to withdraw these novels from their libraries.

Initial findings indicate that there are a lot of broken marriages among people married between 2006 and to-date due to pornography. Also, it was surprising that we found more females were into pornography than males. I honestly found this disgusting, especially in urban areas where women are educated and have gadgets.

We expect the final report by August or September.

How do you monitor/ intercept downloading and sharing of pornography?

We get a lot of this information from whistleblowers. We later download the pictures and write a statement for the police to arrest the people involved.

As a country, we need to stop these things. Of course, technology is responsible for all this but I also dont know what is happening to people. Gone are the days when we had aunties who performed their duties diligently.

Today, we have self-styled Ssengas producing their own pornography and selling CDs in town. They organise pornographic shows but the time is now to go after them.

Also, theres a girl who confessed that theres a line of women who wait to sleep with a pastor here in Kampala for miracles. When it was her turn, he started reaching for her breasts and she made an alarm. We are soon exposing this pastor.

Can we correlate pornography to poverty since people are minting money out of it?

I dont know because when youre driving in the evening, young boys stop you in traffic requesting to sell sexual content. One time, I followed a gentleman who took me to a place in Nateete where pornography is sold. To my surprise, it is just near a police station. The society is just not on the right track.

And, it is rather annoying when you arrest people and they are released the next day. This has not happened to us, but we have fears that we may arrest and a directive comes from somewhere for the culprit to be released. We hope no one interferes with our activities.

Last year, the committee was asked to acquire software for detection and suppression of pornography

You heard about the pornography machine! We have not yet bought it but we are looking at other options in our second year which starts in September. We now heavily rely on UCC equipment because it regulates Internet Service Providers (ISP) and is able to detect who first leaked the pornographic video or photos.

UCC keeps all this content from social media, televisions and radios for 30 days and once they detect anything pornographic, they alert us. This collaboration with UCC started about two weeks ago.

Some committee members have also identified software which can disable porn. For instance, if you are from another country and possess pornography, once you come to Uganda, it cannot download or open. Already, UK and UAE are doing this. Even if one downloads content and keeps it on a flash disk, theres software that can stop that.

This will also involve blocking pornographic video calls.

How will you handle Virtual Private Network (VPN) users who bypass restrictions by ISPs?

I know when we squeeze one side, people will run to VPN. For now, not all young people know how to go about it and those who will go there are just hardcore porn addicts.

We are going to attend a VPN conference in the USA soon on how to block those who can bypass ISPs. I dont know yet how that will work but let us first work on the blatant exposure of private parts, blue movies on streets and internet.

Has the committee prosecuted any perpetrators?

No. But this week we shall be arresting six people with whom sufficient evidence has been gathered to prosecute. These are; Judith Heard, Lillian Rukundo, a one Shamim, Jack Pemba and the woman who appears in the nude video [Facebook names: Honey Suleman], and a police constable in Jinja, Esther Akol.

We all know that people have sex and it has its sanctity. But now, look at Judith Heard! A mother of twins who puts her private parts in the open and someone takes pictures.

For Rukundo, the person who posted her nude video and pictures attached her national ID with a year of birth as 1995. At such a tender age, why would such a beautiful girl allow herself into that?

We have had several meetings with the police and assigned files to different people to have these people arrested. Judith and Pemba are not in the country but we shall arrest them.

Recently, Pemba sent us his lawyer to plead with us that when he comes, we do not embarrass him by arresting him at the airport. The lawyer said he wants to come and explain that he is not the one in the video. We told the lawyer to go back and let the law take its course.

If they are victims, they have to defend themselves. For people like musician Desire Luzinda, we are trying to look for evidence to pin her.

Is it unlawful to download pornographic content and consume it from home without sharing with others?

Yes. Downloading alone is unlawful but people dont know. By the way, it is okay in the comfort of your bedroom to take nude pictures but what happens when you separate and they are leaked? Both of you become liable but if you come out as a victim, we might tend to use you as a witness.

Your team is supposed to promote rehabilitation of individuals affected by pornography

We have people who have approached us seeking support but the centre is still being set up at the directorate of ethics. All cases are currently referred to Butabika hospitals rehabilitation wing, peer educators forum at Makerere and another rehab centre located along Entebbe road.

The victims receive free counseling and psychotherapy sessions as we meet the costs involved. For now, the victims, mainly men below 40 years, are still few.

What is your message to Ugandans?

All Ugandans should know that pornography is a silent poison killing us slowly. I know 80 per cent is manufactured abroad and if we can desist from that, we will have a secure Uganda. The Church and [Ummah] should fight this vice. For youths, if you want to be something, stay away from pornography.

nangonzi@observer.ug
A Jacksonville supported-living facility celebrated its 14th anniversary Tuesday with a health fair.

Knollwood Retirement Center at 20 Jacksonville Place marked the anniversary, which actually was Monday, with 25 vendors who make a difference in seniors lives, Knollwood marketing director Sharon Clayton said.

We havent held this event for a couple of years, Clayton said. Its for seniors and their loved ones to learn about the different services that are available in central Illinois.

Four of the vendors  Jacksonville Area Center for Independent Living, the Alzheimers Association, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and Passavant Area Hospital  presented seminars during the Senior Awareness Day event.

We were so pleased with all the agencies who participated, Clayton said. This event provided vital and useful information for seniors, and it was well attended by the public.

Williamson Funeral Home co-sponsored the event.

Our main goal with this event was to get information out about what services are available for seniors  both at Knollwood and in surrounding communities, Knollwood registered nurse administrator Melba Brogdon said. We are here to make a difference in our residents lives.

Knollwood Retirement Center has 86 apartments with a capacity of 96 residents.

Overseeing the medical needs of Knollwoods residents is a staff of 10 full- and part-time certified nursing assistants, three licensed practical nurses and one registered nurse.

Were here to provide quality and continued care in their senior years, Knollwood director of nursing Sherri Ruyle said.

Greg Olson can be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1224, or on Twitter @JCNews_Greg.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has refused to hear Calvin Walker's latest claim that he has been denied due process, less than a month after receiving his latest request for review.

The former BISD contract electrician is charged with fraud and money-laundering in Jefferson County's Criminal District Court. He previously told The Enterprise he is innocent of all charges.

The state's highest criminal court did not explain Wednesday why it refused the petition for review. The decision upholds a ruling from Beaumont's Ninth Court of Appeals in April that determined Walker was not denied due process and affirmed Judge John Stevens' decision to move forward without a hearing on his claims.

In a petition filed last month, attorney Dick DeGuerin argued that by quashing his subpoenas asking for evidence and denying his request for a hearing, Stevens violated Walker's rights.

The subpoenas were served to Jefferson County District Attorney Bob Wortham and former U.S. Attorney Malcolm Bales in November, seeking communications that DeGuerin has said would prove collusion between the agencies. He alleges that the state trial is a second chance for the same prosecutors to try Walker, which he says is a violation of Walker's constitutional protection against double jeopardy.

DeGuerin has repeatedly asked Stevens to hold a hearing on his claim that Walker cannot be tried again in state court on charges similar to those he was tried for in federal court.

In 2012, Walker pleaded guilty to a federal misdemeanor charge of failure to pay taxes in a timely manner after his trial in U.S. District Court for fraud and money-laundering charges ended in a hung jury and a mistrial.

Walker was indicted in state court in July 2014. Stevens has repeatedly said that the case has "languished for too long, and said he wants it to be resolved "as soon as everybody's willing and able."

In 2015, Walker and former district spokeswoman Jessie Haynes sued Beaumont ISD and more than 30 others in federal court, accusing them of defamation and a racist conspiracy.

Their claims against all defendants, including former BISD trustees and employees, a local and international union, The Examiner and The Beaumont Enterprise newspapers and three FBI agents, were dismissed from the case between February 2016 and July 2017.

The defendants asked the court to order Walker and Haynes to pay more than $1.5 million in legal fees, but Walker and Haynes appealed the dismissals.

They wrote in their initial complaint that the defendants' behaviors were "aimed at depriving African-American individuals in Beaumont of social mobility, economic prosperity, the ability to participate in public life, their civil rights and - ultimately - their liberty."

That case is ongoing in the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.

LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.com

Twitter.com/LizTeitz
WASHINGTON - The financial future of the part of Medicare that pays older Americans' hospital bills has deteriorated significantly, according to an annual government report that forecasts that the trust fund will be depleted by 2026 - three years sooner than expected a year ago.

The report, issued Tuesday by a quartet of Trump administration officials who are trustees for Medicare and Social Security, reveals that policy changes ushered in by the president and the Republican Congress are weakening the financial underpinnings of the already-fragile insurance program.

According to the report, less money will be flowing into the hospital-care trust fund in part because the tax law passed this year will cause the government to collect less in income taxes. In addition, lower wages last year will translate into lower payroll taxes.

As revenue slips, hospital expenses will increase, the report says. A senior government official who briefed reporters on it said that part of that increase is because the tax law will, starting next year, end enforcement of the Affordable Care Act's requirement that most Americans carry health insurance. As a result, hospitals are predicted to have more uninsured patients, in turn requiring the Medicare program to pay more for such uncompensated care.

Unlike in previous years going back decades, none of the trustees - three Cabinet members and the acting Social Security commissioner - attended the report's release at the Treasury Department.

However, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin issued a statement putting a positive spin on the administration's economic agenda, saying that tax cuts, regulatory changes and altered trade policies "will generate the long-term growth needed to help secure these programs and lead them to a more stable path."

Seema Verma, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, called on Congress to embrace Medicare proposals in President Donald Trump's budget, saying that they "would strengthen the integrity of the Medicare program." Along with various strategies to try to slow spending on prescription drugs, one proposal would shift responsibility for uncompensated care payments from the Medicare program to the Treasury.

The annual reckoning of the stability of the nation's two largest entitlement programs amplifies earlier warnings that both are unsustainable over time. It also urges Congress to revise the programs to ward off the shortfalls soon to "minimize adverse impacts" on the tens of millions of elderly and other vulnerable people who rely on the government help.

The new report's forecast for Social Security is comparatively undramatic. It says that the trust funds that pay benefits to retirees, workers' survivors and people with disabilities can, taken together, be expected to remain solvent until 2034, unchanged from a year ago.

Both programs have long been under pressure because of demographics. The aging of the large baby-boom generation is making up an increasing share of the nation's population, with proportionally fewer working-age Americans chipping in payroll taxes.

Despite officials' contention that Trump's policies would heal the programs' finances, the trustees' report says: "Lawmakers should address these financial challenges as soon as possible." The trustees typically also include two members of the public, but the administration has not filled those positions.

From administration to administration, the trustees' report has for many years been a cautionary note about the financial fragility of the two main programs designed to buffer Americans from poverty in their older years. For more than two decades, presidents of both political parties and Congress have sporadically assembled high-level commissions to explore ways to prolong the solvency of one or both programs. None have led to major changes.

The Trump administration has not placed much focus on the programs' future. The main change since Trump was elected in 2016 has been Congress's action in February to repeal an unpopular aspect of the Affordable Care Act that was intended to have constrained Medicare spending if it rose too high.

The Independent Payment Advisory Board, known as IPAB, was to have been a committee of outside experts with power to slow Medicare's spending if it reached a certain threshold.The board's members were never appointed, and spending levels, as measured by the annual trustees' reports, never reached the critical level.

From before the ACA was passed in 2010, Republican critics erroneously tarred IPAB, which Democrats held out as one of the few teeth in the law to slow health-care expenditures, as a "death panel" that would deny care to the elderly.

In the early years after the ACA was enacted, Obama-era trustees' reports said the law was helping to hold down health-care spending. The report issued Tuesday says merely that the law had "introduced large policy changes and additional projection uncertainty."

In keeping with efforts by Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar - one of the trustees - to usher in new payment methods that reward qualify and cost efficiency, the report says that "if the health sector cannot transition to more efficient models of care delivery and achieve productivity increases, the availability and quality" of care available to older Americans on Medicare will fall.

Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, said in a statement, "This report should eliminate any doubt that Trump's tax law yanked Medicare closer to insolvency."

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, said in a statement that ensuring the solvency of the two programs "is of the utmost importance. . . . The time is now to come together in a bipartisan manner to address these real challenges."
Ten women in Saudi Arabia were issued driver's licenses this week, the first women in decades to be given the paperwork that will allow them to legally drive in the kingdom. The women already had valid licenses from other countries, which allowed them to qualify for Saudi licenses ahead of June 24, when a countrywide ban on women driving will be reversed. They will not be allowed to take to the roads until then.

Saudi Arabia is the only country that prohibits women from driving. But what should have been a landmark moment for the kingdom was overshadowed by the recent arrests of women who had campaigned for the right to drive there.
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump plans to confront other world leaders at a summit in Quebec on Friday over what he believes is a global economic system tilted against the United States, several people briefed on the plan said, escalating tensions with U.S. allies who have expressed outrage at his pivot toward protectionism.

The summit will put Trump face to face with leaders he has antagonized on a variety of issues, including the environment and the U.S. withdrawal last month from the international nuclear accord with Iran.

But the two-day meeting of the Group of Seven, which will bring together many of the world's leading economies in a picturesque Canadian mountain town, has crystallized into a showdown over trade after Trump's recent insistence on new barriers that the other nations see as petty and insulting. Most of the other countries represented have a trade beef with Trump that is unlikely to be resolved at the summit - and for each the standoff is one more sign that the United States is pulling back from traditional global leadership roles.

"The good news for him is the Mexicans won't be there, so that is one less country that he has to deal with" over trade complaints, said William Reinsch, a trade specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "The others are all mad at him."

Trump's top economic adviser characterized the tensions over trade as a "family quarrel," telling reporters Wednesday that Trump is untroubled by the rancor.

"There are disagreements. He's sticking to his guns, and he's going to talk, talk to them," White House National Economic Council director Larry Kudlow said. "Talk is the best remedy here."

Trump sees himself as a free-trader and a reformer, Kudlow said, and is inviting other nations to work with him to remake a "broken" global trade system. He insisted that the United States is not inviting a trade war.

Trump will meet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the meeting, Kudlow said. The White House announced no individual meetings between Trump and either British Prime Minister Theresa May or German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

In a sign that Trump is looking to stoke divisions, White House officials are discussing ways to impose additional economic penalties against Canada - the host nation for the summit - in retaliation for Ottawa's threat to levy tariffs on roughly $13 billion in U.S.-made products. Among Canada's targets: orange juice, soy sauce, sleeping bags and inflatable boats.

But there are divergent views within the White House over how to treat Canada, with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin urging both sides to de-escalate, two people close to the discussions said.

White House officials are also considering whether to have Trump refuse to sign on to a customary joint agreement at the end of the G-7 summit, one senior administration official said, as a signal that the old ways of doing business are over.

Trump is also facing stiff pushback at home, with Republican leaders panning his latest trade moves.

The president personally lobbied Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., on Wednesday to back down on his bill that would put new restrictions on the White House's ability to impose tariffs. But Corker told Trump he would not pull his bill, which has growing support on Capitol Hill. Instead, he plans to push ahead, potentially weakening Trump's hand heading into the G-7 meetings with the divisions among Republicans over trade now fully on display.

Trump's decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports against Canada, Mexico and members of the European Union last week enraged numerous world leaders, who believed they would be exempt based on months of negotiations with the administration.

A meeting among G-7 finance ministers last weekend ended in rancor, with economic officials from the other six members issuing a rebuke of Washington. Unable to agree on a joint statement about the agenda ahead of this week's summit, those economic deputies instead asked Mnuchin to relay to Trump their "unanimous concern and disappointment" over tariffs.

The two-day meeting in Quebec will be the first opportunity for many heads of state to challenge the U.S. leader in person since the imposition on metals imports.

"The outrage, I imagine, is real outrage, but I don't think Trump is going to blink because of their outrage," said Dan DiMicco, a trade adviser to Trump during the presidential campaign who also played a key role during the transition. "He is going to stand his ground because he knows what he's doing is right."

Trump has said his new tariffs are necessary because American reliance on imports poses a national security threat to the United States. Along with the United States, the G-7 countries include Canada, Italy, France, Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom - all of which would face the new penalties.

"The idea that we are somehow a national security threat to the United States is, quite frankly, insulting and unacceptable," Trudeau said Sunday on NBC. He added that Canada would impose retaliatory tariffs against American-made goods.

Britain, a close military ally of the United States, is also affronted at Trump's national security claim. British trade officials have noted that a British steelmaker was selected two years ago to provide components for the next generation of U.S. Navy submarines.

May complained to Trump in a phone call Monday that U.S. tariffs on European steel and aluminum imports are "unjustified and deeply disappointing," her office said.

Mexico and the European Union have also said they plan to retaliate, with Mexico targeting products such as apples, grapes and cranberries, while European leaders are looking at penalties on a range of items, including bourbon and tobacco.

But Trump has remained undeterred, focusing on imposing even more restrictions on imports unless other countries agree to make it easier for U.S. producers to sell products overseas. In an effort to strengthen his hand, Trump has ordered Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to launch an investigation into auto imports to determine whether they pose a national security risk, a move that could give him more flexibility to penalize Mexico, Germany and Japan.

Trump has threatened these sorts of tactics for more than a year, but he has frequently deferred any decision. That all changed earlier this year, however, when he adopted a much more adversarial position on trade following the departure of key advisers who had tried to restrain his impulses.

A number of foreign leaders scheduled to attend the G-7 summit have invested a lot of time trying to dissuade Trump from implementing the "America First" approach he championed during the 2016 campaign.

Trudeau and a number of his top advisers held frequent meetings with top U.S. officials, governors and lawmakers, seeking to reinforce the long-standing economic and national security ties between the two countries. Trudeau even sat beside Trump's daughter Ivanka during a Broadway musical last year about how a Canadian town sheltered stranded American airline passengers following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Trump had what a European diplomat called a "very disagreeable" telephone conversation with Macron last week, in which Macron tried to leverage a personal bond with Trump to suggest that the tariffs are unfair. The call ended with no movement from Trump, the diplomat said. The two leaders last met at a lavish state visit in Washington in April.

"This administration likes to threaten, and then they often don't follow through on the threats," said Jamie Fly, senior fellow and director of the Future of Geopolitics and Asia programs at the German Marshall Fund. "In this case, now they have followed through, at least for now . . . . We're entering new territory with these trade actions here. There really is long-term damage being done to the relationships."

Perhaps no country appears as scorned as Canada, which Trump has turned his anger toward increasingly in recent months, accusing the northern neighbor of imposing unfair trade restrictions on products such as dairy and beef imports.

Trudeau said last week that he was prepared to fly to Washington to complete what he believed were the final steps of North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiation, but he was informed by Vice President Mike Pence not to come unless he agreed to include a provision that would make the pact expire after five years. After that exchange, the trip was canceled.

Ever since, Trump has displayed open hostility toward Canada and Trudeau in public statements and social media posts. These broadsides have led to an angry response from Trudeau, who has tried to convince the White House that there was a way to renegotiate the NAFTA that would result in a "win, win, win," for the United States, Canada and Mexico. But those efforts faltered last week. Now, the three North American nations are threatening to ratchet up penalties on each other.

"I think the government of Canada has very artfully turned the other cheek for multiple months, and I think they've just gotten to the point of saying, 'That isn't working, and so we have to show our spine as opposed to our cheek,' " said Gordon Giffin, who served as U.S. ambassador to Canada during the Clinton administration.

Kudlow on Tuesday said Trump wanted to pursue an entirely new approach to NAFTA that would include the United States negotiating individually with Mexico and Canada, breaking up the three-party talks.

On Wednesday, he shrugged slightly when asked about the fate of NATFA talks, noting the discussions are continuing.

Trump's willingness to battle with U.S. allies on trade agreements follows a number of other decisions he has made during his first 16 months in office to either scale back or withdraw the United States from international agreements put in place by his predecessors.

In one of his first acts as president, he announced that the United States would withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal with 12 Pacific Rim nations that the Obama administration had hoped would isolate China. In June 2017, Trump took steps to pull out of the Paris climate change agreement. Last month, he announced he was withdrawing from a multination deal aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

This week's summit will be Trump's first meeting with the three big European powers that helped forge the Iran deal - Britain, France and Germany - since he pulled out of the nuclear agreement. Those nations and others that have expanded trade with Iran since the deal was struck in 2015 and could now face U.S. sanctions.

"We've isolated ourselves," said Nicholas Burns, a longtime U.S. diplomat and a professor of diplomacy and international relations at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. "We've isolated ourselves on the climate change agreement. We've isolated ourselves on Iran, and we've isolated ourselves now on trade."

- - -

The Washington Post's Erica Werner contributed to this report.
A day after bailiffs razed the home of Ugandas first prime minister Benedict Kiwanuka, cabinet resolved to explore the possibility of rescuing the land on which it sat and turn it into a museum.

Bailiffs acting on behalf of a one Mugabo raided the property at Nalukolongo in Lubaga division on June 3 and demolished it, leaving only the grave of Maxisensia Kiwanuka, the wife of the founding leader of the Democratic Party (DP).

Lukwago looks at the shell of the Mercedes Benz Kiwanuka drove as prime minister

Maurice Peter Kagimu, heir to Kiwanuka, is said to have mortgaged the family property to Mugabo for Shs 600 million to finance his unsuccessful 2016 bid to represent Bukomansimbi South in parliament.

Riding on his fathers legacy, Kagimu represented Bukomansimbi in the 8th Parliament, and also got appointed state minister for Economic Monitoring in 2006, and later Ugandas ambassador to Nigeria and Switzerland between 2011 and 2015.

Currently unemployed, he failed to clear the debt which has now accumulated to over Shs 700m.

Ahead of Mondays cabinet meeting, the state minister for Tourism Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi briefed President Museveni about the incident. Museveni reportedly asked Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda to take up the matter.

Rugunda in turn assigned the Internal Affairs minister Gen Jeje Odongo and Kiwanda to study the matter and write a brief to form a basis for governments response.

Government is interested in what should happen to this place; Ben Kiwanuka was not an ordinary Ugandan, he was the first prime minister of Uganda, and therefore associated with the democratic struggle of our country, Odongo told journalists.

Odongo and Kiwanda visited the site during Tuesdays afternoon downpour.

Government got concerned about what is happening here. At first, we thought it was a private family issue until we learnt that the house had been demolished, Odongo said.

This is a historic site; it is here that the people who fought for our independence lived. Ben Kiwanukas name is historic, his house is monumental, it belongs to Uganda, government cannot simply watch, he added.

Before the ministers arrived, there were a few men picking items from the rubble. The previous day, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago recovered a truckload of books and what remains of the car  a shell of a Mercedes Benz -- which Kiwanuka drove as prime minister.

Lukwago dumped the car at Wakaliga police station while he offloaded the books into a house on Stenseera road in Lubaga.

It is book collections like these that government hopes to use in creating a Ben Kiwanuka museum.

We want to meet the new owner and the family to see how we can rescue it and turn it into a tourism product, Kiwanda said.

The good thing is that the grave of his wife Maxisensia was not removed, we want to look for his remains and bring them here, reconstruct the house and turn it into a museum with collections of his speeches, writings, photos among others, Kiwanda added.

FAMILY DISPUTE

Before Mugabo moved to take possession of the Nalukolongo property, the Kiwanuka family had been locked in a dispute over the management of the estates of Ugandas first indigenous chief justice.

The wrangling first came to the fore early in 2017 when some of Kagimus siblings accused him of taking possession of the Nalukolongo property as his own.

At the time, he had rented it out to some South Sudanese refugees. Kagimu is also said to have sold off other family properties in Kololo, Munyonyo and Ndeeba.

sadabkk@observer.ug
It has emerged that MPs are mooting a plan to more than double their basic pay from Shs 11 million to Shs 24 million.

The planned increment exemplifies the highest degree of greed, myopia and insatiability of our legislators. What is even more shocking is the fact that government is already facing a huge budget shortfall of over Shs 9 trillion.

Ironically, other public servants who have dared to ask for salary increment, like doctors, have been branded unpatriotic.

President Museveni, during this years Labour day celebrations in Sembabule district, referred to striking doctors as unpatriotic and enemies of the state. If doctors demanding Shs 5 million basic pay are enemies of the state, I wonder what MPs are.

MPs are amongst the highest-paid public servants, bagging a monthly consolidated pay averaging Shs 25 million, on top of other privileges including a car allowance and a gratuity/pension scheme. With this proposal, their monthly pay could increase to Shs 35 million.

With 451 legislators, an additional Shs 90 billion would be required to meet this superfluous demand. The Ugandan taxpayer is already paying through the nose to sustain an obscenely huge parliament. Already, proposals to tax saving and cooperative schemes, social media and the one per cent tax on mobile money transactions have drawn mixed reactions from the public.

The argument from parliament that MPs are comparatively underpaid is unrealistic, given our level of GDP. On several occasions, parliament has had to adjourn due to lack of quorum. Surely, are we getting value for money from parliament?

Should MPs be determining their pay? Isnt this clear conflict of interest? What happened to plans of establishing an independent Salaries and Remunerations Commission? MPs, in their selfish minds, of course, cannot allow this to happen; or if it were to happen, they would definitely excuse themselves from this arrangement.

Our countrys resources ought to be directed at improving service delivery in key sectors such as education and health that require urgent attention as compared to MPs unending demands.

(Editors note: Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga has denied that there is such a plan to increase the MPs salary)



Cissy N. Kagaba,

Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda.



Umeme should stop disconnecting health facilities



On various occasions, Umeme has disconnected a number of health centers over unpaid electricity bills. Hospitals in Ntungamo, Tororo, Kiboga and Masaka, among others, have had their electricity disconnected over unpaid bills.

This random and unpatriotic behavior by Umeme has, in many cases, cost the lives of innocent people. Many of these hospitals have small budgets allocated to payment of bills like electricity and water.

Whereas government entities should pay for such services, key public facilities like hospitals and health centers should not be disconnected.

Imagine; what happens when power is cut off while patients are on oxygen, in intensive care unit and women in caesarean section?

There are a number of facilities like State House that are rarely disconnected; such treatment should be extended to health centers. Government should also always clear the bills before they accumulate.

Government should further implement the Maputo declaration and increase the health sector budget to 15 per cent of the national budget and reduce maternal mortality rate to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.



Dan Denis Agaba,

AFIEGO.



Turn Nalufenya into tourist destination



World over, many notorious prisons have been turned into tourist endpoints. These include: Robben Island in South Africa, Devils Island in Guyana, and Ghanas Elmina castle, among others.

For sure, none of us likes going to jail but world over out of curiosity, tourists are attracted to former torture chambers like Nalufenya to test what it looks like if one had the misfortune of being incarcerated in such spaces.

Also, tourists want to find out how heartless some people can be when dealing with fellow humans for the sake of retaining power.

To just revert Nalufenya to a normal police station is less beneficial than turning it into a tourist attraction especially at this time when Uganda is losing a lot of its natural beautiful attractions to reckless wanton environmental degradation.

Turning Nalufenya into a tourist destination could also act as a deterrent to future dictators who would wish to establish such torture chambers.



Kennedy Kabonge,

kennedykabongek@yahoo.co.uk.



Investigate civil servants absenteeism from work



I appreciate government efforts to reduce absenteeism in public health and educational institutions through monitoring arrival and departure of staff using recently acquired biometric machines.

However, I believe government would have done better by improving these public servants work conditions.

There is need to explore why these people absent themselves from duty. I have got an opportunity to monitor service delivery at different government-aided schools and health facilities.

The situation there is so alarming. There are limited, and in some cases no, staff quarters. Some staff trek from their homes, feed poorly at work, earn very meager salary, overwhelming number of patients for health workers, and many pupils studying on empty stomachs, with no proper infrastructure to enjoy teaching and studying.

These and many more challenges force public servants to look for other ways of survival like riding boda bodas.

How I wish the money the British government used to purchase the biometric machines was used to improve staff welfare.

Now that the system is being installed, government should think about improving public servants welfare if absenteeism is to reduce tremendously.



Lilian Zawedde Senteza,

Transparency International Uganda.



letters@observer.ug
Forty-nine years ago, former Texas Gov. Preston Smith approved the creation of the University of Texas at San Antonio, famously signing the documents in front of the Alamo on the back of former Rep. Frank Lombardino, a creator of the university.

The legislature approved the founding June 5 and the governor signed later that day.
To demonstrate how dire of a situation it is to leave children or pets in a hot vehicle, several first responders in Harris County subjected themselves to triple-digit temperatures Saturday.

The demonstration happened just 48 hours before a 9-month-old girl was left in a locked pickup truck in east Harris County. She was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to the heat and later died.

Hers was the ninth such death in the United States this year and second in Texas, following the death of a 7-month-old Eagle Pass girl who was left in the back of her father's vehicle.

ORIGINAL STORY: 9-month-old girl dies after being left in hot car in Baytown

Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department

Police and EMS officials are urging parents to remember their children.

Harris County Sheriff's Office Director Jackie Fortune, along with HCSO Sgt. Brian Brawner and personnel from the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department, locked themselves in a vehicle outside a Home Depot on Saturday in northwest Harris County to demonstrate what happens.

"We want you to see what ... actually happens when you lock someone in a car or leave someone in a vehicle without the AC running," Brawner said before being locked in. "It'll take only a few minutes for the car to actually heat up."

Brawner decided to wear his full uniform  bullet-proof vest included  to replicate the constraints a car seat would have on a child.

The four volunteers lasted only about 30 minutes before the demonstration was called off. At the end of the half-hour inside the vehicle, the inside temperature reached 147 degrees, Brawner said.

FROM HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Experts expect more such deaths this summer

While being treated by EMS, Brawner was visibly ill and admitted to having trouble speaking.

Brawner was down to his undershirt by the time he was being treated.

"If you go into the store to 10 minutes, 20 minutes, your loved ones and your animals are left in 147-degree temperatures," Brawner said. "There's no airflow. It was hard to breathe."

Since 1998, more than 750 children have died after being trapped in hot vehicles, averaging about 35 per year, according to research performed by Jan Null, an adjunct professor at San Jose State University.

"It's human nature to forget things," Null added. "We're distracted, we're busy, we have other children and we are simply thinking of other things. How many times have you driven somewhere and forgot to take your exit?"

Null said one way to ensure caregivers don't forget children in the back of a vehicle is to place visual reminders or cues inside the car like a photo or a teddy bear.

John Harden contributed to this report.

Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message.

Jay R. Jordan is a breaking news reporter at Chron.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan.
By proposing, last week, a higher pay raise for science teachers to keep them in their jobs because they are few and difficult to find, President Museveni created a bigger problem.

His proposal has already aggravated the on-and-off two yearlong teachers pay dispute. It is difficult to fathom how a glaring disparity in pay will possibly keep especially the lesser earning arts teachers motivated on the job.

According to Zadock Tumuhimbise, the national chairperson of the Uganda national teachers union (UNATU), teachers angered by the presidents proposal are planning to walk off their jobs on June 23 in protest at what they call selective or discriminative salary enhancement.

They insist theres no shortage of science teachers in the country and estimate that about 1,000 unemployed science and arts teachers are loitering the streets.

In a classroom, they say, science and arts teachers complement each other and theres no need to leave one party behind.

The president is also faulted for pushing a higher pay for only science teachers in secondary schools, leaving out those in primary schools.

Note that primary school teachers play a vital role in building a foundation for learners. So, they ask, how does the president expect unhappy primary science teachers to motivate pupils?

A proposed Shs2 million gross salary for science teachers with a degree and only Shs 600,000 for their arts teachers will simply add fuel to the swelling ranks of the discontented in the teaching profession.

The president needs to listen to all stakeholders, more so, the disaffected teachers and MPs like Connie Galiwango, who have loudly voiced their displeasure at the proposal, which can only disunite teachers and goes against the spirit of Article 40 of the constitution, which advocates equal payment for work without discrimination.

If we want to lift education standards, we should resist such unfortunate attempts at divide and rule which can only end up as an expensive exercise in futility.

This country needs all professions; the arts and sciences. A pay raise for science teachers will come to naught if they continue to teach hungry students, with no or very poor laboratories and non-existent classrooms.
Climate Action SA, a coalition of local environmental activists, held a demonstration in front of City Hall on Tuesday to urge CPS Energy to adopt goals that would more strongly address climate change.

The groups goals for CPS Energy, the city-owned utility, include eliminating coal from electricity generation by 2025, and removing use of all fossil fuels  including natural gas  by 2030. The group also advocates for the utility to attain net-negative greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, meaning it would take in more greenhouse gases than it emits through energy production.

These goals come months after San Antonio announced its intention to create an SA Climate Ready plan, which it intends to finalize by March. Currently, 22 percent of CPS power comes from renewable energy sources, with natural gas accounting for 45 percent, coal generating 18 percent, and nuclear generating 15 percent, according to the utility.

Climate Action SA hopes to add political pressure to the existing discussions on climate change, according to member Briauna Barrera, who is also an organizer for Public Citizen.

It (climate change) is a global problem, but weve been seeing action that  maybe wasnt far-reaching enough, Barrera said. We decided as a community to come together and push for action.

Greg Harman and Chrissy Mann, both leaders of the state Sierra Club and members of Climate Action SA, said it had been 10 years since CPS Energy set clear goals for renewable energy.

CPS Energy, for its part, released a statement shortly after the demonstration that highlighted its Flexible Path plan, articulated by the utility in March. The plan will work in conjunction with the forthcoming SA Climate Ready plan, according to a spokeswoman.

The statement reiterated that its current goals are to close two older coal units this year, a plan announced in 2013, as well as position itself to integrate more eco-friendly programs, resources and technologies. The Flexible Path plan forecasts a switch to 50 percent reliance on renewable energy sources by 2040.

Members of Climate Action SA said that during the formulation of their goals, they had communicated frequently with CPS.

They (CPS Energy) ought not be surprised by it, Mann said. We recognize that (the goals) are aggressive, but thats what this situation calls for.

At the demonstration, speakers from a variety of advocacy groups  including Southwest Workers Union, Vecinos de Mission Trails, Our Revolution and imagineSanAntonio  highlighted specific environmental, racial and personal problems that they argued increased the urgency for a change in environmental protection policy.

Harman added that while the utilitys SA Climate Ready plan is encouraging, it shouldnt be viewed as a cure-all for reducing the citys contributions to climate change.

The things we can do now, we should do now, he said.

CPS Energy, in its statement, emphasized its continued effort to maintain strong relationships with partner groups that includes input from environmental stakeholders, but did not mention Climate Action SA by name.

The utility has invited the public to a meeting June 13 at the Villita Assembly Building downtown, where CPS Energy President and CEO Paula Gold-Williams will explain the Flexible Path plan and receive feedback.

This story has been corrected to show that the City of San Antonio is creating the Climate Ready plan.
HOUSTON  A federal judge in Houston has affirmed a jurys guilty verdict last month for a Brazilian couple tried on allegations they helped their daughter in the international kidnapping of their 8-year-old grandson, in a case that garnered widespread attention from top officials in two countries.

Following the guilty verdict, defense lawyers had asked the judge to reconsider the verdict.

U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett ruled Monday that a reasonable juror could have concluded beyond a reasonable doubt the husband and wife helped kidnap Nico Brann, their grandson.

A reasonable juror, he said, could also have concluded based on the majority of the evidence that their daughter, co-defendant Marcelle Guimaraes, was not fleeing a pattern or incident of domestic violence when she left Houston with the boy in 2013 and settled in Brazil. This so-called affirmative defense  that they had reason to believe she was in danger  could have effectively canceled out the kidnapping charges against them, which is what defense lawyers had asked the judge to do.

Defense attorneys Rusty Hardin and Jimmy Ardoin, who represent the boys grandfather and grandmother, respectively, declined to comment on the ruling.

On May 25, the jury found Carlos, 67, and his wife Jemima Guimaraes, 66, guilty of helping in an international parental kidnapping. The jury acquitted them both of conspiracy to kidnap the child. Sentencing for the couple is set for Aug. 2.

The jury verdict followed a three-week trial in which Dr. Christopher Brann, the boys father and a physician at Baylor College of Medicine, testified at length about his turbulent relationship with the childs mother. In 2013, she violated their joint custody agreement in Harris County when she took their son to a family wedding in Brazil and never returned.

In the years she has been gone, courts in both countries have taken up the question of where Nico should live.

Brann sought intervention from judges, diplomats and politicians in a five-year campaign to bring his son back to Houston.

The federal court in Brazil determined the child should remain there with his mother. That ruling is on appeal.

Despite the rulings by Brazils courts, Brazils attorney general filed court documents supporting the U.S. stance that it should determine custody in this case.

After trying the courts and diplomatic avenues, Brann reported what the executive branches of the U.S. and Brazil both consider a parental abduction to the FBI in 2015, which led to a criminal indictment.

His ex-wife, who was indicted along with her parents, is still facing trial. She is considered a fugitive and remains in Brazil.
Jim and Carla Russell were supposed to use donation money to buy a new ambulance for Gonzales County EMS and a defibrillator for the county sheriff's office.

Instead, investigators said, the husband and wife pair who run the Gonzales County EMS department bought a new roof for their own home and a bull.

Arrest warrants and search warrant affidavits obtained by mySA.com show the couple is suspected of stealing more than $150,000 in donations to Gonzales County EMS, overpaying themselves and misleading local businesses about where payments were going.

The Russells are now each facing one charge of misapplication of fiduciary property or property of a financial institution, according to Deon Cockrell, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety. They were booked into the Gonzales County Jail on Monday on $50,000 bonds and bailed out the following day.

RELATED: City blasts S.A. police union's latest call for chief to be placed on leave over SB4 investigation

Multiple employees said that in addition to the criminal charges against the Russells, the couple is also responsible for draining their retirement funds, canceling their life insurance policies and erasing their bonus structure. Court documents show investigators are looking into these allegations.

MySA.com spoke with three Emergency Medical Technicians at Gonzales EMS for this story, two of whom requested anonymity for fear of retaliation at their place of work. Each said their promised retirement benefits are non-existent and years of financial mismanagement have left them working with outdated equipment that puts themselves and their patients at risk.

For details about how the Russells allegedly embezzled tens of thousands of dollars in donations and left their employees without insurance or retirement funds, visit our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com.

"Wherever [Jim] could cut corners, he'd cut corners," said Paul Thistlewaite, who's worked at the department for about a decade. "It just irks me that this guy would take chances with trucks and stretchers. The public doesn't know that. They have no clue that this is an ambulance from 1999 that he's running in service."

According to arrest warrants, the Russells regularly "double dipped," paying themselves as EMS supervisors while also being paid by other local organizations to staff events, a practice that is not allowed.

The two are accused of regularly paying themselves for hours that they had not worked and embezzling tens of thousands of dollars in donations.

The court records reviewed by mySA.com also indicate the Russells failed to pay for their employee's medical insurance and social security, despite charging them for it. One employee, who won't be identified because he did not speak with mySA for this story, told investigators his insurance had been canceled due to non-payment, even though the funds were taken from his paycheck, according to the search warrant affidavit.

RELATED: Jury's guilty verdict sends convicted killer into frenzy in San Antonio courtroom

Jim Russell was placed on administrative leave in January after investigators executed a search warrant at the Gonzales County EMS headquarters.

The suspects declined to comment on the charges against them through an intermediary, their daughter, Ashley Hutton, on Tuesday at their home in Gonzales. They also declined to provide contact information for an attorney.

Ultimately, the employees said the alleged irresponsible behavior and financial mismanagement by the Russells results in poorer service to the community, often during the times they most need help.

Their ambulances are old, the wheels on their stretchers are falling off and the modern technology used by most EMS units has yet to make it to Gonzales County.

"You don't just do what [Jim is] doing and not affect everyone else," said one EMT who requested anonymity.

The board is scheduled to meet Thursday. It's expected to be a crucial meeting, most likely determining the future of Gonzales County EMS.

"They need to make this right," said one employee who requested anonymity. "The board needs to make this right."

Caleb Downs is a crime reporter for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here.| cdowns@mysa.com | Twitter: @calebjdowns
Defense attorneys for a Palestinian-American woman accused of murder for stabbing to death her secret lover, her nephew, asked jurors Wednesday to understand her world as a battered woman who endured months of physical and verbal abuse.

Pointing to text messages from the man hours before the killing, warning he was coming to her home to put her into a coma, Mike McCrum, attorney for Andira Abdelaziz, 37, slammed the prosecutions case during closing arguments.

It appears the state is saying a huge man can brutalize a woman and promise an ugly and vicious beating that is only seconds away  and a woman has to wait for a man to hit her before she can defend herself, McCrum said.

The jury began deliberating the case shortly after noon and was sent home at 6:30 p.m.. Deliberations resume at 10 a.m. Thursday.

Abdelaziz stabbed Mohammed Abdelaziz, 25, with a kitchen knife minutes after reassuring police officers called to the house that he was a relative, not an intruder as she had thought when she called 911 because he was beating on their door and windows.

Born in New York City but having spent years living the Palestinian territory of the West Bank, Andira Abdelaziz testified Tuesday that an arrest would have exposed their affair to her husband and kids, causing unbearable shame and possibly danger from other family members.

But her nephew resumed menacing her as soon as police departed, so she grabbed the knife and plunged it into his back when he was briefly distracted by her teenage son, she testified.

If convicted, Andira Abdelaziz could face life in prison. McCrum has said she was offered various plea deals by prosecutors, but declined them all. We think she is completely innocent, he said.

Prosecutor Clayton Haden told the jury that despite the terrible texts from the stabbing victim and one documented incident where he hit her in the face, leaving bruises the jury saw in photographs, the woman and her son had lied about events and coordinated their testimony.

The defense has no obligation to the truth. Their obligation is to this defendant, said Haden, who Tuesday had asked the woman, unsuccessfully, to demonstrate how she stabbed the man with whom she was having an ongoing affair.

Its a very common defense around this courthouse, Haden said, that when the defense doesnt meet the law, lets turn it into chaos, lets bad-mouth the victim  its called the sometimes-people-just-need-killing defense. Theyre just bad people.

The victim, Mohammed Abdelaziz, was a law school graduate pulling himself up by his own bootstraps, a man beloved by his family and a loyal son who months before his death had planned a surprise birthday party for his mother that was attended by both extended Palestinian families, including the woman on trial, Haden said.

Haden said the womans 19-year-old son, also named Mohammed Abdelaziz, was in cahoots with his mom and told a story of his mothers abuse and terrified reaction on Aug. 9, 2016, that sounded like a story they had rehearsed around the dinner table.

Its clearly murder, prosecutor Sade Mitchell told the eight-man, four-woman jury. Dont get caught up in her saying that she didnt mean to kill him. You can only use deadly force when confronted with deadly force.

She said, He was controlling me. Thats not deadly force, Mitchell said. He didnt use deadly force in the house that day. There werent injuries on her that day.

Mitchell conceded that the woman had been struck repeatedly by her victim two days earlier but said it wasnt so serious that she needed to go to the hospital.

Andira Abdelaziz, in emotional testimony Tuesday, said she did not call the police, alert all her family members or seek medical treatment after getting beaten by her lover because she feared retaliation from the mans family if they learned of the couples affair.

She said her daughters would not be able to be married by Muslims who learned of the affair and that her sons would forever be called sons of a whorethe worst thing you could ever say about someone.

bselcraig@express-news.net
William Luther /San Antonio Express-News

An update on a long-term plan to improve the Alamo, including a draft proposal for Alamo Plaza, will be given to an advisory panel at a public meeting Thursday night.

The meeting, set for 6 to 8 p.m., includes the presentation of a draft site plan and strategies to the Alamo Citizen Advisory Committee in Prassel Auditorium at the Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. The plan is the work of three consultants: PGAV Destinations, attraction designers based in St. Louis, Missouri; Cultural Innovations, museum and cultural heritage consultants from London; and Reed-Hilderbrand Landscape Architects of Cambridge, Massachusetts.
A man was arrested at a home in Medina County hours after a woman was fatally shot Tuesday morning.

Medina Sheriff Randy Brown said James Marion Williamson, 62, was charged with murder in the death of Toni Lea DeBuse, 46.

Brown said they received a 911 call at 9 a.m. stating that a woman had been shot in a home south of Devine in the 1500 block of Interstate 35 South.

RELATED: Jury's verdict sends killer into frenzy in S.A. courtroom

Once they arrived, deputies found Williamson in the yard of the house and detained him.

When deputies went inside the house, they found DeBuse dead from what appeared to be a gunshot wound, Brown said.

They were friends, boyfriend and girlfriend, Brown said. She was staying at his house.

Williamsons bail was not immediately available as he has not yet seen a judge as of Tuesday evening, authorities said.

jbeltran@express-news.net | Twitter: @JBfromSA
A Bexar County deputy was arrested Tuesday on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to the sheriff's office.

Andrew McDermott, 26, was booked into the Bexar County Jail around noon on the second-degree felony charge.

According to Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar, McDermott got into an argument with his estranged, common law wife at a home West Bexar County over text messages she was receiving.

RELATED: Paramedic accused of yanking woman, child out of moving car, barricading himself from deputies

The fight turned physical and McDermott tried to take the woman's phone, which was in the pocket of her pajama pants, Salazar said.

He pulled out a pocketknife to try and cut the pocket off and instead cut the woman's arm, Salazar said.

He then fled the the home in a vehicle, but a responding deputy spotted him and initiated a traffic stop. The deputy found two pocket knives and a handgun in McDermott's possession and arrested him at the scene.

McDermott faced another domestic violence allegation with the same woman in 2016, but that case was dismissed. However, in light of the recent incident, Salazar said he would review that case and pursue additional charges if appropriate.

In April, McDermott was placed on unpaid administrative leave related to "use of force incidents" at the jail, where he formerly served as an officer with the jail's Special Emergency Response Team, Salazar said.

McDermott has used force six times since 2016. Two of the times he used force in 2017 were unfounded, and two are still under review, Salazar said.

"(The accusations) are a cause for concern to say the least," Salazar said, adding, "It raised red flags."

McDermott will now remain on administrative leave. Salazar said the woman whom McDermott assaulted may not press charges, but the sheriff's office requested a 91-day emergency protective order from a judge that was granted.

He is the third first responder this week to face charges related to family violence.

San Antonio Police Officer Michael Sepanski, 25, was arrested early Monday on a felony family violence charge. Authorities said he used his forearm to choke a woman.

RELATED: SAPD officer arrested on felony charge after he allegedly choked wife at West Bexar County home

On Saturday, Bexar County deputies arrested a paramedic with the San Antonio Fire Department after he allegedly pulled a woman and a child out of a moving vehicle. Officials said Barry Uhr then barricaded himself inside a home but eventually surrendered to authorities.

Seven other deputies with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office have been arrested on criminal charges in 2018, according to Sandra Pickell, a spokeswoman for the department.

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 Bexar County woman is facing several drug charges after deputies found more than three pounds of methamphetamine in her coffee containers, according to the sheriff's office.

On Wednesday, deputies executed a search warrant in a home in the 100 block of Osage Drive, where they detained Phylis Perez, 53. When asked if there were drugs in the home, Perez said no, according to a sheriff's office Facebook post.
Marriage has always been a political and class affair. Not just love. Not chance encounters. We marry those we are conditioned to meet, but also who fit into our preconceived notions of beauty and tastes.

Interestingly, our sensibilities towards beauty and taste are not born, but cultivated over time. Since it is men who often make the first move, we grow up to love a skinny damsel or a sumptuous girl not because of any genetic inclination, but socio-economic conditioning.

There is an appreciable degree of fluidity as our tingles swing from one corner to the other, but for the same reasons: class. Indeed, love is only a secondary but avoidable development.

Places where we meet those we end up marrying are either of educational, work, religious or relaxation nature. Kampala Club. Cafe Javas. Hajji Sebankyaye, Wandegeya. Kings College Budo. Namagabi SS, Kayunga. These places are the living embodiments of power and class relations.

Even within a single religious denomination, there is class, power and politics. Those who pray at Lubaga cathedral may find it difficult praying at Kalerwe parish church. Not because the message delivered in these two places is necessarily different, or God is nearer in one than in the other, but the props and packaging of the message are certainly diametrically apart.

Look, Kalerwe may not have enough parking spaces for our driving brethren, and the priest borrows his figures of speech from the register of work in the nearby sprawling market. Our fashionable Catholic faithful employed in the NGO industry (it is an industry) with offices in Kololo or along Kanjokya street will definitely find Kalerwe parish church painstaking.

And the reverse is true. Thus, if they were to find a potential wife, their choices are predefined by the churches they attend.

By that route, I come to the love affair between the son of one of South Africas richest persons, President Cyril Ramaphosa, and a niece of Ugandas former prime minister, former minister of Defence, and 2016 presidential candidate, Amama Mbabazi. That they met at a university in China is a story of the economic and social levels of their guardians.

For obvious reasons, no one knows how rich Ugandas former prime minister is, but we know that his in-law on the other side is the 42nd richest man in South Africa, Africas biggest economy, with a net worth of US$ 450 million.

We are, therefore, made to believe Amama Mbabazis distant relations have been going to the same schools as the children of South Africas wealthiest. That is quite something.

Since the Mbabazis, as public servants, cannot afford to patronise the same spaces as the Ramaphosas on that meagre salary, this tells us about the public resources misused while the Mbabazis had access.

However, Mbabazis apparent misuse of our resources is a small matter. There is a bigger one concerning South African capital moving northwards into East Africa.

More South Africans are buying land and getting involved in extractive industries northwards. Uganda is a soft and easy target. Our country has showed great potential for mineral exploitation, and one way of making permanent presence for a non-Ugandan is adding a real human affair to business.

You could not miss this business angle during the May 19 function in Kampala. The spokesperson of the Ramaphosa family was businessman Charles Mbire, a broader South African businesspeople agent in Kampala.

He is also one of the big names behind South Africa-connected Umeme, which is making a kill in Uganda. Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda spoke for the Mbabazis. With him came power and authority to a dull function that took the form of a trade agreement signing ceremony. (Our introduction ceremonies take a distinctive tempo and atmosphere, which was completely lacking in Kololo).

In truth, this was a business meeting requiring government presence as Ramaphosa junior seeks to win the hearts of Ugandans as an in-law.

Like many before her, it is possible that for her talents, the belle from Kigezi mesmerised the lad from South Africa.

And whatever I have said above could be a misreading. But beware; Obote convinced Buganda he loved Miria. Idi Amin, Adoko Nekyon, and many others have married their way to power and wealth.

The author is a PhD fellow at Makerere Institute of Social Research.
When the spacecraft headed to the International Space Station launches Wednesday morning, it will be missing the woman intended to be the first black astronaut to live in space.

That's because in January, NASA abruptly pulled Jeanette Epps from the mission without explanation, a decision that resulted in charges of racism erupting across social media.

Almost six months later, it's still unclear why Epps was cut from the crew. At the time, Epps told the Houston Chronicle she had no medical issues or family problems that would have prevented her from flying.

READ MORE: NASA faces calls for reinstatement of first African American on International Space Station crew

Serena Aunon-Chancellor, a Hispanic flight surgeon selected as an astronaut alongside Epps in 2009, will fly in her stead. Wednesday morning, she'll join Alexander Gerst of the European Space Agency and Sergey Prokopyev of the Russian space agency, Roscosmos, on a trip to the space station. The crew will launch from Kazakhstan.

Coverage of the launch begins at 5:15 a.m. on NASA TV.

Epps, from Syracuse, N.Y., worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for seven years before joining NASA as an astronaut in 2009. She would have been the 15th African-American astronaut to fly in space, according to the space agency.

READ MORE: International Space Station crew: training continues smoothly after Jeanette Epps bumped from flight

Epps return to the Astronaut Office at Houston's Johnson Space Center and will be considered for future space missions. Currently, she is involved in testing of the Orion spacecraft, meant to eventually transport humans to Mars, and spacesuit maintenance, among other things, said Brandi Dean, a Johnson spokeswoman.

Her replacement, Aunon-Chancellor, earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and is board certified in internal and aerospace medicine.

Alex Stuckey covers NASA and the environment for the Houston Chronicle. You can reach her at alex.stuckey@chron.com or Twitter.com/alexdstuckey.
Perhaps it is how we humans are prewired that without systems to consciously regulate our behaviour, we can mainly be drawn to action by either an actual or possibility of occurrence of a shock that threatens our lives and desires.

Thus, our responses are often in proportion to the level of threat or shock posed by an event. But this only goes as far as our memory/reason can remind us of the possibility of the threat/shock happening.

Accordingly, in his attempt to analytically trace the origin of government, British philosopher Thomas Hobbes says that without government, everyone lived in constant fear of a violent death. It was each against all, meaning there was no space for industry or any form of creativity  for anyone could lay claims over products of your labour. In short, life was nasty, brutish, solitary, poor, and short.

Coming up with government, to which individuals would have to surrender some of their liberties in exchange for protection, was, thus, a response to the threats posed by absolute natural freedom. Social psychology has also helped us understand circumstances under which people may respond to a threat, and when they may not.

One of such explanations is what is referred to as the boiled frog syndrome according to which, when you put a frog in lukewarm water and gradually boil it, it might boil to death unless someone rescues it. But if you throw it into boiling water, it will immediately jump out. The point is that people tend to respond to sudden shocks than to those that build up over time.

Relating this to many of the uncomfortable issues we face in Uganda and the times we come out in rage to talk about them, one notices that often none of them is new to us. They are things we live and interact with on almost a daily basis, and which we somehow get used to until crisis or shock points. This is not only at government level; it starts with individual and family levels.

When HIV/Aids ravaged the country in the 1980s and 1990s, people swore to their sexual lives at the sight of a victim in his/her last stages. It was just a matter of time and ARVs for HIV/Aids to be feared less than pregnancy. Humanitys ability to forget is of both negative and positive values.

That is how we are able to whistle while cleaning our parents tombs a few years after their death. Yet forgetting also sends us into repeating things that put us in trouble; worse if the memory is too short.

In Uganda, when does traffic police find it important to put up strict operations on highways? Operations like fika salama often follow shocking accidents, especially where those who matter are among the casualties. Then they will stage roadblocks every few kilometres checking for driving permits, third party insurance, seatbelt fastening, car mechanical conditions, and speed.

But soon, all is forgotten and its business as usual. There was a time when all taxis were required to install seatbelts and speed governors, and adherence was strictly monitored.

That became history. After the recent horrible Gaagaa bus accident, the police, like termites, again poured on roads with speed-monitoring gadgets. Just give them time; they will retreat until another gruesome accident.

The same is with our public hospitals. Their state only becomes an issue when some big person gets hospitalised or dies there (which is quite rare, except when they suddenly collapse).

Having one radiotherapy machine (donated) in a country of 40 million people did not really matter. The state of cancer healthcare only picked attention when even that one machine broke down amidst so much noise. Being so used to disservice, only extreme disservice can bother us now.

Increasingly then, many are getting to learn that here you are hardly listened to until you cause a crisis. If there is one working old x-ray machine in a huge hospital, you may only see action if you break that one too. Then they could buy two, if there is adequate noise.

There is a certain huge faculty at Makerere University with only one functional toilet room for students; the rest have been dysfunctional for over a year. It may not be until the functional one is broken, too, that they see need for fixing them! Bad doesnt prompt us; only the worst can touch our hearts and hands.

Why is it that it is only when lecturers, primary and secondary teachers, doctors, and medical interns strike that they can get some assurances on pay increments and better working conditions?

Why is it that in some institutions, student issues are only heard when they resort to strikes  even when their reasons are unreasonable! They have learnt the most effective negotiation tool in this land, just as institutions have learnt to wait until the tipping point.

As I noted earlier, it starts with our tendencies at individual level. Without functional institutional frameworks, it is these tendencies that are often projected onto the institutions we work with.

Even where resources are available, many of us often find need to visit the hospital only when badly off, at times when it is rather late. Maybe, it is a habit we have been raised into from backgrounds of deprivation. At times we may not repair our cars until they cant move or fix leaking taps until the flow is overwhelming.

In such a context, and where we know that changing the mindsets behind our fire-brigade approach to things might be a long-term thing, in the meantime perhaps we should adaptively learn to create crises. Like making someone panic about the possibility of losing an election, they pump back our money into us, and we honestly speak back through the box.

jsssentongo@gmail.com

The author heads the Centre for African Studies at Uganda Martyrs University.
No sooner had I hit send on a recent column listing examples of Democrats failing immigrants and refugees than I realized there were other instances that should have been included.

First, let me be clear. Despite the reader who accused me after the last column of attempting to deflect, mute and cloud much-needed criticism of Republicans, Im not trying to distract from the Trump administrations cruel stab at immigration enforcement. As an old-school journalist, I serve one master: the truth. We cant say the same about a left-leaning media that is  concerning mistreatment of immigrants and refugees  more skilled at calling out conservatives than liberals. Yet the left gives us a lot of material to work with.

Like this:

In 1993, Harry Reid of Nevada took to the Senate floor to declare that no sane country would do what the United States does and offer a reward for being an illegal immigrant by giving citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants.

In 1995, President Clinton used his State of the Union address to sound the alarm about the large numbers of illegal aliens entering our country. According to Clinton, the undocumented take jobs that might otherwise be held by citizens or legal immigrants and use public services that impose burdens on our taxpayers. Then he bragged that his administration had moved aggressively to secure our borders more by hiring a record number of new border guards, by deporting twice as many criminal aliens as ever before, by cracking down on illegal hiring, by barring welfare benefits to illegal aliens. After all, he said, We are a nation of immigrants. But we are also a nation of laws.

Sound familiar? Bill Clinton needs to sue Donald Trump for theft of intellectual property.

In 2005, posts on a blog written by Joy Reid  now a liberal MSNBC host  suggested that native-born Americans and not low-paid Mexican workers ought to rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and called the flying of the Mexican flag on U.S. soil incredibly presumptuous and insulting.

In 2007, while campaigning for the Democratic nomination for president, Joe Biden  then a senator from Delaware  told an Iowa crowd all worked up over illegal immigration that the blame fell to Mexico. This is a dysfunctional society, Biden said of our neighbor to the south.

In 2011, Cecilia Munoz  the daughter of Bolivian immigrants and the highest-ranking Latina in the Obama administration as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs  appeared on PBS Frontline and put a chill into the air. In an episode called Lost in Detention  which looked at immigrant families separated by the Obama administration  Munoz dispassionately said: Even if the law is executed with perfection, there will be parents separated from their children.

In 2012, Democratic California Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed the TRUST Act, a bill from the state legislature that would have severely limited the ability of local and state police officers to cooperate with federal immigration agents. Brown said that he was preserving the discretion of local officials who wanted to work with federal immigration authorities. Oddly, Brown is today at war with local jurisdictions that insist on maintaining that same discretion.

In 2014, while signing autographs with her husband along a rope line in Iowa, Hillary Clinton was confronted by Dreamers who demanded to know if she would, as president, correct some of the abuses committed by the Obama administration through its deportation juggernaut. She beat a hasty retreat, and the encounter landed on YouTube.

Also in 2014, as thousands of unaccompanied minors from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador flooded across the U.S.-Mexico border, Clinton declared that the refugees should be sent back to send a clear message: Just because your child gets across the border, that doesnt mean the child gets to stay. After criticism, she later softened the message.

The evidence keeps piling up. You can support the Democratic Party, or you can support immigrants and refugees. But these days, you cant support both.

ruben@rubennavarrette.com
- The Lagos state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Tunde Balogun has denied any directive from the national chairman to stop inauguration

- John Oyegun had directed that state party chairmen not to inaugurate their executive members

- Balogun said his priority as the new chairman will be to bring everybody back together

The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC)in Lagos state, Alhaji Tunde Balogun on Tuesday night, June 5, denied any directive from the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun stopping state party chairmen from inaugurating their executive members.

Balogun told newsmen in Ikeja that news reports that Oyegun gave the directive at the inauguration of 33 state party chairmen in Abuja on Monday were misleading.

He said Oyegun never questioned his position as the Chairman of the party in the state and that of chairmen of Rivers and Oyo,adding the report was a distortion of fact.

READ ALSO: I escaped death by the whiskers - Fayemi breaks silence after Ekiti shooting

It is not true that Chief Oyegun asked us in Lagos not to swear in our executives .There was nothing like that.

And it was not true that he also directed the chairmen of Oyo and Rivers not to do so.He never said that at the inauguration.

The misleading reports in some newspapers and social media did not just reflect what happened at our inauguration yesterday.

My inauguration confirmed that I have no problem with Oyegun or any other person.We had a congress and I was validly elected. So there is no doubt about my position as the chairman.

In fact, we have since inaugurated our excos in Lagos and work is already in progress.So Oyegun could not have directed us not to swear in our exco,we have already done that, he said.

On the internal wrangling in the party, s chapter, Balogun said disagreement was normal in politics.

He said his priority as the new chairman will be to bring everybody back together so that the party could be stronger in the state.

My priority as the Chairman of the party is to bring everybody together.Yes ,some people organised another congress which we think it is illegal,we are going to reach them.

We will try as much as possible to reconcile all members and bring back those who are not with us he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports there was jubilation at the ACME Road Secretariat of the party over the inauguration of Balogun.

Party members danced and sang as they waited all day for the arrival of Balogun from Abuja.

The chairman arrived the Secretariat around 7pm.

PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app

Legit.ng previously reported that the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday, June 3, said it would sue the National Working Committee (NWC) for overruling its state congress.

The assistant publicity secretary of the party, Abiodun Salami, issued the threat in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He was reacting the overruling of the main congress of APC at ACME on May 19 by the NWC over issues of legality.

APC official tells why his party could be voted out in 2019 - On Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit
- The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) says the National Assembly is engaging in legislative terrorism for threatening President Buhari

- MURIC declares that the current threat by the National Assembly is more related to the challenges being faced by Bukola Saraki

- It wants Nigerians to brace up and rescue democracy from the National Assembly

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) on Wednesday, June 6, came hard on the National Assembly for reportedly threatening the President Muhammadu Buhari-led executive arm of government with constitutional sanctions if 12 conditions are not met.

A statement by Professor Ishaq Akintola, the director of MURIC, described the threat allegedly to impeach Buhari as nothing but parliamentary terrorism.

The statement released to Legit.ng urged Nigerians to come together to rescue democracy from the National Assembly which is engaging in legislative brigandage.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) is irked by the constant propensity of Nigerian lawmakers to arm-twist the executive. We condemn acts of legislative brigandage and parliamentary subjugation of the executive. It is a r*pe on the democratic principle of separation of powers.

READ ALSO: I escaped death by the whiskers - Fayemi breaks silence after Ekiti shooting

We are inclined to believe that the latest threat of impeachment is not unconnected with the current travails of the Senate president, Bukola Saraki.

This attempt to turn the heat on Buhari particularly at this material time is nothing short of arm-twisting, blackmail and parliamentary terrorism. Senate should remain neutral in a criminal case and allow the law to take its due course.

The rule of law necessitates equality before the law. This means no Nigerian citizen is above the law. Even those who have immunity today may have to answer for any misdemeanor after leaving office.

Nigerian lawmakers have a duty to respect the rule of law if indeed they are conscious of their status and committed to their parliamentary duties, the statement said.

MURIC warned that the National Assembly could ridicule the hallowed chambers if it should go ahead with what it described as this ignoble idea of impeaching the Nigerian president.

The organization noted how President Donald Trump had commended Muhammadu Buhari over the latters fight against corruption which had become Nigerias major problem.

MURIC alerts Nigerians to brace up for the last struggle to liberate the masses from the clutches of capitalist compradore bourgeoisie in the NASS who are bent on frustrating the efforts of the current administration to make life more abundant for the common man.

"The Nigerian people must tighten their seat belts. We cannot afford to watch in silence while identified oppressors seek to eliminate our liberator.

While MURIC will not play politics with the Saraki-police saga, we must stand up for the truth. Neither must we be afraid to say it as it is.

Though not as graphic, we may have a similitude of the ST Oredein tragedy in the Bacita robbery of 1971 in the days of Kam Salem as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). Is history repeating itself this time around as a farce or as a tragedy? Time will tell.

We contend that participation in crime cannot be limited to activities at the scene of crime. Neither can we extenuate or totally write off the offence of those who facilitate the empowerment of criminals to the extent that the latter is able to use the proceeds of empowerment to commit a crime.

Nobody in his right senses will dismiss the confessions of criminals who provide both historical and pictorial evidence of long association with high profile politicians particularly crimes in which several lives have been lost over decades.

Perhaps the best advice we can give both the Senate president and the NASS is to allow the police to carry out diligent investigation. The NASS should not see its president or any of its members as super Nigerians who are above the law.

We invite members of the NASS to learn a lesson from the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the area of selective judgement and equality before the law, the statement read.

It added further: The NASS should allow the new Nigeria which is evolving under Buhari to become a fait accompli. We want an egalitarian society where justice is not for sale, where the rich commit grave crimes and go free while punishment for crime is for the poor alone.

"Saraki may be pronounced innocent if indeed he is not guilty of any crime. The Saraki connection in the Offa robbery is a lesson for politicians who still keep political thugs.

Ceteris paribus, money given to thugs is meant to facilitate the harassment of opponents, the snatching of ballot boxes and the procurement of arms. Innocent people are killed in the process.

"That is murder and it is a capital offence. Is the NASS itching to dismiss the killing of 15 innocent people including 9 policemen in a single robbery with a wave of the hand because one of them is asked to write a statement? Who did this to Nigeria?

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app

Is that why the whole country should be destabilized? Is that why the Nigerian president should be impeached? Is it even ideal for Buhari to intervene by asking police to stop its investigations? MURIC sees merit in the police case against Senator Bukola Saraki.

The latter has been asked to submit a written statement. The NASS should allow the law to take its due course. Saraki should do the honourable thing without being told. Nigeria is too big for any single person no matter how highly placed."

Legit.ng earlier reported that the National Assembly on Tuesday, June 5, issued a warning to President Muhammadu Buhari, saying he must be held accountable for the actions of his appointees and must be ready to sanction those that carry out any act that will ridicule or endanger the country and democracy.

In a separate report, West Idahosa, a former member of the House of Representatives, said the National Assembly's message to President Muhammadu Buhari is clear enough and the Senate can proceed to impeach the president if he fails to comply with their resolution.

Street Gist: What Are You Proud of As a Nigerian? | Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng
Prison is believed to be a confined place where criminals are sent for a while to enable them reflect as well as keep them away from society to prevent them from committing more crimes. For such reasons, prison wards aren't the most accommodating as it is solely built to sober up anyone who finds themselves in one.

In Nigeria, there have been many reports on the mind-bugging state of prisons across the country. Many have complained of it being over crowded and of the buildings being dilapidated and in most cases, uninhabitable.

It appears, prison cells in some other countries are far better than some Nigerian houses according to reports. In a recent post shared on Twitter by Arthur Musinguzi, the cells in Norway are a home away from home setting and anyone who lands there having lived in some areas in Nigeria will be more grateful than sad.

Arthur shared photos of the prison where anyone can see that prisons truly live like kings because of the impeccable furnishing. The photos immediately went viral and many Nigerian social media users agreed that the cells look even better than their houses.

READ ALSO: Tiwa Savage celebrates her son on his graduation day

See the photos below:

Worthy of not, however, is Norway has the fourth-highest per capita income in the world on the World Bank and IMF lists. It is also the first on the World Happiness Report and interestingly, has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

Get hottest gist on Naija Uncensored Facebook Group. Join here.

PAY ATTENTION: Read best news on Nigeria's #1 news app

What is the problem with Nigeria? | Street Gist on Legit.ng TV:

Source: Legit.ng
- After rejecting him twice, the Senate has finally confirmed Ahmad Mahmud as Zamfara state resident electoral commissioner

- The Senate also confirmed Monday Udo Tom from Akwa Ibom and Attahiru Madami from Niger as resident electoral commissioners

- Festus Okoye was also confirmed as the resident electoral commissioner for the southeast geopolitical zone

The Senate on Wednesday, June 6, confirmed the nomination of Ahmad Mahmud from Zamfara as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) after two rejections.

The confirmation followed the report presented by Senator Suleiman Nazif, the chairman, Senate committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), at the plenary, NAN reports.

Legit.ng notes that the president of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, put Mahmuds nomination to a voice vote and it was adopted by the senators.

READ ALSO: Ex-Kaduna state governor Yero, 3 others granted bail by Federal High Court

Nazif had in his reports, recommended the rejection of the nominee, maintaining that he hails from Sokoto state and not Zamfara as he claimed.

Objecting to the rejection, Senator Kabiru Marafa (APC-Zamfara), alleged that Nazif had compromised to reject the nomination of Mahmud.

The Senate also confirmed the nominations of Monday Udo Tom from Akwa Ibom and Attahiru Madami from Niger as resident electoral commissioners.

Festus Okoye from Imo was also confirmed as the national electoral commissioner representing southeast zone.

The Senate announced the confirmations in a series of tweets on Wednesday, June 6. See tweets below:

Legit.ng previously reportedly that the nominee of President Muhammadu Buhari for the position of resident electoral commissioner, Bello Mahmud, from Zamfara state was rejected the second time by the Senate.

The nomination was rejected the second time on November 29 and it was referred to the committee for further legislative action.

Age requirement reduction by the Senate; Good or Bad for Nigeria? - on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit
President Muhammadu Buhari has announced that June 12 will be celebrated as the new Democracy Day.

The president announced this via his Facebook page on Wednesday, June 6.

The president also announced that the late Chief Moshood Abiola who was adjudged the winner of the cancelled June 12, 1993 election will be posthumously awarded the highest Honour in the land, GCFR.

READ ALSO: 2 more suspects arrested by police in connection to Offa Bank robbery make serious allegations against Saraki

He said: "Dear Nigerians, I am delighted to announce that, after due consultations, the Federal Government has decided that henceforth, June 12 will be celebrated as Democracy Day.

"We have also decided to award posthumously the highest Honour in the land, GCFR, to the late Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the cancelled June 12, 1993 elections."

PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app

Meanwhile, the Senate leader and lawmaker representing Yobe North in the upper chamber, Ahmed Lawan, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari is a phenomenon that has come to stay, saying that Buhari is not in the presidency to accumulate wealth but to transform Nigeria.

He made this statement when he received leaders of the North East Youths Coalition for President Buhari at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, Leadership reports.

Legit.ng notes that Lawan, who was made the grand patron of the group, said Buhari contested for the presidency four times before he won due to his drive to serve Nigerians and change their living conditions.

#NotTooYoungToRun: Nigerian Youths React to President Buharis Gesture | on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng
What is the customs union?

The European Union is a customs union. It allows free trade between countries inside it and allows imports in to the area by setting common tariffs *). The area does not just include EU members. For instance, Turkey is part of the customs union for manufactured goods but not services or agriculture. The single market involves deeper integration of free movement of people, goods, services and money. This means laws need to be aligned. Some countries have access to the single market **) without being members of the EUs customs union.

*) No. It unifies tariffs to third party markets. It does not say anything about imports or free trade  for a given definition of free trade. Any goods imported to the EU must still fulfill EU criteria. Say, Turkey could import chlorinated chicken from US, if it wishes to do so, and if poultry has any tariffs (w/o any sub-tariffs), they would be the same on these Turkey imports as a non-chlorinated, EU compliant chicken imported into EU from the US. But it does not mean Turkey can then re-export the chlorinated chicken to the EU, or that EU would take in chlorinated chicken.

**) No. Any product that complies with EU rules and regulations has access to the EU market  but it may be held on the EU borders for quite a while, at a cost. EEA/EFTA countries are part of single market (at least parts of it, i.e. goods), and subject to the relevant EU laws and regulations, including, I believe, ECJ jurisdiction over them (technically it may be the EFTA court, but in practice it adopts ECJ rulings most of the time, including adjusting its case law  although it works both ways, where on some rulings ECJ adopts EFTA court rulings. From practical perspective, little to no difference).

Mind you, we are assuming that the Guardian reporting is correct. Theres enough confusion on Twitter, including from Labour party back benchers, to suggest that Starmer might not be giving the straight scoop. For instance:

Labour's Withdrawal Bill amendments really only amount to one substantial thing: Corbyn has won an internal tussle to shoot down EEA membership. Corbynistas should realise this is a hardening of Brexit, not a softening.  Tom Newton Dunn (@tnewtondunn) June 5, 2018

Jeremy Corbyn says Labour's planned Brexit customs union must allow for UK to strike its own trade deals. Is the man a fool? The whole point of a Customs Union is you cannot strike your own deals.  mickoforpington (@MickGreenhough) June 5, 2018

Got to be honest, I'm a Labour member, I don't have a fucking clue what my front bench is trying to achieve about EEA and Brexit right now  John Harrison (@Purfleetjohn) June 5, 2018

Labour: We want a jobs first Brexit So youll support the Lords EEA amendment then? Labour: A Brexit that gives us the same access as before So, the EEA? Labour: The sane frictionless trade as before EEA then? Labour: No, well abstain pic.twitter.com/frU2pKqhH0  David Schneider (@davidschneider) June 5, 2018

Auto Parts Marker Train Wreck

Wed predicted from early on that the UK transportation goods industry would be a big loser in Brexit. For instance, autos are made in global supply chains. Dealing with a hard border with the EU would create hassle and increase uncertainty of arrival times, a particularly bad feature since most car manufacturers run on just-in-time inventory management principles. So we had assumed that auto companies would shift production for non-UK end market goods out of the UK, which might not even be all that hard, since plants in the EU are reported to be operating at well below capacity levels.

A story in Sky News explains how EU manufacturers are starting to cut their use of UK car parts, although the driving concern, minimum EU content requirements, is different than the one wed highlighted. From European businesses advised to avoid using British parts ahead of Brexit:

European governments are advising businesses not to use British parts in goods for export ahead of Brexit .the Dutch government has told its exporters that if a large part of your product consists of parts from the UK domestic exporters may lose free trade access under existing deals After Brexit, parts made in the UK no longer count towards this minimum production in the European Union. In order to qualify for EU free trade deals, a certain proportion, typically 55% of a products parts, needs to come from the EU That warning has also been underpinned by the EUs own technical notice on this issue. A leading car industry executive told Sky News that not using UK parts for EU exports would be a catastrophe for the British industry. The hard Brexiteers have built a bomb under the UK automotive industry and the EU have lit it, said one chief executive. Sky News has also heard of major UK automotive suppliers now ceasing UK supply of major components to cars for export to countries currently covered by EU Free Trade Areas  countries such as South Korea, South Africa and Canada. Smaller companies are also being hit. Andrew Varga of Seetru, a manufacturer of safety valves in Bristol, said that last autumn, many existing customers showed caution in taking UK parts into new models.

More Irish Border Magical Thinking

Express, in its typical breathless style, tells readers that the Government has solved the Irish border problem. No, really, truly this time.

From Brexit BREAKTHROUGH: Britain to present BRAND NEW divorce plan to Barnier on FRIDAY:

Sources in Westminster have revealed the Prime Ministers next so-called Brexit war Cabinet will meet on Thursday, which Mr Robbins will attend and potentially be given the go-ahead to present Mrs Mays Irish solution. He is likely to present a presentation to his EU counterpart Sabine Weyand, Michel Barniers deputy, in order to clarify Britains latest position. The document will likely be a customs paper which essentially spells out the idea of an all-UK customs union in order to act as a temporary backstop. Britain is hoping to take advantage of EU who will be hoping to avert anymore potential crisis in the wake of the acceptance of an anti-establishment government in Italy.

If this is accurate, its another dead on arrival plan. And a bit of gravy is the misreading of what the populist upsurge in Italy means for Brexit. It increases the EUs incentives to cut the UK no breaks, so as to demonstrate that the costs of leaving the EU are high.

As anyone who has been following Brexit closely knows, even if this customs union idea were workable, it does nothing to prevent the need for a hard border. As Richard North has documented in gory detail, Turkey and Switzerland both have a customs union with the EU yet have extensive border checkpoints. He elaborates why in a new post, this one commenting on Treasury Select Committee presentations:

And nor has this same gaggle cottoned on to the fact that all the manufactured goods which require third party approval and have relied on UK certification are going to have similar problems. Vehicle and their components, aircraft and their components, medicines, medical devices, and the vast range of goods which require third party testing for their CE marks, are all going to be turned away at the border  or in some cases held for expensive and time-consuming re-testing. A vast cloud of pessimism seems to be descending on the group as the leaders question what impact they could have on negotiations. Its not only Whats the point?, it is What can you actually do?', says one. When you keep circling round and it keeps coming back to Ireland, and you know the solutions being proposed are not acceptable to the EU, you get in this desperate spiral of: What the hell can we do?' One company that is answering that question is the US pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. We are told that it is planning for the possibility of a temporary supply blackout after Brexit and is looking to stockpile as much as six months-worth of goods in the UK.

Customs Planning Paralysis

If you think North was being alarmist by presenting his Merck story, the lack of any serious thinking regarding what will happen to agricultural imports and exports might convince you that the officialdom has completely dropped the ball in terms of taking care of its citizens needs. From North:

Of the eight demands made in FTAs list of essentials to Keep Britain Trading issued at the beginning of the year, not a single one has been progressed, [James] Hookham [Deputy Chief Executive of the Freight Transport Association, the UKs leading logistics trade body] says. Details of whether or not the country will have a Transition/Implementation Period are still unclear, there is still no decision on what Customs arrangements we will have from March 2019 onwards he adds. Expanding on his litany of complaint, he goes on to say: We keep getting told that all food and agricultural exports to the Continent and Ireland will be checked at EU ports  but there is nowhere to check them, and the system to check them does not exist. Then, he says: We still dont know if we will be able to employ the 43,000 truck drivers in the UK that are nationals from another member state  thats 13 percent of our driver workforce!. And, there is no clarification on whether UK drivers qualifications are to be recognised, so they could well be barred from driving their own vehicles on the Continent.

A careful reader will note that Hookham is discussing UK agricultural exports, which is arguably a commercial issue, as in whether those producers survive, as opposed to whether Brits have trouble getting needed foodstuffs from the Continent. But there are likely to be knock-on effects, since presumably many of the shipments to the EU have backhauls of EU agricultural produce to the UK. And if the various points of entry are all backed up due to customs chaos, even efforts to prioritize perishables and other high-priority goods might not work very well for quite a while.

As weve said before, it would be better if we were wrong. But we recommend assuming the brace position just in case.
JetBlue tightens policy on emotional support animals CNN

Junior High Teacher Charged Criminally After Feeding Puppy To Snapping Turtle In Class Jonathan Turley. EeeeW!

Guatemala volcano: Nearly 200 missing and 75 dead BBC

Before I Forget: the video game that tackles dementia Guardian (UserFriendly)

China?

US presses airlines to resist China over Taiwan Financial Times

North Korea

EU army looms? Merkel backs Macrons European Defense Force initiative RT (UserFriendly)

Italy

Brexit

Government loses more than 2bn of taxpayers money selling off RBS shares despite warnings Independent

Syraqistan

Imperial Collapse Watch

Big Brother is Watching You Watch

Tariff Tantrum

Trump Transition

Health Care

Democrats in Disarray

June 5 Primaries: DFA watching California U.S. Senate, U.S. House, key District Attorney races Democracy for America. Lambert will have much more to say about the elections in Water Cooler.

Washington sues Facebook and Google over failure to disclose political ad spending TechCrunch

Why Our Green Parties Havent Taken Off Bruce Dixon, Black Agenda Report (Darius)

Social Security to tap into trust fund for first time in 36 years MarketWatch (Jim Haygood, Dr. Kevin). As Marshall Auerback said via e-mail:

So what? Its just an accounting fiction. Its like the idea of a lock box. The money allocated to the hospital insurance fund, just like the Social Security Trust Fund is one of Uncle Sams cookie jars. He also has a defense cookie jar, a corporate welfare cookie jar, etc. We count taxes as Uncle Sams income, and he can pretend he stuffs the various cookie jars with those tax receipts  the payroll tax goes into the Social Security cookie jar, and he pretends it pays for Social Security spending. Maybe he pretends capital gains taxes go into the corporate welfare cookie jar. And so on. That is all internal accounting. Same thing with the funding for the FDIC. You recall that there was a similar scaremongering tactic directed against the FDIC funding after the 2008 crisis. The concern was that it would run out of money and would have to draw on a credit line directly from Tsy. The only reason why this was a problem from Bairs perspective is that it would have effectively put the FDIC under the control of Geithner, (and, as you know, they had very different views on how to handle banks), but NOBODY seriously believed that the FDIC would run out of money, or else there would have been a ton of bank runs. So this is the usual BS that you see from the deficit hysterians.

Police State Watch

Seymour Hersh on spies, state secrets, and the stories he doesnt tell Columbia Journalism Review (furzy)

Wanna Innovate? 3 Reasons Why You Should Implement Power-Law Distribution Forbes

Societe Generale to pay $750 million to settle LIBOR manipulation charges Pensions & Investments

Citibank, DB To Fight Possible Criminal Cartel Charges In Australia SafeHaven (EM)

Recode Daily: Some still-waiting Tesla Model 3 customers want their reservation money back Recode

There are now more job openings than people unemployed Axios

This time is different? pic.twitter.com/f2cVpcmjEE  Tracy Alloway (@tracyalloway) June 5, 2018

Class Warfare

Antidote du jour. Eddie M: The wildflowers and butterflies of the Ozarks, the ones on the milk thistle are from last summer.

And a bonus:

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
By Vikram Zutshi, a filmmaker, independent scholar and columnist based in Los Angeles. His debut feature Max Kennedy and the American Dream was filmed at various points along the two thousand mile US-Mexico border and has since been globally broadcast. Follow him on Twitter @getafix2012. Originally published at openDemocracy

Microdosing on psychedelic substances like LSDingesting just enough to heighten cognitive faculties, enhance creativity, improve concentration and alleviate depressionis currently back in vogue among people not normally associated with anything remotely countercultural in the USA.

The term psychedelicwas coined in 1958 by British psychiatrist Humphrey Osmondand is derived from the Greek words psyche(soul, mind) and delein(to manifest), hence soul-manifesting, the implication being that psychedelics can access the soul and develop unused potentials in the human mind. Its a contention thats gaining increased acceptance in mainstream universities.

New York University, for example, is hosting clinical trials using psilocybinto treat alcohol addiction. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has been at the forefront of research in treating patients suffering from chronic treatment-resistant PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) with MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently designatedits MDMA-assisted psychotherapy project as a breakthrough therapy. Apart from MDMA, MAPS also advocates the use of Ayahuasca,Ibogaineand medical marijuanafora variety of conditionsranging from bipolar syndrome and drug addiction to autism-related disorders, ADHD and clinical depression.

The therapeutic use of psychedelics isnt new. Between 1953 and 1973, the US federal government funded over a hundred studieson LSD with more than 1,700 subjects participating. Psychedelics were tested on convicts, substance abusers, people suffering from chronic depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenics and terminal cancer patients. LSD was also tested on artists and scientists to explore its effects on creativity, and on divinity students to examine spirituality from a neuroscientific perspective. The empirical data gathered from these tests was largely positive.

LSD truly was an acid, dissolving almost everything with which it came into contact, beginning with the hierarchies of the mind and going on from there to societys various structures of authority says author Michael Pollanin his book How To Change Your Mind: The New Science of Psychedelics. And thats what makes this subject socially and politicallyinteresting.

It is curious to me that what I see as the two greatest threatsenvironmental crisis and [political] tribalismthese drugs directly address both those mindsets Pollan told the Guardianin a recent interview. They undermine our tendency to objectify nature, to think of ourselves as separate from it. They undermine tribalism in that people tend to emerge from these experiences thinking that we are all more alike, all more connected.

If this is true, then those of us committed to social transformation must start to take the use of psychedelics much more seriously. But whats the actual or potential connection between LSD and politics?

It was a Swiss chemist called Albert Hoffman who discovered the drug by accident in 1938. While conducting research on another pharmaceutical compound he absorbed the drug through his skin and staggered home to lie down on his sofa, where, in a dreamlike state, with eyes closed, he wrote later, I perceived an uninterrupted stream of fantastic pictures, extraordinary shapes with intense, kaleidoscopic play of colours. Hoffman felt he had been given the keys to unlocking the mysteries of the universe, the mystical experience of a deeper, comprehensive reality.

A few decades later in August 1960, Timothy Leary, a clinical psychologist from Harvard University, traveled to Cuernavaca in Mexico and ingested psilocybin (magic) mushroomsfor the first time, an experience that radically altered the course of his life. In 1965, Leary commented that he had learned more about  (his) brain and its possibilities[and] more about psychology in the five hours after taking these mushrooms thanin the preceding 15 years of studying and doing research in psychology. Leary became a lifelong evangelist for the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics.

Theoretical physicist Carlos Rovelli, author of The Order of Time, says his romance with quantum theory and the mysteries of the space-time continuum were sparked by his LSD trips as a student radical at the University of Bologna. It was an extraordinarily strong experience that touched me also intellectually, he told the Guardian. Among the strange phenomena was the sense of time stopping. Things were happening in my mind but the clock was not going ahead; the flow of time was not passing any more. It was a total subversion of the structure of reality. How do I know that the usual perception is right, and this is wrong?

Rovelli has spent the better part of his life grappling with the relationship between space, time and consciousness, fundamental concepts that underlie existence and how we simultaneously perceive the world and shape it. If I observe the microscopic state of things, he writes, then the difference between past and future vanishes  in the elementary grammar of things, there is no distinction between cause and effect. The concept of time, he says, has lost layers one after another, piece by piece. We are left with an empty windswept landscape almost devoid of all trace of temporalitya world stripped to its essence, glittering with an arid and troubling beauty.

Large parts of the world are being polarized at a rate rarely seen before, helped in no small measure by social media filter bubbles and algorithms that divide people sharply along the lines of nationality or ideology, their underlying human connections rendered increasingly irrelevant. Perhaps such deep hatred and suspicion of the other was always there, but now it has taken center stage and is being used as a potent election strategy by populist and hyper-nationalist leaders the world over. Like herds of cattle, large numbers of people are being programmed and deployed as pawns for a larger agenda.

Therefore, perhaps real change begins with rewiring our perceptual framework. Psychedelic substances have been ingested sacramentally by indigenous cultures to achieve this goal since the dawn of time, and now theyre being validated by the scientific and medical communities. The shifts in consciousness that can be brought about by psychedelics can help in dissolving the man-made boundaries or fear of the other that are implanted in our collective psyche.

While Silicon Valley bio-hackers microdosing on LSD to enhance their workplace performance may not be looking to bring about tectonic shifts in collective consciousness, theres no reason to restrict the use of psychedelics to these groups and purposes. They could also work as a potent catalyst to awaken humankind to the dangers of toxic nationalism and rabid nativism that threaten to engulf us.
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg previewed this weeks meeting of NATO Defence Ministers  the first in the Alliances new headquarters  at a press conference on Wednesday (6 June 2018). Ministers are expected to take a series of decisions on the NATO Command Structure and military readiness, discuss plans for a NATO training mission in Iraq, and review progress in achieving more defence spending and better burden sharing. They will also discuss NATO-EU cooperation, and hold a meeting on the Resolute Support training mission in Afghanistan

On the Command Structure, the Secretary General announced that he expects a boost of more than 1,200 personnel to be agreed. I also expect we will agree that our new Joint Force Command for the Atlantic will be based at Norfolk in the United States, and that our new Enabling Command will be based in Ulm, in Germany, he said. Noting that high readiness is essential in a more unpredictable world, Mr. Stoltenberg said I expect we will also agree a NATO Readiness Initiative  the Four Thirties. This would mean that Allies would have, by 2020, 30 mechanised battalions, 30 air squadrons, and 30 combat vessels ready within 30 days or less. This is not about setting up or deploying new forces, it is about boosting the readiness of existing forces, he said.

Burden-sharing and defence spending will also be addressed at the meeting. All Allies have now stopped the cuts in defence spending, and started to increase, said Mr. Stoltenberg, adding that he would be able to announce the first figures for 2018 on Thursday. Calling defence investment a matter of fairness and security in a more unpredictable world, he said we are going in the right direction, but we still have a long way to go.

In a session on fighting terrorism and projecting stability, ministers will discuss plans to launch a training mission in Iraq at the NATO Summit in July. They will also discuss defence capacity-building support for Jordan, and consider what more NATO could do help Tunisia.

On Friday, ministers will address NATO-EU cooperation, with High Representative / Vice President Federica Mogherini, as well as colleagues from Finland and Sweden. Pointing to concrete progress, such as real-time warnings about cyber-attacks and complementary maritime operations, Mr. Stoltenberg noted that going forward, military mobility could become a flagship for cooperation.

The ministerial will close with a meeting on Afghanistan, together with partners contributing to the Resolute Support mission. Allies and partners are stepping up  with both forces and funding, said the Secretary General. He noted that around 3,000 more trainers have been added to the mission, and that discussions are underway to extend funding for the Afghan forces beyond 2020. Praising the Afghan forces for their performance, Mr. Stoltenberg concluded: we must continue to assist them; to support President Ghanis bold initiative for peace; and to encourage continued reforms to fight corruption and uphold human rights.
(As delivered)

Good morning.

Tomorrow and on Friday, NATOs Defence Ministers will meet for the first time in this new building.

And they will make preparations for the upcoming Summit in July.

We will begin with a session on strengthening our deterrence and defence.

And I expect ministers will agree to boost our Command Structure by more than 1,200 personnel.

I also expect we will agree that our new Joint Force Command for the Atlantic will be based at Norfolk in the United States.

And that our new Enabling Command will be based in Ulm, in Germany.

These will be key to move our troops across the Atlantic and within Europe without delay, whenever needed.

To ensure we have the right forces in the right place at the right time.

High readiness is essential in a more unpredictable world.

So I expect we will also agree a NATO Readiness Initiative  the Four Thirties.

NATOs Readiness Initiative means that Allies would, by 2020, have:

30 mechanised battalions;

30 air squadrons; and

30 combat vessels,

ready within 30 days or less.

This is not about setting up or deploying new forces.

It is about boosting the readiness of existing forces.

Across each and every Ally.

We will also address burden-sharing and defence spending at the Defence Ministers meeting.

The trend is up, and we intend to maintain the momentum.

All Allies have now stopped the cuts in defence spending, and started to increase.

And tomorrow, I will be able to announce the first figures for 2018.

Burden-sharing is not just about cash, but also about capabilities and contributions.

Here too, the trend is up.

Allies are investing more in major equipment, and increasing their contributions to NATO missions and operations.

So we have turned a corner.

And we are going in the right direction.

But we still have a long way to go.

And there is still hard work ahead.

Investing more in defence  and investing in the right things  is a matter of fairness.

Above all, it is about our security in a more unpredictable world.

During the second session, we will focus on NATOs work to fight terrorism and project stability.

NATO is contributing to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS with AWACS surveillance flights and training for Iraqi forces.

Tomorrow, we will discuss our plans to launch a new training mission in Iraq at our Summit in July.

To help the Iraqis better fight terrorism.

And prevent ISIS from coming back.

We will also discuss our defence capacity-building support for Jordan, a valued partner in the region.

And we will consider what more we could do to help Tunisia, another key partner.

Because when our neighbours are more stable, we are more secure.

On Friday, we will discuss NATO-EU cooperation, together with High Representative / Vice President Federica Mogherini, as well as our colleagues from Finland and Sweden.

We will take stock of progress in our joint work, including on hybrid and cyber defence, maritime operations, and exercises.

We have already seen real results.

For example, NATO and EU now exchange real-time warnings about cyber-attacks.

And NATOs Operation Sea Guardian supports the EUs Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean.

Going forward, military mobility could become a flagship for our cooperation.

And we are working together to remove obstacles  whether legal, customs, or infrastructure.

Ensuring our forces can move quickly across Europe when necessary is in everyones interest.

We will close the Ministerial with a meeting on Afghanistan, together with our Resolute Support partners.

Allies and partners are stepping up  with both forces and funding.

We have added around 3,000 more trainers to our mission.

And we are discussing how to extend funding for the Afghan forces beyond 2020.

The Afghan forces are performing with professionalism and bravery.

And creating the conditions for a political settlement.

So we must continue to assist them.

To support President Ghanis bold initiative for peace.

And to encourage continued reforms to fight corruption and uphold human rights.

We are now just five weeks away from the Brussels Summit.

And the decisions we take over the next two days will ensure that the Summit strengthens our Alliance for years to come.

And with that, Im ready to take your questions.

OANA LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: OK, we'll start with NRK in the third row.

QUESTION [NRK]: been affected by a very poor relationship between the US and Europe regarding trade issues and the US pulling out of the Iran Treaty. Are you concerned that this will affect the cooperation and security cooperation within NATO?

JENS STOLTENBERG [NATO Secretary General]: NATO is an Alliance of 29 different nations on both sides of the Atlantic and we all have different history, different geography and also sometimes different views about serious issues. And thats exactly what we see now. We see differences on trade, we see differences on issues related to climate change, the Paris Accord, and also to, for instance, the Iran Nuclear Deal. And these are serious differences between NATO Allies. At the same time, we have to remember that we have seen differences before, all the way back to the 1950s where NATO Allies disagreed on the Suez Crisis or when France decided to leave the Command Structure in the 60s, or the Iraq War in 2003. So, it's nothing new that there are differences between NATO Allies. And what we have seen again and again is that we have been able to unite around NATO's core task, to protect and defend each other despite those differences. And my main responsibility is to make sure that we continue to do that, despite the differences we see on trade, on environment and on other issues.

And therefore I welcome the fact that what we see now is that  yes there are differences and these are something we take very seriously, but at the same time NATO is able to strengthen the transatlantic bond on security. Because North America, the United States and Canada, are actually increasing their presence in Europe with more troops, more prepositioned equipment, more exercises. And European Allies are stepping up.

So, I take the differences very seriously, but at the same time I'm encouraged by the fact that when it comes to the security cooperation, the transatlantic bond has actually been strengthened over the last couple of years.

OANA LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: OK, and we had ANSA, gentleman in the last row, fifth row here.

QUESTION [ANSA]: ANSA, Italy. Yesterday, the Italian Prime Minister, in a speech from the parliament, said that Italy is a committed Ally member of the Alliance with the US as the privileged Ally. But he also said that we will supported of an opening up of relationships with Russia and maybe promote revision of the sanction. Can you comment on it, please?

JENS STOLTENBERG [NATO Secretary General]: First of all, I'd like to congratulate the new Italian Prime Minister, Mr Conte, with his appointment. I look forward to working with him and I hope to meet him soon. Second, Italy is a committed and highly-valued Ally. Italy contributes to our shared security and to our collectives defence in many different ways. They are one of the lead nations in Afghanistan. Italy is playing a key role also when it comes to addressing the challenges we see to the south of the Alliance. And Italy is hosting many important NATO facilities, including the Joint Force Command in Naples and the Sigonella base in Sicily, where we're going to base our new surveillance drones soon. So, Italy is an important NATO Ally and I welcome the commitment by the new Prime Minister to our Alliance.

When it comes to Russia, I think it is important to highlight that NATO has what we call a dual-track approach to Russia, which is about that we need strong deterrence and strong defence combined with political dialogue, because we are not aiming at isolating Russia. Russia is our neighbour, Russia is here to stay, and therefore I also welcome the strong support of Italy to the dialogue we are having with Russia. Just last week we had a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council, where we addressed Ukraine, military transparency and many other issues. But I think it is important to continue this dialogue. The dialogue with Russia is not easy, thats exactly why it is so important. The economic sanctions I think the economic sanctions are important because they send a clear message that what Russia has done in Ukraine has to have consequences and Russia has to change behaviour before the sanctions should be lifted.

OANA LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: We'll go to the lady in red, Wall Street Journal. Fourth row.

QUESTION [Wall Street Journal]: Coming back to the issue of transatlantic tensions, you were saying that in recent years actually the security bond has strengthened, but one of the rationales of the trade tariffs, or the main rationale, is a national security threat of the United States Allies. To what extent do you expect this to become an issue? To what extent do you expect this to become an issue at the Ministerial tomorrow and on Friday? Thank you.

JENS STOLTENBERG [NATO Secretary General]: There are now serious disagreements between NATO Allies on serious issues. And the trade issues are of course serious. My message is that despite those disagreements, we have to make sure that we continue to strengthen and sustain the close partnership on security between NATO Allies. And the good news is that, despite these serious differences, we have been able to do exactly that, because we dont see any weakening of the transatlantic bond within NATO. We see actually a strengthening of that bond with more US troops in Europe. After years of reducing the US presence in Europe, the US is now increasing its presence. And only during the time of President Trump we have seen a 40% increase in funding for the European Readiness Initiative, money for additional US military presence, more troops, more exercises, more prepositioned equipment. And we have for instance an ongoing exercise right now. This is something I also discussed with President Trump when I met him recently. He has of course a clear message on trade, but he also expressed very clear his commitment to NATO and to US presence in Europe.

At the same time, European Allies are stepping up, doing more, spending more, investing more. On defence we see and in NATO we see a strengthening of the bond, but of course I am concerned about the disagreements and I expect the future of the transatlantic bond and also how to deal with the military cooperation, but also the differences, is something which is going to be discussed among NATO leaders in many different contexts, maybe also during the meeting tomorrow. Thats a bit early for me to say, because I have to see what they have to say.

OANA LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: OK, Suddeutsche Zeitung, middle of the last row?

QUESTION [Suddeutsche Zeitung]: Thank you. Secretary General, I have to ask again, do you think that it is possible to isolate the future of NATO from the resolution of those differences? Do you think that NATO can go on like this if those very serious hostilities and differences are not resolved? Or are you afraid that actually the very foundations even though it might work now, that the very foundations of this Alliance might be endangered?

JENS STOLTENBERG [NATO Secretary General]: I believe it is possible to limit the repercussions, to limit the negative effects on NATO. I'm not saying it's not serious. I'm not saying that I'm not concerned, but I'm saying that we have proven before that it is possible to deal with these kind of disagreements without weakening NATO. And actually what we have seen over the last couple of years and what we see now is that we are strengthening NATO, we are strengthening the transatlantic bond within NATO despite those differences.

The best thing would of course be if those differences were solved; trade, climate and all the other issues. But as long as they're not solved, I have to be focused on how to reduce/limit the negative consequences for NATO. And so far we have been quite successful because the reality is that, when it comes to NATO, the transatlantic bond has been strengthened.

But again, we are part of a broader picture and in the long run, of course it will also benefit NATO and the defence cooperation if we are able to address/solve those other disagreements.

OANA LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: We'll go to some questions in the first row from our Afghan colleagues. We'll go to Mitra in the middle. Thank you.

QUESTION [Mitra]: Mr Secretary General, you referred to the Afghan government's peace offer, but the Taliban have repeatedly put down any kind of peace offers by the Afghan government. And reality on the ground has proven that it is really hard to defeat the Taliban militarily. So, what do you think the best solution would be to sort out this dilemma in Afghanistan?

JENS STOLTENBERG [NATO Secretary General]: The reason why NATO continues to support the Afghan army and security forces is that we have to be able to convince Taliban that they will not win on the battlefield and therefore create the conditions for a negotiated solution. Taliban has to understand that they will obtain more through a negotiated peaceful solution than through continued fighting. Thats the reason why we are providing training and thats the reason why we are providing funding and thats the reason why we are actually now stepping up the training efforts. And we see that the Afghan forces are really professional, delivering, strengthening their special operation forces, air forces, and they have proven again and again able to actually deny Taliban any strategic victories, because Taliban had as its declared strategic goal to take control over provincial capitals. They have not been able to do that because of the bravery and the professionalism of the Afghan forces, supported by NATO with funding and with training. And thats also the reason why we are tomorrow no, on Friday, going to address the issue of sustaining the funding from 2020 to 2024. And let me also add that I strongly welcome both the clear message from President Ghani, the invitation to peace talks, but also the very clear message from the religious leaders, condemning the extremist violence, condemning suicide attacks and calling for a negotiated peaceful solution.

OANA LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: OK, we'll go to 1TV, also in the first row. Gentleman with the hand up, thank you.

QUESTION [1TV]: Thank you, Mr Secretary General. As you know, Afghan government has few key assignment in the coming months and year, which is the election of Afghanistan. If the Afghan government could not hold a fair and free and transparent election again in Afghanistan, how would that affect on the commitment of the NATO, politically and militarily and financially, on the future? Thank you, Sir.

JENS STOLTENBERG [NATO Secretary General]: We provide support to Afghanistan and NATO Allies and partners have done that for many, many years. We have very much changed the character of our support from a big combat operation, we ended that in 2015 and since then we have conducted a train, assist and advise mission.

At the same time, we expect Afghanistan to implement reforms, to fight corruption, to be transparent, and to, of course, also to hold elections. And therefore we welcome the announcement of elections and it is important that Afghanistan continues to deliver on the reforms and to strengthen their democratic institutions, including holding elections.

OANA LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: OK, we go to Georgian TV in the second row.

QUESTION [Georgian TV]: As we have information our Minister of Defence of Georgia will also attend meeting day after tomorrow and in this case can we talk about Georgia's more involvement in Black Sea Security Policy and what can we expect from the upcoming Summit in July? Thank you.

JENS STOLTENBERG [NATO Secretary General]: Georgia will be present at the Resolute Support meeting on Friday with all the other NATO Ministers and partners, and we are extremely grateful for Georgia's strong commitment to our mission in Afghanistan. Georgia is one of the biggest force contributors to the Resolute Support Mission. And Georgia has also proven over many years that they are very committed to our presence there in Afghanistan.

I am absolutely certain that the Summit in July will find ways to recognise the progress of Georgia, the progress in implementing reforms, the progress in modernising their defence and security situations and also the rule of law. And also the fact that Georgia is stepping up its efforts to fight corruption. So, exactly how we will do that remains to be seen, but I'm certain that Allied leaders will recognise that progress at the Summit in July.

OANA LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: We'll try to take a question over there, lady in the middle of the second tier.

QUESTION: Thank you. Secretary General, you know that relations between Turkey and the United States have been strained over especially Mambij in Syria. We have just heard that a roadmap was agreed upon between Turkey and the United States. How do you evaluate the perhaps improvement of relations between two NATO Allies?

JENS STOLTENBERG [NATO Secretary General]: I welcome the fact that both Turkey and United States have confirmed that they have agreed on a roadmap on how to deal with the challenges in Northern Syria, especially Mambij. It's not for me to go into the details of the roadmap because I think that would be something that the two countries, Turkey and US, should do. But I can confirm that this was one of the main issues I discussed when I met President Erdogan in Ankara recently and also one of the issues I discussed during my meetings in the White House and Washington a couple of weeks ago. So, this is of course important for NATO that two NATO Allies, Turkey and the United States, find ways to deal with the very difficult situation in Northern Syria, on the border of Turkey and the border of NATO. And of course we have to find ways to both fight terrorism, fight ISIL, all NATO Allies are part of the Coalition, but at the same time make sure that Turkey's legitimate security concerns are taken into account. And therefore, I welcome the agreement, the close dialogue between Turkey and the United States on this issue.

OANA LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: OK, we have gentleman over there, second row, in the second tier.

QUESTION [Jyllands-Posten]: Yes, thank you. I'm Martin with the Danish newspaper, Jyllands-Posten. A question on Nord Stream 2, if I may? A few weeks ago, a representative from the United States Secretary of State mentioned that this project would permit new technologies that can listen and follow and monitor, could be placed along the pipeline route in the Baltic Seas. And the US sees that as a threat. So, I'd like to ask if NATO agrees that this is a threat that comes with the Nord Stream 2 and well, does NATO think that this project should be stopped?

JENS STOLTENBERG [NATO Secretary General]: As you know, there are different views among NATO Allies on Nord Stream 2. We have one pipeline already, Nord Stream 1, and the question is whether there's going to be one more. And Allies have different views on that project and we make decisions in NATO by consensus. What NATO is focused on is the importance of security of supply. Energy is important for all our societies and we are focused on the resilience of the infrastructure project and of energy supplies, and also we welcome all efforts to increase diversification of energy supplies, because that will make our systems and energy supplies more resilient. But regarding the Nord Stream 2 project, there are different views.

OANA LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: Well go to the third row, gentleman with glasses.

QUESTION: Good morning. I'd like to go back to the 4 times 30 initiative that you mentioned is going to be at the Summit. I thought you mentioned it's going to be up and standing in 2020. Is it so that there this new forces is going to be carried out on a specific few members or it's going to be a commitment for all NATO members to take part in? And if you can say something about the interest and the commitment on the allocation of forces, country by country. Thank you.

JENS STOLTENBERG [NATO Secretary General]: The plan is that all Allies should contribute to this Readiness Initiative. But of course different Allies have different capabilities and different size, so the contributions will vary. This is about establishing a culture of readiness. And we need that because we have a more unpredictable security environment. We have to be prepared for the unforeseen and we have to be able to quickly deploy forces to deal with many different challenges and potential crises. But we also have to understand that this is part of a effort which has been ongoing for some time, because we have already tripled the size of the NATO Response Force, we have established the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, a brigade that can move very quickly, and also we have increased our presence in the eastern part of the Alliance. All of that increases the readiness of our forces, but then we need to have additional forces, follow-on forces, and therefore it is important to identify forces, national forces which are ready to move, ready to be used quickly, and thats exactly what we will do by this initiative. And the plan is to have it in place by 2020 and the plan is that all Allies should participate in one way or another.

OANA LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: We'll go to lady over there, Deutsche Welle NPR.

QUESTION [Deutsche Welle / NPR]: Hi, Teri Schultz with NPR and Deutsche Welle. My question is back to Afghanistan. NGOs have come out with a new report showing that the number of children, and particularly girls, who are not in school in Afghanistan, has risen. This of course was one of the benchmarks that NATO's been proud of, that individual Allies were working toward building schools and making it safe enough for girls to go to school. So, the fact that this trend is in the wrong direction is, I would guess, very disheartening. I'd like your reaction to that. Thanks.

JENS STOLTENBERG [NATO Secretary General]: The NATO presence in Afghanistan has made it possible for the Afghan government to strengthen the education for young people in Afghanistan, and especially girls. Because when the Taliban was governing in Afghanistan, girls were denied education. Over the last years, we have seen a significant increase the number of boys and girls which or who attend or who get education and especially a significant increase in the number of girls. I am not able to confirm I have read the report about this new report saying that there has been a decrease recently. I'm not able to confirm or to comment on those specific numbers, but of course any report about that we are not moving in the right direction, but are moving in the wrong direction, is of concern. For me, this is only underlining the need to reach a peaceful solution because peace and stability is needed also to be able to build out education and schools. And we have to prevent Taliban from getting control because they are denying they have as a kind of explicit goal, that they are against education for young girls. But in a country where there is so much fighting, so much instability, it is always difficult to build out education. And therefore, the best answer is to reach a political, negotiated solution, which will then enable also to strengthen the education system in Afghanistan.

OANA LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: We'll go to the front row.

QUESTION: I just want to say congratulations for this building. I just brought the flower, but your team security, they didnt allow me, so My question is about Turkish military is going to make a operation in North Iraq to against PKK. What's your reaction? Are you going to participate with the Turkish military? Thank you.

JENS STOLTENBERG [NATO Secretary General]: NATO's presence in Iraq is not in anyway part of any combat operations. What we do there is to train the Iraqi government forces. We have started to do so and we are now planning to scale up the training of Iraqi forces. And I hope that we can or the plan is to launch a new training mission at our Summit in July. What we do is to support the Iraqi government and we are also of course part of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, which is present in Iraq. But we are not part of those operations that Turkey is conducting.

OANA LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: We're going to the last row, in the middle.

QUESTION: [Polish Radio]: Concerning to Secretary General, concerning to what youve said about the new readiness of the troops which you will discuss with the ministers tomorrow and at the Summit, there is a debate on if US independently would establish permanent bases in Poland. One of the Polish Former Minister of Defence asked the United States to establish the permanent bases in Poland. Right now, the case is in one of the commission of the US Congress. What is the view of your view of such a possibility? Thank you.

JENS STOLTENBERG [NATO Secretary General]: I think it's a bit too early to comment specifically on that concrete proposal. It remains to be seen exactly what Poland will propose, but and I spent a whole day in Poland last week, where we discussed NATO and NATO presence, and also of course the issue of US presence in Europe. But what I can say is that we have seen an increase of US military presence in Europe over the last years, because after the Cold War the United States reduced its military presence in Europe. And what we have seen over the last years is that the US is coming back, both with troops, but also with prepositioned equipment. The last US battle tank left Europe in 2013. Now the US is back with an armoured brigade to Europe, so it shows that things are really changing.

There is already significant presence of NATO in Poland. We have a US-led battlegroup in Poland, so there are US troops leading the battlegroup. Poland is hosting different commands, in Szczecin and also elsewhere. We have the NATO Force Integration unit, or we have one NATO Force Integration unit in Poland and we have also the site which is under construction for ballistic missile defence.

So, there is already NATO presence and US presence in Poland. And then we see that the US is increasing their presence in Europe, I welcome that. But to comment on that specific proposal, I think it's a bit early.

OANA LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: OK. Gentleman in the white shirt. Just in front. Thanks.

QUESTION: I am from Belarus, so I will continue the previous question. How do you think will it lead to increased tension in the region, near the Belarussian borders when the this base will constructed?

JENS STOLTENBERG [NATO Secretary General]: Everything NATO and NATO Allies do is defensive and it is proportionate. And we have increased our presence in the eastern part of the Alliance as a response to a more difficult and demanding security environment, caused also by the behaviour of Russia, illegally annexing Crimea and destabilising Eastern Ukraine, and a significant military build-up by Russia. Thats one of the reasons why we have invested more in defence and also increased the presence of NATO forces in the eastern of the Alliance, including in Poland.

When it comes to Belarus, I welcome the fact that we have a partnership with Belarus. We have a Partnership for Peace dating back to 1995 and we have also established a relationship with Belarus based on that we believe it is important to have chance for dialogue, and Belarus is an individual partnership, or is part of an individual partnership programme, and therefore Belarus is one of the NATO partners.

OANA LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: OK. One very final question in the first row and then we'll have to wrap this up.

QUESTION: Mr Secretary General, Romanian Media. Staying in the same region, how will the adaptation of NATO's command structure will ensure an efficient and coherent chain of command for the eastern part of the Alliance, for the Eastern Flank? Thank you.

JENS STOLTENBERG [NATO Secretary General]: So, the whole adaptation of the command structure is about adapting NATO to a situation where we have to be able to react quickly and where we see more challenges and more demands and where we have to be prepared for the unforeseen, a more unpredictable world. Therefore, we will have the new Atlantic Command, making sure that we are able to move forces quickly across the Atlantic in a safe way. That is important for Europe and also for of course the south east of Europe, or Romania. We will have a new Support Command in Germany, Ulm, which will have as its main focus, how to be able to move forces across Europe. We are now working on military mobility, which about infrastructure, but also removing legal hindrances, for the quick movement of forces. And the main purpose of doing that is to prevent conflict, because as long as we can provide credible and strong deterrence, including the ability to move forces, then we are preventing conflict. And also the high readiness of our forces, the new Readiness Initiative, with 30 battalions, 30 air squadrons and 30 battleships ready to move and to be used in less than 30 days, also that is relevant for Romania. And then we will also address an issue which will not be decided now, but that is where we locate something called Land Component Commands. We will not decide that during the Defence Ministerial meeting tomorrow, but that will also be relevant for Romania and the whole of NATO.

OANA LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: Thank you very much. This concludes this press conference. We'll see you tomorrow at the Ministerial. Thank you.

JENS STOLTENBERG [NATO Secretary General]: Thank you.
(Natural News) These days, mustard is viewed as the perfect partner to ketchup. But way back when, this pungent plant was valued for more than just its culinary applications. Ancient peoples regarded mustard as a highly important botanical medicine.

Mustard in ancient Greece

According to the American Botanical Council, some of the earliest recorded uses of mustard as medicine can be found in the De Materia Medica. This book, penned by the Greek physician, Pedanius Dioscorides, is a five-volume work that covers 600 plants and 1000 remedies made from them. Dioscorides wrote of many uses for the different species of mustard. One of these was a kind of oil made from ground mustard seed (which he called a sinapelaion). This, he noted, was supposed to good a cure for diseases of long duration, drawing out faulty fluids from far within.

Hedge mustard had several passages dedicated to it and for good reason. Dioscorides listed off a wide array of functions, ranging from healing wounds to easing headaches to relieving the pain of the eyes. In fact, Dioscorides had nothing but good things to say about mustard. He even likened the potency of mustard seeds to garlic and onions, stating that the qualities of those things so similar in nature should not be separated.

Mustard in ancient India

Meanwhile, in India, mentions of mustard as medicine are scattered across various Ayurvedic texts. In fact, the numerous varieties of mustard go by so many different names in these texts that identifying them all is very challenging. Adding to the confusion is the practice of referring to mustard seeds by their colors, meaning that the same species of mustard could go under a different name based on the color of its seed.

But just as mustard has many names, it has even more uses. The medicinal applications of mustard focused mainly on the seeds and oil, with the leaves being a rarity. In particular, mustard seed was commonly utilized as a paste, fumigant, diaphoretic, massage powder, poultice, and a kind of mouthwash. (Related: Surprise! Why common mustard is one of the healthiest cancer-fighting foods youll ever discover.)

The applications are seen indicated in diseases like leucoderma, cracked skin, fever, leprosy, wasting, insanity, epilepsy, swelling, rheumatoid arthritis, neurological disorders, gynecological disorders, breast milk disorders, earache, wounds, acne vulgaris, eruptions in oral cavity and retention of placenta, wrote the authors of a study dedicated to compiling mustards uses in Ayurveda.

The texts further indicate that, when taken internally, mustard seed helps the body expel toxins. Mustard seed is an ingredient of formulations that induce emesis, cleanse the cranial cavity and for giving decoction enema, said the authors, which they believe means that mustard seeds were also used to treat rhinitis, vomiting, flatulence, and even insanity.

Unani medicine, the system of medicine practiced in Mughal India and modern Central Asia, has a use for mustard seed as well. Specifically, it has been and continues to serve as a treatment for pneumonia, gout, sciatica, epilepsy, and neuralgia.

Mustard around the world

Far from being the only countries to have a history with mustard as medicine, other nations have used this plant in one way or another. In Africa, mustard roots are taken by breastfeeding women to encourage milk production. Mustard leaves have been purposed into both internal treatments (for syphilis, and impotence) and topical creams (for headaches) in Java, Indonesia.

Even the native people of North America have turned to mustard to cure their ills and aches. The Cherokee, for instance, valued mustard as an appetite stimulant, kidney healer, and malaria cure. People from the Shinnecock Indian Nation used mustard in the same way as the Cherokee, in addition to taking it to induce vomiting. On the other hand, the Meskwaki believed that the pungent smell of mustard made it ideal for colds.

Learn more about the other ancient applications of our most beloved foods by going to Artifacts.news today.

Sources include:

CMS.Herbalgram.org

NISCAIR.RES.in
(Natural News) Living in the big city isnt all that its cut out to be  mainly because of pollution, which adversely affects the health of millions of people each year. However, according to Dr. Lilian Calderon-Garciduenas of the University of Montana (UM), children and young adults living in these megacities are at an increased risk for Alzheimers disease and suicide, in a study that was published in the Journal of Environmental Research.

In the study, Dr. Calderon-Garciduenas and her team examined over 200 autopsies  whose ages ranged from 11 months to 40 years  of people who lived in Mexico City. In particular, Mexico City was selected for the study since its daily concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM) and ozone are well above U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards  which impact its 24 million residents. They tracked two abnormal proteins signaling the development of Alzheimers, and they found early symptoms of the condition in babies that were less than a year old.

Alzheimers disease hallmarks start in childhood in polluted environments, and we must implement effective preventative measures early, she added. It is useless to take reactive actions decades later.

The abnormal proteins were identified to be hyperphosphorylated tau and beta-amyloid. These were found in the brains of young people who lived in the city who have been exposed all their lives to PM2.5, that is, particle pollutants smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. PM2.5 is 30 times smaller than the width of the human hair, and it accounts for the haze that is seen in most urban areas.

Aside from dangerously unhealthy levels of PM2.5, they also found Apolipoprotein E (APOE 4), a known genetic risk factor for conditions such as Alzheimers. These point to the evidence of Alzheimers developing as early as childhood, with its progression relative to age, APOE 4 status, and particulate exposure  which they found in over 99 percent of the autopsies they conducted in Mexico City. Those who are APOE 4 carriers were also more likely to commit suicide, controlling for age and particulate exposure.

Based on their findings, the researchers have identified ambient (outdoor) air pollution  a key modifiable risk  as a potential cause of Alzheimers disease, as well as a risk factor for suicide. This, they believe, is because of the effects of fine pollutants that enter the brain through the nose, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. (Related: Bad air could be destroying your brainpower.)

Neuroprotection measures ought to start very early, including the prenatal period and childhood, Dr. Calderon-Garciduenas added. Defining pediatric environmental, nutritional, metabolic and genetic risk-factor interactions are key to preventing Alzheimers disease.

Not just Alzheimers

In an earlier study in Nature, researchers have noted that mortality rates linked to outdoor air pollution may double by 2050, with the biggest increases identified in Southeast Asia and the western Pacific.

In particular, the authors found that ozone and fine particulate matter are responsible for deaths due to strokes, heart disease, and lung cancer. Nations with a heavy reliance on coal such as China, India, and Pakistan, are also those with the worst air pollution  and the highest number of premature deaths.

The study also identified modern agricultural practices as the second leading cause of premature deaths from air pollution. This variable, which is seen in deaths in the U.S., Russia, Turkey, Korea, Japan, and Europe, is caused by the formation of ammonium nitrate and sulfate particles from ammonia in livestock and fertilizer. This becomes worse since most farms are near densely populated areas, allowing these pollutants to mix with other emissions to form dangerous particles.

Learn more about the adverse effects of pollution by heading to Pollution.news today.

Sources include:

News-Medical.net

EPA.Vic.gov.au

CBS.news.com
(Natural News) Bayer is expected to finish off its $62.5 billion purchasing deal with Monsanto this week  and plans to retire the infamous Monsanto name are already in gear. But even if the name Monsanto becomes a thing of the past, the companys dirty deeds and hazardous products will continue to live on.

Bayer certainly knows a thing or two about re-branding to save face; once known as I.G. Farben, the company engaged in a number of disgusting acts back in the day, including using Jewish slave laborers during the Holocaust. Changing their name to Bayer has not mitigated this fact  though it certainly has helped the company remain profitable.

Its sadly almost fitting that these two companies have ended up together, as both Bayer and Monsanto have a history of committing crimes against humanity. Unfortunately, this wicked pairing will spell disaster for the rest of us.

Changing names means nothing

As the merging of Bayer and Monsanto draws closer, Bayer has revealed that once combined, the name Monsanto will cease to exist. Instead, Monsanto and its products will simply become part of the Bayer family.

But will relabeling Roundup as a Bayer product change the fact that its toxic and makes people sick? No. Will the independent media suddenly stop reporting on their cancer-causing glyphosate and pernicious GMO products? Absolutely not. Monsanto may disappear in name, but its legacy of toxicity and disregard for human life will unfortunately live on  and people are right to be worried about what comes next.

While the name Bayer may not currently draw as much ire as the name Monsanto does, it should  and perhaps one day it will. The Bayer companys history is just as sordid and twisted as Monsantos, after all.

Over 20 years ago, Helge Wehmeier, then-head of Bayer Corp, publicly apologized to the late Elie Wiesel and other Holocaust survivors for the egregiously inhumane actions of I.G. Farben.

I have sorrow and regret and apologize for the inhumanity in my country for what I.G. Farben did to your people, Wehmeier said to Wiesel during a lecture in 1995. Wiesel was one of many Jewish slave laborers used by the company during the Holocaust. The company was also reportedly heavily invested in the development of Zyklon B, a toxic insecticide.

Bayers dark past

I.G. Farben scientists also conducted experiments on their captive slaves. In 2003, Holocaust survivor Zoe Polanska Palmer spoke out about her experiences as a Nazi test subject. Many SS doctors reportedly worked for Bayers parent company, I.G. Farben, including Dr. Victor Capesius and Dr. Helmut Vetter  both of whom were tried and convicted for various war crimes, with the latter being executed after the war. Capesius, Polanska Palmer says, is the doctor who experimented on her, and witnesses say he worked for Bayer.

Ms. Polanska Palmer was not alone; countless children were reportedly abducted and experimented on. In the late 1990s, Eva Mozes Kor launched her own lawsuit against Bayer, claiming that the company supervised the purchasing of her and her twin from Nazis and that they were then used as guinea pigs by the infamous Josef Mengele. Kor alleges that she and other children were purposely infected with a host of diseases to test the effectiveness of various drugs manufactured by Bayer.

Ms. Kor stated at the time, After 54 years, it is time that Bayer takes responsibility for their actions. In addition to financial restitution, Kor said she wants to hear an actual apology. While Bayer has admitted to the use of slave labor, the company has not readily disclosed the other acts of evil their parent company was involved in.

In 2003, in response to Ms. Polanska Palmers claims, Bayer contended that the name Bayer didnt even exist between 1925 and 1952, and so, the company we know today had nothing to do with I.G. Farben. Really?

As sources explain, I.G. Farben has never truly stopped existing. Even though the Allies broke up the company due to their evil and inhumane activities, it simply became three new companies: Bayer, Hoechst and BASF. As of 2012, I.G. Farben still existed as a company in liquidation.

Is Bayer really as far removed from I.G. Farben as it claims to be?

Sources for this article include:

NYDailyNews.com

Axios.com

NPR.org
(Natural News) Special counsel Robert Mueller has received plenty of criticism regarding his witch hunt investigation into allegations that then-GOP candidate Donald Trump colluded with Russians to steal the election in 2016 and then obstructed justice to hide it.

These allegations are nothing more than Deep State fabrications and Mueller knows it. Everyone involved knows it. President Trump knows it.

However, not everyone knows that Mueller has a scurrilous, scandalous history involving four innocent men he allowed to either rot or die in prison just to protect a mafia source named Joseph The Animal Barboza.

As radio host Howie Carr, writing for The Daily Caller, recounts, newly revealed FBI documents note that in 2002, when Mueller was director of the FBI, he instructed agents to oppose the pardons of the four men  Louie Greco, Henry Tameleo, Peter Limone and Joe Salvati  because, he said, exculpatory evidence that had long existed was just fodder for cross-examination, one document shows.

Four years after that memo was written, all four men or their estates were collectively awarded $102 million by a federal court in Boston over their wrongful imprisonment  for decades  thanks to FBI misconduct.

The pardon was related to a request to Mueller from the Massachusetts Advisory Board of Pardons, which sought an official version of the imprisonment of the four men for a gangland-style murder in Chelsea, Mass., in March 1965. The men were eventually convicted in state court for allegedly killing Edward Teddy Deegan, a low-level hoodlum, during an attempted bank robbery.

Mueller is culpable

Carr notes:

Within days of the murder, Boston FBI agents knew the identities of the actual murderers, and reported the information to J. Edgar Hoover in Washington. But they allowed a Mob hitman they had flipped, Joseph Barboza, to settle some old scores by falsely testifying that the four men had taken part in the gangland murder he had helped arrange with others.

In 2002, lawyers for one of the innocent men, Louie Greco  a decorated World War II vet who was living in Florida at the time of the murder  were attempting to get a posthumous pardon from Massachusetts officials (he died in prison in 1995 after serving 28 years). Barbozas perjured testimony put him and the other three behind bars. (Related: Rudy attacks Muellers corrupt witch hunt: Rigged so bad SOME of his prosecutors were at Hillarys funeral on election night)

After the initial trial, another Boston-area gangster would tell a congressional committee that one FBI agent bragged about framing Greco. He said the agent exclaimed, How does Louie Greco like going from Miami to Death Row? He wasnt even there!

For more than three decades, the FBI, citing national security concerns, refused to release the exculpatory evidence. Finally, it was released in 2000 as part of an investigation at the time into FBI corruption in the Boston office, Carr noted.

Despite the fact that the evidence indicated without question that the four men were innocent, Muellers FBI nevertheless claimed that they might still be guilty, in spite of the FBIs own reports to the contrary.

Deegan was murdered on March 12, 1965. The FBI at the time sent memos to headquarters in Washington, D.C., on March 15 and 19 identifying the real killers. None of the four men who were eventually convicted for the crime were mentioned in those memos.

But in an effort to stonewall the Massachusetts parole board, Mueller insisted to them that the bureaus own memos did not mean that the four were innocent.

John Cavicchi, the Greco attorney who found Muellers FBI letter in his case files last week, said it had outraged him all over again.

After all those years, Cavicchi said Sunday, the feds still couldnt admit that they had engineered this gross miscarriage of justice. Why couldnt Mueller, who was in Boston while this frame up was going on, admit the Bureaus culpability, then apologize and just settle the civil suit?

Read the entire account here.

Read more at RobertMueller.news.

J.D. Heyes is editor of The National Sentinel and a senior writer for Natural News and News Target.

Sources include:

DailyCaller.com

NewsTarget.com
An anonymous art collector just dropped $2.3 million for a well-preserved dinosaur skeleton that is 150 million years old.

It's an exceptional buy, considering that it's ancient yet 70 percent intact. The French buyer said that the rare skeleton will be loaned to and displayed in a museum.

A New Dinosaur Species

The dinosaur bones are believed to be from a new species of Allosaurus, which was dug from a site in Wyoming back in 2013, The Guardian reported. Initially, the paleontologists assumed that the massive skeleton, around 30 feet long and 8.5 feet tall, was an Allosaurus.

However, a closer examination revealed that it had a lot more teeth and a different set of bones than an Allosaurus.

"It's not every day you come across a new species of carnivore and a skeleton that is so complete  in fact it's very rare," Eric Mickeler, a dinosaur expert, who oversaw the auction, explained to the Guardian in a previous report. "This is the first time in almost 20 years I've seen anything like this. It's fantastic, with an extraordinary skull, lots of teeth and the claws."

The creature reportedly lived during the late Jurassic period, predating the Tyrannosaurus that appeared in the Cretaceous period.

What Critics Are Saying

Some groups, however, are not happy about the sale of such an important scientific specimen to a private collector. The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, for one, reached out to auction house Auguttes in an attempt to stop the sale.

In a letter addressed to Auguttes, the organization urged the firm to reconsider the auction. While the SVP acknowledges that everything was done legally, they pointed out that such fossils are part of the collective natural heritage and should be in public trust to be examined and reexamined by scientists.

"Fossil specimens that are sold into private hands are lost to science," the members of SVP wrote. "Even if made accessible to scientists, information contained within privately owned specimens cannot be included in the scientific literature because the availability of the fossil material to other scientists cannot be guaranteed, and therefore verification of scientific claims (the essence of scientific progress) cannot be performed."

Brian Switek, a science writer, also expresses his disappointment in a piece in The Guardian. He explains that a sale to a private collector means that scientists won't be able to use it to study the mysteries of the Jurassic period.

"I'm saddened to see part of my country's Jurassic heritage go up for sale to the highest bidder. The allosaurus is an animal that records the details of a lost world in its bones," he concludes. "That's priceless."
For Immediate Release

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) welcomes the United Nations call for the United States to immediately end its policy of separating families after they cross the U.S.-Mexico border. PHR reiterates that the Trump administrations so-called zero tolerance policy, outlined recently by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, violates the fundamental right of family unity, protected as a constitutional right in the United States, a human right under international human rights law, and affirmed in international refugee law and migration law.

Kathryn Hampton, PHRs Asylum Network program officer, said the safety of child immigrants needs to be the priority.

Families are crossing the border to seek safety in the United States. They have the right under U.S. and international law to seek asylum if they have a credible fear of returning to their own country. Not only does this family separation policy violate rights, it is unnecessary and cruel. The United States must ensure that policies do not violate the rights of children and parents to be together, Hampton said.

The aggressive U.S. policy was announced on May 7 and states that all those coming across the border with children will be prosecuted and separated from their children. It resulted in 658 children being separated from their parents within two weeks of the announcement, according to Customs and Border Protection information.

The fact that many hundreds of children have already been removed from their parents  and this while in an extremely vulnerable state  is unconscionable, Hampton said.

PHR stands with the UN and its latest statement, which reaffirms international standards in border management that prohibit the separation and detention of children. Family unity is a fundamental tenet of refugee protection.

Detailed standard operating procedures should be developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security which keep families together. All agents should be trained in child protection standards, and child welfare professionals must be involved in developing and implementing, as well as evaluating, border management policies, Hampton added.

PHR also calls on the DHS Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to exercise appropriate oversight of border enforcement policies which involve family separation and publicly report findings to Congress. An inter-agency mechanism between the DHS and the Department of Health and Human Services must be established in order to reunite separated family members without delay.

Medical research clearly shows that the trauma of family separation during migration increases the risk of serious psychological disorders for refugee children, while support of the family unit is a protective mitigating factor. Separation from parents has a negative impact on the cognitive and emotional functioning of children, which can continue into adulthood and contribute to lower academic achievement, attachment difficulties, and poor mental health.

PHR commends current legislative proposals pending in Congress which would end the practice of mandatory family separation, reunite families, and ensure humane border management policies.

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is a New York-based advocacy organization that uses science and medicine to prevent mass atrocities and severe human rights violations. Learn more here.
Gonorrhea and syphilis are sweeping over England as the country sees an alarming rise in sexually transmitted infections in the past year.

Sexually transmitted infections or STI cases are continuing to be a big problem, especially in England where a number of officials are saying the issue is growing due to budget cuts.

STD Cases Continue To Increase

New data released by Public Health England (PHE) showed that there were almost 46,000 cases of gonorrhea and more than 7,000 cases of syphilis in England in 2017. This indicates a 22 percent increase for gonorrhea and a 20 percent increase for syphilis from the past year.

Chlamydia cases also remain a huge chunk of STIs, although new cases decreased by 2 percent. There were still more than 200,000 cases of chlamydia in 2017, which is 48 percent of all STI diagnoses for the entire year.

New incidents of genital warts also fell, largely due to the national HPV vaccination program implemented on girls from 12 to 13 years old.

Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 are still the most affected group. Black and other ethnic minority groups are found to be disproportionately affected, while 75 percent of new syphilis diagnoses are on gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men, making this the most at risk demographic.

Why STI Is Spreading

Many suggest that the current outbreak of STIs can be traced to budget cuts on health services.

"This government is presiding over a national crisis in sexual health, caused in large part by the decision to implement year-on-year cuts to the public health grant which funds sexual health services," Deborah Gold, the National Aids Trust chief executive, points out.

Debbie Laycock of the Terrence Higgins Trust seconds the sentiment, saying that services are already stretched far too thin and more cuts are in the works for the future.

"The significant rise in both syphilis and gonorrhoea shows why further cuts are completely unacceptable and would be extremely damaging, particularly given the emergence of a new extensively drug-resistant strain of gonorrhea," Laycock stresses.

Super-gonorrhea, which is resistant to various treatments, is shaping up to be a problem with one case confirmed in the United Kingdom last March 2017, then two cases in Australia following soon after, according to BBC News.

To avoid STI, doctors are encouraging sexually active individuals to use protection.

"Consistent and correct condom use with new and casual partners is the best defence against STIs, and if you are at risk, regular check-ups are essential to enable early diagnosis and treatment," Dr. Gwenda Hughes from the PHE says.
Being awake and conscious as doctors administer CPR sounds like a plot from a terrifying horror-thriller  except it has actually happened in real life.

The knowledge that this is possible could change the face of patient care during CPR.

The Event

A recent case study examined an incident involving a man, 69 years old, who arrived at the Herlev Hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark. He then suffered a cardiac arrest in the hospital, according to attending physician and anesthesiologist Dr. Rune Sarauw Lundsgaard in an email to CNN.

Lundsgaard recounts that the medical staff immediately initiated CPR, then advanced CPR shortly after. Two paramedics along with four hospital porters took shifts in administering CPR by pairs.

The patient did not have any electrical activity detected in his heart during any point of the operations, he adds, and the organ's functions only continued due to the staff's compressions.

However, as the medical team went on to perform CPR for 90 minutes, the patient showed signs of consciousness and awareness.

"As soon as CPR was initiated, the patient opened his eyes," Lundsgaard recalls. "When CPR was performed, the patient was able to respond to verbal communication by moving eyes, lifting hands and legs and nodding his head."

During the events, the wife of the patient was in the room and had the opportunity to grasp his hand.

The physician says that it's a practice for the medical team to stop CPR once a patient becomes conscious. However, whenever the staff stopped CPR in the recent case, the patient would fall back to unconsciousness due to the heart being unable to function on its own.

An hour after the beginning of the incident, the doctors discovered an aortic dissection in the patient's heart, which is a potentially fatal condition and likely contributed to his cardiac arrest in the first place.

Ultimately, the man did not survive the episode, which hit Lundsgaard and the rest of the team especially hard.

"For me, having to tell the patient that we were unable to save his life ... and that in a minute we will stop chest compressions and you will not survive was a challenging situation," he says.

What It Means For Patient Care

These findings set forth new questions in ethics and patient care as the possibility of patients being able to feel and be aware of pain during CPR emerges. Health officials may begin to consider sedation to ease discomfort.

"At this time, we in the medical profession are not attending to the pain we cause nor are we aware about patients' levels of consciousness during CPR," Lundsgaard explains in a report from WebMD. "This should be an area of future research."
What to Know California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and businessman John Cox will face off in the November election in the race for governor

The candidates are vying to replace California's longest-serving governor, Jerry Brown

Under California's unusual open primary system, the top two candidates who receive the most votes advance, regardless of party

California's crowded field for governor was knocked down to two Tuesday, when voters picked Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Republican businessman John Cox as the winners of the state's primary.

The contest had been watched closely because of the state's unusual system, in which the two candidates who receive the most votes advance, regardless of party. Tuesday's results mean a traditional match of a Democrat versus Republican.

The peculiarity of the open primary saw two of the Democrats, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, promoting Republican rivals to better their own chances.

[GALLERY] Gov. Jerry Brown Through the Years

Gov. Jerry Brown, the state's longest-serving governor, is barred by term limits from running again and in all, 27 people ran to replace him in a state where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans 45 percent to 26 percent, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

Now that voters have chosen, meet the candidates for governor.

Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom

As the front-runner, Newsom has come under heightened scrutiny.

The Los Angeles Times reviewed his record as lieutenant governor and reported that he missed numerous meetings of the boards he sits on. The job is mostly a ceremonial one and being a member of the University of California Board of Regents, the California State University Board of Trustees and the California State Lands Commission are among the lieutenant governors more significant duties, the newspaper wrote.

When Newsoms critics faulted him, he responded that he was there for every difficult vote.

Newsom ran for governor in 2010 but switched to the lieutenant governors race after Jerry Brown entered the contest.

Newson was the mayor of San Francisco for two terms, first elected at age 34. In 2004 he ordered the city to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The marriage licenses were nullified six months later but the decision put him in the national spotlight in a battle that ended with the U.S. Supreme Court legalizing gay marriages in 2015.

I had no right to do this, Newsom acknowledged to The Mercury News in February. We didnt have the formal authority. But we tried to exercise our moral authority and challenge the laws.

Newson gained less welcome attention when it was revealed that he had had an affair with his appointments secretary and the wife of his campaign manager and best friend.

Last year, one of Newsoms Democratic rivals, state Treasurer John Chiang, highlighted a 2009 article in SF Weekly that argued that the city was the worst run big city in the United States. It had failed to make progress on homelessness, had a transportation system plagued by deficits and undertook capital projects that busted budgets, the newspaper wrote. That year the citys budget was $6.6 billion for about 800,000 residents.

Newsoms political consultant tweeted that the attack was a sign of desperation.

Newson, 50, helped to create a program that provided access to universal health care for residents of San Francisco, and as a candidate for governor, he supports universal health care for the state.

He proposed strengthening Californias gun laws and supported legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, both passed by the states voters in 2016.

Newson, a fourth-generation San Franciscan grew up in the San Francisco Bay area and attended Santa Clara University. He opened the PlumpJack Wines shop in 1992 with financial backing from Gordon Getty, the old fortune heir. His father, William Newson, was a former judge, manager of the Gordon P. Getty Family Trust.

The enterprise has since grown into 21 businesses including wineries, restaurants and hotels.

He became a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1997.



He, his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newson, and their four children live in Marin County.

Republican John Cox

A venture capitalist who lives in Rancho Sante Fe in San Diego County, Cox got a late primary endorsement from President Donald Trump and with it a boost to his poll numbers. Trump continued his support for Cox in a tweet last week, Hell Make California Great Again! and again Tuesday morning, He will make a BIG difference.

Great night for Republicans! Congratulations to John Cox on a really big number in California. He can win. Even Fake News CNN said the Trump impact was really big, much bigger than they ever thought possible. So much for the big Blue Wave, it may be a big Red Wave. Working hard!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 6, 2018

By last week, Cox had come in second behind Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom in a survey from the UC Berkeley Institute for Governmental Studies. He polled 20 percent to Newsoms 33 percent and up from the mere 9 percent he had in December. He had the backing of 50 percent of conservative voters.

Cox did not vote for Trump in 2016, a decision he now says he regrets, but he echoes many of Trumps positions. He approves of the plan to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and rejects what are known as sanctuary laws that limit cooperation between federal and local officials. He says that they help to protect undocumented immigrants who have committed a crime.

Cox blames the California Environmental Quality Act, the states broad environmental law, for contributing to the states affordable housing shortage and says he would repeal it. He would reverse Californias gas tax rise, passed by the states Democratic-controlled legislature as the first step in raising $5.4 billion for transportation projects. He criticizes the increase, whose repeal is on Novembers ballot, as regressive.

He says he supports Second Amendment rights.

Cox, 62, grew up in Chicago, one of four children of a single mother who worked as a schoolteacher. He began working as an accountant and ran for elected office three times in Illinois, always unsuccessfully. He dropped out of a U.S. Senate primary in 2003 in a race that former President Barack Obama won, according to SFGate.

I grew up with nothing, he said at a Public Policy Institute of California speaker series, SFGate reported. The way Ive achieved what Ive achieved is the ability to have my own business. It kills me when I hear politicians  and its mostly in the other party  and they talk about this horrible inequality we have, yet they go out and encourage more regulations, more government, more restrictions on competition, more inability to start your own business.

Cox and his wife, Sarah, have four daughters.
Democrat Gavin Newsom won Tuesday's primary in the race for California governor and Republican John Cox finished in a strong second place, ensuring Republicans won't be shut out of the race to replace retiring Gov. Jerry Brown.

With a major boost from President Donald Trump's endorsement, Cox consolidated Republicans and edged past Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa, an early favorite to advance.

But Cox faces long odds in deeply liberal California, where Republicans are increasingly marginalized in state politics.

The race is one of hundreds of contests across the state that could solidify Democratic dominance and reshape the fight for control of the U.S. Congress.

Newsom, the former San Francisco mayor, was the first candidate to announce a bid for governor more than three years ago and was strongly favored for the top slot. He leaned heavily on his decision in 2004 to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in San Francisco, touching off years of debate over gay marriage in California and around the country.

In victory, Newsom wasted no time framing the general election as a fight with Trump.

"We're engaged in an epic battle, and it looks like voters will have a real choice this November _ between a governor who is going to stand up against Donald Trump and a foot solider in his war on California," Newsom told cheering supporters at his victory rally in San Francisco's Mission District.

Because of California's "jungle primary," the top two vote-getters -- regardless of party -- advance to a runoff in November.

In the race for governor, Cox defeated Villaraigosa, who was an early favorite to advance but trailed in recent months despite more than $20 million in spending on his behalf by charter school advocates.

Cox, a businessman from San Diego has run unsuccessfully for a number of offices in his native Illinois but gained footing among California Republicans as the campaign progressed. He and Travis Allen both aligned with Trump _ Allen repeatedly noted Cox voted for Libertarian Gary Johnson in the 2016 presidential election; Cox said he regrets the choice.

``This is only the first step to turning around this state and taking back California for all Californians,'' Cox told supporters in San Diego.

Trump is a popular punching bag for Democrats and unpopular with independents but maintains strong support and loyalty from the GOP base.

"I don't think there will be a blue wave at all,'' registered Republican Keith Smith, 66, said outside a Solana Beach polling place where he voted for Cox.

The campaign played out largely under the radar despite millions of dollars in spending by candidates and their independent supporters. The closing days of the race were marked as much by dueling complaints over that spending as by differences between the candidates, their priorities and their styles of governing.

Sean Spicer, 42, a San Diego resident who works in marketing, said he voted because it's a civic duty _ though he doesn't like California's top two primary system and said it is showing its shortcomings this year.

"We have 7,000 candidates vying for governor and so the top two primary system means you end up voting for people who you think can win not who you believe in,'' he said.

Evelyn Corado, a 50-year-old preschool teacher from Huntington Beach and naturalized U.S. citizen from El Salvador, chose Villaraigosa for governor.

"He was already mayor of Los Angeles and I saw him do a lot for the Hispanic community,'' she said after casting her ballot.
A Northern California surgeon facing charges that he sexually abused children has lost his medical license.

The Santa Cruz Sentinel reported on Tuesday that the state medical board revoked 58-year-old James Kohut's license effective June 1. Kohut's bail terms had already barred him from practicing medicine.

Kohut and two women were arrested last year on suspicion of running a child-sex ring after investigators say they found video images implicating all three. Kohut is facing 48 felony charges.

He has pleaded not guilty.

Several women who had relationships with Kohut said he wanted to have children with them to create "taboo families where the parents raise their children sexually," Assistant District Attorney Steven Moore said in court documents.

Moore said women identified in the documents only by their initials said Kohut "has a specific desire to have sex with a mother and a daughter." Moore also wrote that Kohut pressured the women to find children for him to abuse.

Several women who had relationships with Kohut said he wanted to have children with them to create "taboo families where the parents raise their children sexually," Assistant District Attorney Steven Moore said in court documents.

Moore said women identified in the documents only by their initials said Kohut "has a specific desire to have sex with a mother and a daughter." Moore also wrote that Kohut pressured the women to find children for him to abuse.

A judge set bail for Kohut last summer at $6.45 million, and he remains at Santa Cruz County Jail.
A Valley View Middle School student was arrested after he reportedly sent a Snapchat message to another student saying he would kill at least 30 people on the last day of school, police said.

Police seized numerous guns from the 13-year-olds home in Martinez after the Concord Police Department was notified by the FBI of the message Friday. He is also accused of posting a homophobic message to the social media platform.

The student was booked into Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall for terrorist threats though he claims it was just a joke, Pleasant Hill Police said.

"You cant take these types of threats lightly," said Sgt. Brian Leonard. "Were going to address all of them in a serious manner regardless of what someone indicates their actual intent was, if they said they were joking or not, were still going to take those threats seriously."

Valley View Principal Lisa Sullivan sent a message to students reading, "We take every threat very seriously and wanted to inform you of one we discovered this weekend  We have partnered with law enforcement and they immediately started an investigation. As a result, they have detained an individual."

Sullivan added that the school will add supervision on campus and provide counseling for students and staff to ensure they feel safe.

"Student safety is paramount to all of us, and we appreciate authorities working with us to ensure all students are safe," she wrote.

The FBI also released a statement Tuesday saying, "This incident could have been the next school shooting, but because of the partnership we have with our private sector and local law enforcement partners, it was prevented."
San Francisco police officers found a missing woman's body Saturday while searching her apartment and promptly arrested her roommate on suspicion of homicide, according to prosecutors.

Lisa Gonzales, 47, was arrested and booked into San Francisco County jail. She is due in court Wednesday to be arraigned on murder charges, police said.

Sources told NBC Bay Area Gonzales chopped up her roommate's body and stored it for up to a week in the apartment on 14th Street in the city's Mission District.

The victim's name was not released.

While an arrest has been made, the investigation is still active, police said.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the SFPD Anonymous Tip Line at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 with SFPD at the beginning of the message.

No further details were available.
A regional measure that will raise tolls on most Bay Area bridges over the next several years appears to be on its way to passing in Tuesday's election with a comfortable margin.

With a substantial portion of the regional votes counted, election returns indicated about 54 percent of voters supported Regional Measure 3.

The measure was on the ballot in all nine counties and earned a majority support in all but two counties: Contra Costa and Solano.

If passed, it will raise tolls by $1 in 2019, 2022 and 2025 on all Bay Area bridges except for the Golden Gate Bridge. By 2025, it would cost $9 to cross those bridges during peak hours and $8 to cross at any other time.

The Bay Area Toll Authority voted unanimously in January to place the measure on the ballot, saying that it would raise an estimated $4.45 billion in funding for transportation improvements throughout the region.

The Golden Gate Bridge is operated by an independent district that sets its own tolls.

The new revenue would go toward many transportation projects, including not just roads but a BART extension to San Jose, a Caltrain extension to the Transbay Transit Center in San Francisco and new ferry boats and San Francisco Municipal Railway train cars.

The mayors of the three largest cities in the region campaigned for the measure in the final weeks leading up to Tuesday's election. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo and interim San Francisco Mayor Mark Farrell appeared at the Ferry Building in May to announce their support for the higher tolls.

While many votes were still being counted early Wednesday morning, election returns showed broad support in urban areas. In San Francisco, about 64 percent of voters were in favor, while in Santa Clara County, 61 percent had approved it.

Support in Contra Costa County was dismal, however, with about 43 percent support. Support appeared to be even worse in Solano County, with only about 30 percent in favor of it.

In Alameda County, voters in Oakland, Berkeley and Alameda appeared to be voting in favor of the measure, while voters in San Leandro, Hayward and Fremont rejected it.
Mixed reaction is pouring in after the Miss America Organization's announcement that it is dropping the swimsuit competition from its nationally televised broadcast.

The group's top three leadership posts are now held by women, and on Tuesday they sent the message of brains over beauty.

"We will no longer judge our candidates on their outward physical appearance. Tell us about your goals and achievements in life," Gretchen Carlson, chairwoman of the Miss America board of directors, said Tuesday on "Good Morning America."

Alissa Musto, a former Miss Massachusetts, is voicing her objection to Miss America's major makeover.

Musto, who still performs at an elite level with quite a range, is an accomplished musician and Harvard University graduate.

"Some women find it empowering to go out there and compete in a bathing suit. A woman should be able to walk out on stage, on tv, in everyday life wearing whatever she wants," Musto says.

But not everyone agrees with Musto.

Samantha McGraw is getting ready for this year's Miss Massachusetts competition, and is already accomplished on the pageant circuit. She says dumping the swimsuit portion will help so many young women avoid what she went through.

"I started to get into disordered eating habits, and it stemmed from pageants and wanting to fit into a size zero," says McGraw.

Miss America started exclusively as a swimsuit competition nearly 100 years ago, but the country is now going through a culture shift, fueled by the #metoo movement. Pageant leaders say thats part of the reason for the change.

"I think associating those two together, is kind of victim blaming. And saying well if you dress like this, you do a certain thing, you deserve it," Musto says.

But what Musto and McGraw can agree on, however, is that Miss America will always be about serving and inspiring otherswith or without a swimsuit.

"It's going to change the future and going to change peoples lives," McGraw says.
Hostile border agents confiscated the life savings of a 64-year-old Ohio man traveling to his home country of Albania to fix up a family house, according to a lawsuit filed by the nonprofit law firm representing the family.

Rustem Kazazi was traveling with his wife, Lejla, to Albania from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to clean up a family home and possibly purchase a vacation home on the coast, according to the Institute for Justice.

Rustem also has extended family in Albania who are struggling financially, and he wanted to help them, the nonprofit said.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection took Kazazi into a small interrogation room, stripped him naked for a full-body search, interrogated him without a translator, and then seized his familys life savings of $58,100 without charging anyone with a crime, according to the Institute for Justice.

A spokesperson for CBP said the organization does not comment on pending litigation.

And once again, an American family finds itself in a civil forfeiture battle with law enforcement over whether people have the right to travel with cash, the Institute for Justice said.

Kazazi, his, and the couples son, Erald, and daughter immigrated to the United States in 2005 and became American citizens in 2010, according to the Institute for Justice. The nonprofit said Kazazi packed the familys savings in three envelopes in his carry-on luggage and passed through security at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, heading to a layover at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, before ultimately flying to Albania. But CBP agents stopped him in Cleveland and took the familys entire life savings, they allege.

You have the right to travel with cash in America, even when youre flying internationally, said Wesley Hottot, an attorney with the Institute for Justice, said. But again, were encountering a situation where law enforcement sees somebody with legal cash, assumes they must have done something criminal, and they just take the money. It is disturbing how little respect federal agents show for the civil rights of American citizens.

There is no limit on the amount of money that can be taken out of or brought into the United States. However, if a person or persons traveling together and filing a joint declaration, have more than $10,000 in currency or negotiable monetary instruments, they must fill out a report of international transportation of currency and monetary instruments" FinCEN 105. Failure to declare monetary instruments in amounts more than $10,000 can result in fines or forfeiture and could result in civil and or criminal penalties.

CBP claimed the money was involved in a smuggling/drug trafficking/money laundering operation, according to the Institute for Justice. The family has the tax documents to prove otherwise, the nonprofit argues.

Moreover, the government has never pointed to any evidence of wrongdoing, the institute said. Rustem decided to carry the money in cash because American dollars are highly valued in Albania and offer more purchasing power than the local currency.

The nonprofit also said the CBP letter claimed $57,330 was seized--$770 less than they Kazazi was actually carrying.

But rather than honor its legal obligations, CBP continues to hold the Kazazis money more than seven months after the seizure without any explanation, the Justice Institute said.

The law firm also said Kazazi is a former police officer.

The government harassed my father, stole my familys money and is now apparently hoping well just forget about it, said Erald Kazazi. Were American citizens, and we came to this country because we believe America is the land of freedom and opportunity. We never imagined the government would treat its own citizens this way.
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
A Virginia National Guard soldier who stole an armored personnel carrier and led police on a more than 60-mile chase through central Virginia was under the influence of drugs, authorities say.

Joshua Philip Yabut, 29, of Richmond got inside an M577 armored personnel vehicle and drove away from Fort Pickett in Nottoway County about 7:50 p.m. Tuesday, police said. Fort Pickett is home to the National Guard's Maneuver Training Center, according to the military installation's website.

Police pursued Yabut as he drove east along Route 460 and onto Interstate 95 north toward Richmond. The chase ended along Broad Street  a main thoroughfare for traffic in Richmond.

The vehicle topped out at 45 mph, police said. The vehicle was not equipped with weapons, but the National Guard says Yabut did have his personal weapon with no ammunition.

Yabut is a first lieutenant assigned as the commander of the 276th Engineer Battalion, the National Guard said. He has been with the National Guard for more than 11 years and was deployed to Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009.

Yabut seemed to foreshadow the theft and chase in Twitter posts Tuesday. Hours before the vehicle drove off the base, an account confirmed by the Guard as Yabut's tweeted a Wikipedia entry about the M113 armored personnel carrier, which is similar to the M577 vehicle police chased, and a screenshot of a map around the area where the vehicle eventually stopped.

Minutes after police began their pursuit shortly before 8 p.m., Yabut posted a photo and video of himself in what appears to be the stolen vehicle.

He wrote a series of odd tweets Tuesday, including: "where is this damn water buffalo" "all i wanna do is get an anime wife'' and "wow I think I just discovered a large illegal spy operation in the us government."

This is INSANE! Someone has hijacked a Tank-like vehicle from Fort Pickett and just drove it by our apartment! This is on Broad Street in the Fan. pic.twitter.com/EYfhFux1dk  Parker Slaybaugh (@ParkerSlay89) June 6, 2018

The chase ended about 9:40 p.m. when Yabut abandoned the vehicle and was taken into custody near City Hall.

No injuries or crashes were reported.

Yabut has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs, one felony count of eluding police and one felony count of unauthorized use of a vehicle. It wasn't immediately clear if he had an attorney who could answer to the charges.

The incident remains under investigation.

This is not the first time a large piece of military equipment has been stolen from a military installation. More than 20 years ago, a man stole a 63-ton military tank form a National Guard armory in San Diego, California, according to a New York Times article from 1995. The man was fatally shot after driving the tank through neighborhoods, causing significant damage.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Father's Day is quickly approaching! If you're still not sure how to celebrate Dad, here are a few ways to spend the day in Connecticut.

Fathers Day Open Cockpit at New England Air Museum: Windsor Locks  Let your dad soar through time while climbing aboard cockpits of historic airplanes and helicopters. The museum will hold this event on Sunday, June 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dads get in free at The Dinosaur Place at Natures Art Village: Montville  Roam through trails of the 60-acre Dinosaur-Filled Outdoor Adventure Park with Dad this Fathers Day. With the purchase of childs admission, dads are free on June 17 between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fathers Day Behind the Scenes Tour at the Connecticut Trolley Museum: East Windsor  Give Dad and Grandpa the opportunity to tour grounds of the Connecticut Trolley Museum that are usually closed off to visitors, climb aboard some of the trolleys, and take a ride in one of the Trolley cars. On June 17 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Dads and Grandpas receive free admission with the purchase of adult or child admission.

Fathers Day Jazz Brunch at Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art: Hartford  Give Dad a fathers day to remember with music and brunch. Choose from a variety of meals while listening to the Orice Jenkins Trio. After, take a guided tour through the galleries, or view them on your own. Tickets are $38 and include museum admission, jazz and brunch. Two seatings are available, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Fathers Day Brunch Cruise on Lady Katharine Cruises: Haddam  Set sail on Fathers Day as Lady Katherine Cruises departs from Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam. Gather the family to celebrate Dad and view the scenic Connecticut River cruise while enjoying a buffet.
When Sherry Savino, her husband, and their three children moved into their Canton home last year, Sherry thought a home warrant was a good idea since she didnt know the history of the appliances she was inheriting in the move.

When her clothes dryer stopped working in February, Savino called American Home Shield, her home warranty company.

The company sent a technician to Savinos home, but the first repair attempt didnt work. So the company sent another tech.

Savino said she had to keep calling American Home Shield, because the problem persisted. Each time, she said the technician repaired or replaced a different part.

In early May, an agent told Savino she had been approved for a new dryer.

Savino received an email confirming the order. The email said the delivery company would contact her to schedule an appointment. Savino said she didnt hear anything.

"My new dryer seemed to be missing in action, Savino said.

Savino said she called her contact at American Home Shield every day, but said he never called back. At the same time, she was having problems with the delivery company.

"They kept changing times, cancelling my appointments," Savino said.

Savino sent an email to NBC Connecticut Responds describing the situation. Our consumer team reached out to American Home Shield on her behalf.

Soon after, Savino received a call from an executive supervisor, who apologized for the ongoing issues, and scheduled a new delivery date.

Savino said the crew did finally arrive to install the dryer, but they showed up outside the scheduled time.

In response to our inquiry, a spokesperson for American Home Shield said:

At American Home Shield, we take great pride in providing quality service and valuable protection to our customers. If we fail to meet these expectations, we work to do the right thing and ensure the situation is properly resolved.

We truly apologize for the inconvenience and delay that Mr. and Mrs. Savino experienced. We are disappointed in the service experience we provided and have taken immediate action to address these service gaps with each party involved. We have also reimbursed her service fee.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention so we could help resolve this matter, as well as continue to identify ways to enhance our customer experience.

Savino said she has filed smaller claims with American Home Shield in the past without problems. But shes unlikely to extend her contract.

"I think I'd rather spend the $700 to just go out and buy a new appliance," Savino said.

If you are considering a home warranty, read the contract carefully. Make sure you understand exactly what is and isnt covered.

If the wording is unclear, ask the company for clarification. Some warranty plans may offer repairs for covered appliances, but not replacements.

If you do get a replacement, it may not be the same quality that you would choose for yourself.

You dont get to choose who does the work. The warranty company will send one of its contracted vendors.
Real estate agents in a Connecticut town have agreed to a temporary ban on for sale signs outside homes in attempt to make the community more attractive.

The New Canaan Board of Realtors and the New Canaan Multiple Listing Service will start a six-month trial ban beginning July 1.

Board president Janis Hennessy says most people shop for homes online and homes look better without the signs.

Millennials and other potential buyers shop for real estate online and the New Canaan Board of Realtors believes they will be able to find New Canaan homes without these signs, a statement from the board read.

The move was made after a New Canaan Multiple Listing Service survey of close to 200 people found that most wanted to either ban signs altogether or institute a temporary ban.

First Selectman Kevin Moynihan is on board with the ban, saying signs are "unattractive and unnecessary."

The policy will be reviewed at the end of the trial.
Republicans and Democrats alike appear to have escaped calamity in a crucial day of coast-to-coast primary battles as they fight to shape the political battlefield for the fall. There was an especially big sigh of relief from the GOP Wednesday after the party avoided being entirely shut out of California's November election of a new governor.

Republicans had feared that Democrats would win both of the governor's spots in California's unique top-two primary system. With no one to support at the top of the state ticket, the concern was that GOP voters would sit the election out, giving Democrats a big advantage in House races across the state that could help swing control of Congress.

There was less Democratic talk of a November "blue wave" on Wednesday. And President Donald Trump, crediting "the Trump impact," said there might be "a big Red Wave" instead. But that seemed to be more of a typical presidential boast than a realistic analysis of the California results.

While some Golden State contests remained too close to call Wednesday, Republicans managed to get business executive John Cox on the November ballot for governor. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newson, a Democrat, easily captured the top spot to succeed term-limited Jerry Brown in the deeply Democratic state's top office. There will be no Republican candidate in the other big statewide race, for U.S. Senate.

Democrats were fighting to avoid their own calamity, in California's many competitive House districts, and appeared to have largely succeeded. The concern in their case was that so many candidates would divide the Democratic vote and let Republicans take the top two spots in some House races. After more votes were counted on Wednesday, the Democrats appeared to have avoided being shut out in nearly all of the state's battleground contests.

Nationwide, Tuesday night was a big night for women, as female candidates for governor advanced, including Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham in New Mexico and Republican Kristi Noem in South Dakota. Female Republican governors in Alabama and Iowa will try for their first full terms after succeeding men who resigned.

California's Sen. Dianne Feinstein also fared well and will face only a fellow Democrat in November.

Still, Trump was ready to celebrate.

"Many more Republican voters showed up yesterday than the Fake News thought possible," Trump tweeted.

California's handful of competitive House races  more than a half dozen Republican-held seats may be in play  has made it hotly contested territory in the fight over control of the House, drawing big money and the spotlight on the biggest primary night of midterms. Democrats need to pick up 23 seats nationwide to retake the House.

Much of Tuesday's drama focused on women, including former federal prosecutor and Navy pilot Mikie Sherrill, who bested a field of Democratic rivals to replace retiring New Jersey Republican Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen. The favorite of Washington Democrats will take on GOP Assemblyman Jay Webber in one of several New Jersey races Democrats view as possible pickups.

In Alabama, four-term Republican Rep. Martha Roby was forced into a runoff election next month after failing to win 50 percent of her party's vote. She will face former Democratic Rep. Bobby Bright in Alabama's conservative 2nd district  where Trump loyalty has been a central issue.

Roby was the first member of Congress to withdraw her endorsement of the Republican president in 2016 after he was caught on video bragging about grabbing women's genitals.

In New Mexico, Democratic Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham won her party's nomination in the race to succeed outgoing Republican Gov. Susana Martinez. If Grisham wins, she'll be the state's second Latino state executive.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey fended off three GOP challengers, while South Dakota Rep. Kristi Noem became the first female nominee for governor in her state.

In Iowa, 28-year-old Democratic state Rep. Abby Finkenauer was trying to become the youngest woman to serve in Congress.

And in New Mexico, former state Democratic Party Chairwoman Debra Haaland, a tribal member of Laguna Pueblo, won her primary and could become the first Native American woman in Congress if she wins this fall.

Haaland said in her primary victory statement: "Donald Trump and the billionaire class should consider this victory a warning shot: the blue wave is coming."

Mississippi Republican Sen. Roger Wicker won his primary contest as did New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, a Democrat who faced federal bribery charges last year. The jury deadlocked, but Republicans hope to use Menendez's legal troubles to tar other Democrats like Sherrill across the state.

Republican businessman Bob Hugin claimed the Republican nomination to face Menendez this fall.

In California, national Democrats spent more than $7 million trying to curb and repair the damage inflicted by Democrats attacking each other in districts opened by retiring Republican Reps. Ed Royce and Darrell Issa, and the district where Republican Dana Rohrabacher fended off a challenge from the right.

Republican Rep. Mimi Walters easily advanced to the November election in her Orange County district that has been targeted by Democrats.

And to the north, House intelligence committee chairman Devin Nunes, a Republican, qualified for the general election ballot as well. Nunes is a polarizing figure in national politics given his support for Trump in one of the many investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

A key Senate race took shape in the heart of Trump country as well.

Montana Republicans were picking a candidate to take on Democratic Sen. Jon Tester, one of the most vulnerable senators in the nation. State Auditor Matt Rosendale won the GOP nomination.

___

Associated Press writers Amy Taxin in Huntington Beach, Sophia Bollag in Sacramento, David Porter in Montclair, New Jersey, and Kevin McGill in Picayune, Mississippi, contributed to this report.
What to Know Alice Marie Johnson, 63, has spent more than two decades behind bars and was not eligible for parole

"BEST NEWS EVER!!!!" Kim Kardashian West tweeted. She championed Johnson's case after seeing a video about her on Twitter

President Trump has seemed drawn to causes advocated by conservatives, celebrities or those who once appeared on his former reality show

President Donald Trump commuted the sentence Wednesday of a woman serving a life sentence for drug offenses whose cause was championed by reality TV star Kim Kardashian West in a recent visit to the White House.

"BEST NEWS EVER!!!!" was the Twitter response from Kardashian West.

Alice Marie Johnson, 63, had spent more than two decades behind bars, serving life without parole for drug offenses. She was released hours after the White House announcement and ran into her family members' arms.

Michael Scholl, a member of Johnson's legal team, said she was released just before 6 p.m. from federal prison in Aliceville, Alabama. Footage from local news station WVTM-13 showed Johnson running toward her family, throwing her arms wide-open and embracing them in front of a crowd of onlookers.

"Everybody was crying and hugging," Scholl said.

"I'm just so thankful. I feel like my life is starting over again," Johnson said moments after her release, calling Kardashian West an "angel" and thanking Trump "for giving me another chance at life and restoring me to my family."

Unlike a pardon, the commutation will not erase Johnson's conviction, only end her sentence.

Trump's decision comes amid a recent flurry of pardons issued by the president, who has seemed drawn to causes advocated by conservatives, celebrities or those who once appeared on his former reality show, "The Apprentice." This use of executive power is taking place against the backdrop of the Russia investigation that hangs over his presidency.

The White House said Johnson "has accepted responsibility for her past behavior" and has been a model prisoner, working hard to rehabilitate herself and serve as a mentor to fellow inmates. It said that Johnson's warden, case manager, and vocational training instructor had written letters in support of her clemency.

"While this Administration will always be very tough on crime, it believes that those who have paid their debt to society and worked hard to better themselves while in prison deserve a second chance," according to a statement from the office of White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Kardashian West expressed gratitude "to everyone who has showed compassion & contributed countless hours to this important moment. ... Her commutation is inspirational & gives hope to so many others who are also deserving of a second chance."

The commutation puts a renewed focus on the Trump administration's push for prison and sentencing changes, an effort that sometimes has clashed with the president's law-and-order approach, especially at the Justice Department. Trump has called for getting tougher on drug dealers, including suggesting some should receive the death penalty.

A White House official has told NBC News that dozens of pardons have been prepared for Trump and he is considering them, though there was no indication he will move ahead with any or all of them.

This official did not name the people under consideration or what category of offense they would be pardoned for.

Johnson was convicted in 1996 on eight criminal counts related to a Memphis-based cocaine trafficking operation involving more than a dozen people. The 1994 indictment describes dozens of deliveries and drug transactions, many involving Johnson.

She was sentenced to life in prison in 1997. Appeals court judges and the Supreme Court rejected her appeals. Court records show she had a motion pending for a reduction in her sentence, but federal prosecutors were opposed, saying in a court filing that the sentence is in accord with federal guidelines, based on the large quantity of drugs involved.

The U.S. attorney's office in Memphis did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

A criminal justice advocacy site, CAN-DO, and one of Johnson's lawyers said a request for clemency was rejected when Barack Obama was president. The reasons are unclear.

A 1997 Associated Press story on Johnson's sentencing said she headed up a multimillion-dollar drug ring. But Scholl, who filed the latest court documents in her request for a sentence reduction, said she was not a leader in the cocaine operation.

"What is the purpose of putting a lady with no prior criminal record, on a nonviolent drug offense, in jail for her entire life?" he said in a telephone interview. "She's a model inmate."

Scholl said Johnson has admitted her wrongdoing, which is borne out in letters she has written to U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays, who now oversees her case.

"Judge Mays I'm writing to you to express my deep remorse for the crime that I committed over 20 years ago. I made some bad choices which have not only affected my life, but have impacted my entire family," she said in a February 2017 letter in the court record.

In a hand-scrawled letter last June she wrote: "I'm a broken woman. More time in prison cannot accomplish more justice."

Kardashian West visited the White House in May to meet with Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser, who is overseeing the administration's push to overhaul the nation's prison system. She also met with Trump in the Oval Office, a photograph of which the president released on Twitter.

In an interview with Mic, a digital news company, released this year, Kardashian West said she was moved by Johnson's story after seeing a video by that outlet on Twitter.

"I think that she really deserves a second chance at life," Kardashian told Mic. "I'll do whatever it takes to get her out."

Trump recently pardoned conservative commentator Dinesh D'Souza, who was convicted of a campaign finance violation. He also granted a posthumous pardon to boxing's first black heavyweight champion, clearing Jack Johnson's name more than 100 years after what many saw as a racially charged conviction.

The boxer's pardon had been championed by actor Sylvester Stallone, who Trump said had brought the story to his attention in a phone call.

Trump has also pardoned former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, a staunch campaign supporter; Scooter Libby, who served as chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney; and a U.S. Navy sailor convicted of taking photos of classified portions of a sub.

He has suggested he was considering acting to commute the sentence of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who is serving 14 years in prison for corruption, and celebrity homemaker Martha Stewart, convicted of insider trading.

The federal prosecutor who oversaw Stewart's case in New York was James Comey, one of Trump's principal antagonists who was fired by the president last year as FBI director. The prosecutor who led the case against Blagojevich in Chicago was Patrick Fitzgerald, a Comey friend who is also his lawyer. Fitzgerald was also the special counsel leading the case against Libby.
Moments before 15-year-old Noelle Jones was shot by a classmate, she hugged Chad Anthony Padilla and told him to sit down because he looked angry, according to court testimony Tuesday.

Padilla backed away and told her, "Sorry it had to end this way," before shooting her multiple times in the cafeteria of Italy High School, an Ellis County investigator testified.

The 16-year-old will stand trial as an adult on two charges of aggravated assault in the Jan. 22 shooting, state District Judge Cindy Ermatinger ruled Tuesday.

Read more from our media partner The Dallas Morning News.


A man wanted on an attempted murder charge was arrested Tuesday outside the White House, where he was working as a contractor and had a White House pass, law enforcement officials said.



The U.S. Secret service learned Monday 29-year-old Martese Maurice Edwards of Suitland, Maryland, was wanted on a warrant from Prince George's County, according to a Secret Service statement.

Officers arrested him at a checkpoint when when he reported for work about noon the next day, according to the statement.

Edwards was taken to a Metropolitan Police Department station for processing, the statement said.

A federal official said the warrant was for attempted first-degree murder. The details of the charge were not available.

The Secret Service learned about the arrest warrant when it was entered into the national Criminal Justice Information System Monday, the statement said. But two law enforcement officials said the warrant was issued in mid-May, raising a question of why Maryland authorities did not enter it into the database until Monday.

A White House spokesperson was unable to say what the contractor's job was or to what areas of the White House he had access with his contractor's pass. But a federal law enforcement official says Edwards did work for the National Security Council in the Old Executive Office Building next to the White House and did not have access to the West Wing.
San Diego businessman and Gubernatorial candidate John Cox claimed a second place finish to Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom in the race to replace Jerry Brown as California's governor.

As polls closed at 8 p.m. in San Diego County, Cox, a Republican, said he was cautiously optimistic about a runoff with Newsom, the Democratic favorite. Close to two hours later, Cox thanked voters and sent a message to Newsom, who previously said hed prefer a duel across party lines over a runoff with another Democrat.

Mr. Newsom made it clear that he wanted to run against me instead of another Democrat. Well, as I told him in San Jose at the debate, be careful what you wish for," Cox said.

Newsom and Cox traded the lead with about 30 percent each in early returns, with Republican Travis Allen and Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa about 15 points behind them.

Brown, whose four terms spread over more than four decades are the most in state history, has not endorsed a successor.

Because of California's "jungle primary ," the top two vote-getters  regardless of party  advance to a runoff in November.

Newsom has said he would prefer to face a Republican and it's understandable because Democrats dominate in California. Republican registration has fallen for years and the party has not won a statewide contest in more than a decade, when Arnold Schwarzenegger was re-elected governor in 2006.

The election is pivotal for Republicans looking to end their mounting struggles and gain a stronger foothold in the nation's largest state. For Democrats, who risk getting shut out of key congressional races, it has massive implications for their push to retake control of the U.S. House.

Democrats need to gain 23 districts nationally to flip the majority in the House, and a key part of their strategy is expanding their 39-14 advantage in the home state of Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi.

Los Angeles County officials said the names of more than 118,000 voters were omitted from voter lists because of a printing error, but residents could still cast provisional ballots that will be counted once their registration is confirmed.

Some counties reported light traffic at polling stations Tuesday, but officials pointed out many voters were mailing in their ballots.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, for example, most of the voters at Berkeley City Hall were dropping off ballots they had received by mail. In the Central Valley, Kern County Clerk Auditor Susan Rooney said 49,000 of the 233,000 mail ballots sent out had been turned in as of Tuesday morning.

Still, some people were eager to vote.

Edgar Mito, a 77-year-old retired truck loader in Los Angeles who is a registered Democrat, voted for state Treasurer John Chiang for governor and for U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein because "she's got the connections and the power."

He said he voted because, "it's my duty."

"And I don't want what happened with Trump to happen again," he said, adding that he was away during the presidential election and didn't cast a ballot. "I think Hillary was going to win in a landslide. So now I want to get my word in."

The key battlegrounds are seven districts, mostly in Southern California, where Hillary Clinton defeated then-candidate Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential race, making the districts targets this year.

Democrats hope to avoid their nightmare scenario  the vote is split among a crowded field of Democrats and two Republicans get the only slots in the November election.

Dianne Feinstein is seeking another six-year term at age 84 and cruised easily into November. Her fellow Democrat Kevin de Leon, the former state Senate leader, was running closely with several Republicans for the second slot.

Elsewhere, San Francisco will choose a new leader following the sudden death of Mayor Ed Lee, and a Northern California judge, Aaron Persky, faces a recall for the light sentence he gave a former Stanford University swimmer who sexually assaulted a drunken woman.

In the race for governor, recent polls showed a surge by Republican businessman Cox, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump. Villaraigosa was seen as a major threat to Newsom when the campaign started, has tailed off. He campaigned furiously in the final days to close the gap.

The other major candidates are Chiang and former education Superintendent Delaine Eastin, both Democrats, and Allen, a Republican.

The campaign has played out largely under the radar despite millions of dollars in spending by candidates and their independent supporters. The closing days of the race were marked as much by dueling complaints over that spending as by differences between the candidates, their priorities and their styles of governing.

Sean Spicer, 42, a San Diego resident who works in marketing, also said he voted because it's a civic duty  though he doesn't like California's top two primary system and said it is showing its shortcomings this year.

"We have 7,000 candidates vying for governor and so the top two primary system means you end up voting for people who you think can win not who you believe in," he said.

Evelyn Corado, a 50-year-old preschool teacher from Huntington Beach and naturalized U.S. citizen from El Salvador, chose Villaraigosa for governor.

"He was already mayor of Los Angeles and I saw him do a lot for the Hispanic community," she said after casting her ballot.

Cox, a businessman from San Diego has run unsuccessfully for a number of offices in his native Illinois but gained footing among California Republicans as the campaign progressed. He and Allen both aligned with Trump  Allen repeatedly noted Cox voted for Libertarian Gary Johnson in the 2016 presidential election; Cox said he regrets the choice  but the president chose Cox for his endorsement.

Trump is a popular punching bag for Democrats and unpopular with independents but maintains strong support and loyalty from the GOP base.

"I don't think there will be a blue wave at all," registered Republican Keith Smith, 66, said outside a Solana Beach polling place where he voted for Cox.

___

AP reporters Julie Watson in San Diego, Amy Taxin in Huntington Beach, Olga Rodriguez in San Francisco, and Amanda Lee Myers and John Antczak in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
Art Placencia was a 21-year-old rookie Los Angeles police officer with only a few weeks on the job when he got the biggest call of his career June 5, 1968.

He and his partner Travis White were in a squad car patrolling the Rampart Division when the call came in  "All units. Ambulance shooting. 3400 Wilshire."

The location was the Ambassador Hotel where Robert F. Kennedy had been celebrating his victory in the California presidential primary.

The officers raced to the scene.

At the hotel entrance, Placencia remembered hearing a man in a tuxedo yell, "This way! He's over here! He's over here!"

Placencia and his partner were led to a kitchen pantry packed with people yelling, screaming, crying.

A man had another man in a chokehold on a pantry table. A second man lay on the man, restraining him. A third man held the man's legs.

"That's him, officer! He's the one!" Placencia recalled hearing.

Placencia had no idea of the significance of his response to that call that night. He and White were the first officers to arrive and take Sirhan Sirhan into custody after he fatally shot Robert F. Kennedy, the popular younger brother of a slain president who had just won California's democratic primary. Placencia recalled that moment on Tuesday, 50 years ago after the assassination.

It wasn't until after Placencia had Sirhan in the police car on the way to the station that he learned who had been shot.

"I was too young to realize what I had just become a part of  'My God, Bobby Kennedy has been shot and your handcuffs were on the guy who shot him,'" Placencia, now 71, said.

After cuffing Sirhan, Placencia and his partner escorted their man through a terrified and angry crowd. He said it was like walking from a hornet's nest to another one as he thrusted with his baton, pushing people back, making a beeline down the stairs. Placencia said he read him his rights from his field notebook ... "You have the right to remain silent ..."

Sirhan looked down, saying nothing.

Placencia thought maybe he didn't speak English so he jabbed him in the mouth with his flashlight then read him his rights in Spanish.

"I'll remember 3909," Placencia's badge number, were the only words Sirhan spoke, Placencia recalled.

On the drive, Placencia asked the man sitting in the front passenger seat who got shot.

"Bobby Kennedy," was the reply.

"By the way, who are you?" Placencia asked the man.

"I'm Jesse Unruh."

Unruh, Kennedy's campaign manager, had hopped into the squad car, swept up into following officers after the arrest.

At the station, Placencia emptied Sirhan's pockets  a $100 bill, some loose change, a set of car keys, and an unused .22 caliber long bullet, one that belonged to the gun used to kill Kennedy.

The gun, an eight shot .22 revolver that used .22 caliber long bullets, was later walked into the front desk of the station by a witness. Placencia bagged up the evidence and turned it and Sirhan over to detectives.

It was the last time Placencia saw the suspect until court. Sirhan was convicted and remains in prison to this day.

Placencia went on to have a long career at the LAPD, promoted to detective, later to sergeant and detective supervisor. He witnessed no bigger event in his 39 year career.

Today he's an adjunct professor at East Los Angeles College, teaching administration of justice. Other than telling his story over the years, he doesn't think too deeply about that night.

"I just happened to be in the right place, at the right time," he said. "At any given time you could just be driving around and the next thing you know you could be part of history."
Three people were arrested overnight in the shooting of a college wrestler last week outside a Pomona gas station.

Police responded to a Pomona neighborhood late Tuesday after a reported sighting of a man wanted in connection with the shooting of Daylon Walker, a college wrestler who recently moved back to Southern California to help care for a family member. A woman and two men, indentified as the driver and passenger in a getaway car, were taken into custody.

Police said they are still searching for the shooter, identified as 34-year-old Rigoberto Perez, of Azusa. Anyone with information about Perez's location was asked to call 911, police said.

Walker remained hospitalized Wednesday morning in critical condition. The shooter approached Walker, asked him for money, then opened fire in what police said was an attempted carjacking.

Security camera video captured the shooter and a car connected to the slaying Thursday in the 800 block of Rio Rancho Road. Walker tried to drive away, but rolled to a stop near a gas station pump.

A station employee said he heard about four rounds fired in the parking lot.

Walker's mother said he moved back to Southern California about a year ago to help care for his partially paralyzed stepfather. He transferred to Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut to join the wrestling team, she said.
As expected, Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom grabbed a commanding lead Tuesday night in the race for governor, while Republican John Cox made a strong early bid for second place.

Newsom grabbed roughly 35 percent of the vote early, effectively ensuring him of a spot on the November general election ballot. But the real drama is the race for second place.

Cox, powered by an endorsement by President Donald Trump, had more than 27 percent of the vote to easily land in second place. Fellow Republican Travis Allen held a narrow lead for third place with about 11 percent of the vote, followed by Democratic former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa with 10 percent.

None of the other 23 candidates had more than 10 percent of the vote.

Villaraigosa's campaign released a statement that the candidate was calling on the Los Angeles Registrar Recorder/County Clerk Dean Logan to keep voting centers open through Friday, Jun. 8 after reports of nearly 119,000 voters' names being omitted from the roster of eligible voters in Los Angeles County during California's primary election Tuesday, a glitch that county officials attributed to a printing error.

Logan called the problem a "random issue with the print job that ran the paper rosters," but said the glitch was not preventing anyone from voting.

Affected voters were being given provisional ballots at the polling place to ensure their votes would be tabulated.

"We are aware and tracking this issue," Logan wrote on his Twitter page in response to questions from voters. "We apologize for the inconvenience this caused you. Provisional ballots are in place to ensure voters have the chance to vote on Election Day."

He assured voters that provisional ballots will be tabulated and included in the election results once registration status and eligibility are confirmed. County Supervisor Hilda Solis issued a statement urging affected voters to obtain and fill out a provisional ballot.

"Regardless of what our hard-working poll workers say, if you believe you are registered to vote and your name does not appear on the roster at your polling place, you have the absolute right to a provisional ballot," Solis said. "Please do not leave any polling place without voting through either a regular ballot or by requesting a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots are counted in the election returns once your registration is confirmed."

Residents were also being urged to verify their polling location, since its possible the location may have changed even after sample ballots were mailed. Polling places can be verified at www.lavote.net/locator.

You can also check your provisional ballot status here.
Four of five statewide ballot propositions were approved by voters Tuesday, including a $4 billion bond measure to fund parks, water-quality and flood-protection projects, but voters rejected a measure to control spending of funds raised by selling greenhouse-gas-emission permits.

Proposition 68: Voters backed Proposition 68, which provides funds for purchasing and protecting wilderness and open-space areas, and to maintain and operate local and regional parks. It also funds construction and repair of flood-control projects, provide local grants to improve access to clean drinking water and fund various other water-quality projects.

Supporters, including Sen. Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, said it will help position the state to recover from droughts, wildfires, severe weather and other issues while protecting access to clean water and ensuring the availability of open space.

Opponents, including the Central Coast and Howard Jarvis taxpayers associations, questioned the viability of the funding, claiming the proposition is misleadingly billed as a parks-improvement measure. The association contend only a fraction of the money is actually earmarked for parks, and the funds would not be distributed fairly across the state.

Proposition 69: Voters overwhelmingly favored Proposition 69, which would amend the state Constitution and require funds generated by the state's SB 1 gas tax to be spent exclusively on transportation purposes, and prohibit the money from being diverted by the Legislature for other purposes. Proponents called it a vital measure to protect the estimated $5 billion being raised annually by SB 1, while opponents claimed SB 1 already contains restrictions on spending.

Proposition 70: Voters rejected Proposition 70, a plan to require revenue generated by the state's sale of greenhouse-gas-emission permits to be held in a reserve fund. The measure would have required a two-thirds majority vote of the Legislature for any of the money to be spent. Proponents, including Gov. Jerry Brown, said the measure would prevent the funds from being diverted to politicians' "pet projects," while opponents said it would contribute to legislative gridlock and undermine the state's ability to move forward with clean-energy programs.

Proposition 71: The measure, which amends the state Constitution to state that ballot measures approved by voters in statewide elections will take effect five days after the election results are certified by the Secretary of State's Office, also scored a convincing victory in Tuesday's primary. Current law states that measures take effect the day after the election unless the measure includes a specific effective date. Proponents said the proposition ensures that all votes are counted before a measure takes effect, but opponents called it unnecessary.

Proposition 72: Voters also approved Proposition 72, which bars an increase in property taxes related to residents' installation of rainwater-capture systems. Proponents said residents should not be penalized for making an upgrade to their property that helps the environment.
The original Gerber baby and todays "spokesbaby" met, and they got along like two peas in a jar of baby food.

.medium .leadMediaRegion.city_module iframe {height:421px;}

Ann Turner Cook, 91, recently met 1-year-old Lucas Warren for an adorable photo 90 years in the making.

My grandmother was the Gerber baby. It was a funny bit of trivia, never made her rich or got us free strained peas or anything. But last week she got to meet the company's newest spokesbaby, named Lucas. Pretty pretttty cute. pic.twitter.com/u7ddWaM1Ed  Chris Colin (@chriscolin3000) June 4, 2018

Both showed their infectious smiles that respectively made them the faces of Gerber baby food in 1928 and 2018. Little Lucas parents told Today.com the experience was life-changing.

Cook lives in Tampa after retiring as an English teacher and mystery novelist. Lucas, who is also the first Gerber baby with Down syndrome, and his parents were in the area on a family vacation, Gerber helped arrange a meeting between Warren and Cook.

As soon as we walked into the room, (Cook) and Lucas immediately bonded, parents Cortney and Jason wrote in a statement to Today.com Lucas walked right up to her, flashing his signature smile and waving, and we could tell he loved her right away.

Lucas then grabbed two cookies and offered Cook one, which she accepted.

Her grandson, writer Chris Colin, tweeted out the photo of the joyous meeting with Lucas in Florida.
Pork farmers could lose $100 million annually after Mexico said it would slap a massive tariff on pork imports to retaliate against President Donald Trump's aluminum and steel import levies, according to an estimate by the Iowa Farm Bureau.

Mexico, the second-largest market for U.S. pork exports, said Tuesday it would impose a 10 percent tariff on U.S. pork shoulder and legs, with the tariff rising to 20 percent by July 5, a spokesperson for the Mexican Ministry of Economy confirmed to NBC News.

Mexico imported almost 650,000 metric tons of pork legs and shoulder last year, worth about $1 billion, according to government data.
What to Know Ty Thompson, who gained national attention following the deadly shooting the inside the school February 14th, will be joined by Teresa Hall.

Hall currently serves as the principal of West Broward High School.

When students return to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland next school year, the position of principal will now be a two person job.

Ty Thompson, who gained national attention following the deadly shooting that killed 17 people inside the school on February 14th, will be joined by Teresa Hall as of July 1st, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Hall currently serves as the principal of West Broward High School.

Lisa Maxwell, who heads the Broward Principals and Assistants Association, told the paper that demand for media coverage, parent involvement and student needs as well as day-to-day activities of running the school created the need for a second person.

"I don't really see any negatives about bringing on someone else to help steer the ship," said Stephen Feuerman, a parent. "We're very happy with the captain Ty Thompson.

Thompson was not on campus the day of the shooting but became known for his words of support in the wake of the tragedy.

"He has 100% become a huge community leader and we need a guy like him here and we need to be stable. Stability is one of the things that will lead us to healing," said Feuerman.

"Any additional support is always welcome. I think they want to make sure all the support is at the school that is necessary," said Mayor Christine Hunschofsky of Parkland.
What to Know The Alumni Challenge was created by Teddy and Russell Berman, founders of the Berman Law Firm and graduates of J.P. Taravella High School.

The group bought one for their alma mater and has asked the Broward County School Board to accept it  while encouraging others to donate.

A group of South Florida businessmen and women are issuing a challenge for others who have become successful to give back to their high school alma maters  by buying and donating metal detectors to the schools in the wake of Februarys mass shooting in Parkland.

The Alumni Challenge was created by Teddy and Russell Berman, founders of the Berman Law Firm and graduates of J.P. Taravella High School in Coral Springs. The group bought one for their alma mater and has asked the Broward County School Board to accept it  while encouraging others to do the same by purchasing a walk through detector or wands that can be used.

It will assure me that when he walks through that door that Im going to get him coming home at the end of the day," said Lisa Valko, the mother of a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where 17 people were killed.

Valko donated along with Evan Golden, a 1999 graduate of the school.

Were not asking to make schools prisons," Golden said to NBC station WPTV. "Were just asking to make them a little safer. At the end of the day, its always going to come down to money unfortunately. Do we have the funding? Does the money need to go there? Where does it go?"

"What were trying to do with the Alumni Challenge is bridge that gap and eliminate that excuse," Golden added.

Alumni are encouraged to donate to schools across the country.
Paul Schrade had an up-close view of the Kennedy dynasty in the 1960s.

The union leader got involved in politics during John F. Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign, advised Robert F. Kennedy during his own White House run eight years later and introduced the younger Kennedy to California farmworker union leaders who were instrumental in making poverty and labor pillars of his candidacy.

Then, on the early morning of June 5, 1968, an assassin shot Kennedy at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. A bullet also struck Schrade in the head. He survived the attack and is now 93-years-old.

Schrade and the four others who were injured in the shooting are often overlooked players in the assassination that killed Kennedy at the age of 42 amid his ascendant presidential campaign.

When Schrade gained consciousness at a nearby hospital, a United Automobile Workers leader came to his bedside and told him the news: Kennedy was dead.

Schrade has relived the moment almost every day of his life. He has dedicated his life to the memory of Kennedy, drawing attention to injustice and forgiving convicted murderer Sirhan Sirhan. Those causes have put him in direct conflict with the Los Angeles Police Department and a certain former real estate developer, Donald Trump.

"And I don't care," Schrade said.

A native of Saratoga Springs, New York, Schrade dropped out of Yale and took a job at an aerospace plant before rising up the ranks of the United Automobile Workers union. He met Robert F. Kennedy during the 1960 presidential campaign and they struck up a friendship that remained as he became attorney general and a U.S. senator in New York.

Schrade convinced him to visit Delano, California, where poor Latino and Filipino farmworkers were involved in a strike with growers. Kennedy met United Farm Worker leaders Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta during the visit.

"I saw Kennedy and Chavez meet and interact," Schrade said. "I knew Kennedy would identify with what (the farm workers) were going through."

When Kennedy announced he would run for president, Schrade agreed to join his team and advise him on labor issues. The night of the California primary, Schrade almost didn't go to the Ambassador Hotel until he heard a radio report that Kennedy was trailing. But the senator would win California on the strength of the Mexican-American and black vote.

During Kennedy's victory speech after the California and South Dakota primary wins, Schrade was on the stage a few feet behind him. As Schrade and Kennedy made their way through the hotel kitchen, they were were shot.

"I felt like I was electrocuted," Schrade said.

Schrade underwent surgery and survived despite fragments of bullets remaining in his skull. But he fell into deep depression and lost his re-election for his union office. He returned to a factory job where he tried to stay out of politics.

To this day, Schrade believes Los Angeles police botched the case and failed to investigate possible leads about a second gunman. At Schrade's Los Angeles home, his office and living room are stacked with documents arguing that Sirhan Sirhan wasn't the lone shooter. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently announced he believed the case into his father's death needed to be reopened.

Los Angeles police and prosecutors consider the case closed.

Schrade didn't stay out of the spotlight for too long. In 2010, a $578 million complex of public schools for thousands of students opened on the site of the Ambassador Hotel after a two-decade fight that Schrade had a role in waging. The battle involved costly legal feuds with conservationists who wanted to save the historic hotel from razing, and with Trump, who wanted to build the world's tallest skyscraper on the site.

The schools today serve predominantly Latino and black students. A "Paul Schrade Library" rests on the spot where the ballroom once stood. The education complex is called Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools.

Schrade said many of the problems Kennedy sought to address are still with the country today, including poverty and racial divisions.

"A lot of these issues are still with us so we have to look at what Bobby Kennedy tried to do in 1968," Schrade said. "The fight is not over."
Authorities have arrested a man they say heaved a piece of luggage at a grocery store worker after the two argued about a sale in the Queens shop last month.



Police say the suspect, identified as 60-year-old Manuel Escobar of Brooklyn, got into a transaction-related argument with the 38-year-old store clerk around 12:30 a.m. May 17 at Hing Hing Grocery Store on Corona Avenue.



The details of the dispute weren't clear, but at some point, cops say the man grabbed a piece of luggage for sale and chucked it at the woman, leaving her with a head contusion. Surveillance video shows a man in a reflective vest hurtling an item outside the camera frame at the woman behind the counter.



Escobar was arrested Wednesday. It wasn't immediately clear if he had an attorney.
What to Know Local politicians, advocates and family of a man detained by ICE last week after delivering pizza to a NY military base gathered Wednesday

Pablo Villavicencio, a 32-year-old Ecuadorian undocumented immigrant, was delivering pizza Friday to Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn

Villavicencio's wife says she heard he could be deported as soon as next week

Local politicians, advocates and family members of a man detained by ICE last week after delivering pizza to a military base in New York gathered Wednesday to support the Ecuadorian father.

Pablo Villavicencio-Calderon, a 32-year-old undocumented immigrant from Ecuador who was working for a Queens pizzeria, was making a pizza delivery Friday to Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn. He allegedly showed his New York City identification card to gain entrance to the base, like he did on other occasions when he delivered pizza there.

This time, though, he was questioned about his immigration status and held illegally by military personnel, according to his wife, Sandra Chica, who said he was detained until agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrived.

"What happened this time? Why?" Chica asks.

According to Fort Hamilton, the base followed procedure and directed Villavicencio to the Visitor Control Center to obtain a daily pass in order to gain access to the base and deliver the pizza.

Upon signing a waiver permitting a background check, Department of the Army Access Control standard for all visitors, an active Immigration and Customs Enforcement warrant was discovered on file. This prompted the Department of Emergency Services personnel to contact the proper authorities, Fort Hamilton said in a statement.

Villavicencio-Calderon is currently being held at an ICE detention center in New Jersey. He told News 4 partner station Telemundo-47 over the phone Wednesday, "I miss my daughters. I miss my wife."

"These days, it has been a nightmare. I don't wish this on anybody," he said.

Chica, an American citizen, says she heard he may be deported as soon as next week.

This is not right, Chica said, adding that she has spoken with Villavicencio and that he is "devastated.



Chica was at the Wednesday press conference with her and Villavicencio-Calderons 3- and 4-year-old daughters. The girls were both born in the United States.

In an exclusive interview Friday with Telemundo-47, Chica said that she is the only person left to take care of their daughters.

"I don't know what is going to happen. Pablo's future is uncertain," she said in Spanish, adding that "the most important thing for me is the well-being of my daughters."

Chica said that she has no other family members in the country.

"It was practically Pablo and me with the girls," she said. "Things like these are an emotional imbalance."

Villavicencio-Calderon said he came to the U.S. seeking asylum after receiving threats in Ecuador for being an LGBT activist. He said he filed paperwork to receive his green card, and even showed documents to prove he's been paying taxes.

City Councilmember Justin Brannan, who was at Wednesday press conference, said it was not the first time pizza was ordered from that base.

Why was Pablo singled out? Why was it different this time? Brannan asked, adding that the immigration system is broken and that he is sticking with the family to make sure they get justice.

Brennan said Villavicencio-Calderon applied for permanent residency and was waiting for a response when he was apprehended by ICE.

Part of the reason why this incident is upsetting for Brennan and others is that Villavicencio-Calderon showed his New York City-issued identification card as he had done before.

New York Citys identification card system, known as IDNYC, was created so New Yorkers could have access to an official government-issued identification card and is recognized by NYPD and city agencies as proof of identity and residency. It is issued regardless of immigration status.

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams said the arrest is sending shock waves throughout the immigrant community. He said New York City, a sanctuary city, needs to know what is required of city-based immigrants when they visit federal facilities.

In a statement to NBC 4, ICE said: Pablo Villavicencio-Calderon is an illegally present citizen and national of Ecuador. In March 2010, he was granted voluntary departure by an immigration judge, but failed to depart by July 2010 as ordered. As such, his voluntary departure order became a final order of removal and is an ICE fugitive. On June 1, Villavicencio-Calderon was detained by military police officers and turned over to ICE. He remains in ICE custody pending removal.

Villavicencio-Calderons family is asking local politicians and advocacy groups for help in preventing his deportation.

At a rally of support for Villavicencio in Bay Ridge Wednesday, protesters blocked a street as they yelled, "Free, free Pablo." Police said seven were detained for disorderly conduct and received summons.

"We're going to continue to amp up the pressure and the urgency," said one demonstrator.

the part that really struck a chord with me the guy is married, he's a family man, waiting for green card to get processed. He doing everything he can possibly do.

"The part that really struck a chord with me the guy is married, he's a family man, waiting for green card to get processed. He doing everything he can possibly do," said Matthew Molter.

Rebecca Operstein, an immigrant herself, believes soldiers and ICE did the right thing.

"I don't agree with anyone come to this country and having freedom to do what they want without documentation or anything," she said.

According to a statement from Matt Dhaiti, the deputy press secretary at the Mayors Office of Immigrant Affairs, the overbroad enforcement against immigrant New Yorkers does nothing to make us safer. We are disturbed by these reports and looking into this situation.

The city says that the Trump administration has ramped up overboard immigration enforcement  increasing arrests made by ICE of immigrants with no prior criminal conviction by over 200 percent in the New York City area.

However, Congressman Dan Donovan, who serves on the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee for Foreign affairs, said military personnel were following the law.

This is just more insanity. Liberal activists are attacking ICE agents and military personnel for following the law in detaining an immigrant reportedly here illegally, Donovan said in a statement. If Democrats would actually come to the table and support border security funding, then these types of incidents wouldn't happen in the future.

Brooklyn state senator Martin Golden (R), a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, also said in a statement: "As a result of military police action at the Fort Hamilton Army Base, in accordance with the Department of Army Access Control standards for all visitors, an individual with a warrant was identified upon seeking entrance to the Fort. Consequently, the proper authorities were alerted and the individual was taken into custody.

"I would expect nothing less from the Fort Hamilton Commander and its dedicated personnel who have committed their lives to protecting our citizens and country."
What to Know A 2-year-old boy and his father who went missing from Long Island Tuesday are believed to have been found dead in Virginia

The boy's mother called police after he was never dropped off at their Smithtown home and officials said they found the dad's house on fire

Authorities in Virginia found their bodies in a smoking car, and quickly matched the vehicle to a BOLO issued Tuesday

A 2-year-old boy and father from Long Island are thought to have been found dead in Virginia, less than a day after police said they were reported missing and that the dad's house had been found ablaze.

Suffolk County police said positive identifications are pending for Jovani Ligurgo and his father, 43-year-old John Ligurgo III, after two bodies were found in a smoking vehicle with plates matching the father's SUV in Rockbridge, a rural Appalachian Mountain county about an hour northeast of Roanoke.

Jovani Ligurgo was reported missing when he wasn't returned to his mother -- who has custody of the boy -- at their predetermined drop-off time in Smithtown Tuesday afternoon and she learned there had been a fire at the father's house.

A search was conducted of the burning home, but police said it was empty. Police said Wednesday afternoon that beds had intentionally been set ablaze and ruled it an arson case. It wasn't clear if they thought the father, who authorities said may have recently lost his job, set it or someone else did.

Authorities said John Ligurgo, who has no criminal record, left the state in his black Jeep Grand Cherokee with Jovani, and that the man may have had a hunting rifle with him.

Police said toll cameras captured the vehicle crossing the George Washington Bridge from New York into New Jersey. It wasn't clear what time.

Then just before 8 a.m. Wednesday, police in Rockbridge County, Virginia, were called for a report of a car smoking and possibly on fire, according to Rockbridge County Police Captain Tony McFaddin.

Deputies, along with Virginia state police, quickly discovered that the car was the subject of a be-on-the-lookout bulletin from New York late Tuesday afternoon for a possible parental abduction, according to McFaddin. Police in Virginia contacted authorities in Suffolk, and "that led us to confirm we had the car they were looking for."

"At this point, we've tentatively identified the two in the car as the father and the son that New York authorities were looking for," said McFaddin.

The bodies will be transferred to the local medical examiner's office, where autopsies will be conducted to determine a cause of death, said McFaddin. The car was not fully engulfed when emergency responders arrived: "It looks like the fire was intentionally set and it smoldered, but never fully ignited and took off."

"For a father to do this and then drive halfway down the East Coast to come to this conclusion is very tragic," said McFaddin.

No Amber Alert was ever issued for the boy, who was last seen with his dad some time Tuesday afternoon in Coram. A spokeswoman for New York State Police said that the case didn't meet the specifications for an alert, noting the father "did not have a criminal history, had no history of violence and had never harmed the child," adding that once the vehicle crossed into New Jersey, the forcus of the search moved there.

"This is a terrible tragedy and the New York State Police is extremely saddened by the outcome of this case," said spokeswoman Kristin Lowman.

According to the New York state Amber Alert site, an alert is issued when a child is abducted and thought to be in danger of serious bodily harm or death. The site adds that in some cases, alerts may not be practical if available information is not specific enough or an extended period of time has passed since a disappearance.
What to Know The indictments come a year after a bombshell I-Team report exposed allegations of extreme hazing of customs officers at Newark Airport

Authorities announced last July they had broken up a customs team at Newark Airport and suspended nearly a dozen officers

One officer claims there was a notorious conference table known as "the rape table" in middle of the room where senior officers went wild

Two Customs and Border Protection officers have been indicted and another pleaded guilty in connection with allegations of extreme, sexually abusive hazing of colleagues at Newark Airport exposed in a bombshell I-Team investigation last year.



Parmenio Perez, 40, of Hawthorne, New Jersey; and Michael Papagni, 32, of Staten Island, were indicted on charges of forcibly assaulting, impeding, intimidating and interfering with two male customs officers while they were on duty. They are scheduled to be arraigned at a later date.



Tito Catota, 38, of Lyndhurst, New Jersey, pleaded guilty Monday to those same charges, New Jersey's U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said Tuesday.



All three men had initially been arrested in September. The names of their attorneys were not immediately available.

A spokesman for Customs and Border Patrol told News 4 in a statement at the time of their arrests that it "fully supported" the investigation by the Inspector General.

"We do not tolerate misconduct in our ranks and are committed to a safe workplace environment free of harassment or intimidation," said spokesman Anthony Bucci, adding that CBP authorities took "administrative and management actions to correct the situation."

He added, "The overwhelming majority of CBP employees, and our men and women in uniform at the port of Newark, perform their duties with honor and distinction, working tirelessly every day to keep our country safe."

According to the criminal complaint News 4 obtained in September, all three officers were assigned to the agency's Passenger Enforcement Rover Team (PERT), an elite passenger screening team at Newark that was disbanded in May 2017, two days after the exclusive I-Team report.

The removal of the team wasn't revealed until July 2017, though, when acting CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan disclosed in a letter to U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), who had sought action in the case, that 11 officers had been suspended pending the outcome of a federal investigation.

The two male victims referred to in the criminal complaint are not named, though three came forward publicly to the I-Team months ago with allegations matching the behavior described in the federal court documents.

According to the complaint, one victim was assigned to PERT in October 2016. Within his first two weeks on the job, Papagni allegedly told him that the PERT office table in the team's second-floor officer at Terminal C was known as the "rape table," and threatened that the victim would have to get on it.

Months later, the victim was asked to forward a document related to the prior drug seizure. While the victim and another individual were scanning it, Papagni allegedly warned the victim he had five minutes to get out of the office or Papagni would teach him "what this team is about." Moments later, another individual with customs shut off the lights in the PERT office. Papagni, Catota and another person held the victim down, according to the complaint.

While they did so, Perez allegedly got on top of the victim and grinded against his genitals through his clothing in a motion simulating a sex act, the complaint says. The victim tried to push him off but could not. Eventually, Perez got up and the three people holding down the victim let him go, the complaint says.

The second victim was also forced onto the purported "rape table;" in his case, it was in November 2016, the complaint says. He allegedly saw one officer lock one of the doors to the office and tried to leave, but was grabbed by Catota, Papagni and Perez and thrown onto the table, the complaint alleges. While two of the defendants held him down, the other got on top of him and grinded against his leg, again simulating a sex act, the complaint alleges. The victim struggled to break free until the suspects eventually released him.

The indictments come almost exactly a year to the day the I-Team exposed the hazing allegations in an exclusive report. The hazed officers told the I-Team the abuse happened for years in that secure room in Terminal C. Though no victims are identified in the criminal complaint, officers came forward to the I-Team with allegations similar, if not exactly akin, to what prosecutors allege.

"Once the lights go out, they grab you up like a gang, and they forcibly throw you on the table and one officer ended up mounting me and pretty much riding me like a horse," CBP officer Vito Degironimo said, describing it as sexual attack. "Im grabbed by other officers against my will. I dont know how much more criminal you can get."

"Hazing wouldnt do this justice. This is complete assault. They take you in a room and your fellow officers are all watching as officers grab you," he said.

CBP officer Diana Cifuentes, who also said she suffered abuse at the hands of fellow officers, said, "Im afraid for my life, my safety."

In June 2017, a fourth officer who was not assigned to PERT and did not want to be named, told the I-Team hed been taped to a chair by fellow officers and feared suffocation when a plastic bag was placed over his head.

The DHS Office of Inspector General launched an investigation in late January after CBP headquarters became aware of the alleged misconduct at Newark Airport. All of the officers who spoke with the I-Team have been interviewed by the DHS Office of Inspector General and all requested transfers out of Newark.

McAleenan said in his July 2017 letter to Waterson Coleman that managers and enforcement team trainers from JFK Airport had been assigned to Newark to review and assess operations, provide training, and assist with the organization of Newarks Enforcement Team."

Federal prosecutors had said they were appalled by the allegations.
What to Know Advocacy group Girls Inc. is urging the MTA and other government agencies to disclose when ads in public spaces have been doctored

The group says pervasive airbrushed ads can contribute to poor body image and mental health problems for girls

The MTA has declined to comment on whether it has any responsibility to disclose when images of women's bodies have been distorted

Advertisers have been digitally altering beauty ads for decades, removing tiny blemishes, changing body contours, even changing the skin tone of models. But now a nonprofit dedicated to bolstering girls' self-esteem is urging government agencies to be more transparent about which images in public spaces have been doctored.

Girls Inc., a national advocacy group that supports wellness and mental health among young women, is asking public transit agencies -- including the MTA in New York City -- to disclose when ads plastered on buses and subways have been airbrushed.

"We're just looking for more information here, for more transparency, for truth in advertising," said Lara Kaufman, the director of public policy at Girls Inc.

Kaufman and other advocates for young women say pervasive airbrushed ads can contribute to poor body image and mental health problems for girls, especially when they see distorted images on public transit every morning to and from school.

"Were talking about a public health risk here. And were not asking that these ads be banned. Were just saying they should be truthful. They shouldnt be misleading."

When asked if the MTA has any responsibility to disclose when images of womens bodies have been distorted, Jon Weinstein, a spokesman for the transit agency, declined to comment.

In other advertising controversies, the MTA has weighed in. Last month, the agency ordered its advertising vendor, OutFront Media, to reverse a decision that rejected an ad campaign for female sexual enhancement products. At the time, Weinstein said the MTA would apply its policies evenly and fairly and would "work with the company toward a resolution that is agreeable to all parties and allows their ads on the system."

Letitia James, the New York City public advocate who is now running for state attorney general, said the MTA should consider changing its policy to be more transparent about digitally altered ads. She noted that a recent advertisement appearing on hundreds of MTA buses showed a model arching her back into a v shape that looked unnatural.

The shape of this womans back leading to her buttocks would suggest that it is altered, James said. This is just another form of redefining beauty, of oppressing women.

James couldnt be certain the ad was distorted. Indeed, the MTA does not appear to ask advertisers for disclosure of airbrushing.

The I-Team asked the jeans company, YMI, if the models body contour had been altered. YMI did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

In February, the pharmacy chain CVS announced it would put a "beauty mark" on ads with images that that have not been airbrushed. Although the policy does not prohibit digitally altered images on store shelves, it makes clear which products include images that have realistic portrayals of the female body.

Girls Inc. applauded that policy, and says there is no reason the government sector cant follow CVSs lead.

Q-Tiye Clarke and Tiara Coleman, a pair of high school seniors about to graduate from Urban Assembly Institute in Brooklyn, say they suspect many of the beauty ads they see on public transit platforms are digitally altered, unrealistic portrayals of the female body.

The fact that these advertisements are showing images that arent true, makes girls wonder like, 'Wow, am I not good enough?' Coleman said.

Images like this make younger kids want to be older faster and want to change themselves more than they should, Clarke added.

Catherine Baker-Pitts, a psychotherapist who specializes in womens mental health, said disclosure of digitally altered beauty ads is no different from disclosure of ingredients in the products we put into our bodies.

We know that there has been a push in advertising to attach labels to cigarette ads to address the dangers associated with smoking, Baker-Pitts said. Why dont we see those same warnings on this kind of imagery that objectification puts girls and women at risk for increased anxiety, shame, eating disorders, sexual dysfunction.

The I-Team asked MTA Board Members if they support disclosing when advertisers distort images.

Its certainly worth having a conversation and a discussion about, and I think we will, said Lawrence Schwartz, an MTA board member appointed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Ill make sure this information goes back to Chairman Lhota.

So far, neither MTA Chairman Joe Lhota, nor Cuomo (who appointed him) have weighed in on the issue.

A spokesperson for Cynthia Nixon, Cuomos challenger in the upcoming Democratic primary, said Nixon does support public disclosure when ads have been digitally altered to create unrealistic portrayals of womens bodies.
Utah native Joshua Holt, who was freed last month from a Venezuelan prison after nearly two years held without trial, said in a "Today" interview Tuesday that the experience still haunts him.

Holt, a 26-year-old Mormon missionary, was jailed at El Helicoide, or The Helix, a prison in Caracas criticized for its human rights abuses.

He said cockroaches crawled over him inside his tiny cell, which was about the size of a twin-sized bed, and a plastic bag was used to cover the door. He sat in his underwear, barely about to breathe.

"They never took me out to go to the bathroom," Holt added. "If you had to use the bathroom, you either had a bottle or a newspaper."

Holt was in the country to marry Thamara Candelo, a Venezuelan woman he met online, when anti-gang police accused the couple of stockpiling assault rifles and grenades in her family home.

The State Department later called the weapons charges "questionable."
Northern California voters on Tuesday recalled a judge from office after he sentenced a former Stanford University swimmer convicted of sexual assault to a short jail sentence instead of prison.

Voters opted to oust Santa Clara County Judge Aaron Persky. The judge was targeted for recall in June 2016 shortly after he sentenced Brock Turner to six months in jail for sexually assaulting a young woman outside a fraternity house on campus. Prosecutors argued for a 7-year prison sentence.

Turner is also required to register for life as a sex offender. He was released from jail for good behavior after serving three months. He now lives with his parents near Dayton, Ohio.

The judge was following a recommendation from the county probation department, and the California Commission on Judicial Performance ruled that he handled the case legally. Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen didn't appeal the sentence. Rosen also opposed the recall, though he said the sentence was too lenient.

The case sparked a national debate over the criminal justice system's treatment of sexual assault victims and racial inequities in court. Persky is white and holds undergraduate degrees from Stanford and a law degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Many complained Persky showed too much deference to Turner, a white Stanford scholarship athlete whose parents could afford a private attorney.

Persky declined comment when reached by phone late Tuesday.

The election was viewed as one of the first electoral tests of the #MeToo movement's political clout.

The victim's statement read in court before Turner's sentence was published online and circulated widely on social media. Known as Emily Doe in court, the statement focused a national spotlight on the local recall effort.

"You took away my worth, my privacy, my energy, my time, my intimacy, my confidence, my own voice, until today," she read. She also recounted the ordeal of the investigation and Turner's trial, where she was cross-examined about her drinking habits and sexual experience.

"Instead of taking time to heal, I was taking time to recall the night in excruciating detail, in order to prepare for the attorney's questions that would be invasive, aggressive, and designed to steer me off course, to contradict myself, my sister, phrased in ways to manipulate my answers," she read.

The Associated Press doesn't general identify victims of sexual crimes.

Citing judicial ethics, Persky has declined to discuss the case in detail because Turner has appealed. But Persky told The Associated Press in an interview that he has no regrets over how he handled the case or his courtroom.

Early returns showed Santa Clara County assistant district attorney Cindy Seeley Hendrickson leading in the race to replace the judge.

Associated Press writer Jocelyn Gecker contributed to this report.
A truck hauling chickens tipped its load onto a Delaware highway Wednesday morning, spilling crates of live birds onto the roadway and shoulder.

The Delaware Department of Transportation says the tractor-trailer hauling the chickens lost control on a curve and overturned.



The wreck happened before daybreak and blocked part of southbound Route 301 near Middletown for several hours, ruffling some commuters' feathers with minor delays, New Castle County dispatchers said.

Live chickens were seen flapping around as crews worked to clean up the scene. No word on how many chickens were killed in the crash.

The truck driver wasnt seriously hurt.

The Delaware Department of Transportation told WDEL that both saddle tanks on the truck were damaged, resulting in leaking fuel. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control accordingly responded to the scene.



Route 301 is a gateway to the Delmarva Peninsula where chicken processing is a major industry. About 605 million chickens were raised and 4.2 billion pounds of chicken were produced on the peninsula in 2017, according to the Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc.

[NATL] Unfortunate Truck Spills: 3,000 Piglets Loose on Ill. Highway
In a decision that made Mayor Jim Kenney break out into song and dance, a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration cannot cut off grants to Philadelphia over how the city deals with undocumented immigrants.

U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson issued a 93-page memo Wednesday saying the conditions placed on Philadelphia by the federal government in order to receive the funding are unconstitutional, "arbitrary and capricious." He also wrote that Philadelphia's policies are reasonable and appropriate.

Baylson's decision prompted Kenney, who has fought with the White House over several issues since Trump took office, to do a little victory dance in front of staffers. The video was tweeted Wednesday by his deputy chief of staff.

Needless to say, I think @janeslusser and @PhillyMayor are pretty excited about todays ruling affirming Philadelphia as a Sanctuary City. pic.twitter.com/gdnnjZT9ps  Steve Preston (@StevePrest) June 6, 2018

Kenney applauded the decision, calling it a "total and complete victory" that "prevents a White House run by a bully from bullying Philadelphia into changing its policies."

"It is a ruling that should make clear to Attorney General [Jeff] Sessions that federal grant dollars cannot be used for a political shakedown," Kenney said. "It is, most of all, a ruling that reminds everyone of why this city and this country exist - to give safe haven, and hope, to those who flee tyranny, oppression and poverty in other parts of the world.

But in its response, the Department of Justice called Baylson's ruling a "victory for criminal aliens in Philadelphia, who can continue to commit crimes in the city knowing that its leadership will protect them from federal immigration officers."



In his opinion, Baylson cited public remarks made by Sessions and President Donald Trump accusing immigrants of committing more crimes than native-born citizens. Those statements are inaccurate as applied to Philadelphia, and do not justify the imposition of these three conditions in order to receive the grant money, Baylson wrote in his opinion.

Philadelphia initially sued Sessions after the attorney general threatened to withhold funds if the city did not fully comply with new and unprecedented requirements on the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (or JAG grant), which provided Philadelphia with $1.6 million last year to spend on police overtime, training, equipment, courtroom technology and other aspects of the criminal justice system.

Philadelphia's attorneys had argued the move is unconstitutional and that it harms residents by withholding money earmarked to help buy kits to counteract opioid overdoses.



The original lawsuit referred to Philadelphia's "vibrant immigrant community" as a vital part of its workforce and says the city has adopted policies "that seek to foster trust between the immigration population and city officials and employees." As a rule, Philadelphia officers do not ask residents about their immigration status.

Sessions, at the behest of the Trump administration, announced new conditions in late July for any city or state receiving public safety grants. They required municipalities to provide ICE with 48-hour notice of any scheduled release of so-called prisoners of interest and allow immigration officials to interview inmates while in custody.

Philadelphia has said as a "sanctuary city" it will only turn over immigrants to Immigration and Customs Enforcement if they have a warrant signed by a judge. The city was fighting federal efforts to block funding as a result of the policy.

A spokesman for the city said early Wednesday afternoon that staff is reviewing the ruling. A request for comment from the Department of Justice was not immediately returned Wednesday.

The ruling is the latest blow in a battle between sanctuary cities that decline to cooperate with federal immigration agents, and a Trump administration determined to crack down on illegal immigration.

Sessions has said that cities that don't help enforce immigration law are endangering public safety, especially when it comes to sharing information about immigrants who have been accused of crimes.

A federal appeals court in April sided with Chicago in a similar dispute.
After a Virginia elementary school teacher was taken to a hospital for a medical emergency, she is accused of possessing and drinking alcohol on school property.

Staff at Newton-Lee Elementary School in Ashburn called 911 May 24 for a medical emergency, and 41-year-old Teresa Folsom was taken to a hospital.

Deputies later found alcohol inside her classroom.

Folsom turned herself in to police Friday. She was charged with drinking/possessing alcohol on public school grounds

Its a surprise, especially around here, said Jared Aguilera, who used to attend the school and whose brother currently attends the school. Ashburns a safe community. Everyone comes here, gets a good education. Probably one of the best counties in the nation, so its a surprise to hear it.

In December, another Loudoun County teacher was accused of being drunk at school. Claire M. Bucher of Sterling Elementary School was charged with being drunk in public and drinking/possessing an alcoholic beverage in a public school or on public school grounds during school hours.

A few months before, deputies arrested a Sterling Middle School teacher for allegedly driving drunk to school.

The school system placed Folsom on leave.

News4 attempted to contact her but she has not called back.
Lava from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano destroyed hundreds more homes overnight, overtaking two oceanfront communities where residents were advised to evacuate last week, officials said Tuesday.

No injuries were reported as most residents heeded the advice to leave.

The latest lost homes were in addition to at least 117 others that were previously reported by officials since lava began spilling last month from cracks in the ground in a mostly rural district of the Big Island.

"We don't have an estimate yet, but safe to say that hundreds of homes were lost in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland last night," Janet Snyder, a spokeswoman for Hawaii County, said Tuesday.

A morning overflight confirmed that lava had completely filled Kapoho Bay, inundated most of Vacationland and covered all but the northern part of Kapoho Beach Lots, scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said.

Despite earlier reports that lava claimed Big Island Mayor Harry Kim's second home in Vacationland, an aerial flyover confirmed his home is still standing, Snyder said.

County Managing Director Wil Okabe said his own vacation home in Kapoho Beach Lots was threatened. Okabe described the area as a mix of vacation rentals and year-round residences.

"For us it's more of a vacation area, but for those who live there permanently, they're trying to figure out where they're going to be living," he said. Kim and Okabe live in Hilo, the county's seat, which is more than an hour drive from the Kapoho area.

One shelter was full Tuesday, officials said.

Gov. David Ige signed a second supplemental emergency proclamation Tuesday that gives the county more options for shelters and sets criminal penalties for violating emergency rules, such as failing to evacuate and interfering with emergency workers.

Lava claimed Harry Pomerleau's home in Vacationland.

"It's a necessary evil. It's not our land. It belongs to Pele," he said, referring to the Hawaiian volcano goddess. "I have to imagine . she knows what she's doing."

Kapoho resident Mark Johnson was coming to terms with the possibility of losing his home and 5-acre citrus farm.

"I'm really kind of at peace actually," he said. "I've had 28 years of wonderful experience down there in Kapoho."

Johnson and Pomerleau evacuated last week when authorities with bullhorns arrived at 1 a.m. saying it was time to get their things and leave.

They didn't expect the lava flow to head their way.

"God only knows what it's going to do next," Johnson said.

He wants to return if lava spares his home on a ridge overlooking the ocean. But it's unclear how long it would take to re-open access to the area, he said.

Pomerleau said all of the vacation homes he did handyman work for are gone.

Thousands of people in the Puna area had to evacuate after the first fissure opened May 3. Officials issued mandatory orders for residents of Leilani Estates, and those in Kapoho Beach and Vacationland were advised to leave last Friday or risk being trapped and unreachable by emergency crews.

Homes in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland are on smaller lots and closer together than those in other parts of the Puna district. Okabe estimated there are several hundred homes in each of the two subdivisions.

Those who live or vacation in the area were mourning the loss of popular tide-pools where kids enjoyed swimming.

"That coastline is really important to us a place where we spent time with our family," said Franny Brewer who lives in upper Puna.

She reminisced about taking her daughter to swim in the ocean for the first time in a local swimming spot known as Champagne Ponds.

"I've been crying a lot," she said. "It's hard because obviously a lot of people have lost a lot more than just a beautiful place to visit and memories."

___

This story has been corrected to reflect that Big Island Mayor Harry Kim's second home in Vacationland has not been destroyed by lava, according to new information from the county.

___

AP journalist Caleb Jones contributed to this story.
What to Know The first lady had a kidney procedure in May and spent five days in the hospital, and she has stayed out of public view

She is expected to accompany her husband to a hurricane briefing at Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Washington

President Trump railed against "The Fake News Media" for being "so unfair, and vicious" in its coverage of his wife after surgery

Melania Trump's disappearing act is over.

The first lady showed herself in public Wednesday for the first time in nearly a month, seated alongside her husband, President Donald Trump, for a briefing on the federal government's preparedness for the hurricane season that began June 1.

The routine meeting at Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters took on outsized significance after the White House revealed that Mrs. Trump would accompany her husband. Prior to Wednesday, she had not been seen off the White House grounds since May 10.

The first sighting of the first lady came as she and the president strolled down the walkway from the Oval Office and climbed into "the Beast," his idling limousine. She was wearing a belted trench coat and her customary high heels.

Minutes later, Mrs. Trump took her seat alongside the president at one end of a long conference table as the FEMA briefing began, appearing to be her usual self.

"She's doing great. She went through a little rough patch, but she's doing great," Trump said at the top of the meeting, surrounded by his Cabinet as several governors and other officials participated by video conference. "And we're very proud of her. She's done a fantastic job as first lady."

He added: "The people love you. The people of our country love you. So, thank you honey."

The first lady smiled and nodded as her husband and others spoke during the portion of the briefing that was open to journalists. She and the president later spent a few minutes greeting FEMA employees. Mrs. Trump stepped with ease, smiled and was heard telling one worker "thank you very much."

It was her first appearance away from the White House since she and the president traveled to Joint Base Andrews to welcome home three Americans who had been released from detention in North Korea.

Several days later, the first lady underwent a procedure to treat a kidney condition. She spent five days in the hospital before returning to the White House on May 19 to continue her recuperation. She held private meetings with her staff and worked on projects, though she skipped a few public events where her participation seemed likely, including a Medal of Honor presentation and a sports "field day" for professional athletes and kids on the South Lawn.

But speculation mounted as week after week passed without a public appearance, spawning wild theories about where she might be and what might have happened to her.

The first lady addressed the issue on Twitter last week, saying: "I see the media is working overtime speculating where I am & what I'm doing. Rest assured, I'm here at the @WhiteHouse w my family, feeling great, & working hard on behalf of children & the American people!"

Her husband was less charitable Wednesday.

"The Fake News Media has been so unfair, and vicious, to my wife and our great First Lady, Melania," he wrote on Twitter. "During her recovery from surgery they reported everything from near death, to facelift, to left the W.H. (and me) for N.Y. or Virginia, to abuse. All Fake, she is doing really well!"

He did not provide examples of articles he found to be unfair and it was possible he was referring to stories about conspiracy theories on social media.

On Monday, the first lady participated in a White House event for military families. Journalists were not granted access out of respect for the families, meaning Mrs. Trump was seen only by those who attended.

But video posted on Twitter showed the first lady strolling into the East Room accompanied by the president. She later tweeted event photos that showed her sitting next to the president.

Earlier Wednesday, Trump signed a bill that will expand private care for veterans as an alternative to the troubled Veterans Affairs health system. The $51 billion measure has bipartisan support and builds on legislation passed in 2014 in response to a scandal at the Phoenix VA medical center, where some veterans died while waiting months for appointments.

It would allow veterans to see private doctors when they do not receive the treatment they expected, with the approval of a VA provider. It would also expand to cover families of veterans of all eras.

Associated Press writer Laurie Kellman contributed to this report.
A Maine man whose mysterious disappearance had baffled authorities has been found dead.

Twenty-six-year-old Brunswick resident Daniel Gagnon was reported missing nearly a week ago, leaving behind no clues for investigators.

His body was found just before 11 a.m. Wednesday during a search in a dense wooded area off of River Road in Brunswick by a Maine Warden Service officer and K9, according to Brunswick police.

Although the investigation is ongoing, his death is not considered suspicious, police said.

Brunswick police spoke with necn about the investigation on Tuesday, which was described as "frustrating."

"It's extremely unusual to have very few clues," Brunswick Police Commander Thomas Garrepy said.

Sister-in-law Krystal Brewer said Gagnon loved his job working security at Bowdoin College, and had plans to buy a house in the Brunswick area. She said he was happy in his relationship, loved his niece and stepdaughter, and kept in close touch with friends and family. No one had any indication something could be wrong.

"He was happy... so it makes it even harder," said Brewer. "Where would somebody like that go? And why?"

Police said on Tuesday that Gagnon left his home on Pleasant Street on foot sometime during the afternoon on May 30. He left his car and bicycle behind, only taking his cell phone, which has since been turned off.

Investigators scoured surveillance footage, examined computer searches, probed whether Gagnon had troubles with substance abuse or mental health  but all of it turned up empty.

A spokesman for Bowdoin College said: "Dan is a valued employee. We share the deep concern of his family and friends, and that of local authorities who are trying to locate him, and we are doing what we can to assist.
A convicted serial child rapist in Massachusetts who was set to be released from state custody despite protests from his victims faced a judge Wednesday morning after he was accused of exposing himself in prison.

A not guilty plea was entered on behalf of Wayne Chapman during his brief appearance inside Ayer District Court, where a judge ordered him to be held without bail pending his next hearing later this month.

Chapman, 70, was arrested by Massachusetts Department of Corrections officers at MCI Shirley on Wednesday for incidents that allegedly happened on June 3 and June 4.

He was arraigned on charges of indecent exposure, lewd, wanton and lascivious acts, and open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior.

He will remain in DOC's custody pending his next hearing, which is slated for June 27.

A Chapman attorney had previously said that his client would be released as soon as housing could be secured. However, Chapman's new attorney for the Wednesday's allegations called the charges convenient.

Chapman was laying on his bed in his prison cell when exposing his genitals on June 3, and he was seen touching himself sexually in his cell the following day, all while in front of a nurse's station, according to court documents. A nurse reported she thought Chapman's alleged actions "were deliberate and she felt violated and disgusted by his behavior," the documents said.

Convicted of raping two boys in Lawrence in 1977, Chapman had been approved for release after more than 40 years in state custody last month following a determination from two examiners that he was "no longer sexually dangerous," and a justice on Massachusetts' highest court denied a petition from victims to block his release earlier this week.

At a Wednesday afternoon news conference, lawyer Wendy Murphy, who represents some of the people victimized by Chapman, said she will continue her appeal with the Supreme Judicial Court to keep Chapman in jail.

"It's our understanding that he (Chapman) is going to seek to be released on personal recognizance, or could, on June 27," Murphy said. "So we're going to continue to pursue our appeal because if that were to happen we want to have another way of holding him."

Murphy introduced R.D., one of the Lawrence, Massachusetts, boys who was raped by Chapman in 1977 when he was 11-years-old. R.D. shared his reaction when he got word of the Chapman news.

"This morning's news was good news for me today," he said. "People like Wayne Chapman should never be able to get out of jail. They need to be incarcerated until they can no longer offend. Who knows when that is? Obviously, he can still offend.

In a statement, Murphy said victims were "relieved and very emotional," including one who sobbed upon learning he faced new charges.

"It boggles the mind that not one but two qualified examiners could find this man not sexually dangerous. The absurdity of their decisions is why we have been fighting to so hard to prevent his release," Wendy Murphy said. "This is not a frail man with a walker. This is a dangerous man with no conscience -- who used knives, rope, and duct tape on his child victims, and boasted about feeling pleasure in their pain."

Meanwhile, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker announced his office had filed legislation to increase penalties for child rapists and require more stringent reviews for sex offenders before being released by the court system.

Chapman lured as many as 50 young boys into the woods over a 10-year span by pretending he was searching for a missing dog and then sexually assaulted them, according to court documents.

He is also a suspect in the 1976 disappearance of Andy Puglisi, a 10-year-old Lawrence boy who was never seen again after heading to a pool.

One of Chapman's victims in 1977 described to reporters on Monday how his life had changed forever after he was raped by Chapman when he was 11.

"That day, I was introduced to fear, pain, anger, resentment, guilt, shame," the man, who was only introduced as Steve, said. "I was given a life sentence that day, and I think the offender should be given the same."
A town employee in Hingham, Massachusetts, was paid $86,500 in a settlement to resign and stay quiet about an investigation that allegedly details sexual harassment.

The city employee has since resigned. Taxpayer money funded the settlement.

Former Hingham Selectman candidate Russell Reeves alleges the harassed employee was a woman who worked with the fire department and that she'd been harassed by a captain in the department. Some Hingham residents are displeased with the harassment allegations and their tax dollars going towards keeping the alleged victim quiet.

"What's the message being sent to other town employees?" asked Tom Patch, who has lived in Hingham for more than 20 years. "'OK, you can do this. We'll use taxpayer money to get rid of the issue, and don't worry about it.'"

"There's plenty of people out there that that really strikes home," said another Hingham resident named Patricia. "The #MeToo. And it's time. It's time that people spoke up."

The settlement states if the former employee discusses the investigation, it could prohibit her from receiving the payout.
A group of Massachusetts lawmakers has filed a petition to have a Salem judge removed from the bench.

Lawmakers and critics of Judge Tim Feeley are outraged in large part over a recent ruling in which Feely sentenced a defendant convicted on heroin charges to probation instead of prison. They also claim that defendant was not given jail time because he's not a United States citizen.

Others in the legal community say the judges ruling was legal and within the sentencing guidelines. They say that the judicial process must remain independent.

In April, Feeley came under fire for lowering the bail of John Williams, who allegedly went on to kill sheriff deputy Eugene Cole in Maine just weeks later.



A spokesperson for the court says Feeley is not able to comment on anything involving a pending case.

Last week, Rep. James Lyons (R-Andover) introduced HD 4822, a bill requesting Gov. Charlie Baker to remove Feeley from the bench. A group of fellow Republican lawmakers co-sponsored it.



By Wednesday, more than 8,600 people had signed the petition.

If approved by the legislature, it would go to the governor and then onto the governor's council which would make the decision about impeachment.
Police in Maine said a mother and daughter were killed Tuesday afternoon in a head-on crash in Casco.

Officials told WCSH-TV that a Jeep driven by Jamie Mantz, 53, crossed the center line near Cold Springs Road for unknown reasons and hit an SUV head-on.

Mantz and her 80-year-old mother, Carol Storm, were killed.

The 26-year-old driver of the SUV was taken to Maine Medical Center with serious head and leg injuries.

Police said all three victims had to be extricated from their vehicles.

The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The attorney general's office says there's no credible evidence that a New Hampshire Senate intern was paid off in exchange for keeping quiet about an inappropriate comment a senator made to him in 2013.

Sen. Andy Sanborn, a Bedford Republican who is running for Congress, has acknowledged using what he called "crass language." The Senate president later asked the attorney general to investigate whether the intern was given a job in the Senate clerk's office and cash from the former Senate chief of staff in exchange for his silence.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Geoffrey Ward said Tuesday the investigation, which included 18 interviews, found no connection between Sanborn's comment, the job and the money, which the chief of staff said was a personal loan that was quickly paid back.
BREAKING UPDATE: Daniel Gagnon's body has been found, according to family and his employer.

Earlier story below:

Police say it's like someone planned the perfect disappearance. Daniel Gagnon, 26, of Brunswick, Maine was reported missing nearly one week ago, leaving behind no clues.

"We know very little about his disappearance, and that's the thing that's frustrating all of us," said Brunswick Police Commander Thomas Garrepy. "It's extremely unusual to have very few clues."

For the first time, his family is speaking out about the mysterious circumstances.

"For him to go without a trace like he didn't exist is just unreal," said Gagnon's sister-in-law, Krystal Brewer.

She said Gagnon loved his job working security at Bowdoin College, and had plans to buy a house in the Brunswick area. She said he was happy in his relationship, loved his niece and stepdaughter, and kept in close touch with friends and family. No one had any indication something could be wrong.

"He was happy... so it makes it even harder," said Brewer. "Where would somebody like that go? And why?"

Police believe Gagnon left his home on Pleasant Street on foot sometime Wednesday afternoon. He left his car and bicycle behind, only taking his cell phone, which has been turned off.

Commander Gerrapy said his cell phone pinged in the area of Pleasant Hill Road, but the cell phone location information is still vast, and includes difficult terrain to search.

Investigators have scoured surveillance footage, examined computer searches, probed whether Gagnon had troubles with substance abuse or mental health -- but all of it has turned up empty.

"We just ask the public to call us with any information that they have," he said.

Police and the Maine Warden Service plan to resume search efforts in the area Wednesday.

Brewer said friends and volunteers have been coordinating their own search parties. She hopes the public will keep circulating Gagnon's photo, to keep his case in the spotlight.

"Your niece, your stepdaughter, they miss you and they want you back," she said.

A spokesman for Bowdoin College said: "Dan is a valued employee. We share the deep concern of his family and friends, and that of local authorities who are trying to locate him, and we are doing what we can to assist.
Former skier to present the district councils Learner Achievement Awards

LEGENDARY British plasterer-turned-ski jumper Eddie The Eagle Edwards is coming to West Berkshire next week to present the district councils Learner Achievement Awards.

Edwards, whose first name is Michael, shot to national and international fame after representing Britain at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada.

He is also a successful adult learner, having gained a law degree from De Montfort University, Leicester, in 2003.

On Friday, June 8, he will present awards to adults who have excelled after going back into education.

The awards include those who have completed apprenticeships, professional, academic and vocational courses or been involved in learning programmes to support families, communities and health and wellbeing.

The presentation evening begins at 6.30pm at Shaw House, Newbury.

West Berkshire Council executive member for education Lynne Doherty said: We are delighted that Eddie will be presenting this years awards.

He is an icon for determination and was a mature student.

Our learners often achieve in the face of adversity, juggling busy lives in order to learn and progress.

Im sure that Eddie will provide inspiration to this years winners and also to those who are working hard to learn in spite of many commitments and difficulties.

Despite finishing last in the 70m and 90m events, Edwards  the then holder of the British ski jumping record  became famous for personifying the Olympic spirit through his heroic efforts.

Shortly after the 1988 Olympics, the International Olympic Committee strengthened the entry requirements to make it impossible for anyone to follow his example, in what became known as the Eddie The Eagle Rule.

His path to fame was far from smooth. Edwards had to wear six pairs of socks to make the boots fit.

He was also disadvantaged by his weight about 82kg (181lb), more than 9 kg (20 lb) heavier than the next heaviest competitor  and by his lack of financial support for training, being totally self-funded.

Due to being farsighted, he also had to wear thick glasses under his goggles, which would mist up at altitude.

He was also lauded for his determination to represent his country without any form of funding.

His self-belief, resilience and sheer determination bagged him several achievements, including being the world record holder for a stunt which saw him jump over six buses.

Eddie the Eagle, a film about his life, starring Taron Egerton as Eddie and Hugh Jackman as his trainer, was released in 2016.
NEW MILFORD  Just 90 days into the newly created grants position, Tammy Reardon announced the town has been awarded about $400,000 in grants.

The position of grants and compliance specialist was created this winter as a way for the town to get more revenue to offset the loss of millions in state aid for the current fiscal year and possible cuts for the upcoming year.

When Mayor Pete Bass announced creation of the position, he said he expects it to bring in at least $2 million in federal, state and private aid annually.

Last week, Reardon told Town Council she has identified more than $2.7 million in possible grant opportunities in the next 12 months, including $250,000 for healthy meal options for seniors through AARP. Shes also going to meet with staff of the Western Connecticut Council of Government to find grants for road and bridge projects.

She said the bulk of the grant opportunities are geared toward seniors, given the increased senior population in New Milford and the state as a whole.

So far, Reardon has applied for $464,000 in grants and been awarded $401,000. She expects to hear about other applications this summer.

Of that $401,000, about $351,000 is money from the states Local Capital Improvement Program and is expected to be deposited in the towns account on June 11, Reardon said.

She pointed out that, while it is a non-competitive grant, it does require extensive paperwork.

You shouldnt be paying the finance director to do it, she said. He has more important work to do.

During the previous fiscal year  the 2016-17 fiscal year  the town applied for and received nearly $1.2 million, Reardon said last Friday.

That number does not include grants received last year that the town had applied for several years prior, including $180,000 in GE Settlement funds applied for in 2007 and more than $1.9 million in state Department of Economic and Community Development funding for the Century Enterprise demolition.

Both of those programs had either lengthy review, authorization and allocation time frames, specific to each project, Reardon said.

Reardon said she has also been meeting with department heads to assess their needs so she can look for grants in their areas of responsibility. She is also making sure the town complies with the requirements of current grants.

Its important to maintain the compliance piece moving forward, she said, adding it helps the town be approved for future grants.

Council members applauded her efforts so far.

Job well done, Councilwoman Katy Francis said.

kkoerting@newstimes.com; 203-731-3345
Education without Walls in New Milford has announced Bunny Tessier of Brookfield has joined the team

Her extensive experience, both in terms of educational leadership and school administration, will help us to build a strong foundation for our future endeavors, said Lockey Coughlin, Education without Walls founder.

Those endeavors include expanding AP offerings, transitioning to a not-for-profit model, and fostering a community campus in downtown New Milford.

Education without Walls in an independent collaborative group of individuals, teachers and specialty schools that have come together to educate and socialize children in a non-judgmental and supportive environment.

It offers middle school and high school level classes in all academic areas, providing accredited classes and transcripts.

The philosophy of Education without Walls is one of community building, inclusion and flexibility.

Before moving to Brookfield, Tessier co-founded a California Partnership Academy, a highly successful educational model, which is in line with the mission and philosophy of Education without Walls, incorporating features of the high school reform movement.

Creating a close family-like atmosphere, integrating academic and career technical education, and establishing viable business partnerships are all traits that CPA and EWOW have in common.

Ms. Tessier is a perfect fit for our community today and well into the future, Coughlin said.

Tessier, an educator and skilled curriculum developer with 17 years of experience, places an emphasis on project-based learning, thematic units that meet the needs of diverse sets of students, as well as creates equitable and accountable means of assessing student success.

Tessiers impressive resume and credentials include an M.A. in Educational Leadership from San Jose University and a B.A. in Creative Writing from New York University, as well as a Connecticut State Educator Certificate, a New York State Secondary English Education certificate, a California Clear Credential for English grades 7-12, Administrative Credential and Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development (CLAD) Credential.

For information, call 860-350-3006 or email lockey@educationww.org.
Turning the ship before it hits the iceberg
Healthy adults who have a good constitution and have a healthy heart are being called forth to donate samples of their faeces to science. The donors would be screened rigorously before they can be included and would be compensated modestly for their donations say researchers.

These donated faeces samples would be used for procedures like fecal transplants that are being used these days to treat infections such as those with Clostridium difficile. This infection is often difficult to treat and can be life threatening. The US FDA has approved fecal transplants as a last resort in C. difficile infections.

Fecal transplant pills. Image Credit: Marc Bruxelle / Shutterstock

A new study by Canadian researchers from University of Alberta in Edmonton, looked at the motivations behind these donors  money or the good that could be doing to science. Their purpose was to understand the motivation and devise ways to recruit more donors. The study was presented at the Digestive Disease Week at Washington yesterday (5th June 2018).

Theres an urgent medical need for stool donation, but many people have trouble getting over the ick" factor. What would motivate you to donate your stool to medicine? Watch this video to learn stool donation motivators and deterrents #DDW18 #FMT pic.twitter.com/lWxSIAxN3m  Digestive Disease Wk (@DDWMeeting) June 5, 2018

The team recruited 802 people in the United States, Canada and England and provided them with an online questionnaire. They noted that most of the participants in the study were not afraid to go through the unpleasantness of collecting stool samples as well as the time needed to make the deposits of such samples at the collection centres that would need the samples at least thrice a week.

Despite being paid a remuneration, nearly half of all the donors stated that helping people was their main purpose in being part of this donation drive. One third were in it for the modest remuneration though. The compensation ranged from 20 to 30 Canadian dollars or $15.50 to $23 in American dollars per sample. The participants in the survey answered their 32 questionnaire survey and stated that they were willing to become stool donors.

Breanna McSweeney, who was the studys lead author explained that explaining to people how their samples could help the patients could motivate them. Fecal transplants could benefit not only C difficile infected patients but also people with other bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis.

There are currently stool banks around the US but they have a shortage of samples to meet the demands say researchers. Dr. Karen Wong, a co-author on the study said that the stool bank at Alberta for example often runs short of the demands. She said that donors are often contacted the day before the procedure to donate so that they have the sample ready for the procedure.

The donors need to apply at OpenBiome, a non-profit stool bank based in Boston to become stool donors. They then undergo screening tests and need to fill an online health questionnaire. If they are selected they need to face a clinical interview that asks about their health and their family histories. Then their blood samples and stool samples are tested for infections and other pathogens before they can be approved as a donor say researchers. They add that large number of volunteers are rejected at these testing stages.

Carolyn Edelstein, OpenBiomes executive director said that only around 3 percent of the volunteers make it to become stool donors. She said that those who have allergies, family history of colon cancer, rectal cancer, infections, asthma, obesity etc. are all rejected. Those who have had a recent tattoo or have travelled to specific regions recently are also excluded she said. Once approved as donors, they are asked to make three sample donations per week for at least two months.
Hitachi Medical Systems Europe wins the contract to supply 6 ultrasound systems in the UK helping to improve prostate cancer diagnosis as part of the innovative RAPID program at three major hospitals across South West London.

Consultant Urologist Mr Stephen Gordon (third from left) pictured with colleagues at a RAPID training day at Epsom Hospital

The new RAPID (Rapid Assessment Prostate Imaging and Diagnosis) program accelerates the pathway which could lead to a one-stop shop for men with prostate cancer by providing a multi-parametric MRI together with ultrasound imaging and biopsy on the same day. This will reduce unnecessary biopsies and provide accurate targeting whilst reducing the number of samples needed.

Hitachi Medical Systems Europe, manufacturer of high resolution ultrasound imaging equipment and a European distributor for BiopSee, the image guided prostate biopsy system from MedCom, has been awarded the contract for the six high resolution ARIETTA ultrasound and BiopSee fusion systems that together offer revolutionary technology for combining mp-MRI data with real-time ultrasound.

The pilots have been developed through funding from RM Partners, the Cancer Alliance for west London hosted by The Royal Marsden. Three trusts are piloting RAPID  Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, and St Georges University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The RAPID approach involves the patient having an mp-MRI scan in the morning and reported immediately. If it shows areas of abnormality, the patient will then undergo a transperineal ultrasound fusion biopsy, all within the same day.

The transperineal approach, in which samples are taken through the perineum rather than the rectum, is important as it confers a comparatively low risk of sepsis and can obviate the need for broad spectrum antibiotics and the possible development of antibiotic resistance.

Hashim Ahmed, Professor & Chair of Urology, Imperial College London, said:

After trialling various systems on the market we felt that the Hitachi ARIETTA and MedCom BiopSee combination offered us the best in high resolution imaging together with precise, accurate needle placement and an easy streamlined fusion software interface. This will help deliver a faster diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer and reduce waiting times. The safer transperineal biopsy route will also reduce infection and life-threatening sepsis rates."

Nicola Hunt, Managing Director at RM Partners, said:

We are delighted to be working with such inspirational clinicians who are at the forefront of delivering this innovative approach to prostate cancer diagnosis. In less than a year since the evidence was published to support this new approach, we have three sites across west London rolling out this investigative pathway. This is going to make a real difference to men through quicker diagnosis, reducing the anxious time waiting for scan results, allowing for earlier treatment if needed, and reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies undertaken. We are also delighted to be working with Hitachi to provide this world leading technology to our population."

The BiopSee system fuses the mp-MRI images with the Hitachi ultrasound images in real-time, allowing highly accurate placement of the biopsy needle in the prostate to target the tumor with exceptional precision. 3D ultrasound image acquisition, rigid/elastic fusion capabilities together with precise stepper tracking and reporting software deliver an exceptional diagnostic platform supporting the RAPID program in London.

BiopSee records and stores the location of each tissue sample, providing comprehensive documentation and reporting of biopsy core locations for accurate management of patients requiring further treatment and therapy planning in cryotherapy, brachytherapy, HIFU, RF or other treatment programs.

The combined forces of Hitachi and MedCom BiopSee offer the best of both worlds to Urologists and patients alike: the superior quality of Hitachi ultrasound together with BiopSees intuitive workflow open up new possibilities for patient management.

Mr Jean-Luc Budillon, President & COO, Hitachi Medical Systems Europe comments:

Were very excited to have been selected as part of the RAPID program and look forward to the roll-out of the project as Hitachis revolutionary technology is installed across these three sites. Our technological systems are designed by a team of highly skilled personnel, with years of expertise invested to bring this new hybrid system to the clinical environment. We are also fortunate to be working with some of the worlds leading medical experts on prostate cancer as part of the program. Its wonderful to see the adoption of such a forward-thinking approach to better managing the patient pathway in prostate cancer. It will be fascinating to analyze the data from RAPID and to fully understand its potential impact on diagnosis rates and care in the UK. Were confident that patients will experience huge benefits from this innovative care pathway."

Prostate cancer diagnosis has become a national health priority, with Prime Minister, Theresa May recently (9th April 2018) announcing the Governments 75m prostate cancer drive to be administered via the National Institute for Health Research clinical research network. This initiative will see 40,000 men recruited for research into the disease, which kills more than 11,000 a year and causes great anxiety and sometimes suffering for the 47,000 men who get a diagnosis.

Source: http://www.hitachi-medical-systems.eu/fileadmin/downloads/pdf/presse/2018-06-04_HMSE_PR_RAPID_programme.pdf
Immunosuppressed patients with sepsis appear more likely to die if they are treated in a hospital caring for a relatively small number of these patients, according to new research published online in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

Sepsis, a leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals, occurs when the body produces an out-of-control inflammatory response to infection. In Hospital Volume of Immunosuppressed Sepsis Patients and Sepsis Mortality, Jared A. Greenberg, MD, MSc, and coauthors analyzed the medical records of 350,183 patients with sepsis at 60 U.S. hospitals. One of five of those patients was classified as being immunocompromised based on being HIV-positive or having an intrinsic immune disorder, having a blood cancer or being prescribed an immunosuppressive drug for certain medical conditions while hospitalized.

While there is a lot of focus on improving sepsis outcomes through early interventions, some patients have poor outcomes from sepsis because their chronic medical conditions may worsen after the initial infectious insult, said Dr. Greenberg, an assistant professor and critical care physician at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. We hypothesized that septic patients who are immunocompromised may have improved outcomes if they are managed at hospitals that have the most experience managing immunocompromising conditions.

The study found:

15 percent of immunosuppressed patients with sepsis died during hospitalization compared to 12 percent of non-immunosuppressed patients with sepsis at all hospitals.

At hospitals seeing fewer than 225 immunosuppressed patients with sepsis each year, these patients were 38 percent more likely to die while hospitalized, compared to 21 percent more likely to die at hospitals that saw 225 or more of these patients yearly.

Above 225, caring for greater numbers of immunosuppressed patients with sepsis (one hospital treated 1,056 such patients) did not appear to reduce mortality.

Immunosuppressed patients with sepsis were more likely than non- immunosuppressed patients to return to their homes after discharge, rather than another health facility, 60 percent vs. 50 percent, respectively.

The authors said this last finding was a surprise. They believe that non-immunosuppressed patients may have been more likely to be experiencing declining states of health prior to sepsis than immunosuppressed patients, as they were more likely to be older and to be admitted directly from other health care facilities.

Researchers adjusted their findings for a range of factors, including severity of sepsis when hospitalized, other medical problems and whether a patients infection was hospital acquired.

Study results do not explain why immunosuppressed patients fared better at hospitals treating large numbers of such patients. They speculate that immunosuppressed patients with sepsis had improved survival at hospitals where clinicians had greater familiarity caring for immunosuppressed patients.

Without this familiarity, the authors write, physicians might miss atypical signs of sepsis in an immunocompromised patient and therefore miss the opportunity to treat the disease early before it gets out of control. It is also possible that the physicians may not comply with the Surviving Sepsis Campaigns international guidelines for clinical care, which many studies have shown reduce sepsis mortality, according to the authors.

Dr. Greenberg said the study is important for administrators and clinicians focused on improving quality of sepsis care because patients with a medical condition that is relatively uncommon at a hospital may have worse outcomes from sepsis than patients with the same conditions who are managed at hospitals where the condition is more common.

He added that more research was necessary to determine the mechanism of this finding before suggesting that an immunosuppressed patient should seek out a specific hospital based on the number of immunosuppressed patients treated by that hospital.
Researchers of the Ruhr-Universitat Bochum have gained new insights on the question of how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) effects functional interconnectivity of neurons. For visualization, they employed fluorescent dyes which provide information on the activity of neurons by light. Using this technique, they showed in an animal model that TMS predisposes neuronal connections in the visual cortex of the brain for processes of reorganization.

TMS is being used as a treatment for a number of brain diseases such as depression, Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia, but there has been little research on how exactly TMS works. The team of associate professor Dr Dirk Jancke of the Optical Imaging Lab in Bochum describes its new discoveries in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science of the United States of America (PNAS).

Examining the effects on cortical maps in the visual cortex

The researchers have investigated how TMS affects the organization of so-called orientation maps in the visual part of the brain. Those maps are partly genetically determined and partly shaped by the interaction with our surroundings. In the visual cortex, for example, neurons respond to contrast edges of certain orientations, which typically constitute boundaries of objects. Neurons that preferably respond to edges of a specific orientation are closely grouped while clusters of neurons with other orientation preferences are gradually located further away, altogether forming a systematic map across all orientations.

The team employed high frequency TMS and compared the behavior of neurons to visual stimuli with a specific angular orientation before and after the procedure. The result: After the magnetic stimulation the neurons responded more variable, that is, their preference for a particular orientation was less pronounced than before the TMS. "You could say that after the TMS the neurons were somewhat undecided and hence, potentially open to new tasks", explains Dirk Jancke. "Therefore, we reasoned that the treatment provides us with a time window for the induction of plastic processes during which neurons can change their functional preference."

A short visual training remodels the maps

The team then looked into the impact of a passive visual training after TMS treatment. 20-minutes of exposure to images of a specific angular orientation led to enlargement of those areas of the brain representing the trained orientation. "Thus, the map in the visual cortex has incorporated the bias in information content of the preceding visual stimulation by changing its layout within a short time," says Jancke. "Such a procedure - that is a targeted sensory or motor training after TMS to modify the brain's connectivity pattern - might be a useful approach to therapeutic interventions as well as for specific forms of sensory-motor training," explains Dirk Jancke.

Methodological challenges

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive painless procedure: A solenoid is being positioned above the head and the brain area in question can be activated or inhibited by means of magnetic waves. So far little is known about the impact of the procedure on a cellular network level, because the strong magnetic field of the TMS superimposes signals that are used by researchers in order to monitor the neuronal effects of the TMS. The magnetic pulse interferes in particular with electrical measurement techniques, such as EEG. In addition, other procedures used in human participants, e.g. functional magnetic resonance imaging, are too slow or their spatial resolution is too low.

Dirk Jancke's team used voltage dependent fluorescent dyes, embedded in the membranes of the neurons, in order to measure the brain's activity after the TMS with high spatiotemporal resolution. As soon as a neuron's activity is modulated, the dye molecules change emission intensity. Light signals therefore provide information about immediate changes in activity of groups of neurons.
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) will provide $45 million to Rush University Medical Center to substantially grow its Road Home Program, allowing an expected 5,000 military veterans or their family members to receive mental health care services without cost to them over the next five years.

The grant, the largest single donation to Rush since its founding in 1837, will expand a WWP-funded program that provides three weeks of concentrated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment that has been proven to significantly reduce PTSD symptoms.

"This is a transformational commitment from Wounded Warrior Project that will expand assistance to many more veterans and their families who so badly need and richly deserve these services," said Dr. Larry Goodman, CEO of Rush University Medical Center and the Rush System. "We are honored by this extraordinary commitment and the trust it shows in Rush and the Road Home Program. "

Intensive Outpatient Program found to relieve PTSD

The Road Home Program at Rush was launched in 2014 to help military veterans and their families make healthier transitions to civilian life by offering specialized mental health care, regardless of the ability to pay. In 2016, WWP, Rush, Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and UCLA Health in Los Angeles collaborated to create Warrior Care Network, a national care network that provides comprehensive mental health care to veterans living with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other related conditions.

As part of that effort, WWP provided a $15M grant for Rush to help support its treatment programs, including development of a three week long Intensive Outpatient Program. In the IOP, as it's known for short, groups of eight to 12 veterans from across the country whose PTSD is not responding to standard treatment receive more than 100 hours of treatment, which includes cognitive processing therapy and wellness interventions such as mindfulness, yoga, art therapy and acupuncture.

More than 260 veterans have completed IOP therapy to date, and Rush researchers have documented rapid and clinically meaningful reductions in PTSD and depression symptoms for the great majority of them.

WWP grant also will support other services for veterans and their families

The new funding announced today will make the IOP available to more than 1,500 veterans over the next five years. In addition to the IOP expansion, the new funding also will enable Road Home Program clinicians and therapists to provide outpatient therapy, counseling and other services to an additional 3,500 veterans and their family members from the Chicago area and elsewhere. Because spouses, children and other family members suffer as well when their loved one suffers from a trauma-based mental health issue, RHP provides free services to family members as well.

"The Road Home Program at Rush has proven to be just that  a road home for thousands of men and women wounded while serving their country," said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. "Wounded Warrior Project has increasingly focused on improving the mental health and wellness of our veterans. Invisible wounds are as debilitating as physical injuries, with care like that provided at Road Home, can be largely overcome."

Expanded services will meet growing need

As many as one in three veterans who served in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have returned to the United States with what are called the "invisible wounds of war," including PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and related mental health conditions associated with their military service.

"It is critical that the general health care system step up to do its share to care for our servicemen and women, and their families, who have given so much for our country. This support and generosity from Wounded Warrior Project is enabling us at Rush to provide the cutting-edge care and services that our warriors and their families so dearly earned," said Dr. Mark Pollack, professor and chairperson of the Rush Department of Psychiatry and founding director of the Road Home Program.

The Road Home Program operates in a spirit of collaboration, connecting veterans to social services, education and vocational programming via local organizations. The center complements the many other important psychiatric and outreach services to veterans already offered by local Veterans Administration medical centers Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center; and Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center.

The care, provided at no cost to the veteran and his or her family, helps fill in the gaps in mental health care currently not provided by VA or to those veterans who are not eligible or prefer to not receive care through the VA. Rush coordinates continuing care with the VA, working with a VA liaison so the veterans can continue to get treatment inside or outside of VA.

More than 1,000 people have received care from the Road Home Program since it was established to help military veterans and their families make healthier transitions to civilian life by offering specialized mental health care, peer-to-peer outreach, counseling and community resource navigation. This care includes evidence-based treatment for PTSD, traumatic brain injury and military sexual trauma; child and family counseling; service and resource navigation; peer-to-peer outreach; public awareness programming; and training for primary care physicians and others.

The WWP grant brings the total dollar amount of gifts made to Rush for the current fiscal year to nearly $86 million overall, making fiscal year 2018 the most successful year for fundraising in Rush's history. The previous record for donations in a single year was $75.2 million in 2005. The past two largest gifts made to Rush were $20 million each.

Source: https://www.rush.edu/news/press-releases/45-million-grant-expands-veterans-services
In the body, the immune system often begins its response to various attackers in the same way: the body activates immune cells, so-called phagocytes, which migrate to sites of inflammation caused by, for example, foreign pathogens or damaged tissue. There, the phagocytes release certain proteins, including the S100A8/S100A9 heterodimeric protein complex, which triggers or amplifies the inflammatory reaction at the site of the disease. However, if too many of these complexes are released, they can exacerbate the disease; for example, this happens in the case of autoimmune, rheumatic or dermatological diseases. Researchers at the Cells-in-Motion (CiM) Cluster of Excellence at the University of Munster (Germany) have now decoded how the activity of these proteins is precisely regulated. The leading scientists of the study, the immunologists Prof. Thomas Vogl and Prof. Johannes Roth, now want to use these novel fundamental insights to develop new treatment options to combat autoimmune diseases, arthritis, allergies or inflammatory diseases of the bowel, lung or cardiovascular system. The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

The detailed story

Many scientific publications have already described the tasks of the two proteins S100A8 and S100A9. But so far, it has not been clear to researchers whether these two proteins acted alone or in conjunction with each other. The Munster researchers have now been able to show that the proteins always work as a heterodimeric protein complex composed of both S100A8 and S100A9; in other words, a complex where both proteins are firmly associated. As soon as it is released, the heterodimer complex binds to a TLR4-expressing cell, triggering a suitable immune response via this receptor. Importantly, the S100A8/S100A9 heterodimer complex only has a short life time to spark this initial impulse: If it does not find a suitable target cell for activation, two individual heterodimers associate to form a heterotetramer; in this form, each heterodimer complex is inactive. This mechanism guarantees that the body will only trigger an immune reaction where needed - in other words, the inflammatory reaction remains localized.

The researchers also showed that as soon as this regulation is disturbed so not all of the excess S100A8/S100A9 heterodimer complexes can form tetramers, the result is an exacerbation of disease: "Too many heterodimers remain active, trigger a strong immune response and act systemically in the entire body," explains Prof. Thomas Vogl, the lead author of the study. This is a process that is, for example, behind blood poisoning - but it is also relevant for many autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, inflammatory skin diseases and even cardiovascular diseases.

Developing new treatment options with ideally no side effects

These findings by the Munster immunologists may lead to new approaches for treating many inflammatory diseases. Currently, new drugs are already being used to totally block the TLR4 receptor signaling pathway to inhibit misguided immune responses. However, one problem is that sometimes the body has to combat bacteria at the same time. As the immune system is blocked, the TLR4 receptor can no longer fulfill this important function anymore. "This is why we're searching for antibodies which specifically only block the S100-TLR4 axis, while the receptor is untouched, respectively free on the bacterial side," says Thomas Vogl. "These antibodies should specifically block only the active heterodimers and, in the following, weaken the immune reaction only locally, at the site of inflammation. The TLR4 receptor, which is important for immune defense, remains untouched and can trigger the suitable immune response in the case of any bacterial danger." Drugs developed according to this new approach to treat, for example, autoinflammatory disorders would therefore have far fewer side effects for patients than currently existing pharmaceuticals.

The next step for the researchers is to work together with companies to find suitable antibodies and develop pharmaceuticals for treating diseases accompanied by overwhelming immune reactions. The first patents have already been applied for. It will take years, however, before drugs are available to deactivate excess S100A8/S100A9 in the human body and thus prevent unwanted immune reactions.

The study is the result of interdisciplinary collaborations between five different CiM laboratories. "Without the expertise and the help of all other involved researchers, we would not have been able to elucidate these interesting results," says Thomas Vogl. The Munster molecular biologists Dr. Athanasios Stratis and Dr. Viktor Wixler, for example, investigated genetically modified mice necessary for the study. The nuclear physicians Prof. Michael Schafers and Dr. Sven Hermann contributed their expertise in imaging, enabling researchers to visualize the distribution of the S100 proteins in mice.
University Radiology Group has taken patient engagement to the next level by deploying RoyalPay, the secure, web-based, payments engine, allowing clients to eliminate manual eligibility verification, and complex payment calculations, while greatly increasing time-of-service payments. With the recent deployment of RoyalPay, patients can now view and pay their upcoming and prior balance responsibility online, all from the comfort of their home, or on the go. In seconds, patients are complete with the financial steps and can focus on what's important - their health.

The value of the Royal technology extends across the entire workforce; the registrars are now able to estimate and collect walk-in appointments, and other operational departments can automatically complete eligibility checks, and estimate calculations for patients, with the push of a button, days and weeks, in advance. Increasing time-of-service payments, increasing daily cash flow, and reducing invoicing and collection activities, allowing RoyalPay users to benefit from an instant ROI. (https://www.royalpay.org/).

"As the largest radiology provider in New Jersey with a broad geographic footprint, we sought a front-end solution with a phased-in approach that could be seamlessly deployed and integrated at our 20 office locations," said James Maher, Chief Revenue Officer at University Radiology Group. "Working closely with the Royal Solutions team in our first phase, we implemented patient responsibility estimation for point of service collections at our imaging centers. We saw an immediate benefit and the RoyalPay solution has improved the collection of patient responsibilities at the time of service fourfold from our historic levels."

"It is wonderful to see the patient satisfaction impact dramatically improve when providing access to their healthcare costs, and the ability to control how, and when to make a payment," says Peter Nassif, CEO at Royal Solutions Group. "University Radiology Group, one of the largest imaging groups in the nation, undertook a three-month effort across nineteen of its locations to provide patients with financial clarity prior to and on the date-of-service. The days of receiving billing statements weeks after the date-of-service are obsolete and we are excited to continue to enhance the RoyalPay experience for all patients and customers alike."
In a major boost to the electric vehicle adoption in the country on World Environment Day Goldstone-BYD, announced the launch as well as export of its full Electric Feeder Bus eBuzz K6, the 1st bus in this category to be manufactured in India. The Zero Emission electric bus was unveiled by Shri Ananth Geete, Union Minister of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Government of India. the 18 seater Goldstone-BYD eBuzz K6 zero-emission electric vehicles are manufactured in India by Goldstone Infratech Ltd in a strategic tie-up with BYD Auto Industry Co. Ltd.

First, five of these eBuzz K6 buses shall be exported to Nepal before being introduced in India and later will be exported to other neighboring countries. These electric buses will serve Lumbini tourism lines.

Also Read: 2018 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza Vs Hyundai Creta Facelift Compact SUV Spec Comparison - Price, Mileage and More

Mr. Naga Satyam, Executive Director  Goldstone Infratech Ltd said, Our focus has not only been to Make in India but also Made for India to meet the requirements of our diversity in the landscapes and terrains of the country. We have covered significant ground in meeting the requirements of several states in the country and being the supplier of choice for Mumbai, Himachal Pradesh, Bangalore, Hyderabad, amongst other states. Our proven ability to build customized, robust, yet sophisticated electric buses with utmost passenger comfort will enable us to meet the requirements of markets abroad too.

Mr.Zhang Jie , Executive Director, BYD India., said,  we are greatly encouraged by the quality of electric buses that are being manufactured in India by Goldstone and these manufacturing facilities in India will be used for export to SAARC Countries. eBuzz K6 to be supplied to Nepal is a step in that direction. We are committed to making vehicles that are not only environment friendly but also help in greatly reducing the carbon footprint

The 7-meter Air-Conditioned bus with a monocoque chassis offers power up to 180 KW and 1500 Nm torque equipped with smart air suspension system and air disc brakes which ensures smooth ride even at higher altitudes and bumpy roads. eBuzz K6 which can consistently run at 80 KM Per Hour is equipped with an advanced Li-ion Phosphate Battery ensuring longer lifetime. The bus can be driven up to 200 kms in a single charge and the battery can be quickly charged within 3-4 hours through 3 Phase AC Charging.

On Safety front, the battery in eBuzz K6 is safe due to Chemical and thermal stability. It provides protection from Short circuit, over-temperature and lightning as well. The body of the bus also meets the AIS 052 specification.

Also Read: Ferrari 250 GTO Sold for Whopping Rs 537 Crore, Becomes Worlds Most Expensive Car [Video]

Goldstone Infratech Ltd has supplied 25 electric buses to HRTC and 6 electric buses to BEST. Recently, Goldstone-BYD emerged as the winner for the bids to supply Electric Buses to Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad cities for tendered quantity of 290 electric buses which is the largest number for any Electric Bus manufacturer in the country.

Goldstone-BYD buses have completed over 200,000 Kms on Indian roads and have saved 4.5 million INR worth of fuel. Goldstone-BYD electric buses have reduced CO2 emissions up to 18,000 Kgs per year which would have required 5000 trees instead.
Mumbai: Pune police on Wednesday arrested five people for alleged links with Naxals in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence during Dalit demonstrations in January this year.

The five identified as Rona Wilson, Sudhir Dhavale, Surendra Gadling, Shoma Sen and Mahesh Raut were arrested from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur.

According to the police, the accused spread inflammatory messages during an Elgar Parishad event and made socially divisive presentations. They are accused of inciting violence by organising the event and making provocative speeches to promote enmity between two groups.

The Elgar Parishad was organised at Shaniwarwada Fort on December 31, 2017, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, which was believed to be a victory over caste-based oppression.

On January 1, clashes erupted between two groups, resulting in the death of one person. This led to state-wide protests, violence and destruction of public property.

The police had been conducting raids at the homes and offices of the accused to uncover alleged links with Maoists in urban centres. Police have claimed that Dhavale is a Left-wing extremist and member of the Kabir Kala Kanchan, which is known for its association with Maoists.

Gadling, who is a lawyer, allegedly provided aid to suspected Naxals, while Wilson has allegedly been a Maoist activist.

The accused, however, said they were being wrongly targeted and made scapegoats to divert attention from the real culprits.
Jun 06, 2018 15:23 (IST)

Bihar Board Class 12th Result 2018 | Other than checking the Bihar Board 12th Result 2018 online, students can check their Bihar Board Class 12 Results 2018 via SMS

To check Bihar Board Class 12th Science Result 2018



SMS - BSEB12SROLLNUMBER - Send it to 56263



To check Bihar Board Class 12th Arts Result 2018

SMS - BSEB12AROLLNUMBER - Send it to 56263

To check Bihar Board Class 12th Commerce Result 2018

SMS - BSEB12CROLLNUMBER - Send it to 56263
The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has announced the Bihar Board Result 2018 or BSEB Class 12 intermediate results 2018 on June 6 at 4:15 pm, board officials have confirmed. The BSEB Bihar School Examination Board released the Bihar Board Class 12 results 2018 or Bihar Intermediate Results 2018, Bihar Class 12 Intermediate Arts Results 2018, Bihar Class 12 Intermediate Commerce Results 2018 and Bihar Class 12 Intermediate Science Results 2018 on its official website biharboard.ac.in.

The Bihar School Examination Board BSEB conducted the Bihar Board Class 10 Matric exams 2018 February 21 to February 28. The Bihar School Examination Board's BSEB Class 12 Intermediate Exam 2018 started from 6th February and concluded on 16th February 2018. The students can also check their Bihar Class 12 Intermediate Board Results 2018, Bihar Class 12 Intermediate Arts Results 2018, Bihar Class 12 Intermediate Commerce Results 2018 and Bihar Class 12 Intermediate Science Results 2018 on this website as well bihar.indiaresults.com or examresults.net, results.gov.in

Students need to follow the steps to check Bihar BSEB Class 12 Intermediate Results or BSEB Result 2018:

* Log on to the websites biharboard.ac.in

* Click on the Bihar Intermediate Class 12 Results 2018, Bihar Board Result 2018, Bihar Board Class 12 Results 2018

* Enter your roll number

* The Bihar board Class 12 Intermediate results 2018 will appear

* Click on 'Save' to download the result

* Students can take a print out for further reference

Students also can check their Bihar BSEB Intermediate Class 12 board exam results 2018, BSEB Result 2018 via SMS

Check BSEB Intermediate Class 12 Science Result 2018:

SMS - BSEB12S/A/C ROLLNUMBER - Send it to 56263

Check BSEB Intermediate Class 12 Commerce Result 2018:

SMS - BSEB12S/A/C ROLLNUMBER - Send it to 56263

Check BSEB Intermediate Class 12 Arts Result 2018:

SMS - BSEB12S/A/C ROLLNUMBER - Send it to 56263

17,70,42 lakhs students sat for the BSEB Bihar Board Class 10 matric exams and 12,07,986 students appeared for the Bihar BSEB Intermediate Class 12 board exam in 2018.
New Delhi: On the day when Congress president Rahul Gandhi is in Madhya Pradeshs Mandsaur district to highlight farm distress in the poll-bound state, the Union cabinet passed a Rs 8,000 crore bailout package for sugarcane industry.

The bailout is an attempt to ensure that cash-starved mills clear cane dues of Rs 22,000 crore.

The sugarcane industry has been witnessing a steep fall in prices following a record sugar production of over 31.6 million tonnes in the 2017-18. To relieve farm distress, the government also decided to increase Minimum Support Price (MSP) of sugarcane crop to Rs 29 a kg.

The cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had last month also announced a Rs 1,500 crore production-linked subsidy for sugarcane farmers to help millers make cane payments.

The Centre has also doubled sugar import duty to 100% and scrapped export duty to check sliding domestic prices. It has also asked mills to export 2 million tonnes of sugar.

The Centre has been under relentless attack by opposition parties over worsening agrarian distress. Speaking at a rally in Mandsaur, Congress president Rahul Gandhi attacked the BJP-led NDA government, claiming, The MP government opened fire on farmers and killed them. In the entire country, farmers are asking for their rights and committing suicide. And families present here a testimony to it.

He added that whether it is PM Modi or any BJP ruled states, no one is considerate towards farmers.

Pending sugarcane dues and low MSP, the rate at which government buys crops from farmers, had become a major poll issue in the recently held by-polls in west Uttar Pradeshs Kairana district, in which the ruling BJP state government lost out to rivals by over 50,000 votes.

Mandsaur had become a rallying point for farmers across the country, agitating against non-implementation of MS Swaminathan commission recommendations, which was part of BJPs manifesto for 2014 general elections. On June 1, over 100 farmer bodies from across the country announced a 10-day nationwide stir against the worsening agrarian distress.

Shortage of essential food supplies has been reported for the last week from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, where thousands of farmers have called strike. While in some states like Punjab, farmer unions have called off stir, other states like Madhya Pradesh have continued to suffer from shortage of vegetables and milk.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhis rally in Mandsaur on Thursday is being seen as the curtain raiser for Congress campaign in the upcoming state polls due later this year. His party has been out of power in the state for last 15 years now.

The Congress president is addressing Kisan Rally at Khokhra (Pipliya Mandi) in the district in which hes sharing dais with family members of three out of the six people killed in the police firing in June last year.
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against Ravi Krishna, Director of Ziqitza Health Care Pvt Ltd and the son of former Union minister Vayalar Ravi, its CEO and others in connection with alleged corruption in the operation of ambulances in Rajasthan after three years of probe.

Chargesheet has been filed against Ravi Krishna , Director of Ziqitza Health Care Ltd, based in Mumbai; Sweta Mangal, the then CEO of the company; Amit Antony Alex, the then employee of the company and the said company before the competent court in Jaipur on allegations regarding the operation of ambulances in Rajasthan, a CBI spokesperson said.

The accused have been charged under IPC sections 420 (cheating), 466 (forgery of record), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), and 471 (using as genuine a forged document).

The initial FIR in the case was filed by the CBI in 2015 and had named former chief minister Ashok Gehlot and alleged directors of the company, Congress leader Sachin Pilot, Karti Chidambaram (son of former Union Minister P Chidambaram), Ravi Krishna (son of former Union Minister Vayalar Ravi), Ziqitza Health Care, Mangal, the then health minister of the state Duru Mirza and the Director of the National Rural Health Mission.

However, the chargesheet filed after three years of investigation does not name them as accused.

The officials said the investigation is continuing and further chargesheets will be filed on the basis of evidence which may be gathered in the course of time.

After filing of the FIR, Pilot had said he had resigned from the company in late 2002 or early 2003 (before he became MP) when it decided to become a for profit company from the non-profit venture as he was associated with it only for social cause.

The CBI has claimed that the period of the alleged crime is between 2010 and 2013.

It was alleged that the terms and conditions of the ambulance tenders were changed and tweaked to favour the accused company and ensure it was the sole bidder.

It was also alleged that due to irregularities in the execution of an ambulance service in Rajasthan, the company made an illegal profit of about Rs 23 crore.

The case was first registered by the state police and later transferred to the CBI upon Rajasthan governments request.
New Delhi: The Ministry of Women and Children Development (WCD) will be distributing specially-designed kits to all police stations and hospitals to carry out immediate medical investigation into sexual assault cases, Union Minister Maneka Gandhi said on Wednesday.

The rape investigation kits are being procured by state governments with financial support under the Nirbhaya Fund, she said.

The fund, named after a Delhi rape victim, aims to support initiatives by the government and NGOs working towards ensuring safety of women in India. For swift investigation in rape cases, the ministry is ensuring that police stations and hospitals across the country are equipped with the specially-designed rape evidence kits, Gandhi said.

She said the kit comprises essential items which will aid in furnishing evidence such as blood and semen samples in sexual assault and rape cases.

These kits will also contain instructions on the evidence that needs to be collected from the crime scene, the minister said.

The kit would be sent to the closest lab and within two months one would have the results, Gandhi said.

The minister, while listing the achievements of her government in the last four years, said the Sakshi Suraksha Advanced DNA Laboratory has been started in Chandigarh for forensic analysis of samples collected from rape victims.

Gandhi said forensic labs would come up in Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Bhopal and Guwahati. "Once a proper identification of sexual crime has been made and all the evidence has been gathered, the timeline for rape leading to conviction could be cut by years," she said.
New Delhi: India's Ambassador to the Maldives, Akhilesh Mishra, was approached by the country's government on Wednesday after one of their top parliamentarians was denied entry into India.

On Tuesday, a top aide of Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen and head of the parliamentary group of the Progressive Party of Maldives, Ahmed Nihan, held a press conference in Male and termed Indias actions bullying. He claimed that he was denied entry into India due to his political affiliations.

Nihan was in Chennai with Yameens sister and brother-in-law, both of whom were allowed to enter. The parliamentarian holds a diplomatic passport and a SAARC visa which gives him access to all SAARC regions.

Reacting to the incident, former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed tweeted that it was no surprise that a country that had arrested its opposition leaders, laundered money etc. was not allowed entry into India.

Confirming the incident, Maldivian ambassador to India Ahmed Mohamed said that MP Nihan was a frequent flyer to Chennai for his medical check-ups. The recent visit was also to consult the doctor. This is an unfortunate incident, said Ambassador Mohamed.

The recent incident comes amid deteriorating relations between New Delhi and Male.

Just days earlier, Maldives had asked India to take back its helicopters that were stationed on the island for medical evacuations. India has been concerned about the Yameen governments alleged closeness to China.
Mandsaur: The aggrieved families of the farmers who died in police firing in Mandsaur last year have agreed to meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi and attend his public meeting on Wednesday.

On the first anniversary of the police firing on farmers, Gandhi is holding a public meeting to pay tributes to the dead farmers in Mandsaur and would attend a condolence meet from 1 to 3 pm.

"Rahul Gandhi is coming to attend the farmers condolence meet so, its our duty to go and meet him. We have been invited in the programme,Alka, mother of student Abhishek Patidar who died in the firing last year, told News18.

Speaking to News18 about Gandhi's visit, Abhisheks father Dinesh Patidar said, "We hope Rahul Gandhi would do something to turn loss prone farming into a profitable venture."

The Patidars were in the news recently when district administration served a notice to Abhisheks elder brother Madhusudan Patidar, asking him to ink a peace bond that he wont take part in the farmers agitation this year and would maintain peace. However, after widespread outrage the notice was cancelled.

"All the families, who lost their sons, have agreed to meet our party president," said Congress MLA Jitu Patwari. "Gandhis sympathies are with the bereaved families. He had earlier promised to come back and he kept his word," he added.

Last year, Gandhi had tried to visit Mandsaur to meet the dead farmers families, but the administration, citing prohibitive orders imposed in the town, had prevented him from entering.

Five protesting Mandsaur farmers had died on the spot in police firing, while one of the farmers succumbed to injuries due to lathicharge.
We will keep track of major news events in India and across the world through this live blog. Stay tuned as Sumedha Kirti brings you latest updates:



Big news right now: Addressing a public meeting in Mandsaur to mark the first anniversary of the police firing that killed six protesting farmers, Congress president Rahul Gandhi promised to waive off farm loans within 10 days if his party comes to power in Madhya Pradesh. Tweeting ahead of the Kisan Rally, Gandhi said one year had passed since the tragedy but the probe report was yet to come out. Referring to the families of the deceased farmers who are present on the dais with other Congress leaders, Gandhi tweeted, They are still awaiting justice. I know the pain of losing someone close to me. I tried to share their pain by spending time with them today. Madhya Pradesh is slated to go to polls later this year and the Congress is seeking to make this rally big ahead of the Assembly elections. The anniversary of the Mandsaur firing comes amid a nationwide 10-day strike by farmers for a complete loan waiver, implementation of recommendations of Swaminathan Commission and better remuneration for agriculture produce.
New Delhi: The CBI on Wednesday carried out searches in the prestigious NDA, Khadakwasla, Pune after registering a case against its Principal Om Prakash Shukla and four faculty members for allegedly exaggerating academic records for appointment as teaching staff in the institute, officials said.

Others booked with Shukla include Professor of political science in the National Defence Academy (NDA), Jagmohan Meher, Associate Professor (chemistry) Vanita Puri, Associate Professor (Mathematics) Rajeev Bansal and Head of Department (Chemistry) Maheswar Roy besides unidentified officials of the UPSC and HQ-Integrated Defence Staff of the Defence Ministry, they said.

The agency had registered a preliminary enquiry in 2017 on the basis of allegations that 13 faculty members of the academy were appointed in spite of being ineligible.

"Searches are being conducted today at the premises including office and residences of accused which led to recovery of incriminating documents," CBI Spokesperson R K Gaur said in a statement.

It was alleged that these academicians had secured their appointments in connivance with the unknown officials of the Union Public Service Commission and HQ-Integrated Defence Staff (HQ-IDS) of the Defence Ministry.

The teaching posts on which these accused were appointed are civilian positions for which selection is done by the UPSC. On the recommendation of the UPSC, the Defence Ministry makes the appointment, they said.

During the course of inquiry, the agency found that during the period 2007-08 and 2012-13, Shukla (who had joined as Professor now the Principal), Meher, Puri and Bansal and other unidentified faculty members allegedly got selected as teaching staff in the NDA without possessing mandatory teaching and research experience, the officials said.

After nearly an year long enquiry, the CBI converted the PE into an FIR alleging that they had secured the positions on the basis of forged and false certificates indicating their experience and "exaggerated" Academic Performance Indicator (API) score, which was introduced as one of the qualifying parameter by the Defence Ministry in 2011 in addition to already existing educational qualifications and experience.

The API score is calculated on the basis of research publications, presentation of papers in seminars, training courses attended etc.

The agency has alleged Shukla not only claimed exaggerated API during his selection as Professor and Principal at the NDA, but also certified and sent to the UPSC inflated API score sheet of Meher during his selection as Professor in 2012.

It is also alleged that officials of the UPSC handling the process did not verify or cross check the API score sheet of Meher before shortlisting him for the interview and recommending his name to the Defence Ministry for selection.

Similar modus operandi was also allegedly adopted by Puri during her selection as Associate Professor in 2012 and her exaggerated API score was certified by Shukla and Roy. In the case of Bansal, Shukla endorsed inflated API scores which were not cross checked by the UPSC officials, it alleged.
New Delhi: There have been "no big changes" in the H-1B programme and "nothing new" on the H-4 visa policy, the US said today, amid the Trump administration's plan to overhaul the immigration system.

US Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) in Delhi, MaryKay L Carlson said granting employment visa and work permits is the sovereign decision of a country.

The US Mission here today observed 'Student Visa Day', an event to celebrate higher education ties between India and the United States.

"There have been no big changes in the H-1B programme and nothing new on H-4...," Carlson told reporters here.

Certainly, employment visa and work permits for Indians is the sovereign decision of the US, the official said.

The Trump administration's move to end the Obama-era rule could have an impact on more than 70,000 H-4 visas holders, who have work permits. H-4 is issued to the spouse of H-1B visa holders, a significantly large number of whom are high-skilled professionals from India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had last month said the government would make all efforts to persuade the Trump administration against such a move.

In her annual press conference on May 28, the minister had said it was true that President Donald Trump was reviewing the H-4 visa programme and there were reports of its possible revocation.

On the occasion of 'Student Visa Day', the Mission also dedicated the day to student visa applicants who have enrolled for higher studies in different US universities.

The US Embassy in New Delhi and the consulate general of Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, welcomed over 4,000 Indian students, who applied for visas to study in the United States.

In 2017, more than 1,86,000 Indian students were enrolled in US institutions for higher education, more than double the number from a decade ago and a 12 per cent increase from the year before.

India is the second leading place of origin for students coming to the US, with Indians comprising over 17 per cent of the total international students in the United States, according to the US.

Consular staff members wore shirts and hats from their respective universities.

Some consulates invited guest alumni speakers, while others had a video or "selfie" station.

Representatives from partners, including EducationUSA, the American Library, and recent US graduates were present at the event to give their insights and answer queries from students about studying in the United States.
New Delhi: Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth, whose new movie Kaala is facing opposition from pro-Kannada groups over his Cauvery remarks, has appealed to Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy to provide security at theatres that wished to screen the film, which will be released across the country tomorrow.

In an attempt to reach out to the protesters, the Tamil superstar made an appeal to the state film chambers in Kannada: "To our Kannada brothers, I appeal to you, I have done no wrong. So for those who want to watch the film please do not disrupt it. I humbly appeal to you to not trouble the film goers."

He further added,"The Film Chambers is supposed to ensure that there's no problem for distributors. It is not right that the Karnataka Film Chamber demands Kaala ban."

Several pro-Kannada groups threatened to stall the movie if it is screened despite an earlier "ban" on it by the Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce. A section of the film fraternity in the state has admitted to being hugely upset by the superstar's remarks on Cauvery water row. Rajinkanth had said that Karnataka should release Tamil Nadus share of water to the state, drawing criticism from many in Karnataka, including Kumaraswamy.

A request for security was also part of Tuesday's court order, which left room for theatres to screen the movie if they wanted. The state government has assured the court it would be done. But Chief Minister Kumaraswamy, while saying he would comply with the court's order, suggested "as an individual" that the timing wasn't right for the film's release.

On Monday, fellow actor and now politician Kamal Haasan met Karnataka Chief Minister Kumaraswamy to discuss the Cauvery water distribution issue and found himself at the receiving end of much criticism for not bringing up the matter of Rajinikanths film not being released in the state.

Acting on the Supreme Court's direction, the Centre finally constituted the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CMA) to address the long-standing dispute over sharing of river water among Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry and issued a gazette notification.
New Delhi: A gun fight between militants who attacked the Armys Hajin camp in north Kashmir and security forces earlier this week threatened to undo the 20-day-old suspension of operations, better known as Ramzan Ceasefire, announced by the Home Ministry last month.

The attack was carried out at 8:30 pm on 13 Rashtriya Rifles camp in Hajin. The Army described the incident as a standoff attack by militants. The militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba, which claimed responsibility for the attack, reportedly used grenades and fired from their automatic weapons at the camp.

This was the second such attack since May 17 when the suspension of operations or Ramzan Ceasefire was announced. The first attack happened on May 28 when militants targeted an Army camp at Kakapora in south Kashmirs Pulwama district.

According to the report accessed by CNN-News18, one civilian and a security force personnel have been killed in the last 20 days. Around 10 militants trying to infiltrate into the Valley were killed in various encounters near the Line of Control (LoC). Security personnel so far claimed the ceasefire to be a big success. Thats because of the remarkably low number of casualties in the hinterland during the period.

The report said that the peace initiative is in no way hampering the steps being taken against terrorists. "Sixty-eight terrorists were killed in 2018. Compared to previous years, this is a high number," it stated.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to be apprised of the fact that in the past few months, most top terror commanders have been eliminated, including Mufti Waqas, Touseef Sheikh, Sameer Tiger and Saddam Padar. Only some are left now like Reyaz Naikoo, Zeenat-ul-islam and Zakir Moosa.

Singh, who will visit the Valley on Thursday, is also likely to be asked by state government and security officials to extend the suspension of operations well after Eid. Sources have told CNN-News18 that J&K DGP S P Vaid will make a presentation to the Home Minister, detailing the success of the current peace initiative.

On the law and order front too, the security brass is likely to argue in favour of the Ramzan initiative. "From around 900 incidents that were reported in the first six months in 2017, only 410 such incidents have been reported so far, and just 20 took place since Ramzan COO," the report said, adding that the elimination of terrorists at the Line of Control continues. "Ten have been killed since cessation of operation was announced, including three in Keran on Wednesday, it said.

The drop in number of incidents has happened across various categories - weapon snatching, grenade lobbing, bank loots, IED blasts, and stone pelting.

Officials argue that fewer attacks from terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen have happened since COO.

The incidents of grenade lobbing and weapon snatching have gone up in second and third weeks of Ramzan, but officials claim, "This is the only sign of growing frustration among terror groups because the common Kashmiri is appreciating government's peace initiative."

One of the sources in state police department said that while they are receiving intelligence inputs of a possible fidayeen attack on a daily basis, a greater vigilance by the forces has so far deterred the terror groups from carrying out such attacks.

Senior officials of the security agencies deployed in Kashmir are already hailing the Ramzan Ceasefire as a big success when compared to the ceasefire announced last time in 2000 when then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had announced a Non Initiation of Combat Operations (NICO) over a five-month period during which 800 people had died.

Singh is scheduled to preside over a high-level security meeting during his visit to Srinagar on Thursday. On getting favourable response from the agencies, which is almost certain now, the Home Minister is likely to announce an extension in Ramzan Ceasefire on his return to the capital.
Varanasi: Inter-faith iftars during the month of Ramzan have been a part of the social fabric of Varanasi, the religious hub of Hindus, for decades.

Even in the age of hashtags and connectivity, the invites for iftar  the meal consumed by Muslims after sunset during Ramzan  are not circulated on social media as the event is considered a part of routine.

Yeh Banaras hai, yahan Hindu khusoosi taur pe iftar karte hain (This is Banaras where Hindus specially hold iftar for Muslims), said Mufti Haroon Rashid Naqshbandi of Varanasi, who grew up in the midst of inter-faith iftars during the holy month.

The Hindus here consider it auspicious to contribute and participate in Ramzan. Anyone who has grown up in Varanasi will tell you that iftars here are about both Hindus and Muslims, he said.

Legacy of a Locality

As one makes way through the lanes of Varanasi, the communal affinity is hard to miss.

Amid the cacophony at Gowdhulia Chowk, local businessman Fuzail Ahmed reminds his friend Yash Kesari about the iftar at the mosque.

Dressed in a white shirt with a saffron tilak on his forehead and a kalava on his wrist, Kesari is the owner of the famous Kaashi Chaat shop. Responding to Ahmed, he says the meal will be sent to the mosque on a Friday.

Last year, Kesari went to the masjid with dahi bada, chaat, fruits and sooji ka halwa for 200 people. The meal cost him Rs 30,000.

For the businessman, the practice of sending iftar to the mosque started three generations ago. As an elder son, I never questioned it. I just carried forward what my great-grandfather started. This mosque is close to our house and we live in a mixed locality. We are good neighbours, but thats not the reality across Varanasi. Some places are sensitive.

In his locality at the Chowk, Muslims, too, do their bit for communal harmony by lending a hand during navratra. They clean the area around the temple and help us during the puja, Kesari said.

For Ahmed, Kesari is like my brother and his iftar is much-awaited.

The citys Dal Mandi, where both Hindus and Muslims trade together, has also maintained the brotherhood.

During the Babri Masjid demolition and the Gujarat riots, there was tension and uncertainty around but so was cooperation between us  the Hindus and Muslims, said a local trader Shahid Ahmed.

Pointing to the symbols of unity around them, Ahmed said places of worship co-existed across the city. There are Muslim-dominated lanes from where funeral processions are carried out amid chants of Ram naam satya hai. During funerals, one realises that the communities cross the others path in life as well as death, he said.

Breaking Bread Together Amid Saffron Surge

However, the holy city is not untouched by the saffron wave that swept the country in 2014.

I am a bhakt  Modi aur Yogi ka. I wear bhagwa (saffron) to my workplace, which is dominated by Muslims. You know that Muslims have not yet warmed up to the BJP. Yet, despite our political differences, we eat, pray and conduct business together. The story becomes more vivid during Ramzan when I join them for iftar, said Raj Kumar Dubey, a manager at Silk Khazana.

Dubey works at Chaukaghat with Muslim weavers. They despise me in this colour but during the fast, I join them. They get food at work, which we eat together, he said.

Ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha and the 2017 Assembly elections, Dubey got the names of Yogi and Modi inked on his head. He also wore saffron to work, which irked some people. But relations dont get affected. There is economic interdependence between the communities, he said.

With misinformation being circulated on social media to provoke communal tension, Dubey said there was a need to act more cautiously. We depend on each other for work, and that should not be ruptured, he said.

Unhappy with the Yogi Adityanath government, Haji Aslam Quadri said, Earlier, governments made sure that during Ramzan, the area was kept clean. But look around now, it is so dirty, koi khaas kaam nahi kiya (nothing specific has been done).

Quadri, who has been involved with trade with Hindus, feels the unity between the communities has survived despite the attempts to incite hatred. Nafratein khatam kaise hongi? Aise hi, Hindu-Muslim ekta ki baat likh kar. Bahut koshish rehti hai bhadkane ki isliye is topic par likho (How will the enmity end? By writing about Hindu-Muslim unity. There are attempts to incite hatred, which is why you must write on the issue), he said.
Shillong: Meghalayas capital is slowly returning to normal after being in the grip of violence following a clash between Sikh residents in Shillong's Punjabi Lane area and the Khasi drivers of state-run buses on May 31. Curfew, however, remains across Shillong as a precautionary measure.

Speaking to senior journalist Karma Paljor, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma lauds the citys police for showing restraint during the violence, adding that all options, including the relocation of Sikh communities, was being discussed to prevent a repeat.

It's been a difficult few days for you. How do you see the situation on ground now? Is it under control?

Yes. The last five days have been tense and the situation has not been that great. But as of now, things look under control. I am sure in the next few days, we will see the situation normalise. We have been in discussion with different individuals and groups, trying to ensure that peace is restored.

You have been saying for the past few days that the violence was sponsored. Do you still hold by it? Why do you think somebody would sponsor such violence?

I think whatever the case might be, we are trying to find a positive solution and move forward. So, all the situations and issues can be analysed at a later stage. Right now, it is important to establish a sense of confidence and keep communication open and that is what we have been trying to do. It has yielded positive results so that is the way we will move forward.

Do you think your government has failed in a way to curtail violence in a city like Shillong which has in the past been so peaceful?

I think if you look at the incidents in the past 3-4 days, the police and we were very careful to ensure that no citizens are harmed. If you look at the events in the last five days where you have mob in thousands, any incident could have happened. It is extremely difficult task for the police, administration and government to balance both out. If anyone has been hurt, it is the police. Though there may have been small incidents here and there, the public has been kept safe. We have managed to ensure that minimum damage is done. So, if you look at the bigger picture, you'll see that the police force and the government have very tactfully resolved the issue to ensure that there is minimum damage to life, property or even injury. So as I said, the police have taken the worst beating.

You have also worked very closely with the Punjab government, even their leader coming here and doing damage control. How are they looking at the situation?

We all realised the complexity of a situation like this. As I said, that's why I said that from day one we were very careful. We made it a point to tell the police and administration that every life is important to us and it is the duty of the government to protect every life. And that is the kind of principle we have worked with and we knew and worked on this because we know the repercussions of the situations going out of hand. Hence, from day one, we were in touch with the communities and the chief minister of Punjab.

Yes, there were some wrong messages and news doing the rounds which were totally fake. The clarifications were made. They (representatives from Punjab) got the confidence after speaking to the people here who told them that the government has done a good job, especially the police.

Is there a long term solution to this? Is this colony which has been settled for such a long time going to be moved out? Are they going to be relocated?

You see, there is a demand for relocation. Ultimately, as the government, we have to find a solution and this can't go on for any longer. We have established a high-level committee headed by the Deputy CM. It has five Cabinet ministers and others will be asked to join as well. But, it is time we find a solution to move forward. It is in the best interest of everybody that we find a solution.

So, is relocation a solution?

Absolutely, we are looking at all the aspects, all the pros and cons, every area of concern. As I said, in order to ensure a long-term solution, we have to look at every aspect.

Are the agitators happy with you? Are they happy with the talks with you?

I do not know whether they are happy or not, but we are all realising the complexity of the situation as citizens, as leaders, as groups, as members of the government. But, ultimately if we work together and ensure that we don't resort to violence, I am sure we'll be able to find a way and that is the confidence we have given to the people.
New Delhi: South Korean President Moon Jae-in is all set to visit India next month.

Sources in the know said no date had been fixed for the visit but it is most likely to take place in the first week of July.

The long-overdue visit comes close on the heels of a meeting between minister of state for external affairs General VK Singh and North Korean officials in Pyongyang.

In May, General VK Singh held discussions on a host of issues with Kim Yong Dae, vice-president of the Presidium of the Supreme Peoples Assembly; Ri Yong Ho, foreign minister; Pak Chun Nam, minister of culture; and Choe Hui Chol, vice foreign minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Topics discussed included political, regional, economic, educational and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Singhs visit is preceded by the historic diplomatic breakthrough earlier last month when Jae-in and his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un signed a peace treaty to remove nuclear weapons from their backyards.

Jae-Ins visit also comes around the same time as US President Donald Trumps meeting with Kim Jong Un in Singapore.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had, in her recent annual press conference, said that while India did not intend to play the role of a mediator between the US and North Korea, it would continue to nurture its democratic ties with the former.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stall the release of Rajinikanth-starrer 'Kaala' which is scheduled to hit theatres on Thursday.

A vacation bench comprising Justices A K Goel and Ashok Bhushan refused to entertain a plea by K S Rajashekaran, who sought an injunction against release of the movie. "You want an injunction against the release of the movie. Everybody is waiting for the film to be released," the bench told the counsel appearing for the petitioner.

According to news agency PTI, the petitioner has approached the apex court against the May 16 order of the Madras High Court which has posted his plea against the release of the movie for hearing on June 16. The petitioner has claimed that his copyright-protected work related to story scenes and songs were used by the producer of the movie without prior permission.

The actor-turned-politician, whose new movie Kaala is facing opposition from pro-Kannada groups over his Cauvery remarks, has appealed to Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy to provide security at theatres that wished to screen the film.

In an attempt to reach out to the protesters, the Tamil superstar made an appeal to the state film chambers in Kannada: "To our Kannada brothers, I appeal to you, I have done no wrong. So for those who want to watch the film please do not disrupt it. I humbly appeal to you to not trouble the film goers."

On Monday, fellow actor and now politician Kamal Haasan met Kumaraswamy to discuss the Cauvery water distribution issue and found himself at the receiving end of much criticism for not bringing up the matter of Rajinikanths film not being released in the state.
Tripura Class 12th Result 2018 | The Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE) declared the Tripura +2 Arts Result 2018, Tripura +2 Science Result 2018, Tripura Result 2018, Tripura HSC +2 Result 2018 on June 8 (today) at 9:30 am. The Tripura Board of Secondary Education announced the Tripura +2 Arts Result 2018, Tripura Class 12th Result 2018, Tripura Class 12 Arts Result 2018, Tripura Class 12 Commerce Result 2018, TBSE Result 2018 for Class 12th on its official website tbse.in.

The Tripura Board of Secondary Education officially conducts the Tripura Higher Secondary (+2 stage), Madrasa Fazil (H.S. +2 Stage) Theology, Madrasa Fazil (H.S. +2 Stage) Arts during the months of March and April. The exams began on 8, March, 2018 and ended on 13th April, 2018. Students can check their Tripura +2 Arts Result 2018, Tripura 12th Arts Result 2018, Tripura +2 Commerce Result 2018, Tripura 12th Commerce Result 2018 Tripura HSC +2 Result 2018 on examresults.net/tripura, http://results.gov.in/index.aspx, http://m.indiaresults.com/

How to check the TBSE 12th Result 2018, Tripura +2 Arts Result 2018, TBSE HSC +2 Commerce Result 2018 students can follow the basic steps:

Step 1: Log onto the tbse.in website.

Step 2: Look for the link which says Tripura +2 Arts Result 2018, TBSE HSC +2 Arts Result 2018

Step 3: Click for the link which says TBSE 12th Result, Tripura Class 12 Commerce Result 2018

Step 4: Enter Roll Number for Tripura +2 Commerce Result 2018, TBSE HSC +2 Commerce Result 2018

Step 5: Download the Tripura HSC +2 Commerce Result 2018, TBSE HSC +2 Result 2018, Tripura HSC +2 Arts Result 2018 for future reference

After declaring Class 12th Science results, the Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE) has also confirmed the date for the announcement of Arts and Commerce streams results of class 12. This year the results will be declared on June 8. The result of Science stream was declared on May 22. The board has also said it will also release the results for Fazil Arts and Fazil Theology examination on June 8. Around 27000 candidates appeared for the examinations for class 12 and approximately 55000 gave class 10 examination of the board.
Lucknow: National president of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said his party supported simultaneous elections and was ready for the polls in 2019.

Speaking at the party headquarters in Lucknow, Yadav said, One nation, one poll is good and we welcome it. Our party is ready to take on simultaneous polls in 2019. Also, we demand that the voter list is linked to Aadhaar to ensure fair and free polls.

He said, It seems that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made preparations to extend its regime. They have not thought about how regional parties will contest elections in such a short span of time. Big parties can fight elections with the help of management, but what about regional and small parties? However, if simultaneous polls are conducted soon, we are ready for that.

Yadav also welcomed newly elected Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) MP from Kairana Tabassum Hasan and SP MLA from Noorpur Naimul Hasan at the headquarters.

On Tuesday, cabinet minister Sidharth Nath Singh submitted a report to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, suggesting implementation of simultaneous polls in the country in two phases. Uttar Pradesh officially became the first state to prepare a report on the issue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi started a campaign for all elections to be held at the same time so that we don't spend five years on elections. Elections to state governments, Lok Sabha and bypolls at different times hamper development due to the implementation of the model code of conduct, Adityanath had said.

Only one voters list should be prepared. We constituted a team in Uttar Pradesh under the health ministry in this regard and asked them to see if its possible to hold only one election and link voters list to Aadhaar so that new voters are automatically added to the list when they turn 18, the UP CM had added, according to news agency ANI.

Last year, election commissioner OP Rawat set the cat among the pigeons by stating that the commission would be ready for simultaneous polls by September 2018. He also added a caveat that this would not be possible unless certain constitutional amendments were carried out.

The law commission has also been discussing all aspects of the Constitution, law and other areas with experts on the issue of one nation, one poll. The commission has started considering legal, constitutional and practical possibilities and measures related to it. President Ram Nath Kovind also advocated simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections in his address to Parliament during the budget session.
West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2018 | The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education has put out the WBBSE Result 2018, West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2018, WB Madhyamik Class 10th Result 2018 on June 6 (Wednesday) at 9 am. The West Bengal Board 10th Result 2018, West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2018, WB Class 10th Result 2018 was hosted on the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education official website wbresults.nic.in. The WBBSE board has announced the West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2018 through a press conference today. The WB Madhyamik Result 2018 will be live at 10 am on the official website. The pass percentage for WBBSE Madhyamik Result 2018 is 85.49%. East Midnapore tops among districts with 96.13%. Uttarbanga's Sanjeevani Debnath bags first place with 689, Bardhaman's Krishnendu Saha 688

second, and the three place goes to Nilabaja Das 687

The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education is responsible for conducting Madhyamik Examination. This year, the board conducted Madhyamik 10th Examination from March 12-21. Apart from checking the West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2018 on the official website wbresults.nic.in, students can check their West Bengal Board Madhyamik Result 2018, West Bengal 10th result 2018, WBBSE Madhyamik Result 2018 on these websites also examresults.net/wb, west-bengal.indiaresults, exametc.com, results.gov.in

How to check West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2018, WBBSE Madhyamik Result 2018:

Step 1: Students kindly visit the official website wbresults.nic.in.

Step 2: Look for West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2018, WBBSE Result 2018

Step 3: Click on the tab WB Class 10th result 2018, WB Madhyamik Result 2018

Step 4: Enter your roll number and other details

Step 5: Your WB Board Madhyamik Result 2018 will be displayed on your screen. Students can take a printout of WBBSE Madhyamik Result 2018 for future reference.

Students can check their West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2018 via SMS as well

GET YOUR WB MADHYAMIK RESULT 2018 ON MOBILE - SMS
MOBILE

56263

56263
WBBSE Result 2018 | The WBBSE West Bengal Board of Secondary Education announced the West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2018, WB Madhyamik Result 2018, West Bengal Board Result 2018 on June 6 at 9 am. The WBBSE West Bengal Board of Secondary Education released the West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2018, WB Madhyamik Result 2018, West Bengal Board Result 2018 on its official website wbbse.org, wbresults.nic.in. The WBBSE board has announced the West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2018 through a press conference today. The WB Madhyamik Result 2018 was activated at 10 am on the official website. The pass percentage for WBBSE Madhyamik Result 2018 is 85.49%. East Midnapore tops among districts with 96.13%. Uttarbanga's Sanjeevani Debnath bags first place with 689, Bardhaman's Krishnendu Saha 688

second, and the three place goes to Nilabaja Das 687

The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education conducted the Madhyamik Examination for the academic year 2017-18 from 12th of March 2018 - 21 March, 2018. All students, private and regular, can check their West Bengal Board Madhyamik Result 2018 here on this page. Students can also check their West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2018: examresults.net/wb, west-bengal.indiaresults.com, results.nic.in, exametc.com

How to check West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2018, WBBSE Result 2018:

Step 1: Click on the official website link wbbse.org, wbresults.nic.in

Step 2: Look for a tab - West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2018, WB 10th Result 2018

Step 3: Click on the link which says WB Madhyamik Result 2018, West Bengal 10th Result 2018

Ste 4: Enter Roll Number

Step 5: Download the West Bengal Board Result 2018 and keep a printout for future reference

Students who are waiting with much anticipation can also check their West Bengal Class 10 Result 2018 via SMS as well

GET YOUR WB Madhyamik Result 2018 ON MOBILE - SMS

SMS - WB10 ROLL NUMBER - Send it to 56263

Around 10 lakh students appeared for the West Bengal Board Madhyamik Examinations 2018. This year the WBBSE Class 10 Exams were conducted from 12th March to 21st March. The West Bengal Board Madhyamik Results 2017 was declared on May 27. This year around 8 lakh students appeared for the West Bengal Board Class 12 Exams. The WBCHSE Exams 2018 were conducted from 27th March to 11th April for the academic session of 2017-18. Last year the West Bengal Board HS Results were declared on May 30.
New Delhi: Months before Assembly elections, Madhya Pradesh will on Wednesday mark the first anniversary of the Mandsaur firing in which six farmers were killed during protests.

Making agrarian distress an election issue, Congress president Rahul Gandhi will address a Kisan Samriddhi Sankalp rally in Khokhra close to Piplia Mandi.

The Mandsaur agitation last year was the epicentre of farmers protests across Madhya Pradesh. The subsequent violence and police action triggered demonstrations across states. Similar protests in Maharashtra this year have put agrarian distress at the top of the poll agenda ahead of Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.

How the Mandsaur Protests Escalated

Farmers dissent in Mandsaur was at first quiet. Be that as it may, it turned violence with passage of time. The famers revolted, harming railroad tracks and rail route crossing entryways, assaulting policemen and pelting stones at them. They set 27 vehicles ablaze.

As the situation took a turn for the worse, police resorted to firing. One year on, it is not yet clear whether the police fired the first bullet or if it was retaliation to firing by the farmers first. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had requested a legal investigation into the firing.

Politics Over Firing

The firing had triggered a political war of words with the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government accusing the Congress of inciting violence. The opposition party, meanwhile, demanded Chouhans resignation over the farmers deaths.

A similar confrontation is expected on Wednesday when Gandhi addresses the Kisan Rally. He will also meet the families of farmers, who were killed in last years firing.
New Delhi: With the Supreme Court clearing the decks for reservation in promotion to Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST) employees, the ball is now in the court of the government that has to implement the policy.

The only guideline the apex court order highlighted was that the government must carry out the process as per law.

We can say that you can go ahead with the promotion policy as per the law. If there is law, then you do it as per the law. We do not need to mention the law in our order," the bench had stated while hearing the case on Tuesday.

However, it will not be smooth sailing for the government because of two hurdles  the M Nagraj v Union of India verdict and the Delhi High Court order that led to the quashing of a 1997 office memorandum.

According to the order passed by the Supreme Court, the implementation of the policy must be in accordance with law.

The aforementioned law was first laid down in the Indra Sawhney v Union of India verdict when a nine-judge bench disallowed reservation in promotions and seniority.

However, Parliament later enacted three constitutional amendments in 1995, 2000 and 2002, giving the go-ahead for reservations.

It is here that the M Nagraj v Union of India verdict comes into play. In 2006, the Supreme Court upheld constitutional amendments for quota in promotion in government jobs and laid down the requirements for data on the extent of backwardness. This empirical study has proven to be a stumbling block for various state governments in implementing such a reservation structure.

Post the Nagraj verdict, the three criteria that had to be satisfied to implement reservation were to have the state demonstrate backwardness, inadequacy of representation and maintenance of efficiency.

The first-ever reservation policy to fail after the verdict was by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation where quota was disallowed for not meeting the criteria laid down by the court.

The question that now arises is what the Supreme Court meant by in accordance with law. If the law refers to the Nagraj order, it would merit a detailed deliberation on the three criteria.

The first condition set out in the Nagraj verdict was that the state must demonstrate backwardness of the beneficiaries. This proved to be a hurdle as Article 16 (4A) permitted reservation only for SC/ST and not Other Backward Classes (OBC) as the creamy layer test was mandated only for OBCs.

This has already been established in several cases that the SC/ST community passes the test of backwardness and unlike the OBCs, it does not need the creamy layer test.

The next yardstick was to prove the inadequacy of representation.

Article 16 makes it clear that such representation is for the state to determine.

In the UP Power Corporation case, the question was on the nature of the empirical evidence that is required. However, the Supreme Court has been mum on how the states can conduct the empirical analysis.

The third criterion of maintenance of efficiency also remains a grey area. The primary touchstone of which the loss of efficiency needs to be gauged has never been explained in any court verdict and is devoid of empirical study.

Unless there is a categorical discussion in the judiciary and the government over efficiency in areas of government service, the third parameter is hard to adhere to and prove.

The lawyers who appeared in the recent case before the Supreme Court also say that with the Nagraj verdict in play, it would be difficult for the Centre to follow the court order.

Another impediment could be the shadow of legal defeats faced by state governments through various high courts when such reservation policies were struck down.

In August last year, the Delhi High Court quashed the Centres office memorandum dated August 13, 1997, by which it had extended reservation in promotion to SC and ST staff beyond five years stipulated by the Supreme Court in 1992 in the Indra Sawhney case.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Harishankar quashed the memorandum issued by the department of personnel and training, thereby striking down all promotions made on its basis.

The basis of the decision was that the Centre had to first collect sufficient data highlighting inadequate representation and then consider implementing such reservation in promotion.

In the light of the observations, the implementation of the reservation policy is like a sword hanging over the Centres head.
Mumbai: Actress-filmmaker Nandita Das' Manto, which stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Urdu writer Saadat Hasan Manto, will be screened at the Sydney Film Festival.

The film will be screened on June 16-17 at the fest, which is held from June 6-17.

Manto is a biographical historical period drama film about the writer who is known for his writings around the partition of India and Pakistan. It was the only Indian film in Un Certain Regard category at 71st Cannes Film Festival.

"After an overwhelming response at Cannes, I am very happy to be going to the Sydney Film Festival with 'Manto'. The power of cinema is its ability to transcend countries and cultures," Nandita said in a statement to IANS.

"It is still the beginning of my Manto journey, so I am very curious to see how the audiences react in different parts of the world, before it finally releases in India later this year. While the context of the film is local, I feel the story will resonate universally. At the core, Manto is about troubled times and one man trying to make sense of it all. And Manto was relevant then and will continue to be relevant for a long time to come," she added.

Nandita will be taking her son to the fest.

"Going to Sydney will also be special for me as I am taking my son along, as he has his summer holidays. He has been on shoots, in the office, in my editing and song sessions, so why not for the festival screening.

"As a working hands on mother, the juggling is is not easy but it is also a unique experience to share these moments with one's child. We both are looking forward to the Sydney experience,a said the actress-director, who had earlier helmed "Firaaq".

Nawazuddin will not be going to the Afest as he is busy shooting for Thackeray.

The film also features Rasika Dugal and Tahir Raj Bhasin. It is co-produced by HP Studios, Filmstoc and Viacom 18 Motion Pictures.

Ajit Andhare, Chief Operating Officer, Viacom18 Motion Pictures, said: "Manto, the only film from the entire Indian subcontinent to make it as a selection at Cannes Film festival, had an impressive premiere at the Un Certain Regard. We are delighted that it now makes it way to Sydney Film Festival for screenings."
Rajinikanths fans may have to wait for just a few hours to catch the much-anticipated film Kaala which hits the theatres tomorrow, but they certainly have a reason to rejoice. If the pre-release business of the film is to go by, Kaala has already raked in big moolah. Going by a Hindustan Times report, the films pre-release business  which includes both theatrical and music rights  stands at Rs 230 crore. And Kaala would now need just Rs 280 crore to be called a hit.

However, the collection doesnt take into consideration the Karnataka region, where the films fate continues to remain uncertain. While the film has already amassed Rs 70 crore in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Nizam have collected Rs 33 crore, Kerala comes next with Rs 10 crore and the rest of India with Rs 7 crore, the report states.

The overseas theatrical rights have been sold at Rs 45 crores, making it a Rs 155 crore total just for the theatrical rights exclusive of Karnataka. Then comes the broadcast rights and music rights, which is Rs 70 crore and Rs 5 crore respectively, reports Hindustan Times.

On Wednesday, actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth appealed to Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy to provide security at theatres that wished to screen the film. Kaala is facing opposition from pro-Kannada groups over Rajinikanths Cauvery remarks.

In an attempt to reach out to the protesters, the Tamil superstar made an appeal to the state film chambers in Kannada: "To our Kannada brothers, I appeal to you, I have done no wrong. So for those who want to watch the film please do not disrupt it. I humbly appeal to you to not trouble the film goers."

He further added,"The Film Chambers is supposed to ensure that there's no problem for distributors. It is not right that the Karnataka Film Chamber demands Kaala ban."

Several pro-Kannada groups threatened to stall the movie if it is screened despite an earlier "ban" on it by the Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce. A section of the film fraternity in the state has admitted to being hugely upset by the superstar's remarks on Cauvery water row. Rajinkanth had said that Karnataka should release Tamil Nadus share of water to the state, drawing criticism from many in Karnataka, including Kumaraswamy.

A request for security was also part of Tuesday's court order, which left room for theatres to screen the movie if they wanted. The state government has assured the court it would be done. But Chief Minister Kumaraswamy, while saying he would comply with the court's order, suggested "as an individual" that the timing wasn't right for the film's release.

On Monday, fellow actor and now politician Kamal Haasan met Karnataka Chief Minister Kumaraswamy to discuss the Cauvery water distribution issue and found himself at the receiving end of much criticism for not bringing up the matter of Rajinikanths film not being released in the state.

Acting on the Supreme Court's direction, the Centre finally constituted the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CMA) to address the long-standing dispute over sharing of river water among Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry and issued a gazette notification.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court refused to stall the release of Kaala in Karnataka saying: "You (the petitioner) want an injunction against the release of the movie. Everybody is waiting for the film to be released," reports news agency PTI. However, there's no update on the ban imposed by the Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce following Rajinikanth's comment on the Cauvery row, in which he sided with the Supreme Court's order.

Directed by Pa Ranjith, the film also stars Eswari Rao, Samuthirakani, Sampath Raj, Sayaji Shinde, Anjali Patil, Manikandan, Dileepan, Pankaj Tripathi, Ravi Kale, Ramesh Thilak, Arul Doss, Aravind Akash, Sakshi Agarwal, Arundhati, Suganya and Nithish.
BJP leaders were jubilant when Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) announced candidature of Tabassum Hasan for the Kairana by-elections for obvious reasons. Since 2013, the BJP and its sister organisations were busy advancing Hindu-Muslim binary in western Uttar Pradesh. They tested this successfully in 2014 when Hukum Singh secured more than 50% votes i.e more than combined share of SP, BSP and RLD+Congress in Kairana and novice Sanjeev Baliyan won Muzaffarnagar seat where the Muslim population is more than 5 lakh.

During Assembly elections, the BJP further sharpened it by propagating the theory of Hindu exodus and comparison of Kairana with Kashmir. After overwhelming success in Assembly polls Yogi Adityanath further pushed this agenda by appointing Suresh Rana, an accused in the 2014 riot cases and providing important portfolios to him, including sugarcane and industrial development. The BJP was confident of the success of Hindu-Muslim binary reflected in the appointment of Sanjeev Baliyan as the election in charge who is accused in 2013 cases of communal violence.

Fielding of Tabassum Hasan by RLD and alliance partners in the communally charged constituency with 10.6 lakh Hindu voters was risky but a bold decision in many ways.

The alliance decided to take on BJPs communal pitch not only to win the by-election but to defuse BJPs Hindu-Muslim plank for 2019 elections in UP, specifically in western UP.

The tacit support of BSP to Tabassum Hassan, blunted the BJP strategy of a Hindu-Muslim divide and set the voters arithmetic in favour of the alliance candidate. The BSP support resulted into two blocks of voters  one with 7.65 lakh voters that comprised 5.4 lakh Muslims and 2.25 lakh SC voters and second with 8.35 lakh voters. These two blocks meant that the 1.8 lakh Jat voters had the power to decide the winner.

Kairana bypolls saw a tussle among the leaders from BJP, SP and RLD to woo Jat voters. BJPS Jat leaders from all states, including ministers, camped at Jat-dominated villages. For the SP, state president Naresh Uttam Patel camped at the Jat village of Bhainswal and addressed corner meetings at various villages along with Ashok Chaudhary, district president of Shamli. RLDs Ajit Singh and Jayant Chaudhary touched each and every villages and held 3-4 meetings in every of these Jat villages.

Both sides were armed with sentimental appeal embedded in history, the emphasis of the BJP leaders was to refresh the memory of 2014 Kawal violence and talk about the help rendered by BJP leaders, while Ajit Singh and Jayant Chaudhary recalled the glorious old days of Chaudhary Charan Singh and political might of farmers and Jats.

After defeat in Gorakhpur and Phulpur, Kairana was a do-or-die situation for the BJP. The party invested all resources in this election, including the government machinery. Yogi Adityanath addressed two meetings and made communal appeal by addressing Sachin Malik and Gaurav Malik, who were killed in Kawal village in 2013, as martyrs. The CM invoked Jinnah also.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a roadshow in Baghpat a day before polling. Voters from Kairana were taken to that rally and despite the model code of conduct in place assurance on sugarcane arrear was announced in that meeting.

The sugarcane over dues of Rs 700 crore in Shamli district added edge to the RLD campaign over the BJP. Invoking Ganna v/s Jinnah, Jayant Chaudhary forced the BJP to play defensive and that was the critical moment of this election. The RLD candidate secured more votes in Lankh, Bahawadi, Lisad etc which affected by communal violence.

The defeat of the BJP in Thanabhawan and Nakud, a constituency of Suresh Rana and Dharm Singh Saini, a minister in the Yogi government is evidence of the anti-incumbency against the UP government.

The booth wise analysis of Kairana revealed several important facts. The BJP still enjoyed support of Most Backward Caste (MBC) in villages while vaishyas, core voters of the BJP, were reluctant to vote for the party. The BJP also completely lost support of Scheduled Caste voters.

The Kairana results proved organisational overhauling of the Samajwadi Party by Akhilesh Yadav transformed the party into a force to be reckoned with. RLDs Jayant Chaudhary showed he is competent enough to strike a chord with Jats, especially youths who supported the BJP in 2014 and 2017.

There may be a different interpretation of BJP defeat in Kairana, but for sure anti-incumbency and rejection of communal politics are important messages. The anti-incumbency is warning for course correction to the BJP governments in the state and the Centre. The results are publics approval for inclusive politics in an important trailer for what to expect in 2019.

(The author is a member of the Samajwadi Party and former member UP Planning Commission. Views are personal.)
The other day I was flying back from Kolkata to Shillong and at the airport I picked up a 'National Newspaper' and on the front page there was a headline which said 'Khasi-Punjabi Clash'. I thought finally we made it to the front pages of a national daily, but for all the wrong reasons.

What started as a parking dispute quickly escalated into a wave of communal tensions with scores of reporters descending upon Shillong (many chose to report from Guwahati) about the disturbed history of Shillong and the riots of 1979, 1987 and 1992. Shillong was back in the news. Sadly, reportage of journalists remained unverified and many of the stories which emerged in the aftermath of the violence were sourced through hearsay and rumours. Of course, there was an element of ethnic tension in the violence but these clashes were restricted to a few localities and not in greater Shillong.

As I write this article, let me reiterate that no schools or colleges have been shut since the tension began and barring Motphran almost all market places have largely remained open.

The violence, of course, as the Chef Minister Conrad Sangma stated was politically motivated has some rationale; most protesters who were pelting stones were not natives of the city and were coming from far flung villages. This also means that the reaction to this violence may have been spontaneous, but the aftermath was carefully planned to bring the present government to its knees. Some may say that this is the work of the opposition, but I think that there is more to it than meets the eye.

A new government, with a relatively inexperienced Chief Minister and Home Minister (both siblings), also have to contend with allies who have senior MLAs who have served as Chief Ministers or cabinet ministers in previous government. Surely, this situation does give them an upper hand in a situation where back room talks with pressure groups is an essential requirement. We must not forget most of the past violence which the national media reported were at a time when not just Shillong but the whole of Northeast was going through a sentiment which was largely anti-migrant (read anti-Bengali movement in Tripura and Assam).

Today, when I have been asked to write on the situation in Shillong at a National platform, let me reassure all of you there are two sides to every story. One side has been represented by reporters, the other side also needs to be heard. Most Shillongites are against violence; most residents of this city also value their security and are welcoming to tourists. For a city that has battled local insurgency effectively in the 1990s not with the intervention of the Indian Army as was the case in Assam, Nagaland and other neighboring states, Meghalaya Police, the church and its citizens rallied against local outfits and their ideology to make Shillong one of the most visited places in the country.

Today an outbreak of a skirmish in a locality has sullied the name of the city nationally; I feel this is very unfortunate as the hard work done by many has been washed away in a matter of days. Of course, the matter is serious and as I write this article I am hearing of all political parties coming together to appeal for peace and restraint. The challenges ahead will be a respectful relocation of a locality which is the centre of the violence.

The Sikhs first moved into the city even before the 1857 revolt happened. The British began expanding their footprints all over India and set up their bases in Shillong during the 50s. They brought Dalits from Punjab for manual scavenging as the locals would not do the job for the Civic and Military Sanitaria that they established in Shillong. The residents of Punjabi Lane claim that the local Syiem (head) of Mylliem (village) had given them the piece of land in 1853 to settle there permanently. They also claim that the Syiem of Mylliem had confirmed the grant of land for permanent settlement in a 2008-letter to the Meghalaya State Electricity Board chairman.

Today this locality needs to be relocated purely on grounds of a suitable and hygienic condition for the people living there. Ghettoisation of any locality traditionally has shown us that it isolates the population there from their surrounding areas and increases the chances of crimes and other activities which are largely anti-social in nature. Also the residents of the locality need a life of dignity where their women folk can walk freely and their children go to a decent school.

The city of Shillong needs a break - from the violence, from the attempt of a few who have tried to use an unfortunate incident and sensationalise it nationally. The city is also capable of bouncing back because unlike the past the stakeholders especially in the tourism industry are locals. With the emergence of bed and breakfast and village tourism today unlike the past most people benefit from the arrival of a tourist here. They feel the pinch which was not the case in the past; from a local taxi driver to a hotel operator most people in this industry formal and informal are locals. The so called arm-chair journalists (whose investigations have been over phone or a day visit to the place) who have compared this violence to that of the past need to be reminded that the stakeholders then were not Khasis but a few people who were not indigenous to the place.

The economy of Shillong has taken such a shape that the violence of the past is less likely to be orchestrated by most locals, but then again if it is politically motivated then nothing can be ruled out.

The outsider and local issue will, however, remain. Let us be realistic, I have travelled far and wide across the country and I do hear terms like Marathi Manoos, Kannadiga only or apne Bihar ke log far too often. In states like Karnataka, Bengal and UP often we are told to speak in their local language to assimilate. Implying that if we do not we would remain an outsider.

India is a country which will always battle this and to label that this exist only in Shillong is surely far reaching.

In the end I appeal to call that in this day and age of technology we should refrain from getting our information through unreliable posts in social media and WhatsApp. Like the exodus of Northeasterners in 2012 via an SMS that they were being targeted as a community led to terrible inconvenience, I would also urge people to get their information through proper and responsible media sources which operate on the ground.

Finally, we in the media also need to realise reporting a communal violence has to be done from a manner where it does not pitch one community against another. We are journalists and its our duty to disseminate news but then what I have witnessed in the past few days is that some of us have decided to become judge, jury and executioner. This will always hurt society at large and its belief in our profession.

(The writer is Managing Editor of The Northeast Today. Views are personal)
There has been an unseemly outrage among certain sections of the political class against former President Dr Pranab Mukherjee's acceptance of an invitation as chief guest for the concluding ceremony of RSS's Tritiya Varsh Training programme.

Dr Mukherjee is a mature and experienced politician who has spent decades in public life. He has well-evolved ideas on matters that are of social and national significance. The invitation has been extended to him with the idea that this will be an invaluable opportunity to listen to his views. Also, he will have the opportunity to listen to the views of the Sangh and have a firsthand experience of Sangh as well. This exchange of views and ideas is intrinsic to the Bharatiya concept of dialogue, this invitation and its acceptance is but a continuation of that democratic tradition enshrined in our cultural ethos.

So why then the dissonance and negative commentary? Why the opposition to this exchange?

The resistance has surprised many, but if we were to delve into the ideological basis of this opposition, it would be unsurprising. Bharats intellectual spectrums most vocal voices are those of an ideology that is entirely alien to India and has been rejected the world over, for its high level of intolerance and violent means to achieve conformity, that is communism. Their idea of thought conformity necessitates this approach that not only rejects healthy exchange among diverse stakeholders but also protests against it.

There is a lazy assumption that if you do not hold a so-called Leftist perception then by default you are a right winger  their view of the ideological world exists in strict binaries and as a result, you become someone who should be criticised, publicly shamed and protested against. This is the communist tradition, verifiable with human experience, rather oppression across the world. And yet, despite repeated displays of intolerance, they adorn the mantle of human rights and free speech advocates.

A few years ago at the same programme, an invitation was extended to renowned social activist and Magsaysay Award winner Dr Abhay Bang. At that time as well, eminent socialists with all kinds of Left leanings in Maharashtra were up in arms against his decision to accept the invitation. Their pressure politics to discourage engagement led to opinion pieces and articles in their Marathi weekly SADHANA. Dr Bang responded to the pressure by stating that he was going to present his views at the function, so why the opposition? In fact, he went on to praise the open-mindedness of the RSS, who had invited him as an honoured guest despite knowing his views; and it were the Leftists who were exhibiting their intolerance despite all their claims to the contrary in rhetoric. He remained firm in his decision to participate in the function and furthermore submitted the text of his speech to Sadhana for publication. However, the magazine that claimed to be the vanguard of free speech refused to publish it, despite the fact that he had been a contributor in the past.

In 2010, I met with Shri Keshavan Nair, a CPM Trade Union leader from Kollam in Kerala. He had been expelled from the communist party for writing two articles in a local paper on Science in the Vedas. Singed by this hypocrisy, Shri Nair decided to write extensively on Communists and even published a book  Beyond Red (which he gifted to me).

On the blurb of the book, he is quoted from the book: The only freedom communists give you is to praise them!

During one of my visits to Kolkata as Prachar Pramukh (Media Relations In-charge), whilst CPM was in power there, the local unit of RSS made an attempt to schedule appointments with the editors of Statesman, Indian Express, Times of India, Vartaman and a communist-leaning newspaper. All granted time for the meeting but the communist newspaper. The editor of the Left-leaning newspaper declined to give an appointment saying he doesnt want to waste his time. This is their democratic nature and commitment to free expression. The meetings were a success. We had no expectation that those who met with us would agree on every issue with the Sangh, but all were open to understanding and engaging with the RSSs views. About the undemocratic attitude of the newspaper that declined appointment, I told our local karyakarta that whenever I come to Kolkata, try to get an appointment with him.

A couple of years ago, Shri Dattatreya Hosabale and I were invited to the Jaipur Literature Festival to put forth the views of RSS about different social and national issues in an interactive open session with a journalist. We decided to accept the invitation and attend. At JLF as well, there was opposition by Leftist forces.

Individuals like Sitaram Yechury and MA Baby boycotted the festival just because the RSS had been given a platform to air its views despite the fact that Sangh is increasingly finding acceptance, engagement and support in the society all over Bharat.

Their elitist definition of free expression excludes even an attempt to understand such an organisation. But what is the motivation for such protests? Is it their fear that should the RSS be given an opportunity to reach out to a larger audience the veil of misunderstanding created by spreading canards will be lifted and the lies exposed? People will know the truth and that is the biggest fear of all.

The communist ideology and such fascist opposition to free speech are entirely against Bharatiya thought.

There is, however, another example that is in contrast to the ones elucidated so far. A few years ago, a delegation from the Communist Party of China (CPC) visited India. They were interested in meeting with the Sangh and were invited at Keshav Kunj, the Delhi headquarter of RSS. I happened to be in New Delhi and received the delegation; they also gifted me a memento depicting the Great Wall of China. I was curious about their interest in the RSS. CPC being a political party, it was obvious that they meet leaders of different political parties here. But why meet the Sangh?

They answered that query by saying that they were a cadre-based political party and the Sangh was also a cadre-based organisation, which had motivated them to reach out for an exchange of ideas.

To which I responded and underscored a distinction, It is true but there is basic difference between us. CPC is a political party that works for a state-power and through a state-power where as we, the RSS on the contrary do not work through or for a state power. We work directly amongst the society with the support of the people.

Despite this articulated difference, we had a gracious meeting. We did not refuse to meet with them since having exchange of views and ideas is the Bharatiya approach.

The intellectual world of Bharat is dominated by the people with some sort of communist colour. And either because of the lack of original intellectual thinkers in Congress, and other political parties based on individual or family, territory or caste identity, they have outsourced their intellectual space to people with communist or Left background. Though they talk of liberalism, democracy and freedom of expression, they invariably are seen exhibiting the communist ideological intolerance, intellectual untouchability and exclusion.

Pranab Da's decision to attend the RSS function has yet again revealed their hypocrisy.

The fourth Sarsanghchalak  Shri Rajju Bhaiya had a deep friendship with a senior Congress leader from Uttar Pradesh. Once when Shri Guruji was visiting Prayag, the Congress politician was invited for an interaction over tea along with the prominent citizens of the city. However, the politician regretfully declined, stating that whilst he wanted to attend, his presence would lead to unnecessary and unpleasant chatter amongst his colleagues in the party.

Rajju Bhaiya was startled by this reticence and asked his friend if they would indeed make him the point of discussion, to which the politician responded dolefully that his friend from the RSS had no idea of how politics worked.

Rajju Bhaiya informed him that in the Sangh it was very different. Were the two seen in each others company by swayamsevaks, they would not doubt his intentions at all; in fact, they would assume that he must be explaining the idea of Sangh to his friend. How can the Congressmen do not trust such a tall leader of their own?

History repeats itself after all these years when another towering and experienced leader, who is also the former President of this nation, is being questioned by junior leaders from his party, some who regretfully possess shady reputations and not even half his experience.

How is it that not one swayamsevak has questioned why the former President and Congress stalwart was invited? This is the difference between the thought process of the RSS and those who claim to be vanguards of free expression.

It is Bharatiya tradition to exchange ideas with a diverse set of people. To reject and protest such an exchange is non-Bharatiya and an assault on our democratic traditions as a culture and the largest democracy in the world.

However, this debate over Pranab Das presence at the Tritiya Varsha concluding ceremony in Nagpur has revealed the true face of these so-called proponents of free speech.

Furthermore, Pranab Da has resisted these attempts to publicly shame him and has been statesman-like with his response, stating that he will answer with his speech in Nagpur, emphasizing thus, that his decision to attend is unwavering. We welcome his decision and his true spirit of democracy.

Dr Manmohan Vaidya is the Sah Sarkaryavah (Joint General Secretary) of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Views are personal.
The world is enraptured by the viral video depicting a real-life Spiderman  who scaled the building with superhuman powers to rescue a dangling toddler.

The plot is captivating and the episode has a Black Mirror feel to it  as we notice the gawkers with their cameras  capturing the moment as it unfolds.

It reminds me of the scene in the original Superman movie where Lois Lane is hanging from the seat of the crashed helicopter at the top of a skyscraper  while the people below anticipate her deadly fall  until the man with the red cape swoops in and catches her  just in time.

White men can fly. In movies

When White men preform these acts of heroism  its usually on a sound stage with green screens and the security of stuntmen and stuntwomen  and thats only after the pile of insurance papers have been signed.

And  when Black men jump into action without the necessary reinforcements  its viewed as a daring endeavor that needs to be hailed with shock and awe  because as we all know  White people think Black people are magical.

The young man from Mali  Mammadou Gassama  who performed the daring rescue in Paris  has since met with the charismatic French president  Emmanuel Macron  who bequeathed the illegal immigrant with a gold medal  for his courage and devotion  and also with the offer of French citizenship that comes with the potential gig as a firefighter.

Bare in mind that Macron is currently processing the forced evacuation of almost 24,000 migrants who are being destabilized from makeshift encampments in the same city that has rewarded Gassama permission to stay  based on his superhuman powers.

This directive from Macron is a bone of contention between him and the mayor of Paris  who wants to make sure that these displaced migrants wont be left to a fate of uncertainty and suffering.

Theres no doubt that Macrons gift to Gassama is part of the climate that adheres to the awesome force of social media  and how the anointment of emphatic users can persuade world leaders to showcase their humane tendencies  even as they continue to persecute the helpless and the needy.

You have become an example because millions have seen you You have become an example because millions have seen you&url=https://www.news18.com/news/opinion/the-spiderman-who-got-a-citizenship-do-migrants-have-to-be-superheroes-to-be-treated-as-humans-1770155.html" target="_blank">

Macron said this to Gasssama  after the Mali Spiderman shared details of his harrowing experience in Libya  and then confessed how God granted him the superhuman strength to do the unimaginable.

The exceptional act of saving the neglected child of a French citizen has to be rewarded accordingly  and this isnt the first time this has occurred. Back in 2015  Lassana Bathily  also from Mali  was given French citizenship after he bravely hid endangered citizens in a freezer  during a terrorist attack at a Jewish grocery store.

While these admirable men deserve to be lauded for their courageous efforts  theres also the disturbing trend that has taken hold of the globe  that seems to designate African migrants with the task of having to earn their dignity by embodying an alter ego.

Why do Migrants have to be superheroes in order to be treated as humans?

As Macron grants Mammadou Gassama the keys of the city  others who shared his former disposition  are locked in a national crisis that the French leader is systematically fostering without apologies. And despite his generous offer and staged photo-op  nothing can diminish the fact that the French immigrant law is rendering migrants desperately incapacitated  in a city that humiliates their very existence.

Its thoroughly intolerable and irresponsible to adopt the messaging of how migrants have to be superhuman in order to provide the currency for their freedom and admittance.

President Trump publicly declared his wish to populate the United States with migrants from Norway as opposed to the Black and Brown brutes from shithole countries.

It looks like White people automatically earn the first-class passport to anywhere in the world  but people of color have to climb skyscrapers or risk their lives for citizens who want them banished from their sight  before they can be allowed the privilege of existing under humane conditions.

As the media goes into overdrive with the relentless headlines and clickbait content that centers around the African Spiderman  we cant lose ourselves in the crippling narrative that once again presents the deceitfulness of how a world leader reversed the dire fate of an African migrant  after he selflessly saved a child.

Social media is many things  but it certainly isnt the compass for what is newsworthy  when traffic numbers and trending topics mask the shitty treatment that migrants are being subjected to  all over the globe.

There are plenty of users who are using their platform to highlight the ongoing issue  but the media has to do more than spotlight the gliding moves of an unmasked superhero  and hone in on why his newly-minted celebrity status is actually nothing to be smitten about.

Where is the superhero swooping in to rescue hapless parents and their children after theyve been thrown out of shelters or forced to face violent encounters with border patrol agents?

Thats the question mark that refuses to be de-activated.
Kolkata: BJP president Amit Shah will visit Purulia's Balrampur area later this month amid a row over the alleged killing of its two workers there in the aftermath of the violence-marred panchayat elections.

BJP state general secretary, Sayantan Basu said Shah will visit West Bengal for two days from June 27 . "On June 28 Amit Shah ji will visit Purulia's Balrampur area. He will hold meetings with district leaders there. The rest of the schedule is yet to be approved," Basu said.

Bodies of two BJP activists 35-year-old Dulal Kumar and 20-year -old Trilochan Mahato were found hanging in West Bengal's Purulia district on June 2 and May 31 respectively in two separate incidents in a span of three days. The BJP had alleged that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) was behind the killings. However, the TMC has denied the BJP charge.

According to senior state BJP leaders, Shah's visit to West Bengal especially Purulia is significant as it comes after the party's improved performance in the panchayat polls and the alleged killing of its workers.

After the death of Mahato, Shah had tweeted: "Deeply hurt by the brutal killing of our young karyakarta, Trilochan Mahato, in Balarampur, West Bengal. A young life full of possibilities was brutally taken under state's patronage. He was hanged on a tree just because his ideology differed from that of state sponsored goons."

The BJP president had also tweeted after the death of Dulal Kumar. "Distressed to know about yet another killing of BJP karyakarta Dulal Kumar in Balarampur, West Bengal. This continued brutality and violence in the land of West Bengal is shameful and inhuman. Mamata Banerjee's govt has completely failed to maintain law and order in the state," he said.

The alleged killings had created a political controversy as the BJP had performed well against TMC in Balarampur area of Purulia district in the recent panchayat elections.

The BJP had alleged the deaths were "political murders" and demanded a CBI inquiry into the incidents.

During his two-day visit, Shah will also hold meetings with state party leaders and take stock of the organizational progress in the state.

"The visit is of immense importance as it is happening in the backdrop of party's stupendous performance in the just concluded panchayat polls," another state BJP leader said.

Shah has on numerous occasions said that West Bengal is a focus state for BJP in terms of 2019 general election.
Mandsaur: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, at a rally in Mandsaur, announced that the farmers' loan would be waived off within 10 days if his party comes to power in Madhya Pradesh later this year.

"Here Kamal Nath (MP Congress President) and Jyotiraditya Scindia (the State poll campaign committee chairman) are sitting. I want to assure you that within 10 days of coming to power in Madhya Pradesh, the government will waive (farmers') loan," Rahul said.

Gandhi, who was in Mandsaur to pay tributes to six farmers who died in police action last year, alleged whether it is PM Modis government, or CM Shivrajs government or any other BJP government, they have no place for farmers in their hearts.

A combative Rahul Gandhi also promised that a government of his party in the state would take action against those responsible for the police firing on farmers on this day last year. "The Centre can easily waive off Rs 2.5 lakh owned by a corporate but cant write off a single rupee of crores of farmers," alleged the Congress president.

Illustration by Mir Suhail/ News18.com

Gandhi reminded the gathering that UPA government had waived off farmers loans up to Rs 70,000 crore. Slamming the governments at Centre and state, Gandhi claimed that if any government cant safeguard farmers then that government is of no use.

Claiming that he was told around 1200 farmers have committed suicide in MP, the Congress president questioned whether a single industrialist ended life despite having lakhs and crores of outstanding loans against him.

People like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi are allowed to flee without paying loans while farmers are left to die under debts, said Rahul.

Alleging that the PM allowed Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksy to flee with Rs 30,000 crore, Gandhi claimed that the amount could have waived off MP farmers loans twice.

The Congress chief claimed that UPA used to hike Minimum Support Price persistently while in BJP government, farmers are running behind MSP all the time.

Accusing the Prime Minister Modi of allowing Chinese products to flood Indian markets, Gandhi expressed hope that he wishes to return to Mandsaur in five years and see a mobile phone with 'Made in Mandsaur' tag.

He also said he would like to see people in Chinese capital get Mandsaurs garlic in next ten years. We would develop food processing chain in Mandsaur with the network of roads that links villages directly to factories and we would hire farmers kids in the food processing units, said Rahul.

Attacking PM Modi on his pre-poll promises of offering two crore jobs every year and depositing Rs 15 lakh in each citizens bank account, Gandhi asked whether a single man present here got Rs 5 from PM Modi, forget about Rs 15 lakh.

Gandhi claimed he visited PM Modis office only once and that too for raising the plight of farmers.

The Congress president asked party workers to go among the public and tell them about what happened with farmers, youths and Vyapam scam. Gandhi also met families of farmers who died in police firing last year.
Mandsaur: Preparations are on in full swing for Congress president Rahul Gandhis public rally in Madhya Pradeshs Mandsaur on June 6, the first anniversary of the farmers agitation in the state in which five protesters were killed.

Gandhi will address the public at a PG College in Khokhar village at Piplyamandi, around 20km from Mandsaur, the epicentre of the stir.

Sources said the Congress is in touch with the kind of farmers killed in police firing last year. Party leaders have reportedly compiled details of the families to invite them to the event for a meeting with the Congress president.

Keeping in mind the sensitivity of the event, the police force is on high alert. Two helipads have been prepared near the venue for Gandhis arrival. To combat possible inclement weather, the organisers have planned to increase the size of the dome erected at the venue, which is under the surveillance of 50 CCTV cameras and two drone cameras. Former Mandsaur MP Meenakshi Natrajan and MLA Jitu Patwari are supervising the arrangements. The borders of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have also been sealed.

With the event being Gandhis maiden appearance in Madhya Pradesh ahead of Assembly polls, the Congress is eyeing the participation of about two lakh people. Party workers from Pratapgarh, Chittorgarh, Kota and other areas will also be brought into Mandsaur for the event.

Senior Congress leaders, including state party chief Kamal Nath, coordination committee chairman Digvijaya Singh, campaign committee chairman Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ajay Singh, Suresh Pachauri, Kantilal Bhuria and others are expected to attend the meet.
New Delhi: As speculation grows around Pranab Mukherjees address at the RSS headquarters on Thursday, his last speech as President in 2017 might provide the clues that reflect the veteran leaders deepest concerns that he has held dear over his many years in public life.

In his last speech as the President, Mukherjee had expressed his concern about increasing violence and how darkness, fear and mistrust was at the heart of this violence. Power of non-violence has to be resurrected to build a caring society to ensure participation of all sections of the people, he said.

"The multiplicity in culture, faith and language is what makes India special. We derive our strength from tolerance. It has been part of our collective consciousness for centuries. There are divergent strands in public discourse. We may argue, we may agree or we may not agree.

"But we cannot deny the essential prevalence of multiplicity of opinion. Otherwise, a fundamental character of our thought process will wither away," said the lifelong Congressman on the last day of his career.

Several senior Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh, CK Jaffer Sharief and Ramesh Chennithala, have written to Mukherjee asking him to reconsider his decision. Salman Khurshid too said he would not have accepted the invitation.

If I were in his place I wouldnt go, but then this is up to him. RSS should also practise what they preach. I have personally been a victim of their intolerance and they have different yardsticks, said Khurshid.

In contrast, Congressman Chidambaram said Mukherjee should tell the RSS what is wrong with the outfit's ideology when he addresses its event.

However, what he is going to speak about at the Nagpur gathering remains a guess. He has said whatever he has to speak would be only known when he addresses the meeting.

Whatever I have to say, I will say in Nagpur. I have received several letters and phone calls but I havent responded to anyone yet, Mukherjee was quoted as saying by Bengali daily Anandabazar Patrika.

Responding to the reactions among the political class over the invitation by RSS to Pranab, the organisation called it "unseemly outrage".

"The invitation has been extended to him with the idea that this will be an invaluable opportunity to listen to his views. Also, he will have the opportunity to listen to the views of the Sangh and have a firsthand experience of Sangh as well. This exchange of views and ideas is intrinsic to the Bharatiya concept of dialogue, this invitation and its acceptance is but a continuation of that democratic tradition enshrined in our cultural ethos," said Manmohan Vaidya, joint general secretary of RSS.
New Delhi: Pitching for strengthening the NDA in a "war-like situation", Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Badal says all alliance partners must settle their differences to ensure victory in the general elections next year.

Badal's comments, a day before BJP president Amit Shah is scheduled to meet him and SAD patriarch Parkash Singh Badal in Chandigarh, come in the wake of NDA ally Shiv Sena threatening to go it alone in 2019 and the TDP quitting the ruling combine over statehood for Andhra Pradesh.

"It is a war like situation...the general elections are due next year and we need to strengthen the NDA and should resolve our differences to emerge victorious in the next general elections," Badal told PTI.

Shah, who is in Mumbai today to meet Shiv Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray, has embarked on an outreach exercise to win over allies, particularly those who have been criticising or expressing their dissent with the party, in a bid to strengthen the National Democratic Alliance.

According to Badal, the BJP and the SAD are "natural allies".

"It is not a relation of give and take," he said.

Asked about the TDP leaving the NDA and the Shiv Sena announcing that it will contest the 2019 polls on its own, Badal in a limited response underlined that the Congress is the principal opposition party of all NDA allies in their respective states.

"I cannot comment on the relation between BJP and other allies, but one thing is clear. It is the Congress which is the principal opposition party for most of the NDA allies in their respective states and not BJP," the former deputy chief minister of Punjab said.

Endorsing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the leader of the alliance, he said, "The momentum is with Modiji and he has performed as prime minister. He is the face of the NDA."

Badal also expressed his gratitude to Modi for accepting the party's demand to waive GST on food material used for 'langar' served in gurdwaras as well as on food served free of cost in all other religious places.

In the 2014 general elections, the SAD contested 10 out of 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab with the BJP fighting the other three. As of now, the SAD has four seat and the BJP one.
New Delhi: Ahead of Madhya Pradesh assembly elections later this year, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said on Wednesday that they are open to an alliance.

We are open to a tie-up in Madhya Pradesh. If we can stitch up an alliance, it will be good. Else, we will go alone, Yadav said in Lucknow.

Sensing the possibility of a win, the Congress is all out on the ground to rope in as many opposition parties as it can in its fight against the BJP in MP.

A pre-poll alliance or an opposition 'mahagathbandhan' like that in Kairana looks like a strong possibility with both Congress and BSP sending feelers to each other. If all goes well, Samajwadi Party could ride the opposition bandwagon, along with other regional players.

Opposition, and especially the idea of a mahagathbandhan against BJP, got wings after a successful run in Gorakhpur and Phulpur bypolls, followed by the recent Kairana victory.

Meanwhile, after Yoga guru Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved announced that it is pulling out of its proposed Rs 6,000-crore mega food processing project along the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi party chief said, "I didn't give the project for the sake of Ramdev, but to bring in better opportunities for farmers in West UP. The food industries would have directly purchased from the farmer."

Taking a jibe at Modi government's push for 'one nation one poll' proposal, Samajwadi Party chief challenged BJP to introduce it in 2019. "2019 se tayiaari kariye hum bhi aapke saath hain is mudde par (start preparations for simultaneous elections in 2019 itself. We are with you)."
Mumbai: BJP president Amit Shahs attempt to repair relations with its oldest and most difficult ally, Shiv Sena, got off to a bumpy start as Uddhav Thackeray refused to let Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis attend the meeting on Wednesday evening.

Shah walked into Thackeray residence Matoshree in Mumbai's Bandra with Fadnavis, but in a major snub, Thackrey asked the CM to sit out the meeting. According to sources, while the meeting took place on the second floor, Fadnavis was seated on the ground floor of the house.

Sena leaders told CNN-News18 that Amit Shah was sent a message in the morning itself that Uddhav will meet only him. This is the first meeting at Matoshree after Shah's visit last year when he had come around to patch-up cracks in the alliance over support for the presidential nominee. Fadnavis was a part of the meeting then.

Ties between Thackeray and Fadnavis have been strained for a while now and reached an inveterate bitterness after the Palghar Lok Sabha bypolls. The snub could also be Uddhavs tit-for-tat response for Fadnavis not meeting him in March this year, after making him wait for over two hours.

The meeting is being seen with much significance since the two allies have been bickering for quite some time. The Sena considers the BJP's efforts to consolidate its foothold in Mumbai as a threat to its political existence and has promised to quit the NDA ahead of next year's general elections.

The BJP has said the meeting is in connection with its Sampark for Samarthan (contact for support) campaign being led by Shah in the run up to next year's polls.

The meeting lasted for around two hours. While officially there was no word from both the parties about what transpired in the meeting, BJP sources claimed that the discussion was "positive" and would help reduce the tension between the two allies significantly. The two parties may have two or three more such meetings, the sources added.

The two allies had contested the May 28 bypolls to Palghar Lok Sabha constituency of Maharashtra separately and engaged in a bitter campaign against each other.

The Shiv Sena has particularly been upset with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has repeatedly attacked him. After facing defeat in the Palghar bypolls at the hands of the BJP, the Shiv Sena labelled the ally party as its "biggest political enemy".

The Shiv Sena has also already declared that it will go alone in the 2019 general elections. The two parties were allies for over two-and-half decades before they severed ties ahead of the 2014 Maharashtra Assembly polls, only to join hands later to form government under the leadership of Fadnavis in the state.

Hours before the meeting, the party also put out a scathing editorial in "Saamna". In it, the party questioned the BJP's outreach programme after suffering defeat in bypolls in various states. The editorial maintained that the Sena will fight all the upcoming elections alone.

"The prime minister is touring the world and BJP chief Amit Shah is going around the country as part of their 'sampark' programme. Shah will be meeting NDA allies. However, what exactly will he do? Why is he meeting at this juncture when the BJP has suffered defeat in bypolls," the Sena asked.
Lenovo has finally unveiled its latest Z5 smartphone at an event in China. The device has been launched at a starting price of CNY 1,299 (roughly Rs. 14,000) for the basic variant packing 64GB storage and it will be available in Black colour. There are two more Lenovo Z5 variants including Aurora and Indigo Blue which have been launched at CNY 1,399 (roughly Rs 15,000) and CNY 1,799 (roughly Rs. 18,900) for the 6GB RAM/ 128GB inbuilt storage variant. While Lenovo did not reveal any information regarding the smartphones global availability at the launch event in Beijing, there is a possibility that the Lenovo Z5 might arrive in India sometime later this year.

The Lenovo Z5 features a 6.2-inch full HD+ display with 080x2246 pixels resolution and 90 percent screen-to-body ratio. The display comes with an 18:7 aspect ratio and it is protected with a coating of Corning Gorilla Glass on top. The handset gets a 14nm octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor backed by Adreno 508 GPU ticking at its core. The brand is offering the newest launch in two configurations  6GB RAM + 64GB storage and 6GB RAM + 128GB storage and runs Android 8.0 Oreo operating system.

In terms of optics, the Lenovo Z5 comes with a 16-megapixel primary rear camera sensor and an 8-megapixel secondary sensor, both of which are vertically stacked and come with AI capabilities, f/2.0 aperture, and an LED flash. The device also bears an 8-megapixel selfie camera with f/2.0 aperture and full-HD video recording.

Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac dual-band, Bluetooth 5.0 Low Energy, GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, USB Type-C, and 4G VoLTE. The smartphone is fueled by a 3300mAh battery with 18W fast charging support. The smartphone comes equipped with a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and is backed by a 3000 mAh battery with fast charging support.

Also Watch: Karbonn Titanium Frames S7 Review: A Decent Budget Deal
London: A 100-year-old British woman of Polish origin died on Wednesday after suffering multiple injuries including a broken neck when her bag was stolen in a brazen street robbery, police said.

Zofija Kaczan was approached from behind and pushed to the ground in the Normanton area of Derby on May 28, the BBC reported. Derbyshire Police previously thought her injuries were not life-threatening and she was recovering.

A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery before she died and was released on Tuesday.

Detective Chief Inspector Darren De'ath, who is leading the investigation, said: "This crime is absolutely horrific. "Mrs Kaczan was a well-loved member of the community and that she was targeted in this way is disgusting. There are people in Derby who know the person responsible for this crime and I would urge them to come forward with any information that can help bring those responsible to justice."

De'ath added: "We have a number of leads that we are pursuing and a post-mortem will take place to determine a cause of death." Kaczan died early on Wednesday.

She is reported to have been a widower and former factory worker who moved to the UK from Poland with her husband following World War II, Independent newspaper reported.

She had been on her way to a Polish church just over a week before when she was attacked. Her friends Monika Zareba and Maria Wojtczak said before she died: "You didn't think something like this could happen to old people. It shouldn't happen. We can't believe it... shocked."

Police had appealed for witnesses because Mrs Kaczan was not able to give a description of the person or people responsible. Her green handbag was found dumped a few hundred yards away from the scene of the crime.

A beige Seat Leon was seen in the area at the time of the attack and found abandoned two days later in a car park in Jackson Street, Stockbrook, the report said.

Police want to hear from anyone who may have information about the driver of the vehicle, or if they have CCTV or dash cam footage that shows the vehicle with registration plate
Alotenango: Nearly 200 people are missing and at least 75 have been killed since Guatemala's Fuego volcano began erupting over the weekend, officials said Tuesday.

Seven communities in already devastated areas were evacuated as the volcano's activity increased, with rescue operations halted.

In the city of Escuintla, near the summit, panicked locals rushed to their cars to escape, causing chaotic traffic.

An AFP photographer saw a large plume of ash rise into the sky, prompting an evacuation of everyone authorities could find before the police, the military and rescuers were ordered to stand down.

And a total of 192 people remain missing since the weekend eruptions, disaster relief agency chief Sergio Cabanas told reporters.

The search for bodies in mountain villages destroyed by the eruption was progressing slowly, officials said earlier, given the nature of the terrain and the way the volcano released large amounts of boiling mud, rock and ash down the mountain.

"We will continue until we find the last victim, though we do not know how many there are. We will probe the area as many times as necessary," Cabanas told AFP.

However, the prospects of finding any more survivors was poor, he said.

"If you are trapped in a pyroclastic flow, it's hard to come out of it alive," he said, adding that people who may have been caught in the flow may never be found.

Among the latest of the 75 fatalities reported by the National Institute of Forensic Sciences was a 42-year-old woman who died in hospital having lost both legs and an arm in the eruption.

The previous toll was given as 73. Some 46 people were injured, around half of whom are in serious condition, officials said.

The 3,763-meter (12,346-foot) volcano erupted early Sunday, spewing out towering plumes of ash and a hail of fiery rock fragments with scalding mud.

Authorities said more than 1.7 million people had been affected by the disaster, including more than 3,000 ordered evacuated, many living in shelters in Escuintla, Sacatepequez and Chimaltenango since Sunday's eruption.

The speed of the eruption took locals by surprise, and could be explained by it producing pyroclastic flows, sudden emissions of gas and rock fragments, rather than lava, said volcanologist David Rothery of Britain's Open University.

President Jimmy Morales, who has declared three days of national mourning, has visited the disaster zone.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was deeply saddened by the "tragic loss of life and the significant damage caused by the eruption," and said the UN was ready to assist national rescue and relief efforts.
London: A popular Gurdwara and a Mosque were set on fire in arson attacks at the same time in English city of Leeds with the police treating them as hate crimes.

The Jamia Masjid Abu Huraira Mosque in Hardy Street, Beeston, was attacked, along with the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Gurdwara in Lady Pit Lane, the BBC reported on Wednesday.

The main door of the mosque in South of the city centre had been set on fire at about 3.45am (local time) on Monday. A few minutes later, the door of the Gurdwara was also set on fire, the report said.

The Sikh Press Association said a bottle filled with petrol had been set alight at the doorstep of the Gurdwara, triggering a smoke alarm. Residents called the fire brigade and the police and the fire was quickly dealt with, they said.

Detective Inspector Richard Holmes, of Leeds District CID, said: "We are treating both these incidents as linked given the closeness of the locations and the similar

times that they have occurred."

"While our investigation is still at a relatively early stage, we do believe these premises have been specifically targeted as places of worship and we are treating both incidents as arsons and hate crimes."

"We are currently carrying out extensive enquiries, including checks on CCTV in both areas, and we would like to hear from anyone who has witnessed any suspicious activity or seen any person or vehicles in the areas around the time these incidents have occurred."

"Clearly we will always treat incidents of this nature very seriously and will be doing everything we can to identify those responsible and bring them to justice," he added.

In a statement, representatives of the Gurdwara said: "We have attended a police emergency meeting and have been assured by the chief of Police that they are doing all they can to catch the criminals and will add extra police patrols in the area.

Inspector Ian O'Brien, who heads neighbourhood policing for south Leeds, said: "These incidents will cause an understandable level of concern in both the Muslim and Sikh communities in this area and we are working closely with key representatives from those communities to reassure them.

"Although it appears both locations have been specifically targeted as places of worship for these communities, there is nothing at this stage to suggest they are part of any wider pattern."

"We have increased our patrols of the area to provide visible reassurance to people living there and will continue to keep key community representatives informed as the investigation develops."

"Hate crimes that target particular communities and have the potential to cause divisions and tensions cannot and will not be tolerated and we will continue to do everything we can to find those responsible and support and reassure the communities affected."

Nadeem Murtuja, interim director of Just Yorkshire which promotes racial justice, human rights and equality, said such "acts of hate" were worrying.

"Mosques, gurdwaras and other places of worship repeatedly open doors to people of faith, no faith and all diversities to improve understanding, yet despite these positive actions, hate crimes continue to rise and the police continue to provide support and assurance," he said.
Bruce Wayne gets a new Batman Begins style origin in Batman: The Knight

DC brings the style of Batman Begins to comic books for a new take on Batman's origins in Batman: The Knight by Zdarsky and Di Giandomenico.
Official: Justice League vs. The Legion of Super-Heroes launches in January 2022

Both classic superhero teams come together to combat the Great Darkness ... or do they?
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
DANBURY  City leaders endorsed a new economic development policy Tuesday night that would give major corporations a tax discount on multimillion dollar information technology centers built in Danbury.

The new rule would allow companies to apply for a 50 percent discount on personal property taxes on high-tech data servers and information technology equipment.

It would be available only to companies that invested more than $15 million in the city in the previous tax year and would be limited to three years.

Despite some City Council members initial interest in revising the idea, the council voted unanimously to advance the proposal to a public hearing.

The first to take advantage if the new rule is approved could be Praxair, which has hinted it is interested in building a new data center for its local headquarters and might apply for the discount.

The company first pitched the idea for the new incentive two years ago when Praxair moved into its campus on Riverview Drive after abandoning plans to build a new facility.

The IT tax incentive is made available under state law, but the city previously had not opted into it with its own local ordinance, deputy corporation counsel Les Pinter said.

City and company leaders spent the next two years tinkering with a rule that would allow the city to grant the incentive not just to Praxair, but also to other large companies the city would hope to retain or attract, Finance Director David St. Hilaire said.

Praxair owns property specifically designated for a data center in upstate New York, but its leadership also wants to consider building a new IT facility closer to headquarters, Praxairs Director of Government Relations Neil Beup has said.

Under the new rule, qualifying businesses who meet the criteria will be reviewed and approved by Tax Assessor Brian Lastra, and no business that meets those benchmarks will be turned down.

That has rankled some City Council members, who would have preferred the council have the final say on applications.

Councilman Paul Rotello suggested the council should tailor the perk strictly to Praxair instead of potentially opening it to server farms with only a handful of employees.

There is another way of satisfying our relationship with Praxair but at the same time protecting jobs in the future, he said.

But Pinter and St. Hilaire have warned that picking winners and losers based on favor, instead of a standard set of criteria, could expose the city to a lawsuit from a business the council turns down.

Or the council could simply forgo the idea and not offer any more incentives, Mayor Mark Boughton suggested.

You dont have to do this, he said. This is a decision by the council. If the council doesnt want to give any (incentive), it doesnt have to ... Its certainly open to you so you can be very targeted.

Praxair has not shared its plans for a data center publicly or with city officials, but Beups involvement suggests the company would apply for the incentive and that its investment would exceed the $15 million minimum to qualify.

Because so few companies would qualify, the discount would cost the city less than $100,000 annually in tax revenue, St. Hilaire estimated.

zach.murdock@hearstmediact.com
A complaint about 11th-hour vote changing at the Democratic convention for the 5th District that gave a former elected leader the endorsement over a star teacher will be heard Thursday at party headquarters in Hartford.

The complaint stems from the dramatic finish at the Democrats May 15 convention, which saw former eight-term Simsbury First Selectman Mary Glassman edge Waterburys Jahana Hayes, who is making her first run for office.

Glassman and Hayes are running in the Aug. 14 Democratic primary to replace three-term Democrat Rep. Elizabeth Esty, who was forced to drop her re-election plans after news broke that she covered up an office abuse scandal.

The convention finish was dramatic because at the time of the vote-switching, Hayes had taken the lead over Glassman after two rounds of voting, 171 to 169.

The tension in the auditorium of Waterburys Crosby High School was palpable. Hayes, the 2016 National Teacher of the Year, had the backing of Waterburys 43 delegates as well as several hundred spectators.

The voting was held open  as is often the case at conventions  to allow delegates to switch their votes. Three delegates changed their votes, giving Glassman the edge and the Democratic endorsement.

Hayes, who was disappointed by the way the convention finished, decided to challenge Glassman in the primary after speaking with U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who encouraged Hayes to run in the first place.

Others also objected to the vote switching. Scot X Esdaile, president of the Connecticut NAACP, said he wanted a probe of the nominating process.

Waterbury Mayor Neil OLeary and another Democratic delegate from Waterbury lodged complaints with the Democratic Party.

Specific details about the complaints were not immediately available.

In response, the party will assemble a panel of Democratic State Central Committee members on Thursday to resolve the dispute.

Each involved party will have a chance to present their side, said Christina Polizzi, a party spokeswoman. And then the panel will have five days to make their decision.

Promoting diversity within the Democratic Party has been in the news. In April, a group of New Haven ministers called for party chairman Nick Balletto to resign, charging that state Democrats were ignoring people of color.

At the Democratic convention last month, Latina union organizer Eva Bermudez Zimmerman, who announced a bid for lieutenant governor, received support from Democrats dissatisfied with having two white people heading the partys gubernatorial ticket  Ned Lamont and endorsed lieutenant governor candidate Susan Bysiewicz.

The 5th District is Connecticuts most competitive Congressional seat. Republicans will nominate their choice at the GOPs primary in mid-August. Candidates include front-runners Manny Santos, who was endorsed at the Republican convention in May, Southburys Ruby ONeill and Watertown businessman Richard Dupont.

rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342
The following excerpt is from The Staff of Entrepreneur Media, Inc. and Javier Hasses book Start Your Own Cannabis Business. Buy it now from Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | IndieBound

This article is part of Entrepreneurs series on How to Start a Cannabis Business. We seek to promote financial inclusion through marijuana. In previous articles, weve looked into numerous aspects of getting into the marijuana industry, including questions you should ask yourself before jumping in, factors that could determine your success and how to decide whether youll touch the plant or not.

Understanding the different licenses

Once youve decided to get into the industry and gone through the planning phase, the next thing youll need to do is start setting up your business. One of the first steps we recommend you take, before spending any money on things like branding, offices, stores, etc., is getting all the necessary business licenses.

All cannabis businesses require a business license, and those touching the plant need a cannabis-specific license on top of the regular one. So you'll need to properly license and register the actual business thats going to apply for a marijuana license. For all license types, at least in California, one of the basic requirements is to have some kind of business formation, even if its a sole proprietor, says Amelia Hicks, senior environmental scientist at Californias Bureau of Cannabis Control.

Once youve completed your business registration, youll be ready to move on to your marijuana license application. The cannabis licensing process varies from state to state, and even from municipality to municipality, so youll need to get acquainted with your jurisdictions rules, regulations, and requirements. To make things simple, lets divide the processes into competitive and non-competitive processes.

States with competitive processes (like most of the East Coast states) will offer a limited number of licenses and require applicants to prove theyre the best suitable candidates. Think of it as a government-style procurement process. This is how the application process works in states like Florida, Ohio and New York.

Noncompetitive processes (usually found on the West Coast) tend to put no limits on the number of licenses that can be handed out; all that matters is that certain criteria are met. This is the case in Colorado, Washington and Oregon.

Taking into account that the cost of a license and the thresholds to get one are usually lower in noncompetitive states, numerous industry insiders recommend you try and get your first cannabis business set up in one of these.

Related: These 4 States Legalized Recreational Marijuana but Each Is Doing It (or Not) in Its Own Way

The outliers: California and Arizona

Somewhere in between purely competitive states and non-competitive ones, there are places like California, where the process isnt competitive on the state level but does become competitive on the local level -- and local approval is necessary to get a license. In fact, the Bureau of Cannabis Control (one of the three cannabis business licensing agencies operating in that state) states on its website, Local jurisdictions may ban, in whole or in part, medicinal and adult-use commercial cannabis activity.

The local authorization piece is probably one of the most challenging pieces. In California, we have 58 counties and 400 municipalities (cities or towns), and each of those local jurisdictions is authorized under the statutes to create its own rules and regulations for the cannabis business activity and can even ban these activities, Hicks explains.

Finally, states like Arizona demand dual licenses. For example, a marijuana grower must hold a cultivation license and a dispensary or retail license, even if he decides not to get into retail.

Another thing to keep in mind is that licensing fees diverge considerably. Some states charge an application fee of $250 and annual renewals of $1,000, while others ask for $25,000 to apply, another $200,000 if and when the license is granted, and a renewal fee of $100,000 each year. And those numbers fluctuate depending on the type of cannabis business you start.

Procuring a Cannabis license

Although each jurisdictions cannabis business licensing process and requirements are unique, there are a few things most regulatory agencies want to see in applicants, Jay Czarkowski, founding partner at cannabis consulting firm Canna Advisors, says. These are:

A realistic, achievable, well-thought-out business plan

A sound financial model and the capital necessary to execute on it

A strong, professional team -- especially at the management level

A plan that will not only generate money for you, your investors, the businesses that will interact with you and state taxation agencies, but also bring benefits to the community in which it will operate, the state and/or the patients

A very detailed, long-term operational strategy

A compliant physical location

In addition to having a compliant location nailed down, youll need a letter from the landlord saying shes aware that the space will be used for cannabis. This usually requires that the landlord owns the building and has no bank debt on it as well.

You should consider reaching out to the regulatory agencies and ask questions about the licensing process, adds Hicks. A few good questions to ask are:

What are the general, personal conditions I need to fulfill to apply for a license?

Are there any limitations regarding who can and cannot apply for a license?

Are there any water-usage or energy-usage limits or regulations?

Are there any security aspects at my businesss chosen location that need to be taken care of before applying for a license?

What documentation do I need to get from my landlord?

Which type of advice should I get? Do I need a lawyer? A CPA? A licensed architect?

Surging complexity

As the license application process becomes more complex, regulators want to see additional features in applicants. You have to show expertise around not just cannabis, but also banking, security, regulations. Getting a new license might sound like a pretty straightforward thing, but its actually a complex process, Hadley Ford, managing director at iAnthus Capital Management, says.

Applying for a license requires a lot of attention to detail. This includes being very careful about who your partners and team members are. Sometimes, having a person with a DUI in your team can be enough for you to get rejected.

One final tip: Dont volunteer information. Providing more information and legal documents than the regulatory agency requires can get you in trouble. There is such a thing as being too compliant. Imagine, for instance, that you disclose the seed money for your cannabis business came from your mother; in the eyes of regulators, your mother is involved in your business, even if all she did was lend you money. Additional information tends to convolute things, Amelia Hicks concurs, suggesting you submit only the required documentation and nothing more.

Related:

Is Your Cannabis Business Properly Licensed?

Why Marijuana-Infused Edibles Are a Huge Opportunity for Entrepreneurs

5 Things I Learned Starting a Business in the Cannabis Industry



Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
FAIRFIELD  The Victorian-era house at 152 Stratfield Road has been through a lot in its 100-plus years of existence.

The classic Queen Anne, which town records say was built in 1898, was updated and modernized by past owners (it was recently sold), removing many of its historic features, such as the original flooring.

But many of the things that make the house a classic example of its historic style remain. For instance, it still has its sprawling, asymmetrical front porch, a staple of Queen Anne Victorians, and likely the stained glass windows placed in the main staircase area are original, said the homes listing agent, Mark Markelz.

Its exterior is also largely original, including the tower or turret along one side, also popular in this particular type of Victorian home.

Its still got the charm of that Queen Anne style, Markelz said.

He said the house is typical of the Queen Anne Victorian  one of many varieties of homes popular in the mid-19th century-early 20th century era when Queen Victoria ruled Britain. According to Antique Homes, the sales directory of antique and historic properties, inspiration for the Queen Anne style derived from English buildings erected at the Philadelphia Exposition of 1876.

The style was most popular at the end of the 19th century, and is considered something of a bridge between classic Victorians, and the Colonial Revivals that would become popular in the early 20th century. Queen Anne mixes classical and Gothic design elements.

Homes built before 1900, such as the one at 152 Stratfield Road, tend to have a rounded, off-center tower. Queen Annes built later than that usually didnt have such towers. Nearly all Queen Anne homes have complex roof structures, with cross gables and dormers.

The house at 152 Stratfield Road needs some tender, loving care  mainly to its interior, which no longer really reflects the homes historic roots, Markelz said. But its still a striking structure as it towers over Stratfield Road.

Fairfield lists the house as a historic property, one of many in the towns Stratfield section.

The three-bedroom, two-bathroom house is 2,072 square feet, and sits on .37 acres of property. Though not enormously spacious, the home does provide a decent backyard, which was being enjoyed by one of Fairfields many wild turkeys, who happened to be roaming Stratfield Road on a recent afternoon and decided to hang out on the property for a while.

Theres also a greenhouse on the property, which Markelz said could be restored, or re-purposed into an outdoor living space.

Mainly, Markelz said he hopes the next owners return some of the old-fashioned flavor to the house. It really is a classic example of a Queen Anne, he said.

Do you know of a house or apartment building with an interesting story? Contact acuda@ctpost.com, and the home could be featured in an upcoming installment of Habitat.
The US Air Force skipped having competitive hypersonic cruise missiles prototypes and only has Lockheed for its $1 billion hypersonic cruise missile development contract. There was not enough money for multiple prototypes.

Lockheed is to deliver hypersonic missiles with early operational capability by 2022.

The Air Force will have competition among possible component suppliers for the hypersonic conventional strike weapon through the use of standard interfaces.

The USAF received statements of capability from 12 companies in developing a hypersonic missile in June 2017. The hypersonic conventional strike weapon programme office deemed only five to be viable vendors: Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Missile Systems and Orbital ATK. Only four of the five viable vendors submitted bids.
HAMDEN  There were marvels to behold at Mondays Legislative Council meeting, as students of all ages showed off projects demonstrating their accomplishments in science and engineering.

Shepherd Glen School second-grader Greyson Vasseur demonstrated his Watermatic, which measures moisture in the soil surrounding a plant, and, if its dry, triggers a relay that prompts water to be dispensed.

I had first started to grow this plant in class, actually in first grade, and they let us bring it home, said Greyson . I wanted to keep it living ... over the summer while I was away, so I came up with the idea, and my dad helped me build it  and we got it all together and it worked.

Hamden High School senior Tim Lettiero discussed the fitness program he and his classmates developed as part of an app development class.

I chose to take this ... class, as it was a break of the norm and a more creative form of the math common core, and that really stood out to me, said Lettiero.

Its a repository for information about different exercises, breaking down machines and workouts on offer, and can supply routines for those in need, he said.

(The class) really, really taught most of us, who had little to no experience with technology, how to create anything we could think of from start  and that was honestly insane, said Lettiero.

David Jackson and Joshua Williams, part of the Sikorsky Challenge team at Hamden High School, developed a stability augmentation system, allowing automated correction of the pitch, yaw and roll of a model plane depending on the conditions at hand.

Sophomore Hayden Piterski showed off a prosthetic arm he designed and 3D-printed himself, as he bolstered and edited a model he found on the Internet as part of his engineering class.

Piterski said the process allowed him to customize the arm, as opposed to those hes had throughout his life, making it lighter and adding his own artistic flair.

Im basically very grateful for the class I was in, and the materials I had, to be able to create something like this, said Piterski.

District Director of Program Innovation, Technology & Communications Karen Kaplan oversees the STEM program in the Hamden schools, which recently was bolstered by a $500,000 grant to create a STEM Academy in the district.

She noted each of the students who offered up their work Monday had found a way to solve an issue or address a need.

Every single one of these presentations involved problem-solving, which is one of the most important skills we want our kids to learn, said Kaplan. Thats what were looking to do (in STEM)  were looking to innovate, were looking to help kids create, and were looking for them to find great excitement in learning, and I think you see some great examples of that tonight.

william.lambert@hearstmediact.com
NEW HAVEN  While approximately 1,000 people from Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands live in New Haven after leaving homes ravaged by hurricanes, state Rep. Juan Candelaria, D-New Haven, on Tuesday discussed the assistance Connecticut is providing specifically to people displaced by Hurricane Maria.

The legislature approved revisions to the general fund appropriating $1.5 million in aid to the departments of education, housing, social services and various nonprofits to help people living in Connecticut displaced by Hurricane Maria.

The legislation also includes a provision that any remaining funds after the distribution of equalization aid grants be distributed to towns whose districts received students displaced by Hurricane Maria. The remaining funds this year equal $2.9 million that will go toward school districts with displaced students enrolled.

With these allocations well be able to move these families forward, Candelaria said. Theyre facing many challenges and the work we were able to do at the legislature along with our support from both sides of the aisle was critically important. He was joined by community leaders, individuals and families from Puerto Rico who needed to leave their homes on the island after last years storm.

An estimated 13,000 families have migrated to Connecticut after Hurricane Maria as of May, he said, but only 2,830 people have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Of the $1.5 million, the Department of Education received $400,000 for bilingual education, which is to be distributed to the top six school districts with the largest concentration of Hurricane Maria evacuees. Language barriers of young children entering school in Connecticut from Puerto Rico can be significant since many students dont speak English or its not their primary language, said Daniel Diaz, a Board of Education member and co-founder of Arte Inc.

As of February, Connecticut school districts received 1,827 students from Puerto Rico as a result of Hurricane Maria, according to Centro, the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at CUNY. At least 39 percent of Puerto Rican students displaced by the storm were enrolled in Hartford Countys school districts followed by 33 percent in New Haven County.

New Haven took in 212 students from Puerto Rico after the Hurricane, Diaz said. Approximately 23 students left to other districts or back to Puerto Rico, but the schools still have 189 students attending grades K-12 and some in pre-kindergarten.

Out of all the students, the majority of students are currently receiving EL (English language) services, the vast majority, Diaz said. So that, of course, puts a lot of pressure on the resources that we currently have. The deadline the schools have for reporting their number of students needing bilingual services is October 1 every year. But the 212 students from Puerto Rico arrived after the reporting deadline, he said. That puts pressure on bilingual education because now you need more classrooms, you need more tutors, more teachers, more resources in general.

The schools managed to take on the influx of students despite the lack of resources, but Diaz said he anticipates even more students coming next school year.

We worked it out with what we had, but that continues because these students are staying here and we need to provide enough for next year and the year after, he said. The majority are receiving bilingual services. Without those services, they will not be able to integrate linguistically in the education process. We support them, but we need to provide them with books, tutors, testing, teachers, materials. Without any of those resources we would not be able to support the students. We need more help from the government to help us coping with this vast amount of students.

Further, $600,000 was allocated to the Department of Housing, for Housing/Homeless Services to fund security deposits and first-month rent to evacuees impacted by Hurricane Maria and $500,000 to the Department of Social Services for human resource development-Hispanic programs. It will be distributed among nine Hispanic organizations, and Junta for Progressive Action in New Haven received $90,000.

In New Haven, 1,024 people who left Puerto Rico after the hurricane have walked through the door at Junta seeking help and the organization has served 455 families who needed related assistance since Oct. 1, 2017, said Junta Program Director for Advocacy and Community Engagement Paola Serrecchia.

Here theyre called refugees, called immigrants and being treated like second-class citizens, she said. Because of state cuts in the budget, Junta was short $200,000 but it continued to provide services at the risk of having to close its doors.

We were still doing that because the people needed it and they came here with nothing, she said. This $90,000 will help to reimburse us and prepare for the new families coming in. We have new families coming in every week. Junta is preparing to receive even more people as hurricane season has begun.

The infrastructure is so fragile that even a category 2 hurricane could be catastrophic, Serrecchia said. We want to be prepared to make sure we take care of the families. They did it without any extra money through donations and finding money everywhere they could.

How could we turn anyone away? Serrecchia said. With the resource centers across the state closed, Junta has become the only resource center in the state for them, so we feel an obligation to be able to stay open and be there for those people. ... Well be able to provide that and not be afraid were going to have to close our doors, because now were dependent on our savings, Serrecchia said.

mdignan@hearstmediact.com
NEW CANAAN  It will be hard to spot a for sale sign in town beginning next month.

A six-month trial banning real estate signs in front of houses for sale, instituted by the local realtor organizations New Canaan Board of Realtors and the New Canaan Multiple Listing Service, will begin July 1 and conclude Jan. 1, 2019.

The reason for the ban is because people shop for homes online and the town looks better without them, Janis Hennessey, the New Canaan Board of Realtors president, seemed to say.

This is about the beautification of New Canaan and that people do not buy homes from the (for sale) signs anymore, Hennessey said. People interested in homes have access to HomeSnap and Zillow.

According to Hennessey, this trial ban is a response derived from the results of a SurveyMonkey distributed through the Multiple Listing Service membership.

We had about 199 people respond. 47 (people) wanted to keep signs and the other 150 wanted to either get rid of (the signs completely) or put a temporary ban on them, Hennessey said.

First Selectman Kevin Moynihan lauded the effort.

Many realtors and residents feel that the signs are unattractive and are unnecessary to promote the sales of homes, Moynihan wrote via email Tuesday.

Like Hennessey, he referenced Greenwich as an example of a town that had done away with their for sale signs on residential properties in Chapter 6 Division 16 of their Municipal Code.

Other area towns have already done away with signs and I suspect we will find that the absence of signs will work well in New Canaan too, Moynihan said.

Asked if the town would enforce the realtors organizations policy, Hennessey said that wouldnt be the case.

Were going to ask people to take their signs down on the last week of June and we will conduct another survey at the end of the six-month trial in January, Hennessey added.

A decision by the local realtor organizations will see how people respond to the trial ban once it concludes to measure ways in which to move forward.

Generally speaking, people dont call (realtors) anymore and so much information is online, Hennessey said. Were giving this a try.

humberto.juarez@hearstmediact.com
Iasiah Brown, 25, of New Haven, said he does not see a need for a primary care doctor for himself and his daughter, opting to visit clinics in the area instead of waiting up to two weeks for an appointment at a doctors office.

Brown is among the 83 people who said they didnt have a primary care doctor in response to a health care usage survey by the Conn. Health I-Team and Southern Connecticut State University. The team surveyed 500 people and interviewed dozens statewide between January and March.

About 83 percent of respondents said they had a primary care doctor, but the rate was lower for African American (78 percent) and Hispanic respondents (75 percent). Meanwhile, white respondents were more likely than the averageat 88 percentto have a primary care doctor. These numbers have decreased since 2015, when C-HIT conducted a similar survey. In 2015, 93 percent of whites, 84 percent of African Americans, and 86 percent of Hispanics had a primary care doctor.

The survey results highlight health care disparities between wealthier residents and those in lower income brackets, and between white respondents and minoritiesfindings that mirror those of the 2015 study.

In general, white residents and those making more than $50,000 a year were more likely to have health insurance and use it. Those over 50 years old in both groups were more likely to have undergone a colonoscopy. The wealthier respondents more often lived close to their primary care doctor.

But in some cases, those making below $50,000, and people of color, were more likely to have had some preventive care screenings, such as chest X-rays for smokers, screenings for depression, and interventions from doctors regarding their weight.

About 110 people said even though they had insurance, there were barriers preventing them from accessing health care. Of those, 54 cited co-pays, 39 said time or travel expenses, and 17 said there was a language barrier to accessing health care.

For Natasha Gerasimopoulos, 36, of Milford, the problem is finding a doctor covered by insurance. Gerasimopoulos, who is insured through Husky Health, along with her son, doesnt have co-pays for her office visits, but she said its hard to find specialists who take Husky.

The doctors offices will say Oh, we dont take that insurance, or We stopped taking it a long time ago, Gerasimopoulos said. Or, she said, if she can find a doctor who takes her insurance, the office is far from her home.

Most people, at 92.6 percent, reported having health insurance for 2018. But Hispanics and blacks were less likely to have health insurance, at 80.2 percent and 89.2 percent, than whites, at 97.7 percent.

More people reported being uninsured than in the 2015 survey, when 3.6 percent said they had no medical insurance. Connecticuts uninsured rate for 2016, the most recent numbers available from the National Center for Health Statistics, was 5.8 percent.

Recent changes to the Affordable Care Act, first enacted in 2010, have negatively impacted health care access, according to Pat Baker, president of the Connecticut Health Foundation.

An example, she said, is a change in the number of state residents who qualify for Medicaid.

Originally Medicaid in Connecticut covered individuals up to 185 percent of poverty, Baker said. What we saw happening since 2015 is that has been reduced to 155 percent of poverty, with the rationale that all those [excluded], about 18,000 people, could go get coverage through the exchange, Access Health CT.

Instead, Baker said, only 20 percent of those dropped by Medicaid were able to purchase insurance through the exchange. The Connecticut Health Foundation and Access Health CT believe cost was a major factor, as survey respondent Beverly Malerba of Ansonia said. I cant afford it, really, she said. I wish [health care] was universal, like they have in Canada.

What remains consistent is the disparate rate between the connection to care between the majority population and people of color, particularly African Americans, Baker said.

Of those with insurance surveyed by C-HIT:

 57 percent said they receive insurance through an employer plan;

 17 percent of respondents are insured through Medicaid;

 12 percent through Medicare;

 about 8 percent purchased insurance through the Access Health CT exchange;

 3 percent said they had private insurance, but didnt indicate how they received it; and

 1 percent are insured through both Medicaid and Medicare;

Half of the respondents made more than $50,000 a year, and 56 percent were women. The respondents skewed younger, with 65 percent responding they were in their 40s or younger, and 29 percent in their 20s. About 53 percent of respondents were white, 20.7 percent were African American and 19.5 percent were Hispanic.

Womens preventive care results were mixed. Overall, 87.7 percent of women over 40 had received a recommended mammogram in the last year, and 77.4 percent of women over 20 had received a recommended Pap test.

Women making more than $50,000 were more likely to have received Pap tests. But the results for women over 40 who had received mammograms in the last year were split on income levels. Those making $100,000 or more were most likely to have had a mammogram in the last two years (93 percent), but those making less than $30,000 were close behind (89 percent).

Black women were the most likely to have received a mammogram (93 percent) and Pap tests (91 percent). White respondents stated they had received recommended mammograms at 89 percent, and Pap tests at 76 percent. For Hispanic women, the results were 75 percent and 71 percent, respectively.

In dozens of interviews, Connecticut residents spoke of the challenges with their health care.

Maria Zhumi, of New Haven, said while she has health care through the exchange, she hasnt been able to get her 9-year-old daughter on the plan because she doesnt have a Social Security number. Zhumi said she has been paying for her daughters health care out of pocket.

Confusion over her citizenship status is preventing Mayelin Jimenez of New Haven from obtaining health care, she said. When she lived in New York, she paid for private insurance, she said, but canceled that policy when she moved to New Haven in November. When she tried to obtain HUSKY insurance, she was told she had to have been living in the U.S. for five years to meet Connecticuts eligibility requirements. Jimenez said she must wait until July before she qualifies for HUSKY benefits.

What if I have an accident? she asked. I have no insurance.

Kylia Goodner-Bingham said she purchased insurance through the exchange, but couldnt afford it after the premiums increased. The West Haven resident is now on her wifes insurance through her job.

Barbara Collado, a mother of three from New Haven, has had HUSKY A insurance for around 10 years, ever since she moved to Connecticut from Puerto Rico.

In an interview conducted in both Spanish and English, Collado said her HUSKY coverage helped as she and her children have undergone evaluations for health issues. Collado said HUSKY paid for everything. The experience, she said, changed how she viewed her health, and she began seeking health care regularly at her primary clinic, the Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center. Collado said, however, that it takes her two buses to get to the Hill Center. When the bus is late, shes late for her appointments. But its worth it to Collado.

I have a good relationship with them, she said.

Kaitlyn Regan is a senior at Southern Connecticut State University.

This project was reported by the students in the Multimedia Journalism course at Southern Connecticut State University, taught by Assistant Professor Jodie Mozdzer Gil. The students are: Ryan Conchado, Kevin Crompton, Jailene Cuevas, Melanie Espinal, Jonathan Gonzalez, Ethan Goodrich, Andrew Hans, Megan Hill, Quinn ONeill, August Pelliccio, Michael Riccio, Alyssa Rice and Regan. Lisa Massicotte, Jeniece Roman and Matt Wynn, C-HIT data specialist, contributed reporting.

This story was reported under a partnership with Connecticut Health I-Team. (www.c-hit.org).
NEW HAVEN  A Southbury woman whose car struck and killed a cyclist on Ella T. Grasso Boulevard last year has been sentenced to serve four years and four months in prison for second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, evading responsibility and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Veronica Pierce, 43, apologized during the sentencing hearing.

She said: I am broken by this experience, knowing that my actions cost a man his life.

The victim was Ranko Borak, who was thrown over a guardrail after being struck by Pierces car. He was pronounced dead on the scene by EMS workers.

The crash occurred at about 12:45 p.m. on April 2, 2017.

A witness took photographs of a Ford Taurus as the driver drove away. Shortly afterward a car matching that description was reported being seen exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 3. That caller reported almost being hit by the vehicle.

Police then found the Taurus, with a damaged windshield, near the intersection of Orange and Bradley streets.

According to a police press release, Pierce said she had not been involved in a crash  before she was asked about it  and she had a blood alcohol level of 0.2062 percent. A person is legally intoxicated in Connecticut if his or her blood alcohol content is greater than 0.08 percent.

Pierces defense attorney, Tara Knight, said the sentencing came after a plea agreement was reached. Under the agreement, Pierce would serve a maximum of five years but Knight was given the right to argue for less time. In exchange for Pierces guilty pleas to the three counts, the state agreed to drop additional charges of operating a motor vehicle under suspension and driving the wrong way on a one-way street.

Knight called the case a tragedy all around, for the individual who died and also for Veronica. She didnt set out that day to hurt anybody.

Knight added, Shes not a bad person. She herself was a victim in the criminal justice system and has struggled with substance abuse issues. She is very remorseful about what happened.

But Supervisory Assistant States Attorney David Strollo said, My argument before the judge was: not only was she drunk and killed somebody, but she left the scene and was still driving erratically. Then she said somebody else was driving the car. I thought she should have gotten the full five years.

Strollo noted New Haven Superior Court Judge Philip Scarpellino imposed a sentence eight months less than the maximum because of the support shown by Pierces family during the sentencing hearing. Her parents, sister and aunt spoke, as did Pierce herself.

No one appeared in the courtroom to speak on the victims behalf. Strollo noted Borak was a foreigner who has no relatives living here.

When Pierce faced the judge, she said, Im sorry seems so empty and inadequate. She added, If I could trade places (with Borak), I would. I cant imagine what his family and friends are going through. How can I fix this? How can I atone for this?

Scarpellino imposed a sentence of 10 years, to be suspended after Pierce serves four years and four months. She will then face five years of probation.

randall.beach@hearstmediact.com
WASHINGTON  A federal judge here set a date Tuesday for a hearing in which Paul Manafort must adequately explain allegations of witness-tampering in the ongoing inquiry of special counsel Robert Mueller, or face a possible return to jail until his trial.

The New Britain native, who served as President Trumps campaign manager between May and August 2016, has pleaded not guilty to charges of money laundering, conspiracy, perjury and failing to file as a foreign agent.

The case being pursued by Mueller is not directly related to Manaforts time as Trumps campaign manager. Rather, it focuses on his political work for the party of Ukraines pro-Russia president, Viktor Yanukovych, who was driven from power in 2014.

Late Monday, Muellers team filed a court brief accusing Manafort of working with an unidentified associate to influence two potential witnesses to suborn perjury  lie to the FBI in order help Manafort.

If proven, the charges would undercut the terms of Manaforts release on $10 million bond in the wake of his indictment in late October. Manafort is under house arrest at his home in Alexandria, Va., with his movements circumscribed by the court.

Manafort, 69, the son of a former New Britain mayor prominent in Republican politics there, could be sent back to jail pending a trial in Washington in September. He also faces a trial in July in Alexandria, outside Washington, on related tax and bank fraud charges.

Legal analysts speculate that in pursuing a return to jail, Mueller may be upping his ante on winning Manaforts cooperation in his case against Trump campaign officials and possibly Donald Trump himself.

Mueller is pursuing allegations that the Trump 2016 campaign cooperated with Russian intelligence to swing the election to the Republicans by hacking and releasing derogatory emails involving his Democratic opponent, former first lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The judge in the Washington case, Amy Berman Jackson, gave Manafort until Friday to respond to Muellers charges of witness tampering. She set a hearing date for next week.

Mr. Manafort is innocent and nothing about this latest allegation changes our defense, said Manaforts spokesman, Jason Maloni. We will do our talking in court.

News reports from The Associated Press, The Washington Post and other outlets speculate that the associate of Manafort involved in the tampering  identified in the court filing Monday as Person A  is Konstantin Kilimnik, Manaforts office manager in Kiev, Ukraines capital, who was said to have ties to Russian intelligence. Kilimnik has denied any such connections.

The two objects of their alleged tampering effort were said to be involved in a public relations firm informally known as the Hapsburg group.

In his court filing, the two individuals  identified as Persons D1 and D2  worked with Manafort and the group to lobby senators and pen op-eds on Ukraine-related issues.

dan@hearstdc.com
BOSTON  A Lakeville man pleaded guilty Wednesday to illegally trafficking teeth from endangered sperm whales.

John Jake Bells guilty plea was announced in a release by Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood for the Department of Justices Environment and Natural Resources Division.

Bell pleaded guilty in Boston before U.S. District Judge Mark L. Wolf, for the District of Massachusetts, to one count of wildlife trafficking in violation of the Lacey Act. As part of his plea, Bell admitted that in November 2004, while in the Ukraine, he sold approximately 34 sperm whale teeth to a co-conspirator who lived in Nantucket, Massachusetts, for $11,600.

Bell shipped the 34 teeth in multiple boxes from the Ukraine to an associate in Connecticut, from where his co-conspirator retrieved them, officials said. Bells co-conspirator was convicted in 2010, after a jury trial, and sentenced to a 33-month term of imprisonment.

Related video: Photographer captures candid shots of sperm whales

More News Pilot whale dies after swallowing 17 pounds of plastic bags

According to the indictment, Bell acquired the teeth and smuggled them into the United States. Bell, who was an artist and scrimshander, carved some of the teeth he sold, but also sold uncarved teeth to customers.

According to papers filed in federal court, between July 2005 and June 2006, Bell smuggled in excess of 49 pounds of sperm whale teeth into the United States, valued in excess of $26,000. Also, according to these filings, between June 2007 and April 2008, Bell sold nine carved teeth to customers in the United States, with a total value of $20,300.

Sperm whale teeth can weigh over two pounds each and are alluring to many collectors. But gone are the days when people can buy, sell and trade parts harvested from protected creatures like the sperm whale. This amazing creature is safeguarded from exploitation by federal laws like the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act as well as international treaties, said Acting Assistant Attorney General Wood. Todays guilty plea demonstrates that those who attempt to profit from the illegal trade of endangered species will face the consequences for their actions under law.

Federal law provides great protection to the marine mammals that live in our waters, Director James Landon for NOAAs Office of Law Enforcement said in the release. OLE is dedicated to enforcing those laws and seeing that those who violate them are held accountable for their illegal actions.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act protect sperm whales and, among other things, prohibits their parts from being sold in interstate or foreign commerce or imported into the United States without a permit. In addition, the Lacey Act creates penalties for knowingly trafficking or importing wildlife and parts from wildlife like sperm whales, and United States customs laws prohibit importing merchandise like sperm whale parts knowingly in violation of the law or federal regulations.

The investigation was handled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Office of Law Enforcement and the Justice Departments Environmental Crimes Section. The government is represented by Trial Attorneys Erica Pencak and Gary N. Donner of the Justice Departments Environmental Crimes Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division.
WEST HAVEN  Members of the state Municipal Accountability Review Board praised city officials Monday for the work theyve done so far to get West Haven back on track, but will recommend leaving Tier 4 status open as a possibility, for now.

Tier 4 is a higher level of supervision under which the MARB would have the power to pass and implement an interim budget, raise the citys tax rate or impose mid-year spending cuts and have greater latitude to approve or disapprove new labor contracts.

I appreciate that the city has made an effort to avoid that outcome by enacting a set of budget provisions that, with a couple of areas of uncertainty, largely accomplishes the goals the MARB has set out for the city, said state Office of Policy and Management Secretary Benjamin Barnes, the MARBs chairman.

He spoke after the MARBs West Haven Subcommittee, which met Monday afternoon in City Hall, reviewed a host of budget city budget changes and updates.

The subcommittee will make the recommendation to the full board when it meets at 10 a.m. Thursday in the State Board Of Regents Boardroom, 61 Woodland St. in Hartford.

The MARB, created this year, is working with both West Haven and Hartford to improve their finances. The two currently are the only Connecticut municipalities at Tier 3 status.

But while West Haven has made much progress  not the least of which was finally agreeing on a budget that relies on what MARB members considered to be more realistic revenue projections, then setting a tax rate that included a one-mill increase  members still have some questions.

Id like to get a better grasp on health insurance, where thats going to be as far as costs go, said MARB member Patrick Egan, former New Haven assistant fire chief and executive officer and former president of the New Haven firefighters union.

I think the city has made significant progress, and while we certainly havent dwelled on it ... Im pleased to see that the city has recognized the need to move the mill rate, said MARB member Tom Hamilton, chief financial officer for the Norwalk Public Schools and a former West Haven finance director.

I think that thats significant and necessary under the circumstances, and so I think the city, with these revisions, has made substantial progress, Hamilton said. Im not sure theyre quite there yet. I agree the health insurance is an area that Im not comfortable with yet.

Hamilton also said that Tier 4 in my mind is still something potentially still on the table. But I think that theres been a lot of progress, he said.

MARB member Scott Jackson, state commissioner of labor and the former mayor of Hamden, said that at this point, I think we need to figure out where this year ends. I think the red items need to be addressed and the city needs to show what the long-term viablity of the plan looks like.

I do think that the steps that have been taken over the last couple of weeks havent advanced the city toward Tier 4 status in any way, Jackson said. Its at least held steady. I look forward to seeing how the projections for year end go.

I do think that the mayor and her team and the finance director and her team have done a lot of work to move this budget forward, Jackson said.

Barnes said one possibility, given that a new fiscal year is about to begin in less than a month, would be to see how the work the city already has done works out.

If things dont go well, we would have an opportunity to make the move to Tier 4 well in advance of the start of the following fiscal year, he said.

Mayor Nancy Rossi thanked the MARB subcommittee for its input.

I want to thank all of you for your time, Rossi said. Were going to do our best as a city to avoid Tier 4. Weve shown cooperation between the City Council and the mayors office to do this.

The council finally approved a budget on May 29, nearly a month after it let Rossis $162.86 million recommended budget go into effect by default  but with a $3 million hole because its counted on $3 million in MARB money that later proved not to be available for operations.

The budget passed May 29 contains a number of cuts and raises the citywide tax rate, not including the additional tax rate for fire service, by one mill, from 35.26 mills to 36.26 mills. Each mill represents $1 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

The Allingtown fire tax rate, the only one the city controls, will rise to 13.06 mills.

Barnes had told the council that if it did not not pass a budget by Thursdays MARB meeting, West Haven might have faced the possibilty of the MARB pushing the city up to Tier 4, which would have meant a further loss of local control.
Janine Brookner was utterly unlike anyone Carl Nett had ever worked with before. As a Secret Service officer and a contractor for the CIA and the Pentagon, he had traveled across the United States and around the world protecting presidents, first ladies and political candidates, and had seen war and its aftermath in Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay. Now, standing before him was a polite older woman, just over 5 feet tall, greeting him in the doorway of her townhouse in Washington, surrounded by her tiny yapping dogs.

"I remember thinking, 'She was in the CIA?' " he says. "Not as an insult - it takes all types - but I was coming off a war zone surrounded by bearded guys with tattoos and rifles. . . . It took me a while to digest it: She's going to help me take on the agency?"

Yes, she was. In fact, this unassuming-looking spy-turned-lawyer was just the person Nett needed for his grueling case. He had left the Secret Service in 2008 to join a private company supporting national security missions; the next year, he landed in Afghanistan on a contract with the CIA. His first day on the job at Bagram air base, he says, his female CIA supervisor, the deputy chief of base, started sexually harassing him. She'd sit next to him at group gatherings and rub his thighs or sit on his desk and flirt with him in front of military personnel. Other times she grabbed his chest, squeezed his pecs and asked if he had a girlfriend. She liked to call him "my baby."

Nett reported the behavior to the CIA's chief of base, also a woman, who said she didn't think the deputy meant any harm but promised to talk to her. That's when, he alleges, the retaliation began. He says that his living quarters were ransacked while he was at work - drawers left open, clothes flung around, laptop tampered with, mail opened. He reported the break-in immediately. Within 24 hours, he says, two armed security personnel knocked on his door, told him to pack his bags and escorted him to a helicopter. He was being kicked out of the country.

Back in Washington, Nett pursued a complaint against the CIA that dragged on for four years. Then he hired Brookner. Suddenly, he says, "there was a recognition that I was someone who wasn't going away, who wouldn't be intimidated." Brookner settled the case in 2015, after numerous standoffs with agency lawyers. "When they came back with their final offer, Janine just smirked and said, 'I doubt that,' " Nett recalls. "We countered their 'final offer' and settled for more." He attributes his victory to having had Brookner at his side, protecting his reputation and his future career.

"I don't want to be cavalier, but by the same token, while this would crush most people, it didn't crush me," says Nett, who now lives in Louisville and is running for secretary of state of Kentucky. "I protected the president wearing a bulletproof vest. I gave my blood to Langley so they could identify my remains in case I was killed beyond recognition. And Janine was the lawyer who was as tough as I am."

Long before the Me Too movement entered the national consciousness, Janine Brookner was on a one-woman crusade to expose abuses taking place behind government walls. She knew about sexual harassment - because, she says, she had experienced it herself in her quarter-century working as a spy in the CIA's clandestine service. She says she was sexually harassed by around a dozen men, including three married division chiefs. Reporting those incidents would have been "career suicide," she explains, so at the time, she stayed silent. But when, at the height of her career, the agency ironically charged her with having sexually harassed some of her male employees, among other allegations, she fought back - and prevailed. (The CIA declined to comment on Brookner's case and career or on any of the other cases described in this article.)

After leaving the CIA, Brookner, then in her early 50s, embarked on a new career as a lawyer, graduating from George Washington University Law School in 1998. For the past two decades, she has helped scores of women - and some men - file sexual harassment and other lawsuits against government agencies including the CIA, the FBI, the State Department, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Defense Intelligence Agency.

"Nobody was there to protect her," says "Diane," a former case officer who overlapped with Brookner for more than 30 years and spoke to me on the condition of anonymity. "She had no knight in shining armor. She lived through it on her own, got far into the DO" - the CIA's Directorate of Operations - "and went as far as a woman could go . . . and then her career was ruined. So she became that knight for others."

- - -

"Hi, Tony! Tony baloney!" Brookner picks up her Maltese and snuggles him as another white furball, Cleo, scampers over and starts barking. "Uh-uh, no fighting! Come on, you can come up and see Mommy," she says, her gray-blond bob fluttering as she plops both pups on her lap and covers them in kisses.

She's sitting on the beige couch in her spacious living room-cum-office in Washington's Georgetown neighborhood on a cloudy day in December 2016. Orchids and cactuses line the atrium windows overlooking the Potomac River, and all around her are relics of her life overseas: Burmese Buddhas, gold-leaf cabinets from Thailand, a shimmering Haitian voodoo flag hanging above the fireplace.

Wearing a pale cyan sweater and black pants tucked into riding boots, Brookner looks more like a J. Crew ad for the grandparent set than a onetime spy or a hard-hitting attorney. Indeed, of the more than two dozen people I interviewed for this article, most shared a version of the same story: The moment they realized that this petite woman, with her soft chuckles and composed demeanor, is a shrewd, relentless fighter.

Brookner, who grew up in Syracuse, New York, hadn't even heard of the CIA until a professor urged her to apply to work there halfway through her Russian studies master's at New York University. She'd moved to Manhattan with her young son, Steven, after a failed marriage to her high school sweetheart. For as long as she could remember, she'd been "desperate" to travel overseas and have adventure, but life hadn't worked out that way - yet. When her professor mentioned the CIA, she mailed her resume to an address she found in a book at the New York Public Library. About a year later, she landed at the Farm, the CIA's secretive ops training program. It was 1968, and she was one of just six women in a class of 66. "The guys were fun and good to be with," she says. "It was the people at the agency - the managers and the people at headquarters - who really looked down on women as operations officers."

Historically, the CIA, and especially the DO, had been a boys' club. "If you were going to be promoted to chief of station, you must have won that promotion on your back or on your knees - that was still very much the climate at CIA at the end of the 20th century," says journalist Tim Weiner, whose history of the agency, "Legacy of Ashes," won the National Book Award. "Apart from the Marines, there is no branch of service in the United States government as hostile to women as the clandestine services of the CIA."

In 1995, more than 400 female case officers would bring a class-action lawsuit against the agency, accusing it of a long-standing pattern of sex discrimination. Today, of course, there has been progress: The Senate recently confirmed Gina Haspel as the first female CIA director. Until last year, women held the No. 2, 3 and 4 posts, and they make up nearly half the agency's workforce and a third of senior leadership positions. And yet, the DO is still dominated by men. As recently as 2013, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright wrote a report arguing that the CIA's failure to nurture and promote women "directly and negatively impacts the mission," and calling for "significant reforms" to gender diversity.

After the Farm, Brookner wanted to work in the DO, where she'd get to carry out covert assignments and recruit foreigners to spy on their countries. But in those days, the CIA typically funneled women into desk jobs that involved writing and polishing reports, assessing sources, analyzing critical information and supporting case officers. She faced obstacles at every turn - once, she says, a manager told her he'd never hire her because she might "go off and get married to the next guy" - but in 1969, she landed a job as a case officer in the Philippines. "Here comes a woman working in the Manila station, where male officers were notorious for their womanizing," says Colin Thompson, a retired CIA case officer who worked with Brookner in Manila and spent his 28-year career engaged in operations in Southeast Asia and opposing communist intelligence services. The two married in 1973 and divorced six years later. "She had the presence and skills to take somebody and not have to run around bars and whatnot, but work on a personal basis, winning their confidence. That's how the best ones do their jobs."

Postings in Thailand, Venezuela, the United Nations and Jamaica followed. She reportedly excelled in every one. Over the years, according to the New York Times, she infiltrated the Communist Party, recruited a Soviet Bloc agent and warned the CIA, to no avail, about a colleague named Aldrich Ames who was spilling secrets to his foreign girlfriend in 1984, a year before he started spying for the Soviet Union. The assignment in Jamaica - which made her the CIA's first female station chief in Latin America - was especially challenging. The office in Kingston was widely considered a dead-end assignment in a dangerous city, where the team spent more time misbehaving than spying. But Brookner earned accolades as a leader and morale booster who steered the station in "the right direction," according to internal performance evaluations.

After two years in Jamaica, she headed back to Langley in the summer of 1991 and waited for her bosses to formalize her next assignment: Chief of station in Prague. Instead, she learned she was under investigation. A handful of officers at her Jamaica posting had accused her of promiscuity, drunkenness, sexual harassment and more. These were the same subordinates Brookner says she'd reported for public drunkenness, spousal abuse and other bad behaviors. She saw only one way out: She sued the CIA for sexual discrimination. She was risking her career, her family's stability and her finances for a case with an uncertain outcome. "We asked her, 'Are you sure you want to be the torch bearer here?' " recalls Steve Zelinger, who represented Brookner along with Victoria Toensing. Says Toensing: "Janine has an inner core. She knew this wasn't right and said, 'I'm gonna fight it.' "

Brookner had been known in the press as Jane Doe Thompson - until September 1994, when the New York Times published her name in a front-page article by Weiner that began with a sentence she recites from memory: "By all accounts, Janine Brookner was a terrific spy." She remembers standing outside a convenience store reading the story and sobbing. For the first time, she grasped the fact that she'd never be able to work undercover again.

A few months after that Times story, the agency offered Brookner a settlement of $410,000 and agreed to pay her legal fees. She took it and resigned. Some time later, she ran into Weiner at a book party. "He said, 'I'm sorry if I blew your cover.' I said, 'Tim, you liberated me.' "

"Her appearance on the front page of the New York Times was a seminal event exposing the deep-rooted sexism at the agency," says Weiner, who remembers the encounter and what he called their tongue-in-cheek exchange. "There's a before Janine and an after Janine. That story, and her willingness to go public, meant that after would be forever after. The agency was on notice that it could not treat women as second-class citizens."

- - -

In 1996, three former high-ranking CIA officials - director Robert Gates, deputy director of operations Thomas Twetten, and Milton Bearden, chief of the Soviet-East European division - appeared on ABC News' "Nightline" to lambaste the investigation that had led to her downfall. The rare public apology vindicated Brookner, but by then, she was on her way to her next calling. After law school, she'd planned to focus on domestic violence cases. Then the voice mails started piling up - messages from women at the agency or the State Department or elsewhere, pleading for help. "I'd meet with them and be drawn into the case, and sympathize with it, and say, 'Okay,' " she recalls. After a short, unsatisfactory stint with a law firm, she launched her own practice out of her living room.

Brookner was one of the few lawyers equipped to navigate this bizarro land of redacted documents, classified information, security clearances, seemingly insurmountable stalling tactics and the prevailing assumption that victims would give up, run out of money or die before seeing their cases through. "When she came out of law school and jumped into that type of work, she was very green," says Mark Zaid, a national security attorney who has been representing intelligence officers, military law enforcement and classified cases for 25 years. "But she had a wealth of knowledge and experience that I was never going to have. And in dealing with the intelligence community, especially CIA, that made her a formidable adversary to them, and dangerous."

Brookner has pursued her work as a lawyer just as she cultivated her covert career in the CIA: Discreetly. Her phone number is unlisted. She has no website and no staff, aside from the occasional intern or two. She dislikes media attention. Potential clients typically find her in one of two ways: Through a friend in the intelligence community or through an old news item about her lawsuit against the CIA. "Real spies don't like the limelight," says "Sara," a former client who used to work for the DO as a Middle East specialist and spoke on the condition of anonymity. "She's reluctant about coming out of the shadows, because our real nature is to stay under the radar. That, to me, was the authenticity factor of Janine."

Before taking on a case, Brookner will spend months researching a potential client's claims. "The first time I met her, before she heard my story, she made it clear that her time was precious," says Kathryn Proffitt, U.S. ambassador to Malta from 1997 to 2001. "She said, 'I will only accept your case if I really believe in your case.' And I think that defines why she's different as a lawyer."

Proffitt hired Brookner in late 2001, after enduring what she alleges was a year and a half of emotional and professional abuse by her deputy chief of mission in Malta. She claims that her deputy angled for her job, disobeyed orders and sent cables back to Washington undermining her work, questioning her decisions and describing her as an incompetent leader. "They did not get along," says John Halinski, defense attache in Malta from 1998 to 2004. The deputy "did everything she could to break what Kathy accomplished."

At the end of her tour of duty, Proffitt says, the deputy - who was in charge until a new ambassador was chosen - refused to let her clean out her office or say goodbye to her staff, held up her financial reimbursements and sent embassy personnel to her house to "inspect every box to be sure I didn't steal anything." Proffitt had asked to remain in the ambassador's residence (on her own dime) for the final few weeks of her official duties as her 20-year-old daughter recovered from a near-fatal car accident. The deputy denied her request, she alleges, giving her only a day to pack and move out with her daughter, who was in a wheelchair. (Attempts to reach the deputy for comment were unsuccessful.)

Proffitt couldn't litigate the deputy's alleged poor behavior, but she could fight for the money she'd been denied. She remembers Brookner's response when she heard the story: "If you don't [file a grievance], you're going to allow someone else to be treated that way." An outside mediator awarded Proffitt monetary reimbursement in 2005. But she was more interested in justice. "I wanted to make sure what happened came to the attention of the State Department," Proffitt says. "Janine didn't just understand, she empathized. She understood that betrayal. "

In the first decade of her legal career, Brookner represented whistleblowers and victims of gender and sexual orientation discrimination, led a class action against the CIA, and wrote a book for lawyers and plaintiffs called "Piercing the Veil of Secrecy: Litigation Against U.S. Intelligence." Once, she recalls, she met a client in a Thai prison. Another time, a woman showed up at her house, begging her to take her case.

And then there was the time she got a call from a friend at the FBI, asking if she'd meet the wife of the man responsible for what the Justice Department would later call "possibly the worst intelligence disaster in U.S. history." It was Bonnie Hanssen, wife of veteran FBI agent Robert Hanssen, who for more than 20 years had spied for the Russians, trading thousands of pages of national security secrets for $1.4 million in diamonds and cash. He was sentenced to life in prison, leaving behind his wife and six children.

"When she first called me, her husband had been arrested the night before. He needed a lawyer. I told her, 'I'm not a criminal lawyer, but I can find you Plato Cacheris,' " she says, referring to the famous Washington criminal lawyer who'd represented Soviet spy Aldrich Ames years earlier. He took the case. And then Brookner took Bonnie's. The main goal was ensuring that she receive the survivor's portion of her husband's pension, but "she also needed somebody by her side to help her fend off the journalists and ensure that people knew she was innocent," Brookner says. "I had every media person, including Barbara Walters, taking me out to dinner, trying to get an interview with Bonnie, and Bonnie refused to talk to anyone." Only after passing the Justice Department's polygraph test and learning that the government had agreed to give her part of her husband's pension did Hanssen consent to one interview. "I would just like to disappear," she told the New York Times.

- - -

At any given time, Brookner juggled eight to 12 cases. Some closed in a couple of years, while others dragged on for a decade or longer. Special Agent Richard Horn spent 16 years suing the CIA and the State Department, alleging that his home had been illegally wiretapped while he was the Drug Enforcement Administration's country attache in Myanmar, also known as Burma, in the early 1990s. He hired Brian Leighton, a former federal prosecutor and longtime friend, and another lawyer. They filed a lawsuit against the CIA chief of station for Myanmar and the Department of State chief of mission at the embassy - and quickly realized that they needed help from someone with an understanding of both agencies and expertise in suing them. They asked Brookner to join as co-counsel. "She had a lot of moxie," Leighton says. "She was not hesitant to go after them."

In late 2009, the U.S. government settled with Horn for $3 million, according to news reports. By then, he'd been retired for nine years. "Rick was resentful that they ruined his career," Brookner says. "Even though he got a lot of money, they wronged him, a dedicated DEA agent." (The State Department declined to comment for this story.)

Most of her clients were like that. They'd devoted their careers, their personal lives, sometimes their safety, to protecting the country. Brookner understood what they wanted: Justice, vindication, their jobs back. She spent nearly 10 years representing Karl Olson, a Foreign Service officer at the State Department who believed he'd received negative evaluations because of his sexual orientation. In 1994, Olson says, he was investigated as a "homosexual security risk" after showing a music video of RuPaul and Elton John performing "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" at a luncheon for colleagues at his home. He also says his boss handed him a fake $3 bill with Bill Clinton on the front and the phrase "Queer Reserve Note" written above "The Disgruntled States of America." Brookner lost that one. The State Department disputed Olson's contention that he had been discriminated against, and the case was dismissed at the court of appeals level, shortly before oral arguments were to begin, she says. "If it were something related to being a person of color, rather than a $3 queer reserve note, they would have resolved it in my favor within about 15 minutes," Olson says. "But this was something new, and somebody had to be first."

In 1999, Brookner agreed to represent two federal meat inspectors, Patrick McHale and James Peterson, who had been suspended without pay after reporting safety and health violations at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "The only problem is, I couldn't afford to hire a lawyer," says McHale. "Janine said, 'All I want you to do is pay out-of-pocket expenses. They'll drag it out forever hoping you run out of money and give up.' "

They sued the USDA for monetary reimbursement for the period of their suspension, for full reinstatement, and for attorney fees, and after a nasty four-year battle, Brookner won the case in 2003 by tracking down witnesses and persuading them to testify. "You can actually recruit. You use agency skills," she says. "The USDA put two lawyers on the case who tried to go after me in every way, but they lost because I had these two witnesses." (A spokesperson for the USDA would not comment on the case, but emailed, "To the best of our knowledge, the parties involved are no longer at USDA.")

The celebration was fleeting. Two years later, after falling off the wagon and getting arrested for drunken driving, Peterson hanged himself. "I knew how stressful I had it," says McHale. "I'm sure he had the same amount if not more. He was still working with the same supervisor!"

"A case we won ended up in real tragedy," says Brookner regretfully. "I was shocked when Jim committed suicide. That was very difficult for me. . . . When I took on a client, I knew they had to have the strength and emotional stability to pursue the case. A lot of people didn't."

In 2006, Sara pulled out a local news clipping she'd stashed in her desk drawer years earlier. The article was about a lawyer with an unlisted phone number who took on cases against the government. "I remember thinking, 'If I ever need her, I'll forget her name, so I'll hang on to this.' " That lawyer was Brookner, and Sara suddenly required her services.

Two weeks before her marriage to a foreign journalist, Sara alleges, the CIA informed her that she'd have to choose: Marry or keep her job. Like all agency officers, she had to report every foreign person she met and might continue to see. "It's a counterintelligence measure," Brookner says, "to prevent people from getting access to any agency employee, information or document." Now Sara needed permission to marry her fiance. When the CIA balked, Sara says, she resigned, assuming that she'd be able to use her active security clearance to work as a contractor. "It didn't work like that. They blackballed me," she alleges. That was the end of her career.

By the time Sara called her, Brookner was working on a class-action lawsuit claiming systemic gender discrimination at the CIA regarding close and continuing relationships with foreign nationals. Some women in the group alleged that they were fired for having affairs with foreigners. One said she was let go because of a foreign relative's professional connections. One career analyst and operations officer reported being put on paid administrative leave and investigated for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with an intelligence officer in another service. Meanwhile, "men were having affairs all over the place," Brookner says. "Men who had a relationship with a foreigner that they didn't report got a slap on the hand, if anything. The women got fired. There's a mentality in the agency that women can't handle it; once you sleep with somebody, you're vulnerable. But men can handle it, which is absurd."

A judge dismissed the class action in 2010 for having too few members (there were about a dozen women), so Brookner and a co-counsel went on to win settlements for a handful of clients who filed individual complaints. Only one woman got her job and security clearance back. Sara simply moved on. "I certainly wasn't going to pay legal fees to fight my case. I didn't think it was likely I would win," she says. "If you didn't have the money to fight the government, you were out of luck."

- - -

Seven years ago, Brookner's oncologist looked at her and asked, "What scares you more when you wake up at 3 a.m.? Having chemo or having cancer again?" She'd already undergone surgery to remove a mass in her breast, and now she had to decide whether to proceed with half a year of savage chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She did, and has been cancer-free ever since. "I'd meet her for lunch while she was going through it," Sara says. "She never complained. She's stoic. She's a fighter. And she never, ever quits."

These days, Brookner, now in her mid-70s, is battling kidney problems. And though she continues to receive a half-dozen calls a month, she's accepting far fewer clients.

Still, she does take on some cases and consults on others. Recently, she helped Karen deLacy, a 32-year veteran operations officer who complained to the CIA last year about unfair treatment and gender discrimination. DeLacy had hired a different lawyer, but she reached out to Brookner as a fellow spy who had been through a similar kind of hell and back. "She gave me the courage to stay in the process," deLacy recalls. After a year in the CIA's internal remedy process, the agency "took appropriate action in response to my complaints" and deLacy retired with her reputation intact - and a Career Intelligence Medal. Without Brookner, "I'm pretty sure I would have quit the process and left the agency," deLacy says.

Brookner also tells me that she has become involved in the case of the U.S. officials who say they were the victims of mysterious "health attacks" in Havana. According to news reports, at least 22 people suffered symptoms including dizziness, headaches, brain injury, hearing and balance loss and difficulty concentrating. Four of the victims called Brookner. She says that her clients - who work for the State Department and the CIA and with whom she met last fall - experienced systematic neglect from their superiors in Washington both before and after leaving Cuba. "They called them snowflakes," she alleges. "They didn't believe them and waited too long to get their people medical attention. . . . And so their delay and negligence made people's conditions worse." (Brookner declined to grant me interviews with her clients for fear that they would lose their jobs. I did obtain the "Secrecy/Non-Disclosure Agreement" and "Security Guidance for Representatives" document that the CIA sent her in November 2017, seeking her signature, when it learned that she'd be representing one or more of its officers.)

After some research, she decided that the best legal approach would be to sue the U.S. government under the Federal Tort Claims Act for willful gross negligence and reckless conduct. A victory would not only mean money for her clients; the government would also have to take responsibility for its inaction.

A couple of months later, she hit a procedural snag: Before filing a torts claim, her clients first had to file for workers' compensation, and they didn't need Brookner to do that. So for now, she says, the case is on hold - with circumstances that are far from ideal. "Workman's comp is used for accidents at work. It favors the government. There's no blame, no fault, nobody did anything wrong - and that's not what happened," she says. For Brookner, it's a frustrating development preventing her from holding those in power accountable. But if her clients are denied compensation, you can bet that she will be waiting. "I'm very much a bulldog," she says. "If you try to blow off clients of mine and treat them poorly, I'm there, ready to protect them."

- - -

Jones is a freelance writer in New York.

red out about America's future from visiting Trump resorts throughout the world

---

Video Embed Code

Video: Janine Brookner worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for 24 years when she became the first person to sue the agency and win for sexual discrimination. Since leaving the Central Intelligence Agency, she has made a life as a lawyer, working to improve conditions for worker in federal government.(Ashleigh Joplin/The Washington Post)

Embed code:
Lawyers for three Marines and a former Tulane ROTC student who are accused of sexually assaulting a Tulane student and her friend in April argued in front of a judge Wednesday (June 5) the charges against their clients should be dropped. The women gave conflicting statements to a detective, they said, and one of the women had coffee with two of the men she accused of assaulting her before she reported the crimes to police.

Jared Anderson, Alexander Davenport and Antonio Landrum - all Marines - and Matthew Farrell, are accused of raping two women at an apartment in the 6100 block of South Claiborne Avenue on April 15.

NOPD sex crimes Detective Anya Coleman testified at a preliminary hearing in magistrate court Wednesday that the women met Landrum at The Boot, a bar on Broadway Street, and he returned to the apartment with them. The others later arrived at the apartment, after Landrum contacted them for a ride, she said.

The Marines were in court Wednesday for the hearing, but Farrell did not appear. They sat on the front row of a bench in the courtroom behind their lawyers, each of them at different times leaning forward, appearing to intently listen to their attorneys argue for why each of them has been wrongly charged.

Landrum, 18, is facing two counts of third-degree rape. Coleman said he was charged with third-degree rape because of the victims' levels of intoxication.

Anderson, 18, is facing one count of first-degree rape. Coleman said he had consensual sex with the first victim, and that he had sex with the second victim knowing two or three other men already had sex with her.

Davenport, 20, and Farrell, 22, each are facing two counts of first-degree rape. Davenport forced oral sex on the first victim, Coleman said in court, and Farrell raped the same victim. Coleman said the woman told her both men were aggressive.

Davenport and Farrell are also accused of raping the second victim while she was passed out, Coleman said.

Coleman said both Landrum and Anderson admitted to having sex with the women. Landrum also told her he saw Davenport and another man he did not know - later identified through surveillance video as Farrell - having sex with the second victim.

Defense attorneys questioned what they called "inconsistent statements" from the victims, and the timeline of events.

One of the victims said the sex with Landrum was consensual, while the other said it was not, Coleman testified. Also, Coleman said, the first victim said she had consensual sex with Anderson after Davenport allegedly forced oral sex on her and after Farrell is accused of assaulting her.

Craig Mordock, who is representing Davenport, said her actions show the woman "is simply not credible."

"Regret does not equal rape," he said.

Coleman said the women admitted they were intoxicated, and appeared to be on surveillance video Coleman said she got from The Boot. One of the women was seen stumbling, she said, and the other fell to the ground.

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

One of the women had a toxicology test done, but Coleman said the hospital discarded it because she didn't sign a consent form. The hospital did not tell the woman she needed to return to sign the form, and threw it out after seven days, Coleman said. The woman also had a rape kit done, and Coleman said the results of that test are not back yet.

The second victim refused both a toxicology screen and a rape kit, Coleman said. She had been waiting at the hospital for several hours before the forensic nurse came to do the tests, Coleman said, and the woman said she was tired of waiting and left.

Coleman said she started investigating the alleged sexual assaults on the morning of April 15. Tulane police were notified first, she said, and they called NOPD for assistance in the investigation.

Coleman noted she recovered between 10 and 15 used condoms from the apartment, along with two pairs of boxer briefs and several used cigarette butts.

Through her investigation, Coleman said she also discovered the first victim - the one who had consensual sex with Anderson - went with him, Landrum and Davenport to the PJ's on Tulane's campus before she and her friend reported the alleged assaults. The woman was seen on surveillance video holding Anderson's hand, Coleman testified.

"I have never heard of a case where an alleged rape victim and her alleged rapist had coffee the next day. Have you?" Landrum's attorney, James Williams, asked Coleman on the witness stand.

Coleman said she asked the woman why she left her apartment with the men she later accused of sexually assaulting her and her friend. The woman said she hadn't processed what happened, Coleman said.

Roger Jordan, Anderson's attorney, called the circumstances surrounding the case "crazy at best."

"The walk to PJ's shows what this case was all about," he said. "He's holding hands ... texting asking if they're going to go out again."

He said Anderson just wants to move on with his life.

"He took an oath to die for this country and to fight for this country," Jordan said.

Mordock, Williams, Jordan, and Robert Toale, Farrell's attorney, asked Magistrate Judge Harry Cantrell to find no probable cause to continue the cases against their clients.

Assistant District Attorney Paya Patel argued probable cause already has been established, through arrest warrants signed by Magistrate Commissioner Robert Blackburn and through Coleman's testimony.

Cantrell said he needed time to review his notes and the law, and said he would issue a ruling on June 18.
New Orleans police believe occupants inside two separate cars exchanged gunfire early Wednesday afternoon (June 6) near the intersection of South Broad and Washington avenues.

Just before 1 p.m., a man working inside a house at 4000 Washington Avenue said he was painting when he heard a series of gunshots and hit the ground. The man said bullet holes dotted the side off the house.

According to police, both vehicles fled the scene. It was not immediately clear if any of those involved in the shooting were injured.

A man named Bob, who declined to give his last name, was waiting to turn left onto South Broad Avenue when he heard what sounded like firecrackers and saw a car speed through the intersection with a flat tire.

"I'm just blessed I didn't get caught up in that shooting," said Bob, who has lived in the city for over 50 years. "When will this stop?"

By 1:30 p.m., detectives had blocked off southbound Washington Avenue from South Dupre Street to South Broad Avenue. As investigators canvassed the area, a flashing Real Time Crime Center camera blinked above them in the middle of the scene at the intersection of South White Street and Washington Avenue.

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

A cluster of people at a bus stop just outside the police tape were concerned the shooting would disrupt the bus route.

"I don't know what happened, but I also don't know how I'm gonna get to work," said one woman, who paced near the stop.

Within a half hour, Regional Transport Authority had set up a makeshift stop outside South Broad Community Health at 3300 South Broad.

NOPD initially classified the incident as a criminal damage to property, but did not provide any further information and indicated that the incident remains under investigation.

Photographer Michael DeMocker contributed to this report.
A man's body found "burned beyond recognition" two years ago in the Lower 9th Ward led investigators to the man's wife, who is now accused in the poisoning death of another man that occurred a year earlier in Baton Rouge, according to arrest documents.

Meshell Hale, 50, of Slaughter, was booked by Baton Rouge police Tuesday (June 5) with second-degree murder in the death of Damian Skipper, who died in June 2015 after going in and out of the hospital with abdominal pain for about a week. Hale "claimed to be married" to Skipper, and the two lived together from 2014 until Skipper's death, according to a warrant for Hale's arrest.

Hospital staff initially said Skipper died of a heart attack, but his body was later exhumed and his death reclassified as a homicide after Hale's new husband was found burned in a truck along a Lower 9th Ward street, states the warrant sworn by BRPD Officer Christopher Fischer.

New Orleans police found the charred remains of 42-year-old Arthur Noflin on March 18, 2016, in the 2600 block of Forstall Street, the BRPD warrant says. Noflin's body, which NOPD said at the time of its discovery had been "burned beyond recognition," had not been publicly identified until details of Hale's involvement in Skippers death were revealed.

An NOPD spokesman, when asked this week about the March 2016 discovery of the remains, said, "no additional information is available on this investigation at the time."

The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office confirmed Wednesday those remains have been identified as Noflin's, but said the cause of death and manner of death -- which would indicate how Noflin died and whether the coroner determined his death to be natural, a homicide or as a result of another manner -- was "undetermined," according to coroner's office spokesman Jason Melancon.

A news release sent by NOPD the day after Noflin's body was discovered said police were investigating the death as a homicide.

Noflin was a Baton Rouge resident who worked as a train conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad, according to an online obituary.

A few days after Noflin's body was found, on March 21, 2016, Hale reported her husband missing to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office, the BRPD warrant states.

Investigators with the Sheriff's Office and NOPD then interviewed Hale, who had an address on Stoney Creek Avenue in Baton Rouge, the BRPD warrant states. In interviewing her, detectives learned that Noflin had recently been hospitalized with symptoms that mirrored those suffered by Skipper: abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness and low potassium. Noflin had become sick in December 2015, just six months after Skipper's death.

A news release issued Tuesday by BRPD states NOPD contacted Baton Rouge investigators in May 2017 "regarding a death investigation," which raised questions "concerning the similarities involving the death of Damian Skipper."

Internet search history turns up 'Barium poisoning'

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

A May 9, 2016, search of Hale's home turned up several phones and computers with search-engine histories centered on barium acetate and its poisoning effects, the warrant states. Searches of her financial records revealed several purchases of barium acetate.

In the months before Skipper died on June 30, 2015, Hale made two purchases of barium acetate and searched online for information about the soluble powder, used in laboratories and in printing textile fabrics. A powerful poison, barium acetate "has no common application," arrest documents state.

According to Hale's financial records, she made a January 2015 purchase of barium acetate, which was shipped to her home address in Baton Rouge. In May 2015, Hale bought more of the same via a Paypal account connected to her email account. The arrest documents do not indicate whether or how the purchase was delivered.

Meanwhile, Bing searches on Hale's laptop included Feb. 25, 2015 queries for "How common is Barium poisoning," "Barium poisoning heart failure" and "Is barium acetate soluble in alcohol," among others.

Search queries made on Hale's laptop on June 13, 2015, included "Transamerica Employee Benefits Damian Skipper health claim form." After his death, Hale received $10,000 from Skipper's life insurance policy, arrest documents state. It was not immediately known if Noflin had a life insurance policy.

Hale repeated the barium purchases and related queries in the months leading up to the death of Noflin, whose remains were discovered in March 2016.

In January 2016, Hale purchased more barium acetate along with barium chloride dehydrate, purchased by credit card and delivered via UPS to Hale's home in Baton Rouge. An iPhone used by Hale showed Safari searches between March 11, 2016 and March 13, 2016, that included "heart stopping drugs" and "can flex straps be used as handcuffs."

Noting that Hale had bought barium acetate prior to Skipper's death, NOPD investigators contacted the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner's Office. Skipper's body, which had not been autopsied, was exhumed from a Breaux Bridge cemetery in April 2017. A month later, following an autopsy, Skipper's cause of death was changed to a homicide from barium poisoning.

The Louisiana State Police's Fugitive Task Force arrested Hale Tuesday in the Baton Rouge area. Hale remained in the East Baton Rouge Parish jail in lieu of bond set at $150,000, according to jail records.

Looney did not say if NOPD was investigating Hale, specifically, in connection with Noflin's death.

Staff writer Emily Lane contributed to this report.
Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni says it's past time for the Jefferson Parish School Board to drop a 2016 resolution that bans him from public school campuses indefinitely under the threat of arrest, calling the measure "ludicrous" with no force of law.

"I have done nothing to justify this," ban Yenni said Wednesday (June 6). "I haven't been charged, arrested, investigated . . . nothing."

When the School Board unanimously adopted the motion sponsored by School Board member Sandy Denapolis-Bosarge on Nov. 1, 2016, Yenni was enveloped in a sexting scandal in which he had admitted to sending inappropriate text messages to a 17-year-old boy who attended Jesuit High School.

At the time, Yenni also was the target of a recall petition and widespread calls for his resignation  including by the Jefferson Parish Council, which took a vote of no confidence in his leadership.

He also was, as Denapolis-Bosarge says, "persona non grata," at Catholic schools after the recipient of the text messages charged that Yenni inquired about him after noticing him at a school function.

In the ensuing months Yenni withstood the scandal, resisted the resignation calls and saw the recall effort against him fail while seemingly turning the page as he regained his political footing with public appearances and passage of critical tax renewals.

However, in recent months Yenni's sexting scandal was again at the forefront having been given new life during the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's election and Kenner's mayoral race. While Yenni was not a candidate for either office, his name was used in an attempt to sway voters away from candidates with any perceived affiliation with him.

That negativity led Yenni to reach out to Denapolis-Bosarge in April to ask her to revisit the ban, Yenni said.

"She and the School Board are 100 percent wrong," Yenni said. "I can understand if they had asked me to resign, but to prohibit me from campus is ludicrous."

Yenni said he believes the ban is a political smear campaign and that Denapolis-Bosarge told him that she was following the lead of the Archdiocese of New Orleans when she authored the ban.

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

Sarah McDonald, a spokeswoman for the archdiocese, said Wednesday that Yenni is allowed on school campuses and at school functions "accompanied by staff and church and/or school leadership."

Denapolis-Bosarge said Wednesday that she doesn't think the ban at public schools need to be lifted and that she doesn't plan on revisiting the issue. She said rumors of her reconsidering the ban was false.

"I've been privy to some of those very explicit texts, and I would not be in favor of him being around our youth," she said. "He is an individual who is in the public eye. While he may say it's private, because he is a public official he's held to a higher standard. "

The text messages, Denapolis-Bosarge said, "gave me more resolve not to undo the ban."

While any of the nine School Board members can make a motion to lift the ban, it's unlikely that will happen  or if it did, that it would pass.

The initial motion was passed without dissent, although board member Ricky Johnson and two other members questioned the necessity of the measure since Yenni had said he would stay away from the schools to avoid being a distraction.

"I don't think it will come up again anytime soon," Johnson said Wednesday. "Unless you have enough votes to overturn it, it doesn't make sense."

Yenni said he doesn't want to sue the School Board, but said he's been advised that the ban wouldn't survive a legal challenge in court.

Denapolis-Bosarge said the School Board has an established precedence for banning individuals from school campuses and functions because of their behavior.
A Louisiana educator and an educator from Kansas have been named as the two finalists in the search for Louisiana's next superintendent of the Special School District. The finalists are set to present their visions for the system during a public town hall event at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday (June 6) at the Louisiana School for the Deaf and Visually Impaired in Baton Rouge.

The Louisiana Department of Education stated that the finalists include Kristy Flynn and Jon Harding. Flynn is the principal of the Louisiana Special Education Center, and she has directed one of the three special education schools in the SSD for more than six years, according to an education department news release.

Flynn earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Louisiana State University and Northwestern State University, respectively. The department stated she has previously served as a special education teacher, college adjunct professor, and a supervisor, facilitator, and principal at the school system and state levels.

Harding has been the interim superintendent for the Kansas State School for the Blind since July 2017. He has a bachelor's degree in Social Sciences and two master's degrees, one in Learning Disabilities and one in Educational Leadership.

Louisiana Superintendent John White said in a released statement that Louisiana is searching for a superintendent who has extensive experience in the education of students with "low incidence needs," who also has expertise in managing systemic change. The new Special School District chief will be selected by the Louisiana Education Department this month, and they will take the helm July 1.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

The search for a new Special School District chief comes as the state lays out plans to redesign the SSD. The redesign is intended to improve how Louisiana serves its students who are deaf or hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired, identified as having other low-incidence disabilities, or are participating in state-run behavior and mental health programs.

The finalists will be interviewed by the education department's leadership during the public town hall event. The department stated a live video stream of the event will be available, which can be found at this link.

. . . . . . .

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.
11:34 p.m. -- Lawmakers vote on a 4.5 percent sales tax

Leger's tax bill was only able to get 64 votes, six votes short of the 70 votes needed. Only two Democrats voted against the bill. All three independents, 38 Democrats and 23 of the House's 61 Republicans voted in favor of the measure.

11:56 p.m. -- House GOP leaders brings up their own tax bill

With a budget approved but not funded, Harris brought up his 4.3 percent sales tax proposal.

He said he wasn't able to move it earlier in the session because senators refused to sign off on the latest version until after Leger's bill failed. In addition to a lower sales tax rate, Harris' legislation eliminated some sales tax exemptions for businesses -- which makes several people in the business community upset. They lobby against the legislation.

In the end, Harris could only get 38 votes -- almost all of them from Republicans -- for his bill. It would not have raised enough revenue to avoid cuts to TOPS and higher education, but reductions would have been less severe had it been approved.
In the Army and the Klan, he hated Muslims. Now one was coming to his home.
New Orleans teenager, Quentin Murray, 15 and his family recently got the chance to share -- on an international stage -- the extraordinary story of how he survived a form of cancer called acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Quentin, who was diagnosed when he was 5, was the first person in the world to receive a combination transplant of stem cells from the placenta and umbilical cord blood from his younger sister Jory, who is now 10 years old.

"At the time we had had some successes but not to the point where Quentin got," said Dr. Robert Hariri, the founder of a biotechnology company called Celularity, which developed the technology that saved Quentin's life. He is now 10 years in remission.

Quentin, Jory and their mom Mary Webb, a teacher who lives and works in New Orleans, were invited to speak at the Unite to Cure: The Fourth International Vatican Conference in Vatican City in April. They presented an award that recognized innovators in medicine to Hariri.

Patients with the form of leukemia Quentin had have only a 30 percent chance of survival. Leukemia usually starts in the white blood cells, causing the bone marrow to produce a large number of abnormal white blood cells that do not function properly. There are many different types of leukemia although Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or ALL is the most common type in children ages 1 to 7 years old.

The procedure was first-of-its-kind and part of a pilot study that involved teams at Children's Hospital, the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, Columbia University Medical Center and the biotech company Celgene Cellular Therapeutics, which Celularity spun out from.

Webb looks at her son and sees a kid of steel, a superhero, able to overcome any adversity. She described how even during the difficult early days in the summer of 2007, when they still did not know the source of his pain, he fought through it.

Quentin was only 4 when he started developing a series of strange symptoms.

The family had just moved from Dallas close to Morgan City. Quentin had an unusually swollen eye.

"I had never seen anything like it, it was bizarre," Webb said.

Then he began developing an ache in his left arm. At first, she thought maybe he was acting cranky because she was expecting another child. When the family got together over Memorial Day weekend, she noticed that he seemed to be doing everything only with the hand that didn't hurt him. Then he started developing bruising.

She went to the first in a long line of doctors. But after the initial blood test came back normal, the doctor had no answer.

"He was a perfectly healthy child, and all of a sudden had a bunch of physical things happen to him over the course of a summer," Webb said.

Events Quentin had looked forward to like summer camp and being in his uncle's wedding were no longer exciting because he was too sluggish from the pain in his limbs.

After visiting many specialists, the family finally found a pediatrician who suggested Quentin could have leukemia.

They were sent to Children's Hospital in New Orleans where the results were confirmed the next day. Although the survival rate among children with leukemia is between 80 percent to 90 percent, Quentin was among a patient population with genetic markers that lowered the survival rate to between 20 to 30 percent.

At the time, Webb thought, "at least now we can get out of this holding pattern and find out what to do."

At the time of his diagnosis, she was 5 months pregnant with Jory. The family began talking with Children's Hospital doctors about the possibility that Quentin's little sister could be a bone marrow match and that Quentin could qualify to participate in a clinical trial.

However, the likelihood of a genetic match for a bone marrow transplants between siblings is 35 percent and even lower, 25 percent, for a boy-girl combination.

"It's a genetic crapshoot," Hariri said. "There's a higher statistical probability that they are going to be different genetically. We were really fortunate that they were a close match."

The procedure was simple, Webb said. She gave birth to Jory on Dec. 3, 2007. An obstetrician extracted blood from her umbilical cord and the placenta. The blood was then transported to Celgene to determine whether the siblings were a genetic match.

Even before a representative from Celgene called Webb to tell her the children were a genetic match, she said she somehow knew that was going to be the case.

"They looked exactly alike in baby pictures," Webb said. "I thought, 'Why would God have me deliver a child and have her look exactly like him and not be a match?'"

Quentin's system accepted the transplant quickly and he was able to start producing healthy blood cells less than a month after the transplant, Hariri said.

Even though he is now 10 years in remission, Quentin is still in treatment, his mother explained.

"It's so rare, the opportunity he had," she said.

Although he was at the doctor for a routine visit recently, Quentin, like any other teenager, says how much he is looking forward to the summer months of no school.

He'll be a freshman in the fall at Rooted School on St. Charles Avenue. He loves to practice the trombone. His sister Jory hates it.

"She's very easy to scare," he joked. "She hates how loud I blow the horn."

But he has to practice, after all. He says he wants to be a musician when he grows up.

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 .
The first meal Bill Magsig and his wife, Mindy, had when they moved their family to the New Orleans area was at Panda Express.

Bill laughs about it now, but he considers it indicative of just how freaked out they were to move here.

"We were terrified," he said. "Everyone comes here, I think, a little arrogant, like you're strong enough to handle this city, and then you get humbled pretty quickly."

The Magsigs moved to the West Bank at the tail end of 2015 when Bill took over as pastor at Berean Bible Church just off Gen. de Gaulle Drive. He has a kind of specialty in re-planting churches -- that is, giving them a second kickstart -- but the difficulties facing the Algiers church have proven a special kind of challenge.

The biggest one, maybe, sits right next door to the church's large property. Magsig calls it the "biggest stretch of blight in the entire city," though most know it as the former Higgins Gate apartment complex. When I stopped by to visit in March, I drove past a couch spray-painted with the words "Kill yoself." Magsig pointed out the mismatched fence boards along the property line, the result of a man who continues to rip the slats down to burn for firewood.

The broken promises the city has made to clean up the Higgins Gate mess are symbolic of heartaches and headaches that can come with life on New Orleans' West Bank these days. As parts of the east bank have been revitalized in the years after Hurricane Katrina and new investments make certain neighborhoods more and more sought after, it can be easy to get the feeling Algiers gets forgotten.

"It's an interesting time for Algiers, because you do have this melting pot of people trying to get along. You have the people up in the Point coupled with new entrepreneurs moving in," Magsig said. "Then go three blocks down the street to Old Algiers, and it's rampant poverty and crime rates spiking."

I grew up in Lowercoast Algiers, and, ever since, I've had the conversations any West Banker knows well. They usually go something like this:

"Yes, Algiers is actually part of New Orleans."

"No, you don't have to pay a toll to cross the bridge anymore."

"No, seriously, Algiers is part of the city of New Orleans."

But in recent months, I had different conversations about my old neighborhood, and some of them were with Magsig and one of his fellow Algiers pastors, Ryan Rice, both of whom have front-row seats to what's happening there.

For Magsig, it's as a newcomer and, for Rice, it's as a born-and-raised Algiers man, who now leads the Connect Church in the former Oak Park Baptist building on Gen. Meyer Avenue.

Census data paints a curious picture of the West Bank. While Orleans Parish's population has dropped dramatically since 2000, thanks in large part to Katrina, Algiers has grown -- but not evenly.

Just two ZIP codes comprise Algiers, and between the 2000 Census and estimates in 2016, the population in 70114 has dropped by nearly 9 percent while 70131 has grown by more than 18 percent.

Meanwhile, about a fifth of Orleans Parish families were below the federal poverty line in 2016, according to Census estimates. But while just less than 14 percent of families in 70131 live below the poverty line, 30 percent of families in 70114 fall beneath it.

For many in New Orleans, Algiers can feel like a world away, but consider this: The average travel time for West Bank commuters was estimated at just two minutes and 51 seconds longer than the average for all Orleans Parish in 2016, according to Census estimates.

And yet, not many New Orleanians seem willing to make the drive across the river.

"You don't have a lot of people who live and play here," Rice said. "You live here, but to go play, you go to Jefferson Parish or you cross the river. But people who live on the (east bank), they're for sure not coming over here for anything."

By the time all the data becomes real life for Rice and Magsig, they describe a place that feels at once in transition -- between what has been and what could be -- and a place stuck waiting for someone to fix it up.

They're willing to help do it.

"We measure victory by how many people have we been able to send out, rather than how many can we get in chairs in the auditorium," Magsig said. "We're going to actually know our neighbors and fight for justice at a person-by-person level."

After leaving New Orleans, Rice didn't think he'd ever move back to the city, much less to Algiers. But he and his wife, Seane, decided to return after hearing about a young person who had been murdered in Rice's old neighborhood. It got the young couple thinking.

"How can we be a part of the change that's taking place here?" Rice said. "It's almost like being a link in the chain with other people doing great things."

I want to know who the other links are in that chain. This is the first story in several I'm planning to write about what's going on in Algiers, as well as what should be.

So, send me your stories. Send me the names of the people who you think I should know. Let me hear what frustrates you, and let me know what's got you pumped up about life in Algiers.

Let's start talking about making the Best Bank even better.

- - -

Chelsea Brasted is a city columnist covering the New Orleans area. Send story ideas, tips, complaints and fan mail to cbrasted@nola.com. You can also text or call 225.460.1350, and follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
Raymond Griffin left Louisiana for Colorado in 2010, his charter fishing business all but sunk by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and a couple of hurricanes. By the time he found his way home in April 2017, the self-proclaimed "lost Cajun" had transformed a hole-in-the-wall gumbo shop near Breckenridge into a rapidly-growing national restaurant chain that is soon to open its first location in the New Orleans area.

The Lost Cajun, which serves gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, etouffee, beignets and other such Louisiana fare, will open its doors in Slidell's Fremaux Town Center in July and there are plans to establish a location in western St. Tammany Parish by the end of the year, Griffin said. The restaurant chain has also moved its corporate headquarters to Covington.

The Slidell restaurant will take over the space in the Fremaux Center previously occupied by Felipe's Mexican Taqueria, which closed in October of 2017 in order to focus efforts on its New Orleans and Florida markets.

The Lost Cajun chain currently has 17 restaurants, including eight in Colorado, seven Texas and one each in Tennessee and South Carolina. Griffin said seven more are due to open this summer, including the Slidell location.

"This is just one of those amazing things that has really taken off," said Griffin, who learned to cook Cajun food while operating a fishing lodge in Barataria.

Griffin said Lost Cajun establishments are casual, family-friendly restaurants that aim to make guests feel like they are having dinner at a friend's house. There are no white tablecloths. Patrons sit at handmade wooden tables and food is served in baskets lined with paper.

"I tell people all the time, my food ain't pretty, it just tastes good," Griffin said.

The restaurant franchise is known for its "sample paddle boards" that provide newcomers with small portions of signature gumbos, etouffee and bisque.

Griffin said he ran a fishing lodge in Barataria for a number of years before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the BP oil spill made things extremely difficult for this business. At the same time. his late wife Belinda was battling breast cancer.

St. Tammany top stories in your inbox A weekly guide to the biggest news in St. Tammany. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Having been worn out by the string of setbacks, the couple decided to pull up stakes. Griffin sold the fishing lodge and they moved to Colorado at the behest of his wife, who wanted to live in the mountains "to be closer to God."

Soon after arriving in Frisco, Colo., about 10 miles northwest of Breckenridge, the Griffins went in search of some Louisiana food. Finding none, Belinda said, "It's a shame that a couple of lost Cajuns can't find home food." A light went off and Griffin decided to put his hospitality and Cajun cooking skills to use in the restaurant business.

The first Lost Cajun restaurant opened in Frisco in October of 2010, occupying a 850-square-foot building with 20 seats and bringing a taste of Louisiana culture to ski country. In 2012, the year that Belinda Griffin died, Raymond Griffin's best friend and fishing buddy Jon Espey joined him to open a Lost Cajun in Breckenridge. By 2013, the franchising effort began.

Griffin said he's amazed at how many Louisiana ex-patriots live in the cities where Lost Cajuns have opened, many venturing in for a taste of home. "They seek us out. Maybe they come in expecting to be disappointed, but they aren't."

The company decided to move its headquarters, which employs three people, to Covington because many of the companies that supply the chain with its products and spices are located in south Louisiana, said Griffin, who moved his residence to Eden Isle last year.

When a friend first approached Griffin about locating a Lost Cajun restaurant in Slidell, the founder's reaction was anything but enthusiastic. "I felt like we never wanted to open a Cajun restaurant in the area. There's such good food here."

But after studying the Slidell market, Griffin said he came to believe that locals would welcome the unique Cajun dining option - a laid back eating experience with a Zydeco music soundtrack.

The Slidell location will be operated by Keith and Carolyn Williams, who eventually plan to open additional locations in the Mandeville/Covington area. Griffin said a location in downtown New Orleans is also being considered.

"I can't compete with the great restaurants of New Orleans," said Griffin who considers himself a Cajun cook, not a chef. "But I know that with a name like the Lost Cajun, tourists will flock there."
UPDATE: The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office said around 10:45 a.m. Thursday that Louisiana 1088 has been reopened.

An active shooter exercise at a Mandeville area high school Thursday (June 7) will prompt a roughly-four-hour closure of Louisiana 1088 between Interstate 12 and Fish Hatchery Road, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office said.

The Sheriff's Office, St. Tammany Parish school district and Fire District No. 4 are teaming up Thursday morning to conduct a shooter training exercise at Lakeshore High School.

The section of highway to be closed is north of I-12. The closure will be from 8 a.m. until around noon, the Sheriff's Office said.

The Sheriff's Office advises motorists to use alternate routes such as Louisiana 59 and Louisiana 434.

Thursday's drill comes as law enforcement and the St. Tammany Parish school district revisit and retool school security procedures in the wake of deadly shooting incidents on school campuses in other states, including the Feb. 14 shootings at a high school in Florida.

The School Board recently approved a measure to hire police officers, called school resource officers, and mental health providers for each of the district's 55 campuses. That is expected to cost some $4 million annually.
Opinion by John Koeferl

In January's "Cityscapes" column, Richard Campanella recounted 100 years of the Industrial Canal (Inner Harbor Navigation Canal), considered a feat of engineering in its day. In fact, Wednesday (June 6) marks the 100th anniversary of the first shovelful dug.

As Campanella noted, the concept of connecting the Mississippi River with Lake Pontchartrain was always considered "radical." French colonials had wanted to join the two bodies of water but suffered from "dangerous naivete" because the Mississippi River's height can reach 20 feet while the lake remains at sea level.

Residents opposed the canal in 1918 even as shippers hailed it. Engineers felled a dense cypress forest in its path and bulldozed the sprawling Ursuline convent. Land was marshy and difficult to dredge, sucking in men and equipment. Unstable soils challenged engineers to contain water within levee walls and the canal's 74-foot width caused bottlenecks for barge traffic. The Industrial Canal also effectively divided the city in half, creating a hindrance to daily transportation as well as a presenting a potential obstacle during hurricane evacuation.

Connecting with the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet Canal (MR-GO), dredged in the 1960s, the Industrial Canal introduced salt water into the metro area, further compromising the ecosystem and making the region even more vulnerable to hurricanes. "Too radical," was how Campanella described MR-GO, which caused soils to subside below sea level.

Residents of the Lower Ninth Ward opposed building the canal at the turn of the century just as current residents oppose the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' plan to widen it. Citizens Against Widening the Industrial Canal (CAWIC) fought the project in the 1990s, by exposing the health hazards raised by unearthing toxic sediments from the bottom and risking flooding. Neighborhoods have twice experienced floods as a result of this marvel of engineering. A barge left in the canal during Hurricane Katrina was carried over a ruptured levee wall in a tsunami that decimated the Lower Nine. The engineers' "dream" became a nightmare for homeowners, many of whom have never recovered.

The Industrial Canal is now a conduit for chemical barge tows, inadequate for shippers though still dangerous to population. Seas are rising, wetlands washed away, making New Orleans far too low-lying for an obsolete channel connecting river and sea. Once located on the outskirts of the city, the Industrial Canal lies amidst densely populated neighborhoods. It is not only antiquated but a flood risk smack in the center of town.

The Industrial Canal was a profitable project for corporate interests claiming to be acting in citizens' interests. However, we cannot pretend to be safe even with expensive flood insurance policies and surcharges when the Corps denies responsibility for the flood risk built into this canal.

Inadequate, aging bridges certainly are problems, but building new bridges is not as good a solution as completely closing the canal. One hundred years has been long enough for this channel, billed as a dream of progress that never came through while the flooding has been abundant.

John Koeferl is president of Citizens Against Widening the Industrial Canal.
If we've learned nothing else in this current age, it's that a man who appears to be one thing in public can be something else in private. The person who says and does all the right things when he's aware of an audience can be a monster in his private, interpersonal interactions. There are limits to what we can know about another; people have the capacity for good and bad, greatness and depravity, and they can disappoint us just as much as they can inspire.

But even during this era when the safe bet is on assuming the worst, it is impossible to think that Theo Shaw has ever been fundamentally different from the gentle spirit who led his law school class into an auditorium at the University of Washington Sunday night and gave his class a valediction to do justice and agitate on behalf of the poor.

People can change; people can be rehabilitated; but if there's anybody whose good character seems locked in and immutable, if there's anyone whose character should make us doubt a past allegation against him, it's Shaw.

One simply can't conceive of him setting upon a high school classmate with an intent to kill.

But in December 2006, in a case that drew worldwide attention and led to thousands of protesters marching in Jena, Theodore Roosevelt Shaw, then 17, was one of six black teenagers from Jena High School accused of attempted murder in an attack on a white student at the school.

The victim was treated in an emergency room; so somebody obviously attacked him. But Shaw says he didn't, and it takes more cynicism than I possess to believe he's lying.

Despite his claims of innocence, to make the case go away, he eventually pleaded no contest to simple battery, a misdemeanor. If a jury had found him guilty of the original attempted murder charge, Shaw could have been imprisoned well into his 60s.

But there he was Sunday night, at age 29, standing out in a room of legal scholars. The Class of 2018 at the UW School of Law chose him to speak for them and to them.

Even the law professor who called him forward to receive his degree was effusive with praise. He introduced Shaw as "my beyond student" and said, "I learned so much from him. I hope he learned something from me."

Shaw's story is a cautionary tale, but not the typical cautionary tale one tells to scare a misbehaving child into straightening up. It's a cautionary tale that law enforcement officers in this incarceration-happy state of ours need to digest. How many other Theo Shaws has our criminal justice system chewed up and destroyed? How much talent is drying up in the sun on Angola plantation?

Emily Maw, the executive director of Innocence Project New Orleans, was in Seattle Sunday night to see Shaw lead his law school classmates into the auditorium.

"Of course he's exceptional," she said Monday, but focusing on his exceptionality "misses the point." After his time in jail, she said, he had a network of people who cared for him and advocated for him, who provided mentoring and guidance. "It shows what kids that we would otherwise throw away can do," Maw said.

Maybe others wouldn't be law-school standouts, she said, but they could still achieve. "That's the moral of the story."

Maw was in Seattle with her husband, Rob McDuff, the attorney who negotiated Shaw's plea deal and helped him get his life back on track.

"It was quite a sight," McDuff said, "to see this young man who Louisiana incarcerated on unreasonably high bail, who was on the railroad to the penitentiary, leading his class, leading the procession, giving the speech to the law school graduation. I don't know that that's ever happened!"

***

Shaw interrupted his bar studies Friday (June 1) to talk to me about law school and the speech he was scheduled to give two days later. I reminded him that in 2014 he told me that he had no direction when he was a high school senior, that he had no plans after high school and that he believes he was ranked dead last in his class.

"Were you a different person then?" I asked him. "Was there a transformation so profound that Theo Shaw became a different person than he was in high school, or were you just this diamond in the rough kind of thing where all the traits you have now were actually there but you just weren't clicking yet? How do you see it?"

He said he was always likable and that it wasn't his personality that changed, but his focus.

"I think it was Frederick Douglass who said, 'Some people know the value of education by having it. I know its value by not having it,'" Shaw said.

While in jail, he borrowed a law book from another inmate and began writing motions to get the judge to lower his bail. He said in an interview before law school that he felt a rush of power when he realized that even as a poor, uneducated, incarcerated teenager, he could write something that compelled a judge to respond -- if only to say no.

In Friday's interview, he told me that having his jailhouse motions denied taught him, "Oh, I have to just talk the way you want me to talk and maybe they'll come give me some attention."

McDuff met Shaw when he was out of jail but still had charges hanging over his head. "First thing he said to me when I met with him was 'I want to get back into school.' Didn't talk about his case. Said, 'I want to get back in school.' I went to talk to the guidance counselor, principal. They all loved Theo. We worked it out, got him back in school. It's amazing how he turned that terrible experience into a true quest."

"There was a transformation in terms of his ambition," McDuff said, "but I think the underlying qualities that caused him to pursue that ambition" haven't changed.

"During his case, he was calm, collected, he took everything in stride, he kept a positive view, he had perspective, he looked at the big picture. It was really amazing." The day Shaw ended his case by pleading no contest, the victim in the Jena High attack was sitting in the front row of the courtroom, McDuff remembers. "Theo went over and shook his hand and wished him the best for the future. His goodness was always there."

***

On Friday afternoon, Shaw was still figuring out what he was going to say for Sunday night's speech. "I don't know," he said when I asked what he had planned. "I do mock trials in law school, and I usually have bullet points of what to talk about. I think when I stand up I'll sort of let my convictions or heart just move me where I feel like I should be going."

When he stood at the lectern Sunday, he didn't bring bullet points. He extemporized. He spoke of the internship Maw made possible at IPNO and how that job allowed him to meet inmates at Angola who are all free now thanks to that organization's advocacy

"I talk about those men's experience because after tonight, after the celebration, even after we pass the bar, I believe as future lawyers, we have a responsibility," he said. "We may not be guilty or have had anything to do with the injustices that other people experienced in the criminal justice system. But we have a responsibility: a responsibility to the poor, to the condemned, to those who may not be popular in the eyes of the majority."

Despite his own remarkable story as one of the Jena 6, he didn't mention any part of it in his speech. He didn't even mention that years after he failed to persuade a judge in his home parish to lower his bail, he persuaded the highest-ranking judge in the state to hire him for a clerkship.

"This is an inspiring young man who's overcome significant obstacles," Louisiana Chief Justice Bernette Johnson said on the phone Tuesday. "Instead of being discouraged, what he's done is work harder."

Johnson praised Shaw's "great focus" and his "great analytical skills" and called him "the full package. I'm looking at potential, people who want to make a difference. I want a legacy of law clerks who want to make a difference."

In March 2017, almost two years after my column announcing Shaw's acceptance to law school, it had a second life of Internet virality. People were sharing it on Twitter and Facebook like it had just happened when, by that time, it was old news. People shared it with Shaw, too. As if he didn't know.

Why does he think his story has resonated so powerfully with so many people?

"It's not often you turn on the TV and see the media talking favorably about a young black man. Most of the time you turn on the TV, it's about crime and all this bad stuff," he said. "I think for our community that any time there is sort of something to change that narrative about us, people like to put that out there."

Black people crave reminders "that who they say we are we're not. Actually, this is who we are. And at that point, it's not even just about me. It's about us. This is us. Yes, he went to law school and did great things, but this is about us as a people. This is who we are."

Shaw's father, who worked at an apparel manufacturing plant in Jena, passed away during his son's second year in law school. Not that there can ever be a substitute for one's own father, but it was clear from a conversation with Wayne Brumfield, a former vice president at the University of Louisiana Monroe, that he's a quasi-father in Shaw's life. It was Brumfield who began mentoring Shaw when he transferred from Louisiana Delta Community College.

He knew the story of what happened in Jena, but finds the idea of Shaw's involvement as preposterous as I do.

"It's hard to imagine Theo being a violent person," he said and described the charges against him as "trumped up."

Like the law professor who called Shaw to the stage to receive his degree, Brumfield said, "I learned a lot from him, believe it or not: When things don't seem to go the way they should, just keep pushing forward."

But on Sunday night in Seattle, it was Brumfield who let Shaw know that he could stop pushing - if only for a minute. Two of Shaw's cousins traveled from Jena to see him graduate. His brother drove over from another part of Washington.

Shaw told them after the commencement that he needed to return home to resume studying for the bar. Brumfield was still laughing Monday at the absurdity of that.

"Take a little break, man," he said he told him. "You got your brother and your cousins. Take a little break. You good."

Jarvis DeBerry is deputy opinions editor for NOLA.COM | The Times-Picayune. He can be reached at jdeberry@nola.comor at twitter.com/jarvisdeberry.
The term "dumpster fire" was officially added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary in March of this year with the definition: "an utterly calamitous or mismanaged situation or occurrence." The accompanying photo for the next edition should be a group shot of Gov. John Bel Edwards and the Louisiana Legislature in special session.

The portrait shouldn't be hard to arrange as Edwards is expected to summon lawmakers to Baton Rouge in the next couple of weeks for the third time in four months to concoct a state budget that addresses the expiration of nearly $1.4 billion in temporary taxes without leaving health care, higher education or law enforcement officials feeling as though they have been written out of the will.

The first extraordinary session, held from Feb. 19 to March 5, accomplished pretty much nothing. The second, from May 22 to June 4, produced a budget that would reduce funding for the TOPS scholarships by 30 percent, cut university campuses by nearly 25 percent and decrease spending for district attorneys, sheriffs, the prison system and child welfare services at a still-to-be-determined level. The plan would require the state to cut more than $500 million from the budget passed by the House.

In between, Edwards applied a very real veto to what was being called a "pretend budget" approved in the regular session that also cut TOPS by 30 percent, eliminated food stamps and reduced spending on colleges and public safety programs.

Some Democrats called the Republican-backed budget "immoral," and the GOP House leadership has not done a lot to defend the choices except as a general effort to reduce taxes and slow the growth of government, both worthy goals. It would help their case if they launched an honest debate on controlling the cost of TOPS that didn't leave students guessing between semesters and if they pushed debate on long-term tax structure changes rather than random, temporary patches.

The same could be said of the governor, who is a lot better at calling sessions than he is at creating coalitions and cultivating compromise.

Edwards angered some House Republicans by rejecting their budget rather than using it as a starting point for debate in the most recent special session. And he sent them over the edge by sending letters to thousands of Medicaid recipients notifying that their benefits are at risk, including 17,000 nursing home residents who could face eviction.

So the session began in broad sullenness and ended with angry shouts and accusations.

The saddest thing may be just how close the two sides came to agreement Monday before the midnight deadline. The difference came down to one proposal that would have reduced the sales tax rate from 5 percent to 4.33 percent and another that would have made it 4.5 percent. That's a sixth of a penny. Less than 20 cents on a $100 purchase.

In the big picture, however, that's the difference is between raising $400 million and pulling in about $540 million in what the governor says is about a $648 million hole in a standstill budget for the year that begins July 1.

The bigger tax reduction, by Republican Rep. Lance Harris, got only 38 votes in the House, well short of the 70 needed for passage. The smaller change, by Democrat Rep. Walter Leger, had passed the Senate, 32-6, got 64 votes in the House -- including 17 from Republicans -- as the deadline was approaching.

That's where things really got ugly.

Rep. Alan Seabaugh, R-Shreveport, seized the microphone at 11:59 p.m. to prevent a second vote on Leger's proposal.

"Yes, I'm trying to run the clock out," Seabaugh said, "because we've voted on this bill before, and it didn't get 70 votes. The body has spoken.

The clock struck midnight as Rep. Julie Stokes, R-Kenner, tried frantically to get the House to reconsider Leger's bill.

"It's on you," Stokes told Seabaugh when the speaker of the House announced that time had run out.

That left the budget pretty much where it started.

"This was a sad night for the great people of our state," Edwards said in an early Tuesday morning news conference. "You saw a minority in the House let politics take priority over people. Our state deserves better."

The governor said he had no choice but to call the lawmakers back for yet another shot in the seventh special session since he took office in January 2016. Special sessions cost taxpayers about $60,000 a day.

Do you smell something burning?

Tim Morris is an opinions columnist at NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. He can be reached at tmorris@nola.com. Follow him on Twitter @tmorris504.
The Louisiana Legislature is setting a new bar for failure.

The second special session since January ended Monday night without agreement on taxes to fund the state budget as House members shouted at each other.

With midnight approaching, Shreveport Republican Rep. Alan Seabaugh admitted that he was intentionally running out the clock to prevent a second vote on New Orleans Democrat Rep. Walt Leger's tax proposal.

"It's on you! It's on you!" Rep. Julie Stokes, a Kenner Republican, said as she pointed at Rep. Seabaugh. On him, yes. But on others in the House as well.

Gov. John Bel Edwards said at a press conference after the session ended: "It was a total collapse of leadership."

In the House, at least. House Speaker Taylor Barras, Republican Caucus chairman Lance Harris and Appropriations chairman Cameron Henry don't seem interested in compromise. And they are apparently willing to torpedo the budget over a small fraction of a penny.

Senators approved a 4.5 percent sales tax to replace the temporary 5 percent tax that will expire June 30. Their plan would reduce the budget and the tax burden on Louisianians. That would usually be seen as a win-win for politicians.

But the House leadership is set on a 4.3 percent sales tax, even though it clearly can't pass. Both the most conservative and the most liberal House members voted against it for different reasons.

Rep. Harris, of Alexandria, could only get 38 "yes" votes Monday on his tax bill. He needed at least 70. Rep. Leger's alternative bill with a 4.5 percent sales tax got 64 votes, just six short of what was needed. Then Rep. Harris and the speaker, with an assist from Rep. Seabaugh, quashed a bipartisan attempt to bring Rep. Leger's legislation up for another vote.

That left the budget $500 million short of revenues, with steep cuts to TOPS scholarships, colleges and universities, sheriffs, district attorneys, the prison system and child welfare services.

And it left all of us to pay for a third special session this year -- at a cost of roughly $60,000 a day.

Louisianians deserve better than the petty, self-centered political wrangling on display in Baton Rouge. TOPS students shouldn't have to worry about whether they'll be able to afford school and whether their professors will get paid. Vulnerable children shouldn't be put at greater risk, nor should the safety of communities.

The sales tax isn't the fairest or best way to pay for state government, but at this point, it is the only option for raising the money that's needed. The difference between 4.3 percent and 4.5 percent amounts to less than 20 cents on $100.

The Senate found a way to lower the sales tax and reduce the budget without throwing it into chaos. A large majority of the House wants to do the same -- but their leaders are playing politics, hoping to hurt Gov. Edwards' chances at re-election.

And they clearly don't care if they hurt scores of Louisiana residents in the process.
Opinion by Theo Shaw

In 2010, I was a college student at a small public university in North Louisiana. When I was in college, I knew I wanted to go to law school someday to become a criminal defense trial lawyer. I had the opportunity that summer to go down to New Orleans for a 3-month internship with the Innocence Project New Orleans, which is part of a network of legal organizations that work to free men and women who have been convicted of crimes they did not commit.

As part of that internship, I had a chance to go down to the Louisiana State Penitentiary, one of the most dangerous prisons in this country, to talk to men that they were representing about their case. All of the men I met that summer have been freed from years of incarceration for crimes they had nothing to do with. People like George Toca, who spent more than 30 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, people like Calvin Duncan, who spent 28 years in prison. People like Robert Jones, who also spent almost 25 years in prison for a crime he had nothing to do with.

These men and, sadly, so many others, even today, experienced the unfortunate end of our legal system because we have in this country what the attorney Bryan Stevenson has categorized as a system of justice that treats you much better if you're rich and guilty than if you're poor and innocent, that wealth - not culpability - shapes outcome.

I talk about those men's experience because after tonight, after the celebration, even after we pass the bar, I believe as future lawyers, we have a responsibility. We may not be guilty or have had anything to do with the injustices that other people experienced in the criminal justice system. But we have a responsibility: a responsibility to the poor, to the condemned, to those who may not be popular in the eyes of the majority.

And as future lawyers, we have a responsibility, I believe, to be agitators for justice. It was W.E.B. DuBois, a brilliant sociologist and civil rights activist, who wisely said that "Agitation is a necessary evil to tell of the ills of the suffering." And as agitators, we have to speak up. We have to speak up for those who will never have access to the privileges we enjoy as lawyers.

I'm not talking about a radical idea. What I'm suggesting is simple: to speak up for the poor - when it's more convenient to stay quiet; to stand up in the face of injustice - when it's more comfortable to stay seated. That's what I'm talking about.

Now, you will pass the bar, you will go on to practice law, and you will do many different things with your law degree. All of us will. Most of us will join law firms or nonprofit legal organizations. Some of us will go down to the Legislature or to Congress to make laws and policy. A few of us will even go on to be so-called judges. But no matter where we are, no matter what we do, there's gonna be that responsibility to agitate. To stand up. To fight back.

Maybe it's not in the criminal law context. Maybe it's representing that single father who's being unfairly evicted from his apartment. Or maybe it's helping that mother who is subjected to deportation proceedings and is facing separation from her family. Or maybe, maybe it's helping that student who's being unfairly suspended from his school.

No matter where we go, no matter what we do, you will meet people like George Toca, people like Calvin Duncan, people like Robert Jones. And I simply want to remind my friends and colleagues to stand up, to do justice, to agitate.

I rest.

***

Theo R. Shaw was one of the so-called Jena 6 defendants who were initially accused of attempted murder in an alleged attack at Jena High School in 2007. He can be reached on Twitter at @theorshaw.

This essay is adapted from his speech Sunday at his graduation from the University of Washington's School of Law. It includes corrected information regarding the years Toca, Duncan and Jones were locked up. Toca and Duncan pleaded guilty to lesser crimes in exchange for their release. Jones' guilty verdict was thrown out.
To hear the entire podcast from the May 14 Talking Health interview, log on to News Radio 1240 KQEN at 541radio.com.
From fast food to insurance, comedian Chris Redd has worked all sorts of shit jobs over the course of his life. Which is exactly why he considers his recent addition to the cast of Saturday Night Live quite a triumph.


Viewed of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
It's the first First Friday of the new arts season, and there is no shortage of great choices all around the city. Here are a dozen visual arts events we're hoping to see on Friday evening.
DUSSELDORF, Germany  After a decade of economic pain, Greece finally appears to be back on track. Try telling that to the Greeks who left and have no plans to return, like Constantine Kakoyiannis.

As Mr. Kakoyiannis raised a glass of pilsner beer, he toasted his girlfriend at a German cafe in Dusseldorf, alongside 40 of their friends. The group, part of a club of expatriate Greek engineers, was welcoming several newcomers who had fled Greece in just the last few months.

The situation isnt getting better, Mr. Kakoyiannis said. When you realize that your country has become a cemetery of dreams, you need to find dreams elsewhere.
Fifty years ago, the swimsuit-wearing beauties of the Miss America pageant were confronted with a spectacle on the Atlantic City boardwalk: 100 feminists throwing bras, girdles, curling irons, false eyelashes and other instruments of female torture into a trash can labeled Freedom.

The protesters had planned to set the can on fire but could not get the right permits  so, alas, no bras were burned that summer day, though it is the origin of the term bra burning. They were condemning what even then they saw as an antiquated institution, which had mostly male judges scrutinize womens bodies, women of color at one point not allowed to compete, corporations profiting on the event, and three in four American households watching it all happen on television.

Everybody tuned into Miss America back then  this was like the Oscars, said the author Alix Kates Shulman, 85, one of the organizers of that 1968 protest.
ALBANY  The states highest court is expected to weigh in on whether a reporter for The New York Times can be forced to testify in the trial of one of New York Citys most notorious killings, turning the case into an unlikely battleground over the protections and privileges of journalists.

The dispute began in October 2013, when the reporter, Frances Robles, interviewed Conrado Juarez just days after his arrest in the death of Baby Hope, an unidentified 4-year-old girl whose body was found in a picnic cooler on the side of the Henry Hudson Parkway in Upper Manhattan in 1991.

On Tuesday, a panel of seven judges on the states Court of Appeals heard brief oral arguments from lawyers for Ms. Robles and from the Manhattan district attorneys office, which has issued subpoenas for Ms. Robless testimony and unpublished notes from the interview. Ms. Robles has moved to quash the subpoenas, arguing that testifying would compromise her rights as a journalist.

For 22 years, the Baby Hope murder had remained unresolved, and the victim unidentified, known only by the moniker officials bestowed as a sign of their commitment to solving the case. But in 2013, a tip led investigators to identify the child as Anjelica Castillo, and the potential killer as Mr. Juarez, a restaurant worker whose sister had been caring for Anjelica at the time of her death.
When leaders of the Group of 7 countries meet in Quebec on Friday, the United States can expect a chilly reception. The other G-7 countries  France, Germany, Britain, Italy, Japan and Canada  have already expressed unanimous concern and disappointment with President Trumps tariffs on steel and aluminum in a joint statement issued by their finance ministers last week.

Beijing cant believe its luck. First, the United States abandoned the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which would have strengthened Americas ties with Chinas major Asian trading partners and provided Washington with leverage to pry open Chinas market. Now the tariffs on steel and aluminum  the bulk of which is imported from the European Union and Canada  benefit China by creating discord between America and its closest allies. The isolation of the United States serves to reinforce Chinas narrative that the United States is an unreliable partner, and it helps advance Beijings goals of weakening governance mechanisms like the G-7 that dont include China.

Once seen as the standard-bearer of free trade and defender of the rules-based order, the United States is now seen by some of its friends in Asia, too, as a unilateralist disrupter. On Sunday, at the annual security gathering known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen of Singapore criticized the United States and China for undermining multilateral agreements that have benefited the whole region. If the global commons are not preserved, or worse, fracture into de facto or formal trading and security alliances, then all of us are in for a rough time ahead, he said.

Pointedly, Mr. Ng noted, In a reversal of roles with the U.S., it was Chinese President Xi Jinping who champions globalization. At the World Economic Forum last year, Mr. Xi stood up for free trade and denounced protectionist policies.
His committee also oversees the Federal Trade Commission, which is investigating Facebook to determine whether the companys data policies violate a 2011 consent decree with the commission.

Senator Mark Warner of Virginia pointed out that concerns about Huawei were not new, citing a 2012 congressional report on the close relationships between the Chinese Communist Party and equipment makers like Huawei.

I look forward to learning more about how Facebook ensured that information about their users was not sent to Chinese servers, said Mr. Warner, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee.

All Facebooks integrations with Huawei, Lenovo, Oppo and TCL were controlled from the get-go  and Facebook approved everything that was built, said Francisco Varela, a Facebook vice president. Given the interest from Congress, we wanted to make clear that all the information from these integrations with Huawei was stored on the device, not on Huaweis servers.

Banned in China since 2009, Facebook in recent years has quietly sought to re-establish itself there. The companys chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, has tried to cultivate a relationship with Chinas president, Xi Jinping, and put in an appearance at one of the countrys top universities.

Last year, Facebook released a photo-sharing app in China that was a near replica of its Moments app, but did not put its name on it. And the company has worked on a tool that allowed targeted censorship, prompting some employees to quit over the project.

Still, Facebook has struggled to gain momentum, and in January an executive in charge of courting Chinas government left after spending three years on a charm campaign to get the social media service back in the country.
LAKEWOOD, Colo.  The pilgrims arrived early to the cake shop on Tuesday, toting cameras and American flags and hoping for a glimpse of the man who had elevated a cause they cared about: the right for religious people to speak their minds.

But Jack Phillips, the Christian baker who had refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple  and who had just won a major Supreme Court case  was nowhere to be found. Had to fly N.Y., read a sign on the locked door. Thank you for all your support!

And so the cake bakers fans were left to celebrate on their own. There were balloons and Bible verses, and also misgivings: In a nation that has moved so far in the direction of gay rights in recent years, it wasnt clear if Mr. Phillipss victory would mean much for long.

Its a win for freedom, said Ray Lapsys, 74, a Catholic. His wife doubted it would last. Were praying for that very strongly, said Raminta Lapsys, 66. But I dont think so. Satan is strong, and the devil is out there.
An unknown caller falsely reported on Tuesday that there was someone with a weapon inside the home of David Hogg, a survivor of the February shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., who has become a prominent gun-control advocate.

The 911 call, which came in at 8:29 a.m., caused SWAT teams and officers in tactical gear to respond to the recent graduates home, according to the Broward County Sheriffs Office.

A potentially dangerous situation was averted when officers determined no one was home; Mr. Hogg, 18, and his mother were in Washington to accept a human rights award.

I think its really a distraction from what were trying to fix here, which is the massive gun violence epidemic in this country, Mr. Hogg told Local 10 News in Miami.
Lava flows from the Kilauea volcano on Hawaiis Big Island wiped out hundreds more homes and then quickly filled a nearby coastal bay, officials said on Tuesday, pointing to a volatile new phase in the eruption of one of the worlds most active volcanoes.

Janet Snyder, a spokeswoman for Hawaii County, said that the authorities were still seeking to get a definitive number of homes destroyed in recent days. But its safe to say that hundreds were lost in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland overnight, Ms. Snyder added, referring to largely rural communities on the islands far eastern edge that had been largely evacuated ahead of the lavas powerful new advance.

Mayor Harry Kims second home was among the residences destroyed overnight, Ms. Snyder said.

Kilauea has been erupting with greater intensity since early May in parts of the Big Island, forcing thousands to evacuate while dealing a severe blow to the island's tourism industry. Until the overnight destruction, a total of 117 homes had been razed in recent weeks by the eruption, which has also spewed ash thousands of feet into the air.
Still, Ms. Sadler did not leave in light of her comments, according to two people familiar with the situation.

Instead, they suggested that Ms. Sadler was pushed out over reports that she had told Mr. Trump that Mercedes Schlapp, the White House strategic communications director, had been the one leaking to the news media. Tensions between the two had reached a point where Ms. Sadler, who worked in the White House communications office focusing on immigration, and Ms. Schlapp were unable to be in the same room together, White House aides said.

The White House in recent weeks has reduced the size of the daily communications meeting, and aides have discussed decreasing the size of the communications staff. Such changes have been threatened before, but on Tuesday, one senior White House official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said that more departures may be coming.

In the days after Ms. Sadlers comments on Mr. McCain, White House officials dodged questions on whether what Ms. Sadler had said was inappropriate. Instead, the press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and her deputy Raj Shah have suggested that the leaks were worse than the actual comments. Mr. Shah stressed that the situation was an internal matter, and in an appearance last month on Fox & Friends, the presidents preferred TV program, Ms. Sanders targeted leakers in particular.

I think it is disgusting and some of the most shameful behavior that you can ever engage in, Ms. Sanders said. Its an honor and a privilege to work for the president and to be part of his administration. Anybody who betrays that, I think, is a total and complete coward. And they should be fired.
VERONA, N.J.  A former Navy pilot, a veteran White House national security adviser and a conservative pro-gun state senator won Democratic nominations on Tuesday to represent battleground congressional districts in New Jersey, officially earning their spot on the front lines in a state that could determine control of the House.

The days political focus remained largely on California and its high-profile statewide races and crowded congressional primaries. Gavin Newsom, the Democratic lieutenant governor, won one of two spots in the primary Tuesday, The Associated Press reported, in his bid to succeed Gov. Jerry Brown. John Cox, a Republican businessman backed by President Trump, captured the other spot.

Senator Dianne Feinstein easily won a spot on the November ballot in her re-election bid in what by every indication looks like an easy race this fall  no matter who ends up running against her.

New Jersey could prove as crucial as California in the contest for the House in November. Democratic leaders are hoping to flip as many as four of the five Republican-held districts in the state.
Trumps saying he wanted a marionette whose strings he could pull to shutter the investigation, said Adam Goldberg, who was a special associate White House counsel to President Bill Clinton during various investigations. Im sure the cronies who broke the law and are now convicted felons agree.

Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic minority leader, went to the floor of the Senate on Tuesday to cite the latest tweet as proof that Mr. Trump thinks he is above the law.

The presidents tweet regarding Attorney General Sessions this morning is part of a pattern, where the president admits out loud and shamelessly that he was trying to take steps to end the Russia probe, Mr. Schumer said. This latest, stunning admission, he added, is just more evidence that the president may have something to hide. If he did nothing wrong, President Trump should welcome a thorough investigation to exonerate him.

Still, even some scholars who are not on Mr. Trumps payroll argue that the legal situation is not that clear-cut, even if the intent of Tuesdays tweet was. The president, in this view, does not need to browbeat Mr. Sessions about ending the investigation when he could simply order it scuttled on his own.

Yes, that is an explicit statement that Trump wanted an attorney general who would shut down the Russia investigation and is mad at Sessions for recusing himself and not shutting it down, said Jack L. Goldsmith, a Harvard Law School professor and top Justice Department official under President George W. Bush. That sounds bad. It sounds like Trump wants to interfere in the investigation.

But Mr. Goldsmith, who has been a critic of Mr. Trumps, nonetheless said that the president had the constitutional authority to supervise criminal investigations and could fire Mr. Sessions for recusing himself. An honest and innocent president could still conclude that an investigation like this was so without merit and so damaging to foreign policy that it should be ended, not out of self-interest.

Everyone is assuming that when Trump makes these now commonplace threats, he is acting with corrupt intent, and maybe he is, Mr. Goldsmith added. But that has to be proved, probably over a very high bar. I am not exactly sure at this point what the corrupt intent is. The fact that Trump is so open and brazen about all this actually might make it harder for Mueller to show corrupt intent, though we dont know what Mueller knows.
THESSALONIKI, Greece  To understand how deeply the name Macedonia is embedded in the Greek psyche, look no further than Greeces second city, Thessaloniki. Its the capital of the northern region of Macedonia, the historical center of a long-running feud with the neighboring country of Macedonia, whose claim to the name is the focus of United Nations-mediated negotiations.

In Thessaloniki, there is a Greek Ministry for Macedonia. The international airport carries the name Macedonia. The city has a university and research institute with the same name. And the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle in Thessaloniki holds in its curated halls the troubled history of the region.

The dispute is so contentious that when Thessalonikis liberal mayor, Yiannis Boutaris, used the name Macedonia in a visit to Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, in November, he was promptly branded a traitor on social media. He also came under fire for suggesting that Thessalonikis airport could drop the name Macedonia and for speaking of three Macedonias  one in Greece, one in Bulgaria and one in the neighboring Balkan country.

(Theres no evidence that the Macedonia dispute prompted the brutal beating that the 75-year-old mayor, known for his liberalism and outspoken views, endured from a far-right mob during a ceremony last month to commemorate the World War I genocide of Pontic Greeks by Turkish forces.)
At a time when some single-artist foundations are exploring new ways to stay relevant by hosting artist residencies, or giving prizes, the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation is making a dramatic impact by beginning the process of winding itself down.

And it is doing so with a bang  or as Lichtenstein might have rendered it in Ben-Day dots, with a Pow!

The foundation is announcing this week that it is giving around 400 artworks in all media by the Pop Art master  about half its holdings  to the Whitney Museum of American Art.

The museums director, Adam D. Weinberg, said that the donation, one of the biggest single-artist gifts the Whitney had ever received, would become one of the historical markers of the institution, and comparable to its renowned, if larger, Edward Hopper collection.
Jitish Kallat

Through June 16. Sperone Westwater, 257 Bowery, Manhattan; (212) 999-7337, speronewestwater.com.

William Blake saw the world in a grain of sand; the artist Jitish Kallat finds galactic terrain in a fruit skin. Based in Mumbai, Mr. Kallat has been best known since the mid-1990s for allegorical paintings and sculptures combining news photographs, self-portraiture and images of urban chaos and violence. More recently, in a formal departure, he produced a series of installations using texts by 20th-century Indian leaders. For Covering Letter at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 2016, he projected the words of a letter from Gandhi to Hitler, pleading for peace, onto clouds of artificial fog that dispersed in the gallery.

His Sperone Westwater show, titled Decimal Point, has the otherworldly look of that work, but without a specific political message. The history evoked is cosmic history, and the cosmic is personal. In Sightings, a vertical mural-size grid of lenticular photographs, close-ups of peaches and pears on a breakfast table become shape-shifting astronomical bodies. And in Covariance (Sacred Geometry), a lump of what looks like rough, unworked clay buzzes with life once you see the dozens of open eyes that dot its surface. They belong to different species of birds and animals, sculptural examples of which sleep calmly, side by side, nearby.

In suites of drawings, Mr. Kallat shares collaborative credit with nature. He created the Rain Study series in 2017 by taking charcoal drawings outdoors during monsoon season to see how exposure to downpours would alter them. The mazelike patterns in the four large pieces called Wind Study (Hilbert Curve) were formed by breeze-stirred fires burning on the papers surface. In the slow-motion video, The Eternal Gradient, images of roti, a flat, round Indian bread, stand in for the moon in its monthly phases throughout a year.
But orchestras, he added, must consider what audiences  especially young ones  want from a performance. People are quite used to not only following narrative layers at the same time, but also expecting it, he said. Theres the news, then theres the ticker. Thats totally normal.

So in lieu of Mr. Salonens Lachen Verlernt and Nyx as strictly instrumental, they will be heard on Friday as the score to Mr. McGregors 2016 ballet Obsidian Tear; the music and dance, Mr. Salonen said, inform each other, and it enriches the experience.

Its a glimpse at what might have been had he become the Philharmonics director, as many critics hoped he would. (He said he wasnt interested in the job.) Still, Mr. Salonen has been a fixture in New York, with regular appearances at Geffen, the Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall. His music is well represented by the Philharmonic, by way of the composer residency, and visiting orchestras.

Indeed, thats why he didnt want Foreign Bodies to be all about him.

Pieces of mine are not news in New York City, he said. I thought, rather than just doing another concert, it would be nice to put things into a different kind of context. I also just wanted it to be a deeply entertaining event.
Musicians in the Vienna Philharmonic play both operatic and symphonic music throughout the year; the Met Orchestra, however, is limited outside the opera house to only a few concerts at the end of every season.

This raises the question, among audience members and critics alike, of how well the Met players can handle the symphonic repertory. The answer, beyond their ability, can vary by conductor. At Carnegie Hall, Gianandrea Noseda conducted the Fifth Symphony on May 30, and Michael Tilson Thomas led the Fourth on Tuesday. The level of technical accomplishment was high during both evenings. But Mr. Noseda missed some of the Fifths unbridled passion, while Mr. Thomas folded in the Fourths ineffable warmth with a knowing hand.

Mr. Noseda, who became music director of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington this season and is also a maestro of broad experience, kept a tight grip on most of the performance. Did he feel that he needed to do so with players who werent seasoned Mahlerians? Still, it was a vast improvement over the chokehold that Jaap van Zweden imposed on Mahlers Fifth with the New York Philharmonic to start that orchestras season in September  and Mr. van Zweden had no such excuse.
The Popcast is hosted by Jon Caramanica, a pop music critic for The New York Times. It covers the latest in pop music criticism, trends and news.

Seven songs, less than 24 minutes and no shortage of emotional baggage  welcome to Ye.

The new album by Kanye West, released on Friday, was bound to be polarizing, given the rocky few weeks in the life of the rapper. (Declaring a kinship with Donald J. Trumps dragon energy was only the beginning.) And yet upon its landing  first via scenic live stream from Wyoming and then through more traditional channels  the album still managed to shock with its immediacy, its rough edges, its moments of serenity and its lack of concrete answers.
The Fosters comes to an end and pivots toward its spinoff series. Samantha Bee returns to the air.

Whats on TV

THE FOSTERS 8 p.m. on Freeform. This earnest family drama has drawn rave reviews over five seasons for its twisting family relationships, deft handling of difficult topics like trauma and assault, and honest and frequent depictions of same-sex sex. The show wraps up its three-night finale on Wednesday, in which the family gathers in the Turks and Caicos Islands for Brandons wedding. But dont shed too many tears, since the episode will also be a springboard for the spinoff series on Freeform, which stars Cierra Ramirez (Mariana) and Maia Mitchell (Callie) making a new life for themselves in Los Angeles.
MALIBU, Calif.  The stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway that slices through Malibu is Americas premier automotive fashion catwalk. Gaggles of exotics  Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Bentleys  regularly strut this pavement. Now, electric cars have become a new kind of status symbol on the highway.

Few on this car-crazed strip seemed to realize the white Porsche motoring silently between two Los Angeles County Sheriff cruisers last week. Maybe its because 911s outnumber palm trees here, or wary drivers were focused on law enforcement. Pity. Theres only one of its kind on the planet. To see the Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo concept driving in the wild is the equivalent of catching Bigfoot riding a unicorn at an In-N-Out Burger drive-through.

Porsche airfreighted its fully electric concept vehicle from Stuttgart, Germany, to Malibu for four American automotive journalists to experience on a cloudless California day. I drew a long straw. It is not a production car, although the production sport sedan version will arrive in late 2019. But driving the crossover-like Cross Turismo offers a chance to read the tea leaves, and perhaps get an idea if the Mission E program will spawn true Porsches  or merely Tesla wannabes.

It is worth wondering about. Teslas Model S sedan was introduced almost six years ago, and now with a fleet of models, the company will sell its 200,000th vehicle this year. When Porsche showed off the Mission E sport sedan concept at the 2015 Frankfurt auto show, it stunned the crowd, and the automotive press quickly called it the Tesla slayer.
Machados stories pulse with life. The endings are frequently murky and strange, often abruptly truncated. The title of an early work characterizes them well: Much Heat, Little Light.

Certain preoccupations persist: alluring widows, naive young men, a fondness for coincidence. Machado remained fascinated by femininity and the strictures governing the lives of women  its why he reminds me of Munro. Like chess pieces, Rios well-born ladies could make only a few authorized moves (Machado was a chess fanatic), but everything was theirs to win or lose.

Above all looms the figure of the bibliomane. This is my family, one says, pointing to his bookshelf. These are characters shaped by their reading, sometimes even physically (his head jutted forward slightly from his long habit).

Its a curious feature of Machados stories that Brazil is so absent. There are few landmarks, few mentions of the weather. But there are allusions to Moliere and Goethe. Novels and authors are the signposts. Like his characters, Machado was a creature of literature; ink ran in his veins. Though he never roved far from his hometown he read widely, claiming all of culture, all of Europe  giving his work that remarkably open, cosmopolitan feel.

This creation of a personal cartography  of anchoring himself in the life of the mind  might explain one of the lingering frustrations with Machados work: namely, his refusal to write more explicitly about slavery. He might not have dared; slavery ended in Brazil only in 1888. His stories stay trained, sometimes monotonously, on the elite, slaves flitting through in silence.

Yet Machado is always writing about liberation in his way, which to him begins with the freedom  the obligation  to think. Few fiction writers have written so affectionately about ideas, as if they were real people; he is always describing how ideas emerge and move, the way they can lose their way and get caught in a crush with others. The way they can appear fully formed and beautiful at times, or grow pregnant with other ideas.

Ideas and fixations elevate and distort in these stories. In one, a man consumed by his pet bird becomes pure canary. In another, a father intent on grooming his son to become a bigwig demands he cultivate the necessary vapidity: I forbid you to arrive at any conclusions that have not already been reached by others. Avoid anything that has about it so much as a whiff of reflection, originality or the like.

To Machado, your identity and the contours of your world are formed not just by your circumstances but by what you think about habitually. You are what you contemplate, so choose wisely. These stories are a spectacular place to start.
What she seems to find most delusional in her fellow travelers is their sense of their own agency. Fayes own ideas gesture toward something darker and stranger. In Outline, she wonders if it is possible that one forges ones own destiny by what one doesnt notice or feel compassion for; that what you dont know and dont make the effort to understand will become the very thing you are forced into knowledge of.

Her companion jokes that only someone raised Catholic could come up with such a terrible idea, but in fact it has many interesting echoes. There is something here of Jungs description of shadow life in which any aspect that isnt being attended to will increase in power and magnetism. Here too is a tinge of Freuds disheartening observation that people seem compelled to repeat and re-enact their unhappiest moments in different guises. Perhaps most of all this idea of being forced into knowledge is reminiscent of the reversals and recognitions found in Greek tragedies. Fayes fatalist bent is an unpopular one in the modern Western world. Few people want to believe that they arrive at rather than create their own fate.

More common is a desire to subscribe to something called the just world fallacy, which is the tendency to rationalize fortune or misfortune by believing that people get what they deserve and deserve what they get. This is a reassuring theory and one that seems newly ascendant in this age of scapegoating and fear-mongering. Its main selling point is that it keeps the existential wind from blowing in. You can continue to believe that you are safe, that you deserve to be, right up to the moment you find yourself abruptly unhoused and thrust out into the rain with your fellow human beings.

The profound thrill of Cusks work is that she has no such illusions. She is deeply interested in the question of suffering, of whether or not there is value to it, and in this novel, she signals her inquiry right out of the gate. In modern usage, the word kudos means prizes, but originally, Cusk says, it connoted an honor or recognition that could be falsely claimed. This adds a disquieting note to the old Greek idea that we suffer unto truth. Even if this is the case, should we expect such insight to be consoling? Should we expect to be rewarded for surviving our ordeal? For telling other people about it?

Faye faces this question directly in Kudos. At a literary festival, she finds herself being interviewed by a woman she met once years before. This woman told her then of her ordered and seemingly idyllic family life in a small town where the hours were marked by the ringing of beautiful bells. The description has stayed with Faye; it has troubled her and she tries to explain why to the interviewer.

She had talked, I said, about her husband and two sons and about the simple, regulated life they lived, a life that involved little change and hence little waste, and the fact that in certain details her life had mirrored my own while in no way resembling it, had often led me to see my own situation in the most unflattering light. I had broken that mirror, I said, without knowing if I had done so as an act of violence or simply by mistake. Suffering has always appeared to me as an opportunity, I said, and I wasnt sure if I would ever discover whether this was true and if so why it was, because so far I had failed to understand what it might be an opportunity for. All I knew was that it carried a kind of honor, if you survived it, and left you in a relationship to the truth that seemed closer, but that in fact might have been identical to the truthfulness of staying in one place.

The interviewer then tells how her own orderly story started to collapse until one day, stricken by loss herself, she found herself alone in the square listening to the famous bells. They rang for longer than she had ever heard them ring and their music seemed to become wilder and wilder, more and more nonsensical. It was raining and water streamed down her face, but she couldnt make herself leave until the cacophony ended. Its not entirely clear what happened to her that day. Did the sound of the bells change? Or had she suffered sufficiently that she could now hear another kind of music?

Cusk doesnt answer such questions directly. She doesnt need to. In the course of this unforgettable trilogy, she has proved they are the same bells.
But, in what our correspondent calls one of the most striking transformations in modern diplomacy, hes restyling himself as an amiable diplomat and peacemaker.

His popularity is surging in South Korea, where President Moon Jae-in meticulously choreographed the theatrics of one of their recent meetings. And President Trump, whom he is set to meet with June 12, has gone from calling Mr. Kim a sick puppy to very honorable.

_____

 In the U.S., some of the dust has settled after a bustling Primary Day in eight states.

Democratic candidates are poised to advance to the midterms in key districts in California, which may be crucial for the partys hopes of taking control of the House.

Elections in the Midwest and the South underscored President Trumps power in the Republican Party and the different ways Democrats hope to loosen his hold on red states. Here are our takeaways.

Voters in San Francisco resoundingly supported a ban on sales of flavored tobacco products, including some vaping products and menthol cigarettes.

_____

Business

 Tesla repelled a rare challenge from shareholders who sought to shake up the board and force its chief executive, Elon Musk, to give up one of his two positions. The company also unveiled plans to build cars in China.

 Australias economy continued its winning streak: It began its 27th year without a recession, and new data showed 3.1 percent growth over the past year.
1. Primary Day shakeout:

Democrats enhanced their prospects of taking control of the House in midterm elections. They skirted calamity in California and lined up likely gains in New Jersey.

But Republicans also avoided a nightmare, securing a spot in the California governors race. Follow our election updates here.

Elections in the Midwest and the South underscored President Trumps power in the Republican Party and the different ways Democrats hope to loosen his hold on red-state America. Here are some of our takeaways.
As the nine-figure settlement was gaveled into divorce court history, Mr. Akhmedov began what the judge called a campaign to hide his assets in a web of offshore companies. Nothing demonstrates the breadth and ingenuity of that web like the Luna. Starting in November 2016, the yacht went on a whirlwind voyage, all of it on paper, in a feat of asset protection and financial engineering so elaborate that the judge diagramed it in an April ruling.

Initially, the seizure of the yacht in Dubai sounded like a setback for Mr. Akhmedov. Then, he and lawyers for the family trust that technically owns the Luna filed a claim  still pending  arguing that the fate of the yacht should be decided by a local court in Dubai, using Islamic law, known as Shariah.

Legal experts say Mr. Akhmedov has calculated that his odds of prevailing are better in a Shariah court, especially given that his ex-wife is a Christian who has acknowledged infidelity in their marriage. Stories in British tabloids have lately emphasized that Mr. Akhmedov is a practicing Muslim.

That is news to Ms. Akhmedova. In her first-ever interview, which took place recently in the office of a public relations firm, she said she had never seen her ex-husband kneeling on a prayer rug or going to a mosque, other than at a tourist site.

Apparently because he was born in Azerbaijan, hes a Muslim, she said, her eyes widening with disbelief. (A spokesman for Mr. Akhmedov disputed Ms. Akhmedovas characterization, saying that Mr. Akhmedov has always been a devout and practicing Muslim.)

A sunny woman with a mild Russian accent, Ms. Akhmedova wore ripped denim jeans, a batch of string bracelets and a T-shirt that read Free as a Butterfly. She said she was reluctant to speak publicly about her divorce, because everything about it is painful, including the recent media coverage in Britain, which has made much of allegations of infidelity leveled by both sides.
The New Yorkers editorial staff members said Wednesday that they had formed a union, adding the magazine to a growing list of publications, old and new, whose employees have turned to collective bargaining during a tumultuous time for the industry.

The staff members said in a statement that the publication must work harder for its employees, citing a lack of job security, almost no overtime compensation and pay inconsistency. Many employees worked as contractors without health insurance and other benefits despite doing the same work as staff members, the union said.

Organizers said nearly 90 percent of the work force signed on to join the NewsGuild of New York, which represents thousands of employees at publications including The New York Times, The Associated Press, Thomson Reuters, The New Republic and The Daily Beast. About 115 employees are eligible, said Nastaran Mohit, the organizing director of the NewsGuild.

The New Yorker union described the move as necessary to ensure the magazines longevity, saying the weeklys identity was vulnerable to competing priorities from our corporate parent, Conde Nast. The union asked for the parent company, which owns several of the nations top magazines, to voluntarily recognize it. A New Yorker spokeswoman deferred to a Conde Nast spokeswoman, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.
The consumer advisory boards members are consumer activists, academics, entrepreneurs who run financial start-ups and industry representatives from companies including Citi, Discover, and Mastercard. Also participating on the call Wednesday were members of two other groups that advise the bureau, one representing credit unions and the other representing community banks.

We suspected this might be coming, said Josh Zinner, a member of the consumer advisory board and the chief executive of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility. This is a further signaling that the new leadership is almost obsessively dismantling the bureaus accomplishments and taking it in a decidedly different, industry-friendly direction.

The three groups members  many of whose terms were to last one to two more years  were told those terms would end this year and that reapplying for membership next year was not an option, according to an audio recording of the call obtained by The New York Times.

Mr. Welcher initially said that the bureau was altering the boards based on feedback it had received during a recent call for public comments about its interactions with outside parties, according to the audio recording.

But the comment period ended only last week, those on the call Wednesday noted, and none of the comments released publicly have suggested disbanding the advisory boards. A review of the public comments shows that many explicitly praised the boards work.
With wind speeds that can top 180 miles per hour, hurricanes are not usually thought of as slow. Yet tropical cyclones, which include hurricanes, have grown more sluggish since the mid-20th century, researchers say. That may mean bad news for people residing in their path.

A study published Wednesday in the journal Nature focuses on what is known as translation speed, which measures how quickly a storm is moving over an area, say, from Miami to the Florida Panhandle. Between 1949 and 2016, tropical cyclone translation speeds declined 10 percent worldwide, the study says. The storms, in effect, are sticking around places for a longer period of time.

Lingering hurricanes can be a problem, as Texans learned last year when Hurricane Harvey stalled over the state, causing devastating flooding and billions of dollars of damage. The storm dropped more than 30 inches of rain in two days and nearly 50 inches over four days in some places . A report released this month by Harris County, which includes Houston, found that Harveys rainfall exceeded every known flooding event in American history since 1899.

The really, really high rainfall totals were because the storm moved so slowly, said Deanna Hence, a professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, who was not involved in the new research. The large amount of rain that is going to come out of a tropical storm or hurricane anyway fell in the same place over a long period of time.
How can we lower air-conditionings climate impact?

To find the most efficient air-conditioners, look for Energy Star ratings, said Mina Agarabi, a mechanical engineer and consultant who focuses on the operation and maintenance of mechanical systems. These models may cost a bit more upfront, but we recoup those costs through reduced energy costs over the long term.

But it isnt just about buying the most efficient unit, said Ms. Agarabi. Its also about sizing it correctly.

In humid regions, a unit that is too big will cool a room while leaving humidity levels high, because it will chill the room faster than it can remove the humidity. Once the unit reaches the desired temperature it will turn off, even if the humidity level is still high, which often leaves us feeling less comfortable. The unit turns off and on more frequently, using more electricity and enduring more wear and tear. Ms. Agarabi recommends using this sizing calculator by Energy Star to find the right air-conditioner for your space.

Fans can also help us reduce our energy use, Ms. Agarabi said.

Christian Taber, a principal engineer at a ceiling fan company, said fans can raise the temperatures at which we turn on air-conditioning. For example, we might feel the need to turn it on at 80 degrees Fahrenheit instead of 75. This is beneficial because fans use 20 times less energy than air-conditioners. And when we do turn on the air-conditioner, ceiling fans help circulate the air-conditioned air, allowing us to feel cooler at higher temperatures.

The Department of Energy found that you use 3 to 6 percent less energy per degree Fahrenheit you offset with a fan, said Mr. Taber. So if the fans allow you to set the thermostat to 80 degrees instead of 75, that can result in big energy savings.
The chef April Bloomfield announced Wednesday that she and the restaurateur Ken Friedman had dissolved their partnership, ending a 14-year run in which they opened and operated some of todays most influential and popular restaurants. The move comes nearly six months after a New York Times report in which several current and former employees accused him of sexual harassment.

Ms. Bloomfield, who put their Manhattan restaurant the Spotted Pig on the map, made it an international culinary destination and won it a Michelin star, will no longer be involved with the restaurant in any way, a spokeswoman for the chef said.

"Today, I am announcing the end of my partnership with Ken Friedman, Ms. Bloomfield said in a statement. There is much hard work ahead, and it begins with taking full leadership of The Hearth & Hound in Los Angeles and Tosca Cafe in San Francisco. In New York, I remain Chef at The Breslin and will begin work on re-concepting The John Dory Oyster Bar.

The Breslin and the John Dory are in the Ace Hotel, in Midtown; Brad Wilson, president of the Ace Hotel Group, confirmed that Mr. Friedman was out. April remains at the helm of culinary operations, and we look forward to working with her in this role, Mr. Wilson said in a statement.
LONDON  Doublet, the gender-neutral Japanese street wear label with a name inspired by Lewis Carroll and designed by Masayuki Ino, has won the 2018 LVMH Prize for emerging talent.

The award was presented to Mr. Ino by the actress Emma Stone on Wednesday at a ceremony in Paris. One of nine finalists for the prize, Mr. Ino will receive 300,000 euros (about $350,900) and a year of mentoring from within the professional ranks of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the French luxury group.

Mr. Ino is the first Asian designer to win the main award. And, in a sign of the Asias growing influence on emerging fashion, a second special prize was awarded to Rokh, a label founded by the South Korean designer Rok Hwang and based in London.
Despite a $12 million ad blizzard by a giant tobacco company, voters in San Francisco resoundingly supported a new ban on the selling of flavored tobacco products, including vaping liquids packaged as candies and juice boxes, and menthol cigarettes.

The measure, known as Proposition E, is said to be the most restrictive in the country, and health groups predicted it could serve as a model for other communities.

The vote had been expected to be close, but the final tally was 68 percent to 32 percent in support of the ban. Those results reflected a big miscalculation by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, which had saturated the city with multimedia ads in four languages, likening the ban to Prohibition and invoking a black market crime wave.

They had a strategic chance there to show that they are actually walking the walk and talking the talk about moving smokers to nonsmoker tobacco products, said Eric Lindblom, a Georgetown Law professor and former Food and Drug Administration tobacco official. Instead they took this scorched earth approach, trying to eliminate the entire flavor ban. They failed and now other jurisdictions can say, Why should we compromise?
Times Insider delivers behind-the-scenes insights into how news, features and opinion come together at The New York Times.

Danial Adkison remembers reading The New York Times in college and thinking the paper seemed a little stodgy.

The Old Gray Lady, you know? Mr. Adkison said.

But even then, when the front page was printed only in black and white, the headlines stood out. He admired them for their wit; they werent obvious and they didnt insult the readers intelligence.

The people who work there have a sense of humor, Mr. Adkison remembers thinking.

Mr. Adkison is one of those people now: a senior staff editor on the Print Hub, charged with adapting the digital version of the paper to print, editing copy and writing headlines.
A bare-chested boy, fresh out of a lake, stands in a field of tall grass. Beads of water drip down his torso as he looks at the camera with a half smile.

On the surface, his portrait captures the simplicity of village life in Kashmir. But to the photographer, Mahtab Hussain, it means so much more. Every time I look at it, he said, I think I could have been that boy swimming in that lake, instead of trying to hide from the racists when I was going back and forth from school.

Mr. Hussain is referring to his childhood in Scotland, where his parents settled in Glasgow after emigrating separately from Pakistan in the 1960s and 70s. His book, Going Back Home to Where I Came From, is a visual diary depicting the life he would have led had his parents never left. Its title refers to the xenophobic insult British strangers have hurled at him.
From The New York Times Magazine, this is Behind the Cover. Im Jake Silverstein, editor in chief. Im Gail Bichler, design director. This week is our special New York Issue. And so joining us is our director of photography, Kathy Ryan. Hi. This year, the concept was love  heartache, lust and romance in the city on one single day. We spoke with Ryan McGinley. And he said, how about we get a bunch of people in an open air truck. Theyre in the foreground, kissing, and the city is moving behind them? We loved that idea. We were also thinking about a split run, because that allows you to get all different kinds of people. It gives you so much variety, like the city. Typically when we do a split run we might do four, but its a 24-hour period so obviously we had to do 24 different covers. We put out a call on our social media: 1,100 couples responded. We got all these amazing love stories. We had 37 couples lined up, ready to go. And when the clock struck midnight, the project began. The weather did not cooperate with us for our 24-hour period that we chose. I was just going to say the thing that Ryan said: Who wouldnt want to kiss in the rain? The truck that we were on got shut down. So at like 10:00 a.m., Kathy and her team had to scramble and totally improvise. Basically, we had a tour bus, just classic city tour bus. It was open air. And we had a stunt coordinator harness the couples in before the bus started moving. In the midst of all the chaos of the city, most of the couples just started kissing immediately. It was amazing to watch. We were all so moved. One of the things that we loved about this project was just the joy of it. That was something that was important to this idea of love. We really wanted something uplifting on the cover. I think thats one of the things that people will be connecting with. Were in a moment right now where people need to be lifted up. I like that somehow in each cover image, they are both intimate and yet theyre full of the kind of energy and dynamism of New York City. Obviously, the photos are the main event here. So we decided to keep the design really simple, but we liked the idea of having the design be the same on every cover to unify all 24. If you were choosing one, or even two or three couples, who that couple is  what age they are, what race they are, and what the sexualities are  those all become very important decisions because you have to symbolize love. So we ended up with the largest split run in the history of the magazine, maybe in the history of all magazines, but thats what we needed to capture the incredible diversity of people and experience in New York City.
The movie doesnt dig too deep into its subjects personal life. I remember wondering if there was a Mrs. Rogers. Her name is Joanne, and she and Fred raised two sons, John and James. They are interviewed on camera, adding detail and texture to the portrait of their husband and father. But not much is said about his childhood or his parents, though there is some mention of bullying and other early hardship. Mr. Neville, whose other films include 20 Feet From Stardom and The Best of Enemies (directed with Robert Gordon) is not interested in psychological sleuthing. Rather than trying to unlock offscreen secrets, he sets out to assess the meaning and impact of an onscreen persona.

It is that emphasis  the earnest, critical attention to the public Mister Rogers and his legacy  that makes Wont You Be My Neighbor? feel like such a gift. Like Tom Junods great 1998 Esquire profile  the inspiration for a Mister Rogers biopic with Tom Hanks set for next year  this movie is at once unapologetically admiring and intellectually rigorous. (Mr. Junod shows up to add a few new insights and anecdotes.) It begins with an old clip of Fred Rogers, a trained composer, at the piano, explaining his approach to communicating with children by way of the musical concept of modulation. Some changes of key, he says, are easy enough to manage, while others are trickier. And so it is with feelings.

Several generations of American kids learned letters and numbers from Sesame Street, phonics from The Electric Company, and civics and grammar from Schoolhouse Rock! What Mister Rogers tried to teach us  how to navigate some of the more difficult modulations in everyday life  might now be classified as emotional literacy. He acknowledged that anger, fear and other kinds of hurt are part of the human repertoire and that children need to learn to speak honestly about those feelings, and to trust the people they share them with.
She pledged to make fighting Trump her top priority. I will use law as a sword, not just a shield, she said. At one point, Ms. Teachout, who is pregnant, placed her hand on her abdomen and declared, I feel the future growing inside me  and with every kick I feel more determined.

Mr. Maloneys candidacy could also have implications for the Democratic efforts to win the House.

If Mr. Maloney wins the attorney general primary on Sept. 13, he said he would step aside from his congressional re-election. He is one of just a dozen Democrats nationally who occupy a district that President Trump carried in 2016 (Mr. Trump won 49 percent there)  potentially opening a swing seat less than two months before the general election.

I care intensely about keeping this seat in the blue column, Mr. Maloney said.

In a truncated attorney generals race, Mr. Maloneys money, if he can use it, would make him formidable. His opponents would have to raise roughly $30,000 every day of the race just to equal the war chest that Mr. Maloney could begin with.

Election attorneys were split in interviews on whether he can transfer all those funds, with some believing federal committees can only transfer $1,000 to a state race.

My understanding is we can spend almost all of it, Mr. Maloney said of his war chest.

Then there is the question of running for two offices at once. Mr. Maloney believes he can do so, at least during the primaries. But tight election deadlines  including the timing in a law for sending ballots overseas  could complicate matters.

Joshua L. Oppenheimer, a top election lawyer in New York, said overlapping federal law, state law and court orders make the issue particularly complex. There are too many novel legal questions, he said. If anyone gives you a slam-dunk answer, theyre leading you the wrong way.

In fact, Representative Kathleen Rice, a Long Island Democrat who also had considered running for attorney general, cited current state law prohibiting candidates from seeking two offices simultaneously in her decision not to run last month.
At the high-school level, the city has been pushing for greater academic diversity, almost doubling the number of what are known as Educational Option programs, which aim to replicate an academic bell curve, with 16 percent of the offers going to applicants who score the highest on state English tests, 16 percent to those who score the lowest, and the remaining 68 percent to those in between. Next year, of the citys more than 400 high schools, 264 will use the Educational Option model, up from 142 schools this year. Still, many of these so-called Ed-Opt schools have struggled to attract high-performing students, who often prefer the selective schools, and ended up with mostly lower-performing students.

In District 3, scars remain from a battle over redrawing school zones two years ago to increase diversity and reduce crowding at a group of elementary schools. At the time, district leaders also considered a plan to integrate middle schools by requiring them to give priority to students who qualify for free and reduced-price lunches for 30 percent of their sixth-grade seats. The most sought-after middle schools, which have a screening process to admit students, have long been criticized for being mostly white and Asian, and more affluent, than the district as a whole.

But that plan foundered after principals voiced concerns that it would not do anything for low-performing schools, many of which already had far higher percentages of poor students. Many parents also saw it as increasing competition for the remaining seats at the top schools.

This spring, the district tried again with the new plan, which would require every middle school to give priority to students who average a 1 on state tests for 10 percent of their sixth-grade seats, and those who average a 2 for another 15 percent of their seats. As a district, we value diversity, equity and access for all our students and across all our schools, said Ilene Altschul, the district superintendent, who proposed the plan, adding that educators and parents have been working together this school year on changes that can help us support these goals.

But that plan raised questions about whether it was legal to rely solely on scores on state standardized tests, which many educators and parents say do not accurately reflect students abilities. State education law prohibits officials from placing students based solely or primarily on their performance on state English and math tests; some city schools can and do use other tests to admit students. State education officials declined to comment on the issue.
In September 2016, two weeks before Mr. Alston was to go on trial, two masked men burst into Mr. Bishuns auto-body shop, kidnapping him at gunpoint and later using a zip tie to strangle him. Prosecutors were concerned enough that Mr. Alston might have been involved that one day later, they asked a judge, Colleen McMahon, to revoke his bail.

It certainly sounds like a contract killing, Judge McMahon said just before she sent Mr. Alston back to jail. Its got that Don Corleone feel to it.

Mr. Alston was later convicted of drug and gun offenses at his trial.

In search of further proof, court papers said, the government also used an informant to infiltrate Mr. Alstons drug gang. The informant reported just days after the murder that a member of the drug gang, Gabriel Guillen, had given him a detailed confession, admitting that on Mr. Alstons orders, he had hired a four-man hit team to execute Mr. Bishun. The informants account was written down in an investigative report prepared by a Drug Enforcement Administration agent working on the case.

As the inquiry continued, prosecutors said, the informant provided more information, including a recording of Mr. Guillen talking about the murder and two text messages he had sent regarding it. By that point, prosecutors were sufficiently suspicious of Mr. Guillen that they obtained a search warrant for his cellphone records, court papers show.

But despite this mounting evidence, investigators were also pursuing a different track. As the weeks passed, prosecutors shifted their attention away from Mr. Guillen and built a credible, if circumstantial, case against Mr. Pizarro and Mr. Rivera, using cellphone data and surveillance camera footage. In March 2017, the two men were arrested.

Nine months later, as the case moved toward a trial, prosecutors began the process of handing over discovery materials to the defense. In one of the submissions, the defense received the recording of Mr. Guillen and the two text messages he had sent to the informant. But according to court papers, the prosecutors warned that they did not believe that Mr. Guillen had told the truth in the recording and claimed that the informant had falsified the texts.

As for the investigative report with Mr. Guillens confession, it was not turned over at the time.

Elizabeth E. Macedonio, Mr. Pizarros lawyer, said in a recent interview that she had been skeptical of the governments position from the start. She said that it was clear from the first discovery materials that Mr. Guillen had met with the informant more than once, though there was no record of the meetings.
When an imam and his assistant were gunned down on a Queens street two summers ago, investigators and members of the largely Bangladeshi Muslim community who followed the spiritual leaders were left grasping for answers.

Detectives arrested a suspect, Oscar Morel, and found a pistol hidden inside a wall in his Brooklyn kitchen that they said matched the one used in the shooting, but they offered no motive for the crime.

The midday attack on the quiet scholars  Maulana Alauddin Akonjee, 55, and his assistant, Thara Uddin, 64  was not cast as a hate crime, robbery or crime of passion during a nearly three-week trial that ended on March 23 with the conviction of Mr. Morel for first-degree and second-degree murder.

So as Mr. Morel, 37, was sentenced on Wednesday to life in prison without chance of parole, an explanation for the execution-style killings remained elusive.
Joe Pintauro, who made the unusual career switch from priest to playwright and whose works were staged by the Circle Repertory Company in New York and numerous regional theaters, died on May 29 at his home in Sag Harbor, N.Y. He was 87.

His husband, Greg Therriault, said the cause was prostate cancer.

Mr. Pintauros plays addressed a broad range of topical subjects, including the AIDS crisis, pederasty in the priesthood and suburban sprawl.

In 1992, his Mens Lives was the first mainstage production of the new Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor and dealt with a controversy right outside the theaters doors: the tension between sport fishermen and the baymen who continued to struggle to make a living with traditional fishing methods. It was a work whose themes might have resonated anyplace where coal miners, shoemakers or autoworkers were being put out of work by forces beyond their control.

When men of craft and artistry are mistreated and wiped out or laid off in record numbers by the capitalistic monster, leaving workers and their skills in the dust of profit over everything, the artist must make a statement, Mr. Pintauro told The New York Times in advance of that production.
This article is part of the Opinion Today newsletter. You can sign up here to receive the newsletter each weekday.

There has been rising anxiety among Democrats in recent weeks  and rising optimism among Republicans  about the midterm elections in November. Last nights primaries in several states should cause everyone to take a deep breath. The Democrats had a good night:

 We still dont have the full picture, but the trends in voter turnout continue to look strong for Democrats. (The partisan breakdown in primary turnout is a meaningful predictor of general-election results.)

In three New Jersey House districts that Democrats are hoping to flip, for example, Democrats cast between 52 percent and 54 percent of primary votes last night. Should be careful about reading too much into it, G. Elliott Morris of The Economist said on Twitter, but those numbers should make Democrats feel good about November.

Democratic turnout was also strong in Iowa. And as analysts dig into the California results today, Ill be watching for what they find out about turnout. Nate Cohn of The Times has a good explainer of Californias importance here.
BRUSSELS  This week leaders from the G-7 countries will meet in Canada to discuss some of the key problems facing the world today. The agenda of the conference is guided by themes like gender equality, preparing for jobs of the future and foreign threats to our democracies.

But there is no hiding that our talks will be held in the specific political context of President Trumps recent decisions and the reactions they have provoked on both sides of the Atlantic. By which I mean the United States withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement and the Iran nuclear deal, and the new tariffs on steel and aluminum, including the way they were imposed and the arguments used to justify them. To me, an incurable pro-American European fanatically devoted to the idea of trans-Atlantic cooperation, these decisions are unfortunate and worrying.

The crucial question today is whether these decisions are only incidental changes to current American policy (to which, of course, every president is entitled) or the beginning of a new strategic trend. Simply put: Are they merely seasonal turbulences or rather the first symptoms of the breakup of the Western political community, which the G-7 represents and informally leads? Its inevitable that this will be on everyones mind at the conference, given the signals that Washington may not be interested in reconfirming our shared commitment to the rules-based international order as one of the main aims of our group. This is no laughing matter. The alternative to order is disorder.

When I hosted Vice President Mike Pence and, subsequently, President Trump in Brussels last year, I expressed my belief that it is in the Wests interest to maintain a rules-based international order in which brute force and egoism do not determine everything. That rules-based order can be enforced only by a common, mutually supportive and decisive policy of the whole Western community. For millions of people worldwide, the Wests predictability and stability guarantee or, at the very least, offer hope that chaos, violence and arrogance will not triumph. Whoever wants to demolish this order must know that we will stay united in its defense. I will make this case to the other participants of the G-7 conference. After all, our community cannot be blown apart by aluminum tariffs.
Thus no new law was made, no new precedent set. But Justice Kennedys opinion interprets existing precedent to set a high bar for those who would allow discrimination in the name of the First Amendment. According to the decision: Our society has come to the recognition that gay persons and gay couples cannot be treated as social outcasts or as inferior in dignity and worth. For that reason the laws and the Constitution can, and in some instances must, protect them in the exercise of their civil rights. The decision clearly states that it is a general rule that religious and philosophical objections do not allow business owners and other actors in the economy and in society to deny protected persons equal access to goods and services.

Perhaps most important, it equates the governments interest in protecting gay persons with the state interest in protecting other groups, such as racial minorities: It is unexceptional that Colorado law can protect gay persons, just as it can protect other classes of individuals. This is extremely important because the court has made clear that the government interest in protecting racial minorities is compelling, but it has never held that with regard to protecting sexual minorities. Only two justices dissented  and they were both liberals who thought the gay couple should have prevailed.

True, religious conservatives will try again to obtain a First Amendment right to withhold commercial services from same-sex weddings (and from other practices to which they object). More conflicts, and more cases, are in the pipeline. But Masterpieces majority put religious objectors on notice that the relief they seek had better not look, sound or smell like anti-gay discrimination. And the decision reaffirms the courts landmark 1990 decision (written by Justice Antonin Scalia) holding that religious objections do not override valid and neutral laws.

Meanwhile, by ducking a broad, one-size-fits-all constitutional holding, the court effectively requires both sides, in Colorado and elsewhere, to go home and try to work out policy accommodations at the state and local levels.

That is just as well. The country is still working its way toward consensus on how to balance competing claims of religious conscience and secular law, and legally speaking, there is no single right answer. As Utah showed in its highly regarded 2015 compromise, if negotiators want a solution more than they want an issue, they can strike political bargains that increase protections for sexual minorities and for religious objectors. Making such deals is never easy, but a sweeping constitutional judgment would foreclose the space for them.

On the controversial, complex issue of gay rights and religious rights, almost any broad constitutional judgment the Supreme Court might reach would be greeted as either gutting anti-discrimination laws (and not just for gay people) or as gutting the First Amendment. Or, possibly, as gutting both.

By ruling narrowly in Masterpiece Bakeshop, the Supreme Court declined an invitation to set off political dynamite. And by reaffirming its hostility to anti-gay discrimination (while also speaking emphatically against anti-religious animus), the court has shored up Justice Kennedys legacy.
Mobile, Ala.  After hyperventilating through last Decembers special-election version of a house of horrors, Alabama voters shrugged their collective shoulders this spring at allegations from disparate sources that Kay Ivey, the incumbent governor, is a lesbian prone to slurred speech who attends too many cocktail parties.

Ms. Ivey, who is 73, ascended from the lieutenant governorship in 2017 when Gov. Robert Bentley resigned following a sex scandal. She avoided almost all public campaigning for Tuesdays Republican primary, while protecting a steady polling lead. She eschewed candidate debates and retail politicking, while running campaign ads showing her shooting a gun and protecting historic monuments from the ravages of Washington special interests. And she assured local voters that she had accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

She didnt, however, take the lead on much of anything during her 14 months in office. Sure, she could claim Alabamas lowest unemployment rate ever  almost exactly tracking the national numbers  but without specifying anything she had done to achieve that success.

And when a reactionary state school board engineered the ouster of the reformist state school superintendent after he had spent less than a year on the job, Ms. Ivey, the boards president (ex officio), avoided the meetings.
Elsewhere, officials are striving to make it harder for people to get Medicaid at all.

Last week, Arkansas became the first state to require some Medicaid recipients to work in order to keep their health insurance. Three other states have secured federal permission to do the same, and several others have similar requests pending with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Proponents of work requirements say that the goal is not to punish the poor, but to lift them out of poverty by nudging them into the work force. But decades of experience with similar social experiments tell us that it will not play out that way. The welfare-to-work strategies of the 1980s and 1990s succeeded at getting people off government rosters  but without alleviating their poverty.

The current Medicaid proposals are likely to have the same effect: The Urban Institute has found that in Arkansas (to take one example) nearly 80 percent of Medicaid enrollees who would be subject to the new work requirements face limitations that include significant health problems, a seriously ill family member, no vehicle or a lack of education. These barriers would make it difficult to impossible for many of them to meet the new rules monthly reporting requirements, even if they managed to secure the required 80 hours of work each month.

If only such scrutiny were applied to Medicaid insurers. But even as more Medicaid beneficiaries  including those with complex medical conditions  are shuttled into cost-saving managed care programs, very little is being done to guard against abuses like the ones that left little Dashon with permanent brain damage. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services began a scorecard program on Monday to track the performance of Medicaid providers, but participation is voluntary and participants will face no penalties for poor performance.

Conservatives love to claim that public program fraud is driven by the people utilizing the programs, says Frederick Isasi, executive director of Families USA, a health care advocacy group. But its actually corporations, providers and carriers that perpetrate most of it.
Shock! Horror! President Trump is actually doing something right.

Sadly, Democrats in Congress are responding in a quite Trumpian way: They seem more concerned with undermining him than supporting a peace process with North Korea. They are on the same side as National Security Adviser John Bolton, quietly subverting attempts to pursue peace.

While international security is complicated, heres a rule of thumb: When you find yourself on the same side as Bolton, go back and re-examine your position.

Sure, we all wish that Trump treated Justin Trudeau or Angela Merkel with the respect that he now shows Kim Jong-un. Yes, it seems that Trump has been played by Kim. Yet another way of putting it is that Trump is finally investing in the kind of diplomatic engagement that he used to denounce, and that we should all applaud.

Trumps newfound pragmatism is infinitely preferable to the threat of nuclear war that used to hang over all of us, so its mystifying to see Democrats carping about any possible North Korea deal.
To the Editor:

Mayor Raises Volume in His Call for Diversity at Specialized Schools (news article, June 4):

Mayor Bill de Blasios proposal regarding the elimination of the Specialized High School Admissions Test, or SHSAT, is shortsighted, unnecessary and potentially cruel, as without the proper preparation hed be setting up many students for failure. Between the difficulty and the rigor of the courseloads offered, the citys elite schools are called such for a reason.

The SHSAT, a screening test, helps determine who is most likely to enjoy success. The best way for the city to increase diversity at these schools is to improve the students primary school education and to provide greater access to quality, affordable test prep in advance of the SHSAT.

BRUCE ELLERSTEIN, NEW YORK

The writer is the parent of a student at a specialized high school.

To the Editor:

In the winter of 1977, I sat down in the wooden chairs in the auditorium of the original Stuyvesant High School to take the entrance exam. I was a byproduct of an elite public school system in Birmingham, Mich. My two brothers, sister and I had just moved to New York City. I was incredibly nervous as I knew the results of this single exam could change my entire life.

Forty-one years later, I am still benefiting from my four years at Stuyvesant. Yet how could it be that in 2018, in a city with nearly 70 percent black and Hispanic students, only 10 percent of those accepted at the specialized high schools are black or Hispanic? This fact is unacceptable.
His confirmation as ambassador to Germany took a while, but when Richard Grenell arrived in Berlin in May he wasted no time riling up his new hosts. On his first day on the job, he tweeted that German companies doing business in Iran should wind down operations immediately because President Trump had decided to unilaterally withdraw from the painstakingly negotiated nuclear deal with Iran.

Germans were not amused by an ambassador telling them what to do, but that hardly deterred our man in Berlin. What he did next was to give an outrageous and insulting interview over the weekend to Breitbart, summarized thus by the alt-right mouthpiece: Trumpian U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell has expressed great excitement over the wave of conservatism in Europe, saying he wants to empower leaders of the movement.

Mr. Trump was no doubt highly pleased by his envoy, a former United Nations spokesman, Mitt Romney campaign aide and Fox News contributor, whose confirmation was long held up by congressional critics over his history of provocative tweets, including several derogatory of the appearance of prominent women.

But ambassadors do not represent a president; they represent a state, and they are not supposed to go around empowering nationalist movements or far-right ideologies in other countries. The Germans were furious. The new ambassador is behaving not like a diplomat, but like a far-right colonial officer, fumed Martin Schulz, the former European Parliament president.
We go to Nooks Baltimore, to his corner on Calhoun Street and Pratt Street. Some of his friends are still there, and we talk to them about Nooks life. He was ambitious, they say. A leader. His mother was proud of that.

Everybody was talking about the Baltimore police officers who had just been on trial, accused of stealing from drug dealers. You see, they said, we were right. The cops are robbers. We said this all along, but nobody believed us.

Suddenly, two police officers pull up, and we encounter something that seems to be emblematic of the changes in the Baltimore Police Department.

If youd like to start from the beginning, here are Part 1 and Part 2.
Radio is an even more intimate medium than premium cable television with a Mature Audiences content rating, and Ms. Cattralls speech, isolated from other sounds, conjures those sedative tickles of faint euphoria associated with the phenomenon known as A.S.M.R., or autonomous sensory meridian response. Her real voice is breathy like Samantha Joness, but less fluctuant in pitch and volume. It rushes up from her diaphragm full of theatrical resonance and then hums along at a soothing, slow register. It is crisp. When Ms. Cattrall says the word didnt, she respects each and every D and T.

Indeed, it could be said that alveolar plosives  the consonant sounds made by tapping the tip of the tongue to the alveolar ridge, just behind the teeth, as when hitting ones Ds and Ts  are some of Ms. Cattralls best work. She is a careful enunciator who takes time to pronounce distinctly every element of a consonant cluster. Her diction might be described as intricate.

Most native speakers of North American English dont distinctly pronounce their alveolar plosives (in other words: stops) when they occur at the end of a word. Take, for example, this very sentence, which starts with the word take and ends with the word it. For many Americans and Canadians, the T of it sounds semi-swallowed. Linguists debate whether this muted effect is the result of a failure to release a final, teensy puff of air, or of something happening way down inside the throat, in the space between the vocal cords called the glottis. The point is, the sound is different  smaller sounding  than the T in take. Not so for Ms. Cattrall or, as Ms. Cattrall might say, noT so for Ms. Cattrall.

And this is just one tic of the hypnotic swinging-watch pendulum of Kim Cattralls radio voice. We could linger here all day attempting to deconstruct precisely what makes Kim Cattralls speaking so appealing, but self-care begins with you and ends with Kim Cattrall describing the vitality of stage performance.

With that in mind, here is my curated playlist of the top four easily accessible podcast appearances by Kim Cattrall. They will soothe you and educate you about her life. May she one day host a six-hour daily podcast of her own.
Age: 47

Occupation: Senior program manager for Salesforce

From: San Francisco

Move date: 2009

Lives now: Burlingame, Calif.

My son, Jack, only lived to be three weeks old. Shortly after his death, my marriage to his father ended just as abruptly. I was crushed. My life, as I knew it, was over. I was living in Los Angeles at the time, and moved back to the Bay Area to be near my friends.

As much love and support as I received from them, there was no rule book on how to deal with my loss. I was often left out of their kids celebrations to spare me from the reminder. Their intentions were good, but not being invited made me feel worse. Something had to change.

I was 38 years old, newly divorced and childless. But I was also completely free  free to live any way and anywhere I wanted. I chose New York City.

I had always loved New York, and as with most women back then, Sex and the City was a favorite escape. My friends would often tell me that I was the Charlotte of the group, and when I moved to New York in 2009, I identified with her the most.

I put everything I owned in storage, purchased a one-way ticket and created a blog called Sevinthecity about my experience. I made a point of doing as much as I could so I could share my experiences with the few who followed me. In doing so, I somehow turned what was supposed to be a one-year sojourn into seven. I fell in love twice, had my heart broken twice and lived in four different apartments.

When I returned to San Francisco in 2016, I came to realize I no longer identified with Charlotte but discovered after seven incredible years in New York that I was really Carrie Bradshaw all along. Just look in my closet.

Erin Gilmore-Allen
SANTA MONICA, Calif.  I wanted to hate the scooters. I really did.

Before going to the Los Angeles region last week for work, I had heard about the areas invasion by dockless, rent-by-the-minute electric scooters. I saw their sudden arrival described as a plague of two-wheeled terrors that had crowded sidewalks and endangered pedestrians, and I knew that some cities had issued cease-and-desist orders and passed emergency ordinances to get them off the streets.

I also knew that Los Angeless leading e-scooter company, Bird  which reportedly just raised $150 million at a valuation north of $1 billion  was run by Travis VanderZanden, a former executive of Uber and Lyft. His new venture seemed to be an unholy mix of the formers lawless arrogance and the latters saccharine branding. (A group of people riding Bird scooters is called a flock, Mr. VanderZanden has insisted.)

Tech hubris on wheels  whats not to loathe?

But I wanted to experience the scooter craze for myself. So for a week, I used shared e-scooters as my primary mode of transportation. I rode them to meetings, ran errands across town and went for long joy rides on the Venice Beach boardwalk. In all, I took more than a dozen scooter rides, from just a few blocks to several miles.

And heres my verdict: E-scooters might look and feel kind of dorky, but they arent an urban menace or a harbinger of the apocalypse. In fact  sigh  theyre pretty great.
If I need to record a telephone interview (and have permission to do so), I use a low-tech option: the Olympus TP-8 Telephone Pick-up Microphone, which works instantly and reliably on any phone I might have to use, land line or cellular.

Whenever I travel for work, I constantly take photos with my Pixel 2 cellphone that might seem like irrelevant details but that offer fact-checkable color in greater detail than I could ever write down in a notepad. They are then automatically backed up when I am on Wi-Fi by Google Photos.

Also: LastPass helps me securely manage the dozens of websites I have passwords for. LinkedIn is helpful, in finding people and getting biographical information, as is an extension called ContactOut, which helps find emails and other contact info for LinkedIn users. Signal has become an important tool to communicate with certain sources. Twitter is a huge distraction, but is also an essential tool to keep up to date on topics I am tracking, and to help promote the work of The Times.

One of your recent scoops involved uncovering the emails of Scott Pruitt, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency. You must pore through thousands of documents for these investigations. Do you use any special tools to stay organized or streamline the process?

One of the most challenging parts of my job is the massive number of documents I have to read, most of which are junk, but hidden in there are some real gems. A PDF reader is just not good enough.
Daniel Radcliffe is returning to Broadway, and to exploring the particular challenges of the Information Age, in a new play about an epic and thought-provoking battle between a writer and a fact-checker.

Mr. Radcliffe will co-star with Cherry Jones and Bobby Cannavale in The Lifespan of a Fact, a new play adapted from a 2012 book about the real-life, multiyear, wildly tortured editing of a magazine essay about an adolescents suicide.

Mr. Radcliffe will play the scrupulous fact-checker, Jim Fingal, and Mr. Cannavale will play the essayist, John DAgata, whose occasional prioritization of artistry over precision prompted a debate over the nature of truth and the meaning of accuracy. Ms. Jones will play a fictionalized version of Mr. Fingals boss.

Mr. Radcliffe, of course, is most famous for playing the title role in all eight Harry Potter films. But in the years since, he has taken on increasingly challenging stage and film roles. This will be his first time originating a role on Broadway, but he has appeared in three revivals: The Cripple of Inishmaan, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Equus. His most recent, and relevant, New York stage role was Off Broadway in 2016, when he starred at the Public Theater in Privacy, a play that explored the exposure of personal information via technology.
Even with increased awareness, men still dominate. Of the 34 plays and musicals currently running on Broadway, not one employs a female sound designer, while only five have female set designers and nine have female lighting designers. Parity is better among costume designers, with 17 Broadway shows employing women, including Ms. James whose work for Come From Away was nominated for a Drama Desk Award. As she put it, costume design has long been looked upon as something that the producers sister, granddaughter, you know, anyone can do, which is to say, womens work.

[Sign up for Theater Update, a weekly email of news and features.]

The gender imbalance is not for a lack of interest or skill among women. According to the Department of Education, nearly half of all undergraduates pursuing bachelors degrees in theater design and technology nationwide are women, as are 62 percent of masters degree candidates. Among the theater design tracks at the City University of New York, for example, female undergraduates outnumber their male counterparts.

During the round-table talk, the designers debated the sources of gender disparity in professional theaters, agreeing that it was partially an unfortunate result of what propels hiring in theater: connections.

The teams are put together by the directors, Ms. James said. If a male director finds a team of male designers, and they prove to be compatible, capable leaders, that director wont be eager to take a chance on someone new, especially when money  and reputation  is on the line.

Directors have long relationships with collaborators, Ms. Hauck said. Theyre deep and theyre rich, and its not for nothing that they go back to their team.

Theres a trust there, Ms. James said  especially for an outdoor production like Othello, which has to withstand rainfall and airplanes overhead. I trust that Jane is going to do fantastic light. I trust that Jessica is going to do the sound. I trust that Rachel is going to give me a rough-ass floor.
SAN FRANCISCO  In this deeply liberal California city, frustration over crises around housing and homelessness is bringing some on the left a little further right.

At an upscale sushi restaurant, a few dozen members of the San Francisco Republican Party gathered on Tuesday night to watch the election results. Most did not want to talk about state or national politics, they wanted to keep it local.

The group largely supported the Republican candidate for governor, John H. Cox, whom President Trump had endorsed and who won a place on the ballot along with Gavin Newsom, a Democrat and a former San Francisco mayor. But among the longtime Republicans were some newcomers, drawn to the right over frustration with the citys trifecta of very tangible crises: a large homeless population, record housing costs and a high rate of property crime.

Were the most beautiful city no one ever wants to come back to, said Anna Coles, 36, a real estate agent who has lived in the city for 12 years.
[Read more: Democrats find relief in Californias House race results.][Go here for full results from Californias primary.]

He received a higher percentage of votes statewide than he did in Los Angeles. While it is not clear yet how many Latinos showed up to vote, it seems Mr. Villaraigosas support was shallow there too. His loss combined with the struggle of Kevin de Leon, the State Senate president, to capture the No. 2 spot in the United States Senate race shows that statewide Latino candidates do not necessarily mean more Latinos voting.

In the coming days, as more data on turnout comes out, experts will be closely watching to determine how many Latinos actually voted.

The most important question in this race was if Antonio Villaraigosa could motivate Latino voters to come out in historically high numbers, said Dan Schnur, a professor at the University of Southern California and a former Republican strategist. He said that, based on early indications, the turnout among the Hispanic-American community was roughly in line with past midterm elections.

The defeat was not for lack of money. Charter school supporters spent more than $20 million on Mr. Villaraigosas behalf, but the money hardly moved the needle. Though he began his career as a union organizer, Mr. Villaraigosa had infuriated the powerful teachers union over charter schools. His loss is another indicator of the power of labor unions in the state: Without their help, Mr. Villaraigosa could not get enough of a turnout in the regions he was counting on, including the Inland Empire and Central Valley.

San Francisco Over Los Angeles

On the Democratic side, the race for governor of California pitted former mayors of two of the states largest cities: Mr. Newsom, from San Francisco, and Mr. Villaraigosa, of Los Angeles.

Inevitably, the contest was framed, in some quarters, as a battle between those two cities, whose rivalry and different cultures  both are liberal, but San Francisco has a greater history of political activism  has defined the states political identity. Angelenos  and this includes Mr. Villaraigosa  have lamented that Northern California has historically been more powerful than the south in state politics because voter turnout tends to be higher.
Good morning.

(Want to get California Today by email? Heres the sign-up.)

Welcome to a special (and sleep-deprived!) edition of California Today.

The nations eyes were on our state Tuesday, and for good reason. California may be the most important battleground for Democrats in their drive to claim a majority in Congress. But Democrats have been nervous because of Californias top two election system, which they have worried might shut them out from the November ballot in some pivotal races.

As of early this morning, California was living up to its reputation for being notoriously slow at vote counting, and a lot remains to be seen.

Still, heres a look at what we know so far:

 Our reporters put together this story, which rounds up everything that happened on Tuesday. At the top of the ticket, Gavin Newsom, the Democratic lieutenant governor and former mayor of San Francisco, captured one of two spots on the November ballot. The other went to John Cox, a Republican business executive. That left Antonio R. Villaraigosa, a Democrat and former Los Angeles mayor, out of the mix.
Mr. Trump, she said, has shown hostility toward Native Americans, most publicly with his repeated use of the slur Pocahontas to describe Senator Elizabeth Warren, the prominent Democrat from Massachusetts. But it has also been demonstrated in policy, she said, with the administrations recent contention, during a discussion of Medicaid benefits on tribal lands, that Native Americans should be considered as a racial category  a move that some tribes believe could impinge on their treaty rights as sovereign governments.

Ms. Haalands perspectives seem to have resonated with voters in the Albuquerque-area district, which was a Republican bastion for 40 years after its creation in 1969. The last Republican to hold the seat was Heather Wilson, who was replaced by a Democrat in 2009 and now serves as Mr. Trumps secretary of the Air Force. Michelle Lujan Grisham, the Democrat currently representing the district, won the Democratic nomination for governor in Tuesdays primary.

The race against Ms. Arnold-Jones, a conservative former state representative who ran unopposed in Tuesdays primary, is expected to largely turn on issues such as immigration, gun laws, policies aimed at strengthening New Mexicos weak economy, and criticism or support of Mr. Trump. The district has favored Democrats, giving Ms. Haaland a presumed edge, but Ms. Arnold-Jones is emphasizing her record promoting transparency in government in the State Legislature and her credentials as a former small-business owner and volunteer.

Ms. Haaland is benefiting from years in Democratic politics in New Mexico, running unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in 2014 and being elected as chairwoman of the state Democratic Party in 2015. A graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law, she has been involved as an activist here for more than a decade, working to boost voter turnout.

Congress did not grant full citizenship or the right to vote to Native Americans until 1924, but allowed states to decide whether to expand such voting rights. New Mexico, where Native Americans now account for about 10.5 percent of the population, was the last state to enfranchise them, in 1962, according to the Library of Congress.

In recent years, a variety of factors, including increased revenue from casino gambling in Indian country, have begun to draw some Native American candidates more prominently into New Mexicos political landscape.

But Ms. Haaland is not seen as a niche candidate. Political analysts here say her resounding win in the primary  she defeated the closest of five challengers by nearly 2 to 1  involved cobbling together a coalition of liberal voters drawn to her support for issues such as gay rights, renewable energy projects and expansion of public health care.
Four police officers in Mesa, Ariz., have been placed on administrative leave after a surveillance video showed some of them repeatedly punching an unarmed black man and pushing him to the ground during an arrest.

The Mesa police chief, Ramon Batista, released the video to local media on Tuesday after a civilian alerted him to the footage from a buildings surveillance camera, recorded on May 23.

Also this week, police body-camera footage of another arrest of another unarmed black man in Mesa  this one took place in November  was released and posted on YouTube, prompting activists to call for an independent investigation into the Police Department.

Footage of last months arrest shows a man, Robert Johnson, 35, speaking on a cellphone on what looks like a balcony of an apartment building before officers emerged from an elevator shortly before midnight on May 23. They were apparently responding to a domestic disturbance call.
 our future. I say, get your resumes ready. My name is Samantha Fuentes and I am a survivor of the Stoneman Douglas school shooting. Its as if we need permission to ask our friends not to die! Lawmakers and politicians will scream, Guns are not the issue, but cant look me in the eye. [sputtering] I just threw up on international television, and it feels great! [cheering] You dont see us when we get offstage. You dont see us when the cameras turn off. You dont see when you have panic attacks or when you cry, and you cry, and you cant stop crying. You all right? [sobbing] [yelling] Yeah, Sam! Thank you so much. Woo! When I got shot, the bullet was deferred into a wall first, before hitting me, and then broke apart. So I have pieces of metal in my face. And like, I can stick my finger on the top of my lip and feel a piece of metal. And that alone  thats not normal. Like, theres nothing normal about having metal in your face, unless its braces. When I got to D.C., I really didnt know what to expect. D.C.s honestly really pretty. I wish I could appreciate it more, but I cant. I feel like sometimes Im not the right person, or maybe this isnt my job. Or maybe, as an 18-year-old, like, this isnt the path that I was supposed to take. This is for MSNBC. We have another 14. I can move, also. We can move somewhere else. Im just not ready for this. Im sorry. Its O.K. Im sorry. Yeah, were going somewhere else. O.K., cool. These are some of the families from Parkland. Hi, Im Josh. Oh. No, no, its fine. Ever since the shooting, I have been suffering from PTSD. You dont really think you notice it at first, until, like, something sets you off. Sometimes when someone beeps their horn or they slam their door, or if someone, like, sneezes too loudly, it freaks me out. Im really honored to have a chance to meet with you. And you guys have really been through a lot, havent you? Yeah. Id really love to just hear whats on your mind, how you guys are doing. I dont ever want someone to be in my position. I dont ever want someone to be afraid of loud noises and afraid to go to school. And I think, out of all the people who can speak efficiently about the topic are the people who have been in front of a barrel of an AR-15. The voice of moral authority that you all have is just a really, really powerful voice. Its really powerful. Some people dont believe that participating in a cause will ever make a difference. So I would like to bring to the stage a poet from Stoneman Douglas, Samantha Fuentes. And some people dont believe that they matter. [applause] And if youre just that one person, just speak up for yourself. Just having those ears available and having those faces to look at and to speak to is the first step. Can my present love breach the past tense? Does loving the dead make any sense? I love you. I love you. I love you. Will you come back to this place? I feel like Ive been changed. Like, maybe not  like, yes, maybe physically. But like, I feel like something more is there, like, when I look at myself. Like, there is this feeling that I really cant wrap my head around that, like, just confuses me. And like, it always happens when I look at myself in the mirror. And like, I have to realize that Im not the same person and I had no control of that transformation. Today is March 24, the March for Our Lives. Protect our schools like we do our other government establishments! And one more request  listen. [cheering] Will you give up, or is enough enough? [cheering]
WASHINGTON  Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has temporarily halted relieving the debt of some student borrowers who were defrauded by the now-defunct Corinthian Colleges, after a federal judge found her department misused earnings data to calculate loan forgiveness.

In response to a court order last week, the Education Department said that it would grant a temporary postponement of loan payments for Corinthian students in lieu of federal debt-relief claims. It also said it would stop collection payments for four students who sued the department over its new formula for determining how much debt they would have to repay.

The halt came after Magistrate Judge Sallie Kim of Federal District Court in San Francisco found that the department had violated the Privacy Act by sharing student borrower information, such as Social Security numbers and birth dates, with the Social Security Administration to obtain earnings data. The judge ordered the Education Department to end the practice and its collection of Corinthian student debts.

In December, Ms. DeVos announced a new system to manage the thousands of students who filed so-called borrower-defense claims after several for-profit colleges began imploding in scandal in 2015, leaving students saddled with debt and tarnished degrees. The department began dividing borrowers according to a tiered system of debt relief, based on whether they had gone on to find gainful employment.
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif.  Democrats breathed sighs of relief on Wednesday as party candidates in Californias seven most competitive House races were set to advance to the general election and go on the offensive in those Republican-held districts, all of which Hillary Clinton carried in 2016.

National Democratic groups spent more than $7 million this spring as part of an extraordinary intervention to avoid being locked out of Tuesdays top two California primary, in which the two leading vote-getters  regardless of party  move on to the general election this fall.

Democrats were virtually certain to secure a slot in the general election against Representative Dana Rohrabacher, a Republican, and in the Southern California districts held by Representatives Ed Royce and Darrell Issa, who are retiring.

House Democrats had staged a rescue mission in all three districts, by propping up their own favored candidates, attacking Republicans or a mix of both.
WASHINGTON  Democrats enhanced their prospects for winning control of the House with Tuesdays coast-to-coast primary results, skirting potential calamity in California and lining up likely gains in New Jersey and possible victories in Iowa and New Mexico.

The Democratic Party had feared disaster in California, where a quirky jungle primary gives the November ballot to the top two finishers, regardless of party. But Democratic contenders there leveraged financial and strategic help from the national party to weather the winnowing primary, and ensure that they will field candidates in multiple districts that they will most likely need if they are to win control in November.

Even though Democrats had to spend a few million dollars, crisis averted, said Nathan Gonzales, a veteran House race handicapper and the editor of the Inside Elections newsletter.

Republicans avoided their own worst-case scenario as well, securing a spot in the California governors race, which should help bring G.O.P. voters to the polls this fall to vote for their partys House candidates. Republicans missed a slot on the ballot to challenge Senator Dianne Feinsteins re-election bid, but a shutout in both Californias Senate race and its contest for governor could have severely depressed conservative turnout.
LOS ANGELES  Gavin Newsom, the Democratic lieutenant governor and former mayor of San Francisco, took a major step Tuesday in his bid to become Californias next governor, capturing one of two spots on the November ballot as the state moved closer to the end of the era of Gov. Jerry Brown.

John Cox, a Republican businessman backed by President Trump, captured the other spot, setting up what is  at best  a very long-shot bid for Mr. Cox in a decidedly Democratic state where Mr. Trump lost by nearly four million votes.

Mr. Coxs showing represented a major tactical victory for national Republicans as they seek to protect seven Republican-held congressional seats in California that Democrats are targeting as they try to recapture the House. Republican leaders, including Kevin McCarthy, the House majority leader who comes from central California, had feared that having no Republicans running for a high-profile statewide office would diminish turnout among party voters in the fall.

Importantly, Democrats seemed poised to avoid the disaster they feared in House races: Being shut out of the November balloting under the states so-called top-two primary system, in which only the top two finishers advance to the general election. But many of the districts had crowded primaries and in some of them votes were still being counted early Wednesday morning.
WASHINGTON  Republican lawmakers in the House are hurtling toward a collision over immigration, raising the prospect of a divisive and uncomfortably public intraparty fight just five months before Novembers midterm elections.

And party leaders are running out of time to stop it.

In the face of a rebellion from moderate members, who are on the brink of forcing a series of immigration votes over the objections of Speaker Paul D. Ryan, Republicans will meet privately on Thursday morning to discuss the issue.

Our members are earnest and sincere in trying to understand each others perspectives, Mr. Ryan told reporters on Wednesday, adding, I really do believe that there is a sweet spot here.

At the center of their discussions is the fate of hundreds of thousands of young immigrants brought to the country illegally as children  known as Dreamers. Heres a guide to the impending showdown.
Aaron Persky, the California judge who drew national attention in 2016 when he sentenced a Stanford student to just six months in jail for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman, was recalled on Tuesday, according to The Associated Press. He is the first judge recalled in California in more than 80 years.

With nearly all precincts reporting on Wednesday, just under 60 percent of voters were in favor of removing Judge Persky from the Santa Clara County Superior Court, where he had served since 2003. Cindy Hendrickson, a prosecutor, was elected to replace him.

The recall stemmed from the case of Brock Turner, who sexually assaulted a woman near a dumpster in 2015 after she had blacked out from drinking. In March 2016, a jury found Mr. Turner, then 20, guilty on all three felony charges against him: sexual penetration with a foreign object of an intoxicated person, sexual penetration with a foreign object of an unconscious person, and intent to commit rape.

The maximum sentence in Mr. Turners case was 14 years, and Judge Persky had sentenced him to six months. Mr. Turner served only three months before being released in September 2016. (He also received three years of probation and was required to register as a sex offender, and Stanford forced him to withdraw and barred him from campus.)
Melania Trump. Is she trapped? A reluctant first lady? Or is she poised, polished and a quiet, but supportive, first lady? Who is the real Melania? Very few, at least among those who are speaking publicly, will say. Im very strong. People, they dont really know me. People think and talk about me like, Oh, Melania. Oh, poor Melania. Dont feel sorry for me. Dont feel sorry for me. I can handle everything. But as Donald Trumps presidency has progressed, the first lady has become a versatile avatar, her image split sharply down political lines. In one version of the public imagination, Melania is unhappy. She dislikes her husband and disagrees with his policies. She may even be mulling a divorce. This Melania has shown up on late-night TV and in tabloids. Youre beautiful, dutiful Melania. I cant take it anymore. Then theres the other version of Melania, painted by conservative media as confident, fashion forward, graceful and adored. I have been so impressed with, not just her quiet dignity, as you brought up, but also just this diplomatic use of fashion. This version is closer to the official portrayal of Melania. Through her spokespeople, the first lady says she is supportive of her husband and focused on raising their son, Barron. I support my husband 100 percent. But we have a 9-year-old son together, Barron. And Im raising him. She says she prefers to take a back seat to her husband, to keep his place in the limelight. Its not the first time Melanias been in the public eye. You spin, baby, you spin. Shes a former model and jewelry designer. I love when idea comes to life. And I study architecture and design and its something very creative for me. Im very passionate about what I design, and there are some beautiful pieces. When they got together in the late 1990s, the Trumps say their chemistry was instant. We were both at the same party and thats how we met. He came to me... Like her right away? I went crazy. Melania and Donald became synonymous with the New York social scene. Theyve stood did together for a number of years now. New Yorkers have come to know them as a very solid couple. And in 2005, they married. Hi, fans. Im going to Metropolitan Gala. In the following years, Melanias social media posts focused on fashion, travel, fitness and spending time with family. Now as the first lady, next to one of the most outspoken presidents in recent history, Melanias silence has taken on a life of its own. The most important thing is just to be you. Thats the end.
The battle for control of Congress was front and center on Tuesday night, with races taking shape in several intensely contested House seats in California and New Jersey. But there were revealing elections in the Midwest and the South, too, underscoring President Trumps power in the Republican Party and the different ways Democrats hope to loosen his hold on red-state America.

Here are some of our takeaways:

Money matters in California

National Democrats spent over $7 million in an effort to ensure they had a candidate reach the general election in three House districts in California held by Republicans. Their decision to not take their chances in the states top two system  in which the top finishers in nonpartisan, open primaries face each other in November  appears to have been a wise investment.

The partys intervention in the districts held by Representative Dana Rohrabacher, Ed Royce and Darrell Issa, all Republicans, paid off: they angered some of their own activists but were virtually certain to advance candidates in each of the three districts, including their preferred picks against Mr. Rohrabacher and in Mr. Royces seat.

And the Democrats also got a bit of a lesson about the risks of not intervening, in the race for the seat held by Representative Jeff Denham. The Democrat Josh Harder got little outside help and appeared poised to barely edge out a little-known Republican challenger because the other five Democrats split more than 30 percent of the vote.
Mr. Gowdy and Mr. Ryan were among a small group of congressional leaders briefed on the informant late last month by top officials from the F.B.I., Justice Department and the office of the director of national intelligence. The unusual meeting came after Mr. Trump intervened on behalf of Representative Devin Nunes, Republican of California and the chairman of the Intelligence Committee, who was demanding information related to the informant.

Mr. Ryan has encouraged Mr. Gowdy, a former federal prosecutor and one of the House Republicans most experienced investigators, to help calm tensions between Mr. Nunes and the Justice Department. The two sides have repeatedly clashed as Mr. Nunes, a close ally of the presidents, has demanded greater and greater access to delicate case files.

Democrats emerged from the highly secretive briefing saying that they had seen no evidence to support any allegation that the F.B.I. or any intelligence agency placed a spy in the Trump campaign, or otherwise failed to follow appropriate procedures and protocols. But Mr. Gowdy was the first Republican to break ranks a few days later, when he said on Fox News that the agency had acted properly.

I think when the president finds out what happened, he is going to be not just fine, he is going to be glad that we have an F.B.I. that took seriously what they heard, Mr. Gowdy said.

He added, I am even more convinced that the F.B.I. did exactly what my fellow citizens would want them to do when they got the information they got, and that it has nothing to do with Donald Trump.

People familiar with the matter have said that the informant was an American academic and veteran of Republican administrations who was to trying to glean information about what several campaign aides knew about the Russian efforts to hack into Democratic emails.

Senator Richard M. Burr, Republican of North Carolina and the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, also put his support behind Mr. Gowdys analysis on Wednesday, after Mr. Ryans remarks. Mr. Burr had been silent after participating in the confidential briefing on the matter in late May.
We are now going to explain the War of 1812 to you. Why not?

We didnt think wed find ourselves here, either. But on Wednesday, CNN reported that the 206-year-old war figured prominently in a discussion between President Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada on May 25. According to CNNs unnamed sources, Mr. Trump asked Mr. Trudeau, Didnt you guys burn down the White House?

The New York Times then confirmed the CNN report, as did The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

Its unclear if the president was trying to make a joke during what was, reportedly, a tense call about his decision to impose steep tariffs on metals imported from Canada, Mexico and the European Union.

Any lesson on the War of 1812 probably isnt the most vivid memory people have from their high school history classes, so its details may be fuzzy to many. And with the war suddenly in the news and the butt of jokes on social media, they might fairly wonder: Well, did Canada burn down the White House?

No, Canada did not burn down the White House during the War of 1812, which was fought with Britain over maritime rights. What is now Canada was not yet a country in 1812, but rather British colonies.
KABUL, Afghanistan  As many as 30,000 Afghan police officers fighting a bloody war against the Taliban have been denied their modest salaries for months, officials said on Wednesday, as the American-led coalition funding the force holds back their pay out of fear that much of it is going into the hands of corrupt leaders.

The move is seen as a punishment of sorts for the leadership of the force, which has lagged in accounting for its men and weeding out ghost soldiers.

Officials from the NATO coalition, which largely foots the bill for the Afghan forces  about $4 billion a year  hope the move will shock the leadership into expediting a nationwide inventory of the officers. Their identities are being verified through biometric data.

But bearing the brunt of the decision are the desperate police officers, many of them pinned down by the Taliban in faraway outposts inaccessible to the inventory teams. The officers come from the poorest communities around the country, accepting the risky job for $200 a month when there are few other prospects. Each day last year, an average of about 28 Afghan police officers and army members were killed.
Imagine a CSI investigation  this famous TV program  where the investigators dont have the murder weapon, dont have the place, dont have access to the victims. How the hell do you investigate that? Its impossible! Late 2016, Havana. Dr. Rosenfarb, are you aware of any type of technology that would cause this? No, Im not, sir. American diplomats were complaining of crushing headaches, extreme fatigue. Who would do this? And, an intense sound. Secretary Tillerson ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel. The Cubans? They said they knew nothing about it. Sporadic attacks continued until late April. But that sound is why this building is nearly empty at this important moment for Cuba. For the first time in 60 years, its leader will not be a Castro. Two things we know for sure. Heres what the U.S. government has said about the sound: People were hurt, and the Cuban government knows who did it. Whatever happened to these people happen as a result of some sophisticated technology that, quite frankly, is so sophisticated we dont understand it. It leads you then  In Washington, Senator Marco Rubio convened a hearing. It was the early opinion of the security professionals who looked at it that it was likely a form of harassment. O.K. In late 2016, staff at the United States Embassy in Havana began complaining of strange noises, and among the descriptions that they complained of, high-pitched beam of sound or just intense pressure in one ear. There are 24 Americans, who during their time in Havana, have experienced symptoms that are consistent with what you would see in mild traumatic brain injury and/or concussion. Doctors said that diplomats brain matter had actually changed. What started out as a mysterious nuisance  We know it happened to 24 people   became a suspected instrument of attack. Tillerson reacted as he would have reacted when he was an oil executive. He heard something happen in an oil rig. Get everybody out of there. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson ordered his staff: We are convinced these were targeted attacks. We dont like our diplomats being targeted. Depart your post, he said. Leave Cuba. And they did. Everyone from the people who discussed trade down to those who processed visas. The incident had become political. This is entirely about the health, and the safety, and the well-being of Americans. We still have an investigation thats underway. So I hope Cuba would focus instead on helping us with the investigation and be less concerned about claiming this is political. [music] So here the contrast, the contrast which is  Carlos Alzugaray was a Cuban diplomat for decades. Hes a bit of an unofficial government spokesperson. Why throw down the Embassy? The bad thing about it is that probably the guys who have been affected more are the regular Cubans, not the government. By the time the diplomats left, the warming started by President Obama had undeniably chilled. The U.S. issued a travel advisory, and tourism dropped. On the streets of Havana, the idea that Cuba was involved in a sonic attack was met with skepticism. It wasnt long after the incident became public that sound experts began downplaying the idea of a sonic attack. Sound cant easily change brain matter, among other reasons. Youve got a long, long way to go before you even attribute this to sound. Its not going to cause physical effects. If the sound goes through air before reaching you, its not going to cause that. It may have been a situation where people were drawn more closely together. It wasnt only the sound experts who struggled to explain what happened. Infectious cause is what I would say. Engineers also tried. It could have just been a malfunctioning ultrasonic device, perhaps used for some other nefarious purpose. And psychologists. Well, these people were on an island. Fears can spread in a tight group. Things can get more intensified. Anything is possible. A microwave expert. If you direct a beam of microwave, the microwave would produce an acoustic wave. This doctor said it could have just been a virus. An infection, of some type. So an ultrasonic weapon is not science fiction. I could build one. I could put it in the house of somebody I didnt like, and I could annoy them. What its  really seems science-fiction is the idea that you could build an ultrasonic rifle that will shoot 100 meters and target somebody, and shoot through a wall and get just that one person. Dr. Leighton is referring to this hotel, where some diplomats reported hearing the sound. Look up. Its unlikely you could direct a weaponized sound wave across this street, 11 stories up through walls and windows, and hit individuals repeatedly without anyone noticing. The U.S. wouldnt share any evidence of an attack with the Cubans. So they did their own investigation. For reference, 140 decibels is about the sound of a planes jet engine at takeoff. You ask, what we think is that some people were ill, and that there was a psychogenic contagion. And other people started reporting that they were feeling ill. These are English-speaking communities that are relatively isolated from the Cuban population. They live among themselves. They exchange. And any kind of anxiety or stress  Doctor Sosa is referring to mass hysteria, a psychological condition. There was no, quote unquote, attack. This theory is actually the current official Cuban standpoint. Today, the lights are on at the Embassy, but the doors remain locked. The administrations reaction to all of this is so drastic, to make permanent the drawdown of the U.S. Embassy to ridiculously low, unnecessary levels, which has an element of spite to it. Fulton Armstrong is a former C.I.A. analyst who covered Cuba. He made a career in searching for motives. They were so desperate to make their case that it was sonic attacks. This is serious stuff. Youre accusing them of doing line-of-sight attacks with a weapon that no one knows exists. So, once the political people got stuck in their own internal contradictions, it was almost impossible, then, to get a real serious discussion of what was going on. The administration had already decided it was going to use it, the legitimate symptoms of U.S. government officials, for a political maneuver that looks like a lot of other political things that this administration has done. And that is, at any cost, undo what the predecessor did. There are a number of people in the administration, and some in Congress, who didnt want to see normalization of relations. So, for those who didnt like the policy changes by President Obamas administration, its worked out pretty well. You have the State Department work, practically all the major executive jobs have not been covered. Its the perfect situation for someone like Marco Rubio to hijack a policy and push. And so it leads you to conclude that the Cuban government either did this, or they know who did it. And they cant say, because  Marco Rubio got his way. Sometimes, in U.S. politics, the strongest voice is the voice that predominates even when the bureaucracy isnt with you. Whoever did this  did this  The bureaucracy has allowed the political voice to come in and dictate a lot, including analysis of the so-called sonic attacks issue. And then it leads you down the road of motivation. It makes you start to think, who would do this? Who would do this? Someone who doesnt like our presence there, and someone who wants there to be this sort of friction between the U.S. So who would be motivated to create friction? Or who would not be in favor of an increased U.S. presence in Cuba? We dont want to be in this position. We have no choice. We cannot send Americans into Foreign Service and their relatives to a country where their safety cannot be guaranteed. Senator Rubio, a son of Cuban exiles, has been a longtime critic of the Castro government. Hes always been an opponent of reestablishing ties with Cuba. Now, Im not under any fantasy that Cuba is going to transition from one day to the next and turn into Canada, but there has to be progress in that direction. And theres never been a step in that direction to the extent that theyve taken these steps, theyve been largely cosmetic. And theyve retreated from some of those positions. So who would be motivated to create friction? Or who would not be in favor of an increased U.S. presence? Maybe it was a third country. Which third country would want to disrupt the U.S. presence there? And the logical conclusion is Russia and Vladimir Putin. Has the State Department raised attacks against U.S. personnel in Cuba with the Russian government? Thats a very good question. I think it would be better to address that issue in a classified setting. Why would the fact or lack of existence of a communication to the Russian government be something that we cant discuss in public? To give you the full reply would be required, and I believe that would be more appropriate in the classified setting. Has Raul Castro ever said to any U.S. diplomat, I didnt do it, but its possible that some of my guys did it without me knowing about it? I do not believe that communication has ever occurred. You dont want to discuss something that is not in a proper setting, or is that just youre  youve just never heard? That is my recollection that Ive never heard that. O.K. The meeting is adjourned. The U.S. has still not given an official explanation of the sound or its intent, if any. But its effect has been to play a big part in the current disengagement with Cuba. This is happening at a pivotal moment. Raul Castro is stepping down, and Miguel Diaz-Canel will likely be president. The notion that we have just a skeletal staff at the Embassy  fewer people than we had during the time of isolation, is just unconscionable. Well, the transition is not  I mean, its a one-party transition. I mean the outcomes not in doubt. You know, you would love to see a new generation of leadership that begins to move in the right direction, and I think those moves would be reciprocated by American policy makers. But its not going to happen because of a unilateral American opening. That was the flawed thinking behind an opening towards China, and China today is no more democratic and no more free than it was. And that was not the experience in the aftermath of the Obama opening. It did not lead to any changes in governance or on the economic condition of Cubans in the big picture. After more than five very difficult decades, the relationship between our governments will not be transformed overnight. What are we doing? Were pulling out of the game. They would prefer to buy American rice and American chicken. They would prefer to have Americans come down and do travel in Cuba. They like us. But if were going to treat them in the way that were treating them, they will make their own future without us. They say theyve been making their future for the last 60 years without us, and theyre prepared to do it, perhaps with some hyperbole, for another 60 years. [music]
History is made as Kim Jong-un crosses the border. Its the first time a North Korean leader has set foot in the South. This step is the latest chapter in Kims head-spinning makeover from a stern-faced despot into a smiling diplomat. Somebody President Trump ridiculed as Little Rocket Man  Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for himself  has suddenly become very honorable. He really has been very open, very honorable. Here is how Kim did it. Kim may have felt that he had the leverage to turn a diplomatic corner once he was able to show that his country could be a nuclear power. Kim kicks off his charm offensive by dispatching his so-called army of beauties to the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. He also sends his sister Kim Yo-jong  the first time a member of the Kim family visited South Korea since the Korean War. She becomes an overnight sensation in the South. Kim hosts a delegation of high-level South Korean officials in Pyongyang. The officials from the South deliver a bombshell to the White House: Kim wants to meet Trump, and Trump, shocking the world, says yes. Trump responded saying yes. Surprise, praise, skepticism. This was indeed a shocker. Kim secretly leaves the country for the first time since taking power. His destination: Beijing, where he visits with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Its Kims first meeting with another head of state. Kim hosts the International Olympic Committee in Pyongyang to thank them for their support and to say that North Korea will take part in the Tokyo and Beijing Olympics. Kim loosens North Koreas iron grip on pop culture as he and his wife rock out at a two-hour K-pop concert in Pyongyang. He even poses for a photo with a popular South Korean girl band, Red Velvet. Kim secretly meets and has a photo op with then-C.I.A. director Mike Pompeo, signaling planning is underway for a summit. North Korea announces a new pledge to end nuclear and missile testing and close a nuclear test site. Kim takes his historic stroll and calls for an age of peace. It may mark the beginning of a historic thaw. Whatever happens, its clearly the start of a new Kim Jong-un.
Just a month and a half away from national elections, Pakistans powerful military establishment has mounted a fearsome campaign against its critics in the news media, on social networks, and in mainstream political movements.

It is all adding up: journalists abducted or threatened, major news outlets blocked, sympathetic views toward the civilian governing party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, censored or punished.

Interviews with journalists and political analysts in recent days have been dominated by concerns that a military campaign of intimidation and crackdown on dissent is intensifying ahead of the vote  and nearly unanimously, none dared discuss it on the record.

The latest alarm came with the abduction of a newspaper columnist and prominent critic of the military, Gul Bukhari, by armed men late Tuesday in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore. Ms. Bukhari was being driven to appear on a late-night talk show on Waqt News when the car was stopped in a military cantonment in the city. She was hauled off and the driver was beaten, the station said.
Did you know The New York Times publishes close to 30 film reviews each week?

Every month, well curate the most relevant and interesting reviews specifically for our Australian audience, based on the local release dates. You can always read more movie reviews from The New York Times here.

[Prefer not to go out? Check out our Australian Netflix guide for June instead.]

Starring: Elizabeth Debicki, Simon Baker, Richard Roxburgh, Rachael Blake, Samson Coulter

Directed by: Simon Baker

What is it? A coming-of-age tale of budding masculinity set in 1970s West Australia, complete with glistening bodies, churning surf and glasses of milk with every meal.

Youll like it if you liked: The oceanic bliss of Endless Summer or the dorky teenage Australian-isms in Puberty Blues.
Mr. Saulignac said, There is no clear frontier in the law between journalists who follow the rules, and all the rest. Mainstream journalists, he said, could be attacked for fake news, simply because, for instance, you have attacked me.

Beyond that, he said, How can it be proved in just 48 hours that I dont have an account in the Bahamas?

At a time when the press is threatened around the world, it is better to protect the press, Mr. Saulignac said.

Mr. Macrons ambiguous attitude toward journalists has been much commented on in the French news media. Tellingly, he announced his fake news measure, in a tone of admonition, to mainstream journalists who had gathered in January for the traditional presidential New Years greeting to the press.

If any group of journalists in France needed no warning about steering clear of unverified information, it was that one. Yet Mr. Macron made a point of telling those gathered that they needed principles and an ethics code, before announcing the new bill.

Journalists, an exasperated Mr. Macron told a television interviewer last fall during a school visit, are too interested in themselves, and not enough in the country. Journalists, he said, dont interest me, its the French who interest me. Thats what youve got to understand.

Patrick Eveno, a professor of media history at the Sorbonne, said he saw good and bad in the legislation. He said it puts the problem of false information in the public square, and thats important. Yet it may be ineffective, he said, because its extremely difficult for a judge in 48 hours, in an electoral period, to decide what is fake news.
Spains new prime minister on Wednesday unveiled a government that has more women than men and includes a foreign minister from Catalonia who has led the fight against the regions independence movement.

After meeting with King Felipe VI, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told journalists that his team was a government for an equal society, open to the world but anchored in the European Union.

Mr. Sanchez took office after winning a parliamentary vote of no confidence against former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, whose Popular Party was embroiled in a corruption scandal. Mr. Sanchezs tenure could, however, be short-lived and pave the way for new national elections as his Socialist party has only a quarter of the seats in Parliament.

His first challenge is to keep together his unwieldy alliance with a far-left party and nationalist parties from the Catalonia and Basque regions, which helped him unexpectedly replace Mr. Rajoy as prime minister.
Rahat is not only what you read in the media, the negative things, there are also good things, Mayor Talal al-Krenawi told the tour group at a spotless industrial park on the edge of the city, built to alleviate unemployment.

For $28, the six-hour Ramadan Nights trip promised a guided bus tour of the secrets of Rahat, as well as traditional debka dancing and sweets-making workshops, shopping in the no-frills market and home hospitality for iftar, the festive meal that ends each days sunrise-to-sunset fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

While some alternative tourism companies offer Bedouin desert experiences, Rahat has no listed hotels. Established in the 1970s, it was one of seven towns built in the Negev to accommodate the traditionally seminomadic Bedouin herders as part of a government policy of resettlement and integration into Israeli society.

The largest of the towns, it now has more than 70,000 residents.

The Bedouin birthrate, among the highest in the world, has been increased by the practice of polygamy. More than 200,000 Bedouin live in the Negev region, out of Israels total population of nearly nine million, and they have long complained of discrimination.
GABES, Tunisia  A commission that has been working for four years to deliver justice to victims of Tunisias decades-long dictatorship has brought one case to court, which began last week with a single hearing.

And the commissions four-year mandate expired on May 31, although the government granted it an extension until the end of the year to wrap up its work.

Parliament had the option in March to prolong the Truth and Dignity Commissions mandate for another year, but voted against it. The commissions president, Sihem Bensedrine, said in a recent interview that this was the latest in a series of obstacles that officials at the highest levels of government have thrown in the path of her panels work.

This vote was a last attempt for those who fear accountability, especially the president of the republic and his entourage who have never supported the process of transitional justice, she said.
4 years of Modi government: Science and Technology ministry augments scientific temper

Feature

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

The Science and Technology Ministry continues to support scientific temper innovations amongst the people of the country with new initiatives. The ministry organised the 105th Session of the Indian Science Congress on 16 March 2018 at Imphal, Manipur. Also, the ministry held summits in collaboration with foreign countries. Among new initiatives, emphasis on next generation and futuristic computation and cryptography systems stands out. Under the leadership of Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the ministry has taken a initiative called 'Ease of Doing Science' in which the process of submission of application for scholarships and funds has been digitised.

There are two major achievements. Union Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan released the Special Edition of "Atlas for Visually Impaired (India)" in English Braille on 10th February 2017. The Braille Atlas has been prepared by National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO) under Department of Science & Technology.

Another one is launching of 'Nakshe Portal' on the occasion of 250th Anniversary of Survey of India on 10th April 2017. Topographic maps or Open Series Maps (OSM) containing natural and man-made geographical features including terrain or topography are prepared by the SoI since its inception in 1767 and is in conformity with the National Map Policy-2005. These OSM maps have been made available for free download from "nakshe"web portal in pdf format on 1:50,000 scale through Aaadhar enabled user authentication process, in line with Digital India program of the Government of India.

Events:

Technology Day celebrated on 11th May 2017 to commemorate India's success in taking Science and Technology to the service of the country. On 11 May 1998 the Pokhran test was conducted. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared India a full-fledged nuclear state after operation 'Shakti' and it made India the 6th country to join the Nuclear Club.

Bose Institute's Unified Campus at Salt Lake, Kolkata on 29th June2017 inaugurated by the then President Pranab Mukherjee in the Centenary year of the Institute. Closing ceremony of centenary celebrations of the Bose Institute in Kolkata on 29th November, 2017 addressed by President Ram Nath Kovind .

Commemorative stamp released to mark the occasion of 250 years of Survey of India by the Minister of State for Communication (I/C) and Railways Shri Manoj Sinha on 22nd June 2017.

Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harshvardhan launched "Pt DeenDayal Upadhayay Vigyan Gram Sankul Pariyojana" on 22nd Sept. 2017. This program will experiment and endeavour to formulate and implement appropriate S&T Interventions for Sustainable Development through cluster approach in Uttarakhand.

India and UK Science & Technology Ministers reviewed the progress made in the India-UK partnership in science, technology and innovation on 1st Nov. 2017 - Science and Technology Ministers of India and UK reviewed the progress made in the India-UK partnership in science, technology and innovation which has been significantly intensified under the Newton-Bhabha program.

India-Canada Technology Summit held on 14th November 2017 in New Delhi.

Mission Innovation Smart Grids Workshop - Mission Innovation challenge on Smart Grids is collectively working to enable future smart grids powered by renewables. 20 participating countries with India, Italy and China as Co-lead are working together to realise this aspiration. An international workshop was organised during 16-19th November, 2017 at New Delhi to define research priorities and develop action plan for time bound action for realisation of these objectives.

New Initiatives

A new scheme called SERB Distinguished Investigator Award (SERB-DIA) approved for early identification and empowerment of exceptional scientists. The scheme aims to recognize and reward the young scientists who have performed extraordinarily well in the SERB supported projects under its Extra Mural Research scheme, but are yet to reach the stage of advanced professional recognitions like SS Bhatnagar awards/ JC Bose fellowships etc. The awardees will receive honorarium of Rs 15,000/- per month for a period of 3 years and will be awarded a project to further develop their research.

TARE (Teacher Associates for Research Excellence) Mobility Scheme: A new scheme has been formulated and approved by SERB, which aims to activate the latent and unused R&D capacity in our colleges and state universities that lack S&T infrastructure and culture. The TARE scheme will allow undertaking of part-time research by the faculty working in a regular capacity in State Universities or Colleges by integrating them in Academic Institutions such as IITs, IISc, IISERs, National labs, etc. located in the same city where the faculty member is working.

A new scheme has been formulated and approved by SERB, which aims to activate the latent and unused R&D capacity in our colleges and state universities that lack S&T infrastructure and culture. The TARE scheme will allow undertaking of part-time research by the faculty working in a regular capacity in State Universities or Colleges by integrating them in Academic Institutions such as IITs, IISc, IISERs, National labs, etc. located in the same city where the faculty member is working. MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge): In the context of Start-up India initiative of the Government, implementation of MANAK has been initiated to foster culture of scientific innovation among school children of class VI to class X. This will significantly broaden the base our innovation pyramid to produce future entrepreneurs in large numbers. The programme has been targeted to encourage children to visualise/analyse needs of the society inspire them to devise innovative ideas to address them.

In the context of Start-up India initiative of the Government, implementation of MANAK has been initiated to foster culture of scientific innovation among school children of class VI to class X. This will significantly broaden the base our innovation pyramid to produce future entrepreneurs in large numbers. The programme has been targeted to encourage children to visualise/analyse needs of the society inspire them to devise innovative ideas to address them. Interdisciplinary Centre for Cyber Security and Cyber Defence of Critical Infrastructures: An Interdisciplinary Centre for Cyber Security and Cyber Defence of Critical Infrastructures at IIT Kanpur has been funded with a total cost of around Rs.15 crores to create India's first such research centre under a dynamic young professor. The mission of this Centre is to promote research, education, training, and spawn start-ups to create technological safe guards to protect country's critical infrastructure.

An Interdisciplinary Centre for Cyber Security and Cyber Defence of Critical Infrastructures at IIT Kanpur has been funded with a total cost of around Rs.15 crores to create India's first such research centre under a dynamic young professor. The mission of this Centre is to promote research, education, training, and spawn start-ups to create technological safe guards to protect country's critical infrastructure. Quantum Information Science & Technology (QuST): This new program initiated by DST aims at developing next generation and futuristic computation, communication and cryptography systems.

This new program initiated by DST aims at developing next generation and futuristic computation, communication and cryptography systems. Initiative to Promote Habitat Energy Efficiency (I-PHEE): A new national programme on "Initiative to Promote Habitat Energy Efficiency (I-PHEE)" to improve energy performance of buildings and cities has been launched. It would support enhancement of knowledge and practice to save energy in design, construction and operation of buildings. 105 research proposals were received, out of which 31 have been recommended for funding.

A new national programme on "Initiative to Promote Habitat Energy Efficiency (I-PHEE)" to improve energy performance of buildings and cities has been launched. It would support enhancement of knowledge and practice to save energy in design, construction and operation of buildings. 105 research proposals were received, out of which 31 have been recommended for funding. Materials on Energy Storage (MES): A new programme on the Materials on Energy Storage (MES) to support R&D activities aimed at innovative materials for energy storage, and to build energy storage device with enhanced output for multifunctional applications was launched during the year. Aiming the efficient use and further increase of renewable energy, and demonstrating its value in terms of flexibility in the energy systems are the prime objective of the initiative. 130 proposals were received and 18 were approved for funding.

Ease of Doing Science

SERB Goes Online: Science and Engineering Research Board has become 100% online for processing of all proposals under its various schemes. This has helped thousands of Scientists to submit their proposal and see the decisions online without wasting time through paper correspondence. This has also improved the speed of decision making and transparency on the submitted proposals.

Science and Engineering Research Board has become 100% online for processing of all proposals under its various schemes. This has helped thousands of Scientists to submit their proposal and see the decisions online without wasting time through paper correspondence. This has also improved the speed of decision making and transparency on the submitted proposals. Complete Online Processing of INSPIRE: Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) program which has 5 components and enrolls nearly 1.5 lakhs students every year. It is completely ONLINE process right from submission of application to release of scholarships/ fellowships etc. to every student under the scheme through web-based system. For the last 3-4 years it is functioning in a complete paperless mode. Students from across the country use this web-based ONLINE system and get the benefits of this scheme.

Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) program which has 5 components and enrolls nearly 1.5 lakhs students every year. It is completely ONLINE process right from submission of application to release of scholarships/ fellowships etc. to every student under the scheme through web-based system. For the last 3-4 years it is functioning in a complete paperless mode. Students from across the country use this web-based ONLINE system and get the benefits of this scheme. An ONLINE web-based system has been introduced for FIST scheme which supports R&D infrastructure. Processing of proposals right from submission of applications to release of funds to the Departments/ Colleges would become easily accessible and transparent with this initiative.

Greater Access of High-end Equipment/Facilities: A common webportal is being developed which will be populated with the name of high-end equipment and facilities available with the institutions/ universities and their online booking and use in a transparent way. This will facilitate researchers/ students the access of these facilities. The portal will be launched with full functionality by the end of 2017.

A common webportal is being developed which will be populated with the name of high-end equipment and facilities available with the institutions/ universities and their online booking and use in a transparent way. This will facilitate researchers/ students the access of these facilities. The portal will be launched with full functionality by the end of 2017. India S&T Portal: Development of an ambitious India S&T Portal has been initiated with the objective to provide one stop information centre to school students, scientists and the society at large on various schemes and programmes/activities and major achievements in S&T. This would be a 360-degree view and connect to all the stakeholders and activities of S&T in India. An internet-TV channel on S&T is also in the advanced stages of planning and execution. Currently, systems are being set up for production of contents.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 7:00 [IST]
Bengaluru police rescues abandoned baby Kumaraswamy, woman constable breastfeeds the orphan

Feature

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Oneindia Staff

Bengaluru, June 6: His parents abandoned him immediately after his birth. But thankfully, the little one, wrapped in a plastic bag and lying under a bush, was spotted by a ragpicker in Bengaluru's Electronic City a few days ago, and he was saved from dying.

After the locals informed the police about the abandoned baby, assistant sub-inspector Nagesh R arrived at the spot to rescue him. His was in "bad shape", so the police official took him to a hospital for treatment, stated a report by The Hindu. The hospital treated the orphan free of cost and thereafter, Nagesh brought him to his office, Electronics City police station.

"The baby was in bad shape. He was covered in blood and the umbilical chord was wrapped around his neck," Nagesh told The Hindu.

The miraculous survival saga of the newborn does not end here. He was not only baptised as Kumaraswamy (a name that rings a bell as the newborn's namesake is none other than new chief minister of Karnataka, HD Kumaraswamy) by the police, but a lady constable breastfed the hungry child, for whom mother's milk was an urgent necessity.

The kind gesture of lady constable, Archana, who a few months ago has given birth to a child, to feed the baby has been appreciated a lot by all.

After looking at the "weak and motionless" baby, Archana decided to give him a new lease of life by breastfeeding him. The child, who till then was almost silent, after being fed well thanked all with a "gusty cry".

Nagesh also bought new clothes for baby Kumaraswamy before he was handed over to Shishu Mandir, a home for children in the city. When asked why the newborn was named Kumaraswamy, the police official gave a heartwarming answer.

"It is the government's baby now, and we decided to name him Kumaraswamy as it would be under the care of the government," Nagesh told The Hindu.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 6:56 [IST]
Video: Just before undergoing C-section, this woman had a fun-filled dance session

The world could see the next Michael Jackson emerging at Paris Olympic 2024

'Namaste Trump': Kailash Kher wants US President to dance on this song

After 'Dancing uncle', this elderly couple from Kerala is breaking the internet

India

oi-Madhuri

After Dancing Uncle Sanjeev Srivastava took the internet by storm as he grooved to the 1987 Govinda-Neelam classic 'Aap Ke Aa Jane Se', this Kerala couple has set the internet on fire.

In another viral video, a Kerala couple has set the internet on fire as they move to the rhythm of the Tamil hit 'Ponmagal Vandaal,' composed by A R Rahman for the Vijay-starrer Azhagiya Tamizh Magan.

The video got viral just after they performed at a pre-wedding party of his friend's daughter a year ago. The video was uploaded a year back but surfaced online just after the Govinda uncle dance.

Balan captioned the video,

"Age is just a number.. at 55.

The couple set the stage on fire as we can hear the audience cheering for them. They did some breakdance and showed off their Cha Cha Cha moves as well.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, June 7, 2018, 0:53 [IST]
Pune: CBI raids National Defence Academy premises, books principal, professors in recruitment scam

India

oi-Madhuri

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday conducted raids at the National Defence Academy premises in Pune's Khadakwasla and booked Om Prakash Shukla, Principal, and few others for irregularities in the 2012 appointment of the teaching faculties at the training institution.

Along with Shukla, some unknown officials of Integrated Defence Staff MoD and Chemistry HOD Maheswar Roy have also been booked for corruption in appointments of the teaching faculty. Professors of Political Science, Chemistry and Math at the defence academy have been charged with criminal conspiracy, cheating and corruption.The agency had registered a preliminary enquiry in 2017 on the basis of allegations that 13 faculty members of the academy were appointed in spite of being ineligible.

"Searches are being conducted today at the premises including office and residences of accused which led to recovery of incriminating documents," CBI Spokesperson R K Gaur said in a statement. It was alleged that these academicians had secured their appointments in connivance with the unknown officials of the Union Public Service Commission and HQ-Integrated Defence Staff (HQ-IDS) of the Defence Ministry. The teaching posts on which these accused were appointed are civilian positions for which selection is done by the UPSC. On the recommendation of the UPSC, the Defence Ministry makes the appointment, they said.

During the course of enquiry, the agency found that during the period 2007-08 and 2012-13, Shukla (who had joined as Professor now the Principal), Meher, Puri and Bansal and other unidentified faculty members allegedly got selected as teaching staff in the NDA without possessing mandatory teaching and research experience, the officials said. After nearly an year long enquiry, the CBI converted the PE into an FIR alleging that they had secured the positions on the basis of forged and false certificates indicating their experience and "exaggerated" Academic Performance Indicator (API) score, which was introduced as one of the qualifying parameter by the Defence Ministry in 2011 in addition to already existing educational qualifications and experience. The API score is calculated on the basis of research publications, presentation of papers in seminars, training courses attended etc.

The agency has alleged Shukla not only claimed exaggerated API during his selection as Professor and Principal at the NDA, but also certified and sent to the UPSC inflated API score sheet of Meher during his selection as Professor in 2012. It is also alleged that officials of the UPSC handling the process did not verify or cross check the API score sheet of Meher before shortlisting him for the interview and recommending his name to the Defence Ministry for selection. Similar modus operandi was also allegedly adopted by Puri during her selection as Associate Professor in 2012 and her exaggerated API score was certified by Shukla and Roy. In the case of Bansal, Shukla endorsed inflated API scores which were not cross checked by the UPSC officials, it alleged.

Shukla was recently admonished by the Central Information Commission for "highhandedness" forcing an ad hoc faculty member in 2013 to withdraw her RTI application in which she had questioned the officials of IDS for age relaxation given to an applicant for appointment as faculty in NDA.

Calling it an apparent misuse of position and power, Information Commissioner Divya Prakash Sinha in his order on June 1 had said that Shukla interfered with a citizen's right to information merely by virtue of the citizen being subordinate to him under extant service rules at the relevant time terming it akin to interfering with a citizen's constitutional right to freedom. "Commandant, National Defence Academy will ensure that the instant order is served upon the concerned Initiating Authority for incorporating the above adverse remarks of the Commission in the APAR 2018-19 of O P Shukla, Principal, NDA," Sinha directed in his order.

(with PTI inputs)
Civilians become human shields for terrorists if cases against stone-pelters are withdrawn

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

The Centre has said that the decision to withdraw FIRs against stone pelters in Jammu and Kashmir would hurt the morale of the security forces. Making the submission before the National Human Rights Commission, the Centre said that this would also lead to terrorists using civilians as human shields.

The submissions were made in response to a petition filed by three children of Army personnel. They challenged the decision of the Jammu and Kashmir government to withdraw cases against the stone pelters and said that such a decision would demoralise the forces largely.

The petitioners referred to an incident that took place at Shopian where an Army Major was booked for firing at the stone pelters. They said that no such action was taken against those who were pelting stones. Do personnel of the armed forces who face grave and serious violations of human rights, not deserve the attention of the custodians of human rights? We are concerned about the state of affairs of the armed forces, the petitioners also contended.

The Centre in its response said that it is the duty of the state government to take strong action against stone-pelters to safe guard the human rights of members of the armed forces who are operating in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The state government has a good will measure decided to withdraw cases against stone pelters who were first time offenders. The decision was however criticised in several quarters. One of the main contention was that such a decision would not change the mindset of the stone-pelter.

Moreover it was found that in several cases, that the stone pelters were hired by terrorist groups and were even paid on a daily basis. There were also incidents where terrorists stood behind the stone pelters and fired at the armed forces.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 9:12 [IST]
Deceased farmer's family level serious allegation, say they were asked not to meet Rahul Gandhi

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Ahead of Rahul Gandhi's visit to Mandsaur, the parents of Abhishek Patidar, who was one of the six farmers killed in police firing last year, have reportedly said that the administration asked them not to meet the Congress President.

Rahul Gandhi is slated to meet family members of the farmers killed in police firing during an agitation in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, on the first anniversary of the incident today.

"SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) called our other son and asked who among us will meet Rahul Gandhi, when my son told him that my parents are going, SDM said ask them to not meet Rahul Gandhi," news agency ANI quoted Abhishek Patidar's parent's as saying.

Six people -- Kanhaiya Lal Patidar, Satyanarayan Dhangar, Abhishek Patidar, Bablu, Ghanshyam Dhakad and Chintaman Patidar -- were killed in the police firing at Pipliya Mandi during the agitation on June 6 last year.

Family members of Abhishek Patidar had earlier told PTI that former Mandsaur MP and Congress leader Meenakshi Natrajan requested them to attend the meeting with Rahul Gandhi.

Gandhi would address the "kisan rally" at Khokhra (Pipliya Mandi) in the district today. Family members of three out of the six people killed in police firing would share dais with the Congress president.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 13:27 [IST]
UP government changes its earlier stand, allows Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi to visit Lakhimpur Kheri

Sonia ji unwell, Rahul Gandhi should take over as Congress chief: Siddaramaiah as party preps up for CWC meet

BJP attacks Rahul, Priyanka for turning blind eye to atrocities on Dalits in Cong-ruled states

Farmers stir: Rahul to meet kin of those killed in Mandsaur today

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will meet family members of the farmers killed in police firing during an agitation in Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh on the first anniversary of the incident today and address a rally.

According to party sources, Gandhi, who returned from the United States last night, held a meeting with his party leaders and security forces ahead of tomorrow's visit to Mandsaur.

Gandhi is scheduled to fly to Mandsaur tomorrow afternoon. He would address the "kisan rally" at Khokhra (Pipliya Mandi) in the district. Family members of three out of the six people killed in police firing would share dais with the Congress president. Former Mandsaur MP and Congress leader Meenakshi Natrajan said her party had urged the kin of the deceased to participate in the meeting.

Six people -- Kanhaiya Lal Patidar, Satyanarayan Dhangar, Abhishek Patidar, Bablu, Ghanshyam Dhakad and Chintaman Patidar -- were killed in the police firing at Pipliya Mandi during the agitation on June 6 last year.

Family members of Abhishek Patidar told PTI today that Natrajan had requested them to attend the event.

"Former MP Natrajan approached me with a request to attend the condolence meeting along with my wife Alka. Since it is a condolence meeting, we will attend it," said Patidar's father Dinesh Patidar.

The family members of Bablu and Ghanshyam Dhakad have also given their consent to attend the programme.

Dhakad's wife Rekha, who was given a state government job after her husband's death, also said that the Congress invited them to attend the condolence meeting.

"Natrajan invited us to the condolence meeting. Some family members would attend it," Rekha said, adding that she was given a job and Rs 1 crore in compensation by the government as per the promise.

Bablu's wife Anita was also given a state government job and Rs one crore in compensation.

"Bablu's wife Anita got a job. The government also gave Rs one crore which was equally distributed between Bablu's mother and wife. We will attend the condolence meeting and share our problems with Rahul Gandhi," said Bablu's uncle Balaram Patidar.

However, the kin of Chintaman Patidar have not taken a call yet on attending tomorrow's programme.

"We are yet to decide whether to attend the condolence meeting or not though Natrajan had invited us. The government has given us Rs one crore. One of the family members would get a job soon," said Govind Patidar, brother of Chintaman.

Farmers had held statewide protests in Madhya Pradesh last year demanding better prices for their crops. The agitation was marred by violence at many parts in the state, especially in Mandsaur, which emerged as the epicentre of protests.

The Congress sources added that Gandhi would also hold a meeting with senior leaders of Madhya Pradesh Congress.

Top Congress leaders from Madhya Pradesh including PCC chief Kamal Nath, campaign committee chief Jyotiraditya Scindia and other state leaders would be in attendance.

Madhya Pradesh is slated to go to polls later this year and the Congress is seeking to make this rally big ahead of the assembly election.

The Congress, which has been in political wilderness for the past 15 years, is seeking to wrest power from the BJP in the state.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Mohan Parkash today dubbed the BJP and the Modi government as "anti-farmer", saying it had failed to provide remunerative prices to farmers.

Madhya Pradesh Congress chief spokesperson Manak Agrawal said that around one lakh people were expected to take part in tomorrow's meeting.

Security has been beefed up ahead of the meeting.

Mandsaur Superintendent of Police Manoj Singh said five companies of the Special Armed Force (SAF) have been deployed across the district ahead of the event.

Farmers in Madhya Pradesh launched a 10-day "Gaon Bandh" (village shutdown) agitation from June 1 for various demands including better remunerative prices for agriculture produce and a complete loan waiver.

Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh president Shivkumar Sharma 'Kakkaji' had said that BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha, former union finance minister Yashwant Sinha, and former VHP leader Praveen Togadia are likely to join the farmers' stir in Mandsaur on June 8.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 5:55 [IST]
How BJP, Congress are busy giving political colour to nationwide farmers protest

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Oneindia Staff

New Delhi, June 6: As the nationwide farmers' protest entered its sixth day on Wednesday, both the main political parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress attacked each other over the agrarian crisis in the country.

In the later part of Wednesday, Congress president Rahul Gandhi will address the Kisan Samriddhi Sankalp rally in Mandsaur to mark the first anniversary of the "brutal crackdown" on farmers by the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, tweeted the Congress.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi will address the Kisan Samriddhi Sankalp Rally in Mandsaur to mark the first anniversary of the brutal crackdown on farmers by the BJP Govt in Madhya Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/IWUHAhLX88  Congress (@INCIndia) June 6, 2018

The BJP, on its part, has accused the Congress of instigating the farmers to protest for its "political gain". On Twitter, the hashtag--#RahulGoBack--was trending as supporters of the BJP alleged that the Congress has manufactured the farmers' "riots".

Several BJP leaders have slammed the protesting farmers for throwing their agricultural produce and milk on roads as a mark of protest. The BJP said that no genuine farmers would throw eatables and milk on roads as several poor people in the country don't get to eat food and drink milk.

Burn India caravan of @RahulGandhi is reaching Mandsaur, MP today. Should we allow them to manufacture Kisan riots yet again? #RahulGoBack pic.twitter.com/0lpuvWU1oq  Rajat Sethi (@RajatSethi86) June 6, 2018

All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday said the BJP-led Central and state governments have turned a blind eye towards the issues of farmers that is why they are protesting. The former Rajasthan chief minister said the farmers are agitating and "Gaon Band" movement against the government's apathy towards them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has forgotten the promises made to farmers during the elections which have disappointed the farmers and they came on roads to protest against it, Gehlot said in a statement.

He said the BJP governments (both at the Centre and in states) have insulted the farmers by saying that their movement is motivated by the Congress. The reality is that the government has ignored farmers' issues and problems, he said. Gehlot said that prices of vegetables have increased as the agitation has badly affected supply of vegetables leading to anarchy.

The farmers' agitation in seven states--Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh--has been spearheaded by the Rashtriya Kisan Mahasangh (RKM)--a conglomeration of 130 farmers' organisations across the country.

The farmers have launched the agitation to press their demands, including loan waiver and right price for crops. They dumped vegetables, milk and other farm produce on roads and blocked supplies to cities in several states in the last few days.

Last year, a farmers' protest in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh turned violent which led to the killing of seven farmers by the police. The farmers were protesting to demand better prices for their crops and loan waiver. The 10-day-long ongoing farmers' agitation has been hosted to mark the first anniversary of killing of farmers in Mandsaur on June 6 last year.

Since the last year, the Modi government is facing the ire of farmers because of what they called the "anti-farmer policies" of the current regime at the Centre. A few months ago, around 4,000 farmers walked 180 kms from Nashik to Mumbai to meet CM Devendra Fadnavis. They presented a list of demands to the CM. The CM has agreed to meet their demands.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 12:52 [IST]
India voices serious concern over increasing spread of terrorism in Africa at UN

Indo-UK bilateral seminar on aviation security begins

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Amid the ever-changing security dynamics in the aviation sector and the complexities associated with it, officials and experts from both India and the United Kingdom met to share the best practices in the field and device strategies to counter the evolving challenges.

The two-day UK-India Bilateral Seminar on Aviation Security is being attended by stakeholders across the aviation sector in the country including officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, the CISF and the Delhi Police, among others.

The meet comes at a time when the aviation sector in India is witnessing phenomenal growth, with the passenger traffic growth touching 28-30 per cent during the last couple of months.

"Issues related to mutual interest were discussed along with best practices," said a tweet of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, announcing the start of the two-day seminar.

Joint Secretary in the Ministry Usha Padhee in a separate tweet said, "Sharing best practices is the best way to learn from each other.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 5:51 [IST]
Well this stunt by Rajinikants duplicate didnt go quite as expected: Watch hilarious video

Supreme Court refuses to stay release of Rajinikanth-starrer Kaala

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stay release of Rajinikanth starrer movie Kaala which is scheduled to hit screens tomorrow.

Everybody is anxiously waiting for the release of the movie. We don't want to interfere with its release, the apex court said while refusing to stay the release of the movie.

A vacation bench comprising Justices A K Goel and Ashok Bhushan refused to entertain plea of the petitioner who claims to be the original scripwriter of the film and told him that he may be compensated in future if the court gives verdict in his favour, but release of the film cannot be stayed.

The petitioner has approached the apex court against the May 16 order of the Madras High Court which has posted his plea against the release of the movie for hearing on June 16.

The petitioner has claimed that his copyright-protected work related to story scenes and songs were used by the producer of the movie without prior permission.

Earlier in the day, Rajinikanth has appealed to Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy to provide security at theatres that wished to screen the film as it releases nationwide tomorrow.

In his message, Rajinikanth said, "I understand HD Kumaraswamy's situation. This is not good for Karnataka. When the film is released around the world, the Karnataka ban would highlight the issue (Cauvery water dispute)".

Several pro-Kannada groups have threatened to stall the movie if it is screened despite an earlier ban on it by the Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce.

'Kaala' is scheduled for a worldwide release on June 7.
More trouble for Cong JD(S) govt: Cong leader blames sidelining of seniors, zero coordination

Alliance was a mistake, Congress could have won more says Moily

Karnataka Crisis: No question of withdrawing resignations, say MLAs camped in Mumbai

BJP indulging in horse-trading in K'taka, rebel Cong MLAs locked up in Mumbai: Mamata

On Cong-JD(S) tie up, BSY says talks have no value

Karnataka updates: Cabinet takes shape, 25 ministers inducted

India

oi-Staff

By Oneindia Staff Writer

The 15-day-old H D Kumaraswamy ministry in Karnataka was expanded today with the induction of 25 ministers.

Fourteen ministers are from the Congress, nine from its ruling coalition partner JDS and one each from the BSP and the KPJP. Governor Vajubhai Vala administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers at a ceremony at Raj Bhavan.

Congress' DK Shivakumar, KJ George, NH Shivashankar Reddy and the JD(S) laeders HD Revanna and GT Devegowda were among others who took oath as ministers.Congress MLC Jayamala was the lone woman minister.

With today's expansion, the strength of the ministry has gone up to 27, leaving seven more vacancies to be filled. Kumaraswamy had taken oath as chief minister and KPCC chief G Parameshwara as deputy chief minister on May 23.

Stay tuned with us as we bring you the updates LIVE.

Newest First Oldest First M B Patil and Roshan Baig miss the bus. Another prominent name missing is Ramalinga Reddy of the Congress. The swearing in ceremony has been completed. All ministers have taken oath. Jayamala of Congress sworn in as minister. Independent MLA Shankar has made the cut. He has been sworn as minister. Puttaranga Shetty sworn in by Governor Vajubhai Vala as minister. R B Patil has been sworn in as minister. Venkatramanappa takes oath as minister. Shivananda Patil has been sworn as minister. N Mahesh of BSP takes oath as minister Zameer Ahmed takes oath as minister SaRa Mahesh takes oath as minister UT Khader administered oath of office C S Puttaraju of JD(S) takes oath as minister Priyank Kharge of Congress take oath JDS leader Venkatrao Nadagowda sworn in as minister Congress leader Ramesh Jarakiholi sworn-in as minister. Congress leader SR Srinivas takes oath as minister. Congress leader Shivashankar Reddy takes oath as minister M Managuli of JD(S) takes oath as minister. Krishna Byre Gowda has been sworn in a minister D C Thammanna sworn in as minister K J George has been sworn in as minister by Governor Vajubhai Vala G T Deve Gowda sworn in as minister. D K Shivakumar takes oath as minister Senior Congress leader RV Deshpande and JDS MLA Bandeppa Kashampur sworn in as ministers. Governor Vajubhai Vala invites JDS leader HD Revanna to take oath. HD Revanna takes oath. The oath-taking ceremony begins with national anthem. CM HD Kumaraswamy, Deputy CM present on the dais. There has been some last minute lobbying in Karnataka. Roshan Baig of the Congress visited H D Deve Gowda seeking a ministry. JDS and Congress leaders reach Raj Bhavan to participate in oath-taking ceremony of newly inducted ministers. The ceremony to begin shortly. Congress leader Roshan Baig meets JDS Supremo HD Deve Gowda at his residence after his name didn't appear in the final list of Congress ministers. The JD(S) would accommodate the lone BSP MLA into the Cabinet. JD-S secretary general Danish Ali told PTI, "We will give due importance to our pre-poll ally, the BSP by giving its lone MLA a ministerial berth." He also disclosed that BSP supremo Mayawati has deputed its senior leader Satish Chandra Misra to attend the cabinet expansion. The Cabinet expansion would be done in a phased manner. Both parties are unlikely to induct the full strength today as there is still confusion on some of the portfolios. These issues are likely to be resolved over the coming days. The JD(S) is having trouble in finalising the list. It got 12 berths as part of the arrangement with the Congress. The party would announce its list later today. The JD(S) is likely to induct only 8 or 9 of its MLAs into the Cabinet. The Congress is looking at ways to quell dissidence within the party ahead of the Cabinet expansion to take place today. Those who would miss the ministry bus would be accommodated as chairpersons of boards and corporations. The party is also likely to elevate these positions to that of Cabinet ranks. The swearing in ceremony will take place at 2.12 at the Raj Bhavan. The oath would be administered by Karnataka Governor, Vajubhai Vala. There is a question mark on whether K G George would get the Bengaluru development portfolio. A meeting between Narayan Murthy and H D Kumaraswamy set off speculations that George may not get the portfolio. However as per the pact, the portfolio is with the Congress. D K Shivakumar may get an important portfolio. The Congress intends to reward him after he successfully held the flock together to avoid any poaching bids ahead of the government formation. Here is the likely list of Congress ministers: K J George, D K Shivakumar, Krishna Byre Gowda, Ramalinga Reddy, Roshan Baig ,U T Khader, Rajashekhar Patil, H K Patil, M B Patil, Priyank Kharge, Roopa Shashidhar, Sathish Jharkiholli,R V Deshpande Security has been heightened in and around Raj Bhavan and Vidhan Soudha. Section 144 has been imposed in these areas. 1 DCP, 2 ACPs, 3 Inspectors, 15 sub-inspectors, 10 KSRP and CAR platoons are in place as a security measure. The JD(S) is yet to reveal the names of the ministers who would be sworn in today. The party is expected to make an announcement anytime soon. Section 144 imposed around Raj Bhavan ahead of swearing in ceremony The big names in the JD(S) list who are likely to miss out a ministerial berth are H Vishwanath, Basavaraj Horati, D C Thamanna, B M Farooq and M C Managuli. Zameer Ahmed who jumped ship from the JD(S) to Congress ahead of the elections said that he will be part of the ministry. He however said that his portfolio is yet to be decided. CM HD Kumaraswamy and Deputy CM G Parameshwara garland the statue of Devaraj Urs on the occasion of 36th death anniversary. Congress leader Satish Jarakiholi's supporters protest for not inducting their leader in the Congress-JDS Cabinet. Satish Jarakiholi is Congress MLA from Yemakanmaradi constituency. His brother, Ramesh Jarakiholi, was likely to be inducted. Supporters block roads in Jewargi town for not including Congress MLA Dr. Ajay Singh in the Cabinet. Ajay Singhis is the son of late Dharam Singh, who was chief minister in the Congress-JDS alliance government. According to reports, Congress and JDS parties send final list of ministers to Raj Bhavan. Congress has 15 names and JDS 8 names in the list. Former KPCC chief Shivananda Patil is likely to be inducted in the cabinet. Meanwhile, supporters of several Congress MLAs are miffed and staging a protest demanding that their leader be inducted in the cabinet. Dr Parameshwar likely to get Home and Bengaluru development. Krishna Byre Gowda could be made Law Minister. U T Khader likely to get Housing and Urban Development. JDS leader HD Revanna is likely to get only one portfolio. CM Kumaraswamy's brother, Revann, may get Public Works ministry. HD Revanna was negotiating for two portfolios. Shiv Shankar Reddy to get agriculture while K G George may get heavy industries. D K Shivakumar to get Medical Education and Water Resources. Around 200 supporters of Congress MLA HK Patil protest at Chalukya circle in Bengaluru, demanding ministerial berth for him. Burn tyre, shout slogans in the middle of a busy junction. Congress leader Roshan Baig meets JDS Supremo HD Deve Gowda at his residence after his name didn't appear in the final list of Congress ministers. JDS and Congress leaders reach Raj Bhavan to participate in oath-taking ceremony of newly inducted ministers. The ceremony to begin shortly. There has been some last minute lobbying in Karnataka. Roshan Baig of the Congress visited H D Deve Gowda seeking a ministry. The oath-taking ceremony begins with national anthem. CM HD Kumaraswamy, Deputy CM present on the dais. Governor Vajubhai Vala invites JDS leader HD Revanna to take oath. HD Revanna takes oath. Senior Congress leader RV Deshpande and JDS MLA Bandeppa Kashampur sworn in as ministers.
Karnataka Cabinet: Who gets Bengaluru development?

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

All eyes would be on the Cabinet expansion set to take place today and more keenly the Bengaluru Development portfolio would be watched. The portfolio has gone to the Congress and the big question would be will the party hand it over to K J George who had stirred one controversy after the other when he held the berth in the Siddaramaiah government.

What has triggered off speculation about George losing out on the portfolio is the meeting between Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Infosys co-founder, Narayan Murthy. While Murthy did not suggest any names, he told the CM that he should keep the berth with him.

This suggestion would however not hold ground as the portfolio as per the arrangement with the JD(S) has gone to the Congress. The Congress on the other hand too is not keen in having repeats in the Cabinet. This effectively would mean that both Ramalinga Reddy and George who had held the portfolio before Siddaramaiah handed it over to them are out of the race.

JD(S) supremo, H D Deve Gowda during a meeting with Dr. G Parameshwar had suggested that he keep the portfolio. However the final call in this regard would be taken by Rahul Gandhi.

Bengaluru is an important portfolio and more often than not shapes the image of any government.

There are over 25 constituencies in Bengaluru and winning the city also shapes the prospect of any party in government formation. There are a host of issues that the minister in charge of the city would have to address. From traffic congestion to flooding to frothing of lakes-these are issues that have plagued for the city for long and successive governments have failed to address these concerns.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 9:20 [IST]
Two Congress leaders link KPCC president DK Shivakumar to scam in viral video: What's in the leaked clip?

Karnataka: Congress corporator's son who stabbed a youth arrested

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Congress corporator Lingaraju's son, Rakesh, who had allegedly stabbed his girlfriend's friend in Karnataka's Davangere, has reportedly been arrested. The attack on the youth had taken place on Tuesday (June 5) under KTJ Nagar Police Station limits in Devanagere.

The victim has been admitted to a hospital and is currently undergoing treatment, said reports.

The police have registered a case in connection with the incident.

In February this year, Congress MLA NA Haris' son Mohammed Nalapad Haris had allegedly assaulted a 24-year-old man in Bengaluru. Nalapad was arrested on February 19, two days after he and his associates allegedly assaulted Vidvat, the son of a prominent businessman, in an uptown cafe in Bengaluru, over an altercation.

Nalapad's case had given the BJP ammo to train guns at the Congress as the incident had taken place months before the Karnataka assembly elections.
Maharashtra SSC Result 2018 date: How to check

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

The Maharashtra SSC Result 2018 will be declared soon. The results once declared will be available on the official website.

The board has said that it has not released the date as yet. The results are expected before the end of this week. Based on past trends, the SSC results is released soon after the HSC results are released.

Last year the results were declared in June. The Maharashtra HSC result 2018 was declared on May 30 2018.

The exams were conducted in March this year. The Maharashtra Board also asked the Students to not to believe result date being forwarded through whatsapp and social media.

According to a statement from Maharashtra Board, a total number of 17,51,353 students have registered for the annual Secondary School Certificate (SSC) or Class 10 Examination 2018 which began on March 1 and concluded on March 24. Out of the 17,51,353 students, 9,73,134 are boys and 7,78,219 are girls. SSC exams were held in 4657 centers across the Maharashtra.The results once declared will be available on mahresult.nic.in.

How to check Maharashtra SSC Result 2018:

Go to mahresult.nic.in

Click on relevant stream

Enter required details

Submit

View your results

Take a printout
Low pressure area formed in Bay of Bengal, Odisha likely to get light to moderate rains in next 24 hours

Monsoon updates: Heavy downpour expected in Mumbai after June 8; moderate rains likely in Goa

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Rains are expected to lash coastal Maharashtra and Goa in the next two days while heavy downpour is expected in Mumbai from June 8 to June 12, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast.

Southwestern Monsoon will continue to advance to remaining parts of Karnataka and Rayalaseema,some parts of south Konkan, Goa and Telangana, some more parts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Central Bay of Bengal during next 48 hours, said IMD's weather bulletin on Wednesday (June 6) morning.

Click here for All India weather summary and forecast bulletin

"Conditions are also likely to become favorable for further advance of Southwest Monsoon into most parts of Arabian Sea, remaining parts of Maharashtra, some parts of Gujarat, southern parts of Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal Sikkim , remaining parts of Northeastern states and most parts of Bay of Bengal during 09th to 11th June," IMD's latest bulletin said.

"Conditions are very likely to become favorable for further advance of Southwest Monsoon into some more parts of Maharashtra, Telangana Coastal Andhra Pradesh in subsequent 48 hours," it added.

As far as Mumbai is concerned, extremely heavy rainfall is likely in the city from June 9 to 11.

The Regional Meteorological Centre in Mumbai has issued a warning in Mumbai and Thane. As per a TOI report, people have been advised to abstain from outdoor activities during the period and also watch for weather updates.

The satellite image released by the IMD which shows position of clouds over several parts of India, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean.

IMD's satellite image which shows prevailing weather conditions over sub-continent, Indian ocean region uptill Australia.

The IMD has predicted that with the strengthening of the monsoon, increased rains are expected in Kerala, coastal Karnataka, Konkan belt and Goa, which may also lead to flooding.

During next 48 hours, the South-West monsoon is likely to advance in parts of Telangana. Southern districts are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall and one or two spells of heavy rain, reported news agency ANI on Tuesday (June 5) quoting a IMD official.

According to the IMD's prediction on distribution of rainfall this monsoon, the central India will get 'normal' rainfall but the southern Peninsula - Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry - may get 'below normal' rainfall. The north-east India is expected to get least rainfall (below normal) during the period. The monthly rainfall over the country as whole is likely to be 101% of its Long Period Average (LPA) during July, and 94% of the LPA during August - both with a model error of plus or minus 9%.
Namo App is the new mantra for the BJP leaders and workers as PM is also watching it

India

oi-Vinod

By Vinod

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is planning to replace Twitter with Namo App. The party has been using Twitter to tell about the working of the government and to have communication with the people, party workers and other such people. So the party has instructed all its leaders to update Namo App with every detail as and when information comes in.

As per the sources in the party, there are several dedicated groups of the BJP members of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha in this App and Prime Minister is the admin of the several of these groups. It is also insisted that Namo App should be used to answer messages of the meetings of Parliamentarians. PMO is keeping a watch on the feedback that the BJP leaders are getting region wise on this App.

Sources said that the PM was also keeping a tab on feedback because MPs and MLAs have been given the task of presenting achievement of the Modi government on completion of four years before the people. Everyone has been asked to reach out to people with the help of articles, videos and photographs. Around 50 lakh people have installed Namo App so far. So the government wants to present its achievement with the help of this App. The purpose of giving this task is that the PM wants to be in a loop that who has been entrusted what responsibility and who is doing what.

The BJP sources said that whether it is small meeting or meeting of the senior leader Namo App should be updated. These instructions have been issued to all party workers that whenever chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of the BJP-ruled states meet this should be undated on Namo App. Sources said that this would help the PM to know that what is the reaction of the people on working of their MP and MLAs so it will help the party to decide Lok Sabha tickets before the next Lok Sabha elections.

The PM himself is using this App extensively whether in Karnataka election or interacting with students selected for Atal Innovation Scheme, he preferred Namo App. The BJP has been using this App that was launched in June 2015 for a platform to connect people on issues related to them. Some leaders are happy with this App for this being safe and Twitter is mostly used these days to troll. Internet connectivity in villages is also being assessed by this.

The BJP is so serious about this that people having a problem in using this App are being given a crash course on this and their main handicap is being unfamiliar with the technology. Such people have been asked to take the help of IT team. The Party organizes orientation programme on second and last Tuesday of every month. This has increased the presence of leaders on this App who were not well versed in technology. Some of the ministers have already started providing details of the work of their ministry on this App. A special training to handle Namo App was given to national office bearer, state party president and general secretaries and this process is continuing.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 23:50 [IST]
Navy assists countries in Indian Ocean Region with surveillance, search and rescue

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Oneindia Staff

New Delhi: In an attempt to underscore India's peaceful presence and solidarity with the friendly countries, INS Kulish, a Kora class Missile Corvette commanded by Commander Deepak Bali and one Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, has arrived at Belawan, Indonesia for the closing ceremony of the 31st edition of the India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT).

This will take place from June 06 to June 9, 2018. Its opening ceremony was earlier conducted from May 24 to May 25 this year at Port Blair followed by co-ordinated patrol (CORPAT) from May May to June 02.

Indian Naval assets have been increasingly deployed in recent times to address the main maritime concerns of the region. In addition, as part of the Indian government's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), the Indian Navy has also been involved in assisting countries in the Indian Ocean Region with EEZ surveillance, Search and Rescue, HADR and other capacity-building and capability-enhancement activities. The current deployment will contribute towards the Indian Navy's efforts to consolidate inter-operability and forge strong bonds of friendship across the seas.

The ministry sources said that this visit of the Indian Naval Ship seeks solidarity with friendly countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain and to strengthen existing bonds between India and Indonesia. During the stay in harbour, various activities such as official calls, formal reception on board ship, sporting fixture, ship open to visitors and professional interaction between naval personnel of both the nations have been planned.

The delegation is led by senior officer from Indian Navy, Commodore Ashutosh Ridhorkar, Naval Component Commander, Andaman and Nicobar Command embarked onboard INS Kulish.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 20:01 [IST]
The idea of one election, one ideology is not acceptable says Congress

To push for one nation, one election, BJP to hold 25 webinars over next few weeks

One Nation One Poll: UP becomes first state to draft report backing the concept

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Uttar Pradesh became the first state to draft a report advocating the need for a 'One Nation One Poll.' The Yogi Adityanath government showed its willingness to hold simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha elections from 2019 onwards.

The report prepared by a panel headed by state minister, Dr. Siddharth Nath Singh submitted the report to the Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath. The report would now be placed before the Cabinet following which it will be sent to the Centre for approval.

UP along with Madhya Pradesh were the first states to constitute such a panel in a bid to carry forward Modi's campaign to hold simultaneous elections.

In addition to advocating simultaneous elections, the UP report also speaks about the need to have only vote list linked with Aadhaar so that it is automatically updated when a person turns 18.

Elections in UP are due in 2022, but the party's state unit has shown willingness to go for simulteneous elections in 2019. If this goes through then UP would be setting a precedent. The issue pertaining to a 'One Nation One Poll' was advocated by the Prime Minister. The Election Commission of India also said that it would ready for the concept.

The issue was also backed by President of India, Ram Nath Kovind. The Law Commission too had discussed this issue in detail and is looking at way to remove legal hurdles which may come in the way of its implementation.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 5:32 [IST]
Pune police arrests 6 people in Bhima Koregaon violence case

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Pune Police arrested six persons from Mumbai, Nagpur and Delhi with the help of Delhi Police Special Cell in connection with Bhima Koregaon violence on Wednesday.

The police arrested Rona Wilson, activist and Jawaharlal Nehru University alumnus and another activist Rana Jacob, both from Delhi. Sudhir Dhawale, a Dalit activist and office-bearer of Elgar Parishad, was arrested in Mumbai. Activists Shoma Sen, Mahesh Raut and lawyer Surendra Gadling were arrested in Nagpur.

Violence erupted in Pune on January 1 when Dalit groups were marking the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the British defeated the Peshwas of Maharashtra.

Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community were part of the East India Company's forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins, and the victory is seen as a symbol of Dalit assertiveness. Normal life was crippled in Maharashtra due to a bandh called by Dalit groups to protest the violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago.

last month, a victim of the January 1 Bhima Koregaon violence in Pune has filed an application in the Bombay High Court challenging the bail granted by a local court to Milind Ekbote, the prime accused in the case.

(With PTI inputs)
Rahul sounds poll bugle in Madhya Pradesh, promises to waive-off farm loans

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Launching a blistering attack on the BJP, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that the Congress wants to free Madhya Pradesh from "Shivraj, Modi and the RSS". Gandhi, who was addressing a rally in Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur today, also promised that if the Congress is voted to power, then farmer loans would be waived-off within 10 days.

Gandhi accused PM Modi of betraying the farmers and the youth, and asked, "Where are the jobs and Rs 15 lakh you promised people of the country."

"Modi government has betrayed the farmers. Rich industrialists default and flee the country, but farmers are committing suicide due to debt," Gandhi said.

The Congress president earlier in the day met families of the farmers who were killed in police firing during last year's protest in Mandsaur. He said the BJP-led government in Madhya Pradesh 'killed' the farmers.

"They have no time for farmers they are ignoring farmers...The day Congress comes to power in Madhya Pradesh, I promise that farmer loans would be waived within 10 days," he said.

He also trained gun at the Modi government over loan defaulters Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi. Gandhi said the BJP-led Centre was symphatetic towards 'rich' industrialists and harsh towards farmers.

"PM Modi calls defaulters like Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi as Mehul ji and Nirav ji...They fled the country after defaulting on crores of Rupees," he said.

He said Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia would work towards welfare of Madhya Pradesh.

[Farmers' protest day-6 Live: Rahul promises to waive-off farmer loans if voted to power in MP]

"What Modi ji and Shivraj cannot do, will be done by Kamalnath ji and Scindia ji. I am not going to lie to you, if you want to listen to lies then you are in the wrong place," Rahul said.

"I went to meet Narendra Modi ji. I raised the issue of farmers with him. I asked Modi ji to waive off loans of farmer..Modi ji was silent on this. It shows he does not have time for farmers. His government has ignored the farmers," he added.

Asserting that the Congress is concerned towards the plight of the farmers, Gandhi said his party wants to transform Madhya Pradesh and free the state from the clutches of "Shivraj, Modi and RSS".

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 15:38 [IST]
Well this stunt by Rajinikants duplicate didnt go quite as expected: Watch hilarious video

Rajinikanth appeals in Kannada for release of Kaala in Karnataka

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Oneindia Staff

Bengaluru, June 6: As the release of Rajinikanth-starrer Kaala hits a roadblock in Karnataka, the 67-year-old Tamil superstar has now made a fervent appeal in Kannada to various stakeholders for the screening of the action film in theatres across the state.

The film is facing a "ban" in the state over Rajinikanth's remarks on the controversial issue of sharing of Cauvery river water between the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Upset over the 67-year-old actor-politician's remarks, the highest film body of Karnataka, Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce, banned the movie. Several pro-Kannada groups have also warned theatres not to screen the film if they want to avoid any untoward incident.

However, on Tuesday, the Karnataka High Court asked the state government to provide security to theatres that want to screen Kaala in Tamil and other versions from Thursday.

But looking at the strong reactions against Kaala by several influential political and film personalities, no theatre is likely to screen the film. The state government told the court that its order will be followed. However, chief minister HD Kumaraswamy "as an individual" suggested that the timing wasn't right for the film's release.

Looking at all these roadblocks against Kaala, Rajinikanth decided to make a desperate final attempt by appealing to the state film body in Kannada for the release of the movie.

"The film chamber is supposed to ensure that there's no problem for distributors. It is not right that the Karnataka Film Chamber demands Kaala ban," Rajinikanth said in Kannada.

Rajinikanth share a strong connection with Karnataka as he grew up and worked as a bus conductor in Bengaluru before shifting to Chennai as a film actor.

Rajinikanth in his message to the Karnataka CM said, "I understand HD Kumaraswamy's situation. This is not good for Karnataka. When the film is released around the world, the Karnataka ban would highlight the issue (Cauvery water dispute)".

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 11:18 [IST]
Sunanda Pushkar's death: Cops say she was in mental agony because of Tharoor-Mehr affair

Sunanda Pushkar death case: Tharoor to fight it out, here is how

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Oneindia Staff

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor who was summoned as an accused in the Sunanda Pushkar death case is ready to give up. He would vigorously contest the charges on the grounds that they are baseless and far from the truth. He was charged for abetting his wife's suicide.

In a setback to Tharoor, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal while asking the Lok Sabha MP to appear before the court said there exists sufficient grounds to proceed against him for alleged offences of abetment of suicide and committing cruelty towards Pushkar.

Tharoor, 62, dubbed the charges as "preposterous and baseless" and the product of a malicious and vindictive campaign against him that he will "vigorously contest".

The Delhi Police on its part said it has "professionally" investigated the charges against the Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram and will defend them in the court.

"I have heard the prosecutor. I have gone through and perused the charge sheet and the documents filed along with it. On the basis of police report (charge sheet), I take cognisance of offence of abetment of suicide of late Sunanda Pushkar and committing cruelty upon her by Dr Shashi Tharoor," said judge Vishal.

"There exists sufficient grounds to proceed against Tharoor for commission of offences of Section 306 and 498 A of IPC. Issue summons to him for appearance for July 7," the judge added.

In a statement, Tharoor said he maintains steadfast conviction that ultimately the truth will prevail through the judicial system.

"I would like to reiterate my position that I find the charges preposterous and baseless, the product of a malicious and vindictive campaign against myself.

"I will continue to vigorously contest these charges and maintain steadfast conviction that ultimately the truth will prevail through the judicial system that we are privileged to have in our country," he added.

Pushkar, 51, was found dead in a luxury hotel room in the capital on the night of January 17, 2014.

The Delhi Police had on May 14 accused Tharoor of abetting Pushkar's suicide and told the court that he should be summoned as an accused in the four-and-half year-old case, claiming there was sufficient evidence against him.

In the nearly 3,000-page charge sheet, the police named Tharoor as the only accused while also alleging that he had subjected his wife to cruelty. It had also urged the court to summon Tharoor as an accused.

The couple's domestic servant, Narayan Singh, has been named one of the key witnesses in the case.

Tharoor has been charged under Sections 498 A (husband or his relative subjecting a woman to cruelty) and 306 (abetment of suicide) of the Indian Penal Code.

Under Section 498A, the maximum punishment is up to three years of imprisonment, while jail term up to 10 years is prescribed under Section 306.

Police said Pushkar had sent an email to Tharoor on January 8, nine days before her death, in which she said: "I have no desire to live...All I pray for is death."

Tharoor's lawyer and senior advocate Vikas Pahwa told reporters immediately after the court pronounced the order that no offence was made out against the Congress leader and the prosecution's case was "absurd and preposterous".

"We shall be asking for a copy of the charge sheet and the documents relied upon by the prosecution. After going through them, we shall decide our further course of action. Dr Tharoor will take all legal remedies available to him in law.

"Since no offences are made out and the prosecution case is absurd, preposterous and contrary to various judgments of the Supreme Court, we shall take appropriate steps to deal with it," Pahwa said.

On May 28, the court had reserved its order on whether to summon Tharoor as an accused in the case.

An FIR was registered by Delhi Police on January 1, 2015 against unknown persons under IPC section 302 (murder).

According to prosecution sources, the charge sheet mentions that Pushkar was allegedly subjected to mental as well as physical cruelty. Tharoor has not been arrested in the case.

Today, the court also heard BJP leader Subramanian Swamy's application seeking its nod to allow him to assist the prosecution in the case and a direction to the police to produce the report of a vigilance inquiry conducted earlier in the matter.

Opposing his application, Additional Public Prosecutor Atul Shrivastava said it was premature.

He also opposed Swamy's request to summon the vigilance inquiry report, saying it was not required.

"This case is sessions triable. This court being a magisterial court is not going to conduct the trial. Therefore, the application is premature. Taking report of the vigilance inquiry on record is not required since police has already done its work," Shrivastava said.

However, Swamy said there are a number of instances of tampering with evidence.

"Even the police team of that time tried to project it as a natural death and the FIR was not lodged for one year," he told the court.

The court has kept the application pending for next date of hearing -- July 7.

"An application of Subramanian Swamy is pending. Let the prosecution file a written reply of this application by the next date of hearing with advance copy to Swamy," it said.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 9:04 [IST]
The BJP not to concede more seats to JD (U) for 2019 Lok Sabha polls

India

oi-Vinod

By Vinod

New Delhi: Despite Bihar chief minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar being the face of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state, the Bharatiya Janata Party is not going to concede much to the demand of the JD (U) as far as seat sharing for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is concerned. The BJP plans to give maximum a dozen of seats to the JD (U) in these Lok Sabha elections. However, the BJP national president Amit Shah is meeting with alliance partner to fathom the water.

Sources in the BJP said that how many seats the JD (S) could be given out of the total 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state is well obvious as the NDA already has the Lok Jan Shakti Party (LJSP) of Ram Vilas Paswan and the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) of Upendra Kushwaha and both these parties have six and three seats in the Lok Sabha respectively. So the NDA already has 31 seats in its possession. Now, nine seats are left for the JD (U) to get without much of a hassle which wants at least 18 seats to contest on.

Sources in the BJP said that the party in no way is going to compromise on its sitting seats that is 22 seats in the present Lok Sabha from Bihar. So it will have to look for options other than the BJP that means allies will have to haggle it out for the Lok Sabha seats. However, in the Assembly elections Janata Dal (U) might take lead as far as seats were a concern but in the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP will lead.

Sources said that Lok Sabha elections are fought on the Centre's performance and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been the face of the NDA for the Lok Sabha elections. There is one more thing that needs to be added that last election JD (U) fought alone and got just two seats and one of them with a very thin margin. Before JD (U) was made, the same party with the name of Samata Party contested Bihar elections with the alliance of the left party and had won seven seats. But sources said that Nitish is eying at least 18 seats in Bihar.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 18:57 [IST]
What are the farmers protesting about? We have stayed the farm laws says SC

Lakhimpur Kheri violence: SC says it is unsatisfied with action taken by UP govt

Union minister slams judiciary, calls collegium 'blot on democracy'

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Union minister of state for HRD Upendra Kushwaha has lashed out at the judiciary over the the collegium system of appointment of judges and dubbed it as "a blot on democracy". He said that the collegium system lacks transparency and ignores merit.

"According to the attitude of the judiciary, in the present time, judges don't appoint other judges, they actually appoint their successors. Why do they do that? Why was this made a system to choose successors," news agency ANI reported Kushwaha as saying on Tuesday at an event in Patna.

Hinting that the collegium system was biased, Kushwaha asked why are the doors of the Supreme Court shut to aspiring judges from marginalized communities.

"People oppose reservation, say it ignores merit but I think collegium ignores merit. A tea-seller can become the Prime Minister, fisherman's child can become scientist and later President, but can a maid's child become judge? Collegium's a blot on our democracy," he said.

Kushwaha was referring to former president APJ Abdul Kalam in his 'fisherman's child can become scientist' comment. Kalam was from Tamil Nadu's Rameshwaram who went on to become an emminent scientist at the DRDO and later served as President of India.

The collegium system was created by two judgements of the Supreme Court in 1990s in which a body of senior apex court judges headed by the Chief Justice of India selected persons and recommended their names for appointment as judges.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 12:40 [IST]
Will PM Modi take action against abusive UP BJP MLA who called 'prostitutes better than officials'?

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Oneindia Staff

Lucknow, June 6: Going by the statements of our political class it is clear that civility is long dead in Indian politics. The political discourse in the country has reached a shameful low as legislators and parliamentarians don't think twice before using unparliamentary language to attack their opponents.

One such lawmaker is Uttar Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Surendra Singh who has been hogging the limelight for all the wrong reasons. The UP BJP MLA on Tuesday said prostitutes are better than government officials. The latest statement of Singh has come just a day after he asked his supporters to give officials a "ghoosa" (punch) if they ask for "ghoos" (bribe).

"Officials se accha charitra vaishyaon ka hota hai, woh paisa lekar kam se kam apna kaam toh karti hain aur stage pe naachti hain. Par yeh officials toh paisa lekar bhi aapka kaam karenge ki nahi, iski koi guarantee hi nahi hai (Prostitutes are better than government officials; at least they take money and do their work and also dance on the stage. But these officials, even after taking money, don't do their work. There is no guarantee that the work will be done)," Singh said at a public meeting.

Officials se accha charitra vaishyaon ka hota hai, woh paisa lekar kam se kam apna kaam toh karti hain aur stage pe naachti hain. Par yeh officials toh paisa lekar bhi aapka kaam karenge ki nahi, iski koi guarantee hi nahi hai: Surendra Singh, BJP MLA pic.twitter.com/e9kTWxwX8F  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 5, 2018

Singh is the same BJP leader who had earlier called West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee "Surpanakha", the sister of demon king Ravana in Ramayana. He added that West Bengal could turn into Jammu and Kashmir from where Hindus had to migrate.

According to Singh, the country is witnessing rise in rape cases because of mobile phones. He also blamed parents for rising crimes against children as they let their wards "roam around freely". Once while dismissing the report of a rape in UP, Singh had said, "No one can rape a mother of three children."

Singh is not the only one who is making provocative, abusive and absurd statements from the BJP camp. Of late, every other day a BJP leader issue controversial statements--be it in the matter of science, religion, women or minority communities.

In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in order to rein in his erring lawmakers, had issued a warning a few weeks ago. Modi said, "We make mistakes and give masala to the media... as if we are great social scientists and experts to analyse issues..." The PM warned lawmakers and said not to "talk out of turn...it hurts the party image."

But it seems no one in the BJP takes the PM seriously as the leaders of the saffron party continue to make provocative statements. The latest statement by Singh has been lambasted by activists, political observers and public in general.

The sex worker community in the country said that the UP BJP MLA's statement exposes the saffron party's anti-women agenda by calling them "prostitutes". The sex worker community maintains that the members of its fraternity are not prostitutes but sex workers as they work to earn livelihood for themselves and their families. They say they too deserve respect.

Currently the issue of prostitution is a contentious one in India. India is estimated to have two million female sex workers. According to a Human Rights Watch report, the country's anti-trafficking laws are designed to combat commercialised vice. Prostitution, as such, is not illegal. Brothels are illegal 'de jure', but in practice they are restricted in location to certain areas of any places.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 10:09 [IST]
A year since Qatar crisis: How things stand today?

International

oi-Shubham

By Shubham

On June 5 last year, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Yemen besides the Maldives cut off their ties with Qatar on charges of backing terrorism and the regional 'headache' Iran. Three Gulf nations decided to shut transport ties with Qatar and also asked visitors from it and its residents to leave their shores. Qatar was also expelled from the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen.

Qatar Airways flights were barred from using the airspace of the boycotting countries, shutting down Qatar's sole land border with Saudi Arabia and disallowing its ships from using their ports.

Tuesday, June 5, 2018, marked the first anniversary of an unprecedented rift between the most powerful members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that created a serious turmoil in West Asia and even putting a powerful ally like the US in lot of inconvenience.

How things stand on the first anniversary of the diplomatic rift?

The crisis did not have any outright winner but created problems for the US to put up a united show against Iran, which it wants to teach a serious lesson over its nuclear ambitions.

The lack of cooperation between the top members of the GCC has already seen the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo rushing to West Asia to request its allies to end the alienation of Qatar, also its friend in the region, even before took oath officially.

Qatar, which has shown its intent to become an assertive regional power, restored full diplomatic ties with Iran when facing the boycott and did not show any signs of weakness or surrender against the aggressive foes. Iran, in turn, has opened its airspace for Qatar Airlines flights and sent food and other goods to the country.

In fact, the country's communication office sent out messages with hashtags "movingforward" and "Qatarstronger" ahead of the first anniversary of the blockade, Associated Press reported.

The tension in the GCC, which is seen as a counterweight to Iran, is a serious blow to the US's plans since all the members of the council contribute in some way to Washington's military operations in the region. Moreover, the members of the GCC have been divided over the Qatar issue as the veteran leaderships of Kuwait and Oman have not taken hardline stances on Doha unlike the three other countries - Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain. Kuwait has tried to bridge the gap though it is yet to succeed while Oman has served as a key ally to Qatar at its time of crisis.

One year since the crisis, the two outcomes have been the consolidation of the Qatar-Iran relations and the haze over the US's position over the controversy as President Donald Trump backtracked after showing initial support for Qatar's boycott.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 15:47 [IST]
India-Russia S-400 missile deal to go ahead irrespective of US threat

International

oi-Shubham

By Shubham

A year after Russia said that it was preparing to supply S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems to India and that Moscow and New Delhi were discussing the terms, India cleared that it would go ahead with the Rs 39,000-crore deal with Russia for the military hardware for its air force despite American sanctions looming large.

On Tuesday, June 5, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the negotiations between India and Russia to finalise the deal was in the concluding stage and will not be affected by America's CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) which is aimed at Washington's three foes of Russia, Iran and North Korea.

Sitharaman said India has explained to the US its time-tested defence cooperation with Russia and added that the CAATSA could not affect New Delhi's relations with Moscow.

India is eyeing the long-range missiles to improve its air defence, especially along its border with China, PTI reported. The missiles can counter ballistic missiles and stealth aircraft like those that are being developed by the Chinese.

Official sources also confirmed that India and Russia are expected to announce the deal ahead of an annual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in October this year.

Top US lawmakers have warned that India's relations with the US could be adversely affected by CAATSA if it bought the S-400 air defence missile system from Russia. However, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had in May urged the American Congress to provide a necessary waiver to ensure that the sanctions on Russian under CAATSA did not hurt US's ally nations like India.

Sources also said that India sought to insulate its defence ties with Russia to be left out of the purview of the strict American law and the issue would be taken up with Washington during the 2+2 talks in early July between the foreign and defence ministers of the two countries, PTI added.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 5:46 [IST]
Afghan territory must not be used to carry out terror attacks against other countries: BRICS Leaders

Putin praises presence of India, Pak in SCO; China looks forward to Russian presidents visit

International

oi-Shubham

By Shubham

Days ahead of the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at Qingdao in China on June 9-10, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview that the platform had started as a low-profile group but has now emerged as one of the world's most powerful organisations.

Sixty-five-year-old Putin, who was speaking with Shen Haixiong, president of the China Media Group, a broadcasting platform including China Global Television Network (CGTN), in an exclusive interview, said the SCO started with a primary purpose of resolving border disputes between Russia, China and the Central Asian republics but as time passed, they found more similarities among them and it evolved as a bigger body.

This is the first time the SCO summit will take place with India and Pakistan as full-fledged members. The organisation has now eight members overall.

Saying the coming of India and Pakistan into the group has now made it more global and since a number of large countries with massive populations now form a part of the SCO, Putin stressed on the huge resources that the organisation now has, the CGTN added.

The SCO members account for one-fourth of the world's GDP, 43 per cent of the global population and 23 per cent of the global territory, Putin said with an emphasis on the rapid economic growth of countries like China, India and Russia.

The SCO comprises four of the world's 10 largest countries - Russia, China, India and Kazakhstan, it also includes four of the world's top 10 populous states - China, India, Pakistan and Russia.

Putin also praised North Korea during his interview, saying the efforts made by Pyongyang towards peace were "unprecedented", CGTN added.

He spoke on the relations that Russia has with the West, led by the US, and the various sanctions that the latter have imposed.

He said he wanted a positive relationship but was not scared by the sanctions and limitations. The Russian president said those sanctions were not only hurting Russia but those who followed the US's decision and actions.

The Chinese side was excited by Putin's visit as it felt it would facilitate the bilateral relations between Beijing and Moscow, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday, June 3, according to CGTN.

Yi met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the Formal Meeting of the BRICS foreign ministers in Johannesburg, South Africa, recently.

Putin will reach China on June 8 to attend the SCO summit and it will be his first after becoming the president for the fourth term earlier this year. It will also be the first time that Putin will meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in 2018.

Russia has grown wary of China's grand designs and the two countries' relations have also not been smooth historically. Both sides hope that these meetings will put things in the right perspective.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 15:48 [IST]
Talks with Trump are like sausages, says French President Macron: Report

International

oi-Shubham

By Shubham

French President Emmanuel Macron, who is known to share a hot and cold relation with his US counterpart Donald Trump, said on Tuesday, June 5, that his phone calls with the latter and other international leaders were like sausages and it is not better to explain what is inside them, Reuters reported.

Macron said this at a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when asked about a CNN report on Monday, June 4, that said that a phone call between him and Trump last week was "terrible", the report added.

Macron borrowed a quote from Otto von Bismarck, the 19th century Prussian statesman, to explain his stance on refraining from remarking off the record on his talks with other world leaders, the Reuters report said.

"As Bismarck used to say, if we explained to people how sausages were made, it's unlikely they'd keep eating them," the report quoted Macron as saying.

"So I like it when people see the finished meal, but I'm not convinced the kitchen commentary helps with delivering the meal or eating it."

Macron reportedly lashed out at Trump's recent decision to impose tariffs on imports from American allies, saying they were "illegal" and a "mistake". Macron neither could convince Trump against withdrawing from the Iran deal of 2015 which he did last month and the sour moments in two of the oldest Atlantic allies came despite Trump and his spouse Melania hosting Macron and his wife Brigitte over the first-ever state dinner of the current American administration in late April.

A read-out from the French presidency of Macron's call with Trump revealed its ugly side, Reuters reported, adding that a shorter White House readout of the same call said that it focused on trade and immigration.

"Macron thought he would be able to speak his mind, based on the relationship. But Trump can't handle being criticised like that," the Reuters report cited the CNN quoting an unidentified source as saying. "Just bad. It was terrible."

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 10:40 [IST]
CEEGC 2018 Features Insights into Emerging Bulgaria

Published June 6, 2018 by Lee R

Legal expert Miglena Dimitrova leads the Central and European Gaming Conference speaker agenda.

A true highlight of this years Central and Eastern European Gaming conference is a feature presentation about the state of gambling in another intriguing emerging market.

Dimitrova on Centre Stage

Bulgaria will be one of the centres of attention at CEEGC 2018 when MDMI Legals Miglena Dimitrova takes the podium in Budapest (MDMI Legal) for a panel discussion examining the Eastern European gambling market up-close with crucial updates.

Expertise to be Shared

As an IP and regulatory lawyer and mediator, Miglena will give a full picture of the current and future direction of jurisdiction in a relatively small country which hosts over 1327 registered gaming companies. Miglenas evidence-based insights are gleaned from her vast experience in online media, financial services and gambling.

Key Industry Developments

The updates come on the heels of a 10-year rise in the Bulgarian gambling industry by the Center for the Study of Democracy of Bulgaria showing revenues will continue to rise significantly, after bringing in $1.8 billion in 2017.

Low Taxes

Another interesting revelation was the relatively low taxes paid of $111 million in 2016, with Bulgarias friendly tax system, paving the way for rapid and aggressive expansion of the gambling industry in Bulgaria.

The Current Challenge

Bulgaria is still facing a hurdle in advertising that Dimitrova will have a lot to say about: a bill calling for stricter controls on gambling ads has been introduced to Parliament with support from the unlikely domestic political allegiance of the ruling Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria party (GERB) and the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP).

Top Opposition

The Deputy Prime Minister-sponsored bill seeks to close loopholes in the current ban leaving the door open for gaming operators to indirectly advertise their products.

Forecast

With Dimitrova spearheading discussions, CEEGC 2018 also will examine key developments in Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Belarus. Those looking to harness the benefits of this diamond in the rough region can discover them at CEEGC 2018 thanks to all the expert speakers who will be on hand.
Blog Archive October 2021 (28) September 2021 (59) August 2021 (56) July 2021 (57) June 2021 (66) May 2021 (63) April 2021 (75) March 2021 (73) February 2021 (61) January 2021 (69) December 2020 (62) November 2020 (62) October 2020 (70) September 2020 (51) August 2020 (52) July 2020 (60) June 2020 (57) May 2020 (79) April 2020 (56) March 2020 (52) February 2020 (50) January 2020 (69) December 2019 (58) November 2019 (64) October 2019 (44) September 2019 (49) August 2019 (71) July 2019 (71) June 2019 (71) May 2019 (67) April 2019 (74) March 2019 (85) February 2019 (64) January 2019 (73) December 2018 (66) November 2018 (81) October 2018 (87) September 2018 (66) August 2018 (76) July 2018 (84) June 2018 (86) May 2018 (64) April 2018 (83) March 2018 (78) February 2018 (69) January 2018 (69) December 2017 (82) November 2017 (87) October 2017 (89) September 2017 (77) August 2017 (75) July 2017 (76) June 2017 (90) May 2017 (86) April 2017 (59) March 2017 (61) February 2017 (82) January 2017 (92) December 2016 (90) November 2016 (80) October 2016 (75) September 2016 (95) August 2016 (104) July 2016 (93) June 2016 (96) May 2016 (98) April 2016 (99) March 2016 (113) February 2016 (82) January 2016 (98) December 2015 (113) November 2015 (94) October 2015 (93) September 2015 (98) August 2015 (97) July 2015 (105) June 2015 (103) May 2015 (95) April 2015 (100) March 2015 (102) February 2015 (93) January 2015 (114) December 2014 (110) November 2014 (103) October 2014 (105) September 2014 (96) August 2014 (96) July 2014 (112) June 2014 (119) May 2014 (109) April 2014 (116) March 2014 (117) February 2014 (109) January 2014 (116) December 2013 (117) November 2013 (121) October 2013 (125) September 2013 (93) August 2013 (115) July 2013 (110) June 2013 (102) May 2013 (115) April 2013 (113) March 2013 (119) February 2013 (108) January 2013 (119) December 2012 (132) November 2012 (115) October 2012 (121) September 2012 (115) August 2012 (124) July 2012 (102) June 2012 (121) May 2012 (121) April 2012 (127) March 2012 (130) February 2012 (112) January 2012 (131) December 2011 (129) November 2011 (118) October 2011 (118) September 2011 (110) August 2011 (138) July 2011 (146) June 2011 (139) May 2011 (144) April 2011 (127) March 2011 (140) February 2011 (116) January 2011 (134) December 2010 (133) November 2010 (136) October 2010 (148) September 2010 (128) August 2010 (155) July 2010 (129) June 2010 (138) May 2010 (152) April 2010 (161) March 2010 (119) February 2010 (149) January 2010 (155) December 2009 (177) November 2009 (171) October 2009 (176) September 2009 (159) August 2009 (156) July 2009 (170) June 2009 (157) May 2009 (185) April 2009 (179) March 2009 (183) February 2009 (170) January 2009 (181) December 2008 (189) November 2008 (183) October 2008 (164) September 2008 (164) August 2008 (177) July 2008 (179) June 2008 (170) May 2008 (191) April 2008 (175) March 2008 (195) February 2008 (162) January 2008 (188) December 2007 (187) November 2007 (189) October 2007 (194) September 2007 (156) August 2007 (194) July 2007 (163) June 2007 (176) May 2007 (190) April 2007 (177) March 2007 (192) February 2007 (165) January 2007 (170) December 2006 (182) November 2006 (177) October 2006 (185) September 2006 (180) August 2006 (156) July 2006 (160) June 2006 (177) May 2006 (173) April 2006 (157) March 2006 (158) February 2006 (146) January 2006 (144) December 2005 (135) November 2005 (138) October 2005 (128) September 2005 (141) August 2005 (136) July 2005 (133) June 2005 (119) May 2005 (143) April 2005 (52)
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.



Michael McCray on stage at the Historic Delaware Public Library

(Image by Alessandra Nicole) Details DMCA



Many people think giving a TEDx Talk is the chance of a lifetime. You can share your message and reach a billion people over a global platform. But what happens when you fcuk up on the biggest, grandest international stage--a performance that will be relived forever because the internet does not forget?

A good friend of mine described it like this: "Think back to how it felt when you tripped and fell in front of the Student Union. Now imagine you're not falling in front of a hundred students, but failing in front of a billion viewers."

My July 30 TEDx Wilmington talk on judicial reform constituted the absolute best, "worst" 15 minutes of my life. My presentation was so bad that I now want to do a TEDx Talk on "Blowing Your TEDx Talk." It was as painful to watch as it was to deliver.

I had planned to start by citing popular contemporary themes (Hands Up, Don't Shoot, Black Lives Matter, etc.), then mention the names of victims of police brutality in chronological order. I mentioned Michael Brown, and Sandra Bland but became flustered when I couldn't remember Trayvon Martin's name. That broke my rhythm, throwing me off stride, as I watched the digital timer counting down faster than any stopwatch I'd ever seen.

In one moment, I was transported back to my sixth grade piano recital solo when I forgot which notes to play next. Scared, sweating and shaking, that day I started over three times before finishing my piece. Decades later, and after being a lawyer and accomplished speaker in a more traditional format, I never expected to find myself back in that dark place.



Michael McCray on stage at the Historic Delaware Public Library

(Image by Alessandra Nicole) Details DMCA



Here's what I wish I knew before I gave my talk:

1: Give yourself six months' planning time.

To give a TED Talk most people prepare for six months, spending up to 50 hours crafting and practicing. I had six weeks to plan, organize and practice my talk while simultaneously planning a major convention event and coordinating the other speakers at the TED Talk. Be careful you don't overcommit too.

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too.



Misun Woo is the Regional Coordinator of Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD)

(Image by CNS (Citizen News Service)) Details DMCA



Climate justice is integral to development justice, as it is essential for building a brave feminist future sans power and wealth inequalities. This is the dream of feminists in the Asia Pacific region, including Misun Woo, who recently took over charge as the Regional Coordinator for APWLD (Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development). A law graduate from New York University School of Law, Misun Woo, is deeply committed to a feminist movement building to dismantle the current patriarchal structures and systems that are violating women's human rights, deepening inequalities and fuelling conflicts.

Misun was in conversation with CNS (Citizen News Service) on the sidelines of APFSD (Asia Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development) 2018, which was held in Bangkok, Thailand. Here are some of her insights on environmental and climate justice that is integral to ending resource and wealth inequalities between men and women, between rich and poor and between countries.

Right to a healthy and safe environment

Misun Woo: The right to a safe and healthy environment is increasingly being recognised as one of the core human rights. Climate change is a result of very deliberate political and economic decisions made by governments together with large corporations. Any form of climate change and/or environmental disaster manifests itself in intersecting forms of oppression impacting the lives and livelihood of women in different locations, of different religions and also those with different identities, in various ways.

Climate change and environment is a feminist issue and we have many evidences that women are affected more by climate change and natural disasters, with little recourse to remedies that can enable them to be resilient to their impacts. There are documented findings that after a natural disaster (like Typhoon Yolanda that struck Philippines a few years back), hits a community, women are forced to either migrate or are trafficked to become sex workers and also face different forms of gender based violence. Also in the event of an environmental crisis, women are more likely to die than men do as they have less access to remedies and justice.

On women environmental defenders

Misun Woo: As climate/environment issues are feminist issues and hence the core part of women's human rights, there is an intrinsic overlap between women human rights defenders and environmental defenders. Both would have a very specific target because of their identity as women. So while women human rights defenders are also environmental defenders, and vice versa, there should be a different approach to support their work and protect them.

Women in the Asia Pacific region are fighting for climate justice and working to defend their land and natural resources to be able to control and manage them. A large number of these women subsist as farmers and live in rural areas, where their lives are very deeply connected to how the land and natural resources are managed. This is also true of indigenous women. While governments are expected to protect people's human rights, they are actually violating them, especially their development rights, by taking their businesses away from them. That in itself reveals the current global power structure. Governments are taking the land away from people and giving it to large multinational corporations, and also to the military for use in times of conflict. Nowadays there are more coordinated efforts/ interlinkages of governments and corporations to follow a neoliberal agenda and use of force to just make the power to stay in a few hands.

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
Guwahati: Ayursundra Super Specialty Hospital will conduct the next media OPD clinic at Guwahati Press Club on 9 June 2018, where Dr Amitava Goswami DM (Gastroenterology) will be available for free consultations to the participants from 3.30 to 4.30 pm. Organized for the benefit of press club members along with their dependants, the Saturday camp will also facilitate the participants to check their weight and blood pressure.




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.



Justice Under Attack

(Image by Collage by Meryl Ann Butler form Public Domain images) Details DMCA



See original here

As President Trump celebrated his 500th day in office Monday, many legal experts warned that the country could soon face a constitutional crisis as the president continues to attack special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. On Monday, Trump tweeted, "The appointment of the Special Counsel is totally UNCONSTITUTIONAL!" He also tweeted, "As has been stated by numerous legal scholars, I have the absolute right to PARDON myself."

Over the weekend, The New York Times published a 20-page confidential letter written by Trump's lawyers to special counsel Robert Mueller, in which his lawyers claim Trump is above the law and thus cannot have illegally obstructed the Mueller investigation. Trump's attorneys also claim the Constitution gives the president power to terminate the Mueller probe.

We speak to Philadelphia Daily News columnist Will Bunch in Philadelphia. His latest column is headlined "The week Trump went full dictator and no one tried to stop him."

This is a rush transcript. Copy may not be in its final form.

JUAN GONZALEZ: Monday marked President Trump's 500th day in office, and many legal experts warn the country could soon face a constitutional crisis as the president continues to attack special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. On Monday, Trump tweeted, quote, "The appointment of the Special Counsel is totally UNCONSTITUTIONAL!" He also tweeted, "As has been stated by numerous legal scholars, I have the absolute right to PARDON myself." Later on Monday, NBC's White House reporter Peter Alexander questioned the White House press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

PETER ALEXANDER: Sarah, let me ask you, if I can: Does the president believe that he is above the law?

PRESS SECRETARY SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS: Certainly not. The president hasn't done anything wrong.

PETER ALEXANDER: The question isn't if he's done anything wrong. I guess the question is: Does the president believe the Framers envisioned a system where the president can pardon himself, where the president could be above the law?

PRESS SECRETARY SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS: Certainly, the Constitution very clearly lays out the law. And, once again, the president hasn't done anything wrong, and we feel very comfortable in that front.

PETER ALEXANDER: I know, but you just, a moment ago, said it's not -- it's not that clear. So, I guess, simply put: Does the president believe he is above the law?

PRESS SECRETARY SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS: Certainly, no one is above the law.

AMY GOODMAN: Over the weekend, The New York Times published a 20-page confidential letter written by Trump's lawyers to special counsel Robert Mueller, in which his lawyers claim Trump is above the law and thus cannot have illegally obstructed the Mueller investigation. In the January 29 letter, they claim, quote, "It remains our position that the President's actions here, by virtue of his position as the chief law enforcement officer, could neither constitutionally nor legally constitute obstruction because that would amount to him obstructing himself, and that he could, if he wished, terminate the inquiry, or even exercise his power to pardon if he so desired." Trump's attorneys also claim the Constitution gives the president power to terminate the Mueller probe.

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too.



Tharoor and his juvenile piece

(Image by NewsBred) Details DMCA



Shashi Tharoor's edit piece in Indian Express on Saturday reminded me of my probation days in journalism with the Times of India in the '80s. My editor would look at my typed report, run circles in red every second line and send the paper flying towards the dustbin: "What the hell do you want to say?"

Chuckling, I set about circling Tharoor's piece (see image), and literally ran out of ink. The man is as confused as his party, touching every base and sticking to none. "Jaana-tha-Japan-Pahunch-Gaye-Cheen-Samajh-Gaye-Naa" kind of delirium. A piece as bald as palm of my hand. Let's stick to a few specific ink-circles, and not all, for I can't afford to bore and lose you, my readers.

"Our attacks (on BJP) are based on our own convictions and about what is good and proper for the nation": So using "neech" and "chaiwala" are part of your convictions. A wild attack on RSS as murderer of Mahatma Gandhi is part of your conviction. Blaming Centre for violence in "Sterlite" is part of your conviction. Blaming BJP for murder of Gauri Lankesh's murder in your own governed state is based on your conviction. "Ease of doing business" and a "7.7 GDP growth" in your view is not "good and proper for the nation." Impeachment of Chief Justice of India (CJI) is good and proper in your view.

"Congress' core belief"inclusive growth, social justice, abolition of poverty, protection of minorities, women, dalits and adivasis": Inclusive growth, social justice, abolition of poverty? Are you joking Mr Tharoor? Anyone earning above Rs 33 is not poor is how Congress removed poor and poverty. Six worst communal riots happened under UPA and you call it protection of minorities. Women? Ask Shah Bano. And remember how you had to apologize for making fun of our own Miss World 2017? Dalits? That's why Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar could get Bharat Ratna only in 1990 and that too not under Congress' regime. Further, why your heart didn't beat for a murdered Dalit youth leader found hanging by tree in Bengal ? Was it because he worked for BJP? Adivasis? Then how did Maoists and Naxalites proliferate in India ?

"Congress is political embodiment of India 's pluralism... preservation of secularism": Your kind of equality under "secularism" doesn't extend to Hindus and their problems. "Secularism" ought to be equality; not appeasement of minorities. The world "secular" too is an insertion in the Constitution by your leader Indira Gandhi after suspending the Parliament and slapping the "Emergency" on the nation in the 70s. Secularism is nothing but a cloaked dagger by Congress to keep it plunged in India 's heart.

"We too share Hinduism, albeit an inclusive version of the faith, rather than a bigoted one": Oh really? May we ask you Mr Tharoor where's your reaction on 24 BJP/RSS workers killed in Karnataka under Congress rule? Where's Congress' concern for Hindu lives as they are butchered in West Bengal and Kerala? Show me one tweet where you have offered condolence to Hindu lives lost? Congress standing by Hinduism almost sounds like an abuse.

"The need of Rural India represents political opportunity to Congress (e.g)"the mounting farmers' suicides": So, tragic lives lost is a political opportunity to Congress??? But then what else do you expect from a party which clings to a dynasty and cries democracy in the same breath?

"(Congress must) Help citizens in interactions with the police"": Now that could only happen if both citizens and police trust you with your intentions. I don't know how policemen feel after Rahul Gandhi stormed a police station and scolded a policeman in uniform. As for citizens, they still speculate about an unfortunate death in a Delhi five-star hotel as you would recall. Where's credibility of Congress and its leaders with the citizens of this country?

From housing to transport to potholes-on-roads to drinking water to education to healthcare to public parks to sanitation to waste management, Tharoor leaves little for imagination and a lot for mockery in his piece. Empty rhetoric, typical of Congress, the sound of an empty biscuit tin. Mr Tharoor, irony has died a million deaths in this juvenile piece of yours.
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.



Koi Pond

(Image by sugarsunset) Details DMCA



"Dr. Benjamin Schlinky, a psychologist and arch-Conservative, had written numerous books on the virtues of hard work and was a frequent contributor to Fox News, talking about the evils of welfare and social security. He traveled the country talking at Right Wing Conservative events. His most recent book, "Jesus Worked" was a big hit.

Dr. Schlinky's wife was an artist and a huge fan of Claude Monet. Dr. Schlinky decided to have a lily pond with beautiful Koi installed for her birthday. It was a tremendous success.

During one of their many Conservative dinner parties, out by the pond, Dr. Schlinky was expounding on how humans will stop all productive activity and discontinue working if given assistance. He casually pointed to the Koi Pond, "Even these beauties, once fed, become indolent."

Mrs. Schlinky pulled Dr. Schlinky aside during the desert course, "Dear I think you have not truly, carefully observed the fish." Taken by surprise and realizing a possible challenge to his constant claims of absolute empiricism in his work, Dr. Schlinky decided to take a week off from his travels and observe the Koi.

He purchased a fifty pound bag of Koi food. He fed and fed and fed them. They would gratefully eat the pellets then continue on their lyrical, graceful travels across the pond. He fed them more and yet they still went on their merry way -- doing what Koi do in a Koi pond. As the days passed Dr, Schlinky became progressively more despondent, refusing most food, cancelling his book tour. After six weeks by the Koi Pond he became almost totally unresponsive, occasionally calling his wife "Ronnie" or "Mr. Reagan"..." From "Jesus Worked" By Franklin Cincinnatus
Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too.

From CEPR



President Barack Obama

(Image by Landre Photography) Details DMCA



Let's get this straight: Donald Trump did something unbelievably stupid when he tweeted about the jobs report last Friday morning, 69 minutes before it was public. The president gets an advance copy of the report the night before, so he and his staff know what the country will be looking at the next day. They are supposed to keep it strictly secret until after its public release. In fact, the standard practice is that they don't comment on the report until at least an hour after the release.

The reason is obvious. The news in the report often moves financial markets. If the president can share information about the report with his favored audience then Donald Trump's friends will make money at the expense of everyone else's retirement accounts. For this reason, past presidents have been very careful to keep their mouth shut about the report until after it is available to the general public.

To try to divert attention from Trump's unmitigated stupidity last Friday, the Wall Street Journal ran a column by James Freeman, the essence of which is to say "Obama did it too." In fact, the evidence in the piece doesn't show this at all. Either Freeman is completely ignorant of procedures or dishonest.

Here are the four incidents (in reverse order) where Obama supposedly did it too.

Freeman cites a Wall Street Journal editorial from 2010:

"Did President Obama contribute to last Friday's stock market dive with a head fake to investors? Last Wednesday, in a speech at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Mellon University, the President said, 'After losing an average of 750,000 jobs a month during the winter of last year, we've now added jobs for five of the last six months, and we expect to see strong job growth in Friday's report.' "Perhaps assuming that the President might have known something about the Department of Labor's monthly unemployment report scheduled for two days later, investors immediately bid up US stocks. On Wednesday, the Dow gained almost 226 points."

Well, we can't know what investors might have thought Obama was telling them with this comment, but he didn't have the jobs numbers on the Wednesday before the release. Maybe if a paper like the Wall Street Journal did a better job informing readers about how these reports are put together they would have known this fact. In any case, it would have been impossible for Obama to leak information he didn't have.

Then we get this one:

"Five months later in July of 2009, according to a speech transcript from Congressional Quarterly, Mr. Obama said that 'when we receive our monthly jobs report next week, it's likely to show that we're still continuing to lose far too many jobs.'"

Again, Obama would not have the monthly jobs report that was to be released "next week" in his possession. His comment reflected the same public information that was available to anyone who closely follows the economy.

Next, we have the very first release of his presidency.

"As it happens Mr. Obama had been discussing the forthcoming release long before midnight. On February 5, 2009, the Associated Press reported that in remarks to employees at the Department of Energy, Mr. Obama said, 'Tomorrow, we're expecting another dismal jobs report on top of the 2.6 million jobs that we lost last year. We've lost 500,000 jobs each month for the last two months.'"

Since the president doesn't get the report until the late afternoon or evening, unless he was keeping Energy Department employees for a late Thursday night talk, he again was speaking based on publicly available information. (For what it's worth, I remember that time well. Everyone expected another dismal jobs number.)

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.



Love City, 2018

(Image by Linh Dinh) Details DMCA



I'm sitting in a spacious bar, Love City, that was once a factory. Too slicked up, it's not quite a ruin bar, of the kind you find in Budapest. The patrons are mostly hipsters and yuppies, but with a handful of Joe Sixpacks thrown in. Looking like contractors, they're probably fixing properties in this rapidly gentrifying neighborhood.

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.

One week it's ride-sharing. The next week it's home-sharing. The week after that, cryptocurrency. There's no end of economic change to perpetually wring one's hands over or, worse, demand government action against.

Most opponents of the sharing economy, the gig economy, the cryptocurrency economy, etc., posture as "progressives" even as they openly side with corporate dinosaurs and parasitic bureaucrats and against workers and the entrepreneurs who empower those workers.

Let's call these opponents of the sharing economy what they really are: Reactionaries.

They're desperate to preserve a post-World War Two American economic order which they themselves admit hasn't worked for regular Americans for decades, if it ever really did.

How often do we hear from these "progressives" about "wage stagnation" and "lack of family leave" and what "Americans who work hard and play by the rules" should get but aren't getting?

But when a company like Uber comes along and makes it possible for people to make more per hour than those who drive for state-privileged "medallion" taxi monopolies, while setting their own hours and taking off any time they need to, our "progressive" reactionaries side with the monopolists and support legislation and litigation to force drivers back onto the wage labor plantation.

Oh, about that extra room in your house -- don't even think about renting it out by the night for extra income via Airbnb. The well-heeled hotel lobby hates that idea and their allies, the "progressive" reactionaries, want you cleaning rooms at Super 8 and waiting patiently for another decade or three for them to deliver on their "living wage" promises, not taking financial matters into your own hands. If that means you can't afford to keep your house, too bad -- they'll slam you for contributing to "gentrification" when you sell it to someone who CAN afford it.

When it comes to reproductive rights, these supposed "progressives" are proudly "pro-choice." But watch that support for "choice" evaporate the instant you choose money (cryptocurrency) that can't be easily taxed to finance their schemes. They're a lot less interested in a bigger pie for you than they are in preserving their own ability to take a slice of that pie at will.

The late William F. Buckley, Jr. defined a conservative as "someone who stands athwart history, yelling Stop, at a time when no one is inclined to do so, or to have much patience with those who so urge it." Sound familiar, "progressives?"
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.



Free photo Smartphone Mobile Phone Teen Young People - Max Pixel960 -- 639 - 192k - jpg

(Image by maxpixel.net) Details DMCA



Unknown Smartphone user in America

Having traveled this past weekend in the Boston area and coming from a middle Atlantic state I saw what has become a phenomenon, the prolific use of the "Smartphone" seemingly everywhere.

Not that it was any great surprise. I'd seen it last year traveling in Virginia, the Carolina's, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana.

In my own area while walking on a crowded sidewalk someone with phone in front of their face nearly bowled me over as she strode past.

What is it these people are so fascinated by?

Well two years ago while traveling on a "Megabus" to the Carolina's I got the chance sitting beside an early twenties woman who I asked, "What is with this "Smartphone"? She replied," it was for texting to her friends." Talking with her further she admitted looking at her phone was the first thing she did after waking in the morning. She admitted it was "probably obsessive" to which I remember replying, "If you know it's obsessive why do you do it"? To which she replied, "I don't know, I just do it". After which I ended my "inquisition" and let it be.

Admittedly, talking with one person about what I see as this cell phone mania isn't exactly a confirmation explaining this social media revolution that seems to have taken hold in America but its endemic in airports, train stations and all forms of public transportation I've been on.

Now I was recently told by an acquaintance that Smartphone use has become such a neurotic obsession some people are seeing therapists for their addiction-not that it was a great surprise to me.

It's occurred to this old hand if our government wanted the perfect distraction to keep people oblivious to their government's machinations peoples use of their Smartphone was the perfect device.

I've wondered whether that was the government's intention or was I being overly suspicious? Seeing as how the government has gotten Facebook in its pocket and using "backdoors" to get into people's computers before they purchase them maybe my paranoia isn't so displaced.

When I occasionally come across an article about the need for a people's rebellion in this country I wonder if they're including those addicted to their Smartphone?

Because this writer coming of age in the late 1960's and early 70's took part in the rebellion against our government, when serious protests and demonstrations were prevalent on most of the nations campuses focused against the US war in Vietnam.

Those types of protests seem unimaginable in America today. And...it's laughable to believe those with their Smartphone planted in front of their face are going to be part of any rebellion.

Now there are serious activists out there who do protest whether it's against abortion restrictions, woman's rights, gay and lesbian rights, the environment, fracking, oil and gas pipelines, $15 minimum wage, overturning "Citizens United", anti war et al. But instead of coming together forming a coalition and focusing against the elitist, imperialist, corporatist and elected government felons that reign in America- those primary entities that need to be overthrown and replaced in a peoples class struggle- the protests remain single issue, disconnected and "siloed" separate and distinct from one another rather than interconnected and focused against their common adversary.

The 2011 "Occupy" movement articulating many of the ills in America from the 1% over the 99%, corporatism, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, college student loan debt et al but so lacking in focus, agent-provocateurs along with the coordinated efforts by local, state and federal law enforcement soon shut it all down. Significantly, "Occupy" demanded nothing.

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

The dissolution of the Soviet Union removed the constraint on Washington's unilateralism. The neoconservatives, who had just risen to power, seized the opportunity and replaced diplomacy with threat and coercion. One infamous example is from the George W. Bush regime when the Deputy Secretary of State, Richard Armitage, told Pakistan to do as you are told or you will be bombed into the stone age. We have this on the authority of the president of Pakistan himself, who did as he was told.

In the case of Russia during the Putin era, this level of threat is excessive as Russia can bomb back. So the threat has been reduced to: do as you are told or we will impose sanctions.

Sanctions are an assertion of hegemony of one country over another. They are an assertion that the imposer of sanctions has extra-legal international authority to tell other sovereign states what to do or to suffer consequences if they do not.

Once the constraint on Washington's unilateralism was removed, sanctions became an instrument of US foreign policy and replaced diplomacy. The Clinton regime used them on Iraq. When the UN reported that the effect of the Clinton regime's sanctions on Iraq was the deaths of 500,000 Iraqi children, Clinton's Jewish Secretary of State was asked by Lesley Stahl on the national TV program "60 Minutes" if the sanctions were worth the deaths of a half million children. Madeleine Albright said yes, "the price is worth it." The Jews feel the same way about the Palestinians. As the Palestinians' country has been stolen by Israel, what is the point of Palestinians? Killing them is Israel's answer. As one Israeli minister said, we are only doing what the Americans did to the native Americans known as Indians. As America shares this crime with Israel, little wonder that Washington always vetoes any UN action against Israel for its crimes against the Palestinians. The two criminal states stand united against the world.

And from Washington's view, it has been "worth it" ever since as Washington during the 21st century proceeded to destroy in whole or part seven countries, and is still working on several more.

Any time a country doesn't follow Washington's orders, Washington imposes sanctions. Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela are all bearers of Washington's sanctions. Moreover, Washington forces other countries, including its European allies, to also impose sanctions or Washington will sanction them as well.

This worked until Washington's assertion of its hegemony over the world became excessive. That happened when Trump, guided by Israel and by Israel's neoconservative agents who are Trump's advisers, denounced and withdrew from the Iranian nuclear agreement signed by the US, Iran, Russia, China, France, the UK, and Germany.

When Washington's European vassals did not also withdraw from the agreement that they had signed, Trump threatened them with sanctions.

All of Europe already suffers from high unemployment. Washington's sanctions worsen the situation for Europe, which has resumed profitable business with Iran. Finally Europe has caught on. Washington is telling Europe that Europe must suffer economically so that Washington can exercise hegemony, from which Europe gets no benefit.

This is too much even for the European and British governments that have been Washington's vassals since 1945. Rebellion is reported everywhere in the Internet news although not in the presstitute media. European and EU officials are saying that it is time that Europe represents its own interests instead of Washington's. Even the head of the EU, a CIA creation, is in rebellion.

Will the rebellion last, or is it merely the antics of Europeans long on Washington's payroll posturing for more money? How much does Washington have to shell out to quiet the European rebellion?

Vladimir Putin has been eating insults and provocations for years while awaiting for Washington's arrogance to break up its European empire. Perhaps Putin's patience is paying off, and it is happening now.

There are signs that Washington is isolating itself. Washington has ordered India and also Turkey, a NATO member, not to purchase Russian weapons systems, but both countries have given the bird to Washington, rejected Washington's interference in their affairs and have gone ahead with the purchases.

The chairman of the European Commission, Jean Claude Juncker, said that it was time for Europe to reconnect with Russia and to stop attacking Russia. Will the EU, the CIA's own creation, turn against Washington?

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too.

By Robert Weiner and Ben Lasky

Why is Trump possibly about to pardon or commute the sentence of disgraced Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich?

Consider the following: Trump built the Trump International Hotel Tower in Chicago from 2005-2009. Blagojevich was Governor from 2003-2009. The Trump Tower Hotel, a 92 floor glistening glass monument on the Chicago River, visible from throughout the city with a glaring golden multi-story "TRUMP" sign, opened the day after Blagojevich's impeachment and removal from office for pay-to-play corruption convictions.

Mark Suppelsa reported on WGN TV on February 17, 2016, "Donald Trump's multi-million dollar Chicago tax break" was "a sweet deal" of assessments with portions reduced by over two-thirds, from $10.5 million to $3 million." Supplesa states that "as the building was underway," Trump gave $12,500 to the Cook County Democratic Party, $50,000 to Mayor Rahm Emanuel, $20,000 to House Speaker Michael Madigan, and $7,000 to Blagojevich. Before the Governor went to prison, Trump made him a cast member in 2010 on "Celebrity Apprentice."

That is how Trump plays. He gave the campaign of Pam Bondi, Florida Attorney General, $25,000 of his foundation money in September 2013. Less than a week later, Bondi told reporters she was dropping the investigation of the fraud against Trump University that New York prosecutors still pursued, won, and forced a $25 million settlement.

Robert Weiner is a former White House spokesman in the Clinton and Bush administrations and former communications director of the House Government Operations Committee. Ben Lasky is senior policy analyst at Robert Weiner Associates and Solutions for Change Foundation.
Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too.

The U.S. State Department has accused Russia of hacking into the ionosphere and generating excessive and annoying levels of Northern Lights. The ongoing display of light saber rattling, apparently a misguided attempt to "show off" the technological prowess of their teams of warmongering physicists, extends its "tentacles of terror" deep into the sovereign territory of the U.S. and its European allies. This has resulted in widespread panic in U.S. cities like Buffalo, NY and Detroit, MI, where public displays of drunkenness and rowdiness have skyrocketed.

While no evidence of Russian responsibility has been offered, White House press secretary, Sarah Sanders, just stated: "The motive is obvious. The constant flashing and gyrating shapes in the sky are intended to cause sleep deprivation. When people don't get enough sleep, their guard is down. The Russians are trying to undermine our national security with this cheap stunt. It's an unprecedented act of aggression and, trust me, will not go unanswered. We are coordinating our response with the Department of Defense, NSA, CIA, and Hayden Planetarium in New York."

One reporter asked about the rumors that world-renowned astrophysicist Dr. Neal deGrasse Tyson had been summoned to the White House to seek his expert advice on exactly what appropriate counter-measures and retaliation might be available.

"Well . . . Mr. Tyson appears to be a Putin-apologist and commie sympathizer. When we approached him about this, after he stopped rudely laughing in our faces, the guy just shrugged his shoulders and walked away shaking his head. What an arrogant man. We are keeping our eye on him."

U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, has just presented American demands to the United Nations Security Council that a comprehensive regime of economic sanctions be imposed on Russia for tampering with the electromagnetic field of the Earth.

"We need to show these Russians once and for all we mean business. Today it's Northern Lights. Tomorrow they'll be injecting vodka into the aquifers serving the citizens of the free world, or blasting balalaika music at us 24/7 from outer space. This is an outrage and an act of war. As humanitarians concerned with the welfare of people everywhere on this planet, it is our duty to support the Russian citizenry as they attempt to free themselves from the barbaric oppression and inhumane cruelty of government tyranny, by cutting off all food, water, medicine, electricity, and internet access. Let these sanctions do their job. Pass this resolution immediately!"

In a separate interview, another reporter asked Secretary of Defense James Mattis, what will America do if the sanctions don't work.

"We have a Plan B. If sanctions don't break the chains of totalitarian control which Putin is attempting to impose on the world, perhaps a few thousand cruise missiles will."

So . . .

Rest assured, folks, our enlightened leadership has the situation under control. America will in the end triumph.

But just to be safe . . .

While there is no medical evidence that Northern Lights per se can cause physiological damage, the FDA has just recommended that until this siege is brought under control, everyone should stay indoors and keep their blinds and curtains drawn.

Should you have to go out at night, apply SPF-50 sun block to exposed areas and wear sunglasses. DO NOT STARE AT THE LIGHTS! It is unlikely but still possible that they contain subliminal "brainwashing" messages. If you are bothered by the unusual urge to read Das Kapital by Karl Marx, or seized by the impulse to stand on a table and break out singing The Internationale, immediately see a doctor. This is covered under Obamacare.
From The Nation

Robert F. Kennedy died on June 6, 1968, at a critical turning point in a presidential campaign that had the potential to bend the arc of American history. Kennedy had just won the California primary and was preparing a summer crusade to wrest the Democratic nomination from Vice President Hubert Humphrey -- and with it the prospect for defining the party as a force for economic and social justice and peace.

Kennedy may not have begun as a perfect messenger, but after the assassination of his brother less than five years earlier, RFK started a journey that saw him moving beyond the cautious Cold War liberalism of Humphrey and Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. There were many measures of that progression. But the one that shouts across the 50 years since his death is found in the speech the senator from New York delivered to a crowd of 20,000 at the University of Kansas, on March 18, 1968.

Speaking two days after he had announced his entry into the presidential race, Kennedy signaled that his would be a radically different campaign. It would, he suggested, seek to alter the national narrative at a deeply unsettled moment. The goal would be to open up a discussion of what might be possible in a more united and forward-looking nation.

"I don't want to run for the presidency -- I don't want America to make the critical choice of direction and leadership this year -- without confronting that truth. I don't want to win the support of voters by hiding the American condition in false hopes or illusions," Kennedy told the crowd of college students and anti--Vietnam War activists. "I want us to find out the promise of the future, what we can accomplish here in the United States, what this country does stand for and what is expected of us in the years ahead. And I also want us to know and examine where we've gone wrong. And I want all of us, young and old, to have a chance to build a better country and change the direction of the United States of America."

Click Here to Read Whole Article

Speaking of the millions of Americans who were "living in the hidden places, whose names and faces are completely unknown," Kennedy said it was vital to engage in a national discussion not just about the Vietnam War -- the issue that had drawn another insurgent, Minnesota Senator Eugene McCarthy, into the race -- but about poverty amid plenty, racial disparities and misguided national priorities.

"If we believe that we, as Americans, are bound together by a common concern for each other, then an urgent national priority is upon us. We must begin to end the disgrace of this other America," explained Kennedy, who said that:

"[This] is one of the great tasks of leadership for us, as individuals and citizens this year. But even if we act to erase material poverty, there is another greater task, it is to confront the poverty of satisfaction -- purpose and dignity -- that afflicts us all. Too much and for too long, we seemed to have surrendered personal excellence and community values in the mere accumulation of material things. Our Gross National Product, now, is over $800 billion dollars a year, but that Gross National Product -- if we judge the United States of America by that -- that Gross National Product counts air pollution and cigarette advertising, and ambulances to clear our highways of carnage. It counts special locks for our doors and the jails for the people who break them. It counts the destruction of the redwood and the loss of our natural wonder in chaotic sprawl. It counts napalm and counts nuclear warheads and armored cars for the police to fight the riots in our cities. It counts [mass murderer Charles] Whitman's rifle and [mass murderer Richard] Speck's knife, and the television programs which glorify violence in order to sell toys to our children. Yet the gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education or the joy of their play. It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages, the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials. It measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country, it measures everything in short, except that which makes life worthwhile. And it can tell us everything about America except why we are proud that we are Americans. "If this is true here at home, so it is true elsewhere in world. From the beginning, our proudest boast has been the promise of Jefferson, that we, here in this country would be the best hope of mankind. And now, as we look at the war in Vietnam, we wonder if we still hold a decent respect for the opinions of mankind and whether the opinion maintained a decent respect for us or whether like Athens of old, we will forfeit sympathy and support, and ultimately our very security, in the single-minded pursuit of our own goals and our own objectives. I do not want, and I do believe that most Americans do not want, to sell out America's interest to simply withdraw -- to raise the white flag of surrender in Vietnam -- that would be unacceptable to us as a people, and unacceptable to us as a country. But I am concerned about the course of action that we are presently following in South Vietnam. I am concerned, I am concerned about the fact that this has been made America's War. It was said, a number of years ago that this is "their war" "this is the war of the South Vietnamese" that "we can help them, but we can't win it for them" but over the period of the last three years we have made the war and the struggle in South Vietnam our war, and I think that's unacceptable."

Kennedy's willingness to rethink how we talk about the progress was bold, and necessary, in 1968. If the candidate had lived, if he had been able to carry his radical thinking on this issue into a fall campaign against Richard Nixon and George Wallace, there is no telling where the discourse might have gone. If he had been elected president in the fall of 1968, there is no telling how transformational this new approach might have been for the United States -- and the world.

As we mark the 50th anniversary of Kennedy's death, and we consider the ideas that generated in a remarkable 85-day campaign, it is important to recognize that the United States still needs to rethink how we measure the successes and failures of society. Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz has argued in recent years, with regard to the now more commonly discussed Gross Domestic Product, that "GDP is not a good measure of economic performance, it's not a good measure of well-being."

"GDP in the US has gone up every year except 2009, but most Americans are worse off than they were a third of a century ago," says Stiglitz. "The benefits have gone to the very top. At the bottom, real wages adjusted for today are lower than they were 60 years ago. So this is an economic system that is not working for most people."

Stiglitz argues for making a break with "GDP fetishism" and instead embracing more accurate measures of economic and social progress.

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.

When Bush said after 9/11 that the we were attacked because the terrorists hate our freedom and democracy, he was all but lying:

"Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated. Americans are asking, why do they hate us? They hate what we see right here in this chamber - a democratically elected government. Their leaders are self-appointed. They hate our freedoms - our freedom of religion, our freedom of speech, our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other."

In six separate messages (letters, fatwas, and interviews), Bin Laden has remained consistent on three grievances that he thought demanded retaliation: the sanctions against Iraq, which we thought killed half a million children; aid to Israel while Israel killed anyone in the vicinity of those who fought against its conquest of Greater Israel; and the presence of US troops in Saudi Arabia, which he believed was part of an American strategy to force Saudi Arabia to sell its oil below what he thought would be fair.

The grievance that involved the most deaths was the sanctions on Iraq, which we thought had killed half a million children. Madeleine Albright told Leslie Stahl on 60 Minutes on May 12, 1996, when asked about this number, that it was a very hard choice, but they thought the sanctions were worth it. By that point, few people had questioned the 1995 UN study on which the figure was based (though they would soon) because no one knew that the regime had inserted false data through the Iraqis tasked to conduct the surveys. The supposed morality rate was less than that of some countries in Africa, and Iraq had imported most of its food, so it was plausible that the sanctions (even after they were lifted on food and medicine at the end of the Gulf War) prevented Iraq from getting enough foreign currency to buy enough food, medicine, and water-treatment equipment (which had been damaged in the Gulf war).

The first instance of faking data was in a 1992 New England Journal of Medicine study finding that there were 46,900 child deaths in the first eight months of 1991 (the war had ended 2 months in), due only in small part to injuries. While that study claims that it used an international team of experts, post-invasion studies show that even that study was not correct. Figure 2 in that last link (which compares Iraq's child-mortality rate to its neighbors over time, including oil-rich neighbors like Saudi Arabia and Iran) does suggest that the sanctions could have caused the deaths of thousands of children. The authors of the article in that link hastily blame Saddam for the entire period as though there should have been no improvement after the end of a decade of war as long as Saddam was in power. I first found out about the illegitimacy of the old numbers in Michael Spagat's article "The Iraq Sanctions Myth" in the Pacific Standard.

We had already offered Saddam what would later become the Oil for Food Program after the Gulf War (UN Security Council Resolution 706), but he didn't accept it at the time because he said it would legitimize the rest of the sanctions.

Apparently because he was discovering that the US didn't care how many deaths we thought we were causing, he ultimately accepted the Oil for Food Program. A memorandum of understanding was sent on May 20, 1996. Awareness of the negotiations for this agreement might have influenced Albright to be so blunt in saying that sanctions were worth it eight days earlier, but the close timing is probably just a coincidence. I also don't think that the way she said it was what led to 9/11. It was the policy of the administration, which she couldn't avoid articulating, that mattered.

When we had the Oil for Food program, we slow-walked the delivery of equipment. The head of the UN humanitarian effort in Iraq, Dennis Halliday, quit in protest of the sanctions in 1998. In 2000, his successor, Hans von Sponeck, quit for the same reason.

Americans had more reason to question the death-toll estimates from the studies until the period roughly after start of the Oil for Food program, by which point data from an Iraq population survey and mortality data from the autonomous region in Kurdistan suggested a different story.

One can ask, if the goal of the sanctions was to get Saddam to give up WMDs, what else could the US have done? Supposing that Saddam could prevent enough food from being delivered by any means, would giving up the sanctions or overthrowing him have been clearly better options? Yes, because the actual goal of the sanctions was not removing WMDs; it was removing Saddam through his own people, despite how much suffering we were finding out it would require to even start a revolt, let alone complete it. Ousting Saddam ourselves would have been the clear choice to minimize casualties if we needed him out, particularly considering that Saddam's opponents would be truthfully be labeled by Saddam as being on the American side if they revolted anyway.

After the First Gulf War, H.W. Bush said that the sanctions on Iraq weren't going to end until Saddam was overthrown, even if inspections were allowed: "At this juncture, my view is we don't want to lift these sanctions as long as Saddam Hussein is in power." Baker and others said this as well. Clinton ultimately continued much the same policy, though his officials would say that he needed to comply with all of the UN Security Council Resolutions as opposed to just inspections, something which Albright said she pretty much knew he wouldn't do. A very comprehensive source for these and numerous similar statements by officials during the H.W. Bush and Clinton administrations is this page from the Institute for Public Accuracy. It also has one from an Iraqi: November 7, 1997: Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz: "The American government says openly, clearly, that it's not going to endorse lifting the sanctions on Iraq unless the leadership of Iraq is changed."

Scott Ritter, the chief weapons inspector for the 1998 inspections, pointed out that the Americans sabotaged the inspections by forcing too many inspectors into certain sites against the agreed-upon rules. We had, after all, launched an attempted coup in 1996.

The US knew that the Iraq's water-sanitation system would be fully degraded by sanctions within a year back in 1991, shutting down industries that need pure water and forcing Iraqis to boil their water to prevent epidemics. The linked page has a link to the original document on Gulflink, a .mil website that I've accessed before (including from the DoD website) to read the Riegle Report, but this time my antivirus software won't let me.

Bin Laden was clearly wrong not just in the way that everyone else was, but also because he appeared to believe that Iraqi children were still dying at the rate that they were before the Oil for Food Program. While the top officials of that program believed that the program wasn't enough, I doubt they would have agreed that the mortality rates would have been the same as before the program started. Nevertheless, the reason why the US media never talks about such an important topic, whether on its own or in relation to 9/11, is that there isn't a good explanation for trying to depose a dictator (knowing that the WMD threat was not real because he only initially avoided inspections because of H.W. Bush and Baker's statements) by making the situation unbearable for his people rather than ending the sanctions or overthrowing him to save the children. If half a million children had died, the US would have been complicit in continuing the policy since the 1992 and especially the 1995 study until they stopped on their own accord. Saddam merely gave in because he figured that they didn't care about Iraqi children. The reasoning may not be dead simple, but that doesn't mean we can't recognize that we were at fault, and that the core of Bin Laden's grievance was actually based on the truth. Moreover, the statements of Madeleine Albright and Tariq Aziz were sufficient reason to believe that the Iraqis were not likely to see us as liberators.

To draw from my essay "Proof that Rumsfeld intentionally started the civil war in Iraq through the Badr Brigade": Incidentally, it turned out that they almost all saw us as liberators until we fired the government, had them tortured/killed, imprisoned/tortured/killed them ourselves without due process, shut down Moqtada al-Sadr's newspaper, and tried to make money from their oil. Thus, if we took Saddam out in 1991 or 1996, it would have been not only far more justified (though not necessary or the best idea), it could have worked out fairly well. What Saddam did before he invaded Kuwait was even worse, so intervening in 1991 would have been late if we wanted to intervene. Lastly, the Israel lobby was probably the most powerful group pushing for Saddam to be removed, though I do not doubt the influence of defense contractors.

The second grievance was our support for Israel. He was upset by the killing of men, women, and children in Palestine and Lebanon. We gave Israel $1.8 billion a year in military-aid grants from 1984 to 1999, growing ever since then. In the article (I haven't read the book) "The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy" Walt and Mearsheimer note: "Since 1982, the United States has vetoed 33 United Nations Security Council resolutions that were critical of Israel, a number greater than the combined total of vetoes cast by all the other Security Council members." This is why settlements, which the US used to say it was technically opposed to, go unpunished by sanctions. Even the target was chosen to mirror Israel's aggression (Washington Post, 2004): "And as I looked at those demolished towers in Lebanon, it entered my mind that we should punish the oppressor in kind and that we should destroy towers in America in order that they taste some of what we tasted and so that they be deterred from killing our women and children."

Next Page 1 | 2

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
Quicklink Not Found

Sometimes, authors delete their quicklinks after publishing them.



To see if the quicklink was renamed or re-published, please click here.
Progressive Content Not Found

Sometimes, authors delete their progressive content after publishing.



To see if the progressive content was renamed or re-published, please click here.
Furfural 2018 Global Industry Key Players - Central Romana , Illovo Sugar , Lenzing Group , Penn A Kem , Silvateam Market Analysis And Forecast To 2025

Global Furfural Market

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2813672-global-furfural-market-research-report-2018

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/2813672-global-furfural-market-research-report-2018

Global Furfural MarketGlobal Furfural market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingCentral RomanaIllovo SugarLenzing GroupPenn A KemSilvateamKRBLNutrafurHongye HoldingChina FurfuralRequest a Sample Report @Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Furfural in these regions, from 2013 to 2025 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into99.0%99.0%On 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, includingSolventSynthetic ResinOtherTable of Contents-Key Points CoveredGlobal Furfural Market Research Report 20181 Furfural Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Furfural1.2 Furfural Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Furfural Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Furfural Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 99.0%1.2.4 99.0%1.3 Global Furfural Segment by Application1.3.1 Furfural Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Solvent1.3.3 Synthetic Resin1.3.4 Other1.4 Global Furfural Market by Region (2013-2025)1.4.1 Global Furfural Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Furfural (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Furfural Revenue Status and Outlook (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Furfural Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2013-2025)7 Global Furfural Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Central Romana7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Furfural Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Central Romana Furfural Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Illovo Sugar7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Furfural Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Illovo Sugar Furfural Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Lenzing Group7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Furfural Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Lenzing Group Furfural Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Penn A Kem7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Furfural Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 Penn A Kem Furfural Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Silvateam7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Furfural Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Silvateam Furfural Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 KRBL7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Furfural Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 KRBL Furfural Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Nutrafur7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Furfural Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Nutrafur Furfural Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 Hongye Holding7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Furfural Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 Hongye Holding Furfural Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.9 China Furfural7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.9.2 Furfural Product Category, Application and Specification7.9.2.1 Product A7.9.2.2 Product B7.9.3 China Furfural Furfural Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.9.4 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
Winnie Chins Inspirational Journey Continues as an Author of an Upcoming Book

This Ability, NOT Disability: How a Learning-Challenged Son Transformed His Life and Became a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer

www.thisabilitynotdisability.com

www.thisabilitynotdisability.com

Winnie Chin recently attended the Abilities Expo which was held from May 4th to May 6th at the New Jersey convention and expo center, Edison NJ. This expo focused on educating and improving the lives of people with disability and more.The expo was attended by many including families or caregivers, health professionals, and those from educational background. The expo featured new products and services which could aid in bringing about an improvement in life.After attending this large event which was held from May 4th to May 6th, Winnie Chin was deeply touched by what she saw. She could not help but reflected on several chapters of her upcoming book, This Ability NOT Disability, which resonated her beliefs that everything is possible if we believe. Inspiration inspired more inspiration and invention. The cycle is unstoppable. As a result, new break through, new possibilities.Winnie quoted, I am so grateful and thankful now that I am also a part of this inspiration to help many through the sharing of my upcoming book.Her book is titled, This Ability, NOT Disability: How a Learning-Challenged Son Transformed His Life and Became a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer. She is hopeful that readers would be inspired by their journey and they would also be inspired to do more and help this place a better world.Free downloadable book is available on June 30th, 2018 atAbout Winnie ChinWinnie Chin is the author of the upcoming book, This Ability, NOT Disability: How a Learning-Challenged Son Transformed His Life and Became a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer. She is currently a Senior Sales Project Coordinator with one of the worlds largest fragrance and flavor companies located in New Jersey. Winnie is obsessed with personal development. Her ongoing, self-funded continued-education helps her identify her authentic self, purpose, and desires. Her goal is to make a difference in peoples lives.Media ContactContact Person: Winnie ChinContact Number: +1-201-638-3829Email-id: winniechinbook@gmail.comWebsite:About Black Card BooksWith over 300 authors published in the last 25 years who have been featured in publications from the Wall Street Journal to Time Magazine, Black Card Books combine decades of experience in the publishing business with the latest strategies to offer our customers unrivalled publishing services!Address: 5-18 Ringwood Drive, Suite 214,Stouffville, Ontario Canada L4A 0N2
Global Encephalitis Vaccine Market Size 2018-2023 Liaoning Dacheng, Valneva Austria, Wuhan Institute

Encephalitis Vaccine Market Demand and Growth 2018 To 2023

http://bit.ly/Encephalitis-Vaccine-Market-Size-2018

http://www.9dimenresearchstore.com/report/global-encephalitis-vaccine-market-8119

http://9dimenresearchstore.com/

A market study "Global Encephalitis Vaccine Market" examines the performance of the Encephalitis Vaccine market 2018. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Encephalitis Vaccine market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Encephalitis Vaccine market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Encephalitis Vaccine Market 2018 report includes Encephalitis Vaccine market Revenue, market Share, Encephalitis Vaccine industry volume, market Trends, Encephalitis Vaccine Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report. It shows manufacturing capacity, Encephalitis Vaccine Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Encephalitis Vaccine Market 2018 : Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University Valneva Austria GmbH Chengdu Institute Liaoning Dacheng Wuhan Institute OtherEncephalitis Vaccine Market : By ApplicationPublicPrivateEncephalitis Vaccine Market : By TypeInactivated VaccineLive Attenuated VaccineFirstly, the report covers the top Encephalitis Vaccine manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Encephalitis Vaccine report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Encephalitis Vaccine industry, Encephalitis Vaccine industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Encephalitis Vaccine Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Encephalitis Vaccine 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 Encephalitis Vaccine market revenue worldwide.Finally, Encephalitis Vaccine 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 Us9Dimen Research Store is a leading market intelligence team which making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact US:5001 Spring Valley Rd #400,Dallas,TX 75244, USAContact No. +1-214-661-1669Email: sales@9dimenresearchstore.comWeb:
UN World Environment Day WED 2018  Banasthali School of Earth Sciences offers Holistic Programs

UN World Environment Day WED 2018  Banasthali School of Earth Sciences offers Holistic Programs

http://www.banasthali.org/

http://www.banasthali.org/banasthali/admissions/course.html

http://www.banasthali.org/

www.facebook.com/Banasthali.org

Countries across all latitudes and longitudes observe 05 Jun every year as World Environment Day  WED. Starting from 1972, the United Nations, through this day, stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. The theme chosen for 2013 is "Beat Plastic Pollution.Right from its inception Banasthali which is Worlds largest fully residential womens university spread across 1000 acres with 16000 students has focused on environment friendly activities. It is known that for making a meter of khadi fabric, just three liters of water is required while for making a meter of mill fabric, 55 liters of water is needed. According to Vice Chancellor Prof Aditya Shastri a highly acclaimed alumnus of BITS Pilani, State University of New York  SUNY Stony Brook and MIT USA, for all students, faculty and staff of Banasthali, Khadi for Fashion - Khadi for Nation, Khadi is Not only a Fabric - It is a lifestyle are not mere slogans as wearing zero effect zero defect Khadi the most environment friendly fabric is an integral part of simple living at Banasthali. In fact the visiting dignitaries at Banasthali receive a garland made from Khadi only!! For more details about Banasthali seeMost are under the impression that study of Environment is all about issues concerning air  water  noise  land pollution but in reality to have a holistic view of Environment, Banasthali firmly believes that one must comprehensively look at Earth Sciences which includes Geology, Geography, Remote sensing along with environmental sciences.The evolutionary details of this school starts from Geography department established in 2008 followed by Remote Sensing in 2011 and then after Geology and commissioning of the new building in 2013 followed by Environmental Science in 2016. With state of the art facilities and faculty from lead institutions in India, Banasthali School of Earth Sciences is a hub of over 400 students enrolled in bachelors masters and doctoral programmers in various departments. Befittingly, the annual festival of the School of Earth Sciences is named COSMOS which typically includes Technical Exhibition, Rangoli competition, invited lectures by domain experts, cultural Programs, debate and quiz competitions.The BSc Geology curriculum includes courses on Elementary Physical & Structural Geology, Elements of Mineralogy Economic Geology and Geo Chemistry, Petrology and Crystallography, Paleontologyand Stratigraphy, Hydrogeology Environmental and Engineering Geology, Photo Geology Remote Sensing and Geology of India etc. The Faculty member of the Geology Department have pursued research topics such as Quaternary Geology, Sedimentology, Micropaleontology and Palaeoclimatic studies of the Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat funded by the SERB (DST), New Delhi.The curriculum of Geography includes Physical & Human Geography, Economic Geography, India and World Regional Geography, Geographical Thought etc. The main thrust areas of Geography department are Geomorphology, Climatology, Oceanography, Bio/Environmental, Population, Regional Development and Planning, Agriculture, Urban and Rural, Political etc.With state of the art facilities, the MTech Remote Sensing program of Banasthali includes Principles of Remote Sensing, Fundamentals of geographic information science, Applied statistics & cartography and digital mapping, Surveying, global positioning systems and mobile mapping, Computer Programming, Spatial database systems, analysis and modeling, Digital Image Processing, Spatial decision support systems, Research methodology & project management, Applications of remote sensing, reading electives and Project  Thesis work. The MSc Environmental Sciences interdisciplinary curriculum includes courses on Energy audit and conservation, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Physics, Environmental Bio technology etc.Prof Rashmi Sharma Dean School of Earth Sciences is of the firm opinion that one must learn to live without plastics which is not difficult and is planning to launch an aggressive campaign for the UN slogan if you can't use it, refuse it!.For more admission details seeAbout Banasthali: The Institution which is also the largest fully residential womens university in the world has played a big role in revolutionizing womens education in the country for the last eight decades with a belief that there is a tremendous role of higher education in empowering the women. Banasthali has scripted numerous success stories in a wide range of fields, and stands tall among the citadels of learning in India today. Team Banasthali with Vice Chancellor J C Bose Memorial Award for eminent scientist recipient Prof Aditya Shastri a highly acclaimed alumnus of BITS Pilani, SUNY State University of New York Stony Brook and MIT USA is indeed racing forward to be the very best among global women universities. It is a matter of pride that NITI Aayog had selected Banasthali along with ISB CCMB in Top 10 to host Atal Incubation Centre. Proud to be Banasthali alumni who call themselves as Banasthalites can be found in all latitudes, longitudes and altitudes in all walks of life across the globe. Banasthali has been in national and international media attention recently for getting the Four Star Ranking in Quacquarelli Symonds - QS Stars Rated for Excellence and Diamond status under QS i-Gauge Indian University Rating.Banasthali VidyapithP.O. Banasthali VidyapithRajasthan  304022Phone 91 1438 228456 / 228341Email: info@banasthali.ac.inWebsite:Facebook:
Emirates Graphic Provides Content Management Systems for Each Clients Custom Websites in the UAE

http://www.emiratesgraphic.com/

Dubai, UAE, June 6, 2018  The leading web design agency based in Dubai boasts an experienced and talented design and web development team that has continued to churn out websites that far exceed their customers expectation in very many ways. They create websites that have a strong online presence, are beautiful, functional and effective in the goals they are set up to achieve. Though the Companys headquarters are in Dubai, they work with clients all around the world.We are very confident of our work and the ability to retain clients, and so, our services are very transparent to the point that we are quite free to equip our clients to manage their websites after we are done with the design and development, said SachaChriste, the Founder of Emirates Graphic. One of the way we do this is work hand-in-hand with our client through the whole journey, from conception, design, coding, through to testing and application of the website. During development, we provide our customers with a user-friendly and functional interface, their custom content management system, built specifically for their website from scratch. The CMS allows our client to add some content or make changes as they see fit to some or all the pages of the site with no problem at all.Emirates Graphic is well established in the provision of web design in Dubai. The team of developers who work with the Company, is professionals who have gone beyond using a WordPress template into designing websites for their clients from scratch. They work on each project individually treating each as a unique job that deserves to have its own custom content management system.Your online presence depends very much on your website, and if you do not have a web design that is visually impressive, perfectly functional and utterly convincing, you may not attract or hold your customers attention. What every serious company manager needs to do is get the best service for their website from people who understand web design and development. At Emirates Graphic, we understand that the website is the anchor to a companys online presence and so we design a dynamic site that cannot be ignored, concluded SachaChriste.Emirates Graphic rates as one of the top website developer in Dubai and their take on the importance of a robust website is, it should allow people to access it from their phones. The sites they design are accessible from mobile devices since they understand how this aspect affects how much interaction there will be between the client and service provider. The design of the website layout is also consistent across all devices, is functional and user-friendly. Emirates Graphic team of developers have mastered how to marry the PC version and the mobile one to remain consistent.About Emirates GraphicEmirates Graphic is the website designer of choice in Dubai and the middle-east region. They are experienced in designing websites that are of high quality and ones that give a high return on investment. The high-profile companies in Dubai who solicit their services do so for this same reason. They know the website developed for their company will be quality as well as a branding marketing tool.Company Name: Emirates GraphicAddress: Cluster W, Tiffany Tower, Office 1406,Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, UAEPhone: +971 4 456 69 53Mobile: +971 50 9124567Email:info@emiratesgraphic.comWebsite:
Automotive Automatic Transmission Market to receive overwhelming hike in Revenues by 2026

https://www.xploremr.com/report/1193/automotive-automatic-transmission-market

https://www.xploremr.com/connectus/sample/1193

https://www.xploremr.com/cart/reports/buynow/1193

Immense comfort offered by the automotive automatic transmission systems along with their provision of convenience to individuals new to driving vehicles has created a surge in their demand in the automotive industry. With expansion of the overall automotive sector, in tandem with discretionary income of people around the world, demand for vehicles equipped with automatic transmission will witness a tremendous rise in the near future. This Fact.MR report discusses key prospects for growth of global automotive automatic transmission market during the forecast period, 2017-2026, offering pragmatic insights to lead market players towards devising & implementing informed strategies.Report Overview @ScopeThe scope of the report is to analyze the global automotive automatic transmission market for the period 2017-2026 and give readers an accurate, unbiased analysis. Automotive automatic transmission manufacturers, suppliers, and stakeholders in the overall automotive market can benefit from the insights offered in this report. The comprehensive analysis offered in the report can also be of interest to leading automotive journals and trade magazines.SummaryThe report begins with a concise summary of the global automotive automatic transmission market. This executive summary sets the tone for the rest of the report, giving users the scope of the report. The executive summary includes important facts and statistics on the global automotive automatic transmission market.OverviewThe next section is an overview of the global automotive automatic transmission market. This includes the introduction to the market and a standard definition of the product  automotive automatic transmission. In this section, year-over-year growth and market value is offered to readers. Year-over-year growth gives readers a broader picture on growth patterns during the forecast period.The next section of the report offers a thorough description of the latest macroeconomic factors that have a bearing on the global automotive automatic transmission market. Considering the interconnectedness of the automotive automatic transmission market to global automotive market and, in general, the global economy, readers will get valuable insights on how international developments impact this market.In a bid to keep readers up-to-date on the latest developments in the global automotive automatic transmission market, the report offers readers a roundup of the latest trends impacting the market. As the automotive sector is ever-evolving, staying abreast with latest trends and developments is paramount to formulating key business strategies. Information on supply chain, cost structure, pricing analysis, raw material sourcing, and list of distributors are offered to readers in this section.Get a free sample request @Considering the broad scope of global automotive automatic transmission market, the report includes a segment-wise analysis and forecast. The global automotive automatic transmission market is segmented into vehicle type, and region. Through this section, the report offers an in-depth country-wise forecast on every parameter associated with automotive automatic transmission.The concluding section of the report profiles companies operating in the global automotive automatic transmission market. Companies of all sizes, including market leaders, established players, and market entrants are profiled in this section. The competitive intelligence offers information on company overview and other important parameters, such as product offerings and key financials.Research MethodologyFact.MR is committed to offer unbiased and independent market research solutions to its clients. Each market report of Fact.MR is compiled after months of exhaustive research. We bank on a mix of tried-and-tested and innovative research methodologies to offer the most comprehensive and accurate information. Our main sources of research include,Primary researchSecondary researchTrade researchFocused interviewsSocial media analysisBuy Now Full Report @About UsXploreMR is one of the worlds leading resellers of high-quality market research reports. We feature in-depth reports from some of the worlds most reputed market research companies and international organizations. We serve across a broad spectrum  from Fortune 500 to small and medium businesses. Our clients trust us for our unwavering focus onquality and affordability. We believe high price should not be a bottleneck for organizations looking to gain access to quality information.XploreMR111 North Market Street, Suite 300,San Jose, CA 95113, United States
Packaging Machinery Market : CAGR of 6% To be Observed By Key Players - Barry-Wehmiller, Illinois Tool Works, Krones AG, Bosch Packaging, Tetra Level International, Reynolds Group

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1199

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/packaging-machinery-market-1199

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/press-release/packaging-machinery-industry

Global Packaging Machinery Market Information by Type (Form Fill Seal, Labelling & Coding, Closing & Sealing, Wrapping & Bundling and others), by EndUser (Food, Beverages, Pharmaceutical, Personal care, and others) And Region - Forecast To 2023The global Packaging Machinery Market is projected to grow at the CAGR of ~6%.Get Report Sample@Packaging Machinery Market  OverviewThe requirement of delivering products both consumable and non-consumable products, has led to emergence of different innovation the packaging industry. Market reports linked to the packaging & transport sector made available by Market Research Future along with published reports on other sectors have been recently published along with a report on this market. The industry is estimated to develop at a CAGR of 6 percent approximately in the forecast period.The demand for packaging machinery has risen in conjunction with the rise of the concept of consumerism. The reason being is the need for food items, apparel, electronics etc. to reach their end users in good condition and also to effectively enhance their shelf life. Advances in technology and discovery of better packaging raw materials have reasonably led to the development of the packaging machinery industry and will continue to do so through the forecast period as well.Industry SegmentsThe segmentation for the packaging machinery market is divided on the basis of end user and type. On the basis of end users the segment includes beverages, food, pharmaceutical, personal care and others. On the basis of type, the segment includes labelling & coding, form fill seal, wrapping & bundling, closing & sealing, and others. The regions for packaging machinery include Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and rest of the world.Detailed Regional AnalysisThe regional analysis for packaging machinery includes Europe, Asia Pacific, North America and rest of the world. The Asia Pacific region is estimated to lead the Packaging Machinery industry globally. The development of the industry can be credited to the existence of a huge number of personal care product and food & beverage manufacturers in the region. The North American region is also estimated to develop considerably in the packaging machinery industry due to the incidence of a huge number of competitors in the industry.Browse Full Report@Global Competitive AnalysisThe corporate strategy of the competitors in the market is focused currently on capitalizing the dynamic pace of technological innovations which have led to plenty of changes both in terms of product development and handling competition. This particular trend has enabled portfolio improvement along with the affinity for diversification in the sector, which has indirectly enabled the players to use the valuable state of dealings available in this industry. The use of these prospects by contenders, who are trying to cultivate their industry stake by intensive expansion can stimulate the expansion of this industry. The companies are also moreover trying to create and capture financial in a suitable manner. This has elevated the potential for the forthcoming growth period significantly. The strategic decision-making process has increased the productivity of companies so that they maintain their companys liquidity and sustain feasible to take effective choices in terms of strategy designing and implementation.Key PlayersIllinois Tool Works Inc. (U.S.), Barry-Wehmiller (U.S.), Krones AG (Germany), GEA Group AG (Germany), Bosch Packaging Technology (U.S.), Automated Packaging Systems (U.S.), Graphic Packaging Holding (U.S.), Dover Corporation (U.S.), Mamata Enterprises (India), MULTIVAC Group (U.S.) are a few of the noteworthy players in the packaging machinery market globally.Industry Updates:Apr 2018 Kendall Packaging which is the company behind engineering the wrapping for common items such as candy and wet wipes, recently inaugurated its new 60,000-square-foot addition to Northeast Regional Industrial Park located Pittsburg operation. The Wisconsin-based firm had hosted the grand opening for the public and also offered plant tours upon celebrating the completion. The $10 million project has more than doubled the size of its previous 35,000-square-foot building, which delivers state-of-the-art machinery and will add about 18 jobs to the area. The growth has amplified the companys output competency by 60 percent. A large share of the investment went to fresh equipment, comprising of a solventless laminator, 10-color printing press and a slitter.Press Release Available @Product Analysis Product matrix which gives a detailed comparison of the market for different recycled product typesAdditional Information Regulatory Landscape Pricing Analysis Macroeconomic IndicatorsGeographic Analysis Geographical analysis across 15 countriesCompany Information Profiling of 10 key market players In-depth analysis including SWOT analysis, and strategy information of related to report title Competitive landscape including emerging trends adopted by major companiesBrief TOC :1. Executive Summary2. Research Methodology3. Market Dynamics4. Global Market, By Type5. Global Market, By Technology6. Global Market, By Application7. Global Market, By End-user8. Regional Market Analysis9. Competitive Analysis10. Conclusion11. List Of Tables12. List Of FiguresAsk for your specific company profile and country level customization on reports.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.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.Market Research FutureMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Flexible Packaging Market 2018 Expected to Reach USD 342.85 Billion by the End By 2023 | Global Key Players - Amcor Limited, Mondi Group, Sealed Air Corporation, Sonoco Products Company, Coveris Holdings , Bemis Company

Flexible Packaging Market

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1151

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/flexible-packaging-market-1151

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/press-release/flexible-packaging-industry

Global Flexible Packaging Market: By Material (Plastic, Paper, Aluminum), Products (Pouches, Bags, Wraps), Printing Technology (Flexography, Digital Printing), Application (Pharmaceutical, Food & Beverages, Personal Care) And Region - Forecast Till 2023Global Flexible Packaging Market is expected to reach USD 342.85 billion by the end of the forecast period at CAGR of 5.92%.Get Report Sample@Market Scenario:Flexible packaging is a rapidly growing segment in the global packaging industry, and it integrates the best qualities of plastic film, aluminum foil, and paper to offer a wide range of protective properties. It can take the shape of a bag, pouch, or any part of a package whose shape can be readily changed. Such packaging is used for various products in consumer as well as industrial applications to protect, market, and distribute a variety of products.According to the MRFR analysis, the flexible packaging market is swelling at a rapid pace and is anticipated to increase significantly over the forecast period. The global flexible packaging market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.92% during the estimated period (2017-2023).The flexible packaging market is compelled by several factors such as increased consumption of packed and wrapped foods & beverages. Moreover, environmental benefits of flexible packaging are also stimulating the growth of the market. Flexible packaging contains low raw material consumption, low carbon emission, and comparatively low waste production as compared to conventional packaging formats. It reduces energy usage. For e.g., to produce a pouch for food package needs 75% less energy and produces just 1 /10 of CO2 emissions during manufacturing than a metal can for the equivalent amount of product.On the basis of the regions, the global flexible packaging market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW). Asia Pacific region accounted for the 29.41% share of the market in 2016, in terms of value. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.18% during the forecast period. Exponential growth in the packaging industry in Asia Pacific region is the key factor fueling the growth of the market. Increasing number of a supermarket in the region is also likely to boost the demand for flexible packaging products. China, India, Japan, and Thailand are the main contributor to the Asia Pacific market. China accounts for the largest market share in the region due to rapid urbanization and industrial development.North America is another major flexible packaging market in the globe. Expansion in confectionery, dairy, and medical industry, technological advancement in barrier materials coupled with rising retail business, stand up pouches usage are likely to trigger the industrial growth.High growth in the retail as well as the pharmaceutical industry is driving the growth of the North American market. Moreover, the region is the hub of major flexible packaging manufacturers such as Sonoco Products Company (U.S.), Sealed Air Corporation (U.S.), and Bemis Company Inc. among others. The U.S. accounted for the major share of the North American market.Browse Full Report@Segmentation: Global Flexible Packaging MarketFor the purpose of the study, the market has been segmented based on material, product, technology, and application. On the basis of the types, the market is segmented into pouches, bags, wraps, and others. The pouches segment accounted for the largest, 36.46% share of the market in 2016, with a market value of USD 85.45 billion and is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.95% during the forecast period. It is most widely used flexible packaging products. It is available in different types such as stand up pouches, retort pouches, and pillow pouches. The stand-up pouches are displaying high growth rate due to high barrier properties against moisture and oxygen coupled with low material usage and cost-effective properties. Bags segment was the second-largest market valued at USD 75.79 billion in 2016.On the basis of the technology, the market is segmented into flexography, digital printing, and others. Flexography segment accounted for the largest market share of 45.54% in 2016, with a market value of USD 10.6.72 billion and is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 5.59% during the forecast period. It is a traditional method of printing and is used across various type of substrate, including corrugated cardboard, cellophane, plastic, and metallic film.Based on the application, the market is segmented into food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal Care, and others. The food & beverages segment dominates the global flexible packaging market with 38.16% share in 2016, in terms of value. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.12% during the forecast period. Increase in population along with disposable income in countries such as China, India, and Brazil, has led to a growth in the demand for good quality packaged food.Hence, Global Flexible Packaging Market is expected to reach USD 342.85 billion by the end of the forecast period at CAGR of 5.92%.Key PlayersThe prominent players in the flexible packaging include Amcor Limited (Victoria), Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH (Austria), Mondi Group (Johannesburg), Sealed Air Corporation (North Carolina), Sonoco Products Company (U.S.), Coveris Holdings S.A. (U.S.), Huhtamaki Group (Finland), Bemis Company Inc. (U.S.), and Ampac Holdings LLC (U.S.).Press Release Available @Product Analysis Product matrix which gives a detailed comparison of the market for different recycled product typesAdditional Information Regulatory Landscape Pricing Analysis Macroeconomic IndicatorsGeographic Analysis Geographical analysis across 15 countriesCompany Information Profiling of 10 key market players In-depth analysis including SWOT analysis, and strategy information of related to report title Competitive landscape including emerging trends adopted by major companiesBrief TOC :1. Executive Summary2. Research Methodology3. Market Dynamics4. Global Market, By Type5. Global Market, By Technology6. Global Market, By Application7. Global Market, By End-user8. Regional Market Analysis9. Competitive Analysis10. Conclusion11. List Of Tables12. List Of FiguresAsk for your specific company profile and country level customization on reports.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.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.Market Research FutureMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Starter Culture Market Revenue, Opportunity, Segment and Key Trends 2016-2024

https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=10910

https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/starter-culture-market.html

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com

Starter cultures comprise of microorganism present either in activated or deactivated mode in liquid, dried, or frozen form. Starter cultures are useful for the metabolic activity and enhance physical and chemical properties of the product under fermentation processes. Fermentation process is one of the most common cost-effective and popular method for food processing and preservation, which is essential now to meet the rising demand for packaged food and beverage products. Starter cultures are used as a major ingredient in different alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to enhance their texture, color, flavor, and quality. Start culture play an important role in breaking down sugars and releasing carbon dioxide.Request to view Sample Report:Owing to several factors including the surging demand for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, the global market for starter culture is projected for a healthy growth rate during the forecast period of 2016 to 2024. This report is a comprehensive analysis of the starter culture market and segments it on the basis of product type, application, and geography, besides profiling some of the key players who are currently active in this market, highlighting their market share, product portfolio, and development strategies. The report also features a complete quantitative and qualitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.On the basis of product type, the market can be segmented into yeast, molds, and bacteria. By application, market is divided into alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages include whiskey, beer, wine, and others including gin, vodka, and tequila. Non-alcoholic beverages include dairy products, kombucha, cereal based products, and fruit based drinks. Currently, yeast start culture dominates the alcoholic beverages segment while bacteria is most commonly used for the non-alcoholic beverages segment.Read Report Overview @Apart from the escalating demand from the food and beverages industry, increasing healthcare awareness among the consumers is another prominent factor fueling the demand in the global starter culture market. Additionally, technological advancements in the start culture industry, for example genetically modified start cultures, are expected to favor the market growth during the forecast period. Conversely, stringent regulations on microorganisms and the conditions pertaining to their growth are expected to challenge the market, apart from volatile raw material prices. The report highlights increasing functional drinks demand coupled with superior nutritive and read-to-drink beverages as two opportunities available for the players.Geographically, the global market for start culture can be divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and rest of the world. The report picks out Europe as the most lucrative regional market, owing to its significant alcoholic beverage demand. Asia Pacific, with vast population, is projected for a robust growth rate, especially from emerging economies such as India, China, and Brazil. North America too will sustain the demand due to high nutritional requirements.Angel Yeast CO. Ltd, Lallemand Inc, Lesaffre Group, CSK Food Enrichment B.V, Dohler Group, Wyeast laboratories Inc., Lactina Ltd, and Danisco A/S are some of the key players in the global starter culture market. The report observes that the nature of the competition is quite stiff in this market with the leading players constantly investing in research and development to enhance their product portfolio and gain shares. Also, mergers and acquisition with smaller companies is helping them expand their outreach to untapped market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Processed Poultry Meat Market Value Share, Analysis and Segments 2016-2024

https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=10946

https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/processed-poultry-meat-market.html

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com

According to the latest update of the processed poultry meat market, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has filed a petition asking to add cancer warning labels to the packaging of processed poultry and meat products. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has received this petition with the intention of informing consumers about accurate nutritional value of various processed poultry and meat products and help them make better food decisions. Although the petition may affect the global market to some extent, there are a number of powerful drivers that are expected to ultimately compensate for the meagre restraints.Request to view Sample Report:The report on international processed poultry meat market for the forecast period 20162024 provides a broad evaluation on the basis of a key segmentation, which includes the different methods of processing. Considering the categorization by type, the market is segregated into three radical divisions, whereas geographically, the report studies the market in four major segments.Interested buyers of the report are offered verifiable projections of the processed poultry meat market with a view to help them make the best decisions in their business. All of these projections take root from authentic research methodologies and dependable assumptions. The report spans over a range of decisive facets of the market while presenting itself as a comprehensive depository of cutting-edge analysis and vital information.The processed poultry meat market is anticipated to experience few cutbacks in the event of rising health concerns and specific guidelines penned by governments around the world with regard to excessive usage of processed meat.Read Report Overview @Nonetheless, with the presence of a wealth of drivers in the global market, the demand for processed poultry meat is predicted to soar high. Out of which, higher feed conversion rate encouraging low cost of poultry meat production and rich protein content are expected to significantly boost the market. The rise in fast-casual and fast-food dining, presence of lesser calories compared to red meat, greater disposable income, improved shelf-life, year-round availability, and convenience are other key factors that are predicted to positively impact the market.The global market for processed poultry meat is presently driven by one of the ongoing trends in the industry, i.e. vertical integration, where a company can easily expand its profit margin and magnify the efficiency of its operations.The report studies more of such salient trends in different geographical segments of the market. By geography, the market can be split up into segments such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.The global processed poultry meat market is foretold to be dominated by influential players, such as Sanderson Farms, Cargill, Inc., Sysco Corp., Tyson Foods, Inc., JBS S.A., and Pilgrims Pride Corp. The continuing presence of these companies in the processed poultry meat industry is expected to markedly impact the market. Using a qualitative and thorough analysis, the report offers an all-embracing overview of the potential opportunities and competitive scenario of the market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Enterprise Cyber Security 2018 Global Market Growth, Opportunities and Analysis, Forecast To 2023

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3214635-2018-global-enterprise-cyber-security-industry-depth-research-report

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3214635-2018-global-enterprise-cyber-security-industry-depth-research-report

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Enterprise Cyber Security industry market by types, applications, players and regions. This report also displays the 2013-2023 production, Consumption, revenue, Gross margin, Cost, Gross, market share, CAGR, and Market influencing factors of the Enterprise Cyber Security industry in USA, EU, China, India, Japan and other regionsMarket Analysis by Players: This report includes following top vendors in terms of company basic information, product category, sales (volume), revenue (Million USD), price and gross margin (%).VenustechWestoneH3CHuaweiTopsecNsfocusSangfor360 Enterprise SecuritySymantec CorporationAsiainfoDBAPPSecurityRequest a Sample Report @Market Analysis by Regions: Each geographical region is analyzed as Sales, Market Share (%) by Types & Applications, Production, Consumption, Imports & Exports Analysis, and Consumption Forecast.USAEuropeJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaSouth AmericaSouth AfricaOthersMarket Analysis by Types: Each type is studied as Sales, Market Share (%), Revenue (Million USD), Price, Gross Margin and more similar information.Security SoftwareSecurity HardwareSecurity ServicesMarket Analysis by Applications: Each application is studied as Sales and Market Share (%), Revenue (Million USD), Price, Gross Margin and more similar information.GovernmentEducationEnterpriseFinancialMedicalOthersTable of Content1 Enterprise Cyber Security Market Overview1.1 Product Overview of Enterprise Cyber Security1.2 Classification of Enterprise Cyber Security1.2.1 Type 11.2.2 Type 21.2.3 Type 31.2.4 Type 41.3 Applications of Enterprise Cyber Security1.3.1 Application 11.3.2 Application 21.3.3 Application 31.3.4 Application 41.4 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Market Regional Analysis1.4.1 USA Market Present Situation Analysis1.4.2 Europe Market Present Situation Analysis1.4.3 Japan Market Present Situation Analysis1.4.4 China Market Present Situation Analysis1.4.5 India Market Present Situation Analysis1.4.6 Southeast Asia Market Present Situation Analysis1.4.7 South America Market Present Situation Analysis1.4.8 South Africa Market Present Situation Analysis1.5 Enterprise Cyber Security Industry Development Factors Analysis1.5.1 Enterprise Cyber Security Industry Development Opportunities Analysis1.5.2 Enterprise Cyber Security Industry Development Challenges Analysis1.6 Enterprise Cyber Security Consumer Behavior Analysis2 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Competitions by Players2.1 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Players2.2 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Revenue (Million USD) and Share by Players (2017-2018)2.3 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Price (USD/Unit) by Players (2017-2018)2.4 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Gross Margin by Players (2017-2018)3 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Competitions by Types3.1 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Types3.2 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Revenue (Million USD) and Share by Type (2013-2018)3.3 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Price (USD/Unit) by Type (2013-2018)3.4 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Gross Margin by Type (2013-2018)3.5 USA Enterprise Cyber Security Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.6 China Enterprise Cyber Security Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.7 Europe Enterprise Cyber Security Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.8 Japan Enterprise Cyber Security Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.9 India Enterprise Cyber Security Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.10 Southeast Asia Enterprise Cyber Security Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.11 South America Enterprise Cyber Security Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.12 South Africa Enterprise Cyber Security Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type4 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Competitions by Applications4.1 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.2 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Revenue (Million USD) and Share by Applications (2013-2018)4.3 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Price (USD/Unit) by Applications (2013-2018)4.4 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Gross Margin by Applications (2013-2018)4.5 USA Enterprise Cyber Security Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.6 China Enterprise Cyber Security Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.7 Europe Enterprise Cyber Security Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.8 Japan Enterprise Cyber Security Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.9 India Enterprise Cyber Security Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.10 Southeast Asia Enterprise Cyber Security Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.11 South America Enterprise Cyber Security Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.12 South Africa Enterprise Cyber Security Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications5 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Production Market Analysis by Regions5.1 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Production (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Regions5.1.1 USA Enterprise Cyber Security Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.2 Europe Enterprise Cyber Security Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.3 China Enterprise Cyber Security Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.4 Japan Enterprise Cyber Security Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.5 India Enterprise Cyber Security Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.6 Southeast Asia Enterprise Cyber Security Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.7 South America Enterprise Cyber Security Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.8 South Africa Enterprise Cyber Security Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.2 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Production Value (Million USD) and Share by Region (2013-2018)5.3 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Price (USD/Unit) by Region (2013-2018)5.4 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Gross Margin by Region (2013-2018)6 Global Enterprise Cyber Security Sales Market Analysis by Region6.1 USA Enterprise Cyber Security Market Consumption Present Situation Analysis6.2 Europe Enterprise Cyber Security Market Consumption Present Situation Analysis6.3 China Enterprise Cyber Security Market Consumption Present Situation Analysis6.4 Japan Enterprise Cyber Security Market Consumption Present Situation Analysis6.5 India Enterprise Cyber Security Market Consumption Present Situation Analysis6.6 Southeast Asia Enterprise Cyber Security Market Consumption Present Situation Analysis6.7 South America Enterprise Cyber Security Market Consumption Present Situation Analysis6.8 South Africa Enterprise Cyber Security Market Consumption Present Situation AnalysisContinuedAccess Complete Report @ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.ADDRES:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Global Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil Market Forecast 2018-2025 Chevron, JX Nippon, ExxonMobil, Shell

Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil Market

https://bit.ly/2kO0J8h

http://www.qymarketstudy.com/report/global-marine-medium-speed-engine-oil-market-10310

www.qymarketstudy.com/

A comprehensive market study on "Global Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil Market 2018-2025" examines the performance of the Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil market. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Leading Manufacturers Analysis such as - ExxonMobil, Shell, Total, Chevron, Sinopec, JX Nippon, LUKOIL, Gulf, Castrol, Aegean, BP, Idem Itsu.The Global Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil Market 2018 report includes Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil market Revenue, market Share, Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil industry volume, market Trends, Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report. It shows manufacturing capacity, Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2025.Request Sample Copy of Report:Firstly, the report covers the top Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil Market Segmented Based on Application - Deep Sea, Inland and Coastal.Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil Market Segmented Based on Type - Mineral Oil, Synthetic, Bio-Based.Further, the Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil industry, Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil 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 Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil market revenue worldwide.Finally, Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil 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:QYMarketStudy.com is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We have a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of the technology industry.Contact Us:3626 North Hall Street (Two Oak Lawn),Suite 610,Dallas, TX 75219, USAContact No. +1-214-661-1669Web:Email: sales@qymarketstudy.com
Spray Polyurea Elastomers Market is set to garner staggering revenues by 2026

https://www.xploremr.com/report/1207/spray-polyurea-elastomers-market

https://www.xploremr.com/connectus/sample/1207

https://www.xploremr.com/cart/reports/buynow/1207

Demand for spray polyurea elastomers is expected to remain considerable in the forthcoming years, owing to rapid industrialization and surging investments by leading players in developing nations on account of cheap labor. Industrialization growth has propelled emission of gases that have significant hazards to the environment, which in turn leads to wear & tear of surface coatings in residential as well as commercial building structures. Considering this concern, specialty coatings manufacturers have placed a greater emphasis on development of spray polyurea elastomers with improved performance attributes and elimination of VOCs.Report Overview @Detailed Assessment on Polyurea elastomer MarketFact.MR has recently published a new report on the global polyurea elastomer market, which offers accurate forecasts on the market for the period between 2017 and 2026. This report is a definite source of information that imparts intelligence on recent market dynamics, industry trends, potential markets, technology developments & advancements, and product innovation coupled with extensive regional market coverage.A comprehensive data analysis on the global polyurea elastomer market is delivered in the report, in order to help the clients in gaining a competitive edge and attracting potential customers. The report further aid in better understanding of the industry structure, and offers evaluations on the competition intensity attractiveness. Business strategists can leverage the intelligence offered in the report regarding latest opportunities and trends impacting the market expansion to make fact-based decisions for their businesses.Polyurea elastomer Market: Taxonomy and Segmentation AnalysisThis report also offers a scrutinized study on the global market for polyurea elastomer in terms of a segmentation analysis. The market has been divided into 4 key segments, namely, by raw material, application, product type, and region. These segments have been analyzed in detail, engulfing market forecasts and estimates at a country and regional level. The market has been regionally segmented into Middle East & Africa (MEA), Japan, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), and North America.Get a free sample request @The segmentation analysis offered can be useful for the report readers in understanding probable opportunities and potential markets for the target product  polyurea elastomer. A taxonomy table incorporated in the report illustrates all the market segments in a systematic manner as depicted below.Polyurea elastomer Market: Competitive Landscape AssessmentIn its concluding chapter, the report quantifies revenues share of prominent companies in the global polyurea elastomer market, and offers an in-depth overview of the markets competitive scenario. A detailed description has been delivered on all the market players profiled in the report, which includes intelligence in terms of their company overview, key financials, product overview, past as well as latest developments.A SWOT analysis has been offered on each market player incorporated in the report, along with information on their new product developments, and market expansion strategies such as collaborations and partnerships. The scope of the report is offer its readers with authentic information and insights on the global polyurea elastomer market, to enable them in making better future decisions for growth of the businesses.Buy Now Full Report @About UsXploreMR is one of the worlds leading resellers of high-quality market research reports. We feature in-depth reports from some of the worlds most reputed market research companies and international organizations. We serve across a broad spectrum  from Fortune 500 to small and medium businesses. Our clients trust us for our unwavering focus onquality and affordability. We believe high price should not be a bottleneck for organizations looking to gain access to quality information.XploreMR111 North Market Street, Suite 300,San Jose, CA 95113, United States
Chewing Gum Market 2016-2024 Shares, Trend and Growth Report

https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=10976

https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/chewing-gum-market.html

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com

Chewing gum includes gummy materials such as chicle, flavored, and sweetened. Some of the chewing gum designed to be inflated out of the mouth and are termed as bubble gum. It is consumed globally in different flavors such as watermelon, cinnamon, banana, blue raspberry, lemon, strawberry, apple, cherry and peppermint among others.Request to view Sample Report:The Chewing Gum market can be segmented into the Bubble Gum, bubble gum sugar free and Chewing gum and Sugar free chewing gum. The market can also be segmented geographically into North America, APAC, Europe and RoW regions.The global Chewing Gum market is expected to grow with a single digit CAGR from 2013 to 2019.Gum is consumed worldwide and is more popular among kids. However there is an increase in the consumption of sugar free Gum in developed countries due to various health awareness programs, which fuel the demand of sugar free Gum.The U. S. is the market leader in gum consumption. Innovation by manufactures by introducing a number of flavors, along with different size and shapes in gum is attracting more consumers. The younger generation is the major consumers of candies. Attractive packaging also acts as a major driver of chewing gum market. Large proportion of youth in population in Asia Pacific is expected to drive the consumption of chewing/ bubble gum over the next six years. The population of kids also would drive the consumption of bubble gums in Asia Pacific.Read Report Overview @Some of the key players in Chewing Gum market are Mondelez International Inc, Kraft Foods Inc., Mars Incorporated, Ferndale Confectionery Pty Ltd., Haribo GmbH & Co. Kg, Perfetti Van Melle, The Hershey Company, The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, and ZED Candy among others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. 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.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Cartilage Repair Market, Estimated To Reach At $2,195 Million By 2025

https://www.researchbeam.com/cartilage-repair-market/request-sample

https://www.researchbeam.com/cartilage-repair-market/enquire-about-report

https://www.researchbeam.com/cartilage-repair-market/purchase-enquiry

Articular cartilage is a complex tissue, which is devoid of blood supply (avascular). It is composed of distinct cells called chondrocytes suspended in a collagenous matrix. The key function of this tissue is to smoothen bone movements, and absorbs shock along with providing cushioning to the joints.For More Info, Get Sample :Cartilage repair is a type of cartilage restoration method, wherein the injured cartilage is healed by replacing it with extracellular matrix and new cells. The global cartilage repair market was valued at $713 million in 2017, and is estimated to reach at $2,195 million by 2025, registering a CAGR of 15.0% from 2018 to 2025.Upsurge in geriatric population, surge in prevalence of degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, and rise in sports-related injuries are the key factors that augment the growth of the global cartilage repair market. Furthermore, increase in obesity among the population is expected to boost the market growth.However, high costs associated with cartilage repair products and an unclear regulatory scenario are some of the factors that impede the market growth. Conversely, high potential of emerging economies and increase in demand for cartilage repair products are expected to provide new opportunities for the market players in future.The cartilage repair market is segmented based on modality, type, application, end user, and region. On the basis of modality, the market is divided into chondroplasty & microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation, osteochondral allograft and juvenile allograft fragments.By type, it is bifurcated into hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage. According to application, it is fragmented into knee, shoulder, and others. Depending on end user, it is categorized into hospitals & clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and others. Region wise, it is analyzed across the North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS This report entails a detailed quantitative analysis of the current market trends from 2017 to 2025 to identify the prevailing opportunities along with strategic assessment of global cartilage repair market. Market size and estimations are based on comprehensive analysis of the modalities, applications, end users, and developments in the industry. An in-depth analysis based on region assists to understand the regional market and facilitate the strategic business planning. The development strategies adopted by the key market players are enlisted to understand the competitive scenario of the market.Enquire About Report :KEY MARKET SEGMENTSBy Modality Chondroplasty & Microfracture Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation Osteochondral Allograft Juvenile Allograft FragmentsBy Type Hyaline Cartilage FibrocartilageBy Application Knee Shoulder OthersBy End User Hospitals & Clinics Ambulatory Surgical Centers OthersAlso Request For Discount :By Region North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany France UK Italy Spain Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific Japan China India Australia South Korea Taiwan Rest of Asia-Pacific LAMEA Brazil Saudi Arabia South Africa Rest of LAMEAThe list of key players operating in this market includes: Arthrex, Inc. B. Braun Melsungen AG Conmed Corporation Johnson & Johnson Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. RTI Surgical, Inc. Smith & Nephew PLC Stryker Corporation Vericel Corporation Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.The other players included in the value chain analysis (and not included in the report) include: Anika Therapeutics, Inc. Collagen Solutions LLP Histogenics CorporationTable Of Content CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 2: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CHAPTER 3: MARKET OVERVIEW CHAPTER 4: CARTILAGE REPAIR MARKET, BY MODALITY CHAPTER 5: CARTILAGE REPAIR MARKET, BY TYPE CHAPTER 6: CARTILAGE REPAIR MARKET BY APPLICATION CHAPTER 7: CARTILAGE REPAIR MARKET, BY END USER CHAPTER 8: CARTILAGE REPAIR MARKET, BY REGION CHAPTER 9: COMPANY PROFILESAbout UsWe have a large database of quality and precise market research reports that will be very beneficial for your organization. Reports that we sell our authentic in nature and from reputed publishers, hence it can definitely help you with your growth opportunities. Research Beam will always make sure to bring most ethical and high quality reports. We value your relationship with us and look forward for a long term relation.Contact UsGlobal Head Quarters5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United States+1 (800) 910-6452help@researchbeam.com
Global Hydraulic Fluids Market Forecast 2018-2025 British Petroleum, Renkert Oil, Agip, Exxon Mobil

Hydraulic Fluids Market

https://bit.ly/2kQTsoo

http://www.qymarketstudy.com/report/global-hydraulic-fluids-market-10294

www.qymarketstudy.com/

A comprehensive market study on "Global Hydraulic Fluids Market 2018-2025" examines the performance of the Hydraulic Fluids market. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Hydraulic Fluids market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Hydraulic Fluids market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Leading Manufacturers Analysis such as - Royal Dutch Shell, British Petroleum, Exxon Mobil, Process Oil, Renkert Oil, Schaeffer Manufacturing, LUKOIL Lubricants Company, Castrol Industrial, Accor Librifiants, Agip, Carl Bechem, Condat, Dow Corning, Enerpac, Setral Chemie, Lubrication Engineers, Motul Tech, OKS Spezialschmierstoffe, Permatex, Rocol, Unil Opal.The Global Hydraulic Fluids Market 2018 report includes Hydraulic Fluids market Revenue, market Share, Hydraulic Fluids industry volume, market Trends, Hydraulic Fluids Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report. It shows manufacturing capacity, Hydraulic Fluids Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2025.Request Sample Copy of Report:Firstly, the report covers the top Hydraulic Fluids manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Hydraulic Fluids Market Segmented Based on Application - Automotive, Industrial Machinery, Marine Industry, Medical & Healthcare, Chemical Industry, Others.Hydraulic Fluids Market Segmented Based on Type - Paraffinic Oils, Naphthenic Oils, Aromatic Oils, Veg & Bio Oils.Further, the Hydraulic Fluids report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Hydraulic Fluids industry, Hydraulic Fluids industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Hydraulic Fluids Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Hydraulic Fluids 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 Hydraulic Fluids market revenue worldwide.Finally, Hydraulic Fluids 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:QYMarketStudy.com is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We have a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of the technology industry.Contact Us:3626 North Hall Street (Two Oak Lawn),Suite 610,Dallas, TX 75219, USAContact No. +1-214-661-1669Web:Email: sales@qymarketstudy.com
Global Hosted Private Branch Exchange Market to reach a market size of $9.3 billion by 2023

https://kbvresearch.com/hosted-private-branch-exchange-market/

According to a new report Global Hosted Private Branch Exchange Market, published by KBV research, the Global Hosted Private Branch Exchange Market size is expected to reach $9.3 billion by 2023, rising at a market growth of 14.3% CAGR during the forecast period.The North America market holds the largest market share in Global Virtual Deployment, Setup, Configuration & Change Management Services Market by Region in 2016 and would continue to be a dominant market till 2023; growing at a CAGR of 16.2 % during the forecast period. The Europe market is expected to witness a CAGR of 15.3% during (2017  2023) in Global Network Traffic Management, Bandwidth Management & Optimization Market. Additionally, The Asia Pacific market is expected to witness a CAGR of 21.8% during (2017  2023) in Global Virtual Assistance & Support Market.The Large Enterprises market holds the largest market share in Global Hosted PBX Market by Organization Size in 2016 and would continue to be a dominant market till 2023. The Small & Medium Enterprises market is expected to witness a CAGR of 18.6% during (2017  2023).The IT & Telecom market holds the largest market share in Global Hosted PBX Market by Vertical in 2016 and would continue to be a dominant market till 2023; thereby, achieving a market value of $2,466.2 million by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 12.8 % during the forecast period. The BFSI market is expected to witness a CAGR of 12.8% during (2017  2023). Additionally, The Retail market would garner market size of $1,093.5 million by 2023.Full Report:The market research report has exhaustive quantitative insights providing a clear picture of the market potential in various segments across the globe with country wise analysis in each discussed region. The key impacting factors of the Global Hosted Private Branch Exchange Market have been discussed in the report with the elaborated company profiles of AT&T, Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., 88, Inc., BT Group, Avaya, MegaPath, CenturyLINK Technology Solutions, Mitel Networks, Verizon Communications, Inc. (XO Communication), and TPX Communications.Global Hosted Private Branch Exchange Market Size SegmentationBy TypeServicesVirtual Deployment, Setup, Configuration & Change ManagementNetwork Traffic Management, Bandwidth Management & OptimizationVirtual Assistance & SupportOnline Charging Services & Compliance Management ServicesProtocol Management ServicesOthersSolutionBy Organization SizeSmall & Medium EnterprisesLarge EnterprisesBy VerticalIT & TelecomGovernmentBFSIManufacturingRetailHealthcareEducationOthersBy GeographyNorth America Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketUS Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketCanada Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketMexico Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketRest of Global Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketEurope Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketGermany Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketUK Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketFrance Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketRussia Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketSpain Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketItaly Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketRest of Europe Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketAsia Pacific Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketChina Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketJapan Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketIndia Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketSouth Korea Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketSingapore Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketMalaysia Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketRest of Asia Pacific Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketLAMEA Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketBrazil Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketArgentina Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketUAE Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketSaudi Arabia Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketSouth Africa Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketNigeria Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketRest of LAMEA Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketCompanies ProfiledAT&T, Inc.Cisco Systems, Inc.88, Inc.BT GroupAvayaMegaPathCenturyLINK Technology SolutionsMitel NetworksVerizon Communications, Inc. (XO Communication)TPX CommunicationsUnique Offerings from KBV ResearchExhaustive coverage of Global Hosted Private Branch Exchange MarketHighest number of market tables and figuresSubscription based model availableGuaranteed best priceAssured post sales research support with 10% customization freeRelated Reports:North America Hosted Private Branch Exchange Market (2017-2023)Europe Hosted Private Branch Exchange Market (2017-2023)Asia Pacific Hosted Private Branch Exchange Market (2017-2023)LAMEA Hosted Private Branch Exchange Market (2017-2023)Knowledge Based Value Research is a global brand and consulting firm serving all kinds of business verticals, government and non-governmental organizations, and not-for-profit organizations. Our motto is to extend our services that will have a lasting impact on our clients who trust us with their business goals.4F  CS  27, Ansal PlazaSector  1, Vaishali  201010Delhi NCR, Ghaziabad, IndiaTel: 0120-4968631 / +91-9990696033Email: info@kbvresearch.com
Thermoform Packaging Market worth 44.55 Billion USD by 2021

https://bit.ly/2xKYETX

The report "Thermoform Packaging Market by Material (Plastic, Aluminum, Paper & Paperboard), Heat Seal Coating (Water-Based, Solvent-Based, Hot Melt-Based), Type (Blister Packaging, Clamshell Packaging, Skin Packaging), End-Use Industry - Global Forecast to 2021", The Thermoform Packaging Market size is projected to grow from USD 32.26 Billion in 2015 to reach USD 44.55 Billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 5.61%Browse 192 market data tables with 62 figures spread through 236 pages and in-depth TOC on "Thermoform Packaging Market by Material (Plastic, Aluminum, Paper & Paperboard), Heat Seal Coating (Water-Based, Solvent-Based, Hot Melt-Based), Type (Blister Packaging, Clamshell Packaging, Skin Packaging), End-Use Industry - Global Forecast to 2021"Download PDF Brochure @The global thermoform packaging market is driven by factors such as cost effectiveness of thermoform packaging, minimal packaging waste, strong growth in the food & beverage industry, and increase in the spending by consumers for packaged products. The growing pharmaceuticals industry and increasing demand for packed products present a great opportunity for this market to grow in future. The thermoform packaging market is witnessing demand owing to the rise in manufacturing activities.Pharmaceuticals segment is estimated to be the fastest-growing segment in 2016The pharmaceuticals segment is estimated to be the fastest-growing segment in 2016. The demand from the pharmaceuticals sector is expected to experience a higher growth rate than the food & beverage and electronics industries, mainly because of rising disposable incomes and aging population. Thermoform packaging provides cleanliness and compartmentalization required by medical products that can safely hold parts in place and provide external protection.Solvent-based heat seal coating is projected to be the largest segment during the forecast periodThermoform packaging market, on the basis of heat seal coating, is classified into water based, solvent based, and hot melt based. The solvent-based heat seal coating segment accounted for the largest share in 2015 due to its numerous benefits such as resistance to water and grease and strong bond strength that can be processed at different temperatures.Europe projected to account for the largest share in the thermoform packaging market in 2021Europe, with developed economies such as Germany and U.K., is expected to drive the thermoform packaging market. Germany is projected to account for the largest market share and dominate the European thermoform packaging market in 2021. The growing pharmaceuticals and food & beverage industries are likely to drive the demand for thermoform packaging in Germany. In addition to this, the countrys large consumer base, overall positive economic environment, and increase in manufacturing activities will drive demand in the packaging industry.The major players include Amcor Limited (Australia), Bemis Company, Inc. (U.S.), E.I du Pont de Nemours and Company (U.S.), WestRock Company (U.S.), DS Smith Plc (U.K.), and Sonoco Products Company (U.S.). Companies have adopted strategies such as mergers & acquisitions to cope with the increasing demand in the emerging markets.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. SalgarkarMarketsandMarkets INC.630 Dundee RoadSuite 430Northbrook, IL 60062USA : 1-888-600-6441sales@marketsandmarkets.com
Global Blockchain Market Research and Forecast, 2018-2023

https://www.omrglobal.com/industry-reports/global-blockchain-market/

https://www.omrglobal.com/reports-category/advanced-technologies/

https://www.omrglobal.com/reports-category/ict-market/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/7928317/

Global Blockchain Market, Size, Share, Market Intelligence, Company Profiles, Market Trends, Strategy, Analysis, Forecast 2018-2023Blockchain Market Insights:Global Blockchain Market is the way of transfer of digital assets to another user over the internet, and the transfer is guaranteed as safe and secure. Moreover, everyone connected over the network knows about the transfer hence its legitimacy cannot be challenged. Fast and secure transfer of data over the internet is one of the key concern for many organizations. Moreover, with the advent of the concept of digital currency, copying of data is seen as the major challenge for the financial transaction. Increase in the digital transaction, the rise in demand of decentralization of data, secured and fast transaction are the factors propels this market.Major restraining factors includes storage of data, as storage is tedious and requires lots of energy and space. Strict regulations and privacy laws in different countries also hinders the growth of this market. Beside the hindrances, the opportunity for growth of this market is enormous. Blockchain technology is widely applicable in other sectors such as a digital identifier, digital voting, and smart contracts. Introduction of the Internet of thing in Blockchain technology will drive the future growth of the market.Browse Full Report at:Geographically market is divided into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe and Rest of the world. North America is expected to lead the market because of because of early adoption of technology in banking as well as other financial sectors. The market will propel in Asia Pacific region in the forecasted period because of the rapid adoption of the technology. The Middle East, Africa and South America are in early stage of adoption of such technology hence they are yet to capture significant portion in the market.For Related Reports:The era of digitization has helped many companies to emerge in the blockchain technology sector. The established player like Microsoft Corporation and IBM corporation has revolutionized the way any transaction happens over the internet. Safe and secure online transaction is the demand of any financial sector, with the emergence of players such as Bitfury, ChromaWay AB, Chain Inc the secured and fast payments over the internet has become possible. Besides these mainstream companies, organizations like Ethereum, Coinbase and Golem provides services such as smart contracts, digital wallet and open source decentralized computing system. Other major players in the segment are BTL group Ltd, IOTA, Chain Inc, Interbit. The report includes a detailed analysis of companies, market overview, analyst insights and market segmentation.Research Methodology:The market study of Global Blockchain market is incorporated by extensive primary and secondary research conducted by a research team at OMR. Secondary research has been conducted to refine the available data to breakdown the market in various segments, derive total market size, market forecast and growth rate. Different approaches have been worked on to derive the market value and market growth rate. Our team collects facts and data related to the market from different geography to provide a better regional outlook. In the report, country-level analysis is provided by analyzing various regional players, regional tax laws and policies, consumer behavior and macroeconomic factors. Numbers extracted from Secondary research have been authenticated by conducting proper primary research. It includes tracking down key people from the industry and interviewing them to validate the data. This enables our analyst to derive the closest possible figures without any major deviations in the actual number. Our analysts try to contact as many executives, managers, key opinion leaders and industry experts. Primary research brings the authenticity in our reports.Secondary sources include:Financial reports of companies involved in the marketWhitepapers, research-papers and news blogsCompany websites and their product catalogue.The Report is intended for Researchers and developers in IT segment, Emerging software and financial companies in the market, Investing companies, Government Organizations for overall market analysis and competitive analysis. The report provides in-depth analysis on market size, growth opportunity in market, product types. The report will serve as a source for 360-degree analysis of the market thoroughly integrating different models such as PEST analysis, Porter five analysis delivering insights into the market for better business decisions.Market Segmentation:Global Blockchain market is segmented on the basis of regional outlook and following segments:Global Blockchain Market Research and Analysis, By ApplicationGlobal Blockchain Market Research and Analysis, By TypeThe Report covers:Comprehensive research methodology of Blockchain MarketThis report also includes detailed and extensive market overview with key analyst insights.An exhaustive analysis of macro and micro factors influencing the market guided by key recommendations.Analysis of regional regulations and other government policies impacting the Blockchain MarketInsights about market determinants which are stimulating the Blockchain MarketDetailed and extensive market segments with regional distribution of forecasted revenues.Extensive profiles and recent developments of market players.For More Update Follow LinkedIn:Advent of wireless technology in early 20th century led to a mass revolution in information technology. Today information technology has surpassed human imagination and has created a multi trillion dollar market. Information and communications technologies is a broad term covering a spectrum of interrelated markets. Some of the worlds biggest and most influential companies belong to the ICT domain. These companies and various innovators are changing the shape of modern world. At OMR, our endeavour is to capture the growth of ICT industry through our detailed reports and analysis. We provide detailed analysis of each segment along with market determents such as driver, restraints and opportunities. Our numbers are confirmed through extensive primary research. OMRs ICT market reports will provide you a great decision making tool.Orion Market Research Pvt Ltd116, Shagun ArcadeVijay Nagar SquareIndore  India- 452010Email: info@omrglobal.com, support@omrglobal.comIndia: +91-780-304-0404, +91-917-982-8694Global: +1-646-755-7667
Consumer electronics expo in the Philippines to take off in November

With the continued growth of ICT industry in the country, Filipinos embraced the use of consumer electronics products and services like no other in Asia. From Texting Capital in the World Filipinos integrated into their life as active social media users and selfie-takers, especially in Manila, which claims the title Selfie Capital of the World from Time Magazine in 2017.Filipinos are enthusiastic about the upcoming tech trends. From knowing the updates on the launching of new flagship product of one tech company to another. Theyre active on reading blog updates and reviews, checking specifications of gadgets they plan to purchase in their favorite online shop.In response to this trend, Tradeshow and Events Management Corp. Philippines created Consumer Electronics and Information Technology Expo (CEITEX MANILA) dedicated for tech-savvy Filipinos. Happening on November 2-4, 2018 in SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, CEITEX MANILA serves as an international business exchange platform between known and upcoming Asian and local tech brands where industry leaders meet.The event boasts of participation from corporate players from Asian countries with their western counterparts for the business match-up that will be highlighted by new products display, breakthrough product presentations, dedicated technology areas, professionals & student competition and ground activation of corporate promotion.Dont miss this exciting tech event in the country. For more details, check out ceitex.com.phFor booth reservations and inquiries contact Meane, Jane, Jessica, or Margareth at:(02) 935-8205(02) 935-3853(02) 935-8234(02) 666-39350939-550-3392 (SMART)0945-328-7737 (GLOBE)Email: inquire@ceitex.com.phTradeshow & Events Management Corp. is an event management company based in San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines.- Tradeshow & Events Management Corp.- Km 31 Manila South Road St. Francis Village San Pedro, Laguna- (632) 801-6712
Stonebranch Launches Open Source Marketplace for Workload Automation

https://marketplace.stonebranch.com

www.stonebranch.com

Atlanta, GA | June 6, 2018 - Stonebranch Inc., a leading provider of modern workload automation solutions, has launched a new collaboration platform that accelerates the exchange and development of add-ons and integrations to drive IT automation for enterprises.The new Stonebranch Marketplace enables users to contribute and access new add-ons and integrations easily via the web while sharing and interacting with the broader Stonebranch community. The platform integrates directly with GitHub.A significant number of workload automation features, such as add-ons, solutions, universal tasks, connectors, and scripts, are now available. This includes apps for SAP Business Processing, Managed File Transfers, Connectors for Peoplesoft and SAP, as well as Docker scheduling to support enterprise automation. Stonebranch Users can easily register using their existing GitHub account, enabling the opportunity for countless collaborations.Henry Ford once said, If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself. This is the power of collaboration, says Dr. Detlef Purschke, Chief Commercial Officer at Stonebranch. The Stonebranch Marketplace fosters true collaboration. Users provide ratings, reviews and feedback on any existing add-on or feature, creating a truly interactive environment.Visit the new Stonebranch Marketplace now atand start collaborating.About StonebranchStonebranch provides modern automation software solutions that simplify mission-critical IT business processes reliably and securely across complex and diverse IT environments. Our focus is dedicated solely to workload automation technology, enabling us to provide best-in-class solutions combined with an unmatched customer experience.Stonebranch serves over 350 enterprise-level clients, including many of the world's largest financial, healthcare and technology institutions and is a recognized leader by industry analysts among the workload automation and job scheduling landscape.Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Stonebranch has offices throughout the world, including Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Greece, Spain and Sweden. The European head office is in Frankfurt, Germany. Additional information about the company and its products can be found atStonebranch, Inc.Thorsten Mueller4550 North Point Parkway, Suite 200Alpharetta, GA, 30022USAPhone: +1 678 366 7887thorsten.mueller@stonebranch.com
Global Commercial Construction Market 2018 Key Players: Vinci, Grupo ACS, Bechtel, Hochtief, Balfour Beatty.

Commercial Construction Market

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3214589-global-commercial-construction-market-size-status-and-forecast-2025

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3214589-global-commercial-construction-market-size-status-and-forecast-2025

Commercial Construction Market:WiseGuyReports.com adds Commercial Construction Market 2018 Global Analysis, Growth, Trends and Opportunities Research Report Forecasting to 2025reports to its database.Executive SummaryThis report studies the global Commercial Construction market, analyzes and researches the Commercial Construction development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeVinciGrupo ACSBechtelHochtiefBalfour BeattyBouygues ConstructionKiewitRoyal BAM GroupLaing O'RourkeMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, the product can be split intoNew ConstructionRepair and MaintenanceRefurbishment and DemolitionMarket segment by Application, Commercial Construction can be split intoLeisure and Hospitality BuildingsOffice BuildingsOutdoor Leisure FacilitiesRetail BuildingsOthersIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Request Sample Report @Table of ContentsGlobal Commercial Construction Market Size, Status and Forecast 20251 Industry Overview of Commercial Construction1.1 Commercial Construction Market Overview1.1.1 Commercial Construction Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Commercial Construction Market Size and Analysis by Regions (2013-2018)1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Commercial Construction Market by Type1.3.1 New Construction1.3.2 Repair and Maintenance1.3.3 Refurbishment and Demolition1.4 Commercial Construction Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Leisure and Hospitality Buildings1.4.2 Office Buildings1.4.3 Outdoor Leisure Facilities1.4.4 Retail Buildings1.4.5 Others2 Global Commercial Construction Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Commercial Construction Market Size (Value) by Players (2013-2018)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Vinci3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Commercial Construction Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Grupo ACS3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Commercial Construction Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Bechtel3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Commercial Construction Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Hochtief3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Commercial Construction Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 Balfour Beatty3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Commercial Construction Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 Bouygues Construction3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Commercial Construction Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 Kiewit3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Commercial Construction Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 Royal BAM Group3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Commercial Construction Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 Laing O'Rourke3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Commercial Construction Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.9.5 Recent Developments4 Global Commercial Construction Market Size by Type and Application (2013-2018)4.1 Global Commercial Construction Market Size by Type (2013-2018)4.2 Global Commercial Construction Market Size by Application (2013-2018)4.3 Potential Application of Commercial Construction in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Commercial ConstructionContinuousFor 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
Global Ylang Oil Market Analysis 2018 Forecasts To 2023: Ernesto Ventos, Fleurchem, INDUKERN INTERNACIONAL

Global Ylang Oil Market Industry, Global Ylang Oil Market Prospectus ,Global Ylang Oil Market Industry Trends

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3205545-global-ylang-oil-market-analysis-2012-2017-and-forecast-2018-2023

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3205545-global-ylang-oil-market-analysis-2012-2017-and-forecast-2018-2023

Global Ylang Oil MarketDescription:-Wiseguyreports.Com Adds Global Ylang Oil Market 2018: Global Analysis, Industry Size, Share, Trends, Application Analysis and Growth Opportunities Forecast to 2023 To Its Research DatabaseThe global Ylang Oil market will reach Million USD in 2017 and CAGR xx% 2011-2017. The report begins from overview of Industry Chain structure, and describes industry environment, then analyses market size and forecast of Ylang Oil by product, region and application, in addition, this report introduces market competition situation among the vendors and company profile, besides, market price analysis and value chain features are covered in this report.Product Type Coverage (Market Size & Forecast, Major Company of Product Type etc.):Therapeutic GradeOthersCompany Coverage (Sales Revenue, Price, Gross Margin, Main Products etc.):Albert VieilleBerjeElixensErnesto VentosFleurchemH.InterdonatiINDUKERN INTERNACIONALPenta Manufacturing CompanyRobertet GroupUltra internationalTreatt PlcPerfumersWorldUngerer & CompanyRequest a sample copy @Application Coverage (Market Size & Forecast, Different Demand Market by Region, Main Consumer Profile etc.):MedicalSpa & RelaxationOthersRegion Coverage (Regional Output, Demand & Forecast by Countries etc.):North AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificSouth AmericaMiddle East & AfricaTable of Content1 Industry Overview1.1 Ylang Oil Industry1.1.1 Overview1.1.2 Development of Ylang Oil1.2 Market Segment1.2.1 Upstream1.2.2 Downstream1.3 Cost Analysis2 Industry Environment2.1 Policy2.2 Economics2.3 Sociology2.4 Technology3 Ylang Oil Market by Type3.1 By Type3.1.1 Therapeutic Grade3.1.2 Others3.2 Market Size3.3 Market Forecast4 Major Companies List4.1 Albert Vieille (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.2 Berje (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.3 Elixens (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.4 Ernesto Ventos (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.5 Fleurchem (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.6 H.Interdonati (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.7 INDUKERN INTERNACIONAL (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.8 Penta Manufacturing Company (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.9 Robertet Group (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.10 Ultra international (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.11 Treatt Plc (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.12 PerfumersWorld (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.13 Ungerer & Company (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)5 Market Competition5.1 Company Competition5.2 Regional Market by Company6 Market Demand6.1 Demand Situation6.1.1 Demand in Medical6.1.2 Demand in Spa & Relaxation6.1.3 Demand in Others6.2 Regional Demand Comparison6.3 Demand Forecast7 Region Operation7.1 Regional Output7.2 Regional Market7.3 by Region7.3.1 North America7.3.1.1 Overview7.3.1.2 by Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico)7.3.2 Europe7.3.2.1 Overview7.3.2.2 by Country (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Russia, Spain etc.)7.3.3 Asia-Pacific7.3.3.1 Overview7.3.3.2 by Country (China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia etc.)7.3.4 South America7.3.4.1 Overview7.3.4.2 by Country (Brazil, Argentina etc.)7.3.5 Middle East & Africa7.3.5.1 Overview7.3.5.2 by Country (Saudi Arabia, South Africa etc.)7.4 Regional Forecast8 Marketing & Price8.1 Price and Margin8.1.1 Price Trends8.1.2 Factors of Price Change8.1.3 Manufacturers Gross Margin Analysis8.2 Value Chain8.3 Marketing Channel9 Research Conclusion Table Upstream Segment of Ylang OilBrowse full Report @About Us:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Contact Us:Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt Ltdsales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)Maharashtra, Pune  411028
Quinoa Seed 2013 Global Market Key Players  North America, Europe, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, China, - Analysis and Forecast to 2023

Quinoa Seed , Quinoa Seed Market, Quinoa Seed Market Growth, Presses Release, Quinoa Seed Manufacturers, Quinoa Seed Status, Quino

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3023356-quinoa-seed-global-market-status-and-trend-report-2013-2023

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3023356-quinoa-seed-global-market-status-and-trend-report-2013-2023

http://www.wiseguyreports.com

Description :Quinoa Seed-Global Market Status and Trend Report 2013-2023 offers a comprehensive analysis on Quinoa Seed industry, standing on the readers perspective, delivering detailed market data and penetrating insights. No matter the client is industry insider, potential entrant or investor, the report will provides useful data and information. Key questions answered by this report include:Worldwide and Regional Market Size of Quinoa Seed 2013-2017, and development forecast 2018-2023Main manufacturers/suppliers of Quinoa Seed worldwide, with company and product introduction, position in the Quinoa Seed marketMarket status and development trend of Quinoa Seed by types and applicationsCost and profit status of Quinoa Seed, and marketing statusMarket growth drivers and challengesRequest For sample Report @The report segments the global Quinoa Seed market as:Global Quinoa Seed Market: Regional Segment Analysis (Regional Production Volume, Consumption Volume, Revenue and Growth Rate 2013-2023):North AmericaEuropeChinaJapanRest APACLatin AmericaGlobal Quinoa Seed Market: Type Segment Analysis (Consumption Volume, Average Price, Revenue, Market Share and Trend 2013-2023):Black Quinoa SeedsRed Quinoa SeedsWhite Quinoa SeedsOthersGlobal Quinoa Seed Market: Application Segment Analysis (Consumption Volume and Market Share 2013-2023; Downstream Customers and Market Analysis)Direct EdibleReprocessing ProductsOthersGlobal Quinoa Seed Market: Manufacturers Segment Analysis (Company and Product introduction, Quinoa Seed Sales Volume, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin):North AmericaEuropeBoliviaPeruEcuadorChinaComplete Report Details @Table Of Content :Chapter 1 Overview of Quinoa Seed1.1 Definition of Quinoa Seed in This Report1.2 Commercial Types of Quinoa Seed1.2.1 Black Quinoa Seeds1.2.2 Red Quinoa Seeds1.2.3 White Quinoa Seeds1.2.4 Others1.3 Downstream Application of Quinoa Seed1.3.1 Direct Edible1.3.2 Reprocessing Products1.3.3 Others1.4 Development History of Quinoa Seed1.5 Market Status and Trend of Quinoa Seed 2013-20231.5.1 Global Quinoa Seed Market Status and Trend 2013-20231.5.2 Regional Quinoa Seed Market Status and Trend 2013-2023Chapter 2 Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions2.1 Market Development of Quinoa Seed 2013-20172.2 Production Market of Quinoa Seed by Regions2.2.1 Production Volume of Quinoa Seed by Regions2.2.2 Production Value of Quinoa Seed by Regions2.3 Demand Market of Quinoa Seed by Regions2.4 Production and Demand Status of Quinoa Seed by Regions2.4.1 Production and Demand Status of Quinoa Seed by Regions 2013-20172.4.2 Import and Export Status of Quinoa Seed by Regions 2013-2017Chapter 3 Global Market Status and Forecast by Types3.1 Production Volume of Quinoa Seed by Types3.2 Production Value of Quinoa Seed by Types3.3 Market Forecast of Quinoa Seed by TypesChapter 4 Global Market Status and Forecast by Downstream Industry4.1 Demand Volume of Quinoa Seed by Downstream Industry4.2 Market Forecast of Quinoa Seed by Downstream IndustryChapter 5 Market Driving Factor Analysis of Quinoa Seed5.1 Global Economy Situation and Trend Overview5.2 Quinoa Seed Downstream Industry Situation and Trend OverviewChapter 6 Quinoa Seed Market Competition Status by Major Manufacturers6.1 Production Volume of Quinoa Seed by Major Manufacturers6.2 Production Value of Quinoa Seed by Major Manufacturers6.3 Basic Information of Quinoa Seed by Major Manufacturers6.3.1 Headquarters Location and Established Time of Quinoa Seed Major Manufacturer6.3.2 Employees and Revenue Level of Quinoa Seed Major Manufacturer6.4 Market Competition News and Trend6.4.1 Merger, Consolidation or Acquisition News6.4.2 Investment or Disinvestment News6.4.3 New Product Development and LaunchChapter 7 Quinoa Seed Major Manufacturers Introduction and Market Data7.1 North America7.1.1 Company profile7.1.2 Representative Quinoa Seed Product7.1.3 Quinoa Seed Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin of North America7.2 Europe7.2.1 Company profile7.2.2 Representative Quinoa Seed Product7.2.3 Quinoa Seed Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin of Europe7.3 Bolivia7.3.1 Company profile7.3.2 Representative Quinoa Seed Product7.3.3 Quinoa Seed Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin of Bolivia7.4 Peru7.4.1 Company profile7.4.2 Representative Quinoa Seed Product7.4.3 Quinoa Seed Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin of Peru7.5 Ecuador7.5.1 Company profile7.5.2 Representative Quinoa Seed Product7.5.3 Quinoa Seed Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin of EcuadorContinued.CONTACT US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028.
Perimeter security market still growing

https://bit.ly/2gJkYlS

https://bit.ly/2xrqxjF

https://bit.ly/2yFptWu

https://bit.ly/2yFptWu

https://www.gminsights.com

http://algosonline.com/news

Perimeter security market is projected to reach a revenue of approximately USD 60 billion over the forecast timespan. The increasing instances of theft, vandalisms, homicides, and rapes is causing governments of various economies, primarily in the Latin American and Asia Pacific region to adopt equipment provided by players in the electronic security market. The Safe City plan of the Chinese government to enhance civilian security is expected to propel the demand for surveillance and video monitoring systems. For instance, in September 2017, China installed about 20 Million street cameras equipped with artificial intelligence.Request for a sample of this research report @The growing impact of smart technologies, biometrics, and home automation systems is anticipated to revolutionise the electronic security market. Technological advancements such as the development of remote access monitoring technologies allow homeowners to monitor surveillance cameras and sensors remotely with the aid of a mobile app or a web portal. Additionally, they can be armed and disarmed at will from remote locations at any time.The growing trend of IoT and connected systems is causing security to become a prime area of concern and leading to the high adoption of electronic security market. Everyday consumer products, such as fridges and coffee machines, are increasingly equipped with computer chips that can be hacked into to extract sensitive customer information and understand the users behaviour pattern. Technology such as the Samsung smart TV for instance has major security issues since Tizen OS can be easily hacked into by external parties. To improve security provided to homes, vendors in the Perimeter security market are increasingly providing smart solutions such as intelligent door locking systems and facial recognition sensor technology for refrigerators.Make an Inquiry for purchasing this report @Segmentation of the Perimeter security market by product indicates that the antiterrorist and inspection equipment is anticipated to grow during the forecast timespan owing to their applications in airports, commercial units, and the residential sector. Systems such as metal detectors, X-ray inspection machines, and turnstile & revolving doors can be easily deployed at low cost or on rent basis and are instrumental in dissuading criminals carrying explosives and armaments from threatening the safety of the general population.The custom service segment of the Perimeter security marketis anticipated to exhibit high growth. Cross border drug and human smuggling, packaged in normal settings, have undergone high growth in the recent years. Illegal contrabands can be stored in packages or placed in body cavities. The U.S government, for instance, is tightening their border security protocols along the southern border owing to increasing instances of drug trade.Perimeter security market players include ADT LLC, Honeywell International Inc., G4S PLC, ASSA ABLOY Group, Frontier Pitts, Ltd., Auto Clear LLC, Hitachi Ltd, and BOSCH Security Systems. The industry comprises of a large number of players owing to which companies are required to undertake strategies such as product innovations and mergers to sustain growth in the electronic security market. For instance, in July 2017, OSI Systems, Inc. announced that they had completed the USD 75.5 million acquisition of Morpho global explosive trace-detection business from Smiths Group PLC.Table of Content (TOC)Chapter 5. Electronic Security Market, By Application5.1. Security system electronics market share, by product, 2016 & 20245.2. Environmental5.2.1. Market estimates and forecasts, 2013 - 20245.3. Public sector5.3.1. Market estimates and forecasts, 2013 - 20245.4. Custom service sector5.4.1. Market estimates and forecasts, 2013 - 20245.5. Postal5.5.1. Market estimates and forecasts, 2013 - 20245.6. Telecommunications5.6.1. Market estimates and forecasts, 2013 - 20245.7. Residential5.7.1. Market estimates and forecasts, 2013 - 20245.8. Others5.8.1. Market estimates and forecasts, 2013  2024Browse Full Toc of This Report @Global Market Insights, Inc. has a report titled, Electronic Security Market Size By Product (Access & Control System, Surveillance & Alert System, Anti-Theft System, Antiterrorist & Inspection Equipment), By Application (Environmental, Public Sector, Custom Service Sector, Postal, Telecommunications, Residential), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa), Application Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017 - 2024 available atAbout Global Market InsightsGlobal Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:
Baby Food Packaging Products Market Latest Trends by 2021

https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/baby-food-packaging-products-market.asp

https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/6418

https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/6418

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com

Baby food packaging products are designed to target the manufacturers dealing with baby and toddler food products. It is also designed to provide convenience to consumer in terms of carrying food products form one place to another. Increased consumer preference towards spending on packaged baby food product is expected to drive the demand of baby food packaging product market in the near future.Baby food packaging product market is segmented on the basis of raw material which includes glass packaging material, rigid plastic packaging material, flexible plastic packaging material paperboard packaging material, and metal packaging. Among all these segment flexible packaging material is expected to occupy major market share followed by rigid plastic packaging material during the forecast period.Report Overview @Baby food packaging product market is further segmented on the basis of type which includes bottles, cans, liquid cartons, pouch/sachet and others. Among all these segment pouch/sachet is expected to contribute major share in terms of revenue. Pouch/sachet packaged products are easy to use and convenient to carry which is predicted to support the growth of pouch/sachet packaging segment in baby food packaging product market. Moreover, liquid cartons is also expected to show a substantial growth in the near future. Increasing demand of flavored milk and juices for toddlers is predicted to support thre4 growth of liquid cartons segment in baby food packaging market.Baby food packaging product market is also segmented on the basis of application which includes, milk formula, dried baby food, prepared baby food, ready to feed baby food and others. Among all these segment milk formula is expected to contribute the major share in terms the usage of baby food packaging material. Moreover, ready to feed product is also expected to show a substantial growth in the near future. Increasing urbanization and rising disposable income has led the consumer to get inclined towards more convenient product which is supporting the growth of ready to feed baby product market. Thus is expected to simultaneously support the growth of baby food packaging material market across the globe.On the basis of geography, Europe is expected to contribute to the highest in terms of market share in baby food packaging product market. Moreover Latin America is expected to show a substantial growth in the near future. In Latin America Brazil is expected to contribute the major share in terms of revenue. Increased demand of baby food products especially prepared baby food across the country is expected to support the demand of baby food packaging product market within next five to six years.Request for Table of Contents @Whereas, Asia pacific is concerned it is expected to register a healthy double digit growth by 2020. In Asia pacific region China is expected to be the most dominant market for baby food packaging product market followed by Japan and India. Increasing awareness regarding the nutritional benefits for packaged baby food product is predicted to drive the growth of baby food packaging product market across the region. Moreover, rising demand for convenience baby edible products due to increased number of working women is predicted to drive the growth of baby food packaging product market in Asia Pacific region.Rising disposable income coupled with increased number of working mother has raised the demand of baby food which is expected to support the growth of baby food packaging material across the globe. However, packaging manufacturers need to consider food perishability, which is expected to restrict selection of packaging material, and thus predicted to restraints the overall market growth.Some of the major player operating in baby food packaging material market includes Prolamina Packaging, Tetra Laval, RPC Group, Silgan Holdings, Rexam PLC, CAN-PACK S.A, Winpak among others.Get Sample Copy of this Report @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:
Gastroparesis Treatment Market Segment Analysis by Application and Industry Research Study with Industry Top Players like Medtronic, Kimberly-Clark Co., Abbott Laboratories 2022

Gastroparesis Treatment Market

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3213

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/3213

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/3213

Gastroparesis is a condition of delayed gastric emptying because of partial paralysis of the stomach, resulting in food remaining in the stomach for an abnormally long time. The gastric muscles contracts to move food down into the small intestine which is controlled by the vagus nerve. Damage to the vagus nerve or the muscles of the stomach and intestines causes food to move slowly resulting in Gastroparesis. Gastroparesis predominantly affects young adult females. Although Gastroparesis is frequently associated with diabetes, idiopathic Gastroparesis accounts for the greatest number of cases. The Global Gastroparesis Treatment Market is expected to reach around USD 5,323.62 million by the end of the forecast period and is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~ 3.8 %.Get Sample Report @The drugs product type segment is expected to account for the maximum market share of the global Gastroparesis treatment market. Prokinetic medications that stimulate gastric emptying, including metoclopramide, erythromycin, and domperidone, lead the drug segment. Although Idiopathic Gastroparesis leads the market share the Diabetic Gastroparesis is the fastest growing segment. Gastric electric stimulation (GES) etc. will however grow at a faster level as compared to drug segment.The product development strategy is the best when it comes to be the market leader. There is a need of novel drug with greater efficacy and low side effects. The device segment is the segment to watch as there will be greater growth and has a high potential for product development such as miniaturization.Latest developments include the ability to activate and program the device externally. Another development is connecting the link with mobile apps to have a detailed record and analysis of the working of the device. Jejunostomy leads the surgery treatment which involves bypassing the gastric area so as to speed up the passage of food.Global Gastroparesis Treatment Market - Key PlayersSome of the key players in this market are:MedtronicKimberly-Clark CorporationAbbott LaboratoriesSalix Pharmaceuticals Inc.Boston Scientific CorporationR. Bard Inc.Janssen Global Services LLCCardinal Health Inc.Alfa Wassermann SPAEvoke PharmaRhythm Pharmaceuticals Inc.Get Discount on Report @Global Gastroparesis Treatment Market - Study ObjectivesTo provide detail analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 6 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the global Gastroparesis Treatment marketTo provide insights about factors affecting the market growthTo analyze the market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, Porters Five Force analysis etc.To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.Global Gastroparesis Treatment Market - SegmentationGlobal Gastroparesis Treatment market has been segmented on the basis of Gastroparesis type which comprises idiopathic, diabetic, post-surgical and others. On the basis of drug class the market comprises of prokinetic drugs, antiemetics, antidepressants and others. On the basis of other treatment; market is segmented into jejunostomy, gastric electric stimulation (GES) and parenteral nutrition.Global Gastroparesis Treatment Market - Regional AnalysisDepending on geographic region, Gastroparesis Treatment market is segmented into four key regions: America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Globally, America is the largest market for Gastroparesis Treatment as there is a consistent technological advancement and good reimbursement scenario. Europe is the second-largest market for Gastroparesis Treatment. Asia Pacific region is expected to generate fastest growth due to larger population and unmet needs.Major Table of Contents1 Introduction1.1 Definition1.2 Scope of Study1.3 Research Objective1.4 Assumptions & Limitations1.5 Market Structure:2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Process2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research3 Market Dynamics3.1 Drivers3.2 Restraints3.3 Opportunities3.4 Challenges3.5 Macroeconomic Indicators4 Market Factor AnalysisContinuedTo 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
FIRST-EVER RUSSIAN COLLECTIVE PAVILION AT ACHEMA 2018

www.negusmesse.de

Russian Export Center (REC) invites to visit Russian collective stand at ACHEMA 2018, the world's largest trade fair for the chemical and biotech process industry, on 1115 June 2018 at Messe Frankfurt (Frankfurt am Main, Germany).REC is a State-owned development institute established by the Government of the Russian Federation with its main aim to offer a wide range of financial and non-financial support to Russian exporters to explore foreign markets and build capacity in the global trade.ACHEMA is held once in three years. It is the major event of the industry that gathers hundreds of thousands of the worlds best experts in one place in search of process technologies from about 4 thousand exhibitors. ACHEMA is a world forum that defines new tendencies in biotechnology, chemical industry and environment protection.Russian companies have always been among the exhibitors, but this year ACHEMA is in the list of recommended exhibitions by REC for the first time. The Center has formed a respectable Russian Exposition, including 12 leading Russian manufacturers in chemical industry: PharmTechnologies, Vladimir Plant of Metal Hoses, UralActiv, Unichimtek, LAMSYSTEMS, Service Center Himanalitservice, ECOS, "ZAVKOM ENGINEERING", "REATORG", Ecros-Ingineering, Inter-regional Chemical Company Regionchemsnab and PROMCHIMPERM.The official representatives of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation, The Russian Chemists Union and Trade representation office of the Russian Federation in Germany will support Russian exporters by holding seminars and workshops at the stand. In addition, more than 120 B2B meetings with potential customers are planned within the frames of the exhibition.You are welcome to the stands of the Russian Federation:Pavilion 9.2 (12), Pavilion 9.1 (62), Pavilion 9.0 (F35) Pavilion 5.1 (B24), Pavilion 4.2 (B31)Messe ServiceNegus Messe Service GmbHBilker Allee 31,40219 Dusseldorf, Germanyinfo@negusmesse.de
Christian Kremer, Deputy Secretary General of the EPP in Brussels, visits DFE Chemie

Christian Kremer (left) during the tour of the DFE warehouse with managing director Oliver Paessens.

www.dfe-chemie.com

Dusseldorf, June 2018The Deputy Secretary General of the European People's Party (EPP), Christian Kremer, visited the company at the invitation of DFE Chemie GmbH in Dusseldorf.The EPP is the association of christian democrat and conservative centre right parties in the European Union. Christian Kremer is head of the political department of the EPP and is also engaged in economic and environmental issues.The managing director of DFE, Oliver Paessens, informed his guest from Brussels about both the development and the challenges of the company in the global competitive environment. In an in depth conversation, the DFE management and the European politician exchanged views on international trade issues, a meaningful immigration policy from the point of view of small and medium-sized businesses and other topics.During the subsequent company tour, Kremer gained insight into the various company processes and the product portfolio. In particular, the positive effects of using pickling inhibitors from the FEPORID series in the steel industry with regard to competitiveness, resource conservation and emission prevention, were explained by the management.Satisfaction was expressed by DFE Chemie after the visit: "We were very pleased that Mr. Kremer accepted our invitation and showed great interest in the concerns of small and medium-sized companies." the management reported.DFE Chemie GmbH with its headquarters in Dusseldorf supplies the industry with products in the field of surface technology, in particular for the treatment of metallic surfaces.DFE Chemie GmbHReisholzer Werftstr. 7640589 DusseldorfGermanyTel.: +49(0)211-49769631Mail: pr@dfe-chemie.comWeb:
Packaging Top Scenario: Global Veterinary Vaccine Packaging Market Trends and Forecast to 2025

QyResearchReports

https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1808318&type=S

https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-veterinary-vaccine-packaging-sales-market-report-2018.htm/toc

http://www.qyresearchreports.com

Qyresearchreports include new market research report Veterinary Vaccine Packaging to its huge collection of research reports.The commerce and business intelligence study on the global Veterinary Vaccine Packaging market in an analytical evaluation that has been prepared to help the business decision making capabilities of vendors associated to the value chain of the market. The report serves to aid its targeted audiences to detect growth spaces and hence gain edge over their competitors. It presents an analysis of growth behavior of key segments and sub-segments in key regions of the market. To provide a thorough analysis, the report provides historic performance and current performance based on which market size and revenue projections are provided. The research report provides a conclusive analysis of the market by carefully segregating it based on a few vital criteria.This report studies the global Veterinary Vaccine Packaging market status and forecast, categorizes the global Veterinary Vaccine Packaging market size (value & volume) by key players, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top players in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia India and Other regions (Middle East & Africa, Central & South America).Get Free Sample Report of the Research Study at:The major players covered in this reportAmcor Ltd. (Australia)Schott AG (Germany)AptarGroup, Inc. (U.S.)Gerresheimer AG (Germany)Becton, Dickinson and Company (U.S.)Capsugel Inc. (U.S.)...The study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global Veterinary Vaccine Packaging sales, value, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025);To analyze the top players in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India, to study the sales, value and market share of top players in these regions.Focuses on the key Veterinary Vaccine Packaging players, 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 marketRead Complete Table of Content of the Report at:Table of Contents1 Veterinary Vaccine Packaging Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Veterinary Vaccine Packaging1.2 Classification of Veterinary Vaccine Packaging by Product Category1.2.1 Global Veterinary Vaccine Packaging Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Veterinary Vaccine Packaging Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Polyvinyl Chloride1.2.4 Other Plastics/Polymers1.2.5 Total Plastics1.2.6 Paper & Paperboard1.2.7 Glass1.2.8 Aluminum Foil1.3 Global Veterinary Vaccine Packaging Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Veterinary Vaccine Packaging Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Porcine Vaccines1.3.3 Poultry Vaccines1.3.4 Canine Vaccines1.3.5 feline Vaccines1.3.6 Equine Vaccines2 Global Veterinary Vaccine Packaging Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Veterinary Vaccine Packaging Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Veterinary Vaccine Packaging Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Veterinary Vaccine Packaging Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Veterinary Vaccine Packaging (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Veterinary Vaccine Packaging Sales and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.2.2 Global Veterinary Vaccine Packaging Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.3 Global Veterinary Vaccine Packaging (Volume and Value) by Region3 United States Veterinary Vaccine Packaging (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Veterinary Vaccine Packaging Sales and Value (2013-2018)3.1.1 United States Veterinary Vaccine Packaging Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2018)3.1.2 United States Veterinary Vaccine Packaging Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2018)3.1.3 United States Veterinary Vaccine Packaging Sales Price Trend (2013-2018)...About Us: QYResearchReports 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 feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Coin Sorter Market: Growth in demand from retail industry & banking sector

Coin Sorter Market

https://www.progressivemarkets.com/industry-research/coin-sorter-market

https://www.progressivemarkets.com/get-discount/coin-sorter-market

The Global Coin Sorter Market was valued at $3,437 million in 2016, and is projected to reach $4,997 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2017 to 2022. The large size coin sorter segment is anticipated to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period.Sample Report of this copy:The report provides an overall review of the coin sorter market, covering the coin sorter market size, coin sorter market share analysis, coin sorter market trends, market dynamics, market forecast, Porters analysis, key industry segments, and company profiles. The report provides up-to-date information to help monitor performance and make wise business decisions for growth and profitability. It is a useful tool for market players, investors, shareholders, and new entrants. It helps evaluate the market, highlighting opportunities in the space and supporting tactical and strategic decision making.The report provides an executive summary of the global coin sorter industry to help market players and new entrants understand the overall market status. Key findings are outlined in the report to help market players determine investment viability. The competitive landscape is offered to assist industry players to determine the level of competitiveness within the industry and take steps to gain a competitive edge.The market landscape of the coin sorter market is provided in terms of the growth drivers, restraints, and opportunities, Porters Five Forces analysis, and market share analysis. The rise and fall of the coin sorter industry are dependent on the drivers and restraints. The drivers lead to the growth of the market while the restraints limit the growth of the market. Factors such as demand from developing economies, the growth in demand for automated cash handling products, and the fast growth of the retail industry drive the growth of the industry. Furthermore, initiatives by commercial banks towards the adoption of coin sorter machines is expected to propel the market growth. For instance, in May 2017, Siam Commercial Bank announced to implement machines that facilitate the deposition of coins into their bank accounts. Nonetheless, increased inclination toward digital transaction solutions hinders the growth of the coin sorter industry.Get 20% discount on customization:The report offers a detailed segmentation of the global coin sorter market based on type and region. By type, the market is classified as small size coin sorter, medium size coin sorter, and large size coin sorter. The small size coin sorter contributed to the highest share of the market while large size coin sorter is expected to grow at highest CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. Geographically, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa. In North America, the market is studied in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. In Europe, the market is analyzed across Germany, UK, France, Russia, Italy, and the other parts of Europe. In Asia-Pacific, the coin sorter market analysis covers China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia, and the rest of Asia-Pacific. In South America, the market analysis covers Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, and Rest of South America. In Middle East and Africa, the market analysis covers Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, and Rest of Middle East and Africa.The report elaborately discusses the key players providing solutions in the coin sorter market. An overview for each player is provided to help market players and investors gain an understanding of the competition prevailing in the industry. The financial segments of each player, as well as their recent developments, are also discussed in the study. Key market players provided in the report include Giesecke & Devrient, Glory Global Solutions Limited, Laurel, Delarue, Baija Baiter, Royal Sovereign, Cummins Allison, Suzhou Ribao Technology Co., ltd., BCash, CT Coin, and others.The company makes use of primary corporate research and secondary inputs from trusted sources to build its own reference base. It maintains consistency in quality as it keeps itself updated with changes in market dynamics and gauging its net effect on global business trends.Reach UsMr. Shriram Dighe4th Floor, Unit 12, Marisoft III,West Wing, Marigold IT Park,Kalyani Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411014,India: +91 20 66346040Toll Free: + 1-888-906-9222help@progressivemarkets.com
Seed Drill Machines Market to Perceive Substantial Growth During 2026

https://www.xploremr.com/report/970/seed-drill-machines-market

https://www.xploremr.com/connectus/sample/970

https://www.xploremr.com/cart/reports/buynow/970

https://www.xploremr.com/

The global seed drill machines market continues to be heavily influenced by broader and industry-specific developments. On a broader scale, global economic recovery, combined with growing emphasis on mechanization of farms is inducing positive momentum in the market.Report overview @However, prevailing sluggishness in the market has led to cost-cutting measures among farm owners, which is creating impediments to growth. Overall, the global seed drill machines market is likely to witness steady growth during the assessment period 2017-2026.Persistence Market Research (PMR), in its research report on the global seed drill machines market, analyzes the key developments that are shaping the demand for seed drill machines. A thorough qualitative assessment has been included in the report that offers in-depth analysis on the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and threats in the market. Readers can expected holistic insights on the key market developments that are likely to influence the market during the assessment period.A detailed assessment on the supply chain, cost structure, pricing analysis, raw material sourcing, and service provider list has been included for the perusal of readers. The analysis can help readers in understanding the structure of the market, and the supply-demand equations in place. Readers can expect a highly detailed analysis on the key market factors influencing growth.The cost structure in the market has been analyzed on the basis of procurement cost, wages and salaries, profit margins, depreciation, and sales & marketing costs. These factors have been analyzed to forecast how demand for seed drill machines will grow in the near future.The detailed segmentation offered in the report offers readers insights on the lucrative and sluggish avenues of growth. Segment-wise analysis offers readers the opportunity of analyzing how demand is spread over the constituents, and the influencing factors shaping growth. The report analyzes each of the segment for the forecast period, and tracks the historical growth across a number of key regions.Get a free sample request @Competitive LandscapeThe report includes a detailed competitive landscape section that offers readers insights on the key players operating in the market. The product and business strategies of the key players have been discussed in detail, and readers can expect holistic insights on the key developments in these companies. The competitive tracking section of the report also offers information on the financials of these companies, and overall revenues and profits across a range of product offerings. This information can help readers in analyzing the respective strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the market.The information on the key companies has been compiled through exhaustive primary and secondary research. Company press and investor releases, industry databases, and trade associations have been consulted for detailed company profiling.Key Report AspectsReaders can expect comprehensive and 360 degree insights on all the key factors that are shaping growth of the market. In addition to gaining valuable information and analysis on the seller-buyer landscape in the seed drill machine market, the report will provide stakeholders lucid insights that can be fed into business strategy.Buy Now Full Report @About UsXploreMR is one of the worlds leading resellers of high-quality market research reports. We feature in-depth reports from some of the worlds most reputed market research companies and international organizations. We serve across a broad spectrum  from Fortune 500 to small and medium businesses. Our clients trust us for our unwavering focus onquality and affordability. We believe high price should not be a bottleneck for organizations looking to gain access to quality information.Contact UsXploreMR111 North Market Street, Suite 300San Jose, CA 95113, United StatesTel: +1-669-284-0108Email: sales@xploremr.comWebsite:
Market Analysis : Global Clean Coal Technology Market 2018 Forecast to 2023 | Alstom Power, Siemens AG And General Electric

https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1572575

https://www.researchmoz.us/global-north-america-europe-and-asia-pacific-south-america-middle-east-and-africa-clean-coal-technology-market-2018-forecast-to-2023-report.html/toc

https://www.researchmoz.us/global-north-america-europe-and-asia-pacific-south-america-middle-east-and-africa-clean-coal-technology-market-2018-forecast-to-2023-report.html

https://marketinfo247.wordpress.com/

Albany, NY, 6th June : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Clean Coal Technology Market 2018 Forecast to 2023" globally.This report studies the Clean Coal Technology market. Clean coal technology is a collection of technologies being developed to attempt to help lessen the environmental impact of coal energy generation and to mitigate worldwide climate change.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @When coal is used as a fuel source, the gaseous emissions generated by the thermal decomposition of the coal include sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury, and other chemical byproducts that vary depending on the type of the coal being used. These emissions have been established to have a negative impact on the environment and human health, contributing to acid rain, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. As a result, clean coal technologies are being developed to remove or reduce pollutant emissions to the atmosphere.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Clean Coal Technology in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversAlstom PowerSiemens AGGeneral ElectricKBRShellICCTView Complete TOC with tables & Figures @Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth 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 etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversCombustion TechnologyGasification TechnologyEnabling TechnologyOtherMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoCoal PreparationCoal BurningPost-burningThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Clean Coal Technology market.Chapter 1, to describe Clean Coal Technology Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Clean Coal Technology, with sales, revenue, and price of Clean Coal Technology, 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 Clean Coal Technology, for each region, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the market by countries, by type, by application and by manufacturers, 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;Browse Report @Chapter 12, Clean Coal Technology market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Clean Coal Technology sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. Nachiket Ghumare,ResearchMoz,90 State Street, Albany NY, United States,Tel: +1-518-621-2074,USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948,Email: sales@researchmoz.us,Follow me on :